NBC NOT SO FONDA JANE

Hanoi Jane rides again!

Jane Fonda appeared on NBC's Today show this morning to celebrate V-Day, a global movement to stop violence against women and girls. She was on the show with Eve Ensler, writer of The Vagina Monologues and founder of V-Day. The 'V' in V-Day stands for Valentine, Victory and Vagina. Here's a quick description about this organization from the V-Day website:
Through V-Day campaigns, local volunteers and college students produce annual benefit performances of “The Vagina Monologues” to raise awareness and funds for anti-violence groups within their own communities. In 2008, over 3700 V-Day benefit events are taking place, produced by volunteer activists in the U.S. and around the world, educating millions of people about the reality of violence against women and girls.
2008 is the 10th year of V-Day and the Today Show provided a little support. But I betcha now they wish they'd never invited Jane Fonda to join Eve Ensler on their live broadcast! Host Meredith Viera asked Jane Fonda about what appeared to be a delay in Fonda jumping on the Vagina Monologues bandwagon. Hanoi Jane explained it was simply because she lives in Georgia (presumably, then, live theatre is pretty much non-existent in that state). But, here's where the good part comes in - Jane answered the question and here's the clip:

LOL! Love it, love it, love it! Meredith's nervous laughter in the background is just as funny as Jane's liberal use of the C-word. Read on for more on V-Day's 10th anniversary:
Glenn Close and Jane Fonda are joining other celebrities and politicians for a 10th anniversary kickoff of V-Day, a global movement to stop violence against women and girls started by "The Vagina Monologues" playwright Eve Ensler.
The Valentine's Day event at New York's Hammerstein Ballroom on Thursday night is one of several planned fundraisers leading up to the "V To The Tenth" celebration in New Orleans on April 11-12.
Ensler was also to be joined at the Hammerstein by Brooke Shields, Kerry Washington and New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn.
Each year, the organization spotlights a group of women who "resist violence with courage and vision." This year, the focus is on "Katrina Warriors" — the women of New Orleans — "for their strength and resilience in the face of devastating loss."
To commemorate the event, Random House has released the 10th anniversary edition of "The Vagina Monologues" and the paperback edition of Ensler's most recent book, "Insecure At Last."
The first benefit performance of Ensler's award-winning play was at the Hammerstein Ballroom on Valentine's Day in 1998. She is embarking on a nationwide 20-city "V To The Tenth" speaking tour to coincide with the anniversary.
The play is a series of monologues, performed by at least three women, that deal with intimacy, vulnerability and sexual discovery. Beside Close, Fonda and Ensler herself, the roles have been played by Calista Flockhart, Kate Winslet, Susan Sarandon and Melanie Griffith, among others.
The New Orleans SUPERLOVE celebration, at the New Orleans Arena and Superdome, will feature performances of "The Vagina Monologues" and V-Day activists from around the world.
Salma Hayek, Oprah Winfrey, Jessica Alba, Jennifer Hudson, Julia Stiles, Sally Field are among celebrities scheduled to attend. Also slated to perform are musicians Common, Eve, and Charmaine Neville.
Over the past decade, the nonprofit group has raised more than $50 million (€34.19 million) and funded more than 5,000 community-based anti-violence programs and safe houses around the world.

WONDER BRA

$3,000 for a bra?? Even Victoria's Secrets' "Most Wanted Bras" don't go for that much...
Shakira has auctioned off one of her bras for $3,000. Now, it would seem to me that this is the perfect way to set up oneself as the ideal stalker target. Whoever pays three grand for a pop star's bra would have to be several preservatives short of a twinkie. And, I would think, totally capable of believing that said bra simply isn't enough and that a bigger piece of the person should be the next item to attain. But, the bra was sold in a charity auction so let's hope this transaction remains the stuff of good intentions.
All the money goes to Shakira's Bare Feet Foundation which is raising funds for a school for disadvantaged children in Colombia. Check out the blurb below for more on the woman who brought back the wonder bra:

MEXICO CITY - Ever paid $3,000 for a bra? That's what one fan forked over for one of Shakira's bras. Another admirer shelled out $14,000 for the privilege of meeting the pop sensation and receiving front-row seats at a future show in Toronto. The two bids were among the highest offered for 40 items that Shakira donated to an Internet auction for her Bare Feet Foundation, which is building a school for impoverished children in northern Colombia. Another popular item: a shiny lavender skirt with turquoise-and-coral beading that she wore while singing "Hips Don't Lie," which fetched more than $1,000. The items were from Shakira's 2007 "Oral Fixation" tour. Still up for grabs until Sunday: an electric Fender guitar and an acoustic Taylor guitar, both bearing the 31-year-old singer's autograph. The auction has raised $76,000. "It was a phenomenal success," Eric Gazin, president of Auction Cause, told The Associated Press in a telephone interview Tuesday. "We had bidders from 10 countries." (Thanks)

Good on Shakira! Personally, I'm not a fan of her music ... her voice has always sounded like she's gargling hot potatoes to my ears. But, her foundation has been around for over 10 years and appears to be doing good work. There's still a couple of guitars available in the auction so if you're interested, click on this
And, for old times sake, let's take a look back at one entry in the Canadian WonderBra television commercial campaign from 1979. I actually remember seeing this ad on the tube - guess that's why I still think of it as the boob tube:

GRAM SLAM

A couple years ago my sister and I sped through the streets of Vancouver in order to make it home to a TV set by 8pm sharp - that's when Madonna and Gorillaz were due to perform and open the Grammy Awards. It was worth breaking traffic laws - the performance was totally cool.

I'm a geek for the Grammy's. Every year I watch the show and this year is no different. Having just watched all of this year's telecast, nearly 4 hours long, I gotta say I kinda loved it alot. Here's a rundown of some stand-out moments along the way:

It seems nothing happens in Hollywood without a connection to the ubiquitous Tom Hanks and the Grammys seem to be included in this questionable phenomenon. Hanks showed up on the Grammy stage to present a Lifetime Achievement Award to The Band. It was good to see one of the “Band” members, Canadian music legend Robbie Robertson, in the audience.

Kanye West’s performance was the coolest, if not the very best on this year’s show. He did a super- great version of his hit Stronger under glow-in-the-dark lighting that allowed only his 80’s-throwback sunglasses and jacket to appear visible on an otherwise pitch-black stage. The effect created an addictive visual I couldn’t resist. Definitely something worth checking out on YouTube. After Stronger, Kanye sang a deeply moving version of Mama, in tribute to his Mom who passed away last November. His heart was in it and that came across loud and clear. It really was a beautiful performance. Another one to watch again online sometime.

You just know it’s a big-time event when Cher appears on stage. Looking unreal, she introduced a performance by Beyonce and Tina Turner.

In the weirdest combination of performers to ever take the stage to present an award, a Grammy was presented by Nelly Furtado, Andy Williams and ‘Without a Trace’ actress Rosalyn Sanchez. WTF? Okay - Nelly’s hot and current so it makes sense she’d be there. Andy Williams hosted the first 7 Grammy Awards so it makes sense that he’d there. But, Rosalyn Sanchez? Again I ask, WTF? Other than she co-stars on a CBS drama and the Grammys aired on CBS, I cannot fathom why she’d be there. And if irrelevant cross-promotion is the reason, then CBS is just really lame.

The Queen of Soul appeared with BB Winans to remind us why she is one of the greatest living singers. Almost nothing is as pure as Aretha’s beautiful voice. But holy cow, has she ever larged up! Time to work on your fitness, Queen or your fans might have to say a little prayer for you.

Dave Stewart (formerly one half of Eurythmics) and Ringo Starr came on stage to present Best Country Album. The winner was Vince Gill and after Ringo Starr handed him his award, Vince Gill quipped: “I just got an award presented to me by a Beatle. Have you had that happen yet, Kanye?” This was the evening’s shining moment of hilarity.

Rihanna and Jay-Z won Best Rap/Sung collaboration for Umbrella. She looked hot while thanking her supporters and giving a shout out to Barbados. If I could be an almost 20 year old Bajan girl, I would want to be Rihanna. Just to look at myself in the mirror.

Bonnie Raitt emerged from wherever she’s been, still looking like lightning struck the part in her hair. She introduced Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis and John Fogerty. They were lively, but they were rockabilly and it was not my thing. But an interesting aspect was Little Richard’s heavy reliance upon cosmetics. It wasn’t just stage makeup, it was more like I-really-wanna-look-like-a-woman makeup. The only thing convincing me he hasn’t gone ahead with the big snip is that his voice is still deep.

All said and done, I thought this year's Grammy telecast was one of the most entertaining I've seen and pretty much just a big 'ol Gram Slam.

THE SOUNDS OF SCIENCE

For pretty much as long as I can remember, music has been front and centre in my life. From piano lessons in elementary school to my first rock concert (Bryan Adams! Ack!) in junior high. From a Sony Walkman to mp3's, I've always had access to music all around me, and one song or another going around in my head.

I've always wanted music to play a significant supporting role in my life this because it's always made me feel good. Simple as that. Example? I remember a particularly stressful work day about one decade ago. To deal, I went home and put Madonna's Ray of Light into the CD player and danced with reckless abandon in the middle of the living room. I listened to that song four times in a row. By the time all the replays had replayed, I felt so. much. better. I know that sounds really, really gay, but really, in essence, it was therapy for me. Almost nothing makes us feel better than escaping to the land of great melodies and a catchy chorus.

Lots of different types of music carried me off to other lands over the years. One of the groups I loved back in the late 80's and into the 90's was Beastie Boys. You just cannot beat white boys who know how to rap and how to rock. That's why I'm so tickled now that the Beastie Boys are out there promoting awareness of the very same idea of "music as therapy".

Next month the Beasties are playing a charity show for the Institute of Music and Neurologic Function. Here's a little bit about the institute: through the scientific explorations of music and the brain, the Institute for Music and Neurologic Function seeks to establish new knowledge and develop more effective therapies which awaken, stimulate and heal through the extraordinary power of music.

Beastie Boys are set to headline a special benefit concert in New York City next month. The band will play the Music Has Power benefit to raise funds for the Institute for Music and Neurologic Function (IMNF) , a leader in innovative music therapy treatments and research. The show will take place at Terminal 5 on March 4, and will be hosted by Moby who is a board member of the IMNF. In addition, several more acts will play, and will be confirmed in the coming weeks. The IMNF was founded on the idea that "music has unique powers to heal, rehabilitate, and inspire -- and that we can use music therapy to restore and improve our physical, emotional, and neurological health". Chris Martin, Gwyneth Paltrow, Dustin Hoffman and Rufus Wainwright have all appeared at previous events to benefit the organisation. (thanks)

So, if you're in New York next month, check out the show and let me know how it all goes down.

I think music therapy is a totally and absolutely fascinating area of study. I have no doubt in my mind that music in any form is therapeutic to the human soul, but in case you're wondering about it, here is a bit of a further explanation of the concept. And this again is from the Institute's website:

Music therapy is the systematic use of music, within a developing relationship between patient and therapist to restore, maintain, and improve physical, emotional, psychosocial and neurologic function. What does music have to do with therapy? For many individuals, finding the motivation to participate in therapy is sometimes difficult. Combining exercise with a systematic application of music is one way to address these difficulties and aid in the rehabilitation process.

(Thanks)

Here are some more deets on Music Therapy from the Institutes' website:

Through the scientific explorations of music and the brain, the Institute for Music and Neurologic Function seeks to establish new knowledge and develop more effective therapies which awaken, stimulate and heal through the extraordinary power of music. The Institute for Music and Neurologic Function, a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) agency, was founded by the Beth Abraham Family of Health Services in 1995 to restore, maintain and improve people's physical, emotional and neurologic functioning through the systematic use of music. The Institute, considered a preeminent authority in clinical music therapy research and education, offers a variety of resources: Expertise in treating neurological conditioned diseases such as stroke, trauma, dementia, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and other diseases and conditions. Vast clinical experience applying techniques in a large, diverse residential population. Internationally and nationally recognized training programs in music therapy. In order to support our mission, the Institute for Music and Neurologic Function relies upon the generosity of individuals, corporations and foundations.

And just for old time's sake, here's the Beastie Boys video for Sabotage. IMHO, this was *the best* video of 1994!

IMMACULATE COLLECTION OF STARS

Here's the EXACT reason I started writing this blog... for events like this one that went down last night in NYC. We'll talk about the party in a second, but first here's a rundown of who was there: Madonna and daughter Lourdes, Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, Rosie O'Donnell, Chris Rock, Jerry Seinfeld, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Lopez, Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale, Vince Vaughan, Rihanna, Demi Moore, and the list *seriously* goes on...
Madonna hosted a fundraiser called A Night to Benefit Raising Malawi & Unicef - it was to lend more profile to her Raising Malawi organization which works to revitalize the lives of orphans in Malawi. There are tons of celebs in New York right now for Fashion Week so Her Madgesty brought them all to her party at the United Nations for the fundraiser sponsored by GUCCI who just opened a great big new store on Fifth Avenue.

Here's some pics from the Red Carpet as all the stars arrived...

Madonna founded Raising Malawi with Kabbalah co-director Michael Berg in 2006; the charity aims to improve the lives of poor children in the African nation. Madonna herself, accompanied by daughter Lola, 11, didn't speak to the media much, but was the center of attention both at the cocktail party and the dinner, where security was so tight that guests had to walk through metal detectors and go through multiple ID checks before being allowed inside. There was a star everywhere you looked. Such is the pull of Gucci, which opened its massive Fifth Avenue store this week and sponsored the event, and the queen of entertainment, Madonna. When she goes somewhere, she brings friends. Lots of them.
"Madonna brings me out. She has been a very close friend of mine for a very long time, and she asked me to attend," said Gwyneth Paltrow, in pink Gucci. "I think she asked me over dinner one night. She has done so much good." "I admire what she's doing, and I admire what UNICEF does," said Tom Cruise. "Her office called me. I've known Madonna for years. I really admire her." Added his wife, Katie Holmes, in a scarlet Alexander McQueen: "We have friends here we're looking forward to seeing." "It's a very worthy cause, and Madonna is a very good friend. We're supportive of each other's life endeavors. It's something that means a lot to her and to me," said Rosie O'Donnell, who added that Madonna called and invited her. "We're friends and friends call each other." She wasn't wearing Gucci. "I believe it's an Eileen Fisher. I don't believe Gucci makes a size 18," said O'Donnell. "I don't shop there. It's very expensive."
Amy Adams turned up with designer Narciso Rodriguez. Is she the rebel of the night for not wearing Gucci? "I guess so!" she laughed. Singer Rihanna, who performed her hits Umbrella and Don't Stop the Music after dinner, is a big fan of Madonna. "Hell, yeah. She is unbelievable." Madonna, meanwhile, greeted her friends and hung out with her daughter. At one point, the rock superstar introduced Lola to Vince Vaughn: "This is my daughter, Lola," she told the actor, who affably chatted up the child and said hello before telling his friend he needed a drink. During an introductory speech later in the night, Madonna proved that even celebrities have trouble calming the nerves. "I don't think I've ever been more nervous in my life," she confessed during a speech before the dinner. "It would be much easier for me to perform in a soccer stadium filled with 80,000 people than stand up here and host this event."
When a fan screamed, "We love you," Madonna murmured a thank-you. That's some high-profile love. Jennifer Lopez, due any day with twins, rocked a Gucci gown and 5-inch heels. How she's feeling? "Very happy! Feeling really good," said Lopez before she gave the typical fierce poses in front of the cameras. Cruise was spotted hugging Chris Rock, who discussed his home just outside the city. Lucy Liu told Holmes how beautiful she looks. Later, Rock chatted up his Bee Movie co-star Jerry Seinfeld. Brooke Shields talked about her desire to meet Djimon Hounsou — and then went up to him and posed for a photo with him, girlfriend Kimora Lee Simmons and starlet Camilla Belle. Is that the biggest perk of being a former Oscar nominee? "Absolutely!" Hounsou said. "It makes you feel like a king. But really, truly, it's a great event, and I'm happy Madonna went out of her way to raise money for this. It's a country much needing of help," said the Blood Diamond star. Nearby was Demi Moore, hugging Cruise and warmly greeting Holmes. Later, during dinner, Moore talked with Lola about switching schools. A pregnant Gwen Stefani and husband Gavin Rossdale headed toward the cocktail party, and she told him, "I'm just following you." Despite the star wattage, the focus was on the cause. "I think you can go out and support a lot of things that are fun-spirited, or a personal project that you're working on. But when it's something global and life-changing and important like this — this is what we should be talking about out in the world," said Drew Barrymore, accompanied by Justin Long. "There's a lot of fluff, a lot of gossip, a lot of fodder that's sort of on people's minds, and I'd much prefer these types of subjects to be encompassing their brains and hearts, so this is why we came out". But stars can be just like us. Surrounded by all this fabulousness, Barrymore and Long had one thought before dinner: finding the potty. "I think I have to pee," the actress announced to her boyfriend. (THANKS)

Of course, as with anything MADONNA touches, she's met with controversy. Last night's event has already been criticized for being held at the UN headquarters because Raising Malawi is adminstered by the Kabbalah Centre in Los Angeles. The fundraiser is also under scrutiny for its sponsorship by GUCCI who some feel got involved simply to promote its brand. Not so, says Madonna:

"I don't really pay any attention to that. I am grateful that Gucci has underwritten this event - that's all that matters to me - their generosity. There's always controversy surrounding anything that involves change," she told Reuters. "I want to put Raising Malawi on the map. I want credibility as a philanthropic organisation. I want to inspire people. I don't want them to just write me a cheque: I want them to give me a piece of their heart." (Thanks)

I love Madonna! I'll never, EVER, understand why people are so intent on tearing down the good work she does. I have no doubt she is 100 million % sincere in what she says and what she does. Get over it, people! She has taken it upon herself to use her name and fame to prop up AN ENTIRE POPULATION OF ORPHANS AND THEIR HOME COUNTRY!

ADAM SPLITTING

We kinda don't need another reason to love Adam Levine, but today we kinda found one.
The yummy front man for Grammy-award nominated Maroon 5 spent a recent evening at L.A. it-spot Villa. As the club's security staff prepared for his exit, they went to extreme lengths to protect his privacy. The kind of lengths that Jackie O and Princess Diana used to get.
The best part? All this work was for hottie Adam, but he kinda didn't care... check it out for yourself - Watch it here as he basically ignores their efforts and soaks up the flashbulbs.

Love it! I think it's so great that Adam is clearly enjoying his success. He always just looks so damn happy! He's proof that you gotta bail your hay when it's sunny, bitches.

And if just seeing pics of him ain't enough to do the trick, read this little blurb from an interview Adam did with The Advocate magazine last year...

"Oh, there are beautiful men out there. Antonio Banderas is gorgeous. Well, maybe not so much anymore. He peaked around Desperado. I mean, every male secretly wants to have sex with Brad Pitt, but that's a given." Levine, whose band was named Best New Artist at the 2005 Grammy Awards, told the U.S. gay magazine, The Advocate, he thinks gay men have it easy. "Men have a certain camaraderie with each other that's easygoing and kind of simple, when you think about it," he said. "Sometimes men and women clash mentally." Despite his good looks, the singer insisted gay men don't usually try to seduce him. "Not outwardly. Not 'Hey, you wanna make out?' It doesn't happen to me. I don't know why," Levine told The Advocate. "But I never really pick up on when I'm hit on anyway - unless I'm into it, and then I just convince myself that they're hitting on me." Levine, 28, told the magazine he has always been very open about sexuality and doesn't understand why the U.S. is so uptight. "It all seems too preposterous to me - even debating over it," he said. "It makes no difference to me what someone's sexual orientation is."

Yup, ya just gotta love him. Okay, so before we wrap up today's "Levine Love-In", let's enjoy one more bit of brilliance involving Adam Levine. His SNL cameo last year for Andy Sanberg's hilarious skewering of the president of Iran goes down as one of the *funniest* sketches I've ever seen on Saturday Night Live. Here it is:

Ah, don't you just love that? Total and complete brilliance. Love that Andy, love that Jake and, as stated a bazillion times already in this post, love that Adam.

The last thing I'd like to point out today is that Adam Levine and the rest of the Maroon 5 boys have selected a great charity of choice, Teen Impact, which supports adolescents and young adults with cancer and blood diseases. Go take a look for yourself right here.

THE VIEW TO A KILL

As if we needed any more evidence that The View sucks ever since Rosie O'Donnell left, here it is... Kathy Griffin, once a heavy-contender to co-host the ABC morning show, has once again been 'banned' from appearing on the failing broadcast. Or, to use her own word "re-banned":

Comedienne Kathy Griffin has been dropped from "The View" for a second time, after she was "mean" to co-host Barbara Walters. The star was due to appear on the talk show on Tuesday, to coincide with the final night of her sold-out stand-up show in New York, but she was left fuming after being scrapped at the last minute. She tells the New York Post's gossip column Page Six, "I was supposed to be on 'The View' (today). But then I get a call from (producer) Bill Geddie, and he says, 'You were too mean to Barbara on your last special, so you can't come on.' Can you believe it? I've been banned before but never re-banned!" Griffin co-hosted "The View" on a number of occasions following the departure of Rosie O'Donnell last year but was dropped after her long-running gags about Walters led to speculation of a rift between the pair. A source close to the show said the reason has less to do with Walters and more to do with Geddie’s dislike for Griffin’s relationship with former host Rosie O’Donnell. “It wasn’t always this bad because don’t forget, she was once considered as a co-host. But she’s really good friends with Rosie, and that isn’t going to work with Bill. It’s getting nasty,” said the source. “Barbara stays totally out of the bookings,” the source added. “So while it sounds plausible to blame her, it’s just not the case.” If you’re curious about the first ban of Griffin, she told Larry King in August 2006 that she thought it was because of then-co-host Star Jones. “I just like to tick her off,” she told King. “And, by the way, it takes about two seconds and it’s fun. It passes the time.” (Root Cause; Root Cause)

LOL! Kathy's my freakin' hero! If given the chance, I would totally do something to piss off Star Jones, too. BTW, here's a worthy sidebar: didja hear Star Jones' TV show was canned? That's the truth, peeps. Well-deserved, I'd say.
As for Kathy Griffin and Barbara Walters, there's no doubt that Kathy likes to talk about Babs. Back in November when I saw Kathy perform here in Vancouver, she wrapped up her show with some side-splitting stories about, and impersonations of, Ms. Walters.
Back to The View debacle, I don't know if I believe that Barbara Walters completely stays out of the bookings for her own show. I mean, she produces the damn show for cryin' in the soup! She's not gonna easily offer up a soapbox to someone who may be a detriment to her reputation so they can (likely) ridicule her. She might be old, but she ain't too old for ego! It's really too bad though because Kathy Griffin keeps everyone on their tippy toes. And if The View needs anything right now, it's something to get all the co-hosts and the 'view'ers on their collective toes to spark some interest in the show. I pray that Joy Behar gets out while she can - she's the only smart one left.
And to prove that Kathy Griffin is one of our brightest stars, check this from her official website:

A LOVING TRIBUTE TO KATHY'S DAD

Kathy sends thanks for your all your thoughts and prayers. If you wish to help pay tribute to the life, love and spirit of John Patrick Griffin, please see below. Kathy, her mother and family chose the following charity to help honor him. They ask that anyone wishing to put in a donation to honor John Griffin do so at the following link: American Heart Association. Once again we would like to thank you all for the stream of good wishes and thoughts over the past year. They were and are so appreciated.

When Kathy lost her Dad it was very difficult to watch because you could see the pain she was in. I would imagine authentic events like this in her life, and on her reality show, contributed greatly to her finally winning an Emmy for My Life On The D-List last year. Bless her Dad and let him rest in peace. Watch it here:

X FACTOR

The ever-so-fab Kylie Minogue is totally back, kids!

I've been listening to the new KYLIE album 'X' quite alot lately and it's a whole lotta musical goodness indeed. And from that collection of tunes, KYLIE is about to launch a Pop Music Attack on the planet. Two singles - count 'em, TWO - from X are about to hit the streets simultaneously - 'WOW' and 'IN MY ARMS'.
One of the singles, In My Arms, has been packing the dancefloors of gay clubs here in Vancouver lately. And now we can finally check out the brand new IN MY ARMS video clip that just made its way onto the triple-dub:

I love the sunglasses Kylie's wearing in that makeshift retro recording studio complete with reel-to-reel tape machines behind her. The sunglasses are somewhat reminiscent of those worn by her friend and fellow Aussie Olivia Newton John in the montage sequence of TWO OF A KIND, her 1983 film flop with John Revolting/Travolta. They tried to re-live the glory days of GREASE with that one, to no avail (I'm probably the only one on Earth who likes it).

Back to KYLIE, it's so great to see her doing so well after her own fight against breast cancer. And she clearly hasn't forgotten that other people are still going through something similar to what she went through. That must have something to do with her recent visit to Sydney Children's Hospital. Gotta say, these kids look pretty darn happy - they're lucky to have someone like Kylie Minogue on their side, doncha think?

PEACE OF ACTION

It used to drive me nuts to watch George Clooney on ER because he had a way of looking at other people which was just completely annoying - he would angle his face down, tuck his chin into his collarbone and then (awkwardly) look up with his eyebrows raised and forehead all scrunched up. I think he thought it was sexy or something, but really I just found it annoying. Anyhoo, I got over that and now I like him. Actually I think he's hot now. But aside from all that, GEORGE was given a new job-title on Friday - George Clooney is now a United Nations messenger of peace:

George Clooney had gotten a lot of honors over career – from an Oscar to the title PEOPLE's Sexiest Man Alive – but now he is being honored for his humanitarian work. The actor, who is also an advocate for refugees in Darfur, has been named a United Nations "messenger of peace," it was announced Friday. The actor is being "recognized for focusing public attention on crucial international political and social issues," according to U.N. spokeswoman Michele Montas. Clooney, 46, joins Michael Douglas and musician Yo-Yo Ma as previous celebrity U.N. honorees. Clooney and friend Don Cheadle were given the Peace Summit Award by a group of Nobel Laureates Dec. 13 for their work for Darfur. With Cheadle and Brad Pitt, Clooney has raised money for refugees through the "Not On Our Watch" charity and helped draw attention to the crisis in Darfur in western Sudan. (Root) (Pic Root)

Gimme more of that! Congratulations to George on this truly great honor. Not only is he a fantastic actor and tres easy on the eyes, but now he's also spreading his peaceful message from an even higher profile than before. Wouldn't it be great to attend a dinner party or something with George and his gorgeous, altruistic friends like Matt Damon, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, etc. Good food + hot dudes with a heaping helping of intelligent conversation about things that really matter in this world of ours. Now that whets the 'ol appetite.

IF I HAD A NICKEL(BACK) FOR EVERY CELEBRITY DUI...

After doing the good deed of donating sales of Nickelbacks' "If Everyone Cared" to well-deserving charities, it looks like Chad Kroeger from NickelCrap has returned to his former selfish self.
Remember back in the summer of '06 when Kroeger was pulled over near his Vancouver-area home and blew a point One-Four on the breathalyzer? He was charged with drunk driving. If you have a hard time believing that Chad would go anywhere near Molson Canadian, here's an amateur shot of Kroeger getting his drink on with Pamela Anderson and Kid Rock. He's at the far left:

The pathetic story of his DUI died on the vine for awhile when, in early '07, his band and record label announced that 100% of proceeds from digital sales of their single "If Everyone Cared" would be donated to charity. Then, in May, they put out the following self-congratulatory press release:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 2, 2007
LATEST SINGLE “IF EVERYONE CARED” HITS #1; RAISES $500,000 FOR CHARITY
New York, NY, April 30, 2007 — “If Everyone Cared,” the latest single from Nickelback’s five-times platinum album All The Right Reasons, reached # 1 on last week’s Hot A/C chart, making it the sixth consecutive single from the album to reach #1. An unprecedented feat, all singles from All The Right Reasons have reached #1 at various formats: “Photograph,” “Animals,” “Savin’ Me,” “Rock Star,” “Far Away” and most recently “If Everyone Cared.” A #1 debut on the Billboard Top 200 in October 2005, All The Right Reasons has now produced four Hot A/C #1 hits, a success achieved only by Matchbox Twenty, according to Nielsen BDS.
On January 29th, Nickelback announced a charity initiative that has the band, along with Roadrunner Records, WEA Corp. and Warner Chappell donating 100% of the proceeds from the digital sales of the single and video for “If Everyone Cared” to charity. Since the single’s February release, the band has raised $500,000 for Amnesty International and International Children’s Awareness Canada. Now, just halfway through the campaign, YouTube is reporting 1,000,000 streams of the track, while the single has been downloaded over 500,000 times.

Good for Chad and the boys and REALLY good for Amnesty International and International Children's Awareness Canada. BUT!.. now Chad's lawyer is trying to get the charges against his client thrown out of court. Here's the story reported by CKNW radio:
Jan, 08 2008 - 2:10 PM SURREY/CKNW(AM980) - The lawyer for a Vancouver based rock star facing a drunk driving conviction is trying to convince the judge to toss out the case. Chad Kroeger was charged in the summer of 2006 after his blood-alcohol level test at .14. The legal limit is .08. His lawyer, Marvin Stern, claims the arresting officer did not follow proper procedure before making kroeger take a roadside breath test. Stern says his client's rights were violated because the officer waited too long to administer the test and he did not have reasonable grounds to suspect Kroeger was driving while impaired. Kroeger, whose real name is Chad Turton, was initially pulled (over) for speeding.

I think that's pretty gross. Why is he trying so hard to avoid the Celebrity DUI Club? All the cool kids are in it. Whatevs... all I have to say is this: Forget about 'If Anyone Cared' because 'If CHAD Cared' about the safety of other innocent drivers on the road... he would suck it up, be a man and face up to his own dangerous behaviour.

For more on International Children's Awareness Canada, CLICK!
For more on Amnesty International, CLICK!