Hollywood goes political as election nears

REUTERS

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Hollywood is coming out this fall with a slew of political movies that hit all the hot-button topics as the tight U.S. presidential campaign nears its climax.

From religion to patriotism, gay rights and the presidency of George W. Bush, directors are wearing their political colors on their sleeves, using comedy, true stories and fantasy to send not-so-subtle messages to Americans preparing to choose between Democrat Barack Obama or Republican John McCain on November 4.

"There is a sense now that these... Read more

Meme-It

Trump: 'I'M the Biggest Celebrity'

CHICAGO TRIBUNE

Q. How will you attract celebrities to your new Chicago hotel? A. I think we're getting most of them because the name Trump attracts celebrities. When you get right down to it, who's the biggest celebrity in the world? Donald Trump. At least, my... Read more

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Josh Gracin's 'Idol' Star Keeps Rising

ALBUQUERQUE JOURNAL

Former "American Idol" finalist Josh Gracin earned his record deal like any other aspiring musician. Sure, the ex-Marine had some help with the visibility he received when he placed fourth in the... Read more

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Simon Pegg

CHICAGO TRIBUNE

Age: 38 What: Star of "How To Lose Friends and Alienate People," opening Friday. Role: Failed magazine journo Sidney Young, based on real-life author Toby Young, whose book "How To Lose Friends"... Read more

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Hollywood actors union seeks authority for strike

REUTERS

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Film and television actors ratcheted up pressure on Hollywood's major studios on Wednesday when negotiators, stalled in labor talks with producers, sought backing to put a... Read more

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Is Chrissie Just a Pretender?

THE MIAMI HERALD

Oct. 6--POP/ROCK THE PRETENDERS Break Up the Concrete Shangri-La Music * 1/2 Pretenders fans with high expectations for the group's first studio album in six years will be sorely disappointed: Break Up the Concrete is nothing more than singer... Read more

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Tattling is Bad, Except When It's Not

CHICAGO TRIBUNE

By Heidi Stevens, Chicago Tribune Oct. 5--Problem: My daughter is a tattletale. She'll stop mid-play and run over to tell me, "She took my car!" My first instinct is to say, "Sweetie, don't... Read more

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With 'Valentine' and 'Easy Money,' the CW Courts an Older Demographic on Sunday Nights

FORT WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM; FORT WORTH, TX

Oct. 5--When you're a struggling TV network having trouble getting viewers on Sundays, what do you do? If you're the CW, you outsource. The network might be able to gain buzz on weeknights with... Read more

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Showing Her Soft Edges

LOS ANGELES TIMES

FOR A period in the early '80s, no one could do it like Debra Winger. She was just 25 years old when she made "Urban Cowboy," and her emotionally ferocious performance sent shock waves through the... Read more

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Palin beat expectations in debate, voters say

REUTERS

CINCINNATI (Reuters) - The morning after the most anticipated vice-presidential debate in American history, U.S. voters seemed to share a common reaction: Republican Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin wasn't... Read more

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Byrne and Eno Take a Spiritual Turn

LOS ANGELES TIMES

Don't tell anyone, but David Byrne and Brian Eno have a new album. OK, so it's not exactly a secret. But a key facet of their first extended collaboration in 27 years was their decision not to... Read more

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Hollywood urged to give more to save gay marriage

REUTERS

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Hollywood, long considered a bastion of liberal thinking, is being chided for not opening its wallet to save the right to same-sex marriage in California even as several... Read more

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O.J. Leans Against Leaving Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS REVIEW - JOURNAL

O.J. Simpson has been enjoying Las Vegas so much, he'd like to make his home here. That's not a punch line. The NFL Hall of Famer has been telling locals that he's considering a move from Florida... Read more