January 28, 2006

Golden Globe winner actor Joaquin Phoenix got involved in a serious car accident Thursday Jan 26th. Fortunately, the star is okay.

The accident happened when Phoenix was driving eastbound above Sunset Strip about 2:50 p.m. when he realized his brakes were not working. Loosing control, his car overturned and hit another vehicle also headed eastbound.

Heavy metal band Megadeth is launching a contest. Intended to redesign their longtime mascot, Vic Rattlehead, a skull with jaws wired shut, steel visor and metal earplugs, the band's founder, singer and guitarist Dave Mustaine ran into licensing issues with the artist who originally drew the mascot in the early 1980s based on his idea.

"I'm just looking for somebody to revamp it," Mustaine explained while adding "I'm looking for a surprise. I'm open to them having their way with it."

Hollywood actor Richard Gere has on Thursday Jan 26th been named Man of the Year by Harvard University's Hasty Pudding Theatricals. The handsome star is scheduled to receive the group's golden Pudding Pot award on February 24th later this year.

In companion, actress Halle Berry also on the same day was named Hasty Pudding's Woman of the Year. Slated to receive the award on February 16th, the Oscar-winning actress will lead a parade of students dressed in drag through the streets of Harvard Square.

Again, again, again, and again. Tom Cruise really is a big winner. The actor's name approvingly has topped an annual survey by Quigley Publishing Co. on Top Moneymaking Stars of 2005. Securing the very top position of the list, Cruise has totally won the annual survey for seven times.

Placed 2nd in the poll is Johnny Depp, followed behind by Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt who both tied for 3rd. Other names included in the poll including Vince Vaughn, George Clooney, Will Smith, Reese Witherspoon, Adam Sandler and Tom Hanks.

Tom Hanks' name has been mentioned as the new addition to the long line of the 78th annual Academy Awards presenters.

The two-time Academy Award-winning actor will next be seen in "The Da Vinci Code." His films credits among others include "The Terminal," "Catch Me If You Can," "Road to Perdition," "Apollo 13," and "A League of Their Own."

Zooey Deschanel is joining Josh Hutcherson and AnnaSophia Robb to star in the upcoming project of Walt Disney Pictures and Walden Media titled "Bridge to Terabithia." While Gabor Csupo is making his live-action directorial debut on the action adventure-fantasy, Lauren Levine, David Paterson and Hal Lieberman will all give hand at producing.

Based on Katherine Paterson's 1978 Newbery Award-winning book with an adaptation wrote by Jeff Stockwell, "Bridge to Terabithia" tells the story of an 11-year-old boy whose life is changed forever when he befriends the class outsider, a girl. Together they create the world of Terabithia, an imaginary kingdom filled with giants, trolls and other magical beings.

Here comes happy news for the local fans of Eminem's Shady Records. The label has opted to sell public tickets for its State Theatre concert, a Feb. 4 event expected to be among the city's hottest Super Bowl weekend shindigs.

Public tickets for the so-called "Shady Bowl Super Party" cost $30-$100 and has went on sale beginning Friday Jan 27th. The party at the State Theatre, located near the site of the Feb. 5 Super Bowl, is scheduled to feature Shady artists Obie Trice, Stat Quo and Bobby Clearwater, with Biz Markie as DJ for the night.

Actress Halle Berry has been spotted going out and getting cozy with Versace model Gabriel Aubry, prompted rumors they're dating. The Oscar-winning star is said 'all over' the 30-year-old model at a cast dinner for movie "Perfect Strangers."

"Halle and Gabriel smooched and touched each other during the entire meal," an onlooker confirmed. Further, the twosome reportedly was seen going upstairs into Berry's suite after finishing dinner. Does Berry longing to have a baby from Aubry? Well who knows.