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THE WEB GOSSIP
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THE WEB GOSSIP
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Wendi Deng And Rupert Murdoch
PASHA RUPERT --- I watched with surreal fascination yesterday's hearing between the parliament in the U.K. With Rupert Murdoch and son James, seated before the august crowd. You know, you can help but feel some remorse and sadness that this 80-year old man is being grilled about the company he's led for so many years (57) and, a company that has 53,000 employees); however, as I watched Martin Bashir and Michael Wolff on the Today Show this morning recapping the meetings, let's face it, Fox News and News Corp. have acted so reprehensibly, maybe it's just a case of the devil finally getting his due. Wolff, who I know and is a relentless pit-bull of a man, says that the 'pie/foam' incident (a rather irrelevant Brit-comedian named Johnny Marbles, tried to land a plate of foam -Foam Pie- on Murdoch) may have been the saving grave and posited that maybe … just maybe, it was Murdoch maneuver. Bashir, who I like more and more, says that Murdoch will remain for the time being, but be replaced by year's end. What a mess! Rupe still seems like one of the baddies from the Harry Potter movies … old, frail … but, surprisingly perceptive. He claims he had no knowledge; yet, writers I know claim that he was constantly in contact with all his papers and Rebekah Brooks, the Sun's former editor. I predict they'll be more surprises to come and yes, Rupe will step down. An amazing story for sure.****
Don ImusDISH NATION --- We're tremendous fans of WPLJ's Scott Shanon around here; he was one of the original VJs on VH1, along with Don Imus, Frankie Crocker, Bowser (from Sha Na Na) and Rita Coolidge, and he hosted his own syndicated video countdown show a few years back. He's been a radio legend for years; as much as for his pirate-radio style, as for his hard-hitting commentary. Shannon even worked for the late-great record label, Casablanca Records (read the riveting book on the label by Larry Harris called 'And Party Every Day'). He's one of the last radio greats, joining Scott Muni; Wolfman Jack and Crocker in reaching those hallowed heights. They're calling it an unscripted series and for Shannon that's like manna from heaven as he's one of the last ones out there can effectively work without a script … vamping if you will! The so-called DJs of today just read what they're told too and play records that are programmed into a computer. I remember years ago, I asked radio-personality Zach Martin, who was then working for Q104, how many of his own choices he could add into his already-pre-arranged play list, and he said 2! With partner Todd Pettengill on WPLJ each morning, on their drive-time show called The Big Show; they deliver just a sensational presentation; interviews; commentary; and a Pettengill-favorite, the parody-song. Me, I've always loved Shannon's comments after an interview … I can almost see him biting the inside of his lip. You can't fool these guys … believe me, they know the score. Now, the two will launch a new TV endeavor called Dish Nation. It'll premiere next Monday on Fox, 7/25, and have a trial run for six weeks. DN will air at 6PM on WWOR/Channel 9; and will be an entertainment and gossip magazine, not unlike the hugely successful TMZ Show. I love Harvey (Celebrity Justice) Levin … but, he's a lawyer; Scott's the real deal; he knows how to effectively deal with the various celebs … and, does it very, very well. Also to be featured on the show, will be Rick Smiley from what in Atlanta; Felli Fel from Power 106 in L.A.; and, Blaine and Allyson from WDVD in Detroit. Scott and Todd will be the primary voices on the show. Pettengill was a host for the WWE back when it was the WWF and often hosted on Wrestlemania. Besides New York, the show will also air in L.A., Baltimore, Washington, Phoenix, Detroit and Atlanta. We wish Scott and Todd nothing but success; they're unique and terrific. Good luck guys!
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NIRVANA FOR SURE --- We told you several columns back about a terrific new performer from the Washington area, Nicole Nirvana. Her debut CD is called Life & Love and shows off a terrific new presence on the scene. Produced by Dave Masterz, each track features her hypnotic voice against a most-formidable production. Nicole got her start in the business by working for a small label in the area, hooked up with Masterz and together they produced this terrific compilation; starting with the compelling and atmospheric track "You Just Don't Know." Born Yvonne Wilson, she has written each track which bristles with a unique aura. She's also an activist and humanitarian who spends much of her time giving back to the community. Her motto is Global not local ! Her CD which is about to be signed to a major label, should be out by the end of the year. Please give it a listen!
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NIRVANA FOR SURE --- We told you several columns back about a terrific new performer from the Washington area, Nicole Nirvana. Her debut CD is called Life & Love and shows off a terrific new presence on the scene. Produced by Dave Masterz, each track features her hypnotic voice against a most-formidable production. Nicole got her start in the business by working for a small label in the area, hooked up with Masterz and together they produced this terrific compilation; starting with the compelling and atmospheric track "You Just Don't Know." Born Yvonne Wilson, she has written each track which bristles with a unique aura. She's also an activist and humanitarian who spends much of her time giving back to the community. Her motto is Global not local ! Her CD which is about to be signed to a major label, should be out by the end of the year. Please give it a listen!
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Micky DolenzHEY HEY --- The Monkees come together tomorrow night in Coney Island; part of Brooklyn-borough president Marty Markowitz's Seaside Summer Concerts. Before that, they appearing on the gab-fest The View; the actual show will be broadcast on Friday. I saw them at The Beacon last month and it was a staggeringly good show; especially the last 30-minutes. It's a free show ... first-come, first serve ... so, head on down. Details, on Monday!
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Chris Evans At Captain America PremiereEND QUOTE --- I haven't seen the new Captain America movie yet ... which is in 3D, but this end quote really caught my attention: This film is another summer fantasy in 3D; in certain theaters. For some sequences, the format works well enough but it's hardly worth the extra expenditure. This gimmick is truly running out of steam! Buyer beware indeed!
You can see all the star studded photos below....
Photos By: RD/Kirkland/Dziekan/Retna
You can see all the star studded photos below....
Photos By: RD/Kirkland/Dziekan/Retna
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