Oklahoma State head women’s basketball coach Kurt Budke and Miranda Serna, one of his assistant coaches, have died in a plane crash along with two others. Their tragic deaths happened just 10 months after the school marked the 10th anniversary of a crash that killed 10 men associated with the men’s program. The plane went down Thursday night in Perry County, Ark., killing the pilot and another individual not affiliated with the university, Oklahoma State said. No one survived the crash. Kurt Budke, 50, had opened his seventh season as the Cowgirls’ coach on Sunday with a 96-60 win over Rice in a home game in Stillwater, Oklahoma. “The entire Oklahoma State family is devastated by this tragedy,” University President Burns Hargis said Friday in a statement. “Our hearts and prayers go out to the families of Kurt Budke, Miranda Serna and the other victims.” “Kurt Budke was an incredibly positive influence on his players and a tremendous coach. He quickly turned our program around and put Cowgirl basketball on the map.” Associate head coach Jim Littell will take over as interim head coach, though the school canceled the team’s games scheduled for Saturday and Sunday. The Cowboys’ college football team, currently ranked second in the nation, plays Friday night at Iowa State. That game will be played as scheduled. Our condolences go out to the families and friends of the deceased.
On Sunday, the NBA launched a multi-channel initiative at raising awareness regarding their current proposal to the National Basketball Players Association. Included in the effort was a Twitter question and answer session with fans and the following informational slideshow/video uploaded to YouTube . The slideshow states that the NBA’s proposal would “guarantee 50 percent of BRI to players, increase… Broadcasting platform : YouTube Source : Blazers Edge Discovery Date : 14/11/2011 02:57 Number of articles : 2
Cutest couple ever alert? Lauren Conrad not only broke up with Dancing with the Stars pro Derek Hough recently, but the 25-year-old isn’t wasting any time moving on to her next guy … Gossip Girl star Chace Crawford! A source tells Us Weekly that the Hills alum was spotted “making out” with the actor. Their reps deny the hookup … but there’s no denying this kind of hotness! Lauren Conrad and Chace Crawford kicked off the hot night of flirting at L.A.’s Voyeur nightclub and later connected at a party at actor Shawn Pyfrom’s house. “There’s always been an attraction between them,” an insider says. “[But] Lauren is really enjoying herself lately. She’s not taking anything too seriously!” That’s what they all say. Play on, players. Think they make a cute couple?
JB follows in the tradition of A-ha, Kanye West, Paula Abdul and others with animated videos. By Jocelyn Vena Justin Bieber Photo: Getty Images / MTV News / Jessica Hyndman Justin Bieber is not only going steampunk for a version of his “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” video; he’s also getting animated. In the new clip, Bieber hangs with Kris Claus and Topper the Penguin as they go around with various woodland creatures and have some fun holiday-themed shenanigans. But Bieber is hardly the first pop performer to go the cartoon route for a music video. In fact, he is the latest in a string of animated clips that date as far back as the Beatles and Pink Floyd. Let’s take a look at some classic cartoon clips: A-ha, “Take On Me” The true gold standard of animated videos, this video, released back in 1985, snagged six VMAs and broke new ground in the medium. The video used a technique called rotoscoped animation, which allows visual effects to be animated over actual footage. It also seamed together an animated world and a real one, in which a man and woman from the two different worlds pursue one another romantically. Michael Jackson, “Leave Me Alone” Perhaps the most aggressive of the examples so far, the video, which dropped in 1989, has Jackson addressing the tabloid rumors of the day, as he rides along in an amusement-park setting. The idea of addressing rumors in videos was later adapted by everyone from Kelly Clarkson and Rihanna to No Doubt. Paula Abdul, “Opposites Attract” In 1989, Paula Abdul hooked up with MC Skat Kat for a video that was inspired by the classic Gene Kelly flick “Anchors Aweigh,” in which he dances with Jerry Mouse. Animated by the Disney team, the video later won a Grammy for the “X Factor” mentor. Britney Spears, “Break the Ice” In 2008, Spears went anime in her clip from the Blackout album. The video’s femme fatale is based on Brit’s character in the “Toxic” video: a sexy, mysterious woman who lives fast and loose. It was Spears’ idea to create an animated video. Kanye West, “Heartless” In 2008, a down-and-out animated Yeezy hooked up with Hype Williams. Much like A-ha’s clip, it used rotoscoping, allowing West to be depressed in a whole new medium. It’s the first time Williams created a cartoon clip. As for Bieber’s song, it’s featured on his chart-topping holiday album, Under the Mistletoe, which features a number of guests, including Mariah Carey, Boyz II Men, the Band Perry, Usher and Busta Rhymes. A version of the “Santa Claus” video will play before screenings of “Arthur Christmas: The Movie,” which opens November 23. What’s your favorite animated video? Tell us in the comments! Related Videos MTV First: Justin Bieber Related Artists Justin Bieber
After an all-group bottom two last week, MTV News’ Jim Cantiello says Abdul isn’t taking any chances. By Jim Cantiello Paula Abdul Photo: Getty Images MTV News’ own Jim Cantiello is exclusively covering “The X Factor” rehearsals. Read on for his fly-on-the-wall backstage report! “X Factor” mentor Paula Abdul is determined to keep her remaining groups — the Stereo Hogzz and Lakoda Rayne — out of the bottom two come results time Thursday night. She’s always hands-on with her contestants, whether TV cameras are around or not, but last week’s all-group bottom two have made her even more passionate about her job. This week in “X Factor” land, Abdul was everywhere you looked, from inside the house powwowing with choreographer Brian Friedman and vocal producer Claude Kelly to the middle of the studio’s parking lot, where she had the crew erect a giant set piece so one of her groups could rehearse on it before they got thrown onstage. Once it came time to rehearse inside the house, Paula huddled with her groups. Literally, they formed a huddle, like football players. Unlike the NFL, however, the quarterback was wearing showstopping stilettos, which made huddling all the more impressive. Breaking news: Paula Abdul has great balance! During rehearsal, Abdul was up on her feet behind the judging table, rocking the choreo for her groups. If a camera caught her, she’d look like one of those overzealous pageant moms on “Toddlers & Tiaras,” only way more fabulous. (Her stilettos deserve a second shout-out, you guys. They were that fierce!) Not only that, she can still really dance, straight up. And her enthusiasm for her acts is infectious. But it’s not only the groups that are jazzed for Wednesday night’s (November 9) performance episode. I overheard one of the Over 30’s telling a producer how all 11 remaining acts will look especially good this go-round. “We’re all so comfortable with our song choices this week,” the contestant gushed. Meanwhile, the backup dancers are quickly becoming the hardest-working members of the “X Factor” team, and their multitasking skills have reached new heights. Exhibit A: Two shirtless male dancers were spotted outside the stage doors working on their suntans while also devouring a plate of craft service and going over some dance moves — at the same time! Dancer skin is pretty common around the “X Factor” stage, actually. In between numbers, you can usually find dozens of backup dancers switching costumes right in front of everyone. (They’re not getting buck naked, mind you. This isn’t “XXX Factor.”) Other tidbits: One contestant had no trouble maneuvering stairs onstage but, hilariously, was confounded by a mic stand. (Turns out the sparkly prop looked great on camera but was faulty. A standard mic stand will suffice.) Willow Smith will be popping in to make an appearance on “The X Factor” this week. All eyes are on whether she’ll say hello to her dad’s old double-decker trailer, which is parked directly outside the studio and houses none other than Simon Cowell. Rumor has it Cowell is angling for a new triple-decker trailer to one-up the Fresh Prince. Amazing. Speaking of Simon, Nicole Scherzinger banned him from her Over 30’s rehearsals. I imagine she doesn’t want him taking credit for her contestants’ success any more. Smart move, Nicole! I have a sneaking suspicion Simon will get plenty of raves for his own contestants this week. After one girl finished a run-through, Simon leapt out of his chair to smother her with a bear hug. Simon was so stoked, in fact, he even stayed around for L.A. Reid’s boys’ rehearsals and — dare I expose him — actually danced during one of L.A.’s contestants’ upbeat numbers. Full disclosure: he does not move like Jagger, but he definitely has impressive rhythm. The $5 million question: Will he boogie during Wednesday night’s live show? You can catch Jim on the “X Factor Pepsi Pre-Show,” streaming at 7 p.m. ET tonight on TheXFactorUSA.com ! Related Artists Paula Abdul
This, ladies and gents, is the part of the healing and grieving process known as “anger,” and, of course, it comes after “denial.” Gloria Govan was recently asked about her break-up and Matt moving on to a bigger, badder, more Mexican version of her . And apparently, even though both Matt and Eva Longoria have denied that they are bumping uglies or even sharing romantic meals , it seems like the idea of him keeping it moving was all it took for her to get over hopes of a reconciliation. “I’m not sure if I think they’re rumors. I think at this point having been with Matt, I don’t really put anything past him. He hasn’t directly said, ‘I’m doing this. I’m doing that.’ I’ve heard from some sources that it could be a definite possibility,” Gloria told Sister 2 Sister . Gloria, who just moved out of the house she shared with her former fiancé last month, said she did take pause when hearing that Eva and Matt have been keeping company for at least that long. “Dang. I haven’t even been out of the house for a month,” said Gloria. “Those are the things that float around that start to get to you in your relationship. I know he denied it, but I don’t really know too much about that situation to say it’s not true, but I don’t know enough to say that it is. It wouldn’t surprise me.” Her anger is directed at more than just Matt and those dirty dog tendencies she keeps alluding to though. There’s some for the “Basketball Wives: L.A.” post-production team too. He asked me about that. That’s not how I said it. That was disrespectful. I’d re-edit that part. That’s not how I meant it,” she said about a moment caught on camera in which she seemed to declare her independence from Matt and casually said, “He can bounce.” “That was a heartfelt conversation between me and my sister. I was on the verge of tears. They didn’t show all that. That’s not how I feel. I actually kinda like him,” said Gloria, who admitted that the reality spotlight didn’t help things. “I think it definitely brought on added stress to our relationship. We’re filming five days a week for hours at a time. That brings on added drama and added stress. The show wasn’t the reason Matt and I have gone our separate ways, but it has added some unnecessary drama,” she said. Sure it wasn’t. Keep telling yourself that. Angry Gloria even threw a few shots at Eva Longoria in the interview. Gloria isn’t dating anyone new yet, but when she does return to the romantic playing field, she doesn’t plan to be suiting up with any other basketball players. “Someone who dates multiple players like in the same field is a groupie,” said Gloria, not specifically referring to co-star Draya Michele or Eva, the ex-wife of baller Tony Parker. “If you continue to date athletes, you’re going to be considered a groupie. At some point in time, you have to have respect for yourself and not dip into the same cookie jar. I know women who’ve dated different basketball players. I’m attracted to athletes, but I have enough respect for Matt not to date one of his colleagues,” she said. For some reason though, we’re sure she’ll be back to her old self soon. “At some point in time when I am starting to look to seriously date, it could be a celebrity or another athlete from another sport,” she said. Aaaw, poor Glo… Until that day comes, let’s all take a stroll down memory lane and help Gloria remember the good times in her near-marriage.
Michael Lohan is still cooling his rear end in solitary confinement in a Florida jail after being denied bail last weekend, but he has been allowed to make calls. Collect calls. Which people apparently don’t answer. A recording of a call he attempted to place to one of his many flames – Kim Granatelle, from The Real Housewives of New Jersey – was obtained this morning. Michael Lohan Collect Call She didn’t actually answer the phone and let the call go to her voicemail. Probably wise. Mike is in solitary for his repeated harassment of ex Kate Major. “Kim has spoken with Michael who told her he was in a lot of pain,” said Kim’s friend , Tom Murro, who shared the recording (hopefully with her knowledge). Keep in mind that he’s in pain from jumping off a balcony and landing in a freaking tree while attempting to avoid the cops. Not prime sympathy material. In an ironic twist, Michael and daughter Lindsay Lohan may be in jail at the same time, albeit on different coasts. LiLo must turn herself in by next week. She’ll likely get sprung faster , however, since she has better lawyers. And isn’t charged with injuring or threatening to kill someone, or resisting arrest.
Legendary Sportscaster Bryant Gumbel turned heads Tuesday night during a televised editorial regarding the NBA’s labor union stalemate. Speaking on HBO’s “Real Talk,” he called NBA Commisioner David Stern a “plantation overseer.” Gumbel said the “egocentric” commissioner is focused on “demeaning the players” rather than solving the NBA lockout: “Stern’s version of what has been going on behind closed… Broadcasting platform : YouTube Source : The Blaze Discovery Date : 19/10/2011 08:01 Number of articles : 4
‘I think that this movie works because of its humanity,’ director Shawn Levy says. By Kara Warner Hugh Jackman in “Real Steel” Photo: DreamWorks Pictures With its impressive TKO into first place at the box office this weekend, it’s no surprise that there is a “Real Steel” sequel already in the works. The cat was out of the bag back in April, when news leaked that the studio had already commissioned the film’s screenwriter/actor John Gatins to begin work on a second installment. So when MTV News caught up with director Shawn Levy at the movie’s premiere recently, we tried to get a few more details from him about the potential franchise. “Well, it has certainly been leaked that the studio would like us to make another one, and that’s based on the way we’ve seen the audience react to the movie — they react really emotionally. So we’ll see, if we’re lucky in the next month, for sure we’ll make another one,” Levy said. But what direction will the sequel go in? Will there be more robots? New characters? “I think that this movie works because of its humanity, so if we made a sequel, the humanity would remain the priority,” he said, only slightly dodging the question. When we tried the same line of questioning with the movie’s star, Hugh Jackman, he didn’t slightly dodge the question, he discarded it almost entirely. “Imagine asking a football player the night before the Super Bowl if he thinks they’ll make the Super Bowl next year,” he said with a smile, meaning that the first film will have to rake in plenty of cash before the studio signals for the go-ahead. “It’s a bit like that.” Levy was a bit more loose-lipped when he spoke about the subject with IndieWire , admitting that the story will continue with all of its major players. “I will produce and direct again, yeah. Hugh [Jackman]’s definitely in and, certainly, I can’t give away too much, but Dakota [Goyo], Evangeline [Lilly] and Hugh are all a big part of the sequel. It is the same characters, the next chapter. It delves into the fallout of the new fame and money that the Kentons are going to have as a result of the Zeus-Atom fight. It also delves into something I thought was a cool aspect of the movie that I didn’t have time to get into, which is the class warfare between the underground unsanctioned world of robot boxing and the monetized corporately funded league. The truth is, it’s not unlike the way boxing saw its popularity contested with the rise of a more violent, less rule-bound MMA.” Check out everything we’ve got on “Real Steel.” For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com . Related Videos MTV Rough Cut: Hugh Jackman
‘Geeks always felt empowered with new technology … but he was able to bring that experience to everyone,’ one tech blogger tells MTV News. By Gil Kaufman Steve Jobs Photo: Getty Images For tech bloggers and digital gearheads, Apple co-founder Steve Jobs was Yoda, Gandalf, Dumbledore and the ultimate dungeon master rolled into one. The tech guru, who died at age 56 on Wednesday after a long battle with pancreatic cancer, didn’t just make cool gadgets; he visioneered elegant, sculpture-like machines that made computing fun, exciting and effortless. Remember Steve Jobs’ many innovations by flipping through this photo gallery. “Steve Jobs was the first person who was able to turn computers and computing into an emotional experience for everyone,” said David Pescovitz, co-editor of BoingBoing and research director for the Institute for the Future. Pescovitz, who began a lifelong love affair with all things Apple more than 30 years ago in the basement of his Cincinnati home, where he would write rudimentary code on an Apple IIc, said the two crucial things Jobs did were to empower the individual with technology and create a new kind of technology experience. “Geeks always felt empowered with computers and new technology and it was always an emotional experience for them, but he was able to bring that experience to everyone.” Jobs, a notoriously detail-oriented taskmaster, demanded perfection from the legion of Apple employees who worked to create such landmark devices as the Macintosh computer, iPod, iPad and iPhone. Determined to break out of the bland, gray boxes produced by his rivals, Jobs brought that heart-touching experience to the masses by seamlessly weaving together technology, design elegance and engineering into devices Pescovitz said you wanted to “hold, touch and experience.” There were other MP3 players before the launch of the iPod in 2001, but John Gruber, an Apple enthusiast and founder of the technology blog Daring Fireball , said Jobs’ insight was making music personal again . “Your favorite music — all of it, with you everywhere you go,” he said of the devices that have become the standard-bearer for portable music storage. It’s easy to forget now thanks to the ubiquity of iTunes and the more than 10 billion songs sold since the store opened in 2003, but Eric Garland, CEO of leading online media metrix company Big Champagne , said for a time, the Apple boss was spurned by the major record labels. “It’s funny now to think of the notion of 99 cent downloads or paid downloads as an utterly noncontroversial one, but it’s hard to remember just how contrarian this play was eight or nine years ago,” Garland said. At a time when Garland was facing intense pressure from the record industry to stop seemingly “legitimizing and encouraging” music downloading (both legal and non) by measuring download numbers, he said Jobs seemed to be his only kindred spirit. “The most powerful people in the industry said, ‘This [downloading] has to stop and go away,’ and they intended to keep litigating it until people stopped downloading on the Internet.” While Garland admitted that he didn’t have the clout Jobs did in arguing that the genie was out of the bottle already, he recalls hearing from one executive after that music boss had been paid a personal visit by Jobs during the initial iTunes pitch. “He said to me, ‘Hey, you may be right,’ ” Garland said. ” ‘Steve Jobs was showing us this thing, and we think it’s the future of the business.’ And that was iTunes. Looking back, Jobs saw that this was not just the future of the music industry but, as has now been demonstrated, the future of all media and, in fact, connectivity among netizens.”Though the labels initially said no, Jobs persevered and Garland said that when people wonder how Apple was able to convince the labels to do a 180 on their position, the answer is simple. “He wouldn’t take no for an answer. It was the strength of Steve’s passion, persuasive gifts, persistence and personality that managed to change hearts and minds,” he said. President Obama, Nicki Minaj, Bill Gates and more remember Steve Jobs. Jobs’ unwillingness to compromise or settle until the design met his level of taste made the Apple CEO unique, but Gruber said it was his ability to give each of his new devices a unique purpose that really set Jobs apart from his peers. “Think about the dramatic shift from the personal computer being this beige thing on your desktop that you wanted to hide to something people treated as an objet d’art, that they admired like they would a finely designed chair or an Eames recliner,” Pescovitz added. “The reason the iPod did so well was because it was a product that told its own story. It beckoned to you to want to engage with it and interact with it. That came from the design and simplicity of it and the very idea that it would dramatically change your relationship to music.” Steve Jobs’ impact went way beyond computers. Check out his innovations in the film industry. And while the science fiction-like idea of having every song you ever owned in your pocket was forward-thinking enough, Pescovitz said a counterintuitive move Jobs made shortly after introducing the iPod made us rethink how we interact with our music all over again. “When he released the first iPod Shuffle [in 2005], people thought, ‘How could I use this without a screen?’ The point was to shuffle. You could fill it with several thousand songs and continually be surprised by the next song you heard.” The concept of putting your music on shuffle now is another part of our modern digital lexicon that Jobs almost singlehandedly invented, creating yet another new relationship between people and their music collections. And, with the recent addition of the iCloud to the Apple universe, Pescovitz said Jobs made the crucial leap that cybernauts have been waiting for since the Internet became a daily part of our lives. “The cloud plays against this notion that cyberspace is a place you go to through your laptop,” he said. “Cyberspace is overlay on top of existing reality. Media can and should be everywhere all the time. The kind of emotional experience that you’re able to achieve sitting at a desk or in front of your home stereo can now be achieved wherever you are. It drastically changes your relationship to media and the world.” Steve Jobs changed the world, but how did he change you? Tell us on Facebook. Related Photos The Steve Jobs Legacy
