Who would’ve guessed one of the guys behind The Man Show — the highbrow bastion of sensitivity and progressive thought that ended every episode with big-bosomed women jumping on trampolines — would have such animosity towards female comedians? Adam Carolla to The New York Post this week: “They make you hire a certain number of chicks, and they’re always the least funny on the writing staff. The reason why you know more funny dudes than funny chicks is that dudes are funnier than chicks. If my daughter has a mediocre sense of humor, I’m just gonna tell her, ‘Be a staff writer for a sitcom. Because they’ll have to hire you, they can’t really fire you, and you don’t have to produce that much. It’ll be awesome.'” [ NYP ]
Also in Tuesday’s round up of news, the Academy taps a new Communications Managing Director, Phase 4 Films nabs a Billy Bob Thornton and Eva Longoria starrer. Former rocker turned filmmaker plans a film on a Philadelphia hockey team and some very early Disney sketches get animated. Focus Features’ James Schamus to Take Hamptons Film Festival Honors Focus CEO James Schamus will feted with the Industry Toast at the 20th Hamptons International Film Festival on October 5th. In addition to heading the specialty distributor, Schamus is a screenwriter, producer and academic. Focus is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year and he previously served as co-president of indie film production company Good Machine. He received an Oscar nomination as producer for Ang Lee’s Brokeback Mountain , which became Focus’ highest growing film. The 20th Hamptons International Film Festival takes place October 4th – 8th on Long Island’s East End. Academy Names Jasmine Madatian as its Communications Managing Director Madatian will serve as Managing Director, Communications, a new position created by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Madatian will report to Christina Kounelias, AMPAS’ chief marketing officer. She will oversee all of the Academy’s publicity and corporate communications campaigns, including the Academy Awards as well as outreach for the organization’s year-round programming, education, preservation and other key initiatives. Around the ‘net… Phase 4 Picks Up The Baytown Outlaws North American rights to the Billy Bob Thornton and Eva Longoria action comedy went to Phase 4 with an eye to an early 2013 release. Directed and co-written by Barry Battles (with Griffin Hood) the story follows three ruthless Alabama brothers who find themselves on the wrong side of a group of characters who are both colorful and lethal, Deadline reports . Rob Zombie Eyes Philadelphia Flyers in Broad Street Bullies Zombie will write, direct and produce the project about the Philadelphia hockey team, which went on to many victories and penalty minutes in the ’70s, Deadline reports . Jesse Eisenberg Gets OK to Pursue Lawsuit Against Lionsgate An LA judge sided with The Social Network star in a lawsuit against Lionsgate for promoting his likeness and name in Camp Hell which he only makes a short appearance. The DVD release positions him in a starring role, THR reports . Very Early Disney Sketches Get Animated The original sketches for one of Walt Disney’s earliest characters have been animated 85 years after they were drawn. Oswald the Lucky Rabbit was created in 1927, a year before Mickey Mouse debuted, and the rabbit starred in 26 cartoons in the 1920s and 30s. Archivists have used dozens of drawings from Disney’s personal sketchbook to create a new Oswald cartoon, BBC reports .
Facebook’s botched IPO might be the least of its problems. Surveys say that while it remains the undisputed king of social media, a significant number of users are bored and tuning out the site these days. According to a new poll by Reuters and research firm Ipsos, roughly a third of Facebook users, and climbing, are feeling increasingly “meh” about it. The poll of 1,000 Americans also showed that 80 percent of Facebook users have never purchased a product or service because of an ad on there. Whatever advertising techniques companies are currently using to grab your cash simply isn’t working, in other words … not good news for Zuck. Unsurprisingly, the survey found that users between the ages of 18-34 were the most active, while just 29 percent of people over 55 are on it. People who spend a great deal of time on the network are more frequently becoming victims of what the researchers call “Facebook fatigue.” This leads them to spend less and less time checking in with friends and browsing the profiles of their peers, instead turning their attention elsewhere. What do you think? Have your Facebook habits changed? Do you use other social media platforms more now, and if so, which? And why? NOTE : You can FOLLOW THG on Twitter and Google+ as well as Facebook for your celebrity gossip and news needs, however you like them!
America’s Got Talent rode into Texas on a bull last night, hoping to lasso in a few winning acts. Who did Sharon, Howie and Howard find? Read on for a full rundown… Fiesta Bandbaz Brothers – The Iranian Acrobats already have the Vegas spirit since they lived near the area. While I wished the ladder was more impressive, the act itself was amazing to watch as the younger of the two wobbled to keep his balance. Age will clearly be a factor as the older one couldn’t really hold on as well as he could have five years ago. Still, the routine was impressive and I could see how adding some extra shine, lighting, and dramatic music could make it a contender on the show. There was oddly the perfect counterbalance of two female contortionists that were almost too perfect and it looked easy. Joe Castillo – The Sand artist was really cool but there was something a little bit off about watching him. The imagery was beautiful and since it’s the first time I’ve seen it, I’ll give him some credit. The next time we watch him in Vegas, he better up his game and think of something that doesn’t just play the patriotic card. David Smith Jr. – The Human Cannonball’s story sounded pretty scary: broken legs and a father with a broken back. The weather didn’t seem to be helping his cause because of the rain and possible CGI lightning. I give him tons of credit for going while it was raining. It was silly when they considered shooting Brittany out of a cannon on Glee, when her dummy demo burst into a billion pieces, but it was epic for a guy to really do it. His wife mentioned that the rain caused the netting to be a bit springy and he could have hit the ground even with the netting. What else are you going to do with this act though? Average Tacos El Charro De Oro – Sebastien De La Cruz was the head of the mariachi band and while he introduced his band in the beginning, we never got their name again. I liked the performance, but I have to admit how niche the group is. Consider the fact that the Grammys limited the Tejano category that I’m not even sure how many mariachi bands get exposure outside of Spanish groups. We have to think of this on a Vegas scale. A full Mexican explosion of culture where mariachi was one element could be watchable, but by itself it needs more to be dynamic. Tim Poe – There’s something very endearing about the stuttering singer and war vet. You want him to succeed, which is perfect for a reality show like this. I’m happy to see that his voice doesn’t stutter while singing, but I only find his vocal skills to be average at best. The song was a perfect fit for his story, but his pitch left something to be desired. Empty Pi
Former child actor Dee Jay Daniels, who starred on the 1990s sitcom The Hughleys, is being held in a California jail on murder and gang activity charges. Daniels was arrested in connection with a fatal stabbing. The 23-year-old actor, whose real name is Dorjan Lyndell Daniels, is being held without bail in San Joaquin County Jail and is suspected in the crime. He is accused of being a member of the Bloods gang. He and two other men allegedly stabbed 26-year-old John Joseph outside a nightclub in Stockton, Calif., in August 2011, but were only now arrested. Dee Jay Daniels faces charges of street terrorism, premeditated murder and attempted premeditated murder, and faces life in prison if he is convicted. He played the youngest child on The Hughleys , which aired from 1998 to 2002, and also appeared on Coach, Grace Under Fire and Cold Case .
Don’t be fooled by the red carpet appearances with Kanye West … or the revealing magazine covers … or the fact that she gave the following interview while hosting a pool party in Las Vegas. Kim Kardashian swears she’s all about maintaining her privacy these days! “I’ve kind of tried to adjust my life to have a little more private life,” Kardashian told People , A NATIONAL MAGAZINE, over the weekend. “My life is very public and so I get that, but if you can choose to have a little bit of a private life I would choose that over other things now, where I probably wouldn’t have before.” While Kim didn’t mention West, nor any of the rumors that they may move in together , she did tell the publication that she’s doing better than ever. “Life is good,” she said. “I’m super relaxed.” And annoying, she forget to add. Super, super, super annoying. [Photo: WENN.com]
Casey Anthony wants to leave Florida as soon as legally possible and is eyeing a move to the central American paradise of Costa Rica, according to reports. Anthony has been in hiding since she was acquitted of murdering her 2-year-old daughter, Caylee, but has recently been making forays back into the public. Virtually unrecognizable due to the amount of weight she has gained sitting around doing nothing, she is soon planning on leaving the U.S., and for good. She would have fled already, but Anthony is on probation for one year after pleading guilty to check fraud and is required to live in Florida during that time. Once Casey’s probation ends later this summer, she plans on ditching the sunshine state for Costa Rica. She is “counting the days,” according to sources. “She has been researching countries that she could move to and Costa Rica is at the top of the list,” a source close to the situation tells Radar Online . “Casey wants to live in a tropical setting and the cost of living is extremely low in Costa Rica. She wants to put as much distance as possible from Florida.” “She feels this is the best possibly place to start a new life. Costa Rica also appeals to her because Americans are warmly embraced by the locals.” Not sure that applies to accused child-murderers, but whatever. There’s one additional holdup, of course. She is still being sued by Zanaida Gonzalez for defamation after Casey said a woman with that name kidnapped Caylee. According to reports, Casey Anthony is “annoyed” and dreading that she has to testify at the upcoming trial, even if she can blame only herself.
One of Hollywood’s most outspoken supporters of gay marriage and LGBT equality, Miley Cyrus has taken to Twitter to once again stand up for this important cause. Cyrus – who actually wrote an editorial on the issue and also has a tattoo that expresses her beliefs – posted a photo on the social network yesterday that includes a close-up of her “favorite accessory of the day.” Along with this button, Miley included the hashtag #stopspreadinhate . Love Miley or hate Miley – and THG has certainly taken issue with some of her wardrobe choices and transparent attempts to break free from her Hannah Montana persona – you’ve gotta admire a celebrity for taking a controversial stand. Cyrus also did so last month when she said parents ought to talk to their kids about sex .
One of Hollywood’s most outspoken supporters of gay marriage and LGBT equality, Miley Cyrus has taken to Twitter to once again stand up for this important cause. Cyrus – who actually wrote an editorial on the issue and also has a tattoo that expresses her beliefs – posted a photo on the social network yesterday that includes a close-up of her “favorite accessory of the day.” Along with this button, Miley included the hashtag #stopspreadinhate . Love Miley or hate Miley – and THG has certainly taken issue with some of her wardrobe choices and transparent attempts to break free from her Hannah Montana persona – you’ve gotta admire a celebrity for taking a controversial stand. Cyrus also did so last month when she said parents ought to talk to their kids about sex .
The 2012 Billboard Music Awards were in full swing Sunday night, with Justin Bieber among the music mega-stars hand to perform in Las Vegas. Biebs became the first name on the list of Billboard Music Award winners , taking home Top Social Artist honors and addressing his many fans. JB went on to perform his new hit song “Boyfriend.” Watch below! Justin Bieber – “Boyfriend” (Billboard Music Awards) “I just want to say how much of a blessing it’s been… the past three or four years, growing up in front of everybody,” Justin said emotionally. “I want to thank all my fans worldwide, because the Internet is where I got my start, and all my fans have helped me get to this position.” Modern Family star and BMA co-host Julie Bowen asked the audience to pay their respects to Robin Gibb , the Bee Gees member who died Sunday. Other performances honored the late Adam “MCA” Yauch, Queen of Disco Donna Summer, and of course Jordin Sparks’ tribute to Whitney Houston .
