Marisol Nichols in latest Music Video from Michael Duff

The beautiful and talented Marisol Nichols is in the latest music video from Michael Duff, called "When You Run." Marisol's career is in high gear at the moment, starring in the hit series "24" on Fox, currently filming (or maybe just finished filming) the movie "Felon" and she's now the face of Bally Total Fitness' latest campaign!




A culture is only as great as its dreams, and its dreams are dreamed by artists. — Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard

It's tough being a celebrity

I just saw this article, Man sentenced in Cruise extortion attempt, and I thought how tough it is to be a celebrity. Oh yeah, it's easy to think of the glamour and glitter and the premiers and the awards ceremonies and the designer suits but you get zero personal life and zero privacy.

And it seems that if you attempt to create any minuscule amount of privacy you'll get some scum bag trying to extort money from you by threatening to destroy it, as in the article, or you'll get some sleazy journalist making up rumors to try and sell his latest air sandwich.

My hat is off to people who manage to live through being a celebrity.

A "best-of" collection of Cruise rumors

Here is another article about the Andrew Morton penned unauthorized biography of Tom Cruise. I'm actually amazed that so many journalists are outraged over the book given the media's history of loving rumor and gossip. Perhaps there is hope for our civilization after all :)

In this article Courtney Hazlett of MSNBC describes it as:

"At best, Morton’s book is a best-of collection of Cruise rumors, most of which (if not all) have been refuted time and again. At worst, the book appears to be a personal attack on Cruise and his family."

The article paints a rather uncomplimentary picture of Andrew Morton and his journalistic abilities, saying Morton "has also written a number of dubiously sourced biographies" and that he "never spoke to Cruise’s business partners, directors, studio executives, friends or family, and the list can go on.”

One of the most damning quotes:

“The guy is a liar,” says one source who is very familiar with Morton’s writing process. “It’s shocking what little legitimacy any of his work has.”

Read the full article here: Cruise’s camp bashes Morton, unauthorized bio

A culture is only as great as its dreams, and its dreams are dreamed by artists. — Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard

Cruise Biography is an “Air Sandwich”

When you hear that a biographer didn't talk to the subject of his biography, didn't talk to any of the man's family, didn't talk to any of his business partners and didn't talk to any of his friends then you start to wonder what will end up in such a biography.

Well, that is exactly the case with the just released Tom Cruise biography as reviewed on CNN and reported by one of my fellow bloggers: "CNN Says Tom Cruise Bio is an "Air Sandwich".

The highlights of the CNN article state:

• New biography "Tom Cruise" is "a 323-page air sandwich"
  
• Book doesn't talk to anybody remotely close to Cruise
  
• Biography insinuates many things, but reporting is an inch deep
  

Imagine, an entire inch!

So it's not surprising that the author had to do something to attract attention to his "air sandwich", such as making outrageous accusations about Tom Cruise, his wife, his daughter and his religion. When substance failed he turned to rumor, gossip and outright lies to create "controversy" and get attention for a book that looked like it would be heading for the "three for $2" bin very quickly.

Tom Cruise Unauthorized Biography

I don't know whether to laugh at the ridiculousness of it or yell in anger.

The media is drooling over the Andrew Morton hatchet job on Tom Cruise and Scientology. They don't bother to report if what Morton says is accurate, inaccurate, truth or lies, they just report what he says in his repulsive book.

As a Scientologist I see the absolutely ridiculous BS he spews out about my religion and I honestly don't know whether to laugh at the totally stupid accusations and assume that the reading public is smart enough to recognize rumor, gossip and lies when they see them, or to yell in anger at some scum bag of a reporter trying to sell his piece of crap book by putting scandal and gossip into it in an effort to attract attention to badly written, fact deficient scribblings that would otherwise sell 3 copies.

As you can probably tell from the tone of this post I'm tending toward the "yell in anger" choice.

Well, stay tuned, because I'm going to have more to say about this in the next few days.

Jenna is an Elf, man

Jenna Elfman (seen here with Jennifer Aspen) played an elf recently in the annual Christmas Stories at Celebrity Centre International benefiting the Hollywood Police Activities League, a community-based crime prevention program that provides young people (ages 6-17) with positive alternatives to gangs and drugs.

I guess elves are allowed to be Amazons too :).

A culture is only as great as its dreams, and its dreams are dreamed by artists. — Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard

Catherine Bell’s career just keeps growing and growing

After her huge success in the long-running series JAG followed by her superb performance in the sci-fi mini-series "The Triangle" it is not surprising that Catherine Bell's new TV series "Army Wives" has also proven to be a big success. The series is the highest rated show in Lifetime's 23 year history and one of the highest rated shows on cable. The second season is shooting now so you'll be able to see more of Catherine soon. Also her new TV movie "The Good Witch" premiers on January 19^th on the Hallmark Channel, so don't miss it!

One last personal comment: For some strange reason most pictures of Catherine make her look, well, "wide". I don't know why this is because I've actually met her a couple of times and she has an incredible figure. I've rarely seen a photo of her that accurately showed how gorgeous she really is.

Accuracy of Celebrity News

My wife loves autobiographies, especially those by people in the entertainment industry. Her favorite autobiography is that of Michael Caine, the brilliant British actor. She's read it at least 10 times. Others she has read include Sophia Loren, Ingrid Bergman, Mia Farrow, Laurence Olivier, Lauren Bacall and Maureen O'Hara.

Although they came from completely different backgrounds and had very different lives, they all had one thing in common: the press continuously told lies about them.

It is fascinating to see that from the 1930's right up to the present day the press lies and lies and lies about celebrities. From these books it seems to go this way: the press will try to dig up dirt and when they can't find any they'll make it up.

Most of these celebrities were unable to do much about the lies because the press is very clever in how they report things. For example: "a source close to the actor told me …." What follows is a lie, but the reporter is not saying it is a fact, merely that someone told him it.

One of the few celebrities that had success in fighting this was Maureen O'Hara. If you have seen the movie "LA Confidential" then you will recall the magazine "Hush, Hush" which used dirty tricks and blackmail to get its stories. This magazine was modeled on an actual magazine of the 1950's called "Confidential". In Ms. O'Hara's own words, "there was no tabloid more popular and more destructive than Confidential magazine. Confidential was devoted exclusively to the misadventures of Hollywood movie stars and other celebrities."

In 1957 the magazine published an extremely salacious story about what Ms. Hara got up to in the back row of the Grauman's Chinese Theatre with her "Latin Lover". The story was completely false so she sued.

At first the industry was behind her, but as time went by that support evaporated, many said because the magazine used blackmail to protect itself. She even had to have two FBI agents to protect her when it was discovered that the magazine planned to break into her house in an attempt to find dirt they could use to blackmail her.

Finally, in a truly Hollywood ending, after the magazine's representatives had given the exact date and time of the alleged incident, Ms. O'Hara pulled out her passport and handed it to the Judge. The official stamps proved that she had been in Spain at the time and the magazine was found guilty and had to pay millions in damages. In her book Ms. O'Hara says, "My victory was the first time a movie star had won against an industry tabloid."

Sadly, in the 50 years since her victory, very few celebrities have been successful in suing the media for the lies they publish. So the scandalmongers continue the vitriolic tradition of the catty old women of ages past who whispered their hateful lies in back alleys and across garden fences.

So, next time you read some scandalous story about a celebrity, realize that it's probably a lie that has been worded carefully to prevent a law suit.

I leave you with a quote from L. Ron Hubbard: "News media is parasitic on those who make news. It is not true that those who make news need the news at all. Who needs cancer?"

Latest Video from Michael Duff

Michael Duff writes great songs:



A culture is only as great as its dreams, and its dreams are dreamed by artists. — Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard

Will Smith on Tom Cruise and Scientology

Here is another unbiased outside observer giving his opinions about Scientology.

Will Smith Defends Tom Cruise & Scientology


A culture is only as great as its dreams, and its dreams are dreamed by artists. — Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard

"Converting" to Scientology

I've recently seen several articles about Usher "converting" to Scientology. (Example: Usher Scientologist; Usher Converts To Scientology). Not being a close intimate of the singer I can't confirm or deny the reports about his interest in Scientology, but I can tell you that he has not "converted" to Scientology because there is no such thing as "converting" to Scientology.

The problem with the word "convert" is that it carries the connotation of rejecting one religious belief and adopting another. That is not how Scientology works. Most Western and some Eastern religions are exclusive, meaning if you are in the religion then you can't be in another one. So, for example, if you are a Christian you can't also be a Muslim. Scientology is not an exclusive religion, instead it is inclusive, meaning that you can be a Scientologist and member of another religion.

That's a difficult concept to get your head around if the only religions you are familiar with are those originating from the Middle East, such as Christianity, Judaism or Islam. Scientology is a religion of wisdom rather than belief and it contains no dogma about God (or Jehovah or Allah or Godhead or whatever other term you want to use for that concept). Instead it contains knowledge, principles and workable practices for living life and improving yourself spiritually. Because it deals with fundamentals that most religions barely touch upon and it does not make pronouncements about the things that most religions do, then it is possible to be a Scientologist and a member of another religion.

A good description of this is given in the Scientology FAQs: "Scientology seeks to bring one to a new level of spiritual awareness where he can reach his own conclusions concerning the nature of God and what lies in store for him after his present lifetime. Thus, like many Eastern religions, salvation in Scientology is attained through personal spiritual growth and enlightenment." (from: Does Scientology have a concept of God?)

So, next time you read that some celebrity has "converted" to Scientology you will know how much hard research the journalist reporting the event has actually done and you'll be able to evaluate how accurate his reporting is.

Tom Cruise Detox Center Helping 9/11 Workers

Here is a great story about the New York Rescue Workers Detoxification Project:

Clinic's results make 9/11 responders believe

I think the results speak for themselves.

Suri --What a Lady!

I'm a sucker for my favorite little girl.



A culture is only as great as its dreams, and its dreams are dreamed by artists. — Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard

Bart Wants You to be Happy

Last night Nancy Cartwright gave a very moving presentation at the Alex Theater in Glendale on the subject of The Way to Happiness a common sense moral code written by L. Ron Hubbard.

The Way to Happiness has always been one of my favorites but now it's even better, with the production and release of 21 short public service announcements -- one for each of the precepts in the book.

This booklet is non-religious, so any group can use it and help raise the moral standards and happiness of their fellows. It's been used in schools all over the US and in other countries, and kids have participated in essay contests where they work out for themselves how to live more moral lives. It's used in jails and prisons to help inmates reevaluate their lives and decide, on their own, to reform. It's been used with drug lords in Columbia, with gangs on the streets of LA and streets of Lagos, Nigeria. And everywhere it is used it meets with incredible success because it contains so much truth.

Last night's event was a treat, but it is just the start. Nancy Cartwright announced that her group, called Happy House plans to distribute a million Way to Happiness booklets in San Fernando Valley to combat crime, improve relationships and help the people of the Valley live better, more decent and happier lives.

I've frequently heard David Miscavige talk about the importance of The Way To Happiness as a means to help people on a broad scale, and I agree it's a terrific means of reaching out. Anyone can do it.

After all, don't you want other people to be happy too?

A culture is only as great as its dreams, and its dreams are dreamed by artists. — Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard

Jason Dohring Shares a Secret

Jason Dohring, a native of Glendale and a television actor, plans to attend the Way To Happiness Foundation’s premiere Monday of the “21 Ways to Happiness” public service announcements at the Alex Theatre.

Each video condenses one of 21 core principles outlined in author and Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard’s 1981 book, “The Way to Happiness.” The video of the house-cleaning boy depicts the principle: “Honor and Help Your Parents.”

The 21 precepts these illustrate appeal to Glendale resident and television actor Jason Dohring, who said he grew up with “The Way to Happiness” in his family library.

“The principles are not preachy at all, which is key,” he said. “I don’t think anybody likes being told that they must be moral.”>>


A culture is only as great as its dreams, and its dreams are dreamed by artists. — Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard

Julliette Lewis Taking her Licks and Giving them Out

I love Julliette. She is a natural born killer.

Watching her take BBC's John Sweeney apart was one of the highlights of the whole escapade, for me.

She's doing great with her band, The Licks, and here's an article
on how she's doing.

Juliette Lewis does just fine as a leading lady, thank you very much. ('Natural Born Killers,' anyone?) But the actress-turned-flamboyant punk frontwoman isn't too shabby when it comes to supporting roles, with which Lewis says she and her band the Licks are more than battle-tested.

"We've been together four years and we've played some of the toughest opener slots," Lewis tells Spinner. "We've opened for Turbonegro. One of the ways to earn your stripes is to open for that band 'cause their audience is very territorial. They're very much like a 'We'll beat you up after school' kind of audience -- which I love. Those shows were really exciting and we won that crowd over.">>

Wishing her the best of luck!

A culture is only as great as its dreams, and its dreams are dreamed by artists. — Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard

Giovanni Ribisi playing Einstein!

This just in: Giovanni Ribisi gets to play Albert Einstein in a yet-to-be-titled project expected for release in 2009. Meanwhile he is busy, busy, busy: with two movies out already this year, an appearance in the hit TV series "My Name Is Earl" and four movies in production or pre-production!

As an aside, I really enjoyed his performance in the 2004 hit, "Flight of the Phoenix". I thought he played a great nerdy, odd, kookie sort of guy who eventually saves everyone's butt.

Carina Ricco - Viaje Personal

Carina Ricco has a new album and is touring to promote it. "Viaje Personal" is Carina’s third album. It was produced by well-known Spanish engineer and producer Rafa Sardina (a ten-time Grammy Award winner), and it’s co-produced by Argentinean musician Cheche Alara, who has thrived in both the Hispanic and English markets.

Many talented artists converged to create this project, most notably David Campbell (Beck, Alanis Morissette, Train, Rolling Stones, et. al) who arranged and conducted string. Campbell is a 33-time Grammy winner and two-time Oscar winner. On keyboards, you will find Patrick Warren, of Fiona Apple fame.

You can find out the latest venues and more at her My Space site: Carina Ricco

A culture is only as great as its dreams, and its dreams are dreamed by artists. — Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard

Jenna Elfman is Hilarious

Here is a video of Jenna Elfman playing basketball with some guys and using the "pregnant" woman card to wreak havoc amongst them. Very Funny!




A culture is only as great as its dreams, and its dreams are dreamed by artists. — Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard

Latest from Beck!

Snakes blog reviews this as follows:

The tune is titled 'Timebomb' and it will be available this Monday via iTunes, the single will be released on August 28th for all other digital stores. "The lyric of "Timebomb" echoes some of the dark themes from The Information but is packaged in digital gris gris thunder as only Beck can do it."

We're also told that the track features "a whole gang of studio visitors on back-up vocals." Can't wait!... well you don't have to (for a live ver.) click

A culture is only as great as its dreams, and its dreams are dreamed by artists. — Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard