BIG NAMES JOINING FORCES:
GEORGE CLOONEY & LEONARDO DICAPRIO

Now turning to a trend that likely is a result of the recession - big names joining together to create projects.

George Clooney and Leonardo DiCaprio are teaming up as producers
.
George will be directing and starring in The Ides of March, an adaptation of the 2008 Broadway play Farragut North.
The cast also includes Ryan Gosling, Paul Giamatti, Marisa Tomei and Evan Rachel Wood.

Leonardo's Appian Way Productions is also on board. 

Shooting begins in February in Michigan and Ohio.

The film follows a young press spokesman who gets involved in backroom politics and is manipulated by veteran political operatives.

Clooney plays a presidential candidate running for the Democratic. Gosling plays the press spokesman. Giamatti is the rival campaign manager. Tomei is the reporter for The New York Times and Wood is the intern.(What’s a political movie without an intern?)

PRE-OSCAR BUZZ:
Danny Boyle’s "127 Hours"

The Oscars are around the corner, and we’ve got the scoop on all the pre-buzz surrounding the big night.

A movie getting so much buzz is Slumdog Millionaire director Danny Boyle's 127 Hours.  This is going to be huge this season. It stars James Franco and is based on a true story of a hiker's survival after losing an arm to a fallen rock. It's the grueling five-day ordeal.

James Franco’s outstanding performance is what's getting lots of recognition. The Santa Barbara International Film Festival has already announced it will present James with the outstanding performance of the year award.

Another actor who I say will be getting more buzz as a supporting actor nominee is John Malkovich for his role in Secretariat.  John really owns his role as supporting actor. When it comes to nominations, a supporting role that lifts the movie to greatness – where without it, the movie wouldn’t be what it is – is what is considered. I think John did that and more with this role.

Secretariat is based on a true story of the spectacular journey of the Triple Crown winner - a movie that was made on a remarkable feat. 

 Another star poised for some kind of Oscar momentum is Halle Berry as a mammoth campaign is about to go out for her new movie Frankie and Alice. Halle is planning a December release and full Oscar campaign - that’s right, she’s the producer too. It's a psychological drama about a true story of a stripper suffering multiple personality disorder. It's getting good reviews and she could use a good comeback!

It will be released December 17th, so it can qualify for an Oscar this year, but the real full release happens February 4th.  10,000 screeners will be sent out to all voting members and critics.

GEORGE CLOONEY:
ITALY GOES NUTS FOR HIM

George Clooney is dynamite.

He is setting trends and sparking tourism in Italy like never before. This summer was especially insane.

George originally purchased his luxurious hideaway in Lake Como to get away from his celebrity status, but it followed him overseas.

The town is booming with tourists trying to get a glimpse of him.

He feels badly for causing hassle to his neighbors – things were a lot more peaceful before.

He jokes about using Brad Pitt as a diversion: 

"Whenever I want, I can always stage a diversion and invite Brad and Angie and their 15 children to come over. Then I can sneak away to the other side of the lake by boat and do whatever I want."

CELEB NEWS:
JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE ON ‘THE SOCIAL NETWORK’

Justin says he never had a real conversation Sean Parker, yet he does a perfect portrayal of him in The Social Network. When asked about his preparation for the part, Timberlake admitted that he met Parker briefly before he was in talks for the role.

He says: “I don’t feel a responsibility to mimic anyone who’s living. I feel a responsibility to create a character that’s interesting for the film and I feel that’s what we’re all doing.”

Justin says he briefly bumped into Sean in New York but they spoke for probably two minutes telling him that he read the script and he thought that he was going to be playing the part. Justin says: “How can you not love this guy? His brashness, his sort  of cynical wit, his brilliance just popped off the page.”

He explains how he felt about playing the role in the movie. “He’s very skillful with his words and his timing so that was something that I really spent time on and reading the script, saying it out loud to myself. There’s a million ways to skin a cat but you really want to peg what makes that character tick and I think Sean really knows how to read people that’s his biggest gift, and I think he uses it, obviously, throughout this movie.”

HOLLYWOOD NEWS:
MEL GIBSON - IS HE DONE IN THIS TOWN?

So what happens now with Mel now in this business? Is he really done in this town? Well, the William Morris Agency has dropped him as a client and Summit Entertainment has not decided how to handle the pending release of his next movie, The Beaver directed by Jodie Foster.

As far as keeping Mel off The Hangover sequel recently - one studio worker in his 20’s feels there's a generational difference between older studio execs and The Hangover audience. “Our generation doesn’t really care about most of what [Gibson] said, to the people going to the movie, he’s just another wacky celebrity.”

Warner Brothers, which is making The Hangover, used to be Mel’s studio. He did all his Lethal Weapon movies there but Zach Galifianakis — who is reteaming for the sequel with Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Justin Bertha - was among those who objected to Mel.

Zach said he was in deep protest and up in arms about a film he was working on. Without naming names, other members of the cast and crew also opposed Mel's casting, and insiders said high-level execs at the studio also objected.

One other reason why Mel might have been dropped - Todd Phillips and Zach are about to get into their media push for their movie Due Date, which opens November 5 and they knew they’d face questions form reporters about The Hangover II when they wanted to focus on talking about Due Date.

The Hangover II began shooting September 30 on the Warners lot here in LA.

HOT UPCOMING MOVIE:
BURLESQUE

There is a lot of buzz for the movie Burlesque, which by the way,"burlesque" itself is so in vogue right now. It's hotter than hot so it was time we got a movie. Get ready for the November release of burlesque. this is going to be a great show performance film at least. Christina Aguilera and Cher star. This is Christina's first big-screen, starring role that would actually pay her to play out her burlesque interests. It also stars, Stanley Tucci, and even Kristen Bell and features Julianne Hough, Eric Dane, Alan Cumming, and Peter Gallagher. It looks like a smaller-scale Moulin Rouge set on a stage. The film comes out on US Thanksgiving.

meantime - Kristen says making Burlesque nearly made her a lesbian! She said she never felt so much female energy around her and she couldn't take her eyes of the women. she says she was enchanted watching Christina and Cher. In the film, Christina finds her dreams in the big city after leaving her small-town roots. Bell will play Nikki, the loose lead dancer and main attraction at the club that spirals out of control when Christina's character gets the spotlight. 

HOT NEW CELEBS:
ANDREA RISEBOROUGH AND EMMA STONE

Now turning to the new hot celebs you're going to be hearing about. They are the two new it girls.

One is the UK's Andrea Riseborough. She just had three movies at the Toronto International Film Festival. She played a young Margret Thatcher on a British TV production and was briefly in 2008's Happy Go Lucky. Now she's in Never Let Me Go as a pained youth, Made in Dagenham where she plays a sexually liberated factory worker and Brighton Rock in which she plays an innocent waitress who falls for a small-town thief.

The other actress who is the one to watch is Emma Stone, the star of Easy A, this year’s Juno-like film. She is a breakout – smart, clever, quit on her feet. She is definitely here for the long term. She says in the movie business it is important to stay authentic and true to yourself.

“My job is to be as accurately, honestly me with anyone that I can so you kind of do understand who I am and don’t have any strangely conceived notions. I think once you have two different personas it gets a little scary. “

FORBES LIST:
HOLLYWOODS HIGHEST PAID ACTORS

According to Forbes Magazine, the top 3 highest paid actors are Johnny Depp who made $75 million last year, Ben Stiller with $53 million and Tom Hanks with $45 million.



I have to say, Johnny sure deserves it. He is one of the nicest actors I have ever interviewed in Hollywood. He is humble, understated and really kind – definitely well worth every penny.

Hollywood’s highest paid actors’ earnings were looked at from June 2009–June 2010.

Johnny comes in at #1 because of blockbuster movies Alice in Wonderland, where he played the Mad Hatter, The Tourist with Angelina Jolie and Public Enemies. 

Alice in the Wonderland has surpassed the $1 billion mark in the world box office, making it Depp’s second movie in the Billion Dollar Movie Club after Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest.

Much of Ben Stiller’s earnings come from the third installment of Meet the Parents. Stiller is also one of the producers of Dreamworks’ upcoming animation movie Megamind, which will feature the voices of Will Ferrell and Brad Pitt.

Tom Hank’s film Angels & Demons earned $485 million, making it one of the top grossers of 2009. Another movie that is expected to bring more fortune to Hanks is Universal Pictures’ Larry Crowne, which he co-produced, directed, and co-wrote. Larry Crowne will be released in 2011 and also stars Julia Roberts.

#4- Adam Sandler with $40 million. Upcoming movie: Columbia Pictures’ Zookeeper (July 2011)

#5- Leonardo DiCaprio with $28 million. Most recent  movie: Inception (earning $700 million).

#6- Daniel Radcliffe with $25 million. Upcoming movie: Harry Potter andthe Deathly Hallows (November 2010).

#7- Robert Downey Jr. with $22 million. Most recent movies: IronMan and Sherlock Holmes. Upcoming movie: Due Date (November 2010)

#8- Tom Cruise with  $22 million. Most recent movie: Knight andDay (earning $223 million).

#9- Brad Pitt with $20 million. Most recent movies: IngloriousBastards (earning $314 million) and Eat Pray Love (as a producer).

#10- George Clooney with $19 million. Most recent movie: Up in the Air (earning $163 million).

CELEBRITY REHAB:
PROMISES IN MALIBU - WHERE THE CELEBS GO

Now turning to celebrity rehab and one of the hot trends these days when it comes to a diagnosis - sex addiction.

Dr. David Sack of Promises Addiction Treatment Center in Malibu says celebrities are in and out. When celebrities decide to undergo treatment, it is often a difficult decision to make and the media chasing them down makes the process that much harder. 

Dr. Sack says the decision for whether a celebrity should or shouldn’t go public about their treatment is highly individual. For some celebrities it is less intrusive to make an announcement because it decreases the frenzy that goes on when people start to speculate about where they are.

After the recent sex scandal with golf superstar Tiger Woods, there was speculation that he was suffering sex addiction. Does such a condition really exist? Or is it merely an excuse for unethical behavior?

Dr. Sack explains that experts in the field are beginning to recognize that compulsive sexual activity has many things in common with others kinds of addiction. He sees Tiger Woods as someone who has always been very private and has been very careful in managing is public image. He says that the mere fact that he continued his inappropriate sexual behavior in spite of all the problems it could cause in his life shows that compulsive sexual behavior is a lot like other substance addictions. Neurologists are seeing that there is the same kind of brain chemistry in sex addiction as there is with every other kind of addiction. Drugs used for Parkinson patients raise the level of dopamine in the brain. We know that drugs that reward people, that is the drugs that people abuse, all raise brain dopamine. Not surprisingly, in their Parkinson patients they are seeing all these impulsive behaviors: impulsive spending, impulsive drug use and impulsive sexual behavior. All these things we associate with increased dopamine seem to be true for compulsive sexual behavior.

 

Promises Addiction Treatment Center is located in a gorgeous setting atom the cliffs in Malibu overlooking the Pacific ocean.  He says that being in a beautiful setting helps on several levels. For one, generally the patients that are treated at Promises are successful or come from successful families who are used to living in these kinds of environments. He wants the entire focus of their stay at Promises to be on their recovery and growth, and not be distracted by things like bad food and a hard bed. He says he wants to give patients every reason not to fight the treatment.

AMY WINEHOUSE:
RECORDS QUINCY JONES TRIBUTE

Amy Winehouse has just contributed to the upcoming Quincy Jones tribute album Q: Soul Bossa Nostra, due out November 9th. 

Quincy says Amy’s talents as an artist are indisputable and he is astounded not only by her voice but by her tremendous knowledge of and the respect for music and its history.

It's My Party will be the first notable new song Winehouse has appeared on since her hit Valerie.  

 

Winehouse, has promised that her new album will be released by January 2011. 

Jennifer Aniston:
Latest Dating Rumors This Week


So rumors are still swirling this week here in Hollywood that Jennifer Aniston is STILL dating Tru Blood actor Christopher Gartin. I always see her at the Sunset Tower Hotel on the Sunset Strip. She's been going there for years, since the days of Brad. She was seen there with Gartin who hails from New York. People say seems like a nicy guy, was once married to a Los Angeles celebrity event planner. But just before there were rumors that she was back with John Mayer (lets hope not) and Harry Morton, Ms.Lohan's ex. then there were Gerard Butler and Bradley Cooper but they said they were just friends. When Gartin was asked if he was dating Jen - he didn't say a thing. Jens BFF Courtney Cox set them up.

So who is he? Well, he was born January 12, 1968, is an American actor and best known before Tru Blood for - Tremors 2: Aftershocks as the cab driver. He has had roles on CSI, Will and Grace and House. On Tru Blood he plays Hugo, the human lover of Isabel, a Dallas vampire who serves as second lieutenant to Godric.

BRAD AND ANGELINA:
MULTI-RELIGION HOUSEHOLD


Angelina loves being a mother and says her children are her favorite people. "They are just so much fun and I get to watch who they are becoming everyday."

Angelina and Brad expose their children to many different cultures and religions and are raising them to respect everyone. They take their kids to places of worship all over the world.

They have a bookshelf in the house that has the Bible, the Torah, and the Koran.

They take them to church, Buddhist ceremonies and mosques, teaching them about all faiths. She wants her kids to be open as she too continues to do more for society. They say that whatever religion the children will follow will be up to the children. She says she respects all religions.

Although it may seem as though Angelina has experienced everything there is to experience, she is still curious. "I want to better understand the world I live in and I want to learn how to be more effective."

HOW TO:
MAKE IT IN HOLLYWOOD

Ever wonder why some celebrities make it and some don’t? Even though they might not be the most talented or the best, there is something they are all doing right. I say this, whoever makes it undoubtedly wants it more than the next guy. No matter how much you think you want it -  you have to do exactly what is necessary to get where you want to go. That’s where many stop short.  You think you want it, but you’re just too lazy to get it. Much MORE is what is needed. 

Here is what some celebrities say about what it takes to make it.  

Vin Diesel is not a guy destined to be an Oscar winner but he still made it and is very successful.  Vin says just do it!

 

“My advice to people who want to pursue their dream is to find anyway that they can to make product. My philosophy is that product is the most important thing.  I started acting when I was seven years old and I didn’t get paid as an actor until I did Saving Private Ryan and I was 30 at that time so there was many, many years of unemployment. What I learned later was that I had to have something. I had to have product regardless of how big or small it was”.

 

Here is what Josh Hartnett advises. He is another actor not likely expected to be a huge star. “Just trust yourself the rest will follow. If you really believe in it you’ll have a better chance. If you don’t and you listen to what everyone else says it’s easy to get lost.”

Christian Slater says: “Don’t give up, just keep going and everything works out the way it’s supposed to.”

 

When you ask Donald Trump, it's all about perseverance. He says of all the people he has seen, the big failures have been those that give up and quit. “Don’t ever quit or give up.”

 

For those who want to have a successful career in Hollywood whether it be in entertainment or anything else. I can tell you this:

 

• Start early and practice.
• Get as much experience, knowledge and insight into the inner workings of what you want. 
• Go really in depth - learn about your field inside out.
• Know what your competitors are doing and do more than they have done.
• Make daily, weekly and yearly goals non-stop. Once you reach them, make new ones.
• Find a coach ASAP. No matter what field you are in, you need a coach, a mentor, someone who has made it where you want to be. You don’t know all it takes to get there. Those who are there obviously do.

YOUTUBE:
HOW JUSTIN BIEBER DID IT

Now turning to a topic that many may be wondering about these days. How the heck do you post a video on YouTube and then become a star?

Angelina Jolie may have had 38 magazine covers last year but the kid that will be on the Forbes Top 100 Celebrities list next year- mark my words - is Justin Bieber.

So how exactly did this 16-year old phenomenon do it?

He has 3.2 million Twitter followers who keep abreast of his every move and his debut album My World is the second largest opening of any album last year.

It all started when he posted himself singing on YouTube and then came the mega fame.  Bieber says he doesn’t really think about his fame. He loves his career and has fun doing it.

He is really soaking it up. His life has now moved him from Stratford, Ontario to Atlanta, writing much of his own music and being home schooled. By the way, this kid is really talented. He plays piano, drums, guitar and trumpet.

What was the process? Now take notes people.

Bieber had participated in a small singing competition in Stratford, Ontario. Many of his friends and family members who couldn’t make the show asked that he send them the video. The file was too large to attach in an email so he decided to upload it onto YouTube instead. He started seeing his video getting hits and the number kept growing. He then decided to post most videos.

Before he was signed, he ended up posting 10 YouTube videos. First, he got an email from Maury Povich who wanted him on the show. His mother didn't think it was a good fit so she declined. Then management companies began to call - they said no - because they didn’t have a lawyer. Now remember, this is a kid from the small town of Stratford Ontario, his mother a web designer and all this came fast and furiously.

After many calls and not letting up, his current manager, a man named Scooter got Bieber and his mom on a plane to Atlanta to talk business and sold both mother and son on the idea. Then Usher got involved by chance. Coincidentally, Bieber was at the studio for a meeting at the same time that Usher was there. That is where they got acquainted. Eventually, he ended meeting Justin Timberlake.  Bieber’s manager had worked with Timberlake in the *NSYNC days and introduced him. Both Timberlake and Usher were interested in signing him.

Justin Bieber is now signed with Island Def Jam with Usher. 

GEORGE CLOONEY:
BOB HOPE HUMANITARIAN AWARD

George Clooney received the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award at the 2010 Emmys Awards. The actor-director-producer, renowned for his humanitarian efforts, is just the fourth person ever to receive this Bob Hope legacy nod. It’s in recognition of his exceptional efforts to mobilize the entertainment industry in service during crises. The award will be presented for the first time in six years.

The Bob Hope Humanitarian Award is given to an individual in the telecommunications industry whose humanitarian work has brought credit to the industry and whose deeds and actions have a lasting impact on society.
 

Since its establishment in 2002, only three other honorees have been selected to receive this prestigious award — Oprah Winfrey was the inaugural recipient in 2002, followed by Bill Cosby in 2003 and Danny Thomas in 2004 (presented posthumously, accepted by his daughter, actress Marlo Thomas). 

The recipients all serve as lasting role models that demonstrate the positive impact one individual can make, reflecting the life and accomplishments of Bob Hope. 

Clooney’s determined commitment and efforts to increase awareness of human rights issues and spark constructive response to international crises make him a worthy recipient for the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award. 

FILM NEWS:
JAMIE FOXX PRODUCTION COMPANY

Now turning to the trends that have stars starting up their own production companies. The latest is Jamie Foxx setting up a second one. He has joined forces with writer-director-producer Deon Taylor to launch a production company called No Brainer Films.

It's Los Angeles-based and will focus on developing, financing, writing, directing and producing mainstream films and TV series budgeted at under $10 million. 

First up from No Brainer is the TV series Tommy's Little Girl, created by Foxx, who is co-writing and co-directing with Taylor. They plan to sell to cable networks. It’s a mob drama starring Selma Blair, and Paul Sorvino.

Foxx and Taylor will continue to run their individual production companies, Foxx-King Entertainment and Deon Taylor Enterprises, which produce larger-budgeted projects.

Foxx's next appearance is in November in the Warner Bros. comedy Due Date opposite Robert Downey Jr.

FORBES:
ONES TO WATCH FOR 2011

Now turning to the list of trendsetting stars who are the ones-to-watch  right now.

Parks and Recreation star and comedian Aziz Ansari is another star to keep an eye out for. He tours the country doing standup and he recently hosted the 2010 MTV Movie Awards. At 27-years-old, he has a three-picture development deal with uber-producer Judd Apatow, which could catapult him to the level of Steve Carell and Seth Rogen.

 

When it comes to young actresses to watch, Mamma Mia's Amanda Seyfried  is hot right now. She brand ambassador for luxury watch-maker Movado. Today, studios are fighting to cast her in upcoming romance movies.

HOLLYWOOD TREND:
CELEBRITY CHARITY

Now turning to the celebrity charity trend.

Most of the biggest stars out there today give back in some way. Brad Pitt, for one, has his Make It Right Foundation building homes in New Orleans, and Richard Gere works helping human rights. One quarter of the biggest celebrities have their own charities.

Have you ever wondered what exactly they get for doing it? They get tax credits and maximum control (and of course it boosts their image).

Top celebs give about $1 million to their own private foundations a year, but here in the US - a foundation only has to spend 5% of its assets on charity work each year. That means the money can be spent WAY in the future, maybe when a celebrity's fading image needs a publicity lift.

175 nonprofits with strong celebrity links were looked at. Many were found to operate honestly and efficiently but others ran up high expenses.

Which stars run the most cost-efficient foundations and charities? Here they are:

Last year, David Letterman’s American Foundation for Courtesy and Grooming handed out $1.2 million to a wide range of charities with overhead expense of just $25. Alec Baldwin’s foundation gave away $555,000 with only $215 in overhead expenses. Steve Martin's disbursed $399,000 with overhead of $329.

Others who do well: Celine Dion, Gloria Estefan, Kelsey Grammer, Ron Howard, Steven King, Lorne Micheals, Jerry Seinfeld, Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt and Richard Gere whose foundation is considered one of the most pure from a celebrity. He is truly one of the good guys.

Richard speaks with such wisdom.

“I consider myself incredibly fortunate in a very difficult profession where very few actors become successful and I have become successful beyond my wildest dreams. I am extraordinarily grateful for it.  At the same time it has an accompanying sense of responsibility that goes it. What I hold for myself ultimately will turn rancid. What I give away and give back obviously just creates more and more for myself as well as others. It’s never failed me every time I’ve held to that truth.”

He says this work he does is vital to his survival.

“The work that I’ve done here which is human rights work and health work, cultural work, survival and all the possible ways is incredibly stuff. I don’t think there’s anything more important in my life right now than the work that I do that comes from this faith of universal responsibility and everything that I do that comes from that place makes me happy, makes me feel good, makes me feel satisfied, connected, full. Everything that does not come from that place of universal responsibility, that comes of self-importance, self-cherishing, selfishness may work in the short run but ultimately does not make me happy at all.”

He says the quality of your being depends on helping others.

“The quality of your being, whether you’re happy or not, has little to do with your physical environment, it has to do with the state of your mind. That it what needs to be encouraged in children as well, the states of their minds. Of course with the mind, you could use it like a surgeon uses a scalpel, to do anything and success comes quite easy to those who have control of their minds.”

Celebrities with at least one foundation carrying high overhead (20% or more of grants made) include Hugh Hefner, Larry King, Dr. Phil and Jane Fonda.  

The Oprah Winfrey nonprofit, Oprah's Angel Network, (which is being shut down by the way,) gave away $8.6 million but had a higher-than-normal overhead rate of 37%. An Oprah spokesman says contributions came from viewers and that Winfrey paid the overhead herself.

A charity created by Rosie O'Donnell, the For All Kids Foundation, gave out $2.9 million in grants last year - but it spent another $1.9 million on overhead. That is 64 cents for every dollar of grants.

By the way - celebrity foundations that use sports fundraising are often among the least efficient. 

HOLLYWOOD STARS HOME:
BRAD AND ANGELINA

Now moving to Italy and details on the Brad and Angelina’s new mansion.

The famous Hollywood couple have reportedly purchased a new $40 million luxury villa in the hills of Valpolicella, Italy.

It's surrounded by a park and includes two swimming pools with waterfalls and Jacuzzi tubs, a cinema room and a gym.

They wanted something exclusive and in record time to spend the summer vacation in Italy.

The couple and their six children spent several months living in Italy this year while Angelina filmed scenes for her new movie The Tourist in Venice. 

They also own homes in New Orleans, Louisiana and in LA.

ENTOURAGE:
CONNOLLY AND DILLON BUY RESTAURANT


Entourage stars Kevin Connolly and Kevin Dillon are getting into the food business.

They've bought a restaurant and are new owners of the very popular restaurant Siro's in Saratoga Springs, next door to the New York state Saratoga racetrack.

They bought it from a group which had owned it since the early 1980s. The sale price has not been disclosed.

DIET TREND:
CELEBRITIES DETOX

Now turning to a hot trend that’s having the stars looking and feeling fabulous: detoxing.

Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore just did the Master Cleanse, a popular 10 day detox, which consists of maple syrup, lemon juice, water and cayenne pepper. Nine hours into the cleanse, Kutcher posted on his Twitter, "I want a steak, a beer, and a blow-pop. Hmmm this is gonna be rough."

Anne Hathaway does the LemonAid 48-Hour Detox Diet. Prior to the 2009 Golden Globes, she drank this four times a day for 48 hours.

Gwyneth Paltrow eats smoothies and salads for weeks at a time.

Last summer Leona Lewis did a month-long diet consisting of only vegetables and water.

‘Transformers’ star Megan Fox turns to apple cider vinegar and water, to cleanse her system.

Fergie maintains a regular, healthy diet and only allows herself one bite of dessert.

Jessica Biel who has been voted the world’s sexiest woman still relies on good old exercise to keep healthy.
She describes her workouts as: “Lots of weight training, lots of cardio, lots of running, lean down gain more muscle, lose body fat. I would workout for an hour and a half, doing 45 minutes of cardio and a full hour of weight lifting, then I would go to an hour of martial arts, then an hour of archery, and then I would fall asleep.”

LIFE LESSONS:
WILL SMITH

Now turning to wise words of trendsetting actor Will Smith and a philosophy as to what makes someone successful in Hollywood. This multi-talented actor definitely has the success and the accomplishments to back up his words. He says: “The separation of talent and skill is one of the greatest misunderstood (concepts) for people who are trying to excel, who have dreams, who want to do things. Talent you have naturally. Skill is only developed by hours and hours and hours of beating on your craft.  For me, I feel like I have a relationship with the audience. They agree they are going to go in droves and I agree that every time they go, I’m going to be better than the last time.”

WORDS OF WISDOM:
GOLDIE HAWN, SUSAN SARANDON, HENRY WINKLER

So how do stars stay grounded in Hollywood? For stars like Goldie Hawn it’s pretty clear.  She meditates, does a lot of studying and has very strong discipline. She says it’s important to stay grounded not only in the entertainment industry but in life in general, because life is basically what we make of it.

Susan Sarandon says the most important lessons for her are: don’t take anything for granted, be courageous, stay curious and don’t play it safe.

Henry Winkler, considered a mentor in Hollywood, advises: “This is my whole advice: tenacity. Believe in yourself, believe in your idea and be tenacious because eventually you will win. If you will it, it is not a dream.” How he stays grounded? “I think a lot about who I am in the universe and that I must somehow matter.” He adds, that he must make sure of this before he’s dead.

NEW KING OF HOLLYWOOD:
CRUISE VS. DICAPRIO

Who is king of Hollywood today? Tom Cruise was the world's biggest movie star but he has now lost his crown to Leonardo DiCaprio.

With two mega hits behind him in Shutter Island and Inception, DiCaprio can expect $28 million per movie. On Tom Cruise’s end, word is he will be paid SAG minimum wages to act in Mission Impossible 4.  OK, sure, Cruise will still have a back-end deal that secures him a chunk of profits once Paramount recoups its investment, but still, Tom Cruise is working for scale! 

Apparently studios just don't trust his selling potential anymore, probably looking at his latest Knight and Day, as confirmation of his diminished bankability. Knight and Day was a flop pulling in just over $20 million on its opening weekend – a fraction of its $107 million budget. On the other had, Inception has made so far a worldwide total of $363 million and shows no sign of waning. Research is indicating that audiences are making repeat visits to untangle its mysteries.

In a recent Rolling Stone interview, DiCaprio admitted that he hadn't acted in nine months since completing the film because he simply hadn't found the right project.  He is scheduled to play J. Edgar Hoover in the forthcoming biopic directed by Clint Eastwood.

DONALD TRUMP: ONLINE GAMBLING


Unlike casino mogul Steve Wynn, Donald Trump is supporting new legislation that would legalize online gambling, saying the Big Apple and other cities need the tax dollars.

He says: "Why lose all those billions of revenue? Online gaming is taking over, so we might as well have it work to the public's advantage." 

When it comes to business advice for us, he says people should be sharp, be smart, be alert, should not quit and not give up. He adds the big failures have been those people who give up.

Trump says he’s more hard working than people make him out to be. People think he leads a wonderful life of supermodels and high finance which only takes a few minutes a day. The truth is he works very hard, enjoys what he does, and doesn’t take a lot of vacations.

PLAYBOY ENTERPRISES: HUGH HEFTNER BUY BACK


Nothing like buying your company back.

Hugh Hefner's Playboy Enterprises have been downsizing and laying off employees. The problem has been falling revenue and fewer readers. 84-year-old Hugh Hefner has instead proposed to pay $5.50 US per share for those he doesn't already own. It would be a deal with a private equity firm called Rizvi Traverse Management. The move would take Playboy private. Hefner's proposal still has to be approved by company board members before he can move forward with a purchase.

Hefner says that sexual behavior in America has changed dramatically since he first started Playboy Magazine. When he first published the magazine and while he was growing up, having a baby out of wedlock was a scandal that drove some to suicide, abortion was illegal and oral sex was a major felony even inside of a marriage. He says that Playboy played a major part in changing all those laws.

Hefner does not agree with the statement that the Playboy lifestyle has fallen out of favor because of the recession. He says that people aren't spending as much, but that the spending has nothing to do with the lifestyle itself. Hefner describes: "The Playboy philosophy makes a case for life as a celebration, a suggestion that there is more to life than just a veil of tears, that life should be lived with a little style…It has to do with attitude on life." He goes on to say, ironically enough, that he was raised in a very puritan, repressive home where there was not a lot of hugging and kissing going on.

On accusation that his industry is damaging to women, Hefner says his magazine has never been anything remotely related to pornography. He says that pin-up pictures of nude and semi-nude ladies are not erotic and that it is all a matter of labeling.

Hefner considers himself an active humanist, but not an active feminist. He separated ways with the American Feminist Movement when they became anti sexual. He believes that embracing sexuality is part of what it means to be free. Women, historically, have paid the price for very irrational attitude towards sex. It is women who have been held in a place of bondage as second-class citizens. Hefner says all that is changing and that he is very much in favor of it.

When asked to justify the objectification of women for monetary gain Hefner said, "Women are sex objects. That doesn't mean they aren't human beings." He says that there is nothing wrong with celebrating women as sex objects because if they weren't, there wouldn't be a second generation. In fact he says to be a sex object and to be desired gives a woman a tremendous amount of power.

To many, Hugh Hefner might seem like a dirty old man. He doesn't see himself that way. He considers himself a very moral man – morality has always been important to him.

How often does Hugh Hefner have sex at the age of 82? He averages at three to four times a week, which is more than in the recent past now that he has several new girlfriends. He says that sex is better now than when he was in his 30's seeing as people are more liberated these days compared to back then.

Hefner doesn't grow tired of the Playboy lifestyle and has no regrets about not settling down. He has been married twice, and says that it's a lot easier to deal with several girlfriends than one wife. In fact, he says the only time he wasn't having a lot of sex was when he was married. Looking back he says his happiest times were in the early stages of romantic love. He believes "Young love, new love, keeps you young."

CELEBRITY FRAGRANCE: JENNIFER ANISTON


Nothing like buying your company back.

Hugh Hefner's Playboy Enterprises have been downsizing and laying off employees. The problem has been falling revenue and fewer readers. 84-year-old Hugh Hefner has instead proposed to pay $5.50 US per share for those he doesn't already own. It would be a deal with a private equity firm called Rizvi Traverse Management. The move would take Playboy private. Hefner's proposal still has to be approved by company board members before he can move forward with a purchase.

Hefner says that sexual behavior in America has changed dramatically since he first started Playboy Magazine. When he first published the magazine and while he was growing up, having a baby out of wedlock was a scandal that drove some to suicide, abortion was illegal and oral sex was a major felony even inside of a marriage. He says that Playboy played a major part in changing all those laws.

Hefner does not agree with the statement that the Playboy lifestyle has fallen out of favor because of the recession. He says that people aren't spending as much, but that the spending has nothing to do with the lifestyle itself. Hefner describes: "The Playboy philosophy makes a case for life as a celebration, a suggestion that there is more to life than just a veil of tears, that life should be lived with a little style…It has to do with attitude on life." He goes on to say, ironically enough, that he was raised in a very puritan, repressive home where there was not a lot of hugging and kissing going on.

On accusation that his industry is damaging to women, Hefner says his magazine has never been anything remotely related to pornography. He says that pin-up pictures of nude and semi-nude ladies are not erotic and that it is all a matter of labeling.

Hefner considers himself an active humanist, but not an active feminist. He separated ways with the American Feminist Movement when they became anti sexual. He believes that embracing sexuality is part of what it means to be free. Women, historically, have paid the price for very irrational attitude towards sex. It is women who have been held in a place of bondage as second-class citizens. Hefner says all that is changing and that he is very much in favor of it.

When asked to justify the objectification of women for monetary gain Hefner said, "Women are sex objects. That doesn't mean they aren't human beings." He says that there is nothing wrong with celebrating women as sex objects because if they weren't, there wouldn't be a second generation. In fact he says to be a sex object and to be desired gives a woman a tremendous amount of power.

To many, Hugh Hefner might seem like a dirty old man. He doesn't see himself that way. He considers himself a very moral man – morality has always been important to him.

How often does Hugh Hefner have sex at the age of 82? He averages at three to four times a week, which is more than in the recent past now that he has several new girlfriends. He says that sex is better now than when he was in his 30's seeing as people are more liberated these days compared to back then.

Hefner doesn't grow tired of the Playboy lifestyle and has no regrets about not settling down. He has been married twice, and says that it's a lot easier to deal with several girlfriends than one wife. In fact, he says the only time he wasn't having a lot of sex was when he was married. Looking back he says his happiest times were in the early stages of romantic love. He believes "Young love, new love, keeps you young."

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL: MICHAEL JACKSON SHOW


As you've heard, Cirque du Soleil will be joining forces with Michael Jackson's estate. The magic of Cirque du Soleil and the genius of the King of Pop will be combined in the creation, development, and production of Michael Jackson projects based on the music and songs of Michael Jackson by Cirque. The first show will be an arena touring show expected to start in late fall 2011.

The second, expected to begin in 2012, will be a permanent production established in Las Vegas with more high-tech, special effects.

Looking back now, Michael's own announcement of his final tour in London one year ago, now sounds very poignant considering this will be Michael's final big tribute.

The Jackson family is very happy about the show and John Branca, co-executor of the estate says "Having attended Cirque du Soleil performances with Michael, I know he was a huge fan and we are excited to be partners, to give Michael's fans a truly unique way to hear, see and feel Michael's music." Cirque du Soleil and the Jackson estate will split development and production costs as well as the profits 50/50.

Meanwhile, Michael Jackson's estate has been making a lot of money In March 2010, Sony Music, announced a $250 million deal with the estate, which will result in up to 10 albums using his unreleased music.

'This Is It' the movie made $261 million worldwide.

CELEB ADVOCATE:
ROBERT REDFORD


Robert Redford has been weighing in on the U.S. oil spill crisis, condemning efforts by major energy companies to promote their environmental credentials and use their money to influence "their parrots in Congress." He follows a trend that continues in Hollywood and everywhere: using YouTube to get your voice heard. Redford says that the 'green' advertising campaigns by BP and Chevron, made him want to throw up and that we have to stop depending on oil and go green ourselves.

In a five-minute YouTube video, produced by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), Redford says the worst oil spill in U.S. history should serve as a lesson to move away from dependence on oil and pursue alternative energy like wind and solar power.

UNAUTHORIZED BIOGRAPHY: ANGELINA JOLIE


It could be anyone pictured on the cover of Andrew Morton's latest celebrity tell-all, 'Angelina: An Unauthorized Biography,' but you definitely see her trademark "Know Your Rights" tattoo across her upper back. This is a very controversial book.

The cover shows her photographed from behind – with only the back of her head and upper torso visible.

Published by St. Martin's Press , the book is due out August 3, 2010.

She may be doing good things these days but according to this book, she was one bad girl. Andrew Morton claims that she slept with her mother's live-in boyfriend when she was just 16-years-old.

It is said she was unable to come to terms with her mother, Marcheline Bertrand, after the unspeakable affair. Marcheline was very much in love with this man.

The two allegedly struggled for years to repair their damaged relationship.

"Her mother found out and ended her relationship with the man."

Morton goes on to say that when Angelina admitted the story to her brother James recently. Morton says even he turned on her and that she has hardly anyone left in life who likes or trusts her.

CELEB TALK:
SYLVESTER STALLONE


63-year-old Sylvester Stallone says retirement is nearing. He says he's on "borrowed time" and will soon no longer feel comfortable in front of the camera. He hopes to continue his career by mirroring Clint Eastwood's directing.

"I hear the ticking clock and it's as loud as the going on Big Ben" says Stallone. Stallone is in talks with mobster the late John Gotti's son Junior John Gotti to turn his memories about his strained relationship with his father into a big screen movie. They are close to signing a deal.

Gotti Sr., who was the ruthless head of the powerful Gambino crime family, was convicted in 1992 for his involvement in the murders of 13 people. He died behind bars in 2002. Junior, was released from prison in 2005 after serving time for racketeering.

MOVIE NEWS:
JENNIFER ANISTON TURNS TO DIRECTING

Jennifer Aniston's career is taking a new turn: directing.

She will be directing her first feature film. She has announced plans to make her feature debut, following her co-direction of 2006 short film 'Room 10,' but not much more is known at this point.

Aniston says, "I have a project in development I'm going to direct. After you get enough movies under your belt you sit back and go: It's getting to a time where creatively I want to turn in a different direction."

CELEB TALK:
GEORGE CLOONEY

I've got to tell you, George Clooney is the real deal. I love him on screen and off. (His publicist Stan Rosenfield is also a great guy) He's just joined the Council on Foreign Relations - the nonprofit membership organization dedicated to improving the understanding of U.S. foreign policy and international affairs.

He was granted life membership in the prestigious think tank after Charlie Rose nominated him. He's been given a lifetime membership because of his work with Darfur and the importance of non-traditional voices in foreign policy.

Michael Douglas and Warren Beatty are also life members.

CELEB CHARITY WORK:
WORLD WATER CRISIS


Two music celebrities are joining forces for a global cause. Multi-Grammy winning performers Melissa Etheridge and Matchbox 20's Rob Thomas are hoping to help the world's water crisis. They're taking part in the "Dow Live Earth Run for Water". This is the largest global water initiative in history. They will perform separately at the Los Angeles and Atlanta events on April 18. The events will take place in nearly 100 cities across 50 countries around the world to raise awareness and funds. Melissa says she hopes her music at this event can get people to support the cause because music is something that all of us understand. Melissa is a long-time environmental advocate and believes that it's our duty as a society and as individuals to preserve the planet and its resources. She's currently working on her 10th studio album and will be recording it this July here in Malibu. The funds raised from the events will benefit Global Water Challenge, a coalition of non-profit organizations working to bring clean, safe drinking water to millions of people worldwide. Rob Thomas hopes that he too can make a difference with his music by joining forces with this world event. He will be singing his great new song called Cradle song.

PAWNBOKER TO THE STARS: YOSSI DINA

There is a big trend these days when it comes to the rich and famous: A Pawnbroker to the Stars! Yossi Dina is running a thriving business in these tough economic times. He can give someone a million dollar loan just like that. and Beverly Hills residents have been hawking their gems and artwork like never before. Yossi gets everything in his Beverly Hills elegant pawnshop. High-end artwork, fines jewels, watches, heirlooms, paintings, sculptures even golden globes and super bowl rings. The secret of his success is his ability to come up with the needed funds at lightning speed, his eye for art, and his ability to keep the names of the parties involved discrete. Yossi's customers know they can get the money they need quickly with a one-page agreement, faster than going through a bank.

Yossi Dina is located on Beverly Drive in Beverly Hills. He deals with people all over the world.

If you have something big to sell or pawn, it's
www.thedinacollection.com or (310) 888-1818.

Style at Home:
The Well-Dressed Home

Hot off the press! Annette Tatum's gorgeous new decorating book, The Well Dressed Home, is a treasure trove of lush, fashion-inspired interiors. An LA-based interior designer (Marcia Cross and Minnie Driver love her Santa Monica store!) and fashion aficionado, Tatum's credo is "inspiration is everywhere… even where you might least expect it." The book is filled to the brim with genius ways to go from runway to room, making personal style about both what you wear and how you live.

BUSINESS BRAINS:
IVANKA TRUMP


Multi-talented Ivanka Trump is a very busy woman. She recently wrote a book called "The Trump Card: Play to Win in Work and Life". The book discusses strategies for young women to achieve success in any field. She will also appear on the new season of Celebrity Apprentice. She also designs her own line of jewelry, Ivanka Trump Collection. The line features beautifully cut diamonds (that only Trumps can afford) Lastly, let's not forget that she has that little old day job as VP of Acquisitions for the Trump Organization.

NEWEST CELEB DESIGNERS: KARDASHIAN GIRLS FOR BEBE


The Kardashian sisters are known for their always on-trend, high fashion style, and now, you can dress just like them without the star budget! Kim, Khloe and Kourtney are teaming up with Bebe to design a clothing line for spring. I LOVE BEBE AND ESPECIALLY BEBE SHOES! Bebe used to be my spnsor for my tv show in La called "Shatilla's Hollywood" and the clothes were so much to shop for every week. I would get 10 outfits for a week then returned them at the end of each week. Amazing how you don't want to shop when you get to just wear the stuff once. I loved it! Kim took to her official website to announce the good news, writing "Kourtney, Khloe and I are designing for Bebe! This is honestly a dream come true! We have always loved fashion and have wanted to design for such a long time and now we finally are!" The Kardashian girls are long-time fans of the brand. Kim even counts Bebe denim as her favorite! No word on the exact launch date.

PERFUME:
THE CELEBRITY BUSINESS FOR 2010

Now turning to fragrances and celebrities venturing out:

- In Bloom Perfume by Reese Witherspoon, created for hers, is a green/floral scent. The perfume features peach, tealeaves and greenery in top notes. It includes magnolia, gardenia and jasmine, while base notes add cashmere, flowers and amber crystals. She is Avon's global ambassador working toward combating violence against women.

- Bon Jovi and Kenneth Cole partnered up to create RSVP fragrance.

- Following in the tradition of Jennifer Lopez's hugely successful fragrance empire (think Glow by J.Lo, Deseo, and Live), she also now has launching My Glow, a musky lavender scent inspired by her relationship with her children and we got this exclusive behind-the-scenes photo from the ad campaign! Love the ultra-feminine bottle? The shape is inspired by soaps from Lopez's own nursery, and the cherub cap is dual-sided to represent each of her twins: one side a baby boy, like her son Max, and the other a girl, like her daughter Emme. Be sure to check out the box the fragrance comes in—the entire design mimics J. Lo's baby shower invitations! My Glow (50 mL, $49.50) is available at department stores nationwide.

- Three exciting fragrances also come from Demi Moore's All You've Ever Wanted, a magnolia and cedar scent, launched November 1st, 2009, Sarah Jessica Parker's SJP NYC, a fruity, flowery blend that comes out in February, and Fergie's in partnership with Avon, which is slated for next year. The Ghost star Demi Moore is the current face of All You've Ever Wanted, the fragrance by the cosmetics label Helena Rubinstein - and she reveals the partnership has brought about "very deep and serious conversation" about creating her own line. She's hoping she can soon settle a contract with beauty bosses. She tells Women's Wear Daily, "I feel like I have a greater creative opportunity in working with something where we could really form a true partnership and be really mutually beneficial."

- The Kardashian Sisters have partnered up with For Every Body, an eco friendly brand of soy candles, and launched their own collection of scented candles called DASH. The line will also include gel sprays.

- Madonna will be launching four new scents this year. The first two will be called Musical, and Sensual.

- In April, look for Eva, a scent by Eva Longoria. This will not be part of the Desperate Housewives franchise like the scent ‘Forbidden Fruit'.

HEIDI KLUM:
NEW FASHION LINE

Heidi Klum is launching her own line and it starts with shoes and then moves to active wear, dresses and swimwear. She'll be creating the collection in tandem with Montrealers Rick and Brian Cytrynbaum, co-founders of Modern Vintage and Majestic Mills. She has been sketching her own designs. The to-be-named shoe range will include 48 styles ranging from stilettos to tall boots and will also include a line of maternity clothes. They will be in stores as of February 2010. Meantime, Heidi has also designed a makeup collection for Victoria's Secret. Inspired by Heidi's love for Indian culture and beauty, the collection includes an eye shadow palette, extra length mascara, lipstick in exotic spice, and passion fruit lip-gloss. All of these items will retail for under $20 US and will be available in Victoria's Secret stores.

Janet Jackson:
Two Disc Greatest Hits

Janet Jackson's latest song "Make Me" from her two disc greatest hits CD released in November 2009 is definitely worth picking up. 16 tracks are on the first CD, and 18 on the second, including smash hits from her previous releases. In addition, Janet's duet track with her brother Michael Jackson, "Scream", also appears on the list. The new compilation is titled "Number Ones" with Nelly, Q-Tip and Joni Mitchell. This year will also bring another film starring Janet as she joins Tyler Perry in his sequel, "Why Did I Get Married Too", followed by a new album slated to release during the first quarter of 2010, available on Janet's site.

IN THE BEAUTY BUSINESS:
IGLESIAS AND THE KARDASHIANS

Joining the ranks of famous fragrance faces like Justin Timberlake for Givenchy Play and Hayden Christensen for Lacoste Challenge is singer Enrique Iglesias. Iglesias is now the face of Azzaro Pour Homme. The fragrance has been a classic for decades. They have cast him as a seducer in the campaign. He says he truly loves the smell. The campaign was shot by photographer Steven Klein. Klein has been behind the lens of many celebrity shoots with stars such as Madonna and Brad Pitt. The cologne has been described as "the eternal charmer, a man who loves and respects women" which can easily describe the tall, handsome, Spanish singer.

Azzaro Pour Homme is available at select Macy's.

Meantime, family matriarch Kris Jenner and her Kardashian girls Khloe, Kim and Kourtney are launching their own skin care line. They hope to have it in stores this Spring. The launch will coincide with Kim's new fragrance, which will be available exclusively at Sephora stores in February. Beauty isn't the only market these business savvy girls will target. They recently signed a five-year contract to design for Bebe clothing.

Trendsetting:
Billionaires

You'll be glad to know...the richest people in the world have gotten poorer along with everyone.... just how much?

Well, this year, the world's billionaires have an average net worth of $3 billion, down 23% in 12 months. The world now has 793 billionaires, down from 1,125 a year ago. After slipping in recent years, the U.S. is regaining its dominance as the place for wealth.

Americans account for 44%. Bill Gates lost $18 billion but regained his title as the world's richest man. Warren Buffett, last year's No. 1, saw lost $25 billion as shares of Berkshire Hathaway fell nearly 50% in 12 months. Mexican Telecom model Carlos Slim Helú is #3 even after loosing $25 billion. By the way, William Henry "Bill " Gates III (born October 28, 1955) is a business magnate, philanthropist, author, and chairman of Microsoft, the software company he founded with Paul Allen. He is ranked consistently one of the world's wealthiest people and this is back on top. During his career at Microsoft, Gates held the positions of CEO and chief software architect, and remains the largest individual shareholder with more than 8 percent of the common stock. He has also authored or co-authored several books.

TREND:
AROMATIC SCULPTURES and USB KEYS WITH SCENTS.

Now turning to Home fragrance: and Aromatic alternatives to candles…Hot these days are chic oil sculptures to potpourri "rocks" and even USB plug-ins for your computer, scents for the home are now available in an array of options.

Hollywood is loving DayNa Decker's Luminesse Sculptures ($300-$640; daynadecker.com).

L'Artisan's scented amber balls and new Chez Moi diffuser are decorative alternatives ($75-$500) Potpourri rocks from India Hicks ($30; Crabtree-Evelyn.com) and there are Scented USB drives, which stick right into your computer, ($30-$35; protocoldesign.com )

TRENDSETTING A-LIST ACTRESS:
KATHERINE HEIGEL

The beautiful Katherine Heigel from Greys Anatomy is one of hollywood's A - list, leading actresses today. Her movies do big business. and She has moved her way up the ladder quickly. She says she loves being on such a trendsetting show that abc nighttime quirky shows are huge business now. She is a big proponent of women's rights.

Her mother, years ago, was diagnosed with cancer and she moved her to LA to Malibu. Her mother became her manager.

In 2005, Heigel was cast in what would become her most high-profile role, as intern Dr. Isobel "Izzie" Stevens on Grey's Anatomy.

In 2006, she filmed Knocked Up which was a box office success. She has been on FHM's "100 Sexiest Women in the World" list twice as of 2007. In 2007, Heigel won an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her role as Izzie and in 2008 she was voted the Most Desirable Woman of 2008, according to AskMen.com.

STYLE ICON AND TRENDSETTER: FERGIE


Who is the celebrity who sets trends anytime she shows up somewhere, wears something, or sings about something. She's glamorous and sexy and she's FERGIE from the Black Eyed Peas. People are mesmerized by her. She just married Josh Dumel from the show Las Vegas.

Her real name is Stacy Ann Ferguson, a straight A student in school and is now along with being a singer, is a songwriter, fashion designer, model, and actress. She just launched a new shoe line (she already has a purse line with kipling). The Grammy Award-winning singer signed a contract with Brown Shoe to create her own unique line of footwear bearing her name.

Fergie is partnering with Brown to capture her style and incorporating it into her footwear line.

Her album Duchess in 2006 had 5 Billboard Hot 100 top 5 singles (three of which went to number one) making The Duchess the seventh album from a female artist to spawn five Top 5 hits.

The Duchess, is a mix of pop and R&B songs, including "Glamorous".

Her backstage ritual is eating 2 hours prior to show because she says if she eats closer to the show- she gets sick.

Fergie is an avid user of hypnotherapy, which she used to overcome her crystal meth addiction and uses now to relax.

HOTTEST L.A. HOTEL AND RESTAURANT/ BAR:
"THE BAZAAR" AT THE SLS HOTEL AT BEVERLY HILLS

The hottest food trend this year....bigger than even last year: small portion sizes, tapas style and the absolute hottest place in L.A. to get it is at the world-class: The Bazaar by José Andrés at the new SLS Hotel at Beverly Hills. What a spot!!

A new National Restaurant Association survey of more than 1,600 professional chefs says this small portion plating is the the #1 food trend this year. In Hollywood, everyone's eating tiny dishes. The Bazaar is now my favorite and #1 travel pick for those visisting LA. It's got the most amazing decor, designed by famed designer Philippe Starck. Fantastic! You have to see it, and the food, well, it's out of this world.

Each dish better than the next. Chef Jose' Andres' is behind the menu and is partners with the SBE Hotel Group. Andrés has received numerous distinctions for his culinary expertise. In 2006, the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington named him the Chef of the Year. Andrés hosts his own show in his home country of Spain. President of SBE is the very debonair Arash Azarbarzin who sat down with me recently to talk about this one-of-a-kind undertaking. SBE is known in Hollywood as the leader in cutting edge dining hippest places like the famed KatsuYA sushi, also my favorite sushi spot in town. It also gets my mega vote for inventive sushi and outstanding decor.

Azarbarzin says the dining experience at The Bazaar is also about 'entertainment eye-candy'. "The Bazaar is really like Alice going to Wonderland. This space is really an experience to be seen and savored. SBE is a muti-concept operator synergizing high-end dining, nightlife, a luxury hotel and film production brands. Created by some of the world's most talented minds, SLS has designs and custom furnishings by Starck, and custom-curated retail by Moss and Pascal Humbert-designed uniforms.

"From the moment you walk in, from the design the furniture the little details that Starck and Theresa Fatino put into place, will just wow you! Every sense will be ecstatic when you walk in" says Azarbarzin and I can't echo that more. I have gone several times and each time, I see more and more things that I didn't notice the time before. Here you get everything from nitrogen cocktails, tarot card readings, cotton candy and foie gras sticks to a caricatures drawn of yourself - all for free while dining on weekends. Azarbarzin says people today want everything - the music to be great, the lighting to be just right, the energy and the ambiance along with outstanding food.

The Bazaar houses furniture from all over the world and It's really three restaurants, all filling the hotels lobby.

There's Bar Centro, Pâtisserie, and Rojo y Blanco.

Rojo serves traditional tapas. Blanca has molecular- gastronomy tapas such as liquid olives and avocado tempura. You can also buy eclectic pieces which are all on display in glass cases. Everywhere you walk - you want to stop and look. The chairs are particularlly beautiful - and each one is different. (my favorite is one with antlers) Bar Centro and the one-of-a-kind gorgeous Patisserie can't be missed.

It is all located in the entrance level of the Hotel. What makes this restaurant so fun and unique is the design and concept of the four separate areas which make up The Bazaar. Los Angeles has never had anything like this, nothing as exciting. Food outstanding, service equal to that.

As far as the hotel...

SLS is a new luxury hotel brand by SBE Hotel Group, which is a division of SBE Entertainment, a company headed by Sam Nazarian.

SBE Entertainment acquires and develops projects, ranging from hospitality to night clubs. The SLS brand of hotels was started by SBE to "redefine" the luxury hotel experience. They aim to have their brand be one of the more dominant forces in the upscale hotel market.

The SLS Hotel at Beverly Hills is the first hotel of the SLS brand. It opened fall 2008. SBE contracted with Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Inc. to manage the SLS Hotel at Beverly Hills. It's a member hotel of The Luxury Collection, which is more than 70 fine hotels around the world. SLS has 297 rooms, a rooftop pool, and fitness center. A notable thing I want to tell you about is: Seven of the 297 rooms are fitness-oriented "lifestyle suites." with fitness equipment manufactured by Technogym, an Italian-based company specializing in high-end fitness equipment. Technogym has made its Kinesis Personal equipment as well as its trainers available to hotel guests. The starting cost for a room at the SLS at Beverly Hills is around $300/night.

465 S. La Cienega Blvd., L.A.

310-246-5555

thebazaar.com

CELEBRITY SALARIES:
WHO's ON TOP?


Who are the most powerful and the big money makers?

Ok, I've got the rundown.

At the top of the list, you guessed it, the divine Miss O.

She made last year 275 million dollars.

Oprah is the Queen of all media thanks to her show, real estate, movies, dr.Phil, Rachel ray, the oprah TV network launches this year.

Next in line is an athlete celebrity.Tiger Woods.

He made $115 million last year because of golfing, and so many endorsement deals.

Following him another athlete - David Beckham, he made 250 million signing with The Galaxy, then 35 million a year for endorsements with Motorola, Addidas, Pepsi and Coty.

Beyonces husband, record mogul and performer Jay Z. He made 82 million last year His Heart Of The City tour sold out overnight.and he signed a new deal for 150 million with Live Nation, one of the biggest deals in music history.

Speaking of Beyonce...she made 80 million just by last June thanks to her tour and deals with Armani, American Express, Direct TV, L'Oreal, Diamonds perfume and her clothing line House of Deron.

Teen sensation Miley Cyrus came in at 50 million last year, not bad for a 16 year old...thanks to her TV show on Disney, movies, and her tour.

Gwen Stephani came in at 27 million last year due to fashion line and tour and finally Jennifer Lopez comes in at 7 million dollars.

CONSPICIOUS CONSUMPTION IS OUT

As people are questioning and frowning upon conspicuous consumption - large luxury companies such as Gucci and hugely paid celebrities such as Madonna are giving back like never before. At the last New York Fashion Week - Madonna and Gucci raised money with a show to raise money for Unicef and for Malawi - the country where Madonna adopted a child and, she says, lost her heart.

Instead of celebrating the opening of its giant flagship on Fifth Avenue with a big spending party in the three-story store, Gucci chose to underwrite the benefit to "give something back." All profits and pledges went directly to Raising Malawi, Madonna's charity, and to the Unicef Schools for Africa effort. Gucci now supports programs in Malawi and Mozambique for children orphaned by HIV/AIDS..

Madonna, the singer and philanthropist says her signing career has allowed her to give back. She says something very big has changed in her since she began travelling to Africa.Madonna's  aim is to create in Malawi, an academy offering education to girls b 2010.

GREEN CELEBRITY: ENTOURAGE STAR ADRIEN GRENIER

Entourage star Adrien Grenier continues to set trends as a green conscious celebrity. He drives a Toyota Prius hybrid and is just one of the many celebrities who are very vocal about their environmental activism. Grenier has embarked on a new television series The Green Life - that will illustrate how making small changes in everyday living can be cool and simple. Along with a friend, their new production company, is called "Reconcile" and was derived from the name of Adrian's other company, Reckless Productions - Webster's definition of restoring friendship and harmony; in this case with the earth. He's also following in Leonardo Dicaprio's footsteps and is producing a documentary film about media culture. Adrian says "if everyone just became a little more aware of his or her own personal impact on the earth, real change would ultimately result."

MADONNA:
LOUIS VUITTON CAMPAIGN

Speaking of trendsetting...

Have you seen the shots yet...Madonna's ads for Louis Vuitoon? Their spring-summer advertising campaign a has Madonna channeling '40s Parisienne chic.

Marc Jacobs was very clear in his desire to use her, saying: "I wanted the campaign to be very bold, very sensual and very atmospheric. To carry off all these references and all this sophistication, we needed the ultimate performer - and for me, that is Madonna."

Renowned photographer Steven Meisel took the shots that includes a mix of African and Parisian influences tribal jewelry and accessories, beaded fringed mega heels and animal-print bags.

TRENDSETTER:
CANDACE BUSHNELL of SEX AND THE CITY

From trendsetting author Candace Bushnell comes her latest book...and it's not about sex...It's about a hot topic today - real estate. It's called: One Fifth Avenue, a real address in New York.

The book focuses on characters inhabiting a landmark art deco building in New York City's Greenwich Village. In addition to One Fifth Avenue and Sex and the City, which began as a series of columns for the New York Observer, Bushnell has written three other novels, including Lipstick Jungle, the basis of the NBC series. She hosts a New York-based radio show called Sex, Success, and Sensibility and is working on two young-adult books for Harper Collins about Sex and the City's Carrie Bradshaw during high school and college. She learned early on ow crazy people can get over their property. Her mother was a real-estate agent. She says her mother taught her how real estate is so deeply ingrained in people's psyches, very deep-rooted and complicated, It really goes back to the caveman days - who had a bigger cave than someone else? She says New York is always the perfect backdrop for these stories about powerful women.

The real-life One Fifth Avenue skirts Washington Square Park and is home to Blythe Danner, Sam Sheppard, Tim Burton and Helena Bonham Carter.

MATTHEW McCONAUGHEY: ONLINE STORE

Matthew McConaughey has plenty on his plate between his acting career, modeling for Dolce & Gabbana and being a new dad, but he launched a lifestyle trend brand - an online store for his clothing line j.k. livin. Jklivin store.com In 1993, Matthew was filming DAZED AND CONFUSED, struggling with the passing of his father when he was overtaken by a saying that would soon change his life. That saying was "just keep livin" or "j.k. livin" as it's now called. His father "Pop" is the man stenciled in the logo in remembrance of its origin. He says as life continued forward, he found that the j.k. livin approach to each day helped him navigate through the good times and bad, stay true to his ideals along the way and make the best out of this adventure we call life. He also created a foundation. It has clothing for men and women - sweatshirts, T-shirts, accessories, infant onesies, frisbees, wristbands, music downloads, gift cards, foundation donations and more to come in the future. Right now, there aren't alot of items on the site but it's growing.

jklivinstore.com

HOW CELEBRITIES STRENGTHEN BRANDS

Just how powerful is it when they're wearing a product and it gets photographed?

A celebrity can strengthen a brand, raise visibility overnight and ultimately increase sales. We know luxury goods and high-end jewelry brands depend a lot on celebs and there have also been successful alliances between Nike and Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods and Gillette and Anna Kornikova and Omega watches...Celebrities are now arbiters of good taste. What they wear becomes a branding benchmark of what's in. Neil Lane Hollywood jeweler to Madonna, Charlize Theron, Naomi Campbell, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Reese Witherspoon says Hollywood celebs have an impact - not only on what we see as style - but as glamour and the Hollywood dream. He says stars have increased his sales. He remembers Gwyneth Paltrow wore his jewels to the Oscars a few years ago, and he received a call from a lady in Indiana who wanted to buy them but he told her Gwyneth bought them....so he made her a similar set....She then turned into a good customer and bought dozens of pieces in past few years.

Le Vian Jewelers here in Hollywood, dress many stars for the red carpet and are known for their chocolate diamonds. Celebrity endorsement in a 'campaign' is very different though than dressing a star for the red carpet....having a brand 'spokesman' means they're the face of the company for better or worse... a celeb chosen for a campaign must epitomize the brand ideals and also be a serious respected star. They must be someone that people look up to as a trendsetter...and if so...then such campaigns can sustain sales for a long time. Bottom line: celebs create trends - trends create sales.