Stars like Nicole Kidman, Hugh Jackman, Michele Williams, and Naomi Watts have come together to create a $10,000 acting scholarship in Heath Ledger’s name. The award will be given annually to a rising young Australian actor or actress looking to pursue a career in the United States. The scholarship award will be run by the L.A.-based non profit, Australians in Film.[Read more...]

Donald Trump’s The Apprentice continues to have a heartbeat on television with its 2009 celebrity edition. Last year’s first incarnation brought millions to charity, with Piers Morgan eventually winning and securing $250,000 for the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund. This year, the celebrity participants are much-more recognizable — with Clint Black, Andrew Dice Clay, Annie Duke, Tom Green, Natalie Gulbis, Scott Hamilton, Jesse James, Claudia Jordan, Khloe Kardashian, Brian McKnight, Joan Rivers, Melissa Rivers, Brande Roderick, Dennis Rodman, Herschel Walker and Tionne Watkins all competing for charity. [Read more...]

How does Cloris Leachman, the former Dancing With The Stars contestant, manage to keep all that bubbly energy flowing at 82 years of age? One might chalk it up to the fact that she’s been a vegetarian for more than 50 years. [Read more...]

Lindsay Lohan would love to do more for charity, but the paparazzi just makes it too difficult. She tells Interview magazine, “You know what’s hard? I want to give back. I want to do all the things that will make me feel fulfilled. But whenever I do those things, people think it’s a press stunt or something. Because they (paparazzi) do find me, and there’s really no way of hiding from that.” That’s what’s stopping you from “giving back”? Cry me a river — the paps are a bitch, but if you really want to help, just get out there. [Read more...]

Photo credit: PR photos

I know I’m probably going to get a lot of angry emails in response, but I don’t really care. I got enough last week for no reason so I’m more than happy to ignore the nastiness after seeing what I saw last night. I’m not about to throw on a fur coat in retaliation, but had I had one within reach, I’m not sure I would have walked away from it.

p.s. when was the last time you saw an animal attack one of its own in defense of a human? hmmmmm….. that’s one to grow on!

p.s.s. i think there are plenty of families that could have used that flour for a meal. nice job, lady.”

- Samantha Ronson discussing the whole Lindsay Lohan flour incident on her blog. What do YOU think about what Ronson’s thoughts?

Not soon after, PETA Europe’s Robbie LeBlanc released a statement regarding the incident — which makes me believe the animal rights organization may have been behind the stunt. He said, “There is nothing remotely ‘fashionable’ about the torture and death of animals killed for fur. Lindsay Lohan might be able to ignore images of bloody animals skinned alive for their pelts, but we hope a dash of flour will help her rise to the occasion and forsake fur once and for all.”

PETA has long criticized Lohan for her use of fur — naming the actress to their “Worst Dressed List” and repeatedly urging her to drop the skins. Wearing two different fur coats over the last few days probably hasn’t helped either.

I’m not the biggest fan of direct assaults on people — even if it is with flour — but I’ve got very little sympathy for Lohan and her fur habit as well. What do you think of this latest incident? Too far or just cause?

[UPDATE: X17 scored some photos of the blow-by-blow. Guess the activist didn't get away after all...]

Photo credit: PR Photos

Back in August

Undeterred, Lohan is now opening up the opportunity auction-style — putting the entire event under an umbrella of a weakening economy and the chance to give charities badly needed cash. We wish it sounded genuine, but this just has an aire of a celebrity parent craving the spotlight. Here’s a bit of the marketing that ended up in my inbox this morning:

The Fight For Charity is being held on November 24,2008 at the Hilton Long Island in Melville. The event consists of 10 boxing matches of amateur fighters. Charities such as the Long Island Community Chest and Family Residence & Essential Enterprises benefit from the money raised from the event. Thousands of spectators and fans from across the tri-state region attend this annual sporting gala.

Any one wishing to fight Michael Lohan in three rounds of boxing, can submit an offer to boxing@lifightforcharity.com. Bids to get in the ring with one of America’s well known fathers are starting at $5,000. Certain rules and regulations apply based on height, age & weight and the guidelines of USA Boxing as well as the Long Island Fight for Charity. An interview process will take place after the bid is made.

There you have it. Lindsay must be so proud.

“I really cannot bite my tongue anymore when it comes to Sarah Palin.

I couldn’t be more supportive of a woman in office, but let’s face it, it comes down to the person, and their beliefs, male or female.

Is it a sin to be gay? Should it be a sin to be straight? Or to use birth control? Or to have sex before marriage? Or even to have a child out of wedlock?

I find it quite interesting that a woman who now is running to be second in command of the United States, only 4 years ago had aspirations to be a television anchor. Which is probably all she is qualified to be… Also interesting that she got her passport in 2006.. And that she is not fond of environmental protection considering she’s FOR drilling for oil in some of our protected land…. Well hey, if she wants to drill for oil, she should DO IT IN HER OWN backyard. This really shows me her complete lack of real preparation to become the second most powerful person in this country.

Hmmmm-All of this gets me going-Fear, Anxiety, Concern, Disappointment, and Stress come into play…

Is our country so divided that the Republicans best hope is a narrow minded, media obsessed homophobe?

I know that the most important thing about this election is that people need to exercise their right to vote, regardless of their choice… I would have liked to have remained impartial, however I am afraid that the “lipstick on a pig” comments will overshadow the issues and the fact that I believe Barack Obama is the best choice, in this election, for president…

Palin’s desire to “save and convert the gays”-really??

According to this Associated Press story, the church of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin is hosting a kind of conference devoted to the “conversion of Gays” — no kidding.

Here’s the AP text: ‘Gov. Sarah Palin’s church is promoting a conference that promises to convert gays into heterosexuals through the power of prayer. You’ll be encouraged by the power of God’s love and His desire to transform the lives of those impacted by homosexuality,” according to the insert in the bulletin of the Wasilla Bible Church, where Palin has prayed since she was a child. Palin’s conservative Christian views have energized that part of the GOP electorate, which was lukewarm to John McCain’s candidacy before he named her as his vice presidential choice. She is staunchly anti-abortion, opposing exceptions for rape and incest, and opposes gay marriage and spousal rights for gay couples.’

I feel it’s necessary for me to clarify that I am not against Sarah Palin as a mother or woman.

Women have come a long way in the fight to have the choice over what we do with our bodies… And its frightening to see that a woman in 2008 would negate all of that.

Oh, and…Hint Hint Pali Pal- Don’t pose for anymore tabloid covers, you’re not a celebrity, you’re running for office to represent our, your, my COUNTRY!

And in the words of Pamela Anderson, “She can suck it“.

Lindsay- “I have faith that this country will be all that it can be with the proper guidance. I really hope that all of you make your decisions based on the facts and what feels right to you in your heart-vote for Obama!”

Samantha- “I love this country- however i wasn’t born here and don’t have the right to vote- so i beg of you all to really do your research and be educated when you cast your vote this coming november…. and if you’re in doubt- vote for obama! Mainly because if she gets elected my green card probably won’t get renewed!!!”

xoxo
Lindsay and Samantha“

Actress Lindsay Lohan has been on our radar over the last year after sporting a “Anti-Fur” button one month, and then going out on the town with a mink coat the next. This was followed by VISA bizarrely naming Lohan as the face of “ethical fashion” for their unwanted clothing campaign in London. Now, we’ve come almost full circle with Lohan attending the fur-free fashion show of Charlotte Ronson on Saturday, sponsored by the Humane Society of the US. Phew.

While no one can say for sure if Lindsay honestly gives a crap about this issue, we are happy to see her getting exposed to fashion that does not include fur — even if she’s only there to support her partner/best-bud Samantha Ronson and her fashion designer sister.

The HSUS worked with Charlotte to give out buttons, merchandise, and promote anti-fur messages throughout the event. “We are thrilled to continue our support of Charlotte Ronson and applaud her ongoing commitment to animals and fur-free fashion,” said Kristin Leppert, director of The HSUS’ Fur-Free Campaign.

Let’s hope Lohan gets the message.

The next time you go to throw something out in London, don’t be surprised to hear Paris Hilton exclaim, “That’s hot.” The city is considering experimenting with trash bins featuring celebrity voices as a way to get more people to properly dispose of their garbage. Currently, Finland is utilizing the tech for their own public bins. According to one source, a detector in the bin will activate a loudspeaker every time rubbish is deposited and the celebrity voice recording will say: “It’s great that you care about the city. Cool isn’t it?”

Um, yea. And creepy too.

A spokeswoman for the Mayor of London said that he is very interested in innovative schemes “that will encourage Londoners to recycle their rubbish.” The bins in Helsinki are just another example that they think might work really well in the capital.

Right — now the only question is: Who do you think should be featured as one of the voices of trash? Better yet, let’s have a vote!

Badly.

How bad? He’s willing to share a boxing ring with Kevin Federline to make it happen. Seriously.

The father of actress Lindsay Lohan wants the fight to happen so that it can help raise funds for some undisclosed cancer charity on Long Island. “Everyone wants me to fight K-fed because he’s a notorious celebrity dad and so am I. It’s for charity,” he told OK! Magazine. “It’s serious boxing. You have to go get a trainer. I have to register with the Mature Boxing Association.”

Problem is, Federline hasn’t even been approached yet to participate. And what tool uses charity as an excuse to get into a ring to try and beat the crap out of someone? Couldn’t there be some other competition devised to benefit a charity? Nevertheless, should Federline decline, Lohan will look for another. “I don’t care who it is; it’s for charity. I’ve been beaten up by the press, so I don’t care if I get a few shots by a kid half my age.”

Classy.

via IMDB

While there were many famous faces at the kickoff tea and fashion event, including Denise Richards, Alison Sweeney, Julie Benz, and Anne Dudek, the list of stars who gave up some threads for charity is even more impressive. Along with garb given by many of the launch attendees, donations include a maternity top from Gwen Stefani, a wrap dress from Melissa Joan Hart, and items from Lindsay Lohan, Teri Hatcher, Julianna Margulies, Jenna Elfman and others.

Bidding continues until August 27. For more info, click here.

Residents of South L.A. will have fewer fast food options in the coming year. The Los Angeles City Council has voted (unanimously!) to place a one year ban on construction of new fast food outlets. The moratorium will affect the poorest areas such as South Los Angeles, West Adams, Baldwin Hills and Leimert Park. These areas were found to have a 30% obesity rate in children compared to just 21% in the rest of the city.

Yikes. This may not please fast food junkies like Lindsay Lohan and Paris Hilton.

It’s a controversial move. The LA Times published a scathing opinion piece about the Council’s decision. But political considerations aside, it is a great thing for the environment. Fast food is a notorious contributor to massive paper and plastic waste. Hooray for fewer greasy hamburger wrappers and soda holders!