Based on the story and trailer below, it’s safe to say that Richard Gere’s upcoming film Hachiko: A Dog’s Tale will follow a similar pattern. It’s based on the true story of a faithful dog that died at a train station waiting for its master; who had previously passed on 10 years before.

By the way, I’m not buying the sudden upbeat tone given to the movie’s name at the end of the trailer. Don’t lie to me, Gere! This movie is going to crush our souls! Check it out below:

The Galapagos, 1.000 kilometres from mainland Ecuador, are home to unique animal and plant species and were a living laboratory for Charles Darwin. But conservationists say they are threatened by development and tourism.

So, I guess we can expect some Galapagos-themed PSA ads from Gere — though we’re not sure what foundation or campaign he might help raise funds for. Perhaps the Galapagos Conservation Trust?

Reps for Berlin’s Cinema for Peace — a high-profile gala taking place during the Berlin International Film Festival — have confirmed that Leonardo DiCaprio will be attending. The actor plans on using the black-tie event as a platform to promote awareness of environmental issues. From the Hollywood Reporter,

Now in its eighth year, the Cinema for Peace gala has always been a forum for celebrity proselytizing. Nicole Kidman attended the event under the auspices of a United Nations campaign protesting violence against women. Richard Gere used Cinema for Peace to raise his favorite political issue: the plight of Tibetans under Chinese rule.

DiCaprio’s environmental passions have been receiving a bit more press lately; especially in light of a new partnership with watchmaker TAG Heuer to benefit green initiatives. He recently commented on the political changes in the United States and what they mean for the environment saying, “I was in Rome when Obama won the election. He represents a whole new era. Obama gets it that green technology and the economy go hand in hand, that we can build an industry that will create new jobs and economic growth and make us less reliant on foreign oil.”

Look for the Berlin International Film Festival to kick off from Feb. 5-15.

Photo: Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet at the “Revolutionary Road” London Premiere | Credit: PR Photos

These days, if you’re an actor/actress, chances are you also have hubraic dreams to a.) create a line of perfume, b.) start your own fasion label, or c.) open up your own restaurant. It’s the later that we’ll be focusing on today — having gathered what we believe are the top 5 most delicious eco-friendly celebrity restaurants.

Hungry? Let’s hit the first course!

“‘It seems excessive to boycott the Games because China does business in Darfur. It’s always more important to keep a line of communication open,’ the Oscar-winning thespian told the El Pais newspaper.”

Clooney was also critical of the United States with regards to the environment saying, “What is certain is that there is less consumption (in Europe) than in the United States and people recycle more. Things work in a much more intelligent way.”

What’s George doing to reduce his carbon footprint? The 46-year-old-actor insists he’s doing his part by always traveling by motorcycle while in Italy. We imagine he’d consider doing the same things Stateside if the paparazzi weren’t always knocking him down.

via AFP

The Olympic torch and its worldly travels have long been an international tradition, dating back to ancient Greek times and re-entering popularity in 1928. This year it’s estimated that the Olympic torches trip — which covers 50,000 miles in 20 countries — will break historic records of global disaster by demanding a whopping 270,000 gallons of jet fuel. Wait…WHAT?? Yes, THIS torch has its own private plane.

Now consider this: with every gallon of jet fuel burned, 23.88 pounds of CO₂ is forced into the air. Therefore, the air travel alone will fill the atmosphere with 6,447,600 pounds of CO₂. According to the United Nations, the average American leaves an annual carbon footprint of 42,000 to 44,000 pounds of CO₂ emissions. This means the Olympic torch (not even a person here, people, a torch) will generate as much greenhouse gas as 153 Americans do in a whole year.

Now that’s just airfare, we won’t even talk about the fact the torch is being fueled by propane, thus adding another 12.669 pounds of CO₂ per gallon burned.

Listen, I get it – tradition. It’s a big deal right? Well how much are we willing to pay to for a little ancient Greek tradition. I like the torch, I’d even say the torch is pretty, but I kinda think fresh air and tolerable weather is a little prettier. Anyone else here with me?

Actor Richard Gere is placing the final touches on a new restaurant/inn in Bedford, NY called the Bedford Post Inn. The 56-year-old purchased the property — which features several 18th century buildings — last year with a business partner. Spread over 14 acres, Gere’s new venture will feature a cafe/bakery, formal restaurant, multipurpose rooms for private parties, community events and yoga classes, stables for horse riding, and 8 suites for overnight guests.

Plans also include a geothermal HVAC system, recycled beams and materials, an on-site garden and a focus on locally produced food sourced from the area’s small farms. Gere can expect some celebrity clientèle from time to time as well — as Bedford is where Martha Stewart, Ralph Lauren and Glenn Close all own homes.

Of course, Gere’s new project is not without its detractors. Most recently, neighbors complained about the ‘eyesore’ parking lot for the restaurant — prompting Gere to erect a an 18 foot long, five foot high cedar fence. Now, people claim the fence is spoiling their view — and the town zoning committee has declared that it must be torn down because it violates height limits. Unfazed, the partners are planning to comply, with Gere’s business partner Russell Hernandez saying, “If they say you have to have a four-foot fence, then that’s what we’ll do.”

Look for the Inn to open this summer. The bakery/cafe is open now.

source via starpulse

Gere, chairman of the International Campaign For Tibet was disgusted with the violent treatment of demonstrators who were protesting against Chinese rule in Tibet on Friday. So far it’s been reported that at least 10 people have been killed and numerous others badly injured.

Richard says, “In this situation if the Chinese do not act in the proper way, change their ways, acknowledge what is going on, allow free access to communication, then I think that absolutely we have to boycott. It would be unconscionable if we continued as if things are hunky dory and everyone’s happy. It’s impossible. Tibetans have been much marginalised in recent years, much more than before. And that’s why you see this pressure cooker effect in Tibet where religion has essentially been outlawed, where pictures of the Dalai Lama, who is essentially their Jesus Christ, are not allowed.”

What do you think Ecorazzi readers? Is Gere spot on or is he taking this too far? Click on the comment button below and tell us what you think!