PETER BOWES: Los Angeles, California

Technology is great when it works...

2012-03-09T08:56:00.000-08:00

Isn't it frustrating when your computer crashes or misbehaves as you're trying to show off something you've just created? Especially when the audience is really important! Watch...

Red carpet, nostalgia and a new name...

2012-02-24T06:59:00.001-08:00

Hope it fits!

The red carpet is down and the scene is almost set for the Oscars 2012. Must try to get used to not calling the venue the Kodak Theater, now that it is officially to be known as the Hollywood and Highland Center. Think it needs a snappier name!

It's the 84th Academy Awards. My 17th. The theme this year will be nostalgia, with the theater redesigned to resemble a 'timeless movie theater.' Harking back to the late 1920s, it reflects the key nominees, Hugo and The Artist, both of which pay homage to cinema's early days.

50 days into 2012. What next...?

2012-02-19T14:57:00.000-08:00

It's February 19th and we're 50 days into the New Year already. It hardly seems new any more. The weeks have flown by, although we're still in the depths of winter (figuratively speaking, for those of us in California) and summer holidays aren't quite close enough to get excited about. But what ever happened to those well-meaning January resolutions to lose a few pounds and live a healthier lifestyle?

On January 2nd I did a radio show with fitness trainer Alwyn Cosgrove, co-owner of Results Fitness in Santa Clarita. We discussed goal-setting, time management and achieving results.

Listen to Alwyn's philosophy on training and goal-setting

Alwyn, a two-times cancer surviver, pointed out that none of us is guaranteed "the western idea that we'll work until we're 65 and then retire end enjoy it".

He added: "We don't know how long we've got, so don't put things off. It's not just about looking better, it's about feeling better and being able to do things. If you knew you only had 10 years left, what would you do with it? And how do you know you don't?"

Such talk focusses the mind, especially for those of us of a certain age. Next month I will turn 50 and he has my attention.

As of January 1, 2012, the Results Fitness scales told me I was carrying 21.6lbs of excess fat. So, challenge accepted, I decided to set an ambitious year-long goal to reduce my 24.5% body fat to about 10%, which I acknowledge is a huge change. Additional challenges in the first 4 months of the year will be to compete in at least one triathlon (March 3rd) and a mud run (April 15)

My personal challenge also coincides with a group fat-losing effort at Results Fitness, involving teams of 5 people, over a 6 week period. We're already into week 2.

As it happens, I have never felt better, physically. I've been doing triathlons, marathons and regularly working out for decades. I'm in pretty good shape, despite having one or two age-related conditions to contend with and a genetic predisposition (most likely) to elevated blood pressure. Thanks to medication, it's under control.

When I checked in on the scales at the end of January, I had lost 4.8lbs of fat (a drop of 1.8%), which put me comfortably ahead of schedule, for my 12 month goal. Weight: 188.5lbs, BF 22.7%

The triathlon training has been going well - I'm trying and enjoying a new sleeveless wetsuit for the swim portion - my least favorite leg - of the swim/bike/run. Resistance training sessions, solo and group classes, number at least four a week. The only hiccup has been a foot/muscle injury which has been frustratingly slow to heal. So my running training has been compromised. But the foot's improving.

So, as we enter the next 50 days of 2012, in addition to the above, my goal is to focus on diet. Not so much what I eat (though important) - but keeping track of it all and portion size. Every trainer says we should write it all down. I've tried, for a day or two, but stuff happens and it's the first thing to stop. So, maximum effort for the next 50 days (it's not something I am going to do for ever) - and when better to do it than a 50-day spell when I know I am going to be extremely busy with other things. Like the Oscars this coming week and then a week spent at the TED conference in Long Beach. Then it's the triathlon. Oh and then I turn 50 - not so much a goal, but an inevitable milestone. As I say, it focusses the mind.

Hope you enjoy the next 50 days as much as I will! Or do I mean years?

Grammys plan "respectful" tribute to Whitney....

2012-02-12T10:58:00.000-08:00

Shock waves continue to reverberate around Los Angeles, following the untimely death of Whitney Houston. As the LA coroner prepares to carry out a postmortem examination of Whitney Houston's body, the producers of the Grammys say there will not be a "full blown" tribute to the singer - it's "too soon." Instead there will be a "something respectful to Whitney's memory." Jennifer Houston (who received a Grammy from Houston in 2009) will perform.

Adele's voice post surgery is just fine....

2012-02-10T23:03:00.000-08:00

She'll perform on the Grammys on Sunday, but gave CBS News a sneak preview:

Watch Adele sing here...

Plus:

The Los Angeles school hit by an alleged abuse scandal reopens today with an entirely new staff....

2012-02-09T08:36:00.001-08:00

Education officials moved out the entire workforce from Miramonte Elementary School when two longtime teachers were arrested on charges of lewd behavior. Following outrage from parents, the new staff comprises a retired principal, 88 teachers and dozens of support staff who were recently laid off and were on a rehiring list. The previous staff are not under suspicion but they are being questioned.

Another Sunday, another red carpet...

2012-01-29T08:00:00.000-08:00

After another victory by the French filmmaker Michel Hazanavicius, who won the Director's Guild top award for The Artist last night, it's the Screen Actors Guild Awards today in LA.

So, another red carpet (a pretty big one usually), this time at the Shrine Auditorium in Downtown Los Angeles. The SAG awards honor actors - and only actors, from TV and the movies. It's yet another dress rehearsal for the Oscars - and the list of winners is likely to look uncannily similar to all the other awards shows - but, above all, tonight is about actors loving themselves and their trade union. Deep breath...see you on the red carpet.

Another ambitious clean air goal for California

2012-01-27T13:01:00.000-08:00

California has introduced tough new emissions standards with the goal of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by a third by 2025. The California Air Resources Board require that one-in-seven of new cars sold in the state in 2025 be an electric or other zero-emission vehicle. Such a lofty goal comes at a time when the state is struggling to against massive debts and a faltering effort to introduce high speed rail between Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Jackson legend lives on...and #Octomom babies turn 3

2012-01-26T08:56:00.000-08:00

It's another beautifully warm January day in LA, in a week of weather extremes here. Some stories in the news today:

Hollywood Blvd will be crowded with fans and celebrities as Michael Jackson's children take part in a hand and foot print ceremony at Grauman's Chinese Theater, for their late father, the King of Pop. He's believed to be the first star to receive the posthumous honor.
There's an intriguing LA Times story about the LAPD cracking down on real estate agents using drone aircraft to photograph homes from above.
The 'Octomom' babies -- the world's only complete set of octuplets -- Noah, Maliyah, Isaiah, Nariyah, Jonah, Josiah, Jeremiah, Makai -- turn 3 today.

Facebook: Peter Bowes reporting from LA | Twitter | email

Oscar nominations imminent and Condor observing in San Diego

2012-01-24T03:00:00.000-08:00

This is the day in the year when Hollywood folks get up really early... to hear how much they're loved. The rest of the time they just assume it. But seriously, the Oscar nominations are just about to be released. And it is serious business. The next few days will see the so-called Oscar bump (at the box office) for those films nominated. Expects lots of love for The Artist, The Descendants, The Help and Hugo. I'd really like to see War Horse do well, although some critics were luke warm about the Spielberg epic, which may have dented its chances. 50:50 was good too - not really a comedy (as categorized by the Golden Globes) but a moving drama about dealing with cancer.

Jennifer Lawrence (a nominee last year) will join The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science chief Tom Sherak to reveal the nominees at 05:38.30 LA time.

I'll be on BBC TV - the News Channel and BBC World at 0530 PT/1330 GMT with all the fun.

For more subdued viewing I recommend this:

San Diego Zoo Safari Park has set up a cool webcam - the Condor Cam - to observe a pair of condors incubating an egg. It's slow but rather addictive.

Facebook: Peter Bowes reporting from LA | Twitter | email

Rain at last, Oscar buzz ahead of nominations tomorrow

2012-01-23T10:50:00.000-08:00

It's been steadily raining in LA all morning. No big deal, unless you work in the local media. We're way behind in rainfall this winter, so every drop is welcome. In the news today:

The So Cal-based marine accused in the killing of 24 unarmed Iraqis in 2005, has announced an agreement to settle the case. Staff Sgt. Frank Wuterich will plead guilty to a single count of negligent dereliction of duty. The maximum sentence is three months
Three films starting with the word, The, lead the pack of Oscar hopefuls. The Artist, The Descendants, The Help and Hugo are likely to dominate the list of nominees - due to be announced Tuesday at 0538:30 PT. Being so far behind the rest of the world, Hollywood has to get up early to catch the news cycle. It's usually for a yoga class. I saw Shame last night and was bowled over by the totally unexpected but exquisite rendition of New York New York, by Carey Mulligan.

The head-in-the-park mystery is unresolved. LAPD looking into victim's personal life. Head, hands and feet of 66-year old man were found in Griffith Park last week.

Oh and the LA Times' website is leading with the story about Big Ben tilting. Bizarre.

Facebook: Peter Bowes reporting from LA | Twitter | email

California today... Etta James dies, Police ID 'head' in the park...

2012-01-20T09:56:00.000-08:00

On my radar today...

The legendary Rhythm and Blues singer Etta James has died in Riverside, CA. She was 73 and had leukemia. She'll be best known for the ballad At Last, which she belted out in 1961.
LAPD says it knows the identity of the severed head found in a Los Angeles park. But they're not saying who it is...yet.
Unemployment is DOWN in CA for the 5th straight month. The jobless rate in the Golden State now stands at 11.1%. That's still considerably higher than the national rate.
Red Tails, the film about black airmen, set in 1944, opens today. It's the movie George Lucas said Hollywood refused to fund, because "all black" films won't sell at the box office. Is Hollywood racist?
There's a storm heading for LA this weekend. Much needed rain...

Enjoy the weekend!

Facebook: Peter Bowes reporting from LA

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What's happening and piquing my interest in #California today?

2012-01-19T06:20:00.000-08:00

The stomach-churning discovery of a human head in a plastic bag in a popular Hollywood park continues to dominate the local news. Now more body parts have been found - hands and feet - but the body has still not been identified. How long before this grisly tale is "ripped from the headlines" by a TV crime drama?'
California is "on the mend" according to Gov. Jerry Brown in his State of the State speech. Deficit is down to $9.2b. The not-so-new big idea is the much delayed bullet train between LA and San Francisco (520 miles) which Gov. Brown is backing - but there's little sign of the track being laid.
David Beckham has re-signed for the LA Galaxy for 2 years. "I've seen first hand how popular soccer is now in the States, and I'm as committed as ever to growing the game here." True - I do see more kids practicing (really early in the morning) on the playing field around LA these days.
Johnny Depp is remains America's favorite actor, according to Harris Poll. But political allegiances apparently influence celebrity worship: Depp is also the favorite actor for both Republicans and Independents, but Democrats say Denzel Washington is their favorite actor. More
Countdown to the Oscar nominations next Tuesday (0538 PT/1338 GMT)? Will it be a two-horse race between The Artist and The Descendants?
Ricky Gervais blogs re the Golden Globes: “I've told my agent to never let me be persuaded to do it again.
At last it's feeling wintry in canyons. We may even get some much needed rain by the weekend. Unusually for January, it's so dry we're on wildfire watch.
Interesting piece about social media, which may prove a lifeline for 'appointment TV': How Twitter saved event TV gu.com/p/34nqe/tw via @guardian

Facebook: Peter Bowes reporting from LA | Twitter | email

Will Ricky Gervais make the Globes worth watching again?

2012-01-13T20:12:00.000-08:00

The Hollywood Foreign Press has made a wise choice in Ricky Gervais to host the Golden Globes - for a third time. The British comedian is promising to pull no punches as he roasts Hollywood's finest, on live TV. If last year's performance is anything to go by, he will not disappoint. Despite giving the impression of being oh so shocked and insulted, the Globes top brass know they have to deliver a show that will get people talking and start Facebook-worthy buzz. Bums on couches and the advertising bottom line are all this show is about. Oh and then there are the awards. Ho hum. That's what the Oscars are for.

Mesmerizing performance by Charlize Theron in Young Adult

2011-12-18T13:27:00.001-08:00

Director Jason Reitman reunites with Oscar winning writer Diablo Cody (Juno) for this story of a divorced fiction writer (Theron) who returns to her small-town home in the hopes of hooking up again with her ex, played by Patrick Wilson. The problem is that he is happily married and a dad. Stand out performance by Patton Oswalt, who plays a mistaken hate crime victim who befriends the crazed writer. Theron is compelling as the heartless stalker.

Meeting Jermaine Jackson the morning after verdict day

2011-11-09T07:13:00.000-08:00

"Seeing Murray handcuffed" did little to bring Jermaine Jackson "closure" at the conclusion of the six week trial of Michael Jackson's doctor. I met Jermaine at his home, the morning after verdict day. It was his first interview after the roller coaster trial which tested the Jackson family's emotions and drew worldwide attention. Off camera he was quiet and subdued. We chatted in his living room, surrounded by family photos - including one of the Jacksons in France, with Michael, taken a month before the singer's death. It was to be their last together. Jermaine told me the family was "still looking for answers" to help them understand the death of his brother. The family will pursue civil actions in the courts. "He was looking at the money instead of the human being," he said of Murray, who was paid $150,000 a month to care for Jackson. "Michael wanted to sleep, he didn't want to die."

Video at BBC News

Night falls on a day of Jackson high drama

2011-11-07T19:55:00.000-08:00

The fans have gone home, Conrad Murray is in jail, the court is locked -- but we're still talking. Picking over the day which exploded into action shortly before 11AM local time, when word came down the the jurors had buzzed, three times. Verdict! The excitement and sense of anticipation was palpable. Two hours later, a stoic Dr Murray heard that he had been found guilty of a single charge of involuntary manslaughter. He had killed Michael Jackson. The cuffs were on and he was transported straight to jail. Few were surprised that he was found guilty. The evidence seemed to be overwhelming. It is not the final chapter in the life and tragic death story of Michael Jackson, but it will probably be the last day of high drama. Murray will be sentenced in three weeks. There will be civil trials, but for the family's sake, at least, lets hope Michael Jackson can rest in peace. And we will move on.

When will the Murray verdict come?

2011-11-07T10:49:00.001-08:00

Waiting outside the criminal court building in a chilly, sun-deprived, tree-lined street in Downtown LA, the air is thick with anticipation and diesel fumes from the media trucks and inner city buses. Rival (but small) groups of Michael Jackson and Conrad Murray supporters try to out scream each other. "Justice for Michael..." "Victory for Conrad." The media is out in force, with reporters breathlessly interviewing the assembled throng of self-appointed legal experts and local loud mouths. Occupy LA people across the road join in, to muddle the message further. Inside the building, 7 men and 5 women are deciding Dr Murray's fate - guilty would mean up to four years in jail for the involuntary manslaughter of Michael Jackson. It's day 2. Lunch is an hour away.

Zoobombing in Portland

2011-11-06T14:37:00.000-08:00

It's always good to get out of town - indeed out of state - to experience something new.

When I visited Portland in Oregon recently I was introduced to the crazy world of Zoobombing. Simply put, a bunch of free-spirited bike enthusiasts meet every Sunday evening, to hurtle down a steep hillside on kids bicycles. They take the monorail up, and bike down. And they do it several times in to the early hours of Sunday morning.

Why? It's fun. They bond, lose themselves in an entirely meaningless but thrill-a-minute world and let off steam.

The next day they go back to their jobs in the corporate world, local charity, coffee shop or the unemployment line. It is dangerous, takes place on public roads and is not recommended for children. But the local police are cool with it and there are rarely any accidents.

I would not do it. I value my limbs too much. But hats off to this dedicated crowd of thrill-seekers, their hospitality and bravado.

Video at BBC News

Battle of the Propofol experts at Jackson trial

2011-10-21T12:13:00.000-07:00

Outside the court, Murray's defenders have gathered

and protested his innocence since Day 1 of the trial.

The trial of Dr Conrad Murray is moving into the defense phase, with a mountain of powerful evidence and testimony on the table from the prosecution. If the case against Michael Jackson's doctor is to be believed, the physician made egregious mistake after egregious mistake in his care for the pop star.

Charged with involuntary manslaughter (he denies it) the prosecution contends that simply allowing Jackson to be in the same room as a small pharmacy of sedatives, including Propofol, should be enough to convict the doctor.

The showdown between the trial's two key expert witnesses, longtime friends and colleagues, will be fascinating. Dr Steven Shafer has spelled out in intricate detail how he believes Jackson died and how only Dr Murray could be blamed for the singer's death. The defense plan to call Dr Paul White, who was once Dr Shafer's teacher, to present a counter argument.

The enduring magic of Glen Campbell. Last night he said 'Goodbye' to LA

2011-10-07T08:04:00.000-07:00

I went to see Glen Campbell on the Los Angeles leg of his 'Goodbye' tour last night. It was a magical evening - touching, inspiring and only a little sad. Campbell, despite his memory fading through developing Alzheimer's disease, clearly relished every moment. I lost count of the number of times he said, 'I love this song,' smiling and responding to the crowd's roaring cheers of approval. The showman shone through, even during a few nervous moments when he became hopelessly lost mid-verse. His band, made up of his children, kept him going and Glen laughed it off. Some of his guitar riffs - and his performance of the classic, Wichita Lineman - were flawless. As he demonstrated to me to me earlier this year, the music shines though. He forgets the disease. Campbell's tour starts in the UK on Oct 21, in Salford and visits almost every major city. On day two he plays the Royal Festival Hall in London. I'd strongly recommend this show. It's more than a concert, it's a lesson in how to deal with life and all that it throws at you.

Conrad Murray trial moves in forensic phase #murraytrial #mjdr

2011-10-06T10:52:00.001-07:00

The visual impact of the lead prosecutor laying out bottle after
bottle and vial after vial of medications removed from Michael
Jackson's bedroom was powerful. Whom ever is in charge of the
courtroom cameras ensured TV stations received plenty of slow panning
shots showing the drugs lined up on a desk, in front of the jury.
Today the defense lawyer, Ed Chernoff, is attempting to discredit the
evidence of a coroner's investigator, Elissa Fleak, who testified
that she collected the items from Jackson's home. He is questioning Ms
Fleak's memory and note-keeping. He has suggested that she made a
number of mistakes in preparing reports on the death.

Today is day 8 of the trial.

Jurors hear painful Jackson recording for a second time

2011-10-05T14:57:00.000-07:00

The snippet we heard on Day 1 was just a teaser and technically the audio was not entered into evidence at that stage. But now it is.

Jurors have heard for a second time, the audio recording of the singer in which he sounds slurred and incoherent. Prosecutors played the full version of a conversation which Dr Conrad Murray recorded on his mobile phone. The recording, which last for four minutes was made about 6 weeks before Michael Jackson died. In the rambling conversation about the singer's This Is It concerts, he says he wants to achieve something that Elvis and the Beatles did not. According to a transcript which was shown to the jurors, he tells Dr Murray he wants to use the money to build the biggest children's hospital in the world. He says: "I care about them, them angels." They're the next generation that are going to save the planet. He goes on to say that he loves them, because he didn't have childhood.

Paramedics to testify at Conrad Murray trial #MJ #MJDR

2011-09-30T05:51:00.000-07:00

We expect to hear from the to paramedics that responded to the 911 call - when it was eventually made - to Michael Jackson's home. When they testified at the preliminary hearing, a few months ago, one of the first responders said he thought Jackson was a hospice patient, based on his appearance and the scene in the room. The other said he saw Dr Murray scoop up vials of drugs while the paramedics tried to save the singer's life.

#MJ family devastated by first day at trial of Conrad Murray

2011-09-28T08:30:00.000-07:00

With day 2 of the Conrad Murray trial about to start, the family of Michael Jackson has let it be known that they were very upset by the playing in court of a recording of the singer, sounding slurred and incoherent. They feel that it has been unfairly interpreted as proving that the pop star was a drug addict. Today those close to Michael Jackson - his personal assistant and bodyguard - are likely to paint a picture of the frantic scenes in the singer's bedroom as attempts were being made to revive him.

Trial of Jackson doctor Conrad Murray to begin

2011-09-27T04:48:00.000-07:00

Heading to the Criminal Court building in Downtown LA today. More than two years after the death of Michael Jackson, his personal physician, Dr Conrad Murray, is to face the jury. His trial will begin with opening statements by the prosecutor who will lay out the case against the Texas cardiologist. Jermaine Jackson says he is ready for a 'circus.'

A look inside the Jackson family 'memory' room #MJ

2011-09-26T07:35:00.000-07:00

A rare glimpse inside the gated home in Los Angeles where Michael Jackson grew up

With the trial of Dr Conrad Murray about to get underway, Jermaine Jackson gave me a tour of the family's 'memory room' inside the Encino home where he and Michael grew up.

This is the room where Michael Jackson practiced his dancing and where the family now displays its personal mementos and photos of the singer.

Conrad Murray jury selected #MJ - who are they?

2011-09-24T17:30:00.000-07:00

The 7 men and 5 women chosen to decide the fate of Dr Conrad Murray, who's accused of killing Michael Jackson, are all middle-aged and several acknowledge that they are fans Michael Jackson. The racial breakdown reflects the Los Angeles community - half are white (6 jurors), there are 5 hispanic/latinos and one black member of the panel. Some say they follow celebrity news on the internet and the tv. A 43-year old woman on the panel is British-born and a new US citizen. In the jury questionnaire she said she viewed jury service as a "privilege" and her "civil duty." Dr Murray denies the charge of involuntary manslaughter.

The first phase of jury selection for the trial of Michael Jackson's doctor has been completed in Los Angeles.

2011-09-09T19:41:00.001-07:00

145 people have been chosen to go forward to the next stage which involves completing a detailed 30-page questionnaire about their views on the King of Pop. The questionnaire asks the potential jurors to share their feelings about Michael Jackson, his music and the media coverage of his death. Had they seen the film This is It, which is based on concert rehearsal footage taken in the days before the singer died. Were they familiar with the names of certain drugs, including the one that is said to have killed Michael Jackson. The questionnaire also includes a long list of names - people who may be called as witnesses during the trial. It includes the singer's three children, his parents,brothers and sisters. The potential jurors are asked to say whether they're acquainted with anyone on the list. It's highly unusual for such an extensive list of questions to be used in the selection of a jury, but this is an extremely high profile case. Every potential juror said they knew something about it. They're also asked to say whether they believe celebrities receive special treatment in the criminal justice system. The potential jurors will return to court later this month, when they'll be questioned in person by the lawyers and the judge. Dr Conrad Murray is charged with involuntary manslaughter and has pleaded not guilty.

Conrad Murray trial: Jury selection Day 1

2011-09-09T06:41:00.001-07:00

"We didn't expect you'd been living under a rock for the past several years, or that you made a pit stop from Mars" -- Judge Michael Pastor's reaction when no potential juror in the Dr Conrad Murray case raised a hand to say they were unaware of the story. More than half of the first batch of jurors were dismissed on grounds that serving on the case would cause them financial hardship. 72 remained to fill out lengthy questionnaire about their views on the case and Michael Jackson in general. Murray is accused of involuntary manslughter in the death of singer in 2009.

The full story so far from Linda Deutsch - the only journalist in court for the jury selection process

Other developments
Sept 8
* Opening statements tentatively scheduled for Sept 27
Sept 7
* CA appeal court refused to halt jury selection process
* Several tabloid outlets are reporting that Dr. Murray will take the stand in his own defense.
* Jury selection may take three weeks

More than 2 million people have been affected by a major power cut affecting parts of Mexico and the US states of California and Arizona...

2011-09-08T20:11:00.001-07:00

Two nuclear reactors have shut down after losing electricity and the city of San Diego has been severely affected by the blackout. Great swathes of southern California, Arizona and Mexico have been plunged into darkness. San Diego, America's eighth largest city, is the worst affected area. All outgoing flights from the city's airport have been grounded and police stations are using generators to accept emergency calls. Trains have been stopped in Los Angeles because there's no power to run the lights and traffic control signals. A number of people have had to be rescued from stuck elevators and theme park rides. Two nuclear reactors have gone offline after losing electricity, but officials say there's no danger to the public or workers. FBI officials have ruled out terrorism, while the power station authorities attempt to pin point the cause of the problem. A severed transmitter line between Arizona and California, may, according to one official, be the cause of the problem, Much of the region is currently experiencing extremely high temperatures - over 35 degrees celsius in many areas. It's unclear when the power will be restored.

Trial of Michael Jackson's doctor, Conrad Murray: Jury selection

2011-09-07T21:32:00.001-07:00

Today's developments...
* CA appeal court refuses to halt jury selection process
* Trial will go on as scheduled - despite appeal by defense lawyers against his ruling that the jury will not be sequestered
* Several tabloid outlets are reporting that Dr. Murray will take the stand in his own defense.
* Jury selection may take three weeks
* Opening statements likely in the week of Sept 26

Glen Campbell's long goodbye

2011-08-26T12:38:00.000-07:00

Country music singer Glen Campbell, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's nine months ago, is going on tour in the UK for the final time. He and his family spoke to Peter Bowes about his philosophical approach to the onset of the disease.
Full story: BBC News

Today, Radio 4: Life? Life enjoys me.

BBC Breakfast TV:

Up All Night, 5 live: Extended interview

Michael Jackson's family split over tribute concert

2011-07-25T12:08:00.000-07:00

Several members of Michael Jackson's family, including his mother Katherine, Tito, Jackie, Marlon and La Toya - have announced that a tribute concert is to take place in honor or the singer. "Michael Forever" is due to take place October 8th in Cardiff, Wales - two weeks after the scheduled start of the criminal trial of Dr Conrad Murray, the man charged in relation to Michael's death.

However two prominent members of the family, Randy and Jermaine Jackson, have made it clear that they do not support the event. The brothers have issued the following statement:

"While we wholeheartedly support the spirit of a tribute that honors our brother, we find it impossible to support an event that is due to take place during the criminal trial surrounding Michael's death. As everyone knows, those proceedings commence September 20th, and this "Michael Forever" concert takes place in Cardiff, Wales, on October 8th. In light of this, we feel it is inappropriate to be involved with such an ill-timed event and its promoter, Global Live. Furthermore, the decision to proceed with this concert disrespects opinions and wishes expressed in the strongest terms to Global Live during conversations in April when this event was presented to the majority of the family as an idea already in its advanced stages. There will come a time and place for an amazing and deserving tribute to Michael. But we feel that the most important tribute we can give to our brother at this time is to seek justice in his name."

No performers have been named for the tribute show. Last month Jermaine Jackson told me talks were underway regarding a tribute show, although there was no hint of a family feud. In 2009 plans for a similar event in Vienna were scrapped after Jermaine struggled to attract big name acts to perform.

Seeking evidence that the lethal injection causes "needless suffering"

2011-07-21T19:38:00.000-07:00

The last time a US execution was filmed was in California in 1992 as part of a challenge against the gas chamber. Now, another execution - this time in Georgia - has been recorded on video, at the request of an inmate there who's facing the death penalty. Lawyers for death row inmates in that state have argued that one of the three drugs Georgia uses in lethal injections, causes "needless suffering."

Andrew DeYoung was convicted of fatally stabbing his parents and his 14-year-old sister in 1993. A judge agreed to allowed his execution by lethal injection on Thursday evening to be videotaped at the request of Gregory Walker who's appealing his own death sentence. His lawyers say the recording will provide critical evidence about the effects of pento-barbital, one of the three drugs used in Georgia in lethal injections. They argue that the procedure doesn't adequately sedate the inmate and could cause pain and suffering.

Georgia state officials said the videotaping would interfere with security measures and they raised concerns about the potential for sensationalism and abuse of the video. The judge's order required that the tape be sealed.

The legal process will be lengthy - but this could mark the beginning of a process that could see death by lethal injection go the same way as the gas chamber.

BBC News: Georgia killer Andrew DeYoung's execution filmed

Remembering Betty Ford

2011-07-09T12:50:00.000-07:00

Today, Radio 4: Correspondent Peter Bowes looks back at the life of a woman who became famous in her own right for her work helping people with addictions.

Remembering homeless veterans on Independence Day

2011-07-04T12:20:00.000-07:00

Today, like last year, President Obama is marking Independence Day by hosting military families at a White House party. It is also a year since the President declared: "No-one who served in our uniform should sleep on our streets." The US government has pledged to end homelessness amongst veterans by 2015. But with troops returning from Afghanistan and Iraq - never mind the tens of thousands of vets who've been homeless since conflicts dating back through the first Gulf war, Vietnam and WWII - it is un uphill struggle. US-wide approximately 130,000 veterans are homeless.

Over the past six months or so I've been meeting veterans and the groups helping them on the streets of Los Angeles. The result is this radio documentary, Down and Out in the City of Angels, which aired on BBC Radio 4 today.

BBC Website:
Veterans battle homelessness as they return from war

Reviews:
New Statesman
Gillian Reynolds in The Telegraph
The Guardian
The Sunday Herald

---
Peter Bowes reporting from California

Michael Jackson died two years ago today

2011-06-25T10:57:00.001-07:00

The 2nd anniversary of Michael Jackson's death will be marked by fans who've converged on Los Angeles from around the world. Some cinemas will screen This is It. Tomorrow Juliens Auctions will sell dozens of items of Jackson memorabilia, including one of the two leather jackets the singer wore for the Thriller video. The list price is $200,000-$400,000. Also on sale are a Jackson glove and the wig he wore for the London news conference when he announced his This is It comeback.

Meanwhile, there could be a further delay in the trial of Jackson's doctor, Conrad Murray. The judge is allowing a defense request to view many hours of rehearsal footage for This is It. The trial may not get underway until sometime in October, because of the time it will take to watch the rushes.

Royal visit to LA may highlight plight of underprivileged

2011-06-15T22:03:00.000-07:00

The LA media can not get enough of the upcoming visit to California by The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. It is actually a fascinating itinerary. The expected red carpet galas will focus on business and promoting young British talent. Perhaps more interesting is a scheduled visit to LA's Skid Row, the city's homeless enclave. They will also attend a 'job fair' for veterans. Skid Row is more than a row. It is akin to a moderately sized neighborhood comprising 50 square blocks. I have spent some time there recently and will be reporting on the plight of LA's homeless veterans for a Radio 4 documentary next month. To the "shame" of many, some US war heroes are living in squalor. Others are barely living at all.

Exclusive details about the new 'Dallas' TV show

2011-06-03T16:49:00.000-07:00

Larry Hagman couldn't be more excited about the remake - or rebooting of Dallas. He told me that it's "like coming home."

I met Larry this week for a sneak preview behind the scenes at the Beverly Hills auction of his memorabilia (happening on Saturday June 4). He expects to hear back from US TV network, TNT, by June 20, about the future of the show. If it gets the green light, filming will resume later this year.

The pilot episode was shot last month at the Southfork ranch, on the outskirts of Dallas.

It features a new, younger cast.

"Four wonderful kids that are going to be in it. They're going to play our children and the show will be mostly about them."

Jesse Metcalfe plays Christoper Ewing, Bobby son and Josh Henderson takes the role of John Ross - JR's boy.

"Everybody's looking forward to it. Initially I think we'll have a great audience - let hope we can hold on to it," says Larry.

Larry, who is as spritely as ever, adds:

"I'm going to be working this year on my 80th birthday and I hope to be working on my 90th birthday, still doing Dallas."

Linda Gray (70) who plays JR's long suffering wife, Sue Ellen, also features in the pilot.

"It was surreal, Southfork has changed," she says.

"We created those roles and they come back very fast because they were dear friends," she adds.

Charlene Tilton (52) makes a brief appearance as Lucy Ewing - the character dubbed the poison dwarf, by Terry Wogan.

She says: "I was just telling Uncle Larry (as she still calls him) - I never thought I'd be playing Lucy Ewing at 150 years old.

Charlene says she had two lines in the pilot and "prays" that the show returns for an entire season.

"It will come back, it's amazing. The writing was fantastic. It's up to date, they talk about oil in the Middle East, green energy and you got all the family dynamics and the fun and the sex and the backstabbing, so it's great."

Charlene is clearly hoping for a major role in the reboot.

"They had me comeback and I said, 'I'm not content to be wallpaper honey, I'm still Lucy.'"

Larry reveals that the show's producers originally wanted to film outside of Dallas, but he would not go along with it.

"They wanted to shoot some place else because of tax benefits in different states, and so forth, but I said you can't shoot Dallas some place else - it's just not right, so we did shoot down there and people were very pleased to see us."

Larry acknowledges that the project is a gamble.

"There's always a risk because peoples' tastes changes but we've got a built in initial audience. We hope we can win them over, to go in the direction of the kids."

And is JR just as dastardly as he was in the 1980s? "I certainly hope so," says Larry, with a chuckle.

Peter Bowes reporting from California

Hangover: Part II has biggest comedy movie debut ever

2011-05-29T11:23:00.000-07:00

After a shaky start this year, the US box office has exploded with a series of summer blockbusters - not least Warner Bros. Hangover: Part II which has grossed about $118m in four days. It is the first time an R-rating comedy has topped the Memorial Day box office. The weekend's other big release - Kung Fu Panda 2 - also did well. The family-friendly sequel will clock up about $70m by Monday.

Peter Bowes reporting from California

Oscar voting to go electronic

2011-05-25T07:43:00.001-07:00

Reports suggest that a new, electronic voting system could be introduced for the Oscars as early as this year. It would replace the postal ballot. It could result in the awards ceremony being held much earlier in the year (but not until 2013) - which would be very welcome news. Speeding up the process has the potential to make the Oscars more relevant. If the Academy Awards were to leap frog all the other awards shows, it would be even better. That way the winners might be genuine surprises and the Oscars would be an 'event' as opposed to an after-thought.

Next year's Oscars ceremony takes place on 26 February

Governor Schwarzenegger puts Hollywood on hold

2011-05-20T07:06:00.001-07:00

Schwarzenegger won't be making that Hollywood comeback after all. Least for now. But note, once a Governor, always a Governor.

"Governor Schwarzenegger is focusing on personal matters and is not willing to commit to any production schedules or timelines. "This includes Cry Macho, the Terminator franchise and other projects under consideration. "We will resume discussions when Governor Schwarzenegger decides."

A gross-out night at the theater

2011-05-15T15:41:00.000-07:00

Heading to an advance screening of The Hangover Part II tonight in Century City, the home of 20th Century Fox. Perfectly scheduled to go into box office competition with Bridesmaids (well, a couple of week later) director Todd Phillips' follow-up to his 2009 blockbuster hit The Hangover, has a lot to live up to. The original film became the highest-grossing R-rated comedy of all time. In a mediocre year at cinemas - and with heavy news swirling all around us - I sense audiences are in the mood for a no holds barred, forget-your-troubles, gross-out fest. Instead of a stag night in Las Vegas the action moves to Bangkok - and what ever happens there, certainly won't stay there. I'll let you know, if I dare...

New Facebook Page

2011-05-15T10:23:00.000-07:00

I've just launched a new Facebook to catalogue my professional exploits - I'll love you to take a look and better still 'like' it! Apparently when I get to 25 'likes' I can give the site a unique and more appropriate name - like Peter Bowes reporting from California
That's the plan, anyway.

Photojournalist Tim Hetherington killed in Libya

2011-04-20T12:53:00.000-07:00

I just heard the tragic news that Tim Hetherington, the award winning photographer and film maker has been killed in the Libyan city of Misrata. I interviewed Tim earlier this year when he was nominated for an Oscar for Restrepo, a documentary about a platoon of soldiers serving in Afghanistan. He was a hugely talented and dedicated photojournalist. Somewhat bewildered by the Hollywood hoopla at the time, he was eager to return to the field to pursue the kind of journalism that he excelled in. This was Tim's last tweet - hours before he died. My deepest sympathies.

Happy Days actors sue for royalties

2011-04-20T12:29:00.000-07:00

President Obama swings into CA for a town hall meeting at Facebook later. And, as ever, he will not miss the opportunity to some some fund raising in LA. Be warned West LA folks, if past visits are anything to go by, tonight's commute will not be pretty.

They often say in showbiz, 'where there's a hit there's a writ' - well this one has been a long time in coming. Four actors from the 1970s sitcom Happy Days have filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles accusing CBS of cheating them out of millions of dollars in merchandising revenue.

Talk radio in LA is enthralled by a story reported by the LA Times that a California inmate who says says she is harassed and sexually assaulted by male prisoners, and needs sex change surgery to be transferred to a women's prison.

-- listen to my weekly wrap of California news on BBC 5 Live's Up All Night at 0434 BST every Tuesday.

Soaps in the US and Mari Wilson

2011-04-19T14:58:00.000-07:00

Everyone seems to agree that daytime soaps in the US will soon fade to black, for good. Following the announcement that two, long-running shows, All My Children and One Life to Live, have been axed by ABC. But could British style soaps, like Coronation Street and Eastenders work on US TV? Not those shows - but dramas based on working class people set in small town America.
I have a fascinating chat on the subject with veteran soap producer, Mal Young, on 5 Live's Up All Night last night (final 30 minutes on the player)

He says: “I think they're ready to go on story-telling journeys in drama and see themselves.”
“We haven't seen the demise of the soaps. We've seen the demise of a certain type of them but as a machine, as a business, a cost model, they're so effective as long as they're done with a great heart and they're relevant to the audience.”

We were also joined on the show by Mari Wilson, Mal's wife, and 80s pop star best known for the single Just What I Always Wanted. Mari talks about her latest projects, a one-woman show that she'd love to bring to the US and her fascination with Los Angeles wildlife.

Happy Birthday Twitter - reason to celebrate?

2011-03-21T08:32:00.000-07:00

I was interviewed the other day about my work as a reporter and was asked how technology had changed since I started. I explained that in 1984, we did not have Twitter, Google, computers or mobile phones. If we were lucky we sat at a desk with a typewriter that worked. The phones arrived a couple of years later - the size of car batteries.

On the 5th anniversary of Twitter it all feels like a lifetime away. But are we better off now?

Not according to a fascinating CNBC documentary, Crackberry’d: The Truth About Information Overload:

"The more we're connected to technology and information overload the more you start to live virtually. But there's a risk with that in that you might be virtually living" - Kevin Michaluk, Crackberry.com

I'm as guilty - if that's the right word - as anyone. But while I think he's right, to a point, we are much better off now.

Just switch it off and go for a run.

Charlie Sheen extends live show tour

2011-03-15T21:38:00.001-07:00

He may have dropped out of the headlines but Charlie Sheen's new found popularity shows no bounds. The actor, who was sacked last week from Two and a Half Men, is bringing his live "Violent Torpedo of Truth" tour to five more venues, including New York's famed Radio City Music Hall.

Jackson trial delayed

2011-03-02T17:27:00.000-08:00

They're not ready. The trial has been delayed with opening statements, now due to commence on 9th May. Lawyers for both sides said they would be ready by the new trial date, after having more time to share information and receive reports from experts. Screening of prospective jurors will begin, as scheduled, on 24 March.

Monday, February 7, 2011

Judge Michael Pastor has ruled that TV cameras will be allowed inside the courtroom. Jury selection to begin on March 24, four days earlier than expected.

Monday, January 25, 2011

The Hollywood trial of the year is on a fast track to the jury. Taking many by surprise, Dr Conrad Murray and his lawyers have opted for a quick trial (within 90 days), rather than allowing the saga to drag on for many more months.

So we'll all be in court on March 28 for what is bound to be a circus - at least, outside the court. Thankfully Judge Michael Pastor seems to be a stickler for punctuality and order inside his courtroom, but there'll be no shortage of high drama.

Today Dr Murray demonstrated that he is capable raising the temperature, just by utterign a few words.

Instead of a simple "Not guilty" - his plea was:

"Your honor, I am an innocent man. I therefore plead not guilty."

The prospect of Dr Murray on the witness stand, should his lawyers allow it, becomes more tantalizing.

Will the case by televised? Yes, it may be. A hearing On February 7 will decide whether to allow the TV cameras in. High drama guaranteed, if they are...

Compton cricketers inspiring the world

2011-02-11T14:29:00.000-08:00

My BBC story and TV feature about the cricket team made up of ex gang members from Compton has generated an incredible response. The guys have been inundated with with invitations to visit tough neighborhoods in the UK and elsewhere, to try to spread their message of civility and sportsmanship through the game of cricket.

The team returns to Los Angeles from Australia at the weekend and they have big plans in the works for the future. It's an inspirational story and there is going to be much more to say about the Compton Homies and the Popz.

No major Oscar surprises

2011-01-25T16:15:00.000-08:00

Pundits are suggesting Javier Bardem's nomination in the Best Actor category for "Biutiful" was a surprise -- likewise, the nod for 14-year-old "True Grit" star Hailee Steinfeld, for Best Supporting Actress. Perhaps, but both are refreshing and well deserved choices - especially Steinfeld.

On the predictable front, Natalie Portman, Colin Firth and Christian Bale are all but polishing their statuettes already.

So we have the list, let the campaigns spend their money while we look away for four weeks and return on Jan 27, to enjoy the one-day wonder that is the Oscars ceremony.

Can you name any of last year's winners. Or losers?

Farewell to a fitness guru and hello again, Oscar

2011-01-24T19:09:00.000-08:00

America has lost one of its most respected pioneers in the world of health and fitness. According to his blog "Jack LaLanne died of respiratory failure due to pneumonia Sunday afternoon at his home in Morro Bay on California’s Central Coast." There have been many tributes: "Jack was literally an apostle for fitness, and his gospel inspired billions all over the world to live healthier lives," said Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Rachel Cosgrove, owner of Results Fitness and author of The Female Body Breakthrough, pays tribute to LaLanne on BBC 5 Live's Up All Night at 2030PST Monday/0430GMT Tuesday.

"He was really ahead of his time, when it came to what he was preaching," says Rachel. "He was one of the first people to recommend weight training for women and athletes."

Also this week, it's Oscars time again. Will Colin Firth and The Kings Speech rule the day or will the new upstarts at The Social Network clinch the top prize? There is no doubt both films will garner a slew of nominations, although my hunch is that neither will be in a position to sweep the board.

Jeanne Wolf, the West Coast Editor of Parade Magazine, joins me on air, to mull over the runners and riders:

"I can't even imagine him losing," says Jeanne of Colin Firth's bid for Academy Award gold. "If he doesn't win Best Actor at the Oscars you will hear an enormous group sigh, gasp, surprise" she says.

Oh and the Razzie nominations came out today. Thank goodness for an organization that doesn't take Hollywood seriously. Perhaps Ricky Gervais should host their show?

-- listen to my weekly wrap of California news on BBC 5 Live's Up All Night at 2030PST Monday/0430GMT Tuesday.

Gov. Jerry Brown means business

2011-01-07T20:03:00.001-08:00

California's new governor Jerry Brown has started wielding the axe, to try to balance the state's books, by slashing spending in his own office. He's announced that he is returning 84 percent of the Governor's transition fund (money to smooth the transition between Schwarzenegger's regime and his), making sharp cutbacks in the Governor's Office, and eliminating the Office of the Secretary of Education, for a total savings of $7.05 million. The cuts include abolishing the office of his wife - or the CA First Lady. He's also making big cuts to his press and communications staff.

Trial of Michael Jackson's doctor, Conrad Murray

2010-12-29T17:50:00.000-08:00

December 29, 2010
The judge approved a plan to allow defense lawyers to test residue from syringes and an intravenous drip found in Jackson's home. Deputy DA David Walgren said in court that his office has shared everything and never objected to testing the syringes or intravenous drip as long as the coroner followed proper procedures. "The theory that they're running with is Michael Jackson killed himself," said prosecutor Walgren.

Next: The preliminary hearing for Murray is set to begin Tuesday January 4, 2011 and is expected to last about two weeks.

Michael Jackson died June 25, 2009
-Dr Conrad Murray is charged with involuntary manslaughter
-He faces up to four years in prison if convicted
-The Los Angeles County coroner ruled death was from an overdose of propofol, a powerful anesthetic used to put surgical patients to sleep, in combination with benzodiazepine, a sedative.
-Conrad Murray remains free on $75,000 bond.
-Prosecution team: Deputy District Attorney David Walgren
-Defense team: J. Michael Flanagan

Earlier stories:

Dr Conrad Murray hanging-on-by-thread says lawyer
Dr Conrad Murray charged
Dr Conrad Murray arrives in court

Radio returns to Venice, California

2010-12-29T14:06:00.000-08:00

89 years after the last radio station to grace the airwaves in Venice closed down, KVB.FM launches on Jan 1, via the Internet. As the economic crunch continues to challenge traditional broadcasters, with AM and FM radio stations struggling to survive, veteran LA radio man Michael Linder is embracing technology to try to buck the trend.

Next week (Monday at 2030PST/Tuesday 0430GMT) I'll be broadcasting LIVE from Venice to find out more about KVB.FM

Plus, on the day California's new governor starts work, we'll talk about the gigantic task ahead for Jerry Brown as he wrestles with the state's financial crisis.

-- listen to my weekly wrap of California news on BBC 5 Live's Up All Night at 2030PST Monday/0430GMT Tuesday.

Heading to Venice, CA for a New Year broadcast

2010-12-16T12:49:00.000-08:00

Looking forward to broadcasting live from Venice, California on Jan 3 - as covered in today's edition of The Orange County Register

"Michael Linder's website is up – www.kvb.f – streaming 24/7. Tibby Rothman, Joe Praino, and Zuma Dogg are in the house, and Linder is inviting mixmasters to share their best sets. Linder created "America's Most Wanted," worked at KNX, KABC (radio) and KTLA, but his Venice-based Internet station is his new baby, and it's off to a rousing start.

"Correspondent Peter Bowes is coming to Venice to cover KVB.FM on BBC Radio 5 Live," he said. "It will air on the Jan. 3 premiere of Peter's expanded half hour California-themed segment, broadcast live from Venice from 8:30-9 p.m. PST, wake-up time in the UK, and streaming worldwide. We're looking at Danny's Deli in the old St. Mark's Hotel as our location, scene of Orson Welles' film noir classic 'Touch of Evil.'

"Peter and I will talk for the full half hour about Internet radio, Jerry Brown being sworn in, his Venice bodybuilder predecessor, and Conrad Murray's trial which begins next day," he said."

California: Worse than the depression

2010-12-15T11:16:00.001-08:00

If anyone in California was under the impression that the worst of the recession could be over, Gov.-elect Jerry Brown's latest comments on the economy will make grim reading. Schwarzenegger's successor will announce his budget plan on Jan 10 - a plan that will have to deal with a $28b hole in the state's coffers.

The veteran Democrat, who last ran the state in the late 70s/early 80s, had some choice phrases to describe California's predicament.

Speaking at UCLA he said:

"Please sit down if you're reading the stories on the budget on Jan. 10. If you're driving, fasten your seat belt because it's going to be a rough ride."

He said gaps between the wealthy and the middle class were widening and the current era was "a very difficult period. We've never had it before. It may be worse than the Depression in terms of political pressures, the tearing of the social fabric."

"...what we are facing is not only a budget deficit. We're facing a societal crisis, and we will only resolve it as we understand it and we work not only to exercise a discipline, which has been sadly lacking, but also a fairness that enables everybody to feel they have an honest stake in the whole society. That's the larger picture here."

The detail is still to come on how Brown will make saving and implement his austerity measures - but it's going to an extremely rough ride for the less-than-golden state.

The X Factor comes to America

2010-12-01T18:12:00.000-08:00

Well, not yet. It'll be almost a year before Simon Cowell's latest import hits US TV - but the Fox network is already hyping the show.

In the best traditions of building the buzz early and slowly, with Cowell in the driving seat, the show is almost failure-proof. Not that America will grind to a standstill every weekend like the UK appears to do. Just watch Twitter when its on. Few events galvanize a nation these days - and there's certainly no concept of Saturday night telly in the US. But Idols days are certainly numbered.

Michael Jackson civil lawsuit

2010-12-01T12:05:00.000-08:00

December 1, 2010
Michael Jackson's father re-filed a wrongful death lawsuit on Tuesday, 30 November 2010 in state court. The case accuses Dr. Conrad Murray of negligence in administering the anesthetic propofol to Jackson. The lawsuit adds a Las Vegas pharmacy as a defendant. Joseph Jackson originally filed the suit in federal court, but a judge declined to hear the case and said it should be handled in Los Angeles Superior Court.

June 25, 2010
At the beginning of what will be a long weekend of events to mark the 1st anniversary of Michael Jackson's death, dad Joe Jackson is filing a federal wrongful death lawsuit against Dr Conrad Murray. He is asking for unspecified damages. It guarantees MJ court action for a few more years.

Today I'm going to revisit some of the key locations in LA where fans will gather to pay their respects. Expect the usual MJ circus-like atmosphere.

Will post pics, video and a few words later...

Still laughing with Leslie Nielson

2010-11-29T07:14:00.000-08:00

Another chilly start in LA - sub zero in some areas - but I know it's nothing really. The sun will be out soon.

Just been watching and laughing again at all those great clips of Leslie Nielson, who died last night. A real comic genius. I'll be talking more about him on the radio later - and hearing some of the tributes from Hollywood.

Also tonight - after the Thanksgiving Holiday, Hollywood turns its thoughts, not to Christmas - but the Oscars. Screener DVDs are flying off mail trucks to Academy members around LA - with the awards season getting into full swing. Who's in the running this year?

-- listen to my weekly wrap of California news on BBC 5 Live's Up All Night at 0445 GMT every Tuesday.

No-host American Music Awards tonight

2010-11-21T14:28:00.001-08:00

Just like the late night comedy shows, which all meld into one after a
while, showbiz awards ceremonies are two-a-penny these days. They all
strive to be different and few succeed. The season (if there still
is a season) continues tonight with the American Music Awards, from
the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles Like last year, it will have no
host, preferring to fills to gaps with more live performances (14 in
all) - which is a good thing. Rihanna will open the show doing a song
that the producers say nobody has ever heard her sing live. New Kids
on the Block with wrap it up - performing with the Backstreet Boys.
Not sure I'll wait three hours for that. In the running for gongs are
Eminem, Justin Bieber and Katy Perry....

Harry Potter breaks own US box office record

2010-11-21T10:34:00.001-08:00

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 made $125.1 million in its
opening weekend - according to early estimates. That's the second
biggest opening for any movie this year - behind Iron Man 2. It's the
sixth-biggest in Hollywood history.

This weekend's Top Ten

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1, $125.1 million
Megamind, $16.2 million
Unstoppable, $13.1 million
Due Date, $9.2 million
The Next Three Days, $6.8 million
Morning Glory, $5.2 million
Skyline, $3.4 million
Red, $2.5 million
For Colored Girls, $2.4 million
Fair Game, $1.5 million

Winter arrives in LA

2010-11-20T16:15:00.001-08:00

California's wild year of weather continued with a glorious few days
to start to the week followed by a weekend of rain. Forecasters expect
up to 3 inches to fall by Sunday night, with snow in the mountains.
Typically, LA drivers seemed oblivious to change in climate. There
were at least six times the number of accidents on the freeways today
as a normal Saturday. I encountered two in the first mile of my drive
to the gym. The dreary weather was at least good for business at the
gym, which was packed. We can't possibly run outside in the rain.

A classic Hollywood whodunit

2010-11-18T17:05:00.001-08:00

The media and entertainment world in Los Angeles is still perplexed by
the brutal murder of legendary publicist Ronni Chasen. Gunned down in
one of the safest cities in the US - Beverly Hills - the police appear
to be mystified by the killing. Nothing has been ruled out - a
carjacking, a random, targeted attack, contract killing. The Palm
Springs film festival has offered a $100,000 reward. Today, the police
have had nothing to say, as a detailed forensic investigation
continues. Surveillance video from homes in the neighborhood is being
studies.

Solemn news from LA on day of royal wedding fever

2010-11-16T15:26:00.000-08:00

With every one wallowing - especially US cable TV - in the prospect royal wedding, I must admit my first thought was that the date those choose might be a good time to book a vacation. And not in the UK. The world's news agenda is bound to shift to London and that's always a cue to leap off the radar for a while. That said I've probably just jinxed the idea - knowing the 'big one' can happen in LA, at any time.

Rambling vacation thoughts and wedding indifference aside, today has been a sad day in LA.

Local TV has been carrying continuous coverage of a funeral for a police officer, Ryan Bonaminio, who was shot dead last week. The 27-year old officer and Iraq war veteran was killed while chasing down a suspected truck thief just over a week ago. A man has been arrested and faces 1st degree murder charges - and perhaps the death penalty if found guilty. 8 thousand people lined the streets for the funeral.

Another tragedy in LA today. A veteran Hollywood publicist, Ronni Chasen, shot dead while driving home from a movie premiere (Burlesque). Chasen was known as a "powerhouse" in the entertainment industry. The circumstances surrounding her death are a mystery and disturbing.

On a positive note, LA County has just enacted one of the most aggressive environmental measures in the US - a ban on plastic grocery bags. If shops choose to offer paper bags, they must sell them for 10 cents each. Customers are encouraged to take their own. I hope they do.

-- listen to my weekly wrap of California news on BBC 5 Live's Up All Night at 0445 GMT every Tuesday.

Wall to wall blue sky

2010-11-15T09:56:00.001-08:00

Good morning on a perfect November day in Canyon Country, CA. After
a windy weekend it is totally calm today, wall to wall blue sky (I
mean not a fluff of cloud to be seen anywhere) and glorious sunshine.
Didn't want the morning hike with the dogs to end - it's a good to be
alive day.

But I'm back in the office now contemplating last night's telly.
The best and worst of American TV - the utterly awful Sarah Palin's
Alaska - with its dramatic music and contrived drama. Then, the
utterly brilliant Great Migrations on the National Geographic channel.
The HD footage is remarkable - probably the best wildlife documentary
I've ever seen. Also managed - long overdue - to see Temple Grandin -
the true story of the autistic woman who invents the cuddle machine
and redesigns the way slaughter houses manage cattle, to make it a
calmer experience for the animals. Claire Danes's Emmy well deserved.

On 5 Live's Up All Night, Tuesday at 0445 GMT, I'll be chatting
with Vernon Kay about his new prime time venture US TV and his
American adventure. He says: "Where ever you're from in America you
can achieve something. It's instilled in every American to go for your
goals, to strive and achieve.....it's that that I really like about
American society - that go get 'em attitude."

Also happening in California today -- the CA court is due to decide
whether undocumented (illegal) immigrants should continue to pay the
same college fees as legal residents - or the higher fee charged to US
citizens from other states. A group fighting undocumented immigration
has challenged the California law on behalf of U.S. citizens who pay
higher fees as out-of-state students.

Plus - keeping an eye on Facebook's new email - if that's what it
is. And may take a look at the Palin show reviews. Perhaps someone
enjoyed it.

Democratic success in California - what's the message?

2010-11-03T09:59:00.000-07:00

The scale of the Democrats' success in California - bucking the national trend - was significant. After close races that saw a record amount of spending by the Republican candidates, the key offices of Governor and Senator were easy won by Democrats Jerry Brown and Barbara Boxer. Rush Limbaugh is saying that both Meg Whitman and Carly Fiorina ran as moderate Republicans - and were roundly defeated. Whitman and Fiorina both snubbed the Tea Party -- and lost. Locally the Tea Party actually supported Fiorina, although she was not their first choice as candidate. Limbaugh says the result backs the case for Sarah Palin and her supporters.

But around California almost every other Democratic candidate won - including San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom who becomes the state's new lieutenant governor (second in command to the governor).

So what's the real message to America from the Golden State?

Stop the obscene spending on election advertising...perhaps? Obama's message of hope is not dead...perhaps? Embrace the Tea Party...seems unlikely.

A Republican surprise in California?

2010-11-01T22:02:00.000-07:00

Tea Party supporters are saying the Republican turnout in California will take the pundits by surprise on Tuesday. Polls suggest the state's key Democratic candidates - for governor and the senate will win with comfortable majorities. But even though republican candidates Meg Whitman and Carly Fiorina have distanced themselves from the Tea Party, the group's followers believe the margins will be much closer. I spoke to Tea Party organizer Mark Harris, in the O.C.

Listen!

California voters decide on marijuana proposition

2010-11-01T17:40:00.000-07:00

It's time for California to decide whether to legalize marijuana. The age-old debate comes to a head once more with an initiative on the ballot paper. Former Orange County judge Jim Gray told me why he supports it.

California's dead candidate

2010-10-26T16:54:00.000-07:00

On election day voters in California's will have the opportunity to vote for a dead candidate. Jenny Oropeza died on Oct. 20 at the age of 53 after a long illness. But the veteran Democrat's name will remain on the ballot paper. If she wins she will be considered as the elected state senate member for the Long Beach area of California - pending a by-election. Oropeza will be remembered as a champion of cancer prevention.

Poll suggests California pot vote set for defeat

2010-10-22T10:43:00.001-07:00

The polls have been extremely erratic over the likely chances of
California legalizing marijuana. According to the LA Times voters
oppose the measure 51% to 39%, which is a major shift in opinion if
previous polls are to believed. But the new numbers do reflect what I
have been hearing on the streets.

Canvassing opinion of first time voters, if found a surprising degree
of ambivalence towards the move - in part because many young people
don't think it will change much in a state where pot is de facto
legal. Most of those in favor cited the financial reasons for
legalizing pot - it has been suggested taxes from marijuana could earn
the almost-bankrupt state, $1.4b in revenue.

"People who already want to use marijuana, use marijuana and people
who don't don't," said Brianna Donath, a student in Orange County.
"Other than financially I don't see how it would have much effect."

The race to legalize pot in California

2010-10-18T09:40:00.001-07:00

It is, perhaps, the most interesting of all the decisions to be made
by Californians on November 2.

Former US Surgeon General Joycelyn Elders has stirred up the debate
over legalizing marijuana in California. Voters will decide
(Proposition 19) whether to allow people 21 years old or older to
possess up to one ounce of marijuana for personal consumption. Elders
says she supports the measure and that the American people consume
much worse things that are legalized. Alcohol, I assume.

"What I think is horrible about all of this, is that we criminalize
young people," she said. "And we use so many of our excellent
resources ... for things that aren't really causing any problems."
"It's not a toxic substance."

The campaign has polarized opinion and the vote looks likely to be
close. While he supports a "debate" about the legalization of
marijuana, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has said this measure would
"make California a laughingstock."

And this is what Dr David Sack, CEO of the Promises Treatment Center
in Malibu told me:

"We think that if marijuana is legalized that the number of people who
have problems with marijuana will increase dramatically. We've already
seen that. For all intents and purposes marijuana is currently legal
in California because it's legal for medical indications. It's very
easy for people to find doctors who will recommend marijuana and there
are dispensaries that operate freely and openly where they can obtain
marijuana. And this is not your mother's marijuana - it is highly
potent pot."

Election countdown: Palin rallies Republicans in California

2010-10-16T18:37:00.001-07:00

The final two weeks of campaigning for the mid-term elections will see
a series of big political hitters visiting California to rally their
respective troops. President Obama will be in Los Angeles next week.

Republicans in America's most populous state expect to make gains on
November 2, although the party's two highest profile candidates did
not attend a rally today at which Sarah Palin was the keynote speaker.
The former vice presidential candidate is still a hugely polarizing
figure in California - she's more likely to discourage all important
independent voters than win them over.

53 percent of Californians have an unfavorable view of her while 33
percent report a favorable opinion. Among Republicans, 74 percent view
her favorably and 19 percent unfavorably.

Palin told more than 2,000 supporters at a Republican rally, "Victory
2010: Sprint To The Finish," in Orange County, that they should be
preparing to celebrate in two weeks' time. Gubernatorial hopeful Meg
Whitman and Senate candidate Carly Fiorina were absent, citing
scheduling conflicts.

Once again, Palin shows that she is enormously popular with the
Republican rank and file - while others shy away from the right wing
lightening rod.

October rain in Southern California

2010-10-02T12:02:00.001-07:00

Just been caught in freak storm - which is a wonderful sight to see at this time of year. No worries about wildfires - at least for a few days.

Red-legged Frog

2010-09-03T10:56:00.001-07:00

Good to see this little guy, an endangered species and the largest native frog in the western US, thriving in the forest in Washington state.

Surveying the Pacific North West forest from a giant crane

2010-09-02T18:48:00.000-07:00

Just spent a thrilling day filming a feature about forest science. From a gondola suspended from an industrial crane 60m above a forest in Washington state - on a beautifully clear sunny day - we 'floated' above the tree canopy. At least that's how it felt. A unique perspective on an extremely complex eco system. Full story on World News America and BBC News soon...

Meanwhile an evening to be spent in beautiful Portland, Oregon tonight.

What's happening? A whiff of smoke in the air

2010-08-25T18:13:00.001-07:00

What's happening?

It's probably the question I get asked most. It's either a knee-jerk greeting from someone (usually a local) who may just as well have said, Hello, Good Morning, Hey, Hi or Yo - the answer to the question being of little real interest. Or it's someone in the UK genuinely wanting to know what's going on in my beautiful back garden, that is California.

So without further waffle, my What's happening...in California blog starts here. It will be sporadic, sometimes brief but hopefully interesting to friends, colleagues, potential employers, documentary commissioners, desk editors on a quiet day.

Today I awoke to the worrying whiff of smoke in the air. Fire season is upon us and with temperatures today exceeding 40C in parts on LA, it is the time of year to worry about the flames. The fire in question is burning about 20 miles north of my home and fire fighters seem to be getting the upper hand. Last winter we had a lot of rain which means there is a lot of tinder dry brush to burn on the hillside. I hope I'm not writing about too many fires in the end-of-year months to come.

New federal regulations will bar cruise vessels and large commercial ships from discharging sewage within three miles of California's coastline. So says the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Can't come soon enough - I'm swimming in the Pacific at the weekend, training for the Malibu triathlon.

The Mel Gibson investigation is over and the results have been handed over to LA's District Attorney today. The DA will decide whether to press charges...

Lindsay Lohan is out of rehab. But she's going to be a busy girl - she's on supervised probation till November during which time she has to: Remain in Los Angeles County and comply with random drug testing twice a week, participate in psychotherapy four times a week and meet with counselors five times a week.

Preparing for the Emmys at the weekend. Best bet is that Glee is going to sweep the board...

Oh ATT

2010-06-24T09:35:00.001-07:00

ATT operator trying to activate new iphone:

"I'm sorry but it's a learning curve for everyone"

"We're all trying to look up how to do it"

"You'd think it would work like clockwork, wouldn't you?" I wish.

58 minutes later it's working.

Los Angeles to boycott Arizona

2010-05-12T16:32:00.001-07:00

It may be largely symbolic, but Los Angeles has become the biggest US
city to boycott Arizona. City Councillors voted to stop doing business
with companies in the neighbouring state - in protest at Arizona's
controversial new immigration law. In reality many contracts between
the two states will stay in place - it would be impractical to change
them. But the message from LA is loud and clear: Arizona's new law
"encourages racial profiling and is unconstitutional."

Sean Penn ordered to attend anger management classes

2010-05-12T16:17:00.001-07:00

Sean Penn has been ordered to undergo anger management counseling after pleading no contest to a vandalism charge. He was also sentenced to three years probation. The case stemmed from a confrontation with a photographer last year.

Hurt Locker piracy lawsuit

2010-05-12T10:11:00.001-07:00

Hollywood is once again showing its teeth over movie piracy. It looks
like ISPs are about to receive a subpoena demanding the identity of
computer users who allegedly downloaded a copy of The Hurt Locker
illegally. Producers of the Oscar winning picture are about to launch
a multi million dollar lawsuit against tens of thousands of people.
The case may be filed in court later today.

Another LA court ruling against Roman Polanski

2010-05-10T16:44:00.001-07:00

Fugitive film directive Roman Polanski's legal options are running out. A judge in Los Angeles has denied a request to unseal testimony that lawyers for Polanski believe would support his fight against extradition. They argued that sealed testimony given by a prosecutor in Polanski's 1970s sex case would bolster his case. They said the documents would show Swiss authorities were given inaccurate information in their request to extradite Polanski from Switzerland to face sentencing. But judge Peter Espinoza said he believed Swiss authorities "have the information they need" to make a decision on the extradition request.

Deputy District Attorney David Walgren: "The defendant, lacking both case law and facts in support of his position, and obviously running out of options to avoid extradition, makes completely baseless and reckless allegations apparently orchestrated as part of a public relations campaign, rather than being premised on any legal or factual foundation."

NASA's drone aircraft

2010-04-13T22:52:00.000-07:00

Spent a fascinating day at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards Airforce Base. Saw the Global Hawk drone - an unmanned aircraft that's capable of flying half way around the world in a single flight at 60,000 ft. Cool science - gathering info about climate and weather. The Hawk's 2nd scientific flight is currently in progress - due to land in the morning and wil break record for longest flight of its kind (24 hours).

Full BBC story:
Nasa drone embarks on scientific flights

Johnny Rotten pays tribute to Malcolm McLaren

2010-04-08T15:18:00.001-07:00

They had their differences but Johnny Rotten has paid a warm tribute
to his former manager, Malcolm McLaren.

"For me Malc was always entertaining, and I hope you remember that.
Above all else he was an entertainer and i will miss him, and so
should you," said John Lydon, in a statement.

Lydon, who is busy preparing for a comeback tour with Public Image Ltd
this month, has declined interview requests. I gather he is keeping a
hectic schedule these days, rehearsing in Hollywood.

McLaren died earlier today. He was 64 and had been treated for cancer.

Afternoon of earthquakes

2010-04-04T16:59:00.000-07:00

The earth is certainly have a good old rumble this East Sunday afternoon. A 6.9 quake in Baja Mexico was felt across Southern California, including downtown LA. But I was blissfully unaware in Santa Clarita. Within minutes of the Mexico quake several others were reported around CA - including a 4.1 in northern CA. So far, no reports of significant damage or casualties.

Update 19:26 PT: 7.2 quake (updated) was biggest in region for almost 20 years (since 1992). It was felt by an estimated 20 million people from Mexico to California, Nevada and Arizona. 1 person is reported to have died in a collapsed building in Mexico.

Also on this:
Western Mexico hit by 7.2 earthquake
Earthquake history

Earthquake history

2010-04-04T16:56:00.001-07:00

California is overdue for a big one. A really big one. The end of the San Andreas fault was not experienced a major rupture for at least 250 years. The San Andreas fault runs for roughly 1287km (800 miles) through western and southern California in the US. It marks the meeting point of the Pacific and North American tectonic plates. The two plates either side of the San Andreas fault are moving past each other at a rate of about 25mm each year - the fault's "slip rate." If all the strain was released at once, it would have enough energy to unleash a magnitude-8 earthquake - roughly the size of the devastating 1906 quake in San Francisco. Quakes are predicted to occur on the southern part of the fault every 200-300 years.

Duck, cover and hold.

QUAKE HISTORY

July 29, 2008: 11:42 am: 5.4 Chino Hills Earthquake, the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area experienced its largest earthquake in years as a magnitude 5.4 event occurred 8.5 miles beneath the Chino Hills. This earthquake was felt across much of southern California, and as far away as Las Vegas, Nevada. I was at a movie memorabilia auiction preview at the time and filming!

Monday January 17, 1994: 0430 PST 6.7 - Northridge: Sixty people were killed, more than 7,000 injured, 20,000 homeless and more than 40,000 buildings damaged in Los Angeles, Ventura, Orange and San Bernardino Counties.

April 18, 1906: 7.8 - One of the greatest earthquakes ever to hit California. Damage was extensive in San Francisco, and was increased perhaps tenfold by raging fires. Total damage was estimated at over $500 million. Seven hundred people died. The earthquake occurred on a blind thrust fault, and produced the strongest ground motions ever instrumentally recorded in an urban setting in North America. Damage was wide-spread, sections of major freeways collapsed, parking structures and office buildings collapsed, and numerous apartment buildings suffered irreparable damage.

John Forsythe - a TV legend

2010-04-02T15:10:00.001-07:00

"Thankfully, he died as he lived his life... with dignity and grace,
after a year-long struggle with cancer" - a statement from the family
of TV legend John Forsythe. The actor has died at the age of 92, from complications of pneumonia following a long battle with cancer. He was famous for playing Blake Carrington on Dynasty - but I'm hearing less well known as the disembodied voice of Charlie - giving the angels their next mission. RIP.

Conrad Murray "hanging on by a thread"

2010-04-01T16:41:00.000-07:00

With court appearance No. 2, due next Monday (April 5), Michael Jackson's doctor is apparently "hanging on by a thread," financially. In court papers Dr Conrad Murray's lawyers say he must be allowed to continue practicing medicine in order to pay for his defense on a manslaughter charge.

California attorney general wants to suspend Dr. Conrad Murray's medical license pending his trial.

Murray's lawyers argue that his "ability to pay for his own defense depends almost entirely on his ability to continue to treat patients."

On Monday a date for Murray's preliminary hearing is likely to be selected and a judge assigned to the case.

Also on this:

Dr Conrad Murray charged
Dr Conrad Murray arrives in court

Cat Deeley's rising star

2010-04-01T16:26:00.001-07:00

There is a flurry of interest in British TV presenter Cat Deeley following her turn on 'Live with Regis and Kelly' - filling in for Kelly Ripa. Hyped by the UK press, with headlines like Deeley's top Cat in States (The Sun) suggest she's the latest big thing on US TV. Now, I like Cat - she's always very friendly in person - but she's not in Oprah's league yet.

Facebook campaign over Jackson school sign

2010-04-01T16:03:00.001-07:00

Nine months after his death a Facebook campaign has emerged to try to get Michael Jackson's name reinstated over a school auditorium. MJ attended Gardner Street Elementary School and subsequently donated money to it when he was a rising star. In 1989, he attended a ceremony with unveiling of Michael Jackson Auditorium, named in his honor. But when the signer faced child molestation charges, his name was covered up with a wooden sign which simply reads 'auditorium.' Jackson was found not guilty on all counts at his trial in 2005. Now his supporters feel the name should be reinstated and have started a Facebook group, encouraging fans to download a letter to sign and send to the school district superintendent. The group has over 2,100 supporters.

Dr Conrad Murray charged

2010-02-08T22:31:00.000-08:00

As the convoy of black SUVs arrived at the courthouse near LA airport
my mind went straight back to Sana Maria. Another extraordinary
Michael Jackson media frenzy. In 2005 it was Michael Jackson on trial
- now his personal physician is accused of killing the pop star. The
fans, ever loyal, were present - screaming justice. Just as they did
in 2005. Then, they believe they got it when MJ was found not guilty.
Now they want a guilty verdict. It will be a long process - as one
official said - a very long haul. Day 1 went according to the book. It
was hysterical but ended as we expected. Dr Murray is free on $75,000
bail and due back in court on April 5. He's accused of involuntary
manslaghter. Many more media frenzies to come.

More on this:
Dr Conrad Murray arrives in court

Michael Jackson - the next chapter

2010-02-02T20:47:00.000-08:00

After a 3Am start to cover what turned out to be rather uneventful Oscar nominations - at least they were predictable - the day seemed to be winding down nicely by lunchtime. Then the news broke that - according to US media outlets like AP and TMZ - Michael Jackson's doctor, Conrad Murray, is about to be charged with involuntary manslaughter. The story remains unconfirmed by the authorities, but something is clearly in the air and I sense the beginning of a potentially long and - perhaps - final chapter in the story of Michael Jackson's death.

What were know: Dr Conrad Murray is in LA with his lawyers.
The DA's office has not announced any charges.

Plenty of speculation that Dr Murray will be charged and arraigned Wednesday. Judging by the media interest we are going to see another circus.

Avatar and The Hurt Locker tied 9 nods apiece for the Oscars.

Ominous warning... mudslides likely in LA

2010-01-20T16:46:00.001-08:00

Today the threat of mudslides is deadly serious. With at least another two days of torrential rain, including tornados, the fire ravaged areas around LA are saturated and the authorities are evacuating hundreds of home. There is an extremely high chance of huge
mudslides. If they happen, they could demolish homes in a heartbeat. Officials fear another disaster like the one in the town of La Conchita, California on January 10, 2005. The mudslide took 10 lives and destroyed 15
houses.

LA's tornado warning

2010-01-19T18:03:00.001-08:00

Much to the delight of local TV, LA is on storm watch this week. Today we had a tornado warning, but it didn't materialize. It was, according to the LA Times, just "tornado-like." It is very wet though - 3 big storms are passing through CA this week - we've had two and apparently the worst is still to come. But apart from waterspouts, a few flooded streets and lots of mud, it's not a major problem. less cyncially, the soil is saturated and last year's fire damaged area, are ripe for mud slides. Thousands of people preparing to evacuate...

Gay marriage trial

2010-01-11T17:56:00.000-08:00

The federal trial over California's ban on gay marriage will delve deep into some of the fundamental issues that promote discrimination, bigotry and misunderstanding. What it means to be treated equally... what exactly is 'marriage? Are children affected when their parents are gay? Can gay people 'grow out of it.' Unfortunately, for the time being, the proceedings will not be seen on TV - although that could change on Wednesday. The trial could last up to 4 weeks - but it seems inevitable that the case will end up in the US Supreme Court, where a landmark ruling could and should be made.

Tough times ahead

2010-01-08T13:05:00.001-08:00

Another tough day for California, and hardly the final budget Arnold
Schwarzenegger would have chosen to present to the State. The governor
who was elected on the promise that he would fix the state's economy,
has proposed another round of deep spending cuts. In an austere budget
plan, Schwarznegger says spending will be cut on health and human
services, welfare, transport and environmental programmes. It takes
California back to its spending levels of six years ago. In the past
12 months the state, which has a $20b deficit, has seen a big drop in
income from tax revenue. Unemployment stands at 12.3 per cent - the
third highest in the United States. the governor said California was
slowly beginning to emerge from the worst economic downturn in decades
but that it would be three to four years before tax revenues
recovered. He said, "tough times still lie ahead." He acknowledged the
budget would be painful - but he said California was resilient.

Michael Jackson's doctor

2010-01-08T11:49:00.001-08:00

Prepare to hear a lot more about the death of Michael Jackson in the next few months - actually, years. A flurry of reports today suggested that prosecutors in LA are planning to charge the singer's doctor with involuntary manslaughter. The District Attorney office here told me that was not true, because they had not been presented with the case yet. Of course, it could be true (eventually) and the local media has pounced on the story - and the prospect of another high profile trial in LA. The saga continues...

Avatar smashes $1bn box office speed record

2010-01-03T14:36:00.000-08:00