Go Habs Go!

The Montreal Canadians start their pre-season tomorrow with two nights of games opposite the Pittsburgh Penguins. Get your jerseys out and let's hope for a chance to make it to the playoffs this year, or at least lots of free chicken wings.

Metric in Montreal

Metric were in Montreal for the anti-violence vigil with Dawson, marking the first anniversary since the shooting that killed Anastasia DeSousa and injured 20 others.

Metric performed on Mackay Street next to Concordia University's Hall Building on 1455 de Maisonneuve West. The free event was organized by Concordia's Student Union.



Metric is a Canadian New Wave/indie rock band. Originally formed in 1998 in New York City, they are currently based in Toronto, Ontario.

The band consists of vocalist Emily Haines (who also plays the Synthesizer), guitarist James Shaw, bassist Josh Winstead and drummer Joules Scott-Key. Their first full-length album, Old World Underground, Where Are You Now?, was released in 2003. Their newest album, Live It Out, was released on October 4, 2005 and was nominated for the 2006 Polaris Music Prize for the Canadian Album of The Year as well as earning the Juno Award nomination for Best Alternative Album.

Haines and Shaw also perform with Broken Social Scene, and Haines has been a guest on albums by Stars, KC Accidental, Delerium, The Stills, and Jason Collett. Scott-Key and Winstead have their own side project, Bang Lime, and Haines has released a solo album under the name Emily Haines and the Soft Skeleton.

Their songs "Monster Hospital" and "Police and the Private" have been used on the television show Grey's Anatomy. "Monster Hospital" has also been used in CSI: Miami.

Pittsburgh Penguins Witness Hit and Run in Montreal

The NHL Pittsburgh Penguins were dining at DaVinci's on Bishop street late Sunday night when they witnessed a drunk driver crash into a parked car. The car was empty except for a lonely golden retriever. Left Wing Ryan Malone exited their tour bus to get the license plate of the driver who took off, and gave it to another witness. Their bus driver made the call to police. Their quick response helped put the driver away to jail. The driver was actually caught a few minutes later on another offense, driving the opposite direction on a one way. The driver had a lengthly criminal record.

MTV AWARDS RECAP; BRITNEY BOMBS

The MTV Video Music Awards took place in Las Vegas this year with Britney Spears giving the worst VMA opening in history. Spears debuted her first single, "Gimme More," in a much anticipated performance, decked out in a sequined black bikini and black boots and joined by several dancers also decked in black, who gyrated on stage and on silver poles to the funky-catchy beats of Spear's pop-dance "Gimme More", supporting the comeback pop-princess simply Vegas style. Spear's performance lacked energy, enthusiasm and excitement and the looks on the faces of the audience were evidence enough that MTV flubbed majorly by having her open the show. If Spear's comeback is a peek into what we should expect from her upcoming album release on November 13, sadly, there may not be very much to look forward to. Comic, Sarah Silverman immediately appeared on stage after Spears ended describing Spear's children as, "the most adorable mistakes."

Rihanna's single, "Umbrella," claimed the first award of the evening, 'Monster Single of the Year,' presented to her by rapper, Eve and former Pussy Cat Doll, Nicole Scherzinger and after Rihanna graciously stated, "MTV thank you so much, you guys have been so supportive of my career," in her thank-you speech, Kanye's "Stronger" performance followed live from his "Good Life," party palace in the Penthouse Suite of the Palms Hotel.

As renowned DJ and producer, Mark Ronson, dutifully saw to his job as the show's music set producer, the two other parties happening in sync with the VMA's continued in full effect. Justin Timberlake and Timbaland hosted the "Southern Hospitality Party," while Pete Wentz and Fall-Out Boys hosted the "Friends or Enemies Party." Both parties, like West's were held at the Palms Hotel. R&B singer Robin Thicke and Golden Globe winner Jennifer Hudson presented the first ever "Quadruple Threat Award, " to Justin Timberlake for his role as an actor, singer, dancer and clothing line founder. Timberlake, after comically accepting his award by jumping around with his fans, challenged MTV to play more videos in his award acceptance speech. Fall-Out Boy's mini performance of their mega-hit "Thanks for the Memories" followed from their own rocking "Friends and Enemies" party and ended with the band destroying their instruments on the tiny stage.

While Dave Grolh and the Foo Fighters rocked out in an unknown location, Fifty Cent and Kanye West walked on stage facing off as they did on the cover of Rolling Stone to present the award for the most "Earth-Shattering Collaboration." In a surprise win, Beyonce's and Shakira's, "Beautiful Liar" took the top prize. Maroon 5 frontman, Adam Levine, gave a short performance of "Wake-Up" as Mark Ronson strummed on his guitar in Levine's background. TI performed "Do It" at Justin's 'Southern Hospitality" party announcing to all who were present, that he "is the King" at the end of his short, lively gig.

Actress Rosario Dawson introduced singer/dancer Chris Brown whose performance of his hit song 'Wall-to-Wall" was one of the best of the night. The young and extremely talented R&B singer working off of a Charlie Chaplin impersonation-concept wowed the audience with tricky dance choreography, a Michael Jackson dance impersonation and a surprise performance with Rihanna who belted out her own mega hit "Umbrella," complete with on-point dance moves on a recently broken ankle.

Audrina, Whitney and Lauren, all cast-mates of the MTV reality show "The Hills" presented the "Male Artist of the Year Award" to Justin Timberlake who beat out, Akon, Robin Thicke, TI and Kanye West for the coveted prize. Once again, Timberlake implored MTV to play more videos instead of featuring reality shows and shows like "the Simpsons". Timberlake also gushed about Brown's presentation and stated that he thinks "music is in a great place right now." Ce-lo gave a moving rock performance with the Foo Fighters while 50 Cent and Timberlake performed their own "Ayo Technology." Hot young actor, Shia LeBoeuf finally announced the title to the next Indian Jones installment, "Indiana Jones and The Kingdom of The Crystal Skull," in which he plays a lead role while presenting to himself the award for the "Best Female Artist of the Year" as the award's winner, Black Eyed Peas singer, Fergie, who beat out singers Rihanna, Beyonce, Amy Winehouse and Nelly Furtado was absent. Pamela Anderson, aside from causing a major fight between ex-husbands Tommy Lee and Kid Rock, introduced West's second performance of the night, "Good Life" which featured crunk rapper, T-Pain.

Fall-Out Boy, Gym Class Heroes, Lil Wayne and Panic of the Disco's lead singer, Brendan Urie, all collaborated on a surprise impromptu performance from the "Friends or Enemies" Party room. Actress, Megan Fox, introduced, "Maestro" Timbaland and dynamic rock-group Linkin Park, who gave a moving exhibition of Linkin Park's hit single, "Bleed It Out," at Las Vegas' "Rain" nightclub. Kevin Connelly and Adrien Grenier of HBO's hit show, "Entourage" presented the "Best Group" award to Fall-Out Boys who won over, pop-rock group Gym Class Heroes and grunge-rock duo, White Stripes. Wentz, bassist of Fall-Out Boy and the most vocal member of the group "thanked all the people who are real fans of music," while repeating the phrase, "Big-Up."

Rihanna and Fall-Out Boys collaborated on a performance of Rihanna's hit single "Shut-Up and Drive," which featured the pop/R&B princess jumping on a bed while wearing a black mini-dress and leather gloves. Rapper Nelly introduced the "classiest women in Vegas," Alicia Keys, who delivered the second stand out piece of the night and debuted her new single, "No-One" to a stunned crowd. She followed with, "Freedom" accompanied by a band and back-up singers. Keys wore a fitted black outfit and silver boots and characteristically banged away at her piano during her very moving recital. Common and Kanye West belted out hip hop lyrics while Gym Class Heroes and Fall-Out Boys rocked out with Gym Class Heroes' major single, "Clothes Off." The "Best New Artist" award was awarded to Gym Class Heroes immediately after and was presented to the pop-rock group by actor/singer Jaime Fox and actress Jennifer Garner who both shamelessly promoted their new movie "Kingdom."

50 cent sang "In Da Club" for the hundredth time, Ms. Teen South Carolina (who needs no introduction) appeared on our screens making fun of her little mishap at the 2007 Miss Teen USA pageant and Mark Ronson featured Allido artist, Rhymefest and "Stop Me" singer Daniel Merriweather. Mary J Blige introduced legendary rap music producer and lyricist Dr. Dre making us all wonder whether Dr. Dre was receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award. Instead Dr. Dre only bestowed his presence on the VMA"s to present the biggest and finale award of the evening, the "Video of the Year Award" to Caribbean R&B sensation, Rihanna, who's had a titanic year following the release of her latest album "Good Girl Gone Bad." Timberlake and Timbland closed out the night with Timberlake's "Lovestoned" and featured Nelly Furtado who belted out her latest single to a still active crowd.

In the end the only thing that really stood out at the VMA's this year was the many times Mark Ronson pushed Amy Winehouse's "Valerie" and Lily Allen's, "LDH."

Lily Allen has been pictured smoking what appears to be a cannabis joint.

The 'Smile' singer was photographed at London's world famous Notting Hill Carnival on Monday (27.08.07) tooting on a large hand-rolled cigarette, similar in shape to a marijuana 'spliff'.

Shortly after the picture was taken, Lily - who had been drinking heavily for most of the day - passed out on the pavement outside The Cow pub and had to be helped to her unsteady feet by restaurant staff from Rosa's Dining Room.

After drinking several pints of water and strong coffee to sober up, the pop star was put by staff in a taxi which took her to her north London home.

A source said: "She was really getting into the spirit of the occasion hen she stumbled and didn't get back up.

"People were crowding around and taking pictures of her until the staff came to her rescue.

They took her inside the restaurant to stop everyone staring at her."

Earlier in the day, Lily suffered further embarrassment when she had a pint of Guinness poured over her head.

The diminutive star jumped on stage during a performance by reggae star Bobby Kray and pushed him off stage so she could sing herself.

Bobby retaliated by throwing the stout drink over her, much to the delight of the jeering crowd, leaving Lily to sulk at the side of the stage

Allen in row with neighbour over parking

A neighbour of Lily Allen's had a public row with the star after she apparently nicked his parking spot.

Lilly reportedly parked her Mini Cooper in a private bay that did not belong to her. When the bay owner saw her parking her vehicle again last week, he had an argument with her.


"The man marched over to Lily, started jabbing his finger at her and gave her a piece of his mind. He had no idea it was Lily Allen until she got out of the car and asked him what the hell he was going on about," the Mirror newspaper quoted an onlooker as saying.


Advertisement"The man, who was in his 20s, looked a bit surprised when confronted with a pop star but continued laying into her, saying she was selfish and generally having a go," the onlooker added.


Although Lily reportedly admitted that he had mistakenly parked her car at her neighbour's parking, she did demand that the man talked to her with some respect.


"She started screaming at him, telling him to shut up and to treat her with some respect," said the source.


"She said it was just a mistake, but looked really shaken by the experience - especially considering he was one of her neighbours," the source added.

This is Britney's future, 'More' or less

Grand opening: Britney arrives at the LAX nightclub at the Luxor resort in Las Vegas on Saturday.

Promotion: Spears is the poster girl for the LAX opening.



The next two weeks could be a make-it-or-break-it chapter for Britney Spears. With Friday's release of her single Gimme More from her album due Nov. 13 and her weekend appearance to open the LAX club in Las Vegas, the beleaguered pop star is juggling some vital dates in both career and family affairs. USA TODAY, with Amanda Sanders of New York Image Consultants, dissects the challenges ahead:
•Tuesday: A Los Angeles family court hearing is scheduled regarding custody of Spears' two sons with ex-husband Kevin Federline. Spears' lawyer has asked for a continuance in a custody hearing set for Sept. 17.

Expert says: "If the hearing can get postponed, it would be smart so that her personal troubles can get under the radar."

•Sunday: Spears is expected to perform two songs —Gimme More and Cry— at MTV's Video Music Awards in Las Vegas. Dancer Ruben Dario told heybritney.com that her performance will include a mirror in which she will appear and disappear (which is why she was working with illusionist Criss Angel last month).

Expert says: "She can have a public image that says mom-and-pop icon and do it tastefully. In the past, she has used these performances to inject shock value, but she needs to avoid it this time. She's a little bit older, and she should look a little wiser."

•Sept. 12, 14: Son Jayden James turns 1. Son Sean Preston turns 2.

Expert says: "The public needs to see a wholesome family gathering that is age-appropriate. I'm not saying she should go to Chuck E. Cheese, but it needs to be something mainstream that the rest of America can relate to."

•Sept. 14: A Los Angeles hearing is set to hear arguments from lawyers for media outlets that want court records in the Spears/Federline divorce and custody case made public. The couple's divorce was final July 30, when lawyers won a conditional order to have the records sealed.

Expert says: "If she shows up in appropriate attire, the public might find believable that she's interested in what's going on. Public empathy can go a long way if they believe she's not just using her money to win this battle."

•Sept. 17: Custody hearing scheduled for Los Angeles. Federline wants to modify the current agreement, which gives eachparent equal custody. Federline is seeking primary custody.

Expert says: "Right now, middle America cannot relate to Spears as a young mother in the middle of a custody battle. She needs to keep her personal affairs under the radar. At this point, she really has to fight for her kids."

Linday Lohan Agrees To Get A Visit From Michael Lohan

Lindsay Lohan and her mother Dina Lohan have agreed to let the estranged father and former drunk, Michael Lohan visit her at her Utah rehab facility. Lindsay hasn’t seen her father in years due to his abusive behaviour as well as anger management issues. Michael now claims to be sober after having found God. He has also appeared on every possible media outlet in America, including Larry King Live, trying to reach out to Lindsay.

Funny thing is, Lindsay’s mother had to get a restraining order lifted just so that he could get to visit Lindsay. It will all happen together with a counselor. Linday’s rep has confirmed the validity of the story.

It’s apparently all part of the “healing process”.

I give it 6 months before she goes back to the bottle and ends the relationship with her dad, again. Mark my words!

Details of Britney Spears’ VMA Performance - Revealed!

I guess it’s time to report some rather good news on Britney. We have obtained some rumored and un-confirmed “confidential” information about Britney’s upcoming MTV Video Music Award performance in Las Vegas on September 9th.

Here’s what we found out:

- She will not open the show, she will close it.
- The performance will be a medley of a new ballad titled “Cry” followed by her new single “Gimme More”.
- It will allegedly be one of her most “complex” performances to date.
- She is set to dance in and out of mirrors which will make her appear and disappear at different areas of the stage (guided by Criss Angel).
- Dance rehearsals are currently underway in Las Vegas (sans Britney)
- Some dancers will be rigged and suspended in mid-air.
- The performance includes a reggaeton style instrumental break down.

Even though Britney performing at the VMA’s has never been officially confirmed, the fact that Billboard.com has reported a new single drop around the same week of the VMA’s adds a level of credibility to everything. Just thought I should point that out.

Paris and Nicky Hilton

Both Paris and Nicky Hilton were hard partying all night as they appeared back on the club scene again; they had their own VIP booth while at the PURE nightclub at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. It seems as if the siblings are getting back to their old ways of staying up all night and partying hard.

While Paris Hilton and Nicky Hilton we dancing to the beat other partygoers were going nuts, Paris was pleasing fans by taking time out to shake their hands, how big of her ah.

One thing that has changed with Paris was the fact that she was only drinking water and not alcohol.

Britney refuses duet with Justin; says she won't sing his Emmy nominated song, 'Junk in a Box'; critics call her decision career suicide



Britney won't sing -- oh, look, it's Dick in a box. I wonder how did he get in there? Hollywood, California - After taking a week off his busy career to help revive hers, former girlfriend, Britney, stood up Justin Timberlake by refusing to fly out to his Virginia Beach studio to record a duet with her former beau. According to Britney's publicist, she refused to sing with Timberlake because she did not care for song selection he made for them. Music industry critics call her decision career suicide.

"Britney just didn't see how singing, "'Junk' in a Box" as a duet with Justin would help further her career," said a spokesman for Britney. Music industry insiders doubt that is the reason, however.

"It doesn't sound like a legitimate professional disagreement between two accomplished artists;" said an industry insider. "Song selections are negotiated well in advanced of their scheduled recording date. If there was a disagreement between the two, it would have come up way before."

It is rumored it, instead, it had everything to do with the fact that Britney herself perceives she is accepting charity from a nice guy she dismissed with a girl-on-girl kiss with Madonna on a national broadcast of VMA Awards with him sitting in the audience after their much publicized breakup.

Britney's spokesmen then later released the following prepared statement:

Unfortunately, due to the fact that the airline industry does not have safety restraining devices (safety belts) for children on their planes, Britney thought to act in the best interests of her children by canceling her flight out to her recording secession with Mr. Justin Timberlake. Rather than compromise the safety of her children by fly with them without safety restraint devices. Perhaps this will be the wakeup call the airline industry needs to take assertive action now to correct this problem. Until then, Britney refuses to fly out and do a duet with Timberlake.

Lohan’s Denial: “I Wasn’t Driving!”

SANTA MONICA – Lindsay Lohan’s latest defense comes in two sentences: “I wasn’t driving!” and “The drugs aren’t mine!” Sorry Lindsay, but we’ve heard it all before. Three men who were at the party and in the vehicle with Lohan have reportedly told TMZ the juicy details of what really happened that night.



Apparently, Lohan had commandeered a GMC Denali belonging to Dante Nigro, one of the witnesses. “She [Lohan] was mad after her assistant quit and she jumped in my car to go after her. She was driving pretty fast, over 100mph, and was swerving all over the road.” said Nigro.



Nigro and the other men, Jakon Sutter and Ronnie Blake has gone to the party at the behest of the boyfriend of Lohan’s assistant, but only Nigro was let inside. “We were in the car and were ready to leave,” said Jakon Sutter. “She [Lohan] jumped into the driver’s seat and took off with us in the vehicle.”



According to TMZ, “Ronnie [Blake] was so fearful, he jumped out of the vehicle as it accelerated. Just as he hit the ground, she ran over his foot and just kept going.” Lohan began chasing after her assistant and they drove in circles along PCH in Malibu. Eventually, Lohan lost track of the car she was following and drove to the girl’s mother’s house instead, thinking that was where she [the assistant] would be going.



“I tried to grab the wheel, but she [Lohan] yelled, ‘If you touch me, I’ll sue you!’ and so I left her alone,” said Nigro. “She kept saying, “I can’t get in trouble, I’m a celebrity! I can do whatever the f—k I want!’”



The mother of the girl that Lohan had been chasing was the one who alerted the cops of her [Lohan’s] erratic driving and behavior. As the cops arrested and booked her, Lohan claimed, “I wasn’t driving! The black kid was!” When the police found cocaine in a pocket on her jeans while performing a routine search, Lohan stated, “It’s not mine!”



“I never saw her without a drink the entire night,” said Nigro. “We even watched her fail a sobriety test.” TMZ reported that “Nigro tried warning her [Lohan] that the woman she was chasing was heading towards the police station. She just kept yelling that she was above the law.”



Lohan is reportedly supposed to appear in a Santa Monica courtroom for her arrest on August 24.

MARTHA MARTHA !!

Lohan Hit With Drug and Alcohol Arrest

SANTA MONICA, Calif. - The troubled saga of Lindsay Lohan took another dangerous turn early Tuesday when police charged her with drunken driving and cocaine possession after a frightened woman dialed 911 to report being chased by Lohan's SUV.

Less than two weeks out of rehab, with another drunk driving case pending, Lohan had a blood-alcohol level of between .12 and .13 percent when police found her about 1:30 a.m., Sgt. Shane Talbot said.

Authorities had received a 911 call from the mother of Lohan's former personal assistant, said Officer Alex Padilla. The assistant had just quit hours before, he said.

"The mother was afraid," Padilla said. "She wasn't quite sure what was going on so she called the police saying she wanted to make sure everything was going to be OK."

The woman apparently didn't realize it was Lohan who was behind her, Padilla said.

Police said the woman drove her black Cadillac Escalade into the parking lot of Santa Monica's Civic Auditorium, about a block away from the Santa Monica Police Department, followed by Lohan driving a Denali sport utility vehicle. Authorities arrived and saw Lohan and the woman in "heated debate," Padilla said. Lohan and the woman each had two passengers in their vehicles, Padilla said.

After a field sobriety test, the 21-year-old movie star was booked on two misdemeanor charges of suspicion of driving under the influence and driving on a suspended license and two felony charges of possession of cocaine and transport of a narcotic, Talbot said.

During a pre-booking search, police found cocaine in one of Lohan's pants pockets, Talbot said.

Several hours later, Lohan was released on $25,000 bail.

A call to Lohan's publicist, Leslie Sloan Zelnik, and attorney, Blair Berk, were not immediately returned.

Padilla said he didn't know why Lohan was trying to catch the woman, whom he didn't name.

Last week, Lohan turned herself in to Beverly Hills police to face charges of driving under the influence in connection with a Memorial Day weekend hit-and-run crash.

Lohan lost control of her 2005 Mercedes SL-65 convertible and crashed into a curb and shrubs on Sunset Boulevard, police said. Lohan's blood-alcohol level at the time of that crash was above the legal limit, authorities said, but they wouldn't disclose how high it was. She also faces a misdemeanor charge of hit and run in that case.

A court date was scheduled in that case for Aug. 24.

Lohan left Promises Malibu Alcohol and Drug Rehab Treatment Facility on July 13, after a stay of more than six weeks.

When she left, Zelnik said Lohan would voluntarily wear an alcohol-monitoring bracelet.

"In part she is wearing the bracelet so there are no questions about her sobriety if she chooses to go dancing or dining in a place where alcohol is served," Zelnik said in a statement at the time.

Padilla said he wasn't sure if Lohan was wearing it when she was stopped early Tuesday.

In January, Lohan also had checked into rehab for substance abuse treatment