News April 2006

Info on Russell and TOFOG at the Caxton Street Seafood & Wine Festival at 3:30 PM Sunday Oz time - Then one more gig on May 3 at the Filmink Awards before coming to the USA

From Ivani: In Brazilian Contigo magazine of this week, there is this pic of Russell and Charlie enjoying the park! The Caption reads -- " Love's Father! Russell Crowe, 42 years old, could have even fame of a tough guy - he was arrested for having assaulted a hotel helpdesk in New York in 2005, but as a father, he is exemplary. The actor was spotted with his son Charlie, 2, in a park in Sydney, Australia. Both enjoyed the sunny day and even played soccer, under the attentive watch of wife and mother, Danielle Spencer, 35 years old, 5 months pregnant of the couple´s second child."

AZ Central, interview with Kathy Griffin: "..."I still get really excited when I see a famous person in a restaurant," she says. "I saw Russell Crowe in a restaurant the other day, and I told every single person I talked to on the phone, 'I saw Russell Crowe!' My dream would be to be next to them, overhearing what they're saying." - Thanks, Steph

The SMH: Top 100 performers join the Walk of Stars - (He is not in the very first 100) - "...The list of entertainers to be initially honoured by the stars in coming weeks also includes those born overseas, like Kamahl, Don Lane and Russell Crowe, who had a big impact in the theatre, films or on television."

Calendar Live: From an interview with Nick Cave (The Proposition/Breathless) - Between rock and some hard places -- "Screenwriting's much easier. I'm not saying I'm particularly adept, but I can do it fast." On the strength of "The Proposition," he was approached by Russell Crowe and Ridley Scott to write a sequel to "Gladiator." "It was an antiwar movie," Cave said. "It ended in Vietnam and the Pentagon. The gladiator who has returned from the dead is betrayed by the gods and becomes a raging war machine. There's a 20-minute scene at the end that goes through all the wars of history. At one point Russian tanks are coming at him." For the budding screenwriter, the assignment provided a quick lesson in what you can — and, more to the point, cannot — get away with in Hollywood. "Ridley loved the ending," Cave said. "Or so he told me. But he also said there's no way we're going to be able to make it." - Thanks, Steph

ixxle blog spot: Something to Crowe about. (Thoughtful blog about Russell and his music) - Thanks, Cindy

The NY Post: Cindy Adams - Related, Filming in NYC right now - And we've got "The Nanny Diaries" with Paul Giamatti. And the Noah Baumbach untitled job with Nicole Kidman, And the Joaquin Phoenix/Mark Wahlberg/Eva Mendes "We Own the Night." - Thanks, barbiecat

Russell has confirmed that this info is correct: "The remaining schedule of concerts in Oz: "Russell and the band are performing a 6 song segment in Brisbane's Queen St Mall on Saturday [29th] - at the Brisbane Caxton St Seafood & Wine Festival on Sunday [30th] - Wednesday, May 3, "2006 Movie Extra Filmlink Awards", Sydney" - Then it is on to the USA!!!"

Once again - the remaining schedule of concerts in Oz: "at the Brisbane Caxton St Seafood & Wine Festival on Sunday [30th], Russell and the band are also performing a 6 song segment in Brisbane's Queen St Mall on Saturday [29th] - Wednesday, May 3, "2006 Movie Extra Filmlink Awards", Sydney" - Then it is on to the USA!!!

The Daily Telegraph Confidential: Crowe squawks at Sony's record spin - "... It was his performance at the latter a fortnight ago that he thought he had sealed the deal with Sony, telling radio program The Kyle & Jackie O Show this week that he was told "all you've got to do is play that song at the MTV Awards tonight, and rock that, and you're home and hosed". But insiders told Confidential Crowe was only offered a slot on the MTV bill because organisers wanted him to present the MTV Free Your Mind Humanitarian Award to Peter Garrett." - (Talk about using someone - Shame on Sony!) - Thanks, barbiecat

From Darrin: "With huge thanks to my Good Mate I have a hilarious new vid featuring Reg from the Footy Show backstage at the MTV AU Awards show! All the bits with Rusty are TOO funny! It's on the WAV page - second pink square!"

MSNBC: Where have all the Sexiest Men Alive gone? - 20 years of People’s picks for top hunks in Hollywood -- "Lately it feels like we’ve entered another fallow period in the Sexiest Man Alive sweepstakes. The most recent group of actors may have the looks but not the weight, and maybe not the longevity. They feel like women’s men as opposed to men’s men. No Russell Crowe, for example, or Javier Bardem or Clive Owen. " - Thanks, barbiecat

The Herald Sun: FINALLY. Russell Crowe gives his career-best songs a deserving forum. His introspective work, My Hand, My Heart, and the intimacy of Manchester Lane were made for each other.... More here. Thanks, Anne S

The Age au: Cinderella rocker fella unwanted - "Oscar-Winning actor Russell Crowe has been given the thumbs-down by record industry behemoth Sony/BMG. The world's largest music company has told him it has no interest in signing his band after what he says was six months of courting and then "bulls--- cliches" when fobbing him off." - Thanks, Steph

Runonsentence.com: A brief concert video of Russell dissing Americans for not traveling. (ed note: That one I've heard before!) - Thanks, vsecin

From Shirl (TSN): " I don't know if anyone has made this known but it has just been announced that as well as performing at the Judith Wright Centre in Brisbane on Friday night, and at the Brisbane Caxton St Seafood & Wine Festival on Sunday, Russell and the band are also performing a 6 song segment in Brisbane's Queen St Mall on Saturday"

Coming Soon.net: (Don't know about this one) -- "...The script will be written by playwright Stephen Belber, who wrote The Power of Duff, a drama being developed at Universal for Ron Howard and Russell Crowe." - Thanks, Ivani

The Australian: It's pushing boundaries, not colouring within lines -- "A glance at any weekly women's magazine shows a glut of stories having it both ways. Glamorous creative people are raised up by the insatiable appetite for gossip and brought low by stories, many false or exaggerated, about their indiscretions. Can it be so amazing that actors such as Russell Crowe and Sean Penn, who strip their emotions bare for their art, show a bit of temperament, sometimes?" - Thanks, Allison

Movie Web: Interview with Jeff Daniels -- "You do a fair amount of singing and guitar playing in the film? Was it fun to show off your musical talent? - Jeff Daniels: I can get around. I do have a song, "If William Shatner Can, I Can Too", where I reference Adam [Sandler], Russell [Crowe], and Billy Bob [Thornton]. I've been playing a lot. I play clubs now. I raise money for my theater company with it. They come out and expect Kevin Bacon or Billy Bob, or Russell, with whatever he's doing with his band..." Thanks, Allison, Ivani

Ed note: There is no new news on when tickets will be available for sale for the NYC May 17 concert. Please keep checking back at the Concert ticket site to see when Ticketmaster will list the tickets for sale. With 800 seats, I am sure there will be places for all who want to go.

From a podcast of yesterday's radio Kyle & Jackie O show: "...Band just got turned down by Sony last week for record contract. "6 months of effort for nothing". Some Sony people had nurtured interest for the past months ... but at the last meeting, the big dog with Sony said no... Russell said the guy said "we have too many artists, and we want at least 4 sure fire hits on the album". Testify isn't enough. Russell says the album has been picked up by Virgin, Sanity and one other... for sale in Oz. But we know that." -- Listen - Part One -- Part Two -- Part Three - Part Four - Part Five -- (Links are fixed -- Right click and download to listen) - Thanks to a fan

The SMH: Choc's old school: throwing punches around the camp fire -- "... Having abandoned his bush training camp after a back injury to opponent Danny Green last month forced the postponement of Australia's most eagerly anticipated fight, Mundine returned to the tiny northern NSW settlement where his father and trainer Tony was born and will spend the next two weeks there preparing for the May 17 bout. Having obtained the ring used in the Russell Crowe movie Cinderella Man, after the actor donated it to Coffs Harbour Police Citizens and Youth Club, the Mundine team have also built a makeshift gym under the gum trees in the hills that border the picturesque Coaldale Valley and he plans to train three times a day." - Thanks, barbiecat, Steph

From Cindy: "Just for the heck of it I looked at sanity.com.au digital downloads. MHMH is #11 on the download chart, but even better, it's for the full album, whereas the other downloads are for a 1-3 songs only. Not too shabby for an album that has been out for quite a long time. I think all those 'residencies' up and down the coast of Oz are helping to get the music out there."

New York Magazine: We lost it at the movies - "...The crisis began with the unexpected failure of what was, in retrospect, a gamble at best for June: Cinderella Man, from the preternaturally successful team of Brian Grazer; his partner, the gifted Ron Howard; and Oscar-winning Russell Crowe. It seemed destined for greatness; their last entry, A Beautiful Mind, had won an Academy Award for Universal. And this one had perky Renée Zellweger. But no matter what they did—spending irrational amounts of money, even offering a money-back guarantee—no audience would show up. Perhaps the audience was too stupid to want meaningful movies this season, the studio wondered. Surely they should see the virtues of this film. Then panic set in. Was it marketing? The fact that Crowe had thrown a phone in a hotel clerk’s face? It never occurred to them that there might be a problem with the movie, which one young man described to me as “Seabiscuit with Russell Crowe playing the horse.” - Thanks, Steph

From Mike: "Did you know that Russell Crowe has been voted the most popular person in the last 2 years at the Boxoffice Mojo website. And for the year 2004 he was in 2nd place, after Tom Cruise!"

The Filmink newsletter: "RUSSELL CROWE TO PLAY 2006 MOVIE EXTRA FILMINK AWARDS - SYDNEY - On WEDNESDAY 3RD MAY, join Russell Crowe and The Ordinary Fear of God and Australian hip hop band Bliss N Eso at the 2006 MOVIE EXTRA FILMINK Awards at Sydney’s iconic State Theatre. This year also features the presentation of the inaugural Peter Finch Lifetime Achievement Award, which will be honouring dead-set Australian icon John Jarratt. Time is running out, so call Ticketmaster on 136 100 or click here to book your place. Tix $45 each." - Thanks, Anne S

Also from the newsletter - Related: TROPFEST@TRIBECA ANNOUNCES LINE-UP – NEW YORK - The Tribeca Film Festival and John Polson, director (Swimfan, Hide & Seek) and founder of Tropfest, announced today the line-up for the first annual Tropfest@Tribeca, the exciting collaboration of the largest short film festival in the world and the fastest-growing film festival in North America. For the full list and information on attending the event click here.

From Darrin: I'm back from vacation with SIX more vids from our intrepid movie catcher, KELLS!!! Go to the MOV page to watch snippets from the Centro Bankstown Mall show, first six yellow squares!

The Sunday Telegraph Magazine: Abbie's Road - After dealing with the dark subject matter in Candy, Cornish relished filming the comedy/drama A Good Year, in which most of her scenes were with Russell Crowe. "Russell was great; we had a lot of laughs." Talking of Mr Crowe, Cornish says she respects the way he balances his work and family life back in Australia. "But I think a lot of Australian actors are like that; very strong people who have their own lives [away from work] and I admire that."

NineMSN: (From a November 2005 article on John Polson) -- "...A small but pivotal role in Tenderness will be played by an American actor of some note, he said. "It will be a guy in his 40s or 50s and a guy based on the East Coast (of the US)," he said. "It is a very important role. This movie is seen through the eyes of this guy." - The Tenderness page is updated with more links

E! on line - The Daily 10 Show - Russell talks about his upcoming fillms. Thanks, Kris C

TOFOG has an ad for May 17 in the Village Voice. I don't see any on line, so can some New Yorker get a hard copy and scan it? Thanks!

The May 17 concert is now listed. The Ticketmaster link for ticket sales does not yet have TOFOG

I've added some "no spoiler" comments and a link to buy for the Tenderness book

Note: From Russell -- TOFOG Concert in New York City --
"17th of may at the concert hall,nyc
tickets on sale in a couple of days
if needed we will do more than one show - rc"
(Ed Note - "The Concert Hall" is the Ethical Culture Society Hall. They don't have the gig information on the event site as yet, however. Here is the link for directions to the Hall. You can also continue to check the Ticketmaster site)

IGN's top 25 most wanted DVDs: 8. L.A. Confidential - This multiple Oscar nominee is available in one of the saddest bare-bones DVD releases of all time. Extras wish list: remastered anamorphic widescreen presentation; commentary by Curtis Hanson; commentary by James Ellroy and screenwriter Brian Helgeland; commentary by Kevin Spacey, Russell Crowe and Guy Pearce; retrospective making-of documentary covering all aspects of production and including interview footage with cast and crew; production design featurette with Jeannine Oppewall; "L.A. is the Fourth Man" featurette; documentary on '50s Hollywood. - Thanks, Allison

Mention of MA in an article on Alberta CA - Thanks, Allison

INQ7.net: Josh Lucas -- "Do you ever get star-struck by big co-stars like Robert Redford, Morgan Freeman, or Jennifer Lopez? -- "I always get extremely excited and honored when I work with big stars. But, I was truly star-struck only with two actors: Russell Crowe ("A Beautiful Mind") and Sean Penn ("The Weight of Water"). I want my work to be like theirs, so I sometimes compare myself to them-which is not a very healthy thing to do! (laughs)" - Thanks, Allison

In the murmurs section of the Daily Telegraph: "PART-TIME actor Russell Crowe will perform with his band The Ordinary Fear of God at next month's Filmink Awards. But Confidential hears the performance will be a little out of the ordinary, although organisers aren't prepared to release details just yet. This year's awards will see John Jarratt, whose career has enjoyed a revival after Wolf Creek, presented with the inaugural Peter Finch Lifetime Achievement Award. The gongs will be handed out at the State Theatre on May 3" - Thanks, Anne S

Splash Pictures: Russell out and about in Newton - Thanks, vsecin

IMDb Cars Datebase - LA Confidential - Thanks, Doreen

The story in the Oz papers about Dani suffering from the heat is not true. She is in perfect health and swims three times a week. She was on the ground talking with Charlie when the pap pictures were taken.

Filmink: "On WEDNESDAY 3RD MAY, join Russell Crowe and The Ordinary Fear of God and Australian hip hop band Bliss N Eso at the 2006 MOVIE EXTRA FILMINK Awards at Sydney’s iconic State Theatre." - Thanks, Marla

Related: Seven.au: Playschool celebrates 40 years on air -- During the get together, past presenters including Don Spencer , John Waters, Noni Hazlehurst and Lorraine Bayley mingled with the current crop of Simon Burke and Jay Laga'aia, swapping tales of 40 years of high jinks and mishaps in the ABC studios. Spencer, the father of singer Danielle Spencer, who is married to Russell Crowe, began working on the show in 1968. He said the program's success was based on its integrity with both parents and children. "Too many kids programs these days are about how much you can sell," said Spencer, who simultaneously hosted the Australian and English versions of the show for 17 years. "Playschool comes from an era where that didn't exist, and it's maintained that integrity." - Thanks, Chats

See new poll on left. Please respond. The band is trying to get a feel for coming to NYC for a concert in Mid-May (No further details at this time.) If you want to comment on this, you can do so at the Music Blog

The NY Times, in an article on a PBS docu "Show Cats" - "...Among all owners, there is a naming trend. Not a single Fluffy, Snowball, Tiger, Maggie, Brandy or Bob appears in "Show Cats." Viewers meet Nicole Kidman, a blond European Burmese, and her brother Russell Crowe . There is a Candice Bergen, a Wolf Blitzer and a Colin Powell, who had the good fortune to meet and be photographed with his human namesake" - Thanks, Ivani

IMDb Daily Poll: Film actor (male or female) who achieved the most dramatic body weight metamorphosis? (Suggested by Rafael M.) - Thanks, Kris C, Allison

Film Stew: Crowe Shows His Tenderness

Monsters and Critics: "Entertainment delivered the first [10] of its much anticipated next generation High Definition DVD (HD DVD) titles - marking the official arrival of the superior-quality offerings in stores nationwide." (CM one of them) - Thanks, Steph

Beginning page on Tenderness

Inside Film.com: Tenderness -- John Polson: 'I loved Tenderness from the moment I read the haunting novel,' Polson added. 'It presents me with an opportunity to tell a distinctive and very moving story. I enjoyed working with GreeneStreet enormously the first time around, and couldn't be more excited about this new venture.'

Here is the Variety story on Tenderness - Thesp's in tow for cop thriller pic

NEWS!!! Variety: "Russell Crowe has signed to star in director John Polson's indie thriller Tenderness for New York-based GreeneStreet Films. The actor will shoot the project for Polson (Hide and Seek) in May before heading into production on Universal's American Gangster in July, and then Baz Luhrmann's untitled period epic, opposite Nicole Kidman, early next year. Tenderness was adapted by screenwriter Emil Stern from the novel by Robert Cormier. The film follows a violent teenager, Eric, whose life intertwines with Lori, a 16-year-old runaway who can't resist his charm. Crowe will play Lieutenant Cristofuoro, a cop who sets out to unravel Eric's complex past. Tenderness will be produced by GreeneStreet president John Penotti, with Charles Randolph and Howard Meltzer. GreeneStreet's Fisher Stevens and Tim Williams are executive producing." - Thanks, Ivani - Also at Coming Soon.net (Thanks, Carrie, Penny, Steph)

Deborah H's report on last nights concert at the Grand Central in Melbourne

New Idea: "Daddy Russell Tamed" - Thanks, Janea

The Hollywood Reporter: Next year's Academy Awards will take place on the last Sunday in February, returning to a slot they vacated this year to avoid competing with the closing ceremonies of the Winter Olympics

The Herald Sun - 4/17 - FOR those interested in seeing Russell Crowe on stage singing rather than on movie screens, he and his band are performing again at the Grand Central pub in Swan St, Richmond, tonight. Just because Crowe is concentrating more on music, it doesn't mean his film career is being neglected. He is scheduled to film American Gangstar in the future as well as a movie starring opposite Nicole Kidman, with Baz Luhrmann directing.

New video of the MTV awards. Russell in first one. Thanks, vsecin

Images from the awards - Thanks vsecin

Pictures from Australia Day Live - Thanks, vsecin

Images from Isis at Crowe's Crossing has scans of the new TOFOG CD cover and inside. A treat!

The Age au: An Article on the new Aussie war film" Kokoda" - " He says Kokoda is one of those projects that's been floating around for the best part of 10 years in various guises, a story a number of people have been interested in bringing to film, including Russell Crowe. [The Long Green Shore] "And it fits very comfortably into the tradition of Aussie World War II combat movies," he says. "Young people tend to come out of the combat films thinking, 'there but for the grace of God go I'. And I think the reaction to Kokoda will be very much that."

The Birmingham News: Just about anywhere he goes, Jim Nabors is reminded how popular Gomer Pyle was, and still is. "I was at the Indy (500) this past year and Russell Crowe came running over to me and gave me a big hug," Nabors says. "He said, `You've been in my home since I was a little boy,' which kind of thrilled me. He said it still plays in Australia every day." - Thanks, Penny

Movies Unlimited has Prisoner of the Sun on DVD. If the link doesn't work, do a search for "Russell Crowe." - Thanks, Gloria

There are five release dates for AGY at the IMDb - Thanks, all

News.com.au - The Eye: Smooth sailing - GETTING a cab from Homebush into the centre of Sydney is always difficult, but Russell Crowe had the right idea. He had a chartered boat and headed straight for it after the awards wrapped up. - Thanks, Allison

There are five release dates for AGY at the IMDb - Thanks, all

The Advertiser: HE'S never been one to get starstruck. But celebrity makeup artist Dale Dorning reckons he was pretty close to it in Sydney on Wednesday night. - Thanks, Allison

Brief report from CGee on the Easter Show -- "Not much info, but here it is: The Easter Show concert last night went well given what type of event it was. It's like our State Fairs where people go from place to place mostly happening on music events rather than actually making a point of going to them. The main arena emptied out at 9:00 so the smaller Shed was around 2/3 filled about the time the boys went on with a lot of looky-loos, and people with cameras flashing away. I think the band was prepared for this and came out and just did their usual best trying to entertain the audience. I have to say the people around me seemed to get into the music regardless of why they might have stopped by. The sound system wasn't very good and Russell tried to tell some stories but even he had trouble 'understanding' himself through the ear set. I was in front of Chris for the first time got to really see and hear him play. He is a wonderful guitarist and the small, intricate things he does can’t be appreciated when enveloped by the larger sounds of t he band. Like Dean, he’s in his own world when he plays and it’s a joy to hear.

E! online: Snarky stuff from Ted at the Awful Truth - Thanks, Kris C

To clarify the server information. The site will not be down, but later today I will be unable to update here until Easter Sunday. Again, bookmark the Crowe News Blog. All updates will be there until Murphsplace is functioning again. I will post a notice there when we are back in business.

The SMH: GREEN LIGHT FOR BAZ (Scroll): "...Scuttlebutt reported in this column last week claiming Russell Crowe and Baz Luhrmann had gone separate ways - leaving in limbo the $100 million outback epic that also was to star Nicole Kidman - continues to reverberate across the planet. Crowe's spin doctor says the rumours are "totally inaccurate" but won't elaborate. Kidman insiders say she loves the project and is still keen to do it, and Luhrmann's people say he will deal with the "inaccuracies" when he returns to Sydney some time next week, after travelling to Britain and the US to work on the as yet untitled film's script. Word is that he and Crowe still intend to work together. The studio, 20th Century Fox, says the project has the green light and there are no squabbles over the budget, despite rumours Luhrmann was being forced by bean counters to use computer-animated cattle in some scenes instead of the real thing. Meanwhile, disgruntled workers on the project, which has been slated for filming in the Kimberley from February, are reeling about their poor work prospects for the next few months." - Thanks, Steph

The SMH: Russell Crowe's ordinary fear of no one turning up -- "...Crowe said was planning to take his son, Charlie, to the animal pavilion before his gig. "He got on a horse for the first time last week - 27 months old, on with Dad, pretty cool. Now he wants to see the sheep." - Thanks, Maria

Wireimage has a bunch of pictures of Russell at the MTV awards on the Red Carpet. Follow this link, or do a search for Russell Crowe

There are also many of him performing "Testify" - Follow this link

NOTE: My host may be doing an upgrade on servers this week. If this site is not available for the next few days, please use this URL as a back up

The Age au: Aussies win seven gongs at MTV awards -- "...The awards acknowledge the best in Australian and international music in 14 viewer-voted categories. People voted by SMS, email, fax and telephone. New Zealand hip hop outfit Scribe performed, as did The Veronicas, Lee Harding, James Blunt, Russell Crowe with his band The Ordinary Fear of God, The Darkness, End of Fashion and Rogue Traders."

Daily Telegraph Murmurs: "IT seems all anyone has to do to get Russell Crowe and his band to play a gig these days is ask. From the Academy Awards in Beverly Hills to a shopping centre in Bankstown, Crowe sure is spreading himself and The Ordinary Fear of God around. In a red spot special for TOFOG fans, Crowe will be giving yet another free performance, this time at Centro Bankstown, from 1pm on April 22. Crowe offered his services for free at the MTV Awards last night and will perform to the masses at the Royal Easter Show tonight." - Thanks, Maria

There are pictures of Russell at the MTV awards red carpet at wireimage. If the link does not work, do a search for "Russell Crowe." (Thanks, Ivani)

Related from Monica: "Yesterday GBS were at Lexington Kentucky at the WOODSONGS OLD-TIME RADIO HOUR, and there was a webcast. Now the video is archived HERE - show number 392, the show is very entertaining and GBS songs are great."

The Daily Telegraph: Getting party started -- Post-press conference, we bumped into The Darkness in the Hilton driveway. Before they left, the lads had a message for fellow MTV rocker Crowe: "We've heard Russell wants to have a night out with us while we're here, so if you speak to him tell him we're up for it," lead singer Justin Hawkins said.

The Herald Sun: Russell Crowe testifies for kids -- THE Royal Children's Hospital Good Friday Appeal has scored a major coup in securing Russell Crowe and his band, the Ordinary Fear of God, for a performance. Rusty visited the Channel 7 Melbourne studios yesterday to lay down his track, Testify. Scheduling arrangements meant he was not able to perform live during Friday's show. Crowe admitted to host Molly Meldrum that the song was written after he was arrested in New York last year. Catch Rusty at about 7.30pm on Friday. - Thanks, Maria

NY Post - Liz Smith: 'NICOLE KIDMAN is an extraordinary actress, and Russell Crowe is very good as well - though I know he has some problems." And that little critique comes not from a Hollywood exec, nor a fan queried on the street. These prosaic words were uttered last week in Los Angeles by none other than former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev!" - Thanks, Kris C

Related - from Variety: "Ray" director Taylor Hackford (POL) will make his stage directing debut with "Leap of Faith," a Broadway musical version of the 1992 film that starred Steve Martin. Show will debut during the 2007-08 season.

The Belfast Telegraph and the UK Independent: My life with the papparazzi -- Cute story of a reporter trying to be a paparazzi - ".... At the top of the stairs was a man with a Rod Stewart haircut leaning against a banister holding a telephoto lens. Russell and family then sat down at an outdoor cafe, while the real paparazzo calmly took dozens of photos. As I contemplated why an A-list star who supposedly guarded his privacy would sit there, I ran back and forth - keeping more than an arm's length away - snapping the group. After they had their drinks and moved on, I talked to the paparazzo. He refused to give me his name and said he wasn't a paparazzo, he was a photographer. I asked how he knew Russell Crowe would be there. He told me he got tipped off by someone who worked at one of the stores. Store employees call paparazzi - I mean "photographers" - with sightings, and, if the photographs get published, the tipster gets 25 per cent of the sale. He added that since this was an exclusive of Crowe with pregnant wife and child, he'd probably get $2,500 for the shot. Then his mobile rang..."

Eastside Boxing: Polish heavyweight prospect Art Binkowki (Corn Griffin in CM) will face tough Benton Harbor, MI native Tipton Walker in a special attraction bout just added to the LIGHTNING STRIKES April 21st professional boxing card at Cicero Stadium, it was announced today by Dominic Pesoli, President of 8 Count Productions, HOME OF THE BEST IN CHICAGO BOXING.

The Herald Sun: Kokoda film on track to inspire (a version of the same battle as written in The Long Green Shore, the film Russell hoped to produce and perhaps star in) - Trailer for Kokoda HERE - Thanks, Anne S - This from an old interview during M&C time in the UK thanks to Amelie:"He talked about 'The Long Green Shore' as well; they have a script which is apparently brilliant but it runs to 180 pages and would make 5 hours of film; so he needs to get it down to 120 pages. He said he was playing around with the source material at the moment, so the film wouldn't necessarily be absolutely true to the book but that didn't have to be a bad thing. He was most concerned about finding a way to make the points that he wants to make, and to show what men think about when they are at war.

From CGee: April 10 - Grand Central -- "Just a quick impression of the concert: Excellent concert. They switched the set list and started with "Worst..." and then did 'Weight'. He put Folsom in the middle before the first encore and did a kick ass rendition of both Veil and Full Length. Packed audience, a lot of young University students, some from the US who really seemed to love it. Lots of people up dancing. They ended with MHMH like in the last concert in Sydney but where that was a fitting ending for that more sedate crowd, this one really wanted to continue to rock. If they had just done something like Barry that would have topped the evening off perfectly!"

Cars Guide.com: The trucks that bring the country to the city - "The [Easter] Show is one of the world's greatest events and we pride ourselves on providing more than 12 hours of world-class entertainment every day for the 14 days of the Show," he says. The centrepiece of the entertainment, which includes a rodeo and camp drafting, takes place in the NAB Arena. Extreme rides such as Speed, Space Roller, No Limits, the Zipper, the ferris wheel and the giant slide were trucked in this week and set up for showgoers. The Show also features two live music venues, the Muster Stage and The Shed, which will feature Russell Crowe's band, The Ordinary Fear of God. - Thanks, Allison

VH1.com: Celebrity Eye Candy - "This week on their 4-9-06 edition of the show, Russell appears several times." - Thanks, Kris C

Stax's Blog: "I saw "Hard Candy" the other night for the junket I'm covering on Tuesday. I'll tread carefully for now and not quite review it, suffice to say I have not seen a film that has genuinely made me squirm in horrific anticipation since "Reservoir Dogs" and the cop's ear scene. Let me put it this way: after you see "Hard Candy," you'll never look at a bag of ice the same way again! Responses to the movies will inevitably lead to puns, intentional or not. Yeah, no matter how you slice it (there I go) this movie has balls (again) and is a cut (yep) above the rest. And if Ellen Page doesn't win Best Actress next year, there really isn't any justice in Hollywood. I have not been that impressed by a new face onscreen since I first saw some guy named Russell Crowe years ago." - Thanks, Cindy (ed note: The image at the top of the blog is pretty nice too)

The Sunday Mail UK: "Craig (Bierko) is best known for his portrayal of boxing champ Max Baer in Cinderella Man with Russell Crowe. The release of the movie - about the comeback of boxer James Braddock - was dogged by talk of friction between the actors. But Craig has only praise for Oscar-winning Crowe. He said: "They needed to create a formidable presence to go up against Crowe's formidable persona. "My job was to come out of the corner like a fire truck." " - Thanks, BarbieCat

The Sunday Telegraph: An article about Russell today - "Australian Sydney Sunday Telegraph Inside Entertainment supplement, 9 April 2006 issue, features RUSSELL CROWE on the cover and in 1 page "A radical change of perspective from Crowe" story with photo. Thanks, Chats, Ivani (This looks to be almost the same as the story that appeared last week in the Herald Sun)

The Buffalo News: "From the sublime, gently weaving melody of "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" to the stormy, powerful Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, Bach explores all the secrets of the human heart. No wonder we hear his music in the movies... But Bach, whose music has such strength and power, can also accompany aggression, ambition and a host of other more violent human emotions. "Collateral," the 2004 gangster movie starring Tom Cruise and Jamie Foxx, includes the Orchestral Suite No. 3. In "Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World," Russell Crowe fought the Napoleonic Wars to the tune of Bach's Cello Suite No. 1... - Mary Kunz Goldman" - Thanks, Allison

The Writers Guild of America has released its choices for the 101 greatest screenplays of all time - LA Confidential is #60. Link to Complete list HERE - and this page tests your knowledge

April 7 - HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Russell --- HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, Dani and Russell - Greetings are here

Related - and wonderful news! From Doyle's diary at the GBS web site: Alan Doyle and his wife are expecting a baby -- "It was a day for confessions as well. First of all, Shelagh got me to announce the fact that I’m going to be a Dad. It’s true. It’s exciting. It’s terrifying. I hope I don’t suck at it. The arrival of the new Doyle is scheduled for late July." - Thanks, Carol

The SMH: Abbie's Excellent Adventure (Abbie Cornish) - "I see part of the way some people work or operate," she says. "When I worked with Russell [Crowe] I realised you're the supporter of your own ideas and your own creativity. He's very strong in what he believes and thinks - when you work with someone like him you realise how important your own personal opinion is within your work. - Thanks, Steph

From newstext: "WOOLLOOMOOLOO'S most famous resident, Russell Crowe turned 42 yesterday. But there were no beers at his local, the Tilbury. And the downstairs noshery Otto didn't even get a look in. He didn't even get into his best trackie dacks to celebrate the occasion with that funny pram in the Botanic Gardens. The chief Rabbitoh celebrated at his Nana Glen property doing what some would argue he doesn't do best -- rehearsing with his band The Ordinary Fear of God ahead of an appearance at the Sydney Royal Easter show next week." - Thanks, Maria

The SMH Opinion - SO untrue -- "OUT OF ACTION - Baz Luhrmann's "Big Epic War Romance Film" (working title only) has collapsed in a temporary heap even though Russell Crowe and Nicole Kidman were slated as leads and the Kimberley had been chosen as the location. Budget problems were blamed but Crowe apparently walked after being approached by Ridley Scott (his director in his Oscar-winner Gladiator) to star in another epic. Perhaps mindful of Crowe's role in the demise of Jocelyn Moorhouse's Eucalyptus, it is understood Luhrmann does not want Crowe back when he goes back into production next year." - Thanks, Maria

ET TV: Who Is On The Hollywood Hot List? - "...But the Tinseltown insider admits that being a pro isn't always a part of the list criteria. "RUSSELL CROWE is predictably unpredictable," he says of the Oscar® winner. "He's predictable in the sense that he delivers a lot of core female audiences around the world, from the young, to the quite older, to the middle-age housewives. And his behavior, while it is erratic, you kind of expect that of him." - Link for the Ulmer Scale - Thanks, Ivani

From Diana T: "I watch Turner Classic Movies a lot and I also get their Now Playing Magazine. Right now, 10:30 am central time there is a movie on called The Prizefighter and the Lady, 1933. Starring Myrna Loy and Max Baer. I have only been able to watch a few minutes of it, but, Max Baer's character is a boxer, a womanizer, and he is drinking a lot."

Oz related: The Australian: Noyce accepts film prize as a game patriot -- "Noyce - who went on to direct Clear and Present Danger and Rabbit-Proof Fence - will tonight be presented with an outstanding achievement award from the Australian Screen Directors Association."

ABC Net Brisbane: Audio and printed interview with Jamie Fawcett (The photographer for the Crowe wedding) - Thanks, Ivani (Correction: Jamie Fawcett was not the photographer for the wedding. He was the character flying around in a helicopter. Russell says "he claims to have got the only photo of the wedding conveniently forgetting that every media outlet was supplied photographs as we stated we would."

If anyone attended the concerts at Grand Central (the 3rd) and the Vanguard (the 4th) will you send us a report? Thanks.

Related: Variety - Nicole's film company -- Fox planting Blossom pix - Kidman's film co. inks deal

This message appeared at the James Braddock's site guestbook -- Could it be? - "I have only just got round to watching the movie, but i regretfully should have watched it much sooner. James J is exactly the role model that all living men should follow. People say that i inspire them whoever i feel kinda silly now after seeing such a legend in his field and beyond. Thanks to Russell and ron for bringing the magic to the screen. A true legend. God bless you! Becks x - David J Beckham - Madrid/herts, None Spain/uk 2006-03-30 05:07:43" - Thanks, LB

The Daily Telegraph: No budget problems for Baz - "BAZ Luhrmann's Australian epic is not in doubt despite recent reports questioning its production." - Thanks, Steph, Zell

The NZ Herald Opinion piece: "Health Yes, Zealotry, No" - Thanks, Zell (ed note: and that is that on the never-ending smoking story!!!)

You can download and purchase or rent movies, starting today (PCs only), from Movielink.com. CM is one of those you can buy. You have to watch them on your computer.

Variety: Related -- GIAMATTI TO HONE CLAUS AT WARNERS -- Thesp joins Vaughn in Dobkin's X-mas laffer - Paul Giamatti will star alongside Vince Vaughn and play Santa in helmer David Dobkin's untitled holiday romp for Warner Bros. Comedy project, which reunites the "Wedding Crashers" team of Dobkin and Vaughn, was initially called "Fred Claus," but that title has been shelved because of a potential rights issue.

On Live365.com: - Rabbitohs Radio - streaming radio (Schedule - You can adjust the scheduled shows to reflect your local time - at bottom) - Play list this week includes TOFOG or TOFOG2 songs. It looks like you can buy and download them too. Check out Wednesday and Thursday (Australia Time) - Here is the link to the Rabbitohs Radio main page - Thanks to anon

More NZ Stuff: 1986 - O what a year - "...William Hurt won an Oscar for best actor in Kiss of the Spiderwoman, and Russell Crowe was busy touring New Zealand and Australia as Dr Frank N Furter in The Rocky Horror Show." - Thanks, Allison

NZ Stuff - Crowe Show a bit whiffy (More on NZ - quotes from women who did not agree with the reviewer linked above) - Thanks, Penny, Anne S

From TSN: "Australian Herald Sun Inside Entertainment supplement, 2 April 2006 issue, features RUSSELL CROWE on the cover and in 1 page "Calm Change Of Heart - Russell Crowe has taken a new tack with his music" story with 2 photos, RUSSELL also features in 1 page "Meg affair made me a bad boy - Crowe owns up to demons" story with 2 photos. Also featured NATALIE PORTMAN in 1 page "A close shave for the cause" story with photo. This supplement is available only with the Melbourne Herald Sun newspaper"

April 2006 News