Ex-MP in court on fraud charges

12/03/2010 10:56

Former MP Roger McClay has appeared in court charged with 56 counts of fraud.

It is alleged he claimed travel expenses from the charities he worked for while at the same time using his ex-MP perk of taxpayer subsidised flights.

The charges allege McClay's offending took place over nearly three years until the end of 2008. The 56 separate incidents total more than $25,000.

McClay's lawyer Guyon Foley indicated his client will deny all charges.

In the meantime the 65-year-old has been remanded at large until his next appearance on April 23.

Confidence new fibre optic cable will go ahead

12/03/2010 09:24

Pacific Fibre is confident its plan to bring unlimited high speed broadband to New Zealand will plug a shortage of projects for large investors.

The company wants to build a 13,000 kilometre fibre-optic cable, linking New Zealand, Australia and the United States. It will cost some $900 million.

Spokesman Rod Drury says there seems to be a shortage of large infrastructure projects which the likes of Kiwisaver and the Australian superannuation funds can put money into. He says they have already had talks with customers, banks, funding providers and the government about the plan.

Information and Communications Technology Group CEO Brett O'Riley says the venture is a landmark project. He says it would mean huge benefits for our businesses, as it would enable New Zealand to deliver digital content to the rest of the world.

Mr O'Riley says it would ensure there is no capacity or cost constraints for us to connect with the rest of the world.

Fullers to blame for free travel budget blowout?

12/03/2010 08:12

Waiheke locals are calling for a review into just how much Fullers is benefiting from the SuperGold scheme, rather than penalising senior citizens.

The government is looking into the free off-peak public transport component of the card after a budget blow out. The Fullers ferry to Waiheke has accounted for $2 million of the $18 million budget.

Hauraki Gulf Councillor Denise Roche says Fullers has a monopoly over passenger services to and from Waiheke. She says perhaps some negotiation between the ferry company and the government could help to bring the price down.

Ms Roche says loads of senior people love coming to Waiheke and it would be a real shame to downsize the SuperGold scheme. She says they do not necessarily spend a lot in the local economy but all the same, it is great to see them experiencing the island.

Senior citizens to lose free travel?

12/03/2010 06:40

Grey Power is urging the Government to look at the economic benefits that stem from free transport for senior citizens.

The Government has reached stage two of its review into free off-peak transport for SuperGold card holders. The scheme looks like it will exceed its $18 million a year budget, with $2 million of that spent on the Waiheke ferry alone.

Grey Power board member Violet McCowatt says elderly people are supporting local businesses when they travel to the island and other areas. She says even if they only spend two dollars when they are out, that is two dollars that would not have otherwise been spent.

Ms McCowatt says the free travel also provides health benefits for elderly people. She says it gets them out of their homes, into the fresh air and moving around.

Labour is accusing the government of doing a u-turn if it makes any cuts to the free transport scheme. Finance spokesman David Cunliffe says it would be a broken promise by John Key.

Mr Cunliffe says the Prime Minister confirmed as recently as March last year that the Government would fund any increase to the cost of the scheme and was not worried that the numbers were on the rise.

Entrepreneurs unveil broadband plan

11/03/2010 17:04

A group of internet and retail entrepreneurs have joined together to announce plans for a $900 million fibre optic cable linking New Zealand, Australia and the United States.

The 13,000 kilometre link would be in place by 2013.

The group which includes Trade Me founder Sam Morgan and Warehouse Founder Stephen Tindall, aims to provide unlimited high speed broadband for Australasian customers. They want New Zealand to keep up with the rest of the world and to stop the increasing digital divide.

The idea is just at the feasibility stage, but the group is appealing to the business sector and the Government to help fund what it sees as a vital step forward for New Zealand.

Police Minister slams "stupid" terrorist stunt

12/03/2010 11:32

The Police Minister is less than impressed with a group of people who masqueraded as terrorists and gained access to restricted areas at Super 14 matches in Hamilton and Christchurch at the weekend.

Judith Collins understands it was part of a newspaper stunt, which she is calling unbelievably stupid and irresponsible. The group dressed as terrorist bombers with fake bombs strapped to them, apparently to test security ahead of the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Ms Collins says common sense would suggest running around a stadium dressed as a bomber has the potential to end very badly. She said the stunt had the potential to result in the games being called off and stadiums evacuated.

"At a lot of these games there are children, elderly, people in wheelchairs. For the sake of a silly newspaper stunt, they have put other people at risk because of what would have happened if one of them had been discovered."

Ms Collins says they gained access to public areas, the players tunnel and corporate hospitality areas and police attending the event were not advised.

Van Gisbergen sitting pretty in V8 Supercars

12/03/2010 11:28

Shane Van Gisbergen may be on top, but he is happy to defer to the elder statesman of New Zealand V8 Supercar drivers for now.

Sitting third in the championship heading into this weekend's Clipsal 500, many believe Van Gisbergen has overtaken Greg Murphy as New Zealand's top driver.

Van Gisbergen says Murphy will not give up the tag without a fight, especially with the Hamilton 400 a month away. He says Murphy has a new car this week as well, so it is far too early to count him out.

First practice is at 1.30 this afternoon.

Tough battle for loosies tonight

12/03/2010 11:28

Double trouble for the Chiefs to contend with in tonight's Super 14 blockbuster against the Crusaders in Hamilton.

With the Crusaders employing dual open side flankers in Richie McCaw and George Whitelock, Chiefs loosie Tanerau Latimer says he will be kept very busy.

Also tonight, the Waratahs host the Lions in Sydney.

Joseph and Gibson to coach NZ Maori

12/03/2010 11:16

Wellington coach Jamie Joseph and Crusaders assistant Daryl Gibson have been appointed to coach the New Zealand Maori team.

Joseph, who was assistant Coach of New Zealand Maori in 2006, will be head coach while Gibson will be his assistant.

Jamie Joseph replaces Donny Stevenson who was in charge of the team between 2006 and 2008.

The New Zealand Maori team will be announced at the end of the Super 14 in May.

Changes possible to test squad

12/03/2010 11:04

The Black Caps selection panel will meet in Wellington this afternoon to name the New Zealand squad for next week's opening test against Australia at the Basin Reserve.

Black Caps coach Mark Greatbatch has revealed there could be some changes to the test squad.

Greatbatch says the eleven that played the last test beat Bangladesh but there are a couple of other players who are in the frame.

Mark Greatbatch says with the one-day series already decided, Otago off-spinner Nathan McCullum is likely to play in tomorrow night's fifth and final match in Wellington.

Top 8 guys perform for a chance at becoming the next Idol

By Elaina DeBeikes - Clear Channel

The top 12 guys sang Wednesday night for their chance to get on the big stage on American Idol.

Lee Dewyze sang Fireflies by Owl city and it was the most terrible rendition, EVER. Ellen DeGeneres said it had a few problems but that she really liked it. Simon Cowell said there was no moment with that performance but that it was better than the original. I gotta say the judges were way off with this one, Lee completely ruined the song.

Alex Lambert chose to sing "Trouble" by Ray LaMontagne he seemed so much older than he is but it was a good performance. Randy Jackson wasn't into it and the crowd boo-ed him. Kara Dioguardi said that it was too stiff and he needs to be himself.

Tim Urban sang "Hallelujah" by Jeff Buckley and he did a pretty good job but I kept thinking of how much better Justin Timberlake's version was on the Hope for Haiti telecast. Ellen got up and gave Tim a hug because it was "fantastic!" Simon was playing with his chest hair and said it was his strongest performance.

Andrew Garcia took a risk and sang "Genie in a Bottle" by Christina Aguilera. It was a bold choice but it may just be the thing to get him through to the next round. Randy liked Andrew's sweater but didn't like the song too much. Kara said he peaked too early and it's just not working for him.

Casey James sang "You'll Think of Me" by Keith Urban and it sounded very natural for him. And this is cliche with Casey but it was a sexy performance! Ellen thought it was great and comfortable. Simon said it was Casey's second best performance and that it was sincere.

Aaron Kelly went with a big song "I'm Already There" by Lonestar and it seemed pretty sincere for someone so young giving the song subject. Randy said he should work on it but it was good. Kara said he gave it his all but the song was not relevant for a sixteen-year-old. Simon confirmed my love for him as a judge and said it did have emotion and was a nice song.

Todrick Hall was up next singing "Somebody to Love" by Queen and it just seemed kind of predictable for him. Don't get me wrong, he has an amazing voice, it was just boring. Ellen said that it was brave but that he made it work for him. Simon said only parts were good and that it was very Broadway, but that it was a good song choice.

"Big Mike" or Michael Lynche sang "This Woman's Work" by Kate Bush. He showed us his amazing falsetto abilities and how big his voice really is. Randy gave it the "dawg's" seal of approval. Kara cried from his performance, wow!

Photo Copyright Fox Flash

Top 8 girls perform for a spot in the top 12

By Elaina DeBeikes - Clear Channel

Idol Update!

American Idol started off on a weird note with judge Ellen DeGeneres nuzzling judge Simon Cowell, but we all know it was just a joke! The top 8 girls were excited to perform to gain a spot in the coveted top 12.

Katie Stevens kicked off the show singing "Break Away" by the original Idol Kelly Clarkson. It was a very sound alike performance and she couldn't compare to Kelly. Randy Jackson pinned it on the head saying that the song was too big for Katie. Judge Kara Dioguardi said that she needed to find herself first.

Siobhan Magnus decided to sing "House of the Rising Sun" by The Animals and honestly I think she's the only one who could've pulled this off. Unlike the last performance, you could really feel her soul in it. Ellen said that Siobhan was "spectacular" and is why she loves music. Unfortunately Simon didn't like it too much, he said that she didn't do anything different and he was "under-impressed."

Lacy Brown was up next singing "The Story" by Brandy Carlisle and she is another one of my favorites and she impressed immediately. Randy said the song was a little sleepy but he loved the performance. Kara thought it was her best performance to date.

Katelyn Epperly sang "I Feel the Earth Move" by Carole King and I thought it was cheesy like something you'd see in a bar. Ellen said that probably wouldn't get her into the top 12. Simon said he likes Katelyn's hair and he almost said exactly what I thought; that it was like request night in a restaurant.

Didi Benami chose to sing "Rhiannon" by Fleetwood Mac and her wide mouth notes scared me. Her performance was sleepy and I will not remember it in an hour. Randy said it was better than last week but there was no "wow" moment. Kara said it was one of her "favorite moments of the show this season."

Paige Miles sang "Smile" by Charlie Chaplin and I literally yawned during the performance. Ellen said it was "sad and heavy" and didn't show off her personality. Simon said it was a horrible choice of song and that it was a "peanut performance." Her responses to them even sounded sleepy and boring.

Crystal Bowersox was up next singing "Gimme One Good Reason" by Alan Parsons Project and she is one real talented gal. Randy loved it and he loves Crystal. Kara thought it was a good song choice and is excited for Crystal's record someday.

Lily Scott ended the show singing "I Fall to Pieces" by Patsy Cline and I thought it was really bad. I love Lily but it felt like something from a super indie album that no one would ever hear about because it's such an old sound. Sorry Lily, I hated it and someone needs to throw her earrings away. Ellen actually liked it and Simon thought it was brave and it was cute but there was no "wow."

Photo Copyright Fox Flash

Beyonce appears in Lady Gaga video

Beyonce makes an appearance in "Telephone," the latest music video from fellow pop star Lady Gaga, Interscope Records said Tuesday. The clip is to debut Thursday exclusively on TV's "E! News" broadcast. Ryan Seacrest will then interview Lady Gaga regarding the inspiration behind the song and video.

The video for the hit single is to make its online debut on VEVO.com and LadyGaga.com after it premieres on E!.

"What I like about it is it's a real true pop event," Lady Gaga said about the "Telephone" video in a February interview with KIIS-FM, Los Angeles, and E! host Seacrest. "When I was younger I was always excited when there was a big giant event happening in pop music and that's what I wanted this to be."

"Gritty, erotic and wildly fierce, this nine-minute, visually stunning, cinematic masterpiece features the inimitable Beyonce and is helmed by famed music video director Jonas Akerlund. Rich with Gaga's unique dance stylings, iconic costume design and unworldly hair and make-up -- this is far from your typical music video," Interscope said in a news release.

Photo Copyright Getty Images

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Jessica Simpson thanks Corgan for studio time and kind words

Jessica Simpson has responded to rocker Billy Corgan's kind words about her in a recent Rolling Stone article by calling The Smashing Pumpkins star a "very, very dear friend".

A month after the pop star's ex-boyfriend, John Mayer, shocked and upset her by revealing details of their sex life in the magazine, Corgan, who is rumored to be Simpson's latest lover, opened up about his relationship with the singer.

He told the publication, "Sometimes people just like being around each other, and good things come out of that... If people knew her like I knew her, they would love her like I do."

And Simpson was thrilled by his kind comments, stating, "I can't find good enough words to speak about Billy."

But she insists their relationship is purely platonic and the odd couple came together to record music: "For him to give his time and talents and share them with me, it was a great experience and I hope we can do more music together."

Photo Copyright Getty Images

Copyright World Entertainment News Network 2009

Derulo's recording career started in mom's car

R&B singer Jason Derulo's first recording studio was one on wheels - he soundproofed his mother's car and staged his first sessions in an alleyway behind his home in Miami, Florida.

Since then, the 'In My Head' hitmaker has toured with Lady GaGa and scored a number one in Britain - but he's very proud of his humble beginnings.

He tells WENN, "I used to record in my mom's car because I didn't have anywhere else to record. I couldn't do it inside the house because I would have to keep the noise down if I did and I wanted to jam out.

"I would drive her car to a back alley and record it live there onto my computer. I had a microphone and the car was padded like a recording studio.

"I needed an outlet to plug my equipment into, so a lot of times I would do it behind a Walmart or a large store. I recorded this one song, called Beautiful Ugly, which I still have on a CD somewhere."

Photo Copyright Getty Images

Copyright World Entertainment News Network 2009

Ke$ha: 'I deserve more respect'

Pop sensation KE$HA wants "a little more respect" from her music industry peers - because she's sick of her "party girl" label.

The 'TiK ToK' hitmaker fears she has become more well known for her active social life than for her music, but she's determined to be taken seriously - insisting her success is down to hard work.

She tells Britain's Sunday Times newspaper, "So many people say, 'So, what, are you a party girl?' And I say, 'I'm a walking good time.' Do I sometimes go out and drink? Hell, yes. But could I have a number one song if I wasn't also working hard? Maybe that needs a little more respect.

"Also, the phrase 'party girl' implies someone who is out at a club, maybe doing some guy in the back who you've just met. Then you get in your car and you flash your vagina at the paparazzi. And I'm none of the above.

"I have been working on realising this dream, my path, my mission, for years. I've really invested a lot of thought, time and effort into it. The last thing that makes me is a victim. I think it's a bummer when people don't represent that properly, when they portray me as purely one-dimensional."

And Ke$ha is not ashamed of her pop style, insisting more music lovers should admit to liking mainstream songs.

She adds, "This is nothing to be embarrassed about. People like to have fun. And sure, there's my deepest, darkest hipster side that wants, for whatever pretentious reason, to hate pop music. But I'm just trying to give people a way to think, it's cool, you can not hate my record. You know - it's okay."

Photo Copyright Getty Images

Copyright World Entertainment News Network 2009