Buzz Briefs: Faith Hill, Tom Hanks
Faith Hill Celebrating Christmas Early
A lot of people like to get a jump on Christmas, but Faith Hill is going them one better.
The singer and her label, Warner Bros. Records Nashville, are already promoting Hill's upcoming holiday CD, "Joy to the World," set for release Sept. 16.
Hill said recently the project is two years in the making and features The Nashville Orchestra as well as the London-based choirs Metro Voices and The London Oratory School Boys Choir.
"I had a very clear vision for the type of Christmas album that I wanted to make, indicative of the big band orchestras of the 40s and 50s with a full compliment of horns, strings, woodwinds, percussion and chorales," she said in a statement.
Besides Christmas classics like "What Child is This" and "Winter Wonderland," the 11 tracks include an original single, "A Baby Changes Everything."
Heather Locklear Is Seeking Treatment For Anxiety And Depression
"Heather has been dealing with anxiety and depression," publicist Sarah Fuller said Tuesday in a statement. "She requested an in-depth evaluation of her medication and entered into a medical facility for proper diagnosis and treatment. This is a confidential medical matter and no further statement will be released."
People magazine's Web site reported Tuesday that the 46-year-old actress checked into a facility in Arizona.
Locklear's divorce from Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora was finalized in April 2007. They have a daughter, Ava Elizabeth. Locklear is reportedly dating former "Melrose Place" co-star Jack Wagner.
Tom Hanks Supports AFTRA Contract Deal
Tom Hanks has thrown his support behind an AFTRA contract deal reached by the smaller of two actors unions, putting his high-profile name against plans by the larger union to wring more concessions from the major Hollywood studios.
Hanks added his name to an e-mail petition urging members to vote for a deal to avoid another Hollywood work stoppage after the 100-day writers' strike, which put many actors out of work.
The Screen Actors Guild, representing 120,000 members, are continuing talks with Hollywood studios to push for higher wage increases, increased fees for Internet and DVD content, better mileage reimbursements and more protection for actors who refuse to consent to the use of clips of their images online.
"When unions compete with different contract terms, actors lose," said SAG's chief negotiator Doug Allen, in a statement to vote against the deal.
Michael Strahan Is Taking His Gap-Toothed Grin To Fox.
Michael Strahan, the charismatic former New York Giants defensive end, who retired earlier this month, will join the network's NFL pregame show, a person with knowledge of the hiring confirmed to The Associated Press on Monday. The person requested anonymity because the announcement had not yet been made. Fox is scheduled to hold a news conference Tuesday.
The move was first reported by
The 36-year-old Strahan made seven Pro Bowls in his 15 NFL seasons and recorded the fifth most sacks in league history. He went out on top, winning a Super Bowl title in February.
"Jacob the Jeweler" To Be Sentenced In Detroit
New York businessman, Jacob Arabov, known in the hip-hop world as "Jacob the Jeweler" faces more than three years in federal prison for lying to investigators looking into a multistate drug ring.
Arabov is to be sentenced Tuesday morning in Detroit federal court after pleading guilty in October to falsifying records and giving false statements. A plea agreement calls for him to serve up to 46 months and pay a $2 million penalty.
Arabov was arrested in June 2006 at his Manhattan jewelry shop. Authorities accused him and others of conspiring to launder about $270 million in drug profits. The money laundering charges were dropped as part of the plea deal.
The late Notorious B.I.G., Madonna and Kanye West are among many who have worn Arabov's baubles.