VP Debate: What Japan Saw!

Palin makes first California appearance after nomination, critizing Obama

U.S. Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin Saturday made a speech at a jammed tennis stadium near Los Angeles, criticizing Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama.

In her first appearance in California after McCain chose her as his running mate more than a month ago, Palin demonstrated a folksy and feisty manner.

Republican vice presidential nominee Alaska Governor Sarah Palin smiles during the U.S. vice presidential debate at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, October 2, 2008.

She told the crowded audience that her father was born in Los Angeles and her paternal grandfather was a photographer who lived in North Hollywood.

Apart from all the vows she made as a would-be vice president, an important highlight of the speech was her criticism of Obama's past dealings with a former bomber, questioning his stance on terrorism.

"Our opponent is someone who sees America as imperfect enough to pal around with terrorists who targeted their own country," said Palin amid another chorus of boos.

Palin referred to a New York Times front page story on William Ayers, who participated in bombings of New York City Police Headquarters, the U.S. Capitol and the Pentagon in the early 1970s,and later become a college professor who was associated with Obama during a 1990s school reform effort in Chicago.

The speech at the Home Depot Center in a Los Angeles suburb drew an audience of 15,000 to 20,000 people, who interrupted Palin's 25-minute speech about 20 times by applause.

Brian Brokaw, communications director of California Democratic Party, said he was not surprised by what Palin said during the speech.

"Sarah Palin and John McCain have announced that they'll be throwing more punches in the coming weeks, which is just another sign that they are losing ground all over the country," Brokaw said.

Major party presidential and vice presidential candidates rarely make public appearances here during the general election campaign because California is considered a safe Democratic state. Most prefer to concentrate on the so-called battleground states like Ohio and Pennsylvania.

When candidates do come to California, their trips are usually for fundraisers. And Palin was scheduled to attend a fundraiser near Los Angeles following her speech at the tennis stadium, before heading for Northern California for another fundraiser on Sunday.

Vice Presidential Candidate Gov. Sarah Palin (AK) Full Speech at the RNC

Robert Downey poses during a photocall for the film "Sherlock Holmes"

British actors Kelly Reilly (L) and Mark Strong (R) pose with U.S. actors Robert Downey Jr. (2nd L) and Rachel McAdams during a photocall for the film "Sherlock Holmes" in central London October 1, 2008.

Downey Jr. is to play Victorian super sleuth Sherlock Holmes in an upcoming blockbuster that studio Warner Bros, also behind the hit Harry Potter series, hopes will become a lucrative franchise.

The 43-year-old said one reason he was chosen for the role may have been his involvement in action movie "Iron Man", which earned over $570 million in global ticket sales this year, and he promised his Holmes would be the best screen portrayal ever.

U.S. actors Robert Downey Jr. and Rachel McAdams attend a photocall for the film "Sherlock Holmes" in central London October 1, 2008.

British director Guy Ritchie (L) and U.S. actor Robert Downey Jr. attend a photocall for his film "Sherlock Holmes" in central London October 1, 2008.

U.S. actor Robert Downey Jr. attends a photocall for the film "Sherlock Holmes" in central London October 1, 2008.

Britney Spears' sex tape bid

Britney Spears is set to bid for her own sex tape.

Britney Spears opens the show at the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards in Los Angeles Sept. 7, 2008.

Ex-boyfriend Adnan Ghalib, 35, is said to be touting the alleged X-rated footage - which reportedly features a naked Britney wearing a pink wig and engaged in various sex acts - for 5 million pounds to several adult websites.

The "Womanizer" singer is reportedly desperate to get hold of the tape, and is prepared to pay "whatever it costs" to protect her reputation and keep the tape out of the public eye.

A source told Britain's Daily Star newspaper: "Britney's lawyers have been working overtime.

They've been told to do whatever it takes to stop the video making it onto the internet."

However, a source close to Britney has denied the sex tape exists outright, saying: "Ghalib's story is completely false."

Ex-boyfriend Adnan Ghalib (R), 35, is said to be touting the alleged X-rated footage - which reportedly features a naked Britney wearing a pink wig and engaged in various sex acts - for 5 million pounds to several adult websites.

Rumours of the footage first surfaced in May, when paparazzi photographer Adnan reportedly first tried to sell a two-hour tape - said to include Britney stripping, a long session of foreplay and twenty minutes of full sex between Britney and Adnan.

The tape was reportedly made while the couple holidayed in Mexico in January, just before Britney's public meltdown which saw her hospitalised twice for mental health related issues.

X-rated footage of Britney and ex-husband Kevin Federline also reportedly exists but has never been released to the public, although a fake clip of a Britney look-a-like performing oral sex surfaced earlier this year.

Britney is currently riding high after a successful comeback at the MTV Video Music Awards where she scooped three prizes. She has also announced she will be embarking on a world tour next year, in support of forthcoming album "Circus." released on Dec. 2.

Kirsten Dunst's Spider sequel

Kirsten Dunst is to appear in another "Spider-Man" movie.

The actress has indicated she is willing to reprise her role as Mary Jane Watson, the love interest of the superhero, in the popular comic book franchise.

Following recent reports Sony Pictures are planning to shoot "Spider-Man 4" and "Spider-Man 5" together, Kirsten was asked if she would be part of the project.

She replied: "I'm in." However, she later backtracked when questioned further, telling MTV: "I'm not saying anything, I know there's rumours."

Kirsten's "How to Lose Friends and Alienate People" co-star Simon Pegg claimed he had also been approached to star in "Spider-Man 4."

He joked: "I'm in 'Spider-Man!' I play Mary Jane's brother. He comes to New York from university, and he says, 'Hey, what are you doing hanging out with that web-crawler."

It was recently reported that both director Sam Raimi and actor Tobey Maguire, who plays the superhero, have signed on for the fourth instalment in the series.

Britney Planning Tour

Britney fans, listen up.

She is rehearsing moves for a tour “definitely next year,” she told a NYC radio station yesterday. She also revealed that it will be “around the world”. As for her new single, Womanizer, Brit described it as “a girl anthem”. She added that it’s a really cool song. I like the fact that it’s so empowering for girls. It’s about guys cheating on other girls.”

The song is the first single from her upcoming sixth album titled Circus, due on 2 Dec, coinciding with her birthday. “I cut Circus like two weeks ago,” she said. “I’ve been working on this album for like six months now.”

Brit also said that she was “really shocked” to win three MTV Video Music Awards for her Piece Of Me. (Actually, so am I!) It’s a cool video but I think by far I’ve done videos that are way better,” she said. (Yes, I wholeheartedly agree!)