W/C November 14, 2005

Richard Gere created a storm in New Mexico after visiting the homes of sex offenders to research a new movie role. The actor shadowed policemen on their house visits ahead of filming thriller The Flock, in which he plays a federal agent tracking a sex offender suspected of kidnapping a young girl. He also interviewed Bernalillo County Sheriff Darren White, a former child sex crimes detective. "The women commented on how good looking he was, and everyone else just thought he was a down-to-earth nice guy."

Beyonce ; Tina Knowles, Kelly Rowland and the Knowles family have donated $1,000,000 to Hurricane Katrina victims.

Snoop Dogg has entered the hot dog business with a new line of franks following a deal with Platinum One Medium. The Boston Herald reports that Snoop has teamed with partners Franco Petrucci and Jeff Earp to launch Snoop Doggs, a new line scheduled to arrive in grocery stores in January.

Cameron Diaz says the best award she's ever won is for burping. The star took part in the TV contest to find the person with the best burp. According to More magazine she said: "I once received a Nickelodeon burp award. I competed on the show actually. "I chugged a Diet Coke before I went on stage and it was like 'Bwaaapp'. "I think that's the best award I've ever received."

Are Diana Ross and Jon Voight, Hollywood's newest power couple? The pair raised eyebrows when they appeared together at the recent Motown gala thrown in Los Angeles on Paramount Studio's backlot in celebration of the DVD release of Ross' homage to Billie Holliday - Lady Sings The Blues. A source close to Ross told contactmusic.com that the couple were introduced by Motown founder -- and former Ross companion -- Berry Gordy, Jr.

Isaac Hayes will begin filming a guest appearance for That '70s Show next week. The crooner will appear in an episode in which Fez, played by Wilmer Valderrama, tries to create a hipper persona for himself at the beauty salon where he works. Hayes shows up and performs a musical number, Fox said. The episode is scheduled for next spring.

Tyra Banks, Halle Berry and John Singleton are among the list of entertainers joining scientists, financiers, politicians and CEOs on Black Enterprise magazine's 2005 Hot List of America's Most Powerful Players Under 40. The honorees were chosen for their influence, talent, business prowess and ability to produce billions of dollars in revenues, the magazine stated. The entire list is featured in the December 2005 issue, due on newsstands November 22nd.

Michael Jackson has paid out nearly £1million to create a new Neverland in the Middle East. Jacko, 47, has bought two villas and land in Bahrain’s exclusive Amwaj islands, reports British tabloid The Sun. He plans a replacement for his California ranch on the man-made islands. A string of luxury resorts are under development, with a floating city, five star hotels, a posh private school and, like Neverland, a zoo.

Halle Berry has reportedly been chosen as the newest celebrity face for Versace. The New York Post reports that fashion photographer Mario Testino held a photo shoot with the actress last weekend in Los Angeles. Berry follows Madonna and Demi Moore as the latest famous face to be selected for the line from Donatella Versace.

Pierce Brosnan has told James Bond producers "f*** you" for dropping him as 007. The actor claimed his new film The Matador had proved them wrong. Brosnan, 52, told Playboy magazine: "It's bloody frustrating that the f***ers pulled the rug when they did. He was replaced for new movie Casino Royale by Layer Cake star Daniel Craig, 37.

After releasing his autobiography, From Pieces to Weight, 50 Cent has decided that he wants his own book company and has partnered with MTV/Pocket Books to launch G-Unit Books. MTV.com reports that the books will be street fiction in the form of hip-hop novellas and graphic novels featuring members of the G-Unit as characters. The first release from G-Unit Books will be by author Nikki Turner and it's slated for release in 2007.

The Essence Music Festival , the popular three-day urban music celebration held in New Orleans, will be headed to Houston, Texas for its 2006 event. The annual festival had been one of the biggest tourist-drawing events in New Orleans until Hurricane Katrina led to the destruction of most of the city.