Roman Polanski Given Free Trip To America

Acclaimed film director Roman Polanski was awarded an all-expense paid trip to America late Saturday evening in Switzerland, a prize that has eluded him for over 30 years.

Polanski was caught off-guard by Swiss officials when he arrived in Switzerland to attend the Zurich Film Festival. Polanski is expected to refuse the award, claiming he does not deserve it.

Polanski is most noted for his films Rosemary's Baby, Chinatown, and most recently, The Pianist, for which he won an Academy Award in 2003. 

Details on the trip are sketchy, but many assume that Polanski would be flown to Los Angeles where he will stay in a windowless room with at least one roommate, and the possibility of both cable television, and three hours of workout/outdoor time.

Polanski will also face sentencing for a charge of sexual assault on a minor.

More on this as it develops.

Source : NYTimes - Polanski Arrested in Switzerland in 1970s Sex Case

Jenny Slate Fights For Free Speech

In a bold move in defense of free speech, newest Saturday Night Live cast member Jenny Slate managed to slip an F-word into one of the late night comedy show's sketches.

Her civil disobedience aired live and uncensored on the East Coast, but was subsequently edited for the ears of sensitive viewers on the West Coast.

Leaders of the free speech movement have applauded Slate's act of defiance, even though many are calling the incident "an accident", due to the comedy sketch's frequent use of the common F-word substitute, "freaking" (or "frickin'", if you prefer).

No word on whether Ms. Slate will be lambasted publicly or privately for this incident, but most agree that it is a step in the right direction for those who believe that boundaries should not exist on our public televisions.

More on this, as it develops.

Soure: THR: The Live Feed - New 'SNL' hire says f-word during live show (video)

The Beautiful Life Set Free After Two Episodes

In what is being considered a remarkable victory for activists of Free Television, Ashton Kutcher's fashion model drama series The Beautiful Life: TBL was set free from The CW on Friday after only two episodes.

The show, which featured the ups and downs of fashion models, was said to have been close to gaining its freedom since it was first announced as a part of the network's fall lineup. The show had its own series of difficulties, with its star Mischa Barton falling ill, and an unsurprising lack of public interest.

Activists continue to rejoice in this small, albeit important victory, and are hopeful that other fall shows will join TBL in enjoying its sweet, sweet, freedom. Shows like ABC's Hank, The CW's Melrose Place and Fox's Brothers are said to be close to being set free as well.

The Beautiful Life: TBL will be released into a vast meadow of wild flowers and butterflies this coming Wednesday, according to network representatives.

Meanwhile, a candlelight vigil will be held tonight at the gate of Universal Studios, in honor of those shows still being held captive.

We'll bring you more as it develops.

Source: The CW Cancels The Beautiful Life: TBL