Remember back in 2006 when sexy had fallen on hard times, and then Justin Timberlake came along and rescued it from obscurity? That must have been what MySpace had in mind when they called up JT and asked him to help bring the social networking site back from the brink.
After Successfully Bringing Sexy Back, Justin Timberlake Sets His Sights on MySpace
Myspace Acquired by Online Ad Network Specific Media
After months in search of a buyer, Beverly Hills-based Myspace has finally been acquired. In an email to employees late Wednesday morning, CEO Mike Jones broke the news to employees in an email late Wednesday morning.
Identity of Schwarzenegger Spawngate Staffer Revealed
In a "world exclusive" report, tabloid site RadarOnline has revealed the identity of the staffer with whom former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger had a son. Her name is Mildred Patricia Baena, she goes by the name Patty, she is 50 years old, and her son was born about 14 years ago.
Rumors True: MySpace Reduces Staff by 47%
Turns out the MySpace rumors were true. The Beverly Hills-based social networking company will give roughly 500 employees the heave ho, according to Mashable.
MySpace Faces Major Layoffs, Possible Sale
A cheeky new logo, a revamped site and new account integration with Facebook may not be enough to keep Beverly Hills-based MySpace afloat and 50 percent of its employees could face layoffs, according to All Things Digital.
Britney's Snacks, Paris' Tweets, and the Idea of Hollywood: An Interview with 'Starstruck' Author Elizabeth Currid-Halkett
Welcome to Los Angeles, known to many as the place where dreams come true. While we might be in line for a Frappucino next to Miley Cyrus one day, then seeing a paparazzi shot of a Twilight star pumping gas ("They pump their own gas!") on a glossy page of a gossip rag while waiting at the doctor's office, here we live in a curious world of celebrity, no matter how distant the proximity.
MySpace or Yours? New Logo Draws a Blank
It's a good time to be a logo. Or is it? After clothing retailer The Gap unveiled their "new look," came the news Friday that Beverly Hills-based social networking site MySpace has a new logo, too.
LAPD Release Photo of MySpace Predator
The LAPD are hoping more victims will come forward following the arrest ths weekend of Samuel Francisco, a 35-year-old being held for the alleged sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl. Francisco befriended the middle schooler on MySpace, then enticed her away from campus on Friday afternoon, according to a press release. Authorities released this photo of Francisco hoping more victims will come forward, as well as more information regarding last week's kidnapping and assault. The LAPD continues to urge parents to be vigilant in monitoring their children's use of computers.
How has the Online Dating Game Changed?
This Thursday night in Manhattan Beach we'll hear what the online dating game was, is, and what it can be from five distinct points of view. From shameless social media oversharing to sexting, twittercrushes and swingers socials, there's another world of possibilities for all you disgruntled JDaters and eHarmonists.
Lori Drew Verdict Thrown Out in MySpace Case
A Los Angeles federal judge tentatively threw out a jury's verdicts against a Missouri mother who used MySpace in a hoax directed towards a teenage girl who eventually killed herself. The trial about the out-of-state incident happened in Los Angeles because MySpace servers are located here. Judge H. Wu's decision will become final once it's in writing.
MySpace Lays Off 30%
About 500 employees were slashed from MySpace's company roll call, CNET reported today. "Simply put, our staffing levels were bloated and hindered our ability to be an efficient and nimble team-oriented company," Owen Van Natta, CEO of the News Corp.-owned social site, said in a release. "I understand that these changes are painful for many. They are also necessary for the long-term health and culture of MySpace. Our intent is to return to an environment of innovation that is centered on our user and our product." Van Natta was hired in April and used to be the Chief Operating Officer at Facebook. MySpace will continue to employ around 1,000 people in the U.S.
I Kid Thee Not: M.I.A.'s Kid is Named Ikhyd. Explanation, Please?
The impending birth of her first baby didn't keep British-Sri Lankan rapper diva M.I.A. from hitting the stage at this year's Grammy's, and just a couple of days later she delivered her son. Although plans to roll the new mom onstage at this year's Academy Awards show didn't pan out (thank goodness?), she has just been added to the line up for next month's Coachella, ostensibly replacing fellow Brit Amy Winehouse, whose legal troubles are making crossing the pond a bit difficult.
Seven Questions with...Diana Miller, Talent Executive - 'Last Call with Carson Daly'
LA has a diverse cast of characters. Whether it's the characters with stirring stories or interesting occupations or the people who are just simply characters, this town has them all. In an effort to get to know some of those characters a little better, we've created "Seven Questions with..."
The LAist Comedy Gift Guide
So much of this holiday season is about giving ‘gifts’. It’s all so commercialized, bro. You’ve got gifts for kids, gifts for drinkers. You’ve even got gift ideas for people who sure as hell can’t afford to buy you a gift in return. Thanks but no thanks, douchetards. This year, it’s all about getting people shit they don’t need. And probably don’t even want. For stocking stuffers, I’m just getting everyone a picture of my wiener inside the stocking they’re holding on to. That’ll teach you to trust a twentysomething with limited income and anger management issues. Bro.
MySpace Announces Local Secret Shows
MySpace is throwing two "secret" concerts, one at The Echo on Friday with Spiritualized and another with Trivium on Monday at the Whisky A Go Go. You have to befriend the Secret Shows profile to get the announcements via the bulletin board and usually they ask you to bring a printout of your profile with Secret Shows as one of your top friends. This time, they don't say it, but you might want to play it safe by doing so. Also, the free shows are on a first come, first served basis, so it's line waiting if you're hardcore about these bands. The announcements can be read here.
Uh Huh Her @ Nettwerk's The Sync, 6/25/08
Last month, the local electropop duo Uh Huh Her (MySpace), consisting of Leisha Hailey, formerly of The Murmurs, and Carmila Grey, formerly of Mellowdrone (MySpace), performed at Nettwerk's The Sync in Hollywood.
LAist Interview: The BSE
Everyone loves a mystery. But Mondays turn into Fridays turn back into Mondays and it’s not long before you arrive at the sobering realization that the last time a good, old-fashioned whodunit inundated your methodical lifestyle was during a chance encounter with the collected works of Agatha Christie. Imagine your surprise, then, when going about your normal A.M. routine – coffee, toast, LAist (ahem), MySpace status update (mood: exanimate!) – you happen upon a peculiar friend request from someone called “The BSE.” Nary an identifier save a graphic of a fighter jet in flames, you click over to find a well-designed, visually appealing web page with a red, “Who is the BSE?” button in the upper right corner daring you to solve the riddle.
Lori Drew Indicted in MySpace Suicide Hoax
According to AP, as reported on CNN, Lori Drew was indicted today in the case of the MySpace hoax. Lori Drew and cohorts allegedly set up a fake MySpace profile that romanced and then dumped 13-year old Meghan Meier. These actions are believed to have led to her suicide on October 16, 2006.
MySpace Founder's Home Robbed
No, it was not Tom. MySpace founder Brad Greenspan's $2.9 million home was discovered burglarized on Saturday. Police say it may be related to all the recent cat burglaries in the Hollywood Hills. Greenspan's home is located at 2177 Sunset Plaza Drive.
Largo to Close? What's Happening to Fairfax Village?
First Nova Express Cafe? Now Largo? The good news, however, is that Largo's alleged closing is about opening a new space on La Cienaga according to bulletin board threads on www.fairfax-avenue.com and the Ditty Bops' website.
LAist Interview: Jeffree Star
It's hard not to notice when Jeffree Star enters a room because he is wearing high heels, has bright pink shoulder length hair, is heavily tattooed from head to toe, and carries a large Louie Vuitton purse.
Soundcheck: Midnight Movies @ The Echo, 3/2/08
On Sunday evening, local band Midnight Movies (MySpace) performed on Part Time Punks (MySpace) at The Echo (MySpace), opening for Spectrum. Also on the bill was Chicago's Grimble Grumble (MySpace).
Soundcheck: The Ditty Bops & Jesca Hoop @ McCabe's Guitar Shop, 3/1/08
On Saturday evening, local green-minded band (and covergirls) The Ditty Bops (MySpace), with Jesca Hoop (MySpace), John Reynolds, and Kaveh Rastegar (MySpace), performed at McCabe's Guitar Shop in Santa Monica.
Tonight in Rock: HAIM, Let's Go Sailing, theSTART, Howlin Wolf
The Guide to March Rock Music Residencies has been updated with a few more listings -- it seems as if residencies are catching on, which is a good thing. Meanwhile, Howlin Rain plays their last LA concert before a tour promoting their new album, Magnificent Fiend, that was released yesterday.
Hambone: An Update
Don't get too excited, Hambone, the local stolen Hollywood dog made local celebrity via the internet, is not home...yet. But Hambone of Hollywood's reward is now up to ten thousand dollars - yes, you read that right - boosted by a $5K donation from Chris DeRose and Last Chance for Animals. Hambone's Dad just sent me the latest video update.
Tonight in Rock: Hackensaw Boys, Foo Fighters
Our brain is going to explode with all the great choices tonight. From friggin' amazing jazz (see, we're not swearing) at UCLA to folk-punk sensibilities of The Hackensaw Boys at Tangier in Los Feliz (video after the jump), tonight is a bounty of gold. Also, Jim Bianco will be at Amoeba and it's the first night for Wednesday night March residencies.
Tonight in Rock: Reeve Oliver, Mountain Goats, Jeffrey Lewis
Tuesdays are usually slow nights in LA for music and as bands prep to head Texas-way for SXSW, we'll probably see even fewer choices like tonight. But fewer doesn't mean worse. Mountain Goats and Jeffrey Lewis (great video below) play at the Troubadour tonight (and tomorrow), Working For A Nuclear Free City is back with another concert, this time at Cinespace (though it's a private premier party. Crash?) and LA Weekly says to head over to Glendale and check out The Scene.

