Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- The entrance to The Walt Disney Studios on South Buena Vista in Burbank

 Actor Rob Lowe reportedly part of the group that bought Miramax

Miramax, a hot commodity in Hollywood, has been sold to a group of investors led by Billionaire/Construction Magnate, Ronald Tutor. The price tag — somewhere between $600-$675 million. The announcement came out yesterday. Late today, The Wrap reported that Actor Rob Lowe is among the investors.

The prestigious Miramax library includes such films as “My Left Foot”  (1989), “Pulp Fiction”(1994), and “Shakespeare in Love” (1998).  The Wrap has several reports on the deal and the behind the scenes drama.

President Obama’s appearance generates the best ratings ever for “The View”

Thursday’s edition of “The View” is now historic for two reasons. President Barack Obama’s appearance was the first ever on a daytime talk show by a sitting president. Also, the show’s rating went through the roof.  

Obama’s chit-chat with the ladies of “The View” was  reportedly watched by an average of 6.6 million viewers — the most ever for the talker.

“We were honored to have President Obama on ‘The View.’ The ratings indicate that our show continues to break new ground. ‘The View’ has proven to be an important stop for political candidates and is appointment television for our loyal audience who value our opposing views,” Barbara Walters, the co-executive producer and one of the show’s hosts, is quoted as saying on TV by the Numbers website.  Also, Walters returned to the show yesterday for the first time since having heart surgery.

And a first for the “Black Eyed Peas”

Super successful rockers, the” Black Eyed Peas” keep racking up the accolades. The latest involves the SoCal band’s single, “I Gotta Feeling,” which has become the first digital download to pass the 6 million mark.

The song is from the group’s Grammy-winning album, “The E.N.D,” which has sold more than 7 million worldwide.  “The E.N.D.” won a 2009 Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Album. Also, it’s the first album in two decades to deliver five top ten hits.

In a PR Newswire press release band members reacted to their latest milestone:

“I am so proud to be leading our industry with 6 million digital sales,” said will.i.am. “It means so much for the future of the music industry.”

This is an incredible accomplishment for us,” said Taboo. “Of all the exciting news that has happened to us over the past year, reaching this 6 million mark with ‘I Gotta Feeling’ stands out as one of our proudest achievements.” “Congratulations to all the people behind the scenes who made this happen, and most of all the fans – they are the best!” added Fergie.

Meanwhile, the “Peas” are on the final leg of their “The E.N.D. World Tour 2010.” As of June, the 100-date tour has raked in nearly $50 million and it’s not over until August 23. 2010 is shaping up to be one heck of year for the “Peas.” More on what’s happening with the “Peas” on their website.

Holiday shoppers buying into “… a little faith”

Mitch Albom, author of the hugely popular, “Tuesdays with Morrie” and “The Five People You Meet In Heaven” has a new bestseller about faith this holiday season.  “Have A Little Faith: A True Story” is the number one bestseller on the Barnes & Noble website Monday evening.

The nonfiction book is about Albom’s renewal of his own faith during an eight year period spent interacting with two men of different religions who share a strong belief in a higher power. More on ”Have A Little Faith: A True Story” and comments from readers about the book here.

Black Eyed Peas reportedly in a battle with business manager over big money

Local band turned music stars, the Black Eyed Peas, have been riding high on the charts with one hit after another since 2003. I love that 2004 jam, “Let’s Get It Started.” Fergie and the guys won their first of three Grammys in 2005 for that single in the best rap performance by a duo or a group category.

They’ve made millions as well. Now according to a story on Nikki Finke’s site, their business manager is being accused of mishandling their funds. Apparently, no one has been paying income or state taxes for the group. Bad news. Also, there’s some missing money, more than a million bucks. Details on Finke’s Deadline.com/ Hollywood.