MOTHERS DAY SURVEY

While the economy is expected to improve this year, that's not prompting many people to be more generous for Mother's Day. Only 12-percent of those taking part in a PriceGrabber.com Mother's Day shopping survey say they are likely to spend more on Mom this year. Half of the respondents will spend around 50-dollars on their Mother's Day gift, and another 23-percent are shelling out as much as 100-dollars. Mothers' Day is coming up on May 9th.

BEATLES AUCTION

The sheet of paper with John Lennon's handwritten lyrics to the song "A Day in the Life," could bring up to $500,000 when it is put on the auction block in New York on June 18th. The paper contains a rough draft of the lyrics, while a neater version, with fewer corrections, is on the reverse side. It also contains Lennon noting where bandmate Paul McCartney would insert his more upbeat verse. "A Day in the Life" appeared on The Beatles' legendary album "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band." According to Sothebys, the record for Beatles lyrics at auction is a million dollars paid for "All You Need Is Love" in 2005. For "A Day in The Life" lyrics, click here.

PEOPLE MAGAZINE - MOST BEAUTIFUL ISSUE

For a fourth time, actress Julia Roberts is the covergirl for the special issue of People magazine's "most beautiful" issue. It's been 20 years since Roberts' Oscar-nominated turn in "Pretty Woman," but she's still a beauty, according to "People's" editors. Sharing the "beautiful" honors this year with Roberts were action star Channing Tatum, "Avatar's" Zoe Saldana, Scarlett Johansson and Jennifer Aniston among others. Click here for others.

AMERICAN IDOL TOUR

This summer's "American Idols LIVE! Tour 2010" dates have been announced. The tour will feature this season's top ten finalists and kicks off July 1st at the Palace of Auburn Hills in Auburn Hills, Michigan.

"American Idols LIVE! Tour 2010" Midwest Dates:

7/1 Auburn Hills, MI Palace of Auburn Hills
7/2 Milwaukee, WI Summerfest
7/3 Grand Rapids, MI Van Andel Arena
8/29 Minneapolis, MN Target Center
8/30 Chicago, IL United Center
8/31 Des Moines, IA Wells Fargo Arena

HE'S DOWN BUT NOT OUT!

Milwaukee Brewers Hall of Fame broadcaster Bob Uecker will have heart surgery later this week. The 75-year-old is expected to be away from the broadcast booth for about 10-to-12 weeks. Uecker is in his 40th season as the radio play-by-play voice of the Brewers.

NEW MOVIES

Furry Vengeance

Brendan Fraser returns to comedy with "Furry Vengeance," in theaters this Friday. Fraser plays Dan Sanders, a real estate developer who wants to build subdivisions on Oregon forest land. When the local wildlife catch wind of Dan's plans, they join forces to fight back. Brooke Shields stars as Dan's wife, Tammy. "Furry Vengeance" is rated PG.

A Nightmare On Elm Street

Director Samuel Bayer says he's "rebooting" a decades-old horror franchise with "A Nightmare On Elm Street," opening nationwide on Friday. Bayer says he's introducing fans to Freddy Krueger all over again in a film that's grounded in a gritty reality. A Nightmare On Elm Street" is rated R.

LOOK OUT FOR BETTY!!!

Betty White's still sassy at 88. In preparation for a guest turn on NBC's "Saturday Night Live" in a few weeks, the former "Golden Girls" star filmed a promo. White will host "Saturday Night Live" on Saturday, May 8th, which is also Mother's Day weekend. On the SNL blog, the late night show's executive producer Lorne Michaels wrote, quote, "I can't think of a better way to spend Mother's Day weekend than with Betty White."
Betty's promo for Saturday Night Live. Click Here


CHER'S LATEST RETIREMENT ISN'T

Cher -- the artist who has announced her retirement more than once in the past decade -- is going back on tour when her Vegas show-in-residence ends. "The Las Vegas Sun" Reports" that the 63-year-old will set up a schedule of live dates when her contract with The Colosseum at Caesar's Palace runs its course. Cher also has a new LP in the works. Cher will unveil a single from the project called "Already Been There" at the World Music Awards in Monaco on May 18th

AN OFFER YOU CAN'T REFUSE!

A battle over the history of organized crime is brewing in Las Vegas. "The New York Times" says the city's "Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement" could soon do battle with a new attraction called the "Las Vegas Mob Experience." It has the help of the daughter of famed mob boss Sam Giancana, and will be displayed at the Tropicana Hotel on the Vegas Strip. Mob Museum," is scheduled to open next March in the city's old downtown courthouse near City Hall.

DOORS DOCUMENTARY ON PBS

A documentary about the Doors will make its TV debut on PBS next month. Titled, "When You're Strange," the feature, by writer-director Tom DiCillo, arrived in theaters earlier this month in limited release. Oscar-nominee Johnny Depp narrates the project. "American Masters: When You're Strange" will premiere on PBS nationwide on Wednesday, May 12 at 8:00 p.m. Central time. Here is more info from PBS.

RASCALS REUNION - SORT OFF

The Rascals aren't reuniting, but they did play a show together over the weekend in New York. "Paste" Magazine reports that the group behind hits like "Good Lovin'" and "Groovin'" shared the stage at the Kristen Ann Carr Fund Gala on Saturday in Manhattan. The Rascals' Gene Cornish, Dino Danelli, and Felix Cavaliere performed at the request of the E Street Band's Steven Van Zandt. Want to remember more about the Rascals (or Young Rascals)? Click right here.

MAKIN' COPIES AND MAKIN' MONEY

"Avatar" continues to be a moneymaker for its distributor 20th Century Fox. "Avatar 2D's" four-day total on both Blu-Ray and DVD formats has reportedly surpassed six-point-seven-million units and is projected to become the best-selling video of all-time.

TOP MOVIES AT THE BOXOFFICE

1. How to Train Your Dragon - 15-million dollars
2. The Back-up Plan - 12-point-three-million dollars
3. Date Night - ten-point-six-million dollars
4. The Losers - nine-point-six-million dollars
5. Kick-Ass - nine-point-five-million dollars
6. Clash of the Titans - nine-million dollars
7. Death at a Funeral - eight-million dollars
8. Oceans - six-million dollars
9. The Last Song - three-point-seven-million dollars
10. Alice in Wonderland - two-point-two-million dollars

MEN IN BLACK III ?

Hollywood megastar Will Smith is "leaning towards" making "Men In Black Three" his next project. Reps for Smith say the actor has not yet decided on doing "MIB Three" or an adventure film called "The City That Sailed." Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones would return for a third Men in Black.

BARB'S NEW ALBUM

Barbra Streisand is giving her fans a sample of her upcoming live LP. The singing legend released a special recording of "If You Go Away" via Amazon. The performance is a single off Streisand's upcoming "One Night Only," a live recording of her 2009 show at New York's Village Vanguard club. The one-night-only engagement was the Oscar-winner's first cabaret show in 48 years. Fans who purchase "One Night Only" at her online store will be entered for a chance to win an autographed DVD/CD package. Connect here with Barb's website.

AVATAR ON VIDEO!

Just as "Avatar" debuts on video this week, the film's writer-director James Cameron is talking about a theatrical re-release of the blockbuster movie. "The Los Angeles Times" reports that Cameron is taking "Avatar" back to the big screen in August 2010 with six additional minutes of film.

NEW MOVIES

The Back-Up Plan

Jennifer Lopez returns to the big screen with "The Back-Up Plan," in nationwide release on Friday. Lopez stars as Zoe, an attractive single woman who's ready for a child. Shortly after Zoe puts her "back-up plan" into effect by undergoing artificial insemination, she meets a great guy named Stan. "The Back-Up Plan" is rated PG-13.

The Losers

Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Chris Evans, and Zoe Saldana bring the graphic novel "The Losers" to the big screen in nationwide release on Friday. When a group of U.S. special forces are disgraced by an evil genius, they must band together to settle the score."The Losers" is rated PG-13.


Disneynature's Oceans

Disneynature -- the studio behind 2009's "Earth" -- is making a splash with the feature documentary "Oceans." The film is getting a nationwide release in the U.S. Thursday, April 22nd, which is Earth Day. Actor Pierce Brosnan narrates this sprawling look at the wonder of the Earth's oceans. "Disneynature's Oceans" is rated G.

PHIL COLLINS GOES MOTOWN

Phil Collins is revisiting American soul on his upcoming LP, called "Going Back." Collins plans to record covers of tracks made famous by Stevie Wonder, The Ronettes, Curtis Mayfield, The Temptations, and more. Collins said, "My idea...was not to bring anything "new" to these already great records, but to try to recreate the sounds and feelings that I had when I first heard them.

EARTH WEEK CONCERT IN D.C.

Sting is one of the artists scheduled to perform at a concert rally in Washington DC this Sunday. Billed as The Climate Rally, the April 25th event is being held to raise environmental awareness. Sting will join R&B star John Legend to perform at the event on the National Mall in D.C. Also appearing at the show are Booker T. Jones, Mavis Staples, Grateful Dead's Bob Weir, and more.

MARILYN OR NORMA JEAN?

There are many actors and performers who use show names instead of the names they were born with. For example, Norma Jean Baker became Marilyn Monroe...Archibald Leach became Cary Grant...and Doris Von Kappelhoff was Doris Day. Check out a few more...

STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN

A guitar legend and a Grammy-winning R&B superstar will collaborate on "Idol Gives Back!" this week. Steve Vai and Mary J. Blige will appear on the FOX special this Wednesday to rock a cover of Led Zeppelin's "Stairway To Heaven." Watch "Idol Gives Back!" on FOX this Wednesday, April 21st, at 7:00 p.m. Central Time.

TOP MOVIES AT THE BOXOFFICE

1. "How to Train Your Dragon" -- 20-Million-dollars
2. "Kick-Ass" -- 19-point-eight-million-dollars
3. "Date Night" -- 17-point-three-million-dollars
4. "Death at a Funeral" -- 17-million-dollars
5. "Clash of the Titans" -- 15-point-eight-million-dollars

New Movies site...

DREW CAREY'S NEW SHOW

After taking on CBS' "The Price Is Right," Drew Carey is now working on a hidden camera show. HollywoodReporter.com reports that the comedian will create a show called "Wow That's Funny!" The show will feature pranks on unsuspecting citizens in public places. Carey premiered as the host of "The Price Is Right" in July 2007.

AMERICAN IDOL CD

"American Idol" is releasing a CD of its season nine favorites next month. "USA Today" reports songs will include Crystal Bowersox's rendition of Janis Joplin's "Me And Bobby McGee," as well as Katie Stevens' version of the Beatles' "Let It Be." Idol website...

POLLEN COUNTS SOAR!

Cold weather followed by a sustained warming trend across much of the United States has left allergy sufferers experiencing pollen counts at near record levels. Sneeze your way through the rest of the story here...

AMERICAN IDOL

Next week on "American Idol" the show will welcome back its charitable campaign "Idol Gives Back." Several big name stars will perform, including the Black Eyed Peas, Annie Lennox, and Carrie Underwood. Pop superstar Alicia Keys will serve as next week's mentor, as the finalists perform songs that are inspirational. American Idol's official website.

NEW MOVIES

Kick-Ass

Aaron Johnson plays Dave Lizewski, an average teen who wants to be "super" in "Kick-Ass," opening nationwide on Friday. When Dave sets out to make his super-dreams come true as a crime fighter named Kick-Ass, he meets a fellow caped crusader named Big Daddy. Damon by day, Big Daddy, is a former cop played by Nicolas Cage. "Kick-Ass" is rated R.

Death At A Funeral

Chris Rock leads an ensemble cast in the comedy "Death At A Funeral," opening nationwide on Friday. A remake of the 2007 British comedy of the same name, "Death At A Funeral" stars Rock as Aaron, a guy trying to bury his father with dignity. Family secrets and hilarity unfold as friends and family say their final goodbyes. "Death At A Funeral" is rated R.

Find out more about these and other new movies...

BAD HAIR DAY?

Ever had a "bad hair day?" Nearly 45-percent of women taking part in a "ShopSmart" poll say such days alter their mood, and 26-percent admit they've cried after getting a haircut. But overall women feel OK about their hair. Nearly 20-percent say they love their hair, 41-percent like it, and 30-percent are neutral on the subject. Just five-percent dislike their tresses and four-percent say they hate their hair.

THE TEN WORST CARS EVER?

Here is Clair Martin of MSN Autos list and photo gallery of the ten worst cars of the last 50 years. (and yes, the Ford Pinto is on the list) Click here to see them all...

War and Peace American style

Some University of Iowa law students will be taking a class next fall with a more than two-thousand-page textbook. UI law professor Herbert Hovenkamp says the class will look at the recently-passed federal health care reform law. (try to carry that around between classes..is their a Cliffsnotes summary?)

Conan returns

Conan O'Brien fans can officially rejoice. The Harvard-educated comic -- who turns 47 this Sunday -- will rejoin late night on TBS in November 2010. The as-yet-untitled show will air at 10 p.m. Central on Mondays through Thursdays. Many thought he be seen next on the Fox network.

Top Movies

"Clash of the Titans" did hold off "Date Night" for the top movie at the box office, after all. Preliminary results projected "Date Night" the winner!! Here is more...

Spring Cleaning anyone? Help!!

For many Americans the arrival of spring also means giving their homes an annual spring cleaning. According to a survey commissioned by LG Electronics USA, it's the second-most dreaded task, surpassed only by public speaking. More than 60-percent admit they don't clean as thoroughly as one might think, and 84-percent would like to learn ways to make the process easier. Nearly 55-percent say they clean only what they can see, and bypass areas in their homes that are tough to reach.

One more time for Liz?

Elizabeth Taylor isn't drawing a lot of congratulations from the general public following her reported engagement. According to an "Access Hollywood" poll, 71-percent call the legendary actress' plans to wed for a ninth time a, quote, "horrible idea," noting, quote, "If it didn't work out the first eight times, it's not going to work out now!" But 29-percent are supportive, saying, quote, "Go for it! Ninth time's the charm!" A source close to the 78-year-old Oscar winner told Usmagazine.com last week that Taylor recently got engaged to Jason Winters, who is almost 30 years her junior.

Glenn Campbell's new album

"Wichita Lineman" crooner Glen Campbell is working on what's reported to be his final LP. The 73-year-old is also making plans for a tour to support the album, called "Ghosts On The Canvas." Click here for the details.http://www.spinner.com/2010/03/29/glen-campbell-paul-westerberg-robert-pollard-farewell-album-ghost-on-the-canvas/

Tina and Justin! Oh My!! (Saturday Night Live)

Two huge stars are dropping in on "Saturday Night Live" this weekend. Former "SNL" player and current "30 Rock" actress Tina Fey will be there as well as teen pop sensation Justin Bieber. Fey will be the hostess while Bieber plays his music -- but the actress thinks the 16-year-old has potential. She tells MTV.com, quote, "I met him at the Kids' Choice Awards. He's a nice young man and I'm looking forward to hopefully doing a sketch with him." Fey also says she'll "attempt" her popular election-year Sarah Palin impression.

"Shine On" Monday

A legend of song will join a legend of the screen at a benefit in New York next Monday. Aretha Franklin will appear as a special guest alongside Meryl Streep, Kristen Bell, Marlee Matlin, and others at a celebration called "Shine On" on Monday, April 12th. "Shine On" marks "Good Housekeeping" magazine's 125th anniversary and will include tributes to inspiring women from the last century and a quarter. Actress Brooke Shields will host the evening at Manhattan's City Center in Midtown. Proceeds from the evening will go to constructing the first permanent location of the National Women's History Museum in Washington DC. For tickets, visit www.nycitycenter.com.

Exile on Main Street returns

The Rolling Stones are planning to "roll out" a new single called "Plundered My Soul" on April 17th. "Plundered" is a previously-unreleased song and one of ten tracks from the band's vaults set to appear on a reissue of the Stones' 1972 album "Exile On Main Street." Originally released in 1972, "Exile" is considered one of the band's strongest albums by critics and the reissue will be available on May 18th.

New Doors Movie

Former Doors drummer John Densmore , now 65, refers to the Doors' late frontman Jim Morrison as a "Dionysus." Densmore adds that his bandmate's pleasure-seeking ways didn't make him want to quit the legendary band. The film features never-before-seen archival footage of Morrison rehearsing with the group. Also featured are Densmore, keyboardist Ray Manzarek, and guitarist Robby Krieger. Oscar-nominee Johnny Depp narrates. "When You're Strange: A Film About The Doors" is rated R.

Masters Golf!

The return of Tiger Woods is the big story, of course, but who else is likely to have a shot at the green jacket. Follow this link for the top ten to watch.

New Comedy - Date Night

Date Night

Tina Fey and Steve Carell play a married couple just trying to get out of the house in "Date Night," Claire and Phil Foster, suburban marrieds steal another couple's reservation at a hip Manhattan restaurant. Mistaken identity thrusts the Fosters into adventure. "Date Night" is rated PG-13. Here is the movie trailer and more from the official website.

Top TV Shows

What are the top TV shows lately, you ask. Alright, besides American Idol.

Here is the latest list.

China says no to Bob!!

They may be making a ton of products you're buying in America, but they're not buying into a concert from Bob Dylan. Here's more on the "old protester" syndrome...