Wednesday, June 30, 2010

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse

Another chapter in the "Twilight" saga unveils this week with the release of "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse." This third installment of the book-to-film vampire franchise finds "Twilight" teen Bella trying to sort out her feelings for Jacob Black and Edward Cullen while preparing to graduate from high school. "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse" is rated PG-13.

The Last Airbender

M. Night Shyamalan brings "The Last Airbender" to the big screen this week. Based on the Nickelodeon animated series, this live action adventure is set in a world of four nations -- air, water, earth, and fire. "The Last Airbender" opens in theaters Thursday. This film is rated PG.

JEANNIE TELLS ALL - IT'S OUT OF THE BOTTLE

Crown Publishing Group announced on Tuesday that Barbara Eden will pen a memoir.

"Jeannie Out Of The Bottle." The book will detail the 75-year-old actress' career and her personal relationships with Hollywood stars like Lucille Ball, Paul Newman, Warren Beatty, Clint Eastwood, and her TV co-star Larry Hagman.


Eden's run on "I Dream Of Jeannie" lasted for 139 episodes that originally aired between 1965 and 1970. She earned two Golden Globe nominations for her work on the show.
DARKNESS ON THE EDGE OF TOWN

Bruce Springsteen is re-releasing his album "Darkness On The Edge Of Town" later this year. RollingStone.com reports that the deluxe edition may contain as many as ten outtakes along with the original tracks from the 1978 album. .


"Darkness On The Edge Of Town" was Springsteen's fourth studio album. It contains the tracks "Racing In The Streets," "Prove It All Night," and "Streets Of Fire."
DON'T LOOK AT ME

Obesity rates continue to skyrocket across the U.S., with Mississippi leading the way. A new report released by the nonprofit Trust for America's Health finds adult obesity rates increased in 28 states in the past year alone. State by state rankings show a trend toward higher obesity rates in the south. Mississippi had the highest rate at nearly 34 percent while Colorado had the lowest at just over 19 percent. Check out the full report here.

Monday, June 28, 2010

MICHAEL JACKSON AUCTION

An auction of items belonging to the late King of Pop is bringing in big bucks for the Michael Jackson estate. One of the big sellers at Friday's Julien's Auction in Las Vegas was the sequined glove that he wore on his 1984 Victory Tour. According to E! Online, the glove fetched an astounding 190-thousand-dollars. The jacket Jackson wore in his "Beat It" video also sold for 132-thousand-dollars. Proceeds from the auction go to the Jackson estate.

RINGO AND HIS ALL STAR BAND

He's about to turn 70, but that isn't slowing Ringo Starr down as he hits the road again with his All-Starr Band. " Joining the former Beatle as part of his backing band this year are Gary Wright, Edgar Winter, and Rick Derringer.
Ringo -- who hits the big "seven-oh" on July 7th -- debuted his new studio album, "Y Not" in January. Here is the complete list of his tour dates at Ringo's official website.

TOP MOVIES

1. Toy Story 3 - 59-million dollars
2. Grown Ups - 41-million dollars
3. Knight and Day - 20-point-five-million dollars
4. The Karate Kid - 15-point-four-million dollars
5. The A-Team - six-million dollars
6. Get Him to the Greek - three-million dollars
7. Shrek Forever After - two-point-nine-million dollars
8. Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time - two-point-eight-million dollars
9. Killers - two-million dollars
10. Jonah Hex - one-point-six-million dollar
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Friday, June 25, 2010

JIMMY WEBB AND FRIENDS

Grammy-winning songwriter Jimmy Webb's upcoming LP which comes out this week, is called "Just Across the River" and features recordings of the biggest hits written by Webb. Mark Knopfler and Billy Joel join Jackson Browne, Glen Campbell, Michael McDonald, Linda Ronstadt, and Willie Nelson on the 13-track LP. "Just Across The River" is due next Tuesday, June 29th. To see the complete track list on the album, click here.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

TUTTI FRUTTI (BUT NOT THE GUM)

Little Richard's rollicking 1955 single "Tutti Frutti" and The Band's 1969 self-titled LP are being recognized as culturally significant. Billboard.com reports that the historic recordings are among 25 entering the 2009 Library of Congress' National Recording Registry. Also included are Willie Nelson's "Red Headed Stranger," Cliff Edwards' rendition of "When You Wish Upon A Star," Loretta Lynn's "Coal Miner's Daughter," "Horses" by Patti Smith, "Soul Folk In Action" by The Staples Singers, and selections from across an array of musical genres.

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

NEW MOVIES

Grown Ups

Adam Sandler leads an ensemble cast of funny guys in "Grown Ups," opening nationwide this Friday. Kevin James, Chris Rock, David Spade, and Rob Schneider play Sandler's junior high friends 30 years older and with families of their own."Grown Ups" is rated PG-13.

Knight And Day

Megastars Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz reteam for "Knight and Day," opening in theaters this Friday. Diaz plays June Havens, an unsuspecting woman who gets mixed up with Cruise's character, a secret agent named Roy Miller. "Knight And Day" is rated PG-13.

CROSSROADS FESTIVAL


Steve Winwood is joining Eric Clapton -- the event's founder -- for the day-long Crossroads Festival this Saturday in Chicago's Toyota Park. Winwood has spent much of the last two years on stage with Clapton at live shows around the world.

The Crossroads Guitar Festival 2010 is this Saturday, June 26th. The Allman Brothers Band, Buddy Guy and ZZ Top are among the acts booked to perform. Proceeds will benefit The Crossroads Centre in Antigua. Clapton founded the substance abuse rehabilitation facility in 1997. For more info, click here.

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

WHOS FOOLIN WHO? DINING OUT IN AMERICA

When it comes to dining out, the majority still favor more flavor over fewer calories. Nearly 60 percent of those taking part in a Mintel survey say they want food that tastes great when they go out to eat. Only 23 percent note they're looking for something healthy, while 14 percent admit they never go to a restaurant to get a healthy meal. However, just under half of those polled say they are making healthier choices when they dine away from home.
HAVE AN IDOL IN THE FAMILY? AUDITIONS COMING UP!

"American Idol" auditions are set to begin next month. The first audition date will be Saturday, July 17th at Nashville, Tennessee's Bridgestone Arena. It will mark the first time in the show's history that judge Simon Cowell will not be present for "Idol's" audition rounds. New this year is the minimum age requirement, which is being lowered from age 16 to 15. "The maximum age limit for "Idol" hopefuls stays at 28.

Other "American Idol" Summer Audition Dates:

Wednesday, July 21st -- Milwaukee, WI -- Bradley Center
Monday, July 26th -- New Orleans, LA -- Location TBA
Tuesday, August 3rd -- East Rutherfrod, NJ -- Izod Center
Wednesday, August 11th -- Austin, TX -- Frank Erwin Center
Thursday, August 19th -- San Francisco, CA -- AT&T Park

KENY LOGGINS IS OUT ON THE ROAD (IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE)

Kenny Loggins is still "pedaling" along in his sixties. The 62-year-old singer-songwriter was recently interviewed by phone while engaging in a 15-mile bike trek. Loggins said his current tour features a six-piece band, including a horn player. Regarding his return to the road, Loggins added, "I'm lucky in that I love what I do -- I get to make records and go out on the road and perform! Click here for the complete list of Kenny Loggins tour dates.

Friday, June 18, 2010

MICHAEL JACKSON

As the one-year anniversary of his death approaches, TV networks are announcing special programming to remember the late "King of Pop." Variety.com reports that Friday, June 25th, media outlets will shine a light on Michael Jackson. ABC's "20/20" is running a two-hour special on the Jackson death investigation. The news program will also check in with the pop star's surviving children. On cable, MTV, E!, and TV Guide network have new programming and repeated Jackson specials on the schedule. TV Guide is premiering its original documentary, "Gone Too Soon."

Thursday, June 17, 2010

A "GREASE' SINGALONG

Paramount Pictures is releasing a sing-a-long version of the movie musical "Grease." The 1978 film based on the Broadway play of the same name stars John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John as Rydell High School's Danny and Sandy. Fans will be encouraged to sing along with tunes from the movie like "You're the One That I Want" and "Summer Nights."The "Grease" sing-a-long hits select major U.S. cities starting July 8th. Fans can vote for the movie to come to their town at eventful.com/grease. Here's the Grease sing-a-long trailer.

HARRISON AND CALISTA


Hollywood couple Harrison Ford and Calista Flockhart have tied the knot. TMZ.com is reporting that the two were married on Tuesday during a ceremony in New Mexico. The state's Governor, Bill Richardson, reportedly performed the ceremony. Harrison Ford and Calista Flockhart have been together for nearly eight years, and got engaged in February of 2009. Ford is currently shooting the movie "Cowboys and Aliens" in New Mexico.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

NEW MOVIES

Toy Story 3

Disney Pixar's "Toy Story" will hit theaters nationwide in 3-D this Friday. In this film, the toys' owner, Andy, is now 18-years-old and on his way to college. Tom Hanks reprises his role as Woody the Cowboy in "Toy Story 3." Tim Allen returns as Woody's foe-turned-friend, Buzz Lightyear. Joan Cusack, Ned Beatty, Don Rickles, Estelle Harris, and John Ratzenberger also return. Michael Keaton is new to the voice cast in the role of Ken. "Toy Story 3" is rated G. Watch the trailer here! Just click.

Jonah Hex

Josh Brolin and Megan Fox bring the comic book "Jonah Hex" to the big screen on Friday. Brolin stars in the title role as Hex -- a physically scarred bounty hunter who answers to no one but himself. "Jonah Hex" is rated PG-13.


Veterinary Pet Insurance's Five Most Unusual Dog Names For 2010

1. Pickle Von Corndog
2. Molly Mcboozehound
3. Dog Vader
4. Flopsy Squeakerton
5. Barnaby Bones

Veterinary Pet Insurance's Five Most Unusual Cat Names for 2010

1. Purr Diem
2. Bing Clawsby
3. Cleocatra
4. Chairman Meow
5. Boo Manchu

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

MR. POTATO HAS JUST LEFT THE BUILDING

Elvis as Mr.Potato Head? "The Commercial Appeal" reports that Presley's Graceland estate is working with Hasbro, Inc. and PPW Toys on the plastic spud. The first of the Elvis Mr. Potato Heads will hit the market in August. The debut version will wear a white jumpsuit. A future Elvis Potato Head will reportedly don black leather.

Friday, June 11, 2010

NEW MOVIES

The A-Team

An ensemble cast led by Liam Neeson revives the 1980s TV series "The A-Team" for the big screen. The action film opens nationwide this weekend. Neeson plays Colonel John "Hannibal" Smith, the leader of a disgraced group of former soldiers-for-hire. "The A-Team" is rated PG-13.
Click here for all about the 2010 "A-Team."

The Karate Kid

Jaden Smith kicks up the action in "The Karate Kid," in nationwide release this weekend. Smith -- the son of Will and Jada Pinkett Smith -- plays Dre, a 12-year-old who is transplanted from Detroit to Beijing, China. When bullies get the better of him in his new town, Dre seeks out Mr. Han -- played by Jackie Chan -- to learn how to defend himself. "The Karate Kid" is rated PG.
Click here for more on "The Karate Kid' 2010 version.

THE WORLD CUP TEAM

Oscar-winner Morgan Freeman has accepted an invitation to join the Board of Directors for the USA Bid Committee to bring the Men's World Cup tourney back to the USA. Other notable board members include former President Bill Clinton, comedian Drew Carey, actor Brad Pitt and soccer stars Landon Donovan and Mia Hamm.

The Men's World Cup was last held in the U.S. in 1994. The tournament is held every four years. This year's World Cup is in South Africa. More on the current World Cup soccer competition.

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

A NEW FUNNY GIRL NEEDED! (SOON)

A revival of the musical "Funny Girl" is ready to go except for one detail -- the casting of a "Funny Girl" who can fill Barbra Streisand's shoes. "The New York Times" reports that the show about Fanny Brice will return to Broadway in 2012, but still needs a star.

THE OLD SLEEP EXCUSE, OFFICER! I THOUGHT THE LIGHT STILL GREEN!

Sleep can change a person's color perception. That's the finding of a study from the University of Houston. Researchers ran visual tests on people at different stages of alertness. They found that when the subjects were tired, they classified a sample of the color gray has having a slightly greenish tint. After nearly eight hours of sleep, they identified the same sample as being gray again. The scientists aren't sure what causes the phenomenon. This excuse will not work with your friendly police officer. (I'm tired and the light looked green, officer.)

DANGEROUS COLOGNE!

Calvin Klein's cologne Obsession for Men isn't just attracting ladies' noses. The "Wall Street Journal" reports that a Wildlife Conservation Society official says his group tracks the number of jaguars in Guatemala by spraying Obsession near remote cameras so they can get the cats to linger for survey purposes. The big cats love Obsession. (Best guess, the researchers are not wearing the fragrance on themselves. Also, don't wear Obsession while visiting the big cats display at a zoo.)

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

BEACH BLANKET BINGO (AND MORE)

A new Guinness World Record was recently set in the Canary Islands. The U.K.'s "Orange" news is reporting that the world's biggest beach towel has been created. The towel was created by a team of 25 people in 15 days, and covers two-thousand-240 square meters of beach. More than one-thousand people registered to spend the day on the towel when it was introduced. Guinness officials have ruled that the towel has surpassed the previous record, which was set in Cyprus two years ago.
Check out the official website for Guinness for other wacky records by clicking here.

WHAT HAPPENS TO A BRAIN ON CELL PHONES?

San Francisco may become the first city in the nation to require radiation warning labels on cell phones. The Board of Supervisors will meet today to vote on a plan backed by Mayor Gavin Newsom. The ordinance would require retailers in the city to disclose the amount of radiation that's emitted from the various models of cell phones they sell. The proposal is a response to scientific studies linking long-term cell phone use with brain tumors and other health issues.

Monday, June 7, 2010

AMERICAN IDOLS LIVE!! TOUR 2010

Here are some of the Midwest tour dates:

7/2 Milwaukee, Summerfest
8/29 Minneapolis, Target Center
8/30 Chicago, united center
8/31 Des Moines, Wells Fargo Arena

More dates on the tour

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

NEW MOVIES

Killers

Ashton Kutcher stars opposite Katherine Heigl in the romantic action comedy "Killers," opening nationwide on Friday. Heigl plays Jennifer, a guileless young woman who falls for Spencer, a CIA agent played by Kutcher, while on vacation in Europe. When the couple gets married and returns to everyday life, Spencer's career choice stirs up chaos."Killers" is rated PG-13.

Marmaduke

"Marmaduke," the classic comic strip about a big dog with a big heart comes to the silver screen this Friday. Owen Wilson provides the voice for Marmaduke, leading a cast of celebrity voices. The live-action "Marmaduke" is rated PG.

Get Him To The Greek

Russell Brand is back as rock star Aldous Snow in "Get Him To The Greek," which opens nationwide on Friday. Snow -- a spinoff character from 2008's "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" -- has hit the skids in this film. A comedy, "Get Him To The Greek" is rated R.

Splice

Oscar-winner Adrian Brody stars in the scifi thriller "Splice," opening nationwide on Friday. Brody plays Clive, a rogue genetic researcher who creates hybrids of various species. they unleash a dangerous force into the universe. "Splice" is rated R.
MR. MAGOO IS BACK!!

Cartoon character Mr. Magoo is making a comeback. "USA Today" reports the new Magoo, voiced by Jim Conroy, is out in "Kung Fu Magoo." The old Magoo, voiced by the late Jim Backus, also of "Gilligan's Island" fame, is out in "Mr. Magoo In Sherwood Forest." The character is Friar Tuck in the Robin Hood story. Here's more on the history of Mr. Magoo!

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

TOP MOVIES AT THE BOXOFFICE

1. Shrek Forever After - 55-point-seven-million-dollars
2. Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time - 37-point-eight-million-dollars
3. Sex and the City 2 - 37-point-one-million-dollars
4. Iron Man 2 - 20-point-six-million-dollars
5. Robin Hood - 13-point-six-million-dollars