TOP ADS OF 2013!

They were inspirational and moving, entertaining and funny, check out the top TV ads of 2013.  (The Clydesdale and his trainer was my personal favorite.  Remember the Budweiser ad that first appeared in the Super Bowl.) Click here for the photo montage...
 

FIREWORKS PHOTOS - NEXT BEST TO THE REAL THING!

Trying to photograph fireworks displays on New Years is more than a challenge.  But not for these photographers.  Get ready for the Skyrockers by checking out these photos...

NEW MOVIES!!

It's time for the return of "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty." (The first film version starred Danny Kaye)  Ben Stiller bringing daydreaming to a new height (and then some) Rated PG.

Sylvester Stallone and Robert De Niro remember their boxing roles in other films with "Grudge Match."  Rated PG 13.

and their are more...click here for all the details.

HOLIDAY LIGHTING AROUND THE WORLD!!

Even the Kremlin gets involved.  Small places and large places with Christmas lights galore.  Click here for the photos...

IT'S TIME FOR CHRISTMAS MOVIE TRIVIA!

Who was the cigar chomping taxi driver in Scrooged? (staring Bill Murray)
What famous actor was to play George Bailey in "It's A Wonderful Life?" (The role filled by Jimmy Stewart.) 

Click here for the answers and other Christmas movie trivia...

JOHNNY MATHIS IS "SENDING YOU A LITTLE CHRISTMAS!"

Johnny Mathis is known for his Christmas albums and his fans have wasted no time in making his new album, "Sending You A Little Christmas" a big seller.  Click here for his official website and the holiday favorites on his latest album...

THE LOCO-MOTION WAS A NUMBER 1 HIT FOR BOTH LITTLE EVA AND GRAND FUNK!

THE BEATLES IN THE NEWS!

Just Paul and Ringo remain as The Beatles are set to receive the Grammys Lifetime Achievement Award.  Kris Kristofferson, the Isley Brothers, and Kraftwerk will also be honored at the ceremony held the night before the Grammys are broadcast. (Jan.25th) 

Beatles fans are looking forward to "The Night That Changed America," scheduled to be broadcast on Feb.9th.  The CBS special will look back at the groups first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show.

Also, for the first time, the U.S.A. versions of the Beatles albums will all be released on CD in 2014.  Jan.21st is the date.

IT'S OFFICIAL, KISS IS FINALLY BEING INDUCTED IN THE ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME!

Gene Simmons and KISS finally get their long overdue recognition. (or at least that's what KISS fans are saying)  KISS is one of the new inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  They will be honored along with Hall and Oates, Peter Gabriel, Linda Ronstadt,  Cat Stevens, and Nirvana.  See the story by clicking here...

CHRISTMAS PARADES TO DELIGHT (AND TO FEAR)

In addition to the Christmas and holiday parades in the Coulee Region, here are a few worldwide to note.  Leading the way for Disney fans, the Magic Kingdom shines forth.  But how about the Winterfest lighted boat parade in Florida and the Christmas parade in Hollywood.  For those who know about St.Nicholas and his demonic campanion, (for St.Nick's day), Austria stages a mighty scary day.  Check them out here...

FACEBOOK TRIVIA ANSWER: MELANIE SANG "BRAND NEW KEY"

AMERICAN IDOL WITHOUT THE DRAMA

Ryan Seacrest and Harry Connick Jr. both promise a return to normal on the new American Idol set to begin broadcasting on Jan. 15th and 16th.  Connick says things were "a little bit off" last year with the battles between Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj.  This year will be a "return to emphasis on the contestants.  Here is the story...

THE BEATLES "LOST CONCERT"

The Beatles "Lost Concert" remains lost to most fans.  A current lawsuit involving Sony/ ATV over the planned release of the footage of a 1964 Washington concert has kept it from making it to movie theatres.  The documentary sounds interesting as you not only see the complete 35 minute concert but also interviews with Chuck Berry, Stephen Tyler, and others.  Here's the complete story (lawsuit)...

HOBBIT FANS UNITE -NEW MOVIES!!

The 2nd in the three part Hobbit film series hits the big screen this weekend!! 
 "The Hobbit:  The Desolation of Smaug," with Bilbo Baggins and the Wizard Gandalf, rated PG13.  Expect a mighty box office showing for this sequel.

Also opening:  "Saving Mr.Banks," with Tom Hanks as Walt Disney and the story of "Mary Poppins"

And more by clicking here...

THE GOLDEN GLOBE NOMINATIONS FOR 2014

One of the big awards shows coming soon in 2014 is the Golden Globe Awards, unique for their emphasis on both film and television. 

Movies receiving nominations for top picture:  Twelve Years A Slave, Gravity, Captain Phillips, Philomena, and Rush.

Top TV nominees include in Drama, Downton Abbey and Breaking Bad (among others,) and , in Comedy, The Big Bang Theory and Modern Family.(among others)

See the complete list of nominees by clicking here...

TOP HOLIDAY KARAOKE SONGS!

Heineken did a survey to see which holiday songs lead the way for karaoke singers.  The winner, "Jingle Bell Rock." followed by "Winter Wonderland."  Heineken doesn't give a breakdown on just what age groups like what, but 30% overall said "Jingle Bell Rock" was their favorite.  Click here for the story...

KENNEDY CENTER HONORS!

Billy Joel, Carlos Santana, and Herbie Hancock were among those receiving Kennedy Center Honors recently. (The edited program will be broadcast on Dec. 29th) Here is the story and a connection to video highlights....

THE SUPER BOWL AND NO TAILGATING?

It will be the first Super Bowl to be played outdoors in a cold weather venue.  What does that mean?  It's the first Super Bowl where "snow and cold" could be a factor. The 48th(XLVIII) Super Bowl will be played at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Feb.2nd.  And, there will be no tailgating!!  People can have food and drink in their vehicle but they can't fire up the grill or toss out a lounge chair. What is this world coming to? (someone asked, not me) Get the complete rundown on Super Bowl plans here...

HOLIDAY FILMS TRIVIA!

What is George Bailey's dream in "It's A Wonderful Life?"  "What's Clark Griswold's bonus in "Christmas Vacation?"  "What character doesn't Tom Hanks play in "Polar Express?"  Find out the answers to these and other holiday movie questions by clicking here...

GRAMMY HALL OF FAME - NEW SONGS AND ALBUMS

The recordings have to be at least 25 years old to qualify and some familiar selections did make the Grammy Hall of Fame.  The Rolling Stones, "Honky Tonk Women," Sam Cooke's "Wonderful World," albums by George Harrison, Chicago, Creedence Clearwater Revival were among those chosen.  See the complete list by clicking here...

NEW ALBUM FROM THE GROUP BOSTON!

Boston fans looking for that classic guitar sound from the band, will not be disappointed by their first studio album in 11 years.  (the first since the death of lead singer Brad Delp in 2007).  Here is a review of the new album called "Life, Love, & Hope."

BILLY JOEL BECOMES RESIDENT PERFORMER!

Billy Joel has decided to stay close to home and give his fans a chance to see him perform every month in 2014 at Madison Square Garden in New York.  His first show there was in 1978 and he has had many sellouts at The Garden.  Here's the complete story....

NEW ELVIS EXHIBIT IN ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME!

Fans visiting the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland will be checking out a new exhibit featuring Elvis Presley.  Many artifacts are on lone from Graceland including the white suit he wore while performing "If I Can Dream" on NBC in 1968.  Find out more by clicking here...http://rockhall.com/blog/post/new-elvis-presley-exhibition-at-rock-hall/

BARBARA WALTERS PICKS HER FINAL "TEN MOST FASCINATING!"

Barbara Walters is retiring soon but not before selecting a final "Ten Most Fascinating People of 2013."  As always, some on the list are fascinating and others just headline hogging.  Pope Francis, Prince George, and Miley Cyrus on the same list? (Barbara always has needed help defining fascinating.)  Click here for the list...

HUNGER GAMES AND FROZEN LEAD THE WAY!!

"Hunger Games: Catching Fire" set a new Thanksgiving weekend record at the box office while Disney's new animated film, "Frozen" wasn't far behind. (Though every other movie was)  Find out more by clicking here...