Joining you weekday afternoons from 3-7pm. Chatting about the latest music news, Hollywood Gossip, The Half-Baked Headline of the Day, and Not-so-Normal News. Plus test your movie knowledge with Movie Clip Trivia around 5:25 weekdays. It's a wild and wacky world we live in, so let's dish.
Halfway through the work week, just 10 more days til spring officially arrives and it was 22 years ago today that Andy Gibb passed away. Andy was the younger brother of the Bee Gees — Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb — and died just five days after his 30th birthday, from an inflammatory heart virus exacerbated by years of substance abuse. He passed back in 1988.
HOLLYWOOD GOSSIP:
Speaking of passing, Actor Corey Haim, best known for his films in the 1980s like The Lost Boys, was found dead this morning of an apparent drug oversode. According to TMZ.com, police were called to St. Joseph’s hospital in Burbank, CA shortly before 4 AM PT to investigate. He was only 38.
JOHN KRASINSKI CLOSER TO PLAYING CAPTAIN AMERICA: The odds of John Krasinski playing Captain American on the big screen are increasing. Several weeks after his initial screen test was reported, sources are saying he’s the “favorite” to get the part.
SACHA BARON COHEN IN ‘MEN IN BLACK’? Sacha Baron Cohen, Josh Brolin and “Flight Of The Conchords” star Jemaine Clement are reportedly frontrunners to land lead roles in the third “Men In Black” movie.
MADONNA TOUR DVD BEING RELEASED
Madonna is planning to release a CD/DVD and Blu Ray of her “Sticky & Sweet” tour, April 6th, but you can watch the Vh1 broadcast of the concert on April 2nd. The package contains footage of four days of concerts she performed in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The DVD also includes 30 minutes of behind-the-scenes footage and the CD has 13 live songs from the tour.
TOUR NOTE:Sting has announced the full North American itinerary of his upcoming tour accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra and closing night will be happening relatively close by, in Bethel, NY. Catch the show at the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts July 30th
HALFBAKED HEADLINE OF THE DAY: “‘GHOSTS’ SOLD IN GLASS VIALS IN NEW ZEALAND”
A woman from New Zealand has sold two glass vials for $2,000 that are said to contain the ghosts of an old man and a young girl. The seller, said she put the bottled spirits up for sale after an exorcist from a spiritualist church captured the two ghosts in her home and placed them in vials of “holy water.” The spirits are said to be a an old man named Les Graham, who died in the house in the 1920s, and a disruptive young girl, who allegedly turned up after an experiment with the Ouija board.
FORMULA REVEALS 11 AM IS BEST FOR COFFEE BREAKS:
A team of university experts have come up with a formula that proves that 11 o’clock really is the best time for a coffee break. But the research also shows that a tasty Americano is not the only requirement - lights, music, aroma and good company need to be added to the mix. The research was undertaken by Professor Charles Spence of the Department of Experimental Psychology at Oxford University. He looked at combining great flavor (F) with the perfect environment (E), the container it comes in (P), who you drink coffee with (C) and the time of day you enjoy your coffee break (T) to create the most enjoyable coffee moment (M). Professor Spence’s formula for the perfect coffee was: M = 0.5 x F + (0.5 x E + 0.3 x P + 0.15 x C + 0.05 x T.
It’s another new release Tuesday, and a couple of Oscar nominated and Oscar winning films are out today! Here’s the DVD Roundup for this week:
Movies
1. Up in the Air ~ George Clooney, Vera Farmiga, Anna Kendrick, and Jason Bateman
2. Precious: Based on the Novel “Push” by Sapphire ~ Gabourey Sidibe and Mo’Nique
3. The Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day ~ Sean Patrick Flanery, Norman Reedus and Billy Connolly
4. Planet 51 ~ Dwayne Johnson
5. Capitalism: A Love Story ~ From Director Michael Moore
TV on DVD
1. NFL Super Bowl XLIV: New Orleans Saints Champions
2. Walker Texas Ranger: The Seventh Season
BLONDIE PLANS NEW ALBUM FOR SPRING RELEASE
Blondie has been hard at work on a new album, which is expected out this spring. Singer Debbie Harry saying, “It sounds like a mature Blondie album.” The group’s new tracks will be a mix of reggae, pop, and rock — all with deeper lyrics. Blondie will tour in support of the new record throughout the summer. Meanwhile, Harry is working with Converse to develop a line of sneakers featuring Blondie designs. The new Blondie Converse sneakers will include album graphics, animal prints and neon. They’ll be in stores this spring, retailing from $55 to $85 for both men and women.
HALFBAKED HEADLINE OF THE DAY:“WOMAN AGAIN TRIES TO STEAL TV AND USE A CAB”
A North Pole woman was arrested after trying to steal a television set from a store and then calling a cab as her getaway vehicle. This is not the first time that this 27-year-old woman has tried to steal television sets. She posted bail on a similar case last year.
MOST AMERICANS ARE “OVERS”
Over. That’s how the majority of Americans roll. According to Cottonelle’s highly publicized “Roll Poll,” nationwide 72-percent like their toilet paper to go over the roll, while just 28-percent prefer the under roll. In most states at least 80-percent percent of residents are “overs.” Only four states are below the 80-percent mark. In Idaho 77-percent are “overs,” while 76-percent of New Yorkers are “overs.” California and Connecticut are the most closely divided on the subject. Over just edges out under in California 54-to 64-percent, while in Connecticut the “overs” have it by just a six-percent margin.
“Overs” also tend to be more picky about how the roll rolls. Nearly 75-percent of “overs” say they notice when the toilet paper is hung “wrong,” and 24-percent admit they get annoyed if the roll has been — in their eyes — hung improperly. Psychotherapist and relationship expert Dr. Gilda Carle says people’s rolling preferences says something about their personality. She notes, quote, “People who roll over like taking charge, crave organization and are likely to overachieve. It seems to me that Americans are passionate about rolling over due to the sense of control that it gives them.”
Back from a gorgeous weekend! Spent a little time on Saturday snowboarding at Labrador Mountain, perfect conditions. Hope you had some fun this weekend whatever you may have been up to. Certainly feels like spring is on it’s way. Even getting some glimpses of the crocus already.
Did you catch the Oscars last night? If not here’s the rundown:
Best Supporting Actor: Christoph Waltz, Inglorious Basterds Best Animated Feature Film: Up Best Original Song: “The Weary Kind” Ryan Bingham, T Bone Burnett, Crazy Heart Best Original Screenplay: Mark Boal, The Hurt Locker Best Animated Short: Logorama Best Documentary Short: Music By Prudence Best Live Action Short: The New Tenants Best Makeup: Star Trek Best Adapted Screenplay: Jeffery Fletcher, Precious Best Supporting Actress: Mo’Nique, Precious Best Art Direction: Avatar Best Costume Design: The Young Victoria Best Sound Editing: The Hurt Locker Best Cinematography: Avatar Best Sound Mixing: The Hurt Locker Best Original Score: Up Best Visual Effects: Avatar Best Documentary Feature: The Cove Best Film Editing: The Hurt Locker Best Foreign Language Film: The Secret In Their Eyes (Argentina) Best Actor: Jeff Bridges, Crazy Heart Best Actress: Sandra Bullock, The Blind Side Best Director: Kathryn Bigelow, The Hurt Locker Best Picture: The Hurt Locker
As for the worst in film……the complete Razzie results are as follows:
Worst Picture of 2009: Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen Worst Actress of 2009: Sandra Bullock, All About Steve Worst Actor(s) of 2009: All Three Jonas Brothers, Jonas Brothers: The 3-D Concert Experience Worst Screen Couple: Sandra Bullock & Bradley Cooper, All About Steve Worst Supporting Actress: Sienna Miller, G.I. Joe Worst Supporting Actor: Billy Ray Cyrus, Hannah Montana: The Movie Worst Prequel, Remake, Rip-off or Sequel: Land of The Lost Worst Director: Michael Bay, Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen Worst Screenplay: Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen Worst Picture of the Decade: Battlefield Earth, Nominated for 10 Razzies/ “Winner” of 8 Worst Actor of the Decade: Eddie Murphy, Nominated for 12 “Achievements” / “Winner” of 3 Razzies Worst Actress of the decade: Paris Hilton, Nominated for 5 “Achievements,” “Winner” of 4 Razzies
THIS WEEKEND’S TOP TEN MOVIES
1. Alice in Wonderland, $116.3 million
2. Brookyn’s Finest, $13.5 million
3. Shutter Island, $13.3 million
4. Cop Out, $9.1 million
5. Avatar, $7.7 million
6. The Crazies, $7 million
7. Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief, $5.1 million
8. Valentine’s Day, $4.3 million
9. Crazy Heart, $3.4 million
10. Dear John, $2.9 million
HALFBAKED HEADLINE OF THE DAY:“WOMAN CRASHES WHILE SHAVING BIKINI LINE”
A two-car crash on a Florida highway was caused by a 37-year-old woman who was shaving her bikini area while in the driver’s seat. Her ex-husband was steering from the passenger seat. They ended up slamming into the back of a pick-up truck after the driver slowed to take a turn. The woman said she was meeting her boyfriend in Key West and wanted to be “ready for the visit.”
AUSSIEBUM MAKES UNDERWEAR FROM BANANAS
Australian underwear company, AussieBum, decided to use bananas to make their new eco-friendly underwear line. The men’s underwear will incorporate 27 percent banana fiber, 64 percent cotton and 9 percent lycra. Banana fiber is made from the bark of the banana plant which makes a lightweight and absorbant material, but if you added any more banana fiber, the underwear would be a bit too squishy.
HAPPY PEOPLE TALK MORE
A group of psychologists from the University of Arizona and Washington University in St. Louis set out to find whether happy and unhappy people differ in the types of conversations they tend to have. For their study, volunteers wore an unobtrusive recording device called the Electronically Activated Recorder (EAR) over four days. The device periodically records snippets of sounds as participants go about their lives. Here’s what the researchers found: The happiest participants spent 25 percent less time alone and 70 percent more time talking than the unhappiest participants. The happiest participants also had twice as many substantive conversations and one-third as much small talk as the unhappiest participants.
It’s finally Friday and it was one year ago today that fans of the late Michael Jackson received some very good news. He stood inside London’s O2 Arena and announced at a press conference that he would be kicking off a series of dates at the venue beginning in July, dubbed “This Is It”. Of course those shows were never played as he died June 25th.
Speaking of shows, Kelly Clarkson, the Bangles, the Go-Go’s, Suzanne Vega and Martina McBride have joined the 2010 Lilith tour line-up. They join a slew of other female acts already on the bill, including Sheryl Crow, Norah Jones, Colbie Caillat and others. Venues and concert dates will be announced soon for the summer tour. They will be playing in New York City, Philadelphia, Toronto.
BROOKLYN’S FINEST (R and has a running time of 2 hours and 15 minutes)
A new crime drama, starring Richard Gere, Ethan Hawke, Wesley Snipes and Vincent D’Onofrio. The film follows a chaotic week of three conflict NYPD officers when their lives are transformed by their involvement in a massive drug operation and each man faces the tests of judgment and honor in one of the world’s toughest jobs. Brooklyn’s Finest was directed by Antoine Fuqua, best know for directing Training Day.
ALICE IN WONDERLAND (PG and has a running time of 1 hour and 50 minutes)
The highly anticipated new film from director Tim Burton hits the big screen! Starring Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Mia Wasikowska, Crispin Glover and Anne Hathaway. The film is a live action version of the fantasy adventure story following Alice, played by Wasikowska, as she embarks on a journey to find to her destiny and reinstate the White Queen by ending the Red Queen’s reign of terror.
HALFBAKED HEADLINE OF THE DAY:“DUCK GETS STUCK IN CHIMNEY”
Firefighters in Santa Fe rescued a duck stuck in a chimney. The homeowner heard the duck and lit a fire, hoping that it would get out on its own, but the plan backfired because the duck was too large to free itself. The fire then began to fill the house with smoke. The fire was put out and another firefighter reached into the lower part of the chimney and pulled the bird out. The animal was then taken outside and it flew away.
FANS MAKE THEIR OSCAR PICKS
There’s a lot of agreement among the general public regarding who should win Oscars this weekend:
Blockbuster Poll Results Of Fans Favorites For The 82nd Annual Academy Awards
BEST PICTURE
“Avatar” - 35-percent
“The Blind Side” - 16-percent
“The Hurt Locker” - eleven-percent
“Inglourious Basterds” - ten-percent
“Up in the Air” - eight-percent
“Up” - seven-percent
“Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ By Sapphire” - six-percent
“District 9″ - four-percent
“A Serious Man” - two-percent
“An Education” - one-percent
BEST DIRECTOR
James Cameron for “Avatar” - 45-percent
Kathryn Bigelow for “The Hurt Locker” - 20-percent
Quentin Tarantino for “Inglourious Basterds” - 19-percent
Lee Daniels for “Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ By Sapphire” - nine-percent
Jason Reitman for “Up in the Air” - seven-percent
ACTOR IN A LEAD ROLE
Jeff Bridges for “Crazy Heart” - 28-percent
George Clooney for “Up in the Air” - 23-percent
Jeremy Renner for “The Hurt Locker” - 23-percent
Morgan Freeman for “Invictus” - 21-percent
Colin Firth for “A Single Man” - five-percent
ACTRESS IN A LEAD ROLE
Sandra Bullock for “The Blind Side” - 60-percent
Meryl Street for “Julie & Julia” - 18-percent
Gabourey Sidibe for “Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ By Sapphire” - 16-percent
Carey Mulligan for “An Education” - four-percent
Helen Mirren for “The Last Station” - two-percent
ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE Christopher Waltz for “Inglourious Basterds” - 45-percent
Matt Damon for “Invictus” - 24-percent
Stanley Tucci for “The Lovely Bones” - 17-percent
Woody Harrelson for “The Messenger” - ten-percent
Christopher Plummer for “The Last Station” - four-percent
ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Mo’nique for “Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ By Sapphire” - 41-percent
Penelope Cruz for “Nine” - 18-percent
Maggie Gyllenhaal for “Crazy Heart” - 17-percent
Anna Kendrick for “Up in the Air” - 14-percent
Vera Farmiga for “Up in the Air” – ten-percent
Avatar + Blueberry-Pear Tart = Avatart (bonus: the tart will be blue)
The Blind Side + 5 Best Barbecue Side Dishes = The Blind Side Dish Extravaganza (note: don’t forget the barbecue)
District 9 + Trick or Treat Ice Cream Sandwiches = Districk or Treat Ice Cream Sandwiches
An Education + Deviled Eggs = An Eggducation
The Hurt Locker + Herbed Stuffed Tomatoes = The Herbed Locker Stuffed with Tomatoes
Inglorious Basterds + Grilled Chicken with Chili Beer Baste = Inglorious Basted Chicken
Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire + this adorable School-of-Fish Cake = Precious School-of-Fish Cake, Based on Marine Life
A Serious Man + Spicy Cheesy Pepper Steak = A Seriously Spicy Cheesy Pepper Steak, Man.
Up + 24 Cupcake Recipes = cUPcakes
Up in the Air + Lemon-Tossed Linguine = Up in the Air-tossed Linguine
The 82nd Annual Academy Awards will be presented in a ceremony at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood on Sunday. ABC will air the ceremony live at 8:00 p.m.
Feeling like spring has arrived a few weeks early today! Absolutely beautiful and more to come for this weekend. High’s on Sunday could be up around 50……wooohoooo!
And with spring comes Spring cleaning. The majority of folks taking part in an HGTV.com survey say their favorite way to prepare for the new season is with a thorough cleansing. Nearly 75-percent say they’ll soon be welcoming warmer weather with the traditional “spring cleaning.” But 15-percent note they enjoy bringing a bit of spring into their home by adding new floral arrangements. For nine-percent wreaths aren’t just for Christmas, and they mark the change of season by hanging a bright wreath on their door. Just two-percent prefer to refresh their home by changing the slipcovers. Spring arrives on March 20th.
Here’s what’s making the HOLLYWOOD GOSSIP today:
‘GILLIGAN’S ISLAND’ MOVIE IN THE WORKS: E! reporting that Warner Bros. is developing the 1960s sitcom Gilligan’s Island into a film, although no script, director or actors have been decided. However, when the possibility of a movie was floated around last year, show creator Sherwood Schwartz mentioned Michael Cera’s name as a possibility for the role of Gilligan.
LINDSAY LOHAN IS WRITING A BOOK: Since her acting and fashion careers aren’t faring so well, Lindsay Lohan is venturing into the publishing world. She’s working on a memoir and says she’s been writing it for a year now, writing down all her life experiences.
MEREDITH VIEIRA STICKING AROUND ‘TODAY’: Meredith Vieria has extended her deal with the Today show. She’ll stay on the show, at least until 2011.
HALFBAKED HEADLINE OF THE DAY: “DEPUTY TRIES TO SHOOT HIS WAY OUT OF A CELL”
A Kentucky deputy was fired after accidentally locking himself in a jail cell and trying to shoot his way out. According to the Adair County Sheriff Ralph Curry, the former deputy, Charles Wright, suffers from claustrophobia. Wright agreed to pay for the damage that he did to the cell.
HANGOVER-FREE BOOZE?
New research shows that drinking oxygen-enriched alcoholic beverages can help the body metabolize them faster than normal drinks, without affecting how well or quickly the body absorbs the drink in the first place. In a recent study, 49 volunteers were fed sets of equally alcoholic drinks, with two groups drinking beverages that had different levels of oxygen in them. They found that the oxygenated drinks were absorbed as fast as the regular drinks, and got the participants just as drunk. But, when testing their blood alcohol levels, researchers found that the oxygenation helped the volunteers scrub alcohol from their systems, getting them down to a 0.05 percent BAC about half an hour faster.
It’s Hump Day! Moving right along through another work week. 3 days into March. Just 17 left til the official 1st day of spring and next Sunday we get to turn our clocks forward as Daylight Savings time goes into effect!
BENATAR AND SPEEDWAGON TO HIT THE ROAD
Two of the 1980s biggest acts — Pat Benatar and REO Speedwagon — are embarking on a tour this summer dubbed “Love On The Run.” The tour launches in Uncasville, Connecticut on June 24th at the Mohegan Sun Arena. Benatar has put out a few compilations in recent years that showcase her catalog of hits like “Heartbreaker,” and “Hit Me With Your Best Shot,” and REO Speedwagon will be out behind “Find Your Own Way Home” which they released back in 2007, plus an LP of new material.
Closest Dates:
June 24 - Uncasville, CT @ Mohegan Sun Arena
June 25 - Rutland, VT @ Vermont State Fairgrounds
June 26 - Atlantic City, NJ @ Caesar’s
HOLLYWOOD GOSSIP:
NEIL PATRICK HARRIS TO OPEN THE OSCARS? Neil Patrick Harris will reportedly open the Oscars on Sunday night. Even though Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin are the night’s hosts, theirs reports that Harris and Martin Short have been rehearsing an original opening song and dance routine that is one of two big production numbers .
MORE PRESENTERS ANNOUNCED: More Oscar presenters have been announced: Bradley Cooper, Jake Gyllenhaal, Chris Pine, Keanu Reeves, Ryan Reynolds and Gerard Butler will serve as presenters.
ROGER EBERT OSCAR PREDICTIONS: Former film critic Roger Ebert, made his Oscar predictions on the Oprah Winfrey Show yesterday:
Best Picture: “The Hurt Locker.” Best Director: Kathryn Bigelow for “The Hurt Locker.” Best Supporting Actress: Mo’Nique for “Precious.” Best Supporting Actor: Christoph Waltz for “Inglourious Basterds.” Best Actress: Sandra Bullock for “The Blind Side.” Best Actor: Jeff Bridges for “Crazy Heart.”
HALFBAKED HEADLINE OF THE DAY:“CHINESE MAN LIVES ON LEAVES, GRASS”
He was inspired by something he saw on TV, saying “I watched a TV program which said a man can live more than ten days without food but just water, so I thought I would try living on the natural things near my home.” He started by eating grass from a field, but found that the plants behind his house provided a better taste. He’s adamant that he couldn’t eat meat now if he tried, adding that his health has really improved. Even a tumor on his right foot has disappeared.
UNUSUAL JOB INTERVIEW BLUNDERS
With the current economic climate many Americans are looking for jobs, and strange things sometimes come out in the interviews. Hiring managers taking part in a CareerBuilder poll say some of the craziest things they’ve encountered.
CareerBuilder list of “the most unusual blunders” hiring managers have encountered while interviewing candidates.
Candidate wore a business suit with flip flops.
Candidate asked if the interviewer wanted to meet for a drink after.
Candidate had applied for an accounting job, yet said he was “bad at managing money.”
Candidate ate food in the employee break room after the interview.
Candidate recited poetry.
Candidate applying for a customer service job said “I don’t really like working with people.”
Candidate had to go immediately to get his dog that had gotten loose in the parking lot.
Candidate looked at the ceiling during the entire interview.
Candidate used “Dungeons and Dragons” as an example of teamwork.
Candidate filed fingernails.
It’s Tuesday and all about the new. New music, movies and TV to check out! Here’s your DVD Roundup for this week:
Movies
1. 2012 ~ John Cusack, Danny Glover and Woody Harrelson
2. Ponyo ~ Cate Blanchett and Liam Neeson
3. Where the Wild Things Are ~ Max Records, Catherine Keener and Mark Ruffalo
TV on DVD
1. Designing Women: Season Three
2. Matlock: The Complete Fourth Season
Musically….
LIFEHOUSE UNVEILS ‘SMOKE AND MIRRORS’ TODAY
Lifehouse releases its new album today, their first since 2007’s Who We Are. The set has been a long time coming, with the release date having been pushed back multiple times. But the guys are ready to have fans hear their music and will be making the rounds this week on TV. The stopped by Live With Regis & Kelly this morning and look for them on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno this Thursday.
Today may be American Idol alum Danny Gokey’s “best day,” as his very first CD, called My Best Days, hits stores.
HALFBAKED HEADLINE OF THE DAY:“MAN SHOOTS UP ROOM AND PUTS CLOCK IN MICROWAVE”
A Michigan man was arrested after shooting up his hotel room on claims of a divine calling. He shot the bed, window, walls, and ceiling of his room. He also placed the alarm clock inside the mircrowave, and even left a note saying, ”God delivered me from evil and placed me in Albion, Michigan.” He’s being held in Calhoun County Jail pending arraignment and mental evaluation.
POP CULTURE FIGURES AND TRENDS - WHAT SHOULD MAKE A COMEBACK
Which fads and pop culture figures do you miss? A third of those taking part in a Dunkin Donuts poll would like to see Polaroids make a comeback. And despite the convenience of cell phones, 26-percent say they miss the prevalence of pay phones. Among TV shows, a “Friends” reunion might go over well, as 27-percent wish the popular sitcom was still in production. Just over 20-percent long for “Cheers” to return. GM execs might want to take note of this — 32-percent would enjoy cruising around again in a Pontiac GTO, and 26-percent would love to slide behind the wheel of a new El Camino. Regarding fashion trends, 20-percent of respondents would be happy to see bell bottoms back in vogue. But you might want to keep those balloon pants tucked away in the closet a while longer. Only two-percent are interested in seeing that style return to stores.
Welcome back from the weekend! Saying hello to March today, and just 20 days til the official start of spring. Yesterday brought the close of the Winter Olympics in Vancouver and the U.S. had quite a run, winning the most medals overall, 37, broken down into 9 gold, 15 silver and 13 bronze. That’s the most won by any country at any Winter Olympics, and marked only the second time the U.S. won the medal count in a Winter Olympics, along with Lake Place in 1932. Germany finished second with 30 medals and Canada was third with 26. Games host Canada won the most gold medals overall with 14, the most-ever for the Winter Olympics. Germany was second with 10 golds, and the U.S. and Norway tied for third with 9 each.
HOLLYWOOD GOSSIP:
PAULA ABDUL WON’T DO ‘DWTS’: Paula Abdul will not be appearing on the upcoming season of Dancing With the Stars. Sources close to Abdul saying she has decided against doing the show, despite the mega-bucks ABC was prepared to pay her. It was previously reported that ABC offered Paula a $1 million development deal, but she’s supposedly still in talks with Simon Cowell about joining his upcoming X Factor show.
KATE GOSSELIN ON ‘DWTS’? Rumors are circulating that Kate Gosselin will be one of the contestants on the show’s upcoming season. She’s said to be under a shroud of security at the Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel, rehearsing her dance steps with no children to be seen.”
“SHUTTER ISLAND” CONTINUES ITS RUN ON TOP OF THE BOX OFFICE: The thriller “Shutter Island” continues its run as the top movie in North America. For the second straight week, the Martin Scorsese-directed film held onto its position at number one, earning 22-point-two-million dollars. In second, was the debut of the action-comedy “Cop Out,” starring Bruce Willis and Tracy Morgan, with 18-point-six million dollars.
HALFBAKED HEADLINE OF THE DAY:“GERMAN MAN ROBS SAME BANK TWICE IN 24 HRS”
A robber in Germany was arrested for robbing the same bank twice within 24 hours, just after being released a week ago for the same crime. According to police, he went into a Hamburg Savings Bank and flashed a pistol saying, ”I was here yesterday, and I want money again today!” The robber was able to get away with 450 euro but was caught three hours later with the help of video surveillance cameras. He had been in jail for robbing banks in Hamburg in 2002 and 2004.
SANDRA BULLOCK, “THE BLIND SIDE” AMONG OSCAR FAVORITES
If the public has its way, Sandra Bullock will receive her first Oscar next weekend. A new Rasmussen Reports poll shows that the actress is the overwhelming favorite for Best Actress. Among those who plan to watch the Academy Awards ceremony, 51-percent want to see her get the nod for her work in the film “The Blind Side.” Meryl Streep, nominated for the movie “Julie & Julia,” comes in a distant second place with 14-percent pulling for her. Taking third is “Precious” star Gabourey Sidibe with nine-percent. Six-percent like Helen Mirren in “The Last Station,” and only one-percent believe the honor should go to Carey Mulligan for “An Education.” “The Blind Side” is also the public’s choice for Best Picture. A quarter of those polled hope to see the event’s top prize go to the inspirational biopic. The James Cameron blockbuster “Avatar” follows as the favorite of 17-percent, while 12-percent believe “Precious” should win.
The public is closely divided over the Best Actor contenders. While 25-percent like Morgan Freeman’s efforts in “Invictus,” 24-percent would give the nod to Jeff Bridges for “Crazy Heart.” George Clooney’s performance in “Up in the Air” has won over 17-percent of respondents. Three-percent would give the honor to Colin Firth, nominated for “A Single Man,” while two-percent would pick Jeremy Renner from “The Hurt Locker” for the honor. The 82nd Annual Academy Awards will be presented at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood on March 7th. The ceremony will air live on ABC starting at 8:00 p.m.
Happy Friday! Heading into the last weekend of February and the last weekend of the Olympics. As it stands now the U.S. is still in the lead with 32 medals overall — 8 gold, 12 silver and 12 bronze. The U.S., Germany and Canada are tied for first place in gold medals with 8 each. Norway is second with 7, and South Korea and Switzerland are tied for third with 6 each. Expect famous Canadians, including rock bands, at Sunday night’s closing ceremonies. There’s talk that both Rush and Celine Dion will perform. NBC will air the Closing Ceremonies for the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics at 8:30 p.m. this Sunday.
FRIDAY FILM RELEASES:
COP OUT (R and has a running time of 1 hour and 50 minutes)
A new comedy from Kevin Smith, starring Bruce Willis, Tracy Morgan, Sean William Scott and Kevin Pollan. Cop Out follows two NYPD partners, played by Willis and Morgan, looking for a rare, mint condition baseball card and find themselves up against a memorbilia-obessed gangster because Jimmy, the veteran detective played by Willis, must pay for his daughter’s wedding and whose only way to do so is to sell his missing collectible.
THE CRAZIES (R and has a running time of 1 hour and 40 minutes)
A new thriller, starring Timothy Olyphant, Joe Anderson, Danielle Panabaker and Rahda Mitchell. The Crazies follows Sheriff Dutton, played by Olyphant, as he tries to figure out what is making everyone in his picture perfect town crazy as complete chaos has taken over and the government uses deadly force to close off all access to the town. The Crazies was direct by Breck Eisner.
TOM PETTY & THE HEARTBREAKERS ANNOUNCE NEW ALBUM AND 35-CITY TOUR
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers will release their first new album in eight years called Mojo this spring and will kick off a 35-city tour in support of the album on May 6th. If you purchase your tickets online you’ll get an MP3 download of every track on the new album. According to their press release, upon purchasing your ticket you’ll receive an email with codes letting you download two tracks and when the album is released later this spring, you’ll be sent a download of the entire album. Plus, a selection of live tracks recorded during the tour.
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers Closest Tour Dates:
July 28 - New York, NY - Madison Square Garden Arena (with TBA)
August 14 - Darien Center, NY - Darien Lake Performing Arts Center (with Crosby, Stills, & Nash)
August 24 - East Rutherford, NJ - Izod Center (with My Morning Jacket)
August 27 - Saratoga Springs, NY - Saratoga Performing Arts Center (with Crosby, Stills, & Nash)
HALFBAKED HEADLINE OF THE DAY:“WOMAN CARRIES SWORD INTO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL”
A Memphis mother of an elementary school student drank a 40 oz. bottle of a malt liquor and charged into an Elementary School with a sword. She intended to confront the parents of another student who was in an argument with her child the previous day. Officers found the woman with a black cane that concealed a blade. She was charged with aggravated assault and having a weapon on school property.
OUR MOVEMENTS ARE PREDICTABLE 90% OF THE TIME
We are such creatures of habit that scientists can accurately predict where we’ll go and when we’ll go there more than 90 percent of the time. Scientists analyzed three months of mobile phone data from 50,000 people. Logged by billing companies when they made or received calls and text, it allowed the researchers to pinpoint their location to within two miles. The researchers used this information to build up a pattern of each person’s movements during the week and at weekends. They found they could predict where a person would be at given time and get it right up to 93 per cent of the time.
It’s a SNOW DAY!! Just getting pelted with the white stuff and really going to get pelted tonight, upwards of 18 inches total are possible by tomorrow morning and some areas getting hit with almost 2 feet of snow! If you don’t have to be out driving in it, DON’T. Get comfortable and wait it out inside.
JAMES TAYLOR AND CAROLE KING EXPAND ‘TROUBADOUR REUNION TOUR’
More news today on the tour front as James Taylor and Carole King have expanded their Troubadour Reunion Tour, by adding 16 additional dates — including new stops scheduled for New York City, Philadelphia, Wiles-Barre, and Pittsburgh among other cities.
James Taylor and Carole King Closest Tour Dates:
June 10 and 22nd - Philadelphia, PA - The Wachovia Center
June 15 and 30th - New York, NY - Madison Square Garden Arena
June 28 - Wilkes-Barre, PA- Mohegan Sun Arena At Casey Plaza
HOLLYWOOD GOSSIP:
NEW VILLAIN CAST FOR ‘PIRATES’: Pirates of the Caribbean has a new bad guy. Reports saying Ian McShane, best known for his role on Deadwood, will be starring opposite Johnny Depp as the film’s villain, Black Beard.
MATT DAMON TO PLAY RFK: Matt Damon is on board to step into the shoes of a Kennedy in an upcoming film. He’s attached to a Robert F. Kennedy biopic on the way from New Regency. The film will follow RFK’s evolution from the “younger brother of” President John F. Kennedy to his own presidential campaign in 1968 and subsequent assassination.
AMERICAN IDOL ON IDOL: Kris Allen will return to the American Idol stage on tonight to perform the Beatles’ classic “Let It Be.” He’ll also share footage of his recent trip to Haiti with the United Nations Foundation.
HALFBAKED HEADLINE OF THE DAY: “MAN HIT BY SAME TRAIN TWICE IN TWO WEEKS”
A 57-year-old California man was struck by the same train twice in two weeks. On February 8th, he fell from the passenger platform and was dragged 87 feet by the train. The incident left him without a left hand. Then this past Tuesday morning, police were called back after receiving a report that he had once again fallen onto the tracks. Fortunately, he didn’t lose any limbs, and his injuries are not believed to be life threatening. A mental health examination will be requested.
NEW SCALE HAS NO NUMBERS
A news scale made by Voluptuart doesn’t have any numbers, but rather words like “hot,” “ravishing,” and “cute” that are meant to make you feel good about yourself. Check it out: http://tinyurl.com/yfgkzc3
IS PLANNING A VACATION BETTER THAN ACTUALLY GOING?
A new Dutch study shows that one of the biggest happiness boosts of a vacation comes from the simple act of planning your vacation. The HuffingtonPost.com quotes researchers as having said, “We examined whether vacationers differ in happiness, compared to those not going on holiday, and if a holiday trip boosts post-trip happiness. These questions were addressed in a pre-test/post-test design study among 1,530 Dutch individuals. 974 vacationers answered questions about their happiness before and after a holiday trip. Vacationers reported a higher degree of pre-trip happiness, compared to non-vacationers, possibly because they are anticipating their holiday. Only a very relaxed holiday trip boosts vacationers’ happiness further after return. Generally, there is no difference between vacationers’ and non-vacationers’ post-trip happiness.”
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Joining you weekday afternoons from 3-7pm. Chatting about the latest music news, Hollywood Gossip, The Half-Baked Headline of the Day, and Not-so-Normal News. Plus test your movie knowledge with Movie Clip Trivia around 5:25 weekdays. It's a wild and wacky world we live in, so let's dish.
