Wednesday Roundup

As reported previously, supermodel Tyra Banks will pull the plug on her day time talk show. The show will end after the 2010 season. Banks wants to concentrate on producing films. It was announced today that the late Michael Jackson's music video, "Thriller" will be inducted into the 2009 National Film Registry Of The Library Of Congress. It's the first video to be inducted into the registry. Actor Charlie Sheen will be back at work as usual despite court hearings on domestic violence charges. He's been accused by his wife Brooke of holding her down on a bed and holding a knife to her throat during an arguement. Be sure to check out the People's Choice Awards next month on CBS. George Clooney is among those nominated for awards this year. The Grammy Awards will air on CBS next month as well. In case you'll be staying home on New Years Eve, there are several live shows you can watch. Among them, "Dick Clark's Prime Time New Years Rockin Eve With Ryan Seacrest 2010", "Billboard's New Years Eve Live", and  "All American New Year" to mane a few. On the tube: "Glee" on Fox, "The New Adventures Of Old Christine" on CBS, "Happy New Year Charlie Brown" on ABC, and "The Office" on NBC. Happy hump day!

Tuesday Tales

As 2009 comes to a close, I just thought I'd give a quick review of the events that shaped the entertainment industry. It was a year of blockbusters at the box office, despite the tough economy. "G.I. Joe", was among the top films of the year. Country tween queen Taylor Swift was the it girl of the year. Actor Johnny Demp made another note worthy film appearance. It remains to be seen if he'll pick up a Oscar for his performance. It was also a year of terrible loss as well. We said goobye to Michael Jackson, Farrah Fawcett, Ed McMahon, Patrick Swayze, Soupy Sales, Bea Arthur, and Brittany Murphy, among others. While it remains to be seem what 2010 holds for the industry, I'm optimistic that the year will be full of surprises. We have the 89th Annual Academy Awards, The Golden Globe Awards, and The Grammy Awards as well. It will be interesting to see what the rest of the televison season holds in store as well. "24" will return next month, while Tyra Banks is pulling the plug on her daytime talk show. She wants to concentrate on film producing. Here's a toast to the new year!

Wednesday Roundup

Rapper T.I. will serve the remaining seven months of a year and day jail sentence in a Georgia half way house. You'll recall the rapper was convicted of a felony weapons charge. Actress Brittany Murphy's husband is dening the the actress was addicted to drugs. An autopsy will be available in a few weeks.

Tuesday Tales

Rumor has it that former Bad Boy Records boy band Day 26 is minus a member. Member Que has been reportedly kicked out of the group. Some say it's involving the group's manager. Others say it's involving the group's new record deal. The death of actress Brittany Murphy is still a mystery.  The actress died Sunday and had complained of flu like systoms before her death. An autopsy will not be available for a few weeks. Just in case you missed the first airing, singer Carrie Underwood's special, "Carrie Underwood: An All Star Holiday Special" do not fret. You can catch it tonight at 8:00 p.m. on Fox. Former NBA star turned actor Rick Fox will appear on an upcoming episode of "Dollhouse". The episode will air Jan 8.  Singer Mary J. Blige has stated she sees her latest cd as a picture of strength. The singer's willingness to bear her soul in song has kept her at the top of the charts for over a decade now. Producer Swizz Beats and his ex-wife singer Meshonda were seen at their son's birthday party together.  There were no Alicia Keys sightings though. On the tube: "Carrie Underwood: An All Star Holiday Special" on Fox, "NCIS" on CBS, "America's Funniest Home Videos" on ABC, and "The Biggest Loser: Where Are They Now" on NBC. Happy Tuesday!

Monday Madness

Sad news out of Hollywood. Actress Brittany Murphy, who shot to stardom in the film "8 Mile" died yesterday of what appeared to be natural causes, a county coroner's official stated. Murphy's family told Los Angeles officials that the actress had been ill with flu like symptoms days before her death.  The actress died at Cedars Sinai Medical Center, according to the hospital. She was transported to the hospital after the fire department responded to a call to the home she shared with her husband, British screen writer, Simon Monjack.  Officials are investigating. An autopsy will be performed Monday or Tuesday. Congradulations to Carrie Underwood. It's been confirmed that the singer will wed hockey player Mike Fisher. No wedding date has been set. The film "Avatar" topped the weekend box office earning 73 million dollars. "The Princess & The Frog", "The Blind Side", "Did You Hear About The Morgans", and "Twilight Saga: New Moon" round out the top five films of the week. On the tube: "House" on Fox, "How I Met Your Mother" on CBS, "I Want A Dog For Christmas Charlie Brown" on ABC, and "The Sing Off" on NBC. Happy Monday!

Friday Facts

As reported earlier, NeNe and  Kim were reportedly fired from "The Real Housewives Of Atlanta" for demanding bigger paychecks. Now there's rumors swirling that actress Victoria Rowell from "The Young & The Restless" could be a possible replacement for the two. "Up In The Air", "Prescious", and "Inglourious Basterds" have all nagged Screen Actor's Guild Awards. Singer Beyonce is set to launch her own fragrance this February called Beyonce Heat. Congradulations to Christina Milan and The Dream are in order. The two have recently announced that they are having a baby girl. People magazine has released it's picks for it's "Most Intriquing People" list. Among them: singer Taylor Swift, the Kardashian sisters, and Kate Goselin. Rapper T.I will be released from prison in March, 2010. You'll recall the rapper was sentenced for felony fire arms possession. In theaters: "Avatar" and "Did You Hear About The Morgans". On the tube: "Dollhouse" on Fox, "Frosty The Snowman" CBS, "Supernanny" on ABC, and "Law & Order" on NBC. Make it a weekend!

Wednesday Roundup

The George Clooney film, "Up In The Air",  was a top contender at the Golden Globes winning six nominations including best drama. Coming in second was "Nine" with five. Sandra Bullock, Meryl Streep, and Matt Damon all scored two acting nods as the nominees were announced during a predawn ceremony in Beverly Hills on Tuesday. It really is beginning to look like Christmas as holiday specials pull in big ratings. "Disney's Prep And Landing" drew 12 million viewers Tuesday, while Oprah Winfrey's "Christmas At The White House" drew 12 million viewers on Sunday. Rapper/producer Timberland says after the release of his next cd he's hanging up his mike. We'll see what happens with that. Singer Mariah Carey will embark on her first tour in three years. The tour is slated to start on December 31 at Madison Square Garden in New York City and rap up at the Pearl Concert Thearter in Las Vegas on February 27. Tickets go on sale Saturday, December 19. Rapper/actor LL Cool J was not approved by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee committee as they announced the class of 2010 inductees. With a career that spans 25 years, he was the first artist to sign with Def Jam Records and has thirteen albums under his belt. He later went on to star in his own sitcom "In The House" as well as star in several films. He currently stars opposite Chris ODonnell in NCIS: Los Angeles". On the tube: "So You Think You Can Dance" on Fox, "The New Adventures Of Old Christine" on CBS, "Disney's Prep & Landing Repeat" on ABC, and "The Sing Off" on NBC, Happy hump day!

Tuesday Tales

After getting on Twitter to vent about what he felt was a blacklisting of his latest cd, singer Chris Brown has closed his account. He thanked  fans for their support. Some retailers say they have sold out of his cd, and others say they have it, it's just not selling. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees have been announced and 1970's Swedish pop group Abba will be inducted along with Genesis, Jimmy Cliff, The Hollies and the Stooges. Both Abba and The Stooges have been nominated previously, but never made the cut. The induction ceremony will take place March 15 in Cleveland.  The George Clooney film, "Up In The Air" has been mentioned as a Golden Globe nominee along with "Invictus" and "Prescious". We'll see what happens. Actor Colin Firth is earning some Oscar buzz for his role in the film "Single Man". The 89th Annual Academy Awards will air in March. Be certain to check out the A & E realilty series, "The Jacksons: A Family Dynasty".  Alicia Keys and Robin Thicke have new releases in stores this week. On dvd: "Inglourious Basterds" and "The Hangover". On the tube: "So You Think You Can Dance" on Fox, "NCIS" on CBS, "A Charlie Brown Christmas" on ABC, and "The Sing Off" on NBC. Happy Tuesday!

Monday Madness

"The Princess & The Frog" took the crown at the weekend box office raking in 25 million.  "The Blind Side", "Invictus", "Twilight: New Moon" , and  "A Christmas Carol" round out the top five films of the week. Congradulations to reality star Kourtney Kardashian are in order. She gave birth to a son in Los Angeles today. Mason Dash Disick is the tot's names. Singer Chris Brown reportedly ranted on Twitter about his current album being blacklisted by stores. Walmart employees say it was actually sold out. The morning at ABC's "Good Morning America" went well apparently after the first day with new co-host George Stephanopoulos. He replaces Diane Sawyer, who will replace Charles Gibson on "ABC's Evening News". Producer Swizz Beats and his ex Mishonda have apparently been going at it on Twitter. The two have split and according to the rumor mill, singer Alicia Keys is the reason. I say leave it alone people. "House" and "Flash Forward" will be taking breaks and we'll have to see what each holds in store for their returns. On the tube: "House" on Fox, "How I Met Your Mother" on CBS,  "Jennifer Hudson: I'll Be Home For Christmas" on ABC, and "The Sing Off" on NBC. Happy Monday!

Friday Facts

There are reports surfacing that Ne Ne Leakes & Kim Zolciak have both been fired from the hit Bravo show "The Real Housewives Of Atlanta". A source indicated to the New York Daily News that things have been tense between the two and that Bravo feels the show is a franchise and not just about one person and will not let one person stop it. The two are have also demanded bigger paychecks for the upcoming season and the network is reportedly so fed up they are said to be in talks with other wealthy and notable Atlanta women about replacing the two. Bravo has made no coment regarding the cast shakeup and a source told People magazine that no decision regarding season 3 has been made yet. Barbara Walters Most Fascinating Person has been named: it's First Lady Michelle Obama. Rapper Lil Wayne's next release, "Rebirth" has been pushed back, yet again. The disc is now set for a Feburary 1 release instead of December 15. Leaks of the disc could possibly be the cause for the push back. Wayne and his Young Money counterparts will release their compilation disc "We Are Young Money" on December 21. Two bouncers at Jay Z's 40/40 club have been fired after being caught on video taped assaulting two patrons.  For those not in the know, Snoop Dog and Timberland have new releases in stores. On dvd: Harry Potter And The Half Dead Prince" and "Public Enemies". In Theaters this weekend: "The Princess And The Frog" and Invictus". On the tube: "Dollhouse" on Fox, "Yes Virginia" on CBS, "Supernanny" on ABC, and "Law & Order" on NBC. Make it a weekend!

Thursday Dish

Prayers and condolences go out to actor/writer/producer/director Tyler Perry who lost his mother after a long illness. Tween pop star Miley Cyrus has had her single "The Climb" removed from Grammy award nomination and replaced by "All Is Love" by Karen O. "The Climb" is featured on the soundtrack "Hannah Montana: The Movie" and was written by Jessi Alexander and Jon Mabe. Congradulations to actress Amanda Peete are in order. She recently revealed that she's pregnant with her second child. The film "Invictus" about the South African presidency of Nelson Mandella, is sure to be a big box office draw. The trailor is a winner. Be sure to catch the premiere of the A&E reality series "The Jacksons: A Family Dynasty" this Sunday. "American Idol" will return next month with new judge Ellen DeGeneres and it will be interesting to see who makes the final cut on the show.  Several guest judges are scheduled to appear. "American Idol" runner up Adam Lambert appeared on "The View" this morning after ABC cancelled several scheduled live performances. On the tube: "Bones" on Fox, "Survivor Samoa" on CBS, "Flash Forward" on ABC, and "Community" on NBC. Happy Thursday!

Wednesday Roundup: Tribute To A Legend

Tomorrow will mark the anniversary of the death of one of the greatest voices in R&B. Singer Otis Redding was killed in a plane crash on Dec 10 1967. Born Sep 9 1941 in Dawson GA, he and his family later moved to Macon GA where he went on to win a talent contest 15 weeks in a row. He received his big break while sitting in on a recording session at Stax Records in Memphis TN. He first hit the charts with, "These Arms Of Mine" and went on to have even bigger hits. "I Can't Turn You Loose", 'Respect", "Satisfaction", "I've Been Loving You Too Long" and "Try A Little Tenderness" are just a few of the hits he released before his death. "Sittin (On The Dock Of The Bay) was released one month before his untimely death at age 26. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 1989. His music will forever remain in the hearts of fans around the world.

Tuesday Tales

Entertainment Weekly recently released it's list of top albums of the decade, and rapper Kanye West emerged the winner for his album "College Drop Out". Rapper Jay Z followed with "The Blueprint". Atlanta group Outkast also made the list with "Stankonia". A voice message left by singer/actor Tyrese has been leaked and it remains to be seen what the message was regarding and the fallout, if any will be for the leaked message. Weeks after the release of ex-girlfriend Rihanna's album, singer Chris Brown prepares to get his own career back on track with the release of his latest cd, "Graffiti". The singer sat down with Robin Roberts to tell his side of the story regarding the relationship drama between the two. At one point, he stated that he could see the damage the incident has done mentally more than physically. The interview aired on Dec 4 on ABC.  Along with the latest from Chris Brown, Gucci Mane has a new release in stores as well. On the tube: "So You Think You Can Dance" on Fox, "NCIS" on CBS, "A Charlie Brown Christmas" on ABC, and "The Biggest Loser" on NBC. Happy Tuesday!

Friday Facts

Singer Chris Brown sat down with "Good Morning America's" Robin Roberts to talk about his relationship with ex-girlfriend singer Rihanna. The interview will air tonight at 10:00 p.m. on ABC's "20/20". The Jackson family is gearing up for the premiere of their A&E reality series, "The Jacksons: A Family Dynasty". The series will show how the family is coping with brother Michael's death and their determination to put together a reunion tour. The show will premiere on Dec. 13. Singer Pleasure P., formaly of the group Pretty Rick, has denied that he was fired from the group due to child molsation allegations against him. The singer denied the claim via his web site and has attorneys investigating the matter. The country duo Brooks & Dunn will be going their separated ways after a 2010 tour called Last Rodeo. Johnny Demp, Beyonce and Tina Fey are among the stars People magazine voted the 15 Entertainers of the "00s. R Kelly has been touring all over the country and selling out wherever he plays. In theaters this weekend: "Armored", "Brothers", and "Everybody's Fine". On the tube: "Dollhouse" on Fox, "Ghost Whisperer" on CBS, "Dreams Come True: A Celebration Of Disney Animation" on ABC, and "Muppet Christmas: Letters To Santa" on NBC. Make it a weekend!

Thursday Dish

In light of pro golfer Tiger Woods' recent apology via his web site for what he called "transgressions", I thought I'd take a moment to share my thoughts on the matter. First and foremost, it's a well known fact that Mr Woods is  a very private person and has never revealed too  much regarding his personal life. While I do agree that he is entitled to a certain amount of privacy, I also believe that a public figure like Mr Woods needs to understand that the media watches every move the individual makes and will jump at any opportunity to get a story. While he owes those who watch him nothing, he should from this point forward think before he acts. Someone in his position has a great deal to lose when behaving recklessly and I believe Mr Woods has done that. Let's just hope that he and his family can get through what has to be a difficult time and be a stronger unit for it. Just a thought.

Wednesday Roundup

The Grammy Awards will be airing soon, and tonight music fans can find out who's been nominated for an award by tuning in to "The Grammy Nomination Concert" on CBS tonight. When "The Oprah Winfrey Show" signs off in September 2011, don't look for the show to move to cable. Ms Winfrey will launch her own cable network, OWN in January 2011 and will focus on programing for the network. Actor George Clooney is gearing up for the release of his latest film, "Up In The Air". It will be released this week. Singer Adam Lambert recently told talk show host Ellen DeGeneres that he may have gotten a little carried away during his recent "American Music Awards" performance, but still has not apologized. Summit Entertainment, the studio behind the recent film, "New Moon" will launch two projects that won't be in the vampire romance category. The company is developing a screen version of the Top Cow comic book "Alibi" and will tap John Hlavin to write the adaptation to be produced by Mandeville's David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman. It's also teaming up with Participant Pictures to aquire the script for "Invasion" which would see Strike Entertainment pair up with horror film maker Eli Roth to produce. Both deals are still in the works. On the tube: "So You Think You Can Dance" on Fox, "Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer" on CBS, "Modern Family" on ABC, and "Christmas At Rockefeller Plaza" on NBC. Happy hump day!

Tuesday Tales

For anyone who may have not gotten an opportunity to see the Michael Jackson documentary, "This Is It", the dvd will be available on January 26. The concert film has grossed millions at the box office and the dvd is a must have for any fan. Rapper Lil Wayne has just become a father for the fourth time. Singer Nivea has just given birth to the rapper's second son who has been named Neal. Tonight's episode of "Scrubs" will return with universial health coverage, returning doctors and med students. The show returns with it's trademark comic tone along with a new incoming class at a new locale, medical school. Nick Jonas of the Jonas Brothers is going solo. The youngest of the clan will step out with the new band called Nick Jonas and The Administration and will head out on a 14 city tour beginning Jan. 2. A new album is due Feb. 2. However, the singer insists that this does not mean the end of the Jonas Brothers. Fans can catch a glimpse of the band on the "Grammy Nominations Concert"  tomorrow on CBS. Wyclef Jean and Lauryn Hill will both perform at a concert to take place in New Zealand. Don't look for any Fugees reunion just yet though. Both are contracted as solo artist and will perform separate sets. R Kelly and Juvenile have new releases in stores this week. On dvd: "Night At The Museum" and "Terminator Salvation". On the tube: "So You Think You Can Dance" on Fox, "NCIS" on CBS, "A Charlie Brown Christmas" on ABC, and "Presidental Address To The Nation" on NBC. Happy Tuesday!