Will Ferrell: Overseas player?

Can Will Ferrell sell movie tickets in Madrid or Moscow?

That was the underlying question every studio found itself pondering this week during the tumultuous negotiations that led to Sony Pictures buying "The B Team," a highly sought-after pitch that teams Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg in a big-budget action comedy that Sony hopes will have the same broad appeal as the Chris Tucker/Jackie Chan-starring "Rush Hour" series. As Variety reported in its story, the comedy was pitched around town earlier this week by Endeavor and CAA, who represent the two actors as well as filmmaker Adam McKay, Ferrell's longtime partner, who will direct and co-write the script with Chris Henchy.

What Variety didn't report was the project's steep price tag, which eventually knocked New Line, Universal and Paramount--who all have various relationships with Ferrell--out of the negotiations. To land the project, which is still nothing more than a pitch, Sony had to agree to shell out roughly $100 million to make the film, with the talent pooling roughly 25% of the first-dollar gross. (If the film ends up costing less, the talent will split the underages with the studio.) The studios all loved the film's buddy cop premise, which has Ferrell and Wahlberg playing desk-jockey cops who finally get a shot at real action when the police force loses many of its top A-team members to layoffs and retirement.

But the numbers were still daunting. The big question at every studio was this: Can we make a film with this steep of a price tag if it's only going to be a hit in the U.S., when so much of our business today is geared to the international market? Ferrell is an undisputed comedy star in America, where he's been the leading man in three $100 million-plus comedy hits--"Talladega Nights," Blades of Glory" and "Step Brothers." But none of the three films has made more than $27 million overseas, with "Talladega Nights" being an unusually poor performer, considering its rave reviews, grossing $148.2 million in America but only $15 million overseas.

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RIP James Ward

James Ward, former food critic for WLS-TV and the Sun-Times, passed away today after a long illness. From his Channel 7 bio:

Ward was restaurant critic and food columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times, from 1978-1984. Prior to this, he was restaurant critic for the Chicago Daily News.

From 1969 to 1974, Ward served as editorial director for R.R. Donnelley & Sons in Chicago where he was responsible for producing travel and food magazines.

He began his career as a restaurant critic as editor and assistant publisher of Restaurants and Institutions, a food service industry trade magazine from 1960-1969.

Ward, a Chicago native, graduated from Loyola University, and holds a Master's degree in political history from the University of Chicago. He and his wife reside on the city's north side.

Ward was memorable for his often flamboyant delivery and purple prose, employed here in this review of Lindy's Chili (from early 2000s, judging from the website at the end) -- and his trademark red-rimmed glasses.

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American Idol 2009 gets halfway to Top 12

American Idol is halfway to revealing their Top 12 after putting 3 more people through to the next round. The hopes of nine more contestants were dashed as they were sent home.

Host Ryan Seacrest told us that we again broke records last night, with over 25 million votes tallied. Ryan then told Simon Cowell that he was talking to Randy Jackson about how awesome Simon is this year. Simon just wants to improve every year. He also wanted the show to be about the contestants.

The group performance tonight was "Closer" by Ne-Yo. I don't know if this group practiced more on their group performance or what, but they were miles better than last week's group.

After the group performance, we were treated to a discussion with the hopefuls. Ryan asked Nick Mitchell what he will be doing if he doesn't make it. Nick told Ryan that he would be looking for employment. Matt Breitzke thought that they all have a lot to learn at this stage, but he has been having a blast. He also disputed Simon's comment yesterday that it was too late for advice. Matt B doesn't think it's ever too late for advice. Simon responded with "It's too late." Jesse Langseth still thought she made the right song choice. Jeanine Vailes stuck by her thought yesterday that she overcompensated.

Then we were up to some results. Ryan asked Allison Iraheta to come down. After a recap of what the judges said, he told her to stand to the side for a minute. He then did the same with Jesse Langseth and Matt Breitzke. Ryan asked Randy who would make it in. Randy guessed that it would be one of the girls, but hoped it would be Allison. Randy was right, Allison is in the Top 12. Allison then treated us to a repeat of her performance of "Alone" by Heart.

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Brooke White and her heart returns to Idol

Idol runs that "What a Wonderful World' clip job of the show's most outrageous moments, then last year's finalist Brooke White is back singing her first single, "Hold Up My Heart."

I liked her last year; has this classic, throwback voice. Song's not great, it's a bit boring actually. But she performs well, and I still love her husky vocal tone.

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American Idol Group 2 (Results) Three Contestants Make Top 12

American idol again seems to be struggling with change as this show was a tough one, but the group 2 results are in and if you were waiting for a big surprise you won't see it this week. The top three contestants were fairly easy, certainly the fist two were absolute locks. The Thursday night results show is another piece of the puzzle to whittle down the new format of the Top 36, down to 12 and then it's the wild card fun.

Tonight's show had only one moment where we weren't exactly certain who was staying and who would need some wild card help. The first two are anti-cliactic as the Adam Lambert is in and certainly can work a stage and you can add Allison Iraheta right into the top twelve as well.

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Gwyneth Paltrow GOOP

Gwyneth Paltrow has been a busy girl, both in the acting business and outside of it. In addition to the two movies she is currently filming (”King Lear” and “Iron Man 2″), she also has her very own lifestyle website that has become all the rage. Who needs Martha and Oprah when you have Gwyn?

But Gwyneth insists that she is not trying to become the next superstar for women. Rather, her website GOOP is there to provide information to women that Paltrow feels we want, as the tagline reads, “Nourish the Inner Aspect”.

Gwyneth talked about GOOP at a benefit for the nonprofit Bent on Learning. The program puts yoga into New York public schools, which is one of her favorite activities. Even her kids try it out with her, but she explains that they mostly just imitate.

Gwyneth spoke out in defense of her new project after coming under attack in the web world. One critic calls it a “holistic hot mess” and accuses Gwyneth of telling us how to have it all, when the average person just can’t do what she does. But she’ll try, and I’ll listen, but in the end, can’t we all use a little help, even if it’s just advice?

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Tom Delay Slams Obama's Address To Congress On Hardball (VIDEO)

Tom Delay, appearing on Chris Matthews' show Hardball opposite Harold Ford, ripped into Barack Obama's speech last night before a joint session of Congress. Delay called it "the most irresponsible, hypocritical speech I have ever witnessed," and that what Obama is talking about doing is "insane."

Delay seems alone in his strident criticism, as the reviews across the board gave Obama fairly high remarks. Ford pushed back against Delay, but the former House majority leader continued to rail against Obama.

Matthews also played a clip of prominent conservative David Brooks slamming Jindal's response to Obama, and Brooks was having none of this. Delay dismissed the criticism: "take away the conservative moniker from David Brooks."

Delay also made reference to Matthews' opening segment on the show in which the host discussed his bewilderment at the setting and tone of Jindal's rebuttal, saying to Matthews, "listening to your introduction, somebody is going to accuse you of being biased." Matthews did not look amused.

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BREAKING NEWS!! TABLOIDS REPORT THAT RIHANNA WAS PREGNANT DURING THE ATTACK!!!

February 25, 2009. MediaTakeOut.com has been walking you through all the twists and turns in the Chris Brown-Rihanna Assault Saga. Well now - here goes A DOOZY!!! According to 2 U.S. weekly gossip magazines, Rihanna was PREGNANT during the beating.

Here’s what Star Magazine is reporting:

Just days before the terrifying incident, [Rihanna] had consulted an ob-gyn after confiding in close friend sthat she believed she was pregnant.

“Rihanna was afraid to tell Chris about it because she was sure he didn’t want to have a baby, “says a source … [but] on Jan 26, Rihanna, wearing dark sunglasses, a black off-the=shoulder top, black pants and black boots, had a scheduled appointment at the office of Dr. Gregory Ewertz in Cedars-Sinai Medical center.


Here’s the National Enquirer:

”Oh, my God, I could lose the baby!”

Rihanna has told pals that horrifying thought raced through her mind as her boyfriend Chris Brown brutally beat her – because she thinks she is pregnant…

Rihanna had missed her period and told friend that she thought she was pregnant. But when she told Chris he didn’t want to talk about it and was in sort of denial.”

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The Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award: Jerry Lewis

The comedian is honored for his work with the Muscular Dystrophy Assn.

Jerry Lewis is known as one of show business' silliest and most outrageous clowns. But when he was honored Sunday night during the Oscars for his humanitarian work, he played it straight.

"This touches my heart and the very depths of my soul, not only because of who this award is from, but who it will benefit," Lewis said in accepting the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award. "My humility is staggering."

Lewis, who received a standing ovation when he emerged from backstage, also thanked the Hollywood community, adding that working in the movie industry is "the joy of everything I do."

The award, given to an individual whose "humanitarian efforts have brought credit to the industry," was presented to Lewis for his work on behalf of the Muscular Dystrophy Assn., which has raised more than $2 billion.

Lewis has been the group's national chairman since 1952, and he has been "the No. 1 volunteer" of the annual Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon since 1966.

The short acceptance speech by Lewis, who will turn 83 next month, was a bit of a surprise. The entertainer, who can be alternately gracious, silly, cocky and prickly, was considered one of the Oscar ceremony's wild cards.

In a wide-ranging career of more than 50 films in which he often mixed his acting duties with writing, producing and directing, he had never been nominated for an Oscar. The Hersholt award is often regarded as a consolation prize, and many wondered whether Lewis -- an iconic and controversial comedic figure -- would express a touch of bitterness over the fact that he was being honored for his humanitarian efforts, not his film legacy.

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Former Gov. Gary Locke likely pick for U.S. commerce secretary

If former Gov. Gary Locke is formally nominated as U.S. commerce secretary, he would bring a squeaky-clean image and experience with global trade to a job that President Obama has found difficult to fill.

"I think he'd be a very good choice," said Bill Stafford, president of the Trade Development Alliance of Greater Seattle.

There were multiple reports Monday that Locke is Obama's likely third pick for the post.

The Associated Press and The Washington Post said a senior administration official confirmed Locke is likely to be nominated. Paul Berendt, former chairman of the Washington State Democratic Party, said he heard from a well-placed source that Locke, 59, received a call Monday and was offered the commerce job.

"I think the Obama administration wanted someone who is squeaky clean, and certainly Gary is a Boy Scout," Berendt said.

In fact, Locke was an Eagle Scout as a teenager. He's carried that clean-cut image through his career.

The former governor is such a straight arrow that "he probably overpaid his taxes" just to avoid questions later, Berendt said.

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Video: Jonas Brothers Play Game in 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!'

Welcoming the Jonas Brothers, 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' sets up a game show where the band go against a superfan for a pack of prize.

On its February 23 episode, Jimmy Kimmel plays an interesting game with Jonas Brothers on his show "Jimmy Kimmel Live!". Instead of having the boys answering the questions solo, the show arranges a quiz called "Who Knows Jonas" where the band and a superfan compete on who knows about them better. Nick Jonas, Joe Jonas and Kevin Jonas gather as a team, opposing a female fan named Jessi. If the band win, then they get to bring home Jessi's prized possession including her wallet, but if Jessi wins then she gets to see the band face to face, two tickets to the premiere of "Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience" and their hair comb. Questions thrown are what is the ninth track in the band's self-titled album, which of the brothers is a certified babysitter and which Jonas Brother is dating Madonna. Jessie won by two points.

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Julia Wins 'True Beauty' in Finale

Julia Anderson, 23, a pageant queen and magician's assistant from Dallas won the top prize on "True Beauty" Monday.

To do so, the last female standing among the original 10 candidates had to beat the two maile finalists -- Joel Rush, 26, an overly confident software salesman from Tampa, who came in second; and Billy Jeffrey, the oldest one in the competition at 31 and a vitamin store owner from Lewiston, Idaho, who came in third.

Anderson will get a $100,000 cash prize, her photo in People magazine's "Most beautiful people" issue, and the title of "America's Most Beautiful Person," whatever that's worth.

The title combines both the outer and inner beauty of a contestant, and the latter part was the secret kept from the models, who by and large were narcissistic and callous and had been eliminated by the judges that included Cheryl Tiegs and Nole Marin along with host Vanessa Minnillo.

Anderson was the only person who passed all of the qualities that secret cameras watched for throughout the show: Honesty, charity, compassion, consideration for others, teamwork decency, loyalty and modesty.
Earlier in the finale, Anderson told tearfully about losing a statewide pageant crown in Texas over a drunk driving incident. After winning, she said, " This is definitely the second chance that I've always wanted. And I finally found true beauty. I did it. I found myself, I won the competition, and I feel like a winner in every way possible, honestly."

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Obama close to naming ex-Washington governor Locke for Commerce

WASHINGTON -- Former Washington Gov. Gary Locke, the nation's first Chinese-American governor, will likely be nominated to be secretary of Commerce, an administration official and Capitol Hill sources confirmed Monday.

"Absolutely he is under consideration," said Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash.

A senior administration official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because a final decision had not been made as of Monday evening, said Locke was the likely nominee.

On Capitol Hill, legislative insiders said they were "fairly confident" President Barack Obama would name Locke to the post in coming days. They indicated Locke was being vetted and he had been previously under consideration for the post of U.S. trade representative.

"He would make an outstanding secretary of Commerce," said Rep. Norm Dicks, D-Wash., adding Locke has a strong background in international trade, particularly with China, and in fisheries, which is under the jurisdiction of the Commerce Department.

Cantwell agreed. "I think he would make a great Commerce secretary," she said.

Calls left for Locke at his Seattle law office were not returned.

Locke would be Obama's third choice for the post, which requires Senate confirmation.

Obama originally nominated New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson for Commerce secretary. But in January, Richardson withdrew amid disclosures a grand jury was investigating the awarding of state contracts in New Mexico.

Obama then turned to a Republican, Sen. Judd Gregg of New Hampshire. But Gregg withdrew less than a week after being selected, citing "irresolvable conflicts" with the new administration.

Though not one of the most high-profile cabinet posts, the Commerce secretary oversees an agency with wide responsibilities ranging from international trade to the census and from fisheries to the weather service.

Locke served as the governor of Washington state from 1997 to 2005, and has since been a partner in the Seattle law firm Davis Wright Tremaine, focusing on China, energy and government relations.

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Carnival record broken by Dani Sperle, for baring nearly all in Brazil samba parade

Model Dani Sperle sported a sparkly silver headdress, a necklace, matching arm bands and nothing else but a 3 centimeter (1.2-inch) long patch of cloth, the O Globo newspaper said.

The samba dancer has broken the record for the smallest piece of clothing ever in Rio de Janeiro's Carnival parade.

That breaks the record set last year by Viviane Castro, whose covering was all of 4-centimeters (1.5 inches) long.

Sperle's Carnival appearance was in front of 80,000 Sambadrome specators early Monday morning.

Judges last year penalized Castro for violating nudity limits at the Carnival. There's no word yet if Sperle's samba school will also lose points.

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Peter Chernin to Leave Post as President of News Corp.

News Corp. President and Chief Operating Officer Peter Chernin plans to leave the company when his contract expires this summer, costing the media giant a key lieutenant at a tumultuous time.

Speculation has swirled for months about the future of Mr. Chernin, 57 years old, who has run News Corp.'s Fox television and film production division for 12 years. The division is one of the largest within News Corp., which also owns The Wall Street Journal.

A direct successor was not immediately named. Instead, the heads of the businesses overseen by Mr. Chernin will report to News Corp. Chief Executive Rupert Murdoch, the company confirmed Monday. Mr. Murdoch said in a statement that he will work closely with Mr. Chernin until he leaves News Corp. June 30.

"Peter's contributions to the company over the past two decades have been immeasurable," Mr. Murdoch said in the statement. "We are fortunate to have such a strong and seasoned group of leaders at our Fox companies, and we are confident that our success will continue."

Mr. Chernin's departure comes at a difficult time for News Corp., whose stock price has dropped by more than two-thirds in the past year, including a decline of 26 cents, or 4.3%, Monday to $5.78 a share.

"Investor confidence is already shaken in the media sector," said Todd Lowenstein, a Highmark Capital Management portfolio manager who oversees a $2.5 million News Corp. investment.

Though Mr. Murdoch, 77, has said it's the role of News Corp.'s board to pick his successor, he has made clear his preference to have one of his children ascend to the top job, making it unlikely that Mr. Chernin would ever become CEO.

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Penelope Cruz wins supporting actress Oscar

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Penelope Cruz won an Academy Award on Sunday for her supporting role as a fiery, funny woman in a three-way relationship with her ex-husband and an American woman in the Woody Allen film "Vicky Cristina Barcelona."

"Thank you Woody for trusting me with this beautiful character," a teary-eyed Cruz said as she accepted the award.

The win made Cruz the first Spanish woman to win an acting Oscar, one year after her compatriot and co-star Javier Bardem won best supporting actor for "No Country for Old Men."

Cruz delivered part of her acceptance speech in Spanish, saying that the win was for all the actors from her home country.

"I grew up in a place called Alcobendas, where this was not a very realistic dream," Cruz said.

Also nominated in the category were Amy Adams and Viola Davis for "Doubt," Taraji P. Henson for "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" and Marisa Tomei for "The Wrestler."

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‘Milk’ screenwriter Dustin Lance Black wins Oscar

At tonight’s Academy Awards, screenwriter Dustin Lance Black won the Oscar for Best Screenplay for “Milk,” the story of California’s first openly gay elected official, Harvey Milk. Black — who was wearing a White Knot for marriage equality — spoke about how Milk inspired him:

BLACK: When I was 13 years old, my beautiful mother and my father moved me from a conservative Mormon home in San Antonio, Texas, to California, and I heard the story of Harvey Milk. And it gave me hope. It gave me the hope to live my life; it gave me the hope that one day I could live my life openly as who I am and that maybe even I could fall in love and one day get married. […]

Most of all, if Harvey had not been taken from us 30 years ago, I think he’d want me to say to all of the gay and lesbian kids out there tonight who have been told they are less than by their churches, or by the government, or by their families, that you are beautiful, wonderful creatures of value. And that no matter what everyone tells you, God does love you, and that very soon, I promise you, you will have equal rights federally across this great nation of ours.

Black’s speech was greeted by loud applause.

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Actress Angie Harmon Named Honorary Starter For The Auto Club 500

Auto Club Speedway announced today that husband and wife duo Angie Harmon, best known for her starring role as Assistant District Attorney ‘Abbie Carmichael’ on NBC’s Emmy-Award winning drama Law & Order and former New York Giants defensive back Jason Sehorn will serve as Honorary Starter and Honorary Race Official, respectively, for the Auto Club 500 this Sunday, February 22nd.

Harmon, with Sehorn at her side, will wave the green flag from atop the flag stand on the start/finish line to get NASCAR’s West Coast Premiere underway.

Harmon was most recently seen starring in the original Lifetime Television Movie "Living Proof" with executive producer Renee Zellweger. Harmon portrayed the role real-life breast cancer activist and philanthropist Lilly Tartikoff. She will next be seen guest starring in an upcoming episode of ABC’s hit comedy series "Samantha Who."

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Oscars 2009: Jackman makes Awkward Musical Bow as Host, Red Carpet Backed up

Hugh Jackman received a standing ovation from the cream of Hollywood as he opened the 81st Academy Awards with a song and dance number.

Jackman paid tribute to several of the nominated films, including Slumdog Millionaire, Milk, The Dark Knight and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, in a “homemade” routine directed by Baz Luhrmann.

“Everything is being downsized because of the recession,” Jackman said at the start of the show.

“Next year I’ll be starring in a movie called New Zealand and due to cutbacks the Academy said they didn’t have enough money for an opening number.

“You know what, I’m going to do one anyway. I stayed up all night in my garage, I put together my own tribute to this year’s films.”

The highlight of the routine was a duet with best actress nominee Anne Hathaway, before Jackman wrapped up the routine with a reference to the role he’s known best for in the US.

“I am Hugh Jackman, and I’ve waited so long, and no recession can stop my confession or silence my song,” he sung.

“These are the Oscars and this is my dream, I am a slumdog, I am a wrestler, I am the reader, I’m Wolverine!”

Walking the red carpet before the awards began, Jackman’s wife Deborra-Lee Furness said the 2008 sexiest man alive had been cool and calm ahead of his hosting gig.

“I woke up this morning and I felt sick with nerves and he was Mr Cool,” she told the Nine Network.

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'Survivor: Tocantins': If we had voted

"Survivor: Tocantins" got down to the nitty-gritty Thursday night, including one tribe dining on fresh termites and a free-for-all water basketball game that led one team to immunity.

The two tribes - Jalapao and Timbira - got to know each other a little better after last week's fast-moving first episode, with Sierra letting fellow Timbira tribe member Brendan in on her secret quest to find the immunity idol.

"Survivor's" very own basketbrawl ended with the Jalapao tribe winning immunity and sending Brendan off to Exile Island. He was able to take an opposing team member with him, choosing Taj George, whose big secret - that she's married to former NFL player Eddie George - is out and has left her feeling uneasy.
At the tribal council, Candace was taken by surprise and voted off the island. Sierra lives to see another week.

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Linda Lou Taylor: Most Married Woman

Linda Lou Taylor has been married 23 times, and that’s a record. But her status in the Guinness Book of World Records isn’t enough to keep her warm at night.

Ms. Taylor Grew up in central Indiana, a Midwestern girl just like any other. She first married in 1957, she was 16, he was 31; for love. Her last marriage was in 1996; this one was for publicity, her husband had been married 28 times before. The most married man to the most married woman; her 23 times and him a record 29 times.

She has been known by many names in her life, Mrs. Smith, Street, Scott, Moyer, Massie, and McMillan to name a few. She now goes by the name Linda Wolfe. Linda Wolfe is lonely. She still says her first marriage to George Scott, which by the way was her longest at 7 years was her best; he was the nicest. He is who she loved.

Wolfe says that she once married a one eyed inmate named Tom Stutzman, she once married a man for only 36 hours; her shortest marriage simply because the love wasn’t there. She had two gay husbands, two happened to be homeless, and one beat her. She has had 7 children of her own in the 23 marriages, by her first three husbands and now lives in a retirement complex.

In the early 1990’s, Wolfe was being paid anywhere from $5000-20,000 by the TV talk shows. She has been on Geraldo, Donahue, and Maury. Word is that Oprah wanted her but didn’t pay enough; imagine that. Linda Wolfe is old, tired, broke; but she says that she would marry again; “Because it does get lonely.” Any takers?

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Tonya Harding: Obama did her a favor

Fifteen years after Tonya Harding became a household name in the breaking of figure skating rival Nancy Kerrigan's knee, the retired, disgraced and disgruntled skater has returned to television to ask just how long someone must pay for her past.

At the same time, Harding said last night on HBO's Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel, she owes President Barack Obama a certain debt for his campaign-trail remark that he wasn't about to "do a Tonya Harding'' on his primary opponents. She maintains it helped her find work, paid appearances - "because people forget who Tonya Harding is.''

Obama, then a candidate for the Democratic Party's presidential nomination, remembered well in December of 2007 when he told a crowd in Vinton, Iowa, that he was not about to pull a Harding in pursuit of that first caucus victory in Iowa.

"Folks said there's no way Obama has a chance unless he goes and kneecaps the person ahead of us, does a Tonya Harding," Obama joked then, alluding to the athlete who had conspired to stop her rival during the 1994 U.S. Figure Skating Championships. "We decided that's not the kind of campaign we wanted to run.''

Yet, Harding voices a great deal of bitterness about all she has been through since then.

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The Office's Angela Splits From Hubby

Another Office romance has gone bust.

Dunder Mifflin resident cat lady Angela Kinsey has separated from her husband of eight years, writer Warren Lieberstein, just nine months after the couple welcomed their first child, daughter Isabel.

"Angela and Warren are taking some time apart to figure out what is best for their relationship," Kinsey's rep told Us Weekly. "They continue to be friends."

Remaining on good terms with her estranged hubby will come in handy for the 37-year-old actress, who will continue working alongside brother-in-law Paul Lieberstein, who plays Toby.

The split coincides with the demise of Kinsey's small-screen alter ego's engagement.

Of course, TV Angela hawked her engagement ring and used the proceeds to buy a $7,000 cat, so here's hoping art doesn't imitate life.

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Obama Signs Economic Stimulus Bill into Law

U.S. President Barack Obama signed into law Tuesday the biggest economic stimulus plan in the nation's history. The almost $800 billion in government spending and tax cuts is designed to get America's economy back on track.

Less than a month after taking office, President Obama signed the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act - the cornerstone of his effort to reverse the U.S economic recession. "I do not want to pretend that today marks the end of our economic problems nor does it constitute all of what we are going to have to do to turn our economy around," said President Obama. "But today does mark the beginning of the end."

Mr. Obama took the unusual step of holding the bill-signing ceremony outside of Washington, in the Western city of Denver, Colorado. Denver hosted the 2008 Democratic National Convention, at which Mr. Obama received his party's presidential nomination. The majority of Colorado voters supported Mr. Obama in the November election, after several elections in which Republicans won the state.

Colorado also has a reputation for supporting businesses that produce and support so-called "clean energy".

Before President Obama signed the legislation, Blake Jones, the president of the Colorado-based Namaste Solar company, which makes solar energy equipment, said the stimulus plan will help his company and many others. "Our trade association -- the Solar Energy Industries Association -- estimates that as a direct result of this stimulus bill, U.S. solar companies will create 69,000 good-paying jobs this year, and almost double that number over the next two years," said Blake Jones.

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'Exhibitionist' Amy Fisher turns stripper

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Conan O'Brien looks back before moving forward

NEW YORK — When Conan O'Brien worked as a writer on Saturday Night Live in the late 1980s, he would gaze in awe at the black-and-white photographs of John Belushi and other early SNL stars that adorned the hallways of NBC's Studio 8H here.

"I looked at those pictures the way you would look at photographs of Lincoln at Gettysburg," he recalled in an interview. "Those sketches were done when I was in the fourth or fifth grade."

Now, it's a similar sense of déjà vu as O'Brien, 45, looks back on clips of himself as a "fresh-faced" comic who, at 29, stumbled into his hosting job with no on-camera experience. "We'll look at a clip from 1993, and it does look like a kinescope, a clip from TheSteve Allen Show."

At the time, he says, "I was uncertain as a performer and insecure about how do I fit into this world. I was following Dave (Letterman) at the height of Dave-mania, and we went a completely different way. Dave very much used the world around him," while O'Brien "created an alternate reality. (We) used animation, we used puppets. When something worked, it was great, but when something didn't work, it was a Hindenburg crashing."

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Mobster Meyer Lansky to Enjoy a Third Act--on Broadway!

Meyer Lansky may be dead, but that isn’t preventing him from making an appearance on the Great White Way--sort of.

According to the AP, a one man show about the life and times of Lansky, a reputed mobster, who served as the inspiration for Hyman Roth in The Godfather: Part II, is set to premiere on Broadway.

The show features Mike Burstyn in the role of a middle-aged Lansky, chatting to the audience from a nondescript room in Tel Aviv as he waits for his application for Israeli citizenship to be approved. While he awaits his pending Israeli citizenship, Lansky discusses his friendships with Bugsy Siegel and Charles "Lucky" Luciano, the brains behind some of the Mafia's most legendary feats, including the famed--and bloody--Murder Inc., the murder for hire squad that Siegel headed from its inception in the 1920s to the group's disbandment in 1945.

Throughout the show, Burstyn--as Lansky--pleads for the audience's forgiveness, describing himself as being "Pro-American" and "Pro-Israel," and referring his many run-ins with America Firsters and Neo-Nazis during and after WWII.

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Kerri Kasem on Americas next top model photos

Kerri Kasem, as seen on America’s next top model along side Naomi Campbell, is the daugher of a radio host called Casey Kasem and a hottie called Linda Myers Kasem.

She was a reporter on the celebrety chat show E! as well as the hard core fightin tournament Ultimate Fighting Champsionship.

She is known for her sultry photo shoots wearing nothing more than her imagination.

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Rhodes Still Off The Air At Nova M

PHOENIX -- February 16, 2009: Nova M host Randi Rhodes has been off the air for more than a week, and now Nova M co-owner Anita Drobny says on the company website, "I have not had the option to disclose what has been happening between Randi and Nova M."

The statement continues, "I want you all to know that Nova M has done everything we can to get her back on the air. All this is her choice; if she wants to tell you all what the issue is, then I hope she does, but I can't according to her contract rules. but I can tell you this I have wanted her back on the air. She's an amazing talent and needs to be heard."

Drobny thanks listeners for their support and concludes, "Randi now has to make her decision as to what she must do with her career." Nancy Skinner has been filling in for Rhodes on the air.

Rhodes' term off the Nova M airwaves comes less than a year after she left Air America Radio following a suspension over language she used in a public appearance. Rhodes later said she exited over a contract dispute. She signed with Nova M a few days later.

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Presidential rankings: Lincoln first again; Buchanan comes in last; Bush put at No. 36

Abraham Lincoln comes in first again in C-SPAN's second Historians Survey of Presidential Leadership -- an index that takes the views of 65 presidential historians and ranks the 42 former presidents according to 10 "attributes of leadership."

The public affairs cable news network first produced a Presidents Day ranking of presidents in 2000. So this is its initial look at where former president George W. Bush ranks. He comes in at No. 36.

As for the rest, historians' opinions haven't changed too much. George Washington (now No. 2) and Franklin Roosevelt (No. 3) switched places. Bill Clinton moved up from No. 21 in the previous index to No. 15 now. Ulysses S. Grant moved up 10 places, to No. 23. Rutherford B. Hayes lost 7 places, and now stands at No. 33.

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Ellen Muth Is Dead Like Me

Ellen Muth’s latest film, “Dead Like Me: Life After Death”, releases tomorrow, February 17, 2009. The movie will be straight to DVD, but fans of the television show are excited. It’s been two years in the making, and about four and a half years since the show went off the air. Ellen and other actors in the film appeared at New York Comic Con last weekend to promote the film’s release, and encouraged people that have never seen the show to give it a chance, saying that it’s not just another episode.

As a biography, Ellen Muth was born on March 6, 1981 in Milford, Connecticut, so her age is 27. Her measurements are 5′3″. She is a member of Mensa and Intertel. She describes herself as sarcastic with a dry sense of humor.

Ellen began acting at the age of 10 and landed her first big role at 14, in Stephen King’s “Dolores Claiborne”. The role garnered critical acclaim and earned the young actress a best supporting award at the Japanese Film Festival. Since then, she has gone on to appear in several feature films, including “Rain” and “The Young Girl and the Monsoon”. Ellen has also worked in television. In fact, she is likely most known for her role as George on Showtime’s “Dead Like Me”. The show ran for two seasons, from 2003 to 2004.

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Preview: Death Falls Upon 'Brothers and Sisters'

A shocking death shakes the very core of the Walkers family in the next "Brothers & Sisters". In two weeks, the show will merge two hours for a special episode where the family is torn between the happiness of Kitty's new arrival and the death from one of the members.

In the two parts of "Troubled Waters", the Walker family experiences the thrill of a new life born and the desperation and terror of loss when one of their own has a life-threatening crisis. Meanwhile, Rebecca turns to her father (guest starring Ken Olin) for help when she discovers some information that could destroy the family business and send one of the Walkers to prison.

The special 2 hour event will air March 1 starting 9/8c.

Spoiler alert. It had been reported that Tommy will be tangled in a legal trouble following the discovery by Holly and Rebecca. This will provide as an exit story for Balthazar Getty who plays Tommy. His last episode is reportedly "Spring Broken" that will air March 15.

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Obama’s Policy Shift on Durban Racism Conference Draws Concern, Criticism

When diplomats meet at the United Nations in Geneva on Monday to continue hammering out plans for an international conference on racism in the spring, representatives of the United States will take part for the first time in years.

The major policy shift, announced by the State Department over the weekend, is the strongest indication yet that the Obama administration could end up participating in the Durban Review Conference, also known as “Durban II.”

Doing so would undercut a campaign calling on democracies to boycott the event, which opponents say will be used by Islamic states and their allies to attack Israel, undermine Western counter-terrorism initiatives and endanger free speech.

A decision to stay away by President Obama would provide cover for other Western countries to do so; U.S. attendance, conversely, is expected to have the opposite effect. Currently Israel and Canada alone have formally announced they will not take part.

Obama campaigned on a platform of re-engaging with the U.N. after years of chilly relations between the world body and Washington, and his newly appointed ambassador, Susan Rice, is reportedly advocating strongly for participation in Durban II.

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Prince Harry 'fails' in first flying test

LONDON: Just days after he got into a major controversy over a racist remark against one of his army colleagues, Prince Harry has suffered yet another setback this year by failing in his first flying test.

The 24-year-old third-in-line to the British throne has flunked the theory-based flying test at a Royal Air Force base in Lincolnshire only few weeks into his two-year course, the 'News of the World' reported.

"Harry didn't reach the grade but he will have plenty of other opportunities to pass it. He will now be given extra tuition. It wasn't a case of Harry failing and being booted off the course. It's part of an on-going assessment," a Royal source was quoted by the British tabloid as saying.

Prince Harry, an Army Lieutenant in the Household Cavalry's Blues and Royals, is currently on an attachment to the Army Air Corps for his flying training.

Last month, Harry had apologised for calling one of this army colleagues a "Paki", a derogatory term for Indians and Pakistanis. He had made the remark in 2006 at an airport departure lounge as soldiers waited to travel to Cyprus for training exercises.

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TV Divas Invade NBC’s Comedy Lineup

I guarantee that fans of old-school nighttime soaps are gonna love MY NAME IS EARL’s brand-new episode “Friends with Benefits” tonight at 8pm EST. It features Falcon Crest’s Morgan Fairchild and Knots Landing’s Joan Van Ark as guest stars. How sweet is that?

Now all we need is somebody from Dallas and the nostalgic circle of joy would be complete. Also dropping by during the episode is Less Than Perfect alumna Andrea Parker.

When Mr. Turtle finds his way home after being lost, Earl decides to return him to Darnell, who’s in Witness Protection and currently living in an upscale community with his family. Joy struggles to adjust to their new wealthy lifestyle and fit in with her trophy-wife neighbors, while back in Camden, Randy accidentally starts dating a guy named Jim (!).

Following at 8:30pm are divas Jennifer Coolidge (Legally Blonde) and Maya RudolphSaturday Night Live) on KATH & KIM’s “Celebrity“: When Kath decides to audition for a community production of Cats after watching the performance of local celebrity Lenore (Coolidge), she prepares for the trials and tribulations of fame by asking Athena (Rudolph) for spiritual guidance. Meanwhile, Phil gives Kim a job at his sandwich shop, which leads to some surprising results.

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Kearney kidnapping story airs as TV movie Sunday night

A near decade old story of a Kearney kidnapping is made into a TV movie to air Sunday night.

"Taken in Broad Daylight" follows the true story of then 17 year old Anne Sluti's horrific kidnapping.

It happened back in April of 2001 – she was attacked in a Kearney parking lot and taken by 32 year old Anthony Steven Wright, also known as Tony Zappa.

He held Sluti captive for six days before he surrendered after a 10 hour police standoff in Montana.

The movie airs Sunday night at 7:00 on Lifetime movie network.

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Daytona 500: Gentlemen Start Your Engines

"It's the most wonderful time of the year..." OK, so that's a Christmas song, but today is the day NASCAR fans hear the four most famous words in motorsports:—Gentlemen...start...your...engines!

In the last week we've heard the predictions, been told what to watch for and have waited patiently as the Camping World Truck Series and Nationwide Series events settled our appetites for the biggest event of the year.

Today we get to see a full 43-car field hit the high banked 2.5-mile oval in sunny Florida. A field that features a little bit of everything: an 18-year-old phenom Joey Logano—who when the green flag waves becomes the youngest driver ever to start a Daytona 500—to the young at heart and sentimental favorite Mark Martin—who in 24 attempts has yet to grab the checkered flag at the historic race.

The race features eight past Cup Series champions and eight winners of the inaugural event.

Need another amazing stat? How about the fact that past champion Terry Labonte needs to only complete four laps to surpass the 5,000 laps logged club at Daytona International Speedway.

How many drivers are members? None. The membership will be exclusive to Labonte—for now at least.

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Tony Stewart Wins Nationwide Race At Daytona; Joey Logano Far Behind At Finish

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - Tony Stewart held off a late charge from Kyle Busch to win the Nationwide Series Camping World 300 Saturday at Daytona International Speedway.

It was the first career victory for Stewart in a Hendrick Motorsports car and the second consecutive year he has won the Nationwide Series opener.

"I'm ecstatic about it," Stewart said. "Just an unbelievable run. I never really got to run with a huge pack [in practice on Friday]. I wasn't quite sure exactly what we were going to have. It was a great start to the race and we were able to stay up in the lead pack."

Eighteen year old Middletown native Joey Logano proved a non-factor in his final on track activity before his Daytona 500 debut Sunday, finishing 20th.

Busch got on Stewart's bumper coming off turn 2 on the final lap and stayed on Stewart down the backstretch and through the final two corners. Busch finally backed off coming out of turn 4 and ended up losing a podium finish as Carl Edwards passed him for second and Clint Bowyer got him for third coming to the checkered.

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Seth Binzer Cardiac Arrest

Seth Binzer, has apparently died due to either Cardiac Arrest or a Heart Attack. There's not too much information out on the web. It's fresh news and the word is spreading around but there is no confirmation.

If you're not familiar with Seth Binzer, his nickname is "Shifty," and he's recently been on the TV show Sober Living.

I will keep you updated on the situation!

David Golshan, Los Angeles Millionaire & Hot Fashion Entrepreneur, To Be Featured on TV Hit "Millionaire Matchmaker" Thursday, February 12th

Eligible 29-year-old LA millionaire and fashion guru David Golshan is featured on Bravo Television's hit reality series Millionaire Matchmaker when the series returns for its second season premiere on Thursday, February 12 at 10PM ET/PT.

Hollywood, CA (PRWEB) February 3, 2009 -- Eligible 29-year-old LA millionaire and fashion guru David Golshan is featured on Bravo Television's hit reality series Millionaire Matchmaker when the series returns for its second season premiere on Thursday, February 12 at 10PM ET/PT. Says David Golshan on his dream of the perfect woman, "I would like to meet a lady who is a combination of Marilyn Monroe, Adriana Lima, Rihanna, Shakira, and Nicole from the Pussy Cat Dolls; with the personality of Conan O'Brien."

Hosted by renowned LA matchmaker Ms. Patti Stanger, Millionaire Matchmaker takes TV viewers along on a journey as she and her staff give their wealthy clients "transformations" -- with the colorful assistance of therapists to dating experts to personal shoppers. Two wealthy Stanger clients have a series of dates selected by the TV host based upon "beauty and intelligence."

David Golshan heads LA-based fashion house http://www.womensuits.com which features luxurious mother of the bride dresses, church suits, formal and cocktail dresses, and career business suits in all sizes. They have high fashion suits for men too.

Millionaire David Golshan had this to say in a Q & A session on dating and women:

"What do you look for in a woman?
DG: Outgoing personality, great energy, and great sense of humor. Many women have 1 out of 3. Interesting start."

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Aubrey O'Day sheds her Danity Kane membership - and more

If you’re like me, then you were a fan of Danity Kane. Please take note on my use of the past tense.

Consider this a moment where I come out of the “I watch MTV as a guilty pleasure” closet. Yes, I watched Diddy’s girl band trauma rama fest known as Making the Band. I was there for the tryouts. I was there when Diddy tested the boundaries of girls’ self-esteem. And most of all, I was there when Aubrey O’ Day referred to herself as “pretty, pretty Aubrey” whilst shedding tears.

Since then, I have secretly jammed out to their hollow pop hits like “Showstopper” and “Damaged” – but I stopped watching the show. That said, I was unaware that Aubrey got auf’d from the band.

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Oldies But Goodies Doo-Wop Concert Comes To PPAC 3/7

The biggest 'oldies but goodies' doo-wopp concert in decades will be coming to Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) on Saturday night, March 7, as seven major acts from the 1950's and 1960's come together on stage for HARVEY ROBBINS' ROYALTY OF DOO-WOPP AND ROCK 'N ROLL SHOW.

The president and founder of the Doo-Wopp Hall Of Fame Of America® has provided oldies but goodies to doo-wopp music lovers with concerts in Rhode Island and New England theaters since 1985, but the upcoming lineup at PPAC looms as one of the most fascinating ever.

"We always strive to bring not only wonderful music and memories to the audience, but find artists who gave us such great songs and who have been seldom seen in person. The PPAC show accomplishes this quest," noted Robbins.

Included in the concert will be all-time rockabilly star from the '50's, Dale Hawkins from Little Rock, Arkansas. He gave the music world the often copied, but never duplicated "Susie Q." Coming from Detroit will be the stars of the music sound track of "Dirty Dancing," The Contours of "Do You Love Me" fame from Motown. Also from Detroit will be the Doo-Wopp Hall of Fame inductees, The Diablos. These early recording stars from the Fortune label are best known for the classic ballad, "The Wind." Frankie Lymon's original Teenager, Jimmy Merchant, an inductee into both the Rock 'n Roll Hall Of Fame and the Doo-Wopp Hall Of Fame, will lead the way with the song he wrote, "Why Do Fools Fall In Love," and the other Teenagers' hits. Johnnie and Joe, the most beloved recording duo of the 'fabulous fifties' will perform all their classics, including their biggest of all, "Over The Mountain."

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Weird star alert: Joaquin Phoenix mystifies David Letterman

Wow. What on Earth is going on with Joaquin Phoenix?

He appeared on "The Late Show With David Letterman" Wednesday night, but let's just say, he wasn't the most cooperative guest in the world. He spoke in monosyllables, chewed gum, wore shades and mumbled about his new rap career.

And you thought nothing could be more surreal than Dave's interview with Rod Blagojevich.

How bizarre was Phoenix? At the end of the interview, David Letterman said, "We owe an apology to Farrah Fawcett." Because by comparison to the bearded actor, her wacky appearance a few years ago now seems relatively sane. (Verne Gay has a side-by-side comparison of Fawcett vs. Joaquin. And just for fun, Herc has video of the infamous incident with Crispin Glover, who may still rank as the all-time weirdest Letterman guest.)

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'American Idol': Top 36 revealed

On last night's American Idol, the remaining contestants sang one last time and 54 of them found out they had made the cut. But they only sort of did, as tonight, we'll learn which 36 actually made it through. (The judges are making one last cut after rewatching the footage of all of them.)

Instead of going up the elevator and walking down a hall, the contestants will walk through this Hollywood mansion to find out whether they've made it.

First up: Anoop Desai, whose performances I've really enjoyed. He is in!

Von Smith says he is more prepared for them to say no rather than yes. He tells Ryan Seacrest, "This is why I'm alive." Overdramatic, much? Well, that's kind of his thing. He gets crazy-overanalytical in front of the judges, and they finally tell him he has made the cut.

Waitaminutewait, we have to go through two hours of people walking to the judges and getting the news? Come on!

Amateur horror film maker Cody Sheldon is the first person to deal with tonight's twist -- the sing-off. He gets to the judges, and they tell him he has to sing one last song right now. He sings "The Love Remains the Same." Meanwhile, Alex Wagner-Trugman is the other victim, and, of course, these two are friends, so it ups the drama quotient. Side note: Do you think it's distracting having the camera swinging around them during this moment? Alex sings "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me." The two friends sit outside and wait briefly, then get called back in. And this dragging out is why this show is two hours tonight. Grrr! Cody gets cut, and Alex makes it through.

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Waiting Is the Worst on 'American Idol'

Simon Cowell couldn’t wait to flee the country, Paula Abdul couldn’t wait to see her reflection and, with Bikini Girl gone, I couldn’t wait to see who Ryan Seacrest would flirt with on Tuesday’s American Idol episode.

So, how 72 people waited all day in a room to find out one of the biggest verdicts of their lives is beyond me. But the contestants once again found a way as the judges narrowed things down to the Top 48.

Having experienced the anxiety for himself four years ago, Season 4 Finalist Anthony Federov said watching this week’s episode was like deja vu.

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Stephen Fowler, Top Thing Searched on Google for February 11, 2009

In the past week there have been some major news stories splashed on every newspaper, in all the magazines or talked to death on network television. Everything from the economy/stimulus plan, to President Obama's every move, to the Grammy's and the recent Chris Brown scandal are being covered this week.

With that in mind, I pulled up Google Trends, curious to see which of these stories would get the number one spot on today's most searched item in Google. To my surprise, it was none of these stories.

Stephen Fowler took the prize. Not knowing who he is, I clicked on a few stories about him and found out that he is one of the worst contestents to ever be on the show "Wife Swap," a hit show on ABC.

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Bradley's goals help USA blank Mexico in World Cup qualifier

COLUMBUS, Ohio — With his hair cut shorter these days, 21-year-old Michael Bradley looks more like his father, U.S. men's national team coach Bob Bradley, than he did as a teenager.

Wednesday night, he did what his father and coach asked. He and Sacha Kljestan, the USA's central midfield tandem, disrupted the Mexican attack.

And Michael Bradley did much more. Near the end of each half, he found himself with an opportunity and converted. Just as in 2001 and 2005, archrival Mexico left Columbus with a 2-0 defeat.

Bradley first played for his father at age 16 with the MetroStars, now called the New York Red Bulls. After moving to Dutch club Heerenveen, he debuted for the national team in 2006 under Bruce Arena. When Bob Bradley replaced Arena, Michael was once again the coach's son.

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Bill O'Reilly: Mother of octuplets committed child abuse

The stunning announcement that a California woman had given birth to octuplets was greeted warmly in some circles. The birthing doctors were all smiles, and the media hyped the "human interest" part of the story. Eight babies! Wow!

But behind the high-fives lies a very troubling situation. This may be child abuse at the highest level.

Here are the facts: The mother, Nadya Suleman, is a 33-year-old single mom already raising six young children in the small home of her parents. Nadya is a health care worker who, according to her mother, became pregnant with all the children through in vitro fertilization.

Six was not enough for Nadya, so last spring she allowed multiple embryos to be implanted in her womb. Subsequently, the octuplets were born on Jan. 26.

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Rosie Ruiz Boston Marathon Scandal

In over 100 years of Boston marathon the event has produced the good the bad and the ugly. The one story I keep sharing with my friends is the Rosie Ruiz scandal. The scandal was so good that it was ranked number 23 on the list of top 50 sporting scandal by timesonline.

1980 Boston marathon Scandal

Rosie Ruiz entered the marathon as unknown amateur runner but at the end of the marathon she was one of the most famous runners in world after surprisingly winning the women event with a record time of 2 hrs 31 minutes.

When asked by a reporter why she didn’t seem fatigued after the grueling race, she said, “I got up with a lot of energy this morning” Her effortless effort together with the fact Ruiz didn’t appear in race videotapes until near the end of the race, created suspicion she was an impostor.

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Former teen country star Molly Bee dies

Molly Bee, a country singer popular in the 1950s and 1960s who was a teenage star on television's "Hometown Jamboree" and "The Tennessee Ernie Ford Show," has died. She was 69.

Bee died Saturday at a hospital in Oceanside, her manager, Rick Saphire, told The Associated Press. She had been in failing health for several months, Saphire said Wednesday.

She was just 10 when she started her music career, singing the Hank Williams classic "Lovesick Blues" on country star Rex Allen's radio show. He had met her and her mother at one of his concerts and was impressed when she sang a song for him.

Bee, who lived in Carlsbad, Calif., died Saturday of complications related to a stroke at Tri-City Medical Center in Oceanside, said Michael Allen, her son.

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Mad Dog Radio Debuts on Sirius XM

Sirius XM has launched its new Mad Dog radio channel, headlined by sports talk star Chris Russo. The new all-sports talk channel airs live nationwide 24 hours a day on Sirius channel 123 and XM channel 144.

On-air personalities include sports talk veterans Gary Williams, Bruce Murray, Bill Pidto, Andy Gresh and Larry Krueger.

The channel features 24 hours of live sports talk daily Monday through Friday, plus live weekend programming, hosted by sports talk personalities from around the country.

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Oniomaniac Movie Just in Time for Valentine's Day

Oniomania is the inability to control one's desire to shop, or a compulsive shopping disorder. Although not formally recognized by the American psychiatric community as a disease, oniomania seems to have become nearly endemic in the country during the last 20 years. Easy credit, some say too ease, has allowed people to buy almost anything they want any time they want regardless of the relationship between the price tag and their income. For many, oniomania is nothing to laugh at, but that's just what Jerry Bruckheimer hopes you'll do when you head to the theaters starting February 13^th to see his latest film: "Confessions of a Shopaholic."

Compulsive Shopping

The movie is based upon the book of the same name and its sequel "Shopaholic Takes Manhattan" by Sophie Kinsella. Although based around hapless oniomaniac Rebecca Bloomwood, played by Isla Fisher, trying to get her spending under control, it is essentially another romantic comedy movie to which unwilling men will be dragged by their significant others during the Valentine's Day weekend. Just be sure not to charge those movie tickets to your credit card balance is already suffering from your own compulsive shopping habits.

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Mandy Moore and Ryan Adams Engaged!

We're not the only ones who think Mandy Moore is sweet like candy. She and alt-rocker Ryan Adams are engaged, Moore's rep, Jillian Fowkes, confirms to E! News.

The musically inclined duo first began dating quietly in December 2007 but weren't discovered until March. In July, Adams released a statement regarding their breakup, blaming the spotlight surrounding the 24-year-old starlet.

Shortly thereafter, Moore flew to the side of ex-fling DJ AM following his tragic plane crash. They reunited briefly, but the flame had fizzled by the end of December.

The first buzz of her reunion with Adams came just last week, when he posted a photo of them together on his blog. The picture, taken during Sundance, has since been removed.

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Nadya Suleman Receives Welfare

After her interview with Ann Curry of NBC, in which she stated she was not collecting public assistance for the octuplets she delivered or for her other six children, Nadya Suleman has come under even more scrutiny. It was only a matter of time before a news reporter discovered the source of finances for Suleman and her large brood. According to the Los Angeles Times at least two sources told the paper Nadya Suleman receives not only Social Security income for three of her first six children but also food stamps.

Granted, $490 in food stamps barely provides a month of food for a family of four. Food stamps, or the debit-like card provided by the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), is still a federal assistance program. According to the USDA website, Suleman and her fourteen children could have a gross monthly income up to $6587 (Oct. 1, 2008, through Sept. 30, 2009, income guidelines) and still qualify for some level of federal food assistance. The three children receiving SSI cannot obtain SNAP assistance from the federal government because California adds a benefit to their SSI.

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American Idol 8, February 10 Recap: The Waiting Is the Hardest Part

Seventy-two singers have survived multiple auditions and the dreaded group round. Now, they have one last song to impress the four judges with, and this time, they get to break out the instruments. At the end of the day, twenty-two will head home, and fifty will face the chair. This… is… not my regular night!

You may be wondering why I’m writing this instead of Jenn Brasler. Since my Fox affiliate is showing a basketball game tomorrow night, Idol will be pushed back pretty late. And it’s the ever-important semifinalist reveal episode. I couldn’t just make you loyal readers wait to read all about the Top 36. Thus, a game-free Jenn and I switched nights for the week. I hope you enjoy me just as much.

Back in the holding room, best friends Danny Gokey and Jamar Rogers are feeling the tension. Earlier, Jamar sang first with “Hey There Delilah” by the Plain White T’s. He’s way too rough. The green jacket isn’t working, either. Danny congratulates his buddy backstage but Jamar knows he could have done better.

Danny is next, singing “I Hope You Dance.” Move over, Lee Ann Womack. At first, it’s just good for a guy who has been great so far. That’s before he hits the main hook. With his story, his airtime, and his talent, Danny is not just a lock for the finals, he could very well win.

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Johnny "Red" Kerr

Chicago Bulls broadcaster Johnny "Red" Kerr honored Tuesday at United Center

Johnny "Red" Kerr's 35 years of broadcasting is paying off Tuesday. The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame announced Johnny Kerr as the 2009 recipient of the John W. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award.

The award, originated in 1973, is the Hall's most prestigious honor outside of enshrinement. Many longtime basketball experts have bemoaned Kerr's exclusion from the Hall.

"There are few people who have committed their lifetime to the game as Johnny has done," said John L. Doleva, Hall of Fame president and CEO. "He has touched every facet of basketball and has done so with an unmatched passion, dedication, professionalism and respect for the game he loves."

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Freestyle Motocross Rider Jeremy Lusk Dies of Injuries (Video)

Freestyle motocross rider Jeremy Lusk was killed last night during an X-Knights event in Costa Rica.

Lusk was attempting a stunt called a Seatgrab Indian Backflip when he lost control, with his head slamming into the ground.

Lusk was rushed to Calderon Hospital ICU in San Jose, where he was diagnosed with a subdural hematoma, and underwent a 4 1/2-hour long surgery. He was then put into a medically induced coma and never regained consciousness.

Lusk was a rising star in the sport, grabbing X Game gold in the FMX event and silver in Moto X best trick. Lusk was named FMX rider of the year in December.

Here’s the Jeremy Lusk crash video. The crash itself is at 2:47 in.

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'Sports Illustrated' Swimsuit Issue: Still not about the swimsuits

Bar Refaeli, better known as Leonardo DiCaprio's girlfriend, graces the cover of this year's Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue (out now). My thoughts as I flipped through the pages:

• Does Bar's bikini top on the cover technically fit her? Or does it not fit her, in a purposely tantalizing way? I just want to make sure I have it straight when I never buy a bikini.

• Danica Patrick, p. 6, is like Gabrielle Reece -- always trotted out to remind us that female athletes can be sexy. Did she walk in those silver stilettos, or did they slip them on her once she took her position lying on top of a car?

• Though I am not a fan of the name Anne V (seriously?), I do think she does one of the best "Oops, I've lost my top" poses on page 13. I prefer playful to sultry.

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Musical drama makes case it's never too late to find love

Some musicals are hot. Some are cool. "Ballroom," which is receiving only its fourth professional production since its ill-fated 1978 debut on Broadway, is in the "cool" category.

It is a musical drama, not just a musical, about love found in middle age that sadly captures the essence of loneliness.

It deals with a Bronx widow well past her youth who, at a local dance pavilion called "The Stardust Ballroom," meets a mailman who good-naturedly claims to be a "man of letters," often quoting Shakespeare. She has spent years in mourning for her dead husband but finally becomes aware that only he has been buried - not her. The mailman becomes her regular dance partner and tender friend as she again begins to "dress" and come out into the world. Her family and friends are shocked (and perhaps jealous).

Then, she learns that he has not been completely honest in discussing his personal life.

The show's history is spotted. It is a musical version of the 1975 Emmy-winning TV-movie "Queen of the Stardust Ballroom," which starred Maureen Stapleton and Charles Durning. After a year of workshops, it opened on Broadway in 1978 under the creative force of Michael Bennett. It faced undue expectations because it was the first Bennett outing since his triumph with "A Chorus Line."

Some 30 years later, "Ballroom" faces no such expectations, yet it still is a brave choice for new production. Producer-director Jeff Meredith continues his most daring season yet in his Virginia Musical Theatre's second year at the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts.

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