New Harry Potter Trailer Released!

The new trailer for "Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince" has been released and I actually like it especially the every end. I think this might be a very good addition to the series.

Take a look:

SF Mayor Goes for #2

San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsome got married for the second time over the weekend to actress/heiress Jennifer Siebel according to "People" Magazine.

Of course the bride wore Vera Wang - it is her first wedding after all!

Africa is the honeymoon destination and then back to the City by the Bay!

Congrats!

Dancing with the Stars Lineup Announcement - August 25

Dancing with Stars Lovers rejoice! The new lineup for the ABC hit show will be announced on August 25.

I hope they have some interesting folks this season - maybe Bea Arthur or Dan Rather. The fun, sexy crowd.

YouTube Hot Mess: Tricia Walsh-Smith Whacks Back At Kathie Lee

If you want to see something funny-sad, check out Tricia Walsh-Smith's YouTube video lashing back at Kathie Lee Gifford who told reports that Tricia needs to be "whacked."

In case you haven't heard of Tricia, she's the New York solialite whose husband is divorcing her and threantening to leave her nothing. Not satisfied to just take him to court, Tricia has released a series of YouTube videos outlining her grievances.

Check out her recent video - this woman is CRAZY but oddly facinating to watch. Insanity can be entertaining in some instances:

"Last Lecture" Prof Final Farewell

Sad, sad News: Carnegie Mellon professor Randy Pausch died Friday after a tough battle with pancreatic cancer at the age of 47.

Pausch made a huge impact on the world with his "Last Lecture" urging people to achieve their childhood dreams which was a YouTube sensation and a New York Times-best seller.

I have to say I was deeply saddened by his death. Even though he was given a terminal diagnosis, he never looked terminal. Pausch was very forthright about his illness and how close to death he was but I guess I just thought he would beat it somehow.

I encourage everyone to pick up Randy's book and take his lessons about living life to the fullest to heart. I have been trying to follow his example and I am so glad I "heard" him. He will be missed but certainly not forgotten.

Here is a clip of his "Last Lecture" and check out Primetime Live on Tuesday, 7/29 to see Diane Sawyer's tribute to Randy:

If you ever thought YOU looked bad...

I was having a bad Monday morning - tired, a bit overwhelmed with all the things I have to do, feeling a bit blah, yadda, yadda, yadda....

And then I saw this pic of Madonna which the "Daily News" shot out around to the world and let me tell you kids I’m feeling a 100x better!

If I was Madonna and I saw this pic out in the world, I would do the following things immediately:

Go home and beat the shit out of the person who told me I looked good enough to go out of the house without any makeup. They LIED to you M!

Fire my plastic surgeon because he did a bad job and I now look like a Jack O' Lantern and it ain't cute.

Run not walk to KFC and get a two piece with a biscuit because judging by those thin arms, I am HUNGRY and I need to eat. NOW!

I'm not feeling so bad now I have to say. I hope you are having a better day as well!

“Sarah Marshall” Star Russell Brand Hosting MTV VMAs

VERY interesting news coming from the MTV camp – they’ve chosen British comedian/quasi-freak of nature Russell Brand to host the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards.

If you saw him in “Forgetting Sarah Marshall,” you know Russell Brand is kind of funny as a wacked out brit music superstar. When I think about it he was kind of one of the best things about the movie actually.

You don't realize though that his freakdom isn’t confined to the silver screen until you see him on a talk show. He isn't just in character; he is really wacked out ALL THE TIME. Look at the hair people and tell me there isn't something wrong here.

The VMAs will be broadcast live on Sunday September 7 at 9pm ET.

Hear me now MTV – this could either work really well or it will blow up in your face. Big time. And you know we will talk about you like a dog.

For S&Gs, here is a clip of Brand on Letterman talking about his immigration issues. I have to admit he is kind of funny.

Check it out:

Idol Judges Go from Bad to Worse

Ornery “American Idol” judge Simon Cowell was voted favorite reality TV villain by the American public in a poll conducted by AOL television. In a shock to NO one who watches AI, Simon’s co-host Paula Abdul was voted the worst reality TV judge. AI was named best reality show on US television.

Of course Randy Jackson and host Ryan Seacrest were ignored by America. Does this mean they will be voted off?

All this good news just in time for the start of season 8 auditions.

Lord help us all (but you know I WILL be watching!)

Advertising: “Iron Man” vs. “The Dark Knight”

Ad Age has done a great job breaking down and comparing the marketing strategies for "The Dark Knight" vs. "Iron Man."

Among the cool things the article’s author Antony Young calls out in his piece:

For Iron Man, Paramount’s marketing team did a great job creating early fan base buzz with a spectacular Comic-con appearance back in 2007. They also benefitted from revealing the first trailer for the film during the Super Bowl. They even went so far as the feature the movie tie-in on CMT’s “Trick My Truck”.

For TDK, online marketing, PR and over 15 different TV spots went a long way toward making Warner Bros' marketing plan sizzle. The TDK pr team received particularly high marks for the respectful handling of the tragic death of Heath Ledger. For my part, I love the viral marketing stuff. The Joker site WhySoSerious.com, the Harvey Dent site IBelieveInHarveyDent.com, the fictional Gotham Times, a Subway Map site and the main TDK website were all spectacular.

Very interesting stuff. Enjoy!

Honoring Estelle: “Golden Girls” Marathon set for Friday 7/25

Lifetime TV will air a 5 hour, 10 episode special tribute to Estelle Getty this coming Friday from 12 -5 ET. Ms. Getty won an Emmy award for her portrayal of feisty Sophia on the long running show. Ms Getty was 84 when she passed away this past Tuesday.

Fans have a chance to vote on final episode of the marathon.

Click here to cast your vote.

I wish I could stay home and watch the shows but alas I have to work!

Captain America/X-men Comic Writer Going Online for Sony

Popular comic book creator Ed Brubaker is leading the development of an online live-action series entitled “Angel of Death” for Sony Pictures Television Reuters reports.

Brubaker is famous for killing Marvel Comics icon Captain America in the pages of that character's monthly comic book series earlier this year. Brubaker is also the writer of two other flagship Marvel comic book titles, “Uncanny X-men” and “Daredevil.”

“Angel” will stream live on Sony’s video hub Crackle.com. A release date is still forthcoming but in the meantime, you should check Crackle out. I've been digging around in it and it has some really cool stuff.

Movies in the Works: Hairspray 2 and Rocky Horror Remake

Variety is reporting 2 interesting stories today.

First, New Line Cinema is asking John Waters to pen a treatment for a sequel to his smash stage and screen hit “Hairspray.” The studio is clamoring to get everyone one from the original film including star John Travolta back for the second time around though as of yet things are still in the planning stages. I can’t wait to see John T. back in that fat suit – maybe this time he will go all the way with co-star Christopher Walken?

Oh, not the best mental picture, huh?

Next, MTV is planning a remake of the cult hit “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” originally released in 1975. The remake of “Rocky H.” will use the original script by Jim Sharman and Richard O’Brien.

I wonder who they will get to wear the fishnet and panties costume of the character Dr. Frank-N-Furter, originally played by Tim Curry.

Brad Pitt, Matt Damon or Christian Bale – the mind boggles at the possibilities!

Britney Back? Not Quite Babydoll

Media outlets are raving that Britney Spears has returned to form based on her appearance at the Generation Rescue event hosted by Jenny McCarthy and Jim Carrey.

Somebody tell me how Britney is back? She wore little black dress, nice shoes and a good wig. That is not a comebackpeople - Britney is just acting like she has some damn sense.

I ain't mad at ya Brit - I'm just tired of you making news for doing nothing.

Week 2 Project Runway Update: Wesley has Got to Go!

Episode 2 of Bravo's "Project Runway" is a done deal and Wes was voted off the runway. He failed the green challenge miserably with that “unflattering and poorly designed” cocktail dress.

I thought he might stay along longer but I can understand why the judges gave him the boot. The dress was just a satin mess and he should have done a better job. I still can’t stand Stella so I’m hoping she will get kicked off next week.

Here is a clip of the last 3 minutes of so featuring Wes’ elimination:


Here is Wes’ exit interview (check it out: he may look preppy but his MA vernacular shines through when he says he's "wicked disappointed" about being sent home):


In case you didn’t know Wes - here is his intro/bio video – hold back the tears kids as you watch Wes discuss his design dreams which were utterly crushed tonight:

More Racy Gossip Girl Ads

Here are two more "Gossip Girl" ads for general consumption and adoration from "People" magazine.

I posted the first 2 ads in the campaign here.

So wrong but they look so good.

Enjoy!

Celebrity Baby News

Congrats to Ethan Hawke and new bride Ryan Shawhughes– they welcomed little Clementine Jane on Friday in New York City. This makes baby #3 for Mr. Hawke – he has a son and daughter with his former wife Uma Thurman

“Juno” and “Alias” star Jennifer Gardner confirmed yesterday that she is indeed 4 months pregnant with her 2nd child. She and husband Ben Affleck have a baby girl named Violet.

Mazel Tov to all the proud parents. I hope you get sleep sometime in the next decade or so!

Hump Day Hot Mess – DMX arrested again

I swore I wouldn’t do it. I mean I pinky swore, cross my heart and hoped to die SWORE I would not write about DMX and his string of arrests this week. If he acted an ass and got arrested next week, I would have no trouble. But this week – no DMX mentions.

And then news broke that brothaman was indicted for two felony counts of theft and false identity after trying to get out of getting paying his hospital bill after being treated for pneumonia in April. That makes 6 arrests in 3 months!

Note to all current, about-to-be and wanna-be rap and hip hop artists: try to save some of your money for INSURANCE! I tell you – I’m so tired of these trifling black men – as my momma would say “ya’ll need to go somewhere and sit your asses down.”

Get it together DMX. It ain’t cute anymore.

HOT Honey Alert: New Eva Mendes Calvin Klein Ads

Head on over to "People" Magazine and read up on the new Eva Mendes Calvin Klein ads. They are hot stuff – just as hot as the Becks Armani ads currently in the market.

Because I'm an equal opportunity guy, here is one of the David Beckham Armani Ads:

Enjoy!

Hey Money – Top Tinseltown Earners

Will Smith and Cameron Diaz have much to celebrate this morning – “Forbes Magazine” has anointed them the top male and female earners in Hollywood.

In the year spanning June 1, 2007 through June 1, 2008, Mr. Smith took home an estimated $80MM while Cameron D. took home a staggering $50MM.

Now we all know that Big Willie works his off in movies like “Hancock” and “I am Legend” but damn, who knew the “Shrek” paid such so well? Ms. D. only did three things in the past year, “Shrek 3,” “Shrek the Halls” and “What Happens in Vegas.”

Now let me tell you – “Vegas” which co-starred Ashton Kutcher - tanked at the box office which doesn’t surprise me one bit: I saw it and I can tell you that it STANK to high heaven!

I ain’t made at your Cameron – go on with ya bad self! Independent woman have to get paid too! It must pay to be green!

Scary note: the top men and women collectively made over $731MM last year. All together now: DAAMMNN!

TV Watch Part 2: Project Runway

So my current favorite reality program is on tonight also.

Bravo's "Project Runway"

The 2nd episode of “Project Runway” airs tonight on Bravo. Hosted by supermodel Hedi Klum, tonight’s episode will feature guest host Academy-award nominated actress Natalie Portman. It will be fun to see how the designers “work” tonight’s challenge which according to my man Tim Gunn is a PR 1st.

Check out this PR preview of episode #2:

TV Watch Part 1: CNN's Black in America

As my peeps know, my deep affection for television is very well known. I love TV and I think it is one of the most amazing mediums ever created.

Tonight there are two great examples of how TV can inform and entertain. Here is the first show:

CNN's "Black in America"
First up, CNN premieres the first installment of a two part “Black in America” series hosted by CNN anchor Soledad O’Brien.

Based on over a year of reporting, the series will attempt to shed light on the complex issue of race in an America facing the prospect of an African-American president in 2009.

Tonight’s episode is entitled “Black in America: The Black Woman and Family;” part 2, airing tomorrow night is “Black in America: The Black Man”. Both episodes will air for 2 hours beginning at 9pm ET.

Here is a preview for the series and a segment featuring Whoopi Goldberg talking about the challenges of being black in America (especially the "you are so articulate" comment those of in the know get ALL THE TIME - thank you Whoopi for articulating our frustration with the "compliment"):

Series preview:


Whoopi Goldberg segment:


According to Broadcast Newsroom, supports of the series apparently were so moved they went out and started their own social networking site for socially-conscious African-Americans, BlackInAmerica.com. I should note, the site is not affiliated with CNN. I'm going to check out the site and report back and let ya'll know what I think!

I will definitely tune in and I encourage others to do so as well. Both the New York Times and the Washington Post had favorable things to say about the series.

Sneak Peek: Watch the Watchmen

The new trailer for the "Watchmen" has been released and it is HOT!!

Take a look:


Directed by "300" director, Zack Snyder, "Watchmen" tells the story of world where superheroes are either outlawed or controlled by the government. When a hero is murdered, the truth threatens to destroy everyone.

Based on the Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons graphic novel, "Watchmen" is one of the best graphic novels ever created. EW has a great first look - head over and check it out for yourselves!

March 6 2009 is the release date - be told!

Slow Leak of Steamy New Gossip Girl Ads

The CW is on the ball kids – hot new “Gossip Girl” ads have starting showing up online. July isn’t even over and we are already seeing ads for returning fall shows.

I should feel sad but what the hay – the marketing department at the CW has to eat so why not push out the new ads sooner rather than later.

I ain’t mad at ya CW and I’m not going to hate on you.

Instead, I’m going to share the two ads I’ve been able to find so far – the first features Blake Lively and the other Alex Westwick. New episodes of Gossip Girl begin airing on September 1 just in time for Back to School.

The ads are pretty scary with the soft lighting along and the looks of pretend ecstasy. Aren’t these kids supposed to be high school!?! I don’t see a zit anywhere – so NOT real.

Enjoy!

The Ben Show in the Balcony - New "At the Movies" Hosts

ABC-Disney Domestic Television announced that Ben Lyons and Ben Mankiewicz will be the new hosts for "At the Movies" starting September 6.

With both Richard Roeper and Roger Ebert moving on to new things, ABC decided to bring in fresh blood for the popular movie review show. Lyons, 26, is a Hollywood reporter and movie review for "E! News" while Mankiewicz has been a host on Turner Classic Movies.

While it is too early to pass judgment on the Ben Show yet, I hope the new direction for the show will be worth the time and effort otherwise I'm going to boycott.

Be warned!

RIP: Golden Girl Estelle Getty dead at 84

Sad news from Hollywood: Emmy-award winning actress Estelle Getty of the "Golden Girls" died today at the age of 84.

Ms. Getty suffered from advanced dementia which kept her out the off the limelight for years now.

Though she spent 40 years as a working actress in Hollywood, Ms Getty will be best remembered for her role as Sophia on NBC's "Golden Girls." She won a Best Supporting Actress Emmy Award in 1988 for her work.

I loved watching the "Golden Girls" and Ms. Getty's Sophia was always good for laugh. As soon as she said "Picture it, Sicily...." you knew you in for a great laugh from this incredible actress.

My thoughts and prayers are with family and friends.

Just for fun, here is a great clip of Ms. Getty in action:


And for even more fun, here is the "Estelle Getty Workout Video Remix" with Beyonce and Destiny's Child providing the soundtrack:

Wendy Williams Beats Montel Williams In NYC

In the ratings game at least!

Williams’ show “The Wendy Williams Show” was among the top shows in its time lot for women viewers during its first week in New York City. This represents a huge lift from its time-slot predecessor Montel Williams according to Broadcasting and Cable.com.

Hot mess note: Wendy and "Apprentice" cast-off Omarosa got into a politely bitchy cat fight last Friday. There is something sad about black women trying to cut each other by calling out about the various plastic surgery, wigs, implants and such.

Take a look and judge relentlessly for yourself:

Final note: I love how Alessandra Stanley of the New York Times covered the launch of the show by calling Ms. Wendy "startingly mean-spirited" (later in the article Ms. Stanley proceeds to remark that Wendy "favors RuPaul"- who is being mean-spirited NOW huh!?!

Batman Star Facing Family Assault Charges?

Say it isn’t so Batman! Sadly yes, actor Christian Bale is facing allegations that he assaulted his mother and one of older sisters in a posh west London hotel on Sunday just before the European premiere of "The Dark Knight".

Reports say authorities wanted to question the Welsh-born actor on Monday but the questioning was postponed. Apparently authorities did not want to interfere with the premiere of the new "Batman" film franchise installment.

Representatives for Mr. Bale were unreachable but I'm not surprised: what can they say to spin this story? You can't be accused of beating your Momma and Big Sis and look good in the public eye. I don’t care if you had a $155.8MM dollar weekend or not, you just can't do that.

I hope things are cleared up – we just don’t need any more drama like this. Besides we have “Terminator Salvation” coming in summer 2009 – we need John Connor free so he can finish the movie!

Increase the peace Batman!

UPDATE: Bale was arrested and released after turning himself in for questioning. He is due back for further questioning in September.

No Me Diga? No ALMA Nom for Longoria Parker!

The nominations for the 2008 NCLR ALMA Award, honoring Latino and Latina achievements in entertainment were announced today. Now you tell me – ain’t this some unmitigated mess - Eva Longoria Parker host and executive producer of this years ALMA’s was NOT nominated for her role on ‘Desperate Housewives.”

Now my Latin brothers and sisters – ya’ll have got to tell me you can snub Eva when each and everyone of you know she is one of the funniest things on TV let alone DH!?!

And don’t even get me started on ALMA’s snub of “Ugly Betty’s” America Ferrera because even Helen Keller could see how wrong it is to kick Betty S to the curb. I mean come on, how can you even have a “Best Lead Actress in a Comedy Series without Eva and America – aren’t they the only two who matter!?!

[And before anyone starts – I’ve seen the lead actress in a comedy list and I’m sorry but the rest of the nominated ladies cannot and do not roll like Eva and America.]

I’m mad now. Ya’ll can take a look at the rest of the nominees – I’m going go find my serenity now ya’ll! The ALMAs will be broadcast live on Friday, September 12 at 8pm on ABC.

Balcony Closed for Good? Apparently yes: Roeper leaves Movie Review Show

Apparently the movie theater balcony will be closed for some time to come: “At the Movies” lead host Richard Roeper has decided not to renew his contract with Disney-ABC Domestic Television at the end of the 2007-2008 season according to AP.

The final curtain call comes from the man himself Roger Ebert the surviving original host of “At the Movies”. In a statement on his website, Ebert confirms that he will not be involved in the new direction ABC has planned for the show. Ebert made his last appearance on the show in 2006 just before complications from cancer treatment robbed him of his voice and thus is ability to appear on air.

In a statement, Roeper says that he was unable to come to an agreement on a new contract with the studio and would be exiting the show. His final appearance on the show will air the weekend of August 16-17.

Ebert notes that the “thumbs will return” since the “Thumbs up/down” catch phrase is still owned by him and Marlene Iglitzen, his late screen partner Gene Siskel’s widow.

I’ll save my thoughts on the show until the final airing but I will say things have been going down downhill for some time so a refresh has been desperately needed. I just wish Ebert and Roeper were still along for the ride. For now, we’ll just get ready for the beginning of the end.

Culturewatch: Pit Stop for Right Guard

In a slightly disturbing move, Right Guard has hired a street team of 'Pitvertisers" to hit the streets and tubes of London according to Watching TV Online.

Each ‘Pitvertiser’ team member is 'armed' - d'oh SO bad I know but I couldn't resist - with a digital TV screen built into the armpit of their shirt. Some would call this an innovated new way for Right Guard to promote its products but to me the whole thing smells funny if you ask me. (Ouch, yes another one!).

Damn, I know TiVo has hurt advertisers but my lord this is a new low. If I see a flood of ‘Crotchvertisers’ hitting the streets of NYC this fall then I’m going to call foul!

Why So Serious!?! - Dark Knight Captures $158MM at the box office

It was the can of collective whop ass heard all around the world box offices delivered by the Caped Crusader and his arch nemesis, the Joker. "The Dark Knight," Warner Brothers and Christopher Nolan's sequel to "Batman Begins" took in $158.3 million dollars according to Variety Magazine.

This final total beats original estimates released on Sunday which called for TDK weekend box office numbers to hit just over $153MM. As Variety notes - TDK easily beat the $151.1MM weekend gross of Spiderman 3 back in May 2007.

Having seen the movie twice this weekend, I'm not surprised at all by the outstanding opening. I'll post my official review later today along with my review of Mamma Mia which took home a respectable $27.5MM especially for musical - kudos to Universal Pictures for great counterprogramming there.

TDK is FAR superior movie to Spidey 3 so I’m thinking we will continue to see extraordinary box office steam for Batman. It is just that damn good. I would also bet that IMAX ticket sales will continue to do very well since 20 minutes of the movie were filmed using IMAX cameras. Word is the visuals are amazing.

UPDATE: here is a link to an article that lists all 10 of the records TDK broke this weekend.

I'll let you know what's good once I see the IMAX version this weekend!

Ok this is it…

As the picture to my right shows, I’m standing here on the edge and it is pretty scary up here!

After months and months of thinking and stressing about it, I’ve finally gone and ahead and started my blog! I’m nervous as all get out about this new direction and I’m plagued by so many questions: will I have anything to write about, will people read the blog, will they like it, will I be any good?!?

So many worries and doubts but today I put all those concerns aside and decide to move ahead with my first post! My fears aside, it feels great to start and I am looking forward to sharing my thoughts and opinions about all aspects of popular culture – movies, TV, music, theater, celebrity stuff, etc.

I’m going to try to do at least 3 posts a week but we’ll see how things go. I’ve got some ideas of what I want to do with my blog but I also want to see how things develop. I’m sure I’ll stumble along the way so please bear with me!

In the meantime, I want to hear what you think as I go along so please leave your comments.

As I close, thank you for checking in.