Rapper Willie D Denies Wire Fraud Charges
Rapper Willie D has denied multiple charges of wire fraud. The Geto Boys group leader has pleaded not guilty of allegedly running an international online vending scam.
Charge For Michael Jackson's Memorial Service Dropped
Michael Jackson's funeral will be free after all. Family members were reportedly pressured to drop the rumored $25 tickets they wanted to sell to fans who wish to attend the King of Pop's memorial service.
"The Graveyard Book" by Neil Gaiman (*****)
Award-winning author Neil Gaiman has another sure hit with his latest offering since his much-lauded "Coraline." In "The Graveyard Book" a boy named Bod who lives his life by moving among the dead.
Waiter Rant: Thanks for the Tip - Confessions of a Cynical Waiter by Steve Dublanica a.k.a. The Waiter (***1/2)
Steve Dublanica, a.k.a. The Waiter, had been working in the dining industry when he decided to chronicle his life and experiences as a waiter. For those who fear their food being spoiled by naughty servers, here's an inside look at what really goes on behind the pristine dining area of your favorite five-star eatery. The Waiter may be the best guide you'd have at the industry's finest behind the kitchen's swing doors.
"Thicker Than Oil: America's Uneasy Partnership With Saudi Arabia" by Rachel Bronson (****)
In her breakthrough 2006 book, Thicker Than Oil, Rachel Bronson, peers through a historical timeline of concessions, negotiations and correspondence with an expert lens. Every bend and crook is laid out in such a vigorously researched way that allows the reader to appreciate the multi-layered complexities of this political partnership.
PETA Wants Rights To Michael Jackson Song To Help Save Lab Rats
The People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) recently announced that they are seeking the rights to Michael Jackson's 1972 hit song "Ben" about a boy and his pet rat. They would like to use the song to raise attention on the plight of rats used in laboratory experiments.
Johnny Depp Surprises Sick Children At London Hospital
Johnny Depp dropped in to surprise sick children at the Great Ormond Street Hospital on Wednesday in London. Much to everyone's surprise and delight, Depp dressed up as his "Pirates of the Caribbean" character Captain Jack Sparrow.
Michael Jackson Used 20 Aliases To Apply For Bank Loans
Michael Jackson allegedly used 20 aliases to apply for bank loans. The late singer - who died from a suspected cardiac arrest last week - reportedly used several variations of his name because his credit history was so poor and financial institutions were reluctant to give him money.
Moon ( **1/2 )
A speculative science fiction thriller, Moon isset in the not-too-distant future on the lunar surface. Sam Rockwell plays Sam Bell, working on a solo mission for a mining operation. As a way of dealing with the energy crisis, his coroporate boss is on the far side of the moon mining for the element that has become Earth's primary energy fuel. On the prison-like space station, Sam is assisted by a robotic contraption named Gerty. On the moon for nearly three years, Sam is terribly lonely and looks forward to returning to his wife and three-year-old daughter at the end of his tour of duty in two weeks. Then he makes a shocking discovery.
Public Enemies ( ** )
Gangbusters describes the subject matter of Public Enemies, but -- unfortunately -- not its quality level. The high-profile crime drama from director Michael Mann has all its real-life ducks in a row. But this fictionalized account of the rise and fall of the legendary John Dillinger, the nation's first Public Enemy Number One, lacks a certain spark. To say that the film romanticizes Dillinger's exploits and style is to understate the case. He was seen by the masses as a bank robber who was robbing the very banks that were robbing the public. And that gave him a Robin Hook-like image in 1933, "the golden age of bank robbery." That and his many against-all-odds jailbreaks made him a folk hero.
Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs ( ** )
Somewhere between the second and third installments of this lively and popular franchise, Ice Age saw much of its mojo melt away. So, for the first time, lackluster storytelling keeps this feature from springing to life. Not that the kids who dominate its target audience will care. Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs follows Ice Age and Ice Age: The Meltdown to the marketplace. The first two were bright, witty, engaging frolics centering on the adventures of three prehistoric creatures and offering a spirited blend of laughs, thrills, and insights for the youngsters in attendance. The third one doesn't measure up.
Tina Turner, Divine Brown, Danny Michel, Stars This Week In Toronto
American singer, dancer and entertainer Tina Turner is all set to perform at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Canada on December 12 and 13. Canadian rhythm and blues and soul singer and theater performer Divine Brown will also be performing at the Mod Club on December 11.
Robin Williams, Sarah Brightman This Week In Vancouver
Academy Award, Golden Globe, and Grammy Award-winning American actor and comedian Robin Williams has sold out shows lined up at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Vancouver on December 9 and 10. Williams is back on the stand-up comedy circuit after a 20-year absence that saw him find success in the world of film.
Los Lobos, Larry the Cable Guy, Snow Patrol Perform This Week In San Diego
Three time Grammy Award winner Los Lobos will be performing in House of Blues, San Diego on December 11, Thursday. American stand-up comedian and actor Larry the Cable Guy is also performing on December 12, on Friday at 8:00 PM at Cox Arena in San Diego, CA.
"Resident Evil" To Release Fourth Film Late 2010
Alice and her clones are going after the Umbrella Corporation for the fourth time. The fourth installment in the "Resident Evil" film franchise has been set to arrive in late next year.
Australian Actors Threaten Strike Over Union Agreement
Australian actors are threatening a strike if producers won't resolve a union agreement by next month. The Actors Equity section of the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance will vote on whether a strike should be called for.
Fans Can Bid On Kim Kardashian's Clothing To Benefit Charity
Reality star Kim Kardashian is once again opening up her closet to raise money for one of her favorite charities. Fans can now go to eBay to bid on both new and gently worn designer goods that have come straight out of the star's closet.
Michael Jackson "Dreamed" Of Starting A Clothing Range
Michael Jackson "dreamed" of starting a clothing line. The 50-year-old pop legend was in the process of designing a collection with French fashion guru Christian Audigier when he passed away.
"In Fashion" Series Profiles Photographer Tim Walker
Fashionistas can catch the first film in the "In Fashion" series online from Show Studio. The film series features exclusive and in-depth video interview that profiles various individuals who have helped to shape the ever-changing landscape of contemporary fashion.
Blake Lewis To Release "Heartbreak On Vinyl"
"American Idol" runner-up to Jordin Sparks, Blake Lewis, is preparing to release his second album and it's going to sound different from most "Idol" crooners' albums. He moved to Tommy Boy Entertainment, a label which primarily focuses on dance music and hip-hop, for an album Lewis says is filled with "electro-pop goodness."
Whitney Houston To Perform On "Good Morning America"
Whitney Houston is working her way towards a comeback. It was recently announced that the former pop diva will be performing a free show for fans in September.
Whitney Houston To Perform On "Good Morning America"
Whitney Houston is working her way towards a comeback. It was recently announced that the former pop diva will be performing a free show for fans in September.
U.K. Singer Cheryl Cole Tapped To Host U.S. "The X Factor"
British singer Cheryl Cole is being lined up to host the U.S. version of "The X Factor." NBC executives are said to be courting the Girls Aloud star to headline the new talent show.
