Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Wednesday Edition



Hello and welcome to the Wednesday edition of my blog. In today's news we will discuss Kanye West being considered for American Idol as a Judge, Live! With Kelly News, and more! Thank you for stopping in and I hope you enjoy today's stories.

                      Kanye West Possible Judge On Idol???


VH1 has reported that Kanye West is being considered as a possible judge on American Idol which leaves just one question..do they not remember Kanye likes taking microphones?? SERIOUSLY Idol?? This season is already proving to be a bag full of crazy considering that they have also considered Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey (Mariah being the only sane one of the three). Can you imagine Kanye and Minaj as judges?? Oh my God...just throw Chris Brown in there and we could have an old fashioned smack down at half time. Ok folks, we realize that the numbers for Idol have been slipping as audiences have tuned out but come on, ya'll are just asking for trouble right from the word go.

               Live With Kelly Co-Host Search...the Real Deal


Ok so now is the moment of truth. There has been a report going around that Michael Strahan was selected as Kelly's new co-host despite the fact that ABC stated the co-host will not be revealed until Sept.4, 2012. Here's my take on this whole mess-as a former Disney employee (parent company of ABC) I find it very hard to believe that someone talked to the press regaurding Strahan. Disney does not take these types of breaches lightly and whoever did it would be fired immediately without question. Generally speaking this type of decision is usually kept from the general staff until the reveal for security reasons and therefore IF (and this is a HUGE IF) someone did talk it would be very easy to pinpoint who said something. So I highly doubt anyone close to the "situation" spoke to the media. Unless it came from Strahan's side because Disney is extremely strict on such matters. When I was on Extreme Makeover Home Edition I had to sign a two page disclosure that any photos I took could not be released until the episode aired. And I was not allowed to talk about any details of said episode until it aired that fall. It was filmed during the summer (August) and aired that November. If they required such confidentiality with us I cant imagine the paper work involved in an even bigger announcement such as Kelly's co-host. I think it is high time that the media had some respect for the show, for Kelly and the entire staff and respect the fact that they do not wish to reveal who will replace Regis until September. I think it is irresponsible and quite frankly wrong to just fire off reports and rumors that cannot be verified 100%. People get your facts first and if it cannot be confirmed then at the very least have some respect for the wishes of those involved with the show.
If it is true I think he would be a fantastic choice but this author is not buying into the hype out of respect for Kelly and all the staff at my favorite morning talk show. I believe that at the very least that respect is owed. As far as this blog goes I will not speculate or entertain rumors. I will only await the facts that will be revealed on September 4.

             NBC Premieres "Go On" with Matthew Perry


We know him from the hit series "Friends", Matthew Perry stars in a new sitcom  "Go On" on NBC that premiered last night at 10pm. This is actually quite a funny show! Perry plays a sports radio talk show host who is just returning to work after the loss of his wife and ends up in a support group. This is actually a lot funnier than the synopsis and worth checking out. It is no "Friends" or "Big Bang Theory" but it is a welcome change to the reality crap the networks keep churning out. I believe this will be a sitcom to watch in the coming months.

         Travel Spotlight: The Outer Banks, North Carolina


It's not too late to take that final road trip of summer and I highly recommend that you give the Outer Banks in North Carolina a try. I went for the first time in 2011 and fell in love with this slice of heaven on earth. There is so much to do there-from surfing, to sight seeing, horse back riding in the surf and more! This is a perfect couples get away place, take the kids to the beach or the many towns with activities like putt putt golf or taking pictures of the wild horses that inhabit the islands. If you enjoy the feel of a mom and pops town then the Outer Banks is for you. There are hundreds of family owned businesses all throughout the islands and there is plenty of great family owned places to stay. I stayed at the Breakwater Inn on Hatteras Island and ate breakfast daily at Sonny's (which had great prices and excellent food). They have entertainment and lodging to meet all kinds of budgets.If you are a Monster Truck fan, be sure to stop off at Dennis Anderson's home in Kill Devil Hills which is opened to the public and where you can take your pictures of Grave Digger I stayed next door to Oden's Dock where they had salt water fishing guides and tours where you could go see the wild horses on Ocrachoke Island. There is literally hundreds of things to do while you stay in one of the most incredible destinations you may ever see. Go have lunch on the beach near the famous Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, one of several lighthouses that dot the strip known as the Outer Banks. Go relax in the sand and let all your cares drift away as you watch the sun rise over the ocean. If you would like to know more about the Outer Banks you can follow them on Twitter @TheOuterBanks or go to their website for activities, reservations and more.

                          "The Office" to End After Season 9


Dunder Mifflin is packing it in after 9 seasons according to NBC officials which means NBC will have to step up their game in their scripted shows. "The Office" is still very highly rated and according to its director, Greg Daniels it was just time to bring the story to an end. They are looking into a spin-off show in the future. The end did seem near with the exit of Steve Carrell, a fixture of the show since it's beginning. Best of luck to all who work for this great show. Thank you for the laughs all these years.

Tuesday, August 21, 2012



Hello and welcome to the Tuesday Edition of Entertainment & World News. In today's blog cast we cover the CSX train derailment in Maryland, Mariah Carey furious over American Idol snub, Michael J. Fox returns to tv, and much more! Thank you for joining us and happy Tuesday!

General Dempsey's Plane Attacked by Afghan Insurgents


Reports are coming in today that US Army General Martin Dempsey's C-17 was damaged by rockets set off by Afghan insurgents while the plane was on the ground at a US military base in Kabul. The taliban are laying claim to these attacks, one of which included a claim they shot down a US helicopter last week. A taliban spokesman claims they followed information on where exactly the General would be. There was some damage to the exterior of the C-17 and two maintenance workers were injured by shrapnel.

            Mariah Carey Fuming Over American Idol Snub


There's a little rumbling in the search for new judges on American Idol and this time it involves Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj. Sources say that Minaj is also in talks with the show to become a judge along side Mariah Carey. TMZ is reporting that Carey is not happy at all that they are considering Minaj because she was told she'd be the only female judge on the show.  They state that it may cost the show Mariah as a judge as she hung up the phone on them during negotiations. Sources at TMZ are stating that none of the judges are set in stone despite reports that Mariah was signed on in July.

      NBC Has Announced Michael J. Fox Returns to TV


Michael J. Fox will return to NBC with an all new comedy series based loosely on his life that is set to premiere in the fall of 2013. He has a 22 episode commitment, the comedy has not been named as of yet. It is set in New York City and Fox plays a father of 3 who's also dealing with Parkinson's disease. 

CSX Train Derails Outside Baltimore, MD 2 Killed


Ellicot City, MD A CSX train hauling coal has derailed and fallen from a bridge in downtown Ellicot City, MD. Two people were on the tracks and were killed by the train, which in turn fell onto cars below. There is a possibility of more victims of this horrific accident and investigators are still looking for the cause. The two people killed on the tracks were not railroad workers. The train cars that fell from the bridge crushed several cars in a county owned parking lot with tons of coal in each rail car. The conductors were not injured. Stay tuned for more updates on this tragedy.

Former Yankee's Star Roger Clemens Returns to Baseball


Roger Clemens, 50 years old will return to baseball in the minor leagues this Saturday night for the Sugarland  Skeeters. Sources say his fastball was clocked at 87 mph. He will take the mound for the first time in five years. Clemens return has some speculating that this may be the first step to his return to the major leagues, but only time will tell. In the meantime, his once team mate Joe Girardi, manager of the New York Yankees says he will be cheering him on.

                                   Fashion At Its Finest!


There is an excellent blog for the fashion forward or even the fashion challenged that has really caught the attention of this author and that blog is http://www.beckabellastyleinspirations.com/ . She covers a wide variety of fashion related items and it is completely worth checking out. Beckabellastyleinspirations will be featured in this blog each day so you can read all the latest and greatest in the world of fashion. Have questions for our resident fasionista? Tweet her at @DaFashionista1 . And please subscribe to her blog!

                         Celebrity Highlight: Robin Roberts


Robin Roberts is quite possibly one of the most inspirational and beloved newscasters of all time. She grew up in Pass Christian, MS and is the youngest of 4 siblings. Her father, Colonel Lawrence E. Roberts was a Tuskeegee Airman and retired out of Keesler AFB in Biloxi, MS. Robin began her television career as a sports anchor and reporter in 1983 for WDAM-TV in Hattiesburg, MS. She joined ESPN as a sportscaster  in 1990 and became known for her catch phrase "Go on with your bad self." In 2001 Roberts recieved the Mel Greenberg Media Award as she worked for both ESPN and Good Morning America contributing to both shows. In 2005 GMA announced that Robin was promoted to co-anchor and was introduced into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012 for her contributions and involvment in the sport. 
Robin published a book called " From the Heart: Seven Rules to Live By"  as well as co-authoring a book written by her mother, "My Story, My Song". 
Robin is continuing to inspire and change the lives of all she encounters and she is in my book, the most beloved newscaster of all time. She's a trusted friend, a beloved sister, daughter, and co-worker. Robin you are amazing. Thank you for all that you are.
You can follow Robin on Twitter @RobinRoberts, @GMA and you can like the GMA home page on Facebook.


Monday, August 20, 2012

Monday Edition



In today's edition we have an exciting announcement for fans of Live! With Kelly, we also cover the plane crash in Long Island, and much more!

                    Light Plane Crash in Long Island Kills 2


A light plane crashed into a Long Island street Sunday leaving the soul survivor of the crash mourning the loss of his wife, who was killed along with the pilot. The plane erupted into fire on impact leaving shocked neighbors desperately trying to save all inside the wreck. Witnesses in Shirley where the plane came to rest say the pilot is a hero for steering the plane away from homes moments before it crashed into the street. The plane took off from Brookhaven Airport at 11:48 am and crashed just minutes later. The husband and wife were possibly ejected from the plane on impact, neighbors found them laying next to the wreckage with severe burns. The pilot died inside his plane unable to escape.

                  LIVE! With Kelly Co-host Search Is OVER!


Kelly Ripa made a surprising announcement today that they have chosen a new co-host and it will be revealed September 4, 2012. Kelly has been doing the show solo since November last year when Regis Philbin left the Live. She has had a variety of fill in hosts since then and it has been a careful search for the right fit for Live. Well done everyone. 

            Tax Payers Bailed Out California Home Owners


Fox news has reported that US tax payers have bailed out California home owners because the banks failed to pay their share. Honestly this has me outraged. The state of California has taken $100,000 from US tax payers and given it to their home owners and the banks to help float the defunct mortgages in their state. The original agreement was a 50/50 that bankers and the home owners would each pay half to reduce the principle of homes that were worth less than their mortgage. The banks have refused and now the state is stepping in with the $100,000. This takes the bankers and default home owners off the hook.  Go to the Fox News Website for the full article. 

Bad Economic Times Blamed for Lack of Concerts for 2012


For anyone who attends the New York State Fair, there has been a marked decline in recent times and finally the fair officials have fessed up to what we NewYorkers have suspected all along-the economy. This year it is even more evident than in years past because of the lack in entertainment at the Fair's biggest venue, The Grandstands where major acts from all across the country are usually plentiful. Fair officials addressed questions on why there is a greatly reduced number of big named acts this year and their answer was because of the economy. 

                     Director Tony Scott Died at the age of 68 


Legendary director Tony Scott, who's work includes Top Gun, Beverly Hills Cop 2, and Days of Thunder has died at the age of 68 after an apparent suicide by jumping off a bridge in Los Angeles. Scott was suffering from an inoperable brain tumor and presumably took his own life yesterday. Officials say they found a suicide note inside Scott's prius. Our thoughts and prayers going out to his family and friends today.

*BREAKING* Phyllis Diller Passed Away Today She was 95


Comedian Phyllis Diller has died today at the age of 95. According to her long time  manager, she passed away in her sleep this morning in her home. She performed in a variety of nightclubs and television shows from the 1950's until she retired in 2002. Diller paved the way for female comediannes and she left behind 5 children. 

Rosie O' Donnell Recovering From Heart Attack



People Magazine is reporting that Rosie O' Donnell suffered an apparent heart attack last week. 50 year old O'Donnell credits a tv commercial for saving her life. Doctors have inserted a stent after finding that her coronary artery was 99% blocked. 

Friday, August 17, 2012

Friday Edition



Happy Friday everyone! It is the first official week of Entertainment & World News and I would just like to thank everyone who has stopped and read this blog and also shown such amazing support . This blog will continue to improve each day and I hope you all enjoy it.

                             Welcome Home Robin Roberts


Let's start off today with something wonderful: Robin Roberts, the beloved co-anchor of Good Morning America on ABC will be returning this Monday August 20,2012. Robin took a few weeks off for some R&R before her upcoming bone marrow transfer that will require her to be on medical leave for a lengthy amount of time from GMA. Her medical leave is slated to begin between the end of this month and the first week of September. Welcome back Robin-we love you. I know that you will come back stronger than ever. I know I speak for many of us when I say that we cannot wait to see you again.

                                    World News Watch


In yet another attack on US Troops, a second incident where an Afghan Security Forces Officer opened fire and killed 2 more US soldiers . This is the latest in a rash of attacks on allied troops training Afghan Officers.
There have been several of these senseless outbursts of violence our troops have endured and there have been 36 casualties of allied forces just this year in light of this.

                                              Mars Rover

                          

Nasa's rover, "Curiosity" has officially been on Mars since August 6th and it has sent some incredible photos back to earth but-there are still no signs of Wall-E, ET, or Alf. Nasa  will continue to look for signs of life on Mars, but so far all they have found is a lot of craters, and great snap shots sent back to earth from "Curiosity". 

                                               Opening Weekend 


In what ultimately became Whitney Houston's final film, "Sparkle" opens today amidst mixed reviews. "Sparkle" is a remake of the 1976 movie bearing the same name. It is the story of a group of young women trying to make it in the music business during the 1960's. Starring Whitney Houston, Jordan Sparks, and several others, it is the story of struggle between faith, vices, and society. For those of you still mourning the loss of Whitney it is a way to see her shine one last time. 

                                           Regis Philbin


He is one of the most enduring and beloved television hosts of all time, Regis Philbin is a legend. Regis was born August 25, 1931 and grew up in the Bronx. After graduating college at Notre Dame, he joined the United States Navy. He began his television career in Hollywood, California in several entry-level jobs before getting his break from writing reviews for the local news casts. In 1985, Live! With Regis and Kathy Lee was born and history was made. Now in it's 27th year, Live! Has won several prestigious awards and is the number one morning talk show on television. Regis had a philosophy for the show that has trickled over. His philosophy was to give people a break from their worries and cares for at least one hour a day and they could feel like they were an important part of the show. He worked very hard to ensure people laughed and forgot their troubles. Even when the attack on our World Trade Center here in NY happened, we were all able to find comfort by tuning in to our beloved and trusted friends Regis and Kelly.While working on Live! Regis in his free time would visit soldiers through the USO and also while they were in the hospital from wounds they suffered while serving. He is a true gentleman and a trusted friend. Regis-we love and miss you every day. Please come back to tv.

                               New Music from Aerosmith!


Steven Tyler may have left American Idol, but he is still rockin' with his incredible band Aerosmith. The boys recently wrapped a three month North American tour, this band still has what it takes. They are set to drop their new album "Music From Another Dimension" this November. Steven claims that they go back to their roots on this album and as a long time fan of Aerosmith, this author cannot wait! 

                       Wondering Why You Are Still Single??


Siggy Flicker, television host of VH1's "Why Am I Still Single", professional match maker, life coach and Love Picker has the cure! Sign up for her webinar on http://www.learnitlive.com/siggyflicker . Siggy holds these live webinars to help you help yourself find the one you deserve to be with. Siggy is humorous, honest, and very professional as she guides the dating challenged taking their questions and giving answers. I have personally taken a few of these classes and highly recommend this class to anyone looking to find their match.