Thursday Edition

                                     

                             

Since this is the first week of my blog, there has been some tweaking of the features and stories provided and I appreciate everyone that takes the time to read this each day! Things are starting to settle and I am pleased to announce the following features being added to Entertainment & World News!

New features will include celebrity bio's, movie reviews/upcoming attractions, new music from current and up coming artists, as well as the current features of world & entertainment news & book reviews. I hope you enjoy today's edition! 

                                            *UPDATE*

*A spokesperson from Fort Drum Army base in Watertown, NY has sent an update to the AP regarding the condition of the 10 soldiers struck by lighting during a training exercise on the base late Tuesday evening. Six of the 10 soldiers have been treated and released back to regular duty, the other 4 are being treated and are expected to return to full duty soon.

                                     R.I.P. Elvis Presley

It was 35 years ago today that Elvis Aaron Presley "The King" passed away. Elvis Presley grew up in Tupelo,MS and got his start singing gospel music before switching over to become the King of Rock n' Roll in the early 60's. Fans have gathered at his home in Graceland ever since his untimely death in 1977. Elvis was best known for his hits "Jailhouse Rock", "Hound Dog", "Love Me Tender" and many more. He was one of the greatest artists to emerge from this "new" rock n'roll music. During his reign as "The King" he served in the United States Army, starred in various movies and cemented his relevance for all time as an American Icon. To his family, friends and fans I wish you comfort as you reflect on the amazing life of Mr.Elvis Presley.

                               Philadelphia Political FAIL

*Fox News has reported that a Philadelphia woman is facing a $600 a day fine for not clearing her food give-away with the town clowns. Hey WAKE UP PHILLY! This lady is feeding free lunches to needy children who may not otherwise have that opportunity to eat. The food is provided by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and she is following their rules-GIVE HER A BREAK! For my readers in or around the Philadelphia area I encourage you to make some noise and rattle those town clowns-remind them that elections are coming in November and it may be time to flush Philly of crappy politicians who pick on those helping the needy. In case the town clowns haven't noticed WE ARE IN A RECESSION! People need help and unless YOU the politician plan on feeding these kids-I suggest you leave the lady alone!

                                         

                        Celebrity Highlight-Whoopi Goldberg

*Whoopi Goldberg was born Caryn Elaine Johnson on November 13, 1955. She made her film debute in 1985's blockbuster hit "The Color Purple". She followed with other smash hits like "Ghost", "Sister Act" and "Sister Act 2" which later became a huge success on Broadway. She chose her stage name "Whoopi" because she stated that if you get a little gassy, just let it go (people said she was like a whoopi cushion). Whoopi is an Academy Award winning actress, comedianne, singer, talk show mediator and author. Whoopi is an incredibly strong, courageous, and caring woman whom I have always admired because she speaks her mind, but always respectful. Growing up Whoopi overcame many obstacles and rose above so much to become the person she is today and I thought it appropriate to stop and pay honor to one of the greatest actresses, talents, and people I have ever seen. You can follow Whoopi on Twitter @WhoopiGoldberg, @theview (show site) and you can also become a Facebook fan of the View by clicking the "Like" icon. For more information about Whoopi or for tickets to the View visit ABC.Com/theView.

                       Coming Attractions: Despicable Me 2

*Rumors have been confirmed-Despicable Me 2 is set to be released July 3, 2013! They promise there will be more Minions. More Despicable. More Fun! Currently this film is in post production and the plot has not been released yet so stay tuned to Entertainment & World News for updates!

                                  NEW MUSIC BUZZ

*No Doubt is set to drop their first new album September 25, 2012 entitled "Push & Shove". I am super excited about the release of new music from one of my favorite groups! These guys rock and if you have heard their new single "Settle Down" you already know this new cd won't disappoint! Last month they did a free concert on Good Morning America in Central Park as part of the shows Summer Concert Series.

                                     Books In Review

* You may have already seen the movie, but I recommend reading this book! The Help is a novel set in the early 1960's and features African American maids who work for white families in the south and shows the struggles and triumphs of these very special women. This book will make you laugh, cry, and think. It is a fictional masterpiece and I have no doubt it will go down as an instant classic. I have seen and loved the movie and I can tell you that you will equally love this book. In some opinions it is even better than the movie. Read it and decide for yourself.

* Cast Member Confidential is an undercover expose written by Chris Mitchell on his experience as a Disney Cast Member. It is absolutely NOT what you would expect it to be. As a former cast member myself I can relate to some of his stories, but this is not for the faint of heart. It is a well written memoir of his time at Walt Disney World and gives highs and very lows of his everyday experiences at the happiest place on earth.  It is an interesting read that I found to be intriguing, funny, and shocking all at once.

Hello and Welcome!

Welcome to the SECOND blog from Entertainment and World News! In today's blog we cover Gordon Ramsay's new show Hotel Hell, Book recommendations for Amazing Gracie and Shelter Stories, and much more! Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoy today's edition of Entertainment and World News.

First off, there is a breaking story from AM NY stating that protesters have rushed onto the stage during Paul Ryan's first solo speech. Folks, this is rediculous. He was berated for his views and people were rushing the stage. Now come on. You have the right to disagree or agree. I fought for this man's freedom of speech and I am VERY tired of those who feel it is ok to berate others just because they may not believe the same things you do. It is time people started showing some respect for one another regardless of different opinions. There is a way to have intelligent conversations about things that do not lead to attacking one another. That is just plain stupid and barbaric. I want to see people start being more kind to one another and quit acting like life is a Jerry Springer show. I am sorry but that sort of behavior will destroy any freedom I fought to preserve in the service. Come on people-show some common sense and show some respect.

Gordon Ramsay's Hotel Hell premiered last night and I have to tell you it was very entertaining! Gordon knows what it takes to bring a business back from the brink of destruction into a success again. Part 2 airs tonight and I recommend you tune in! Watch as Gordon transforms these hellacious hotels before it's too late. It is fast paced, straight shooting and a very good show thus far! It airs on Fox Monday nights at 8pm, and airs again tonight at 8pm.

Today at 2pm on ABC, be sure to tune in to Good Afternoon America as everyone's favorite life coach, Siggy Flicker goes toe to toe! Siggy is an amazing lady who lives her life to inspire and help others! She is the VH1 tv show host of "Why Am  I Still Single" and a favorite guest of mine on Good Afternoon America. This show, hosted by Josh Elliot and Lara Spencer,( of the beloved Good Morning America) is a wonderful afternoon show that will leave you smiling. Tune in and find out for yourself how great this show is! Be sure to "Like" Good Afternoon America and Siggy Flicker's fan page of Facebook and follow them on Twitter!

For today's book recommendations, I am featuring two amazing reads that will touch your heart,
one of them is a book called "Amazing Gracie".This is the story of an unloved, unwanted deaf Great Dane puppy and how she changes her owners world through her love and perseverance. Gracie will have
you laughing, crying, and inspired . She was rescued by her owners, and because of her they now have Three Dog Bakery-a very well known natural dog food business. This story will touch your heart. It has become one of my all time favorite true stories. I give this book 5 stars.

Shelter Stories is my number one favorite read for two reasons: some of the proceeds from the sale of this book goes directly to helping shelter animals. And two-it features photos of rescued pets and cartoon strips that will touch your heart from the beloved comic-"Mutts" by Patrick McDonnell. This book is such a powerful tool to help people understand the viewpoint of shelter pets all over the world and what they feel when they are adopted. This is a must read. I honestly feel this book should be in the hands of every pet owner, child, and shelter to spread awareness of shelter pets.

In other entertainment news, "Sparkle" opens in movie theaters everywhere August 17th. Sparkle features stars such as Whitney Houston, Jordan Sparks, and Cee Lo Green. It is Whitney's final movie, and there is a very moving tribute to her on the official movie website. It is about a struggling young star trying to over come issues that are destroying her family.Whitney plays Jordan's mother.From what I can see this will be a very good movie. As always my prayers go out to all who love and miss Whitney and I hope we can all find some comfort seeing her on the screen once again.

That's all for today, thank you for reading and come back tomorrow for my next blog cast. Have a wonderful day!

Welcome to My First Official Blog!

Hello and welcome to Entertainment and World News, this is my first official blog! In today's blog cast we have a some things that will make you laugh, will make you cry, and even make you go hmm...

First and foremost I would like to update everyone on how Robin Roberts is doing, directly taken from the Good Morning America Facebook page. For those who do not know, Robin Roberts was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder and will undergo a bone marrow transfusion this fall:

Robin is looking forward to being back with GMA gang on August 20th! (And we can't wait to see her!)

In the meantime, we wanted to share an update from Robin:

Received a really good report from my doctor today. All my blood counts are up! The pre-treatment is doing its job and resting as I have lately has helped too. I've been given medical clearance to fly to Tuscany for a friend's 50t

h birthday celebration.When I return the following week I will have another bone marrow test to finally determine the timing of my transplant. Still slated for the end of the month or early September. That's when my lengthy medical leave will begin.

But all I'm thinking about now is Italy. As a going away present my doctor surprised me and removed my PICC line today from my arm...sweet freedom!

Thank you again for the prayers and well wishes...means more to me than you could possibly ever know.
Ciao! XO

As a news personality and also as a great lady, Robin has inspired so many of us with her strength and grace. Wishing Robin a full and restful recovery and a fantastic time in Italy!

In other pop news, Jennifer Aniston is now engaged! America's sweetheart got engaged to boyfriend Justin Theroux. And I say good for her! Now maybe people will stop referencing her with Brad and Angelina home wrecker. Seriously not a fan of anyone who messes with someone else's man-Jenn, you deserve nothing but the best! Angelina-go flash your leg to people who actually care-p.s. nice try imitating a 1990's cartoon character (aka Jessica Rabbit) p.s.s. SHES A CARTOON.

Burning up the Twitterverse was also news that "broke" about Miley Cyrus getting...*GASP* a hair cut!! All right..seriously, besides a few upset 12 year olds...WHO CARES?? Now there is an election coming up this fall, we are in a recession, people are struggling just to afford the basics...and THIS is news? Um. No. #MediaFail BTW, I think its actually a great new look and I also believe celebrities should be able to enjoy their life with respect to their lifestyles, choices, and personal business. If they choose to release information about themselves to the media, this is one thing. The trashy paparazzi that follow them around and shoot their every move and claim it to be newsworthy-not so much. There is a fine line folks.

And last but not least, this is the part of my blog where I recommend something funny, inspiring, or creative.

Today's recommendations will not disappoint.

For all of us who enjoy garage sales/flea markets and second hand chic, I highly recommend Lara Spencer's book "I Brake For Yardsales". Perfect for anyone who has champagne dreams on a shoe string budget! It is a fun, entertaining and light hearted read! 

And my final recommendation for this blog, is a seriously funny first hand account by Freeman Hall called "Retail Hell". It is about what it's like working in retail. For any of us who have had some kind of job working with the public, this is a hilarious and very realistic book! It is among my top five favorite reads! AND this October Freeman has announced a SECOND book, "Return To the Big Fancy" ! I cannot tell you all how excited I am about this new book!