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.

Entertainment & World News Remembers Whitney Elizabeth Houston

                           R.I.P. Whitney Elizabeth Houston

Whitney Houston's final film, "Sparkle"opens tomorrow.In light of this, it is appropriate to pay tribute to our departed angel. 

Whitney Elizabeth  Houston passed away February 11, 2012 just before she was to appear for the Grammy Awards. It has been over 6 months since she has been gone and I am still very emotional about her loss. 

Whitney was more than just an artist. She was more than just an actress. She was a mother and she was larger than life itself. Whitney got her start singing in her church and her rise to fame really took off after the blockbuster hit movie & soundtrack "The Bodyguard" which became the number one selling soundtrack of all time.When Whitney recorded her haunting rendition of "I Will Always Love You" it arguably became her most well known and beloved hit. 

Growing up, I would listen to her on the radio at my grandparents with my siblings & for a moment we all agreed on something- we loved Whitney. When the Bodyguard came out in 1992, it left me with great memories of sitting in our family room as my sisters & I watched the movie over and over. I am sure many of you out there can relate.

Whitney left us with great memories and music to remember her by. She was not a perfect person-but nobody is. She was human. Whitney will forever be remembered as one of  the greatest female vocalists of my generation and I thank God we had her. To all of her fans, friends and family who are also mourning her loss-let us not be sad that its over, but be glad that she touched our lives while she was here.

                                            Whitney, we love you. We will always love you.

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.

Entertainment and World News Wednesday

Hello and welcome to the Wednesday edition of Entertainment and World News. Today we cover a variety of stories involving our military, entertainment, music, book recommendations, and more. Sit back, relax and enjoy! Thank you for reading!

Today's top story comes from Fort Drum, an Army base in Watertown, NY and home of the 10th Mountain Division. During a training mission at the base there were a reported 10 soldiers that had been struck by lighting and at 5 of those have been hospitalized. We do not have any word yet on the extent of their injuries.   The soldiers were struck while out in the range area of the base during a training exercise during the storm. There will be an update on the status of the soldiers and names if possible. In the mean time please keep these soldiers in your prayers.

Dexter star James Remar is today's celebrity of the day. He was seen by TMZ patching up a bleeding homeless man in need of help. The man was sitting outside of a store and bleeding from a very bad head wound. Mr. Remar went into the store, purchased gauze and antiseptic ointment and helped clean the man up. James Remar, we here at Entertainment and World News salute you. I wish more people would reach out and help others like you.

Ron Palillo, of "Welcome Back Kotter" fame has passed away in Palm Beach Gardens, FL at the age of 63. Ron was known for his role as Horshack on the beloved show and suffered an apparent heart attack. My thoughts and prayers are going out to his family, friends, and many fans. Rest in peace, thank you for the joy you gave so many while you were here.

For those who have ever tuned in, you probably know and love America's daytime sweetheart, Kelly Ripa of "Live With Kelly". But did you also know that Kelly and her husband Mark also have their own production studio called Milojo Productions? Named after each of their children, this is just one of the many hats Kelly wears each day. She is a mother of three, the star of a two time Emmy Award winning show, she's the spokeswoman for Electrolux, She has her own shoe line (RYKA), and she also spends a considerable amount of time raising funds for charities like the OCRF, Wounded Warrior Project, and several others. One of her greatest qualities is that even though she has all this going on-she is still kind and very welcoming each day to fans who attend her show. She has been quoted as saying. "choose one person each day and make them feel special". She does this every single day. If you are a fan of Kelly, here are some sites to check out:

On Twitter you can follow her @KellyRipa, and @LiveKelly (the show account)

you can also follow her fan page @RockOnTeamRipa for the latest on all things Kelly!

On Facebook you can follow her fanpage LIVE! With Kelly and hit like for updates!

For more information on Kelly's charities or for information on getting tickets to the show go to the LIVE! With Kelly website 

Today's book recommendations are: "When Elephants Weep-The Emotional Lives of Animals"  and

  "The Art Of Racing in the Rain". Both are excellent reads! 

"When Elephants Weep" is a very touching book that looks into the very real emotional lives of animals and how we can affect them. In this book the author shares stories of  Buffalo's who ICE SKATE, pet dogs who show a variety of emotions from disappointment, to joy and grief, crows that used the Kremlin as a slide and more. A wonderful book for all who love animals. This will touch your heart.

The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein is a very well written fictional book that gives the reader an idea of the world through the eyes of Enzo the dog. This is such an incredibly illustrated very heartfelt book about Enzo and the life he shares with his human. We see the family dynamics change, environments change, and we see Enzo grow and change. What remains constant is all this is told by Enzo in the first person. This story will change the way you view your pets-and it will make you hold them even closer. It will make you laugh, cry, and beg for a sequel. Two thumbs up for this great book!

In sports news, Chad "Ocho Cinco" Johnson has been fired from the Miami Dolphins following a domestic violence incidence involving him and his wife. In a police statement, Mr. Johnson head butted his wife Evelyn during an argument. Evelyn has officially filed for divorce from Johnson and I say good for her. NO MAN should ever hit a woman. PERIOD. Domestic violence is never ok and this has to stop. I also give props to the Miami Dolphins for taking immediate action and firing Johnson for this. Many times these sports stars are babied and never learn their lesson when they commit a crime. My prayers are going out to Evelyn and the rest of the family during this time. She did the best thing for herself by getting away because the violence will never stop. Once someone abuses you-that is a red flag to get away and stay away. If you are in a dangerous situation there are many places you can go for help to get away. Contact VERA House or your local authorities, church, or even a trusted friend-do not feel like it is your fault and do not get trapped into staying in an abusive situation. GET HELP.