The Day in Pop Digest for 5/02/11

Ben- michael jackson cover- anthony singing tags: anthony_williams jls justin_bieber michael_jackson Music old red_carpet
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Michael Jackson was unquestionably the biggest pop star of the '80s, and certainly one of the most popular recording artists of all time.

Added: 07/14/2009

*Name: *Mikey Scars * Star sign: *Michael Jackson * Place of birth: *Los Angeles* Now based at: *Baltimore, MD* Level of education: *I am a constant student of “life”.* First instrument played: *My baby rattle.* Current instrument: *Guitar* Last venue played at:* At the Ottobar –...

This is easily the most bizarre story of the week.

Trailers are an under-appreciated art form insofar that many times they’re seen as vehicles for showing footage, explaining films away, or showing their hand about what moviegoers can expect. Foreign, domestic, independent, big budget: I celebrate all levels of trailers and hopefully this column will satisfactorily give you a baseline of what beta wave I’m operating on, because what better way to hone your skills as a thoughtful moviegoer than by deconstructing these little pieces of advertising? Some of the best authors will tell you that writing a short story is a lot harder than writing a long one, that you have to weigh every sentence. What better medium to see how this theory plays itself out beyond that than with movie trailers? The Legend Of The Mighty Soap Trailer When I was a kid I watched HBO relentlessly. Whenever there wasn't reairings of Fraggle Rock, Braingames, Heartbeeps, Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome there were lots of short films that played between movies. The actual "program" was called Short Take (anyone remember Recorded Live [1]? Still creeps me out.) and even though I only have a vague recollection of them there was one really odd film about a talking, shrunken head. It was strange even by my 10 year-old standards as the thing somehow was hanging out with a couple of kids, for whatever effed up reason, stuffed it into a soccer ball and was kicked around a field to the sounds of something equating to macabre whimpering. This trailer reminds me of that moment. To that end, there is no other, correct, response to have after watching this trailer other than realizing you need to see this film. It's probably the strangest thing you'll see today but it's worth it. While I couldn’t tell you what the hell is happening I can say with some certainty that the style is a little Tim and Eric with a dash of bizarro, netherworld action. Director Andrew Bond has made something that even those at a Freudian institute would be hard pressed to explain without breaking out into fits of frustration. There is a narrative here, though. From what I can deduce by watching,  I can't understand the vocal track because they're not speaking American, the visuals really are reminiscent of those brainiacs behind the Old Spice commercials (Again, Tim and Eric for those who didn't know) but it's a perfectly apropos comparison. Those ads worked for P&G in the number of units that were moved because of how well the public received them; they were irreverent, funny, creative, but had a purpose. This trailer has a purpose because it's not just content with being strange. It wants to express itself as a story that is pitting the unwashed masses who want to be clean against a bile shooting monster. Sometimes an explanation is too much. It's best to leave the oddness be. [Twitch [2]] The National Parks Project Trailer Moving out beyond the usual nature photographers who simply stick a camera out into a field and expect to capture nature in all its splendor, this project seems like it's something a little more unique. The opening of this trailer is representative of why it's such an evocative piece of marketing material simply because of its plain, white, snow swept mountain ranges. It's not just  a canvas that is waiting for you to give it some kind of meaning. There are no words, no guide about what we're seeing as you focus on the hills that look like ribs jutting up from the ground. This something more than what it appears to be and you can sense it. All the unwashed hippies in the audience ought to be crying at this point at the beauty of it all. Smash cut, we're now on the shore of some lush wilderness. We get close to a tree as the jangling of a guitar slips in and envelopes you in some nature photography that is certainly unlike anything I've ever seen on the Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom. I can't exactly put my finger on it but this is a different kind of nature documentary. It seems hipper in a way, with a modern sensibility. And that seems to be the case when the narrator drops in. Literally, a voice of God simply lays it out simply and effectively about why we're here, what we're looking at. That's it about Canadian parks is one thing but when the information scrolls by and tells us that it and it is going to utilize 13 filmmakers and 39 musicians to essentially guide us through this walk through nature my curiosity is even more piqued. What strikes me as I watch this is that it's like something we would expect to come from authors if this was the 19th centuries; writers who looked at nature not as a utilitarian source of power but of an entity endowed with an inherent beauty, as something to be celebrated. This is the 21st answer to Henry David Thoreau or Emerson and it simply looks like it's a movie where you hunker down and let it wash over you. The Elephant In The Living Room Trailer This obviously goes beyond people who own some ferrets. Director Michael Webber has done something genuinely novel here while also creating a trailer that is both ambitious and tense. What grabs you immediately is that even before we know this is a story about people who keep really dangerous pets we get the 911 call and the police officer who fields them. We're not really sure what this is all about, it sounds a little goofy honestly and it does appear to be humorous, but that smile is turned upside down once we hear from this cop who looks deadly serious about his role in playing the part of exotic pet wrangler. He's not so much afraid as he is worried about the possibilities of what could happen. We get quotes from /Film's own David Chen and Michael Moore (always good company to be in) and it's about as an explosive, riveting opening as you're going to get for a documentary all this year. I, honestly, loved how well it pulls you in with not only the kudos, its editing, its pacing, and the ability to emotionally tug at you that all the rest is gravy. Gravy being the one thing that sustains the goodness of this thing because it is flat out enthralling. We get crazies of all kinds and that's just glorious. There's some guy who looks like the wizened, slouchy brother of Captain Lou Albano who is *really* into his lion, some dude who wants to talk about the dangers of legislating controls on the ownership of these beasts, and opinions that straddle the grey lines in-between. I love that we get a shot of some jamoke who is casually and nonchalantly hanging out with his mountain lion in his living room as the scene we get directly following this is of a police officer pumping his shotgun as he slowly walks into some tall scrub. This film shot up to the top of my most wanted list of documentaries based on the strength of the trailer as not only does it make clear what the story is about it smartly stays out of the way for the thoughts that come out of it. The people are allowed to get their opinions out without judgement and without guidance from the filmmakers about how we should think about this. It's refreshing and exciting. Tracker Trailer I honestly wish Australia could have been a good film. To that point, I would have loved to have had a compelling story to go along with the lush landscapes and places we were taken in that movie. Alas, what we got was painfully unwatchable pap that went nowhere quite fast and labored like a sick dog all the way to the end. It's interesting, then, that director Ian Sharp, who hasn't directed anything of note since 2002's blockbuster Mrs Caldicot's Cabbage War, might be able to bring some of what Australia could have been to the screen. And, yes, I realize that New Zealand is a wholly independent continent but it's a pretty close facsimile. The trailer is quite precise as it establishes what is happening in the film and that it seems to focus on the relationship between Ray Winstone and Temuera Morrison. It's that focus on the duality of these men that really appeals to me. The first half of the trailer sets up things solidly with not only establishing the persona non grata status of Winstone but explains why Morrison is on the run from Johnny Law. Instead of a good guy/bad guy demarcation there is a whole lot of gray to for both parties as the manhunt is on. As the trailer goes into its back nine, the physical landscape provides a great postcard for anyone looking to be ensconced in a world that seems to be punctuated with sound stage set-ups. The "out in the open" quality of key moments in this story are not only well presented here but have really been appealing to me as of late after seeing how the Coen's used physical landscape in True Grit. There could be some meat on this script if it can be more than just a movie about inequality and Winstone's journey to be accepted in a culture that seems to not want him around. From the looks of it there are some exciting set pieces and interesting directorial choices. It's been a while since I've caught Winstone in something reaching the epic proportions of The Departed and while I didn't get it with 44 Inch Chest there is the distinct possibility this could be something close. Bloodrape Trailer The last time I checked in [3] with this film, I was pretty much blown away by its ferocity. Well, Tucker Bennett, Taeer Maymon, and Zach Shipko are back to melt whatever was left of your face off in a trailer I simply love for reasons that I cannot justify in any coherent, factual way. By all accounts I should be annoyed by the construction of it. The sound is just pounding through the speakers, the visuals are more methed up than a junkie who just found a c-note in the street, there is no direction to it whatsoever, or any clear vision of what they're trying to "sell", but it's the rawness of it all that's so alluring. There isn't any way to talk about this trailer in a manner that breaks down the core components of what makes this a trailer worth mentioning only because you can't watch this and not feel this is either one of the most fascinating things you'll see all week (make note: I'm not saying great, I'm just stating "fascinating") or something that you are completely repulsed by. I happen to fall in the former camp as this isn't just a slapdash trailer that's put together with some snot and invisible tape, you genuinely have a focused piece of performance art that not only is giving you bits of this film's content but it's got an independent style that eschews most everything you would consider necessary to get you interested in a film you've never heard of. I have no doubt some of you will think this is the most obnoxious, attention whore-ing piece of trash you've come across but I would counter that the minds behind this have a clear voice and don't care about anyone else thinks. That indifference isn't punk so much as it is having a vision of what you want and just shoving it out there for everyone to see. From the vampire orgy, the feasting that's being done on humans with blood that seems more pink than red, the music that is damn near bleeding through your speakers, the editing that seems unable to focus on anything for more than mere milliseconds, and the last fifteen seconds that is out to melt what's left of your cerebral cortex with its distorted volume and disjointed narrative that offers no help in deciphering what in the hell is going here, it's all wonderful. I embrace the work for what it is and respect the insane vibe of it all. Elephant White Trailer Um. Ok. While everyone is in white hot anticipation for Kevin Bacon in X-Men: First Class maybe seeing Bacon plying his trade at trying out a British accent would be of interest. I'm not sure what's worse, his attempt or the premise of this film. Chocolate, Ong-bak, The Protector, all films that director Prachya Pinkaew ought to be really proud of but this is just amazing in its average-ness. It's not enough to say we've seen this before in films like Taken or Man on Fire because that would be generous to those films. This is a wholesale, played out, construction that starts off so modestly that you wonder whether this was conceived with the idea of this movie never making it to a large screen; instead, this direct-to-DVD film would probably best be deployed as freebies to those buying a Previously Viewed film at a closing Blockbuster. That, or Antonio Sabato Jr.'s latest. The trailer just doesn't inspire to be anything, really. Of course it possesses the rudimentary elements to be classified as a story, some guy is on the hunt for a girl who may have been kidnapped and is in the sex trade, but as the story is unraveled all we get is gold and red lit scenes where people are acting like this is an action blockbuster that's much too hot to be contained but it's clunkier than an AMC Pacer. There's some pretty bad choreographed fighting, uninspiring heaps of strained dialogue from both Bacon and Djimon, and pathetic running-through-crowded-streets moments that don't even manage to top the gold standard set by Bloodsport. Oh, and there's elephants. A few times. For whatever that's worth to you. For me, it just means disappointment. Operation Belvis Bash Trailer Never before has a trailer felt like having to watch Shoah without ever getting up to pee than this did. I think this will make a lot more sense if I simply let the press release I received on Monday morning set things up: George Bush’s backyard was the backdrop for what turned out to be an unexpected ending to an exciting evening for actor/singer Corey Feldman.  Feldman’s latest film, Operation Belvis Bash premiered on May 1, in Houston,TX, and is the story of a special military operation whose goal is to assassinate Osama Bin Laden.  Just a few minutes after seeing what audiences thought was a purely fictional assassination of the world’s most hated terrorist, they exited the theater to learn that it had happened in real life. “It’s absolutely unbelievable,” commented Feldman.  “I was in New York on September 11, 2001, with Michael Jackson, and then, nearly ten years later, I walk out of the premiere of my latest film, which I had postponed to be able to attend Corey Haim’s Decisions premiere and memorial, to learn that Osama Bin Laden had been killed by a special operation, just like in the film we’d just screened. The timing is simply unbelievable, and whether life imitates art, or art imitates life, now is a time for all Americans to express their gratitude to the brave men and women who serve our country and helped make this happen.” What's here, though, is awful. I watched this with the kind of fascination that a baby gives to someone speaking to them: I don't know what's going on, I don't believe what I'm seeing, and I can't understand why anyone pumped dollar one into a story that seems to be thinner than a stick of gum. Apart from the Soup Nazi, the Iron Sheik, Daniel Baldwin, that guy from the Twisted Sister video, and Corey Feldman in a role that is too bizarre for even me to describe, I am unsure of who anyone is or what it is I'm supposed to be buying into as this film's premise. It's uneven, choppy, and doesn't sell me at all on what a lot of people sunk their time and money into in order to make this. I was amazed by the press release and I'm even more amazed by this trailer. Note bene: If you have any suggestions of trailers to possibly be included in this column, even have a trailer of your own to pitch, please let me know by sending me a note at Christopher_Stipp@yahoo.com In case you missed them, here are the other trailers we covered at /Film this week: Intruders Trailer [4] - Bravo. In fifty seconds this teaser is able to actually tease a story, not give anything away, while managing to give a sense of the time and place we're in. Page One: Inside The New York Times Trailer [5] - I am such a fan of movies like this and this trailer infuses just enough drama and excitement to get any layperson charged up about wanting to see a documentary about a newspaper. The Ledge Trailer [6] - This plays a little weak. The premise isn't novel so much as it is overwhelmingly silly. I just couldn't shake the feeling this isn't a very entertaining film as it is overacted. Buck Trailer [7] - Living in the southwest I am bombarded by horses and horse related issues on a daily basis but I've never really cared about these beasts until I saw this trailer. I found myself riveted by the premise and who we'll be following on this journey. Hell On Wheels Trailer [8] - I'm unmoved one way or the other by this trailer. The show seems interesting but the attempts at giving me some money shots or reasons to tune in just aren't there. Green Lantern Trailer #2 [9] - This trailer seems to take the best parts of the teaser and the first trailer and, bravo, this actually works for me. Martha Marcy May Marlene Trailer [10] - This trailer got under my psyche and did not relent. It's such a great mix of mysteriousness and evil that I can't help but wonder how soon I can see it. Colombiana Trailer [11] - I would apologize for liking this but I'm in a sweet tooth mood right now and this looks like just what I need: by the numbers, fun, hollow, escapism. The Trip Trailer [12] - We've all heard this musical cue before but it works for me. The tempo is great and so is the trailer. I'm enthralled with the idea of seeing Coogan just be himself again. For my money, it doesn't get much better. [1] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-Qeee8D2Ro [2] http://twitchfilm.com/news/2011/04/if-you-are-dirty-the-legend-of-the-mighty-soap-will-clean-you.php [3] http://www.slashfilm.com/this-week-in-trailers-trigger-night-of-the-demons-bloodrape-idiots-and-angels-picture-me/ [4] http://www.slashfilm.com/intruders-teaser-trailer-clive-owen-has-a-demon-problem/ [5] http://www.slashfilm.com/page-one-inside-the-new-york-times-trailer/ [6] http://www.slashfilm.com/ledge-trailer-charlie-hunnam-problems/ [7] http://www.slashfilm.com/buck-trailer-life-reallife-horse-human-whisperer/ [8] http://www.slashfilm.com/hell-wheels-trailer-amc-western/ [9] http://www.slashfilm.com/green-lantern-trailer-2/ [10] http://www.slashfilm.com/martha-marcy-may-marlene-trailer/ [11] http://www.slashfilm.com/columbiana-trailer/ [12] http://www.slashfilm.com/the-trip-trailer/

• Young Ethiopian shakes off Kenyan Eliud Kipchoge
• Wins for Allyson Felix and Teddy Tamgho

A flurry of world leading times made up for the absence of star names at the first Diamond League event of the season in Doha.

The two-times world champion Allyson Felix of the USA, in the 400m, and France's Teddy Tamgho, in the triple jump, both won their events comfortably.

But arguably the standout performance of the evening came from the 20-year-old Yenew Alamirew in the 3,000m. The Ethiopian was hailed the future of middle distance running after he took the indoor circuit by storm this year, and he did not disappoint here. In the stands the Ethiopian contingent – waving flags, with faces painted red, green and gold – went crazy as Alamirew shook off competition from Eliud Kipchoge of Kenya to win in a new personal best of 7min 27.26sec, ranking him inside the top 10 all-time fastest men over the distance.

Felix, who has not announced whether she plans to double up in the 400m and 200m in the London Olympic Games in 2012, ran an impressive one-lap race in 50.33sec, the fastest time in the world this year. But Amantle Montsho of Botswana did not allow her an easy ride, pushing her all the way to the final straight.

Tamgho, last year's world No1, won the triple jump with his second attempt of 17.49m, although he looked disappointed not to have gone further in his opening competition. Sporting one white spike and one black, the stylish Frenchman executed a huge margin of victory over Leevan Sands of the Bahamas, who could manage no more than 17.09m.

Scalps were taken from many of the established names who did turn up – the former world champion Bershawn Jackson of the USA finished third in the 400m hurdles, blown away by the South African duo of Louis van Zyl and Cornel Fredericks.

The two-times world indoor champion Lolo Jones finished third in the 100m hurdles. In an almost exclusively American field, Jones was beaten by her compatriot Kellie Wells, who won in 12.58sec, an equal personal best and fastest time in the world this year. Jones admitted before the race that she was struggling with the nerve problem that had curtailed her indoor season.

In the absence of the world record holder, David Rudisha, the men's 800m race lacked sparkle. The Kenyan withdrew because of an injury problem but is expected to compete in Rome this month. In his place compatriot Asbel Kiprop, the 1500m Olympic champion, took the victory although Britain's Michael Rimmer proved a strong contender, fading at the end of the race to take second place.

Entering The Room

Harley-Davidson. Twinkies. Michael Jackson. Some things are so uniquely American they practically ooze stars and stripes, no matter how far across the borders they stray.

Another all-American tradition – right up there with Miller-in-a-can and Wheel of Fortune – has got to be Bad Movie Night: the deliberate screening of movies so awful they make the viewer scream tears of laughter, or sit in horrified silence, too traumatized by dubious production values or script incoherence to muster the strength to tear their eyes away.<!--break-->

The compulsion to celebrate these cinematic misfits holds a singular place in our national consciousness. They even feed our civic pride: what may be California’s best-loved cult flick of the decade The Room is set right here in San Francisco, with plenty of slo-motion shots of the Golden Gate Bridge to prove it

“I’ve seen this movie 25 times now,” confessed Red Vic employee-owner Sam Sharkey during his introduction, a slightly desperate gleam in his eye. As the opening credits rolled over some stock-style footage of the sun sparkling on the bay, the Palace of Fine Arts, and the California Street cable car, the oddience immediately set phasers to “heckle”. When the credit for director of photography, Todd Barron, flashed on the screen they shouted as one “Fuck you, Todd!” When the door to a non-descript, upscale apartment swings open and “Johnny” (Tommy Wiseau) walked into his living room, the theater erupted into an ecstatic cheer.

“Hi babe,” he responded as if on cue, though of course he was really speaking to his co-star Juliette Danielle, cast in the unenviable role of Tommy’s whiny girlfriend, Lisa.

None of the characters are particularly sympathetic, which perversely is part of what makes the flick such a guilty pleasure. It’s simply impossible to feel bad for these jerks, even if they are trapped in a movie world they didn’t create. Besides Tommy, who appears perpetually zonked on airplane glue and speaks with an outrageous accent of indeterminable origin, and Lisa, who appears to be about 30 years younger and only living with him because, as her acerbic mother (Carolyn Minnott) points out, she can’t support herself, there’s his best friend Mark (Greg Sistero), a preternaturally handsome youth who allows Lisa to seduce him, Denny (Philip Haldiman), a socially-inept teenager who manages to almost get shot in a nefarious drug deal gone awry, and random friends who drop by to have sex on Tommy’s Ikea-issue living room sofa.

For aficionados of cult films such as The Rocky Horror Picture Show and events such as Midnight Mass with Peaches Christ, a screening of The Room will seem familiar. Scripted cat-calls, impromptu sound effects, the tossing of footballs and, more importantly, spoons don’t deviate overmuch from the generally accepted cult movie experience.

But for San Franciscans, The Room provides more than just an outlet for poking fun at a film, it’s a way for us to poke fun at ourselves. Though filmed mostly in LA, the random shots of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Marina, and Alcatraz conspire to remind the viewer that the movie is partly a love letter, albeit sloppily written, to San Francisco. A city which embraces even its most incongruous misfits.

“If a lot of people loved each other,” Tommy as Johnny perseveres, despite all evidence to the contrary, “the world would be a better place to live.” We are all Tommy Wiseau now.

 

The Room screens monthly at The Red Vic Movie House

 

indieWIRE Recaps is a daily column that curates indie news and stories from around the film world. If you’d like to suggest an article, you can find us at editors@indiewire.com A post-9/11 road trip with Liz Taylor, Michael Jackson and Marlon Brando Elizabeth Taylor, Michael Jackson and Marlon Brando reportedly fled New York City together by car in a cross-country road trip following the 9/11 attacks. A Vanity Fair interview ...

by Radar Staff

Take a look at Radar Online’s weekly countdown, The POP TEN: From the church pews to the beach sand, we've got all the best in the week that was in pop culture.

Lorenzo Lamas and Shawna Craig got married in Casa Dorada Resort in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

PHOTOS: Couples We’d Like To See!

The newest extended members of the royal clan, Carole Middleton, James Middleton, Michael Middleton and Pippa Middleton, left the Goring Hotel in London.

Nicole Richie showed off  her bikini body poolside in Miami, Florida.

PHOTOS: Topless Bikini Babes

B-list actress and Playboy pinup Yvette Vickers was found mummified in her Los Angeles home.

Jennifer Lopez arrived  at the Grove for the release party of her new album 'Love' in Los Angeles.

PHOTOS: Stars Without Make-up

The Metropolitan Museum of Art's yearly Costume Institute Gala is one of the most style-savvy events of the year in NYC, and we’ve got the best and worst from this year’s fashion-fest. 

Mad Men star January Jones was spotted at the Laker/Mavericks game in Los Angeles, sporting her growing baby bump.

PHOTOS: Stars Who Look Like Other Stars

Justin Bieber performed his 'My World' Tour for a crowd at Acer Arena in Sydney, Australia.

Lindsay Lohan attended an orientation session for her upcoming community service at the Women's Center in Downtown Los Angeles.

The same week her boyfriend George Clooney turned 50, Italian beauty Elisabetta Canalis stripped down for an ad for Peta in the buff.

PHOTOS: The Name Game - Celebs Who've Changed Their Names

And the week’s top in pop was ...

Americans celebrated the capture and killing of terrorist Osama bin Laden at landmarks like the White House and Ground Zero.

RELATED STORIES:

Lady Gaga To Mentor American Idol's Final Four

VIDEO: Katherine Jackson: Michael Being A Molester Is 'The Biggest Lie Ever Been Told'

Hello Sexy! Reese Witherspoon Steams Up London Premiere

From left are senior Glenn Davis, The Howe School; Tammy Jackson, director of operations; Mack Grobis, volunteer tech; Dillon Brower, volunteer tech; Michael Reed, technology teacher at The Howe School; Colton Strawser, executive director; and senior Christopher Hoffecker, The Howe School.

This is not another FAQ, but I do want to let you in on a few things:

1. I have no idea when the next version of Windows will ship.  Other than two press releases from January 2011 - http://www.microsoft.com/Presspass/Features/2011/jan11/01-05SinofskySOC.mspx and http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2011/jan11/01-05SOCsupport.mspx - Microsoft has not made any public announcements about features or release dates.  Windows 7 is not yet two years old (official GA date - October 22, 2009) and customers are still migrating from Windows XP.  I don't care what you may have heard, read in the press, or how many websites you visit that purport to provide "Windows 8" info, the fact remains that if it's not on our public website - http://www.microsoft.com - IT IS JUST SPECULATION.  I will go ahead and let you know now that I don't have any info on the next versions of Windows Server, Office, SharePoint or Exchange - please don't ask me or anyone else at Microsoft to even take a guess.  Trust me, when info becomes available, there will be an official announcement,  it will be all over our website and Microsoft employees won't shut up about it.
2. Microsoft does not comment on rumors or speculation - unless we have PUBLICLY AVAILABLE info to back up what we say.  When a Microsoft employee tells you that they have no info to share about a particular topic or product, please believe them.  As a salesperson, I want you buy and use everything we sell.  That being said, all Microsoft employees risk getting fired if we disclose confidential information or provide info that can't be supported.  I make a lot of money and I'm not trying to lose my job.  Who would pay for my shoes?
3. Should you buy and deploy the current versions of our products or wait until the next version ships?  Buy now with Software Assurance, always buy now ;-)
4. Hyper-V is an enterprise class, virtualization solution.  If you don't believe me, ask Target.
5. Michael Jackson is the greatest entertainer that ever lived.

Happy Mother's Day!

Michael Jackson gave a concert the day before the terrorist attacks in NYC on September 11, 2001 and brought two of his closest friends -- Elizabeth Taylor and Marlon Brando. After the attacks, the trio, who could not get...

Many have stated that you can't possibly look at a draft for three years to really get a good grasp on what happened so lets go back three years to the 2009 NFL draft and look at that class.

The first round, the first ten picks.

2009

Round 1

1. 1 Matthew Stafford Lions QB Georgia
Huge talent but contanstly injured. If he can stay healthy he would rate the top pick and make the Lions a legit contender. Still up in the air due to injuries.

2. 2 Jason Smith Rams T Baylor
Seems to have disapeared from radar. Someone can fill me in on how Smith has done. Last I heard I think he was moved to RT and that isn't good if true.

3. 3 Tyson Jackson Chiefs DE Louisiana State
Another one I have lost track of.

4. 4 Aaron Curry Seahawks LB Wake Forest
Just not as impactful as you would expect from a top-four LBer. He tested off the charts but he hasn't fufilled his draft status.

5. 5 Mark Sanchez Jets QB USC
He's done OK, not great. He was very young and immature coming into the league. The hot-dog incident, the booger incident, the photo shoot on the beach, but he has steered playoff teams so far he's on track to continue to grow and mature.

6. 6 Andre Smith Bengals T Alabama
Another OT who seems to have vanished.

7. 7 Darrius Heyward-Bey Raiders WR Maryland
Ewww.

8. 8 Eugene Monroe Jaguars T Virginia
Monroe has started but I'm not sure if it was him or their second round pick who has done better but at least they are getting starts from this pick.

9. 9 B.J. Raji Packers DT Boston College
It took him a year but he really has come on strong.

10. 10 Michael Crabtree 49ers WR Texas Tech
The diva sticker has stuck but he's been really good.

-----
Take a look and comment on those to-ten picks and we'll continue just to the second round, not all seven rounds so we can begin to see just how few of these picks truly make an impact.

- Next ten picks coming -

But Jacob Lusk no longer is, after pulling double duty for 'Then and Now' week.
By Jim Cantiello

Jacob Lusk on Thursday's "American Idol"
Photo: Michael Becker / FOX

This week, the top five on "American Idol" were ... [Clip: Randy Jackson shouts, "IN IT TO WIN IT!"] Actually, no, I was going to say "working a double shift," considering they had to sing one recent hit and a song from the '60s, which apparently is a decade made up only of ballads! Without further clich#233;-slinging, here's the rest of this week's "American Idol" in 60 Seconds script:

Sheryl Crow stopped by to ... What was she doing there again?

[Clips of Sheryl Crow singing every chance she got.]

Oh, Sheryl, if you're trying to audition, you want to be at "X Factor." [Whispers] They don't have an age limit there.

So basically, all the boys were ... [Clip: Randy Jackson shouts, "IN IT TO WIN IT!"] Actually, no, I was going to say "pitchy nightmares," filled with crazy faces [Scotty], armpits [James], tears [more James] and eleganza [Jacob]!

But the judges only sharpened their knives for Haley, who clawed her way back from an unfair first judging to deliver a show-stopping "House of the Rising Sun." But don't let those standing ovations fool you, girl. Trust no one. Fight the real enemy!

[Jim rips up a picture of executive producer Nigel Lythgoe à la Sinead O' Connor and the Pope on "SNL."]

On Thursday night's results show, they sold a book no one's reading [Steven Tyler's memoir], an album no one's buying [J. Lo's Love?] and a website nobody uses. [Show footage from the "Idol"/Bing commercial.]

And then they were ... [Clip: Randy Jackson shouts, "IN IT TO WIN IT!"]

STOP IT!

Then they visited "Hell's Kitchen" to prove that Lauren's good at everything and Jacob doesn't know what a wiener tastes like. Puh-leaze.

[Singing to the tune of Lady Antebellum's "Need You Now," as footage of Lady Antebellum's "Idol" performance plays.] It's a quarter after 8, results are coming late, and your song isn't as good as your other one.

And results!

Group one, group two, Scotty blah blah blah, meltdown! [Show Lauren's perfect tear rolling down her cheek.]

[Clip: "The person leaving us tonight is Jacob." Jim gazes into a hand mirror. He is wistful and reflective ]

America, YOU are in it to win it.

DING!

Don't miss "Idol Party Live" every Thursday at noon on MTV.com for analysis, celebrity guests and even some karaoke — get in the conversation by tweeting with the hashtag #idolparty! In the meantime, get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.

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Filed under: Theater

Following its 2010 Broadway run last December, the critically-acclaimed musical 'The Scottsboro Boys' has been scheduled for additional bookings beginning later this month.

Yesterday it was announced that the award-winning show will resume its production from April 22-June 3 during this year's annual The Old Globe series in San Diego, followed by a stint at the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco, June 19-July 15.

The California dates also follow this week's news of the John Kander and Fred Ebb musical landing12 Tony Award-nominations.

Critical acclaim leads to a longer run for the LORT (League of Resident Theaters) production, which producers hope reach across other venues.

Producer Barry Weissler told Playbill: "We're finding a way to connect the LORT theaters. Hopefully, we'll be able to work our way across the country," adding that discussions with resident not-for-profit theaters in Seattle, Chicago and Boston are ongoing.

The play is based on the 1930s legal case where nine black men in Alabama were wrongly accused of raping two white women. It won the Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Musical and the Outer Critics Circle Award when it originated off-Broadway in February 2010.

As previously reported, talks are also brewing about bringing the controversial play to the silver screen, with Academy Award-nominated director Lee Daniels possibly attached.

 

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Carl Van Baelen The tale of three superstars Three entertainment legends on a road trip. It may sound very unlikely, yet right after the news of the 9/11 attacks spread, Michael Jackson, Marlon Brando, and Elizabeth Taylor allegedly fled New York in a rented car. read more

In the days after the 9/11 attacks, the trio of Liz Taylor, Marlon Brando, and Michael Jackson found themselves trapped in New York where they'd gone to see the latter's concert at Madison Square Garden on September 10th. Unable to procure a private jet home, the three rented a car and drove to Ohio in what has to be one of the strangest road trips in history. It's The Hangover meets a circa-1985 National Enquirer wet dream. More »

I'm honored to report that my new novel Blessed (Candlewick, 2011) is among the 25 titles nominated for YALSA's Teens' Top Ten! See annotated list (PDF).

From YALSA: "Teens' Top Ten is a 'teen choice' list, where teens nominate and choose their favorite books of the previous year!

"Nominators are members of teen book groups in sixteen school and public libraries around the country. Nominations are posted on Support Teen Literature Day during National Library Week, and teens across the country vote on their favorite titles each year.

"Readers ages twelve to eighteen will vote online between Aug. 22 and Sept. 16; the winners will be announced during Teen Read Week."

• Bachorz, Pam. Drought (Egmont USA)
• Beam, Cris. I Am J (Little, Brown)
• Beaudoin, Sean. You Killed Wesley Payne (Little, Brown)
• Black, Holly and Justine Larbalestier. Zombies vs. Unicorns (McElderry)
• Card, Orson Scott. The Lost Gate (Tor)
• Clare, Cassandra. The Clockwork Angel (McElderry)
• Collins, Suzanne. Mockingjay (Scholastic)
• Collins, Yvonne. Love, Inc. (Hyperion)
• Condie, Ally. Matched (Dutton)
• Cremer, Andrea. Nightshade (Philomel)
• Fitzpatrick, Becca. Crescendo (Simon & Schuster)
• Grant, Michael. Lies (HarperCollins/Katherine Tegen Books)
• Hawkins, Rachel. Demonglass (Hyperion)
• Hakwins, Rachel. Hex Hall (Hyperion)
• Kagawa, Julie. The Iron King (Harlequin)
• Lore, Pittacus. I Am Number Four (HarperCollins)
• Moore, Peter. Red Moon Rising (Hyperion)
• Nelson, Jandy. The Sky is Everywhere (Dial)
• Oliver, Lauren. Before I Fall (HarperTeen)
• O’Neal, Ellis. The False Princess (Egmont USA)
• Patterson, James. Angel: A Maximum Ride Novel (Little, Brown)
• Pearce, Jackson. Sisters Red (Little, Brown)
• Smith, Cynthia Leitich. Blessed (Candlewick)
• Westerfeld, Scott. Behemoth (Simon Pulse)
• White, Kiersten. Paranormalcy (HarperTeen)

Cynsational Notes

Check out the readers guide and book trailer for Blessed!

• Randy Galloway of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram: "For wisdom, maturity and leadership, our new basketball hero is... Dirk? Rick? No. Mark Cuban, you the man. The man who went to LA for four days, was the center of Southern California media attention, particularly since the Dodgers need a new owner, and basically zipped it for his entire stay out there. Didn't say spit. The only way we knew Cuban was still alive was when the TNT cameras picked up a big smile that kept popping up behind the Dallas Mavericks' bench at the Staples Center. I'm wordless over this development, being someone who spent the last decade telling Mark to shut up. He finally did, and improbable stuff has happened to his Mavs. Never thought I'd say this: Everyone needs to now take a behavioral cue from Cuban. Lay low. What you say now can be used against you later. Let Dirk handle it. Let Rick handle it. And even Little J.J. ... Mr. Cuban, what has gotten into you? 'Lot of work still to do,' was his brief and to-the-point e-mail answer on Thursday. Wisdom, maturity and leadership prevails. And I thought 2-0 was a shocker."
• Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times: "About two weeks ago, Derek Fisher gathered together his teammates and told them to look around the room. He warned all the Lakers that if they don't reach their goal of winning a third consecutive NBA championship, next season the faces on the team could look quite different. Fisher pointed out that the possibility of the Lakers' management making changes was realistic because it happened to him during his first tour with the Lakers. 'We discussed that buttons will be pushed,' Fisher said after practice Thursday. 'That's the reality, and it's business with this team. You have to understand it and appreciate it for what it is. I think guys understand it.' The Lakers began the season as the favorites to win the title, but their hopes are fading because of the 0-2 deficit they face against the Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference semifinals. Games 3 and 4 are in Dallas this weekend. It's already a given that Lakers Coach Phil Jackson will retire after the season."
• Kevin Ding of The Orange County Register: "For a Lakers team that truly needs everyone to come together now, here was the start. Kobe Bryant strapped it up and actually practiced with the team Thursday. There was no heavy scrimmaging, but there was a lot of work to do -- a lot of teamwork -- in defending Dallas' spread offense, especially. It was Bryant's first practice since his April 15 cameo two days before the playoffs even started, and every Laker reported afterward Thursday what a productive session this was. Then again, if you were out there sweating through practice every day for the past seven months and the league's glamour boy and game-ball dominator wasn't, you'd probably think this is more like it should be, too. In any case, there was a noticeable good vibration about the team as it came off the practice court Thursday, far different from the stink that emanated from them on the Staples Center court just hours before Wednesday night. It was like your dad who is too busy working on his own big deals stopping to take the time not just to help with your homework, but really sharing the experience. By being on the court learning with them instead of lording over them, Bryant was better able to convey to his teammates his personal lack of panic, his trust that they together should stay confident about their capabilities and their corrections."
• Herb Gould of the Chicago Sun-Times: "The controversy about whether forward Carlos Boozer should be given a diminished role in light of his diminished offense might be raging to outsiders. But there’s no debate within the Bulls’ camp. 'He’s nicked up,’ coach Tom Thibodeau said Thursday at the Berto Center. 'He’s giving us everything he has, and that’s all we’re asking him to do. The rebounding hasn’t dropped off at all. He’ll score. He’s scored his whole career.’ After struggling on offense in front of a United Center crowd that turned on him Wednesday, the veteran admitted the turf-toe injury to his right big toe was hampering him. Taj Gibson, who started last season before yielding when Boozer was signed, said he’s not expecting an increased role in light of Boozer’s injury -- and that’s fine with him. 'Thibs knows what he’s doing,’ Gibson said. 'Whatever minutes he gives me, I’m going to go out there and do my job. Carlos has been doing a phenomenal job. ... He’s playing through an injury. People have to recognize that.’ "
• Lacy J. Banks of the Chicago Sun-Times: "With his great energy and athleticism, Joakim Noah strikes me defensively as a poor man’s Dennis Rodman without the freak-show antics. Offensively, it’s no contest. Despite his ugly shooting style, especially from the free-throw line, Noah is a better shooter than Hall of Famer Rodman, who won seven consecutive NBA rebounding titles and helped the Bulls win their last three championships. 'Rodman was my hero when I was growing up,' Noah said. 'He was one of the greatest rebounders ever. I liked the way he played with passion, got into his opponents’ heads and entertained the crowd. I draw a lot of inspiration from him.' Rodman made rebounding sound simple. 'There’s nothing complex or scientific about rebounding,' he once told me. 'You’ve just got to want it more than the other guy. I look at each missed shot as my rebound. So I jump with the intention of keeping anybody else from taking away what’s mine. Rebounding is more will than skill.' ... As for Noah’s competitiveness, it is first-rate. He takes on all comers. How could we expect any less from a guy who even talked a little trash with President Obama last summer when they played in a pickup game Obama scheduled to entertain some injured troops? 'One time he went up and scored on me,' Noah said. 'I told him, ‘You know, you’re lucky you’re the president because I could have blocked your shot.’ But he said, ‘If you would have gone for the block, I would have pulled a reverse move on you.’ I liked that. The president even talks trash. He’s a cool dude. He’s a man of the people.' So is Noah. Just ask Bulls fans."
• Ken Sugiura of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution: "At the Hawks’ Thursday practice and video session, rebounding was not the only item on the agenda. Shot selection, winning 50-50 balls and response to the Bulls’ aggressive double teaming of Johnson and Jamal Crawford were others. 'We worked [Thursday] to adjust to that,' Crawford said, speaking of the double teams. 'If we get in the right spots, we can take advantage of what they’re doing.' The Hawks successfully walked this road in the first round. The Orlando Magic were second only to the Bulls in rebounding margin in the regular season — the Hawks were 22nd — but the Hawks thwarted center Dwight Howard with a diet of Collins and Zaza Pachulia. In their Game 1 win in Chicago, the Hawks’ hot shooting served to limit rebounding chances for the Bulls. On Thursday, Hawks coach Larry Drew said the coaching staff considered returning Collins or Pachulia to the starting lineup to add bulk, but sounded committed to keeping Horford at center. That leaves the Hawks to try to match Chicago’s activity on the backboards and keep bodies on Noah and Boozer. Either that or don’t miss any shots."
• Dan Le Batard of The Miami Herald: "The Celtics can’t let Miami’s youth get in the open court. The advantage is too obvious and overwhelming there. Boston’s age not only gets beat but shamed there, as Allen trips and Garnett gets twisted and even Boston’s only young starter (Rajon Rondo) has to flop and fake to avoid a spinning tornado of LeBron. Boston will allow Bosh to have all the defensive rebounds in its zeal to get back after misses, to get a head start, an obvious-to-the-eye, white-flag concession that age can’t keep up in that part of the game. So the Celtics will keep trying to drag the fight into the half-court mud, trying with all the experience and will and pride they have to ward off so many opponents at once: They aren’t merely trying to slow down the Miami Heat or the Miami Heat’s speed. They are trying to slow down their own aging and decline. They are, impossible as this is, trying to slow down time."
• Shandel Richardson of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel: "Chris Bosh was introduced as a member of the Big Three when he and James signed with the Heat last July, joining Wade. That lasted a few months before it was evident Bosh didn't belong in the club, on and off the court. It started when James and Wade began conducting interviews together after practices and games while Bosh spoke alone. It was never a show of disrespect toward Bosh, but a way for James and Wade to display the friendship they had built over the years. For Bosh, it was an easier way to distinguish his preference of standing alone. 'With me, I've always just been different,' Bosh said. 'I've never tried to fit in. I'm one of the fellas, great. I get along with everybody, great. But if I'm going to read my book, I'm going to read my book and this is what I'm doing.' "
• Julian Benbow of The Boston Globe: "The Celtics are down, two games to none, and searching for answers against a team that’s as fast and strong as it is skilled. There will be frustrations in such a situation, but getting through the fiery moments quickly and staying on the same page is critical. 'Emotional hijacks, you can’t have them,’ said Doc Rivers. 'And they happen. When they happen, they always happen when you’re down or you’re in the heat of battle. They happen because it’s an emotional game, but once you let it get to a point where it’s hijacking the team, that’s never good.’ To an extent, conflict is a part of the Celtics’ DNA. They’ve bickered over defensive assignments, disagreed over play calls and ball movement. They’ve argued over the strength of earthquakes and the best backup point guards of the 2000s. 'If I had a tape recorder on me or a video camera on me over the time that I’ve been here, you would see a lot,’ Ray Allen said. 'I’ve always said about this team, we’ve argued and debated more than I’ve argued or debated in my whole NBA career. I’ve been on teams where you never communicated, you never argued about anything. This team, somebody will tell me I didn’t have pancakes for breakfast this morning and they didn’t even have breakfast with me.’ "
• Ronald Tillery of The Commercial-Appeal: "In all that surrounded Game 2, the Oklahoma City Thunder held a players-only meeting. It began1 at Kevin Durant's house and ended in the paint with the Thunder crowded around Grizzlies power forward Zach Randolph. Game 3 will be a test of how well Randolph and the Griz took notes. By their own admission, the Griz didn't handle the aggressive infiltration of their offense with the intelligence that's guided them to this point. Memphis watched film Thursday morning and the popcorn-less viewing only confirmed what the team already knew: Oklahoma City did nothing special. The Griz had poor spacing. They made bad decisions passing the basketball and settled for jump shots. 'They packed it in on us and clogged the lane, but we worked on our spacing and ball movement,' a stone-face Randolph said. 'We'll be prepared for Saturday.' Griz coach Lionel Hollins didn't use practice Thursday to browbeat his troops. It was a refresher course mainly to remind the Griz that smart basketball will prevail.'
• John Rohde of The Oklahoman: "When Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti included a $6.5 million signing bonus with Nick Collison's four-year contract extension last November, the extra cash essentially was a reward for services rendered. This is the only franchise the 30-year-old Collison has ever known as a pro. Since being drafted 12th overall in 2003, the Kansas product has endured double-shoulder surgery his first season, franchise relocation from Seattle, four straight losing seasons, and all while busting his tail without making a peep. 'He embodies what we're trying to do,' Presti said of Collison. 'A lot of things we're always talking about, he's been that.' Collison is still rendering his services, particularly during this Western Conference semifinal against the Memphis Grizzlies, a best-of-7 playoff series that figures to be a shoving match until the final bell. The series stands 1-1, largely because Collison still works hard for his money. If not, the Thunder very easily could be trailing 2-0. ... At a salary of $13.25 million this season thanks to the signing bonus, Collison makes at least twice as much as every teammate except Nazr Mohammed ($6.88 million) and roughly $7.2 million more than Kevin Durant ($6.05 million). 'We really value him,' Durant said of Collison. 'He's a big part of our success. For us to keep getting better, Nick is going to have to be an important piece. He's playing well for us.' "
• Mike Wells of The Indianapolis Star: "Frank Vogel might want to be coach of the Indiana Pacers, but he's not waiting for an interview. Vogel interviewed for the Houston Rockets' coaching position Thursday, according to multiple people with knowledge of the situation. He is one of many people to show an interest in the job. The Rockets and Rick Adelman parted ways last month. Since then, former Atlanta Hawks coach Mike Woodson, who starred at Broad Ripple High School and Indiana University before an 11-year NBA career; Bucks assistant Kelvin Sampson, a former IU coach; former Nets coach Lawrence Frank, who was an IU student manager; Mario Elie, Kevin McHale and others have interviewed. Vogel and Rockets general manager Daryl Morey worked together with the Boston Celtics. Vogel said during his season-ending news conference last week that he would like to return as Pacers coach. Indiana's coaching situation likely won't be resolved until after team president Larry Bird and owner Herb Simon meet Tuesday to discuss Bird's future."
• Joe Davidson of The Sacramento Bee: "The idea of the Kings filing for relocation and actually heading south hit a nerve across the region. It brought out the best in panic-stricken fans and inspired an already determined Mayor Kevin Johnson, but it brought out the competitive worst in the local media. Every regional TV outlet and some radio stations proclaimed at one point to have an 'exclusive' interview or 'a source' with some stunning update. All of it was designed to make fans rush to tune in, but it often left viewers clamoring for substance rather than more wild speculation. TV folks forgot -- or simply ignored -- what 'exclusive' means: to have the only access to an interview subject. Yet the stations touted having 'exclusives' with the Maloofs on relocation filing day when the owners talked extensively to everyone -- print, radio, TV, Internet and news services. What's more, all local media and some national Internet news services drove the word 'sources' into the ground. Electronic media especially chose not to mention names or specifics. The source could have been your buddy at the bar, waving a foam Kings finger, for all we know."
• Michael Lee of The Washington Post: "John Wall hasn’t made a final decision about returning to Kentucky to take summer school courses, but his former coach, John Calipari, has already extended an invitation for the Wizards point guard to work out in Lexington if the league, as expected, has a lockout. 'I told him, if there is a lockout. You come back with us,' Calipari said. 'I said, ‘Use our building. We’ve got facilities here. Whatever you want, if you need to, if there is a lockout, stay here. Be here in the mornings.’ ' Wall finished out his studies after his only season at Kentucky and was a member of the Southeastern Conference freshman academic honor roll. Calipari added that if Wall were to re-enroll at Kentucky -- which one of Wall’s representatives, Dwon Clifton, said on Thursday was unlikely but 'still a possibility' -- he could practice with the Wildcats as well to stay in basketball shape."
• Don Walker of the Journal Sentinel: "The National Basketball Association is working to extend its reach in India, and it has chosen Milwaukee Bucks' guard Brandon Jennings to help make it happen. The NBA is expected to announce Thursday that Jennings will travel to India from May 13-18 to conduct a series of events to promote and grow the game in Mumbai and Pune. Jennings was chosen because of his youth and his experience playing internationally. Jennings, 21, played overseas in Italy before coming to the Bucks. 'Having played in Italy, I have seen firsthand how the sport is growing globally and I am excited to visit India with the NBA to help continue the growth of the game,' Jennings said. 'The NBA has the best basketball players from around the world and it is amazing to think that one of the kids I teach in India could one day play against me in the NBA.' Jennings will be part of the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Nationals Skills Challenge Finals on May 15 in Mumbai. The event is the culmination of the largest school-based initiative ever conducted by the NBA in India."
• Justin Rogers of Booth Newspapers: "When the NBA conducts its draft lottery on May 17th, the Detroit Pistons will be represented by their first-round selection from the previous draft, Greg Monroe. The Detroit Pistons enter the draft lottery with the exact same odds as last season, and although the ping pong balls didn't fall their way, many would say the organization was fortunate to land Monroe. Pistons vice president Scott Perry, who was the team representative at last year's lotter, agrees with that sentiment. 'The fact we remained at seven in the lottery process and were able to draft a guy we believe is going to be one of the cornerstones for your team,' Perry commented on the Pistons official website, 'now to have him go back there the following year, hopefully, his presence there will bring the same type of good fortune during this lottery.' "

The UFC released a video to promote the top matchups at UFC 130 today.  The fights covered are Frankie Edgar vs. Gray Maynard, Quinton Jackson vs. Matt Hamill, and Frank Mir vs. Roy Nelson.  It's definitely entertaining, though it's not going to tell you anything you don't already know.  Gray Maynard's comments are particularly interesting.

May 28th, live on Pay-per-view from Las Vegas, Nevada:
Main card:
Frankie Edgar (13-1-1) -130 vs. Gray Maynard (10-0-1) +130 [Lightweight title]

Quinton "Rampage" Jackson (31-8) -269 vs. Matt Hamill (10-2) +241

Frank Mir (14-5) -115 vs. Roy Nelson (15-5) +110

Stefan Struve (21-4) vs. Travis Browne (10-0-1)
 
Brian Stann (10-3) -117 vs. Jorge Santiago (23-8) +106

 

On Spike:
Thiago Alves (18-7) -195 vs. Rick Story (12-3) +180

Miguel Torres (39-3) vs. Demetrious Johnson (9-1)


Preliminary card:
Renan Barao (25-1) vs. Cole Escovedo (17-6)

Kendall Grove (12-8) vs. Tim Boetsch (12-4)

Chris Cariaso (11-2) vs. Michael McDonald (12-1)

Gleison Tibau (22-7) vs. Bart Palaszewski (35-14)

The new online platform founded by Makin Jan Ma collates donated artwork and garments from the creatives involved for the Japanese Red Cross

If Michael Jackson hoped to ‘heal the world’ by moonwalking, the Alliance of Independent Dreamers (aka A.I.D). is doing its share of mending via design. The East-London born collective project brings together by creators of all sorts, all determined to raise funds for a distraught Japan, one t-shirt at a time.

Founded by Chinese-born, Shoreditch-based designer Makin Jan Ma (but he prefers to be called MJM), A.I.D. consists of an online platform where one can purchase artworks and garments made and donated by the artists involved; the profits are then granted to the Japanese Red Cross Society. Involved are, among... article continues »
     
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Show keeps memory of king of pop Michael Jackson alive. -tabla!

UFC.com announced late this evening that TUF 12 contestant Cody McKenzie has unfortunately had to pull out of his fight with Bart Palaszewski (35-14) at UFC 130 in Las Vegas. UFC veteran Gleison Tibau (22-7) has verbally agreed to step in on roughly three weeks notice against Palaszewski on the card. 

Tibau most recently defeated Kurt Pellegrino by split decision at UFC 128 in March, to bring his UFC record to 8-5. Palaszewski is now faced with the task of adjusting to an opponent with a completely different style on short notice in his debut fight in the UFC. The longtime IFL and WEC veteran is coming off a close split-decision loss to Kamal Shalorus at the final WEC card back in December. Before that setback, he had won four in a row and was a contender for the WEC lightweight title. He will look to return to form against the massive Tibau on May 28th.

May 28th, live on Pay-per-view from Las Vegas, Nevada:
Main card:
Frankie Edgar (13-1-1) -130 vs. Gray Maynard (10-0-1) +130 [Lightweight title]

Quinton "Rampage" Jackson (31-8) -269 vs. Matt Hamill (10-2) +241

Frank Mir (14-5) -115 vs. Roy Nelson (15-5) +110

Stefan Struve (21-4) vs. Travis Browne (10-0-1)
 
Brian Stann (10-3) -117 vs. Jorge Santiago (23-8) +106

 

On Spike:
Thiago Alves (18-7) -195 vs. Rick Story (12-3) +180

Miguel Torres (39-3) vs. Demetrious Johnson (9-1)


Preliminary card:
Renan Barao (25-1) vs. Cole Escovedo (17-6)

Kendall Grove (12-8) vs. Tim Boetsch (12-4)

Chris Cariaso (11-2) vs. Michael McDonald (12-1)

Gleison Tibau (22-7) vs. Bart Palaszewski (35-14)

 

 

 

 

Vegas is known as the "Entertainment Capital of the World" but will it soon be home to one of the greatest American entertainers? Cirque du Soleil president Daniel Lamarre says that, "Mandalay Bay, is going to become the home of Michael Jackson in many, many ways". Don't worry the King of Pop's body will not be shipped to Sin City, although many of ...

Some people think Cinco de Mayo is a minor regional Mexican holiday, akin to Patriots Day in New England, that the beer and liquor companies marketed into a reason to sell lots of alcohol before Memorial Day. The Cubs choose to celebrate the Mexican army's defeat of French forces at the Battle of Puebla in the traditional way: by letting major league veterans make rehab starts in the minor leagues.

We're going to put Daytona above the fold today because of Doug Davis's start.

Iowa Cubs

The Iowa Cubs got stuck in the slow lane against the Round Rock Express (Rangers) 9-2.

Todd Wellemeyer made his first start this afternoon and didn't fare so well. He lasted 3.2 innings and allowed four runs on eight hits. Wellemeyer walked two and struck out two.

Center fielder Tony Campana was 1 for 3 with a walk and a stolen base. He scored both I-Cub runs.

Daytona Cubs

The Daytona Cubs shut down the Tampa Yankees, 5-0 to improve their record to 20-8.

Doug Davis retired the first 12 batters he faced. After allowing a infield single to start the fifth, he promptly picked that runner off first. He tired a bit in the seventh inning, when he walked two batters before exiting the game. Davis' final line was 6.2 innings pitched, allowing no runs on two hits and two walks. Davis struck out seven.

To inject one note of caution in comparing the pitching lines of  Wellemeyer and Davis: Wellemeyer was facing a pretty good Triple-A team. Davis was facing a pretty bad High-A team. Just keep that in mind.

Shortstop Junior Lake lead off the game with a solo home run, his second of the season. He finished the day going 3 for 5 with a triple. Lake scored twice and had three RBI. And he still hasn't walked in 110 plate appearances.

First baseman Justin Bour was 2 for 3 with a walk. He also had one RBI. Left fielder David Macias was 2 for 5 and scored a run. Catcher Michael Brenly was 2 for 5 with an RBI. Second baseman Jake Opitz was 2 for 4 with a run scored. 

Tennessee Smokies

The Smokies scored three runs in the top of the ninth to trap the Mobile Bay Bears (Diamondbacks), 7-6.

Chris Rusin started tonight and he had trouble keeping the ball in the park as he surrendered a pair of two-run home runs. Overall Rusin went five innings and allowed the four runs on five hits. He walked two and struck out six.

Kyle Smit was excellent in relief and picked up a well-deserved win when the Smokies came back. Smit didn't allow a hit or a run over 2.2 innings and he only walked one. He hit a batter, too. Smit struck out four.

Marco Carrillo collected his second save. He pitched a hitless ninth inning, although he walk one. He also fanned one.

The big bat tonight was D.J. LeMahieu, who was 3 for 5 with his second home run and a two RBI single in the ninth to give the Smokies the lead. The home run was a solo homer in the third inning. LeMahieu also doubled. He scored twice and had the three RBI.

Right fielder Matt Spencer hit a two-run home run in the first inning; his fifth this season.  Spencer was 1 for 4.

Center fielder Brett Jackson was 2 for 4 with two doubles and a bases-loaded walk to drive in a run. Jackson also scored once.

Peoria Chiefs

The Peoria Chiefs burned down the Clinton LumberKings (Mariners), 4-1.

Hayden Simpson started and pitched 4.2 innings, as he's still on a strict pitch count. But tonight he allowed no runs on four hits. He walked two and struck out one.

Eric Jokisch piggybacked him, as he's been doing all season, and got the win by going the rest of the way and allowing one run on four hits over the 4.1 innings. He walked one and struck out five. Jokisch improved his record to 4-0 in his seventh appearance picking up for Simpson.

First baseman Richard Jones was 2 for 4 with two doubles. Second baseman Pierre LePage was 2 for 3 with a walk. He also scored once.

The Chiefs jumped all over Seattle's first round supplemental pick Taijuan Walker in his professional debut. They scored three in the first and one in the second before Walker settled down to pitch four innings.

Vegas is known as the "Entertainment Capital of the World" but will it soon be home to one of the greatest American entertainers? Cirque du Soleil president Daniel Lamarre says that, "Mandalay Bay, is going to become the home of Michael Jackson in many, many ways". Don't worry the King of Pop's body will not be shipped to Sin City, although many of ...

Concert films from the likes of Michael Jackson , Justin Bieber and Miley Cyrus have brought in big bucks in recent years, and now the Glee crew is going for a piece of that pie.

Today, at school, I was arguing with my best friend over who the better artist was: Elvis Presley or Michael Jackson. Angry that I was losing the debate, I lost it and slugged him in the face. Now I have a sprained wrist, a suspension, and no one will talk to me. FML

Amazon is currently offering two select Kinect titles for a combined price of $60. By "select," we mean precisely seven choices. Your best bet is probably Kinect Sports and ... Michael Jackson, maybe? Both the savings and the momentous choice are yours for the taking.

Continue reading Two select Kinect games for $60 from Amazon

Two select Kinect games for $60 from Amazon originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 May 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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I find the timing uncanny that this article comes out after OBL is killed. I don't believe it but I'm enjoying the picture in my brain of a drive thru worker seeing Michael Jackson or Marlon Brando behind the...

Katherine Jackson , the matriarch of the Jackson family, appeared on Wednesday's Today show to discuss her daily attendance of the preliminary hearing for Dr.

COMMENTARY The story sounds like a set up for the mother of all punchlines. The UK Daily Express is reporting that Michael Jackson, Marlon Brando, and Elizabeth Taylor fled New York in a rented car on 9/11 and drove all the way to Ohio, a 500 mile trip.

Sheryl Crow must have a new album coming out.

Yes, last night producer Jimmy Iovine was joined by Sheryl Crow in the coaching circle, and she was there with mic in hand, ready to sing back-up to our Idols (much as she did for Michael Jackson back in the day). Together they thought everyone was awesome and was going to have "a moment" -- which only means that they learned their lessons from Jimmy making a bold prediction that Jacob would go home last week.

The theme was "Now and Then", with each contestant singing a song from today, and a song from some undefined long time ago. And I will say, again, because I like reiterating when I'm right: Three judges means less talking, more time for singing. I think it's AWESOME that we get to start having two songs as early as the Top 5. Way to go, AI producers.

Image courtesy FOX

So, here's how it went down:

1. James: Can this AdLam wanna-be exceed the AdLam himself???

Now: He sang "Closer to the Edge" by 30 Seconds to Mars

This is a great song, and it's also a surprisingly rangy song. It has some significant chunks in the lower register, which is not James's strong point, so he sounded fairly weak to start out. Then he went crowd-mingling, which I believe distracted him and drove him off-key.

Then: Sang "Without You" by Harry Nilsson

With all that tearful build-up, James was going to have a tough time living up to the expectations he set for an emotional deliver. But he did deliver. There was a heartfelt beginning. Again, some wading through his weak lower range, and then a reversion to his typical screaming high range. But, and it's a big but: I really did believe him, and it really touched me, and that is indeed what matters most sometimes.

Bottom line: Oh, he'll be safe. No one's going to boot the boy he cried. But personally, as an AdLam fan, I will actually be pretty annoyed if he wins, given AdLam didn't. Yes, I'm petty like that.

2. Jacob: Did he save or skewer himself last night?

Now: "No Air" by Chris Brown and Jordin Sparks

OK, pet peeve #1: Why was he smiling? Pet peeve #2: Why was he screaming? Pet peeve #3: Why does the guy who wouldn't sing "Let's Get It On" feel OK with down and dirty hip rolls? Only I don't think he really felt OK, he seemed to distract himself with the dance moves and go a little off. Now, the ending, when he brought it back down, that was fine and true. But Randy is right...the rest sounded off key and felt corny.

Then: "Love Hurts"

This has some really good moments, especially during the quiet poignant beginning. I really like when Jacob keeps it sweet. This also had some irredeemable screaming. And Anthony Hopkins in the audience, what the what???!!!

Bottom line: Hmmmm. Y'all know I'm no Jacolyte. But I'm not sure he was the worst he could be. I think he'll be at risk, but may not go home.

3. Lauren: I know you're tryin' to work the Carrie Underwood angle, honey!

Now: "Flat on the Floor" by Carrie Underwood

So, I've been saying for a while that Lauren is all pipes no passion, but hey, I guess she's reading this blog because this week she decided to just go for it and sing some Carrie. This may have been rough, but it may also have been her best effort yet, because it was the first time she blew it out, actually. Of course she still just does not know what to do with herself on stage. Lord help her. She just can't help herself from wiggling and shimmying...awkwardly.

Then: "Unchained Melody" by the Righteous Brothers

This had some loveliness (not her 70s "lounging dress" and feathered hair, though), but her low range is really weak. And she totally and completely bailed on the famous, soaring falsetto ending. What a disappointing ending. I just don't think one can perform that song if one is not willing to shoot for the sky on the final "I neeeeeeeeed your love." And I kinda cracked up the way she said "Thank you" at the end, like she was an obedient child reaching the end of a long-dreaded recital.

Bottom line: Lauren's the only one who can save Jacob tonight, I think.

4. Scotty: Isn't it sweet to watch them grow up before our very eyes?

Now: "Gone" by John Michael Montgomery

This was a good song choice for Scotty, because he was able to show a little personality. And have you noticed he doesn't finger his mic anymore? Yeah, I'm glad.

Then: ""You Were Always On my Mind" by Willie Nelson

Nice, smooth, simple. Actually a nice antidote to all the wailing. He may be young, and he may not bring quite the gravitas the song can handle, but he didn't muck it up, let's just put it that way.

Bottom line: I'm going to shock you now: I think Scotty joins Haley as the most improved contestant this season...and perhaps he has improved the most. He's gotten rid of some of his annoying tics; he's made the most effort to show the full range of what he can do; he's made an effort to show actual emotion and specific interpretations. Don't faint. But he's safe, and I'm OK with that.

5. Haley: Wow, the Woman can Wail, and yes, I Adore Alliteration

Now: "You and I" by Lady Gaga (unreleased)

Wow. Well, she can wail, and that's for real. But yeah, what a mistake to sing this song. Hopefully she'll be rewarded for her chutzpah, but I just don't think this song was worth it.

Then: "House of the Rising Sun" by the Animals

And yet again: Wow. What can you say: She can sing. She has what they call "chops" :)

Bottom line: Haley is who we thought Lauren was going to be after her first audition. Remember that no-holds-barred seemingly wild child? Lauren lost that essence. Haley has it. If she goes home, it's really too bad, because her voice is solid like a rock and really current too. I still think she needs work on her movement, but even that has gotten much better. Like I said above: She and Scotty have really worked on growing, changing, improving. The others have stayed pretty much the same.

Bottom line for the Bottom Two:

Should be: Jacob and Lauren with Lauren going home

Will be: Jacob and Haley with Jacob going home

But it's a total guess, as you may have noticed I do a lot of with these predictions!

So, what's your guess?

 

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IT sounds like one of the strangest car journeys in showbiz history.

HEAVYWEIGHT

1. Cain Velasquez (69pts.)
2. Brock Lesnar (57)
3. Junior Dos Santos (54)
4. Fabricio Werdum (44)
5. Shane Carwin (41)
6. Antonio Silva (34)
7. Alistair Overeem (33)
8. Frank Mir (24)
9. Fedor Emelianenko (13)
10. Roy Nelson (9)

Others Receiving Votes: Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (2), Mike Russow (2), Brendan Schaub (2), Sergei Kharitonov (1)


LIGHT-HEAVYWEIGHT

1. Jon Jones (70)
2. Mauricio Rua (58)
3. Rashad Evans (55)
4. Lyoto Machida (50)
5. Quinton Jackson (46)
6. Forrest Griffin (35)
7. Dan Henderson (25)
8. Ryan Bader (22)
9. Phil Davis (10)
10. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (5)


Others Receiving Votes: Rafael Cavalcante (4), Thiago Silva (2), Gegard Mousasi (1), Muhammed Lawal (1), Stephan Bonnar (1)


MIDDLEWEIGHT

1. Anderson Silva (70)
2. Chael Sonnen (63)
3. Yushin Okami (56)
4. Nate Marquardt (47)
5. Demian Maia (40)
6. Ronaldo Souza (30)
7. Michael Bisping (20)
8. Jorge Santiago (19)
9. Vitor Belfort (10)
10. (tie) Hector Lombard (7)
10. (tie) Wanderlei Silva (7)

Others Receiving Votes: Brian Stann (5), Chris Leben (5), Alan Belcher (4), Yoshihiro Akiyama (2)


WELTERWEIGHT

1. Georges St. Pierre (70)
2. Jon Fitch (62)
3. B.J. Penn (52)
4. (tie) Thiago Alves (40)
4. (tie) Jake Shields (40)
6. Josh Koscheck (38)
7. Nick Diaz (29)
8. Carlos Condit (23)
9. Martin Kampmann (12)
10. Diego Sanchez (10)

Others Receiving Votes: Mike Pyle (2), Paul Daley (2), Rick Story (2), Paulo Thiago (1)


LIGHTWEIGHT

1. Frankie Edgar (70)
2. Gray Maynard (59)
3. Gilbert Melendez (58)
4. Eddie Alvarez (44)
5. Kenny Florian (42)
6. Jim Miller (32)
7. Shinya Aoki (29)
8. Melvin Guillard (20)
9. Anthony Pettis (17)
10. Sean Sherk (7)

Others Receiving Votes: Denis Siver (3), Tatsuya Kawajiri (3), Clay Guida (1)


FEATHERWEIGHT

1. Jose Aldo (70)
2. Hatsu Hioki (51)
3. Chad Mendes (48)
4. Mark Hominick (45)
5. Michihiro Omigawa (31)
6. Hiroyuki Takaya (28)
7. Manny Gamburyan (25)
8. Bibiano Fernandes (22)
9. Diego Nunes (19)
10. Joe Warren (18)

Others Receiving Votes: Marlon Sandro (12), Rani Yahya (5), Dustin Poirier (3), Robert Peralta (3), Eric Koch (2), Josh Grispi (1)


BANTAMWEIGHT

1. Dominick Cruz (70)
2. Joseph Benavidez (58)
3. Brian Bowles (57)
4. Urijah Faber (50)
5. Miguel Torres (45)
6. Scott Jorgensen (35)
7. Takeya Mizugaki (22)
8. Brad Pickett (19)
9. Demetrious Johnson (15)
10. Eddie Wineland (5)

Others Receiving Votes: Hiroshi Nakamura (3), Michael MacDonald (2), Masakazu Imanari (2), Zach Makovsky (1), Renan Barao (1)

[Georges St. Pierre art by Travis Beaven (c) MMATorch.com]

Katherine Jackson sera toujours là pour Michael. Elle nie les accusations de pédophilie portées sur son fils.

Michael Jackson vs. Madonna: Who more defined the 1980s?

Cirque CEO Daniel Lamarre talks Las Vegas, MGM and Michael Jackson Las Vegas Weekly (blog) We have been blessed during all these years to have this amazing Las Vegas partnership with MGM, and now again Cirque De Soleil has the opportunity to realize a new dream. To have the privilege to work with the Michael Jackson Estate is also amazing. ... and more »

The Michael Jackson: Immortal World Tour by Cirque du Soleil four-part interview series began Monday with John Branca, co-executor of The ...

EXCLUSIVE: CBS Films has acquired the U.S. distribution rights to The Woman in Black, the gothic horror thriller that stars Harry Potter's Daniel Radcliffe, Ciaran Hinds, Janet McTeer and Shaun Dooley. I'm still pulling together the facts on this one, but I'm told that CBS Films moved aggressively to beat out bidders that included Summit Entertainment, The Weinstein Company and Relativity Media. It becomes the third acquisition deal for the increasingly aggressive CBS Films, following The Mechanic and Gambit, the Michael Hoffman-directed film that began production today with Colin Firth and Cameron Diaz starring. Radcliffe plays a young lawyer who travels to a remote village, where he discovers the vengeful ghost of a scorned woman who is terrifying the locals. James Watkins directed a script by X-Men: First Class scribe Jane Goldman. The film is based on a 1983 novel by Susan Hill that was previously turned into a hit stage play and 1989 miniseries. The film is a co-production between Cross Creek Pictures, Hammer Films & Alliance Films. The pic's produced by Simon Oakes, Richard Jackson and Brian Oliver. Nigel Sinclair, Guy East and Roy Lee are exec producers. CAA brokered the deal with Eric Greenfeld. The picture is in post-production, and a release date hasn't yet been worked out. Here is a recent teaser trailer:

WASHINGTON – Today, President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individuals to key Administration posts:

• Michael H. Corbin, Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Department of State
• Jeffrey DeLaurentis, Alternate Representative of the United States for Special Political Affairs in the United Nations, with the rank of Ambassador
• Jeanine E. Jackson, Ambassador to the Republic of Malawi, Department of State
• William H. Moser, Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova, Department of State

President Obama said, “These individuals have demonstrated knowledge and dedication throughout their careers. I am grateful they have chosen to take on these important roles, and I look forward to working with them in the months and years to come.”

President Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individuals to key Administration posts:

Michael H. Corbin, Nominee for Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Department of State
Michael H. Corbin, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, currently serves as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State in the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs.  Prior to this assignment, Mr. Corbin was Minister-Counselor for Political-Military Affairs at Embassy Baghdad from 2008 to 2009 and Charge d’Affaires in Damascus, Syria from 2006 to 2008.  Since joining the Foreign Service in 1985, Mr. Corbin has held various positions overseas and in Washington, including: Minister Counselor for Economic and Political Affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Cairo (2003-2006), Deputy Director of the Office of Arabian Peninsula Affairs (2001-2003), Director of the Counter-Narcotics Section at the U.S. Embassy in Caracas, Venezuela (1997- 2001), Political-Military Affairs Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Cairo (1994-1997) and at the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait (1987-1989).  Prior to joining the Foreign Service, he served in the Peace Corps from 1982 to 1984 in Mauritania. Mr. Corbin received a B.A. from Swarthmore College.  

Jeffrey DeLaurentis, Nominee for Alternate Representative of the United States for Special Political Affairs in the United Nations, with the rank of Ambassador
Jeffrey DeLaurentis, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, currently serves as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs.  Prior to this assignment, Mr. DeLaurentis served as Minister Counselor for Political Affairs and Security Council Coordinator at the U.S. Mission to the United Nations in New York.   Since beginning his State Department career in 1991, Mr. DeLaurentis has served in a number of overseas posts including Political/Economic Section Chief at the U.S. Interests Section in Havana, Political Counselor at the U.S. Mission to the United Nations in Geneva, and Political Counselor at the U.S. Embassy in Bogota.  In Washington, Mr. DeLaurentis served as Executive Assistant to the Under Secretary of State for Democracy and Global Affairs, Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, Director of Inter-American Affairs at the National Security Council, and as an International Relations Officer in the Bureau of International Organizations.  Prior to entering the Foreign Service, Mr. DeLaurentis held a senior staff position at the Council on Foreign Relations.   Mr. DeLaurentis is a graduate of the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service and Columbia University Graduate School of International and Public Affairs.

Jeanine E. Jackson, Nominee for Ambassador to the Republic of Malawi, Department of State
Jeanine E. Jackson is a career member of the Senior Foreign Service and currently serves as the Minister Counselor for Management at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad.   Prior to this role, Ms. Jackson served as U.S. Ambassador to Burkina Faso.   Since joining the U.S. Foreign Service in 1985, her other overseas assignments included Management Counselor at Embassy Kabul; Supervisory General Services Officer at Embassy Nairobi; Personnel Officer at the U.S. Consulate in Hong Kong; Chief of the Consular Section at the U.S. Consulate in Jeddah; General Services Officer at Embassy Lagos; and Vice Consul at the U.S. Consulate in Zurich.  During Washington assignments, she served in the Bureaus of African, European and Near East Asian Affairs.  Ms. Jackson holds the rank of Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve.  She earned a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Florida Institute of Technology and a Bachelor’s Degree in Art Education from Hastings College.

William H. Moser, Nominee for Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova, Department of State
William H. Moser is a career member of the Senior Foreign Service and currently serves as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Logistics Management at the U.S. Department of State.   Since joining the U.S. Foreign Service in 1984, Mr. Moser’s domestic and overseas assignments have included:  Director of Global Support Services and Innovation; Management Counselor at Embassy Kiev; Post Management Officer in the Bureau of Near Eastern and South Asian Affairs; Energy Attaché/Economic Officer and Management Officer at Embassy Almaty; Political Military Officer in the Office of Regional Support and Security Assistance; Administrative Officer at Embassy Paramaribo; Disbursing/Financial Management Officer at Embassy Cairo; Consular Officer and Staff Assistant at Embassy Bonn; and General Services Officer at Embassy Bamako.   Mr. Moser received a B.A. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Elizabeth Taylor, Michael Jackson and Marlon Brando fled the 9/11 attacks on New York City in a hire car and drove 500 miles to a refuge in Ohio, it has been claimed.

Relates to: Michael Jackson
From: The Telegraph

• On September 10, 2001, Michael Jackson played a concert in New York City and his two good pals, Liz Taylor and Marlon Brando, sat in the audience. On September 11th, NYC was attacked by terrorists and friends of the now-deceased stars claim the threesome hopped in a car and started driving cross-country. Claims Vanity Fair magazine, "Brando allegedly annoyed his traveling companions by insisting on stopping at nearly every KFC and Burger King they passed along the highway." Praise be, this has all been explained for our amusement via Taiwanese animation. [Vanity Fair]
• The upcoming TV lineup is packed with shows starring ladies! Yesss! I'm setting my DVR to record half of these shows right now. [Vulture]
• Oksana Grigorieva has dropped her domestic violence claim against Mel Gibson, apparently as an "olive branch." Ugh, I don't understand these people. [TMZ]
• How much do celebs earn for appearing on "Dancing With The Stars"? The results will shock you. Now we know how Bristol Palin could afford all that plastic surgery. [PopEater]

Filed under: Highbrow, Movie News, Music News, WTF

It sounds like the beginning of a bad joke: So Elizabeth Taylor, Michael Jackson and Marlon Brando go on a road trip ... In reality, it's a bizarre tale that's part of an article in Vanity Fair's June issue, which says the three mega-stars were so ... Read more

 

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In the days after the 9/11 attacks, the trio of Liz Taylor, Marlon Brando, and Michael Jackson found themselves trapped in New York where they'd gone to see the latter's concert at Madison Square Garden on September 10th. Unable to procure a private jet home, the three rented a car and drove to Ohio in what has to be one of the strangest road trips in history. It's The Hangover meets a circa-1985 National Enquirer wet dream. More »

Below is a breakdown of next week's projected two-start pitchers divided into four groups: decent SPs with a pair of decent matchups; guys you can use for one of their two projected starts (favorable starts bolded); bottom feeders to avoid and must-start aces. An asterisk indicates a pitcher's two-start status is in doubt:

DOUBLE PLAY: Jhoulys Chacin (NYM, SD), Brandon Morrow (DET, @MIN), Max Scherzer (@TOR, KC), C.J. Wilson (OAK, LAA), Michael Pineda (@BAL, @CLE), Jake Arrieta (SEA, @TB), Josh Tomlin (TB, SEA), Chad Billingsley (@PIT, ARI), Jason Hammel (NYM, SD), Vance Worley (@FLA, @ATL)

Observations: A pair of strong starts next week from Chacin, Morrow and Scherzer could have them in the "must-start" aces section next time. ... While the Orioles and Indians aren't pushovers anymore, Pineda should have no trouble with them next week. ... Arrieta is on a roll and neither the Mariners nor Rays are particularly intimidating. ... Tomlin has allowed three runs or less in all of his starts and gets two more nice matchups at home. ... I'm nervous about Billingsley in any start, but the Pirates are tied for the most team strikeouts and he has been sharp this season at home. ... There's limited upside with Hammel, but at least he has a good chance at wins with his offense at home against the Mets and Padres. ... Should we trust Worley this soon? He gets two tough road tests next week, but we like what we've seen so far. He's worth a flier while he proves himself.

ONE AND DONE: Ted Lilly (@PIT, ARI), Ervin Santana (CWS, @TEX), Edwin Jackson (@LAA, @OAK), Javier Vazquez (PHI, @WAS), Travis Wood* (@HOU, STL), Kevin Correia (LAD, @MIL), Jason Marquis (@ATL, FLA), Chris Capuano (@COL, @HOU), Freddy Garcia (KC, BOS)

Observations: Lilly is worth a shot against the Pirates, but not against Arizona, even if his first outing goes well. ... Although Santana has decent career numbers against both the White Sox and Rangers, he was knocked around earlier this season at Rangers Ballpark. ... Jackson has struggled on the road this year, but we'll give him another shot at Oakland despite a shaky outing against the A's last month. ... Correia has earned a spot-start against the Dodgers, who are prone to Ks and weak against right-handers, but I wouldn't trust him on the road against the heavy-hitting Brewers. ... Marquis has struggled on the road, so I'm dodging him at Atlanta, but he has pitched well enough at home to trust him when the Marlins visit. ... Treat Capuano only as a "win" play at Houston; same goes for Garcia vs. Kansas City.

NO, THANKS: Francisco Liriano (@BOS, TOR), Ryan Dempster (STL, SF), Kyle Davies (@NYY, @DET), Barry Enright (@SF, @LAD), Jeff Niemann* (@CLE, BAL), Jeff Karstens (LAD, @MIL), Aneury Rodriguez (CIN, NYM)

Observations: Liriano? Didn't he just throw a no-hitter?!? Yes, but his six walks in that performance don't make me feel any better about his early struggles. Plus, he has been tattooed in his career against Boston and Toronto. ... Was Wednesday's outing a sign of a turnaround for Dempster? Perhaps, but I wouldn't trust him against the Cardinals, who lead the league in team OPS. Another strong start might earn Dempster consideration against the Giants, but beware that he does not have a good track record against them. ... Niemann might not make two starts after leaving his last outing with back tightness. Even if he does make his next start, I wouldn't trust him against Cleveland, which is top-five in OPS. Let's see how that start goes before considering him against Baltimore. ... Although the Dodgers present an intriguing matchup, Karstens' limited upside isn't worth the risk. ... You might consider Rodriguez late in the week against the Mets, but that would be a desperation move.

MUST-START ACES: Tim Lincecum (ARI, @CHC), Chris Carpenter (@CHC, @CIN), Tim Hudson (WAS, PHI), Mat Latos (@MIL, @COL), Josh Beckett (MIN, @NYY), Trevor Cahill (@TEX, CWS), Zack Greinke (SD, PIT)

Washington, May 05: Mother of the late Michael Jackson, Katherine is still adamant that her son never molested any children including King of Pop's 1993 accuser.