Sunday, July 31, 2011

Donald Trump Reconsidering Presidential Run


Donald Trump hasn't closed the door on running for President.

"If the economy continues to be bad"..."if the Republicans pick the wrong candidate," the real estate developer and reality TV star said on CNBC, "I would give it very, very serious thought."

Trump had danced with the idea of running earlier this year, but on May 16 announced "I am not ready to leave the private sector."

If he does change his mind, he isn't saying if he'd run as an Independent or as a third party candidate.

"There are so many people wanting me to do it," he said.

Trump is already committed to a new season of The Celebrity Apprentice this coming season on NBC.

LAMediaWatch.com

Kutcher Takes the Mic in New 'Men' Promo Pic


Ashton Kutcher has taken the spotlight in another promo photo from "Two and a Half Men" season 9. The new cast member of the sitcom stands behind a microphone and is sandwiched between his co-stars, Jon Cryer and Angus T. Jones, in the image.

The three of them wear similar black and white outfits with the famous red curtain as the backdrop of the picture, but Kutcher is the only one who wears a red bow tie. The other two actors, meanwhile, don black bow ties.

This pose is similar to the opening title of "Men" which saw Charlie Sheen, Cryer and Jones lip-synching the theme song of the series. However, this time Kutcher takes the center spot, while Jones is moved to the side which previously featured the Charlie Harper depicter.

The ninth season of "Two and a Half Men" will premiere on September 19 at 9 P.M. on CBS. On the same day, a Sheen roast will air on Comedy Central. The actor, who was fired from the comedy series in March, will next star on new TV series "Anger Management".

LAMediaWatch.com

Styx and Yes at the Greek on Tuesday


Once upon a time, bands like Styx ruled the world. Critics despised them but the music listening public ate up their songs.

Sure they may have gone a little overboard with 1983's Kilroy Was Here, a seemingly ambitious attempt at a concept album about a robotic takeover of mankind.

Tuesday night, August 2nd, 7pm at the Greek Theatre, Styx shares the bill with the far more acclaimed band Yes ... for an evening of classic rock. 

Tickets available through Ticketmaster: $35 - $100.

LAMediaWatch.com

Make one thing perfectly clear: Oprah Is In Charge


Oprah Winfrey, the new chief executive of OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network, wanted to make one thing perfectly clear: She is in charge and going to work at her network located on Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles.

Walking on stage Friday morning at the Television Critics Assn. press tour in Beverly Hills, Winfrey told a room full of writers that she gave herself the title of chief executive.

Winfrey stepped into the role earlier this month following the ouster of OWN's first chief executive, Christina Norman.

She and Discovery Communications Inc., her partner in the venture, wanted to hit the reboot button after the channel's bumpy start. They also wanted to give Winfrey the opportunity to populate the ranks with executives she felt comfortable with, those who had worked for her on her Chicago-based syndicated show.

She announced the "Oprah Winfrey Show" library, all 4,561 episodes, would be repackaged and run weeknights at 8 p.m., beginning this fall, under the title "OWN Your Life (the Oprah class)." 

We're going to take the shows and use them as a teaching tool, repackaged and rehosted by myself in ways that we can teach people how to live their best lives."

LAMediaWatch.com

Son of Mister Rogers' Make-Believe Pal, Gets PBS Series


The Wrap -- Maybe because "Bob Dog's Neighborhood" just doesn't have thesame ring to it, PBS has greenlighted a new animated series for preschoolers called "Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood," the first show produced by the Fred Rogers Company since "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood."

The series, which PBS' senior vice president of children's media Lesli Rotenberg announced at the Television Critics Association press tour on Sunday morning, will revolve around four-year-old Daniel Tiger, the son of Daniel Striped Tiger, the always questioning and timid pal of Mister Rogers who resided in the Land of Make Believe in the original series.

The premise of the cartoon is that some of the characters from the original Land of Make Believe have grown up and have pre-schoolers of their own. The series is in production now and will launch in the fall of 2012.

Rotenberg also said that the upcoming season of "Sesame Street," its 42nd, would have a guest appearance by "Bored to Death" star Jason Schwartzman in a segment called "Cast Iron Chefs" and that Elvis Costello will duet with Elmo.

There will also be a "Glee" spoof called -- "G."

LAMediaWatch.com

Weekend Box Office


The tiny blue "Smurfs" battled big-name, big-budget "Cowboys & Aliens" to a surprising tie at the domestic weekend box office with each film ringing up an estimated $36.2 million in ticket sales, according to studio estimates on Sunday.

"The Smurfs" live-action and animated 3D film drew families to the latest adventure of the classic Belgian cartoon characters and grossed higher-than-expected sales. "Cowboys & Aliens" fell short of pre-release estimates from box-office watchers.

The totals are estimates of ticket sales from United States and Canadian theaters for Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The leader will not be known until actual sales are tallied on Monday..

A lower-than-expected total for "Cowboys & Aliens" collided with a bigger draw from "The Smurfs," a movie that revived characters that debuted more than 50 years ago.

Third place for the weekend went to superhero flick "Captain America: The First Avenger" with $24.9 million in domestic ticket sales during its second weekend in theaters.

"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows -- Part 2," hitting its third weekend, finished fourth with $21.9 million.

"Crazy, Stupid, Love," a new romantic comedy starring Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling and Julianne Moore, took the No. 5 spot in the U.S. and Canada with a solid $19.3 million.

Amy Winehouse Tops UK Chart


"Back to Black" by Amy Winehouse shot back to the top of the British albums chart Sunday, a week after the troubled singer died at the age of 27.

Winehouse, famous for her distinctive soul songs and beehive hairdo, struggled with drinking and drug problems throughout much of her career. The cause of her death has not yet been determined as officials await results of toxicology tests.

Sales of the singer's recordings, released by the Universal Music label, rocketed following news that she had been found dead at her London home on July 23. That propelled her album "Back to Black" up from last week's 59th position, the Official Charts Company said.

The album was released in 2006, reaching the number one spot in Britain at the time and winning five Grammy awards, pop music's equivalent of the Oscars.

U.S. music fans also honored Winehouse by snapping up 50,000 copies of her CDs in the week ended July 24, compared with 44,000 units that were purchased in all other weeks of 2011, record sales tracker Nielsen SoundScan said Tuesday.

Al Pacino's Daughter Busted for DUI


Julie Pacino, the 21-year-old daughter of actor Al Pacino, was arrested early Saturday morning in New York City for driving while intoxicated, People magazine reported.

The arrest occurred at 1:35 a.m. after she drove her Mercedes-Benz through a DWI checkpoint in Manhattan.

Her exact blood-alcohol level was not immediately available.

"She had bloodshot, watery eyes, slurred speech and the strong smell of alcohol on her breath," NYPD officer James Duffy told People, quoting the police report. "She admitted to drinking three beers and smoking marijuana prior to entering the checkpoint."

After learning of the arrest, Al Pacino rushed back from Los Angeles, where he has been filming a biopic on music producer Phil Spector.

The daughter of the Oscar-winning star and acting coach Jan Tarrant, Julie Pacino attended UCLA, where she was a member of the softball team.

She was arraigned Saturday afternoon and released on her own recognizance.

LAMediaWatch.com

ABC 7's Leanne Suter Shot With BB Gun On Live TV


Leanne Suter, a reporter for KABC-TV 7, was shot in the hand by a pellet from a BB gun on Saturday evening while giving a live news report.

Suter and her photographer came under fire during the 6 p.m. newscast, although Suter was the only one hit, according to ABC News. She was treated at a nearby hospital and released without serious injury.

The Associated Press reports that two boys, ages 16 and 17, were arrested in connection with the incident. According to the report from ABC News (available below), police found multiple BB guns at a residence in the area.

Earlier this week, a Fox reporter in Philadelphia was attacked while giving a live report.

LAMediaWatch.com

Saturday, July 30, 2011

'Chip' Mayer, 'Dukes of Hazzard' Actor Dies


Actor Christopher "Chip'' Mayer, best known for his role as Vance Duke on the popular "Dukes of Hazzard" television show, has died. He was 57.
 
Mayer, who appeared in the film "Liar Liar," and on several popular television shows in the 1980s and 1990s, died July 23 of natural causes in Sherman Oaks, according to Variety.

He first gained notoriety when he and actor Byron Cherry joined "Dukes" to play cousins of the main characters, Bo and Luke Duke - fast-driving moonshine runners who were perpetually trying to evade "Boss Hogg" and other law enforcement officers.

The cousins appeared in 19 episodes while lead actors Tom Wopat and John Schneider were embroiled in a contract dispute.

Later, Mayer voiced the same character in an animated spinoff, "The Dukes."

Mayer's other television credits included the daytime soap "Santa Barbara," "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine," "Baywatch," "The Love Boat," "Xena: Warrior Princess" and "Silk Stalkings."

His other film roles included "Survivor," "East Meets West," "Hard Time" and "The Hunted."

LAMediaWatch.com

No Interviews From Casey Anthony


Casey Anthony won't be sitting down with any network for at least a couple of months -- TMZ is reporting Casey will be seeking professional treatment for serious mental issues instead.

Sources close to Anthony tell us ... Casey is seeking treatment for three reasons:

First, Casey now realizes that her questionable behavior when her daughter Caylee went missing back in 2008 stemmed from "obvious mental health issues."

The second reason -- Casey still needs help coping with the "obvious trauma of losing her child."

Third, Casey spent nearly three years in solitary confinement in a Florida jail ... where she spent 23 hours a day in a 4x9 foot cell ... all while facing murder chargers. Our source, directly connected to Casey, tells us, "It messed with her head."

Anthony's attorney, Jose Baez, will continue to field offers on behalf of Casey ... and when she's healthy, Anthony will have the final word on where and how her story will be told.

LAMediaWatch.com

Teen Nick Actor Busted For DUI


Ryan Rottman's DUI won't be going away as fast as his Nickelodeon show did -- TMZ reports he has been charged with two misdemeanors stemming from the arrest.

Rottman was busted for DUI on July 8 after cops spotted him jumping the curb while driving in Hollywood. According to our sources, Rottman blew a .19 ... more than twice the legal limit.

Rottman -- who starred in the now-canceled TeenNick show "Gigantic" -- was charged this week and is scheduled to be arraigned on Friday.

LAMediaWatch.com

Friday, July 29, 2011

'Hustler' Wants Casey Anthony Naked


Casey Anthony might be one of the most hated women in America, but "Hustler" magazine wants to give her a half-million dollars.  If she'll pose naked.

Larry Flynt's porno mag has offered the 25-year-old who was acquitted of murdering her daughter, Caylee, the cash, Flynt told  HLN's Nancy Grace.

After the verdict, Flynt said, "I just felt that people wouldn't want to see her with her clothes on or off, so I kind of forgot about the idea."

He said he became convinced that a good hair stylist and makeup artist could have her "looking really fabulous."

Anthony's representatives told CNN there have been no discussions.

But Flynt said in addition to the $500,000, he offered Anthony a percentage of whatever he earns from her pictures.

"You could make millions," he said.

But even he acknowledged he's a little skeezed out. "There may be some sick individuals ... but that's what life is all about."

LAMediaWatch.com

L.A. Dodgers to hold Army Night tonight


The Dodgers will conduct Army Night tonight, with the commanders of 17 Southern California Army recruiting centers being honored on the field during a ceremony before the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium.

Lt. Col. Robert Blankenship, commander of the Los Angeles Recruiting Battalion, will throw out a ceremonial first pitch.

The Dodgers will conduct Navy Night Saturday, when the U.S Navy parachute demonstration team known as the Leap Frogs sweeping down into Dodger Stadium, with one of its members carrying the baseball that will be used for the ceremonial first pitch. That will be thrown by Adm. Jonathan Greenert, the vice chief of naval operations.

Also on the schedule Saturday is an enlistment ceremony for new recruits to be witnessed by more than 1,000 sailors, including crews of four Third Fleet warships either just returning from six months at sea or about to embark on a six-month deployment.

Tonight is also Kings Night, with forwards Jarret Stoll, Dustin Penner and Trevor Lewis throwing out a ceremonial first pitch.

Discounted tickets are available online at www.dodgers.com/kings until one hour before the game and include a voucher for a limited edition Kings- themed Dodger hat.

LAMediaWatch.com

Clark Gable's Grandson Busted In Laser-Pointing Incident


The grandson of iconic actor Clark Gable was arrested Thursday night for allegedly pointing a laser at a police helicopter in Hollywood.

Clark Gable III, 22, was arrested at 10:15 p.m. at the intersection of Sunset Boulevard and La Brea Avenue, the Los Angeles Police Department said.

He was driving through Hollywood when police said he pointed the laser at an LAPD helicopter.
He was charged with a felony count of discharging a laser, and remains in jail on $60,000 bail.

In 2009, Gable was stabbed in the chest at a party in Calabasas.

LAMediaWatch.com

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Alex Trebek Gets Restraining Order


The female suspect in the Alex Trebek burglary case has been officially slapped with a restraining order, which means she has to stay away from the "Jeopardy" host and his wife.

According to the San Francisco D.A., 56-year-old Lucinda Moyers must stay at least 150 yards away from the Trebeks.

The judge also set Moyers' bail at $625,000 -- after prosecutors pointed out she had two burglary convictions on her record from back in the '90s.

As TMZ reported, Trebek says he snapped his Achilles tendon while chasing after the suspect ... after she allegedly took cash and a bracelet from his hotel room.

LAMediaWatch.com

Fmr. Yankees Pitcher Hideki Irabu Found Dead in SoCal


Former N.Y. Yankees pitcher Hideki Irabu was found dead at his home in Rancho Palos Verdes.

Deputies discovered his body Wednesday at a house on Via Velardo.
Details of his death are not being released, but there are reports the 42-year old hanged himself

A star in Japan, Irabu's contract was purchased by the San Diego Padres in early 1997. But Irabu didn't want to play in San Diego and the club traded him to the Yankees where he earned World Series rings in 1998 and 1999.

The Yankees traded him to Montreal after the 1999 season.

He played two seasons with the Expos and one more with the Texas Rangers before retiring in 2002.

In 2008, he was accused of assaulting a bar manager in Japan after allegedly drinking 20 glasses of beer.

And just last year, he was arrested in Gardena for drunk driving.

LAMediaWatch.com

Lady Gaga Thanks LAPD


It could have been another nasty riot situation -- but thanks to the LAPD, Lady Gaga made it to Jimmy Kimmel's studio in one piece ... and she expressed her gratitude in a handwritten note.

According to sources at the Chateau Marmont -- where Gaga is staying -- a hotel employee handed the note out to fans ... in which LG thanks the police for keeping the peace.
Gaga is set to appear tonight on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!"

Cops in riot gear descended on Hollywood last night -- after an impromptu "Electric Daisy Carnival Experience" premiere concert turned into a free-for-all.

LAMediaWatch.com

LAist Film Calendar 07/28-07/31: Summer Frights


Nothing screams summer like Sleepaway Camp! It may not be a household name like Friday the 13th (it isn't even being remade!), but that may change Friday the 29th following the Nuart's midnight screening.

After losing her family in a boat accident,... Full Article at LAist

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Hef accuses ex of lying about sex life


Playboy founder Hugh Hefner says his former fiance is lying about their sex life, or lack of it.

Crystal Harris, 25, who ditched Hefner, 85, five days before their June wedding, told radio show host Howard Stern this week that sex with the Playboy magazine mogul "lasted like two seconds" and that she had never seen him naked.

"Crystal lied about our relationship on Howard Stern but I don't know why," Hefner said in a Twitter message on Tuesday. The remark, which was re-tweeted by some fans, has since been removed from his account.

"Crystal convinced me that she adored me. That was the first lie," Hefner said in response to a tweet from a fan. And he told another: "I feel sorry for Crystal. She seems lost."

Harris also claimed that she and Hefner only had sex once in their two-year relationship, that she had never seen him naked and that Hefner was more into "couch cuddling and movie nights" than sex.

Harris dumped Hefner in June. But the founder of the adult entertainment empire has already moved on, announcing that his new girlfriend is Shera Bechard, a 27 year-old French Canadian model who was Playboy's Miss November 2010.

City Council Shuts Down Red-Light Cameras


(LATimes) After months of intense debate over the fate and effectiveness of red-light cameras, the L.A. City Council on Wednesday delivered a final blow to the controversial program, voting unanimously to shut it down July 31.

The 13-0 vote came in the wake of a backlash over disclosures that paying hefty fines for camera-issued tickets is considered "voluntary" by many city officials and because the Los Angeles County Superior Court has opted not to aggressively enforce collections against those who simply ignore the citations.

City staff was directed to negotiate a contract extension with American Traffic Solutions, the private firm that operates the cameras. The extra time is needed, officials say, to deal with outstanding issues, including removing equipment and allowing the city to access the vendor's records, including some 65,000 unpaid tickets.

Terms of the contract extension must be negotiated, but many council members said it should be "cost-neutral" and could last six to 18 months.

Much of Wednesday's debate focused on the city's inability to pursue those who simply ignore tickets. There has been an uproar in recent days from drivers who diligently paid their fines. Some drivers have unsuccessfully demanded refunds and contemplated the possibility of a class-action lawsuit to recover fines and fees that can top $500.

LAMediaWatch.com

Alex Trebek Chases Burglar On The Streets Of San Francisco


"Jeopardy!" host Alex Trebek says he snapped his Achilles tendon while running after a burglar who had stolen cash, a bracelet and other items from his San Francisco hotel room.

The 71-year-old Trebek told KGO-TV that he also injured his other leg while falling down during the chase early Wednesday. He was on crutches later Wednesday when he hosted the National Geographic World Championship at Google headquarters in Mountain View.

San Francisco police Lt. Troy Dangerfield says 56-year-old old Lucinda Moyers was arrested on suspicion of felony burglary and receiving stolen property. The cash and bracelet haven't been found but other items were recovered. Dangerfield says officers found several items near the hotel ice machine.

Trebek is scheduled for surgery on Friday and is expected to be in a cast for six weeks.

LAMediaWatch.com

Kat Von D STORMS OUT of 'Good Day L.A'


Kat Von D walked off the set of "Good Day L.A." this morning ... minutes before she was set to give an interview -- and we're told, it was all because the anchor mentioned her breakup with Jesse James.

Sources on set tell TMZ, Kat was all set to give the interview -- but flipped out when she heard how she was introduced on the show ... and walked out of the building before the interview even started.

During the introduction, "Good Day" aired a clip from Kat's show "L.A. Ink" -- showing Kat getting a tattoo of Jesse James on her side -- and the anchor mentioned she got the tattoo before she and Jesse called it quits.

According to sources, Kat was pissed the anchor even brought up her relationship with Jesse ... and stormed out of the building.

Sources say, Kat approved the Jesse James tattoo clip from her show -- and even got a heads up from "Good Day" producers that she would be asked about the breakup during the interview.

It's unclear what exactly went wrong -- but Kat just tweeted, "Dear GoodDayLA, thanks for the waste of a perfectly good morning. Lack of compassion n respect for eachother never fails to dissapoint me."

LAMediaWatch.com

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Dan Peek of folk rock band America, dies at 60


Dan Peek, a co-founder and musician for the folk rock band America, famous for the No. 1 hit "A Horse with No Name," has died. He was 60.

Peek, who died on Sunday, founded the band in the late 1960s with bandmates Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell while they attended high school together in London, where their fathers were stationed with the United States Air Force.

America's self-titled debut album, which featured "A Horse with No Name," shot to the top of the charts in 1972. The group won a Grammy for best new artist that year, and enjoyed a string of other popular hits including "Ventura Highway" and "Lonely People."

America co-founder and bandmate Dewey Bunnell wrote on the band's website. "This news brings me great sadness. My sincere condolences go out to his wife, Catherine, and the entire Peek family. May Dan rest in peace, and his memory be cherished forever."

Gerry Beckley, who called Peek "a dear friend for many years," said the man "and his music will live on in the great songs he shared with us all."

Neil Portnow, chief executive of The Recording Academy which gives out music's highest awards, the Grammys, called Peek "a dynamic individual and great talent." He noted that Peek was a multi-talented musician who played guitar, bass, keyboards and harmonica.

Peek left America in 1977 and went on to perform contemporary Christian music, but never found the sort of fame he enjoyed with the popular band that recorded hit singles.

State commission says Angels Flight is safe


The state commission that oversees transportation safety told the City Council today that Angels Flight in downtown is safe to ride.

The California Public Utilities Commission closed Angels Flight for nearly a month in June after inspectors found that flanges on the wheels, which hold the cars on the track had been worn down to an unsafe thickness on three of eight wheels on one car.

The funicular that takes riders up Bunker Hill for 25 cents reopened July 5 after the operator installed all new wheels made of a harder steel.

The movement of the two cars -- Olivet and Sinai -- through a transition two-thirds up the hill was not behaving as originally designed, Richard Clark, CPUC's Director of Consumer Protection and Safety, told the council.

"We're still trying to determine what the actual root cause of the problem is," Clark said, but added that the Angels Flight Railway has taken the appropriate steps to replace the wheels and monitor the railway, including instituting three maintenance audits per year beginning this fall.

Angels Flight, billed as the "shortest railway in the world," carries passengers on one-minute trips up and down Bunker Hill for 25 cents. The railway now operates between 6:45 a.m. and 10 p.m.

LAMediaWatch.com

Many SoCal Post Offices May Close


In an effort to battle growing revenue loss, the U.S. Postal service is considering downsizing as many as 3,600 of its locations.

A spokeswoman confirms that 1 in 10 locations across the nation currently being studied for possible closure have low customer traffic and revenue.

The federal agency has been in decline for the past decade, closing over 7,000 branches, offices and stations as many of its services have been dominated by the Internet.
As of January, 280 have been closed while 200 others reviewed will stay open.

Most of the offices that are under review are located in rural areas. However offices in Southern California are also at risk, including 29 offices in Los Angeles County.

Residents have 60 days to petition a closure after it is announced.

Last year, the Postal Service reported a revenue loss of $8.5 billion dollars.

In addition to closing the offices, the postal service has cut back on staff, as well as billions of dollars in operating costs and have considered terminating Saturday service.

LAMediaWash.com

Olympic skier kills self in Utah


Utah police say Olympic silver medalist Jeret "Speedy" Peterson has killed himself in an isolated canyon.

The Unified Police of Greater Salt Lake say Peterson called 911 before shooting himself on Monday evening.

Officers found the 29-year-old about 9:30 p.m. between Salt Lake City and Park City in Lambs Canyon.

Peterson, who won the silver medal at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, was cited for drunken driving Friday in Hailey, Idaho. Police say they clocked Peterson driving three times the speed limit. He pleaded not guilty.

Peterson was dismissed from the 2006 Turin Olympics after a drunken brawl and was cited in Boise for public urination in 2009.

In 2005, Peterson was charged with burglary and stealing weapons. He pleaded guilty after felony charges were reduced.

LAMediaWatch.com

Gene Simmons Proposes To Shannon

It looks like Gene Simmons and Shannon Tweed have managed to smooth things over.

The longtime couple got into a tiff so nasty on "The Joy Behar Show" in mid-June that it won a spot on our list of the top 10 best interview "walk-offs." You see, Simmons, lothario that he's rumored to be, joined in a joke about his philandering ways, ticking Tweed off so much that she stormed off the set.

But on tonight's episode of "Gene Simmons Family Jewels," the KISS star is trying to put a ring on his love of 28 years.

Simmons drops down on one knee as Tweed gives a gasp of surprise. Although she looks like she's about to shed tears of what we hope is joy, we get to see her answer tonight on A&E at 10 p.m. to find out.

LAMediaWatch.com

Denise Richards Talks Charlie On 'Today'


On Tuesday's "Today Show" Denise Richards opened up to Matt Lauer about her divorce from ex-husband Charlie Sheen, saying, "The man I fell in love with is a very compassionate, humble [man] who has a wonderful heart, and the behavior that a lot of us saw in the last six months is not the person...I fell in love with."

Richards, who just adopted a baby girl, was on the show to promote her new book, "The Real Girl Next Door," her first foray into writing, and a book she hopes will help others who are suffering through difficult divorces to realize that, despite enduring the emotional exhaustion of messy divorces and custody battles, there is light at the end of the tunnel.

And despite Sheen's public indiscretions over the past year, Richards is hopeful of Sheen's future as well as her own. "I still care very much for him...he's a survivor. If anyone can pull themselves together, it's Charlie."

LAMediaWatch.com

Character Actor G.D. Spradlin Dies at 90


Longtime character actor G.D. Spradlin died at the age of 90 last Sunday at his San Luis Obispo home, reports the LA Times.

Spradlin had a long career in Hollywood that began after a failed mayoral run in his native Oklahoma.

 He was undoubtedly best know for his role as the wildly corrupt Nevada senator Pat Geary in Francis Ford Coppola‘s The Godfather: Part II.

Spradlin also played the part of the general who sends Martin Sheen upriver in Apocalypse Now.

LAMediaWatch.com

Radio News


Recently departed FOX 11 weatherman Mark Thompson has a new website. Among other things, it says that Mark is currently providing weather updates on KFI.

Julie Slater, currently afternoon personality at "The Sound" is adding a weekend show at KCSN. She will host "Out On A Limb", Saturdays from 9-11 p.m.

SLATER joins the lineup of KCSN new hosts and shows featuring NIC HARCOURT, ROBERT HILBURN, ETOWN, ACOUSTIC CAFE, BUZZBANDS L.A. with KEVIN BRONSON, and the GRATEFUL DEAD HOUR in augmenting KCSN's lineup of weekend programming.

LAMediaWatch.com

Christopher Schwarzenegger Out Of Hospital


Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver's 13-year-old son Christopher was released from the hospital last night -- more than a week after a boogie boarding accident left him seriously injured.

Maria made the announcement on Twitter, claiming her son was "going to be fine."

As we previously reported, Chris spent days in the ICU following the accident in Malibu -- where he was treated for multiple broken bones and a collapsed lung.

Arnold had his own proud parent moment, tweeting, "I knew Christopher couldn't be stopped! Big thanks to all the doctors, nurses & staff at UCLA that helped him recover."

LAMediaWatch.com

Lady Gaga Performs On AMP Radio


Lady Gaga gave a live performance to promote her newest single, 'You and I,' on AMP Radio with Carson Daly.

Off her 'Born This Way' album, the new song is seemingly devoid of her favorite themes: sexual identity and religious blasphemy. This tune harkens back to an almost vintage Gaga.

Her softer single, 'Edge of Glory' leads into the performance before addressing her 'Little Monsters' and then belting her latest. 'You and I' is a brashy, heartfelt ballad about love--which isn't necessarily original--but amid all the dogma, feels completely refreshing.

After countless shocking stunts, for Gaga fans, this rather straight-forward single is almost just as scandalizing. 

LAMediaWatch.com

Casey Anthony's Parents Want Big Bucks

The network bidding war over key interviews in the Casey Anthony case has gone into the stratosphere ... because TMZ reports a syndicated talk show was laughed at with a bid of $250,000 for Casey's PARENTS!!!

The bidding has gone crazy ... we're hearing the bidding for a Casey interview was over $1.5 million.

Now ABC News has just released a statement, saying it will no longer pay for photos and video in exchange for interviews.

Sources say all three networks were offering the same deal -- they would pay a fortune to license photos and video from Casey. Short story -- it's a dishonest way of saying they don't pay for interviews.

NBC -- which supposedly paid for Baez' hotel room -- was leading the pack in the Casey bidding war, even though the Network denied it was offering any money for an interview -- which is technically correct.

In its statement, ABC says, "We can book just about anyone based on the strength of our journalism."

Sure they can.

LAMediaWatch.com

Jesse James and Kat Von D Split


It's over. Jesse James and fiance Kat Von D have broken up nearly a year after their relationship became public.

The couple began dating in August , 2010 after rumors swirled and tabloid photos emerged that the couple was together -- just weeks after the scandal broke that James was cheating on his then wife, Sandra Bullock.

Von D, 29, who stars in the reality show "LA Ink," broke the news of the split on her Twitter page Monday night saying "I am no longer with Jesse, and out of respect for him, his family and myself, that's all the info I'd like to share. Thanks for respecting that."

James, 42, is reportedly blaming problems in the couple's relationship on their long distance relationship. Von D lives in Los Angeles, James lives near Austin, Texas with his children.

The marriage would have been James' fourth and second for Von D.

LAMediaWatch.com

McDonald's Happy Meal Adding Apples


McDonald's Corp. is adding apples to all its Happy Meals and launching a nutrition-focused mobile phone app as part of a broader health push.

McDonald's Corp. is adding apples to all its Happy Meals and launching a nutrition-focused mobile phone app as part of a broader health push.
 
The changes underscore how the restaurant industry is reacting to the demands of customers and regulators who blame it for health ills ranging from childhood obesity to diabetes.

McDonald's will introduce a new mobile app focused just on nutrition information.

For Happy Meals, customers can already choose between apples or fries. But only about 11 percent of customers were ordering apples, the restaurant said.

So by the beginning of next year, McDonald's will instead include a half-order of apples and a half-order of fries. Customers can get all fries or all apples if they ask.

LAMediaWatch.com

Winehouse funeral takes place in London


The family of Amy Winehouse gathered at a north London cemetery on Tuesday to bid farewell to their "angel," three days after the troubled singer was found dead at her home.

Some 100 mourners, including Winehouse's producer Mark Ronson and Kelly Osbourne, attended the traditional Jewish funeral that closed with her father Mitch saying: "Good night my angel, sleep tight; Mummy and Daddy love you ever so much."

The 45-minute ceremony was led by a Rabbi and included prayers in English and Hebrew.

Amy will be cremated following a funeral service in North London ... several U.K. media outlets are reporting.  Amy's family is said to be gathering at a local synagogue later today.

Mark Ronson -- who produced most of her "Back to Black" album -- and Kelly Osbourne arrived to pay their respects.  As a tribute to Amy .... Osbourne showed up to the Edgwarebury Cemetery wearing the singer's signature beehive style hairdo.

Ex-husband, Blake Fielder-Civil -- who's currently serving 32 months in prison for burglary and possession of an imitation firearm -- was denied release to attend the funeral.

Amy was found dead on Saturday at her home in London -- the cause of death has not been determined.

LAMediaWatch.com

Monday, July 25, 2011

Michael Tribute Concert Announced


Michael Jackson’s mother and four siblings announced a fall tribute concert in the UK to honor the late King of Pop, but not everyone in the Jackson clan is on board.

Jackson matriarch Katherine Jackson and siblings LaToya, Tito, Jackie and Marlon Jackson said “Michael Forever: The Tribute Concert” will take place Oct. 8 at the 75,000-seat Millennium Stadium in Wales.

The 4-hour event is timed to coincide with the 40th anniversary of the release of Jackson’s first solo single, “Got to be There,” and proceeds will benefit a trio of charities, according to THR.

Tito Jackson said his brother “would be proud to see artists he admired and respected very much come together," THR reported. Jackson’s family and representatives from Global Live Events did not reveal the event's headliners.

And notably absent at the Los Angeles presser were Jackson’s father, Joe Jackson, and siblings Janet, Jermaine and Randy Jackson.

Jermaine and Randy later issued a statement slamming the family’s “inappropriate” decision to hold the concert so soon to the beginning of a criminal trial involving Jackson’s physician, The Wall Street Journal’s Speakeasy blog reported.

LAMediaWatch.com

New Docs Filed: Arnold Will Pay


Arnold Schwarzenegger has just refiled his response to Maria Shriver's divorce petition, and this time he's not trying to deny her spousal support or attorney's fees.

Sources connected with Arnold say ... although he signed his legal response, he never read it and therefore didn't know his lawyer moved to block Maria's bid to get spousal support and her attorney's fees paid by him.

But according to the new docs, Arnold is not asking the judge to block either of Maria's requests.

The misstep caused some problems last week -- especially since Maria was dealing with the serious injury of their son, Christopher, at the time she got slapped with Arnold's papers.

LAMediaWatch.com

Stow suspects appear in court


The two men charged in the brutal beating of San Francisco Giants fan Bryan Stow made their first court appearance Monday, but their arraignment was postponed until Aug. 10.

Louie Sanchez, 29, and Marvin Norwood, 30, both of Rialto, were in Los Angeles Superior Court. They are accused of beating Stow, 42, nearly to death in the Dodger Stadium parking lot on March 31 after the Dodgers' home opener.

A bail hearing for Sanchez was scheduled for Aug. 1, and faces a maximum of nine years in prison, while Norwood faces up to eight years behind bars, according to prosecutors.

During the service of search warrants at Norwood's home, five firearms, including an AR-15 assault rifle, were recovered. An investigation revealed that both Norwood and Sanchez had access to the weapons.

Stow's attackers allegedly fled in a car driven by a woman. Dorene Virginia Sanchez, 31, the sister of Louie Sanchez and the wife or girlfriend of Norwood, was also arrested as an accessory. She was released Friday on $50,000 bail. She is scheduled to appear in court Aug. 19, according to Los Angeles County Jail records.

LAMediaWatch.com

Anchor Change At NBC4


Lucy Noland has been named the 6 p.m. anchor at KNBC. Noland takes over beginning tonight for Ana Garcia, who will become a full-time investigative reporter for KNBC.

Noland has anchored at stations in several different markets. “Lucy is a vibrant anchor with a terrific on-air presence,” KNBC vice president and news director Vickie Burns said in a statement. “She is a skilled journalist who will continuously engage viewers and deliver stories that matter.”

Noland joined KNBC earlier this month after four years at Houston’s KHOU, where she co-anchored the 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. broadcasts. She has also been an anchor at WNYW in New York, WJBK in Detroit and KJEO in Fresno.

Burns is apparently shaking things up since she arrived, judging by the emails and comments coming out of Burbank. And a pet project she brought with her from New York, Daily Connection, didn't work out. It ran on KNBC's digital channel but was nixed by Comcast, says a station source: "It had more people working on it than watching it."

LAMediaWatch.com

Palin’s Documentary Tanks


"The Undefeated," the documentary about Sarah Palin, appears to have suffered box office defeat.

The film opened in 10 locations last week and upped its exposure to 14 cities this weekend. But Reuters today reports that even as the number of screening venues increased, box office revenue has declined by more than 63 percent. It grossed only $24,000 this past weekend.

The film was largely panned by critics, despite invoking cheers from Palin supporters.

Supporters hoped the film (which was made without Palin's participation) coupled with Palin's bus tour (which is currently stalled) would boost Palin's popularity ahead of her official 2012 decision.

The potential candidate has stated she will announce her 2012 plans this August or September.

LAMediaWatch.com

Zsa Zsa's Anniversary Gift


Prince Frederic von Anhalt bought Zsa Zsa Gabor the biggest anniversary card he could find -- in the form of a giant billboard overlooking Sunset Blvd.

The Prince tells TMZ he forked over $68,000 to erect the 44-foot billboard for one month in the heart of Hollywood. Of course, Zsa Zsa is bedridden and can't actually see it ... but it's the thought that counts.

The couple will be celebrating their 25th anniversary on August 14 with a private party at their home.

LAMediaWatch.com

Amy Winehouse Funeral Scheduled For Tuesday


British soul singer Amy Winehouse will be laid to rest at a private funeral on Tuesday, July 26, her rep confirms.

Winehouse is survived by her parents, Mitch and Janis, her older brother, Alex, and her boyfriend, director Reg Traviss.

An autopsy performed Monday at St. Pancras Mortuary did not establish a formal cause of death, Metropolitan Police told Us in a statement. "We are awaiting the results of further toxicology tests," they added, which could take up to four weeks. An inquest was opened at St. Pancras Coroner's Court Monday afternoon; it was adjourned until October 26.

Mitch and Janis met with mourners outside their daughter's Camden Square home Monday morning.

"I can't tell you what this means to us. It really is making this a lot easier for us," Mitch told the well-wishers, who adorned the property with flowers, candles, vodka bottles, cigarettes, flags, wine glasses, drawings and handwritten cards. "We're devastated and I'm speechless, but thanks for coming."

LAMediaWatch.com

Winehouse autopsy fails to determine cause of death


A post mortem examination on British singer Amy Winehouse failed to determine how she died and more toxicology tests are being carried out, with the results expected in two to four weeks, police said on Monday.

Her father Mitch flew in from New York to visit a growing shrine outside the house.  Surrounded by television crews and well-wishers, he read the dozens of condolence messages and walked along banks of teddy bears, flowers -- and the occasional bottle of vodka -- left by fans of the troubled singer.

The beehive-haired soul singer won critical acclaim after the release of her debut album "Frank" in 2003 before becoming a worldwide phenomenon with the success of "Back to Black."

Winehouse's death has sparked a surge in demand for her music. British music retailer HMV predicted on Monday that she would be number one next week as sales of "Back to Black," which won five Grammys, continue to grow.

LAMediaWatch.com

Jackson Family "Thriller" Tribute Concert


Michael Jackson's family is expected to announce a highly-anticipated live tribute concert on Monday, billing it a "thriller of an event."

Jackson matriarch, Katherine, and her four children -- Marlon, Tito, Jackie and LaToya -- called a news conference in Beverly Hills to announce a concert "in honor of one of the greatest and most loved entertainers of our time."

The event will benefit mainstream U.S. and UK charities and will feature world-renowned music performers.

In a press release, the concert was billed as a "thriller of an event."

The concert is being coordinated by Jackson family members and promoter Global Live Events, LLP.

LAMediaWatch.com

Blow to Defense In Jackson Trial


The judge in the Michael Jackson manslaughter trial just undercut a big part of the defense, by ruling 16 hours of rehearsal footage for the "This Is It" tour doesn't show MJ to be in poor health.

Dr. Conrad Murray's lawyers wanted the outtakes to prove Jackson was very ill in the days before his death. The argument goes -- he was already dying, so Dr. Murray can't be held responsible for his death.

But Judge Michael Pastor ruled ... the outtakes were valuable to Sony Pictures -- which objected to turning over the footage -- and the video did not show MJ in poor health.

If the hours of video show a healthy Michael, it undercuts a major line of defense for Murray.

LAMediaWatch.com

Saturday, July 23, 2011

The Great Train Expo In Pomona


See the oldest and most likely the largest public G-scale Garden Railroad in the US, covering 30,000 square feet of gardens, lakes, and scenes with over 10,000 feet of operating track.

Trains run on four main lines, including a dedicated mountain line, with an additional 25+ short lines and point-to-point operations at the same time. All of this is included FREE!!



Fairplex
1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona, CA 91768 [
Map/Directions]Saturday & Sunday, July 23 & 24, 2011
10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

LAMediaWatch.com

Amy Winehouse Remembered


In her short lifetime, Winehouse too often made headlines because of drug and alcohol abuse, eating disorders, destructive relationships and abortive performances. But it's her small but powerful body of recorded music that will be her legacy.

The singer was found dead Saturday at age 27 by ambulance crews called to her home in north London's Camden area, a youth-culture mecca known for its music scene, its pubs — and the availability of illegal drugs.

The London Ambulance Service said Winehouse had died before crews arrived at the house in leafy Camden Square. The cause of death was not immediately known.

The singer's body was taken from her home by private ambulance to a London mortuary where post-mortem examinations were to be carried out either Sunday or Monday. Police said in a statement no arrests have been made in connection with her death.

It was not a complete surprise, but the news was still a huge shock for millions around the world. The size of Winehouse's appeal was reflected in the extraordinary range of people paying tribute as they heard the news, from Demi Moore — who tweeted "Truly sad news ... May her troubled soul find peace" — to chef Jamie Oliver, who wrote "such a waste, raw talent" on the social networking site.

Winehouse was something rare in an increasingly homogenized music business — an outsized personality and an unclassifiable talent.

She shot to fame with the album "Back to Black," whose blend of jazz, soul, rock and classic pop was a global hit. It won five Grammys and made Winehouse — with her black beehive hairdo and old-fashioned sailor tattoos — one of music's most recognizable stars.

"I didn't go out looking to be famous," Winehouse told the Associated Press when the album was released. "I'm just a musician."  But in the end, the music was overshadowed by fame, and by Winehouse's demons. Tabloids lapped up the erratic stage appearances, drunken fights, stints in hospital and rehab clinics. Performances became shambling, stumbling train wrecks, watched around the world on the Internet.

Last month, Winehouse canceled her European comeback tour after she swayed and slurred her way through barely recognizable songs in her first show in the Serbian capital of Belgrade. Booed and jeered off stage, she flew home and her management said she would take time off to recover.

She attended the Sylvia Young Theatre School, a factory for British music and acting moppets, later went to the Brit School, a performing arts academy in the "Fame" mold, and was originally signed to "Pop Idol" svengali Simon Fuller's 19 Management.  But Winehouse was never a packaged teen star, and always resisted being pigeonholed.

Winehouse's performances were sometimes shambolic, and she admitted she was "a terrible drunk."  Increasingly, her personal life began to overshadow her career.

She acknowledged struggling with eating disorders and told a newspaper that she had been diagnosed as manic depressive but refused to take medication. Soon accounts of her erratic behavior, canceled concerts and drink- and drug-fueled nights began to multiply.

Winehouse's managers went to increasingly desperate lengths to keep the wayward star on the straight and narrow. Before a June 2011 concert in Belgrade — the first stop on a planned European comeback tour — her hotel was stripped of booze. It did no good,

Winehouse swayed and slurred her way through barely recognizable songs, as her band played gamely and the audience jeered and booed.  She flew home. Her management canceled the tour, saying Winehouse would take some time off to recover.

In May 2007 in Miami, she married music industry hanger-on Blake Fielder-Civil, but the honeymoon was brief.  They divorced in 2009.

Her last public appearance came three days before her death, when she briefly joined her goddaughter, singer Dionne Bromfield, on stage at The Roundhouse in Camden, just around the corner from her home.

Winehouse is survived by her parents and an older brother, Alex. Her father, Mitch, who released a jazz album of his own, was in New York when he heard the news of her death and immediately flew back.

Winehouse's spokesman, Chris Goodman, said "everyone who was involved with Amy is shocked and devastated." He said the family would issue a statement when they were ready.

LAMediaWatch.com