Ghostbusters Bill Murray and Dan Aykroyd back on call

Hollywood knew exactly who they were gonna call. And Bill Murray and Dan Aykroyd look like they're stepping back into their Ghostbusting gear alongside costars Harold Ramis and Ernie Hudson for a third Ghostbusters movie. Columbia Pictures is planning to reunite the stars and revive the 1980s story of Manhattan's valiant exterminators of supernatural foes, according a report in the trade journal Variety." The new picture is to be written by Lee Eisenberg and Gene Stupnitsky, who both worked on bringing Brit hit 'The Office' to the small screen in the U.S.

 

Google turns 10 this month!

The exact date of Google's b-day depends on when Google wants cake, but Google was born in September 1998. Too bad we can't SuperPoke them with cake.)

 

Campaign pulse check - Media attacks, Palin survives

On Thursday, Rasmussen reported that "Over half of U.S. voters (51%) think reporters are trying to hurt Sarah Palin with their news coverage, and 24% say those stories make them more likely to vote for Republican presidential candidate John McCain in November." Despite the alleged media attack and following her vice presidential acceptance speech, Rasmussen reported today that Palin is viewed favorably by 58% of American voters. What's most interesting is that Palin's ratings are a point higher than either man at the top of the tickets.

 

Don't count on seeing Palin on Oprah

Speaking of Palin...despite fan requests, Oprah Winfrey is not too keen on hosting Republican veep Sarah Palin. Half of her staff wants to book the first potential female V.P. and the other half of the staff are adamant about playing host to Obama's rival. Oprah had contributed thousands of dollars to the Obama campaign.

 

What kind of Playboy Bunny would sleep with David Spade?

 

This one:

 

People can't seem to stop searching for photos of Jillian Grace since the announcement that she mothered a love child with David Spade. Ew.

 

Don't take cancer sitting down

Did you know that you can also help Stand up to Cancer with a host of celebrities? Visit the site www.standup2cancer.org to make a donation, and tune in at 8 p.m. tonight on ABC, NBC and CBS to see scheduled apperances to Jessica Alba, Charles Barkley, Halle Berry, Jack Black, Abigail Breslin, Kate Bosworth, Sheryl Crow, Ellen DeGeneres, Melissa Etheridge, Jimmy Fallon, Jennifer Garner, Brad Garrett, Angie Harmon, Tony Hawk, Marg Helgenberger, Diane Keaton, Rob Lowe, Mandy Moore, Don Newcombe, Sharon Osbourne, Josh Peck, Mekhi Phifer, Keanu Reeves, Jimmy Smits, David Spade and Carrie Underwood.

 

Eva Mendes: "I'm Big on Therapy"

Eva Mendes is one happy camper. "I'm big on therapy," Mendes said. "I've always said I love talking about therapy, because there's nothing wrong with it. Why wait until something goes terrible in your life to start fixing things?" Mendes, 34, has never talked details about why she did a stint in rehab earlier this year, but she says one of her biggest issues was coping with her own success.

 

Katy Perry rolls out Madonna classic at VMA’s

British comic Russell Brand has revealed "I Kissed a Girl" singer Katy Perry will perform "Like a Virgin" at Sunday's MTV Video Music Awards. "There's a lot of virginity and lesbianism going on at the show," the English host told reporters at a press preview held Thursday, at the Paramount Pictures lot where the ceremony will be held. We’ll be tuning in for this one! Maybe Katy and Madonna will lock lips afterwards?!

 

As if anyone in the Cube world cares...

Russia said on Friday that U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney was encouraging Georgian aggression by supporting Tbilisi's bid to join the NATO military alliance, report Reuters UK.

 

Um. We still can't afford it

Something has sparked severe Google search interest in the BMW Alpina B7. Other than curiousity, we can't figure out the car's appeal to the average Internet surfer because at $95,000 (in Canadian bucks) for a 2002 model.... we still can't afford it.

 

That's it for Cube!

Happy Friday!

 

David Spade has child with former Playboy Playmate

Spears to open MTV Video Music Awards

Animator of 'Peanuts,' 'Pinocchio,' 'Porky' dies

Anti-scientology group to protest Katie Holmes

An anti-Scientology group called Anonymous has announced plans to stage a sidewalk protest timed to the opening night of the Broadway revival of "All of My Sons" on Oct. 16. Katie Holmes - whose hubby is big named scientologist Tom Cruise -- is in a supporting role. The show will also star John Lithgow.

 

'90210' debuts: The best surprise is no surprise

There weren't a lot of surprises on the premiere of "90210." Who wanted surprises? A modern-day reprise of the 1990s Fox phenomenon, "Beverly Hills, 90210," this CW teen drama was kept tightly under wraps before its airing Tuesday night. The network apparently didn't want to spoil any surprises. As if! "90210" felt reassuringly familiar, probably even for viewers too young to have seen the series that inspired it. What higher praise could "90210" aspire to? It didn't screw up!

 

Letterman wants to call sunset for late-night gig

David Letterman wants to stick with CBS' "Late Show" through his contract - and maybe longer - as rival Jay Leno prepares to surrender the "Tonight" reins next year. "The way I feel now, I would like to go beyond 2010, not much beyond, but you know, enough to go beyond. You always like to be able to excuse yourself on your own terms," Letterman said in an interview in Rolling Stone magazine. In the article, Letterman also discusses guests including Madonna, Oprah Winfrey and Howard Stern, with the most moving remarks about musician Warren Zevon, who appeared on "Late Show" shortly before his 2003 death from cancer.

 

A "Summer" to remember for Kid Rock

A decade into his major-label career, Kid Rock is riding his biggest wave yet, powered by his worldwide hit tune "All Summer Long." The third single from his chart-topping album, "Rock N Roll Jesus," which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 last October and is currently at No. 2, "All Summer Long" is a tale of young summer love and partying, spiced with an inspired mash-up of Warren Zevon's "Werewolves of London" and Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Sweet Home Alabama."

 

30 Days of Night continues as Web series

Diehard fans of Steven Niles’ epic vampire comic book series "30 Days of Night" might want to catch the latest incarnation of the franchise with the recent web series finale of "30 Days of Night: Dust to Dust," reports Newsarama. In conjunction with the last video installment being posted on FEARnet, a brand new web comic has also been published that adapts the web series.

 

Tiger Woods expecting baby number two

Tiger’s going for a second hole in one with baby number two on the way. The golf pro and his model wife, Elin Nordegren, are expecting their second bundle in late winter, making their daughter Sam Alexis Woods, a big sister.

 

Meghan McCain writes a book and muses on life in the White House

Has John McCain's daughter, Meghan, already put dibs on a White House bedroom? That was the question put to the 23-year-old by a cub reporter from Nickelodeon Tuesday, as the would-be First Daughter unveiled My Dad, John McCain, her illustrated children's book about her father's life story. "No," McCain replied to the bedroom query. "But Jenna Bush did show me her room in the White House and it's beautiful." She added with a laugh, "But they're smaller than you might think!" Cube Candy wants to know if it's a requirement for First Daughter's to write children's books.

 

Bristol’s boy toy heads to Republican Convention

In the words of celeb blogger Perez Hilton…the Repubs are bringing scandal to St. Paul! Levi Johnston, babydaddy to Sarah Palin's teen daughter, Bristol, left Alaska on Tuesday to be with the Palin family at the Republican National Convention in Minnesota, according to a new report. Levi's mom said that she's concerned about her son dealing with all the attention. She reportedly went on to say that it was difficult enough for teenagers to deal with any pregnancy, having the entire nation watching made it worse. Sarah Palin is scheduled to address the Republicans tonight and, traditionally, her family - which now includes Levi - would join her at the conclusion of her speech.

 

The Smashing Pumpkins to debut single on "Guitar Hero"

Smashing Pumpkins'new single, “G.L.O.W.,” will be premiered exclusively on Guitar Hero World Tour, marking the first time the game has previewed a new release before it’s made available anywhere else. 

 

Big Foot and UFO sitings correlate in some states

A recent study shows that certain states have made the most claims on having spotted Big Foot and un-identified fly objects. Who are in the unbelievable top six? Washington, Oregon, New Mexico, Alaska, Wyoming, and Colorado. Read the report.

Sarah Palin's teenage daughter pregnant

In yet another surprising development in the Republican presidential campaign, vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin confirmed in a statement Monday that her 17-year-old daughter Bristol is five months pregnant. Alaska governor Palin, who was selected to be John McCain's vice president last week, said, "Bristol came to us with news that as parents we knew would make her grow up faster than we had ever planned. As Bristol faces the responsibilities of adulthood, she knows she has our unconditional love and support." Palin also said that her daughter plans to marry the father of the baby.  Wondering who the daddy is? A hockey-playing and hunting bad boy named Levi.

Google to offer web browser

Google released its free, open source Web browser at some point today called Chrome that will challenge Microsoft's Internet Explorer and Firefox. Want to get it?

Helen Mirren: I 'loved coke' and was date raped

Helen Mirren makes some startling revelations – she was date raped more than once and has tried several illegal drugs – in a revealing new interview with the British edition of GQ. "I was, yes. A couple of times," the Oscar-winning Queen actress says in the October issue, recalling her experiences being raped as a youth in London. "Not with excessive violence, or being hit, but rather being locked in a room and made to have sex against my will." Mirren, 63, also admited she took illegal drugs – including marijuana and LSD – as a teen.

Winehouse too sick for Paris gig

Here's a shocker: At the last minute, Amy Winehouse pulled out of a concert in Paris on Friday night because she was too sick to perform. The trouble-stricken Brit, who's been hospitalized twice since June, was too ill to make the trip from her home in London to the City of Lights for the Rock En Seine festival. Winehouse ticket holders, word to the wise, don’t hold your breath.

Jags' Collier shot in early-morning incident

Jacksonville Jaguars offensive tackle Richard Collier was reportedly shot early Tuesday morning while outside an apartment complex. The Florida Times-Union reported Tuesday that Collier, 26, was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries following the shooting.

Speaking of... It's college football season!

Looking for those college football rankings and info. Try our College Football Preview. And, keep an eye on our College Football channel for up-to-date news from the fields.

Attention, all metalheads

Check out Metallica’s latest video: “The Day that Never Comes” Their new album, “Death Magnet” is due out Sept. 12..

 
Voice man dies

Don LaFontaine, the man behind the chilling voice in various movie trailers and commercials, died Monday, his agent said. He was 68. Sure, you know the guy. His voiced has been featured on more than 3,500 films, TV shows and other projects, according to imdb.com, but you might know him best from his recent Geico commercial:

David Duchovny enters rehab for sex addiction

The truth is out there, whether we want it or not. David Duchovny has checked into rehab to undergo treatment for sex addiction. "I have voluntarily entered a facility for the treatment of sex addiction," Duchovny said in a statement. In an interview with Playgirl in 1997,  the Golden Globe winner denied having a sex addiction. The X-Files star, 48, has been married to actress Téa Leoni since 1997. They have two children, daughter Madelaine West, 9, and son Kyd, 6.

 

VP could be a she!

It's been about 20-some years since a woman ran for the Vice President's office. (Geraldine Anne Ferraro was the first female vice presidential candidate. She ran in 1984 on the ticket with Walter Mondale. Guess who won that election?) Looks like McCain tapped Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin to be his vice presidential running mate. According to the Associated Press, a formal announcement was expected within a few hours at a campaign rally in swing-state Ohio.

 

Oprah cried her eyelashes off for Obama

So what did bug supporter Oprah Winfrey think of Barack Obama's acceptance speech last night? "I cried my eyelashes off," she says. "I think it's the most powerful thing I have ever experienced." The talk show queen called Obama's words "transcendent." She adds, "He's not an African-American candidate. He's a candidate for Americans." Go ‘head girl.

 

Pharrell Williams: Britney Spears 'Made her mark'

It's still a week early for the MTV Video Music Awards. But Britney Spears, who is up for three awards – including top honors – has a supporter in the form of hip-hop heavyweight Pharrell Williams. "She's made her mark with her career," Williams told People magazine. "She's super-talented. She's an entertainer." Williams, 35, collaborated with Spears on her hits "I'm a Slave 4 U" and "Boys." "It was cool, it was fun," said Williams. Besides video of the year, Spears's nominations include best pop video and best female video. She has never won a MTV Video Music Award, despite 16 nominations in her career. Will this be Brit Brit’s year for best music video? (It might if they show paparazzi videos of her breakdowns.)

 

Halle Berry engaged…or married?!

Is that a wedding ring Halle Berry is wearing? Because we're just saying, you know, we didn't get our invite to the ceremony. If there was one. Sure, we know she's been busy as a new mom, but she can still get in touch. We're around. Of course, it could just be a friendship ring, right? She seems like she'd be a really good friend.

 

Here's a real thriller: MJ is 50

The pop icon and international superstar whose signature (ever-changing) skintone, red leather jacket and one glove turns 50 today.  How will Michael Jackson celebrate his 50th? He says he'll "just have a little cake with my children and we'll probably watch some cartoona."

Check out the moonwalk master

 

 

Genealogy today... or uh... yesterday... today

Forget Flickr or PhotoBucket, now you can add photos of all your ancestors on DeadFred.com, a genealogy photo archive. Need more genealogy? Did you know you could obtain a Revolutionary Pension file free of charge? The Lufkin Daily News suggest you visit www.footnote.com and you may select the time period you are interested in. Revolutionary pension has been digitized and are available to be printed free of charge. Speaking of dead - that is what we're talking about, right? - you could just scare the kiddies with this.

 

Barack Obama's daughters wanted Jonas Brothers, not their dad, onstage at DNC

While his opponent may be trying to brand him as a celebrity, Barack Obama isn't the biggest star in his own daughters' eyes. When Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7, took the stage at the Democratic National Convention in Denver on Monday night after their mom Michelle's speech, they had no idea their dad was going to be beamed in live via satellite. When Mrs. Obama told the girls she had a surprise for them, the potential first lady was pretty surprised at the response, according to CNN. "Is it the Jonas Brothers?" Malia asked. Read the rest on MTV.com. (They're also big fans of Kidd Kraddick in the Morning, a syndicated radio show. Or, so that's what Obama, said when he was on the show.)

 

That's it for Cube!

It's Friday, so you've got the weekend to look forward to!

Dave Matthews Band mourns at saxophonist's service

Dave Matthews was among 1000 mourners in Charlottesville who paid homage to LeRoi Holloway Moore, the funk jazz saxophonist,  arranger and founding member of the Matthews' band. He died earlier this month after complications from an all-terrain vehicle accident. 

Charlie & Brooke Sheen expecting a baby

Charlie and Brooke Sheen's summer of love, which began with their wedding in May, is closing with more exciting news: They are expecting their first child together, his rep confirms. Sheen, 42, already has three daughters: Sam, 4, and Lola, 3, with ex-wife Denise Richards, and Cassandra, 23, with ex-girlfriend Paula Profitt.

 

Hilary Duff's dad jailed for 10 days

This is no Disney drama! A divorce hearing between Hilary Duff's parents began Wednesday with bickering about her upcoming 21st birthday party – and ended with her dad being lead away in handcuffs. A Texas judge sentenced her father, Bob Duff, to 10 days in jail for contempt. (He was accused of violating a court order prohibiting him from selling assets without the consent of his estranged wife.) The star's mom was demanding $25,000 to fund a party and gift for Hilary's 21st birthday on Sept. 28.

 

SNL plucks Michael Phelps out of the hosting pool

Saturday Night Live is looking to make a splash this season. The aging sketch series has tapped Olympic golden boy Michael Phelps to host its 34th-season premiere Sept. 13 on NBC, which probably wouldn't mind basking in the glow from its history-making coverage of the Beijing Games a little longer. Aside from all the commercials and inevitable talk-show spots, this will be the first "acting" role for Phelps, whose world-record-smashing, eight-gold-medal-winning performance at the Summer Olympics made him the poster boy of U.S. swimming for generations to come and won him the hearts of millions of admiring fans. We’ll be watching this episode of SNL, for sure.

 

Steve Jobs is dead 

Or so Bloomberg financial newswire reported today when they accidently published a 17-page obit Wednesday afternoon on the Apple CEO who's been battling pancreatic cancer. The article has already been retracted.

 

L.A. man busted for pirating Guns 'n' Roses tracks

The feds are investigating an L.A. man who pirated and posted nine tracks from the rockers' long-awaited album, "Chinese Democracy." He will be facing federal copyright infringement. The man had downloaded the songs from an online ad sales company where he works.

 

Marathon watching for the weekend

Not the kinda that makes you actually sweat, silly. From Project Runway to Law & Order and even Coach, check out how you can take a brain holiday with a listing of TV marathons.

 

Halle Berry's Ex Eric Benet: 'I'm Happy for Her'

Yet another one... maybe. Tropical Storm Hannah forms as Hurricane Gustav looms. The National Hurricane Center says Tropical Storm Hanna has formed northeast of the northern Leeward Islands in the Atlantic. It is the the eighth tropical storm of the Atlantic season.

 

Earthquake hits off U.K. coast

A strong earthquake struck off Canada's west coast early Thursday near Vancouver Island. The magnitude-6.1 quake hit at 5:37 a.m. Its epicenter was 97 miles west of Port Hardy and 293 miles west northwest of Vancouver, the U.S. Geological Survey said. It struck at a depth of 6.2 miles. There have been 18 quakes in the region this week.

 

Get saved and get fit, all at the same time

Thousands of Atlanta area church members have recently joined the “50 Million Pound Challenge,” a weight loss program launched last year by Dr. Ian Smith, the diet expert for VH1’s “Celebrity Fit Club.” The 50 Million Pound Challenge, sponsored by State Farm Insurance and targeting the African-American community, is a free online program that keeps track of weight loss and offers shopping lists, 30-day-meal plans and exercise regimens. Smith also talks about making dramatic lifestyle changes — including lightening up church pot lucks. Atlanta boasts more registrations than any other city, with 44,499 weight loss enthusiasts.

 

Now, go on... back to work. Your Cube Candy time is ovuh!

Phelps & Co. Blow U.S. TV Record Out of the Water

 

Thanks to NBC's multipronged, round-the-clock coverage, the 2008 Summer Olympics reached 214 million viewers, making it the most-watched event in U.S. television history, according to numbers released Tuesday by Nielsen Media Research. The extra eyeballs glued to such spectacles as Michael Phelps' acquisition of a record eight gold medals, the triumph of the itty-bitty Chinese women's gymnastics team and the U.S. "Redeem Team's" total domination over all comers in basketball helped the Beijing games surpass the previously most-watched event of all time—the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta—by5 million viewers. Beijing also blew Athens away by 11 million.

 

Extras sue Tom Cruise for $11 million

 

Twelve movie extras are seeking $11 million in damages from Tom Cruise and his production company after suffering broken bones, cuts and bruises in the filming of World War Two picture "Valkyrie" in Berlin last year. The extras were injured on August 19, 2007, when the side panel of a period German army truck burst open as it drove around a corner in central Berlin.

 

Sheridan and Bolton end engagement

 

Nicollette Sheridan and Michael Bolton are again going their separate ways, a rep for the actress tells PEOPLE exclusively. The couple's relationship originally started in 1992, and lasted for five years.

The musician, now 55, and the Desperate Housewives star, 44, then resumed seeing one another in 2005 – and in March 2006 had announced their wedding engagement.

 

Australia assessing visa for Snoop Dogg

 

The immigration department said Wednesday it was conducting a character assessment of Snoop Dogg, including his criminal history, as Australia considers whether to grant the rapper a visa for a concert tour later this year. A department spokesman said reports the visa had already been granted were false. He said the rapper, whose birth name is Cordozar Calvin Broadus Jr., applied for a visa in July and the department carried out a preliminary assessment. Snoop Dogg and fellow hip-hop star Ice Cube plan an Australian concert tour in October.

 

Tisdale has part of leg amputated due to cancer

 

Former NBA player Wayman Tisdale had part of his right leg amputated Monday because of bone cancer. Tisdale, 44, revealed on his Web site that the surgery was scheduled for Monday. His wife, Regina, told The Associated Press on Tuesday night the surgery had taken place as planned. "Everything went well," she said. Tisdale, a 6-foot-9 Tulsa native who played for Oklahoma before spending 12 seasons in the NBA with the Indiana Pacers, Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns, first learned he had cancerous cyst below his right knee after he broke his leg in a fall at his home in Los Angeles on Feb. 8, 2007.

 

Prison doesn't fit half-ton woman

 

Mayra Rosales, 27, who weighs nearly 1,000 pounds, was indicted last week on capital murder charges in the death of her nephew Eliseo Gonzalez Jr. Prosecutors said the 2-year-old boy died after being struck at least twice in the head while in the care of Rosales, who is bedridden. Jamie Rosales, the boy's 20-year-old mother, believes the death was possibly an accident. A state district judge put Rosales under house arrest Monday because the county jail lacks a large enough cell or necessary medical resources. Talk about formalities. Do they really think a woman that large is going anywhere? If she had accomplices, where would they hide her?

 

Why are people Googling that??!!

 

We're trying to make sense of what we saw on Google Trends this morning. So... can someone tell us why actor Boris Kodjoe and Ziami, a fashion house, were burning up the Google Trends charts this morning? Not one press release or news item makes any sense of it for us. Did we miss a Today Show segment on it or something?

 

On another topic, we get why people are Googling "shtetl." If Maureen Dowd quotes a top democrat with saying, “I’m telling you, man... it’s something about our party, the shtetl mentality.” People are going to want to know what that word means. Here's what Wikipedia says: "Shtetls are portrayed as pious communities following Orthodox Judaism, socially stable and unchanging despite outside influence or attacks."

 

That's it for Cube Candy today

‘Idol’ brings on new judge

Songwriter and producer Kara DioGuardi will join the ‘American Idol’ ranks as a new judge. DioGuardi, a music industry powerhouse, has penned and produced hits for Celine Dion, Kelly Clarkson and Christina Aguilera (to name a few). She will meet up for the first time with Idol’s original judges Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul on Tuesday for the New York auditions of the upcoming season, which will air on FOX in January 2009. DioGuardi noted she and Abdul collaborated on the Kylie Minogue hit “Spinning Around” in 2000. DioGuardi told reporters she doesn’t know where she’ll sit or how four judges will break a tie during the auditions.

Angelina Jolie or Cher as Catwoman in Batman 3?

Who will make the purrfect female, feline villain? Sixty-something icon Cher or pout and potent Angelina Jolie? The "The Dark Knight" sequel is being titled as "The Caped Crusade" with filming to begin in early 2009. Other possible leads? Johnny Depp as The Riddler and Philip Seymour Hoffman as the Penguin?

'100 Things to Do before you Die' author dies

Dave Freeman, co-author of "100 Things to Do Before You Die," a travel guide that inspired odd adventures, died after hitting his head in a fall at his Venice home. He was 47. His life premise: "How can you make sure you fill <life> with the most fun and that you visit all the coolest places on earth before you pack those bags for the very last time?" The adventure seeker who preferred to travel alone wrote the bestseller in 1999. After witnessing the 9/11 bombing, he moved back to L.A. to be closer to his family in 2001.

Madonna kicks off tour with controversy

Madonna launched her Sweet and Sticky tour this past Saturday in Cardiff, Wales, and of course, being Madonna, she had to create some kind of controversy. She started the drama with a couple of political montages during her song "Get Stupid." The video interlude features images of destruction, global warming, Adolf Hitler and John McCain (uh-oh!), then goes on to include John Lennon, Al Gore, Gandhi and Barack Obama (oh crap!). Naturally, McCain’s people are pissed, and they let her know how not cool her little video is in a statement. Read on to find out what McCain’s camp said.

Former Trail Blazer Kevin Duckworth dies at 44

Former Portland Trail Blazer center Kevin Duckworth died while on a trip to the Oregon Coast to host a free basketball clinic. He was 44. The Lincoln County sheriff's office confirmed the death. He died Monday.

Newlyweds spend honeymoon in separate cells

The groom was defending his mates honor. The bride headbutted a woman who made a catty comment about her wedding gown. The Brit couple got into a bar room brawl while celebrating their marriage that led to a fury of fists between the bride and three other women.

Gustav became hurricane this morn

Hurricane Gustav won't effect us in terms of wind damage, more like gas prices. It grew rapidly as it closed in on impoverished Haiti today, and sent global oil prices soaring on fears it could become "extremely dangerous" in the Gulf of Mexico. It is hard to predict just where Gustav will strike, "but the market is reacting to it," said Victor Shum, an energy analyst with Purvin & Gertz in Singapore. Although we don't have to fill our bathtubs with water here in Hampton Roads, we may want to consider filling 'em with gas.

More 80's please. Bust out  your denim jacket

Take a lunchtime break with Tina Yothers' "Back in Love Again"

'Dancing with the Stars' lineup officially announced

The season seven "Dancing with the Stars" cast was officially announced this morning on ABC’s Good Morning America, and after much Internet speculation on who would be joining the show, there are plenty of surprises. The diverse lineup includes soap star Susan Lucci, recent Beijing Olympics gold medal winner Misty May-Treanor, Kim Kardashian and former ‘N Sync star Lance Bass. The cast also boasts the oldest-ever competitor with actress Cloris Leachman, 82, and the youngest-ever competitor with Hannah Montana actor Cody Linley, 18. Maurice Green, Olympic gold medalist track and field star, was lucky enough to be paired with two-time DWTS champ Cheryl Burke – you know that’s a dream team waiting to happen. And no, Lance is not paired with a guy, he’s dancing with “So You Think You Can Dance” star Lacey Schwimmer.

 

Dolly Parton dead, or singing a duet?

Rumors of Dolly Parton's death are milling around the Internet this morning.  According to posters on Digg.com, Fox News reported her death this morning, but they have yet to mention anything on their Website. As Dolly's death stands, its all rumor and speculation. A bunch of fans must be worried, because "Dolly Parton Dead" is climbing the Google Trends charts and fast! However, there is a story on Fox News that asks if Jessica Simpson and Dolly will sing a duet together any time in the near future. Seems like a classic case of misheard lyrics. Can I kiss this guy now?

 

Matthews, Crow kick off Democratic convention

Singing at the Democratic convention, Sheryl Crow dedicated her song "Strong Enough" to Barack Obama and then added a twist to the lyrics for the occasion. "Are you strong enough to be my man, or my president?" Crow sang to her party's nominee and his newly announced running mate. Dave Matthews and Sugarland's Jennifer Nettles also sang at the kickoff concert Sunday night at Red Rocks Amphitheater outside Denver.

 

Heidi Montag causes "Physical" reaction

After all The Hills drama, Heidi Montag just wants to work it out. In the new video for her song "Overdosin'," the Hills honey plunders the pop-cultural past for inspiration. And the ploy works, if only because she swipes from big cheeses such as John Travolta, revisiting his iconic Saturday Night Fever dance moves while dressed in Olivia Newton-John's "Let's Get Physical" leotard along with a pair of Flashdance-worthy leg warmers. What do you think of her latest music video attempt… better than her bouncing on the beach in a bikini?

 

Beijing Olympics most watched TV event in history

Speaking of working it out, the Beijing Games have become the most-watched  television event of all time, according to the Nielsens. Beating out the 1977 miniseries, "Roots" and the 1969 Apollo 11 Moon Landing. Through 16 days and 3600 hundred hours of coverage, 211 million viewers have watched the Olympics onNBC Universal's broadcast network and cable channels, according to Nielsen Media Research. Anyone who watched the Games for more than six minutes was included the count. Population growth and the accessibility to TV are among the factors.

Want an Olympic recap?

 

Olympics last-place winners

Okay. Okay. We all know about Usain Bolt, Michael Phelps and cutie Shawn Johnson, but what about the last-place place finishers like synchronized divers Blake Aldridge and Tom Daley, a 14-year-old Brit who was talking to his mum during the competition.

 

For London 2012?

Not just for gentleman's clubs anymore. Athletes are claiming pole dancing as an emerging international sport. Here's a recap of the 2008 pole dance championships held in Argentina earlier this spring.

Ricky Martin welcomes twin boys via surrogate

Ricky Martin is a father to twin boys born via a surrogate, his rep confirms to People. "In recent weeks, Ricky Martin became a proud father by the birth of twin sons," his rep tells People. "The children, delivered via gestational surrogacy, are healthy and already under Ricky's full-time care," the rep said in a statement. "Ricky is elated to begin this new chapter in his life as a parent and will be spending the remainder of the year out of the public spotlight in order to spend time with his children."

 

PETA wants to buy SeaWorld

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals wants to buy a SeaWorld park, possibly the one in San Diego, to free the killer whales, dolphins and stingrays and replace them with virtual reality exhibits. PETA is known to stage publicity stunts but claims that the bid is not a hoax. Seaworld is owned by Williamsburg beermeisters Anheuser-Busch - who may be purchased by a Belgium firm. PETA wants to close the SeaWorld deal before the beer company is sold.

 

Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale have a boy

It's a rock band in the making: Gwen Stefani and her rocker husband Gavin Rossdale welcomed their second child, a son, on Thursday in Los Angeles. Zuma Nesta Rock Rossdale was born at 12:46 p.m. and weighed 8 1/2 lbs. He joins the couple's other son Kingston, who turned 2 in May. The No Doubt singer, also the designer behind the L.A.M.B and Harajuku Lovers fashion lines, told the magazine that Rossdale is "super into being a dad." No doubt.

 

Tila Tequila's girlfriend: not the right kind of fine

This probably isn't the kind of shot that Tila Tequila was talking about. Courtenay Semel, daughter of former Yahoo! mogul Terry Semel and current girlfriend of the equal-opportunity MTV star, was cited Wednesday in Las Vegas for misdemeanor battery after allegedly hitting a nightclub security guard on the back of the head at 4 a.m. Tila’s new GF brings new meaning to the lyrics “hit me with your best shot.”

 

Michael Phelps to write a new book

Olympic superstar Michael Phelps will write a book, "Built to Succeed" to talk about his training and competitive philosophy. The eight gold medal 23-year-old swimmer announced his deal with Simon & Schuster, announced today. Just in time for the holidays!

Phelps' other big get is that Lindsay Lohan wants to meet the Olympic superhero. To that, Phelps' responded, "She's pretty hot."

 

Local guy is a true grammarian

A Virginia Beach man and his friend have been banned from national parks for one year for defacing a historic marker at the Grand Canyon because it had a typo, reports the AP.  Authorities say Benjamin Douglas Herson of Virginia Beach and Jeff Michael Deck of Somerville, Massachusetts, went around the country this year removing typographical errors from public signs. Investigators learned of the vandalism from an Internet site operated by Deck on behalf of the Typo Eradication Advancement League.

 

Annual college rankings released

With the first day of classes just around the corner, everyone seems to be in a hurry to check out U.S. News and World Report's Annual America's Best Colleges 2009, a list of top colleges in the nation ranked by all sorts of categories. A quick look at the rankings will show you that William & Mary has one of the higer graduation rates in the nation and Old Dominion University has one of the higher acceptance rates for transfer students in the nation. The list offers national and regional rankings and gives an overview of the colleges for free. For a fee, you can learn the rankings of each individual school.

 

Another application for your profile

Don't have enough to do with your time? The Internets are all abuzz about Project Playlist, a new Facebook and MySpace application, that allows you to stream music to and through your social network profiles. But not everyone is a fan. A contributor to Collge on the Record, a site aggregating blog posts for college students across the nation, says the application is about as fun as eatting tapioca while watching "Everybody Loves Raymond" reruns... but isn't that relative? Dude, some of our contributor's love tapioca and "Everybody Loves Raymond" reruns! (Opps! Did we Cube that out loud?)

 

Gymnasts' parents "indignant" over age questions

China was asked to provide additional documents proving that five of the six members of its gold medal women's gymnastics team were old enough to compete in the Beijing Olympics, in hopes it will end persistent questions about the girls' ages. The International Olympic Committee said Friday there is still no proof anyone cheated, but it asked gymnastics officials to investigate.

 

Smokin' art

Need a bit of calm before the storm of your weekend? Check out this cool little flick from blumwald on YouTube: