Swiss Police Spy Marijuana Field with Google Earth

By: Vickie J. Rubinson

Swiss police said Thursday they stumbled across a large marijuana plantation while using Google Earth, the search engine company's satellite mapping software.

Police said the find was part of a bigger investigation that led to the arrest of 16 people and seizure of 1.2 tons of marijuana as well as cash and valuables worth 900,000 Swiss Francs ($780,000).

The pot plantation was hidden inside a field of corn. But officers using Google Earth to locate the address of two farmers suspected of involvement in the drug operation quickly spotted the illegal crop.

"It was an interesting chance discovery," said police.

Inauguration Hat May Be Kept in Museum

By: Vickie J. Rubinson

According to the Detroit News, the famous hat that Aretha Franklin wore to Barack Obama's presidential inauguration is now of interest to the Smithsonian Museum.

The Smithsonian has asked Franklin if she would donate the now iconic inaugural hat to the museum to become apart of an exhibit dedicated to Obama's inauguration.

"I am considering it. It would be hard to part with my chapeau since it was such a crowning moment in history," said Franklin. "I would like to smile every time I look back at it and remember what a great moment it was in American and African-American history. Ten cheers for President Obama."

The Swarovski jewel-studded gray, wool hat with a gigantic bow tie in the front made national headlines when Ms. Franklin wore it.

Curious case against 'Button' in Italy

By: Vickie J. Rubinson

According to the Hollywood Reporter.com, "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" got a little strange Friday after an attorney representing an Italian office worker filed legal papers alleging that the screenplay was based on a story she wrote in 1994.

The David Fincher film, nominated for 13 Oscars, features Brad Pitt in the role of Benjamin Button, a man who ages backwards. It was inspired by--but not based on--a 1921 shorty story by F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Adriana Pichini, a Roman office worker, said the film seems to be based on a story she wrote 15 years ago called "Arthur's Return to Innocence." The story was officially registered with the proper Italian copyright authorities in 1994 and even sent to publishers in the U.S. but was never published.

According to Gianni Massaro, Puchini's lawyer, a file was opened with the Rome Tribunal Court which means a judge will watch the film and read the story. If the judge determines there are enough similiarities to warrant an investigation, the court will launch one.

"At this point it's still a matter of principle," Massaro said. "What happens next will depend on what the judge rules."

'Taken' is Tops at Box Office for Friday

By: Vickie J. Rubinson

Twentieth Century Fox's Liam Neeson action-thriller "Taken" grossed an estimated $9.5 million at the Friday box office to score the best opening day ever for Super Bowl weekend.

Paramount's new horror entry, "The Uninvited," (based on a South Korean flick), grossed an estimated $4.3 million. Lionsgate's Renee Zellweger-Harry Connick Jr., romantic comedy "New in Town," the weekend's third opener grossed an estimated $2.4 million to $2.5 million.

Springsteen calls Wal-Mart deal a mistake

By: Vickie J. Rubinson

The boss is owning up to a mistake.

In an interview with The New York times, Bruce Springsteen says he shouldn't have made a deal with Wal-Mart. This month, the store started exclusively selling a Springsteen greatest-hits CD.

Some fans were critical because Springsteen has been a longtime supporter of worker's rights and Wal-Mart has faced criticism for its labor practices. Springsteen's team didn't vet the issue as closely as it should have and that he "dropped the ball on it," he told the Times for a story to be published in Sunday editions and previewed on its Web site.

Sprinsteen went on to say: "It was a mistake. Our batting average is usually very good but we missed that one. Fans will call you on that stuff, as it should be."

'Zack and Miri' wish they never made a porno

By: Vickie J. Rubinson

According to Variety, the Kevin Smith comedy "Zack and Miri Make a Porno" was supposed to catapult both Smith and the Weinstein Co. into the "Judd Apatowian stratosphere;" instead, the $24 million production earned just $37 million worldwide. Now hopes of a rich and fruitful afterlife are being threatened by one of the nation's largest DVD sales outlets.

Wal-Mart won't carry the "p" word in its stores and has forced Weinstein to create new DVD covers that say simply, "Zack amd Miri." As a result, a raunchy sex comedy about two friends who try to reverse their financial condition by producing a porn movie now sounds like a gentle romance between two retirees.

"Zack and Miri" DVDs, with and without the porno, will gon on sale Feb 2.

Britney gets restraining order for Lufti, Ghalib

By: Vickie J. Rubinson

Britney Spears has obtained a restraining order against former manager Sam Lufti and ex-boyfriend Adnan Ghalib, TMZ.com reported.

Access Hollywood has learned that Spears' lawyers had a Monday court date but went in early to acquire the reported injunction.

A source reportedly told TMZ.com that Spears has told her conservators to "protect" her from the two men, who were associated with the star during her tumultuous breakdown over a year ago.

Scientology promoted in Bart Simpson's voice

By: Vickie J. Rubinson

Bart Simpson is known for prank calls, but Nancy Cartwright, who provides Bart's voice on the U.S. version of "The Simpsons," has been heard this week in a phone message using the voice of the cartoon boy to promote Scientology.

According to the Associated Press, Cartwright, long a member of the church, recorded her 60-second robocall to boost attendance at a Scientology even in New York scheduled for Saturday.

Although she identifies herself, much of the spiel is delivered in Bart's voice, wrapping up with, "See you there, man!"

The Fox network would not comment, but "Simpsons" executive producer Al Jean said the message wasn't authorized by the show, which has never "endorsed any religion, philosophy or system of beliefs any more profound than Butterfingers bars" candy.

110-year-old 'living fossil' becomes a dad

By: Vickie J. Rubinson

It took about 110 years and some delicate surgery on his most private parts, but Henry--a lizard-like creature from New Zealand--is now a dad.

Henry, a tuatara, as far as curators at a museum in New Zealand know, had never mated before, hooked up with Mildred, a younger woman of about 80, in March.

In July she laid 11 healthy eggs and, this week, all 11 of them hatched, according to CNN.

"We had a champagne breakfast to celebrate," said curator Lindsay Hazley.

Tuataras are the only living descendants of an order, related to dinosaurs, that flourished 200 million years ago. They're endangered, only living on a handful of islands in New Zealand, which makes Henry's happy news all the more important to supporters of the species.

But it didn't come easy.

Until about six years ago, Henry was a nasty, irritable fellow who showed no interest in mating and would attack females when they were introduced. He eventually had to be put in "solitary confinement."

But in 2002, veterinarians discovered that a lump in Henry's nether regions was a cancerous tumor. They removed it and over the next few years, his mood--and interest in the ladies--improved.

Now, Henry lives peacefully with Mildred and two other females. Breeders are hoping he'll show interest in Lucy, who is about the same age as Mildred, later this year. Female tuataras only lay eggs every two or three years, so Mildred likely won't be interested.

Friday morning, Hazley was working to install a camera so Henry's international fan base can watch him and other tuataras on the internet.

Martha Stewart, Cat Lady

By: Vickie J. Rubinson

Martha Stewart's life has gone to the cats! According to The National Enquirer, the domestic diva is so lonely, she's been adopting cats for companionship.

After Martha lent her garden to the Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons for a fundraiser, she told the shelter to contact her if it ever acquired a fluffy Himalayan cat, a breed she adores.

"We let her know as soon as we got the Himalayans in," ARF staffer Joanna Bassine told The Enquirer. "She was pleasant and nice when she came to see the cats. She was really pleased with them."

The meow brigade joins Martha's two small French bulldogs, Francesca and Sharkey and a chow chow she recently acquired named Genghis Khan. Evidently with no man in her life right now, these cats and dogs are her companionship.

On her blog she posted photos of a New Years Eve party she threw for her cats--dressing some in little gold colored New Years hats.

400 jobs cut at Disney-ABC TV

By: Vickie J. Rubinson

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the wave of industry-wide layoffs have reached Disney-ABC Television group.

The group's president Anne Sweeney made the announcement in an internal memo to the staff Thursday morning.

"After months of making hard decisions across our businesses to help us adjust to a weakening economy, we're now faced with the harsh reality of having to eliminate jobs in some areas," she wrote in the memo. "This was not an easy decision, nor one made lightly."

About 200 employees across all divisions of the Disney-ABC TV Group will be laid off. Additionally, two hundred open positions that had been frozen will now be eliminated.

There were a couple hundred cuts at Disney and ABC.

White House Under Obama: Less Formal, More Cool

By: Vickie J. Rubinson

According to The New York Times, a rule of the George W. Bush administration--coat and tie in the Oval Office at all times--fell by the wayside under Obama's new team. Mr. Obama promised to bring change to Washington and he has--not just in substance, but in presidential style.

"If Mr. Obama's clock is looser than Mr. Bush's, so too are his sartorial standards," said the Times. "Over the weekend, Mr. Obama's first in office, his aides did not quite know how to dress. Some showed up in jeans (another no-no under Mr. Bush), some in coats and ties."

So the prez issued an informal edict for "business casual" on weekends--and set his own example. He showed up Saturday for a briefing with his chief economic adviser, Lawrence H. Summers, dressed in slacks and a gray sweater over a white buttoned-down shirt. Veterans of the Bush White House were shocked.

"I'll never forget going to work on a Saturday morning, getting called down to the Oval Office because there was something he (Bush) was mad about," said Dan Bartlett, who was counselor to Mr. Bush. "I had on khakis and a buttoned-down shirt and I had to stand by the door and get chewed out for about 15 minutes. He wouldn't even let me cross the threshold."

In the West Wing, according to the article, Mr. Obama is a bit of a wanderer. When Mr. Bush wanted to see a member of his staff, the aide was summoned to the Oval Office. Mr. Obama tends to roam the halls; one day last week, he turned up in the office of his press secretary, Robert Gibbs, who was in the unfortunate position of having his feet up on the desk when the boss walked in.

"Wow, Gibbs," the press secretary recalls the president saying. "Just got here and you already have your feet up." Mr. Gibbs scrambled to stand up, surprising Mr. Obama, who is not yet accustomed to having people rise when he enters a room.

Yet Mr. Obama has maintained the longstanding presidential tradition of weekly lunches with his vice president. For Mr. Obama, lunch generally means a cheeseburger, chicken or fish in his small dining room off the Oval Office. There is also a new addition to White House cuisine: the refrigerators are stocked with the president's favorite organic brew, Honest Tea.

Boeing Announces Job Cuts

By: Vickie J. Rubinson

Boeing, the Chicago, Ill.-based airframe manufacturer, reported a fourth-quarter loss of $56 million and 10,000 job cuts today.

On the company's earnings conference call, CEO Jim McNerney said that Boeing will cut 10,000 jobs, which is about 6% of the company's work force. That's more than twice as many cuts as the company announced earlier this month.

The company attributed the loss to a well-publicized 58-day strike by its machinists, which led to fewer airplane deliveries and further delays on its 747 jumbo jet.

Starbucks to cut 6,700 jobs, close 300 stores

By: Vickie J. Rubinson

Starbucks Corp. said today that it would cut as many as 6,700 jobs as it closes hundreds more stores and eliminates more positions at its corporate headquarters.

Faced with slowing demand for lattes and cappuccinos because of the recession, Starbucks plans to close 300 stores, including 200 in the United States and eliminated about 6,000 store jobs.

The company also plans to eliminate 700 corporate jobs, including about 350 at its corporate headquarters in Seattle.

Edward Jones analyst Jack Russo said the cuts make sense given the decline in Starbucks' sales in recent quarters.

"This is going to be a transition year," Russo said. He said the company will have to "claw their way back."

How Al-Arabiya got the Obama Interview

By: Vickie J. Rubinson

How did a journalist for an Arabic-language broadcaster score the first TV interview granted by President Barack Obama? Well, according to TIME magazine, Hisham Melhem, of the Washington Bureau of al-Arabiya, a Saudi-backed channel headquartered in Dubai, thought he was getting something else.

When Melhem's bosses in Dubai got a feeler from the White House on Sunday, it seemed that al-Arabiya was about to get an exclusive interview not with Obama but with new Middle East envoy George Mitchell. The previous Friday, Mehlem began pressing for an interview with Mitchell after learning from his sources that the former US senator was heading to the Middle East almost immediately. The White House told al-Arabiya execs to be ready for a major interview on Monday.

Shortly before 9 a.m., Melhem knew from the caller I.D. on his Blackberry that the White House was phoning him.

"This man says, 'My name is so and so and I'm either going to make your day or ruin your day. Would you like to chat with President about 5 p.m. today?" I joked,'I guess I can accommodate the President.'"

Melhem says there was an internal debate in the White House about whether it was the right time for Obama to grant an interview to the Arab media, but that when the decision was made, several advisors had recommended it be granted to al-Arabiya. The channel is seen as a prominent voice of moderation in the Middle East, preferring calm analysis to what many see as rival al-Jazaeera's more sensational coverage.

The Obama scoop came at a good moment for al-Arabiya, which had seen ratings falter during the recent Israeli war in Gaza as Al-Jazeera provided blanket coverage of Palestinian suffering.

Is Meryl Streep headed to '30 Rock?'

By: Vickie J. Rubinson

On Tuesday, the New York Daily News claimed in its Gatecrasher column that "30 Rock" star Alec Baldwin has asked Meryl Streep to guest star on the hit NBC comedy at Sunday's SAG awards. And, the story claimed, Streep agreed.

However Matthew Hilzik, Baldwin's rep told Access Hollywood the rumor isn't true. Baldwin and Streep are slated to co-star in an upcoming, as-yet-untitled Nancy Meyers movie.

Woman on South Korean currency

By: Vickie J. Rubinson

In a precedent for this male-dominated culture, the likeness of a woman will appear on a South Korean bank note, specifically the central bank's 50,000-won bill.

The bill, worth about $36 will show a portrait and the work of a painter Shin-Siam-dang who has long been praised as a model of Confucian ideals.

According to officials, Shin was a respected female figure in Korea's Joseon Dynasty, which ruled from 1392 to 1910.

"I don't like having a woman's face on my money," said Seoul store worker Lee young-hyun. "I wish they would have chosen a man."

Obama gives Al Arabiya first interview

By: Vickie J. Rubinson

In his first interview since taking office, President Barack Obama told Arab satellite station Al Arabiya that Americans are not the enemy of the Muslim world and said Israel and the Palestinians should resume peace negotiations.

"My job to the Muslim world is to communicate that the Americans are not your enemy," President Obama told Al Arabiya's Hisham Melhem in an interview this morning.

Obama also praised Saudi King Abdulla for putting forward an Arab peace plan and said his adminstration would adopt a more extensive and regional approach in its relationship with the Muslim world.

"We are ready to initiate a new partnership based on mutual respect and mutual interest," Obama said.

'Wrestler' star Rourke to get in WWE ring

By: Vikie J. Rubinson

Mickey Rourke revealed he's about to get in the ring in real life. Rourke will be participating in WWE's "Wrestlemania 25" in Houston on April 5.

"The boys from WWE called me and asked me to do it," Rourke told Access Hollywood. "I said, 'I want to!'"

Rourke said the professional wrestling industry has been extremely supportive of his portrayal of the sport.

"The nicest thing has been the whole wrestling community embracing us," Rourke said. "The movie was about their world."

Celebs take sides on Gaza appeal

By: Vickie J. Rubinson

British actress Samantha Morton has threatened never to work for the BBC again while Bill Bailey has accused it of financial self-interest over it's controversial decision not to screen an aide appeal for Gaza.

The corporation's stance has galvanised an unusual number of famous figures to speak out--most of them against, but a handful supporting the corporation's claim that its impartiality would be damaged.

Morton, a talented, uncompromising actress, whose work has been Oscar nominated, told a fundraising event for Medical Aid for Palestinians last night that she was so shocked and appalled that she was lost for words.

"I will never work for the BBC again unless they change their mind," said Morton, who recently acted in Longford.

"It's very, very wrong. It's not a political message. It's about raising money for kids who are dying.

Earlier, writer and comedian Alexai Sayle,56, told the audience he thought the BBC's decision had actually helped the Palestinian cause.

"People don't really think about the Israeli propoganda machine, which is swift and remorseless and well connected. The BBC have done us a favor in that they've shown that at work. But they got it wrong on this one and should reverse it."

'Hillside Burglars' suspect led active family life in Valley community

By: Vickie J. Rubinson

Inside the West Hills Equus Estates, a tight-knit gated community with a spectacular view of the San Fernando Valley, a wave of schock mixed with some sadness descended.

Neighbors in this wealthy community of high-powered professionals have been stunned to learn that living within their protective fencing was the alleged mastermind of the "Hillside Burglars," who stole millions in jewelry, cash and property from the homes of celebrities and Hollywood honchos.

"We didn't see any of this coming," said Robert Visciglia, who has lived in the compound of 15 homes since 1989.

No one says she is more stunned than Elisabeth Moore Thomas, the apparently distraught wife of Troy Corsby Thomas. He is the accused brains behind a three-year, $10 million crime wave robbing homes in Bel-Air and other wealthy neighborhoods in the hillsides of the Santa Monica Mountains.

Police are continuing to investigate what could be more than 150 other burglaries and expect to arrest other members of Thomas' crew in the near future. At a news conference announcing Thomas' arrest last week, Chief Bratton described him as a "career criminal"--who, if convicted could go to prison for 25 years to life.

"They were such nice people, so well-spoken, well-dressed and with such well-mannered wonderful children," said one neighbor who asked not to be identified. "This is so sad and tragic for this family."

'Slumdog' cast wins, 'Button' gets zip at SAG Awards

By: Vickie J. Rubinson

The actors of "Slumdog Millionaire" won outstanding performance by a cast in a motion picture and Heath Ledger posthumously won best supporting male actor at the 15th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards on Sunday.

The cast's win comes two weeks after the modestly budgeted movie, about a poverty-raised orphan in Mumbai who goes on the Indian version of "Who Wants to be a Millionaire?" won the Golden Globes award for best drama. The film has been nominated for 10 Oscars, including for best picture.

Ironically, "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," the big name when the Academy Award nominations were announced earlier this week, was shut-out at the SAG Awards.

Josh Brolin, one of four actor who lost to Ledger on Sunday night, compared the SAG Awards to a "big campfire we're all showing up for. It's not a competition," Brolin said. "We're just happy to be together.

Sean Penn chosen as best leading male actor in a movie for MILK told the four actors he was up against that he wept when he watched their work.

"You're all stunning," Penn said.

Penn took a brief political turn when he spoke about MILK, the story of a gay San Fransisco politician assassinated in 1978.

"This is a story about equal rights for all human beings," Penn said.

The TV drama ensemble award was given to the cast of AMC's "Mad Men," while Tina Fey won the outstanding performance by a female actor in a comedy series category. Alec Baldwin won the male honor for his role in 30 Rock.

James Earl Jones was given SAG's 45th Life Achievement Award.

Alec Baldwin's SAG Award Date, Daughter Ireland

By: Vickie J. Rubinson

A year after an irate voicemail message that Alec Baldwin left for his daughter, Ireland, leaked on the internet, the actor proved that the two have put hard feelings behind them.

Baldwin gave Ireland a shout-out after winning a Golden Globe recently--and he brought her even closer to the action at the SAG Awards on Sunday. The 30 Rock star and SAG Award winner--took his stunning 13-year-old daughter to the ceremony as his date.

"I get to do this show with a bunch of people who are just the funniest and sweetest people," said Baldwin in his acceptance speech.

Larry King the Latest Big Loser in Bernie Madoff Scandal

By: Vickie J. Rubinson

Larry King, longtime host of CNN's Larry King Live, lost over $1 million from investments he made with alleged Ponzi-scheme master Bernie Madoff, a source tells the New York Post.

"It was a lot of money," the insider told the newspaper.

If the reports are accurate, King would join a long list of high-profile investors, including Zsa-Zsa Gabor and married actor Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick, who were swindled out of investments totaling in the billions of dollars.

Italian Premier puts foot in mouth

By: Vickie J. Rubinson

Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi is being criticized for suggesting that Italy's women are so beautiful they need military escorts to avoid rape.

Berlusconi made the outrageous comments today, responding to questions about a proposal to deploy 300,000 soldiers on the street to fight crime. A series of violent crimes, including a rape in Rome on New Year's Eve and another near the capital prompted the proposal.

Opposition lawmakers called his comments "offensive."

Berlusconi says he was complimenting women.

Gordon Ramsay's Restaurant Empire in Hot Water

By: Vickie J. Rubinson

It looks like celeb chef Gordon Ramsay may be in a bit of a pinch as he faces a tumbling restaurant empire, the tax man and allegations of infidelity.

His flagship restaurant in London, Foxtrot Oscar, has closed for two days a week and his two other London restaurants are for sale, the New York Post reports.

There are also rumors that some restaurants owned by the "Hell's Kitchen" star are asking for extended time to pay suppliers--in some cases, as long as six to eight months, though the chef's reps have denied this claim, the Post reports.

John Gotti Neighbor Was Dissolved in Acid

By: Vickie J. Rubinson

It is perhaps the most intriguing unsolved mysteries from the gaudy gangland career of John Gotti. Whatever happened to the neighbor who accidentally ran over and killed the mobster's 12-year-old son--and then vanished?

According to papers filed this week in Brooklyn federal court, John Favara was shot to death on orders of the outraged Gambino crime family chief and his body was dissolved in a barrel of acid. Authorities said a cooperating witness identified Charles Carnegli, a 62-year-old former mobster, as the perpetrator in the 1980 incident.

The court documents said Carnegli told another informant that acid was "the best method to use to avoid detection."

Those details, offered a new twist on the fate of Favara, a 51-year-old furniture warehouse worker who lived near the Gottis in the Howard Beach section of Queens.

Favara was arriving home from work on March 18, 1980, when Gotti's son Frank, riding a minibike, darted in front of his car. The driver told police he was momentarily blinded by the sun and did not see the boy.

The crash was ruled an accident by police, but Favara was subjected to death threats and harassment for months. His car was stolen and later smeared with the word "murderer" and he was threatened by Gotti's bat-wielding wife when he tried to apologize.

Five months later, Favara disappeared after leaving work on Long Island and no trace of him was ever found. Witnesses saw him being beaten and heard him squealing.

Daytime soaps in trouble

By: Vickie J. Rubinson

Handsome, charismatic actor Don Diamont, and three other prominent characters on the CBS show "Young and the Restless" have been axed as part of the severe retrenchment seizing daytime soaps--one of TV's oldest formats.

The financial crisis is hurting daytime soaps more than other shows, and may well doom them. Not so long ago, there were 16 soaps. Today, there are eight--with more cancellations seemingly imminent in the face of TiVo, DVR's, decreased market share, declining ratings and the loss of financially pressed auto dealers as local advertisers.

"I see this moment as the turning point for soaps," a top CBS exec told MSNBC. "No format has been hit harder than daytime serials."

Two longtime (and expensive) "Days" cast members (Deidre Hall and Drake Hogestyn) have been dumped in order to keep the show on NBC for another 18 months. To trim costs, NBC wants producers to reduce actor salaries by as much as 40 percent.

In recent years, market leader "Y&R" has seen its audience shrink precipitously to an average of 5 million total viewers in 2008. In the old days, soaps were generational--your grandmother got your mother hooked, and she, in turn, got you hooked.

Today the median age of viewers is rising, but older viewers are dying off (literally) and are not being replaced by younger ones. The median age for "Y&R" is nearly 60).

Other reasons for declining viewership are that more women work outside the home--or are otherwise occupied said one blogger.

Playboy Shows Signs of Withdrawal

By: Vickie J. Rubinson

Who knew sex was a bad business to be in? According to Time magazine, that's probably what they're thinking over at Playboy's New York city offices, which are to be closed and its staff either laid off or offered a position at Playboy's headquarters in Chicago.

Feminists and social conservatives might not want to uncork the champagne just yet, however. Turns out this decision is more about real estate than the public appetite for nekkid women. It's much more difficult to find paying occupants for unwanted office space in Chicago than it is in NYC, so the 54-year-old magazine is moving back to its home base.

There's more worrying for those who still get a thrill out of the bunny ears because Playboy's Superbowl party has been canceled. This gala was widely regarded as football's equivalent of the Vanity Fair Oscar party.

Back in the '70s, Playboy sold up to 7 million copies a month, but has been losing money for years. While it's still the best selling men's magazine (circulation $2.6 million), its market share has been eaten away by lad mags like FHM and Maxim.

Playboy is said to be much beloved by Hef, who is still its editor-in-chief.

Sad News for Mad Fans

By: Vickie J. Rubinson

It's a less Mad world. Starting with issue no. 500, to be released in April, the monthly satirical publication will become a quarterly, though it will expand to 56 pages from 48.

The changes were announced by DC Comics, which publishes Mad Magazine and is owned by Warner Brothers Entertainment.

The fate of Mad Kids and Mad Classics is less kind. The final issues of those publications will be Feb. 17 and March 17, respectively.

Visit "Cute With Chris" pet/variety show for animal lovers

By: Vickie J. Rubinson

Chris Leavins has been producing his own blog and webcast "Cute With Chris" out of his mid-Wilshire apartment building.

"Cute With Chris" centers around cute pets, the screwed up people who love them, and of course Leavins' abusive wit. It has now developed into a worldwide cult following.

"Every Monday I post a new episode of the show; usually a three minute video about homeless puppies and three-legged-kittens. By the end of the day, tens of thousands of misfit teen girls, crazy cat ladies and hairy gay bears will have watched the program. On some occasions, a million animal lovers have tuned in to his popular animal/variety type show.

The show is written, produced and editted and anchored by Leavins. Many of the animals featured in the show are available for adoption to residents of Los Angeles at The Glendale Humane Society.

I highly recommend you check out Leavin's comedy website at http://cutewithchris.com/

Who killed Biggie? (A.K.A. Notorious)

By: Vickie J. Rubinson

He was a larger-than-life personality and one of the biggest names in music when he was shot and killed in front of dozens of witnesses early one March morning in Los Angeles.

So why nearly 12 years after the murder of celebrated rapper Christopher Wallace, a.k.a. Notorious B.I.G., has the most infamous case in hip-hop history remained unsolved?

That question hangs over "Notorious," the new film based on Wallace's life story, which sees the Brooklyn rapper rise from Catholic school mama's boy, to corner drug slinger, to one of the best-selling rappers of his generation thanks to the mentorship of producer and businessman Sean "Diddy" Combs.

And it's a question that haunts those who knew and loved him, including his mother Voletta Wallace.

"It hurts that this has been dragging on for so long," Wallace told PEOPLE. "There's a little nudge now and then, but then we have to wait and wait and wait. But you have to understand: I have all the time in the world. I'm not going anywhere."

According to those who know the case best, the chief cause of the delay goes back to the Los Angeles Police Department's perceived bungling of the investigation, which over the years has been headed up by at least three different sets of investigators.

Molly Ringwald Expecting Twins!

By: Vickie J. Rubinson

Molly Ringwald who plays the anxious mother of a pregnant teen on "The Secret Life of the American Teenager," is expecting twins of her own, the actress tells PEOPLE magazine.

It will be the second daughter and first son for Ringwald, 40, and hubby Panio Gianopoulous,33.
They have a 5-year-old daughter named Mathilda Ereni. The babies are due in August.

Ringwald starred in such teen classics as "Pretty in Pink," "The Breakfast Club," and "Sixteen Candles."

Michelle Obama not happy about new dolls

By: Vickie J. Rubinson

They've been in the White House less than a week, but the first daughters have already been co-opted by marketers--and Michelle Obama isn't about it.

Ty, the toy company responsible for the popular Beanie Babies dolls, is now marketing "Sweet Sasha" and "Marvelous Malia" dolls.

The first ladie's office said today Ty was out of line. "We feel it is inappropriate to use your private citizens for marketing purposes," said a spokeswoman for Michelle Obama in a statement.

Tom and Jerry head to the bigscreen

By: Vickie J. Rubinson

According to Variety, Warner Brothers is turning to Tom and Jerry to create its own "Alvin and the Chipmunks"-like family franchise.

Plans are to bring the constantly warring cat and mouse to life as CG characters that run around in live-action settings.

Eric Gravning is penning the script.

Warners owns the rights to Hanna-Barbera's slate of popular animated properties and has several of them in development for bigscreen adaptation.

Those include Robert Rodriguez's version of "The Jetsons" and producer Donald De Line's "Yogi Bear."

The Jetsons remake would be a blast! Remember the family dog Astro? And daughter Judy? And of course who could forget Rosie the robot/maid with a "heart" of gold.
Can't wait for that one!

'Hillside Burglar' suspect held

By: Vickie J. Rubinson

For three years, the thieves crept into some of the poshest homes in the most exclusive enclaves in the nation.

According to CNN.com, police said they finally have a break in the case, and wealthy residents of L.A., California are breathing a sigh of relief.

"These guys were real good," said LA City Councilman Jack Weiss, who oversees Bel Air where some of the burglaries were committed. "They were professionals."

The thieves hauled away more than $10 million worth of valuables and cash from 150 homes in upscale neighborhoods such as Bel Air, Pacific Palisades and Beverly Hills, police said.

Homes of Hollywood celebrities, professional athletes and multimillionaires were hit. Country music stars Faith Hill and Tim McGraw and former Paramount Pictures CEO Sherry Lansing were among the victims.

DNA evidence led the LAPD to suspected ringleader Troy Corsby Thomas, 45, of Los Angeles. He was arrested near LAX last weekend. Police say Thomas led a gang dubbed the "Hillside Burglars," that targeted the neighborhoods overlooking Sunset Blvd.

Yet with the economy in a tailspin, Stephen Twining, who serves on the West Los Angeles police advisory board, believes thefts will continue.

"In these dire economic times, I don't think it's going to dissuade others from trying to do the same thing," he said. "The burglary situation will probably get worse before it gets better."

Angelina Jolie's Bodyguard Plans Tell-All

By: Vickie J. Rubinson

According to In Touch, Angelina Jolie's Oscar nomination celebrations have been marred by reports her former bodyguard is planning a tell-all which will set out to prove the actress moved in on partner Brad Pitt when he was still married to Jennifer Aniston.

Sources claim the actress is seeking legal counsel to block Mickey Brett's expose, which will also expose intimate details of her courtship and sex life with the birth of baby daughter Shiloh in 2006. Brett was reportedly fired by Pitt last year (08).

The source tells In Touch Brett never signed a confidentiality agreement and could be in the clear when it comes to revealing all about the Hollywood couple.

The insider also tells the publication, "It (book) will include all the sordid details of how Pitt and Jolie got together while Brad was still married to Jennifer Aniston."

Former French Prez hospitalized after mauling by his clinically depressed poodle

By: Vickie J. Rubinson

According to the Mail online, former French President Jacques Chirac was rushed to the hospital after being mauled by his "clinically depressed" pet dog.

The 76-year-old statesman was savaged by his white Maltese dog-- which suffers from frenzied fits and is being treated with anti-depressants.

The animal, named Sumo, had become increasingly violent over the past years and was prone to making "vicious, unprovoked attacks," Chirac's wife Bernadette said.

Mrs. Chirac said "The dog went for him for no apparent reason."

The former president, who ruled France for 12 years until 2007, was taken to a hospital in Paris where he was treated as an outpatient and sent home.

William Morris Agency Signs Condy Rice

By: Vickie J. Rubinson

Former Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice has signed with the William Morris Agency, the first step in what is being called the "reinvention and evolution" of her career.

According to Variety, Rice will focus on books, lecture appearances, philanthropic activities and "new business initiatives in the media, sports and communities sectors."

Rice will be represented by WMA chief Jim Wiatt and Wayne Kabak. She will be writing two books--one a diplomatic memoir which will probably be written first, Kaback said.

Kingdom donates $1 billion to rebuild Gaza

By: Vickie J. Rubinson

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin AbdulAziz yesterday announced the donation of $1 billion to help rebuild the Gaza strip. King Abdullah made the announcement during a speech at the Arab League economic summit in Kuwait.

Valentines Day Dinners--Waiter there's a ring in my cake!

By: Vickie J. Rubinson

At a time when restaurants are more like stage sets than ever, more and more diners are choosing to mark their romantic milestones in the public theater of white-tablecloth establishments. From three-ring proposals to sorry-I-screwed-up dinners, soaring amounts of time and expense are being put into courtship at the table.

But from wine buckets overturned by that bended knee to lovers trapped in phone booths or wives and mistresses showing up at the same time and place, mistakes can be catastrophic.

Most chefs suggest that engagement rings be kept far away from the food. A captain at Gramercy Tavern in NYC, was asked to tuck a ring into a green salad. "My girlfriend always orders it," the prospective groom assured him. She did, but the man impulsively ordered caviar to go with it and the girlfriend found that more diverting. Her date ended up fishing the ring out of the neglected salad with a fork.

The Little Door in Los Angeles, has sidestepped the problem of newly betrotheds having to clean gooey chocolate out of a platinum setting by using a special plate with a trapdoor and a secret compartment. Waiters also dislike having to coerce a woman into ordering something she doesn't want. ("You're the jerk waiter trying to push dessert.") One Valentine lost interest in her flourless chocolate torte before reaching the words, "Will you marry me?" that her beau had painted on the plate.

According to Gourmet magazine, a surprising number of proposals are, in fact, turned down. At Gramercy Tavern, a woman once asked a man to marry her. When he didn't accept the offer, the woman stood up, started cursing, and began throwing plates onto the floor.

"Clearly he made the right choice," mused the captain on duty at the time. At The Four Seasons a prominent regular asked his girlfriend to marry him. She consented, everyone cheered, and they had a wonderful time. But at 3:00 in the morning, the customer called the co-owner at home to announce that the woman was reconsidering, and to ask would he please not tell anyone what had happened.

Obama The Musical

By: Vickie J. Rubinson

According to Yahoo.com, Barack Obama's presidential campaign inspired millions. Now, it has inspired a London musical.

"Obama on my Mind" will open at a small theater in the British capital in March, producers have announced. The play's book, music and lyrics are by U.S. born writer Teddy Hayes.

Hayes described the show as a humorrous romp set in an Obama campaign office, with songs that mix pop, gospel, jazz, "some Motownish stuff" and even tango.

The musical will run at the Hen and Chickens Theater in North London from March 3- 21. Casting has not been announced yet.

Bush Writing Bombshell Book!

By: Vickie J. Rubinson

George W. Bush is going to come clean about this eight years in the White House by writing a warts-and-all memoir, publishing insiders reveal to The Enquirer.

The former Chief Executive's book will be schockingly candid, say sources who have had access to details of the proposed tell-all.

The bombshell revelations are expected to include Bush admitting to falling off the wagon, fighting with his wife, fliriting with Condy Rice, privately calling Sarah Palin "hot" and once blasting Vice Prez Dick Cheney as a "Bozo," according to sources.

"George doesn't need the money. Writing his autobiography is an ego thing, as it is with all presidents," a close source told the Enquirer.

"The guy knows he's leaving office with low approval ratings and he wants to state his case that he was a competent president."

Laura Bush has already received a $1.6 million advance for her book. Sources say the former prez expects his memoirs will spark a bidding war once its potential bombshell contents are leaked. Bush's book promises to be surprisingly forthright--especially considering that he is widely considered one of the most secretive presidents in history.

Zsa Zsa Loses Millions To Madoff

By: Vickie J. Rubinson

According to the National Enquirer, legendary screen queen Zsa Zsa Gabor and her hubby Prince Frederic von Anhalt have lost a fortune in the horrendous Bernie Madoff financial scandal, the prince claims.

"We're mad as hell and we want our money back!" Prince Frederic told The Enquirer.

"We might be forced to sell our Bel-Air home, cars, artwork and even our jewelry because of this sick man. This scam artist should be dragged through the streets and flogged!"

Investment guru Madoff has been charged with pulling off a $50 billion Ponzi scheme--the largest investor fraud ever.

Zsa Zsa is devastated, said the prince. The couple's losses are estimated at nearly $4.5 million.

Myers' 'Guru' up for year's worst

By: Vickie J. Rubinson

Mike Meyers' "Love Guru" may speak of "yin and yang" but the Hollywood version of bad balanced by good might be the Razzies and the Oscars.

The day before the Motion Picture Academy releases the Oscar nominations, the Golden Raspberry Award foundation reveals nominations for the Razzies, which recognizes the worst films of 2008.

And in 2008, Razzie founder and self-styled "Head Raspberry" John Wilson said the bad seemed to outweigh the good among the 578 movies released.

"It wasn't just the economy that tanked," Wilson said. "So did the quality of the movies being offered to those of us who don't have as much money to buy tickets."

"Love Guru," expected to be a summer hit, lost $30 million, he said.

Other worst picture nominees include "Disaster Movie," and "Meet the Spartans." Also competing for the top dishonor is "The Happening" and Paris Hilton's "The Hottie and the Nottie."

"She really is neither a movie star or an actress," Wilson said of Hilton.

Jenna and Barbara Bush Give Advice to Sasha and Malia

By: Vickie J. Rubinson

Published in today's "Wall Street Journal," Jenna and Barbara Bush gave some important tips to Malia and Sasha Obama about what to expect at life in the White House.

"We also saw the White House through the innocent, optimistic eyes of children."

1. "Surround yourself with loyal friends. They'll protect and calm you and join in on some of the fun and appreciate the history."

2. "Slide down the bannister of the solarium--go to T-ball games, have swimming parties and play Sardines on the White House lawn. Have fun and enjoy your childhood. The White House is such a magical place to live and play."

3. "Go to everything and anything you possibly can: the Kennedy Center for theater, State Dinners, Christmas parties and museum openings."

"Here is our most important piece of advice," they write. "Remember who your dad really is."

Warner Brothers to eliminate nearly 800 jobs

By: Vickie J. Rubinson

According to Variety, Warner Brothers will cut nearly 800 jobs--or 10% of its worldwide staff--as its the latest studio to reduce employment in the wake of the economic downturn.

Studio heads Barry Meyer and Alan Horn disclosed the cuts in a memo to employees this morning.

"Based on the global economic situation and current business forecasts, the studio will have to make staff reductions in the coming weeks in order to control costs," the execs said.

Warner Brothers becomes the latest Hollywood major to belt-tighten amid predictions of a prolonged recession this year. Last year Viacom, CBS, NBC Universal and Lionsgate made significant staff reductions.

Obama tattoos

By: Vickie J. Rubinson

For those who want a more permanent way to showcase their support for Barack Obama, Washington's tattoo parlors are ready to help.

"There's nothing more memorable than a tattoo," said Matt Jessup, better known as "Fatty," the owner of Fatty's Custom Tattooz and Body Piercing.

The Obama tattoo, Fatty says, is worth $70.

At Fattys and other tattoo shops in the area, there have been multiple inquiries about getting inked with an Obama image, they say, but only a few people have actually gone through with it.

Hudson plane crew invited to Obama inauguration

By: Vickie J. Rubinson

According to Breitbart.com, the five crew members of a US Airways jet that safely ditched in New York's Hudson River, have been invited to president-elect Barack Obama's inauguration, a spokeswoman said Monday.

Chief pilot Chesley Sullenberger--praised by Obama for his "heroic" conduct--and the rest of his crew have been invited to attend Tuesday's historic celebration in Washington Obama spokeswoman Jen Psaki said.

Obama telephoned Sullenberger on Friday, a day after all 150 passengers on US Airways flight 1549 escaped alive and were able to step out of the plane into rescue boats on the icy Hudson River.

"The President-elect told Captain Sullenberger how proud everyone was for the heroic and graceful job he had done in landing the damaged aircraft incoming White House press secretary Rob Gibbs said.

Tributes have flowed for Sullenberger, including from President George W Bush and he has been awarded the keys to New York City.

'Brooklyn's Finest'-First Major Sundance Deal

By: Vickie J. Rubinson

The Sundance Film Festival has its first major deal. Senator Distribution snapped up North American rights to Antione Fuqua's cop drama "Brooklyn's Finest" on Saturday evening.

The film stars Richard Gere, Don Cheadle and Ethan Hawke as cops at very different stages of their careers, each faced with moral dilemmas. While billed as a thriller, it also operates as a character study of its trio of complex protagonists.