Rest in peace, Gary Coleman

According to TMZ, Gary Coleman died today at 12:05 p.m. After a fall, Coleman suffered a brain hemmorage. He has been on life support since Thursday, May 27th. With family and friends near, his wife pulled life support earlier today.

Gary Coleman is most remembered for his role on "Different Strokes." He also made appearances on The Jamie Foxx Show, Martin, Married with Children and The Fresh Prince of Bel Air to name a few.

Gary Coleman was 42.

More on this story

*photo from TMZ and Getty

Introducing the new Megan Fox for Transformers 3

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley! Tadaa! *crickets chirping and frogs croaking*

You don't know who she is? Well here is a little background. She's a Victoria Secret model. For guys, that's good enough. Can she act? Please... she's a lingerie model! Of course she can act. Just don't expect the world. But look at who her competition was for that role. Heidi Montag. Yes. Heidi Montag, "The Hills" star who went through a ton of plastic surgery to turn herself into a bombshell when she looked just fine.

I only have one serious question to ask. Do you think she is an Autobot or a Decepticon?

Oh and just for fun, here is what Heidi Montag did to get Michael Bay's attention

*picture from MSNBC

Victoria Secret Model takes over Transformers 3

Disney kills off Soapnet.

A story book twist is in the works. One with dramatic pauses as the screen fades to commercial. One with over the top crying. One set to destroy your favorite soap opera stars! Or at least it would seem that way to those of us who work during the day. Disney has decided to kill off Soapnet. *cues dramatic music and fades to commercial*

Unlike Sheila from the Young and the Restless, It's really dead. Murdered in it's prime. The General Hospital couldn't save it. It only had One Life to Live. Such goes the way of The Bold and the Beautiful. If only we had calmed the Young and the Restless... maybe given them a Guiding Light, this wouldn't have happened. How hard is it to say These are the Days of our Lives? How will the 9-5 crowd go on? Let's just say I bet people over at the cable companies, Dishnetwork and Direct TV just popped open a couple bottles of champagne and canceled some vacation time for workers in their advertising department. DVR stock just jumped.

Either catch your soaps on your lunch break, get a DVR or watch it online the next day. Farewell Soapnet. A rose for something so sweet @>-->------.

Disney gives Soapnet the Ax

50 Cent drops to a dime.

Looks like the only thing 50 Cent is expanding is his resume. He dropped 50 pounds for a movie role as a cancer patient. My only question is how do you explain all the bullet holes in a cancer patient? That's pretty mean to shoot a cancer patient as many times as he's been shot.

That is some hardcore dedication. Worth of an Oscar? Time will tell.

More info on 50 Cent's dramatic weightloss

*picture from CNN

Breakfast at Subway? Let me think about it.

Gone are the days where people took time to make breakfast. Actually, they aren't gone. We've opted for a few extra minutes of sleep, a couple extra minutes in the shower and a lot more time commuting.

So here we are, filing through the drive-thru of various fast food chains trying to get a little something before work. It's breakfast, how bad can it be? My "usual" at McDonald's consists of 2 sausage burritos and a large orange juice. I found out that each sausage burrito is 300 calories. Needless to say I wanted to try a healthier option so I went to Subway.

I settled on the steak, egg and cheese 6 inch sub. The worker says "White or Yellow?" I said white bread. She says "No, egg. White or yellow?" I picked the "yellow" egg. Out comes an egg slab that is placed on the sub. She pulls out a scale and measures how much of the steak slivers to put on the sub. Then applies what looks to be the white american cheese slices and a small amount of shreaded cheddar cheese. Apparently I don't get to choose that part. I requested some red onions on top before it went into the hyper oven and that request was granted. That's all I really thought to put on it.

The taste? I tasted toasted bread. I couldn't taste the egg. The steak, red onions and cheese weren't that bad and that was a decent combo of cheeses. Was it filling? Yes. Would I buy it again? I'll have to think of a better combination of accessories for it(adding green peppers and tomato). At 490 calories, I can't complain. For dieting purposes, I'd eat it again. For enjoyment, I'll wake up a little earlier and make breakfast at home.

*photo from Subway.com

Death, crime, Lindsay Lohan.... want to get away?

Good Morning! Definitely not the words I heard today. Between a dying iMac at home, Simon Monjack (Britany Murphy's husband) being found dead of suspicious circumstances, Fergie (the Duchess of York) selling access to Prince Andrew, Lindsay Lohan scared to death about facing the judge in her court case (that could be funny) and rain in the forecast, I need a pick me up.

"Drink some coffee!" is usually what people say, but I'm not a coffee drinker. Some music should do the trick. Yesterday, some folks on facebook started one of those long status repeaters where each person says the line of a song. It was that green day song where they are all in the asylum and wearing masks. I remembered the song but couldn't remember the lyric that went next so when I went looking for it online, I typed in "Sick Day" not "Green Day." Well, "Sick Day" from Shiragirl popped up. "Sick Day" is her first single and one of those easy going pop punk songs, but since I'm listening to pop punk, I'm going to be anti establishment and not talk about her first single. I think she has a jewel with "Anthem."

It reminds me of the mid 90's Green Day, Blink 182, Rancid and others. Nothing too serious as a topic, fast guitars, putting your hair up in a mohawk in the shower, overall defiance of your parents, hating school and getting that rush from speeding for the first time knowing it could end in disaster, but you did it anyawy. I wonder if anyone would tell the boss if I decided to skateboard down the hall right quick. Sitting at my desk is all well and good but "Anthem" requires headphones and some activity to get the full effect.

Shiragirl's Website

*Photo by Shiragirl.com

Megan Fox cut from Transformers 3

Part of me wants to be upset. How could you drop her from The Transformers series? According to Access Hollywood and Yahoo Movies, there seems to be some bickering between Megan Fox, Michael Bay and the film crew.

In a nutshell, it appears that Fox complained about Bay on a tv show. The film crew responded with a complaint about Fox. Bay posts a message to the effect of asking "Can't we all just get along?" Well after that, Fox was cut. The news says she was fired. Fox's people say it was her decision to leave and she wishes them the best.

He said, she said, they said, we said.

The Access Hollywood Story

*Picture from Yahoo Movies

Are you really gonna eat that? You Betcha!

The KFC Double Down. 2 chicken breasts, cheese, bacon and special sauce. That's it. No bun. I'm here to say that I have tried it and lived! So now I will attempt to give answers to exaggerated questions.

1. Don't you feel your arteries hardening? No. But it was salty and all the salt overpowered the sauce which, I'm sure, can't be good for the blood pressure. If KFC used a different batter and fryer so the chicken wasn't dredged in salt and then fried in salt, it wouldn't be so bad. I did take out a glass of water or two while eating it though.

2. You're gonna die if you eat that. You know that, right? I'm still kickin'. This question was asked to the person who tried the first thickburger from Hardees and the Monster omlete sandwich from burger king. And probably our mothers from various times in our lives where dinner became a mission of mass consumption vs just being a meal.

3. It's like a heart attack on a plate. Why would you eat that? I will give a classic male answer to that. BECAUSE I FELT LIKE IT! Also, how is it any different from a two or three piece chicken dinner? Aside from the fact that there are no sides with the double down.

4. Shouldn't you eat some greens with that? Sure. You buying? The sandwich alone is over $5. And could you get me some mashed potatoes and a sweet tea while you're up there? Thanks. Truth is when I bought it, I did go to the store and buy a salad.

5. So you really are going to put that junk in your body? Junk? Junk, you say? The chicken has protein. I think there is protein in bacon. The cheese has vitamin D and the sauce... well... How about them Dodgers!? Ok so it's not the healthiest thing in the world. It's not like I've had it for every meal every day.

6. So I guess you are what you eat, then? I guess so. Hi. My name is Louis and I'm a chicken.

KFC's Double Down bet pays off

*photo from AP

Want to try your hand at acting? You have 48hrs.

For indie filmmakers, this time of year is a little special. This is the time where they band together, pick teams and basically try to beat each other at making the best 7 minute short film. It's called The 48 Hour Film Festival and it's probably in a city near you.

In 48 hours, you must write a script, shoot the film, edit it and have it to the judges by a designated time on sunday evening.

One of the key players in this film fight are actors. Experience preferred, but not necessary. All sizes and shapes welcome. Thinking twice about it? Don't! It's going to take up your weekend, but this only comes once a year. For stage moms and dads, this isn't the reccomended enviornment for little billy or susie unless they are old enough to understand what's going on. There may be an age cut off. Someone may decide that they don't need a child actor after all. You never know. From my own experience on the set of independent films, I've never heard a director say "I have too many extras in this scene."

So with that information and your willingness to step outside of your comfort zone, locate a festival going on near you. Now is around the time they have general meet ups where anyone wanting to do something will be there. Introduce yourself and try something new. If only for 48 hours.

48 Hour film project

A comedic film entry

A romantic film entry

An action film entry (caution: foul language, gun play and fake blood

A martial arts film entry

Miss USA Conspiracy Theory for $2,000, Alex.

The Miss USA pagent was on last night. Did you watch it? I didn't know it was on. But thanks to gossip bloggers and conspiracy theorists, it looks like I missed something interesting. Miss Oklahoma Morgan Elizabeth Woolard was asked if she supported Arizona's new immigration law. The judge who asked the question was Cesar Nunez from "The Office." Miss Oklahoma said she supported it and that seems to be basis of some speculation that she lost the crown.

Relevant or not, these hot button issues need to be all or nothing in these contests. Ask everyone loaded questions or leave them off the table. Carrie Prejean got hit with the gay marriage question last year. No matter what anyone says, a group of people will be highly offended. So I say lets make it a little less political and a lot more fun.

Since the idea is to give contestants loaded questions. Why don't we start them off with an easy one... "Coke or Pepsi?" Polarizing. So much so in fact that some news agency will probably bring in an "expert" to dig deeper into the issue. But what about those people who don't drink sodas!? Oh the horror for that contestant who answers with "I don't drink sodas at all." Now she's offended both Coke and Pepsi drinkers and both sides will assume she's lying. Everyone has had a Coke or Pepsi, right? She's not winning the crown. No sir.

"Deep dish or thin crust pizza?" You can you imagine the crowd going silent waiting for her answer? Her response could cause Chicago or New York City to riot. I would love a contestant to say "I'll take a slice of each, please." Is that not a world peace answer or what?

Dim the lights for this question....."BBQ... Which region has the best?" Thats a dangerous one because North Carolina houses two kinds and the fight has been taken all the way to legislation being amended. I think the BBQ folks would be less forgiving about not getting an exact answer. Your safest bet here? "I'm a vegetarian."

Or we can give them some loaded questions that sound like these...

"Heads or Tails?" GENIUS! You are either right or wrong. No long winded answers. Just flip the coin.

"Have you had anything to drink tonight?" And give her a sobriety test right there on the spot. Bingo.

"Guess which number I have behind my back?" It's so stupid that it could possibly be hilarious if done on national tv.

These are just a few examples of loaded questions that wouldn't end with lawsuits, tears, possible public appologies. Digging your hand inside a bowl and pulling out a loaded question is fair in choice, but it pretty much takes someone out of the running. Let's put everyone on an even playing field next time.

and on a side note, The picture was from foxnews.com. Right click and save the picture. You'll notice that it's file name is "MissUsa2k10_doomsday_604x341." Is Fox News referring to the fact that Miss USA Rima Fakih is muslim or that they think Miss Oklahoma was the clear front runner until she pulled out that loaded question? Conspiracy theory? I report(my opinion), You decide. *Cue the Jeopardy theme music*

Fox News Story

*Picture from Foxnews.com

Are they doing it for the nookie? Limp bizkit at it again

Sometime in 2010 Limp Bizkit will release Gold Cobra. Will we see some of the hits like "Break Stuff", "Nookie", "Rearrange" and "My Way?" Who knows. After listening to the new single "Why Try," I have to say that they sound like old Limp Bizkit. I'm hoping there will be something on the album that will allow me to revert back to my volatile teenage days of old. But until then, I will have to keep pretending to be a grown up.

Limp Bizkit's "Why Try"

*Picture from Limpbizkit.com

The only ears Mike Tyson is biting will be of corn.

Vegans rejoice! You have another convert and his name is Mike Tyson! Yes, that same Mike Tyson responsible for an awesome video game on the original Nintendo. The same Mike Tyson who took a chunk out of Holyfield's ear and the same Mike Tyson who should win an award for his role in The Hangover.

What sparked the change is less important compared to the weightloss that has happened.


My Tyson's Brand New Bag

*photo by Ginsburg/Spaly Inc and TMZ.com

So Chely Wright is a lesbian...

In the LA Times story, country music singer Chely Wright is quoted as saying "...They would rather you were a drug addict than be gay. They will forgive you if you beat your wife, lose your kids to state, get six divorces, make a sex tape, get labeled as a tramp _ any and all of it is better than being gay."

Wright seems prepared to become a martyr. She's stated she believes fans will walk away and this may be the end of her career. I say hold on and lets see what happens. Of course you lose fans after you come out with something that changes their perception of you! Look at the whole Chris Brown-Rhianna fiasco. Brown's career is starting to come back and there were people hell-bent on ending it. Michael Jackson was accused of molesting children twice and is stil loved all over the world after his death. Granted, neither one of them came out as gay either.

I've never been one for the uplifting speech so I'll just lay out the facts as based on my opinion:

1. Lilith Fair: A collection of female singers and songwriters. Come tall, short, big, small, blonde, brunette, tattoed or straight laced. Those women are there to celebrate women. You'll fit in just fine.

2. Unless there is an aura of self-loathing, why not play a gay pride parade? Should your country music fans disown you, gays and lesbians will welcome you in. And they may do it even if your country music fans keep you anyway. You'll only be alone if you choose to be.

3. We're all getting desensitized. Use it to your advantage. The reverse pyschology angle taken in the story is good, but how about stopping there? Move on to your next song. If you want to be remembered for your music, play the music. If you want to be remembered for being gay, keep bring it up in the press.

I think she'll be ok. In the midst of unemployment, illegal immigration battles, Celeb "mistress" scandals, terrorist threats, Curing every disease known to man and preventing the rest, I highly doubt that Wright announcing she is gay will cause people to jump off bridges because that was the last straw.

Play me something I can tap my foot to, Chely Wright. I'm all ears.

Country singer Chely Wright finds strength to face the music

*Photo from McClatchy-Tribune

Ralph Macchio will always be the Karate Kid.

I'm old. I thought I'd be ok with remakes of things I watched as a kid, but apparently I'm not. Ralph Macchio knocked out 3 Karate Kid movies and I know I watched each of them at least 10 times. Hillary Swank came in as The Next Karate Kid. That one was ok. Swank's Praying Mantis kick seemed totally unreasonable in an actual fight. So did Macchio's Crane kick and Chosen proved it in Karate Kid part 2. So I wonder what "kick" will Jayden Smith pull off to make me want to watch it.

As I see it right now, Jackie Chan as the "new" Mr. Miyagi is good enough for me. When all seems lost in a martial arts film, trust in Jackie Chan. But something isn't right here... Jackie Chan does kung fu, not karate. This version of The Karate Kid is in China, not California or Japan... I think I got cheated. Why not call it The Kung Fu Kid? The Szechuan Son? The Hong Kong Kid? Bejing Boy?..... What do you think? If you were in the boardroom while they were trying to figure out a name for this version of The Karate Kid, what would you have come up with?

And if anyone is wondering, I'm still gonna go see it with popcorn, cherry coke and a pack of twizzlers. Happy Birthday to me...

*Picture from Rottentomatoes.com

The "Newest" Karate (but actually kung fu) Kid Trailer

Cartoons mix it up with pop artists

The Simpsons threw folks for a loop when they changed their intro to Ke$ha's "Tik Tok" last Sunday. I missed it. I don't watch the Simpsons anymore. I can't remember what I was watching actually. But, needless to say, Facebook started blowing up about 2 minutes after the intro and by the next morning people were talking about it. Here is that video: The Simpsons w/Ke$ha

Also that night, Kanye West was on The Cleveland Show and Will.i.am from the Black Eyed Peas was on The Boondocks. The Boondocks clip is on the NSFW side. Check those two clips out at More info

*Photo from Billboard.com

Miley Cyrus could be tossing the bubble gum pop out.

Two things come to mind when people claim an artist has "matured on this song." The first one is the song will be slower and less superficial. The other is the jaw dropper like Christina Aguilera's transformation from "Genie in a bottle" to "Dirrty." Miley seems to have taken the latter route minus the bed hair, bikini bottoms and chaps. But then again, I haven't seen the video for "Can't Be Tamed" yet.

After listening to the song about 4 or 5 times, I can't really find any overt references to sexual conquests, positions or actions. "Can't Be Tamed" still has all of the angst, from pop stars, when it comes to their refusal to be changed and their annoyance to the attention that has made them famous. I think we're all used to the "bite the hand that feeds you" concept. I think its the new form of humility and modesty, but I digress... The strangest thing is that I'm so used to raunch being in pop songs that it doesn't sound right without any. Or maybe I've just been desensitized. If this is Miley maturing, I'd like to hear more of this.

*photo by Splash News

More info here