A nation of remixes

A nation of remixes
Whatever your state of mind or current location, there is probably a remix of "Empire State of Mind" available.
Football, `Simpsons' at risk in Fox cable dispute

Bart Simpson and the Sugar Bowl game could disappear from the TVs of Time Warner Cable subscribers in New York, Los Angeles and other markets in a bitter dispute over fees that the Fox television network is demanding.

Hot film prospects link 2009 and 2010
Hollywood can feel like a creatively stagnant place, stocked with remakes, sequels and vehicles inspired by TV. But amid all the familiar retreads and easy explosions came a surprising number of fresh ideas. With a microscopic budget and a simple haunted-house premise, the lo-fi "Paranormal Activity" elicited millions of gasps and screams.

Michael Jackson's 'Thriller,' 'Muppets' movie debut chosen for National Film Registry

'Family Guy' meets 'Star Wars' again
After taking on the first "Star Wars," now "Family Guy" is hitting "The Empire Strikes Back."
Michael Jackson's 'Thriller,' 'Muppets' movie debut chosen for National Film Registry

Michael Jackson's "Thriller" video, with that unforgettable graveyard dance, will rest among the nation's treasures in the world's largest archive of film, TV and sound recordings.

Glassman vs. Gosselin

Glassman vs. Gosselin
Jon Gosselin and ex-girlfriend Hailey Glassman continue to fling accusations at each other -- via their lawyers.
Elvis fanatic uses his north Mississippi home as funky shrine to King of Rock 'n' Roll

In this Dec. 9, 2009 photograph, "Graceland Too," the Elvis Presley themed home of Paul MacLeod in Holly Springs, Miss., is undergoing remodeling to look more like the current Graceland.

TMZ falls for JFK Playboy photo hoax

The arrest and Sheen's career
Will his Christmas Day arrest harm Charlie Sheen's career? Probably not, say some experts.
TMZ falls for JFK Playboy photo hoax
TMZ posted a blog yesterday titled "The JFK Photo That Could Have Changed History" which showed a "never-before published photograph" with John F. Kennedy frolicking on a boat filled with naked women which the site says the photo "could have altered world events." It turns out it was a hoax that TMZ fell victim. Click to see the real photos , taken for a Playboy photo shoot 1967.

Will arrest hurt Sheen's career?

Will arrest hurt Sheen's career?
Will his Christmas Day arrest harm Charlie Sheen's career? Probably not, say some experts.
Lil Wayne has hometown farewell show before jail

Lil Wayne emerged as a top-selling musician known for his clever wordplay and risque lyrics, but like rappers before him, he's staring down a year behind bars at the peak of his career.

Tyra: Goodbye, talk show

Tyra: Goodbye, talk show
After five seasons and two Daytime Emmy awards, Tyra Banks is announcing the end of "The Tyra Show."

Box office cheer

Box office cheer
Hollywood had the single best day in the history of the box office this weekend.
Roman PolanskiPolanski 'Overwhelmed' by Support

Caption: Roman Polanski The 2008 Cannes Film FestivalDay 12 Palme d'Or Closing CeremonyArrivals at the Palais des Festivals Cannes, France .... POLANSKI 'OVERWHELMED' BY SUPPORT Filmmaker ROMAN POLANSKI has thanked fans for their support as he battles extradition to the U.S. to face sentencing over a 1977 child sex charge.

Perry to take 'Madea' play on the road in 2010

In this Sept. 13, 2009 photo, Tyler Perry participates in a news conference for the film 'Precious' during the Toronto International Film Festival in Toronto.

Charlie Sheen Arrested on Domestic Assault Charges

Actor Charlie Sheen is out on bond after being arrested in Aspen, Colorado, on charges related to an alleged case of domestic violence.

Are you going to the Winter Olympics?

Hollywood couples who make it last
Staying together has never been easy in Hollywood, famous for its quick marriages and even faster divorces. Here's a look at some celebrity couples who are still making love last.
EastEnders tops Christmas Day ratings

A typically 'festive' EastEnders in which Archie Mitchell was murdered was the most watched television programme on Christmas Day, with nearly 11 million viewers.

Are you going to the Winter Olympics?
The News-Times is putting together a feature on local residents who will be at the Olympics. We'd love to hear about what events you are seeing. Are you going there to work, or as a spectator? How did you get tickets? Also, if you've been to past Olympic events we'd like to hear your stories and get some tips about attending the games.

'Complicated' mess

'Complicated' mess
"It's Complicated" spends more time on the stuff of well-off people than the people themselves.

Troubled grandma needs support, visits from family

Cage faces $36.7M lawsuit
Here's something Nicolas Cage didn't want for Christmas: Another multimillion-dollar lawsuit.
'It's Complicated' is simply engaging review

Meryl Streep and Alex Baldwin star in 'It's Complicated.' What: "It's Complicated" Directed by: Nancy Meyers Running time: 118 minutes Rated: R for some drug content and sexuality 1/2 It's a talky, "chick picture" revenge fantasy for the First Wives Club in which the mother of his children, the ex-wife with mileage, is pursued by Jake, the man who ...

Troubled grandma needs support, visits from family
Hi, Carolyn:Here's our predicament: Mom spent her childhood being emotionally abused by her father, then her adult life being emotionally abused by her husband (my dad). It would be a miracle if she were not affected by this, and indeed, no miracles going on here.

Your winter staycation reading list

Your winter staycation reading list
For those of us who won't be spending our holidays somewhere warm and wonderful, the next best thing to jetting to St. Barts, Miami, or Cabo is getting lost in a book that takes you there. Herewith, ten tomes that offer tropical settings and enough sun-drenched drama to make Jay-Z's yacht look boring. The only thing you'll miss is a tan.
'Sherlock Holmes' allows detective to get physical

Jude Law, at left as Dr. Watson, looks on as Robert Downey Jr.'s Sherlock Holmes checks for clues.

Theater critic Chesley Plemmons bids farewell
After serving nearly two decades as this newspaper's theater critic, always delivering insightful and thoughtful reviews, Chesley Plemmons has decided to pursue new endeavors, which he explains below. It has been a pleasure and honor to work with him.

Steven Tyler enters rehab

Steven Tyler enters rehab
Aerosmith's singer has entered a rehab facility for pain management and an addiction to prescription painkillers.

Actress Connie Hines of Mr. Ed Fame Dies At 78

Some of the best of 2009's TV
Picking the best television shows of 2009 is risky business.
Actress Connie Hines of Mr. Ed Fame Dies At 78
Actress Connie Hines, who played the unsuspecting wife of Wilbur Post, the only human that the talking horse, Mr. Ed would speak to in the 1960's TV series, has died. She was 78.

Police search for supermarket butt sniffer

Police in England are searching for a man who crept up 20 times on an unsuspecting supermarket worker while he was stocking shelves and knelt behind him to smell his bottom.

Britney reflects on 'Year in BS'

Celebrity deaths in 2009
The recent passing of Brittany Murphy adds another high-profile name to the list of those who died in 2009.
Britney reflects on 'Year in BS'

Britney Spears has hit back at gossips, publishing a list of the top 75 most ridiculous or offensive stories written about her in 2009including one claiming her family was once so poor they ate squirrels.

Natural causes likely in Murphy death

Natural causes likely in Murphy death
Brittany Murphy died apparently of natural causes, the Los Angeles County coroner's office said.
Taylor Swift voted entertainer of the year

In this Sept. 13, 2009 file photo, singer Kanye West takes the microphone from singer Taylor Swift as she accepts the "Best Female Video" award during the MTV Video Music Awards in New York.

Cynthia Nixon and abortion debate

Cynthia Nixon and abortion debate
"Sex and the City" actress Cynthia Nixon dives into the debate surrounding abortion and health care reform.
Phil Lord and Chris Miller Eyeing 21 Jump Street

Variety reports that Columbia Pictures is in talks with Phil Lord and Chris Miller to helm 21 Jump Street .

Former WR Joe Horn Reflects on Career

Red carpet report
Nicole Kidman and other stars hit the carpet for the premiere of "Nine." Tyra Banks says hello the New Zealand hongi way.
Former WR Joe Horn Reflects on Career

Joe Horn wasn't happy with the way his black and gold career ended but he always has a place in his heart for Saints fans.

Who's in the News

Mo'Nique takes stardom in stride
In many ways, the critically acclaimed film "Precious" is about hopes and dreams. Mo'Nique, one of its stars, can relate.
Jackson's 'Captain EO' to return to Disneyland

A costume worn by Michael Jackson in movie "Captain EO" is shown at the D23 Expo in Anaheim, Calif., in this Sept.

Who's in the News
Gosselin divorce final:Kate gets the house in Pa.PHILADLELPHIA -- Jon and Kate Gosselin are officially divorced after 10 years of marriage, eight children and a year of tabloid headlines. A lawyer for Kate Gosselin says she gets the family home in eastern Pennsylvania in the no-fault divorce agreement entered Friday and first reported by TMZ.

Review: 'Avatar' delivers

Review: 'Avatar' delivers
James Cameron has done it again. "Avatar" lives up its billing as the next thing in movie imagination.

Experts' 20 best movies of 2009

Experts' 20 best movies of 2009
It's been an epic year for movies, and several critics weigh in on what their top picks are.
'Avatar' movie reviews upbeat, watch new Avatar tour video

Zoe Saldana plays the warrior Neytiri in "Avatar." Oscar winning-directory James Cameron's sci-fi epic Avatar opens in cinemas today amidst high expectations. The movie has already been hailed as the "future of filmmaking" and the stunning fantasy world Cameron has created more than lives up to the hype, according to impressed critics. Watch a tour of "Pandora", the moon where the movie is based on.

Trash American Style resurfaces in Brookfield
It's time to start trash talking again.Trash American Style, the beloved underground music and alternative culture store that closed its local retail location in 2007, is making a cameo appearance the next two weekends at an empty storefront next to Gerosa Records on Federal Road in Brookfield.

'Precious,' 'Air' score with SAG

'Precious,' 'Air' score with SAG
The Screen Actors Guild announced nominations for its awards with "Precious" and "Up in the Air" earning three nominations each.
Buffalo rolls out welcome mat for Keanu

Buffalo has rolled out the welcome mat for "Henry's Crime."

'Cinderella' reworked in Lenox as slapdash comedy
Like the dreaded Christmas fruitcake, Shakespeare & Company's holiday entertainment, "Cindy Bella (or the Glass Slipper)," arrives overstuffed, baffling in its purpose and hard to digest.Irina Brook, who wrote this dizzying catch-all with Anna Brownsted, was inspired -- if you believe program notes -- by Rossini's "La Cenerentola," an opera based on the classic fairy tale "Cinderella.

Sofia Coppola expecting baby

Sofia Coppola expecting baby
Director Sofia Coppola and partner Thomas Mars are expecting their second child, Mars has confirmed.

Quaids skip court date

Quaids skip court date
When they posted bond, it looked like Randy and Evi Quaid would finally make it to a courthouse to face felony charges.
Fans can investigate Sherlock Holmes in Minn.

Fans can investigate Sherlock Holmes in Minn. Dec. 16, 2009 6:52 AM ET By JEFF BAENEN Anyone searching for clues about the enduring popularity of Sherlock Holmes need not look only to his headquarters on London's Baker Street.

NYC's 'So Help Me God' star is hilarious
Divas come in all shapes, sizes and temperaments, but few are as outrageously over-the-top funny as Lily Darnly. Lily is a 1920s Broadway star and backstage barracuda in Maurine Dallas Watkins' near-forgotten comedy "So Help Me God!"Resurrected from obscurity by director Jonathan Banks of off-Broadway's illustrious Mint Theater Company, this little play may not have the stuff of genius in it, but in Bank's hands and particularly in the hilarious performance by Kristin Johnston as Lily you

Golden Globe noms announced

Golden Globe noms announced
Older actresses ruled the Golden Globe nominations and "Up in the Air" was the critical darling with six nominations.
Curtain Set To Rise On Movie Awards Season

The nominees for the 67th Golden Globes are to be revealed later, offering clues as to which films will dominate the awards season.

Rycroft marries her own bachelor

Rycroft marries her own bachelor
Saturday was the big day for "Bachelor" and "Dancing with the Stars" contestant Melissa Rycroft, who tied the knot.

Stephanopoulos starts early shift as 'GMA' co-host

New dad Brady gets no break
Though he sat out a practice, Tom Brady was back in action just three days after his wife, Gisele Bündchen, gave birth to their boy.
Stephanopoulos starts early shift as 'GMA' co-host

George Stephanopoulos began tackling an early shift Monday in his new job co-hosting ABC's "Good Morning America." Robin Roberts termed it "the dawn of a new day" as she welcomed Stephanopoulos beside her at the "GMA" anchor desk.

Interview with an unknown legend

Interview with an unknown legend
"It was cool on one level, and then on another level it was kind of like getting gum on the bottom of your shoe."
'Uncharted 2' Nabs Top Prize at VGAs

The PlayStation 3 exclusive was named top game for that console and honored for its graphics at the awards show Saturday night at the LA Live complex in downtown, which featured appearances from Stevie Wonder, Green Day and Jack Black.

Obama blasts banks for opposing financial overhaul

Natalie Portman to conquer 'Zombies'
If all of the film adaptations of Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" have left your brain numb, this one may really kill you ... in a good way.
Obama blasts banks for opposing financial overhaul

President Barack Obama singled out financial institutions for causing much of the economic tailspin and criticized their opposition to tighter federal oversight of their industry.

Holiday cooking and wine event at Ridgefield Playhouse
RIDGEFIELD -- Chef Jehan S. deNoüe will demonstrate how to prepare favorite holiday foods in a healthy way during a cooking and wine-tasting event at Ridgefield Playhouse on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.Attendees will learn how to pair wines with certain holiday meals.