12.23.08

 SHOW PREP DECEMBER 23, 2008

 

HOLLYWOOD 411 . . .

 

Hollywood actresses Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway have discussed their perfect weddings. Bride Wars co-stars Anne Hathaway and Kate Hudson have revealed their tips for a perfect wedding. For Anne Hathaway, it’s all about the music. “I haven’t thought about the food; I haven’t thought about the look,” she told Modern Bride magazine. “I haven’t thought about my dress. I haven’t really thought about the guy. But every once in a while, I’ll listen to a song, and I’m like, ‘I want that at my wedding!” Hudson, however, revealed bar placement is key. “No. 1: Make sure you’re ready to get married, that you’re really sure you want to do this,” Kate explained. “And No. 2: I would say really good placement of the bar! At a wedding you want to have a good time. Have special cocktails that are really fun for people.” (Handbag)

 

Former Friends star Jennifer Aniston has admitted she’s terrified by the thought of life without her beloved pet dog. Jennifer Aniston has revealed she’s scared stiff of life without her dog Norman. The former Friends star has just finished making new film Marley And Me with Owen Wilson, a story about a couple’s relationship with their unruly pet dog and Jen admitted she couldn’t help thinking about Norman while making it. “My dog is 13, and since this movie I’ve had post traumatic stress disorder of what it’s going to be like when my dog goes,” she told the Telegraph. “There came a point at the end of filming where I didn’t want to even read the lines because it was so upsetting to me. I’d just thank god that I had a sitcom career because I could just look at them and learn the lines really fast.” (Handbag)

 

Hollywood star Katie Holmes has talked about being a celebrity mother. Katie Holmes has revealed how being a mother has changed the way she now sees things in new book about Hollywood mums. “We were in Berlin and I was impressed with their playgrounds,” Katie reveals in The Black Book Of Hollywood Pregnancy Secrets. “It’s amazing what you become aware of as a mother. You think, ‘Nice wood on that swing set’.” While Bride Wars star Kate Hudson reflected on how being a parent had affected her love life, “I do find it tough to date,” she said. “I’d rather be at home with my son cooking dinner than going out with a guy. My son is my man.” (Handbag)

 

Bridget Marquardt may have lived in the Playboy Mansion with Kendra Wilkinson, but she hardly recognizes her former housemate – and The Girls Next Door castmate – anymore. And that’s not a bad thing. “She’s doing amazing, she’s so in love,” Marquardt, 35, said of Wilkinson, 23, who recently became engaged to NFL player Hank Baskett. “She’s changed so much. She’s not even the same person. I mean, she is the same, but she’s different. I love the old Kendra and I love the new Kendra.” What is the “new Kendra”? “She’s a lot timelier. She doesn’t flash anymore. She’s a lot more conservative. She’s so in love,” Marquardt tells PEOPLE. Bridesmaids, All Like her other housemate Holly Madison, Marquardt will be a bridesmaid at Wilkinson’s wedding at the Playboy Mansion.  While her costars both appear to have found love – Madison is dating Criss Angel – Marquardt remains reticent about discussing her own love life. “I’m just really happy for Holly. She’s happy and in love,” she says. “And Kendra has found love with a great guy. Hank is the perfect gentleman.” (People)

 

Plenty of folks think Jeremy Piven is lying about his supposed mercury poisoning, but Fisher Stevens isn’t one of them. “I believe him. His numbers are off the charts,” Stevens, who suffered from mercury poisoning this year, told Page Six. Stevens says that while he was producing his upcoming Sundance entry, “The Cove,” a documentary about the slaughter of mercury-loaded dolphins in the Far East, he ate fish four or five times a week. “I started feeling really sluggish and had no energy. It turns out the larger the fish, the higher the levels. I only eat small fish now.” The movie’s director, Louie Psihoyos, was also poisoned. (Page Six)

 

Mary-Kate Olsen has found the silver lining in the recession. A Page Six spy, who recently shared an elevator at Barneys with the diminutive actress, reports Olsen was excited about all the discounted merchandise for the taking. “It’s really sad – the recession is everywhere. But at least they are having good sales,” said Olsen, who pointed to her hat. “That’s where I got this! The recession!” Olsen ogled a $410 menorah and pillows and throws for her bed, but didn’t buy them. (Page Six)

 

Eric Dane is still miffed about once having to share Lara Flynn Boyle with Jack Nicholson. Both men dated Boyle in the late ’90s. “Jack Nicholson is Jack Nicholson. The guy’s a colossal personality, and I’m sure he’s charming, and I bet she had a lot of fun with him,” the “Grey’s Anatomy” star tells next month’s Elle. “But my take on the whole thing was, I’m 30. He’s 70. This is not going to go down like this. I couldn’t comprehend a 35-year-old woman gravitating toward a 70-year-old man . . . I walked away.” (Page Six)

 

It’s hard being Brad Pitt. The star repeatedly tried buying the complete works of Hungarian cult director Bela Tarr from a small DVD store in Budapest as a Christmas present for Angelina Jolie, but whenever he called the place, they thought it was a joke and hung up on him. “He tried several times on the phone but had to give up. They just didn’t believe him,” an aide to Pitt tells Britain’s Daily Mail. Finally, he got a friend in the city, opera singer Laszlo Domahidy, to buy the collection for him. (Page Six)

 

David Beckham has admitted he and his wife Victoria love Milan so much that they thought about raising their kids there. The footballing superstar is supposed to be spending just three months in the Italian city, keeping himself fit on loan with football giants AC Milan. But he’s revealed the couple have already looked at schools for their young sons. Speaking on Italian TV, Beckham said: “‘Victoria has always loved Milan fashion week. She loves it here, she has very good taste. ‘We have checked out some of the schools in Milan in case we decide to bring the children over but we decided to give them some stability and they will stay in LA.’ Victoria celebrated arriving in Milan by wearing three different outfits in 15 hours after touching down. (British Glamour)

 

Robbie Williams has returned to the UK to see his mother Jan who is critically ill in hospital. The singer recently revealed plans to move back to England from Los Angeles, after patching things up with his former boy band friends Take That. But the real reason for his return is that his 67-year-old mother has undergone major heart surgery and Robbie wanted to be by her side. Jan is a drink and drugs counselor and the pair have remained close throughout the ups and downs of the singer’s career. Robbie wrote the song “One of God’s Better People” about his mum, and said: ‘She’s the most important woman in my life and always will be.’ He will spend Christmas Day by her side at a hospital in Cheshire. (British Glamour)

 

Back from filming in London, Jake Gyllenhaal celebrated his 28th birthday with girlfriend Reese Witherspoon, 32, Friday night at Il Ristorante di Giorgio Baldi in Santa Monica. During the dinner date, which lasted nearly three hours, the loving duo sat side-by-side in the dimly lit eatery, slowly sipping red wine and sampling Italian dishes courtesy of the chef. As Gyllenhaal told stories, a smitten Witherspoon twirled her hair and laughed. As for PDA? The couple held hands at the table! For dessert, the Four Christmases actress and the birthday boy shared tiramisu off the same plate, before heading home. Meanwhile, Witherspoon and Gyllenhaal are expected to spend Christmas together with her children Ava, 9, and Deacon, 5, before he flies back to Europe to finish shooting Prince of Presia: Sands of Time. “I have kids so it’s a lot about opening presents,” she told BCC News of Christmas. “And then I start cooking, and I really enjoy that part of it. They play with their toys, and I cook some dinner. It’s nice.” This year, she has said her daughter Ava “wants a horse.” She suggested she is still on the fence about buying her that present. “I’m a little strict about that kind of stuff,” said the star. “I think kids do best when they only have a couple of things that they really enjoy. I try and stay away from the gluttony of things. They don’t appreciate it as much. When they only get one or two things, they really like it.” (US Weekly)

 

Paris Hilton is “devastated” after a burglar robbed her California mansion – because the jewelry which was stolen is irreplaceable. The intruder is believed to have forced his way through the front door of the property in Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, on Friday before ransacking the heiress’ bedroom and making off with an estimated $2 million worth of gems. And although Hilton is grateful she wasn’t in the house at the time, she is heartbroken by the loss. She tells Life + Style Weekly, “I am devastated. I cannot believe someone broke into my home. “They took items that had such sentimental value that no one will ever be able to replace. I’m just thankful that I wasn’t there when it happened.” Hilton’s mother Kathy has since reminded her daughter not to attach too much significance to material goods. Kathy adds: “She (Paris) and I were talking about it and really, it is stuff. I’m just happy that she’s okay… You can’t be possessed by your possessions. Those are just things. And I’m happy that she’s okay.”  (Teen Hollywood)

 

Lindsay Lohan’s girlfriend Samantha Ronson has been admitted to hospital in California – reportedly suffering from exhaustion and depression. The DJ is said to have called doctors to her Los Angeles home on Sunday and was subsequently taken to the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. A source tells America’s Life and Style magazine, “She’s been suffering from depression and from lack of food and sleep. Lindsay Lohan has been helping her through this as she has been through it herself two years ago.” Celebrity website TMZ.com is reporting that Ronson has been admitted to the hospital, but claims the visit is “not an emergency and definitely non life-threatening”.  (Teen Hollywood)

 

Robert Mulligan, who directed the classic film “To Kill a Mockingbird,” with its sensitive look at a child’s world shaken by the racism of a Southern town, has died at 83. Mulligan died early Saturday at his home in Lyme, Conn., after a battle with heart disease, his wife, Sandy, said Monday. Mulligan was nominated for an Oscar for “Mockingbird,” the adaptation of Harper Lee’s best-selling, Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. The 1962 film starred Gregory Peck, who won the best-actor Oscar for his portrayal of Atticus Finch, the small town lawyer who defends a black man falsely accused of rape. The story unfolds largely from the point of view of Atticus’ young daughter, Scout, memorably played by Mary Badham. Phillip Alford played his son, Jem. The New York Times wrote that in the film’s opening segment “achieves a bewitching indication of the excitement and thrill of being a child.” Mulligan was also known as the director of Reese Witherspoon’s first film, “The Man in the Moon,” which came out in 1991. It was his last film, and the family drama brought Witherspoon notice as the younger of two teenage daughters grappling with her first love. Among his other credits were “Fear Strikes Out,” the 1957 drama starring Anthony Perkins as troubled ballplayer Jim Piersall; “Summer of ‘42,” the 1971 wartime coming-of-age story starring Gary Grimes and Jennifer O’Neill; and the 1972 horror hit “The Other.” He also carved out a solid career as a TV director before moving over to film, working on such drama series as “The Philco Television Playhouse” and “The Alcoa Hour.”. But “Mockingbird” would remain his most famous work. In 2003, an American Film Institute listing of the top heroes in film history ranked Peck’s Atticus Finch as No. 1. (Daily Record)

 

 

THE OTHER STUFF . . .

 

Actor Zac Efron made Christmas come early for some young patients at a Los Angeles hospital – he delighted children by visiting their ward with some festive gifts. The High School Musical star went along to the Mattel Children’s Hospital Ucla on Friday to play Santa Claus by giving away $10,000 worth of toys. The kids were ecstatic at their surprise guest, who toured the wards for two hours, giving out presents including art sets, board games and High School Musical products, signing autographs and posing for pictures with staff. A source tells Usmagazine.com, “He really spent time bonding with each of the children and their families. The kids were smitten and beaming from ear to ear. Some of the kids couldn’t even speak, but they had the widest grins and would sit as close to him as possible. “Zac was super gracious and could not have been more kind and truly happy to be there.” (Teen Hollywood)

 

Brian Litrell from the Backstreet Boys informed his fans over the weekend that his young son was sick and had been hospitalized for some time. No reason was given as to the illness, but Baylee Litrell was finally released from the hospital on Saturday. And Brian and his wife are now speaking out publicly about the youngster’s illness. According to the Litrell’s, Baylee was diagnosed with A-Typical Kawasaki Disease. Update on Baylee On Saturday December 20, 2008, Baylee T W Littrell was released from Scottish Rite Children’s Hospital in Atlanta. Before being admitted Baylee had been treated for or thought to have had strep throat, hand, foot, mouth disease and erythema multiforme. After receiving a biopsy, blood tests, an EKG and 2 echocardiograms, Baylee was finally diagnosed with A-Typical Kawasaki Disease. We would like to stress A-Typical because Baylee did not have text book symptoms of any of the viruses they thought he had. Kawasaki Disease causes inflammation in the coronary arteries as well as the walls of the small and medium sized arteries throughout the body. Unfortunately, Baylee’s coronary arteries were affected. He received an IVIG, which is a treatment to bring down the inflammation in his coronary arteries. Baylee will be closely monitored for the next 6-8 weeks by a Pediatric Cardiologist to see if the treatment was effective. We want to thank every one who prayed for us as well as all of the emails and phone calls. Your love and support means so much to our family. The Hospital Staff were absolutely amazing. They made an extremely difficult time in our lives as comfortable as possible. We are humbled by the love and compassion that people have for our son all over the world, thank you! Brian and Leighanne Littrell  Poor little kid!  Let’s hope he gets better soon!!! (Perez Hilton)

 

A court has put a higher value on being Britney Spears’ father this year: about $75 an hour. For helping his daughter through her turbulent period, Jamie Spears on Monday was awarded an additional $51,000 payout, reflecting an increase in his monthly payments since he took over his 27-year-old daughter’s affairs in February. Jamie Spears had been receiving $10,000 a month for his work, but Los Angeles Superior Court Commissioner Reva Goetz increased that amount to approximately $16,000 per month and agreed to give him backpay. He was also granted an additional $1,200 monthly payment so he can maintain and office, which Goetz said was justified by his work getting his daughter’s personal life – and music career – back on track. (Daily Record)

 

The Phoenix Police Department has gotten some high-powered goodies courtesy of actor David Spade. The one-time Phoenix resident donated $100,000 so that the department can buy approximately 50 AR-15 rifles. Spade said he wanted to make the donation after seeing a TV news report about Phoenix officers having to buy their own rifles. Spade grew up in the Phoenix area and graduated from Arizona State University. Phoenix Police Sgt. Alan Hill says the rifles will be given to patrol officers and that the agency was grateful for the gifts. “These guys need to be able to do their jobs and I am just happy I could help,” Spade said in a statement released by his publicist. (Daily Record)

 

Is Guy Ritchie moving on? With rumors of a budding relationship between Ritchie and heiress Jemima Khan gaining momentum, there’s at least one person who couldn’t be happier: Ritchie’s soon-to-be ex-wife, Madonna. “It’s not like she’s asking him for details, but she’s thrilled at the prospect of him moving on. It makes things easier for everybody,” says a Madonna pal. Ritchie and Khan (who used to be linked with Hugh Grant) are said to have attended a dinner party in London together earlier this month, and the Mirror reports that they attended a Christmas party together this weekend. Other big names that were there: Stella and Mary McCartney, Lily Allen, Mick Jagger and Kevin Spacey. As for the latest on Madonna and her “friendship” with Yankee slugger Alex Rodriguez: the Madonna pal says things are just fine. “There’s no drama. They’re trying to keep a low profile,” the source says. A-Rod is said to have plans to be with Madonna in London for the holidays. (Scoop)

 

Holly Madison and Criss Angel are doing everything together these days…even throwing joint birthday parties. The day after the duo hit Disneyland in California for some good clean fun, they headed back to Sin City Friday for their double birthday bash at LAX. Criss turned 40 Friday night, while Holly celebrates her 29th Dec. 23. The couple brought along 50 of their closest friends, including Holly’s former Playboy Mansion roomie Bridget Marquardt, though Hef was not in attendance as Holly and Criss blew out the candles on their shared cake, complete with sparklers. And sounds like they’re already feeling the Christmas spirit…after getting on the mic to thank fans for coming to the party, they had $100 bills rain on the partygoers below. (Eonline)

 

So what are Ashlee Simpson and the entire Simpson clan going to do for the holidays? Spend them in Texas, of course. Ashlee, along with hubby Pete Wentz and baby Bronx, will be heading to celebrate Christmas in Waco, Texas.  That’s where Ashlee’s maternal grandmother lives. Guess they’re snubbing the Wentz clan in Chicago! An inside source ads, “This Christmas is a big deal and the whole family wants to be together for baby Bronx’s first Christmas.” As for Jessica Simpson and Tony Romo, they’re apparently heading to Waco as well for Christmas. Must be weird when your little sister is happily married and with a baby, while you’re in what seems like a dying relationship! (Perez Hilton)

 

This could be the most exciting Paris Hilton video since … well, you know. We’ve learned the person who broke into Paris Hilton’s house last week and allegedly made off with $2 mil in stuff actually was caught on tape by surveillance cams. One problem — the thief was wearing a mask, gloves, and a hooded sweatshirt. By the way, one of the surveillance cams is in Paris’ closet. Cops still don’t have a suspect. (TMZ)

 

Christina Aguilera got all dressed up for her birthday – and not in a gown. The singer celebrated her 28th birthday on Dec. 18 with a Clockwork Orange-themed bash at Beverly Hills’ SLS Hotel along with husband Jordan Bratman and pals Nicole Richie and Joel Madden. Arriving by a private party van, the singer and her friends headed into SAAM, the private dining room inside the hotel’s Bazaar Restaurant, where she was greeted by waiters who were also dressed in their macabre Clockwork Orange best for the occasion. Aguilera was also met with her favorite cocktail – the cotton candy mojito. The singer and her 25 friends danced all night as DJ AM spun tunes for the crowd. And Aguilera ended the night with two sweet treats: a Clockwork Orange-themed birthday cake and a sleepover with Bratman in the hotel’s presidential suite. (People)

 

A Christmas break to St Lucia looks to have helped Amy Winehouse get back in shape after her drink and drug problems of 2008. The singer is taking a break with family and friends in the Caribbean, and has been pictured by photographers sunbathing topless on the island’s famous sandy beaches. While on holiday Amy has been doing a daily two-hour gym session, and has put on weight. Janis, Amy’s mother, revealed: ‘She’s being taken care of. She’s resting and eating well, and there are no drugs there.’ Amy’s husband Blake Fielder Civil has also been in rehab after returning to prison. The 26-year-old could be behind bars until 2010 after breaking the rules of his early release by failing a drugs test. (British Glamour)

 

Courteney Cox and David Arquette are committed to making their marriage work. “I get shocked by people getting divorced all the time, that’s why I choose to work on it. Therapy helps us,” Cox told the UK’s Mail on Sunday “It’s so easy to grow apart; marriage takes work. I suppose you can work it out by talking to each other – I would just prefer to have a referee, it reminds us why we’re together.” Cox’s parents divorced when she was a child. “Before my dad died, he said one of his big regrets was that he hadn’t worked on their marriage enough. I don’t know what the future’s going to hold, but divorce isn’t really an option,” she said. Asked if it’s difficult working with her husband of nine years, Cox said, “It seems like it would be the worst thing in the world but we manage to handle it really well. We argue, but never about work. We love being together.” A typical Sunday involves, having “people over to our house. David does the barbecuing, and we have a fantastic chef, Patrice, who makes great salads, vegetables and fish. Sunday is my favorite time because it’s really about friends.”  She added: “And, yes, Jen’s there just about every Sunday.” Cox raved of her former Friends costar and best friend Jennifer Aniston, “We’ve known each other nearly 15 years now, we grew up together emotionally. I lost my father, Jen got divorced, and I had a baby. We’ve been through huge life changes together. I can be myself around her.” She continued: “We never judge each other, we support each other, but we’re honest with each other too. I feel lucky to have her. Jen and I grew up together emotionally. We’ve been through huge life changes together.” As for Aniston’s romance with beau John Mayer, “I want for Jen whatever she wants; she’s really happy at the moment, so I don’t have to worry about her,” Cox said. Meanwhile, Cox stars in the upcoming Disney flick Bedtime Stories with Adam Sandler, a movie that is sure to be a hit with four-year-old daughter Coco. “Coco’s favorites are Sleeping Beauty, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, she’s totally into princesses,” Cox said. Their holiday plans? ‘Christmas is insane in our house. I say: “Let’s buy Coco one good toy,” but he wants to buy her 900 presents. Our compromise lands closer to David.” Aniston spoils Coco too. “Coco calls her Noona, which is Greek for godmother; they see each other and play together every weekend,” Cox explained. “The other day Jen came over with her yoga teacher and Coco stuck it out for an hour doing yoga with them!”  Cox also opened up about rumors that she’s had plastic surgery. “I’ve done Botox,” she admitted. “And there were times when I thought, “That was nice,” but I had one bad experience when I wasn’t able to move my face for two or three months.” Though the actress admitted she would be tempted to do it again when she’s older, she said, “You see too many people look really strange.” As for Arquette, who is seven years younger, “He loves the aging process; he thinks it’s beautiful.” (US Weekly)

 

Tom Hanks makes his living in movies, but he loves books. The star braved a nasty LA storm the other day to help his local, cash-strapped, independent shop, cozy Village Books in Pacific Palisades. There was a bodyguard to his left and right, plus another at the front door and two police officers outside in a patrol car, as a very friendly Hanks sat at a small table in the back signing everything put in front of him. Hanks teased a little girl about her shyness, and joked that the store staff should ring a bell with each sale. He stayed a half-hour beyond his scheduled two-hour appearance – “until the last person,” said Village Books owner Katie O’Laughlin. Thanks to Hanks, she added, “We’re catching up on the rent.” He signed Post correspondent David Finnigan’s Penguin paperback copy of Jack Kerouac’s “On the Road,” scribbling, “Hit the road!” (Page Six)

 

Bernie Mac is gone, but he’s not forgotten. New York’s Ujamaa Black Theater is planning a special tribute show to the beloved comic, who died of pneumonia last August. The company has placed an ad in Back stage seeking black actors, singers, and comedians, as well as look-alikes for Mac, Isaac Hayes and James Brown. Next year, Mac fans can look forward to one more blast of Bernie in the movies with Disney’s “Old Dogs,” in which he co-stars with John Tra volta and Robin Williams. (Page Six)

 

“Real Housewives of New York” star Alex McCord is best known for nude photos of her that hit the Internet, but she’s now putting her talents to better use: The Brooklynite and her husband, Simon van Kempen, are writing an urban parenting book. First-season viewers of the Bravo show might find it ironic, since her two sons weren’t particularly well-behaved, but McCord tells us she’s well- equipped for the job. “It’s not about how to discipline. It’s about things like how to get a passport for an infant when you don’t have a birth certificate yet,” she says. “It’s gonna be fun.” (Page Six)

 

Sam Ronson has $3 million reasons to keep things going with Lindsay Lohan, drama or no drama. ’s DJ fees have jumped from $1,500 to as much as $25K per gig, reports the New York Daily News, bringing her total for 2008 to almost $3 million — and part of that is because club promoters know where Sam goes, Lindsay’s not far behind. “Sam’s now asking for a lot more money to spin,” says a source. “And she’s getting it easily.” (TMZ)

 

Ryan Seacrest’s search for the right partner continues – only this time with the encouragement of his mother. “I wish he had more time to date,” Connie Seacrest tells Momlogic.com about her famous son, who also just happens to be the producer of the new NBC show, Momma’s Boys. “That would be wonderful for him – and we’d stand a better chance for him to have a relationship. ” As for any butting in – or rather, assistance – from Mom: “My rule is that you just observe and wait until they ask for your opinion,” she says. Still, a mother can hope, can’t she? Ideally, she says, for her son, “This would be the package I could see – a woman that would be his best friend, lover and eventually one day the mother of his children.” Ryan, who turns 34 on Christmas Eve, also has a sister, Meredith – and, notes mother Connie, the sibling is also single. “Neither of my children [is] married. They’re going have to get a nanny for granny!” she says. But as for adding to the family, “I believe in marriage before children. My husband [Gary Seacrest] and I have been married for 39 years this February. I think both of my children want to have this kind of relationship. Ryan realizes he’s got to give more time to a relationship if he wants it to be a lasting one. I’m keeping my fingers crossed!” (People)

 

The woman who lost an $11 million judgment to Michael Flatley for making false sexual assault claims has been arrested. Robertson, who is NFL star Brian Urlacher’s baby mama, was arrested at her home today on a warrant for contempt of court charges, according to the Chicago Sun Times. Robertson missed a court date and has not made any payments to Flatley, a sheriff’s spokesman told the paper. Robertson was released, but could face six months in jail if she continues to dodge Flatley’s attorneys. Robertson accused Flatley of rape back in 2006, but the charges were later deemed false and Flatley won a counter-suit against her. (TMZ)

 

Kirsten Dunst has won a court’s protection from a man who she says has recently trespassed at her home. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Richard E. Rico granted Dunst’s request to order 25-year-old Christopher R. Smith to stay away from the actress, her personal assistant and any place they work. Dunst did not appear during Monday’s court hearing. The request was granted without her attorney or witnesses having to make arguments. Smith did not attend the hearing and never responded to a temporary restraining order Dunst received in November. Dunst, who has appeared in three “Spider-Man” films, wrote last month that she was “quite frightened” of Smith. He was arrested by Dunst’s assistant last month after trespassing at her house. (Daily Record)

 

Lillo Brancato, who played a bumbling aspiring mobster on “The Sopranos,” was cleared Monday of second-degree murder in the shooting death of an off-duty policeman during a drunken, late-night search for drugs. The jury convicted Brancato of a lesser charge of attempted burglary. He faces a minimum of three years in prison on that count, but the former actor could get credit for time served because he has been behind bars about that long. Brancato showed no reaction as the verdict was read – his face impassive, his fingers pressed together. His mother, seated a couple rows back in the gallery, began sobbing. Prosecutors say Brancato and accomplice Steven Armento broke into a basement apartment to steal prescription drugs after a night of drinking at a strip club. Officer Daniel Enchautegui, who lived next door, came out to investigate. Armento blasted the 28-year-old officer with his .357 Magnum, hitting him in the heart. The dying officer fired back, wounding both men. Armento was convicted earlier this year of first-degree murder and was sentenced to life in prison without parole. Yolanda Rosa Nazario, the victim’s sister, said she was baffled by the verdict. “What message is this sending out to the New York City police officers today? It’s wrong,” she said. “This would not have happened if not for this animal’s drug habit,” said Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association head Patrick Lynch. “The only good thing is that this skunk is not walking out to spend Christmas with his family. The sad part is that neither is Daniel.” Brancato was led out of court in handcuffs. The next hearing is scheduled for Jan. 9. Defense lawyer Joseph Tacopina said his client was relieved with the verdict. “There was never going to be smiles,” he said. “This is not a case that warrants that.” Tacopina added: “This will be a second chance for him in life. … Lillo’s committed to taking advantage of it.” Brancato rose to fame in the 1993 movie “A Bronx Tale,” playing a young kid from the neighborhood who is torn between two worlds and two men: a local mobster played by Chazz Palminteri and his straight-and-narrow bus-driver father, played by Robert De Niro. Other roles followed, most notably a stint on the second season of “The Sopranos.” His character carried out a series of low-level crimes for the New Jersey mob before being gunned down by Tony Soprano and his sidekick as he tearfully begged for his life. Brancato, 32, and Armento, 48, were drinking together at a strip club in December 2005 before deciding to break into the basement apartment in a hunt for Valium, prosecutors said. Brancato testified during the trial there was a never a break-in. He claimed that he had known the owner, a Vietnam veteran, for several years. He also said he had permission to go inside and take painkillers and other pills whenever he felt like it, and didn’t know the man had died earlier that year. The pills were part of a drug problem that he said began when he was “introduced to marijuana” on the set of “A Bronx Tale.” He later became hooked on crack and heroin, he said. He told the jury that while suffering from judgment-impairing heroin withdrawals on the night of the shooting, he accidentally broke the kitchen window of the apartment in a desperate attempt to wake up his old pill-supplier. “I was becoming dope sick,” Brancato testified. “Mentally, I was a mess.” Brancato tried to deflect suggestions by the prosecution that his testimony – at times punctuated by vignettes about his drug-crazed downfall – was another acting job. (Daily Record)

 

 

MUSIC . . .

 

Will Tim McGraw be ditching his cowboy hats and boots for a gold grill grin? Probably not, but the hip-hop world sure does love the country superstar. Four years ago McGraw and Nelly collaborated on “Over and Over.” Earlier this month McGraw reportedly recorded a new single, “Human,” for Chris Brown’s upcoming album. And now there’s more. Hip-hop impresario T-Pain tells us exclusively that he’s also going into the studio with McGraw. T-Pain says the idea was hatched when the two met while both were appearing on Saturday Night Live last month. “We talked about getting in the studio together, so that’s probably going to happen soon,” T-Pain says. “I definitely think we could do something cool and different.” But he promises something much different from the Nelly-McGraw tune. How so? Unlike McGraw’s hip-hop-centric collaboration with Nelly, T-Pain says he wants it the other way around. “The hip-hop has been done with Tim and Nelly, so we gotta be more country than hip-hop,” he says. McGraw wasn’t T-Pain’s only pick for a country collaboration. He was interested in one of McGraw’s fellow chart-toppers, but that idea quickly fell apart. “I heard he was a racist,” T-Pain says. For now,  the Grammy-winning T-Pain has his new tour with Lil Wayne, Keyshia Cole, Gym Class Heroes and Keri Hilson to think about. He’s already gotten a firsthand look at Lil Wayne’s body-art obsession. “I saw him get a tattoo on the inside of his lips. It was a smiley face,” T-Pain says, adding with a chuckle, “I think he ran out of space everywhere else on his body…That was just strange to me. Weird.” And when T-Pain isn’t busy touring or hitting the studio, the “I’m N Luv (Wit a Stripper)” performer is a family man—but definitely not in the Brady Bunch kind of way. “My wife loves strippers too! She goes to strip clubs with me,” he brags. In fact, T-Pain reveals, “For my birthday, my wife got me 25 strippers.” We can only imagine what she does for their anniversary. (Launch)

 

Heartbreaking, emotional songs like “Love” and “I Remember” helped make Keyshia Cole one of R&B’s most popular stars. But while those songs resonate with millions of fans, the soul sensation says she can’t stand to listen to them anymore. Cole says she’s tired of singing those same old sad love songs. So on her new CD, “A Different Me,” released this month, Cole introduces her “sexier” side. (Daily Record)

 

Rihanna is ready to rock Washington, D.C. on Inauguration Day. The 20-year-old Grammy winner will headline the Recording Industry Association of America’s charity ball to benefit Feeding America on Jan. 20, according to Access Hollywood.  “We are thrilled to have Rihanna’s participation in the inauguration charity ball,” Feeding America’s Vicky Escarra told Access. “As the prevalence of hunger in America increases at an unprecedented rate, we are most grateful to Rihanna and to RIAA for helping us bring greater visibility to this tragic reality and helping us feed millions more people in need.” Another celeb anxious to celebrate with Barack Obama on his big day? Will Smith, who says he’s “definitely going” to D.C. “We’ll go there and just cry — probably two, three days in a row,” he told reporters at the L.A. premiere of Seven Pounds last week. “Just lots of crying. We’ll probably cheer a lot, too.” (US Weekly)

 

U2’s upcoming album, “ No Line on the Horizon,” will be available in five different incarnations, the glitziest of which carries a $96 list price on Amazon.com. The set is due March 2 internationally and the following day in North America. Beyond the standard CD and double vinyl packages, “Horizon” will be offered in three additional limited editions. The digi-pack version, which lists for $35.98, has the CD in a cardboard folded sleeve with a 36-page booklet, a fold-out poster and “a new film from Anton Corbijn featuring the music of U2,” the latter of which is available as a download. The magazine version, for $49.98, finds the CD housed in “a special 60-page soft cover magazine-style book,” and also includes the downloadable Corbijn film. Lastly, the box set version comes, naturally, in a box with a 60-page hardcover book, a second poster and the Corbijn film on DVD. (Billboard)

 

2008 “X Factor” winner Alexandra Burke had her U.K. Christmas No. 1 single confirmed yesterday (Dec. 21), as her version of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” (Syco Music/Sony BMG) debuted at the top with sales of 576,000 units to become the fastest-selling single by a female solo artist in British chart history. The late Jeff Buckley’s 1994 version of the song, also publicized during the recent series, raced 30-2, bringing about the first occasion that the British singles chart has featured the same song in the top two positions for nearly 52 years. Meanwhile, Take That secured the festive No. 1 album as “The Circus” (Polydor/Universal) started a third week at the summit, with another big sales week of 382,000 units. The set has now sold 1.133 million to date. To complete an extraordinary week for Cohen, his own 1984 original of “Hallelujah” entered the singles chart at No. 36, giving the Canadian singer/songwriter his first U.K. top 40 hit as an artist, at the age of 74. Although downloads now make up the vast majority of the singles market, the breakdown of Burke’s sales underlined that the British music consumer will still buy a physical single when it’s seen as a true “event”: almost exactly half of Burke’s sales, 287,000, were as physical singles. Nevertheless, her 289,000 downloads are a one-week digital record, beating former “X Factor” winner Leona Lewis’ 140,000 sales for “A Moment Like This” in 2006. (Billboard)

 

The Warner Music Group on Saturday (Dec. 20) pulled all of its music from YouTube as negotiations over payment with Google’s video site reached an impasse. Warner’s move will affect its recordings as well as the songs it owns through Warner/Chappell Music. “We are working actively to find a resolution with YouTune that would enable the return of our artists’ content to the site,” Warner said in a statement. “Until then, we simply cannot accept terms that fail to appropriately and fairly compensate recording artists, songwriters, labels and publishers for the value they provide.” Warner, one of the first media companies to strike a deal with YouTube, wants to make more money from online video. Although the nature of the negotiations is unknown, a sticking point could be that YouTube has lagged in monetizing its considerable traffic at a time when competitors, like Hulu, are emerging. Warner still makes videos available to MTV, MySpace Music and other sites. YouTube also has agreements with the other major labels, which it is now renegotiating. It is not known whether Warner’s move could effect the other negotiations. “Sometimes, if we can’t reach acceptable business terms, we must part ways with successful partners,” YouTube said in a statement on its blog. This year, Warner has more than 20 percent market share of albums, according to Nielsen SoundScan, and Atlantic is the No. 1 label in the U.S.  (Billboard)

 

 

MOVIE . . .

 

The long professional relationship between Russell Crowe and director Ridley Scott could come to a cataclysmic end if Crowe gets Scott fired from “Nottingham.” Scott turned Crowe into a major star by casting him in “Gladiator” (2000), a role that won him the Best Actor Oscar. The New Zealander also earned critical acclaim in Scott’s “A Good Year” (2006) and “American Gangster” (2007). Spokesmen for Crowe, Scott and Universal, which is distributing “Nottingham,” flatly deny any discord between the actor and the director. But sources say Crowe blames Scott for the disastrous drubbing their fourth collaboration, “Body of Lies,” received from critics and at the box office last summer, and no longer wants to work with the British director. “Ridley is the only one who is willing to stand up to Russell and tell him he’s too fat and that he can’t show up four hours late to the set,” said one source. “He [Russell] wants someone he can control.” “Nottingham,” which starts filming in March, is a revisionist version of the Robin Hood legend, in which Crowe stars as the sheriff of Nottingham, a noble and brave lawman whose corrupt king is raising taxes even as his subjects starve. He and Robin Hood vie for the love of Maid Marian. Crowe is notoriously hot-tempered, and faced criminal charges in 2005 after throwing a telephone at a concierge at the Mercer Hotel. He is now said to be pressuring George Freeman of William Morris, the agent who represents both Crowe and Scott, to get Scott replaced. A spokesman for Freeman told Page Six: “There is absolutely no truth to this.” Crowe, Scott and “Nottingham” producer Brian Grazer had a preproduction meeting last week, and everything was full speed ahead, the spokesman said. (Page Six)

 

Movie audiences greeted Jim Carrey and Will Smith with a lukewarm “yes’ as snowstorms undermined weekend debuts from both stars. Carrey’s comedy “Yes Man” opened at No. 1 with $18.2 million in ticket sales, while Smith’s drama “Seven Pounds” came in second with $16 million, according to studio estimates Sunday. Debuting at No. 3 with $10.5 million was Matthew Broderick’s animated family flick “The Tale of Despereaux.” The new movies arrived in theaters Friday just as storms pounded the Northeast. “Those markets back east just got hammered,” said Chris Aronson, distribution executive for 20th Century Fox, whose sci-fi saga “The Day the Earth Stood Still” slipped from No. 1 to No. 4 with $10.2 million. The movie starring Keanu Reeves raised its 10-day total to $48.6 million. “Yes Man,” released by Warner Bros., stars Carrey as a loser who turns his life around by subscribing to a philosophy of saying “yes” to everything. Sony’s “Seven Pounds” casts Smith as a mysterious IRS agent doing good deeds for strangers, and Universal’s “Tale of Despereaux” features Broderick as the mouthpiece for a tiny mouse on a heroic mission. In limited release, Mickey Rourke’s acclaimed drama “The Wrestler” had a heavyweight debut, taking in $209,474 in just four theaters for a whopping average of $52,369. By comparison, “Yes Man” played in 3,434 theaters and averaged $5,288 per theater, while “Seven Pounds” opened in 2,758 and averaged $5,801 per theater. The No. 3 film “The Tale of Despereaux” played in 3,104 theaters and grabbed $3,385 per venue. ( Daily Record)

 

Aww, look at that cute, fluffy puppy in those “Marley & Me” ads. He’s so sweet and innocent with those pleading eyes and that shiny, red bow around his neck. It almost makes you think you’re in for a feel-good comedy about a rambunctious yellow Lab and the family who loves him no matter what chaos he causes. Well, “Marley & Me” is all that, but if you’ve read the best-selling memoir by John Grogan that inspired the movie, you also know that it has more than its share of hanky moments. Watching all those heart-tugging stories play out before your eyes on a giant screen, though, we’re not talking about just a tear or two welling up – we’re talking grown men and women snuffling and sobbing uncontrollably, then dashing from the theater before the lights come up to avoid making eye contact with all the other blubbering saps. Seeing the ending, in all its horrifically sad detail, is bad enough if you’re a grown-up (and a dog person). If you’re a little kid expecting a happy puppy movie, “Marley & Me” could cause serious trauma requiring hours of therapy and many scoops of ice cream to repair. So yes, it’s effective in its ability to evoke emotion – having said that, it’s not a particularly good movie. Director David Frankel (“The Devil Wears Prada”) leaps back and forth in blandly episodic fashion between the incorrigible Marley doing wacky, destructive things and his owners, journalists John (Owen Wilson) and Jenny (Jennifer Aniston), furthering their lives as a married couple and, ultimately, as parents. And that’s a shame, because Grogan’s book was a rich, rollicking recollection of a life lived. Here, there’s no great momentum, just a long, flat arc toward the inevitable. John and Jenny get married and, soon afterward, they get a puppy he names Marley (as in Bob). John gets a job as a reporter at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, Marley freaks out during a thunderstorm. John’s editor (Alan Arkin) promotes him to columnist (and doubles his pay, which is just a total fantasy in today’s news-business climate), Marley disembowels the couch. The first baby comes, Marley runs off on his own at the beach. And on it goes. (Surprisingly, “Out of Sight” writer Scott Frank and Don Roos collaborated on the screenplay.) Despite their sunny, blonde looks, Wilson (at 40) and Aniston (at 39) feel too old to be playing young newlyweds starting a life together at the beginning of “Marley & Me,” and their playful marital banter seems forced. But they do settle in and have a couple of believable arguments as their characters get older and the natural stresses of marriage, a home, three kids and a torturous dog take hold. (An early scene in which Jenny suffers a miscarriage, and Marley responds with unexpected sympathy and grace, is also an emotional doozy.) (Daily Record)

 

Much ado has been made about “Valkyrie,” starring Tom Cruise as would-be Hitler assassin Col. Claus von Stauffenberg. There is the release date, which has been moved around several times until finally being set for Christmas, the perfect time for a feel-good movie about killing Nazis. There’s the marketing of the film: Is it a historical thriller featuring Cruise in an eye patch, or is it a straight-up action picture full of explosions? And then, of course, there is the Cruise factor itself – the fact that his very presence adds a layer of tabloid-friendly fascination. Turns out Cruise is both the central figure in “Valkyrie” and its weakest link. He’s distractingly bad in this, the iconography of his celebrity so strongly overshadowing his performance. He’s just too powerfully contemporary. With his hard, flat American accent, he stands out in every single scene. And he’s not a good enough actor to immerse himself in this kind of period piece, or allow us to do the same. (Then again, if he had affected a German accent – or a British one to blend in among his co-stars – he would have invited derision for that, too. Maybe the guy just can’t win.) It’s too bad, too, because “Valkyrie” looks great. With its impeccable production design and German locations – including the Bendlerblock in Berlin, where Operation Valkyrie began and where members of the anti-Nazi resistance were executed after it failed – it feels substantial, never CGI-fake, and it moves fluidly. No one ever doubted the ability of Bryan Singer, director of the first two “X-Men” movies, to make a solid, energetic actioner. But – and this is going to sound like more piling on – Cruise undermines the potential of “Valkyrie” at every turn. He’s outclassed and outmatched by every member of the strong supporting cast, any of whom would have been more believable as Stauffenberg: Kenneth Branagh, Tom Wilkinson, Terence Stamp and Bill Nighy as fellow German officers, even Eddie Izzard, who’s a unique and unexpected choice. Then again, the script from Christopher McQuarrie, who won an Academy Award for writing Singer’s breakthrough film “The Usual Suspects,” never fully fleshes out his motivations. (Nathan Alexander is a co-writer.) Stauffenberg is depicted as a loyal but wounded army officer who loves Germany yet finds himself increasingly horrified by Adolf Hitler’s rise to power. But we never get a sense of inner conflict, of the doubt he may have felt in betraying his duties, of the fear he may have faced in putting himself and his family in danger by going through with the plan. When Stauffenberg states with clenched-jawed, hushed certitude, “We have to kill Hitler,” we’ll just have to take his word for it that he feels strongly about the task he’s about to lead. He joins the German Resistance for the last of several failed plots to take out Hitler, scheduled for July 20, 1944. Stauffenberg was to plant a bomb and then head a regime change known as Operation Valkyrie, based on Hitler’s own emergency plan to keep the government running in case of his death. As we all know from the start, that didn’t happen – Hitler killed himself a year later – and surprisingly, Singer never generates enough suspense to make us forget that as we’re watching. The whole effort feels rather smoothly detached. The actual bomb-orchestration sequence is well-staged and has a few breathless moments, but a scene that’s supposed to be pivotal and poignant – when Stauffenberg reluctantly thrusts his partially amputated arm in the air and declares “Heil Hitler!” – instead comes off as laughable. “Valkyrie,” a United Artists release, is rated PG-13 for violence and brief strong language. Running time: 120 minutes. One and a half stars out of four. (Daily Record)

 

Canada-based production company Legacy Filmworks, production-finance group Bron Management and comic-book publisher and transmedia outfit Arcana Studios have teamed to produce a slate of five films based on Arcana’s comic titles. The first will be the sci-fi thriller “Paradox,” which will star Kevin Sorbo and be directed by Brenton Spencer (“Stargate: Atlantis”). Sorbo plays a homicide cop on a parallel Earth ruled by magic who investigates a series of murders committed by a previously unseen means: the power of science. Christos Gage and Ruth Fletcher Gage wrote the screenplay based on Arcana’s three-issue limited series written by Christos Gage, who has worked for Marvel and DC Comics. The Gages, repped by Benderspink, wrote Sony’s 2001 feature “The Breed” and have worked on NBC’s “Law & Order: SVU.” Legacy Filmworks’ Deboragh Gabler is producing “Paradox” and the rest of the slate, as is Bron Management’s Aaron Gilbert, who helped arrange independent financing. Arcana founder-publisher Sean O’Reilly is executive producing. Myriad Pictures is handling international sales and will work with Arcana, Legacy and Bron to brand the films. The slate’s other projects include “Chopper,” a thriller based on a Martin Shapiro comic that hopes to go before cameras next month, and “Sundown,” a Western vampire thriller, based on a Jay Busbee comic, which is scheduled for an April or May start. Future slate projects will be announced during the coming months. Apart from comics, Arcana recently produced the animated Web series “Red Lotus” for Spike TV and have projects in development at MTV and Valhalla. Bron, which has an interest in Arcana, has projects at Killer Films and Legacy, which is behind Lifetime movies including “My Name Is Sarah.” Sorbo, repped by Innovative and Luber Roklin Entertainment, exercised his comedy chops this year in Universal’s “An American Carol.” (Hollywood Reporter)

 

Robert Mulligan, who directed “To Kill a Mockingbird” and “Summer of ‘42,” among other films, died Friday of heart disease at his Connecticut home. He was 83. Mulligan received a best director Oscar nomination in 1963 for “Mockingbird.” The brother of actor Richard Mulligan, he also directed “The Great Impostor,” “Love With the Proper Stranger,” “Baby, the Rain Must Fall,” “Inside Daisy Clover,” “Up the Down Staircase” and “The Other.” He also narrated “Summer of ‘42.” Known for his diffident nature and sensitivity toward players, Mulligan directed five different actors in Oscar-nominated performances: Gregory Peck, Mary Badham, Natalie Wood, Ruth Gordon and Ellen Burstyn, with Peck winning the best actor Oscar for “Mockingbird.” He also elicited consistently fine performances from a range of his players, including Anthony Perkins in “Fear Strikes Out,” Jennifer O’Neill in “Summer of ‘42,” Robert Redford in “Inside Daisy Clover” and Richard Gere in “Bloodbrothers.” Mulligan earned his stripes in live TV in New York in the early 1950s and helmed such productions as “Studio One,” “Playhouse 90,” “The Alco Hour,” “The Philco Television Playhouse” and “The DuPont Show of the Month” before becoming a movie director in 1957 with “Fear Strikes Out,” the story of baseball pitcher Jimmy Piersall. In 1982, Mulligan directed “Kiss Me Goodbye,” a reworking of the Brazilian film “Donna Flor and Her Two Husbands.” His more recent films include “Clara’s Heart” (1988), starring Whoopi Goldberg, and “The Man in the Moon” (1991). Self-effacing with a no flamboyant filmic style, Mulligan didn’t receive the acclaim of such ex-TV contemporaries as Sidney Lumet, Arthur Penn and John Frankenheimer. His films were more popular with audiences than with critics. While some debated whether he had a discernible personal vision in his films, Mulligan was known for his casting and direction of children, including “Staircase,” where he personally interviewed more than 500 New York high school students. Sensing a kindred spirit, Francois Truffaut was a vocal champion, particularly cognizant of what he perceived as undue criticism of Mulligan’s work for lacking a particular “style.” Mulligan himself was dismissive of critics/cineaste talk: “I don’t know anything about ‘the Mulligan style,’ ” he told the Village Voice in 1978. “If you can find it, well, that’s your job.” Mulligan was known for working side-by-side with screenwriters in shaping a cinematic story. “The attention which has been paid to directors is flattering but overrated,” he noted in the same Voice interview. Mulligan had an eight-year collaboration with Alan J. Pakula, who served as a producer on all of Mulligan’s early films, beginning with “Fear Strikes Out” through “The Stalking Moon” in 1969. Mulligan was born Aug. 23, 1925, in New York. He worked for six months at the New York Times on the copy desk before entering Fordham University, where he majored in journalism and literature. He became one of the first students to enroll in the school’s radio department. After college, he started his show business career as a messenger boy at CBS. He soon moved up to production assistant and then won an opportunity to direct on the “Suspense” series. He excelled in the fast-paced milieu of live TV, helming such projects as “The Moon and Sixpence,” “Billy Budd” and “The Bridge of San Luis Rey.” He directed stage plays as well, including “Comes a Day” on Broadway. (Hollywood Reporter)

 

 

TV . . .

 

Former England captain David Beckham is to appear on Italian Big Brother sources claim. David Beckham could make an appearance on Italian Big Brother while spending time playing for AC Milan sources have told the Daily Star. The unlikely rumors have come about as the Milan club are owned by Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who also owns a number of top Italian TV stations. “Beckham is very high profile and to get him on Big Brother would be a ratings winner. In Italy, footballers interact a lot more with TV than they do in England. All the high-profile players are on light entertainment shows during the season,” the insider claims. “Most of these shows are on Berlusconi’s Mediaset empire. And as Berlusconi also owns AC Milan, then Beckham will be expected to turn out on one program at least – almost certainly Grande Fratello (Big Brother).” Hmm, we’ll believe it when we see it. (Handbag)

 

Debbie Matenopolous, the original castoff from “The View,” wants a new life. Matenopolous, who hosts “The Daily 10″ on E!, is “at a crossroads in her life,” says her producer, Adam Havener. The perky blonde is going through a nasty divorce from music executive Jay Faires and is “re-evaluating her career and future.” Funnily enough, she wants to re-evaluate on camera. She’s pitching a reality show called “Debbie Does . . . ” in which she explores “new occupations, hobbies and places.” (Page Six)

 

Viewership for The Hills is down. Way down! Original episodes have tumbled 26% in the coveted 12-34 y.o. viewer demographic in the fourth quarter, compared with the same period last year. As a result, MTV is working on a bunch of new reality show. SIXTEEN to be exact! (Perez Hilton)

 

The second season of “Celebrity Rehab,” VH-1’s compelling, you’re-appalled-but-you-can’t-look-away reality series is getting a spin off, “Sober Living.” The new series will follow former Guns ‘N Roses drummer Steven Adler, Crazy Town front man Seth “Shifty” Binzer, adult-film star Mary Carey, Rodney King, “American Idol” finalist Nikki McKibbin, model Amber Smith, and comedian Andy Dick into a sober living facility. Dr. Drew Pinsky, who helmed “Rehab,” will also be on hand for “Sober Living.” But is it a good idea? Seems as if the “celebrities” involved were a little more A-list, like, say, Britney Spears, we’d be saying it was exploitative. In other reality show news, VH-1’s sister channel, MTV, is planning on launching 16 new unscripted series over the next five months. The shows will be produced by some big names: Sean Combs, Matt Stone and Trey Parker, Donald Trump, and Nick Lachey are all onboard, according to Variety.  (Scoop)

 

Most TV shows exit the airwaves with a flurry of headlines memorializing their demise. Sometimes, though, a program fades from the spotlight into a scheduling twilight zone: neither declared dead nor returning. Here’s the lowdown on some missing-in-action titles from this year that most expected to see again but which have no airdates on the horizon: NBC’s “American Gladiators.” Gladiators ready? No, gladiators are not ready. This competition-series revival enjoyed terrific ratings for its initial run during the WGA strike early this year. A second season launched in May and saw a sharp drop in viewers, with ratings fading throughout its summer run. Most consider reality shows cheap to produce, but this stunt-heavy arena competition is not. NBC has not mentioned “Gladiators” on the record, but it’s considered canceled. Fox’s “The Moment of Truth.” Another strike-era reality hit, this, too, saw a ratings decline during its summer run. Unlike “Gladiators,” though, “Truth” isn’t very expensive, and Fox has shot unaired episodes for a new season. Given the troubled economy and the show’s controversial content, sources said garnering advertiser support hasn’t been easy (another reason Fox hopes the cheerfully altruistic “Secret Millionaire” breaks out). No airdate is planned for “Truth,” but with episodes in the can, a summer run might be tempting. CBS’ “EliteXC Saturday Night Fights.” CBS planned four experimental off-brand specials and aired three, two of which performed well among younger demographics. With EliteXC declaring bankruptcy in October, though, the fourth special is not happening. CBS could align with another mixed-martial-arts partner but has not found or sought one. The network is doing fine with scripted shows, so it’s in no rush to jump back in the octagon. ABC’s “Opportunity Knocks.” This game show debuted in the fall and quickly was yanked from the schedule. ABC’s insistence that the program might come back was presumed by the media to be spin to avoid cancellation so early in the season. But here we are, months later, and ABC still says “Opportunity” will knock again. The network plans to run off the remaining six episodes in the summer. Fox’s ” ‘Til Death” and ABC’s “According to Jim.” Both are modestly rated, critically indifferent sitcoms produced by their networks’ sister studios that fill schedule holes when needed. “Death” is off the air, but a midseason appearance is likely. “Jim” will leave the air shortly, and ABC plans to air its remaining 12 episodes in the summer unless called into action earlier. (Hollywood Reporter)

 

Talk about a hairy “Sex and the City.” The Fox network is developing “Bitches,” a dramedy about a quartet of female friends in New York who are werewolves. The project, which has received a script plus penalty commitment from the network, hails from feature writer Michael Dougherty and Warner Bros. TV. TV writing duo Gretchen Berg and Aaron Harberts have come on board to supervise Dougherty. The two also will serve as executive producers alongside Dougherty if the project, described as a quirky urban fairy tale, goes to series.  “Bitches” continues the werewolf theme from Dougherty’s recent horror flick “Trick ‘r Treat.”  2009 is shaping up to be a big year for werewolves with the release of the Benicio del Toro-starring remake of “The Wolfman” and the “Twilight” sequel “New Moon.” WMA-repped Dougherty’s writing credits also include “Superman Returns” and “X2: X-Men United.”  Berg and Harberts recently served as co-exec producers on the ABC/WBTV series “Pushing Daisies.” The duo, repped by ICM and attorney Gretchen Bruggeman Rush, also created/exec produced the WB’s “Pepper Dennis.” (Hollywood Reporter)

 

 

TODAY’S IMPOSSIBLE QUESTION . . . (Mike Butts Creative)

 

Q.  People who do THIS say they are much happier with their lives. Do what?

            A.  Volunteering helping a cause or community

 

 

TODAY’S QUOTE (By Norman Vincent Peale)

 

“CHRISTMAS WAVES A MAGIC WAND OVER THIS WORLD, AND BEHOLD, EVERYTHING IS SOFTER AND MORE BEAUTIFUL.”

 

 

MIND BOGGLERS . . .  (QuickTrivia)

 

Q.  Chances of a white Christmas in _____: 1 in 4?

            A.  Chicago

            B.  New York  ****

            C.  Albany

            D.  Atlanta

 

Q.  Who sings “give me a sign, hit me baby one more time”?

            A.  Annie Lennox

            B.  Britney Spears  ****

            C.  Chuck Berry

            D.  Talking Heads

 

Q.  In “Love Story.” Tommy Lee Jones played Ryan O’Neal’s roommate at Harvard. Jone’s real roommate at Harvard once claimed to have inspired “Love Story.” Who was he?

            A.  Harrison Ford

            B.  Ted Turner

            C.  Al Gore  ****

            D.  Erich Seagal

 

Q.  What superhero’s original workplace, the Daily Planet, was based on Toronto’s Daily Star”

            A.  Spider-man

            B.  Superman  ****

            C.  Captain America

            D.  Green Lantern

 

Q.  Who was the Bounty hunter in “Wanted Dead Or Alive”?

            A.  Roger Moore

            B.  Val Kilmer

            C.  Steve McQueen  ****

            D.  Sean Connery

 

Q.  Sherman reaches Savannah in Georgia leaving behind a 300 mile long path of destruction 60 miles wide all the way from Atlanta. Sherman then telegraphs Lincoln, offering him Savannah as a Christmas present?

            A.  April 24, 1862

            B.  Nov 8, 1861

            C.  Dec 21, 1864  ****

            D.  Feb 6, 1862

 

 

PEOPLE MAGAZINE . . .

 

Strange But True Most surprising revelations of 2008

 

Julia Child Was A Spy:

U.S. archives reveal the chef did espionage work during WWII

 

Karolina Kurkova Has No Belly Button:

The Czech model has neither an innie or an outie, due to an operation she has as an infant.

 

Mathew’s Placenta Tree:

Actor Matthew McConaughey told CNN he saved son Levi’s placenta to plant in an orchard.

 

 

TRAVEL TIPS . . . (Peter Greenberg Worldwide)

 

MAKING YOUR OWN FIRST AID KIT:

 

When you’re traveling, it’s a good idea to keep a small first-aid kit on hand for unexpected emergencies. To pack your own first-aid kit, carry an ample supply of prescriptions in their original bottles, and keep a copy of all prescriptions with you, including generic names for medicines and a note from your physician on letterhead.  Also, keep an alcohol-based antibacterial hand gel, a topical antibiotic, a thermometer, and an anti-diarrhea medication. If you’re traveling to a mosquito-heavy area, be sure to pack an insect repellant with at least 30 percent DEET, and if that doesn’t deter the bugs, pack some anti-itch cream.  If you are traveling with children, take as many antibacterial wet wipes as you can fit.  And lastly, keep the contact information of your primary healthcare provider and a copy of your most recent vaccinations.

 

(Peter Greenberg is North America’s preeminent expert on Travel. An Emmy Award-Winning writer and producer, Peter is the Travel Editor for NBC’S “TODAY SHOW,” MSNBC and CNBC. A Best-Selling author of the “Travel Detective” series and host of the nationally syndicated “Peter Greenberg Worldwide Radio Show.” Visit WWW.PETERGREENBERGWORLDWIDE.COM to learn more about Peter Greenberg and his adventures.)

 

 

MIKE BUTTS CREATIVE . . .

 

$10,000 ON BADGES? YEP

 

THE ECONOMY IS IN THE TOILET—WALL STREET GREED MONGERS AND CROOKED POLITICIANS ARE PICKING OUR POCKETS—HUNDREDS OF

THOUSANDS OF GOOD PEOPLE HAVE LOST THEIR JOBS—AND THE ST. LOUIS POLICE DEPARTMENT JUST SPENT $10,000 ON BADGES.

 

THESE BADGES ARE GOLD FILLED SO THE NEW CHIEF AND A HANDFUL OF OFFICERS COULD HAVE ME NICE AND SNAZZY—THIS ISN’T NEW—THE

PREVIOUS CHIEF SPENT $6,000 DOLLARS OF TAXPAYER MONEY ON 1 BADGE!!

 

THE AVERAGE COPS BADGE RUNS $20 BUCKS. HOW MANY BULLET PROOF VESTS OR PIECES OF LIFE SAVING EQUIPMENT COULD YOU BUY FOR

$10,000?  ( badges we don’t need no stinking badges)

 

 

A BLACKBERRY FUNERAL: J

 

CELLFONES—WE TAKE THEM EVERYWHERE—IN OUR CARS—THE DINNER TABLE—BEDROOM—SOMETIMES EVEN IN THE BATHROOM.. BUT NOW IT

SEEMS THAT MANY PEOPLE WHO DIE BEFORE THEY ARE 40—TAKE THEM TO THEIR GRAVES!  NOELLE POTVIN IS A COUNSELOR AT “HOLLYWOOD

FOREVER” A FUNERAL HOME AND CEMETERY~~ NOELLE SAYS HE HAS BURIED PEOPLE WITH” GAMEBOYS” BEFORE—AND MOST OF THE PEOPLE

REQUESTED THAT THEIR PHONES BE LEFT ON—JUST IN CASE THERE IS A “FINAL CONNECTION”!  CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW????

 

 

BIRTHDAYS . . .

 

—1860  Poet/Editor Harriet Monroe (d. 9-26-1936)

—1911  Actor James Gregory   (Barney Miller) (d. 9-16-2002)

—1921  Actor Gerald O’Loughlin (Our House)

—1923  Actress Ruth Roman (Knots Landing) (d. 9-9-1999)

—1925  Actor Harry Guardino  (d. 7-17-1995)

—1926  Author Robert Bly (Iron John: A Book about Men)

—1926  Harold Dorman (“Mountain Of Love”) (d. 1988)

—1935  Blues Singer Little Esther Phillips (“What A Difference A Day Makes”) (d. 8-7-1984)

—1939  Johnny Kidd – lead singer for Johnny & The Pirates (“Shakin’ All Over”) (d. 10-7-1966)

—1940  Musician/songwriter Tim Hardin (“If I Were A Carpenter – Reason To Believe”) (d. 12-29-1980)

—1940  Musician Jorma Kaukonen (Jefferson Airplane) (“Somebody To Love”)

—1940  Singer/Writer Eugene Record (The Chi-Lites) (“Have You Seen her”) (d. 7-22-2005)

—1943  Musician Derek Smalls (Spinal Tap)

—1943  Comedian Harry Shearer

—1945  Musician Ron Bushy (Iron Maiden) (“In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida”)

—1946  Actress Susan Lucci (“Erica” All My Children)

—1946  Robbie Dupree (“Steal Away”)

—1952  Singer Helen Schneider

—1956  Musician Dave Murray (Iron Maiden)

—1963  Football’s Jim Harbaugh

—1964  Singer Eddie Vedder (Pearl Jam)

—1972  Actor Corey Haim (The Lost Boys)

 

 

THIS DAY IN HISTORY . . .

 

—1783  General George Washington resigned his commission as Commander in Chief of the Continental Army and retired to his estate at Mt. Vernon, Virginia. (But not for long — Congress had other plans . . .).

—1788  Maryland donated a ten square mile tract of land along the Potomac River to be used as a seat of government for the new nation. Little remembered fact: Virginia donated a similar tract on the opposite bank of the river, which includes the present-day city of Alexandria, for the new District of Columbia, and it remained a part of DC until Congress returned it to Virginia in 1846.

—1888  Artist Vincent Van Gogh, in a fit of depression, cut off his ear with a rusty razor and sent it to his girlfriend.

—1928  The first coast-to-coast radio network went into operation — NBC.

—1938  As the wicked witch of the West, actress Margaret Hamilton’s costume caught fire in the first scene she filmed for MGM’s “The Wizard of OZ,” burning the skin on her right hand and singeing off her eyebrows.

—1942  Bob Hope agreed to entertain U.S. airmen in Alaska, becoming the first of his many Christmas shows for American armed forces around the world, a tradition which as continued for more than three decades.

—1947  Three scientists working for Bell Labs invented the transistor.

—1964  The Beach Boys make their first appearance on “Shindig!”

—1965  “Rubber Soul” by the Beatles is the top album in Britain.

—1966  “Ready Steady Go,” the UK music show partly responsible for launching the careers of David Bowie, Donowan, and the Rolling Stones, ends it BBC-TV run.

—1969  Elton John and Bernie Taupin begin their songwriting partnership.

—1970  “Ladies Of The Canyon” becomes Joni Mitchell’s first gold album.

—1970  John Lennon premieres “Imagine” on national television.

—1973  Six Persian Golf oil nations doubled their prices, beginning the “oil crisis.”

—1975  Anniversary of the Metric Conversion Act that declares that the International System of Units will be the country’s basic system of measurement. (Why are we still using inches?)

—1987  The first non-stop- flight around the world without re-fueling was accomplished by Dick Rutan and Jeana Yeager. It was a 216-hour continuous flight. The journey covered 24,986 miles at 115 miles per hour with no potty break.

—1988  Director Oliver Stone’s film “Talk Radio,” the story of an obsessive late-night talk show host, opens nationally.

—1992  “Scent of a Woman” starring Al Pacino opened in theaters.

—1997  Verdict came down for Terry Nichols for the Oklahoma City bombing that killed 186 men, women and children. Nichols was guilty of conspiracy and not guilty of 1º or 2º murder.

 

 

RADIO ONLINE® DAILY SHOW PREP™ . . .

 

EDITOR’S NOTE

In order that we may share the Christmas and New Year’s holidays with our families and loved ones, RADIO ONLINE’s Daily Show Prep editors and writers will be on vacation from December 24 through January 1. During that time only abbreviated prep sheets will be posted and many regular features such as Weird News, Hunter’s Humor, Gorsefeathers and Entertainment News will not appear. The last regular prep sheet posted in 2008 will be for Tuesday, December 23. Regular publication of the Daily Show Prep will resume on January 2.

ON THIS DAY

On this date in 1788, Maryland gave up the land that is now Washington, DC. State officials felt that nothing good could ever come from the land… and boy, were they right!

In 1823, “A visit from Saint Nicholas” was published for the very first time. It was the story of a holiday dream: a Christmas guest who only visits for a moment and leaves behind lots of presents.

TODAY IS

It’s Christmas Eve Eve!

“All My Children’s” Susan Lucci turns 62 today! She started out on the show as a young tramp… but over time and by maturing her role, she is now an old tramp.

Harry Shearer, one of the many voices from “The Simpsons” turns 65 today. He brings to life Mr. Burns, Flanders, Principal Skinner, Reverend Lovejoy and Otto. Sometimes he just likes to be by himself and have a group discussion.

THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW

·         Criss Angel and Holly Madison held a birthday party for each other last week at the Las Vegas Luxor Hotel and during the party, $100 bills rained from the ceiling. Nice party favors.

·         Backstreet Boys singer Brian Littrell is asking fans to pray for his 6-year-old son, Baylee, who is in the hospital. No details as to why.

·         Fergie and Josh Duhamel have set a date: January 10th in Los Angeles.

·         Ever watch that cable show, “17 kids and counting”? The mom had her 18th kid over the weekend.

·         A burglar broke into the Hollywood home of Paris Hilton and made off with $2 million in jewelry.

·         Sherry L. Johnston, the mother of Levi Johnston and the future grandmother of his child with Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin’s daughter Bristol, was arrested in Wasilla, Alaska, Thursday and charged with six felony counts of misconduct involving a controlled substance.

·         An Egyptian man has offered his 20-year-old daughter in marriage to the Iraqi journalist who threw his shoes at President Bush.

·         Anne Hathaway doesn’t have the groom in mind yet, but she says she has already planned out the music for her eventual wedding.

·         The tabloids are claiming that Michael Jackson is not doing well and is battling something that has left him half blind and needing a lung transplant.

·         Topless pictures of Amy Winehouse romping on a beach in the Caribbean are all over the Internet.

·         Kevin Federline has a new girlfriend: volleyball player Victoria Prince.

·         Former Guns ‘n Roses drummer Steve Adler is back in rehab. This time, state-induced as an option to going to jail.

·         Guy Ritchie has already moved on and has hooked up with heiress Jemima Khan. One her more famous ex-boyfriends is Hugh Grant.

·         So you know, Jennifer Aniston, Marcia Cross, Kate Hudson and Julia Roberts all went Noble Fir this year for their Christmas trees. One of the popular Beverly Hills lots is “Mr. Greentrees,” where a 7-8 footer would cost you $190.

CONVERSATION STARTERS

(Sun) Christmas carols put us in the holiday spirit with memorable lyrics and catchy tunes. But did you know that your favorite song of the season reveals your personality? “Whether it’s a popular ditty or an old fashioned carol, the Christmas music you enjoy the most is a clue to the real you,” says Denver psychologist Dennis Grantham. “For instance, a person who’s all business the rest of the year may show a soft sentimental side.” Here’s some of the most famous Christmas songs ever written. Find out what your favorite says about you:

·         It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas — You get in the spirit of things several weeks before the big day. Your excitement begins with decorating earlier than anyone in the neighborhood, and your practical nature assures that all your presents were purchased before Halloween.

·         Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree — No matter how exhausting it gets preparing for the holidays, your positive spirit keeps everyone smiling. Even if your bank account is a bit low this year, family and friends will be charmed by your creative, if inexpensive, gifts.

·         Jingle Bells — You’re a born organizer who’s sure to gather everyone together for a sing-a-long at holiday parties, both at work and at home. You also have a flair for choosing just the right presents for loved ones and friends because you make note of their wishes throughout the year.

·         Oh, Come, All Ye Faithful — You loved the traditions your family observed during the holidays of your childhood, and you continue to practice them to this day. From the special homemade cookies to the cherished tree ornaments hung, you bring a special nostalgic touch.

·         White Christmas — You’re a strong leader with a hard nose approach to most situations, but this song brings out your sentimental side. Family and friends are delighted when you forget the bottom line and jump into the festivities with boundless enthusiasm.

·         Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer — This silly “classic” tickles your funny bone because it’s as irreverent as you are. You’re all about the celebratory rather than the religious aspects of Christmas, holding court as the life of the party and showering loved ones with presents.

PHONE TOPICS

·         What’s left to do?

·         Who needs gift ideas? Lets use our listener group to figure out something.

·         Which celebrity is starting to get really, really old?

·         What’s the tackiest gift someone has ever given you?

·         What’s the weirdest thing you wear to bed?

·         What’s the best thing you ever found?

·         Which body part do you hate?

·         What is the hardest food to eat whole while driving?

·         How old where you when you had your first kiss?

·         What foods get men in the mood?

·         How to get out of a bad date?

·         What item that you’ve borrowed and never returned?

·         If you hate your job, what are you doing that drives the boss and/or your co-workers crazy?

·         Who is the “hottest” news personality on network TV?

·         No names — what’s the Christmas present you’re giving that’s going to blow them away this year?

Did you have a co-ed floor in your college dorm? I used to envy a college friend of mine that had a co-ed floor. Now, there’s even one better. Co-ed rooms! The University of Chicago is joining a nationwide trend of allowing male and female students to live not just on the same dorm floor, but in the same dorm room. The school says it was a student-led initiative that isn’t aimed at romantic couples. However, the school says couples won’t be banned from asking to be roommates when the program begins next month. Nationally more than 30 campuses allow co-ed dorm rooms. Do you agree or disagree with college co-ed dorm rooms?

I hear that if you want to buy something, now is the time to buy it. I’ve been reading that many stores, who’ve been hit with sluggish sales this season, are getting aggressive to lure in last-minute shoppers. Many places are opting to roll out discounts typically seen the day after Christmas. We asked, what’s the best deal you’ve found this year? We had lots of calls. And yes, there are still some people that don’t do all their shopping online.

It seems like we all have those, “when I was young and playing in the snow stories…” I got on the snowy subject by talking about my 3-year-old niece who got all bundled up the other day to play in the New England snow. She had so much padding on, she looked like the Stay Puff Marshmallow Man. It was too funny. She fell down and couldn’t get up. Open the phones and have parents share their “kid in snow” stories.

Our weather girl has to have her bed made exactly smooth, absolutely no wrinkles, before she can go to sleep and that she can’t put on her shoes if her socks have any “bumps” in them all. This led to a great phoner on the quirky little neuroses we all share. Phones went nuts.

Dating relationships are always a hot topic. We were talking about when one of the people involved just can’t take the hint that you’re really getting serious. One lady had been dating her now-hubby on and off for years and finally had to spell it out for him over dinner one night.

What do you think was the top news story of ‘08? The New York Times online has released their most read news stories for the year:

1.      Found in a rundown Boston estate: Barack Obama’s aunt Zeituni Onyango

2.      International Olympic Committee launches probe into He Kexin’s age

3.      Sarah Palin: conservatives find the girl of their dreams

4.      CEO murdered by mob of sacked Indian workers

5.      President Bush regrets his legacy as man who wanted war

6.      Lifelike animation heralds new era for computer games

7.      Russell Brand calls George Bush a retard at MTV awards

8.      Coming soon – superfast internet

9.      Nouriel Roubini I fear the worst is yet to come

10.  Credit crunch may take out large US bank warns former IMF chief

11.  Barack Obama lines up a cabinet of stars as John McCain struggles on

12.  Oral history: The Monica Lewinsky scandal ten years on

13.  Soldier forced to sleep in car after hotel refuses him a room

14.  Get Osama Bin Laden before I leave office orders George W Bush

15.  Saddam Hussein’s body was stabbed in the back says guard

16.  Scientists find bugs that eat waste and excrete petrol

17.  Barack Obama is warned to beware of a huge threat from al Qaeda

18.  Royal Navy in firefight with Somali pirates

19.  Horror as teenager commits suicide live online

20.  Google could be superseded says web inventor

Who took the rap for her man? We solicited calls from female listeners who have taken the rap for their man. Response was incredible with listeners taking everything from minor traffic crimes to major theft and drunken driving. Great phone starter.

Who is a D.U.F. (designated ugly friend)? Ever heard of it? Well, in every group there is always an ugly friend among the beautiful people. My co-host brought up his lifetime DUF status and invited other fellow DUF members to call in and tell their “duffy” tales.

Interesting wedding proposals? One caller simply opened his mouth with her engagement ring sitting on his tongue. Among the others we heard was the guy who had all the neighbors come out with a rose he had given them and hand them to his girlfriend as she went on her daily walk. The last rose came from her mother who told her her boyfriend loves her and had a question to ask.

Do you have a man in your life who is sabotaging your diet… or career? We heard from a bunch of women who were trying to get in shape and lose weight and their boyfriend or husband was doing all he could to mess it up. Apparently this isn’t uncommon because the guys should be improving themselves as well but don’t want to. A number of the callers said the guy who was working against them is now an ex.

Should you be happy that your friend is getting a divorce? My co-host’s close friend told him recently that he would be getting a divorce; things just hadn’t worked out with he and his wife. When he told my co-host, his response was, “Well, I’m glad you finally got away from her. She treated you like sh*t anyway!” Well that has been over a week ago and my co-host hasn’t talked to him again. He wants to know if he was wrong for telling his friend this so we opened the phone lines. Listeners jammed the phone lines with many different opinions but the overall reaction was that my co-host was right for doing what he did and his buddy needed to hear that.

Here are the top 5 ways to get some extra cash (from Smartmoney.com):

1.      Borrow From Friends – There’s no lender more sympathetic to your financial woes than the Bank of Mom and Dad. Loans from those you love can be far more painful, though, if handled improperly.

2.      Sell on eBay – Clearing out clutter can make you some fast cash on web sites like eBay. The auction giant permits listings of as little as 24 hours, as well as three- and five-day increments. Just about anything goes, from that tragic ’80s bridesmaid dress to your half-used Outback Steakhouse gift card.

3.      Use Credit Card Checks – Save those credit-card balance transfer checks that show up in your mailbox. Most issuers will allow you to simply write out a check to yourself and cash it for any reason.

4.      Peer-to-Peer Lending – The kindness of strangers isn’t far out of reach, thanks to the increasing popularity of peer-to-peer lending sites like Prosper.com and Virgin Money, which facilitate loans between individuals.

5.      Dip Into Your 401(k) – Make no mistake: Tapping your 401(k) is a loan of last resort.

What way do you score fast cash?

You know how it is… We wear headphones for a living and gotta wonder what that does to our hearing. Over the last few months, I’ve really been noticing a change. Even my daughter yells sometimes to get my attention. Wondered what other occupations caused trouble like this. Lots of our folks were willing to call in bad side effects for their work.

With the divorce rate so high in our country. I saw a study that talked about how those who have made it over 10 years of marriage may be better at keeping passion in their relationship. We asked if it was based off good communication, which helps trust and security, which leads to better intimacy. Or is it just good practices all those years keeping tools for intimacy on a regular basis. Wow, great calls from those who have managed to keep the fire burning!

Female construction screw-ups. This is a good one. A member of our show recently assembled one of those dressers you purchase in a box. Basically, it’s just matching A to B, but she ended up screwing the entire dresser into the floor. She thought it was just heavy! Oops… It’s great when the women rat out their husband’s screw-ups, too.

When was the last time you found yourself stuck some place where you really didn’t fit in? For me, it was yesterday at our annual Bridal expo where my partner and I emceed the fashion show. I’m not exactly a tuxedo kind of guy and don’t otherwise use words like “flouncy” and “bodice.”

Hey, when was the last time you dropped something and made a mess in a grocery store? You always see it in the movies, where someone destroys a whole display of product that is stacked up. I discovered a couple of years ago that when you drop a gallon jug of milk, it literally explodes when it hits. One woman described how she dropped a bottle of pop and it exploded all over the woman standing next to her. After some other calls we got one from a woman who works in a supermarket and she said the stores don’t lose money when food products get destroyed so don’t worry about it. (Unless it’s something really sticky because the clerks hate dealing with that!)

WEIRD NEWS

That’s A Lotta Latkes!
In New York, 23-year-old Pete Czerwinski (sir-WIN’-skee) downed 46 latkes — about 7 pounds worth — in eight minutes to win an eating contest at a Long Island deli. Peter says he had never eaten one of the potato pancakes before but calls himself a “power eater” whose brain never signals that he’s full. He demolished the contest’s previous record of 31 latkes, set in 2006. Brooklyn college student Will Millender took second place Sunday with 29 latkes. The pancakes are a traditional treat for Hanukkah, the eight-day Jewish Festival of Lights which started Sunday evening. (Newsday)

Sheriff’s Holiday Scam Nets 60 Fugitives!
The sheriff’s office in Chicago has arrested more than 60 fugitives with a net of holiday cheer. Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart sent out notices to the suspects inviting them to come a take a retailer’s survey for holiday shoppers at a hotel. Those who brought along a scratch-off card that was included with the survey were promised at least $500 in cash. Those who showed up were taken into custody including one guy who arrived with marijuana in his pocket. He was charged with possession on top of his original charges. Most of those arrested had outstanding warrants for things like forgery and aggravated battery. Happy Holidays! (myway.com)

Diamond in the Rough!
Catherine Hart recently attended a “Night at the Museum” sleepover at the American Museum of Natural History. Although the event is a fund raiser for the museum, Catherine made one donation she hadn’t intended to — a $15,000 one-carat diamond that fell out of her ring during the event. But custodial supervisor Herbert Andujar says staffers in gloves and masks combed through the dust in four vacuum bags, scrutinizing everything that glittered and yes — they found it! Mrs. Hart says she’s thrilled to have recovered the diamond, which her husband gave her in 2000 as she intends to give it to her granddaughter someday. She added, “It shows a diamond really is forever, because it came back to me.” (myway.com)

Face It — You Love To Torture People!
Jerry Burger of Santa Clara University in California says, “What we found is validation of the same argument — if you put people into certain situations, they will act in surprising, and maybe often even disturbing, ways.” He’s referring to the latest research that measure’s people’s willingness to torture other’s with electric shocks if ordered to do so. He was replicating an experiment published in 1961 by Yale University professor Stanley Milgram, in which volunteers were asked to deliver electric “shocks” to other people if they answered certain questions incorrectly. Milgram found that, after hearing an actor cry out in pain at 150 volts, 82.5 percent of participants continued administering shocks, most to the maximum 450 volts. The experiment surprised psychologists and no one has tried to replicate it because of the distress suffered by many of the volunteers who believed they were shocking another person. Burger modified the experiment, by stopping at the 150 volt point. In Burger’s modified experiment, 70 percent of the volunteers were willing to give shocks greater than 150 volts. Burger said, “That was surprising and disappointing.” (AHN News)

Sorry — You Can’t Secretly Video Tape Your Naked Wife!
Sorry guys — you can’t secretly video tape your naked wife — even though you’re married. Thus sayeth the Iowa Supreme Court which upheld two lower-court rulings against Jeffrey Tigges — a Dubuque man who secretly videotaped his now ex-wife at home. Jeffery must now pay his former spouse $22,500 for invading her privacy. He had argued in court that his wife, Cathy Tigges, had no reasonable expectation of privacy in their home when he placed cameras above a ceiling in their home and in a bedroom alarm clock, according to the ruling. He also installed a motion-sensing “optical eye” in a headboard over a bed. Cathy discovered one of the cameras in August 2006 — the same year she filed for divorce. The court also rejected Jeffrey’s argument that his ex-wife had filed the claim after the two-year statute of limitations had passed. (Des Moines Register)

Expect To See More Desperate Crime
You know the economy’s in trouble when criminals start having a conscience. After a woman pulled up to an ATM outside Harris Bank in Midlothian, Illinois, a man jumped out of nowhere and grabbed the three $20 bills she was trying to withdraw. But as he did it — he did apologize saying, “I’m sorry– but I’ve got kids at home, and I really need the money.” As he took the woman’s money, a second man went around to the passenger side and tried getting into her car, police said. Fortunately the door was locked, and the man walked away. Meanwhile, the first man demanded the woman’s PIN and tried unsuccessfully to withdraw an additional $500. He did withdraw $200 before walking off into the dark. (South Town Star)

THIS OR THAT

Two choices: you gotta pick one and tell us why!

·         Raindrops on roses or Whiskers on kittens

·         Bright copper kettles or Warm woolen mittens

·         60% Sale at 6am or a 50% Sale at 8am

·         Keep a gift and never use it… or, wait in a long line and return it

·         Take the lights down the day after Christmas or The day after New Years

·         A house full of relatives for the holidays or Split the cost of their hotel rooms

·         Christmas Dinner: Turkey, Roast Beef or Ham

·         Opening presents Christmas Eve or Christmas morning

·         One horse open sleigh or A car with studded tires

·         Living nativity scene or A kids Christmas pageant

HOUSE CALL

Once a week we have a “house call” with a couple of psychologists and are actually really good on the radio. We choose a mental health subject to talk about and always have fun with it. If you have a psychologist or family therapist in your area that is will to do a call-in type of show in your market, I highly recommend that you get them in the studio. Narrow down the topic like, “How do I know if I am clinically depressed?” Or maybe, “You too have some obsessive-compulsive traits.” Then you get people to call in and talk about their own mental health quirks. We keep it light and upbeat and it usually works out great.

TOP FIVE REASONS SANTA MIGHT SKIP YOUR HOUSE THIS YEAR

1.      You run General Motors and with the bailout money, who needs Santa?

2.      Who knew he’d be offended when you left out reindeer milk

3.      Tired of falling for that “rubber cookies” trick

4.      He still hasn’t forgotten that time you put grease on the roof

5.      That recall campaign you launched against him last year

HUNTER’S HUMOR by Tim Hunter

Thieves broke into Paris Hilton’s Hollywood home and made off with $2 million in jewelry. Paris says that she “feels so violated and… OOOH, look at that shiny Christmas ornament!”

Criss Angel went to Disneyland for the first time ever last week. The only awkward moment was when his girlfriend, Holly Madison, was offended by the seven dwarfs. All they were doing was singing, “Hi ho, hi ho… ”

I’m so exhausted. I haven’t slept well the past several nights. Someone gave my four calling birds my cell phone number. So, they keep calling me.

I saw one of those classic Christmas scenes today: Madonna and child… although, he hates being called “child”. He prefers “Alex” or “A-Rod.”

FILL IN THE BLANK

·         According to new statistics, because of the economic downturn, a lot of Americans are being forced to give up their ___________. (pets)

·         A 46-year-old woman is suing Sacramento State University because the school didn’t ______________. (make her homecoming queen)

·         A retirement home in New Jersey came up with a great use for fruitcake. They use it to ___________. (play shuffleboard)

TRADE YOUR JOB

We started our “Trade Your Job” bit up again last week. My female co-host wanted to be a receptionist. So, we took calls, picked the most upbeat, fun sounding person, and she went to answer their phones. The girl she replaced came into the studio and did some of her job. We got really lucky. She was good lookin’, and very comfortable on the mic! It was great. I will go next and I am going to trade jobs with a grocery store cashier.

OLD JOCK’S TALES

Handling a toad will give you warts. An apple a day keeps the doctor away. Chocolate causes acne. These old wives’ tales have been around for centuries but are they true? “Some are simply false, some are based on a seed of truth and yet others are right on the money,” says Thomas Craughwell, author of “Do Blue Bedsheets Bring Babies?” Here are 10 familiar tales and whether or not they’re the straight dope:

1.      A dog’s mouth is cleaner than a human’s — False. A canine mouth contains 53 types of bacteria while a human mouth breeds only 37. So think twice before giving Spot a kiss on the mouth.

2.      Reading in dim light will ruin your eyes — False. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, you can’t wear out your eyes by using them in poor light.

3.      Toads give you warts — False. The skin glands of a toad secrete a substance that can give you hallucinations, but neither the slimy toxic gunk nor the toads cause warts.

4.      Crack your knuckles and you’ll get arthritis — False. While certain repetitive actions can lead to arthritis, knuckle cracking isn’t one of them.

5.      If you cross your eyes, they’ll stay that way — False. Stabismus, the disorder that causes misaligned eyes, only affects 4 percent of American children. Crossing the eyes does not cause the disease.

6.      Arthritis flares up in wet weather — False. People swim and shower without flare-ups and most people stay inside when it rains.

7.      Spicy foods create stomach ulcers — False. A bacterial infection or overuse of pain medications are the culprits.

8.      Walking under a ladder is bad luck — True. While a stroll under a ladder won’t endanger your soul, it poses potential dangers from falling buckets and tools.

9.      An apple a day keeps the doctor away — True. Apples are packed with antioxidants that fight the free radicals that cause cancer and other diseases.

10.  Chocolate causes acne — False. You can eat as much chocolate as you want and not worry about breakouts, which flare up when the pores of the skin become blocked with oil.

THAT’S NOT BEYONCE, THAT’S MY PHONE

Is there anything more obnoxious than cell phones that ring with a theme song? Phones with fight songs, cartoon themes, TV show themes. They all have to go! What does this really say about someone? Does it say they’re fun? No! It says “your obnoxious and we don’t want to sing along with your freakin’ phone!” There are even web sites where you can download ring tones. We played a little of the ring, and gave a prize to the dork who can identify the song.

WHO’S NEVER?

Here’s a game/phoner called “Who’s never…” Just fill in the blank with a common occurrence. Who’s never got pulled over? Who’s never eaten fruit? Who’s never had a haircut? Who’s never left this town? The freaks will come out for this one.

YOU BROKE MY HEART SO I BUSTED YOUR JAW

Here are the Top Ten Tooth Breakers according to the Boston University School of Dental Medicine:

1.      Ice Cubes. “Teeth are meant for chewing only,” said a spokesperson.

2.      Frozen candy bars straight from the freezer. “If you need a hammer to break it don’t use your teeth for the job.”

3.      Crack nuts.

4.      Opening the lids of pill bottles.

5.      Loosen knots.

6.      Opening those packages of pretzels and potato chips we can’t pull open with our fingers.

7.      Chewing on pens.

8.      Chewing on pencils.

9.      Chewing on hard candy.

10.  Tightening guitar strings with your teeth.

TRAVELIN’ MAN

Conference 5 people in their car on the request line, and give them all 10 minutes to go to the most interesting place they can drive to and speak to you from. One person went to a morgue, another traveled to a bank vault, one from the back seat of a squad car at a police station, inside a giant dryer in a laundry mat, etc. The best most interesting place as judged by you, wins a prize. Fun bit!

BATTLE OF THE SEXES

For Men:

·         In which diet are points calculated? South Beach, The Zone, or Weight Watchers ***.

·         Which one of these is a shoe designer? John Madden, Karl Madden, or Steve Madden ***.

·         Who played Truvy Jones in the movie “Steel Magnolias”? Dolly Parton ***, Sally Field, or Shirley MacLaine.

·         An IUD’s that is inserted into the uterus can prevent pregnancy for how long? 5 years ***, 30 days, or 3 months.

For Women:

·         LeBron James said he’ll consider signing an extension with the which team this summer? Cleveland Cavaliers ***, Boston Red Sox, or the Oakland Raiders.

·         Evander Holyfield wants to be the oldest person to win the heavyweight title. How old is he? 35, 46 ***, or 49 years old.

·         When it comes to video games, the company EA Sports is in the game. What does EA stand for? “Electronic Arts” ***, “Everyone Aims”, or “Environmental Arts”.

·         How many spark plugs are in a 4 cylinder car? 8, 4 ***, or 2.

GORSEFEATHERS by Patrick Gorse

Burger King has released their very own fragrance called “Flame,” which they describe as “the scent of seduction, with a hint of flame broiled meat.” Not to be outdone, KFC is also introducing a fragrance. This one is for guys who can’t get a date and it’s called, “Choked Chicken.”

Burger King has released their very own fragrance, called “Flame,” which they describe as “the scent of seduction with a hint of flame-broiled meat.” The ad goes, “Come on baby light my fire… and give me fries with that.”

Burger King is coming out with their own fragrance called “Flame”. Apparently “Triple Bypass” was already taken.

A new study says 67% of pet owners claim their pets talk to them. Of course, my schnauzer says those people are full of crap.

The Kleenex that Scarlett Johansson blew her nose on when she visited the “Tonight Show” last week is on eBay with a top bid of over $2,000. That may not sound like much money but it’s nothing to sneeze at.

The entire north half of the nation is freezing. It was so cold; Caroline Kennedy asked to be made the Senator of Death Valley.

A jet slid off the runway in Denver and the National Transportation Security Board said it may have been caused by a cross-wind. Bill O’Reilly immediately labeled the claim an attack on Christianity.

The 7-8 San Diego Chargers could win the AFC West if they beat the Denver Broncos in San Diego next Sunday. Even though the Chargers suck out loud, President Bush says that he thinks history will judge them to be a great football team.

Why are the San Diego Chargers like the L.A. Police Department? They both have experience with slow-speed Bronco chases.

Vice President-elect Joe Biden told George Stephanopoulos on Sunday that he would be “honchoing” some policies in the Obama administration. And I thought we were finished with vice presidents who thought they were the head honcho.

Because my Seattle satellite TV provider no longer carries the ABC affiliate, I had to spend part of my Sunday morning reading a transcript of the George Stephanopoulos interview of Joe Biden. You know what’s more boring than watching Joe Biden talk for 40 minutes? Reading Joe Biden talking for forty minutes.

Now that I can’t get ABC, I have to get along without Jimmy Kimmel. Sarah Silverman couldn’t pull it off… what chance do I have?

On “Meet the Press” Sunday, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said that George Bush “demanded optimism” in his administration. You have to demand optimism when you’ve substituted professionalism with cronyism…

Condoleezza Rice said on “Meet the Press” that she once told Iraqi leaders they’d all be “swinging from lamp posts” in six months. Well, when you get electricity for only two hours a day, you’ve got to find a good use for those lamp posts…

Governor Rod Blagojevich is reading more poetry. Today he recited, “Here I sit all broken-hearted. Tried to cheat and got recorded.”

Democratic New York Congressman Gary Ackerman was on “Face the Nation” Sunday talking about his doubts concerning Caroline Kennedy’s senatorial qualifications. He said that all Kennedy’s are “boats,” but he’s not sure if Caroline is a “sailboat” or a “battleship.” Of course, Ted Kennedy is the Exxon Valdez colliding with a gravy boat.

The Fed has cut their prime rate down so far, the interest is lower than there was for that Rosie O’Donnell Thanksgiving special.

Vile President… err… Vice President Dick Cheney says he doesn’t regret telling a senator to go “F*#@” himself, because the lawmaker “merited it.” Well, Mr. Cheney, under your watch, the GOP lost at least 14 senate seats, and 47 House seats. Sit on that, Dick. You earned it as well.

Former Pittsburgh Pirate’s pitcher Dock Ellis has died at the age of 63. Ellis once pitched a no-hitter against the San Diego Padres while under the influence of LSD. It’s right there in the record book—with a multi-colored, psychedelic asterisk next to it.

True story. I grew up in San Diego and went to that game. The acid-induced no-hitter was the first game of a doubleheader. I sat on the first base line field level and had an excellent view of the Pirate’s bench. Late in the second game, a player fell asleep in the Pirate dugout, and as manager Danny Murtaugh watched, two players gave the guy a hotfoot. The entire Pittsburgh bench was rolling over with laughter. When the sleeping guy awoke–screaming–his foot afire, Murtaugh got up very casually, turned around and walked into the clubhouse.

A thief broke into Paris Hilton’s home and stole $2 million dollars worth of jewelry. He’s being called the “Grinch who Got Scabies.”

Barack Obama is taking a lot of flack for hiring an anti-gay marriage pastor to deliver the religious invocation at his inauguration. It figures. You have to expect trouble when you throw gay people under the bus. The oil stains ruin their outfits.

LAST MINUTE CHRISTMAS QUIZ

·         Where did the real St. Nicholas live? Malta, Holland or, Turkey ***.

·         Which of the following was not one of the three kings? Caspar, Balthazar, Telost ***, or Melchior.

·         In Finland, Santa leaves the slay behind. What does he ride to distribute toys? A goat named Ukko.

·         In Holland Santa has a helper. What is his name? Yonny, Black Peter ***, or Tiny Vandoust.

·         Which popular Christmas song was originally written as a Thanksgiving song? “Jingle Bells,” originally called “One Horse Open Sleigh.” Penned by James Pierpont in 1857.

·         When did the first Christmas Lights appear? In 1879 when Edward H. Johnson, who worked for Thomas Edison’s company, had Christmas tree bulbs especially made for him. He displayed the electric tree lights at his home on Fifth Avenue in New York City.

·         What was the first instrument that “Silent Night” was played on? Pipe Organ, Guitar ***, or the Kazoo. (The pipe organ was too rusty to play, they subbed with a guitar)

·         American kids put stockings up for Santa, what do Dutch kids put out? Old hats, beer mugs, or shoes ***. (Used to be the wooden kind)

·         In Syria who distributes presents? Santa, the Three Kings or one of the Wisemen’s camels ***. (They bust their humps getting all those presents delivered)

·         What was the Grinch’s dogs name? Max ***, D-O-G, or Duke.

·         What was “The Night Before Christmas” originally called? A visit from St. Nicholas.

HOLIDAY GIFTS FOR CO-WORKERS?

This holiday season give a present to your boss, but make it something simple like stationery or a CD of her favorite band. If you work closely with one or two other managers, you should give them gifts along the same lines, but if you’re part of a big team, do a secret Santa-type exchange, says Allison Hemming, author of “Work It!” “This way, there’s a price limit and you only have to shell out for one person.” However, if you must treat several people, edible goods are a cheap and much appreciated way to go. Most people love homemade cookies or brownies. You can also get gifts for co-workers that you’re close to, but give them outside of the office to avoid any hurt feelings among other colleagues. (Cosmopolitan)

CHRISTMAS CAROLS FOR THE PSYCHIATRICALLY CHALLENGED

·         Schizophrenia: Do you Hear What I Hear?

·         Multiple Personality Disorder: We Three Kings Disoriented Are.

·         Dementia: I Think I’ll Be Home for Christmas.

·         Narcissistic: Hark the Herald Angels Sing About Me.

·         Manic: Deck the Halls and Walls and House and Lawn and Streets and Stores and Office and Town and Cars and Busses and Trucks and Trees and Fire Hydrants and…

·         Paranoid: Santa Claus is Coming to Get Me.

·         Personality Disorder: You Better Watch Out, I’m Gonna Cry, I’m Gonna Pout, Maybe I’ll Tell You Why.

·         Passive-Aggressive Personality: On the First Day of Christmas My True Love Gave to Me (and then took it all away).

·         Borderline Personality Disorder: Thoughts of Roasting on an Open Fire.

HARD TO FIND CHRISTMAS TOYS

(for toy store crank calls)

·         Comet, the Bowl and Basin Cleansing Reindeer

·         From the makers of Wigglin’ For Honey, Winnie the Pooh, Honey Wigglin’ for Winnie the Pooh

·         Sex Surrogate Barbi, with Hustler Ken

·         Boys Will Be Girls makeup playset from Mattel

·         “A Keg of Their Own” interactive playset

·         From the makers of Silly Putty, “Emotionally Challenged Putty”

·         Baby’s First Cutting Torch

·         Lap Top Lap Dance Computer For Kids

·         My Lil Package of C4, Plastic Explosive Play Clay

DECORATE MY TREE

We’re going to send stunt boy to a listener’s house that has been so rushed lately that they haven’t had the time to decorate their tree. So we’re going to have our guy do it. He also will come back in January and take it down for them. Very funny.

TOP 5 THINGS I’VE LEARNED WHILE SHOPPING

1.      Never walk into a Hickory Farms with a loaf of bread and shout “Where’s them samples?!”

2.      Try not to giggle when asking the girl behind the counter to wrap my package.

3.      Santa, while looking fairly sturdy, has a weight limit.

4.      No matter how clever I think I am, the lingerie sales lady has heard it all before.

5.      Unless I’m actually witnessing the birth, or I’m the father, never ever assume a woman is pregnant!

SCARED-STRAIGHT SANTA

Parents call up and tell us about the bad things their kids are doing. Then, we call the kid (as Santa) and tell them “They better straighten up so Santa can bring them those toys that they want.” Our PD was worried that we might make some poor kid cry on the air, or something. Of course, he’s never had kids. so he doesn’t understand that this is a fairly common parenting tactic when trying to get your kids to be good. Threaten them with coal in their stocking!

TIRED OF THE WRONG GIFT?

Does your guy always get you the wrong gift? Christmas is Thursday, so it’s time to take some action:

·         Show & Tell — Subtlety will get you nowhere. When you and your guy are out shopping or just walking around, point out the objects of your desire. Or make negative comments about items that totally bite — and explain what’s wrong with them.

·         Remind Him — Rave about past gifts he gave you that were right on target. The positive reinforcement should put him on the right shopping path. If his previous presents all bombed, gush about the cool things your girlfriends’ boyfriends have bought for them. Hopefully, he’ll get the hint.

·         Enlist Help — Tell his sister, his best chick friend, even his mom — anyone he’s likely to turn to for advice what you’re lusting after and encourage them to drop some heavy hints.

Phoner: What’s the worst gift a boyfriend has ever given you? Your husband? Are you still with either of them?

GET SCROOGED

Have listeners call and say nasty things about Christmas. Award a giant stocking filled with coal to whomever gets the most votes for being the biggest Scrooge.

HOLIDAY TIPPING

Good Housekeeping ran an article on holiday tipping that generated some good calls. Among the areas she addressed:

·         Postal Service — Employees may receive gifts valued at $20 or less, per occasion. There’s a $50 annual cap per giver. The USPS frowns on cash gratuities.

·         Teachers — Giving money isn’t customary and many schools prohibit teachers from accepting tips. She recommends a gift to a teacher should be a personal expression of appreciation, something moderately priced that you and your child have selected.

·         Frequent baby-sitter — One or two evenings’ pay plus a small gift from your child.

·         Barber — Cost of one cut and maybe a small gift.

·         Beauty salon staff — $10 to $60 each, a larger amount and maybe a small gift to those who do the most for you.

·         Day-care providers — $25 to $70 each (on the higher end if only one or two providers) plus a small gift from your child.

·         Daily dog walker — One day’s pay.

·         Frequent housecleaner — One day’s pay.

·         Massage therapist — One session’s fee.

·         Newspaper deliverer — $10 to $30.

·         Private nurse — Gift, not cash.

·         Nursing-home workers — Gift, not cash.

·         Trash collectors — $10 to $20 each.

·         Frequent yard worker — $20 to $50.

DOES SHE LIKE TO WATCH?

(Men’s Health) Gender-based sporting disagreements (sounds scientific, right) cause strife for even the happiest couples. Follow this advice and turn your woman into a sports fan, at least for 3 hours.

·         Make the game about her — Tell her she’s vital to the even because she’s your good-luck charm. Ask her to wear your team’s jersey. Explain that watching the game with her is quality time and there’s nothing you like better than an afternoon of cuddling with her on the couch while your favorite team’s on the tube. Heats up the commercial breaks, too.

·         Make the game a social event — If you want to have the guys over, invite a few of her friends, too. She’ll be off discussing “Average Joe” with her girlfriends before the first pitch, leaving your attention on the screen. Or, why not bring her to a sports bar? It’s a win-win. She’ll feel included, plus she’ll be available to manage the pool.

LAST MINUTE SHOPPERS

Santa may have made his list and checked it twice, but, according to a survey from Blockbuster, there are plenty of folks who won’t finish preparations until the last minute this holiday season. And, according to those surveyed (no shocker here), the majority of these eleventh hour shoppers are likely to be men. The holiday shopping survey found the following:

·         Approximately one in five people anticipate they won’t finish their holiday shopping until the week before Christmas or until Christmas Eve.

·         Men are more likely to complete their holiday shopping later than women (23% of men compared to 17% of women).

·         More than half of the males surveyed identified themselves as the person who will be last to finish holiday shopping in their family.

·         Among females surveyed, husbands were mentioned most often as the family member who will finish holiday shopping last (32%).

“Procrastination is an annual holiday tradition for many of today’s busy shoppers, and Blockbuster offers these eleventh hour shopping tips:

·         Avoid the mall. It at all possible, avoid the crowds and parking hassles of shopping malls to save time.

·         Take advantage of extended hours. Shop when it’s convenient for you or when crowds are thin, such as mid-week or during the late evening.

·         Shop at the unexpected retailer where you can find something for almost everyone on your list. More than half of those surveyed by Blockbuster said they would be more likely to shop at one location that can satisfy all their gift needs. Whether it’s gourmet foods or home entertainment, there’s probably a store that can answer all of your gift needs.

·         Look for pre-packaged gifts. Ready-made gift bags and baskets make great last-minute gifts for an assistant, your neighbor, the babysitter or anyone else to whom you want to spread a little cheer.

·         Consider gift cards. Gift cards are fast, easy and the perfect topper to your gift.

·         Look for in-store packaging to reduce wrapping time.

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