Remembering at the End of the Year

By Mitchell

We do a lot of obituaries here - someone once said that, although we don't tend to write much of a personal nature, you can tell a lot about each one of us based on the obits we do. Some of them are for people who are simply too important to ignore, but most typify for us a moment in time, an era, a cultural landmark of one kind or another.

I think we do pretty well at painting that kind of cultural picture, but nobody does a better job of remembering those who've passed on than TCM. Their year in review is currently running a few times each day, but you can see it online here. You'd be surprised how many familiar faces died this year - those you knew of, and a few that will come as a surprise. And for good measure, while you're at it check out last year's review and see how quickly those names fall away if you don't take the time to remember.

Notable Quotables 2007

By Bobby

A computer crash removed so many quotes I can't believe how dumb I was! But I had enough quotes from 2007 to compile an entire season of Notable Quotables! A computer crash removed so many quotes I can't believe how dumb I was! But I had enough quotes from 2007 to compile an entire season of Notable Quotables!

“Have we secularized Christmas to the point that at schools and churches, we permit Elmo and Patsy sing ‘Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer,’ we let any type of bogus vocalist perform ‘Frosty the Snowman,’ or other winter music tunes of snow (‘Santa Baby,’ or ‘Let It Snow’) replace songs of Christmas such as ‘Rejoice Greatly, O Daughter of Zion’ (as sung by The Mississippi Squirrel), or The Brittnee lead us in ‘O Thou That Tellest Good Tidings to Zion’?

“Of course, the two songs from Messiah are appropriate for Christmas; the winter songs are for the winter season, and could be played once it snows or has ice! Santa Baby, on the other hand, is awful and the only time I've heard it was a 2003 CapitalOne Holiday on Ice event at the Colonial Center that was taped for an InterSport / NBC special.

-- On Messiah.

"Händel's Messiah is the great masterpiece that symbolizes God's greatness. Sadly, today's Emergent Church attitudes dislike such masterpieces while rewarding pieces that lack theology and are based on the beat. These majestic masterpieces with live accompaniment and sound doctrine and theology form the backbone of the Christian life and the Christ Child. The second and third parts are suited for Easter."

-- Another Messiah quote.

"It should be exciting as Helen (an older student of my voice teacher, by two years) wears the 'C' and I wear the 'A' for this event of hope, which is in a way a great way to minister to these adults, when considering the song I sing is 'O Rest in the Lord' from Mendelssohn."

-- On a benefit at Still Hopes (an Episcopal retirement home). The "C" and the "A" are hockey references. The captain's sweater has the "C" and the alternate captain has the "A". Helen is older and has more experience. She sings at her church and in the choral society, something we don't have at home, sadly.

"Five years from now, who will remember 'He Reigns' from the Newsboys, or even the latest Chris Tomlin piece which is the #1 song on the radio, or the current GMA Dove Award winner for Song of the Year? Do you remember the popularity of the latest song off the radio from five years ago?"

-- A question to those about 'modern worship' and the trends of pop that fade away quickly. This was asked in a controversial letter I wrote to the church about the dangers of the Emergent movement.

"Too many 'modern' musicals have adult themes inappropriate for the kids who are in attendance."

-- On the inappropriate themes of modern musicals such as "Hairspray," transvestites) and "Mamma Mia!" (same-sex unions)

"I noticed how even people in my generation and the newer ones have bought hook, line, and sinker the entire idea that the theology-lacking modern rock worship is better than the hymns. In a meeting brought after some younger church members wanted me disciplined for questioning the theology of the songs, one person referred as 'dead music' that children will not listen as Bach, Händel (love participating in the sing-along!), Mozart, and Mendelssohn (whose 'O Rest in the Lord' was sung by me at a recent event at Still Hopes), while the music called 'relevant' is the latest song they hear from the rock radio station, especially (Chris) Tomlin or a wild rock star.

“At this rate, church music singers should ditch the lessons, ditch the classics, and sing or scream only the latest songs off the radio, and even dance to them. I questioned our music leader's decision to tell children 11-17 that they will not be singing -- the only music opportunities will be to dance to pop/rock songs or hip-hop tunes (which they call a great opportunity) or be puppeteers. If they had a choice between singing Händel and dancing to Chris Tomlin tunes (a popular modern rock musician), they would dance to Tomlin. Their MTV philosophy has sadly struck the church, and money, not God, has taken priority in church music it seems.

“I think today that 'relevance' only means relevant to today's secularist minds, as they are taught a diet of secularism in schools today."

-- Reponse to "God, Mammon, and The Worship Wars" by Warren Smith, The Charlotte World.

"Often times, unfortunately, the legacy of a person can be attained to comments made later in their life, especially when the nation is at war. Unfortunately for Beverly Sills, one of her last appearances on television was a November episode of ABC's 'The View,' when she supported the show's outrageous co-moderator, Rosie O'Donnell, days following the Liberal Revolution, which cemented her disgraceful comments to a national audience."

-- On Beverly Sills' death.

"(Spirit in the Sky) violates basic Biblical principles, and after talking to friends at our church's Santee outreach (which is now a full-blown church), the pastor and I both agreed are we sacrificing the Message of the Bible in favor of the danceable beat of pop radio?

“It's a far cry from Bach, who wrote songs to glorify God, and the great composers who set the Bible to music. When you are a classically trained vocalist, you need to learn to sing songs with proper message and theology in church."

-- An investigation of the song "Spirit in the Sky" after it was questioned by a member at church over its lack of theology led to an investigation. It was inappropriate for it to be used in church was the main objection.

"Women have it easy when it comes to fashion over men when they are singing, and that showed when I found myself wearing a shirt that was a little too tight on the collar, because it interferes with my singing, especially when I am wearing a tie!"

-- After a performance went awry because of a collar that was too tight, I noted women don't have the problem of collars! When do you see a female vocalist wearing a blouse that covers the neck the way men's shirts cover their collars?

"The best of those at Darlington was Ann Benson (who sang the Anthem at the 2003 Carolina Dodge Dealers 400; Mike McCarthy of the old motorsportstv.com, now a NASCAR public relations official, asked what demographic the track was aiming with an 'opera singer in a zebra suit'); I was chatting with Ann at 'Postcards from Morocco,' and my voice teacher was talking about 'Ann's national television appearance' with a friend when she saw me, luring me to her. I was about to break into 'Have you ever?' when she talked about Ann's appearance. "

-- While attending Postcards from Morocco, my voice teacher had nobody to sit with her, and I had nobody to sit with me. She was talking about Ann Benson (her boss) to a friend about her national television appearance my voice teacher has been on our state's public television, and that's about it) while I chatted with Ann, and my teacher and I seated ourselves together at the opera. This reference came after Carol Einarsson of Race Journal Online criticized Lisa Hudson's bad performance of the National Anthem at the Dodge Avenger 500 May 12 on her site. "Have you ever" refers to Mike Joy's comments in the aftermath of the finish at the Florentine circuit in 2003 (margin of victory .002 seconds, closest finish in motorsports), and was repeated after the wild 2007 Daytona 500 finish, again by Joy.

"I asked myself this weekend if making sanctuaries friendly to rock bands makes them unfriendly to classical singers. Note how many of the stages now include $25,000 loudspeakers on stage and around the church so the 'house can rock to the wicked subwoofers' (a comment by pop singer Wes King, the brother-in-law of the former Florida Secretary of State Katherine Harris). If people are saying we don't need a Christin Owens, Cynthia Hanna, Walter Cuttino, Marc Rattray, Marina Lomazov, or a Stephen Beall, but we do need boom boxes, As I Lay Dying (the name of a rock group very popular with church youth), Toby McKeehan (another leader of a rock/r&b/hip-hop group popular with the youth), and the latest off the pop charts, that's worth flinging my jacket from the suit and asking this: What good is it for people to be bombarded with loud rock music for 45 minutes before going to church?"

-- Written after a newspaper article referred to a church's sanctuary being revised for rock music.

"So, Sanjaya (Malakar) has met his Waterloo, ironically, on Country Night."

-- An Idols incident. Know your history to understand this quote.

"It tried to make its way down Richard Dawson's Creek, but instead, it was XXX on the board and found itself in the Room of Doom, busted. Miss Troccoli . . . Mr. Waltrip!"

-- An AOL Music site called "Kiss Me" one of the 111 worst songs ever. The reference of the former two would be to a certain RTL game show hosted currently by John O'Hurley. The latter referred to the GMA Dove Awards' notorious inspection of that year and the Song of the Year presenters.

"The church music ministry is not a dance club; what the leader is doing is converting it into a dance club, which is not the goal of music ministries at church."

-- My comments in an official commentary about the church music ministry's troubles.

"(The book by the mother of the Spears sisters) is the type of book I knew would be a signature product of the Thomas Nelson publishing régime after it was sold to secular liberal interests in 2006. Leo Hindery Jr, a top liberal venture capitalist, took over sole control from the Moore family when he bought Nelson Publishing in a leveraged buyout deal in taking the firm private.

“As a private firm, there is no accountability required in the way it was required when it was a public company . . . It's not the Sam Moore people anymore. I don't think Sam Moore or the Board of Directors would have approved this book in the past."

-- On the publishing of a book on parenting by the mother of the Spears sisters in the light of Jamie Lynn, an MTV star, being knocked up by a boy.

Sean Penn, Robin Wright Penn to divorce

Sean Penn, Robin Wright Penn to divorce


SAN RAFAEL, Calif. - Robin Wright Penn has filed for divorce from Sean Penn after 11 years of marriage. Wright Penn filed the papers Dec. 21, citing irreconcilable differences. The couple, who live in Northern California, are seeking joint custody of their two teenage children.

The pair met while Sean Penn was filming the 1990 Irish mob movie "State of Grace." At the time, he was considered one of the bad boys of Hollywood. He had married and divorced Madonna and occasionally tussled with photographers.
Robin Wright Penn once said she and her husband complemented each other. She seemed to provide a calming influence over him, and he helped her gain confidence.
"He helped me to believe that I could be strong and stand up for myself," she told the Los Angeles Times.
In 2004, Penn won a best actor Oscar for "Mystic River" for his role as an ex-hoodlum who reverts to his criminal ways as he seeks revenge for his daughter's death.
Penn directed this year's "Into The Wild," which is considered a front-runner for major awards, about a young idealist whose journey to Alaska ends in tragedy. He also starred as a death row inmate in 1995's "Dead Man Walking."
Wright Penn is best known for her role in "The Princess Bride" in 1987 and "Forrest Gump" in 1994 opposite Tom Hanks. Her other acting credits include "Beowulf" and "Breaking and Entering."

John Abraham and Bipasha Basu:

John Abraham and Bipasha Basu:


They say never to mix work with pleasure. But we at Fropki.com still happened to find a few couples for whom cupid struck while filming movies.. John Abraham and Bipasha Basu: The coolest dude with the cutest smile fell for the hottest actress who was a former model and a ramp scorcher. They met each other on the sets of Jism and came to know each other even better after Madhoshi. John who has a crazy fascination for bikes was mesmerized with Bipasha's sensuous looks and intelligent mind. Being from the same profession they understood each other's work as well as personal life which brought them ever closer to each other and love inevitably had to happen. The couple has been going steady for the past seven years though rumours about their alleged affairs with other co-stars only seemed to have further strengthened their bond.

Lauren Conrad Talks Fashion

Lauren Conrad Talks Fashion


With her penchant for fashion, it comes as little surprise that Lauren Conrad was spotted out shopping it up at Kitson on Saturday (December 21). The Hills actress spent some time picking out a few items at the trendy Robertson Blvd boutique, then headed off to grab a quick bite to eat at Newsroom. Meanwhile, LC recently spoke with Cindy Pearlman about her own fashion line, telling that she has extremely high aspirations when it comes to her own range of duds. Lauren told, "I'm serious about my lines and I do them as a designer and not as someone on a reality show. I wanted to create a brand that will last longer than my TV series." During the interview between Cindy and Lauren, the dialog continues: Cindy: Define your own style when you're not filming the show. Lauren: I like to be comfortable in my clothes. I love the empire cut when it comes to shirts and dresses. It's also something that's great if you don't have a perfect body. Who needs tight stuff? Most women are happy with a little give in their clothes. What I wear depends on my mood. I do love wearing dresses. They're just easier. I love, love, love 3.1. Phillip Lim [available at Nordstroms and Neiman Marcus]. He does these really feminine details on his clothing and each piece of really special. Cindy: Are you a shoe gal? Lauren: [laughing] I'm a huge shoes girl. I bought this big bookshelf that I installed on the wall in my bedroom. I keep all my good shoes on it. You almost display the shoes that way. Shoes are like art to me. They need to be displayed. I used to wear mostly flip-flops, but I only own a few pairs now. Now I love my Miu Miu flats with costume jewelry on them. I love Christian Louboutin shoes. They're soooo beautiful. I try to buy only the basic shoes there because they're a little pricy and I feel guilty buying them. But they're such a classic design. Cindy: You're going to Paris on future episodes of "The Hills." How will that influence your designs? Lauren: I've just been to Paris and it's 99 percent for sure I'm going to do a fall fashion show. Paris was wonderful, but I'll always just design for myself. My style changes all the time. Being in Europe, I was touched by how beautiful everything is ...breathtaking in the details. Cindy: Who has the best sense of style in Hollywood these days and why? Lauren: I've always loved the way Ashley Olsen dresses. I love the Olsen twin style. They really will try everything. These girls don't follow a trend. They set their own trends. Anyone can open a magazine and dress the way they tell you to dress. It takes time to create your own style and the Olsens are brave and take risks. I take risks, too, wearing my clothes on the show. I've worn the entire line. Cindy: OK, tell us everything that will happen in the future of "The Hills." We gotta ask. Lauren: [laughing] I'm not supposed to talk about it. When I give things away, I get in trouble! Enjoy the pictures of Lauren's day out at Kitson and Newsroom (December 21).

Britney Spears forgets her Bra

Britney Spears forgets her Bra

Saturday night turned out to be quite the adventure for Britney Spears and the paparazzi trying to keep tabs on her, finally ending at 2am with a pink-wigged Britney arriving at The Peninsula Hotel. Things started off with the Piece Of Me singer, who was wearing the same clothes as the previous evening, stopping at a 76 gas station for a pack a smokes. From there, Britney found time to change into a red dress, once again forgetting her bra. After prettying herself up, the pop tart made her way to Cross Creek for a bite to eat. Then the fun began. According to an insider on the scene, " After having dinner in Cross Creek, a bra-less Britney Spears sent paparazzi on a wild goose chase following her strange antics from location to location." Continuing on, the source tells, " She made not one, but two toilet stops - the first at Walgreens 24-hour pharmacy where she came out holding a video camera, and the second at a gas station where she held her nose until she returned to her car. Her peculiar behavior didn't stop there - the singer made another spontaneous stop to take pictures of a building before taking refuge in a photographers car." Switching up her look once more before arriving at her final stop, Britney showed up at The Peninsula Hotel wearing a leopard print dress complete with ripped fishnet tights and her trademark pink wig - checking in for who knows what! Enjoy the pictures from Britney Saturday night adventure.

This Just In

By Steve

Clemens Vows to Launch Own Steroid Probe
Says He Will Not Rest Until He Determines His Own Guilt

(Houston, Texas—December 28, 2007) Citing what he called “dubious sources, innuendo, and lack of clear-cut evidence,” baseball legend Roger Clemens announced today that he plans to launch his own probe into illegal steroid use in major league baseball to determine whether or not he is guilty of using performance-enhancing drugs.

(Left) Is Roger Clemens guilty? That's the question Roger Clemens wants answered.

“If I am guilty of using steroids or any other drug, I want to know about it,” Clemens announced at a packed press conference. “So far the evidence in the Mitchell Report doesn’t prove anything. It is time to get to the bottom of this and let the truth be known.”

Clemens announced that he will seek to retain noted self-investigator O.J. Simpson to assist him in his independent probe. “Who better to find out whether or not I’m on the juice than the Juice?” Clemens asked rhetorically, prompting laughter and applause from many of the journalists attending the conference. Simpson, facing legal problems of his own recently, and still purportedly engaged in a decade-long search for his wife’s killer, had a 10 a.m. tee time and was not available for comment.

“Justice must be served,” Clemens continued, his voice at times quivering with indignant, some said slightly exaggerated, rage. “If I am guilty of illegal drug use, I will demand that I be punished to the fullest extent of the law and Commissioner Selig’s authority. If I am innocent, I will seek to clear my own name. America’s baseball fans, especially the kids, deserve nothing less.”

Clemens, winner of seven Cy Young Awards, abruptly ended the news conference without taking further questions, telling reporters he needed to return to the gym where he has begun a training regimen for his 2008 late summer baseball comeback.

The Top 10

By The Editors

We don't normally do memes here - nothing wrong with them, but they often take more time than we have, and they usually refer to things we aren't big into. But we received one the other day from our old friend Cathy of Alex that was too good to pass up - our list of the top 10 blog posts we've done.

Now, this can be a particularly challenging task in the best of times, let alone when you're talking about a blog that has six people sharing writing responsibilities. Nevertheless, exercising our authority as Managing Editor, we've come up with the following selection, in no particular order, of the posts we're most proud to have hosted:

1) Perhaps the best piece that Mitchell has written didn't appear on the blog at all, at least not directly. His TVParty article on the premiere of Amahl and the Night Visitors, he says, will always occupy a special place in his heart.

2) The "Triumph" of Leni Riefenstahl. Drew originally was commissioned to write a series of posts exploring the relationship between art and morality. We liked him so much we asked him to stick around. This, one of his early pieces, challenges readers to take an honest look at art and the artist.

3) Aussie Police Searching for New Suspects in Irwin Killing. One of our true pleasures has been welcoming Steve and his often absurd, always hilarious "This Just In" pieces. This one is a typical Steve masterpiece - so good it inspired this follow-up from new Hadleyblogger Kristin.

4) Rider Stripped of Title After Having Failed to Fail Drug Test was Steve's first piece for Our Word. It convinced us in a hurry that this guy was too good to let go.

5) The Indignity of Work was a very early piece, but still holds up as one of the best at describing what we see as the contrast between morality and whatever it is that so much of Corporate America believes in nowadays.

6) Snow White and the Seven Wagners was Judie's piece that combined Wagner and Christmas. Come on, how could you pass this up?

7) No Such Thing as a Free Lunch, also known as "The Holiday Diversity Party," says all we care to say on the subject. As we said in another context, don't read it on a full stomach.

8) This is a trick selection - actually four posts in one. But our roundtable discussion on Art in Politics was the first of what we hope will be more discussions between our contributors, and was perhaps the most fun we've had - here's your chance to see what our editorial discussions really sound like.

9) Broken Families: How Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Sided With Hendrick Motorsports was Bobby's behind-the-scenes look at the breakup of one of NASCAR's leading families. Not only did Bobby have the story, he had the facts to back it up.

10) This is an unusual selection, and a personal one. It's the post we haven't written. What does that mean? Well, bloggers tend to get themselves into a lot of trouble by writing first and thinking later. It's a great temptation - after all, in this age of instant communications, technology has made it just so easy to shoot your mouth off, without much thought as tot he consequences that follow. Now, we're not saying we're perfect around here, but we surely know that there are some pieces that came very close to publication, but were dumped at the last minute after we'd thought better of it. There are blogs and bloggers out there that drive us crazy - two in particular for which we have a fair amount of contempt - and it's a constant temptation to take off the gloves and rip them a new belly button. (And we don't doubt at lesat some of us are capable of it.) But to what end? It doesn't dignify us, nor what it is we're trying to accomplish. It's one of those things that feels good at the time, but you regret it afterward. This doesn't mean we're better than everyone else, or smarter. We know that's not the case. It just points out the value of counting to 10 before doing something that's going to go out under your name, and has the ability to affect a lot of people other than yourself.

So that's the top 10 - feel free to agree, disagree, or make your own suggestions.

Poetry Wednesday

By Judith

As everyone is recovering from the excesses of Christmas Day, here's a Merry Christmas message that gives the best reason for all the celebration. It's nice sometimes to look at the lyrics of Christmas carols without hearing the music (except in your head) and ponder what they mean and why they were written. Happy Christmas everyone.

Joy to the World

Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King!
Let every heart prepare Him room
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven, and heaven and nature sing!

Joy to the earth, the Saviour reigns!
Let men their songs employ!
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat the sounding joy!

He rules the world with truth and grace
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His rightousness
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders of His love!

Is Jamie Lynn Spears' Lover In Hot Water?

Is Jamie Lynn Spears' Lover In Hot Water?

By announcing that she's pregnant at 16-years-old, Jamie Lynn Spears has created a great debate as to the legal ramifications facing her boyfriend and the child's father, Casey Aldridge.

The latest reports tell that Aldridge, 19, may face statutory rape charges carrying a maximum penalty of 10 years in jail. But that all depends on a certain set of criteria.

The main point of interest lies on whether or not the baby was conceived in Spears' home state of Louisiana. If so, "the act could technically be considered felony carnal knowledge of a juvenile - defined as sexual intercourse with consent between someone age 19 or older and someone between age 12 and 17."

FOX News' Hollie McKay's report tells that "in Louisiana a person can only legally consent to sex at age 17. If aged 15 or 16, the other person involved must be no more than two years older for the act to be considered legal."

Meanwhile, the other possible state of conception is assumed to be California - which has differing laws governing the situation that Spears and Aldridge find themselves in.

"It states clearly in the Californian Penal Code that any person who engages in an act of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor (under 18) who is not more than three years older or three years younger than the perpetrator, is guilty of a misdemeanor and faces up to one year in a county jail," tells criminal defense attorney Jim Hammer.

"But if Aldridge is actually more than three years older he could be up for a felony, which carries a maximum three years in prison."

Despite the possible charges, criminal defense lawyer Christopher Darden believes that Aldridge will not be facing any criminal penalties, telling, "The father of the child may have committed a criminal offense or misdemeanor by having unlawful sex with a minor. But unless the complaint is filed from the minor's parent, it is unlikely that this will be taken further."

Christmas Eve

By Mitchell

It's Christmas Eve, for children (and many adults) the most magical night of the year. Christmas Eve was always a very special time for me when I was a child, and it's remained so ever since, filled with its own rituals and traditions.

Tonight we have a bit of the bleak mid-winter; the air is cold, the ground white with new-fallen snow, the streets quiet and still. Some of you may have already attended church services, others are on their way or planning to go tomorrow. In the house the tree is trimmed, the presents wrapped, turkey and ham in the refrigerator ready for tomorrow's meal. Company is on the way, or already there.

And as we prepare to celebrate this day which the Lord has made, on behalf of all the Hadleybloggers from Minnesota to South Carolina, we wish each and every one of you a blessed and most joyous Christmas. Enjoy this day, revel in the moment, and cherish the memories for years to come.

Teri Hatcher and Marcia Cross Go Holiday Gifting

Teri Hatcher and Marcia Cross Go Holiday Gifting

It's that time of year again… time to get creative with the whole gift-giving ritual that we've all come to know and love. And Teri Hatcher has teamed up with her Desperate Housewives co-star Marcia Cross to brighten the lives of the show's crew, as well as the environment.

The actresses have reportedly found an "ethical, eco-friendly way to wrap gifts for the cast and crew of their hit show." They're using Feed 1 Bags.

Feed 1 Bags are part of a fundraising campaign to raise money for starving children. As part of the World Food Program, Feed 1 Bags cost $60 apiece, and they provide enough money to feed one child in a developing country for one academic year.

They're also good for the environment, as they're produced using organically grown jute. Marcia and Teri stuffed their Feed 1 Bags with CDs and gourmet chocolates, ready to be given out to the whole Desperate Housewives family.

Rapper Remy Ma sued by shooting victim

Rapper Remy Ma sued by shooting victim

NEW YORK - Rapper Remy Ma is being sued for $20 million by the woman she is suspected of shooting in a dispute over money. Makeda Barnes-Joseph was shot twice in the abdomen on July 14, after leaving a party in Manhattan's Greenwich Village. Authorities said the shooting occurred after Remy Ma, whose real name is Remy Smith, accused Barnes-Joseph of taking $2,000 that was missing from her purse.

The lawsuit says the shooting left her disabled, anxious and depressed. The suit also named as defendants Universal Music Group, and individuals who play important roles in Remy Ma's career, because they should have known she "had a history of unlawful, violent and anti-social behavior."

The defendants "encouraged her to engage in a pattern of harassment, threats, intimidation, physical violence and illegal acts which were designed and calculated by these defendants to enhance, market and promote the persona of 'Remy Ma,'" according to the suit.

A spokeswoman for Universal Music Group in Manhattan did not immediately return a call for comment Friday.

Barnes-Joseph, a Bronx resident hospitalized for more than two weeks after the shooting, said in the lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Manhattan that she was leaving a birthday party for a friend when Remy Ma, who also attended the party, approached her car with a handgun.

According to the lawsuit dated Thursday, the 26-year-old rapper opened the passenger door of Barnes-Joseph's car, pointed a gun at her and demanded that Barnes-Joseph dump the contents of her pocketbook.

When she did not release it, Barnes-Joseph was shot in the stomach and abdomen by the rapper, who then searched the pocketbook while Barnes-Joseph bled, the lawsuit said. Finding nothing, she tossed the purse and contents aside and left without summoning medical assistance, the suit said.

Remy Ma has pleaded not guilty to criminal charges filed in connection with the shooting.

Her lawyer, Ivan Fisher, said the lawsuit "appears to be a publicity stunt consistent with the way Ms. Barnes and her lawyer have, together with their publicist, been attempting to claim 15 minutes of fame on account of a terrible accident."

Fisher has said that since her arrest, Remy Ma has been unable to get sufficient U.S. bookings, and a proposed recording contract has been put on hold. She is free on $250,000 bail.

As she recovered, Barnes-Joseph had to undergo surgery and blood transfusions and remains disabled, fearful, anxious and depressed and still unable to return to work, the lawsuit said.

Because her injuries will require continuing medical treatment, Barnes-Joseph is entitled to at least $20 million in damages, the lawsuit said.

Random Christmas Notes

By Mitchell

• As most of you know, I'm a big fan of TVParty, and not just because I've written for it. Billy Ingram's site is one of the most entertaining around, with an exceptional collection of TV clips, facts, and other features. Be sure to check out its wonderful collection of stories on Christmas TV shows (here, here, here and here, just for starters) and see if they don't bring back some fun memories.
  
• So what was wrong with Tiny Tim anyway? LiveScience provides some interesting possibilities. (Thanks to Jonah at NRO.)
  
• Speaking of A Christmas Carol, is this one of the greatest Christmas stories around, or what? And one of the most-often made. Mr. Magoo stars in a wonderful animated version that's actually pretty faithful to the story, with a musical score that would put some Broadway shows to shame. (Not surprising, since vets Bob Merrill and Jule Styne were responsible for it.) Naturally, TV Party has a rundown on many of the TV versions. But if you want the complete story of A Christmas Carol and its adaptations, check out the book of the same name, which I guarantee will delight you with its detail.
  
• Boomers like us have a continuing affection for the classic Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Perhaps it's the Animagic animation, or the songs, or even the General Electric commercials featuring the Rudolph characters. It's definitely of an age, and it's impossible for anyone of that age to watch it without being swept back in time. (Speaking of books, Rick Goldschmidt has a terrific book about it, as well as more info on his blog.) Good thing it has all that going for it because, let's admit, the story is a little weak. Do Santa's reindeer really have families? (No. Everyone knows there are only eight flying reindeer.) Would Santa disparage Rudolph's nose? (Of course not. Santa would never do such a cruel thing.) And what's with that misfit toy bit? I thought I'd covered all the bases over the years, but Likeks provides the definitive version.

It’s a Wonderful (Financial Development) Life

By Steve

I work in financial development for a living. And to most people, "financial development" means one thing: asking people for money.

But is there more to it than that? That was the basic but crucial question that faced me when I entered the field later in my career. And I needed a quick answer.

I found it on Christmas Eve while holding a bowl of popcorn.

My holiday tradition is watching “It’s A Wonderful Life” on Christmas Eve. This now classic Capra film features Jimmy Stewart as broken and befuddled George Bailey. You remember that George discovers life’s true meaning when Clarence, a clumsy but lovable old angel, shows him what the world would have been like if George had never been born. It’s a bit sappy but deftly delivers touching moments and I find myself pulling it out again each year.

When you’ve seen a movie more than once, you appreciate new angles and nuances. Last year I discovered the story’s real hero. Not George. Not even Clarence. But dear, sweet Mary Bailey, George’s loyal and loving wife, played by Donna Reed. Mary’s shining moment is the film’s finale, and although her screen time in it is brief, it is unforgettable.

A large sum of money from George’s savings-and-loan business has gone missing. The next couple of busy hours find him facing financial ruin, getting drunk, getting punched, contemplating suicide, being touched by an angel, and straightening out life’s priorities. But George still has a problem—that missing money. A warrant is out for his arrest that could land him in jail. On Christmas Eve, no less.

In steps Mary. While George gambols about with Clarence, Mary takes off her apron and goes to work. She intentionally and creatively communicates to George’s family and friends that he’s in trouble. Big trouble. George needs them right now. Specifically, he needs their financial help. And it’s urgent. Very urgent.

They respond in a big way. People who care for George and respect him for the good work he’s done—and the good man he is—joyously converge at the Bailey house with donations galore. It’s an incredible scene with lots of laughter and singing and ornament bells ringing and giant smiles all around.

The biggest smile belongs to Mary. You find her standing quietly next to the Christmas tree in her husband’s warm embrace, surrounded by her children, family and friends. And she is absolutely beaming, just soaking in the joyous waterfall of love and support that’s flooding into their home.

As I watched that scene, with popcorn in hand, I discovered the answer to my financial development question. I found it in the actions—and the face—of Mary Bailey. I realized I was watching a world-class financial development professional.

What Mary did was simple but powerful. She wasn’t just “asking for money.” She was helping connect a recipient with a giver, and ended up meeting deep needs in both. And it did something very special for her as well.

What did George Bailey need? Obviously, for practical reasons, he needed money. But George also needed the support of his friends and loved ones at a crisis point in his life. And that’s exactly what he received.

What did his family and friends—the “givers”—need? Whether they realized it or not, they needed an opportunity to express appreciation to George for the ways he had helped them in the past. They also needed to say thanks for the blessings in their own lives. And here was a perfect way to do it.

And what about Mary? What was she so happy about? Definitely for her husband, who would still be home for Christmas. And happy for the love and support she was seeing him receive from people who meant so much to him.

But at least a small part of Mary’s smile was knowing she had played a vital role in all of this. She had taken the initiative—intentional and creative initiative—to connect the need to the giver. And it worked. And she felt great.

Look at Mary’s face one more time. That is the smile of a financial development professional who has discovered what it’s all about. Financial development is intentionally and creatively connecting a need to a giver for the mutual benefit of both. And when it works, all three parties involved—need, giver, professional—share a joy that well, makes for a wonderful life.

Thanks, Mary Bailey, for a Christmas story and a career lesson that lasts way beyond Christmas Eve. And please pass the popcorn.

Colbert chosen AP Celebrity of the Year

Colbert chosen AP Celebrity of the Year

While most TV characters remain boxed inside the frames of our sets, Stephen Colbert has routinely injected his on-screen persona into everything from the presidential race to ice cream.
In 2007, the mock pundit on Comedy Central's "The Colbert Report" exceeded the influence of most real pundits, orchestrating an ill-fated (and Doritos-sponsored) run for president and topping the best-seller lists with his book "I Am America (And So Can You!)."

Colbert failed to get onto the primary ballot in his home state of South Carolina, dooming his hopes for the White House. And his show went 0-for-4 at the Emmy Awards, including an especially painful loss to Tony Bennett.

But Colbert did win one honor: He was voted AP Celebrity of the Year by newspaper editors and broadcast producers who said Colbert had the biggest impact on pop culture in 2007.

He finished just a nudge above J.K. Rowling, who authored the final book in her enormously popular "Harry Potter" series. Finishing third was Al Gore, whose year included an Oscar, an Emmy, a Nobel Peace Prize and the global concert Live Earth.

Voting was otherwise spread out across many entertainers, including pop star Britney Spears, "Hannah Montana" star Miley Cyrus, rapper Kanye West, comedy director and producer Judd Apatow and country singer Kenny Chesney.

But it was the slight, bespectacled Colbert — his hair never ruffled, suits forever pressed — who dominated the year. Even from the relatively small stage of late-night cable TV, his satire spread into all corners of media and society — and for a few weeks made a mockery of the democratic system.

Colbert has declined interviews during the writers strike that has shuttered his show, but he told The Associated Press by e-mail:

"In receiving this award, I am pleased that I was chosen over two great spinners of fantasy — J.K. Rowling and Al Gore. It is truly an honor to be named the Associated Press' Celebrity of the Year. Best of all, this makes me the official front-runner for next year's Drug-Fueled Downward Spiral of the year. P.S. Look for my baby bump this spring!"

Julio Diaz, entertainment editor for the Pensacola News Journal, explained his vote for the faux newsman:

"Colbert is more than an entertainer, he's a force of nature," said Diaz. "He's influenced the way we look at the news and even the way we speak. Whenever a major news story breaks, one of my first thoughts is what Colbert's spin on the story will be."

Colbert began his year by facing off against his inspiration, Bill O'Reilly. In one afternoon, Colbert and the Fox News commentator traded guest appearances on each other's shows in an exchange Colbert called "a meeting of the guts."

The meeting had been anticipated since Colbert's 2005 debut of "The Report," a deadpan fun-house mirror held up to "The O'Reilly Factor" and other conservative news programs.

In early 2007, Colbert became the namesake of the new Ben & Jerry's ice cream flavor "Americone Dream." This followed in a tradition of naming things after Colbert, like the mascot for the Saginaw Spirit, an Ontario Hockey League team, "Steagle Colbeagle the Eagle."

While taping an episode on June 27, Colbert fell and broke his wrist — a minor event for most, but weeks of fodder for Colbert. The following month, he unveiled a "wrist awareness" campaign in which he urged anyone famous to wear a "WristStrong" bracelet (similar to Lance Armstrong's "LiveStrong" bands).

Showcasing his extremely detail-centric sense of humor, Colbert said on a September show: "If (Alan) Greenspan can do for my bracelets what he did for secured short-term lending through federal repurchasing agreements — can you imagine how great that would be?"

But Colbert's main act would be the run-up to his White House campaign and his ensuing bid for the nation's highest office. While promoting his new book, Colbert appeared on news programs and wrote a guest column for The New York Times mocking the dance many candidates go through before officially declaring their candidacy.

Colbert eventually announced on his program on Oct. 16, where he made it clear he aimed to parody everything about image-sensitive political campaigns. He appeared beforehand on "The Daily Show" sitting on a bale of hay and drinking a beer to show that he was an Average Joe.

The 43-year-old comedian jokingly suggested his ticket could read "Colbert-Huckabee," referring to former Arkansas governor Republican Mike Huckabee. Huckabee had made several appearances on "The Report" (making him a "friend of the show"). Huckabee's candidacy was then something of a joke; now he has zoomed to the top of the polls.

Colbert's announcement set off dialogue across the political landscape about the legitimacy of his candidacy and how he might impact the primaries.

Wrote New York Times columnist David Carr: "It is Mr. Colbert's ability to both mimic and amplify the tics of political convention and play them back with just a little more topspin that makes his satire so discomfiting."

Colbert said he would run only in his native South Carolina, but after he applied to get his name on the state's Democratic primary ballot (the Republican fee was too high), party officials voted 13-3 to keep Colbert off, claiming he "serves to detract from the serious candidates."

Soon thereafter, Colbert announced that he was withdrawing: "Although I lost by the slimmest margin in presidential election history — only 10 votes — I have chosen not to put the country through another agonizing Supreme Court battle. It is time for this nation to heal."

Colbert's withdrawal may have been hastened by the Hollywood writers strike, which shut down production on "The Report" in early November. Comedy Central, which is owned by Viacom Inc., announced Thursday that both "The Report" and "The Daily Show" will return to the air on Jan. 7, with or without their writing staffs.

Kathy Hilton's pals help raise funds

Kathy Hilton's pals help raise funds

LOS ANGELES - Kathy Hilton thinks you might want to own a pair of Mel Gibson's jeans, Dean Martin's golf club or Tom Cruise's autographed Ray-Ban shades.That's why she collected these and two dozen other items from her famous friends and put them up for sale on eBay. Money raised from the online auction will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

"Christmas is my favorite time of year," said Hilton, mom to famous daughters Paris and Nicky. "I worked with Make-A-Wish before, and I wanted to do something really special for Christmas."

Hilton said she turned her bedroom into an office and worked the phones for a week straight, calling "different celebrities and sports figures and just seeing what I could get."

Even she was impressed with the take, which includes a pair of Johnny Carson's cuff links, Lucille Ball's teacup and saucer, and an "Ocean's Thirteen" script signed by the film's cast.

"I love the Tom Cruise sunglasses," Hilton said. "I would love to have any one of these things."

The online auction ends Wednesday.

Beyonce Promotes Perfume in Italy

Beyonce Promotes Perfume in Italy

You know you've "made it" when Giorgio Armani calls you up and flies you out to Italy to promote his latest fragrance. And Beyonce Knowles has most definitely "made it."

The "Bootylicious" singer was busy hamming it up yesterday at the Rinascente Store in Milan, Italy. And according to a recent report, she's about to get even busier.

Due to the overwhelming success of the Spice Girls' reunion festivities, Beyonce is reportedly considering a Destiny's Child reunion. And she's not the only one.

Former band mate Kelly Rowland is also thinking that it may be time to get the girls back together. She told press, "This current spate of reunions has given us ideas. Despite what people say we are all still really close."

And apparently, Knowles already staged a quick mini-reunion at a recent show. Rowland reported, "A couple of weeks ago Beyonce did a show in Los Angeles and asked me and Michelle (Williams) to join her on stage for Survivor. It was a real tear-jerker. The fans were crying and going nuts. I'd definitely like us to do more stuff like that."

Pamela Anderson Collets Another Ex-Husband

Pamela Anderson Collects Another Ex-Husband

Here's the shocker of the year- after a quick courtship and a hasty wedding Pamela Anderson and Rick Salomon are getting divorced!

We'd hate to say "I told you so," but everybody saw this coming. Perhaps the only surprising aspect of the whole ordeal is that they lasted a little over two months.

It was the "Baywatch" babe who did the divorce filing this past Friday. And as could be expected, she cited "Irreconcilable Differences" as the reason for the dissolution of the marriage.

This divorce brings both Rick and Pam up to 3 failed marriages each. Other than Rick, Anderson has Kid Rock and Tommy Lee in her record book, while Rick has Shannen Doherty and Elizabeth Daily on his list of ex-wives.

Update: It's now being reported that Pamela and Rick have reconciled and are calling off the divorce. Check back for more soon - as they very well could be divorced again by tomorrow.

New Energy Act a Product of "Dictator" Pelosi

By Bobby

The federal Energy Act of 2007 has shown how House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has virtually assumed control of the federal government. The policy was nearly singlehandedly written based on the virtues of fringe environmentalists who endorse policies of former Vice President Al Gore, who won the Nobel Peace Prize for promoting this policy. Having the two-thirds majority pass the bill following the dictatorial policy of writing the bill, not permitting much debate, and forcing an up-or-down vote on the policy as it was written by the virtual dictator shows the tactics of modern liberalism resemble Hugo Chávez, North Korea, or other known dictators. What is wrong with this bill? Let me count the ways.

The incandescent bulb ban is outrageous because it enforces a ban that makes no sense. Most cars on the road use incandescent bulbs in their domelights, interior lights, and most turn signal lights. Many restaurants' heating lamps are also incandescent, and some facilities must use incandescent lamps because they do not have mercury. The ban will effectively take cars off the road, eliminate heating lamps used for restaurants, and create more safety hazards, But liberals, more interested in feelings than logic, override the national security in favor of the ideas of "An Inconvenient Truth."

The new fuel economy standards are also designed to destroy the American automobile industry and give the budding Chinese Communist automobile industry the upper hand in the process. Furthermore, safety standards will be sacrificed even more than they were when the original CAFE standard was set, since this standard also affects light trucks. It would seem the environmentalists would rather have Americans in two-seat minicars with 40-cubic inch two or three-cylinder engines that save fuel but may cost lives (since they are easily destroyed in light crashes), while virtually banning the bread and butter of American automobile manufacturers, the eight-cylinder full-size truck. This is reminicent of how the first CAFE rule killed the eight-cylinder family sedan. They write this law once again to please the standards established by the"An Inconvenient Truth" crowd and European policies. The 35 MPG policy also bans the specially secured vehicles used by world leaders and businesses to fight the terrorists.

When a two-thirds majority using tactics of dictators written by the new leader of this country, Nancy Pelosi, base policy on European policy and films created by fringe environmentalists, and not based on common business sense, this country's decline can be traced to these leaders who base themselves strictly on unrealistic policies that have no logic, just feelings.

But feelings is the only thing needed in modern liberalism, since feelings override all forms of common sense.

Lindsay Lohan Talks Life, Dating Again?

Lindsay Lohan Talks Life, Dating Again?

Spotted out for coffee in Beverly Hills on Friday morning, Lindsay Lohan spent the early hours of the day calling into a Las Vegas radio station trying to get Hannah Montana tickets for a friend's nieces.

From there, the Mean Girls starlet ended up talking about what's been going on with herself, telling, "I think my life is different now, and it's changed, and I'm growing up."

Continuing on, Lohan said, "It was time to grow up. I've gone through a lot, and I'm just a different person now… It's amazing, everything's going so well."

Meanwhile, Lohan declined to discuss her love life, joking with the deejay, "I don't kiss and tell."

Nonetheless, reports are emerging that Lohan has already moved on since her recent split from snowboarder Riley Giles, whom she met at the Cirque Lodge rehab center in Utah.

According to Page Six, Spencer Guilburt, a self-proclaimed graphic artist and part-time actor, is telling people that he's hooking up with LiLo.

"I've seen her a lot since she's been home. And expect to see me with her more," he recently told the NY Post.

When asked whether he and Lindsay are officially an item, Spencer replied, "If I'm dating Lindsay, Lindsay will let you know."

K-Fed's Lawyer Goes After Spears

K-Fed's Lawyer Goes After Spears

When she didn't show up for her deposition, Britney Spears got on Mark Vincent Kaplan's (K-Fed's lawyer) last nerve. And now he's out for blood.

Adding insult to injury, the "Gimme More" singer was spotted driving around Los Angeles mere hours after she was "too ill" to attend her court proceeding.

As a result, Kaplan has decided to crack down on the pop singer. He told press, "This can be done with her active participation or without it," adding that he's pursuing court sanctions to prevent Spears from skipping out on her next scheduled deposition on January 23rd.

An unrelated legal expert speculated, "There is always the possibility of (holding Spears in) contempt of court. After a certain point, when it's repeated behavior, courts become skeptical about that kind of excuse."

As for the next chapter in the Britney/K-Fed custody battle, only time will tell.

Poetry Wednesday

By Judith

I'm giving myself a birthday present today by looking at a poem by one of my very favorite poets, Christina Rossetti (1830 - 1894). We'll review her work again in the coming year, so I'll save the biographical material for later. However I will say that this poem, like last week's Longfellow selection, is a poem that was adapted as a Christmas carol. Often, only the first and last stanzas are sung, and the lyrics are slightly altered to fit the tune, but the whole poem describes the power and majesty - as well as the humility - of the story of the Nativity. It has a quiet strength like "Silent Night."

The song is called "In the Bleak Mid-Winter" (click here to see it performed by the Gloucester Cathedral Choir, music by Gustav Holst), but Miss Rossetti calls her poem, simply, "A Christmas Carol."

A Christmas Carol

In the bleak mid-winter
Frosty wind made moan,
Earth stood hard as iron,
Water like a stone;
Snow had fallen, snow on snow,
Snow on snow,
In the bleak mid-winter
Long ago.

Our God, Heaven cannot hold Him
Nor earth sustain;
Heaven and earth shall flee away
When He comes to reign:
In the bleak mid-winter
A stable-place sufficed
The Lord God Almighty
Jesus Christ.

Enough for Him whom cherubim
Worship night and day,
A breastful of milk
And a mangerful of hay;
Enough for Him whom angels
Fall down before,
The ox and ass and camel
Which adore.

Angels and archangels
May have gathered there,
Cherubim and seraphim
Throng'd the air,
But only His mother
In her maiden bliss
Worshipped the Beloved
With a kiss.

What can I give Him,
Poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd
I would bring a lamb,
If I were a wise man
I would do my part, -
Yet what I can I give Him,
Give my heart.

Wish I'd Written That

By Judith

In an interview with Colin Covert of the Star Tribune, Francis Ford Coppola had this to say in response to the question, "If you could speak to the Coppola of 30 years ago,...what would you want to tell him?"

"Trust your personal instincts, trust your feelings and don't be afraid of risk because you're going to die anyway. The one risk that you don't want to take is that when you die you say, 'Oh, I wish I had done this and I wish I had done that.' Do it all because that's what life is for. The things you're fired over when you're young are the same things that they later give you lifetime achievement awards for. So trust your intuition."

The World's Stupidest Lovers

By Mitchell

The second season of Metropolitan Opera high-def broadcasts to movie theaters began on Saturday with Gounod’s sumptuous Roméo et Juliette, Shakespeare’s famed story of the world’s stupidest lovers. I mean, think about it for a minute. Juliet we can at least understand – after all, she’s a giddy fifteen-year-old drama queen, caught in the throws of passion for the first time in her life, and as heady teenagers will, looks at everything as life and death. For her the choice is obvious – once things start to head south, the only alternative is to take her own life, in the most dramatic fashion possible.

But Romeo, we expected far more from you. He’s often thought to be older than Juliet, perhaps as old as 18. He’s old enough to kill a man, at any rate, and it’s obvious from his conduct that he knows how to carry himself in public. Therefore, we’d hoped for a little better than an impetuous suicide. His simultaneous reactions of surprise, joy and despair when he discovers that Juliet is still alive truly bring home the value of thinking important decisions through carefully before jumping into them. Alas, wisdom is often wasted on the young, and the dead.

Not surprisingly, the audience in the movie theater Saturday was younger than had been the norm last season, especially when it came to teen-aged girls, who have become the natural audience for the Bard’s tear-jerker. Fortunately, for those of us who are neither teen-agers nor girls, we had Anna Netrebko in the title role. For those of you who might not be familiar with Netrebko, she’s what opera aficionados would call a diva. To everyone else she is, simply put, a babe. She leaps off the screen in these HD broadcasts, as if only she was in HD and everyone else was analog. Both on-stage and off, it is clear that she loves the camera, and the camera loves her back with a passion. There may well be some controversy as to whether or not Netrebko has the chops to be considered one of the all-time greats, but there can be no doubt that visually she more than fits the bill. (And, by the way, she does sing awfully well.) Her Juliet was by turns bubbly and despairing, full of the confidence of youth, struck with the headiness of first love, at once both self-centered and totally giving. If Britney Spears can sing of being “not a girl, not yet a woman,” it was clear that Netrebko’s Juliet was all girl and all woman.

Needless to say, it takes a special Romeo to be able to stand next to this kind of wattage without being either totally eclipsed or burned to a crisp. Roberto Alagna, Saturday’s Romeo, was up to the task. He joked during the intermission interview that his graying hair made it more challenging to get into roles such as this, and perhaps it was this visual maturity that gave his Romeo a gravitas that isn’t always present in these productions. His Romeo was no pretty-boy; indeed, in the thrilling fight scene that brings Act One to a conclusion he carries himself as a man accustomed to the ways of fighting as well as those of the world. Unlike Juliet, this is not the first time he has found himself ensnared in the throws of passion, although this may well be his first experience of true love. In his initial encounter with Juliet, he courts her through the mask of a masked ball, in a sort of wooing by proxy, showing himself to be confident, teasing, ardent, a man of far more experience than his counterpart. Yet he, too, succumbs to the pain of Cupid’s arrow, only to be replaced in the end by pain of a much different kind.

The supporting cast, including the chorus, showed themselves to be reliable as usual. All of this, however, would have been of less import without Gounod's romantic melodies, seldom put to better use than in this piece. And surely there was no better ensemble to pull it off than the Met Opera Orchestra, conducted this day by Placido Domingo. One suspects that it was Domingo's presence in the pit, as much as Netrebko's on the stage, that gave this production its bling. The opera world is by no means unanimous in its view of Domingo as conductor, but on this day he kept the orchestra in line, kept time with the singers (especially after the intermission), and delivered a sound worthy of both the orchestra and the composer. As a personal aside, I thought the camera lingered over shots of Domingo far more often that it did with other conductors in previous broadcasts (with the exception of James Levine, who we all know is King of New York) . But it is Domingo's dedication to music and opera, as he makes the transition from performer to conductor, that helps wash away the bad taste left from the Three Tenors cheese, and serves to put further distance between Domingo and Pavarotti. (Can one seriously envision the lumbering Pavarotti, barely able to navigate the stage at the end, going down in the pit where he'd be invisible to the audience for most of the performance? Not likely.)

The Met has expanded its schedule from six to eight in this, its second year of HD theater moviecasts. By all accounts it's been a roaring success, with crowds growing and the number of theaters increasing. The theater we go to started out last year with one screen; it soon expanded to two, with both filled nearly to capacity. And, as we saw this year with the decision of St. Olaf College to simulcast its famed Christmas concert in theaters nationwide, it is a trend that appears to have legs. With this, the Met has reinforced its reputation as a national opera company, and it's going to give regional companies such as our own Minnesota Opera something to think about. The MO had a table set up in the lobby with information on the current season and an opportunity for people to register for free tickets to its own production of Romeo and Juliet (as if we couldn't figure out the French translation), running next month. As season ticket holders we already have ours, but in the lobby between acts one could hear more than one conversation, the jist of which asked why anyone would want to by tickets for our own Romeo after having experience the Met's production.

Why indeed? With the superior technology available in movie theaters, and the star power on both sides of the footlights, it's no longer good enough to simply cite the live theater experience as justification to spend one's disposable income. Operas such as the MO are going to have to deliver an experience that confirms the ticket buyer's decision. I haven't always been sure that the MO could deliver on such an experience - next month's production of Romeo will go a ways in telling whether or not such apprehension is justified. Time, as always, will tell.

Stingray Attack Linked to Irwin's Killer

By Kristin

New photographic evidence captured last week appears to have debunked the Lone Stingray theory dominating conversations surrounding the late naturalist Steve Irwin. This dramatic secquence of pictures, captured by world renowned nature photographer K.A. Barbieri, show grusome images of a man being attacked by the murderous stingray:

"I wanted to help," recalls Barbieri, "but professional photographers have a strict no interference policy when it comes to photographing nature. " Authorities remain on the lookout for the murderous stingray. Supporters of Stingrays Anonymous have declined to comment.

Mischa Barton Doesn't Miss Marissa

Mischa Barton Doesn't Miss Marissa

Feeling the luck o' the Irish, Mischa Barton was spotted hanging out at the Merchant Hotel in Belfast, Northern Ireland. She's in town to promote her new film "Closing the Ring," which premieres tonight at Waterfront Hall.

In her days since playing "Marissa" on The O.C., Barton says it's been relatively easy to leave that part of her career behind her.

She told press, "Even if I was a precocious teenager, it's a New York vs. L.A. thing. I never experienced the 'anything goes' chaos we sold on The O.C."

The "Tart" actress explained that she's much more level-headed and laid back than her primetime character ever was. "Marissa was a nut case. I didn't have much in common with her. In New York I'd want to go out at 15 or 16, but I got it out of my system."

She even helped conjure up the concept for killing off Marissa. "You have no idea how much fun I had doing that [scene]. I was on the set, yelling, "More blood! More blood!" She needed to go out with a bang."

Spice Girls Cancel First UK Appearance

Spice Girls Cancel First UK Appearance
The Spice Girls got a chance to say "thank you" in person to Sir Richard Branson, the owner of Virgin Atlantic Airlines, for hooking them up with their very own 747 "Spice One."

Earlier today, they showed up at London's Heathrow Airport to attend the grand opening of a new terminal, where they met up with Branson and posed for some pictures.

Unfortunately, with everything going so well for the "Wannabe" singers, something had to go wrong. And with Emma "Baby Spice" Bunton's ankle on the mend, they've announced the cancellation of their "Strictly Come Dancing" appearance, scheduled for this Saturday.

But don't fret, UK fans! The reason they opted out of the gig was to give Bunton more time to heal before they kick of their 17-date run at London's O2 Arena later that night.

And the reviews are still mixed as to whether or not that show will go on. An inside source told press, "It's too soon to say if Emma will be fit enough to join the other four girls on Saturday. She will see a doctor tomorrow, who will assess the damage."

Nobel Peace Prize Concert Draws A-List Crowd

Nobel Peace Prize Concert Draws A-List Crowd

Oslo, Norway was overflowing with celebrity presence as the Nobel Peace Prize concert got underway last night.

Hosted by Kevin Spacey and Uma Thurman, this year's festivities centered around honoree Al Gore. And the former Vice President had quite the night of musical performances in his honor.

Pop sensations like Alicia Keys, KT Tunstall, Annie Lennox, and Kylie Minogue all took the stage to add their own flavor to the night. And Gore showed his appreciation by applauding wildly after each song.

At the end of the event, Gore addressed the crowd with the utmost enthusiasm with a message of hope. "Let's get on with it. We can do this," he said, referring to the necessary global steps to better the environment.

Mayhem on "The Hills" Season Finale

Mayhem on "The Hills" Season Finale

Can you believe it? After last night's explosive episode of "The Hills" it looks like there are some major changes on the horizon for our favorite reality TV darlings.

First of all, there will be eight bonus episodes coming to MTV's schedule in early 2008. And Lauren Conrad and Whitney Port will be heading to Paris, France for an overseas working vacation, per their orders from Teen Vogue boss Lisa Love.

In the Heidi/Spencer realm, last night's episode left us wondering if those two are actually going to get married. And Heidi packed her bags and headed for home in Colorado.

Montag told Pratt, "It's not working. I need space." And that truly may be the case if this peroxide pair is going to move forward eventually.

As for Brody, he'll be stuck waiting for LC to return from the City of Lights.

It Is What It Is

By Drew

The great thing about being a blogger on Monday is that when you find someone who says exactly what you feel, you don't have to bother trying to improve on it. You just accept it with gratitude. Here's Jay Nordlinger in this morning's NRO:

Oprah has given Obama a powerful boost, and that provoked a memory. In September 2000, Governor Bush was trailing Vice President Gore, pretty significantly. A prominent political analyst declared Bush “toast.” And then Bush went on Oprah and Regis — had very good appearances. And his numbers rose. The Oprah appearance, in particular, was thought to be a real boost.

A second prominent political analyst, in a private remark, said, “What a stupid country.” I’ve never forgotten that.

What more, really, can you say?

Duane 'Dog' Chapman appears at toy drive

Duane 'Dog' Chapman appears at toy drive

LOS ANGELES (AP) — TV bounty hunter Duane "Dog" Chapman appeared Saturday at a holiday toy giveaway sponsored by a black advocacy group, weeks after publicly apologizing for using a racial slurChapman handed out toys to dozens of children and signed copies of his book "You Can Run But You Can't Hide," said Ermias Alemayehu of the conservative Brotherhood Organization of a New Destiny.

"We don't condone racial slurs, but upon hearing Dog's apology and after meeting with him and his family, we don't believe he's a racist. We also believe that Duane 'Dog' Chapman sincerely wants to make amends to the black community, and deserves a second chance," BOND founder the Rev. Jesse Lee Peterson said in a statement.

Chapman, 54, apologized in November for repeatedly using the N-word during a March phone call to his son, Tucker, urging him to break up with a black girlfriend.

The subsequent Web release of the recorded conversation by The National Enquirer led the A&E television network to put Chapman's reality show, "Dog the Bounty Hunter," indefinitely on hold

At 90, sci-fi guru Clarke yearns for E.T., peace

At 90, sci-fi guru Clarke yearns for E.T., peace
COLOMBO (Reuters) - Turning 90 on Sunday, British science fiction writer and visionary Sir Arthur C. Clarke has three birthday wishes: For E.T. to call, for man to kick his oil habit and for peace in his adoptive Sri Lanka. Marking his "90th orbit of the sun," the prolific author and theorist who was one of the first to suggest the use of satellites orbiting the earth for communications, would like to be remembered foremost as a writer -- and predicts commercial space travel will one day be commonplace.

"If I may be allowed just three wishes ... I would like to see some evidence of extraterrestrial life. I've always believed that we're not alone in the universe, but we're still waiting for E.T. to call us or give us some kind of sign," he said in a video posted on Web site www.youtube.com.

"Secondly, I would like to see us kick our current addiction to oil and adopt clean energy sources," he added. "Climate change has now added a new sense of urgency... We can't allow coal and oil to slowly bake our planet."

And thirdly, he turns to Sri Lanka, where he has lived for the past 50 years, written many of his more than 80 books and received the Indian Ocean island nation's top civilian honor in 2005 for his contributions to science and technology and his commitment to his adopted country.

"I've been living in Sri Lanka for 50 years, and half that time I've been a sad witness to a bitter conflict that divides my adopted country, and dearly wish to see lasting peace established in Sri Lanka as soon as possible," Clarke said.

Around 70,000 people have been killed since 1983 amid a civil war between the state and Tamil Tiger guerrillas, which continues to rage, with well over 5,000 people killed since early last year alone in near-daily land and sea battles, bombings and air raids.

Born in England in 1917, Clarke first came to the island in the 1950s for scuba diving and said he became a resident after he "fell in love with the place."

In the 1940s he forecast that man would reach the moon by the year 2000, an idea experts dismissed as rubbish. When Neil Armstrong landed in 1969, the United States said Clarke "provided the essential intellectual drive that led us to the moon."

He has written more than 80 books, including "2001: A Space Odyssey" and 500 short stories and articles, and says his mind continues to roam the universe as much as it did as a young space cadet in the 1920s and 1930s, despite the fact he is now wheelchair-bound.

"The golden age of space is only just beginning," he said.

This Just In

By Steve

Selig Stunner: "I Used 'Roids"
MLB Commish Admits He Too Was On the Juice

(Milwaukee , WI)—December 14, 2007—Bud Selig acknowledged for the first time today that he, too, had taken steroids during his time as Commissioner of Major League Baseball. Unnamed sources had earlier claimed that Selig confessed his usage to former U.S. Senator George Mitchell as part of Mitchell’s probe of steroid use in the major leagues in the last decade. Today was the first time Selig personally acknowledged those reports were true.

(Left) Baseball commissioner Bud Selig, pondering the future after admitting he had been implicated in his own probe of performance-enhancing drugs in baseball.

“Look at me,” said Selig, in an angry, some said almost "‘roid rage" tone, at his press conference this morning. “I’m a pretty wimpy guy, not much meat on my bones. It might have been enough to run a mediocre baseball club in Milwaukee, but it sure as hell wouldn't do in New York. How was I going to stand up to guys like Steinbrenner and Pete Rose and Donald Fehr and all the rest of them? I needed something extra to give me a boost, and steroids is where I turned. Sure, it wasn’t right, but I had to do something. And, by God, it worked.”

Selig pointed out that the extra confidence led to some of his finest moments as commissioner.

“Remember that All-Star game in Milwaukee , when I had to decide whether to call off the game or keep it going in extra innings?” he asked rhetorically. “The ol’ Bud would have just caved in, or maybe just crawled under my seat until they stopped yelling at me. But not Bud on the juice. I was able to stand up to the whole world, Fox Sports and everybody, and boldly call the whole thing a tie. I definitely grew a new set of them that night.”

Selig admits, however, that what he did was wrong and that he thinks he won’t do it again. “We must set a good example for the youth of America . They need to know that taking these illegal drugs is wrong and that it really won’t help you get ahead in life. Sure, many of the players on the Mitchell list are hundreds of millions of dollars richer today than they would have been, and some will still make it to the Hall of Fame. But are they happier for it? I mean, really.”

Vanessa Hudgens: A Perfect Ten

Vanessa Hudgens: A Perfect Ten

While Sunday was a working day for Vanessa Hudgens, the High School Musical actress managed to find time to squeeze in a trip to a popular hairstylist before fulfilling her duties of taping a TNT holiday special.

The 18-year-old was spotted getting her hair done up at Andrea Chreky's Perfect 10 Salon, looking even cuter when she stepped out than when she went in.

From there, it was time to go to work, as Hudgens headed off to The National Building Museum to belt out a song alongside American Idol alum Katharine McPhee and R&B singer Ne-Yo for TNT's "Christmas In Washington".

Set to air on Wednesday December 12th at 10PM, the Dr. Phil and Robin McGraw hosted affair will benefit the Children's National Medical Center.

Britney Spears Continues Sticky-Fingered Ways

Britney Spears Continues Sticky-Fingered Ways

As if she needs more bad press, Britney Spears is quickly making a name for herself as a lawbreaker. First she started running red lights. Then there was the Hustler Store shoplift. And now the "Gimme More" has snatched a lighter from a gas station.

The mother-of-two absconded with a lighter priced at $1.39 last Friday afternoon. The scene of the crime? A Chevron gas station in Sherman Oaks, California.

Speaking to the bevy of paparazzi on her tail, Brit said, "I stole something!" as she flashed the lighter. "Oh, I'm bad!"

Thankfully, Sham Bahia, the store's manager, wasn't too bent out of shape. He told press, sarcastically, "If I see her, I'm going to ask her for the money! She's a thief. I don't know if she wanted the lighter or just wanted to make a story."

But apparently Spears wasn't on the "Wanted" list too long. One of the paps, Shane Partridge, went back to the store Saturday and paid for the lighter. "[The manager] didn't want me to pay for it at first. I told him it was no bother. I just felt like I should, you know?"

The Real NCAA Football Championship

By Bobby

Whilst the controversy over who deserves to play in the Allstate BCS Championship Game (Ohio State vs Louisiana State), let it be remembered the biggest upset in Division I football, Appalachian State’s win over Michigan, should be back in the issue in light of the Mountaineers’ big 55-35 win over the Richmond in the NCAA Division I Semifinal.

The NCAA Division I Tournament, at 16 teams, is the smallest of the divisions considering the number of teams that play Championship Subdivision Football. Only a selected number of conferences automatically send their champions, while other conferences have to be wary just to earn a postseason bid especially with the number of at-large bids. (The Ivy, Southwestern Athletic, and a few smaller conferences do not want their teams in the NCAA Tournament, with the SWAC wanting better exposure with well-attended rivalry games after Thanksgiving and their conference championship a week later conflicting with the tournament. The other major Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Division I conference, the Mid-Eastern Athletic, sends their champion into the tournament.)

Like basketball, the controversy over the RPI index drew the attention of the selection process when the second-place team in the Southern Conference, Appalachian State (Boone), earned a home playoff game, while SoCon champion Wofford (Spartanburg) had a road game in the first round. (Wofford won the head-to-head, and the automatic bid as both teams were tied in conference standings.) Appalachian State’s big win over Michigan was worth points in the RPI index that helped when playoff bids were awarded.

The beauty of the Championship Subdivision is shown in those fifteen games known as the playoffs. While everyone in the BCS is playing in warm climates for their games such as Glendale, Pasadena, Miami Gardens, or New Orleans (with the first and last in domes; Glendale has a retractable dome), the NCAA Division I Football Tournament, like their professional brethren, is played on home fields of the higher-ranked team in the playoffs. The players are playing on Friday nights or Saturdays (depending on ESPN’s request), and the best part of playoff games comes with playing championship football in frigid temperatures, whether it is in Amherst, Bozeman, Boone, Youngstown (where Jim Tressel honed his coaching skills before heading to Columbus), Wilmington, or any of the other cold-weather climates of FCS football. They don’t play in pampered conditions that a Bowl Subdivision team earns with their nice games (and yes, that includes a postseason game in Michigan and one in Ontario played in domes) that mean nothing, but the importance of winning a playoff game, especially if you can upset a highly-ranked team with a big road win, and advancing to the championship, cannot be taken lightly.

In fact, once in the 1980’s and once in the 2000’s, there has been a team in the NCAA Tournament where at the start of the decade, the team did not field a football program, and that team advanced to the tournament very early in their careers. Georgia Southern, which hired Erk Russell (who was behind Georgia’s “Junkyard Dogs” defense) to run their new football program in 1982, was by 1985 a tournament team and became a SoCon force and National Championship winner of the 1980’s and early 1990’s, despite being a new program; their stadium is supported by the Paulson family of Gulfstream Aviation. Coastal Carolina, based in Conway, had its first class of seniors (began play in 2003; started recruiting in 2002 and redshirted all players) make the NCAA Tournament as an at-large (the Big South does not have the automatic bid) in 2006, and has their stadium endowed by the Brooks family of Hooters of America (including Eastern Foods, makers of Naturally Fresh salad dressing). I wonder if by the early 2010’s, if Old Dominion University in Virginia (recruiting for the Monarchs’ first football team begins this recruiting season; all players will be redshirted, and the first team plays in 2009) will be the same.

Oddly, South Florida (which started an FCS team in 1997, and moved to FBS in 2002; the Bulls’ head coach was hired in the recruiting-only year and has been with the program since the inception) did not make an FCS playoff in their time as an FCS team and only recently began playing FBS postseason games.

When Appalachian State and Delaware play Friday in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Game, they were not selected to the title by a poll of man, their peers, or computer power rankings. The Mountaineers and Blue Hens were the best two that came from a sixteen-team tournament that included conference champions and worthy teams, and earned their way to the NCAA Championship in three hard-fought playoff matches in the hardest conditions possible, that included the NCAA giving Delaware a shot at in-state rival Delaware State (automatic bid MEAC) of Dover in the first round, a match that took over 100 years to finally play.

When they take to the field in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Friday, they will truly play for the official NCAA Division I Football Championship, and the survivor can truly show why they hold the distinction as the true NCAA Champion as they will have defeated four teams in four weeks to determine the title, and not face any subjective polling to advance to such a game.

Lindsay Lohan Banned?

Lindsay Lohan Banned?

Earlier this week Fropki reported that Britney Spears had been banned from a night club. And now there are rumors that Lindsay Lohan has been barred from a hotel. What is the world coming to?

The "Mean Girls" actress has reportedly been banned from the Shutters on the Beach Hotel in Santa Monica, California. Apparently she spent three days holed up in the resort with then-boyfriend Riley Giles.

According to Star magazine, during their stay they drained the mini-bar and left dirty towels and cigarette butts all over their room.

"Staffers went into clean and were shocked. It was a pigpen. There was filth everywhere and the room stank of cigarette smoke. There was also a bloody syringe that someone left lying on the bedside table on a room service tray. Hotel security photographed it before calling someone to remove it because it was considered hazardous waste."

Whether or not the source is entirely accurate is still up for grabs, but this certainly doesn't bode well for the trying-to-recover actress.