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TiVo Guide Week of April 11, 2011

2011-04-12T19:48:00.000-07:00

"How I Met Your Mother" Marshall quits his job to volunteer for an environmental organization; and Ted and Zoey's opposing views on the Arcadia are troubling for their relationship. Monday at 8 on CBS.

"Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution" Jamie Oliver brings his Food Revolution to Los Angeles in the Season 2 opener, and things get off to a rough start when the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) refuses him access to their schools. Tuesday at 8 on ABC.

"Dancing With the Stars" The fourth-round results show. Tuesday at 9 on ABC.

"Game of Thrones" In the premiere of this adaptation of author George R.R. Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire" medieval fantasies, King Robert Baratheon journeys north to offer Lord Ned Stark an important position in his court after the death of a trusted mentor. Meanwhile, the exiled Prince Viserys Targaryen uses his sister, Daenerys, as a pawn in his plot to return to power. Sunday at 9 on HBO.

"TV Land Awards" Honorees for the ninth annual ceremony, which recognizes revered shows and stars from TV's past, include Regis Philbin (Legend Award); "Family Ties" (Fan Favorite Award); "The Cosby Show" (Impact Award); and "The Facts of Life" (Pop Culture Award). Also: Daryl Hall and John Oates receive the Music Icon Award; and "Welcome Back, Kotter" is feted with the 35th Anniversary Award. Sunday at 9 on TV Land.

MTV Movie Awards finalists

2011-04-11T16:34:00.001-07:00

Best Kiss
Amanda Crew & Zac Efron "Charlie St. Cloud"
Amanda Seyfried & Shiloh Fernandez "Red Riding Hood"
Amy Adams & Mark Wahlberg "The Fighter"
Angelina Jolie & Johnny Depp "The Tourist"
Anne Hathaway & Jake Gyllenhaal "Love and Other Drugs"
Drew Barrymore & Justin Long "Going the Distance"
Ellen Page & Joseph Gordon-Levitt "Inception"
Emily Blunt & Matt Damon "The Adjustment Bureau"
Emma Stone & Penn Badgley "Easy A"
Emma Watson & Daniel Radcliffe "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1"
Jennifer Aniston & Adam Sandler "Just Go With It"
Jim Carrey & Ewan McGregor "I Love You Phillip Morris"
Jonah Hill & Russell Brand "Get Him to the Greek"
Katherine Heigl & Josh Duhamel "Life as We Know It"
Kristen Stewart & Robert Pattinson "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse"
Kristen Stewart & Taylor Lautner "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse"
Lyndsy Fonseca & Aaron Johnson "Kick-Ass"
Minka Kelly & Cam Gigandet "The Roommate"
Natalie Portman & Ashton Kutcher "No Strings Attached"
Natalie Portman & Mila Kunis "Black Swan"

Best Fight
Amy Adams vs. The Sister "The Fighter"
Angelina Jolie vs. Liev Schreiber "Salt"
Bruce Willis vs. Karl Urban "Red"
Chloe Mortez vs. Mark Strong "Kick-Ass"
Daniel Radcliff & Rupert Grint vs. Helena Bonham Carter "Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows: Part 1"
Garrett Hedlund vs. Anis Cheufra "TRON: Legacy"
Jaden Smith vs. Zhenwai Wang "The Karate Kid"
Jake Gyllenhaal vs. Guards "Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time"
Jason Statham vs. David Leitch "The Mechanic"
Jeff Bridges vs. Jeff Bridges "TRON: Legacy"
Jeffrey Dean Morgan vs. Zoe Saldana "The Losers"
Joseph Gordon-Levitt vs. Subconcious "Inception"
Michael Cera vs. Jason Schwartzman "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World"
Robert Downey Jr. vs. Mickey Rourke "Iron Man 2"
Robert Pattinson vs. Bryce Dallas Howard & Xavier Samuel "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse"
Sam Worthington vs. The Kraken "Clash of the Titans"
Scarlett Johansson vs. Guards "Iron Man 2"
Seth Rogen vs. Jay Chou "The Green Hornet"
Tom Cruise vs. Airplane Passengers "Knight & Day"
Vince Vaughn vs. Channing Tatum "The Dilemma"

Best Villain
Ben Kingsley "Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time"
Billy Burke "Red Riding Hood"
Bryce Dallas Howard "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse"
Chloe Mortez "Let Me In"
Christoph Waltz "The Green Hornet"
Christopher Mintz-Plasse "Kick-Ass"
Dev Patel "The Last Airbender"
Jackie Earle Haley "A Nightmare on Elm Street"
Jason Schwartzman "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World"
Jeff Bridges "TRON: Legacy"
Leighton Meester "The Roommate"
Mark Strong "Kick-Ass"
Mickey Rourke "Iron Man 2"
Ned Beatty "Toy Story 3"
Ralph Fiennes "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1"
Ryan Phillippe "The Lincoln Lawyer"
Tom Felton "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1"
Val Kilmer "MacGruber"
Xavier Samuel "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse"

Best Jaw Dropping Moment
Adam Sandler, Chris Rock, David Spade, Kevin James & Rob Schneider "Grown Ups" Five old dudes take a whiz in the kiddie pool. So refreshing.
Ashley Bell "The Last Exorcism" A possessed Ashley Bell twists her spine more than a sippy straw.
Ben Stiller & Robert De Niro "Little Fockers" Stiller sticks a hypodermic needle in De Niro's "manhood." Cue family bonding.
Bradley Cooper "Limitless" The taste of your own enemy is darn tasty when it's filled with the right drug.
Chloe Mortez & Nicolas Cage "Kick-Ass" Poppa Nic gives his baby girl a taste of lead, so she can man up a bit.
Dwayne Johnson & Samuel L. Jackson "The Other Guys" Samuel L. and Dwayne can do anything, except survive a leap off a building.
James Franco "127 Hours" It's all fun and games 'til your arm is trapped, numb and bleeding under a rock.
Jonah Hill, Russell Brand & Sean "Diddy" Combs "Get Him to the Greek" Everything will be cool as long as you stroke the furry walls.
Justin Bieber "Justin Bieber: Never Say Never" Who knew a Bieber lap dance would only cost as much as movie ticket?
Leonardo DiCaprio & Ellen Page "Inception" Sometimes you have to blow apart a cafe to prove a point.
Natalie Portman "Black Swan" It begins with a hangnail, and suddenly you're ripping off your skin.
Nick Swardson "Just Go With It" Just a little "tongue and hump" and a sheep comes back to life.
Seth Rogen "Paul" An invasion of little green cheecks.
Sprague Grayden & Molly Ephraim "Paranormal Activity 2" Night vision + evil spirits + basement = lost lunch.
Steve-O "Jackass 3D" Steve-O flies through the air with the greatest of ease: in a Porta-Potty filled with feces.
Topher Grace "Take Me Home Tonight" Topher goes ballin' the best way: inside a large metal ball.
Will Forte & Ryan Phillippe "MacGruber" Will Forte takes down a few gun-totin' bad guys with a celery stalk. Chew on that!
Zach Galifianakis & Dog "Due Date" Zach and his French bulldog massage the magic stick.

Biggest Badass Star
Aaron Eckhart
Alex Pettyfer
Angelina Jolie
Ashton Kutcher
Chloe Mortez
Dwayne Johnson
Jackie Chan
Jaden Smith
Jake Gyllenhaal
Jason Statham
Jeff Bridges
Jeremy Renner
Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Mark Wahlberg
Milla Jovovich
Robert Downey Jr.
Russell Crowe
Sam Worthington
Scarlett Johansson
Tom Cruise
Tom Hardy

Best Scared-as-S**t Performance
Ashley Bell "The Last Exorcism"
Elias Koteas "Let Me In"
Ellen Page "Inception"
Jackie Earle Haley "A Nightmare on Elm Street"
James Franco "127 Hours"
Jessica Szohr "Piranha 3D"
Katie Cassidy "A Nightmare on Elm Street"
Kelly Brook "Piranha 3D"
Kodi Smit-McPhee "Let Me In"
Max Thieriot "My Soul to Take"
Minka Kelly "The Roommate"
Natalie Portman "Black Swan"
Renee Zellweger "Case 39"
Rhys Wakefield "Sanctum"
Rooney Mara "A Nightmare on Elm Street"
Ryan Reynolds "Buried"
Sprague Grayden "Paranormal Activity 2"

Best Line from a Movie
Aaron Johnson "Kick-Ass" "With no power, comes no responsibilty."
Alexys Nycole Sanchez "Grown Ups" "I want to get chocolate wasted!"
Armie Hammer "The Social Network" "I'm 6'5", 220 pounds and there are two of me."
Chloe Mortez "Kick-Ass" "You just contact the mayor's office. He has a special signal he shines in the sky; it's in the shape of a giant c***."
Danny Trejo "Machete" "Machete don't text."
Emma Stone & Amanda Bynes "Easy A" "There's a higher power that will judge you for your indecency." "Tom Cruise?"
Greta Gerwig "No Strings Attached" "It's like a crime scene in my pants."
Jackie Chan "The Karate Kid" "Your focus needs more focus."
Jeff Bridges "TRON: Legacy" "You're really ruining my Zen thing."
Jesse Eisenberg "The Social Network" "If you guys were the inventors of F******k, you'd have invented F******k."
Justin Timberlake & Andrew Garfield "The Social Netowrk" "...A million dollars isn't cool. You know what's cool?" "What?" "A billion dollars."
Leonardo DiCaprio "Inception" "What is the most resilient parasite? Bacteria? A virus? An intestinal worm? An idea."
Liam Neeson "Clash of the Titans" "Release the Kraken!"
Mark Wahlberg "The Other Guys" "I'm like a peacock; you gotta let me fly!"
Robert Pattinson "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse" "Doesn't he own a shirt?"
Sean "Diddy" Combs "Get Him to the Greek" "I've got six f*ckin' kids! Do you know how many Air Jordans six black kids wear?"
Steve Carell "Dinner for Schmucks" "When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade. Unless you don't have any water or sugar. And then you just eat the lemons, and the rind will give you diarrhea."
Taylor Launter "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse" "Let's face it, I'm hotter than you."
Tom Hardy "Inception" "You mustn't be afraid to dream bigger, darling." - Eames pulling out a gigantic machine gun that dwarfs Arthur's tiny firearm.
Will Ferrell "The Other Guys" "This meal is terrible... it tastes like roasted dog asshole. I asked myself, 'Who would slow roast a dog's asshole and feed it to me?' You would."

Best Female Breakout Star
Alyson Michalka "Easy A"
Ashley Bell "The Last Exorcism"
Bailee Madison "Just Go With It"
Brooklyn Decker "Just Go With It"
Chloe Mortez "Kick-Ass"
Christina Aguilera "Burlesque"
Dianna Agron "I Am Number Four"
Hailee Steinfeld "True Grit"
Jennifer Lawrence "Winter's Bone"
Jessica Szohr "Piranha 3D"
Jodelle Ferland "Case 39"
Joey King "Romana and Beezus"
Leighton Meester "The Roommate"
Mary Elizabeth Winstead "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World"
Minka Kelly "The Roommate"
Nicola Peltz "The Last Airbender"
Olivia Wilde "TRON: Legacy"
Rooney Mara "The Social Network"
Sharni Vinson "Step Up 3D"

Best Male Breakout Performance
Aaron Johnson "Kick-Ass"
Alex Pettyfer "I Am Number Four"
Andrew Garfield "The Social Network"
Armie Hammer "The Social Network"
Garrett Hedlund "TRON: Legacy"
Jackson Rathbone "The Last Airbender"
Jay Chou "The Green Hornet"
Josh Hutcherson "The Kids Are All Right"
Keir Gilchrist "It's Kind of a Funny Story"
Kodi Smit-McPhee "Let Me In"
Ne-Yo "Battle: Los Angeles"
Noah Ringer "The Last Airbender"
Rick Malambri "Step Up 3D"
Shiloh Fernandez "Red Riding Hood"
Tom Hardy "Inception"
Tom Sturridge "Waiting for Forever"
Xavier Samuel "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse"

Best Comedic Performance
Adam Sandler "Just Go With It"
Ashton Kutcher "No Strings Attached"
Ben Stiller "Little Fockers"
Chris Rock "Grown Ups"
Emma Stone "Easy A"
Jason Sudeikis "Hall Pass"
Jim Carrey "I Love You Phillip Morris"
Jonah Hill "Get Him to the Greek"
Mark Wahlberg "The Other Guys"
Martin Lawrence "Big Mommas: Like Father, Like Son"
Nick Frost "Paul"
Owen Wilson "Hall Pass"
Paul Rudd "Dinner for Schmucks"
Russell Brand "Get Him to the Greek"
Simon Pegg "Paul"
Sean "Diddy" Combs "Get Him to the Greek"
Steve Carell "Date Night"
Tina Fey "Date Night"
Tracy Morgan "Death at a Funeral"
Vince Vaughn "The Dilemma"
Will Ferrell "The Other Guys"
Zach Galifianakis "Due Date"

Best Female Performance
Amanda Seyfried "Red Riding Hood"
Amy Adams "The Fighter"
Angelina Jolie "The Tourist"
Anne Hathaway "Love and Other Drugs"
Blake Lively "The Town"
Cameron Diaz "The Green Hornet"
Ellen Page "Inception"
Emma Stone "Easy A"
Emma Watson "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows: Part 1"
Jennifer Aniston "Just Go With It"
Jennifer Lopez "The Back-Up Plan"
Kristen Stewart "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse"
Melissa Leo "The Fighter"
Michelle Williams "Blue Valentine"
Mila Kunis "Black Swan"
Milla Jovovich "Resident Evil: Afterlife"
Natalie Portman "Black Swan"
Scarlett Johansson "Iron Man 2"
Tina Fey "Date Night"
Zoe Saldana "The Losers"

Best Male Performance
Ashton Kutcher "No Strings Attached"
Bradley Cooper "Limitless"
Christian Bale "The Fighter"
Daniel Radcliffe "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1"
Jaden Smith "The Karate Kid"
Jake Gyllenhaal "Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time"
James Franco "127 Hours"
Jeremy Renner "The Town"
Jesse Eisenberg "The Social Network"
Johnny Depp "The Tourist"
Joseph Gordon-Levitt "Inception"
Justin Timberlake "The Social Network"
Leonardo DiCaprio "Inception"
Mark Wahlberg "The Fighter"
Matthew McConaughey "The Lincoln Lawyer"
Robert Downey Jr. "Iron Man 2"
Robert Pattinson "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse"
Rupert Grint "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1"
Seth Rogen "The Green Hornet"
Shia LaBeouf "Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps"
Taylor Lautner "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse"
Zac Efron "Charlie St. Cloud"

Best Movie
"127 Hours"
"Black Swan"
"Despicable Me"
"Easy A"
"The Fighter"
"Grown Ups"
"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1"
"Inception"
"Iron Man 2"
"Jackass 3D"
"The Karate Kid"
"Kick-Ass"
"Limitless"
"The Lincoln Lawyer"
"The Other Guys"
"Rango"
"Red Riding Hood"
"Scott Pilgrim vs. the World"
"The Social Network"
"Toy Story 3"
"TRON: Legacy"
"The Twilight Saga: Eclipse"

TiVo Guide Week of April 4, 2011 spoiler alert

2011-04-06T15:44:00.000-07:00

"American Idol" The finalists perform songs from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Guitar virtuoso Jeff Beck accompanies the contestants. Wednesday at 8 on Fox.

"Breaking In" In the premiere of this comedy about a high-tech security firm that protects clients by exposing their vulnerabilities, Contra boss Oz (Christian Slater) blackmails a perpetual college student-cum-computer hacker (Bret Harrison) to be his intern, but the newcomer is out of his league when he's tasked with stealing an expensive car from a dealer, and adjusting to an office full of eccentrics doesn't make life any easier. Adam Sandler is an executive producer. Wednesday at 9:30 on Fox.

"The Big Bang Theory" Sheldon and Amy spread gossip as part of an experiment; and Howard and Bernadette's relationship gets serious. Physicist Brian Greene has a cameo. Thursday at 8 on CBS.

"Merlin" Conclusion. The Season 3 finale finds Camelot crumbling under the control of Queen Morgana and Morgause's immortal army. While Arthur, Lancelot, Elyan and Percival prepare a counterattack, Merlin rushes to retrieve the Excalibur sword from the Lake of Avalon. Friday at 10 on Syfy.

WrestleMania XXVII card and picks

2011-04-03T08:58:00.000-07:00

WWE Title Match
John Cena vs. The Miz

No Holds Barred Match
Triple H vs. The Undertaker

World Heavyweight Title Match
Alberto Del Rio with Brodus Clay vs. Edge with Christian

Randy Orton vs. CM Punk

John Morrison, Trish Stratus and Snooki vs. Dolph Ziggler, Layla and Michelle McCool

Ezekiel Jackson, Heath Slater, Justin Gabriel and Wade Barrett vs. Big Show, Kane, Santino Marella and one other Superstar TBA

Rey Mysterio vs. Cody Rhodes

Special Referee: Steve Austin
Jerry Lawler vs. Michael Cole with Jack Swagger

WWE United States Title Match
Daniel Bryan vs. Sheamus

Well, here's what it comes down to, the World Series, Super Bowl, Stanley Cup Finals, NBA Finals, BCS National Championship Game and the NCAA Tournament Final all rolled into one if you're a wrestling fan. Last time I made picks for a WWE PPV, I was perfect to raise my record to 280-241. Now, I want to be sure that on WWE's biggets night, I succeed again. That's why tonight, I'm going with John Cena; Undertaker; Edge; Randy Orton; Dolph Ziggler, Layla & Michelle McCool; Ezekiel Jackson, Heath Slater, Justin Gabriel & Wade Barrett (subject to change); Rey Mysterio; Michael Cole; and Sheamus. Wish me luck.

TiVo Guide Week of March 28, 2011 spoiler alert

2011-03-28T16:45:00.000-07:00

"Nurse Jackie" Jackie is not too happy to hear that Eddie now considers Kevin a good friend and will not continue to lie to him. She is also unhappy to learn that Dr. O'Hara is seeking a new job because of her. And Mrs. Akalitus announces the hospital may receive a visit from the first lady. Monday at 10 on Showtime.

"Grey's Anatomy" As a momentous event hits Seattle Grace-Mercy West, Callie (who's about to undergo something big herself) imagines the hospital in a new way. Songs performed by the cast include "Chasing Cars," "How to Save a Life" and "The Story." Thursday at 9 on ABC.

"Camelot" A historical drama chronicling the Arthurian legend. In the series opener, King Uther dies, leaving young commoner Arthur as heir to the throne of England, where he is championed by the wizard Merlin but destined to tangle with his evil half sister, the sorceress Morgan. Friday at 10 on Starz.

TiVo Guide Week of March 21, 2011 spoiler alert

2011-03-21T15:07:00.000-07:00

"Pretty Little Liars" In the first-season finale, the girls recruit an unexpected ally to assist them in stopping "A." Monday at 8 on ABC Family.

"Hot in Cleveland" Elka finally goes on trial, but she'll have to rely on someone other than her lawyer to stay out of jail. Meanwhile, Joy does a favor for the First Lady of Ohio (Amy Sedaris) that makes the wrong kind of headlines. Wednesday at 10 on TV Land.

2011 NCAA Tournament predictions

2011-03-15T10:10:00.000-07:00

It's that time again, to fill those brackets and cry in agony when you see a No. 4 seed you picked to win it all go down to No. 13 seed in the first round. Anyways, here's my predictions for the Tournament. It will be light on opening weekend upsets, but rest assured, there were will be plenty of shockers.

First Round
Texas-San Antonio defeats Alabama State
UAB defeats Clemson
Virginia Commonwealth upsets USC
North Carolina-Asheville defeats Arkansas-Little Rock

Second Round
Ohio State defeats Texas-San Antonio
George Mason defeats Villanova
West Virginia defeats UAB
Kentucky defeats Princeton
Xavier defeats Marquette
Syracuse defeats Indiana State
Washington defeats Georgia
North Carolina defeats Long Island
Duke defeats Hampton
Michigan defeats Tennessee
Arizona defeats Memphis
Texas defeats Oakland
Cincinnati defeats Missouri
Connecticut defeats Bucknell
Penn State upsets Temple
San Diego State defeats Northern Colorado
Kansas defeats Boston University
UNLV defeats Illinois
Vanderbilt defeats Richmond
Lousiville defeats Morehead State
Georgetown defeats Virginia Commonwealth
Purdue defeats St. Peter's
Texas A&M defeats Florida State
Notre Dame defeats Akron
Pittsburgh defeats North Carolina-Asheville
Old Dominion upsets Butler
Kansas State defeats Utah State
Belmont upsets Wisconsin
Gonzaga upsets St. John's
Brigham Young defeats Wofford
UCLA defeats Michigan State
Florida defeats UC Santa Barbara

Third Round
Ohio State defeats George Mason
Kentucky defeats West Virginia
Xavier upsets Syracuse
Washington upsets North Carolina
Duke defeats Michigan
Arizona upsets Texas
Cincinnati upsets Connecticut
San Diego State defeats Penn State
Kansas defeats UNLV
Vanderbilt upsets Louisville
Purdue defeats Georgetown
Notre Dame defeats Texas A&M
Pittsburgh defeats Old Dominion
Kansas State defeats Belmont
Brigham Young defeats Gonzaga
Florida defeats UCLA

Sweet Sixteen
Ohio State defeats Kentucky
Washington upsets Xavier
Duke defeats Arizona
San Diego State defeats Cincinnati
Kansas defeats Vanderbilt
Purdue upsets Notre Dame
Kansas State upsets Pittsburgh
Florida defeats Brigham Young

Elite Eight
Ohio State defeats Washington
Duke defeats San Diego State
Kansas defeats Purdue
Kansas State upsets Florida

Final Four
Duke upsets Ohio State
Kansas defeats Kansas State

Championship Game
Duke upsets Kansas

Elimination Chamber results

2011-03-15T10:08:00.001-07:00

Things had a way of working out for me during the Elimination Chamber PPV. I went 5-0 on the night, boosting my all-time record to 280-241. John Cena, Edge, The Miz, Heath Slater & Justin Gabriel, and Alberto Del Rio all won, giving me a perfect night. Next up, WrestleMania XXVII. See ya then.

TiVo Guide Week of March 14, 2011 spoiler alert

2011-03-15T09:43:00.000-07:00

"Glee" The glee kids face stiff competition from the Warblers and Aural Intensity (coached by Sue) at the Regionals, so to impress judges Tammy Jean Albertson (Kathy Griffin) and Sister Mary Constance (Loretta Devine), they decide to perform original material. Meanwhile, Quinn wants to win Finn back to regain her standing at McKinley High. Tuesday at 8 on Fox.

"Justified" Three robbers, led by an aging ex-con who has emphysema and a history with Art, hold up a bank while Winona is in it. Meanwhile, the marshals question Boyd and Ava about the robbery at the coal-mine office. Wednesday at 10 on FX.

"Parks and Recreation" The fate of the Parks Department rests on the success of the Harvest Festival, which is plagued by last-minute problems, including a Wamapoke tribal leader who threatens to put a curse on the event. Thursday at 9:30 on NBC.

"30 Rock" Angie's reality show visits "TGS," resulting in a red-faced situation for Jack, Jenna pining for attention, and Liz leading a scheme to lure Tracy back from Africa. Meanwhile, Frank reconnects with a lost love. Susan Sarandon guest stars. Thursday at 10 on NBC.

TiVo Guide Week of March 7, 2011 spoiler alert

2011-03-07T17:34:00.000-08:00

"The Bachelor: The Women Tell All" Ashley S., Melissa and Michelle are among the rejected bachelorettes who confront each other and Brad, who also reviews the season and previews the finale with host Chris Harrison. Monday at 8 on ABC.

"Raising Hope" Jimmy's cousin Mike returns from a six-month spiritual journey with a new wife (Mary Lynn Rajskub) and a trio of brother-husbands. Meanwhile, Burt tries to help his brother (J.K. Simmons) fix his troubled father-son relationship with Mike. Tuesday at 9:01 on Fox.

"America's Next top Model" The models receive makeovers and are styled by fashion expert Lori Goldstein. At the photo shoot, the girls wear couture dresses and are photographed in small groups. At panel, one person is eliminated. Wednesday at 9 on The CW.

"The Big Bang Theory" Leonard has a tough choice to make when Priya asks him to stop spending time with Penny, forcing him to choose between the two women; and Howard keeps pestering Sheldon with a magic trick. Thursday at 9 on CBS.

"Fringe" The team investigates a gang of thieves who can defy gravity; Walter assesses the harm he's caused to the fabric of the universe. Friday at 9 on Fox.

TiVo Guide Week of February 28, 2011 spoiler alert

2011-03-01T15:55:00.000-08:00

"The Bachelor" Brad, Ashley H., Chantal and Emily visit South Africa, where the modes of transportation range from helicopter to elephant, and accommodations include a tree house for two (accessible only by fantasy-suite card). But one dinner isn't as romantic as Brad had hoped it would be, and after he pares the field to the two finalists, all three head to Cape Town for a meeting with his family. The 12th-season competitors on "Dancing With the Stars" are announced during the show. Monday at 8 on ABC.

"Gossip Girl" Ben's mom complicates things for Ben and Serena. Meanwhile, Eric and Serena's dad returns to town; and Raina opposes Russell's plans to dismantle the Bass family legacy. Monday at 9 on The CW.

"Bethenny Ever After" Bethenny and Jason try to be Hoppy together in the Season 2 opener. The couple take a trip with baby Bryn to Jason's hometown in Pennsylvania, but the rural environs prove to be a culture shock for Bethenny. Worse, dinner with Jason's parents turns tense when the parents desire more quality time with Bryn. Monday at 10 on Bravo.

"American Idol" The semifinal round resumes with the Top 12 female vocalists taking the stage. Wednesday at 8 on Fox.

"Mr. Sunshine" Ben wants his employees to like him, but his program to make that happen backfires. Meanwhile, Crystal invites Alice and Alonzo on a double date with her new boyfriend, and Ben assigns Heather to find a new halftime entertainer when the arena's mascot quits. Wednesday at 9:31 on ABC.

TiVo Guide Week of February 21, 2011 spoiler alert

2011-02-24T18:12:00.001-08:00

"America's Next Top Model" The 16th season begins with 14 models moving into a Los Angeles penthouse and meeting model Erin Wasson before attempting to walk a runway in a large plastic bubble over a pool of water. At panel, one contestant is eliminated. Wednesday at 9 on The CW.

"83rd Academy Awards" James Franco and Anne Hathaway host the 83rd annual ceremonies, telecast from the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood. "The King's Speech" leads the nominees with 12, including Best Picture. The other nominees for Best Picture are "Black Swan," "The Fighter," "Inception," "The Kids Are All Right," "127 Hours," "The Social Network," "Toy Story 3," "True Grit" and "Winter's Bone." Sunday at 8:30 on ABC.

2011 Oscar Nominees

2011-02-20T11:48:00.001-08:00

Posted here because I got beat to the punch on CSSA.

Picture
"127 Hours"
"Black Swan"
"The Fighter"
"Inception"
"The Kids Are All Right"
"The King's Speech"
"The Social Network"
"Toy Story 3"
"True Grit"
"Winter's Bone"

Director
Darren Aronofsky "Black Swan"
Coen brothers "True Grit"
David Fincher "The Social Network"
Tom Hooper "The King's Speech"
David O. Russell "The Fighter"

Lead Actor
Javier Bardem "Biutiful"
Jeff Bridges "True Grit"
Jesse Eisenberg "The Social Network"
Colin Firth "The King's Speech"
James Franco "127 Hours"

Lead Actress
Annette Bening "The Kids Are All Right"
Nicole Kidman "Rabbit Hole"
Jennifer Lawrence "Winter's Bone"
Natalie Portman "Black Swan"
Michelle Williams "Blue Valentine"

Supporting Actor
Christian Bale "The Fighter"
John Hawkes "Winter's Bone"
Jeremy Renner "The Town"
Mark Ruffalo "The Kids Are All Right"
Geoffrey Rush "The King's Speech"

Supporting Actress
Amy Adams "The Fighter"
Helena Bonham Carter "The King's Speech"
Melissa Leo "The Fighter"
Hailee Steinfeld "True Grit"
Jacki Weaver "Animal Kingdom"

Original Screenplay
Stuart Blumberg and Lisa Cholodenko "The Kids Are All Right"
Eric Johnson, Scott Silver and Paul Tamasy "The Fighter"
Mike Leigh "Another Year"
Christopher Nolan "Inception"
David Seidler "The King's Speech"

Adapted Screenplay
Michael Arndt, John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton and Lee Unkrich "Toy Story 3"
Simon Beaufoy and Danny Boyle "127 Hours"
Coen brothers "True Grit"
Debra Granik and Anne Rosellini "Winter's Bone"
Aaron Sorkin "The Social Network"

Animated Feature
"How to Train Your Dragon"
"The Illusionist"
"Toy Story 3"

Foreign Language Film
"Biutiful" Mexico
"Dogtooth" Greece
"In a Better World" Denmark
"Incendies" Canada
"Outside the Law" Algeria

Elimination Chamber card & picks

2011-02-20T11:39:00.000-08:00

RAW Elimination Chamber - Winner Goes to WrestleMania
John Cena vs. CM Punk vs. Randy Orton vs. Sheamus vs. John Morrison vs. R-Truth

SmackDown Elimination Chamber for the World Heavyweight Title
Edge vs. Rey Mysterio vs. Wade Barrett vs. Kane vs. Drew McIntyre

WWE Title Match
Jerry Lawler vs. The Miz

WWE Tag Team Title Match
Heath Slater and Justin Gabriel vs. Santino Marella and Vladimir Kozlov

Alberto Del Rio vs. Kofi Kingston

To say the least, I NEED this win. After my horrible performance at Royal Rumble, a series of wins tonight at Elimination Chamber would do be a world of good. My record stands at 275-241 and I will do anything to reverse this losing trend. With that said, my picks for tonight are John Cena, Edge, The Miz, Heath Slater & Justin Gabriel, and Alberto Del Rio. Wish me luck.

Royal Rumble results

2011-02-19T11:54:00.000-08:00

Could the Royal Rumble have been a bigger disaster for me than it could have been? Yes, I could have missed all four matches. Fortunately, I got one right, but that the only silver lining in my 1-3 performance. My record is down to 275-241. I got to say thank you to Edge for picking up the only win I had. However, I choose to shun Natalya for losing and Randy Orton is dead to me for losing twice. (Note: When Layla & Michelle McCool vs. Natalya became Eve vs. Layla vs. Michelle McCool vs. Natalya, I decided to stick with my guns. Thanks, Eve, thanks a lot. And when the Royal Rumble match became Alberto Del Rio vs. Alex Riley vs. Big Show vs. Booker T vs. Chavo Guerrero vs. Chris Masters vs. CM Punk vs. Daniel Bryan vs. David Otunga vs. Diesel vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. Drew McIntyre vs. Ezekiel Jackson vs. Heath Slater vs. Hornswoggle vs. Husky Harris vs. Jack Swagger vs. John Cena vs. John Morrison vs. JTG vs. Justin Gabriel vs. Kane vs. Kofi Kingston vs. Mark Henry vs. Mason Ryan vs. Michael McGillicutty vs. R-Truth vs. Randy Orton vs. Rey Mysterio vs. Santino Marella vs. Sheamus vs. Ted DiBiase vs. The Great Khali vs. Tyler Reks vs. Tyson Kidd vs. Vladimir Kozlov vs. Wade Barrett vs. William Regal vs. Yoshi Tatsu vs. Zack Ryder, I changed my pick from CM Punk to Randy Orton. Either way, I was screwed. Curse you, Alberto Del Rio.) Well, I hope things get better tomorrow for the Elimination Chamber.

TiVo Guide Week of Febraury 14, 2011 spoiler alert

2011-02-15T16:03:00.001-08:00

"How I Met Your Mother" Valentine's Day plans include Lily surprising Marshall, Robin bonding with girlfriends, and Ted and Zoey figuring out where they stand in their relationship. Meanwhile, Barney calls Feb. 13 "Desperation Day," a holiday for desperate women. Monday at 8 on CBS.

"The Good Wife" Diane represents a young Internet billionaire who sues a film studio for allegedly defaming him in a movie. Meanwhile, Alicia confronts Will about the message he left on her voice mail months earlier. Rita Wilson and F. Murray Abraham guest star. Tuesday at 10 on CBS.

"Who Do You Think You Are?" Rosie O'Donnell explores her ancestry by focusing on her late mother's life. Her familial sleuthing directs her to Jersey City, N.J., and then Ireland, where she uncovers various hardships faced by her family. Friday at 8 on NBC.

TiVo Guide Week of February 7, 2011 spoiler alert

2011-02-10T15:30:00.000-08:00

"Human Target" In the second-season finale, Chance digs into the past of Ilsa's deceased husband, but the unsavory details of lies and deceit he discovers may cause irreparable damage to the team. Wednesday at 9 on Fox.

"Justified" While tracking down a man wanted for making unwanted advances on a 14-year-old girl (Kaitlyn Dever), Raylan renews acquaintances with the matriarch (Margo Martindale) of the Rabbit Holler crime family, and her sons (Jeremy Davies, Joseph Lyle Taylor and Brad William Henke). Meanwhile, Boyd Crowder sneaks out of the hospital where he's being treated for gunshot wounds and is once again on the loose. Wednesday at 10 on FX.

"Parks and Recreation" Tom gets revenge on Ron by going out with Ron's ex-wife, Tammy (Megan Mullally). Meanwhile, April is assigned to work with Chris. Thursday at 9:30 on NBC.

"Fringe" In the alternate universe, the Fringe team is forced to adjust to Col. Broyles' absence during an investigation of a bioterrorist who unleashes a flesh-eating insect. Meanwhile, Secretary Bishop finds his limitations tested; and Olivia reunites with her boyfriend. Friday at 9 on Fox.

"Real Housewives of Atlanta" Andy Cohen oversees Part 1 of a two-part reunion featuring the Atlanta wives recounting the dramas of Season 3. Sunday at 10 on Bravo.

TiVo Guide Week of January 31, 2011 spoiler alert

2011-02-01T20:11:00.000-08:00

"Pretty Little Liars" Emily returns to the swim team and faces competition from a jealous teammate. Elsewhere, Aria and Ezra attempt to go on a date in public; and Spencer confronts an ugly part of her past when she asks Jason for some details about the night Ali died. Monday at 8 on ABC Family.

Royal Rumble card and picks

2011-01-30T15:02:00.000-08:00

WWE Title Match
Randy Orton vs. The Miz

World Heavyweight Title Match
Dolph Ziggler vs. Edge

WWE Divas Title Match
Michelle McCool & Layla vs. Natalya

40-Man Royal Rumble Match

Confirmed: Alberto Del Rio, Big Show, Chris Masters, CM Punk, Daniel Bryan, Darren Young, David Hart Smith, David Otunga, Drew McIntyre, Ezekiel Jackson, Heath Slater, Husky Harris, Jack Swagger, John Cena, John Morrison, JTG, Justin Gabriel, Kane, Kofi Kingston, Mark Henry, Mason Ryan, Michael McGillicutty, Primo, R-Truth, Rey Mysterio, Santino Marella, Sheamus, Ted DiBiase, Tyson Kidd, Vladimir Kozlov, Wade Barrett, William Regal, Yoshi Tatsu and Zack Ryder.

Rumored or Expected: Christian, Evan Bourne, Kevin Nash, Booker T, Hacksaw Jim Duggan, Triple H

I have had a world of trouble in the past succeeding in the Royal Rumble, especially in the big match itself, but I feel as though this is the year I will finally succeed in getting a winning record in the Royal Rumble and FINALLY picking the winner of the Royal Rumble match. At present, my record is 274-238, so I feel I can win big tonight. That's why I'm going with Randy Orton, Edge, Natalya, and CM Punk (depending on who takes the vacant spots, of course). Wish me luck.

TiVo Guide Week of January 24, 2011 spoiler alert

2011-01-26T12:33:00.000-08:00

"Lights Out" While Johnny tries to persuade promoter Barry Word (Reg E. Cathey) to give the gym's top fighter (Pedro Pascal) a title shot, Lights' daughters prepare a scrapbook for their father's 40th birthday party. Meanwhile, police discover that the MP3 player found on the body of a murdered robber belongs to Lights. Tuesday at 10 on FX.

"The Office" When Andy falls into a sales slump, he desperately hosts a small business seminar featuring special guests. Before long, the event turns into an opportunity for Michael and Holly (Amy Ryan) to showcase their improv-comedy flair (or lack thereof). Elsewhere, Erin and Gabe compete in a game of Scrabble. Thursday at 9 on NBC.

"Supernatural" Virgins mysteriously disappear, and Dean and Bobby learn that dragons are responsible for the kidnappings. Dean seeks out a weapon to slay the beasts, but he must prove himself worthy before he can claim it. Meanwhile, Death tries to restore Sam's soul. Friday at 9 on The CW.

"Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" A family who lost a teenage daughter in a texting-while-driving accident has a new home built for them. Justin Bieber, Emma Roberts and NASCAR's Carl Edwards and Greg Biffle volunteer. Sunday at 8 on ABC.

TiVo Guide Week of January 17, 2011 spoiler alert

2011-01-18T14:45:00.001-08:00

"Skins" Tony offers to help Stanley lose his virginity in the premiere of the American adaptation of the popular British teen drama. Monday at 10 on MTV.

"American Idol" Part 1 of 2. The talent contest opens Season 10 with auditions. New judges Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler join returning arbiter Randy Jackson; music impresario Jimmy Iovine serves as the new in-house mentor. Wednesday at 8 on Fox.

"Hot in Cleveland" In the second-season premiere, Elka is behind bars with an ornery cellmate (Mary Tyler Moore) while her friends try to find the money to bail her out, but their quest is made more difficult when Victoria is hit by a financial crisis and Joy gets in trouble with the INS. Wednesday at 10 on TV Land.

"Parks and Recreation" Season 3 opens as Leslie enlists Ann's help in persuading state auditors Chris (Rob Lowe) and Ben (Adam Scott) to give the Parks Department more money. Elsewhere, Ron and Andy start coaching youth basketball; and April returns with some surprising news. Thursday at 9:30 on NBC.

"Fairly Legal" Lawyer-turned-mediator Kate Reed (Sarah Shahi) tries to save her recently deceased father's firm in the premiere of this series following Kate's attempts to solve others' problems, as well as her own. The firm's fate rests on the resolution of a dispute between a clothing magnate and his son, who's set to inherit his father's business. Thursday at 10 on USA.

I'll explain this later...

2011-01-14T14:16:00.001-08:00

TiVo Guide Week of January 10, 2011 spoiler alert

2011-01-11T15:12:00.000-08:00

"The Bachelor" The 20 survivors of the opening cocktail party move into the Malibu mansion. Three will soon move out, following Brad's consultations with 2010 "Bachelorette" Ali Fedotowsky and Roberto Martinez, the bachelor she chose. But first there's a Train concert at the Hollywood Bowl and pampering at a Beverly Hills hotel for Brad and one contestant, and visit to a carnival for Brad and another. And Brad shoots a Red Cross Blood Donor Month public-service announcement with 15 of the other bachelorettes. Monday at 8 on ABC.

"The Good Wife" A client's son is accused of murder and Alicia tries to turn the young man against his girlfriend, who is also accused of the crime. Meanwhile, Diane asks Alicia to make a tough decision regarding the law firm's split. Tuesday at 10 on CBS.

"Human Target" Ilsa's sister-in-law is in danger when a hostage crisis interrupts an evening at the opera; Guerrero winds up in jail after he's framed for a friend's murder. Wednesday at 8 on Fox.

"Off the Map" In the premiere of this drama about doctors trying to rediscover their passion for medicine, three physicians arrive in a remote South American village to work at a bare-bones clinic started by a former wunderkind surgeon (Martin Henderson). Wednesday at 10 on ABC.

"Big Love" In the fifth-season premiere, the ugly aftermath of Bill's election victory---and revelation of polygamy---begins as the Henricksons suffer indignities in the schoolyard, at Home Plus and in the halls of the Utah state senate. Meanwhile, Alby returns to Juniper Creek from his exile in the desert. Sunday at 9 on HBO.

She's baaaaaaaaack!

2011-01-11T15:10:00.000-08:00

Britney Spears is back with a new jam called "Hold It Against Me" and it is awesome! If you don't believe me, take a listen for yourself and be the judge:

TiVo Guide Week of January 3, 2011 spoiler alert

2011-01-03T16:53:00.000-08:00

"Pretty Little Liars" Hanna is taken to the hospital in the wake of the hit-and-run, and her friends lean on each other and retrace everything that's happened to them since "A" entered their lives. Monday at 8 on ABC Family.

"Biggest Loser: Couples" Eleven teams of two begin the competition in the Season 11 premiere. The players must choose whether to work out with Bob and Jillian or two new unknown trainers. Contestants who opt for the new trainers receive four weeks of immunity and work out in a location away from the ranch. Tuesday at 8 on NBC.

"V" Riots erupt during the fourth day of the red sky; Ryan briefly reunites with his offspring before he returns to Earth; Marcus warns Anna about a scientist and conveys that there are doubts about her ability to lead in the Season 2 premiere. Tuesday at 9 on ABC.

"Grey's Anatomy" A mass shooting at a nearby college reopens some not-so-old wounds at the hospital. Meanwhile, Arizona returns to a welcome that's less than warm. Thursday at 9 on ABC.

"Shameless" The premiere of a series following the escapades of a hard-partying Chicago father (William H. Macy) who provides no guidance to his dysfunctional brood of six. First up: daughter Fiona has her purse snatched but manages to make the acquaintance of a handsome young man, and Lip discovers an unsettling secret about younger brother Ian. Sunday at 10 on Showtime.

In Memory of 2010's Fallen Entertainers

2011-01-01T07:28:00.000-08:00

David Gerber
July 25, 1923-January 2, 2010
David Gerber, an Emmy-winning producer and executive behind series such as Batman and thirtysomething, has died, according to The Hollywood Reporter. He was 86.

Gerber's work on the small screen dates back to the '70s in the TV division of 20th Century Fox. Gerber's producing credits include Police Story and Police Woman as well as TV movies as recent as 2006's Flight 93.

During his lengthy career, Gerber received a Peabody and Golden Globe as well as accolades from the American Film Institute and the Caucus of Producers, Writers and Directors. Following his tenure as president of the TV division at 20th Century Fox, Gerber also served as president of the TV divisions at Columbia Pictures and MGM. He was responsible for notable programs such as In the Heat of the Night and Room 222, too.

Gerber — who died Saturday at Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center — hailed from Brooklyn and graduated from the University of the Pacific. Before making a name for himself in Hollywood, Gerber served in World War II in the U.S. Air Corps and was held as a prisoner of war for 13 months.

Gerber is survived by his wife, Laraine.

Casey Johnson
September 24, 1979-January 4, 2010
Casey Johnson, the heiress to the Johnson & Johnson fortune to whom internet celebrity Tila Tequila claimed to be engaged, has died, TVGuide.com has confirmed.

The Los Angeles County Police and Fire Departments both responded to what they call an "ambulance death investigation" at 11:51am. The LAFD pronounced Johnson dead at her home on Monday morning.

"It appears to be a natural death," said Officer Sara Faden of the LAPD. "There's no evidence of foul play. Of course, there will be a toxicology report from the coroner's office." Johnson's body is currently at the coroner's office.

Johnson, 30, was the openly gay daughter of New York Jets owner Woody Johnson and the great-granddaughter of the founder of the pharmaceutical giant. "The Johnson family is mourning its tragic loss, and asks for privacy during this very difficult time," a family spokesperson said in a statement.

At the age of 8, Johnson was diagnosed with diabetes. At 14, she co-wrote a book with her father called Managing Your Child's Diabetes. Johnson later appeared in shows like The Fabulous Life of... and E! True Hollywood Story. More recently, Johnson was arrested on charges of grand theft auto. In December, Tequila, whose real name is Tina Nguyen, said that she was engaged to Johnson.

Johnson is survived by a daughter, Ava, whom she adopted from Kazakhstan in 2007.

Jay Reatard
May 1, 1980-Jaunary 13, 2010
Garage-punk musician Jay Reatard was found dead at his Memphis home Wednesday. He was 29.

"It is with great sadness that we report the passing of our good friend Jay Reatard," read a statement from his record label, Goner Records. "Jay died in his sleep last night. We will pass along information about funeral arrangements when they are made public."

A cause of death not yet been determined.

Born Jimmy Lindsey Jr. and raised in Memphis' garage-rock scene, Reatard started his recording career in his teens, releasing several records with the bands The Reatards and the Lost Sounds, in the late 1990s. He also spent time with other side project bands, including Nervous Patterns, The Final Solutions, Bad Times and Digital Terror Visions, giving him a prolific output of 22 full-length albums and over 100 releases, according to his website.

In 2006, Reatard, who was known for his eccentric stage antics, released Blood Visions to critical acclaim. Pitchfork magazine named it No. 200 on its list of the top 200 albums of the 2000s.

His final album, Watch Me Fall, was released in August 2009 under his new label, Matador Records, and earned rave reviews.

"We are devastated by the death of Jimmy Lee Lindsey Jr., aka Jay Reatard," Matador Records said in a statement. "Jay was as full of life as anyone we've ever met, and responsible for so many memorable moments as a person and artist. We're honored to have known and worked with him, and we will miss him terribly."

Reatard is survived by his mother, Devonna May; his father, Jimmy Lindsey; and his sisters Leslie Lindsey, Stephanie Duncan and Gara May.

Teddy Pendergrass
March 26, 1950-Jaunary 13, 2010
Teddy Pendergrass, the soul and R&B icon behind such hits as "Love TKO" and "Joy" who continued a thriving musical career after a car accident that left him paralyzed, has died. He was 59.

Pendergrass died Wednesday from colon cancer at Bryn Mawr Hospital near Philadelphia, his son, Teddy Pendergrass II, told the Philadelphia Inquirer. Pendergrass underwent colon cancer surgery eight months ago and had a difficult recovery, his son said.

"To all his fans who loved his music, thank you," he said. "He will live on through his music."

A Philadelphia native, Pendergrass started his career as a drummer for The Cadillacs in the 1970s, but first found fame as the lead singer of Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, belting out such hits as "I Miss You" and "If You Don't Know Me By Now."

After leaving the Blue Notes in 1976, Pendergrass embarked on a successful solo career, releasing a string of hit albums and love ballads, including "Close the Door," Love TKO" and "I Don't Love You Anymore."

In 1982, Pendergrass crashed his Rolls-Royce in Philadelphia and suffered spinal cord injury, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down. He later established the Teddy Pendergrass Alliance to help those with spinal cord injuries.

He resumed his career after completing physical therapy to record the album Love Language — which features "Hold Me," a duet with Whitney Houston — and returned to the stage at Live Aid in 1985, performing in his wheelchair.

Pendergrass, who steadily recorded through the 1980s and 1990s, released his last album, Love Songs Collection in 2004.

Gaines Adams
June 8, 1983-January 17, 2010
Gaines Adams, a defensive end with the Chicago Bears, died Sunday after he was taken to a Greenwood, S.C., emergency room, the county coroner told ESPN.

Greenwood County Coroner James T. Coursey said Adams was taken to the regional hospital, where he was pronounced dead at Sunday morning.

Coursey said the preliminary autopsy indicated Adams died of cardiac arrest caused by an enlarged heart.

Adams, 26, listed at 6-foot-5 and 256 pounds, played in college at Clemson and was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2007 NFL draft. He was traded to the Bears in October.

"I remember him at the 2007 draft as a fine young man," NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said. "Our condolences to Gaines' family, his teammates on the Bears and Buccaneers, and their organizations on their loss."

Jennifer Lyon
February 27, 1972-January 19, 2010
Jennifer "Jenn" Lyon, a finalist on Survivor: Palau, died Tuesday after her battle with cancer, CBS said. Lyon was 37.

"Jenn died at home in Oregon at 11:19 p.m. on Jan. 19. She had been battling breast cancer for the last five plus years," Survivor: Vanautu and Survivor: Micronesia Fans vs. Favorite cast member Eliza Orlins told TVGuide.com. "She had beaten it into remission once, but then it came back and was in her bones."

Lyon, who finished in fourth place during the tenth season of the CBS reality show in 2005, was diagnosed with stage-three breast cancer two months after the show wrapped.

"In the summer of 2004, I felt something in my right breast that didn't feel normal," Lyon told People in Oct. 2005. "I thought it was probably scar tissue related to my breast implants. So I let it go—for a long time."

Lyon said she opted to get a modified, radical bilateral mastectomy that summer, removing both breasts and 29 lymph nodes.

"The whole time she maintained a positive attitude. She was truly an amazing girl and I was lucky to know her," Orlins said. "Even just last week when I saw her at the 10-year reunion, we were all laughing and she had her same glowing smile on her face."

Orlins also said that despite Lyon's condition, she was still actively involved in the fight against breast cancer and hosted several fundraising events. She recently opened a Christmas tree lot in Los Angeles that promised 10 percent of its proceeds would go to breast cancer research.

"She was an inspiration," said Orlins. "Jenn brought more good to this world in her almost 38 years than most will in a lifetime."

James Mitchell
February 29, 1920-January 22, 2010
All My Children actor James Mitchell died Friday of lung disease complicated by pneumonia, ABC announced. He was 89.

A Sacramento, Calif., native, Mitchell played patriarch Palmer Cortlandt on the ABC soap opera for three decades. Mitchell had most recently appeared on the series' 40th anniversary special on Jan. 5.

Before moving to Pine Valley, Mitchell spent many years on Broadway as a trained dancer. He starred in musicals such as Billion Dollar Baby, Carousel, Funny Girl and The King and I, in addition to performing with the American Ballet Theater. Mitchell's other screen work included films such as The Turning Point, The Band Wagon, and Oklahoma! and other TV series like Charlie's Angels.

Outside of his work on All My Children from 1979 to 2009, Mitchell taught theater students and actors at Yale and Drake Universities. Mitchell is survived by his longtime partner, Albert Wolsky.

Jean Simmons
January 31, 1929-Jaunary 22, 2010
Jean Simmons, whose film career spanned from 1944 to 2008, died Friday after battling lung cancer, the Los Angeles Times reported. She was 80.

Originally from London, Simmons shared the screen with many of Hollywood's leading men, including Gregory Peck, Spencer Tracy, Kirk Douglas and Laurence Olivier.

The actress played Ophelia opposite Olivier in his 1948 adaptation of Hamlet and she famously starred alongside Marlon Brando in the 1955 musical Guys and Dolls, for which she won a Golden Globe. Simmons' work in Hamlet earned her an Academy Award nomination for best supporting actress. She received a second Oscar nomination (for best actress) for 1969's The Happy Ending. Simmons' other film work included The Robe, The Actress and Spartacus.

Beyond the big screen, Simmons starred in the Stephen Sondheim musical A Little Night Music, with which she toured across the country and also brought the production to London.

Later in her career, she appeared on TV shows such as Murder, She Wrote and Star Trek: The Next Generation following her Emmy-winning turn in the 1983 TV miniseries The Thorn Birds. She had recently voiced the grandmother character in Howl's Moving Castle.

Simmons married Stewart Granger in 1950 and they had a daughter in 1956. After divorcing in 1960, she married director Richard Brooks the same year. They also had a daughter before divorcing in 1977.

In 1987, Brooks told People magazine, "Every man I would meet would say to me, 'I have always loved your wife,'" who was considered one of the great screen beauties of her generation.

Simmons is survived by her daughters, Tracy Granger and Kate Brooks.

Pernell Roberts
May 18, 1928-January 24, 2010
Pernell Roberts, the last surviving member of Bonanza's cast, has died of cancer, the Los Angeles Times reported. He was 81.

He died Sunday at his Malibu home, wife Eleanor Criswell told the paper.

He played the eldest son of the ranching family headed by Ben Cartwright (Lorne Greene). But he left the top-rated series because he didn't like the development — or lack thereof — of his character.

"They told me the four characters (Greene, himself and Dan Blocker and Michael Landon as his brothers) would be carefully defined and the scripts carefully prepared," he told The Associated Press in 1964. "None of it ever happened."

It bothered him that a man in his 30s had to be so deferential to his widowed father. Roberts fulfilled his six-year contract, then left the series in 1965.

Bonanza, which started in 1959, continued until 1973, making it second to Gunsmoke as the longest-running Western on network television. (Blocker died in 1972, Greene in 1987 and Landon in 1991.)

After appearing for years as guests on other series, Roberts eventually got another TV series: Trapper John, M.D. in 1979. His title role was a much older version of the M*A*S*H character played by Wayne Rogers. It aired until 1986.

Zelda Rubinstein
May 28, 1933-Jaunary 27, 2010
Zelda Rubinstein — famous for her role as the psychic in 1982's Poltergeist — has died, according to her agent, Eric Stevens. She was 76.

Rubinstein died Wednesday at Barlow Respiratory Hospital in Los Angeles, The Los Angeles Times reported. Rubinstein was hospitalized about two months ago after suffering a mild heart attack "She had ongoing health issues and unfortunately they finally overtook her," Stevens told the paper.

The Pittsburgh native made her film debut in the 1981 Chevy Chase film Under the Rainbow. A year later, the 4-foot-3 actress broke through in Poltergeist. In the horror film — and its two sequels — Rubinstein played a spiritual medium who comes to help push demonic forces out of a suburban family home.

Other notable roles included films such as Sixteen Candles, Teen Witch and Southland Tales. On the small screen, Rubinstein guest-starred on sitcoms like Caroline in the City and starred on the David E. Kelley drama Picket Fences in the mid '90s. She most recently made a cameo in the 2007 horror film Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon.

Beyond her acting career, Rubinstein was known for her activism. In 1985, she appeared in a series of Los Angeles-based TV and print ads directed toward gay men about promoting safe sex and AIDS awareness. Rubinstein also fought for little people looking to break into show business and formed the Michael Dunn Memorial Repertory Theater Company, named after the Oscar nominee of the same name. (Dunn made a splash on television as a recurring villain, Dr. Miguelito Loveless, on the 1960s series The Wild Wild West.)

Rubinstein has no immediate surviving family members.

J. D. Salinger
January 1, 1919-January 27, 2010
J.D. Salinger, the enigmatic, reclusive author of The Catcher in the Rye, has died. He was 91.

Salinger died Wednesday of natural causes at his Cornish, N.H., home, his son said, according to The Associated Press.

Published in 1951, Catcher became one of the most influential novels in modern American literature for its disaffected tale of teenage angst, seen through the eyes of protagonist Holden Caulfield, the anti-hero who despised "phonies" in an adult world and subsequently became an icon of teen rebellion.

Born Jan. 1, 1919 in Manhattan, the son of a Jewish cheese salesman and an Irish-Scottish mother, Salinger grew up in the city before attending Valley Forge Military Academy at age 15, where he wrote stories at night under the covers. In 1940, he published his first story, "The Young Folks," about selfish young adults, in Whit Burnett's Story magazine after impressing Burnett in his Columbia University writing class. After publishing several more stories, he served in the Army from 1942-1946, during which he continued to write and submit stories.

One of the stories, "Slight Rebellion Off Madison," published by The New Yorker in 1946, introduced the restless and skeptic Holden Caulfield, and became the basis for Catcher. The novel quickly became a bestseller, spending 30 weeks on The New York Times' bestseller list.

Salinger followed it up with Nine Stories, a collection of short stories, in 1953. Franny and Zooey, which was originally published in The New Yorker as a short story and a novella, hit shelves in 1961. His final book, Raise High the Roof Beam, Carpenters and Seymour: An Introduction, which combined two New Yorker stories, was published in 1963.

Weary of the fame following the success of Catcher, Salinger withdrew from the public eye and spent the last few decades in seclusion at his New Hampshire home, where he shunned interaction with the outside world, including his literary agents. His last published work, "Hapworth16, 1924," appeared in The New Yorker in 1965.

"He was famous for not wanting to be famous," wrote Ian Hamilton in his book In Search of J.D. Salinger.

After divorcing Sylvia Welter in the mid-1940s, Salinger married Claire Douglas in 1955 and had two children, Margaret and Matthew. The pair divorced in 1967 after Salinger, according to Margaret, made her mother "a virtual prisoner" by isolating her from family and friends.

Salinger married a third time in the late 1980s to Colleen O'Neill, a woman he met in New Hampshire.

Salinger's struggle with the limelight continued when he sued Hamilton over the publication of his biography and with the 1999 publication of At Home in the World, Joyce Maynard's memoir detailing her relationship with Salinger in the 1970s.

In 2000, Margaret published Dream Catcher, in which she paints her father as a neurotic recluse who drank his own urine.

Last year, Salinger sued to stop the publication of John David California's 60 Years Later, an unauthorized sequel to Catcher that describes a 76-year-old Holden.

Salinger, who continued to write, granted few interviews in the last half-century — the most recent was in 1980.

"There is a marvelous peace in not publishing," he told The New York Times in 1974. "I like to write. I love to write. But I write just for myself and my own pleasure."

Justin Mentell
December 16, 1982-February 1, 2010
Former Boston Legal actor Justin Mentell has died following a car crash in rural Wisconsin, the Iowa County Sheriff's Department said. He was 27.

Mentell died Monday after driving his Jeep off a steep embankment, striking two trees, according to the accident report. The actor, who was alone and not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene around 8:30 a.m. after a call came in. The accident is believed to have occurred around 3 a.m., Chief Deputy Jon Pepper told the Wisconsin State Journal.

"The family and friends of Justin Mentell thank you for visiting his site," read a statement on his website. "Memorial services are being planned."

Born in Texas and raised in Illinois, Mentell was a speed skater in his youth, having been a member of the U.S. Speed Skating's junior national long track team. After making his acting debut in 2004's Gotham, IL, he portrayed attorney Garrett Wells on Boston Legal from 2005-2006. Mentell most recently starred in last summer's G-Force.

Frances Reid
December 9, 1914-February 3, 2010
Frances Reid, best known as Days of Our Lives matriarch Alice Horton, died Wednesday. She was 95.

"NBC is deeply saddened by the passing of Frances Reid. She was a true icon of the daytime genre and while we mourn her passing, we also celebrate her long life and the tremendous talent she shared with her generations of fans," NBC said in a statement. "She will be sorely missed."

A theater veteran, the Texas-born actress portrayed Alice for 42 years — from the soap opera's Nov. 8, 1965 debut until her final appearance on Dec. 26, 2007. Reid, who appeared on the soaps Portia Faces Life, As the World Turns and The Edge of Night prior to Days, initially turned down the role of the Horton family matriarch.

"I'm so sad to hear the news about Frances Reid," Days star and Biggest Loser host Alison Sweeney tweeted. "She was a truly talented actress and we are all lucky and proud to have known her."

Nominated for two Daytime Emmy Awards in 1979 and 1987, Reid received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2004 Daytime Emmys.

Her other credits include the film Seconds, opposite Rock Hudson, and guest spots on The Alfred Hitchcock Hour, Dr. Kildare and American Dreams.

Reid was married to actor Philip Bourneuf for 39 years, until his death in 1979. They had no children.

John Murtha
June 17, 1932-February 8, 2010
John Murtha, an influential congressman and Iraq war critic who drew scrutiny for his wheeler-dealer ways, died Monday after suffering complications from gallbladder surgery. He was 77.

Spokesman Matthew Mazonkey said he died in an Arlington, Va., hospital with his family at his bedside.

Although Murtha initially supported President George W. Bush's use of the military in Iraq in 2002, the Pennsylvania Democrat soon grew frustrated with the war.

By November 2005, Murtha called for U.S. troops to be withdrawn. "The war in Iraq is not going as advertised. It is a flawed policy wrapped in illusion," he said.

In 1974, Murtha became the first Vietnam War combat veteran elected to Congress. He was considered a hawkish Democrat, so his coming out against the Iraq war got special notice.

Murtha, chairman of the House subcommittee that oversees Defense Department spending, was targeted by critics of pork-barrel and pay-to-play politics. He attracted the attention of ethics watchdogs because of his entanglement in the Abscam scandal three decades ago. He was listed as an unindicted co-conspirator, but he was never charged and maintained he had done nothing wrong.

More recently, he was investigated for expenditures known as earmarks. But the Office of Congressional Ethics said it had no reason to continue its probe.

Murtha defended the practice of earmarking, saying the money helped his constituents.

Critics called him the "King of Pork" for the amount of federal money he shepherded to his southwestern Pennsylvania district, which had been wracked by widespread losses in the coal and steel industries.

He was unapologetic about his deal-making, once saying, "deal-making is what Congress is all about."

Phil Harris
December 19, 1956-February 9, 2010
Fishing boat captain and star of Discovery Channel's Deadliest Catch Phil Harris has died after suffering from a stroke last month, the network announced. He was 53.

"It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to our dad - Captain Phil Harris. Dad has always been a fighter and continued to be until the end," sons Josh and Jake Harris said in a statement released by the network on Tuesday. "For us and the crew, he was someone who never backed down."

Harris suffered a stroke during a fishing trip on a vessel named Cornelia Marie at the end of January. He died on Tuesday.

Harris' popular reality series, which filmed five seasons, follows the captain's adventures working in the crab and fishing industry in the dangerous waters off the Alaskan coast.

Charlie Wilson
June 1, 1933-February 10, 2010
Charlie Wilson, a former congressman whose efforts to arm Afghanistan against the Soviet Union were dramatized in the 2007 film Charlie Wilson's War, has died. He was 76.

Wilson died Wednesday of cardiopulmonary arrest at Texas' Memorial Medical Center-Lufkin, hospital spokeswoman Yana Ogletree told The Associated Press. Wilson, who had trouble breathing while attending a meeting, was pronounced dead on arrival, she said.

From 1973 to 1996, Wilson represented the 2nd District in east Texas in the House of Representatives and was known as "Good-Time Charlie" for his party-loving ways. In the opening of Charlie Wilson's War, Tom Hanks as Wilson is in a hot tub with some beautiful naked women and another guy while keeping an eye on a 60 Minutes report about Afghanistan.

Hanks earned a Golden Globe nomination for his portrayal of Wilson. The film — directed by Mike Nichols and written by Aaron Sorkin — chronicled Wilson's funding of the Afghan mujahedeen in their resistance during the Soviet occupation in the 1980s.

Alexander McQueen
March 17, 1969-February 11, 2010
Top British fashion designer Alexander McQueen was found dead at his London home Thursday morning, his family said. He was 40.

"On behalf of Lee [Alexander] McQueen's family, Alexander McQueen today announces the tragic news that Lee McQueen, the founder and designer of the Alexander McQueen brand, has been found dead at his home. At this stage it is inappropriate to comment on this tragic news beyond saying that we are devastated and are sharing a sense of shock and grief with Lee's family," said a statement released by McQueen's office.

A Scotland Yard spokesman, who asked that his name not be used, declined to comment on the cause of death until a post-mortem exam can be completed.

One of McQueen's contemporary lines, McQ, was scheduled to be shown at New York Fashion Week, People reports. McQueen's New York store was set to be closed Thursday and Friday in rememberance, CNN reports.

McQueen was one of the youngest designers to earn the title of British Designer of the Year, which he won four times. His unconventional early runway collections earned him the nickname "the hooligan of English fashion."

Celebrities including Rihanna, Lady Gaga and Sarah Jessica Parker often wore McQueen's pieces.

"I am shocked and overcome with grief upon learning about the untimely death of the quiet genius Alexander McQueen. My heart goes out to his family and all those who worked for and with him," Parker said in a statement. "There has never been anyone like him. And there simply never will be."

"It's an incredible loss to the fashion world," said Project Runway Season 4 contestant Chris March. March said McQueen had a "fantastic vision and workmanship ... He's one of the most influential designers."

Caroline McWilliams
April 4, 1945-February 11, 2010
Actress Caroline McWilliams died last week. She was 64 years old.

McWilliams, whose film and TV career spanned decades, died from complications of multiple myeloma, her family told the Los Angeles Times.

The actress is perhaps best known for playing Marcy opposite Robert Guillaume on the long-running sitcom Benson. She also appeared in recurring roles on Soap, Judging Amy and Beverly Hills, 90210. She began her career on Guiding Light.

McWilliams is survived by her son, Sean Douglas, from her marriage to actor Michael Keaton. The couple divorced in 1990.

Nodar Kumaritashvili
November 25, 1988-February 12, 2010
A men's Olympic luger competing for the Republic of Georgia died Friday after a crash during a training run, hours before the opening ceremony of the Vancouver Games. He was 21.

Nodar Kumaritashvili lost control of his sled near the end of his run at the Whistler Sliding Center and flipped over the track wall into a steel pole, German IOC official Thomas Bach told The Agence France-Presse.

"It is a tragedy for his family and the team," Bach, the IOC vice president, said. "It casts a shadow over the opening ceremony."

Medical staff performed chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation on the scene before Kumaritashvili was airlifted to a hospital.

Training was canceled for the rest of the day. The men's luge is scheduled to take place Saturday.

Kumaritashvili was estimated to be going 88 miles per hour, Brian Williams reported before NBC's coverage of the Opening Ceremonies. Some lugers have exceeded that on the track, considered to be the world's fastest. More than a dozen athletes have crashed during training, including Italy's Armin Zoeggeler, a favorite for the gold, who came off his sled earlier in the day.

"I think they are pushing it a little too much,'' Australian luger Hannah Campbell-Pegg, who has also crashed on the track, said Thursday. "To what extent are we just little lemmings that they just throw down a track and we're crash-test dummies?"

A native of Borjomi, Kumaritashvili competed in five World Cups this season and was ranked 44th in the world.

Doug Fieger
August 20, 1952-February 14, 2010
Doug Fieger, The Knack lead singer who co-wrote the new-wave band's biggest hit, "My Sharona," has died. He was 57.

Fieger died Sunday at his Woodland Hills, Calif., home after a battle with cancer.

"Our hearts are broken, we will miss you, Doug," the band wrote on its website.

A year after forming The Knack, Fieger co-wrote and sang lead vocals on the group's 1979 international smash "My Sharona." The riff-heavy tune, from the album Get the Knack, was inspired by Fieger's then-girlfriend, Sharona Alperin, and spent six weeks atop the Billboard pop chart.

"I had never met a girl like her — ever," he told The Associated Press in 1994. "She induced madness. She was a very powerful presence. She had an insouciance that wouldn't quit. She was very self-assured. ... She also had an overpowering scent, and it drove me crazy."

Fifteen years later, the song re-entered the Billboard chart and pop-culture consciousness when it was released as a single from Ben Stiller's film Reality Bites, which featured a gas station dance party scene to the song.

The song has been parodied by Weird Al Yankovic and was revealed to be on George W. Bush's presidential iPod.

Releasing albums through 2003, The Knack also produced the hits "Good Girls Don't" and "She's So Selfish," but never duplicated the success of "My Sharona."

A Detroit native, Fieger had been battling cancer since 2005. In 2006, he had two tumors removed from his brain.

Former Knack member Bruce Gary died of cancer in 2006, while Berton Averre and Prescott Niles continue to perform as The Knack.

Andrew Koenig
August 17, 1968-February 25, 2010
The body of Growing Pains star Andrew Koenig, who had been missing for nearly two weeks, was discovered in a Vancouver park Thursday. He committed suicide, his father said.

Koenig's body was found in Stanley Park about noon, Vancouver police said. Friends of Koenig initiated their own search of the park and invited his father, Star Trek alumnus Walter Koenig, along. His body was found in a densely wooded area where it initially was unseen from the path.

Search and rescue teams had scoured the park Wednesday and found no evidence that Koenig had been there recently. The park was known to be one of the actor's favorite spots when he lived in the city in the early '90s.

"My son took his own life," Walter Koenig said, trying to keep his composure at a news conference Thursday night. "The only other thing I want to say — I've already said what a great guy he was, and good human being — he was obviously in a lot of pain."

The Vancouver police would not give details on cause of death but "have no reason to believe that foul play was involved at all," Constable Jana McGuinness said. The case has been turned over to the British Colombia coroner's office.

Koenig's father went on to mention "hundreds of e-mails" he had received from depressed people and their loved ones and express hope this tragedy would help them.

"If you're one of those people who ... can't handle it anymore," he said, breaking down in tears, "if you can learn anything from this is that there are people out there that really care. You may not think so, and ... ultimately, it may not be enough. But there are people who really, really care. And before you make that final decision, check it out again. Talk to somebody. And to families who have members who they fear are susceptible to this kind of behavior, don't ignore it, don't rationalize it. Extend a hand."

Koenig's mother, Judy Levin-Koenig , echoed those sentiments: "There is love out there."

The 41-year-old Venice, Calif., resident was last seen by friends Feb. 14 during a visit to Vancouver. Friends and family reported him missing Feb. 16, when he did not return to Los Angeles as scheduled.

The Koenigs previously held a news conference at the Vancouver Police Department on Wednesday afternoon. They were later scheduled to appear on Larry King Live to discuss their missing son, but walked off the set moments before their segment because of "personal reasons," according to Walter Koenig's website.

Koenig is best known for his role as Boner, the best friend of Kirk Cameron's Mike Seaver, on Growing Pains and appeared frequently from 1985 to 1989. During the search for Koenig, Cameron told People he was "praying for his family during this time of distress and for his safe return."

Koenig also appeared in various TV shows, including Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, My Two Dads and 21 Jump Street. He dabbled in directing and writing as well, with a 2004 short called Woman in a Green Dress.

Mark Linkous
September 9, 1962-March 6, 2010
Singer-songwriter Mark Linkous, leader of the indie rock band Sparklehorse, committed suicide over the weekend, his family said. He was 47.

"We are thankful for his time with us and will hold him forever in our hearts. May his journey be peaceful, happy and free. There's a heaven and there's a star for you," Linkous' family said on Sparklehorse's site.

Linkous died Saturday in Knoxville, Tenn., after he shot himself in the heart in an alley outside a friend's home, manager Shelby Meade told The New York Times.

The multi-instrumentalist was also known for his collaborations with P.J. Harvey and Tom Waits. His recent work with director David Lynch and Danger Mouse will be seen in the forthcoming album Dark Night of Soul.

Linkous had also recently completed his most of his work for the new Sparklehorse album and was moving to Knoxville and setting up a new studio to complete the album, Meade told the Times.

His survivors include wife Teresa Linkous; his mother, Gloria Hughes Thacker; his father, Frederick Linkous; and three brothers.

Corey Haim
December 23, 1971-March 10, 2010
Actor Corey Haim died early Wednesday morning of an apparent drug overdose, a source told TVGuide.com. He was 38.

Haim, who had long struggled with drugs, was taken to a Burbank hospital where he was pronounced dead at about 3:30 a.m., according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

Haim's numerous collaborations with fellow teen idol Corey Feldman, including The Lost Boys, License to Drive and Dream a Little Dream earned the pair the nickname "The Two Coreys." They starred in the television reality show The Two Coreys, which aired on A&E for two seasons in 2007 and 2008. On the show, Feldman settled into domestic life while Haim continued his struggles. Both appeared in Lost Boys: The Tribe which was released in 2008.

"I was awakened at 8:30 this morning by my brother and sister knocking on my bedroom door. They informed me of the loss of my brother Corey Haim. My eyes weren't even open all the way when the tears started streaming down my face," Feldman said in a statement. "I am so sorry for Corey, his mother Judy, his family, my family, all of our fans, and of course my son who I will have to find a way to explain this to when he gets home from school. This is a tragic loss of a wonderful, beautiful, tormented soul, who will always be my brother, family, and best friend. We must all take this as a lesson in how we treat the people we share this world with while they are still here to make a difference. Please respect our families as we struggle and grieve through this difficult time. I hope the art Corey has left behind will be remembered as the passion of that for which he truly lived."

Haim told The Sun in 2004 that at one point he took 85 Valium a day.

"I started on the downers which were a hell of a lot better than the uppers because I was a nervous wreck," he told the paper. "But one led to two, two led to four, four led to eight, until at the end it was about 85 a day. ... The doctors could not believe I was taking that much. And that was just the Valium. I'm not talking about the other pills I went through."

The Canadian-born Haim made his first feature film appearance was in 1984 in Firstborn, but his major break came in 1986 with his starring role in Lucas alongside Kerri Green, Charlie Sheen, and Winona Ryder. Following the film's success, Haim starred in the 1987 television series Roomies.

Merlin Olsen
September 15, 1940-March 11, 2010
Merlin Olsen, the Hall of Fame football star-turned-actor and commentator, has died. He was 69.

Olsen died Thursday of mesothelioma at City of Hope hospital outside of Los Angeles, Utah State University, his alma mater, said.

A three-time academic All-American at Utah State, Olsen signed with the Los Angeles Rams after college in 1962, where he became a star defensive tackle. In 1963, he was joined on the line by Deacon Jones, Rosey Grier and Lamar Lundy to form the Fearsome Foursome, a powerhouse defensive lineup that terrorized offenses with strength and nimbleness.

During his 15-year career, Olsen missed only two games and was named to the Pro Bowl team every year except for his last season. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1982.

Following retirement, Olsen joined NBC as a color commentator alongside Dick Enberg and co-starred on the network's Little House on the Prairie as Jonathan Garvey, Michael Landon's sidekick. In 1981, Landon tapped Olsen to headline his own series, Father Murphy, in which the former NFL star played a masked priest who helps a group of orphans find a home. His last acting role was on NBC's short-lived 1988 drama Aaron's Way.

Olsen was also a spokesman for FTD Florists for several years.

He was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2009 and underwent several courses of chemotherapy. Late last year, he sued NBC and 20th Century Fox, claiming they exposed him to asbestos, which resulted in mesothelioma.

Olsen is survived by his brothers, Phil, Orrin and Clark; his wife, Susan; their children Nathan, Jill and Kelly; his sisters Colleen, Lorraine, Gwen, Winona and Ramona; and several grandchildren.

Peter Graves
March 18, 1926-March 14, 2010
Golden Globe-winning actor Peter Graves, best known for his roles in the TV series Mission: Impossible and the film Airplane!, has died, according to the Los Angeles Times. He was 83.

Graves was found dead in his home on Sunday, and he died of natural causes, police sources told the newspaper.

Graves made appearances in several movies, including Stalag 17 and The Night of the Hunter, before landing the lead in CBS' Mission: Impossible. From 1967 to 1973, Graves played the iconic role of James Phelps, and he later reprised his role for the revival in the late '80s. His work during the show's initial run earned him an Emmy nomination and a Golden Globe win.

Graves turned to comedy in the cult classic film Airplane in 1980, starring opposite Leslie Nielson, Robert Stack and Lloyd Bridges. He also appeared in Airplane II: The Sequel once again as Captain Clarence Oveur.

Graves also appeared in television series including The Love Boat, 7th Heaven and Cold Case.

Graves is survived by his wife, Joan Endress, three daughters and six grandchildren.

Alex Chilton
December 28, 1950-March 17, 2010
Alex Chilton, the Box Tops and Big Star lead singer who served as an inspiration for generations of indie rock bands, has died. He was 59.

Chilton died Wednesday at a New Orleans hospital, where he was taken after complaining about health problems earlier in the day, John Fry, a longtime friend and owner of Memphis' Ardent Studios, told The Commercial Appeal. Chilton could not be revived in the emergency room, Fry said.

"I'm crushed. We're all just crushed," he said.

Big Star was scheduled to perform Saturday at the South by Southwest Festival.

"Alex Chilton was an artist of the very highest caliber," SXSW Creative Director Brent Grulke said in a statement. "It's too early to do much but cry about our loss right now, but he'll be missed, and missed more as the ages pass and his myth continues to expand — that music isn't going anywhere. R.I.P. and thank you, friend."

A Memphis native, Chilton rose to fame at age 16 as the lead singer and guitarist for the Box Tops, scoring a No. 1 hit with "The Letter" in 1967. The band was also known for such songs as "Cry Like a Baby" and "Neon Rainbow."

After Box Tops disbanded in 1970, Chilton formed Big Star with Jody Stephens, Chris Bell, and Andy Hummel. Though the four never found much tremendous commercial success despite rave reviews — their first album was ironically titled #1 Record — their introspective alternative-pop tunes are credited for inspiring subsequent indie acts, including R.E.M., Primal Scream and The Replacements.

The Replacements paid homage to Chilton with its 1987 song "Alex Chilton," which contains the lyrics: "Children by the million / Sing for Alex Chilton / When he comes 'round / They sing, 'I'm in love / What's that song? / I'm in love with that song.'"

A whole new generation of viewers was exposed to Big Star's music when That '70s Show used a Cheap Trick cover of the band's "In the Street" as its theme song. Chilton told Rolling Stone in 2000 that he had not heard the new version, but received $70 in royalties per airing. "It's actually ironic that the amount is $70. To me it's That $70 Show," he said.

In the mid-'70s, Chilton embarked on a solo career, releasing several albums through the '80s, including Like Flies on Sherbert, Live in London and High Priest. In 1993, he reunited with Big Star, which continued to perform regularly over the last 16 years. Last September, the band issued a four-box CD set with material recorded between 1968 and 1975 called Keep an Eye on the Sky.

Chilton is survived by his wife, Laura, a son, Timothy, and a sister, Cecilia.

Fess Parker
August 16, 1924-March 18, 2010
Fess Parker, who starred as Davy Crockett on the wildly popular 1950s TV series of the same name, died Thursday of natural causes, The Associated Press reported. He was 85.

Parker died at his Santa Ynez Valley home in California, on his wife Marcella's 84th birthday, family spokeswoman Sao Anash told the news service. Anash also said Parker was coherent and speaking with family minutes before he died.

Parker rose to national fame when Davy Crockett debuted as part of an early Walt Disney anthology TV show in 1954. He was also widely known for his portrayal of another famous historical figure in Daniel Boone, a TV series that ran from 1964 to '70.

During its heyday, Davy Crockett inspired a national craze for coonskin caps and the hit song "The Ballad of Davy Crockett." At the peak of the coonskin craze, 5,000 caps were sold a day.

Crockett was killed off in 1955 in the third episode, "Davy Crockett at the Alamo," but due to popular demand, the series was quickly brought back for two more episodes.

"Like many kids growing up in the 50's, Davy Crockett was my first hero, and I had the coonskin cap to prove it," said Disney CEO Bob Iger. "Fess Parker's unforgettable, exciting and admirable performance as this American icon has remained with me all these years, as it has for his millions of fans around the world. Fess is truly a Disney Legend, as is the heroic character he portrayed, and while he will certainly be missed, he will never be forgotten."

After the series went off the air in 1955, Parker worked regularly in both TV and films. He starred as the father in Old Yeller and starred in the TV version of Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.

After Daniel Boone ended in 1970, Parker largely retired from acting. He went into real estate and opened a vineyard on California's Central Coast with his wife in 1989 — the Fess Parker Winery. A Texas native, he graduated from the University of Texas.

Parker is survived by his wife, two children and 11 grandchildren.

Robert Culp
August 16, 1930-March 24, 2010
Robert Culp, best known for his role in the pioneering TV series I Spy opposite Bill Cosby, has died. He was 79.

Culp died Wednesday after collapsing, or possibly tripping, on a sidewalk outside of his Hollywood home, his agent, Hillard Elkins, told TVGuide.com. He additionally suffered a heart attack and was rushed to the hospital, but paramedics were unable to revive him, Elkins said.

Appearing in more than 100 films and TV series, Culp's career spanned more than a half-century. Perhaps his most notable movie was the provocative 1969 sex comedy Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice.

His first starring role came on CBS' Western series Trackdown, in which he played a gun-slinging Texas Ranger. Culp went on to play Kelly Robinson in the NBC series I Spy from 1965 to 1968 with Cosby. It was the first prime-time series with a black actor in a lead role.

After several smaller roles, he returned to television in 1981 as the lead in The Greatest American Hero. He also had a multi-episode arc on Everybody Loves Raymond and bit parts on shows such as Lois & Clark and Wings.

Married five times, Culp is survived by wife Candace Falkner, three sons and two daughters, four of whom are from a previous marriage.

June Havoc
November 8, 1912-March 28, 2010
June Havoc, whose childhood in vaudeville as Baby June was fictionalized in the musical Gypsy, died Sunday of natural causes at 97.

The actress-writer — the younger sister of Gypsy Rose Lee — died at her home in Stamford, Conn., her publicist and friend, Shirley Herz, said Monday.

Havoc had a successful acting career, though mostly in supporting roles. Her breakout Broadway role was Gladys Bumps, the scheming chorus girl, in the original 1940 production of Pal Joey.

Perhaps her most notable movie role was as Gregory Peck's secretary — a Jew passing for a gentile — in 1947's Gentleman's Agreement.

Her other film credits included 1942's My Sister Eileen and 1948's When My Baby Smiles at Me. Among her movies as a lead: the crime drama Intrigue (1947) and romantic thriller Lady Possessed (1952).

In 1963, Havoc wrote and directed Marathon '33, a Broadway play about her Depression era experiences as marathon dancer. She also wrote three other plays and two memoirs.

Gypsy (music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, book by Arthur Laurents) is considered one of the best musicals ever written. The original 1959 production starred Ethel Merman, and it has been revived several times since. It also became a 1962 movie starring Rosalind Russell.

Havoc's final appearances came in 1990 on television, in several episodes of the soap General Hospital.

Sam Menning
January 5, 1925-March 29, 2010
Sam Menning, a photographer-turned-character actor best known for his portrayal of lowlifes, has died. He was 85.

Menning died March 31 of emphysema at a Burbank, Calif., medical center, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

A professional photographer in the 1950s, Menning had his own business. His agent, Bonnie Howard, said he was the last person to shoot a pinup of Bettie Page before he moved into the film industry, working as a still photographer, gaffer, electrician and grip.

He started acting regularly by the '80s, frequently playing such characters as Homeless Man, Old Wino, Old Geezer, Hobo No. 2, Toothless Guy and Drunk, according to his IMDb page.

Menning most recently played a homeless man and the Pickled Egg Guy in three episodes of My Name Is Earl. He made other TV guest appearances on Gilmore Girls, ER, Sabrina, The Teenage Witch, Scrubs and Carnivale.

Film credits include The Butcher's Wife, Life Stinks, The Onion Movie and The Prestige.

Menning is survived by his companion of 48 years, Karina Von Wattidel; his brother, Rod Menning; his daughter, Sherree Casusol; and four grandchildren.

Jaime Escalante
December 31, 1930-March 30, 2010
Jaime Escalante, the math teacher who inspired the 1988 film Stand and Deliver, died Tuesday. He was 79.

Escalante died at his son's home after battling bladder cancer for several years, family friend Keith Miller told The Associated Press.

As a math teacher at Garfield High School in East Los Angeles, Escalante completely transformed the school's mathematics curriculum and pushed his struggling students to master advanced math and science courses. At one point, Garfield High School had the fifth-highest number of advanced placement calculus students in the country.

"Teaching is an art form. There's a lot of practitioners and very few artists. He was a master artist," one of Escalante's former students, Elsa Bolado, told the AP.

Escalante's story inspired the film Stand and Deliver. Edward James Olmos' portrayal of Escalante garnered an Academy Award nomination for best actor. "Jaime exposed one of the most dangerous myths of our time — that inner city students can't be expected to perform at the highest levels," Olmos told the AP. "Because of him, that destructive idea has been shattered forever."

The cast of Stand and Deliver recently tried to raise donations to help Escalante pay for his alternative cancer treatments.

Escalante left Garfield High School in 1991 and taught at schools in Sacramento before retiring to his native Bolivia in 2001.

Escalante is survived by his wife, two sons and six grandchildren.

David Mills
November 30, 1961-March 30, 2010
David Mills, an Emmy-award-winning writer for HBO's The Wire and co-executive producer of the upcoming drama Treme, died on Tuesday in New Orleans, an HBO rep said. He was 48.

David Simon, the creator of The Wire and Treme, told the The Washington Post that Mills collapsed on the set of Treme and died of an apparent brain aneurysm. The two men worked together for years, first at the University of Maryland student newspaper, The Diamondback.

HBO did not comment on the cause of death.

"HBO is deeply saddened by the sudden loss of our dear friend and colleague David Mills," the network said in a statement. "He was a gracious and humble man, and will be sorely missed by those who knew and loved him, as well as those who were aware of his immense talent. David has left us too soon, but his brilliant work will live on."

Mills made his television writing debut with NBC's Homicide: Life on the Street, based on Simon's book. Before working in television, Mills was a reporter for the Post, while Simon worked for the Baltimore Sun. Among Mills' stories was one on rapper Sistah Souljah in which she made statements that became an issue in the 1992 presidential campaign.

Mills, who won Emmys for his work on the miniseries The Corner, also wrote for NYPD Blue, ER, and The Wire. He also authored the brilliant pop-culture blog Undercover Black Man, where he wrote about Treme on Monday.

The show is scheduled to air April 11.

John Forsythe
January 29, 1918-April 1, 2010
John Forsythe, best known for his roles as the conniving patriarch Blake Carrington on Dynasty and as the voice of mysterious millionaire Charles Townsend on Charlie's Angels, has died. He was 92.

Forsythe died late on Thursday from complications of pneumonia in his home in Santa Ynez, Calif., his rep told TVGuide.com. Before the pneumonia, Forsythe's health had improved following a yearlong battle with cancer. His wife and daughter were with him when he suddenly slumped over. Forsythe had already passed away when paramedics arrived.

Forsythe began his career in theater, appearing in such Broadway shows as Around the World, Mister Roberts and The Teahouse of the August Moon.

He found his greatest success in television. Early in his career he guest-starred on several series, including an episode of Alfred Hitchcock Presents opposite Cloris Leachman. In 1957, he headlined CBS' Bachelor Father, wooing the likes of Mary Tyler Moore and Linda Evans.

In 1976, Aaron Spelling cast Forsythe on Charlie's Angels. Forsythe re-teamed with Spelling in 1981 for Dynasty. His work on the prime-time soap earned him three Emmy nominations and two Golden Globe wins.

Corin Redgrave
July 16, 1939-April 6, 2010
British actor and activist Corin Redgrave, a member of the famous Redgrave acting dynasty, has died. He was 70.

Redgrave died Tuesday, his widow, Kika Markham, and his family said in a joint statement to The Hollywood Reporter. "He was taken ill at home in the early hours of Sunday morning," the statement said. "He died very peacefully surrounded by his family. We will miss him so very much."

Redgrave, the brother of Vanessa and a third generation member of the famous Redgrave family, got his start on stage in A Midsummer Night's Dream. He is best known for his roles in the films Excalibur, Four Weddings and a Funeral and A Man for All Seasons, as well as his work promoting human rights

His death comes just over a year after his niece, Natasha Richardson, died in a skiing accident.

Redgrave was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2000 and suffered a heart attack in 2005. He is survived by his second wife, Kika, and four children.

Christopher Cazenove
December 17, 1943-April 7, 2010
Christopher Cazenove, best known as Ben Carrington on the 1980s drama Dynasty, has died. He was 64.

Cazenove died Wednesday at London's St. Thomas' Hospital after a battle with septicemia, his agent, Lesley Duff, said in a statement. The British actor contracted septicemia, a massive bacterial infection of the blood, at the end of February.

"Despite a valiant fight and the untiring efforts of the wonderful team at St Thomas', he was overwhelmed," the statement said. "All who knew and loved him will be devastated by the loss of this incredible man who touched so many lives."

Cazenove's death comes six days after the death of his Dynasty co-star, John Forsythe, who portrayed his half-brother, Blake Carrington, on the prime-time soap.

A theater vet, Cazenove first found screen success on 1970s British series The Regiment and The Duchess of Duke Street before landing the role of scheming brother Ben on Dynasty. Cazenove appeared in 36 episodes between 1986-87.

Film credits include 3 Men and a Little Lady and A Knight's Tale, in which he played Heath Ledger's father.

Cazenove is survived by a son, Rhys, from his marriage to actress Angharad Rees. The couple's oldest son, Linford, died in a car crash in 1999. Cazenove had been in a relationship with Isabel Davies since 2003.

Malcolm McLaren
January 22, 1946-April 8, 2010
Malcolm McLaren, manager of the Sex Pistols, died Thursday of cancer at a Swiss hospital. He was 64.

His longtime companion, Young Kim, confirmed his death to The New York Times.

The 1970s band was fronted by Johnny Rotten (real name: John Lydon), with Steve Jones on guitar, Paul Cook on drums and Sid Vicious as the bassist. The group's songs included "Anarchy in the U.K." and "God Save the Queen." Their one album, released in 1977, was titled Never Mind the Bollocks: Here's the Sex Pistols.

McLaren also briefly managed the New York Dolls and Adam and the Ants, and he created Bow Wow Wow.

He was a denizen of the art and fashion worlds. In the '70s, he teamed with then-business partner and girlfriend, fashion designer Vivienne Westwood, on a clothing shop they at one point called SEX.

He also had a solo music career, putting out albums that were an eclectic blend of genres — Duck Rock in 1983, mixing hip-hop and elements of world music, and Waltz Darling in 1989, introducing voguing.

Filmmaker Edgar Wright suggested a fitting way to remember McLaren on Twitter: "I think playing Never Mind The Bollocks very loud as soon as possible would be a worthy tribute."

McLaren is survived by Joe Corre — his son with Westwood and founder of the lingerie firm Agent Provocateur — and Kim.

Meinhardt Raabe
September 2, 1915-April 9, 2010
Meinhardt Raabe, who played the Munchkin coroner who proclaimed the Wicked Witch of the East dead in The Wizard of Oz, has died, according to The Associated Press. He was 94.

Raabe, one of the few surviving Munchkins from the film, died Friday morning at Orange Park Medical Center in Florida, his caregiver, Cindy Bosnyak, told the AP. Bosnyak said he complained of a sore throat at his retirement community before collapsing and going into cardiac arrest. He later died at the hospital.

Raabe was one of 124 Munchkins in the film and one of only nine with speaking roles. He famously pronounced the witch dead after Dorothy's farmhouse landed on her: "As coroner, I must aver, I thoroughly examined her, and she's not only merely dead, she's really most sincerely dead."

Born in Watertown, Wis. in 1915, Raabe performed at world fairs such as the Chicago World's Fair and the San Diego Exposition before The Wizard of Oz began shooting in 1938. He was 22 at the time of shooting and earned money for college by performing.

Raabe was 3 1/2 feet tall in Oz and grew to about 4 1/2 feet. He toured the country in the Oscar Mayer Weinermobile for 30 years as "Little Oscar, the World's Smallest Chef."

Raabe regularly attended the annual OzFest in Chittenango, N.Y., and co-authored a book in 2005, Memories of a Munchkin: An Illustrated Walk Down the Yellow Brick Road. He was one of seven surviving Munchkins present when the Munchkins received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2007.

"There is nothing in the picture that dates it," he told the AP in 1988 of The Wizard of Oz's success. "It's a fantasy picture that will be fantasy for generations to come."

Raabe's wife of more than 50 years, Marie Hartline, died in a car crash in 1997.

Dixie Carter
May 25, 1939-April 10, 2010
Dixie Carter, best known as the outspoken Julia Sugarbaker on Designing Women, has died, TVGuide.com has confirmed. She was 70.

Her publicist, Steve Rohr, said Carter died Saturday morning of complications airisng from endometrial cancer.

"This has been a terrible blow to our family," her husband, Hal Holbrook, said in a written statement. "We would appreciate everyone understanding that this is a private family tragedy."

Designing Women ran on CBS from 1986 to 1993.

Carter starred on the drama Family Law from 1999 to 2002, and appeared in seven episodes of Desperate Housewives in 2007, for which she earned an Emmy nomination. She is also well-known for her work on Broadway.

Carter is survived by Holbrook, her husband of 25 years.

Guru
July 17, 1961-April 19, 2010
Guru, the pioneering hip-hop legend who united jazz and hip-hop as a solo artist and half of the influential duo Gang Starr, has died. He was 43.

Guru, whose real name was Keith Elam, died Monday after a battle with cancer, his producer, Solar, told MTV. Guru was hospitalized late February after suffering cardiac arrest and was briefly in a coma.

During his final days, Guru penned a farewell letter to his fans to be released upon his death, Solar said.

"I, Guru, am writing this letter to my fans, friends and loved ones around the world. I have had a long battle with cancer and have succumbed to the disease," the letter read. "I have suffered with this illness for over a year. I have exhausted all medical options. I have a non-profit organization called Each One Counts dedicated to carrying on my charitable work on behalf of abused and disadvantaged children from around the world and also to educate and research a cure for this terrible disease that took my life. I write this with tears in my eyes, not of sorrow but of joy for what a wonderful life I have enjoyed and how many great people I have had the pleasure of meeting."

Those mourning Guru included Ice-T, who tweeted Monday that he was "paralyzed with sorrow."

"Guru... Rest In Peace O.G." he added. "I miss you."

Guru first found fame in the late '80s when he partnered with DJ Premier to form Gang Starr, releasing such classic albums as No More Mr. Nice Guy and Step in the Arena. Though Guru was rooted in Boston and Premier in Houston, their sound came to define the dense New York underground rap sound — one characterized by jazz loops and complex rhymes.

In 1993, Guru released his first solo album, Jazzmatazz Vol. 1, the first of his four-volume Jazzmatazz series. The disc featured collaborations with such notable jazz musicians as Donald Byrd and Roy Ayers.

Guru reteamed with DJ Premier to release three more Gang Starr albums, the last of which, The Ownerz, hit shelves in 2003. But the two had a falling out, and Guru wrote in his letter that he didn't want Premier to participate in any tributes following his death.

In recent years, Guru worked with Solar, who produced Guru's final Jazzmatazz installment and two other solo albums.

Guru is survived by a son, KC.

Myles Wilder
January 28, 1933-April 20, 2010
Myles Wilder, the prolific TV comedy screenwriter whose resume includes such classics as McHale's Navy and The Dukes of Hazzard, has died. He was 77.

Wilder died April 20 from complications of diverticulitis in Temecula, Calif., according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The son of director W. Lee Wilder and the nephew of Oscar-winning writer-director Billy Wilder, Wilder got his start by developing, writing and producing the 1956 NBC series The Adventures of Marco Polo. He joined the Ernest Borgnine comedy McHale's Navy in 1963, penning 28 episodes and earning two Emmy nominations during his three-year tenure. Other credits during that time include The Patty Duke Show, Get Smart, The Flying Nun and My Three Sons.

In the '70s and '80s, Wilder wrote and produced The Dukes of Hazzard, and also wrote for The Doris Day Show, The Brady Bunch, The Addams Family, Welcome Back, Kotter, and Diff'rent Strokes.

Wilder was also in charge of daytime TV at Hanna-Barbera Studios and developed such animated shows as Inch High, Private Eye and Hong Kong Phooey.

After retiring in 1989, Wilder moved to Temecula to raise avocados.

He is survived by his wife, Bobbe; their daughter, Kimberly, and her husband Brynley; grandchildren Olivia and Morgan; and godson Matthew McGinnis.

Juan Antonio Samaranch
July 17, 1920-April 21, 2010
Juan Antonio Samaranch, the former president of the International Olympic Committee, died Wednesday from cardiac arrest. He was 89.

Samaranch spent his final moments at home watching tennis before being taken to the hospital in Barcelona, his son, Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr., told The Associated Press.

"He watched [Rafael] Nadal's match — he loved tennis — and after the game he wasn't feeling great, so we decided to come [to the hospital] around six or seven at night," he said. "Then he collapsed. They stabilized him but he never came out. And that was the last time he was conscious."

Samaranch, who headed the IOC from 1980-2001 and is considered a great innovator and landmark figure of international sports, was taken to the hospital three days prior to his death. He was sedated and put on a respirator, but his organs quickly shut down.

Dick Ebersol, chairman of NBC Universal Sports and Olympics, released a statement remembering the many accomplishments of Samaranch.

"When Juan Antonio Samaranch began his IOC presidency, the Olympic Movement was beset with immense financial problems and a string of devastating political boycotts. In the decade that followed, he proceeded to bring the Olympics to absolute preeminence among international sports events and build a solid economic base for the future," Ebersol said of his good friend and partner. "He was a towering figure in the world of sport and a diplomat of consummate skill who navigated through turmoil to reunite the Olympic Movement."

Samaranch's successor, IOC president Jacques Rogge, also expressed his grief.

"I cannot find the words to express the distress of the Olympic family," Rogge said. "I am personally deeply saddened by the death of the man who built up the Olympic Games of the modern era, a man who inspired me, and whose knowledge of sport was truly exceptional."

Samaranch's funeral is scheduled for Thursday in Barcelona.

Helen Wagner
September 3, 1918-May 1, 2010
Helen Wagner, best known for playing Nancy Hughes on As the World Turns for more than a half-century, has died. She was 91.

Wagner, who acted up until her death, died Saturday, the show's New York-based production company, TeleNext Media Inc., announced. She spoke the first words on As the World Turns when it premiered in 1956, and holds the Guinness World Record for playing the same role on television for the longest time (54 years). She was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences in 2004.

"All of us at As The World Turns are deeply saddened by Helen's passing," executive producer Christopher Goutman said. "She is loved by generations of fans and, while we will miss her greatly, Helen will always remain the heart and soul of As The World Turns."

On Nov. 22, 1963, Wagner's character was saying her lines when the broadcast was interrupted with a "CBS News Bulletin" sign and Walter Cronkite announced that President John F. Kennedy had been shot in Dallas.

Before joining the CBS soap opera, Wagner appeared on TV programs including Studio One, Philco Television Playhouse and The World of Mr. Sweeney.

Born in Lubbock, Texas, she also starred in several Broadway productions including Rodgers and Hammerstein's Oklahoma!, A Streetcar Named Desire, The Bad Seed, My Name Is Acquilon and Love of Four Colonels.

Wagner was married to Broadway producer Robert Willey from 1954 until his death in May 2009.

Lynn Redgrave
March 8, 1943-May 2, 2010
Lynn Redgrave, best known for her roles in the film Georgy Girl and Broadway shows Shakespeare for My Father and Nightingale, has died after battling breast cancer. She was 67.

The actress died Sunday night at her Connecticut home, her publicist Rick Miramontez said. She was treated for breast cancer in 2003.

"Our beloved mother Lynn Rachel passed away peacefully after a seven-year journey with breast cancer," Redgrave's children — Ben, Pema and Annabel — said in a statement Monday. "She lived, loved and worked harder than ever before. The endless memories she created as a mother, grandmother, writer, actor and friend will sustain us for the rest of our lives."

Born in London, Redgrave was a member of the illustrious Redgrave family of actors. She was the youngest child of Michael Redgrave and Rachel Kempson. Her older siblings were Vanessa Redgrave and Corin Redgrave, who died early last month at 70. The actress was also the aunt to Joely Richardson, Carlo Gabriel Nero, Jemma Redgrave and Natasha Richardson, who died last year from head injuries sustained in a skiing accident.

Redgrave received Oscar nominations for Georgy Girl and God and Monsters, as well as Tony nominations for Mrs. Warren's Profession, Shakespeare for My Father and The Constant Wife. She also appeared in TV shows including Ugly Betty, Law & Order and Desperate Housewives in recent years.

In interviews, the actress — who was married more than 30 years to actor-director John Clark until they divorced in 2000 — acknowledged that she suffered from bulimia in the past and became the spokeswoman for Weight Watchers. She also published a book with daughter Annabel Clark in 2004, Journal: A Mother and Daughter's Recovery From Breast Cancer.

Redgrave is survived by her three children, six grandchildren, sister Vanessa, and four nieces and nephews.

Lena Horne
June 30, 1917-May 9, 2010
Lena Horne, the jazz singer, actress and civil rights activist who became the first African-American performer to be put under contract by a major movie studio in 1942, has died. She was 92.

Horne died at New York-Presbyterian Hospital on Sunday, according to The Associated Press. No details of her death have been released.

She was one of the first black performers hired to sing with a major white band, the first to play the Copacabana nightclub and among the few to earn a Hollywood contract.

Horne's career highlights included collaborations with Tony Bennett, as well as Grammy-winning recordings of her Vegas nightclub act The Lady and Her Music, Live on Broadway (for which she won an honorary Tony) and An Evening With Lena Horne. She was also nominated for a Tony for her performance in Calypso.

Horne acknowledged that her beauty and sex appeal helped contribute to her success. "I was unique in that I was a kind of black that white people could accept," she said. "I was their daydream. I had the worst kind of acceptance because it was never for how great I was or what I contributed. It was because of the way I looked."

Over her six-decade career, Horne starred in films including Stormy Weather (1943), Ziegfeld Follies (1946), and Meet Me in Las Vegas (1956). She starred in recurring roles on television's The Muppet Show and The Cosby Show.

Despite some criticism that Horne used her light complexion to "pass" in a white world, Horne often spoke out about racism and was dedicated to her advocacy for civil rights.

"I was always battling the system to try to get to be with my people. Finally, I wouldn't work for places that kept us out ... it was a damn fight everywhere I was, every place I worked, in New York, in Hollywood, all over the world," Horne said in Brian Lanker's book I Dream a World: Portraits of Black Women Who Changed America.

She fought for desegregation alongside such legends of the civil rights movement as Paul Robeson and Medgar Evers, and fought with first lady Eleanor Roosevelt to pass anti-lynching laws.

Born in Brooklyn and raised in an upper-middle-class black community of Pittsburgh, Horne joined the chorus line of the Cotton Club at 16 and toured with Noble Sissle's Orchestra a few years later.

Horne is survived by daughter Gail Lumet Buckley and granddaughter Jenny Lumet, who wrote the screenplay for Rachel Getting Married. Horne's husband, arranger-conductor Lennie Hayton, and her son died in the early 1970s.

Ronnie James Dio
July 10, 1942-May 16, 2010
Ronnie James Dio, the lead singer for Black Sabbath and Rainbow, has died following his battle with stomach cancer. He was 67.

"Today my heart is broken, Ronnie passed away at 7:45am 16th May. Many, many friends and family were able to say their private good-byes before he peacefully passed away," wife and manager Wendy Dio wrote in a statement on the heavy metal star's official site. "Ronnie knew how much he was loved by all. We so appreciate the love and support that you have all given us. ... Please know he loved you all and his music will live on forever."

Dio, who revealed he was suffering from stomach cancer last year, became the first lead singer of heavy metal band Rainbow, which was formed by Deep Purple guitarist Ritchie Blackmore. After recording three albums with the group, Dio left the band and joined Black Sabbath following Ozzy Osbourne's departure in 1980. The singer and the band then created the extremely popular Heaven And Hell album. In between his stints with Black Sabbath (1980-82, 1992, and 2007-09), Dio went the solo route with his self-titled band, with hits including "Rainbow In The Dark," "The Last In Line" and "Holy Diver."

The rocker, who grew up in upstate New York, also was known for popularizing the devil horns hand gesture in heavy metal culture during his time with Black Sabbath — a gesture that he said his grandmother used to ward off the evil eye. Dio even managed to flash the devil horns symbol as he lay in his hospital bed, according to The Associated Press.

His last album, The Devil You Know, was released in April 2009 and was a collaboration with Black Sabbath members under the band name Heaven & Hell.

Dio is survived by his wife Wendy, son Daniel, grandchildren Julie and Joey and father Pat.

Simon Monjack
March 9, 1970-May 23, 2010
The husband of actress Brittany Murphy was found dead in his Hollywood Hills home just five months after Murphy's death, according to the Los Angeles Times.

British screenwriter Simon Monjack, 39, died at his home on Sunday, according to Los Angeles Police Sgt. Louie Lozano. The cause of death is unknown.

"We have detectives at scene," Lozano told the Times. "They are conducting their investigation. Once we have further information, we will provide it."

The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a 911 call for an "unspecified medical aid request" Sunday night, according to spokesman Brian Humphrey. Fire Department workers provided medical attention, but Monjack was pronounced dead late Sunday at the Hollywood police station, police told the Times.

Murphy died Dec. 20 at age 32 after collapsing in her bathroom. Authorities recovered a large amount of prescription drugs at Murphy's home, some of which were prescribed to her mother, Sharon, and Monjack, according to the autopsy report. Monjack and Sharon Murphy previously denied that Murphy abused illegal drugs.

In February, the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office ruled Murphy's death accidental and said it was caused by pneumonia with multiple drug intoxication and anemia as contributing factors. An autopsy later that month showed the 32-year-old actress had no signs of illegal drug use at the time of her death.

Monjack's credits include the film Factory Girl starring Sienna Miller and Two Days, Nine Lives. Murphy was best known for her roles in Clueless, Girl, Interrupted, Don't Say a Word, and 8 Mile. She also lent her voice to the show King of the Hill for 12 years as Luanne Platter.

Paul Gray
April 8, 1972-May 24, 2010
Slipknot bassist Paul Gray was found dead Monday, according to The Associated Press. He was 38.

Gray, who formed the band with Shawn "Clown" Crahan and Anders Colsefini in 1995, was found dead in a Des Moines hotel room on Monday. Police do not suspect foul play, and an autopsy is expected on Tuesday.

Slipknot, best known for wearing outlandish clown masks and espousing an ultra-violent rhetoric, won a best metal performance Grammy in 1996 for the song "Before I Forget."

Art Linkletter
July 17, 1912-May 26, 2010
Art Linkletter, who hosted popular TV shows People Are Funny and House Party in the 1950s and 1960s, has died. He was 97.

Linkletter died Wednesday at his Bel-Air home in Los Angeles, his son-in-law, Art Hershey, told the Los Angeles Times.

Art Linkletter's House Party, which debuted on radio in 1944 and aired on CBS from 1952 to 1969, was one of television's longest-running variety shows. One of the show's features was daily interviews with schoolchildren, which Linkletter collected and used to create the best-selling book, Kids Say the Darndest Things.

Linkletter's other well-known series, People Are Funny — which started out on radio in 1942 and ran on TV from 1954 to 1961 — centered on pie-in-the-face slapstick humor and audience participation.

After retiring from daily broadcasting in 1969, Linkletter continued to write, make public appearances and appear in television commercials.

Linkletter and his wife, Lois, had five children together, but in 1969, their 20-year-old daughter, Diane, jumped to her death from her sixth-floor Hollywood apartment. Not long before her death, Linkletter made a recording with his daughter, "We Love You, Call Collect," which won a Grammy for best spoken word recording after she died.

In 1980, one of Linkletter's sons, Robert, died in a car accident, and another son, Jack, died of lymphoma in 2007 at age 70.

Linkletter is survived by his wife of 75 years and daughters Dawn and Sharon.

Peter Keefe
November 16, 1952-May 27, 2010
Peter Keefe, best known for his work with the children's series Voltron: Defender of the Universe, has died from throat cancer, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Keefe, 57, created Voltron in the '80s by adapting two Japanese animated series "Go Lion" and "Dierugger." The animated show went on to become the No. 1 children's series in syndication in 1984 and '85.

Beginning his career as a movie critic for PBS, Keefe later went on to develop such animated series as Denver, the Last Dinosaur, Widget, Twinkle and The Mr. Bogus Show.

He is survived by his wife, Pamela Mills Keefe, and a stepson.

Gary Coleman
February 8, 1968-May 28, 2010
Gary Coleman, the child star who anchored the classic, racial barrier-battering sitcom Diff'rent Strokes, has died. He was 42.

Coleman suffered an intracranial hemorrhage at his home in Utah Wednesday and was admitted to Utah Valley Regional Medical Center in Provo, Utah. Family and friends were at his side when his life support was terminated, and he died at the hospital at 12:05 p.m. local time Friday, a hospital spokeswoman said.

Coleman starred as Arnold Jackson, an African-American child adopted along with his older brother, Willis, by a wealthy white widower, Mr. Drummond (Conrad Bain). Coleman mugged and charmed his way into audiences' hearts with a persona that mixed knowing wisecracks and vulnerability. Arnold's catchphrase — "What'choo talkin' 'bout, Willis" — became a pop culture staple.

Coleman's brother-in-law, Shawn Price, expressed gratitude for "all the wonderful support everyone has been extending to Gary's family."

At a news conference Friday on behalf of his sister and Coleman's wife, Shannon Price, he added: "Thousands of e-mails have poured into the hospital. This has been so comforting to the family to know how beloved he still is."

Though it didn't aspire to the groundbreaking social commentary of All in the Family, the show sensitively examined such issues as adoption, racism, drug abuse, coping with a parent's death and child molestation. It epitomized the 1980s trend of "special episodes," including one in which then first lady Nancy Reagan encouraged kids to say no to drugs, and another in which guest star Gordon Jump played a bike store owner who took a predatory interest in Arnold and his friend Dudley.

But for all the lessons they taught on-screen, the show's child stars had tragic personal lives. Dana Plato, who played Arnold and Willis' adopted sister, Kimberly Drummond, suffered through drug addiction and died from an overdose of prescription medication in 1999 at age 34. Her son, Tyler Lambert, recently committed suicide at 25.

Todd Bridges, who played Willis, also battled with drug addiction and faced several legal problems, including a charge of attempted murder. He was acquitted.

Spinoffs of the sitcom included the NBC hit series The Facts of Life, which followed Mr. Drummond's former maid, Mrs. Garrett, as the house-mother at an all-girls school dorm. Another Diff'rent Strokes spinoff was NBC's short-lived series Hello, Larry, which centered on Philip Drummond's friend Larry Alder (McLean Stevenson), who was a radio show host.

Coleman also did crossover episodes as Arnold in Silver Spoons, The Facts of Life and Amazing Stories. He also reprised his role for the series finale of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air in 1996.

Coleman's later work included mostly endorsement deals and odd one-off jobs, such as his coverage of Michael Jackson's child molestation trial for a comedy radio station.

Janet Jackson tweeted about Coleman's death: "I want to remember him as the fun, playful, adorable and affectionate man he was. He has left a lasting legacy. I know he is finally at peace."

The actor was also among 135 candidates who ran for California governor to replace Gray Davis — a race won by Arnold Schwarzenegger. He came in eighth place with 12,488 votes, or 0.2 percent, just behind Hustler magazine publisher Larry Flynt, according to The Associated Press.

Colman had at least two kidney transplants and ongoing dialysis treatments for a kidney disease he suffered as a child that led to his small stature. He was hospitalized twice this year, most recently after suffering a seizure on the set of The Insider.

The Illinois-born actor has also faced a slew of financial and legal woes besides medical problems. In 1999, he filed for bankruptcy. In February 2010, he pled guilty to misdemeanor criminal mischief in conjunction with a domestic violence charge involving wife Shannon Price. The two married in 2007 and appeared on Divorce Court the following year.

Dennis Hopper
May 17, 1936-May 29, 2010
Dennis Hopper, the Easy Rider director best remembered for playing whacked-out characters during an acting career that spanned six decades, died from complications of prostate cancer. He was 74.

Hopper died Saturday at 8:15 a.m. in his Venice, Calif., home surrounded by family and friends, the Hopper family said in a statement.

Critics and fans often said no one did crazy roles better than Hopper. For a long time, those roles reflected how he was living.

The Dodge City, Kan., native was a bit of prodigy, appearing in feature films such as Rebel Without a Cause, Giant and Gunfight at the O.K. Corral by the time he was 21.

After making Rebel and Giant together, James Dean and Hopper became fast friends. When Dean was killed in his Porsche in September 1955, Hopper was devastated.

Much of the work he did in the '60s was generally undistinguished — until he directed 1969's low-budget Easy Rider, in which he co-starred with Peter Fonda and a still upcoming Jack Nicholson. It was a huge success — both at the box office and as a talisman for the turbulent times, leading to other anti-war, anti-establishment films. The movie was nominated for the top honor at the Cannes Film Festival, (where it won "best first work") and Hopper received an Academy Award nomination for original screenplay.

Hopper's next directing effort, however, 1971's The Last Movie, bombed.

Hopper then went on a colossal bender that he subsequently wasn't shy about discussing.

In 2001, the actor/filmmaker/artist talked about being sober for 18 years — and not only from booze. He did various hallucinogens and narcotics. "I only used to do cocaine so I could sober up and drink more. My last five years of drinking was a nightmare. I was drinking a half-gallon of rum with a fifth of rum on the side, in case I ran out, 28 beers a day, and three grams of cocaine just to keep me moving around. And I thought I was doing fine because I wasn't crawling around drunk on the floor."

In the wake of that, he was quoted as saying: "I should have been dead 10 times over. I've thought about that a lot. I believe in miracles. It's an absolute miracle that I'm still around."

Before he kicked his habits, Hopper offered a memorable performance as a nutty photographer in Francis Ford Coppola's Apocalypse Now.

The 1980s saw a comeback by a clean and sober Hopper — culminating with David Lynch's Blue Velvet, in which he played an off-the-deep-end criminal. In 1986, he played a sad alcoholic in Hoosiers, offering a performance that brought him an Oscar nomination for supporting actor.

In his limited TV work, Hopper received an Emmy nomination for the 1991 HBO film Paris Trout, an adaptation of a Pete Dexter novel. More recently, he played Serbian warlord Victor Drazen on the first season of 24 and a drug-addled music producer in the Starz premium channel's spinoff of the Oscar-winning movie Crash.

Hopper also made a name for himself as a photographer and artist, and his works were exhibited around the world.

Married five times, he recently filed for divorce from his wife of nearly 14 years, Victoria, with whom he had a 7-year-old daughter, Galen. He had three grown children from his previous marriages. One of those marriages, to Michelle Phillips, lasted eight days.

Rue McClanahan
February 21, 1934-June 3, 2010
Rue McClanahan, best known as Golden Girls' man-hungry Southern debutante Blanche Devereaux and Maude's scatterbrained Vivian Harmon, has died. She was 76.

McClanahan suffered a cerebral hemorrhage Monday and died at 1 a.m. Thursday with family at her side at New York-Presbyterian Hospital, the actress' manager, Barbara Lawrence said in a statement.

McClanahan had been in ill health as of late. She suffered a stroke in January, two months after undergoing a cardial bypass.

Her death follows those of her Golden Girls co-stars, Estelle Getty, who died in July 2008, and Bea Arthur, who died in April 2009. Betty White is the sole surviving cast member of the iconic '80s NBC hit.

"Rue was a close and dear friend. I treasure our relationship," White said in a statement. "It hurts more than I ever thought it would, if that's even possible."

An Oklahoma native, McClanahan started acting off-Broadway in 1957 and made her Broadway debut 12 years later in the musical Jimmy Shine with Dustin Hoffman. She moved into television the following year, when she joined on the NBC soap Another World.

She found prime-time success in 1972, when she was cast on the groundbreaking All in the Family spin-off, Maude, opposite Arthur's titular feminist character. She played Maude's sweet and clueless best friend.

"I saw her off-Broadway and I brought her out here for Maude. This was one of the loveliest, funniest, most grounded...I don't have good enough words for her," Family and Maude creator Norman Lear said in a statement to Entertainment Weekly. "There are wonderful actors who can do comedy, and there are wonderful actors who can do comedy who are also funny. Rue was funny walking into a room. Her earlobes were funny. Her knuckles were funny. She was just funny."

But Golden Girls is where McClanahan's legacy rests. She won an Emmy for her portrayal of the man-crazed Blanche. McClanahan was originally cast as the dim Rose, while White — who played the sex-obsessed Sue Ann Nivens on The Mary Tyler Moore Show — was tapped for Blanche, but the actresses requested to swap roles to avoid being typecast. McClanahan reprised the role on the Golden Girls' spin-off, The Golden Palace, which lasted for one season.

Seldom appearing in feature films, McClanahan continued to be a TV presence in her later years, starring in TV movies and guest-starring on such shows as Boy Meets World, Hope & Faith, King of the Hill and Law & Order. Her last role as a series regular was on Logo's 2008 sitcom Sordid Lives: The Series and her screen appearance was on a 2009 episode of Meet the Browns.

A breast cancer survivor, McClanahan was married six times. She is survived by her husband, Morrow Wilson, whom she married in 1997; her son, Mark Bish, from her first marriage; and her sister, Dr. Melinda L. McClanahan.

John Wooden
October 14, 1910-June 4, 2010
John Wooden, one of the most successful college basketball coaches in history, has died, according to officials at the University of California, Los Angeles, where he coached for 27 years. He was 99.

Wooden, who was admitted to Ronald Reagan Medical Center at UCLA on May 26, died Friday night from natural causes.

"We want to thank everyone for their love and support for our father. We will miss him more than words can express," Wooden's children, Nan and Jim, said in a statement. "He has been, and always will be, the guiding light for our family. The love, guidance and support he has given us will never be forgotten."

During his tenure at UCLA, Wooden led the Bruins to 10 NCAA championships and was often referred to as the "Wizard of Westwood," in reference to the university's college town. Over the years, Wooden coached future NBA stars such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Bill Walton. His UCLA teams still hold the NCAA record for winning 88 consecutive games between 1971 and 1974.

An Indiana native, Wooden was well known for his "pyramid of success" motivational program and was thought of by many as one of the greatest collegiate basketball coaches of all time. Wooden's era of success was most recently the subject of the HBO documentary, The UCLA Dynasty, in 2007.

A private funeral service will be held for family and a public memorial will be announced at a later date.

Robert Wussler
September 8, 1936-June 5, 2010
Robert Wussler, one of CNN's co-founders and a former president of CBS, has died, according to The Hollywood Reporter. He was 73.

Wussler, a seven-time Emmy winner, died on June 5 at his Westport, Conn., home after battling a long illness, spokesman Arthur Sando told THR.

Wussler got his start working in the mailroom at CBS. He eventually became executive producer of CBS News, where he worked on such specials as the network's coverage of the moon landing. At age 39, he became the youngest network president in CBS history.

In 1980, Wussler was recruited by Ted Turner to join Turner Broadcasting Services. During the next decade, Wussler helped manage CNN as well as Headline News, and served as the president of TBS. He also helped launch TNT in 1988.

Wussler is survived by his six children and six grandchildren.

Marvin Isley
August 18, 1953-June 6, 2010
Marvin Isley, the bassist and youngest member of the hit-making soul and funk band Isley Brothers, has died. He was 56.

Isley died at 10:30 a.m. Sunday at Chicago's Weiss Memorial Hospital from complications of diabetes, Weiss spokeswoman Catherine Gianaro said.

Isley retired in 1997 because of his battle with diabetes, which resulted in a double amputation of his legs.

A Cincinnati native, Isley was not an original member of The Isley Brothers, which first consisted of his older brothers, O'Kelly Jr., Rudolph and Ronald. The trio was known as a vocal group, which scored such hits as 1959's "Shout," 1962's "Twist and Shout" and 1969's "It's Your Thing."

Isley joined in 1973, along with brother Ernie and brother-in-law Chris Jasper, infusing the group with a funkier sound that led to a string of hits. 3+3, the group's debut album as a sextet, became The Isley Brothers' first album to receive a gold certification and contained the classics "That Lady, Pt. 1 & 2" and "What It Comes Down To."

The Isley Brothers found continued success throughout the decade with "Fight the Power," "For the Love of You" and "Between the Sheets."

In 1984, Marvin Isley, Ernie Isley and Jasper split off to form Isley-Jasper-Isley, earning a No. 1 R&B hit with "Caravan of Love." Marvin Isley returned to The Isley Brothers in 1991.

In 2000, the Isleys won $7 million from a plagiarism award against Michael Bolton over the group's 1966 song "Love Is A Wonderful Thing." The Supreme Court upheld a federal appeals court ruling that Bolton's 1991 hit of the same name infringed on the copyright of The Isley Brothers' tune.

The group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992.

Jimmy Dean
August 10, 1928-June 13, 2010
Country music legend Jimmy Dean, who sang the country crossover hit "Big Bad John" and later became known for his sausage brand, has died, according to The Associated Press. He was 81.

Dean died Sunday at his home on his 200-acre estate near Richmond, Va., wife Donna Meade Dean told the AP. Though he had health problems, she said his death came as a shock because he was still functioning well. She said Dean was eating in front of the television and she found him unresponsive when she returned in to the room.

A Texas native, Dean, who dropped out of school after ninth grade, experienced great success in the entertainment industry in the 1950s and '60s, including his nationally televised The Jimmy Dean Show.

Dean, who fronted his Texas Wildcats band, had his first national hit in the early 1950s, "Bummin' Around" and earned a Grammy for "Big Bad John" in 1961. He was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame earlier this year and was to be inducted in October.

Dean became a headliner at such places as Carnegie Hall and the Hollywood Bowl as well as the Las Vegas strip. He served as a guest host on The Tonight Show, and acted in various TV and film roles, including 1971's Diamonds Are Forever — as James Bond's ally, reclusive billionaire Willard Whyte.

He started the Jimmy Dean Meat Co. in 1969 and sold it to Sara Lee Corp. in 1984.

His fortune was estimated at $75 million in the early '90s, and Dean said he learned to be smart with his finances.

"I've seen so many people in this business that made a fortune," he told the AP in 2004. "They get old and broke and can't make any money. ... I tell you something ... no one's going to play a benefit for Jimmy Dean."

Dean is survived by his wife, three children, and two grandchildren.

Ronald Neame
April 23, 1911-June 16, 2010
Ronald Neame, the Oscar-nominated British filmmaker whose credits include The Poseidon Adventure and The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, has died. He was 99.

Neame died Wednesday at a Los Angeles hospital, his wife, Donna, told The Associated Press. He had suffered a fall six weeks ago.

The son of photographer Edwin Neame and actress Ivy Close, Neame first broke into the business as a cinematographer on Alfred Hitchock's 1929 film, Blackmail, the first British movie made with sound.

Neame eventually segued into producing, directing and screenwriting. He earned three Oscar nominations: one for special effects on 1942's One of Our Aircraft Is Missing and two for co-writing Brief Encounter (1945) and Great Expectations (1946). Both screenwriting nominations were shared with director David Lean and producer Anthony Havelock-Allan.

He went on to direct 1969's critically acclaimed The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, which won Maggie Smith her first Oscar, but he enjoyed his greatest box-office success with the 1972 disaster film The Poseidon Adventure. Neame named the film his favorite because it gave him enough "F.U. money" to retire, he told the British Film Institute in 2003.

Neame's last full-length film, Foreign Body, was released in 1986.

Neame is survived by his second wife, Donna; a son from his first marriage, Christopher Neame, a film producer; three grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Manute Bol
October 16, 1962-June 19, 2010
Manute Bol, a former professional basketball star and humanitarian has died, according to The Washington Post. He was 47.

Bol died Saturday at the University of Virginia Medical Center after suffering internal bleeding and other complications from Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, a rare skin disease, his cousin, George Bol, told the Post. He had suffered kidney failure on his way back to the U.S. from his native Sudan on May 12, according to a message written on his Facebook page.

Standing at 7 feet, 7 inches tall, Bol remains the second-tallest player in National Basketball Association history. During his ten years in the NBA, he played with the Washington Bullets, the Golden State Warriors, the Phildelphia 76ers and the Miami Heat.

Following his retirement from basketball, Bol became an activist focused on improving the lives of other Sudan natives. He tried to promote peace in the war-torn nation through both frequent visits to local refugee camps and the creation of the Sundan Sunrise foundation.

Harvey Pekar
October 8, 1939-July 12, 2010
Underground comic book writer Harvey Pekar, best known as the inspiration for the film American Splendor, died Monday morning in his Cleveland Heights home, according to WTAM 1100 news radio station. He was 70.

Although the cause of Pekar's death is not yet known, Cleveland Heights Police Capt. Michael Cannon said the writer had been suffering from prostate cancer, asthma, high blood pressure and depression.

Pekar's American Splendor comic book series, which followed the writer's everyday life Cleveland as a file clerk at the Veteran's Administration, inspired the 2003 film adaptation of the same name. Paul Giamatti played a fictional version of Pekar, though Pekar also appeared in the film as himself. The movie, which co-starred Hope Davis as Pekar's wife, Joyce Brabner, earned an Oscar nomination for best adapted screenplay.

The comic book, which published at irregular intervals between 1976 and 2008, was not only published by Pekar, but also by Dark Horse Comics and DC Comics imprint Vertigo. Pekar worked with famed illustrator and underground comix movement Robert Crumb on the comic.

Pekar was also a freelance jazz and book critic and won awards for his essays that were broadcast on public radio.

George Steinbrenner
July 4, 1930-July 13, 2010
Longtime New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner, who transformed the dormant franchise into a dynasty, has died. He was 80.

Steinbrenner died Tuesday at 6:30 a.m. in Tampa, Fla., his spokesman, Howard Rubenstein, said in a statement from the Steinbrenner family.

"He was a visionary and a giant in the world of sports," the statement read. "He took a great but struggling franchise and turned it into a champion again."

A moment of silence — accompanied by a montage of photos — was held for Steinbrenner before the start of major league baseball's all-star game Tuesday.

Steinbrenner turned 80 on July 4.

Steinbrenner, whose health had been fragile in recent years, suffered a massive heart attack and was rushed to Tampa's St. Joseph's Hospital Monday night, according to New York ABC affiliate WABC.

His death comes two days after the team's public-address announcer Bob Sheppard died at 99.

Under Steinbrenner's ownership since 1973 — the longest tenure in MLB history — the Yankees won seven World Series trophies, most recently in 2009, and 11 American League pennants.

A Cleveland native, Steinbrenner, then chairman of a shipping company, bought the Yankees from CBS for $8.8 million on Jan. 3, 1973, saying he intended to be an absentee owner.

But he soon emerged as "The Boss." With his win-at-all-costs style, he aggressively molded the struggling team into a World Series champion in four years through the free-agent market.

Living up to his nickname, the bombastic Steinbrenner famously clashed with general managers and players, including Yogi Berra, and notoriously rotated his staff with ease.

Still, he was not afraid to laugh at himself: With his permission, Steinbrenner was parodied on Seinfeld — though his face was never seen — when George Costanza (Jason Alexander) worked for the Yankees. Lee Bear portrayed the character, while Larry David voiced him.

"No one knows what this guy's capable of; he fires people like it's a bodily function!" George once said of Steinbrenner.

Steinbrenner also hosted Saturday Night Live in 1990 and appeared as himself on Arli$$ and The Apprentice.

He was portrayed by Oliver Platt in the 2007 ESPN miniseries The Bronx Is Burning, which chronicled the road to the Yankees' first World Series title under Steinbrenner.

Steinbrenner's reign was not without controversy: He served two suspensions, the first in 1974 after pleading guilty to making illegal campaign contributions to Richard Nixon's presidential campaign, and the second in 1990 for paying gambler Howie Spira in exchange for damaging information on Dave Winfield.

In 2007, Steinbrenner gave day-to-day control of the Yankees to his sons, Hal and Hank.

Steinbrenner made infrequent public appearances in recent years. He attended the opening game at the team's new stadium in 2009 and made his final appearance at the 2010 home opener.

The Yankees today are valued at $1.6 billion, according to Forbes.

Steinbrenner is survived by his wife, Joan; his sisters, Susan Norpell and Judy Kamm; his children, Hank, Jennifer, Jessica and Hal; and several grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements will be private. A public service will be announced at a later date.

James Gammon
April 20, 1940-July 16, 2010
James Gammon, who played Don Johnson's father in Nash Bridges, has died of cancer, The Associated Press reports. He was 70.

A character actor, Gammon got his start in the NBC series The Road West in 1966. He's well remembered for his roles in Major League, as the manager of the Cleveland Indians, and for Nash Bridges, in which he played patriarch Nick Bridges.

Among his myriad credits, Gammon most recently appeared in the films In the Electric Mist and Appaloosa, as well as the TV series Grey's Anatomy and Monk.

Gammon is survived by a wife and two daughters.

Patricia Neal
January 20, 1926-August 8, 2010
Patricia Neal, the Oscar- and Tony-winning actress who overcame three strokes to continue her career, has died. She was 84.

Neal died Sunday in her home in Edgartown, Mass., after a battle with lung cancer, her family said in a statement.

"She faced her final illness as she had all of the many trials she endured: with indomitable grace, good humor and a great deal of her self-described stubbornness," the statement read.

In 1965 — a year after winning a best-actress Oscar for her tough housekeeper Alma who stood up to Paul Newman's brash cowboy in Hud — Neal suffered a series of strokes at age 39 that left her semi-paralyzed and unable to speak. She learned to walk and talk again before returning to the screen in 1968's The Subject Was Roses, for which she earned another Oscar nomination.

In Knoxville, Tenn., where she grew up, a rehabilitation center that helps people recover from strokes as well as spinal cord and brain injuries is named for her.

A Kentucky native, Neal first made her name on Broadway after winning the first featured-actress-in-a-play Tony in 1947 for her work in Another Part of the Forest. Two years later, she made her film debut in John Loves Mary and starred in film version of Ayn Rand's novel The Fountainhead, opposite Gary Cooper, with whom she had an affair. The affair ended in 1950 when Cooper, who was 25 years her senior, refused to leave his wife and his daughter. Neal also underwent an abortion while with Cooper.

"I've wept and wept over that," she told People in 1988. "That abortion is my greatest regret, but I wasn't as gutsy as Ingrid Bergman [who gave birth out of wedlock to Italian film director Roberto Rossellini's son]. That I, this little Southern girl, should have had the guts to do that ... nevah, nevah."

Throughout the 1950s and '60s, Neal starred in The Day the Earth Stood Still, The Breaking Point, A Face in the Crowd, Breakfast at Tiffany's and In Harm's Way.

Neal was offered the role of Mrs. Robinson in The Graduate, which came out in 1967, but turned it down as she was still recovering from her strokes.

Following her triumphant return, Neal turned to television, receiving the first of her three Emmy nominations for The Homecoming: A Christmas Story, the 1971 TV movie that served as the pilot for The Waltons.

In 1953, Neal married author Roald Dahl, who wrote James and the Giant Peach, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda and The Fantastic Mr. Fox. They had five children, one of whom — daughter Olivia — died in 1962 at the age 7 of measles encephalitis. Their infant son, Theo, also suffered brain damage in 1957 when a taxi struck his stroller.

Neal and Dahl, who died in 1990, divorced in 1983 after he had an affair with her best friend.

"You can't give up," Neal said in a 1999 interview. "You sure want to, sometimes."

Neal is survived by her three daughters, Ophelia, writer Tessa Dahl (whose daughter is model Sophie Dahl), screenwriter Lucy Dahl, and son Theo.

David L. Wolper
January 11, 1928-August 10, 2010
David Wolper, producer of the celebrated miniseries Roots, has died of congestive heart disease and complications of Parkinson's disease, according to The Associated Press. He was 82.

Wolper is perhaps best known for his work on the 1977 ABC miniseries that followed Kunta Kinte, an African boy captured and sold into slavery in America. Roots, starring LeVar Burton and Louis Gossett Jr., received 36 Emmy nominations, winning nine, along with a Golden Globe and Peabody Award. Wolper produced a special for NBC in 2002, marking the miniseries' 25th anniversary.

Wolper directed the 1959 documentary The Race for Space, which was nominated for an Academy Award. The 1971 film The Hellstrom Chronicle — about the possibility of insects taking over the world — was executive-produced by Wolper and won the Oscar for documentaries.

Wolper was also attached to such documentaries as Biography, The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich, Appointment with Destiny, This is Elvis, Four Days in November and Imagine: John Lennon.

Among his other projects, he produced The Thorn Birds, North and South for television and the feature films Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory and L.A. Confidential.

Wolper is survived by his wife, Gloria, three children from a previous marriage, and 10 grandchildren.

Harold Dow
September 28, 1947-August 21, 2010
Longtime CBS News correspondent Harold Dow died suddenly Saturday morning, according to the network's website. He was 62.

The five-time Emmy Award winner was best known for his work on 48 Hours, to which he contributed since the program's launch in January 1988. He was also a contributor to the critically acclaimed 1986 documentary, 48 Hours on Crack Street, which led to the creation of the weekly news magazine.

"CBS News is deeply saddened by this sudden loss," CBS News and Sports President Sean McManus said in a statement. "The CBS News family has lost one of its oldest and most talented members, whose absence will be felt by many and whose on-air presence and reporting skills touched nearly all of our broadcasts. We extend our deepest condolences to his wife Kathy and their children Joelle, Danica and David."

Dow covered many of the most important stories of his time, including 9/11, where he barely escaped one of the falling Twin Towers. He also covered the return of prisoners of war from Vietnam, the movement of American troops into Bosnia, the Pan Am Flight 103 disaster, and the kidnapping of Patricia Hearst, who he interviewed exclusively in 1976. He also conducted the first network TV interview with O. J. Simpson after the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman.

In addition to his five Emmys, Dow was honored with a Peabody Award for his 48 Hours report on runaways and a Robert F. Kennedy Award for a report on public housing. He was also recently recognized by the National Association of Black Journalists for his report about civil rights activist Medgar Evers, which was featured in a CBS News special about the inauguration of President Barack Obama.

Prior to beginning his work for CBS News in 1972, Dow was an anchor at Theta Cable TV in Santa Monica, Calif. He was also the first African American television reporter in Omaha, Neb., where he served as co-anchor and talk-show host for KETV Omaha.

Dow's cause of death was not immediately released.

Nancy Dolman
September 26, 1951-August 21, 2010
Martin Short's wife, former actress Nancy Dolman, has died, Short's rep tells TVGuide.com. She was 58.

Dolman died Saturday, but no cause of death or any additional details have been released. According to Lt. Fred Corral of the L.A County coroner's office, Dolman was under a private doctor's care and there was no need for the coroner's involvement.

The Saturday Night Live and Father of the Bride star, 60, married Dolman in 1980. The couple met in 1972 while working together in a Toronto production of Godspell.

Dolman appeared in a recurring role on the prime-time TV series Soap in 1981 and retired in 1985 to raise her family.

The couple had three children: Katherine, 26; Oliver, 24; and Henry, 21.

An e-mail to Short's rep was not immediately returned.

Short is up for an Emmy for his role in Damages.

Robert Schimmel
January 16, 1950-September 3, 2010
Comedian Robert Schimmel, best known for his frequent appearances on Howard Stern's radio show, died after suffering serious injuries in a car accident, according to The Associated Press. He was 60.

Schimmel died Friday evening in a Phoenix hospital, his spokesman Howard Bragman told the AP. He was a passenger in a car driven by his 19-year-old daughter Aliyah whose vehicle rolled to the side of the freeway after she swerved to avoid another vehicle. Aliyah is currently in stable condition, Bragman said.

In addition to his often foulmouthed routines on Stern, Schimmel appeared on Late Night with Conan O'Brien, was named one of Comedy Central's 100 Greatest Comics, and had his own stand-up specials on HBO and Showtime.

In 2008, he wrote Cancer on $5 a Day, a memoir chronicling his battle with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

David Dortort
October 23, 1916-September 5, 2010
David Dortort, creator of the long-running hit Western Bonanza, has died. He was 93.

Dortort died Sunday at his Westwood, Calif., apartment, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

A three-time Emmy nominee, Dortort got his start writing for such series as The Restless Gun, Lassie and Waterfront. In 1959, he launched Bonanza, featuring then-unknown talents Michael Landon, Lorne Greene, Dan Blocker and Pernell Roberts.

The series, which deviated from the usual Western fare by focusing on a family as opposed to drifters, became a ratings smash in 1961 when NBC changed its timeslot from Saturdays to Sundays. It was the nation's top-rated prime-time network series for three seasons, starting in 1964.

Capitalizing on the introduction of color television, Bonanza was the first American Western series to film all its episodes in color.

Dortort also created The High Chaparral, which originally followed Bonanza and ran for four seasons from 1967-71.

Bonanza was canceled in 1973 after 14 seasons after Blocker, who played Eric "Hoss" Cartwright, died unexpectedly after complications from gallbladder surgery.

Dortort went to produce several Bonanza TV movies, including Bonanza: The Next Generation, Bonanza: The Return and Bonanza: Under Attack.

He is survived by daughter Wendy, son Fred, brother Elliot and granddaughter Tracy.

Rich Cronin
August 30, 1974-September 8, 2010
Rich Cronin, part of the pop music trio LFO, died Wednesday, according to E! Online. He was 35.

The singer wrote LFO's 1999 break-out hit "Summer Girls," which infamously gave a shout-out to "girls that wear Abercrombie & Fitch."

He had been battling myelogenous leukemia since 2005.

Cronin also starred on the VH1 series Mission: Man Band, where former boy band members tried to hit it big a second time around.

"Rip to a great friend rich c," Mission co-star Chris Kirkpatrick of *NSYNC said on his Facebook page Wednesday.

Cronin created the Cronin Hope Foundation to raise awareness about the disease and encourage others to become bone marrow donors.

Kevin McCarthy
February 15, 1914-September 11, 2010
Golden Globe-winning actor Kevin McCarthy, who played the doctor trying to save his neighbors in the sci-fi film Invasion of the Body Snatchers, has died. He was 96.

McCarthy died Saturday, a Cape Cod Hospital spokesman told The Associated Press. The cause of death or any other details were not released.

McCarthy's career began on the stage. His 1938 Broadway debut in Abe Lincoln in Illinois earned him membership in the Actors Studio. McCarthy was chosen to play Willy Loman's son, Biff, in the London production of Death of a Salesman, a role which McCarthy also played in the 1951 film, earning a best supporting actor Oscar nomination. He was named New Star of the Year by the Golden Globes in 1952.

McCarthy's best-known role, however, was that of the frantic doctor who tried in vain to warn his neighbors that pod people from space were taking over the people of Earth. The film was a box-office flop, but it has earned cult status since. It has been remade several times, most notably in 1978 starring Donald Sutherland and again in 2007 as The Invasion starring Nicole Kidman and Daniel Craig.

McCarthy's other film roles included Gathering of Eagles, The Best Man, Mirage, Hotel, The Howling, and Twilight Zone: The Movie, He also appeared as Marilyn Monroe's estranged husband in the 1961 classic The Misfits, Monroe's last film.

McCarthy also appeared on such TV shows as ABC medical drama Breaking Point, The Survivors, The Fugitive, and The A-Team. In 1978, he played Harry Truman in the touring one-man show "Give 'em Hell, Harry," He performed the role in more than 350 venues, according to the AP.

He is survived by his second wife, Kate Crane, with whom he had two children. He also had three children from his first marriage to Augusta Dabney.

Eddie Fisher
August 10, 1928-September 22, 2010
Eddie Fisher, the 1950s pop singer and father of Carrie Fisher known for his high-profile Hollywood romances, has died. He was 82.

Fisher died Wednesday in his Berkely, Calif., home, from complications from hip surgery, his daughter, actress and singer Tricia Leigh Fisher, told The Associated Press.

"Late last evening the world lost a true America icon," the family said in a statement Thursday. "One of the greatest voices of the century passed away. He was an extraordinary talent and a true mensch."

A Philadelphia native, Fisher rose to fame in the early '50s with hit songs like "Thinking of You" and "Wish You Were Here." He also headlined his own variety series, Coke Time with Eddie Fisher and The Eddie Fisher Show, both on NBC.

In 1955, he married film actress Debbie Reynolds, and the couple had two children, Star Wars actress Carrie Fisher and son Todd.

In 1959, Fisher created a tabloid scanal when he left Reynolds to marry his BUtterfield 8 co-star, Elizabeth Taylor. Five years later, Taylor left Fisher for her Cleopatra co-star, Richard Burton. Fisher went on to marry Connie Stevens, with whom he had two daughters, Tricia Leigh and actress Joely Fisher. Fisher and Stevens divorced in 1969, and he married two more times.

Fisher continued to record throughout the '60s. His last album, After All, was released in 1984.

In 1981, Fisher released an autobiography, Eddie: My Life, My Loves. In the book he wrote that he had been bullied into marrying Reynolds, became a nursemaid to Taylor, and only married Stevens because he got her pregnant. He followed up with another autobiography in 1999 called Been There, Done That, which was further damaging to his exes.

Gloria Stuart
July 4, 1910-September 26, 2010
Gloria Stuart, the 1930s starlet who became the oldest person ever to be nominated for an Academy Award with her career-making turn in Titanic, has died. She was 100.

Stuart died Sunday night at her West Los Angeles home, her daughter, Sylvia Thompson, told The Los Angeles Times. Stuart was diagnosed with lung cancer five years ago.

"She also was a breast cancer survivor," Thompson said, "but she just paid no attention to illness. She was a very strong woman and had other fish to fry."

Stuart turned 100 on July 4 and celebrated with Titanic director James Cameron and his wife, Titanic co-star Suzy Amis, at the "Academy Centennial Celebration with Gloria Stuart."

The actress was 87 when she starred as the 101-year-old version of Kate Winslet's Titanic survivor Rose Dawson Calvert, who dropped the "Heart of the Ocean" diamond into the water in the 1997 blockbuster. She became the oldest person nominated for an Oscar, but lost the supporting actress award to Kim Basinger (L.A. Confidential).

A glamorous blonde and one of the founders of the Screen Actors Guild, Stuart got her start in the 1930s, making more than 40 films by the end of the decade while under contract at Universal Studios and 20th Century Fox. Among her credits are The Invisible Man with Claude Rains, John Ford's The Prisoner of Shark Island, Roman Scandals, Gold Diggers of 1935 and Here Comes the Navy with James Cagney. She also starred opposite Shirley Temple in Poor Little Rich Girl and Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm.

Stuart's latest contract with 20th Century Fox was not renewed at the turn of the decade, and she only made four films in the '40s, falling further away from achieving A-list status. She retired from acting in 1946 and took up art, becoming an accomplished painter and printer.

After 30 years, Stuart returned to acting, taking bit parts in films, including 1982's My Favorite Year, in which she had no lines, but danced with Peter O'Toole. More than a decade later, she was asked to audition for Titanic.

In her 1999 autobiography, Gloria Stuart: I Just Kept Hoping, Stuart said that after reading the script, "I knew the role I had wanted and waited for all these many years had arrived! I could taste the role of Old Rose!"

Her last screen appearance was in the 2004 Michelle Williams drama Land of Plenty.

Stuart was married twice, first to sculptor Blair Gordon Newell from 1930-34, and then to screenwriter Arthur Sheekman, who penned Roman Scandals, from 1934 until his death in 1978.

In addition to her daughter, from her marriage to Sheekman, Stuart is survived by four grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Sally Menke
December 17, 1953-September 27, 2010
Film editor Sally Menke, best known for her work with Quentin Tarantino, was found dead in Los Angeles on Tuesday, the Los Angeles Times reported. She was 56.

Friends contacted the police on Monday when Menke didn't return home from hiking with her dog.

Her body was found early Tuesday at the bottom of a ravine, not far from where her car was parked. The Los Angeles County coroner's office was determining whether the record-breaking heat was a factor in her death. Monday's 113 degrees was the hottest day ever recorded in downtown Los Angeles.

Her dog was sitting next to her body, which was about a football field's length from nearby homes, the Times said.

Menke and Tarantino worked together on his first feature, 1992's Reservoir Dogs. In an 2009 essay for the Guardian, Menkin said the script "was amazing. It floored me."

They continued their professional relationship on the films Pulp Fiction and Kill Bill: Vol 1 and 2. Menke also edited last year's Inglourious Basterds.

Arthur Penn
September 27, 1922-September 28, 2010
Arthur Penn, the stage and film director whose iconic Bonnie and Clyde ushered in the post-classical age of Hollywood, has died. He was 88.

Penn died Tuesday — the day after his 88th birthday — his friend and accountant, Evan Bell, told The New York Times. Bell said Penn had been sick for a year, but did not disclose the cause of death.

A Philadelphia native and brother of the late still photographer Irving Penn, Penn first made his name directing television dramas and Broadway plays in the 1950s and '60s. He earned Tony nominations for his stage productions of Two for the Seesaw, The Miracle Worker and All the Way Home, winning for The Miracle Worker. Star Anne Bancroft also won a Tony.

Penn first directed The Miracle Worker for the CBS series Playhouse 90 and then brought it to the big screen in 1962 with Bancroft. The film won best actress and supporting actress awards for Bancroft and Patty Duke, respectively, while Penn was nominated for best director.

In 1967, he helmed Bonnie and Clyde, the rural crime drama starring Warren Beatty — who worked with Penn in 1965's Mickey One — and Faye Dunaway that encouraged audiences to side with the bad guys. The landmark film, an homage to French New Wave films and in line with the counterculture spirit, broke the mold in Hollywood, as it was sexually explicit and violent in ways not yet portrayed on celluloid stateside.

The film was nominated for 10 Academy Awards, including director for Penn, but won only two: supporting actress for Estelle Parsons and cinematography for Burnett Guffney.

Penn reunited with Dunaway for the critically acclaimed 1970 western Little Big Man, in which Dustin Hoffman starred as a white man accepted by the Cheyenne Native American tribe.

His other credits include 1975's Night Moves starring Gene Hackman and 1976's The Missouri Breaks with Jack Nicholson and Marlon Brando.

Penn is survived by wife Peggy Maurer and two children, Molly and Matthew.

Greg Giraldo
December 10, 1965-September 29, 2010
Comedian and Last Comic Standing judge Greg Giraldo died Wednesday following a drug overdose, TMZ reported. He was 44.

"Greg was one of the most talented comedians of our time," Last Comic Standing producers said in a statement obtained by TVGuide.com. "His work will surely continue to influence and inspire us. We will miss our friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family."

Friend and fellow comedian Jim Norton posted the last picture he and Giraldo took together on his Twitter: "Greg Giraldo passed away today ... RIP, buddy."

The report of Giraldo's death comes just days after he was hospitalized for what his management called an "accidental overdose." He was listed in critical condition afterwards.

The New York native was a regular on The Howard Stern Show and was known for his appearances on many of Comedy Central's roasts, including most recently The Roast of David Hasselhoff. He joined Last Comic Standing this past season.

Giraldo, who worked as a lawyer before turning to comedy, is survived by his three children.

A representative at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, N.J., declined to comment. Giraldo's agent and manager also declined to comment.

Tony Curtis
June 3, 1925-September 29, 2010
Tony Curtis, the Oscar-nominated heartthrob and father of Jamie Lee Curtis best known for such hits as Sweet Smell of Success and Some Like It Hot, has died. He was 85.

Curtis died Wednesday night at his Las Vegas home of cardiac arrest, the Clark County coroner told The Associated Press.

Curtis, who had heart bypass surgery in 1994, suffered from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and was hospitalized in July after he had trouble breathing. The actor almost died in 2006, when he contracted pneumonia and was in a coma for several days.

Born Bernard Schwartz, Curtis, who joined the Navy during World War II, signed a contract with Universal Pictures in 1948 at age 23 and made his film debut a year later in Criss Cross.

Handsome and athletic, Curtis admitted that he banked on his looks early in his career, but he became a respected actor with a trio of acclaimed hits: 1957's Sweet Smell of Success, in which he played a conniving press agent; 1958's The Defiant Ones, in which he was a bigoted convict opposite Sidney Poitier; and 1959's slapstick hit Some Like It Hot with Marilyn Monroe and Jack Lemmon. Curtis and Poiter both earned best actor Oscar nominations for The Defiant Ones, but they both lost to Separate Tables' David Niven.

Curtis continued to act well into the 2000s, extending his career to seven decades. Other credits include the historical epic Spartacus, Houdini and a voice role in Rosemary's Baby. His last film was the 2008 drama David & Fatima.

His personal life was filled with turmoil. Once arrested on a marijuana possession charge, he did a stint at the Betty Ford Clinic. He was married six times. His first and most famous union was with Janet Leigh, a marriage that produced actresses Jamie Lee Curtis and Kelly Curtis. The couple divorced in 1962 after 11 years. Curtis had four more children, including son Nicholas, who died in 1994 at age 23 of a heroin overdose. Curtis had difficult relationships with all of his kids and was notoriously estranged from Jamie Lee until about 30 years ago.

"I understand him better now," she told People in 1980, "perhaps not as a father but as a man."

Curtis is survived by his wife, equestrian Jill Vandenburg, whom he wed in 1998, and his five children.

Stephen J. Cannell
February 5, 1941-September 30, 2010
Prolific writer and producer Stephen J. Cannell, who created such shows as The Rockford Files and The A-Team, has died. He was 69.

Cannell died from complications associated with melanoma in his Pasadena, Calif., home on Thursday, The Associated Press reports.

Cannell got his start as a story editor on the cop drama Adam-12. He went on to create and co-create nearly 40 television series, including The Rockford Files, The A-Team, 21 Jump Street and The Commish.

In recent years, Cannell turned his focus from television to novels and published 16 books.

The Los Angeles native was also an occasional actor and had a recurring role on ABC's Castle.

Cannell was married to his high school sweetheart, Marcia. The couple had two daughters, Tawnia and Chelsea, and a son, Cody. Their firsborn, Derek, died at the age of 15 in 1981.

Solomon Burke
March 21, 1940-October 10, 2010
Solomon Burke, a soul music pioneer and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee whose songs blended soul, gospel, country and R&B, has died. He was 70.

Burke died early Sunday at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport, according to The Associated Press. He was scheduled to perform in Amsterdam on Tuesday. Burke's family said in a statement on the singer's website that he died of natural causes.

Burke's biggest hits include his first single, "Cry to Me," and "Everybody Needs Somebody to Love," the latter of which he wrote in 1964. The song was recorded by the Rolling Stones, but it is perhaps most famous for its use in The Blues Brothers, starring Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi.

Dirty Dancing also popularized "Cry to Me," which was featured in the background as stars Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey danced seductively in one of the film's most memorable scenes.

"This is a time of great sorrow for our entire family," the family's statement read. "We truly appreciate all of the support and well wishes from his friends and fans. Although our hearts and lives will never be the same, his love, life and music will continue to live within us forever."

Although his popularity never matched that of contemporaries James Brown or Marvin Gaye, Burke was acknowledged as one of the 1960s' greatest soul singers. Jerry Wexler, a producer for Atlantic Records, Burke's label, once called Burke "the best soul singer of all time," according to the AP.

Burke was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001 and won a Grammy the following year for his contemporary blues album, Don't Give Up on Me. Those recent honors created new interest in Burke's music, and he had toured the world in recent years, often playing songs by request rather than following a set list, according to his website.

Burke fathered 21 children, and had scores of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Simon MacCorkindale
February 12, 1952-October 14, 2010
Manimal star Simon MacCorkindale has died. He was 58.

MacCorkindale died Thursday night in the arms of his wife, actress Susan George, at a London clinic, the BBC reported. He was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2006, which spread to his lungs a year later.

Born in England, MacCorkindale acted in the West End production of Pygmalion. He later moved to the U.S. where he appeared on the TV series Dynasty, Falcon Crest, Hart to Hart and The Dukes of Hazard. In 1983, he was cast in the lead role on NBC's Manimal. In 2002, he joined the cast of BBC's Casualty.

"No one could have fought this disease any harder than he did since being diagnosed four years ago," George said. "To me, he was simply the best of everything, and I loved him with all my heart. He will live on in me forever."

Barbara Billingsley
December 22, 1915-October 16, 2010
Barbara Billingsley, best known as Leave It to Beaver's picture-perfect matriarch June Cleaver, has died. She was 94.

Billingsley died early Saturday at her Santa Monica, Calif., home, family spokeswoman Judy Twersky said. The actress had suffered from a rheumatoid disease.

"I am deeply saddened by the loss of my dear friend and lifetime mentor Barbara Billingsley. She will live in the hearts of her fans as a wonderful actress and be remembered by her friends as a gracious lady," Beaver co-star Jerry Mathers, who played Billingsley's mischievous son, Theodore "Beaver," told TMZ. "She will be deeply missed by all of her family, friends, fans and most especially by me."

A former fashion model, Billingsley started acting in the 1940s, appearing in such films as Three Guys Named Mike, Invaders from Mars and The Careless Years. She made her TV debut in a 1952 episode of The Abbott and Costello Show and later appeared on The Lone Wolf, City Detective and Schlitz Playhouse of Stars.

But Billingsley didn't become a star until 1957 when she signed on to play the quintessential TV mom, June Cleaver, on CBS' family sitcom Leave It to Beaver, alongside Mathers, Hugh Beaumont and Tony Dow. CBS canceled the series after one season due to poor ratings. The show then moved to ABC, where it remained for five more years, achieving iconic status for its portrayal of an idealized American family in suburbia.

Impeccably dressed with her trademark pearls and high heels, stay-at-home mom June was dutifully devoted to her husband, Ward (Beaumont), and regularly dispensed advice to her sons, "Beaver" and Wally (Dow).

"Barbara was a patient advisor and teacher," Mathers said. "She helped me along this challenging journey through life by showing me the importance of manners, and respect for others."

Typecast as the perfect mother, Billingsley took a break from acting after the show ended. She poked fun her wholesome image in the 1980 satire Airplane!, playing a passenger who could speak jive.

Billingsley subsequently starred in the 1983 Beaver reunion TV movie, Still the Beaver, and the revival series, The New Leave It to Beaver, which lasted four seasons. In the 1997 film version of Beaver, Billingsley played Aunt Martha. Other credits include Mork & Mindy, Roseanne, Empty Nest and Muppet Babies, on which she voiced Nanny and The Little Train.

Billingsley was married three times, and her last husband died in 1981. She is survived by two sons, three stepchildren and several grandchildren.

Tom Bosley
October 1, 1927-October 19, 2010
Tom Bosley, who played the gruff but lovable Mr. C on Happy Days, and whose stable demeanor made him one of TV's ultimate father figures, has died. He was 83.

Bosley had been battling lung cancer but died of heart failure at his home in Palm Springs, Calif., early Tuesday, his agent, Sheryl Abrams,
told TVGuide.com.

Bosley's Happy Days character, Howard Cunningham, was constantly distracted from life's simple pleasures — his couch, meetings of the Leopard Club, chats with his wife, Marion — by problems and misunderstandings almost always brought on by his kids. He was a surrogate father to everyone in the Happy Days gang, including Arthur "Fonz" Fonzarelli, who dubbed him "Mr. C" out of respect.

"I'm so saddened by the loss of our wonderful Tom Bosley. Remarkable on so many levels, Tom's insight, talent, strength of character and comic timing made him a vital central figure in the Happy Days experience. A great father and husband, and a wonderful artist, Tom lead by example, and made us all laugh while he was doing it," Bosley's TV son, Ron Howard, said in a statement. "I miss him already."

He followed Happy Days by playing another reassuring character, Murder She Wrote's Sheriff Amos Tupper, and then with another fatherly turn as a crime-solving priest on Father Dowling Mysteries. (Unlike his very Catholic character, Bosley was Jewish.)

His death came just three days after the death of another iconic TV parent, Leave it to Beaver mom Barbara Billingsley. Since both shows were set in the 1950s and '60s, both stars came to be equated with nostalgia for a supposedly simpler time.

Happy Days lasted from 1974 to 1984 and spawned a slew of spin-offs: Laverne & Shirley, Mork & Mindy, and Joanie Loves Chachi. Its influence is obvious on countless sitcoms, most notably That ' 70s Show, another nostalgic Wisconsin-based sitcom.

"Tom was a family member, both on and off the sound stage. We acted together, traveled together and played charades together," Happy Days co-star Henry Winkler said in a statement. "He was a loving husband, a doting father and a fantastic grandfather. He will be so missed but never forgotten by the Winkler family or the world."

Bosley's aura of stability made him not only a perfect dad, but also an ideal pitchman. His ads for Glad Trash Bags were a perfect mix of product and celebrity endorser: Trash bags need to be reliable, and who was more reliable than Mr. C?

Bosley, born Oct. 1, 1927, had his big breakthrough playing New York mayor Fiorello H. LaGuardia in the long-running Broadway musical Fiorello!, for which he won a Tony in 1960.

TV Guide Network will air The Cast of Happy Days: Where Are They Now on Wednesday at 1 p.m. ET/PT.

Bob Guccione
December 17, 1930-October 20, 2010
Penthouse magazine founder Bob Guccione has died. He was 79.

Guccione died at Plano Specialty Hospital in Plano, Texas, his family said in a statement to The Associate Press. He battled lung cancer for several years.

Guccione started his magazine in England in 1965 in order to pay for his art career. He brought the magazine to the U.S. four years later, hoping to one-up Playboy by focusing on voyeurism. "To see her as if she doesn't know she's being seen. That was the sexy part, Guccione told The Independent in London, in 2004. "That was the part that none of our competition understood."

In 1984, Penthouse published nude pictures of Vanessa Williams after she was chosen as Miss America. She was famously forced to relinquish her crown due to the nature of the photos.

Guccione also made waves with one his largest business failures, an investment in the 1979 X-rated film, Caligula. The film, which starred Malcolm McDowell, Helen Mirren, and Peter O'Toole was a box-office bomb that critics panned it for its gratuitous sex scenes.

Guccione married four times. He has a daughter, Tonina, from his first marriage, and three sons, Bob Jr., Tony, and Nick, and daughter, Nina, from his second marriage. He married his fourth wife, April, in 2006.

Lisa Blount
July 1, 1957-c. October 25, 2010
Lisa Blount, an Oscar-winning producer and an actress best known for her co-starring role in An Officer and a Gentleman, has died. She was 53.

Blount was found dead in her Little Rock, Ark., home Wednesday by her mother, according to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. Though a statement by her publicist did not provide a cause of death, Pulaski County coroner Garland Camper told TVGuide.com that there were no signs of foul play. Her husband, director-producer Ray McKinnon (Apollo 13, The Bind Side), was out of town at the time.

Blount earned a Golden Globe nomination for her role as Debra Winger's friend, Lynette Pomeroy, in the 1982 film An Officer and a Gentleman. In 2001, she won an Oscar for Best Live Action Short Film as the producer of that year's The Accountant, in which she and her husband co-starred.

Blount's other film credits include Needful Things, Great Balls of Fire, Box of Moonlight, Prince of Darkness and Chrystal. She also co-starred with Heroes' Adrian Pasdar in the short-lived Fox series Profit in 1996.

Paul the Octopus
January 2008-October 26, 2010
Paul the Octopus, the German sea creature who correctly predicted the results of eight World Cup matches this summer, has died, according to The Associated Press. He was 2 years old.

The seemingly psychic octopus died of natural causes Tuesday morning in his tank at the Sea Life Aquarium in Oberhausen, Germany. "We may decide to give Paul his own small burial plot within our grounds, and erect a modest permanent shrine," Sea Life manager Stefan Porwoll said in a statement.

Paul correctly forecasted the results of all seven of Germany's World Cup matches and Spain's final victory over The Netherlands by opening the lid of one of two clear plastic boxes, each containing a mussel and bearing a country's flag.

Following his rise to stardom as a sports soothsayer, Paul was appointed as an ambassador to England's bid to host the 2018 World Cup.

The English-born octopus retired from the psychic business after the final match to return to his former job of making children laugh.

James Wall
December 12, 1917-October 27, 2010
James Wall, a longtime CBS stage manager and actor best known as Captain Kangaroo's neighbor, Mr. Baxter, on the network's children's show, has died. He was 92.

Wall died in his sleep Wednesday in New York City after a short illness, CBS News reports.

A former vaudevillian, Wall — who was credited as Larry Wall — joined Captain Kangaroo as a stage manager in 1962 before convincing producers to create the show's first black character, the knowledgeable Mr. Baxter, in 1968. Wall played the role and another recurring part on the series for 10 years.

In addition to Captain Kangaroo, Wall was also the stage manager for a plethora of CBS, CBS News and CBS Sports programs, including the CBS Evening News, Face the Nation, 60 Minutes and NFL Today. In 2008, he was recognized on the air for his 41st straight year as stage manager of the U.S. Open Tennis Championships.

Wall semi-retired in 1988, but continued to work as a fill-in stage manager for the CBS Evening News and 60 Minutes until last year.

In 1994, the Director's Guild of America honored Wall with its Franklin J. Schaffner Achievement Award.

Wall is survived by his wife, Dolly Wall, whom he married in 1942.

Denise Borino-Quinn
January 6, 1964-October 27, 2010
Denise Borino-Quinn, best known for playing mafia wife Ginny Sacramoni on The Sopranos, has died, according to The Associated Press. She was 46.

Borino-Quinn died Wednesday after a long battle with liver cancer, according to the Farmer Funeral Home in Roseland, N.J. Her husband, Luke Quinn Jr., passed away in March.

A Roseland native, Borino-Quinn was hired for The Sopranos after attending an open casting call with a friend in 2000. She had no previous acting experience before playing the role of Ginny Sacramoni, the wife of mobster John "Johnny Sack" Sacramoni who struggled with a weight problem.

Aside from acting, Borino-Quinn worked at a New Brunswick, N.J., law firm.

James MacArthur
December 8, 1937-October 28, 2010
James MacArthur, best known for his role as Danno on the original Hawaii Five-0, died of natural causes in Florida on Thursday, according to The Associated Press. He was 72.

MacArthur was most recognized for his role as Detective Danny "Danno" Williams on Hawaii Five-0, which aired from 1968 to 1980 — one of the longest-running crime shows in television history. "Book em, Danno," the catchphrase said by Danno's partner Steve McGarrett (Jack Lord) in many episodes, became a pop culture staple.

A remake of Hawaii Five-0 debuted in the fall on CBS with Scott Cann taking over the role made famous by MacArthur.

MacArthur attended Harvard University, but dropped out to pursue an acting career. Some of his early credits include the Disney films Swiss Family Robinson and Kidnapped. He also appeared in The Battle of the Bulge, The Truth About Spring, Cry of Battle, Spencer's Mountain and The Interns.

Charlie O'Donnell
August 12, 1932-November 1, 2010
Charlie O'Donnell, the original announcer of Wheel of Fortune, has died. He was 78.

O'Donnell died late Sunday in his Los Angeles home, his agent told The Associated Press. The cause of death is unclear.

O'Donnell began his career with Dick Clark on American Bandstand. He started voicing Wheel of Fortune in 1975 when Chuck Woolery was host. He remained there until 1980, when he took a hiatus and later worked as an announcer for The Joker's Wild. O'Donnell returned to Fortune in 1988, where he worked until his death. O'Donnell also lent his voice to the Emmys, American Music Awards and Academy Awards throughout his career.

Andy Irons
July 24, 1978-November 2, 2010
Former three-time world surfing champion Andy Irons has died. He was 32.

Irons was found dead Tuesday morning in his Dallas hotel room, The Associated Press reports. The cause of death was not immediately known.

Irons was on a layover en route to his home in Hawaii. The surfer was returning from Puerto Rico, where he was supposed to have competed in the 2010 Rip Curl Pro Search. He had withdrawn on Sunday, citing an illness he contracted at an earlier event in Portugal.

The Kauai native became a surfing icon after he won the world championships in 2002, 2003 and 2004. He was scheduled to compete next week in the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing, which he had won four times.

"The thing that I think many of us appreciated the most about Andy was that he was an incredibly real person," Jodi Wilmot, a spokeswoman for the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing, said. "He reveled in competition and in stepping up to the plate and I think that's something in sport that anybody can admire."

Irons is survived by his wife, Lyndie, who is pregnant with their first child.

Michelle Nicastro
March 31, 1960-November 4, 2010
Michelle Nicastro, an actress and singer best known for introducing the titular characters in When Harry Met Sally..., has died. She was 50.

Nicastro died Nov. 4 after a 10-year battle with cancer, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

A Washington, D.C., native, Nicastro got her start in theater, originating the roles of Ariadne in the 1983 Broadway musical Merlin and Eponine in the original 1988 Los Angeles production of Les Misérables, respectively. She won the DramaLogue Critics Award and the Robby Award for her work in Les Misérables.

After making her film debut in 1984's Body Rock, Nicastro co-starred in 1989's When Harry Met Sally... as Amanda Reese, Harry's college sweetheart who introduces him to her friend, Sally. Nicastro also voiced Princess Odette in The Swan Princess and its two sequels.

On television, Nicastro starred on the NBC soap opera Santa Barbara for two years and won ACE and BMI awards for an original song she co-wrote and performed on It's Garry Shandling's Show. She also guest-starred on such series as Airwolf, Charles in Charge, Who's the Boss?, Knight Rider, Murder, She Wrote, Full House, Beverly Hills, 90210, Wings and Coach.

Nicastro released four albums, including Toonful and Toonful Too, which featured songs from animated musicals.

Nicastro is survived by her husband of 24 years, Event producer Steve Stark; daughters Callie and Cady; and sisters Beth Ann and Kristin.

Jill Clayburgh
April 30, 1944-November 5, 2010
Oscar-nominated actress Jill Clayburgh, who recently appeared in ABC's Dirty Sexy Money, died Friday, The New York Times reports. She was 66.

Clayburgh passed away at her home in Lakeville, Conn. after a 21-year battle with chronic leukemia, her husband told the newspaper.

Clayburgh got her start in theater, appearing in shows including the original Broadway run of Pippin, before moving to the big screen. She is best known for her starring roles in An Unmarried Woman and Starting Over, both of which earned her Academy Award nominations for best actress.

Other notable roles include Gene Wilder's love interest in the 1976 comedy Silver Streak, and screen siren Carole Lombard in Gable and Lombard, which came out the same year.

Clayburgh was also nominated for two Emmy awards, for the TV movie Hustling and a guest appearance on Nip/Tuck. Her most memorable small screen roles include playing Ally McBeal's mother, and Darling family matriarch on the 2007 drama Dirty Sexy Money.

She appears in the Anne Hathaway-Jake Gyllenhaal drama Love and Other Drugs, which comes out Nov. 24, and the upcoming Judd Apatow comedy Bridesmaids.

Clayburgh is survived by her husband, playwright David Rabe, her daughter, Broadway actress Lily Rabe, her son, Michael, and her stepson, Jason.

Dino De Laurentiis
August 8, 1919-November 10, 2010
Italian film producer Dino De Laurentiis died in Los Angeles on Friday, The New York Times reports. He was 91.

"Cinema has lost one of its greats," Walter Veltroni, former mayor of Rome and the founder of the Rome Film Festival, said in a statement. "The name of Dino De Laurentiis is tied to the history of cinema."

De Laurentiis got his start in 1940 on the film L'ultimo Combattimento and in 1946 started his company, the Dino De Laurentiis Cinemotografica. He went on to produce more than 500 films and won an Academy Award in 1956 for Federico Fellini's La Strada and in 1957 for Nights of Cabiria. It was on his 1949 film Bitter Rice that he met his first wife, actress Silvana Mangano.

In the 1970s, De Laurentiis moved to the United States, where he produced, among other films, Serpico, Death Wish, Three Days of the Condor and a 1976 remake of King Kong. Other films include the Conan the Barbarian and Hannibal Lecter series, including 2001's Hannibal. Other business endeavors, including a hotel in Bora Bora, an upscale deli in New York City and a studio complex in North Carolina, were less successful for De Laurentiis.

De Laurentiis had four children with Mangano, who died in 1989: Veronica, Raffaella, Federico and Francesca. He later married producer Martha Schumacher, with whom he had two daughters, Carolyna and Dina. One of his granddaughters is the Food Network chef Giada De Laurentiis, who said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter: "My grandfather was a true inspiration. He was my biggest champion in life and a constant source for wisdom and advice. I will miss him dearly."

Ronni Chasen
October 17, 1946-November 16, 2010
Noted publicist Ronni Chasen died after being shot several times and crashing her vehicle into a light pole in Beverly Hills, Calif., early Tuesday morning, authorities said.

While police have not yet named the victim officially, the coroner's office spokesman Ed Winter identified Chasen to TVGuide.com.

Authorities released a statement saying that the victim had multiple gunshot wounds to her chest and was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

"At this time there is no suspect, info or motive for this crime," police Lt. Tony Lee said in the statement.

Chasen, who owned her own public relations firm Chasen & Co., was earlier attending a premiere of Burlesque, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

A call to Chasen's firm was not immediately returned.

Chasen, began her career as a publicist in 1973 and worked on films including 1989's Driving Miss Daisy and 1994's Lolita.

She was named senior vice president of worldwide publicity at MGM in 1993 and worked for Rogers and Cowan for several years.

Chasen, who was 64, was most recently working on Sony Pictures' awards campaigns on behalf of The Social Network, Burlesque and Country Strong. Her clients included producers Richard and Lili Zanuck and Irwin Winkler as well as composer Hans Zimmer and songwriter Diane Warren. Warren has a song in Burlesque.

Isabelle Caro
September 12, 1982-November 17, 2010
Isabelle Caro, a French model and actress whose anorexia-stricken body was used in a shock Italian ad in 2007, has died. She was 28.

Daniele Dubreuil-Prevot, Caro's acting coach, told The Associated Press that Caro died Nov. 17 after returning to France from a job in Tokyo.

Dubreuil-Prevot said she did not know the cause of death, but said Caro "had been sick for a long time" from anorexia, which she had battled since she was 13.

Caro made headlines in 2007 when her skeletal frame was featured in an anti-anorexia fashion ad by Italian photographer Oliviero Toscani under the headline "No Anorexia." Caro said later that she weighed 59 pounds at the time of the shoot.

In 2008, she wrote a book, published in France, titled The Little Girl Who Didn't Want to Get Fat. Earlier this year, she appeared on Jessica Simpson's VH1 series The Price of Beauty to discuss body image issues and her struggle to overcome anorexia.

Irvin Kershner
April 29, 1923-November 27, 2010
Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back director Irvin Kershner has died, according to the Agence France-Presse. He was 87.

Kershner died at his Los Angeles home after a long illness, his goddaughter Adriana Santini told AFP.

Kershner was born in Philadelphia, Pa., and trained as a musician and photographer before he began directing feature films.

In addition to helming the Star Wars sequel, Kershner directed Sean Connery as James Bond in Never Say Never Again in 1983 and Peter Weller in Robocop 2 in 1990.

Leslie Nielsen
February 11, 1926-November 28, 2010
Leslie Nielsen, whose career went from officious and villainous types to the hilariously buffoony roles in Airplane! and the Naked Gun movies, died Sunday of complications from pneumonia, his agent told TVGuide.com. He was 84.

He was surrounded by family when he died in a hospital near his Fort Lauderdale, Fla., home.

The actor had a whole career before becoming one of the funniest guys in movies. He typically played people who were quite humorless.

Before his starring roles in The Poseidon Adventure and Forbidden Planet, he appeared in several live television series such as Lights Out, Tales of Tomorrow and Armstrong Circle Theatre.

A student of the Actors Studio, the Canadian-born Nielsen went on to appear in innumerable episodes of various TV series, spanning the Golden Age of Television and its anthologies including Playhouse 90 to Alfred Hitchcock Presents, The Fugitive, Peyton Place and The Wild Wild West — and beyond.

He starred in a 1961-62 TV series titled The New Breed, and appeared in the 1968 pilot of the original Hawaii Five-0, the reboot of which has been the current season's most successful new network prime-time show.

A stunning turning point in his career came with 1980's Airplane!

Nielsen portrayed Dr. Rumack, a passenger who's one of the few crewmen or passengers not suffering from food poisoning. During the chaos, the doctor delivers more bad news, to which Ted Striker (Robert Hays) says, "Surely, you can't be serious." His deadpan response: "I am serious, and don't call me Shirley."

Long a serious actor, he's known by two generations of fans only as a lovable goofball. It was fitting since he had always been a cut-up and prankster off-screen. In interviews, he said he never went anywhere without his Whoopee cushion.

Following the film's success, Nielsen starred in the ABC series Police Squad! Though the 1982 cop drama satire was short-lived, Nielsen got an Emmy nomination for his portrayal of Detective Frank Drebin.

The series inspired 1988's The Naked Gun, a film which brought Nielsen back as Drebin, who attempted to stop the assassination of Queen Elizabeth II. The film was followed by two sequels, Naked Gun 2½ and Naked Gun 33 1/3. A fourth installment of the series was announced in 2009.

Nielsen went on to star in such parodies as Dracula: Dead and Loving It, Spy Hard and 2001: A Space Travesty. He also appeared in the spoofs Scary Movie 3 and Scary Movie 4 as well as An American Carol and Superhero Movie.

More recently, Nielsen narrated the comedic documentary Doctor*Ology for the Discovery Channel. He also appeared in commercials and lent his voice to animated series.

Nielsen is survived by his fourth wife, Barbaree, and two children from a previous marriage.

Elaine Kaufman
February 10, 1929-December 3, 2010
Elaine Kaufman, the well-known owner of legendary New York City restaurant Elaine's, has died, according to The New York Post. She was 81 years old.

Kaufman, who had been in failing health, died at 12:20 p.m. at Lenox Hill Hospital, a spokeswoman for the restaurant told the paper. She died from complications tied to emphysema.

Born in 1929, Kaufman grew up in Queens and spent her early years hanging out backstage at theaters around the city. She opened Elaine's in 1963 with just $12,000 and the restaurant quickly became a go-to spot for writers in the area. Kaufman was known for taking care of a group of writers and reporters that included Norman Mailer, Kurt Vonnegut, Gay Talese, Nora Ephron and David Halberstam.

"Elaine was a New York institution," New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg said.

Until her hospitalization last month, she was worked seven days a week, greeting customers and working until close.

Kaufman made appearances as herself in several movies, most recently the Rachel McAdams comedy Morning Glory.

A memorial service is expected to take place sometime next year.

Don Meredith
April 10, 1938-December 5, 2010
"Dandy" Don Meredith, who supplied the cornpone counterpoint to Howard Cosell's polysyllabic patter and helped make ABC's Monday Night Football a TV phenomenon in the 1970s, has died. He was 72.

He also did Lipton tea commercials for years (in which he called himself "Jeff and Hazel's baby boy") and forged a creditable career as an actor, particularly with a recurring role in the NBC anthology series Police Story, which ran from 1973 to 1977. Among other roles, he also lent his voice to a 1999 King of the Hill episode in which Hank competes for big money in a beer promotion at a football game.

His wife of 38 years, Susan, told The Associated Press on Monday that her husband died in Santa Fe, N.M., after suffering a brain hemorrhage and lapsing into a coma.

Meredith brought humor into the broadcast booth that he shared with Cosell and play-by-play men Keith Jackson and then Frank Gifford. One of his best lines came when a camera caught a glimpse of a fan who was so disgusted by watching his team get shellacked that he flashed a middle finger — Meredith joked the guy simply meant his team was No. 1. Another of his lines: "If 'ifs' and 'buts' were candy and nuts, wouldn't it be a Merry Christmas?"

He was honest too, as he never tried to bamboozle viewers into sticking around once the game was out of hand. He would sing Willie Nelson's lyrics, "Turn out the lights, the party's over ..." whenever the outcome was a fait accompli.

Before his TV career, Meredith was a star quarterback — first with Southern Methodist University, where he became a two-time All-American, then with the Dallas Cowboys from 1960 to 1968. He became the Cowboys starter in 1965 and led them to their first winning season in 1966.

Unfortunately, he's also remembered for losing back-to-back NFL championship games to Vince Lombardi's Green Bay Packers — most famously, the 1967 Ice Bowl. He retired — in his prime — at 31.

By 1970, he was on MNF, helping to make pro football's historic move to prime time a hit. Meredith left ABC after the 1973 season for his gig at NBC, returning in 1977 before retiring in 1984, one year after Cosell (who died in 1995) left the booth.

Alan Armer
July 7, 1922-December 5, 2010
Alan A. Armer, who produced the Emmy-winning television show The Fugitive, has died of colon cancer, according to The Hollywood Reporter. He was 88.

Armer died Dec. 5 in his Los Angeles home.

From 1949-51, Armer produced one of TV's first shows, Lights, Camera, Action. He went on to produce 20th Century Fox's first show, My Friend Flicka, in 1955, followed by Broken Arrow (1956) and Man Without a Gun (1958).

Armer produced 90 episodes of The Fugitive, which ran on ABC from 1963-67. The series won an Emmy for best drama in 1966. He continued his career throughout the '70s and penned three books about writing and directing for television. Armer was also a professor for two decades at Cal State Northridge. In 2000, he donated $1 million to the university to fund the Alan and Elaine Armer Theater.

Armer is survived by his children, Ellen, Michael, David and Aimee; his grandchildren Rachel, Taylor, Spencer, Leah, Hanna and Ethan; and his great-grandsons, Ford and Cole.

Elizabeth Edwards
July 3, 1949-December 7, 2010
Elizabeth Edwards, political wife and author, died Tuesday morning after a six-year battle with breast cancer, CNN.com reports. She was 61.

Edwards, who was legally separated from former Democratic vice presidential nominee John Edwards, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004. She passed away in her Chapel Hill, N.C. home, surrounded by family.

"Today we have lost the comfort of Elizabeth's presence but she remains the heart of this family. We love her and will never know anyone more inspiring or full of life," her family said in a statement. "On behalf of Elizabeth we want to express our gratitude to the thousands of kindred spirits who moved and inspired her along the way. Your support and prayers touched our entire family."

Edwards was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004 and had been in remission until 2007, when she announced the disease had spread. On Monday, the Edwards family announced that her cancer had further spread to her liver, and that doctors had advised her to cease treatment because it would be "unproductive."

"She is resting at home with family and friends," the family said in a statement Monday.

Despite the return of her cancer, Edwards stood by husband John Edwards, then a North Carolina senator, in support of his bid to run for president. He withdrew from the race in 2008 after Barack Obama and Hilary Clinton had taken the clear lead for the Democratic ticket.

Several months later, additional reports surfaced alleging that John had had an affair with and fathered a love child by Rielle Hunter, a videographer for his 2008 presidential campaign. The National Enquirer first broke the story in October 2007.

He denied the reports for several months, but in August 2008 admitted to the affair. In January 2010, he also admitted he was the father of Hunter's 2-year-old-daughter.

John and Elizabeth announced their separation less than a week later.

Edwards wrote autobiographical books about her struggle with cancer and the death of her son eldest son, Wade, who died in a car accident in 1996. Her latest book, Resilience: Reflections on the Burdens and Gifts of Facing Life's Adversities, went on sale in June.

On Monday, she took to her Facebook to share her appreciation for those who had supported her through her battle with cancer.

"I have been sustained throughout my life by three saving graces — my family, my friends, and a faith in the power of resilience and hope," Edwards wrote. "These graces have carried me through difficult times and they have brought more joy to the good times than I ever could have imagined. The days of our lives, for all of us, are numbered. We know that."

Edwards is survived by her three children with John: Cate, 27; Emma Claire, 11, and Jack, 9.

Reps for the Edwards did not immediately respond to TVGuide.com's request for comment.

James Moody
March 26, 1925-December 9, 2010
James Moody, the jazz saxophonist best known for his hit "Moody's Mood for Love," has died. He was 85.

Moody died Thursday from pancreatic cancer at a hospice in San Diego, Calif., The Associated Press reports.

A native of Savannah, Ga., Moody got his start in 1946, playing with Dizzy Gillespie. He did his first recording in 1948 and a year later reinterpreted the 1935 classic "I'm in the Mood for Love" with "Moody's Mood for Love."

The song became a jazz and pop standard, having been recorded by everyone from Aretha Franklin to Amy Winehouse, and was elected into the Grammy Awards' Hall of Fame in 2001.

Moody's other honors include being named a Jazz Master by the National Endowment for the Arts in 1998 and receiving the 2007 Kennedy Center Living Jazz Legend award. He has also been inducted into the International Jazz Hall of Fame.

His last album, Moody 4B, recorded in 2008 and released this year, earned him a Grammy nomination earlier this month for best jazz instrumental album.

In his later years, Moody performed with the James Moody Quartet and regularly played with the Dizzy Gillespie Alumni All-Stars and the Dizzy Gillespie Alumni All-Stars Big Band.

He is survived by his third wife, Linda; daughter Michelle Bagdanove; sons Patrick, Regan, and Danny McGowan; brother Lou Watters; four grandchildren and one great-grandson.

Richard Holbrooke
April 24, 1941-December 13, 2010
Richard C. Holbrooke, a diplomatic troubleshooter in the Obama administration, has died, according to The New York Times. He was 69.

Holbrooke was taken to the hospital Friday after falling ill during a meeting with Hillary Rodham Clinton. Holbrooke underwent a 21-hour surgery for a tear in his aorta and remained in critical condition until his passing Monday at George Washington University Hospital in Washington, D.C.

Holbrooke, who had worked for every Democratic president since the late '60s, was most recently a special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan. He was also the chief architect of the 1995 Dayton Peace Accords, which ended the war in Bosnia.

He is survived by his third wife, Kati Marton, who was previously married to ABC anchorman Peter Jennings, and two sons from a previous marriage.

Blake Edwards
July 26, 1922-December 15, 2010
Blake Edwards, the director and writer of the Pink Panther series and Breakfast at Tiffany's, died Thursday morning. He was 88.

Edwards died at St. John's Hospital in Santa Monica, Calif., from complications of pneumonia.

Best known for his comedic work, Edwards began his career as an actor before moving behind the camera. After creating the Emmy-nominated spy series Peter Gunn in 1959, he got his major film break when he was chosen to direct the Audrey Hepburn classic Breakfast at Tiffany's after John Frankenheimer dropped out. He followed it up with another hit, 1962's Days of Wine and Roses, a drama about alcoholism.

Two years later, he created the Pink Panther series of films, which starred Peter Sellers as bumbling police inspector Jacques Clouseau. He went on to direct such comedies as 10, Victor/Victoria and S.O.B., the latter two of which starred his wife Julie Andrews. His last film was 1993's Son of the Pink Panther, the ninth film in the series.

In 2004, Edwards received an honorary Academy Award in recognition of his writing, directing and producing throughout the years.

Edwards married Andrews in 1969. They had five children together.

Captain Beefheart
January 15, 1941-December 17, 2010
Musician and artist Don Van Vliet, who performed experimental rock under the name Captain Beefheart, died Friday, according to The Associated Press. He was 69.

Van Vliet died in California from complications stemming from multiple sclerosis, according to the Michael Werner Gallery in New York. The gallery exhibits his paintings.

Van Vliet's best known work was his 1969 album, Trout Mask Replica. Rolling Stone recently ranked the album as number 58 on its list of the 500 greatest albums of all time.

He served as a role model for other musicians because he shunned commercial success and is cited as an influence on the rise of punk, post-punk and new wave.

Van Vliet turned full-time to art in the 1980s, painting acclaimed expressionistic works.

He is survived by his wife of more than 40 years.

Steve Landesberg
November 23, 1936-December 20, 2010
Steve Landesberg, who starred in ABC's Barney Miller, has died, according to The Hollywood Reporter. He was 65.

Landesberg died Friday morning of cancer. "I'm sorry to report the loss of Steve," Landesberg's agent said in a statement.

Landesberg was best known for his role in Barney Miller, where he played Detective Arthur P. Dietrich. He went on to appear in such films as Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Wild Hogs and Leader of the Band.

Among his television work: The Rockford Files, Law & Order, Saturday Night Live, and The Golden Girls. He most recently starred in Head Case, a Starz original series that featured celebrities going through faux-therapy sessions.

Reps for the actor did not immediately respond to TVGuide.com's request for comment.

Fred Foy
March 27, 1921-December 22, 2010
Fred Foy, an announcer best known for his work on The Long Ranger radio and TV series, died Wednesday, according to The Associated Press. He was 89.

Foy died of natural causes at his home in Woburn, Mass., his daughter told the news agency.

A Detroit native, Foy began his radio career in 1942 before he was drafted into Army later that year. He served in the Armed Forces Radio unit during World War II.

Foy landed the job on The Long Ranger in 1948, leading in every show with: "A fiery horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty 'Hi-Yo Silver!' ... The Lone Ranger!"

Radio historian Jim Harmon called Foy "perhaps the greatest announcer-narrator in the history of radio drama." In his book, Radio Mystery and Adventure and Its Appearances in Film, Television and Other Media, Harmon said Foy "pronounced words like no one else ever had — 'SIL-ver,' 'hiss-TOR-ee.' But hearing him, you realized everyone else had been wrong."

Foy also performed on radio series such as The Green Hornet, and later worked for ABC as the announcer on The Dick Cavett Show and narrating documentaries.

Foy is survived by his wife of 63 years, Francis, their three children and three grandchildren.

Bud Greenspan
September 18, 1926-December 25, 2010
Bud Greenspan, the Emmy winning documentary filmmaker who chronicled the journeys of Olympic athletes for six decades, has died. He was 84.

Greenspan died Saturday in his New York City home from complications of Parkinson's disease, according to The Associated Press.

Greenspan first garnered attention in 1964 with Jesse Owens Returns to Berlin, which followed the Olympian back to the location where he won his first gold medal 30 years earlier. That film and 21 others were part of Greenspan's most famous work, The Olympiad, a 10-part series that won Greenspan his first Emmy in 1976.

Greenspan remained committed to highlighting uplifting stories. "I spend my time on about the 99 percent of what's good about the Olympics and most people spend 100 percent of their time on the one percent that's negative," he once told ESPN.com. "I've been criticized for seeing things through rose-colored glasses, but the percentages are with me."

In 1985, Greenspan received the Olympic Order award. Former International Olympic Committee President Juan Antonio Samaranch called him "the foremost producer, writer and director of Olympic films; more than that, he is an everlasting friend of the Olympic family."

Greenspan also received a lifetime achievement award from the Directors Guild of America in 1995 and a George Foster Peabody Award in 1996. In 2006, he received the lifetime achievement award from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.

Greenspan also wrote books and produced nearly 20 spoken-word albums. Most recently, he was working on rough cuts of films from the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games.

He is survived by his partner Nancy Beffa.

Teena Marie
March 5, 1956-December 26, 2010
Teena Marie, a Grammy Award-nominated singer, songwriter and producer, has died. She was 54.

Marie was found dead Sunday in her Los Angeles home, her manager told CNN.com.

Teena Marie, who was born Marie Christine Brockert, was best known for her work with the late R&B legend Rick James. Marie was signed to Motown Records in 1976 and released 13 studio albums — six of which went platinum on the US R&B chart.

Marie's biggest hit was her 1984 single "Lovergirl," which peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Billy Taylor
July 24, 1921-December 28, 2010
Billy Taylor, the noted jazz pianist and educator who enjoyed tremendous success on television, has died. He was 89.

Taylor died Tuesday of heart failure in New York, his daughter, Kim Taylor-Thompson, told The New York Times.

A longtime fixture on television unlike many of his contemporaries, Taylor served as cultural correspondent on CBS News' Sunday Morning and was the first African-American to lead a talk-show band when he was bandleader for The David Frost Show from 1969 to '72.

He first made his mark on TV in 1958 as the musical director of NBC's The Subject Is Jazz, the first TV series that covered jazz.

Born in North Carolina and raised in Washington, D.C., Taylor earned a doctorate in music education from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and preferred to be called Doctor Taylor.

He got his start playing with Ben Webster's Quartet in 1943 in New York's Three Deuces, where he performed for years afterward. He formed his own trio in 1951 and started lecturing at jazz music schools.

A year after The Subject Is Jazz launched, Taylor was hired as a DJ at WLIB, a Harlem-based radio station, before moving on to NPR, at which he worked for more than two decades. There, he hosted Jazz Alive and Billy Taylor's Jazz at the Kennedy Center.

Taylor also taught jazz at Long Island University, the Manhattan School of Music and other institutions. Among his 300-plus compositions was the gospel theme "I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free," which became an unofficial anthem of the civil rights movement in the 1960s.

A recipient of more than 20 honorary doctorates, Taylor also won two Peabodys, an Emmy for his work on Sunday Morning, a Grammy, and was elected into the Hall of Fame for the International Association for Jazz Education.

In addition to his daughter, Taylor is survived by his wife, Theodora. His son, Duane, died in 1988.

TiVo Guide Week of December 27, 2010 spoiler alert

2010-12-31T11:34:00.000-08:00

"Bette Midler: The Showgirl Must Go On" Bette Midler performs in Las Vegas at Caesars Palace, accompanied by singing trio the Staggering Harlettes, the dancing Caesar Salad Girls and a 13-piece band. Songs include "The Rose"; "Wind Beneath My Wings"; "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy"; and "From a Distance." Friday at 9 on HBO.

"Desperate Housewives" Susan's life hangs by a thread after being trampled during the Wisteria Lane riot. Meanwhile, Paul Young's fate is revealed; Keith moves in with Bree---and they get a visit from Orson; Gaby tries to fix her relationship with Juanita, but finds it tough to get rid of all traces of Grace; and Renee considers telling Lynette the truth about her past with Tom. Sunday at 9 on ABC.

Favorite movies of the year

2010-12-22T09:54:00.000-08:00

"127 Hours"
"Alice in Wonderland"
"Animal Kingdom"
"Another Year"
"Black Swan"
"Blue Valentine"
"Buried"
"Casino Jack and the United States of Money"
"Catfish"
"Despicable Me"
"Easy A"
"Enter the Void"
"Exit Through the Gift Shop"
"The Fighter"
"Four Lions"
"The Ghost Writer"
"The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo"
"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I"
"How to Train Your Dragon"
"I Am Love"
"I Love You Phillip Morris"
"The Illusionist"
"Inception"
"Inside Job"
"Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work"
"Kick-Ass"
"The Kids Are All Right"
"The King's Speech"
"Let Me In"
"Made in Dagenham"
"Monsters"
"Mother"
"The Other Guys"
"A Prophet"
"Rabbit Hole"
"Red"
"Restrepo"
"Scott Pilgrim vs. the World"
"The Secret in Their Eyes"
"Shutter Island"
"The Social Network"
"Tangled"
"The Tillman Story"
"The Town"
"Toy Story 3"
"TRON: Legacy"
"True Grit"
"The Twilight Saga: Eclipse"
"Waiting for 'Superman'"
"Winter's Bone"

TiVo Guide Week of December 20, 2010 spoiler alert

2010-12-20T09:39:00.000-08:00

"A Home for the Holidays" The 12th annual event to raise awareness of adoption features musical performances by Katy Perry, Melissa Etheridge, Maroon 5, Ricky Martin and Nelly. Stories include the life of country singer Jimmy Wayne, who lived in foster care as a teen. Wednesday at 8 on CBS.

"Top Chef: All Stars" The chefs prepare a holiday stuffing dish without the benefit of any kitchen tools or knives. Later, they hold court by catering a bash for the U.S. Open tennis tournament. Wednesday at 10 on Bravo.

"A Christmas Story" A 9-year-old (Peter Billingsley) craves a BB gun for Christmas, but everyone around him is strongly opposed to the idea in Jean Shepherd's nostalgic charmer. Darren McGavin, Melinda Dillon. Randy: Ian Petrella. Flick: Scott Schwartz. Miss Shields: Tedde Moore. Schwartz: R.D. Robb. Grover: Yano Anaya. Scut: Zack Ward. Shepherd narrates. Directed by Bob Clark (“Porky's”). Friday at 8 on TBS.

TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs results

2010-12-20T08:16:00.000-08:00

It may be Christmastime, but I am red hot with my picks as of late. I was able to go 4-2 last night at TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs (NOTE: I didn't make a pick for the Heath Slater & Justin Gabriel vs. Santino Marella & Vladimir Kozlov match. If I did, I would have gone with Slater & Gabriel. Boy, would I have been wrong there). I need to give big ups to Edge, The Miz, John Cena, and Beth Phoenix & Natalya for picking up the W's. But there is a big thanks for nothing to Sheamus and Kofi Kingston for not giving me a perfect record. No matter. Still a great night for me as far as my WWE PPV picks go. My record has now improved to 274-238. Now we go into stretch that is the Royal Rumble, Elimination Chamber and WrestleMania. Traditionally, the first PPVs of the year have been cruel to me, but I have a feeling I can finally get over the hump. So see you in January.

By the way, order the PPV replay or buy the TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs DVD when it comes out and watch the John Morrison vs. Sheamus match. It is all but certain to be a contender for Match of the Year. Professional Wrestling Insider said it was comparable to Razor Ramon vs. Shawn Michaels in the ladder match for the WWE Intercontinental Championship at WrestleMania X. Yes, the Morrison vs. Sheamus match was THAT good.

TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs card and picks

2010-12-19T16:15:00.000-08:00

Fatal-4-Way Tables, Ladders and Chairs match for the World Heavyweight Championship
Kane (c) vs. Edge vs. Rey Mysterio vs. Alberto Del Rio

Tables match for the WWE Championship
The Miz (c) (with Alex Riley) vs. Randy Orton

Chairs match
John Cena vs. Wade Barrett

Ladder match for the #1 contender spot to the WWE Championship
John Morrison vs. King Sheamus

Divas Tag-team Tables match
Natalya and Beth Phoenix vs. Lay-Cool (Layla and Michelle McCool)

Triple Threat Ladder match for the WWE Intercontinental Championship
Dolph Ziggler (c) vs. Kofi Kingston vs. Jack Swagger

Well, I'd say this is one of the most interesting cards of the year, given that each match is a tables match, a ladder match, or a chairs match. Well, I'm going to try to climb to the top tonight with a record of 270-236 (note: I dropped a loss from my record because it was a talent show, not a match). So who am I going with? I got to go with Edge, The Miz, John Cena, Sheamus, Beth Phoenix & Natalya, and Kofi Kingston.

2010 Golden Globe Nominees

2010-12-14T09:01:00.000-08:00

Since I got beat to the bunch in posting on my favorite site, I feel like posting the Golden Globe nominees here. Take a look and tell me who you think will win.

TELEVISION
Drama
"Boardwalk Empire"
"Dexter"
"The Good Wife"
"Mad Men"
"The Walking Dead"

Comedy/Musical Series
"30 Rock"
"The Big Bang Theory"
"The Big C"
"Glee"
"Modern Family"
"Nurse Jackie"

Miniseries or TV Movie
"Carlos"
"The Pacific"
"The Pillars of the Earth"
"Temple Grandin"
"You Don't Know Jack"

Lead Actor - Drama
Steve Buscemi "Boardwalk Empire"
Bryan Cranston "Breaking Bad"
Michael C. Hall "Dexter"
Jon Hamm "Mad Men"
Hugh Laurie "House"

Lead Actress - Drama
Julianna Margulies "The Good Wife"
Elisabeth Moss "Mad Men"
Piper Perabo "Covert Affairs"
Katey Sagal "Sons of Anarchy"
Kyra Sedgwick "The Closer"

Lead Actor - Comedy/Musical
Alec Baldwin "30 Rock"
Steve Carell "The Office"
Thomas Jane "Hung"
Matthew Morrison "Glee"
Jim Parsons "The Big Bang Theory"

Lead Actress - Comedy/Musical
Toni Collette "United States of Tara"
Edie Falco "Nurse Jackie"
Tina Fey "30 Rock"
Laura Linney "The Big C"
Lea Michele "Glee"

Lead Actor - Miniseries or TV Movie
Idris Elba "Luther"
Ian McShane "The Pillars of the Earth"
Al Pacino "You Don't Know Jack"
Dennis Quaid "The Special Relationship"
Édgar Ramírez "Carlos"

Lead Actress - Miniseries or TV Movie
Hayley Atwell "The Pillars of the Earth"
Claire Danes "Temple Grandin"
Judi Dench "Return to Cranford"
Romola Garai "Emma"
Jennifer Love Hewitt "The Client List"

Supporting Actor - TV Series, Miniseries or TV Movie
Scott Caan "Hawaii Five-0"
Chris Colfer "Glee"
Chris Noth "The Good Wife"
Eric Stonestreet "Modern Family"
David Strathairn "Temple Grandin"

Supporting Actress - TV Series, Miniseries or TV Movie
Hope Davis "The Special Relationship"
Jane Lynch "Glee"
Kelly Macdonald "Boardwalk Empire"
Julia Stiles "Dexter"
Sofía Vergara "Modern Family"

FILM
Drama
"Black Swan"
"The Fighter"
"Inception"
"The King's Speech"
"The Social Network"

Comedy/Musical
"Alice in Wonderland"
"Burlesque"
"The Kids Are All Right"
"Red"
"The Tourist"

Director
Darren Aronofsky "Black Swan"
David Fincher "The Social Network"
Tom Hooper "The King's Speech"
Christopher Nolan "Inception"
David O. Russell "The Fighter"

Lead Actor - Drama
Jesse Eisenberg "The Social Network"
Colin Firth "The King's Speech"
James Franco "127 Hours"
Ryan Gosling "Blue Valentine"
Mark Wahlberg "The Fighter"

Lead Actress - Drama
Halle Berry "Frankie and Alice"
Nicole Kidman "Rabbit Hole"
Jennifer Lawrence "Winter's Bone"
Natalie Portman "Black Swan"
Michelle Williams "Blue Valentine"

Lead Actor - Comedy/Musical
Johnny Depp "Alice in Wonderland"
Johnny Depp "The Tourist"
Paul Giamatti "Barney's Version"
Jake Gyllenhaal "Love and Other Drugs"
Kevin Spacey "Casino Jack"

Lead Actress - Comedy/Musical
Annette Bening "The Kids Are All Right"
Anne Hathaway "Love and Other Drugs"
Angelina Jolie "The Tourist"
Julianne Moore "The Kids Are All Right"
Emma Stone "Easy A"

Supporting Actor
Christian Bale "The Fighter"
Michael Douglas "Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps"
Andrew Garfield "The Social Network"
Jeremy Renner "The Town"
Geoffrey Rush "The King's Speech"

Supporting Actress
Amy Adams "The Fighter"
Helena Bonham Carter "The King's Speech"
Mila Kunis "Black Swan"
Melissa Leo "The Fighter"
Jacki Weaver "Animal Kingdom"

Screenplay
Simon Beaufoy and Danny Boyle "127 Hours"
Stuart Blumberg and Lisa Cholodenko "The Kids Are All Right"
Christopher Nolan "Inception"
David Seidler "The King's Speech"
Aaron Sorkin "The Social Network"

Original Score
Alexandre Desplat "The King's Speech"
Danny Elfman "Alice in Wonderland"
A. R. Rahman "127 Hours"
Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross "The Social Network"
Hans Zimmer "Inception"

Original Song
"Bound to You" "Burlesque"
"Coming Home" "Country Strong"
"I See the Light" "Tangled"
"There's a Place for Us" "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader"
"You Haven't Seen the Last of Me" "Burlesque"

Animated Feature
"Despicable Me"
"How to Train Your Dragon"
"The Illusionist"
"Tangled"
"Toy Story 3"

Foreign Language Film
"Biutiful" Mexico and Spain
"Le Concert" France
"The Edge" Russia
"I Am Love" Italy
"In a Better World" Denmark

TiVo Guide Week of December 13, 2010 spoiler alert

2010-12-14T06:52:00.000-08:00

"How I Met Your Mother" Lily and Marshall receive shocking news that prompts the gang to reflect on their own lives; Robin gets a new job; and Ted begins carrying out tasks as Punchy's Best Man. Alex Trebek has a cameo. Monday at 8 on CBS.

"Mariah Carey: Merry Christmas to You" Mariah Carey performs songs from her second holiday album, "Merry Christmas II You," including "Oh Santa!" Taped at the Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles. Monday at 9 on ABC.

"The Good Wife" Alicia tries to get a stay of execution for a death-row inmate. Meanwhile, Peter prepares for his first debate in the state's attorney race. Tuesday at 10 on CBS.

"Charlie Brown Christmas" In the Emmy and Peabody-winning animated cartoon from 1965, the gang mounts a holiday pageant as Charlie Brown bemoans Yuletide commercialism. Also: "Prep & Landing: Operation Secret Santa," a short featuring the prep-and-landing elves on a covert mission to Santa's office, with Betty White providing the voice of Mrs. Claus. Thursday at 8 on ABC.

"Burn Notice" Brennen attempts to blackmail Michael into killing government agents and joins forces with another player to strengthen his strategy. Thursday at 9 on USA.

It's back!

2010-12-13T11:19:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to let you guys know that I am back to work on the Annual Music Reflect. Just go down to my favorite links and you'll see it. Hopefully, it'll be finished by New Year's Day.

TiVo Guide Week of December 6, 2010 spoiler alert

2010-12-07T14:43:00.000-08:00

"Sesame Street" On a rainy day, Elmo waits for puddles to form so that he can splash in them. He pretends to shower with Baby Bear; watches Stinky drink the rain; and meets Cookie Monster, who pretends the rain drops are cookies. Monday at 10 on PBS.

"American Country Awards" Trace Adkins hosts the inaugural fan-voted awards gala. Slated performers include Adkins, Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Easton Corbin, Toby Keith, the Band Perry, Rascal Flatts, Reba, Blake Shelton, Steel Magnolia, Josh Turner, Uncle Kracker and Alan Jackson, who receives the Greatest Hits Award. Those set to appear include Laura Bell Bundy, Rodney Carrington, Jewel and Lady Antebellum, Bret Michaels, Jeff Dunham, Ty Murray and Michael Waltrip. Monday at 8 on Fox.

"Glee" Finn tries to bring holiday cheer to McKinley High, and Artie discovers that Brittany still believes in Santa. Meanwhile, the teachers pick their Secret Santas and one particularly manipulative McKinley staffer rigs the gift-giving. Tuesday at 8 on Fox.

"30 Rock" Liz and Avery try to persuade Jack to disclose two secrets he's been hiding from his mother, who visits for the holidays. Then, Liz tries to repair Jenna's relationship with Paul (Will Forte); and Tracy tries to block his film's release because it undermines his newly invented serious persona. Alan Alda and Elizabeth Banks also guest star. Thursday at 8:30 on NBC.

"Wishful Drinking" Carrie Fisher's autobiographical stage production chronicles her life in and out of show business as the daughter of singer Eddie Fisher and actor Debbie Reynolds; her role in the early "Star Wars" films; her bipolar disorder; and relationships, including an on-again, off-again romance with singer Paul Simon. Taped at the South Orange Performing Arts Center in South Orange, N.J. Directed by Randy Barbato and Fenton Bailey. Sunday at 9 on HBO.

Happy Birthday to the Queen!

2010-12-03T14:19:00.000-08:00

The Queen (in my book, though some of you still say she is a princess) of Pop is 29 today. So happy birthday, Britney Spears. You're still as sexy and talented as the day you stepped on the scene.

TiVo Guide Week of November 29, 2010 spoiler alert

2010-12-01T20:19:00.000-08:00

"Christmas in Rockefeller Center" Natalie Morales and Al Roker host the 78th annual lighting of the Christmas tree in Manhattan. Adding glow are slated performances by Mariah Carey, Sheryl Crow, Josh Groban, Jessica Simpson, Susan Boyle, Annie Lennox, Katherine Jenkins, Charice, Kylie Minogue and Jackie Evancho. Tuesday at 8 on NBC.

"It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" When the gang goes to Atlantic City for a charity benefit, Frank, Dee and Mac get lost en route. But Dennis and Charlie hitch a ride to town and have the time of their lives. Philadelphia Phillies Ryan Howard and Chase Utley have cameos. Thursday at 10 on FX.

Want to take a challenge

2010-12-01T20:04:00.000-08:00

Watch this video and tell me "Rizzoli & Isles" isn't the most lesbian show on TV.

TiVo Guide Week of November 22, 2010 spoiler alert

2010-11-22T18:27:00.000-08:00

"Skating With the Stars" The series opener of an ice-skating competition that pairs celebrities with professional skaters. Contestants include Vince Neil, Bethenny Frankel and Sean Young. Monday at 9:13 on ABC.

"Glee" Sue's "Nazi-hunting" mother (Carol Burnett) visits. Meanwhile, Kurt makes a major decision, and Rachel and Finn take a big step. Tuesday at 8 on Fox.

"CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute" Anderson Cooper hosts the fourth annual salute to everyday people for their work improving the world. Bon Jovi, Sugarland, and John Legend with Common and Melanie Fiona perform; presenters include Jessica Alba, Halle Berry, Kid Rock, Demi Moore, LL Cool J, Marisa Tomei and Renee Zellweger. The 33 rescued Chilean miners and five of their rescuers will also be present. The 10 finalists each receive $25,000, and the Hero of the Year an additional $100,000. From the Shrine Auditorium in L.A. Thursday at 8 on CNN.

Survivor Series results

2010-11-22T18:21:00.000-08:00

Alright, yours truely is back on track with his WWE PPV picks. I managed to go 5-2 last night. (I tossed out the Edge vs. Kane match because it ended in a draw.) So now my record is up again, this time to 270-237. I gotta say thank you to Dolph Ziggler; Daniel Bryan; Natalya; Heath Slater & Justin Gabriel; and Big Show, Chris Masters, Kofi Kingston, MVP & Rey Mysterio. Sadly, Wade Barrett and Sheamus kept me from going undefeated. Well, can't win them all. See ya at TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs.

Survivor Series card and picks

2010-11-21T10:07:00.001-08:00

WWE Championship Match
Randy Orton (c) vs. Wade Barrett (with John Cena as the special guest referee)
Should Barrett win, Cena is freed from The Nexus. Should Barrett lose, Cena is fired from WWE.

World Heavyweight Championship Match
Edge vs. Kane (c)

WWE Intercontinental Championship Match
Dolph Ziggler (c) vs. Kaval

WWE United States Championship Match
Daniel Bryan (c) vs. Ted DiBiase

WWE Divas Championship Match
Natalya vs. Michelle McCool and Layla (c)

WWE Tag Team Championship Match
Santino Marella and Vladimir Kozlov vs. Justin Gabriel and Heath Slater (c)

Survivor Series Elimination Match
Rey Mysterio, Big Show, MVP, Kofi Kingston and Chris Masters vs. Alberto Del Rio, Jack Swagger, Drew McIntyre, Cody Rhodes and Tyler Reks

Sheamus vs. John Morrison

So Bragging Rights was not good to me last month, but now, we have reached my all-time favorite WWE PPV card (for purposes other than my record). That is Survivor Series. It's always a fun show with lots of quality matches, and when you look at the card for this year, it looks like something special. Right now, my record is 265-235, so I need to get an eletrical charge to rejuvenate it after my recent slump. So to do that, my picks for tonight's show are Wade Barrett; Edge; Dolph Ziggler; Daniel Bryan; Natalya; Heath Slater & Justin Gabriel; Big Show, Chris Masters, Kofi Kingston, MVP & Rey Mysterio; and Sheamus. Wish me luck.

When "Glee" meets boredom

2010-11-21T10:02:00.001-08:00

We see Britney Spears and Madonna's voice coming out of Heather Morris and Naya Rivera's mouths.

TiVo Guide Week of November 15, 2010 spoiler alert

2010-11-15T21:55:00.000-08:00

"Gossip Girl" Chuck throws a masquerade party at his hotel, where Serena behaves erratically and baffles Dan and Nate. Meanwhile, Blair tries to impress Anne Archibald so she can get involved in her foundation, but Blair's association with Chuck works against her. Monday at 9 on The CW.

"NCIS: Los Angeles" Part 1 of 2. When an antiques dealer is murdered, Hetty sends the team on a search for a missing book that contains top-secret information. Tuesday at 9 on CBS.

"Sons of Anarchy" Jax faces the toughest decision of his life while other club members go after Jimmy O (Titus Welliver). In Charming, meanwhile, Agent Stahl (Ally Walker) joins in efforts to free Tara and Margaret Murphy from Salazar; and Wayne gets some bad news. Tuesday at 10 on FX.

"Top Chef: Just Deserts" In the Season 1 finale, the final three dessert artisans square off in the crowning challenge, whipping up a four-course, sweet-meets-savory feast. The winner is then named. Wednesday at 10 on Bravo.

"Community" Dean Pelton nabs Jeff for listing a fake class on his schedule, but then a mysterious professor (Kevin Corrigan) emerges to back up Jeff's claim. Curious about the man, Jeff and Annie investigate. Elsewhere, Abed and Troy build a blanket fort of great proportions. Thursday at 8 on NBC.

"How the Grinch Stole Christmas" The Dr. Seuss tale about the Whos, creatures who like nothing better than Christmas, and the evil Grinch, with a heart two sizes too small---and a plan to steal the holiday. Boris Karloff narrates this 1966 classic. Songs by Dr. Seuss (Theodor Seuss Geisel) and Albert Hague. Friday at 8 on TBS.

"Supernatural" Dean is abducted from a crop circle while investigating a UFO sighting. He quickly discovers he isn't dealing with aliens but rather with fairies. Sam searches for him and stumbles upon a world occupied by elves, gnomes and a leprechaun. Friday at 9 on The CW.

"2010 American Music Awards" Christina Aguilera, Justin Bieber, Bon Jovi, Miley Cyrus, Diddy-Dirty Money, Ke$ha, Ne-Yo, Katy Perry, Kid Rock, Pink, Rihanna and Usher are slated to perform, along with Carlos Santana with Gavin Rossdale, and New Kids on the Block with Backstreet Boys, at the 38th annual gala. Winners are determined by fan votes in various categories, including pop/rock, country, rap/hip-hop, soul/R&B, alternative, adult contemporary, Latin, sound tracks and contemporary inspirational. Sunday at 8 on ABC.

Bored

2010-11-11T11:11:00.000-08:00

Enjoy the video

TiVo Guide Week of November 8, 2010 spoiler alert

2010-11-08T18:08:00.000-08:00

"The Good Wife" Alicia combats a disabled attorney (Michael J. Fox) who tries to use his disability to sway a jury during a class-action suit against a pharmaceutical company. Meanwhile, Kalinda confronts a former friend who is giving Blake inside information on her, and Peter becomes concerned about Wendy's threat to his campaign because of her rising popularity. Tuesday at 10 on CBS.

"The Office" Erin and Gabe host a "Glee" viewing party for the gang at Gabe's house. Meanwhile, Michael lacks any semblance of glee when the staffers refer to Gabe as his boss. As for Andy, his jealousy over Gabe and Erin's relationship grows and grows. Thursday at 9 on NBC.

"Smallville" Lois views a video her mom (Teri Hatcher) made for her before her death. The tape prompts Lois to make a major decision about Clark, which leads to her encountering Jor-El and Lara at the Fortress. Meanwhile, Tess has a nightmare about a music box that she later finds at the mansion. Her and Clark's investigation takes them to an orphanage. Friday at 8 on The CW.

"Tracy Morgan: Black and Blue" Comedian Tracy Morgan performs at the Apollo Theater in New York. Topics include meeting the president; the differences between white and black culture; terrorism; drugs; and airport profiling. Saturday at 10 on HBO.

"Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" Ty's team rebuilds a school that was devastated by the 500-year flood that hit Tennessee on May 1, 2010. LeAnn Rimes, Keith Urban and Carrie Underwood pitch in, and Leigh Anne Tuohy (portrayed by Sandra Bullock in "The Blind Side") joins the design team. Sunday at 8 on ABC.

Bored again

2010-11-05T20:24:00.000-07:00

So I was looking and thought, "What if Britney Spears were singing over one of the 'Glee' characters during that tribute show?" Well, look no more.

TiVo Guide Week of November 1, 2010 spoiler alert

2010-11-01T14:55:00.000-07:00

"The Women of SNL" The spotlight shines on the female performers of "Saturday Night Live" in a showcase that features memorable past sketches and original skits. Among those appearing: Rachel Dratch; Nora Dunn; Tina Fey; Ana Gasteyer; Julia Louis-Dreyfus; Laraine Newman; Cheri Oteri; Amy Poehler; Maya Rudolph; Molly Shannon; and Kristen Wiig. Monday at 9 on NBC.

"Kathy Griffin: Whores on Crutches" D-list queen Kathy Griffin delivers a stand-up set at the Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula, Cal. Griffin riffs on Bristol Palin, her exchanges with Elisabeth Hasselbeck on "The View" and her mother's red-carpet experience at the Emmys. Tuesday at 10 on Bravo.

"Private Practice" The doctors come to Charlotte's aid after she's found bloodied and bruised in a hospital hallway after she's attacked by a deranged man (Nicholas Brendon) in the ER. Thursday at 10:01 on ABC.

"CSI: NY" Mac searches for a sniper who is firing from city rooftops. The shootings force him to relive a disturbing abduction case that may have created one of the deadliest foes the CSIs have faced. John Larroquette guest stars. Friday at 9 on CBS.

"The Simpsons" In three haunting tales, Bart and Milhouse discover the joys of board games, Lisa falls for a vampire (voice of Daniel Radcliffe) and Marge and Homer's romantic second honeymoon at sea is interrupted by a castaway (voice of Hugh Laurie). Sunday at 9 on Fox.

Why I am awaiting the return of "Rizzoli & Isles"

2010-10-30T13:19:00.000-07:00

Last summer, "Rizzoli & Isles" was TNT's breakout show, becoming the highest-rated new show on cable ever. The fact that it held most of the audience from "The Closer," which set its own ratings records, makes it all the more impressive. So as I anxiously wait for next season, let me tell you why you should be prepared for next season of "Rizzoli & Isles."

1. The wait! Last season ended on September 14. We are expected to get Season 2 until July. JULY! Almost ten months! That's a long ways to wait, especially when you consider Reason No. 2.

2. Last season's cliffhanger. I don't want to spoil it completely, but look up the first season on YouTube to see what I mean. (Channel name: aniebunbury) All I'll say is that one character's life is in deep trouble after the season finale. And we have to wait ten months for it to be resolved!

3. They might has well have glass doors for their closet. Det. Jane Rizzoli (Angie Harmon) and Dr. Maura Isles (Sasha Alexander) are the only women in their precinct for the Boston Police Department. They are as unequal as best friends can be. Jane is athletic and wants to be treated equally to the men. Maura is far more feminine and seems to have Google for a brain. Being that they are so close to each as different as possible makes them popular for shipping. Of course, it doesn't help one was Abbie Carmichael on "Law & Order" and the other was Kate Todd on "NCIS." Really, the things these two do together scream lesbians. Go to the "Rizzoli & Isles" TV Tropes page and look on the Les Yay section. Pairing them up in canon might bresk away from the plot of the books the series is based on and lose a great deal of viewers, but Jane and Maura have a level of unresolved sexual tension rivaled only by Brennan and Booth on "Bones."

More to come later.

TiVo Guide Week of October 25, 2010 spoiler alert

2010-10-25T10:38:00.000-07:00

"Chuck" Team Bartowski battles a sinister scientist (Robert Englund) who is plotting to release toxins that induce nightmares. Meanwhile, the true allegiances of Chuck's mother (Linda Hamilton) come under scrutiny, and the Buy More gang celebrates Halloween. Morgan Fairchild also guest stars. Monday at 8 on NBC.

"No Ordinary Family" Daphne worries about the moral implications of her telepathy when she thinks a classmate and a teacher may be having an affair. Meanwhile, Stephanie finds reason to doubt JJ's assertion that he doesn't have any superpowers; and Jim investigates the cause of some recent earthquakes. Tuesday at 8 on ABC.

"Glee" The glee kids perform their version of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" (despite Sue's scheming) after Will learns that Emma's a big fan of the 1975 cult-classic movie. "Horror Show"-movie alums Barry Bostwick and Meat Loaf are in the guest cast. Tuesday at 8 on Fox.

"Scared Shrekless" Animated tale in which Shrek (Mike Myers) gets in the Halloween spirit by challenging his fairytale friends to come up with scary stories for a contest. But the gang learn that they'll have to spend the night in Lord Farquaad's haunted castle before the winner is named. Cameron Diaz and Antonio Banderas reprise their roles as Princess Fiona and Puss in Boots, respectively, while Dean Edwards takes on the role of Donkey. Thursday at 8 on NBC.

"Grey's Anatomy" As a TV crew records hospital life six months after the shooting, the patient Mary (Mandy Moore) returns for the surgery she was to have that day; Derek, Owen, Mark and Callie perform an arm transplant; and Alex treats a girl with a blocked trachea. Meanwhile, Cristina has difficulty expressing herself to the crew; and Lexie can't get the hang of the hospital's new security system. Thursday at 9 on ABC.

Bragging Rights results

2010-10-25T04:45:00.001-07:00

FRAK FRAK FRAK FRAKITY FRAK FRAK FRAK! I thought Bragging Rights would have been the night I would have made a full recovery from Hell in a Cell. Instead, I wind up going 2-4 again. My overall record is down to 265-235. I mean, I gotta give it up for Kane and Alberto Del Rio, Big Show, Edge, Jack Swagger, Kofi Kingston, Rey Mysterio & Tyler Reks. I'm not in the mood to compliment Randy Orton, Natalya, Dolph Ziggler, and Goldust for coming up short. (NOTE: Goldust vs. Ted DiBiase was a last second match that I picked. And lost, dammit! I didn't make a pick for Cody Rhodes & Drew McIntyre vs. David Otunga & John Cena because that match was made during the show. Which is too bad for me, because I would have gone with Otunga & Cena, and they won.) Well, wish me luck at Survivor Series.

Bragging Rights card & picks

2010-10-24T15:12:00.000-07:00

WWE Title Match
Wade Barrett with John Cena vs. Randy Orton

Buried Alive Match for the World Heavyweight Title
The Undertaker vs. Kane with Paul Bearer

Team RAW vs. Team SmackDown Elimination Match
The Miz, Sheamus, R-Truth, John Morrison, CM Punk, Ezekiel Jackson and Santino Marella vs. Big Show, Edge, Rey Mysterio, Kofi Kingston, Jack Swagger, Alberto Del Rio and Tyler Reks

WWE Divas Title Match
Natalya vs. Layla

United States Champion Daniel Bryan vs. Intercontinental Champion Dolph Ziggler

To say the very least, I NEED to win with this PPV in the worst way. I faltered with Hell in a Cell, and now I'm in need of a much-deserved pick-me-up. To say the least, this is a big PPV for me and my record. My record, by the way, is 263-231. So let's get it rolling agiain. I've got wins predicted for Randy Orton; Kane; Alberto Del Rio, Big Show, Edge, Jack Swagger, Kofi Kingston, Rey Mysterio & Tyler Reks; Natalya; and Dolph Ziggler. Wish me luck.

Oh, great, they're back!

2010-10-21T13:10:00.000-07:00

I had something entirely different planned for today, but new developments have called for action.

As much as I hate to say it, the Westboro Baptist Church is returing the Detroit area to spew their hate.

It's up to us, once again, to shut these idiots up.

This time, they're coming to preach about the "evils of Islam and Judiasm." Ugggh! Just make it stop. The last thing we need in this country is more Islamophobia in this country when we have American troops in Afghanistan fighting extremists who threaten the lives of well-to-do citizens. And the anti-Semitism, I kid you not, it is my personal belief that WBC may build an American version of Auschwitz if they were to gain any semblance of power.

Look, I'm Christian myself, but for those of us who practice a religion, remember, Christian, Muslims, and Jews are all descended from the same God, namely the God of Abraham. We should be united, not divided. And now that this splinter cell of Christianity threatens our lives once again, it is time for us to come together and shut down this bully pulpit once and for all.

If you stand for equality, come to these locations and let the Westboro Baptist Church know that they are not welcome.

Monday, November 1
8-8:30 am
Islamic Center of America
15571 Joy Rd
Dearborn, MI

Monday, November 1
9-9:30 am
Hillel of Metro Detroit
5221 Gullen Mall
Detroit, MI

Let's show this cult that we are united in equality!

TiVo Guide Week of October 22, 2010 spoiler alert

2010-10-18T21:11:00.000-07:00

"Dancing With the Stars" The fifth week of performances features contestants dancing to TV-theme songs. Monday at 8 on ABC.

"Mike & Molly" Carl is jealous when Mike spends more time with Molly than he does with him, prompting Mike to invite Carl on a double date. Monday at 9:31 on CBS.

"The Good Wife" Alicia becomes embroiled in an ethics scandal and risks being disbarred. Her trouble also threatens to fatally harm Peter's campaign. Meanwhile, a third candidate comes forward to run for state's attorney. Tuesday at 10 on CBS.

"Community" Shirley consults Abed when she decides to make a religious film, but the two end up clashing after Abed reveals his plans to make one, too. Elsewhere, Pierce considers joining a study group with students his own age after he realizes he's the oldest member in his current one. Thursday at 8 on NBC.

"Project Runway" In Part 1 of the two-part Season 8 finale, mentor Tim Gunn visits the four remaining designers in their hometowns to review the progress of their collections. Thursday at 9 on Lifetime.

"Jersey Shore" Season 2 wraps up with a huge fight between Pauly D. and J-Woww. Thursday at 10 on MTV.

"Blue Bloods" Frank and Danny search for a homemade bomb they learn is going to be detonated in Manhattan. The investigation leads to an argument about the pros and cons of profiling. Friday at 10 on CBS.

Trying again with MLB playoff picks

2010-10-15T14:47:00.000-07:00

Championship Series
Yankees over Rangers in 6
Phillies over Giants in 5

World Series
Phillies over Yankees in 7

TiVo Guide Week of October 11, 2010 spoiler alert

2010-10-11T20:34:00.001-07:00

"The Event" The White House's only hope for stopping a biological threat rests on breaking Sophia during interrogation; Vicky and Carter await instructions on what to do with their hostage; Collier stumbles across Vicky's secret during her search for Leila; a White House-connected businessman (Hal Holbrook) with knowledge of classified intelligence emerges from the shadows. Monday at 9 on NBC.

"Glee" Rachel and Finn decide to throw a duet competition to give Sam (Chord Overstreet) a better chance to win. Meanwhile, a Mike-Tina-Artie love triangle develops. Tuesday at 8 on Fox.

"Running Wilde" Puddle's boyfriend dumps her shortly before their school's big fall dance, and Emmy and Steve try to get them to make up. Andy Richter guest stars. Tuesday at 9:30 on Fox.

"The Big Bang Theory" Wolowitz is embarrassed when a secret of his is revealed; and Sheldon and Raj battle at work. Thursday at 8 on CBS.

"Bones" Brennan makes a deal with a celebrity professor (David Alan Grier) to be her new intern after he inquires about hosting his children's science show from the Jeffersonian. Meanwhile, a dismembered corpse is identified as a bounty hunter, and the team find they're not the only ones looking for a fugitive who is wanted for murder. Thursday at 8 on Fox.

"Blue Bloods" An off-duty police officer is murdered during a diamond heist and Frank mobilizes the city's entire police force to track down the killer. Jennifer Esposito guest stars. Friday at 10 on CBS.

"Desperate Housewives" Susan goes public (against her will) for Va-Va Broom; Gaby tells her secret to the other housewives; Keith (Brian Austin Green) proves to be a bone of contention for Bree and Renee; Paul Young buys back the house he lived in with Mary Alice, over the objections of his new wife, Beth (Emily Bergl); and Lynette takes advantage of Penny's offer to take care of the youngest Scavo. Sunday at 9 on ABC.

MLB Playoff Picks

2010-10-07T16:24:00.000-07:00

Divisional Series
Twins over Yankees in 6
Rays over Rangers in 7
Phillies over Reds in 4
Braves over Giants in 5

Championship Series
Twins over Rays in 5
Phillies over Braves in 7

World Series
Phillies over Twins in 7

TiVo Guide Week of October 4, 2010 spoiler alert

2010-10-04T14:12:00.001-07:00

"How I Met Your Mother" When Ted turns down Barney's offer for a building-design job, Barney tries to woo him with all of the seduction methods he uses on women; and a lonely and drunk Robin calls Don. Monday at 8 on CBS.

"Real Housewives of Atlanta" Season 3 kicks off with whispers spreading fast in the wake of Kim's delicate disclosure in a tabloid. Meanwhile, other fast rumors affect NeNe, and Kandi plunges into the dating pool. Phaedra Parks and Cynthia Bailey join the cast this season. Monday at 9 on Bravo.

"Dancing With the Stars" The third-round results show. Tuesday at 9 on ABC.

"Bones" Brennan's whirlwind tutorial in pop culture gets put to the test when she and Booth investigate the remains of a 23-year-old man who was seen carousing the previous evening at a Jersey-shore nightclub. Meanwhile, Hannah hits it off with the Jeffersonian team; and Angela tries to keep a personal matter secret. Thursday at 8 on Fox.

"30 Rock" Jack goes before Congress, hoping to use his wiles and charm in a discussion of NBC's merger with KableTown. When a congresswoman (Queen Latifah) pushes for more diversity in the programming, Jack turns to Tracy to develop ideas. Meanwhile, Liz butts heads with her writing staff; and Jenna supports Kenneth's return to the page program. Rob Reiner guest stars. Thursday at 8:30 on NBC.

"Grey's Anatomy" Derek's estranged sister, Amelia (Caterina Scorsone), visits---and brings with her the issues that led to their estrangement. Meanwhile, the chief notices that Alex hasn't been taking elevators since his shooting, and tries to help; and Meredith and Derek keep trying to ease Cristina back into surgery after her PTSD episode. Thursday at 9 on ABC.

"Boardwalk Empire" Jimmy makes the rounds with Al Capone in Chicago, though the two budding gangsters don't always agree on their business methods. Meanwhile, Nucky lobbies powerful politicians, including a U.S. senator, for more road access to Atlantic City; Chalky and Elias try to solve a recent murder; and Lucky Luciano finds a surprise on a visit to Jimmy's apartment. Sunday at 9 on HBO.

Hell in a Cell results

2010-10-04T14:07:00.000-07:00

What the crap?! I thought I had Hell in a Cell all figured out, that I was going to walk out of this PPV with another impressive night of picks. Instead, I tanked royally, finishing a meager 2-3 on the night (Note: I didn't pick the Edge vs. Jack Swagger match because that match was made during the show, which sucks, because I would have picked Edge, who did win the match, and I might have gone unaffected from the show). My overall record is now down to 263-231. Thanks to Randy Orton and Kane for making something out of nothing. For John Cena, The Miz, and Michelle McCool, thanks for nothing, bitches. I hope to turn things back around later this month with Bragging Rights, so I'll keep you guys informed of picks the day of that show.

Hell in a Cell card and picks

2010-10-03T15:54:00.000-07:00

* WWE Title Hell In A Cell Match: Randy Orton (c) vs. Sheamus

* World Heavyweight Title Hell In A Cell Match: Kane (c) vs. The Undertaker

* Nexus Disbands vs. Cena Joins Nexus Match: John Cena vs. Wade Barrett. (If Nexus interferes, Cena automatically wins)

* US Title Triple Threat Submissions Count Anywhere Match: Daniel Bryan (c) vs. The Miz vs. John Morrison

* Unified Divas Title Match: Michelle McCool (c) vs. Natalya

I had a hell of night at Night of Champions, and I am looking forward to improving once more. Right now, my record is 261-228, and I see no reason why I shouldn't improve on my record again. So I am set to cpaitalize on tonight's card because I got it all figured out. I'm taking Randy Orton, Kane, John Cena, The Miz, and Michelle McCool. Wish me luck.

"Glee" review

2010-09-30T19:53:00.000-07:00

I wouldn't fancy myself a full-time Gleek, but the show has managed to earn a supporter in me. In case you were living under a rock, "Glee" aired its long-awaited "Brittany/Britney" episode, focusing on the ditzy cheerleader Brittany S. Pierce (say that middle initial and last name real fast, and you'll know what it sounds like) and set up as a Britney Spears episode. In this episode, however, her actress, Heather Morris, demonstrated she will no longer be known merely as one of Beyonce's back-up dancers. This was her breakout episode. And considering the fact she was singing for the first time, she really held her own against a cast of super-talented singers/dancers. First up was a performance of "I'm a Slave 4 U", where Brittany, under a dentist's anesthesia, writhed around in the costume that Britney performed that song in during the 2001 VMAs (yellow boa constrictor and all), shook it in a glittery skin-colored suit a la "Toxic", and danced in a classroom in the red catsuit from the "Oops!... I Did It Again" video. Hot! I mean, if you haven't seen the video, what the frak are you waiting for? Go! See it!

Our second performance saw the return of Brittany to the dentist's office with her slutty cheerleader partner in crime, Santana. As they both go under listening to their iPods, we earn the familiar opening of "Me Against the Music", the hit Britney duet with Madonna (another artist who has gotten her own "Glee" episode). Brittany played the part of the lovely Ms. Spears, while Santana provided the vocals for the Queen of Pop. I may be bold in saying this, but I think the "Glee" version of "Me Against the Music" may have actually topped the original. Your mileage may vary, and right now, so does mine, but judge for yourself. And what do we get to wrap this drug-induced musical fantasy? How about BRITNEY SPEARS HERSELF showing up, wearing Madonna's costume from the video, and she begins flirting with Brittany, who returns the favor. Thank you to all the writers who considered the feelings of perverts like myself, Victor, Ken, etc.

Next up was the show's resident superstar, Rachel, having to pay the dentist a visit herself for her own poor dental hygiene, just like Brittany (Santana merely went in for cosmetic purposes). Soon we get that very familiar scene of a class room, a foot tapping against the metal leg of a desk, a pencil rapping against a table, a clock ticking away the seconds until class is dismissed, and... DEAR GOD IN HEAVEN, BRITNEY SPEARS AS A TEACHER! I CAN DIE HAPPY NOW! The bell rings, and we get that all-too familiar opening beat that got me hooked on Britney almost 12 years ago (I can't believe it's been that long). What we get is Rachel Berry, dressed as a Catholic school girl, belting out the iconic tune of "...Baby One More Time". And we get to see her in the midriff-baring workout clothing ensemble that Britney sported in that video. Holy moly, see it now. Go, just do it. Now!

The next Britney track kicks off as Artie's trip to the dentist. We start with... HOLY **** ON A **** SANDWICH WITH **** ON TOP AND A SIDE HELPING OF ****! IT'S BRITNEY AS A CHEERLEADER! *THUD!* She's at the lockers talking with Brittany (more Les Yay ensues) and Tina when the wheelchair-bound Artie comes over to them. Britney chastices Tina for breaking up with Artie, and when Tina apologizes, Artie replies with, "And I'm stronger." Bet you know which Britney Spears song this leads up to. But in case you don't, it's Artie singing "Stronger" while he fantasies about making the football. Really stellar performance. Check it out. And by the way, despite the fact that Artie is confined to his wheelchair, he still makes the varsity football team as a battering ram, er, running back. According to the show, there's nothing illegal about using a player in a wheelchair on a football team in the state's high school athletic association's rulebook. No surprise. This show does take place in Ohio, the home of Buckeyes and other assorted nuts.

Our final Britney piece comes at the homecoming assembly, as the Glee Club embers and their teacher, Will, perform a rendition of "Toxic". Yes, I know, the song was referenced in Brittany's solo performance, but this is a different take on the song. The performance is more Broadway than Britney, but it works surprisingly well. And I mean that as a reviewer and a somebody who noticed what was happening in canon, namely the students dancing in the gym bleachers to the song and the evil Sue Sylvester coming to regret her decision to put a stop to it. It has to be seen to be believed.

Our final song is the only exception to all the Britney Spears songs in the episode. Fittingly, that song is "The Only Exception" by Paramore, as Rachel sings it at the end for Finn. I won't give away too many details as to the song selection and what ensues, but you really gotta watch this episode to understand it.

So what did I think about "Brittany/Britney"? All the selections, Britney or not, were pitch perfect, and the Britney selections were all fitting tributes to pop's reigning princess, yet they managed to have their own unique spin. I don't want to give away too much about the various plots of the episode, but the way they selected the music seemed to revolve the various plots. And the way they portrayed Britney's past, good and bad, was done very tastefully. And what is a funny show without a couple of Britney Spears related memes being dropped ("Leave Brittany alone" and "It's Brittany, bitch!") and one not related to Britney ("Is this Heaven?"). So, all and all, I give this show a 9.9 out of 10. I know, I should have given it a perfect score, but what Sue discovered Jacob Ben Israel doing in the library was just downright disturbing, so there's your flaw. In the end, "Glee" did Britney Spears fans, and I assume the woman herself, very proud.

TiVo Guide Week of September 27, 2010 spoiler alert

2010-09-27T10:54:00.000-07:00

"The Event" Following the plane incident, the president's men scramble to figure out what happened; Sterling has Sophia taken into custody; and the conspiracy's web snares an FBI agent Collier (Heather McComb) and a mercenary Carter (D.B. Sweeney) In other events, a shadowy man named Thomas (Clifton Collins Jr.) comes forth with information about the detainees. Monday at 9 on NBC.

"Teenage Paparazzo" "Entourage" star Adrian Grenier explores the public's obsession with the private lives of celebrities not only by filming an adolescent whose passion is photographing the rich and famous, but by picking up a camera and joining the hunt for himself. The film includes remarks by actors, journalists and scholars. Monday at 9 on HBO.

"Glee" Will doesn't want the kids to do a Britney Spears routine. He's also a bit jealous of Emma's new dentist boyfriend (John Stamos). Spears appears as herself. Tuesday at 8 on Fox.

"Cougar Town" Travis' imminent departure for college is a difficult transition for Jules; Laurie helps Bobby become computer savvy; Andy gets Grayson's help to deceive Ellie. Wednesday at 9:31 on ABC.

"Fringe" Alternate Olivia joins Peter and Walter on a case involving a strange box that may be causing people to go into trances from which they never emerge. Meanwhile, Walter meets Nina at Massive Dynamic for a reading of William Bell's will. Thursday at 9 on Fox.

"The Mentalist" A reluctant Jane helps his brother-in-law, who becomes a suspect in a murder case when he returns to town. Thursday at 10 on CBS.

"Smallville" Cat Grant (Keri Lynn Pratt) is hired by the Daily Planet to replace Lois, who has left for Egypt. When Clark saves Cat from an assassin named Deadshot (Bradley Stryker) he uncovers a plot against the Blur. Meanwhile, Lois finds herself under Carter Hall's protection in Egypt. Friday at 8 on The CW.

This is what I've been waiting all summer for...

2010-09-23T19:10:00.000-07:00

The "Brittany/Britney" episode of "Glee" airs next Tuesday. And contrary to Jane Lynch's opinion, I am stoked for this show. If you don't know me, there's two things I need to say. One, how long have you been reading this blog? Two, Britney Spears has been my number one celebrity crush since 1999. And now, "Glee" will be honoring the Princess of Pop with an entire episode dedicated to her greatest hits. So as you can see from the preview, we will be earning the glee kids and maybe (to Sue Slyvester's dismay) the Cheerios singing "Me Against the Music," "I'm a Slave 4 U," "...Baby One More Time," and "Toxic." You guys have any other ideas as to what we will be hearing next week? God, "Glee" has been doing really well with these themed episodes. They've done pop's past (Madonna) and pop's future (Lady Gaga), so I am really excited to see them cover pop's present. Oh, and did I mention that the pride of Kentwood, Louisiana, will be making a guest appearance? Guest stars usually done well on this show, from Olivia Newton-John, Josh Groban, and Idina Menzel, to Neil Patrick Harris, Kristin Chenoweth, and Mike O'Malley. So I think praise well definitely be due for Britney's performance, bank on it. Oh, yeah, and John Stamos will be appearing as well. Well, as you can tell, I have raised expectations of this episode, so we'll see if it lives up to the hype when I review this episode next Thursday. In the meantime, take care, everybody.

TiVo Guide Week of September 20, 2010 spoiler alert

2010-09-20T15:03:00.000-07:00

"Chuck" Season 4 opens with Chuck engaging in a sweeping quest to find his mother (Linda Hamilton), all while keeping the rogue mission a secret from his sister. Meanwhile, Sarah and Casey journey to Russia to probe a mysterious organization and its operative (Dolph Lundgren); and Ellie breaks big news to the family. Olivia Munn and Harry Dean Stanton also guest star. Monday at 8 on NBC.

"Hawaii Five-0" An elite task force probes high-level crimes in this reboot of the classic series. In the opener, decorated naval officer Steve McGarrett (Alex O'Loughlin) investigates his father's murder and is persuaded by the governor to head up a new police squad that answers directly to her. Monday at 10 on CBS.

"Glee" Season 2 begins with more budget cuts looming and the glee kids reeling from their loss at Regionals. There are new members to recruit, including Sunshine Corazon (Charice) and Sam (Chord Overstreet), but Rachel and Finn don't see eye to eye on them. Meanwhile, McKinley High has a new football coach, Shannon Beiste (Dot Marie Jones), who immediately shows herself to be a threat to both the glee club and the Cheerios. Tuesday at 8 on Fox.

"Raising Hope" In the premiere of this comedy about a new addition to an extended dysfunctional family, 23-year-old Jimmy Chance (Lucas Neff) adjusts to life as a single father following a fling with a violent criminal (Bijou Phillips), but he has some difficulty convincing his parents to take in another mouth to feed. Tuesday at 9 on Fox.

"Top Chef: Just Desserts" The 11 still-standing dessert culinarians must whip up sweet delectables from cocktails, but one chef's actions sour the others. Pastry chef Elizabeth Falkner is the guest judge. Wednesday at 10 on Bravo.

"Blue Bloods" A New York crime drama focusing on a multigenerational family of cops headed by the city's police commissioner (Tom Selleck). In the opener, the youngest son graduates from the police academy. Meanwhile, his older brother investigates a girl's kidnapping and is accused of using excessive force to solve the case. Friday at 10 on CBS.

Night of Champions results

2010-09-20T14:56:00.000-07:00

Whoa, nelly! I scored big time with Night of Champions, going 5-2 and raising my overall record to 261-228. Man, what a huge swing from the last PPV. So I have to say thank you to Randy Orton, Kane, Dolph Ziggler, Cody Rhodes & Drew McIntyre, and Big Show (NOTE: I changed my pick from David Hart Smith & Tyson Kidd to Cody Rhodes & Drew McIntyre when I saw that it would be a Tag Team Turmoil match with Cody Rhodes & Drew McIntyre vs. David Hart Smith & Tyson Kidd vs. Evan Bourne & Mark Henry vs. Jey Uso & Jimmy Uso vs. Santino Marella & Vladimir Kozlov). My only blemishes came from The Miz and Melina, so thanks for nothing! But what a night. I can only hope that this success carries over to Hell in a Cell.

Night of Champions card and picks

2010-09-19T13:06:00.000-07:00

Six Pack Challenge for the WWE Title
Edge vs. Randy Orton vs. Chris Jericho vs. Wade Barrett vs. John Cena vs. Sheamus

No Holds Barred Match for the World Title
The Undertaker vs. Kane

WWE Intercontinental Title Match
Kofi Kingston vs. Dolph Ziggler

WWE United States Title Match
Daniel Bryan vs. The Miz

WWE Tag Team Title Match
The Hart Dynasty vs. TBA

WWE Women’s & Divas Unification Lumberjill Match
Melina vs. Michelle McCool

Big Show vs. CM Punk

I love Night of Champions. It's always one of the more exciting PPVs on the WWE calendar because you have every single title on the line in one night. And we even get a bonus match tonight! Cool! Alright, I have been on a downward spiral as of late, and my record is 256-226. So for tonight's show, I'm going to improve my record by selecting Randy Orton, Kane, Dolph Ziggler, The Miz, David Hart Smith & Tyson Kidd (subject to change), Melina, and Big Show as the winners. Wish me luck.

Introducing Denard Robinson

2010-09-19T13:00:00.000-07:00

The Michigan quaterback will make you break your ankles, and he's not even wearing shoelaces! Look for him to win the Heisman Trophy this season if he keeps going at his current pace.

TiVo Guide Week of September 13, 2010 spoiler alert

2010-09-13T20:57:00.000-07:00

"Parenthood" In the second-season premiere, Adam is stressed out by his family and demanding boss (William Baldwin). Elsewhere, Zeek and Joel try to fix a leak in the barn; Crosby gets ready to see Jasmine and Jabbar; Haddie learns to drive; Max endures a crisis; and Sarah searches for her niche. Tuesday at 10 on NBC.

"America's Got Talent" The winning act is revealed in the Season 5 finale, which features performances by an array of Las Vegas and Hollywood stars. Wednesday at 8 on NBC.

"It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" Season 6 premiere: Mac defends traditional marriage, while the rest of the gang reap the rewards of wedded bliss. Thursday at 10 on FX.

"Star Wars: The Clone Wars" In the Season 3 opener, five clone cadets try to complete their training regimen but must first learn to work together. Later, Anakin and Obi-Wan defend Kamino and its clone factories against the Separatists. Friday at 9 on Cartoon.

"25 Greatest TV Characters of All Time" A countdown of TV's most memorable characters. Included: Lucy Ricardo, Archie Bunker and Carrie Bradshaw, as well as animated characters. Sunday at 8 on TV Guide Network.

"Boardwalk Empire" In the Martin Scorsese-directed premiere of this drama set in Atlantic City at the dawn of Prohibition, political boss Enoch "Nucky" Thompson (Steve Buscemi) brokers a sale of illegal booze for visiting New York gangster Arnold Rothstein, and takes an interest in a local housewife with an abusive husband. Meanwhile, World War I veteran and Thompson protégé Jimmy Darmody (Michael Pitt) meets a hoodlum from Chicago named Al Capone. Sunday at 9 on HBO.

Who I want to win Best Video at the VMAs

2010-09-10T17:21:00.001-07:00

I'm from Detroit, who did you expect my vote to go to?

TiVo Guide Week of September 6, 2010 spoiler alert

2010-09-06T17:42:00.000-07:00

"White Collar" After Peter and Neal make progress tracking Kate's killer, Neal arranges a con to get closer to the suspect. Tuesday at 9 on USA.

"Rachel Zoe Project" An Oscar-gown debacle only gets worse for Rachel and her couture club. Then, figure skater Johnny Weir calls on Team Zoe for some style council. Rachel's on thin ice trying to tame the athlete's flamboyant look, but Brad seemingly flourishes in the task. Tuesday at 10 on Bravo.

"Sons of Anarchy" Season 3 begins in the wake of the kidnapping of Jax's son, with SAMCRO gunning for the kidnapper, gunrunner Cameron Hayes. And Gemma's on the lam after Stahl (Ally Walker) framed her for Edmond Hayes' murder. Gemma seeks out her father (Hal Holbrook), who suffers from Alzheimer's disease. Meanwhile, Jax takes stock of his relationship with Tara in light of the kidnapping; and Hale's brother, Jake (Jeff Kober), decides to run for mayor of Charming. Tuesday at 10 on FX.

"MasterChef" The remaining contestants are tasked with fishing and using only their catches to create an entrée. Wednesday at 8 on Fox.

"Nikita" A spy returns to exact revenge on the clandestine agency that betrayed her after training her to be an assassin. In the pilot episode, Nikita (Maggie Q) emerges from three years of hiding to send a message to her former handlers at Division. Meanwhile, new recruit Alex begins her training at Division and discovers what the agency has planned for her future. Thursday at 9 on The CW.

College Football Rivalry Schedule

2010-09-02T16:35:00.001-07:00

Alright guys, if you know me, you know I love college football. And there is nothing better in the sport than when two schools hate each other with so much passion, you can throw out the overall record books and who has prevailed in the last few seasons. Rivalry games always bring out the best of college football, tough, energetic play where every down matter for a win. The 2010 season is here, and so is a whole new schedule of the big games. Take to see when your school is playing their biggest rivals and enjoy.

September 4
Colorado vs. Colorado State
Illinois vs. Missouri
Kentucky at Louisville
Purdue at Notre Dame

September 6
Navy vs. Maryland

September 10
UTEP at Houston
West Virginia at Marshall

September 11
Duke at Wake Forest
Georgia at South Carolina
Iowa State at Iowa
Michigan at Notre Dame

September 18
Baylor at TCU
Central Michigan at Eastern Michigan
Florida at Tennessee
Maryland at West Virginia
New Mexico State at UTEP
Notre Dame at Michigan State
Texas at Texas Tech
Troy at UAB
Tulsa at Oklahoma State
Utah at New Mexico
Vanderbilt at Mississippi

September 24
TCU at Southern Methodist

September 25
Arkansas State at Troy
Middle Tennessee at Louisana-Lafayette
Ohio at Marshall
Stanford at Notre Dame
Virginia Tech at Boston College

October 1
Brigham Young at Utah State

October 2
Duke at Maryland
Florida at Alabama
Florida State at Virginia
Navy at Air Force
Nevada at UNLV
Notre Dame at Boston College
Ohio State at Illinois
Southern Methodist at Rice
Texas vs. Oklahoma
UTEP at New Mexico

October 5
Troy at Middle Tennessee

October 7
Nebraska at Kansas State

October 8
Connecticut at Rutgers

October 9
Akron at Kent State
Arkansas State at North Texas
Baylor vs. Texas Tech
Colorado State at Air Force
East Carolina at Southern Miss
Florida State at Miami (FL)
Hawaii at Fresno State
Memphis at Louisville
Miami (OH) at Cincinnati
Michigan State at Michigan
Minnesota at Wisconsin
New Mexico at New Mexico State
Pittsburgh at Notre Dame
San Diego State at Brigham Young

October 13
UCF at Marshall

October 14
Kansas State at Kansas

October 15
Cincinnati at Louisville

October 16
Arkansas vs. Texas A&M
Brigham Young at TCU
California at USC
Houston at Rice
Mississippi at Alabama
North Carolina at Virginia
North Carolina State at East Carolina
Oregon State at Washington
Pittsburgh at Syracuse
Southern Methodist at Navy
Southern Miss at Memphis

October 23
Alabama at Tennessee
Fresno State at San Jose State
Georgia Tech at Clemson
Indiana at Illinois
Kent State at Bowling Green
LSU at Auburn
Marshall at East Carolina
Mississippi at Arkansas
Notre Dame vs. Navy
Ohio at Miami (OH)
Oklahoma at Missouri
Penn State at Minnesota
Syracuse at West Virginia
Temple at Buffalo
Wisconsin at Iowa

October 30
Baylor at Texas
Clemson at Boston College
East Carolina at UCF
FIU at Florida Atlantic
Florida vs. Georgia
Louisville at Pittsburgh
Missouri at Nebraska
Purdue at Illinois
Texas Tech at Texas A&M
UAB at Southern Miss

November 4
Georgia Tech at Virginia Tech

November 5
Western Michigan at Central Michigan

November 6
Air Force at Army
Alabama at LSU
Fresno State at Louisiana Tech
Hawaii at Boise State
North Carolina State at Clemson
Rice at Tulsa
Southern Miss at Tulane
Washington at Oregon

November 9
Toledo at Northern Illinois

November 12
Boise State at Idaho

November 13
Clemson at Florida State
Eastern Michigan at Western Michigan
Georgia at Auburn
Maryland at Virginia
North Texas at Middle Tennessee
Penn State at Ohio State
South Carolina at Florida
Syracuse at Rutgers
Texas A&M at Baylor
Tulsa at Houston
Wake Forest at North Carolina State
Washington State at Oregon State

November 17
Bowling Green at Toledo

November 19
Fresno State at Boise State

November 20
Colorado State at Wyoming
Connecticut at Syracuse
Illinois at Northwestern
Kansas State at Colorado
Memphis at UAB
Middle Tennessee at Western Kentucky
Mississippi at LSU
Missouri at Iowa State
North Carolina State at North Carolina
Northern Illinois at Ball State
Stanford at California
Tennessee at Vanderbilt
UTEP at Tulsa
Virginia Tech at Miami (FL)

November 25
Texas A&M at Texas

November 26
Auburn at Alabama
Colorado at Nebraska
West Virginia at Pittsburgh

November 27
Boston College at Syracuse
Brigham Young at Utah
Florida at Florida State
Georgia Tech at Georgia
Indiana at Purdue
Iowa at Minnesota
Kansas vs. Missouri
Kentucky at Tennessee
Louisana-Lafayette at Louisana-Monroe
LSU at Arkansas
Michigan at Ohio State
Michigan State at Penn State
Mississippi State at Mississippi
North Carolina at Duke
North Carolina State at Maryland
Notre Dame at USC
Oklahoma at Oklahoma State
South Carolina at Clemson
UNLV at San Diego State
Virginia at Virginia Tech

December 2
Arizona State at Arizona

December 4
Pittsburgh at Cincinnati
Oregon at Oregon State
Troy at Florida Atlantic
USC at UCLA
Washington at Washington State

December 11
Navy vs. Army

TiVo Guide Week of August 30, 2010 spoiler alert

2010-08-30T16:05:00.000-07:00

"The Closer" Brenda investigates the shooting deaths of three soldiers who had just returned from Afghanistan. With national-security issues surrounding the case, Brenda finds herself in an investigative tug-of-war with a military officer (Gary Cole). Monday at 9 on TNT.

"30 for 30" The 1982 Little League World Series champions from Kirkland, Wash., are profiled in "Little Big Men." Directors Al Szymanski and Peter Franchella catch up with Cody Webster and other team members who broke a lengthy U.S. drought in Williamsport, Pa. Tuesday at 8 on ESPN.

There is justice in the world!

2010-08-26T11:01:00.000-07:00

Watch and laugh.

TiVo Guide Week of August 23, 2010 spoiler alert

2010-08-23T10:34:00.000-07:00

"Huge" Part 1 of 2. The camp hosts parents' weekend, but Will's mom and dad are no-shows. Meanwhile, Alistair puts on a charade of being Becca's boyfriend; and Amber's mother smuggles in some food. Monday at 9 on ABC Family.

"Top Chef: Washington D.C." The six remaining culinarians play ball, commandeering two baseball concession stands at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. They step up to the plate to create game snacks, adding a high-end culinary quality to the fare. Baseball players Adam Dunn, Matt Capps and John Lannan make appearances. Rick Moonen is the guest judge. Wednesday at 10 on Bravo.

"Emmys Red Carpet Countdown" Celebrity interviews on the red carpet and Emmy predictions. Hosts: Marc Istook, Tanika Ray and Lawrence Zarian. Sunday at 5 on TV Guide Network.

"Emmys Red Carpet With Chris Harrison" Chris Harrison interviews celebrities on the red carpet at the 2010 Emmys. Sunday at 6 on TV Guide Network.

"True Blood" Eric proceeds with caution in his quest for revenge; Jessica and Hoyt's romance intensifies; Bill's attempt to win back Sookie's trust backfires; Arlene's future depends on divine intervention; Jason struggles to understand Crystal's revelation; Lafayette receives a rude welcome back to reality after a "V" trip. Sunday at 9 on HBO.

Top Movies of 2009

2010-08-19T18:07:00.000-07:00

Alright, guys, the books are finally closed on the 2009 box office. Thirty films passed the $100M mark. And now, I will count down the top grossing movies from the last year. Is you favorite on this list? Let's see?

30. "The Princess and the Frog" $104M
29. "Watchmen" $108M
28. "Couples Retreat" $109M
27. "It's Complicated" $113M
26. "District 9" $116M
25. "G-Force" $119M
24. "Inglourious Basterds" $121M
23. "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs" $125M
22. "Terminator Salvation" $125M
21. "Angels & Demons" $133M
20. "A Christmas Carol" $138M
19. "Paul Blart: Mall Cop" $146M
18. "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra" $150M
17. "Fast & Furious" $155M
16. "The Proposal" $164M
15. "2012" $166M
14. "Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian" $177M
13. "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" $180M
12. "Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs" $197M
11. "Monsters vs. Aliens" $198M
10. "Sherlock Holmes" $209M
9. "Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel" $220M
8. "The Blind Side" $256M
7. "Star Trek" $258M
6. "The Hangover" $277M
5. "Up" $293M
4. "The Twilight Saga: New Moon" $297M
3. "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" $302M
2. "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" $402M
1. "Avatar" $761M

TiVo Guide Week of August 16, 2010 spoiler alert

2010-08-16T19:00:00.000-07:00

"The Big C" In the series opener, suburban Minneapolis wife and schoolteacher Cathy (Laura Linney), who is dying from skin cancer, begins to take charge of her life and live it up a little. She starts by building a pool in her tiny backyard, and tries to tell those close to her---a teen son, her estranged husband and a homeless brother---about her illness, but finds it difficult. Monday at 10:30 on Showtime.

"Big Lake" In the premiere of this comedy about a disgraced Wall Street whiz kid who slinks back to his parents' house, Josh Franklin (Chris Gethard) vows to recoup his father's squandered retirement fund with help from an old friend and a former teacher. Meanwhile, Josh discovers his younger brother is not the model child he appears to be. Horatio Sanz and Chris Parnell costar. Tuesday at 10 on Comedy Central.

"Hot in Cleveland" In the first-season finale, threats of a tornado cause the ladies to seek shelter in Elka's secret room in the cellar, but they're nearly blown away by what they find. Wednesday at 10 on TV Land.

SummerSlam results

2010-08-16T18:55:00.000-07:00

Yeesh, what a rough night to be a WWE PPV predictor. I only managed to go 2-3 on the night. Keep in mind, I dumped the Dolph Ziggler vs. Kofi Kingston match when it was called a no contest. Also, I didn't change my pick of The Nexus when Team WWE became Bret Hart, Chris Jericho, DANIEL BRYAN, Edge, John Cena, John Morrison & R-Truth. Big mistake. So, I gotta give props where they are due, and those would be to Kane and Big Show. But how about big F.U. to Sheamus; Darren Young, David Otunga, Heath Slater, Justin Gabriel, Michael Tarver, Skip Sheffield & Wade Barrett; and Alicia Fox for making me finish below .500? My record is now down to 256-226. I'm feeling a smidge nervous going into Night of Champions.

SummerSlam card and picks

2010-08-15T16:33:00.000-07:00

WWE Championship Match
Sheamus (c) vs. Randy Orton

World Heavyweight Championship Match
Kane (c) vs. Rey Mysterio

Elimination Tag Team Match
Team WWE (John Cena, Bret Hart, Chris Jericho, Edge R-Truth and John Morrison) vs. The Nexus (Wade Barrett, Skip Sheffield, Michael Tarver, Heath Slater, Justin Gabriel, Darren Young and David Otunga)

Intercontinental Championship Match
Dolph Ziggler (c) vs. Kofi Kingston

3-on-1 Handicap Match
Big Show vs. The Straight Edge Society (CM Punk, Luke Gallows and Joey Mercury)

Divas Championship Match
Alicia Fox (c) vs. Melina

Well, I gotta say I've picked up some steam in making picks, but it's time for to really kick ass. SummerSlam is one of the most important WWE PPVs of the year, and I really don't want to blow this. Of course, with a record that currently stands at 254-223, I always want to get better. So for tonight's show, I am picking Sheamus; Kane; Darren Young, David Otunga, Heath Slater, Justin Gabriel, Michael Tarver, Skip Sheffield & Wade Barrett; Dolph Ziggler; Big Show; and Alicia Fox. And yes, I am going with The Nexus to win the 7-on-7 elimination tag team match with almost no exception. The only way I will switch my pick to Team WWE is if that seventh person winds up being Kane, Randy Orton, or Sheamus, but all of those guys are already booked for matches tonight, so I doubt it. Anyways, wish me luck.

Why you shouldn't see a Seltzer and Friedberg movie

2010-08-15T10:46:00.000-07:00

1. They are the worst reviewed movies in history. "Date Movie," "Epic Movie," "Meet the Spartans," and "Disaster Movie" all scored 6% or less on RottenTomatoes.com. That should be the first red flag.

2. They treat us like idiots. "I AM IRON MAN!" "I AM BATMAN!" Really?! I would have never guessed. Oh, wait, there's this. "I'M KUNG FU PANDA!" Come on, everyone knows his real name by now (Po). Which takes me to point number 3.

3. THEY DON'T DO THE EFFING RESEARCH! How hard to they work? They're notorious for only watching the trailers the of the movies they are spoofing, not the movies themselves. This makes them look even stupider when their movie comes out.

4. Their movies don't age well. Does anybody remember Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez as a couple? No? Didn't think so. Or what about "I'm ******* Matt Damon?" Also, "Disaster Movie" parodied "The Love Guru" on the false hope that it was a hit. Instead, "The Love Guru," just like "Disaster Movie," was a huge flop, so the reference was lost on many people. Hell, I don't think many people remembered "The Love Guru" until the Razzie nominations came out.

5. What's a plot? All these movies are good for are pop culture references, crappy special effects, and elongated bodily function jokes. Is there a plot or any kind of character development? Nope.

6. Why are these guys in these movies? Why would talented actors like Alyson Hannigan, Fred Willard, David Carradine, Kal Penn, Anneliese van der Pol, and Ken Jeong fill in their free time with this rubbish? All those actors are capable of acting beyond crap like this.

7. Too soon. "Meet the Spartans" has a reference to the death of Anna Nicole Smith, and "Disaster Movie" has one for Heath Ledger. What's the over/under there will be a Michael Jackson reference in "Vampires Suck?"

8. Product placement galore. And these guys shouldn't even be able to use product placement. The budgets of their movies is so low, I don't think any company would want to invest money in having their product in a movie. Low budget comedy = likely flop.

Really, these guys are simply infuriating. With "Vampires Suck" coming out soon, I hope it bombs horribly. The sooner this movie dies, the sooner Aaron Seltzer and Jason Friedberg get chased out of Hollywood. Let's make it happen.

TiVo Guide Week of August 9, 2010 spoiler alert

2010-08-09T19:20:00.000-07:00

"Bachelor Pad" "The Bachelor" and "The Bachelorette" meet "Big Brother" in this elimination contest, in which 19 castoffs from the ABC dating games face weekly challenges while living under the same roof. In the opener, they move into the bachelor pad, where their first challenge---a game of Twister---awaits. Then, before the first elimination, there's a day-night group date. Chris Harrison and Melissa Rycroft are the hosts. Monday at 8 on ABC.

"Pretty Little Liars" The girls go on an upscale camping trip for a classmate's birthday party, and a text suggests that "A" may be in attendance as well. Meanwhile, the FBI comes to town after new evidence about Alison's case surfaces; and financial strains weigh on Ashley. Tuesday at 9 on ABC Family.

"Hard Knocks: Training Camp With the New York Jets" In the opener of the sixth season, Jets players and coaches arrive in Cortland, N.Y., and settle in to their new quarters before beginning two-a-day drills. Wednesday at 10 on HBO.

"Roast of David Hasselhoff" Seth MacFarlane hosts a salute to "Baywatch" star David Hasselhoff. Roasters include Pamela Anderson, Greg Giraldo, Hulk Hogan, Lisa Lampanelli, Jeffrey Ross, Jerry Springer and George Hamilton. Sunday at 10 on Comedy Central.

Once again, bored!

2010-08-05T18:45:00.001-07:00

So I thought the reigning Princess of Pop would lighten things up. Enjoy!

Tivo Guide Week of August 2, 2010 spoiler alert

2010-08-02T13:35:00.000-07:00

"Shark Bites: Adventures in Shark Week" "Late Late Show" host Craig Ferguson goes diving with sharks in the Bahamas. Wednesday at 10 on Discovery.

"Friday Night Lights" In the Season 4 finale, the Taylors host Thanksgiving dinner. Elsewhere, Eric advises Vince to act more selfishly; a visitor surprises Julie and Landry; Tim makes a tough call; and East Dillon shows support for the Lions. Friday at 8 on NBC.

"Army Wives" Dr. Jill Biden (as herself) visits the fort and discusses challenges faced by military families with a deployed relative; Denise is caught in the middle when her sisters come to visit and bicker throughout their stay; Trevor's unit runs into trouble; and Roland aids Chase as he attends therapy. Sunday at 10 on Lifetime.

Docket ending 8083912: 313 v. "Toy Story 3" critics

2010-07-30T14:42:00.000-07:00

Today, I am holding court (figuratively, not literally) against the three critics who gave a negative review to one of the best of the year thus far, "Toy Story 3." I know, I can also go after anybody who gave "How to Train Your Dragon" or "Inception" a bad review, but "Toy Story 3" holds a special place to me. It is one of those movies that I will remember until the day I die, or at least until I get a degenerative brain disease. Yet, out of the 234 critics who reviewed the movie, three of them gave "Toy Story 3" a negative critique. And those reviews came in when the movie still had a 100% approval rating. What's worse, THEY PREVENTED THE WHOLE TRILOGY FROM GETTING A PERFECT SCORE ("Toy Story" and "Toy Story 2" both have 100% ratings)! So enough back story, it's time to send in the defendants, each to be tried separately, and each are charged with one count of cinematic blasphemy.

Defendant 1: John Heilman
Source: MovieMartyr.com
Score: 44/100
Critique given: "At best, Toy Story 3 stands as a refinement, a movie which was an unnecessary to begin with."
313's Ruling: *stammers uncontrollably* Refinement?! Unnecessary? Mr. Heilman, were we watching the same movie? OK, maybe "Toy Story 2" was unneeded, given that there was no sequel hook or cliff hanger, but what "Toy Story 2" did was take Woody, Buzz, and the rest of the gang on a fun, adventurous journey that showed true character development. People wanted to see that Buzz really past the fact he wasn't a real spaceman. Anyways, in the case of "Toy Story 3," there really isn't a need to fix what ain't broke. And I think people in the majority wanted to know what would happen to Andy's toys when he had to finally let them go. So maybe there was more reason to make "Toy Story 3" than "Toy Story 2," but they are both perfect films in my book.
Verdict: Mr. Heilman has made a deal with the district attorney to plead guilty. Upon reading his review, which gives a summary on theme of rejection that is well-noted, though I do not agree with it, I accept Mr. Heilman's plea.
Sentence: 90 days community service and a $4,000.00 fine

Defendant 2: Cole Smithey
Source: ColeSmithey.com
Score: C+
Critique given: "Once you get past paying the inflated price for an animated "3-D" movie where nothing floats in front of your eyes as with quality 3-D films, the story unfolds more sad than joyful."
313's Ruling: I cannot say much about the 3-D except that I heard it was better than that in "Avatar," a movie that I loved (I saw "Avatar" in 3-D and "Toy Story 3" in a standard viewing setting). Nevertheless, that's hearsay, so strike that last statement from the record. I have the feeling that Mr. Smithey completely missed the point of the movie's ending. I can't say what happens for fear of spoiling the ending, but he is as wrong about the ending as Kevin Federline receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (Lord, forbid). Nevertheless, because of Mr. Smithey's idiotic family, from whom he is mercifully estranged from, I might consider leniency with him. For example (thanks to the CWCiki for all this), he gave this statement in his review: "Andy's careless mom--whose sense of parental responsibility is nonexistent, 'accidentally' tosses out the trash bag filled with Woody's pals on the curb." Uhhh, Mr. Smithey, IT WAS AN ACCIDENT! SHE PICKED UP THE WRONG BAG BY MISTAKE! It may be that he is thinking of his own mother here, who is known to have abused Mr. Smithey and has refused to this day to give him the identity of his biological father. Frankly Mr. Smithey would have been better off with Andy's mom than than his Mommy Dearest. And then there is this statement: "As the story goes, human boy Andy (voiced by John Morris) is off to college, and must finally put away childish things--something most boys do before junior high. Talk about arrested development--this kid isn't getting any dates." Sound familiar? If not, let me give you a brief reason why it should without scarring you. Mr. Smithey's half-brother is Christian Weston Chandler, infamous on the Internet for being a plagiarizing, lazy, racist, anti-Semitic, homophobic, psychotic, "autistic" (and I use that term lightly), narcissistic, overweight man child who sponges off our tax dollars to play with toys and video games. Oh, and he's a TWENTY-NINE-YEAR-OLD VIRGIN who uses the most ridiculous and doomed-to-fail methods to get laid (that's all I'll say because the less you know, the better off your life is, trust me). It's for good reason Mr. Chandler keeps getting trolled. Basically, Mr. Smithey has (incorrectly) confused Andy with his half-brother. Sure, the toys aren't put away, but Woody says in the movie it's been years since Andy played with any of them. Sounds to me like Mr. Smithey has some family dilemmas that kept him from enjoying this masterpiece.
Verdict: The prosecution and defense have come to an agreement that Mr. Smithey plead not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect and accept the sentence I am about to give.
Sentence: 90 days in a state-operated rehabilitation center

Defendant 3: Armond White
Source: New York Press
Score: N/A
Critique given: "Toy Story 3 is so besotted with brand names and product-placement that it stops being about the innocent pleasures of imagination -- the usefulness of toys -- and strictly celebrates consumerism."
313's ruling: Oh. Dear. God. Why is this asshat still among us? If there was a reason to sign the petition to remove Mr. White from Rotten Tomatoes, this is it. Hell, this man is just so awful as a critic, the God amongst all movie critics, Roger Ebert, has called Mr. White a troll. Can't blame him. Mr. White has said that there are better options to seeing "Toy Story 3," and explicitly names two movies that he gave good reviews to, "Jonah Hex" and "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen." I have yet to see "Jonah Hex" myself, but I have heard it is down right terrible. As for "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen," I know I am in the minority of people who liked this movie a lot, but I would sooner cut myself than to call it an alternative viewing option for "Toy Story 3." It's the other way around. This is nothing new from Mr. White. He constantly bashes films that are hits among audiences and critics (i.e., "The Dark Knight" and "There Will Be Blood") while singing the praises of commercial and reviewer bombs (i.e., "Confessions of a Shopaholic" and "Norbit"). Anyways, back to the "Toy Story 3" review. Only a handful of the toys are actual brand name toys, most, if not all, manufactured by Mattel. Even then, you can associate Barbie, Ken, Slinky Dog, and the rolling telephone with the face as characters you feel emotions towards, not some corporate sell-out. The film is about the love of your toys and the knowledge that one day, you will inevitably part with them. Mr. White's contention that "Toy Story 3" is nothing more but a cash-cow for Mattel is moot and without basis to support his claims. Quite frankly, I have two schools of thought concerning Mr. White. Mr. Ebert is right and he is a troll, or the one I believe, that we need to weep for humanity because Mr. White represents the fall of Western civilization. If he gives a good review to "Vampires Suck," I will see you all in the fallout bunker.
Verdict: After Mr. White pleaded not guilty, the jury has found him guilty.
Sentence: 25 years at the ADX Florence prison (aka, Supermax) with no shot at parole

Court is adjourned. *bangs gavel*

And now for something the Disney/Pixar vault, the best scene from this production combination that became a Sparta Remix.

TiVo Guide Week of July 26, 2010 spoiler alert

2010-07-26T12:50:00.000-07:00

"The Bachelorette: The Men Tell All" Ali fields questions from host Chris Harrison and 14 of the men who are no longer in the hunt for roses. Kirk, Jonathan ("the weatherman") and the tattooed Kasey are among them; Justin, the wrestler with two girlfriends, isn't but he's talked about. So is Frank, who dumped Ali in Tahiti. Also: outtakes from the season and a preview of the Roberto-Chris L. finale. Monday at 8 on ABC.

"MasterChef" Talented home cooks begin their quest to be real chefs in the opener of the series that has them competing for $250,000 and the chance to publish their own cookbook. Their culinary creations will be judged by chefs Gordon Ramsay and Graham Elliot Bowles, and restaurateur Joe Bastianich. Tuesday at 9 on Fox.

"Jersey Shore" The cast heads to Miami in the Season 2 opener, and the drama quickly heats up when Ronnie upsets Samantha by flirting with other girls in the club. Thursday at 10 on MTV.

Happy Birthday, YouTube

2010-07-23T16:35:00.000-07:00

Alright, so I'm just a smidge *rolls eyes* late with this, but happy fifth anniversary YouTube. I say for every negative thing about this site (i.e., the idiots that we love to hate), you have countered with two that have made me smile. So thanks for everything, YouTube.

TiVo Guide Week of July 19, 2010 spoiler alert

2010-07-20T10:32:00.000-07:00

"Teen Mom" In the Season 2 opener, Amber faces a pregnancy scare; Farrah calls the cops on her own mother; Marci takes her ex to court for child support; and Catelynn moves back home with her family. Tuesday at 10 on MTV.

"Doctor Who" Rory maintains a vigil for Amy while the Doctor is trapped in the Pandorica, and the key to restoring the universe may lie with a little girl who still believes in stars in the 5th-season finale. Saturday at 9 on BBC Amer.

"Mad Men" In the Season 4 opener, Don's reluctance to talk about himself jettisons a prestigious trade-paper interview that the company was hoping would be a boon to business. Meanwhile, the "wholesome" manufacturer of two-piece swimsuits wants to hire the firm but doesn't want a sexy ad campaign; Pete and Peggy stage a stunt in an effort to secure more money from a meat-company client; and Roger plays Cupid for Don. Sunday at 10 on AMC.

Money in the Bank results

2010-07-20T10:23:00.000-07:00

The bad news is that I didn't correctly pick any of the titular matches. The good news is I guess all the other matches correctly. I finished Money in the Bank with a record of 5-2, which put me back on the winning track. I gotta say thanks to Sheamus, Rey Mysterio, David Hart Smith & Tyson Kidd, Layla, and Alicia Fox for assisting me in my outstanding performance. But no thanks are in order for Randy Orton and Big Show because they could not make me proud. I should note that I did not alter my picks for Kane vs. Rey Mysterio because the announcement of that match came after the pay-per-view started. And boy am I glad I didn't take that pick. Even in his weakened state, I would have said Rey Mysterio, but Kane's win made glad I didn't include that match in my picks. So, as I said, I finished Money in the Bank 5-2 and I am now an improved 254-223 all-time. Next up is one of the bigger pay-per-views of the year, SummerSlam. Let's see if I can carry the success of July into August. Take care.

Money in the Bank card & picks

2010-07-18T12:15:00.000-07:00

Steel Cage Match for the WWE Title
John Cena vs. Sheamus

World Heavyweight Title Match
Jack Swagger vs. Rey Mysterio

Money in the Bank Ladder Match
Edge vs. Ted DiBiase vs. Randy Orton vs. Chris Jericho vs. John Morrison vs. Evan Bourne vs. The Miz vs. Mark Henry

Money in the Bank Ladder Match
Kane vs. Big Show vs. Christian vs. Kofi Kingston vs. Cody Rhodes vs. Matt Hardy vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. Drew McIntyre

WWE Unified Tag Team Title Match
The Usos vs. The Hart Dynasty

WWE Women’s Title Match
Kelly Kelly vs. Layla

WWE Divas Title Match
Eve Torres vs. Alicia Fox

Needless to say, my results at WWE PPVs just haven't been what they were in the past, as I am now down to 249-221 all-time. I still have the feeling that I can do very well with the PPV, though. With that being said, I'm taking Sheamus, Rey Mysterio, Randy Orton, Big Show, David Hart Smith & Tyson Kidd, Layla, and Alicia Fox. Wish me luck!

Since the videos were deleted...

2010-07-17T11:33:00.000-07:00

...here's the new Armando Galarraga post-near-perfect-game fallout.

TiVo Guide Week of July 12, 2010 spoiler alert

2010-07-12T09:02:00.000-07:00

"The Closer" Season 6 opens with the shooting death of a man. Among the messy complications hindering Brenda's investigation: an affair involving the victim, a missing murder weapon and the squad's difficult move to their new high-tech headquarters. Monday at 9 on TNT.

"Celebrity Ghost Stories" Michael Imperioli recalls an encounter at a New York hotel; Joan Collins recounts a story involving a dinner party; Donna D'Errico talks about befriending the spirit of a girl when she was young; and Corey Feldman's encounter affected him in a positive way. Saturday at 9 on BIO.

Emmy nominees

2010-07-08T09:00:00.000-07:00

Since I missed posting the nominees at my favorite site, I might as well do it here. And of course, you can pick your favorites to win in the discussion. Here are the nominees.

Drama Series
"Breaking Bad"
"Dexter"
"The Good Wife"
"Lost"
"Mad Men"
"True Blood"

Comedy Series
"30 Rock"
"Curb Your Enthusiasm"
"Glee"
"Modern Family"
"Nurse Jackie"
"The Office"

Lead Actor in a Drama Series
Kyle Chandler "Friday Night Lights"
Bryan Cranston "Breaking Bad"
Matthew Fox "Lost"
Michael C. Hall "Dexter"
Jon Hamm "Mad Men"
Hugh Laurie "House"

Lead Actress in a Drama Series
Connie Britton "Friday Night Lights"
Glenn Close "Damages"
Mariska Hargitay "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit"
January Jones "Mad Men"
Julianna Margulies "The Good Wife"
Kyra Sedgwick "The Closer"

Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
Andre Braugher "Men of a Certain Age"
Michael Emerson "Lost"
Terry O'Quinn "Lost"
Aaron Paul "Breaking Bad"
Martin Short "Damages"
John Slattery "Mad Men"

Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
Christine Baranski "The Good Wife"
Rose Byrne "Damages"
Sharon Gless "Burn Notice"
Christina Hendricks "Mad Men"
Elisabeth Moss "Mad Men"
Archie Panjabi "The Good Wife"

Lead Actor in a Comedy Series
Alec Baldwin "30 Rock"
Steve Carell "The Office"
Larry David "Curb Your Enthusiasm"
Matthew Morrison "Glee"
Jim Parsons "The Big Bang Theory"
Tony Shalhoub "Monk"

Lead Actress in a Comedy Series
Toni Collette "United States of Tara"
Edie Falco "Nurse Jackie"
Tina Fey "30 Rock"
Julia Louis-Dreyfus "The New Adventures of Old Christine"
Lea Michele "Glee"
Amy Poehler "Parks and Recreation"

Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
Ty Burrell "Modern Family"
Chris Colfer "Glee"
Jon Cryer "Two and a Half Men"
Jesse Tyler Ferguson "Modern Family"
Neil Patrick Harris "How I Met Your Mother"
Eric Stonestreet "Modern Family"

Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
Julie Bowen "Modern Family"
Jane Krakowski "30 Rock"
Jane Lynch "Glee"
Holland Taylor "Two and a Half Men"
Sofía Vergara "Modern Family"
Kristen Wiig "Saturday Night Live"

Reality-Competition Program
"The Amazing Race"
"American Idol"
"Dancing with the Stars"
"Project Runway"
"Top Chef"

Reality Host
Tom Bergeron "Dancing with the Stars"
Phil Keoghan "The Amazing Race"
Heidi Klum "Project Runway"
Jeff Probst "Survivor"
Ryan Seacrest "American Idol"

Variety, Music or Comedy Series
"The Colbert Report"
"The Daily Show"
"Real Time with Bill Maher"
"Saturday Night Live"
"The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien"

TiVio Guide Week of July 5, 2010 spoiler alert

2010-07-05T15:31:00.000-07:00

"Secret Life of the American Teenager" Amy runs into Bristol Palin in her dorm, and soon she realizes the music program is for teen moms. Elsewhere, Ruben is not happy with Adrian's choice about her pregnancy; Jack and Tom become roommates in the Bowman's guest house; and a rumor about Amy spreads through school while she's away. Monday at 8 on ABC Family.

"Mad Men" At an advertising agency in 1960s Manhattan, the creative director has problems coming up with ideas for a tobacco account and crosses swords with the female head of a large department store that she wants to take in a new retail direction. Monday at 8 on AMC.

"SpongeBob SquarePants" King Neptune (voice of John O'Hurley) has his birthday bash at the Krusty Krab, but he and his queen (voice of Victoria Beckham) are too sad to celebrate without their banished son, Triton (voice of Sebastian Bach). So SpongeBob tries to find Triton, however he's unaware of how angry the exiled offspring has become. Monday at 8 on Nickelodeon.

"Fabulous Beekman Boys" Martha Stewart sends Brent an invitation to sample the Beekman cheese at one of her city events; Josh and Brent face an emotional decision on the farm. Wednesday at 9 on Plan. Green.

"Eureka" As the town is poised to celebrate its 60th anniversary, Zane stuns Deputy Lupo with a marriage proposal and Sheriff Carter jogs into a surprise meeting with Dr. Trevor Grant (James Callis) in the 4th-season premiere. Friday at 9 on Syfy.

Simply because I can

2010-07-02T09:12:00.000-07:00

Here's the original Sparta remix.

TiVo Guide Week of June 28, 2010 spoiler alert

2010-07-02T09:09:00.000-07:00

"Merlin" Friday at 10 on Syfy. In the Season 2 finale, the freed dragon attacks Camelot with a fury that cannot be defeated except by a dragonlord, all but one of whom were killed years earlier at Uther's behest. So Merlin and Arthur set out to locate the last dragonlord (John Lynch), who holds the key not only to the kingdom's future but to Merlin's past.

2010 ESPY nominations

2010-06-24T16:50:00.000-07:00

So here it is again, the ESPYs. It's the one night of the year where sports of all kinds are celebrated and compete against each other in a look back at the year in athletics. And let me say, these are some grade-A, high-calibur stars that are nominated this year. If you wanna take a shot at who will win an ESPY, let me know. Here are the nominees.

Best Male Athlete
Drew Brees, NFL. Won Super Bowl MVP honors after finishing with an 82.1 completion percentage and 32 completed passes (which tied for most in Super Bowl history). Set an NFL record by completing 70.6 percent of his passes during the regular season.
Kobe Bryant, NBA. Earned his fifth championship ring after leading the Lakers over the Celtics in the NBA Finals. Averaged 28.6 PPG in the NBA Finals and 27 PPG (4th in NBA) during 2009-10 regular season.
LeBron James, NBA. Earned his second straight MVP award after leading the Cavaliers to NBA-high 61 regular-season wins. Averaged 29.7 PPG (2nd in NBA), 8.6 APG (6th in NBA) and 7.3 RPG during regular season.
Jimmie Johnson, NASCAR. Earned his fourth straight NASCAR points title, joining Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt, and Jeff Gordon as the only drivers with at least four championships. Became the fastest driver to reach four titles, doing so in 291 starts, beating Gordon's previous record (292).
Albert Pujols, MLB. Named NL MVP, becoming the 10th player to win three or more MVP Awards. Led the NL in home runs (47) and runs (134) while finishing third in batting (.327). First unanimous NL MVP since Barry Bonds in 2002.

Best Female Athlete
Maya Moore, NCAA Basketball. Helped lead UConn to back-to-back national championships. Averaged 28.5 PPG and 11.5 RPG in the two games at the Final Four. Averaged team-high 18.9 PPG and 8.3 RPG during 2009-10 regular season.
Diana Taurasi, WNBA. Named WNBA MVP for 2009 regular season and playoffs. Led WNBA in scoring during regular season (20.4 PPG). Helped Phoenix win the WNBA championship.
Lindsey Vonn, Skiing. Capped a historic season with her third straight overall World Cup title. Won gold medal at Olympics in downhill, becoming the first American woman to do so. Won the final super-G race of the season for her 33rd World Cup win, eclipsing Bode Miller as the most decorated American skiier.
Serena Williams, Tennis. Earned number one world ranking at the end of the 2009 season. Won 2010 Australian Open, becoming the first woman to successfully defend her Aussie title since Jennifer Capriati in 2002. Tied Billie Jean King on the all-time women's Grand Slam titles list (12).

Best Championship Performance
Drew Brees, Super Bowl XLIV. Finished with a record-tying 32 completions in 39 attempts for 288 yards and two touchdowns. Won Super Bowl MVP honors. Finished the postseason with eight touchdowns and no interceptions.
Anthony Johnson, Big Sky Conference Championship. Had a Big Sky tournament record 42 points, including 34 second-half points, as his Grizzlies rallied from a 20-point halftime deficit to make the big dance. Scored the last 21 points of the game for Montana.
Michael Phelps, World Swimming Championships. Won five gold medals, including four world-record performances. Became the first swimmer to break 50 seconds in the 100-meter butterfly.
Shaun White, Winter Olympics. Won gold medal at Winter Olympics. Became the third American male to successfully defend an Olympic gold medal, joining Dick Button (figure skating) and Shani Davis (long track speedskating).

Best Breakthrough Athlete
Brittney Griner, Baylor Women's Basketball. Averaged 18.4 PPG and 8.5 RPG as a freshman. Totaled 223 blocked shots, an NCAA-record. Registered an NCAA Tournament record 40 blocks in five 2010 tourney games, which includes tournament single-game record 14 vs. No. 13 Georgetown.
Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans. Improved from 1,228 rushing yards and 10 total touchdowns as a rookie to 2,006 rushing yards and 16 total touchdowns in the 2009 season. Led the league in rushing yards with 2,006 yards and became the sixth player in league history with 2,000 rushing yards in a season.
Stephen Strasburg, Washington Nationals. Became the first pitcher to record at least 14 strikeouts and zero walks in his MLB debut. Struck out the final seven batters he faced in his debut and fell one shy of the record for strikeouts in a MLB debut of 15 by Karl Spooner (1954 Dodgers) and J.R. Richard (1971 Astros).
John Wall, University of Kentucky Basketball. As a freshman, led the Wildcats in scoring (16.6), assists (6.5) and steals (1.8) while setting the school single-season assist record with 241. Recorded five double-doubles on the season as Kentucky went 35-3 and made it to the Elite Eight.

Best Record-Breaking Performance
Usain Bolt, 100 and 200-meter World Records. Shattered 100 and 200-meter mark at World Track and Field Championships. Ran 100 meters in 9.58 seconds, 0.11 seconds faster than the mark he set in 2008 at the Beijing Olympics. Set a world-record of 19.19 seconds in the 200 meters at the world championships.
Brett Favre, NFL record for consecutive starts. Set an NFL record for consecutive starts at 271, passing the old mark of Vikings DL Jim Marshall at 270, which ran from 1961-1979. Began his consecutive starts streak 17 years ago.
Roger Federer, Most Grand Slam singles titles. Won 15th Grand Slam singles title, eclipsing Pete Sampras by winning Wimbledon 2009. Won the finals in an epic battle against Andy Roddick, capturing the fifth set 16-14. Served 50 aces in the record-breaking victory.
Connecticut Women's Basketball, Longest winning streak in Women's NCAA Basketball History. Undefeated season extended their record 78-game winning streak. Won second straight national championship in 2009-2010 season. Made women's college basketball history with NCAA- record 71st straight win, a 59-44 victory over No. 6 Notre Dame in the semifinals of the Big East tournament.
John Isner and Nicolas Mahut at Wimbledon, longest match in Tennis history. The historic match was suspended due to darkness two nights in a row. John Isner finally outlasted Nicolas Mahut 70-68 after over eleven hours of play. Isner finished with 112 aces and Mahut with 103, both totals easily eclipsing the sport's previous high of 78.

Best Upset
Frankie Edgar over B.J. Penn, MMA. Dethroned the long-time lightweight champion, winning the the title with a unanimous 50-45, 48-47, 49-46 decision at UFC 112. Became Penn's first loss at lightweight since 2002.
Hawaii softball upsets No. 1 Alabama, NCAA Softball. Defeated Alabama 5-4 on a two-run, walk-off home run by Jenna Rodriguez in the bottom of the seventh in the deciding game of the Tuscaloosa Super Regional. Advanced to the Women's College World Series for the first time in school history.
Northern Iowa shocks No. 1 Kansas, NCAA Men's Basketball. Advanced to the Sweet 16 for the first time in school history, making Kansas the first No. 1 seed to lose before the Sweet 16 since Kentucky and Stanford both did it in 2004. Northern Iowa hit nine three-pointers in the stunner.
Y. E. Yang stuns Tiger Woods, PGA Championship. The 110th-ranked player in the world became the first player to beat Tiger Woods in a major when Woods had at least a share of the 54-hole lead. Shot a two-under-par 70 in the final round, while Woods was +5 (75).

Best Game
Twins beat Tigers in Extra Innings (AL Central One-Game Tiebreak). Alexi Casilla hit a walk-off single in the 12th to send Twins to the playoffs. The Twins became the first team in MLB history to come back and win a division (or league) after trailing by three games with four games to play in a season. The Twins overcame two deficits during the game.
Canada edges USA in Olympic hockey championship game in overtime. Sidney Crosby scored 7:40 into overtime and Canada beat the United States 3-2 to earn its second men's hockey gold medal in the last three Olympics. The United States had forced overtime on Zach Parise's goal with 24.4 seconds left in regulation.
Duke gets past Butler in Men's NCAA Championship. The Blue Devils won their fourth national championship, edging the Bulldogs in Indianapolis, 61-59. There were 15 lead changes in the contest. The biggest margin in the game was just six points.

Best Moment
Joannie Rochette, Winter Olympics. Earned a bronze medal in Olympic skating just days after her mother died. Rochette's mother passed only a few hours after arriving in Vancouver to watch her daughter compete.
Landon Donovan, U.S. vs. Algeria. With the U. S. on the verge of elimination from group play, Landon Donovan converted a rebound from eight yards out in the 91st minute. Helped the U. S. beat Algeria, 1-0, to advance to the knockout stage. Was the first World Cup win for the U.S. in eight years, placing the Americans in first place in Group C.
New Orleans Saints, Super Bowl XLIV. Tracy Porter's interception helped New Orleans wrap up Super Bowl win over the Colts. Brees finished with a record-tying 32 completions in 39 attempts for 288 yards and two touchdowns as New Orleans captured its first NFL championship, winning 31-17 over the Colts.
Phil Mickelson, 2009 Masters. Finished 16 under par with a bogey-free final round for the fourth-lowest winners' score in tournament history. Had back-to-back eagles in third round. Celebrated with his wife Amy, who was battling cancer.

Best Team
Alabama Football. Won its first national championship since 1992. Earned its eighth major poll championship after going 14-0, with 12 games decided by more than a touchdown. Won BCS championship with 37-21 win over Texas.
Chicago Blackhawks. Won the Stanley Cup for the first time since 1961. Only the New York Rangers had more time between Cups (53 seasons). Had 52 regular-season wins, second-most in the NHL during 2009-10 season.
Connecticut Women's Basketball. Completed their second straight perfect season, the second basketball team to do that in Division I history, joining the 1971-73 UCLA men. UConn has won 78 straight games, 10 shy of UCLA's Division I record. The Huskies beat Stanford by six, their first single-digit win of the streak, to win their seventh National Championship.
Los Angeles Lakers. Won 16th NBA championship in franchise history. Won the final two games of the series to beat the Celtics in seven games for its second consecutive championship. Finished 57-25 in the regular season, which was the best record in Western Conference.
New Orleans Saints. Set a franchise single-season record for wins and consecutive victories; captured Super Bowl XLIV. Ended the regular season with the NFL's No. 1 ranked offense. Scored 31 of the game's final 38 points to bounce back from a 10-0 deficit and win Super Bowl XLIV, the first Super Bowl championship in the franchise's 43 seasons. Became the first team to win in its Super Bowl debut since the 2002 Buccaneers in Super Bowl XXXVII.
New York Yankees. Won their record 27th World Series championship by defeating the Philadelphia Phillies in six games. Had an MLB-best 103-59 record during the regular season. Led MLB in runs scored with 915.

Castrol Edge Performance Under Pressure Award
Sidney Crosby in the Olympic Hockey Gold Medal Game. Crosby scored 7:40 into overtime and Canada beat the United States 3-2 to earn its second men's hockey gold medal in the last three Olympics. Crosby's shot from the lower part of the left circle eluded goalie Ryan Miller, the tournament MVP. The United States had forced overtime on Zach Parise's goal with 24.4 seconds left in regulation.
Landon Donovan in World Cup vs. Algeria. With the U. S. on the verge of elimination from group play, Landon Donovan converted a rebound from eight yards out in the 91st minute. Helped the U. S. beat Algeria, 1-0, to advance to the knockout stage. Was the first World Cup win for the U.S. in eight years, placing the Americans in first place in Group C.
Brett Favre in his Return to Green Bay. Returning to Lambeau Field for the first time since leaving the Packers after the 2007 season, Favre led the Vikings to a 38-26 victory. Favre was 17-28 for 244 yards and four touchdown passes, posting a 128.6 QB rating. His four touchdown passes tied a season high.
Stephen Strasburg in MLB Debut. Became the first pitcher to record at least 14 strikeouts and zero walks in his MLB debut. Struck out the final seven batters he faced in his debut and fell one shy of the record for strikeouts in a MLB debut of 15 by Karl Spooner (1954 Dodgers) and J.R. Richard (1971 Astros).

Best Sports Movie
Big Fan. The story of a hardcore fan struggling to deal with the consequences of being assaulted by his favorite player. Stars Patton Oswalt and is written/directed by Robert D. Siegel.
Invictus. A look at life for Nelson Mandela during his first term as president after the fall of apartheid in South Africa. Mandela campaigned to host the 1995 Rugby World Cup event as an opportunity to unite his countrymen. Stars Matt Damon and Morgan Freeman.
The Blind Side. Chronicles the story of former University of Mississippi offensive lineman Michael Oher. Stars Sandra Bullock in an Oscar-winning performance.
The Damned United. A look at Brian Clough's 44-day reign as the coach of Leeds. Stars Michael Sheen and Timothy Spall.
The Karate Kid. The story of a boy who, in his new home in China, embraces kung fu as taught to him by a master. Stars Jackie Chan and Jaden Smith.

Best Coach/Manager
Geno Auriemma, Connecticut Women's Basketball. Led UConn to back-to-back national championships and perfect 39-0 records. Won his seventh national championship.
Joe Girardi, NY Yankees. Led the Yankees to their 27th World Series in his second year as manager. Became the first manager to win a World Series title for the same team for which he had played on a World Series champion since Billy Martin.
Phil Jackson, Los Angeles Lakers. Won his 11th NBA title after leading the Lakers to the franchise's 16th championships. Passed John Wooden for most championships by a major basketball coach.
Mike Krzyzewski, Duke Men's Basketball. Took a team ranked eighth in the preseason ESPN/USA Today poll and led them to the national championship. The Blue Devils finished the season with a 35-5 record. Joined John Wooden (ten) and Adolph Rupp (four) as only men with at least four national championships.
Sean Payton, New Orleans Saints. Led Saints to 13-0 start en route to the Super Bowl championship. The Super Bowl champions set a franchise single-season record for wins and consecutive victories.
Nick Saban, Alabama football. Led Tide to BCS championship with win over Texas. Became the second head coach to win two BCS national championships, joining Urban Meyer of Florida. Became the first head coach in major college football history to win a national championship at two different schools.

Best MLB Player
Zach Greinke, Kansas City. Won the AL Cy Young Award. Posted a 2.16 ERA, lowest in MLB. Held opponents to a .230 batting average during 2009 season.
Derek Jeter, New York Yankees. Led Yankees to 2009 World Series championship. Broke Yankees record for career hits. Finished second in AL in hits (212) and third in AL in batting average (.334).
Tim Lincecum, San Francisco. Won NL Cy Young award for second straight season after going 15-7 with 2.48 ERA. Held opponents to a .206 batting average. Became the first pitcher to win two Cy Young Awards within the first three seasons of his MLB career.
Joe Mauer, Minnesota. Led the AL in batting (.365) and hit 28 home runs, totaled 96 RBI and scored 94 runs. Became the first catcher to win AL MVP since Ivan Rodriguez in 1999. Led AL in slugging percentage and on-base percentage.
Albert Pujols, St. Louis. Led the NL in home runs (47), runs (134) and finished third in batting (.327). Named NL MVP, becoming the 10th player to win three or more MVP Awards. Became the first unanimous NL MVP since Barry Bonds in 2002.

Best NFL Player
Drew Brees, New Orleans. Led NFL in touchdown passes in 2009 (34) and passer rating (109.6). Won Super Bowl MVP honors. Finished the postseason with eight touchdowns and no interceptions.
Brett Favre, Minnesota. Reached the 30-TD mark for the ninth time in his career (33 in 2009), the most in NFL history. Recorded a team-record ten games with a passer rating of over 100.
Chris Johnson, Tennessee. Totaled 2,509 scrimmage yards in 2009 (2,006 rushing, 503 receiving), surpassing Marshall Faulk's record for the most yards from scrimmage in a single season in NFL history. Led the league in rushing with 2,006 yards and became the sixth player in league history with 2,000 rushing yards in a season.
Peyton Manning, Indianapolis. Threw for 4,500 yards, the second highest in the NFL. Became first player to win four NFL MVP awards. Led Colts to a 14-0 start.
Darrelle Revis, New York Jets. Totaled six interceptions and 54 tackles while earning All-Pro honors in just his third NFL season. Had a 67-yard interception return for a touchdown vs. Carolina.
Charles Woodson, Green Bay. Named NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Had nine interceptions and 74 tackles for the Packers.

Best NHL Player
Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh. Tied for NHL lead in goals scored (51). Finished tied for second in points with 109. Scored game-winning goal in gold medal game at Olympics.
Ryan Miller, Buffalo. Won the Vezina Trophy, awarded to the top NHL goalie. Led the Sabres to the Northeast Division title for the second time in the past four seasons. Placed second in NHL in goals-against average (2.22) and save percentage (.929) while tying a career-high with five shutouts. Also led USA to the gold medal game at the Olympics.
Alexander Ovechkin, Washington. Finished tied for second in NHL in points with 109. Was second in the NHL in plus/minus (+45).
Henrik Sedin, Vancouver. Won the Hart Trophy, given to the NHL MVP. Finished the regular season with a NHL-leading, career-high and Canucks franchise-record 112 points (29 goals, 83 assists). Scored 30 more points than his previous season high.
Steven Stamkos, Tampa Bay. Tied for NHL lead in goals scored with 51. Finished with 95 points in 2009-2010. Had 23 goals and 46 points in prior season.

Best Driver
Kyle Busch. Totaled 20 wins over three different series during 2009 season. Became youngest racer to start his 200th Sprint Cup start. Won 2009 Nationwide Series.
Dario Franchitti. Won the 2010 Indy 500. Edged out Scott Dixon to win the 2009 IndyCar point title. Had five wins and 13 top five finishes in 2009.
Ron Hornaday. Won the Camping World Truck title, his fourth career driving championship. Became only the second driver in Truck Series history to clinch the championship before the final race.
Jimmie Johnson. Earned his fourth straight NASCAR points title. Joined Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt, and teammate Jeff Gordon as the only drivers with at least four championships. Became the fastest to reach four titles, doing so in 291 starts. The previous record of 292 was held by Jeff Gordon.
Tony Schumacher. Won his sixth straight Top Fuel championship. Became the first driver in NHRA history to win six consecutive Top Fuel championships. Out of 24 total races, Schumacher finished in the top five each time.

Best NBA Player
Kobe Bryant, LA Lakers. Finished fourth in scoring (27 PPG) during the 2009-10 regular season and averaged 28.6 PPG in the NBA Finals. Led the Lakers to best record in Western Conference during 2009-10 regular season, 57-25. Earned his fifth championship ring after leading the Lakers over the Celtics in the NBA Finals.
Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City. Became youngest player to win the NBA scoring title (21 years, 197 days). Averaged 30.1 PPG during the 2009-10 regular season.
Dwight Howard, Orlando. Named The NBA's Defensive Player of the Year. Led the NBA in rebounding during the 2009-10 regular season (13.2 RPG) and field goal percentage (61.2 PCT).
LeBron James, Cleveland. Earned his second straight MVP award. Averaged 29.7 PPG (2nd in NBA), 8.6 APG (6th in NBA) and 7.3 RPG during the 2009-10 regular season. Led the Cavaliers to NBA-high 61 regular-season wins.
Dwyane Wade, Miami. Finished fifth in scoring (26.6 PPG.) and tenth in assists (6.5 APG.) during the 2009-10 regular season. Averaged 33.2 PPG in the 2010 playoffs.

Best WNBA Player
Tamika Catchings, Indiana. Named WNBA defensive player of the year. Led her team to the WNBA finals in the 2009 season.
Becky Hammon, San Antonio. Finished second in regular season in scoring (19.5 PPG). Finished third in the regular season in assists (5.0 APG).
Lauren Jackson, Seattle. Finished third in scoring during the regular season (19.2 PPG). Tied for 10th in rebounding (7.0).
Candace Parker, Los Angeles. Averaged 13.1 PPG during the regular season. Led the league in rebounding with 9.8 RPG.
Diana Taurasi, Phoenix. Led WNBA in scoring during the regular season (20.4 PPG). Named MVP for the regular season and playoffs. Helped Phoenix win the WNBA championship.

Best Fighter
Floyd Mayweather. Dominated in unanimous decision over Shane Mosley in May 2010 bout. Returned from a 21-month layoff to score a unanimous decision over Juan Manuel Marquez.
Manny Pacquiao. Stopped Miguel Cotto at 55 seconds of 12th round. Became first boxer to win championships in seven different weight classes. Scored unanimous decision over Joshua Clottey in title fight.
Georges St. Pierre. The UFC welterweight champion scored a pair of unanimous decisions, beating Dan Hardy and Thiago Alves.

Best Male Golfer
Ernie Els. Won two tournaments in first three months of 2010 season. Finished third in the 2010 U.S. Open.
Phil Mickelson. Won 2010 Masters by shooting 16-under-par for tournament. Finished third on 2009 PGA Tour money earnings list with over $5.3 million.
Tiger Woods. Won the 2009 FedEx Cup. Posted over $10 million in prize earnings.

Best Female Golfer
Cristie Kerr. Had 13 top 10 finishes in 25 events played in 2009. Helped USA team win Solheim Cup.
Lorena Ochoa. Won three LPGA tournaments and finished second four times. Had 13 top 10 finishes in 22 events. Led LPGA in scoring average (70.16).
Jiyai Shin. Was top money winner on LPGA Tour with over $1.8 million. Earned Louise Suggs Rolex Rookie of the Year honors. Won three LPGA tournaments in 2009.

Best Male Tennis Player
Roger Federer. Broke Pete Sampras' record for Grand Slam singles titles with his 15th when he won the 2009 Wimbledon championship. Added his 16th Grand Slam title by winning the 2010 Australian Open.
Juan Martin del Potro. Won his first Grand Slam singles title by beating Roger Federer in the finals of the 2009 U. S. Open. Was youngest player in year-end Top 10, finishing a personal-best No. 5. Captured three titles, including his first Grand Slam crown, and reached his first ATP World Tour Masters 1000 final.
Rafael Nadal. During 2009 season, he won at least five titles for the fifth straight year, including his sixth career Grand Slam crown and three ATP World Tour Masters 1000 titles. Won the 2010 French Open men's singles title without losing a set.

Best Female Tennis Player
Kim Clijsters. Won 2009 U. S. Open. Became the first mother since Evonne Goolagong at 1980 Wimbledon to come back and win a Grand Slam singles title. Became the first unseeded woman to win the Open, beating both Serena and Venus Williams en route to the championship.
Serena Williams. Set the record for single-season prize money in women's tennis by topping $6.5 million in 2009. Won 2009 WTA season-ending championship in Doha, Qatar. Won 2010 Australian Open.
Venus Williams. Finished 2009 season as the sixth-ranked woman's player. Moved up to #2 in world rankings by the start of the 2010 French Open.

Best Male College Athlete
Blake Geoffrion, Wisconsin Hockey. Won the Hobey Baker award as top collegiate hockey player. Led Badgers to the national championship game.
Mark Ingram, Alabama Football. Ran for 1,658 yards, averaging 6.1 yards per carry. Scored 20 touchdowns (17 rushing, three receiving) as the Tide won the national championship. Became first Alabama player to win the Heisman Trophy.
Evan Turner, Ohio State Basketball. Won the Wooden Award and Naismith Award. Averaged 20.4 PPG and 9.4 RPG in 2009-10 season.
John Wall, Kentucky Basketball. Helped lead Kentucky to 35-win season as a freshman. Led the Wildcats in scoring (16.6 PPG), assists (6.5 APG) and steals (1.8 SPG) while setting the school single-season assist record.
Garrett Wittels, Florida International Baseball. Finished the 2010 season with a 56-game hit streak, the second-longest in Division I history. Had at least one hit in every game during the season.

Best College Female Athlete
Tina Charles, Connecticut Women's Basketball. Averaged 18.2 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 61.8 field goal pct. in under 28 minutes per game. Helped lead the Huskies to a National Championship and a 39-0 record for a second consecutive year. Became the school's all-time leading scorer and rebounder.
Megan Hodge, Penn State Volleyball. Led her team to its third straight NCAA championship title, winning 102 straight matches. Led the Big Ten with an average of 4.67 kills per set (560 kills total).
Megan Langenfeld, UCLA Softball. WCWS Most Outstanding Player as UCLA won its 12th national softball championship. Batted .527 with 20 home runs and 58 RBI in 61 games during season. Posted 14-1 record with 1.53 ERA as a pitcher.
Maya Moore, Connecticut Women's Basketball. Helped lead UConn to back-to-back national championships. Named Most Outstanding Player at 2010 Final Four. Averaged 28.5 PPG and 11.5 RPG in the Final Four and a team-high 18.9 PPG and 8.3 RPG during the regular season.

Best Male Action Sport Athlete
Bobby Brown, Freestyle Skiing. Won gold at 2010 Winter X Games in both Ski Big Air and Ski Slopestyle. Was the only Winter X athlete to win 2 gold medals in 2010.
Ryan Dungey, Motocross. Became the 2009 AMA season points champ and the 2010 tour Champion. Was named the 2009 rider of the year.
Mick Fanning, Surfing. Was the 2009 ASP World Tour Champion.
Garrett Reynolds, BMX. Won gold at 2010 Winter X Games in the freestyle street competition. Was the 2009 Dew Tour Cup winner.
Shaun White, Snowboarding. Became the third American male to successfully defend an Olympic gold medal, joining Dick Button (figure skating, 1948 and 1952) and Shani Davis (long track speedskating, 2006 and 2010).

Best Female Action Sport Athlete
Torah Bright, Snowboarding. Won gold at the Winter Olympics in the halfpipe.
Ashley Fiolek, Motocross. Won Motocross gold at the 2009 Summer X Games and a WMX season title.
Jen Hudak, Freestyle Skiing. Won gold at 2010 Winter X Games in superpipe and the 2009-2010 AFP World Tour Championship.
Stephanie Gilmore, Surfing. Has won the world title in all three of her seasons on the Women's ASP World Tour.
Ashleigh McIvor, Freestyle Skiing. Won gold at the Winter Olympics and silver at the 2010 Winter X Games in skicross.

Best Jockey
Calvin Borel. Became the first jockey to ride three Kentucky Derby winners over a four-year span. Was aboard Super Saver to win 2010 Run for the Roses, winning by 2 ? lengths over runner-up Ice Box.
Julien Leparoux. Won over $18 million in earnings. Earned Eclipse Award as best jockey.
Mike Smith. Rode undefeated super mare Zenyatta from last-to-first to capture the $5 million Breeders' Cup Classic. Zenyatta made an overpowering stretch drive to win her 14th straight race, becoming the first female to win the Classic.

Best Male Athlete With A Disability
Steve Cash. Posted five straight shutouts in the Paralympics, not allowing a single goal in Vancouver, the second ever Paralympic sled hockey gold for Team USA.
Rudy Garcia-Tolson. Became the first double above-knee amputee to finish an Ironman Triathlon when he completed the Ford Ironman Arizona.
Andy Soule. The first American (able or disabled) to win a medal in the biathlon, earning it at the 2010 Paralympics.

Best Female Athlete With A Disability
Linnea Dohring. A gymnast without the lower half of her right arm and hand, she consistently scored in the 8.1-8.5 range in both the vault and floor exercises during all regular season meets. Was a three-year starter and co-captain on Grandview's varsity Soccer team.
Alana Nichols. Won two gold medals (sitting downhill, sitting giant slalom) among four total medals at 2010 Paralympic Winter Games.
Amy Palmiero-Winters. Became the first amputee to qualify for a U.S. national track and field team. Competed in the 24-hour world championships in May 2010 in Brive, France. Won the AAU Sullivan Award as the top amateur athlete.
Stephani Victor. Won gold in the sit-ski super combined to earn her third medal of the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games.

Best Bowler
Kelly Kulick. Became the first woman to win a PBA Tour title when she defeated Chris Barnes to win the Lumber Liquidators PBA Tournament of Champions in Las Vegas.
Bill O'Neill. Finished second in points (208.2). Won Lumber Liquidators U. S. Open.
Walter Ray Williams Jr. Led PBA in points (229.1), earnings ($152,670), scoring average (222.9) and match play appearances (15).

Best Male US Olympic Athlete
Apolo Anton Ohno, Speedskating. Became the most decorated U. S. Winter Olympian with eight medals. Earned one silver and two bronze medals in short track speedskating.
Shani Davis, Speedskating. Won gold medal in 1,000-meter speedskating and a silver in 1,500-meter speedskating. Became the first male to win back-to-back golds in the 1000 meters.
Evan Lysacek, Figure Skating. Became first American since Brian Boitano (in 1988) to win gold medal in Olympic men's figure skating. Finished with a career-best 257.67, 1.31 ahead of Russian Yevgeny Plushenko.
Bode Miller, Skiing. Fulfilled his expectations and won an Olympic gold medal, using a blistering slalom run to complete a super-combined victory. Became one of four athletes to ever win Gold, Silver and Bronze Medal in Alpine Skiing at a single Winter Olympics.
Shaun White, Snowboarding. Became the third American male to successfully defend an Olympic gold medal, joining Dick Button (figure skating, 1948 and 1952) and Shani Davis (long track speedskating, 2006 and 2010).

Best Female US Olympic Athlete
Hannah Kearney, Skiing. Won a gold medal in freestyle skiing moguls. Scored 26.63 points to win by .94 -- a wide margin in a sport often decided by tenths and hundredths.
Julia Mancuso, Skiing. Won two silver medals in alpine skiing. Her silver in the downhill marked the first time the U.S. has captured the top two spots in alpine skiing since 1984 (and 3rd time overall).
Lindsey Vonn, Skiing. Won a gold medal in the women's downhill, marking the first gold medal by an American woman in the Olympic downhill. Also won a bronze medal in the women's super-G.

Best MLS Player
Connor Casey, Colorado. Scored 16 goals in 24 games. Finished second in MLS in goals scored.
Jeff Cunningham, Dallas. Scored MLS-high 17 goals, added eight assists in 28 regular-season games. Led MLS with seven game-winning goals and four multi-goal games. Scored or assisted on 25 of Dallas' 50 goals this year.
Landon Donovan, Los Angeles. Named 2009 MLS MVP. Scored 12 goals, added six assists in 25 regular-season games. Scored or assisted on 18 of Galaxy's 36 goals this year. Won Goal of the Year for his volley against New England.
Shalrie Joseph, New England. Scored a career-high eight goals. Also had a career-high eight assists this season, which led New England and was tied for fifth in MLS.
Kasey Keller, Seattle. Posted 12-5-1 record with 0.92 goals-against average and 10 shutouts.

Best Track And Field Athlete
Usain Bolt. Shattered the world record, running 100 meters in 9.58 seconds at the 2009 World Track and Field Championships. Set a world record of 19.19 seconds in the 200 meters at the world championships.
Allyson Felix. Won the 200-meters at the 2009 World Track and Field Championships.
Sanya Richards. Won the 400-meters at the 2009 World Track and Field Championships with a time of 49 seconds.

TiVo Guide Week of June 21, 2010 spoiler alert

2010-06-21T15:50:00.000-07:00

"Saving Grace" Grace shuts herself off completely from family and friends as a past tragic event continues to haunt her. Meanwhile, an old friend pulls Butch into a potentially destructive position, and Neely's effort to resist drugs reaches its decisive moment. Monday at 9 on TNT.

"Wipeout" The third-season premiere features new obstacles, including the Fence Flapper, Double Cross and Bruiseball. The Motivator is a platform that contestants stand on which strikes them from behind and knocks them onto the Big Balls if they hesitate. Tuesday at 8 on ABC.

"Jimmy Kimmel Live's Twilight Saga: Total Eclipse of the Heart" The cast of "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse," including Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, Taylor Lautner, Dakota Fanning, Bryce Dallas Howard and Xavier Samuel. The third film in the "Twilight" series opens June 30. Wednesday at 10:01 on ABC.

"Futurama" In the sixth-season premiere, the fate of the Planet Express crew depends on the Professor, who desperately employs an untested resuscitation machine after a catastrophic occurrence in space. Thursday at 10 on Comedy Central.

"Daytime Emmy Awards" Regis Philbin hosts the 37th annual gala saluting soaps, daytime talk and children's programs, telecast from Las Vegas. TV icon Dick Clark is honored with a tribute that features Ann-Margret, Frankie Avalon, Garth Brooks, Cher, Barry Manilow and Marie Osmond. Sunday at 9 on CBS.

"True Blood" Sookie's search for Bill takes her to Mississippi after Eric enlists a werewolf to protect her; Jason struggles to focus on his police exams; Arlene shares a surprise with Terry; Lafayette reluctantly accepts a gift from a benefactor; Franklin uses his powers of persuasion on Jessica and Tara; Bud sours on law enforcement after yet another gruesome discovery. Sunday at 9 on HBO.

Fatal 4-Way results

2010-06-21T15:44:00.000-07:00

Gahd, what is wrong with this crystal ball? I only went 3-3 last night at Fatal 4-Way. My record hasn't budged, now at 249-221. Big ups to the winners, The Miz; Kofi Kingston; and David Hart Smith, Natayla & Tyson Kidd (note: I didn't change my pick when I found Natalya and Tamina were added to the match). Thumbs down to my losers, John Cena, Big Show, and Eve. Thanks for nothing, you clowns. (Note: I didn't pick for the Chris Jericho vs. Evan Bourne match.)

Fatal 4-Way card and predictions

2010-06-21T15:34:00.000-07:00

Fatal 4 Way Match for the WWE Title
Sheamus vs. Edge vs. Randy Orton vs. John Cena

Fatal 4 Way Match for the World Heavyweight Title
CM Punk vs. Rey Mysterio vs. Big Show vs. Jack Swagger

WWE United States Title Match
R-Truth vs. The Miz

WWE Intercontinental Title Match
Drew McIntyre vs. Kofi Kingston

Fatal 4 Way Match for the WWE Divas Title
Alicia Fox vs. Maryse vs. Gail Kim vs. Eve Torres

WWE Unified Tag Team Title Match
The Usos vs. The Hart Dynasty

My luck with WWE PPVs has been medoicre at best. But that changes tonight as improve on my 246-218 record. I got John Cena, Big Show, The Miz, Kofi Kingston, Eve, and David Hart Smith & Tyson Kidd coming out on top. Wish me luck.

Bored out of my skull

2010-06-21T15:24:00.000-07:00

So here's something crazy I found.

TiVo Guide Week of June 14, 2010 spoiler alert

2010-06-14T09:02:00.000-07:00

"Hot in Cleveland" In the premiere of this comedy, three women (Valerie Bertinelli, Jane Leeves, Wendie Malick) from L.A. on their way to Paris make an emergency landing in Cleveland. They decide to stick around and rent a house with an elderly caretaker (Betty White). Wednesday at 10 on TV Land.

"The Real L Word" The opener of a reality series following six lesbians in Los Angeles at work and at play. Among the women are a TV exec, a real-estate broker and a gallery owner. Sunday at 10 on Showtime.