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Poehler mockumentary is set in Indiana

Fri, 16/01/2009 - 14:54 by Shruti Sharma

Los Angeles -- Amy Poehler's new, as-yet-untitled, comedy series is a mockumentary about a bureaucrat in the Parks and Recreation Department of Pawnee, Ind., NBC said.

Little was known about the show before the network's announcement Thursday.

From "The Office" producers Greg Daniels and Michael Schur, the comedy looks at "the exciting world of local government" and is slated to premiere April 9, the network said.

"The documentary cameras follow Leslie Knope (played by Poehler,) a mid-level bureaucrat in the Parks and Recreation Department of Pawnee, Ind.," NBC said in a news release. "In an attempt to beautify her town -- and advance her career -- Leslie takes on what should be a fairly simple project: help local nurse Ann Logan (played by Rashida Jones) take on defensive bureaucrats, selfish neighbors, real estate developers, and single-issue fanatics -- whose weapons are lawsuits, the jumble of city codes, and the very democratic process that Leslie loves so much. Aziz Ansari and Aubrey Plaza also star."

NBC orders more 'Office,' 'Rock' & 'Loser'

Fri, 16/01/2009 - 14:44 by Shruti Sharma

Los Angeles -- NBC Thursday announced its has renewed its U.S. TV series "The Office," "30 Rock" and "The Biggest Loser" through the 2009-10 season.

The announcement was made by Angela Bromstad, president of prime time entertainment for NBC and Universal Media Studios, and Paul Telegdy, executive vice president of alternative programming for NBC and Universal Media Studios.

"These renewals represent our faith in 'The Office' and '30 Rock' as they continue to represent the gold standard in acclaimed and award-winning series," Bromstad said in a statement. "We want the devoted fans of these series to know that we are thrilled that these quality programs will be back with the same high-caliber episodes that viewers have come to expect."

Letterman to air Bush speech montage

Fri, 16/01/2009 - 14:42 by Shruti Sharma

New York -- The U.S. talk show "Late Show with David Letterman" plans to air the final installment of its "Great Moments in Presidential Speeches" segment Friday, CBS said.

"As the presidential inauguration approaches, the 'Late Show with David Letterman' bids farewell to its popular comedy segment, 'Great Moments in Presidential Speeches.' The final installment, an extended retrospective of the series, will air during the 'Late Show' broadcast on Friday," the network said in a news release.

"A collection of some of President George W. Bush's most memorable public speaking engagements, 'Great Moments in Presidential Speeches' debuted on the 'Late Show' on March 30, 2006. The segment was so well received by audiences that 377 installments followed."

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Johnny Knoxville detained at LAX for bringing a grenade

Fri, 16/01/2009 - 12:07 by Camilla Abad

Los Angeles, January 16: The 'Jackass' star, Johnny Knoxville, was detained at the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on Thursday morning for bringing in an inert grenade into the airport.

Spider-Man, Obama team-up comic sells out

Fri, 16/01/2009 - 10:27 by Shruti Sharma

Portland, Ore. -- U.S. comic book retailers said a Spider-Man comic featuring President-elect Barack Obama on the cover flew from shelves faster than you can sling a web.

Dan Tabayoyon, an employee of Excalibur Books & Comics in Portland, Ore., said copies of "Amazing Spider-Man #583" sold out "before the door opened" Wednesday and hundreds of people lined up outside of Midtown Comics in New York's Manhattan borough in the hopes of snagging a copy, The (Portland) Oregonian reported Thursday.

Tabayoyon said his store ordered 70 copies of the issue for regular subscribers and four additional copies stocked by the store were quickly claimed by callers. He said the store did not know the issue was going to feature Obama on the cover and as a character in the story until it was too late to re-order.

Chevy Chase set for TV return

Fri, 16/01/2009 - 10:05 by Shruti Sharma

Universal City , Calif. -- Comedy icon Chevy Chase has agreed to play a recurring role on the U.S. television comedy series "Chuck" this spring, NBC said Thursday.

Chase, an original cast member and writer for "Saturday Night Live," is also known for his roles in the big-screen comedies "Caddyshack," "The Three Amigos" and "Foul Play," as well as the "Vacation" and "Fletch" movies.

"In the action-comedy, Chase will play Ted Roark, who is the founder and great mind behind Roark Instruments," NBC said in a release. "Chuck (played by Zachary Levi) has looked up to Roark since he was a kid, and working at Roark Instruments is his dream. But perhaps there's more to this company than just super-cool computers, turtlenecks and uberpositive employees."

In 2007, Chase earned critical acclaim for his guest-starring role on "Law & Order." He followed that return to the small screen with a two-episode guest-appearance on the series "Brothers & Sisters."

Tripplehorn named WMF spokeswoman

Fri, 16/01/2009 - 09:49 by Shruti Sharma

New York -- U.S. actress Jeanne Tripplehorn has agreed to serve as a spokeswoman for the World Monuments Fund, WMF President Bonnie Burnham said.

The WMF describes itself as "the leading independent organization devoted to saving the world's most treasured places."

Tripplehorn, who currently stars in the HBO series, "Big Love," has appeared in the films "Basic Instinct," "Sliding Doors" and "The Firm."
"We are thrilled that Jeanne has agreed to be a spokesperson for the World Monuments Fund," Burnham said in a statement Thursday. "She brings a passionate voice to our cause that will help draw even more attention to the plight of architectural heritage around the world."

"I am very excited about this new role, as I've had a deep appreciation for architecture and preservation throughout my life," added Jeanne Tripplehorn.

DeGeneres to sell pet products on QVC

Fri, 16/01/2009 - 09:46 by Shruti Sharma

West Chester, Pa. -- U.S. television personality Ellen DeGeneres is scheduled to introduce her line of holistic pet care products on QVC, the TV shopping channel said.

The comedian is slated to appear on QVC Friday afternoon, live from the set of "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" in Los Angeles, to introduce her HALO, Purely for Pets, products.

During the broadcast, DeGeneres is expected to offer signature items from her all-natural pet care line, including a variety of dog and cat food choices, supplements, natural treats and grooming supplies, with prices ranging from approximately $20 to $40.

"We are thrilled to be able to offer our customers an innovative, all-natural alternative to traditional pet food products with the launch of HALO, Purely for Pets," Claire Watts, president of U.S. Commerce for QVC, said in a statement. "Ellen's dedication to helping pets achieve optimal health through fun and innovative products will surely resonate with our viewers."

Blockbuster, Sonic announce VOD plans

Fri, 16/01/2009 - 09:44 by Shruti Sharma

Dallas -- Blockbuster and Sonic Solutions are teaming up to give consumers instant access to the Blockbuster digital movie service via home and portable devices.

The companies this week announced an alliance to offer subscribers "access to a vast library of premium digital entertainment across a wide assortment of home and mobile electronic devices.

"Under the multi-year, preferred-provider agreement, Blockbuster will supply the branded consumer interfaces and Sonic will power content delivery across PC and consumer electronic devices," the companies said in a release announcing their video on demand plan.

"We are excited to be partnering with Sonic, the industry's leading entertainment delivery and technology provider, to make Blockbuster's digital entertainment service easily and instantly available to consumers through the widest range of devices available in the marketplace," Jim Keyes, Blockbuster chairman and chief executive officer, said in a statement. "Blockbuster is a ubiquitous entertainment presence in the physical world. Through this alliance with Sonic, we plan to become a ubiquitous presence in the digital world as well. Our goal is to offer consumers the most digital content, the most accessibility, via the most devices, both in and out of home."

Idris Elba to guest star on 'The Office'

Fri, 16/01/2009 - 09:34 by Shruti Sharma

Universal City, Calif. -- British actor Idris Elba has signed on to star in a multi-episode story arc on the U.S. sit-com "The Office," NBC announced Thursday.

"Elba will play the new no-nonsense hire at Dunder Mifflin's corporate office that will throw Michael Scott (played by Steve Carell) into turmoil," the network said in a news release.

Elba's film credits include "The Reaping," "28 Weeks Later," "American Gangster," "Rocknrolla" and "Obsessed." Named one of People magazine's "100 Most Beautiful People," Elba also co-starred in the former U.S. drama series "The Wire."

Copyright 2009 by United Press International.

'Dance' is No. 1 on the U.S. record chart

Thu, 15/01/2009 - 23:02 by Shruti Sharma

Los Angeles -- Lady GaGa's "Just Dance" featuring Colby O'Donis is No. 1 on the U.S. record chart for a second week, Billboard.com reported Thursday.

Coming in at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 is Beyonce's "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It,)" followed by Kanye West's "Heartless" at No. 3, T.I.'s "Live Your Life" at No. 4 and Taylor Swift's "Love Story" at No. 5.

Rounding out the top tier are Katy Perry's "Hot N Cold" at No. 6, Jason Mraz's "I'm Yours" at No. 7, Kevin Rudolf's "Let It Rock" featuring Lil Wayne at No. 8, Britney Spears's "Womanizer" at No. 9 and All-American Rejects' "Gives You Hell" at No. 10.

Copyright 2009 by United Press International.

Rourke's new role? PETA poster boy

Thu, 15/01/2009 - 22:59 by Shruti Sharma

Los Angeles -- U.S. actor Mickey Rourke appears with his Chihuahua, Jaws, in People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals' new spay and neuter ad campaign.

"Have the cojones to fix your dog," Rourke, pictured holding Jaws in his arms, says in the print ad. "When dogs get knocked up, puppies get put down because there aren't enough homes for them."

"I became a little more aware of how many dogs are abandoned or put to sleep each week -- it's staggering," People.com quoted "The Wrestler" star as saying in a video posted on PETA's Web site.

Rourke famously thanked all of his dogs -- "the ones that are here and the ones that aren't here anymore" -- when he took the stage to accept his Golden Globe for best actor Sunday night.

"Sometimes when a man is alone, that's all you've got is your dog," he noted. "They meant the world to me."