November 17, 2008

Preview of "The Unit" episode 4.09 has been released. The preview features a brave action of Jonas Blane and his Delta Force crew to save a bride's life.

With the title "Shadow Riders", the episode revolves around Jonas and his team's attempt to keep a truce between two warring Afghanistan tribes intact by delivering a bride to her groom. Taking a risk for the job, they go through enemy territory. While at home, Bob and Kim Brown try to expose a man who may be linked to terrorists.

New songs from Britney Spears' upcoming effort "Circus" have arrived. From title track "Circus" to European bonus single "Rock Me In" and Japanese bonus track "Amnesia", all have been available for full stream.

"Circus" is Britney's sixth major studio album which is scheduled to come out in the U.S. on December 2. The effort is produced by a team consisting of Bloodshy & Avant, Nate "Danja" Hills, Dr. Luke, Guy Sigsworth, Jim Beanz, Kelly Claude, Max Martin, Nicole Morier, The Underdogs, and many more.

Leaving behind his villainous character in "The Dark Knight", Aaron Eckhart will be battling aliens in "Battle: Los Angeles". According to The Hollywood Reporter, the 40-year-old actor has been attached to play the leader of a platoon who is involved in a struggle against alien invasion.

Though he has generated several acclaimed performances in the movie biz through "Erin Brockovich", "In the Company of Men" and "Thank You for Smoking", this role will be Eckhart's first of being a leading man in an action movie. Before this movie comes out, he is expected to star opposite Jennifer Aniston in Brandon Camp's romantic drama "Traveling".

Australian pop singer Natalie Imbruglia has become the latest celebrity to strip off for an anti-fur campaign for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). As apparent on the news photo, she is photographed covering her naked breasts with a rabbit, named Topsy.

"Try telling him it's just a little fur trim," the tagline on the ad campaign read. "Rabbits and other animals are often beaten and skinned alive for their fur. Boycott all fur."

Two new clips of "Dexter" episode 3.09 have been released. The first clip shows Dexter Morgan and Miguel Prado having a conversation in front of Miguel's house, while the second clip features Dexter talking on the phone with Miguel.

Entitled "About Last Night", the episode reveals the friendship between Dexter Morgan and Miguel Prado become strained when Dexter starts to fear that Miguel may have strayed from the newly taught Code. It also shows how Rita Bennett finally confronts Miguel about his suspected infidelity after Sylvia tells Rita that she is now convinced that Miguel is having an affair, noticing how Miguel is never at home anymore.

With the shooting date reportedly eyed for early 2009 start, "XXX: The Return of Xander Cage" starts to shape its production team. The latest news coming out from the "XXX" franchise hints on the possibility of Michael Ferris and John Brancato, the co-writers of "Terminator Salvation", joining the project.

Variety reported that the two scribes, who have also worked together in "Terminator 3" and "The Surrogates", are in early talks to pen the action movie's script. The publication further noted that talks began taking place after the writing duo pitched their take for the new movie last Friday, November 14, to Columbia Pictures presidents Matt Tolmach and Doug Belgrad.

Adriana Lima rocked this year's Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, held at the Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami Beach, Florida on Saturday, November 15, modeling the underwear retailer's Black Diamond Fantasy Miracle Bra, worth $5 million. Expressing her excitement to wear the stuff down the catwalk, the supermodel said, "I always wanted to wear the Fantasy Bra. It's the first time that Victoria's Secret makes a black diamond bra."

The Fantasy Miracle Bra, designed by jeweler Martin Katz, is decorated with diamonds and rubies and will be made available for sale. Mr Katz himself stated his designed bra could be worn "as an open top because it looks like a finished top."

Many big names appeared at New York's Times Square studios to bid MTV's "Total Request Live" good bye at a show named "Total Finale Live". One of them was Beyonce Knowles who took the stage singing "If I Were a Boy", "Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)", and "Crazy in Love".

Joining Beyonce as musical guests at the event were Ludacris, Snoop Dogg, Nelly, and 50 Cent. While Ludacris preferred to collaborate with Snoop Dogg and Nelly, 50 Cent walked straight to the studio performing solo singing a group of songs from his song "In da Club" to current hit "Get Up".

A special sneak peek into Walt Disney Pictures animation, "Bolt", has been released. Hosted by one of "Bolt" voice talents, Miley Cyrus, the video named "Super-Charged Sneak Peek" is filled with many fresh snippets from the movie and is accompanied by commentary from the "Hannah Montana" star herself who provides the voice of Bolt's owner, Penny.

Aside from displaying an inside look into the taping of the titular character's voice by John Travolta, the sneak peek also exposes the film's new song "I Thought I Lost You" sung by both Miley and John. During the airing of the track, Miley explains about the meaning behind the song as well as her experience singing with John.

On Sunday, November 16, Travis Barker had an interview with MTV's Damien Fahey during "Total Finale Live", talking about his recovery from the second- and third-degree burns as a result of the deadly plane crash in September. In the interview, his first on-camera since the tragedy, he thanked fans for their never-ending support.

"Thanks for all the support. I feel better every day," Travis told Damien and the audience attending the finale of "Total Request Live." Now that he's getting back into the studio and already playing drums again, he admitted, "It was like riding a bike. It was really exciting to know I still have my chops. It still felt good. I still can make it around the kit. Everything felt right, so I'm thankful to be able to play."

Preview of "Desperate Housewives" episode 5.09 has been released. With the title "Me and My Town", it focuses on the residents' recovery after a deadly fire disturbs the peaceful life of Wisteria Lane's citizens in the series' last episode.

The episode shows the injuries sustained in the fire by Gaby and Carlos leading them to a fortunate discovery. Meanwhile, Lynette and Tom Scavo vow to protect their son, Porter, who gets arrested. For Susan Delfino, she must learn to let go of the man she loves. Also, Orson Hodge's attempt to get a good night's sleep puts Bree in a most precarious position on the day of her big cooking demonstration.

Rumor has it, "Avatar" may be getting its teaser trailer anytime soon. On Sunday, November 16, MarketSaw has posted photos exposing a group of boxes which label states that they contain teasers to James Cameron's latest sci-fi film teaser trailers. If the pictures were to be trusted, the so-called teaser would have a running time around 3 minutes and 57 seconds.

Noting that "Avatar" first official trailer is most likely to be premiered before "Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs" when the animation hits U.S. theaters on July 1, 2009, MarketSaw further speculates that the teaser may be making its way out late October or early December. On the possible screening places, the publication suggests either 3DX Festival in Singapore on November 19 to 23, or 3D Entertainment Summit in L.A. on December 1 to 2.

Corbin Bleu, the actor and singer who is best known for his role as Chad Danforth in "High School Musical 3: Senior Year", has been confirmed by his label to drop sophomore studio album next year. Titled "Speed of Light", the record is due to hit the U.S. market on March 10, 2009.

In anticipation for his upcoming effort, two new singles "Fear of Flying" and "Paralyzed" taken from the LP have arrived in full audio streams. Unfortunately, other than the album's release schedule and two revealed songs, no further details of the album have been shared to public.

With the premiere of MTV's brand new show "Spoilers" comes a behind-the-scene look at "Watchmen". Taped in December 2007, the video presents fans with a tour to the Vancouver set of the live-action adaptation film.

The nearly two minutes behind-the-scene video shows director Zack Snyder discussing his take on "Watchmen", while Patrick Wilson talks about the comic adaptation, and Matthew Goode speaks out on his resemblance to his character, Ozymandias. It also displays the Studio 54 set.

Life & Style magazine broke the report Saturday, November 15 that Ashlee Simpson was in labor. The claim then leads to speculation that she has already given birth to her baby with singer husband Pete Wentz. However, there have yet words from their camp.

Strengthening its report on Ashlee's labor, the publication cited an insider as stating, "Pete texted his friends last night that Ashlee is in labor!" Adding fuel to report, Pete posted a message on his blog Friday, November 14, announcing he canceled his scheduled appearance on the "Larry King Live."

Northern Irish and Scottish alternative rock band Snow Patrol have premiered a music video for their brand new single "Crack the Shutters". The video presents the band members performing the song in the middle of people running fast, seemingly trying to make an escape from something.

"Crack the Shutters" is the second single which is written by frontman Gary Lightbody. The song comes from the band's fifth major studio effort "A Hundred Million Suns" which has been available for U.S. purchase since October 28.

Losing her dream house to Kevin Walker on the last episode of "Brothers & Sisters" does not make Nora Walker gives up. As revealed through recently-released "Unfinished Business" preview, Nora will try to recruit the family to de-construct her new charity money pit.

Episode 3.09 also revolves around Kitty and Robert McCallister who take a huge and overwhelming step forward in the adoption process. It also features Sarah Walker who takes a big risk and eats crow with her new business partners. Meanwhile, Holly Harper drives Tommy Walker to his limit when she offers Rebecca Harper a high level executive position at the winery without consulting him.

A sequel of "Happy Feet" will be made at a new digital production facility in Sydney, Australia. Breaking out the news is The Age, claiming that NSW Minister of State Development Ian Macdonald has noted on Sunday, November 16, that Warner Bros. Pictures will employ an average of 438 people over three years to develop "Happy Feet 2".

While Macdonald stated that the sequel and new "Dr D" digital production facility will put Sydney "once again front and centre of the national film industry", director George Miller praised on the government's assistance package and the facility. In a statement, he said, "This incentive by the NSW government is a significant step. It allows us to make 'Happy Feet 2' in Sydney and it will be the first of many productions from our new digital studio, Dr D."

Julianna Margulies, who has been invited by NBC's "ER" to reunite with some of its original stars for guest shots on the series' season finale, has been reported to reject the invitation. The actress who is recently cast on "City Island" has declined to reprise her role as Carol Hathaway for the NBC's medical drama series fifteenth season final in February 2009.

On November 15, Margulies hints her impossibility to reappear in "ER". At the time, she said, "I feel like I left Carol Hathaway in the best scenario possible, I can't imagine making it any better than that."

Wanda Sykes is gay and she is 'proud' of it, so she said during the gay rights rally in Las Vegas on Saturday, November 15. During her speech, the actress-comedian claimed it was the passage of same-sex marriage ban in California, called Proposition 8, that has led to her be more outspoken about being gay.

Defending her gay confirmation, Wanda said in her almost five minutes of remarks, "You know, I don't really talk about my sexual orientation. I didn't feel like I had to." She emphasized, "I was just living my life, not necessarily in the closet, but I was living my life."

A preview of "True Blood" 1.12 has been given. This episode which is called "You'll Be the Death of Me" will conclude the first season of the modern Vampire drama on November 23 before the show moves on with the second season that will air around June 2009.

Like the pilot, this season finale episode is directed by creator Alan Ball. Sookie finds a link to the string of killings in Bon Temps - and ends up in the murderer's crosshairs. Tara decides to make the most of her second chance with Maryann while Jason finds a new calling after anti-vampire zealot Orry visits him in jail.

Lady GaGa claimed her fame through debut album "The Fame". On the effort which has been released in the U.S. since August 19, she embraced pop culture and invited her fans to an electro-techno roller coaster ride of music.

"'The Fame' is about how anyone can feel famous," GaGa spoke about her debut record. "Pop culture is art. It doesn't make you cool to hate pop culture, so I embraced it and you hear it all over 'The Fame'. But, it's a sharable fame. I want to invite you all to the party. I want people to feel a part of this lifestyle."

James Bond has had a hit on his hands with "Quantum of Solace". Opened in about 3,451 theaters across the U.S., the 22nd Bond movie installment dominates this week's box office by collecting an impressive $67.5 million over its three-day opening weekend, dethroning last week #1, "Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa", and scoring a record debut.

Picking up where "Casino Royale" left off, this second Daniel Craig's effort as the 007 spy grosses around 73% more than the $40.8 million premiere of "Royale". It also tops the previous debut-weekend record for a Bond flick held by Pierce Brosnan-starring "Die Another Day" which raked $47 million during its first weekend in 2002.

Disney starlet Selena Gomez has no hesitation to dish more on her fashion style, telling OK! magazine in an interview that she and her mother Mandy "wear the same tops and shoes". That's why, the mother-daughter duo then turns Selena's guest room into their closet. "It's a mess!" the young girl admits.

Selena, moreover, also tells OK! that she used to be "a tomboy". Yet, "over the past year my wardrobe's gotten classier. I'm growing up," she says.

Emmy Award-winning HBO's series, "Entourage", has picked up its recurring character to reappear on the dramedy series. It has been reported that the series chronicling Vincent Chase's life will feature Louis Lombardi reprising his role as Cousin Ronnie for the final episode of season five.

Regarding his comeback, Lombardi expresses his excitement saying that his role on "Entourage" is one of his favorite television characters. In an interview, Lombardi says as quoted by Movie Web, "That is one of my favorite television characters I've ever played. It's so much more like me than all the other roles I play on TV."

Screened at the theaters attached to "Quantum of Solace", a brand new trailer of "Star Trek" has been leaked out. Providing never-before-seen snippets for the sci-fi movie, the trailer highlights on Kirk and Spock as what has been described by two of Paramount people to AICN earlier. Meanwhile, the official trailer is expected to debut on Monday, November 17.

Opened with a shot of mid-60's Corvette convertible tearing down the road across country side, the trailer shows a muscle car heading towards a cliff. Before it goes off, the driver, a young boy, leaps out from the car. When he stands up, a space-cop driving a hover bike asks him to identify himself, which he answers valiantly, "James Tiberius Kirk".

Justin Timberlake surprised his fans as he made a stop at Studio 8H at the GE Building in New York's Rockefeller Center and appeared donning a one-piece black swimsuit. He performed as Beyonce Knowles' backing dancers on November 15 on late-night TV comedy show "Saturday Night Live Show".

During his skit on the TV show, Timberlake tried to mimick Knowles' choreographed routine along with two other men Andy Samberg and Bobby Moynihan. The three men pretended in a video shoot for Knowles' "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" music video. The difference is that if her real music video was directed by Jake Nava, the parodied video was directed by actor and comedian Seth Myers.

In a post on his blog, dated Saturday, November 15, Kanye West denied media reports claiming he assaulted a photographer which then led to his arrest early Friday morning, November 14. "I didn't assault him," he wrote on the post, titled "Who's Winning, Me or the Media?"

"Here's what happened," Kanye started detailing on the events that led to his arrest. "When I left the club, I was encountered by a thirsty paparazzi as usual. He felt he had more rights to my space than me, so I put my hand up to prevent him from taking my image. I didn't assault him but merely putting my hand up to cover his lens. My security yelled, 'Get the camera off him.' I guess in all the commotion the camera scraped his nose." He insisted, "I put my hand up to the camera in self-defense!"