Pop Culture Checklist

The 2007 Buick Open will be held June 25 to July 1 in Grand Blanc. Some of the players include John Daly, Paul Azinger, Justin Leonard, Kenny Perry and Brad Faxon.
Tiger Woods, the reigning champion, intends to play but has not officially committed because his wife is expecting the couple’s first child.  
For tickets, call 800-878-0736 or go to www.buickopen.pgatour.com.
And for those of you who need reminding, the U.S. Open begins today. Early rounds are being aired on ESPN, beginning at 10 a.m.

Richie Sambora, guitarist for Bon Jovi, made the taping of MTV’s Unplugged session a very difficult day for his fellow band members. The band is set to re-launch the MTV series on June 22. However, the taping on Tuesday became a disaster when Sambora’s mic had to be turned off because he was too “out of it” to play in tune. The recording was held in front of 400 fans, who witnessed Sambora’s inability to play guitar from beginning to end. 

Sources say other musicians on stage did their best to cover his mistakes, and his mic was turned off so he couldn’t be off key. Despite their efforts, some songs had to be recorded several times before Sambora got it right. According to those on set, leader singer Jon Bon Jovi was clearly upset but continued through the songs “like a true pro.” 

Due to the nightmare session, Sambora checked himself into an undisclosed treatment facility in Los Angeles. It’s not yet known if his rehab stint will delay the band’s touring schedule.  MTV Unplugged will air June 22, with subsequent air dates on VH1 on June 23, and CMT on June 24. The band’s next album, “Lost Highway,” is available in stores on June 19. 

Here’s the latest news on movies that are in the works:

–Rainn Wilson (Dwight from The Office) and Christina Applegate will star in a music-themed comedy called “The Rocker.”
The movie is centers on a failed, over-the-hill drummer (Wilson) who gets a second chance at fame with a new act, which is a high school garage band headed by his nephew. Applegate will play Wilson’s love interest and the mother of the lead guitarist in the garage band.
Shooting begins next week in Toronto.
–Bill Murray will star in “City of Ember.” He’ll play the mayor of Ember, a city that flourished in an amazing world of glittering lights. But the generator begins to fail, causing the illuminated city to flicker. Two teenagers search for clues that will unlock the ancient mystery of the city’s existence and help citizens escape before the lights go out forever.
Shooting begins this summer in Northern Ireland. It will be released on Oct. 10, 2008. 
–Jim Carrey will star in a prison comedy called “I Love You Phillip Morris.” It’s about a conman whose love for his cellmate is so great that he stages multiple prison escapes for him. The movie is written by “Bad Santa” writers and is based on a book by Houston Chronicle crime reporter Steve McVicker.
–A comedy called “Year One” will star Jack Black and Michael Cera. It’s being  produced by Judd Apatow, who produced “Knocked Up.”
Plot details are being kept under wraps. No news on the release date.
–New reports are saying that the movie “Thundercats” will be animated. Previously, it was announced that it would be a live-action script.
Thundercats was a popular 1980s animated series about a group of humanoid cats forced to go on the run from an evil sorcerer (Mumm-Ra) after their home planet was destroyed. A comic book version came out in the late 1990s, and Cartoon Network also airs re-runs of the series.
–Shooting begins next month for “Major Movie Star,” starring Jessica Simpson.
The movie is about a pampered star who enlists in the military so she can prove to a producer and studio that she’s capable to star in a war-themed drama film. When she gets to the military camp, she realizes that she’s made a mistake but decides to help out anyway to not disappoint the country.

The third installment is proving to be a charm for the handsome men of “Ocean’s Thirteen.”
It grabbed the number one box office spot from “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End,” which previously held the spot for the past two weeks. The movie, starring Brad Pitt, George Clooney and Matt Damon, debuted with $37.1 million.
“Pirates” placed second with $21.3 million, bringing its domestic total to $253.6 million.
Top 10 movies over the weekend:
1. Ocean’s Thirteen, $37.1 million
2. Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End, $21.3 million
3. Knocked Up, $20 million
4. Surf’s Up, $18 million
5. Shrek the Third, $15.75 million
6. Hostel: Part II, $8.75 million
7. Mr. Brooks, $5 million
8. Spider Man 3, $4.4 million
9. Waitress, $1.65 million
10. Disturbia, $550,000

So what did you think of the finale episode of the Sopranos last night? 

*Spoiler alert* If you haven’t seen it yet, stop reading NOW.

Okay, did you like the ending, where Tony and his family are eating dinner, the door opens, and then it fades to black? Is this the kind of ending you anticipated or are you big time disappointed? I have to say, I’m really disappointed. And I’m not alone. I hear HBO is getting bombarded with complaints, through blogs and emails, that fans deserved better. Some fans are even encouraging people to get rid of their HBO because they are so upset. Personally, I think that’s quite a stretch. I’m not going to get rid of HBO, aka Entourage, to make a statement.

Anyway, the show ended in a way where they can now make a Sopranos movie. Great. Thanks for thinking of the fans, HBO!

Okay, I am stepping down from my soap box now. What do you think?

Happy Friday morning to all! TGIF! 

If you’re a B-52s fan, this news will cheer your day up even more. After a 15-year hiatus, the rock band is working on a new album. It’s hasn’t been named yet, but the album is expected to be released early next year. 

The band is known for its quirky, new wave sound. Lead singer Fred Schneider said to expect more of the same. He said it will be the danceable, party vibe like most of their songs of the past, but with a little more electronica. 

The B-52s actually formed in 1976. With all their hits, the mainstream songs remain my favorites. Love Shack and Roam were great hits, but Rock Lobster tops them all – what do you think? 

Happy Thursday to you all. Here again is your weekly dose of upcoming shows, movies and events coming up. 

UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
There are plenty of events going on this weekend. I have a few listed here, but for a complete list of festivals and events in Monroe County, check out the calendar in our Arts & Entertainment section in today’s paper.
–“Chamberfest” carnival for all ages will be at Frenchtown Square mall this weekend. Being held today through Sunday, it will be located in the mall’s parking lot.
Rain or shine, rides, games, Kiddie Land, and carnival food and drinks will be offered. Tickets will be sold at the carnival. Times are 3 to 10 p.m. today; 3 to 11 p.m. Friday; noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 10 p.m. Sunday.
–The “Maybee Day Festival” will be held from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday in downtown Maybee. Live entertainment will be held all day long, as well as a parade, rides, dunk tank, bake sale, ice cream sale, and more. New this year is a dining tent with full-course dinners to be served.
–Monroe KOA will hold “Customer Appreciation Weekend” on Friday and Saturday.
Bring old receipts and dated artifacts (trophies, awards, etc.) from past Monroe KOA events and you will get a discount. Also, there will be a continental breakfast, spaghetti dinner, games, trivia, a magic show, and more. It’s located at 15600 Tunnicliff Rd., Petersburg. 856-4972.
–Saturday is the annual “Samaria Day.” The festival begins at 9 a.m. Events include a parade, a car show, a yard sale, and rummage and bake sale. For more information, call 856-3609.
UPCOMING REGIONAL EVENTS
–“LatinoFest 2007” will be held from 1 to 11:30 p.m. Saturday at Promenade Park, Toledo.
Cost is $10, with ages 12 and younger free. There will be free admission from 1 to 3 p.m. Besides bands performing throughout the day, there also will be clowns, magicians, a petting zoo, and more.
–Auto racing will be held on Friday at the Toledo Speedway, 5639 Benore Rd.
Gates open at 5 p.m.; qualifying at 6:30 p.m.; racing begins at 7:30 p.m. Cost is $8 admission for adults, and $3 for kids ages 6 to 14. Free for kids ages 6 and younger.
–Comedian Steve Sabo will be performing this weekend at the Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase, 314 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor.
Two performances will be held on Friday night, and two more on Saturday. Shows are at 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. each night. Advance tickets are $8, and $10 at the door. For more information, or to buy tickets, call (734) 996-9080.
–The “Frankenmuth Bavarian Festival” begins today through Sunday. The festival, in its 47^th year, is for all ages. It includes Bavarian music, parades, rides and games, and more. For more information, call 800-386-3378.
–The “Battle Creek Cereal Festival” also begins today through Sunday. Samplings of breakfast foods will be available for free, featuring the world’s longest breakfast table. Other events include a parade, a charity sale, a family bike event, a craft show, and more. For more information, call (269) 962-4076.
MOVIES
“Ocean’s Thirteen,” starring every hot Hollywood star, opens on Friday. Hopefully, it will be better than the second installment. Besides “Ocean’s Thirteen, other movies opening this weekend are “Hostel: Part II” and “Surf’s Up.”
“Ocean’s Thirteen” also has to contend with other blockbusters that are still hanging in the top 10, such as “Pirates of the Caribbean,” “Shrek the Third,” and “Spider Man 3.” And don’t forget about the surprising hit, “Knocked Up,” that’s getting good reviews.
MUSIC
 –The Roots will perform at the Royal Oak Music Theatre on Aug. 5. Tickets go on sale at 5 p.m. Friday. Tickets are $39.50 and $75.
–Portishead is making a comeback. The band is currently working on their first new album since 1997’s “Portishead” album.
–Sonic Youth is releasing a special two-disc edition of “Daydream Nation.” It contains live versions of every track on the album, plus studio recordings of some cover songs. It comes out Tuesday.
Here’s what else is coming out on Tuesday, June 12:
–Toby Keith, “Big Dog Daddy”
–Enrique Iglesias, “Insomniac”
–Sinead O’Connor, “Theology”
–Paula Cole, “Courage”
–Fabolous, “From Nothin’ To Somethin’
–Queens of the Stone Age, “Era Vulgaris”
–DJ Khaled, “We The Best”
–Mark Ronson, “Version”
–The Mission U.K., “God Is A Bullet”
–John Doe, “A year in the Wilderness”
TELEVISION
Lots of new summer shows are premiering this week. Like I said before, there is no such thing as summer reruns anymore!
Also this week, you can check out Hollywood’s biggest stars when they participate in the 9^th annual Michael Douglas & Friends Celebrity Golf Event. Among the celebrities are his wife, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Donald Trump, Heather Locklear, Alice Cooper, Josh Duhamel, Mark Wahlberg, and Martin Sheen.
It will air Sunday, June 10 on NBC, immediately following the men’s final of the French Open.
According to my co-worker, Marge, this is more entertaining than you would think. She said it’s worth watching – thanks for the tip, Marge!
Here’s some other shows starting up this week:
–“Speeders” includes real-life stories of cops pulling over unhappy motorists. It airs at 8 p.m. Thursdays on Court TV, beginning tonight.
–On Fox, “Standoff” returns. It’s about two FBI crisis negotiators paired professionally and romantically. It airs at 9 p.m. every Friday.
–On Animal Planet, catch “Planet’s Best With Terri and Bindi.” They host specials from their home in Australia. It begins at 8 p.m. Sunday. (Terri and Bindi are surviving family members of the late Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin).
–Sundays on HBO, “John from Cincinnati” will air. Set in California, a dysfunctional family intersects with new arrivals in the community: a dumb, but wealthy, surfer, and a man spurned by the family years ago. It premieres at 10 p.m. Sunday, but regular time will be at 9 p.m.
–“The Loop” returns at 9:30 p.m. Sunday on Fox.
–“Big Love” follows the fictional life of polygamist Bill Henrickson. 9 p.m. Mondays, HBO
–“Miami Ink” returns on TLC at 10 p.m. Tuesdays
–“Rescue Me” begins a new season on FX on Tuesday.
–Bravo’s “Top Chef” returns next Wednesday.
–“Rescue Me” starring Denis Leary begins at 10 p.m. Wednesday on FX
–“Last Comic Standing” searches for the next top comedian at 9 p.m. Wednesday, NBC
–“AFI’s 100 years 100 cheers.” It ranks the top 100 movies of all-time. 8 p.m. June 14, CBS

Flint native LaKisha Jones, who fell short in becoming this year’s “American Idol,” will be honored by the state of Michigan.

A celebration of LaKisha will be held at noon Monday on the steps of the Capitol in Lansing. The Governor will make some remarks, and LaKisha will perform as well.

For those of you who are burnt out with any American Idol news, I apologize. Actually, I’m one of them. I think this was one of their worst seasons when it comest to the top 10. I promise, this is the last Idol news…at least until next fall!

Korn will be kicking off the “Family Values Tour” in July, and it includes coming to the Detroit area. The tour will be held on July 25 at the DTE Energy Music Theatre, Clarkston.
To coincide with the tour, Korn will be releasing its 8^th album on July 31. But don’t bother Google-ing (is that a word?) the name of it because there is no name! The band decided not to name the album. For clarity, here’s what singer Jonathan Davis said in a statement:
“We didn’t want to label this album…It has no boundaries; it has no limits and why not just let our fans call it whatever they wanna call it?”
–Tim McGraw and his wife, Faith Hill, will be touring together this summer. The tour also includes Lori McKenna, Taylor Swift and The Warren Brothers, and others.
The tour will stop in Michigan twice. They will be at The Palace of Auburn Hills on July 11, and at the Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids on July 12.
–Summer tour dates were recently announced for rockers “Queens of the Stone Age.” Named the “Duluth Tour,” it will make several stops but the closest it will come to Detroit is the concert in Indianapolis, Ind. on Aug. 4.
Their album, “Era Vulgaris” is due out in stores on Tuesday.
–The country-pop band “Rascal Flatts” will be performing throughout the summer before they release their next album.
They will be performing at the Palace of Auburn Hills on July 20.
Their next album, untitled as of now, is due out Sept. 25.

Jeopardy.com is launching a new game called the “Google Daily Challenge Sweepstakes.” It asks Jeopardy viewers to answer questions using the online search engine.
The ‘answer’ to the question will come from one of the categories featured on the TV show. Go online to play a new clue. The more you enter, the better chance you have at winning. However, you must enter the correct answer for your entry to be valid. If you don’t know the answer, Google it.
They are giving away $100 prizes each day, and on July 13, one winner will take home a $25,000 grand prize.
The contest begins at 4 p.m. today and ends July 13.  Pre-register now at www.jeopardy.com. Good luck!