CELEBRITY IN TERVIEW

HERE’S A LITTLE TREAT FROM THE BIG HOMEY, YOURS TRULY. ANOTHER DOUBLE DOSE OF CELEBRITY CHATTER, A FUN Q&a duo for you to enjoy. Today’s featured celebs are two funny men who are enjoying a current run of commercial success in their respective fields. I’m referring to jay mohr & steve zahn. I know you’ll dig, so go ahead & do that.

Got a minute? Comedian Jay Cox Mohr (né Jay Mohr), the star of Gary Unmarried (Wednesdays at 8:30 p.m. on CBS), sounds off about the sitcom's success, packing on a few pounds, and taking his wife's last name.

Q: You've appeared in several short-lived TV series, and Details crowned you the King of Pilots. How does it feel to be on a People's Choice Award–winning sitcom?

A: It's about time. Whenever you do a pilot, you put all your interest and passion into it. This really is a business based on rejection and failure. Baseball has a higher success rate. If you hit 30 percent of the time, you go to the Hall of Fame. In acting, if you hit 30 percent of the time, you're Gene Hackman.

Q: What's in store for Gary in the rest of the first season?

Gary's going to play the field more. He's going to break up with his girlfriend. We went from "Gary unmarried" to "Gary very committed" very quickly. And hopefully I'll be a thinner Gary in Season 2.

Q: Have you put on weight?

A: When you get into a relationship where you're truly happy, the belly seems to grow a bit. I was talking with Ed Burns on the set of The Groomsmen, and we both have larger bellies than we're used to. He said to me, "Show me a happily married man with a six-pack and you have to question his sexuality." As long as you have big arms, it's all right to have the big belly —like Harvey Keitel.

Q: Is it tough to play a divorced character when you're so happy in your marriage (to actress Nikki Cox)?

A: There's no character I would find depressing to play. I want to be on TV and enjoy its benefits, its wonderful health and dental plan. You know what's depressing? Not playing anything on television. Getting cut out of movies. It's also depressing to have to go through your IMDb page with a complete stranger at a Dodgers game. "Where do I know you from?" "Jerry Maguire?" "No, never seen that."

Q: You've been married for two years, but in December you added your wife's last name to yours. Why?

A: She took mine. It only seemed fair. We both have the same name now: "Cox Mohr."

Q: Better that than the other way around.

A: We thought about sending out wedding invitations for "Mohr Cox." Who could say no? Even if you're a heterosexual male, out of curiosity you'd wonder, Where is this room with "Mohr Cox"—and how will they all fit?

By: Ryan Wenzel

Got a minute? Veteran actor Steve Zahn sounds off about living in the moment, his new movie Management (in theaters May 15), and groping Jennifer Aniston's butt.

Q: Your character in Management, Mike, falls in love with Sue (Jennifer Aniston), a guest at his family's motel. Early on, she lets him touch her butt. How'd that go down when you were filming?

A: The butt-touching scene is supposed to be the most awkward scene in the world. It's fucking bizarre. In any other movie, they would go on a date, it would be funny, and the montage would begin. But this turns into two 11-year-olds in the basement playing doctor. It's odd and yet at the same time very sexy. It had to be perfect—not just with what Jennifer and I were doing but with the camera. We did a lot of takes. I'm embarrassed by the outtakes.

Q: Did she use a butt double?

A: No, that would have been ridiculous. Because then I would have used a stunt hand.

Q: Mike tries to woo Sue by serenading her with Bad Company's "Feel Like Makin' Love." Was this kind of stuff part of your courting repertoire?

A: I pursued my wife (actress Robyn Peterman) so much it was embarrassing. We were doing a musical, Bye Bye Birdie, and I remember planning my routes—crossing backstage just because she was crossing backstage. Ridiculous shit, but that paid off, man.

Q: You're known for playing funny, quirky characters. What's it like to be a leading man?

A: It's the same kind of character, but busier. It wasn't like I was replacing some hunk. If I'm the romantic lead, you know it's going to be different from what you're used to. Even years ago, in New York when I was reading scripts, I always responded to the other parts. I was like, "I like this guy. I like the buddy."

Q: You have five movies scheduled for release in 2009. Has that been overwhelming?

A: Honestly, a lot of those movies were shot a while ago, like The Great Buck Howard, Sunshine Cleaning, and this one. It's always interesting when people say, "Man, are you busy." A week earlier, I'm selling the car because we need money, asking, "Are there any bad movies out there I could do?"

Q: What's next for you?

A: I have to take a pee, man—I don't think too far ahead.

By: Ryan Wenzel

CELEBRITY NEWS: TOP EARNERS, JUNE 08 TO JUNE 09

Jolie trumps Aniston atop actress earning list

Pitt's current flame made $2 million more in past year than his ex

NEW YORK - Angelina Jolie is Hollywood's top earning actress, banking $27 million in the past year to beat out her partner Brad Pitt's ex-wife Jennifer Aniston, who raked in $25 million, a Forbes.com study showed on Wednesday.

Most of Jolie's income came from her share of the profits from her action film "Wanted," but she was also paid a large upfront sum for her role in "Salt," the study said. Jolie and Pitt have six children.

Aniston, who was married to Pitt before he became involved with Jolie, earned most of her millions from the romantic comedy "Marley and Me" and her upcoming film "The Baster."

"Aniston also still earns money from (reruns of TV series) Friends and she gets a nice paycheck shilling for Glaceau's SmartWater," Forbes.com said.

Meryl Streep came in at No. 3 with $24 million, most of which came from her role in "Mamma Mia," while Sarah Jessica Parker was ranked fourth with $23 million in earnings following the movie version of TV series "Sex and the City."

Cameron Diaz rounds out the top five, banking $20 million between June 2008 and June 2009.

Forbes.com said it spoke to agents, managers, producers and lawyers to work out what actresses were paid upfront for movies they are currently shooting and what pay they might have earned after a movie hit the theaters. Money earned from perfume or clothing lines was also taken into account.

"As is still typical for Hollywood, our actresses earned significantly less than their male counterparts," Forbes.com said, pointing out that the top earning male actor, Harrison Ford, made $65 million.

URL: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31711448/ns/entertainment-movies/

TV NEWS:VH1 SHOW RENEWALS & PREMIERES 2009

CHECK OUT VH1’S LATEST ROUND OF SHOW RENEWALS & PREMIERES. GET YOUR TIVO’S & DVR’S READY. CHEERS, & ENJOY.

VH1 Spices Up Slate with Chilli and Pepa

Sandra "Pepa" Denton and Chilli top the list of New VH1 series, along with "The Entertainer" starring Frank Maresca, while "Celebrity Fit Club" and "Sober House with Dr. Drew" get additional seasons.

LOS ANGELES, CA—VH1 has teamed up with Sandra "Pepa" Denton of Salt n Pepa and Chilli from TLC - giving each pioneering hip-hop artist her own series revolving around their current lives as single women. The yet-to-be titled "Pepa" and "Chilli" series will premiere on VH1 in 2010.

The Entertainer, from the "I Love NY" and "I Love Money" shows has also scored his own series called "The Entertainer," featuring his parents as well as the infamous basement bachelor pad. VH1 has also renewed two other hit series: "Celebrity Fit Club" (season 7) and "Sober House with Dr. Drew" (season 2).

These programming additions come on the heels of recent announcements about upcoming new original primetime series on VH1 including Jessica Simpson's new series "The Price Of Beauty;" a series centered on the family and career of American Idol winner Fantasia Barrino as she refocuses and tries to get her career back on track with the untitled "Fantasia" series; "The OCD Project," centering on OCD patients living together as they strive to overcome their disorder; and "The Aspen Project," focusing on the highs and lows of living and dating in one of the wealthiest communities in the world.

VH1 is also on a roll with its debut of new and returning series year-to-date. The music and pop culture network's total primetime viewership was up 12% during the second quarter of 2009 compared to the same period the year before. And, the network has launched nine new and returning series averaging at least 1 million total viewers in their premiere episodes. In fact, VH1 has launched five new series year-to-date averaging at least 1 million total viewers - more than any other cable network this year.

"No matter if you're a Grammy Award winning artist, a film actor or a TV reality star with millions of loyal fans, we all share the same desires of the human experience...to succeed, to love, and to live our lives to their fullest potential," said Jeff Olde, Executive Vice President, Original Programming & Production, VH1. "VH1 has generated a lot of buzz over the years by evolving from an outlet that commented on pop culture to a brand that creates it. With these projects, we're continuing to evolve, building on our core storytelling expertise to delve deeper into personalities and issues that connect with millions of our viewers.

Untitled "Pepa" Series

The untitled "Pepa" series is a real-life comedy following Sandra "Pepa" Denton of Salt-n-Pepa fame as she emerges from her self-imposed romantic and sexual dormancy of the past four years as she begins to search for love again. After years of living a celibate life in order to focus on finding "the one," Pep has realized that giving up sex actually got her nowhere in the relationship world. She didn't "evolve," she didn't land a husband and the only close relationship she formed was with her exercise bike. But she's not the only one. Her three closest girlfriends are all single and searching too. The four friends will laugh, cry and dish the dirt as they support each other along the way. The "Pepa" series has been picked up for eight half-hour episodes and is set to premiere in 2010.

The "Pepa" series is executive produced by Banks Tarver and Ken Druckerman for Left/Right, Inc. Executive Producers for VH1 are Shelly Tatro, Danielle Gelfand, Kari McFarland and Jeff Olde.

Untitled "Chilli Project"

Chilli from R&B supergroup TLC, has decided to take the reins of her lackluster romantic situation and launch an all out search for the love of her life in the yet-to-be titled "Chilli Project." Despite huge success as a recording artist and a mother, Chilli has grown tired of striking out on the romantic front, so she has enlisted the help of Brooklyn relationship expert Tionna Smalls. Not one to let people take the easy way out, Tionna has promised to give Chilli the challenging emotional workout she needs in order to get over the hurdles that have kept her from having the long-term serious relationship she craves. The series has been picked up for eight half-hour episodes and is set to premiere in 2010.

"The Chilli Project" is executive produced by FremantleMedia North America. Larry Barron, Kevin Williams, Bill Diggins and Chilli are executive producers. Executive producers for VH1 are Jim Ackerman, Dave Hamilton and Jeff Olde.

"The Entertainer"

"The Entertainer" will star Frank "The Entertainer" Moresco and the ever watchful eyes of his parents. Frank is best known as the guy who still lives in his parents' basement from the VH1 shows "I Love New York" and "I Love Money." Meanwhile, his parents have grown ever weary of their 32-year-old slacker son's current living arrangements - their basement. In a last ditch effort to help Frank get out from under his parents thumb VH1 is giving him the opportunity to find love from a bevy of naive hopefuls and the incentive he needs to move out of the basement and on his own. "The Entertainer" has been picked up for ten one-hour episodes and is set to premiere sometime in 2010.

"The Entertainer" is executive produced by Cris Abrego, Mark Cronin and Ben Samek for 51 Minds. Executive producing for VH1 are Jill Holmes, Kristen Kelly and Jeff Olde.

"Celebrity Fit Club"

The battle of the bulge will continue as VH1 is bringing back one of their most popular series, "Celebrity Fit Club" for a seventh season. As in the previous edition, this season will also use a grueling boot-camp style regimen prescribed by CFC taskmaster and former USMC Drill Instructor Harvey Walden. His mission is to take eight out-of-shape celebs and help transform them back to the camera-friendly bodies they used to have. Harvey accepts no excuses as the challenges will be brutal, but the results will be amazing. Also returning to the show will be nutrition and diet expert Dr. Ian Smith. The series has been picked up for 8 one-hour episodes and a 90 minute finale. The show has yet to be cast and will premiere sometime in 2010.

"Celebrity Fit Club" is produced by ITV Studios, Inc. Executive producers are Jonas Larsen for ITV Studios and Jim Ackerman, Christian McLaughlin and Jeff Olde for VH1.

"Celebrity Rehab Presents Sober House"

"Celebrity Rehab Presents Sober House" is also returning for its sophomore season. The series chronicles the dramatic experiences of a group of celebrities with addiction issues as they make the transition back into the real world full of the people and temptations that once led them into a life of addiction. Throughout the course of their stay in the Sober House, participants will have the opportunity to meet with Dr. Drew in both one-on-one and group sessions in an effort to understand and advance their experience to its fullest potential in this crucial and difficult transitional period. Also, returning to the series will be house manager, Jennifer Gimenez, counselor Bob Forrest and resident technician Will Smith. The series has been picked up for eight one-hour episodes and will premiere after the third season of "Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew" ends its run in 2010.

"Celebrity Rehab Presents Sober House" is executive produced by John Irwin, Bruce Toms and Damian Sullivan for Irwin Entertainment. Dr. Drew Pinsky and Howard Lapides are also executive producing. Jill Holmes, Noah Pollack and Jeff Olde, are executive producers for VH1.

SOURCE: POP TOWER

POP CULTURE: BLENDER MAGAZINE LIST

MY GOOD FRIENDS OVER AT BLENDER MAGAZINE HAVE SOME PRETTY RAD POP CULTURE LISTS, & YOU ALREADY KNOW I’M ALL ABOUT SHARING. SO HERE’S THE 1^ST IN THE SERIES I’LL BE BRINGING TO YOU. I THINK YOU’LL ENJOY. OH YEAH, & MAKE SURE YOU CHECK OUT THEIR MAGAZINE & SITE. THEY HAVE SOME PRETTY KICKASS CONTENT. ENJOY.

http://www.blender.com/lists/61265/the13worsthairtrendsinmusic.html

VIDEO REVIEW: WALE FT. LADY GAGA- CHILLIN'

MR. HIP HOP DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA HIMSELF, WALE SHOWS HE KNOWS HOW TO HAVE FUN, ESPECIALLY IN THE COMPANY OF SUCH PERKINESS AS THE ALWAYS ENTERTAINING & MAL-CLOTHED LADY GAGA. IT’S A COOL VID, A COOL SUMMER SONG, & JUST ENOUGH POP GOODNESS TO HANG ON THE CHARTS. CHEER,S & ENJOY

LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XwxKVBNbrQ&feature=related

POP CULTURE: BIO CHANNEL TO AIR FARRAH FAWCETT TRIBUTE

BIO Channel Celebrates Farrah Fawcett

The special "BIO Remembers: Farrah Fawcett," about her life and legacy, airs Monday, June 29.

When American actress and international icon Farrah Fawcett tragically passed away on Thursday morning at the age of 62, the world lost more than the iconic poster girl and the original Charlie's Angel. Fawcett went from a tomboy in Texas who carried a big dream to a multiple Golden Globe and Emmy Award nominee with a hairstyle that defined the '70s. On Monday, June 29th BIO Channel commemorates her life on "BIO Remembers: Farrah Fawcett" at 10PM ET/9PM CT/11PM PT.

Through archival footage and interviews with family members, friends, leading journalists and colleagues, BIO Remembers Farrah's rural upbringing in Corpus Christi, being voted one of the "Ten Most Beautiful Coeds" by Cashbox magazine her freshman year of college and her breakout roll as private detective Jill Munro in "Charlie's Angels," a series that defined a generation of television shows and had an unprecedented impression on pop culture. We'll follow her life spent under the public eye, from her marriage and subsequent divorce to "Big Valley" star Lee Majors and a long time love affair with the father of her only son, Ryan O'Neil, to the critically acclaimed roles she garnered throughout her career such as in the off-Broadway play Extremities and made-for-TV movie "The Burning Bed," as well as her parts as Beate Klarsfield in Nazi Hunter: The Beate Klarsfield Story, troubled Woolworth heiress Barbara Hutton in Poor Little Rich Girl: The Barbara Hutton Story, and her return to modeling when she decided to pose nude for Playboy at the verge of 50 years of age.

SOURCE: POP TOWER

POP CULTURE: FARRAH FAWCETT 1947-2009

THIS HAS TRULY BEEN A SAD PAST WEEK. I KNOW DEATH IS A PART OF LIFE, & PEOPLE LOSE THEIR LIVES EVERYDAY, BUT THIS WEEK HAS BEEN ESPECIALLY DIFFICULT IN THE WORLD OF POPULAR CULTURE. IN THE PAST WEEK WE’VE LOST THE BELOVED ED MCMAHON, FARRAH FAWCETT, & THE UNDISPUTED KING OF POP, THE GREATEST ENTERTAINER IN THE LAST CENTURY, MICHAEL JACKSON. THE FOLLOWING STORY IS OF FARRAH FAWCETT. MY CONDOLENCES GO OUT TO HER FAMILY & FRIENDS. MAY SHE REST IN PEACE WITH GOD & THE ANGELS.

Farrah Fawcett dead at 62

LOS ANGELES (AFP) — Actress Farrah Fawcett, best known for her role in television series "Charlie's Angels," died Thursday after a long battle with cancer, her long-time companion Ryan O'Neal said. She was 62.

Fawcett died in hospital surrounded by friends and family shortly before 9:30 am (1630 GMT), reports said.

"After a long and brave battle with cancer, our beloved Farrah has passed away," O'Neal said in a statement released by Fawcett's publicist Arnold Robinson.

"Although this is an extremely difficult time for her family and friends, we take comfort in the beautiful times that we shared with Farrah over the years and the knowledge that her life brought joy to so many people around the world."

O'Neal told People magazine's online edition he had comforted Fawcett through the night in the hours before her death.

"I loved her with all my heart. I will miss her so very, very much. She was in and out of consciousness. I talked to her all through the night.

"I told her how very much I loved her. She's in a better place now."

Fawcett's "Charlie's Angels" co-star Jaclyn Smith paid tribute to her former colleague's "courage, strength and faith."

"Now she has peace and she rests with the real angels," Smith said.

Speculation that Fawcett's death was close at hand had mounted after veteran ABC television interviewer Barbara Walters said the actress had been given her last rites earlier Thursday.

Reports said O'Neal and Alana Stewart were at Fawcett's bedside when she passed away at St John's Hospital in Santa Monica.

Stewart said in a statement she had "no words to express the deep sense of loss that I feel."

"For 30 years, Farrah was much more than a friend, she was my sister, and although I will miss her terribly, I know in my heart that she will always be there as that angel on the shoulder of everyone who loved her," Stewart said.

Earlier this week O'Neal revealed he planned to marry Fawcett. "I've asked her to marry me, again, and she's agreed," O'Neal said.

O'Neal, 68, and Fawcett had been romantically involved off-and-on since 1982. The couple had a son together, Redmond, but never married.

Redmond O'Neal is currently in jail in California for drug offenses and was not at his mother's bedside when she died, but spoke to her on the phone before her death, Ryan O'Neal told People.

Fawcett's son told her "how much he loved her and asked her to please forgive him that he was so very, very sorry," O'Neal was quoted as saying.

Fawcett emerged as a pop-culture icon in the 1970s and 1980s after her role in "Charlie's Angels" and appearance in a famous poster wearing a red swimsuit that would come to be her defining image.

During the 1970s, Fawcett was married to "Six Million Dollar Man" star Lee Majors, from whom she separated in 1979. In 1982 she began her long romance with actor O'Neal.

After splitting from O'Neal in the 1990s, Fawcett faded from view, although she appeared in Robert Altman's 2000 comedy "Dr T and the Women" in a cast that included Richard Gere, Helen Hunt, Laura Dern and Kate Hudson.

In recent years Fawcett's health was the subject of intense scrutiny by a voracious tabloid media.

News of her cancer fight broke in October 2006, sparking an outpouring of support from fans and well-wishers.

In 2007 she declared that months of grueling chemotherapy had seen her beat the cancer despite "excruciating pain and uncertainty." "It never occurred to me to stop fighting -- not ever," she said.

However, in April this year it emerged that the cancer had returned and the actress was gravely ill.

In an interview with the Los Angeles Times published in May, Fawcett criticized the media frenzy over her health, saying she would have preferred to have kept details of her illness private.

"It's much easier to go through something and deal with it without being under a microscope," Fawcett said.

"I'm a private person," she continued. "It would be good if I could just go and heal and then when I decided to go out, it would be OK."

Copyright © 2009 AFP. All rights reserved

POP CULTURE: FLEEING THE UNITED STATES

ONE OF MY COMRADES OVER AT CLUTCH MAGAZINE, A BEAUTIFUL PIECE OF PUBLICATION MIGHT I ADD, WROTE THIS INSIGHTFUL ARTICLE ON AMERICANA OUTSIDE THE U.S. CHEERS, & ENJOY. I DID. CIAO.

Why Fleeing the USA May Not Be Such a Bad Idea

BY SKY OBERCAM

Regardless of what those disgruntled Republicans say, scores of Americans believe that President Obama and his administration are doing their best to save this sinking ship called the U. S. of A. Despite their efforts, a continually growing deficit, and dollar on the decline, it appears as though we’re heading, en masse, towards trying times of unprecedented proportions. By no means do we advocate that the USA is not worth saving, alas, it’s hard not to fantasize about jumping ship from time to time. For those of you who indulge in this guilty pleasure, dig the following points that may justify your desire to evacuate:

The dollar ain’t worth ish. At this point, you may be better off getting a simple job abroad, like teaching English for example. In this economy, you’ll most likely be in a position to support your family back on the mainland, and even have enough left to take regular vacations.

Our experience in this country has always been a stressful one. Fleeing the US may a be a great idea for those of you who are sick of American-styled discrimination and seek to exist far away from the distinctly rigid social structure that stems from the American slave system.

Education is always the first to be hit by rough financial times, so if you have, or are planning to have children, they stand a better chance of receiving a decent education outside of the US – and may end up mutli-lingual in the process.

The fact that many Americans seriously considered Sarah Palin qualified to act as Vice President have left many fully prepared to run for the hills.

For those of you who are uninsured (or under-insured), imagine a day where if you were to accidentally cut yourself, and the first thought in your mind wouldn’t revolve around whether you can afford to have your severed finger sewed back onto your hand? Many countries actually view medical services a human service – not a for-profit business.

For the singles, this could be your moment to stand out from the crowd. As an expat, you’ll carry an edge of exoticism that’s bound to add volume to your dating life. That is, unless, you choose to live in an area where Americans are widely detested.

Practically speaking, there are several areas of the world that are actually experiencing huge economic upturns, China being one of them. With the right business strategy, spending a few productive years in select developing regions can yield favorable financial results.

Living abroad is an excellent way to broaden your mind and scope of experiences. Talk to anyone who’s spent a significant time out of the US and they will tell you that by immersing yourself in a new culture, you may grow in ways in which you never thought possible.

A growing number of Americans from all backgrounds are making their homes outside the boundaries of the United States. It’s no easy task to enculturate oneself into an unfamiliar environment, as it is no small feat to thrive in a country in facing such socio-economic turmoil. There are no clear answers - all any of can do is hold on tight, have faith, and continue to forge on.

TV NEWS: CBS ANNOUNCES 2009-2010 PREMIERE DATES

EVERYBODY’S FAVORITE TV NETWORK, WELL AT LEAST SOME PEOPLE’S FAVORITE, HAS JUST ANNOUNCED THEIR 2009-2010 PREMIERE DATES. GET OUT YOUR PENS, BLACKBERRY’S, IPHONE’S, SIDEKICKS, PDA’S, LAPTOPS, & WHATEVER OTHER TECHNOLOGICAL DEVICE YOU OWN, AND MAKE NOTE OF THE DATES. THEN PREPARE TO WORK THE HELL OUT OF YOUR TIVO & DVR’S. CHEERS, & ENJOY

CBS Announces 2009-2010 Premiere Dates

CBS will debut nearly all of its new and returning series during the official premiere week from September 21 - 27.

CBS today announced dates for the fall premieres of its new and returning series, which include a pre-season debut for "Survivor: Samoa" and the launch of the new Sunday drama series "Three Rivers" in early October. The Network will introduce the majority of its schedule beginning Monday, Sept. 21, the official start of the 2009-2010 season.

"Survivor: Samoa" the 19th installment of the hit reality series, will debut a week prior to the formal start of the season, on Thursday, Sept. 17 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT).

SOURCE: POP TOWER

POP CULTURE: CONGRATS TO THE 2009 NBA CHAMPION LOS ANGELES LAKERS

Big ups to the 2009 nba champions of the world, the los angeles lakers. Mr Bryant, aka the black mamba has to hear the “can’t win without shaq” rhetoric no more, & I’m sure he’s ecstatic about it. With a great supporting cast, including the unguardable pau gasol, the tenacious lamar odom, & the up & coming superstar trevor ariza, along with mr fisher, who helped #24 get his 4^th title, and perhaps the sweetest one of all, because he was in no one’s shadow, and because he is now widely considered to be the greatest player in the game. My hats off to you, although I’m not really a kobe fan, I absolutely recognize & respect his prowess on the hardwood, as well as his work ethic. Oh, and just as a side note, make sure you check out lil wayne’s song entitled what else, but kobe Bryant. That should put everything that’s transpired in the last 24 hours, and one could say the entire year, into perspective. Plus it’s a dope song. Cheers & enjoy

Congratulations to the Los Angeles Lakers, who earned their first NBA championship in seven years and 15th overall with a 99-86 win over the Orlando Magic on Sunday night.

In the end, Los Angeles' defense was just as up to the task as Los Angeles' vaunted offense. The team circled the wagons after Orlando busted out with a 28-point first quarter. Orlando's screen-and-roll attack was barely a factor, as the Lakers' spacing and efficient perimeter shooting on the other end made this a one-sided game by halftime.

Kobe Bryant(notes) finished with 30 points, five assists, and four blocks, but in spite of a series of jaw-dropping drives and perimeter looks, he was merely a brilliant part of the championship puzzle. Pau Gasol's(notes) defense in the interior was a huge part of Dwight Howard's(notes) limited effectiveness in the paint, and Trevor Ariza's(notes) 12-point second quarter helped turn a close game into a Lakers walk.

We'll have more quotes and analysis live from Orlando as the night moves along, but for now, pop a cork, and don't turn over a car, Los Angeles. Your hometown team is a champion, once again.

Source: nba.com

MUSIC NEWS: BLACK EYED PEAS MAKE MUSIC HISTORY

THE ALWAYS ECLECTIC, FUNKY & DOPE GROUP, ONE OF MY PERSONAL FAVES, THE BLACK EYED PEAS MAKE A LITTLE MUSIC HISTORY. CHECK IT OUT. I’M HAPPY FOR THEM, BY THE WAY. I HEARD THE ALBUM IS THE BEST MUSIC THEY’VE EVER DONE. CHEERSS. ENJOY

The Black Eyed Peas Break Record for the Most Mainstream Top 40 Hits This Decade

"Boom Boom Pow," the first single from the band's newest album "The E.N.D." coming out today, is #1 on the chart for four consecutive weeks.

SANTA MONICA, CA—The Black Eyed Peas have made 21st century history with their 12th hit on the Mainstream Top 40 chart. With their first single from The E.N.D., "Boom Boom Pow," at #1 on the Top 40 chart for four consecutive weeks, The Black Eyed Peas have landed the most Top 40 Mainstream Chart hits this decade surpassing Backstreet Boys and Nickelback.

"Boom Boom Pow," the first single from three-time Grammy Award winning, multi-platinum Interscope recording artists The Black Eyed Peas, holds the #1 spot on Billboard's Hot 100 chart for nine consecutive weeks. Since its release nine weeks ago, "Boom Boom Pow" has sold over 2.4 million digital downloads.

The video for the second single, "I Gotta Feeling" directed by Ben Mor (will.i.am's "A New Day" and John Legend f/ Kanye "Used to Love You") premiered last week. "I Gotta Feeling" debuts this week on the Top 40 chart, one week before the official add date. The single is featured in the CBS summer-long on air promotional campaign for their new fall schedule.

"The E.N.D." is The Black Eyed Peas' first original new album since "Monkey Business" (released May 2005), with sales of over 4 million in the U.S. and worldwide sales of more than 9 million copies. "Monkey Business" generated Grammy Awards for "Don't Phunk With My Heart" and "My Humps."

CELEBRITY NEWS: MILEY CYRUS' CLOTHING LINE & TOUR DATES

UBER SUPERSTAR MILEY CYRUS, WHO HAPPENS TO BE GROWING UP QUITE NICELY MIGHT I ADD, IS MOVING INTO THE CLOTHING BUSINESS. SHE ALSO HAS AN UPCOMING TOUR, SO CHECKL IT OUT. ENJOY.

Miley Cyrus Launches Clothing Line and Announces Concert Tour Dates for Fall 2009

Tickets go on sale on June 13 at 10:00 am. for North American tour kicking off in Oregon in September.

BENTONVILLE, AR—Walmart today announced the introduction of Miley Cyrus & Max Azria, a new clothing line available only at Walmart. Walmart brings together best-selling artist and entertainer Miley Cyrus and Max Azria of apparel house BCBGMAXAZRIAGROUP Inc. to offer customers affordable and trend-right apparel. The line will arrive in all Walmart stores and on Walmart.com in early August, and includes tops, pants, graphic tees, shoes and accessories, all priced less than $20.

"Our launch of the Miley Cyrus & Max Azria line continues our strategy of engaging customers across categories," said John Fleming, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer, Walmart U.S. "This time, we're bringing together a leading entertainer and a top apparel house to bring exciting product and price leadership to our customers."

Miley Cyrus' rock-and-roll roots influenced many of the looks. The line reflects a continuation of her relationship with Walmart, where she is among the retailer's top-selling recording artists. "I love creating looks that are all about personal expression and individuality," said Cyrus. "Collaborating with Max Azria has been an amazing experience, and I'm really excited about launching this line with Walmart. There's even more to come!"

"Miley Cyrus is talented and approachable, so working with her sparked a line that is authentic and vibrant," said Max Azria, designer and CEO of BCBGMAXAZRIAGROUP Inc. "By partnering with Walmart, we saw an opportunity to reach mainstream customers with our product and introduce our designs to a much broader audience."

Complementing the Miley Cyrus & Max Azria announcement, Walmart will be the title sponsor of the Miley Cyrus concert tour. AEG Live announced that tickets for the North American tour will go on sale to the public on June 13, 2009, at 10:00a.m. American Express Cardmembers will have the exclusive opportunity to purchase advance tickets to the tour prior to public sale. Tickets will be available for purchase with an American Express Card through ticketmaster.com/mileycyrus or by calling 800-745-3000 from 10:00a.m. locally Wednesday, June 10, 2009 through 10:00p.m. locally Friday, June 12, 2009.

All tickets will be sold exclusively through Paperless Ticket delivery, which means fans will not receive a physical concert ticket for their entry into the event. Buying paperless helps ensure fans have secure and convenient access to event tickets at the original sale price.

On the day of show, concert-goers just need to bring the credit card they used for the ticket purchase and their government-issued photo ID to the concert. All members of the ticket purchaser's party must be present at the same time to enter the venue. The venue's ticket usher will swipe their credit card upon entry and present each person in their party with seat locator slips for quick access into the show. To purchase paperless tickets or for more information, fans should visit ticketmaster.com/mileycyrus or call their local Ticketmaster charge-by-phone number.

Box-office sales will be limited to day of show sales only and will be paperless. Gift Cards will not be accepted. Fans in Portland, OR; Des Moines, IA; Las Vegas, NV; Tulsa, OK; Philadelphia, PA and Columbia, SC should visit their local concert venue Web site or aeglive.com for purchase information as tickets will not be sold through Ticketmaster. Tour tickets are limited to four (4) per household.

Upcoming European dates will be announced in the near future. The full North American schedule for the Miley Cyrus concert tour 2009 is as follows:

Date Location Venue

Sept 14 Portland, OR Rose Garden

Sept 16 Tacoma, WA Tacoma Dome

Sept 18 Oakland, CA Oracle Arena

Sept 20 San Jose, CA HP Pavilion at San Jose

Sept 22 Los Angeles, CA Staples Center

Sept 23 Anaheim, CA Honda Center

Sept 25 Glendale, AZ jobing.com Arena

Sept 26 Las Vegas, NV Thomas & Mack Center

Sept 29 Salt Lake City, UT Energy Solutions Arena

Oct 2 Omaha, NE Qwest Center

Oct 3 Kansas City, MO Sprint Center

Oct 4 St. Louis, MO Scottrade Center

Oct 6 Auburn Hills, MI The Palace of Auburn Hills

Oct 7 Columbus, OH Nationwide Arena

Oct 9 Des Moines, IA Wells Fargo Arena

Oct 10 Milwaukee, WI Bradley Center

Oct 12 Tulsa, OK BOK Center

Oct 15 San Antonio, TX AT&T Center

Oct 18 Dallas, TX American Airlines Center

Oct 20 New Orleans, LA New Orleans Arena

Oct 21 Memphis, TN FedExForum

Oct 23 Birmingham, AL BJCC Arena

Oct 24 N. Little Rock, AR ALLTEL Arena

Oct 27 Chicago, IL United Center

Oct 29 Minneapolis, MN Target Center

Oct 31 Louisville, KY Freedom Hall

Nov 1 Lexington, KY Rupp Arena

Nov 3 Washington, DC Verizon Center

Nov 4 Philadelphia, PA Wachovia Center

Nov 5 University Park, PA Bryce Jordan Center

Nov 7 Newark, NJ Prudential Center

Nov 8 Newark, NJ Prudential Center

Nov 9 Boston, MA TD Banknorth Garden

Nov 12 Hartford, CT XL Center

Nov 15 Cleveland, OH Quickens Loan Arena

Nov 16 Indianapolis, IN Conseco Fieldhouse

Nov 18 Long Island, NY Nassau Coliseum

Nov 19 Long Island, NY Nassau Coliseum

MUSIC NEWS: JAY-Z BLUEPRINT 3 ALBUM RELEASE

Hello world, long time no see. Pardon the absence, I’ve been a tad under the weather. I’m just recovering from surgery, & I actually feel good for the 1^st time in a long time. I won’t disclose the purpose of my surgery or my reasoning for the surgery, but I will let you know that I am truly blessed & I am ready to get back to business. & speaking of making a comeback, its Mr. Hovy Hov, Mr. Beyonce Knowles, Mr. Roc-a-fella, Mr. Jigga Man himself making a comeback. Check out the article & leave your message. Enjoy

Jay-Z's Blueprint 3 Coming Out On September 11

Album's release would come eight years to the day after release of first Blueprint.

By Shaheem Reid

Jay-Z will not be Axl Rose — as he joked to MTV News earlier this year — regarding the long wait for his Blueprint 3 LP. Sources close to the situation have confirmed information from radio personality Miss Info's Twitter page stating that Jay will release Blueprint 3 on September 11, eight years to the day after the release of the first Blueprint album. Hov's new set reportedly will be coming out via a new partnership with the Warner Music Group.

While the first Blueprint album was released on a truly horrific day, it provided escapism for many at the time and remains arguably the greatest opus in Jay's catalog. The album introduced Kanye West and Just Blaze to the forefront of the production world, with soulful soundscapes to complement Jigga's timeless quotables. B3 went into production in 2008 and last spring, Jay announced the album during a Kanye West concert at Madison Square Garden; he also debuted a track from the album, "Jockin' Jay-Z." Kanye, the only producer who has been announced for the album, recently told MTV News that he and Jay had scrapped some earlier tracks recorded for the LP (ones including the Auto-Tune device West used extensively on his recent 808s and Heartbreak LP), and he also revealed that his new artist, singer Mr. Hudson, will make an appearance on the record.

Since most of Jay's albums have had quick turnarounds, fans were expecting Blueprint 3 to be released much sooner. However, Jay has explained in interviews that he was taking his time and actually didn't like not having a deadline to meet. The MC recently parted ways with his longtime label, Def Jam, clearing the way for him to release Blueprint 3 via a different company. Last week reports emerged that Jay was in the process of negotiating deals with both Sony Music and the Warner Music Group. MTV News has confirmed that Blueprint 3 will be coming out via Roc Nation. WMG/ Atlantic will be handling the distribution, marketing and promotion.

Neither Jay nor his rep has released a statement. Jay — who gave a surprise performance in Los Angeles with Eminem on Monday — kicks off his tour with Ciara in Las Vegas on July 3.