Latin Grammy Nominees Announced

The nominations for the Latin Grammy Awards. Among the nominees are Ricky Martin, who earned 4 nods, and Beyonce and Shakira for their collaboration, "Beautiful Liar." The awards will be presented live on November 8th, 2007 from Las Vegas. For more, click here.

Dancing With The Stars

Image courtesy of ABC Media Net

ABC announced today the line-up of (D-List) "celebrities" that will be participating in the fifth season of Dancing With The Stars.

This season's participants:


Wayne Newton
Marie Osmond
Jennie Garth
Sabrina Bryan
Scary Spice Melanie Brown
Mark Cuban
Jane Seymour
Helio Castroneves
Floyd Mayweather, Jr.
Cameron Mathison


Season 5 premieres on September 24.

Katie Couric Heads to Iraq

Katie Couric will be reporting from Iraq and Syria in the coming weeks. It will be her first trip to the war zone. She will anchor the CBS Evening News from Baghdad next Tuesday and Wednesday followed by Damascus next Thursday and Friday. Her trip is in anticipation of the crucial military report on the progress of the American effort in Iraq. Click for more!

Pollspot: Hillary vs the GOP

This SurveyUSA poll has good news for Hillary Clinton in numerous states! The poll shows Hillary beating every GOP contender in 11 battleground states and only losing to Rudy Giuliani and Fred Thomspon in Alabama (but she beats Mitt Romney in Alabama). Definitely good numbers for Hill...not great.

It's Pinksville for Tatum and Willis

Channing Tatum image courtesy of MoneyForGum

Bruce Willis and Channing Tatum will star in Oliver Stone's Pinksville. The film will be a drama based on the 1968 My Lai massacre during the Vietnam War. This will be Oliver Ston'es fourth film about the Vietnam War era (Platoon, Heaven and Earth, Born On The Fourth of July).

Pollspot: Edwards Edging Obama

A new daily poll from Rasmussen shows Barack Obama and John Edwards in a virtual tie for second place. Usually, Obama and Edwards have been within the margin of error for each other but today's poll shows them even. The thing to be wary about is that this is a daily poll and it changes slightly from day to day. Hillary Clinton has enjoyed being at the top of this poll...and I enjoy her being in first as well. For GOP, Rudy Giuliani and Fred Thompson are nearly tied with Mitt Romney coming up close.

According to Rasmussen:

The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Friday shows Rudy Giuliani and Fred Thompson on top of the race for the Republican Presidential Nomination. Giuliani earns 23% of the vote from Likely Republican Primary Voters. while Thompson is also at 23%. Mitt Romney is favored by 16% and John McCain is the choice for 11%. Mike Huckabee tops the second tier at 5%.

In the race for the Democratic Presidential Nomination, Hillary Clinton continues to lead with 40% of the vote from Likely Democratic Primary Voters. Barack Obama earns support from 18% while John Edwards also attracts 18% (see recent daily numbers). New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson tops the Democrats’ second tier at 5%. Dennis Kucinich is next at 3%.

Senator Says He's Not Gay

Image courtesy of CNN and Minneapolis-St. Paul Intl Airport Police Department

This is an update on this story. Republican Senator Larry Craig, who was arrested for misdemeanor disorderly conduct in an airport restroom, says he regrets the decision he made to plead guilty to the charges against him. He also says that he not gay and accused an Idaho newspaper of conducting a witchunt. Ironic how homophobic his votes showed he was. For more on the story, click here.

Historic Governor To Campaign For Obama

Image courtesy of NACHC

The Politico is reporting that former Democratic Virginia Governor Doug Wilder is preparing to aggressively campaign for Barack Obama. Wilder made history as the nation's first elected Black governor and says Obama could shatter the Republican Party's virtual lock on the south. Wilder is the current mayor of Richmond.

Spanish Soccer Star Dies

Image courtesy of Goal

22-year-old Spanish soccer star Antonio Puerta of FC Sevilla has died. He collapsed at a match three days ago from a heart attack, which led to multiple organ failure. Puerta was just about to become a father. This is a heartbreaking story and we are keeping his family in our prayers.

UTU for Hillary!

Senator Hillary Clinton picks up a great endorsement today from the United Transportation Union today! Hillary for President!!!

Senator Craig Pleads Guilty of Sexual Misconduct

Image courtesy of Getty Images

Republican Senator Larry Craig from Idaho pleaded guilty to charges brought upon him for lewd conduct in a men's bathroom in an airport. A government watchdog group filed an ethics complaint on Tuesday after the Senator's plea, which would allow for further investigation into his actions and quite possibly causing his Senate career to come to an end. Senator Craig, who has served three terms, is looking ahead to re-election in 2008. However, with all the negative attention his plea has brought to the general public, his future in politics may not be looking so bright. For the full story, click here.

Owen's Suicide Attempt Confirmed

Image courtesy of E!

A 911 emergency call released to the press confirms that Owen Wilson was hospitalized for a suicide attempt.

Sweeney Todd is Coming

Image Courtesy of Johnny Depp

The new Johnny Depp/Tim Burton movie musical Sweeney Todd will have a wide release on December 21st, 2007. Dreamworks's initial plan for the film was to have a limited release on December 21st and then a wider release in January of 2008. This dark Stephen Sondheim musical tells the story of the demon barber of Fleet Street and is expected to receive an R rating.

Dawson's Return

Image courtesy of E!

Dawson's Creek star James Van Der Beek is returning to tv. He will join the cast of Ugly Betty in a recurring role as the owner of a fashion house. Ugly Betty's second season starts next month and expect special guest appearances from Salma Hayek and Victoria Beckham this season.

South Park Lives On

The creators of South Park have extended their deal with Comedy Central for another 3 years so expect to see new South Park episodes until at least 2011. The extension deal is worth a reported $75 million.

Dodd Gets Big Endorsement

Image courtesy of MSNBC

Democratic presidential candidate Senator Chris Dodd of Connecticut will announce that the International Association of Firefighters is endorsing him according to The Politico. The IAFF was the first union to endorse Senator John Kerry in 2004. Dodd will get a major boost from this, especially in New Hampshire. Many predicted that the IAFF would give their endorsement to either Governor Bill Richardson or Senator Hillary Clinton, who have both been reliable to the IAFF.

Britney Under Investigation

Image courtesy of The Planets

TMZ is reporting that Britney Spears is being investigated for possible child abuse. The L.A. County Department of Children and Family Services is conducting an active investigation and specifics have not been released. A custody hearing has been scheduled for Sept. 4.

Hogan's Issue Statement

Image courtesy of PR

Nick Hogan's mom, Linda Hogan, released a statement to the press about her son's accident yesterday, in which he was allegedly drag racing and crashed his car into a palm tree at high speeds.

Linda Hogan's statement:

“My son Nick and a friend were involved in a car accident last night. Nick suffered minor injuries and has been treated and released from the hospital. At this time, his friend, John Graziano remains hospitalized. Nick is currently at the hospital with John and his family. His sole concern is for the well being of his friend. On behalf of my family, we ask that your thoughts and prayers be with John and his loved ones.”

Owen Wilson Releases Statement

Image Courtesy of Fox News

Owen Wilson, who was hospitalized yesterday, has released a statement to the media. The actor says through his publicist, “I respectfully ask that the media allow me to receive care and heal in private during this difficult time.” News outlet allege that Wilson slit his wrists and overdosed on pills after an apparent suicide attempt.

High School Musical 2 DVD

Tweens and Zac Efron fans rejoice! Disney has announced that High School Musical 2 will be released on a special extended edition on December 11th, 2007 just in time for Christmas. The dvd will come loaded with special features. DVD records will probably be broken.

Keanu Reeves Back To Science Fiction

Image courtesy of Ace Showbiz

Matrix star Keanu Reeves will star in a remake of the 1951 sci-fi classic The Day The Earth Stood Still. He will play Klaatu, a humanoid alien who arrives on Earth accompanied by an indestructible, heavily armed robot and a warning to world leaders that their continued aggression will lead to annihilation by species watching from afar according to Coming Soon. Maybe his acting will improve? Doubt it. The movie starts shooting late this Fall or early next year.

Nick Hogan Discharged

Image courtesy of Yahoo

Last night, Nick Hogan was injured while apparently drag racing his car and crashing it into a palm tree. He is now doing well and has been discharged from the hospital in Florida.

Gonzales Steps Down

United States Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez has resigned. Finally. Here is the official story.

Eliza Dushku Signs Deal

Buffy The Vampire Slayer and Bring It On actress Eliza Dushku has signed a deal with 20th Century FOX TV to star in new projects for the network according to Variety. Dushku was last seen on FOX's Tru Calling and also in the pilot for FOX's Nurses (which sounds a lot like Grey's Anatomy).

Owen Wilson Suicide Attempt

Image courtesy of People

I will not confirm this at the moment because the main sources come from the National Enquirer and Star magazines. It can be confirmed that Owen Wilson has, in fact, been hospitalized. However, news outlets are reporting that Owen Wilson was hospitalized Sunday after an apparent suicide attempt. More to come.

Hogan Son In Serious Crash

Image Courtesy of Abyssmal

Hulk Hogan's son, Nick Hogan, was involved in a serious car crash in Clearwater, Florida. Apparently, his yellow car slammed into a palm tree at high speeds. We'll keep him in our prayers. We'll keep you updated.

Women's Equality Day

On this date, August 26, 2007, we commemorate the adoption of the 19th Amendment of the United States Constitution, which guarantees a woman's right to vote. The extraordinary accomplishments at the Seneca Falls convention in 1848, where strong, leading women believed that "all men AND women were created equal" should be honored to the highest degree.

Since that convention, the women's rights movement has grown strong and continues to thrive across the country. The 19th Amendment does not only represents equality among genders to partake in one of the defining principles of our democracy, but also a great change for women's opportunities.

There have been great achievements made by women throughout history that should be honored and praised. From Susan B. Anthony, Sojourner Truth, and Margaret Sanger, to Madeline Albright, Amelia Earhart, and Barbara Walters - all should be commended.

Even today, women have continued to rise above. Just this past year, Nancy Pelosi became the first woman to serve as Speaker of the House of Representatives and Hillary Rodham Clinton, if elected in 2008, will become the first woman President of the United States.

So as today is designated Women's Equality Day, we must celebrate and honor the audacity, intellect, and great accomplishments of women. Without their hard work and leadership, our country would not be half of what it is today. I salute you all!

2007 Teen Choice Awards Tonight

Image courtesy of People

Hilary Duff and Nick Cannon host the 2007 Teen Choice Awards tonight on FOX at 8 PM EST. Zac Efron and his High School Musical castmates are set to appear.

Former CNN Anchor Finds New Gig

Former CNN Headline News anchor Thomas Roberts will become a co-host for celebrity news program The Insider. Roberts left CNN in May. He became a news item when he revealed that he was sexually abused by a priest as a child and, also, when he revealed that he was gay.

Ashlee Simpson's New Album

Ashlee Simpson's official website is reporting that she will release a new album this November. Her last album was released in 2005. Ashlee Simpson has enjoyed a more successful recording career than her sister Jessica.

Superbad Reigns For 2nd Week

Image Courtesy of Canmag

In a slow week, Superbad remains the top film at the box office for the second week in a row. The three new films (Mr. Bean's Holiday, The Nanny Diaries, and WAR) did not fare too well.

Here is the top 5 according to Box Office Mojo:

1. Superbad - $18,000

2. The Bourne Ultimatum - $12,361,000

3. Rush Hour 3 - 12,250,000

4. Mr. Bean's Holiday - $10,121,000

5. WAR - $10,000,000

Camilla Won't Attend Diana Memorial

Photo courtesy of Pulitzer

Camilla Parker Bowles, The Duchess of Cornwall and wife of Prince Charles, will not attend a memorial service this week marking the 10th anniversary of Princess Diana's death. She had initially accepted an invite from Princes William and Harry. However, she is choosing not to attend because she fears it could divert attention from the purpose of the occassion. I can't really blame her. The media will be all over her if she went and, remember, Camilla was Charles's mistress when he was married to Diana. Click here for more.

DNC Strips Florida

The Miami Herald is reporting that the Democratic National Committee has voted to strip Florida of its national convention delegates because the date of their January 29th primary date violates party rules. This decision is very likely to impact how much time and money the current Democratic presidential candidates spend in Florida. The Herald also writes that this vote may affect the outcome of a property-tax referendum scheduled to be voted on the same day as the primary. The DNC has given Florida Democrats 30 days until their vote to strip delegates becomes effective unless Florida Democrats can reach a compromise with the national party. If the DNC's vote sticks than the Florida primary will become essentially meaningless.

Because it's just too damn funny...

Miss Teen USA South Carolina 2007 messes up big time! Let me know if you have any idea what she was trying to say!

Hollywood's Hottest Singles

Forbes has named George Clooney as their most eligible bachelor and Cameron Diaz as the most eligible bachelorette (despite rumors that she and John Mayer are now an item). What do you think?

Deadly Fires Tear Across Greece

Image courtesy of Getty Images

Since Friday morning there have been numerous reports of deadly fires burning all across many areas of Greece. According to msnbc.com:

...more than 170 blazes fires have burned from the western Ionian islands to Ioannina in northwest Greece, and down to the south. New fires broke out Saturday, and fears grew that the death toll could rise as rescue crews reached villages that had been cut off by walls of flames.

The fires have already killed at least 44 people and counting, leaving the country in a state of panic. Many countries have offered their help, including France, Germany, and Spain in order to help put out the deadly blazes. With Greece under a state of emergency, it has been reported that many of the fires have left houses in ruins and villages without working electricity. For the full story, click here.

Childbirth Deaths Are Up

Image courtesy of Organic Baby Style

This is not something I would expect to hear. American women are dying from childbirth at the highest rate in decades according to new government figures. Experts believe increasing maternal obesity and a jump in Caesarean sections are partly to blame. While the risk of death is very small, this is still pretty alarming. For more, click here.

Slap them on the wrists!

Nothing makes me angrier than all these states trying to push their primaries up. Between Michigan and Florida, the 2008 election is going to start tomorrow! This is just so ridiculous. Luckily, the DNC plays hardball and is threatening sanctions. DO IT! The sanctions would strip Florida of its delegates, which would essentially turn their potential early primary into the Iowa straw poll, part 2. Or as the DNC affectionately calls, a beauty contest. Dear states, not all of you can go in January! Please stop trying!

In other news, AP, Reuters, and no other credible news source have verified Perez Hilton's claim that Fidel Castro is dead. Until then, Wonkette is just posting some quality comments on Perez's post. Including one witty snark telling us how Castro was awesome, and another telling us to suck Bush's dick. I don't know the exact wording, but you get the idea.

Kevin's 2008 Prediction

Listen here as Green Room staffer Kevin Coughlin makes a short prediction for the 2008 election season with a focus on Bill Richardson. Much to my chagrin as a Hillary Clinton supporter, Kevin does not have some nice words for the other candidates.

Also, listen to our latest episode dealing with entertainment here!

Aaliyah Remembered

Today marks the 6th anniversary of the death of R&B singer Aaliyah. Rest in peace.

Rumors of a Dead Dictator

Rumors have been circulating for over a day now that Cuban dictator Fidel Castro has died. The streets are Miami have already begun celebrating. The official word from Cuba is that Castro is still very much alive. Castro recently celebrated his 81st birthday and was not seen or heard from, which led the rumors of his passing to intensify. We'll wait for an official source to confirm this story before declaring whether or not Fidel Castro has died. For more on this story click here. My guess...I think he's been dead for a little while now.

Blake Lewis Inks Deal

Last season's American Idol runner-up Blake Lewis has signed a record deal with Arista Records. His debut album is expected by the end of the year. More here.

The Green Room Goes International

Starting today with Leah's departure back to school, The Green Room is going international. All five of The Green Room's staff will be residing in a different country, which should definitely make things interesting and bring new perspectives. It is definitely a unique opportunity for all of us.

I (John) will be studying abroad in the Netherlands; Leah will be returning to McGill University in Montreal, Canada; Kevin will be spending an entire year in London, England; Rich will return to Boston College to represent the US, and Ashlee will be computerless as she find her way across Ghana.

You can check out our last episode (for a while) as a full group here.

Money, Money, Money

An article in the Boston Globe describes how academics have contributed more money to campaigns this year than workers in the oil, computer, and pharmaceutical industries. Receiving the most of this support are Barack Obama with almost $1.5 million, Hillary Clinton with almost $1 million, and Mitt Romney with about half a million dollars. Harvard tops the list of donations with about $280,000 in contributions this year so far.

PS...check out the latest episode of The Green Room here.

Paulina Rubio Expecting

Mexican singer Paulina Rubio is pregnant with her first child.

NFL Gets Rough With Vick

Hours after filing a plea agreement, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has suspended Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick indefinitely without pay. For more on the story click here.

Also, check out our latest Green Room episode below or here.

Green Room Episode 5

Here is the latest episode of The Green Room. This episode focuses solely on entertainment with discussion on Nicole Richie, Lindsay Lohan, Superbad, High School Musical, and our own segment...Overrated/Underrated!

High School Musical 3 Won't Be Haunted

Disney originally planned on having the next High School Musical film take place in a haunted house with a haunted theme for movie-goers around Halloween 2008. However, the studio has changed its mind. A Disney spokesperson has confirmed that, instead of a haunted house, the third High School Musical film will be centered on the kids' senior year. Disney still plans on a theatrical release for the next film in the franchise. None of the stars have signed onto the third film yet.

Teen Cracks iPhone

Want an iPhone but you are not an AT&T (formerly Cingular) customer? A 17-year-old teenager has managed to break the lock that binds Apple's iPhone to AT&T Wireless. This allows the phone to be used on other carriers, including oversees carriers. Read the full story here.

RENT Gets New Lease in London

International fans of the Broadway musical RENT can check out a new production of the show hitting London's West End in October. This new production will reinvent the show bringing new orchestrations and some other new tweakings. While RENT has been extremely successful in New York City, it hasn't been as popular oversees. Check out some info on this new production, which sounds quite interesting and promising, here.

Obama May Make Iowa Mistake

According to Political Wire, "Sen. Barack Obama's decision "to opt out of all but a handful of appearances with his opponents this fall means an influential Iowa audience will lose the chance to judge him alongside his rivals next month," the Des Moines Register reports."Obama plans to skip AARP's Sept. 20 forum in Davenport, where New York Sen. Hillary Clinton, former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards and New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson will address about 2,400 Iowa seniors and a national public television audience. The decision to not attend the AARP event, aimed at issues important to people 50 and older, could nag at the Illinois senator, some Democrat activists and political observers said."

I also think it's a mistake...but I'm not complaining. Hopefully, this snub will end the three way tie between him, Clinton, and Edwards and make it easier for Hillary to take control over Edwards...who is only focusing on Iowa.

The Nanny Diaries

The Nanny Diaries hits theaters today. The movie, based on the popular novel, stars Scarlett Johansson, Chris Evans, Paul Giamatti, Laura Linney, and Alicia Keys. So far, the film is getting not so great reviews at Rotten Tomatoes. The film is at 25% rotten with 10 fresh and 30 rotten reviews. I think I'll skip this one.

Pollspot: National

Clinton's lead is down from 20 points to 13 points in this FOX News polls. Rudy enjoys a comfortable 15 point lead over Thompson. Does anyone care about President Bush anymore? Didn't think so.

National:

A new Fox News/Opinion Dynamics poll shows Sen. Hillary Clinton leads the Democratic presidential race with 38% support, followed by Sen. Barack Obama at 25% and John Edwards at 8%.

Among Republicans, Rudy Giuliani is in front with 29%, followed by Fred Thompson at 14%, Mitt Romney at 11%, Sen. John McCain at 7% and Newt Gingrich at 5%.

President Bush's approval rating is stuck at 33%.

also...

Gallup reports that 77% of Democrats recently surveyed were familiar with all three frontrunners for the 2008 presidential nomination. The findings: 94% are familiar enough with Clinton to rate her, 85% with Edwards and 84% with Obama. This could be good news for Clinton, who has managed to keep her wide national lead despite other candidates becoming better known.

Definitely good news for Hillary Clinton there.

Nicole Richie Goes In and Out

Pregnant Nicole Richie was sent to jail Wednesday afternoon and was released after 82 minutes due to overcrowding. Yep, she beat the system.

High School Musical 2 Hits Billboard

The soundtrack to the record-breaking High School Musical 2 has debuted at number 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart. The soundtrack had impressive first week sales of over 600,000 copies. Disney continues to cash in.

Lohan Releases Statement

This is an updated version of this story. A judge has ordered Lindsay Lohan to serve 2 days in jail and 10 days of community service. However, the judge credited her with one day of jailtime when she was arrested so Lindsay Lohan will serve a total of 1 day in jail. Also, Lohan will be on probation for 36 months and ordered to attend an alcohol education program for 18 months.

Lindsay Lohan also has released a statement to TMZ after being charged with seven misdemeanors:

"It is clear to me that my life has become completely unmanageable because I am addicted to alcohol and drugs.

Recently, I relapsed and did things for which I am ashamed. I broke the law, and today I took responsibility by pleading guilty to the charges in my case. No matter what I said when I was under the influence on the day I was arrested, I am not blaming anyone else for my conduct other than myself. I thank God I did not injure others. I easily could have.

I very much want to be healthy and gain control of my life and career and have asked for medical help in doing so. I am taking these steps to improve my life. Luckily, I am not alone in my daily struggle and I know that people like me have succeeded. Maybe with time it will become easier. I hope so."

Drew Carey's Price is Right

CBS has announced that The Price is Right will return with new host Drew Carey on Monday, October 15th, 2007 and it's regular time. This will be the show's 36th season. Recently retired Bob Barker hosted the show for 35 years. Drew Carey is also the host of CBS's The Power of 10.

No Trial For Lohan

Lindsay Lohan will not be standing trial for DUI. The actress struck a deal by pleading no contest to two counts of DUI. This makes her a second offender and, by law, she must serve a minimum of four days in jail. More as this story develops.

Bill Clinton's New Book

Former President Bill Clinton will release a book on September 4th, 2007 and make appearances to promote it. The book is titled Giving: How Each of Us Can Change the World. His appearances should definitely help and promote his wife's presidential campaign.