In November 2011, fans will finally get to see the continuation of the Airbender story. Not on the big screen though, back on TV, where it started.

Paramount has announced that a new show rumored to be called Avatar: The Legend of Korra will be set 70 years in the future and feature a new Avatar, named Korra, who is related to “The Last Airbender” Aang, of the movie and the series. She has mastered three of the four elements and is trying to figure out how to bed the wind.

“Her quest leads her to the epicenter of the modern ‘Avatar’ world, Republic City — a metropolis that is fueled by Steampunk technology,” says a Nickelodeon press release. “It is a virtual melting pot where benders and non-benders from all nations live and thrive. However, Korra discovers that Republic City is plagued by crime as well as a growing anti-bending revolution that threatens to rip it apart.”

Sounds pretty awesome, no? Hopefully more information will be released in the future. Until then, though, check out this awesome photo that will give everyone an idea of the look of the series.

Comic Con has ballooned into a massive beast of a convention.  While the organizers tout 125,000 passes sold, everyone who attends knows between public sales, exhibitors, press, and industry pros that the real number is much much higher.  It can be an intimidating, yet exhilarating experience.  To get the most out of it you must prepare, train even.  (Seriously, a few weeks of vigorous nightly walks wouldn’t hurt!)  In order to help you on your way to nerd heaven, I’ve prepared some basic tips.  To quote the Terminator, “come with me if you want to live.”

1.The Uniform

Shoes, shoes, shoes!  Personally, I get a new pair about two weeks prior so I can give them a little break in, but whatever you do, make them comfortable.  Good sandals are okay if you’re not planning on spending all day on the exhibit hall floor where your toes will be fair game.  Load up on some pop culture statements with shirts from Threadless, Jinx, or while inside the Con.  Finally, you’ll need a bag, or perhaps a “satchel.”  Whether you go back pack or courier bag, make sure it’s got plenty of room while not being too bulky.  Nothing can piss off a veteran attendee faster than a backpack that hangs two feet off its owner’s back, thwacking everyone behind them while they obliviously stare at some booth babes.  Of course, forget everything I said if you’re planning to go in costume!!

2. Food

This seems like a no brainer, but I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been stuck in Ballroom 20 with a rumbling stomach and a dry mouth.  Unless a 1o minute queue for an $8 pretzel is on your bucket list, pack some snacks and water.  Resist the Rock Star, take water!  There’s a Ralph’s grocery store nearby, hit that up every morning and you’ll be fine.  Also, eat breakfast!!  I know this convention will tire you out, but sacrifice a little sleep for some hearty eats and you will feel better all day for it.

3.  The Program

You’ll get this when you get your badge.  Read it, know it, love it.  Also, the official Comic Con website has it up right now. Highlight what you want to see and do, the prioritize them into three categories: Must, Maybe & Back-Ups.  You will not see everything. You just won’t. With the huge crowds and unpredictable lines, you can’t get from Hall H to Ballroom 20 in 10 minutes between panels.  You’ll even miss “musts,” so quell those moments of disappointment and give yourself to the ebb and flow of the Con.  And don’t forget, every morning there will be update papers available inside the convention. Look for these and grab them so you know when Richard Hatch is signing autographs. (Hint: it’s all day, every day)

4.  If You Want It, Buy It

Sure, you’ll have time to circle the floor once or twice, but so will 125,000 plus other geeks!  Know what you want and what you’ll pay for it.  Will it be at Toys R Us in a week?  Pass.  Exclusive to the Con? Grab it. See if there’s a website for the booth and ask if you can order it online if you’re unsure.  But most of all, it it is a shiny piece of happiness you desire so, get it before you can’t.  Which leads me to…

5. Budget

Be realistic!  Break it down by days for food, hotel, drinks, cabs, snacks, toys, comics, everything.  I always get sketches from my favorite artists and most will post their Con pricing on their websites, so look it up.  Exclusives, look ‘em up.  Pints at Dublin Square, look ‘em up.  And then include surprises.  A few years back there was toy of Jim Henson as a Muppet complete with banjo.  Surprise!  $30 out of my pocket I wasn’t expecting.  And you never know what small press gems you’ll discover, so factor it in as much as possible and stick to it.

6.  Talk to People!

Geeks aren’t the most socially adept species, but this is a nerd prom!  Mingle, chat, talk up the girl in the pink dreadlocks about the Umbrella Academy books in her arms!  You never know who you’ll meet and what information they may have for you.  Suddenly you’re talking to Geoff Johns’ cousin and he invites you to a DC party!  Anything can happen, friendships can be forged it you just open up and engage with the crazy mass of humanity around you.  The comics industry is one of the friendliest around, so take advantage of it!

7.  Artist’s Alley

This is by far one of the coolest parts of any Con.  Every row features some of the most talented artists working in comics today and they are practically giving away original artwork.  Even the more popular artists who charge $100 for commissions are aiding you in theft.  A high quality sketchbook (100 pound paper) is a great idea to bring and becomes a great souvenir of all your trips to Con.  If you want to pick up single pieces, grab a nice portfolio to store them safely inside.  Oh, and remember tip #5!!

8.  Panel Questions

If you want to get up and ask a question of your favorite actor, put some though into it.  Then think about it some more.  Then edit it down.  Then run it by friends and family.  And guess what, for every 100 of you, 99 aren’t funny so don’t attempt to do stand up with your question.  Also, pay attention to what other people are asking,  Every time someone repeats a question asked 10 seconds ago, God kills a kitten.

9.  Take Pictures!!!

This is the most important thing you will do at San Diego Comic Con.  There is so much to look at and so many amazing costumes etc., that your memory card should be bursting at the seams.  Keep the camera charged and at the ready at all times.  Surprises are around every corner and you must be prepared.  That is why I have a picture with Scary Spice outside Pinkbery and you don’t.  If you walk away from Con with less than 500 photos, you have failed.

10.  Use the Website

Pretty self explanatory.  Get the latest from the source!

Overall, relax and enjoy!  Comic Con is a journey not a destination.  If you miss something, chances are you’ll find something equally awesome to replace it in five minutes.  Manage your expectations and realize there are a couple thousand other nerds in the same building looking to the exact same things you are.  Have fun, and again, remember tip #5!!

(Lead image via schadenfreude.net)

Despicable Me

What looks to be a cute family film might actually turn out to be okay. I mean, you can’t go wrong with Steve Carell, Jason Segel, and Russel Brand, can you? Even if they are just voicing the characters of this movie about a man who falls in love with three young girls, and wields an army of underground minions, in order to steal the moon – it looks pretty darn funny from the trailer. I’m sure their wacky humor will be toned down a bit since it’s an animated film, but you adults out there should look out for obscure references that your kids will have no idea about. That’s what makes these movies fun for the whole family.

Predators

No Arnold, no Jesse Ventura, but lots of alien action I’m sure, as the latest chapter in the Predator saga gets released this weekend. I’m not going to lie, I’m excited about this one. I know it will be mindless action, and based on the previews, I can pretty much tell you how it’s going to end. As a series that I’ve loved since I was a kid though, this one is a must-see for me. It kind of resembles the ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin flick, The Condemned, doesn’t it? Just, you know…on an alien planet. I have no idea how they ever got Adrien Brody on board to do this one, but regardless, it should be fun.

Hot Movie Releases

Hot Tub Time Machine

The premise is outlandish, but the laughs are bountiful in this rude and crude comedy starring John Cusack, Craig Robinson, and Rob Corddry. Seriously, a hot tub that takes you back in time to the Eighties where you risk changing the future if you screw up? How can you not want to see that? While Cusack gives another strong, comedic performance, the film really belong to Robinson and Corddry, who have been on the fringe of a breakout role for some time. Could this be the one? Watch and decide for yourself. One things for sure, the title may be stupid, but the movie is absolutely hilarious.

The Crazies

Yet another horror remake in a long line of them that have been hitting the box office in recent years. Based on the 1973 flick by George Romero, The Crazies may not be a cinematic masterpiece, but it holds its own amongst the crap that has been coming out of Platinum Dunes as of late. Starring Timothy Olyphant (one of the most underrated actors around), it centers on a small town that goes, well…crazy, after a virus is placed in the water supply. Lots of blood, gore, and scares to keep you huddled under the blanket with your significant other for a 90-minutes or so; but don’t be surprised if you find yourself wishing you had 90-minutes of your life back once it’s over.

Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief

It isn’t Harry Potter, but Percy Jackson is going to surprise and delight you in the way it takes an everyday misfit, and plops him down into a world of Greek mythology. After learning that he’s the son of Poseidon, Percy Jackson (Logan Lerman), must learn to control his extraordinary powers while clearing his name for stealing Zeus’ lightning bolt. Based on the popular book series, this one is sure to please the youngsters, and make you wish you had of paid a little more attention in school.

TV on DVD

Warehouse 13: Season One

After saving the life of the president, two Secret Service agents are transferred to Warehouse 13, a place that holds every fantastical item ever acquired by the U.S. government. From there it’s off to investigating claims of the paranormal and surreal, as they try to stack Warehouse 13 with more objects. Lots of gadgets, thrills, and one liners, Warehouse 13 is a pretty decent show, but it’s no X-Files.

Those dates feel so far away, don’t they? Well, don’t fret, you have two options. Take a vacation to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando and wait hours and hours on end or just watch the first official trailer for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1, which is embedded below.

It’s also going to be on TV at 9 p.m. during the premiere of Huge on ABC Family.

On tonight’s episode, the gang goes to Istanbul, where the bachelorette learns something quite disconcerting about one of the seven remaining contestants. She also brings one bachelor to a bazaar, another to a bathhouse, and seven of the guys to a historic fort where they get to wrestle each other after being slathered in olive oil. Homoeroticism, anyone? Finally, Ali must send two of the contestants home.

Huge (9:00 p.m. EST, ABCFAM)

Tonight is the series premiere of this funny drama about teens trying to improve their self-esteem at a weight-loss camp. On tonight’s episode, Willamina (Nikki Bonsky) stirs up trouble upon her arrival; meanwhile, Amber (Hayley Hasselhoff) finds a spot among the popular kids, and a possible romance begins. Be sure to check out our interview with the cast of Huge.

Neighbors From Hell (10:00 p.m. EST, TBS)

A variety of obstacles keep Balthazor (Will Sasso) and Tina (the hilarious Molly Shannon) from properly celebrating their wedding anniversary. Elsewhere, there’s Killbride (Kurtwood Smith), who sneakily plans to have a big business initiative approved by taking advantage of a female executive’s interest in Balthazor. Jane Lynch guest stars as the voice of Alex.

1. “Is There a Creator?” originally aired June 9
2. “The Riddle of Black Holes” airs again June 30, July 1 and 2
3. “Is Time Travel Possible?” airs again June 27, 28, and 29
4. “What Happened Before the Beginning?” airs June 30
5. “How Did We Get Here?” airs July 7
6. “Are We Alone?” airs July 14
7. “What Are We Made Of?” airs July 21
8. “Dark Matter: Beyond the Darkness” airs July 28

Of course there is a companion website with summaries of the episodes, videos, informative articles, and some interactive stuff. The producers of the show introduce it in this way:

“What are we made of? What was there before the beginning? Are we really alone? Is there a creator? These questions have been pondered by the most exquisite minds of the human race. Now, science has evolved to the point where hard facts and evidence may be able to provide us with answers instead of philosophical theories.”

The show is not test tubes and lab coats. It takes us to the frontiers where science and philosophy meet. Recall what Hamlet said to his best friend: “There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy.” Hamlet was referring to “natural philosophy,” which back then meant what we today call “science.” Somewhere along the line, we separated the two and created different realms for science and philosophy, what Stephen Jay Gould called “non-overlapping magisteria.” Perhaps now we are at long last attaining the knowledge and the wisdom to realize that everything is connected in ways beyond our former capacity to imagine.

Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs

Channel: HB2P

Time: Thursday, June 24, 2010, 7:30 PM CT

Manny and the rest of the crew have to rescue Sid after the steals some dragon eggs.

Up

Channel: STZK

Time: Friday, June 25, 2010, 7:00 PM CT

An elderly balloon salesman (Ed Asner) tries to fly his house to South Africa using thousands of balloons. He discovers he has a young traveler while he is already in flight.

WALL-E

Channel: STZE

Time: Saturday, June 26, 2010, 6:15 PM CT

After spending years on earth alone, a janitor robot meets another robot and chases her across the galaxy.

Monsters, Inc.

Channel: ENCORE

Time: Sunday, June 27, 2010, 3:45 PM CT

In the world of monsters a giant blue monster and his assistant work in a factory that runs their world on children’s screams.

All Dogs Go to Heaven 2

Channel: STZK

Time: Monday, Jun 28, 2010, 5:35 PM CT

A junkyard dog and his pal return to Earth to retrieve Gabriel’s trumpet.

Schedule some family time and lighten up your summer with laughter.

The results are in. Just three episodes into the season and Pretty Little Liars is doing well in our household. In fact, said fifteen-year-old has now marked Tuesday nights at 8 PM her official favorite time of the week.

We’ve watched the show with her, and while I had my doubts about whether or not it would be any good, both my fiance and I think it’s an intriguing portrait of teen deception.

Featuring four friends, each with a dark secret, the girls in the story are haunted by their murdered best friend… literally. Shortly before authorities discovered the body of the girl, who’d been missing just over a year, the estranged friends began receiving text messages from “A” threatening to expose their dirty little secrets.

I’ve had my doubts in the past about the quality of summer-released programming, but ABC Family hit the mark on this one. The teen in my house gives Pretty Little Liars two thumbs up and says, “Shh! I’m watching my show.”

And if you happened to miss Tuesday night’s episode, watch it here in its entirety courtesy of Hulu.

On tonight’s episode, Amy’s (Shailene Woodley) friends and family support her as she progresses in pursuing a music education program in New York City. Elsewhere, Ben (Ken Baumann) doesn’t tell Amy about his secret; Adrian (Francia Raisa) has a hard time coming to a decision regarding her pregnancy; and Leo (Steve Schirripa) tells Ruben (Philip Anthony-Rodriguez) about Adrian’s situation.

Saving Grace (9:00 p.m. EST, TNT)

On tonight’s episode, Grace (Holly Hunter) completely shuts herself off from family and friends as a tragic happening from her past haunts her. Elsewhere, an old friend pushes Butch (Bailey Chase) into a potentially dangerous position, and Neely (Yaani King) has a hard time resisting drugs.

The Hard Times of RJ Berger (10:00 p.m. EST, MTV)

This is officially one of my new favorite shows. On tonight’s episode, RJ (Paul Iacono) auditions for the school musical, hoping that it will get him closer to the love of his life, Jenny Swanson (Amber Lancaster). But when he lands the lead role opposite his dream girl, the two get a little too close for comfort, and some problems arise (and would I be wrong to assume it has something to do with the big secret in his pants?).

For An Older Audience: Lois And Clark (1993 – 1997)

In one of the first attempts to bring Clark Kent and Superman into a modern, more Generation X type environment, the television show Lois and Clark played out Superman’s life as a mid-twenties professional. Spanning four seasons and starring Dean Cain and Teri Hatcher as Clark Kent/Superman and Lois Lane, the ABC drama/comedy/sci-fi adventure series followed the Man of Steel as he struggled to balance his life a reporter, a super hero and suddenly a boyfriend. Lois and Clark was mildly successful in that it did run for longer than most shows, but during the mid nineties the story of the Clark Kent never caught on as much as the network had hoped.

Unfortunately Lois and Clark was canceled in 1997, but all four seasons can be purchased on DVD.

For A Teenage Audience: Smallville (2001 – Present)

In probably the most successful television rendition of the Superman story, Smallville continues to go strong as the ninth season has recently come to an end. Although the CW and cast members of Smallville have already stated that the tenth season will be the final season, fans still remain hopeful. Smallville follows the story of Clark Kent from high school through his early years working at the Daily Planet. During this time his dedication to the human race is constantly put to the test as Smallville‘s core story telling element is how Superman discovers his true meaning. With a much more science fiction feel to the story lines and characters, Smallville has garnered attention from the dedicated comic book audience as well as branching out and reaching a core teen audience. With stars like Tom Welling, Kristin Kruek, Allison Mack, Erica Durance and Michael Rosenbaum, it’s no wonder the teen audience has caught on.

The first nine seasons of Smallville can be purchased on DVD as we eagerly await the final chapter.

For A Young Audience: Superman The Animated Series (1996 – 2000)

When Warner Bros and DC Comics teamed up for the iconic Batman: The Animated Series, something amazing was discovered. Not only was the story telling a perfect meld of animation and traditionally paneled comic books, the show spoke to a young audience and introduced them to some of the super heroes their parents grew up on. The natural next step after the success of the Batman series was to create a series in the same vein for Superman. Superman: The Animated Series ran for four successful seasons on the WB and followed Clark Kent as he discovered some of his most famous enemies including Braniac and Lex Luthor. With voice talent from Tim Daly, Dana Delany and a host of other talented performers, Superman: The Animated Series was a hit for all ages.

All four seasons of Superman: The Animated Series can be purchased on DVD.

Toy Story 3

Finally, it’s here. After an 11-year wait, Toy Story 3 is upon us. I don’t know about you, but I’m damn excited to see this. The Toy Story movies are some of the most beloved of all the Disney/Pixar creations, and for good reason. What’s not to love about Buzz Lightyear, or Woody? This time around, the gang gets dropped into a day care center after their owner, Andy, departs for college. The plot may be simple enough, but with a host of new characters, Toy Story 3 is not going to disappoint you.

Jonah Hex

A science fiction/action movie based on a comic book starring Josh Brolin, John Malkovich, and Megan Fox? Hell yeah! Sign me up! The trailers look great, and although we’re sure to be treated to the one-dimensional acting talents of Fox, Jonah Hex is going to be one of those movies that you walk in to, shut your brain off, and just enjoy the ride. Explosions, special effects, and Malkovich as the villain, this one is going to be a crowd pleaser for sure. Not to mention Josh Brolin, who is no slouch in the acting department. Yup, this weekend, revenge gets ugly.

Now, we can all go there, or at least get as close to it as possible beyond the books and films, thanks to Disney Orlando and Universal Studios. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is officially open to the public as of June 18, 2010, and people are already spending upwards of 90 minutes in line to enjoy the various attractions.

You will be shelling out the big bucks, so make sure your wallet is heavily padded before visiting the park. A one day pass will cost around $79.00 for adults and $69.00 for kids. If you buy two theme park tickets to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure (where the Wizarding World attraction is hosted,) plan to spend about $109.00for adults and $99.00 for kids.

Seems expensive, but for the chance to traipse through Hogsmeade, enjoy a mug of butter beer and visit Hogwarts, I’m justifying it in my mind as a memory of a lifetime investment.

For more information, including directions and park hours, visit the official website.

Here’s a short video from June 18, of the earliest visitors lining up to enjoy the park.

So there I was, in my car and confronted with the reality that Rodriguez Cabrillo High School next to me was currently home to the filming company of Fox’s musical hit, Glee.  I was also in Long Beach, which meant I wanted to keep driving.  No offense LB.  Education has been an important character in more film and television productions than I could possibly list here.  We’ve all done it, we all know it, and when we see the awkward social interactions of teenagers, there is an immediate emotional connection to us and the 28 year old actors pretending they’re bummed about their Algebra final especially when they still have no date to the prom.  It’s relatable, or something.

One of my favorite teen angst dramas was My So-Called Life.  Angela and company attended Liberty High School in the show which was actually University High School in West Los Angeles.  “Uni” as it’s known, is a bit of a super high school in the entertainment world.  Appearing in over a dozen feature films like 1999′s Jawbreaker, UHS has played a major role in such TV shows as Joan of Arcadia, 7th Heaven, Even Stevens, and Arrested Development.  But if you really want to see a time capsule of the school, check out Shout! Factory’s DVDs of the classic Room 222.  Maybe you’ll spot a young Mark Hamill!

Arguably the most famous of the “actor high schools” is Torrance High conveniently located in Torrance, CA.   Numerous film crews have invaded the home of the Tartars (they must love fish and chips?) including She’s All That, Not Another Teen Movie, Wild Things 3, and the classic Less Than Zero, but TV has no doubt provided THS with all the necessary funding for its music department over the years.  Buffy the Vampire Slayer walked the courtyard at Torrance until later days when Cal State Northridge stepped in as both Sunnydale and Dawn’s college campus.  Currently Medium represents the school on TV, but it is one of the most famous casts of high school students ever that elevates Torrance into the boob tube hall of fame.  I am talking, of course, about Beverly Hill 90210.  Yeah yeah, that new 90210 films there too, but who cares when you can walk down the same West Beverly High stair case where Brandon so deftly avoided Andrea’s awkward advances!  I don’t even know how the students there get any work done.

What about all you High School Musical fans?  I know you want to walk in the footsteps of your favorite Wildcats, but it might be a bigger task than you first thought.  First of all, you’re gonna want to cancel those tickets to New Mexico and head north to Salt Lake City where East High School served as the primary back drop for Disney’s mega franchise.  Don’t stop though, book it over to nearby Murray High School to relive your favorite drama class moments in their auditorium.  When you’re all done, a walking tour of Salt Lake City will no doubt give your inner fanatic plenty of picture opportunities.

Tired of California and the home of Veronica Mars, Oceanside High School?  Neither am I, but feel free to drive past UNC Wilmington if you want to see the Capeside High of Dawson’s Creek days.  The area also hosts One Tree Hill, so keep the camera ready.  Looking for exotic?  Well, nothing says mysterious like Canada!  Degrassi Jr. High used Vincent Massey Public School in Etobicoke, Ontario, birthplace of Dave Foley.  Degrassi: The Next Generation opted for nearby Centennial College.  On the other side of the great white north you can swing by New Westminster Secondary and pay homage to the television legacy of Johnny Depp and 21 Jump Street.

And yes, I hear your screeching young ladies.  If you want Gossip Girl, just walk around Manhattan.

There is plenty more where all this came from, as well as shipping containers full of high schools built on sound stages.  Look up your favorite show and you just might be surprised to see where they called home room.  One last tip though, if you swing by, don’t do it during school hours.  Those underpaid yard narcs can get cranky!

In 1969, Rogers addressed the U.S. Senate to fight Public Broadcasting budget cuts proposed by President Nixon. In this video, Rogers speaks passionately about the need to provide children with positive programming and his experience as a child entertainment provider in both the United States and Canada.

After giving goosebumps to tough guy, Senator Pastori, Rogers went on to share a song he wrote about how to deal with anger in a positive way.

This video, as dated as it may be, gave me chills as I watched it. It reminded me how important Mr. Rogers was to me as a child, and how I anxiously awaited sharing his show with my own daughter when she was old enough to watch.

I think it’s safe to say after watching this, Mr. Rogers single handedly saved childrens’ programming on PBS. I’m awfully glad he did.

Coming in August 2011, Papa Smurf and his band of tiny blue forest dwellers are not only coming to the big screen, but they’ll be heading into the city…in 3D. Not just any city, but New York City. Until now, The Smurfs have only existed in a medieval setting, among knights, kings and a variety of magical creatures.

So, how did The Smurfs get into the modern era? By stumbling through a strange portal in the forest during a blue moon. My first question was whether or not my favorite villain, the alchemist Gargamel, would make an appearance. Sure enough, it was Gargamel’s antics that drove the little blue dudes into the city.

Do we need a Smurf movie? Probably not, but at least it will introduce a whole new generation of kids to one of the greatest cartoons ever made. It gives me hope that I’ll be able to start collecting the original series on DVD… because I’m a dork like that.

Sony Entertainment will also be releasing the trailer this Thursday, so be sure to this post later in the week for an update.

Griffin got into show business at the age of 19, as a radio singer on the San Francisco Sketchbook. Freddy Martin heard Merv Griffin on the show and asked him to tour with his orchestra. Griffin toured with them for four years.

He then started Panda Records. The record label was the first American record label to record on magnetic tape. Griffin shot to fame with the 1950 hit I’ve Got a Lovely Bunch of Coconuts, which soared to the top of the charts.

Doris Day discovered Griffin at one of his nightclub performances and got him a screen test with Warner Brothers. The screen test led to a variety of supporting roles in many musicals. One of these was So This is Love in 1953. The film caused a controversy when Griffin shared an open-mouthed kiss with co-star Kathryn Grayson. This kiss was a first in film history since the introduction of the Production Code in 1934.

He would go on to star in many other films, such as The Boy from Oklahoma and Phantom of the Rue Morgue. Griffin moved to TV as the host of Play Your Hunch in 1958. ABC then asked Griffin to host a prime time show called Keep Talking. For the next decade or so, Griffin would host a myriad of game shows including; Word for Word, Let’s Play Post Office, Reach for the Stars and One in a Million.

By the mid 1960s, Griffin decided he would try his hand at a talk show and The Merv Griffin Show was born. The Merv Griffin Show was on the air for 21 years and won 11 Emmy Awards during that time. He was not shy about controversial subjects. His guest ranged from politicians to actors and entertainers.

CBS offered Griffin a late night talk show in 1969. The show ran opposite of Johnny Carson. CBS was uncomfortable with Griffin’s views on taboo issues so he knew his time was ending and he signed a contract with Metromedia.  This gave him a syndicated day time talk show as soon as CBS canceled the late night show. The syndicated show ran into the 1980s.

Griffin created and produced some of TV’s longest running game shows. Some of these shows include; Jeopardy! In 1964 and Wheel of Fortune in 1975.

He was treated for prostate cancer in 1996, and returned in 2007. He died on August 12, 2007 at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. Merv Griffin was buried in Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery and his headstone reads “I will not be right back after this message.”

Opened in October 2009, the museum sits in the historic Presidio of San Francisco, where the descendants of Disney live today. The first thing that separates the Disney Family Museum from the Disney theme parks is free parking.  The second explains the first, as it is not owned by the Walt Disney Company.  This is purely a creation of Walt’s clan and their non profit Walt Disney Family Foundation, although the two entities do work closely together.  Therefore, it is open to a less glossy approach to his life and work, revealing even the darker moments of the company.

When you arrive, you will enter a hall filled with Walt’s awards.  Hundreds of them. Trophies, plaques, proclamations, ribbons, medals, you name it, you will see it.  There are Emmy Awards, Grammies, honors from virtually every major film festival and recognition from international film societies.  But the most impressive case is the one containing all of Walt’s Academy Awards.  Walt holds the record for both Oscar nominations (59) and wins (26) and all of his statues are present at the museum including the honorary award given to Snow White in 1939.  It is a large trophy featuring one normal size Oscar statue (representing Snow herself) and seven little statuettes for each of the dwarfs.  It is a one of a kind piece of movie history.

Once inside, you will follow a winding path through the retrofitted brick building (a former army barracks) revealing every step of Walt’s story.  In fact, the first room doesn’t even concern Walt, but rather his grandparents!  The thorough examination continues, but is never boring.  The museum is cutting edge throughout, featuring motion sensors that begin playback of sound and video as you approach, giant touch screen consoles that let you peruse virtual books, interactive exhibits, and enough LCD TV’s to fill a dozen Best Buys!

And of course you will see truck loads of animation cells, maquettes, hand written letters, movie posters both real and digital, and all the other normal trappings of a history museum, but you can’t take pictures of any of it due to copyright issues.  Blast!  I really would’ve loved to shown you the Disney Co. hierarchy flow chart where all roads led back to Walt!  It was hilarious.

Filled with film and television history, my favorite part of the museum is after you pass the large window and you spiral down into what was once the courtyard of the building.  Here you will find a giant model of Disneyland as well as a 40 foot tall wall with “old timey” TV sets showing a variety of the live action programming from The Wonderful World of Disney TV show. There is the actual small scale train that Walt rode around his property, a Circle Vision camera, and some fun clips of live action Disney films playing all around.  This is when you go from modern museum to the more familiar glitz of Disney in the 50s and 60s.  By the time you get to the TV set showing old clips of reports on the death of Walt Disney, the experience has been quite an incredible ride.

Other highlights include one of only three remaining original Disney multiplane cameras which is visible in both the gift shop and through a glass ceiling in the museum proper.  Another technical marvel is the (and forgive me I forget the exact name) composting camera that allowed movies like Freaky Friday to be born by layering images together on a single frame of film.  It was the predecessor to “green screen.”

And when I said they weren’t afraid to touch on the less glossy side of Disney, I wasn’t kidding.  Never to be found inside Disneyland are references in the museum to the studio strike of 1941 that even goes into detail about how the communist party was involved and a collection of anti Walt picket signs.  There is a corner of World War II memorabilia including anti Nazi propaganda and a cartoon pin-up of a naked girl drawn by Disney animators for a military publication.  If that wasn’t enough, there is a full case on one of the most controversial Disney features ever made, Song of the South.

Tickets are available online or at the museum and are “timed.”  Running $20 for adults (a good value for what you get to see), each ticket gives you a 15 minute window to enter the museum.  With so much to read and watch etc., this spreads out the guests, but I can’t imagine trying to get through all the exhibits on a busy day.  There’s just too much, so if you can, avoid weekends.

Also, give yourself plenty of time.  It took us nearly five hours to walk the whole thing!  Be sure to eat a good meal prior, as no food is allowed.  There is also only one bathroom and water fountain along the journey, so when you see it, take advantage.  And of course, there is a gift shop.

Why there is no major motion picture about Walt Disney yet confounds me on a weekly basis.  Thankfully, this museum is a treasure of facts and memorabilia about the man who helped change the face of film television many times over through his animation and later live action.  A ground breaking force in entertainment, the museum is a wonderful place to learn more about the man behind the mouse.  It is a true must see.

On tonight’s episode, when Malik’s (Larramie Doc Shaw) partner in crime makes an appearance, CJ (Allen Payne) protests. Elsewhere, Curtis (LaVan Davis) begins a barbershop business in the backyard. Following the 8:00 episode is another episode at 8:30! During the second episode, Tracie (Eva Pigford) unexpectedly visits the house, causing her motives to be questioned. Meanwhile, Curtis is enlisted as Janine (Demetria McKinney) and CJ’s babysitter.

I Didn’t Know I Was Pregnant (9:00 p.m. EST, TLC)

When I first starting hearing about women giving birth without having prior knowledge of being pregnant, I thought it was a joke. But this series shows that there are more cases like this out there than I first thought. Tonight’s episode discusses a woman who is on a boat at sea when she begins to experience intense abdominal cramps. Uh-oh! A baby’s coming!

Man v. Food (9:00 p.m. EST, TRAVEL)

Adam’s challenge tonight is to eat a 48-ounce steak in under 20 minutes at Miami’s Shula’s Steak House. I wonder if he’ll be able to do it…or if he’ll blow chunks before he can complete the mission. I’m willing to bet on the latter being the case.

Baxter was born in South Pasadena, California, on June 24, 1947, and is the youngest of three children. She had a long string of male relationships, most notably David Cassidy, who she dated for a short time in the late ’60s, and husbands David Birney, Bob Bush and Michael Blodgett, before she outed herself as a lesbian in 2009.  The mother of five children explained her sexual change of heart this way:

“I am a lesbian and it was a later-in-life recognition. Some people would say, well, you’re living a lie and, you know, the truth is — not at all. This has only been for the past seven years.”

In the early ’70s, Baxter hit it big with the short-lived sitcom Bridget Loves Bernie. Not only did the series give her name recognition, but it provided her with husband number two, David Birney, and the temporarily-hyphenated name Meredith Baxter-Birney. The comedy was a stepping stone to her portrayal of daughter Nancy on the drama Family, and later as the free-spirited mother, Elyse Keaton, on the much-loved career-building sitcom, Family Ties.

Baxter has worn the hats of movie actress, guest performer, producer and television host, over the course of her career, and is a champion of breast cancer research, after having been given a breast cancer diagnosis in 1999.

Baxter is slated to play the role of President Harriet Franklin in the 2010 movie Airline Disaster, and is currently in a relationship with building contractor Nancy Locke.

Yes! This is one of my favorite reality shows to watch. Instead of checking out catfights, cuss-outs and other drama, you can just sit back and laugh at some great (and some not-so-great) comedy. The seventh season premieres tonight, kicking off with auditions in Los Angeles. The Office’s Craig Robinson (you and I know him as Darryl) is the show’s new host, which tickles me pink.

Secret Life of the American Teenager (8:00 p.m. EST, ABCFAM)

The third season of this family drama begins tonight. Ben (Ken Baumann) suspects that Adrian (Francia Raisa) is lying about not being pregnant…so is she? Or isn’t she? Elsewhere, Ashley (India Eisley) talks to her doctor about birth control; Amy (Shailene Woodley) is confused by the way Ben is acting; and Jack (Greg Finley) finds out that his parents are moving.

Neighbors From Hell (10:00 p.m. EST, TBS)

I’m always on the lookout for new, hilarious animated series, and I think this promises to be one. On the series opener, you get to learn about a family that comes from hell. Really—hell, Hades, whatever you refer to it as. The Hellmans were sent to Earth to pose as a regular suburban family in Texas. What’s their mission? To stop humans from drilling into their hellish home.

Get Him to the Greek

From the folks that brought you Forgetting Sarah Marshall, The 40-Year Old Virgin, Knocked Up, and Funny People, comes this little comedy gem that looks too outrageous not to be funny. It’s the story of a record company intern who has three days to drag a uncooperative rock legend to a comeback concert in Hollywood. Sound funny? It probably is.

Splice

Okay, I’m all for movies that explore human DNA and the repercussions that go along with crazy, mad scientist experiments, but I don’t know about this one. Splice looks like a cross between Species and Jurassic Park, only without the dinosaurs. I don’t really care much for Adrien Brody, and while I do enjoy the acting talents of Canadian Sarah Polley, it’s a safe bet that I won’t be rushing to the theaters this weekend to check out Splice, which I’m sure will be heavy on effects and weak on plot.

Marmaduke

Okay, I know what you’re thinking. Marmaduke? Really? While I have some of the same reservations you do about this one, I’ve still been looking forward to seeing one of my favorite childhood comic strips come to the big screen for quite some time. With Owen Wilson, Emma Stone, George Lopez, Jeremy Piven, and Kiefer Sutherland, Marmaduke probably won’t be the greatest cinematic experience of all time, but it’s sure to deliver on the laughs, and it’s something you can take the kids to see, so what’s wrong with that?

Killers

Oh Ashton Kutcher, won’t you ever stop making movies? No? Damn. Well, at least you have a hot sidekick in this one by way of Katherine Heigl. That’s something, at least. Killers may seem like a Mr. & Mrs. Smith rip-off, but it’s not. That still doesn’t make it right, though. Alas, I’m sure the girls will flock to see this one, and drag their boyfriends along with them. Sorry guys. Look, just tell her you have to go to the bathroom and sneak in to see Get Him to the Greek instead. Sound good? Yeah, I got your back.

The 10^th Kingdom tells the story of a father and daughter from New York City who get transported into a world of fairy tales through a magic mirror. A prince from the fairy tale world has been transformed into a dog and he travels through a traveling mirror to New York City (The 10^th Kingdom). The evil queen sends out three trolls and a half-wolf half-man creature to capture the prince. The dog is found by the daughter, Virginia and then dog, father and daughter travel back to help save the other nine kingdoms from the evil queen.

This miniseries pulls together many of the stories we grew up on. During their time in the fairy tale kingdoms, the main characters meet many characters we know from fairy tales such as Cinderella and Snow White.

The 10^th Kingdom is full of special effects, mythical creatures and awesome costumes. This miniseries is one of the top miniseries the entire family can enjoy.

Many famous actors and actresses took part in The 10^th Kingdom. Some of them include Kimberly Williams, John Larroquette, Scott Cohen, Dianne Wiest, Rutger Hauer, Ed O’Neal, Camryn Manheim, Ann-Margret, and Warwick Davis.

The 10^th Kingdom did not receive high ratings in the initial airing. However, VHS, DVD, soundtrack and novel, based on the original screenplay, sales have tripled the cross of the miniseries.

Check out the video introduction here.

Hot Movie Releases

Alice in Wonderland

Johnny Depp and Tim Burton get together like long-lost lovers to do yet another film together. This time around it’s a retelling of the classic Alice in Wonderland tale. In the theaters it was in 3D, but don’t expect that on the small screen. It really doesn’t make a difference, if you must know, because 15 minutes in I was fast asleep with those over-sized Ray Bans on, snoring away. What I saw of the film was mediocre at best, and nothing new from the guys that brought you Sleepy Hollow, Edward Scissorhands, Sweeney Todd, and a bunch of other surreal films that you have to be on acid to really appreciate.

The Wolfman

I had high hopes for this one when I first heard about it. I was psyched not only because I love the classic Universal monsters, but also because my friend, Jonathan Maberry, was turning the screenplay into a novel (he since went on to become a NYT bestseller because of it). Benicio del Toro does a great job as Lawrence Talbot, and Anthony Hopkins is superb as always, but the film overall is a bit lacking, and seems to drag on toward the end when it should have called it quits about 20 minutes sooner. All-in-all, a good watch, but definitely a rental.

TV on DVD

Burn Notice: Season 3

What can you say about Bruce Campbell? He’s great in everything he does, and Burn Notice is no exception. Also starring Jeffrey Donovan and Gabrielle Anwar, the show that takes an ex-spy and plops him into everyday life  in order to help others is back for a third season. Man, I have some catching up to do.

Scarface

Channel: BET
Time: Friday, May 28, 2010, 6:30 PM CT

A Cuban immigrant decides to make his way to the top of Miami’s drug trade, leaving a wake of bodies in his path.

The Godfather, Part II

Channel: IONDTVP
Time: Saturday, May 28, 2010 5:00 PM CT

Michael Corleone rules his father’s criminal empire. The story also tells of how Vito climbed his way to power.

The Godfather, Part III

Channel: Ion
Time: Saturday, May 29, 2010, 7:00 PM CT

This is the third installment of The Godfather Trilogy that tells the story of the Corleone family’s reign as the mob kings in New York.

The Godfather

Channel: WPIX (CW)
Time: Sunday, May 30, 2010, 12:00 PM CT

Marlon Brando stars as Vito Corleone, a New York Crime boss, trying to rule his Empire with the help of his sons played by Al Pacino and James Caan.

Donnie Brasco

Channel: FLIXe
Time: Sunday, May 30, 2010, 8:00 PM CT

Detective Joe Pistone, goes undercover as a gangster in order to infiltrate the mob.

Casino

Channel: CINEMAX
Time: Tuesday, June 1, 2010, 1:20AM CT

Ace Rothstein (Robert De Niro) is a gambler, looking to get his piece of 1960s Las Vegas. The Kansas City Mafia hires Ace as the manager of the Tangiers.
Set your DVR or schedule time to enjoy these awesome mob films, because what’s Memorial without family?