New location

I don't know that anyone's still reading this thing, but in any case, I've moved the blog to Wordpress.

Harper's Island

CBS's thriller "Harper's Island" moved to its new time tonight at 8 p.m. central, quite possibly to gain more viewers.

The mini-series has only aired four episodes, but I still only know three of the characters and hadn't made a point to remember them until tonight's episode.

Intially, I thought it would be an interesting mystery, but only in that "I know this isn't going to be particularly good and definitely not scary" kind of way.

I usually don't mind watching these kind of things, despite my low expectations of them. Most things labeled "horror" or "thriller" generally aren't too good anyway. The last mini-series I watched was ABC's "Kingdom Hospital" - don't get me started on the ending.

"Harper's Island" - from what I can tell - is basically about the wedding (and days leading to) of Henry and Trish. It takes place on Harper's Island where some people, including the main character (I guess you could call her that) Abby's mom, were hanged from trees.

Abby moved away to LA after the deaths (don't they all), and surprised everyone by returning for her best friend Henry's wedding, whom she seems to have more-than-best-friend feelings for. The freak murderer was thought to be dead but is alive and still killing people, and won't stop until he has Abby.

I think most of the murder plot was shown in the second episode, which I seemed to miss chunks of. I can't decide if it's even worth watching online to catch up.

The storyline is kind of slow and tends to focus more on the inner dramas of the wedding party, but, needless to say, I'll keep watching it to - if nothing else - find out what happens at the end, or at least listen to the background music, hoping for more The Kooks and Kaiser Chiefs like in past episodes.

The Killers Ready To Take Down Zeppelin and Nirvana

The Killers' frontman Brandon Flowers told NME he's ready to knock bands like Led Zeppelin and Nirvana off of their pedestals.

The Las Vegas four-piece has been better accepted in the UK than their homeland, Flowers said. In the US, people are "still so obsessed with Led Zeppelin and Nirvana."

"There are a lot of great bands that have been confined by the infuence of these people that we've put up on pedestals," he said. "I'm tired of it, you know? I just want to knock them all off! And people don't like that attitude."

The band wants to grow to be better performers and hope to top their previous gigs with their upcoming festival performances, he said.

And while the new songs they've written so far may not make the studio cut, Flowers says they still have more powerful choruses for their fourth album.

"I don't want to say too much, but we've got a couple bangers in the can!"

New Twitter Search

Twitter added a search bar in the right-hand column of user accounts, as well as recent popular searches.

'Icky Muck' Sticks in Head

Muck Sticky's song "The Icky Muck" is one of the most annoyingly catchy songs, and has been stuck in my head all day.

A few days ago I saw it on MTV's morning segment of music videos (the only time they ever play them, I think). The song is just so ridiculous and cringe-worthy, but the audience in the video seems to eat it up.

I'll admit I do like the line "Throw your hands up in the air/ Let me see you dancin' like Fred Astaire" simply because it's better than "Throw your hands in the air/ Wave 'em like you just don't care."

But I definitely would not miss this song if it just disappeared now.

Bonnaroo Additions

More artists were added to the Bonnaroo lineup, including Ben Solee, Justin Townes Earle, Cotton Jones, Phoenix, The Features, and more.

I wonder what the chances are that Kings of Leon will be added later (wink, wink).

'Slumdog' Kids Still Stuck in Slums

"Slumdog Millionaire" child actors Rubina Ali and Azharuddin Mohammed are still stuck in real-life slums, living in shacks along with rats and scorpions, despite having starred in an Oscar-winning movie.

First, Rubina's dad tried to sell her, saying that the family hadn't received anything from the "Slumdog" film.

But the filmmakers say they've been helping and have even created trusts for the two child actors, in addition to donating $747,500 to a charity to help other kids in Mumbai.

The families have reportedly been shown several new homes, but rejected them because they were too far from where they are currently living.

So, is this really an issue of these child actors and their families not having a Hollywood ending? And, should the filmmakers even be responsible for their well-being?

Sure, it would be bad to make a film depicting the slums in Mumbai and doing nothing to help the living conditions of those in real-life slums. But, to what extent should these filmmakers assist?

The Horrors' New Video

British quintent The Horrors have release their newest single "Who Can Say" from their upcoming second album Primary Colours.

The video kind of reminds me of Sid Vicious's rendition of "My Way," which is probably just because there's a stage, and frontman Faris "Rotter" Badwan is wearing a white coat and black pants.

Anyway, this new video continues where the first single "Sea Within A Sea" left off. I'm really intrigued to hear what the rest of the album sounds like (although, I'm still trying to decide whether or not to listen to the record's stream on the band's site).

I like their first album, Strange House, but based on the current singles and record reviews, the two albums are almost incomparable. The Horrors seem to have ditched the organ sounds and adopted more synth instrumentation.

Badwan said the band didn't want to repeat the first record, and it appears they got what they wanted.

Daisy of Love

VH1's show about seasonal romance "Daisy of Love" premiered tonight, featuring "Rock of Love 2" reject Daisy de la Hoya.

As with all the other "love" shows on VH1, Daisy's love quest isn't any different. In fact, it's almost like watching another "Rock of Love," but this time Bret Michaels has implants and lip injections.

New Moon

Entertainment Tonight's third segment of behind-the-scenes look at "Twilight" sequel, "New Moon," reveals three not-so-secret things about the film.

1. More Edward - Duh. With the Edward mania that's been going on since the first movie, it's only obvious that the filmmakers would put Robert Pattinson, the actor who plays Edward, in the film more than he actually appears in the book.

2. Edward shows a darker side - Of course, because he left Bella to keep her safe, but she puts herself in more danger without him.

3. There's a love triangle - C'mon.

Anyone who's bothered to read the books, or even looked up synopses online, should know all of these "secrets." And, the only people really watching these ET installments, or even care, are people who already know about the series.

Great Lake Swimmers in Honda Commercial

The Toronto band has become commercial (literally) with their song "See You On The Moon!" featured in Honda's Insight ad.

A part of me was excited when I first heard this lovely ditty on the tube, since it gets heavy rotation on my music player. But, the elitist in me thinks it's another indie gem that's lost to hungry hipsters who are ready to sink their teeth into the next "new" thing.

On the brightside, it's one less commercial for me to dislike.

"Golden Girls" Star Dies

Actress Bea Arthur died today at age 86.

Lollapalooza Lineup Announced

The Lollapalooza lineup is announced.

Musical acts like Depeche Mode, The Killers, TV On The Radio, Kaiser Chiefs, Arctic Monkeys, Kings of Leon, Peter Bjorn and John, and more will be playing the 3-day music festival in Chicago at the beginning of August.

Dad Tries To Sell 'Slumdog' Daughter

Nine-year-old "Slumdog Millionaire" actress Rubina Ali's father tried to sell her for $300,000 to undercover reporters from British newspaper News of the World.

Rafiq Qureshi said he was doing it to get Rubina and his family out of the real-life Mumbai slums.

“I have to consider what's best for me, my family and Rubina's future,” he told an undercover reporter who posed as a fake sheik.

Rafiq said he and his family "got nothing out of (the Oscar-winning 'Slumdog Millionaire') film."

He wanted to cash in on his daughter's movie success by holding out for the highest bidder and planned on selling her to a wealthy Middle Eastern family.

"The child is special now. This is NOT an ordinary child. This is an Oscar child!" Mohiuddin, Rafiq's brother, said.

'Harry Potter' Scheduled For Earlier Release

"Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" is set to release a whopping two days earlier on July 15, Warner Bros. head of distribution Dan Fellman told Associated Press.

"Every day the kids are out of school in summer is just like an extra Saturday," he said.

The movie's release was originally scheduled for November 21, 2008, but was moved to July 17, 2009, to take advantage of the "summer window," in which more people are likely to attend movies.

And if the initial push-back of "HBP" release was too much, fans will have to wait out the similarly long gap between the first installment of the final film, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," on November 2010 to the second installment on July 2011.

Happy Record Store Day!

Today's the day dedicated to supporting local, indie record shops. And Best Buy doesn't count.

Check out Record Store Day.com to see the stores nearest you.

Jackson's Auction Canceled

The auction of Michael Jackson memorabilia that was scheduled for next week was canceled Tuesday, after a settlement was reached between Jackson and Julien's Auction House.

Items, including the single white glove from the "Billie Jean" music video, will be returned to the King of Pop, according to Reuters.

Fans, who can view the public exhibit, were concerned Jackson's belongings would go to individual bidders. But there may be a permanent public home for Peter Pan, Cleopatra paintings, and bejewelled jackets for fans to enjoy.

The Collection of Michael Jackson catalogs can be viewed at the Julien's Auction Website.

Miley's Tattoo Bandages

From TV to movies to ... on your boo-boos?

Miley Cyrus (or, her Disney doppelgänger Hannah Montana) now has her image - quite literally - plastered to kids, thanks to Nexcare tattoo waterproof bandages.

Perhaps Cyrus has created a new milestone for celebrities' ranking of fame: you haven't made it until your face is helping to protect someone's wound.

Actor Puts 'Pot' In 'Harry Potter'

Crabbe ... ahem, "Harry Potter" actor Jamie Waylett was caught with marijuana and could face up to 14 years in jail, according to New York Daily News.

The 19-year-old actor was arrested after officers allegedly found eight bags of marijuana in his car. Police later raided his London home and seized about $2,900 worth of cannabis, including 10 mature plants.

Keane Makes Webcast History

The British trio made Internet history, performing live in Abbey Studios, today in the first 3D webcast.

Fans could watch them with 3D glasses, which they could've made with instructions on the band's site (the band didn't go as far as actually handing any specs out).

Keyboardist Tim Rice-Oxley told BBC he thinks more bands will make live 3D broadcasts in the future.

"I think the key is making the performance feel just as exciting as when you're at Brixton Academy or whatever, being in that room, and I think the 3D thing is a step towards that.

"Yeah, I think it's the future."

'Wild Things' Come To Life

Maurice Sendak's children's book Where The Wild Things Are is coming to the big screen October 16.

The movie, produced by Tom Hanks, will show this picture book's fans real characters - people and wild things alike. After all, like the trailer says, inside all of us is a wild thing.

P.S. Did anyone catch Karen O's credited with the music?

Björk Joins Led Zeppelin

Björk is Led Zep's new singer?

No, no, no. The Iceland singer just pulled a fast one.

April Fool's!

Dan Seals Dies

Pop and country singer Dan Seals, 61, lost his battle to cancer.

TLC's New Addition

"Table for 12," featuring the Hayes family, premiered this Monday on TLC. Are TV programs about large-size families making families with multiples or those with growing numbers lose their appeal?

Last.fm's Radio Change

Online music community website last.fm will charge users in some countries €3.00 a month listen to its radio because ads aren't selling.

Users in the United States, United Kingdom, and Germany will not be affected by the last.fm radio charge.

"Everything else on Last.fm (scrobbling, recommendations, charts, biographies, events, videos etc.) will remain free in all countries, like it is now," last.fm staff member Richard Jones wrote.

Twilight DVD Release

Sanguivoriphobiacs and Twilighters (though "fanpire" sounds more fun) alike are anticipating tomorrow's release of the Twilight DVD.

Whether you're hoarding garlic or exposing your neck, Stephenie Meyers's vampires (and humans) are coming.

Having Fun Isn't Hard When You've Got A Library Card

Hey, MTSU students, there's a special place where you don't have to pay for books, where Twain, Austen, Hemingway, Wharton, and, yes, even Rowling wait in anticipation on the shelves.

MTSU students can now check out more books from the Walker Library! Undergraduates can check out up to 20 books, and graduates 50.

Now, this may not be all too appealing since not every textbook required for class can be found in this literary utopia. But everyone's brain needs a break from Freudian theories and quadratic equations now and then, right?

Still not buying the "reading for fun" thing, and would rather be on social networking sites for recreation than exercising your eyeballs more than necessary? Well, there are - believe it or not - spots like LibraryThing and Goodreads where you can build your online library.

LibraryThing is somewhat limited, but Goodreads allows you to create bookshelves. You can keep track of what you've read, are currently reading, and want to read. What's more, you can track your reading progress by page numbers.

So, if you want to take a break from Aristotle and "Dancing with the Stars," why not spend your cerebral downtime with Melville and the gang?

Or, you can just pretend to be a literati and add a bunch of books just to spite any of the top readers.

Klosterman at MTSU

Media journalist and author Chuck Klosterman spoke at MTSU today about pop culture and its place in our lives.

Klosterman opened his sort-of-kind-of lecture by talking about his disliking his iPhone. He compared it to a futon, saying its non-telephoning functions are subpar, and an accidentally pressed button was the reason for his not having any lecture notes.

He was more interested in what the audience wanted to talk about, anyway, he said.

Klosterman said he knew the audience was broken down into several groups: fans, those who've heard of him, those who don't have anything better to do, and those getting extra credit for a class.

"Judging by the laughter, I'd say a large percentage of you are in that last group," he said.

One of the main questions he gets asked by students, he said, is "how do I get your job/life?"

"There is no normal, or right way, to be what you want to be, whatever that is," he said. Success has a lot to do with chance, location and time. Opportunities will eventually come along, he said, and you have to be ready to take them when they do.

Nick, and Joe, and Kevin! Oh My!

Just when you thought you couldn't get enough of those breathy-singing brothers that cause almost every adolescent girl and her mother to hyperventilate, they're back, but this time on your TV set.

Starting in May, you will be able to see the threesome in their own comedy series on the Disney Channel.

No, you didn't misread that. The JoBros will be starring in a new series that seems to be a more scripted version of their musical lives, but with a laugh track.

Maybe Miley Cyrus's photo faux pas needs to be toned down by Disney's addition of these three promise-ring wearing brows - I mean, bros.

Death to Virgins (Stores, That Is)

The six remaining US Virgin Megastores will be closing by June.

A New 'Late Night'

Last night NBC's "Late Night" began with its new host, Jimmy Fallon.

Previous host Conan O'Brien made an appearance in an opening sketch, before Fallon's monologue, which was redolent of a "Saturday Night Live" Weekend Update.

The show's first guest was actor Robert De Niro, followed by singer Justin Timberlake. Watch out, Conan.

Lily Allen Upset with New York Times

British singer Lily Allen posted on her MySpace that the New York Times sold photos of her in her home to "tabloidy" OK! Magazine without her permission.

Allen said she's been trying to avoid this kind of photo redistribution by having magazines sign contracts when she has photo shoots, but apparently slipped with the Times.

"It’s one thing posing for a picture fro [The New York Times] and wholly another letting OK into your house, and I didn’t even get paid," she wrote.

Augustana Rocks Tucker Theater

Augustana took to the Tucker Theater stage at MTSU tonight after Steve Moakler and his band opened for them.

Augustana opened their set with "Dust" from their latest album "Can't Love, Can't Hurt." The rest of the set contained songs from both "Can't Love, Can't Hurt" and the band's debut record "All The Stars And Boulevards," peppered with covers of songs from Muddy Waters, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers and Big Joe Williams.

Frontman Dan Layus playfully teased the audience's silence between songs.

You get so quiet so fast, he said.

With some encouragement from Layus the audience got to its feet and joined in rhythm claps with the band members.

The California-based band grew up surfing and skateboarding, Layus said, but like playing southern blues songs.

"I don't know why we do it, but you all seem to make us feel OK about it," he said. "You humor us very well."

More photos here, and videos here.

U2 Writing for Broadway

U2's Bono and The Edge are writing music and lyrics for the Broadway musical Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark that opens February 2010.

First of all, Spider-Man is going to Broadway?

Could musicals be another outlet for current musicians, or is this just a way for the guys of U2 (half of them, anyway) to be eligible for yet another award?

Vince Gill Speaks to MTSU Students and Made Professor

Country singer-songwriter Vince Gill was recognized as an honorary professor in MTSU Department of Recording Industry (sorry, low quality) and performed "The Key to Life" during his visit to the university today.

Gill talked to MTSU students about writing songs, playing music, and the importance of listening.

Being a great musician isn't just knowing what to play, it's knowing what not to play, he said.

For songwriters and musicians, words should be the paint to a picture, he said, which makes some things more real than the way they are seen.

Ledger's Posthumous Oscar Win

Would Heath Ledger have won his Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in "The Dark Knight" had he been alive?

From Movies to Races

"School of Rock" writer and actor Mike White joins his father Mel in CBS's fourteenth season of "Amazing Race" as one of the 11 teams competing in a race around the world.

U2's New Album Leaked

U2's new album No Line On The Horizon is to release March 3, but was available for digital download earlier this week when Universal Music Australia accidentally put the album up online.

The mistake was fixed but some of those who managed to download the album legally are sharing them illegally on file sharing sites.

Miley Cyrus Getting Sued for Slant-Eyed Photo

Lucie J. Kim filed a lawsuit against Cyrus for $4 million.

A Chris Brown Beat-down

Singer Chris Brown was arrested after allegedly attacking an unidentified woman, whom some suspect may have been Brown's singer girlfriend Rihanna, since they both didn't attend Sunday's Grammy Awards.

The Next (Drag) Queen Bee: RuPaul's TV competition

Logo's newest reality television show, "RuPaul's Drag Race," features nine contestants competing for the title of America's Next Drag Queen Superstar, hosted by drag queen celebrity RuPaul.

In the show's first episode "Drag on a Dime," the competing drag queens posed for a car wash photo shoot and created outfits, using thrift-store materials.

In, what looked like a soft-glowing/blurrier version of "America's Next Top Model," the contestants faced the judges, strutting their stuff on a small catwalk.

The bottom-two drag queens then had a lip-synch showdown to RuPaul's song "Supermodel (You Better Work)," in which contestant Victoria "Pork Chop" Parker was defeated and made to sashay away from the competition.

"RuPaul's Drag Race" airs on Mondays at 10 p.m. ET on Logo.

Jessica Simpson's Concert Cry

Singer Jessica Simpson "teared up" during a concert, after having trouble singing, and asked the Lord to help her finish, a concert attendee said.

Phoenix: From Johnny Cash to Public Enemy

"Walk the Line" actor Joaquin Phoenix says his rap career isn't a hoax.

Could he be the next K. Fed?

All the Single ... Babies?: A Beyonce-dancing Toddler

Beyonce's music video for "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)" has gotten several viewers dancing, including toddler Arianna.

The bootylicious dance moves have been imitated by men, women, and animations.

But it's Arianna's version that has viewers wondering whether Beyonce's bumps and grinds are appropriate for younger audiences, and debating if the toddler's rendition is "cute or disturbing."