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Nov30
Evel Knievel Makes Final Jump - Dies at 69

Stuntman Evel Knievel died Friday at the age of 69. Knievel was the consummate showman and marketer, using all sorts of weird obstacles and obstruction to jump his motorcycle over. More than once he came close to death performing his risky stunts.

Knievel jumped over cars, buses, the Snake River Canyon in Idaho and live sharks, among other things.

The most attention Knievel got, and what he is probably most remembered for was his attempt to jump the Snake River Canyon in 1974. He used a rocket-powered motorcycle for the attempt. His extraordinary crash as Caesars Palace was also etched in the memories of those enamored with his antics.

According to Billy Rundel, a Knievel friend and promoter, he had trouble breathing at his condominium and died before an ambulance was able to get to the hospital.

Knievel is survived by his four children Kelly, Robbie, Tracey and Alicia; 10 grandchildren and a great-grandchild.

Caesar's Palace

Snake River Canyon

 

Jumping Over Cars in Portland

 

Nov29
Disney Increasing Dividend After Strong Quarter
Shareholders of Disney (DIS), while probably not surprised, will be happy to learn that the company has increased its dividend again by 0.4 percent, something they've done over the last several years. The increase was equal to 12.9 percent, or... Continue Reading
ABC and Writers Guild of America East Reach Tentative Agreement
It only took about three years, but the two sides almost got it done, as the ABC (DIS) network and Writers Guild of America East reached a tentative agreement for a new contract. The contract is subject being ratified by... Continue Reading
Warner Music's Profits Plunge by 58% in Fourth Quarter
The fourth-quarter results for Warner Music Group Corp. (WMG) continue to mirror the problems facing the music industry, as net income plunged by 58 percent for the period ending September 30.The net income came in at $5 million for the... Continue Reading
Imus Back on Radio Monday Morning. Will it be the Revenge of the I-Man?
When Don Imus made his politically incorrect statements that resulted in his being fired from his long time stint at CBS (CBS-A), the people he had helped out a lot abandoned him at one of the most important times of... Continue Reading
Broadway Stagehands Strike Ends, Cost New York City $38 Million
The stagehand strike has ended after 19 days, which ended up costing New York City approximately $2 million a day, and $38 million overall.While there was a lot of excitement at the announcement, especially by tourists hoping to see a... Continue Reading
Nov28
Eric Clapton's "Crossroad's Guitar Festival" on PBS was Great Entertainment
The PBS special tonight featuring Eric Clapton's Crossroad's Guitar Festival was fantastic. While everything was tremendous, it was my first chance to see Tal Wilkenfeld, the young immigrant from Australia who plays a mean bass guitar. I include the performance... Continue Reading
Alex Pettyfer too old to play in next "Stormbreaker"
The author of the "Stormbreaker" book series Anthony Horowitz has come to the conclusion that Alex Pettyfer is too old to reprise the role of Alex Rider in the film series. Horowitz says the actor, who is now 17-years-old, has... Continue Reading
"High School Musical 3" Probably Shooting in Spring says Director Kenny Ortega
The continuing story of the highly popular Disney franchise "High School Musical," will probably start shooting in the spring, says director and choreographer Kenny Ortega. This will be the third installment of the series.While Ortega obviously won't reveal the story... Continue Reading
The Winner of the "Dancing with the Stars" Finale is...
First a word from our sponsors ... Hey, just kidding! In a tight competition on the final night, Helio Castroneves won the competition, dancing the Quickstep with Julianne Hough. They paired off against Melanie Brown and Maksim Chmerkovskiy, who danced... Continue Reading
Nov27
Grandma ... Reindeer Singer Gets Run Over by a Lawsuit
When you hear the name Elmo Shropshire, the idea of a singer that made millions from a song isn't the first thing that comes to your mind.Yet that's exactly what happened when the veterinarian Dr.Elmo Shropshire and wife Patsy singing... Continue Reading
"Last Call with Carson Daly" Resuming Production
NBC (GE) has decided to go ahead and resume production on "Last Call with Carson Daly," becoming the first network concerning a late-night talk show to do it since the writers strike began. Daly himself isn't a member of the Writers Guild,... Continue Reading
Washington Redskins' Sean Taylor Dies of Gunshot Wounds
Sean Taylor, the pro football player for the Washington Redskins who was shot at his home by an intruder, has died from his wounds today. Taylor was 24.His father said in a statement that "It is with deep regret that... Continue Reading
"Emeril Live" is Now Dead: Canceled After 10 Years
The Food Network has confirmed that Chef Emeril Lagasse, and his "Emeril Live" show will be dropped by the network. At this time his other show "The Essence of Emeril" is reportedly still on the schedule. The last Emeril Live... Continue Reading
Two Stuntman Hurt Shooting Adam Sandler's Latest Comedy
Two stuntman on the set of Adam Sandler's newest comedy were burned in an accident. One had first degree burns and the other third degree burns. One of the men had burns to the hands and legs, while the other... Continue Reading
Nov26
Fox Only Major Network Growing in Key 18-49 Demographic
Last year, Fox (NWS-A) executives said they wanted to be more competitive leading up to their blockbuster "American Idol" and "24" shows, that are scheduled for release in January. They've responded to the challenge in the key 18-49 age group,... Continue Reading
Jeff Robinov Heading Warner Bros. Pictures Group
Warner Bros. has shuffled its movie operations and created a new division caled Warner Bros. Pictures Group, which will include all aspects of operations under one rood; including film production, marketing and distribution.Leading the new unit will be President Jeff... Continue Reading
"Quiet Riot" Frontman Kevin DuBrow Dead at 52
A simple announcement on Quiet Riot drummer Frankie Banali's Website says it all: "I can't even find words to say," he wrote. "Please respect my privacy as I mourn the passing and honor the memory of my dearest friend, Kevin... Continue Reading
Washington Redskins' Sean Taylor in Critical Condition after being Shot
Sean Taylor is in critical condition after being shot in the leg in an early Monday-morning incident at his home.Reports are Taylor was shot after confronting burglars in his home, said his lawyer Richard Sharpstein, and was bleeding from a... Continue Reading
“The Moment of Truth” Will Stir Controversy, Ratings for Fox
If you haven't heard about it yet, Fox (NWS-A) has picked up a reality show where people will be asked extremely difficult questions whose accuracy will be measured by a polygraph test and a certified polygraph examiner.The way Fox will... Continue Reading
Nov25
Bionic Woman Reportedly Canceled
The Bionic Woman, which has struggled since its launch this fall, is rumored to have been canceled by studio executives. It looks like actress Michelle Ryan will be losing her role and job as lead for the show, along with... Continue Reading
Hawthorne Heights' Guitarist Casey Calvert Found Dead on Tour Bus
In a tragic event, Casey Calvert of the indie music group Hawthorne Heights, was found dead on their tour bus early Saturday morning. The band was an up-and-coming act whose music had several singles showcased on VH1 and MTV. Since... Continue Reading
Box Office Has an "Enchanted" Weekend
After two straight disastrous weekends at the box office, it finally got unwound again, as it finally managed to break the $100 million mark in the top twelve films, after failing to in the previous two.Audiences have warmed strongly to... Continue Reading
Nov24
J.K. Rowling Named "Entertainer of the Year" by Entertainment Weekly
It seems J.K. Rowling was named entertainer of the year by Entertainment Weekly for the unique contribution she made: not simply for the obvious Harry Potter series, but that she was able to do it with an old technology -... Continue Reading
Hulk Hogan Served with Divorce Papers
Hulk Hogan, who stars with his family in the reality show on VH1 "Hogan Knows Best," got served with divorce papers, as his wife Terry filed for divorce in Pinellas County court in Florida. Hogan also used to be a... Continue Reading
Nov23
Reminder: Battlestar Galactica: Razor - Two-Hour Special Saturday
The two-hour special Battlestar Galactica fans have been waiting for is finally upon us, as Saturday night at 9 p.m. ET on the Sci Fi channel, Battlestar Galactica: Razor will be aired in a two-hour special.What will be especially rewarding... Continue Reading
IAAF Recommends Marion Jones be Stripped of Olympic Medals
If the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Council recommendations are followed, Marion Jones will be required to return her Olympic medals.The IAAF also formerly disqualified Jones from all the events she participated in from September 1, 2000 and on.... Continue Reading
Nov21
"Hardbody Harrison" Convicted of Forcing 8 Women to be Sex Slaves
"Hardbody Harrison," a former pro wrestler for the now defunct World Championship Wrestling organization, was convicted of forcing 8 women to be sex slaves.Some of the charges Harrision Norris Jr. was convicted of by a federal jury was sex trafficking,... Continue Reading
Shrek to Make Balloon Debut at Macy's Thanksgiving Parade
Shrek will be one of three new balloon entrants in the Macy's Thanksgiving parade, as he's ready to float in the annual festivities.Along with Shrek, the two other newcomers will be the feline superhero Hello Kitty Supercute, and also the... Continue Reading
Nov20
David Hasselhoff may be back as Michael Knight in "Knight Rider"
With the Knight Rider film put on hold, it has given David Hasselhoff the opportunity to return to network television as Michael Knight, in a sequel to the hit series. Hasselhoff is reportedly in talks to play the popular character... Continue Reading
"The Bachelor" Scores Highest Ratings of Season
Although most of the fans of "The Bachelor" were disappointed when bachelor Brad Womack decided to choose no one in the season finale, it didn't keep the show from scoring its highest ratings of the season for the ABC (DIS) reality... Continue Reading
Catherine Zeta-Jones Quits "Nine"
Reports say that Catherine Zeta-Jones was unhappy with the size of the role she would play as Claudia in the film adaptation of the musical "Nine," and after director Rob Marshall refused to change the script to enlarge her role... Continue Reading
Comcast CEO Brian Roberts Talks Future Growth Of the Company
In an interview with Fortune, Comcast (CMCSA) CEO Brian Roberts said that the growth of new products for the company has had its second-largest increase in company history.He said this in response to a question about investors' concerns about the... Continue Reading
"Ratatouille" Surpasses $600 Million in Worldwide Box Office
This last weekend "Ratatouille" passed the $600 million mark to become Disney/Pixar's second largest movie release of all time globally.Domestically the film has taken in $206.1 million to date, while internationally it has reached $396.5 million in sales. For this... Continue Reading
Nov19
Cast of "The Celebrity Apprentice" Revealed
A surprising 125 celebrities entered the pool to become one of the contestants on Donald Trump's "The Celebrity Apprentice," the 14 of them that made the cut were announced today.To add a little spice to the show, one of the... Continue Reading
Goodbye `Mr. Whipple' - Dick Wilson Dead at 91
Actor and marketer Dick Wilson, known widely for his admonition to customers who couldn't help to "Please, don't squeeze the Charmin," died Monday at 91.With his TV persona George Whipple making over 500 commercials over a 21-year period, Wilson was... Continue Reading
"Fox News" Signs Shepherd Smith to New, Huge Contract
Shepherd Smith, who for years has dominated the cable news ratings, was rewarded with a contract, which executives close to the deal say is worth between $7 to $8 million; something unheard of in the cable news business. It approaches... Continue Reading
Nov18
Carrie Underwood and Daughtry Lead American Music Awards Winners
Former American Idol alumni led the way at the American Music Awards, as fans show their support of the popular artists, led by Daughtry and Carrie Underwood.Idol Chris Daughtry and his band Daughtry, came away with awards for breakthrough artist,... Continue Reading
Brazilian Media Reports Body of Tony Harris Found Hanging from Tree
Reports from Brazilian media say that the body of Tony Harris, the missing American basketball player, has been found in the city of Goiana.  At this time FBI agents say, while they have been in contact with Brazilian authorities, the... Continue Reading
Most of "Saturday Night Live" Production Crew Fired
A New York Post report says in one of the strongest moves since the Writers Guild started its strike, NBC (GE) has fired "nearly the entire production staff" of the former powerhouse "Saturday Night Live." Citing more than one unnamed... Continue Reading
Ralph Fiennes' Nephew Lands Role in Next Harry Potter Film
The nephew of Ralph Fiennes has landed a role playing a younger version of Fiennes' character Lord Voldemort. Hero Fiennes Tiffin will play the 11-year-old version of Harry Potter's arch-enemy. Hero is nine-years-old at this time.He'll be part of the... Continue Reading
Sirius-4 Telecommunications Satellite Set into Orbit
The Sirius-4 telecommunications satellite was put into orbit on Sunday, and will orbit at 35,786 kilometers in altitude. It was set into orbit by a Briz-M Russian booster.The satellite itself was built by Lockheed Martin (LMT) Commercial Space Systems, and... Continue Reading
Beowulf Leads Another Slow Box Office Weekend
 While th $28.1 million take for Beowulf brought it a No. 1 spot in this weekend's soft box office, it's hard to know if that's good news or not. The costs of the film came in at $150 million, which... Continue Reading
Nov17
"South Park" in Biggest Ratings Since 1998!
The animated hit "South Park" ended its 11th season going strong, as it turned in its strongest performance since 1998.This is good news for the franchise and Comedy Central, as it resigned the show for another three years this last... Continue Reading
Blockbuster's New Strategy: Make it a Destination!
Blockbuster, after making some big changes that their customers really liked - in-store video exchanges and ending late fees - the company has found that while it's a hit with their users, it's not good for the bottom line. Since... Continue Reading
Gloria Reuben Returning to ER as Jeanie Boulet
In an attempt to boost ratings and maybe save the show, ER is returning Gloria Reuben to the cast as Jeanie Boulet, a somewhat controversial character who was HIV-positive in the show. It's been eight years since Reuben's character had... Continue Reading
Dreamworks Negotiating to Move to NBC Universal
It looks like animosity between Dreamworks and Viacom (VIA-B) is coming to a head, as information continues to leak out that Dreamworks is in negotiations to get out of the agreement with Paramount.The news is Steven Spielberg and David Geffen... Continue Reading
Nov16
Sarah Michelle Gellar Now Sarah Michelle Prinze
Sarah Michelle Gellar, known for her lead role in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," said she's changing her last name to Prinze as a wedding present to her husband on their fifth anniversary. Gellar is married to Freddie Prinze Jr.USmagazine cited... Continue Reading
Tim Burton Signs on with Disney for Two 3-D Films
Tim Burton has signed on with the Walt Disney Co. (DIS) to do two 3-D films for them. Burton will reprise "Alice in Wonderland," and also his own "Frankenweenie," which he'll develop into a full-length feature film.Burton has developed films... Continue Reading
Kyla Ebbert Gets 15 Minutes of Fame: Now Please Go Away!
We all remember her as the person on Southwest Airlines that ran into trouble for wearing clothing that didn't meet the standards of the company. She got her 15 minutes of fame, and is now attempting to cash in on... Continue Reading
Michael Flatley Appearing on "Dancing With the Stars" Next Week
The "Lord of the Dance" is going to meet up with and perform on "Dancing With the Stars" next week, as Michael Flatley will perform with members of his dance team on Tuesday's show, says representative Scott Gorenstein. Flatley used... Continue Reading
Katharine McPhee Engaged to Actor Nick Cokas
Katherine McPhee, who was the runner-up to Taylor Hicks on the "American Idol" reality show, is now engaged to actor Nick Cokas, according to PEOPLE, citing an unnamed source.The news evidently broke when McPhee couldn't help showing off her ring... Continue Reading
Alex Rodriquez and New York Yankees in Love Again
It looks like Alex Rodriquez and the New York Yankees are showing each other some love again, as reports are they have reached a tentative agreement that will probably result in Rodriquez ending his career with the Yankees.After some bad... Continue Reading
Nov15
Internet Rumors say Travis Barker is Dead: Are they True?
Word has been going around the Web that Travis Barker, the drummer for Blink-182 and Plus 44 was found dead in his garage. Barker is reputed to be one of the greatest drummers in history.What this really looks like is... Continue Reading
Paige Davis Returning to "Trading Spaces"
"Trading Spaces" is going to start their show this year with new and old faces. Returning to the show to give it a lift is popular Paige Davis, who hosted the show until 2005. TLC decided at that time to... Continue Reading
Lily Allen Chastises Radiohead for Offering Consumers a Choice
It seems Lily Allen is another person with too much time on her hands, as she's decided it's her job to tell Radiohead how to sell their music.Allen said that the decision by Radiohead to allow their fans the choice... Continue Reading
Barry Bonds Indicted for Obstructing Justice and Perjury Concerning Steroid Use
With federal prosecutors saying they have evidence that Barry Bonds used steroids, he was indicted by a U.S. grand jury for obstructing justice and perjury concerning the use of steroids.Prosecutors said the have evidence "including positive tests for the presence... Continue Reading
Japanese Put Warrant out for Hayden Panettiere's Arrest
Hayden Panettiere has a warrant for her arrest in Japan for trespassing and interferring with Japanese fisherman.Panettiere, with a bunch of screwball activists from the U.S. and Australia, with nothing better to do, went out into Japanese waters in an... Continue Reading
CBS Files for Motion to Dismiss Dan Rather Case
CBS (CBS-A) filed a 30-page motion to dismiss the case by Dan Rather against them in New York Supreme Court. This is the case where Rather had attempted to make it look like President Bush received "preferential treatment" during his... Continue Reading
Sourcetix.com, the Most Comprehensive, Low-Price Ticket Seller Online ... Just Got Better
Sponsored ReviewSourcetix.com has just revamped their site and it's even better than ever, as the web site with some of the most comprehensive inventory for theatre, sports and concert tickets online continues to offer the lowest prices you can get.Not... Continue Reading
Hollywood Losing Big on Anti-War Films
After the Robert Redford and Tom Cruise film "Lions for Lambs" tanked at the box office last weekend, Hollywood is getting nervous about its obsession with bringing out a bunch of films during war that attack the U.S. and its... Continue Reading
Nov13
ABC Wins Prime Time Ratings Last Week, NBC Plunges to Fourth Place
The new slate of television shows did pretty well last week, as ABC (DIS) led the way for Disney, as it squeeked by CBS (CBS-A) for the prime time win.CBS had the top two shows of the week, with the... Continue Reading
Nicole Kidman: "My Marriage Comes Before Career"
It seems some of the Hollywood actresses are becoming increasingly putting their main focus on their marriages and families, as a number of them have recently said their marriages and families come before anything else. It's actually refreshing to hear.Nicole... Continue Reading
Cable Companies Battling FCC over New Regulatory Powers
The cable TV industry is up in arms about the assertion by the FCC that it has new regulatory powers over the industry. The assertion is based on a 1984 law that says if 70 percent of U.S. households have... Continue Reading
Marvel Comics Offering Archived Library Online
Marvel (MVL) launched a new web site today, that features a bunch of its older comics, and can be accessed for a low fee of $4.99 a month if you sign up for a year, or $9.99 if you want... Continue Reading
Nov12
Walt Disney Co. to Offer Cellular Services in Japan
The Walt Disney Co. (DIS) is partnering with Softbank Corp of Japan to offer cellular-phone services in Japan.Disney's goal in the deal is to grab 1 million users, specifically families, with phones and downloads that will feature characters from the... Continue Reading
Good News for "Damages" Fans - Renewed for Two Seasons
An announcement Monday by FX network that they were going to bring back "Damages" for at least another two seasons was great news for fans of the legal thriller.There was a lot of uncertainty about returning the show, as its... Continue Reading
Rupert Murdoch Says Next Year Could be "Rough"
With the uncertainties in the bigger economic picture, including credit, oil prices and housing concerns, Rupert Murdoch said that it will be very difficult to project how 2008 will be until things settle down and become clearer.Murdoch said concerning the... Continue Reading
Reese Witherspoon Won't Take Revenge, but She gets even!
While I didn't know Reese Witherspoon had a lot of enemies, she said recently that her greatest payback to her detractors has been the success of her career. Rather than be concerned about them, she throws herself into her roles... Continue Reading
Nov11
Sony Pictures Entertainment Grabs North American and English-Language Rights to Peter Jackson Film
The Peter Jackson produced sci-fi film "District 9" has had distribution and English-language rights acquired by Sony Pictures Entertainment, according to an announcement by Peter Schlessel, President of Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions Group, and QED International CEO Bill Block.Jackson is... Continue Reading
Fox Signs Bernie Mac to Star in Comedy
Comedian Bernie Mac has been recruited by Fox (NWS-A) to star in a comedy produced by Warner Bros. TV. The series tentatively named "Starting Under" will have Mac playing the role of a divorced dad who ends up stayi