Dick Clark was America's favorite teenager

Long before MTV, VH-1, iTunes and You Tube, “American Bandstand” was where young people went for the latest popular music. As the host of

“Bandstand” Dick Clark was the man responsible for introducing America to everyone from Elvis Presley to Madonna.

For over 30 years Clark, often called “America’s oldest living teenager,” brought the latest music, dances and fashion into homes around the country like an old friend who always seemed to know what everyone wanted to see and hear before they even knew it.

Clark passed away from a heart attack at the age 82 on April 18.

Clark began on “Bandstand” in 1956, taking it national in 1957. From that point on every major music act appeared on the show.

Clark’s chemistry with the dancers and his non-threatening image helped rock and roll music reach a wider audience at a time when it was considered immoral. He also had African-American artists on mainstream television and had integrated dancing with black and white teenagers when segregation was still the accepted practice. As such he is often credited with changing the course of popular music.

Following his success on “American Bandstand” Clark branched out and began to build a TV empire that included “The $10,000 Pyramid,” “The American Music Awards,” “TV’s Bloopers and Practical Jokes” and of course “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin Eve.”

Since 1972, Clark’s annual countdown from Times Square has been the benchmark of New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Following his stroke in 2004 Clark missed that year’s show but returned in 2005 and has co-hosted every year since with Ryan Seacrest.

Seacrest has often been compared to Clark and remembered his mentor in a statement.

“I am deeply saddened by the loss of my dear friend Dick Clark. He has truly been one of the greatest influences in my life,” Seacrest said. “I idolized him from the start, and I was graced early on in my career with his generous advice and counsel.”

As word of his passing hit the Internet, many fans responded via Twitter that New Year’s Eve wouldn’t be the same without Clark.

Clark’s loss and iconic status was commented on in a statement by President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama.

“With ‘American Bandstand,’ he introduced decades’ worth of viewers to the music of our times. He reshaped the television landscape forever as a creative and innovative producer. And, of course, for 40 years, we welcomed him into our homes to ring in the New Year,” Obama said. “But more important than his groundbreaking achievements was the way he made us feel – as young and vibrant and optimistic as he was. As we say a final ‘so long’ to Dick Clark, America’s oldest teenager, our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends – which number far more than he knew.”

For nearly 60 years Dick Clark has been a television staple. He kept America dancing and laughing through some of its hardest times. The legacy of his contributions simply cannot be measured, however they can be seen in the success of programs like “American Idol,” “The Voice,” “Dancing with the Stars” and “So You Think You Can Dance,” none of which would have been possible without Clark paving the way.

WonderCon 2012: DC storytelling continues to evolve

Unlike Comic Con, WonderCon is about actual comics more than TV and movie stars. With that in mind the two major publishers were on hand to announce what's coming up for some of their most popular titles.

The big news for DC is that "Batman: Earth One" will be out in July and has Batman as he's still figuring things out and learning how to be the famed hero. Eddie Berganza, executive editor, said the story will also take Alfred in a different direction, with the character resembling Liam Neeson in "Taken."

"Batman: Earth One" is fresh off the success of "Superman: Earth One" of which volume two will be released in November.

Writer Bryan Q. Miller announced that the digital first comic "Smallville: Season 11" will be released weekly on Fridays beginning April 13. The story will pick up six months after the series ended with Clark embracing his destiny and defeating Apokolips.

All the series characters will return and continue to face various threats as they take the "next mid 20s step in life."

Also launching digitally first are "Batman Beyond" and "Justice League Beyond." Many of the writers and artists on the panel discussed how the rise of digital comics on computers and tablets has forced creators to rework how they write and draw.

There was also talk of new additions to the new 52 including the return of Grant Morrison's "Batman Incorporated," which involves Bruce Wayne travelling the globe and recruiting new crime fighters to carry the Batman banner.

Two of the most intriguing titles were "Earth 2" and "World's Finest."

"Earth 2" harkens back to the Justice Society of America story of alternate Earth versions of classic heroes. "World's Finest" features Huntress and Power Girl being marooned on our Earth and trying to navigate a new existence.

Other additions include "Dial H," a mythology heavy story and the newest entry in the Dark group, "G.I. Combat," a book with dinosaurs and superheroes and "The Ravagers" a "Teen Titans" spin-off starring Superboy.

Other Highlights:

"Animal Man" and "Swamp Thing" crossover
"I, Vampire" and "Justice League Dark crossover
Amanda Waller's appearance in "Teen Titans"
Suicide Squad vs. Resurrection Man
Free Comic Book Day teases for Captain Marvel and Green Lantern

Whitney Houston dead at age 48

On the eve of music's biggest night the industry has suffered one of it's biggest losses with the death of Whitney Houston at just 48 years old.

Houston became an international superstar in the 1980s following hits like "The Greatest Love of All," "How Will I Know" and "Saving All My Love For You." Her powerhouse vocals and girl next door appeal made her an instant success.

From the mid 80s to the late 90s Houston was the queen of R&B and pop radio with hits like "I Wanna Dance With Somebody," "Didn't We Almost Have It All," "Where Do Broken Hearts Go," "He's All the Man I Need" and "I'm Your Baby Tonight."



However, it was the film "The Bodyguard" and its accompanying soundtrack that made her a legend. The opening 45 seconds of "I Will Always Love You" display a level of tone and control that no singer can match. Couple that with the breathtaking belt of "I Have Nothing" and the album was destined to be huge.

Perhaps her greatest moment came in 1991 at Super Bowl 25 when she performed what is widely considered as the best version of "The Star Spangled Banner" just when the US had entered into the first Gulf War. The rendition was so beloved that it was released as a single and became a No. 1 hit and is still talked about to this day.



In recent years Houston became more well known for her personal struggles with drugs and alcohol, and her tumultuous marriage with Bobby Brown, but she was attempting a comeback that will sadly never come to fruition

In the coming days there will be a lot of discussion about Houston's legacy, however, those answers can be found in the voices of Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera, Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Hudson, Beyonce, Charice, Celine Dion and every "American Idol" or "The Voice" contestant who tries to conquer a Whitney song.

"I Will Always Love You" indeed.

Oscar nominations: First impressions

So the nominations are out for the 84th Academy Awards, and while most of the names were expected, congrats to George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Viola Davis and Meryl Streep; there were a few surprises.

Best Picture: "The Artist," "The Descendants," "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close," "The Help," "Hugo," "Moneyball," "Midnight in Paris," "The Tree of Life" and "War Horse."

This year the Academy narrowed the field to nine films, with two of them coming as big surprises. Reviews for "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close" have been mixed and its been all but ignored during award season, so this nod really came out of left field. "The Tree of Life" has been critically acclaimed, but people love it or hate it and it hasn't received much award attention so far, making its nomination seem like more of a gift to Terrence Malick.

Best Actor: Demian Bechir, Jean DuJardin, Gary Oldman, Clooney and Pitt.

Though the absence of DiCaprio is a little surprising, he had been losing steam just as Oldman was gaining traction. The real surprise here is Bechir for "A Better Life." He took the spot that would have went to Michael Fassbender or Ryan Gosling.

Best Actress: Glenn Close, Rooney Mara, Viola Davis, Michelle Williams and Streep.

Other than Mara taking what many thought would be Tilda Swinton's spot, this category went according to expectations.

Best Supporting Actor: Kenneth Branagh, Jonah Hill, Christopher Plummer, Max Von Sydow and Nick Nolte.

Jonah Hill, really?

Best Supporting Actress: Berenice Bejo, Jessica Chastain, Melissa McCarthy, Janet McTeer and Octavia Spencer.

Bejo could be the spoiler for Spencer, if "The Artist" enjoys a wave of wins Oscar night. Also the Academy has a history of surprising wins for foreign actresses.

Best Animated Feature: "A Cat in Paris," "Chico & Rita," "Kung Fu Panda 2," "Puss in Boots," "Rango."

While it's a little sad to see no Disney or Pixar films nominated, this wasn't their year. It's jaw-dropping to see the absence of "The Adventures of Tintin" which won the Golden Globe and has the Steven Spielberg/Peter Jackson pedigree. Seriously, what are those first two?

Best Visual Effects: "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows part 2," "Hugo," "Real Steel," "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" and "Transformers: Dark of the Moon."

This is the last chance to honor the full achievements of the "Harry Potter" franchise so the Academy may take that into consideration. "Transformers" really? Did they not see those JFK scenes.

Best Original Song: "Man or Muppet" from "The Muppets," "Real in Rio" from "Rio."

Obviously we're excited for "The Muppets" to be nominated, though "Pictures in My Head" is a better song. Also, even with stricter rules there had to be more than two eligible songs. At least there's no reason for the two nominated songs to not be performed on the show.

Stay with Inscaped as we continue to cover all things Oscar leading up to the show on Feb. 26 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on ABC.

Etta James' top five classics

Legendary blues singer Etta James may be most well known for the wedding staple "At Last," but her list of hits included many other classics that must be celebrated as James is remembered.

1. "I'd Rather Go Blind" - In two and a half minutes James' heart-wrenching vocals tell the story of everyone who has ever had a broken heart.



2. "At Last" - A timeless expression of true love that will be James' lasting legacy.



3. "I Just Want to Make Love to You." - A sexy, passionate plea that skips flowery statements of love and gets right to the point. Etta's sexiness was very ahead of its time.



4. "All I Could Do Was Cry" - Once again James captures every emotion of a break up in one song cementing her status as the queen of the broken-hearted ballad.



5. "Let's Burn Down the Cornfield" - This might be the sexiest song ever recorded. Women weren't supposed to sing the suggestive lyrics that James croons in this version of the longing plea where she tells her man where to wait and what she wants him to do to her.

For fans of Adele, Mary J. Blige, Jennifer Hudson and Amy Winehouse wondering who Etta James was and why she's so important to music history, these songs are the starting point for their Etta James playlists.

The lasting legacy of Etta James

The music world has suffered a tremendous loss with the passing of Etta James. The R&B/blues singer died on Jan. 20 at the age of 73 after a long battle with leukemia and Alzheimer's.

Though her signature song will always be "At Last," James' career encompasses so much more than the classic love song.

She began her career at 14 years old, touring with girl group the Peaches, however she really gained notoriety when she joined Chess records and released the hits "If I Can't Have You" and "All I Could Do was Cry."


Her run with Chess in the early '60s gave James many of her biggest hits and most successful songs including "I Just Want to Make Love to You," "Something's Got A Hold On Me," "A Sunday Kind of Love" and of course "At Last."

Unfortunately, her success also led James to a drug and alcohol addiction that would she battle her entire life. Her struggles with heroin led to a long string of legal problems that saw her spend several stints in rehab. She finally got clean at the age of 50 after she spent time at the Betty Ford Center.

Despite her issues with addiction, her talent could never be denied as she made several comebacks and continued to influence artists like Beyonce, who played her in the 2008 film "Cadillac Records."

James, never one to mince words, made no secret of the fact that she didn't care for Beyonce's performance in the film, which took poetic license with the story of the label's founding, and of the fact that Beyonce was chosen to sing "At Last" at President Obama's inauguration.

While her career was filled with controversy, one only needs to look as far as the current pop charts for the full scope of James legacy. Her timeless style can be found in the resurgence of soul and success of artists like Amy Winehouse and Adele whose music is reminiscent of James' early work.

Her final album "The Dreamer" was released in November 2011. It features a raw stripped down version of the singer's classic blues voice. Her cover of "Misty Blue" has a heartbreaking finality to it that seems all too relevant now.

No doubt many stations will be playing "At Last" in tribute to the legend but all the passion, heartache and love of her music can really be found in "Misty Blue."

Midseason TV fantasy draft

Every fall Tim and I sit down and divide up all the new shows in our own fantasy draft. Last week over milkshakes and fries, we split up this year's midseason replacements.

Look for us to cover these shows as they premiere in the coming weeks.

Note: We both vetoed "Work It" and "Are You There Chelsea."

Tim: "Alcatraz," "The River," "Napoleon Dynamite," "Touch," "The Firm," "Missing" and "Level Up."

Stephanie: "Smash," "House of Lies," "The Fades," "Lost Girl," "The Finder," "GCB," "Life's Too Short" and "Jane by Design."

In addition to new shows, there are several returning shows we will continue to cover like "Spartacus" and "Justified."

Winter movie preview: The cream of the crap

It's no secret that January-April provide little in the way of box office breakouts. Sure there may be a "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" every once in a while, but for the most part these early months are when studios clean off their shelves before summer.

With that in mind, here's the guide to the few movies worth checking out in the next few months.

"Contraband" is an action packed Mark Wahlberg thriller where he plays a ex-smuggler who is drawn back into the criminal world when his family is threatened by his former associates.

While this looks like a run of the mill action flick, Wahlberg will make it better than average and it could provide a nice change of pace from all the Oscar dramas currently flooding theaters. (Jan. 13)



"Beauty and the Beast (3D)" doesn't change the story or fun of the Disney classic but it does give families who've never seen it on the big screen a new way to enjoy the film. And of course, it's in 3D. There are also rumors that a "Tangled" short will premiere before it. That alone might be worth the $12. (Jan. 13)

"Haywire" is your typical assassin wronged by her own employers, who must go on the run. However, this film has an all-star cast that includes Ewan McGregor, Channing Tatum, Michael Fassbender, Antonio Banderas and Michael Douglas, and is directed by Steven Soderbergh. A pedigree like that would normally make it a sure thing. The only draw back is that the main character is played by former MMA champion Gina Carano. In this case the big stars may outweigh the non-acting former fighter. (Jan. 20)



"Underworld: Awakening" is the fourth film in the original vampires vs. werewolves series. Kate Beckinsale returns as death dealer Selene, who must now fight a race of super lycans. A major change is that humans have discovered vampires and werewolves and started a campaign of destruction. Original director Len Wiseman produced and co-wrote this installment which was shot in 3D. These films are always fun because they don't try to be anything they're not and they stay faithful to the world they have built. (Jan. 20)



"The Grey" continues Liam Neeson's streak of ass-kicking roles as he portrays a plane crash survivor who leads a group through the Alaskan wilderness, in the process fighting off a pack of wolves. Neeson has proven that watching him kick butt for 2 hours is always a good time. (Jan. 27)



"Chronicle" is a new twist on a found footage film where the subjects are teenagers who have developed superpowers and try to fight succumbing to darker tendencies. While this story has been told a million times before, the superpower aspect gives it a new quality. (Feb. 3)



"Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace (3D)" is obviously the worst chapter in the "Star Wars" legacy but all the nerds will still be lined up to see it in 3D on the big screen. Sometimes we just can't help ourselves. (Feb. 10)

"Safe House" stars Ryan Reynolds as a green CIA agent who must guard a notorious fugitive at a safe house that soon comes under seige. Under normal circumstances that wouldn't sound overly interesting, but with Denzel Washington playing the fugitive, it just got 100 times better. The cast also includes Vera Farmiga, Brendan Gleeson, Sam Shepherd, Robert Patrick and Sebastian Roche. Now that sounds like good times. (Feb. 10)



"Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance" once again stars Nicolas Cage as Johnny Blaze/Ghost Rider. Though the first one was awful and there's no reason to think that this will be any better, nerd requirements force us to mention all superhero based films. (Feb. 17)



"This Means War" is a romantic comedy about two spies played by Chris Pine and Tom Hardy who fall in love with the same woman, portrayed by Reese Witherspoon, then begin to use CIA resources to mess up each other's dates. Romantic comedies are a dime a dozen, so anytime something new is discovered it's always worth checking out. (Feb. 17)



"Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters" stars Jeremy Renner and Gemma Arterton as grown up versions of the brother and sister who have become witch bounty hunters. Though the trailer hasn't been released yet, the premise is fascinating and fairy tales are very popular right now. Plus any chance to see Renner in action hero mode is appreciated. (March 2)

"The Hunger Games" is destined for box office domination. It's based on an extremely popular book series and by all accounts filmmakers have done a good job with the adaptation. With a cast that includes Jennifer Lawrence, Elizabeth Banks, Josh Hutcherson, Stanley Tucci, Lenny Kravitz and Donald Sutherland, and absolutely no competition this movie is set up to become the first giant success of 2012. (March 23)



"Titanic (3D)" will attempt to revive the frenzy that the film's original release caused, only this time it will be in 3D. Though there's nothing new to see here, expect lots of nostalgia viewings and a renewed love affair with Jack and Rose. (April 6)



There are plenty of movies not on the list, but to be honest does anyone care about "Journey 2," "Wrath of the Titans" or "American Reunion."

Thought not.

Inscaped for Dec. 1

Editor's Note: Thanks to "The Amazing Race" we now know that Tintin was created in Belgium not France.

A 'Doctor Who' movie without The Doctor

Today "Harry Potter" director David Yates announced that he was working with BBC Worldwide on a "Doctor Who" movie.

At first glance that sounds like the most exciting news ever. Imagine seeing Matt Smith or possibly David Tennant having an action-packed romp through time and space in the TARDIS joined by Amy, Rose, Martha or Capt. Jack.

Unfortunately, none of that will come true because Yates wants to reboot the story and start over.

Wait, what? Start over?

Why would you start over when you have access to 50 years of mythology and character development, along with actors who already understand the complex nature of bring The Doctor and his companions to life?

Yates said that everything would need to be redone from the ground up, meaning none of the current television timeline would be used.

So just so we're clear, you're going to take one of the most popular television franchises of all time, transfer to the big screen, but not use any of the story that made it so popular in the first place?

Wow that's sound decision making.

While it's nice that BBC is involved, it's extremely disingenuous of them to make this movie (a clear money grab) and not treat it like love letter to the fans that have made "Doctor Who" its most valuable property.

Yates says the film is three to four years away, since he has so much work and planning to do.

In the meantime, "Doctor Who" faithful can enjoy Steven Moffat and Matt Smith's fantastic work and hope that someone comes to their senses before this abomination hits theaters.

Heavy D: 1967-2011

For anyone who grew up during the hip-hop/dance music days of the '90s, Heavy D and the Boyz were the architects of some of the best club jams ever.

Dwight "Heavy D" Myers passed away Nov. 8 after being found unconscious in his home and the rushed to the hospital.

Though his signature hit was "Now That We Found Love," he was also known for "The Overweight Lover's In the House" and "Is It Good To You." He also recorded the theme song for "In Living Color."

Though he doesn't get as much credit as his contemporaries Will Smith and LL Cool J, he was just as responsible for rap's increasing mainstream appeal. His cool lyrics and infinitely danceable beats caused suburban teenagers to request his music on pop stations and had his videos in high rotation on MTV.

When his rap career began to fade he turned to acting with recurring parts on "Living Single," "Bones" and "Boston Public" and roles in "The Cider House Rules," "Step Up" and the recently released "Tower Heist."

He recently made a stage comeback at the Michael Jackson Tribute Concert and the 2011 BET Hip Hop Awards, which makes this news all the more sad.

"In Living Color" is scheduled to return to TV in the spring, so here's hoping they keep the theme song as a nice tribute to Heavy D.

Steve Jobs 1955-2011

When people die it's easy to overstate their importance or rewrite their legacy. However, when we say Steve Jobs was a visionary, that may be understating things.


The co-founder/CEO of Apple died Oct. 6 at the age of 56 from pancreatic cancer.


Jobs literally helped invent the modern world. The Macintosh was the first personal computer, the iPod changed the way we listened to music, when he said the iPhone would reinvent the phone he didn't lie and the iPad will no doubt lead even more advance inventions that will shape the future.

"Steve Jobs was the greatest inventor since Thomas Edison. He put the world at our fingertips," said Steven Spielberg in a statement.

It wasn't just the products that came out of his tenure at Apple, it's the devices that other companies were inspired to invent. Without the iPhone there would be no Android, the iPod made mp3 players the normal way to listen to music and would there be a Kindle without the iPad?

"Steve was among the greatest of American innovators-brave enough to think differently, bold enough to believe he could change the world and talented enough to do it," said President Barack Obama in a statement.

In 1986 when no one knew what the company was capable of Jobs purchased Pixar from Lucasfilm for $10 million. Obviously that investment paid off and he once again pioneered a new technology and helped bring countless hours of entertainment to children of all ages. Though the studio had become successful and he didn't need to be a part of daily decisions, he still showed up for story and animation meetings, offering his opinion and expertise when it was needed.

Earlier this summer at the D23 expo Pixar storyboard artist Ronnie Del Carmen told a story about pitching the ending to "Ratatouille" to Jobs and John Lasseter. When he concluded his pitch, both men hugged him and Jobs told him the sequence was perfect. He described it as the greatest moment of his professional career. There no doubt hundreds of tech professionals who have similar stories.

"His legacy will extend far beyond the products he created or the businesses he built," said Walt Disney President/CEO Bob Iger in a statement. "It will be the millions of people he inspired, the lives he changed and the culture he defined."

The one thing that all these statements have in common is that they refer to Jobs as a visionary, creative genius and rare original.

No one has had the impact on the modern world that Jobs had and short of his competitor/colleague Bill Gates, perhaps no one ever will again.

"The world has lost a visionary and there may be no greater tribute to Steve's success than the fact that much of the world learned of his passing on a device he invented," Obama said.

Fall TV: What we'll be watching

It's time once again for Tim and I to split up the new fall TV schedule. It's our version of a fantasy football league.

So here's how things shaped up.

Tim:
Unforgettable," "A Gifted Man," "Prime Suspect," "Grimm," "Pan Am," "Once Upon A Time," "Man Up," "New Girl," "Terra Nova," "American Horror Story" and "Hell On Wheels."

Stephanie:
"Person of Interest," "How to be a Gentleman," "Up All Night," "Free Agents," "The Playboy Club," "Hart of Dixie," "Ringer," "Revenge," "Suburgatory," "The X Factor," "Homeland" and "Enlighened."

Vetoes are shows neither one of us could even fathom watching, however, they are still up for grabs if one of us changes our minds.

Vetoes:
"2 Broke Girls," "Whitney," "The Secret Circle," "Charlie's Angels," "Last Man Standing," "Allen Gregory" and "I Hate My Teenage Daughter."

Look for us to begin blogging and tweeting about these shows, as well as our returning favorites like "Castle," "Glee," "NCIS," "Supernatural," "The Good Wife," "Community," "Parks and Recreation" and "Fringe."

'Spartacus' star Andy Whitfield dies at 39

Andy Whitfield the star of season one of "Spartacus: Blood and Sand" passed away on Sept. 11, 2011 from non-Hodgkins Lymphoma.

The actor, who played Spartacus, was initially diagnosed just as shooting was set to begin on season two. Starz network and producers gave the actor time to fight his disease by putting together the prequel series "Gods of the Arena."

Whitfield's cancer went into remission and he greeted fans at comic-con 2010, letting them know he was ready to go.

Unfortunately, the cancer returned and Whitfield was forced to withdraw from the series.

In a unprecedented classy move, the actor gave producers his blessing to recast the part so the show wouldn't be canceled. He then went on to personally call Liam J. McIntyre and spoke with him about the part and gave him his blessing as well.

The emotion and power he brought to Spartacus is a major reason why the show became so popular.

He was a truly talented actor who was lost too soon.

Fall TV: Monday night specials

With the fall TV season just about to begin, we'll take a night by night look at the the shows we're most excited about. So, let's start with Monday.


Returning:

"Castle" - Last season's jaw-dropping cliffhanger, featuring Beckett getting shot and Castle declaring his love makes this the show Tim and I are most excited to see. Penny Johnson Jerald joins the cast as Captain Victoria "Iron" Gates and she is not as big a fan of Castle as Montgomery. Last season, the show finally gained enough traction in the ratings to be considered a bonafide hit and consistently won its timeslot. Season four premieres Sept. 19 on ABC at 10 p.m.

"Hawaii Five-O" - At the end of the first season, the team had been disbanded and McGarrett was framed for assassinating the governor. It's no secret that things will work out, but how all that happens is up in the air. The team chemistry and procedural aspects make this a fun show, but it got a little caught up in mythology last season. Season two should get back to the series' fun, action-packed roots. Season two premieres Sept. 19 on CBS at 10 p.m.

"How I Met Your Mother" - The long running comedy still hasn't told us who the mother is, but somehow it's ok since we get to pass the time with slap bets and Robin Sparkles. The seventh season will focus on Lily's pregnancy and the Robin/Barney relationship. With one of the best casts on TV, this consistently hilarious comedy is one of the best reason to watch television on Mondays. Season seven premieres Sept. 19 on CBS at 8 p.m. with back to back episodes.

New:

"Terra Nova" - FOX has put all its eggs into the basket of this sci-fi series about a group of people who travel back 65 million years when Earth is no longer habitable. The show was originally set to premiere last season but was delayed. The Steven Spielberg produced effects heavy drama is one of the most expensive on TV, however, the buzz hasn't been as high as FOX hoped, so they're really out on a limb with this one. Series premiere Sept. 26 at 8 p.m.

DC's new 52: A retailer's perspective

To get a different opinion on DC's unprecedented relaunch, we spoke to Chris Brady, co-owner of 4 Color Fantasies in Rancho Cucamonga, about what how the big event is affecting him and his customers.

New 'Dancing with the Stars' cast is almost unwatchable

"Dancing with the Stars" announced the cast for its 13th season last night and despite reports that they wanted actual stars on the show this time, the cast features only a few real stars.

In order of interest, the new cast is:

• Ron Artest-LA Laker and fascinating personality. The only reason to watch.


• Carson Kressley-Stylist, TV host and fashion designer. Carson is a hilarious, likable guy and seeing him ballroom dance will be enjoyable.


• Chaz Bono-LGBT activist and son of Sonny and Cher. I have nothing but respect for anyone who shares the most private experience of their lives so bravely. Also, Cher might show up. By the way, don't make him dance to Cher.


• JR Martinez-"All My Children" actor and motivational speaker. An Iraq war veteran, soap star and all around nice guy, I will legitimately root for him and maybe even call in.


• Ricki Lake-Talk show host and original Tracy Turnblad. Come on who won't chant "go Ricki" when she's dancing.


• Chynna Phillips-Wilson Phillips singer. Who doesn't want to see her dance to "Hold On?"


• Hope Solo-U.S. women's soccer team goalie. There may be just enough goodwill left to help keep her in the competition.


• David Arquette-"Scream" actor trying to negotiate some good publicity following his divorce.


• Elisabetta Canalis-Actress? George Clooney's ex-girlfriend who will need a strong performance and popular partner to make past the first week.


• Rob Kardashian/Kristen Cavallari-Reality TV stars. Rob is the least talented Kardashian, so that's saying something.


• Nancy Grace-Talk show host/horrible person. My dislike for Grace runs deep and I know I'm not alone, so why would the producers have her on the show. I hope she gets voted off in the first week or even better drops out and never makes it on the show.

Really "Dancing with the Stars?" Nancy Grace and Rob Kardashian. How many no's did you guys have to hear before you got to those names. I could maybe write off Kristen Cavallari since you have a token reality star every season, but I cannot get past Nancy Grace.

If it wasn't for Ron Artest and Carson Kressley this season would be completely unwatchable. Frankly, I may just skip the show altogether and watch their performances the next day.

Ugh, seriously, Nancy Grace. Wow. Just wow.

Nick Ashford 1942-2011

Though many fans may not know the name Nick Ashford, they certainly know his music. With his wife and partner, Valerie Simpson, Ashford co-wrote popular songs for Ray Charles, Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell, Chaka Khan and Diana Ross.

Ashford died at the age of 70 Monday in a New York hospital after battling throat cancer.

Some of the duo's biggest hits include "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," "You're All I Need to Get By," "I Don't Need No Doctor" and "I'm Every Woman."

Ashford & Simpson were also a successful recording duo in their own right. They are most famous for the 1984 hit "Solid (As a Rock)."

Ashford and Simpson were married for 38 years and have two daughters.

Popular music would not have been the same without the talent and influence of Nick Ashford.

Ultimate Spider-Man breaks racial barriers

While comics have come a long way in terms of minority superheroes, the list of A-list, top tier characters of color is still short. That's why the announcement that the new Ultimate Spider-Man would be a half-black/half-Hispanic teenager named Miles Morales is such a major one.

It's true that characters like Storm, Black Panther and Nick Fury have been popular for years, however, having a hero like Spider-Man be a minority is a big deal.

Marvel isn't offering any details about Miles' origin just yet, but his appearance in "Ultimate Fallout #4" is sure to create lots of interests and sales in the upcoming "Ultimate Spider-Man #1," which is out the same month as DC's giant relaunch.

Remembering the coolness of MTV

There was time about 25 years ago when MTV was the coolest channel in the world. First of all, not everyone had cable, so if you did like my family, you were considered very cool. This was extremely helpful to me and my brother, because we had an endless supply of people wanting to be our friends.

The shows were awesome, like "Remote Control," "Just Say Julie," "Club MTV" and "This Week in Rock." The personalities were the height of cool including, Downtown Julie Brown, Kurt Loder, comedienne Julie Brown, Nina Blackwood, John Norris, Dr. Dre, Ed Lover, Fab 5 Freddy and yes, Carson Daly.

My first memories of MTV are the daily top 10 they used to show every morning. For like a month straight Beastie Boys "Fight For Your Right to Party" was number one. I still love hearing that song.

Then they started playing Michael Jackson regularly and I was hooked. I, like many young girls of the time, was desperately in love with Michael, so seeing his videos non-stop was a dream come true.

Just when things couldn't get any better, Madonna appeared on the scene and I discovered a life long role model. No one was cooler than Madonna.

These icons coupled with constant streams Pat Benatar, Duran Duran, Prince, Bon Jovi, Billy Idol and The Police made a dorky tomgirl feel like one of the cool kids.

I pretty much watched 24/7, driving my father crazy, entered every contest and dreamed of becoming an MTV VJ.

The annual Video Music Awards became event viewing for me. I had VMA parties and religiously recorded all the best performances.

Though my interest slowed down as I got older, I still enjoyed early seasons of "The Real World," "TRL" and the network's increased public service.

However, when MTV started showing fewer music videos and more reality shows I stopped watching. Occasionally something surprising will pop up and I'll see remnants of the channel I once loved. But for the most part, those days are over and it makes me sad to know my niece and nephew will never experience MTV in its glory days.

I want my MTV!