Photo: Marc Hom from People website

Some fresh new faces in People’s 2009 Most Beautiful issue. There’s a sneak peek of some of the celebrities and famous folks selected on People’s website, among them First Lady Michelle Obama. Along with the photos, some candid comments as well.

In the past 100 days, President Obama has been making his mark with policy and diplomacy. The first lady has been in the spotlight, too. Her uncommon style, taste, personality, and passion for a number of issues have won over fans here and around the world.

Meanwhile on the cover of the issue, actress Christina Applegate. Last year, Applegate underwent a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. After going through that ordeal, Applegate has proven a woman can still be beautiful and confident. 

That new strain of swine flu is spreading rapidly in the U.S. and internationally. Today the U.N. World Health Organization’s Director-General, Dr. Margaret Chan, took action: “I have decided to raise the level of pandemic alert from phase 4 to 5…” the second highest level. This means the world is at imminent risk of a pandemic–global outbreak of the illness, therefore, governments, agencies, businesses, and the pharmaceutical industry should ramp up their precautions and preparations for the worst.

Confirmed cases of this swine flu virus is being reported in 11 countries. In Mexico, considered the epicenter of the outbreak, 159 have died and more than a thousand others are being tested for it. Today the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced the number of swine flu cases had surged to nearly 100 in this country with one fatality, a toddler, in Texas.

In California the confirmed cases climbed to around 15 with a marine, at a base in Twentynine Palms, diagnosed with swine flu. So far, no confirmed cases of that influenza virus in Los Angeles County. Locally, the city of Burbank has posted information and answers to the most common questions about swine flu on its website.

FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove – Burbank (31 Cent Scoop Night 2007)

Most folks love a bargain, especially when it comes to treats like ice cream. In these cost conscious times, Baskin-Robbins’ third annual 31 Cent Scoop Night on April 29, 2009 is even more enticing. Nationwide, the chain’s ice cream shops will be dishing up or handing out cones topped with small scoops for a reduced price of 31 cents each, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

This is a Baskin-Robbins promotion as well as a fundraiser for firefighter charities. Baskin-Robbins reportedly will donate $100,000 to the National Junior Firefighter Program run by The National Volunteer Fire Council. The program educates young people about fire, rescue, and medical services. Also, some Baskin-Robbins shops will offer the chance to donate to local fire charities, too.

In 2007, I shared the fun of 31 Cent Scoop Night at a Baskin-Robbins on South Victory Boulevard in Burbank. A couple of Southland guys, Burt Baskin and Irv Robbins, started the company.  Baskin and Robbins opened their first ice cream shops in Glendale and Pasadena back in the mid-1940s. Now, Baskin- Robbins is an international chain with 6,000 retail shops in 35 countries, according to the company website.

At last year’s 31 Cent Scoop Night, behind the counter servers swirled up more than four million scoops. Tonight they could deliver even more scoops to long lines of ice cream fans.

 More bad news about that new strain of swine flu. Health officials today say there are now confirmed cases in New Zealand and Israel. So far the only deaths have occurred in Mexico where 149 have died from this type of flu and several hundred people suspected of having it are being treated at hospitals.  

As a result of the swine flu outbreak, places where crowds gather like restaurants, bars, stadiums, and movie theaters have been shut down in Mexico, especially Mexico City. That prompted Twentieth Century Fox to announce yesterday it was postponing the release of “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” set for this Thursday in that country.

 Meanwhile, “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” will continue to roll out elsewhere over the weekend. There are reports of early screenings on Thursday in the U.S. being sold out as of yesterday.

After months of negotiations, two powerful entertainment agencies, William Morris and Endeavor, announced they will merge into one company today. The new agency will be known as William Morris Endeavor (WME) Entertainment. The announcement came shortly after the leadership at both talent agencies approved the historic deal, which requires government approval.

The Hollywood Reporter says this is “the largest combination of two existing agencies in Hollywood history.” Variety described WME Entertainment as a powerhouse, that “… promises to change the landscape for the talent rep biz.” WME Entertainment is expected to pull in annual revenues in the $300 million range, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Right now, William Morris has around 300 agents and Endeavor about 80. In the weeks to come, layoffs and other departures are expected as the new company takes shape.

WME Entertainment will be guided by Jim Wiatt as chairman, Ariel Emanuel, Patrick Whitesell, and Dave Wirtschafter as co-CEOs, according to a statement posted on Nikki Finke’s Deadline Hollywood Daily.

Finke has more details on her site along with a ton of back story on the deal as well.

The swine flu outbreak is continuing to spread both internationally and here in the U.S. Not only has the number of cases of this type of flu increased in the U.S. and Mexico, but there are now reports of confirmed cases in Canada and Europe. The swine flu is tough to detect because it produces common flu symptoms like high fever, cough, and sore throat. In terms of prevention, experts are encouraging people to wash their hands and do so often. Also, if you are sick, stay at home.

Today the number of people with swine flu is around 40 nationally, 11 in California and none confirmed in the Southland. In Beverly Hills today, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger declared the state is prepared and “… at this time there is no reason for alarm.” President Obama echoed those feelings, but admitted this flu outbreak is “…cause for concern and requires a heightened state of alert.”

Hardest hit is Mexico where 149 people have died from swine flu and hundreds more are sick with it. Americans are being warned to avoid travel to Mexico.

We are at the tail end of our normal flu season. Health officials point out that every year 36,000 people die in this country from flu-related illnesses.

The multi-talented Beyonce has a movie hit to add to her string of accomplishments. The new stalker thriller, “Obsessed,” ran over the competition to land in the number one spot at the Box Office this weekend. “Obsessed” debuted with a hefty $28.5 million.

In this psycho-drama a sexy office temp, played by Ali Larter, becomes obsessed with Beyonce’s Los Angeles investment broker husband, Idris Elba. Some critics slammed the film pretty hard. Movie fans apparently aren’t reading those reviews or don’t care, because they’re packing theaters to see “Obsessed.” The film reportedly was made on a budget of $20 million.

 Last weekend’s top flick “17 Again” dropped to second with a take of $11.7 million. The new fight drama, “Fighting,” punched its way into third with an estimated $11.4 million. The drama about a brilliant musician homeless on the streets of Los Angeles, “The Soloist,” earned $9.7; and rounding out the top five, the new nature documentary “Earth” with $8.5 million. 

Photo: Anne Cusack/Los Angeles Times (2001)

Veteran actress of stage and TV, Bea Arthur, died today in Los Angeles. Arthur was truly one of a kind. She carried her tall frame proudly and with a deep voice and sharp wit, could deliver some of the best comedy one-liners ever.

  Arthur acted on stage in local theater as well as on Broadway. She won a Tony for her supporting role in the original Broadway production of “Mame” in 1966. I was not lucky enough to see Arthur work her magic on stage, but I did watch her for years on television. And loved every minute of it.

In 1971, Arthur made her first appearance on the sitcom “All In The Family” as Edith Bunker’s sharp tongued cousin, Maude. Arthur would later have great success with her own show, “Maude,” which was really a comedy/drama because it dealt with serious issues as well as comedic situations. It reflected the times and the growing feminist movement. “Maude” ran for six years in prime-time. Arthur won an Emmy for the lead role in 1977.

 In 1985, Arthur returned to television for another classic sitcom, “The Golden Girls” with Estelle Getty, Rue McClanahan, and Betty White. All four won Emmys for their roles on the show. Arthur picked hers up in 1988.

Outside of acting, Arthur was a big supporter of animal rights and AIDS research. Arthur was 86. She reportedly died of cancer.

Photo: Samantha Appleton/White House

First Lady Michelle Obama had another chat with a queen a few days ago. Mrs. Obama held a get together with Jordan’s Queen Rania in the White House Yellow Oval Room on Thursday, April 23, 2009.  Also this week, Jordan’s King Abdullah met with President Obama.  

Earlier this month, the first lady and the president had a meet and greet with Great Britian’s Queen Elizabeth II and her husband, Prince Philip at Buckingham Palace in London.  

Photo: NBC

Funny guy Jay Leno will be back cracking jokes and talking to guests at “The Tonight Show” desk come Monday. Leno was reportedly released from Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Burbank yesterday. The late-night show host started feeling badly on Thursday and drove himself to the hospital. Leno’s personal representative told the People website: “They had him overnight. It was for observation. It was symptomatic of nothing serious. I think it was a dehydration.”

“Tonight Show” tapings were canceled for Thursday and Friday, reruns aired instead. Leno, who turns 58 on Tuesday, is preparing to switch shows. A major move for the comic and NBC. Leno will host his last “Tonight Show” on Friday, May 29, 2009. In September, Leno is scheduled to kick off a new weekly prime-time one hour show at 10 p.m. 

Writer Derek Haas has had great success scripting movies for Hollywood. Haas co-wrote “3:10 to Yuma” (2007,) a remake of the classic western film based on acclaimed author Elmore Leonard’s short story with the same title. Along with his partner, Michael Brandt, Haas wrote the screenplay for “Wanted” and several major scripts in development like “The A-Team,” “Beverly Hills Cop IV,” and ”The Thirteenth Hour.”

Now Haas is creating a name for himself as a best selling author with the “Silver Bear” novels. The third installment in the series sold to Pegasus Books recently, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The first book, “The Silver Bear,” about a feared assassin hired to whack his own father, came out last summer. Book two, “Columbus,” is scheduled for release this November.                                              

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove

There will be a rerun in “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” television slot tonight, because the taping this afternoon had to be canceled. The host, Jay Leno, reportedly became ill and drove himself to  Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Burbank. KNX 1070 newsradio is reporting Leno may be suffering from a bout of food poisoning. The veteran entertainer is said to be resting in a hospital bed and writing jokes! Still, there’s a good chance Leno will not be back on the “Tonight Show” until Monday.

Folks waiting in line for this afternoon’s taping at the NBC Studios here in Burbank were given some parting souvenirs and rain checks. Leno took over the popular late night talker when Johnny Carson retired in 1992. Over three million people have watched a taping of the show as part of the audience, according to the “Tonight Show” ticket and information website.

However, time is running out to see Leno behind “The Tonight Show” desk. Leno is scheduled to step aside as the show host on Friday, May 29, 2009. Conan O’Brien is taking over the “Tonight Show” and Leno is set to get his own new weekly show in the 10-to-11 p.m. slot this September.

Photo: Rick Loomis/Los Angeles Times

Some stories make you want to cry and stand up and cheer — all at the same time. Crenshaw High School junior Sharron Pearson’s determination to go to a summer program at Oxford University and  the overwhelming financial support she has received from the public is just such a story. To say Pearson is bright is almost an understatement. She has a 4.2 grade-point average and is enrolled in a Los Angeles magnet program for gifted students.

As is the case for many families these days, money is tight. Her father said they could not afford the summer program at Oxford, but 17-year-old Pearson applied anyway. She got accepted with a scholarship. Yet, weeks before the first class on July 5, Pearson and her supporters were scrambling to raise $2,500 for airfare to London and to cover her other expenses.

Then an article about Pearson’s plight appeared on the Los Angeles Times website Tuesday, April 21 and the public came to the rescue. A special fund for Pearson was inundated with offers from as many as a thousand people, according to a follow up story today on the Times website.

A Crenshaw school official had said the fundraising would stop after the goal of $2,500 was met. I think the extra donations should go into the special fund for future needs. Pearson has high aspirations and the extra money will ease the burden on her family and help her reach her goals.  

After months of reports about billions of U.S. taxpayer bailout dollars going to arrogant Wall Street firms and financial institutions who’ve paid out millions in bonuses to their employees, it’s good to hear a story like Sharron Pearson’s where money is being well spent.

Photo: Pete Souza/White House

President Barack Obama spent part of Earth Day in Newton, Iowa touring a wind tower production facility. In his Earth Day speech, the president described a major challenge facing our nation: “Now, the choice we face is not between saving our environment and saving our economy.  The choice we face is between prosperity and decline.  We can remain the world’s leading importer of oil, or we can become the world’s leading exporter of clean energy.  We can allow climate change to wreak unnatural havoc across the landscape, or we can create jobs working to prevent its worst effects.  We can hand over the jobs of the 21st century to our competitors, or we can confront what countries in Europe and Asia have already recognized as both a challenge and an opportunity:  The nation that leads the world in creating new energy sources will be the nation that leads the 21st-century global economy. America can be that nation.  America must be that nation.”

More on the president’s Earth Day speech and visit to Iowa yesterday at The White House Blog.

Photos: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove – Burbank

Be kind to the planet and all its living things.

Best selling author Patricia Cornwell’s popular book sleuth/medical examiner, Dr. Kay Scarpetta ,is headed to the big screen. Angelina Jolie is on board to play the fictional crime solver in a suspense thriller based on the 16-book series, which began with “Postmortem”(1990).  The latest, “Scarpetta,” came out last December.

 Cornwell once worked as a newspaper reporter and a computer analyst in a chief medical examiner’s office in Virginia. Cornwell’s novels are know for their complex characters, gripping plots, and grisly details. The movie rights for two of the author’s other novels, “At Risk,” and “The Front,” have been picked up by Lifetime Television, according to Variety.

 Fox 2000 made the deal for the movie rights to the Scarpetta novels and reportedly plans to develop a film in the vein of “Seven” and “The Silence of the Lambs.”

Photos: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove – Burbank

A heat wave is still baking Southern California today. By mid-day in Burbank, the temperature had soared past 90.  Again, the weather forecasters are warning we could hit 100 here!  A perfect day to take advance of a yummy offer of a free scoop of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream. These Ben & Jerry’s freebies are fantastic, but be prepared for long lines, especially on a scorcher like today.

 On Election Tuesday,  November 4, 2008, Ben & Jerry’s honored the democratic process by scooping up free ice cream for thousands between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Even if you didn’t vote, if you showed up, you got a free scoop. I joined the folks in line at the Ben & Jerry’s on East Palm Avenue in Burbank.  Despite the wait of a half an hour or more, the crowd was friendly and festive.  And of course, the ice cream was top notch.

 Now, Ben & Jerry’s has proclaimed Tuesday, April 21, 2009 Free Cone Day. The company explains the reasons for the event on its website: “As a way to thank our customers for their support and to celebrate 31 years of scooping the chunkiest, funkiest ice cream, frozen yogurt and sorbet, Ben & Jerry’s scoop shops are happily giving it away! ”

Ben & Jerry’s shops nationwide will be scooping the free cool stuff from noon until 8 p.m. today.

Photo: Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers

 The Los Angeles Dodgers rolled right over the Colorado Rockies yesterday in a 14-to-2 victory to extend their winning streak to eight straight games. In front of a spectator crowd of around 41,000 at Dodger Stadium, Matt Kemp hit a grand slam in the fifth inning scoring four runs. The center fielder was congratulated by teammates as shown in the photo. That was the first of two homers for Kemp in that game. The homeboys in blue are now in first place in the National League West.

After months of on again /off again talks and tons of haggling and sniping, the members of the Screen Actors Guild will soon get the opportunity to vote on a contract deal. Yesterday, the Screen Actors Guild National Board of Directors approved a tentative agreement with the Big Studio producers by a narrow 53 to 47 vote.

SAG and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers jointly announced the tentative deal on Friday, but details were not released until yesterday. The two-year contract expires in June of 2011, keeping SAG in sync with the WGA, DGA, and AFTRA contracts, therefore, giving the unions more power in the next round of negotiations. Even though the deal includes a 3.5% annual raise in minimums, the pay structure for some Internet work is the same as what the producers gave the WGA, AFTRA, and DGA. The hardliners had fought for months to get the new media part of their contract sweetened.  

In the statement posted on the SAG website, SAG National President and supporter of the hardliners said: “I urge members to carefully review both the pros and cons in the referendum materials, and exercise their right to vote.”

Interim National Executive Director David White said: “We are pleased that Screen Actors Guild members will soon be voting on a deal for television and motion pictures. We’re eager to get our members back to work and to focus now on the challenges ahead, particularly on initiating a comprehensive effort to thoughtfully plan for the future.”  White replaced Doug Allen, a tough negotiator, who was fired by the guild on January 26, 2009. Also, Allen’s position as chief negotiator was taken over by John McGuire.

The ratification ballots are set to go out to the rank and file early next month. There are around 120,000 members of SAG.

Teen heartthrob Zac Efron scored big at the Box Office this weekend with his new comedy/fantasy, “17 Again.” The film is about a thirtysomething guy who gets a second shot at his life when he magically becomes 17 again. Young movie fans, especially teenage girls, stormed the theaters propelling the film into the number 1 spot with an estimated $24 million. “17 Again” also stars Matthew Perry.

In second place, “State of Play,” starring Russell Crowe, Ben Affleck, Helen Mirren, and Rachel McAdams. The new crime drama/thriller is based on a BBC TV series about a group of investigative reporters who join with a police detective to solve the murder of a congressman’s mistress. ”State of Play” debuted with about $14 million. The animated 3-D flick, “Monsters vs. Aliens” earned around $13 million for third, followed by last weekend’s top film, “Hannah Montana: The Movie” in fourth with $12.6 million; and rounding out the top five “Fast and Furious (New Model…Original Parts)”  with $12.2 million.