The troubled Los Angeles Dodgers are about to get a fresh start with new owners. The Dodgers organization and present owner, Frank McCourt, announced the $2 billion agreement with Guggenheim Baseball Management in a PRnewswire release late today. The new owners include NBA legend/entrepreneur, Earvin “Magic” Johnson and movie executive Peter Guber.

In the release, Frank McCourt stated: “”This agreement with Guggenheim reflects both the strength and future potential of the Los Angeles Dodgers, and assures that the Dodgers will have new ownership with deep local roots, which bodes well for the Dodgers, its fans and the Los Angeles community. We are delighted that this group will continue the important work we have started in the community, fulfilling our commitment to building 50 Dream Fields and helping with the effort to cure cancer.”

Earvin “Magic” Johnson said, “I am thrilled to be part of the historic Dodger franchise and intend to build on the fantastic foundation laid by Frank McCourt as we drive the Dodgers back to the front page of the sports section in our wonderful community of Los Angeles.”

The deal must be approved by a bankruptcy court. McCourt took the team into Chapter 11 bankruptcy last June. The Los Angeles Times has more on the sale here.

Money, money, money! The Mega Millions lottery jackpot has now reached a mind-boggling $363 million. Yes, it could be  bigger by draw time tonight at 7:45 p.m. Money like that — even a piece of it — could make some impossible dreams come true.

The final numbers are out today and “The Hunger Games” turned out to be the hottest movie ticket over the weekend. The film adaptation of the bestselling young adult novel dominated the domestic box office with a final tally of $152.5 million — which ranks third on the list of best opening weekends. “The Hunger Games” is set in the U.S. following an apocalypse and involves a deadly game in which a young teenage girl must fight to survive against more than 20 other teens. The author of  ”The Hunger Games” series is Suzanne Collins.

“21 Jump Street” took fourth place with $20.4 million, followed by “Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax”  $13.1 million, “John Carter” $5 million, and rounding out the top five  ”Act of Valor” $2 million.

Who says romance doesn’t sell in Hollywood? “Fifty Shades of Grey,” a bestselling erotic romance novel trilogy, with BDSM (bondage, discipline, sadism, masochism) elements, reportedly has sold to Universal Pictures and Focus Features. The X-rated book series was inspired by the hugely popular “Twilight” book saga and is written by British author E. L. James. The romance is about a female college student and a young intriguing billionaire who has some dark sexual desires. The  other two novels in the series are ” Fifty Shades Darker” and “Fifty Shades Freed.”

Deadline.com is reporting that the price tag is in seven figures, probably in the neighborhood of $3 million. There was apparently a bidding war for this book series with as many as 10 Hollywood studios throwing down money on the table for it. Deadline has some details on that here.

The Mega Millions lottery jackpot is overflowing with money! Millions of dollars. That jackpot escalated to $356 million last Friday, after no one picked all of the lucky numbers. Here are those winning digits: 6, 17, 19, 20, 21, and the Mega ball 20. Seven California players matched five of the winning numbers and each ticket is worth $259, 268.

The Mega Millions jackpot is now the third largest ever! The number one record holder occurred back in March of 2007 for $390 million. The next Mega Millions draw is tomorrow, March 27 at 7:45 p.m.

“The Signal” — Deadline has an exclusive report on a big money deal for hot scribe, Brad Ingelsby. Just a few years ago, Ingelsby was working for his father’s Pennsylvania insurance business, then he got his Hollywood break as a screenwriter. This deal is said to be in the high six-figures and is for a pitch, which revolves around a family weekend getaway with a sci-fi twist. The AFI grad is repped by WME and Energy Entertainment. More on Ingelsby’s story and new deal here.

“Thaw” — Vik Weet has scored a deal to write this horror thriller for legendary rap producer/music mogul, Dr. Dre.  Story focuses on a terrible evil that is unleashed on the world  from a sudden and rapid melting of the ice in Canada’s wild Yukon Territory. Dr. Dre will produce under his Crucial Films banner with partner Daniel Schnider. Weet is represented by United Talent Agency and New Wave Entertainment in the deal. Both Weet and Dr. Dre are busy with other projects as well. Details on MTV.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Reception for artist Alice Asmar at the Geo Gallery in Glendale March 11, 2012

Recently, the Geo Gallery in Glendale was the site of a special reception for accomplished Burbank artist Alice Asmar. Former Burbank Mayor/Councilwoman Marsha Ramos hosted the event on Sunday, March 11. Civic leaders, activists, and art lovers mingled, chatted, munched on great eats, and viewed a collection of works by Asmar. Frequently, her work has Southwestern themes and is often inspired by her love of native American culture and nature. Considered a child prodigy, Asmar showed talent and high intelligence at an early age. She received awards and recognition before the age of 10.  Today, her work appears in private and public collections across the nation and Europe including the Portland Art Museum, the Smithsonian, and the Public Art Museum of Gabrova, Buglaria.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Burbank Councilwoman Emily Gabel-Luddy got into a deep discussion with artist Alice Asmar at a reception inside the Geo Gallery Glendale March 11, 2012

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Former Burbank Police Commission Chair Bob Frutos was among those who attended a special reception for artist Alice Asmar inside the Geo Gallery Glendale March 11, 2012

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- "Mills of the Gods" by Alice Asmar on display at a special artist reception in the Geo Gallery March 11, 2012

Photo: FLLewis/Mediia City G --"Barrel Cactus with Cactus wren" by Alice Asmar at a special artist reception inside the Geo Gallery Glendale March 11, 2012

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Garden Guru Emilio "Elmo" Telles

Being in the retail nursery business as long as I have been, I frequently get asked–”What is the best tomato/pepper?”  I’ll smile and respond–”If you ask all five of my associates that question, you will get about five different answers.”

But the tried and true favourites are:

Better Boy(medium/large fruit)

Champion(medium fruit)

Cherry(Small salad-type)

Beefsteak/Beefmaster/Big Boy( for “hamburger big size!)

Sungold!( it’s a small cherry type of golden-red that is yummy! I’m so gonna try that one this season!)

On the labels of the tomatoes they will be classified as “Determinate” growing meaning they will bear fruit all at once, for that reason, best to plant them two weeks apart.

“Indeterminate” tomatoes grow like a weed and will produce all summer/fall. That’s a good start.

On March 31st, at all the Armstrong Garden Centers, we will be having tomato classes at 9:00a.m. or you can stop by anytime to ask garden questions.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Hot rod at Bob's Big Boy classic car show Burbank March 9, 2012

I dropped by the classic car show at the original Bob’s Big Boy restaurant at 4211 West Riverside Drive Burbank 91505 and found it to be a jumping affair with loads of hot rides on display and tons of folks in the parking lot. It happens every Friday from 5-to-10 p.m. Also, the show is a good excuse to pop into Bob’s, a California historical landmark, for one of their famous double-decker hamburgers and/or yummy milk shakes.

Photo: Terje Canavarro/Freelance photographer --"Congregating" in the Hollywood Hills January 2012

Photo: Terje Canavarro/Freelance photographer -- "Playful-1" shot in the Hollywood Hills January 2012

Photo: Terje Canavarro/Freelance photographer -- "Playful-2" shot in the Hollywood Hills January 2012

Photo: Terje Canavarro/Freelance photographer -- "Young Joe Buck" shot in the Hollywood Hills January 2012

Photo: Terje Canavarro/Freelance photographer -- "GP1" shot at Griffith Park March 2012

Photo: Terje Canavarro/Freelance photographer -- "GP7" shot in Griffith Park March 2012

Here are some wonderful  pictures of deer frolicking and roaming contently in the Hollywood Hills and Griffith Park. Freelance photog Terje “Terry” Canavarro snapped these pictures recently with his digital Canon Rebel xsi . It took some extra effort and patience to get close enough to the deer to capture these images:”One of them charged at me but I kept on shooting! I hike a few miles but I don’t consider that trouble! I love it!”Canavarro explained in an email.

Canavarro says he has “… been shooting photos since I was a boy.” Besides taking photos of nature and the environment, Canavarro has experience shooting portraits. Photography provides personal gratification for Canavarro on a number of levels including, “The adventure of seeing a shot! It’s like finding a gem!” and “The sharing! Sharing is the ultimate goal and the most rewarding part of it all!”

Photo: Terje Canavarro/Freelance photographer - "Self Portrait under High Tension Structure" January 2012

Contact Terje “Terry”  Canavarro at terje28@yahoo.com

NBC-4′s weathercaster/comic, Fritz Coleman, will mcee an evening of laughs and fun at Flappers Comedy Club to benefit the Burbank Tournament of  Roses Association on Sunday, March 11, 2012. The fundraiser begins at 5 p.m. Also, scheduled to take to the mike and do some stand-up, Charles Fleischer, Dana Eagle,  James P. Connolly, Jimmy Brogan, Natisha Anderson, and Sammy K Obeid. Tickets are $20 each.

Flappers is located at 102 East Magnolia Boulevard, Burbank 91502 , phone number (818) 845-9721

"Agave Sunset" by Alice Asmar. This and other works on display at the Geo Gallery 1545 Victory Blvd. Glendale 91201

Meet local artist Alice Asmar and view some of her extraordinary works at a special reception Sunday, March 11, 2-5 p.m. at the Geo Gallery 1545 Victory Blvd., Glendale 91201. The event is hosted by former Burbank Mayor Marsha Ramos.

“I’ve selected some personal favorites of her pieces that capture the culture of the American Southwest and are reflective of nature’s beauty,” Ramos said in an e-mail announcement.

Ramos describes Alice Asmar as “…  an accomplished visual artist, her works of art have been exhibited in prestigious galleries and museums across the United States.” Light refreshments will be served at the reception on Sunday. The art show will be on display at the Geo Gallery through March 17. For more information contact Marsha Ramos at (818) 500-9533 ext. 206.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Garden Guru Emilio "Elmo" Telles

It’s about time for tomatoes and peppers.

With these unusually cold nights and warm days those plants don’t know what to do! But they are readily becoming available at your local nurseries in seedling form. If you want to start from seeds, now is the time.

New feature on Deadline.com showcases jobs in the entertainment industry, among the listing an opening for a senior product management assistant over at the Disney Studios here in Burbank. On the list, jobs at Paramount, Sony, Showtime, Fox, and the BBC at locations in Burbank and elsewhere. Also, a number of search and resume tools to help in that hunt for a new gig. Well worth checking out.

Clear Channel Radio looking for promotion assistants to represent the station at events throughout the Southland. Details over on the Verdugo Jobs Center website.

Several new job openings with the Dodgers, including part time community affairs summer associate, assistant security manager, and fan services representative. The deadline to apply for these positions is March 16, 2012. Details and requirements over on the team website www.dodgers.com .

Photo courtesy Guest Blogger Jean Youn

It is now March, meaning that it is almost spring.

I like to think of spring as a time of renewal and starting fresh.

In Korea, sometimes the beginning of spring is interrupted by unseasonably cold temperatures and sometimes it even snows. When this happens, it is said that the cold weather is jealous of the beauty of the flowers that bloom in the spring time.

However, we know that the weather can’t have feelings of jealousy or any other feelings. People on the other hand, are sometimes very prone to feeling jealous.

Even if the cold weather is capable of feeling jealousy , it wouldn’t change the fact that spring is indeed coming. It is almost spring and time for a new start.

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Jean Youn is the owner of Value Village Cleaners at 912 West Glenoaks Boulevard in Glendale 91202. For details on services, coupons and more, check out the Value Village Cleaners website  here.

A magical night for a good cause is set for this Saturday, March 10, 7-8:30 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Burbank at 521 East Olive Avenue. The event is a fundraiser for the children’s ministries to help provide scholarships for summer camp. Director of communications and female student ministries, Carly Jones, says, “Our dream would be to raise $15,000 total for this year’s summer camps. We will be taking Middle Schoolers to camp at Forest Home Ojai Valley (foresthome.org). We will be taking High Schoolers on a mission trip to San Francisco to a YouthWorks site (youthworks.com).”

This is the third year that the First Presbyterian Church has joined forces with the Burbank Coordinating Council to send middle and high schoolers to summer camp. ”Research shows that all kids need 5 non-parental adults who care about them and whom they can trust in order to successfully and healthily transition from adolescence to adulthood. Camp is a great setting for adults and kids to create and build these trusting relationships,” according to Jones.

The free event is open to the public and is designed as a night of fun for the entire family. Financial contributions are being accepted as well as donated products and gift cards from local businesses to create prize baskets in a raffle. For more information contact Carly Jones at (818) 842-5103 or through the church email connections@burbankpres.org.

Photo courtesy Guest Blogger Jean Youn

 Last week, I read a letter a father wrote to his daughter who is getting married.

In the letter he wrote,
“Dearest daughter, a long time ago in England, wives were called peace weavers.”

It seems to suggest that the father was hoping that his daughter would be able to create peace in the new family she will start with her husband-to-be.

As I read the letter, I was reminded of something.

The Korean word for wife is ‘ah-neh’.
The root of that word is ‘ahn-heh’.
‘Ahn’ means inside and ‘heh’ means sun.
So what the word means is the sun inside my heart.

A family stays and grows together through peace and because of the brightness in their hearts as if the sun is shining on them.The peace weaver or sun of the heart can be either the wife, husband, son, daughter, mother, or father.

I hope that this week will be a week of peace and brightness in your heart.

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Jean Youn is the owner of Value Village Cleaners at 912 West Glenoaks Boulevard in Glendale 91202. For details on services, coupons and more, check out the Value Village Cleaners website  here.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Actor Arlow Stewart in Abraham Lincoln Park 300 North Buena Vista Street Burbank February 25, 2012

There’s a ton of great talent in the Southland. So we’re going to be giving shout-outs to some of  that talent in a new feature called Media City G Profiles.  First up: Actor Arlow Stewart.

I heard Arlow Stewart give a cold reading during a community event here in Burbank a short while ago. I was impressed with his skill. Others there commented on his strong vocal delivery as well.

At the age of 16, Stewart and his mother took what he called “a risk of faith” by leaving Oklahoma City for Hollywood. Stewart enrolled at John Burroughs High School in Burbank where he graduated with the class of 2000. Also, he beat the odds and quickly broke into the acting field. He got work in commercials and in television series like “Chicago Hope,” “Judging Amy,” “The Practice,” “ER,” and “Without A Trace.”  His movie credits include the 2003 action film, “S.W.A.T. “  In addition, Stewart says, “I have a love for live performance… ” such as local theater.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Actor Arlow Stewart in Abraham Lincoln Park 300 North Buena Vista Street Burbank February 25, 2012

NEW CONTACT INFO:

Manager
Griffith Talent
Shaunna Griffith
(818) 415-4169

Agent
Nancy Chaidez Agency
(323) 467-8954

Arlow Stewart, Jr.
(818) 272-6870
arlow.b.stewart@my.csun.edu

Photo: Courtesy www.oscars.com -- Octavia Davis accepted the Oscar for best supporting actress and gave a heartfelt emotional speech at the 84th Academy Awards ceremony in Hollywood February 26, 2012

As expected “The Artist” collected the major prize of best picture last night at the 84th Academy Awards ceremony in Hollywood. However, one of the best moments of the night occurred when Octavia Spencer won the best supporting actress Oscar for her work as a feisty maid in “The Help.”

Octavia Spencer received her golden statuette from last year’s best supporting actor, Christian Bale, and she joked about it.

“Oh, thank you! Thank you, Academy, for putting me with the hottest guy in the room.

“I have to thank my families. My family in Alabama, the state of Alabama… um… my L.A. family, watching at Steven’s or at Gada, my ‘Help’ family,Tate, Brunson, Kathryn, Allison Janney, thank you for being in my life. I share this with everybody. Thank you Steven Spielberg for changing my life, thank you Stacey Snider for changing my life.”

“Please wrap up, I’m wrapping up. I’m sorry, I’m freakin’ out. Thank you world! Oh God, and thank you to WME, and Viewpoint L.A. I’m sorry guys, thank you, I love you.”

Davis did wrap-up with tears in her eyes and golden boy in her hand. Also, she got a well deserved standing ovation from the audience.

Meryl Streep picked up her third Academy Award for best actress for her portrayal of Margaret Thatcher in “The Iron Lady” and Jean Dujardin bagged best actor for “The Artist” and 82-year-old Christopher Plummer took home best supporting Oscar for the “Beginners.” For more winners,photos, speeches, glittery fashions, and highlights from the show and the red carpet click over to the official Oscar website.