Photo: Chuck Kennedy/White House -- President Obama cheers on kids rolling Easter eggs on the White House lawn April 25, 2011

One more Easter tradition. The 133rd White House Egg Roll event drew 30,000 people from across the country today. Besides the popular Easter egg roll, there were healthy cooking demonstrations, storytime readings by celebs like Geena Davis and John Lithgow and musical performances by Willow Smith and others.

The theme this year, “Get Up and Go!” More on this event over on the  White house blog.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Promotional poster for the book "Chuck Fries Godfather of the Television Movie A History of Television."

Prolific television producer, Chuck Fries, was in the spotlight recently at the Burbank public library sponsored “An Evening with Hollywood Movers & Shaker.” The event on March 22, drew a crowd to the Buena Vista Library.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- The spotlight on television producer Chuck Fries drew a crowd to the Buena Vista Library in Burbank March 22, 2011

Fries was introduced by popular radio personality and disc jockey, Rick Dees, who has the #1 rated internationally syndicated radio show, “Rick Dees Weekly Top 40.”

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Radio personality Rick Dees gives the thumbs-up after introducing TV producer Chuck Fries at the Buena Vista Library in Burbank March 22, 2011

Chuck Fries has produced over 100 movies for television. His credits include a wide variety of films like, “She Waits” (1972), “The Secret Night Caller” (1975),”Cat People” (1982), ”Sins of the Father” (1985), ”Flowers in the Attic” (1987),”The Case of the Hillside Stranglers” (1989), “Troop Beverly Hills”  (1989),  “Leona Helmsley: The Queen of Mean” (1990), and “The Initiation of Sarah” (2006).

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- (l-r) Producer Chuck Fries, moderator/senior editor The Hollywood Reporter Alex Ben Block, actor Dorian Harewood at the Buena Vista Library Burbank March 22, 2011

Actor Dorian Harewood talked about working in the Fries fact-based TV film, “The Ambush Murders”(1982).

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Producer Chuck Fries, moderator/senior editor The Hollywood Reporter Alex Ben Block, Ava Fries at the Buena Vista Library in Burbank March 22, 2011

Chuck’s wife, Ava, joined him on the platform to discuss her experience as a producer of the film, “Troop Beverly Hills” (1989).

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Spider-Man made a brief appearance at the Buena Vista Library in Burbank March 22, 2011

The web slinger, Spider-Man, dropped in to remind folks that Fries produced the TV series “The Amazing Spider-Man” (1977-1979) and the TV movie ”Spider-Man Strikes Back” (1979).

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Producer Chuck Fries signed copies of his book at the Buena Vista Library in Burbank March 22, 2011

The book, “Chuck Fries Godfather of the Television Movie  A History of Television,” was released last fall.

Photo: tula/Flickr -- Fans adorned the Hollywood star of the late actress Elizabeth Taylor with pictures, cards, flowers, and mementos March 2011

 Elizabeth Taylor, the Hollywood superstar with the incredible violet eyes, died of congestive heart failure in a Los Angeles hospital, last Wednesday, March 23, 2011. The two time Academy Award winner for best actress was 79. The next day in a small private funeral, Taylor was buried at Forest Lawn Glendale.

The screen legend was laid to rest in the Memorial Terrace of the Great Mausoleum, nearby her good friend Michael Jackson in the Holly Terrace section. Many of the Hollywood famous are in this cemetery including Clark Gable, Walt Disney, and Nat King Cole.

(Photo: tula on Flickr)

Photo: Warner Bros./Los Angeles Times -- Elizabeth Taylor played rancher wife Leslie Benedict in the film "Giant" (1956)

Actress Elizabeth Taylor reportedly died this morning at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center here in the Southland. The Hollywood superstar passed away at the age of 79. The cause of death, congestive heart failure, according to the Los Angeles Times website.

The Times has photos and more on a complex woman who became a film legend.

Photo: Roberto Stuckert/Filho/PR -- President Barack Obama and Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff greet school children at Planalto Palace In Brasilia March 19, 2011

President Barack Obama and Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff paused to greet some school children before heading into a meeting at Planalto Palace in Brasilia. (the photo is from Flickr)

President Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, daughters Malia and Sasha arrived in Brazil today — the first stop on a five-day trip to strengthen economic ties with  three countries. The other two are Chile and El Salvador.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- St. Paddy's Day sign in a Burbank yard March 2011

It’s St. Paddy’s Day. Go green!!!

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Artist Rosalba Acevedo (far left in blue) chatted with a guest during the water color art show and reception in Glendale March 12, 2011

Guests got a real treat last Saturday, March 12, at the Geo Gallery 1545 Victory Boulevard, in Glendale. A selection of watercolors, by two talented artists in love with color and detail, were on display at an art show and opening reception hosted by Ex-Burbank Mayor/City Council Member, Marsha Ramos. Among those stopping by to browse and chat, Burbank City Council candidates Emily Gabel-Luddy and Bob Frutos.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Ex-Burbank Mayor/Council Member Marsha Ramos gets a warm greeting at an art show and reception in Glendale March 12, 2011

 Ramos has been hosting the shows for members of the Burbank Art Association for about a year. Every six weeks, two different artists showcase their work at the Geo Gallery — which is on the first floor of a Glendale building at 1545 Victory Boulevard. Since leaving office almost two years ago, Ramos has dedicated time to her passion for the arts by being a member of the Burbank Art Association and taking time to paint as well.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Ex-Burbank Mayor/City Council Member Marsha Ramos and Burbank City Council candidate/Police Commissioner Bob Frutos talked with artist Arline Helm at an art show in Glendale March 12, 2011

The artists, Arline Helm and Rosalba Acevedo, have retired from successful careers and are now devoting their time to creating art work with vivid color and impact. Their paintings will be on display through April 7, 2011, from 9-to-5 p.m., Monday-through-Friday, in the Geo Gallery.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Watercolors by artist Arline Helm at the Geo Gallery 1545 Victory Boulevard in Glendale March 12, 2011

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Watercolors by artist Rosalba Acevedo at the Geo Gallery 1545 Victory Boulevard Glendale March 12, 2011

Photo: Samantha Appleton/White House -- First Lady Michelle Obama talked with singers John Legend, Smokey Robinson, Motown Records Founder Berry Gordy, Jr., and Grammy Museum Executive Director Bob Santelli at the White House February 24, 2011

The sound of Motown was in the air at the White House last month. During a special tribute to the legendary Motown sound of pop/soul/rhythm and blues, First Lady Michelle Obama chatted with singers John Legend, Smokey Robinson, Motown Founder Berry Gordy, Jr., and Grammy Museum Executive Director, Bob Santelli, right before a Motown Music Series student workshop.

Photo courtesy The Middleton Family -- A young princess-to-be, Kate Middleton, smiles for the camera. One of several family photos added to the royal wedding website March 7, 2011

On the official royal wedding website for Prince William and Kate Middleton some new photos today. The pictures are from the Middleton family album – and they spotlight the future princess-to-be. This is shaping up to be a delightful website.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Burbank March 7, 2011

Sunshine and patchy clouds are what’s happening in Burbank today. This morning, it was wet from the overnight rain and the skies were pretty gloomy. Soon the sun came out and the temperature warmed up.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Burbank March 7, 2011

The forecast is for a high in the 60s and breezy conditions in the Media City.

Photo: Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times -- Clipper Blake Griffin slam dunks over a car at Staples Center in Los Angeles February 19, 2011

Blake Griffin how did ya get so fly? The Clipper power forward stunned the crowd at Staples Center last night, and gained all kind of props and kudos, when he leaped over a car during an amazing slam dunk.

Griffin won the NBA’s 26th Annual Slam Dunk Contest. The NBA all-star pumped up his own celebrity and add some magic to the struggling Los Angeles Clippers with that incredible dunk. Oh, and Griffin donated his trophy to the family of a friend who recently died.  What a guy!

The Los Angeles Times website has more photos and a terrific column by Bill Plaschke on Griffin’s mind-blowing dunk.

Photo: Pete Souza/White House -- President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama greet the family of Christina Taylor Green after the State of the Union address in Washington DC January 25, 2011

President Barack Obama remembered the victims of the Arizona tragedy in his State of the Union address on Tuesday, January 25.  After his speech, President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama greeted John, Roxanna, and 11-year-old Dallas Green. The family of Christina Taylor, the youngest victim of that shooting massacre on January 8, 2011. Christina and five others were killed, when a gunman fired on a gathering in front of a Safeway store near Tucson, Arizona.  U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Arizona) and 12 others were wounded in the attack.

Photo: Chuck Kennedy/White House -- President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama pose for the cameras in front of the Official White House Christmas Tree in the Blue Room December 5, 2010

 Christmas greetings from the First Couple included a joint message to everyone on this special day.

Remarks of President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama
Weekly Address
The White House
December 25, 2010

THE PRESIDENT:  Merry Christmas, everybody.  Michelle and I just wanted to take a moment today to send greetings from our family to yours.

THE FIRST LADY:  This is one of our favorite times of year.  And we’re so fortunate to be able to celebrate it together in this wonderful home.

This is the “People’s House.”  So Barack and I try to open it to as many people as we can, especially during the holiday season.

This month, more than 100,000 Americans have passed through these halls.  And the idea behind this year’s theme, “Simple Gifts,” is that the greatest blessings of all are the ones that don’t cost a thing – the comfort of spending time with loved ones…the freedoms we enjoy as Americans… and the joy we feel upon giving something of ourselves.

So in this time of family, friends, and good cheer; let’s also be sure to look out for those who are less fortunate, who’ve hit a run of bad luck, or who are hungry and alone this holiday season.

THE PRESIDENT:  Because this is the season when we celebrate the simplest yet most profound gift of all: the birth of a child who devoted his life to a message of peace, love, and redemption.  A message that says no matter who we are, we are called to love one another – we are our brother’s keeper, we are our sister’s keeper, our separate stories in this big and busy world are really one. 

The full text of the Obamas’ remarks here on the White House website.

Photo: Bill Ingalls/NASA --Lunar eclipse over Arlington, Virginia December 21, 2010

Thick storm clouds blocked the total lunar eclipse here in the Southland last night, but it was seen elsewhere. The NASA photo above shows the eclipse in the skies over Arlington, Virginia.

A lunar eclipse occurs only at night when there is a full moon. It happens when the Earth lines up directly between the sun and the moon, blocking the sun rays and casting a shadow on the moon, according to the NASA website. During the eclipse, the Earth’s atmosphere turns the regular gray color of the moon to a deep copper-red.

This lunar eclipse lasted about three hours and 28 minutes and occurred on the  winter solstice — the shortest day of the year — and the beginning of winter.  This is a rare astronomical feat.  The previous lunar eclipse on a winter solstice occurred in 1632. 

 More incredible lunar photos on the NASA site here.

Photo: Samantha Appleton/White House --First Family dog Bo greets some young visitors to the White House November 29, 2010

Several of the President’s Active Lifestyle Award achievers got a special treat at the White House last month. During their visit on November 29, the youngsters got to spend some time with Bo Obama. Everyone in this photo seems to be enjoying the encounter.

Photo: Copyright 2010 Mario Testino/People -- One of two engagement photos of Prince William and Catherine Middleton released December 11, 2010

The official engagement photos of Britain’s Prince William and Catherine Middleton were released this weekend. One is formal, shown above, and the other quite casual with the young couple cuddling and smiling. 

The photographer, Mario Testino, was hand picked by the prince. Testino has photographed the prince and other members of his family including his late mother, Princess Diana. The engagement photos and a short announcement appear on his father, Prince Charles’ website.

People magazine has a nice write up on the photo shoot at last month. Prince William and Catherine “Kate” Middleton are set to wed on April  29, 2011.

Photo: PRNewsFoto/Universal Studios Hollywood --"Grinchmas" stars Dusty, Dexter, Buster, and Scrapper to perform at Universal Studios, Universal City December 11-12, 2010

The annual “Grinchmas” celebration at Universal Studios in Universal City kicks off this weekend with two additional events. Universal Studios is partnering with the Amanda Foundation and the Los Angeles Department of Animal Services to host two “Max to the Rescue: Whoville’s Have A Heart Pet Adoption Fairs” on December 11 and 12, from noon to 4 p.m.,near the main entrance to the theme park.

“Max the Dog,” will be at the adoption fairs to greet the pets and the potential pet owners. Max is the Grinch’s BFF, the one-horned pooch with the quizzical look and relentless good spirits. 

In the “Grinchmas” celebration Max is played by four talented doggies, Dusty, Dexter, Buster, and Scrapper. They were plucked from animal shelters to be entertainment stars.

“The same ‘hyper-energy’ that may have led an owner to abandon their pet may make the animal well-suited to movie and TV work, and for a role in Universal’s ‘Grinchmas,’”according to animal trainer John McCormick in a PRNewswire release.

The Grinch, some residents from “Whoville,” a real snow winterland, and  more are planned for the ”Grinchmas” celebration, which runs through January 2, 2011.  Check out the Universal Studios website for more details and ticket prices.

Photo: Lawrence Jackson/White House -- A red ribbon for World AIDS Day is displayed on the North Portico of the White House, November 30, 2010

World AIDS Day is being observed around the world today. A White House event is planned for this afternoon, to remember the victims, stress awareness, and to gauge what is needed in the fight against HIV/AIDS in the U.S. and internationally.

World AIDS Day was established by the World Health Organization in 1988.