2010 PT Cruiser Classic

You see them all over the Southland. The hip retro-sedan — the PT Cruiser. I’ve seen them tricked out, pimped down, wearing  flashy colors or just cruising along with the standard equipment that has become so familiar on local streets and highways.

There are several Cruisers in my Burbank neighborhood — and one is parked at my place.  My 2004 Cruiser is still a very cool ride. Too bad the top executives at Chrysler didn’t show the PT its props — instead they canned it.

The last PT Cruiser rolled off an assembly line in Mexico today. The Detroit News website has a nice piece that looks back on ten years of the PT and how it struck a chord with consumers from day one.

The 2010 model is called the PT Cruiser Classic.  A classic is just what this sedan might become due to its unique style and now that production of it has ended. Decisions like the PT Cruiser shutdown has made Chrysler the struggling number three automaker it has been for far too long.

“Twilight” stars to view “Eclipse” movie with fans

Photo: “Twilight” stars from Deadline.com/Hollywood

Early numbers indicate “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse,” is going to rack up a huge money haul this July 4th holiday weekend.  The third installment of the vampire/fantasy/love story film series debuted on Wednesday, June 30, with a gigantic $68.5 million domestic Box Office tally.  On Thursday, the movie earned $24.2 million, and $28.6 million yesterday, for a total so far of $121.3 million, according to Box Office Mojo.

The promotion machine for “Eclipse” has done a bang-up job — and is still working. Over the next few day, some of the “Twilight” stars will be watching ”Eclipse” on the big screen with fans. Nikki Finke over at Deadline.com/Hollywood says about 20 members of the cast will be popping in at movie theaters all across the country. The surprise visits began yesterday and will continue through the holiday weekend.

For details on the cities where the “Twilight” stars will be appearing check out the “Eclipse”website  Los Angeles is on the list, but, ah, not Burbank.  Don’t know how Media City got missed. 

Wonder Woman #600 one hot comic book

Photo: Wonder Woman DC Comics website

Yeah, Wonder Woman is a bona fide hot babe. She can dust the floor with the bad guys and never have a wardrobe malfunction, despite that skimpy outfit she has worn for more than fifty years. I’m not hating on her — just giving WW her dues.  However, finally in the reimagining of Wonder Woman issue #600, Diana Prince gets a new outfit — one more suitable for crime fighting than walking the runway in a beauty pagaent.  Wonder Woman in pants, how very 21st Century.

Photo: New Wonder Woman DC Comics/ New York Times

The DC Comics’ superheroine is hot for another reason right now – the reboot of Wonder Woman #600, officially on sale last Wednesday, has sold out!  Also, Nikki Finke is reporting DC Comics is already printing up a second edition.

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — The House of Secrets at 1930 West Olive Avenue in Burbank

While I was out and about in Burbank today, I dropped by the House of Secrets comic book store and asked about Wonder Woman issue #600. Sure enough, it was sold out. The counter clerk estimated they got 100 issues on Wednesday and those flew off the shelves. They received a few more issues on Thursday and by last night those were gone, too. A new shipment is expected next week.

If you’d like to check out a preview of that hot comic click here. The New York Times has an excellent article on the makeover of Wonder Woman as well.

Dodger Manny Ramirez donates some rare wheels

 Photo: Jon SooHoo/L.A. Dodgers — Dodger Slugger Manny Ramirez ‘s 1994 Porsche 911 Turbo 964

Looking for a flashy ride with some power and celebrity history? Dodger outfielder Manny Ramirez has donated a rare Porsche to a charity auction. The 1994 red Porsche 911 Turbo 964 has less than 35,000 miles. Proceeds from the auction will benefit the Dodgers’ official charity, ThinkCure! and Maryvale, a local residential placement home for girls.

Bids for Ramirez’s wheels, reportedly appraised at more than $58,000, are now being taken online at  eBay until Monday, July 12, 2010 at 11 a.m.

FORD FUSION SELECTED MOTOR TREND CAR OF THE YEAR

American automaker Ford has picked up one of the most prestigious honors in its industry. Motor Trend magazine picked the Ford Fusion 2010 as the car of the year. The Ford model beat out the redesigned Toyota Prius and BMW 7-series.  Story here.

“MICHAEL JACKSON’S THIS IS IT” HEADED TO TV

 The TV rights to the  documentary of the late Michael Jackson’s final concert rehearsal footage was snatched up by the MTV Network. The music channel will begin showing “This Is It” in 2011. More details on the deal on the Variety website.   

SCANDAL AND INSPIRATION FROM A REALITY SHOW TV STAR/TURNED AUTHOR

Nene Leakes, one of the co-stars of “The Real Housewives of Atlanta,” is stretching her 15 minutes of fame by writing a book (with Denene Millner). The title is “Never Make the Same Mistake Twice: Lessons on Love And Life Learned the Hard Way.” Leakes offers advice from personal struggles, while also dishing on her reality show.  More on Leakes’ book on the GalleyCat site.