The Disco Queen with the powerful voice, Donna Summer, reportedly passed away today, at the age of 63. The singer-songwriter and five-time Grammy winner, died in Florida after a long battle with cancer. It’s not a day that goes by that I don’t hear a Summer hit on the radio. She had a number of them — with hot rhythms and catchy lyrics like: “Last Dance,” “Hot Stuff,” “Bad Girls,” “Dim All The Lights,” “She Works Hard For Her Money,”  and my favorite, “Heaven Knows.”

More on the life and incredible talent of Donna Summer on the Los Angeles Times website.

Jennifer Hudson file photo

Today a Chicago jury came back with a verdict in the murder trial involving the shooting deaths of three members of entertainer Jennifer Hudson’s family: her mother 57-year-old Darnell Donerson, brother 29-year-old Jason Hudson, and 7-year-old nephew, Julian King. The jury convicted the brother-in-law of the Oscar-winning actress on all counts. Thirty-one-year-old William Balfour faces a mandatory life in prison term.

The prosecution argued the motive for the killings, back in October of 2008, was jealousy after Jennifer’s sister Julia dumped Balfour and was seeking a divorce. The actress/singer attended every day of the two week trial. More on the verdict here on the Chicago Tribune website.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- TV crew at work at the General Motors training facility on Riverside Drive Burbank April 2, 2012

That controversial General Motors training facility site over on Riverside Drive in the Rancho has gone Hollywood — at  least for a few days. The production of the new CBS TV drama, “Widow Detective” is reportedly shooting there now. The cop series stars John Corbett as a lieutenant who offers his help, as a surrogate husband, lover, and father, to the families of his three deceased partners who died in the line of duty.

Photo: FLLewis/ Media City G -- The old General Motors training facility sports a new title, "Los Angeles Police Department Sunset Division" for the filming of a new TV drama series in Burbank April 2, 2012

The front of the facility has been turned into the headquarters for the fictional Los Angeles Police Department Sunset Division. I’m told there is now a mock-up of a hospital on the site as well.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Fake Los Angeles Police cars parked out front of the General Motors training facility/turned TV film set on Riverside Drive Burbank April 2, 2012

The site has been in the spotlight for a different reason lately. A developer, New Urban West, tried to build a large 120 unit housing project on the site — but Rancho residents beat it down. So the developer sold the site to Lycée International de Los Angeles, an English/French private school, and apparently that deal is getting the thumbs up from local residents.

The confusion surrounding the 84th Academy Awards ceremony has cleared and the big event appears to be back on track today. Late yesterday, The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced entertainer Billy Crystal would be hosting next February’s Oscar telecast. Here’s the official press release.

Beverly Hills, CA (November 10, 2011)– Producers Brian Grazer and Don Mischer have announced that Billy Crystal will serve as host for the 84th Academy Awards. “I’m thrilled to welcome Billy back to the Oscar® stage,” said Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences president Tom Sherak. “He’s a comic legend and Oscar icon, and it feels good to have him back where he belongs.”

Commented Grazer, “Like so many others, I’ve been eager to see Billy host again. It’s very gratifying that he agreed to do it with Don and me at the helm.”

Said Mischer, “With Billy, we’re moving forward with one of the greatest hosts in Oscar history. His return to the Oscars® is, in a sense, a celebration.”

This will mark Crystal’s ninth time as host. Only Bob Hope has hosted more Academy Awards presentations, with 19 ceremonies between 1940 and 1978. Crystal last hosted the Academy Awards in 2004.

“Some of the best moments of my career have happened on the Oscar stage. I am thrilled to be back there. Actually, I am doing this so that the young woman in my pharmacy will stop asking me my name when I pick up my prescriptions,” said Crystal.

Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2011 will be presented on Sunday, February 26, 2012, at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center®, and televised live by the ABC Television Network. The Oscar® presentation also will be televised live in more than 200 countries worldwide.

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Actress Jenny McCarthy isn’t above showing off her body or book smarts. The former Playboy model is the author of a number of bestsellers including, “Life Laughs”, “Baby Laughs,” Belly Laughs,” and ”Love, Lust & Faking It.” Also, McCarthy has written serious books about autism including,  ”Louder than Words: A mother’s journey in healing autism. ”

Now McCarthy, is going back to her comedic roots with a new book, “Sinner: Confessions of a Recovering Catholic.” The book industry site, Galleycat, has a post today about the new deal Hyperion has to publish McCarthy’s latest book next fall.

In the post, McCarthy is quoted as saying she grew up intending to be “a nun”, but all sorts of things happened during her childhood, which had her changing course and taking a road that led to her becoming Playmate of the Year (1994) and eventually an entertainer. McCarthy has been a regular on television with appearances on popular series like “Baywatch”, ”Home Improvement,”  ”Just Shoot Me,” and “Two and a Half Men.”

Photo: Esquire/People -- Pop singer Rihanna named 2011 Sexiest Woman Alive by Esquire Magazine

Pop singer and fashion risk-taker, Rihanna, displayed her special kind of heat on the cover of Esquire’s November issue. The magazine named the 23-year-old Barbados native, 2011 Sexiest Woman Alive! On the Internet today, there is some debate about whether the entertainer really deserves the title.

People magazine has more on Rihanna’s new title. Also, to ah, see more of Rihanna and check out the runners-up … click over to the Esquire website.

Photo courtesy Guest Blogger Jean Youn

Henry Ford, Andrew Carnegie, Gary Cooper, John Wayne, Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, Muhammad Ali, Elvis Presley, Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor … etc. These names bring out different thoughts and feelings depending on the person who’s having these thoughts and feelings.

However, for me and probably many other people who were growing up in different countries around the time I was, those names are the names we thought of when we thought of America. Another name that I’ve come to associate with America is Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong, though he had a very different background from those other people. Louis Armstrong was almost synonymous to America in my mind when growing up because America reminded me of jazz music and jazz music reminded me of Louis Armstrong.

Louis Armstrong was born in the streets of New Orleans to a mother who was a prostitute in 1901. After age 11, he was often sent to the New Orleans Home for Colored Waifs for general delinquency. However, it was there where he developed his cornet playing seriously. (He would later switch to the trumpet and become famous). So though his early life seemed rather hopeless, he was able to grow into a legendary jazz musician.

As a child, it is said that Louis Armstrong asked a teacher why is it that everyone works but only some succeed and others fail. The teacher responded to him that people who fail, fail because they put all of their energy into things they can’t do instead of on doing things they can do. People that succeed, succeed because they put all of their energy into things they can do instead of on things they can’t do.

Those words from Louis Armstrong are of great importance to me as an immigrant in this country working in a dry cleaners. I like to think that as I work hard at something I can do, which is dry cleaning, that I am helping to make America the great country that I knew it to be as a child when I used to hear about those great names that were from this country.

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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.

“Transformers 3″  makes $21 million on Thursday

“Transformers 3″ is packing them at movie theaters. Yesterday, the sci-fi  flick scored $21 million  — bringing its two-day haul to around $60 million. The question now is how close to $200 million will the film get before the fireworks celebrations wrap up on July 4th?

“Thor 2″ on the way

“Thor ” is still playing in theaters, but a sequel is already in the works.  So far, “Thor” has earned close to $178 million at the domestic box office. “Thor 2″ has a release date of July 26, 2013, even though it has yet to land a director.  However, the project does have a screenwriter. More on  Deadline.com

Justin Timberlake and MySpace

Specific Media snatched up MySpace at a bargain basement price of $35 million, earlier this week.  The Orange County company is hoping  singer/actor, Justin Timberlake, will help revive the struggling social network.  Details on The Wrap.

Photo: Kevin P. Casey/Los Angeles Times -- Sax man Clarence Clemons joined Bruce Springsteen for a tour stop on the E Street Band tour in Anaheim 2010

 Rock musician extraordinaire, Clarence Clemons, died today of complications from a stroke.  Clemons was 69. The talented saxophonist was known as the soul of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band. The Los Angeles Times has a nice piece on the “Big Man” and his incredible sax sound.

Some breaking news in Hollywood. Ashton Kutcher has finalized a deal to replace the temperamental Charlie Sheen on the hit CBS TV sitcom, “Two and a Half Men,” according to deadline.com  For a while, British actor, Hugh Grant, was the front runner for the job, but that plan did not work out.

Deadline.com has more on this story and the behind the scenes developments that had a number of actors as contenders to join the “Two and a Half Men” cast.

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: 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: Pete Souza/White House -- Entertainer Stevie Wonder got a standing ovation from the audience during "The Motown Sound: In Performance at the White House" concert February 24, 2011

PBS stations across the country ran the premiere of the TV special, ”The Motown Sound: In Performance at the White House,” last night. The concert recorded in the East Room of the White House back on February 24, 2011, was a celebration of Black History Month and the legendary soul/pop/rhythm and blues sound of Motown Records.

Some of the great artists who helped create that Motown Sound: The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, The Supremes, Gladys Knight and the Pips, and Stevie Wonder.

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama hosted the event, which included appearances by Seal, Jamie Foxx, Smokey Robinson, Sheryl Crow, John Legend, Nick Jonas, and Southland KJLH radio station owner/entertainer, Stevie Wonder — just to name a few.

Photo: Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times -- Rolling Stones frontman , Mick Jagger, performed at the 53rd Grammy Awards ceremony at Staples Center in Los Angeles February 13, 2011

The Staples Center in L.A. got turned out by some entertainers who came to blow the roof off the place at the 53rd Grammy Awards ceremony. First time Grammy performer, Rolling Stones lead singer, Mick Jagger, was one of the veteran who took to the stage, along with the young stars like Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Rihanna, and Eminem.

Photo: Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times -- Rihanna and Eminem joined forces to sing their hit "Love the Way You Lie" at the 53rd Grammy Awards ceremony in L.A. February 13, 2011

Rihanna and Eminem’s duet, “Love the Way You Lie” is on his disc “Recovery,” which won for best rap album. The country group, Lady Antebellum, won record and song of the year for the tearjerker, “Need You Now.” It’s an emotional song– but not a great one. However, country music –particularly — pop/country — has become the new rock-n-roll.

Los Angeles times has more on the shocking winners of the top awards, the performances, the red carpet fashions, and how the TV censors were kept busy during the broadcast. And a ton of photos, too!

Photo: The Black Eyed Peas from their website -- (l-r) will.i.am, Fergie, Taboo, apl.de.ap

The hip Grammy winning SoCal band, The Black Eyed Peas, is planning to really rock the house at the Super Bowl on Sunday. In a post on the Spin Magazine website, band member will.i.am described their plans for Super Bowl XLV:  “We’re known for doing outlandish things and we’re going to make this a big spectacle.”

The Super Bowl is one of the most watched television events of the year. The Spin article has more on past Super Bowl halftime shows, some details on the “Peas” spectacle, and what this performance means to the Southland rockers.

The kick-off for Super Bowl XLV, the Pittsburgh Steelers vs Green Bay Packers, is this Sunday, February 6, at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, 3:30 p.m. Pacific Time.

Photo: Chuck Kennedy/White House --President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama welcome President Hu Jintao of China to the White House for a state dinner January 19, 2011

A glitzy state dinner for President Hu Jintao of China at the White House, last Wednesday. It was the first formal dinner for China in more than 13 years. The last one was during the Bill Clinton Administration.

At the affair, First Lady Michelle Obama dazzled in a gorgeous red and black gown by the late British designer, Alexander McQueen. The more than 200 guests dined on an American feast of Maine lobster, rib eye, double stuffed potatoes, and apple pie with ice cream for dessert.

Photo: Pete Souza/White House -- Jazz singer Dee Dee Bridgewater performed during a reception at a White House state dinner January 19, 2011

 The entertainment  at the reception featured a jazz concert with performances by Grammy winners, Herbie Hanock and Dee Dee Bridgewater.

Photo: Pete Souza/White House -- (l-r) Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, ex-President Bill Clinton, former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, ex-President Jimmy Carter, Dr. Jill Biden, and V.P. Joe Biden listen to performances during a reception at a state dinner January 19, 2011

 Along with two ex-presidents and their wives, the guest list included entertainers Jackie Chan, Barbra Streisand, fashion designer Vera Wang, numerous politicians, business leaders, and human rights activists.

Judge dismisses charges against Anna Nicole Smith’s boyfriend

Photo: www.theinsider.com --Actress Anna Nicole Smith and her attorney Howard K. Stern in 2007

In a surprise decision, a Los Angeles Superior Court Judge today threw out the charges against Anna Nicole Smith’s long-time boyfriend/attorney, Howard K. Stern. Last October, a jury found Stern guilty of two conspiracy felony charges in connection with drugs prescribed for Smith — who died of an accidental overdose February 7, 2007.

Also, the judge reduced from four to one — the charges against one of Smith’s doctors — saying the evidence did not support the charges. More on the judge’s decision and the prosecution’s reaction on the People website.

Day three of Michael Jackson’s doctor’s hearing

More dramatic revelations today in the Los Angeles hearing to determine if there is enough evidence for Dr.Conrad Murray to stand trial in the death of Michael Jackson. Murray was apparently engaged in phone conversations and texting when he should have been paying attention to the medicated superstar according to records presented in court.

On June 25, 2009, paramedics rushed the singer from his rented Holmby Hills mansion to the UCLA Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. Later, the Los Angeles Coroner’s office ruled the entertainer’s death a homicide — the result of an overdose of the powerful anesthetic, propofol, which was being given to him as a sleeping aid.

A report on the hearing and the testimony on the Los Angeles Times website site.

2011 People’s choice Awards

The movie blockbuster, “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse,” snatched four top awards at the People’s Choice Awards last night at the Nokia Theatre Live L.A. in downtown Los Angeles. Among the People’s Choice awards for this “Twilight” sequel, favorite movie and favorite movie drama.

These award winners for film, television and music are selected by the fans.  A list of the winners, the nominees, photos and videos and more on the People’s Choice website.

Photo: Chuck Kennedy/White House --President Obama gets help from mother-in-law Marian Robinson, daughters Sasha abd Malia, as well as First Lady Michelle Obama in pushing the button to light the National Christmas Tree, Washington DC, December 9, 2010

For the 88th time, the National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony took place in Washington, DC last night.  The first family had t he honor of pushing the button that lit up a 40-foot Colorado blue spruce.

Photo: Lawrence Jackson/White House --National Christmas Tree shines bright with lights in Washington DC, December 9, 2010

Photo: Pete Souza/White House --Blues master BB King performed , "Merry Christmas Baby," at the National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony in Washington, DC, December 9, 2010

 The President commented on the history and the resilience of the National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony:

President Obama:

Often, the ceremony itself has reflected the pain and sacrifice of the times. There were years during the Second World War when no lights were hung, in order to save electricity. In the days following Pearl Harbor, Winston Churchill joined President Roosevelt to wish our nation a Happy Christmas even in such perilous days.

But without fail, each year, we have gathered here. Each year we’ve come together to celebrate a story that has endured for two millennia. It’s a story that’s dear to Michelle and me as Christians, but it’s a message that’s universal: A child was born far from home to spread a simple message of love and redemption to every human being around the world.

It’s a message that says no matter who we are or where we are from, no matter the pain we endure or the wrongs we face, we are called to love one another as brothers and as sisters.

And so during a time in which we try our hardest to live with a spirit of charity and goodwill, we remember our brothers and sisters who have lost a job or are struggling to make ends meet. We pray for the men and women in uniform serving in Afghanistan and Iraq and in faraway places who can’t be home this holiday season. And we thank their families, who will mark this Christmas with an empty seat at the dinner table.

On behalf of Malia, Sasha, Michelle, Marian — who’s our grandmother-in-chief — (laughter) -– and Bo — don’t forget Bo — (applause) — I wish all of you a merry Christmas and a blessed holiday season.

The full text of President Obama’s remarks on the White House website here.

The final numbers are in and  “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1″ managed to beat back newcomer, “Tangled,” to remain the number one movie in the country, for the second straight week.

 The seventh installment of the phenomenal film series conjured up $49 million at theaters last weekend. Its two week total stands at around $219 million at the domestic box office.

The new animated re-telling of the “Rapunzel” fairy tale, “Tangled,” came in a very close second, outpacing expectations with $48.7 million.  The 3D family flick features the voices of Manny Moore, Zachary Levi, Donna Murphy, and Ron Perlman. Another 3D animation, “Megamind,” took in $12.5 million –good enough for third. 

The new musical, “Burlesque,” shimmed its way to fourth place with a $11.9 million debut. The plot revolves around a young Iowa waitress, played by pop singer, Christina Aguilera, who follows her dream of becoming an entertainer to Los Angeles. Cher, Kristen Bell, and Stanely Tucci also star. Rounding out the top five, the action thriller, “Unstoppable,” with $11.4 million — for a three week domestic total of around $60 million.

Hollywood Publicist gunned down

An investigation is underway into the early morning  fatal shooting of well-known Publicist, Ronni Chasen. There are reports, Chasen was shot several times in her car in Beverly Hills, after leaving a party following a premiere for the movie, “Burlesque.” More details on The Wrap.

New book from Barbra Streisand

Out today — a new book from  Superstar, Barbra Streisand. It’s not about singing, movies, or entertainment.  ”My Passion for Design” is about the singer’s love for American architecture and her adventures in designing and decorating numerous homes. This is Streisand’s first book.

Ted Koppel speaks out on the new brand of TV News

Photo: mediabistro.com -- Television Journalist Ted Koppel

 Veteran TV Journalist, Ted Koppel, has an excellent, thought provoking opinion piece in the Washington Post about the new trend in TV News, which has made stars of Glenn Beck, Keith Olbermann, and Bill O’Reilly.

“What we really need in our search for truth is a commodity that used to be at the heart of good journalism: facts – along with a willingness to present those facts without fear or favor,” Koppel opined.

However he admits, “The transition of news from a public service to a profitable commodity is irreversible.”  Check out Koppel’s opinion piece here.

“Megamind”  stops “Unstoppable” at the Box Office

“Megamind” is still tops at the Box Office, after going head-to-head with the new action flick, “Unstoppable” over the weekend. ”Megamind” earned $29.1 million to remain the number one movie in the country, for the second straight week.

“Unstoppable” is about a runaway train and efforts made to stop it in order to avoid a catastrophe. The film stars Denzel Washington and Chris Pine. “Unstoppable” debuted with $22.6 million — enough for second place.

The comedy, “Due Date,” landed in third with $15.4 million. The new sci-fi film, “Skyline,” swooped down into fourth with $11.6 million. The movie is about an alien invasion in Los Angeles  and stars Eric Balfour and Scottie Thompson.

Rounding out the top five, the new comedy-drama, “Morning Glory.” Despite its star power of Diane Keaton and Harrison Ford, the film managed only $9.2 million in its debut. The movie is about a producer struggling to save a morning show with feuding  anchors.