Some of the 2012 Writers Guild of America, West & East, Awards nominees are out today. On the list, nominations for outstanding achievement in television, news, radio, promotional writing, and graphic animation during the 2011 season.

TELEVISION NOMINEES

DRAMA SERIES

Boardwalk Empire, Written by Bathsheba Doran, Dave Flebotte, Howard Korder, Steve Kornacki, Itamar Moses, Margaret Nagle, Terence Winter; HBO

Breaking Bad, Written by Sam Catlin, Vince Gilligan, Peter Gould, Gennifer Hutchison, George Mastras, Thomas Schnauz, Moira Walley-Beckett; AMC

Game of Thrones, Written by David Benioff, Bryan Cogman, Jane Espenson, George R.R. Martin, D.B. Weiss; HBO

The Good Wife, Written by Courtney Kemp Agboh, Meredith Averill, Corinne Brinkerhoff, Leonard Dick, Keith Eisner, Karen Hall, Ted Humphrey, Michelle King, Robert King, Steve Lichtman, Matthew Montoya, Julia Wolfe; CBS

Homeland, Written by Henry Bromell, Alexander Cary, Alex Gansa, Howard Gordon, Chip Johannessen, Gideon Raff, Meredith Stiehm; Showtime

COMEDY SERIES

30 Rock, Written by Jack Burditt, Hannibal Buress, Kay Cannon, Robert Carlock, Tom Ceraulo, Vali Chandrasekaran, Tina Fey, Jon Haller, Matt Hubbard, Colleen McGuinness, Dylan Morgan, John Riggi, Josh Siegal, Ron Weiner, Tracey Wigfield; NBC

Curb Your Enthusiasm, Written by Alec Berg, Larry David, David Mandel, Jeff Schaffer; HBO

Louie, Written by Pamela Adlon, Louis C.K.; FX

Modern Family, Written by Paul Corrigan, Abraham Higginbotham, Ben Karlin, Elaine Ko, Carol Leifer, Steven Levitan, Christopher Lloyd, Dan O’Shannon, Jeffrey Richman, Brad Walsh, Ilana Wernick, Bill Wrubel, Danny Zuker; ABC

Parks & Recreation, Written by Greg Daniels, Katie Dippold, Daniel J. Goor, Norm Hiscock, Emily Kapnek, Dave King, Greg Levine, Aisha Muharrar, Chelsea Peretti, Amy Poehler, Brian Rowe, Michael Schur, Mike Scully, Emily Spivey, Alan Yang, Harris Wittels; NBC

NEW SERIES

Episodes, Written by David Crane, Jeffrey Klarik; Showtime

Game of Thrones, Written by David Benioff, Bryan Cogman, Jane Espenson, George R.R. Martin, D.B. Weiss; HBO

Homeland, Written by Henry Bromell, Alexander Cary, Alex Gansa, Howard Gordon, Chip Johannessen, Gideon Raff, Meredith Stiehm; Showtime

The Killing, Written by Linda Burstyn, Jeremy Doner, Soo Hugh, Dan Nowak, Nic Pizzolatto, Dawn Prestwich, Veena Sud, Nicole Yorkin, Aaron Zelman; AMC

New Girl, Written by Nick Adams, Rachel Axler, Brett Baer, Donick Cary, Dave Finkel, Berkley Johnson, Josh Malmuth, Elizabeth Meriwether, J.J. Philbin, Joe Port, Luvh Rakhe, Joe Wiseman; Fox

The complete list here on the WGAW website. 

The winners will be revealed at the 2012 Writers Guild Awards ceremony on Sunday, February 19, 2012. In keeping with tradition, the ceremony will be held simultaneously in Los Angeles and New York.

Well-known comedian/radio personality Steve Harvey’s book, “Act Like A Lady, Think Like A Man: What Men Really Think About Love, Relationships, Intimacy, And Commitment,” was a huge bestseller. The self-help guide debuted at number one on the New York Times hardcover advice list the week of February 9, 2009.

The relationship book, from a male perspective, was aimed at black women, but it struck a cord with women of various ethnic backgrounds. Following in the steps of its best selling predecessor, “He’s Just Not That Into You,” — “Act Like A Lady, Think Like A Man” is being turned into a movie — that’s what has sparked this latest controversy.

Actor Kevin Hart has signed on for the lead role in, “Think Like A Man,” with production due to start in July, according to deadline.com  Screen Gems’ is producing this comedy about a self-help advisor who’s great at his job — but struggling with problems in his own marriage.

Now that the book has been out a while, some are seeing it as not so positive. Harvey’s recent drama with his ex-wife has many questioning the caliber of his relationship  advice. Some of the commenters on the deadline post speak out about different aspects of the controversy.

Locally, Harvey’s popular radio program, “The Steve Harvey Morning Show,” has been on a couple of Southland stations. Since August of 2009, the show has held a slot on the R&B and gospel station, KJLH, 102.3 FM, owned by music superstar Stevie Wonder.

Whether you’re ringing in the new year at a small or intimate affair at  home or rocking the night away with a crowd of friends, relatives and or strangers — check out radio station K-Earth 101 FM. This Los Angeles oldies station is counting down the top 101 party jams of all time right now.

On the radio or on the Internet, K-Earth is boogieing down this New Year’s Eve. They’ve just played  number 71, “Brown Sugar,” by the Rolling Stones. Party over there!  Party over here!  Party everywhere!!!

I wonder if they’re going to play any Snoop Dogg, Notorious B.I.G., or Teena Marie? Only way to find out is to listen-up and hear the tunes that make this hot list.

Photo: Cover of "Michael" the new Michael Jackson album from www.michaeljackson.com

A cut from a new soon-to-be-released Michael Jackson album hit the airways and the Internet today and already there’s a controversy.  The song, “Breaking News,” has the funky beat and sound of a King of Pop track — but is the voice that of the late superstar?  That is the much-debated question today.

Sony Records is releasing the album,”Michael,” next month on December 14, and reportedly has vouched for the authenticity of the work.

You can hear “Breaking News” on the new website  michaeljackson.com , get more details on the album, as well as a new production centered on MJ’s music and choreography by Cirque du Soleil and more on the site.

Another Dr. Seuss classic headed to the big screen

Some big name stars have signed on for the film adaptation of  “The Lorax,” by Dr. Seuss. In his classic style of word play and rhymes, Dr. Seuss aka Theodore Seuss Geisel, creates a delightful tale about the ecology crisis in this children’s story.

Actor Danny Devito reportedly has signed on to be the voice of an orange environmentalist, while Zac Ephron will play the hero, Ted, and Betty White his grandmother.  The animated film will be shot in 3D and is tentatively set for release in 2012, according to Galleycat. More on this project here.

President Obama to go live on “The Steve Harvey Morning Show”

Steve Harvey is a very busy man. The actor, comedian, and author has a new book coming out in December, “Straight Talk, No Chaser: How to Find, Keep, and Understand a Man.” Harvey’s previous advice book, “Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man: What Men Really Think About Love, Relationships, Intimacy, and Commitment,” was a New York Times bestseller and is being developed into a film.

Harvey dishes some of his relationship advice on his nationally syndicated radio program, “The Steve Harvey Morning Show.” Yesterday a friend, Dee Dee Brown, sent out an e-mail reminder that President Obama would be the special guest, tomorrow, Wednesday, October, 27 on that show.

“The Steve Harvey Morning Show” is carried locally on Steve Wonder’s station, KJLH 102.3 FM. The show is on 6-10 a.m. Also, you can listen to “The Steve Harvey Morning Show” online as well, details on the KJLH site. 

Oh, Harvey  is also the host of the TV game show, “Family Feud.” Like I said, he’s a very busy man.

More trouble for Charlie Sheen

There are reports out that Actor, Charlie Sheen, was taken to a New York hospital early this morning, after an incident in a hotel room. There are conflicting reports about what happened and if the actor was intoxicated. 

Sheen has had a number of run-ins with the law and a lot of personal drama. He’s the star of the popular TV series, ” Two and a Half Men.” More on The Wrap.

Photo: Pete Souza/White House -- President Obama chats with White House staffer Cecila Munoz and Southland Radio Host, Eddie "Piolin" Sotelo at Univision Radio building in Glendale, October 22, 2010

President Barack Obama breezed into Glendale last Friday for an interview with Radio Host, Eddie “Piolin” Sotelo, at the Univision Radio building on North Central Avenue. In this photo,  President Obama introduced Cecila Munoz, Assistant to The President for Intergovernmental Affairs, to Piolin.

The Spanish-language “Piolin Show”  is one of the top rated radio programs in the country.  More on the president’s brief visit to Glendale here.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- The entrance to the 134 freeway off Central Avenue in Glendale was blocked off for a period due to President Obama's visit, Friday, October, 22, 2010

More than 37, 000 gathered in a park at USC to see and hear President Barack Obama’s rousing get out the vote for the mid-term election speech yesterday. Later in the afternoon, much smaller crowds clustered in Glendale on street corners, in restaurant doorways, wherever they thought they might catch a glimpse of the presidential motorcade. Yet, from what I observed, the Glendale crowds were just as thrilled to see the president come to town as the throngs at USC.

In an attempt to avoid the traffic snarls and complaints of the past, President Obama helicoptered to Bob Hope Airport on  board Marine One. Then the president rode in a motorcade to Univision Radio in the 600 block of North Central Avenue, for an interview with Radio Host, Eddie Piolin. The Spanish-language “Piolin Show” is one of the top rated radio programs in the country.

I missed the president’s arrival, but thought I could get a departure shot. However, by the time I found a parking spot on a side street and walked over to the blocked off 134 entrance on North Central Avenue, the presidential limo had made a quick getaway.

When I asked a group, including a man carrying a small child, how was it – I got big smiles and exclamations like, “Great!”  That reaction was echoed by Legal Secretary, Maria Castillo, who told me the crowd went wild when the motorcade approached at 4:03 p.m. : “People immediately started screaming & clapping. Everyone was very excited.  Especially when he waved at the crowd.”

Castillo caught the action in two photos on her cell phone.

Photo: Maria Castillo/Cell Phone Camera -- President Obama's motorcade rolled down North Central Avenue in Glendale and then onto the 134 freeway ramp, Friday, October 22, 2010

Photo: Maria Castillo/ Cell Phone Camera -- President Obama's limo makes a left turn onto the 134 freeway ramp from North Central Avenue in Glendale, Friday, October 22, 2010

 ALERT: Get your photos published on Media City Groove. No money, but you get credit and plenty of exposure on this blog and shout outs on the Media City Groove Twitter and Facebook pages. So if you take a photo of breaking news, or an interesting event or scene send  it to Media City Groove. I will not be able to use every photo — but some definitely will get posted here.

Madonna sued over “Material Girl”  clothing line

Entertainer, Madonna, has launched a “Material Girl” clothing line with daughter, Lourdes Maria Ciccone Leon. Oops!  L.A. Triumph, claims it’s been selling clothes under that label since around 1997 and at some of the same high-ended retailers involved in the new Madonna deal.

This week, the California company sued Madonna. More details in a story on The Los Angeles Times website.

Dr. Laura’s controversial farewell

In the wake of a controversy over her use of the N-word on the air, Conservative Radio Talk Show Host, Dr. Laura Schlessinger,  announced she would pull the plug on her program at the end of the year. Dr. Laura made the surprise announcement on CNN’s “Larry King Live.”

Dr. Laura says she’s taking the drastic step because she wants  her  ”… First Amendment rights back.” Not everyone is buying that reasoning — here’s a good post about it all on The Wrap. Dr. Laura’s radio program can be heard locally on KFWB News Talk 980. 

Oh, click here for Dr. Laura’s blog where she talks about the controversy, her apology, and the support she’s getting from Sarah Palin.

Betty White’s new two-book deal

UPDATED:  Sunday,  August 22, 2010                                                                                                                                                       

 Actress Betty White has another Emmy to add to her collection. White won number  seven last night for best guest actress in a comedy series for her hosting of a “Saturday Night Live” episode, back in the spring.

That award winner was announced during the creative arts section of the 62 Annual  Primetime Emmy Awards, at the Nokia Theater in Downtown Los Angeles.  The winners in some of the major Emmy categories will be announced on a broadcast next Sunday, August 29, 2010, on NBC. 

Actress Betty White is 88-years-old and has a career that’s on the upswing. The Emmy Award-winning actress has gained new fans with her appearance in a hit Super Bowl TV commercial back in February, then in May as a guest host on NBC-TV’s, “Saturday Night Live,” and now she has a role on cable network TV Land’s popular series, “Hot in Cleveland.”  This week it was disclosed White has sealed a two-book deal with G. P. Putnam’s Sons.

The first book, “Listen Up,” will be about life lessons learned during White’s many years in Hollywood. It’s due out in hardcover next spring. By the way, she has been nominated for 20 Emmy Awards and has won six — including two for her role in the 1970s ”The Mary Tyler Moore Show” and one for starring in the hit 1980s series, “The Golden Girls.”

The second book, “The Zoo and I: Betty and Her Friends” will showcase stories and photographs of White and her friends at the Los Angeles Zoo – scheduled to hit the market in 2012.

In a PR Newswire press release, White said she’s enjoying the new challenge: “Much as I love what I do for a living in show business, I love writing even more – so I am thrilled to be working on not only one new book but two of them.”  White is the author of five other books.

Comic/ radio D.J. and now best-selling author, Steve Harvey, is getting mucho attention on his promotional tour for his relationship book, “Act Like A Lady, Think Like A Man: What Men Really Think About Love, Relationships, Intimacy, And Commitment.” Women everywhere are talking about this book.

Harvey was on “Oprah” Monday, March 23, his second appearance in less than a month. If you missed the TV show, you can get a taste of Harvey’s book and love advice on Oprah’s website. Like most of these advice and self-help books, Harvey’s take on how women should deal with men isn’t really new. It’s the witty, straight-on way Harvey dishes out his recommendations that’s fresh and interesting.

For example, he says the four words that strike fear into men are, “we need to talk.” According to Harvey’s book: “No man wants to sit around gabbing with you like we’re one of your girlfriends. Ever. It’s just not in our DNA to lounge around, sip coffee, and dab at our eyes with tissue as if we’re in an AA meeting or on some psychologist’s couch trying to get things off our chest. When men are talking, and especially when they’re listening, it’s with purpose.”  Hmm, I prefer to cut to the chase myself and I’m of the female persuasion. No matter, Harvey is telling it like it is from the male perspective and women are loving it.

“Act Like A Lady, Think Like A Man” debuted at the top of the New York Times Hardcover Advice Book List the week of February 9, 2009. Several weeks later, Harvey’s book is still smoking at number one on that list. Over at the Barnes & Noble website today, “Act Like A Lady, Think Like A Man” is number three; it’s number two on Amazon.

Harvey has been kicking around the entertainment biz as a comedian for some time. He toured as a member of   “Kings of Comedy” and later appeared in the Spike Lee movie, “The Original Kings of Comedy” (2000). Right now, Harvey is getting a lot of kudos for his popular nationally syndicated “The Steve Harvey Morning Show.” It reportedly has almost seven million listeners weekly on more than 60 stations nationwide. In the Southland, the Hip Hop and R&B station The Beat, at 93.5 FM in Redondo Beach, carries “The Steve Harvey Morning Show” from 6 AM to 10 AM.