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.

Catching up on some celebrity book deals. Rocker Courtney Love has signed a deal with HarperCollins for a “tell-all” memior, according to the publishing  site Galleycat. Love’s untitled memior reportedly will be a no-holds-barred telling of her life from “ childhood to the present day.”

Love was married to deceased rock legend, Kurt Cobain of Nirvana. Love has had success with her band, Hole, but also personal problems and trouble with drugs in her later years.

Also Galleycat is reporting the autobiography of  Arnold Schwarzenegger is set to hit bookstores in October of 2012. Simon & Schuster has worked out a deal with the former California Governor to publish, ” Total Recall: My Unbelievably True Life Story.” Schwarzenegger’s recent love child scandal/marriage collapse to Maria Shriver will probably make it a best seller from day one of publication.

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: Rodrigo Pena/Audio File blog -- Rock fans throw their hands up for Broken Social Scene at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio April 16, 2011

Thousands of music fans and art lovers are enjoying a hot weekend at the annual Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. If you think it’s been hot here — this festival is going in the deep desert town of Indio in the Coachella Valley.  

Photo: Vanessa Franko/Audio File blog -- Singer Erykah Badu performed at the Coachella Music and Arts Festival in Indio April 16, 2011

Despite some technical difficulties, Grammy winning artist, Erykah Badu, rocked out with fans at Coachella on the Empire Polo Grounds yesterday. Music critic, Vanessa Franko, is following the events, the artists, the fans, celebrity sightings, and more in her blog Audio File. A lot of great Coachella photos as well on Franko’s blog.

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.

Christina Aguilera jailed for public drunkenness

The pop diva with the big voice, Christina Aguilera, has hit a rough patch. Her movie, “Burlesque,” stumbled at the box office, she botched the national anthem at the Super Bowl a few weeks ago, and then last night, the singer was arrested for being intoxicated in public. 

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputies reportedly pulled over a car in West Hollywood early this morning with the singer’s boyfriend, Matthew Rutler, behind the wheel. He was busted on suspicion of DUI and Aguilera, a passenger in the car, was so out of it — she reportedly was taken into custody for her own safety. People has details including comments from Los Angeles County Sheriff’s spokesman, Steve Whitmore.  

Charlie Sheen’s TV show ratings soar

Actor Charlie Sheen is in meltdown, but the ratings on his now canceled-for-the-season TV show are terrific. A repeat of “Two and a Half Men” was the most watched program on television last night. Deadline has the numbers.

Natalie Portman and the designer controversy

Lead actress Academy Award winner on Sunday, Natalie Portman, condemned alleged anti-Semitic remarks by Dior designer, John Galliano. Portman is Jewish and  promoting a perfume for Dior. The company reportedly has begun proceedings to fire Galliano. More on The Wrap.

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: 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.

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.

Photo: cover of "Michael" the new Michael Jackson Album from www.michaeljackson.com

The first official single from that upcoming album of previously unreleased material from the late Superstar, Michael Jackson, was released today. “Hold My Hand” apparently was initially recorded in 2007, but not  finished during MJ’s life.

It’s a duet with popular Rapper, Akon, who recently went back into the studio to complete, “Hold My Hand.” Akon has sung with Snoop Dogg, Eminem, and many others. I love his duet, “The Sweet Escape,” with Gwen Stefani.

You can catch a listen of “Hold My Hand” on the new Michael Jackson site. Unlike the previous cut, “Breaking News,” — the Michael Jackson vocals on this duet really sound like the voice of the King of Pop.

The new album, “Michael,” is due out next month, December 14, and reportedly includes duets with 50 Cent and Lenny Kravitz as well.

Facebook film wins Box Office derby

Despite a big publicity blitz by Disney the new film,”Secretariat,” got dusted by the geeks of  ”The Social Network” at the Box Office this weekend. The final figures are out today and they show “The Social Network” leading the pack with $15.4 million — to hang onto the title of the number one film in the country for the second straight week.

In second place, the new comedy/drama, “Life as we Know It,” earning $14.5 million. Katherine Heigl and Josh Duhamel play single professionals who must make a relationship under one roof work after they become the caregivers to an orphaned little girl they both adore.

“Secretariat,” the story of the spectacular race horse who won the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing in 1973, managed only third, pulling in $12.6 million. The film stars Diane Lane and John Malkovich. A much stronger debut was expected from the movie, which received good reviews along with a ton of  promotion.

The animated family flick, “Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole” came in fourth with $6.88 million. Close behind in fifth, the new slasher film, “My Soul to Take,” scared up $6.84 million. The 3D movie stars Max Thieriot, John Margaro, and Christopher Place. The plot revolves around the return of a serial killer to his hometown to stalk seven children who were born on the day, 16 years ago, he supposedly died.

Country Singer Garth Brooks lends a helping hand

Photo: PRNewsFoto/Habitat for Humanity International Ezra Millstein -- Garth Brooks helped build homes in Alabama as part of Habitat for Humanity's Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project October 8, 2010

Entertainer, Garth Brooks, traded in his microphone for a drill as he  joined 400 volunteers for the 27th Annual Habitat for Humanity’s Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project in Birmingham, Alabama last Friday. Oh, Brooks did perform for Habitat supporters the night before. The volunteers are building 10 new homes and rehabbing 18 others, according to a PRNewswire press release.

Brooks and his wife, singer Trisha Yearwood, have volunteered with Habitat in the Gulf Coast and in Los Angeles as well.  

An update for Harry Potter fans

“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows — Part 1″ is coming out  on schedule, but in 2D, according to a PRNewswire press release.  Apparently, Warner Bros.Pictures has not been able to complete the Potter sequel and get it into the 3D format in time for the target release next month, on November 19.

Also, the upcoming “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows –Part 2″ will hit the big screen on July 15, 2011, in both 2D and 3D format.

Lady Gaga night at the 2010 VMA ceremony

Photo: Picture Perfect/Rex USA/People Magazine -- Pop Star and Fashion Rebel, Lady Gaga, styles on the white carpet at the MTV Video Music Awards at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, Sunday, September 12, 2010

 Lady Gaga wore the most outrageous outfit to the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles last night. The 24-year-old singer went on to win 8 awards – a record for the VMAs.  However, the appearances by Kanye West and Taylor Swift probably produced the most drama. Last year, West interrupted Swift’s acceptance speech for Best Female Video to declare the award should have gone to Beyoncé.

People has the drama, the performances, the fashion, and more from the VMAs here.

Action flicks dominate weekend Box Office

George Clooney got drop kicked to the curb and beyond by a female action hero over the weekend.  “Resident Evil:Afterlife 3D” starring Milla Jovovich annihilated the competition with a debut estimated at $27.7 million — to become the new number one film in the country.

In this fourth installment of the “Resident Evil” franchise, Milla Jovovich plays Alice Clones who hooks up with some survivors in a post-apocalyptic Los Angeles. The cast includes Ali Larter and Wentworth Miller.

The action drama “Takers” captured second place with around $6 million. Last week’s top film, Clooney’s “The American” managed only third with about $5.8 million, followed by the actioner “Machete” with  $4.2 million and rounding out the top five, the romantic comedy, “Going the Distance” with an estimated $3.8 million.

Jamie Foxx’s new production deal

Actor Jamie Foxx has hooked-up a new production deal with Writer/Producer/Director, Deon Taylor. No Brainer Films reportedly will be scouting for films and TV projects under $10 million. Details over on Deadline.com

Lady Gaga & her fans invade Staples Center

Photo:Kirk McKay/Los Angeles Times -- Two of the many fans who dressed in Lady Gaga-style for the singer's concert at Staples Center in L.A., August 11, 2010

Pop sensation, Lady Gaga, wraps up a two-concert gig at Staples Center tonight. Some of the fans at last night’s concert showed up in Gaga-inspired outfits. More photos and a review of Gaga’s Monster Ball show on the Los Angeles Times website.

Billy Idol still rocking

A flash from the past, 80s Rocker Billy Idol, can still put on quite a performance. Last night Idol took to the stage for two shows at the Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula. Inland SoCal Music Blogger, Vanessa Franko, was there and posted a review on her AudioFile blog today. Franko’s got Idol concert photos, too. Also, Idol is set to rock that same venue again at a sold-out concert tomorrow.

“Show Me the Polyester”

If you look great in polyester and dig rock singer/songwriter, Jackson Browne, here’s a contest for you. Browne is touring the U.S. right now with musician David Lindley. Apparently, Browne and Lindley are sporting flashy polyester shirts on stage during their performances this summer.

The duo is encouraging fans to show-off their best eye-catching polyester shirts in a photo contest going on at the “Show Me the Polyester” website, according to a PR Newswire press release. Fans have until August 25 to upload photos of themselves wearing  polyester shirts to the site. One winner will get a travel package to New York City and two-front row seats for the duo’s Beacon Theatre concert on September 14, 2010.

The latest release from  Browne and Lindley is “Love is Strange,” a 2-CD set of a tour they did in Spain back in 2006.

Profits soar for Disney, the other big studios, and the networks

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G — Disney Studios in Burbank

The money is rolling in for Disney, which this afternoon reported third quarter profits leaped 40%. Disney is not the only entertainment giant enjoying a good year. Despite the bad economy, other studios and the networks are doing well, too. Nikki Finke over at Deadline.com asks why so many folks in the entertain biz are out of work with this kind of upbeat financial picture in Hollywood? Check out Finke’s post here.

“The Other Guys” shoot to the top of the Box Office 

The action-comedy, “The Other Guys,” won the weekend domestic Box Office and is continuing to rake in the dough at theaters.  “The Other Guys” debuted with $35.5 million to become the number one film in the country. On Monday, the teaming of Will  Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg as wantabe- hero  New York City detectives earned nearly $5 million more at theaters. 

After three weeks at in the top spot, the dreamscape sci-fi flick, “Inception,” dropped to second collecting $18.5 million– bringing its four-week domestic total to around $227 million. The new dance movie, “Step Up 3D” boogied into third place with $15.8 million. Adam Sevani and Alyson Stoner star in this third installment of the Step Up trilogy, where the battle of the dance moves to the college arena. 

Rounding out the top five, the spy thriller “Salt” with $10.9 million and the comedy, “Dinner for Schmucks” with $10.3 million.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- The entrance to The Walt Disney Studios on South Buena Vista in Burbank

 Actor Rob Lowe reportedly part of the group that bought Miramax

Miramax, a hot commodity in Hollywood, has been sold to a group of investors led by Billionaire/Construction Magnate, Ronald Tutor. The price tag — somewhere between $600-$675 million. The announcement came out yesterday. Late today, The Wrap reported that Actor Rob Lowe is among the investors.

The prestigious Miramax library includes such films as “My Left Foot”  (1989), “Pulp Fiction”(1994), and “Shakespeare in Love” (1998).  The Wrap has several reports on the deal and the behind the scenes drama.

President Obama’s appearance generates the best ratings ever for “The View”

Thursday’s edition of “The View” is now historic for two reasons. President Barack Obama’s appearance was the first ever on a daytime talk show by a sitting president. Also, the show’s rating went through the roof.  

Obama’s chit-chat with the ladies of “The View” was  reportedly watched by an average of 6.6 million viewers — the most ever for the talker.

“We were honored to have President Obama on ‘The View.’ The ratings indicate that our show continues to break new ground. ‘The View’ has proven to be an important stop for political candidates and is appointment television for our loyal audience who value our opposing views,” Barbara Walters, the co-executive producer and one of the show’s hosts, is quoted as saying on TV by the Numbers website.  Also, Walters returned to the show yesterday for the first time since having heart surgery.

And a first for the “Black Eyed Peas”

Super successful rockers, the” Black Eyed Peas” keep racking up the accolades. The latest involves the SoCal band’s single, “I Gotta Feeling,” which has become the first digital download to pass the 6 million mark.

The song is from the group’s Grammy-winning album, “The E.N.D,” which has sold more than 7 million worldwide.  “The E.N.D.” won a 2009 Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Album. Also, it’s the first album in two decades to deliver five top ten hits.

In a PR Newswire press release band members reacted to their latest milestone:

“I am so proud to be leading our industry with 6 million digital sales,” said will.i.am. “It means so much for the future of the music industry.”

This is an incredible accomplishment for us,” said Taboo. “Of all the exciting news that has happened to us over the past year, reaching this 6 million mark with ‘I Gotta Feeling’ stands out as one of our proudest achievements.” “Congratulations to all the people behind the scenes who made this happen, and most of all the fans – they are the best!” added Fergie.

Meanwhile, the “Peas” are on the final leg of their “The E.N.D. World Tour 2010.” As of June, the 100-date tour has raked in nearly $50 million and it’s not over until August 23. 2010 is shaping up to be one heck of year for the “Peas.” More on what’s happening with the “Peas” on their website.

Michael Jackson  (August 29, 1958 — June 25, 2009)

Kudos, flowers, tears, and memories are being shared around the world today for Legendary Entertainer, Michael Jackson, on this the first anniversary of his death.  Like millions of his fans, first I was shocked and then saddened, when reports of Jackson’s death were confirmed on June 25, 2009.

Later, the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office would rule the singer’s death a homicide from a drug overdose. Jackson’s personal physician, Cardiologist Conrad Murray, has been charged with involuntary manslaughter in connection with his death. Today, the singer’s father, Joe Jackson, filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Dr. Murray. Details in a CNN report here.

At the time of his death, the pop superstar was in the Southland rehearsing for a series of “This Is It” concerts. The poster for the first leg of that tour in the UK is shown above.

Photo: Raul Roa/ Glendale News-Press —  Fans gather in front of the Holly Terrace today, the mausoleum where Jackson was laid to rest at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale

 Locally, some fans came from as far away as England, Scotland, Japan, and Australia to either visit the entertainer’s star on the Walk of Fame in Hollywood or his grave site at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale.

Family members, including Janet Jackson, and brothers Jermaine and Tito, visited Jackson’s crypt at Forest Lawn Glendale this morning. Some photos of Jackson’s family and the fans are on The Burbank Leader and Glendale News-Press websites.

Also, the Stevie Wonder-owned Southland radio station, KJLH, is paying tribute to Jackson all weekend long by playing his music and remembering his life and legacy. I’ve been listening off and on throughout the day and evening — how cool– to groove to some of the old hits and album cuts I have never heard before. You can tune your radio to 102.3 FM or listen live on the KJLH website here. 

Photo: Samantha Appleton/White House — Sir Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder performed their number one hit single from 1982, “Ebony and Ivory,” at a White House concert honoring the former-Beatle, last night.

President Barack Obama presented Entertainer, Paul McCartney, with the nation’s highest award for extraordinary contributions to American music and culture in the East Room of the White House, June 2, 2010.

In honoring McCartney , the president said: “And it’s fitting that the Library has chosen to present this year’s Gershwin Prize for Popular Song to a man whose father played Gershwin compositions for him on the piano; a man who grew up to become the most successful songwriter in history — Sir Paul McCartney.”

Some of the other artists on hand to give props to McCartney at the White House bash Jerry Seinfeld, the Jonas Brothers, Faith Hill, Emmylou Harris, Herbie Hancock, Elvis Costello, Jack White, and Corinne Bailey Rae. More about the event on The White House blog.

Oh, the amazing concert from this celebration is scheduled to be broadcasted on PBS stations nationwide, July 28, 2010 at 8 p.m. EDT.