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Republicans go after CNN and NBC over Hillary Clinton projects

By on Sunday, August 18, 2013

  The 2016 presidential race is still several years off, but there is already controversy swirling around one potential candidate and the GOP. Former Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, hasn’t officially announced  another run for president, but some Republican Party leaders are so fearful of her candidacy they’re threatening two networks who are developing projects about the ex-First Lady. Yesterday a Republican National Committee unanimously passed a resolution quote “… preventing the committee from partnering with CNN and NBC for debates if they don’t drop their Hillary Clinton productions ahead... Read More →

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“Elysium” in for major fight at box office

By on Friday, August 16, 2013

  The sci-fi actioner, “Elysium,” won the battle for number one at the domestic box office last weekend, but another tussle is underway for that top spot. There are four new contenders hitting theaters this weekend:  the corporate thriller, “Paranoia,” the Steve Jobs biopic, “Jobs,” the sequel to the superhero comedy, “Kick-Ass 2,” and the historical drama about a black butler who served eight presidents, “Lee Daniels’ The Butler’ .” The real threat to “Elysium” holding onto number one for a second week, comes from “Kick-Ass 2” with... Read More →

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Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- West Nile Virus warning sign on Magnolia Boulevard near Meyers Street Burbank August 15, 2013

West Nile virus warnings posted in Burbank

By on Thursday, August 15, 2013

West Nile virus warning signs are up in Burbank after two more mosquito samples tested positive for the disease. The first occurred back in July. Now two more mosquito samples, one near 600 North Myers Street and the second around  2000 Evergreen Street, were confirmed as positive last Friday. The Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District reports 164 positive mosquito samples and 36 dead birds. There have been 22 people infected by the West Nile virus this year. GLACVCD public information officer, Levy Sun, told me those numbers are not... Read More →

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Photo: FLLLewis/Media City G -- The on ramp of Burbank Boulevard North bound on the 5 freeway shut down because of "flash mob" car event at the Empire Center on Victory Place in Burbank August 13, 2013

Flash Mob car event draws thousands to Burbank

By on Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Thousands of car enthusiasts invaded Burbank Tuesday night for a social media driven event near the Krispy Kreme doughnuts outlet in the Empire Center on Victory Place. The event was due to kick off at 9 p.m., but three hours before the center parking lot was reportedly packed with cars. In response to the big crowd, both off ramps of Burbank Boulevard on the Golden State Freeway were closed and Victory Place at Five Points was blocked off. A Burbank traffic officer told me that blocking off Victory Place prompted... Read More →

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box of popcorn and movie reel in graphic

Box office battle: Who’ll be number one this weekend?

By on Saturday, August 10, 2013

Several new films are gunning to bump the action flick, “2 Guns,” from the number spot at the domestic box office this weekend. The sci-fi thriller, “Elysium” appears to be the front runner  to take down the Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg buddy pix. However, the other new flicks like the raunchy comedy, “We’re the Millers,” the Disney animation “Planes,” and the fantasy adventure sequel “Percy  Jackson: Sea of Monsters” are out there fighting for the box office dollars as well. “This is going to be one... Read More →

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Photo:FLLewis/Media City G -- "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" sign at the NBC Studios in Burbank Spring 2009

Jay Leno to exit “The Tonight Show” next February

By on Friday, August 9, 2013

It’s official “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” will be ending on Thursday, February 6, 2014, according to Deadline.  The talk show’s executive producer, Debbie Vickers, reportedly made the announcement to staffers today. Also, the cast and crew will be paid until Leno’s contract runs out in September 2014. Leno’s replacement, Jimmy Fallon, is set to take over the “Tonight Show” on Monday, February 24. Once Leno takes his final bow, the “Tonight Show” will move to New York. Meanwhile, Leno continues to beat the competition in late... Read More →

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"Chicken Soup for the Soul" book cover

“Chicken Soup for the Soul” headed for the big screen

By on Thursday, August 8, 2013

Another major book series has been snatched up by Hollywood and is on track to be turned into a theatrical production. “Chicken Soup for the Soul,” the inspirational and uplifting book collection, reportedly has sold more than a  100 million copies. The original book of short stories, plus some bonus reads, hit book shelves this past June, to celebrate its 20th anniversary.  Now, comes word Alcon Entertainment has a deal to produce a movie based on the series, according to Deadline. Warner Bros is on board... Read More →

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The Lone Ranger movie poster

Disney takes a hit from “The Lone Ranger” flop

By on Tuesday, August 6, 2013

“The Lone Ranger” seriously under-performed movie theaters and that is going to cost Disney dearly. Since opening in the U.S. on July third, the western has made only $87 million, added to the global take — the total is $175 million. Box Office Mojo puts the production cost at $215 million and then there are those extra millions spent on promotion. Yes, in movie terms, “The Lone Ranger” is an expensive dud. How expensive? The Wrap is reporting Disney expects to take $160-190 million... Read More →

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The Washington Post logo

The Washington Post sold: Is the Los Angeles Times and Burbank Leader next?

By on Tuesday, August 6, 2013

A lot of chatter on the Internet and elsewhere about the surprising, and maybe not so surprising, sell of  The Washington Post to the billionaire founder and CEO of  Amazon, Jeff Bezos. The online tech titian paid a reported $250 million for one of the most respected newspapers in the world. The negotiations reportedly went on for months in secret. The sale has been rumored for a while — but still a jolt to many when the announcement came out in the Post yesterday. On the... Read More →

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Ellen DeGeneres to host Oscars 2014

By on Friday, August 2, 2013

  TV  daytime talk show host, Ellen DeGeneres,  is going to host the Academy Awards ceremony again. The announcement was made today by the show producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron. “We are thrilled to have Ellen DeGeneres host the Oscars, said Zadan and Meron in a statement. “As a longtime friend, we had always hoped to find a project for us to do together and nothing could be more exciting than teaming up to do the Oscars. There are few stars today who have Ellen’s gift for comedy,... Read More →

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Photo: FLLewis/Media Citg G-- Starbucks 1520 West Olive Avenue Burbank July 30, 2013

Starbucks opens a reserve store in Burbank

By on Thursday, August 1, 2013

There’s a new Starbucks Coffee in Burbank. The new store at West Olive and West Verdugo Avenues is a week old today. Store manager, Kate Kevorkian, says the reaction from the public  has been “wonderful” and there’s ” a lot of excitement” about the store. For many years, this location was the home of Theresa’s Family Restaurant. Back in the spring, Starbuck’s took over the lease of the property and rebuilt what was a dated restaurant into a modern Starbucks complete with patio seating. There are more than a dozen... Read More →

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hollywood_sign_lights

Who’s the highest paid actress in Hollywood?

By on Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Hollywood is a tough town, but you can make your mark and pulled in some big bucks. It’s still a struggle for women in Tinseltown, but some of the actresses are now taking home some pretty hefty paychecks. Topping the list, Angelina Jolie who earned a reported $33 million between June of 2012 and June of 2013. Another veteran, Jennifer Aniston, made the top five, too. More here.

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Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Street sign Olive Avenue at Lomita Street in Burbank July 29, 2013

City Buzz: Olive Avenue the deadliest street in Burbank?

By on Monday, July 29, 2013

There’s always some danger when you cross a busy street, however, Olive Avenue may be the deadliest street for pedestrians in Burbank. Last night, a man was hit and killed at Olive Avenue near Naomi Street. The fatal accident reportedly happened around 10:15 p.m. The victim was in one of the eastbound lanes when he was struck by a car, according to myburbank. An investigation is still underway into another serious traffic accident on the same busy street last Thursday, July 25. Two women were seriously injured when... Read More →

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Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Burbank Police Department has launched a new website www.burbankpd.org

Burbank Police launch new website

By on Saturday, July 27, 2013

The Burbank Police Department has a new home on the Internet. Yesterday, a news release announced the launch of the BPD’s new website www.burbankpd.org .Two years in development, the site is packed with information in a user friendly format. According to the release, the new site came about, “… in an effort to provide the community with greater access to the police department. .. Several members of the department worked closely with the web designer, Americaneagle.com, to create a vibrant and easy-to-use website, including features including features... Read More →

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colorful books clipart

Burbank Northwest Library: Officially open for business today

By on Monday, July 22, 2013

    Back in business! The Northwest Branch of the Burbank Library officially reopened to the public today. As reported here earlier here, the branch at 3323 West Victory Boulevard was closed last August for earthquake retrofitting, up grades, and general renovations. A ribbon cutting ceremony and open house was held last Saturday. Great piece about the event by Joyce Rudolph on MyBurbank. The Northwest branch was completed in October of 1972, for around $195,000. How much did the new overhaul cost? Well, the... Read More →

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Warner Bros. announces Superman/Batman film is on fast track

By on Sunday, July 21, 2013

  Get ready for an unprecedented double dose of superhero power on the big screen. Warner Bros. announced yesterday the sequel for their super-successful “Man of Steel” will involve both Superman and Batman! “Man of Steel” director, Zack Snyder, is at the helm of the sequel, which is apparently in pre-production and has a scheduled release date of summer 2015. More on this surprise announcement and plenty of comments about it on Deadline.

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red and white box of popcorn and movie tickets

Why “Pacific Rim” was defeated by “Despicable Me 2” at the box office

By on Tuesday, July 16, 2013

As the final numbers for the weekend show, “Despicable Me 2” is still king of the domestic box office. The new big budget sci-fic actioner, “Pacific Rim” had a fan base and good reviews, but still lost steam before the weekend was over. ‘Pacific Rim”had to settle for third, behind the poorly reviewed “Grown Ups 2.” What happened? Perhaps moviegoers are getting tired of the big screen battle to save Earth. Or maybe ticket buyers just wanted a break from all those flashy and loud special effects. Producers... Read More →

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"Despicable Me 2" movie poster

“Despicable Me 2” beating “Grown Ups 2” and “Pacific Rim”

By on Sunday, July 14, 2013

  The animated juggernaut, “Despicable Me 2,” is refusing to give up its title as the number one film in the U.S.  Two new contenders, “Grown Ups 2” and “Pacific Rim” put up a fight — but “Despicable Me” appears to be headed for the winner’s circle for the second week in a row. “Despicable Me 2” brought in an estimated $44.7 million this weekend and has a haul of $200 million at the domestic box office since opening on July 3. More on the weekend numbers and... Read More →

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Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Romancing the Bean cafe 3413 West Magnolia Boulevard, Burbank July 11, 2013

A Strong View: Romancing the Bean

By on Saturday, July 13, 2013

Romancing the Bean. This little place has the best coffee.  They have a large variety including specialty coffees.  Also, the quiche is delicious, the blueberry muffins are divine. Their menu is uniquely chosen with a little bit of something for ever taste. They have pressed Sammy’s, (aged white cheddar, taleggio, blue cheese, mayo on walnut raisin bread) – if you love cheese, this is for you. There is a wonderful Smoked Salmon wrap, I liked this one. Whipped light cream cheese, English cucumber, arugula, spinach . It was just enough, not... Read More →

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

Another big budget box office flop for Disney?

By on Monday, July 8, 2013

It looks like the executives at Disney have another supersized dud at the box office to explain. Universal’s “Despicable Me 2” owned the 4th of July weekend and scooped up an amazing $83.5 million in its debut, while Disney’s “The Lone Ranger” opened far behind with only $29.2 million. There’s chatter around town that Disney may have another big budget flop the size of its last summer bomb, “John Carter.” More on that here and here.

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the logo for the Los Angeles Lakers

Talk of the Town: Dwight Howard turns his back on the Lakers

By on Saturday, July 6, 2013

After one season of less than dazzling play center, Dwight Howard, is saying bye-bye to the Lakers and its fans. For weeks, there has been a lot of chatter about Howard and what he might do once he became a free agent on July first. Would he re-sign with the Lakers or go elsewhere? Last night, it became official:  Howard was blowing off some heavy recruitment by Kobe and the Laker management and headed to another NBA Team. Apparently, the Lakers were outmaneuvered by the... Read More →

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