The Makers of "The Walking Dead" Dressed People Like Zombies and Had Them Wander the Streets of New York.

If you have Dish Network, you can't get AMC anymore, which airs "Mad Men", "Breaking Bad", and the zombie show, "The Walking Dead". And to protest being dropped, AMC posted a video on YouTube yesterday called "Zombie Experiment NYC". They had make-up artists turn people into zombies, then they walked around New York and freaked people out.

WARNING! The make up is pretty graphic! Watch at your own risk!

The Good News: Did Paris Hilton Save the Life of a Man With Muscular Dystrophy?

I can't remember the last time someone reported on the GOOD stuff PARIS HILTON does. So this is a switch: A young man named Mike Oliveri who suffers from muscular dystrophy happened to meet Paris about two weeks ago. She hung out with him and was really kind to him, but that's not where this story ends. Soon after that, Paris hit up his website, mikeyWheels.com, and started chatting with him. During that chat she gave him $5,000. And the money was seriously needed, because Mikey's care costs thousands of dollars a month. Mike made a YouTube video explaining just how much Paris has done for him and he even claims her unsolicited donation SAVED HIS LIFE.

The U.S. Picked Up Six New Medals and is Now Tied Overall with China!

The United States won six more medals at the London Olympics on Monday. We grabbed two gold and two silver in swimming, and one bronze in judo and synchronized diving. Here's a summary of our new medals:.

#1.)  17-year-old Missy Franklin won gold in the Women's 100-meter Backstroke.

#2 and #3.)  We won the gold AND silver medals in the Men's 100-meter Backstroke:  Matt Grevers won gold and Nick Thoman took silver.

#4.)  Rebecca Soni won silver in the Women's 100-meter Breaststroke.

#5.)  Marti Malloy won a bronze in Women's Judo, 125-pound weight class.

#6.)  David Boudia and Nick McCrory won the bronze in Men's Synchronized Diving, 10-meter platform.  (--That's more than 30 feet high.)

That pulls us into a tie with CHINA in the overall medal count but the Chinese still have the edge with nine gold medals to our five. Here are the medal standings:

#1.)  China with 17 medals - 9 gold, 5 silver, and 3 bronze.

#2.)  The United States with 17 medals - 5 gold, 7 silver, and 5 bronze.

#3.)  Japan with 11 medals - 1 gold, 4 silver, and 6 bronze.

#4.)  Italy with 8 medals - 2 gold, 4 silver, and 2 bronze.

#5.)  France with 7 medals - 3 gold, 1 silver, and 3 bronze.

Toby Keith Had Gall Bladder Surgery.

Toby Keith had his gallbladder removed this week in a successful outpatient surgical procedure. As a result, Toby has postponed his Thursday, August 2 show in Fort McCoy, WI to August 30. Toby will resume his tour schedule Friday, August 3 with a show in Detroit Lakes, MN.


Get Well, Toby. Hope you're feeling better real soon!

Tim McGraw Reveals His Inspiration for Getting Healthier.

Tim McGraw is more in shape than ever lately thanks to an intense workout regimen. The self-professed "gym rat" isn't getting the extra workouts in just to look good though. Tim says, "I just like being healthy. I quit drinking four years ago because I wanted to be healthy, and because I wanted to be around for my grandkids." Tim even hopes to meet his great-grandchildren some day.He returns to his home state of Louisiana on Friday for a show at the Superdome in New Orleans as part of the Brothers of the Sun tour with Kenny Chesney.

2012 Summer Olympic Medal Count:

Hey There Olympic Fans! Here's the medal count as of 7 AM today...

           Rank / Country / Gold / Silver / Bronze / Total

1          China            6          4             2             12

2          USA             3          5             3             11

3          Italy              2          3             2              7

4          Korea           2          1             2              5  

5          France          2           1            1              4

6          DPR Korea  2            -            1              3

7          Kazakhstan   2           -             -               2

8          Australia       1           1            1               3

8          Brazil            1           1            1               3

8          Hungary       1           1            1               3

NOTE: Yes. There’s a 3 way tie for 8^th.

Miranda Lambert and Danica Patrick Were Fast Friends on "Fastest Girl in Town" Video Set.

Miranda Lambert recruited NASCAR driver Danica Patrick as her accomplice for the "Fastest Girl in Town" video, and the two really hit it off on the set. Danica served as the getaway driver as she and Miranda stole a vintage muscle car in the clip, and their new friendship made the shoot enjoyable.
"She was really sweet," Danica tells ESPN about Miranda. "She's got a lot of pep and a lot of spark. She and I got along. I just feel like she and I are kindred spirits, and we'd be trouble together." "Fastest Girl in Town" is the latest single from Miranda's album, Four the Record. The video premieres today.

Carrie Underwood and Mike Fisher Vacation at Walt Disney World Resort.

Photo by Gene Duncan, courtesy Walt Disney World Resort

Carrie Underwood and hubby Mike Fisher took a break from their busy schedules to visit Walt Disney World Resort earlier this week. The couple took time to meet with Mickey, Minnie and the rest of the Disney gang. Minnie was also on hand to welcome Carrie and Mike to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park.

The superstar will embark on her highly anticipated “Blown Away Tour,” September 14 in Manchester, NH.

(countrymusicislove.com)

Did Toby Keith Say No To Being a Judge on "American Idol"?

According to Examiner.com, TOBY KEITH did an interview for a small California newspaper where he admitted that he turned down an offer to be a judge on "American Idol". Apparently, Toby was offered STEVEN TYLER'S job earlier this month, but he said no because he couldn't take that much time off from his career.

(--Just last week we heard "Idol" was "seriously considering" bringing in BRAD PAISLEY to be a judge. Sounds like they went to Brad AFTER Toby said no. Hey, who knows for sure?)

Is Taylor Swift Writing Songs About her Parents' Crumbling Marriage?

Earlier this year TAYLOR SWIFT said her next album would include songs about "earth-shattering, absolute crash-and-burn heartbreak." At the time we assumed she was referring to another one of her busted-up relationships. But for once, that heartbreak may NOT be hers. Apparently, Taylor's mom and dad, Andrea and Scott, are splitting up after almost 25 years of marriage. A source told "Star" magazine, quote, "She's been going through a lot. The new album will showcase the pain of her parents' separation."
They added, quote, "The Swifts stopped wearing their wedding rings. They haven't filed for divorce because they don't want it to damage Taylor's career." Ironically, Taylor's career may be a major reason her parents are cashing it in. The source says, quote, "Andrea being on tour with Taylor full-time has really been hard on her relationship with Scott."

Love and Theft's Eric Gunderson Got Robbed . . . While Doing Community Service

Back in April, ERIC GUNDERSON of LOVE AND THEFT was arrested by airport security for carrying a hunting knife in his backpack. That got him a misdemeanor charge and community service. And now . . . community service got him robbed. No joke. Some punk jacked Eric's wallet WHILE he was paying his debt to society. Eric explains, quote, "Somebody tried to rob me while we were doing community service. "I was forced to turn around and lay the little punk kid out. Right before [he] took my wallet [and] got away I nailed him in the chest with my elbow and he went flying backwards." By the way, Eric's case was dismissed after he completed community service.

Lauren Alaina Says Brad Paisley Would Make a Great American Idol Judge.

Brad Paisley's name has surfaced as a potential judge for American Idol's upcoming 12th season, and season 10 finalist Lauren Alaina thinks Brad would be a good fit for the show. She's met him a few times and says, "I think that that would be really cool. He has a great personality. Every time I've talked with him, he's super nice." As one of the notable country artists to come from American Idol, Lauren thinks having Brad or another country star on the judges' panel is the right move for the show. "As far as country music as a whole, it's not really been, like, present every season," Lauren explains, "and I feel like that would definitely step it up a little bit on the show." Mariah Carey has signed on to serve as an American Idol judge next year, and her friend and original judge Randy Jackson is expected to return for the 12th season.

Miranda Lambert Applauds Christian Bale's Quiet Trip to Visit Colorado Shooting Victims.

Miranda Lambert co-hosted ABC's The View Wednesday morning and chimed in on several hot topics with the other ladies on the show. During the discussion of Christian Bale's quiet visit to see victims of last week's movie theater massacre in Colorado, Miranda praised the actor for making the trip. It makes me want to go do something nice," Miranda said of Bale's visit. "It wasn't in the press. It wasn't for any reason.  Just out of the kindness of his heart because he felt like that's what he could do to help." In her appearance on ABC's Good Morning America earlier Wednesday, Miranda sent her performance of "Over You" out to those grieving in Colorado. Miranda opened up about her personal life a bit on The View as well. She admitted life is really hectic these days since she's on the road and her husband Blake Shelton is filming season three of NBC's The Voice. When co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck asked what their favorite date night looked like, Miranda admitted they just try to get home as often as possible and chill out there together. Miranda closed out The View with a Pistol Annies performance singing their song, "Takin' Pills."

Jo Dee Messina Tweeted That Chris Young is "Ugly"

CHRIS YOUNG recently met JO DEE MESSINA and it did not go well. At least according to Jo Dee.  On Tuesday morning she took to her Twitter page and destroyed him with a nasty Tweet. She wrote, quote, "OMG!  Just saw Chris Young.  He was ugly, arrogant and rude. Really, country radio? This guy's an ass."
Chris Young did not respond directly to Jo Dee's attack but his fans defended him on Twitter and that got him talking. He wrote, quote, "If I have said it once I have said it 1,000 times, my fans are badass." And his fans weren't the only ones standing up for him. DAVID NAIL gave him props with this Tweet, quote, "[Chris Young] is one of THE most down to earth artists I've met in 12 years in this town!"

Sherman Hemsley and Chad Everett Have Passed Away

SHERMAN HEMSLEY, THE star of "The Jeffersons" died at his home in El Paso, Texas. He was 74. The cause of death is unknown. Hemsley did not have a wife or kids. The Jeffersons" was actually a spin-off of "All in the Family". George Jefferson and his family first started appearing on that show in 1973, before getting their own show in '75. It ran until 1985. Hemsley also played a preacher in the comedy "Amen", which ran from 1986 to 1991.

Actor CHAD EVERETT died yesterday at his home in Los Angeles after battling lung cancer for about a year and a half.  He was 76. Chad was probably best known as the star of the '70s show "Medical Center". Throughout his career he guest starred on numerous TV shows. He was even in an episode of ABC's "Castle" earlier this year. His films included "Airplane 2", "The Singing Nun", "The Jigsaw Murders", David Lynch's "Mulholland Drive" 

Christian Bale Visited Shooting Victims in Colorado

CHRISTIAN BALE went to a hospital in Aurora, Colorado to visit victims of the deadly shooting spree at a midnight showing of "The Dark Knight Rises" last week.Warner Brothers didn't put him up to it, either. They issued a statement saying, quote, "Mr. Bale is there as himself, not representing us." One of the victims, Carey Rottman, posted a picture of himself and Bale on Facebook. He was shot in the leg. Bale spent over two hours visiting seven patients who were still being treated for their wounds. A hospital administrator says, quote, "The patients were really happy to meet Bale. -"They are obviously big fans of his movies.  They wanted to see Batman and were really pleased to see Bale." Christian also visited a memorial for the victims and joined a prayer circle. They didn't announce or call attention to themselves, and Bale refused to give an interview to a TV news crew that happened to be there.

Here is the raw footage from the Associated Press.

Zac Brown Wants to Teach His Daughters How to Can Preserves.

"Southern Living" magazine asked ZAC BROWN what he'd like to teach his daughters. And if you know Zac, you're not surprised that his answer was food related. He said, quote, "I want them to grow up canning in the kitchen with us and making preserves. To learn what it means to really fish." Zac also wants his girls to stay grounded. He added, quote, "[And] what it means to have a job. "I want to make sure they know that there's no free ride. You don't want spoiled kids in high school that end up being worthless later on. I want to teach them perspective. That's important."

When Is Sugarland Going to Break Up?

JENNIFER NETTLES usually shows solidarity with KRISTIAN BUSH when people ask if she's going to put SUGARLAND out of its misery and go solo. But this time she actually left the door open for each of them to go their separate ways. She said, quote, "Kristian and I are very supportive of each other in that way. He's been off and writing with everybody on the planet, and I don't have anything on the books right now as far as scheduled to go in, "But I hope to be able to do that one day. And we both do actually, so we'll see."

Sally Ride, First American Woman to Travel in Space, Dead at 61.

Sally Ride, the former astronaut who went where no American woman had ever gone before her, passed away Monday at age of 61. Ride's family members said that she had finally succumbed to pancreatic cancer after battling the disease for 17 months. President Obama called Ride "a national hero and a powerful role model...Sally's life showed us that there are no limits to what we can achieve and I have no doubt that her legacy will endure for years to come." Ride broke the glass ceiling for American women in space by journeying on space shuttle Challenger in 1983 and then travelled again on Challenger one year later.
Ride joined NASA in 1978 after having earned four degrees at Stanford University including a doctorate in physics. After leaving the program, Ride joined the faculty of University of California, San Diego and authored several books. The website of Sally Ride Science, a company she started to help teach students, said about her, "Sally lived her life to the fullest, with boundless energy, curiosity, intelligence, passion, commitment, and love. Her integrity was absolute; her spirit was immeasurable; her approach to life was fearless." She is survived by her longtime partner, Tam O'Shaughnessy, her mother, her sister, and other family members.

Trace Adkins: Can A Grown Man Cry?

It's no secret that TRACE ADKINS has had a few scrapes in his life. Trace was asked about the last time he had to punch some unlucky dude. He answered, quote, "1989? I haven't had to do it in a long time."
But don't go thinking Trace is a man without feelings. He was also asked when he cried last and he had a pretty moving story to tell about that. Trace said, quote, "We were doing one of those GAC, 'Great American Heroes' shows, and we were in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and I was talking to this guy who founded this organization called Paws With A Cause and he just tore me up. "He and his wife started this thing 33 years ago and then she died a month ago, and two days before she died, she found out we were coming to do the show about them and the thing that they founded, because they're heroes and then she died. "But he still wanted to go forward and do the show because he knew it meant so much to her. He choked me up."

A Group of Young Gorillas in Rwanda Figured Out How to Find and Dismantle Poachers' Traps

In 2010, there were only about 790 mountain gorillas left in the world, making them an endangered species. That doesn't seem to matter to poachers, who set illegal traps to try to catch other animals which sometimes injure or kill young gorillas. Luckily, gorillas are also pretty smart. Three young gorillas have figured out how to find poachers' traps and DISMANTLE them! The group of four-year-old gorillas find the snare traps that poachers set, which are usually a noose connected to a tree branch that works as a trigger. They untie the noose and jump up and down on the branch until it breaks off.

Pictured above is the dimantling process! Unbelieveable...but true!

Alan Jackson's Albums Are Not the Same Thing "Over and Over".

ALAN JACKSON has been making hit records since 1990.  That's not easy.  So the "Los Angeles Times" asked how he does it.  He said, quote, "I just [look] for a mixture of songs and topics that aren't the same thing over and over." Alan stuck with that plan on his latest album, "Thirty Miles West". He says, quote, "On this one there are some personal things, [and] some fun things that don't account for anything. 
"I have songs about everything, from gospel-tinged songs, drinking songs, heartache and love songs, family songs, songs about dying, we included all that."

Country Stars React to the Shooting Tragedy in Colorado.

Several country stars hit up the social network with their reactions to last week's tragic shooting in Colorado. Most of the posts found were respectful and sympathetic. Here are a few posts . . .

BRAD PAISLEY wrote, quote, "There are no words to describe how terrible the Colorado theater shooting is. I'm so sad. Praying for these families."

REBA MCENTIRE said, quote, "My heart and prayers go out to the folks in Aurora, Colorado.  I'm so sorry this has happened. I don't understand it."

Here's what RANDY HOUSER posted, quote, "Sickened by what has occurred in Aurora, Colorado.  Let's do our best not to let the culprit have an ounce of fame for this gross act on humanity."

You'll find more reactions here . . . and here.

Remember Emmylou Harris?

EMMYLOU HARRIS is headlining the first annual "Woofstock", which is a charity event benefitting Nashville's Bonaparte's Retreat dog-rescue organization.  Emmylou's concert is August 18th.  (Full Story)

Brad Paisley's New Album Will Contain "No Pesticides"

When BRAD PAISLEY got the band together to record his next album, he told them they would NOT be using any recording studio tricks. He wanted the audience to hear exactly what the musicians would be playing. Brad explains, quote, "There are no pesticides. You look for the label. It just says 100 percent organic, and then you have it. We're not editing. "If you hear something on a record, we played it . . . (like) they used to do it. It's seven musicians. It's the band that you'll see onstage with me." No word yet when the new, "pesticide free" album will be out.

Tracy Byrd and His Wife Were Injured in a Car Accident . . . But It Wasn't Serious

TRACY BYRD and his wife Michelle were in a car accident Tuesday in Texas. They were both taken to the hospital, but were not seriously injured. Michele did have two surgeries on her left foot but she hit up her Facebook account soon after to let everyone know she's fine. As far as the accident, Tracy was driving, but it wasn't his fault. A woman going the other way made a stupid turn and found herself right in the path of his car. She was given a ticket. 

(KBMT)

Garth Brooks is Talking About Going on the Road Again!

GARTH BROOKS has said all along that he'll come out of retirement once he finishes raising his three daughters.  Well, his youngest one, Allie, is two years from graduation and he's starting to feel the pull of the road. Garth told the "Vancouver Sun", quote, "It's always been about the babies. Our youngest is a junior in high school now. Our oldest, we just celebrated her 20th.  If God lets us do it and everything goes well, I would love to tour again."

Jason Aldean's New Single Is Already Number One on iTunes!

JASON ALDEAN released his new single "Take A Little Ride" on Monday . . . and it's already the Number One song on the iTunes all-genre singles chart. It's even taken Jason by surprise. He said, quote, "We've never come out of the box and gone to number one so quickly. I added the song into my set this weekend on the road for the first time, and everything is feeling really great out there. "I couldn't have asked for a better kick off for this new album . . . my fans are unbelievable." Even though Jason has been racking up #1 songs, it's still not something he's taking for granted. He added, quote,"You never know which song may be your last one. "'Why' was our first number one, and it seemed like three years until we had another. I learned early not to not take them for granted, and just enjoy them."  (--"Why" was on Jason's self-titled debut album, which came out in 2005.)

An Off-Duty Bus Driver Caught a Seven-Year-Old Girl When She Fell Out of a Third-Story Window!

52-year-old Steve St. Bernard is a New York City bus driver who lives in Coney Island. He got home from work Monday afternoon and noticed one of his neighbors was in trouble. Seven-year-old Keyla McCree, who's autistic, had taken out the screen on her third-story window and climbed out onto the ledge. So Steve positioned himself under the window and tried to convince Keyla to go back inside. She didn't. She ended up FALLING. But Steve was in position and managed to CATCH HER right before Keyla hit the ground.  Keyla wasn't hurt at all, but Steve tore a tendon in his bicep. Thank God that Steve was there and was strong enough to save this little girls life! Steve St. Bernard, you are the "Hero Of The Day"!

Keith Urban Is Excited That His Music is Finally Getting Played in . . . Australia?!?

KEITH URBAN is from Australia, so obviously, his music is played nonstop Down Under, right? Nope.  And according to Keith, it has to do with outdated stereotypes that his Aussie mates have about country music. But the good news is that's changed now that he's a star on the Australian version of "The Voice".  (--He's one of the four "coaches" . . . along with Seal, Delta Goodrem, and Joel Madden from Good Charlotte.) Keith talked about it in an interview in the Australian edition of "GQ".  He said, quote, "The best thing about ['The Voice'] has been the chance for people [here] to get to know me. "My music doesn't really get played here despite it having a lot of appeal elsewhere, so I've found myself without an outlet for my songs because of various narrow stereotypes and perceptions about me. That's been a challenge. "But [the show] has offered an opportunity to connect in a different way and I hope now people check out the gigs because that’s the real show for me . . . and it ain't played on a planet of 10-gallon hats."

A Six-Year-Old Boy Got to Become Hellboy Through Make-a-Wish!

A six-year-old boy named Zachary has leukemia, and was given the chance to have a wish granted through Make-a-Wish. His wish was . . . to meet and become HELLBOY. Zachary is a big comic book fan, and his parents said he's watched the "Hellboy" movie about 100 times while getting treatment in the hospital.
So the people at Spectral Motion studios brought Zachary in, and also put out a call to Ron Perlman, who played Hellboy in the movie. Ron went through four hours of makeup and costume work to become Hellboy one more time. Zachary just thought he was getting a tour of the studio, but at the end of the tour, Ron showed up and gave Zachary a sit-down with Hellboy. After that, the Spectral Motion artists put Zachary in the make-up chair and turned HIM into a miniature version of Hellboy.

(CBSNews.com)

The Good News: Charlie Sheen Is Giving At Least $1 Million to the USO!

CHARLIE SHEEN is donating one-percent of the profits from his FX show "Anger Management" to the USO. He's guaranteeing the donation will be at least $1 MILLION, but there's no limit on how high it can go. Charlie will hand over the first installment of $250,000 in a private ceremony later this week.
He says, quote, "It's an honor for me to be able to give back to these men and women of the military who have done so much for all of us. "They put their lives on the line for us every day, and I'm just happy that my work on 'Anger Management' can bring a little bit of relief to the troops and their families."

Kip Moore Performing "Beer Money" on TNT's Conan Tuesday

Kip Moore is following up his platinum-selling hit "Somethin' 'Bout a Truck" with "Beer Money," which he'll perform on TNT's Conan on Tuesday night.  That particular show and its host, Conan O'Brien, mean a lot to Kip. He says, "When my sister was in her car accident and in the hospital for seven months, Conan was one of the few people who could make her smile. She thinks he is so funny, and so do I."

"Beer Money" is included on Kip's debut album, Up All Night, in stores now.

Dierks Bentley's Hit "5-1-50" Inspired from His First Days Playing Electric Guitar as a Kid.

Dierks Bentley is on track to score another #1 hit with his latest single, "5-1-50." That number refers to the police code for someone being put on involuntary psychiatric hold. It's also the title of Van Halen's 1986 album that had a big impact on Dierks.  He was about 13-years-old when a friend first taught him how to play electric guitar along to Van Halen's music. Dierks says, ""That's all I listened to for awhile was that stuff." Fast forward a few decades, and Dierks included a line about "getting 51-50" in his song "Country and Cold Cans."  His friend and co-writer Jim Beavers took that line and came up with the line, "5-1-50, somebody call the po-po." "I thought it was the stupidest thing I’d heard in my life," Dierks admits, "but every time I’d see him, he’d sing that.  He’d be like 'Man, my kids keep -- they can't get that out of their heads, it stuck. We got to write it.'" Not long after that, Dierks and Jim got stuck in a writing session, so Dierks agreed to write "5-1-50." It's now the latest hit from his current album, Home.

Grace Potter Thinks Tim McGraw is More Fit Than Kenny Chesney.

Last month we suggest that TIM MCGRAW has been trying to "out-buff" KENNY CHESNEY on their Brothers of the Sun Tour. Well, according to one of the opening acts, GRACE POTTER, mission accomplished. She watched Tim do his workout on a recent tour stop and was blown away. She said, quote, "He was lifting tires over his head. Like, huge truck tires. "I felt like I was sneaking into the Pentagon watching him work out. The guy is fit as a fiddle. And now I know why. He's the most healthy guy on this tour. There's no contest. He looks like Iron Man, in the Iron Man suit."

Eric Church Still Can't Get Over How Popular He's Become

ERIC CHURCH has had a kickass year . . . but he still feels like that guy banging it out in clubs. The success just hasn't sunk in yet. He says, quote, "It'll never feel normal for me because I'll always feel like we're the underdog a little bit. "I'll always feel like we've got to fight harder than everybody else, that we have to give it more than everybody else. I mean, I never thought I'd have a Number One anything so to have the #1 album and the second #1 single off this record, it's just bizarre."

Taylor Swift Named Highest-Paid Celebrity Under 30 by Forbes.

Taylor Swift is #1 on Forbes' list of the highest-paid celebrities under 30. The magazine estimates Taylor pulled in $57 million last year through her sold-out Speak Now world tour, album sales and endorsement deals with companies like Cover Girl and American Greetings. Justin Bieber, Rihanna and Lady Gaga followed Taylor on the countdown. Among the criteria Forbes used for ranking its list: album and concert sales, movie fees, profit participation, endorsements and advertising work.

Kellie Pickler Has Luke Bryan's Back on the National Anthem Controversy

KELLIE PICKLER was on CNN's "Showbiz Tonight" talking about all the grief heaped on LUKE BRYAN for using his hand as a cheat sheet while singing the National Anthem at Tuesday's All-Star game.
Kellie . . . who nailed "God Bless America" that night . . . was asked if she's ever written down lyrics to help her through a similar situation. She said, quote, "I've never written the lyrics on my hands but I know that there's teleprompters and stuff at different sporting events for people that sing the anthem . . . and he's a great guy and, so what? "He sung his butt off and it was all about the game and having a good time.  People need to quit being mean." It never occurred to me that teleprompters are provided for such events, but it makes perfect sense. It also makes you wonder why the singers who are nervous about performing don't take advantage.

Luke Bryan Apologized for Checking His Watch While Singing the National Anthem at Tuesday's All-Star Game

LUKE BRYAN hit up his Twitter page yesterday to apologize for checking his watch and using his hand as a cheat sheet while singing the National Anthem at Tuesday's All-Star game. Let's start with his apology:
He Tweeted, quote, "I really wanna explain the National Anthem performance from last night. I had a few keys words written down to insure myself that I wouldn't mess up. I just wanted to do my best. I promise it was from the heart. "If I offended anyone with my approach I sincerely apologize. Anytime I sing the anthem it is an honor and my heart beats out of my chest." He added, quote, "I did check my watch because I knew the stealth bomber would fly over two minutes in and I knew [I] started a little late. Being a part of the All-Star game was amazing and I look forward to the next time I can perform the anthem. Thanks y'all."

Taylor Swift Teases New Music in Facebook Post

Taylor Swift fans can most likely expect to hear some new music shortly. Taylor posted a message on Facebook this week from Nashville saying, "I just sat in a big room with a lot of people and made a lot of decisions about a lot of things happening very soon." Taylor admits the post is vague, but she adds, "I think you know what that means. Stuff is about to happen." Taylor has been working on her new album for most of this year since wrapping up the Speak Now World Tour in March.

UPDATE: Miranda Lambert Still on Voice Rest, Postpones This Weekend's Shows.

Miranda Lambert's doctor is keeping her on voice rest for another week, which means her concerts this weekend are being rescheduled.  Miranda says in a written statement, "I’m so sorry to disappoint the fans that have already bought tickets to see me.  I’m taking care of my voice and I can’t wait to get on the road again and bring you a hell of a show.”

Dierks Bentley Wants the Tape Deck Put Back in His Old Truck!

Like all music fans of a certain age, Dierks Bentley grew up listening to his favorite albums on cassette tapes. Since Dierks is also a guy who likes to hold on to old things like his 1994 Chevy Silverado forever, it's no surprise he's still a big fan of cassette tapes.  In fact, Dierks is thinking about having a tape player put back in his old truck. Dierks recently got a CD player put in his truck.  Describing his trip to the stereo shop, Dierks explains, "I said, 'What kind should I get?'  They go, 'Well, George Jones got this one.'  I was like, 'Well, I'll get that one.' It's just a disc player, and I'm like, 'I miss the tape deck.'" Dierks actually has a few mixtapes he made himself still laying around his house. One of them is arranged with music to play before 5 p.m. on one side and music for after 5 p.m. on the other. The nighttime music includes classic country songs by the likes of George Jones, Faron Young and Moe Bandy. Says Dierks, "You don't want to listen to that stuff during the daytime. It's just too lonesome. So, that's probably one of my favorite mixtapes, but I can't play it right now." Unfortunately, Dierks' latest album, Home, is not available on cassette, but you can get it on CD or online. The latest single from that project, "5-1-50," is headed for the top of the country chart in the coming weeks.

Kenny Chesney Says It's a Blast Bringing Sports Stars on Stage to Sing.

We know KENNY CHESNEY loves hanging with sports stars. And the feeling is mutual. We've seen NFL teams let him suit up and make a fool out of himself at practice. Kenny returns the favor by pulling players on stage to sing off key. Obviously, it's all a goof . . . and a thrill for both sides. Kenny explains, quote, "It's great to see the crowd roar for them when they come on stage, which is a completely different setting than being at bat. "(But) I will say this: KEVIN MILLAR is the worst singer I've ever been on stage with. I met him when I was taking batting practice for the Red Sox, which remains one of my biggest thrills. "Kevin is a big kid at heart and a great guy who I'm still close with today, but he came up on stage when we were playing in Toronto and sang his favorite [song of mine], 'Old Blue Chair'. "It was just a terrible version!  But he really had a blast and it was all in good fun."

"Assassin's Creed" Movie Casting News!

Michael Fassbender will star in and co-produce "Assassin's Creed," the bigscreen adaptation of Ubisoft's videogame franchise, through his DMC Film banner....

Click Here For The Full Story!!


(Variety)

Farm Aid 2012 Goes Down This September 22nd

In case you hadn't heard, FARM AID 2012 goes down Saturday, September 22nd in Hershey, Pennsylvania.  The lineup includes all four main Farm Aid Board Members: WILLIE NELSON, NEIL YOUNG, JOHN MELLENCAMP, and DAVE MATTHEWS. The newcomers are JACK JOHNSON, ALO, Pegi Young & The Survivors, and Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real.
Farm Aid is the longest-running benefit-concert in the country . . . it's been held almost every year since 1985 . . . so we forgive you for wondering if the project has gotten a little bit stale over the years.
But Dave Matthews has a pretty good argument for why it's still vital.  And he owns a farm in Virginia, so he has a little experience when it comes to the topic of food quality and industrial agriculture. He says, quote, "When you're talking about the milk that your kids drink, or the food that they eat, or the land that it's grown on, when you think about those things, then the cheapest way to do something is the most short-sighted way to do something. "If the cheapest way to do something is to produce the worst food for our children, that's obviously not the right thing to do. "The way it's run now is unhealthy, unsustainable, and that's what's destroying the small farmers, the mid-sized farmers. That's the part that is heartbreaking." Farm Aid doesn't just raise awareness . . . they run grant programs and provide resources to struggling farmers. Tickets go on sale this Friday.

Jake Owen Doesn't Know Anything About Girls . . . And He's Getting Some Fatherhood Lessons From Tim McGraw.

JAKE OWEN and his wife Lacey Buchanan found out last week that they're going to have a baby in November. And how does Jake feel now that he knows he's going to have a daughter? He told CMT News over the weekend, quote, "I was scared at first, because I don't know anything about girls." They also asked him about how he and Lacey decided to learn whether it was a boy or a girl. But Jake said it was no big deal. Quote, "I wasn't into the surprise of it. I was already surprised when I found out she was PREGNANT." And as far as getting ready to be a dad, Jake says he has some good role models: His dad, his tour manager, his crew, and TIM MCGRAW, who he's been opening for on the 'Brothers of the Sun' tour. He said, quote, "Even doing what we do, guys out here show that it's possible to be a good dad. Tim was just outside working out, and he has his daughters right there with him. "I just have to maintain my focus. I don't want people thinking this will deter my perseverance."

Little Big Town Did the Theme for ABC's "Good Afternoon America"

Did you catch the theme for ABC's new show "Good Afternoon America" yesterday?  Me neither.  But I plan to now . . . because it was written by none other than LITTLE BIG TOWN. The show is basically an afternoon spin-off of "Good Morning America", so as you can imagine, that's a pretty sweet gig for them. According to Little Big Town's KAREN FAIRCHILD, quote, "Sometimes you get unexpected opportunities as an artist. We loved getting the chance to write and record a song for such a cool show."
You can catch the show every day at 2:00 PM Eastern, or better yet, check it out on Thursday, August 2nd, when Little Big Town is going to perform the song "Good Afternoon" live, along with their current single "Pontoon".

Ernest Borgnine is Dead at 95.

Legendary Oscar-winning actor ERNEST BORGNINE died yesterday at the age of 95.  There's no word yet on the cause of death. Borgnine has several iconic roles on his resume. He beat FRANK SINATRA to death in "From Here to Eternity". He was one of the survivors of "The Poseidon Adventure". And he was the title character on the '60s sitcom "McHale's Navy".

(--Ernest was actually in the Navy for 10 years before becoming an actor.)

TIM CONWAY was one of Borgnine's co-stars on the show.  Decades later they would team up again to provide the voices for superheroes Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy on "SpongeBob SquarePants".
Borgnine was Mermaid Man.  Conway was Barnacle Boy. 

In 1955, Borgnine won an Oscar for his role as a lonely butcher who finds love in "Marty". His other classic films include "The Wild Bunch", "Bad Day at Black Rock", "The Dirty Dozen" and "Escape from New York". He also had two other significant TV gigs: He co-starred with Jan-Michael Vincent on the '80s action-adventure show "Airwolf", and played a doorman on the '90s sitcom "The Single Guy". -Horror fans would know Ernest from a couple "classic" low-budget flicks he did in the '70s. He was done in by an army of vengeful rats in the original version of "Willard" in 1971 . . . and turned into a goat-headed demon thingy in the 1975 flick "The Devil's Rain", co-starring WILLIAM SHATNER and JOHN TRAVOLTA in his first film role.

Tim McGraw Only Gets Nervous in Front of Small Crowds, and He's Still Putting Off His Political Aspirations . . . For Now.

TIM MCGRAW is still churning through that 22-city 'Brothers in the Sun' tour with KENNY CHESNEY. It's stadiums only . . . and that's just how he likes it. He says, quote, "The bigger the crowd, the better for me. You get more nervous the smaller the crowd is. The intimate things are fun but it's more nerve-racking when you can see everybody. "When there's 50,000 people, you sort of can just play to the back of the audience and have a great time." And remember back when he threatened to run for office as a Democratic senator or governor in Tennessee? Well, those days are over . . . for now. Tim was in Minneapolis on Sunday, and the "Minneapolis Star Tribune" asked him about that. Probably because it's an election year, and Tim's never been shy when it comes to politics. Here's what we said.  Quote:  "That was back in my drinking days. Who knows? I feel like I've been very fortunate. "If one of these days I'm in a position where I can give back, and feel like I'm smart enough to help and not just doing it for the hell of doing it, then it would be something I'd consider. But certainly it would be after my kids are grown. "I pay attention. I'm not sure anyone wants to hear my opinion . . . or that I should give my opinions."

Miranda Lambert Is on Vocal Rest.

MIRANDA LAMBERT had to cancel an appearance at a festival in western New York on Friday night, and she postponed another one scheduled for Saturday night in Scranton, Pennsylvania. It's because she overextended her voice. According to her publicist, quote, "She's been placed on vocal rest, she's under the care of her doctor, and she hopes to return to the road next weekend." So she should be able to make her shows this weekend in Alabama and Georgia.