Viacom PR professional segues to Cablevision

Cablevision Tuesday named former Viacom professional Kelly McAndrew as veep of corporate communications. McAndrew will offer the cable operator's strategy, financial performance and key corporate developments and guide communications at Cablevision's local media qualities, including Newsday, News 12 Systems, Monosodium glutamate College and Clearview Movie theaters. She reviews to Charlie Schueler, professional Vice president of media and community relations. She'll also direct charitable activities. Just before joining Cablevision, McAndrew offered as senior Vice president of corporate communications at Viacom. From 2000 to 2007, she oversaw public and media relations activities across six nations for that Pepsi Bottling Group. Formerly, she held pr and public matters roles at Texaco where she labored for pretty much ten years. Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

Spencer Tracy Was Kind of a Dick

"When Tracy won Best Actor for his turn in Captains Courageous in 1938, he was unable to attend the ceremony. MGM said he was recovering from a hernia, which was the 1940s way of saying 'hospitalized for exhaustion,' if youre picking up what Im putting down. The studio arranged for Tracys wife to accept the award in his stead, as a gesture towards the supposed strength of their marriage. With all the audience fully aware of how Tracy had neglected and mistreated her, Mrs. Tracy walked the stage. But the Academy had a sense of humor: the award was inscribed not to Spencer, but to Dick Tracy. ROUGH. MGM would periodically force Tracy to 'dry out' after massive benders - not out of kindness, but so that they could force him to do his next film. During this period, he was living at the Beverly Wilshire and constantly on the prowl one MGM exec purportedly claimed that 'No one gets more sex than Spencer Tracy.....except Joan Crawford.'" [The Hairpin]

Foundation salutes TV executives

It requires a great deal to have any kid through college, not to mention individuals in schools rich in dropout rates. Since 1987, the I've got a Dream Foundation -- La has "adopted" nearly 1,000 students in underprivileged schools, supplying all of them with coaching and teaching programs from third to twelfth grade and scholarship gold coin after graduation. On Sunday, the org will salute DreamWorks TV cake toppers Justin Falvey and Darryl Frank and ABC drama development professional Channing Dungey using its Dream Keeper Award for his or her support of their work. "Private Practice" star Amy Brenneman will emcee the 14th annual Dreamers Brunch in the Skirball Cultural Center. Contact Shalini Dore at shali.dore@variety.com

Emma Thompson, David Tennant, Olivia Williams Arranged For Brand New U.K. Series

The United kingdom’s Sky Arts, which captured introduced it might triple its budget, has commissioned a number of one-off original TV dramas and comedies which will come under the Playhouse Presents label. One of the notable projects, Walking The Dogs sees Emma Thompson play Full Elizabeth inside a comedy-drama a good burglar who made his distance to her bed room in 1982. Walking The Dogs is dependant on the evening Michael Fagan broke into Buckingham Structure, joined the Queens boudoir and talked together with her for some time before the police required him away. The title describes Fagans window of access a guard who had been said to be situated outdoors the Queens door was out walking her dogs. Eddie Marsan (Tyrannosaur, A Virtual Detective: A Game Title Of Shadows) and Russell Tovey, that has a job within the Emma Thompson-composed Effie, are co-stars. Other shows just introduced by Sky Arts, area of the BSkyB number of channels, includes such British talent as David Tennant, Olivia Williams, Stephen Fry and Hayley Atwell together with some non-Britons like Stellan Skarsgard and Harry Shearer. The second is starring in Nixon’s The Main One, a verbatim account of Richard Nixons amount of time in the Oblong office according to a lot more than 198 hrs of tracks made between Feb 1971 and 1973. Sky Arts commissioned Hat Trick Productions, Sprout Pictures, Tiger Aspect and Warp Films to create the series. Playhouse Presents begins in April. A complete listing of the brand new projects follows: KING From The TEDS Drama by Jim Cartwright. Tina works part-time like a cleaner. Rons occurred redundant through the bottle factory. The lives of the lengthy-term husband and wife are switched upside-lower using the surprise visit of the closest friend in the fifties and deep feelings are restarted. With Tom Johnson, Alison Steadman and Brenda Blethyn. NIXONS The Main One Comedy-drama starring Harry Shearer (This really is Spine Tap, The Simpsons) as Nixon. This can be a verbatim account of Nixons amount of time in the Oblong office, according to a lot more than 198 hrs of tracks made between Feb 1971 and 1973. This brilliant film is really a fascinating account of his questionable and frequently farcical time at work. Also stars Henry Goodman as Henry Kissinger. THE MINOR CHARACTER Drama compiled by Will Self and starring David Tennant as Will, the artist, who observes existence in minute detail, supplying a witty and acerbic critique of his existence. Whenever a tragedy happens, Will needs to reconsider the trust he's within the urban-suburban, middle-class landscape of his middle-aged buddies. CITY HALL Riding a wave of popular opinion after footage of her defiant stance against London rioters becomes an online hit, an regular lady finds herself because the capitals first female Mayor. With Olivia Williams, Rhashan Stone, Lucy Punch and Martin Shaw. CARE Stars Gina McKee as Natalie, a nurse whose relationship by having an seniors patient along with other citizens around the well known Byker Estate forces her to confront her very own fears and isolation. NELLIE AND MELBA Melba shows ballroom dancing and loves to play whist. Her 51 year-old boy still lives in your own home working in the dreaded social security office. His dream would be to look at happens which, despite a catalogue of problems, he triumphantly does with some help from his mother. Co-compiled by Paul OGrady and Sandi Toksvig. Starring Paul OGrady, Sheila Hancock, Rosie Cavaliero and Jonathan D. Ellis THE SNIPIST Drama by Matthew Holness and starring Douglas Henshall and also the voice of John Hurt. Occur a publish-apocalyptic Britain, a lone sniper (Henshall) must battle plague service providers and save stranded towns to be able to survive. But is landscape of the destroyed civilisation everything it appears? WALKING THE DOGS An burglar breaks in to the Queens bed room at beginning. They discuss love, family and private freedom prior to the police arrive to consider him away. With Emma Thompson, Eddie Marsan and Russell Tovey. THE Guy Hidden within an exclusive hotel, a cabal of effective people debates worldwide politics, financial aspects and war. A chilling take a look at how an unelected couple of control the fate from the public. Compiled by Sandi Toksvig. With Stephen Fry, Hayley Atwell, Zoe Wanamaker and Stellan Skarsgrd. Another Lady Existence mimics art like a effective TV author and the actress wifes failing marriage is shown within the show he creates and she or he stars in. But could they exercise their problems on the watch's screen or perhaps is their relationship condemned to fail? With Geraldine James, Richard E Grant, Trevor Eve and Tom Ellis. PSYCHOBITCHES Psychobitches takes famous women from background and puts them within the psychiatrists chair. Our counselor is assigned with attempting to help these celebrated women through various issues they might have from Lady Godiva together with her obsessive compulsive draining disorder to Beatrix Potter who thinks the creatures do speak with her to Avoi Braun that has trouble finding Mr Right. Psychobitches is all about honoring outstanding women from background and almost all their gloriously crazy issues.

British invade WME

The WME legit department has signed a trio of Brits to its roster, with the tenpercentery now serving as Stateside rep for helmer Timothy Sheader and scribes Mike Bartlett and Nick Payne. The a.d. of the London outdoor venue Regent's Park Open Air Theater, Sheader was recently tapped to helm the upcoming Shakespeare in the Park revival of tuner "Into the Woods," following in the footsteps of his much-lauded 2010 staging of the show at Regent's Park. He also directed last year's "Crazy for You," which transferred to the West End. Bartlett is also set for a Gotham stint with his London hit "Cock," which a team of American commercial producers is steering toward an Off Broadway bow later this year. Scribe's plays also include "13," "Earthquakes in London" and "Love Love Love," playing the Royal Court later this year. Payne, meanwhile, recently scored a slew of plaudits for "Constellations," another play tipped for an upcoming NY run. Also on his resume are plays "If There Is I Haven't Found It Yet" and "Wanderlust." All three creatives will continue to be repped in the U.K. by their Brit tenpercenters, with Sheader and Payne both on Curtis Brown's list and Bartlett repped by the Agency. Contact Gordon Cox at gordon.cox@variety.com

The Colbert Account to come back Monday After Sudden Hiatus

Josh Charles [WARNING: This story includes spoilers from Sunday's episode in the Good Wife. Read in the own risk.] He managed to get the wrath of Peter Florrick as well as the State's Attorney office, and may Gardner (Josh Charles) wasn't any match for your Illinois Condition Bar Association on Sunday's episode in the Good Wife. Faced with the potential for losing his law license forever, Will needed responsibility for the $45,000 loan and made the decision to some six-month suspension. So what's next? The way in which his time in the law change Will? The way in which Lockhart Gardner Lockhart and Affiliate marketers, and Alicia (Julianna Margulies), change without him? TVGuide.com spoken with show bosses Robert and Michelle King to acquire our burning questions clarified. Matthew Perry joins the cast in the Good Wife How extended has this experienced the entire shebang? Robert King: We started this year thinking the theme might be about risk. It switched fairly quickly into being about effects. Our people have plenty of close scrapes and acquire off. That certain felt appreciate it should come lower like plenty of bricks on Will's mind. Which we didn't desire to just disbar him completely. Why could it have been required for Will particularly to kind of face more serious effects? Michelle King: It felt real. There has been large risks against Will which we preferred to show that yes, really he'd possess the discomfort and there has been apt to be modifications in the existence too as with the show.Robert King: It's like the newbie when there's a tournament between Cary and Alicia. There's a phrase TV authors referred to as 'Schmuck Bait,' the idea that might be some plots you realize aren't likely to occur, like Superman will not die. Getting Cary be fired in Season 1 felt like i had been taking these risks very seriously and remaining from 'Schmuck Bait'. For Will, it felt like there really should be effects out of this. The way in which It's still a component of the show if he can't practice law or go to the firm?Robert King: He's in every single episode, but it is a fragile dance. There is the dance of the items you are allowed to accomplish just like a business partner because firm, and what you're prevented from doing just like a lawyer. This can be a hardship on Will which he wants to recognition the suspension too. The Truly Amazing Wife start searching: Meet Will's brothers and sisters! Will audiences just see him fitness center could he occupy new hobbies or perhaps job?John King: We will probably see his home and meet his brothers and sisters. This allows us to start up a little much more of Will's private existence. How's he going handle escaping regulations inside the extended-term?Robert King: Inside the episode, Diane states, 'You can't take six several days. It'll kill you.' There's a part of Will that desires to prove people wrong. That there are products that he's reserve. He wants to take this seriously and rebuild his private existence and who he's. It provides a completely new flavor in who'll is.But however, the top intensity be employed in regulations can be a drug. You'll find distributions associated with this. There is something incorporated in Will that's competitive that is another corner cutter. A couple of of those things cannot be worked out of him and they're just prone to find other shops. Since he's more free time, maybe there's new that special someone within the existence?Michelle King: You will have to stay updated to find out. Watch full cases of The Truly Amazing Wife The way in which Will's absence affect Alicia?Robert King: It'll be interesting to find out simply how much they could pivot to a new level inside their associations/working associations particularly with this particular monkey wrench thrown into Will's existence. Alicia feels guilty, but she does not desire to stoke fires that could take her in the dangerous direction. You'll be able to prevent yourself from being devote places that you obtain that kind of emotional connection.Michelle King: Furthermore compared to that, Alicia's existence can get harder because one of the primary partners is on suspension and out of the blue everyone inside the firm must undertake more work including Alicia. How else will his suspension customize the relaxation in the firm?Robert King: Will was somebody who moved a good deal in the load for your firm. Plenty of which get disbanded and gleam energy vacuum which draws in plenty of interlopers. Celebrate things much more complicated. ... We will probably see David Lee, Julius Cain and Eli Gold fight constantly because we just be thankful. The Three of those playing together is similar to watching the Marx Brothers and sisters. How extended will this suspension last around the program? Will this continue into next season? Robert King: In my opinion we will probably declare that the six several days takes us using the finish of year. How a firm change throughout his sabbatical?Robert King: The simple truth is you have to fight your path back through because, in several ways, you've lost your clients along with other lawyers. You don't just return using the clout that you just playing. The Truly Amazing Wife airs Sundays at 9/8c on CBS.

The brand new the new sony acquires 'Fin' in the united states

The brand new the new sony Pictures Delivering Espana has acquired The the spanish language language theatrical and DVD/VOD rights to "Fin" (The Conclusion).A mountain vacation cabin chiller with supernatural elements, "Finish" consists by "Cell 211" scribe Jorge Guerricaechevarria and Sergio G. Sanchez ("The Orphanage").Now in publish-production, it is also a greater-profile 2012 instance of a The the spanish language language film which - due to the weakness of Spain's DVD and pay TV areas - is built to transfer to learn mainly off theatrical and worldwide. Having its E5 million ($6.6 000 0000) budget, film sports elevated production values from first-time helmer Jorge Torregrossa."Finish" is produced by three of Spain's top worldwide clothes: Apaches Entertainment ("The Impossible," "Criminals"), Mod Producciones ("Agora," "Biutiful") and Antena 3 Films ("You'll Meet a Tall Dark Stranger," "Red-colored-colored Lights"), the film division of broadcast network Antena 3.Vicente Canales' Film Factory Entertainment was attracted on with the producers before Toronto 2011 to produce it towards the worldwide market. The producers are really tying lower distribution in the united states getting a studio.Maribel Verdu ("Pan's Labyrinth"), Daniel Grao ("Julia's Eyes") and Clara Lago ("Primos") star.The brand new the new sony will release "Finish" in the finish of summer season, prime box office property in the united states. Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

'Combat' draws euros

David Wnendt's award-winning feature film debut "Combat Girls," about a young woman trying to break free from an ultra-violent gang of neo-Nazis, is drawing strong interest across Europe.The pic, which is currently in theaters in Germany, has sold to Luna Filmverleih in Austria, Cinema EU in Bulgaria, Film Europe for Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary; KT Film & Media in Macedonia and Entertainment One for the Benelux. Ascot Elite is distributing the film in Germany and Switzerland, while Spectator has brought the pic to Polish screens.The film has attracted plenty of attention in light of an ongoing investigation in Germany into the murder spree allegedly committed by a notorious neo-Nazi trio that managed to escape detection for more than a decade.Police suspect two rightwing terrorists, who died in an apparent murder-suicide in November, killed 10 people, most of foreign origin, over a 10-year span. The story has generated indignation at the failure of Germany's domestic intelligence agency, which is known to keep tight tabs on neo-Nazi groups, and put a new focus on rightwing extremist groups."Rightwing extremism had not really been a major topic in Germany for years as the focus shifted to Islamic terrorism," said "Combat Girls" producer Rene Frotscher of Berlin-based Mafilm.That changed with the massacre in Norway last summer and the story of the alleged neo-Nazi killers in Germany. "It came as a big surprise that these big underground structures existed that were able to hide these neo-Nazis," Frotscher said, generating stronger interest at the B.O. as a result.It's also become a must-see for school classes across the country. "It's not just a German discussion," Frotscher said about the subject matter. It's about how the lack of structures can allow young people to fall prey to racist groups and their extremist ideology, he added."Combat Girls" has made nearly $500,000 at the German box office and remained high in the country's arthouse charts. Contact Ed Meza at ed.meza@mannaa.de

Berlusconi faces new trial

ROME -- Silvio Berlusconi continues to be indicted inside a situation including wiretaps and leaked information, which gets worse legal worries for that Italo media mogul and former premier. Milan magistrates have set a March 15 start date for that trial. Berlusconi is charged with seeping transcripts of wiretapped calls to newspaper Il Giornale, that is possessed by his brother Paolo, to be able to allegedly discredit a political opponent. Berlusconi's lawyer Niccolo Ghedini referred to the indictment as "incredible," adding that "this umpteenth trial will finish up in nothing, as the rest of the ones," Italian news agency ANSA reported. The Television magnate-switched-pol can also be facing three separate tests on charges including corruption and tax fraud, regarding the Mediaset, the very best Italian commercial broadcaster Mediaset, that they controls, as well as for having to pay for sex by having an underage prostitute. The wiretap transcripts within this new situation were allegedly acquired by Berlusconi because of his position as pm at that time. They have to do with calls in 2005 between then leftist leader Piero Fassino along with a banker throughout a putting in a bid war for charge of prominent Italo bank Banca Nazionale del Lavoro. Berlusconi resigned in November compelled by financial turmoil besides his sex and corruption scams. He lately reiterated towards the Financial Occasions he'll not run again for pm. Contact Nick Vivarelli at nvivarelli@gmail.com

'G.I. Joe' Sequel Is 'Better Than The First,' Says Channing Tatum

Whether you loved or hated "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra," it's fair to say that there were a few things that could be improved upon in a sequel (except Joseph Gordon-Levitt's performance as "The Doctor"/Rex though. He was awesome). Now with a second film looming and a lengthy trailer we've overanalyzed it's time to find out what the stars of "G.I. Joe: Retaliation" are saying about the film. When MTV News caught up with Channing Tatum during the press day for his new romantic drama "The Vow" recently, we asked him to dish on a few details about the film. Thing is, based on the trailer, it looks as though Tatum's character very likely does not last long in the film. I attempted to get Tatum to own up to Duke's early departure with a few pointed, wink-and-nudge-type questions. First, what can he tell fans about his character's arc in the film? "I don't know. I think they're going to have to check it out," he said. "I think that the movie is going to be better than the first one. I think that Jon Chu has a younger, hipper sensibility. ['Rise of Cobra' director] Stephen Sommers is great, I really enjoyed working with him, but I think this movie is going to be a little hipper. A little bit more edgy." So what can he tell us about what he's seen of the film? "I actually haven't seen very much," Tatum said sincerely. Should we prep for seeing a lot of Duke screen time? "I don't know," Tatum said with a smile, beginning to see where I was going with my line of questioning. "I'm not sure. I haven't seen the final cut." At this point in our conversation, Tatum's "Vow" co-star Rachel McAdams, who was seated next to him in the video but out of frame, seemed confused about where we were going with the conversation so I whispered to her that rumor has it that Tatum's character dies in the movie, which made Tatum laugh out loud. "Really?" he giggled, acting surprised. Do you think Duke lives or dies? Tell us in the comments or on Twitter!

Anna Maria Muehe: Followed family into biz

Anna Maria MueheIf that name seems to ring a bell, it should. Berlin-born Anna Maria Muehe's parents were both thesps: her mother is East German Jenny Groellmann, and her father, Ulrich Muehe, is best known internationally as the star of "The Lives of Others," which won the foreign-lingo film Oscar in 2006.For Muehe, another career was a possibility ("Like anybody, I was considering different things"), but after shooting her first feature at the age of 15 -- Maria von Heland's "Big Girls Don't Cry" (2001) -- she found the lure of showbiz too great to resist.A year later, she won the actress award at the Copenhagen Film Festival for her lead role in Achim von Borries' "Love in Thoughts," and has since appeared in Julie Delpy's "The Countess," Til Schweiger's "1 1/2 Knights" and Christian Schwochow's "November Child," for which she received a German Film Award nomination."I think my great fortune, so far, is that every movie I've made, I've worked with brilliant actors. For example, last year I played alongside Otto Sander, a man who's acted for such a long time, and in so many different films, yet who's never lost the joy in what he does," she says.Does she consider herself a European or a German actress? "I don't really see any difference. To get me hooked, it just needs a great script and an interesting director; it's not important whether it's a German or an international project -- the work and the preparation are the same."For example, one of my favourite directors is Dominik Graf. I'm really fascinated by his way of dealing with projects and the way he works with actors. But then, there are so many outstanding directors all over the world. It would be an honor to work with any of them."Return to the Berlin Preview >> Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

VIDEO: Local News Station Re-Enacts Trial with Puppets

The Puppet's Court Whenever a Cleveland judge banned news cameras in the court docket for any federal corruption trial, a nearby news station required an unusual, amusing key to covering it: They re-passed the trial using puppets. "The testimony is real, the puppets aren't, tonight... within the Puppet's Court," an un named but clearly amused WOIO anchor states. Take a look at much more of present day top videos But simply since the testimony has been read by cute, fluffy creatures does not mean it's G-ranked. Watch being an innocent-searching squirrel holds forth about hookers, genital hpv warts and stolen fridges:

Warners, Lin away and off to 'Otherland'

Warner Bros. will "Otherland," acquiring feature rights to Tad Williams' sci-fi book series and setting up it with Serta Lin to produce. Studio has attracted on John Scott III to script the film, using the four books launched by DAW-Penguin USA between 1996 and 2001 as "Capital of scotland - Golden Shadow," "River of Blue Fire," "Mountain of Black Glass" and "Sea of Silver Light." Story for your adaptation is positioned a hundred years afterwards and follows several unforeseen heroes who must escape an assassin and cope with epic digital cell phone industry's to resolve a conspiracy that expects to get rid of humanity. Seanne Winslow Wehrenfennig at Lin Pictures assists as co-producer and oversee for Lin Pictures. Lin's a producer on "An Online Detective: Wager on Shadows" which is in publish-production on period drama "Gangster Squad," starring Josh Brolin, Ryan Gosling, and Sean Penn, directed by Ruben Fleischer. He's also creating "Lego: the part of Resistance," written and directed by Chris Burns and Phil Master, with Warners arranging a 2014 release. Scott's zombie script "Maggie" made the most effective 10 in the 2011 Black List known as the very best title in the 2011 Blood stream List, the most effective 13 most-loved unproduced scripts inside the horror, thriller, sci-fi, fantasy, and dark comedy/drama genres. "Maggie" is at pre-production with Henry Hobson pointing, and Pierre-Ange Le Pogam, Matt Baer, and Trevor Kaufman creating. Scott may also be adapting Isaac Asivmov's "Caves of Steel" for Fox, also with Hobson installed on direct. WME signifies the "Otherland" book rights. Scott is repped by CAA and handled by Trevor Kaufman. Contact Dork McNary at dork.mcnary@variety.com

The American Idol Show Episode 1: Singin' in Savannah and Seacrest's Evil Twin

You're ready to cozy on the couch and bust out your ice-cold can of Coca-Cola... because Idol. Is. Back. (Individuals were dramatic Ryan Seacrest-esque breaks.) Through the season, you will see levels (a la Kelly Clarkson's "Respect"), and generally, you will see lows (William Hung's "She Bangs"), however the important factor to keep in mind here's that we are within this together. OK? Before we arrive at the night's best entertainers, are we able to just obtain the worst part taken care of first? Together with his black v-neck and offensive faux spray-tan, let us all agree that Seacrest is really as deplorable as always. Possibly probably the most frightening area of the evening was our chance ending up in Rob Kraisman - Seacrest's doppleganger and subsequently my new worst nightmare. Around the cheesiness scale, this person is sort of a hunk of bleu which has been decaying during my fridge for 3 several weeks. Since that's off my conscience, we shall follow the positive! Here are the participants which were outlined today - they're in no way fantastic - they are only the ones we all know are dealing with to Hollywood. David Leathers, Junior. (a.k.a Mister "Steal Your GirlfriendInch) Before singing a superbly carried out ballad, S.Y.G. alleges that he's 17, but everybody watching knows this can be a blatant lie. He's really 9. Another fun fact: he's taken part against Idol champion Scotty McCreary inside a singing competition - and required to begin with! Gabi Carrubba If Gabi Carruba were the kind of girl to publish within the personal ads portion of C-list, her ad would read "tap dancer-cum-singer and lover of Nigel Lythgoe." Which is not saying much. She's a sweet-sounding voice, however it was a little generic-sounding. I doubt she'll stick out enough to really make it towards the final 24. Stephanie Renae She's the doe-eyed 15-year-old that nails a rendition of "Within Your Paradise," even though she's undeniably gifted, I believe her youth and lack of experience will obtain the best of her. She causes it to be right through to Hollywood with two thirds "yes's." Randy's critique? "Not." Schyler Dixon We are reminded that Schlyer really auditioned this past year together with her brother Colton. This season she's elected to test sans her brother or sister - she's 16 and seeking to become a person, damn it! However the idol judges may have none from it. "Generate Colton!" "Coltonnn!!!" they yell in the poor girl, who's determined to forever reside in her brother's shadow. So Schyler does a really impressive version of "Break Even" through the Script, but Colton follows her, and steals the show. Throughout his performance, Schyler looks on, stabbing her brethren together with her piercing blue eyes. Both of them visit Hollywood, but sadly, Colton won't ever allow it to be there because Schyler has contracted popular guy. Lauren Mink Up to this time, it has been by pointing out youngsters, then when 25-year-old Lauren takes happens, she appears like she ought to be in geriatric care! She's got a separate voice along with a girl-next-door look - as well as, she works in a program for grown ups with disabilities. Total package? I believe so. Shannon Magrane She's the six-footer having a size 11 shoe who brings her girltourage and very large father into her audition. Shannon has got the fresh-faced look, and guy does she have soul. I believe she's not going anywhere soon. Amy Brumfield The 2011 version of Very Bowersox lives inside a tent because, as she stated, she can not afford $100/week accommodation. (Though I'd need to make a $100/week accommodation could not considerably of the upgrade in the tent). What's promising for Amy is the fact that according to her first audition, it is a near certainty she'll be moving forward from that tent very quickly. She's remarkable and different. Ashlee Altise I had been really expecting the braided, bunny-hopping Ashlee to become a complete train-wreck. Which she was - but she just also happened with an incredible voice. The idol judges loved her (J. Lo known as her "crazy," within the best possible way, obviously), and sent her right through to Hollywood. She's talent along with a great shot of which makes it to the peak 12. She'll have to laid off the meth first. (I kid!) W.T. Thompson All of this-American boy quit his job in a federal prison to audition for Idol, which most likely is not probably the most proper move whenever your wife is six several weeks pregnant. But like Martin Luther King Junior. before him, the guy were built with a dream! And it is a positive thing younger crowd had supportive idol judges. W.T. did possess a "sparkle" as Jennifer stated, but regrettably, I do not think he'll last very lengthy. Brittany Kerr She's the National basketball association dancer (along with a Blake Lively/Barbara Underwood hybrid) who single-handedly demonstrated the male idol judges are powerless to some beautiful lady. Brittany certainly has pipes, but let us face the background music - she was nothing special. Yet she experiences to Hollywood. Phillip Phillips The man so nice they named him two times! Save for his awkward fist-clenching, Double-Phil was awesome. Potentially my personal favorite from the evening. She has the dreamy blue eyes and raspy voice that The American Idol Show dreams are constructed with. Still dying over that acoustic version of "Thriller"? Because I'm. I'm not extending its love to waste space within this recap by acknowledging the disaster which was Maweno Kodjo. The 2nd-hands embarrassment I felt as you're watching was similar to a kindergartner pissing his pants while watching whole class. Which is I am going to say of that. Another factor that traumatized me -- and that one I'll discuss, since it is said to be cathartic or something like that - may be the oversexed Steven Tyler fans speaking about his "ten inch record." Worst of all of them? The only whitened female from Zoysia, N.Y. who grabs his ass and claims he's her future ex-husband. Incidentally, he's of sufficient age to become her grandfather. Ok, now it is your turn! Who had been your preferred? Your least favorite? Would you, too, lust after Steven Tyler's 10-inch-record? Go forth, and comment, Idol fans! show less

Protests staged at NY senators' offices

Hundreds of protesters turned out Wednesday outside the Upper East Side offices to NY Sens. Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand to protest the controversial antipiracy legislation now wending through Congress. But the event was a far cry from the raucous crowds that gathered a few months ago for the Occupy Wall Street demonstrations. A sense of calm prevailed, with protesters mostly refraining from chanting too loudly, and a few police herding compliant onlookers into well-maintained protest zones. Third Avenue was blocked off between 48th and 49th streets to allow for the protest. The speeches, however, were rousing: "The Stop Online Piracy Act will not actually do much to stop online piracy!" said NYU teacher and "Cognitive Surplus" author Clay Shirky, who proposed that the name of the legislation be changed to the First Amendment Sunset Act. "You can't just shut people up if you don't like what they're saying!" he told the cheering aud. Hollywood took its lumps at the rally, organized by the networking org NY Tech Meetup. "When Hollywood lobbyists show up with $94 million as they did last year, both Democrats and Republicans line up," said Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian. MoveOn.org's Eli Pariser was even more adamant: "You have groups like MoveOn all the way over to groups like (conservative coalition) Red State who think this is a bad idea," he said. "The only people who think this is a good idea are the crumbling old legacy media who want to go back to VHS tapes and CDs and congresspeople." Contact Sam Thielman at sam.thielman@variety.com