America's #1 Album & #1 Soundtrack, 'Dreamgirls - Music From the Motion Picture,' on Music World /Columbia/Sony Music Soundtrax, Is First Movie Musical Soundtrack to Hit #1 on Billboard Top 200 Since 1978's 'Grease'  "Dreamgirls," the acclaimed DreamWorks and Paramount Pictures film directed by Bill Condon, leads the pack for the 79th Academy Awards with a total of eight nominations including a phenomenal three in a single category: Best Original Song. Oscar nominations for “Dreamgirls” ... [full story]

Famous Indian actress Purva Bedi has signed on to do a controversial film, where her role as a lesbian has become the center of attention. Bollywood actress Perizaad Zorabian made international headlines when she turned down the role due to her "own personal inhibitions about playing a lesbian," even as she acknowledged, "Kiran is a fantastic role for any actor who has the courage to think with an open mind."   Purva Bedi has signed on ... [full story]

Kids Can Upload Original Content Online to be featured in New Live, Convergent and Interactive Day Part, Airing Daily from 5 to 7 p.m. ET/PT, Marrying Nickelodeon's TurboNick Broadband Site with Nickelodeon Television Continuing its lead in providing the most innovative entertainment content for today's multiplatform generation of kids, Nickelodeon today launches the first-ever TV programming block featuring user-generated content provided by kids. Nickelodeon's ME:TV integrates Nick.com and TurboNick, Nickelodeon's broadband player, with Nickelodeon television to let kids help program the TV block ... [full story]

Kai Chen struggled against seemingly impossible odds to achieve his basketball dreams during China's Cultural Revolution. He shares his story in the new book "One in a Billion: Journey Toward Freedom -- The Story of a Pro Basketball Player in China" (now available through AuthorHouse).  Chen served as an officer in the People's Liberation Army and played pro basketball for various teams, including the August First Team (the top Chinese military team) and the Chinese ... [full story]

After six profitable years working her butt off in a leather microskirt and a strangling-tight bustier - come sun, rain, sleet and hail - in the title role of the fantasy action series "Xena: Warrior Princess" (1995-2001), Lucy Lawless became understandably selective about her projects. This is why she turned down a leading role in "Battlestar Galactica" and the pilot for "Lost in Space" some three years ago. "I wasn't ready to go back into ... [full story]

NEW RELEASES BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA -- "Bridge to Terabithia" takes us down the old pike of Disney dreams, out past Norman Rockwell Estates toward Narnia City. It's a good trip. Katherine Paterson's prize-winning family novel has been adapted (partly by her son David) into a fluent, winning Disney vehicle. Set in one of those cozy, idyllic towns that is partly suburban,   'BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA' - AnnaSophia Robb and Josh Hutcherson are featured in the fantasy film ... [full story]

In "Music and Lyrics," a rumpled but still dashing Hugh Grant plays an '80s-era pop icon confronted with his own irrelevance in today's youth-driven music industry. A teen pop diva wants to record a hastily arranged duet with Hugh's washed-up character, but his songwriting skills evaporated years ago. Drew Barrymore co-stars as a talented wordsmith on the rebound from a bad relationship, and Hugh and Drew learn to make beautiful music together. HUGH GRANT - ... [full story]

I sat at a restaurant table recently and listened to a fellow thoroughly trounce the globe-trotting meditation on miscommunication, "Babel" (Paramount, 4 stars). He found it boring. His wife found it boring, too. They both found it confusing. And, needless to say, they didn't "get it." Making judgments on slivers of evidence, as I have a tendency to do, I would have pegged them as classic "ugly Americans" who demanded American food and familiar comforts ... [full story]

In the 18th century, portraits had flash. Just look at Thomas Gainsborough's popular "The Blue Boy" (circa 1770), not just for the suit, which is conspicuous enough. But there's the dramatic pose, with the haughty hand on hip and the big hat with feather in his other hand. Jump forward a couple of centuries. Annie Leibovitz is photographing Steve Martin, in a suit painted with swatches of black paint that match the Franz Kline painting ... [full story]

Fourteen tracks join Cornell with Grammy winner Lillywhite Two-time Grammy winner, singer-songwriter and voice of a generation, Chris Cornell, announced this week the release date of his 13th career album, Carry On, in stores May 1st on Suretone/Interscope. Steered by Grammy Award-winning British super-producer Steve Lillywhite (U2, Rolling Stones, Morrissey, Dave Matthews Band), Carry On is a mature and content departure from the acrimonious artist who brought us Soundgarden, Audioslave and Temple of the Dog. ... [full story]

Game: "Viva Pinata" Publisher: Microsoft System: Microsoft Xbox 360 Cost: $60 ESRB rating: E Review rating: 3 stars 'VIVA PINATA' - Tending a garden on Pinata Island attracts a variety of live pinatas CNS Photo courtesy of Microsoft. KEEP SWINGING - 'Viva Pinata' is quite addictive. Who would have known that maintaining a virtual garden would be so rewarding? CNS Photo courtesy of Microsoft. 'THE GRIM ADVENTURES OF BILLY AND MANDY' - 'The Grim Adventures of Billy and ... [full story]

Funding Recognizes Contributions of the Arts in Communities The Oregon Arts Commission has announced 15 awards in its Arts Recognition Grant program, acknowledging the strengths of Oregon arts organizations that have high quality artistic programming and solid organizational strength. The Arts Commission established the Arts Recognition Grant program in 2004 to provide visible Commission support to help arts groups raise their profile in a community to better leverage funds and resources.  The program brings recognition ... [full story]

'Taking The Long Way' Is First Album Ever to Win Album of the Year and Best Country Album Grammys The Dixie Chicks made music history at the 49th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony on Sunday, February 11, when they became the first female group ever to take home the big three top Grammy honors: Song Of The Year (for "Not Ready To Make Nice"), Record Of The Year (for "Not Ready To Make Nice") and Album ... [full story]