Celebrities

It has been confirmed that there will be a public viewing for Michael Jackson on Friday at Neverland Ranch.

Quincy Jones has announced that he will not be attending Michael Jackson's funeral. "I won't go to any more funerals as long as I live. I can't handle it. I have spent too much of my life mourning the deaths of my friends.

Modern dance choreographer Pina Bausch passed away yesterday only five days after being diagnosed with cancer. She was 68 years old.

Simon Cowell is going to sign on for more American Idol and gets a lovely raise! He will be making $144 million each season of American Idol that he stays on!

TV/Movies/Music

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences issued 134 invitations to become voting members yesterday. Some of the invitees include Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, James Franco, Michelle Williams, Seth Rogan, Paul Rudd and Michael Cera.

If you were hoping to catch Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince in IMAX you are pretty much out of luck. The clever executives for Transformers have worked a deal that has Transformers booked in IMAX theaters across the country for an entire month, effectively ruining any chance to release Harry Potter in IMAX until July 29^th (two weeks following its opening weekend. There are only THREE theaters that can exempt from the deal: NYC's AMC Loews Lincoln Square, LA's Century City IMAX and Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry.

Vibe Magazine announced yesterday that it the magazine is finished. They won't even be finishing up their Michael Jackson tribute. The magazine has been around for 16 years.

After a wildly successful and sold out runoff Hamlet in London's West End, the production is coming to Broadway. AND… Jude Law will be coming with the production. Performances will begin October 6^th at the Broadhurst Theater and run for a 12 week limited engagement.

Not only will TR Knight star in the LA production of the musical Parade this fall, but in February of 2010, TR is going to be in the Broadway revival of Lend Me A Tenor. The show is going to be directed by Stanley Tucci!

Chris Kattan just landed his first post-Saturday Night Live TV series. He will be joining the cast of ABC's new comedy The Middle. Kattan plays Bob, a good friend of car salesman Frankie Heck, played by Patricia Heaton.

Hayden Panettiere revealed in a recent interview that she will be getting totally naked for her next movie I Love You, Beth Cooper. Hayden plays Beth who is a cheerleader and object of affection for a nerdy character played by Denis Cooverman.

Denzel Washington and Tony Scott's new movie Unstoppable has come to halt after the studio said it wanted to rethink the budget. Since The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 failed at the box office, the studio is wary about giving the green light to another pricey project.

For all you comic book geeks, Peter David's X-Factor 45 has a hot kiss between Rictor and Shatterstar. Making it the first main-stream comic to have a same-sex kiss.

Smooth Criminal Secrets Revealed

In a famous scene from Michael Jackson's Smooth Criminal music video, the pop singer and his dancers leaned forward at a 45-degree angle - much to the confusion of all of us watching.

Well, now the cat is out of the bag.

Wires and harnesses were used during the filming of the video, but when performing live they had assistance from special shoes.

The shoes, which were patented in 1993, contain anklets which give the footwear the rigidity of ski boots along with ability to latch on to pegs that rise out of the floor, thereby allowing Jackson to defy gravity.

What The...

The Chinese Government Does It Again

A new Chinese government-mandated internet filter software deems pictures of Paris Hilton, Garfield, roast pork and Johnny Depp as harmful to your moral health! LOL!

Beijing ordered that all personal computers sold in China after July 1 must have the Green Dam software installed, which is designed to block pornographic and violent images. (How is roast pork violent or pornographic?!?!)

Critics of the software fear that it will be used to extend censorship! (DUH!)

When the software is installed, it blocks harmless images such as the film poster for cartoon Garfield, dishes of flesh colored cooked pork and a close up of Johnny Depp's face.

Maybe they are scared that people will start feeling their cat Italian food, roast pork may satisfy the urge for human flesh and Johnny's face would get the ladies all riled up!

With the image filter off, searches with words like "nude" are blocked, but if you're on the hunt for adult websites you can find links to soft and hardcore porn.

Unfortunately, the software has been programmed to filter categories including "gay" and "illegal activities", which health activists fear will limit resources to sexual health and AIDS education.

Government critics worry the "illegal activities" section will cover political and social activities not approved by Beijing, which of course would further impede on the freedom of their citizens.

Horoscopes

ARIES: A partnership will bring you greater incentive to follow through with your plans. You can make some noteworthy changes at home that will make it easier for you to get your chores out of the way, leaving more time for the projects and pastimes you enjoy most.

TAURUS: Spend more time taking care of the people and projects that mean the most to you. Otherwise, you will feel weighed down by the growing obligations that face you. A romantic gesture will help you get something you want in return.

GEMINI: A change regarding your position will be beneficial, personally and financially. You can expect to get a good response from communicating what's in your heart. You can make travel plans but remember to budget.

CANCER: You can prove a point to someone who has been questioning your motives. An interesting relationship with someone you meet at a conference, event or while volunteering will develop quickly. Don't let anyone take advantage of your kind and generous nature.

LEO: Don't allow someone's emotional whims to cause you to miss out on something you want to attend. You must be kind but firm regarding your intentions. You shouldn't feel that you have to buy someone's adoration or approval.

VIRGO: Take any opportunity you get to be around others. You need to broaden your horizons and check out ways to update or revamp your look. The change will do you good and will attract some interesting attention.

LIBRA: You will mesmerize everyone with your unique outlook. You should spread the word around about something you are doing and gather interest and support. This is an ideal time to promote, present and pursue a creative venue.

SCORPIO: Don't let your emotions get the better of you. Someone may play with your heart but, if you are prepared to walk away, you will send a message that will put you back in control and able to make a beneficial, responsible move.

SAGITTARIUS: An old partnership can be reestablished. There are benefits to working alongside someone who complements your style and skills. Avoid situations with bureaucrats if you are traveling or dealing with foreigners or institutions.

CAPRICORN: Do what you can to fix up your digs or update your look. Getting involved in something you enjoy will also promote a partnership that will help you out personally and professionally. A change of plans will be in your favor.

AQUARIUS: Don't be fooled by what someone tells you or by the advances being made or the signals sent. Read between the lines if you want to avoid being led astray. You should be able to catch someone in his or her own trap.

PISCES: Use your experience to see your way through any doubt about your capabilities. You can show everyone your unique and effective qualities. Be ready to sign on for a proposal coming your way.

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Liv Tyler, 32; Missy Elliott, 38; Carl Lewis, 48; Dan Aykroyd, 57