HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO A RADIO LEGEND

Art Laboe born August 7, 1925 is an American pioneering disc jockey, songwriter, record producer, and radio station owner who is generally credited with coining the term "Oldies But Goodies." Through his "Original Sound Records" company, Laboe put together the first-ever record album to feature hit songs by various artists from more than one label. Titled "Oldies But Goodies," the album stayed on Billboard magazine's Top 100 LPs chart for over three years. For decades, Laboe was at the heart of the West Coast music scene, and worked on such pioneering stations as KPOP, where he broadcasted a live show from Scrivners' Drive-In, and KRLA in the 1950's, 1960's, 1970's, all the way through to the present. The city of Los Angeles declared July 17, 1981 to be "Art Laboe Day" when he received a star on Hollywood Walk of Fame. Art Laboe memorabilia can be seen at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum's interactive Rock and Radio exhibit in Cleveland, Ohio. Today, Art Laboe continues in music as an MC, promoter, and Internet disc jockey. His "Killer Oldies" show can be heard every Sunday night in select cities across the West Coast. In 2006, Laboe announced he would also do a nightly show (Monday through Friday) for select stations that already carried his Sunday Night show. Stations like KDES and KHHT have already signed on with more expected to follow. He can now be heard on on KOKO94.com. Though Laboe resides in Los Angeles, his radio programs are now based out of Fresno, CA (KOKO 94.3 FM) Every Monday Thru Friday 7pm-Midnight he takes live requests and dedications. Laboe's Sunday evening dedication show on Hot 92.3 has been rated #1 consistently across many demos for the past several years, and now hosts the 7PM to Midnight slot weeknights. In addition, Hot 92.3’s #1 rated evening personality, Laboe has successfully organized several charity benefits and concerts, like the one September 13th at the San Mannuel Amphitheater, he is also founder of the "Art Laboe Foundation." This organization has given annual scholarships to four East Los Angeles high schools and supports other charitable organizations such as the Wildlife Way Station and the Humane Society.

Apparently, Toni Braxton's health crisis has been averted. If rumors reported by TMZ.com are true, the recently-hospitalized entertainer is ready to get her ballroom dance on as part of

Lisa Marie Presley

• Comedian George Lopez, a staunch supporter of Barack Obama for president, says all the talk about Latinos being unwilling to support a black nominee is ridículo. "I don't like the fact that people think Latinos won't vote for an African-American. Its bull***," he told the New York Daily News' Rush & Malloy column at the "Swing Vote" premiere in Los Angeles. "We're going to vote for the right person who can restore faith and hope in this country. Latinos feel disenfranchised. [Obama's] dream is our dream," he said. The Daily News points out that Obama's approval rating with registered Latino voters is at 66%, versus 23% favoring John McCain.
• If you haven’t heard or seen the commercial where McCain used Paris Hilton, well it gets even better; Paris fires back.  The socialite responded to John McCain's ad featuring her image. Paris is in a satirical spot of her own posted on the website Funnyordie.com.  Who knew Paris Hilton could sound so intelligent!

MICHELLE OBAMA COVERS EBONY

Michelle Obama is the topic of discussion in Ebony Magazine’s September issue, due to hit stands on August 12th. Get a sneak peek of the exclusive interview, on her style; “I do think what you wear is a reflection of who you are. I love to look glamorous when there’s a wonderful, purposeful event that is appropriate. But when I’m in Iowa campaigning with the girls, I am in Gap shorts and a T- shirt.” On being a mom; “My first job in all honesty is going to continue to be mom-in-chief,” she says, “making sure that in this transition, which will be even more of a transition for the girls…that they are settled and that they know they will continue to be the center of our universe.” On being married to Barack; “The best thing I love having on me is Barack on my arm and vice versa, whether it’s having him standing there smiling at me or watching him mesmerize a crowd or talk to some seniors in a senior center.” Michelle continues to hold it down with elegance and the utmost class. She’s top notch First Lady Material.

LISARAYE'S HUBBY CHEATING WITH BET'S ROCSI?

A rep for actress LisaRaye released a statement over the weekend suggesting that her husband, Turks & Caicos Premier Michael Misick, is creepin' with BET's Rocsi of "106 & Park." According to publicity firm Lynn Allen Jeter & Associates, the two were seen "canoodling" during the T&C Music Festival over the weekend while LisaRaye was in New York. "Sources have even reported that Rocsi stayed at the Misick home and hosted guests as if she was the lady of the house." In March, Rocsi's name was floated around as the unnamed "American friend of LisaRaye's" who accused Michael Misick of rape, but those reports were never confirmed to be true.  At the time, USA Today reported that a Puerto Rican woman had accused Misick of raping her.

CELEBRITY QUICKIES

• Paula Abdul has once again pulled out of a scheduled concert appearance on NBC's "Today" show, according to Page Six. She was originally due to perform her single "Dance like There's No Tomorrow" back in April, when the Randy Jackson-produced song was released. But she canceled the gig citing "production commitments." The performance was rescheduled to Aug. 29, but Abdul's camp contacted "Today" producers on Friday to back out of that commitment as well, this time due to "American Idol" commitments. But one source told Page Six: "Please. She can't perform live. Her voice on the single is so mixed and electronicized you don't know what she really sounds like any more.”

  
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  Poll: DO YOU THINK PAULA CAN STILL SING OR IS SHE TOO BUSY?

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• Lauryn Hill is gearing up to make a comeback, According to her babies’ daddy. Lauryn Hill is building up material for a major comeback after giving birth to her five kids - she has song ideas and lyrics scribbled all over her bathroom. The reclusive star’s longtime partner Rohan Marley reveals Hill is as prolific as anyone in the music business, and cannot stop writing lyrics and tunes while she’s on hiatus. He says, “She writes music in the bathroom, on toilet paper, on the wall. She writes it in the mirror if the mirror smokes up. “She writes constantly. This woman does not sleep.”

MORGAN FREEMAN IN SERIOUS CONDITION

Oscar-winning actor Morgan Freeman was injured in a car accident late Sunday night and is in a hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. Regional Medical Center spokeswoman Kathy Stringer said Freeman, 71, is in serious condition. Mississippi Highway Patrol spokesman Sgt. Ben Williams confirmed Freeman was in a wreck shortly before midnight Sunday, but said he was still gathering information and had few details Monday. It appeared that Freeman's car was airborne went it left the highway and landed in a ditch. "They had to use the Jaws of Life to extract him from the vehicle". "He was conscious. He was talking, joking with some of the rescue workers at one point."  When one person tried to snap a photo with a cell phone camera, Freeman joked, "no freebies, no freebies". The hospital where Freeman is being treated is commonly known as The Med, and is an acute-care teaching facility that serves patients within 150 miles of Memphis.

BERNIE MAC ALIVE DESPITE RUMORS

BERNIE MAC was hospitalized over the weekend with pneumonia, but his rep says it's nothing to worry about. Here's the official statement quote, "Bernie Mac is still alive and being treated in a Chicago hospital for pneumonia and is expected to make a full recovery.  We once again ask that the press respect his privacy and that of his family." Bernie, who's 50, suffers from a condition called "sarcoidosis" which is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of the organs, such as the lungs and lymph nodes.  But his rep said the pneumonia has nothing to do with that.

CELEBRITY QUICKIES

• En Vogue is scheduled to kick off this year’s concert series in Glendale at The Americana at Brand on Wednesday Aug. 6.  Opening for the group is 10-year-old child prodigy Gabby Wilson, who, at the age of eight, was voted “California’s Most Talented Kid.” She has previously opened for Tony Toni Tony and Keyshia Cole. The concert will be hosted by former Miss USA Ali Landry. The show begins at 8 p.m. at The Americana at Brand – bound by Brand Blvd., Central Ave. and Colorado St. in downtown Glendale - enter parking from Central Ave.
• Johnny Depp is reportedly being courted to play The Riddler in the next installment of Batman. After the huge success of The Dark Knight, producers are confident they can convince Depp to take on Christian Bale's Batman on the big screen. The are also after Philip Seymour Hoffman to play another arch-foe, the Penguin.
• Remember Justin Guarini? He was runner up in American Idol, season 1? Well times are tough, apparently he now is performing free concerts at Universal City Walk in Hollywood for people waiting for their movie to start or their restaurant pagers to go off.

15^th annual crawfish festival

For over 15 years the Crawfish Festival has become a tradition to over thousands of festival goers annually. We combine the best Cajun, Zydeco, and New Orleans sounds of music, tons of fresh crawfish prepared Louisiana style and served by authentic Cajun chefs, giant food court, children’s area, dance floor, two stages and beach bars to create the largest Crawfish Festival outside of Louisiana, right here in Southern California. Come and make a day of it. Come for the Feast, Stay for the Fun! Live entertainment and activities for all ages, arts and crafts booths, Ribs, Chicken, Jamaican, Chinese, Thai and other international foods and desserts, adult beverages: Beer, Wine, Malt liquor flavor drinks—"Screaming Crawfish" and Margaritas, and of course, CRAWFISH. Lots and lots of Crawfish.

X-GAMES ARE HERE

So there is no reason to go to the movies for excitement. That’s right the X-GAMES are here. The Olympics of extreme sports, X Games 14 promises all the usual sport-drink-addled aerial action wih 300-plus athletes flipping and flying between venues in downtown L.A. and Carson. This year’s summers games features the first womans Moto X competition, so go watch the evolution. Today-Sunday. Staples Center, 1111 S. Figueroa St. L.A.; Home Depot Center, 18400 Avalon Blvd., Carson. $10-$50.

VENTURA FAIR

The Fair will open at 11:00 a.m. daily except Saturdays, Sundays, And Seniors & Persons with Disabilities Day (Tuesday, August 5) when it will open at 10:00 a.m. General Admission Prices: Adults 13 & older $9.00, Children 6-12 $6.00, Seniors 62 and older $6.00, Children 5 & under and Super Seniors (100 years and over) admitted Free!

Pasadena City College Flea Market
This large flea market full of goodies is held the first Sunday of every month. Enjoy the browsing and the bargains: with over 480 vendors, the Market features fascinating antiques and collectibles, thousands of records, tools, clothes, toys and much more, not to mention food and good company. Pasadena City College, T-Building, Room 110, 1570 E. Colorado Blvd. Pasadena, 91106. (626)-585-7906.

FOOD AND FUN

Taste in San Pedro is a foodie’s paradise with a dockside air. In addition to local food and beers, this year’s 20^th celebration will have craft vendors. Ferris wheel, Pirate stories and a concert with fireworks. 11am-9pm Saturday, 11am-7pm Sunday. Point Fermin Park San Pedro, $10. ($20 Saturday concert admission. For more info (310)832.7272

RAMIREZ IS A DODGER
Manny Ramirez gave the Red Sox fans many head-grabbing moments and game-winning hits. But he belongs to LA now, YES Manny Ramirez is now a DODGER . You can Catch his BLUE debut this weekend as the Los Angeles Dodgers take on the Arizona Diamondbacks. Tonights game starts at 7:30 pm. Saturady at 7pm and Sunday will end the 4 games series at 1pm. Lets go DODGERS!!!!

NEW MOVIES OUT THIS WEEKEND

The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor
Brendan Fraser must stop China's ruthless Dragon Emperor and his vast resurrected terra cotta army from taking over the world.

Swing Vote
Kevin Costner is an apathetic loser who is thrust into the national spotlight when the presidential election comes down to his vote.

R. KELLY’S EXPLICIT TRACKS LEAKED

A round of songs leaked from R. Kelly's upcoming "12 Play 4th Quarter" album are making headlines for their steamy content despite having just been acquitted of child pornography charges. Both MTV and Billboard mentioned the amount of sexual content in the leaked material – which includes the tracks "Screamer," "At the Same Time," and "Two Seater". The album's first official single, "Hair Braider," peaked only at No. 56 on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart this spring, in the midst of Kelly's trial. The second single appears to be the confirmed album track "Skin," which has a music video that will be shot this weekend, according to Billboard.com. On "At the Same Time" Kelly details sexual encounters. Other leaked tracks include "Might Be Mine" the retelling of a "true story" about a stripper whose lawyer called him one day to say the woman was pregnant with his child. 

“SHIA WASN’T DRUNK,” PASSENGERS MOM SAYS

Beatrice Lucas, the mother of actress Isabel Lucas - who was invovled in the Shia LaBeouf crash over the weekend - says her daughter is now out of hospital and back at work on the "Transformers 2" set. Ms. Lucas told an Australian newspaper (The Cairns Post): “There has been an enormous media thing with this in the [United] States. From Isabel’s perspective, it was just a normal car accident.” “She’s back at work now”. But both mother and actress-daughter don't think that LaBeouf was drunk when he crashed. Ms. Lucas said, “Isabel would not get into the car with someone she thought was drunk-driving."

CELEBRITY QUICKIES

• Here is a new boost to your daily energy drinks. Nelly is expanding his business portfolio with part ownership in ZizZazz Explosive Energy Mix, which sets itself apart by coming in a portable single-serving stick. "ZizZazz is a product that definitely fits my lifestyle, I can throw a few in my bag, grab a bottle of water and I'm set." A press release for the drink says it comes in four flavors, contains less than 1g of sugar, 20 calories per stick and has "no crash that consumers experience from most other energy drinks." ZizZazz also features vitamins A, B1, B3, B5, B12, C and E, as well as ginseng, green tea extracts and rhodiola rosea.
• Ne-Yo has teamed up with New Kids on the Block to record "Single," a song from the group's upcoming album "The Block," due out Sept. 2. The track will be available on iTunes Aug. 12. So far, NKOTB has recorded "Full Service" with New Edition, and "Grown Man" with the Pussycat Dolls. 

Online gossip blogs are reporting that People magazine has scored the winning bid for the first pictures of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's twins - Knox Leon and Vivienne Marcheline. Rumor has it-- the winning bid is between $10 million and $15 million. The pictures will come up in a future People magazine issue. The money paid to Brad and Angelina has already been earmarked for charity.

"Desperate Housewives" star Ricardo Chavira has become a dad for the second time. The actor's wife Marcea Dietzel has given birth to a baby girl-- Belen Elysabeth Chavira born on Monday in a

• Legendary funnyman Jerry Lewis was busted by Las Vegas police (on Friday) after he tried to carry an unloaded gun on a plane. Lewis was passing through security when officials noticed the weapon. He was cited for carrying a concealed weapon without a permit and released. His reps say the gun is used as a show prop. But another report said the 82-year-old Lewis told cops he forgot the gun was in the bag
• Disney’s movie adaptation of The Princess and the Frog–Disney’s first black princess story–now has its first trailer out. Anika Noni Rose is playing the voice of the Princess. And the movie is set to hit theaters Christmas 2009

Cheech Marin

Within hours of her new track being "leaked" onto the Internet, Whitney Houston was snapped by paps being softly kissed by her rumored boy toy Ray J in the backseat of a car in

• Rebecca ROMIJN and JERRY O'CONNELL are having TWINS.  Rebecca's publicist says she's due sometime this winter. Rebecca and Jerry have been together about four years and got married last July.  These will be the first kids for both of them.  She's 35 he's 34.
• After his controversial appearance in the cover of Vogue, Lebron James makes a second magazine cover. Time Magazine has put him on the cover of its next issue celebrating the top 100 athletes to watch at the Olympic Games. The Basketball superstar is depicted in the photo holding a basketball and wearing a white headband and Team USA jersey.

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