‘Celebrity Apprentice’ recap: Arsenio Hall vs. Clay Aiken (vs. lots of egos)

NBCClay Aiken juggles celebrity egos, most notably Debbie Gibson’s, when ejected contestants return to help the finalists in the last task.

Nice guys finish first — and second. Donald Trump ejected God’s-gift-to-”Celebrity Apprentice” (at least if you ask her) Aubrey O’Day at the beginning of tonight’s episode, leaving Arsenio Hall and Clay Aiken, two contestants who made it to the home stretch without playing mind games or making (too many) enemies, to battle it out for $250,000.

In the opening boardroom, Clay tells Trump he belongs in the finale because he’s a hard worker and he’s been considered a strong player throughout — plus he’s been on the winning team seven times. Aubrey says she’s made the most of every task. Arsenio says he should move on because he’s a tireless worker and if he gets Trump’s stamp of approval, he would spend the rest of his life trying to make him proud.

Trump says that John Rich and Marlee Matlin, the previous winner and runner-up, felt that that Aubrey was too inexperienced and too transparent. “I hope I die undeveloped, because I think you never can have a day where you don’t learn,” she says in a last-ditch effort to convince Trump to keep her, but alas, she’s fiyahed.

THE TASK: Create, host and sell tickets to a celebrity variety show, plus create a 30-second commercial for their charities. The winner gets the grand prize, $250,000 for his charity — Clay’s is the National Inclusion Project, which trains schools and summer camps to extend curriculum and programs to children with disabilities, and Arsenio’s is the Magic Johnson Foundation, which serves the educational, social and health needs of urban populations. The $250,000 is on top of ticket sales for the charity event.

NBCArsenio Hall must deal with a huge snafu in his PSA for the Magic Johnson Foundation.

ARSENIO’S TEAM: In order, he picks Adam Corolla, Lisa Lampanelli, Paul Teutel Sr., and Teresa Giudice . (When he picks Teresa over Aubrey, Arsenio explains, “I wanted to have a pleasant couple of days.”)

Adam is spearheading the commercial and wants to make sure Magic is included in the video. He wants to do a sort of ’80s flashback to remind people that even though a lot of time has passed, AIDS is still a problem. Paul and Teresa are raising money, although Lisa is putting the $50,000 she had committed if she made it to the finale toward Arsenio’s cause. Arsenio starts working the phones, getting donations from Tracy Morgan and Jay Leno, among others.

Adam is directing the video, and Lisa, Teresa, Paul, Arsenio and Adam get dressed up in their ’80s finest and shoot their footage. The last bit is Arsenio throwing the ball off-camera, which Magic, who is in Los Angeles, will catch in his footage. Over the phone, Adam tries to direct the Magic shoot, and tells the crew from which direction Magic will catch the ball. There’s a fair bit of time spent on this, so presumably this will be an issue. First, though, the issue is that the Magic footage is MIA. Eventually it does get there. Magic delivers his pitch flawlessly … except the camera is trained on his left side. Um, didn’t Magic say, “Hey guys, why am I not facing the camera?” Oh, the drama!

CLAY’S TEAM: He picks, in order: Penn Jillette, Debbie Gibson, Dee Snider, and Aubrey O’Day. Yes, Aubrey is picked last. Penn and Dee will work on the PSA, Aubrey will plan and decorate the event, and Clay and Debbie will work on the music for the show. Clay wants to a fairly straightforward PSA but Penn feels that Clay’s idea wallows too much in the children’s disabilities as opposed to the fun they have when they’re included. “You want compassion without pity,” Penn says. His idea is to have three children playing, and the camera pans out to show an empty wheelchair, so you don’t know which child is disabled. “The National Inclusion Project,” Penn intones. “Let’s all play together.” Sold! Penn really should have made it much further.

When Don Trump comes to visit, he’s impressed by the work they’re doing on the show but worries that they’re not really working on fundraising. Clay finally gets moving on the fundraising, but their team doesn’t seem to be racking up a lot of donations.

Dee, Penn and Clay are scouting places to shoot the video. The first park is too noisy and smelly, so they keep looking. Penn wants to shoot it in the studio and be done with it, but Clay is insistent on finding an outdoor space. They walk around for what seems like ages until they finally find a small grassy area beneath a Housing Authority apartment block. They shoot the PSA. Way too much time spent on this bit.

Aubrey tells us she’s the strongest visualizer on the team, as well as very disciplined and a perfectionist, so she’s the perfect party planner. (I wouldn’t be surprised if next week she informs us that she’s also the most amazing sushi chef, orthodontist, and particle physicist.) She’s planning an outdoorsy/circus/carnival theme (from what I can gather), with stilt walkers and custom circus outfits for everyone and she wants to paint the whole huge room blue. Clay nixes the paint. Aubrey feels disrespected. “If you ask me to do something, I will execute it better than you will have ever dreamed of,” Aubrey tells us. Don’t go changin’, Aubrey. Debbie’s cousin is a decorative painter, and Debbie offers to have her paint a mural on the wall, although Clay wants to see a sketch first, which pisses off Debbie a bit

Debbie and Aubrey meet with Debbie’s arranger to work on the music. “It’s been so long since Debbie’s been on the show that I just forgot how amazing having to hear ‘Shake Your Love’ every five minutes is,” Aubrey snarks. And then in the next breath: “Debbie’s, like, my elder in the music industry, so I want to be respectful of her and not step on her toes, even if her era of music isn’t that hot anymore.”

Lisa calls Clay and offers to give him a check because he helped her out so much on her big win for the Gay Men’s Health Crisis. Classy move.

Debbie and Clay keep clashing, first over the music, then over Debbie’s cousin’s mural. Clay insists on seeing some sketches, but Debbie is annoyed because her cousin rearranged her schedule to work on the project and hasn’t been able to come up with a final sketch yet. “While I absolutely appreciate that, I sorta don’t care,” Clay tells us. Debbie thinks he’s treating her like a child. “If that’s the way the tides are turning right now,” Debbie tells us, “I don’t belong here.” Oh, the drama!

More recaps: ‘Celebrity Apprentice’ recap: Aubrey O’Day and Clay Aiken for an all-ginger finale? ‘Celebrity Apprentice’ recap: Like the blind leading the seeing ‘Celebrity Apprentice’ recap: The scent of failure’Celebrity Apprentice’ recap: Lisa Lampanelli, unstrung’Celebrity Apprentice’ recap: Aubrey O’Day won’t be bullied (that’s her job!)’Celebrity Apprentice’ recap: Original sin’Celebrity Apprentice’ recap: Nobody puts Lou Ferrigno in the corner! ‘Celebrity Apprentice’ recap: Michael Andretti takes the backseat in car task; two get fired’Celebrity Apprentice’: A window dressing-down’Celebrity Apprentice’ recap: Wenches aplenty’Celebrity Apprentice’ premiere recap: Who can’t cut the mustard — or, alas, the cheese?

L.A. Confidential (REGION FREE Blu-ray) at PlanetAxel.com

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Format Blu-ray Region ALL (Tested and confirmed region free) Picture 1080p High Definition Audio 5.1 Dolby Digital (English) Dolby TrueHD 5.1 (English) 5.1 Dolby Digital (Spanish) 5.1 Dolby Digital (French) 5.1 Dolby Digital (Italian) 5.1 Dolby Digital (German) 5.1 Dolby Digital (Music) Discs 2Subtitles Chinese, Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Norwegian, Portuguese, Spanish, SwedishDirector Curtis HansonCastKevin Spacey, Russell Crowe, Guy Pearce, James Cromwell, Kim Basinger, David StrathairnStudioWarner Home Video Release date September 23, 2008

    Audio CommentaryMaking Of L.A. ConfidentialSunlight And Shadows: The Visual Style Of L.A. ConfidentialThe Cast Of L.A. ConfidentialL.A. Confidential: From Book To ScreenL.A. Confidential TV Series PlotVintage Cast/Creator InterviewsDirector Curtis Hanson’s Photo PitchThe L.A. Of L.A. Confidential Interactive Map Tour
    Director Curtis Hanson and a terrific cast serve up a “thrilling tale of police corruption and Hollywood glamour” (Marshall Fine, Gannett Newspapers) in this film of James Ellroy’s novel. Three cops (Kevin Spacey, Russell Crowe, Guy Pearce), a call girl (Kim Basinger), a mysterious millionaire (David Strathairn), a tabloid journalist (Danny DeVito) and the Chief of Detectives (James Cromwell) fuel a plot rife with mystery, ambition, romance and humor. The film captured 1997 Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actress (Basinger) and Best Adapted Screenplay (Brian Helgeland and Curtis Hanson).

Bee Gees’ Robin Gibb dies at 62 – The Missourian: Music

LONDON (AP) — With his carefully tended hair, tight trousers and perfect harmonies, Robin Gibb, along with his brothers Maurice and Barry, defined the disco era. As part of the Bee Gees — short for the Brothers Gibb — they created dance floor classics like “Stayin Alive,” ”Jive Talkin’,” and “Night Fever” that can still get crowds onto a dance floor.

The catchy songs, with their falsetto vocals and relentless beat, are familiar pop culture mainstays. There are more than 6,000 cover versions of the Bee Gees hits, and they are still heard on dance floors and at wedding receptions, birthday parties, and other festive occasions.

Robin Gibb, 62, died Sunday “following his long battle with cancer and intestinal surgery,” his family announced in a statement released by Gibb’s representative Doug Wright.

Gibb was the second disco-era star to die this week. Donna Summer — who earned the Queen of Disco title by singing “Last Dance” and “I Feel Love” — died of cancer in Florida on Thursday.

The Bee Gees, born in England but raised in Australia, began their career in the musically rich 1960s but it was their soundtrack for the 1977 movie “Saturday Night Fever” that sealed their success. The album’s signature sound — some called it “blue-eyed soul” — remains instantly recognizable more than 40 years after its release.

The album remains a turning point in popular music history, ending the hard rock era and ushering in a time when dance music ruled supreme. It became one of the fastest-selling albums of all time with its innovative fusion of harmony and pulsing beats. The movie launched the career of a young John Travolta whose snake-hipped moves to the sounds of “You Should Be Dancing” established his reputation as a dancer and forever linked his image to that of the Bee Gees.

Recording Academy president Neil Portnow predicted that fans will dance to “Stayin’ Alive” and other songs Bee Gees songs for generations to come.

“Robin has had an indelible impact on music,” he said.

Despite financial success, Robin Gibb and his brothers endured repeated tragedies. Maurice died suddenly of intestinal and cardiac problems in 2003. Their younger brother Andy Gibb, who also enjoyed considerable chart success as a solo artist, had died in 1988 just after turning 30. He suffered from an inflamed heart muscle attributed to a severe viral infection.

Robin Gibb himself took care of his health and, at the time of his death, was a vegan who did not drink alcohol.

Gibb was for decades a familiar figure on the pop stage, starting out in the 1960s when the Bee Gees were seen as talented Beatles copycats. They sounded so much like the Beatles at first that there were strong rumors that the Bee Gees’ singles were really the Beatles performing under another name.

Many late-’60s bands were quickly forgotten, but the Bee Gees transformed themselves into an enduring A-List powerhouse with the almost unbelievable, and certainly unexpected, success of the song “Stayin’ Alive” and others from the “Saturday Night Fever” soundtrack that accompanied the movie.

With this second wind, the Bee Gees sold more than 200 million records and had a long string of successful singles, making their way into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

“Saturday Night Fever” — actually a compilation album featuring the Bee Gees but including songs by other performers — represented the pinnacle of Gibb’s career, but he enjoyed more than 40 years of prominence as a Bee Gee, as a solo artist, and as a songwriter and producer for other artists.

The Bee Gees consisted of Barry Gibb, the eldest, and twins Robin Gibb and Maurice Gibb. Their three-part harmonies became their musical signature, particularly in the disco phase, when Barry’s matchless falsetto often dominated, and they were renowned for their wide-ranging songwriting and producing skills.

The Gibbs were born in England on the Isle of Man, an island in the Irish Sea, but moved to Australia with their parents in 1958 when they were still quite young and began their musical career there. They had been born into a musical family, with a father who was a drummer and bandleader and a mother who liked to sing.

After several hits in Australia, their career started to really take off when they returned to England in 1967 and linked up with promoter Robert Stigwood.

After several hits and successful albums, Robin Gibb left the group in 1969 after a series of disagreements, some focusing on whether he or Barry should be lead vocalist. He released some successful solo material — most notably “Saved by the Bell” — before rejoining his brothers in 1970 and scoring a major hit with “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart.”

The Gibbs then suffered some slack years — searching for a style that could sustain them in the post-Beatles era — and Barry Gibb started experimenting with falsetto vocals, first on backup, and then in the lead position.

The brothers were at a low point when they went into a French studio to try to come up with some songs for the “Saturday Night Fever” soundtrack at the urging of Stigwood.

The success of those tunes — closely linked to the popularity of the movie, and the power of the disco movement — changed their lives forever, giving them a string of number one hits.

After several years of chart success, the Gibbs spent much of the 1980s writing songs and producing records for other artists, working closely with top talents such as Barbra Streisand, Dionne Warwick, Diana Ross and Dolly Parton. They also continued touring and releasing their own records.

Gibb also released more solo albums, including “Secret Agent,” during this period.

The band continued in the 1990s, gaining recognition for their body of work with induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Then came Maurice’s sudden death in 2003. The surviving brothers announced that the name Bee Gees would be retired with Maurice Gibb’s death, although Robin and Barry did collaborate on projects and Robin Gibb continued his solo career and extensive touring despite mounting health problems.

He had to cancel several engagements in 2011, including one with British Prime Minister David Cameron, and he showed an alarming weight loss on his rare public appearances. He was hospitalized briefly in 2011 with what doctors said was an inflamed colon and had surgery for intestinal problems in March, 2012.

One of his final projects was “The Titanic Requiem,” a classical work he co-wrote with his son RJ, that the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra premiered in April to mark the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic.

Robin Gibb remained emotionally attached to the Isle of Man, keeping a house there as well as homes in rural Oxfordshire, England, and Miami.

He also became involved with numerous charities and worked to establish a permanent memorial to the veterans of Britain’s World War II Bomber Command and recorded songs honoring British veterans.

Gibb is survived by his second wife, Dwina, and four children, as well as his older brother, fellow Bee Gee Barry Gibb, and his sister Lesley Evans, who lives in Australia.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.

Caledonia man arrested during Chicago NATO Summit protest

CHICAGO — A massive anti-war rally in Chicago ended with a clash with police Sunday, May 20th. Upwards of 3,000 protesters took to the streets of downtown Chicago Sunday, trying to make their voices heard as world leaders assembled for the NATO Summit.

After an anti-NATO march, protesters tried to push their way through a police line and clashed with officers in riot gear. Protesters threw objects at officers while police used batons in response, and then worked to clear protesters from the streets.

Police said Sunday most protesters were peaceful, and say only a handful of people came with the intention of causing trouble. Police say at least 45 were arrested, including one man from the Milwaukee area. FOX6′s media partners at the Caledonia Patch say 28-year-old Michael Yocco of Caledonia was arrested Saturday night, May 19th after police found knives and ammo in his possession.

Police say Yocco and another man were wearing militia outfits and flying anarchist flags from their car.

CLICK HERE for more from the Caledonia Patch website.

“We expect peaceful assembly. We expect people to chant and scream. That’s their right and we just want to prevent criminal acts,” Chicago Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy said.

Milwaukee police officers from the Major Incident Response Team deployed to Chicago Saturday, May 19th. Chief Ed Flynn says platoons are stationed on two downtown Chicago bridges with the mission of keeping those bridges open.

Another platoon from Milwaukee is guarding the train station at McCormick Place.

“Our officers are doing a terrific job. They’re well equipped and squared away. They’re very disciplined and they’ve gone through a lot of training, and they’re certainly measuring up well with their contemporaries from around the country,” Chief Flynn said.

Three Milwaukee peace groups were among those protesting. They returned to Milwaukee late Sunday by bus.

Milwaukee police officers may return Monday or Tuesday.

Chief Flynn says the federal government is paying for the officers to serve in Chicago, and police have been able to maintain regular staffing levels in Milwaukee.

Related stories:

  • 3 terror suspects at NATO Summit were plotting to hit Obama’s campaign HQs
  • 100 Milwaukee police officers head to NATO Summit
  • President Obama, Chicago hosts G8, NATO leaders

Victoria Advocate

  • Originally published May 20, 2012 at 7:51 p.m., updated May 21, 2012 at 12:19 a.m.

LONDON (AP) – With his carefully tended hair, tight trousers and perfect harmonies, Robin Gibb, along with his brothers Maurice and Barry, defined the disco era. As part of the Bee Gees – short for the Brothers Gibb – they created dance floor classics like “Stayin Alive,” “Jive Talkin’,” and “Night Fever” that can still get crowds onto a dance floor.

The catchy songs, with their falsetto vocals and relentless beat, are familiar pop culture mainstays. There are more than 6,000 cover versions of the Bee Gees hits, and they are still heard on dance floors and at wedding receptions, birthday parties, and other festive occasions.

Robin Gibb, 62, died Sunday “following his long battle with cancer and intestinal surgery,” his family announced in a statement released by Gibb’s representative Doug Wright. “The family have asked that their privacy is respected at this very difficult time,” it said.

The Bee Gees, born in England but raised in Australia, began their career in the musically rich 1960s but it was their soundtrack for the 1977 movie “Saturday Night Fever” that sealed their success. The album’s signature sound – some called it “blue-eyed soul” – remains instantly recognizable more than 40 years after its release.

The album remains a turning point in popular music history, ending the hard rock era and ushering in a time when dance music ruled supreme. It became one of the fastest-selling albums of all time with its innovative fusion of harmony and pulsing beats. The movie launched the career of a young John Travolta whose snake-hipped moves to the sounds of “You Should Be Dancing” established his reputation as a dancer and forever linked his image to that of the Bee Gees.

Despite financial success, Robin Gibb and his brothers endured repeated tragedies. Maurice died suddenly of intestinal and cardiac problems in 2003. Their younger brother Andy Gibb, who also enjoyed considerable chart success as a solo artist, had died in 1988 just after turning 30. He suffered from an inflamed heart muscle attributed to a severe viral infection.

Robin Gibb himself took care of his health and, at the time of his death, was a vegan who did not drink alcohol.

Gibb was for decades a familiar figure on the pop stage, starting out in the 1960s when the Bee Gees were seen as talented Beatles copycats. They sounded so much like the Beatles at first that there were strong rumors that the Bee Gees’ singles were really the Beatles performing under another name.

Many late-’60s bands were quickly forgotten, but the Bee Gees transformed themselves into an enduring A-List powerhouse with the almost unbelievable, and certainly unexpected, success of the song “Stayin’ Alive” and others from the “Saturday Night Fever” soundtrack that accompanied the movie.

With this second wind, the Bee Gees sold more than 200 million records and had a long string of successful singles, making their way into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

“Saturday Night Fever” – actually a compilation album featuring the Bee Gees but including songs by other performers – represented the pinnacle of Gibb’s career, but he enjoyed more than 40 years of prominence as a Bee Gee, as a solo artist, and as a songwriter and producer for other artists.

The Bee Gees consisted of Barry Gibb, the eldest, and twins Robin Gibb and Maurice Gibb. Their three-part harmonies became their musical signature, particularly in the disco phase, when Barry’s matchless falsetto often dominated, and they were renowned for their wide-ranging songwriting and producing skills.

The Gibbs were born in England on the Isle of Man, an island in the Irish Sea, but moved to Australia with their parents in 1958 when they were still quite young and began their musical career there. They had been born into a musical family, with a father who was a drummer and bandleader and a mother who liked to sing.

After several hits in Australia, their career started to really take off when they returned to England in 1967 and linked up with promoter Robert Stigwood.

After several hits and successful albums, Robin Gibb left the group in 1969 after a series of disagreements, some focusing on whether he or Barry should be lead vocalist. He released some successful solo material – most notably “Saved by the Bell” – before rejoining his brothers in 1970 and scoring a major hit with “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart.”

The Gibbs then suffered some slack years – searching for a style that could sustain them in the post-Beatles era – and Barry Gibb started experimenting with falsetto vocals, first on backup, and then in the lead position.

The brothers were at a low point when they went into a French studio to try to come up with some songs for the “Saturday Night Fever” soundtrack at the urging of Stigwood.

The success of those tunes – closely linked to the popularity of the movie, and the power of the disco movement – changed their lives forever, giving them a string of number one hits.

After several years of chart success, the Gibbs spent much of the 1980s writing songs and producing records for other artists, working closely with top talents such as Barbra Streisand, Dionne Warwick, Diana Ross and Dolly Parton. They also continued touring and releasing their own records.

Bee Gees co-founder Robin Gibb dies at 62

Robin Gibb, one of the three Bee Gees whose falsetto harmonies powered such hits as “Stayin’ Alive” and “Night Fever” and defined the flashy disco era died Sunday, his representative said. He was 62.

Gibb’s family announced in a statement that “Robin passed away today following his long battle with cancer and intestinal surgery,” Gibb’s representative Doug Wright said.

“The family have asked that their privacy is respected at this very difficult time,” it said.

The band of Gibb brothers was famed for the influential 1977 “Saturday Night Fever” soundtrack that became one of the fastest-selling albums of all time with its innovative fusion of harmony and pulsing dance floor rhythms.

The album remains a turning point in popular music history, ending the hard rock era and ushering in a time when dance music ruled supreme.

“Saturday Night Fever” — actually a compilation album featuring the Bee Gees but including songs by other performers — represented the pinnacle of Gibb’s career, but he enjoyed more than 40 years of prominence as a Bee Gee, as a solo artist, and as a songwriter and producer for other artists.

Gibb was for decades a familiar figure on the pop stage, starting out in the 1960s when the Bee Gees were seen as talented Beatles copycats. They sounded so much like the Beatles at first that there were strong rumors that the Bee Gees’ singles were really the Beatles performing under another name.

Many late-’60s bands were quickly forgotten, but the Bee Gees transformed themselves into an enduring A-List powerhouse with the almost unbelievable, and certainly unexpected, success of the song “Stayin’ Alive” and others from the “Saturday Night Fever” soundtrack. The movie it accompanied also catapulted the young John Travolta to cinematic stardom.

The Bee Gees went on to sell more than 200 million records and had a long string of successful singles, clearing their way to induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. There are more than 6,000 cover versions of their songs — a substantial testament to their continued popularity.

The name Bee Gees was short for Brothers Gibb. They consisted of Barry Gibb, the eldest, and twins Robin Gibb and Maurice Gibb, who died of intestinal and cardiac problems in 2003.

The brothers’ three-part harmonies became their musical signature, particularly in the disco phase, when Barry’s matchless falsetto often dominated, and they were renowned for their wide-ranging songwriting and producing skills.

The Gibbs were born in England on the Isle of Man, an island in the Irish Sea, but moved to Australia with their parents in 1958 when they were still young and began their musical career there. They had been born into a musical family, with a father who was a drummer and bandleader and a mother who liked to sing.

After several hits in Australia, their career started to really take off when they returned to England in 1967 and linked up with promoter Robert Stigwood.

After several hits and successful albums, Robin Gibb left the group in 1969 after a series of disagreements, some focusing on whether he or Barry should be lead vocalist. He released some successful solo material — most notably “Saved by the Bell” — before rejoining his brothers in 1970 and scoring a major hit with “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart.”

The Gibbs then suffered some slack years — searching for a style that could sustain them in the post-Beatles era — and Barry Gibb started experimenting with falsetto vocals, first on backup, and then in the lead position.

The brothers were at a low point when they went into a French studio to try to come up with some songs for the “Saturday Night Fever” soundtrack at the urging of Stigwood.

The success of those tunes — closely linked to the popularity of the movie, and the power of the disco movement — changed their lives forever, giving them a string of number one hits.

After several years of chart success, the Gibbs spent much of the 1980s writing songs and producing records for other artists, working closely with top talents such as Barbra Streisand, Dionne Warwick, Diana Ross and Dolly Parton. They also continued touring and releasing their own records.

Gibb also released more solo albums, including “Secret Agent,” during this period.

The band continued in the 1990s, gaining recognition for their body of work with induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Then came Maurice’s sudden death in 2003. The surviving brothers announced that the name Bee Gees would be retired with Maurice Gibbs’ death, although Robin and Barry did collaborate on projects and Robin Gibb continued his solo career and extensive touring despite mounting health problems.

Robin Gibb had to cancel several engagements in 2011, including one with Prime Minister David Cameron, and he showed an alarming weight loss on his rare public appearances. He was hospitalized briefly in 2011 with what doctors said was an inflamed colon, and had several intestinal surgeries to remove growths.

One of his final projects was a classical requiem with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra that he co-wrote with his son RJ to mark the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic.

Younger brother Andy Gibb, who also enjoyed considerable chart success as a solo artist, had died in 1988 just after turning 30. He suffered from an inflamed heart muscle attributed to a severe viral infection.

Robin Gibb remained emotionally attached to the Isle of Man, keeping a house there as well as homes in rural Oxfordshire, England, and Miami. He was a vegan who did not drink alcohol.

He also became involved with numerous charities and worked to establish a permanent memorial to the veterans of Britain’s World War II Bomber Command and recorded songs honoring British veterans.

Gibb is survived by his second wife, Dwina, and four children, as well as his older brother, fellow Bee Gee Barry Gibb, and his sister Lesley Evans, who lives in Australia.

Hottest: Celebrity Scandals: Gossip Center: Jordin Sparks Arrives for 2012 Billboard Music Awards Whitney Tribute

Joining the many stars in Sin City, Jordin Sparks made a grand arrival to the 2012 Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday evening (May 20).

With the ritzy MGM Grand Arena acting as the venue, the Diane von Furstenberg dressed “American Idol” alumna star soaked up the spotlight while passing through the red carpet ahead of the annual event’s kickoff.

As for what’s in store, the Julie Bowen and Ty Burrell hosted ceremony features performances by big names including Justin Bieber, Carrie Underwood, LMFAO, CeeLo Green, Kelly Clarkson, Usher, The Wanted, Linkin Park, Nelly Furtado and Chris Brown.

Meanwhile, Jordin will take the stage as part of the Millenium Award tribute to Whitney Houston along with John Legend.

Of the plans, Co-Executive Producer Richard Beckman said, “I was at the Grammys, and what a curveball they were thrown when Whitney passed away [the day before the show]. They did a good job with Jennifer Hudson, but obviously we had a bit more time, so we wanted to do something honoring such a remarkable performer. We have a lovely segment with a full orchestra and John Legend doing “The Greatest Love of All” — his voice is just smashing — and Whitney’s last co-star [in the movie "Sparkle"], Jordin Sparks, “Doing I Will Always Love You.” And Bobbi Kristina, Whitney’s daughter, will accept the Millennium Award for her mother, which we created last year for Beyonce — that’s probably the highest tribute we could pay.

Always one of the hottest nights in music, the 2012 Billboard Music Awards will be getting underway at 8/9c on ABC.

Australia, Solomons to discuss troops

Thursday, April 26, 2012 » 05:53pm

Defence Minister Stephen Smith says Australia will start talks on the withdrawal of Australian troops from the Solomon Islands.

Defence Minister Stephen Smith this week visited the Solomons with Defence Department Secretary Duncan Lewis, meeting with Prime Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo and Police Minister David Tome and assuring them of Australia’s commitment to the country’s development and security.

Mr Smith said they discussed the lead role of the Solomon Islands government in supporting the gradual transition of the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomons Islands (RAMSI).

‘Noting RAMSI’s success to date and the improving security situation, we agreed to start the consultation process on transitioning out of Solomon Islands the military component of RAMSI,’ Mr Smith said in a statement.

‘The drawdown process will involve further consultation with Solomon Islands, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands Forum.’

Mr Smith said he had already spoken to New Zealand Minister of Defence Jonathan Coleman about the process.

Australian troops and police first deployed to the Solomons in July 2003 in response to an invitation from then prime minister Sir Allan Kemakeza, after five years of unrest left his nation on the brink of collapse.

This force comprised almost 300 police from Australia, New Zealand and other Pacific nations, accompanied by a multinational military contingent of some 1900 personnel to provide logistic and security support.

Australia currently has 84 military personnel – mostly reservists – in the Solomons.

Working alongside soldiers from New Zealand, PNG and Tonga, their job is to respond to incidents beyond the capabilities of Solomons and international police.

Mr Smith said after the military transition, Australia would continue to support RAMSI, including with ongoing support for the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force and RAMSI’s multinational Participating Police Force.

He said he discussed ongoing defence involvement by way of Australia’s Defence Co-operation Program (DCP).

Through the DCP, Australia supports the Pacific Patrol Boat Program and the work of the Solomons police explosive ordnance disposal team.

‘We agreed to explore options to enhance the DCP. Future activities under the DCP could include Australian Defence Force ship visits or exercises,’ he said.

Mick Jagger with Arcade Fire, Foo Fighters and Jeff Beck

Mick Jagger was joined by Win Butler & Co. to perform a new version of the Rolling Stones’ 1965 hit “The Last Time.”  on Saturday Night Live last Saturday. Then he was joined by The Foo Fighters for “19th Nervous Breakdown” and “It’s Only Rock ‘n Roll (But I Like It).” Last he did a new song: “Tea Party” about the precidential Election Campaign featuring Jeff Beck leading his group to back up Mick Jagger as he sings about how he sees  this year’s Romney-Obama battle at the polls.

The Last time w/Arcade Fire:

With The Foo Fighters, a medley consisting of 19th nervous breakdown and It’s only rock’n roll:

Mick Jagger & Jeff Beck, Tea Party:

Conservative group: Parents, keep your kids home on Harvey Milk Day

By Jean Elle, KNTV

Conservative group Save California is urging parents to keep their children home from school on May 22, “Harvey Milk Day,” a holiday honoring the gay rights pioneer. KNTV’s Jean Elle reports.

A group called Save California is urging parents to keep their children out of school on May 22, which California lawmakers declared Harvey Milk Day in 2009.

Harvey Milk, whose birthday was May 22, was a San Francisco supervisor who was fatally shot in 1978. Schools are encouraged to teach students about the openly gay lawmaker and his fight for civil rights.

Save California has produced radio advertisements, warning parents it’s a dangerous lesson plan. One advertisement declares: “Parents, your boys and girls are being targeted for immoral indoctrination at school on Harvey Milk Day.”

Glendon Hyde, of the Harvey Milk Democratic Club, says the ads are “pure, fear-based manipulation.”

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