Daytime TV shows celebrate Halloween a day early

Halloween hit the daytime talk shows a day early as TV personalities dressed up in costume Friday.

NBC's "Today" went with a "Star Wars" theme. Matt Lauer dressed as Luke Skywalker, Meredith Vieira as Princess Leia, Al Roker as Han Solo and Ann Curry as Darth Vader. Kathie Lee Gifford dressed as C-3PO and Hoda Kotb as — you guessed it — Yoda.

"Live! with Regis and Kelly" chose a tongue-in-cheek reality show route. They showed off 20 costumes during the one hour show, although some changes were taped ahead of time.

Highlights included Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa as Jon and Kate Gosselin. Philbin wore an Ed Hardy T-shirt while Ripa had the Kate Gosselin wig, a short skirt and high heels. The two spoofed the Gosselin's battle over money by splitting a pile of cash between them.

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They also recreated the infamous "table-flipping" scene from "The Real Housewives of New Jersey" with Ripa as Teresa Giudice and Philbin dressed in drag as Caroline Manzo.

The show's program director, Art Moore, played the part of Richard Heene, the Colorado father accused of orchestrating the recent "balloon boy" hoax. Executive producer Michael Gelman was the boy, Falcon Heene.

"The View" ladies showed their fangs with various vampire costumes, including Elisabeth Hasselbeck as "Countess Chocula," complete with a giant cereal box over her head.

Rachael Ray hit the yellow brick road as Dorothy from "The Wizard of Oz" with guest Rosie O'Donnell as Glenda the Good Witch.

Wendy Williams of "The Wendy Williams Show" did her best Dolly Parton impression with a big, blonde wig and cleavage to match.

Martha Stewart chose a "Where the Wild Things Are" theme and dressed as Queen of the Wild Things.

Who's Returning to Smallville?

Over Smallville's nine-year run, the show's universe has fittingly expanded; yet, fans would like to see a few characters come back.

Though we haven't see her in quite a while, Martha Kent (Annette O'Toole) is still alive and well. Even though Lex Luthor (Michael Rosenbaum) is presumably dead, the Superman mythos would have to disagree. Jimmy Olson (Aaron Ashmore) was also lost last season, but the real photog and eventual best friend to Clark Kent (Tom Welling) is still running around somewhere.

Executive producer Kelly Souders discusses the fate, fortune or future of various Smallville characters who've been missing in action.

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Perry White: "We would love for [Michael McKean] to come on right now, he's in a Broadway show. For now, it's a no."

Martha Kent: "We have the coolest idea for her to come back, so you never know. Hopefully in the future."

Lex Luthor: "There's no plans at the moment. [Rosenbaum's] got a rather busy schedule at the moment, but I know he'd love to be back and we'd love to have him back."

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The real Jimmy: "By the end of the series, I think it's quite possible that you will see another Jimmy."

Old Jimmy: "That's always possible, too."

Davis Bloom: "Davis is buried very deep in the Earth, but we love [Sam Witwer]. I never say never."

Dr. Emil: "Yes."

Metallo: "We don't have anything concrete, but we would love to have [Brian Austin Green] back."

Zatanna: "I don't know if I can say ..."

Kara: "Not presently."

Sam Lane: "You know what, you never know when you get in the writers room and suddenly Sam Lane [Michael Ironside] is going to be the answer to all of our problems."

Lucy Lane: "We don't have any plans to see Lucy [Peyton List] right now but we know fans would like more of Lois' personal life explored."

Who would you like to see return?

Is Your Favorite Show in Danger?

It's that time of year: The networks are looking ahead to January and their midseason schedules, but some fall shows will have to be canceled to make room for the new stuff. Here's our list of 15 at-risk shows, many of which have posted significant ratings declines. Others are expensive to produce, a little long in the tooth, or just aren't performing as well as their timeslot competition — or even other shows on their own networks. Read about the issues each faces and then weigh in on which deserve to stay — or go.

(We'll keep updating the list of renewals and cancellations at the bottom of the page, so check back for the latest scheduling news.)

Brothers (Fridays at 8/7c, Fox)
Issues: This family sitcom hasn't connected with an audience, nor has its timeslot-mate, 'Til Death.

Cold Case (Sundays at 10/9c, CBS)
Issues: Show sources say that this is the final season of Cold Case. It's losing to Brothers & Sisters regularly.

Dollhouse Season 1 DVD Box set(Fridays at 9/8c, Fox)
Issues: Fox yanked the show from its November lineup. Executive producer Joss Whedon has hinted that the party's over after Fox burns off the rest of the show's 13-episode run in December.

Eastwick (Wednesdays at 10/9c, ABC)
Issues: Is nobody watching TV at 10 p.m. anymore? Not only are Leno's ratings tanking, so are those of his competition.

The Forgotten (Tuesdays at 10/9c, ABC)
Issues: Its title may have become its destiny. Even star Christian Slater couldn't bring eyeballs to the Jerry Bruckheimer drama.

Fringe Season 1 DVD Boxset (Thursdays at 9/8c, Fox)
Issues: It's been consistently fourth in its extremely competitively timeslot (opposite Grey's Anatomy, The Office and 30 Rock, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation and Supernatural), despite actually posting gains for Fox on Thursday nights over last season. But the relatively healthy Tuesday audience it used to have is shrinking.

Gary Unmarried (Wednesdays at 8:30/7:30c, CBS)
Issues: Its ratings are decent, but nowhere near those of CBS' top sitcoms.

Gossip Girl (Mondays at 9/8c, CW)
Issues: Gossip Girl has always done extremely well in the 18-to-49 demographic, but with so few viewers overall, it may not matter.

Hank (Wednesdays at 8/7c, ABC)
Issues: ABC has announced pickups for Modern Family, The Middle and Cougar Town (the rest of its Wednesday-night comedy block), and Hank's absence from that list speaks volumes.

Law & Order (Fridays at 8, NBC)
Issues: It's losing to Ghost Whisperer, and it's been on the air for 20 years, which is about 140 in TV years. If it completes this season, it will tie Gunsmoke as the longest-running drama in history. NBC wouldn't pull the plug before that achievement, would it?

Melrose Place (Tuesdays at 9/8c, CW)
Issues: Yes, the CW has ordered 18 episodes for this season. Two cast members have been fired, and producers say they plan to change direction from the new Melrose Place's dark murder mystery. Will it be enough?

New Adventures of Old Christine (Wednesdays at 8/7c, CBS)
Issues: See above for Gary Unmarried.

Three Rivers (Sundays at 9, CBS)
Issues: Critics hated it, despite their ongoing love affair with star Alex O'Loughlin (Moonlight). And it's getting clobbered by Desperate Housewives.

'Til Death (Fridays at 8:30, Fox)
Issues: It's never been a ratings barn-burner, and its pairing with Brothers hasn't helped.

Trauma (Mondays at 10, NBC)
Issues: It's an expensive show, what with all the explosions. NBC has only committed to airing three more episodes and has already announced full-season pickups for Parks and Recreation, Community and Mercy, perhaps indicating those are the network's keepers.

CANCELED/NOT RETURNING (most recent first)Southland (Oct. 8, 2009)
The Beautiful Life: TBL, drama (Sept. 25, 2009)

PICKED UP FOR FULL SEASON
Community (Oct. 23, 2009)
Mercy (Oct. 23, 2009)
Parks and Recreation (Oct. 23, 2009)
Melrose Place (Oct. 21, 2009, 18 episodes)
The Vampire Diaries (Oct. 21, 2009)
Castle (Oct. 20, 2009)
FlashForward (Oct. 12, 2009)
Cougar Town (Oct. 8, 2009)
The Middle (Oct. 8, 2009)
Modern Family (Oct. 8, 2009)
The Good Wife (Oct. 7, 2009)
NCIS: Los Angeles (Oct. 7, 2009)
One Tree Hill Seasons 1-6 DVD Boxset(Sept. 23, 2009)
Glee (Sept. 21, 2009)

Real Cup-hijacked by third division minnows

Real Madrid were given a Spanish Cup shock on Tuesday when third division minnows and unheralded city neighbours Alcorcon dished out a 4-0 drubbing to the nine-time European champions.

The tiny provincial side, with a miniscule annual budget of just 1.2 million euros - 300 times less than their esteemed visitors - added a notable footnote to their modest history in front of their home fans at the 3,000-capacity Estadio Municipal de Santo Domingo.

Real were undone by the club which was only founded in 1971 with an own goal by former Liverpool defender Alvaro Arbeloa, Borja Perez's brace, and Ernesto Gomez.

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Not pleasant viewing for Real president Florentino Perez and club director Jorge Valdano watching from the stands.

If they fail to overturn the lopsided scoreline in the second leg of this Last 32 tie it will by no means be the first time Real Madrid have bid a hasty farewell to the Copa del Rey.

The Spanish giants, who last collected the title way back in 1993, were kicked out of Spain's premier cup competition in 2008 by Third Division side Real Union, a loss that triggered the dismissal of coach Bernd Schuster.

Real's embarrassing defeat on Tuesday came despite the presence of Raul and Chilean coach Manuel Pellegrini welcoming back injured strikers Karim Benzema and Ruud van Nistelrooy but Portuguese winger Cristiano Ronaldo and Argentine forward Gonzalo Higuain, who also missed the club's 0-0 draw with Sporting Gijon last weekend, were still sidelined.

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Frenchman Benzema was injured in both feet while Dutchman van Nistelrooy has been out for several weeks with a thigh muscle injury.

Pellegrini elected to rest several top players, including Iker Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Xabi Alonso and Kaka, for the match.

Tuesday's reverse came after a bad seven days which started with Real losing to AC Milan in the Champions League and then the goalless draw at Gijon.

Alcorcon's achievement meanwhile knocked a sizeable dent in Pellegrini's pre-match assertion that Real's ambition was "to win every competition".

Living life over

If I had my life to live over...I would have talked less and listened more.

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was strained and the sofa faded.

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I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.

I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.

I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.

I would have sat on the lawn with my children and not worried about grass stains.

I would have cried and laughed less while watching television - and more while watching life.

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding patter if I were not there for the day.

I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, would not show soil or was guaranteed to last a life time.

There would have been more "I love yous" ... more "I'm sorrys"... but mostly, given another shots at life, I would seize every minute... look at it and really see it...live it...and never give it back.

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Five TV Shows We'd Love to See on the Big Screen

With the Arrested Development movie in development, a second Sex and the City movie in production, and rumors about a movie version of Friends, the Hollywood remake machine is shifting its focus to television. Although we have grave doubts about how well most TV shows work as movie adaptations, studio heads seldom return our phone calls, so even more adaptations are probably on the way. Not every TV show can successfully become a movie, (see: Hazzard, Dukes of) but if this trend is fated to continue, here are a few shows we'd love to see on the silver screen.

Dollhouse

Friday's episode was the lowest-rated ever, with only 2.1 million viewers. The show has 11 episodes left on its current order, and there's a chance that the end is near. The excellent bonus episode "Epitaph One" proved that the show's writers have a long-term direction in mind, but they won't have time to get there if the ratings don't improve. Like Serenity, the movie version of Joss Whedon's last show, Firefly, a Dollhouse movie could satisfy viewers who will want more if the show gets canceled. Plus, 2 million people is a pretty good opening weekend for a movie. We kind of don't want this movie to happen, because it probably means the show had been canceled, but if it does, we'll buy the popcorn.

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The West Wing

Our favorite show ever wrapped up with a new president (Jimmy Smits) taking office. In the same way that the show drew material from events of the Clinton and then Bush administrations, it would be easy to adapt more recent political events into a compelling movie drama. The parallels are already there, with a president from a minority background and Josh Lyman, the character originally based on Rahm Emanuel, becoming Chief of Staff -- the same position Emanuel now holds. Bring back series creator Aaron Sorkin to write the screenplay, and we'll see you at the Oscars.

30 Rock

Tina Fey's so-funny-it-hurts brand of humor is the type that's missing from current movie comedies. Every time a new Judd Apatow or Todd Phillips movie is released, critics complain about the lack of likable female characters. Liz Lemon would silence those critics, and we would get the chance to see if a female lead who is not in a romantic comedy can draw an audience the same way the male-dominated comedies do.

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There were no winners by the time The Shield ended, which means there is still plenty of conflict left to be mined. We're sure Vic Mackey didn't suddenly resign himself to a squeaky-clean life behind a desk at ICE, and we're sure he still wants to find his family. What he wants to do to them once he does is up in the air. The only drawback here is that they killed most of the Strike Team by the time the show ended, but Ronnie will probably still be pretty pissed off if he ever gets out of jail. The Shield was a fantastic crime series, it and could be the best crime movie since The Departed.

It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia

What if the stupidest, most objectionable characters on television were given two hours and an R rating? The mind reels at the possibilities. This would be the most offensive movie since Triumph of the Will. And we mean that in a good way.

Which TV shows would you like to see on the big screen? Let me know in the comments!

If the Dream is Big Enough

I used to watch her from my kitchen window, she seemed so small as she muscled her way through the crowd of boys on the playground. The school was across the streetf rom our home and I would often watch the kids as they played during recess. A sea of children, and yet to me, she stood out fromthem all.I remember the first day I saw her playing basketball.

I watched in wonder as she ran circles around the other kids.She managed to shoot jump shots just over their heads and into the net.The boys always tried to stop her but no one could.I began to notice her at other times, basketball in hand, playing alone.She would practice dribbling and shooting over and over again,sometimes until dark.

One day I asked her why she practicedsomuch. She looked directly in my eyes and without a moment of hesitation she said, “I want to go to college. The only way I can go is if I get a scholarship. I like basketball. I decided that if I were good enough, I would get a scholarship. I am going to play college basketball. I want to be the best. My Daddy told me if the dream is big enough, the facts don't count.” Then she smiled and ran towards the court to recap the routine I had seen over and over again.

Well, I had to give it to her—she was determined.I watched her through those junior high years and into highschool.Every week, she led her varsity team to victory.

One day inhersenior year, I saw her sitting in the grass, head cradled inherarms. I walked across the street and sat down in the cool grass beside her. Quietly I asked what was wrong. “Oh, nothing,”came a soft reply. “I am just too short.” The coach told her that at 5’5”she would probably never get to play for a top ranked team—muchless offered a scholarship—so she should stop dreaming about college.She was heartbroken and I felt my own throat tighten as I sensed her disappointment.

I asked her if she had talked to her dad about it yet. She lifted her head from her hands and told me that her father said those coaches were wrong. They just did not understand the power of a dream. He told her that if she really wanted to play for a good college, if she truly wanted a scholarship, that nothing could stop her except one thing — her own attitude. He told her again, “If the dream is big enough, the facts don't count.”

The next year, as she and her team went to the Northern California Championship game, she was seen by a college recruiter. She was indeed offered a scholarship, a fullride, to a Division I, NCAA women’s basketball team. She was going to getthe college education that she had dreamed of and workedtoward forall those years.It’s true: If the dream is big enough,the facts don’t count.

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Michael Jackson Honored On 'Dancing With The Stars'

On Tuesday (October 20), "Dancing With the Stars" featured a performance by Norah Jones and the elimination of Olympic swimmer Natalie Coughlin and partner Alec Mazo. But the real highlight of the night came when the show's professional dancers took time out of their busy competing schedules to pay tribute to Michael Jackson, who had a tremendous influence on dance culture during his career.

Host Tom Bergeron noted that throughout the show's four-year history, Jackson's songs have been used by the contestants 17 times. Pro dancer Louis van Amstel reflected on Jackson's influence: "It's really important to do this tribute because he pretty much opened doors, and I thank him for opening doors for all of us."

Mark Ballas loved channeling Jackson the several times he danced to his tunes on the show. "It just felt so great to dance to MJ songs and feel his moves," he said. "He's just an inspiration to all of us. He will be missed."

"He gave the world so much happiness and joy, and his music will live forever," fellow dancer Kym Johnson added.

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As several Jackson family members sat in the audience, including Jackson's mom, Katherine, and siblings Jermaine and La Toya, the dancers took the stage to pay a special ballroom tribute to the late superstar. "Michael Jackson was a major loss to the entertainment community 'cause he inspired them to step up," Jermaine said in a pre-taped interview. "It just wasn't about the movement, it was about the feeling. There will only be one Michael Jackson forever."

"Michael liked all kinds of choreography. He liked 'Dancing With the Stars,' " La Toya revealed. "He was a fan of the show."

Dancer Karina Smirnoff noted that his influence was far-reaching. "He influenced not only dancing itself, but choreography. We lost not only an icon, but we lost the father of dance and choreography," she said.

La Toya introduced the tribute in a royal-blue gown, noting that her brother would be proud to see his legacy live on. The dancers, decked out in MJ garb, including short pants, white socks, single white gloves, red leather jackets and sparkles, kicked things off with the vintage Jackson 5 hit "I Want You Back."

They then slowed the pace down a bit with "Man in the Mirror," performing it as a very fluid ballroom dance mixed with ballet. Then came one of MJ's most iconic dance moments as the group danced to "Thriller," even reenacted the famous zombie dance moves from the video.
Dancer Cheryl Burke, who left the show after her partner, Tom DeLay, was injured earlier in the season, returned for the big tribute. In the days leading up to the show, she gushed to MTV News about the chance to honor her hero on "DWTS."

"He was a huge influence for me in my dancing career," she said. "I think a lot of us professional dancers can say the same. So we're really excited about it. ... 'Thriller' is one of my favorites of all time."

Don't miss "Michael Jackson's This Is It" Premiere Special, airing on MTV and VH1 on Tuesday, October 27 at 8:30 p.m. ET! "Michael Jackson's This Is It" opens in a limited engagement on October 27 and wide on October 28.

Check out everything we've got on "Michael Jackson's This Is It."

Two Jokes

1. One day an Indian boy asked his father why they have such long names? The dad answers, "Well son whenever a Indian baby is born the father would go outside and name the baby after the first thing he sees... Why do you ask Two Dogs Fucking."

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2. A young couple gets married, and the groom asks his bride if he can have a dresser drawer of his own that she will never open. The bride agrees. After 30 years of marriage, she notices that his drawer has been left open. She peeks inside and sees 3 golf balls and $1,000.She confronts her husband and asks for an explanation. He explains "Every time I was unfaithful to you, I put a golf ball in the drawer." She figures 3 times in 30 years isn't bad and asks "But what about the $1,000?" He replied "Whenever I got a dozen golf balls, I sold them"

Have Fun Everyday!

Depp, Richards light up Spike TV's 'Scream 2009'

A larger-than-life snowglobe filled with murderous little girls, a "Battlestar Gallactica" spaceship and comic-book legend Stan Lee flying overhead on a bouquet of giant balloons — just a few signs that Spike TV's "Scream 2009" is different from other awards shows.
The star-studded event, held Saturday at the Greek Theatre, honors the best in sci-fi, horror, fantasy and comic-inspired movies and TV shows.
Fans voted online for the winners, so some of the year's most popular programs and big box-office hits took home trophies, including "Transformers," "Twilight," "True Blood" and "Star Trek." Stars of those properties and other surprise guests appeared throughout the 3 1/2-hour ceremony.
And then there was Keith Richards. Fans welcomed the Rolling Stones guitarist with a standing ovation as Johnny Depp presented him with the Rock Immortal award.
"I liked the living legend, that was all right, but immortal is even better," Richards said in an interview before accepting the honor.
Quentin Tarantino continued the celebration of the immortal as he paid tribute to "Night of the Living Dead" director George A. Romero with the Scream Mastermind award.
Tobey Maguire presented the Comic-Con Icon award to Lee, who waved and smiled from his spider-shaped balloon platform on his way to the stage. He thanked Spike TV "for creating the Scream awards and for telling the world how cool comic books are."
Jessica Alba, Kate Bosworth, Harrison Ford, Justin Long and Christina Ricci helped present the spike-shaped trophies. Morgan Freeman presented the Ultimate Scream award (essentially best in show) to "Star Trek" — and William Shatner shocked fans when he stepped on stage to accept the trophy.
"J.J., I'll handle this," Shatner said to J.J. Abrams, seated in the audience, who also won best director and best sci-fi movie for "Star Trek."
"This movie was big," Shatner said. "Imagine how big it could have been with me in it? ... I'll be waiting for your call."
HBO's "True Blood" was a four-time winner, taking honors for best TV show, along with best villain for Alexander Skarsgard and best horror actor and actress for co-stars and real-life couple Steven Moyer and Anna Paquin.
"Twilight" also collected four awards: Best fantasy film, best fantasy actors for stars Rob Pattinson and Kristen Stewart (who weren't in attendance Saturday) and breakout performance for co-star Taylor Lautner, who introduced world-premiere footage from the film's next installment, "New Moon."
"Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" won three prizes. The film was honored for its special effects, while star Megan Fox was voted best sci-fi actress and Isabel Lucas was recognized for her breakout performance as an evil shape-shifting robot.
Since the ceremony wasn't televised live, stars were free to use four-letter words — and Tarantino, Woody Harrelson and "True Blood" creator Alan Ball did. "Scream 2009" will be edited into a two-hour special set to air on Oct. 27.
Hundreds of fans dressed as vampires, zombies, mummies and monsters filled the seats inside the amphitheater. "Scream" is their show, said executive producer Casey Patterson.
"It's fun because of the fans. You couldn't point to a group more passionate, more invested, or more deserving," she said, noting that sci-fi, horror and fantasy films are often overlooked at other awards shows. "These fans have waited a long time to see their heroes honored."

My Favorite TV Shows

Battlestar Galactica
The second war against the Cylons is over and The Twelve Colonies have been destroyed. Now Commander Adama of the Battlestar Galatica and President Laura Roslin lead a ragtag fleet of refugees in a supposed search for the fabled lost thirteenth colony, Earth. However, the dangers they face are many which compound an already difficult situation. In addition to the Cylons hunting and attacking the fleet in space, their infiltrator units carry out a more subtle plot even as their former unwitting pawn, Gaius Baltar, helps in the hunt for them while hiding both his own guilt and the strange presence that haunts his every thought. If that wasn't enough, the fleet also faces internal political conflict in which the rabble-rousing figure, Tom Zarek, is merely the loudest dissenting voice. In the midst of these trials however, clues begin to appear that suggest that Adama's simple bluff about Earth may be more truthful than anyone could have guessed...

Ghost Whisperer

Melinda Gordon inherited her "gift" -- the ability to see and talk with the spirits of dead people -- from, and was coached it its use by her grandmother. Running an antique store in a small town, newly married to a paramedic, Melinda helps the ghosts wandering around who are trapped between worlds by helping them to resolve unfulfilled aspects of their former life.....Ghost Whisperer DVD

Lost

After a mysterious and bloody airplane crash, 48 survivors are left stranded on a Pacific Island... miles off course. It soon becomes apparent that they will not have to cope only with the forces of nature, but with the island's secrets, including the Dharma Initiative, the 'Lost Numbers', the "others" (or hostiles) and the strange black smoke- to name a few. There is also much more than meets the eye, as it becomes apparent that everyone is connected in some way and that everyone has a purpose to live on the island... and for some, to die...

Battlestar Galactica

Where do we start? Ok,In my opinion, Battlestar Galactica is one of the greatest science-fiction television series to ever hit the screen.It has, over the last four years, proven to be a new milestone for the very idea of sci-fi television and, outside of "genre" standards, has still shown itself to be one of the strongest shows on television through consistently powerful acting, writing, and directing.

Unlike most shows on television (cable, anyway), Battlestar Galactica is ambitious and unique. While most shows bow to studio demands and demographics, this show has no problem making its audience, at times, disgusted and queasy with the "good guys" and sympathize with the "bad guys".
Each story is carefully planned out, with a purpose.

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What can I say! No matter you love or you don't love it,the series is now over.I know most people love it .To me,the show is brilliant and belongs to the pantheon of "all time best shows" along with The Sopranos, The Wire, The West Wing.....It is really really fantastic.I recommend it to television fans, whether you generally enjoy science fiction or not.

Michael Jackson hits the charts on Halloween costumes

Don't be surprised if Michael Jackson moonwalks into your Halloween party.


The king of pop is making his first appearance this year on Yahoo's Top 10 most-searched Halloween costumes. He ranks second only to the vampire, a perennial Halloween favorite, according to Yahoo Inc., the Sunnyvale, Calif.-based Internet media company.

With Halloween consumer spending forecast to be down this year, some retailers also are latching onto the recently deceased star's widespread appeal to jump-start sales.

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Angels Fancy Dress Shop, a London-based costume store and online merchant, is calling on Michael Jackson fans to sign up for what the shop bills as the world's first Twitter seance, or "Tweance" on Oct. 30. Psychic Jayne Wallace will question the spirits of four departed celebrities nominated by Twitterers and tweet their responses, according to the company's Web site.


Meanwhile Party City is running a "Dressed to Thrill" TV ad campaign that re-creates Jackson's iconic "Thriller" music video. The party store chain built a haunted forest at Universal Studios Orlando, hired 43 dancers, dressed them in costumes and rechoreographed Jackson's zombie-like dance.

Elvis is still hot, ranking No. 9 in Yahoo's Top 10 costume searches for babies. Yoda, the Star Wars Jedi Master, topped the list as most popular costume for dogs.


Gone from the top 10: Barack Obama and Sarah Palin.


Microsoft at the mall: Microsoft Corp. plans to open its first retail stores in coming weeks in Scottsdale, Ariz., and Mission Viejo, Calif., a spokeswoman for the Redmond, Wash.-based software company said, confirming a Thursday report in The Wall Street Journal. The stores are timed to debut with the launch of Microsoft's Windows 7 operating system, the report said.


Microsoft disclosed its intention to move into retail earlier this year when it hired former Wal-Mart Stores Inc. executive David Porter as head of retail stores. It confirmed the location of the stores this summer but has released few details.


The Wall Street Journal report, citing an unnamed source, described the stores as "spacious" showcases for laptops running Windows 7, mobile phones running Microsoft software and Xbox 360 game consoles. They also will have a counter where people can get technical help, the report said.


The company won't say whether it is looking for a Chicago outpost, Microsoft spokeswoman Elizabeth Herrera Smith said.


Rival Apple Inc. operates about 200 stores nationwide and 40 outside the U.S.

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Argentina scrape into World Cup finals

Argentina scraped into the World Cup with a 1-0 win over Uruguay as Diego Maradona finally celebrated mission accomplished after a stumbling, lacklustre qualifying campaign.

The two-time champions needed a goal by substitute Mario Bolatti on Wednesday six minutes from time to earn the three points and secure the fourth and final qualifying spot from South America.

Brazil, Chile and Paraguay had already made sure of their places in the finals.
Uruguay finished in fifth and now face a play-off against Costa Rica, who finished fourth in the CONCACAF region behind USA, Mexico and Honduras, to decide their World Cup fate.

In a poor match with few opportunities, the crucial moment came when Uruguay were reduced to 10 men when Martin Caceras was red-carded for a foul on Jonas Gutierrez.

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From the ensuing free-kick, Juan Sebastian Veron had a shot charged down, but Bolatti, on the field for just four minutes after replacing Gonzalo Higuain, reacted quickest to the loose ball to beat Nestor Muslera in the Uruguayan goal.
Maradona, who had used over 70 players since taking over a year ago, opted to leave Carlos Tevez on the bench alongside Martin Palermo, who grabbed the last-minute goal which saw off Peru on Saturday.

I thank the team and the fans, who crossed the River Plate, for the privilege of taking Argentina to the World Cup," said Maradona, who was in combative mood at his post-match news conference.

"But there were people who did not believe in us and who treated me like rubbish."

Uruguay, needing a win to make sure of automatic qualification, were on top early with Argentina unsurprisingly nervous and defender Gabriel Heinze picking up a booking after just nine minutes.

Andres Scotti almost gave the home side the lead at the famous Estadio Monumental, but his header slipped by Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero's post.

Lionel Messi, who has yet to shine under Maradona despite his scene-stealing performances for Barcelona, attempted to catch out Muslera with a long distance free-kick.

The goalless half-time stalemate suited Argentina as Ecuador, the only other rivals for the last qualifying spot, were also being held 0-0 at the interval by Chile in Santiago.

The low-quality affair continued after the break with the first opening not coming until the 73rd minute when Diego Lugano headed wide from a pinpoint Diego Forlan free-kick.

Uruguay continued to press against an Argentine team happy to pack seven defenders behind the ball as the clock ticked down before Bolatti, in just his third international, put his country into the finals.

In Santiago, Chile took the lead against Ecuador thanks to a 51st-minute strike from Humberto Suazo. Ecuador, who had Segundo Castilla sent-off, needed to win to keep their qualifying hopes alive.

Five-time champions, and group winners, Brazil were held to a 0-0 draw at home by Venezuela and they too finished with 10 men after Sao Paulo defender Miranda was red-carded.

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Paraguay also ended on a low note, losing 2-0 at home to Colombia.
Rock-bottom Peru completed their programme with a 1-0 win over Bolivia, who had defeated Brazil at the weekend, thanks to a second-half strike from Johan Fano.

It was Bolivia's 38th qualifier away from their high-altitude fortress of La Paz without a win.

Fano, meanwhile, was later sent-off.

From http://news.yahoo.com/

Ghost Whisperer highlights Halloween TV

It's Halloween! But oddly, only the cable channels seem to be celebrating. Other than Ghost Whisperer, airing on CBS, none of the big five networks bothered to dress up for this night of fright.

Look, up in the sky! It's...Oliver Queen? Clark Kent's secret was nearly revealed on Smallville last night thanks to Jimmy Olsen's drive and determination. So, Clark gets Oliver to play the phantom protector for one night just to prove Jimmy's got the wrong guy. The trick worked but maybe too well, for the first time Clark is around to see the applause and the hopeful smiles of those who witnessed the rescue. Looks like it's the start of a new chapter for the man of steel.

Supernatural presented us with the true, gruesome story of Halloween and it wasn't exactly what I had hoped for. The episode got bogged down in this season's mythology, introducing the new angel Uriel and putting Dean to a test. I was excited about the way things began but I'm looking forward to some basic brotherly monster hunting, which I think we're going to get next week.

Tonight On TV - Friday, October 31

CBS begins with a trip back to high school on Ghost Whisperer, then it's an NCIS rerun to replace the canceled Ex-List, and finally the criminals have a "Charlie" of their own on Num3brs.

NBC starts with Deal or No Deal, there are more pirates on the island on Crusoe, and Lipstick Jungle replaced Life which was moved to Wednesday. (Still with me?) ABC goes reality all the way with Wife Swap, Supernanny, and a new 20/20. The CW will get you laughing with Everybody Hates Chris, and The Game, then its a repeat of America's Next Top Model. Fox will challenge your skills with Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? and Don't Forget the Lyrics!

Over on cable

Want to see something really scary? Here's a rundown of tonight's tricks and treats. ABCFamily has Poltergeist while AMC continues the frightfest with Resident Evil and House on Haunted Hill. TCM goes with two unusual movies, The Shuttered Room and The Dunwich Horror and FX has Halloween H20 and Ghost Ship. E! has an interesting new special called Doomed to Die? Most Shocking Hollywood Curses and Travel Channel goes with a marathon of Ghost Adventures.

SCI FI Channel follows The Ghost Hunters Live all night long and even WE has a series of haunted specials including Ghost Moms and Extreme Ghost Stories.

For the kids, Cartoon Network has a Goosebumps marathon and Disney is showing R.L. Stine's Mostly Ghostly.

News and notable Fox ordered another season of American Dad but has canceled King of the Hill...again.

Bravo is in development on two new fashion-themed shows, Celebrity Sew-Off will have designers working with celebs to create the ultimate garment and Fashionality will serve up the dish on what's hot and what's not in fashion.

Bravo also announced an open call for their new series The Fashion Show, where young designers compete will compete to have their clothing sold in stores. Sound familiar?

West Wing star Bradley Whitford has been cast in a new NBC comedy called Off Duty.

Rumor also has it that Mad Men's John Hamm may be joining 30 Rock for a recurring part as Tina Fey's love interest.

Excerpted From DVDProStore.com

The Ghost Whisperer

I never really watched Ghost Whisperer before Season 4. I thought it seemed like a silly premise. But then I caught the end of one of the shows on regular television, and I thought it looked sweet. A couple weeks later, I saw that Jim had been killed off. The fact that he died confused me since it didn't coincide with the earlier show I saw. So I began to watch it just to understand what had happened, and was amazed at the concept. I am now a really big fan of the show, and I have just finished watching all of the earlier seasons.

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I'm here to make a conclusion of the show.wanna say,Ghost Whisperer is no Six Feet Under, where conversations with the dead, may or may not be conversations with ourselves, and where these interactions only complicate questions about the nature of the universe in a way that makes loving the living in the here and now seem that much more important. It's not even Medium, which offers a few cheap scares amid the purgatorial backtalk. Here Melinda's acquaintances get their dead-o-grams and move on, serene again even though we know their pain can never fully heal. There's no bottom to this show's sentimentality. If Ghost Whisperer has anything to say, it's that we probably should live with fewer secrets and more honestly, so that we can cleave less desperately to our necessary losses.

Uruguay-Argentina, a final with the World Cup at stake

Tomorrow, Argentina and Uruguay countries will face each other in the South American World Cup qualifiers. while the loser may well miss out on the major event in South Africa altogether. In South America's qualifiers, Brazil, Paraguay and Chile have already secured World Cup berths.

Argentina currently have 25 points, Uruguay have 24 and Ecuador have 23. Venezuela trail on 21 and still have a chance of reaching the play-off, but it is very remote.

The winner of Uruguay-Argentina will come fourth in the qualifiers. The loser could be overtaken by Ecuador - if they in turn win their game in Chile - and be left empty-handed.

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The most unexceptable thing is Argentina loses, however, and Ecuador wins at Chile (which has already qualified), Argentina will be out and Ecuador will play either Costa Rica or Honduras in a playoff for one of the final spots in South Africa.But in my view, this will not happen.It's no doubt Uruguay-Argentina is going to be a great game. Please rememer that the coach of Chile (Marcelo Bielsa) is Argentine, so even though Chile has already qualified, he may push his team to beat Ecuador.
As a die-hard fan of Agentina, I have no doubt that Agentina will finally catch the bus of 2010 World Cup. Messi didn't played well in recent matches, howecer,messi is messi, the best player in this planet,maybe he will play the most important role,who knows?!

I know there are so many fans like me,how do you think? Now,let's prey for my favorite team!

Don't Cry For Me, Agentina!