Legendary news anchor Walter Cronkite has died today – July 17, 2009. He was 92 years old. Cronkite had been battling cerebrovascular disease.

Walter Cronkite was called “the most trusted man in America” as well as “Uncle Walter.” During his career, Cronkite dealt with a wide variety of news changing events such as, the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the amazing Apollo moon landing and the unpopular Vietnam War.

Walter Cronkite was born in 1916 in the Missouri city of St. Joseph. From there, Cronkite become one of the most famous journalists of all time. His stellar news career covered decades in which he covered some of the most significant events of the “American Century”. He was also noted for covering three separate wars in Europe and Asia, the love, drugs and war decade of the 1960′s, and the Watergate scandal that rocked President Nixon.

According to the Museum of Broadcast Communications, Walter Cronkite began his career as a newswriter and editor for Scripps-Howard and United Press. We worked in a variety of cities including: Houston, Texas; Kansas City, Missouri; Dallas, Austin, and El Paso, Texas; and New York City.

Walter Cronkite proceeded to Europe, where he became the UP’s (United Press) war correspondent from the years 1942 to 1945. Cronkite also served as the chief correspondent during the historical Nuremberg war crimes trials.

Walter Cronkite began his career at the The CBS Evening News during 1962. He became the main point of source for breaking news stories for many years to come.

For more than two decades, Walter Cronkite was a fixture in American’s homes with his deep voice and fatherly manner. Who can forget his initial emotional, then comforting demeanor during the events following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.

Walter Cronkite received much recognition as a serious journalist. Cronkite received several Emmy Awards, two Peabody Awards in 1962 and 1981, the William A. White Award for journalistic merit in 1969, the George Polk Journalism Award in 1971, and Alfred I. DuPont Awards in 1978 and 1981. Walter Cronkite also received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1981.

We will miss you Walter Cronkite …. “And that’s the way it is”

by Philip Scott Johnson

This is a video created by Philip Scott Johnson, who is a digital artist from St. Louis, Missouri.

The amazing morphing animation is a video montage of famous Hollywood women film entertainers through the years.

It’s a wonderful journey through the ages of cinematography, displaying the ever changing look of famous female actors.

To learn more about Philip Scott Johnson and see more of his incredible videos, go to his MySpace page.

Backgammon has long been a favorite board game. Now here is a chance for all Backgammon fanatics to buy an amazing 2071.48ct Backgammon Set with black, white, and yellow diamonds.

Backgammon is said to be the oldest game in recorded history. Its origin stems from a version of this board game that was first played about 5,000 years ago. Today, Backgammon is still a very popular board game.

Now you can own this luxurious 2071.48ct diamond Backgammon Set which is truly a piece of art. The set was designed by the renowned artist Bernard Maquin, and the backgammon set speaks the language of the exotic east through the tones of ancient damascene ornaments.

Traditionally, Backgammon was believed to have originated in ancient Mesopotamian (present-day Iraqi), the artist took us into the world of “The Thousand and One Nights” by retrieving his inspiration and muse from geometric patterns of eastern art and architecture, especially created for “The Charles Hollander Collection”.

In order to obtain the dazzling effect, we used 61,082 black, white, and yellow diamonds. The game is set with a total of 2071.48 carats diamonds. To bring this exquisite set to completion, the checkers were also set with 2960 white diamonds.

The diamonds, together with over 6.77kg yellow gold, 150 gram silver and more than 10,000 hours of labor, resulting into this modern magnificent piece of art.

Pop music icon Michael Jackson died on Thursday, June 25th, 2009. An entertainment legend, Michael Jackson, was only 50 years old and died of an apparent massive heart attack.

Michael Jackson recorded the world’s best-selling album of all time – “Thriller”. Jackson has been in the media spotlight for several decades. Through his music, Michael successfully bridged the gap between R&B and mainstream pop.

Michael Jackson turned music videos into must-see TV and ignited dance crazes around the world. At the peak of Michael Jackson’s career, his pop stardom was undeniable. Jackson wowed us with dizzying dance moves. Sold out concert goers went crazy, singing and dancing to a non-stop string of Michael’s pop hits. His costumes are creative including the sparkled, single glove he wore.

At a very early age, Michael Jackson quickly became the main attraction and lead singer of the teen group – Jackson 5. The brothers were an instant success, releasing a string of No. 1 hit songs including – “I Want You Back,” “ABC,” The Love You Save” and “I’ll Be There.”

Michael Jackson eventually left the Jackson Five to begin a solo career. Jackson won his first Grammy award in 1980 for Best R&B Male Vocal Performance “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough”. That song came from his chart-topping “Off the Wall” album and was also in the running for Best Disco recording.

In November 1982, Michael Jackson released “Thriller”, his second solo effort as an adult. The record spent an amazing 37 weeks at No. 1. The album produced an unparalleled seven Top 10 singles.

The cutting edge video “Thriller” was released in 1982 and was a huge success for TV’s MTV. Director John Landis, helped elevate the upbeat music performance into a full-blown mini-movie. The creative musical video included zombie dance routines, faux gang fights, and a magical transformation of Michael into a werewolf. Michael Jackson was the first African American artist to be embraced by MTV.

In March of 1983, Michael Jackson debuted his famous moonwalk dance to the song “Billie Jean” on the TV special “Motown 25: Yesterday, Today and Forever.” Michael Jackson earned an Emmy nod for best performance in a variety or music program.

Jackson’s total of eight Grammy wins in one night broke the record set in 1965 by Roger Miller, who had won six Grammy awards, most for the country hit “King of the Road.” The eight Grammys awarded to “Thriller” was another record haul as well. Both of these achievements were tied by Santana and the album “Supernatural” in 1999.

Michael Jackson is a two-time inductee of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, for both the Jackson 5 and a solo artist. Jackson was a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame and a 13-time Grammy winner. Michael Jackson had 13 solo No. 1 hits in addition to another four with the Jackson 5. The album “Thriller” alone, sold more than 27 million copies in the USA.

Here is a list of Michael’s Number One hits:
* 1972: “Ben” (1 week)
* 1979: “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” (1 week)
* 1980: “Rock with You” (4 weeks)
* 1983: “Billie Jean” (7 weeks)
* 1983: “Beat It” (3 weeks)
* 1983: “Say Say Say” (6 weeks)
* 1987: “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You” (with Siedah Garrett) (1 week)
* 1987: “Bad” (2 weeks)
* 1987: “The Way You Make Me Feel” (1 week)
* 1988: “Man in the Mirror” (2 weeks)
* 1988: “Dirty Diana” (1 week)
* 1991: “Black or White” (7 weeks)
* 1995: “You Are Not Alone” (1 week)

Has also part of the 1985 number one hit “We Are The World” (4 weeks).

But tarnishing Michael Jackson’s image and possibly his legacy, was the turbulent trouble he endured. Jackson was in the media spotlight with years of tabloid exposes, bizarre behavior, artistic flops, financial crises, cosmetic surgeries, health issues and child sex abuse scandals.

The King Of Pop is survived by Prince Michael, 12, Paris, 11, and 7-year-old Prince Michael II, known fondly by the singer as “Blanket”.

There will likely never be another performer like Michael Jackson. But above everything else, Michael Jackson’s music will be remembered forever and one of pop music’s greatest talents ever.

Attractive actress Natalie Hershlag who is better known as Natalie Portman, was born on June 9, 1981 in Jerusalem, Israel.

Portman got her first major role in the movie Star Wars and also starred in V for Vendetta.

Portman shaved her head in 2005 to play a role in the movie V for Vendetta. In 2010, Natalie Portman gave an unbelievable performance in hit movie – Black Swan.

2011 as an amazing year for Natalie Portman as she won almost every award for Best Actress, including the Golden Globe Awards, Screen Actors Guild Awards, Critic’s Choice Awards, BAFTA Awards and of course the Academy Awards for the film Black Swan.

When Megan Fox was asked about the scrutiny of today’s media and pervasive paparazzi, “Where I am right now with my career, I don’t feel that, but I’m sure girls like Lindsay do. I’m actually kind of glad that I’m not under that kind of scrutiny, because the tabloids can give you the feeling of being so exposed to people whom you don’t even know. So right now where I am, I’m fine. I’m out of all of that. I still have my private life and no one really bothers me or knows who I am!”

On landing her first big film role in Michael Bay’s “Transformers”,”I don’t think my friends and family – especially my family – really knew what “Transformers” is. They didn’t know what it was going to be about or how big it was going to be. They recognized the name Michael Bay and they definitely recognized Steven Spielberg, so there was excitement there. But my mum is incredibly proud of me.”

“Yes, I’d be crazy to turn down a sequel. I’m proud of this movie. This is my first movie. What do I have to complain about? Nothing!”

While living with her parents, Megan Fox was not allowed to date anyone. She only did it after she moved out.

Megan Fox has five tattoos. Megan’s tattoos include a poem on her ribcage and a symbol for strength on her neck, and her boyfriend Brian’s name tattooed next to her pie.

Sexy Megan Fox is set to co-star in the upcoming blockbuster film, “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” along with Shia LaBeouf.  The movie is directed by Michael Bay, and is a follow-up to the 2007 hit movie,  “Transformers”.

It’s fair to say Megan Fox is one of the sexiest women on earth.

From its initial creation in 1927, one of the first goals of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) was the method to honor achievements in the motion picture industry. A committee of seven members was formed and given the task of creating an Academy Awards presentation.

The first Academy Awards ceremony was held on May 16, 1929. It was definitely a low key affair compared to the glamor and glitz that surround the ceremonies of today.

Two hundred and fifty people attended the black-tie banquet that evening in the Blossom Room of Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.

Emil Jannings, who was the winner for best actor, decided to go back to his home in Germany before the ceremony. But before he departed, Emil Jannings was handed the very first Academy Award.

We all know the focal point is the actual Oscar statuette. Early on, the Academy Awards knew that the success of the Awards was the centered around the actual trophy, so it could be presented at the Awards. MGM art director Cedric Gibbons was tasked with designing the statuette.

The statuette is a simple, stylized golden knight standing on a reel of film and gripping a sword. The award was actually created by sculptor George Stanley.

One question that often arises, is how did the Oscar get its name?

The official name of the statuette is the Academy Award of Merit. The statuette is almost exclusively known as the Oscar.

The exact reason is not known, but the most popular story involves then Academy librarian and future executive director, Margaret Herrick. When Herrick saw the statuette sitting on a table, stated “it looks just like my Uncle Oscar!” The name stuck and that magical golden statuette has been called Oscar ever since.

Over the past 80 plus years, the actual Oscar statuette has undergone relatively few changes. Compared to the 1929 version, they are almost exactly the same. It is 13 ½ inches tall and weighs 8 ½ pounds.

But there have been some very fundamental changes. 15 Oscar statuettes were awarded during the first Academy Awards ceremony on May 16th, 1929. They were made of gold-plated solid bronze and placed upon a pedestal made of Belgian black marble.

In 1945, two minor changes occurred with the pedestal. It was made slightly higher and is currently made of metal, rather than marble. Beginning in 1949, the statues began to be numbered. For whatever reason, the starting number began with 501. The number is written behind Oscar’s heels. An example would be: 2008, 2,698

The record for the most Oscar awards during a career is Walt Disney, who was awarded the statuette 26 times.

Photographer: Chris Hatcher / PR Photos

Adam Lambert is a 27-year-old musical theater veteran and to most, is the clear front runner of this season’s “American Idol” show. Lambert seems to be in a league all his own, with a wide range of musical talent and incredible stage presence.

Whether it’s an emotional ballad or an upbeat rockin’ song, Adam covers them all with ease, dedication and complete confidence.

Adam Lambert caught the music bug at an early age. His father was a DJ and introduced him to various types of music. At the San Francisco “American Idol” audition, Adam sang Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody.” He also spent time in a production of the hit play “Wicked”.

One of my favorite performances by Adam was his rendition of “Mad World”, originally done by the hit band “Tears for Fears.” It earned a much deserved standing ovation from the crazed crowd, as well as hard-nosed Idol judge Simon Cowell.

Here are Adam Lambert’s American Idol performances (courtesy: iTunes):
No Boundaries
A Change Is Gonna Come
One
Cryin’
Whole Lotta Love
Slow Ride (duet with Allison)
Feeling Good
If I Can’t Have You
Born to be Wild
Mad World
Play That Funky Music
The Tracks of My Tears
Ring of Fire
Black and White
I Cant Get No Satisfaction

Adam has a MySpace page. Here is the link –
http://www.myspace.com/adamlambertmusic

From Lambert’s look and maneurisms, there have been rumors about whether Adam is gay. He has never publicly acknowledged whether or not he is gay. When asked by “Access Hollywood,” Lambert replied “I have nothing to hide. I am who I am. And this is about singing … nothing else.”

(M Becker/American Idol 2009/Getty Images for Fox)

We will all find out in several weeks to see if the front-runner ends up winning the American Idol crown. Whether he does or not, Adam Lambert will definitely have a very successful musical career. He could be as successful or even bigger than Carrie Underwood.

Good luck Adam!

Photo by: Fame Pictures; inset: INF

The late Hollywood producer Aaron Spelling, who died in 2006 may be rolling over in his grave. It’s a brutal real estate market out there but now on the market is the most expensive home for sale in the United States.

Aaron Spelling’s widow, Candy, just put the expansive mansion up for sale. The estate is called “The Spelling Manor.” The asking price is an amazing $150 million.

The Spelling mansion is the largest home in Los Angeles County. This iconic French chateau-style property offers about 56,000 square feet of living space and is situated on 4.7 luscious acres of land.

“This house is the equivalent of a mid-sized hotel,” wife Candy Spelling tells PEOPLE. “It’s a lot of work.

Of course it’s going to take an army of helpers to maintain this mansion, including gardeners, security personnel and housekeepers. The house includes a bowling alley, wine cellar, three gift-wrapping rooms, library, gym, screening room, humidity-controlled silver storage room. Outside offers a tennis court, fountains, a water fall, a pool and spa, a reflecting pool and 16 car ports.

Aaron Spelling became Hollywood’s most prolific television producer. He was executive producer of following hit shows – “Melrose Place,” “Beverly Hills, 90210,” “Dynasty,” and “The Love Boat.”

“I have wonderful memories here,” Spelling sighs. “But I feel like it’s a new chapter in my life – and it’s just me in this big house!”

Photo courtesy of: Liberace Foundation-Museum

This is a follow-up to our original Liberace Museum story. It’s a must see for all fans of iconic Liberace.

The life and legacy of pianist and entertainer Liberace will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 15 with the 30 year anniversary of Mr. Showmanship’s best encore performance. The celebration will be held at the glittering Liberace Museum.

The Liberace Foundation is a non-profit organization and is offering a full day celebration at the Liberace Museum. The festivities will run from 9 AM until sundown.

This monumental Liberace event will be hosted by the Honorable Lorraine T. Hunt-Bono and Dennis Bono, who are serving as the event’s Rhinestone Chairs.

Admission to thee museum will only be 30 cents, and includes free performances by past Liberace scholarship recipients and Liberace Piano Competition winners.

Liberace opened his Museum on Easter Sunday, April 15, 1979. It is located close to his Las Vegas home on Shirley Street, as well as the famed Las Vegas Strip where he performed for many years.

So many lives have been positively impacted since Liberace himself created his own Museum and Foundation. Over the years, there are many unique stories to be told through Liberace Scholars from across the U.S. who’ve received monies.

The Liberace Museum will also debut a new exhibit titled, the 30th Anniversary Exhibit. It will run through May 31 and commemorate three decades of milestones since the museum’s opening in 1979. The event will celebrate musical legend Liberace’s amazing career and his contribution to the Las Vegas and international entertainment scene.

Make this an event you can’t miss and remember, don’t forget your bling.

For more information, please go to: www.Liberace.org

Take an inside look at Harry Winston, jeweler to the stars, and the dazzling looks for Hollywood’s Biggest Night – The Oscars.

Among the silver screen and all its stars, when it comes to true Hollywood glamour and scintillating style – nothing sparkles like a Harry Winston diamond. Harry Winston, the legendary Jeweler to the Stars, unveils its Red Carpet Trends for the 81st annual Academy Awards.

When the red carpet is laid out and the flashbulbs flutter, look for this year’s accessories trends to be inspired by the exotic beauty of India, bold colored gemstones, and statement diamonds that echo pure Hollywood glamour.

Capturing the iconic style that has defined Harry Winston for nearly a century, each exquisite piece of jewelry celebrates the beauty of the diamonds, as well as the beauty of the accomplished actresses who wear them.

Harry Winston has a long tradition of outfitting Oscar-nominated actresses, beginning in the 1940’s with actress Jennifer Jones.

Celebrating six decades of celebrity style, The House of Harry Winston remains an integral part of Hollywood’s glamorous history, dressing leading ladies such as Anne Hathaway, Angelina Jolie, Halle Barry, Gwyneth Paltrow, Renee Zellweger, Diane Lane, Jennifer Lopez, Kate Hudson, and Salma Hayek.

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