Bill Hall, Astros Reportedly Agree to Deal

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The Astros reportedly have agreed to a one-year deal with the versatile Bill Hall, bringing him back to the familiar turf of the NL Central.

Hall will make about $3 million under the terms of the contract, which includes a mutual option for 2012 and is pending a physical, according to FoxSports.com. He'll be Houston's regular second baseman, sliding into a position he hasn't played as much as others during his career. Based on Hall's track record, though, it shouldn't be much of an adjustment.

He has played every position except catcher and first base during his big league career, which had been spent entirely with the Brewers until he was dealt to Seattle in August 2009 and signed with the Red Sox last year as a free agent. Hall has made 129 starts at second base in his career, trailing shortstop (247) and third base (217) but just ahead of center field (125) for the consummate super-utilityman.

 

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Source: http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2010/12/17/bill-hall-astros-reportedly-agree-to-deal/

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Mike Cammalleri Gets Goal, Moral Victory in Fight to Lead Habs

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MONTREAL -- Mike Cammalleri had a penalty-shot goal and then had a moral victory in the first fight of his career to help the Montreal Canadiens snap a three-game losing with a 4-3 win over the Boston Bruins on Thursday.

Cammalleri grabbed the puck on a turnover by Boston forward Milan Lucic in the first minute of play and sped off on a clear path to the Boston net as fans were still making their way to their seats at the Bell Centre.

He was interfered with and unable to get a shot off and was awarded a penalty shot. Cammalleri beat Bruins goalie Tim Thomas to the stick side at 1:04 to give Montreal a lead it would never lose on what was the first shot on goal by either team.

The Canadiens were nursing a 3-2 second-period lead when Cammalleri and Boston's David Krejci collided along the boards in Boston's end. After they traded words, the gloves came off and they taunted each other in a circle dance before they exchanged blows.

 

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Source: http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2010/12/16/mike-cammalleri-gets-goal-moral-victory-in-fight-to-lead-habs/

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Michael Jackson Fans Celebrate Michael's Release With DJ Cassidy

'It was always my dream to DJ for Michael Jackson,' Cassidy says at album-release party Monday night.
By Steven Roberts


Michael Jackson's <i>Michael</i>
Photo: Epic Records

NEW YORK — Many a Michael Jackson fan lined up outside of the Roseland Ballroom on Monday night to celebrate the release of the King of Pop's posthumous Michael album. Dozens of dancers and fans filled the ballroom's floor, decked out in costumes inspired by MJ's iconic looks from throughout his esteem career. One of those fans also happened to be the evening's master of ceremonies, DJ Cassidy.

"I'm here to make the fans dance," he told MTV News. "I think that's why Michael essentially made the music. He wanted to make people dance. He wanted to make people feel the emotion he felt, and I'm here to do just that. I'm here to help the fans in the celebration of the king."

Dressed in a leather suit with a pink shirt and socks, a red bowtie and shell-top Adidas, Cassidy said that he's been a fan of Jackson for as long as he can remember. The late singer has been his inspiration in anything artistic in his life, from music to fashion.

"So much of my fashion comes from Michael," Cassidy explained. "So much of how I play music comes from how he formed his songs, how he created his sound that really inspired the way that I DJ. And really, it inspired me to want to be a DJ, to want to make people dance.

"So, when I became a DJ at the age of 10, it was always my dream to DJ for Michael Jackson," he added. "Tonight's just a small way for me to really celebrate his music."

The party's guests also included producers Teddy Riley, Eddie Cascio and Neff U, who each had a hand in producing Michael's tracks. But before he began to spin for the night, Cassidy was thinking back to the classics, particularly his favorite party song, 1979's "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough."

"You can be anywhere in the world, any city, any small town, any type of crowd, black, white, old, young, poor, rich, at any type of venue," he said. "They could be wanting to hear house music, hip-hop music, anything in between, but 'Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough' will turn that party out."

What's your favorite Michael Jackson song? Share it in the comments.

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Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1654224/20101214/jackson_michael.jhtml

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Justin Bieber, Usher Top American Music Awards Winners List

Eminem, Black Eyed Peas, Rihanna also nab trophies.
By Mawuse Ziegbe


Justin Bieber wins Breakthrough Artist, Pop/Rock Favorite Male Artist and Artist Of The Year Award during the 2010 American Music Award
Photo: Jason Merritt/ Getty Images

The 2010 American Music Awards dished out hardware to many of pop, R&B and country music's biggest names. Like most high-profile awards shows, there were showstopping performances, off-the-runway fashion and emotional moments. Unlike most trophy fests, the AMA winners aren't determined by the inner circle of music-industry professionals, but rather the fans who plunk down cash for hit records.

This year, fans handed over pyramids to the artists who also cranked out many of the biggest hits. Justin Bieber made off with the most AMA booty, nabbing four trophies. Taylor Swift, Rihanna, the Black Eyed Peas, Eminem and Bieber's mentor Usher also snagged AMA loot.

Check out the list of AMA winners below:

Pop or Rock Music
Favorite Male Artist
Justin Bieber

Favorite Female Artist
Lady Gaga

Favorite Band, Duo or Group
The Black Eyed Peas

Favorite Album
Justin Bieber, My World 2.0

Country Music
Favorite Male Artist
Brad Paisley

Favorite Female Artist
Taylor Swift

Favorite Band, Duo or Group
Lady Antebellum

Favorite Album
Carrie Underwood, Play On

Rap/ Hip-Hop Music
Favorite Male Artist
Eminem

Favorite Album
Eminem, Recovery

Soul/ Rhythm & Blues Music
Favorite Male Artist
Usher

Favorite Female Artist
Rihanna

Favorite Album
Usher, Raymond v. Raymond

Soundtracks
Favorite Album
Glee: The Music, Volume 3 Showstoppers

Alternative Rock Music
Favorite Artist
Muse

Adult Contemporary Music
Favorite Artist
Michael Bublé

Latin Music
Favorite Artist
Shakira

Contemporary Inspirational
Favorite Artist
MercyMe

Artist of the Year
Justin Bieber

T-Mobile Breakthrough Artist
Justin Bieber

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Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1652775/20101121/bieber_justin.jhtml

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'Avatar' Director Has 'Great Ideas' For Sequel, Sam Worthington Says

Actor behind Jake Sully tells MTV News he talks to James Cameron 'all the time,' and expects more details in 2011.
By Kara Warner


Sam Worthington
Photo: MTV News

At this time last year, most movie talk revolved around "Avatar" and its record-shattering box-office numbers on its way to being anointed the most successful film of all time. This year, however, all the discussion has revolved around the inevitable "Avatar" sequels

Fox has announced there will be two and that director James Cameron will shoot at least one of them partially underwater. When MTV News caught up with star Sam Worthington on the set of his new thriller "Man on a Ledge," the in-demand actor (seriously, check out his IMDb lineup for proof) said he's been in close contact with Cameron about follow-ups but that specifics will start to take shape next year.

"I talk to [Cameron] all the time," Worthington said. "I talked to him last week. I think at the moment he's still doing the ['Avatar'] bible, the book, and I think the book will then inspire where he wants to take it," the "Clash of the Titans" star explained. "He's got great ideas; what he told me about, where he wants to set it, things he wants to explore. We'll probably talk next year, and then he can fill us in on where, personally, he wants to take it, where emotionally he wants to take it."

Regarding the sequel's underwater setting, Worthington said only some of the action will take place in the water.

"[Cameron] is going to explore that [underwater] world," he said. "It won't fully take place underwater but he's definitely going to explore — same as the mountains, he can explore more, outer space [as well] — it's up to him," Worthington added. "He created the world."

And finally, we asked Worthington about the future of Jake Sully, specifically whether audiences will ever see his human form onscreen again. Worthington said he had "no idea."

What do you want to see in the "Avatar" sequels? Tell us in the comments!

Check out everything we've got on "Avatar."

For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.

Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1654581/20101217/story.jhtml

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Beyonce's Mom Says Daughter's Style Has Always Been 'Edgy'

'It's just a result of her constantly evolving,' Tina Knowles says of the fashion in Beyonce's "I Am ... World Tour" DVD concert special.
By Jocelyn Vena


Beyoncé
Photo: Paul Warner/ WireImage

Beyoncé has never been shy about hitting the stage in stunning costumes. Her appearance has always been a mixture of showgirl sparkle and pop star razzle-dazzle. And her style is on full display in her new DVD concert special, "I Am ... World Tour."

Her mom and stylist, Tina Knowles, said that while the looks may seem a bit edgier than what fans have seen from the singer in the past, she thinks that her superstar daughter has always been ahead of the style curve.

"Well, the wonderful Thierry Mugler designed the costumes, and I actually worked on some of the dancers and the band, and it was just amazing to work with him because he is so creative," Knowles told MTV News at a New York screening of the special. "So it's just a result of her constantly evolving, but she's been edgy. It's funny for people to say she went more edgy, but she's been wearing body suits and that type of thing."

And while Knowles may act as her daughter's stylist and costume designer, she says that Bey's style decisions are all her own. "Well, we discussed her working with Thierry Mugler, and I'm the biggest fan. And so she had seen some of the fashions and she loved it," she said. "So we always discuss things, but it's her decision, it's her career."

Beyoncé, who also directed the concert special , said it gave her a better understanding of the filmmaking process. "It was hard work," she said. "I learned so much. I have a new respect for directors and I think I would like to do more of it. ... Well, I've done some co-directing for music videos [but] this was definitely a big step for me, and I'm so thrilled."

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Justin Bieber's 'Karate Kid' Song Is Eligible For An Oscar

'Never Say Never' joins tunes by Gwyneth Paltrow, Christina Aguilera in the running for Original Song category.
By James Montgomery


Justin Bieber
Photo: Robyn Beck/ AFP/ Getty Images

Earlier this year, Justin Bieber set tweenage hearts aflutter when he teamed with Jaden Smith to record "Never Say Never," the theme to Smith's "Karate Kid" reboot. And now, he's hoping to do the same for Oscar voters.

Earlier this week, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences — the governing body of the Academy Awards — released its list of the 41 songs eligible for the Original Song category at the 83rd annual awards, and Bieber made the cut.

"Never Say Never" is in the running against the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow's "Coming Home" and "Me and Tennessee" (both from her upcoming "Country Strong" film) and a trio of songs from Christina Aguilera's "Burlesque." Though Bieber made the eligibility list, the tune's nomination is no surefire bet: Movie clips featuring each song will be screened for voting members of the Academy's Music Branch on January 6, and it will be up to them to select the field of nominees.

Nominations will be announced on January 25 at 5:30 a.m. PT in the Academy's Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills.

According to the Academy, in order for a work to be deemed eligible for the Original Song category, it must "consist of words and music, both of which are original and written specifically for the film," and "a clearly audible, intelligible, substantive rendition of both lyric and melody must be used in the body of the film, or as the first music cue in the end credits." Bieber and Smith's song is played over the end credits of "The Karate Kid."

The 83rd Academy Awards will be broadcast live from the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood on Sunday, February 27.

Check out everything we've got on "The Karate Kid."

For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.

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Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1654488/20101217/bieber_justin.jhtml

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Anton Lander, Sweden, Says US is Strongest in 2011 World Juniors

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The 2011 IIHF World Junior Championships begin in less than ten days in Buffalo. In the meantime, Canada and the United States -- heavy favorites to meet in the gold-medal game -- are continuing their preparations, and overseas participants are about to fly to North America.

Sweden is one of those teams about to travel to North America. Off a bronze-medal effort last year in Saskatoon, the Swedes are thought to be one of the teams in contention for a bronze medal again this year. They aren't regarded much higher than that.

Sweden and Canada will play in a pre-tournament exhibition Tuesday night. Most would assume this is a great chance for Sweden to test themselves against the best the event will have to offer. According to center Anton Lander, however, Canada isn't the team they should be the most worried about.

 

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Source: http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2010/12/17/anton-lander-sweden-says-us-is-strongest-in-2011-world-juniors/

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'Never Say Never' Director Was 'Nervous' About Justin Bieber Flick

'[It's] always scary when you try to show someone the story of their life,' Jon Chu tells MTV News of screening for teen star.
By Jocelyn Vena


Justin Bieber
Photo: John Shearer/ WireImage

In February fans will finally get the chance to see Justin Bieber's long-awaited "Never Say Never." And the flick's director, Jon Chu, recently dished to MTV News that things are coming along fine as he puts the finishing touches on the February 11 release.

"Oh, we stand pretty tall. It's nuts! This is a world that I have never experienced before," he laughed to MTV News about the 3-D film. Chu, who was promoting the DVD release of "Step Up 3D," said getting the fans' support has been invaluable.

"Again it's like dance, where music tells the story. It's really interesting and his fans have been amazing, shooting him in 3-D in Madison Square Garden, exploring his life, going to his hometown. We're almost done with our cut right now and I'm really proud of it. I think people are going to be surprised about the story that they're going to get. Something is really special."

Bieber tweeted about seeing the film recently and gave it his seal of approval. And Chu admitted to us that he's feeling the pressure now to make the best possible film.

"I mean, I'm always nervous. We're always trying to make our movies better," he explained. "We're never done with it though. I just keep going until they tell me I've run out of time. So [Justin] got to see it this week, which was really exciting and he loved it, which is always scary when you try to show someone the story of their life, but he's been very supportive, he and his family and his team. I'm excited to share it with the world and show another side of 3-D. With 'Step Up 3D,' we learned a lot of lessons and we discovered a lot of things, and it's just the beginning."

Are you excited to see Justin's "Never Say Never" movie next year? Tell us in the comments!

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Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1654533/20101217/bieber_justin.jhtml

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Usher 'Got A Good Laugh' From Fan Kicking Him In The Face

'It looked worse than it actually was,' the 'OMG' singer laughs about accidental blow during concert serenade.
By Mawuse Ziegbe


Usher
Photo: Jordan Strauss/ Getty Images

Usher's club-rattling jam "OMG" may "kill it every night" according to tourmate Miguel, but when the Atlanta crooner hit Madison Square Garden earlier this week, he was almost taken out by a clumsy fan.

When the singer touched down in New York on Monday, he indulged a super amped fan's fantasy by pulling her onstage for an intimate flirty serenade of "Trading Places." As Usher and the concertgoer got cozy on a recliner, she swiveled around to face the crooner — knocking him squarely in his mug with her foot. She began apologizing profusely as Usher briefly paused to collect himself. But the superstar took the strike in stride, quipping, "We play rough in the bed. We kick each other in the face and all type of good stuff."

Although Usher brushed off the blow, the moment did make an impression on him.

"In all my years, this is one of the most interesting experiences. I got a kick out of it!" he told Us Weekly. The singer assured fans that the knock wasn't that bad. "It looked worse than it actually was. My audience and I got a good laugh."

As for the fan, the "DJ Got Us Fallin' In Love" star maintained everything is all good on that front too. "Wherever you are baby, don't feel bad," Usher said. "No hard feelings."

As Miguel has noted, Usher isn't one dwell on drama, whether it's cranking out another hit album or weathering an unexpected hit from a fan.

"He's such a tremendous example of perseverance and determination," Miguel recently told MTV News. "I was there throughout this album, so I've seen the adversity that he's had to overcome perception-wise."

What do you think of Usher's response to getting knocked in the head by a fan? Tell us in the comments!

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Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1654395/20101215/usher.jhtml

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