Drayton McLane Plans to Sell Astros

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The Texas Rangers reached the World Series months after completing a change of ownership. Will the Lone Star State's other big league team be so lucky? We're about to find out.

Astros owner Drayton McLane announced Friday that the team is for sale. Word had emerged Thursday night that McLane had hired the New York firm Allen & Company -- which has been involved in several franchise sales -- to help with the process.

"Our family has loved being involved with the Houston Astros," McLane said Friday at a news conference at Minute Maid Park. "But it's time to change and move forward."

The Houston Chronicle reported the Astros might draw between $700 million and $800 million from a buyer. The Rangers sold for $590 million this summer after a contentious process that ended in an auction.

 

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Source: http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2010/11/19/drayton-mclane-plans-to-sell-astros/

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Michael Jackson's 'Breaking News' Debuts Online

The late King of Pop addresses his conflicts with the media in the first release from his upcoming album, Michael.
By Gil Kaufman


The artwork for Michael Jackson's "Breaking News"
Photo: michaeljackson.com

Throughout his life, Michael Jackson had a rather contentious relationship with the media. The late pop icon's outrageous behavior and appearance never failed to generate the attention and adulation he seemed to crave, but that fascination was always a double-edged sword for the conflicted star, as it also involved tabloid reporters digging into every nook and cranny of his personal life. This subject is one he revisited on "Breaking News," the first single from his upcoming posthumous album, Michael, which is scheduled for a December 14 release.

On Monday morning (November 8), a full stream of the biting, never-before-heard track was posted online.

The first salvo from the singer's 11th CD features a propulsive, robotic beat and layered vocals that have the signature future-funk sound of Jackson's late-period work, with pointed lyrics about the thirst for news about the reclusive icon, who died at age 50 in June 2009 following an overdose of the surgical anesthetic propofol.

The four-minute track begins with snippets of news reports about Jackson's life and death, which reach a crescendo before being cut off by a crash, followed by a thumping, skittering beat and lively strings.

"Everybody wanting a piece of Michael Jackson/ Reporters stalking the moves of Michael Jackson," the King of Pop sings urgently. One of the more jarring aspects of the song is that it appears to mark the first time in his career that Jackson made a first-person reference to himself when discussing his feelings about being hounded by reporters. "Just when you thought he was done/ He comes to give it again," he continues, adding the ominous first-verse kicker, "They want to write my obituary."

MJ then sings in the pre-chorus, "No matter what, you just wanna read it again/ No matter what, you just wanna feel it again." He then asks why it is so strange that he should want to fall in love, referring to himself as "the boogie man" and lamenting the media's desire to see him fall. "You write the words to destroy, like it's a weapon/ You turn your back on love and you can't get it again."

An odd musical shift occurs halfway through the song, as a jarring edit takes place that brings up a brighter rhythm section accented by triumphant jazzy horns and Jackson crooning, "All the news today, they say we're crazy."

The mix of Jackson's sugary and tart vocals, dripping with contempt for the tabloid press, helps cut some of the bitterness of the song, but clearly the singer had something to get off his chest. Mocking his tormentors, he sings, "This is breaking news/ This is breaking news," before ending with the biting line, "You're breaking the news" — both a slap at the tabloids for thinking that his personal life is headline-worthy copy and a judgment on what their reporting is doing to the free press.

This being MJ, there is, of course, some controversy surrounding the tune, courtesy of tabloid site TMZ, which has raised questions about its legitimacy. Last week, TMZ reported that the superstar's children and mother were not convinced that the vocals on "Breaking News" were those of Jackson, but rather that they were possibly sung by an imitator.

According to a Reuters report, a lawyer for Michael's father, Joseph Jackson, also said that the music on the album consists of unfinished tracks that notorious perfectionist MJ would never have wanted released. On Friday, Sony Music reacted to the controversy and said that it had "complete confidence in the results of our extensive research as well as the accounts of those who were in the studio with Michael that the vocals on the new album are his own."

The label has said that "Breaking News" was recorded by Jackson at a friend's house in New Jersey in 2007 and described it as having recently been "brought to completion." Sony has not revealed how much work was done on the tracks for Michael or which producers were involved.

What do you think of the new Michael Jackson song? Tell us in the comments.

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Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1651748/20101108/jackson_michael.jhtml

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'Harry Potter And Deathly Hallows - Part 1': The Reviews Are In!

The die-hards won't care what the critics say, but what they're saying is pretty positive.
By Eric Ditzian


Daniel Radcliffe in "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1"
Photo: Warner Bros.

When it comes to matters of box-office bucks, a film like "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1" is pretty much critic-proof. Its opening gross is usually insulated from critics tapping away at keyboards far removed from theaters where fans tote broomsticks and battle with faux-magical wands in the aisles.

Just try keeping those cosplayers at home. But, regardless of critical opinion — which just so happens to be largely positive — "Deathly Hallows" is shaping up to have one of the biggest openings ever. Prognosticators are eyeing a debut in the range of $130 million, good for the top "Potter" opening in franchise history and fifth place on the all-time list. And, as fans rush out to the multiplex in the opening hours in much the same way that Twilighters do, "Part 1" has a shot at besting "New Moon" and its $72.7 million first-day gross last year.

But should you brave the long lines and the frenetic energy of "Potter" obsessives? Do yourself a favor and check out what the critics are saying before you begin drawing a Harry-esque lightning bolt on your forehead.

The Story

" 'Deathly Hallows' is immensely satisfying. Nonetheless, things are gloomier than ever before: Harry, Hermione and Ron (Rupert Grint) are adrift; their anchor, Hogwarts, is no longer a safe haven. 'I must be the one to kill Harry Potter,' says the evil Voldemort, at the beginning of the film, setting the stage for the ultimate standoff. Dark forces amass against Harry and his allies, the Order of the Phoenix, who assemble for a thrilling skyborne escape early in the film. The fearless trio invades the Ministry of Magic in amusingly frumpy grown-up disguise, searches for Horcruxes (pieces of Voldemort's soul, to be used against him), spends a little too much time camping, and leaves you wishing 'Part II' were coming next week, not next summer." — Moira Macdonald, The Seattle Times

What If You Haven't Read the Books?

"Though I've seen all the films, there were times when I had no idea what they were talking about. Indeed, there are times when Hermione has to explain to Harry. My cluelessness didn't bother me, because the film depends more on mood and character than many of the others, and key actions seem to be alarmingly taking place off-screen." — Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

The Comparison to Earlier "Potter" Flicks

"Not that 'Deathly Hallows' is grim, exactly. But it is, to an unusual and somewhat risky degree, sadder and slower than the earlier films. It is also much less of a showcase (or bank vault, as the case may be) for the middle and senior generations of British actors. Many of the familiar faces show up — including Ralph Fiennes as Voldemort, Helena Bonham Carter as Bellatrix LeStrange, and, of course, Alan Rickman as Severus Snape — but they move along after a scene or two. ... The movie, in other words, belongs solidly to Mr. Radcliffe, Mr. Grint and Ms. Watson, who have grown into nimble actors, capable of nuances of feeling that would do their elders proud. One of the great pleasures of this penultimate 'Potter' movie is the anticipation of stellar post-'Potter' careers for all three of them." — A.O. Scott, The New York Times

The Dissenters

"The decision by David Heyman (who has produced all the films), Steve Kloves (who's scripted all but one) and David Yates (who will have directed the last four of the eight) to cut the final book into two features — whatever its sense as a business strategy — meant slowing the story down just as it should rev up. Instead of scooting like a Golden Snitch during a Quidditch championship, 'DH1' is struck with a long spell of aimlessness, and the viewer with the curse of ennui." — Richard Corliss, Time

The Final Word

"Ultimately, this movie's not for Muggles like me — it's for the millions and millions of Harry Potter fans who, quibbles aside, will welcome its arrival as a blessed event. It's evidence of how happily critic-proof these movies are that even the Warner Bros. logo — rendered in what looked to be rusting iron — was applauded when it appeared on the screen. After the movie, as the credits began to roll (to Alexandre Desplat's conventional but nonetheless transporting score), the girl on my left — perhaps 15 or 16 — whispered tearfully to her companion: 'So good. God, I can't wait for July.' That's all the critical analysis this movie needs." — Dana Stevens, Slate

Check out everything we've got on "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1."

For young Hollywood news, fashion and "Twilight" updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com.

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Michael Jackson Cirque Du Soleil Tour Details Revealed

'Michael will be represented in every way possible,' writer/director Jamie King tells MTV News.
By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Matt Elias


Michael Jackson
Photo: Al Messerschmidt Archive / Getty Images

Michael Jackson might be gone, but he's certainly not forgotten. With new music to be released on his posthumous album and a Jackson-centric Cirque du Soleil show set to hit the road next fall, MJ's pop-culture influence is still going strong.

When MTV News spoke to writer/director Jamie King, who is helming the Cirque du Soleil Immortal World Tour, he made it clear that when fans come out to see the show, Jackson's presence will be felt.

"It started with the music for me. I had to go back. I mean, we all know the Michael Jackson hits, but I really just wanted to sit and remember why I, as a fan, loved Michael and what his lyrics meant to me," he said. "I really started there, and ... it kind of became a snowball, wherein a story was being created for me. I was invited to Neverland [Ranch], and once I got there, I knew this was the environment I wanted to create for this show.

"Michael will be represented in every way possible, and that is from the video elements, holographic-type images and installation pieces to, of course, the choreography and that energy he gave onstage," King continued. "Essentially, there are living beings that are giving that energy that Michael would. Michael's lead vocal will always be there, because no one could sing it like Michael, but around that and outside of that, I'm going to be playing with remixing and mashing up, as well as give you some surprises and unreleased songs."

Without giving away too much about the 90-minute Jackson spectacular, King teased a bit about what Jackson maniacs can expect: "Michael's songs are the score for the show, and they guide us and lead us. ... Essentially, it's about following several characters as they get transported through a portal into Michael's world. This place is Neverland. In that world, we discover all kinds of things about Michael. Things we know ... and secrets."

What are you expecting from the MJ Cirque du Soleil show? Let us know in the comments!

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Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1651758/20101108/jackson_michael.jhtml

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'Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows': 10 Best Cast Quotes

From Daniel Radcliffe on being short to Rupert Grint talking about his ice cream truck, these are our favorite quotes from the 'Harry Potter' cast.
By Eric Ditzian


Emma Watson and Josh Horowitz
Photo: MTV News

We're gonna miss these kids.

Yes, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1" doesn't come out for another day, and "Part 2" will be coming down the line next year. But we're already starting to get nostalgic about those wizards and witches — folks we've come to know well over the past decade and who entertain us on and off the big screen.

At least we've been able to spend a lot of time with Emma Watson, Daniel Radcliffe and their pals over the past year as they finished off the "Deathly Hallows" shoot and embarked on an international media tour. They've joked and laughed with us. They've opened up about the prospects of leaving behind a franchise that has been all-consuming for the past 10 years. They've even practiced their American accents with us.

Of all our chats with the actors, though, a few lines were especially memorable. Check out our 10 favorite quotes from the "Deathly Hallows" cast.

10. "They came up and said, 'How are you feeling? How are you doing?' And I couldn't find any words, and I just said, 'I just want you to know, I've had a really nice time.' And it was such a young, quite innocent, sweet thing to say, that I kind of caught myself off-guard. That was the moment when I suddenly had a lump in my throat and was like, 'OK, I'm really going to have to struggle to keep it together on the last shot,' which was a stunt, very simple, just jumping and rolling onto a map." — Daniel Radcliffe on his final day of shooting on the franchise

9. "I like my teeth. I had fake teeth. It's a beauty tip: Use fake teeth. The [teeth] plumped up my upper lip, which makes you look younger. It's like having collagen without having collagen because it makes the lip fuller. Always get false teeth." — Helena Bonham Carter on her character's makeup effects

8. "I drove it down on the last day and served ice cream to everyone. I haven't quite perfected the technique. It kind of came out in a jet." — Rupert Grint on the ice cream truck he rented to serve the cast and crew on the final day of production

7. "For nearly two months, we've all been doing prosthetic tests and all sorts of preparation for the epilogue. I've been having some aging training. You've got to walk differently. There's a slump in your walk. ... It's bizarre. We have a lovely guy who comes in. It was a little weird the first time — imagine you've got weights on your arms! There have been a number of times where I nearly laughed and I had to hold it in." — Tom Felton on preparing for the "Deathly Hallows" epilogue scene

6. "I was worried on a personal level because I wanted to be slightly taller than I am, ideally. But I've now accepted it. Basically, I came to the conclusion a while ago that you can either be really bitter about it or you can make loads of funny jokes." — Daniel Radcliffe on accepting the fact that he's short

5. "You have to embrace the totality of his evilness. He's like the devil." — Ralph Fiennes on playing Voldemort

4. "Basically, it amounted to the fact that she felt I had been very good in this 'Harry Potter' film, and as a reward for that, she wasn't going to make any more 'Harry Potter' [books]." — Daniel Radcliffe on a text message he received from J.K. Rowling

3. "I would have been public enemy #1, I think, if I hadn't continued. I did think about that." — Emma Watson on once considering quitting the franchise

2. "You know why I retweeted it, because you know that's the only list you'll ever see where I'm ahead of Robert Pattinson for something to do with sexiness, which is completely untrue and unfathomable, but I will take it in great stead." — Tom Felton on winning Hollywood Crush's Top 10 "Harry Potter" Hotties competition

1. "I don't know, take it off?" — Emma Watson on how she can convince 100 percent of fans to approve of her red carpet dress

Check out everything we've got on "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1."

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/1652581/20101118/story.jhtml

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Rickie Fowler: Golf's Fresh Prince

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LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- A day before Rickie Fowler's opening round 6-under par 66 Thursday in the Children's Miracle Network Classic at Disney World, kids lined up, waiting for the PGA Tour rookie to walk past on his way to the driving range, ready to thrust assorted items -- golf balls, programs, caps -- in his direction, hoping for an autograph. Some, a bit more bold, voiced requests for him to stop for pictures.

Fowler was accommodating. The 21-year-old stopped, signed, posed and even chatted. The youngsters all but swooned, many of the boys sporting the Fowler look: shaggy hair and over-sized, bucket-like cap turned backward.

Then Fowler did the darnedest thing: He thanked each of the young followers for their interest and support.

The former junior motocross racer with a home-grown golf swing, wacky wardrobe and bad need of a haircut may be a square peg in the round hole that is the PGA Tour, but whatever "it'' is, Fowler has it by the truckload.

"It's pretty cool," Fowler said Thursday, recalling previous day's practice range scene. "I definitely like to have fans. I like to have an influence on other people, and definitely like to draw new fans in.

"I guess I have more of a draw to the younger crowd. And it's always cool to see more and more kids showing up and getting their interest in golf up."

His impact has been sudden. A year ago Fowler wasn't even a member of the PGA Tour. Now he has earned more than $2.6 million on the strength of two runner-up finishes and six top-10s. He became the first rookie to ever play on the U.S. Ryder Cup team, and responded with stellar play.




"Obviously, looking back a year ago from where I came from to where I am now, it's pretty cool," he said.

 

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Source: http://golf.fanhouse.com/2010/11/11/rickie-fowler-golfs-fresh-prince/

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