Early buzz: 'Fanboys,' 'Top Chef,' 'Darko' and more

It's Friday! Congratulations on surviving another week.

Last night I attempted to shop for something to wear during this snazzy Torchwood panel, but no luck. However, I did engage in many interesting conversations with shop owners about Bettie Page, Anthrax, The Zombies and other topics, so it wasn't a wasted evening.

I'm heading to New York Comic Con in a little bit, but check out some headlines now:

- We give the long-delayed Fanboys two-and-a-half stars.

- If you can't find Fanboys in your area, that's because it's only opening on 44 screens.

- About 280 people have died on this season of 24 so far.

- Jennifer Aniston and Jason Bateman have signed up to do a comedy together.

- Hayden Panettiere has denied rumors that she's leaving Heroes.

- True Blood comes out on DVD in May.

- Yeah, I was also pretty miffed about this week's Top Chef. (Don't read if you haven't seen it yet.)

- If you liked seeing Eric Ripert on this week's Top Chef, you'll be happy to hear that he just got his own cooking show.

- The star of Burn Notice just got a huge raise.

- SuicideGirls talks to Eliza Dushku about Dollhouse.

- The Donnie Darko sequel is going directly to DVD.

- Ticketmaster has apologized to Bruce Springsteen after the Boss posted an angry message on his website about a ticket disaster.

- Here's a look back at the life of Cramps singer Lux Interior through a series of photos.

- Could a nine-months-pregnant M.I.A. perform at the Grammys?

- Blink-182 is reuniting at the Grammys.

- Anyone interested in Star Trek cologne?

- Kristen Bell + Chewbacca = a geek's dream come true.

- From The Onion: "Dad Tests Limit of Cheesecake Factory Vibrating Pager."

- And if you need a date for Valentine's Day, you may want to try your IT department. This contest is searching for the hottest IT guy in America.

Early buzz: Candy movie, 'Big Love,' Lux memories, more

Good morning to you -- maybe by now you've had enough enough time to process last night's Lost episode, which is being discussed here.

Also, I'm still taking your questions for Saturday's Torchwood panel, so let me know if anything comes to mind. As for today's headlines, here they are:

- I hate to start the day with sad news, but Lux Interior, lead singer of The Cramps, has died. Watch this video in his honor:

- Universal Pictures is making a movie based on the board game Candy Land. Hmm.

- The Associated Press is accusing artist Shepard Fairey of copyright infringement of an Obama photograph.

- Bill Paxton talks about Big Love in this Q&A. HBO just renewed the show for a fourth season.

- Things are getting ugly between Hilary Duff and Faye Dunaway. (Duff was just cast in a Bonnie and Clyde remake.)

- Amber Heard may star opposite Johnny Depp in an adaptation of Hunter S. Thompson's Rum Diary. Apparently, the role calls for lots of nudity.

- TNT's Trust Me (the show with Eric McCormack and Tom Cavanagh) isn't doing so well.

- Fanboys is finally arriving in theaters, and here's a clip featuring William Shatner.

- From Nip/Tuck to Grey's Anatomy, it's been a pretty cruddy season for lesbians on TV.

- NPR has a story about Steve Martin's love of the banjo.

- OK, it's settled: The whole digital TV conversion thing won't happen until June.

- Wow, can you imagine Harvey Pekar's American Splendor ... as an opera?

- A reader sent me this story of how one Star Wars fan gave another fan a kidney!

- The Office's Mindy Kaling does an online chat today at 11 a.m. ET.

- A club in Toronto is organizing a rock concert for the deaf.

- Stephen King is not a Twilight fan.

- Kenneth Branagh "gets" Thor.

- Here's a short about a guy who decides to watch all four seasons of Lost in three days.

- And finally, a new Lonely Island song (featuring T-Pain) has leaked. It's called I'm On A Boat, and it's probably best if you don't hear it at work!

Early buzz: Hamm pics, Beasties, an axed fest, more

Good morning! I hope all is well -- last night the snow kept me home, so I previewed the first episode of Eastbound & Down with Danny McBride. It's pretty funny, though I think I could watch McBride do just about anything and it would make me giggle. Catch the premiere Feb. 15.

A few headlines:

- The Langerado music festival has been cancelled because of "sluggish ticket sales." The lineup was supposed to include Death Cab for Cutie, Modest Mouse and Ryan Adams.

- Joaquin Phoenix swears his hip-hop career is not a hoax.

- Check out some photos of the 30 Rock episode featuring Jon Hamm.

- You can download the new Smashing Pumpkins song featured in the Hyundai Super Bowl ad right here.

- The L.A. Times profiles former Sex Pistol Steve Jones, who is now looking for work.

- The A.V. Club interviews three members of The State (David Wain, Thomas Lennon and Kerri Kenney-Silver).

- MySpace is streaming new albums from Lily Allen and the Black Keys' Dan Auerbach.

- The Beastie Boys have reissued a 20th anniversary edition of Paul's Boutique.

- You can see most of Viola Davis' Oscar-nominated performance from Doubt online.

- Here's a quick Q&A with Ted Danson from Damages.

- Oh, no. ABC's Cupid sounds like it may be in trouble. Again.

- A new study has linked TV viewing and depression.

- Ticketmaster and Live Nation could merge.

- I didn't notice at first, but there's a new opening-credit sequence for The Office.

- My Chemical Romance's Gerard Way talks about his favorite comics.

- Ha, here are some pics of a young Simon Cowell in 1979.

- Is the singer for Fleet Foxes launching a side project?

- And finally, I think Barney from How I Met Your Mother would love The Inspiratomatic. Every time you refresh, it delivers a new inspirational poster.

Early buzz: Buddy Holly, Barney Stinson and more

Hello! I hope all is well -- last night I stayed in and ate tacos. I'm starting to get really excited about New York Comic Con, which is just around the corner.

For now, though, we have headlines:

- Bruce Springsteen and Phish headline Bonnaroo this year.

- Today marks the 50th anniversary of "the day the music died." Buddy Holly was just 22 when he was killed in a plane crash with Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper.

- How I Met Your Mother fans may want to visit http://barneysvideoresume.com and www.mysteriousdrx.com today.

- Erykah Badu Twittered about giving birth last weekend.

- An audio file of Christian Bale ranting on the set of Terminator Salvation has hit the web. (It's not safe for work, but you can read the story.)

- Did you notice during the Super Bowl ads that Amy Poehler's show has changed its name?

- Holy cow, Fringe's Anna Torv reportedly married her co-star, Mark Valley.

- Flight of the Conchords will embark on a huge U.S. tour this spring.

- AMC has posted a sneak peek of its Prisoner remake.

- Reaper returns March 3, which is earlier than expected.

- Lil Wayne has settled a lawsuit that accused him of using the Rolling Stones' Play with Fire without permission.

- TNT is renewing Leverage. (That's the show with Timothy Hutton.)

- CBS.com has posted a batch of Valetine's Day e-cards.

- What was the deal with that Pepsi-themed MacGruber sketch?

- Aaron Sorkin is writing a courtroom drama that George Clooney may star in and direct.

- Here's the poster for Watchmen's IMAX run.

- Woody Allen's next movie will be released this summer and stars Larry David, Evan Rachel Wood and Patricia Clarkson.

- And finally, this band member's Craigslist ad made me laugh.

Early buzz: Letterman, Loeb, Cera and much more

Hey, guys! I hope you had an excellent weekend -- mine included big fun at the Tim and Eric Awesome Tour (they said it was a record crowd) and good food with D.C. friends. I also watched the Super Bowl ads, halftime show and post-show Office. The game? Not so much.

Take a look at these headlines, and I'll be back shortly:

- Heroes returns tonight, if you're still watching the show.

- Lisa Loeb finally found love! She got married over the weekend.

- Here's the video of David Letterman's tribute to Bill Hicks with Hicks' sweet mother that aired Friday. (Here's part two and three.)

- Speaking of Dave, here's a list of Letterman's "most hilariously awkward moments," from Harvey Pekar to Harmony Korine to Crispin Glover.

- The New York Times has a funny story about a guy who is selling his phone number -- 867-5309 -- on eBay.

- Here's a funny feature about the most disastrous movie and music packaging.

- Slumdog Millionaire's Dev Patel has joined the cast of The Last Airbender.

- Go here to watch the Super Bowl ads if you missed 'em.

- CBS is planning a series called Arranged Marriage where strangers exchange vows on camera. Yikes.

- ABC Family has axed Kyle XY but renewed Greek.

- Crackle has posted a sneak peek of Year One (with Michael Cera and Jack Black) and launched a sweepstakes where you can win a trip to one of six cities.

- More Cera-ish news: What's up with the Scott Pilgrim soundtrack?

- The Smithsonian wants Aretha Franklin's Inauguration Day hat.

- General Hospital is getting a makeover. I'm gonna miss that nurses' station ... (Thanks, Stephanie G.)

- Check out this Q&A with new SNL cast member Michaela Watkins.

- My Chemical Romance have debuted their new music video from the Watchmen soundtrack. It's a cover of Bob Dylan's Desolation Row.

- ABC has ordered a comedy pilot starring Gilmore Girls' Lauren Graham.

- Rick Moranis had an op-ed in the New York Times the other day.

- And finally, did you know Monty Python has a YouTube channel?

Early buzz: Coachella, 'Top Chef,' Rourke and more

Happy Friday! I'm sorry for my absence yesterday, but I'm back for a bit. This afternoon I have to leave for a couple hours to tape a television program. I'll share the details once it's done, but unless something goes awry, it should air soon. Cross your fingers for me -- I still haven't figured out what to wear.

A handful o' headlines:

- The Coachella lineup has been announced. Headliners include The Cure, Paul McCartney, My Bloody Valentine and Morrissey.

- The A.V. Club talks to Friday Night Lights' Taylor Kitsch. Yay.

- Here's an interview with the contestant who was eliminated from Top Chef this week.

- Our reviewer says the Renee Zellweger flick New in Town "may be one of the worst movies of any year."

- Star Wars: The Clone Wars will start airing on TNT Feb. 14.

- Mickey Rourke has found a new project.

- The live-action He-Man movie is in development.

- Former General Hospital star Genie Francis chats about her new TV movie (and GH) in this Q&A.

- I haven't been keeping up with American Idol this season, and this story makes me feel like I haven't missed much from these ridiculous judges.

- Here's a poem the late John Updike had written about his death.

- The deluxe edition of Morrissey's new album includes a conversation between the singer and comedian Russell Brand.

- What are the best Sundance movies of all time?

- In case you were wondering, there's nothing going on between Evan Rachel Wood and Mickey Rourke.

- Neil Gaiman's The Graveyard Book is headed to the big screen, with Neil Jordan directing.

- All week PopMatters has been posting special features to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Motown.

- Here's a quick rundown of musicians/bands who use Twitter.

- Another Narnia movie is being made after all. Do we care?

- Cracked.com has a list of "20 Baffling Foreign Movie Posters."

- And finally, you can never have too many bacon haikus.

Early buzz: 'Mother' news, new series, 'Watchmen,' more

Good morning! Did you dream about Lost last night? Feel free to join the discussion today, which is already buzzing with Daniel Faraday theories.

Unfortunately, I have an appointment that will take me away from this blog for most of the day. I'll post what I can before I leave, starting with these headlines:

- Paul McCartney appeared on The Colbert Report last night.

- Six Feet Under's Frances Conroy will play Barney's mom on How I Met Your Mother.

- Speaking of Mother, Cobie Smulders says the show is already shooting the season finale because half the cast is pregnant.

- You can watch the season premiere of Showtime's Secret Diary of a Call Girl on YouTube.

- My Chemical Romance's Gerard Way discusses how Watchmen changed his life.

- Lost's Nestor Carbonell swears he does not wear eyeliner.

- NBC is developing a series based on the movie Parenthood.

- In this Q&A, director Zack Snyder talks Watchmen and his "geekiest phase."

- The House defeated a bill to delay the switch to digital TV, so it's still set for Feb. 17.

- RollingStone.com has a sneak preview of the new record from the Black Keys' Dan Auerbach.

- In this feature, Blossom's Mayim Bialik discusses some roles throughout her career (including Beaches).

- The guy who wrote Notorious is now working on a screenplay about Run-DMC.

- Here's a Q&A with Elizabeth Banks, who stars in The Uninvited.

- NBC's Lost in the '80s series will star Billy Campbell.

- Slate looks at Wendy and Lucy and other "great new movies about America's poor."

- Rachael Ray is throwing another party at South by Southwest this year.

- Transformers' old Soundwave was so much better than the new Soundwave.

- And finally, here's a fun game of "Guess the Lego Movie Star." (Thanks, Tim T.)

Early buzz: A-Team, Muxtape, Joaquin and more

Well, hey there -- how's it going? Last night I stayed in and braced myself for this snowstorm everyone has been worried about. It's definitey coming down right now, so I hope I can make it to my optometrist's office this afternoon without a problem. We shall see.

In any case, now's the time for headlines:

- The great John Updike died yesterday. He was 76.

- This photo gallery examines Updike's life.

- An A-Team movie is on track for a 2010 release.

- Director John Landis has sued Michael Jackson for failing to pay profits from the Thriller video.

- Muxtape is sort of back, with a new business model.

- Paul McCartney appears on tonight's Colbert Report.

- What, you mean Joaquin Phoenix's rap career might be a hoax? I'm shocked.

- Tomb Raider could be getting a big-screen "reboot."

- The A.V. Club interviews This American Life's Ira Glass.

- The Washington Post talks to Wendy and Lucy director Kelly Reichardt.

- This list takes a stab at the 100 greatest debut albums of all time.

- Studios plan to launch a new movie channel that will compete with HBO and Showtime on the web before it comes to television.

- I'm still hoping for a Machete movie, too.

- Amy Poehler's TV series will be called Public Service.

- Rosie O'Donnell has stopped blogging.

- Here's everything you need to know about Flight of the Conchords in four minutes. (Link via TV Tattle.)

- Here's a Q&A with Kirk Cameron.

- There was a rumor David Bowie was going to resurrect Ziggy Stardust (ha!), but Bowie has denied it.

- These Watchmen Halloween costumes are a little silly.

- And three things I love that go well together: zombies, Hello Kitty and cake.

Early buzz: 'Coraline,' Weezer, Jon Hamm, more

Good morning! I hope you had a great night -- I attended a screening of Coraline and really enjoyed it. The film was shot in stereoscopic 3-D, so it looks spectacular. I was also concerned about whether the filmmakers would try to Disney-ize the story, but the movie definitely retains the book's creepiness. I'd certainly recommend it, especially if you're a fan of The Nightmare Before Christmas. (I sat next to two girls who periodically checked on each other by whispering, "Are you scared?" It was very cute, but it also lets you know there are some dark plot twists.)

On with some headlines:

- A bunch of '80s-inspired shows are on the way, included a remake of the miniseries V and "an '80s version of The Wonder Years."

- Congratulations to Neil Gaiman on winning the Newbery Medal for The Graveyard Book.

- Hilary Duff is starring in an indie adaptation of the story of Bonnie and Clyde.

- Daniel Craig has joined the cast of Tintin.

- The A.V. Club has an interview with Weezer's Rivers Cuomo.

- Here's a peek at Jon Hamm on 30 Rock.

- Once couple Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova are no longer together.

- I might actually watch The Amazing Race this season, since actor/screenwriter Mike White is a contestant. Here's a preview.

- The switch to digital TV is expected to be moved to June.

- The remains of Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry and his wife will be shipped to space next year.

- Is The L Word making a mistake by killing one of its main characters? I think most of us would say yes.

- Scott Bakula is heading to Chuck.

- Here's a fun list of "notable computers on TV."

- Frank Black's latest project is a collaboration with his wife.

- More people are flocking to Netflix because of its ability to stream movies online.

- Please don't remake Absolutely Fabulous. (Have we learned nothing from Kath & Kim?)

- We shouldn't be surprised to hear the Fantastic Four franchise is dead.

- And finally, these Watchmen toys are too cute!

Early buzz: Berman's breakup, Radiohead rumor, 'Real World,' more

Hello there! That weekend flew by, so I hope you made the most of it -- I went to the Museum of Modern Art, listened to music, watched some movies and tried to de-stress. The only thing I didn't do was buy snow boots, so let's hope we don't get a blizzard in the next few days.

A few headlines for breakfast:

- David Berman has announced the breakup of his band, Silver Jews.

- Molly Ringwald is pregnant.

- Fred Armisen and Mad Men's Elisabeth Moss are engaged.

- Sara Gilbert has been demoted to a recurring character on The Big Bang Theory.

- We have a review of a new stage adaptation of Hedda Gabler starring Mary-Louise Parker.

- The next season of The Real World will be held in Cancun.

- Radiohead is expected to perform at the Grammys.

- Does anyone still care about Miss America?

- Mickey Rourke may participate in Wrestlemania 25.

- The director of Coraline talks about the film.

- I was upset that I couldn't see Animal Collective perform last week, but hey, I can stream it!

- Sign of a bad economy: MAD magazine is going from a monthly to a quarterly publication.

- Michelle Ryan (the girl we didn't like on Bionic Woman) will be appearing on Doctor Who.

- Paper has an interview with "L.A. power couple" Danny Masterson and Bijou Phillips.

- Is Paul McCartney getting married again?

- Is there trouble with Seth Rogen's Green Hornet movie?

- Here's an update on the Watchmen viral campaign.

- Here's a Q&A with Chris Rock about his new documentary, Good Hair.

- And finally, a Wal-Mart employee was arrested for rolling back prices last week. She sold more than $500 of merchandise to a woman for only $5.