Talk show host Ellen DeGeneres said she was "proud and happy" that retail store J.C. Penney had stood by her in the face of a conservative anti-gay campaign, and said there was no such thing as a "pro-gay bandwagon."

Breaking her silence on the furor, DeGeneres, one of America's best known gay celebrities, also poked fun at the One Million Moms group who had urged J.C. Penney to drop her as a spokeswoman because she is a lesbian and said they would boycott the store.

"For those of you are just tuning in for the first time, it's true. I'm gay. I hope you were sitting down," DeGeneres told viewers of "The Ellen DeGeneres Show."

"They (One Million Moms) wanted to get me fired and I am proud and happy to say that J.C. Penney stuck by their decision to make me their spokesperson," she said.

The group, a division of the socially conservative American Family Association, claimed that J.C. Penney was trying to gain a new target market by "jumping on the pro-gay bandwagon" with its hiring of DeGeneres to revamp their clothing and household brand.

"Being gay or pro-gay isn't a bandwagon. You don't get a free ride anywhere. There's no music. And occasionally we'll sing 'We Are Family' but that's about it," she said.

She also noted that the One Million Moms group "only have 40,000 members on their (Facebook) page. So they're rounding up to the nearest million and I get that."

DeGeneres, who has some 9 million followers on Twitter, said she preferred to avoid talking about such matters on her show "and normally I try not to pay attention to my haters, but this time I'd like to talk about it because my haters are my motivators."

DeGeneres made her comments at a taping on Tuesday for the show that will be broadcast on Wednesday.

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Tom Cruise starred as the vampire Lestat in "Interview With the Vampire."

If "Twilight's" vampires are too romantic and sparkly for you, then you're in luck. Best-selling author Anne Rice revealed to her fans on her Facebook fanpage Tuesday that the fourth novel in her "Vampire Chronicles" series is about to be turned into a film.

"Imagine, Brian Grazer and Ron Howard's company, has optioned the motion picture rights to 'The Tale of the Body Thief,' " she wrote.

Yes, the beautiful, blond, bad-boy vampire Lestat, a central character in her series, may soon return to the big screen. The bloodsucker famously appeared in theaters in 1994's adaptation of the first book in the series, "Interview With the Vampire." Tom Cruise played the role of Lestat in the Oscar-nominated film, but no rumors yet on whether the actor will reprise the role.

In "Body Thief," Lestat grows lonely and suicidal, but soon finds himself in a human body after a psychic steals his immortal vessel.

According to EW.com, Imagine will be partnering with film producers Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci -- who worked on 2009's  "Star Trek" -- to bring Lestat to life again. The magazine also reports that the producers are aiming to have a script to show studios in a month.

Who should play the vampire this time? Give us your picks in the comments!

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Equality for all!

On Tuesday, a San Francisco, Calif., federal appeals court declared that Proposition 8 -- the 2008 voter-enacted ban on same-sex marriages in California -- was unconstitutional.

Photos from Us: LGBT allies

Once the three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 2-1 that Prop 8 was in violation of the U.S. Constitution, celebs immediately took to Twitter to react.

"Today we took another step towards equality. #Prop8 was found unconstitutional again. I couldn't be happier," tweeted Ellen DeGeneres, who married partner Portia de Rossi in 2008.

Photos from Us: Ellen and Portia's love story

"Are my ears hearing this correctly? If so my eyes are filling with tears of joy! Thank you Lord," Kelly Osbourne wrote on the microblogging site, adding the hashtag #Prop8IsUnconstitutional. Replied "Gossip Girl's" Michelle Trachtenberg to Osbourne: "Prop Hate!!"

"Modern Family's" Eric Stonestreet and Jesse Tyler Ferguson also expressed excitement that same-sex marriage is now legalized in the state of California, where their series tapes.

Photos from  Us: Out and proud stars

In a Twitter message posted by Ferguson, the actors told fans that "Mitch and Cameron have a question for you," and linked to a photo of themselves holding a sign that said "how could you not want to see us tie the knot?"

On the Emmy-winning ABC series, the actors play a gay couple who have a young daughter but are not officially married.

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Jason Segel joins the Muppet version of his character to sing "Man or Muppet."

OPINION

Look, if the Academy Awards hate the best song category so much, why don't they just dump it completely?

First, only two songs instead of five were nominated for the best original song Academy Award. That means the group skipped over songs by Mary J. Blige, Elton John, Chris Cornell, and because of a bizarre rule, Madonna. Her song "Masterpiece" from "W.E." won the Golden Globe, but it's not Oscar eligible because it's the second song played in the closing credits, not the first. That sounds kind of like one of those random rules somebody scribbled on the list at the last minute if you ask us.

And now, according to Deadline.com, the two songs that did get nominated won't be performed at the Feb. 26 ceremony.

To some viewers, this is surely a good thing, but we always like hearing the songs. The little snippets from the various films can only give you a tiny idea of whether Brad Pitt is a better actor than George Clooney, or whether the costumes from "Hugo" are better than those in "Jane Eyre." But the song category lays it all on the table. You hear the whole song. You get to make your own judgment.

I still remember Robin Williams singing "Blame Canada" in 2000, dancing with a sexy kickline of female Mounties and calling Anne Murray the B-word with all the joy he could muster. That song losing to a Phil Collins tune is one of the great Oscar travesties of all time, but at least Oscar viewers could compare the songs mano a mano for themselves.

The Oscars can be a dry, dull night. Once you get past the glamorous gowns, the speeches are often long and boring, the hosts' jokes are usually groaners, and the memorial montage always leaves someone out. Why dump the one chance to break up the snores with a quick song or two? (For the record, we also think the Miss America pageant should show every bit of the weirdest contestant talent segments -- do you know they had a jump roper this year and didn't show her performance?)

There's still hope -- Deadline quotes one source saying that the show's lineup isn't set yet and "decisions about this and other things continue to be evaluated." So we'll see.

Even though there are just two, this year's Oscar songs, "Man or Muppet" and "Real in Rio,"  could both be entertainingly staged. Don't tell us that some singing Muppets on stage wouldn't be a better use of our viewing time than hearing someone introduce the accountants.

Should the nominated songs be performed at the Oscars? Tell us on Facebook.

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Robert Downey Jr. and his wife Susan Downey.

Robert Downey Jr. is a proud papa again.

A rep confirmed that the actor's wife Susan gave birth to son Exton Elias Downey on Tuesday morning. The baby boy weighed in at 7 pounds, 5 ounces and is 20 inches long.

"Everyone is healthy and they couldn’t be happier," People magazine quotes a friend of the couple as saying. It's the first child for Susan Downey, 38.

The "Sherlock Holmes" star, 46, has a son, 18-year-old Indio, from his previous marriage.

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Win Mcnamee / Getty Images

Madonna performs at the Super Bowl halftime show.

Well, it's safe to say that Piers Morgan won't be first in line for tickets to Madonna's just-announced world tour.

The pontificating Brit continued his public assault on America's long-reigning Material Girl while chatting with E!'s own Chelsea Handler last night, blasting Madonna's Super Bowl halftime show as a "gruesome" performance.

Where's M.I.A.'s middle finger when you really need it?

MORE: What did you think of Madonna's halftime show? Check it out now!

"I know you're a huge fan," the "Chelsea Lately" host sarcastically prompted her guest, who has made no bones about his dislike of the singer before, having preemptively banned her from ever appearing on his CNN show (as if).

"That Super Bowl performance, it was like watching your mad drunken aunt at Christmas," Morgan said. "Is it just me? I keep reading all these celebrities tweeting, saying, 'Wasn't she awesome?' No, she wasn't. She was gruesome."

At least it's not as if there was any love lost between the duo over Piers' fighting words.

MORE: How'd Kelly Clarkson's national anthem rendition go? Watch and judge!

"I don't like the woman and she doesn't like me, but at least I've found I have got one common ground with Madonna," he continued. "Neither of us have sung live at the Super Bowl."

Me-ow.

David Furnish's new best friend continued on, even in the face of a mild defense from Handler, who interjected, "I have to say that I thought she was singing real."

So was Piers swayed? Nah.

MORE: Find out which fellow Brit went head-to-head with Piers

What did you think of Madonna's Super Bowl performance? Tell us on Facebook.

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Columbia Pictures

Andrew Garfield plays Peter Parker in "The Amazing Spider-Man," which reboots the movie franchise.

The first full trailer for "The Amazing Spider-Man," the reboot of the comic-book movie franchise that hits theaters July 3, has been released and savored by Spidey fans everywhere.

That's Andrew Garfield, who played Mark Zuckerberg's pal-turned-foe in "The Social Network," replacing Tobey Maguire. So far, we like the casting choice -- Garfield has a bit of that teen angst in his voice despite being 28, and he's nerdy enough that it's believable when he gets slammed around by the school jocks.

Emma Stone's normally a redhead, but she's blonde for her role as Peter Parker's girlfriend. Remember, she's not playing redheaded Mary Jane Watson here -- she's Peter's earlier girlfriend, Gwen Stacy. No spoilers here, but fans of the comics know what that means.

Rhys Ifans plays Dr. Chuck Connors, whom Peter knows as a friend of his late father, but he's also the film's villain, the creepy Lizard, and the trailer gives fans a quick look at the slimy green guy. Martin Sheen and Sally Field play Uncle Ben and Aunt May, Peter's

The trailer also gives us two fairly funny lines -- Peter saying "You seriously think I'm a cop in a skin-tight red and blue suit?" to a car thief, and Gwen's father (played by Denis Leary), a police captain, saying "Thirty-eight of New York's finest vs. one guy in a unitard." Yep, that about covers it.

If you're seeing "Phantom Menace" in 3-D this weekend, you'll reportedly get the "Amazing Spider-Man" trailer in 3-D before the film. The 3-D trailer is also supposed to appear online Wednesday, for those of you who just happen to have a pair of those funny glasses sitting around. There's some amazing Spidey flipping in the trailer that should look great in the extra dimension.

Gotta say, this trailer looks pretty promising. With great power comes great impatience. July 3 is still five months away.

What did you think of the trailer? Will you see 'The Amazing Spider-Man'? Tell us on Facebook.

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Kate Gosselin on "Dancing With the Stars," Marcel Vigneron of "Top Chef" and NaOnka Mixon of "Survivor: Nicaragua."

There’s nothing like a reality TV villain to inspire bad words from good viewers. Just see the comments that Conda Britt -- who’s been busy making her eye-rolling, complaint-filled presence known on “The Biggest Loser” this season -- has brought out from some of our Facebook pals.

“OMG I want to smack her.” “I can’t stand Conda.” “(She’s) a total b-----...”

You get the idea.

Of course, Conda’s just the latest in a long line of reality TV contestants to get us gabbing. Long before she started bad-mouthing fellow players and backtalking her trainer (seriously, Conda, show Dolvett Quince some respect), plenty of other hot heads earned their spots on our worst-players-ever list.

Here are a few of our top contenders:

NaOnka Mixon (“Survivor: Nicaragua”): If you thought “King Troll” Russell Hantz and Jonny Fairplay were bad, all thoughts of those two men were banished once you witnessed NaOnka’s atrocious behavior on the show. She spouted hateful comments toward her fellow players, stole and hid food from the tribe, knocked over a woman who wore a prosthetic leg and more. Then, SHE QUIT THE GAME! And it didn’t end there. Even after her season aired, she refused to apologize for her actions, telling E! Online, “I played the game exactly the way I said I would at the beginning: I would lie, cheat and steal, I would be faker than faux fur, I would pretend to be your friend and stab you in the back. I lived up to that.” All righty, then.

Kate Gosselin (“Dancing With the Stars” season 10): When it comes to bad attitudes on “DWTS,” the reality TV mom takes the cake. (Although Bristol Palin does deserve an honorable mention.) The problems allegedly started even before the season did. Her pro partner, Tony Dovolani, reportedly complained that “she doesn’t listen and can’t take direction.” (Well, no wonder she moved like a mannequin on the dance floor.)  Her bossy and argumentative ways in rehearsals quickly got to the usually patient and encouraging pro, who was so fed up by week two he (temporarily) quit the show during their practice. During her long, five-week stint on the ballroom bash, Kate also put her whininess, combativeness and weepiness on full display, and even her most ardent supporters couldn’t stand to phone in their votes for her anymore to keep her dancing.

Marcel Vigneron (“Top Chef” season 2 and All-Stars): Some may remember Marcel as the master jerk, er, master cook who harangued his fellow contestants on the second season of “Top Chef,” while others might remember him as the returning jer--chef who baited his competition during the show’s all-star season. But no matter where you remember him from, you’re bound to remember his bad attitude and big ego -- and his foam.  Yes, the only thing more annoying than Marcel’s bleep-packed outbursts (which, FYI, are far more tolerable when set to music) was his commitment to smother otherwise appetizing meals in that always-unappealing foam.

Gretchen Jones (“Project Runway” season 8): OK, let’s just put aside her totally flabbergasting win (featuring granny panties ... granny panties, Michael Kors and Nina Garcia!) over the genuinely brilliant Mondo for the sake of this argument. Let’s stick to her -- as many recappers noted -- Grinch-like personality: She was bossy, controlling, whiny, conceited, belligerent, manipulative and, as fellow contestant April declared, two-faced. (April also called her Hitler, but even we admit that was going a tad too far.) And you know someone’s a total jerk when even the always charming and kind mentor Tim Gunn couldn’t stand her behavior anymore and gave her a smackdown in front of everyone.

Courtney Robertson (“The Bachelor” season 16): Of course, Gunn isn’t the only litmus test one can use to tell a true baddie. When Ellen DeGeneres, aka the current queen of daytime and the nicest of “American Idol’s” former nice guys, doesn’t like someone, well, that kind of says it all. And Ellen hasn’t been shy in expressing her dislike for Courtney. It’s Courtney’s in-it-to-win-it (at any cost) attitude that has many of the show’s fans (like Ellen) and former contestants (like Jennifer Fritsch) ready to see her go roseless and leave the show. “Bachelor” Ben Flajnik, on the other hand, seems perfectly content with the manipulative skinny-dipper.

Jonathan Baker and Victoria Fuller (“Amazing Race,” “Fear Factor”): These two aren’t just the worst pair to ever pull up to a pit stop on “The Amazing Race”; they might just be the worst duo in reality TV history. Jonathan made his memorable “TAR” mark after he shoved Victoria -- yes, actually shoved his wife -- because she dared to pick up his discarded backpack and made them several seconds late to the mat. How did he console his weeping wife after that? By reminding her, “This is a race! This isn’t about compassion!” Sigh.But lest anyone worry about Victoria, an episode of “Fear Factor” later revealed that the (former) couple was in fact a perfect match. After some heckling from Jonny Fairplay, the former Playboy playmate punched the ex-“Survivor.” Not to be outdone, Jonathan ended up tussling with host Joe Rogan. Really.

Vicky Vilcan (“The Biggest Loser” season 6): Conda may be the “Loser” that has fans in a tizzy now, but it was once Vicky (with more than a little help from her in-game BFF Heba Salama) who earned all the ire. She was the contestant trainer Bob Harper called “Shakespearean” due to her over-the-top, manipulative ways. If there was drama to be stirred, she was ready and willing. See, Vicky was all about the game and winning it any way she could. (Well, she was also all about eye-rolling and sneering, but Conda may soon snag top “Loser” honors there.) That’s why Bob also called her the biggest game player in the history of the show.  As for what "Loser" fans called her, well, the less said about that the better.

Are there other reality TV baddies who make your list? Tell us on our Facebook page.

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Donna Ward / Getty Images

It's a ruff life for Bow Wow.

A warrant has been issued for his arrest, but a rep for the 24-year-old rapper tells E! News that this "ongoing dispute" is under control.

So just why is the hip hop star in trouble with the law in the first place?

MORE: Bow Wow Reveals Secret Child, Suicidal Thoughts

He's in contempt of court. Back in 2009, the rapper was ordered by a Tennessee court to pay fees to a tour bus company after allegedly not paying his bill. Then on October 20, 2011, a judge in Georgia ordered him to produce documents for the other side. (The tour bus company transferred the suit from Tennessee to Georgia, where Bow Wow lives.)

He's failed to produce the documents, and as a result, the tour bus company filed a motion to have him held in contempt; the judge has since granted the motion and ordered Bow Wow to be taken into custody. (He was also ordered to pay for the other side's legal fees, but it's unclear whether he adhered to this request)

Bow Wow cryptically tweeted a picture of himself in a jail cell on Monday with the caption, "Been here before.... Haha"

MORE: Bow Wow gets an Entourage

"All I know is im on a world tour and I gotta sold out show in Paris France tomar," he wrote. "All they doing is making my album gain momentum."

The rapper's rep told us he "recently hired a new legal team to resolve this and another pending legal matter" and that "his attorneys are handling the affairs through the proper channel and plan to have everything resolved soon."

--Reporting by Sharareh Drury

PICS: Court Appearances

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Hollywood's seemingly never-ending awards season is inching toward a close with the Academy Awards on Feb. 26. On Monday, the nominees for those fancy statues gathered in Beverly Hills to do lunch.

Slideshow: Oscar nominee luncheon

Launch slideshow

George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Meryl Streep, Michelle Williams, Rooney Mara and Viola Davis were among the 150 nominees at the luncheon.

The Associated Press reports that the menu for Hollywood's most-exclusive lunch included chopped vegetable salad; hors d'ouevres featuring Indochina spiced beef and roasted Asian barbecue duck; a main course of Atlantic salmon; and sorbet with mango sauce and berries for dessert.

Check out our attached slideshow of stars posing at the event. And tell us over on Facebook who you're rooting for when the ceremony rolls around later this month.

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Uggie at the Golden Globes

Uggie, who's soared to fame as Jean Dujardin's canine co-star in the Oscar-nominated film "The Artist," might soon go into retirement for an unknown illness.

  'The Artist' dog star Uggie has been rehearsing an Oscar skit with host Billy Crystal (Exclusive)

The Jack Russell's trainer, Omar Von Muller, was quoted as telling the British newspaper The Daily Mail that he suffers from a "mysterious shaking syndrome. It is a neurological disorder and we've spent thousands on vets' bills trying to figure out what is causing it but the experts don't really know."

'The Artist' dog star Uggie retiring from films, brother Dash ready to jump in

Calling the situation "very sad," Muller said Uggie's problems started prior to November 2010, when production began on "The Artist," for which Uggie is nominated for one of two Golden Collar awards in addition to his performance opposite Reese Witherspoon and Robert Pattinson in "Water for Elephants."

PHOTOS: The making of 'The Artist'

"It comes and goes and, ironically, it is worse when he's relaxed. When we were filming you could hardly notice it," said Muller, adding: "It is a shame this has happened when he is getting the biggest success of his career but we feel the best thing to do is to retire him after the Oscars."

In a recent interview with THR, Muller's co-trainer Sarah Clifford said Uggie, who's 10 years old, would retire from his feature film career this year after working 15-hour days on set, most recently for "The Artist."

"We don’t force our dogs to do this," she said "And it always has to be fun for them. Uggie's still enjoying it but he’s getting up there and he’s slowing down a little."

For his purportedly final hurrah, Uggie -- whose brother, Dash, is expected to step in his paws --  will open the Oscars telecast on Feb. 26 alongside host Billy Crystal, according to reports.

Would you spend thousands of dollars trying to find a diagnosis for your own pet? Tell us on Facebook.

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Could Denver Bronco Tim Tebow be going "Dancing"? According to last season's champ, perhaps!

ABC's ballroom bash "Dancing With the Stars" has had quite a few athletes on its dance floor: Ochocinco, Metta World Peace (aka Ron Artest), Emmitt Smith, Hope Solo, Hines Ward, Misty May-Treanor ... the list is seemingly endless!

But now it sounds like another big-named sports star is considering adding his name to the show's marquee. According to season 13 champ, actor and Iraq war vet J.R. Martinez, Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow may be interested in slipping on"Dancing's" sparkly costumes and showing off his moves away from the football field.

Martinez, who was in Indianapolis for the Super Bowl this past weekend, told Celebuzz.com that he ran into the football star and the two men talked "Dancing." The mirror-ball champ said he told Tebow "he'd do pretty well on the show."

Tebow's response? "He said, 'Maybe in a year,' ... That's pretty much what he said," Martinez told Celebuzz.

Should the quarterback actually sign up for season 16 or 17 of the competition in 2013, one of the show's pros has already called dibs on him as her partner. Karina Smirnoff, who was partnered with Martinez, told People last month that she wants to dance with Tebow. "He can run, jump, pass, throw touchdowns," she told the magazine. "All that is missing is to see if he has the dance skills. That would make him an all around athlete and someone that I would love to dance with on the show."

But Smirnoff isn't the only pro with her eyes on a football player. Cheryl Burke appeared on "Good Morning America" Monday and dished on who she wants to dance with in season 14. She pointed out that although she hasn't heard any rumors about who might be in the cast, she's hoping for Victor Cruz, the Giants' wide receiver. "Didn't he have, like, some Salsa? I saw that! I would love to dance with him. I think he would be great," she said during her interview.

The cast of season 14 will be announced on Feb. 28 during "Good Morning America," and the season kicks off March 19.

Would Tebow and Cruz be good options for "Dancing"? Which athlete would you like to see on the show next? Give us your picks on our Facebook page!

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RandyTravis was arrested in Sanger, Texas, on Feb. 6 on a charge of public intoxication.

Grammy award-winning country singer Randy Travis was arrested and charged with public drunkenness on Monday in Sanger, Texas after police found him sitting in his truck, apparently intoxicated, in front of the First Baptist Church.

"An officer detected an odor of alcoholic beverage coming from the person, and he noticed an open bottle of wine in the passenger side of the vehicle," said Sanger Police Chief Curtis Amyx. "His speech was slurred and the officer had a hard time understanding what he was trying to stay."

Amyx said Travis was charged with public intoxication and was released after a couple of hours in the local jail.

He said Travis was parked when the officer spotted him, and he is not charged with drunken driving. Sanger is about an hour north of Dallas.

Travis, 52, is a six-time Grammy Award winner, and is one of the leading stars of country music. He has also been focusing on gospel music, and has won several Dove Awards. As an actor, Travis has appeared in a number of movies, and played a recurring character in the 1990s TV show "Touched by an Angel."

Travis is a North Carolina native, but he owns a ranch in Grayson County, Texas which is west of Sanger. Amyx said he didn't know why Travis -- who he described as cooperative -- was in Sanger.

Public intoxication is a misdemeanor which is punishable by a fine of up to $500.

Does this surprise you? Tell us on Facebook.

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Madison County Sheriff Dept.

Looks like "Teen Mom" star Amber Portwood is finally getting a lucky break this year.

According to TMZ, an Indiana judge today approved the plea deal she struck on Jan. 27. What does this mean? No five-year prison sentence for the reality personality -- at least, not yet. As part of the deal, Portwood pled guilty to felony possession of a controlled substance. She will also have to enter and successfully complete the Madison County Drug Court program. If she fails, she's off to prison. If she's successful, the possession charge in her case will be dismissed.

Portwood is currently still in custody and is awaiting an evaluation by the Drug Court team, according to TMZ. According to the judge in her case, David Happe, the program will decide whether or not to accept her on Thursday, the Herald Bulletin reported.

The legal issues kicked off for Portwood when MTV aired a season two episode of its hit docuseries in 2010 showing the young mother repeatedly punching and slapping then-fiance Gary Shirley in the presence of their toddler, Leah. Portwood pled guilty to two counts  of felony domestic violence in June and was given a two-year suspended sentence and two years of probation.

On Dec. 19, the judge in her case, David Happe, ordered her to be taken into custody for violating the terms of her probation. According to the probation violation report, the list of her offences included taking "substantial steps to commission the criminal offense(s) of Battery and Public Intoxication," failing to pay her probation fees, not depositing money into a college fund for her daughter and not obtaining her GED.

Do you think rehab is the best thing for Amber right now? Or should the judge have put her in prison? Share your thoughts on our Facebook page.

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Interspersed in between the commercials for products shown during the Super Bowl were a half-dozen for major movies coming our way this spring. (Sorry, Bat-fans, no "Dark Knight Rises.")

Here we've ranked them in our order of enjoyment.

"The Dictator"
Sacha Baron Cohen's Borat character is hard for some people to take because he's fooling clueless real people, and some viewers squirm in sympathy. That's not a problem in "The Dictator," in which the only real people who are mocked are the infamous dictators themselves. Baron Cohen plays the all-powerful leader of a fictional country called the Republic of Wadiya. The trailer is brief, but the joke at the Kardashians' expense is pretty fun, as is the race scene. (May 11)

"The Avengers"
"Avengers" fans, you didn't just stop with the 30-second ad shown during the Super Bowl, right? Surely you followed the URL given at the end of the ad and sought out the longer version? Those of us who can't wait to see the Avengers Assemble got a little goosebump or two during the Super Bowl version when Tony Stark called Steve Rogers "Captain." But those who went to the URL listed at the end of the ad got an even better line, when Loki tells Stark "I have an army," and Stark blasts back with "We have a Hulk." Here's that longer version. (May 4.)

"The Lorax"
Confession: At first we thought Danny DeVito's eternally crabby voice was going to drive us away from "The Lorax," but  we're kind of getting used to it. The colors and shapes in this Dr. Seuss adaptation are a delight, and the "that's a woman?" joke is straight out of Louie from "Taxi." (March 2)

"Act of Valor"
Hard not to be fascinated with the Navy SEALs, especially these days. The scene with an aerial view of the American flag being snapped over a casket is breathtaking. You don't get much of a sense of what the movie's about other than SEALs doing their brave duty, but that's kind of the point. (Feb. 24)

"G.I. Joe: Retaliation"
From real American heroes, to Real American Heroes (TM). Yes, those are dueling bald tough guys Bruce Willis and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson." Jay-Z quoted as if he's Shakespeare and Cobra flags being unveiled at the White House highlight this one. (June 29)

"Battleship"
Why is no one making the "B-15! You sank my battleship!" joke in the "Battleship" trailer? Oh, we know, because they're taking it seriously, which only makes us fear this could be as bad as "Battle: Los Angeles." Really, it's better to keep your aliens hidden if they're going to look this dorky. Yes, that's Rihanna who says "Boom." (May 18)

"Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace" in 3-D
This gets our award for most misleading trailer of the night. It starts off with a bunch of scenes from the original trilogy, which isn't being re-released into theaters, before finally admitting that it's for the first of the prequels transformed into 3-D. These are NOT the droids we're looking for. (Feb. 10)

"John Carter"
Oh, "John Carter," we do not have high hopes for you. That is all. (March 9)

Which movie trailer looked best to you? Which was worst? Tell us on Facebook.

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Bill Hinzman in "Night of the Living Dead."

He wasn't the first-ever movie zombie, but he was the first to appear in George A. Romero's 1968 classic, "Night of the Living Dead."

Actor Bill Hinzman has died of cancer at 75, horror site Dread Central is reporting.

His character, dubbed the Graveyard Zombie, makes an appearance early in the film, staggering towards brother and sister Barbara and Johnny in a cemetery, and killing Johnny. The line, "They're coming to get you, Barbara" is famously delivered by Johnny just before Hinzman comes after the siblings.

Other creatures called zombies had been depicted in film, but it was Romero who introduced the slow-walking, flesh-eating undead that we now think of when we hear the term. The movie is a cinema classic, and thousands of variously decaying zombies have attacked humans in films since then, but Hinzman was the first.

Dread Central had high praise for Hinzman. "A fixture on the convention circuit, Bill was always there with a smile for fans, often appearing in costume as the famed ghoul we all grew up with," site contributor Uncle Creepy (!) wrote.

Hinzman later acted in other horror films, and wrote, produced, edited, directed and starred in 1988's "Flesh Eater," in which he appears to play the same zombie from "Night of the Living Dead." He continued to represent the film that made him famous, even answering questions at a Chicago production of "The Musical of the Living Dead."

Are you a fan of George A. Romero's classic zombie films? Tell us on Facebook.

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Marc S. Canter / Getty Images file

Guns N' Roses, from left, Axl Rose, Izzy Stradlin, Slash, Steven Adler and Duff McKagan in Los Angeles in 1985.

There's something strange about watching the hair metal giants of our youth creep into the creepy years. Not that turning 50 is creepy. It's just different when you do it in a kilt or tight leather pants.

Ethan Miller / Getty Images

Axl Rose at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas on Dec. 30.

Axl Rose, lead singer of the all-American hard rockers Guns N' Roses, hits the half-century mark today. Let's celebrate by aiming the hairspray can at THAT birthday cake.

It's hard to argue against Rose's place among rock's biggest success stories of the '80s and '90s. His voice and stage presence were a big arena rock middle finger to dance and pop music. And love him or hate him for it, Rose and his band gave some an antidote to the grunge movement and a moping class of Northwest rockers.

Think back on MTV and remember the distinctive voice of megahits like "Sweet Child o' Mine" and "Welcome to the Jungle." "Axl sings the most beautiful melodies with the most aggressive tones and the most outrageous, freakish range," Skid Row's Sebastian Bach told Rolling Stone in 2008.

And who could forget Rose's skinny blond frame doing that trademark shoulder shuffle dance? It was like a moonwalk for mallrats.

Rose is still at it today as the only remaining member of GNR. The band just announced it would be doing a series of smaller club shows. Short of catching one of your high school classmates whistling through that opening to "Patience" at the local karaoke bar, this is your chance to re-live rock history.

So, happy birthday, Axl. Rock on.

Got any favorite Axl Rose memories? We're turning the volume up on that over on Facebook.

Tobias Schwarz / REUTERS

Robin Gibb, seen here in 2011, says he's back in good health.

After months of speculation, Bee Gees singer Robin Gibb has confirmed what made him so ill last year. BBC News is reporting that Gibb has undergone chemotherapy for cancer and has also suffered from a bowel condition.

The singer told BBC Radio 2 that "The prognosis is that it's almost gone, and I feel fantastic and really from now on it's just what they could describe as a 'mopping-up' operation," he said. "I am very active and my sense of well-being is good."

In January, Gibb's spokesman said he had been undergoing chemotherapy, and Gibb provided more details on Friday, saying, "Well, it's all simple. I was diagnosed with a growth in my colon. It was removed. And I've been treated for that by a brilliant doctor, and in their own words 'the results have been spectacular.'"

Health problems have dogged Gibb, 62, since 2010, when he had to cancel public appearances and spent time in the hospital; last April, he canceled shows in Brazil after he was admitted to a hospital with abdominal pains. Gibb's twin brother Maurice died in 2003 due to complications from a twisted intestine.

But Robin Gibb says he's back to full health now, and will be leading a concert performance of his new album (with son R.J.), "The Titanic Requiem" on April 10.

"I feel better than I did 10 years ago," he said. "If I wanted to tick all the right boxes about sense of well-being, it would be now. This is the way I'd like to feel. I don't know how I could feel any better."

What's your favorite Bee Gees memory? Tell us on Facebook.

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Courtesy of TV One

Roland Martin.

Updated 11:15 a.m. PT: On Monday, Roland Martin issued a statement defending his comments, which he said were against soccer fans, and not gay men.

“Fam, let me address the issue that some in the LGBT community have raised regarding some of my Super Bowl tweets yesterday. I made several cracks about soccer as I do all the time. I was not referring to sexuality directly or indirectly regarding the David Beckham ad, and I'm sorry folks took it otherwise,” he said in a statement.

“It was meant to be a deliberately over the top and sarcastic crack about soccer,” he continued. “I do not advocate violence of any kind against anyone gay, or not. As anyone who follows me on Twitter knows, anytime soccer comes up during football season it's another chance for me to take a playful shot at soccer, nothing more.”

When contacted for comment, CNN referred The Hollywood Reporter to Martin’s statement.

Original story: Roland Martin, a commentator for CNN, sent out a controversial tweet during the Super Bowl that resulted in GLAAD (Gay Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) demanding his removal from the news network.

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After an H&M commercial featuring a scantily clad David Beckham aired (below), Martin wrote on Twitter: "If a dude at your Super Bowl party is hyped about David Beckham's H&M underwear ad, smack the ish out of him!"

In response, GLAAD wrote: "@rolandsmartin Advocates of gay bashing have no place at @CNN #SuperBowl #LGBT"

Martin replied:"@glaad @CNN well you're clearly out of touch and clueless with what I tweeted. Way to assume, but you're way off base."

VIDEO:  Madonna's Halftime Performance at Super Bowl 2012

Martin responded to several tweets that accused him of homophobia, claiming that his comment was meant to be a slight toward soccer fans, and not against gay men. He insisted that he has often criticized soccer fans in America.

In response, GLAAD issued a statement demanding that Martin be fired from CNN.

“Martin has a history of anti-LGBT views. GLAAD is calling on him to be fired, joining many other LGBT activists and bloggers,” reads part of the statement. CNN did not immediately return request for comment.

STORY: Giants Beat Patriots 21-17 at Super Bowl

The statement also pointed out that Martin had made fun of a man for wearing pink earlier in the day. "Who the hell was that New England Patriot they just showed in a head to toe pink suit? Oh, he needs a visit from #teamwhipdatass," he had written.

GLAAD's statement also points out that Martin had allegedly expressed other anti-gay remarks. The organization adds that after Tracy Morgan was criticized for saying "he’d stab his son to death if he said he was gay," Martin wrote on his blog about the incident, seeming to defend Morgan's stand-up commentary. "Say I’m wrong. Fine. Say I’m insensitive to gays and lesbians. Fine. I’ll wait for the usual bigots to say that I’m defending Tracy Morgan because he’s black. Fine," he wrote.

"Sorry, if I'm being honest here and not focusing on political correctness," he continued. "I just believe that many of you would be shocked and amazed that you laughed hysterically at some of the most sexist, homophobic, racist stuff imaginable by comedians of all shapes, sizes, ethnic backgrounds, genders and sexual orientations."

OPINION: Unless You Were a Giants Fan, This Bowl Was Less Than Super

GLAAD also points out that Martin openly supports "conversion therapy" for gay people. On his website in 2006, he wrote, "My wife, an ordained Baptist minister for 20 years, has counseled many men and women to walk away from the gay lifestyle, and to live a chaste life."

THR has requested official comment from CNN.

Martin has appeared on a variety of news shows as a commentator, including "Campbell Brown: No Bias, No Bull," "The Situation Room," "Anderson Cooper's AC360" and "Lou Dobbs Tonight." He is also an author, most recently penning "The First: President Barack Obama's Road to the White House as originally reported by Roland S. Martin."

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Christopher Polk / Getty Images file

Madonna and MIA perform during the Bridgestone Super Bowl XLVI Halftime Show at Lucas Oil Stadium on Feb. 5 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

For all the pomp and excess of Madonna's Super Bowl halftime extravaganza a single extended middle finger by guest singer M.I.A. is likely to be the most remembered piece of the show.

The gesture, accompanied by a barely disguised expletive, came during a performance of Madonna's new single, "Give Me All Your Luvin.'" At the end of her lines, M.I.A. appeared to sing "I don't give a (expletive)," although it was hard to hear clearly.

The incident was reminiscent of Janet Jackson's infamous "wardrobe malfunction" eight years ago -- a surprise risque moment in front of tens of millions of unsuspecting viewers. The brief exposure of Jackson's nipple during the 2004 halftime show raised a storm of controversy and put CBS in hot water with the Federal Communications Commission.

The Super Bowl, shown on NBC this year, is routinely viewed by more than 100 million people, the biggest TV event of the year.

"We apologize for the inappropriate gesture that aired during halftime," NBC spokesman Christopher McCloskey said. "It was a spontaneous gesture that our delay system caught late."

(TODAY.com is part of a joint venture between NBC and Microsoft.)

The screen briefly went blurred after M.I.A.'s gesture in what was a late attempt -- by less than a second -- to cut out the camera shot. The NFL, which produces the show, had no immediate comment.

The British singer M.I.A. is best known for her 2007 hit "Paper Planes," a Grammy nominee for record of the year that memorably features a sample of the Clash song, "Straight to Hell." It was featured on the soundtrack to the movie "Slumdog Millionaire."

Did you catch M.I.A.'s naughty gesture? Share your thoughts on Facebook.

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Damian Dovarganes / AP file

Tony Cornelius, whose father Don launched the influential "Soul Train" franchise, says nothing had suggested to him or to friends that his father was suicidal.

"He was not feeling well so it's really hard to say why my dad decided he had had enough," Cornelius's son told The Hollywood Reporter. "It's just one of those things. You just never know what someone is thinking. I can tell you due to health, things like divorce and relationships, there's all kinds of things that may trigger a reaction like that. But as his son, as one who was really close, I can't tell you [why]."

Don Cornelius, 75, who launched "Soul Train" in 1970 with $400 from his own pocket, died Feb. 1 of an apparently self-inflicted gunshot wound. Tony Cornelius, who had worked with his father on various aspects of the franchise for about 15 years, says his father did not seem deeply despondent. "There were no signs of anything like that," he said. "Many people can tell you they spoke to him, they talked to him, he was smiling when they saw him."

VIDEO: 5 Iconic 'Soul Train' Moments

In 2009, Don Cornelius was divorced from his second wife, Russian model Viktoria Chapman Cornelius, whom he had married in 2001. The previous year, he was arrested on charges of domestic violence and was placed on a 36-month probation, ordered to complete a 52-week domestic battery violence treatment, perform 300 hours of community service and stay 100 yards away from where the alleged attack took place. The probation period had ended recently. Tony declined to comment on that episode in his father's life other than to say, "I think divorce is something that hurts everyone."

But the main issue, he believes, was health. His father had sold the "Soul Train" franchise in 2008 and while he may have found it hard to let go of the property, he was satisfied overall with the way the new owner, InterMedia, was handling the property, Cornelius said. "When it comes to the industry, he had done everything he wanted to do. He had been everywhere he wanted to be," he said. "There was nothing he had not experienced. The factor that I would say, as his son, that really hurt him would be his health. My father had an aneurysm 15 or 20 years ago. When you're struck with that kind of problem, it affects other parts of your body. He could get around well [but] he was frustrated by his health."

'Soul Train' fans dance on Broadway to celebrate Cornelius

A remembrance is planned for February 17, although the place and the guest list have not been finalized. "The more I'm away from all this, the more I look at it as a celebration [of his father's life]," Cornelius said. "There are packages being produced on every station and the internet, all around the world, about the things he developed. It's a situation where even younger people who never got a chance to see "Soul Train" are being introduced to a world that they didn't get to experience."

Tony Cornelius also said he wants to create a foundation in his father's name to help others who are struggling. "There are quite a few kids that are committing suicide," he said. "Many times out of tragedy comes help."

Michael Conroy / AP

Madonna, center, performs with Nicki Minaj, left, and M.I.A. during halftime of the NFL Super Bowl XLVI on Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, in Indianapolis.

Madonna promised no "wardrobe malfunction" during her Super Bowl halftime show and she was true to her word, offering a well-choreographed, lip-synced performance of some of her biggest hits, as well as her new single.

The Material Girl, who said that she was never more nervous than she was preparing for this show, opened her set wearing an Egyptian headdress with the dance classic "Vogue" after being carried onto the stage, Cleopatra-style, by a group of muscled gladiators. With dancers and acrobats surrounding her, she segued into the title track of her album, "Music," picking up some energy when LMFAO joined her on stage, especially as they sang their hit "Sexy And I Know It."

She then debuted her new single, "Give Me All Your Luvin'," with the help of Nicki Minaj and rapper M.I.A. After a medley of her hits "Open Your Heart" and "Express Yourself," Madonna closed her act decked out in a Gospel-goth black gown, performing "Like a Prayer" with Cee Lo Green before dropping out of sight in a puff of smoke.

Super Bowl performances offer singers a tremendous promotional opportunity. No amount of late-night show visits can come close to the audience that watches the Super Bowl -- an estimated 100 million people. With a new album, "MDNA," set to be released on March 26, the 12-minute concert was by far the most expensive commercial during Sunday's game. According to Forbes.com, with a 30-second ad going for $3.5 million, Madonna's show was worth $84 million.

UPDATE: M.I.A. extended her middle finger during "Give Me All Your Luvin'". The screen briefly went blurred after the M.I.A. gesture in what seemed like a late attempt to cut out the camera shot. The NFL, which produces the annual halftime show, had no immediate comment for the AP.

What did you think of Madonna's performance? Do you plan to buy her new album? Share your thoughts on Facebook.

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Demi Moore is on the road to recovery.

A source confirms to Us Weekly that the actress -- who suffered a seizure after smoking an "incense-like substance" on January 23 -- has entered rehab, and began receiving treatment late last week.

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E! News reports Moore is being treated at Cirque Lodge in Sundance, Utah, for an eating disorder and addiction issues. "She's on total lockdown and only talking to a small group of people," a source told E! of Moore.

Known for its individualized approach to addiction treatment, the super-posh Cirque Lodge has also helped Lindsay Lohan, Mary-Kate Olsen and Eva Mendes overcome their addictions.

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Moore's decision to seek treatment comes on the heels of a sad downward spiral for the "Margin Call" star.

"Everyone thought she was going to die," a source tells Us Weekly of the night Moore was urgently transported to Sherman Oaks Hospital after collapsing at a party as her 23-year-old daughter Rumer Willis looked on. "It was terrifying."

AUDIO: Hear Demi's harrowing 911 call

Insiders tell the new issue of Us Weekly that the dramatic episode was the culmination of escalating drug use, which helped push estranged husband Ashton Kutcher away -- and only got worse once they separated last November.

"Demi's life is in compete crisis. She has spiraled since her split from Ashton," says a source of Moore, who also began chasing after daughter Rumer's 24-year-old pal Zac Efron. "She is turning 50 in November and has no idea who she is or what her life should be."

PHOTOS: Demi and Ashton in happier times

Friends are relieved the actress is seeking treatment -- more than 20 years after she first went to rehab in 1985. "She knows she's in a bad place and needs help," a source explains. "Rehab is the only thing she can do right now. She needed something serious to get her back on track."

What do you think of Moore's decision to go to rehab? Share your thoughts on Facebook.

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LOS ANGELES -- Teen boys with superpowers helped lift the movie box office to unexpected heights over Super Bowl weekend as thriller "Chronicle" edged "Harry Potter" star Daniel Radcliffe's haunted house movie "The Woman in Black."

"Chronicle" brought in an estimated $22.0 million from U.S. and Canadian theaters, studio estimates released on Sunday showed. The movie with largely unknown actors finished just ahead of Radcliffe's "Woman in Black," which took in an estimated $21.0 million.

Both performances surpassed projections from studio executives, who had expected weaker sales against competition from Sunday's Super Bowl football championship. The tallies include actual ticket receipts for Friday and Saturday plus estimates for Sunday at North American (U.S. and Canadian) theaters.

"Chronicle" added $13 million from 33 international markets, for a global weekend total of $35 million.

The appearance of young moviegoers, who had shunned some recent films targeted to them, boosted the top two films.

"The teen audience seems to be coming back to movies again. There was serious worry they were fading," said John Davis, who produced "Chronicle."

The movie tells the story of three teenage boys who develop superpowers and find they have a dark side. People under age 25 made up 61 percent of the movie's audience, distributor 20th Century Fox said. Fifty-five percent were males.

The studio produced "Chronicle" for about $12 million and had forecast debut weekend sales below $10 million.

Young moviegoers also propelled "Woman in Black" well past studio expectations of around $10 million. Fifty-seven percent of filmgoers were under age 25, and 59 percent were females.

The movie was Radcliffe's first since the blockbuster "Harry Potter" franchise ended last summer. The film attracted Radcliffe's young female fans plus "an audience that likes to be scared but not grossed out," said Steven Friedlander, executive vice president of theatrical distribution for CBS Films, the unit of CBS Corp that released the movie.

"Woman in Black" scored as the biggest debut weekend ever for CBS Films, which has struggled with its five earlier movies. The studio's biggest previous opening was a $12.2 million debut for "The Back-up Plan."

With "Woman in Black," the studio acquired domestic distribution rights for $3 million and spent about $15 million on marketing.

Elsewhere this weekend, Liam Neeson thriller "The Grey," dropped to third place with $9.5 million. The movie ranked No. 1 last weekend and has brought in $34.8 million domestically after two weekends in theaters.

Super Bowl alternatives

Total ticket sales outpaced the same weekend last year by nearly 37 percent despite competition from the Super Bowl, according to the box office division of Hollywood.com. Sales for all films reached $119 million.

"Big Miracle," a drama based on the true story of a whale rescue, aimed to offer a non-football alternative to young women and girls. The movie finished the weekend in fourth place with $8.5 million domestically, in line with studio forecasts.

The movie starring Drew Barrymore and "The Office" actor John Krasinski cost less than $40 million to produce.

In fifth place, vampire and werewolf sequel "Underworld: Awakening" starring Kate Beckinsale took in $5.6 million at domestic theaters. To date, the movie's worldwide sales stand at $108.3 million.

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Zombies and Jedis and Shakespeare, oh my! Here's our look ahead at the upcoming week in entertainment.

TV
Well, Sophia won't be returning. (At this point, there's no way that's a spoiler!) But the zombies and desperate humans of "The Walking Dead" are about to do battle once more as the show returns after a midseason break. Here's a jump-cut filled sneak peek, and here's a slightly longer scene. Loyal viewers know what to expect from this show by now. Gore, fear, drama, conflict and occasional well contamination. I wouldn't drink that if I were you. (Feb. 12, 9 p.m., AMC.)

 "Celebrity Apprentice" just keeps finding B-list stars willing to get bossed around by hairmaster Donald Trump. This season includes "Star Trekker" George Takei, singers Clay Aiken and Debbie Gibson, model Cheryl Tiegs and more. They're competing for a $250,000 donation to the charity of their choice. (Feb. 12, 9 p.m., NBC.)

Movies
The "Star Wars" prequels weren't that well-reviewed when they were first released, but that hasn't stopped George Lucas and crew from redoing them in 3-D. 1999's "Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace" has some moments that could look cool in the added dimension (Darth Maul's double-ended lightsaber!) and some that, well, won't. Jar-Jar Binks, we're looking at you. (Feb. 10)

Who's ready for a tearjerker? Bring your Kleenex box to "The Vow," starring Rachel McAdams and Channing Tatum. When she loses her memory, her husband must court her all over again. Based on a true story. (Feb. 10)

Don't get confused by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's dominating presence in ads for "Journey 2: The Mysterious Island." The Rock was not even in the first "Journey" movie. But now here he is, as a man who travels with his young stepson, a helicopter pilot, and the pilot's young daughter to an island straight out of Jules Verne's stories. (Feb. 10)

DVD
To be Shakespeare, or not to be Shakespeare? "Anonymous" tackles the famed literary rumor that the Bard of Avon didn't really write his famed plays. Rhys Ifans stars as Edward de Vere, the Earl of Oxford, who's depicted not only as the real author of Shakespeare's works, but as a lover of Queen Elizabeth. (On DVD and Blu-ray Feb. 7)

Love means never having to say "do you have that on Blu-ray?" Classic 1970 romance "Love Story" is now on Blu-ray, just in time for Valentine's Day. The American Film Institute chose it as #9 on their list of the 100 greatest love stories of all time. ("Casablanca" and "Gone With the Wind" top the list, of course.) (On Blu-ray Feb. 7)

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