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Legenday American newsman Walter Cronkite has died after a long battle with illness at the age of 92.

Cronkite started his career as a war correspondent, before being signed to CBS by the legendary Edward R. Murrow. Cronkite landed the anchor job at CBS Evening News on April 16, 1962, a job he held until his retirement in 1981.

During the heyday of CBS News in the 1970s and 1980s, he was often cited in viewer opinion polls as “the most trusted man in America” because of his professional experience and kindly demeanor.

Conkrite also covered some of the biggest news stories of the 20th century, including the Kennedy Assassination, the Moon landings and the Vietnam War. It is often said that American’s of that generation not only remember the news, but remember Walter Cronkite read it.

Were you getting excited about the new episodes of Futurama we’re finally getting?

Not so fast. 20th Century Fox thinks all the fangirls and fanboys can interface with their asses by biting them and they’re looking to recast pretty damn much every single voice actor on the show. In a statement, 20th Century Fox said:

“We love the Futurama voice performers and absolutely wanted to use them, but unfortunately, we could not meet their salary demands. While replacing these talented actors will be difficult, the show must go on. We are confident that we will find terrific new performers to give voice to Matt and David’s brilliantly subversive characters.”

The call sheet that’s been spreading across the internet seeks to replace John DiMaggio, Phil LaMarr, Katy Segal and Maurice LaMarche, meaning that among other characters Fry, Leela and Bender will all be newly voiced. DO NOT WANT, 20th Century Fox.

This move seems especially poor considering it was fan geekdom alone that resurrected the show in the first place. The kind of people who watch Futurama are the kind that will not take new voices well and dude, it’s risky enough to resurrect a show that’s so loved and so long off the air. Is it just me, or is this like if they brought back Family Guy without Seth McFarlane? I mean, in fairness, the resurrection of Family Guy went pretty well. This, this does not look good. Let’s hope it’s just some form of Hollywood hardball and fans are the hostages.

Anyway, read it and weep, honey. Full text of the casting call, below. And if you’re reading this, 20th Century Fox, you may bite my glorious golden ass.

Thursday, Jul. 16, 2009, 5:54 PM Pacific

FUTURAMA
Voice Over
Episodic
1/2 hour animated comedy for Twentieth Century Fox Television
SAG

Creators Matt Groening and David X. Cohen
Casting Director: Scott Muller
Shoot/Start Date: August
Pay Rate: TBD
Location: Los Angeles

SUBMIT ELECTRONICALLY
OR
FOR SUBMISSION OF AUDIO ONLY (MP3S ON CD PLEASE) KING OF THE HILL
ATTN: SCOTT MULLER
15821 VENTURA BLVD.
ENCINO, CA
91436

VOICE AUDITIONS MAY BE SENT IN THE FOLLOWING WAYS:

1. MP3 AUDIO AUDITIONS ONLINE IN WHATEVER MEANS IS CONVENIENT FOR YOU.

2. MP3 AUDIO AUDITIONS ON CD.

3.EMAILED AS ATTACHMENTS TO: FUTURAMA (NOTE: PLEASE USE THIS METHOD SPARINGLY, ATTACHMENTS NOT TO EXCEED 5 MB) AUDITIONS SHOULD BE SENT ASAP AS WE WILL BE MOVING QUICKLY. PRODUCER SESSIONS WILL BE HELD AT A DATE TBD.

We are starting casting immediately for Futurama, a half-hour animated comedy created by Matt Groening and David X. Cohen. Descriptions of these established characters follow, along with links to clips of previous episodes for reference.

SERIES REGULAR ROLES:

[ PHILIP J. FRY (FRY) ]
Fry, a 20th century slacker, works as a pizza delivery boy. On December 21st, 1999, he is cryogenically frozen and wakes up 1000 years in the future in the city of New New York. Through a series of events, Fry tracks down his great (x30) nephew Professor Hubert Farnsworth and lands a job at the Professors Planet Express delivery company as a delivery boy. Fry bunks with Planet Expresss beer-swilling robot, Bender. Fry is constantly trying to win the heart of Leela, the companys ship captain…SERIES REGULAR

http://www.comedycentral.com/videos/index.jhtml?videoId=164702&title=flashback-freeze (Episode 5ACV03)

[ TURANGA LEELA (LEELA) ]
Leela, a sexy Cyclops, is the captain of the Planet Express delivery ship. Leela is in charge of every company mission, having her hands full keeping Fry and Bender in line. Her early years were spent in an orphanage where she was a bit of an outcast for having one eye. She took up kickboxing and other similar sports to make up for the lack of friends. She still has problems with men and often gets jealous of Amys (her co-worker) popularity among the opposite sex. She has a soft spot for Fry but is unsure of anything further than that, due to Frys clumsy advances…SERIES REGULAR

http://www.comedycentral.com/videos/index.jhtml?videoId=162824&title=leelas-timeline (Episode 4ACV02)

[ BENDER BENDING RODRIQUEZ (BENDER) ]
Bender, a cigar-smoking, booze-guzzling, kleptomaniac robot, had a successful career in bending girders but tired to kill himself when he found out the girders were being used for suicide booths. He was saved by Fry and later took a job at Planet Express. To be able to function properly, Bender needs the chemical energy from alcohol. Excessive drinking is mandatory or he will become sober and unable to control his body. Magnets stuck to his head make him sing like a folk singer…SERIES REGULAR

http://www.comedycentral.com/videos/index.jhtml?videoId=188899&title=bender-the-drone (Episode 5ACV05)

[ PROFESSOR HUBERT FARNSWORTH (PROFESSOR) ]
Professor Hubert Farnsworth is the owner of the Planet Express delivery company, which he uses to fund his strange scientific experiments. He also lectures at Mars University on the mathematics of quantum neutrino fields (he made up the name so no one would dare take the course). He is technically 160 years old, but to avoid being picked up by the sunset squad and taken to the near death star he says he is only 150…SERIES REGULAR

http://www.comedycentral.com/videos/index.jhtml?videoId=217636&title=back-in-action (Episode 5ACV01)

[ DR. JOHN ZOIDBERG (ZOIDBERG) ]
Dr. Zoidberg, a lobster-like alien, left his home planet of Decapod 10 to become a rich doctor but instead became the Planet Express staff doctor (doesnt pay so well). Zoidberg, who is usually shunned by the rest of the Planet Express crew, is always in search of his next meal. His skill as a surgeon, and basic knowledge of human anatomy, are often called into question. He secretly desires to become a stand-up comedian…SERIES REGULAR

http://www.comedycentral.com/videos/index.jhtml?videoId=147743&title=love-lessons (Episode 2ACV05)

FUTURAMA RECURRING ROLES:

[ MOM ]
Mom is the very old, very rich, very ruthless founder of Moms Friendly Robot Company. She has three sons: Walt, Larry, and Igner, who work for the company and help Mom do her dirty work. Many years ago, Farnsworth worked for Moms Friendly Robot Company, and they had a fling, which ended when Mom kept turning Farnsworths cute inventions into mad, killing machines…RECURRING

http://www.comedycentral.com/videos/index.jhtml?videoId=147736&title=mothers-day (Episode 2ACV14)

[ ZAPP BRANNIGAN ]
Zapp Brannigan is a 25-star General of the Democratic Order of Planets and has been responsible for several successful wars including a triumph over the pacifists of the Ghandi Nebula. He is always accompanies on mission by his hapless assistant Kif Kroker. Behind all his bravado he is a wimp who is not very intelligent. He once slept with Leela, a fact hat he constantly reminds her of…RECURRING

http://www.hulu.com/watch/60311/futurama-zapp-in-the-shower (Episode 2ACV17)

[ KIF KROKER (KIF) ]
Kif Kroker is a hard working, long suffering alien Lieutenant of the DOOP who does all the hard work and takes the rap for problems usually caused by Zapp Brannigan (his superior officer). Zapp considers Kif to be his most loyal friend however, Kif in fact views Zapp as an imbecile. He is smitten with his current girlfriend Amy. He has no bones and is supported by a system of inflated bladders…RECURRING

http://www.hulu.com/watch/4471/futurama-kif-is-pregnant (Episode 4ACV01)

It should be obvious, at this point, to any observer:  the world loves Harry Potter.  Not just America, or even the Western World, but the whole World – Planet Earth.  The first of the last three movies based on the successful series by British author JK Rowling, “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince”, came out last week, leaving only two more movies to cover the final book in this epic saga of magic.  It will be another two years before the movies are released to the public and the mixed tears of both unrelenting sadness and joy are shed, which gives both Rowling and the studio (Warner Bros.) time to consider the all-important question: what’s next?

After the last book, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows”, was released two years ago, JK Rowling stated in many different interviews that the series would not continue – she felt the characters had been brought to completion, and included a halfhearted “look at the characters in the future!” epilogue as if to prove she was serious.  However, she’s not likely to stay away forever, and the reasons are simple:  the world adores her work, she’s made millions from the series, and, most importantly, this magical realm lives inside her head in a very real way.

The best authors, when creating imaginary worlds, construct them in their heads piece-by-piece and treat it as if it were real – J.R.R. Tolkien and Rowling have this trait in common.  But when these imaginary worlds become a part of the author’s life for so long, Tolkien for the better part of his, and Rowling for the last twelve years, their very existence becomes entwined.  Evidence of this can easily be seen in the fact that Tolkien could not leave Middle Earth, even after all the books were completed, or that Rowling will offhandedly refer to a previously-unknown fact like “Dumbledore is gay” as if it were obvious to the outside world.

Rowling has already revisited the magical land of Harry Potter once, to write “The Tales of Beetle the Bard” and a few more times as a consultant for the production of the movies – who’s to say she can stay away for good?  The options for her to return to the series are many and varied, with most of them being great ideas in and of themselves.  A few storyarcs come to mind almost immediately:

• Voldemort’s first ascent to power, just prior to Harry’s being born, with the original Order of the Phoenix
• James, Sirius, and the rest of the gang as they grow up through Hogwart’s themselves
• “parallel” novels following important, but not central, characters such as Luna Lovegood or Neville Longbottom, intertwining plotlines with the existing books
• Dumbledore’s past, including the adventures (and eventual battle) with Grindelwald

The options for the growth of the world are nearly endless, and it can be done delicately and appropriately without offending fans of the current series or appearing to continue the “Harry Potter grows up” storyline past its already obvious end.

Additionally, these movies have been a huge source of fame and fortune for Rowling, so much so that it’s easy to question whether she can financially leave the world.  Without ever writing again, she will be able to live comfortably and without much thought for finances, but she will eventually get bored with having nothing to do – as everyone does.  When that time comes, she may consider finding a job to occupy her time, and will know that she lives as she does thanks to her writing career.  Logic follows that she will pick up the pen and word processor once again, with the legions of Harry Potter devotees hoping she result is another chapter in the series.

Harry Potter has become an international, multigenerational sensation that will live on forever in the hearts and minds of its fans, future readers, and the halls of literary greats.  Other modern commercial successes, such as Twilight, do not and cannot live up to the precedent that Rowling has set for young adult fantasy novels, no matter how hard book publishers or movie studios try - pure genius is self-evident.  An intelligent, creative woman at the age of 43, JK Rowling has many years ahead of her to decide what the future holds for Harry Potter – and whether or not to continue the largest love affair the modern world has ever seen.

Guest post from Kyle Brady - a student, entrepreneur, and writer living in California who’d like an OpEd column somewhere. Until then, he can be found at his blog.

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie – who met and fell in love on the set of the 2005 movie – are reportedly keen to film a follow-up as they think it will help put the passion back in their relationship.

A source close to Brad and Angelina – who raise six children together – said: “They’re hoping lightning will strike twice and they can re-spark the magnetism that captivated them five years ago.

“It’s no secret that relationship-wise, Brad and Angie are on the ropes. The stress of raising six kids and juggling two red-hot careers is wearing them down.”

Brad – who filmed ‘Mr and Mrs Smith’ while he was still married to Jennifer Aniston – has asked its screenwriter Simon Kinberg to write the sequel to the romantic action film.

The source added to National Enquirer magazine: “This time around the Smiths will have children, and the kids’ antics will be part of the story line.

“He’s hoping they’ll fall love all over again… to get their relationship back on track.”

Although Brad and Angelina have always denied their relationship started while the actor was still with Jennifer, the Oscar-winning beauty has admitted they fell for each other during filming.

Talking about the movie she wants her children to see when they’re older, 34-year-old Angelina said: “I definitely want the kids to see it when they’re older. Not a lot of people get to see a movie where their parents fell in love!”

Kylie Minogue slapped Spanish model Andres Velencoso in the face during an argument outside the B Bar, in New York, earlier this week.

An onlooker said: “At some point, Kylie and Andres got separated. When Kylie found him, she slapped him in the face with a fan. Then she yelled at him for making her wait outside while he stayed inside and got another drink.”

Despite their heated bust-up, the couple are expected to confirm their engagement soon.

The ‘Wow’ singer is even converting to Catholicism so she can have a traditional church wedding to Andres, 31, who she has dated since last November.

A source said: “She enjoyed the sense of community Andres’ family share thanks to their faith. Kylie is so intent on including the traditional aspects of a Catholic mass that she’s thinking of converting.”

Kylie and Andres are planning to tie the knot in Spain at the Parador de Cardona, a 9th century castle on the Costa Brava.

The couple were seen last month shopping for a villa in Tossa de Mar, Andres’ hometown. It is the first time Kylie – who has previously been in relationships with actor Olivier Martinez and late INXS frontman Michael Hutchence - has committed to buying a property with a boyfriend.

Jessica Simpson, who was recently dumped by boyfriend Tony Romo, has sparked reunion rumors after becoming increasingly close to her former spouse Nick Lachey.

Jessica has reportedly turned to Nick to mend her broken heart since her relationship with Tony became rocky.
A source said: “Nick has never stopped loving Jessica. They have been in touch since they both became single recently.

“They have had a number of very long, sometimes more than an hour, conversations on the phone - especially since Jessica and Tony broke up.” However, it has been claimed a reunion could cause problems for Jessica as her family, particularly her father-and-manager Joe Simpson, are so against the idea.

A source said: “It won’t happen. They have no respect for him. There is way too much bad blood between Nick and Joe for Jessica to even think about it.” Nick split from his girlfriend of three years, TV presenter Vanessa
Minnillo, in June. Jessica had been with Tony since November 2007 when he ended their relationship the night before her 29th birthday last week.

Jessica and former 98 Degrees boyband member Nick married in 2002, before the pair split in 2005. Their marriage was the inspiration behind their MTV reality show ‘Newlyweds’.

Pink was enjoying a bike trip in Australia with husband Carey Hart, but when the pair stopped for a toilet break the excited amphibian jumped at Pink’s face.

A source said: “They were relieving themselves by the road when a frog jumped up and hit Pink bang in the eyes. She freaked.”

Luckily, the 29-year-old star – real name Alecia Moore - was not injured by the slimy creature.

Earlier this month, Pink revealed she was taking time off from her ‘Funhouse’ tour to head off on a road trip with motocross racer Carey.

The ‘Sober’ star, who has performed 27 shows across Australia since arriving in the country in May, said: “We’re going on a motorcycle trip.

“I get to retire Pink for nine days and be good old Alecia.”

However, the singer admitted she was scared of the Australian wildlife, asking: “How is anyone still living in this country?”

Pink and Carey separated briefly in 2008 but reunited earlier this year. Carey has been hosting motocross events across Australia while his wife has been performing.

Despite denying reports that Michael Jackson’s passing last month is being investigated as a homicide by the Los Angeles Police Department, the city’s district attorney’s office has now admitted there is to be a legal probe into the passing of Michael – who was allegedly addicted to prescription drugs and used several aliases to obtain them.

A spokesperson for the district attorney’s office said: “There have been conversations by district attorney personnel with police and coroner’s officials in connection with the ongoing investigation.

“It is common for law enforcement agencies throughout Los Angeles County to be in contact with the District Attorney’s Office during criminal investigations. We provide legal assistance to law enforcement, if asked. No case has been formally presented to the office for evaluation at this time.”

Michael’s body has not yet been buried, despite his funeral taking place last week, and it is believed to be because the family don’t want to have to exhume his casket if the criminal investigation requires it.

Final autopsy results on the singer – who died last month aged 50 - will not be released for at least another two weeks.

A spokesperson for the coroner’s office said: “We do not anticipate being at a point where we are able to release autopsy results for at least another two weeks. That is not to say they will be ready for release in two weeks. Final reports are still pending.”

Meanwhile, it has been claimed Michael tried to bribe a doctor into giving him prescription drugs.

Dr. Eugene Aksenoff, medical director of Tokyo’s International Clinic, says the ‘Thriller’ star came to him in March 2007 for stimulants to “get through some demanding performances”.

The medic said: “I made it clear - no narcotics. I told him if he started taking them he would die from abusing drugs in three years - you take a little bit then you get used to it and need more and more. It is like suicide.”

According to the doctor, Michael had taken so many prescription drugs it had damaged his immune system and caused an allergy to sunlight.

He added: “This weakened his immune system. His skin could not breathe well and he developed an allergy to sunlight.”

Mischa Barton was taken to Los Angeles’ Cedars-Sinai Medical Center by police on Wednesday (July 15) after being placed under a 5150 hold - a piece of US legislation which means she poses a danger to herself or others.

Website ‘Access Hollywood’ reports: “A source close to the situation claimed that Barton was placed under Section 5150 of the California Welfare and Institutions Code by police and transported to Cedars-Sinai.”

The code states people can be forcibly held if they are deemed a danger to themselves or others, are gravely disabled or have a mental disorder. Under its terms, people can be held for up to 72 hours. It is the piece of legislation which was used to hold Britney Spears after she suffered a breakdown in 2008.

Mischa’s family are said to be deeply concerned about her and are in constant contact with the hospital. A source explained: “Her family had grown increasingly distressed over her erratic behavior over the past several weeks. Mischa had a very difficult time when she first arrived at Cedars, but now she is doing a little bit better.”

Los Angeles police have not commented on the claims, but are unable to release details of people who are detained under the code.

Mischa’s representative wouldn’t confirm or deny the reports, only saying: “Mischa has been hospitalised per the recommendation of her doctor and is resting in the hospital.”

It was revealed on Thursday (July 16) the 23-year-old actress – who was due to attend the premiere for her new movie ‘Homecoming’ last night - had been escorted from her home by police who were helping her with a “medical issue” on Wednesday.

Officer April Harding of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has since said: “She has not been detained, she wasn’t arrested. There were no other individuals involved. We went to Mischa Barton’s home, for a medical issue that we are not at liberty to discuss. We were dispatched to her home and assisted her with her medical issue.”