Fill-in-the-Blanks With Comedian Kevin Hart

Make no mistake; Kevin Hart is one of the funniest comedians currently in the biz. Hands down. With his rapid-fire delivery, and his ability to tell stories about his life that rival past comedic greats, Hart has established himself as one of the nation’s most in-demand comedians.

But what happens when he’s forced to go off script? Is he still the same hilarious guy who’s currently selling out venues on his whirlwind comedy tour?

Well, we sought the answer to the question, and our findings were … well, just see for yourself. Here is Kevin Hart unplugged — one of the many upcoming video features from our recent cover shoot with the comedian.

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Polar Express Movie will be chugging out of Kingston on Dec. 11

Those hoping to catch a train into Boston on the Old Colony rail line on Saturday, Dec. 11, may find themselves making an unexpected stop at the North Pole.

There will be four train rides from the commuter train station in Kingston to the Halifax station, which will be transformed for the day into the North Pole. The set will include bright lights, gingerbread men, reindeer and even Santa’s workshop.

For the third consecutive year, the Boys and Girls Club of Marshfield will be bringing the classic holiday story “The Polar Express” to life to raise money for its programs.

The whole experience follows the book very closely, said Shawn Costa, the club’s executive director.

That means children can expect lively conductors, hot chocolate, elves and, of course, Santa Claus. To be true to the book, children are encouraged to wear pajamas.

One of the four hour-long train rides is already sold out. Tickets cost $20.

Children from the Magical Moon Foundation, a Marshfield group that provides support for children with cancer, will be experiencing the Polar Express ride for the first time.

Magical Moon founder Donna Green received 25 free tickets and 25 more at a discounted price from the Boys and Girls Club.

The club was more than happy to provide the tickets, said Bill Bowers, a Boys and Girls Club board member.

Magical Moon provides a fairytale retreat setting where children with cancer can get together, cook, sing and dance.

Bowers helps transform the Halifax station into the North Pole every year. He said he loves seeing the wonder in children’s eyes when train passengers disembark.

“The magic of it is just tremendous,” he said.

The magic wouldn’t exist without volunteers, and this year’s crew will include the girls soccer teams from Wentworth Institute and Lasell College and the girls basketball team from Marshfield High School.

Similar Polar Express rides are being offered on the MBTA’s Haverhill, Newbury/Rockport, Greenbush and Needham lines.

Trains to Boston will still be running on all of those lines, but the schedules will vary. Check the MBTA’s website for updates.

All of the proceeds from the Polar Express runs on the Old Colony line will support programs at the Marshfield Boys and Girls Club. The club, which serves children from multiple towns on the South Shore, will be moving to new quarters next year.

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Rodarte dances onto film with 'Black Swan'

Film critics are abuzz over actress Natalie Portman's work in the new big-screen "Black Swan," but fashionistas are flipping over something else: the film's forward-thinking ballet costumes by Rodarte, the insider-favorite label by sisters Laura and Kate Mulleavy.

"Black Swan" director Darren Aronofsky said he and the costume designer Amy Westcott wanted to use a contemporary fashion designer "to take it to a new level."

"We wanted to reinvent the whole sense of 'Swan Lake,'" he said.

Portman, who has been spotted in the front row of Rodarte runway shows during New York Fashion Week, had a relationship with the designers.

"I remember seeing a dress of theirs at a photo shoot, and just going, `What is that?'" recalled Portman. "I don't have that reaction to clothes very often. It is not something that I really pay attention to that much. But it was just so beautiful. When we were doing this film, I just knew how balletic their clothes were."

Rodarte had, coincidentally, already tapped into horror films and ballet -- the same elements that are the foundation of "Black Swan" -- as inspiration for past collections.

"We had an affinity for the subject matter," noted Kate Mulleavy. "We had never done a film. ... This would be a dream job in terms of just getting to make tutus. But, then we had, I think, something that allowed us to add to access the psychology of the film in a different way, which was understanding the darker nature and more of the twisted kind of underbelly of that world."

Nevertheless, producing fashion-forward ballet costumes proved a challenge. "Well, I think that the big question was, `How do you make something look realistic as a tutu and function?'" explained Laura Mulleavy.

Sometimes style took precedence over function. "You would never go and do `Swan Lake' and wear a full-on swan outfit without having a strap" to hold the outfit up, said actress Mila Kunis. "Given that it is in a movie and it is a certain form of disbelief. They had no straps. So, the busts kept constantly falling, you know. And so you make it work. You figure it out. But they were beautiful."

Portman remains a fan and friend of the designers. "They are really kind," Portman said. "They are really curious about every sort of area of the world. They know everything about ecology and art and modern science. You are like, `I don't understand how they have so much room in their brains.' It's amazing."

"Black Swan" opens in the U.S. this weekend.

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8 Inspiring Celebrity Career Comebacks

In the fickle entertainment industry, as quickly as someone can rise to the top and become a beloved figure, they can fall off even faster, be subjected to scrutiny and exiled from the public’s embrace. But everyone loves a good comeback story.

Before he arguably became the biggest movie star in the world earning around $20 million per film, Will Smith was one half of the hip hop duo, The Fresh Prince & DJ Jazzy Jeff, who won the first Grammy for best rap duo in 1989. Though he was earning million of dollars (and underpaying his income taxes), at age 19 his splurging days came to an abrupt halt when the Internal Revenue Service assessed a $2.8 million tax debt against him. Nearly bankrupt, Smith got a break when Benny Medina and Jeff Pollack approached him with an opportunity to star in his own television show, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Though the show was successful, for the first three years, the IRS was taking 70 percent of Smith’s paychecks to repay his debt. Once he was cleared, Smith’s acting career propelled to new heights and has since made him more money than his rap career ever did.

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Brees is Sports Illustrated's sportsman of year

NEW YORK – Drew Brees was honored as Sports Illustrated's sportsman of the year for his championship on the field and his charity off it.

Brees became the award's 57th recipient when the magazine made the announcement Tuesday on the "Today" show. The quarterback led the long-suffering New Orleans Saints to their first Super Bowl title in February, lifting the spirits of the hurricane-battered city.

But the cover story notes he's done much more than inspire with his brilliant play. Since Brees joined the Saints in 2006 months after Hurricane Katrina, his foundation has worked with nearly 50 New Orleans schools and organizations to aid in recovery.

"The more that I've learned about the award and that it goes well beyond what you accomplish on the field, that it's very much about what you do off the field as well, with community service and your family, makes the award even more special to me," Brees said.

Brees is the fifth NFL quarterback to be honored and third in six years. The Pittsburgh Steelers' Terry Bradshaw won in 1979, the San Francisco 49ers' Joe Montana in 1990, the New England Patriots' Tom Brady in 2005 and the Green Bay Packers' Brett Favre in 2007.

Sports Illustrated Group editor Terry McDonell said he had been "determined not to be a slave to a calendar" in considering NFL players, even though it might seem like an eternity between the Super Bowl and the announcement of the award. But Brees' contributions outside of football made this selection easy.

"It's year-round for him," McDonell said.

Brees will be recognized at a ceremony in New York on Tuesday with past winners including Bill Russell, Curt Schilling and Montana.

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Defconn releases “King Wang Zzang” feat. Super Junior’s Heechul

We recently shared with you the teaser for hip Hop artist Defconn’s latest single, “King Wang Zzang.” The single features Super Junior’s Kim Hee Chul and was released earlier today. This single is receiving some attention because of the somewhat odd pairing of a hip hop artist together with a boy band idol member.

The song contains some lyrics which was written by Hee Chul, who also contributes to the track with his rapping ability. The track features a fast beat and a strong ‘crunk’ sound. An industry representative revealed, “The song was done under the theme of bringing back the confidence of the modern man. This is the product of the two’s desire to create something musically fresh that transcends their immediate positions.”

Check out the track below and remember to support by purchasing the music.

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Cardinals QB Derek Anderson blows up at reporter after loss

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Maybe if Arizona Cardinals quarterback Derek Anderson showed the same fire on the field he did in blowing up at a reporter who asked about getting caught laughing on the sideline late in Monday night's 27-6 throttling by the San Francisco 49ers, the 3-8 Cardinals wouldn't be stuck in a six-game losing skid.

Asked by Arizona Republic beat writer Kent Somers about ESPN's cameras catching the quarterback laughing late in the lopsided loss that all but eliminated the Cardinals from contention, Anderson went off in an expletive-laced outburst.

"OK, that's fine,'' Anderson said, raising his voice. "I'm not laughing about it. You think this is funny, I take this (expletive) seriously. Real serious. I put my heart and soul into this (expletive) every single week.''

Somers followed up, adding, "All I'm saying is the camera showed you laughing.''

Anderson completed 16 of 35 passes for 196 yards with an interception for a 51.6 passer rating.

The former Cleveland Browns Pro Bowler has thrown seven touchdowns and nine interceptions this season after being benched for undrafted Max Hall for two games, then reclaiming his starting job.

"I'm just telling you right now what I do every single week,'' Anderson continued. "Every single week, I put my freaking heart and soul into this. I study my ass off. I don't go out there and laugh.

"It's not funny. Nothing's funny to me.

"I don't want to go out there and get embarrassed on Monday Night Football in front of everybody.''

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Raheem Devaughn: She’s Single (VIDEO…NSFW)

And just in case some of you aren’t familiar with NSFW, it’s an acronym for NOT SAFE FOR WORK (and I really do mean that). Listen, I have been a fan of Raheem Devaughn for a nice little minute now. I fell in love with his voice and lyrics (big on that since I love writing myself) and always felt that he didn’t get the shine that he deserved. He recently dropped a new mixtape called Jackin’ 4 Beats (you can download it HERE) and it includes the song, She’s Single. This video…I can honestly say that, outside of an adult film, I have NEVER seen a video like this on television and I HIGHLY doubt this will get any regular play on any channel. This is a little beyond BET Uncut. I gave you a warning. I’m downloading the mixtape RIGHT NOW! Check it out after the break and let me know what you think!

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Ronald Isley honored at Soul Train Awards 2010, set to release first solo album, 'Mr. I'

Ronald Isley may have soul but can he go solo?

The 68-year-old founder and front man of The Isley Brothers is releasing his first solo album on Tuesday, two days after being honored at the 2010 Soul Train Awards on Sunday.

Celebrating its 40th anniversary, the show -- which was filmed on Nov. 10 but aired Nov. 28 on BET -- honored the careers of both Isley and Anita Baker.

"Thanks to all my fans for supporting me for so many years!" Isley tweeted after the show. "I am so appreciative!"

Awards were also handed out to the likes of Eminem and Rihanna (Best Hip-Hop Song of the Year for "Love the Way You Lie"), Usher (Album of the Year for Raymond vs. Raymond) and Alicia Keys (Record of the Year for "Unthinkable [I'm Ready]" and Best Female R&B Soul Artist).

Isley took to the stage to perform a medley of his hits alongside Chante Moore and Cee Lo Green. He also sang alongside R. Kelly, whose 2002 single "Contagious" featured his family’s famous band.

The singer reportedly got the idea for a gospel album while in prison for tax evasion. "Mr. I." is his first solo effort and will be released on Nov. 30, seven months after he was released from jail.

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Justin Bieber AMA Wins Are Due to Massive Following

Justin Bieber is the biggest name around -- especially at the American Music Awards. Last night, Bieber became the star of stars at the AMAs, taking home four trophies. Not only that, he won the night's biggest award, as he became Artist of the Year over the likes of Eminem, Lady Gaga and Katy Perry. Artistically, some might question why he would be chosen over those stars. But since the AMAs were chosen via online voting, Bieber was the obvious winner, and an obvious trending topic today.

It doesn't take much for Bieber to become a big Internet topic. Because of his massive fangirl and "tween" following, anything and everything he does becomes a big deal. Even nasty Internet rumors about him top trends lists, since he has devoted fans and enemies in almost equal measure.

Yet last night, Justin Bieber had nothing but fans behind him. The Internet helped him become the star of the ceremony, further cementing his place in pop culture. Thanks to his online supporters, he was the unquestioned leader of the AMA winners, with four victories overall.

In addition, he also made headlines on the stage, as he made sure to mention fellow icons Usher and Michael Jackson in his acceptance speeches. He also sung his new song "Pray" which the New York Daily News noted as a more mature performance than usual.

Although the AMAs aren't the biggest awards show in music - or even the only one of the month - they do generate a lot of buzz every year. Therefore, since Bieber took home the most awards by far, he is the biggest topic of the ceremony. Since online users gave him that honor, they are also eager to rehash it on the Internet today.

The mania around this young mega star is not going away for some time. For all of the mania around Miley, Britney, Madonna, Gaga and others, Bieber-fever is the biggest phenomenon in music. That may change when he actually gets older, but until then, his power appears to be unstoppable. At the AMAs, it reached yet another peak, although it likely isn't the last one.

The singer's fans are on cloud nine for their idol, while those who can't stand him are lamenting how he beat the likes of Eminem and Lady Gaga. To them, this likely devalues the entire AMAs as one big popularity contest, instead of an accurate judgment of music's best.

Still, few can match Justin Bieber in any popularity contests these days. As such, the music industry and the Internet are bowing once more to a 16-year old kid from Ontario.

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Sweeney Todd brought to life in Bishops Castle

FINGER in the Pie Theatre Company present Sweeney Todd: His Life, Times & Execution!

Ladies and Gentlemen! You are invited to New Gate Prison to witness the terrible tale of Sweeney Todd, before he is hanged before your very eyes!

Recasting Todd as a clown in the tradition of Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin, Sweeney Todd is a hilarious black comedy combining slap stick humour, grotesque characters, physical storytelling and live cabaret music.

Working with an international team of puppeteers and performers, Finger in the Pie Theatre Company have devised a brand new version of the classic Sweeney Todd myth.

Friday, December 3 @ 7.30pm. Tickets cost £8 (£4 concessions). For more information, contact the box office on 01588 630243

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Willie Nelson Charged With Marijuana Possession in Texas

Willie Nelson was charged with marijuana possession after six ounces of weed was found aboard his tour bus at a checkpoint in Texas yesterday. Patrol spokesman Bill Brooks said an officer smelled weed when the bus door swung open for a second. Nelson, 77, who recently told us he prefers to smoke with a vaporizer, admitted the marijuana was his and was held briefly before posting a $2,500 bond. A court date has yet to be set, though the singer could face up to 180 days in county jail, according to a local sheriff. That scenario's extremely unlikely, but commence the "Free Willie!" campaigns anyway. [NYT, El Paso Times]

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Erin Barry and Tony Parker : Inside Their Sexting and Eva Longoria's Revenge

Eva Longoria was devastated when she discovered her husband, Tony Parker, had been trading sexual texts with Erin Barry, the wife of his former teammate.

Erin and Brent Barry had been close friends with Eva and Tony at one point, making the betrayal even harder on the Desperate Housewives star, reports say.

That's why she decided to blindside him by filing for divorce from Parker before they decided to take the breakup news public, according to Radar. Point, Eva!

BARRY BAD CALL: Never text dirty with your teammate's wife.

“They were working out the details. They didn’t want it to become a messy divorce," says a source. "Then Eva got a little revenge and didn’t tell Tony she was filing and dropped the papers on him, catching him off balance for the media blitz.”

While some reports say the exchanges between Tony and Erin Barry were “innocent,” conflicting stories call the sext-messaging flirtatious, sexual and "over the line."

Erin Barry is also in the midst of a divorce from Brent. It's unclear if the relationship with Parker ever became physical, but it sure sent Eva into a tailspin.

Parker apparently claims it never progressed beyond texting.

“Look, any wife is going to be upset with what Tony did, but he swears the relationship with Erin stopped there and they never had sex,” a source tells Radar.

“And Tony also says the text messages ended months ago.”

Doesn't sound so minor when coupled with reports that Longoria herself not only filed for divorce out of nowhere, but leaked the story of Tony's infidelity.

“Suddenly, Eva Longoria not only filed the papers but then went public with Tony’s relationship with Erin Barry. He was surprised, to say the least."

Interestingly, initial reports of the couple's demise said that Tony filed divorce papers in Texas. This was in fact the plan, but he never did so.

“He held off,” the source said. “It had been discussed but then was abandoned. Next thing he knew she surprised him by filing on Wednesday."

Take that! Eva issued a brief statement confirming the split after the fact, and her reason for feeling burned is, honestly, quite understandable.

“Eva is furious that Tony started a relationship with a woman she knew, a woman they went out with as couple friends," says the insider. "She felt betrayed by Tony and this is how she decided to get a small measure of revenge.”

Well played, Eva Longoria. Well. Played.

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