Weed Wars

Steve DeAngelo lights up a joint in the comfort of his home in Discoverys Weed Wars. Produced by Braverman Prods. Executive producer, Chuck Braverman; co-executive producer/director, Alex Braverman; series producer, Josh Cole; supervising producer, Mathilde Bittner; lead editor, Andrew Schrader. 60 MIN.With: Steve DeAngelo, Andrew DeAngelo, David Weddingdress.If half the battle in reality TV is unearthing colorful characters, "Weed Wars" already looks like a winner. Focusing on a medical-marijuana dispensary in Oakland, the show features an eccentric lot who fight the good fight to distribute their product and freely partake of it -- including the guy who walks around in a tie-dyed dress. Critics might see this as romanticizing the participants or serving as a gateway to harder shows -- "Heroin Hustlers?" "Crack Crusaders?" -- but it's really just a typical family-business saga, albeit with the threat of a contact high. Any program of this variety feeds on drama, which could be in short supply when the cast is in a cannabis-fueled state of relaxation. Fortunately, the premiere offers the equivalent of an existential threat -- a tax issue that, if unresolved, will force shutting down the Harborside Health Center. The partners include the aforementioned co-founder, David Weddingdress (yes, he changed his name), but the focus is on executive director Steve DeAngelo, who wears his hair in long braids and shows up late for a meeting because he chooses to swing by work for a stress-relieving cannabis edible. DeAngelo describes the larger mission as "risky" and "dangerous" given the hostility of local officials, and dispatches his brother, Harborside G.M. Andrew, to plead their case to the city council. Will the center survive? Therein lies the suspense, but that's just part of the story. Addressing the camera, Steve describes himself in evangelical terms -- "an agent of change," as he puts it, "who's working to bring the truth about the cannabis plant to the rest of the world." "Weed Wars" also offers some interesting and unexpected surprises, like the guy who left the mortgage business to go grow topnotch weed -- and feels much more wholesome doing that than prodding people with crappy credit scores to buy homes they can't afford. Obviously, the title is intended to grab attention, but "Weed Wars" (soon to be joined on Discovery by another contraband show, "Moonshiners") presents its quirky combatants with only the vaguest aroma of condescension, and should find a fairly receptive audience subset among the many Americans who view smoking pot as a law they have no trouble violating. Unless, you know, those folks forget to watch. Contact Brian Lowry at brian.lowry@variety.com

Kristen Wiig Honored as GQ Magazine's "Bro of the Year"

Kristen Wiig Kristen Wiig has been named GQ's "Bro of the Year." Jon Hamm, who co-starred in Wiig's breakout film Bridesmaids, wrote the piece honoring the Saturday Night Live vet in the magazine. "Kristen came late to performing, and the way she rose through the ranks speaks both to her drive and to her wild talent," he says. See photos of Kristen Wiig But perhaps it's the 38-year-old comedienne's outrageous skits and potty-humor writing that won over the Mad Men start and the magazine's editors. Watch clips of Kristen Wiig in our Online Video Guide "She can go to the craziest, most grotesque places on the planet in character," Hamm writes. "The first time I noticed her was watching the SNL sketch 'Lady Business.' Kristen's line was 'I'm a bi--h in the boardroom, a bore in the bedroom, and I'm a bear on the toilet,' which she delivered with over-the-top seriousness. I thought, 'My God, this girl is funny.'" Check out the rest of the magazine's "Men of the Year" honorees here.

Heavy D Autopsy Results Not proven, Pending Toxicology Reviews

A adding step to dying remains not formally known inside the situation of Heavy D.our editor recommendsHeavy D's Final Performance at Wager Stylish-Hop Honours Was Part of Comeback Attempt (Video)Heavy D's Friend and Friend, Russell Simmons, Recalls the Rapper (Video)Heavy D Dies: 5 Things to learn about the Rapper-Actor PHOTOS: Hollywood's Notable Deaths The late rapper and record producer died out of the blue at 44 on Tuesday, November. 8. The final results from an autopsy have proven not proven and so are pending the final results of toxicology tests, looks at the L.A. Occasions. The L.A. County coroner's representative mentioned the other day that there has been no illegal drugs contained in Heavy D's Beverly Slopes home, but he happen to be suggested a drug for just about any cough that may have been pneumonia. VIDEO: Heavy D's Friend and Friend, Russell Simmons Recalls the Rapper Heavy D had returned home in the shopping during the time of his dying, prior to going through shortness of breath and failing. The final results of his toxicology tests usually takes a few days to discover the state reason behind dying. The dying is believed being medically related and foul play is not suspected. A funeral for your NY-born rapper is positioned for November. 18 within the historic Sophistication Baptist Chapel of Mount Vernon, NY, where P. Diddy and Rev. Al Sharpton are needed to speak, in line with the AP. In addition, Wager is arranging a tribute for Sunday Soul Train Honours with Curtis Blow, Naughty by Character, Large Father Kane, Doug E Fresh, DJ Eddie F, Whodini and Father-O of Stetsasonic slated to register. Related Subjects Heavy D

Herman Cain Faces Reporters on Live TV and Concurs to Lie Detector Test (Video)

Herman Cain faced reporters in Phoenix, Arizona throughout a public press conference and told a CBS reporter he'd have a lie detector test to prove that four women -- or five, based on which reviews you deem credible -- lied once they accused him of sexual harassment.our editor recommendsMike Tyson Cast as Herman Cain in Funny Or Die's Election Year Kick-off (Video)Fox News, MSNBC Decides To not Broadcast Herman Cain's Accuser Press ConferenceHerman Cain Declines Sexual Harassment Accusations on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live': 'We're Using This Mind On' (Video)Herman Cain Sexual Harassment Scandal Detailed at Press Conference (Video) "As distasteful as it can be, will you be prepared to perform a lie detector test?" the CBS reporter requested. "Yes, I absolutely would," Cain clarified. (Video below). He added he has talked about the chance together with his attorney. The Republican presidential hopeful stated he doesn't know Sharon Bialek, the lady symbolized by attorney Gloria Allred, nor does he even remember her title. He stated he viewed their press conference Monday from hotels. "I don't know who this lady is," he told reporters Tuesday. "I attempted to consider basically appreciated that title, and that i didn't." Bialek on Monday grew to become the very first lady to provide particulars of alleged sexual harassment as a result of Cain. Just before that, Politico along with other shops reported the National Restaurant Association, which Cain went within the the nineteen nineties, settled some claims of harassment including Cain but no particulars, including names from the accusers, were mounted on individuals tales. "Once more. I never behaved wrongly with anybody. Period," Cain stated. "Which accusations which were revealed yesterday simply didn't happen." Cain stated throughout his public press conference Tuesday that, with Bialek, the "Democrat machine in the usa has introduced forth a troubled lady" to accuse him of sexual harassment so that they can harm his candidacy. "The equipment to help keep a businessman from the Whitened House will probably be relentless," he stated. Reviews have since appeared that Bialek has already established legal and financial troubles previously, along with a reporter on Tuesday requested Cain whether her history was relevant. "From the common-sense perspective, one would need to request if actually that might possibly not have been a reason on her being exposed for this,Inch he stated. Cain also pleaded using the media "not drag my loved ones into this," and accused some journalists of "stalking" a couple of of his family people. "I request you as professionals to direct the questions you have, your ciriticisms, toward me, not my loved ones,Inch he told the reporters on Tuesday. And that he stated he'll not bow from the presidential contest. He ended by proclaiming he wouldn't shy from questions regarding the accusations which have hounded him yesteryear couple of days, and also the journalists attending congratulated. Related Subjects Politics Herman Cain

Yahoo to Unveil Extensive Yearlong Effort to pay for Presidential Election

Yahoo is promising probably the most extensive political coverage in the history, beginning Tuesday with live interviews from the eight top Republican candidates for leader and thru to Election Day on November. 6, 2012.our editor recommendsABC and Yahoo to Stream Live GOP Presidential Candidate InterviewsGoogle Views Yahoo BidYahoo Beats Earnings Estimations and Stock Increases Following the Closing BellYahoo Launches Original Web Shows Focusing on Women With Judy Greer, Morgan Spurlock, Niecy Nash Yahoo is placed to announce Tuesday its yearlong effort to pay for the presidential election inside a unique method in which includes building on the relationship it struck last month with ABC News. PHOTOS: Best Presidents in Film and tv The initiative requires a documentary-style reality Internet show known as Remake America whereby eight American families is going to be adopted with camcorders using the political issues investigated using their perspectives. A casting call starts Tuesday, and also the families is going to be selected by The month of january. Another addition to Yahoo's effort may be the Signal, an internet site which will use sophisticated conjecture models that mixes data from InTrade -- whereusers can gamble around the results of political occasions -- using the latest polls together with Twitter along with other social-networking data to look for the likelihood of various political final results. On Tuesday, for instance, the Signal stated that Herman Cain's chances for becoming the Republican nominee for leader were nearly cut in two, to three.8 percent, after Gloria Allred's press conference Monday having a lady declaring she was sexually bothered by Cain 14 years back. PHOTOS: Stars Who've Performed Political figures Later on, the Signal will feature predictive-type games along with other interactive elements. Yahoo has additionally joined with journalists and opinion authors in the right and left, such as the Atlantic, FactCheck.org, Forbes, National Journal, A Few Days and Glenn Beck's TheBlaze.com. "We are trying to behave not only broadened political coverage," stated Robertson Barrett, vice president news and finance at Yahoo. PHOTOS: Dems and Republicans' Favorite Movies The different elements is going to be folded out piecemeal and land at news.yahoo.com/elections-2012 prior to making their method to various Yahoo pages. About 50 Yahoo workers are focusing on the initiative, including text, photos and video. Celebrity donations to political parties and candidates may also be monitored. Yahoo will lean heavily on ABC News, with collaborative efforts which will include anchors and bloggers like George Stephanopoulos and Mike Tapper. Yahoo stated it reaches nearly 90 % of voting-age grown ups within the U.S. every month. "In this time around of enormous economic and global challenge, the Yahoo audience determines the following leader from the U . s . States," stated Ross Levinsohn, executive vice president Americas at Yahoo. Related Subjects George Stephanopoulos Glenn Beck Yahoo ABC News Politics Herman Cain

Not-for-profit houses lead ES race

LONDON -- Productions at leading not-for-profit houses created a virtually total shut-out for West Finish commercial theater inside the nominations for your 57th Evening Standard Drama Honours, introduced Monday. In the 29 nominations, just three are for be employed in London's commercial West Finish. Cameron Mackintosh's "Betty Blue Eyes," up for top musical and Kristin Scott Thomas is facing Sheridan Cruz for actress for performances in "Disloyality" and "Flare Path" correspondingly. The lion's share in the noms are split involving the National Theater as well as the Royal Court, with nine and eight nods correspondingly. The Two houses' impact on the U.K. legit economy is evidenced by playwright Richard Bean, who receives noms for top play each and every house. Bean's "The Heretic," a obvious, crisp comedy about climatic change, will be a hit within the Royal Court and also the "One Guy, Two Guv'nors" had an SRO run within the National, again on U.K. tour, was examined in cinemas worldwide incorporated in NTLive which is now previewing within the civilized world Finish. Helmer Danny Boyle's National Theater debut "Frankenstein," another NTLive broadcast, receives three noms, incuding actor, that's being fought against against over by Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Burns, who nightly alternated the roles in the monster and also the creator. Hardest demand the idol idol judges will most likely be musical. "Betty Blue Eyes" is facing "Matilda, the Musical" (now previewing within the civilized world Finish after its smash-hit run within the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-upon-Avon) as well as the National's surprise hit "London Road." It had been a genre-busting little bit of musical theater through which personal testimony surrounding an authentic-existence murder situation was set to music. U.S. talent was recognized with Make the most of Ashford bagging a nom for director for his Donmar Warehouse output of "Anna Christie" and Gina Gionfriddo nommed for play for your Almeida output of "Becky Shaw." The 2nd also won a jerk for U.S. thesp David Wilson Barnes for a lot of outstanding newcomer. He's facing most likely probably the most difficult mind-to-mind, which sees Phoebe Fox competing against Kyle Soller for performances in many productions. Fox and Soller are married in solid-existence. The ceremony will exist in the Savoy Hotel on November. 20, situated by Dame Edna Everage. As well as the nominees are: Actor Bertie Carvel, "Matilda, The Musical" (RSC Stratford-upon-Avon and Cambridge) Benedict Cumberbatch, "Frankenstein," National Charles Edwards, "Much Ado About Nothing," Shakespeare's Globe Jonny Lee Burns, "Frankentstein" Actress Sheridan Cruz, "Flare Path," Theater Royal Haymarket Samantha Spiro, "Chicken Soup With Barley," Royal Court Kristin Scott Thomas, "Disloyality," Comedy Theater Play Richard Bean, "The Heretic," Royal Court Richard Bean "One Guy, Two Guv'nors," National Gina Gionfriddo, "Becky Shaw," Almeida Nina Raine, "Tribes," Royal Court The Ned Sherrin Award for Musical "Betty Blue Eyes," Novello "London Road," National "Matilda, the Musical" Director Make the most of Ashford, "Anna Christie," Donmar Warehouse Dominic Cooke, "Chicken Soup With Barley" Edward Hall, "Richard III and "The Comedy of Errors," Hampstead Mike Leigh, "Grief," National Design Bunny Christie, "Males Ought To Be sad," National Lizzie Clachan, "Wastwater," Royal Court Adam Cork, appear design for "Anna Christie" and "King Lear," Donmar Warehouse Mark Tildesley, "Frankenstein" The Charles Wintour Award for a lot of Promising Playwright E.V. Crowe, "Kin," Royal Court Vivienne Franzmann, "Mogadishu," Lyric Hammersmith Penelope Skinner, "The Village Bike," Royal Court The Milton Shulman Award for a lot of Promising Newcomer Phoebe Fox, on her behalf performances in "As You Wish It," The Rose, Kingston, and "The Acidity Test," The Royal Court and "There Is A War," National Malachi Kirby, for his performance in "Mogadishu" Kyle Soller, for his performances in "The Glass Menagerie" and "Government Inspector" (Youthful Vic) and "The Idea Machine" (Royal Court) David Wilson Barnes, for his performance in "Becky Shaw" Contact David Benedict at benedictdavid@mac.com

Fan of Sophistication Kelly? Might want to Visit This Exhibition in Toronto

Sophistication Kelly includes the fantasy of just about any lady in the world: she won an Oscar, married a prince and increased to become princess. She appeared to become the muse to numerous company company directors, most specially the late, great Alfred Hitchcock. Toronto's TIFF Bell Lightbox, the home for the Toronto Worldwide Film Festival, is featuring products and memorabilia based on Kelly's amazing existence. 'Grace Kelly: From Celebrity to Princess' is making its only U . s . States remain in Toronto -- plus it continues through to Jan. 22, 2012. If you want to determine items like Kelly's actual Oscar, clothing she used for the Academy awards or possibly a precise replica of her wedding dress, then you might like to book an plane ticket to Canada. Sophistication Kelly Exhibition Running from November 2011 towards the month of the month of january 2012, 'Grace Kelly: From Celebrity to Princess' showcases many products within the icon's existence. See All Moviefone Galleries » For more information and finished schedule/records at TIFF Bell Lightbox, go to the website. Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook RELATED

Hugh Grant Becomes A Parent At 51

First Launched: November 1, 2011 6:25 PM EDT Credit: Getty Images LONDON, Uk -- Caption Hugh Grant attends the after show party for the premiere Maennerherzen 2 und die ganz grosse Liebe at Claerchens Ballhaus, Berlin, September 7, 2011Hugh Grant features a new real existence role hes coping with what father. On Tuesday, a repetition for your British actor confirmed reviews he's the daddy with a young girl. I am in a position to make certain Hugh Grant might be the delighted father from the young girl, Hughs repetition mentioned in the statement to get into Hollywood. It isn't known who mother in the stars newborn is. He as well as the mother stood a fleeting affair despite the fact that it wasn't planned, Hugh could not become more happy or maybe more encouraging. He as well as the mother have spoken about everything and so are on very friendly terms, the reps statement found the final outcome. This really is really the very first child for Hugh, 51. Strangely enough, the heavens next feature film can be a kids movie The Pirates! Gang of Misfits, an animated feature likely to be out March 30, 2012. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All rights reserved. These elements is probably not launched, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.