Famed author J.D. Salinger died Wednesday of natural causes at his home in New Hampshire. He was 91. He wrote four acclaimed novels during the 50s and 60s including his groundbreaking piece of literature "Catcher in the Rye." "Catcher's" cardinal character Holden Caulfield has resonated with generations of misunderstood youths. Fiercely private and secluded in nature, J.D. Salinger had all but disappeared from the public eye albeit brief, unsubstantiated rumors that the author would come out of hiding to release a new novel. It never was to be. The author had broken his hip last May, but was in sterling health until he abruptly went downhill after the New Year according to a statement from the Salinger family. Salinger was a true literary master and will be missed.

The much heralded Broadway production Wicked will be returning to San Francisco for an open ended engagement at the Orpheum Theatre beginning Tuesday, January 27. It is a sweet homecoming for the musical that premiered in San Francisco at the Curran Theatre in 2003 before going on to win countless Tony and Grammy Awards on Broadway. Teal Wicks has been tapped to play Elphaba and Kendra Kasselbaum takes on Glinda. Tickets are onsale now.

Source: Wicked San Francisco

Scarlett Johansson topped FHM's 100 sexiest women poll, dethroning last year's winner Angelina Jolie who settled for second. The star of Match Point replied to the honor stating "One of the best things for a woman to hear is that she is sexy. I'd like to thank FHM's readers for the huge compliment." Rounding out the remaining spots in the top 10 were Jessica Alba, Jessica Simpson, Keira Knightley, Halle Berry, Jenny McCarthy, Maria Sharapova, Carmen Electra and Teri Hatcher. The May issue goes onsale April 4th.

Source: Washington Post

Gentlemen, it is that time a year when we all get that warm fuzzy feeling. No, I'm not referring to Valentine's Day, rather the release of the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue. Our favorite tennis goddess, Maria Sharapova, is stripping off her tennis skirt to flaunt her best assets along with SI's other breathtaking beauties. Once you've become thoroughly entranced by Maria might I suggest you sample a little Marisa Miller, Yesica Toscanini and Veronica Varekova. These ladies are guaranteed to raise your spirits and warm your thoughts.

Checkout Maria Sharapova and the rest of the SI beauties.

The day following the release of the gaming behemoth, Xbox 360, these scarce systems were being bid up to $1000 on eBay. That's as much as a $700 markup over retail. I know its unthinkable, but it seems the Microsoft system is a little buggy. A poll on the forum of Teamxbox.com marks 14 to 16 percent of users having problems with their machines. Overheating issues seemed to be the chief complaint among users. Since they're sold out pretty much everywhere, ol' Softie will have a chance to exterminate the bugs before the next batch hits shelves.

Source: Yahoo News

If Esquire had been reading PM Media faithfully, they would know Jessica Biel isn't even a top 10 candidate much less the sexiest woman alive. Regardless, the magazine followed up last year's choice of the vivacious Angelina with the ex-7th Heaven star who has been stinking up the screen of late in Stealth. The magazine also took time to feature women from three older brackets: Gong Li, 39; Sharon Stone, 47; and Rene Russo, 51. When looking at hot older women, how can you pass up Diane Lane?

Source: ABC News

Those wily cats over at beer.com secured a special place in guy's hearts everywhere when they unveiled the Virtual Bartender. She is a uber hot chick ready to wait on you hand and foot, teasing your twisted fantasies. She charged up your engine yet left enough to the imagination to keep her interesting. Now there's Virtual Bartender 2 who are two lovely ladies ready to stoke your desires. Just enter a command and go. While they might not be the sizzling hot firecracker the original was, these ladies pack their own punch. Settle in for hours of fun.

Do you compose your own critical notices in your head? Does your music and film knowledge dwarf your peers? Can you write the lead out of a pencil? Do you have an opinion on everything from Angelina's fishy pucker to the hue of red on the irrelevant Terror Alert chart? Well congratulations -- you're weird. But that weirdness can pay off. PM Media is looking for a few dedicated writers to fill out our high quality staff. If you think you have what it takes, send us a writing sample to assess your talents via our contact page. Simply select "Write for PM Media" in the topic list and you could be on your way to becoming an Internet celebrity.

LOS ANGELES, California (AP) -- Is Dave Chappelle back? The AWOL comedian dropped in unannounced at two popular comedy clubs Thursday night, saying he had just arrived in Los Angeles and felt like performing, Daily Variety reported Friday. Entertainment Weekly reported CollegeHumor.com made note of Chappelle's appearance at a show sponsored by the site. Read more.

With Episode III: Revenge of the Sith opening everywhere today, we thought this would be a good opportunity to reintroduce that lovable, huggable, Padawon Learner that captured our hearts with his fierce saber skills and cat-like reflexes. Sarcasm aside, much props to all those that took this poor kid's video and gave it a life of its own.

Please forgive this temporary foray into gossip journalism, but we just have to comment on our girl, Jennifer Garner. The rising star has yet to redeem herself after the regrettable, Elektra, and looks to continue her string of bad luck with her latest error in judgement...her reported engagement to Ben Affleck. "Bennifer Part Deux" or my favorite "Againifer" has the makings of a box-office-like flop, and we can only stand to the side and shake our heads. What's going on here? Alias feels like it's missing something and the movie career is off to a rocky start. Once again, we have to put the focus on Affleck, who probably needs to let go of the Jennifers and head back to the nurturing arms of Matt Damon to help revive a career that lately has been highlighted, not by anything in film, but by a big win at a well known Texas Hold 'em Poker tournament. J-Lo is on the road to recovery and might make a nice comback in Monster-in-Law, which also stars Garner's former love, Michael Vartan. Let's just wish the Garner-Afflecks (yes, Garner should come before Affleck) the best of luck and help pick up the pieces when it all comes crashing down.

Read the full the story.

Could Amazon join forces with Netflix and Blockbuster Online to begin a new foray into the online rental industry? This partnership, which could also include Walmart, would allow Amazon to get their foot through the rental doors stateside without spending the millions it would take to set up their own service. Amazon currently provides online rentals in Britain to test and monitor their potential, but it looks as if things aren't shaping out the way they intended. Read more.

Seriously? It's obvious that J.R.R. Tolkien's epic translated well on the big screen, but can it be taken seriously as a musical? A stage production is fine, but do we really need to see Frodo and Gollum break out in a song and dance number? I'm still waiting for the punchline.

Read more about "Lord of the Rings: The Musical" at CTV.ca

Everybody knows that Halle Berry took a misguided step when she accepted the title role of "Catwoman." It hasn't done anything positive for her career and has you feeling a bit sorry for the Oscar winner ("Monster's Ball"). However, what some of you didn't know is that she had the class and humility to accept her Razzie for "Worst Actress" ...in person! It takes a lot to be a good winner, but it says more about yourself when you're an even better loser. Some feel that you're only as good as your last movie. Halle Berry's character and ability to laugh at herself should regain some of the respect that "Catwoman" took away.

Read the full This is London article now.

Update! Check out an NBC Affiliate's video clip of Berry's acceptance.

My latest addiction song is drawn from the opening track of the Grammy nominated Tamborine by Tift Merritt. "Stray Paper" is a powerful alt-country tune with plenty of flavor and double helpings of talent. Merritt is one of a host of smart, up and coming country musicians redefining this ailing genre. For the sexy side of Tift, check out this month's FHM.

In my mind, the song that probably sticks out most from the "Wicker Park Soundtrack" is Postal Service's remake of Phil Collin's "Against All Odds." Collin's original version was already pretty damn good, but The Postal Service just knocked it farther out the park!

Remember Mark Wahlberg's character, Bobby Shatford, in the "Perfect Storm?" His brother, Richard, almost suffered the same fate as his crew's fishing boat sank in Gloucester, Massachussets. Read the CNN article.

Found on the "Wicker Park Soundtrack," which delivers some truly refreshing and emotional tracks that helped strengthen the film.