Arkansas

MILWAUKEE — Thousands of people in Milwaukee are celebrating Harley-Davidson’s 105th anniversary. Video:Harley Riders Offer Advice For Next Celebration Motorcycle riders from around the world revved their engines Saturday, waving flags and throwing candy to the crowd that is lining a 4.5-mile parade route by Lake Michigan. About 158 police and sheriff’s troopers are participating in the event, including officers from as far away as Italy. About 7,500 motorcycles are there.More than 100,000 people are expected for the celebration, which includes activities at the new Harley-Davidson Museum and a performance tonight by Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band.Among the lead riders is Willie Davidson, grandson of a Harley-Davidson founder and the company’s chief styling officer.The celebration ends Sunday. (Read the full post about ‘Thousands Of Harleys Parade Through Milwaukee’…)

The stars came out in force for Democratic presidential nominee Sen. Barack Obama in Denver this past week, participating in several events to support their presidential hopeful. Celebrities began rolling in as early as Sunday to eventually witness Obama’s historic nomination, including Susan Sarandon, Jessica Alba, Stevie Wonder, Anne Hathaway, Sheryl Crow and John Legend.And while Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain doesn’t have nearly the same number of Hollywood backers as Obama does, he’s managed to maintain a solid base.Several supporters of McCain reportedly turned up at a McCain fundraiser in Beverly Hills, Calif., this week, including such Hollywood heavyweights as Robert Duvall, James Caan, Jon Voight and Patricia Heaton. (Read the full post about ‘Celebrities: Who Backs Which Candidate?’…)

“The X-Files” and “Californication” star Duchovny has entered rehab for sex addiction.

Duchovny’s lawyer, Stanton Stein, said that the actor entered rehab voluntarily.

Stein released a statement from Duchovny, which said, “I ask for respect and privacy for my wife and children as we deal with this situation as a family.”

Duchovny has been married to actress Tea Leoni for 11 years. (Read the full post about ‘‘X-Files’ Star In Sex Addiction Treatment’…)

ATLANTA — After 50 years in the music business, Kenny Rogers is thinking about hanging up his microphone for good. Rogers said that his next album may be his last. The 70-year-old country music legend cited family obligations, specifically his identical 4-year-old twin boys.”They say having kids at my age either makes you or breaks you and I’m leaning heavily toward break right now,” Rogers said. Rogers came out with a career retrospective CD this week called, “Kenny Rogers: 50 Years.”The release is being sold exclusively through Cracker Barrel restaurants. The 12-track CD includes hits such as “Lucille” and “The Gambler,” and features three new songs. (Read the full post about ‘Kenny Rogers Ready To Quit Music Business?’…)

The little kid with the high voice turns 50 on Friday.

Michael Jackson will mark his birthday by maintaining a low profile, rather than throwing a big birthday bash.

Sony is marking his birthday by releasing an album based on fan votes called “King of Pop,” but that’s only overseas, where Jackson still maintains a strong following.

Jackson released the 25th anniversary of “Thriller” earlier this year, and a remake of “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin”‘ did well on the dance charts

As for new music, there have been rumors of that for years, as Will.I.Am, Ne-Yo, Chris Brown and Akon have been linked to a potential Jackson album.

Thanks to Bill for the link to an Alaska newspaper that shows the Republican vice presidential nominee is a believer in teaching "creation science." Somebody who’s raised her hand in solidarity with our former governor. Great. Not that that will necessarily harm her among the electorate.

Last night, the governor’s office issued a response to comments made on the Arkansas Blog taking Gov. Beebe to task for the lack of public accountability in the state agency in charge of taking care of abused children, which will not release information about four kids who’ve died in foster care over the summer.

"The Governor has ordered a top-to-bottom review of DCFS procedures and personnel, leading to changes in leadership in the division as well as a redeployment of existing division resources to support field operations.

(Read the full post about ‘Behind the scenes’…)

Arkansas Business is reporting that Dillard’s Inc. has bought the 50 percent interest in CDI Contractors formerly held by the family of the late Bill Clark, making it the sole owner of the company.

Dillard’s problems with CDI accounting practices and its interest in acquiring the Clark family share came to light after the Jan. 28 disappearance of CDI’s chief financial officer, John Glasgow. Glasgow has never been found.

You know, what UCA needs in the post-Lu era is an administrator who really knows how to cut loose and have fun — who can talk to the students on their level.

Note to the Board of Trustees: we’re thinking that this guy would be perfect for the job.

A news release rolled in this afternoon that says a New York museum is looking for the painting on which this Goo Goo Dolls album cover was based. It was purchased in the Delta exhibition at the Arkansas Arts Center in 1980. The purchaser was believed to be an Arkansas rice farmer.

Any clues?  Contact info on the jump. Let us know, too.