Kathryn's Report

What a freaky sight it would be to see a plane coming in to land on a rural road in your town!  This happened on May 17 near Darby, Montana.  A plane from Portland, Oregon had to make an emergency landing on the West Fork Road near Darby.  The contributing factor wasa fast moving storm and ice forming on the wings.  The incident happened just after noon.  The  small plane had two male adults on board bound for Billings!

The Ravalli republic:

Responders from the Montana Highway Patrol, the Ravalli County Sheriff’s Office, the Hamilton Airport and other emergency services responded to the scene, Hoffman said. Officials from the Federal Aviation Administration were on their way from Butte to investigate the situation as well.

Michel Porro,Getty Images

Hats off to Bono! it looks like he will follow no more, at least not in terms of financial portfolios, thanks to some shrewd investment in Facebook. The U2 frontman is one of many who cash in once Facebook goes public Friday (May 18) with their Initial Public (Stock) Offering (IPO).

It looks as though Bono will then become the richest man in the rock world, a spot previously held for many years by Paul McCartney. The “cute” Beatle is also the shrewd one, with an estimated worth of 665 million pounds…that’s over one billion dollars!

Bono is already high atop the list of well to do rockers, earning (according to Nasdaq) a reported $195 million from record and ticket sales in the past two years alone.  He will out run that amount by some distance once Facebook goes public. In 2009, his ‘Elevation Partners’ equity firm bought 2.3% of Facebook for $90 million, an investment that will be worth over $1.5 billion when all is said and done.

In 2009, Facebook stock was worth around $9 billion. By June of 2011, it had skyrocketed to $23 billion, and by the end of 2011, it was valued it at $50 billion. OK, so then why can’t the guy get a different set of sunglasses now?

Source: UltimateClassicRock.com

Jamie McCarthy, Getty Images

In the bizarre world of David Lee Roth, apparently there’s nothing wrong with trashing hotel rooms — or trashing Sammy Hagar in print prior to their joint 2002 tour.

But throwing trash onstage during a Van Halen show? That’s a no-no in the eyes of singer Diamond Dave, who recently singled out a fan for tossing rubbish in Roth’s direction at the MTS Centre in Winnipeg.

Van Halen was playing its cover of the Roy Orbison classic ‘Oh, Pretty Woman’ and just about to wrap up the song’s bridge when an undetermined object that was launched from within the first few rows landed near Roth’s feet.

Roth quickly quieted the rest of the group by saying, “Wait a second, wait a second,” then addressed the offending party: “Don’t throw your garbage up onstage. Throw you girlfriend, a-hole.” The crowd cheered with approval just as guitarist Eddie Van Halen gently kicked the item toward the front of the stage.

Hmm, maybe this song is giving off bad vibes or something on this tour. On March 13 in New Hampshire, Van Halen was less than a minute into ‘Oh, Pretty Woman’ when Roth stopped the band so he could curse out fans for fighting.

Watch David Lee Roth Call Out Garbage-Tossing Fan in Winnipeg:

Source: UltimateClassicRock.com

Youtube (3)

Tonight on American Idol, the final three contestants, Joshua Ledet, Jessica Sanchez and Phillip Phillips opened the result show with a performance of the Beatles track ‘Got to Get You Into My Life.’ It’s never easy to see (or in this case hear) something you love stripped of its life, but its something that millions endured as the three took the stage.

‘Got to Get You Into My Life’ is a classic track known mostly for the wailing vocal prowess of Paul McCartney. Whoever picks the songs for this show made a big mistake with choosing ‘Got to Get You Into My Life,’ as none of the singers were able to make the sonic leaps that McCartney put onto tape (and still pulls off live at the age of 69).

Ledet and Sanchez were able to put their own spin with big high notes during the song, but our favorite ‘Idol’ Phillip “Phillip Phillip Phillip” Phillips sang the track as if he had just rolled out of bed. In this performance, much like many other performances this season of ‘Idol,’ Phillips made it known that he has no range whatsoever. Put a guitar in his hands and a big smile on his face however, the pockets of record executives suddenly begin to swell — however you want to take that line is up to you.

Source: UltimateClassicRock.com

401k/ Flickr

The winning continues today!  Make a note of the Q-To-Call times!

8:06 a.m. and 3:36 p.m.!  When you hear the Q-to Call, the 25th nationwide caller wins $1,000.  Each Win Cash call is worth $1,000!  1-877-854-9467.

Listen to these winners get excited!

What would you do with $10,000?

Log onto the website and register for the $10,000 raffle!  (Drawn June 1) You must be a VIP member!

masterlube.com

Congratulations to all the graduating seniors from all Billings and Laurel High Schools!  Help them celebrate by taking part in the annual Grad Day with MasterLube this Saturday!

Every Year MasterLube helps students raise money for their alcohol free graduation parties.  Stop by MasterLube locations from 7:00am- 6:00pm on May 19 and MasterLube will donate all proceeds from one day’s business to the schools.  Students are selling optional pre-paid tickets for oil changes for that day’s event and will also have a BBQ and car wash on site as part of the fundraising efforts.

The organizing committee hopes to raise $40,000 for the events. The money is used to purchase prizes for all students, buy food and hire entertainment.
The parties are generally held the last week of May. The supervised celebrations start around 10 p.m. and conclude about 4 a.m. Organizers say more than 90 percent of graduates attend the parties.

Billings West will be at the MasterLube on King Ave W, Billigns Senior at Grand Ave, Skyview on Main Street in the Heights, Billings Central at Downtown and Laurel High School at the MasterLube Hand Car Wash at the corner of 8th Street West and Broadwater Ave.
For more information or to donate to these special celebrations, contact Sheri Nealy at 248-2307 or nealy5@q.com

eaglemount.us

Come Out and Play with Eagle Mount this weekend!  This Saturday, May 19 is Family Fun Day at the Billings Sports Plex.  Bring the whole family and enjoy lots of games, activities, concessions and live entertainment.

Some amazing prizes are also being raffled off including a playhouse donated by Thomae Lumber.  There will also be family themed raffle packages including a family vacation, a family staycation, sports and recreation, family night and family together time, Muffy Vanderbear collection, Hoppy Vanderhare collection and more!

For more information about the event or to purchase raffle tickets, call Eagle Mount Billings at 245-5422 or stop by their office at 2822 3^rd Ave. North- Suite 203.

Facebook.com

Tickets for the hottest party of the summer go on sale in less than 24 hours!  I can’t wait for this year’s Magic City Blues Fest!

The biggest street party in Billings gets underway on Friday August 10 with Chris Issak headlining.  The Counting Crows will headline on Saturday August 11 and Alison Krauss and Union Station will headline the South Park event on Sunday August 12.  Tickets go on sale May 18 at Holiday Station Stores in Billings as well as Rimrock Mall.  You can also go online to magiccityblues.com or by phone at 406-534-0400.

Come celebrate 11 years of Montana’s Urban Music Festival!  It’s gonna be a blast!

I love stripes!

Well somebody turned me into the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) again for the annual Lock-Up.  I gladly will go to jail for the MDA.  Today, May 17 I will be raising money for the MDA.

The MDA Lock-Up is at the Depot in downtown Billings!  I will be in from 11 a.m. till about noon or so.  Thanks for your help in advance of your donation.

Bart&Co./Flickr

Legendary disco singer Donna Summer has died after a battle with cancer according to a report from TMZ.  She was 63.

Summer, was a 5-time Grammy winner whose hits dominated the charts in the 1970s. Her songs like “Last Dance,” “Bad Girls” and “Hot Stuff” were among the decade’s most successful.

She continued topping charts into the 1980s, with hits like “She Works Hard for the Money” and“This Time I Know It’s for Real.”

She is survived by her husband, singer and producer Bruce Sudano, their daughters, Brooklyn and Amanda and Summer’s daughter, Mimi, from a previous marriage.

.TMZ reports that Summer died in Florida, and that she had tried to keep the extent of her cancer off the public radar.

The band chosen as the winner of the Musical Shootout will open for the Bucky Beaver Ground Grippers during that evening’s street dance, along with $500!

Vote for your favorite right here!

Almeda Bradshaw’s River Band

As a singer/songwriter, I mostly work solo. But I also front an acoustic trio with myself on vocals/guitar plus upright bass and fiddle/mandolin players. And I work with a five piece group that includes banjo and a second guitar. It all depends on what the venue calls for. I play Western Americana: original and traditional cowboy, country, bluegrass, folk and spiritual. You can learn more about me at my website: www.almedam2bmusic.com and through cdbaby.com, fandalism.com, reverbnation.com and facebook.com. I have sdome youtube videos and videos on my website, but for competition purposes, I have submitted an mp3 of my original song “They Keep A-Stealing On You.”

Jim’n'i

Jim’n'i is a singer/songwriter duo from the beautiful Flathead Lake area featuring Stacy Lynne Santilli’s rich vocal palette and Jim Steiner’s earthy acoustic guitar and harmonies. Listen to more Jim’n'i at www.reverbnation.com/jimnilive

Deadmans Hand

Deadmans Hand was formed in the Winter of 2010 by Rocky Hert, Colton Stieber and Kelly Thompson and with the addition of drummer Mike Hutch they have become a successful Rock and Roll quartet around the Hardin and Billings area. Putting a unique twist on music from the 50′s to today Deadmans Hand has a way to reach music lovers of all ages and lifestyles.

Almost Time

Almost Time was founded by friends and songwriters Joshua Austill and Jeff Hagan in the summer of 2011. Joshua brings with him years of experience playing piano, drums, trumpet, guitar, and singing in choirs. Jeff brings with him years of experience playing bass and teaching others to do so. Jake brings with him a lifetime of experience playing the drums.

Vote for your favorite here

Mario Tama, Getty Images

The separation of church and state doesn’t mean religious leaders can’t express political opinions. And in the wake of President Obama’s endorsement of gay marriage there has been talk that some houses of worship may encourage their flock not to vote for the president in 2012 to protest his reversal on the issue.

However, the majority of Americans would rather that churches and other religious institution keep out of politics altogether. According to a Pew Research Center Poll of 1,503 adults, 54 percent said that churches should keep out of political matters, whereas 40 percent think churches should express views on political questions.

In 1996, these percentages were just about reversed, with 54 percent in favor of churches being involved in politics and 43 percent opposed.

[Pew Research Center]

Paramount Pictures / Universal Pictures / Lionsgate

This weekend, you’ll have your choice between a goofy comedy, watching things blow up, and a tale about the joys and perils of new parenthood.

In ‘The Dictator,’ Sacha Baron Cohen stars as the title character who risked his life to ensure that democracy would never come to the country he so lovingly oppressed.

Based on the classic board game, ‘Battleship’ is an epic action-adventure that unfolds across the seas, in the skies and over land as our planet fights for survival against a superior force.

And ‘What to Expect When You’re Expecting,’ inspired by the self-help book of the same name, tells the story of a group of expectant parents dealing with the surprise demands of pregnancy.

Here’s a sneak peek.

‘The Dictator’

Directed by: Larry Charles
Starring: Sacha Baron Cohen, Anna Faris, Ben Kingsley, Jason Mantzoukas
Get Tickets & Showtimes

‘Battleship’

Directed by: Peter Berg
Starring: Taylor Kitsch, Alexander Skarsgård, Rihanna, Brooklyn Decker, Tadanobu Asano, Hamish Linklater, Liam Neeson
Get Tickets & Showtimes

‘What to Expect When You’re Expecting’

Directed by: Kirk Jones
Starring: Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Lopez, Elizabeth Banks, Chace Crawford, Brooklyn Decker, Ben Falcone, Anna Kendrick, Matthew J. Morrison
Get Tickets & Showtimes

Vladamir Rys/Getty

It seems like forever since the the Special Olympics Montana State Summer Games have been in Billings.  The event was here in 2000.  Now the Special Olympics are back in the Magic City through 2014.  The games have been in Bozeman the last 3 years.

On May 15 Montana Law enforcement completed their torch run for the Special Olympics, kind of the start to the opening ceremonies.  The Montana Law Enforcement officers ran and biked the Flame of Hope over 2,000 miles over the last 2 weeks through Montana.  The actual opening ceremonies are tonight at Metrapark.

Let the games begin at 7 p.m. tonight at Rimrock Auto Arena and various other locations around Billings.  Good work and thank you to the over 2,000 volunteers it takes to pull off this event.  Over 1,000 athletes will compete at Olympic style events through May 18.   Athletes of all skill levels are out to win but most of all have fun.

James Woodcock/Gazette

Your support can begin tonight, May 16 at the official start of the games.

NASA Goddard Photo and Video/Flickr

Not only can you see “Ring of Fire” at the Alberta Bair Theatre, you could see one in the sky this weekend if you head south!

MSNBC.com says we are in store for an annular solar eclipse. The Moon will come between the Earth and Sun and block out about 94 percent of the sun’s light causing the sun to look like a ring.  In it’s full glory, it should be visible from much of Asia, the Pacific region and some of western North America, weather permitting. Those in Northern Texas, Nevada and Southern California will probably have the best view.  Other parts of the United States and Canada will still see a partial solar eclipse, without being treated to the ring of fire effect.

The eclipse will occur in the late afternoon or early evening of May 20 throughout North America, and May 21 for observers in Asia so keep your eye on the sky starting late Sunday afternoon!

ezeiza/Flickr

McDonald’s is America’s most popular fast food chain and there are plenty of facts about the company that you may find completely unexpected. The restaurant giant has grown through the recession and recovery. Which makes sense since it sells more than 75 burgers every second.  Check out some more shocking facts from Business Insider’s, Gus Lubin.

1. McDonald’s’ daily customer traffic (62 million) is more than the population of Great Britain.

2. McDonald’s sells more than 75 hamburgers every second.

3. McDonald’s feeds 68 million people per day, that’s about 1 percent of the world’s population.

4. McDonald’s’ $27 billion in revenue makes it the 90th-largest economy in the world.

5. The $8.7 billion in revenue from franchise stores alone, makes McDonald’s richer than Mongolia.

6. McDonald’s hires around 1 million workers in the US every year. This estimate from Fast Food Nation assumes a 700,000 domestic workforce with 150% turnover rate.

7. McDonald’s has 761,000 employees worldwide, that’s more than the population of Luxembourg.

8. According to company estimates, one in every eight American workers has been employed by McDonald’s.

9. Sharon Stone worked at McDonald’s before she was famous. So did Shania Twain, Jay Leno, Rachel McAdams and Pink.

10. McDonald’s is the world’s largest distributor of toys, with one included in 20 percent of all sales.

11. For the next three years, McDonald’s is going to open one restaurant every day in China.

12. The only place in the lower 48 that is more than 100 miles from a McDonald’s is a barren plain in South Dakota.

13. Americans alone consume one billion pounds of beef at McDonald’s in a year – five and a half million head of cattle.

Kevin Winter, Getty Images

In addition to being known as a brilliant singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Paul McCartney‘s reputation as an all-around nice guy has been well-earned through the years. If he was less modest, he’d also be able to add the word “hero” to his CV, as it was recently revealed that, many years ago, he saved future producer Mark Ronson from drowning in Long Island Sound.

In an interview with Britain’s Live Magazine, Ronson, best known for his work with Adele and Amy Winehouse and whose step-father is Mick Jones of Foreigner, said that he had heard the story from his mother but never believed it. But a few months ago he worked with the ex-Beatle, who, according to Ronson, said, “Your mum’s Ann, right? Me and Linda would always run into your parents on the beach in Long Island.”

“I told him about my mum’s story that he saved me from drowning one time,” Ronson continued. “And he said he vaguely remembered something like that. So maybe he backed up her claim, which means I can’t really tease her about it now.”

If placed in a similar situation, most celebrities would brag about their actions in the press as often as possible. Paul McCartney not only kept quiet about it, but basically shrugged it off as if it was nothing when confronted about it years later by the person he saved. Could he also be a superhero?

Source: UltimateClassicRock.com

ABC

With so many amazing contenders in the ‘Dancing with the Stars‘ semifinals, it was really anyone’s guess who’d leave after Tuesday night’s elimination show.

So which three couples will move on to next week’s big finale?

Hosts Tom Bergeron and Brooke Burke-Charvet, who was nice enough to introduce first-time viewers to her cleavage, kicked off the show by letting the judges choose an encore dance from performance night.

Len announced the honors would go to William and Cheryl’s samba, so the bronzed pair again took to the stage to showcase William’s bouncy backside to a grateful nation.

Then we got a backstage look at what exactly happened to Katherine after she flubbed the end of her second routine on Monday. Apparently a twinge in her back chose to make itself known at an inopportune time, and she was devastated — although it seemed she was more concerned about possibly costing Mark a spot in the finals than she was about herself.

Brooke’s cleavage called Katherine and Mark to the stage to learn their fate, and after they were told they were the first to make it to the finals, they jumped so high it honestly looked like they’d both been launched from ejector seats. Much rejoicing ensued, and we have to say we’re pleased we’ll get to see them next week.

Next up: Derek and Maria, who had a helluva night on Monday. But even though they were at the top of the judges’ leaderboard, they must have fallen short on audience votes because they were the first couple in jeopardy.

Then we got a peek at the upcoming ‘Rock of Ages‘ movie, only live on stage, featuring ‘DWTS’ vet Julianne Hough and the always-amazing Mary J. Blige. It was … well, see for yourself:

Donald and Peta were the next to be told they were in jeopardy, which course meant William and Cheryl moved on to the finals.

And in what many people will probably feel was a really shocking result, Maria and Derek were eliminated, even after getting one perfect score and one near-perfect score on Monday. Yeah, those audience votes do matter. (Is this a good time to say we predicted they’d come in fourth?)

But if Maria was surprised, she sure didn’t let it show. “I learned so many things,” she said about her time on the show. “I learned how strong I was. I learned to persevere.” Classy lady — and as we said, it really could’ve been anyone who went home.

See you next week, when we’ll finally find out who wins the coveted mirror ball trophy.

Source: ScreenCrush.com

NBC

We’re still in the middle of the audition process for ‘America’s Got Talent,’ so at this point audiences are prepared to see anything from the sweet to the absolutely absurd. What better place to find that all than in San Francisco?

We’re technically on the second episode of ‘America’s Got Talent,’ so naturally at this point the judges are ready to ‘go into battle’. “I’ve been waiting in my hotel room since five in the morning, waiting to judge something,” says Howard Stern as he’s greeted by crowds of San Franciscans. And obviously the rest of the crowd is anxious to move forward with the auditions. After all, if the contestants manage to win this competition then they will snag a million dollars. And no matter what you tell us, we don’t believe that Howie Mandell actually flew in on some form of a jet pack. That’s just careful editing at work there.

We begin the festivities with the Sacramento dance group called CMYB, headed by David Garblandi. Now here’s the kicker: they’re not just a dance group, but a painting dance group. Yes, they manage to combine their love of dance with their incredible painting skills. To think that he’s able to paint Mozart while actually dancing to it along with his group is just amazing. Color the judges impressed. (Sorry)

Then the audience isn’t introduced so much as exposed to Mr. Special. His name should sum it up. He comes in a little tricycle playing “Anchors Away” on a trumpet while wearing half of a chicken outfit. He gets an automatic fail from Sharon and Howard, but pushover Howie gives him a chance for a split second until he decides to vote against him. Mr. Special doesn’t take the news well as he almost calls Sharon a b—-, then tells her to give him a call. Mr. Special even manages to slightly harass Howie and Howard back stage. Rude much?

It’s time for a horrible audition montage! We’re exposed to the worst of the bunch which includes lame fire performers, a band who plays solely on guitars made out of suitcases and Mars Green, a man who’s painted like a lizard and sings an awful rendition of Katy Perry’s “Supernatural.” That poor, poor audience.

Obviously the saddest one in the group was Kim McAffe, a singer who’s duet became a solo thanks to her flaky singing partner. She may have given Howard Stern praise for his show, but that doesn’t stop him from giving her an automatic no for her performance. Suddenly Nick Cannon pops up, trying to help her out by “scratching,” which makes her performance a bit worse.

Let’s bring on the balancing act! We’re referring to Cristin Sandu, a seventeen-year-old who balances on several metal circles. It terrifies the audience to a degree, afraid that Cristin will be splattered all over the AGT floor, but he manages to pull off his act without a hitch and wins most of the judges over.

Then we’re sprinkled with a bit of humor as the auditions continue on with LCD – The Lisa Clark Dancers. This has to be one of the funniest dances that’s been seen on the show so far, mixing contemporary dance with classical music. Everyone’s won over except for Howie, which nobody gets, not even us. For some reason Howie is happy when he sees the magician and the concert piano player who pull off a cool sawing act that ends with half of the piano player performing one of his tunes. And then he gives a yes to a juggler who screws up the first time he performs his act. What’s going on in that noggin, Howie?

We get our first dose of impressions on the show thanks to Dave, a comedian impressionist. He manages to imitate the voice and movements of a few celebrities including Nicolas Cage and Vince Vaughn but doesn’t entirely hit the mark the whole time. All of the judges basically tell him to get a little “edgier” with writing his impression skit, but still think he’s good enough to move forward in the competition.

We slip into the more emotionally touching portion of the show when we’re introduced to Luiz Meneghin, a normal man with a solid opera voice. His performance is fine but at the same time you can tell he picked a safe song to sing instead of really pushing his vocal cords to the limit. Either way, he managed to wow everyone in the audience. Here’s hoping he really challenges himself when he’s in Las Vegas.

Day two of the San Francisco auditions kicks off with Paula Nelson, an eighty-year-old woman who’s known as Granny G. What makes Granny G so unique? Why she’s a grandmother who can rap about moral values. The judges suggest that Granny G could be even cooler if she blings up her walker. She’ll certainly be doing that when she’s in the next round. At least she’s loads better than Kotton Kandy, a heavy-set male street performer who wears a glowing showgirl outfit. Hey, he may not be what everyone wants to see but at least he gave it the good old academic try while dancing to the “Tootise Roll.”

Crappy audition montage part two! This round includes motorcycle stunt men who can barely do any tricks, a lady with a performing mini-horse and puppy that just walks around in circles. And though you would have figured the man who transformed his broom and dust pan into musical instruments wouldn’t move forward, you’re wrong.

It’s sympathetic time once more with Tim Hockenberry, an alcoholic who turned his life around and is now ready to sing in front of the nation. He performs a great rendition of “You Are So Beautiful” which almost moves Howie to tears. Everyone is absolutely in love with him, especially Howard who describes his performance as “a breath of fresh air.”

The last dance group we’re presented with is the FBC (Funk Beyond Control). They’re all right, but the one thing that almost killed their routine is that one of the kids immediately messed up. Thankfully, Howard Stern and company were in more of a forgiving mood at this point in the show.

Speaking of decent performances, the judges managed to let an indie folk hipster-like band, called The Emily Ann Band, move forward. They sang a really strange rendition of Britney Spears’ “Toxic” that left half of the audience wondering what they just listened to. Oh well, they advanced to the next round along with so-so stand up comedian Kellen and a martial arts dance group that messed up at one point.

Thankfully the last performer of the night deserved to not only be on this stage but definitely deserves to make it all the way to the finals. Alonso Jones, aka Turf, is a hip hop contortionist dancer who was kicked out of his house for wanting to pursue his dreams. He was homeless for two years and danced for money on the street until he could afford his own apartment. The contortion may at times be uncomfortable to watch but man, he’s got some moves. Even Nick Cannon is speechless, his jaw hanging ajar while watching Turf at work. Once he’s done performing, Turf is moved to tears over the judges’ wonderfully kind words. “Just this right here… dream came true.” Yes, this man is going to Las Vegas.

That’s it for San Francisco’s portion of the auditions. Next week we’ll be watching the trio make their rounds in New York City, Howard Stern’s home turf, on ‘America’s Got Talent,’ airing this next Monday and Tuesday at 8 PM.

Source: ScreenCrush.com

mammamia/Flickr

It’s only May but it’s already feeling a lot like summer here in the Magic City.  Last year at this time we were being inundated with wet weather and flooding and this year we haven’t seen any or at least very little!  Temperatures are in the mid to upper 80’s this week!  Does that mean we are in store for a scorcher this summer and an early fire season?  KTVQ Meteorologist Ed McIntosh gives us a look ahead!