Potter Trumps Pooh
The early box office numbers show the final installment of the Harry Potter film franchise took in a record $168 million dollars in its opening weekend.  By comparison, Winnie The Pooh took in just $8 million dollars in the same time period.  It was the only other film opening in wide release on the same day as Potter and finished sixth overall for the weekend, behind second and third weeks for Transformers, Horrible Bosses, Zookeeper and Cars 2.  It is possible that Pooh could make more money in its second weekend, as the fever for Potter slows down.  The San Francisco Chronicle has more on the weekend box office news from theaters around the country.

Nessie Sightings
Those who went to see Winnie The Pooh in theaters got an extra treat: The Disney short film, The Ballad of Nessie was shown prior to the start of Pooh. Narrated by Billy Connolly, the five-minute piece is said to be a gem. The San Francisco Chronicle‘s movie blog has one viewer’s reaction and Collider.com has a more detailed description.

Celebrity Name Game
The RSA’s @LANewsCat was in the audience for the taping of Craig’s new game show, Celebrity Name Game on Friday.  She gives us a taste of what it was like in the studio.

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TV game shows:sometimes clever, always campy and a part of my childhood.Loved the irreverant Gene Rayburn(Match Game) and the cheeky Richard Dawson(Family Feud). On Friday TV’s Craig Ferguson channeled the best qualities from my favorite hosts blended them with his own unique style and voila!Craig morphed into the host of the Celebrity Name Game! As most everyone in the RSA knows, the pilot episodes were taped on Friday at CBS in Studio City. I was fortunate to be in one of the audiences. The impish grin and the twinkle in the eye were there but Craig had to show some restraint. No cussing, no double entrendres and no Geoff! OH MY! Craig was confident in his three piece suit and in his new role. Executive producers Courtney Cox and David Arquette were on hand and gave him plenthy of room to spread his wings. Speaking of room, the set was fashioned to resemble a comfy large living room and there was proper lighting. Nothing like the LLS studio we all are acquainted with. LLS warm up comic Chunky B was along for the ride, keeping the small audience going during the 3 hours it took to get everything done right. Craig kept joking about how much pleasure he would get giving away tons of CBS money! Yes, I thought,”That’s the Fergumeister we know and love!” The winning contestants by the way pocketed a cool 140 thousand dollars. Craig was comfortable, interacted well with the contestants and made them comfy. I was surprised that there were so few LLS fans in the audience, (I did an informal poll) maybe it was the short notice for the taping. What never surprises me is Craig’s ability to know what is natural and right for the moment and make it his own. I haven’t watched a game show in years, but I know if CBS picks up Name Game with Craig, I’ll be hooked on the genre again. I’m already picturing Betty White and Kristen Bell on the show. But I must confess, it all made me think of the game shows of my youth,and how much I still miss Charles Nelson Reilly!

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We’re awaiting word on whether CBS will air the show and will let you know as soon as we hear.

Josh Enjoys His Weekend
The voice of Geoff Petersen, Josh Robert Thompson tweeted on Sunday about girlfriend Kerri Kasem:

Enjoying a little lunch in the Valley w/ the love of my life. http://twitpic.com/5rs0fv

This Week’s Guests

Jayma Mays

Monday on the Late Late Show, Craig interviews actress Elizabeth Banks and actor/comedian Rich Fulcher.  Tuesday, comedian Eddie Izzard returns along with actress Hayley Atwell.  On Wednesday, actress Jenna Elfman, actor Breckin Meyer and comedian Omid Djalili will be joining Craig.  Actor Bryan Cranston and musician Amos Lee will be on Thursday’s show.  And on Friday, Craig welcomes actor John Goodman and actress Jayma Mays.

[stextbox id=”custom” bgcolor=DBF7D8]Today marks our 500th daily post.  More than five hundred people a day get their Craig Ferguson and Late Late Show news from us and we are grateful for every one of you.  It’s a great day for America, everybody. Thank you for visiting our site and spreading the word![/stextbox]

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