Movies, music and theater, coming up.

Super Bowl viewers were rubbing their eyes at the sight of a TV spot pairing CBS late-night host David Letterman with longtime NBC archrival Jay Leno, plus media magnate Oprah Winfrey.

The science-fiction sensation “Avatar” and the Iraq war thriller “The Hurt Locker” lead the Academy Awards with nine nominations each, including best picture and director for former spouses James Cameron and Kathryn Bigelow.

It’s ugly news for all the fans of “Ugly Betty.“ ABC says the series will be canceled after this season.

The deadly earthquake that has left Haiti in shambles is the hot topic of the world right now.

Events coming up in the area.

Opening Friday: Based on a true story, “Extraordinary Measures” stars Harrison Ford and Brendan Fraser (“Journey to the Center of the Earth,” “The Mummy”) as, respectively, a father searching for a cure for his child’s rare genetic disorder and the scientist who may hold the key.

Disney’s “Gepetto and Son” comes to the stage starting this weekend, when the Center for the Arts’ Pied Piper Theatre presents the newest version of the enchanting story of Pinocchio.

A statement on Charlie Daniels’ Web site says the fiddler-guitarist is recovering from a mild stroke he suffered while snowmobiling in Colorado.

Although it’s a post-apocalyptic science fiction film, “The Book of Eli” plays like a Western, offering one of that genre’s bread-and-butter plot lines: a good guy loner standing up to a pack of bad guys.

Now that the award season has replaced the holiday season in Hollywood, buzz is building about best pictures, winning performances, designer gowns and, oh yes, “What’s for dinner?“

Veterans Memorial Park is kicking off its children’s dance programming with two new classes.

Movies, music and theater coming up . . .

Prince William Little Theatre will present Steve Martin’s “The Underpants” for seven performances, beginning Friday.<

Simon Cowell, the acerbic Brit who has helped give “American Idol” some of its sharpest — and nastiest — moments, will leave the popular singing show after this season.

The Friends of the National Zoo will host a “Farewell to Tai Shan” party at the end of the month as the 4-year-old giant panda will be sent to China.

The people have chosen vampires.

Money can buy guns, but not maturity.

Movies, shows and club acts to see are previewed by Joe Barber.

James Cameron’s science-fiction epic “Avatar” had another stellar weekend with $68.3 million domestically, shooting past $1 billion worldwide, only the fifth movie ever to hit that mark.

Happy Holidays! As 2009 comes to a close it is time for the annual Top 10 Ya Heard Moments of the Year.

When gift givers think of tech gifts, they think of expensive things like laptops or 60-inch plasma screens.

Among procrastinators like me is the growing inkling that Christmas is coming.

Year’s end is a great time to unwind from Christmas and spend time with family and friends.

What’s going on in the Metro area.

“The Nutcracker” comes to elementary school.

Tiger is a cheetah and the world is surprised?

Movies, theater and music brought to you by Joe Barber.

Nothing says Christmas more than a cat getting zapped by a strand of lights and a decorated house that could light up an entire city.

A guide to holiday specials on the tube.