Action figures for 'Django Unchained' triggers protest

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Slavery-era action figures tied to Quentin Tarantino's "Django Unchained" are raising questions about whether they're appropriate.

Spotlight

FOX: PASSION, DISAGREEMENTS WITH NEW 'IDOL' TEAM: PASADENA (AP) - Five minutes into their season-opening news conference and the new team at "American Idol" were having their first disagreement - about their disagreements. Then Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj kept it going.

Fueled by fanboy-ism, an empire swells at Nerdist online factory

Kimmel moves to late-night TV’s sweet spot

Spotlight

OSCAR HOST SETH MACFARLANE TO ANNOUNCE NOMINATIONS: LOS ANGELES (AP) - For the first time in 40 years, the host of the Academy Awards will help announce the Oscar nominations.

Longtime 'General Hopsital' actor joins 'Young and the Restless' cast

Michael J. Fox to play newscaster in NBC’s yet-to-be-named sitcom

PASADENA (AP) - On his upcoming NBC comedy, Michael J. Fox will play a newscaster who had quit his job due to Parkinson's Disease but returns to work in the show's first episode because a new medical regimen has helped him control many of the disease's symptoms.

Ex-La. governor convicted of corruption gets cable TV show

NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Former Louisiana Gov. Edwin Edwards will star on a new cable TV show with the woman he married after his release from federal prison on a corruption conviction.

‘Chainsaw 3-D’ carves out No. 1 debut with $23M at box office

LOS ANGELES (AP) - It took Leatherface and his chainsaw to chase tiny hobbit Bilbo Baggins out of the top spot at the box office.

Award-season film hopefuls stop at Palm Springs festival

PALM SPRINGS (AP) - The Award Season Express made its first stop of the new year in the middle of the desert a couple hours east of Hollywood at the annual Palm Springs International Film Festival gala.

Entertainment news briefs

• Rare color photos of The Beatles to go up for sale: LONDON (AP) - Unpublished early color photographs of The Beatles' first U.S. tour will be sold at a U.K. auction.

R&B artist Keith Sweat appearing Feb. 17 on Bob Hope Theatre stage

STOCKTON – Rhythm and blues artist Keith Sweat is performing Sunday, Feb. 17, at 8 p.m. at the Bob Hope Theatre.

Blues & urban soul kick start 2013 concerts at The State

MODESTO - Two concerts start of 2013 at the Modesto State Theatre. Master harp-blower Mark Hummeland his all-star line-up of harmonica greats perform a tribute to the legendary Jimmy Reed on Thursday, Jan. 10, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $28, $38 and $45. Then on Wednesday, Jan. 16, starting at 8 p.m. The State offers a night of East Bay Funk with Tower Of Power. Tickets are $40, $45, and $50. Mark Hummel's Blues ...

Loki Rhythm performs Jan. 12 at Coffee House

STOCKTON - Loki Rhythm is performing at the Emerson Coffee House to celebrate musical sounds from around the world on Saturday, Jan. 12, at 7 p.m.

Quilt show at Modesto Centre Plaza Jan. 19-20

MODESTO - Country Crossroads Quilt Guild of Modesto is presenting the 2013 "Heart of the Valley" Quilts and Textile Arts Show, Saturday, Jan. 19 and Sunday, Jan. 20, at Modesto Centre Plaza, 10th and K Street in Downtown Modesto.

Elvin Bishop playing Isleton Cajun & Blues Festival in June

FAST FACTS

Modesto Symphony staging ‘Let’s Go to Movies’ concert

Beach Boys tribute concert at Modesto State

Hot Latin Nights concert taking place on May 4 at Orchard Valley

MJC Choral & Vocal Extravaganza on Friday

FAST FACTS

Big Draw features street chalk artists, other art offerings

31 years of helping build self-esteem

Bulletin staff reports

HONORING MABEL BROCCHINI