FROM 'FRIDAY NIGHT' TO THE NEW 'DAWN'

Adrianne Palicki has weathered all kinds of crises as Tyra Collette in the Austin-filmed show "Friday Night Lights." Now she'll be battling Russian and Chinese invaders in a remake of the '80s film "Red Dawn," according to the Hollywood Reporter. Palicki will play the character portrayed by Jennifer Grey in the original.

This casting news follows word that "FNL's" Taylor Kitsch (Tim Riggins) snared the lead in Disney's upcoming "John Carter of Mars."

— Sarah Lindner

GOING SEPARATE WAYS

Billy Joel and wife Katie Lee are confirming a split.

In a statement, the pair, who married five years ago, said they remain "caring friends with admiration and respect for each other."

A representative for Joel did not immediately respond to the question of whether the couple were getting a divorce. This was the Piano Man's third marriage, her first.

Joel, 60, is one of pop's most successful singer-songwriters; Katie Lee Joel, 27, hosted the first season of Bravo TV's "Top Chef.

BACHELORS FROM AUSTIN

If you've been tuning in to ABC's "The Bachelorette," some contenders might look familiar.

Three of the bachelors on the show, following "Bachelor" castoff Jillian Harris' quest for love, are from Austin, one way or another. Wes, originally from Huntsville, is an Austin musician. Robby, a bartender, works at the Lustre Pearl on Rainey Street. As of Monday's episode, the two remained in the running for Harris' affection. Kyle, an Austin graphic designer now living in Brooklyn, didn't receive a rose in the first episode, so he has already left the mix.

Is there a reality-show breeding center here?

— Michael Barnes

HOT, HOT, HOT

Chace Crawford, who plays hunky Nate Archibald on the CW teen drama "Gossip Girl," is People magazine's hottest bachelor of the summer.

Crawford, 23, is also slated to star in a remake of the 1984 film "Footloose," which made Kevin Bacon a heartthrob.

People's list of sexy single men also includes Zac Efron, Robert Pattinson and Bradley Cooper.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAYS

World War II veteran and former speaker of the Texas House of Representatives Reuben Senterfitt of San Saba is 92. World War II veteran Efram Casarez of Austin is 84. Singer Paul McCartney is 67. Movie critic Roger Ebert is 67. Actress Isabella Rossellini is 57. Musician Bobby Flores is 48. Country singer Blake Shelton is 33.

source : http://www.statesman.com