This morning, Oprah Winfrey announced her show is coming to an end after 25 years. A collection of pieces from Audrey Hepburn’s wardrobe goes on sale, and Twilight: New Moon gears up for a huge weekend by breaking the box office record for a midnight premiere. This is your Daily Surf Report, using the best videos on the web to keep you abreast of the day’s top stories.

Oprah Announces The End

A tearful Oprah Winfrey announced to her studio audience and a nation of fans that she will be ending The Oprah Winfrey Show in 2011, following the show’s 25th season.

Winfrey attributed the decision to a combination of “much prayer” and “months of careful thought”. “I certainly never could have imagined the yellow brick road of blessings that have led me to this moment,” she said. The show has impacted not only Oprah’s own career, but launched the career of “Dr. Phil” McGraw and making millions for authors and publishers based on the show’s book club recommendations.

Click the video below to watch Oprah’s tearful announcement:

Hepburn Wardrobe Up For Auction

A collection of pieces from the wardrobe of Hollywood icon Audrey Hepburn are being offered by famed auction house Sotheby’s in an event designed to raise money for the Audrey Hepburn Childrens Fund and UNICEF.

Although what is perhaps Hepburn’s most famous dress - the black cocktail dress worn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s - was auctioned three years ago, the Sotheby’s auction features a large catalog of available items. Included are two Givenchy dresses, one from the promotion of “Paris When It Sizzles” and another from the 1966 film “How To Steal a Million“.

Hepburn died in 1993 at the age of 63. All the clothing in the auction was provided by a friend of Hepburn’s who recieved the clothes shortly before she died.

This video is a tribute to the actress, and shows why Hepburn was considered a legend not only in Hollywood, but in the world of fashion as well:

New Moon Already Setting Records

The Twilight Saga: New Moon debuted at 12:01 am last night and quickly became the highest grossing midnight premiere in history. With the rest of the weekend still ahead, box office analysts are predicting the film to surpass $100 million in its first three days.

The sequel, which stars Kristen Stewart, Taylor Lautner, and Robert Pattinson, took an estimated $26.3 million for it’s midnight bow, surpassing the previous record set by Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince.

Knowing that moviegoers will be facing the prospect of long lines and packed auditoriums, is the film worth checking out? Watch this review to find out:

The Daily Surf Report is your daily primer of the world in video. Check back every weekday for the best video highlights of the day’s top stories. Looking for more videos? Click on the links!

For the second time, People Magazine has named Johnny Depp as the Sexiest Man Alive. Janet Jackson finally spoke about her brother’s death in an interview, and tonight marks the midnight premiere of the rabidly anticipated Twilight Saga: New Moon. This is your Daily Surf Report, using the best videos on the web to keep you abreast of the day’s top stories.

Depp Wins People’s Sexiest Man Alive

Box office icon Johnny Depp was declared by People Magazine to be the world’s Sexiest Man Alive, six year’s after receiving the honor in 2003. Depp joins George Clooney and Brad Pitt in the two time winner club.

The annual special edition named Depp’s extra-curricular talents (he is also a photographer and painter) as well as his ability to take non-mainstream roles like his turns in “Pirates of the Caribbean“, “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory“, and the upcoming “Alice in Wonderland” and inject a sexiness into off-kilter characters as the reasons behind their decision.

Click the video to see the live announcement, as well as a review of the other men in contention for the title, including Jerry O’Connell and John Hamm:

Janet Jackson Breaks Silence About Michael’s Death

Five months after the death of her brother Michael, Janet Jackson appeared on Robin Roberts‘ talk show to speak about the death of her brother.

Jackson recalled how the urgency of the situation was not immediately apparent when she recieved word of Michael Jackson’s hospitalization, but added “I tried calling again, and that’s how I found out that he was … no longer,” she said, trailing off. “I just couldn’t believe it. It didn’t ring true to me. It felt like a dream. … To this day, it’s still so difficult for me to believe. You have to accept what is, but it’s hard.”

Check out the video below for more from the normally private younger sister of one of pop music’s greatest legends:

Twilight: New Moon Poised To Shatter B.O.

The lines began forming days ago, as eager fans bitten by Twilight-mania took their spot outside theaters across the country. Meanwhile, stars Kristin Stewart, Robert Pattinson, and Taylor Lautner, as well as the rest of the cast and Twilight author Stephenie Meyer, have been making appearances and giving interviews all over the globe to promote the new film.

Movie ticket seller Fandango.com is reporting that advance sales for the Chris Weitz directed sequel have shattered the pre-sales record previously set by “Star Wars: Episode III: Revenge of the Sith“. Nationwide, tonight’s midnight screenings are selling out and theaters are preparing for what may be a long night of screaming fans.

Pattinson stopped by Good Morning America this morning in a last minute promotional appearance, for which some fans lined up over a day early in the freezing weather of New York’s Rockefeller Square. Based on their reactions to Pattinson’s arrival in this video, most would likely say the wait was worth it:

The Daily Surf Report is your daily primer of the world in video. Check back every weekday for the best video highlights of the day’s top stories. Looking for more videos? Click on the links!

Former Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin sat down to promote her book in a much anticipated appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show, and Keith Olbermann questions the results. MTV host Ken Ober dies in his Santa Monica home, and Allen Iverson is looking for work after a dispute with his former team. This is your Daily Surf Report, using the best videos on the web to keep you abreast of the day’s top stories.

Presidency “Not On Radar” For Palin

Former Alaskan Governor and Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin is on the road promoting her new book “Going Rogue”, and perhaps her most touted stop was an appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show.

Oprah welcomed Palin and discussed both the 2008 Presidential race as well as former future-son-in-law Levi Johnston and her potential role in the 2012 Presidential Race, which she says is “not on my radar screen right now”. Palin explained that she’s concentrating on 2010 and added, “I am dealing with so many issues that are important to me. What I am seeing every day is that you don’t need a title to be important.”

MSNBC Anchor and Palin critic Keith Olbermann offered an alternative interpretation of the interview, which he covers in this video report:

Producer and MTV Host Ken Ober Dies

Ken Ober, best known as the host of MTV’s Remote Control in the late 80’s, was found dead in his Santa Monica home. He was 52.

The comedian retired from his spot in front of the cameras when Remote Control was canceled, switching to producing such shows as “Mind of Mencia” with Carlos Mencia and “The New Adventures of Old Christine” with Julia Louis-Dreyfus.

This video, an episode of Remote Control from 1989, shows Ober at the height of his fame and tells the story of the show from the contestant’s own perspective:

Iverson Released by Grizzlies, Not Ready to Retire

Allen Iverson is looking for a new team and hoping to continue his career after being placed on waivers by the Memphis Grizzlies. Iverson had initially requested an extended leave of absence after the Grizzlies limited his role to that of a bench player.

ESPN has the report, along with speculation as to which teams (if any) Iverson is likely to land on. Will Iverson be the new starting point guard for the offensively weak Charlotte Bobcats?

The Daily Surf Report is your daily primer of the world in video. Check back every weekday for the best video highlights of the day’s top stories. Looking for more videos? Click on the links!

Twilight-mania continues to sweep across America, Rihanna and Chris Brown find a safer way to feud in public and the Indianapolis Colts and New England Patriots play the most entertaining fourth quarter of football this year. This is your Daily Surf Report, using the best videos on the web to keep you abreast of the day’s top stories.

Twilight Mania

Twilight won’t hit theaters nationwide until Friday, November 20, but fans are already lining up for a chance to be the first to watch the second installment of the Stephenie Meyer’s insanely popular Twilight series: New Moon. After tickets began selling out months in advance, the anticipation will hit its climax this week.

The New Moon cast has been interviewing with magazines, daytime and late night talk shows and meeting fans during signings over the past month. Their hectic work schedule will take a break tonight as they attend the red carpet event and world premiere of their movie tonight in LA.

New Moon will shift from the relationship of Bella and Edward, played by stars Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson and focus on the relationship between Bella and new werewolf Jacob Black, played by tween sensation Taylor Lautner.

Hopefully you’ve purchased your tickets already, here’s the trailer for The Twilight Saga: New Moon.

The Rihanna/Chris Brown feud continues… through music videos

Less than a year after their infamous domestic violence altercation, Rihanna and Chris Brown have begun a music video feud. The two music icon’s released separate music videos for their upcoming singles on Friday. Rihanna debuted her video for “Russian Roulette” on 20/20 while Chris Brown unveiled his video for “Crawl” on his website and youtube.

Reviews for the videos have been mixed some loving the edginess of Rihanna’s new video and some appreciating the dancing talent Chris Brown displays in his. Check out the videos below and let us know which one you like better.

Rihanna’s Russian Roulette

Chris Brown’s Crawl

Colts-Patriots Fourth Quarter Stunner

The Indianapolis Colts and the New England Patriots played Sunday night in what many football analysts predict will be the AFC Championship preview. And what a game it was. People who tuned into the NBC Sunday night football game watched arguably the best game of the year, unless they changed the channel after the Colts went down 17 points early in the fourth quarter.

The Colts were able to trim the deficit down to 6 points around the two minute mark of the game with a Joseph Addai run. Time was running out and the Colts would need stellar defensive play and a little luck to pull out the win in this game, which they happened to get. After a few plays, the Patriots were looking at a fourth and two on their own 28. New England coach Bill Belichick decides to go for it instead of punting. New England QB, Tom Brady, whips a pass to Kevin Faulk who is tackled short of the first down. The home crowd is going wild as QB Peyton Manning and the Colts take over and after a few plays Manning slings the game winning touchdown to Reggie Wayne.

If you missed the game or changed the channel too soon, check out the highlights below.

The Daily Surf Report is your daily primer of the world in video. Check back every weekday for the best video highlights of the day’s top stories. Looking for more videos? Click on the links!

Murder charges have been filed in the Fort Hood shooting. Rolland Emmerich hopes his new disaster flick isn’t a disaster, and Fox television has officially announced the cancellation of the cult show “Dollhouse” in the middle of its second season. Which other shows got the axe? This is your Daily Surf Report, using the best videos on the web to keep you abreast of the day’s top stories.

Ft Hood Shooter Charged With 13 Counts Murder

U.S. Army Major Nidal Malik Hasan has retained a lawyer to represent him in regards to last week’s shooting at the Fort Hood Army Base in Texas. Hasan, who is hospitalized while recovering from gunshot wounds received during the incident, will need the legal help. Authorities announces this morning that Hasan was being charged with 13 counts of premeditated murder, and more charges may be coming, including a possible 14th murder charge for the death of an unborn child, as one of the victims of the shooting was pregnant.

Meanwhile, in Washington, President Obama has ordered a review of all intelligence related to Hasan and the shooting, in part to investigate Hasan’s possible connections to known Islamic terrorists.

This video details the extent of the charges against Hasan:

Networks: Say Goodbye To Eastwick, Hank, Dollhouse

More television shows are getting the axe as networks continue to cull underperforming series.

The Kelsey Grammar family show “Hank” failed to pull it’s weight and became Grammar’s second failed series in three years. Has the “Frasier” star lost his magic? Speaking of magic, the witchy “Eastwick“, long rumored to be on its way out, has been officially canceled. The Rebecca Romijn starring series, a retelling of the hit film “The Witches of Eastwick“, failed to come anywhere near the success of the movie, which starred Michelle Pfeiffer, Cher, Susan Sarandon, and Jack Nicholson. Although Hank and Eastwick both have unseen episodes filmed, they will not be aired.

Joss Whedon’s “Dollhouse“, however, will have it’s remaining nine episodes shown despite being cancelled in the middle of its second season. Starring Eliza Dushku, the series gained a significant cult following but failed to pull in enough of a general audience to keep it going. Fans of the show have continually pointed to its Friday night time slot as the primary reason for the show’s low ratings, but like Whedon’s past cult hits “Buffy the Vampire Slayer“, “Angel“, and “Firefly“, “Dollhouse” will undoubtedly have a good run of DVD sales.

Friday Night Preview: 2012 a Disaster Flick or Just a Disaster?

Roland Emmerich’s previous efforts, Independence Day and The Day After Tomorrow, were both spectacle films. Panned by critics and lacking any real plot or character development, the films’ successes all came from massive shots of landmarks being destroyed.

“2012″, opening at midnight tonight, appears to be no different. Bigger, more destructive, but ultimately just an excuse for Emmerich to use computer graphics to destroy the world in exciting ways. Despite a cast that includes the always good John Cusack, a look at the trailer below shows that destruction, not character or story, is the real reason to see this film.

The Daily Surf Report is your daily primer of the world in video. Check back every weekday for the best video highlights of the day’s top stories. Looking for more videos? Click on the links!

This year’s race for Entertainer of the Year at the 2009 Country Music Awards is a tight one, except in the minds of the viewers!

The Challenge: Who Should Win Entertainer of the Year at the CMAs?

We asked whether you thought Taylor Swift or Brad Paisley most deserved to win Entertainer of the Year. You made sure to make your opinions known, and we thank you for that. So, who was the favorite choice?

We polled some experts to see what they thought about the race this year. Lauren and Erin over at Country Music Is Love told us the race was close, not only between Paisley and TaySwift, but also Kenny Chesney.

“It’s going to be a TOUGH race, and it’s hard to pick one because all three artists have been successful this year at country radio, in record sales, and while out on the road touring.”

When pressed to pick a favorite, however, the answer was unanimous:

“We definitely think this is going to be Taylor Swift’s year. She’s on top of the world- all of her singles have gone to No.1, her tour dates are selling out in minutes, and her most recent album, “Fearless,” has gone 5x platinum at a time when selling albums and even getting selling 1 million albums is tough. We think Taylor is going to bring it home.”

So, how did our experts opinions compare to your votes?

The Winner: Taylor Swift

Spot on, of course. That’s why they’re experts!

The votes were overwhelmingly in favor of Taylor Swift, whose youth is definitely not a barrier in your minds to her earning the CMA’s top honor.

Paisley came in far behind, and actually ended up about even with a write-in movement for Chesney.

You all definitely think she should win, but will she?

We’ll find out in just a few minutes!

Despite several nominations between them, Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood say their focus is on hosting tonight’s CMA’s, not winning them. In Washington, families of his victims seek closure in the D.C. Sniper’s execution. Finally, a new trailer gives us our first lok at a remake of the 80’s classic “Clash of the Titans”. This is your Daily Surf Report, using the best videos on the web to keep you abreast of the day’s top stories.

D.C. Sniper Silently Defiant During Execution

At 9:11pm Eastern last night, convicted murderer John Allen Muhammad was executed by lethal injection as friends and family of his victims looked on. Muhammed reportedly remained stoic and silent throughout, not acknowledging an option to make a statement or any last words.

For three weeks in October of 2002, Muhammad and his teenaged assistant, Lee Boyd Malvo, used military sniper tactics to target civilians in Virginia and Washington, D.C., killing 10. A near panic gripped the area as there seemed to be no connection between the victims and all were shot while doing every day activities such as shopping or waiting for a bus. One of the victims was a child.

This video is a front lines report from the scene of the execution:

First Look: New Clash of the Titans

If Harry Hamlin’s career has a highlight, it’s undoubtedly the 1981 cult classic Clash of the Titans. Rumors of an impending remake swirled for years before a new version starring Sam Worthington and Liam Neeson (inheriting the role of Zeus from Sir Laurence Olivier) was officially announced.

Slated for a release in 2010, the first trailer for the new version hit the web today. Check it out below and let us know what you think!

Paisley Focused on Hosting, Not Winning

Despite seven nominations, country singer Brad Paisley isn’t thinking about the awards he may win at tonight’s Country Music Awards. Instead, he’s concentrating on his other responsibility: hosting the show.

Paisley says he welcomes the distractions of hosting following a previous year in which he was nominated six times but went home empty handed.

“That makes for a long night,” he said.

In the video below, Paisley and co-host Carrie Underwood talk about the challenges of hosting a show in which they’re nominated.

The 43rd Annual Country Music Awards airs tonight. Be sure to make your pick for who will win Entertainer of the Year in our video battle between front-runners Taylor Swift and Brad Paisley!

The Daily Surf Report is your daily primer of the world in video. Check back every weekday for the best video highlights of the day’s top stories. Looking for more videos? Click on the links!

The nominees for this year’s People’s Choice Awards are out, and the people have chosen vampires. In Texas, the Obamas attend memorial services for the victims of the Fort Hood shooting, and tomorrow’s CMAs could give “Hootie” a first in 40 years. This is your Daily Surf Report, using the best videos on the web to keep you abreast of the day’s top stories.

Obama Leads Fort Hood Memorial Service

President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama are in Texas today to visit those wounded in last week’s shooting at the Fort Hood Army Base, and to attend the memorial of the 13 soldiers killed in the violence.

The shooter, U.S. Army Major Nidal Hasan, is in stable but critical condition at a nearby military hospital.

The President must also take the opportunity to quell any racially-motivated backlash. American Muslim groups are preparing themselves for the possibility of increased tension and hate crimes while denouncing the actions of Hasan, who is Muslim and who reportedly had at least tenuous ties to known activists of terrorism.

President Obama had this to say regarding a possible religious motive, “No faith justifies these murderous and craven acts; no just and loving God looks upon them with favor, and for what he has done, we know that the killer will be met with justice, in this world and the next.”

Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson (R-TX) was attending the memorial in Fort Hood and had this report from the event:

Vampires Rule As People’s Choice Noms Announced

Vampires prevailed as “Twilight” and “True Blood” took their place among the chosen, as results were announced today for the online nomination process of the People’s Choice Awards.

The awards, which distinguish themselves by allowing the nominees and winners to be selected by popular vote rather than a single organization or committee, will be held live in Los Angeles on January 6, 2010.

“Twilight” was nominated for Favorite Movie, Favorite Franchise, and Best On-Screen Team for actors Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, and Taylor Lautner. Stewart also received a nom for Best Actress, Pattinson for Best Actor, and Lautner for Breakout Movie Actor.

“True Blood” received noms for Favorite TV Obsession and Sc-Fi/Fantasy Series, while star Anna Paquin was nominated for Actress in a TV Drama.

See the full list of nominees and cast your votes at http://www.peopleschoice.com.

In the meantime, check out Stewart, Lautner, and Pattinson at work in this trailer for Twilight: New Moon, opening November 20th:

Rucker Looking to Remake History at CMAs

Tomorrow night’s Country Music Awards present an opportunity for former Hootie and the Blowfish frontman Darius Rucker to repeat a historic feat not accomplished in almost 40 years. A nominee in two categories, the reinvented country singer could be the first African-American artist to win best male vocalist since Charley Pride in 1972.

Rucker’s country debut, “Learn to Live”, has sold over 1 million copies.

The 42nd Annual Country Music Awards will air tomorrow night. Be sure to make your pick for who will win Entertainer of the Year in our video battle between front-runners Taylor Swift and Brad Paisley!

The Daily Surf Report is your daily primer of the world in video. Check back every weekday for the best video highlights of the day’s top stories. Looking for more videos? Click on the links!

It’s up to you to decide who wins: you can vote in the blog comments, on our Facebook page, or simply by clicking the button to vote on Twitter. The rules are simple - vote and pass it on. On Wednesday, the artist with the most votes gets the crown.

The Challenge: Who Should Win Entertainer of the Year at the CMAs?

Click an Image to Vote Now!

With all due respect to Kenny Chesney, Keith Urban, and the legendary George Strait, the Country Music Awards favorites for 2009 Entertainer of the Year are definitely Taylor Swift and Brad Paisley. So, which of these two will go home with the award on Wednesday night?

Challenger 1: Taylor Swift

Why Taylor Swift should win:

By far the hottest burning star of country music, Taylor Swift is everywhere these days. Despite her popularity, Kanye West already voted her down for one award this year. Has this young newcomer paid enough dues to deserve country music’s top award? This video is for Swift’s single “White Horse” from her album Fearless:

Challenger 2: Brad Paisley

Why Brad Paisley should win:

If Swift is the face of country music, Brad Paisley is its voice. After living in the shadow of Urban and Chesney, Paisley’s “American Saturday Night” rocketed Paisley to the top spot among male artists for 2009. This video is for Paisley’s single “Welcome to the Future” from American Saturday Night:

Hurry up and get your votes in, because the winning video will be announced on just prior to the Country Music Awards on Wednesday night!

Sesame Street turns 40 this week, and still manages to stay relevant after all these years. Taylor Swift is video blogging as she prepares for Wednesday’s CMA awards, and a scuffle breaks out between a head coach and a player from the opposing team in this week’s NFL highlight. This is your Daily Surf Report, using the best videos on the web to keep you abreast of the day’s top stories.

Swift Gears Up For CMAs

As the country music industry gears up for Wednesday’s 2009 Country Music Awards, and despite being up against the biggest names in the industry eyes are on newcomer Taylor Swift for Entertainer of the Year.

Only six women have won the award, including Reba McIntyre, Dolly Parton, and, most recently, Faith Hill in 2000. Swift faces some stiff competition including Brad Paisley, Keith Urban, George Strait, and the performer who has won the award four out of the last five years, Kenny Chesney. However, Swift’s star is scorching bright at the moment, and she goes into this week’s awards fresh from rave reviews for a stint as the host of Saturday Night Live, where she commented on ex-boyfriend Joe Jonas, the Kanye West incident, and her rumored current fling with Twilight’s Taylor Lautner.

Swift’s also been keeping a diary of her preparations for the show for USA Today, which you can see excerpts from below:

Sesame Street Marks 40th Anniversary

Tomorrow marks the 40th anniversary for Childrens Television Network’s Sesame Street, the Jim Henson created educational show that features a cast of lovable Muppets including Big Bird, Cookie Monster, and Oscar the Grouch.

Sesame Street has been a fixture of family television for generations now, but don’t think the show is growing stale. First Lady Michelle Obama recently made an appearance, and spawned web video hits with an appearance by the band Feist and and interview featuring Elmo and comedian Ricky Gervais.

Check out the video below for a look back at the show’s roots and it’s impact on television over the last forty years:

Coach, Player Rumble On Sidelines

Some unexpected fireworks this weekend when Washington Redskins cornerback DeAngelo Hall got into a scuffle with Atlanta Falcons coach Mike Smith and most of the Falcons’ bench.

The altercation began following a late hit that sent Falcons’ franchise quarterback Matt Ryan sprawling into the sidelines and left Hall surrounded by Falcons teammates upset by the play.

Hall has filed a complaint against Smith with Commissioner Roger Goodell, and the NFL has opened an official investigation of the incident. The Falcons won the game, 31-17, if you were wondering, but we’re betting you mostly want to see what happened on the sidelines:

The Daily Surf Report is your daily primer of the world in video. Check back every weekday for the best video highlights of the day’s top stories. Looking for more videos? Click on the links!