SMART LIST: Pop culture talking points

I hate that I love to talk about: “Making the Band 4”

Diddy, what are you doing to me? I hate that Danity Kane’s “Damaged” is still stuck in my head, but I love to sing along. I hate that I’ve been checking for news on Day 26 and Donnie, even though both acts seem like hopeless endeavors. And I hate that I’ve been excited for the Aug. 19 premiere of the new season since the show was last on.

(Tuesday)  (Lori Shepler / Los Angeles Times)

Santa’s coming early this year. Let’s talk about: “Camp Rock: Extended Rock Star Edition” and “Best of Both Worlds Concert: The 3-D Movie” on DVD

After watching “Camp Rock” star Demi Lovato cut loose on “GMA” -- she wails, in a good way -- I added her to my list of non-guilty ‘tween pleasures. Under the same heading: Miley Cyrus and the Jonas Brothers. Rolling Stone agrees: The magazine called Miley’s tunes “sophisticated pop” and dubbed the Jonas Brothers performance “fantastic.”

(Tuesday)   (Bob D’Amico / Associated Press)

I didn’t get to go to Sundance but now at least I can talk about: “Hamlet 2.”

Focus Features shelled out a hefty $10 million at the fest for the film, starring Steve Coogan as a failed actor-turned-high-school drama teacher in Tuscon, trying to stage a politically incorrect musical sequel to Hamlet. If he comes close to what Tobias Funke did for “Much Ado About Nothing,” I will be pleased.

(Friday)   (Liz O. Baylen / Los Angeles Times)

Because “ Pineapple Express” might have put you in the mood, go ahead and talk about: Cheech and Chong

Tommy Chong will read from “Cheech & Chong: The Unauthorized Biography” at the 3rd Street Barnes & Noble in Santa Monica at 7 p.m. After all these years, does the 70-year-old still like to get high? “Does Howdy Doody got wooden Balls man?”

(Wednesday)  (Robyn Beck / AFP / Getty Images)