Newsy - Entertainment

Microsoft Reverses on XBox One DRM

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 22:07:24 -0500

(Image Source: CNET)

BY MATT PICHT

Ever since Microsoft revealed its new XBox One console at this year’s Electronic Entertainment Expo, the company’s been facing a barrage of bad press and consumer outrage. Fortunately for Microsoft, the company’s PR division has a quick-turn button.

When Microsoft first unveiled their new console, many critics took umbrage with the need for constant internet connection, along with DRM restrictions on used and shared games. (Via Gamespot)

Rival console maker Sony even took a jab at Microsoft’s DRM restrictions on their official YouTube Channel.

“This is how you share your games on PS4.”

“Thanks!”

At first Microsoft stuck to its guns, telling angry consumers to just stick with the current console, the XBox 360. Now it seems Microsoft is pulling an XBox 180.

Giant Bomb initially reported on Wednesday that Microsoft is now planning to remove its restrictive DRM policies in a day-one patch, eliminating the always-online requirement and restoring disc functionality to the physical discs. This means gamers no longer need to log in daily to play their downloaded games, and they can trade and share their game discs freely between consoles.

Microsoft’s Don Mattrick confirmed the news in an official blog post thanking XBox consumers for their feedback.

“While we believe that the majority of people will play games online and access the cloud for both games and entertainment, we will give consumers the choice of both physical and digital content. We have listened and we have heard loud and clear from your feedback that you want the best of both worlds.”

The news has most gaming fans rejoicing: Microsoft’s DRM policies were largely seen as pandering to developers at the expense of consumers. Escapist Magazine’s Jim Sterling calls Microsoft’s reversal a triumph for consumer advocacy.

“An age of more vocal gamers and consumers actually telling companies they don’t want the shaft seems to be having some damn fine results.”

But the move does come at a price — Kotaku reports XBox One customers won’t be able to share physical media or carry their digital library from console to console as originally planned.

“In theory, if you had registered the game online—a requirement that's also been dropped for disc games for the Xbox One—you'd then be able to play those games from any other console you were logged into. Now, with disc games not needing to be registered, you'd have to bring the disc with you to prove you had the rights to play the game on it.”

The XBox One is still scheduled for release in early November with the price set at $499.

James Gandolfini Dies Unexpectedly at Age 51

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 19:53:49 -0500

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(Image Source: Facebook)

BY MATT PICHT

James Gandolfini has died. The New Jersey actor, best known for playing Tony Soprano, passed away unexpectedly at age 51 in Italy.

According to New York Daily News, Gandolfini was in Italy to attend a film festival when he suffered a possible heart attack. HBO representatives confirmed reports of his death.

Gandolfini is perhaps best remembered as the violent yet sympathetic mob boss on HBO’s “The Sopranos,” a role which won him three Emmys, six nominations, and a Golden Globe.

Stars have taken to Twitter to express their sadness at Gandolfini’s passing. Josh Groban thanked Gandolfini for “some of the most brilliant TV moments of all time.” And Artie Lange saluted him as “maybe [the] best actor ever on a TV series.” (Via Twitter / @joshgroban, @ArtieQuitter)

Gandolfini is survived by his wife Deborah Lin, his teenage son and his infant daughter.

Report: Paula Deen Admits to Using N-Word, Talks 'Slaves'

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 17:15:32 -0500

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(Image source: Food Network)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

There’s nothing delicious about this.

According to a report by the National Enquirer, Paula Deen has admitted to using the N-word.

Radar Online reports Deen was being questioned in a deposition about her infamous lawsuit from 2012, which accused the celebrity chef of creating a hostile work environment.

A former employee claimed Deen and her brother used the N-word in their restaurant. (Via Entertainment Weekly)

And during the deposition, Deen admitted to using the word at different points in her life, including in jest.

“[M]ost jokes are about Jewish people, rednecks, black folks. ... I can’t determine what offends another person.” (Via Radar Online)

Deen was also reportedly asked about her idea of having black men play the role of slaves at a wedding she was organizing. She said yes; she got the idea from a restaurant.

“The whole entire waiter staff was middle-aged black men, and they had on beautiful white jackets with a black bow tie. ... It was really impressive. That restaurant represented a certain era in America … after the Civil War, during the Civil War, before the Civil War. … It was not only black men, it was black women. … I would say they were slaves.” (Via Radar Online)

And TMZ also reports Deen admitted to using the N-word but adds more from Deen’s deposition, in which she backtracks.

“That's just not a word that we use as time has gone on. ... My children and my brother object to that word being used in any cruel or mean behavior. As well as I do.”

Sounds like Deen might have been doing a lot of back-and-forthing, but some of those comments will be hard to take back. On Twitter, a spoof of Deen’s show started trending — the hashtag PaulasBestDishes. (Via Salon)

Tweets featured some of those jokes Deen was referring to. You get the idea from this one; we’ll let you check out the rest yourself.

Deen’s lawyers have issued a statement saying she looks forward to her day in court. (Via Us Weekly)

Charlie Sheen Fires Selma Blair From 'Anger Management'

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 15:29:05 -0500

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(Image source: FX Networks)

BY JASMINE BAILEY

FX’s “Anger Management” is officially one co-star lighter. Charlie Sheen is apparently fed up with Selma Blair, whom he reportedly learned was bad-mouthing him behind his back, and he gave her the boot. TMZ broke the story.

“Charlie claims that Selma said that he was a menace to work with, was late to the set all the time and has terrible work ethic.”

According to US Weekly, Sheen, who serves as an executive producer, threatened if Blair wasn’t fired he would quit — which obviously worked in his favor.

In a statement, a Lionsgate rep said, “We are confirming that Selma Blair will not be returning to Anger Management and we wish her the very best.”

But according to Deadline Hollywood, things were pretty nasty. Blair’s role will not be recast, and Sheen fired her via text and used expletives.

It’s a big change — Sheen had originally championed Blair for her role on the show. But on-set feuds are nothing new for Sheen, who was fired from “Two and a Half Men” in 2011 for his quarrel with the show's creator, Chuck Lorre. (Via CBS)

Sheen was later replaced by Ashton Kutcher. (Via Wikimedia Commons / David Shankbone)

Which brings us back full circle to “Anger Management,” where it’s out with the old, in with the new. There’s some potential casting news. Sheen apparently has his eye on Mila Kunis — who is Kutcher’s girlfriend — for a 10-episode arc on the show. And Sheen is allegedly ready to fork out $1 million an episode. (Via Wikimedia Commons / Tom Sorenson)

Ah, we see what you’re doing, Charlie.

And actually, this might be a bad time for publicity for “Anger Management.” The show’s ratings have fallen sharply in recent months. (Via The New York Times)

No word yet from representatives for Blair or Kunis, though Blair did tweet thanks for support and love. (Via Twitter / @SelmaBlair)

Kim Kardashian's Delivery: Why She Went Into Labor Early

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 14:17:55 -0500

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(Image source: Instagram / Kim Kardashian)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

Kim Kardashian gave birth over the weekend, and now some intense details are emerging about why she might have gone into labor early. Here’s a rundown.

She gave birth to a daughter last weekend — early. People magazine reports:

--She was admitted due to complications.

--She was 37 weeks pregnant.

--The baby is spending time in an incubator.

--The baby is doing well.

And a source says the baby, whose father is Kanye West, is “the prettiest, tiniest thing with a full head of straight, dark hair, a cute little nose and Kim's lips.” (Via Perez Hilton)

“Good Morning America” reported further details Wednesday, saying Kardashian’s doctors might have decided she needed to deliver early.

“Kim had suffered from severe swelling.”

“Preeclampsia is very common when we see a woman with elevated blood pressure and a physical sign such as swelling.”

Kardashian’s pregnancy was not an easy one. On Sunday’s episode of “Keeping Up with the Kardashians,” viewers got an inside look at a previously reported incident that Kim had landed from a flight and rushed to her doctor in extreme pain. (Via Hollywood Life)

KARDASHIAN: “I hate it ... It hurts when I cry.”

KRIS JENNER: “Kim, don’t cry, baby. Don’t cry. It’s gonna be OK.”

KARDASHIAN: “It hurts so badly. I could never do this again.” (Via E! Online)

That pain turned out to be from a stomach infection.

But as far back as April, Kardashian had admitted to having what she called a “painful” pregnancy. (Via Radar Online)

Luckily, though, all is well. The baby reportedly weighed 5 pounds and has a name that begins with, appropriately, a K.

'Anchorman 2' Trailer Hits Web, Is Ferrell Funny Again?

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 09:18:00 -0500

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(Image source: AnchormanMovie.com)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

News team, assemble! The first full-length trailer for the much-anticipated ‘Anchorman 2’ is here, and it looks hilarious.

“I’m gonna do the thing God put Ron Burgundy on this Earth to do. Have salon-quality hair and read the news.”

“This just feels right. The news team is back!”

“Welcome to the 80s, baby!”

“Is that your foot between my legs?”

“No.”

(Via Paramount Pictures)

Almost 10 years after the original hit theaters, there are, of course, high hopes for the sequel. It brings the news team to 1980s New York instead of 1970s San Diego, and they’ll be working at a 24-hour news network.

Though ScreenRant points out the trailer doesn’t reveal much about the plot, and that’s a good thing.

“ ... [it’s] more about showcasing the ‘Ron [Burgundy] is such an oblivious, arrogant jerk!’ jokes – which is fair, considering that’s what the people are paying for.”

And Will Ferrell As Ron Burgundy could be just what Will Ferrell needs. Honestly, he’s funnier in this trailer than he’s been in years...

His most recent movies, “Casa de Mi Padre” and “The Campaign,” weren’t memorable.

The comedian’s last big hits were “The Other Guys” and the animated hit “Megamind,” both in 2010.

So, a lot is riding in this for Ferrell. He’s gotta be funny again, and he’s gotta live up to arguably his funniest movie ever. IAmRogue points out, the original “Anchorman” wasn’t just riotous, it was revolutionary.

“It was genuinely bizarre, and where most comedies make token concessions to emotion, Adam McKay's directorial debut delighted in piling up absurdities in place of emotion and plot.”

Written by Will Ferrell and Adam McKay, the sequel will hit theaters December 20th, bringing back all the familiar faces, including Christina Applegate. (Via The Hollywood Reporter)

And expect tons of big guest spots, Liam Neeson, Jim Carrey, Harrison Ford, Nicole Kidman, Kristen Wiig, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, and even Kanye West have all been reported to be on set filming. Until then, you stay classy, Internet.

Melissa Etheridge Describes Jolie's Mastectomy as 'Fearful'

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 19:01:26 -0500

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(Image source: Washington Blade)

BY COLLIN RUANE

Angelina Jolie’s decision to undergo a double mastectomy earlier this year was widely lauded as a brave move, but singer and breast cancer survivor Melissa Etheridge is stirring up controversy by saying it was anything but.

Etheridge told the Washington Blade last Thursday: “I wouldn’t call it the brave choice. I actually think it’s the most fearful choice you can make when confronting anything with cancer.”

Jolie wrote in her New York Times op-ed, the risk of developing cancer because of a mutated gene was too high for her to ignore. “Those with a defect in BRCA1 have a 65 percent risk of getting [breast cancer]. … My doctors estimated that I had an 87 percent risk of breast cancer.” Jolie added that her chances of developing breast cancer now have fallen to five percent.

That same gene caused the tumors that claimed the life of Jolie’s mother in 2007 and that of her aunt just last month. (Via The Guardian)

But Etheridge said in the interview she feels mastectomies are too drastic a step for most women, saying she would advise a woman with the defective gene to focus on nutrition and stress control instead of surgery.

The majority of the reaction to Etheridge’s statement has been negative. Cancer survivor and former Fox News anchor E.D. Hill told CNN Etheridge’s comments were out of line.

E.D. HILL: “This is the bravest choice I think a mother can make.”

“I think it’s very clear that one of the main reasons she made this choice is because of her concern for her children. She didn’t want them to be without a mother.”

And The Talk’s Aisha Tyler said Etheridge, who had the BRCA1 gene, is just another example of how common it is for those with the mutated gene to get breast cancer.

AISHA TYLER: “She has the gene and she got cancer. Eighty-seven percent, essentially 90 percent chance of getting cancer. To say I’m going to do this now so I’m around for my children, to me, is not just brave. It’s also selfless.” (Via CBS)

Etheridge released a statement as a result of the backlash and says she doesn’t oppose Jolie getting the preventative surgery — she just doesn’t believe the choice was a brave one.

Whether it was “brave” or not is obviously subjective. In an interview with Shape, Etheridge said she was terrified when diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004.

“Once I overcame breast cancer, I wasn't afraid of anything anymore. I now have a different relationship with fear. There are only two things in our reality, love and fear. I try to make my choices out of love.”

Jolie said in her op-ed that she doesn’t advocate other women with the BRCA1 gene get double mastectomies — just that they make their own informed choices.

Katy Perry Reveals Secrets About Russell Brand Split

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 13:18:00 -0500

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(Image source: Vogue)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

Divorced via text? Hiding the “real truth”? Still “madly in love”? Seriously, this is the drama in Katy Perry’s new interview.

Perry’s droppin’ bombs — three big ones, to be exact. She’s kept relatively quiet about her split from ex-husband Russell Brand. But in a new interview with Vogue, reveals he told her he was filing for divorce in a text on December 31, 2011.

Yikes. The two married in 2010. Perry also says in the interview that she admits she was traveling a lot during their marriage, but she blames Brand for the break-up too. (Via ABC)

Perry says he was controlling and didn’t like her being an equal to him. And, another bomb.

“I felt a lot of responsibility for it ending, but then I found out the real truth, which I can’t necessarily disclose because I keep it locked in my safe for a rainy day. I let go and I was like: This isn’t because of me; this is beyond me.”

We don’t know what that “real truth” is, but in part three of the saga that is this interview, Perry dropped some real, clear truth about how she feels for John Mayer, who she started dating after splitting from Brand. (Via Paramount Pictures)

“I still am madly in love with him ... “

What?? WHAT?? Granted, we’re not sure when this interview took place, but does this mean they’re together?

They’ve been on again, off again, but the very latest -- they were spotted out together a few weeks ago. (Via Gossip Cop)

Geez, Perry. One thing at a time, will ya?

Miss Utah Gets Second Chance

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 11:43:00 -0500

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(Image source: NBC)

BY CHRISTINA HARTMAN

Ahh everyone loves a second chance.

You might recall Miss Utah Marissa Powell’s widely-panned attempt to answer a question about income equality at Sunday night’s Miss USA competition:

MISS UTAH (Via NBC): “How to create jobs right now... So we need to figure out how to create education better so we can solve this problem.”

The Twitterverse called it awkward and cringe-worthy.

But Tuesday, “Today” gave Powell another shot. Reminder: The question was about why women continue to earn less than men.

POWELL: “This is not OK. It needs to be equal pay for equal work. It’s hard enough already to earn a living, and it shouldn’t be harder just because you’re a woman.”

By the way, she called the question confusing, and explained she was nervous.

Reality star Nene Leakes — who asked the question — told People she hopes Powell “...can turn this negative into a positive.”

That “Today” re-do is a start.

And in any case, pageant owner Donald Trump says it was already a win: “Like it or not, haters and losers, everybody is talking about Miss U.S.A. and Miss Utah.”

And Powell? She tweeted thanks to her supporters. And “The hate? That’s not my style.”

Sesame Street Debuts Character With Dad in Prison

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 21:47:11 -0500

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(Image source: Sesame Street)

BY MATT MORENO

Many kids grew up with Sesame Street icons Big Bird, Elmo, Bert and Ernie, Oscar the Grouch and more teaching them about letters, numbers, and life lessons. Now, Sesame Street creators and muppet Alex are teaching kids about something new — prison.

“My dad’s in jail.”
“In jail?”
“Why?”
“I don’t like to talk about it. Most people don’t understand.” (Via Sesame Street)

Alex is being featured on the Sesame Street Online toolkit “Little Children, Big Challenges: Incarceration,” and is helping kids deal with their parents being in jail. (Via Sesame Street)

Tackling hard to talk about issues isn’t a first for Sesame Street, which won six daytime Emmy Awards over the weekend. But some say discussing prison brings up a reality check for adults.

“Hunger. ... Divorce. ... Even military deployment.”
“Daddy’s gotta go away for lots and lots of days.”
“But, incarceration is perhaps the most unexpected.” (Via NBC)

Children with a parent in jail are thought to be more at risk for developing behavioral problems — and there are a lot of them. Time reports: “Nearly 2 million American children — one quarter of them too young to go to kindergarten — now have a parent in prison or jail.”

That means, in America, 1 in 28 children under the age of 18 has a parent locked up — a statistic that has some wondering how things got so bad.

A writer for Reason Magazine says, “… congratulations, America, on making it almost normal to have a parent in prison or jail.”

Sesame Street’s website includes resources for children and tips for parents about how to talk to their kids about jail.

Lil Wayne Walks on American Flag in New Music Video

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 21:36:32 -0500

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(Image Source: YouTube / Volvodea1)

BY CANDICE AVILES AND CHRISTIAN BRYANT

Lil Wayne seems to be in the hot seat yet again. This time, for being... unpatriotic.

One of his latest music videos, that hasn’t officially been released, shows the rapper walking on the American flag. (Via MTV)

First, you see Weezy standing in front of the flag, then the flag is purposefully dropped on the ground… and then... he walks all over it. (Via YouTube / Volvodea1)

The song is called “God Bless Amerika” — spelling America with a “K” — and comes from Lil Wayne’s tenth studio album “I Am Not a Human Being ll.” (Via Billboard)

It seems like only yesterday the Young Money rapper was getting into trouble for some other notable missteps, like controversial lyrics.

Well, technically, it was four months ago. Lil Wayne received widespread criticism for making a crude reference to... (Via Rolling Stone)

...Emmett Till, a black Chicago teen who was tortured and lynched for allegedly whistling at a white woman in Mississippi in 1955. Till’s mother famously held an open-casket funeral to show how badly her son had been mutilated. (Via Biography.com)

That episode didn’t stop there. PepsiCo cut ties with the rapper, who was the spokesman for Mountain Dew, following the Till-lyrics fallout. (Via Clutch Magazine)

Getting back to the whole “stepping on the American flag” offense, is it actually illegal?

Well, no. But according to U.S. Code, a compilation of active federal laws, it is disrespectful to let the flag touch the ground. Either way, we don’t see very many people taking kindly to his 13-stripe shuffle. (Via Cornell University Law School)

No word yet on the video’s release date, but Lil Wayne is expected to be at Young Money’s America's Most Wanted Music Festival when it kicks off July 9.

Nigella Lawson Throat-Grab Photo Investigation Underway

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 16:31:42 -0500

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(Image source: People / Jean-Paul)

BY CHARESSE JAMES

British authorities have begun an investigation after a newspaper published photos of celebrity chef Nigella Lawson’s husband with his hands around her throat.

"...pictures taken from an allegedly heated row between TV chef Nigella Lawson and her advertising guru husband Charles Saatchi. The images taken last week outside a celebrity restaurant, Scots, seemingly show the pair having cross words." (Via ITV)

"With billionaire husband grabbing her throat at a London restaurant. Scot lean yard is asking questions trying to figure out if it was a crime." (Via ABC)

The images were first published in The Mirror’s Sunday paper, The Sunday People. The paper alleged Lawson was being attacked in public. Those images started a firestorm and widespread condemnation throughout the United Kingdom.

70-year-old Saatchi married 53-year-old Lawson in 2003. He told the London Evening Standard that the pictures, quote, “are horrific but give a far more drastic and violent impression of what took place.”

"...and I held Nigella's neck repeatedly while attempting to emphasis my point. There was no grip, it was a playful tiff." (Via BBC)

Lawson has not commented on the incident or the pictures, but domestic violence experts aren’t buying her husband’s version of the events.

"Domestic violence is rarely a one-off incident. Abusers tend to minimise their behaviour. They may try blaming it on things like alcohol and stress and say it is just a marital tiff." (Via Sky News)

London police are investigating to establish the facts to determine whether a formal investigation is necessary. They have not received any criminal complaints and no arrests have been made.

Why is Everyone Talking About Miss USA?

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 09:34:00 -0500

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(Image source: Miss Universe Organization)

BY JASMINE BAILEY

The USA has crowned a new Miss.

“And Miss USA 2013 is Connecticut... That’s Erin Brady there in her winning moment last night in Las Vegas.” (Via WVIT)

She beat out 51 other beauty queens to capture the crown. So what’s next for the 25-year-old accountant who answered a question about the recent Supreme Court ruling about widespread DNA testing? (Via Miss Universe Organization)

“She will get the crown and an apartment in New York City for a year. She will spend the year on a nationwide speaking tour raising awareness for breast and ovarian cancers.” (Via News 12)

Well congrats, Miss Connecticut. And say you didn’t get a chance to tune into the beauty pageant — you might be one of the only ones judging by Twitter…

Where Miss USA is still trending.

But here are a few things you might have wanted to see. First off — the reason why Miss Utah probably didn’t take the crown. In the Q & A, she was asked about the societal issue of men making more money than women. Here’s her answer.

“I think especially the men are, um, seen as the leaders of this. So we need to figure out how to create education better so we can solve the problem.” (Via Fox News)

Yea, um, the answer didn’t make a whole lot of sense but she still got third runner up. Probably because she was right, we do need to “create education better.” Good point Miss Utah. (Via New York Post)

Moving on to the entertainment of the night. Giuliana Rancic and Nick Jonas hosted the show and the music was blaring all night.

Featuring three songs from the Jonas brothers — two of which were from their new album. (Via Hollywood Life)

On Twitter Nick said “Wow what an amazing night co hosting and performing on #MissUSA thanks so much to everyone who tuned in…”

And “Since this week in Las Vegas is dedicated to electronic dance music” DJ Pauly D was there fist pumping the night away. (Via NBC)

This year was actually the last year for a while that the Miss USA pageant will be held in Las Vegas since 2008. (Via Wikimedia Commons / psych3)

Donald Trump announced next year Miami will get even hotter when the pageant moves there for the next three years. (Via Wikimedia Commons / Gage Skidmore)

This year’s winner, Erin Brady, will compete in the Miss Universe pageant in Moscow on November 9.

Jay-Z Dropping New Album, Samsung to Give Away Copies

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 08:41:00 -0500

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(Image source: MagnaCartaHolyGrail.com)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

First Justin Timberlake, now Jay-Z. News broke Sunday night that Hova will be dropping a new album. He announced it via a Samsung ad.

“We put the album out on July 4th. We don’t have any rules. Everybody’s trying to figure out. That’s why the Internet’s like the West. The wild, wild West.”

“We need to write the new rules.”

Pharrell Williams, Rick Rubin and other famous faces can be seen in the spot, which reportedly first aired during the NBA Finals. In it, Jay talks about themes of success, which he’s, of course, had plenty of.

Now this new album has a website and launches in about two weeks — promising to be the next big thing...“revolutionary.”

As The Huffington Post notes, it’s also a surprise. The artist’s last solo studio album came out in 2009; he released the collaborative “Watch the Throne” with Kanye West in 2011.

But, what are those “new rules” Jay talked about writing? Billboard has some insight.

“‘Magna Carta Holy Grail’ will be available for free download on July 4, 12:01 a.m. EST, to the first one million Samsung Galaxy S III, Galaxy S 4 and Galaxy Note II users. Fans will be able to unlock the album on the phone's Magna Carta app.”

Earlier this month, the rapper and Samsung had reportedly been close to signing a deal that would make him $20 million. (Via The New Jersey Star-Ledger)

Why the hefty price tag? TechCrunch has some insight on what’s in it for Samsung.

-Could boost Samsung in the U.S., where it lags

-Give Samsung an edge over Apple

-Gain credibility as an innovator, not a copycat

-Reach out to younger consumers

-Help Music Hub, Samsung’s streaming service

And The Wall Street Journal notes there are even bigger implications.

“The agreement signals the increasing importance of corporate sponsors to the music industry, which has seen sales tank over the past decade.”

And again, Jay-Z has basically guaranteed himself solid album sales, and since Samsung paid $5 for every copy -- $5 million before its even released. So seriously -- he’s a business, man.

Bernie Sahlins, Co-Founder of Second City Dies

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 07:47:00 -0500

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(Image source: Chicago Tribune)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

Bernie Sahlins, the co-founder of world-famous comedy group Second City, has died at age 90. Local Chicago media broke the news.

“Sad news about one of the founders of Chicago’s famous Second City. Co-founder and former owner Bernard ‘Bernie’ Sahlins has passed away.” (Via WFLD)

Sahlins died at home, peacefully. An exact cause of death was not given. The Chicago Tribune published a stirring tribute.

“It is hard to overstate Sahlins' influence on the growth and innovation of sketch comedy ... Of the founding trio, Sahlins was the only one with any real head for business and thus most responsible for building The Second City into a for-profit powerhouse...”

The theater was founded in 1959, and since then Sahlins had made it his family, his home — he was known as a father figure. The likes of Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, John Candy, Gilda Radner and so many more of the greats passed through its doors.

So much so that, as the Chicago Sun-Times reports, Sahlins is said to have once joked that they needed to lock ‘Saturday Night Live’ producer Lorne Michaels from the building — he kept poaching all their talent.

Tributes came quickly pouring in on Twitter from Sahlins’ former students and comedians, from actress Nia Vardalos...

To Arsenio Hall and many more.

Private funeral services will be held.

Bindi Irwin Is Not Dead, in Spite of Internet Rumor

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 19:10:39 -0500

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(Image source: Totally Bindi)

BY CANDICE AVILES

Despite recent Twitter rumors, Bindi Irwin is alive. The 14-year-old daughter of the late “Crocodile Hunter” Steve Irwin got caught up in a bizarre Internet hoax Friday.

According to Fox News, search engines confused searches of Bindi’s new film “Return to Nim’s Island” and her father’s 2006 death, when he was fatally stung in the heart by a stingray. (Via IMDB)

This created a glitch on the Web, which produced the unfortunate trending phrase “Steve Irwin Daughter Dies.” (Via Twitter)

Social News Daily describes the glitch as a “trends hiccup,” saying it happens sometimes when trending keywords and phrases get mixed up.

Trends hiccup aside, Bindi has been alive and busy filming movies, creating clothing lines and continuing her father’s work at the Australian Zoo. (Via YouTube / AustraliaZooTube)

While Bindi hasn’t directly responded to the Internet mix-up, she posted a tweet after the online hoax saying:

“Having a beautiful day running around with mates. Go out there and hug your best friend right now!” (Via Twitter / @BindiIrwin)

The teen also Instagrammed a photo with the words “Unconditional Love” written in the sand. (Via Us Weekly)

“Return to Nim’s Island” was released in U.S. theaters in March 2013. It tells the story of a young girl, played by Bindi, who tries to save a wild island.

'Man of Steel' Swoops in With Record-Breaking Debut

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 16:01:57 -0500

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(Image source: Warner Bros.)

BY NICHOLE CARTMELL

It’s a bird, it’s a plane ... No, it’s $125 million. The return of Superman in “Man of Steel” broke box office records this weekend, debuting with the highest sales for a movie opening in June.

That’s $25 million more than analysts predicted. And now some are saying this is the start of a new franchise. (Via CLTV)

The vice president and chief analyst of Exhibitor Relations said Warner Bros. brought something new to the table. “The studio gave the movie the right tone for today's audiences — something dark.” (Via USA Today)

And moviegoers seem to agree. Audience members gave the movie an 82 percent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics, on the other hand, were split on the movie. About 56 percent say it’s worth seeing. (Via Rotten Tomatoes)

As you might remember, the 2006 film “Superman Returns” flopped at the box office. It opened with a dismal $52.5 million and earned only $200 million compared to its $270 million budget. (Via IMDb)

But a Forbes contributor points out “Man of Steel” didn’t do that much better than “Superman Returns.” When you compare the numbers, adjusting for inflation and 3D/IMAX bumps, the two movies were quite similar in box office sales.

Today, “Superman Returns” would’ve likely hit the $118 million mark in its opening weekend. And when it comes to ticket sales, “Man of Steel” sold a little more than 2 million more than “Superman Returns.” The contributor says the comparison “reinforces that Superman Returns … wasn’t so much a bomb as a massively over-budgeted tent-pole which couldn’t deliver record-breaking numbers to justify its $270 million budget.”

Nonetheless, you can expect more of the comic book hero in the future. Warner Bros. announced Superman will return to the big screen in a sequel, but when that will happen is still up in the air.

Top News Headlines: Iran Elects New President

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 06:40:00 -0500

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(Image source: Wikimedia Commons / Mojtaba Salimi)

BY LOGAN TITTLE

Hassan Rouhani, Iran’s newest president, is settling into his new title after claiming just more than half of the votes needed in the Iranian presidential election — and people are celebrating.

“Tens of thousands of people have taken to the streets of Tehran to celebrate the election of Iran's new president, Hassan Rouhani. He described the vote as a ‘victory of moderation over extremism.’”

(via Sky News)

The 65-year-old moderate cleric reportedly won more than three times the votes of his closest opponent.

“He promised an environment with greater personal freedoms. He also indicated he would free political prisoners and jailed journalists and reduce the high tension with the outside world.”

(via CLTV)

Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi announced to thousands of supporters Saturday that the country is cutting all diplomatic ties with Bashar al-Assad’s government in Syria.

“We have decided to date to cut off relations with the Syrian regime and to close its embassy in Cairo. We will also withdraw Egyptian diplomatic representatives from Damascus.”

(via BBC)

The move signifies a strong stance against Lebanon’s Hezbollah-armed group, which has has been supporting Bashar al-Assad’s army against the rebel forces.

(via GlobalPost)

Morsi also called for a no-fly zone over Syria, where the UN says more than 93,000 people have died since the uprising turned into an all-out civil war almost three years ago.

(via CBS)

And switching gears for some entertainment news — Kim Kardashian and Kanye West welcomed their first child Saturday — five weeks earlier than expected.

TMZ confirmed the 32-year-old new mom had a “natural” birth at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Beverly Hills.

Global Grind reports Kanye was right at Kim’s side along with her mother, Kris Jenner.

The rapper and new dad even missed his own listening party for his new album, “Yeezus,” to be there. And while some of the fans weren’t pleased with this absence, they understood he had a new family to attend to.

And to sports — for the first time since 2004, the Stanley Cup final series has been tied at one game apiece.

Just like Game 1, Game 2 of the series went into overtime, except this time the Boston Bruins came out with a 2-1 win.

(via Bleacher Report)

The Bruins had a rough start in the first period — with the Chicago Blackhawks outshooting them 19-4 in just the first 20 minutes, scoring one goal. But the team turned it around in the second period and later scored again in overtime for the win.

“Paille left circle...Red Sox score! Paille from the left wing side wins in an OT!”

(via WBZ)

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West Welcome Baby Girl

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 20:01:42 -0500

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(Image source: Us Weekly)

BY COURTNEY TEZENO

Baby Kimye is finally here! Rapper Kanye West and reality television star Kim Kardashian welcomed their baby girl into the world just in time for Father’s Day.

TMZ confirmed the 32-year-old Kardashian had a “natural” birth at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Beverly Hills Saturday morning — five weeks earlier than planned.

According to Us Weekly, Kardashian was not feeling well the night before and went into early labor.

Given the early birthday, Daily Mail reports, “Both mother and baby are in good health and resting, but … the littlest Kardashian has been placed in an incubator.”

The couple’s new bundle of joy arrived ahead of schedule but not without a few bumps in the road. Kardashian was seen dealing with some severe pain in her stomach that could be appendicitis on an episode of “Keeping up with the Kardashians.”

“If you touch it even a little, it hurts. Ouch.”

“That hurt more?”

“Like, so much.”

“We really don’t want to operate on a pregnant woman because it has potential complications for the pregnancy.” (Via E! News)

Despite rumors that West would not attend his daughter’s birth, he seems to be taking his new title as Daddy West seriously. Global Grind reports he was right at Kardashian’s side along with her mother, Kris Jenner.

He even missed his own listening party for his new album, “Yeezus,” to be there. Although some fans were disappointed he didn’t show up, Radar Online reports they cut him some slack because of the baby.

Kardashian’s due date was July 11, the same day as the Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton’s. Even though Kardashian and West aren’t royals, the Twitter realm still treated the birth as a royal affair.

Kardashian and West received a host of congrats from celebrities and others who tweeted that the newborn is already more well-off than most.

@UncleRUSH: “There is no greater gift in life than a child's laughter! congrats to Kim And Kanye...”

@chancetherapper: “Yo Kanye... I'm very happy for you... Imma letchu finish but...”

@thats0jack: “within 35 seconds of kim kardashian's baby popping out of her womb it'll probably be wealthier and more successful than i'll ever be”

Still no word on the what the couple will name its daughter. As for West, looks like he might be switching out his microphone for a baby bottle.

Roundup: This Week's Wildest Animal Videos

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 19:13:22 -0500

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(Image source: YouTube / LimitedOutFishing)

BY CANDICE AVILES

If you’re looking for interesting animal stories, look no further. We’ve racked together this week’s top five videos that will have you intrigued, to say the least.

We start with No. 5: A baby moose was trapped in a swimming pool with its panicked mom standing nearby, charging at police trying to save it. (Via WXIX)

“After some tense tries the rescue crew got the little moose free who as you saw was standing just a few feet away.” (Via WSVN)

The baby apparently fell in after stepping on a pool cover but is expected to be OK. (Via KTVQ)

Coming in at No. 4 is a dog named Squeaky that escapes from a shelter numerous times and had everyone wondering — how?

The staff set up a camera and caught the little guy in action, actually opening the door all by himself. Pretty impressive! They might need to put a lock on that door. (Via KSDK)

Moving on to No. 3 is a heartwarming video of a baby fawn that befriends a little girl and won’t leave her side.

The fawn follows the girl’s every move until she leads the baby back into the woods in hopes it will stay. It took a few tries, but finally the fawn stays put. (Via The Huffington Post)

Now to something a little more nerve-wracking: Coming in at No. 2, a teen jumps into the water to ride a 30-foot whale shark. Take a look.

“Ready?”

“Whoa!” (Via YouTube / LimitedOutFishing)

The teen gets back on the boat safely, but we don’t recommend repeating this move. A writer for GrindTV says while whale sharks are docile and divers swim with them often, their powerful movements have been known to injure people.

And ringing in at No. 1 for the week is a terrifying video showing a guide dog saving his owner’s life.

The guide dog was leading a woman as a part of its final test. The trainer is also walking with them when suddenly the dog reacts, alerting and pulling them out of the way of a car speeding down the sidewalk. (Via KSAZ)

The dog’s trainer said it reacted about two seconds before he did, but that made a big difference. KTVU also posted the raw video showing just how close of a call it was. Yikes.

Turns out the driver behind the wheel was a 93-year-old woman who says she was trying to parallel park. (Via Marin Independent Journal)

We’re just glad everyone was OK.

And those are your top five interesting animal stories of the week.

Evidence Says Michael Jackson Lost Dance Moves in Final Days

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 08:28:00 -0500

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(Image source: Biography.com)

BY BRIANA ALTERGOTT

New reports say Michael Jackson’s health had deteriorated so much in the weeks leading up to his death that he couldn’t perform some of his trademark dance moves.

According to new evidence presented in his family’s lawsuit against AEG Live, Jackson was unable to execute the “multiple 360 spins” he normally did during performances shortly before his death in 2009. (Via YouTube / SmoothC21HD)

Jurors in the wrongful death trial watched this video of Jackson’s performance of his hit Billie Jean from 2001 and rehearsal video from June 2009, when he was preparing for his This Is It comeback tour, to see the comparison. (Via CNN)

An email chain between AEG Live production manager John Hougdahl and CEO Randy Phillips was also presented as key evidence in the trial.

Hougdahl wrote in one message, "I have watched him deteriorate in front of my eyes over the last 8 weeks... The company is rehearsing right now, but the DOUBT is pervasive." (Via CNN)

Jackson’s mother Katherine Jackson and his three children believe AEG Live is liable for the singer’s death because it negligently hired, retained, and supervised Dr. Conrad Murray. (Via ABC)

Murray told police he used surgical anesthetic propofol to treat Jackson’s insomnia so he could rehearse. (Via Today)

The coroner ruled Jackson’s death was caused by an overdose of the drug, and Murray was convicted of involuntary manslaughter. (Via Hollywood TV)

AEG Live is arguing it was Jackson who chose and supervised Murray, and that their executives had no way of knowing about the doctor’s propofol treatments.

Kanye West's 6th Studio Album Leaks Ahead of Release

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 20:17:13 -0500

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(Image Source: Def Jam Recordings)

BY CHRISTIAN BRYANT

The Internet bested Kanye West Friday, as 10 tracks from his highly-anticipated album “Yeezus” appeared online four days ahead of schedule... and consequently caused mass hysteria.

Los Angeles Times reports the leak happened sometime Friday morning. In addition to 10 tracks — some of which have already been ingested by the public — pictures of the CD’s back cover surfaced, showing samples and collaborators featured on the album.

According to SPIN, names like Chief Keef, Bon Iver's Justin Vernon, and French duo Daft Punk were already known to have their fingerprints on West’s album. But Friday revealed another collaborator...

...Twenty-two year old UK producer Josh Leary, also known as Evian Christ. Tri Angle Records tweeted out this straight-to-the-point confirmation Friday morning.

A Mashable writer calls the leak unsurprising considering how lax West was about audio and video recordings during his listening party in New York City earlier in the week. The writer surmises West’s possible reaction with this headline.

So, how does it sound? The consensus among music writers is that part of the new album is aggressive and raw.

A writer for SPIN says, “There are some songs that make last year's lurching, ominous single "Mercy" feel like a lazy ride on a gondola.”

But a writer for Entertainment Weekly notes songs like “Black Skinhead” and “New Slaves” — two of Ye’s more aggressive tracks — don’t represent the entire mood of the album. The writer calls the second half of the album, “Unfiltered, internal, and funny. In fact, that album-closing track ‘Bound 2’ is essentially a throwback tribute to the cats who dug College Dropout ...”

All in all, one writer calls the album “satisfyingly narcissistic”: “We get none of his soggy and insincere apologies (‘Runaway’) or hemmed-in spiritual set pieces (‘Jesus Walks’). The new album is all id, and that makes it easier to trust." (Via The New Yorker)

In the middle of Friday’s leaked album hype, West took to Twitter to announce new projection locations on his website. “Yeezus” officially drops Tuesday, June 18.

Billy Ray and Tish Cyrus to Divorce, Miley Reacts

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 10:29:00 -0500

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(Image source: Facebook / Tish Cyrus)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

Forget Miley Cyrus’ relationship drama — now it’s her parents that are back in the spotlight. Billy Ray and Tish Cyrus are planning to divorce ... again.

And we mean planning again. Back in 2010, Billy Ray filed for divorce from Tish, but the split never came to fruition. (Via Us Magazine)

Now Tish is filing, and according to TMZ, she wants:

--spousal support

--full custody of their 13-year-old daughter, Noah

--visitation for Billy Ray

--attorney fees

So, what went wrong the second time around? The filing cites the classically vague “irreconcilable differences,” and in separate statements, both are asking for privacy.

The pair have been together almost 20 years. Understandably, this will affect the kids. (Via Facebook)

Noah tweeted: “Please pray for me and my family.”

And it’s seemingly since been deleted, but Socialite Life has a screengrab of a tweet from Miley, sent to her dad.

It reads, “@billyraycyrus since your text and email obviously aren't working would you like to talk like this?”

No response from Billy. But he’s blamed Miley’s fame for family problems in the past. In 2011, he told GQ the show that made Miley famous, “Hannah Montana,” “destroyed” his family.

So is it fame and the industry that are causing problems again? Tish did tell People magazine in May: “We've [Billy Ray and Tish] both been very busy in pursuit of different things we have going on. We're taking it one day at a time.”

The Battle for the 'Happy Birthday' Song

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 08:17:00 -0500

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(Image source: Wikimedia Commons)

BY JOHN O’CONNOR

It’s perhaps the most popular song of all time …

“Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you … ” (via YouTube)

But did you know every time you’ve seen it performed in a movie or at a concert, someone had to pay for the right to sing it?

That’s because the Warner/Chappell music company owns the copyright to the “Happy Birthday” song — and collects more than $2 million in royalties as a result each year. (via New York Daily News)

But if a production company gets its way, the party for Warner/Chappell may be over.

“Good Morning To You Productions has sued in federal court here in New York saying ‘Happy Birthday’ really belongs to the public. It’s massive because you think of all the times you watch tv or you watch a movie and people can’t sing the song ‘Happy Birthday.’” (via Bloomberg)

Good Morning to You Productions argues the song is a part of our culture and should be in the public domain.

To do that, they’re claiming the song a publicly created offspring using the melody from another song called “Good Morning to All,” and that the copyright for that song expired in 1921. (via MarketWatch)

But Warner/Chappell argues it holds copyrights on the birthday song until 2030, and will continue to collect royalties from production use and public performances. (via Warner/Chappell)

The music company found itself in another controversy regarding the song during the 90s when the organization that enforces royalty fee collection went after a group of Girl Scouts for singing the song at summer camp. (via The New York Times)

The group later backed down from the move. Today’s lawsuit to get the birthday song in the public domain is seeking class action status.

Charlie Sheen and Farrah Abraham: Best Couple Ever?

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 13:37:00 -0500

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(Image source: FarrahAbrahm.me / Wikimedia Commons)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

According to a new report from TMZ, Charlie Sheen and "Teen Mom" turned sex tape star Farrah Abraham have been flirting. Yep.

The outlet showcases texts, allegedly between the two. Abraham asks Sheen to hang out on a playdate with their kids or to grab some coffee. He tells her coffee is for “amateurs” but says he “would love to get together.” She later invites him to a party with some “porn star people.”

Well, if it’s true, we have to say — this potential couple actually makes sense. Here are five reasons why.

Farrah pitched a playdate, but honestly — neither are up for "parent of the year" awards. While his ex Brooke Mueller is in rehab, Sheen’s other ex — Denise Richards, is caring for his sons with Mueller. (Via People)

And Abraham recently said she’ll show her daughter her sex tape when she turns 13. (Via GossipCop)

Speaking of which, they both love porn.

Charlie has dated a variety of porn starlets over the years... (Via Fox News)

And Abraham IS a porn star. Kismet! (Via Hollywood Life)

She even told Howard Stern she...really enjoys watching her own tape. How meta. (Via Us Magazine)

Abraham wants to up her entertainment career — she’s got a new reality series... (Via The Huffington Post)

And in the texts to Sheen, chatted with him about appearing on his sitcom, ‘Anger Management.’

And such a gig probably wouldn’t be hard to arrange. FX pre-ordered 90 episodes of Sheen’s sitcom, meaning he’s got plenty of roles to fill. (Via Collider)

Maybe a successful guy like Sheen would be good for Abraham! She’s been unlucky in love as documented on ‘Teen Mom,’ (Via The Hollywood Gossip)

And if you recall, Sheen’s “goddesses” were significantly younger than the actor — in their early 20s, just like Abraham. Sheen is 47. He loves the “young lad[ies]” as he seemingly called Abraham via text. (Via ABC News)

And last — we think this is a good idea purely because it is just the most insane, random thing we’ve heard in awhile.

Kinda like that whole Tiger Blood thing. Which we loved. And miss.

Tiger Blood, Teen Mom. Let’s make it happen, people.

Miley Cyrus Says She's Engaged, But No One Believes Her

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 09:24:00 -0500

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(Image source: Wikimedia Commons)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

Miley Cyrus Is engaged, OK? After all the rumors, how do we know? Here’s what she just said in an interview, addressing rumors she’s been flirting with Justin Bieber.

“Everybody knows you and Justin Bieber have been friends for a really long time, but people are now saying that you might be more than friends with Justin Bieber. True or false?”

MILEY: “I’m engaged. I’m engaged. That is impossible.” (Via Hot99.5)

Straight from the Miley’s mouth. There have been plenty of back-and-forth reports though -- she and alleged fiance Liam Hemsworth are together, they’ve split. And we say, this isn’t so much about the media being right or wrong...

We’re guessing they have split up and gotten back together plenty. She’s 20, he’s 23 — it’s young love people. So, yes, while Miley did just say they are engaged, who knows what’s coming tomorrow? (Via UsMagazine, E! Online, Moviefone, People)

Plus, media are so sick of the rumors, they’re not buying what she says anymore anyway.

Crushable writes of the radio interview — Miley, stop pretending. You and Liam haven’t been seen together in months — you’re not engaged. Also noting that...

Multiple people, including Miley’s dad, have implied the two are broken up, or won’t get married... (Via Entertainment Weekly, ABC News)

But here’s what we do know, in a very hard facts, investigative, social media kind of way.

Liam just joined Twitter — it’s a verified account, and he’s only following a few people, but one of them is Ms. Miley.

And she gave him a follow back, y’all! (Via Twitter)

So, if there was ever anything in the world that was real, it’s that. ...Until tomorrow. When things change again.

One thing we will say — it is just a crazy coincidence that all this stuff is happening when her first album in three years is coming out soon. (Via New York Daily News)

Weird!

Kanye's Ridiculous NYT Interview: Highlights and Reactions

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 17:24:36 -0500

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(Image Source: The New York Times / Nick Knight)

BY JAMAL ANDRESS

Kanye West very rarely does interviews and hardly ever opens up to the interviewer, but in a five-page monster of an article by the New York Times, Mr. West was in rare form. Touching on everything from the Taylor Swift incident to being the next Steve Jobs and leading a billion dollar company.

The outrageous “Kanye confidence” began early when he compared himself to Michael Jordan to explain his rants, “You know, if Michael Jordan can scream at the refs, me as Kanye West, as the Michael Jordan of music, can go and say, ‘This is wrong.’”

West says he has no regrets and his instinct to correct what’s wrong has led to “...complete awesomeness at all times” and that includes the Taylor Swift incident.

He also talked about the death of Steve Jobs as an opportunity for himself. Now that Jobs has passed, West plans to become the next big industry icon — the same way the passing of Biggie Smalls made room in the rap world for Jay-Z to be king of the hill.

“I will be the leader of a company that ends up being worth billions of dollars, because I got the answers. I understand culture. I am the nucleus.”

As expected, West’s arrogance in the interview led to media outlets leaving their objective sideline seats to blast the artist and his remarks. Here are some headlines.

“The Most Gag-Worthy Quotes From Kanye West's New York Times Interview” (Via Business Insider)

“The unbearable narcissism (and 'complete awesomeness') of Kanye's big 'Yeezus' interview”

Entertainment Weekly went on to call the interview itself a “breathtaking study in the art of narcissism”

But opinion of Mr. West across the media was not completely one-sided

Hip Hop Wired said the interview was a “...plethora of enlightening and entertaining—and very Kanye West-like—quotables.”

While MTV wrote “It’s clear that Kanye West is still one of music's most engaging and popularizing figures and he gives one heck of an interview.”

But with 21 Grammy’s under his belt and millions of albums sold, it’s pretty clear Kanye’s “I am the nucleus” attitude will have no effect on his fan base or how well his new album “Yeezus” will do. But, not surprisingly, Kanye doesn’t care either way.

During a music festival performance of his new single ‘On Site’ West told the crowd “I could give a f— about selling a million records as long as I put out an album for the summer that y’all can rock to for all f—’ summer. At this point I don’t really give a f— about outside opinion.” (Via The Houston Chronicle)

West’s sixth solo album, “Yeezus,” is set for release June 18.

Sales of Orwell's '1984' Surge Amid NSA Surveillance Reports

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 20:57:53 -0500

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(Image source: Wikimedia Commons)

BY A.J. FEATHER

In 2008, as the United States entered the worst financial crisis the country had seen since the Great Depression, consumers rushed out to purchase a copy of a book that would answer the question, “Who is John Galt?” Following the revelations of NSA’s PRISM surveillance program last week, consumers followed a similar pattern. Only this time, it was Big Brother they wanted to know more about.

Sales of George Orwell’s “1984” went through the roof early this week, surging 6,021 percent in just 24 hours and moving the book to No. 213 on Amazon’s bestseller list, according to NPR.

But it didn’t stop there. “1984” soon made its way into Amazon’s 100 top sellers. (Via Amazon)

The classic novel explores control of the public by an omnipresent government through perpetual war, propaganda and, yes, constant surveillance.

The Christian Science Monitor writes, “So chilling are the parallels for many Americans that sales of the dystopian novel have skyrocketed following news of the government’s spying program.”

A representative from the book’s publisher, Plume publishing, told ABC sales of “1984” “always spike this time of year because teachers and students are buying copies for summer reading, but the increase has never been this large.”

Orwell was worried about the same balance between citizen safety and privacy that has become part of the national debate recently.

MSN writes: “President Barack Obama on Friday defended the NSA program, saying he believes the government had ‘struck the right balance.’ But pointing to the threat of war or terrorism as a justification for spying concerned Orwell. ” And although many consider Orwell’s vision a bit paranoid, “It turned out that the British spy agency MI5 had tracked the writer from 1929 until he died in 1950.”

This isn’t the first book that had its sales spike following controversial actions of the U.S. government, though.

During the 2008 financial crisis, sales of Ayn Rand’s 1957 novel “Atlas Shrugged” went through the roof. The book sold 200,000 copies in 2008 and quadrupled its 2008 sales in the first quarter of 2009. CNN points out those numbers were “Not bad for a 1,100-page doorstop of a book that came out in 1957, by an author who died in 1982.”

So whether one agrees or disagrees with the way government handles the controversy of the day, chances are a classic novel is flying off the shelves and a publisher somewhere is very happy.

How Was John Oliver's First Night Hosting 'The Daily Show'?

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 20:05:56 -0500

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(Image source: Comedy Central)

BY CARISSA LOETHEN

“The Daily Show’s” senior British correspondent John Oliver took over hosting the show for the next three months instead of the usual Jon Stewart. Well, Monday was day one. Let’s take a peek at how it went:

“... let’s all just acknowledge for a moment that this is weird. ... It looks weird. It feels weird. It even sounds weird. It sounds weird to me and it’s my actual voice.” (Via Comedy Central)

Stewart, who’s hosted the show for 14 years, is on a 3-month hiatus to direct his first movie, Rosewater. (Via The Hollywood Reporter)

Oliver, who’s been a correspondent on the show for 7 years, had some big shoes to fill. So, how did he do?

A writer for Entertainment Weekly said Oliver’s “self-deprecating British humor” worked in the beginning of the episode, but after a while his numerous British references got to be a little repetitive.

However, a writer for The Wrap thought Oliver’s jokes didn’t disappoint, and says his ‘Britishness’ is a bonus:

“His Britishness, which we Americans oddly interpret as politeness, allows him to get away with being more aggressive than Stewart.”

Plus, a writer for Los Angeles Times felt Oliver didn’t even have time to make “too many” British jokes.

“That’s because, despite Stewart’s assurance that the summer is a quiet time for news, Day 1 brought the monumental story of the National Security Agency’s clandestine surveillance program, PRISM.”

Part of Oliver’s jokes on that subject included: “... ‘vastly more information than even George Orwell wet the bed over,’ reassuring his viewers that NSA surveillance only affects people who ‘make calls or use the Internet.’” (Via Business Insider)

Later in the show, Oliver interviewed actor/director Seth Rogen. He admitted it was his first celebrity interview.

And a writer for E! said “the profanity-filled interview was pretty hilarious.”

Buzzfeed picked out it’s 27 Worst Moments of the first 6 minutes of the show. However, The Huffington Post reports don’t pay too much attention to those.

“In a witty nod to Buzzfeed's list-making, it was created by Comedy Central themselves - and referenced in the show. Looks like Oliver's British self-deprecation is rubbing off already...”

"The Daily Show" will be hosted by Mr. Oliver until September 3rd.

Nintendo's E3 Games: Is it Time for New Characters?

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 18:47:31 -0500

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(Image source: FanPop / Nintendo)

BY COLLIN RUANE

The Electronic Entertainment Expo, better known as E3, kicked off in L.A. Monday. The conference features the newest from the video game industry.

And while Sony and Microsoft have been battling it out in the public eye, we haven’t been hearing much from Nintendo until now. And unfortunately, there aren’t many surprises to speak of. (Via BBC)

Nintendo’s roster of new games for its struggling Wii U console includes a new Pokemon game and, of course, a new game featuring our favorite plumbers in “Super Mario 3D World.”

Nintendo isn’t featuring much of anything new character-wise, but a writer at the Los Angeles Times says it hasn’t hurt the company in the past.

“Nintendo has a reputation for handling its original properties with great care, subtly adding details that can make games feel fresh.”

But one blogger for Kotaku doesn’t agree with that sentiment — saying that the new games have too much of the old.

“I’ve played four of Nintendo’s big E3 2013 games and I’m still undecided whether to be excited or disappointed. Nintendo didn’t bring the shock of the new to E3. They brought comfort food.”

So why is Nintendo featuring a lot of the old? GameSpot was able to talk to Nintendo’s director of product marketing back in April to get the company’s perspective.

“If you've got an idea that's really fun and really interesting, pairing that with, for example, Mario, then that takes a fun and interesting gameplay mechanic and puts it with a character that makes it instantly appealing to a very wide range of people.”

And the folks over at BostInno agree. According to one writer, players use Nintendo’s games because of those characters.

“People don't take to Nintendo because of graphics or cutting-edge software. They enjoy it because it’s nostalgic and its games are classics with iconic characters.”

The new games announced for the Wii U will not be fully available for the console until late 2013 or early 2014.

Mumford & Sons Health Scare: Bassist Has Blood Clot on Brain

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 13:30:00 -0500

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(Image source: Piotr Skrzypek)

BY JAMAL ANDRESS

Mumford and Sons bassist Ted Dwane was rushed to the hospital Monday for what turned out to be a blood clot on his brain.

The Grammy Award-winning band made the announcement on their website saying, “Ted has been feeling unwell for a few days... The scans revealed a blood clot on the surface of his brain that requires an operation... we are being assured that he will recover quickly from surgery.” (Via Mumford & Sons)

As a result, the southern leg of their tour has taken a hit — cancelling sold out Tuesday show in Dallas, Wednesday in Woodlands, Texas, and Thursday in New Orleans. But according to Billboard, all dates will be rescheduled, and the band doesn’t plan on postponing any other shows.

Mumford and Sons is scheduled to headline the U.K.’s Glastonbury music festival later this month; but as the Daily Mirror writes, “Dwane's health scare will put the band's headline slot ... in doubt.”

The English folk band is currently touring behind the release of their 2012 album ‘Babel,’ which won Album of the Year.

'Man of Steel' Reviews In: Another Debacle for Superman?

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 13:07:00 -0500

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(Image source: Facebook.com/ManofSteel)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

After months, even years of hype — the reviews are in. So, is “Man of Steel” super...or super bad?

At press time it was sitting at a respectable 74 percent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes: a hit, with critics calling it “punchy, engaging” and the “right origin story.”

As for the critics who have a problem, what is it? Too much of a good thing.

“... preoccupied with its own spectacle.” “There's so much heaviness ...” “...bouncing from big scene to big scene.” “...overkill.”

Still, 74 percent approval is good, right? Pretty solid, really. But for comparison...

2006’s “Superman Returns” won 76 percent of critics’ hearts ... and was ultimately considered a box office disappointment by Warner Bros. (Via Rotten Tomatoes)

That Superman franchise was supposed to do for Superman what Christopher Nolan’s Batman reboot did for Batman. But it didn’t. A planned 2009 sequel never happened. (Via Warner Bros.)

Now the question is, will “Man of Steel,” with Nolan in the producer’s chair -- succeed where its predecessor failed? (Via Warner Bros.)

Warner Bros.’ current president is predicting it will be the studio’s highest-performing movie ever at the box office — although it’s been its priciest to make and market. (Via Variety)

And according to Deadline Hollywood, a sequel is already planned -- all eerily familiar to the “Superman Returns” debacle.

Ultimately, the bottom line is always money, and so far, Man of Steel is doing well in online ticket sales. (Via FlickDirect)

“Man of Steel” hits theaters this Friday.

Hillary Clinton Joins Twitter, Sends Playful First Tweet

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 18:08:32 -0500

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(Image source: Twitter / @HillaryClinton)

BY CANDICE AVILES

Another Clinton has officially joined Twitter, and she’s having fun with it.

Hillary Clinton’s new Twitter bio sports the “Texts from Hillary” picture and describes herself as “Wife, mom, lawyer ... author, dog owner, hair icon, pantsuit aficionado, glass ceiling cracker, TBD ... ” (Via Twitter / @HillaryClinton)

For her first tweet, she addressed the co-creators of “Texts from Hillary,” a satirical blog centering around a famous photo of Clinton on her phone. (Via Texts from Hillary)

She wrote, “Thanks for the inspiration … I’ll take it from here... #tweetsfromhillary.” (Via Twitter / @HillaryClinton)

Hillary joined just a few months after Bill Clinton did back in April. He was quick to welcome her on the social media site.

“Does @Twitter have a family share plan? Great to be here with @HillaryClinton & @ChelseaClinton. Looking forward to #tweetsfromhillary.” (Via Twitter / @billclinton)

Daughter Chelsea joined in, tweeting, “Welcome Mom!” (Via Twitter / @ChelseaClinton)

Hillary’s belated entrance into the Twitterverse has media outlets wondering if there’s a motive behind the move. The Guardian writes:

“Clinton certainly has more time on her hands since stepping away from the relentless travelling that comes with being Secretary of State. No doubt some will suggest that this has meaning in the context of whether she will run as a candidate in the 2016 presidential race.”

Another word in her profile description had 2016 rumors abuzz. ABC reports the “To Be Determined” will “undoubtedly be getting some attention as it feeds into the speculation about whether she will run for president.”

Hillary had a whopping 140,000 followers within the first few hours of creating the account. But she’s only following two people so far, Bill and Chelsea, along with two nonprofit Clinton organizations.

'The Internship': Good Comedy or Bad Infomercial?

Sun, 09 Jun 2013 17:54:47 -0500

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(Image source: 20th Century Fox)

BY BRIAN BONDUS

“A fatal overdose of Googliness,” “Why ‘The Internship’ Isn’t ‘Wedding Crashers’” and “Internet comedy ... searches for laughs.” (Via Salon, MTV, The Salt Lake Tribune)

Those are some of the headlines about the film “The Internship” after its lackluster opening weekend at the box office.

Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson teamed up to play washed-up watch salesmen looking for a fresh start. The two enter into Google’s highly competitive internship program, and the film sheds light into the technology gap among generations. (Via 20th Century Fox)

And while that may sound pretty good, the movie lost badly at the box office to low-budget horror film “The Purge.” (Via The Inquisitr)

Vince Vaughn, Owen Wilson and tech giant Google — sounds like a winning combination. So what went wrong?

Many are calling the film a two-hour infomercial. Google products are used constantly throughout the movie, and a writer for Fox News says:

“Not since the odd 1988 boy-meets-alien flop ‘Mac and Me’ has there been a film as egregiously built around product placement as ‘The Internship.’ While ‘Mac and Me’ gratuitously gobbled up McDonalds, it wasn’t actually about the golden arches. But ‘The Internship,’ on the other hand, is all about Google.”

CNN notes that while Google did not pay the filmmakers, the company was actively involved in the making of the movie.

Google reviewed the script and let the cast use its California headquarters. One hundred Google employees were even used as extras in the film.

A Time tech writer who saw the movie said it portrays life at Google about as well as “Harold and Kumar Goes to White Castle” portrayed the burger chain. He went on to say even though he doesn’t plan to see “The Internship 2” if it’s made, props to Google anyway.

“Give Google credit for its willingness to be involved in this idiosyncratic project: Apple would not have been, and I’m not sure if Microsoft, Facebook or any other large technology company would have played along.”

The movie brought in $18 million dollars this opening weekend.

John Oliver (Temporarily) Takes Over 'Daily Show'

Sat, 08 Jun 2013 11:07:46 -0500

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(Image Source: Wikimedia Commons)

BY ALEX MALLIN

Jon Stewart is taking a break from "The Daily Show," but that doesn’t mean the comedian is on vacation.

Stewart gave his summer farewell during the show’s “Moment of Zen,” temporarily handing the show over to John Oliver. Here’s the clip. (Via ABC)

“Here it is, your moment of zen.”

“HA HA HA! It’s my show now. You can’t even throw to zen without me cutting in.” (Via The Daily Show)

Stewart will be spending the next eight weeks filming his first feature film, titled Rosewater.

It’s inspired by journalist Maziar Bahari’s book “Then They Came For Me,” it’s about Bahari’s coverage of the 2009 Iranian elections, he was arrested and had to spend three months being tortured in an Iranian prison. (Via E! Online)

British comedian Oliver will have to adjust his sarcastic attitude to the position. Stewart often dips into serious commentary to compliment his gimmicks on the news of the day. (Via The Guardian)

You don’t often see Oliver get serious, his style is more comparable to that of Stephen Colbert, a former correspondent for "The Daily Show." (Via The Los Angeles Times)

Stewart has hosted "The Daily Show" since it debuted on Comedy Central in 1996, he is expected to return in early September.

Google Can Predict Box Office Numbers Weeks Before

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 17:56:48 -0500

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(Image source: Google)

BY JAMAL ANDRESS

After putting millions of dollars into a film, you can bet any movie company would love to know how that film will fare opening weekend. Well now, according to Google, predicting the future is not out of the question.

A new research paper on the Google Think Web page says Google can predict opening weekend box office numbers with 94 percent accuracy by factoring trailer-related searches, the current movie season and a film’s “franchise status,” which is a metric that determines if a movie is part of a successful franchise. (Via Google)

This formula was used to predict movie magic: the success of "Magic Mike," the Warner Bros. film, which pundits thought would produce $15-$20 million on opening weekend. Google predicted the film would make a whopping $40 million, more than anyone expected. Opening weekend box office numbers were $39 million. (Via Warner Bros.)

And the Google crystal ball doesn’t stop there.

According to Yahoo!, “Should one want to look beyond the opening weekend, the study found a combination of search ad clicks during the week, previous weekend box office, theater count and Rotten Tomatoes score was quite predictive.”

Now this information is obviously valuable to Google, but the people who would really like to get their hands on it seem to be big movie marketers.

NBC writes, “Armed with that kind of information, a studio could change its marketing technique, try to open on more screens, or just take it easy knowing their film will probably do just fine.”

So what will become of the Google crystal ball? Will it be sold to highest bidder or stowed away in a Silicon Valley vault? According to the The Hollywood Reporter, we’re going to have to wait and see.

“Google hasn't yet said what it intends on doing with its newfound predictive powers. … Google doesn't plan on selling its data, but sharing it with clients, they say.”

No matter what Google plans to do with this information, they definitely picked the right industry to go into. In 2012 movie theaters sold an estimated $10.8 billion worth of tickets domestically.

Celebrity Diplomacy: When Foreign Policy Goes Hollywood

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 08:27:00 -0500

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(Image source: RIA Novosti / Alexei Nikolsky)

BY MATT PICHT

Be honest: when you see “Steven Seagal” and “Russians” together in the same sentence, diplomacy isn’t the first thing that pops into your head, right? Yet that’s exactly what happened last week, when Seagal joined a diplomatic envoy to Russia.

The actor, martial artist and reserve deputy sheriff accompanied a Congressional investigation concerning possible Russian intelligence mistakes, which could have prevented the Boston bombings. (Via YouTube / kicker9tt)

Seagal shares an interest in martial arts with President Putin, and evidently has high-level government connections. A Republican representative told CNN Seagal was instrumental in arranging top-level diplomatic meetings.

“Because of his black belt in karate and things, he’s gotten to know many of the leaders of Russia, including Putin, and was able to use that influence to make sure that we got to talk to the very top people.” (Via CNN)

Seagal’s not the only unlikely U.S. diplomat we’ve seen lately. Former NBA star Dennis Rodman recently made headlines after he paid a visit to volatile North Korea and worked the proverbial boards.

Rodman apparently struck up a friendship with dictator Kim Jong-un, whom he bonded with over a shared love of basketball. Rodman is now apparently planning a return trip. (Via ABC)

Pundits were quick to characterize Rodman’s actions as ill-informed and insensitive to decades of Korean oppression. But a writer for The New York Times points out, Rodman’s celebrity status did make inroads where conventional diplomacy had struggled.

“Rodman’s intrusion into affairs of state may be naïve. However it has at least the advantage of bringing an unfamiliar and risk-oriented perspective onto an apparently intractable problem of international relations. … Rodman’s legacy could be that of an improbable helpful animator toward breaking the geostrategic impasse with the hermit kingdom.”

And we haven’t even mention the international causes adopted by Angelina Jolie, George Clooney, Bono, Bob Geldof — the list goes on and on. A writer for the Los Angeles Times says, as people grow more disillusioned with traditional foreign policy institutions, “celebrity diplomacy” brings a refreshing perspective to international incidents.

“I think people are looking around for people that aren’t from the traditional elites that can give them some sort of guidance. … There’s some goodwill that these people are fairly authentic or genuine, as private citizens without a stake.”

But of course, relying on celebrities to be culturally sensitive can backfire, as it did where Richard Gere publicly kissed a Bollywood actress during an AIDS awareness rally. Public displays of affection are still taboo in India, and a fierce backlash against the actor soon swept the nation. (Via BBC)

So, clearly, successful diplomacy takes more than good intentions. A writer for Big Think cautions, celebrities should steer clear of trying to represent complex American interests overseas.

“It’s one thing for them to cavort around Africa, adopting children and pressing for solutions to long-standing health and human rights problems. It’s another thing entirely for them to muck up the diplomatic works by explicitly contravening against expressed U.S. interests.”

So, should celebrities become diplomats? Hard to say. But there’s at least one clear positive to letting celebrities run loose in foreign countries — hilarious dance videos. If celebrity diplomacy produces more scenes like this one, we’re in favor. (Via The Sun)

Justin Bieber Books Virgin Galactic Spaceflight

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 20:19:17 -0500

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(Image source: Twitter / @justinbieber)

BY CANDICE AVILES

Justin Bieber has already been “All Around The World” so now he’s looking to take on outer space.

It appears, as of Wednesday, Bieber and his agent Scott Braun signed up for Virgin Galactic’s suborbital spaceflights. (Via YouTube / justinbieberVEVO)

Billionaire and Virgin Galactic creator Richard Branson broke the news tweeting, “Great to hear @justinbieber & @scooterbraun are latest @virgingalactic future astronauts. Congrats, see you up there!” (Via Twitter / @richardbranson)

And Bieber responding, “Let’s shoot a music video in SPACE!!” (Via Twitter / @justinbieber)

The whole idea isn’t completely out of the blue. Back in February, Bieber tweeted about wanting to do a concert in space. Even NASA appeared to be interested replying, “Maybe we can help you with that.” (Via ABC)

“Biebernaut” jokes set aside, one astronaut says Bieber’s interest in the outer space ride will help create massive interest in commercial spaceflight.

“If there’s more interest, there are more customers. If there are more customers, there’s more technical development. It’s a positive feedback loop, and obviously that’s good.” (Via Space.com)

It may be the boost Virgin Galactic needs to stay in business, especially if one ticket for a ride on the SpaceShipTwo rocket plane costs a whopping $250,000.

But NBC reports that’s small change for the star, who at 19-years-old, has an estimated net worth of $110 million.

Bieber is just one of many celebrities who signed up on a waiting list to go into space. Other stars like Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hanks, Ashton Kutcher, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have already beat him to the punch. (Via Hollywood Life)

Flights could begin as early as 2014. The ride propels passengers 62 miles into the sky, allowing them to feel weightless and see the Earth’s curve.

John Travolta Crashes Wedding, Poses for Pictures

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 17:28:47 -0500

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(Image source: Imgur)

BY COLLIN RUANE

From actor to wedding crasher? Actor John Travolta apparently made two new friends after popping in on their nuptials in Georgia.

Katelyn and Ben Elliott first bumped into Travolta in the lobby of the hotel they were staying at the night before their wedding. The Atlanta-area couple was able to snap a few pictures with the actor that night. (Via Inside Edition)

But it didn’t end there for the lucky duo.

The next day, while the bridal party was taking pictures, someone said they noticed John Travolta walking by. Mr. and Mrs. Elliott said it didn’t take much convincing to get Travolta to join the pictures. (Via WABC)

And he seemed happy to do it, too. The 59-year-old actor gave two thumbs up in many of the shots.

HowAboutWe reports Travolta was in Georgia to get his pilot license renewed, so the encounter between the star and the bride and groom was just a matter of really good luck.

So how do the newlyweds feel about the surprise appearance? They told WXIA Travolta was nothing but nice to them, gladly agreeing to be in many of the wedding photos and congratulating them on their big day.

And in case you were wondering, Travolta has crashed a wedding before. In a USA Today interview, Travolta said he wound up attending a wedding with Robin Williams way back in 1977. He added the guests at that wedding thought he and Williams were impersonators rather than the real deal.

I guess there was no mistaking him this time around.

Olbermann to Host MLB Postseason Coverage for TBS

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 15:56:34 -0500

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(Image source: Sports Illustrated)

BY MATT PICHT

It’s been some time since Keith Olbermann hosted his own show, but the broadcaster is finally returning to TV — this time, again, as a sports commentator.

Olbermann just signed a deal to host TBS’s coverage of Major League Baseball’s postseason. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Olbermann will host “both Wild Card Playoff games, 18 of the 20 League Division Series games and exclusive rights to the National League Championship Series. Sources say the deal has an option for the 2014 postseason as well.”

The role will be a familiar one for Olbermann. The broadcaster got his start as a sports reporter for CNN in 1981, before rising to fame as one of the original hosts of ESPN’s "Sportscenter." (Via YouTube / SK42388)

Still, Olbermann is perhaps better known today for his political views rather than his sports acumen. MSNBC hired Olbermann as host of “Countdown” in 2003, where Olbermann’s fiery opinions soon cemented his reputation as an outspoken liberal pundit.

Despite his fame, Olbermann has had a rocky employment history. Virtually all of his television gigs have finished acrimoniously, with Olbermann’s latest position at Current TV ending in early termination and a $50 million lawsuit. A writer for Time thinks Olbermann’s checkered past could work against the network.

“Olbermann’s hire will generate attention — I would not be writing this post for pretty much any other TBS baseball-hosting hire — but the question is whether it will be good attention. Will baseball fans be able to set Olbermann’s politics aside from his sportscasting, if he does the same?”

But The Wrap reports TBS Sports President Dan Levy was optimistic about Olbermann’s future with the network in a press conference call. Olbermann himself joked the current contract really isn’t that big of a commitment anyway.

“The safety valve here is that my season is about a month long. And if you check, if you go through the 37 pages of my resume, you'll see that every one of my jobs has lasted at least one month. … So we're covered no matter what the eventuality is.”

No one can deny Olbermann’s been maintaining his baseball credentials. The commentator is a regular at Mets and Yankees games and maintains a blog on MLB.com.

Paris Jackson Hospitalized After Alleged Suicide Attempt

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 13:45:00 -0500

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(Image source: Los Angeles Times)

BY JAMAL ANDRESS

Paris Jackson was rushed to the hospital early Wednesday morning for what many are calling a possible suicide attempt.

Paris Jackson’s mother, Debbie Rowe, confirmed to Entertainment Tonight, “She was rushed to the hospital with cuts on her wrist in the early morning hours.” The article went on to say, “the reason Paris attempted suicide is because she wasn't allowed to go to a Marilyn Manson concert.”

But there are some conflicting reports on why Jackson is in the hospital with the Los Angeles Times reporting “The L.A. County Fire Department described the call as a ‘possible overdose.’”

The alleged suicide attempt occurred just a few hours after Jackson posted some alarming messages on Twitter.

She posted lyrics to the Beatles song “Yesterday” “yesterday , all my troubles seemed so far away now it looks as though they're here to stay”

As well as “i wonder why tears are salty ?” (via Twitter)

Prior to the incident Wednesday morning Hollywood Life wrote this of Jackson’s condition, “Paris has obviously been experiencing some real trauma — surely far too much for a teenager to handle — ever since her father’s wrongful death suit opened up again less than a month ago.”

Paris and her brother Prince are scheduled to testify in the Michael Jackson wrongful death trial later this month. Both teens were questioned in depositions for two days each by AEG lawyers in recent months.

Penelope Cruz 'Too Old' to Play Next Bond Girl?

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 10:48:00 -0500

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(Image source: Wikimedia Commons / Tabercil)

BY JASMINE BAILEY

The 24th James Bond movie, yet untitled, is set to begin filming soon and they might even have their leading lady on lock.

According to multiple reports, Sony Pictures has been diligently working to get sultry Spanish actress Penelope Cruz to play the new Bond girl. But the media isn’t exactly talking about her Academy Award winning acting skills. Instead, many headlines read: (Via Wikimedia Commons / Tabercil)

“Penelope Cruz Now ‘Oldest Bond Girl’” (Via Fox News Latino)

“Penelope Cruz to Become the World's Oldest Bond Girl” (Via Next Movie)

And “Penny’s 40 years oldfinger” Ouch. (Via The Sun)

“Who cares.”

“When you look like that.”

“Yeah she looks amazing.”

“If you’re going to put that headline out we need to see you.I need to see a big picture of you. Show me what you’re working with”

“What do you look like internet troll?” (Via KDAF)

By the time the movie is released Cruz will be 40. And for the record, her onscreen love interest — Bond, James Bond — who will reportedly still be played by Daniel Craig — will be 46 at the film’s release.

“If the casting rumor is true the 40-year-old Spanish bombshell would be age appropriate for Daniel Craig’s superspy.” (Via CNN)

A writer for The Guardian agrees saying, “All hail James Bond's first age-appropriate girlfriend.” Continuing,

“In the light of Bond's previous history, the news that Penélope Cruz will play Daniel Craig's love interest must count as the franchise's equivalent of Seneca Falls: a feminist breakthrough, one for the annals.”

Over the years, Bond has been known for having much, much younger leading lady love interests. But hey Penelope Cruz, if it makes you feel better, you’re not actually the oldest Bond girl of all time.

That honor goes to Bond’s onscreen boss — the real leading lady — Judi Dench, who was 77 years old in “Skyfall.” (Via Flickr / Caroline Bonarde Ucci)

No official word yet from Cruz’s reps about all this talk. No details of the plot in the upcoming blockbuster have been released, but it will reportedly hit theaters sometime in 2016. (Via The Hollywood Gossip)

Portia de Rossi's Face: What's Behind the Big Change?

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 20:36:23 -0500

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(Image source: Jezebel)

BY COLLIN RUANE

Portia de Rossi’s changing look has become the big story out of the new episodes of “Arrested Development,” but now — a diet-based denial?

In case you missed it, fans have been crying foul over the actress’s very different appearance on the new Netflix episodes, comparing them to those of old, and saying de Rossi looks... de different. (Via Us Magazine)

They point to a different-looking nose, and skin that seems way too young for the 40-year-old actress. Many say de Rossi has to have had plastic surgery. (Via Access Hollywood)

But some outlets are now turning back the clock themselves — pointing to an interview with People Magazine from April in which de Rossi talks about her youthful looks, and cites something a lot more natural.

“ ... de Rossi credits her wardrobe and her vegan diet, which she's maintained for the past six years. ‘People do think I look younger than I am because I dress like a teenager.’”

Of course, many outlets are also inaccurately reporting that that interview is new. It’s not, people. (Via News.com.au)

Well, it is... People. But it’s not, people!

Still, other media are digging deeper for intelligent answers ... even interviewing plastic surgeons. One speculates de Rossi had a nose job, something to the lower eyelids, and Botox. (Via Hollywood Life)

But a source for E! Online credits just one change for making de Rossi look different: “Her character is clearly wearing a wig, which ended up altering her entire look.”

And another thesis: there’s been talk that physical change could have been an element of de Rossi’s character development.

“Some fans speculate that the jarring difference may have been intentional, to imply that the vain and self-absorbed Lindsay had a botched plastic surgery in the seven years between Seasons 3 and 4.” (Via TV Guide)

De Rossi opened up in her 2010 memoir saying she had an eating disorder — once surviving off of roughly 300 calories per day. She has yet to comment on claims she went under the knife.

Channing Tatum, Jenna Dewan-Tatum Welcome Baby Girl

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 09:29:00 -0500

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(Image source: Instagram / Channing Tatum)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

Channing Tatum and wife Jenna Dewan-Tatum have welcomed a baby girl.

The baby was born in London Thursday, with the news breaking over the weekend. Tatum is filming his latest project there. This is the first child for the pair.

Thirty-three-year-old Tatum and 32-year-old Dewan-Tatum announced they were expecting in December.

UsWeekly is reporting the baby’s gender -- and also that the pair will continue working.

Production of Tatum’s project moves to Chicago in July, and Dewan-Tatum will begin shooting a project in Vancouver around the same time. A source tells the outlet... (via Us Weekly)

"The baby will get top billing as far as priorities go... Channing is going to be the most adorable hands-on daddy ever and do whatever is necessary to make sure Jenna can balance it all."

Though the actor did tell People magazine earlier this year — he’d never changed a diaper. Well, there’s a first time for everything.

The couple got together through 2006’s “Step Up,” in which they played love interests. They married in 2009. (Via IMDb)

Did Oral Sex Really Give Michael Douglas Cancer?

Sun, 02 Jun 2013 20:51:38 -0500

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(Image source: Wikimedia Commons / David Shankbone)

BY MATT PICHT

How much do you want to know about Michael Douglas’ sex life? If the answer is “too much,” well, you’re in luck!

The actor of “Wall Street” and “Basic Instinct” fame recently starred in the HBO biopic about Liberace, “Behind the Candelabra,” after recovering from a near-fatal battle with throat cancer. (Via The Telegraph / HBO)

During an in-depth interview with The Guardian, Douglas was asked if he thought his throat cancer was caused by years of smoking and drinking. His response?

“No. Because, without wanting to get too specific, this particular cancer is caused by HPV, which actually comes about from cunnilingus. … It's a sexually transmitted disease that causes cancer. And if you have it, cunnilingus is also the best cure for it.”

OK, then. Let’s take that statement one step at a time. Oral sex can cause throat cancer?

Well, yes it can. According to the U.K.’s National Health Service, there are at least 15 strands of the human papillomavirus that are linked to cancer, and the oral sex transmission rate is greater from females to males. Although the virus doesn’t directly cause cancer, infected cells do have an increased risk of becoming cancerous.

So technically, Douglas is right — oral sex can cause cancer. But cure it? Not likely. As The Atlantic reports, throat and neck surgeon Mahesh Kumar was skeptical when informed of Douglas’ claim.

“Maybe he thinks that more exposure to the virus will boost his immune system. But medically, that just doesn't make sense.”

And while Douglas seemed to say his smoking and drinking habits weren’t to blame, medical experts disagree. It’s true the HPV virus is the ultimate cause of some types of cancers, but smoking and drinking greatly increase the risks. (Via Medical Daily)

A writer for Jezebel says: “In other words, the oral sex explanation makes for a nice headline, but it really serves only to further burnish Michael Douglas’ reputation as a raging sex god with a silken tongue and electric fingertips. Nevertheless, we should all thank him for sharing. I’m sure [his wife] Catherine Zeta Jones is not at all mortified.”

Still, a writer for NBC says Douglas’ willingness to talk about the potential cause of his cancer is helpful in raising awareness of a seldom talked-about issue.

“Because of a reluctance to discuss oral sex, these facts are often overlooked, which is why many might be surprised by Douglas’s frank talk. His willingness to discuss the cause of his cancer may provide more impetus for wider adoption of HPV vaccines in the United States, which lags some other countries.”

HPV vaccines became mandatory for teens in the U.K. and a few other countries, and the shot is available in the U.S. But just in case, doctors recommend practicing safe sex and checking the sexual health history of your partner to avoid the risk of STIs.

Grumpy Cat Goes From Meme to Movie Star

Sun, 02 Jun 2013 16:29:34 -0500

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(Image Source: MemeCenter)

BY JASMINE BAILEY

Grumpy Cat — the mean mugging kitty that we all love to meme — will reportedly be coming to the big screen in the near future as she puts her acting skills to the test.

“Grumpy Cat has landed a movie deal. It is described as a Garfield-like tale where Grumpy Cat would have the ability to speak. Grumpy Cat apparently already has an agent.” (Via WHTM)

One of the film’s producers Todd Garner, told Deadline Hollywood: “This started off as a picture of a cat, but rare is an image that evokes that much comedy … You read all of the memes and the comments, and one is funnier than the next. We think we can build a big family comedy around this character.”

Whoa, Garfield you better watch out. The upcoming film is reportedly a priority for New Line Cinema and expected to co-star Jack Black and Will Ferrel. (Via IMDB / Twentieth Century Fox, Wikimedia Commons / Glenn Francis / Eva Rinaldi)

Well, that’s quite the cast. So is Ms. Grumpy qualified for such a role? You could say that.

“Her grouchy mug has ended up on coasters, clothing, even an unhappy birthday card. Shes got a book coming out. The Wall Street Journal reports there’s now a deal for Grumpy Cat coffee in cans.” (Via CNN)

And she’s made appearances on shows including Today, Good Morning America, CBS Evening News, Anderson Cooper Live and more. (Via NBC)

She even won a webby award for best meme of 2013. “The winner by a landslide was, aww, Grumpy Cat.” (Via Youtube / The Webby Awards)

And what did she have to say to that? Of course the, uh, excitement? — was expressed through a meme. “Oh great, a Webby Award. Lets add that to my pile of, who gives a…!” (Via Elite Daily)

Jean Stapleton, 'All in the Family' Actress, Dies at Age 90

Sun, 02 Jun 2013 06:43:00 -0500

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(Image source: CBS / Columbia Pictures Television)

BY LOGAN TITTLE

She was one of the biggest female icons in television comedy during the 70s and her fans included both viewers and celebrities.

Jean Stapleton, most commonly known for her character Edith Bunker on the TV series “All in the Family,” died of natural causes Friday at her New York City home, according to her family. She was 90 years old.

(via CNN)

Edith was the tolerant wife of Archie Bunker. The show was set in Queens and dealt with dramatic themes through humor — most notably bigotry and prejudice — something no TV series had done before.

(via The Wrap)

In an interview with Archive of American Television she explained, “There’s nothing like humor to burst what seems to be an enormous problem. Humor reduces it to nothing and wipes it out.”

Her role on the groundbreaking comedy earned her three Emmys and two Golden Globe awards.

(via NPR)

She told Larry King she never took residuals on the show.

“I’ve never had a regret. Why should I dwell on that? I’ve benefited daily by having done that role … everything I do is because I gained recognition.”

And although her role on the screen was mostly comical, her life outside the set grew serious.

The Los Angeles Times explains Stapleton became an activist while in Los Angeles and her character even became an icon of women’s rights when the feminist movement began to take off in the 70s.

Stapleton had a history in musical performance, including several Broadway shows in the 50s, 60s and into the 90s.

She also made appearances in several other television series as well as movies like “You’ve Got Mail” and “Pursuit of Happiness.”

Stapleton’s husband of 30 years, William Putch, died in 1983. She is survived by their two children, actor and director John Putch and actress Pamela Putch.

Patrick Stewart's Powerful Response to Domestic Violence

Sat, 01 Jun 2013 12:20:00 -0500

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(Image Source: Eugene Lee Images)

BY JOHN O’CONNOR

Patrick Stewart — best known for his roles in the X-Men series and Star Trek — is making headlines everywhere after delivering a moving speech on domestic violence.

At Houston’s Comicpalooza 2013, Stewart responded powerfully to a fan question about the issue. The crowd erupted into applause after his response.

“Violence is never ever a choice a man should make! Ever!” (via YouTube)

Stewart is a longtime supporter of domestic abuse recovery —

— revealing in 2009 that his mother was beaten throughout his childhood by his father, who suffered from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. (via YouTube)

He says the work he does now on violence against women and domestic violence campaigns grew out of his own experiences.

"The people who could do most to improve the situation of so many (abused) women and children are in fact, men … It's in our hands to stop violence towards women. I do what I do in my mother's name because I couldn't help her then. Now, I can." (via HLN)

The fan — Heather Skye — also thanked the actor for his speech in 2009 and his kind words at Comicpalooza, which have helped her overcome her own experiences with domestic violence.

"He told me 'You never have to go through that again, you're safe now.' I couldn't stop thanking him. His embrace was so warm and genuine. It was two people, two strangers, supporting and giving love.” (via Heather Skye)

Stewart also works closely with Combat Stress, an organization that offers an outlet for soldiers dealing with PTSD.

Neighbors Compare Amanda Bynes to Exorcist

Sat, 01 Jun 2013 08:39:00 -0500

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(Image Source: Splash News)

BY JASMINE BAILEY

The Amanda Bynes saga never seems to end — this time it’s her neighbors. They describe the wigged starlet as another actress from a well-known movie. Which movie you ask?

Linda Blair from “The Exorcist”— my my. (Via Youtube/ Movie Clips)

“They talk about her staring them down in the elevators … She went over, knocked on a neighbor's door, the woman opened the door and Bynes screams into her face ‘You’re ugly,’ and then ran away.” (Via KOKH)

According to the New York Post residents from her Manhattan apartment say they are fed up with her antics and are afraid to be around her, claiming she “always seems to be alone, muttering to herself and looking completely out of it. [But] the good news is, she hasn’t been seen in the building since her arrest.”

Bynes was arrested last week for allegedly throwing a bong out of her 36^th floor apartment window.

She was charged with reckless endangerment, tampering with evidence and criminal possession of marijuana. (Via CBS)

However, those charges were later dropped, as authorities found no evidence that Bynes was in possession of any drugs and she claims the supposed bong was actually a vase. (Via The Hollywood 5)

And after all that’s been going on with Amanda Bynes lately, she still continues to maintain there’s nothing wrong with her writing on Twitter;

“I’m Not Crazy”

Also tweeting about how she loves Rihanna, saying she’s “such a beauty.”

That tweet came just days after her rant about Rihanna, calling her ugly and saying, “Chris Brown beat you because you’re not pretty enough.” (Via TMZ)

According to the New York Post Amanda’s father, Rick Bynes , is trying to stage an intervention but she is reportedly resisting and will not have anything to do with him.

Mariah Carey Leaving 'American Idol'

Thu, 30 May 2013 21:52:03 -0500

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(Image source: American Idol)

BY MATT PICHT

As “American Idol” begins ramping up for its 13th season, one face will be missing from the judges’ table. After just one season, Mariah Carey is officially stepping down from her “Idol” role.

Carey’s public relations company broke the news on Twitter by announcing Carey “confirms world tour & says goodbye 2 Idol.” Carey then confirmed the news by retweeting it to her official account.

A statement from the PR company explains Carey’s schedule is just too packed for her to continue her judging role. But TMZ says Carey’s departure has been in the cards for some time now.

“‘Idol’ is extremely interested in bringing back Jennifer Lopez to judge next season — and keeping Mariah and J.Lo would clearly be a bad fit ... and a pricey one at that.”

Despite the rumors, Carey kept coy about her future plans. Even husband Nick Cannon pleaded ignorance when confronted by a reporter for Extra Thursday morning.

REPORTER: “She’s not going to be judging anymore, that’s official, right?”

CANNON: “Is it official?”

REPORTER: “That’s what I heard.”

CANNON: “I know I haven’t heard, and I sleep next to the woman.”

Carey isn’t the only judge calling it quits. Veteran “Idol” judge Randy Jackson has also announced his departure from the series, and rumors are swirling that Nicki Minaj might exit the show, as well. The Washington Post writes, “Idol” execs might try a different tactic when populating the Season 13 judges’ panel.

“Word is, the producers have abandoned the ‘polarizing celebrity judges’ school of judge-table staffing, and are now hoping to populate it with ‘Idol’-produced stars — Jennifer Hudson, Clay Aiken, Adam Lambert, and Kelly Clarkson. This will also serve to remind us weekly that ‘Idol’ is the only singing competition that actually has produced stars.”

Details are still scarce about Carey’s planned world tour, but evidently it will kick off somewhere in Asia this October.

Adam Levine Hates America? Or Americans Can't Take a Joke?

Thu, 30 May 2013 10:38:28 -0500

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(Image source: NBC / "The Voice")

BY JIM FLINK

Oh no he didn’t. Maroon 5 lead singer and The Voice judge Adam Levine didn’t really say what we think he said, did he? Let’s listen.

“...only one more artist will join the others for our top six live show....(pause)... “I hate this country...”....(Via CBS News)

He said what? Hates this country? Clearly upset that he lost two of his three finalists in The Voice judging competition to America’s votes ... this is what he meant to say.

“...it’s a lot less maddening because it’s a television show....”

“They got sent home as a result of things not lining up on this television show....but I don’t think that says anything about their talent...” (Via Clevver TV)

But that isn’t what he said, leading to headlines like this from People.

“Should Adam Levine Apologize for Saying 'I Hate This Country'?”

And the New York Daily News reporting....

“Some called for the singer to be fired from his position as judge on the NBC show. Others suggested he should be deported.”

Levine didn’t apologize on Twitter, instead, using dictionary definitions to answer those attacking him on the site...

“… joke-something said or done to provoke laughter or cause amusement...”

“… hu·mor·less...Lacking a sense of humor...”

“… mis·un·der·stand ... to interpret incorrectly …”

And this is a sample of what he got back....

“Adam Levine - see moron, dimwitted, fool, attention seeker - or jackass.”

“Joke or not, you don't go around spouting off ignorant garbage. Shame on you..”

“I know what I saw, America saw it. face it, he hates America.”

But many defend him -- TVLine’s Michael Ausiello Tweets, really?

“Is anyone really 'outraged' by Adam Levine's off-the-cuff crack 'I hate this country' crack? The answer is no.”

StarPulse concurs in its headline -- “Adam Levine Does Not Hate America...”

So, what to do now? PR Newswire’s Diane Schwartz has a few tips for the Maroon 5 star.

"Here are things Adam shouldn’t do in the next 48 hours:

> Wear red, white and blue.

> Get a tattoo of the U.S. flag on his wrist (wait at least a year).

> Write a song about patriotism.

> Become the spokesperson for the Armed Forces.

> Step down from “The Voice.”

And, for the producers of “The Voice,” enjoy the boost in ratings."

86 percent of respondents on that People poll, by the way, say Levine should NOT apologize, and that he’s already done enough.

Amazon Announces Five Original TV Series

Wed, 29 May 2013 15:25:41 -0500

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(Image Source: Amazon)

BY JASMINE BAILEY

Amazon has chosen five original TV series to premiere when it launches its video streaming service at the end of the year. So what are they?

The first, Alpha House, is an adult political comedy. It stars John Goodman and follows four senators who live together in a rented house in Washington DC. (Via Amazon)

The Next, Betas, centers on “four computer geeks and their quest for nerd fame as they attempt to crack the ultimate code.” It’s set in Silicon Valley. (Via Amazon)

And in what some call a surprising move, the final three are all geared toward kids.

Annebots — “revolves around Anne, a young scientist, who creates three robot helpers…” (Via Amazon)

Creative Galaxy — aimed at a much younger audience, is an interactive series “designed to inspire kids' creative thinking.” (Via Amazon)

And finally, Tumbleaf, is “aimed at preschoolers and set in a whimsical land where a small blue fox named Fig plays each day.” (Via Amazon)

Each of the shows were chosen from a lineup of 14 pilots of potential original series released by Amazon last month. Viewers then got to vote on their favorites.

Amazon’s new streaming service will compete with others like Hulu…

… and Netflix — which lost its deal with Viacom, owner of Nickelodeon, when the company decided not to renew its deal with Netflix last week. (Via Siliconbeat)

So, Amazon targeting the little ones might not be the worst idea as far as increasing viewership goes. Also, creating original content will give Amazon a more even playing field with competitors — leaving a writer for Mashable to note:

“Amazon has built a sizable video library over the past few years by licensing content from major studios. Now, like Netflix and Hulu, it's moving into more original content. Clearly, Amazon hopes to add incentive for consumers to subscribe to its own as well as other streaming video providers...”

In a statement, Roy Price, director of Amazon Studios says: “It's exciting to see the process in motion, doing exactly what we set out to do. The success of this first set of pilots has given us the push to try this approach with even more shows - this is just the beginning.” (Via Pocket-Lint)

Amazon’s original series will begin premiering at the end of the year and on into 2014.

J-Lo's Booty a Bit Bawdy for British Hit TV Show

Wed, 29 May 2013 11:41:00 -0500

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(Image source: Ken McKay / Rex Features / Daily Mail)

BY JIM FLINK

So very — not British. That’s the nicest way to explain the reaction to Jennifer Lopez’ appearance on the hit show “Britain’s Got Talent.” Take a look at this. (Via The Daily Mail)

In a word — whoa. Hold on — is that backlash I hear a brewin’? Well, not totally.

MTV-UK says...

“Jennifer Lopez and her famous booty stole the show...”

Entertainment Tonight tweets... “@JLo flashes her famous assets...”

And Judge Simon Cowell praised the performance.

But for most Brits, there was too much booty; most considered it a little bawdy. The Hollywood Reporter headline screams...

“Jennifer Lopez Sparks Furor Over Raunchy Performance...”

Not to be outdone in stodginess, The Daily Mail writes...

“... the superstar cavorted around the stage wearing little more than skimpy underwear, a bizarre fur bolero and thigh-high boots.”

Boots, which The Daily Mirror notes, when combined with JLo’s black leotard...

“...teamed with some feathered sleeves which made her seem like some sort of Big Bird of the night. The singer stunned on stage both by flashing the flesh and with her performance...”

Not that JLo herself seemed to mind... t weeting, “Thanks got talent for a great night...”

Talent is clearly in the eye of the beholder.

Five Reasons the Brad Pitt, Jennifer Aniston Story Won't Die

Tue, 28 May 2013 20:34:00 -0500

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(Image source: Allure / Esquire)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

The Jennifer Aniston/Brad Pitt saga in the news again with a new interview from Brad Pitt. Here are five reasons why this controversy will never die.

In Esquire’s latest issue, Pitt says 10 years ago, he was doing too many drugs, wasting opportunity ...

10 years ago he was married to Jennifer Aniston. So the headlines are all ... (Via MSN)

Bottom line -- the Brad/Jen saga’s here to stay. Here are five reasons why.

5) They won’t stop talking about it. Every couple years, a comment surfaces.

In 2011, Brad told ‘Parade’... “I wasn’t living an interesting life ... my marriage [to actress Jennifer Aniston] had something to do with it. Trying to pretend the marriage was something that it wasn’t.”

In 2009, Aniston compared her movies to her relationships -- mentioning “Rumor Has It,” “Derailed” and “The Break Up.” (via People)

In 2008, she called Angelina “inappropriate” for what she’d done. (via Huffington Post)

4) The media won’t stop inferring it. The Esquire interview, yes, had a timetable, but neither Aniston’s name nor the couple’s marriage was mentioned, Still, it had media saying things like ...

“Brad Pitt wants you to know: That time he was married to Jennifer Aniston was definitely not great.” (via Fox News)

3) The Hollywood A-lister crowd...it’s a small one. Brad, Angelina and Jen are bound to run into each other, and when they do, it’s big, tense news.

They both live in L.A. ... and oh my gosh, they ALMOST saw each other at a movie theater. Almost like, it didn’t actually happen, but the headlines did. (via Gossip Cop)

Or take the 2009 Oscars, when producers kept panning from Jolie in the crowd to Aniston on stage. Awkward. And televised. (via The Sun)

2) They keep doing stuff at the same time.

Angelina and Jen’s styles have been compared for years ... (via E!)

And Jen and Brad are both are now engaged, which lends easily to the headline...who’s gonna get married first? They’re planning their weddings around each other! (via New York Daily News)

Ultimately, there’s reason number 1 ...

1) Big Hollywood stories never die. Even when the Hollywood stars are dead.

Exhibit A: Eddie Fisher leaving Debbie Reynolds for Elizabeth Taylor. In the 50s. Here’s an article on it from 2010. (via Daily Mail)

Princess Diana’s affairs. You really needed an update on this guy, right? Nope. No you didn’t. (via Telegraph)

Kim Kardashian’s sex tape? Still a hot news item, years later. (via Wet Paint)

And of course: OJ. (via New York Post)

Ex-NFLer Keyshawn Johnson Hunts Down Justin Bieber

Tue, 28 May 2013 19:18:58 -0500

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(Image source: Justin Bieber Music)

BY MATT MORENO

Justin Bieber is back in the headlines... again. And its for all the wrong reasons... again. This time, the teen singer is cruising on the bad side of a former-NFL player.

TMZ reports Justin Bieber was driving waaaay too fast through Calabasas in his Ferrari when former-NFL star Keyshawn Johnson spotted him. Johnson reportedly had his child in the car at the time.

Johnson then took his child home and chased Bieber down in his Prius. Yes, his Prius.

From there, Johnson reportedly blocked-in Bieber’s Ferrari at the singer’s house and went to confront him. But Bieber ran inside a refused to come out. The L.A. County Sheriff’s Department arrived shortly after. (Via CBS)

“He was seen by at least two eyewitnesses driving his Ferrari at a high, alarming rate of speed. ... We attempted to talk to Mr. Bieber, but we were advised by his attorney he did not want to speak.” (Via ABC)

But, it doesn’t stop there. Another NFL star is speaking out in support of Keyshawn Johnson.

Eric Dickerson tweeted multiple times Wednesday about the incident saying -- “I live in Calabasas too and @justinbieber needs to slow his [butt] down.” (Via Twitter / @EricDickerson)

He followed that with this tweet reading, “Hey @justinbieber I use to have a white Ferrari too, but I knew the speed limit in neighborhoods where kids played.” He included a picture of a Ferrari. (Via Twitter)

And it’s not the only reckless driving incident in which Bieber’s been involved. Earlier this year, Bieber had another run-in with a neighbor after driving too fast. When the neighbor confronted Bieber, the singer reportedly spit on him and threatened to kill him. (Via The Daily Beast)

Its likely a good thing the alleged feud didn’t get physical. We have a feeling the 6-foot, 4-inch Johnson holds the advantage.

Amanda Bynes Attacks Rihanna, But Why?

Mon, 27 May 2013 09:22:38 -0500

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(Image Source: TwitPic / Amanda Bynes)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

Amanda Bynes says she’s a victim, accusing the New York Police Department of sexual harassment. But now she’s slamming another victim: Rihanna.

The Tweets have been deleted -- but according to screen grabs on TMZ and other sites, Bynes tweeted at the singer, “Chris brown beat you because you’re not pretty enough”...

Of course, Brown was arrested for assaulting his then-girlfriend in 2009. (Via E! Online)

No direct mention on Twitter, but not long after Rihanna Tweeted, “...see what happens when they cancel Intervention?”

The show, which staged interventions for addicts, was recently canceled after 13 seasons. (Via The Hollywood Reporter)

Bynes then reportedly fired back, in another now-deleted Tweet, calling Rihanna “ugly” and saying she needed the intervention. The attack on Rihanna was seemingly random, and basically inexplicable. The actress has also lashed out at media...

She called the staff of E! News “drug users and alcoholics” for an article written about her... (Via Twitter)

And earlier this month Bynes attacked Jenny McCarthy on Twitter after McCarthy Tweeted that she needed “help” -- she also called McCarthy “ugly.” But the two later apologized to each other. (Via Perez Hilton)

So, why Rihanna? Yes, Bynes’ behavior has become increasingly odd, but so far any attacks on others seem to have some reasoning.

There’s a bit of speculation that Bynes’ account was hacked with the Rihanna Tweets, but no word from Bynes on that, and again, much of her behavior has been inexplicable... (Via Contact Music)

She was arrested last week, charged with tampering with physical evidence, reckless endangerment and criminal possession of marijuana. Police said she threw a bong from her apartment window. (Via ABC News)

But she says it was a vase and police admitted in court they recovered no bong from the scene. She was given a warning. Bynes was previously arrested for an alleged DUI.

She posts photos and videos online, telling fans only to believe what she writes on Twitter, accuses media of falsifying stories and photos of her and discusses her plastic surgeries. (Via The Hollywood Gossip/Telly)

Odd, and now, offensive. The former Nickelodeon star hasn’t acted since 2010.

Angelina Jolie's Aunt Dies of Breast Cancer

Mon, 27 May 2013 06:52:34 -0500

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(Image Source: Wikimedia Commons / Georges Biard)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

Just a few weeks after announcing she’d undergone a preventative mastectomy, Angelina Jolie has suffered a loss -- her aunt has passed away from breast cancer.

61-year-old Debbie Martin was the sister of Jolie’s mother, Marcheline Bertrand, who died in 2007 from ovarian cancer. According to Martin’s husband, she had the same faulty BRCA-1 gene that Jolie carries.

Jolie was at an 87 percent risk of breast cancer because of the gene, so she had her breasts removed.

E! first reported the news -- Martin’s husband, Ron, said she didn’t know about the gene until after her diagnosis, and said Jolie has been in touch.

“...although Angie is not able to come right now she has sent her love and support which was very nice.”

Debbie had her ovaries preventatively removed. Jolie was also told she had a 50 percent risk of ovarian cancer, and reportedly plans to have her ovaries removed as well. (Via People Magazine)

Ron also said Jolie’s father, actor Jon Voight, visited Debbie in the hospital before she passed away.

He didn’t know about his daughter’s surgery, instead finding out online with the rest of the world when she wrote her op-ed piece in the New York Times. (Via the New York Daily News)

Netflix Unveils 'Arrested Development' Season 4

Sun, 26 May 2013 23:07:20 -0500

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(Image source: Netflix)

BY MATT PICHT

Hold onto your cutoffs: After a seven-year wait, “Arrested Development” has finally returned for its fourth season. Netflix just released all 15 episodes of Season 4 in one massive upload at 12:01 Sunday morning — yes, all 15 at once.

For those of you not in the know, here’s a quick recap: “Arrested Development” was an oddball sitcom that chronicled the misadventures of the dysfunctional Bluth family. The show ran for three seasons on Fox before being canceled in 2006. (Via Netflix)

After strong DVD sales and the success of Seasons 1 through 3 on Netflix and Hulu elevated the show’s popularity, Netflix bought the rights to a fourth season in 2011. A writer for The Independent says the nontraditional Netflix format is a perfect match for the off-the-wall show.

“This new distribution model is tearing up the TV rulebook and it’s fitting that a show which did the same during its original three-series run is now on the industry’s cutting-edge.”

So after a seven-year buildup of hype and expectations, does Season 4 stack up to its predecessors? According to the San Francisco Chronicle, it’s been well worth the wait.

“The new season is not only as smart and absurdly funny as ever, but also reflects the rapid changes in how we watch television … the fact that the new ‘AD’ episodes are even more self-contained than those of the first three seasons makes them an even better fit for new content providers.”

The new season is getting rave reviews, but several critics say the show just isn’t as goofy as it used to be. As a writer for Hollywood.com points out, with three seasons of labyrinthine continuity to tie together and a potential movie to set up, the new season has to worry about a lot more than just getting laughs.

“Arrested doesn’t just have to live up to its old funny, but to reinvent its old universe, an extremely intricate and specifically ordained one … In that way, it’s enjoyable and engrossing. As funny as we remember? Hardly. But before it can really get to that, it has a job to do, and it’s doing it.”

“Arrested Development” marks the ninth original series distributed by Netflix. And while the streaming site has yet to release the viewer statistics from Sunday’s premiere, a writer for The Huffington Post notes that Netflix gained 2 million subscribers after the release of its most-watched original program “House of Cards” — and the new “AD” could potentially attract a lot more.

“Arrested Development” is just one part of Netflix’s plans for original content: Netflix CEO Reed Hastings is investing $200 million in original programming this year.

Amanda Bynes Says NYPD Cop 'Slapped Her Vagina'

Sun, 26 May 2013 10:25:00 -0500

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(Image source: Celebslam)

BY NATHAN BYRNE

Actress Amanda Bynes denied drug use earlier this week when she was arrested after allegedly throwing a bong out of her 36th-floor apartment window. Now, she’s saying a police officer sexually harassed her during that arrest.

Bynes made the allegations in a tweet — where she also encouraged her followers not to believe any reports unless they’ve come from her on Twitter. Bynes tweeted, “He slapped my vagina. … The cops were creepy. The cop sexually harassed me, they found no pot on me or bong outside my window. That's why the judge let me go.” (Via WCBS)

And this report from People says Bynes alleges she resisted being handcuffed — and that sending her to a mental hospital for psychiatric evaluation was “offensive.”

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the NYPD says its internal affairs bureau is investigating the claim.

Bynes faces charges of marijuana possession, reckless endangerment and evidence tampering. Her attorney denied those charges in court Friday. (Via WWMT)

The former child star has drawn a lot of attention to herself on Twitter lately — posting topless photos of herself earlier this month.

And Perez Hilton highlights this short-lived tweet where Bynes claimed to have had sex with former teen co-star Drake Bell on the set of Nickelodeon’s “The Amanda Show.” The tweet was deleted and Bynes denied posting it.

Before that, another Drake, in another tweet — and yet another sexually suggestive message.

Back in March, Bynes tweeted that she wanted rapper Drake to, “murder [her] vagina.” Yep.

CNN reports Bynes has a DUI case pending — and two separate hit-and-run incidents were dismissed earlier this year. She’s set to appear in court for the alleged bong incident on July 9.

Why the 'Fast & Furious' Franchise Won't End

Sat, 25 May 2013 21:09:19 -0500

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(Image source: Universal Studios)

BY JAMAL ANDRESS

For those who aren’t counting, the “Fast & Furious” movie franchise is on No. 6, which is about three movies past the unofficial sequel limit. But “Fast & Furious 6” hit theaters Friday and made $38.1 million to kick off Memorial Day weekend, and before the weekend is over, the film is expected to gross $120 million. (Via YouTube / VISO Trailers)

I think we all know what this means: The “Fast & Furious” movies are not stopping anytime soon.

The first reason is obvious: money. According to movie data website The Numbers, the “Fast & Furious” franchise has made $1.6 billion at the box office, averaging about $230 million every time it puts out a movie, and remember: It’s on sequel six.

Also, the “Fast & Furious” franchise is making more money now than it ever has before. The original “Fast & Furious” made $206 million worldwide, but “Fast Five” tripled that total by bringing in $628 million and beating out all other movies in the franchise by at least $250 million. (Via Universal Studios)

Next, consider the “Fast & Furious” formula. Cars plus racing divided by scantily clad women equals lots and lots of explosions. No one’s trying to fool you: With “Fast & Furious,” what you see is what you get, and nobody does pure action like this franchise.

Esquire writes: “You remember that other movie in which there were major chase scenes involving military tanks, gunfire, Gina Carano, and Michelle Rodriguez tearing each other apart and cars dangling precariously from airplanes trying to ascend? Of course you don’t.”

And the last reason you can expect a “Fast & Furious” 7, 8 and 9 is because moviegoers and movie critics alike seem to love sequels. In 2011, the top-five grossing films were all sequels, and according to a study by Metacritic, movies based on existing concepts have been reviewed slightly more favorably than films based on original ideas.

“ … Even though they aren't based on any one specific existing film, many of these ‘original’ movies may simply re-hash tired genre tropes that audiences have already seen countless times … ”

And just in case you still don’t believe me ...

“Before this one even joins the race at the box office, part seven is already in the works.” (Via KRIV)

I rest my case.

Hanson Brothers Create 'Mmmhops' Beer

Sat, 25 May 2013 20:38:33 -0500

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(Image source: Mmmhops)

BY MATT PICHT

Look out, Anheuser-Busch; step back, Samuel Adams. There’s a new beer on the block, and if it lives up to its name, it’ll be a surprising hit.

Brace yourselves: Hanson is now entering the brewing business with the new pale ale “Mmmhops.” Yep. Those guys. Making beer. (Via YouTube / Hanson)

According to People, the ’90s boy band is partnering with Oklahoma-based Mustang Brewing to produce a custom IPA. Bandmates and brothers Zac, Taylor, and Isaac introduced the new brew at the premiere afterparty for “The Hangover III” — a natural choice, as the song “MMMBop” features in the film.

Taylor Hanson even posted a photo of himself and “Hangover III” star Ed Helms enjoying a sample of the first batch. (Via Instagram)

As a writer for Cosmopolitan points out, rumors of the band’s brewing ambitions began swirling after drummer Zac Hanson teased the concept in a 2011 People interview.

“Apparently the idea was ‘brewing for a long time’ … I haven't tasted the beer myself yet but I imagine it will taste like blond hair, great skin, and terrible music. Can't wait to try!”

But it may be awhile before the first bottles of Mmmhops hit the shelves. The founder of Mustang Brewing told BeerPulse the “Hangover III” batch of Mmmhops was just a first draft.

“The final recipe is yet to be determined. In fact, Hanson was in our brewery this week working with us on a pilot brew. They’re great guys and serious craft beer fans. We look forward to working with them.”

Mmmhops isn’t the only thing Hanson’s been working on recently: The group’s latest album, “Anthem,” is slated for release in mid-June.

Jennifer Hudson Back to 'American Idol' as a Judge?

Sat, 25 May 2013 08:31:00 -0500

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(Image source: Wikimedia Commons)

BY ALEX MALLIN

It seems like American Idol changes judges more than Nikki Minaj changes her hair color these days, and reports suggest the show may be looking toward former contestant Jennifer Hudson to revive the show from its ratings slump.

Hudson first auditioned for the show back in the third season, coming on as a cruise ship entertainer. She got the thumbs up from the show's original three judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson. (Via American Idol, The Los Angeles Times)

But her run ended abruptly with a seventh-place finish; the season’s first-place winner was Fantasia Barrino. (Via Singer's Room)

But that didn’t stop Hudson. She went on to win an Oscar, a Grammy, a Golden Globe and a host of other awards for her singing and acting talents and her albums have also seen impressive sales and racked up some high counts on YouTube. (Via Jennifer Hudson)

But despite the fame and fortune Hudson has achieved, how exactly could it boost the show, which has all but lost its shine, as it enters the 13th season? (Via BET)

Since the exit of Cowell and Abdul, Jackson has co judged with the likes of Kara DioGuardi, Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez, Ellen Degeneres, Mariah Carey, Keith Urban and Nicki Minaj. (Via Parade)

Jackson’s recent announcement that he won’t be returning has led to speculation that the show has been trying recruit Idol alums like Hudson, Kelly Clarkson, Adam Lambert and Clay Aiken. (Via The Daily Beast)

Comparing the previous judges with the Idol veterans, it’s pretty clear that their resumes don’t stretch quite as far. In fact, if you took Idol out of the equation, you probably would have never even heard their names.

USA Today says such a move could be disastrous for the show, and would deter any hopes for a new audience base who weren’t around for the “glory years” of the first seasons.

Even the constant catfighting between Carey and Minaj last season couldn’t save the show from its downward spiral. (Via TMZ)

Varying reports suggest Hudson has already inked the deal, while others say her agents still have yet to comment. The show isn’t expected to officially announce its judge panel before the audition process begins this September.

Mariah Carey's 'Good Morning America' Appearance From Hell

Fri, 24 May 2013 16:08:24 -0500

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(Image source: ABC)

BY JIM FLINK

Kind of a freaky Friday for Mariah Carey on “GMA” this morning. Just in case you didn’t catch it ...

CAREY: “Oh, s***!"

LARA SPENCER: “Oh? And takes off her shoes?”

CAREY: “You didn’t hear that. Yikes!”

Yep, we heard it. Oh, but the fun’s just begun. Then came Mariah’s wardrobe malfunction.

“I love you Donatella, but it popped, darling ... This popped, is it gonna fall? OK, both of them are out."

What popped? USA Today has the nitty gritty.

“Her zipper appeared to have malfunctioned.”

Wow. What a performance. And we haven’t even begun to discuss the singing. “GMA” anchor Lara Spencer chimed in, “I dare say this is a TV moment.”

Indeed. Mediaite reports Mariah had just finished performing with Miguel when the S-bomb escaped from her lips:

“Carey joked about needing to catch her breath in between songs and noted before their performance that it was (the two singers') first time performing the song.”

Carey blamed the calamity-filled performance on the fact she’s just not a morning person.

Amanda Bynes Bong Arrest Looks Lohan-esque

Fri, 24 May 2013 08:19:00 -0500

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(Image source: Hollyscoop)

BY JOHN O’CONNOR

Amanda Bynes has just taken another step on the path to being Lindsay Lohan 2.0. The former Nickelodeon star was arrested again Thursday night after allegedly throwing a bong out of the window of her New York City apartment.

“Her building manager called the cops saying Bynes was smoking an illegal substance in the lobby … They say she then ran and tossed the bong out the window, 36 floors up.”

According to TMZ, nobody was injured by the bong. But Bynes has been charged with reckless endangerment, criminal possession of marijuana and tampering with evidence -- that’s a felony charge.

Yes, a felony charge. After her arrest, Bynes was taken to Roosevelt Hospital to undergo a psychiatric evaluation before being transferred to a Midtown Manhattan police station for processing.

The incident adds to a long list of strange and illegal behavior from Bynes in recent months. She pled no contest in Burbank, California two weeks ago to driving with a suspended license.

Bynes has also lashed out at the media and paparazzi, taking to Twitter to tell them to stop photographing her and calling her crazy.

She wrote... “I'm suing every blog, every magazine, every news source that's saying I'm doing anything wrong ‘erratic behavior’ is not me! I'm suing ... for hiring paparazzi who follow me then take the worst photos with the worst angles.” (Via Hollyscoop)

A host for The Daily Buzz says the latest charges may finally put an end to the starlet’s antics.

“I guess the game is over guys, the hot mess can perhaps now be monitored more closely and hopefully get her act together. But I have to say, I will miss following her crazy.”

Well, Lindsay Lohan has been to rehab six times. So, don’t get your hopes up just yet.

How Aniston's Career Became About Her Body

Thu, 23 May 2013 19:12:36 -0500

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(Image source: Warner Bros.)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

The first trailer for the movie “We’re the Millers” made headlines Thursday, but it shouldn’t have. The movie isn’t the next “Star Trek,” it’s not highly anticipated — but in the trailer, Jennifer Aniston strips.

“My wife? She’s just a cheap stripper.”

“OK. Prove it.”

“Have some respect, that’s your mother!" (Via Warner Bros.)

Seriously, check the headlines:

“Jennifer Aniston strips ... ” (Via Los Angeles Times)

“Jennifer Aniston Strips Down ... ” (Via ABC)

“Jennifer Aniston Strips ... Watch” (Via Hollywood Life)

It’s safe to say if not for that, the movie’s trailer wouldn’t be one of the top trending entertainment stories of the day. (Via WeSmirch)

After all, nude scenes in movies are not uncommon, and Jen’s pretty covered up in this one. Granted, there’s the “stripping” element, but another factor that’s impossible to ignore ...

Over the past few years, Jennifer Aniston’s body has become a huge — OK, a slender, toned and tanned — part of her career. (Via New York Daily News, Shape, InStyle)

The actress is known for her yoga practice. And yes, at age 44, she looks great. So great that people want to see more of her. All of her latest movies have come paired with some kind of body talk.

There was major hype, and probably hope, that she’d be nude in 2012’s “Wanderlust,” but, alas, no. (Via Yahoo!)

Her bikini body was a focus of “Just Go With It” in 2011. (Via Us Weekly)

The same year, she got super sexy and suggestive in lingerie for “Horrible Bosses.” (Via Warner Bros.)

But why? Aniston said of her “Horrible Bosses” role, “The part was irresistible ... it was fun ... ” (Via Fox News)

And of her stripping scene in “We’re the Millers,” same thing — it was “so much fun ... ” (Via Yahoo!)

So maybe Jen just wants to have fun. Or are these sexy moves smart? In all these movies, Aniston’s “sexiness” is part of comedy, never overt. That makes it easy for both men and women to be fans: Women want to be the sexy, funny girl, and men want to be with her.

And after all, the sexy, funny girl is a much better image than sad, lonely and forever living in the shadow of ... well ... (Via Gawker, Dlisted)

... we won’t say their names. (Via RTE)

In short, Aniston may have finally found her niche after a string of poorly performing movies like “The Switch,” “Love Happens” and “The Bounty Hunter.” “Just Go With It” and “Horrible Bosses” were big hits. (Via Box Office Mojo)

Still, the one movie where a full-frontal nude scene was a possibility? “Wanderlust” — and that one didn’t go over so well, which may be why Aniston gave this response in an interview about “We’re the Millers”:

CHELSEA HANDLER: “Do you do full nudity in the movie?”

ANISTON: “Do I do full nudity? No.”

HANDLER: “Yeah, I didn’t think you would do something like that.”

ANISTON: “No.” (Via E! Online)

So, sexy in bikinis, sexy in lingerie, but never sexy ... all the way. Think we’ve just written Jennifer Aniston’s mantra.

'The Hangover III' Is Awful, but What Went Wrong?

Thu, 23 May 2013 10:43:00 -0500

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(Image source: Warner Bros. Pictures)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

Well, we kind of knew it would happen, didn’t we? The new “Hangover” movie apparently sucks.

It’s never a good sign when the commercials just have big, one-word reviews, and then little tiny print of who gave those reviews.

And as of Thursday morning — the reviews are in, and the third installment of the comedy trilogy is sittin’ at a sad 28 percent approval rating on review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes.

So, we grabbed some of the words from those reviews, and put together a more accurate trailer for you.

"Dull" ... "Lazy" ... "Grotesque" ... "Worn Out" ... "Wretched"

And critics we cited there include The New York Times and TIME magazine.

Variety even advises Warner Bros. “pop a few pills” before reading the reviews.

And truly, it’s sad — the first “Hangover” movie was hysterical, a huge hit and just flat-out different. So, what went wrong?

Well, movie number two wasn’t different at all — critics and fans complained it was basically the exact same plotline as the first film. (Via Movie Fanatic)

For number three, the Los Angeles Times blames that the original movie’s writers didn’t write the script, and really blames director/producer Todd Phillips — since he’s been heavily involved in every film.

Still, we’ve gotta say, this may have just been a one-hit wonder.

The original "Hangover" was so outrageous, much of its comedy came at you by surprise -— things aren’t so surprising, and thus, are not so funny, the second...and third time around.

But one thing that has stayed consistent — the first movie was a huge moneymaker... (Via Box Office Mojo)

And the second was solid too.

So, get ready for “Hangover III” to make money and be mediocre. And if you see it, remember, Bradley Cooper is an Oscar nominee now.

Paris Hilton Signs With Cash Money Records, New Album Soon

Wed, 22 May 2013 21:54:53 -0500

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(Image source: Wikimedia Commons)

BY CARISSA LOETHEN

Paris Hilton has joined a new family. A music family, that is.

ShowBiz411 broke the news that the heiress will soon be releasing a full album of house music tracks via Lil Wayne’s label Cash Money Records. Hilton said:

“This is a lot different than my first album. It’s really going to be house music.”

The news was also confirmed by Lil Wayne’s mentor, Birdman, on Twitter, as he welcomed Hilton to the family. To which, Hilton not only retweeted, but even replied “Thanks ... happy to be apart (sic) of the family.”

So, more than likely, it’s a go. But we should note Hilton’s rep isn’t finalizing any details to the media yet and told MTV:

“Paris Hilton is in talks with a number of record labels right now but we can't confirm anything. When a deal is finalized we will make an official announcement.”

OK, OK, so, if she does decide to sign with Cash Money Records or, as ShowBiz411 speculates, with Cash Money subsidiary Young Money Entertainment, the 32-year-old socialite will be part of a very talented group.

Big names like Drake, Nicki Minaj, Bow Wow, Christina Milian, Limp Bizkit and obviously Weezy are all part of the Cash Money family.

The Huffington Post reminds us of the blonde beauty’s experience in the music industry thus far.

“For those who are unfamiliar, Hilton first blessed the music-listening world in 2006, when she released ‘Paris’ on Heiress records. It reached the top ten on the Billboard albums chart, but received decidedly mixed reviews. She also recently dropped a track with Lil Wayne and starred in a Rich Gang music video.”

As for Hilton’s new album, RyanSeacrest.com says it will be produced by Afrojack and will feature a number of hip-hop acts, including Lil Wayne and Flo Rida.

And TMZ reports the fact her album will focus on house music isn’t a big surprise because “she's been DJing at various clubs all over the world ... and training with some house music bigshots for years.”

Lots of music fans had an opinion on the label’s alleged new addition.

Both Paris Hilton and YMCMB, the short name for Young Money Entertainment, were trending on Twitter after the news broke. Most were simply surprised — or shocked, rather — about the announcement.

Hilton's self-described “electro-pop music” will reportedly be released sometime this summer.

Helen Mirren Meets With Boy as Queen Elizabeth II

Wed, 22 May 2013 14:12:54 -0500

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(Image source: Facebook / One Little Life Inspires Everyone)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

It’s yet another reason why Helen Mirren is awesome — the actress just stepped in to grant a sick boy’s wish when the Queen of England apparently would not.

Mirren has played Queen Elizabeth II on camera in “The Queen,” and is now starring as her in a London play — “The Audience.” (Via Miramax Films)

And one 10-year-old boy named Oliver just wanted to have tea with the Queen.

Oliver has Down syndrome, and has been battling cancer almost all his life. (Via Facebook / One Little Life Inspires Everyone)

According to reports, which seemingly started in a local UK paper, the real Queen didn’t make time to meet with Oliver. (Via Wikimedia Commons / Skeezix)

But Helen Mirren — in costume, did. (Via Gawker)

She brought Oliver and his family to see her play, had him meet her corgis, gave him biscuits and tea and even knighted him. According to the Leicester Mercury, Oliver’s mom says: “Dame Helen was brilliant. She stayed in character the whole time and spent a lot of time talking to Oliver ... He believes he met the real Queen and that's fine by us."

Of course, this is not the first time Mirren has made headlines for acting like the Queen. (Via Facebook)

A few weeks back she asked some noisy drummers to be quiet — in costume — so as not to disrupt the play. (Via People)

So far, no response from Buckingham Palace.

Jon Bon Jovi Cusses Out Justin Bieber

Wed, 22 May 2013 12:51:00 -0500

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(Image source: Wikimedia Commons)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

If there’s one person who can call out a modern-day pop star, it’s an 80s rocker, right?

Jon Bon Jovi, known for his hair way before Justin Bieber was -- is slamming the 19-year-old. (Via BonJovi.com) (Via Twitter)

You can see by the headline what he said...um...yeah.

But why? In March, Bieber was about two hours late for a London concert. Bieber blamed technical issues. (Via BBC)

Bon Jovi is known as an incredibly hard-working guy who takes care of his fans — and he told the Evening Standard, Bieber is playing a risky game by potentially disrespecting his supporters...

“...who have worked hard to pay for their ticket … Do it once, you can be forgiven. Do it enough times and shame on you. They won’t have you back ... It’s really not cool — you’re an a**hole. Go to f***in’ work!”

As we can see, Bon Jovi does not mince words. So, he’s reigniting controversy over some old news — but honestly, not much good has happened for Bieber since that London debacle.

Just this Sunday, he was boo’ed at the Billboard Music Awards. (via TMZ)

His dramatic love life remains in the spotlight... (Via E! Online)

And earlier this month he was late again — for a show in Dubai. (Via MSN)

Bieber seems to be feeling the heat from a rough year, saying on Twitter, “gonna take some time” and “i know who I am,” though he remains “focused.”

'DWTS' Finale: 'American Idol' Alum Wins For First Time Ever

Wed, 22 May 2013 08:35:00 -0500

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(Image source: ABC)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

A new champ crowned on “Dancing With the Stars,” though it’s really no surprise...

TOM: “Kellie and Derek!” (Via ABC)

Former “American Idol” contestant and country singer Kellie Pickler had been a favorite all season, consistently scoring high marks from the judges with her dancing partner, Derek Hough.

As People Magazine notes, Kellie and Derek’s Monday night performance had viewers and judges in tears — on Twitter, viewers voted to see that one again Tuesday.

And BuddyTV breaks down exactly why Kellie and Derek were the clear choice...

“ … their choreography was a cut above anything else on the show, and their execution was almost always pristine.”

As Pickler said on Twitter, the win was an unforgettable moment.

And runner-up Zendaya said she was just blessed to have had the experience. (Via Twitter)

Microsoft Announces New 'Halo' TV Series

Tue, 21 May 2013 19:02:23 -0500

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(Image source: CNET)

BY COLLIN RUANE

Microsoft officially announced its new Xbox One gaming console at an event in Redmond, Washington on Tuesday.

According to NBC, not only did Microsoft tout its new gaming device — it also made a “surprise” announcement about an Xbox TV show based on the popular Halo series. Microsoft will also be working with one of Hollywood’s most well known directors, Steven Spielberg.

The project will be a collaboration between Spielberg and video game developer 343 Industries — the company which brought the Halo video game series to life. (Via CNET)

Spielberg’s role in the show’s development was revealed soon after the announcement as well.

The Verge reports Spielberg will be the executive producer of the new show, simply called “Halo: The Television Series.” Spielberg spoke to the crowd by video and expressed his high hopes for the project saying,

“The Halo universe is an amazing opportunity to be at that intersection where technology and myth-making meet to produce something truly groundbreaking.”

But before you start thinking Xbox has lost its focus on games, Microsoft’s President of Interactive Entertainment Business told Spike:

DON MATTRICK: “Xbox is created by gamers, for gamers. So that’s our core, that’s our DNA, that’s what we do. We decided that we were going to do an unveil, tell people the name, let them see the box, let them see our vision.” (Via SPIKE)

Games being released in the next year to Xbox One include FIFA, Madden NFL, NBA Live and UFC — all from game-maker Entertainment Arts or EA and Activision’s Call of Duty: Ghosts, which while not exclusive to the Xbox One console, will have extra content for Xbox owners. (Via USA Today)

So, when can you start watching the new Halo TV series? A writer for Engadget points out neither Microsoft nor Spielberg have set a release date yet.

A writer for TheSixthAxis says there are a few other things that are still unclear about the series. “No actors or actresses have been announced, and no director or writers either, but with Spielberg behind it I can see some major talent making appearances.”

The release of the Xbox One will be Microsoft first new console to carry the Xbox name in eight years.

Lifetime to Make Jodi Arias Movie

Tue, 21 May 2013 18:06:54 -0500

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(Image Source: Extra)

BY JASMINE BAILEY

Love, lies, murder — all unveiled in the Jodi Arias trail. And all the makings of a movie. See where I’m going with this? Yes, the movie-like murder case will become — what else — a Lifetime movie.

This news even before the sentencing hearing has concluded in the Arias trail. Filming is already underway. (Via ABC)

The movie will be called “Dirty Little Secret: The Jodi Arias Story” — preparation started back in March of last year. But, how can the movie be made without an ending? Director Jace Alexander says although he plans to touch on aspects of the trial, that’s not really what he wanted the movie to be about.

Jace Alexander: “We’re doing a story about these two people who fell in love, or at least she did, and their relationship… “

Reporter: “You’re largely making up conversations right?”

Jace Alexander: “Yeah.” (Via The Huffington Post)

He also told the New York Post: “There will probably be people who are upset because we are not portraying her as a monster...I don’t really think Jodi was one...If she had never met Travis Alexander or gotten as jealous as she did, I don’t know that this woman would have ever done anything violent in her entire life.”

Here’s how she will be portrayed, according to the script: “...single-minded, head-strong, quick-tempered and jealous to the extreme.” (Via Yahoo!)

Alexander also notes another challenge in filming has been portraying the explicit sex scenes Arias described while on the stand. Lifetime does not allow nudity in its films. So, who will you not be seeing naked?

Tania Raymonde will play Arias, and and Jesse Lee Soffer will play Travis Alexander. (Via New York Daily News)

Raymonde is best known for her role in the ABC series “Lost.” She also had a role in Texas Chainsaw Massacre 3D.

“Welcome to Texas mother...” (Via IMDB)

Guess Raymonde has a little experience with guns. She’ll probably get to use a gun and knife while playing Arias.

And Soffer is known for his role in… “Ever since I became the safety monitor at school nobody will talk to me.” Yup, there he is as Bobby in the Brady Bunch Movie. Aww. (Via YouTube / movieclips)

HLN went behind the scenes of the “Dirty Little Secret” set to talk to the leading lady about how she feels about playing a woman who admitted to brutally murdering her lover.

“I think she knows what she wants and she kind of stops at nothing to get that… The last thing you want to do when playing a character, no matter what they do or did, is you don’t want to judge the person you’re playing.”

Lifetime started filming court scenes last week and although Arias has not yet been sentenced, the vice president of Original Movies for Lifetime said "We'll definitely see her in prison in the film, possibly on death row if that's the sentence she receives. We're prepared either way." (Via Los Angeles Times)

“Dirty Little Secret” is set to premiere on Lifetime on June 22.

Two Cast Members Leaving 'Saturday Night Live'

Sun, 19 May 2013 21:25:42 -0500

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(Image source: NBC)

BY CANDICE AVILES

“Saturday Night Live” is bidding farewell to yet another cast member, eight-season staple Bill Hader. And he gave one last performance as club promoter Stefon on “Weekend Update.”

BILL HADER: “I love you, Seth Meyers!”

SETH MEYERS: “I love you, Stefon! For the ‘Weekend Update,’ we are Seth and Stefon Meyers. Good night!” (Via NBC)

And while not officially confirmed, reports claim 11-season pro Fred Armisen is leaving as well. He closed out Saturday’s show singing, “It’s been all right / I’ve had a lovely night with you,” with Hader and others. (Via NBC)

Entertainment Weekly compared their departure to Kristen Wiig’s last season, calling Saturday’s send-off episode more understated. “Armisen is a chameleon, it’s only fitting that he bid farewell in character — and it was equally fitting to see Hader, the show’s strongest supporting presence (when he’s not playing Stefon), say goodbye while backing up one of his castmates.” (Via Entertainment Weekly)

A writer for The Huffington Post agreed with that thought. “Both men left as they arrived, standouts of the ensemble, without overshadowing the cast. A fitting sendoff.”

While it’s worth mentioning Ben Affleck hosted the show with musical guest Kanye West, Rolling Stone reports it was clear the stars of the night were the two departing cast members.

Highlighting some of their standout moments, the writer noted Hader’s impressions of Al Pacino and Vincent Price and Armisen’s impersonations of President Obama and Saddam Hussein. The article also points out Hader’s “Weekend Update” skit almost felt like a goodbye for Seth Meyers, as well.

Meyers is leaving around February in 2014 to host “Late Night.” (Via Examiner)

With at least three cast members set to leave, many of you might be wondering who’s left and whether “SNL” is bound for a rough patch without those key players. A writer for Variety says, “Don’t panic.”

“[It] might seem dire, but students of ‘SNL’ history will note that past mass cast defections tend to be like forest fires: While the damage done is seemingly devastating, it actually has a counterintuitively restorative effect, clearing the way for future growth.”

Looking ahead, according to the New York Daily News, Hader says he plans to catch up on sleep and move from New York City to Los Angeles. He told the paper, “I feel like I’m going to wake up in August and turn to my wife and say ‘Was I really on “SNL”? It went by so fast.”

Christina Aguilera, Cee Lo Green Will Return to 'The Voice'

Sat, 18 May 2013 20:20:52 -0500

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(Image source: NBC / Mark Seliger)

BY CANDICE AVILES

NBC’s hit show “The Voice” is going back to square one — with the judges, that is.

Looks like the original judges panel of Christina Aguilera, Cee Lo Green, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton will be reunited for Season 5. (Via E! Online)

NBC confirmed the news after weeks of rumors. But the president of alternative and late-night programming for NBC Entertainment also said the move won’t be permanent.

“We locked in a plan several months ago to have the outstanding Christina Aguilera and Cee Lo Green rejoin Blake and Adam for cycle 5 … We are excited to be returning the current cycle of judges — Shakira and Usher along with Blake and Adam — for cycle 6, which will premiere after the Winter Olympics.”

So this was the game plan all along in order to work around the celebrities’ busy schedules.

The Celebrity Cafe reports Shakira and Usher replaced Green and Aguilera in Season 4 because they took a break to pursue other projects. And the Season 5 break works out well for Shakira, who will work on her new album and spend time with her baby boy, while Usher will try his hand at acting in the movie “Hands of Stone.”

Buzz about the judge swap grew this week after The Wrap reported Aguilera signed on for a $12 million base salary with the potential of earning up to $17 million with the show.

The Huffington Post reports Green was vocal about wanting to return to “The Voice” and said in December, “Let's be straight about this, ladies and gentlemen: I'm not leaving 'The Voice.' I'll be back for Season 5. I'm going on hiatus. I'm doing a Las Vegas residency next year.”

It appears none of the judges should be complaining when it comes to returning to “The Voice.”

Billboard points out the show has given a huge boost to each coach’s career. Levine has used his exposure on the show to land several acting gigs. Meanwhile, Green landed a new docu-series with TBS.

The current season of “The Voice” averages about 14.5 million viewers.

Kanye Premieres 'New Slaves' Video on Sides of 66 Buildings

Sat, 18 May 2013 19:57:05 -0500

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(Image source: Pitchfork)

BY JAMAL ANDRESS

Premiering videos online and at award shows is so last year.

“My mama was raised in an era when/Clean water was only served to the fairer skin/Doing clothes you would have thought I had help/But they wouldn’t be satisfied unless I picked the cotton myself.” (Via YouTube / kiddlabeatz / Ithalmar De Sedas / freshnessmag / DJ Hyphen)

As always, Kanye West is ahead of the curve. Friday night and into Saturday morning he premiered the first single, “New Slaves,” from his upcoming album ... but he did it on the sides of 66 buildings in 10 different cities around the globe stretching from his hometown of Chicago all the way to Sydney, Australia. (Via YouTube / thecashmerethinker)

Kanye West sent out this tweet Friday to his 9 million followers and then let the magic happen.

If you go to kanyewest.com, you can see all the different locations for the projections and the scheduled time of the video.

Unlike his typical dealings with the media, the praise for Mr. West and his cutting-edge debut has poured in from all over.

“Tonight, Kanye West has proven himself an innovator in the art of the album launch.” (Via Pitchfork)

“In a very-forward thinking fashion, Kanye West unveiled the first taste of his upcoming album.” (Via Examiner)

“Leave it to Kanye West to find the most innovative way to premiere his new music video.” (Via MTV)

Much like the song’s debut, the lyrics of “New Slaves” are also being called revolutionary. Rather than “last week I was in my other other Benz” type lyrics, Kanye’s new single has a thought-provoking message.

A writer for MTV says the lyrics of “New Slaves” “throws racism and consumerism into a blender and pours out a tall glass of hard-to-swallow self-reflection.”

Kanye will be back in the spotlight Saturday when he performs on the season finale of “Saturday Night Live.”

George Michael Airlifted to Hospital After Car Crash

Fri, 17 May 2013 15:56:57 -0500

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(Image Source: GeorgeMichael.com)

BY JAMAL ANDRESS

George Michael has been injured in a car crash and was air lifted to a hospital after being treated at the scene.

According to the BBC, a spokesman for the former Wham! singer confirmed he had been involved in an accident on Thursday saying the singer is quote ‘...being treated for superficial cuts and bruises but is fine.’ (Via YouTube)

Michael was a passenger in a Range Rover and was reported to have sustained injuries to his head. No other vehicles were involved in the accident. Still, this isn’t the first time Michael has been in the news for an accident.

He went to jail for getting in a car crash while high on cannabis in 2010, resulting in a five-year driving ban. (Via The Guardian)

Police are investigating the exact circumstances of the accident.

Beyonce is Pregnant With Second Child, E! Reports

Fri, 17 May 2013 14:59:20 -0500

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(Image Source: Beyonce.com)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

After a lot of rumors, a pretty reputable news source is coming out and confirming it — E! Online says Beyonce is pregnant with her second child.

The site says simply that sources confirm the singer is expecting baby no. 2 with her husband, Jay-Z.

So — here’s the evidence we’re looking at now —

First — that B allegedly altered her MET gala dress to cover up her stomach, going from a midriff-exposing top to a high, cinched waist that let her belly breathe. (Via Life & Style)

Then she canceled a concert, allegedly for “dehydration and exhaustion” but in the past, that’s been the celeb go-to for “I’m-seeing-a-doctor-for-reasons-I’m-not-really-telling-you-the-whole-truth-about.” (Via New York Daily News)

And last, the singer told ABC News — yeah, she wants more kids.

BEYONCE: “I would like more children. I think my daughter needs some company. I definitely love being a big sister. At some point. When it’s supposed to happen.”

So, was it supposed to happen now?

She’s in the middle of a world tour, which means lots of dancing, and different costumes... (Via Beyonce.com)

Beyonce kept her first pregnancy under wraps for months until she chose to reveal it herself at the MTV Video Music Awards in August 2011 — maybe we’ll see a similar reveal.

Candice Glover Wins 'American Idol' on Third Try

Fri, 17 May 2013 08:14:00 -0500

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(Image source: Fox)

BY NICHOLE CARTMELL

"American Idol" crowned a new star Thursday night.

“The winner of American Idol... Candice Glover! She wins the title!" (Via Fox)

Glover won the audience vote over country singer Kree Harrison. This marks the first time a woman has won in six years — that win going to Jordin Sparks. For Glover, it seems her hard work has finally paid off.

She’d auditioned twice in the past, for seasons nine and 11. Despite a few blows this year, like breaking her toe, Glover persevered. (Via WNYW)

“...she seemed to want the win more than anyone else in the contest, to be willing to fight for it with performances that blew the competition away..." (Via Los Angeles Times)

Glover said backstage after her win, “I'm happy I came back, and that I was determined enough and it finally paid off." (Via USA Today)

The question now: What judges will be on the panel for Season 13? Randy Jackson announced he won’t be returning, and reports are that the show will undergo a big makeover to fix its record-low ratings.

And a critic for The New York Times argues the judges should take some of the blame.

“This season...the tension between Ms. Carey and Ms. Minaj was at such a high volume that it often overshadowed the tepid contestants, and also what each of them did well as judges...”

Carey, Minaj and Keith Urban’s statuses on the show have not been confirmed, though Urban has said he’d be happy to return. And other options?

Busy releasing her latest single and raising two kids, former judge J. Lo probably won’t be making a return anytime soon, despite rumors.

“All the time i'm looking for a moment to sit back and relax.” (Via Extra)

As for Glover, she will head out on the American Idol tour with her first single “I am Beautiful.”

Wade Robson: Michael Jackson Forced Sex

Thu, 16 May 2013 12:45:00 -0500

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(Image source: NBC)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

Wade Robson speaks out for the first time about his allegations that Michael Jackson sexually abused him. On the “Today” show Thursday he said Jackson performed sexual acts on him, and forced him to perform sexual acts on Jackson from the time Robson was 7 to 14 years old.

ROBSON: “Michael told me that we loved each other and this was love — that this was an expression of our love. He’d follow that up with, ‘If you ever tell anyone what we’re doing both of our lives and our careers will be over.’”

-He said in the past he was “psychologically and emotionally unable” to understand the abuse

-That he was “manipulated and brainwashed” by Jackson

-That he was never offered money by Jackson or his estate to stay quiet

Robson was a key witness for the defense in Jackson’s 2005 molestation trial, testifying that he’d never been abused by Jackson, despite spending the night at his house as a child. (Via Newsday)

So — why lie? Robson said the birth of his own son two-and-a-half years ago spurred nervous breakdowns — he thought about what would happen if someone abused his son, and he started to realize what had happened to him.

ROBSON: “In order to truly heal, I have to speak my truth and I have to speak the whole truth. That’s one thing you’ll never see from me. I’m never going to go away with this for the sake of money. I’m never going to be silenced for money.”

Robson said Jackson called him every day during his 1993 molestation trial, when Robson was just 11 — telling Robson that he couldn’t tell anyone about their relationship or they’d both go to jail.

Of course now, Robson is seeking money from the deceased Jackson’s estate in court. (Via TMZ)

Jackson’s family and lawyer for that 2005 trial have condemned Robson and his claims. (Via BET)

Nicki Minaj Leaving 'American Idol,' Report Says

Thu, 16 May 2013 09:33:00 -0500

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(Image source: Fox)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

Are they dropping like musical flies? According to a new report, Nicki Minaj will not be back for a second season judging “American Idol.”

Us Weekly says Minaj will definitely not return. Of course, this is just the latest in an ever-churning rumor mill as the season closes, and the show hits record low ratings...

At the end of April, The Hollywood Reporter said producers tried to replace Mariah Carey during the season...

And about a week ago, The Wrap said all four judges will be axed to make over the show...

As for Minaj, in an interview with “Idol” host Ryan Seacrest on E! last week, she was ambiguous when asked if she’d return.

(Nicki sighs)

“That’s the million-dollar question.”

(laughs)

“I have to thank Idol for giving me this chance. They could’ve picked anyone in the world, and they picked me. That’s all I’ll say about that.”

OK. The only original judge on this year’s panel, Randy Jackson, is so far the only one to confirm he’s done — last week, he said this season will be his final one.

Carey’s fate remains up in the air, though there were many reports throughout the season that producers felt she didn’t deliver, and she cost a pretty penny — the diva is also busy with new music and planning a world tour.

But, backstage Wednesday night, Keith Urban told E! he’d like to come back and judge again.

And Seacrest told E!, well, there are rumors about judges every year, and of course, the panel has changed plenty of times in the show’s 12 seasons.

I mean — remember when Ellen DeGeneres was a judge? Yeah. That happened. (via People)

Eazy-E and ODB To Be Resurrected as Holograms, Tupac Style

Wed, 15 May 2013 18:02:34 -0500

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(Image source: Ruthless Records)

BY JAMAL ANDRESS

You might remember that incredible, though slightly creepy, Tupac “sighting” at Coachella in 2012. Well, two more mid 90s rap moguls are returning to the stage from the grave.

According to RocktheBells.net the Rock the Bells 2013 festival will feature “Original Virtual Performances” similar to Tupac’s hologram preformace: ODB and Eazy-E. Eazy will perform with Bone Thugs-N-Harmony while ODB will reunite with the Wu-Tang Clan. (Via Youtube.com/westfesttv)

This is the 10-year anniversary of the festival, which has featured tons of great performances from the industry’s best but has never had a hologram grace the stage. (Via Vibe)

Of course, if you remember -- critics were pretty weirded out by the Tupac hologram, questioning if projecting his presence was appropriate. An MTV article gathered some of the reaction to this latest announcement on Twitter, which echoes those same sentiments.

"Fans were confused and shocked by the virtual performances. 'Yeah at Rock The Bells this year there is gonna be a hologram ODB and Eazy E playing… Gonna be weird,' While another said succinctly, "you need to stop this hologram foolishness."

So they don’t seem too excited. But perhaps the most important say in this matter comes from the family members of Eazy and ODB who seemingly couldn’t be happier for their return to the stage.

Cherry Jones, ODB’s mother, told Rolling Stone: "Last night was the first time I saw it, and to me, it was so wonderful to stand by him again.” ... Tomica Wright, Eazy E’s widow added, "To have old generations, new generations be able to experience that chemistry between ODB and Eazy and Bones... to feel it and have that sense of presence is a great experience..."

Though a reincarnation performance is pretty hard to beat, there will be plenty to try, some of the other artists for this year’s festival include, Big KRIT, Rakim, Common and Talib Kweli.

Dr. Dre, Jimmy Iovine Donate $70M For Arts Academy

Wed, 15 May 2013 15:44:59 -0500

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(Image source: AllHipHop)

BY ELISA LOPEZ AGUADO

Hip-hop star Dr. Dre and music magnate Jimmy Iovine are hoping to jump-start new careers in music. The duo is donating $70 million to the University of Southern California to create an academy that will give students the tools to try their luck in the rapidly changing music industry.

The gift will form the U.S.C Jimmy Iovine and Andre Young Academy for Arts, Technology and the Business of Innovation and will enroll its first students — a class of 25 — in fall 2014. (Via Rolling Stone)

The endowment also allows for scholarships. Dr. Dre grew up near the school and has taken a strong interest in artists from the area such as Kendrick Lamar, the Game and others. As for Iovine, his daughter is currently enrolled at U.S.C. USC News reports the program fosters four curriculum areas:

- Arts and entrepreneurship

- Technology, design and marketability

- Concept and business platform

- Creating a prototype

Dre and Iovine admit neither of them thrive in the details of academia, though. They both didn’t go to college. (Via YouTube / MonsterCableProductions, ArtistsHouseMusic)

During the program presentation conference Wednesday, Dre said that during the N.W.A days he: “never in a million years” would have thought he would be helping to start a university program. (Via The New York Times)

But they hope the program will find future employees for the duo’s company, Beats Electronics, and for Beats Music, a streaming music project that is set to debut by the end of 2013. Both moguls feel this is one of the most important things they’ve done in their careers.

Angelina Jolie's Mastectomy Raises Questions About Screening

Wed, 15 May 2013 14:32:23 -0500

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(Image Source: Wikimedia Commons)

BY KERRY LEARY

Angelina Jolie made headlines this week after announcing she had a double mastectomy to prevent breast cancer. The 37-year-old is being praised for coming out about her decision...

A writer for The Boston Globe says, “She openly dismisses the idea that her femininity is now diminished ... With her boldness, Jolie will likely save lives.”

Indeed, Jolie’s article may inspire women to go get tested for certain genes that could lead to breast cancer in the future. CNN spoke with a doctor about steps to take.

“You can go to a doctor, but really, you’re better off with a genetic counselor because genetic counselors are steeped in this and this is really complex. Like, I can’t emphasize enough, this is not simple, so you want someone to counsel you through it.”

But, there’s cost to consider. A writer for Slate details her experience with genetic testing, saying she decided not to cough up the more than $3,000 to test for the genes, even though it was recommended by her genetic counselor.

“... our fear of breast cancer is clouded by misconceptions. We tend to think of breast cancer as a heritable disease, but in the vast majority of cases, it’s not ...”

About 12 percent of women in the general population will develop breast cancer sometime in their lifetime, which can be compared to 60 percent of women who inherited a harmful genetic mutation. This means a woman who has inherited a harmful mutation is about five times more likely to develop breast cancer. (Via National Cancer Institute)

So how do you know if you need to get the gene test? ABC has some guidelines...

If two first-degree relatives, like your mother or your sister have been diagnosed, and one of them was younger than 51
If a first- or second-degree relative is diagnosed with breast and ovarian cancer
If a male relative diagnosed with breast cancer

You can see the link in our transcript for more of those guidelines. The outlet also spoke with a doctor about another option women turn to...

“Up to 65 percent of women, according to a 2008 study, choose ‘watchful waiting.’ But we have to remember there is a big difference between reducing the risk with surgery and increasing the possible detection of cancer with screening.”

And another challenge some women run into is being uninsured. A freelancer wrote a column for XOJane saying she cannot afford a preventative mastectomy, which is the only reason she has not moved forward with the surgery.

“In addition to surgeon’s fees, you’re facing hospital fees, the anesthesiologist’s expenses, and a myriad of other surgical costs pushing your total bill into the thousands...”

There is good news for some who are insured — under the Affordable Care Act, new insurance plans are required to cover certain tests.

Angelina Jolie Will Have More Surgeries: What's Next

Wed, 15 May 2013 10:50:00 -0500

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(Image source: Georges Biard)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

Angelina Jolie revealed she underwent a double mastectomy, among other procedures, to decrease her risk of breast cancer — but her medical struggles might not be over.

According to People Magazine, 37-year-old Jolie will also have her ovaries removed, though it’s not clear when. She just finished her other surgeries in April.

Because she had a faulty gene in BRCA1, Jolie had an 87 percent risk of developing breast cancer, and still has a 50 percent risk of ovarian cancer. Her breast cancer risk is down to less than 5 percent post-surgery. (via HLN)

Jolie’s mother died of ovarian cancer in 2007 after a years-long battle with the disease. (via Just Jared)

But Jolie has family support — her partner, Brad Pitt, told the Evening Standard her decision was “heroic.”

Though her father — Jon Voight, seemingly found out with the rest of the world. He told the New York Daily News he learned of the procedures Tuesday morning through the news of Jolie’s op-ed piece in the New York Times.

Voight told the outlet he had seen Jolie just a few days earlier at a family party, but didn’t know — still, he praised her bravery. The two have had a rocky relationship over the years.

Again, it’s not clear when Jolie might undergo more surgery, and she did keep these surgeries private as they were going on — even going on a humanitarian visit to the Congo just weeks after, with no one the wiser. (via ABC News)

In the meantime, outlets report she is focusing on putting her children first and making sure their lives stay as normal as possible. (via Hollywood Life)

Pitt told USA Today he has, of course, been “emotional” about the experience. Jolie wrote he’d been by her side throughout everything. And Pitt says they’ve tried to put a positive spin on things for their six children.

"We set up our own little post-op recovery that became pretty fun. You make an adventure out of it."

Jolie’s decision to come forward has thrust the BRCA gene test into the spotlight. Doctors note medical decisions are case-specific, but that the increased awareness is, of course, a huge plus.

Bill Hader Leaving 'SNL'

Tue, 14 May 2013 12:43:00 -0500

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(Image Source: NBC)

BY JASMINE BAILEY

Who will host game shows? Who will review New York’s hottest clubs? After an eight-season run — funny man Bill Hader has announced he’s leaving ‘SNL.’

“New York’s hottest club is Mary.”

(laughter) (Via NBC)

The 35-year-old arrived at 30 Rock in 2005 and has since made a name for himself playing characters on some of the show’s most popular skits, including Stefon on Weekend Update. (Via Grantland)

In an interview with The New York Times, Hader talked about his decision to leave, saying:

“It was a hard decision, but it has to happen at some point…It got to a point where I said, ‘Maybe it’s just time to go.’”

Last year Hander snagged an Emmy nomination for his role on SNL. So now, what’s next? He’s also appeared on the big screen…

“Ethnically was he like.. uh.. African?”

“Was he African, no, he was like you.”

“He was Jewish. So we have an African Jew wearing a hoodie.” (Via Columbia Pictures / "Superbad")

Superbad, Men In Black 3, Tropic Thunder and Hot Rod are a few of his films. (Via IMDb)

But no word yet on what his immediate plans are after departing from the show. Still, Entertainment Weekly notes that his leaving has eyes shifting towards two other SNL vets.

Fred Armisen and Jason Sudeikis — both are rumored to have also considered leaving the show. (Via Wikimedia Commons)

Lorne Michaels told EW,

“I think they’re making their decisions and we’ll know soon enough…I’ve said what I wanted to say to both. You never keep anybody there who doesn’t want to be there, and there is a right time to leave, but it’s more about where they are in their lives.”

And Hader’s announcement comes on the heels of Seth Meyers’ news -- the rumors were true -- he’s leaving SNL to take over hosting ‘Late Night’ for Jimmy Fallon. (Via The Washington Post)

Bill Hader’s last show will be this weekend — too soon.

Angelina Jolie Reveals Double Mastectomy, It 'Was Not Easy'

Tue, 14 May 2013 07:28:00 -0500

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(Image source: Flickr / Chris_Natt)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

Angelina Jolie revealed she had a double mastectomy in a powerful op-ed piece for The New York Times.

The actress tells of discovering she carries the gene BRCA1 — that doctors told her she was at an 87 percent risk of developing breast cancer, and a 50 percent risk of ovarian cancer. She decided to have her breast tissue removed.

“...the decision to have a mastectomy was not easy. But it is one I am very happy that I made. ... I can tell my children that they don’t need to fear they will lose me to breast cancer.”

Jolie describes the procedures in detail — she began February 2nd of this year and, after major surgeries, was finished April 27th. She now has implants, and her chance of developing breast cancer is now under 5 percent. The actress’ own mother died of cancer in 2007 at age 56 after fighting it for almost 10 years. (via ITV)

Jolie says she’s felt empowered by the process, and also writes about how her partner, Brad Pitt, was by her side — calling him “so loving and supportive.” (via Georges Biard)

“Brad was at the Pink Lotus Breast Center, where I was treated, for every minute of the surgeries. We managed to find moments to laugh together. We knew this was the right thing to do for our family and that it would bring us closer. And it has.”

Jolie closes her piece by noting her medical regimen will be posted online in an effort to help other women. (via HLN)

And, she says she hopes the cost of testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2 will decrease — right now it can cost thousands. (via Cancer.gov)

Jolie has kept even more private than usual over the past few months, though she has made a few red carpet appearances, but her piece is already showing its effect — CNN Early Start anchor Zoraida Sambolin opened up about her own struggle when reporting on the news.

SAMBOLIN: “I’m facing a double mastectomy. I’m gonna have it, actually, on the 28th. I got diagnosed with breast cancer, and I tell you, that was the toughest decision for me. … It’s just nice to hear somebody else talk about it and to have the support of a lot of women around you.”

Indeed, Jolie said her hope with writing the piece was that other women would benefit from her experience.

Psychologist, TV Personality Joyce Brothers Dies at 85

Mon, 13 May 2013 22:54:32 -0500

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(Image Source: CNN)

BY CHRISTIAN BRYANT

TV psychologist and memorable game show contestant Dr. Joyce Brothers died Monday at the age of 85.

Before Dr. Drew or Dr. Phil, Brothers was the star psychologist. She hosted syndicated self-titled TV shows including “The Dr. Joyce Brothers Show,” “Consult Dr. Brothers” and “Living Easy With Dr. Joyce Brothers.” (Via NBC)

Brothers was a trailblazer in many respects. A licensed psychologist with a master’s and a PhD, she is regarded as the first person to bring psychology into the mainstream and open up about feelings on the public airwaves. (Via Los Angeles Times)

But the petite counselor rose to fame in 1955 by winning the grand prize on TV game show The $64,000 Question, riding to victory on her knowledge of... boxing. (Via ABC)

Brothers did countless television appearances over the years, reportedly appearing on Johnny Carson’s late-night talk show 100 times and even calling a boxing match in 1958.

Aside from her TV career, Brothers was a wife, a mother and a best-selling author. (Via CBS)

A writer for The New York Times memorializes Brothers by saying, “...in an era when few women managed to have high-profile public careers, Dr. Brothers was able to transform a single night... into five decades of celebrity.”

The Los Angeles Times reports Brothers died of respiratory failure after a long illness. She leaves behind her sister, a daughter, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Woman's Rendition of Houston Classic Forces Plane To Land

Mon, 13 May 2013 19:19:39 -0500

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(Image Source: Wikimedia Commons)

BY ELAINE STOCKDALE

An American Airlines flight was forced to land after a female passenger chose to repeatedly serenade fellow passengers with Whitney Houston’s classic song, “I Will Always Love You.”

“I will always love you, will always love you...”
“No photos are allowed to be taken on the aircraft.” (Via: YouTube/FAILStime1)

The flight was scheduled to travel from Los Angeles to New York City, but made an unscheduled stop in Kansas City after six hours to remove the acapella singer.

KCTV quotes a Kansas City airport spokesman saying: “The woman was being disruptive and was removed from the plane for interfering with the flight crew … a federal air marshal on the aircraft ... subdued the woman and put her in cuffs and removed her from the plane.”

American Airlines reported to ABC: “...Police met the flight and took the woman into custody. The plane was refueled and continued to JFK - landing with less than an hour delay.”

You probably heard flight attendants in the video saying no photography was allowed. But, since there is a video, at least one passenger broke the rules.

According to KMBC that passenger said, “the woman screamed for an hour on the flight...” He also tweeted that he had his headphones on and volume up, but could still hear her.

The woman reportedly claimed her outburst happened because she is diabetic. She was released after an interview, but was not allowed to continue on to her final destination. No word if she’s still singing in Kansas City.

'24' Returning to Fox's TV Lineup in 2014

Mon, 13 May 2013 13:15:00 -0500

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(Image source: Fox News)

BY BRIAN BONDUS

Three years after it ended its eight-season stint on Fox — “24” is officially back in the mix for the network’s 2014 primetime lineup.

Since Kiefer Sutherland’s show, “Touch,” was cancelled after two seasons, he’s free to return as Jack Bauer — the terrorist-fighting, rule-breaking CTU agent who’s the show’s main character.

(Via TVLine)

Sutherland expressed his enthusiasm with the reboot to Fox, saying:

“To have the chance to reunite with the character, Jack Bauer, is like finding a lost friend.”

So Jack is back, but the return to network TV is a surprise to some.

There were talks of a “24” feature film, but reports say the film never got started because of scheduling problems and Sutherland’s price tag.

(Via IndieWire)

Fox is calling the new season “24: Live Another Day.” And in a break from the show’s iconic format, it’s not going to be as long as it was in the first eight seasons.

Fox’s Entertainment head says the season will contain only 12 episodes instead of the usual 24. He says the writers can really only come up with about 12 good hours of big events and the other 12 hours are “connective tissue.”

(Via '24' / 20th Century Fox)

So what can we expect from the next season of “24?”

One writer for Digital Spy hopes to see the return of characters Chloe O’Brian, Tony Almeida and Aaron Pierce.

Though the writer says he could live without a nuclear bomb threat or yet another mole inside CTU.

The new season is expected to premiere May 2014.

NBC Revamps Primetime Lineup for Fall

Mon, 13 May 2013 08:52:00 -0500

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(Image source: NBC)

BY KATIE BRENNAN

NBC will once again have nearly an entirely revamped primetime lineup this fall. Amid a series of cancellations, Entertainment Weekly says the network is making big moves.

The entertainment blog points out the 2013-2014 schedule reveals “ … several returning shows that are changing time slots … ” and introduces new titles that “ … executives hope will turn around the network’s performance in the ratings.”

The network has been significantly reliant on “Sunday Night Football” and its hit singing competition “The Voice” to rake in ratings. USA Today calls the past season a roller-coaster ride.

The strong performances by the “The Voice” and “Sunday Night Football” in the fall were followed by a collapse in ratings in early 2013, then “ … signs of life when The Voice returned in late March. Still, that wasn't enough to prevent a season of further ratings declines and a fourth-place finish.”

In a press release, NBC Entertainment Chairman Bob Greenblatt explained the network’s overriding strategy was to develop two schedules: one for fall and a variation of that for midseason.

And he sounded hopeful, saying “This is the most robust and highest-testing slate of new shows we have had in years.”

NBC is counting on the Winter Olympics to help launch the midseason additions. Come January, executives are rolling the dice on two new Sunday dramas the supernatural thriller “Believe” from J.J. Abrams and the political drama “Crisis,” starring Dermot Mulroney and Gillian Anderson. (Via NBC)

Also following the Olympics, the network will move the The Voice back to 8 p.m. Tuesdays to use as a lead-in for two new comedies.

A remake of the 2002 Hugh Grant film “About a Boy” and “The Family Guide” will be added midseason to three other comedies coming Fall 2013. (Via NBC)

The network will aim for a family-friendly night Thursdays. The Los Angeles Times reports “Parks and Recreation” will be back alongside new comedies “‘Sean Saves the World,’ starring Sean Hayes of ‘Will & Grace’ fame as a divorced gay dad, and ‘The Michael J. Fox Show,’ headlining the former star of ‘Family Ties’ and ‘Spin City’ as a newsman trying to restart his career after being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease (the affliction that Fox battles in real life).”

In an unusual move, NBC’s Greenblatt did not hold his typical conference call with reporters to discuss the new schedule. The network is currently in fourth place among total viewers — losing to Fox by less than 100,000 viewers.

Barbara Walters to Retire in 2014

Mon, 13 May 2013 08:47:00 -0500

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(Image source: ABC / Donna Svennevik)

BY COLLIN RUANE

Veteran ABC newswoman Barbara Walters is expected to announce her retirement today on ABC’s “The View.”

Rumors about the 83-year-old’s retirement have swirled since March — but now she plans to make it official after 37 years with ABC, 16 of which were on the show she created — “The View.” (Via WABC)

She said in a statement, “I am very happy with my decision … I created ‘The View’ and am delighted it will last beyond my leaving it.” (Via ABC)

Walters told The New York Times retirement was something she had been pondering for more than a decade.

“It’s not something that just happened … I’ve been thinking, when is the time? When I was turning 70 it was pretty old for television — to me now that’s a kid! But I remember thinking then, Is this the time to go?”

Walters has been a staple in national news for the better part of six decades — spending her career at all three of the original Big Three networks.

She started in New York as a writer in the 1950s at CBS. Walters moved to 30 Rockefeller Plaza beginning her on-air career at NBC’s “Today” in 1961 — becoming co-anchor of the program 13 years later.

Upon taking her seat at the newsdesk, Walters began paving the way for women in television. She was part of a series of firsts. The Washington Post notes that throughout her career Walters has been a trailblazer.

“No woman had ever been co-host of a morning news show until Walter[s] gained the position at the “Today” show … in 1974. No woman had ever co-anchored the evening news until she did in 1976 on ABC with Harry Reasoner, who looked downright pained to share the camera with Walters.”

Walters will still keep her title as executive producer of “The View” after she retires in 2014. Upon news of Walters’ retirement, ABC News President Ben Sherwood said in a statement, “There is only one Barbara Walters.”

ABC to Begin Live Streaming to Mobile Devices

Sun, 12 May 2013 20:58:28 -0500

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(Image source: WABC)

BY STEVEN SPARKMAN

This week could see the making of television history as ABC announces it will begin streaming your local affiliate station on mobile devices. And those stations are starting to sell it pretty hard.

“This is Watch ABC. You’ll be able to find it online or download the app beginning on Tuesday … Watch ABC is just like having a portable TV set in your hands.” (Via WPVI)

“It’s an all-new way to experience ABC and Channel 7 in your home, on the go, anywhere you can receive a Wi-Fi or cellular signal.” (Via WABC)

Those stations are from Philadelphia and New York, the first two cities to receive the service. But the network says it plans to expand to an additional 200 markets in the coming months. The New York Times reports the service could be just as revolutionary as ABC claims.

“The mobile app may prod the other broadcasters to follow ABC, much as they did seven years ago after the network started to stream full episodes of shows the morning after their TV premieres.”

But there are a few catches. For one, you might think live streaming would be a simple matter of putting things up on a website, but the Los Angeles Times reports it’s a little more complicated than that, and as a result every market will see a different feed.

“The local stations don’t want viewers to be able to bypass them and just watch a national ABC feed on the Web. That would hurt their ratings and ad revenue. That meant ABC had to ensure that the interests of its affiliates were protected … ”

The other catch, and the one that seemed to rile people up most on Twitter, is that after a quick preview period, the service won’t be as simple as “download and hit play.”

A TV critic for the Philadelphia Daily News writes: “ … it will eventually require proof that you're somehow paying someone to get your TV shows (even though they're theoretically available over the air). In other words, if you're used to having to enter your Comcast (or other provider) login to watch a service like HBO Go, expect to have to do the same to watch, say, ‘The View.’”

The service will start out on Apple devices and expand to other platforms later on.

Seth Meyers to Replace Jimmy Fallon on 'Late Night'

Sun, 12 May 2013 20:32:22 -0500

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(Image source: NBC)

BY CANDICE AVILES

The new “Late Night” show host has been chosen ... drumroll, please ... Seth Meyers will be filling Jimmy Fallon’s big shoes. If you can’t quite place a face to the name, this should help.

“‘Weekend Update’ with Seth Meyers.”

“Good evening, I’m Seth Meyers. Here are tonight’s top stories.” (Via NBC)

Meyers is the head writer of SNL and hosts the “Weekend Update” segment. He will officially be the fourth person to host “Late Night” on NBC starting in 2014, when Jimmy Fallon succeeds Jay Leno in the “Tonight Show.” (Via New York Daily News)

It turns out this selection was more expected than surprising because NBC had its eye on Meyers for a while. NBC Entertainment Chairman Bob Greenblatt said:

“We think Seth is one of the brightest, most insightful comedy writers and performers of his generation. His years at SNL’s Weekend Update desk, not to mention being head writer of the show for many seasons, helped him hone a topical brand of comedy that is perfect for the Late Night franchise.” (Via Entertainment Weekly)

Another change coming includes Lorne Michaels, the SNL executive producer, will also be the executive producer of “Late Night.” As for Meyers’ reaction to the new job? (Via IMDB)

He says: “I only have to work for Lorne for five more years before I pay him back for the time I totaled his car. 12:30 on NBC has long been incredible real estate. I hope I can do it justice. (Via Celebuzz)

As we all ease ourselves into getting used to hearing “Late Night with Seth Meyers,” a writer for The New York Times asks Meyers if a new host means a new show format.

Meyers says so far no decisions have been made on changing the format, but he added he’d like to mix his background of improv, sketch and stand-up comedy into the show. “One thing he would like to bring with him from his ‘Update’ segments is what he called ‘a two-shot with talented, funny people.’”

And praise is coming in for Meyers, including this tweet from Ryan Seacrest saying, “congrats Seth... can’t think of a funnier dude to do that show. You gotta bring REALLY!?! over with u”

One writer for Time writes despite Meyers’ clear qualifications, the promise of change for the show is limited.

“It’s unfortunate that NBC is taking a format already saturated with guys behind desks and making as little change to it as possible—at least as far as personnel are concerned. Meyers could still shake things up by doing something truly different with the format ... I just don’t see the evidence that NBC is interested in that.”

Since the show started in 1982, there have been only three hosts of the “Late Night” show including David Letterman, Conan O’Brien and Jimmy Fallon.

Chris Brown's Monsters Scare Neighbors

Sun, 12 May 2013 09:12:00 -0500

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(Image Source: Los Angeles Times)

BY JASMINE BAILEY

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but as far as Chris Brown’s neighbors are concerned the murals on his new Hollywood Hills home are not beautiful.

And they have issued a formal complaint requesting he cover the sharp tooth monsters. He now faces a $376 fine for unpermitted and excessive signage. (Via KCBS)

One neighbor told the Los Angeles Times:

“There are lots of babies, lots of children, and they’re literally frightened. It’s like devils on the wall — big scary eyes and big scary teeth, and just the whole vibe is not what we’re used to.”

And while the neighbors are complaining, TMZ is wondering why the 24-year-old wants cartoons all over his walls anyway.

“OK, between the graffiti on his house, the little monsters, and the hot wheels car in the driveway — it literally looks like a 13-year-old won the lottery and moved in there.”

“You can only imagine what the inside looks like.”

Oh yes, the inside has his unique touch as well. (Via UStream / Chris Brown)

If Brown does not follow through and cover the walls, the fine could triple within a month. But his lawyer says who cares, he’s not backing down.

Claiming this is a violation of the singer’s first amendment rights. (Via Wikimedia Commons/ Chris Brown)

Well, actually it’s a violation of the city ordinance.

Although at one time L.A. might have been known as the mural capital of the West, it is illegal to paint them — even on many private properties. (Via Vimeo / Oliver Riley-Smith)

And of course Brown vented on Twitter — because that seems to be the place where he likes to work out personal grievances. Writing “’Lords of dogtown’ is how I live my life. #Free ima paint until my hands fall off.”

After previous complaints of noise, late partying and fast cars — Brown’s neighbors say they’re glad to have him if he’d just settle down a bit.

Amy Poehler's Rumored New Man: The League's Nick Kroll

Sat, 11 May 2013 10:45:00 -0500

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(Image source: Us Weekly)

BY BRIANA ALTERGOTT

Looks like Amy Poehler might have a new funny man in her life —

Her Parks and Recreation co-star Nick Kroll.

Kroll is the first man Poehler has been linked to since her divorce from Will Arnett back in September. The two were married for nine years and have two sons, Archie, 4, and Abel, 2.

(Via KUSA)

The New York Post reports Poehler and Kroll were first spotted together at the Pikey Cafe and Bar in Los Angeles in April and then again at a fundraiser a month later.

The two have worked together on the set of Parks and Recreation when Kroll guest starred in the recurring role of Pawnee’s obnoxious radio host, The Douche.

Kroll is best known for his role as Ruxin on FX’s The League. He’s also worked alongside the likes of Steve Carrell, Tina Fey, and Jonah Hill in movies including Get Him To the Greek and Date Night.

(Via Comedy Central)

According to Us Weekly, Kroll was just what Poehler was looking for. A source said, “She wanted a comedian who ‘gets’ her.”

The reviews on this alleged new couple are pretty split.

Perez Hilton wrote that he’s “thrilled” Poehler found another funny guy to settle down with —

While writers at Cafe Mom’s The Stir are wondering if Poehler is moving on too soon, noting it’s only been 8 months since she divorced Arnett.

Fingers crossed, if rumors are true, Kroll doesn’t live up to his Parks and Recreation character’s name, for Poehler’s sake.

What You Need to Know Before You See 'The Great Gatsby'

Fri, 10 May 2013 15:59:35 -0500

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(Image source: Warner Bros.)

BY KERRY LEARY

After much anticipation, “The Great Gatsby” got the green light and premiered Friday in theaters throughout the United States. But what are critics saying about the film?

A critic for U.S. News & World Report says the movie falls short trying to serve both F. Scott Fitzgerald’s original storyline and its filmmaker’s aesthetic.

A writer for The New York Times noted the flick is “less a conventional movie adaptation than a splashy, trashy opera, a wayward, lavishly theatrical celebration of the emotional and material extravagance that Fitzgerald surveyed with fascinated ambivalence.”

And out of the viewers on the movie review site Rotten Tomatoes, 84 percent liked the movie as of Friday afternoon.

A writer for The Daily Beast says one of the most interesting aspects of Baz Luhrmann’s film is the casting of Leonardo DiCaprio as Jay Gatsby and Tobey Maguire as Nick Carraway. Carraway’s desire to become Gatsby draws a strange parallel to Maguire and DiCaprio’s actual careers.

“So the casting of DiCaprio and Maguire … adds a layer of depth to the proceedings as one can imagine Maguire felt a similar degree of awe during DiCaprio’s golden-party-boy period in the mid-’90s, when Maguire was still struggling to make a name for himself pre-Spider-Man.”

With great movies come great pieces of trivia: Glamour reports DiCaprio wore midnight blue suits to stand out in a sea of all black during parties in the film.

Did you ever wonder what Gatsby’s lavish lifestyle would equate to in today’s society? According to researcher and artist Nickolay Lamm’s calculations, the total comes out to be about $34.3 million.

Here’s how the math played out: Add a 40-acre mansion in the Hamptons with a price tag of about $30 million alone, plus a Rolls-Royce that totals about $400,000, and a quarter of a million dollars every other weekend for the fancy parties, along with a list of other expenses — it adds up pretty quickly.

But a writer for Mashable says Lamm’s calculations are conservative — a measly $34 million wouldn’t last Gatsby a year.

Regardless of the reviews, one thing speaks for itself — the movie grossed $3.3 million in Thursday-night showings, which, according to The Hollywood Reporter, suggests the movie could end up earning at least $45 million, more than Gatsby’s estimated lifestyle costs. So we guess that’s saying something.

Michael Jackson Thought God Spoke to Him, Producer Testifies

Thu, 09 May 2013 10:03:00 -0500

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(Image source: Flickr/Zoran Veselinovic)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

God was talking to Michael Jackson. That’s what one of his producers for "This is It" said on the stand at Jackson’s wrongful death trial.

Alif Sankey said Jackson told his tour director, “God keeps talking to me,” just days before he died. An eerie statement that made Kenny Ortega and Sankey burst into tears at rehearsal. (via WRTV)

She also said Jackson was “extremely thin” and “was not speaking normally” at the rehearsal on June 19, 2009. After crying at rehearsal, on her way home, she called Ortega... (via CNN)

"…I had a very strong feeling that Michael was dying. I was screaming into the phone at that point… I said he needs to be put in the hospital now."

Ortega seemingly listened — the next morning he met with Dr. Conrad Murray, AEG Live President Randy Phillips and Jackson at Jackson’s house. What that resulted in was an email from Phillips...(via Los Angeles Times)

“Kenny, it is critical that neither you, me or anyone around the show become amateur psychiatrists or physicians ... This doctor is extremely successful (we checked everyone out) and does not need this gig, so [he’s] totally unbiased and ethical.”

Jackson died on June 25th. Now, his family argues AEG Live is responsible — that the company did not check out Murray, because if it had they would have known Murray was in a lot of debt, and that AEG Live paid Murray, and so is responsible for how he cared for Jackson. (via KABC)

Murray was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in 2011. The Jackson trial continues Thursday.

Nick Lachey Doesn't Talk To Jessica Simpson, Slams Her Dad

Wed, 08 May 2013 13:29:00 -0500

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(Image source: BravoTV.com)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

98 Degrees went on Bravo’s “Watch What Happens Live!” Tuesday night, but it was Nick Lachey who really turned up the heat when host Andy Cohen asked him about ex-wife Jessica Simpson. Cohen asked when the last time Lachey had seen her.

NICK: “Uh, wow. Is this the part where I can plead the Fifth?”

NICK: “Honestly, probably six years.”

ANDY: “Weird flipping around the TV and seeing her or seeing her in magazines?”

NICK: “Not at all. It was like another lifetime.”

So it’s been a while. Cohen also asked Lachey if he ever watches the old “Newlyweds” DVDs. He said no — they’re not exactly popular in his house.

Lachey, is of course, married, and has a baby with Vanessa Lachey. (Via Hollywood Life)

And on the show’s aftershow, posted only to its website, things got even more scandalous. Cohen asked Lachey a bit of a leading question: What’s the best thing about no longer having Joe Simpson as a father-in-law?

DREW LACHEY: “Can I answer this? Everything!”

NICK: “I don’t have to play grab-ass under the table on Easter Sunday.”

(Screams from audience)

DREW: “Our publicist is freaking out right now.” (laughs)

Nick added that the comment might not be funny tomorrow, but it was that at that moment.

Well, the story is quickly making headlines, so Nick and his brother Drew Lachey are probably right — it’s not so funny now, and their publicist is freaking out. (Via TMZ, TooFab, People Magazine)

And the comments are being interpreted as — what else — a slam. (Via Gossip Cop)

But no responses on Twitter, at least from Joe or Jessica.

Lachey and Simpson divorced in 2005 after one reality show and three years of marriage.

'As I Lay Dying' Singer in Alleged Murder-for-Hire Plot

Wed, 08 May 2013 10:45:00 -0500

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(Image source: W.E.N.N)

BY JASMINE BAILEY

The lead singer of Christian heavy metal band “As I Lay Dying” was charged in connection with a murder-for-hire plot to kill his estranged wife.

Tim Lambesis allegedly attempted to hire an undercover police officer as a hitman to kill... (Via Fuse)

Meggan Lambesis, who reportedly filed for divorce last September. (Via Metal Injection)

According to the San Diego Sheriff's Department, the 30-year-old was charged with one count of solicitation to commit murder and two counts of conspiracy to commit crime.

The Los Angeles Times reports Lambesis is openly Christian as are the other members of the band, and often allude to their faith in their lyrics.

“Slam for the lamb.”

“Throw up your horns for the crown of thorns.”

“Crowd surf for the virgin birth.”

“Spin kick for the crucifix.” (Via YouTube)

But a radio host in San Diego said, “He’s not the idealistic young Christian kid he once was, apparently… Because that’s what [As I Lay Dying] are: a straight-edged Christian metal band. He was a nice guy. I’ve had him on my show a couple times over the years…” (Via KNSD)

In 2008 “As I Lay Dying” was Grammy-nominated for best metal performance. They have seven studio albums and a live CD. According to its website, the band plans to go on tour at the end of the month. No official word from the band regarding the charges.

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