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Chris Brown to Haters: Just Leave Me Alone!

2011-06-26T02:00:00.000-07:00

Chris Brown has been under considerable fire this week, and really since he assaulted then-girlfriend Rihanna in 2009. People will not give the dude a break.

Given his frequent blowups - most recently a gay slur against some photographers he thought told the police about his illegally parked car - you can see why.

Chris did apologize, sort of, for that incident, but it's clear he's just as upset that he's being criticized for it as he is at himself for uttering it to start with.

In a string of Tweets last night, he wrote: "This will make things a whole lot easier. If you don't like/support me then don't listen to my music (sic).

"Latching on to my every word and criticizing makes you look thirsty. I can't even piss without somebody complaining. Imagine how I feel (sic).

"A person should not have to apologize every second for living life (sic)!"

Perhaps some are too quick to jump all over him, but at the same time, he brings a lot of this upon himself by calling people gay, throwing chairs through windows and the like. Work on the anger, Chris. Then people will chill.

Dr. Conrad Murray: No Plea Deal in Michael Jackson Case

2011-06-26T01:58:00.000-07:00

Dr. Conrad Murray is reportedly adamant that he will not accept a plea bargain of any sort in the Michael Jackson involuntary manslaughter case.

Sources say Dr. Murray feels so strongly about his innocence that even a plea offering zero jail time would be out of the question on principle.

Not that the L.A. County District Attorney is bending over backwards to offer such a thing. Prosecutors believe they can and will win the case.

Dr. Murray's defense revolves around the fact that only two people were in the room around the time Michael died, those being Murray and Jackson.

The doctor insists he did not administer the fatal dose of Propofol.

His lawyers' theory: Murray left to go to the bathroom, a frustrated MJ woke up, administered Propofol on his own, overdosed and killed himself.

As for why he was providing Propofol to start with, Murray hopes MJ's last rehearsal footage will show "warning signs" that he was a lost cause.

Michael Jackson passed away two years ago today.

FIFA eyes 2014 preparations in Brazil

2011-06-26T01:54:00.000-07:00

MOSCOW -- FIFA remains concerned at the slow pace of Brazil's preparations for the 2014 World Cup, saying soccer officials in South America appear to have invested more energy in winning the tournament than organizing it.

"We don't have stadiums, we don't have airports," secretary general Jerome Valcke said on Friday at the Inside World Football forum in Moscow.

He added it looked increasingly likely that some facilities, including Rio de Janeiro's iconic Maracana, would be ready with only a few weeks to spare.

"The Maracana is not a World Cup stadium" yet, Valcke said, adding that in Brazil "the main issue is not to organize the World Cup but to win the World Cup."

Brazil, which won hosting rights by default after other South American nations withdrew, has been mired in organizational and bureaucratic problems since it was announced as host in 2007.

Builders working on one of the stadiums only this week returned to work after going on strike over pay and conditions. About 160 of the nearly 400 workers helping to upgrade Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte stopped working this month. The agreement includes a 4 percent wage hike, a health plan and more overtime pay.

Belo Horizonte is one of the cities vying to host the opening match. Others include the capital, Brasilia, and Sao Paulo, South America's biggest city.

Brazilian lawmakers this month were forced to approve a raft of measures aimed at reducing the paperwork needed to clear various infrastructure projects. The changes reduce the time to conclude the bidding processes on tenders, eliminating some stages and need for approval.

Saint-Clair Milesi, a spokesman for the local World Cup organizing committee, said from Brazil that with the exception of Sao Paulo, the construction of new stadiums and renovation of existing ones is "continuing according to schedule."

He declined to comment further.

Ricardo Leyser, a top official with Brazil's Sports Ministry, told the Estado de S. Paulo newspaper Friday that "it is obvious that Brazil will be ready on time to host the World Cup."

"We have no doubt that all the work being done to prepare the country to host the games will be concluded on time," Leyser said.

Valcke urged Russia, which is hosting the event for the first time in 2018, to have the required 12 stadiums ready two years in advance to allow time for test events.

Russia is building most of the facilities from scratch in a $10 billion project, a budget that doesn't include the massive infrastructure improvements needed such as rail networks, new roads and airport upgrades.

It was Valcke's first public appearance since FIFA exonerated him of wrongdoing for saying Qatar had "bought" the 2022 World Cup hosting rights.

Valcke alluded to the maelstrom of corruption allegations surrounding FIFA in recent months, beginning his keynote speech by saying, "It's good to talk about football. I mean, we need it at FIFA sometimes."

Jennifer Aniston brings Justin Theroux 'Inside the Actors Studio'

2011-06-26T01:50:00.000-07:00

Now, Jennifer Aniston is mixing business with pleasure by bringing new beau Justin Theroux to her interview with James Lipton for "Inside the Actors Studio."

Theroux, 39, "was sitting in the front row, and she made eye contact with him," second-year Actors Studio MFA student Christina Schudel told PEOPLE at Thursday's New York taping with Aniston, 42. The interview will air next month on Bravo.

"Whenever there would be a lull, she would just look at him and give him a wink and go back to what she was doing," Schudel says.

Aniston was also clearly a hit with the crowd -- which roared with laughter after Lipton asked what drew the actress to the 2006 movie "The Break-Up."

Aniston replied, "Well, you know it's something I have a lot of experience with."

"She was just so relaxed and so open," Schudel observed. "So lovable from beginning to end. Such a sweetheart."

Lipton, who chatted with the "Horrible Bosses" star for nearly three hours, says he was completely captivated by Aniston's warm personality.

"She's as quick and witty and charming as she is on screen," Lipton told PEOPLE immediately after the interview.

Authorities: 6 die in truck-train crash in Nevada

2011-06-26T01:47:00.000-07:00

(CNN) -- Six people were killed when a tractor-trailer truck slammed into a Chicago-to-California Amtrak passenger train at a railroad crossing east of Reno, Nevada, authorities said late Saturday.

The death toll was released just as federal authorities said they were trying to account for passengers missing from the passenger train that was struck Friday at a railroad crossing near Lovelock, Nevada.

"No names are being released pending positive identification and notification of families," the Churchill County, Nevada, sheriff's department said in a written statement.

The National Transportation Safety Board, which is investigating, is trying to account for passengers listed on the manifest but not located after the crash, Earl Weener of the NTSB told reporters during a news conference late Saturday night in Sparks, Nevada.

In some cases, it is believed people got off the train earlier or bought a ticket but did not take the train, he said.

"There are a number of reasons that the manifest and that number don't jibe," Weener said.

The 10-car train, which was on its way to Emeryville, California, was carrying 204 passengers and 14 crew members, Amtrak said in a statement released Friday.

It was not immediately clear how many people were injured. Amtrak said that numerous people aboard the train had been taken to area hospitals for treatment.

Amateur video taken after the crash showed huge plumes of black smoke billowing from the train as a fire burned. Passengers and crew members stood outside.

One voice on the video can be heard telling people to get away from the smoke. Another tells a woman, out of view, to "hang and jump." A third voice asks someone, "Are you OK?"

"Next thing I know, we get hit by something. A big ball of fire comes in. I jumped out the window," passenger Justin Rhine told CNN affiliate KOLO-TV in Reno. "I saw people flying on the other side of the train."

Skid marks show the driver of the truck slammed on his brakes, sliding more than 300 feet before hitting the train, sparking a fire, Weener said. The fire burned the truck and two train cars, he said.

The initial investigation found the signal light and crossing guard arms were working, and that there was good visibility of the train tracks from the road, he said.

The truck was the lead in a three-truck convoy as it approached the train tracks, Weener said.

The two following saw the train signal and slowed to stop, "waiting for him to come to stop," he said.

Though the driver of the truck has not been identified, Weener said the truck belonged to John Davies Trucking of Battle Mountain, Nevada.

The trucking company, which advertises itself as family-owned business that hauls concrete, did not immediately respond to a CNN request for comment.

Mexico rallies to top U.S. and win high-scoring Gold Cup final

2011-06-26T01:43:00.001-07:00

Los Angeles (CNN) -- In one of soccer's biggest showdowns, Mexico rallied from an early deficit with four straight goals to defeat the United States 4-2 and win the 2011 Gold Cup on Saturday.

The American team jumped out to an earlier lead when Michael Bradley, a center midfielder and the son of coach Bob Bradley, scored the first goal just nine minutes into the game. Landon Donovan, the leading goal-scorer in U.S. history, netted a second goal roughly 20 minutes later.

But Mexico answered back, with Pablo Barrera and then Andres Guardado scoring two goals within 10 minutes of each other to tie the score.

A few minutes into the second half, Barrera scored another goal to give Mexico its first lead of the game. Giovani dos Santos gave Mexico a 4-2 advantage with a score with about 13 minutes remaining, effectively cinching his team's victory.

Fox Soccer reported that 93,420 spectators watched the game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, above its capacity of 92,542 according to the stadium's website.

Mexico's win gives in bragging rights in the rivalry, the third consecutive time both teams have met in the tournament's final.

As it is every year, the game was organized by the soccer confederation for North America, Central America and the Caribbean.

Besides boasting privileges, Mexico earns a ticket to the Confederations Cup in Brazil in 2013, a year before the World Cup.

Mexico and the United States had split the last two Gold Cups, with the Mexicans embarrassing the Americans with a 5-0 thrashing in 2009.

In 2007, the Americans took the contest, sending the team to the 2009 Confederations Cup where it finished second behind Brazil.

Until Saturday night, the United States had not lost to Mexico on American soil when at full strength in 12 matches dating back to the year 2000.

Still, the American players know that soccer draws many fans to Mexico's team, as was evident at this weekend's game. Hispanics are now the nation's second-largest group under the latest census.

"You come into your country and you know they are going to have more fans than you are," U.S. defender Jonathan Bornstein said in remarks on the confederation website, "but nonetheless, we're going to have enough fans out there supporting us. We're on our home turf, and so we need to be considered the home team even though we might not have all the fans."

Added U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard about the rivalry: "It's been the same since I was a kid watching it. It's the same today. It's passion. There's a ton of respect, but yet again it borders on hatred."

"But it's passion. It's good. I think we have very healthy respect for them and whether they want to say it or not, they have healthy respect for us and they should," Howard said on the confederation website.

Mexico's team manager Jose Manuel de la Torre said before the contest that the game "has transformed into something very important to the Mexican people that live in the United States."

"It is a clasico," de la Torre told the confederation, before Saturday's match. "That makes for a heated atmosphere. But the final is still a soccer game featuring two strong, well-coached teams that have worked hard to reach a final we will enjoy."

For the United States, it marks its fourth consecutive appearance in the final -- a confederation record, according to the U.S. Soccer Federation. The Gold Cup is being held in Southern California for the first time in nine years, the federation said.

Nani to stay at United

2011-06-25T08:27:00.000-07:00

Manchester United winger Nani will not be forced out of the club by the arrival of £17 million Ashley Young, contrary to reports.
Nani topped the assists chart in the Premier League last season, and he was voted United's Players' Player of the Year. However, as the season neared a climax, the Portugal international increasingly found himself on the bench for big games, culminating in the Champions League final loss to Barcelona.

With Antonio Valencia producing the best form of his career upon return from serious injury, there is a feeling of three not fitting into two following the signing of Young from Aston Villa.

Park Ji-sung, the man who took Nani's place against Barcelona at Wembley, also declared on Friday that he has no intention of leaving Old Trafford, so Sir Alex Ferguson finds himself with a plethora of options for his wide positions.

Nani has been linked in the media with a move away from United, with Real Madrid a mooted destination. The player fanned flames over a possible move when stating recently: "I am fine at Manchester United, but it is good to hear there are other clubs interested. Would I like to work under [Jose] Mourinho? Yes, but at this moment I am fine at Manchester United."

However, sources close to Old Trafford are now stating that the 24-year-old will fight for his place, having just enjoyed his best season at the club, yielding 10 goals.

Ferguson is expected to seek a meeting with Nani in the near future to assure the winger of his place in the United squad, as the Red Devils attempt to win a 20th Premier League crown.

Money will need to be generated from somewhere though, with United expected to take their spending past £50 million with the purchase of David De Gea, but it is believed Wes Brown and Darron Gibson are closest to the exit door.

Liverpool close to securing Adam deal

2011-06-25T08:25:00.000-07:00

Liverpool are expecting to clinch a deal for Charlie Adam this weekend, unless Aston Villa delay proceedings by turning negotiations into a bidding war.
Damien Comolli, the Reds' director of football, will press ahead over the next 48 hours in an attempt to add Adam to the recent capture of Jordan Henderson. A meeting with Blackpool chairman Karl Oyston is booked, and Liverpool hope to conclude an £8 million transfer.

Oyston revealed 11 days ago that he had held initial talks with the Anfield club, saying in The Gazette: "We've had a few very preliminary discussions and enquiries but nothing of any substance."

Liverpool first lodged an £8 million bid in January, only to find the Tangerines holding out for £12 million. Oyston had hoped Adam would keep his club in the Premier League, but now he is left on weaker ground to barter, with the Scotland international desperate to stay in England's top flight.

The most likely scenario to scupper Liverpool's plans would be a last-ditch hijack attempt from Aston Villa, whose new boss Alex McLeish used to work with Adam at Rangers. Blackpool would hope a rival bid would drive up Liverpool's offer, which is expected to start as low as £6.5 million.

Adam is one of a handful of players wanted by Kenny Dalglish, who also has Comolli negotiating for Ipswich's Connor Wickham, Arsenal's Gael Clichy, and Aston Villa's Stewart Downing. The Reds are already believed to have had offers of £5 million and £12 million rejected for Clichy and Downing respectively.

Adam's arrival would create an overstaffing of midfielders at Anfield, where Alberto Aquilani has returned after Juventus cooled interest in a £14 million deal. Portugal international Raul Meireles has also been linked to the Turin club, but no formal movements have materialised.

Elijah Wood's 'Wilfred' a bizarre gem

2011-06-25T08:22:00.000-07:00

After watching Thursday night's premiere of "Wilfred," I'm not sure there's enough to sustain a long-term series, but there's more than enough to keep me watching.

Elijah Wood stars in FX's remake of the critically acclaimed Australian series of the same title. Co-creator Jason Gann reprises the role of Wilfred, a dog who is seen by Wood's character, Ryan, as a man in a dog suit.

The show began with Ryan trying, unsuccessfully, to kill himself by swallowing a cocktail mixed with medication. At one point, he was interrupted by the yammering of what he believed to be his neighbor's boyfriend.

When the neighbor, Jenna, showed up at Ryan's doorstep the next morning, she asked him to watch Wilfred, and before long it became clear - to Ryan, at least - that this was not a side effect of the drugs (which turned out to be placebos).

In between musings on some of the habits of dogs, Wilfred was able to read Ryan like an open book and offer up sage advice from a canine point of view. Soon, after doing unspeakable things to the property of another neighbor who had threatened him, the once-suicidal Ryan discovered that he never felt more alive.

That's when the big twist took place: Wilfred planted Ryan's wallet at the scene of the crime.

Yes, I laughed out loud at some of the silly humor here. Despite the opening, it's not as dark as one might expect. At the moment the show's intriguing, if only because you just want to know the reason why Wilfred appears to Ryan this way. I worry, though, that the dog jokes may wear pretty thin after a few weeks.

The two biggest highlights here are the performances by Wood and Gann. Gann, especially, is extraordinary in this role, and hopefully we'll be seeing a lot more of what he can do in the future.

Gasperini to replace Leonardo as Inter Milan coach

2011-06-25T08:17:00.000-07:00

Gian Piero Gasperini's only top-flight coaching experience in Italy has been with Genoa.

Uncertainty over Inter Milan's coaching position ended on Friday as chairman Massimo Moratti announced that former Genoa boss Gian Piero Gasperini will be replacing Leonardo.

The 53-year-old, who guided Genoa into Serie A in 2007 before being sacked last November following a bad run of form, will sign a two-year deal at the San Siro.

He will be officially unveiled "as soon as the final bureaucratic formalities are completed" according to the Italian club's website.

Leonardo, who replaced Rafael Benitez in December 2010, is expected to take up a sporting director role with France's Paris St Germain -- a former club of his which has been recently bought by a Qatari group.
Could Villas-Boas succeed at Chelsea?

Club president Massimo Moratti expressed his "full satisfaction with the choice" and the 67-year-old wished his new employee "the success that brought Inter the title of world champions."

While Benitez took Inter to the FIFA Club World Cup title, he was unable to successful follow on the exploits of Jose Mourinho -- who took Inter to an unprecedented treble in 2009-10, winning the European Champions League plus a domestic double.

Under Leonardo, Inter finished runners-up to city rivals AC Milan in Serie A last season and claimed a seventh Coppa Italia crown.

A World Cup winner with Brazil in 1994, the 41-year-old had been a surprise choice after both playing for and coaching Milan.

Moratti and Inter have reportedly suffered setbacks in their search for a new boss, with former Chile national team coach Marcelo Bielsa rumored to have been approached regarding the position.

Andre-Villas Boas was another coach linked with the post, but the 33-year-old has now been appointed manager of English Premier League club Chelsea.

England coach Fabio Capello, who has twice been in charge of Milan, was also linked with a move to Inter.

Post-breakup Paris Hilton reconnects with old friend

2011-06-24T01:39:00.000-07:00

A newly single Paris Hilton was feeling the love at a shindig for Charlotte Ronson on Tuesday, as the heiress was all hugs and smiles with former BFF/supposed frenemy Nicole Richie.

According to TMZ, the two were seen exchanging hugs and hanging out at the Hollywood event. Hilton tweeted later, “@NicoleRichie, Bill, great seeing you tonight at #Iheartronson. You looked so beautiful! Love you. Love Sill :) xoxo”

The 30-year-old heiress, who is currently starring in the Oxygen reality show “The World According to Paris,” recently broke up with her boyfriend of one year, Cy Waits, and says that she’s now taking a closer look at her life.
"Cy is a good guy," she tells E!. "We've been friends for years and always will be. I just need some time alone to focus on myself. We speak all the time. I have nothing but great things to say about him."

A source adds that the reality TV star does feel bad “for ending the relationship, but she felt that she needs time to reevaluate her life."

Lindsay Lohan stands up Matt Lauer

2011-06-24T01:35:00.000-07:00

Lindsay Lohan’s been open about what life is like under house arrest – giving an interview to Life & Style, filming commercials – but when Matt Lauer from “Today” showed up at her Venice Beach, California, home, Lohan clammed up.

The New York Post reports that Lauer flew to Los Angeles on Tuesday to interview the 24-year-old actress, who is now due back in court because she failed an alcohol test again.

According to the Post, once Lauer arrived at her home, Lohan wouldn’t come down out of her bedroom. An unnamed source told the paper, "They had been talking about it for a long time. But she refused to come down at the last minute. Matt was sitting in the chair on the first floor, waiting to do the interview with his crew all set up."

Although the Post cites an anonymous source claiming Lohan was to be paid for the interview, a rep for “Today” denies that there was any “licensing or payment agreement of any kind.” The “Today” spokesperson explains that "When [Lauer] arrived, she had a change of heart and wasn't prepared to talk for more than 15 minutes, as she had agreed, so the interview was canceled."

Lohan’s rep concurs, noting that he was the one to pull her out of it. "No money was involved, and I was the one who called [the interview] off."

Lauer did address the situation this morning on “Today,” telling viewers after a segment about Lohan’s impending return to court, “Some of you may have heard that I was with Lindsay on Tuesday afternoon at her home in Los Angeles. We were supposed to sit down for an interview to talk about her current situation and her plans for the future.”

At the last minute, Lauer continued, “Lindsay and her people did express concerns about the timing of the interview and it was canceled. I think we're learning more this morning about the reasons for their concern."

Young seals Manchester United switch

2011-06-24T01:34:00.000-07:00

Ashley Young joined Aston Villa from Watford for $15 million in January 2007

Premier League champions Manchester United have confirmed the signing of England international winger Ashley Young from Aston Villa for an undisclosed fee.

Young, 25, is United's second signing of the transfer window, after defender Phil Jones joined from Blackburn Rovers, and has signed a five-year deal at Old Trafford.

"The opportunity to come and play for one of the biggest clubs in the world is one I couldn't turn down," Young told MUTV.

"It's a chance to hopefully become part of their history by helping them to win their 20th title.
"It's a prospect I always looked at from being a child -- to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world," he added.

"I've got that opportunity now so I've just got to take it with both hands."

The former Watford forward moved to Villa Park for $15 million in January 2007 and captained the Birmingham-based outfit for part of last season.

He made 157 Premier League appearances for Villa, scoring 30 goals, and has 15 caps for his country.

"Ashley has made a terrific contribution for Villa over the past four-and-a-half seasons and everyone at the club wishes him the best for the future," newly-appointed Villa manager Alex McLeish told Villa's official website.

"He has become an important player in the England team during that time and I'm sure he will be looking forward to this new challenge," added McLeish.

Young scored the equalizer for Fabio Capello's England side in their recent 2-2 draw with Switzerland at Wembley, and has started their last three matches.

United's latest recruit scored against his new employers for Villa in a 2-2 draw in November 2010.

France to withdraw troops from Afghanistan

2011-06-24T01:32:00.000-07:00

France will start withdrawing troops from Afghanistan, following a timetable similar to the one U.S. President Barack Obama announced, the French president's office said Thursday.

"This withdrawal will be done in consultation with our allies and with the Afghan authorities," the statement from Nicolas Sarkozy's office said.

All French troops could be out of Afghanistan by 2013, French Defense Minister Gerard Longuet told France Info radio Thursday.

Longuet declined to give specifics, citing the "safety of our soldiers and the people they protect.

"So we cannot say right now it will happen from such a place or it will be this type of troop because we have no information to give to our adversaries, the Taliban," he said.

But he said that NATO had planned on "a complete transition in 2014," and that "what has emerged today is that we will undoubtedly gain a year on this calendar."

France has 3,935 troops in Afghanistan, according to the NATO mission there.

Obama said Wednesday that the U.S. would withdraw 33,000 U.S. troops by September 2012. That will leave just under 70,000 Americans there.

British Prime Minister David Cameron, whose country has the second largest number of foreign troops in Afghanistan, welcomed Obama's announcement.

He said the British will keep "force levels in Afghanistan under constant review," adding: "I have already said there will be no UK troops in combat roles in Afghanistan by 2015 and, where conditions on the ground allow, it is right that we bring troops home sooner."

Earthquakes rock Christchurch, New Zealand

2011-06-13T00:23:00.000-07:00

A pair of earthquakes with magnitudes of at least 5.0 struck within 90 minutes of each near Christchurch, New Zealand, on Monday, the U.S. Geological Survey reported, reviving vivid memories of a deadly quake that killed more than 180 people in February.

"Everyone is on edge here anyway," said Rhys Taylor, who said he could hear sirens and see helicopters flying over Christchurch. "Obviously, power's out -- sort of all over the city at the moment -- and phone lines are down."

Police evacuated sections of the city's central business district after reports of a possible gas leak, police said. Several bridges in the city were closed as a precaution.

"It was quite an exciting ride," Christchurch Police Acting Inspector Murray Hurst told CNN after the first quake, adding that there was some damage caused by the quake and a few injuries that were not life-threatening.

The first quake -- a magnitude 5.2 -- was centered 9 kilometers (5 miles) east-southeast of Christchurch at a depth of 11 kilometers (6.8 miles), according to USGS. The quake took place at 1 p.m. Monday.

A second quake -- a more powerful 6.0 tremor -- struck at 2:20 p.m., roughly 13 kilometers (8 miles) north-northeast of the city at a depth of 9 kilometers (5.6 miles).

And at least one smaller quake followed. A magnitude 4.6 quake struck at 2:40 p.m. about 11 kilometers (6 miles) east of Christchurch and at a depth of 12.5 kilometers (7.8 miles), according to the USGS.

The quakes came nearly four months after a 6.3-magnitude temblor struck the same area, killing more than 180 people.

Van Persie says he was misquoted again

2011-06-13T00:21:00.000-07:00

Arsenal striker Robin van Persie says he was misquoted in questioning the professionalism of players in the Premier League.
Van Persie was quoted as saying that some unnamed "English colleagues" enjoyed the party lifestyle too much, and that their careers were being shortened because of it.

The 27-year-old has, however, denied making the comments via his Twitter page.

"Want to clear up some things. I supposed to have made comments about the lifestyle of english players. Words have been taken out of context," he wrote. "Only thing I meant to say is if u look after urself u can enjoy a longer career. Never mentioned english players in particular.

"Who am I to judge. Think the prem league is amazing and so are the boys playing in it!!"

It is the second time in a week that Van Persie has had to deny quotes attributed to him.

Last week he released a statement to rubbish claims in the Dutch media the he had criticised the gamesmanship of players from other clubs such as Chelsea and Barcelona.

"These reports falsely suggest that I recently made negative comments about Spanish and Chelsea players, I would like to make it perfectly clear that I haven't done an interview with Sport 1 or any other outlet in recent weeks and I've certainly not been rude as the comments suggest," he said in a statement.

"I respect my colleagues of Spain and Chelsea and look forward to playing against them for many years to come.

"I sincerely hope that all football fans worldwide don't take these misleading reports seriously."

Lady Gaga's album has steep drop in sales

2011-06-13T00:20:00.000-07:00

After last week's strong sales debut, Lady Gaga's album "Born This Way" has seen a sharp decrease in sales.

The superstar's record sold more than a million copies in its first week, but for week two only 174,000 were sold, according to Billboard.

Of course, Lady Gaga's album was on sale for just 99 cents not once but twice after its May 23 release thanks to Amazon, which was offering "Born This Way" at the deep discount along with storage space for the Amazon cloud player service.

Billboard notes that because the promotion likely tacked on hundreds of thousands of units to Gaga's first week sales, the second week's drop-off seems to be at an even steeper decline than is normally expected.

At this rate, Billboard says, Adele - who has been suffering from laryngitis and had to cancel the remainder of her North American tour - could soon reclaim No. 1. The Brit singer's "21" is currently at the No. 2 spot, with 121,000 units sold.

Nani admits Mourinho ambition

2011-06-13T00:19:00.000-07:00

Manchester United winger Nani has said that he harbours the ambition of playing under Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho one day.

While Nani claimed that he was happy at Old Trafford for the time being, he admitted that he was pleased to hear that other clubs were interested in him and that he would love to play under his fellow countryman.

"I am fine at Manchester United, but it is good to hear there are other clubs interested," Nani said at a recent youth tournament in Seixal. ''Would I like to work under Mourinho? Yes, but at this moment I am fine at Manchester United. It was a very positive season for Manchester United, and my best individual campaign.''

With Ashley Young due to arrive at Old Trafford in a £16 million deal next week, speculation has continued over the Portuguese winger's future. Nani scored 10 goals and had 18 assists this season and was voted by his team-mates as the Player of the Year for United.

Selena Gomez hospitalized for illness

2011-06-13T00:17:00.000-07:00

CNN has confirmed teen star Selena Gomez has been hospitalized, although the reason is currently unknown.

According to TMZ, Gomez, 18, was rushed to the hospital following her appearance on "The Tonight Show" Thursday. The website, citing unnamed sources, says she was feeling “horrible” Thursday night both during and after the show. The Disney star was reportedly complaining of nausea and a severe headache.

Her rep tells CNN, "Last night after Selena's appearance on ‘The Tonight Show’ she wasn't feeling well and was taken to the hospital. She is currently undergoing routine tests."

IU redeems herself on “Kiss & Cry”

2011-06-09T03:40:00.000-07:00

In the latest episode of SBS’s “Kiss & Cry“, singer IU finally managed to redeem herself by impressing everyone with a complex routine.

IU entered the rink in a sweet cheerleader uniform alongside her partner, Choi In Hwa, who was dressed as a baseball player. The two performed a cute cheerleading routine to the tune of “Girlfriend“.

The judges were especially impressed by IU’s ability to pull off smooth spirals and tunnel between her partner’s legs, all of which earned her a round of applause from the audience.

Compared to her awkward start in the show’s pilot episode (where she ranked 10th), many were of the opinion that she had certainly improved.

SBS representatives commented, “Despite her busy schedule, IU has been making regular visits to the ice rink to practice her skating. Her improved skills have surprised us well.”

Stay tuned for her full performance on June 12th!

Three years into their career, SECRET still lacks cell phones

2011-06-09T03:39:00.001-07:00

Despite being at the top of their game lately, it’s been revealed that the ladies of SECRET still don’t own cell phones.

It’s not unusual for idol groups to not have cell phones, since agencies usually confiscate them in order to encourage their artists to focus on their training, and to prevent them from seeing anti-fan comments.

Still, idols are usually promised cell phones once they make notable achievements, like winning first place on music shows, so the fact that SECRET still lacks personal phones comes as a surprise to most fans.

One representative confirmed, “The members do not have cell phones. They’ve been without them for two years, so the members are used to it and don’t feel any discomfort from lacking one. Any important calls they have to make, they go through their manager’s phone or the phone in the agency. Our office is also close to their dorm so the members don’t feel the need for cell phones yet.”

Sporting KC Finally Comes Home

2011-06-09T03:38:00.001-07:00

Kei Kamara and Sporting KC have two games this week, including their first home game of the season.

A couple of teams have a packed schedule this week, and don't forget that Sporting KC's shiny new stadium will hope to give them a lift after a brutal 10-game road trip to open the season.

Here's a look at some of the best options for this week:

Impact Players

Nick Rimando, GK, Real Salt Lake, 8.2 market price (@CLB, @PHI): Anytime a goalie gets two games in a week, he's worth a pickup. Add to that the fact that he'll play two offensively inconsistent sides in Columbus and Philadelphia, and it's certainly worth the investment.

Kei Kamara, F, Sporting KC (CHI, @DAL): Look for players from KC to perform at a higher level, as they play their first home game of the season Thursday. Kamara, who is tied for the team lead in goals, has been quiet of late, but he'll lead the offensive charge and look to add to his total.

Shalrie Joseph, MF, NE Revolution, 6.9 (@NWY): The saga of Shalrie Joseph and the Gold Cup finally ended with the captain electing to stay with the Revolution through the tournament. He's a good bet to put some points on the board against rival New York at Red Bull Arena. ... MORE

New Manilow album inspired by Britney Spears

2011-06-09T03:37:00.000-07:00

Barry Manilow sings about the pleasures and pitfalls of fame on "15 Minutes," his upcoming CD that was inspired by a certain blonde pop princess.

"The thing we started to think about was when Britney Spears was being hounded by the paparazzi," Manilow tells the L.A. Times of his concept for the album. "They were driving her crazy. She couldn't have a life without them pulling up next to her car and following her and driving her crazy to the point where, that was around the time she shaved off her hair. I think they actually helped to drive her crazy. We all looked at it in horror… and I said, 'Is this what happens these days?' So it seemed like a thing to be writing an album about."

Manilow, whose new disc drops June 14, also drew inspiration from the young talent he worked with as a mentor on "American Idol."

"What I saw was a lot of young people becoming famous very quickly, overnight," he says. "I've done three 'American Idols,' and it was an amazing thing to watch these young, talented people becoming household names within months. And I remember when I got hit with it, with 'Mandy,' that I was an adult. And yet when 'Mandy' hit, it knocked me for a loop. It turned me into a person I didn't like."

The singer-songwriter admits he began treating people badly.

"I felt I was being demanding. I felt like I was not treating people kindly. But most of all I didn't like where I found myself," he says. "I remember this night in Florida about five years, four years into my beginning of this trip—I don't like the word 'celebrity'—my fame trip. And I was outside in a rocking chair looking at the stars, and I realized that everybody in my house that I was renting on a beach in Florida I was paying. Everybody around me I was paying. My friends had seemed to have disappeared. And this craziness becomes a job, a job that I'm grateful for and that I like, but it's not my life. I had to rethink everything."

Villa open talks with Martinez

2011-06-09T03:36:00.000-07:00

Aston Villa are hoping to appoint Roberto Martinez as their next boss after being given permission to speak to the Wigan Athletic manager.GettyImagesRoberto Martinez celebrates with his players

It is believed that Martinez, who has just 12 months left on his deal with Wigan, has already held talks with Villa owner Randy Lerner after arriving back from holiday. But Wigan chief Dave Whelan expects Martinez to reject the chance to move to Villa.

Villa cancelled Steve McClaren's interview, originally scheduled for Thursday, and told Rafael Benitez and Mark Hughes that they are not in the running to replace Gerard Houllier. McClaren had been told he would be

Villa are thought to have just two names left on their shortlist, Martinez and Bolton's Owen Coyle, but are believed to favour the man who kept Wigan in the Premier League against the odds.

The Daily Telegraph believes Martinez's move to Villa Park is far from a formality, though Whelan never likely to stand in the way of his close friend if a bigger club came calling. If Martinez goes then once again Whelan will have to find a manager to mastermind another Premier League escape plan as the vultures circle for their best players, such as Charles N'Zogbia and Hugo Rodallega.

Martinez, though, has strong emotional ties to Wigan. But the temptation to take another step on the managerial ladder may still prove too strong. Whelan will try to persuade him to stay at the DW by offering him a new deal.

''Aston Villa have acted above board and in a totally professional manner,'' he said. ''They wrote to me asking for permission to speak to Roberto. He was on holiday at the time and I granted Villa permission. He arrived back yesterday and I presume he has spoken to Villa. I have made it clear to him I will be extending his contract.

''I have never let him down on anything and he has never let me down. I know I can never say never in football, but I would be very surprised if he is Aston Villa's new manager.''

Villa chief executive Paul Faulkner released a statement which read: ''The club is conscious of the keen interest in developments over the appointment of our new manager. When the process has reached an appropriate point we can assure our fans that we will be clear and forthright.

''We are focused right now on trying to secure the best candidate who will complement the club's commitment to being true to our heritage, competitiveness and passionate fan base.

''Until such time as the process is more advanced, there will be no further official comment.''

JT and Cameron Diaz still love each other

2011-06-09T03:35:00.000-07:00

It’s no secret the new R-rated comedy “Bad Teacher” reunites former celebrity couple Cameron Diaz and Justin Timberlake. But wasn't it just a little awkward on set for the two famous exes? Apparently not.

"The secret is that we're adults and we've moved on,” Diaz told CNN on Monday at the press junket for the film. “I mean Justin and I love each other. We care about each other. There's no reason for us to be angry or have resentment...Life goes on, and both of our lives have gone on. We've both had a lot of love in our lives since."

Likewise, Timberlake did not shy away from his continued affinity for his ex-girlfriend.

"We share a sense of humor,” he told CNN. “My only apprehension and her only apprehension for doing this movie was that people would misconstrue [our relationship], but at the end of the day they are going to do that. We love each other, we respect each other, we are still great friends, we love to laugh together, and why not do it at work on a movie that's really funny?"

Besides, Diaz added, "The love has evolved to [what it is] now and we accept that. You can't go back. And I don't want to go back there."

“Bad Teacher” begins schooling moviegoers June 24, 2011.