world news

Oprah Winfrey, James Earl Jones to receive honorary Oscars

noreply@blogger.com (world news) — Wed, 3 Aug 2011 08:25:00 -0700

Oprah Winfrey, James Earl Jones and makeup artist Dick Smith have been picked to receive honorary Oscars.The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences says the three will be honored with Oscar statuettes at the Governors Awards in November. The academy's Board of Governors voted Tuesday to recognize the entertainment industry veterans.Winfrey will receive the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, which honors philanthropic and humanitarian contributions. The 57-year-old media mogul, who was nominated for a supporting actress Oscar for 1985's "The Color Purple," supports various charitable and educational causes, including her own namesake foundations and Academy for Girls in South Africa.Jones and Smith will receive honorary Oscars for their outstanding careers.

Jennifer Lopez says loved herself enough to quit marriage

noreply@blogger.com (world news) — Wed, 3 Aug 2011 08:00:00 -0700

Jennifer Lopez remains a romantic despite with her husband Marc Anthony. She said finding a way to love herself is what gave her the courage to walk away from the seven-year marriage.In her first interview since announcing their breakup in July, the actress and singer told Vanity Fair magazine that both she and Anthony had worked hard to keep the marriage alive and that he "will always hold a special place in my heart."But it was Lopez who apparently decided to end it."I'm a hopeless romantic and passionate person when it comes to love," Lopez told the magazine in an interview for its September issue."It's not that I didn't love myself before. Sometimes we don't realize that we are compromising ourselves. To understand that a person is not good for you, or that that person is not treating you in the right way, or that he is not doing the right thing for himself if I stay, then I am not doing the right thing for me. I love myself enough to walk away from that now," she added.The marriage was the third for Lopez, 42, and produced twins Emme and Max in 2008.

Maria Sharapova unchallenged as world's top earning female athlete.

noreply@blogger.com (world news) — Wed, 3 Aug 2011 03:44:00 -0700

The Russian tennis player Maria Sharapova remains unchallenged as the world's highest paid woman in professional sports. But Sharapova may not have won a grand slam title since 2008.For the seventh straight year, Sharapova topped the annual list provided by Forbes magazine, despite failing to add to her three grand slam titles, although she did make the Wimbledon final in July.Sharapova's earnings, mostly off-court endorsements, were estimated at $25 million, twice as much as her nearest rival, Denmark's Caroline Wozniacki, the current women's world number one.

Top 10 women earners
1. Maria Sharapova $25 million (Russia, tennis)
2. Caroline Wozniacki $12.5 million (Denmark, tennis
3. Danica Patrick $12 million (U.S., motor racing)
4. Venus Williams $11.5 million (U.S., tennis)
5. Kim Clijsters $11 million (Belgium, tennis)
6. Serena Williams $10.5 million (U.S., tennis)
7. Kim Yuna $10 million (figure skating, South Korea)
8. Li Na $8 million (China, tennis)
9. Ana Ivanovic $6 million (Serbia, tennis)
10. Paula Creamer $5.5 million (U.S., golf)

Jennifer Lopez deal to judge 'American Idol' is done

noreply@blogger.com (world news) — Tue, 2 Aug 2011 09:18:00 -0700

Jennifer Lopez is returning to "American Idol" to judge for at least another year, TheWrap has learned through two individuals familiar with the deal.Lopez will be returning to the singing competition with a contract with the Fox Broadcasting Network that's "a smidge over" $20 million, according to one of the individuals.Both insiders said the deal is complete but has not yet been signed. The only hurdle left to be cleared in the deal, according to one of the individuals, is scheduling. Lopez will be working on two major productions -- the romantic dramedy "What to Expect When You're Expecting," which is slated for a May 2012 release, and the thriller "Parker," currently in pre-production -- which will most likely necessitate a shift in audition dates for the upcoming season.

TheWrap has also confirmed that Lopez plans to continue with the talent-search series "Q'Viva" The series will feature Lopez and her now-estranged husband Marc Anthony scouring Latin America for the hottest vocal talent in the region. The series is co-created and co-executive-produced by Lopez, Anthony, "American Idol" producer Simon Fuller and Jamie King.

Xbox addict 'dies from blood clot'

noreply@blogger.com (world news) — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 18:22:00 -0700

The family of a budding computer programmer have launched a campaign to raise awareness about the health risks of playing online computer games after their son died following a marathon session on his Xbox.A post-mortem revealed that 20-year-old Chris Staniforth -- who was offered a place to study Game Design at Leicester University -- was killed by a pulmonary embolism, which can occur if someone sits in the same position for several hours.Deep vein thrombosis normally affects passengers on long-haul flights, but medical experts fear youngsters who spend hours glued to their consoles might also be at risk and have urged them to take regular breaks.Professor Brian Colvin -- an expert on blood-related conditions -- said it was "unhealthy" for youngsters to spend long periods in front of their consoles."There's anxiety about obesity and children not doing anything other than looking at computer screens," he said.David Staniforth has now launched a campaign to warn other parents of the dangers."Games are fun and once you've started playing it's hard to stop."Kids all over the country are playing these games for long periods - they don't realise it could kill them," he said.

Staniforth's distraught father said his son would spend up to 12 hours playing on his Xbox."He got sucked in playing Halo online against people from all over the world."Online computer games are extremely popular as thousands interact in shared science fiction worlds.Reports of gamers collapsing after spending 15 hours in front of video games are fairly common throughout Asia.In 2005, a South Korean gamer died after playing online games for three days without taking a break.Microsoft -- which manufactures the Xbox -- said it "recommend gamers take breaks to exercise as well as make time for other pursuits."

Angelina Jolie honored at Sarajevo Film Festival in Bosnia

noreply@blogger.com (world news) — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 18:12:00 -0700

Angelina Jolie attended the closing ceremony of the eight-day Sarajevo Film Festival in Bosnia's capital Saturday. The organizers presented her with a special award for bringing attention to refugees from the country's 1992-95 war.The award, called The Heart of Sarajevo, was handed to Jolie by festival director, Miro Purivatra. Miro Purivatra said it was being given to her not only for her great impact in the movie industry, but also for persisting in her active engagement in the complexities in the real world we live in.Jolie visited Bosnia last year as UNHCR ambassador and drew attention to the plight of 117,000 people who haven't able to return to their homes even though the Bosnia war ended 16 years ago.Accompanied by Brad Pitt, she visited several refugee camps. The visit resulted in a U.S. government donation that provided housing for the last 15 people living in one of the rundown facilities.

Christina Aguilera, Selena Gomez top ALMA nominees

noreply@blogger.com (world news) — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 19:34:00 -0700

Christina Aguilera and Selena Gomez are the leading nominees for the ALMA Awards.The National Council of La Raza announced the nominations Thursday.Aguilera and Gomez are each up for three awards for their work in music and on the big and small screens. Both are nominated in the female music artist category and for Favorite Movie Actress in a comedy or musical — Aguilera for "Burlesque" and Gomez for "Monte Carlo." Aguilera was also nominated for Reality TV Personality for her work on "The Voice." Gomez is up for Favorite TV Actress in a comedy for "Wizards of Waverly Place," which was nominated for Favorite TV Series alongside "CSI: Miami," "Desperate Housewives" and "Modern Family."Jennifer Lopez and "Glee" star Naya Rivera are each double nominees. Both are up for Female Music Artist. Lopez is also nominated in the reality TV category for "American Idol" and Rivera is nominated for Favorite TV Actress in a comedy for "Glee."The nominees for favorite movie will be announced Aug. 22.

Lady Gaga to release book of photographs

noreply@blogger.com (world news) — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 19:06:00 -0700

Lady Gaga will release a book of photographs with fashion photographer Terry Richardson.Grand Central Publishing announced Thursday that it will release the book, "Lady Gaga," on Nov. 22. The publisher said the book will include more than 350 color and black-and-white photographs of Gaga.On Thursday, the pop star surpassed 12 million followers on Twitter.

Drogba takes malaria fight to West Africa

noreply@blogger.com (world news) — Sat, 23 Jul 2011 09:30:00 -0700

After six years braving England's frigid winters, Chelsea's injury-prone striker Didier Drogba thought would keep him on the sidelines of the Premier League.Since contracting malaria last year, Drogba's fight against the disease has gone from the Chelsea treatment room to the wilds of West Africa. In West Africa Drogba is building a hospital and providing thousands of mosquito nets in an effort to cut the infection rate of one of the world's biggest killers.There are 225 million cases a year of malaria, a mosquito-borne disease which can damage the nervous system, kidneys and liver. There were 781,000 deaths due to malaria in 2009, nine out of 10 were in Africa, according to the World Health Organization."I had malaria, I know exactly what it feels like and it's something that I want to stop," Drogba told on Saturday.He also says that "That's why we're giving these nets to kids and people who can't afford treatment. These are good options, they're efficient and they save lives."

The 32-year-old fell ill with malaria in September but continued playing, a decision he said was foolish in retrospect and delayed his recovery.

Maradona: I'd quit if I were Batista

noreply@blogger.com (world news) — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 04:01:00 -0700

Diego Maradona said that were he Argentina coach Sergio Batista he would quit following the side's early Copa America exit. The Argentine Football Association says it will keep Batista on as coach despite their quarter-final loss on penalties to Uruguay - he only succeeded Maradona after last summer's World Cup quarters loss to Germany.But Maradona says that decision is wrong-headed."If I had only beaten Costa Rica, (Argentina's sole Copa success) I would have gone of my own accord," Maradona told Tuesday.Maradona and Batista were teammates in the side which won the 1986 World Cup but the two have been at loggerheads since Batista took over after the former was forced out.

Contador Shuffles Deck at Tour De France.

noreply@blogger.com (world news) — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 03:45:00 -0700

Three-time champion Alberto Contador mixed up the Tour de France overall standings with a powerful move on the Col de Manse.While the same seven contenders topped the standings after the 17th stage Tuesday, Contador moved up a spot to sixth. Thor Hushovd won the stage in a breakaway.Contador, baring his teeth as his tires sizzled on the rain-slick roads, surged out of the pack on the mid-grade Col de Magne climb, and held on through a treacherous downhill finish in the 101-mile ride from Saint-Paul-Trois-Chateaux to Gap.Contador said "I knew I needed to attack. I couldn't care less if someone kept on my wheel — I knew one of them would fail. I'm so happy. It has been a major gap, much bigger than I expected."The unexpected surge by the Spaniard shook up the leaderboard at cycling's greatest race, which ends Sunday in Paris after a jaunt Wednesday into Italy, then two days in the Alps, and a time-trial Saturday in Grenoble.

Beckhams book Bieber for private concert

noreply@blogger.com (world news) — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 03:25:00 -0700

Justin Bieber has agreed to play a private concert for David Beckham and his family in return for soccer lessons.The teenage pop star is friends with the soccer player and his wife, Victoria, and he recently gifted their three sons with signed guitars.Bieber said that "I've agreed to give the boys a private concert at their house if David gives me some private soccer lessons! David's an amazing dad, and he told me how happy it would make the boys, so I had to say yes. ... David tells me my records are always played in their household, and David and Victoria are both really cool, so I'm happy to oblige."Justine is also considering asking his girlfriend, Selena Gomez, to join in now that the Beckhams are parents to a baby girl, Harper, who was born earlier this month.

Irish rockers U2 record birthday tribute for Mandela

noreply@blogger.com (world news) — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 04:38:00 -0700

Irish rockers U2 have recorded a special tribute to mark Nelson Mandela's 93rd birthday.The band performed a rendition of "Happy Birthday" at a show in Philadelphia last week and recorded it for Mandela.The video will be played for the former South African president at a Mandela Day gala at the Four Seasons restaurant in New York on Monday. The event will be hosted by Morgan Freeman.

Beckham baby debuts on Facebook

noreply@blogger.com (world news) — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 01:30:00 -0700

David Beckham took to Facebook on Sunday to introduce to the world his new baby daughter, Harper Seven Beckham.Briton Beckham posted a black-and-white photo showing Harper and her mother, Victoria Beckham, dozing away while doting Dad snapped the shot. He captioned it: "I took this picture of my two girls sleeping."In another posted on Victoria's Twitter account, footballer Beckham, 36, cradles his newborn in his hands and poses with her, nose-to-nose. "Daddy's little girl," the mom tweeted.Harper was born on July 10, to Beckham and former Spice Girl and fashion designer, Victoria. Their new daughter joins brothers, Brooklyn, 12 years-old, Romeo 8 and Cruz 6.

Japan win thrilling Women's World Cup final.

noreply@blogger.com (world news) — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 19:07:00 -0700

Japan has won the Women's World Cup, stunning the United States 3-1 in a penalty shootout Sunday night after coming from behind twice in a 2-2 tie.Shannon Boxx, Carli Lloyd and Tobin Heath all failed to convert for the Americans, who squandered dozens of chances throughout the game and blew a lead just six minutes from winning their third World Cup title.Japan had not beaten the Americans in their first 25 meetings, including a pair of 2-0 losses in warm-up games a month before the World Cup. ''This is obviously going to hurt for a while,'' said Abby Wambach.After being presented with the gold trophy, Japan's players jumped up and down on the podium, then gathered behind a sign reading ''Champions. World Champions.''

Paraguay shoots Brazil out of Copa.

noreply@blogger.com (world news) — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 18:55:00 -0700

Paraguay advanced to the Copa America semifinals on Sunday by beating defending champion Brazil 2-0 in a penalty shootout after the score was level at 0-0 following extra time.A great performance by Paraguay goalkeeper Justo Villar ensured Brazil failed to capitalize on its scoring opportunities despite dominating from the start.It is the first time since 1989 that Paraguay has reached the final four in the South American competition.''After the way we played today, I've never seen a more unfair result in my entire career,'' Brazil midfielder Ramires said.Paraguay will face either Chile or Venezuela, which will play later Sunday. Uruguay and Peru, which eliminated Colombia on Saturday, will meet in the other semifinal.

Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony ending their marriage and splitting

noreply@blogger.com (world news) — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 04:12:00 -0700

The American Idol judge Jennifer Lopez and husband Marc Anthony have announced they are splitting and ending their seven-year marriage.The couple told "We have decided to end our marriage.This was a very difficult decision. We have come to an amicable conclusion on all matters". Lopez and Anthony wed in 2004 and have two children together, three-year-old twins Max and Emme. The wedding was the second for Anthony and the third for Lopez, who previously had brief marriages to Ojani Noa and Cris Judd.

Harry Potter has cast his biggest spell yet with a record-breaking first day at the box office for his final film.

noreply@blogger.com (world news) — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 03:43:00 -0700

"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2" summoned up $92.1 million domestically on opening day Friday.That's nearly $20 million more than the previous record-holder, "The Twilight Saga: New Moon," which took in $72.7 million in its first day two years ago.The film added $75 million in 57 overseas countries Friday, raising its international total to $157.5 million since it began rolling out Wednesday. That gives the film a worldwide total of about $250 million.In a single day, "Deathly Hallows: Part 2" took in more money than four of the previous seven "Harry Potter" films did over their entire opening weekends.The finale of the "Harry Potter" saga also set a record for midnight screenings with $43.5 million. That topped "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse," which pulled in about $30 million in its first midnight shows last year.

Nick Lachey & Vanessa Minnillo Are Married.

noreply@blogger.com (world news) — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 19:26:00 -0700

After dating for more than five years, Nick Lachey and Vanessa Minnillo are married.A spokeswoman for Minnillo confirms that the couple wed Friday. People magazine first reported the nuptials.The 37-year-old singer and 30-year-old actress announced their engagement in November. Lachey was previously married to Jessica Simpson.

'Harry Potter' looks to shatter box office record.

noreply@blogger.com (world news) — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 09:50:00 -0700

The final "Harry Potter" film is poised to shatter more box-office records when it opens this weekend."Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2" will almost certainly break the record for biggest worldwide opener ever,the $236 million benchmark set by "Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince" two years ago.As it stands, "Deathly Hallows: Part 2" is on pace to pull in north of $150 million domestically, based on studio tracking. Adding extra gravy to Warner Bros. box-office feast, many of those ticket prices will come at a premium, as "Deathly Hallows: Part 2" will hit 3,000 3-D screens.Internationally, Potter will premiere on 19,500 screens in 59 foreign territories such as Russia, Australia and Italy this weekend. It already earned $43.6 million in foreign territories on Wednesday.

'Evil Dead' Is coming back to life

noreply@blogger.com (world news) — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 22:35:00 -0700

Diablo Cody is rewriting the script for the "Evil Dead" remake being put together by Sam Raimi, Bruce Campbell and Rob Tapert.The writer, who won the Academy Award for "Juno," more recently wrote the 2009 horror-comedy "Jennifer's Body."Raimi is back with his original "Evil Dead" producing partners Rob Tapert and Bruce Campbell on the Ghost House Pictures project for Mandate. Campbell starred as "Ash" in "Evil Dead" and its two sequels.

Lady Gaga's YouTube account suspended

noreply@blogger.com (world news) — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 21:51:00 -0700

Fans visiting the "ladygagaofficial" page on Thursday were greeted with the message, "This account has been suspended due to multiple or severe violations of YouTube's Copyright Policy."According to Time Out Tokyo, the account was suspended because it featured footage from Lady Gaga's recent appearance on "SMAP x SMAP."The pop superstar directed fans to the 10-minute footage, tweeting, "My performance+cooking show appearance on SMAP SMAP is airing now in Japan. Kawaii Monsters!"

Rihanna is the new queen of Facebook.

noreply@blogger.com (world news) — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 21:25:00 -0700

Rihanna has toppled Lady Gaga as the most popular woman on Facebook.Gaga started the year as the top living person on the social networking website, with only the late Michael Jackson garnering more "likes" from fans around the world.Eminem surpassed Gaga's feat in February and, by March, he had stolen the crown from the King of Pop, too, with more than 30 million votes.Now Gaga has taken another knock to her ego. Rihanna has replaced her as the most-liked female star on the site, racking up more than 40.5 million "likes," a far cry from the 5,000 she had last summer.

Japan to face U.S. in women's World Cup final

noreply@blogger.com (world news) — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 20:15:00 -0700

The United States will face Japan in the women's World Cup final.The Japanese, playing in their first semi-final, beat Sweden by the same score with a double from Nahomi Kawasumi, including a spectacular 35-meter lob. The Americans, who won the title in 1991 and 1999 and have never finished below third place in a women's World Cup, took an early lead when Lauren Cheney flicked in a Carli Lloyd cross in the ninth minute.France leveled after the break with a Sonia Bompastor cross that bounced past U.S. keeper Hope Solo but two goals in three minutes from Abby Wambach (79th) and Alex Morgan (82nd) secured a third World Cup final appearance for the Americans."This is our journey, this is our dream," a beaming Wambach said. "France are a great team. There were moments they were outplaying us but I am so proud of this team.""I know we are going to pull through. I have belief in this team. Everybody is working for each other."In Frankfurt, captain Homare Sawa turned from villain to hero by putting Japan 2-1 up on the hour after her defensive error had given Sweden a 10th minute lead.

16-Pound Baby Born In Texas.

noreply@blogger.com (world news) — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 00:06:00 -0700

A 16 pound baby may have set a Texas record. According to Guiness World Records, the largest baby recorded weighed 23.12 lb. at birth in 1879. The baby was born in Canada.JaMichael Brown was born last Friday. He weighed 16 pounds, 1 ounce and was twenty-four inches long. Babies of three to six months are usually that size. JaMichael was nicknamed “The Moose” at the hospital. His parents need to get larger clothes for JaMichael. It is reported they are looking forward to bringing JaMichael home.