tuberaider video

NBA all-star Shaquille O'Neal is known as Superman on the basketball court, but now we know he can be a hero off the court too, with Shaq's funeral payment for a young girl recently murdered in North Carolina.

The girl, Shaniya Davis, was kidnapped and killed in North Carolina and broke hearts across America when she was found dead after days of being missing. Shaq saw the news reports and was moved to do whatever he could to help remember this poor girl and her family and friends. With so much bad news around, in and out of the sports world, it's good to see some stories about an athlete who shows heart and class! Bravo to the Big Aristotle.

Shaq & Funeral Payment

Basketball star Shaquille O'Neal has paid for the funeral of a 5-year-old North Carolina girl whose kidnapping and slaying received national news coverage. The Fayetteville Observer in North Carolina reported Thursday that the Cleveland Cavaliers player was touched by the case of Shaniya Davis. More than 2,000 people attended her funeral Sunday...

Shaq & Funeral Payment

Can this be true, that Shakira's boyfriend it telling her she needs to stop being so sexy?

Apparently so, as the bodacious and brainy pop star Shakira says her boyfriend Antonio de la Rua was shockd by her video for "She Wolf", the new single from her latest CD of the same name. When he saw her inside a cage, with a leotard that made her look like she wore nothing at all, she says he asked "couldn't you at least wear a scarf??"

Shakira sas she will not tone her style down for the boyfriend (wbo is son of Argentina's former president), but she will give him a private show to make it up to him.

But really though, Shakira's boyfriend was surprised...by what exacty? Hasn't he ever seen any of her other videos? Who did he think he was dating,
Paula Poundstone? Asking Shakira to hide her sexiness is like asking the sun not to shine, like asking The Mango not to be The Mango!

Shakira Boyfriend: Put Some Clothes On!

realbollywood

Colombian pop star Shakira has revealed her boyfriend has urged her to tone down her raunchy image. The singer admits her beau Antonio de la Rua was shocked the first time he saw her revealing outfit for the video of her new album "She Wolf", in which she cavorts in a cage appearing to wear just a black belt and stilettos, reports femalefirst.co.uk...

Can this be true, that Shakira's boyfriend it telling her she needs to stop being so sexy?

Apparently so, as the bodacious and brainy pop star Shakira says her boyfriend Antonio de la Rua was shockd by her video for "She Wolf", the new single from her latest CD of the same name. When he saw her inside a cage, with a leotard that made her look like she wore nothing at all, she says he asked "couldn't you at least wear a scarf??"

Shakira sas she will not tone her style down for the boyfriend (who is son of Argentina's former president), but she will give him a private show to make it up to him.

But really though, Shakira's boyfriend was surprised...by what exacty? Hasn't he ever seen any of her other videos? Who did he think he was dating,
Paula Poundstone? Asking Shakira to hide her sexiness is like asking the sun not to shine, like asking The Mango not to be The Mango!


Shakira Boyfriend: Put Some Clothes On!

realbollywood

Colombian pop star Shakira has revealed her boyfriend has urged her to tone down her raunchy image. The singer admits her beau Antonio de la Rua was shocked the first time he saw her revealing outfit for the video of her new album "She Wolf", in which she cavorts in a cage appearing to wear just a black belt and stilettos, reports femalefirst.co.uk...

In a legal case that continues to stir up debate, it's been a year now since R Kelly was acquitted of child pornography charges, in a sordid case surrounding an alleged videotape of him having sex with, and urinating on, an underage girl.

The tape, which leaked onto the internet and was seen by millions of people, seemed to clearly incriminate R Kelly in this terrible degradation of a minor. But somehow the attorneys on his all-star legal team were able to help him beat the charges, in a bizarre trial where the alleged victim denied it was her in the video, amid speculation her family had been paid off to help R Kelly get an acquittal.

The legal system ran its course, his lawyers did their job. and I guess we have to respect the outcome. But I saw the tape. And it darn sure looked like him to me. That's all I'm gonna say about it...

R. Kelly Acquitted of Child Pornography Charges

A Cook County jury Friday acquitted R&B superstar R. Kelly of child pornography charges, marking the end of a high-profile trial rich in courtroom drama and celebrity intrigue. Jurors put little stock in the prosecution's star witness..and because the alleged victim and her family denied she was the woman in the video, jurors' sense of reasonable doubt held strong...

R Kelly's latest album, entitled "Untitled" was released this year to mixed reviews, with some saying he's still got his trademark groove, while others were unable to stomach his trademark cheese.

The album, his first since getting acquitted of child pornography charges (though few people if any came away seeing him as innocent), takes him back to his usual lane of saucy love jams, with a few uptempo numbers thrown in. R Kelly has not been shamed at all by all the scrutiny, and still has that knack for lyrics that make most adults cringe. But he knows how to make a catchy song, you can't deny that. So the album did get some thumbs up, but many critics have grown tired of the R's antics and gave a failing grade to this latest collection of come-ons.

If I were writing and R Kelly album review it would read "Who cares what it sounds like, I saw him on that videotape and I'm never buying any of his albums ever" ...but hey that's just me.

Reviews of R. Kelly's Album "Untitled"

Most listeners who pay attention to pop music have already made up their minds about Kelly. "Untitled" won't change anyone's perspective. It's more a reminder, as he modestly crows in "Like I Do," that when it comes to lust and music he "blow[s] the competition away.

Whitney Houston's long awaited comeback album I Look to You is finally upon us, and reviews are here to tell us whether she's still got it.

Whitney has been through years of well documented struggle, with drug addiction, family turmoil and mental instability, but she seems to have worked relaly hard on beating her demons and regaining her confidence. Regaining her vocal chops seems to be hardest of all though, as recent comeback performances showed off a voice much shakier than fans remember.

And reviews of "I Look To You" suggest Whitney Houston may have relied on her producers to disguise the weakened voice, on the many lushly produced ballads and dance tracks, that also show less vocal range in the melody. There are said to be many playable songs though, including the popualr first single "Million Dollar Bill." So, with everyone rooting for her to make it back to the top, here's hoping Whitney will get the support she needs, good reviews or not!

Whitney Houston I Look to You Review
lat imes

What's hard to give up is the dream of painless perfection that the young Houston represented, back in the yuppie era, when her voice sounded like the easy money that was flowing everywhere. Of course, that didn't turn out so well for anyone else, either. Though "I Look to You" doesn't soar like the old days, it's fine to hear Houston working on her own recovery plan...

Whitney Houston I Look to You Review

The British crew of a racing Yacht has been seized and detained in Iran after sailing through their waters this week, and calls are now coming from around the world for them to be released.

The Brits say they wandered into Iranian waters strictly by accident, and a spokesperson said "I think it is completely unjustifiable and I believe Iran should release these people from captivity without delay. There was no justification for them being arrested in the first place." So far there is no word from Iran on their plans for the Yacht crew, though it is confirmed they are currently safe and sound.

Friends and family say they hope the racers will be released soon and won't be used as a "bargaining chip."

Racing Yacht Crew Seized in Iran
avanova

Five British sailors are being detained in Iran after their racing yacht was stopped by the Iranian navy, the Foreign Office has said. Their boat, the Kingdom Of Bahrain, owned by Sail Bahrain, was stopped by Iranian naval vessels last Wednesday as it sailed from Bahrain to Dubai...

Racing Yacht Crew Seized in Iran

A group in California is now taking the "defense of marriage" movement out to the extreme, looking for a ban on getting divorced!

In what some believe is a publicity stunt designed to satirize the anti-gay arguments for "protecting marriage", this group is demanding that we protect the institution by straight-up outlawing divorce. After all, if marriage is sacred and must be protected at all costs, how can we allow people to just throw it away like that!

As the movement's organizer says: "Since California has decided to protect traditional marriage, I think it would be hypocritical of us not to sacrifice some of our own rights to protect traditional marriage even more..."

California Divorce Ban! (VIDEO)
boston.com

California activist John Marcotte wants to put a measure on the ballot next year to ban divorce in California. The effort is meant to be a satirical statement after California voters outlawed gay marriage in 2008, largely on the argument that a ban is needed to protect the sanctity of traditional marriage. If that's the case, then Marcotte reasons voters should have no problem banning divorce...

California Divorce Ban! (VIDEO)

With Charlie Weis's brutal fall from grace at Notre Dame this season, fans are wondering who will be the next head coach for their storied college football franchise. And though it's not confirmed yet, word has it Notre Dame's new coach will be none other than Bob Stoops.

A reporter who tracks the team says they have already verbally agreed with Stoops for him to take over coaching the troubled football squad perhaps even this week. Which is too late to save this season, but maybe they can keep building for the future. Stoops, though is said to be denying these reports, so we'll just have to wait and see.

Bob Stoops & Notre Dame? (VIDEO)
bleacher report

A writer from the Notre Dame Scout page is reporting that Bob Stoops and the Notre Dame athletic department have agreed verbally to the principles of a contract , and that if Notre Dame can meet his financial requirements, Stoops will take over as head coach of the Fighting Irish as early as this week...

Bob Stoops & Notre Dame? (VIDEO)

Janet Jackson has struggled for years now to regain her throne as the Queen of Pop, but she's hoping her new album, being released in February, will be the one to break the jinx.

Her last couple of CDs didn't do well, despite having boyfriend and hitmaker Jermaine Dupri in her corner, who was so successful in reviving Mariah Carey's musical career. But this time around, her new album on Def Jam will have lots of attention and goodwill since it is her first album since the passing of her beloved brother Michael Jackson.

Janet Jackson's New Album to be Released in February
billboard

Janet Jackson's as-yet-untitled debut album for Island Def Jam will be released in February. The artist is also prepping a worldwide tour to promote the follow-up to 2006's "20 Y.O." In addition, Jackson has signed with the William Morris Agency for representation in all areas. Jackson comes to the company after a starring role in Tyler Perry's hit "Why Did I Get Married?"

Janet Jackson's New Album to be Released in February

Nerds across the world are rejoicing at the news that Devo is together again, recording their first new album in 20 years. Let's see if we can report this without making some kind of joke about "whipping it again"!

The group has been steadily touring, but hasn't made a new album since 1990's "Smooth Noodle Maps" (don't ask me, that's the name), so this new release is a big event.

Leader Mark Mothersbaugh says he feels inspired for the first time in a while, perhaps by the political changes that came about recently. Most people don't know their big hit songh Whip It was actually a tribute to Jimmy Carter, rooting for him to step up and whip things into shape (this is actually true, not joking). I'm just going to hope this doesn't jinx Obama into becoming another one term president.

Devo: First Album in 20 Years!
gigwise

Devo are to release their first new studio album in almost 20 years, it's been announced. The band, who formed in Ohio in 1973, will release their new effort in autumn next year. "De-evolution has finally arrived and who better to guide us through the mess than Devo," a message said on their website...

Devo: First Album in 20 Years!

According to researchers in Australia, an enzyme found in Kangaroos may have us hopping with joy soon, as it shows potential to help fight skin cancer.

The enzyme produced by the kangaroos being studied provides extra protection to the kangaroos when they're out in the Australian sun, and medical researchers hope they can use it to devise a "dream cream" that repairs our DNA after we get too much sun.

They say the research to provide this alternative treatment for cancer stil has years to go, so for now you need to stick with traditional ways of treatment and prevention. But hopefully in a decade or so there will be a new weapon in our fight against cancer!

Kangaroos: Skin Cancer Cure?
aol

How can scientists help humans avoid the scourge of skin cancer? One possible answer has now jumped out at an Australian research team: a DNA repair enzyme found in kangaroos.
Researchers at Melbourne University have been studying the enzyme... Although the enzyme does not make kangaroos immune to skin cancer, it does give them added protection from the sun's rays...

Tiger Woods continues to stay mum about his car crash, but one thing we can hear is the voice of his neighbor, in this audio of the 911 call right after accident.

In the recorded phone call, you hear Tiger Woods' neighbor calling in and reporting that there has been a car accident, and the driver seems to be unconscious. It's hard to determine from the tape exactly what took place, but you can listen to the 911 call and judge for yourself.

Certainly a dramatic and somewhat mysterious bit of audio, from the golf star's accident. But now that the police have spoken and are not pressing any criminal charges, it may be time to let all our speculation die down and just move on, and hope that if there really was a fight or domestic dispute here, that Tiger Woods and his wife are able to work it out.

Tiger Woods 911 Call (AUDIO)

After giving his side of the car-crash story and asking that it be treated as "a private matter," Tiger Woods is still not in the clear. Troopers arriving at his Isleworth home requesting an interview were turned down for a third straight day, but the Florida Highway Patrol said it will continue to investigate...

Tiger Woods 911 Call (AUDIO)

In the aftermath of his mysterious car crash last week and his avoidance of discussing it, Tiger Woods made the unexpected decision to pull out of this year;'s Chevron golf tournament.

This is a surprising move from Tiger Woods because this tournament is a pet project of his, in which he usually takes the lead in hosting, promoting and getting other top golfers to participate. So for Tiger to pull out of it suggests either his injuries from the car crash are still affecting him, or he remains committed to avoiding any questions about why the accident happened. Or maybe he just doesn't want to be around any more golf clubs for a while.

Either way, now that police have made clear no criminal charges are coming, I think it's time for us to let their business be their business. If Tiger and his wife were having some sort of fight, let's just root for them to work it out.. they have no obligation to explain it to us, and Tiger should not be scared off from hosting charity tournaments like the Chevron because of our tabloid obsessions.

Tiger Woods Pulls Out of Chevron Tournament
bbc

Tiger Woods has withdrawn from the Chevron World Challenge, a tournament he has hosted for the past nine years.The world number one said injuries sustained in a car accident on Friday morning have forced him to pull out...

Tiger Woods Pulls Out of Chevron Tournament

Tiger Wood's alleged mistress Rachel Uchitel denies the rumors that they had an affair. But does America believe her?

Rachel, who has teamed up with high priced lawyer Gloria Allred for legal counsel and help with media relations, denies any implication that she and Tiger Woods are lovers. Their rumored affair has been cited as cause of the domestic dispute many people believe was behind Tiger's car accident last week.

But according to Uchitel: ""Not a word of it is true...It's the most ridiculous story. It's like they are asking me to comment if there are aliens on Earth." After which Uchitel stepped into her new boyriend's spaceship, and flew back to his home planet for the weekend.

Rachel Uchitel Denies Rumors
abcnews

Tiger Woods' reputed lover, former New York night club hostess Rachel Uchitel, denied any kind of affair with the golf superstar and called the rumors "ridiculous" in an interview with the New York Post printed today. Uchitel said Woods had been to the New York City club where she worked, and she did escort Woods and his group in and out, but that was the extent of their contact...

Rachel Uchitel Denies Rumors

Rachel Uchitel, the rumored mistress of Tiger Woods who's getting lots of attention after Tiger's car accident (allegedly caused by a marital spat over his affairs), is denying they evere had an affair. But she does admit she met Tiger Woods before, just as she's met many other celebrities in her career working for some of America's hottest clubs.

Uchitel has worked at many of the most glamorous clubs, incluning Tao, Griffin, avenue, and the notorious PInk Elephant. It was in this job as a hostess that Rachel met Tiger Woods, but she says she did nothing but escort him and his friends to and from their VIP area at the club, and that's where their relationship started and ended...

Rachel Uchitel Worked at Clubs: Tao, Griffin, Avenue and Pink Elephant
blackbook

Rachel Uchitel has run the velvet ropes from Las Vegas to the Hamptons. Uchitel's come a long way -- she lost her fiancée in the World Trade Center attacks on 9/11, found love again, then moved on once more. After conquering so many obstacles and returning east to manage VIP action at some of the most successful clubs in New York, she has no plans to slow down....

The woman rumored to have had an affair with Tiger Woods has already been in the news before, thanks to ties with another celebrity. According to Star magazine, Rachel Uchitel allegedly had an encounter with married actor David Boreanaz, when the two met at the club where she works as a hostess.

The magazine offered lots of lurid details from their supposed affair, that I will not repeat here (if you're dying to know you can click the link below). but given that Star magazine is the source, who knows what to believe, or why we should even make the effort to decide. It certainly is an unfortunate coincidence for Uchitel that she is linked to Tiger Woods so soon after this gossip item on herself fand David Boreanaz, but perhaps she can parlay it into the 15 minutes of fame we are all due nowadays.

David Boreanaz: Star Magazine Cheating Scoop?
socialitelife

Star magazine claims that Bones star, David Boreanaz, has been stepping out on his wife of eight years, Jamie Bergman, with a brunette event planner named Rachel Uchitel. The twosome allegedly met at the club where Rachel works on the occasion of David's 40th birthday...

David Boreanaz: Star Magazine Cheating Scoop?

Rachel Uchitel, the woman rumored to be seeing Tiger Woods in the affair that led to a marital spat the night of his car crash, is getting far more scrutiny into her relationship history than anyone could ever want. And among the chapters in her life story are two marriages of her own that sadly did not last.

Uchitel has been linked to many celebrities including David Boreanaz, Alex Rodriguez and Derek and Derek Jeter, in addition to Tiger Woods. But she was first seen by the public in the aftermath of 9/11, in photos that captured her grief over the loss of her husband in the World Trade Center attack. And more recently Rachel Uchitel married Steven Ehrenkranz, only to split up after just four months of marriage.

Rachel Uchitel and Steven Ehrenkranz Split, After Four Months of Marriage
inentertainment

Rachel married Wall Street trader Steven Ehrenkranz in 2004, however they split after four months. She was also engaged to investment banker Andy O'Grady, who sadly later died in 9/11 attacks. According to the National Enquirer she first met Tiger, in June at Manhattan's Griffin nightclub. They then began having an affair...

Rachel Uchitel and Steven Ehrenkranz Split, After Four Months of Marriage

Is Scott Rothstein the Bernie Madoff of Florida? The prominent lawyer in Florida is facing serious charges for investment fraud, as RICO laws are being used to pursue a case proving he ran a billion dollar financial investment scam.

Rothstein allegedly promised investors huge returns on lrgal settlements he was seeking, but in reality the settlements did not exist, and Rothstein was getting his Ponzi on. The alleged big money swindler is now facing up to 100 years in prison. In the meantime he has already lost his luxury yacht, mansion and luxury sports cars, all seized by the government.

Florida Lawyer & Investment Fraud
newsday

A once high-flying attorney was arrested Tuesday on federal racketeering and fraud charges alleging he operated a $1 billion investment scheme that used phony legal settlements. Lawyer Scott Rothstein was arrested on five charges, including a violation of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations or RICO law often used against the Mafia and other criminal organizations...

Florida Lawyer & Investment Fraud

Ian Klaus, the one-time boyfriend of Chelsea Clinton, wound up saying goodbye to the presidential daughter, but they ended on good enough terms that he dedicated his first book to her!

Klaus clearly remembered Chelsea fondly, because upon publishing his first book, "Elvis is Titanic", Klaus dedicated it "To my mother and Chelsea, for understanding." The book also got a ringing endorsement from Chelsea's dad, quite a lucky perk for a young first time author. But according to critics the book deserved accolades even without his Chelsea Clinton connections. See more about the book here:

ian Klaus Book Dedication
usatoday

Few fledgling authors have received a ringing endorsement from a former president. Unlike Ian Klaus, they didn't date Chelsea Clinton. "In Elvis Is Titanic, Ian Klaus tells the extraordinary story of his time teaching in Iraqi Kurdistan," Bill Clinton says in an e-mail to USA TODAY...

ian Klaus Book Dedication

Up until now Marc Mezvinsky was just another cog in the wheel at 3G Capital Management, but now he's about to become perhaps their most famous member, as he gets ready to marry Chelsea Clinton.

Marc comes from a political family just like Chelsea, with two parents who were involved in Demoratic party politics and held office in the past, but his career has been in the financial sector, starting at Goldman Sachs before moving to his current position at 3G Capital Management. And no matter what the company may say, they surely must be a least a little excited that one of their younger members is marrying into America's royal family!

Marc Mezvinsky: 3G Capital Management MVP?
nytimes

Mr. Mezvinsky, 31, a former Goldman Sachs investment banker now at 3G Capital Management, is the son of two former Democratic members of Congress. His father, Edward Mezvinsky of Iowa, served from 1973 to 1977 and was later convicted of defrauding investors and sentenced to nearly seven years in prison...

Marc Mezvinsky: 3G Capital Management MVP?

The Mezvinsky family is celebrating this week as their son Marc, a financial analyst and investor, announces his engagement to Chelsea Clinton. But the family's ventures haven't always brought such good tidings, as Marc's father Edward Mezvinsky was only recently released from prison after being sentenced for fraud.

The senior Mezvinsky was convicted of wire fraud and bank fraud in the amount of $10 million, and sentenced to 80 months, for dealings years after he served in Congress. He was released in 2008. But although his son Marc is now in the financial sector as well, and dabbling with big time political connections, it wouldn't be fair to hold his father's sins against him. Hopefully there won't be too much emphasis placed on this history as the press covers Marc's marriage to Chelsea.

Edward Mezvinsky Sentenced for Fraud
wiki

Mezvinsky was also involved in a series of business transactions that ultimately became his downfall. In 2000, after examining his business deals since 1980, prosecutors said that they uncovered elements of fraud in nearly every one. In March 2001, Mezvinsky was indicted and later pleaded guilty to 31 of 69 charges of bank fraud, mail fraud, and wire fraud. Nearly $10 million was involved in the crimes...

Edward Mezvinsky Sentenced for Fraud

Chelsea Clinton is a Columbia University student nowadays, and getting ready to marry her longtime boyfriend who works in the financial world at a major firm. But her husband won't be the only one in the family with experience in the financial sector, as Chelsea's experience working at a hedge fund will give them something in common to talk about.

In 2006 Chelsea Clinton worked for a hedge fund named the Avenue Capital Group, a firm that specialized in trading in the debt of companies that have filed for bankruptcy. Which sounds kinda skeevy to me, the sort of work that "earns" money from moving money around without contributing anything to the world, but who am I to judge the inner workings of our capitalist system. For more info fro sources less jaded than I am, see below:

Chelsea Clinton Joins Hedge Fund
sfgate

Chelsea Clinton has started working for Avenue Capital Group, a hedge fund that manages about $12 billion in assets...New York-based Avenue Capital specializes in trading in distressed debt, or debt of companies that are nearing or have filed for bankruptcy. Clinton, 26, had been working as a consultant for McKinsey & Co. since 2003, reportedly for a six-figure salary...

Chelsea Clinton Joins Hedge Fund

As Chelsea Clinton announces her engagement to Marc Mezvinsky, America is dying to know all the details of ther romance and upcoming nuptials, but her family and representatives are keeping mum on most of the details.

For example, many are asking to see what kind of ring Marc bought for her, but aides have declined to disclose whether Chelsea Clinton even got a ring at all, much less what kind it was or better still a picture of it. One has to imagine sooner or later all of out enterprising tabloid journalists will track down that scoop though. Either way though, I'm sure Bill and Hillary wouldn't let Chelsea's suitor come half-assed! So there's probably quite a nice ring on her finger right now.

Aides Decline to Disclose Chelsea Engagement Ring
wtop

Aides to Hillary Clinton, citing Chelsea's privacy, declined to disclose whether she has received an engagement ring or any other details about wedding plans. It will be an interfaith marriage; Mezvinsky is Jewish, while Clinton grew up attending Methodist Church with her mother. Bill Clinton is Southern Baptist...

Aides Decline to Disclose Chelsea Engagement Ring

Chelsea Clinton has seen and lived quite a lot for such a young woman, and continues to find new paths to explore. After trying her hand in supporting the Clinton family's political pursuits, and working on Wall Street in the financial sector, as member of a big time hedge fund

But Chelsea seems to be finding new paths for herself now, as she attends Columbia University Graduate School to studyt public health (a topic that resonates with her family's history, since both mom and dad fought hard for health care reform, and though they did not succeed their efforts helped pave the way for Obama's work now). And in addition to herhaps finding her calling in the field of health, she may have found her soulmate as well, as she just announced her engagement to Marc Mezvinsky. Best of luck to Chelsea, she always handled te spotlight with grace and dignity and I'm sure great things lie ahead of her.

Chelsea Clinton Attending Columbia University Graduate School
wikipedia

In November 2009, Clinton announced her engagement to investment banker Marc Mezvinsky, and nephew of Norton Mezvinsky. Clinton is currently studying Health Policy and Management at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health...

Chelsea Clinton Attending Columbia University Graduate School

In a sign of the times for our digital age, America's political sweetheart Chelsea Clinton announced to friends and family (and by extension the world) that she was engaged not by traditional means but through a mass email.

The email, sent to friends and family this week, read: ""We're sorry for the mass e-mail," they wrote, "but we wanted to wish everyone a belated Happy Thanksgiving! We also wanted to share that we are engaged! We didn't get married this past summer despite the stories to the contrary, but we are looking toward next summer and hope you all will be there to celebrate with us. Happy Holidays! Chelsea & Marc."

Getting good news like this should be enough to convince all of our parents and grandparents to finaly learn how to check email! Best of luck to Chelsea and Marc, and their families.

Chelsea Clinton Marc Mezvinsky Engagement E-Mail
nytimes

The e-mail engagement announcement will no doubt set off a crush of tabloid speculation about where, when and how the wedding will take place. Many media outlets, including The Boston Globe, The New York Daily News and The Washington Post, got so far ahead of the curve that they reported incessantly - and incorrectly -- that Ms. Clinton and Mr. Mezvinsky were getting married in Martha's Vineyard last summer...

Chelsea Clinton Marc Mezvinsky Engagement E-Mail

Ed Mezvinsky and his wife Marjorie are about to become in-laws to the Clinton political dynasty when their son Marc marries Chelsea Clinton. But they also havea long history of their own in politics, working in the Democratic party for year and both formerly serving in Congress

Ed Mezvinsky served in Congress in the seventies and up untik 1980 before moving on to other roles in the party, and then unfortunately getting caught up in legal trouble for his financial dealings and serving 7 years in prison. His wife Marjorie Margolies-Mezvinksy also served in the 1980s, losing out after taking an unpopular stance supporting the Clinton administration on certain issues at the time. But that Clinton family loyalty should be a plus now, as they come together to form a new generation of Democratic dynasty!

Rep. Ed Mezvinsky and Rep. Marjorie Margolies-Mezvinksy
abcnews

Clinton, 29, is the only child of the former president and current Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. She and Mezvinsky -- the son of former Rep. Ed Mezvinsky and former Rep. Marjorie Margolies-Mezvinksy -- became friends in Washington, D.C., and became closer friends when they both attended Stanford University..

Rep. Ed Mezvinsky and Rep. Marjorie Margolies-Mezvinksy

The media has been salivating and panting over the story of Chelsea Clinton's engagement announcement, and they've gotten so excited about it they may get a little ahead of the facts as the compete for scoops on the details of the marriage and wedding plans.

One detail many news outlets picked up on,m including the Washington Post and NY Daily News, was the tidbit that Chelsea and her fiancee Marc were planning to get married in Martha's Vineyard. Ntot a surprising development given her family connection to the island, but as it turns out? Not true at all. Only a rumor that the news outlets ran with before they got it confirmed. So as this story develops, make sure to take any wedding details with a grain of salt!

Chelsea Clinton Martha's Vineyard Wedding Rumors
boston.com

All summer, there have been whispers on the island that Chelsea and her boyfriend Marc Mezvinsky are getting hitched at the Chilmark home of actors Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen. It wasn't true three months ago, and it's not true now, says McKenna...

Chelsea Clinton Martha's Vineyard Wedding Rumors

One of the most interesting angles on the news that Chelsea Clinon is engaged is that it eill be an interfaith marriage, as her fiancee, Marc Mezvinsky, is Jewish while the Clinton family is Christian.

The family and their reps are keeping mum about most details of the marriage, so there's no word on whether either will be converting, as Ivanka Trump converted to Judaism for her marriage. But either way, I think it's a beautiful thing for all of us to keep coming together this way.. it's easy for people like me who live in New York to forget that many people in America don't have as much exposure to Jewish people, and sadly some antisemitism is still out there, so it's a good thing symbolically for everyone to see this this interfaith wedding, an example of how we can all live as one.

Chelsea Clinton Interfaith Marriage
seattle pi

Aides to Hillary Clinton, citing Chelsea's privacy, will not disclose whether Chelsea has received an engagement ring, or any other specific details about wedding dresses, location of the wedding or plans. It will be an interfaith marriage; Mezvinsky is Jewish, while Clinton grew up attending Methodist Church with her mother. Bill Clinton is Southern Baptist....

Chelsea Clinton Interfaith Marriage

Tiger Woods released a statement today admitting "transgressions" and asking for space to work things out with his family, but sadly with the leak of this voicemail Tiger left on a woman's phone he is not likely to have that peace anytime soon.

In Tiger's statement, he does not specify what he is apologizing for or what his transgressions were, but this voicemail seems to make it pretty clear he was cheating on his wife and trying to cover it up after his wife found out about it. Does this, plus Tiger Woods' celebrity status, mean he relinquishes his right to privacy and should now have his personal life judged in the court of public opinion and tabloid celebrity gossip? Who knows, but for better or worse this is the sort of celebrity story sure to continue buzzing for some time to come.

Tiger Woods Voicemail
huff post

Yesterday reports surfaced that Tiger Woods allegedly had a 31-month affair with cocktail waitress Jaimee Grubbs. Today UsMagazine.com has released the audio of a voicemail in which the caller, allegedly Woods, asks the recipient to change her voicemail greeting...

Tiger Woods Voicemail

The fight all boxing fans are waiting for, Mayweather & Pacquiao, is allllmost ready to happen.

Top boxing promoter Bob Arum just flew out to the Phillipines with contract in hand, hoping to nail Manny down for the fight, which could break records for ticket sales and pay-per-view sales. Mayweather issaid to be on board already, buy Manny Pacquiao is still on the fance, and believes he should ge a 60-40 split instead of the expected 50-50, because he's done better than Roger Mayweather in his last pay-per-view events. They are both such big stars though, it's hard to say one is a bigger draw than the other. One way or another I hope this fight actually happens!

Mayweather & Pacquiao: It's On! (Almost)

Promoter Bob Arum arrived in the Philippines and expected to start face-to-face talks Wednesday with Manny Pacquiao to try to reach terms for a mega-fight against Floyd Mayweather Jr. Despite reports Tuesday that Mayweather agreed to terms and that a Pacquiao fight was virtually set, Pacquiao trainer Freddie Roach cautioned Wednesday that that idea was premature because the Filipino star hadn't reviewed any contract terms.

Mayweather & Pacquiao: It's On! (Almost)

After years of speculation and controversy, embryonic research with stem cell lines is ready to begin. But is this Obama administration program the future of science and health, or the beginning of a new evil for mankind?

Some believe stell cell research is morally wrong, and others believe it will lead to sci-fi horror monsters like Cloverfield, but others hope it will bring scientific advancements in medicine, that will help extend our lives and treat any number of serious illnesses including diabetes, Parkinson's disease and paralysis. Personally I have faith this administration is taking the ethical and medical issues seriously, and insuring safe and proper research to benefit us in the future. hopefully this includes a cure for baldness that actually works..umm not that i care about this personally.

Stem Cell Lines: The Future of Science
seattle times

The Obama administration on Wednesday approved the first human embryonic stem cells for experiments by federally funded scientists under a new policy designed to expand government support for one of the most promising -- and contentious -- fields of biomedical research...guidelines finalized in July limited funding to lines created from excess fertility-clinic embryos as long as they were deemed to have been obtained ethically.

Stem Cell Lines: The Future of Science

Kiera Knightley is dropping mmysterious hints that she and her boyfriend may be heading for splitsville, as she promotes her new movie "The Misanthrope."

She's not directly givin the full scoop, but while speaking on her similarities with the woman she portrays in the film, Keira said "Do I recognize being an extremely well-known young actress? Yes. And she's in the middle of a world full of people who are quite a bit older than her. She's having a problem with her boyfriend. No comment."

Technically you can't say "no comment" after you just commented already. But okay. I hope they work this out, without any golf clubs involved! I haven't seen the boyfriend before but Keira Knightley seems like quality people, I'm sure they'll figure things out.

Keira Knightley & Boyfriend: Kaput?
azcentral

Keira Knightley has hinted her relationship with Rupert Friend is on the rocks. The British actress - who is currently starring in the West End show 'The Misanthrope' where she portrays 22-year-old movie star Jennifer -has spoken about the similarities between her and her sexy on-stage persona, admitting they both have love life "problems."

Keira Knightley & Boyfriend: Kaput?

Astronomers are studying a huge explosion in outer space, that they are calling evidence of a supernova, and one of the biggest stars ever seen.

According to scientists studying the astral phenomenon, this massive explosion is evidence of a star possibly 200 times bigger than our sun! The explosion of the supernova was approximately two years ago, they say, but it s still visible, said to be evidence of it's enormous scale...hopefully some nice photo and video footage is coming soon!

Massive Star & Explosion
msnbc

Dr. Pastorello said "We knew the 2004 explosion could be a giant outburst of very massive star, and we know that only the most massive stars can produce this type of outburst. So the 2006 supernova must have been the death of the same star, possibly a star 50 to 100 times more massive than the Sun...

Massive Star & Explosion

In today's "we don't buy your lame excuses" news, the Ohio man accused of killing almost a dozen women and then burying them has now pled not guilty by reason of insanity, as his trial prepares to get underway.

Pleading insanity requires that you prove you have a serious mental illness, so much so that you cannot distinguish between right ad wrong. So prosecutors clearly have a strong case to make that this man, Anthony Powell, was very thoughtful and calculated in committing these crimes and then covering them up and hiding them, in a way that shows he must have known that he was doing something wrong (if you'll pardon the massive understatement).

I try in principle to have compassion for all people, even when they commit horrible acts. But it is difficult for me to fund much sympathy for this man's insanity claim. I would prescribe a daily dose of Put Him Under The Jail, for whatever illness he has.

Ohio Man & Insanity Defense
abcnews

A registered sex offender accused of killing 11 women pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to all charges Thursday, a plea that will leave the legal system to decide whether a sane person can live for years with 10 bodies and a skull. Anthony Sowell, 50, entered the plea while being arraigned by video from jail. He appeared calm, keeping his cuffed hands on his lap, as a deputy stood behind him...

Ohio Man & Insanity Defense

How would you feel if you were a bride, at a wedding where the groom updates facebook and twitter before he kisses you?

That's exactly what happened in Abingdon as Dana Hanna said I do, then paused to whip out a cellphone and change his Facebook status, then update twitter, and THEN kiss the bride. His new wife (to whom he also added a cellphone, so they could both use their mobile devices at once..always good to see a marriage of equals!) was surprisingly tolerant of these antics, and patiently waited for her kiss to finally arrive. You can see the video he also posted to youtube (of course) to catch the moment for yourself: I wouldn't be surprised if we see this couple in an iPhone or Blackberry ad coming soon.. or perhaps a Verizon Droid spot.

Groom Updates Facebook...At The Altar! (VIDEO)
baltimoresun

At nearly every wedding, there's that picture-perfect moment when the couple seals the nuptials with a kiss. This moment is usually preceded by vows to love and obey. However, Dana Hanna of Abingdon took the time to whip out his cellphone and update his relationship status on Facebook and peck out a Tweet, declaring he had just been married...

Groom Updates Facebook...At The Altar! (VIDEO)

After top auto makers announced thousands of dealerships closing, the government is now stepping in and saying "not so fast!"

Chrysler and General Motors had said they needed to close the over 3,000 showrooms and dealerships in order to keep their business go0ing properly in these hard times, and make sure anyone buying a new car gets proper service from their car dealers.

But they soon discovered they might face federal disapproval of these measures, and are now the car manufacterers are showing they now how to hit the brakes. GM and Chrysler will now hold further reviews of their dealers, and agree to arbitration with them before closing. For full details see here:

Automakers and Closings: Hold Your Horses!
freep

General Motors and Chrysler will reconsider decisions to close thousands of dealerships... Automakers have said they needed to close the stores to save money and make sure that remaining dealers had enough sales to stay profitable and offer good customer service. Having fewer dealers also gives the automakers more pricing power and helps resale values...

Automakers and Closings: Hold Your Horses!

In a horrifying story involving decades of widespread child abuse, a prominent group of nuns in Ireland has agreed to pay $193 Million as restitution for the mistreatment they allowed.

This concession marks one of the biggest and most striking ackowledgements of guilt from a wing of the Catholic Church, in one of the worst of numerous allegations of child abuse and other atrocities that have been levelled against the church in recent years. This case was investigated for 9 years in Ireland, and brought a damning case against church authorities there for betraying the trust given them to oversee child welfare for many kids in the country. Hopefully the money paid can go towards healing a tiny bit of the wounds inflicted, though it's hard to feel justice can ever be fully served in a case where so many children sufffered this way.

Nuns & $193 Million For Child Abuse
msnbc

A major Irish order of Roman Catholic nuns, the Sisters of Mercy, offered Thursday to pay child abuse victims, the government and charities a further $193.5 million to compensate for decades of abuse in its schools and orphanages...The compensation offer to the Irish Education Department is by far the largest from 18 orders of Catholic priests, brothers and nuns found guilty of chronic child abuse...

Nuns & $193 Million For Child Abuse

When it comes to their studies of climate data, critics of NASA claim they've been trying to hide some inconvenient truths.

According to the Washington Times, which it should be mentioned is not always the most reliable source, critics and doubters of global warming are raising suspicions that NASA has been hiding problems and inaccuracies with its environmental studies and climate data over the years, much in the same way as scientists in Britain, whose exposure has caused much controversy of late. Hard evidence is still being sought under the FOIA, so I guess we'll just have to wait and see what is unconvered in the end. For more info (though there isn't much more just yet) see below:

NASA Climate Data: Hiding The Truth?
wash times

Chris Horner, a senior fellow at the Competitive Enterprise Institute, said NASA has refused for two years to provide information under the Freedom of Information Act that would show how the agency has shaped its climate data and would explain why the agency has repeatedly had to correct its data going as far back as the 1930s.

NASA Climate Data: Hiding The Truth?

Remember all that money we gave out to these banks? Looks like a little more of it is actually coming back to us, as Bank of America plans to pay back $45 Billion this week, from the bailout money they got this year.

The TARP money they return will be a mix of cash on hand and capital raised for the payment. This news has sent the Bank of America stock rising, and improves chances for the investment, lending and financial sector powerhouse to find a new CEO soon, as paying the federal loan back gets rid of pay restrictions currently in place on the bank.

Other banks including Goldman Sachs Group, JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Morgan Stanley, have also repaid their bailout money, up to a total amount of $72.3 billion. Still a long way from the grad sum we gave out, but I guess every billion counts.

Bank of America & $45 Billion Payback!
chron.com

Bank of America Corp. said Wednesday it plans to repay its $45  billion in government bailout funds in the next few days, a move that will help the troubled bank recruit a new CEO. The bank said in a statement it would use available cash and raise $18.8 billion in capital to repay the money, which it received during the height of the credit crisis last year and after its purchase of Merrill Lynch & Co. earlier this year...

Bank of America & $45 Billion Payback!

In a sad twist on the heroic story, one of the two officers who helped stop the Fort Hood killings now says her career will be cut short by the injuries she received that day, when she confronted Nidal Malik Hasan and survived being gunned down.

The prospects actually look good for her to make a full recovery, though it will take numerous surgeries for her to get back to full health. Her doctors tell her, though, that the new replacement kneee she is getting cannot withstand the workload that comes with being an officer.

But Kimberly Munley is reacting admirably to the prognosis, keeping her head up and already planning to continue her law enforcement career, probably through teaching and training young officers. Hats off once again to Officer Munley, as well as her partner, for a job well done.

Fort Hood Officer & Career: Over?
boston globe

One of two civilian police officers who brought down the Army psychiatrist accused of going on a shooting rampage at Fort Hood said her wounds from the attack will cut short her career as a street police officer...Sergeant Kimberly Munley said doctors have told her she needs a total knee replacement, a surgery set for January, but that her new knee is likely to wear out too soon on the job...

Fort Hood Officer & Career: Over?

In the latest news from the department of redundancy dept: Vladimir Putin is hinting he will run for President again, even though according to many observers he really never stopped running the country anyway.

Putin stepped aside for Medvedev to take over last year, but many believe Medvedev is somewhat of a figurehead, and the fearsome Putin remains the real power in Russia. He didn't directly say he will run again, but when asked by a citizen at a public appearance he said "I'll think about it."

Say what you will about Putin, he sure does have an abundance of swagger. If the world domination thing doesn't work out he'd be a very convincing gangsta rapper.

Putin to Run Again? (Why Bother?)
boston

Putin, the former president, current prime minister, and effective paramount leader, certainly did not act like a man in the twilight of his political career...Despite an economy weakened by the financial crisis, Putin remains popular, and were he to run for president again in 2012, he could conceivably serve another two terms, through early 2024, when he would be 71.

Putin to Run Again? (Why Bother?)

Many married men pay a price for cheating, but few have ever paid as much as Tiger woods, if these reports are true. According to the latest whispers, the prenup Tiger's wife agreed to is now being changed to give her as much as $55 million more dollars!

Numerous sources have reported that Tiger and his wife's lawyers are renegotiating the terms of the prenup that originally came with the marriage. She demanded these changes in order to stay, and forgive him for his self admitted "transgressions." I'm still maintaining a policy of not taking sides and treating their family business as their business. But I will say: that's a lot of doggone money! More power to her though, I guess.

Prenup & Tiger's Wife: Cha Ching!
nypost

Tiger Woods is in discussions with his wife to pay her $5 million now and then boost her prenup to fork over another $55 million if she stays with him for two more years, according to a new report... $1 million to not talk. Citing a lawyer familiar with the couples negotiations, the Daily Beast reported that Woods agreed to shorten the original prenup with Elin Nordegren to seven years, so it will kick in in two years.

Prenup & Tiger's Wife: Cha Ching!

Whose fault was that the fame hungry Salahi's weaseled their way into the White House state dinner? So far the hot potato of blame has been passed aroun all over place, but critics are wondering how much blame goes to the Secret Service.

Michaeele Salahi and her husband Tareq snuck into the super-exxclusive White House affair past several Secret Service stations, despite apparently not being on the guest list, and after their many photos with White House bigwigs hit the internet, everyone started asking how secure and safe can the president be if these low-level reality TV wannabees can infiltrate the inner sanctum? Some say the Secret Service is at fault, while others say it is White House Social Secretary that should step up with some answers. I just hope nobody from Flavor of Love gets past security, that's when you'll know we have a crisis.

Michaele Salahi Secret Service Blunder?
dailynews

Furious White House officials called the head of the Secret Service on the carpet Thursday, demanding to know how two loopy Washington socialites crashed President Obama's first state dinner. The brazen piercing of presidential security put Secret Service Director Mark Sullivan on the hot seat after fame-chasing pair Tareq and Michaele Salahi hobnobbed the night away with Obama's guests...

Michaele Salahi Secret Service

If you have tattoos on your arm and you want to join the Air Force, you'd probably better join in the next thirty days, as they are offering a 30-day grace period before they enforce a stirct new tattoo ban.

A female recruit was recently rejected because of a smiling clown tattoo on her arm, but after some protest the Air Force has decided to let her tattoo slide, and at least for the moment reconsider their strict body art ban. With the long tradition of tattoos being associated with the military, it may be surprising that the Air Force would even have these rules, but it's just another example of how these the Armed Forces have to maintain tradition and discipline while also adjusting to new times.

Air Force Tattoo Ban
azcentral

An Air Force recruiting spokeswoman told News10 the service will offer a 30-day grace period to recruits otherwise ineligible to join under a strict new tattoo policy. As News10 first reported Monday, the Air Force last week revised its tattoo policy to prohibit any body art on the "saluting arm," as well as tattoos above the collarbone that would be revealed by a shirt with no collars...

Air Force Tattoo Ban

Tattoos and the Air Force are just not getting along recently, with several controversies arising over their strict ban on tattoos for new recruits coming into basic training.

One female recruit was allowed to slide in with her arm tattoo of a clown, but another man was recently barred at the last minute from starting basic training, when the Air Force noticed the tattoo on his bicep of his own name in Hebrew. The rule specifically bars tattoos on the right arm or the hands.

Tattoo: Basic Training Busted!
mercurynews
It wasn't a sexy half-naked lounging lady. It doesn't say "Mom."

Josh Parker's months-old tattoo was enough to bar him from entering the U.S. Air Force on Monday under a policy instituted just last week for those not fully enrolled in the service. Parker, 18, was called to his recruitment office Monday morning, the day he was scheduled to report for basic training, for a review of the tattoo...

Air Force Tattoo Ban

This week brought a senseless tragedy in the world of cosmetic surgery, when a beauty queen died during a surgicial procedure to change the look of her posterior.

The victim, former Miss Argentina Solange Magnano, suffered an embolism right after the surgery, and was unable to be saved.

With so many cosmetic surgery procedures becoming more and more common, from botox to tummy tucks to breat implants to collagen and now the inexplicable butt implants, women are under more pressure than ever to meet unrealistic beauty ideals, and risk their health doing so. Perhaps this woman's tragic death can be a wake-up call for our society, that it's time to slow down this artificial beauty industry a bit?

Beauty Queen & Cosmetic Surgery Tragedy
digitaljournal

A beauty queen and former Miss Argentina has died from complications following cosmetic surgery on her buttocks. She spent three days in a critical condition in hospital. The thirty-eight-year-old former Miss Argentina received cosmetic surgery on her buttocks but complications followed and the beauty queen passed away on Sunday...

Beauty Queen & Cosmetic Surgery Tragedy

Miley Cyrus is growing up faster everyday it seems, and it looks like the latest step out on her own is a brand new tattoo, on her chest no less. Or her umm, under-chest. I'm not sure what you call that.

Miley's tattoo seems to read "just breathe," perhaps a reminder to herself to stay grounded in this adventure her life must be. A more realistic mantra to keep her life in perspective might be "just breathe, then go to sleep on your giant pile of money," but at least she's got the breathing part in there. For a photo of the tattoo see the article below:

Miley's Tattoo (PHOTO)
people

Miley Cyrus appears to have gotten a tattoo that reads "just breathe." The singer was taking that bit of advice to heart on Dec. 3 as she sipped virgin daiquiris by the pool of the Fontainebleau Resort in Miami Beach, where she recently wrapped her Wonder World. While sitting poolside in a bikini she revealed what seems to be new ink peeking out from under her bathing suit top..

Miley's Tattoo (PHOTO)

This story will make you think twice about ever buying hamburger meat from the supermarket again.

A woman who was crippled and nearly lost her life from E. Coli, after eating some supermarket burger meat from Cargill, is now suing the company for causing her health crisis with their shoddy meat manufacturing.

Her lawyers should have ample grounds to win damages from Cargill in a lawsuit, if there is any justice in the world. I read the series in the NY Times about this woman's story and what it reveals abot the meat indstrry and it was both horrifying and nauseating. You should click through on the link below and search for their other features on the story.

Minnesota Woman Sues Cargill For Ecoli Burger!
nytimes

A Minnesota woman who became severely ill from E. coli after eating a tainted hamburger sued ... agribusiness giant Cargill Inc. on Friday. The woman, Stephanie Smith, became ill after eating hamburger produced by a Cargill division. Her infection led to hemolytic uremic syndrome, a complication that causes kidney failure. She suffered seizures and was in a medically induced coma for three months...

Minnesota Woman Sues Cargill For Ecoli Burger!

Eeexcellent. The write in vote totals are in, and in the write-in votes for Mayor of New York, the winner is Mr. Montgomery Burns!

That is, not the winner of the election, but the winner out of everyone who got write-in votes. Which is more like the most popular loser, I suppose. But still, for a frail and evil old man who doesn't actually exist, that's quite an achievement. I'm doing my best impression of Homer Simpson logic right now. As a New Yorker I'm surprised there were not more write-in votes since people were pretty apathetic about the two major candidates, with billionaire Bloomberg basically spending his way to a slim victory over the humdrum Democratic nominee Thompson.

Simpsons Mr. Burns Write-In Winner!
msnbc

Excellent! Fictional cartoon millionaire Charles Montgomery Burns scored the most write-in votes for mayor of New York, collecting 25, according to Board of Elections data. But that obviously wasn't enough for victory. D'oh! The Springfield mogul from "The Simpsons" was just one of the silly write-ins New Yorkers proposed for mayor.

Simpsons Mr. Burns Write-In

Appalling news for the holidays, as an elderly man working as a greeter for WalMart was punched in the face by a shopper.

In previous years there have been numerous outbreaks of violence during the holiday sales rush, including the tragic trampling death at Wal-Mart last year. This year the major stores all beefed up security and training to go along with their big sales on HDTVs and Blu-rays and such, but after a peaceful Black Friday we now have another outbreak of shopper violence. For details on the crime see the article below.

The ugly side of the commercialized holiday shopping season rears its head once again. Shameful, and should be a wake-up call for everyone to slow down on the conscpicuous consumption and super-saver deal hunting, and remember this season is supposed to be about caring for each other.

Wal-Mart Greeter & Attack By Shopper!
fox

A 72-year-old Wal-Mart greeter is in the hospital after being punched in the face by a Pittsburgh-area man. Surveillance video shows Thomas Jenkins standing at the entrance to the Wal-Mart in a town about 13 miles southeast of Pittsburgh. A man comes around the corner, punches Jenkins in the face and the elderly man falls to the ground...

Wal-Mart Greeter & Attack By Shopper!

Some news you have to see to believe. two Hungarian brothers, so poor they've been living in a cave, are now set to inherit $7 billion!

The brothers are in their 40s, and had heard their mother was from a wealthy family but had been estranged from her and thought nothing of this old story..until word suddenly reached them that a maternal grandmother had passed, and they are legally required to get part of her estate! Unlike in America, where estate planning attorneys and banking can help you set up your will however you want, in Hungary direct descendants are always supposed to get a cut no matter what.

So uhh hey guys, I'm part Hungarian myself. Any chance we could run a few blood tests? I think I'm seeing some family resemblances here.

Hungarian Brothers: Homeless Billionaires!
usa today

Two homeless Hungarian brothers who have been living in a cave and selling discarded junk for a living are in line to inherit almost $7 billion from a long-lost German grandmother's fortune, Britain's Telegraph reports. Their sister, who lives in America, will share in the inheritance...

Hungarian Brothers: Homeless Billionaires!

In news that many will find either heartwarming or creepy, Marilyn Manson says he's back with his ex, Evan Rachel Wood.

Marilyn and Evan first got together in 2006 after he left Dita Von Teese, and were a steady couple untl a couple of breakups more recently. AFfer a brief reunion didn't last long, it seemed like they were done for good. But now Mr. Manson is confirming in interviews. Marilyn says of his reconnection with his ex that it has brought him back in touch with himself, and it means his music will "be more badass , I think it's going to be more romantic, maybe. Self abusive."

I'm not sure if that sounds like a good thing or not, but if they're happy, I'm happy for them. Mazeltov!

Marilyn Manson Back With Ex (VIDEO)
stuff

Marilyn Manson has reportedly rekindled his romance with Evan Rachel Wood....who he first split from in October 2008 before briefly reuniting in February - has agreed to give their relationship another try...The Disposable Teens singer - real name Brian Warner - believes the relationship will have an impact on his future songwriting...

Marilyn Manson Back With Ex (VIDEO)

A thousand violins are playing for Roman Polanski, as he begins serving his house arrest...in a palatial "chalet" in Switzerland. Boy I'll tell you, this guy just can't catch a break!

His house arrest may not last long though, as America and the Swiss continue to hash out the issue of his extradition, to finally face charges for his sexual violation of a minor decades ago. In the meantime he is not allowed to set foot outside of the house, but gets to spend his days surrounded by family in a more comfortable home than I'll probably ever have in my life. Polanski's attorneys are stil fighting the move to extradite him, while Los Angeles authorities continue pressing for him to be returned there so he can face his long overdue sentencing... hopefully this house arrest will be leading to somewhat different lodging, AKA "putting him under the jail."

Polanski House Arrest: Oh The Suffering!
daily illini

Roman Polanski's life took a dramatic turn for the better Friday as he traded a Swiss jail for house arrest surrounded by family in his luxury Alpine chalet. It's not clear how long this splendid captivity will last -- the threat of extradition to the United States and a possible prison term there still hang over the 76-year-old director...

Polanski House Arrest: Oh The Suffering!

Victoria Beckham was the victim of a huge heist this weekend, as half a million dollars worth of her fancy couture dresses were stolen, on their way to the airport.

Posh Spice's high-fashion clothing line was on its way to Neiman Marcus in New York, to go on sale in the fancy department store there. But a team of criminals assaulted the van driver and made off with the dresses. Quite an ugly incident, and nothing to laugh at though the Beckhams may not be taken seriously too often. Hopefully the driver will make a full recovery and the dresses will be found. Seems pointless to steal these dresses, since whoever wore them would want people to know they are high-priced Beckham dresses, but now that'd mean they also know it's a stolen dress. How much is a fancy dress worth if you can't say who made it?

Beckham's Dresses Stolen: Posh Got Punked!
ireland.com

Robbers have stolen pop-star-turned fashion designer Victoria Beckham's couture dresses worth $630,000 from a delivery van. The couture dresses which were being transported to London's Heathrow Airport for shipment to the U.S., where they were due to go on sale at high-end New York City department store Neiman Marcus...

Beckham's Dresses Stolen: Posh Got Punked!

Two stars of a British reality show are in hot water for their coking habits, after resorting to eating a rat during their stint on "I'm a Celebrity ... Get Me Out of Here" as it was filmed in Australia.

They have been officially charged with animal cruelty, since the rat recipe was used as part of a TV show, and therefore authorities take it as harm to animals done for the sake of a performance. Although I think it is gross to kill and eat a rat, I'm not sure I see how the ethcal principle works here, since if they hunted a deer and ate it, I doubt they would face similar charges. Is this more wrong just because we don't expect people to eat rats?

Animal Cruelty? Reality Show Stars, Cooking Rats
azcentral

Two stars of the "I'm a Celebrity ... Get Me Out of Here" television show have been charged with animal cruelty after allegedly killing and cooking a rat to eat during filming. Chef Gino D'Acampo, who won the viewer-feedback contest series, and actor Stuart Manning were charged after animal welfare activists lodged a complaint about a segment for the British TV program...

Animal Cruelty? Reality Show Stars, Cooking Rats

Queen Elizabeth has had it up to here withj paparazzi, and is delivering an ultimatum: respect our boundaries, or else.

After years of being hounded by the British tabloid mongers, the Queen has lad down the law and ordered papers there not to run unauthorized photos of the royal family, especially taken without permission when they are at home or on their own property.

The royal family certainly does have responsibility to represent to the public as the face of the republic, so they canot expect total privacy, but it seems fair that they ask for some kind of boundaries to be respected. British tabloids are so notoriously voracious though, I'd be surprised if they don't find ways to circumvent the order and keep the royal celebrity photos coming.

Queen & Paparazzi: At War!
aol.com

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II has warned newspapers not to run unauthorized paparazzi photos of the royal family, Buckingham Palace said Sunday. The palace said a lawyer for the British monarch wrote to newspaper editors about six weeks ago telling them not to publish intrusive photos of the family at home...

Queen & Paparazzi: At War!

Horrifying story from New Zealand, where a man has injected his sleeping wife with the HIV virus.

The man, who is HIV positive himself, apparently injected her with his own blood so that she would be willing to have sex with him again, and would be unable to find another man and leave him. Depraved logic if I've ever seen it, from a man who s clearly sick in more ways than one. Tragically the woman has indeed found that she is HIV positive. Hopefully it has been found early enough that treatment can help her continue a full life, but what a terrible thing to have happen, just because you tried to stay in a marriage for the sake of the kids. See below for full details on the gruesome crime.

Man Injects Wife With HIV
new zealand star times

An HIV-positive man injected his wife with his own blood while she slept, infecting her with the virus that causes Aids. It is believed the man wanted to give her the disease so she would start having sex with him again. She told police he also hoped it would prevent her from finding another man and leaving him. The man, 35, admitted infecting his wife, in the first case of its kind in New Zealand....

Man Injects Wife With HIV

2009 was a year that saw a huge boom in super-cute superstar celebrity babies!

And a boom in Hollywood babies means a boom in Hollywood profits, as photos and video of the famous kids bring big dollars in the tabloid media world. Among the celebrities welcoming new babies into the world were Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, Mel Gibson, Colin Farrel, plus Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony. Not to mention Gisele Bundchen and Tom Brady. So presumably there should also be a boom coming soon in fancy baby strollers, designer baby clothes, nannies and maybe those Zhu Zhu pets

2009 Celebrity Baby Boom
justbabiesonly blog

The celebrity baby boom has continued, with large figures magazines are paying celebrities to have the new baby featured exclusively on magazine covers....AdAge says sometimes the celebrity baby cover doesn't provide a jump in sales but Vanity Fair had a sales jump when Suri Cruise was on the cover...

2009 Celebrity Baby Boom

Everyone knows the Jolie-Pitt family has a lot of kids, but how many of you can remember the names of all of them? Here's the complete list via celebden and other sources:

Maddox Chivan Jolie-Pitt - "was born on August 5, 2001 as Rath Vibol in Cambodia and he initially lived in a local orphanage in Battambang. Maddox's name is Celtic in origin, usually translated as "beneficent."

Pax Thien Jolie-Pitt - His first name means peace, of course. He was born as Pham Quang Sang.

Zahara Marley Jolie-Pitt - "Zahara's name means "flower" in Swahili; middle name "Marley" is from late Jamaican reggae superstar Bob Marley. Zahara's nickname is 'Zee'."

Shiloh Nouvel Jolie-Pitt - "Shiloh, according to a long-standing translation from the Bible, has come to mean "the peaceful one"; middle name Nouvel is named after Jean Nouvel, one of Pitt's favourite architects."

Knox Léon and Vivienne Marcheline Jolie Pitt - the recently born twins.

Names of All Jolie-Pitt Children
wikipedia

Divorced from actors Jonny Lee Miller and Billy Bob Thornton, Jolie currently lives with actor Brad Pitt, in a relationship that has attracted worldwide media attention. Jolie and Pitt have three adopted children, Maddox, Pax, and Zahara, as well as three biological children, Shiloh, Knox, and Vivienne...

Names of All Jolie-Pitt Children

Marc Anthony fans at Madison Square Garden got quite a treat early this year, when Marc and his wife Jennifer Lopez brought their baby twins on stage for their first public appearance!

Some said this twin celebrity baby appearance was calculated to squelch rumors that abounded in tabloid and gossip media at the time, saying Marc and J-Lo might be headed for divorce. But there have been no reports of marital strife since then, and I think it's awfully cynical to cast doubt on the sincerity of sucha cute event. Why can't we just think positive and enjoy the adorable babies! That's usually the best plan.

Jennifer Lopez Twins, Marc Anthony & Madison Square Garden
allieiswired

The last time the public were treated to a sight of Jennifer Lopez's baby twins Max and Emme, magazines had paid $6 million for the privilege...But fans attending the New York concert of J.Lo's husband Marc Anthony got to see the babies for the bargain price of their concert ticket...

Marc Anthony revels his other valentine in Madison Square Garden concert in New York City. Marc Anthony brought JLO and the twins on stage during el concierto del Amor on February 14...

Jennifer Lopez Twins, Marc Anthony & Madison Square Garden

A sad story for the family of Tori Spelling took place earlierthis year, as Tori's mother Stella refused to come to granddaughter Stella's birthday party.

Tori, Hollywood TV royalty as the daughter of Aaron and Candy Spelling, has a well documented rift with her mother, but Tori was trying to patch things up and keep the family connections alive when she invited her mom to daughter Stella's birthday. And Candy reportedly even RSVP-ed yes for the kids party shindig, but when that day came, the little girl was left in the lurch!

Candy Spelling claims she refused to come because the party would be filmed for Tori Spelling's reality show, but seems like a poor excuse for letting petty beef get in the way of knowing your own granddaughter. But of course we can't really know the whole story of someone's family issues from what we see in the media, so better not to judge. Oh who am I kidding, let's judge!

Candy Spelling No-Show: Stella Birthday Party
people

Tori Spelling may not be exactly close with mom Candy Spelling - but on Saturday the actress extended an olive branch to her mother: She invited her to daughter Stella's first birthday party...Despite RSVPing "yes" to the ladybug-themed luncheon, Candy Spelling never showed up, according to the source...

Candy Spelling No-Show: Stella Birthday Party

A baby was born this year named Bronx Mowgli Wentz. but the boy's parents are neither from the Boogie Down, nor from the Jungle.

Bronx Mowgli was the first born son of rock star Pete Wentz and his wife Ashlee Simpson-Wentz. People love to clown on celebrity baby names, but I think this one is pretty cute. Usually I'd say you shouldn't claim the Bronx if you're not from there, but I know Pete is friends with some cool rapper type guys like 88 Keys, and I guess they gave him the OK.

Bronx Mowgli Wentz Parents
the huff

Ashlee Simpson-Wentz and Pete Wentz are the proud parents of a baby boy, and they're celebrating with some Bronx cheer - this one is a good one. Their representative says the pop and rock star couple have named their son Bronx Mowgli. The baby, born Thursday night, weighed 7 pounds, 11 ounces...

Bronx Mowgli Wentz Parents

After two weeks of scandal and speculation, it sounds like Tiger Woods' wife has realized enough is enough, and she is moving out.

As surely you already know and have heard way too much about, Tiger Woods has been forced to admit cheating on his wife, after a strange car accident somehow led to almost a dozen women coming forward to reveal they've had affairs with him. It looked like the marriage might stay in one piece with news at the family lawyers were working out a new pre-nup that gave Elin millions more for remaining in the relationship. But now it appears the family lawyers might make way for divorce lawyers. I would say I still hope they work it out, but maybe this is for the best at this point.

Tiger Woods Wife Moves Out
stuff.co.nz

Tiger Woods' wife Elin Nordegren has moved out of their family home in Florida, according to celebrity website RadarOnline. Neighbours have reported that Nordegren moved out of their US$2.6 million house and is living nearby as claims of infidelity continue to mount against Woods...

Tiger Woods Wife Moves Out

Gone are the days when you could simply hire a slightly creepy man in a clown costume, or take the kids to Chuck E Cheese when their birthday comes around. Nowadays when you really want an A-List shindig, you have to hire a celebrity for your party.

The price for a celebrity drop in caries widely. A small-time starlet that used to be bigger, like Jessica Simpson, might run you $50,00 or so, whereas a top tier star like Mariah Carey could cost millions just to show her face. This trend was satirized on the pitch-perfect Hollywood insider comedy Entourage, where Vinnie Chase took a big paycheck to show up at a rich young girl's party. As a blogger, maybe I can jockey for a $20 cameo? I'm on the internet, that counts!

Hire a Celebrity For Your Party
abcnews

Who's making a guest appearance at your private New Year's Eve party this year? Elton John, Robin Williams or will you settle for Tara Reid? That all depends on your wallet and the value of your guest's star stock. In the thriving rent-a-celebrity business, the price tag for having a celeb drop by is a telling barometer of who's hot and who's not....

Hire a Celebrity For Your Party

Where can you go to dress your kids with all the trendy high class kid's fashion celebrity children wear? Here's a breakdown on the top celebrity children-favored boutiques.

Britney Spears, Demi Moore and other celeb moms have been shopping at a boutique named Glamajama, whose "mommy" and "daddy" lounge style baby clothes have style and attitude.

Crib Rock Couture has been selling quirky rock-star styled baby tees and other mini-fashion, with rock & roll versions of Lil' Miss Muffet, Jack & Jill, and other nursery rhyme heroes on the baby clothing. Angelina and Brad, Matt Damon and Ben Affleck and others all rock this brand.

And there are many others as well, some of which are not too pricey either for good deals on stylish kid's clothing. Parents should check the link below for the best stores to hit.

Celebrity Favorite Trendy Children Boutiques

Celebrities are notorious for dropping large amounts of money on their children. Celebrity kids have wardrobes packed with designer labels and funky, fun mini-fashions. Some of the outfits that these kids wear may cost more than your monthly car payment, but not all of these famous kids' fashions are over-the-top expensive...

Celebrity Favorite Trendy Children Boutiques

The story of the Salahi couple weaseling their way into the White House dinner has scandalized DC, but according to government reports this is far from the first time security has been breached this way. In fact the Secret Service reports 91 White House breaches before thiis one.

The previous security breaches happened for a variety of reasons, with various White House visitors finding a way past initial checkpoints, but reportedly they were discovered before they actually had contact with the president in each of the previous breaches. So the Salahis were not the first, but they are the best. Or the worst. Almost certainly the most irritating.

91 White House Breaches
cnn

The media spotlight has focused on the brash couple who recently managed to attend a White House state dinner, but a U.S. Secret Service training document details 91 breaches of security between 1980 and 2003. Secret Service spokesman Edwin Donovan confirmed the existence of the internal report, which was first disclosed in the Washington Post on Monday...

91 White House Breaches

The internet is on fire today with reports that Elin Nordregred is moving out of the home she shares with husband Tiger Woods, just as news comes in that her mother was hospitalized this morning while visiting that home.

Radar Online is the primary source of the rumor, claiming to have info that Elin has moved to another house nearby for the moment. This move, if true, would come after an avalanche of embarrassing revelations for her husband Tiger, with one woman after another coming forward to claim an affair with the golf legend. Expert divorce lawyers say Elin would be entitled to huge sums of money in divorce proceedings, plus custody of the children and the right to take them anywhere she wished, including back to her home country to live. Hopefully it will not come to that, for the kids' sake!

Elin Nordegren Moves Out: Just A Rumor?
cbs

Tiger Woods' wife has had enough of the alleged affairs surrounding the golfer and has moved out of their Orlando-area mansion, celebrity Web site Radaronline.com reports. As more women surface, claiming to have had an affair with Woods, his wife, Elin Nordegren, has moved to a nearby home, also owned by the golfer, Radar reports...

Elin Nordegren Moves Out: Just A Rumor?

A strange meeting of two worlds, as the otherworldly Lady Gaga met the old world elegance of Queen Elizabeth, and what could have been an awkward moment seemed to work out pretty well, as the matriarch of the royal family was quite pleased by the meeting.

Or so it seemed anyway, as the Queen actually broke into giggles as the oddly attired pop diva curtsied for her. Lady Gaga even proved to be the more conservative pop star of the evening, as the rebellious teen MIley Cyrus showed up with quite a saucy, cleavage bearing dress for her meeting with the Queen. for photos of the Queen meeting the Lady, see below:

Lady Gaga Meets Queen!
news.cam.au

LADY GaGa reduced the Queen to giggles when she turned up to meet her in a huge red PVC outfit complete with Elizabethan style frills. Queen Elizabeth II laughed as she spoke to the notorious pop princess and checked out her wacky attire whilst meeting performers at the annual Royal Variety Performance in England's Blackpool...

Lady Gaga Meets Queen!

Tourists and surfers alike are coming droves to the beach, to see giant waves hitting Hawaii that are the biggest seen in recent memory. But is it safe to gawkk at these giant waves, much less surf on them?

Surf event organizers are saying it is safe, and in fact are organizing a special tournament that only happens when Hawaii's waves get extremely high. As these waves go as high as 40 feet and over, there will be a major tournament with many top surfers trying to make history.

If you are not a professional, and not part of an organized event in a controlled environment, it's probably a better idea to stay out of the ocean right now, if you're in Hawaii and thiking of taking a shot at these monster waves.

Giant Waves in Hawaii
sfgate

A surfing contest that is only held in extreme conditions is on for the first time in five years, thanks to the massive waves pounding Oahu's famed North Shore. Contest director George Downing made the announcement Tuesday morning as wave heights at Waimea Bay reached 35 feet. The Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau big wave surfing contest is only held when there are very large waves...

Giant Waves in Hawaii

you already know about the venus flytrap, but did you know the humble potato is secretly a bug killer as well?

That's what scientists are now saying about the potato and many other plants including the mild little petunia. According to botanist Mark Chase "We may be surrounded by many more murderous plants than we think," as lots of plants are actually set up to catch bugs and use them for sustenance.

The theory is stil controversial and hasn't been proven, but Chase insists: ""What plants are doing is much more sophisticated than we ever imagined. Although animals are eating plants, plants are also eating animals. It's not just a one-way street." See below for the whole scoop, with lots more science for your brain:

Potatoes: Carnivorous Killers!
msnbc

Petunias and potatoes may actually be carnivorous plants, scientists now suggest. Indeed, carnivorous behavior may be far more widespread in plants than commonly thought -- if we take a closer look, botanists said. Petunias and potatoes have sticky hairs that trap insects, and several species of campion flowers have the common name catchfly for the same reason....

Potatoes: Carnivorous Killers!

Sad news from the land of celebrities, as actress Uma Thurman is reported to be splitting with her longtime boyfriend and fiance.

Uma's man, millionaire Aprad Busson, had bought her an 8-carat diamond engagement ring afer seeing her since 2007, but it appears the relationship has now run its course, as they have reportedly been split for teo months now, though they are still friends. Or at least so says US Weekly, whose trustworthiness you can gauge for yourself (they usually tend to be right in my experience, to be honest).

Busson had previously married supermodel lElle Macpherson, and Thurman was once married to Ethan Hawke and Gary Oldman. Best of luck to both of them!

Uma Thurman Split With Fiance?
seattlepi

Uma Thurman has broken off her engagement to her fiance, multimillionaire Aprad Busson, Us Weekly reports.

The pair split two months ago, but will remain friends, a source tells the magazine.

Uma Thurman Split With Fiance?

According to TMZ (whose word is gospel, as you know) Britney Spears may soon have the freedom to control her own life once again, as her lawyers seek to end the permanent conservatorship she's been under since her public meltdowns a few years ago.

Conservatorship means all the personal decisions in her life are made by the person who has conservatorship over you, in this case Britney's father Jamie. It's an extreme measure taken when someone's life is out of control and authorities believce you can't manage your own life.

But Britney and her attorney's believe she's now ready to call her own shots once again and not be "overprotected" anymore. So she'll be going before a judge to prove she's ready to run her life again! I wish her luck.

Britney Conservatorship Ending: Freedom!
msnbc

After living nearly two years under the terms of a court-ordered conservatorship, Britney Spears may soon be back in charge of her own life. But before the pop star can regain her personal decision-making power from father Jamie Spears, she must first prove she's made the necessary progress....

Britney Conservatorship Ending: Freedom!

If you watch the news these days you know that prefessional athletes have been cheating on their wives like hotcakes. but is there something about sports that brings out the immorality in a man, or is their celebrity and visibility just showing us the flaws that all men have?

Some say it is the pressures of life on the road, always away from their family and going through the stress of performing for huge crowds (that often boo the heck out of you), then having constant temptation awaiting at every hotel, makes it much harder for a man to resist "transgressions." And as Chris Rock said "a man is as faithful as his options.

But others will say that men who aren't famous do just as much dirt, they just don't get caught as often since they don't have so many people watching them and caring about all their business. I think the truth may by a mix of both, but either way, guys we need to step it up and start making better choices!

Professional Athletes Cheat On Wives, A LOT!
cnn

Erin Crispin feels a great deal of empathy for wives of athletes like Tiger Woods, who have been thrust into the spotlight. "It's a double-edged sword, because you get special treatment when things are going well, and you also get special treatment of another sort when things aren't," said Crispin, whose husband, Joe, is a former basketball player for the Phoenix Suns and the Los Angeles Lakers. "It really is a life of such high highs and low lows."

Professional Athletes Cheat On Wives, A LOT!

America is stricken with shock this month, as revelations of Tiger Woods' infidelity makes his perfect image plummet into shame. but should anyone, least of all their wives, be surprised to find that professional athletes cheat?

According to some statistics, the answer is no. According to the CNN report, famously quotes in a Daily Beast piee about Steve McNair, the percentage of professional athletes who cheat is in the range of 80% to 90% percent! It's not clear from the quotation what CNN's methodology was for reaching this conclusion. but given how often athletes get caught, and how much temptation we know is out there, it's hard to doubt it happens way too often. Does this mean wives should come into any such marriage with an "understanding"? Not my place to say, I suppose. Makes you wonder though...

Professional Athletes Who Cheat On Wives: Percentage is HIGH!
lemondrop

When former NFL star Steve McNair was shot to death by his 20-year-old mistress, his wife and mother of his four children claimed she knew nothing about his infidelity. But after reading "The Secret Code of Sports Mistresses", which quotes a CNN statistic that 80 to 90 percent of pro athletes cheat, we wonder if any woman could be totally ignorant of the possibility....

Professional Athletes Who Cheat On Wives: Percentage is HIGH!

We've seen many stories in the news about faous men forced to confess an affair. Or a truckload of them, in Tiger's case. But how often to wives confess an affair?

According to an in-depth poll by MSNBC and iVillage, 15 percent of wives willingly confess when they have an affair. This makes women a bit more honest then men, who only had 11 percent acknowledging they' admit an affair. What does this tell us about the difference between the two sexes? I'm not even going to venture a guess. Besides, I don't cheat, so I don't know anything about this whole arena. leave me out of this! For much more info on how the genders break down in terms of loyalty and honesty, see below:

What Percentage of Wives Confess an Affair?
msnbc

Fifty-nine percent of females believe they totally got away with their affair and another 11 percent think their partner was suspicious. Fifteen percent of women willingly confess to cheating, compared to 11 percent of men, but only 6 percent of men and women confess when confronted. Only 2 percent were caught in the act...

What Percentage of Wives Confess an Affair?

Who cheats more, men or women? Depends which study you believe, but some research says women actually cheat more than men.

One study, in England, found that 40% of women cheat, while the figure for men was further down at 34%. This study also found that women are much more likely to fantasize about a gay affair than men are, by a difference of 34% to 14%. (I'll assume the percentage of men who fantasize about women having gay affairs is somewhere in the range of 99.999998%)

But another study cited elsewhere online contradicts this, as according to a book named "The Monogamy Myth" women cheat at a rate of 40% but for men it is even higher at 60%! I hate to say it, but these numbers sound more accurate to me. Sorry to sell us out, guys. I think they already know, though.

Statistics: Women Cheat A Lot!
the sun

WOMEN are far more unfaithful than men, a survey reveals. Forty per cent of females cheat on lovers, compared with 34 per cent of males.... But females spend less time thinking about fun between the sheets. About half of women fantasie once or twice a day about love-making, but for men the figure is ten times....

Statistics: Women Cheat A Lot!

As rumors swirl about so many affairs by pro athletes, even the Big Aristotle himself has been caught up in a scandal, as leaked emails allegedly show that Shaq was having an affair with the wife of fellow NBA star Gilbert Arenas.

Arenas, who like Shaq is well known for being charismatic and comical on and off the court, hasn't given any statements about the supposed emails from his fiancee to Shaq, which were posted on a top black/hip-hop gossip site Young Black and Fabulous.

The ongoing drama has reportedly threatened both Shaq and Arenas's relationships, after Shaq had already hinted at his marital bonds being on the ropes after Kobe Bryant ratted him out a few years ago. If you like to bet on sports, the surest bet right now is that teams of divorce lawyers will be winning big soon, as all these athletes keep getting in trouble.

Latest reports indicate both that Shaq's wife has filed for divorce, and Arenas is moving out of the home he shares with his wife (who is pregnant, by the way). Yikes, guys. No further comment. For more details if you can stomach it, see the link below, an also here.

Shaq and Gilbert Arenas Fiancee: Affair?
the huff

Rumors continue to swirl that Shaquille O'Neal and Laura Govan, the fiance of Wizards star Gilbert Arenas, are embroiled in an affair. The web site Young, Black & Fabulous reported last week that Shaq and Govan had become involved, posting alleged emails between Govan and the 7'1" center...

Shaq and Gilbert Arenas Fiancee: Affair?

One of the biggest and oddest celebrity affair stories in recent years was the brief and scandalous alleged affair between neurotic Yankee all-star Alex Rodriguez, and muscular pop-music superstar Madonna.

Madonna had been rumored for some time to be on the rocks with her equally famous (well maybe not equally, but he's famous) husband Guy Ritchie, so reports of her galavanting around town with Alex Rodriguez brought lots of attention in the tabloids. Madonna steadily denied there was any affair going on. For the rest of the story, see the link below:

Alex Rodriguez Cheated With Madonna? (VIDEO)
mtv

But over the weekend, just days after her longtime publicist issued a statement denying that she was seeking to end her seven-year marriage, Madonna herself issued an even more strongly worded statement to People magazine denying the rumors, as well as speculation about an alleged affair with Yankees star Alex Rodriguez.

Alex Rodriguez Cheated With Madonna? (VIDEO)

In case you missed it, the pretty funny Tiger Woods sketch from Saturday Night Live last week. Not bad, although I wish they didn't have to use Kenan Thompson for every black person in the news.

Lil Wayne's new video with his whole Young Money collective in tow "Bed Rock."

Young Money - BedRock (Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj, Drake, Gudda, Tyga, Jae Millz) music video HD HQ

Some footage from Mark Cuban's much talked about appearance on WWE this week, where he was ultimately slammed, hard, and knocked clean out. (And it was totally real! TOTALLY.)

Some said Cuban shouldn't have gone on a show that involves so much steroid and drug abuse, but most people were just happy to see him get thrown through a table. We should work some oft hat into the NBA. Or at least let us New Yorkers see Knicks owner James Dolan get the same treatment, he deserves it more than anybody.

Here's a christmas story that will make you say "humbug," and then some! A man in Delaware, known around town for dressing as Santa Claus for the local kids, as well as being a longtime foster parent, not to mention being a children's photorapher for his day job, was arrested on charges of using his computer to peddle in child pornography.

The man, Steven Hughes, was found by investigators who connected to files on his computer through a peer-to-peer network, than based upon this information searched his home and found evidence of illegal photographs numbering in the hundreds.. He was locked up after being unable to pay the $300,000 bail, and hopefully remains under the jail to this day. For more details see below:

Santa Claus Arrested on Porn Charges
delawareonline

A children's photographer, who also was a longtime foster parent and dressed up as Santa Claus, was arrested following an ongoing Internet child pornography investigation, police said. Steven Hughes, 52, of the first block of Dempsey Drive in Ogletown, was charged Thursday with 10 counts of using a computer to unlawfully depict children in a prohibited sexual act, New Castle County police Senior Cpl. Trinidad Navarro said....

Santa Claus Arrested on Porn Charges

A man in small town Pennsylvania remains on the loose after pretending to be Santa Claus while he robbed a bank.

The man was captured on surveillance video in the small town of Chadds Ford Township, with a population of 3,000. He robbed the bank at gunpoint with a silver pistol, and then made off with his umm giant red bag of goodies? I'm just guessing. Local authorities have released the security camera photos hoping that the public can help them find the robber. Clearly anyone who would stoop to debasing the image of St. Nick is a menace that needs to be stopped. Why not just wear a Bernie Madoff mask or something? So many people more deserving of this than Santa.

Man Dressed As Santa Claus Robs Bank In Pennsylvania
cbs3

Pennsylvania State Police are asking for the public's assistance in identifying a suspect who dressed as Santa Claus when he robbed a bank in Chadds Ford Township. According to police, investigators are looking for a white male who was wearing black sweatpants and sweatshirt and a fake "Santa Claus" grey beard, when he robbed the TD Bank...

Man Dressed As Santa Claus Robs Bank In Pennsylvania

If you expect news stories about Santa Claus to bring good tidings and cheer, you might want to skip this one. A dreadful news item out of California, where a man dressed up as Santa Claus before killing 9 people and then himself.

The tragedy happened one year ago, when Bruce Jeffrey Pardo, recently divorced, went to his ex-wife's Christmas Eve party and opened fire killing the wife and 8 others, before taking his own life. Investigation indicated he put a lot of time into planning the unthinkable crime, which ended with him using an elaborate homemade device to set the house on fire. He burned himself in this stage of the crime, and cops said this was why he killed himself instead of running to Canada, which he had plane tickets to do. Just a horrible, horrible story, but if you want more details they are inthe link below.

Man Dressed As Santa Kills Family
telegraph

A man enraged by his divorce dressed up as Father Christmas and went on a shooting spree at a Christmas Eve party, killing his ex-wife and at least eight others. Bruce Jeffrey Pardo, 45, a devoted Roman Catholic and aerospace industry worker who may have recently lost his job, shot himself in the head hours after the meticulously planned carnage in Covina, California, 22 miles east of Los Angeles...

Man Dressed As Santa Kills Family

One thing everyone knows as the holiday comes, is that Santa Claus is always coming, and he will always be jolly and fat. But a couple of years ago there was one man who did not believe this was the way Christmas should be.

That man, the Bush Administrations acting Surgeon General at the time, Steven K Galson, said Santa should think about slimming that jolly fat belly, to set a better example for all the kids that look up to him. He delievered the shocking indictment of St Nicholas during a presentation on obesity at Boston's Children's Museum. As of press time Santa Claus was unavailable for comment. Because he doesn't exist. Hello!

Steven K. Galson Said Santa Should Slim Down
bostonherald

America's top doc Steven K. Galson told the Herald yesterday that Santa Claus should slim down.. "It is really important that the people who kids look up to as role models are in good shape, eating well and getting exercise. It is absolutely critical," acting U.S. Surgeon General Rear Adm. Steven K. Galson said in an interview after a presentation on obesity at the Boston Children's Museum...

Steven K. Galson Said Santa Should Slim Down

Boys, take a deep breath and read that title again. It says Peeps show. As in the marshmallow holiday treats.

The company that makes Peeps, Just Born, has opened an entire store devoted to the sugary baby chicks and bunnies, with almost 1,000 varieties of the children's favorite. Company spokesperson said Kathy Bassininski "Our fans have asked us for years, 'What about a store?'" ...and I totally think she's making that up. But it's still a cool idea, and if I happen to be in DC I might check it out. Especially if they have some Kwanzaa Peeps for me.

Peeps Show Opens
msnbc

Just Born, maker of the chick- and bunny-shaped marshmallow Easter favorites called Peeps, is opening the first store devoted to them on Thursday. The shop, in a mall near Washington, D.C., sells 850 different Peeps products, including plush toys, china and even a hand-blown glass Peep...

Peeps Show Opens

The always dramatic Biggest Loser reality show was even more thrilling than usual in last night's finale, when one competitor got down on one knee and proposed to the another in the middle of the show.

The proposal came from Antoine Dove, who lost nearly half his body weight before proposing to fellow contestant Alexandra White, who immediately accepted and brought even more joy to the already heartwarming finale of the weight-loos show. The winner of the show lost an amazing 58% of his body weight! With so many vapid reality shows around, it's good to have one that is so inspiring. Mind you, I say this while eating an entire box of crackers.

'Biggest Loser' Proposal! (VIDEO)

Before the final weigh-in, Antoine Dove, looking nothing like the 367-pound man who started the show after losing 41.42 percent of his body weight, got down on one knee and asked fellow contestant Alexandra White for her hand in marriage. For video of the proposal see here!

'Biggest Loser' Proposal! (VIDEO)

In today's news from the Why Are We doing That dept., a 100-year-old man who had been spending his life in prison for child sexual abuse charges, is being released, despite reportedly saying he has no intention of abiding by the low upon returning to society.

He currently is in a halfway house, where he will be supervised and not around children, but after a couple of years he will be released from there and allowed do to as he pleases, according to the current sentence. This despite the craven abuser openly saying "I'm 100 and I'm not gonna change," and insisting he will not respect society's rules. Normally I would never endorse this, but seems like a situation where authorities should try sneaking up on the despicable old man every so often, and yelling "BOO" really loud. Yuck.

100-Year-Old Sex Abuser Freed
news.com.au

A 100-year-old convicted child sex offender recently released from prison in upstate New York said he had no intention of following the rules of society, according to local news station WIVB. Theodore Sypnier is currently in a halfway house and will soon be allowed to live on his own, but many are concerned that the elderly convict remains an active threat to children in the community....

100-Year-Old Sex Abuser

As the major banks and Wall Street moguls stay under fire for their big money salaries and bonuses, Goldman Sachs is trying to deflect the hate by eschewing their usual cash bonuses for this year.

Many of the major bankng institutions that received TARP money have been paying it back so that they'd be free of the pay restrictions that came with the money, and could return to their old gluttonous ways. Which makes the public and financial experts wonder how these banks didn't learn anything and don't see a need for moderation.

Goldman Sachs is one of those companies, having receved $10 billion which it put into aggressive trading, and then paid it back so they could escape those pay restrictions. But now the negative reaction is making them reconsider. It's a shame these financial institutions only do the right thing when they are publicly shamed into it.

Goldman Execs & Bonuses: Not This Year!
cbsnews

Goldman Sachs Group Inc.'s top executives will not receive cash bonuses this year, as the Wall Street giant bows to sharp criticism over its pay practices. The 30 high-ranking executives will instead receive stock that cannot be sold for at least five years, the New York-based bank said Thursday...

Goldman Execs & Bonuses: Not This Year!

Not a sneak attack. A steak attack. As in, a woman was arrested for hitting a man in the face, with a slab of raw meat.

The man aged 53, was asking his live-in girlfriend for a dinner roll instead of a piece of sliced bread, and she responded by slapping him, and hiting hin repeatedly with the cut of raw steak. Apparently the man is handicapped in some way because she was charged with "abusing a disabled adult" but the AP story does not explain his disability. He declined medical attention.

That sounds like it would hurt, but on the other hand I think I remember Paula Deen saying that face-tenderized steak has a great flavor to it. Maybe it's worth a try!

Woman and Steak Attack
forbes

A 53-year-old was arrested after alledgedly hitting a man in the head with a raw steak. According to a Marion County Sheriff's Office report, the man told deputies Elsie Egan repeatedly hit him with the uncooked meat and slapped his face after he refused a piece of sliced bread. The man said he wanted a bread roll...

Woman and Steak Attack

As the world continues to mourn the loss of Michael Jackson, his remaining brothers have been struggling with what to do so they can preserve the family legacy (and earn a living). And after much speculation, Michael Jackson's brothers have now decided to go on a full "Jackson 4 tour."

People may scoff at this, but the other Jacksons are all veteran musicians and performers in their own right, and were of course performing even before Michael. So hopefully they can leave family differences and tragedy behind and give the world one last classic Jacksons tour. Hopefully Janet will show up somewhere along the way too!

Michael Jackson Brothers Tour
indianexpress

The brothers of the late 'King of Pop' Michael Jackson are all set to hit the road once more as the 'Jackson 4', after announcing plans of a world tour. Jermaine, Tito, Jackie and Marlon want to tour the world playing the hits that took them to the top of the charts before their little brother Michael went on to become a solo superstar

Michael Jackson Brothers Tour

A surprising an scary scene was found by the hordes of tourists and shoppers hitting Times Square today, as a shootout erupted in the middle of the day, in front of Times Square's famous Marriott Marquis hotel!

The criminal, reportedly a panhandler (although the description of him as selling CDs sounds more like one of those kids who sells his amateur rap recorcd in the street around there), was running from the cops and is said to have pulled out a Tec 9 to attempt to shoot the officers that were on his trail. The cops then opened fire and the suspect died at the scene, in front of many witnesses including a taxi driver who posted on twitter right as it was happening, around 11AM.

A tragic story but one has to hope that the cops did the right thing, and had no other choice. Thank goodness no bystanders were injured.

Times Square Shootout
newsday

Raymond Martinez was running a common scam on the throngs of holiday tourists in Times Square, pushing shoppers to buy his CDs, police said. But Martinez was no ordinary peddler, they said: He was carrying a loaded pistol and had a handful of business cards from gun dealers in his pockets. The 25-year-old was shot to death by a plainclothes police sergeant Thursday after trading....

Times Square Shootout

Bad news for women recovering from breast cancer, but a warning that may be worrth heeding. New medical studies are said to indicate that drinking, even moderately, can increase the chances that a woman's breast cancer will return.

The study found that women who have just a few drinks a week incresed the likelihood of a relapse. Doctordswho have studied the research say cutting your drinking is definitely a good idea, as well as keeping your weight down. Some alcohol is often said to be good for people, in, general, especially red wine because of its resveratrol, but women at risk of Breast cancer issues may have to decide that the health risks outweigh the benefits. As always though, it's important to keep following the studies and reactions to them, as with other controversial reports about breast cancer screening.

Alcohol and Breast Cancer Return
cnn

Breast cancer survivors who have just a few alcoholic drinks per week are more likelyl to see their breast cancer return, according to research presented today at an annual meeting of breast cancer specialists. The study, which followed about 1,900 early-stage breast cancer survivors for eight years, found that women who consumed an average of at least three to four alcoholic drinks in a week had a 34 percent higher risk ..

Alcohol and Breast Cancer Return

Umm, what? In a puzzling statement from the controversial, recently convicted murderer in Italy, Amanda Knox said that she believes her trial was "correct", but that she thought she would be home for Christmas.

There had been much controversy around this trial of an American woman in Italy, with the girl's defenders saying she was victim to anti-Americanism there. But Amanda, though she still seems to be maintaining her innocence, has apparently now said she believes the Italian justice system is fair, and that though she is crushed by the guilty verdict, she will have faith in the process there to set her free throigh the appeals by her lawyers. I frankly don't know what to make of this case, so please feel free to explain in the comments. Should I believe her?

Amanda Knox: Trial "Correct"?
abc

Amanda Knox told an Italian member of Parliament she had expected to be home for Christmas, but despite the crushing disappointment of being convicted her trial was "correct" and that she still has faith in Italian courts...Knox made her comments to Walter Verini, a Parliamentarian representing the region of Umbria where Knox is jailed, four days after a jury found her guilty of murdering British roommate Meredith Kercher on Nov. 1, 2007...

Amanda Knox: Trial "Correct"?

Now that the disastrous Charlie Weis era is finally being brought to a merciful close, the sports world is wondering who will be the next victim, err, volunteer to become a head coach at Notre Dame?

Word is this week that there will be an answer, as Brian Kelly is expected to be tapped for the Fighting Irish coaching slot. Kelly established a solid reputation by renovating the Cincinnati football house, and turning the lowly team into top contenders. Cincinnati, in fact is said to be shocked by losing Kelly, and not ready to replace him, but hopefully he'll be able to work the same magic at Notre Dame. they school gets so much press attention whether they are good or bad, we might as well see a good team along with all the hype.

Next Notre Dame Coach?
sports illustrated

Notre Dame has settled on Brian Kelly as the man who can restore its faded glory, just as he turned Cincinnati into a national title contender. He's leaving behind an undefeated and upset Cincinnati team that didn't seem prepared to lose him...but oh well...

Next Notre Dame Coach?

Taylor Swift turned 20 this week, and celebrated with a stunning new look! Check out these pics for yourself, Taylor has switched to a new style with straight hair and bangs, and I almost didn't recognize her!

Taylor who is in New York a lot recently preparing for the big Z100 Jingle Ball concert here over the holidays, has been dating Taylor Lautner, but no word yet on how he likes the new look. I think it looks pretty cool though myself. Reportedly Kanye West has written in to say, "yeah that hairstyle looks real good and Imma let you finish, but Lil Kim has the best straight blonde hair ever!"

Taylor Swift: Straight Hair! (PICS)
us

Taylor Swift is celebrating her latest milestone - with a new hairdo! The singer - who turns 20 Sunday - was spotted with straight hair while heading out to dinner in NYC...Earlier in the day, Swift Twittered: "Photo shoot all day, followed by dinner with [actress] Emma Stone. Then we wandered around a candy store like wide-eyed little kids."...

Taylor Swift: Straight Hair! (PICS)

Scandalous behavior at a NY high school, where two female teachers were caught by a janitor, doing naughty things together with their clothes off in the middle of the school day.

The teachers, Alini Brito and Cindy Mauro, were snitched on by the janitor, and are no longer teaqching for the moment as school officials decide how to punish them. Students seemed not to be too phased by it, saying they were both good teachers and taking much offense. The student body was in the auditorium for an assembly while the alleged nakedness was going down.

Certainly bad judgment by these young teachers, but I hope they'll have a chance to learn from their mistakes and keep teaching somewhere. We need as many dedicated teachers as we can get. Is that a crazy opinion? I dunno, I just think people should be given second chances.

Teachers Caught By Janitor
daily news

Two female Romance language instructors were tossed out of their Brooklyn high school after being caught "undressed" in an empty classroom, sources told the Daily News Tuesday. Students at James Madison High School in Midwood were watching a talent show in the auditorium while Alini Brito and Cindy Mauro were caught by the janitor...

Teachers Caught By Janitor

The Labor Department has released new statistics abpout job growth in America, and the data shows good news for some professions and trades, and not so good for others.

If you want to be a health practitioner who works with patients as a home health care aide, you are in luck, as this job is on the upswing. Computer systems designers also have a good shot at employment right now, as the job market is looking good for them. Millions of new jobs are expected to open up in these fields.

Manufacturing or goods-producing jobs, though, have a more bleak outlook, as this sort of work continues to be pushed aside. Among other professions set to take a downswing are coal mining, auto manufacturing, and being a girlfriend of Tiger Woods. BOOM! I'll be here all week. See below for a more serious analysis by more qualified people.

Labor Department Job Growth News
cnn

Looking for a new profession? You might want to consider becoming a computer systems designer or home health care aide. Even with unemployment at 10%, some industries like professional service and health care will grow in the years ahead, according to a report released Thursday by the Bureau of Labor Statistics...

Labor Department Job Growth News

Barbro Holmberg, mother of Tiger Woods' wfe Elin, added yet another chapter to the endless
Woods family drama this week, as she was suddenly rushed the hospital from Tiger's house.

Holmberg was hospitalized for stomach pains, after a frantic call to 911 by her daughter, that was later released to the press. This was followed soon after by Tiger Woods' announcement that he was retiring form golf, at least for the near future, so that he could work on bettering himself and repairing his family, and presumably also his reputation which is now in tatters after nearly a dozen revelations from women claiming to have had affairs with him.

Personally I expect him to take about one season off and then come back, probably timed to coincide with an Oprah appearance. If he can convince his wife to do the Oprah thing with him that'll help a lot. Oh yeah and also don't cheat again., Tiger. You're really bad at it.

Tiger Woods' Mother-In-Law
leaderpost

Golfer Tiger Woods' Swedish mother-in-law was treated for stomach pain after collapsing at his Florida home early on Tuesday and being rushed to a nearby hospital by ambulance. Barbro Holmberg, Elin Woods' mother, was later released in good condition, according to a hospital spokesman who declined to provide details of her ailment, citing privacy concerns. But the incident was bound to prompt fresh media speculation about the private life of Woods, the world's No. 1 golfer...

Tiger Woods' Mother-In-Law

The owner of a new Utah basketball team apparently decided local fans hadn't suffered enough losing to the real Michael Jordan, so he decided to torture them further by pulling a trick on them with a fake Michael Jordan?

THe owner of the Utah Flash started by dropping hints that Michael Jordan might appear at the team's home opener, to revisit his old feud with Bryon Russell in a little one-on-one game for charity. He then hired a Jordan lookalike to appear around town, starting "buzz" about a Jordan caneo at the game. And then had the impersonator come out onto the court at halftime!

Not surprisingly the fans, many of whom had bought tickets thinking they would see MJ, immediately started booing vociferously and even walking out. The owner has now apologized but it's hard to figure what he was thinking in the first place.

Michael Jordan Look-alike

seattle times

An NBA Development League team owner is apologizing for misleading fans who thought Michael Jordan would play in a charity game at the Utah Flash's home opener. Flash owner Brandt Andersen acknowledged sending a Jordan lookalike around town Monday, when supposed "Jordan" sightings and an Internet video of the impostor eating at a local restaurant created buzz that Jordan really was in town. More than 7,500 fans showed up hoping to see Jordan play 1-on-1 against former Utah Jazz guard Bryon Russell at halftime...

Michael Jordan Look-alike

In the latest news from the Why Would you Ever Do That In The First Place Dept., the Coast Guard was called in on Friday to rescue a cruise ship employee who apparently jumped overboard, and was around treading water in the middle of the ocean near Florida.

The man jumped ship from a Royal Caribbean cruise around 4 AM, for reasons that are yet to be determined. the cruise ship company says there were numerous witnesses to confirm the staff member did in fact jump. I always had the impression cruise ships must get boring after a while but this seems a little extreme. Especially when you're getting a trip to the Bahamas out of the deal. Maybe my travel agent can book me a nice deal now on the ship-jumper cruise, I'll take that open slot.

Cruise Ship Jumper
usatoday

The U.S. Coast Guard has rescued a crew member who allegedly jumped from a Royal Caribbean ship early today as it was sailing into Miami. Coast Guard Petty Officer Barry Bena tells USA TODAY that one of the agency's response boats located 31-year-old Robert Mado treading water about five miles off the Florida coast...

Cruise Ship Jumper

Taylor Swift celebrated turning 20 this week by revealing a hot new straight-haired look! Check out the pic for yourself, and see the country/pop superstar's new style with straight hair and bangs, it's quite a change.

Taylor is in New York preparing for a big Z100 Jingle Ball concert here over the holidays, and has been dating Taylor Lautner, but there has been no word yet on how her current beau likes the new look. I think it looks pretty sweet though, myself. Kanye West, however, has written in to say "yeah that hairstyle looks real good and Imma let you finish, but Lil Kim has the best straight blonde hair ever!" See the link below for photos":

Taylor Swift's New Look (PHOTOS)
us

Taylor Swift is celebrating her latest milestone - with a new hairdo! The singer - who turns 20 Sunday - was spotted with straight hair while heading out to dinner in NYC...Earlier in the day, Swift Twittered: "Photo shoot all day, followed by dinner with [actress] Emma Stone. Then we wandered around a candy store like wide-eyed little kids."...

Taylor Swift's New Look (PHOTOS)

The days of only dropping a quarter in the red bucket are long gone, as that iconic Christmas charity enters the new millenium with a new way to help the Salvation Army: credit card donations.

This year, anyone who wants to give a tax free donation to the Salvation Army will be able to swipe their credit card right there on the spot. The charity believes this will bring bigger donations thanks to the convenience, and the receipt it provides, that makes it easier to put it in as tax-deductible. As the Salvation Army tries to keep donations flowing in tight economic times, the new credit card reading high tech version of their buckets seem like a logical step.

Salvation Army: Credit Card Time!
daily finance

This year, the Salvation Army has expanded the card reading bucket program to thirty cities. The machines, which take Visa (V), Mastercard (MA) and American Express (AXP), also allow no-fee debit card transactions...

Salvation Army: Credit Card Ready

NeNe Leakes and Kim Zolciak are two of the most recognizable faces on Bravo, as co-stars of their Real Housewives of Atlanta show. But now they may be getting the boot, as their constant demands and complaints have driven the channel mad. Producers are said to be scouting out other local housewives with loud personalities and bad judgment, who might be able to to fill in those spots. Did Bravo just leak this rumor as a bargaining tactic, to let them know they're expendable and should think their stance, or have they really had enough ot the Atlanta divas? We'll just have to wait and see. As long as they never make us watch the Salahis.

NeNe Leakes, Kim Zolciak: Kicked Out?
daily news

The "Real Housewives" of Atlanta will be back for a third season -- well, most of them. According to a source, NeNe Leakes and Kim Zolciak are demanding more money to appear on the show than Bravo cares to dish out -- and producers are so fed up with their diva-esque requests, they're quietly making plans to move on without the two...

NeNe Leakes, Kim Zolciak: Kicked Out?

They say human life began in Africa, but now new studies show dinosaur life began in South America!

Paleontologists revealed this week the bones of a newly discovered ancestor of the T-Rex, standing only 6 feet tall and apparently older than any fossils previously discovered. It is believed to indicate that dinosaurs originated in that part of the world. Specifically it was found around the "Ghost Ranch" area nrear New Mexico that was once immortalized by Georgia O'Keefe.

Lou Dobbs responded to this news by demanding that the Museum be investigated by immigration authorities, and that all dinosaurs without proper papers be deported immediately.

Dinosaurs: South America Natives?
usatoday

Discovery of a primitive precursor to Tyrannosaurus Rex, some 215 million years old, points to a South American origin for dinosaurs, paleontologists reported Thursday. In the journal Science, a team led by Sterling Nesbitt of the American Museum of Natural History in New York, unveils Tawa hallae, found in a fossil bone bed near New Mexico...

Dinosaurs: South America Natives?

The mysterious case of the missing mom in Utah continues to vex friends family and police officers investigating the case, in which the mother and wife supposedly disappeared over the weekend, after the father took his kids out on some sort of camping trip that began in the middle of the night.

The father supposedly left the mother at home and took his one and four year old sons on a "camping trip" that began in the middle of the night, in freezing cold temperatures. He did not return with the kids until Tuesday, going missing from his own job just as the mother was reported missing after not showing up for her job. There has been no other trace of her since then and no explanation for why she might have disappeared.

I'm not even going to bother spelling out what everybody is thinking... about the husband.. and his story seeming hard to believe.. and will instead just hope against hope that there's another explanation and she will turn up safe and sound.

Missing Utah Mom
cbsnews

The case of a missing Utah stockbroker who left her purse, cell phone and car at home several days ago has turned suspicious, police say. "It's still officially a missing person case, but it has become suspicious," West Valley City Police Capt. Tom McLachlan said. "The suspicious nature of this is that no one can tell us, or is (willing to tell) us her whereabouts, and she has not contacted us or anyone else we know about."

Missing Utah Mom

Tiger Woods and his mistresses. So many to keep track of! Can anyone even name them all? Where do they come from and why did they all choose to participate in this cheating?

The story of Tiger Woods' marriage woes, in which the mistresses may soon be outnumbered only by the divorce lawyers, is so confusing that Esquire magazine has made a whole quiz about it, with a slide show of photos that ask you to identify each alleged mistress. It includes the original suspects such as Rachel Uchitel and Jamiee Grubbs, plus the many newer names such as porn star Holly Sampson.

Can you ID all the Tiger Woods mistresses? Do you care?. Both questions can be answered below.

Tiger Woods Mistresses
esquire

From porn stars to not-so-much stars, decide whether each fact and photo is an alleged Tiger Woods mistress or another famous paramour, then click through for your aptitude on the 24/7 affair. You might actually learn something -- if you want to...

Tiger Woods Mistresses

Reviews are coming in on Clint Eastwood's new movie, and many of them say Morgan Freeman has turned in possible his best performance yet as Nelson Mandela.

The film, Invictus, tells the story of South Africa's run at a rugby championship in the mid-90s, soon after Mandela had taken power in the newly emancipated South Africa. Morgan Freeman stidued for the role by spending time personally with Mandela so he could get to know him and really do him justice.

I don't always agree with Clint Eastwood politically but i respect his sensitivity and skill as a director, so I look forward to seeing what he and Morgan did with this one.

Freeman as Mandela: Amazing (VIDEO)
abc

Nelson Mandela received the touch of "God" -- Hollywood-style -- when Oscar-winning actor Morgan Freeman prepared to play him in new movie "Invictus." Freeman said he was asked by the 91-year-old former South African president to portray him in the Clint Eastwood-directed film that debuts on Friday and also stars Matt Damon....

Freeman as Mandela: Amazing (VIDEO)

In today's Tiger Woods Can Consider Himself Lucky news, a woman in Louisiana was arrested for attacking her sleeping boyfriend by pouring a pan if burning hot grits on him.

The couple had gotten into an argument that evening, and after ending the fight by announcing he was breaking up with her he went to sleep. She then come up on him while he was sleeping and executed the hot grits attack.

Those who are my age or older may remember that te soul/gospel legend Al Green was the victim of a very similar attack long ago, where an angry/jealou lover burned him pretty badly with a pan of hot grits. It can cause serious injury and is nothing to laugh at, but hopefully there willbe full recovery from the burns with proper medical attention.

Woman Attacks With Grits
azcentral

A 44-year-old woman was booked with second-degree battery after allegedly pouring a pot of boiling grits onto her sleeping boyfriend. St. Charles Parish sheriff's deputies said Carolyn Brown caused second-degree burns on the man's face and arms. The man told deputies that he came home from work on Nov. 7, got into an argument with Brown, told her that he was breaking up with her, then went to bed.

Woman Attacks With Grits

The legendary Velvet Underground, a band that epitomized New York's cutting edge in their heyday, made an ultra-rare appearance together this week, though it wasn't to perform their songs. Lou Reed and his bandmates reunited to speak together on a panel discussion at the NY public Library.

Among the many topics they broached was the impact of Andy Warhol on their careers, with Lou Reed saying "Without him, we were kind of inconceivable. When they hired us to make a record it wasn't because of us, it was because of him. They didn't know us - they thought he was the lead guitarist or something!" See the full video below:

Velvet Underground Reunites! (Kind Of)
homepagedaily

The Velvet Underground's Lou Reed, Moe Tucker and Doug Yule staged a rare reunion in New York on Tuesday (December 8) to take part in a question and answer session. The talk took place at the New York Public Library in front of a live audience, and at one point saw Reed hail Tucker as the greatest drummer he has ever worked with...

Velvet Underground Reunites! (Kind Of)

Natalie Portman has taken on many roles in her career, from royalty to uhh Star Wars royalty to gangsta rapper on SNL. But now she's set to hit another level, as she enters the elite world of Victorian era movie zombies.

Natalie Portman will be co-starring in the movie adaptation of the popular novel, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. She will play the lead heroine of the story, who lives through the tortured romance of the original Pride and Prejudice, while killing a load of zombies in the process. Where was this version when I was in high school? I would've done my homework for once.

Natalie Portman: Zombies!
harvard crimson

After proving herself over the years as both a talented and diverse dramatic actress, Portman (according to Variety magazine) has just signed on to produce and star in the film adaptation of Seth Grahame-Smith's wildly popular cult favorite Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. In this adaptation of Austen's classic love story, Elizabeth Bennett will not only have to struggle with her romance with Mr. Darcy, but also battle a town full of disease-ridden killer zombies...

Natalie Portman: Zombies!

War. What is it good for? All sorrts of things, according to Toby Keith. Before his inexplicable appearance at this year's Nobel Peace Prize ceremony, Toby spoke in defense of war, just as Obama spoke at more length about why he felt war was sometimes necessary even as her accepted the award for peace. When asked why a country singer often associated with writing pro war anthems was invited to a peace event, US authorities explained that the rapper C-Murder was unavailable. Seriously though I have no preoblem with Toby Keith being there, if you really listen to his music he has a variety of messages.

Toby Keith: War Is Good For Peace
cbs

American country singer Toby Keith says he won't apologize for supporting U.S. war efforts just hours before performing at the annual Nobel Peace Prize Concert. Keith says he supports American troops who "fight evil" abroad and that he stands by President Barack Obama's decision to send more troops to Afghanistan. Obama is this year's Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

Toby Keith: War Is Good For Peace

Christina Fulton, the ex wife of Nicholas Cage, is now suing him for 13 millions dollars, accusing him of fraud and breach of contract.

Though the relationship ended 15 years ago, Fulton is only now getting around to lawsuit, alleging mistreament by Cage and unfair dealings over a house she got from him, that also became home to the son they'd had together. Nicholas Cage's lawyers, already helping him deal with back taxes and other financial troubles, say this lawsuit is voided by the statute of limitations, and generally groundless. See below for the full story, though it's not really much of a story. Step it up Nicholas, you need at least 12 mistresses in the mix for this to hit the A-List.

Nicolas Cage Sued By Ex
dailynews

Nicolas Cage is facing a law suit from his baby mama. Christina Fulton, the mother of Cage's 18 year-old-son, Weston, is suing the actor for fraud and breach of contract. Fulton, 42, claims that Cage inflicted her with "mental, physical and emotional abuse" during their relationship which ended 15 years ago, TMZ.com reports....

Nicolas Cage Sued By Ex

Susan Boyle, the singer who touched everyone's hearts last year, continues to show courage by talknig honestly about her battles with depression and childhood trauma.

Talknig about the treatment she received being bullied as a child, Boyle said "I know I'm taking a big chance telling people this but you have to be honest. I used to be made a fool of at school. It was psychological bullying and that leaves a scar and it also cultivates a lot of anger."

I wish more voices spoke up for those who got bullied and picked on this way, and it's great that Boyle was able to survive and make it through as a success story, and show that you can make it past those wounds, and even though you never stop feelnig it and being affected by it, you can lead a full life regardless. And prove those bullies wrong.

Susan Boyle Bullied
boston

Susan Boyle has spoken about her secret battle with depression. The 'Wilds Horses' singer admitted she is prone to mood swings and fits of anger, saying her condition has its roots in her childhood, when she was bullied...

Susan Boyle Bullied

A year after Barbara Walters named Barack Obama the mpost fascinating person, she rounded things out by giving First Lady Michelle Obama the top honor for most fascinating in 2009.

Michelle came out ahead of other stars including Kate Gosselin, Glenn Beck, Brett Favre, Lady Gaga and Adam Lambert. And thank goodness she's ahead of all those people. (Okay Favre is respectable but those others..?)

Michelle talked about how life has changed since the husband got a new job, and revealed the secrets of her fitness and workout regimen, that keeps those arms looking so impressive. See the clip below for a video excerpt of their chat!

Michelle, Barbara Walters: Obama Fascination!
wistv

First Lady Michelle Obama was named Barbara Walters' Most Fascinating Person of 2009, one year after President Barack Obama took the honor. "It has been a whirlwind. But it's been amazing," Obama told Walters on her Wednesday special, The 10 Most Fascinating People of 2009.

Michelle, Barbara Walters: Obama Fascination!

If you've ever wanted to look as glamorous as Elizabeth Taylor...well you probably still can't, but you can come a step closer soon after she opens her jewelry store named Luxury Jewels, home to her line called House of Taylor.

The store will be located, naturally, in Beverly Hills, and will seek high end clientele that are sure to respect Taylor's commitment to style and elegance in her many years as a Hollywod icon. The store had its grand opening but Taylor was under the weather and not able to attend. This fueled the already ongoing speculation about her health, but Taylor's reps insisted it was nothing but the flu,

Elizabeth Taylor To Open Jewelry Store
msn.com

A source tells ET that Dame Elizabeth Taylor is set to open a jewelry store called House of Taylor in Beverly Hills. The source says that Dame Elizabeth will step out for the opening of her store, to be located on Beverly Drive, this Saturday...

Elizabeth Taylor To Open Jewelry Store

Bad news from the motherland: A gel microbricide being tested in Africa as a gel for prevention of the AIDS Virus seems to be failing its tests there, according to latest reports.

Medical experts say previous smaller studies of the gel, Pro 2000, showed it could reduce AIDS transmission by as much as 30 percent, but these larger trials by doctors out in the field are not bearing that out. Doctors were disheartened by the result but are committed to perservering towards new medicines that will combat AIDS, especially in these regions of Africa where it is doing such terrible damage.

AIDS Virus Prevention Gel: Doesn't Work?
msnbc

U.S. drug firm Endo Pharmaceuticals' gel designed to prevent infection with the AIDS virus has proved ineffective in trials in Africa, Britain's Medical Research Council (MRC) said on Monday. A large international trial of vaginal microbicide Pro 2000 in more than 9,000 women in four African countries found no evidence that it reduces the risk of HIV infection...

AIDS Virus Prevention Gel: Doesn't Work?

One of the most exciting new cars due to be released next year is Toyota's new plug-in hybrid, due to hit car dealerships for 2011.

Toyota is already known for their popular hybrid cars like the Prius, and are moving to put hybrid technology in all their new models, but this would be their first attempt at the even lower emission plug-in power version of a hybrid automobile. Toyota needed to step it up so they could compete with the Chevrolet Volt plug-in and other brands stepping into the hybrid game. This plugin Prius would use a similar lithium-ion battery to those used by other auto manufacturers.

Toyota Plug-In Hybrid
nytimes

Toyota Motor said Monday that it planned a widespread release of its plug-in hybrid car in 2011 as the company scrambled to gain the upper hand in an increasingly crowded battle over next-generation "green" technology...Toyota, the world's largest automaker, dominates the current generation of gas-electric hybrid vehicles, but it has refrained from rushing lower-emission cars like the plug-in hybrid to market....

Toyota Plug-In Hybrid

Love is blooming for Orlando Bloom! Good to see some celebrities having a healthy love life, as actor Orlando Bloom let's news leak of his engagement to Victoria's Secret model Miranda Kerr.

The news was actually leaked by the model's brother, and hasn't been confirmed yet by Bloom or his girlfriend, who had denied previous rumors of an engagement. No word yet on when and where the wedding might be. For a photo of themn together, and more details, see below. Hope this is one of the celebrity marriages that has what it takes to last!

Orlando Bloom Engaged chron.com

Orlando Bloom and his girlfriend Miranda Kerr are engaged, according to the model's brother. The Pirates of the Caribbean star has been dating the Australian Victoria's Secret beauty since late 2007 and the pair has repeatedly denied rumors they are to wed. But Bloom has now reportedly proposed during a vacation in Morocco - and Kerr's sibling Matthew has confirmed the happy news...

Orlando Bloom Engaged

Richard Heene and Mayumi Heene deceived all of America, misused their own kids, and wasted lots of time money and resources with their "balloon boy" hoax. But after pleading only to minor charges, will justice be served in their sentencing?

The dad Richard Heene agreed with his lawyers to plead guilty to felony charges for attempting to influence a public servant, and faces up to six years behind bars, but it is suggested be may serve much lels than that. and the mother Mayumi accepted a misdemeanor charge of knowingly filing a false report with emergency services, which can bring up to six months in prison. Most interestingly they do not face losing custody of their children. What do you think, is this too light a punisment? Too severe?

Richard Heene, Mayumi Heene Sentencing: Too Light?
daily news

The notorious Colorado parents received a judge's blessing to visit New York and California after pleading guilty to staging the elaborate October hoax involving their 6-year-old son and a homemade balloon. Richard Heene waved off questions about the trip as he rushed away from the Larimer County courthouse yesterday. The Heenes are expected back in court Dec. 23 for sentencing...

Richard Heene, Mayumi Heene Sentencing: Too Light?

One of the most surprising moment in the Obama presidency so far, came not from any political debates but from Barack Obama's response to an impolite rapper.

As America continued to be in shock (perhaps a bit more than was necessary) from Kanye West's rude interruption of Taylor Swift, Barack Obama was captured on tape calling Kanye a "jackass." A surprising lapse into ad hominem attacks from Obama, and a barb that had to hurt Kanye West, who surely admires the President and would love his approval. Hopefully that moment was a wake up call for West, and it will remind him to have more class and humility. Probably not though. (I still enjoy his music anyway.)

ACTUAL VIDEO: Barack Obama Dissing Kanye West

President Barack Obama off-the-record honest comment about Kanye being a jackass.

ACTUAL VIDEO: Barack Obama Dissing Kanye West

One of the strangest and arguably creepiest stories of 2009 involved rumors of the Octomom and Jon Gosselin becoming a couple.

The reality TV dad of 8 kids, and the wannabe realty star who had 8 kids on top of the 6 she already had, were rumored to be hooking up after Gosselin left his wife Kate, and after Octomom's 15 minutes were running out. Octomom was quoted as saying she thinks Jon Gosselin is "hot", and a pitch leaked for a new reality show starring the both of them together. Which is one baby thank goodness, it looks like won't ever be born. I really didn't need to see that show. See below for the backstory on those rumors:

Octomom and Jon Gosselin?
tmz

TMZ obtained a copy of the pitch for "Jon - Kate = Jon + Octomom" which reads: "Mohammed and the Mountain started a religion. Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris started a Yankee dynasty. Lennon and McCartney started a music revolution. Now Jon and Octomom start a whole new reality in the world of Reality TV..."

Octomom and Jon Gosselin?

One of the most intriguing cases to hit this Supreme Court so far is the latest one coming this week, involving the privacy of text messages.

The case questions whether police were invading privacy when they inspected the personal text messages ofan employee, who technically had been using a government pager. Legal experts say because it involves an unusual situation around a public employee, the ruling is likely to be narrow in scope because of its particular circumstances that won't happen often to other people. But still an interesting foray into new information technology that the court hasn't dealt with much before.

Supreme Court Texting Case!
nytimes

The Supreme Court agreed on Monday to decide whether a police department violated the constitutional privacy rights of an employee when it inspected personal text messages sent and received on a government pager...The case opens "a new frontier in Fourth Amendment jurisprudence," according to a three-judge panel of an appeals court that ruled in favor of the employee, a police sergeant on the Ontario, Calif., SWAT team...

Supreme Court Texting Case!

A mystery and scandal that hasd plagued the Bush White House for years has finally been resolved, to an extent, as 22 million missing Bush administration emails were uncovered.

The messages were found as a result of extensive investigation into the Bush administrations lack of an electronic record keeping system. The 22 million missing Bush brain cells--I mean emails (sorry too easy), now recovered, will undergo a process to be made available to the public in a gradual process over the next 5+ years.

22 Million Missing Bush Brain Cells
sfgate

Computer technicians have found 22 million missing White House e-mails from the administration of President George W. Bush and the Obama administration is searching for dozens more days' worth of potentially lost e-mail from the Bush years, according to two groups that filed suit over the failure by the Bush White House to install an electronic record keeping system...

22 Million Missing Bush Brain Cells

For those who are addicted to their coffee and tea each morning, and perhaps feeling guilty about the habit: some news that might help you sleep easier (if the drinks don't keep you awake). New studies suggest that both coffee and tea may help prevent the onset of diabetes!

Research done by medical experts in the field shows that the risk of diabetes drops substantially, and interestingly the effect is the same for decaffeinated coffee as or regular, and the same for tea though coffee is more effective. Data seems to suggest having 3 or 4 cups of coffee per day could have serious advantages for those at rick of diabetes. Time to buy that coffee grinder! As a coffee aficionado I highly recommend grinding your own whole beans, makes a big difference.

Coffee, Tea: Diabetes Fighters!
detroit free press

Drinking four cups of coffee or tea daily can reduce the risk of getting Type 2 diabetes by at least 25%, said a review of research published Monday...The researchers found that for each cup of coffee people drank, their risk of getting diabetes dropped by 7%...

Coffee, Tea: Diabetes Fighters!

In some sad celebrity relationship news (or relieving news depending on who you ask), it looks like Kate Hudson and A-Rod are finally splitsville.

Alex Rodriguez and Kate Hudson have been linked romantically for quite a while now, but now tabloid sources are reporting that A-Rod is being seen out partying with other random women, and Kate is nowhere to be found anymore. Other sources directly confirmed that they have broken up, as cited below. Surely not the end of the world for these two mature adults, but hopefully they are breaking up on good terms, if it's true.

Kate Hudson A-Rod: Split?
nymag

We've never been onboard with A-Rod and Kate Hudson's romance. We don't know why, exactly, but their being together just never made any sense to us. Like we just could not get inside their heads, if you know what we mean. Every time we tried we just got like, a terrible, hollow, buzzing sound...

Kate Hudson A-Rod: Split?

A beautiful example of holiday spirit in action as a couple in a local restaurant in Philadelphia started a magical trend of paying it forward that lasted throughout the evening.

The magic began when one couple decided to carry out a random act of kindness by paying for the table next to them as well as themselves. That next table then paid for the table next to them, and the chain reaction of generosity continued throughout the night, according to restaurant staff who say none of the people seemed to know each other. Quite a nice story! There must be some sort of example Wall street can get from this.

Magical Chain Reaction: Philadelphia
msnbc

A mystery couple, who didn't leave their names or numbers, walked into a restaurant, finished their meal and then set-off a chain reaction of generosity that lasted for hours. That's just what employees at the Aramingo Diner in Port Richmond said a man and a woman did during their breakfast shift last Saturday morning...

Magical Chain Reaction: Philadelphia

Glimmers of hope this week on the fight against Alzheimer's disease, as medicak researchers say a fat hormone named leptin could help protect people against the debilitating illness that affects so many families.

The hormone's role in our body is regulating appetite, but doctors now hope it might also help keep the brain healthy, specifically the hippocampus. Higher levels of leptin decreased risk both of weight problems and Alzheimer's. Medical experts stress the studies are still in very initial stages, and much more work needs to be done. But hopefully this will lead to better lives for our grandchildren when they become grandfathers.

Fat Hormone and Alzheimer's
business week

High blood levels of leptin, a hormone that regulates appetite, may guard against Alzheimer's disease, new research suggests. "Hopefully, in 10 or 15 years this may be one of many agents that we use to reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease," said senior study author Dr. Sudha Seshadri, an associate professor of neurology at Boston University School of Medicine...

Fat Hormone and Alzheimer's

If you want to get your holiday cards and gifts delivered on time, you may be close to the wire already. Is it too late for you? You can check one of the many holiday shipping deadline guides online and see if you still have a shot.

There are many sites that lay out the deadlines for your holiday shopping and gift giving, and each online merchant like Amazon and such will have a different deadline listed, but here are some general guidelines I've seen quoted around the web:

* DBMC Drop Ship: Dec 19
* Drop ship: Dec 23
* Express mail: Dec 23
* First class mail: Dec 21
* Parcel Post: Dec 16
* Priority mail: Dec 21

So basically, you better get moving! Or just email everyone some mp3s, can't go wrong with that.

Holiday Shipping Deadlines Guide
product reviews

We only have a few days left for Christmas; this means that holiday shipping deadlines are getting ever closer. How horrible would it be if you spent ages picking that perfect gift, only to find that you have missed the cut-off date? You had best do your homework to know when the last shipping dates will be...

Holiday Shipping Deadlines Guide

Scientists have many high-tech methods for tracking and predicting earthquakes, but one of the simplest and most effective ways recently has been using twitter posts to monitor for earthquake activity.

Because so many millions of people are posting their immediate reaction to whatever happens around them, researchers can get almost instantaneous notification of seismic activity by tracking the latest tweets. In fact the United States Geological Survey found that twitter often beat out their own tracking methods in spreading the first word about a pending earthquake. They are hoping to expand the study by learning the words associated with an earthquake in other languages. And here I thought twitter was only useful to track outbreaks of terrible reality television.

Twitter Earthquake Monitor
msnbc

Earthquake experts have found a new way to "follow" earthquakes in real-time: Twitter. Scientists at the United States Geological Survey (USGS) recently noticed that users of the micro-blogging service in seismically active areas of the world were quick to note and report any temblors and movements of the Earth that they felt...

Twitter Earthquake Monitor

A group's census promo is being called offensive in its depiction of Jesus, as part of their pitch for getting people to participate in the census.

According to the story of the Bible, Joseph and Mary were on their way to be counted in a Roman censes when they had to find shelter in the manger where Jesus was then born. The promo, produced by the The National Association of Latino Elected Officials, reminds readers that this is how Jesus was born as encouragement to participate in our upcoming census, which happens once every ten years. Critics say this is blasphemous and violates the separation of church and state, but defenders insist this is worthwhile to get as many people counted as possible, especially the latino communities targeted by the campaign.

Group's Census Promo: Sacrilege!
usa today

A push to spread the gospel about the 2010 Census this Christmas is stoking controversy with a campaign that links the government count to events surrounding the birth of Jesus. The National Association of Latino Elected Officials is leading the distribution to churches and clergy of thousands of posters that depict the arrival of Joseph and a pregnant Mary in Bethlehem more than 2,000 years ago...

Group's Census Promo: Sacrilege!

In today's Is This Really Necessary news, a child was forced to go home from school because of a drawing of a crucifix.

The boy, a second grader in Massachusetts, drew a picture of a man on a cross, which he labeled as himself, but it wasn't clear if it was supposed to be himself or Jeses, or both. The teacher apparently was alarmed, also that the boy drew Jesus with an X for each eye, although this seems natural given that Jesus did die on the cross.

The father says he suspects racism is involved. Hard to know what to make of it. Seems a bit unnecessary though, for the poor kid!

Second-Grader & Crucifix Drawing
newsok

An 8-year-old boy was sent home from school and ordered to undergo a psychological evaluation after he was asked to make a Christmas drawing and came up with what appeared to be a stick figure of Jesus on a cross, the child's father said Tuesday...Chester Johnson told WBZ-TV that his son made the drawing on Dec. 2 after his second-grade teacher asked children to sketch something that reminded them of the holiday. Johnson said the teacher became upset when his son said he drew himself on the cross...

Second-Grader & Crucifix Drawing

In today's Are People Still Keeping Track of This news, sources are reporting that Tiger Woods' wife is being seen around town without her wedding ring.

Several photos are circulating online of Elin without her ring, and reports are surfacing that she will see one of the top celebrity divorce lawyers soon, to take this troubled marriage into court and put it out of its misery once and for all. And furthermore, there are even rumors that Tiger's wife will not be picking up sponsorship deals, just as he starts losing many of his. Specifically she is rumored to be signing with Puma, a rival of his longtime sponsor NIke. I'm still hoping they will find a way to pitch things up, but we'll just have to see. Or stop trying to see and let them lvie their lives...but we're probably not going to do that. See the link below for photos of Elin without the ring, also up at TMZ.com

Tiger Woods Wife & Ring
huffingtonpost

The Mirror reports that Tiger Woods' wife Elin Nordegren may be seeing celebrity lawyer Sorrell Trope as soon as next week. According to the article, "Elin is believed to be planning to file for divorce in California -- where the couple have a home -- and not Florida, where they live." Filing for divorce in California would increase the chances that the couple's property would be split evenly between the two...

Tiger Woods Wife & Ring

Australia is getting set to introduce nationwide content filters on the internet there, which they say will strictly block criminal material, but which critics say will curtail free speech online.

As one researcher said, "Clearly there is a need to protect younger and more vulnerable users of the net, but one concern is that it won't just be illegal websites that will be blocked..."

This is the latest chapter in the ongoing tug of war between legal and government authorities trying to limit internet capabilities in various countries, and the younger generation of internet users who believe all media technology should be unfettered outlets for free expression. Over time, the younger generation may win out, but there will be a lot of bumps in the road until then.

Australia Web Filters
bbc

Australia intends to introduce filters which will ban access to websites containing criminal content. The banned sites will be selected by an independent classification body guided by complaints from the public, said Communications Minister Stephen Conroy...

Australia Web Filters

The employees of a former madam named Kristin Davis are revealing sordid details about her business for the first time, and the news may not be so good for some prominent New Yorkers.

The madam, who famously supplied Eliot Spitzer with, er, services, is also now reported to have provided similar services for Alex Rodriguez, as well as going on to date hi outside of their business relationship. Interviews with the Daily News give lots of detail on Alex's repeated visits with Kristin's stable, and their email exchanges with each other leading up to them allegedly hooking up in the end. For more detail and emails see below.

Former Madam Kristin Davis: News Not Good
ny daily news

A former Manhattan madam who supplied Eliot Spitzer with hookers also counted Yankee slugger Alex Rodriguez as a customer - and found him so charming she dated him herself for free, former employees of the call-girl agency tell the Daily News...A-Rod wooed ex-madam Kristin Davis with flowers, jewelry, persistence and heated e-mails, according to the sources...

Former Madam Kristin Davis: News Not Good

questions continue to loom about Iran's potential nuclear ability, as more and more stories come in about the country's nuclear tests.

According to unnamed US government officials, America has knowledge of a secret Iranian document that indicates they now have the know how for a key component of the nuclear bomb. New missile tests by Iran on Wednesday also lent credence to suspicions, and brought a new round of criticism from the Obama administration, who believe Iran is not being entirely honest about their nuclear endeavors.

Iran's Nuclear Test
msnbc

Behind the U.S. drive for harsh new sanctions on Iran is growing concern that the Iranians are acquiring the know-how to build a nuclear weapon. The latest worry is a purported Iranian secret document that lays out a plan for developing a critical component of an atomic bomb...

Iran's Nuclear Test

Sonia Sotomayor is finally settling in to get on the job and start making history. The new Supreme Court term is now in full effect, and the first latina Supreme Court justice is ready to be in the thick of things.

As the new term starts on Monday Sotomayor and her 8 fellow robe wearers will be taking on a variety of contentious legal cases, sure to have lawyers and laymen alike on the edge of their seats. A majot case about gun control laws is expected to hit their laps soon, as well as a case about how long a suspect has to request an attorney...this business as usual comes after endless controversy and jabs from her critics before she took the job, but now that she's in the sailing has been smooth so far.

Sotomayor Controversy & Critics
cbsnews.com

Controversy is still surrounding newly appointed Judge Sotomayor and the "better than a white man" comment. It has led to Rush Limbaugh and many others calling her a racist. Wyatt Andrews reports....

Sotomayor Controversy & Critics

A strike at one of the major Airlines could make holiday travel a major humbug, according to latest news from British Airways.

The prominent airliner is facing catasptrophe right before Christmas, as their cabin crews are set to strike right before the holiday, starting on Dec. 22nd, and staying out of the aisles until January second. The strike, one of the biggest in years for a major airline, is inspired by threatened staff cuts, frozen wages and other cutbacks that are seen as unfair to airline staff. But the airline says these are necessary in tough economic times to keep the planes flying.

British Airways Strike
seattle times

British Airways cabin crew will strike over Christmas, their union said Monday, throwing the plans of thousands of holiday travelers into uncertainty at one of the busiest times of the year. Strikes are to begin Dec. 22 and run for a dozen days until Jan. 2, said Len McCluskey, the assistant general secretary for Britain's Unite union. McCluskey said 92.5 percent of workers voted in favor of the action...

British Airways Strike

In today's I Would Totally Lose My Job For This news, a man in was reportedly fired for spending too much time on his fantasy football team (as if you could ever spend too much time on that).

The man, Cameron Pettigrew, was in fact one of four employees of Fidelity, fired for taking part in a fantasy league that included office management and leadership. Cameron says he especially was singled out for being the manager of the league, who gathered everyone's oh so scandalous 20 dollar buy-ins. Fidelity was apparently applying an absurdly literal and stringent interpretation of their policy against illegal gambling.

Fired for Playing Fantasy Football?
cbs11

They're popular among people of all ages, and in many businesses but fantasy football leagues have landed four North Texans in the unemployment line. Cameron Pettigrew, 26, was one of them. He previously worked for Fidelity Investments for 2 1/2 years, but on October 21, he and three other employees were fired. "I was fired for playing fantasy football," he said...

Fired for Playing Fantasy Football?

cbs11

A Costco in is said to be removing tomatoes from the reach of customers, in order to protect presumed Presidential hopeful Sarah Palin from being the victim of another flying tomato attack.

The store, in Salt Lake City, apparently had reason to believe Palin might not be too popular among Utah residents, as customers reported being unable to find tomatoes anywhere during the week when Sarah Palin was visiting the city for her "Going Rogue" book tour. Luckily disgruntled citizens did not substitute the many other available objects such as potatoes, bottles of Vitamin Water and frozen turkeys.

Palin Tomatoes
seattle times

Costco customer Helen Rappaport told The Salt Lake Tribune that she couldn't find tomatoes at a warehouse in Salt Lake City last week because, the manager told her, they were taken off shelves while Sarah Palin visited during her book tour. "It turns out that Palin had been pelted with a tomato at an earlier stop on her book tour and the management at the Costco was determined it wouldn't happen here..."

Palin Tomatoes

The Gipper. Homer Simpson. Barack Obama. Mary Ann on Gilligan's Island. All proof that America loves an unerdog. But who are the favorite underdogs of all time?

A survey by a British paper listed singing star Susan Boyle as ab all time favorite underdog, and also cited Rocky Balboa, the Mighty Ducks, 1980 U.S.A. Men's Hockey Team, and the other British reality show singing sensation, Paul Potts (who I still like better than Susan Boyle, myself. not to start a fight or anything). Who are your favorite of history's underdogs?

Favorite Underdogs of All Time
np

It's been about a week since Susan Boyle became an overnight sensation, with the original clip of her performance on Britain's Got Talent now watched over 30 million times. Much has been made about the dowdy singer from West Lothian, Scotland, but she's not the only underdog to have garnered worldwide attention. Here are some of The Ampersand's favourite underdogs of all-time:..

Favorite Underdogs of All Time

Susan Boyle has told recently of her painful childhood experiences, being left without friends, isolated teased and bullied. But how long ago was this and how old was she?

According to best internet sources, Susan was born in 1961, which would make her 48. Boyle shocked the world because apparently nobody believes that a plain looking working class woman could also be talented? I never quite got that whole angle, but nothing against her, she's great! Hope she'll stay on top through her 50th and beyond.

Susan Boyle Age?
wiki

Susan Magdalane Boyle (born 1 April 1961) is a Scottish singer who came to international public attention when she appeared as a contestant on reality TV programme Britain's Got Talent on 11 April 2009, singing "I Dreamed a Dream" from Les Misérables. Her first album was released in November 2009 and debuted as the number one best-selling CD on charts around the globe. Global interest in Boyle was triggered by the contrast between her powerful voice and her plain appearance on stage....

Susan Boyle Age?

The underdog story of the year is Football's New Orleans Saints, who have gone from an 8-8 record just one year ago to threatening to get a perfect season now in 2009.

Drew Brees, Reggie Bush, Colston and all the other Saints are bringing joy and hope to a city that so deserves it, the ultimate underdog city itself, New Orleans. And if that city can rise up from all its hardship, the least they deserve is to get to a superbowl! Maybe brad and angelina can pull some extra strings down there.

2008 New Orleans Saints: Record of 8-8, Then Perfect??
sun sentinel

Let's just say, right up front, that I want the Saints and Colts to reach Dolphin Stadium undefeated for the Super Bowl. It'd be fun. It'd be history. It'd give America's biggest sports game a biggest-ever feel. Who wouldn't love the collision of unbeaten against unbeaten? Besides the '72 Dolphins, that is, and Indianapolis General Manager Bill Polian, the frump...

2008 New Orleans Saints: Record of 8-8, Then Perfect??

In the aftermath of Kanye West's tirade at the VMAs, here is some video of Taylor herself and her exclusive reaction to the verbal assault in her big moment. "Taylor Swift talks with the ladies of The View about her reaction to Kanye West interrupting her acceptance speech at the VMA's. Kate Gosslin guest hosts."

A terrible story from Colorado, where a young boy accidentyally shot himself with a gun he found under the christmas tree.

The 22 pistol was buried behind the tree, for reasons not explained yet, but the boy was apparently digging around and found it, and started playing with it. He then shot himself in the leg and had to be rushed to the hospital. Police say the parents will not face charges, as thet did make some effort to keep the gun from the child, but manyare still questioning why the gun was so accessible to him, and especially why it was nearby the Christmas tree.

Gun safety and whether it is safer to have a gun in the home or go without one has been on ongoing debate for a long time, and this case of a boy accidentally shooting himself is saure to add fuel to that fire.

Colorado Boy Accidentally Shoots Self
2thedeuce

Authorities say a 12-year-old boy accidentally shot himself in the leg while playing with a loaded pistol his parents had hidden behind the family Christmas tree. Montezuma County Sheriff Gerald Wallace says the boy was shot in the calf on Monday morning but the injury wasn't serious. Wallace says the parents had left for work but other family members took the boy to a hospital...

Colorado Boy Accidentally Shoots Self

As medical marijuana continues to build up momentum, one outlet in Denver is raising the stakes, and offering gourmet dishes to those seeking pot-laced food for medicinal purposes.

The Ganja Gourmet restaurant sells "Panama Red Pizza", pot lasagna and a marijuana tapenade. It is one of a growing crop of medicinal marijuana outlets innovating better ways to cook pot-laced dishes. Medicinal marijuana continues to gain respect for the many health issues and illnesses it is believed to help with, including glaucoma, nausea, stress, chronic pain and many other conditions. Even though I do not partake of it, I am hoping that this spreads to other states, I see no reason for so many to be prevented from using this drug when the benefits seem pretty clear. And if some great fod can come out of it, maybe I'll have to try it one day!

Pot-laced Food Denver
chicago tribune

Any slacker living over his parents' garage can make pot brownies. Gourmet chefs are taking the art of cooking with marijuana to a higher level. In Denver, a new medical-marijuana shop called Ganja Gourmet serves cannabis-infused specialties such as pizza, hummus and lasagna. Across town in the Mile-High City, a Caribbean restaurant plans to offer classes on how to make multi-course meals with pot in every dish....

Pot-laced Food Denver

As Wall Street and Banking institutions continue to combat their bad reputation and the bad vibes caused by the economic crisis and their ensuing bailkoutm, Citigoroup is now suspending foreclosures for 30 days during this holiday season.

The temporary repreive on foreclosures affects 4,000 borrowers, more or less, all of whom were facing foreclosures because of loans and mortgages that did not worlk out for them. Citi is halting evictions that were already underway. All major lenders had suspended foreclosures under the Obama plan.

Citigroup to Suspend Foreclosures
seattle times

Citigroup Inc. will suspend foreclosures and evictions for 30 days in a temporary break for about 4,000 borrowers during the holiday season. The New York-based bank said Thursday the suspension will run from Friday through Jan. 17. It applies only to borrowers whose loans are owned by Citi.

Citigroup to Suspend Foreclosures

James Bain is tasting freedom for the first time in 35 long painful years, after his legal team has finally exonerated him decades after he was falsely convected of a rape he did not commit.

At the time he was convicted there was no means to carry out DNA testing and find out for sure if someone was guilty. But after years and years ot sticking to it and insisting on his innocence, plus a team of defense lawyers and activistsm Bain is finally a free man, adjusting to a world that has changed in a million ways since he went to jail so long ago.

Cases like this, in addition to showing how the justice system generally has major flawsm this has to be a wake up call for anyone who doesnt realize the death penalty is too big a risk when innocent people can so easiky get railroaded.

DNA clears man: 35 Years Later!
msnbc

James Bain used a cell phone for the first time Thursday, calling his elderly mother to tell her he had been freed after 35 years behind bars for a crime he did not commit. Mobile devices didn't exist in 1974, the year he was sentenced to life in prison for kidnapping a 9-year-old boy and raping him in a nearby field...

DNA clears man: 35 Years Later!

James Bain is tasting freedom for the first time in 35 long painful years, after his legal team has finally exonerated him decades after he was falsely convected of a rape he did not commit.

At the time he was convicted there was no means to carry out DNA testing and find out for sure if someone was guilty. But after years and years ot sticking to it and insisting on his innocence, plus a team of defense lawyers and activistsm Bain is finally a free man, adjusting to a world that has changed in a million ways since he went to jail so long ago.

Cases like this, in addition to showing how the justice system generally has major flawsm this has to be a wake up call for anyone who doesnt realize the death penalty is too big a risk when innocent people can so easiky get railroaded.

DNA clears man: 35 Years Later!
msnbc

James Bain used a cell phone for the first time Thursday, calling his elderly mother to tell her he had been freed after 35 years behind bars for a crime he did not commit. Mobile devices didn't exist in 1974, the year he was sentenced to life in prison for kidnapping a 9-year-old boy and raping him in a nearby field...

DNA clears man: 35 Years Later!

What should kids eat, what should kdis not eat? There are a lot of conflicting sources on the topic of healthy food for children, but Web MD has some answers as far as the best approach to providing proper nutrition for your child.

According to the book, Eat This Not That For Kids, a lot of foods recommended for kid aare actually not healthy for them. The link below offers some help on figuring out the real nutrituin guidelines for your kid.

Food kids should not eat
webmd

Eat This, Not That for Kids is not a diet book, but a wake-up call to parents to start feeding their kids healthier foods. After the wildly popular Eat This, Not That book, aimed at helping adults make smarter food choices, authors David Zinczenko and Matt Goulding followed with this sequel.

One of the book's most shocking revelations is just how much fat, calories, sodium, and sugar are lurking in many favorite kids' dishes.
Food kids should not eat

A four year old in Tennessee went on a strange holiday rampage this week, getting drunk and wandering around down with beer in hand, wearing a little girl's dress he stole, and stealing other christmas gifts before finally being found by his mother and taken to the hospital.

The boy found the beer in a cooler behind the house, and his mother said the boyh aqts out and gets in trouble because he misses his father, who is in jail, and he hopes to be arrested so he can b with his dad. So sad! Hopefully the mother can get him some treatment and support, now that their situation has gotten a bunch of media attention.

4-Year-Old Beer Drinking Disaster!
cbsnews

Drunk 4-year-old Hayden Wright made sure that Christmas came early this year! The Tennessee boy was found wandering his Chatanooga neighborhood in the middle of the night, beer in hand, wearing a little girl's dress taken from under a neighbor's Christmas tree...Hayden's mother, 21-year-old April Wright, woke up at 1:45 a.m. and panicked when she realized he was missing...

4-Year-Old Beer Drinking Disaster!

We have many half baked health tonics and remedies on the market nowadays, but this is not a new phenomenon, and according to experts a famous 16th century mistress of King Henry II died from one of her eras most popular (and most ill advised) health drinks:liquid drinkable gold.

The drinkable gold was believed to preserve your youthfulness, and was consumed by many upper class women in her day. Versions of this tradiion have continued in more recent times, with some people still believing colloidal silver is good for you. The rapper RZA from the Wutang Clan has spoken of trying this at one point. For more info see below:

King's Mistress: Drinkable Gold?
npr

In 16th century France, drinkable gold was the pomegranate juice of the day, believed to keep you young forever. But it may have killed a mistress to two kings. Experts examining the exhumed remains of Diane de Poitiers found deadly levels of gold in her hair. While drinking gold didn't live up to its promise, Diane had reasons to believe it was an elixir of youth. She was mistress to Henry II, who was 20 years her junior...

King's Mistress: Drinkable Gold?

A lottery winner leaves his wife after his big earnings day! According to his wife, Arnim Ramdass was part of a group of co-workers that won a big $19 million lottery, but he hid from his wife that he had won, and according to her, Arnim started acting quite erratically.

When she figured out about his secret new stash of money, the confrontation wound up with him leaving and disappearing, and she's been sending lawyers and investigators after him ever since, trying to get what she feels is her share of that money.

Lottery Winner Leaves Wife! (VIDEO)
miami herald

Donna Campbell of Miramar wants to serve her husband with divorce papers. But she can't find the guy. The two have been on tense terms since 2007 when the former Caribbean beauty queen made headlines after going public with their marital drama. Her husband, Arnim Ramdass, was a part of a pool of American Airlines mechanics in Miami who won a $19 million Florida Lotto jackpot...

Lottery Winner Leaves Wife! (VIDEO)

Sarah Palin gets lots of love and acclaim from her base in Middle America, but in Minnesota she got a different reception: flying tomatoes.

Palin had to dodge the tomatoes thrown by a man in Bloomington, which wound up hitting police officers guarding her. He went on to be arrested for the Palin tomato assault, his attempt to be the American version of the shoe-thrower ending in defeat. The usually outspoken Palin also dodged questions about the tomato dodging, and offered no comment.

A Costco in Utah this week was caught removing tomatoes from the reach of their customers, in order to protect Sarah Palin from being the victim of another flying tomato attack..Another Costco store, in Salt Lake City, apparently had reason to believe Palin might not be too popular among Utah residents, as customers reported being unable to find tomatoes anywhere during the week when Sarah Palin was visiting the city for her "Going Rogue" book tour. Luckily disgruntled citizens did not substitute the many other available objects such as potatoes, bottles of Vitamin Water and frozen turkeys.

Palin Dodges Tomatoes
seattle times

Costco customer Helen Rappaport told The Salt Lake Tribune that she couldn't find tomatoes at a warehouse in Salt Lake City last week because, the manager told her, they were taken off shelves while Sarah Palin visited during her book tour. "It turns out that Palin had been pelted with a tomato at an earlier stop on her book tour and the management at the Costco was determined it wouldn't happen here..."

Palin Dodges Tomatoes

A bundle of joy is coming for beach volleyball star Kerri Walsh, as she announces she is pregnant for the second time. The volleyball MVP, known also for a famously playful meeting on the beach with George W Bush, says she is due at the end of May, and according to her agent she hopes to be back on the beach spiking balls before the end of the year.

Kerri Walsh is among the most famous to ever play in beach volleyball, along with her partner, mand have been dominant for years. Here's hoping she'll continue to rock for years to come, and have a healthy and happy baby to inherit the throne.

Volleyball Star Pregnant

Two-time Olympic beach volleyball gold medalist Kerri Walsh of the United States is pregnant for a second time. Walsh is due at the end of May and her agent says she could be back as early as the end of the 2010 season. Walsh and her husband, fellow beach volleyball pro Casey Jennings, gave birth to a son last May. After planning to take the whole year off, Walsh returned to the AVP tour in August...

Volleyball Star Pregnant

A private middle school in Atlanta's inner city has gotten a whopping a $1.5 million dollar gift from the mighty Oprah Winfrey!

Altanta's Ron Clark Academy announced the major donation onThursday. The innovative middle school has struggled to raise enough money this year in our the sagging economy, to pay for its steep $2.8 million operating budget, bankrolled almost entirely by donors. The school is in one of the city's poorest neighborhoods and is hoping to expand its campus with a cafeteria, gymnasium and theater. Winfrey, who has had school founder Ron Clark on her show twice, donated $365,000 to the school last December. Clark wrote the best-selling teaching book "The Essential 55."

Oprah's $1.5 Million Gift
hollyscoop

Oprah Winfrey's generosity never seems to quit. The talk show queen just donated $1.5 million to a private school in the inner city of Atlanta. She said in a statement, "I hope my gift will inspire others to join in to support RCA, a place that's not only uplifting students but also training teachers across the globe how to do the same for their students."

Oprah's $1.5 Million Gift

Susan Boyle is talking bravely about her battle with an illness that hits millions of Americans: chronic depression.

She had a rough childhood, being teased and bullied and feeling alone, and like many people who suffer from depression, uses therapists and other support to maintain her mental health and seek recovery from what she went through. She didn't say whether she takes any prescription antidepressants, as many do, but hopefully her sharing will give strength to the many others who feel the same feelings.

Susan Boyle Depression Confessions
exposay

Susan Boyle has spoken about her secret battle with depression. The 'Wilds Horses' singer admitted she is prone to mood swings and fits of anger, saying her condition has its roots in her childhood, when she was bullied. She said: "I can be up and down like a yo-yo. I can be depressed...Susan- who suffers from learning difficulties after she was deprived of oxygen at birth - added that performing onstage is the only place she feels comfortable, and can engage with an audience...

Susan Boyle Depression Confessions

Santa Claus is beloved as a hero for kids in America, but some say he is more naughty than nice when it comes to his health and fitness.

Critics including a previous Surgeon General have pointed out that Santa Claus sets a bad example with his obesity, and should work on improving his diet and exercise so he would encourage kids to be healthy. And experts in Australia made similar comments, though some are interpreting it to be tongue-in-cheek, as seen in the link below.

What do you think, Should Santa slim down and hit the elliptical machines, so he can teach kids about good health? Or is he just fine the way he is, with his fat jolly self?

Santa: Health Crisis?
chron

It was a joke, folks. Have people entirely lost their sense of humor? Everywhere on Thursday and Friday (see, for example, the AP or Bloomberg) there were stories breathlessly reporting that public health expert Nathan Grills of Monash University in Australia was arguing that Santa was too fat and a poor image of health for kids. Moreover, the stories said, Grills wanted to supplant him with a slimmed down version.

Santa: Health Crisis?

Are you allowed to be naked in your own home? Most Americans might take for granted the answer is yes, but one case of a man arrested for indecent exposure inside his own house may set a different precedent.

The man was in his own kitchen minding his own business, when a woman and her young son were walking across his front yard and saw him in the nude. Which to me raises the question: why were they in his yard? But for the woman it raised the question "why is that guy naked" so she called the police who came and arrested him for being naked in his own kitchen.

Is this right? I've got to hope his lawyers can prove this is a miscarriage of justice, because it seems wrong to me.

Virginia Naked Trial daily news

A Virginia man was arrested for being naked - in his own home. Eric Williamson was making coffee in his kitchen Monday morning and didn't thing anything of the fact that he was nude since he was alone in the house, according to WTTG-TV. But a woman and her 7-year-old son happened to be strolling through his front yard and saw the 29-year-old having breakfast in the buff through his window.

Virginia Naked Trial

As the economy continues to struggle and unemployment hovers in the double digit raise, the government is about to provide a big boost as the Feds hire over a million new census workers for the upcoming census.

The census, which seeks establish precise counts of the US population, happens only once every ten years, so it's a rare opportunity that's taken very seriously. Many of the jobs offered will rin for a couple of months, knocking on doors to find people who haven't filled out the census forms. In some parts of the country there can be some risk to this, as we saw with the one census worker found killed recently, but this does not happen often and it's important work that needs to be done, so hopefully people will step up.

Feds Hire Census Workers, 1.2 Million!
bradenton.com

A once-in-a-decade job opportunity is just around the corner for jobless Americans who are struggling through the worst economic recession since the Great Depression. Across the country, the 2010 census is ramping up efforts to hire 1.2 million temporary workers for the decennial head count, which begins in March. Most of the jobs, about 700,000, will require knocking on doors for six to 10 weeks from May to July to find people who didn't mail in their census questionnaires....

Feds Hire Census Workers, 1.2 Million!

Is there a secret formula for measuring beauty? For centuries, artists and scholars have used an equation called the Golden Ratio to measure the aesthetic purity of art ant nature. The golden ratio appears throughout nature in many organic forms, and constantly in works of art from painting to scuplture to photography and movies. And recently some experts have tried to make formulas for using the Golden Ratio as a measurement of human faces and ther beauty and perfection.

Is this really possible, or is beauty still a subjective concept no matter how you try to quantify it? Perhaps a mix of both, but the golden ratio has been around so long, it's hard to dismiss entirely.

Golden Ratio: Beauty Secret Formula?
oprah

During the European Renaissance, renowned artists and architects used an equation known as the "golden ratio" to map out their masterpieces. Thousands of years later, scientists adopted this mathematical formula to help explain why some people are considered beautiful...and others are not. Now the beauty world uses the golden ratio and 29 other measurements to study facial sex appeal. These measurements are calculated to determine a person's beauty on a scale of 1 to 10.,,

Golden Ratio: Beauty Secret Formula?

Could Jerry Seinfeld be getting ready to replace Conon O'Brien as the host of the Tonight show, as it continues to plummet in the ratings?

Conan looked to be the big winner when Jay Leno left the Tonight Show and O'Brien was tapped to replace him, but after Leno returned to rock at 10PM, and Conan had trouble adjusting to the new slot with its older more conservative audience, he had trouble finding his footing, especially against a David Letterman at the top of his game even amidst his own scandals. I was always a fan of Conan but I think his best days may be behind him. A shame for him to go out this way, though. On the other hand, I'm kinda psyched about Seinfeld possibly coming in.

Conan O'Brien: Seinfeld Replacing Him?
hollyscoop

Conan O'Brien's ratings have been slipping in recent months so badly that NBC is reportedly looking for a replacement! Popeater reports that network executives have begun informal talks to find a new late night funny man for the time slot. A source says, "NBC just can't carry on like this. 'The Tonight Show' has lost 52 percent of its viewership in just one year...
Conan O'Brien: Seinfeld Replacing Him?

A State Senator in Massachusetts has sunk about as low as a Senator, or anybody, can sink, after pleading guilty to a hit and run, and being sentenced to home confinement thanks to his recard as a repeat DUI offender.

Senator Galluccio loses his driver's license for 5 years, and is subjected to random alcohol testing from now on. Alcohol abuse is obviously a serious problem, and I hope he gets some treatment and rehabilitation for his addiction. Drunk driving especially is no joke though, and he deserves to be punihed regardless of how he seeks treatment.

Repeat DUI Senator: Busted!
boston channel

A state lawmaker accused of leaving the scene of a crash in Cambridge was told to hand over his license and was sentenced to home confinement on Friday. Sen. Anthony Galluccio pleaded guilty on Friday of two charges of leaving the scene of a crash in connection with an Oct. 4 crash in Cambridge...

Repeat DUI Senator: Busted!

NBA rookie Brandon Jennings is getting a hefty $7.500 fine for twittering. And not for tweeting anything offensive or negative on his twitter, but simply for congratulating his team on a big win.

The NBA's problem with the tweet was that it came too soon after the game ended, while he was still in the arena and during a span the league considers "game time," which means players are not allowed to tweet. Jennings has said he understand he broke the rules and it was a rookie mistake, but he feels the fine was excessivem, just as he was getting ready to do his christmas shopping and buy last-minute gifts for his family. Looks like the Jennings kids might be getting another etch-a-sketch instead of that flat screen TV.

Brandon Jennings Fined For Tweet
minn star

Bucks rookie Brandon Jennings was fined $7,500 by the NBA on Friday for posting a message on his Twitter account after Milwaukee's 108-101 double-overtime win over Portland last weekend. Jennings was fined for the timing of his post, not the content, when he tweeted: "Back to 500. Yess!!! "500" means where doing good. Way to Play Hard Guys."

Brandon Jennings Fined For Tweet

Steve Wynn, the famous Las Vegas Casino tycoon, has made a fortune from getting people to throw huge amount of money around gambling at his casinos, and now he's throwing pretty hefty sums around himself, as the NY Times reports Wynn was the anonymous bidder that bought a rare Rembrandt painting for a whopping record price of $33.2 million!

THe bid was made by phone, and Christie's was refusing to identify the winning bidder, but the Times ID-ed him as Wynn, who is known to be a collector of and investor in fine art. And this Rembrandt will now be the crown jewel in his collection! Unless he loses it at the poker table.

Wynn Rembrandt
reuters

A Rembrandt painting that sold for a record $33.2 million (20.5 million pounds) last week at Christie's in London was bought by U.S. casino mogul Steve Wynn, The New York Times reported on Friday, citing sources familiar with the transaction. Christie's is not disclosing the identity of the winning telephone bidder for the 1658 "Portrait of a Man, Half-Length, With His Arms Akimbo," a spokesman said...

Wynn Rembrandt

Robin Hood 702 is a high-stakes Blackjack player who looks for struggling families having trouble surviving the recessionm, and he selects one family to help, and uses his prodigious Blackjack gambling skills to try and win them out of debt at the blackjack table.

This year he is flying one lucky (formerly unlucky) family out to LAs Vegas, and treating them to a lavish weekend while he works for them at the Blackjack table, and though he plans to win enoguh money to pay off all their bills, he promises to pay off half ther debt personally no matter what happens in his Blackjack games that weekend. In a sometimes sleazy world this is one gambler who shows a lot of class!

Blackjack Robin Hood
tfoul

A man only known as "Robin Hood 702″, is out this holiday season to help a deserving family by playing Blackjack. Mr. 702, describes himself as a "self-made man and expert Blackjack player" and he helps a deserving family based on their video submission... the then flies them to Vegas and tries his best to win money from Blackjack that he will give to family and help them with their debt.

Blackjack Robin Hood

A dad in New Jersey continues to struggle in a bitter custody battle, that finds his son staying all the way down in Brazil 5 years after the case started.

The father, David Goldman, was hoping to finally bring his son backk home in time for Christmas, but his lawyers were unable to get things done in time in Brazil's family court. The judge ruled the boy must stay for now. Child custody cases are often fraught with emotion and controversy, and many times considered slanted against the father. Once an international dispute is involved it can get very messy

Custody Battle Dad
cbsnews

Brazil's Supreme Court on Thursday delayed the return of a 9-year-old boy to his U.S. father only hours after the man arrived from New Jersey in hopes of taking the boy home for Christmas. The court ruled the child must stay in Brazil while it considers a request that his own testimony be heard in the case, which has dragged on for five years....

Custody Battle Dad

Robert Wiles is a Florida pilot that's been missing for almost a year, but the FBI is just now finding solid leads in the case of the allegedly kidnapped pilot.

Authorities say they have at least one suspect, and many leads spread across different cities and countries, but are holding back all of the information they have gathered, hoping to keep getting new clues. The family said they are still hoping the kidnapped pilot is alive, and that the FBI's new leads will lead to him coming home safe and sound.

It is believed whoever did this knew a lot about the victim, and may have been known to him or his family or associates.

Kidnapped Pilot Case
cnn

After almost 10 months, the FBI has zeroed in on a suspect in the case of missing Florida pilot Robert Wiles, who may have been kidnapped for ransom... Agents say they've tracked down leads in nine U.S. cities and as far away as Thailand where National Flight Services also does business. The Ohio-based company services aircraft in 50 countries and has been in business since 1972...

Kidnapped Pilot Case

Queen Elizabeth is not often seen hanging with the common folk, but she made an exception this week, riding the commuter train home to her 20,000 acre Sandringham estate.

Her ride was a little easier than the average citizens, with a security detail making sure she had a seat in a section all to herself. But not even the Queen could avoid those kids selling candy bars to raise money for their basketball team, who hit her up for a dollar to get a Snickers bar.

Queen Takes Train! (VIDEO)
NPR

Her Majesty, Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of Her other Realms and Territories Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith, took the train to the English countryside Thursday, the same as a commoner. Her commuter-train trip caused something of a stir, being that it's not everyday you see the queen on the 10:45 am to King's Lynn..

Queen Takes Train! (VIDEO)

A toddler whose stepdad tried to kill him by forcing needles into his body has successfully survived an operation to remove some of the needles.

The boy is now in stable condition after successful surgery in Brazil. The man pushed the sewing needles into the toddler's body in a strange ritual, that the stepfather has now admitted was a plot to kill the boy. The surgery was the first of many the boy will need, as needles remain embedded in other parts of his body including his spine, and as the needles are rusty there is still serious danger of infection and complications. A scary story! The man apparently says his lover hypnotized him and forced him to do it while in a trance? See below and try to make sense of the full story.

Toddler: Needles Removed, in Surgery
MSNBC

A Brazilian toddler was awake and breathing on his own Saturday after doctors removed four life-threatening sewing needles from around one of his lungs and his heart, but he was likely to face more surgery in the coming days, a hospital director said.The 2-year-old boy -- who police say had dozens of the needles stuck deep into his body by his stepfather in a bizarre ritual, is hoped to be on his way to a full recovery...

Toddler: Needles Removed, in Surgery

Larry Stewart, remembered as the Secret Santa for his tradition of giving out money to strangers, made a fortune in Long-distance phone service and cable television, and went on to give over a milllion dollars of that money to folks he met on the street, earning him his secret santa nickname.

Two years ago Stewart passed away unexpectedly at the age of 58, but will be long remembered for his generosity that captured the true spirit of this holiday season. He started his tradition in 1979 of giving money to strangers, and continued until his passing. Hopefully others will remember him by continuing the tradition!

Larry Stewart Made His Fortune in Cable Television and Long-Distance Service
boston.com

Stewart, who spent 26 years giving a total $1.3 million, gained international attention in November when he revealed himself as Secret Santa. He was diagnosed in April with cancer and said he wanted to use his celebrity to inspire other people to take random kindness seriously. "That's what we're here for," Mr. Stewart said in a November interview, "to help other people out..." Mr. Stewart, from the Kansas City suburb of Lee's Summit, made his millions in cable television and long-distance telephone service....

Larry Stewart Made His Fortune in Cable Television and Long-Distance Service

Larry Stewart, the cable tv and long-distance phone mogul who was known fondly as the Secret Santa, gave away over $1.3 million over his life, handing the money out to strangers every year in his own holiday tradition of giving.

Stewart died of cancer in 2007, after spending 27 years spreading kindness in every Christmas season, anonymously handing out money to strangers around town. He revealed his identity only at the end of his life. He was inspired by a man who helped him long ago when he was broke himself, and after getting rich he dedicated himself to paying it forward. A story we should all look to for inspiration!

Larry Stewart: Gave Away $1.3 Million usatoday

Larry Stewart, a millionaire who became known around the world as Secret Santa, gave away $1.3 million anonymously during his too-short lifetime and set an example of generosity that will be difficult to match, friends said Sunday. Stewart, a successful businessman from Lee's Summit, Mo., died Friday at age 58 from complications from esophageal cancer...

Larry Stewart Gave Away $1.3 Million

A beautiful example of the best kind of holiday spirit in action, as a couple in a local restaurant in Philadelphia started a trend of paying it forward with one favor that mulitplied itself lasted throughout the evening.

The magic in Port Richmond began when one couple decided to carry out a random act of kindness by paying for the table next to them, as well as themselves. That next table then paid for the table next to them, and the chain reaction of generosity continued throughout the night, according to restaurant staff who say none of the people seemed to know each other. Quite a nice story! There must be some sort of example Wall street can get from this.

Diners in Port Richmond Paid the Favor Forward
msnbc

A mystery couple, who didn't leave any names or numbers, walked into a Port Richmond restaurant, finished their meals and then set off a splendid chain reaction of generosity that lasted for hours. That's just what employees at the Aramingo Diner in Port Richmond said a man and a woman did during their breakfast shift last Saturday morning...

Diners in Port Richmond Paid the Favor Forward

Inspired by the late great Secret Santa Larry Stewart, a whole new generation of secret Santas has arisen, paying forward their goodwill and spreading true holiday spirit across America by handing money out to strangers, no questions asked.

As seen below, the Secret Santas hold true to an honorable set of guidelines laid out in their website. The original Secret Santa gave over a million dollars over his lifetime, and hopefully that will one day be surpassed by this new wave of good samaritans, beating back the humbug one gift at a time.

Secret Santas Would Rather Lose Every Dime Than Their Sense of Humor
tonic

* Compassion: Through random acts of kindness, they tap into the human spirit and try to create in the recipient hope and a belief that they are worthy of unconditional love.

* Humor: They would rather lose every dime they ever made than lose their sense of humor.

* Friendship: They value their association with people of like mind and character; they are true Christmas Elves.

Secret Santas Would Rather Lose Every Dime Than Their Sense of Humor

One of the coolest new traditions, in this holiday season that so often is dominated by crass commercialism, is the new generation of Secret Santas, who roam the nation commiting random acts of kindness, giving money to strangers with no strings attached.

The Society of Secret Santas, who are largely inspired by the late Larry Stewart, ask only that the recipients of their kindness must pass it along to someone else when they have the chance. LArry Stewart began playing the role of Secret Santa in 1979, inspired by a man who long ago helped him when he was down on his luck. When Stewart became a millionaire, he paid that kindness forward every year until he died in 2007.

Secret Santa Recipients Must Pass Along the Kindness
chrstianpf

Thanks to a reader I found out about a group of Secret Santa's that anonymously pass out $100 bills to random people during the Christmas season. The group was founded by Larry Stewart who anonymously passed out over a $1 million over 26 years. The Secret Santa organization has continued even after Larry passed away 2 years ago....

Secret Santa Recipients Must Pass Along the Kindness

Randy Quaid, veteran actor and star of classic films from "Brokeback Mountain" to "The Last Detail," is in the news today for a far less glamorous reason.

After an extended stay in a Texas hotel with his wife, Quaid and his wife were arrested for allegedly trying to skip out on their $10,000 bill, along with additional charges for abusing and deceiving hotel staff, and property. The arrest apparently was somewhat turbulent, with hsi wife actually getting thrown to the ground by authorities. Yikes. The mugshots found on extratv.com portray Randy Quaid with quite a grizzly beard upon his arrest, though it's not fair to assume anything from this, I suppose. See the link below for more.

Randy Quaid Arrested
extra

"Brokeback Mountain" actor Randy Quaid and his wife have been arrested in Marfa, Texas. The couple allegedly ran out on a $10,000 hotel bill in Santa Barbara County, Calif. TMZ reports there was a struggle and officials were forced to wrestle Quaid's wife Evi to the ground...

Randy Quaid Arrested

You may have heard of Hollywood stunt doubles and body doubles before but what about a celebrity butt double? Reports say that's what Alec Baldwin was using lately, on the set of his new movie It's Complicated?

Did Alec feel like his own posterior was a bit too umm "complicated" for the camera? According to Baldwin he actually thinks his own rear end is "beautiful" but just didn't want to show it on the big screen, so he approved using a double for his shower scene. He says the pot belly and other unflattering features seen are his own.

Some might say Alec Baldwin should start employing a stunt ego, for his interviews, but I gotta give him respect for his acting chops, especially with his successful switch to comedy in recent years. I can't say I have much of an opinion about his butt.

Alec Baldwin Butt Double?
us magazine

The naked truth about Alec Baldwin's nude scene in his new movie, It's Complicated? It's not his real booty! The comedy (out Christmas Day) centers on a divorcee (Meryl Streep) caught in a love triangle with her ex-husband (Baldwin) and a new love (Steve Martin)...In one scene, Baldwin, 51, is forced to strip down -- but director Nancy Meyers says he refused to bare his backside...

Alec Baldwin Butt Double?

You times are heard when the church is telling to steal. A holy man in England is actually advising his congregation that it's okay to shoplift if they need to, during these tough economic times.

While not, strictly speaking, endorsing the cime of shoplifting, the priest did say this misdemeanor is preferable to what he considers more serious crimes like burglary or prostitution, for people who are going with out and see no other choice, to provide for themselves.

It certainly isa testament to our lack of a societal safety net, and insufficient charity and support, that the church itself is advising people to shoplift. Store owners who go to great length to prevent theft with security cameras, anti-theft guards and private security firms, say this sermon was deplorable. But the Priest said: ""I would ask them not to take any more than they need, for any longer than they need ... My advice does not contradict the Bible's eighth commandment because God's love for the poor and despised outweighs the property rights of the rich."

Priest: Shoplift and Say Amen
foxnews

A priest in Britain is under fire Monday for advising his congregation to shoplift in tough economic times, the Daily Mail reports.Father Tim Jones, a 41-year-old clergyman at St. Lawrence Church in York, England, said that shoplifting -- rather than prostitution or burglary -- is sometimes the best option for poor people struggling to make ends meet, according to the Web site...

Priest Shoplift

Just when you thought dinosaurs couldn't get any cooler, scientists announced this week they've discovered a dinosaur that was also venomous like a snake.

The newly discovered Sinornithosaurus millenii was small, about the size of a turkey they say, and was weinged like a pterodactyl. But it also stands out from other ancient creatured because its teeth seem to hqaqve grooves in them similar to a modern day snake, according to scientists who have studied te fossilized remains.

One team member described it thusly: "...Once the teeth were embedded in a victim's skin the venom would seep into the wound. The prey would then rapidly go into shock, but it would still be living, and it might have seen itself being slowly devoured by this raptor." Yikes!

Venomous Dinosaur
abcnews

Sinornithosaurus millenii was probably no bigger than a turkey, a winged dinosaur that lived about 125 million years ago in what is now northeastern China. What makes it striking is that it probably had venom in its bite. A team from the University of Kansas, writing in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, examined its skull and reports that it had grooves in its teeth, the way some modern snakes do....

Venomous Dinosaur

Despite having a year defined by controversy, the AP has named tennis all-star Serena Williams as their female athlete of the year for 2009.

Serena made the most headlines this year for her controversial tirade aimed at a line judge, which cost her a key match and brought a hefty fine and lots of criticism of her behavior. But she also spent lots more time showing why she is one of the greatest tennis players ever, winning many key tournaments.

Just to make sure I'm reading this correctly though: Serena came in first, and second place for top feale athlete went to......a horse? Not sure what to make of that.

Serena Williams AP Athlete of the Year herald tribune

Playing her best at the most important events, Serena Williams re-established herself as the top player in women's tennis in 2009 and was a landslide choice as Female Athlete of the Year by members of The Associated Press... Clearly, Williams' most infamous on-court episode -- a tirade directed at a line judge after a foot-fault call near the end of her U.S. Open semifinal loss in September -- didn't hurt her standing in the eyes of the voters...

Serena Williams AP Athlete of the Year

A top politician in Maine is calling for a new law that warns citizens against the alleged risk of getting brain cancer.

Scientists still disagree about the accuracy of this claim, that the transmissions from the camera may cause cancer in long term usage. But other countries already have such warnings, and other states inclkuding California are already working to implement them in America. THe new regulations would require cell phone companies to provide a warning along with each phone they sell.

I'd also like to spread the word to everyone that talking really loudly on your cell phone in public places causes cancer. (I don't know it that's true, but I want to spread it around anyway.)

Cell Phone Warnings
bostonherald

A Maine legislator wants to make the state the first to require cell phones to carry warnings that they can cause brain cancer, although there is no consensus among scientists that they do and industry leaders dispute the claim. The now-ubiquitous devices carry such warnings in some countries, though no U.S. states require them...

Cell Phone Warnings

Two young celebrities who have no good reason to be famous have decided they also have no good reason to be together, as Brody Jenner as split from girlfriend Jayde Nicole.

Brody Jenner, the son of athlete Bruce Jenner, and who plays a supporting role in another famous-for-no-reason celebriity's reality show, broke things off after a couple of years on-and-off with Jayde Nicole, who is one of those pioneers of being famous for no reason, a playboy playmate.

Brody Jenner Split
people

After dating for more than a year, The Hills's Brody Jenner and model Jayde Nicole have called it quits. "They did break up," a source tells PEOPLE of Jenner - the son of Olympian athlete Bruce Jenner and songwriter Linda Thompson - and his former Playboy Playmate girlfriend Nicole.

Brody Jenner Split

Jamie Lynn Sigler and Jerry Ferrara dublicated their real life romance on television, with their characters on Entourage, and now apparently they're emulating their TV breakup as well.

Reports are that Jamie Lynn and Jerry have ended their real life connection, soon after their on screen couple called it quits at the end of this season. The reasons even seem to be similar too, as Jamie Lynn is reportedly moving away, and doesn't want to be tied down in NY while Ferrarra is out in Hollywood. So many coincidences, makes you wonder...

They were always a cute couple on HBO Sunday nights, but I guess life all too often imitates art. I hope Johnny Drama the guy who plays Eric aren't acting the same in real life too though!

Jamie-Lynn Sigler Split
seattle pi

"Entourage" co-stars Jamie-Lynn Sigler and Jerry Ferrara have reportedly ended their relationship. The actors met on the set of the hit TV series and have been dating discreetly since earlier this year. They were even said to be house hunting together in Los Angeles, but they have now parted ways, according to the New York Daily News...

Jamie-Lynn Sigler Split

After skyrocketing to higher heights of fame in 2009 and becoming America's sweeheart, Taylor Swift will now fly even higher as she reportedly takes over the classic role of Supergirl in an upcoming movie.

Swift will take the starring role as Supergirl that was originally played by Helen Sslater in the 1984 movie, though of course Supergirl has been around much longer than that. No word yet on whether they will keep calling her "girl." which some feminists might not like. Why does Superman get to be a man but she can't be Superwoman?

As any comic reader will know, Superman an Supergirl both came from Krypton, and Supergirl is also known as Kara Zor-El. She was known for fighting America's most dangerous super super-villains, so country/pop singing star Taylor Swift should be more than ready after defeating her arch-enemy Kanye West, and sending him back to Arkham Asylum.

Supergirl Taylor Swift?
monsters and critics

Taylor Swift is set to show the world what super girls are made of. Swift will play Supergirl in a remake of the 1984 movie, which starred Helen Slater in the part. The award-winning country music star, who had a turn in the upcoming ensemble dating flick Valentine's Day, is viewed as one of the few actresses fit for the tricky role of a female hero.

Supergirl Taylor Swift?

A mother in Boston was so frustrated with her son's video game habit that she finally just called 911 on him, according to the local news. And the cops came through and made hi to go to bed!

The 14 year old boy was still playing Grand Theft Auto at 2:30 in the morning and refusing to stop, so the desperate mom called in the cavalry, dialing 911 to see if some police officers could talk sense into him. Then the little boy shot their police helicopter out of the sky and ran in the street to steal another car...oh no wait that's just what happened in his video game. In real life the cops showed up and gave the boy a good talking to.

Though this is not a proper usage of 911, the cops evidently had mercy upon the mother and decided to help her out anyway, talking to the boy and convincing him to call it a night. Video gamme addiction and obsession is becoming a problem for millions of Americans, and this is yet another sign that it might be out of control. truth be told, I once had my dad call the cops on me for a really heated game of minesweeper. See below for more details on this news story:

911 for Video Game Emergency?
abcnews

Police say a frustrated Boston woman called 911 to say she couldn't get her 14-year-old son to stop playing video games and go to sleep. Police spokesman Officer Joe Zanoli said Monday the mother called for help around 2:30 a.m. Saturday to say that the teenager also walked around the house and turned on all the lights. Two officers who responded to the house persuaded the child to obey his mother...

911 for Video Game Emergency?

As Americans from coast to coast are struggling to stay afloat in this recession, the FAA used $5 million of our government tax money to throw what critics are calling a highly questionable holiday party.

The FAA brought 3.600 of its employees out to an Atlanta conference, which went on for three weeks and cost millions of dollars. THe FAA says the confference was work related, used for training staff on a new contract system. But critics and watchdogs say it was nothing but a big party, and ABC reportedly even has undercover footage showing the wild times and debauchery. The details uncovered in the ABC report are looking quite scandalous in fact, if you read the extended report below. This is one party the FAA may wish it had skipped.

FAA Party: Wasted $5 Million
abcnews

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) spent five million dollars this month to bring 3, 600 managers to a conference in Atlanta that FAA whistleblowers and critics say was little more than an excuse to throw a three-week-long Christmas party..."It's the wrong time to spend five million dollars on a Christmas party for anybody's employees, especially in the government," said Tom Schatz, the president of Citizens Against Government Waste, a non-profit watchdog group...

FAA Party: Wasted $5 Million

Despite much speculation about possible drug abuse and other issues, the coroner is so far insisting that the tragic death of Brittany Murphy was due to natural causes, and not foul play.

Brittany was found dead in the home she shared with her husband, and many had been wondering for years about her health due to her extreme weight loss at times, and widespread rumors of drug use and other problems. But she and her husband had always denied that there were any health, eating disorder or addiction issues, and that she was doing fine.

Initial reports say that Brittany Murphy died of heart failure, and apparently heart problems did run in her family, so it is recommended so far that nobody jumps to conclusions yet. And no matter what happened it is truly a tragedy, and the loss of a talented woman much too soon.

Brittany Murphy Death: Natural Causes
independent

Hollywood actress Brittany Murphy, who collapsed at her home, died from natural causes, a Los Angeles coroner insisted today.Los Angeles police have said Murphy, 32, appeared to have died from natural causes but were looking into her medical history...Showbiz websites in the US have carried unconfirmed reports that Murphy was on a number of prescription drugs before her collapse...

Brittany Murphy Death: Natural Causes

Shotly before her tragic and untimely death, Brittany Murphy parted ways with the makers of an upcoming film named The Caller, in what would have been one of her last roles.

Murphy, whose movie career had stallled in recent years, was set to star in this independent feature, but reports were that she had been extremely difficult on the set, leading to the producers letting her go. Officially though, the break was chalked up to "creative differences." Murphy reportedly had to leave Puerto Rico, where The Caller was filming, very quickly at the time of rthe firing because her husband had come upon sudden health problems. Soon after this, Brittany Murphy herself was tragically lost to us, for reasons that are still a mystery.

Brittany Murphy Fired From The Caller
the indian

Actress Brittany Murphy, who was seen in some popular films like Sin City and Just Married, has faced a difficult time in the recent days. Her husband Simon Monjack was hospitalized for health problems and she was also dropped from one of the films she had been working in. It has been alleged by the sources that Brittany Murphy is fired from the cast list of the film, 'The Caller', for which she had been shooting in Puerto Rico...

Read more: http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/entertainment/brittany-murphy-fired-from-the-the-caller_100285154.html#ixzz0aVHYfsQ4

Brittany Murphy Fired From The Caller

Britanny Murphy has died suddenly at the young age of 32, but the actress still had projects in the works at the time she passed, and one that we may sadly never get to see now was a new film named Shrinking Charlotte.

Murphy was starring in Shrinking Charlotte as the lead, in what would have been a romantic comedy. The director said as they prepared for shooting in January, Brittany seemed in good spirits and eager to work, but noticeably thin and frail..This sentiment was echoed by other directors who had worked with her recently, with her recent frailty being a recurring theme.

We may never know why Brittany Murphy died so soon and tragically, and will never get to see all the magic she could have made in future movies like Shrinking Charlotte, but she has still left behind a great body of work to be remembered by. Hopefully we will remember her more for the life she led full of artistic expression, and not the sad ending.

Brittany Murphy, Shrinking Charlotte Movie
msnbc

Brittany Murphy was a hardworking actress who was juggling multiple movie projects in the months leading up to her unexpected death. omantic comedy "Shrinking Charlotte." Writer-director Rene Eram told E! News that Murphy was "impressive" and professional, but looked very thin. "I noticed that she had dropped a lot of weight in the last six months," he said...

Brittany Murphy, Shrinking Charlotte Movie

With the unexpected passing of Brittany Murphy this week, video footage has surfaced of what may now go down as her last interview before this month's tragic death.

The video interview is from the premiere of her independent film named Across the Hall, that recently debuted. She appears slightly out of it, and a bit off kilter in the video, but speaking well and clearly lucid. She also appears extremely thin though, and even answers questions about her weight loss in the brief video. In an eerie twist, the interview ends with Brittany asking whether she can have the reporter's hair "in her next life." See for yourself in the video below of Brittany's last interview.

Brittany Murphy Last Interview
gawker

Brittany Murphy's last known interview--on December 1 in Los Angeles at the premiere of her flim, Across The Hall--is simultaneously sad and sweet. Sad, because she appears out of it. Sweet, because she was still such a doll. Murphy appears to be quite thin in the video; her eyes also seem dilated. And while she's articulate, something just seems to be... off....

Brittany Murphy Last Interview

Simon Monjack, the mysterious and controversial husband of Brittany Murphy, has finally spoken out to the press about the tragic and shocking death of the 32 year old actress.

Monjack, who had married Murphy after they knew each other for only a few months, describes himself mainly as a filmmaker, and does in fact have two movies listed in his IMDB credits, "Factory Girl" and "Two Days, Nine Lives" two independent features that both focused on stories of drug abuse and addiction. Factory Girl, which starred Sienna Miller, was a well regarded and somewhat successful film, in fact.

After Brittany Murphy's death, Monjack was reported to have asked not to have an autopsy conducted, but authorities are going through with one nonetheless. Monjack said "my world was destroyed yesterday" when he found out about his wife's death, and said she had been sick and fatigued but there were no signs that anything so serious might happen.

Simon Monjack Speaks
wall street journal

Simon Monjack has been variously described as a photographer, a screenwriter, a director, a screenwriter-director and a producer but the moniker most attached to the 39 year-old British native, especially in the last few days, is Brittany Murphy's husband. In the wake of Murphy's death over the weekend, the couple's marriage has come under intense scrutiny...

Simon Monjack Speaks

Lady Gaga has uicky become a fashion icon with her outlandish sense of style and personal charisma, and now she will make a further foray into the fashion world with a guest appearance on the reality show, "Launch My Line."

Bravo's hit reality show is returning soon for its second season, and an early episode in January will feature Lady Gaga, as part of a challenge where contests have to make a freaky "fashion forward" outfit in the tradition of Ladty Gaga's trademark crazy style. Expect to see lots of wild outfits on this one!

The show is made up of many teams that each have a fashion designer newcomer and a professional fashion veteran, who work together each week on a new project. Many take the show as a carbon copy of Project Runway, which used to appear on Bravo but has now left for greener pastures.

Lady Gaga Launch My Line
aceshowbiz

Lady GaGa, who often crosses the line in fashion, will make an appearance on Bravo TV's "Launch My Line" when the show returns next year. According to People, the remaining contestants will be asked to design a high fashion, "boundary-pushing" outfit that goes in accordance to GaGa's style. The GaGa episode will air on January 6 at 10/9c. Other than that, there is no other detail released...

Lady Gaga Launch My Line

After serving well under a year of his high profile sentencing for Federal gun charges, T.I. is getting to get out of prison early and run out the rest of his time in a halfway house.

The rapper was at first expected to get much more than one year in prison, after his arrest on major federal charges for building a huge arsenal of illegal automatic weapons. but his lawyers were able to work out a deal where he spent a year doin very high profile community service work, followed by one year in prison if he finished up the service with no other incidents. Much of that initial work was documented in a documentary series for MTV, showing him working to mentor troubled youth.

Now he is getting to leave prison earlie than expected, and may soon be recording again. TI is a talented and bright young artist, and I hope he will take his lessons to heart and go down a new path form now on, both in his music and his life. Let this move from prison to halfway house be the last time he is in either one.

T.I. Prison Halfway House
seattle pi

Rapper T.I. was granted an early Christmas wish on Tuesday when he was released from prison in Arkansas and allowed to transfer to a halfway house near his native Atlanta. The "Live Your Life" hitmaker, real name Clifford Harris, Jr., has been serving time on charges of weapons possession following his arrest in 2007. But T.I. will get to live out the remainder of his 366-day sentence in more comfortable surroundings after moving to an incarceration facility closer to his friends and family...

T.I. Prison Halfway House

Carl's Jr, after scandalizing the world with their sexy Paris Hilton Jr. ads, is now upping the ante with a new sexy spot featuring Kim Kardashian relishing one of the restaurant's new salads.

The Paris Hilton spot showed a scantily clad Hilton chowing down on a burger, but Kardashian is a bit classier, in a sexy nightgown as she seductively bites into an Asian chicken salad, that she then takes with her to the hot tub. You can see the video for yourself, and see if it works up your appetite!

Kim Kardashian Chicken Salad Ad (VIDEO)
daily news

Kim Kardashian takes the term "food porn" to a whole new level in her new Carl's Jr. ad. In the commercial for the burger chain's new Grilled Chicken Salad, the 29-year-old beauty lounges on a bed in a barely there silk robe and delicately picks at the salad with her fingers. "I was approached by Carl's Jr to become the spokesperson for their new Grilled Chicken Salads..."

Kim Kardashian Chicken Salad Ad (VIDEO)

SNL is one of the longest running and beloved TV shows of all time, with many of the top comedy stars in Hollywood history coming from its roster. But the show has also had more than its share of tragedy over the years, with far too many of its top stars going on to die young.

Three of the best known SNL stars who died too soon were John Belushi, ,Chris Farley and Phil Hartman. Belushi, one of the original cast members from the 70s, was long known for serious drug problems, which finally did him in. Chris Farley who grew up idolizing Belushi, wound dup going down his same tragic path as he died under similar circumstances of a drug overdose, after many failed attempmpts at drug rehab and for treatment to overcome his depression.

Phil Hartman died within six months of fhis friend Farley, in an equally stunning tragedy where his mentally troubled wife killed him, beore taking her own loife. Another tragic death that should be noted was original cast member Gilda Radner, who passed of concer after a long and impressive career, and a longtime marriage to Gene Wilder.

John Belushi, Chris Farley and Phil Hartman, SNL Deaths
mentalfloss

Eleven years ago, Saturday Night Live alum Phil Hartman was murdered by his wife. Due to the tragic nature of his death, as well as other high-profile deaths of former SNL cast members, the media was abuzz with talk of an SNL curse. In 31 seasons, 118 cast members have appeared on the show and seven of them have died. That's only a five-percent fatality rate. While there probably isn't a curse, here is a chronological look at the deaths of seven former cast members...

John Belushi, Chris Farley and Phil Hartman, SNL Deaths

It's hard to believe, with all the impact he had in his short life, not to mention his fearsome appearance, but Biggie Smalls AKA the Notorious BIG was only 24 years old when he died in 1998.

The Brooklyn representative recorded an incredible amount of classic music, and launched the careers of many other artists in his short time on earth, after overcoming childooh troubles and time spent on the wrong path, in the streets. His life was chronicled, albeit through somewhat rose-colored glassed, in the hit movie Notorious last year. Along with Tupac Shakur, he is known as one of the two most tragic losses in hip-hop history, of stars lost right at the height of their success.

Notorious BIG allbums continue to sell consistently years after his death, especially the classics Ready to Die and Life Affter Death.

Notorious BIG Was 24 Years Old When He Died
hotshotdigital

The 24-year-old rapper, whose real name was Christopher Wallace, was shot just after midnight by unknown assailants in a vehicle as he sat in the passenger seat of a GMC Suburban at a stoplight in downtown Los Angeles, according to a police statement. He was hit several times, including at least once in the head, and died shortly afterward at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.
The Notorious B.I.G. was the East Coast's biggest response to the West Coast-born genre of gangsta rap...

Notorious BIG Was 24 Years Old When He Died

A new video online offers a bizarre glimpse into the life and health regimen of Jessia Simpson, as she uses alternative remedies involving candles being stuck into her ears.

According to quackwatch: ""Ear candling," also known as auricular candling or coning, refers to various procedures that involve placing a cone-shaped device in the ear canal and supposedly extracting earwax and other impurities with the help of smoke or a burning wick. The origins of candling are obscure. Ancient Tibet, China, Egypt, the pre-Columbian Americas, and even the mythical city of Atlantis are cited as possible contributors. The procedures supposedly create a low-level vacuum that draws wax and other debris out of the ear canal."

Jessica Simpson Ears & Candle? (VIDEO)
people

The holistic treatment is a present is from her hairstylist and BFF, Ken Paves, who also shot the video of Simpson undergoing the process. Supporters of the folk-medicine (read holistic) practice claim that candling not only removes wax, but toxins too - and promotes health for the ears, sinus cavities and throat. Some claim there are additional benefits, including preventing migraines and restoring equilibrium.

Jessica Simpson Ears & Candle? (VIDEO)

Even though Garth Brooks had retired years before, he made rare appearance to give a special live performance at the inauguration of President Barack Obama, as seen below.

As CMT said: "OK. Now I get it. In order to coax Garth Brooks out of his retirement, you have to, like, become president or something." He gave a rousing performance that you can watch below, in a historic concert featuring many of pop music's biggest stars. According to MSNBC, "Garth Brooks performed a medley that included "American Pie", "Shout" and "We Shall Be Free," and he brought the audience to its feet." See for yourself, and rock out with Garth and Barack.

Garth Brooks Performed at Barack Obama's Inauguration Celebration
cmt

Garth Brooks and Sugarland's Jennifer Nettles will perform at a Sunday inaugural celebration at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., on Sunday (Jan. 18). President-elect Barack Obama and his family are expected to attend the event, which will be televised on HBO. Other performers include Sheryl Crow, John Mellencamp, James Taylor, Beyoncé, Mary J. Blige, Bono, Renee Fleming, Josh Groban, Herbie Hancock, Heather Headley, John Legend, Shakira, Usher, Stevie Wonder and Bruce Springsteen (who will perform "The Rising"). Obama will be inaugurated on Jan. 20 in Washington....

Garth Brooks Performed at Barack Obama's Inauguration Celebration

We all have that one annoying person on Facebook who's so annoying with their updates we want to call the police. But police are getting annoyed for real now, as an escaped prisoner on the run is tantalizing authorities by updating Facebook with news about his day to day life and plans.

Authorities are asking that Facebook give any info they can about where the prisoner's updates are coming from, so they can try and track him down. He even talks about who his next girlfriend might be.Spokemen from the police department said ""We have spoken to Facebook and we are trying to trace him from the information we have, but it's one of those things that we're also asking for help from members of the public."

Prisoner Updates Facebook
cnn

British police have appealed for information about the whereabouts of an escaped prisoner who has been telling the world via Facebook about his life as a fugitive. Craig Lynch, 28, escaped Hollesley Bay open prison near Suffolk, eastern England, back in September, but has continued to update his Facebook status regularly -- describing everything from his meals to who his next girlfriend will be...

Prisoner Updates Facebook

Lots of random things can interrupt your travels at the airport, but rarely are they as special as this! A woman in Texas surprised her husband at the airport, not with an extra bag or his forgotten passport, but with a wedding dress and a justice of the peace, ready to give them a surprise wedding on the spot.

The couple had met on business trips and said "we spend half our life in airports," especially since they live in differentcitiesm, so an airport wedding seemed like the natural thing to do. They plan to relocate together to Toledo Ohio, so soon they should be able to live out their lives in normal places like everyone else. They'll always have a pretty special airport memory though! too bad everyone can't upgrade to this sort of flight, when they get their plane tickets.

Surprise Airport Wedding
wusa9

A woman in a wedding gown surprised her fiance by greeting him at a Texas airport along with a justice of the peace. Robyn Moore and William Acosta exchanged vows Monday at Corpus Christi International Airport after he got off a plane arriving from Toledo, Ohio. Photos were taken near a Christmas tree at a security checkpoint....

Surprise Airport Wedding

Some professional treasure hunters thought they hit the jackpot when they found real life buried trasure, $500 million in gold coins form an old Spanish warship. But their story that sounds like it was from out of a movie took a tragicomic turn, as the Spanish government is demanding the money be given back to Spain, and a US court ruling has sided with Spain on it.

The Judge said the appeals process must be completed before the money is taken, but for now his ruling is with Spain that the men had no right to take the sunken treasure home with them. Somewhere Indiana Jones is shaking his head in disgust. The judge said it is clear this gold comes from a Spanish war ship, so that means it still belongs to the government, despite it being under the sea for over 100 years. ""The ineffable truth of this case is that the Mercedes is a naval vessel of Spain and that the wreck of this naval vessel, the vessel's cargo, and any human remains are the natural and legal patrimony of Spain..." Quite a story!

Treasure Spain
fox

A U.S. district judge has ruled that U.S. treasure-hunting company Odyssey Marine Exploration should return to Spain a fortune in old coins recovered from the wreck of a 19th-century Spanish warship. In an order filed in Tampa, Florida Tuesday, Judge Steven Merryday nevertheless directed that the return of the treasure to Spain be stayed until an appeals process in the case was concluded...

Treasure Spain

Michael Jordan is telling his lawyers to call a technical foul on to Chicago area grocery stores for using is likeness to sell their wares without his permission.

Michael says the two stores made it look like he had endorsed their business, but they had gotten no permission and made no payment to him for livcensing and using his image. Particularly problematic was that Jordan's picture was put next to a sale on some steak, and Jordan is well known to own his own steakhouses around town. So they were using his image to compete against his own business!

IS this really a necessary lawsuit, since the money is so little to Jordan and so much to these small local businesses? Who is to say? I guess the answer is some judge in Chicago. Jordan alwyas used to get favorable calls from hometown officials back in the day, we'll see if that works as well in the court as it used to on the court.

Michael Jordan Grocery Store Lawsuit
hiphopwired

Michael Jordan is fighting to get $10 Million from two grocery stores, making allegations that they used his identity without permission within their ads that were published within a Sports Illustrated issue that was commemorating the star titled, Jordan: A Hall of Fame Career. He is seeking the amount of $5 Million from each store for false endorsement, consumer fraud, deceptive trade practices and unfair competition...

Michael Jordan Grocery Store Lawsuit

Superstar and pop culture icon Cher is preparing to auction her lavish home, which will hit th real estate market through a special website her agents have set up for the sale of her property.

Cher's home is a six bedroom home in Hawaii, with gorgeous viws and beautiful decor,interior decoration and design. It also ha six bathrooms and two half baths. The real estate market has certainly suffered in the last couple of years but Cher's people feel confident she will do well her sale. Her website says the home "balances modern sophistication with traditional Balinese style," and says it shines by "...displaying a contemporary Balinese style, the seamless architecture and interior design, cool colour palette and natural surfaces exude a sense of serenity...'

Cher Auctions Home
abcnews

Cher's six-bedroom Hawaii home overlooking the Pacific Ocean is set to be auctioned Jan. 18. Concierge Auctions estimated the three-quarter-acre property with views of the Hualalai Golf Course was worth about $8 million to $12 million. A Web site set up for the sale says the property has a main residence and five freestanding bungalows totaling 8,821 square feet. Four have bedroom suites, and the fifth is a media bungalow with a bar...

Cher Auctions Home

Garth Brooks is famous for being a family man. In fact that he gave up having a full time career for years in order to be with his wife and kids, especially so he could spend lots of time with his youngest daughter Allie, who is 13.

Garth Brooks has indicated that it's because of his youngest daughter, most of all, that he never tours or makes new albums anymore. Though he has signed on to an exclusive run of concerts in Las Vegas, he has planned them so time with his family comes first, and he said onstage that he won't go into his career full time until his daughter Allie is 18. Bravo to man who puts his family first! And bravo for being lucky enough financially and professionally to be able to do it.

Garth Brooks Youngest Daughter Allie Is 13
tennessean

Fans hoping for a tour or new album from Garth Brooks may have to wait quite a long while. "What people are going to expect from us is 110 miles an hour tomorrow, and the truth is, if we ever do tour again, if we ever do make new music again, it's still going to be another five years," Brooks said, adding that the youngest of his daughters, Allie Colleen, is only 13....

Garth Brooks Youngest Daughter Allie Is 13

When Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood went out on the town for their fourth wedding anniversary, they were planning to have a fancy night out in Las Vegas, with their children. But a last minute switch in their kids' schedule meant they had to miss their fancy reservations. So what did the Brooks family do? They had their anniversary dinner at McDonald's!

The dinner, which also had the kids along for the ride, was just as loving a meal as you could expect from any 5 star restaurant, but much cheaper and easier. Brooks said ""We had a big night planned and at the last minute they moved the youngest one's Christmas carol program to that night.I promised them a big, fancy dinner, but we went and grabbed McDonald's fries and went home." I guess you can say Garth Brooks and his wife Trisha Yearwood have friends AND meals in low places. And good for them!

Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood Ate McDonalds on Wedding Anniversary
seattle pi

Country couple Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood celebrated their fourth wedding anniversary with a meal at fast food restaurant McDonald's after their lavish dinner plans fell through. Brooks had hoped to whisk his wife and his kids from his previous marriage off for a special meal in Las Vegas on Saturday after kicking off the first night of his five-year residency at the Wynn Encore Casino resort...

Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood Ate McDonalds on Wedding Anniversary

Country music superstar Garth Brooks is known for his commitment to goodwill and charity, but one major donation he made has now turned into lawsuit, as Brooks takes a hospital to court for failing to build a building that was supposed to be after his mother.

Brooks gave the Oklahoma hospital $500,000, and says it was agreed that a building would be named after his mom, but now the hospital is failing to come through on their end of it, he alleges in his lawsuit. In fact, they allegedly never built the building at all, understandably leading him to file the breach of contract lawsuit.

I'm sure someone never wants to sue after giving a donation, but if the hospital really never even built the building at all, I can't blame Brooks for wanting to take legal action. Press reports sometimes make it seem as if he's only suing because his mother's name isn't on a building, but that doesn't seem to be accurate or fair.

Garth Brooks Wanted Oklahoma Hospital to Name Building After His Mother
daily news

According to People.com, the recently unretired singer donated a cool half million dollars to Integris Canadian Valley Regional hospital in Yukon, Okla., to finance a building that would bear the name of his mother, Colleen Brooks, who died of cancer in 1999. But, despite a $27 million expansion project completed in 2008, the hospital never built the promised building...

Garth Brooks Wanted Oklahoma Hospital to Name Building After His Mother

Beyoncé and Jay-Z never made a big deal out of their marriage, but they get lots of attentiong now for their unusual name change! Both Beyonce AND Jay-Z are keeping Beyonce's maiden name in their full name, as Beyonce becomes Beyonce Knowles Carter, and Jay-Z AKA Shawn Carter becomes Shawn Knowles Carter.

Jay-Z is making the admirable move so that he can help keep the Knowles family name alive, as their own family looks like it will have no sons to carry it on. And now that Beyonce's parents have split, it looks like the family name has no chance to continue, if it wasn't for Sean Carter adopting it. Quite a liberated and forward thinking gesture from the superstar rapper! I'm impressed. I bet this is one marriage that is made to last, for sure. As long as Jay Hova never hangs out with Tiger Woods.

Beyoncé, Jay-z Change Names
hollyscoop

Beyonce and Jay Z are so crazy in love, they've decided to change their names to pay tribute to each other's family names. Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter, will now be known as Shawn Knowles-Carter, while Beyonce is to become Beyonce Knowles-Carter. A source told the Daily Star newspaper: "They want to keep Knowles because Beyonce's parents didn't have any sons and they're keen to keep the name going strong,..

Beyoncé, Jay-z Change Names

As ABC's Lost gets ready to start its last season this coming February, rumors are everywhere about who will live and who will die. So far one of the biggest rumors around is that Sayid, who is played by Naveen Andrews, will be bite the dust.

You can see the link below for details on why E! Online thinks Sayid may be outta here. Reactions to the Lost spoiler theory were quick and heated, such as one commenter who said "sayid and jack both need to stay. but if i have to choose. i'll go with sayid dying.! " and "wasn't naveen andrews signed as a season regular again? if he was truly going to be killed off, they probably would have had him coming back for a couple of episodes here and there. plus, what kind of resolution is that for sayid, who is not only ADORED by most of us fans, but has had a boatload of backstory that has left him emotionally ruined. how are they going to wrap that up in a quicky first ep death? so i vote for his death being fleeting and him being alive and kicking upon re-setting to the alt reality." What do you think? Will Naveen Andrews survive this last season?

Naveen Andrews Killed Off Lost
e online

Some brow-raising scoop on what's ahead for Sayid when the new season of Lost begins Feb. 2. It is a matter of life or death, so read at your own risk! One of the following is true:b1 Sayid dies. 2 Sayid kills Jack.bRemember, when we last saw these Losties they were in 1977. Sayid had been shot and Jack (Matthew Fox) was near the site of the bomb that supposedly went kablooey and reset time...

Naveen Andrews Killed Off Lost

Someone in Long Island, New York is having a quite a happy holiday season, as they now hold the winning ticket for the latest Mega Millions jackpot of $162 million! The lottery jackpot reached an amount of $162 million this week, and will go to a winner who bought the magic ticket in Suffolk County, NY. That ticket shows the winner is planning to go with the Lump Sum option, which gives them the cash all at once but means you get less total cash than if you got the yearly installments. That's the standard setup for the lottery, and experts say the lump sum could be better or worse depending on how well you do investing and managing your own money.

See below for the winning numbers. And if you're reading this, and didn't know until now that you were the winner, please remember who helped you out!

$162 Million Lottery Winner
philly.com

The winning ticket for the Mega Millions jackpot of $162 million was sold in a seaside hamlet on Long Island. New York State Lottery officials say the ticket was sold in Suffolk County, at a store in Rocky Point called Cards and Things. No one has yet claimed the prize from Tuesday night's drawing in the multistate lottery. The winning numbers were 3, 33, 35, 39, 45 and Mega Ball number 13...

$162 Million Lottery Winner

When you see a celebrity hanging out with Sorrell Trope, chances are that celebrity's marriage won't be around much longer. And the latest famous person to hire the Dean of celebrity divorce lawyers is Elin Nordegren, who is of course embroiled in a bitter dispute now with her husband Tiger Woods.

Trope has been accompanying celebrities to divorce court ever since 1949, and is expected to help Elin arrange a post-nup agreement, that goes further than the pre-nup she signed when first marrying Tiger. Trope has been in court for other celebs including Cary Grant, Nicole Kidman, Nicolas Cage, Hugh Grant and even Britney Spears, though he wound up dropping her. What does it say about our society, that celebrity divorces are so common now that divorce lawyers are celebrities?

Sorrell Trope, Divorce Lawyer
daily news

"There is just one Sorrell Trope," said Manhattan divorce lawyer Robert Wallack. "He's the dean of the California matrimonial bar. "He's in a class of maybe 12 or 15 lawyers that handles very high-asset, high-income divorces with contentious custody cases," said Beverly Hills-based family law arbitrator Alexandra Leichter...

Sorrell Trope, Divorce Lawyer

Sorrell Trope, known as the king celebrity divorce lawyers, would usually never back down from a court battle. But recently there was one celebrity he found so hard to work with, he wound up dropping her cse and walking away: Britney Spears.

Trope was representing Britney Spears in her divorce proceedings with Kevin Federline, but complained of constant "communication problems" with his client, and eventually decided the best thing to do was back out of representing her. Since the divorce process was already under way, he had to get special permission from the court to be relieved of his duties representing her, which was eventually granted. Hopefully Britney Spears is in a healthier place now than she was back then, she certainly seems a bit more together and grounded.

Sorrell Trope Drops Britney Spears
theinsider

Britney Spears's divorce lawyer was in court Wednesday seeking permission to drop the troubled pop star as a client in her custody case with Kevin Federline. Sorrell Trope and an attorney for Federline emerged from the closed-door session without comment. The matter was continued until next Tuesday. Trope, of the law firm Trope and Trope, requested the substitution-of-attorney hearing before an L.A. court commissioner...

Sorrell Trope Drops Britney Spears

Rumors have spread around the internet that Catherine Zeta-Jones recently had a wardrobe malfunction at her new Broadway show, flashing a delicate body part for the live audience. But Zeta-Jones is blasting back at these rumors now, saying that no such flash ever occured.

Reports stated that during her latest show, A Little Night Music, Catharine accidentally bared a breast during a scene when she is supposed to turn her back and flash another of the characters. But according to her statement that was released, Zeta Jones' press rep says "The report is totally false. Catherine is never 'naked' in any part of 'A Little Night Music'. She is, and always has been, completely covered in flesh colored undergarments..." Either way, this doesn't seem like much of a news story, and certainly nothing to judge her for.

Zeta-Jones Flashing Rumor?
times of india

Hollywood actress Catherine Zeta-Jones' representative has blasted reports the actress accidentally flashed a nipple during a recent performance of her Broadway show "A Little Night Music", branding the rumours "completely false". The Welsh beauty appears onstage alongside Angela Lansbury in the Stephen Sondheim play, which opened at New York's Walter Kerr Theatre earlier this month.

Zeta-Jones Flashing Rumor?

Someone in Long Island is having a quite a happy holiday, as they now have the winning ticket for a Mega Millions jackpot of no less than $162 million! The magic lottery number reached an amount of $162 million this week, and will go to a winner who bought theirticket in Suffolk County, NY. That ticket shows the winner is planning to go with the old Lump Sum option, which will give them the cash all at once but also means you get subsantially less total cash than if you got the yearly installments. That's the standard setup for the lottery, and experts say the lump sum could be better or worse depending on how well you do investing and managing your own money.

See below for the winning numbers. And if you're reading this, and didn't know until now that you were the winner, please remember who helped you out!

$162 Million Lottery Winner
philly.com

The winning ticket for the Mega Millions jackpot of $162 million was sold in a seaside hamlet on Long Island. New York State Lottery officials say the ticket was sold in Suffolk County, at a store in Rocky Point called Cards and Things. No one has yet claimed the prize from Tuesday night's drawing in the multistate lottery. The winning numbers were 3, 33, 35, 39, 45 and Mega Ball number 13...

$162 Million Lottery Winner

A scary story last week, as a woman was arrested for threatening to "blow away" our first lady Michelle Obama. The woman made this threat directly to members of the US Secret Service, and she was then promptly arrested & charged with threatening the President's family, and assault of a federal agent (for resisting arrest). This is the latest of numerous threats against the President and his family that have been revealed and/or stopped since he took office a year ago. President Obama has had the highest security ever provided a Cheif Executive, despite the one recent slip up at their state dinner.

The woman reportedly has a history of sending strange messages out to the secret service, ranging from various kinds of threats to even love letters and poetry. She will now presumably have much more free time to write, but little chance to do anything else. Except hopefully get treatment and medication for her mental illness.

First Lady & Death Threat
msnbc

A woman accused of telling the Secret Service she would "blow away" Michelle Obama was in federal custody Tuesday as the Obama family planned to travel to Hawaii. Kristy Lee Roshia, 35, was charged with threatening a family member of the president and assaulting a federal agent after being arrested Saturday less than two miles from the Kailua home where the Obama family planned to stay during a holiday visit later this week...

First Lady & Death Threat

A new order from a US Army General in Iraq is causing controversy, as it seeks to ban any service member from getting pregnant, and threatens them with being court-martialed and serving time in jail, all for their pregnancy.

The order was sought because a pregnancy forces the military to take soldiers out of active duty, leaving a critical hole in their team when this happens. But critics of the new order say that treating someone like a criminal simply for being pregnant is unfair and excessively harsh, especially for someone who has stepped up to serve in the Army. Perhaps some sort of fine or lesser penalty would be more appropriate? What do you think?

General Bans Pregnancy
msnbc

The Army general of U.S. forces in Northern Iraq has banned pregnancy among military personnel in his command, NBC News reported on Friday. Anyone who becomes pregnant or impregnates another servicemember, including married couples assigned to the same unit, could face a court-martial and jail time...The order, which went into effect on Nov. 4, was first reported by the military publication Stars and Stripes. ..

General Bans Pregnancy

Zsa Zsa Gabor, the Hollywood actress with a flamboyant personality whom some consider the predecessor to today's Paris Hiltons of the world, was arguably famous for being famous as much as she was known for any particular acting roles. She was also known for being married more than a few times, and having quite an irreverent take on marriage as an institution.

Among her famous quotes on marriage, and divorce, was the gem of an insight that one husband taught her "housekeeping," which meant that she "keeps the house." Gabor was married a grand total of nine times, with seven ending in divorce and one in an annulment. Her ninth time seems to have been the charm, as she has remained with Frédéric Prinz von Anhalt since 1986. I guess it really never is too late to get it right!

Zsa Zsa Gabor: "He taught me Housekeeping"

A man in love is incomplete until he has married. Then he's finished.

Conrad Hilton was very generous to me in the divorce settlement. He gave me 5000 Gideon Bibles.

Getting divorced just because you don't love a man is almost as silly as getting married just because you do.

He taught me housekeeping; when I divorce I keep the house.

Zsa Zsa Gabor: "He taught me Housekeeping"

Zsa Zsa Gabor, the Hollywood actress with a flamboyant personality whom some consider the predecessor to today's Paris Hiltons of the world, was arguably famous for being famous as much as she was known for any particular acting roles. She was also known for being married more than a few times, and having quite an irreverent take on marriage as an institution.

Among her famous quotes on marriage, and divorce, was the gem of an insight that one husband taught her "housekeeping," which meant that she "keeps the house." Gabor was married a grand total of nine times, with seven ending in divorce and one in an annulment. Her ninth time seems to have been the charm, as she has remained with Frédéric Prinz von Anhalt since 1986. I guess it really never is too late to get it right!

Zsa Zsa Gabor: "He taught me Housekeeping"

A man in love is incomplete until he has married. Then he's finished.

Conrad Hilton was very generous to me in the divorce settlement. He gave me 5000 Gideon Bibles.

Getting divorced just because you don't love a man is almost as silly as getting married just because you do.

He taught me housekeeping; when I divorce I keep the house.

Zsa Zsa Gabor: "He taught me Housekeeping"

Zsa Zsa Gabor, the Hollywood actress with a flamboyant personality whom some consider the predecessor to today's Paris Hiltons of the world, was arguably famous for being famous as much as she was known for any particular acting roles. She was also known for being married more than a few times, and having quite an irreverent take on marriage as an institution.

Among her famous quotes on marriage, and divorce, was the gem of an insight that one husband taught her "housekeeping," which meant that she "keeps the house." Gabor was married a grand total of nine times, with seven ending in divorce and one in an annulment. Her ninth time seems to have been the charm, as she has remained with Frédéric Prinz von Anhalt since 1986. I guess it really never is too late to get it right!

Zsa Zsa Gabor: "He taught me Housekeeping"

A man in love is incomplete until he has married. Then he's finished.

Conrad Hilton was very generous to me in the divorce settlement. He gave me 5000 Gideon Bibles.

Getting divorced just because you don't love a man is almost as silly as getting married just because you do.

He taught me housekeeping; when I divorce I keep the house.

Zsa Zsa Gabor: "He taught me Housekeeping"

When Heather Mills was embroiled in a heated divorce battle with Paul McCartney, she at one point got so mad at McCartney's lawyer Fiona Shackleton that she actually poured a jug of water over her head, in court!

Mills carried out the water attack in the High Court, then laughed aloud about the lawyer having just been baptized. Mills made a lengthy statement outside the courtroom afterwards, explaining why she held such a grudge against Shackleton, saying the lawyers had unfairly treated and insulted her. Shackleton gained a reputation as a top divorce lawyer in the UK, after helping Sir Paul get a settlement from the court that paid out much less than what Mills was seeking, in one of the most dramatic divorce battles o recent years.

Heather Mills, Fiona Shackleton Water Attack!
dailymail

Heather Mills is intensifying her bitter war with her husband's divorce lawyer Fiona Shackleton. Having thrown a jug of water over Mrs Shackleton at the High Court yesterday, Miss Mills is now threatening to report her to the Law Society for professional misconduct over allegations that she called her names. Miss Mills threw water over her former husband's lawyer and then laughingly announced that she had been "baptised in court...."

Heather Mills, Fiona Shackleton Water Attack!

One of the most dramatic celebrity divorces we've seen over the years was the one between Mike Tyson and Robin Givens, that ended with Givens getting millions from Tyson in a divorce settlement that was far from amicable at the time.

Theirs was a marriage between one of Hollywood's biggest actresses and boxing's greatest champions, but showed signs of trouble pretty quickly, especially when they appeared together in a famous Barbara Walters interview, where Mike sat silently as Robin was right next to him describing him as an unstable eand sometimes abusive spouse. Not long after this she filed for divorce, while Mike countersued for an annulment and a heated battle began, both in the courts and the press. Givens wound up getting a $10,000,000 settlement. See below for details.

Robin Givens Divorce Settlement. Mike Tyson: $10 Million
Ebony magazine

And so it did. Eight months after Mike Tyson and Robin Givens were married on Feb. 7, 1988 -- eight months of public squabbling and, Robin claims, private beatings -- she filed for divorce and Tyson countersued to have the marriage annulled...

Robin Givens Divorce Settlement. Mike Tyson: $10 Million

Cary Grant was known for starring classic movies, and in his lifetime was also known for busy love life that included no less than five wives over the years.

Grant's most famous wife might be actress Dyan Cannon, and she was the mother of his first child, but their marriage only lasted a year or so, ending with Cannon accusing him of being a tyrant in their relationship. This marriage came after three others Cary had started and finished, including the longest of his life, a 13 year connection with Betsy Drake that lasted from the 40s to the 60s.

Grant was also widely rumored to be bisexual, with many believing he has a long-term relationship with fellow actor Randolph Scott, among other Hollywood figures. Some of his wives have spoken out against this story though. For more info on his five wives, and his illustrious career (let's not forget he had that too!) see below.

Cary Grant's Five Wives
wikipedia

Grant was married five times, and was dogged by rumors that he was bisexual. He wed Virginia Cherrill on February 10, 1934. She divorced him on March 26, 1935, following charges that Grant had hit her. He married Barbara Hutton and became a father figure to her son, Lance Reventlow. The couple were derisively nicknamed "Cash and Cary," although in an extensive prenuptial agreement Grant refused any financial settlement...

Cary Grant's Five Wives

Females have for centuries found creative ways to fend off unwanted advances from men, but few have gone to the same lengths as these female ducks being studied by Yale. These women are so put off by pushy males, they've actually evolved genitalia designed to sabotage any man's physical advance.

Basically the female duck's secret place is in a spiraling shape that is very difficult for the male duck to navigate with his equipment. This gives the female more power to decide when she will let a male get what he wants. In fact, the scientists say that male and female ducks have been in a sexual arms race of evolving anatomy! For the full rundown see the link below.

Yale: Female Ducks Say No to Sex
eurekalert

Scientists at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, have explained the mechanism by which female ducks thwart forced copulations.

Lady ducks have evolved a unique way of avoiding the unwanted advances of, er, enthusiastic suitors, according to Yale scientists. According to researchers, while male ducks have developed longer, spiraled genitalia, the females' anatomy has evolved to spiral in the opposite direction. "In species where forced copulation is common ... this coevolution results from conflict between the sexes over who is going to control fertilization," said Yale researcher Patricia L.R. Brennan...

Yale: Female Ducks Say No to Sex

Some say the measure of a true civilization is their sewage, and if that's the case, the ancient Mayan people may have been more civilized than we thought.

According to new findings by scientists, Mayans may indeed have mastered the science of water pressure, enough to have water fountains and fully functional toilets. Studying the ancient mayan civilization though ruins in Chiapas, Mexico, scientists have found hints at mroe advanced know-how among the Mayans than researchers had previously believed. But the looming question remains: did the Ancient Mayans figure out how to keep the toilet seat warm?

Ancient Mayans and Toilets
msnbc

The ancient Mayans may have had enough engineering know-how to master running water, creating fountains and even toilets by controlling water pressure, scientists now suggest. Perhaps the earliest known example of the intentional creation of water pressure was found on the island of Crete in a Minoan palace dating back to roughly 1400 BC...

Ancient Mayans and Toilets

It's always been a cliche that women don't do as well as men at parking a car, but fair-minded citizens usually dismissed this as a stereotype. A new study, though, suggests the assumption may be true indeed.

A efmale scientist in Germany, Dr Claudia Wolf, led the study and says her results echo previous findings, about men having better co-ordination and spatial awareness compared to women, and that they take more risks behind the wheel whereas wommen are more conservative, tentative drivers. Critics may question the sample size and methodology though, and challenge the veracity of these findings. But Dr. Wolf defends the study, saying: "I don't think that feminism or the cause of women is in any way set back by these findings. It only proves what previous studies about the spatial differences between men and women have shown." For the full story, see below.

Women Worse Than Men: Parking Study
telegraph

Female drivers take an average of 20 seconds longer to park their cars but are still less likely to end up in the middle of the bay, the research suggests. As part of the test 65 people were asked to park an Audi A6 family saloon in a standard-sized parking space...Their manoeuvres - including head-on, reverse and parallel parking - were timed and rated for accuracy...

Women Worse Than Men: Parking Study

We've all probably had a variety of hangovers before (well not me, but probably you). How can you predict in advance whether you will get a hangover or not, and what type of hangover it will be?

Among the factors commonly known to determine your hangover chances are how much and how quickly you drink, whether you eat before and while drinking, and most of all whether you drink enough water alongside the alcohol. But new studies say the color of the alcohol you drink can also provide clues to how you'll feel the morning (or afternoon) after. As you can see in the link below, the studies show hat darker alchols like bourbon and red wine are more likely to have you feeling bad afterwards, and lighter drnks like vodka give you a better chance of coming out in one piece. Don't forget to drink water though!

Color of Alcohol: Hangover Predictor?
ecanadanow

According to a new study, which will soon be posted in the journal "Alcohol: Clinical and Experimental Research," if you are hoping to avoid a nasty hangover this holiday season, then it is best to stay away from darker liquors such as bourbon, red wine, brandy, and spiced rum The study reported that those who consumed lighter colored alcohols such white wine, vodka, and gin were much less likely to feel sick or hung over the next day.

Color of Alcohol: Hangover Predictor?

Color of Alcohol: Hangover Predictor?

Color of Alcohol: Hangover Predictor?

The list of Golden Globe presenters for this year is out, and right at the top of the list is America's perennial sweetheart, actress Julia Roberts.

Also on the list is Jennifer Aniston, and Mickey Rourke who has hopefully recovered from his disappointment at the Oscars last year. Leo Dicaprio will also be on hand to give a lifetime achievement award to the eminently worthy Martin Scorsese. I'm looking forward to their new film together.
c
The Golden Globes are voted on by the foreign press, givin a windoe into how the rest of the world views Hollywood. The ceremonies are famous for encouraging the performers to have fun and maybe a few drinks, and the proceedings are known to get a little raucous on occasion.

Golden Globe Presenters: Julia Roberts and More!
access hollywood

Julia Roberts, Jennifer Aniston and Mickey Rourke will be among the presenters at the 67th Golden Globe Awards. "Lost" star Matthew Fox will also present at the ceremony, Access Hollywood has confirmed. Other stars previously slated to join the show are Robert De Niro and Leonardo DiCaprio, who will present the Cecil B. DeMille Award to director Martin Scorsese...

Golden Globe Presenters: Julia Roberts and More!

2009 was another year of celebrities doing dumb things, and many newspapers are now running a list of their favorite dumb celebrity moments of 2009.

The first name on the list is Aubrey o-day for her controversial comments on a Fox news show, even though when I look at her comments in context I don't think her comment was dumb at all. And coming in ahead of Aubrey was Whoopi Goldberg, whose attempts to defend Roman Polanski actually were totally dumb, plus Alex Rodriguez for the revelations of his steroid use.

Also on the list was ESPN's Steve Phillips, and David Letterman, for 1009's favorite celebrity mistake, sexual indiscretions with an employee. And the award for #1 dumbest celebrity moment goes to.....us! For caring so much about what celebrities do!

2009 Stupid or Dumbest Celebrity Moments

Half the reason we love celebrities is because it's so much fun watching them do something stupid. Check out our picks for the dumbest celebrity moves of 2009. It was definitely a banner year....On June 10, former Miss California USA Carrie Prejean was stripped of her title for "contract violations." Prejean sued the Miss USA pageant, claiming she was turfed because of her vocal opposition to gay marriage....

2009 Stupid or Dumbest Celebrity Moments

One of Hollywood's hottest celebrity couples may be officially back together, only months after they called it quits.

Sienna Miller and Jude Law were seen enjoying a sweet holiday vacation in the Carribean, enjoying los of water sports and other tourist activities with a group of friends. By all appearances it seemed to be true that they are on again. Jude Law is riding high on the box office receipts of his new movie Sherlock Holmes, with Robert Downey and Guy Ritchie, so he certainly has every reason to celebrate!

Sienna Miller, Law: On Again?
daily mail

Jude Law and Sienna Miller raised the excitement levels on the second day of their Caribbean holiday. The couple, who are an item again four years after they split, decided to take a fun boat ride with his children and some friends off the coast of Barbados. Spirits were high as they raced around on the Great Big Brawler....

Sienna Miller, Law: On Again?

Kid Cudi, who is a solo artist and was never a member of Lady Gaga's band, despite what certain websites say, did in fact get kicked off of Lady Gaga's tour this month, after punching a fan during the show.

Kid Cudi, the popular rapper who was on the bill as an opening act (again, not a member of Lady Gaga's band) got into the altercation in Vancouver, jumping into the crowd to attack a fan who had thrown something on the stage. Soon after Cudi announced he was leaving the tour "in order to balance his schedule surrounding the recording of his next album and acting commitments," but many suspected it was really because Lady Gaga doesn't want an opening act who punches fans! See the link below for more info.

Kid Cudi Punches Fan
pitchfork

Earlier this year, the huge, ambitious Fame Kills tour with Kanye West was canceled for unexplained reasons. So Gaga instead booked her own Monster Ball tour, bringing along Kanye's fellow G.O.O.D. Music rapper Kid Cudi-- who sampled Gaga on his own execrable "Poke Her Face" single-- as her opener. And now Rolling Stone reports that Cudi has dropped off that tour. Maybe it's time for Gaga to call Consequence or GLC!

Kid Cudi Punches Fan

Oprah Winfrey, the most powerful woman in show business, started her broadcasting career in Nashville, Tenn., reading the news at local station WVOL. Two years later Oprah Winfrey started co-anchoring news broadcasts on WTVF-TV, a station in Nashville.

Then n 1976, she moved to Baltimore and began to anchor newscasts at WJZ-TV, then moved on to becoming host of the local talk show "People Are Talking."

In 1984, Oprah relocated to Chicago and stepped up to host WLS-TV's morning talk show "A.M. Chicago" -- that show evolved into "The Oprah Winfrey Show" one year later. She set up Harpo in the following year and her talk show went into syndication, rising to become one of the most successful in the history of broadcasting.

"I came from nothing," Winfrey wrote in her 1998 book "Journey to Beloved." "No power. No money. Not even my thoughts were my own. I had no free will. No voice. Now, I have the freedom, power, and will to speak to millions every day -- having come from nowhere."

Nashville WTVF Oprah Winfrey
achievement

Oprah Winfrey's broadcasting career began at age 17, when she was hired by WVOL radio in Nashville, and two years later signed on with WTVF-TV in Nashville as a reporter/anchor. She attended Tennessee State University, where she majored in Speech Communications and Performing Arts. In 1976, she moved to Baltimore to join WJZ-TV news as a co-anchor...

Nashville WTVF Oprah Winfrey

Check out this video for the Oprah "You Get a Car" remix!

Oprah has always been well known for her charitable actions. One of the most memorable giveaways was the day she gave everyone in her studio audience a brand new car. That was the first time any talk show host had ever carried out such an amazing act of generosity on their show. And as seen below it was even immortalized in a video mashup remix.

In the years since then she has toned down the giveaways, even not doing it at all this year out of respect for the economic troubles. If only all these corporate CEOs had as much sense of decorum as Oprah.

Oprah "You Get a Car" Remix

Check out this video for the Oprah "You Get a Car" remix! Almost as cool at the Nintendo 64 Kids remix... almost.

Oprah "You Get a Car" Remix

Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy was known for many positive things throughout her long life as matriarch of the Kennedy family. One of her favorite achievements that man remember foindly was here efforts leaing thte Grandparents' Parade at the bi-annual special Olympics, and even pioneered by her family decades ago.

The Special Olympics are an annual event for young people with intellectual disabilities, letting them compete in athletics and have a chance to shine. Rose Kennedy led the parade at this special event when she was at the grand age of 90 years old! That should tell you all you need to know about her commitment to charity and kindness.

Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy and Grandparents' Parade
Wikipedia

Well-known for her philanthropic efforts and for leading the Grandparents' Parade at age 90 at the Special Olympics, Rose's life and work are documented in the Oscar-nominated short documentary Rose Kennedy: A Life to Remember. Rose is also one of several women from the United States to have the noble papal title countess bestowed upon her in 1951 by Pope Pius XII in recognition of her "exemplary motherhood and many charitable works."

Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy and Grandparents' Parade

In one of the strangest twists on a celebrity family drama, Lindsay Lohan's fater Michael was quoted in the press this year blaming all of his daughter's problems on....the wrath of God?

Lohan was quoted in November saying that God was taking Lindsay's entire career away from her, "because she's forsaken everything He's given her and she's done nothing but misuse all the gifts she's given." Really, dad? Lindsay, who certainly has had her share of problems and questionable life choices, has for her part called her father a "loser" and a "lunatic."

Michael Lohan has also been quoted as saying Lindsay's mother is helping to cover up their daughter's drug addiction problems, and been in many other controversies over Lindsay's still brief career. A stressful scene, that one can only hope will clear up for Lindsay as she gets older.

Lindsay Lohan Problems, Father Michael
foxnews

Michael Lohan told the New York Post that Lindsay's career trajectory was a message straight from The Big Guy himself. "No wonder why God is taking her entire career away from her," Michael Lohan told the paper. "Because she's forsaken everything He's given her and she's done nothing but misuse all the gifts she's given." Following this logic, could another of God's punishments be giving Lindsay a father who is making a career out of trying to destroy his troubled daughter in the press?

Lindsay Lohan Problems, Father Michael

In the annals of worst lie ever, Mark Sanford will be high on the list for his blatant deception claiming he was hiking the Appalachian trail while he snuck off to follow up on his extramarital affair.

Sanford's lie was revealed in a bizarre and rambling press conference, where he expressed his deep love for his mistress, and gave rather too much information about the details of their romance. He has since become a political pariah, and is in the process of getting dumped by his wife, who had no patience for the usual charade of standing by your man at his press conference.

Mark Sanford Hiking the Appalachian Trail: Lie!
businessinsider

was the Appalachian Trail line a big lie?

Gawker points to this news report from WYFF4 which says his state car was found at an airport in Atlanta (which you may recall is where police picked up his cell signal) and that witnesses saw him boarding a plane, without security. The Appalachian Trail story never quite made sense with the original line about how nobody knew where he was, and his wife saying that Sanford likes to take time off to do some writing...

Mark Sanford Hiking the Appalachian Trail: Lie!

Van Morrison at the grqand old age of 64 just became a dad for the third time, as his third kid, George Ivan Morrison III, was born yesterday happy and healthy.

The baby, who inherits Van Morrison's real name, was born in a location the family did not reveal, but will be a dual citizen of both the United States and the United Kingdom & Ireland. Van Morrison has put a lot of effort into improving his health, getting over his alcohol addiction and setting strict rules to keep alcohol from affecting him, even banning all drinks from being sold at his concerts. Hopefully he can pass on this commitment to staying healthy as he raised his baby boy! Best of luck to him and his fam.

Van Morrison, Dad Again
boston globe

The 64-year-old singer - whose real name is George Ivan Morrison - and partner Gigi Lee welcomed son George Ivan Morrison III into the world yesterday (28.12.09). The 'Brown Eyed Girl' hitmaker wrote on his website: "Gigi and Van Morrison are proud to announce the birth of their first born son, George Ivan Morrison III. Little Van, born Dec 28, 2009 - the spitting image of his daddy. He is a citizen of Northern Ireland/United Kingdom and the United States."

Van Morrison, Dad Again

A woman in New Hampshire was exposed to the deadly bacteria known as Anthrax this weekend, after somehow coming into contact with it at the University of New Hampshire.

The woman was at the drum club at UNH apparently, when she came in contact with the anthrax. Authorities are studying how she may have come into contact with the deadly substance, which was infamously used for a terror campaign soon after 9/11, with envelopes claiming to have the deadly substance, being sent to many prominent places.

As hazmat teams scoured the area, experts said anthrax usually comes from animals, and in this case may have been spread from an African drum at the dum club. Said one expert, ""[The bacteria are] so small they can be aerosolized. They can go into the mouth and someone can be so unlucky to swallow them..."

Anthrax, UNH New Hampshire Scare!
fox boston

A New Hampshire woman is in critical condition after contracting a deadly form of bacterial anthrax. Doctors believe the woman, from Strafford County, came into contact with the bacteria at a drum club just off of the University of New Hampshire campus Durham. They are now searching for the source...

Anthrax, UNH New Hampshire Scare!

Tylenol is expanding its recall of certain caplets, after safety concerns have arisen around abnormalities in some pill bottles.

Consumers have reported several batches of Tylenol having an odd smell, leading to a voluntary recall of Tylenol Arthritis Caplets, though no illnesses have been reported yet. Johnson & Johnson reports the odor is caused by a chemical in the pills called 2,4,6-tribromoanisole. That chemical apparently appeared in trace amounts because of the breakdown of another chemical used to treat wooden pallets that transport and store packaging materials where the Tylenol Caplets are produced. See the link below for more info, and to determine whether you have the recalled pills. Be safe!

Tylenol Caplet Recall
fox10

Johnson & Johnson is expanding a voluntary recall of Tylenol Arthritis Caplets due to consumer reports of a moldy smell that can cause nausea and stomach pain. According to a statement on the Food and Drug Administration Web site, the New Brunswick, N.J., company is now recalling all product lots of the Arthritis Pain Caplet 100 count bottles with the red EZ-Open Cap...

Tylenol Caplet Recall

After years of controversy about whether tasers are used too often, an important ruling has come in that aims to set stricter limits on the use of tasers by police officers.

The landmark ruling, fromm the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, seeks to curtail excessive and abusive use of tasers by police, based on a particular case where a taser was used on an unarmed man who was not threatening anybody. Thoough the ruling was on this specific tasering, it may be applied to many other incidents where it is believed cops use excessive force through the libereal usage of the taser. OVer 350 people have died from being tasered in America, according to the link below.

Court Limits Taser Use
creative loafing

From the Better Late Than Never Dept. comes the news that a federal appeals court yesterday issued a comprehensive ruling limiting police use of Tasers. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in a specific case that a policeman's use of a Taser against a suspect who, although acting strangely, was unarmed and was not approaching or threatening the officer, was unwarranted...

Court Limits Taser Use

Pop star Rihanna is getting set to play a New Year's Eve show in Abu Dhabi, but is she doesn't tone down her sexy style she might not get to do the show.

Rihanna aka Robin Fenty stands to earn half a million dollars for this one show, but she is instructed to "dress conservatively" for it when she performs for this conservative and devoutly religious country of United Arab Emirates. She is currently working with her team to tone down her show. Which is a shame for everyone in Abu Dhabi! It's like asking Lebron not to dunk.

Rihanna Abu Dhabi
azcentral

Rihanna has been told to cover up for her concert in Abu Dhabi on New Year's Eve. The 21-year-old singer is famous for her raunchy stage shows and flesh-flashing outfits but must dress "conservatively" for the performance at the Emirates Palace for which she is being paid $500,000....

Rihanna Abu Dhabi

Following in the footsteps of Gwyneth Paltrow and other actresses over the years, Teri Hatcher is now the latest star to don a fat suit and find out how the other half lives, as she becomes an obese version of herself for an episode of her hit tv show Desperate Housewives.

Teri Hatcher Fat Suit (VIDEO)
celebuzz

In the upcoming upcoming episode of Desperate Housewives, airing January 3, the lovely ladies imagine what life would be life if things had been different. For Teri Hatcher, it involved sporting a fat suit, the pounds she supposedly packed on when she realized her hubby hadn't quit cheating on her! The fantasy sequence also shows her telling Mike Delfino (James Denton), who is still her plumber, "You know what would serve him right? To come home and find me in bed with another man.."

Teri Hatcher Fat Suit (VIDEO)

After singer and lousy young man Chris Brown quit his twitter account (because he whenever he used it he tended to unwittingly show how lousy he is), NBC's Conan O'Brien offered a tribute oin honor of Chris Brown's twitter farewell. Conan reviewed somme of Chris Brown's classic tweets, and lamented the prospect ofa future without Brown's self-centered ramblings.

"Shocking news from the music industry: The controversial singer Chris Brown, the former boyfriend of Rihanna, has announced that he's abandoning his Twitter account," Conan reported... "the lack of new tweets from Chris Brown is going to undoubtedly leave a huge gaping void in the lives of many Americans.." Indeed, Conan. Indeed.

Conan O'Brien, Chris Brown Twitter (VIDEO)
mtv

On Tuesday (December 15) night's episode of "The Tonight Show," Conan O'Brien addressed the news that Chris Brown had shut down his Twitter page. The show's host has spent a great deal of time poking fun both at Brown and at the micro-blogging service (his "Twitter Tracker" segments -- where he mocks celebrity tweets with the assistance of a borderline-psychotic narrator -- are some of the show's most popular), so it was a perfect storm of laughs.

Chris Brown Quits Twitter

The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien | MySpace Video

With the news that Chris Brown is quitting twitter, Conan looks back on some tweets!

Conan O'Brien, Chris Brown Twitter (VIDEO)

After several days of angry rants that plamed everyone but himself for his own poor album sales, someone must have whispered in Chris Brown's ear, because he abruptly decided to cut his losses and just hop off of twitter completely, even shutting his account down.

Chris Brown had been ranting and raving about supposedly being "blackballed" by the industry, as stores allegedly refused to put his CD on the shelves (gee why would they do that?). He followed it up by the boast, "I ain't retracting S**T!" However by the end of the week he had retracted his entire twitter existence. Hopefully his spiritual advisors are working a little harder on getting him to understand what it means to take responsibility for your actions and accept the consuquences.

Chris Brown Quits Twitter, Album Fails
popeater

Days after using Twitter to call retail giant Walmart liars for "blackballing" his new album from their stores (which they aren't), Chris Brown has made like Miley and quit the micro-blogging craze. Brown's Twitter home, @mechanicalDummy now "doesn't exist," leaving fans wondering: what happened to Chris?

Chris Brown Quits Twitter, Album Fails

According to the latest grist from the rumor mill, comic Russell Brand is finally trying to tie the knot with pop star Katy Perry, after months of steady dating.

Brand was seen around town shopping for wedding rings for a while now, and finally stepped up to propose to Katy right around Christmastime, as stories have it. Hopefully this pairing will have better luck than the celebrity couples of 2009! Maybe they should play it safe and go straight to couples counsesling, preemptively.

Russell Brand Katy Perry Engaged?
angryape

Katy Perry and Russell Brand are now engaged, according to a UK newspaper. After the comedian was spotted browsing rings earlier in the month, the Sunday Mirror now claims the British stand-up proposed to the 'Waking Up In Vegas' singer shortly before Christmas. "Russell knows Katy's the one for him," said a source. "He's never been into a girl like he has with her and they're besotted. He asked her to marry him last week and she quickly said yes...

Russell Brand Katy Perry Engaged?

The annual polls are coming in for the best and worst in Hollywood, and this year's moviefone poll has Megan Fox with the highest and lowest marks of 2009. The Transformers star got the most votes for sexiest actress, but also for worst actress, beating out Hilary Swank in Amelia and Beyonce in "Obsessed."

In the sexiest actress battle, Megan Fox beat out Zoe Saldana and Sandra Bullock. And to be fair, it's hard for any actress to look like a gifted thespian in a movie like Transformers, so Megan should try and put more stock in the sexiest award and ignore the hate. Also I gotta say, having seen "Obsessed," I think Beyonce was much worse in that than Megan Fox. Beyonce is just lucky most people never saw that movie.

2009 Worst Actress: Megan Fox!
chron.com

Movie fans have rated Megan Fox's sex appeal above her onscreen talents - she has been named worst actress of the year, but also the sexiest in a new poll. Fox has topped the list of worst actresses by film Web site Moviefone.com for her role in action sequel Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, narrowly beating out Beyonce Knowles for her performance in thriller Obsessed and Hilary Swank in Amelia. But the 23-year-old can console herself after landing the title of sexiest actress in the same poll, seeing off competition form Star Trek's Zoe Saldana and Sandra Bullock...

2009 Worst Actress: Megan Fox!

A lot of cigarette smokers will be hurrying to get their last puffs in, as many places around town will fall under the boundaries of a new smoking ban that goes into effect on January 1.

Chicago is taking the lead in these new and far-reaching smoking bans, with embattled Governor Blagojevitch signing it sweeping hanges that ban cigarettes from all public places, pretty much. Business owners and others are decrying the new rules, but speaking as a New Yorker we heard similar protests here, and in the long run the smoking bans have turned out great, and not ruined businesses as was feared.

I don't believe in completely banning cigarette smoking, certainly in some outdoor public areas it should be legal, and inside your own home. But for the most part my sympathy for smokers is minimal, when they complain about their civil rights and liberty being violated. It's a toxic, disgusting and just plain dumb habit, that spreads a foul smell everywhere. It's not cool to do, and it makes the world less pleasant for everyone around you. Plus we all have to pay for the health care burden it creates. Basically you're lame if you do it.

Smoking Ban, January 1
heartland.org

Smoking is no longer allowed in Illinois--at least, not in public.

On July 23, Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D) signed a statewide public smoking ban. As of January 1, smoking will be illegal in restaurants, bars, nightclubs, workplaces, and all public buildings. Smoking will also be banned within 15 feet of building entrances, exits, and windows. Illinois is the 19th state to pass such a law. American Medical Association President Ron Davis, M.D. called it "the strongest clean indoor air law in the country..."

Smoking Ban, January 1

Facebook is declaring war on another site that helps users kill their own Facebook accounts, leading to a Seppukoo vs. Facebook death match.

The duel comes as Seppukoo, named after the Japanese Samurai tradition of taking one's own life, is accused of breaching Facebook's terms by setting up a third party means to shut down your account. Users had complained that Facebook made it too difficult to get rid of your own account without help.

but Seppukoo's makers, a grou of subversive Italian artists named Les Liens Invisibles, are not buckling under, and say they plan to fight Facebook on this and keep their site alive. It's ahrd to see what the logic is for Facebook shutting this site down, since countless other sites are set up to use your Facebook info and alter things in your Facebook account. Should they be able to shut this one out just because it closes accounts? We'll see how the duel plays out.

Facebook Seppukoo
mashable

Remember Seppukoo, that nifty little service that lets you kill your Facebook identity? Well, Facebook doesn't appreciate the idea. In fact, Facebook (Facebook) doesn't want Seppukoo to exist at all, claiming that it violates the statement of rights and responsibilities. Therefore, Facebook has sent a cease and desist letter to Seppukoo, asking the program to stop breaching terms of service...

Facebook Seppukoo