HOLLYWOOD DIRT OVERFLOW (07-01-10)
AL GORE "EMPHATICALLY" DENIES THAT HE SEXUALLY ASSAULTED A MASSEUSE:
Last week we told you about a new AL GORE sex scandal . . . where a masseuse in Portland, Oregon, went to the police to say Gore sexually assaulted her. --Al didn't have a comment at the time . . . but yesterday, a spokeswoman for the Gore family finally addressed it. Quote, "Mr. Gore unequivocally and emphatically denie[s] this accusation. Further investigation into this matter will only benefit Mr. Gore." --His accuser's name was initially kept out of the news . . . which is the standard procedure with victims. But since then SHE'S decided to out herself . . . in an exclusive interview she did with the "National Enquirer". (--To which the cynical side of me instantly says: She just got herself a nice little payday AND enough fame that a good agent could probably get her a book deal.) --Her name is Molly Hagerty, and she's a 54-year-old who's been working forever as a massage therapist in Portland. On October 23rd, 2006, she gave Al Gore a massage in his hotel . . . and claims he groped her and tried to have sex with her. --She told the "Enquirer", quote, "Al Gore is a pervert and a sexual predator. He's not what people think, he's a sick man. I want justice served." --She also revealed that she has a KEY WITNESS, a surveillance video and DNA evidence. --She went to the police after the incident in 2006, but missed several meetings with them afterwards so the case faded away. In 2009, she started pursuing it again and now the Portland police have decided to re-open the case.
ZOE SALDANA AND HER BOYFRIEND ARE NOW ENGAGED:
ZOE SALDANA just announced that she's gotten engaged to her boyfriend of 10 years. --His name is Keith Britton and he's the CEO of a website called My Fashion Database. (--The address is http://www.myfdb.com, and it seems to be a website that's like the Internet Movie Database but for people in fashion.) --She's 32 years old and he's 33. There's no word on when they're going to have the wedding.
CONSTANTINE MAROULIS' GIRLFRIEND HAD TO QUIT HER BROADWAY SHOW . . . BECAUSE HE KNOCKED HER UP:
Remember CONSTANTINE MAROULIS from "American Idol" in 2005? And remember how the judges SWORE he was a rocker because he had long hair and looked homeless . . . but later we all found out his background was in show tunes? --Well, these days he's been starring in a Broadway show that combines both of those perfectly. It's called "Rock of Ages" and it mixes musical theater with songs from bands like JOURNEY and WHITESNAKE. --His girlfriend was in the show too, but she just had to quit . . . because Constantine KNOCKED HER UP and she can't dance around or wear form-fitting costumes anymore. --Her name is Angel Reed and a source from the play says, quote, "Angel just gave her notice last week and told friends on the show she's pregnant. It's been an open secret that she and Constantine have been together for a while." --Angel didn't have a lead part in "Rock of Ages" . . . she was a member of the chorus. (--Still, being in the chorus on Broadway is a pretty big deal. Not everyone can be GLADYS KNIGHT. Talented people have to be the Pips, too.) --Before Angel was fetused by Constantine, she was a spokeswoman for a line of videos called "Get Sexy Fit" . . . where she taught women how to lap dance, pole dance and striptease their way to better bodies and, apparently, a better sex life. (--Here's a copy of one of the commercials featuring Angel . . .) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4IHrjUVycU
OLIVIA WILDE AND BOB FROM "THE BIGGEST LOSER" HAVE BEEN NAMED THE SEXIEST VEGETARIANS OF 2010:
PETA just named its sexiest vegetarians of 2010 and the female winner makes a lot of sense. She's sexy, she's vegan, she's perfect for this. The male winner . . . must mean that there weren't many male celebrity vegetarians to choose from. --The sexiest female vegetarian of the year is "House" minx OLIVIA WILDE. The sexiest male vegetarian is BOB HARPER, one of the trainers on "The Biggest Loser". (--Last year's sexiest vegetarians were Kellie Pickler and Milo Ventimiglia.)
FONZWORTH BENTLEY IS ENGAGED TO AN ACTRESS FROM "WHITE CHICKS":
The only reason anyone's ever heard of FONZWORTH BENTLEY is because he used to work as PUFF DADDY'S umbrella holder. And yet . . . he's somehow more famous than the actress he's about to marry. Yesterday, he announced that he proposed to his girlfriend right after Christmas. --Her name is Faune Chambers . . . she's an actress who's had small parts in movies like "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" and "Epic Movie". Her biggest role was . . . and this is serious . . . playing MARLON WAYANS' wife in "White Chicks".
DOES MICHAEL JACKSON'S ELDEST SON SUFFER FROM THE SAME SKIN CONDITION MICHAEL DID?
Britain's not-always-reliable "Daily Mail" tabloid has posted a few pictures of MICHAEL JACKSON'S 13-year-old son, Prince Michael, which supposedly prove that he suffers from vitiligo, the same skin disease that Michael claimed he had. --If they are legit, they would reaffirm that Michael DID have a skin disease, and that Michael IS Prince Michael's biological father . . . two things that may be true even without this "proof," but that some people have doubted nonetheless. --For the record, the medical investigators who examined Michael's body said he DID suffer from vitiligo, which is a disease that attacks pigment and causes white patches on the skin. (--DEBBIE ROWE is the mother of Prince Michael and his sister PARIS.) --The photos of Prince Michael . . . which were reportedly taken in Hawaii . . . appear to show white patches in the skin around his RIGHT shoulder and underarm. --Naturally, we can't vouch for these pictures.
BILL MURRAY DOESN'T RECOGNIZE ANY OF TODAY'S CELEBRITIES . . . ESPECIALLY REALITY TV STARS:
BILL MURRAY finally said what everyone's been thinking: There are just too damn many famous people now. And he says he doesn't recognize any of them. --Quote, "I go through 'Us Weekly' and it's filled with reality TV stars I've never heard of." --He also said he had an awkward moment where JOSH HARTNETT came up and started talking to him . . . and Bill had no idea what was going on. --Quote, "This guy shakes my hand and says, 'You worked on 'Lost in Translation' with my girlfriend [SCARLETT JOHANSSON]. Was she as much trouble for you as she was for me?' Scarlett was 17 when I worked with her so, no, she wasn't."
CHECK OUT 95 PAIRS OF CELEBRITIES WHO LOOK *SHOCKINGLY* ALIKE:
Check out this slideshow on NBC Philadelphia. They found 95 pairs of celebrities who look SHOCKINGLY alike. Yes, sometimes it's because of the photos they chose . . . but sometimes, these are REALLY good. --Our personal favorites are Bob Saget and Stephen Colbert, Elijah Wood and Mischa Barton, and Daniel Day-Lewis and Jennifer Connelly. You can see the full slideshow here . . .
http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/entertainment/celebrity/Celebrities_Who_Look_Alike.html
BRITNEY SPEARS' OLD BODYGUARD SAYS SHE WHIPPED HER KIDS WITH A BELT AND FED THEM FOOD THEY WERE ALLERGIC TO:
This comes from the VERY unreliable "London Sun" tabloid so take it for what it's worth. They claim that one of BRITNEY SPEARS' former bodyguards, a guy named Fernando Flores, says Britney ABUSED her kids. --According to Flores, Britney beat her sons . . . who are four and three years old now . . . with a belt and fed them food they were allergic to, which made them sick. --Supposedly, the Los Angeles Department of Children and Family Services is investigating.
JEFFREY JONES FROM "FERRIS BUELLER" WAS ARRESTED FOR FORGETTING TO RENEW HIS SEX OFFENDER REGISTRATION:
Back in 2003, JEFFREY JONES . . . the guy who played the principal in "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" . . . was arrested for taking sexually explicit photos of a 14-year-old boy. Now, he's required to register as a sex offender every single year. --Last September, he turned 63, and forgot . . . or neglected . . . to renew his sex offender registration. That's a felony. --Last week, cops in Los Angeles finally tracked him down and arrested him. He's out on $20,000 bail and will be arraigned on July 14th.
ELIN NORDEGREN MAY'VE JUST GOTTEN THE LARGEST DIVORCE SETTLEMENT IN HISTORY:
According to "Fox News", TIGER WOODS and ELIN NORDEGREN have reached a divorce settlement, and she's getting the largest amount of money in any celebrity divorce ever . . . and possibly the largest in ANY divorce ever. --Under the agreement, Elin will get a record $750 MILLION. --And in exchange for that, she's NEVER allowed to publicly speak about Tiger's affairs. Not even after he dies. No interviews, no books, no appearances. Nothing. --She'll also get full physical custody of the kids, but split legal custody . . . which means Tiger gets to share decisions about their future. --Tiger is allowed to spend up to half of every week with their two children. But . . . none of his former or current girlfriends are allowed to be around them. He can't bring any woman he's dating near the kids until he MARRIES her. --For a comparison of how big Elin's settlement is, when MICHAEL JORDAN got divorced in 2007, his wife got a $168 MILLION settlement . . . and THAT was considered a record. --Elin's lawyers were able to prove that Tiger was worth well over $1 BILLION and counting, which is how the settlement ended up so huge.
"THE TWILIGHT SAGA: ECLIPSE" SET A RECORD FOR THE BIGGEST MIDNIGHT OPENING EVER:
At this point, I think it would be wise if we NEVER underestimate the power of "Twilight". The third movie in the series, "Eclipse", opened Wednesday at 12:01 A.M. and set a record for the biggest midnight opening EVER. --The final count isn't done but it made well over $30 MILLION at midnight showings. That beat the old record of $26.3 MILLION which was held by . . . the previous "Twilight" film, "New Moon". --"Eclipse" could also break the opening day box office record that was set by "New Moon" last year. It made $72.7 MILLION on its first day. (--Of course, "Twilight" movies hold a distinct advantage for midnight openings . . . when your target audience is "aspiring vampires" they're used to being up that late. "Iron Man 2" fans actually have jobs.)
MARTIN SCORSESE BELIEVES THE NEXT LEONARDO DICAPRIO IS . . . THE RED-HAIRED KID FROM "HARRY POTTER"?
It's hard to question MARTIN SCORSESE'S eye for talent but . . . well . . . --In a new interview, Scorsese says he believes the next LEONARDO DICAPRIO is . . . RUPERT GRINT, the red-haired British guy who plays Ron Weasley in all of the "Harry Potter" movies. --And Scorsese isn't all talk . . . he's willing to cast Grint to star in one of his movies. --Quote, "I thought he was a great actor in the 'Harry Potter' movies. In a lot of scenes, the boy stole the shows. At his age it's important he doesn't become typecast. --"He has to do something really out of his comfort zone in the next few years, like play a gangster, play a dirty cop, play a kid with learning difficulties. I would be interested in working with him. I would have no issues casting him as a gangster. --"When Leo was in 'Titanic' and 'Romeo + Juliet', nobody saw him becoming a badass in movies like 'The Departed'. But he has become one of the greatest actors of all time. The very same could be true of Rupert."
JUDD APATOW IS DEVELOPING A BRAND NEW PEE-WEE HERMAN MOVIE!
It's about damn time that we got another PEE-WEE HERMAN movie. And we're not only getting one . . . but it's in good hands. --PAUL REUBENS, who's the man behind Pee-Wee, is teaming up with JUDD APATOW to develop a new Pee-Wee movie. --Judd Apatow wrote, directed and produced "The 40-Year-Old Virgin", "Knocked Up" and "Funny People" and produced "Superbad", "Anchorman", "Forgetting Sarah Marshall", and tons of other big-time comedies in the past six years. (--And yes, that does include the "Sarah Marshall" sequel, "Get Him to the Greek".) --Apatow says, quote, "Let's face it, the world needs more Pee-Wee Herman. I am so excited to be working with Paul, who's an extraordinary and groundbreaking actor and writer. It's so great to watch him return with such relevance." --Earlier this year, Reubens was performing a live show called "The Pee-Wee Herman Show" in L.A. . . . and it was a huge success. It's going to Broadway in October.
MERYL STREEP IS IN TALKS TO PLAY MARGARET THATCHER:
There are only a handful of actresses who have the look and the skills to star in a movie about the life of MARGARET THATCHER . . . and it looks like the producers want the one who's going to guarantee them an Oscar nomination. --MERYL STREEP is in talks to play Margaret Thatcher in a movie about the days leading up to the Falklands War in 1982 . . . which was a turning point in Thatcher's reign as Britain's first female prime minister. --There's no word on when the movie might start shooting.
THE FIRST TEASER TRAILER FOR "PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 2" IS OUT:
"Paranormal Activity" cost nothing to make and was a huge surprise hit . . . so we all knew there'd be a second one. The question is: Will it be true to the original . . . or will a bunch of expectations and money make it a disaster on the level of "Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2"? --Well, the first teaser trailer for "Paranormal Activity 2" came out yesterday and . . . we have no idea. All it shows is some nighttime footage inside a house. A dog barking, a baby, a zombie-fied woman standing there, and some mysterious noises.
(--You can see the teaser trailer here . . .)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0inziW_V88
THE FIFTH "FINAL DESTINATION" GETS A COMICALLY BAD TITLE:
There's going to be a fifth movie in the "Final Destination" series, and now it has a title. It's going to be called . . . ready for this . . . "5NAL DESTINATION". --Yes, with the numeral "5" in front of the letters "N-A-L." (--And yes, it looks like the word "anal" when you just glance at it.) --It will be shot in 3-D and is currently scheduled to come out on August 26th, 2011. (--Anyone remember the old British boy band called 5IVE? SIMON COWELL actually signed them. They were supposed to be like a male version of the SPICE GIRLS. Anyway, maybe they can reunite to do the theme song.)
IS PIERS MORGAN CLOSE TO LANDING LARRY KING'S CNN GIG?
"Larry King Live" is coming to an end this fall . . . and RadarOnline.com claims "America's Got Talent" judge PIERS MORGAN is close to replacing him. --Piers is one of the names that has been rumored to be up for the gig . . . along with Ryan Seacrest, Katie Couric, Anderson Cooper and Joy Behar. --Radar says that Piers has been negotiating with CNN "for weeks," and a "so-called source" claims there's a $10 million deal on the table that's, quote, "all but inked." (--Supposedly, CNN and Piers reached a verbal agreement BEFORE Larry's big announcement on Tuesday.) --For what it's worth, Larry told CBS News yesterday that if it were up to him . . . he'd go with Seacrest.
VIENNA GIRARDI IS *NOT* POSING FOR "PLAYBOY":
Speculation has been making the rounds online that "Bachelor" minx VIENNA GIRARDI . . . whose relationship with "Bachelor" JAKE PAVELKA is OVER . . . wanted to pose for "Playboy". But Vienna says that's not true. --Yesterday, she posted this message on Twitter: Quote, "Really 'Playboy'?! [That's] something else I didn't know about myself. It's another rumor." --A rep for "Playboy" also shot down the rumor . . . saying, quote, "This is the first we've heard of Vienna Girardi appearing on the cover of 'Playboy'. We are not in negotiations with her and have not made her an offer." --The HIGHLY reputable "Star" tabloid started the rumor . . . and they claim it came straight from Vienna's mouth. They say she told them: Quote, "I am going to be on the cover of 'Playboy' later this year. --"'The Bachelor' didn't pay me a dime . . . and I ran through my savings living with Jake. I need the money. And I want to do something fun and happy for myself! I just want a normal life." (--Yeah, the road to a "normal life" runs straight through "Playboy".) (???) --Vienna also supposedly told "Star" that she hoped to score $250,000 for doing it.
AND . . . "PLAYGIRL" WANTS JAKE PAVELKA:
We may not get to see "The Bachelor's" VIENNA GIRARDI naked, but the ladies might have a shot at seeing her ex-fiancé JAKE PAVELKA in the buff. --Perhaps inspired by the Vienna / "Playboy" rumors, Daniel Nardicio . . . the vice president of marketing at "Playgirl" . . . is inviting Jake to pose for THEM. --He says, quote, "We're determining the value of a shoot with Jake, who exemplifies our classic American guy at 'Playgirl'. It's obvious he likes the limelight, and I intuit that he looks good naked. --"Most people realize that reality show fame is fleeting and largely a dead end for the actors, so this is a way to extend that fame, and make a cute profit off of it." --Nardicio estimates that their offer to Jake will be, quote, "definitely in the six figures, but just where in that range I am still determining." And how do they determine that? You don't want to know.
THURSDAY TV REMINDERS: (--Check your local listings.)
--"100 Questions" [1st Season Finale] . . . 8:30 to 9:00 P.M. on NBC.
--"So You Think You Can Dance" [Results Show] . . . 9:00 to 10:00 P.M. on Fox. (--The cast of Cirque du Soleil's "Viva Elvis" performs "Return to Sender" . . . plus Ne-Yo sings "Beautiful Monster".)
EMINEM'S "RECOVERY" IS THE HIGHEST-SELLING DEBUT OF THE YEAR:
EMINEM just earned his sixth #1 album debut. His latest album, "Recovery", sold 741,000 copies in its first week, which makes it the best-selling debut of the year. --The week's next highest debut was the MILEY CYRUS disc "Can't Be Tamed", which came in at #3 with 102,000 copies. That's not bad, but despite her rabid "Hannah Montana" fans, Em still sold SEVEN-TIMES as many albums than her. --Even if you add up sales for all of the week's other new albums, Eminem still moved TWICE as many discs as Miley, OZZY and THE ROOTS, combined. Yeah. Suck on THAT. Here are this week's Top 10 albums . . .
1.) (NEW) "Recovery", Eminem (741,000 copies)
2.) "Thank Me Later", Drake (157,000 copies)
3.) (NEW) "Can't Be Tamed", Miley Cyrus (102,000 copies)
SLIPKNOT EXPECTS IT TO TAKE TWO YEARS TO RECOVER FROM PAUL GRAY'S DEATH:
SLIPKNOT guitarist JIM ROOT says he expects the band to take, quote, "probably two years at least" to regroup after the death of bassist PAUL GRAY. (--Gray died of an accidental overdose of morphine at an Iowa hotel in May.) --Root explains, quote, "There's going to be a big healing process that needs to happen before we even think about whether or not Slipknot will continue. And right now that's the furthest thing from our mind. --"Right now we are just grieving or trying to find time to grieve anyway for the fact that our bro's gone. It's weird because some days I don't even think it's real, so that one's not going to make sense for a while."
ARETHA FRANKLIN WILL PERFORM ALONGSIDE . . . CONDOLEEZZA RICE???
ARETHA FRANKLIN will be performing at a charity concert benefiting inner city children in Philadelphia on July 27th, and she'll be accompanied by . . . former Secretary of State CONDOLEEZZA RICE. --Aretha says, quote, "Ms. Rice is a consummate classical pianist, and since I sing the arias, I thought that we could do something . . . a bipartisan effort for our favorite charities." (--Condoleezza was a part of President Bush's administration.)
MTV'S 10 BEST ALBUMS OF 2010 SO FAR:
MTV has put together a list of The 10 Best Albums of 2010 (So Far) . . . and you probably haven't heard most of them. (--Yeah, this is another one of those eclectic lists that makes you think they're INTENTIONALLY snubbing mainstream stuff.)
--Here's the Top 10 . . . or, actually, 11. There's a TIE at #10.
#1.) The National, "High Violet"
#2.) Vampire Weekend, "Contra"
#3.) Titus Andronicus, "The Monitor"
#4.) Janelle Monae, "The ArchAndroid" (--This album is pretty great.)
#5.) LCD Soundsystem, "This Is Happening"
#6.) Sleigh Bells, "Treats"
#7.) Against Me!, "White Crosses"
#8.) Yeasayer, "Odd Blood" (--I also really dig this album, if you care.)
#9.) Tobacco, "Maniac Meat"
(TIE) #10.) The Wave Pictures, "If You Leave It Alone / Instant Coffee Baby"
(TIE) #10.) Kate Nash, "My Best Friend Is You"
-There are also 12 honorable mentions, which include the new albums by Gorillaz, The Hold Steady, The Black Keys, Robyn and rapper Rick Ross. (--You can check out all those . . . along with their comments on the Top 10 . . . at MTV.com, here . . .)
http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1642679/20100629/national.jhtml
IS CARRIE UNDERWOOD "TOO CLASSY" TO WORK WITH T-PAIN?
Everyone thought it was cute when TAYLOR SWIFT and rapper T-PAIN did their duet at the 2009 "CMT Music Awards". And then backstage at this year's Grammys, T-Pain mentioned he'd also like to work with CARRIE UNDERWOOD. --But that doesn't seem to be going anywhere. He says, quote, "It gets weird when I request a 'crazy' collaboration. It gets like downplayed, basically. --"When Taylor Swift said she wanted to work with me, it was like 'Oh, it's going to be such a great song, blah bah blah.' --"Then I came back and said I wanted to work with Carrie Underwood and it was like 'Carrie Underwood would never work (with) someone with as less class as you!'" (--Obviously, Carrie wouldn't shut down T-Pain because of a perceived lack of class. Then again, she's certainly not jumping at the chance to record something with him.)
NAZZY’S RANDOM STUFF
A SENATOR ASKED THE SUPREME COURT NOMINEE ABOUT "TWILIGHT":
The newest OBAMA Supreme Court nominee is ELENA KAGAN, and yesterday she went through a third day of questioning at her Senate Confirmation Hearing. And yes, the Democrats asked the hard-hitting question on everybody's mind: Edward, or Jacob? --For those of you who aren't "Twilight" fans, that's a reference to the vampire played by ROBERT PATTINSON and the werewolf played by TAYLOR LAUTNER . . . the ones who fight over KRISTEN STEWART in the third "Twilight" movie that opened yesterday. --That's correct: The "Twilight" movies made it into the United States Senate Hearing of a Supreme Court nominee. --It was a joke question from Senator Amy Klobuchar (--Her last name's pronounced KLOE-buh-shar.) She's a Democrat from Minnesota, but her official party is the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party. That part's NOT a joke. --Here's some of what she said. Quote: "You had an incredibly grueling day yesterday . . . I guess it means you missed the midnight debut of the third 'Twilight' movie last night. We did not miss it in our household, and it culminated in three 15-year-old girls sleeping over at 3 A.M." --"I keep wanting to ask you about the famous case of Edward versus Jacob, or The Vampire versus The Werewolf." --Kagan laughed it off and said, quote, "I wish you wouldn't." (TMZ / CBS) (--Look, this Senator was just trying to lighten the mood with some HI-larity. Supreme Court nominee hearings are notoriously long and tedious. Unless you're CLARENCE THOMAS, and you talk about your pubes with female staffers.) (--In fact, on Tuesday, Republican Senator Orrin Hatch said, quote, "We have to have a little back and forth . . . or this place would be boring as hell." Good point! We don't want you guys losing interest in that whole 'governing the nation' thing.) (--Here's video of the exchange . . .)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRr0r51gCU4
DOES SHOPPING MAKE MEN IMPOTENT?
Now it's time for another panic-inducing study that will probably be refuted next week: The chemicals in register receipts could be altering the balance of sex hormones in men, and making them less . . . manly! --Supposedly it's because of a chemical called Bisphenol A . . . or BPA . . . that's used in the manufacture of food cans, shower curtains, toys, and older baby bottles. In other words, it's everywhere. --But it's ALSO used to make ink visible on thermally sensitive paper. That means it's used on receipt print-outs. And that means we're all touching it a lot. --And if you handle receipts and the chemicals on them, you could ingest them when you touch your mouth, or handle food. --For men, the issue is that at certain levels, BPA can suppress male hormones in the body, and shift the balance towards female hormones like oestrogen. --According to a German urologist named Frank Sommer, quote, "In the long term, this leads to less sexual drive, encourages the belly instead of the muscles to grow, and has a bad effect on erection and potency." (Daily Mail)
HERE ARE THE GNARLIEST X-RAY PHOTOS YOU'VE EVER SEEN:
Every once in a while, there's a story about someone who took a nail to the head, or an arrow in the eye, and the X-rays are INSANE. Not just because the photos are ridiculous, but because the person SURVIVED. --So it's nice to have them all in one place. There are a couple websites that collect the best X-rays and the stories behind them . . . --Go to EnvironmentalGraffiti.com and search for "Brutal X-rays", or hit up x-rayschools.net, forward slash "blog". --We've seen most of them before . . . like the kid who face-planted on a set of keys . . . but some of them are new: --At Environmental Graffiti, there's the photo of the German woman who lived with a pencil in her brain for 55 years . . . --There's the teenager in Colorado who learned two days after-the-fact that his garden tiller had shot a 2-inch metal pin into his brain . . --There's a kid in India who was impaled on a 3-foot iron rod that pierced ten internal organs, including his lungs, liver, small intestine, and rectum . . . --And over at X-RaySchools.net, just in time for the Fourth of July, there's a kid with his hand blown open by firecrackers.
(Environmental Graffiti) (--Here are the direct links . . .)
http://www.environmentalgraffiti.com/medicine/news-amazing-x-rays-injuries-sufferers-actually-survived
http://www.x-rayschools.net/blog/amazing-and-disturbing-x-ray-images
AMERICANS ARE WAY STRESSED OUT ABOUT THEIR COMMUTE . . . BUT STILL REFUSE TO CHANGE THEIR ROUTINE:
If you're commuting to work right now, and hating it . . . I'm sorry. But at least you're not alone . . . --According to something called the IBM Global Commuter Pain Study, 65% of Americans say their commute gives them sleeping trouble and anger issues. (!!!)
--The study surveyed 8,192 people in 20 major cities around the world. Here are some of the other things they found:
--85% of Americans say that traffic has either gotten worse, or stayed the same, in the past three years.
--84% of Americans still drive to work alone anyway. That's compared with an average of 56% of people worldwide.
--And lastly, even though fewer Americans are working, and gas prices are higher, 84% say they haven't changed their commute because of the downturn. --If it makes you feel any better, on IBM's Commuter Pain Index of the 20 worst major international cities for commuting, only three are in the U.S. --And the first American city . . . Los Angeles, of course . . . is 13th on the list. New York and Houston came in at 17th and 18th. (AOL)
THE OLDEST U.S. POSTAL WORKER JUST RETIRED AT THE AGE OF 95:
Sorry it's not Friday yet. Maybe that's got you down. Or maybe you don't have anything fun planned for the Fourth of July weekend. If that's the case . . . there's a 95-year-old U.S. postal worker who'd like you to STOP COMPLAINING. --His name is Chester Arthur Reed, and he lives in Redlands, California (--about an hour east of L.A.). Chester retired yesterday, and ended his reign as the oldest postal worker in the U.S. --He's worked as a mail handler and a forklift operator since 1973. And he hasn't taken a sick day since he started. That means Chester's worked 37 years without missing a shift, and accrued 3,856 hours worth of sick leave. That's almost two years. -Chester credits his health to a steady diet of watermelon, alkaline water, and an onion sandwich with a lot of mayo every day. --According to Chester, the alkaline minimizes acids in the digestive system, and onions are related to garlic, which he says are one of the healthiest foods you can eat. --As for the watermelon, he says, quote, "If everyone in the nation ate watermelons, they'd get rid of all the doctors." (--Look, the guy's allowed to say whatever the hell he wants, as far as I'm concerned.) --He was in the Air Force until his 30s, then joined the Post Office at four bucks an hour. He hit the $25-an-hour maximum in 2000, and stayed so long because, quote, "one, it's a steady income and, two, they don't hassle you." (--How great is this guy?) --He's partially deaf and he has a stoop, but other than that, Chester's in good health, and he's currently planning a trip to go parasailing . . . for the second time in his 90s . . . in Rio. (Associated Press)
THE ARMY IS MAKING TRANSFORMERS! BUT THEY'RE INCREDIBLY LAME:
"Pentagon Develops Shape-Shifting Robot." It sounded too good to be true. And it was. --Basically, scientists at the Pentagon are looking for ways to create shape-shifting materials for the army. And you know what that means: TRANSFORMERS!!! --I'm serious: People are calling their work a ground-breaking first step towards robots that can transform into machines and planes. But I checked out the video released by the Pentagon, and I've got a better word to describe the project: "origami." --For three years, something called The Pentagon's Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency has been working with Harvard and MIT on this thing, and it looks like a small square piece of metal about a half-millimeter thick. Like a piece of paper. --And when it receives electronic instructions, it can fold itself into a little toy boat, or something that looks like a paper airplane. --The idea is to someday create stuff like an aircraft that can morph, or self-styling uniforms for different combat situations or climates, or some kind of a universal spare part that changes shape to do whatever you need it to do. (Telegraph / Wired) (--Are you kidding me? This is all that Harvard, MIT, and the Pentagon could cook up? Electronic origami? How is this supposed to scare the Iranians? This isn't Transformers. It's not even a Gobot.)
(--I say, keep this science project crap under wraps until we've got Iron Man in the can. Check out a video of this thing in action, here . . .) http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2010/06/video-pentagon-shape-shifter-folds-itself-into-boat-plane/
NAZZY’S SILLY VIDEOS OF THE DAY
#1.) A YANKEES FAN WAS HIT IN THE FACE WITH A BALL BECAUSE HE WAS TALKING ON HIS CELL PHONE:
A guy sitting in the stands at a Yankees game on Tuesday was talking on his cell phone and not paying attention to the game. And a ball bounced into the crowd and hit him in the face. (--Search for "Yankees fan cell phone ball hit face.")
http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=6633405n&tag=api
#2.) A BEER TRUCK TIPPED OVER AND DUMPED THE BOTTLES IT WAS CARRYING DOWN A HILL:
A truck carrying beer bottles had trouble getting around a sharp turn. Then it tipped over, and all the bottles spilled out of the truck and down a hill. (--Search for "bad beer delivery video." It starts tipping at :40.)
http://www.stupidvideos.com/video/stunts/Bad_Beer_Delivery/
#3.) COPS TASED A GUY, AND HE SMACKED HIS HEAD ON THE GROUND:
Cops use Tasers because they're supposed to be "safe." But here's why they're NOT that safe. Police in L.A. Tased a guy in front of the "Jimmy Kimmel Live" theater, and the guy tipped over like a tree and fell hard.
(--Search for "dude falls hard while tazed." He gets Tased at :22.)
(--WARNING: This video includes the F-word.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9NXZCvK3zOk
FOUR SIGNS SHE'S ABOUT TO DUMP YOU:
Guys, if you're ever been blindsided by a break-up, then you know it SUCKS. So if you're in a rocky relationship right now, listen up. Here's a list from Match.com of four signs you're about to be dumped . . .
#1.) WHEN YOU HUG, SHE PATS YOU ON THE BACK. There's a book called "Stop Getting Dumped". This is according to Lisa Daily, the author. --She says, quote, "A woman who pats you on the back while she's giving you a hug is indicating that she's uncomfortable. The bigger the pat, the more discomfort she feels."
#2.) HER FRIENDS AREN'T AS FRIENDLY AS THEY USED TO BE. Women usually tell their friends what they're going to do before they tell their guy. -So if her friends seem to be less in to you, it's because of their allegiance to HER. And if they stop interacting with you altogether, it's because they're afraid you'll sense that something's up.
#3.) SHE'S HARD TO REACH. If she's not picking up the phone and it's consistently going to voicemail, there's no mystery there: It means she doesn't want to talk. --Most women know exactly where their phones are at all times . . . in their purse. And if they really want to talk to you, they will.
#4.) SHE STOPS CRITICIZING YOU. Some guys get confused and actually think it means things are getting BETTER. --But if she stops complaining about the stuff she ALWAYS complains about, it means she's not trying to change you anymore . . . which is BAD. (Match.com)
SITE FOR SORE EYES:
Last week we told you about a new AL GORE sex scandal . . . where a masseuse in Portland, Oregon, went to the police to say Gore sexually assaulted her. --Al didn't have a comment at the time . . . but yesterday, a spokeswoman for the Gore family finally addressed it. Quote, "Mr. Gore unequivocally and emphatically denie[s] this accusation. Further investigation into this matter will only benefit Mr. Gore." --His accuser's name was initially kept out of the news . . . which is the standard procedure with victims. But since then SHE'S decided to out herself . . . in an exclusive interview she did with the "National Enquirer". (--To which the cynical side of me instantly says: She just got herself a nice little payday AND enough fame that a good agent could probably get her a book deal.) --Her name is Molly Hagerty, and she's a 54-year-old who's been working forever as a massage therapist in Portland. On October 23rd, 2006, she gave Al Gore a massage in his hotel . . . and claims he groped her and tried to have sex with her. --She told the "Enquirer", quote, "Al Gore is a pervert and a sexual predator. He's not what people think, he's a sick man. I want justice served." --She also revealed that she has a KEY WITNESS, a surveillance video and DNA evidence. --She went to the police after the incident in 2006, but missed several meetings with them afterwards so the case faded away. In 2009, she started pursuing it again and now the Portland police have decided to re-open the case.
ZOE SALDANA AND HER BOYFRIEND ARE NOW ENGAGED:
ZOE SALDANA just announced that she's gotten engaged to her boyfriend of 10 years. --His name is Keith Britton and he's the CEO of a website called My Fashion Database. (--The address is http://www.myfdb.com, and it seems to be a website that's like the Internet Movie Database but for people in fashion.) --She's 32 years old and he's 33. There's no word on when they're going to have the wedding.
CONSTANTINE MAROULIS' GIRLFRIEND HAD TO QUIT HER BROADWAY SHOW . . . BECAUSE HE KNOCKED HER UP:
Remember CONSTANTINE MAROULIS from "American Idol" in 2005? And remember how the judges SWORE he was a rocker because he had long hair and looked homeless . . . but later we all found out his background was in show tunes? --Well, these days he's been starring in a Broadway show that combines both of those perfectly. It's called "Rock of Ages" and it mixes musical theater with songs from bands like JOURNEY and WHITESNAKE. --His girlfriend was in the show too, but she just had to quit . . . because Constantine KNOCKED HER UP and she can't dance around or wear form-fitting costumes anymore. --Her name is Angel Reed and a source from the play says, quote, "Angel just gave her notice last week and told friends on the show she's pregnant. It's been an open secret that she and Constantine have been together for a while." --Angel didn't have a lead part in "Rock of Ages" . . . she was a member of the chorus. (--Still, being in the chorus on Broadway is a pretty big deal. Not everyone can be GLADYS KNIGHT. Talented people have to be the Pips, too.) --Before Angel was fetused by Constantine, she was a spokeswoman for a line of videos called "Get Sexy Fit" . . . where she taught women how to lap dance, pole dance and striptease their way to better bodies and, apparently, a better sex life. (--Here's a copy of one of the commercials featuring Angel . . .) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4IHrjUVycU
OLIVIA WILDE AND BOB FROM "THE BIGGEST LOSER" HAVE BEEN NAMED THE SEXIEST VEGETARIANS OF 2010:
PETA just named its sexiest vegetarians of 2010 and the female winner makes a lot of sense. She's sexy, she's vegan, she's perfect for this. The male winner . . . must mean that there weren't many male celebrity vegetarians to choose from. --The sexiest female vegetarian of the year is "House" minx OLIVIA WILDE. The sexiest male vegetarian is BOB HARPER, one of the trainers on "The Biggest Loser". (--Last year's sexiest vegetarians were Kellie Pickler and Milo Ventimiglia.)
FONZWORTH BENTLEY IS ENGAGED TO AN ACTRESS FROM "WHITE CHICKS":
The only reason anyone's ever heard of FONZWORTH BENTLEY is because he used to work as PUFF DADDY'S umbrella holder. And yet . . . he's somehow more famous than the actress he's about to marry. Yesterday, he announced that he proposed to his girlfriend right after Christmas. --Her name is Faune Chambers . . . she's an actress who's had small parts in movies like "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" and "Epic Movie". Her biggest role was . . . and this is serious . . . playing MARLON WAYANS' wife in "White Chicks".
DOES MICHAEL JACKSON'S ELDEST SON SUFFER FROM THE SAME SKIN CONDITION MICHAEL DID?
Britain's not-always-reliable "Daily Mail" tabloid has posted a few pictures of MICHAEL JACKSON'S 13-year-old son, Prince Michael, which supposedly prove that he suffers from vitiligo, the same skin disease that Michael claimed he had. --If they are legit, they would reaffirm that Michael DID have a skin disease, and that Michael IS Prince Michael's biological father . . . two things that may be true even without this "proof," but that some people have doubted nonetheless. --For the record, the medical investigators who examined Michael's body said he DID suffer from vitiligo, which is a disease that attacks pigment and causes white patches on the skin. (--DEBBIE ROWE is the mother of Prince Michael and his sister PARIS.) --The photos of Prince Michael . . . which were reportedly taken in Hawaii . . . appear to show white patches in the skin around his RIGHT shoulder and underarm. --Naturally, we can't vouch for these pictures.
BILL MURRAY DOESN'T RECOGNIZE ANY OF TODAY'S CELEBRITIES . . . ESPECIALLY REALITY TV STARS:
BILL MURRAY finally said what everyone's been thinking: There are just too damn many famous people now. And he says he doesn't recognize any of them. --Quote, "I go through 'Us Weekly' and it's filled with reality TV stars I've never heard of." --He also said he had an awkward moment where JOSH HARTNETT came up and started talking to him . . . and Bill had no idea what was going on. --Quote, "This guy shakes my hand and says, 'You worked on 'Lost in Translation' with my girlfriend [SCARLETT JOHANSSON]. Was she as much trouble for you as she was for me?' Scarlett was 17 when I worked with her so, no, she wasn't."
CHECK OUT 95 PAIRS OF CELEBRITIES WHO LOOK *SHOCKINGLY* ALIKE:
Check out this slideshow on NBC Philadelphia. They found 95 pairs of celebrities who look SHOCKINGLY alike. Yes, sometimes it's because of the photos they chose . . . but sometimes, these are REALLY good. --Our personal favorites are Bob Saget and Stephen Colbert, Elijah Wood and Mischa Barton, and Daniel Day-Lewis and Jennifer Connelly. You can see the full slideshow here . . .
http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/entertainment/celebrity/Celebrities_Who_Look_Alike.html
BRITNEY SPEARS' OLD BODYGUARD SAYS SHE WHIPPED HER KIDS WITH A BELT AND FED THEM FOOD THEY WERE ALLERGIC TO:
This comes from the VERY unreliable "London Sun" tabloid so take it for what it's worth. They claim that one of BRITNEY SPEARS' former bodyguards, a guy named Fernando Flores, says Britney ABUSED her kids. --According to Flores, Britney beat her sons . . . who are four and three years old now . . . with a belt and fed them food they were allergic to, which made them sick. --Supposedly, the Los Angeles Department of Children and Family Services is investigating.
JEFFREY JONES FROM "FERRIS BUELLER" WAS ARRESTED FOR FORGETTING TO RENEW HIS SEX OFFENDER REGISTRATION:
Back in 2003, JEFFREY JONES . . . the guy who played the principal in "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" . . . was arrested for taking sexually explicit photos of a 14-year-old boy. Now, he's required to register as a sex offender every single year. --Last September, he turned 63, and forgot . . . or neglected . . . to renew his sex offender registration. That's a felony. --Last week, cops in Los Angeles finally tracked him down and arrested him. He's out on $20,000 bail and will be arraigned on July 14th.
ELIN NORDEGREN MAY'VE JUST GOTTEN THE LARGEST DIVORCE SETTLEMENT IN HISTORY:
According to "Fox News", TIGER WOODS and ELIN NORDEGREN have reached a divorce settlement, and she's getting the largest amount of money in any celebrity divorce ever . . . and possibly the largest in ANY divorce ever. --Under the agreement, Elin will get a record $750 MILLION. --And in exchange for that, she's NEVER allowed to publicly speak about Tiger's affairs. Not even after he dies. No interviews, no books, no appearances. Nothing. --She'll also get full physical custody of the kids, but split legal custody . . . which means Tiger gets to share decisions about their future. --Tiger is allowed to spend up to half of every week with their two children. But . . . none of his former or current girlfriends are allowed to be around them. He can't bring any woman he's dating near the kids until he MARRIES her. --For a comparison of how big Elin's settlement is, when MICHAEL JORDAN got divorced in 2007, his wife got a $168 MILLION settlement . . . and THAT was considered a record. --Elin's lawyers were able to prove that Tiger was worth well over $1 BILLION and counting, which is how the settlement ended up so huge.
"THE TWILIGHT SAGA: ECLIPSE" SET A RECORD FOR THE BIGGEST MIDNIGHT OPENING EVER:
At this point, I think it would be wise if we NEVER underestimate the power of "Twilight". The third movie in the series, "Eclipse", opened Wednesday at 12:01 A.M. and set a record for the biggest midnight opening EVER. --The final count isn't done but it made well over $30 MILLION at midnight showings. That beat the old record of $26.3 MILLION which was held by . . . the previous "Twilight" film, "New Moon". --"Eclipse" could also break the opening day box office record that was set by "New Moon" last year. It made $72.7 MILLION on its first day. (--Of course, "Twilight" movies hold a distinct advantage for midnight openings . . . when your target audience is "aspiring vampires" they're used to being up that late. "Iron Man 2" fans actually have jobs.)
MARTIN SCORSESE BELIEVES THE NEXT LEONARDO DICAPRIO IS . . . THE RED-HAIRED KID FROM "HARRY POTTER"?
It's hard to question MARTIN SCORSESE'S eye for talent but . . . well . . . --In a new interview, Scorsese says he believes the next LEONARDO DICAPRIO is . . . RUPERT GRINT, the red-haired British guy who plays Ron Weasley in all of the "Harry Potter" movies. --And Scorsese isn't all talk . . . he's willing to cast Grint to star in one of his movies. --Quote, "I thought he was a great actor in the 'Harry Potter' movies. In a lot of scenes, the boy stole the shows. At his age it's important he doesn't become typecast. --"He has to do something really out of his comfort zone in the next few years, like play a gangster, play a dirty cop, play a kid with learning difficulties. I would be interested in working with him. I would have no issues casting him as a gangster. --"When Leo was in 'Titanic' and 'Romeo + Juliet', nobody saw him becoming a badass in movies like 'The Departed'. But he has become one of the greatest actors of all time. The very same could be true of Rupert."
JUDD APATOW IS DEVELOPING A BRAND NEW PEE-WEE HERMAN MOVIE!
It's about damn time that we got another PEE-WEE HERMAN movie. And we're not only getting one . . . but it's in good hands. --PAUL REUBENS, who's the man behind Pee-Wee, is teaming up with JUDD APATOW to develop a new Pee-Wee movie. --Judd Apatow wrote, directed and produced "The 40-Year-Old Virgin", "Knocked Up" and "Funny People" and produced "Superbad", "Anchorman", "Forgetting Sarah Marshall", and tons of other big-time comedies in the past six years. (--And yes, that does include the "Sarah Marshall" sequel, "Get Him to the Greek".) --Apatow says, quote, "Let's face it, the world needs more Pee-Wee Herman. I am so excited to be working with Paul, who's an extraordinary and groundbreaking actor and writer. It's so great to watch him return with such relevance." --Earlier this year, Reubens was performing a live show called "The Pee-Wee Herman Show" in L.A. . . . and it was a huge success. It's going to Broadway in October.
MERYL STREEP IS IN TALKS TO PLAY MARGARET THATCHER:
There are only a handful of actresses who have the look and the skills to star in a movie about the life of MARGARET THATCHER . . . and it looks like the producers want the one who's going to guarantee them an Oscar nomination. --MERYL STREEP is in talks to play Margaret Thatcher in a movie about the days leading up to the Falklands War in 1982 . . . which was a turning point in Thatcher's reign as Britain's first female prime minister. --There's no word on when the movie might start shooting.
THE FIRST TEASER TRAILER FOR "PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 2" IS OUT:
"Paranormal Activity" cost nothing to make and was a huge surprise hit . . . so we all knew there'd be a second one. The question is: Will it be true to the original . . . or will a bunch of expectations and money make it a disaster on the level of "Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2"? --Well, the first teaser trailer for "Paranormal Activity 2" came out yesterday and . . . we have no idea. All it shows is some nighttime footage inside a house. A dog barking, a baby, a zombie-fied woman standing there, and some mysterious noises.
(--You can see the teaser trailer here . . .)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0inziW_V88
THE FIFTH "FINAL DESTINATION" GETS A COMICALLY BAD TITLE:
There's going to be a fifth movie in the "Final Destination" series, and now it has a title. It's going to be called . . . ready for this . . . "5NAL DESTINATION". --Yes, with the numeral "5" in front of the letters "N-A-L." (--And yes, it looks like the word "anal" when you just glance at it.) --It will be shot in 3-D and is currently scheduled to come out on August 26th, 2011. (--Anyone remember the old British boy band called 5IVE? SIMON COWELL actually signed them. They were supposed to be like a male version of the SPICE GIRLS. Anyway, maybe they can reunite to do the theme song.)
IS PIERS MORGAN CLOSE TO LANDING LARRY KING'S CNN GIG?
"Larry King Live" is coming to an end this fall . . . and RadarOnline.com claims "America's Got Talent" judge PIERS MORGAN is close to replacing him. --Piers is one of the names that has been rumored to be up for the gig . . . along with Ryan Seacrest, Katie Couric, Anderson Cooper and Joy Behar. --Radar says that Piers has been negotiating with CNN "for weeks," and a "so-called source" claims there's a $10 million deal on the table that's, quote, "all but inked." (--Supposedly, CNN and Piers reached a verbal agreement BEFORE Larry's big announcement on Tuesday.) --For what it's worth, Larry told CBS News yesterday that if it were up to him . . . he'd go with Seacrest.
VIENNA GIRARDI IS *NOT* POSING FOR "PLAYBOY":
Speculation has been making the rounds online that "Bachelor" minx VIENNA GIRARDI . . . whose relationship with "Bachelor" JAKE PAVELKA is OVER . . . wanted to pose for "Playboy". But Vienna says that's not true. --Yesterday, she posted this message on Twitter: Quote, "Really 'Playboy'?! [That's] something else I didn't know about myself. It's another rumor." --A rep for "Playboy" also shot down the rumor . . . saying, quote, "This is the first we've heard of Vienna Girardi appearing on the cover of 'Playboy'. We are not in negotiations with her and have not made her an offer." --The HIGHLY reputable "Star" tabloid started the rumor . . . and they claim it came straight from Vienna's mouth. They say she told them: Quote, "I am going to be on the cover of 'Playboy' later this year. --"'The Bachelor' didn't pay me a dime . . . and I ran through my savings living with Jake. I need the money. And I want to do something fun and happy for myself! I just want a normal life." (--Yeah, the road to a "normal life" runs straight through "Playboy".) (???) --Vienna also supposedly told "Star" that she hoped to score $250,000 for doing it.
AND . . . "PLAYGIRL" WANTS JAKE PAVELKA:
We may not get to see "The Bachelor's" VIENNA GIRARDI naked, but the ladies might have a shot at seeing her ex-fiancé JAKE PAVELKA in the buff. --Perhaps inspired by the Vienna / "Playboy" rumors, Daniel Nardicio . . . the vice president of marketing at "Playgirl" . . . is inviting Jake to pose for THEM. --He says, quote, "We're determining the value of a shoot with Jake, who exemplifies our classic American guy at 'Playgirl'. It's obvious he likes the limelight, and I intuit that he looks good naked. --"Most people realize that reality show fame is fleeting and largely a dead end for the actors, so this is a way to extend that fame, and make a cute profit off of it." --Nardicio estimates that their offer to Jake will be, quote, "definitely in the six figures, but just where in that range I am still determining." And how do they determine that? You don't want to know.
THURSDAY TV REMINDERS: (--Check your local listings.)
--"100 Questions" [1st Season Finale] . . . 8:30 to 9:00 P.M. on NBC.
--"So You Think You Can Dance" [Results Show] . . . 9:00 to 10:00 P.M. on Fox. (--The cast of Cirque du Soleil's "Viva Elvis" performs "Return to Sender" . . . plus Ne-Yo sings "Beautiful Monster".)
EMINEM'S "RECOVERY" IS THE HIGHEST-SELLING DEBUT OF THE YEAR:
EMINEM just earned his sixth #1 album debut. His latest album, "Recovery", sold 741,000 copies in its first week, which makes it the best-selling debut of the year. --The week's next highest debut was the MILEY CYRUS disc "Can't Be Tamed", which came in at #3 with 102,000 copies. That's not bad, but despite her rabid "Hannah Montana" fans, Em still sold SEVEN-TIMES as many albums than her. --Even if you add up sales for all of the week's other new albums, Eminem still moved TWICE as many discs as Miley, OZZY and THE ROOTS, combined. Yeah. Suck on THAT. Here are this week's Top 10 albums . . .
1.) (NEW) "Recovery", Eminem (741,000 copies)
2.) "Thank Me Later", Drake (157,000 copies)
3.) (NEW) "Can't Be Tamed", Miley Cyrus (102,000 copies)
SLIPKNOT EXPECTS IT TO TAKE TWO YEARS TO RECOVER FROM PAUL GRAY'S DEATH:
SLIPKNOT guitarist JIM ROOT says he expects the band to take, quote, "probably two years at least" to regroup after the death of bassist PAUL GRAY. (--Gray died of an accidental overdose of morphine at an Iowa hotel in May.) --Root explains, quote, "There's going to be a big healing process that needs to happen before we even think about whether or not Slipknot will continue. And right now that's the furthest thing from our mind. --"Right now we are just grieving or trying to find time to grieve anyway for the fact that our bro's gone. It's weird because some days I don't even think it's real, so that one's not going to make sense for a while."
ARETHA FRANKLIN WILL PERFORM ALONGSIDE . . . CONDOLEEZZA RICE???
ARETHA FRANKLIN will be performing at a charity concert benefiting inner city children in Philadelphia on July 27th, and she'll be accompanied by . . . former Secretary of State CONDOLEEZZA RICE. --Aretha says, quote, "Ms. Rice is a consummate classical pianist, and since I sing the arias, I thought that we could do something . . . a bipartisan effort for our favorite charities." (--Condoleezza was a part of President Bush's administration.)
MTV'S 10 BEST ALBUMS OF 2010 SO FAR:
MTV has put together a list of The 10 Best Albums of 2010 (So Far) . . . and you probably haven't heard most of them. (--Yeah, this is another one of those eclectic lists that makes you think they're INTENTIONALLY snubbing mainstream stuff.)
--Here's the Top 10 . . . or, actually, 11. There's a TIE at #10.
#1.) The National, "High Violet"
#2.) Vampire Weekend, "Contra"
#3.) Titus Andronicus, "The Monitor"
#4.) Janelle Monae, "The ArchAndroid" (--This album is pretty great.)
#5.) LCD Soundsystem, "This Is Happening"
#6.) Sleigh Bells, "Treats"
#7.) Against Me!, "White Crosses"
#8.) Yeasayer, "Odd Blood" (--I also really dig this album, if you care.)
#9.) Tobacco, "Maniac Meat"
(TIE) #10.) The Wave Pictures, "If You Leave It Alone / Instant Coffee Baby"
(TIE) #10.) Kate Nash, "My Best Friend Is You"
-There are also 12 honorable mentions, which include the new albums by Gorillaz, The Hold Steady, The Black Keys, Robyn and rapper Rick Ross. (--You can check out all those . . . along with their comments on the Top 10 . . . at MTV.com, here . . .)
http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1642679/20100629/national.jhtml
IS CARRIE UNDERWOOD "TOO CLASSY" TO WORK WITH T-PAIN?
Everyone thought it was cute when TAYLOR SWIFT and rapper T-PAIN did their duet at the 2009 "CMT Music Awards". And then backstage at this year's Grammys, T-Pain mentioned he'd also like to work with CARRIE UNDERWOOD. --But that doesn't seem to be going anywhere. He says, quote, "It gets weird when I request a 'crazy' collaboration. It gets like downplayed, basically. --"When Taylor Swift said she wanted to work with me, it was like 'Oh, it's going to be such a great song, blah bah blah.' --"Then I came back and said I wanted to work with Carrie Underwood and it was like 'Carrie Underwood would never work (with) someone with as less class as you!'" (--Obviously, Carrie wouldn't shut down T-Pain because of a perceived lack of class. Then again, she's certainly not jumping at the chance to record something with him.)
NAZZY’S RANDOM STUFF
A SENATOR ASKED THE SUPREME COURT NOMINEE ABOUT "TWILIGHT":
The newest OBAMA Supreme Court nominee is ELENA KAGAN, and yesterday she went through a third day of questioning at her Senate Confirmation Hearing. And yes, the Democrats asked the hard-hitting question on everybody's mind: Edward, or Jacob? --For those of you who aren't "Twilight" fans, that's a reference to the vampire played by ROBERT PATTINSON and the werewolf played by TAYLOR LAUTNER . . . the ones who fight over KRISTEN STEWART in the third "Twilight" movie that opened yesterday. --That's correct: The "Twilight" movies made it into the United States Senate Hearing of a Supreme Court nominee. --It was a joke question from Senator Amy Klobuchar (--Her last name's pronounced KLOE-buh-shar.) She's a Democrat from Minnesota, but her official party is the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party. That part's NOT a joke. --Here's some of what she said. Quote: "You had an incredibly grueling day yesterday . . . I guess it means you missed the midnight debut of the third 'Twilight' movie last night. We did not miss it in our household, and it culminated in three 15-year-old girls sleeping over at 3 A.M." --"I keep wanting to ask you about the famous case of Edward versus Jacob, or The Vampire versus The Werewolf." --Kagan laughed it off and said, quote, "I wish you wouldn't." (TMZ / CBS) (--Look, this Senator was just trying to lighten the mood with some HI-larity. Supreme Court nominee hearings are notoriously long and tedious. Unless you're CLARENCE THOMAS, and you talk about your pubes with female staffers.) (--In fact, on Tuesday, Republican Senator Orrin Hatch said, quote, "We have to have a little back and forth . . . or this place would be boring as hell." Good point! We don't want you guys losing interest in that whole 'governing the nation' thing.) (--Here's video of the exchange . . .)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRr0r51gCU4
DOES SHOPPING MAKE MEN IMPOTENT?
Now it's time for another panic-inducing study that will probably be refuted next week: The chemicals in register receipts could be altering the balance of sex hormones in men, and making them less . . . manly! --Supposedly it's because of a chemical called Bisphenol A . . . or BPA . . . that's used in the manufacture of food cans, shower curtains, toys, and older baby bottles. In other words, it's everywhere. --But it's ALSO used to make ink visible on thermally sensitive paper. That means it's used on receipt print-outs. And that means we're all touching it a lot. --And if you handle receipts and the chemicals on them, you could ingest them when you touch your mouth, or handle food. --For men, the issue is that at certain levels, BPA can suppress male hormones in the body, and shift the balance towards female hormones like oestrogen. --According to a German urologist named Frank Sommer, quote, "In the long term, this leads to less sexual drive, encourages the belly instead of the muscles to grow, and has a bad effect on erection and potency." (Daily Mail)
HERE ARE THE GNARLIEST X-RAY PHOTOS YOU'VE EVER SEEN:
Every once in a while, there's a story about someone who took a nail to the head, or an arrow in the eye, and the X-rays are INSANE. Not just because the photos are ridiculous, but because the person SURVIVED. --So it's nice to have them all in one place. There are a couple websites that collect the best X-rays and the stories behind them . . . --Go to EnvironmentalGraffiti.com and search for "Brutal X-rays", or hit up x-rayschools.net, forward slash "blog". --We've seen most of them before . . . like the kid who face-planted on a set of keys . . . but some of them are new: --At Environmental Graffiti, there's the photo of the German woman who lived with a pencil in her brain for 55 years . . . --There's the teenager in Colorado who learned two days after-the-fact that his garden tiller had shot a 2-inch metal pin into his brain . . --There's a kid in India who was impaled on a 3-foot iron rod that pierced ten internal organs, including his lungs, liver, small intestine, and rectum . . . --And over at X-RaySchools.net, just in time for the Fourth of July, there's a kid with his hand blown open by firecrackers.
(Environmental Graffiti) (--Here are the direct links . . .)
http://www.environmentalgraffiti.com/medicine/news-amazing-x-rays-injuries-sufferers-actually-survived
http://www.x-rayschools.net/blog/amazing-and-disturbing-x-ray-images
AMERICANS ARE WAY STRESSED OUT ABOUT THEIR COMMUTE . . . BUT STILL REFUSE TO CHANGE THEIR ROUTINE:
If you're commuting to work right now, and hating it . . . I'm sorry. But at least you're not alone . . . --According to something called the IBM Global Commuter Pain Study, 65% of Americans say their commute gives them sleeping trouble and anger issues. (!!!)
--The study surveyed 8,192 people in 20 major cities around the world. Here are some of the other things they found:
--85% of Americans say that traffic has either gotten worse, or stayed the same, in the past three years.
--84% of Americans still drive to work alone anyway. That's compared with an average of 56% of people worldwide.
--And lastly, even though fewer Americans are working, and gas prices are higher, 84% say they haven't changed their commute because of the downturn. --If it makes you feel any better, on IBM's Commuter Pain Index of the 20 worst major international cities for commuting, only three are in the U.S. --And the first American city . . . Los Angeles, of course . . . is 13th on the list. New York and Houston came in at 17th and 18th. (AOL)
THE OLDEST U.S. POSTAL WORKER JUST RETIRED AT THE AGE OF 95:
Sorry it's not Friday yet. Maybe that's got you down. Or maybe you don't have anything fun planned for the Fourth of July weekend. If that's the case . . . there's a 95-year-old U.S. postal worker who'd like you to STOP COMPLAINING. --His name is Chester Arthur Reed, and he lives in Redlands, California (--about an hour east of L.A.). Chester retired yesterday, and ended his reign as the oldest postal worker in the U.S. --He's worked as a mail handler and a forklift operator since 1973. And he hasn't taken a sick day since he started. That means Chester's worked 37 years without missing a shift, and accrued 3,856 hours worth of sick leave. That's almost two years. -Chester credits his health to a steady diet of watermelon, alkaline water, and an onion sandwich with a lot of mayo every day. --According to Chester, the alkaline minimizes acids in the digestive system, and onions are related to garlic, which he says are one of the healthiest foods you can eat. --As for the watermelon, he says, quote, "If everyone in the nation ate watermelons, they'd get rid of all the doctors." (--Look, the guy's allowed to say whatever the hell he wants, as far as I'm concerned.) --He was in the Air Force until his 30s, then joined the Post Office at four bucks an hour. He hit the $25-an-hour maximum in 2000, and stayed so long because, quote, "one, it's a steady income and, two, they don't hassle you." (--How great is this guy?) --He's partially deaf and he has a stoop, but other than that, Chester's in good health, and he's currently planning a trip to go parasailing . . . for the second time in his 90s . . . in Rio. (Associated Press)
THE ARMY IS MAKING TRANSFORMERS! BUT THEY'RE INCREDIBLY LAME:
"Pentagon Develops Shape-Shifting Robot." It sounded too good to be true. And it was. --Basically, scientists at the Pentagon are looking for ways to create shape-shifting materials for the army. And you know what that means: TRANSFORMERS!!! --I'm serious: People are calling their work a ground-breaking first step towards robots that can transform into machines and planes. But I checked out the video released by the Pentagon, and I've got a better word to describe the project: "origami." --For three years, something called The Pentagon's Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency has been working with Harvard and MIT on this thing, and it looks like a small square piece of metal about a half-millimeter thick. Like a piece of paper. --And when it receives electronic instructions, it can fold itself into a little toy boat, or something that looks like a paper airplane. --The idea is to someday create stuff like an aircraft that can morph, or self-styling uniforms for different combat situations or climates, or some kind of a universal spare part that changes shape to do whatever you need it to do. (Telegraph / Wired) (--Are you kidding me? This is all that Harvard, MIT, and the Pentagon could cook up? Electronic origami? How is this supposed to scare the Iranians? This isn't Transformers. It's not even a Gobot.)
(--I say, keep this science project crap under wraps until we've got Iron Man in the can. Check out a video of this thing in action, here . . .) http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2010/06/video-pentagon-shape-shifter-folds-itself-into-boat-plane/
NAZZY’S SILLY VIDEOS OF THE DAY
#1.) A YANKEES FAN WAS HIT IN THE FACE WITH A BALL BECAUSE HE WAS TALKING ON HIS CELL PHONE:
A guy sitting in the stands at a Yankees game on Tuesday was talking on his cell phone and not paying attention to the game. And a ball bounced into the crowd and hit him in the face. (--Search for "Yankees fan cell phone ball hit face.")
http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=6633405n&tag=api
#2.) A BEER TRUCK TIPPED OVER AND DUMPED THE BOTTLES IT WAS CARRYING DOWN A HILL:
A truck carrying beer bottles had trouble getting around a sharp turn. Then it tipped over, and all the bottles spilled out of the truck and down a hill. (--Search for "bad beer delivery video." It starts tipping at :40.)
http://www.stupidvideos.com/video/stunts/Bad_Beer_Delivery/
#3.) COPS TASED A GUY, AND HE SMACKED HIS HEAD ON THE GROUND:
Cops use Tasers because they're supposed to be "safe." But here's why they're NOT that safe. Police in L.A. Tased a guy in front of the "Jimmy Kimmel Live" theater, and the guy tipped over like a tree and fell hard.
(--Search for "dude falls hard while tazed." He gets Tased at :22.)
(--WARNING: This video includes the F-word.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9NXZCvK3zOk
FOUR SIGNS SHE'S ABOUT TO DUMP YOU:
Guys, if you're ever been blindsided by a break-up, then you know it SUCKS. So if you're in a rocky relationship right now, listen up. Here's a list from Match.com of four signs you're about to be dumped . . .
#1.) WHEN YOU HUG, SHE PATS YOU ON THE BACK. There's a book called "Stop Getting Dumped". This is according to Lisa Daily, the author. --She says, quote, "A woman who pats you on the back while she's giving you a hug is indicating that she's uncomfortable. The bigger the pat, the more discomfort she feels."
#2.) HER FRIENDS AREN'T AS FRIENDLY AS THEY USED TO BE. Women usually tell their friends what they're going to do before they tell their guy. -So if her friends seem to be less in to you, it's because of their allegiance to HER. And if they stop interacting with you altogether, it's because they're afraid you'll sense that something's up.
#3.) SHE'S HARD TO REACH. If she's not picking up the phone and it's consistently going to voicemail, there's no mystery there: It means she doesn't want to talk. --Most women know exactly where their phones are at all times . . . in their purse. And if they really want to talk to you, they will.
#4.) SHE STOPS CRITICIZING YOU. Some guys get confused and actually think it means things are getting BETTER. --But if she stops complaining about the stuff she ALWAYS complains about, it means she's not trying to change you anymore . . . which is BAD. (Match.com)
SITE FOR SORE EYES:
Here are some great Web sites that offer historical insights, letters, journals – even downloadable copies of historic documents – all related to the history and significance of the Fourth of July.
www.ushistory.org/Declaration - Learn about the Declaration of Independence, the people who signed it, Thomas Jefferson’s account of writing the document and more.
www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters - From The National Archives, this is an online exhibit of the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Download high-resolution images of the original documents, read about the creation of the documents and more.
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/amlaw/lwjc.html - You can read the daily proceedings of the Second Continental Congress, which ran from 1775 to 1789. See how lawmakers went about the process of introducing an independence resolution and what happened afterward.
NO WAY! ON eBAY?!
www.ushistory.org/Declaration - Learn about the Declaration of Independence, the people who signed it, Thomas Jefferson’s account of writing the document and more.
www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters - From The National Archives, this is an online exhibit of the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Download high-resolution images of the original documents, read about the creation of the documents and more.
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/amlaw/lwjc.html - You can read the daily proceedings of the Second Continental Congress, which ran from 1775 to 1789. See how lawmakers went about the process of introducing an independence resolution and what happened afterward.
NO WAY! ON eBAY?!
Item number: 220627957724
Bidding ends: July 2nd
Buy It Now Price: $35,000 or make an offer
History: 23 offers
Item Location: Melbourne, FL
Just in time for the release of “Tron Legacy,” it’s the Lightcycle! Parker Brothers Choppers will build five working lightcycles in five different colors, with the option of a high-powered electric drivetrain. The bikes are fully street legal and can be had with electric or gasoline motors. Each bike will also ship with a Tron Helmet.
JULY 4TH WEEKEND KICKS OFF HOTTEST SEASON FOR VEHICLE THEFT
The Fourth of July weekend is the hottest season of the year for vehicle thefts. In terms of months, July and August rank as the highest months for auto thefts. The national rate of stolen vehicles is at its highest point in more than 20 years. Forty-three percent of vehicles stolen in 2008 were never recovered, accounting for 411,444 stolen cars and trucks that were never returned to their rightful owners. LoJack and the National Insurance Crime Bureau are embarking on their fourth annual education initiative, which kicks off in July, National Vehicle Theft Protection Month.
Downloadable Booklet: “Get in the Know,” available at www.lojack.com/knowledge/Documents/GetInTheKnow.pdf, is an interactive educational booklet that details facts about vehicle theft as well as steps owners can take to protect their vehicles from thieves.
Vehicle Safety Quiz: Drivers can find out how well they are at vehicle safety by taking a short, five question quiz at www.surveymonkey.com/s/YKXYVY6.
Vehicle Theft Protection Information: Visit LoJack’s Knowledge Center, Facebook page, or NICB’s website at www.nicb.org.
FEW AMERICANS EXPECT THE ECONOMY TO IMPROVE IN COMING YEAR
Bidding ends: July 2nd
Buy It Now Price: $35,000 or make an offer
History: 23 offers
Item Location: Melbourne, FL
Just in time for the release of “Tron Legacy,” it’s the Lightcycle! Parker Brothers Choppers will build five working lightcycles in five different colors, with the option of a high-powered electric drivetrain. The bikes are fully street legal and can be had with electric or gasoline motors. Each bike will also ship with a Tron Helmet.
JULY 4TH WEEKEND KICKS OFF HOTTEST SEASON FOR VEHICLE THEFT
The Fourth of July weekend is the hottest season of the year for vehicle thefts. In terms of months, July and August rank as the highest months for auto thefts. The national rate of stolen vehicles is at its highest point in more than 20 years. Forty-three percent of vehicles stolen in 2008 were never recovered, accounting for 411,444 stolen cars and trucks that were never returned to their rightful owners. LoJack and the National Insurance Crime Bureau are embarking on their fourth annual education initiative, which kicks off in July, National Vehicle Theft Protection Month.
Downloadable Booklet: “Get in the Know,” available at www.lojack.com/knowledge/Documents/GetInTheKnow.pdf, is an interactive educational booklet that details facts about vehicle theft as well as steps owners can take to protect their vehicles from thieves.
Vehicle Safety Quiz: Drivers can find out how well they are at vehicle safety by taking a short, five question quiz at www.surveymonkey.com/s/YKXYVY6.
Vehicle Theft Protection Information: Visit LoJack’s Knowledge Center, Facebook page, or NICB’s website at www.nicb.org.
FEW AMERICANS EXPECT THE ECONOMY TO IMPROVE IN COMING YEAR
Earlier this year, a good number of Americans thought the economy was improving, but a new Harris poll shows that optimism has fizzled slightly. Looking ahead, just 30% say they expect the economy to improve over the next 12 months, while 42% say it will stay the same; 28% believe it will get worse. Narrowing the timeframe to the next six months, just 21% believe their financial situation will improve, while 52% say it will be the same; 27% believe it will get worse.
posted by Nazzy @ 6:05 AM
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