HOLLYWOOD DIRT OVERFLOW (08-19-10)
SANDRA BULLOCK SAYS SHE AND JESSE JAMES HAVE BOTH MOVED ON:
Just because JESSE JAMES is moving to Austin, Texas . . . where SANDRA BULLOCK is now living . . . that doesn't mean they're getting back together. --And Sandra tries to put that rumor to rest altogether in this week's issue of "People" magazine.
-She says, quote, "I support Jesse in his move to Austin. We have both moved on with our lives and only want the best for each other. Anything else that is said on my behalf is inaccurate."
HILARY DUFF SIGNED A PRENUP BEFORE SHE MARRIED MIKE COMRIE:
The "New York Post" says that HILARY DUFF signed a prenuptial agreement before she married NHL star MIKE COMRIE. But it's not because of his hockey money. (--He plays for the Edmonton Oilers.) --Mike's dad owns a major furniture and appliance business in Canada, and he's worth about $500 MILLION. --But a so-called "source" says it was no big deal . . . quote, "It was a totally amicable agreement. They love each other very much and knew this was just a technicality."
WHAT DO THE STARS OF "TRUE BLOOD" WEAR . . . OR NOT WEAR . . . DURING SEX SCENES???
We've got a little more info from the "True Blood" article in the new issue of "Rolling Stone". --Specifically, we've got ALEXANDER SKARSGARD, ANNA PAQUIN and STEPHEN MOYER discussing just how naked they get during sex scenes.
--For Alexander, it's ALL THE WAY. He says, quote, "I don't want a sock around it, that feels ridiculous. If we're naked in the scene, then I'm naked. I've always been that way." --Moyer DOES wear the sock. But not because he's ashamed of anything. He says, quote, "I've got nothing to hide. I just think it might be embarrassing for the crew." --Anna doesn't go all the way, either. She wears something called a PATCH . . . which covers her little princess . . . but not much else.
THE LAWSUIT FILED BY DWYANE WADE'S ESTRANGED WIFE AGAINST GABRIELLE UNION HAS BEEN DISMISSED:
As you may have heard, DWYANE WADE of the Miami Heat is separated from his wife and dating actress GABRIELLE UNION. -And back in May, Dwyane's wife, Siohvaughn filed a $50,000 lawsuit against Gabrielle. --See, Siohvaughn and Dwyane have two sons, ages 8 and 2. And Siohvaughn claimed that Gabrielle and Dwyane engaged in, quote, "sexual foreplay" in front of the boys, causing lasting psychological damage. --She even said the 8-year-old had to seek medical treatment for stress and anxiety. --Well, the lawsuit has been thrown out of court. The judge cited "improper jurisdiction." (--This sounds like a technicality that has nothing to do with the merits of the case. So it's conceivable that Siohvaughn could take her lawsuit to another judge. We have no idea whether she plans on doing so.)
IS JOHN MAYER GOING AFTER HEIDI MONTAG???
If this is true, then Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore have some serious competition for Most Annoying Celebrity Couple . . . --Rumor has it that JOHN MAYER has been making a play for HEIDI MONTAG ever since she left SPENCER PRATT. And she's interested . . . but a little worried about his reputation. --Why would John be interested in Heidi? Let's not forget, he had all manner of fun with JESSICA SIMPSON. And at least on the surface, she and Heidi share a few similarities. --A so-called "source" says, quote, "John likes the Barbie doll, no-brains type of girl. But Heidi is still raw over her split with Spencer. At heart, she's a very conservative, old-fashioned girl from Colorado."
LINDSAY LOHAN MIGHT SPEND ONLY A MONTH IN REHAB:
There was a hearing yesterday to determine LINDSAY LOHAN'S future. --Nobody's saying what went on in the courtroom, but RadarOnline claims doctors from UCLA Medical Center recommended that Lindsay be released after 30 days of rehab. (--She was sentenced to 90.) --Lindsay was admitted on August 2nd, after an abbreviated jail sentence. If we count the 2nd as a full day, that would mean they're recommending that Lindsay be sprung on August 31st, which is less than two weeks from now. --As far as we know, the judge hasn't made a decision yet. There's another hearing set for next Wednesday.
KATE MAJOR HAS DROPPED HER CASE AGAINST MICHAEL LOHAN:
Charges against MICHAEL LOHAN for allegedly knocking ex-girlfriend KATE MAJOR to the ground and kicking her in the face have been dropped. And it was Kate who asked the judge to drop them. --There's no word what was behind Kate's change of heart, but she claims she and Michael are NOT getting back together. --She says, quote, "I have personal reasons as to why I dropped the charges. I'm fine with the outcome and just want to move on with my life . . . I wish Michael all the best in the future."
WYCLEF JEAN IS IN HIDING DUE TO DEATH THREATS OVER HIS PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN IN HAITI:
WYCLEF JEAN is in HIDING somewhere in Haiti . . . after receiving death threats over his intention to run for president. He made this known via a series of e-mails sent to the Associated Press. --Wyclef isn't even officially a candidate yet. He's still waiting for word from Haiti's electoral commission on whether or not he can run. --Eligible candidates are supposed to have lived in Haiti for five straight years . . . which Wyclef hasn't. But he's arguing that his role as the country's "roving ambassador" since 2007 exempts him from that requirement.
BETTY WHITE IS WRITING TWO BOOKS:
Are you sick of BETTY WHITE yet? She hopes not. Because in addition to a TV series, a clothing line and a 2011 calendar, Betty is now working on TWO BOOKS. --One will be called "Listen Up!", and it'll be a comedic self-help book offering lessons on love, life, sex, aging and other topics. It'll be out next spring. --The other book is called "The Zoo and I: Betty and Her Friends". It'll be about Betty's relationship with the animals at the Los Angeles Zoo, where she's a board member. That one will be out sometime in 2012.
AN L.A. STYLIST IS ACCUSED OF SKIMMING $300,000 FROM THE ACCOUNTS OF JENNIFER ANISTON, ANNE HATHAWAY AND OTHER CELEBRITIES:
A well-known Beverly Hills stylist named Maria Gabriella Perez is accused of stealing almost $300,000 from her celebrity clients via their credit card information. -The victims include Jennifer Aniston, Liv Tyler, Melanie Griffith, Anne Hathaway and Scott Speedman. Cher has also been named as a victim, but her rep says Perez did NOT steal from her. --Liv Tyler got it the worst. Cops say Perez pinched her for $214,000. --Perez . . . who is currently in custody . . . ran a fancy salon called the Chez Gabriela Studio. --Its website includes a testimonial from Cher, who says, quote, "Gabriela is my favorite ass-kicking facialist, she is the Michelangelo of skin care!" (--You can check out the site here . . .) http://thebeautycare.com/
(--Also, if you click on Jennifer Aniston's name on the right-hand side of the page, you'll see an autographed photo from Jen that says, quote, "Dearest Gabby, Thank you for being so good to me!")
NICOLE KIDMAN AND KEITH URBAN'S NEW $10 MILLION APARTMENT INCLUDES A CAR ELEVATOR:
NICOLE KIDMAN and KEITH URBAN just bought a $10 million apartment in Manhattan. --Obviously, it's got all the amenities you can think of. And one you probably HAVEN'T thought of: A car elevator. -For real. You just drive into the thing on the ground floor, and it takes you straight up to the floor your apartment is on.
IT'S OFFICIAL: BRETT FAVRE IS BACK:
It's official: Just one day after some of his Minnesota teammates flew to Mississippi to "recruit" him, BRETT FAVRE was practicing with the Vikings yesterday. --Brett also spoke to reporters about his decision. And he blamed part of it on the late-game interception he threw last season that cost the Vikings the NFC Championship and sent the New Orleans Saints to the Super Bowl. --He said, quote, "As we were driving on that last drive it seemed like it was destiny . . . for us. I was so close, so close to getting these guys to the Super Bowl. I owe it to this organization to give it one more try." --He added, quote, "I could make a case for both playing, not playing. This is a very good football team. The chances [of going to the Super Bowl] here are much greater than other places. --"From that standpoint, it was always going to be easier [to return]. --"Part of me said it was such a great year, it would be easy to say, 'Hey, can't play any better, why even try?' --"Then the other part is, 'Guys are playing on a high level. Why don't I go back out?' The expectations are high here, as they should be. -Brett said the ankle he recently had surgery on isn't 100% . . . but it's not a concern . . . quote, "There is nothing on me that's 100%. There wasn't anything that was 100% last year or the year before. The surgery made me a little better. --"I have played 309 straight games, I can't complain." --Favre signed a two-year, $25 million deal with the Vikings at the beginning of last season. He was supposed to make $13 million this year, but they bumped his base salary up to $16.5 million. --They also threw in $3.5 million in incentives, based on the team's success in the post-season. Which means he could make up to $20 million, depending on how they do. (--It's not clear what Brett has to do to make the full $20 million. Not blowing a shoo-in Super Bowl berth would probably be one thing, though.) --By the way . . . Brett claims this will absolutely, positively be HIS LAST SEASON. --He said, quote, "I can promise you this: Not that I have ever set out as a goal to play 20 years, it's 20 years and I'm done. This is the last year of my contract. I'm sure a lot of people are like, 'Yes!' --"Did I just say that? I do believe it now. I do. I'm going to fall apart sometime."
THE ANGELINA JOLIE / JOHNNY DEPP MOVIE "THE TOURIST" WILL HIT THEATERS DECEMBER 10TH:
"The Tourist" . . . a new thriller starring ANGELINA JOLIE and JOHNNY DEPP . . . has been given a December 10th release date. --Depp stars as an American tourist who gets mixed up with an Interpol agent . . . played by Angelina, obviously . . . while on a European vacation.
STEVEN TYLER'S "AMERICAN IDOL" DEAL IS DONE . . . SUPPOSEDLY:
About three weeks ago, everyone was saying that AEROSMITH singer STEVEN TYLER was coming to "American Idol", but the deal hadn't been finalized. --Well, now it has . . . supposedly. Fox hasn't announced anything officially. And until that happens, you should be careful of what you believe. But that hasn't stopped a lot of people from believing it's a done deal. --The Associated Press quotes a "source close to Steven," who claims to have heard it directly from Steven's own, cavernous mouth. (--Uh, So what? Steven told the whole Internet that he "is doing it" a couple weeks ago.) --The "Hollywood Reporter" has TWO sources who say the same thing. And Deadline.com also has MULTIPLE unnamed sources . . . as does E! Online. (--Why do I get the feeling that these are the same two blabbermouths? How many "people close to Steven" are willing to sit around and chat with gossip and entertainment websites?) --Well, "Access Hollywood" has a source, who's NOT anonymous: It's Aerosmith bassist TOM HAMILTON. He told them, quote, "Steven is doing 'American Idol'. The ink is dry on that. So, we'll have to work around his schedule for a new record." --He added, quote, "Steven is someone who absolutely lives to be in front of an audience, and the people closest to him know how witty and entertaining he can be. --"I don't know if 'American Idol' will be rock 'n' roll enough for him, but it is an opportunity for millions of people to see another side of Steven Tyler." --That's all for now. An official announcement on next year's "Idol" judges is expected just after Labor Day weekend. The show is going to need some judges in place by the middle of next month, when they begin filming auditions for next season.
DID AEROSMITH GUITARIST JOE PERRY *PURPOSELY* HIP-CHECK STEVEN TYLER OFF A STAGE???
AEROSMITH guitarist JOE PERRY seems to be frustrated with STEVEN TYLER regularly these days . . . most recently because of this "Idol" judging craziness. But is he upset enough to push Steven offstage? --At a concert in Toronto on Tuesday night, Steven playfully bumped Joe during "Love in an Elevator" . . . and Joe came back and hip-checked Steven hard enough that it bumped him off the stage. --Steven wasn't hurt, and eventually climbed back onstage . . . and told the crowd, quote, "It ain't gonna happen again, baby."
(--In August of last year, Steven fell off the stage and suffered multiple injuries, including a broken shoulder. It ended the tour they were doing at the time . . . and led to Joe airing out a lot of dirty laundry regarding Steven.)
(--You can check out video at the link below . . .)
http://www.tmz.com/2010/08/18/aerosmith-joe-perry-steven-tyler-video-footage-concert-fall-shove-push-attack-assault/
(--You can argue that Joe didn't mean to knock Steven offstage. After all, he didn't bump him all that hard. But he did it when Steven was SO close to the edge, it doesn't seem like any other outcome could be possible.)
(--He does help Steven back onstage though, so there's that. What do you think? Harmless stage antics . . . or Joe Perry releasing a full year of frustration? )
NEW JERSEY PROSECUTORS HAVE ADDED A CHARGE TO SNOOKI'S DISORDERLY CONDUCT ARREST: "ANNOYING PEOPLE":
"Jersey Shore" train wreck SNOOKI is now facing one ADDITIONAL charge for her public drunkenness arrest in New Jersey last month. Prosecutors have added a charge of, quote, "annoying people." (???) No joke. --In all, Snooki is facing three misdemeanors: Disorderly conduct, creating a nuisance, and now "annoying people." If convicted of all three, she's only looking at about $500 in fines . . . but she is going to fight the rap. --Snooki's lawyer entered not guilty pleas on her behalf for each charge yesterday. Her next court date has been set for September 8th.
CHELSEA HANDLER WILL BE HOSTING THE "VMAs":
"Chelsea Lately" hottie CHELSEA HANDLER has announced that she'll be hosting this year's "MTV Video Music Awards", which will air live on September 12th. --We also know that JUSTIN BIEBER will be performing, and so will rapper B.o.B . . . who you may know from the tracks "Nothin' on You" and "Airplanes". (--As usual, a steady stream of additional performers will likely be revealed in the days leading up to the broadcast. That's Hype 101, right there.)
THURSDAY TV REMINDERS: (--Check your local listings.)
--"Pre-Season Football: Falcons vs. Patriots" . . . 8:00 to 11:00 P.M. ET on Fox. (--The Atlanta Falcons host the New England Patriots at the Georgia Dome.)
--"Big Brother 12" [Eviction Night] . . . 8:00 to 9:00 P.M. on CBS.
--"Extreme Cuisine with Jeff Corwin" [2nd Season Premiere] . . . 8:00 to 9:00 P.M. on Food.
--"Pitchmen" [2nd Season Premiere] . . . 9:00 to 10:00 P.M. on Discovery Channel. (--Anthony Sullivan tries to do the show without the aid of his friend and fellow pitchman Billy Mays, who died unexpectedly last year.)
--"American Chopper: Senior vs. Junior" . . . 9:00 to 10:00 P.M. on TLC. (--Paul Sr. is pissed when he learns Paul Jr. is soliciting OCC vendors for his new shop.)
--"Nightline Prime: Secrets of Your Mind" [SERIES Premiere] . . . 10:00 to 11:00 P.M. on ABC. (--Cynthia McFadden examines the human brain and advances in neuroscience during this four-part series.)
--"Fact or Faked: Paranormal Files" [1st Season Finale] . . . 10:00 to 11:00 P.M. on Syfy.
--"You're Wearing That?!?" [SERIES Premiere] . . . 10:00 to 11:00 P.M. on WE. (--"American Idol's" Kimberley Locke and her mother Christine give each other a makeover in this new mother-daughter duo style series.)
--"WCG Ultimate Gamer" [2nd Season Premiere] . . . 11:00 to 11:30 P.M. on Syfy.
EMINEM HAS SOLD OVER 2 MILLION COPIES OF HIS "RECOVERY" ALBUM:
"Recovery" sold another 133,000 copies last week, which pushes its total sales over 2 million copies and lands EMINEM back on top of the "Billboard" album chart. (--Lady Antebellum's "Need You Now" is still the year's best selling album. It's sold 2.5 million copies since February. Eminem's moved 2.1 million in only eight weeks, and he's on track to pass them up in the next few weeks.) --The week's highest debuts are the "Camp Rock 2" soundtrack, which hits #3 with 41,000 copies . . . and BLACK LABEL SOCIETY'S "Order of the Black", which is at #4 with 33,000 copies. Here are this week's Top 10 albums . . .
1.) "Recovery", Eminem (133,000 copies)
2.) "The Suburbs", Arcade Fire (52,000 copies)
3.) (NEW) The soundtrack to "Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam" (41,000 copies)
WILL LADY GAGA'S CURRENT TOUR END UP BEING ONE OF THE HIGHEST-GROSSING TOURS OF ALL-TIME?
LADY GAGA'S Monster Ball tour has been HUGE. It hit the U.S.'s biggest venues back in June . . . and will continue through September 19th. --The ticket demand was so insane that another run of North American shows was added for this winter . . . with dates stretching from February 19th through April 18th. And more shows will probably be added before it's all said and done. --"Billboard" projects that the tour will gross around $200 MILLION worldwide by the time it's over. That would easily place it among the Top 20 Highest-Grossing Tours of All Time. (--You can take a look at that list at Wikipedia, HERE.)
ERIC CLAPTON HAS ANNOUNCED PLANS FOR HIS NEXT ALBUM:
ERIC CLAPTON will release his 19th album on September 28th. It's called "Clapton" . . . and it'll feature guest appearances by Steve Winwood, Derek Trucks, Wynton Marsalis, Sheryl Crow and Allen Toussaint, among others. --It'll be a mix of new material and covers. --This is Eric's first solo album since he released "Back Home" in 2005. In 2006, he released a collaborative album with J.J. CALE called "The Road to Escondido".
JOHN MELLENCAMP CALLS THE INTERNET THE "MOST DANGEROUS THING INVENTED SINCE THE ATOMIC BOMB":
JOHN MELLENCAMP . . . who's been cougar-less for 21 years now . . . has outed himself as an INTERNET-HATER. He calls the Internet the, quote, "most dangerous thing invented since the atomic bomb." --He explains, quote, "[The Internet has] destroyed the music business. It's going to destroy the movie business. [I listened to a Beatles track on a CD and then on an iPod, and] you could barely even recognize it as the same song. --"You could tell it was those guys singing . . . but the warmth and quality of what the artist intended for us to hear was so vastly different." --Mellencamp's doomsday scenario also includes the END OF ROCK 'N' ROLL. --He says, quote, "After a few generations, it's gone. Rock 'n' roll . . . as important as we think it is, and as big as it was, and as much money as people made on it, and as proud as I am to say that I was part of it . . . ". . . at the end of the day, they're gonna say: 'Yeah, there was this band called the Beatles, and the Rolling Stones, and this guy named Bob Dylan . . .' --"And the rest of us? We're just gonna be footnotes. And I think that that's OK. I'm happy to have spent my life doing what I wanted to do, playing music, make something out of life, but forgetting about the idea of legacy."
JUSTIN BIEBER *WILL* DO A TRACK WITH RAPPERS KANYE WEST AND RAEKWON:
JUSTIN BIEBER and KANYE WEST were talking on Twitter about collaborating recently . . . and now it sounds like it's actually going to happen. Their team-up will also include WU-TANG CLAN rapper RAEKWON. --Raekwon told "XXL" magazine, quote, "It's definitely gonna happen. When you got these kinda talents merging together to do something exciting, I think it's something that's gonna make the fans check it out. I'm big fans of both these guys." --And for whatever reason . . . like everyone else . . . Raekwon continued to stroke Justin's perfectly blow-dried hair. He said, quote, "I think, at the end of the day, shorty is a sensation. --"And [for him] to acknowledge me . . . it makes me feel good that the young generation is checking me out like that. And at the same time it gives me a position to play a big brother in the game. He wants my assistance or whatever he can get it. --"I respect him, I like his style."
CHECK OUT A VIDEO OF DEMI LOVATO FALLING ONSTAGE:
DEMI LOVATO took a spill onstage during a concert in New Jersey this week. She was fine . . . she continued without missing a beat.
(--You can watch the video at the link below . . .)
http://www.redlasso.com/ClipPlayer.aspx?id=664ffaea-4e47-4a68-a2ea-46cf815d128c
TAYLOR SWIFT AND HER NEW VIDEO "MINE" WILL BE EVERYWHERE ON AUGUST 27TH:
It's going to be hard to miss TAYLOR SWIFT on August 27th. That's the day the new video for her song "Mine" will premiere at 9:00 P.M. . . on CMT, MTV, VH1 and MTV International. It's expected to reach over 160 countries around the world. --And if you can't wait that long, you can catch it 30 minutes earlier . . . at 8:30 P.M. . . on CMT.com, MTV.com and VH1.com. But BEFORE any of that starts, Taylor will host a show where she drones on about the video for 30 minutes. --That show is titled "CMT Premieres: Taylor Swift 'Mine'" . . . and it airs at 8:00 P.M. on CMT, MTV and VH1. (--Is this chick reaching MICHAEL JACKSON-type status . . . or is this the tipping point that drives us all away? Discuss. Or don't.)
NAZZY’S RANDOM STUFF
SCIENTISTS FINALLY FIGURE OUT THE CAUSE OF BEER GOGGLES:
Thank God there are scientists out there who don't waste their time trying to cure cancer or global warming . . . and are actually focused on IMPORTANT things. --Like this team at Roehampton University in London, who just came up with a scientific explanation for . . . BEER GOGGLES. --According to Lewis Halsey, who led the study, the reason that less attractive people start looking better with every beer is because alcohol DULLS your ability to recognize symmetry. --Humans tend to prefer faces that are SYMMETRICAL . . . it's our biological instinct, because symmetry is a sign of strong genes. With more alcohol, you can't detect symmetry as well, so people with asymmetrical faces look better. (Discovery)
ALMOST ONE OUT OF FOUR COUPLES TODAY MET ON THE INTERNET:
If you're thinking about doing the online dating thing, but you're worried about all the FREAKS and AX MURDERERS out there . . . well, you might have a point. But if you can survive enough dates, there's a good chance you'll find the love of your life online. --According to new research from Stanford University, almost ONE out of FOUR couples in the U.S. today met on the Internet . . . whether through online dating, Facebook, MySpace, a message board, or a Craigslist ad. --For same-sex couples, the number jumps to THREE out of FIVE couples who met online. Based on these trends, we could be only a few years away from when the MAJORITY of couples . . . hetero and non-hetero . . . meet on the Internet. (Engadget)
LAS VEGAS IS THE MOST STRESSFUL CITY IN THE U.S.:
According to a new study, LAS VEGAS is the most STRESSFUL city in the U.S. And it's not just from all the people stressing in the airport, wondering how they came to town with $3,000 and managed to leave only with gonorrhea. --Forbes.com based this list off of several stress factors, including unemployment, commute times, long work hours, health care options, physical health risk and exercise options. --Vegas has the highest unemployment rank and fewest exercise options of all major U.S. cities. Here's the full top 10:
#1.) Las Vegas
#2.) Los Angeles
#3.) Houston
#4.) Tampa
#5.) Riverside, California
#6.) Miami
#7.) Dallas
#8.) New York City
#9.) Chicago
#10.) Detroit (Forbes)
AMERICAN AIRLINES FIGURES OUT A WAY TO SQUEEZE IN YET ANOTHER NEW FEE . . . A "SEATS AT THE FRONT OF THE PLANE" FEE:
It would be funny . . . if it wasn't so EVIL . . . to guess what new fee the airlines are going to dream up next. $5 to sit in a seat at the airport waiting for your flight? $10 to sit next to someone who weighs less than 300 pounds? --American is the latest airline to innovate a new fee . . . they've just announced that they're going to start charging between $19 and $39, depending on the flight, if you want to sit at the FRONT of the plane. --By sitting in the front you can get off the plane quicker. They'll also let you board first, which gives you a better crack at overhead bin space . . . you know, if you're carrying one onboard to avoid their bag fees. (NBC - Dallas/Fort Worth)
A DRUNK DRIVER IS BUSTED FOR DRIVING 11 MILES . . . WITHOUT A TIRE:
Today's Idiot Criminal of the Day is 61-year-old Duane Bush of Bethany, New York. Duane didn't just make the SELFISH and DANGEROUS decision to drive drunk . . . he was SO drunk he didn't realize that his van was FALLING APART while he was driving. --On Monday night, Duane was driving with a blood-alcohol level of .28 . . . which is three-and-a-half times the legal limit --As he drove down a rural road, one of the back tires on his van FELL OFF. And somehow, he didn't realize it . . . and kept driving . . . for ELEVEN miles. Another driver saw him and called the police. --They arrested him for aggravated DWI, which is a felony . . . and when they realized his license expired a full THIRTY-THREE years ago, on October 7th, 1977, he was also charged with unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. (USA Today)
IS THE "COUGAR TREND" REALLY A MYTH?
I LOVE the idea of COUGARS. Personally, I think every 18- or 19-year-old guy should get to experience the joy of an experienced, confident WOMAN, instead of girls their own age who are absolutely LOST down there. --Well . . . according to a new Australian study, guys everywhere may be robbed of that joy, because the cougar trend is a MYTH. They analyzed tens of thousands of dating websites and found women across cultures prefer men their own age or older. --The researchers say, quote, "[We] believe the cougar phenomenon is a myth and a media construct. It's in no way reflective of the desires evident in the general population." (Salon)
A 93-YEAR-OLD FIRES SHOTS AT A RESCUE CREW WHO CAME TO MAKE SURE HE WAS ALIVE:
THIS is why you NEVER step foot on an old man's lawn. At about 12:45 A.M. yesterday morning, in Chicago, a 93-year-old man's medical alert bracelet accidentally went off. The man's name hasn't been released. --A rescue crew went to check on him and knocked, but he didn't answer. They took out his wall air conditioning unit so they could get in and make sure he was alive. Unfortunately, the old man heard them and thought some punks were breaking in. --So he pulled out his GUN and fired two shots at the emergency crew. Fortunately, he missed . . . and he's not going to be charged with a crime. (Chicago Sun-Times)
A MAN IS BUSTED FOR BREAKING INTO AN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AFTER HE DROPS HIS CELL PHONE . . . AND THE COPS CALL HIS MOM:
Oh MAN is Christmas going to be awkward for this family. On Monday a man . . . whose name and age weren't released . . . broke into an elementary school in Athens, Georgia. The silent alarm went off and the police went to the school. --The guy saw them coming and RAN. He got away . . . but dropped his cell phone. --One of the cops picked it up . . . cycled through the phone book until he found a contact labeled "Ma" . . . and called it. The man's mom answered, told the police her son is always stealing stuff . . . and gave them his name. --And now they're tracking him down. (Athens Banner-Herald)
NAZZY’S SILLY VIDEOS OF THE DAY
#1.) A NEW REPUBLICAN AD SHOWS DEMOCRATS FOLLOWING IN THE JETBLUE FLIGHT ATTENDANT'S FOOTSTEPS:
The Republican National Committee has a new animated ad making fun of Democrats for not wanting President Obama to endorse their campaigns. And it also seems to reference the JetBlue flight attendant. --The cartoon starts out with a bunch of Democrats sitting on Air Force One. Then when Obama comes over the P.A. system and promises to help them campaign, they pop the emergency exit and jump down the inflatable slide.
(--Search for "GOP ad Air Force One slide.")
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCG1PD4cirE
#2.) A GUY SOLVED A RUBIK'S CUBE WHILE SKYDIVING:
Some guy solved a Rubik's Cube while skydiving in an inflatable raft. The video is big on YouTube right now.
(--Search for "solving Rubik's Cube while skydiving." He solves it at :50.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuNOvlqJ1IU
#3.) HERE'S A STREET PERFORMER DOING "CONTACT JUGGLING":
"Contact juggling" is kind of like regular juggling, but you use glass balls and they always stay in contact with your body. There's a new video online of a street performer who's REALLY good at it.
(--Search for "glass ball performer." Here's the street performer, and a video that shows how to do a few basic tricks.)
http://www.collegehumor.com/video:1939950
http://www.metacafe.com/watch/2837475/how_to_do_some_easy_contact_juggling_tricks/
#4.) HERE'S THE 2010 YO-YO CHAMPION:
A Canadian man named Jensen Kimmitt won the 2010 World Yo-Yo Contest in Orlando last weekend. You can watch his winning performance online.
(--Search for "2010 yo-yo world champion Jensen Kimmitt video.")
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=knYCilujrFM
THREE OBSCURE MARRIAGE LAWS THAT STILL EXIST:
On Monday, a federal court ruled that same-sex marriage won't be legal in California until at least December. So let's concentrate on some of the laws we ALREADY have. Here are three strange marriage laws that exist today . . .
#1.) MARRIAGE BY PROXY. In California, Colorado, Texas and Montana, if a member of them military can't make it to their own wedding, they can have someone stand-in. And Montana allows DOUBLE-PROXY weddings. (--"Happy Days" fans might remember that Richie's wedding to Lori Beth was handled this way, with the Fonz standing in as his proxy.)
#2.) IF YOU GET MARRIED ON A DARE IN DELAWARE, DON'T WORRY. To get a marriage annulled in Delaware, you can choose from a whole bunch of fun, different reasons. --There's, quote, "unsoundness of mind," "physical incapacity to consummate," "underage without consent of parents" . . . and even "jest" and "dare."
#3.) WHEN YOU PROPOSE TO A WOMAN IN SOUTH CAROLINA, YOU BETTER MEAN IT. If a guy in South Carolina over the age of 16 proposes to a girl just to trick her into sleeping with him, he can get up to a YEAR IN PRISON. (WomansDay.com)
SITE FOR SORE EYES:
www.walkscore.com
How long should it take to get from your home to your office and how much money will you spend each year on transportation costs? Those are the new elements on this website, which rates neighborhoods in terms of pedestrian access. Transit is a new feature on the site. Also new is a custom commute report. If you type in your address, it will show you how long it takes to get to work by various commuting options, from walking to biking to driving. Walkscore was launched in 2007 in Seattle and is now available nationally. The transit scores work in just 40 cities so far. FYI: America’s most walkable city is San Francisco, followed by New York and Boston. Walkscore also scores the walkability of a neighborhood to its proximity to such amenities as grocery stores, schools, restaurants, parks and even bookstores.
LIFESTYLES:
DDD – Distracted Driving With Dogs
A recent survey conducted by AAA and Kurgo asked dog owners how often they drive with their dog and about their habits behind the wheel. The survey found that drivers not only love to bring Fido along, but they also often engage in risky behaviors when man’s best friend is along for the ride. While 31% of respondents admit to being distracted by their dog while driving, 59% have participated in at least one distracting behavior while driving with their dog.
· 55% have pet their dog while driving.
· 21% allowed their dog to sit in their lap.
· 7% have given food and water to their dog.
· 5% admit playing with their dog.
An overwhelming 80% of respondents stated that they have driven with their pets on a variety of car trips including day trips, local errands and leisure trips, the pet store, dog parks and to work. However only 17% use any form of pet restraint system when driving with their dog.
Back-To-School Spending
Consumer confidence may be down and overall consumer spending flat, but one thing is expected to be going up this fall – parents’ back-to-school spending. Both the National Retail Federation and American Express Spending and Saving Tracker predict a rise in back-to-school expenses for parents starting this month. The average family with school-age children is expected to spend about $58 more than last year’s depressed levels, for a total of $606.40 per family. Clothing comprises the largest share of these costs. Electronics and computer-related gear makes up the second-largest category. One-third of parents say they will be buying a new computer or laptop, calculators or other high-tech gear. Some of the costliest line items are for extracurriculars – with 12% of parents paying for music lessons, at an average $280, and 35% for sports, at an average $150 each. And 8% will be paying for tutoring or test preparation classes, at an average cost of $160. But some of the things that parents are shelling out for are a little on the odd side: 45% of the parents said they will pay for cosmetic services for their kids – mostly haircuts, at an average price of $40; 18% say they will pay for teeth whitening; and 9% are shelling out for tattoos.
Protect Your Kids From Abduction
Teaching kids how to be safe needs to be at the top of their “to do” list as parents prepare for the start of a new school year. An analysis by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children of attempted abductions during the past five years found that children are at most risk when going to and from school or school-related activities. “A common factor with children who escaped their would-be abductors was that the child did something proactive instead of being passive or polite: 31% yelled, kicked, pulled away or attracted attention and 53% of the children walked or ran away,” said Ernie Allen, CEO of NCMEC. An estimated 800,000 children are reported missing every year. That is 2,000 children every day or one child every 40 seconds. NCMEC analyzed more than 4,200 attempted abductions for the five year period from February 2005 and March 2010 and found that:
· 38% of attempted abductions occur while a child is walking alone to or from school, riding the school bus or riding a bicycle.
· 37% of attempted abductions occur between the hours of 2:00 p.m. through 7:00 p.m. on a weekday.
· 43% of attempted abductions involve children between the ages of 10 and 14.
· 72% of attempted abduction victims are female.
· 68% of attempted abductions involve the suspect driving a vehicle.
The five most common lures included offering a child a ride, offering the child candy or sweets, showing an animal or asking for help finding an animal, offering the child money and asking the child for directions. Parents also need to understand that most of those who abduct children are not “strangers.” Research shows that of the 58,000 non-family abductions each year that 63% involved a friend, long-term acquaintance, neighbor, caretaker, baby sitter or person of authority and only 37% involved a stranger. Find out more at www.missingkids.com and www.ncmec.org.
Taxi!
The Hotels.com annual taxi report has revealed that London taxis have been voted the best in the world for the third year running. The majority of travelers (59%) who were polled from across the world said that London’s black cabs were far and away the pick of the world’s taxis, fending off competition from New York (27%) and Tokyo (26%). Berlin, Germany, and Bangkok’s tuk tuk taxis completed the top 5. Other findings:
· London taxi drivers are the friendliest in the world with 8% of the global vote, beating Ireland (6%).
· 12% voted Parisian and New York taxi drivers the rudest in the world.
· 9% of travelers think Rome’s taxi drivers are the worst at driving.
· 36% voted London taxi drivers as having the best knowledge of their city.
· One in five travelers voted New York as having the most available taxis.
Happy 200th Can-Niversary
Get ready to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the food can on August 25th. The can revolution began on August 25, 1810, when Englishman Peter Durand was granted a patent for an idea to preserve food in tinplate vessels. The can manufacturing industry was born in England in 1812 and was brought to the U.S. by English immigrant Thomas Kensett that same year. Kensett received a U.S. patent in 1825. Innovations in can manufacturing over the past two centuries have taken the can from the original “hole and cap” soldered tin cylinder that was produced at a rate of 10 cans per day to 100% recyclable aluminum and steel containers that are churned out by the billions every year. While can manufacturing has grown into a $14.9 billion business annually, the offshoot business of recycling has had an equally huge economic impact on America. Some recycling facts from the Can Manufacturers Institute:
· Consumers diverted more than 1.5 million tons of steel cans from landfills, contributing to the more than 82 million tons of steel recycled last year.
· Consumers helped divert more than two billion pounds of aluminum from landfills by recycling cans.
· Manufacturing new steel and aluminum cans from recycled cans uses 75% and 95% less energy, respectively, than producing cans from virgin materials.
· A recycled aluminum beverage can make its way back to the store shelf in as little as 60 days.
· Since recycling began in America, consumers have earned more than $10 billion by returning their aluminum cans.
· More than 137,200 aluminum and steel cans combined are recycled every minute in the United State.
Today, there are more than 600 sizes and styles of cans being manufactured, allowing consumers to purchase over 1,500 different food items from all over the globe at any time of year.
Just because JESSE JAMES is moving to Austin, Texas . . . where SANDRA BULLOCK is now living . . . that doesn't mean they're getting back together. --And Sandra tries to put that rumor to rest altogether in this week's issue of "People" magazine.
-She says, quote, "I support Jesse in his move to Austin. We have both moved on with our lives and only want the best for each other. Anything else that is said on my behalf is inaccurate."
HILARY DUFF SIGNED A PRENUP BEFORE SHE MARRIED MIKE COMRIE:
The "New York Post" says that HILARY DUFF signed a prenuptial agreement before she married NHL star MIKE COMRIE. But it's not because of his hockey money. (--He plays for the Edmonton Oilers.) --Mike's dad owns a major furniture and appliance business in Canada, and he's worth about $500 MILLION. --But a so-called "source" says it was no big deal . . . quote, "It was a totally amicable agreement. They love each other very much and knew this was just a technicality."
WHAT DO THE STARS OF "TRUE BLOOD" WEAR . . . OR NOT WEAR . . . DURING SEX SCENES???
We've got a little more info from the "True Blood" article in the new issue of "Rolling Stone". --Specifically, we've got ALEXANDER SKARSGARD, ANNA PAQUIN and STEPHEN MOYER discussing just how naked they get during sex scenes.
--For Alexander, it's ALL THE WAY. He says, quote, "I don't want a sock around it, that feels ridiculous. If we're naked in the scene, then I'm naked. I've always been that way." --Moyer DOES wear the sock. But not because he's ashamed of anything. He says, quote, "I've got nothing to hide. I just think it might be embarrassing for the crew." --Anna doesn't go all the way, either. She wears something called a PATCH . . . which covers her little princess . . . but not much else.
THE LAWSUIT FILED BY DWYANE WADE'S ESTRANGED WIFE AGAINST GABRIELLE UNION HAS BEEN DISMISSED:
As you may have heard, DWYANE WADE of the Miami Heat is separated from his wife and dating actress GABRIELLE UNION. -And back in May, Dwyane's wife, Siohvaughn filed a $50,000 lawsuit against Gabrielle. --See, Siohvaughn and Dwyane have two sons, ages 8 and 2. And Siohvaughn claimed that Gabrielle and Dwyane engaged in, quote, "sexual foreplay" in front of the boys, causing lasting psychological damage. --She even said the 8-year-old had to seek medical treatment for stress and anxiety. --Well, the lawsuit has been thrown out of court. The judge cited "improper jurisdiction." (--This sounds like a technicality that has nothing to do with the merits of the case. So it's conceivable that Siohvaughn could take her lawsuit to another judge. We have no idea whether she plans on doing so.)
IS JOHN MAYER GOING AFTER HEIDI MONTAG???
If this is true, then Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore have some serious competition for Most Annoying Celebrity Couple . . . --Rumor has it that JOHN MAYER has been making a play for HEIDI MONTAG ever since she left SPENCER PRATT. And she's interested . . . but a little worried about his reputation. --Why would John be interested in Heidi? Let's not forget, he had all manner of fun with JESSICA SIMPSON. And at least on the surface, she and Heidi share a few similarities. --A so-called "source" says, quote, "John likes the Barbie doll, no-brains type of girl. But Heidi is still raw over her split with Spencer. At heart, she's a very conservative, old-fashioned girl from Colorado."
LINDSAY LOHAN MIGHT SPEND ONLY A MONTH IN REHAB:
There was a hearing yesterday to determine LINDSAY LOHAN'S future. --Nobody's saying what went on in the courtroom, but RadarOnline claims doctors from UCLA Medical Center recommended that Lindsay be released after 30 days of rehab. (--She was sentenced to 90.) --Lindsay was admitted on August 2nd, after an abbreviated jail sentence. If we count the 2nd as a full day, that would mean they're recommending that Lindsay be sprung on August 31st, which is less than two weeks from now. --As far as we know, the judge hasn't made a decision yet. There's another hearing set for next Wednesday.
KATE MAJOR HAS DROPPED HER CASE AGAINST MICHAEL LOHAN:
Charges against MICHAEL LOHAN for allegedly knocking ex-girlfriend KATE MAJOR to the ground and kicking her in the face have been dropped. And it was Kate who asked the judge to drop them. --There's no word what was behind Kate's change of heart, but she claims she and Michael are NOT getting back together. --She says, quote, "I have personal reasons as to why I dropped the charges. I'm fine with the outcome and just want to move on with my life . . . I wish Michael all the best in the future."
WYCLEF JEAN IS IN HIDING DUE TO DEATH THREATS OVER HIS PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN IN HAITI:
WYCLEF JEAN is in HIDING somewhere in Haiti . . . after receiving death threats over his intention to run for president. He made this known via a series of e-mails sent to the Associated Press. --Wyclef isn't even officially a candidate yet. He's still waiting for word from Haiti's electoral commission on whether or not he can run. --Eligible candidates are supposed to have lived in Haiti for five straight years . . . which Wyclef hasn't. But he's arguing that his role as the country's "roving ambassador" since 2007 exempts him from that requirement.
BETTY WHITE IS WRITING TWO BOOKS:
Are you sick of BETTY WHITE yet? She hopes not. Because in addition to a TV series, a clothing line and a 2011 calendar, Betty is now working on TWO BOOKS. --One will be called "Listen Up!", and it'll be a comedic self-help book offering lessons on love, life, sex, aging and other topics. It'll be out next spring. --The other book is called "The Zoo and I: Betty and Her Friends". It'll be about Betty's relationship with the animals at the Los Angeles Zoo, where she's a board member. That one will be out sometime in 2012.
AN L.A. STYLIST IS ACCUSED OF SKIMMING $300,000 FROM THE ACCOUNTS OF JENNIFER ANISTON, ANNE HATHAWAY AND OTHER CELEBRITIES:
A well-known Beverly Hills stylist named Maria Gabriella Perez is accused of stealing almost $300,000 from her celebrity clients via their credit card information. -The victims include Jennifer Aniston, Liv Tyler, Melanie Griffith, Anne Hathaway and Scott Speedman. Cher has also been named as a victim, but her rep says Perez did NOT steal from her. --Liv Tyler got it the worst. Cops say Perez pinched her for $214,000. --Perez . . . who is currently in custody . . . ran a fancy salon called the Chez Gabriela Studio. --Its website includes a testimonial from Cher, who says, quote, "Gabriela is my favorite ass-kicking facialist, she is the Michelangelo of skin care!" (--You can check out the site here . . .) http://thebeautycare.com/
(--Also, if you click on Jennifer Aniston's name on the right-hand side of the page, you'll see an autographed photo from Jen that says, quote, "Dearest Gabby, Thank you for being so good to me!")
NICOLE KIDMAN AND KEITH URBAN'S NEW $10 MILLION APARTMENT INCLUDES A CAR ELEVATOR:
NICOLE KIDMAN and KEITH URBAN just bought a $10 million apartment in Manhattan. --Obviously, it's got all the amenities you can think of. And one you probably HAVEN'T thought of: A car elevator. -For real. You just drive into the thing on the ground floor, and it takes you straight up to the floor your apartment is on.
IT'S OFFICIAL: BRETT FAVRE IS BACK:
It's official: Just one day after some of his Minnesota teammates flew to Mississippi to "recruit" him, BRETT FAVRE was practicing with the Vikings yesterday. --Brett also spoke to reporters about his decision. And he blamed part of it on the late-game interception he threw last season that cost the Vikings the NFC Championship and sent the New Orleans Saints to the Super Bowl. --He said, quote, "As we were driving on that last drive it seemed like it was destiny . . . for us. I was so close, so close to getting these guys to the Super Bowl. I owe it to this organization to give it one more try." --He added, quote, "I could make a case for both playing, not playing. This is a very good football team. The chances [of going to the Super Bowl] here are much greater than other places. --"From that standpoint, it was always going to be easier [to return]. --"Part of me said it was such a great year, it would be easy to say, 'Hey, can't play any better, why even try?' --"Then the other part is, 'Guys are playing on a high level. Why don't I go back out?' The expectations are high here, as they should be. -Brett said the ankle he recently had surgery on isn't 100% . . . but it's not a concern . . . quote, "There is nothing on me that's 100%. There wasn't anything that was 100% last year or the year before. The surgery made me a little better. --"I have played 309 straight games, I can't complain." --Favre signed a two-year, $25 million deal with the Vikings at the beginning of last season. He was supposed to make $13 million this year, but they bumped his base salary up to $16.5 million. --They also threw in $3.5 million in incentives, based on the team's success in the post-season. Which means he could make up to $20 million, depending on how they do. (--It's not clear what Brett has to do to make the full $20 million. Not blowing a shoo-in Super Bowl berth would probably be one thing, though.) --By the way . . . Brett claims this will absolutely, positively be HIS LAST SEASON. --He said, quote, "I can promise you this: Not that I have ever set out as a goal to play 20 years, it's 20 years and I'm done. This is the last year of my contract. I'm sure a lot of people are like, 'Yes!' --"Did I just say that? I do believe it now. I do. I'm going to fall apart sometime."
THE ANGELINA JOLIE / JOHNNY DEPP MOVIE "THE TOURIST" WILL HIT THEATERS DECEMBER 10TH:
"The Tourist" . . . a new thriller starring ANGELINA JOLIE and JOHNNY DEPP . . . has been given a December 10th release date. --Depp stars as an American tourist who gets mixed up with an Interpol agent . . . played by Angelina, obviously . . . while on a European vacation.
STEVEN TYLER'S "AMERICAN IDOL" DEAL IS DONE . . . SUPPOSEDLY:
About three weeks ago, everyone was saying that AEROSMITH singer STEVEN TYLER was coming to "American Idol", but the deal hadn't been finalized. --Well, now it has . . . supposedly. Fox hasn't announced anything officially. And until that happens, you should be careful of what you believe. But that hasn't stopped a lot of people from believing it's a done deal. --The Associated Press quotes a "source close to Steven," who claims to have heard it directly from Steven's own, cavernous mouth. (--Uh, So what? Steven told the whole Internet that he "is doing it" a couple weeks ago.) --The "Hollywood Reporter" has TWO sources who say the same thing. And Deadline.com also has MULTIPLE unnamed sources . . . as does E! Online. (--Why do I get the feeling that these are the same two blabbermouths? How many "people close to Steven" are willing to sit around and chat with gossip and entertainment websites?) --Well, "Access Hollywood" has a source, who's NOT anonymous: It's Aerosmith bassist TOM HAMILTON. He told them, quote, "Steven is doing 'American Idol'. The ink is dry on that. So, we'll have to work around his schedule for a new record." --He added, quote, "Steven is someone who absolutely lives to be in front of an audience, and the people closest to him know how witty and entertaining he can be. --"I don't know if 'American Idol' will be rock 'n' roll enough for him, but it is an opportunity for millions of people to see another side of Steven Tyler." --That's all for now. An official announcement on next year's "Idol" judges is expected just after Labor Day weekend. The show is going to need some judges in place by the middle of next month, when they begin filming auditions for next season.
DID AEROSMITH GUITARIST JOE PERRY *PURPOSELY* HIP-CHECK STEVEN TYLER OFF A STAGE???
AEROSMITH guitarist JOE PERRY seems to be frustrated with STEVEN TYLER regularly these days . . . most recently because of this "Idol" judging craziness. But is he upset enough to push Steven offstage? --At a concert in Toronto on Tuesday night, Steven playfully bumped Joe during "Love in an Elevator" . . . and Joe came back and hip-checked Steven hard enough that it bumped him off the stage. --Steven wasn't hurt, and eventually climbed back onstage . . . and told the crowd, quote, "It ain't gonna happen again, baby."
(--In August of last year, Steven fell off the stage and suffered multiple injuries, including a broken shoulder. It ended the tour they were doing at the time . . . and led to Joe airing out a lot of dirty laundry regarding Steven.)
(--You can check out video at the link below . . .)
http://www.tmz.com/2010/08/18/aerosmith-joe-perry-steven-tyler-video-footage-concert-fall-shove-push-attack-assault/
(--You can argue that Joe didn't mean to knock Steven offstage. After all, he didn't bump him all that hard. But he did it when Steven was SO close to the edge, it doesn't seem like any other outcome could be possible.)
(--He does help Steven back onstage though, so there's that. What do you think? Harmless stage antics . . . or Joe Perry releasing a full year of frustration? )
NEW JERSEY PROSECUTORS HAVE ADDED A CHARGE TO SNOOKI'S DISORDERLY CONDUCT ARREST: "ANNOYING PEOPLE":
"Jersey Shore" train wreck SNOOKI is now facing one ADDITIONAL charge for her public drunkenness arrest in New Jersey last month. Prosecutors have added a charge of, quote, "annoying people." (???) No joke. --In all, Snooki is facing three misdemeanors: Disorderly conduct, creating a nuisance, and now "annoying people." If convicted of all three, she's only looking at about $500 in fines . . . but she is going to fight the rap. --Snooki's lawyer entered not guilty pleas on her behalf for each charge yesterday. Her next court date has been set for September 8th.
CHELSEA HANDLER WILL BE HOSTING THE "VMAs":
"Chelsea Lately" hottie CHELSEA HANDLER has announced that she'll be hosting this year's "MTV Video Music Awards", which will air live on September 12th. --We also know that JUSTIN BIEBER will be performing, and so will rapper B.o.B . . . who you may know from the tracks "Nothin' on You" and "Airplanes". (--As usual, a steady stream of additional performers will likely be revealed in the days leading up to the broadcast. That's Hype 101, right there.)
THURSDAY TV REMINDERS: (--Check your local listings.)
--"Pre-Season Football: Falcons vs. Patriots" . . . 8:00 to 11:00 P.M. ET on Fox. (--The Atlanta Falcons host the New England Patriots at the Georgia Dome.)
--"Big Brother 12" [Eviction Night] . . . 8:00 to 9:00 P.M. on CBS.
--"Extreme Cuisine with Jeff Corwin" [2nd Season Premiere] . . . 8:00 to 9:00 P.M. on Food.
--"Pitchmen" [2nd Season Premiere] . . . 9:00 to 10:00 P.M. on Discovery Channel. (--Anthony Sullivan tries to do the show without the aid of his friend and fellow pitchman Billy Mays, who died unexpectedly last year.)
--"American Chopper: Senior vs. Junior" . . . 9:00 to 10:00 P.M. on TLC. (--Paul Sr. is pissed when he learns Paul Jr. is soliciting OCC vendors for his new shop.)
--"Nightline Prime: Secrets of Your Mind" [SERIES Premiere] . . . 10:00 to 11:00 P.M. on ABC. (--Cynthia McFadden examines the human brain and advances in neuroscience during this four-part series.)
--"Fact or Faked: Paranormal Files" [1st Season Finale] . . . 10:00 to 11:00 P.M. on Syfy.
--"You're Wearing That?!?" [SERIES Premiere] . . . 10:00 to 11:00 P.M. on WE. (--"American Idol's" Kimberley Locke and her mother Christine give each other a makeover in this new mother-daughter duo style series.)
--"WCG Ultimate Gamer" [2nd Season Premiere] . . . 11:00 to 11:30 P.M. on Syfy.
EMINEM HAS SOLD OVER 2 MILLION COPIES OF HIS "RECOVERY" ALBUM:
"Recovery" sold another 133,000 copies last week, which pushes its total sales over 2 million copies and lands EMINEM back on top of the "Billboard" album chart. (--Lady Antebellum's "Need You Now" is still the year's best selling album. It's sold 2.5 million copies since February. Eminem's moved 2.1 million in only eight weeks, and he's on track to pass them up in the next few weeks.) --The week's highest debuts are the "Camp Rock 2" soundtrack, which hits #3 with 41,000 copies . . . and BLACK LABEL SOCIETY'S "Order of the Black", which is at #4 with 33,000 copies. Here are this week's Top 10 albums . . .
1.) "Recovery", Eminem (133,000 copies)
2.) "The Suburbs", Arcade Fire (52,000 copies)
3.) (NEW) The soundtrack to "Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam" (41,000 copies)
WILL LADY GAGA'S CURRENT TOUR END UP BEING ONE OF THE HIGHEST-GROSSING TOURS OF ALL-TIME?
LADY GAGA'S Monster Ball tour has been HUGE. It hit the U.S.'s biggest venues back in June . . . and will continue through September 19th. --The ticket demand was so insane that another run of North American shows was added for this winter . . . with dates stretching from February 19th through April 18th. And more shows will probably be added before it's all said and done. --"Billboard" projects that the tour will gross around $200 MILLION worldwide by the time it's over. That would easily place it among the Top 20 Highest-Grossing Tours of All Time. (--You can take a look at that list at Wikipedia, HERE.)
ERIC CLAPTON HAS ANNOUNCED PLANS FOR HIS NEXT ALBUM:
ERIC CLAPTON will release his 19th album on September 28th. It's called "Clapton" . . . and it'll feature guest appearances by Steve Winwood, Derek Trucks, Wynton Marsalis, Sheryl Crow and Allen Toussaint, among others. --It'll be a mix of new material and covers. --This is Eric's first solo album since he released "Back Home" in 2005. In 2006, he released a collaborative album with J.J. CALE called "The Road to Escondido".
JOHN MELLENCAMP CALLS THE INTERNET THE "MOST DANGEROUS THING INVENTED SINCE THE ATOMIC BOMB":
JOHN MELLENCAMP . . . who's been cougar-less for 21 years now . . . has outed himself as an INTERNET-HATER. He calls the Internet the, quote, "most dangerous thing invented since the atomic bomb." --He explains, quote, "[The Internet has] destroyed the music business. It's going to destroy the movie business. [I listened to a Beatles track on a CD and then on an iPod, and] you could barely even recognize it as the same song. --"You could tell it was those guys singing . . . but the warmth and quality of what the artist intended for us to hear was so vastly different." --Mellencamp's doomsday scenario also includes the END OF ROCK 'N' ROLL. --He says, quote, "After a few generations, it's gone. Rock 'n' roll . . . as important as we think it is, and as big as it was, and as much money as people made on it, and as proud as I am to say that I was part of it . . . ". . . at the end of the day, they're gonna say: 'Yeah, there was this band called the Beatles, and the Rolling Stones, and this guy named Bob Dylan . . .' --"And the rest of us? We're just gonna be footnotes. And I think that that's OK. I'm happy to have spent my life doing what I wanted to do, playing music, make something out of life, but forgetting about the idea of legacy."
JUSTIN BIEBER *WILL* DO A TRACK WITH RAPPERS KANYE WEST AND RAEKWON:
JUSTIN BIEBER and KANYE WEST were talking on Twitter about collaborating recently . . . and now it sounds like it's actually going to happen. Their team-up will also include WU-TANG CLAN rapper RAEKWON. --Raekwon told "XXL" magazine, quote, "It's definitely gonna happen. When you got these kinda talents merging together to do something exciting, I think it's something that's gonna make the fans check it out. I'm big fans of both these guys." --And for whatever reason . . . like everyone else . . . Raekwon continued to stroke Justin's perfectly blow-dried hair. He said, quote, "I think, at the end of the day, shorty is a sensation. --"And [for him] to acknowledge me . . . it makes me feel good that the young generation is checking me out like that. And at the same time it gives me a position to play a big brother in the game. He wants my assistance or whatever he can get it. --"I respect him, I like his style."
CHECK OUT A VIDEO OF DEMI LOVATO FALLING ONSTAGE:
DEMI LOVATO took a spill onstage during a concert in New Jersey this week. She was fine . . . she continued without missing a beat.
(--You can watch the video at the link below . . .)
http://www.redlasso.com/ClipPlayer.aspx?id=664ffaea-4e47-4a68-a2ea-46cf815d128c
TAYLOR SWIFT AND HER NEW VIDEO "MINE" WILL BE EVERYWHERE ON AUGUST 27TH:
It's going to be hard to miss TAYLOR SWIFT on August 27th. That's the day the new video for her song "Mine" will premiere at 9:00 P.M. . . on CMT, MTV, VH1 and MTV International. It's expected to reach over 160 countries around the world. --And if you can't wait that long, you can catch it 30 minutes earlier . . . at 8:30 P.M. . . on CMT.com, MTV.com and VH1.com. But BEFORE any of that starts, Taylor will host a show where she drones on about the video for 30 minutes. --That show is titled "CMT Premieres: Taylor Swift 'Mine'" . . . and it airs at 8:00 P.M. on CMT, MTV and VH1. (--Is this chick reaching MICHAEL JACKSON-type status . . . or is this the tipping point that drives us all away? Discuss. Or don't.)
NAZZY’S RANDOM STUFF
SCIENTISTS FINALLY FIGURE OUT THE CAUSE OF BEER GOGGLES:
Thank God there are scientists out there who don't waste their time trying to cure cancer or global warming . . . and are actually focused on IMPORTANT things. --Like this team at Roehampton University in London, who just came up with a scientific explanation for . . . BEER GOGGLES. --According to Lewis Halsey, who led the study, the reason that less attractive people start looking better with every beer is because alcohol DULLS your ability to recognize symmetry. --Humans tend to prefer faces that are SYMMETRICAL . . . it's our biological instinct, because symmetry is a sign of strong genes. With more alcohol, you can't detect symmetry as well, so people with asymmetrical faces look better. (Discovery)
ALMOST ONE OUT OF FOUR COUPLES TODAY MET ON THE INTERNET:
If you're thinking about doing the online dating thing, but you're worried about all the FREAKS and AX MURDERERS out there . . . well, you might have a point. But if you can survive enough dates, there's a good chance you'll find the love of your life online. --According to new research from Stanford University, almost ONE out of FOUR couples in the U.S. today met on the Internet . . . whether through online dating, Facebook, MySpace, a message board, or a Craigslist ad. --For same-sex couples, the number jumps to THREE out of FIVE couples who met online. Based on these trends, we could be only a few years away from when the MAJORITY of couples . . . hetero and non-hetero . . . meet on the Internet. (Engadget)
LAS VEGAS IS THE MOST STRESSFUL CITY IN THE U.S.:
According to a new study, LAS VEGAS is the most STRESSFUL city in the U.S. And it's not just from all the people stressing in the airport, wondering how they came to town with $3,000 and managed to leave only with gonorrhea. --Forbes.com based this list off of several stress factors, including unemployment, commute times, long work hours, health care options, physical health risk and exercise options. --Vegas has the highest unemployment rank and fewest exercise options of all major U.S. cities. Here's the full top 10:
#1.) Las Vegas
#2.) Los Angeles
#3.) Houston
#4.) Tampa
#5.) Riverside, California
#6.) Miami
#7.) Dallas
#8.) New York City
#9.) Chicago
#10.) Detroit (Forbes)
AMERICAN AIRLINES FIGURES OUT A WAY TO SQUEEZE IN YET ANOTHER NEW FEE . . . A "SEATS AT THE FRONT OF THE PLANE" FEE:
It would be funny . . . if it wasn't so EVIL . . . to guess what new fee the airlines are going to dream up next. $5 to sit in a seat at the airport waiting for your flight? $10 to sit next to someone who weighs less than 300 pounds? --American is the latest airline to innovate a new fee . . . they've just announced that they're going to start charging between $19 and $39, depending on the flight, if you want to sit at the FRONT of the plane. --By sitting in the front you can get off the plane quicker. They'll also let you board first, which gives you a better crack at overhead bin space . . . you know, if you're carrying one onboard to avoid their bag fees. (NBC - Dallas/Fort Worth)
A DRUNK DRIVER IS BUSTED FOR DRIVING 11 MILES . . . WITHOUT A TIRE:
Today's Idiot Criminal of the Day is 61-year-old Duane Bush of Bethany, New York. Duane didn't just make the SELFISH and DANGEROUS decision to drive drunk . . . he was SO drunk he didn't realize that his van was FALLING APART while he was driving. --On Monday night, Duane was driving with a blood-alcohol level of .28 . . . which is three-and-a-half times the legal limit --As he drove down a rural road, one of the back tires on his van FELL OFF. And somehow, he didn't realize it . . . and kept driving . . . for ELEVEN miles. Another driver saw him and called the police. --They arrested him for aggravated DWI, which is a felony . . . and when they realized his license expired a full THIRTY-THREE years ago, on October 7th, 1977, he was also charged with unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. (USA Today)
IS THE "COUGAR TREND" REALLY A MYTH?
I LOVE the idea of COUGARS. Personally, I think every 18- or 19-year-old guy should get to experience the joy of an experienced, confident WOMAN, instead of girls their own age who are absolutely LOST down there. --Well . . . according to a new Australian study, guys everywhere may be robbed of that joy, because the cougar trend is a MYTH. They analyzed tens of thousands of dating websites and found women across cultures prefer men their own age or older. --The researchers say, quote, "[We] believe the cougar phenomenon is a myth and a media construct. It's in no way reflective of the desires evident in the general population." (Salon)
A 93-YEAR-OLD FIRES SHOTS AT A RESCUE CREW WHO CAME TO MAKE SURE HE WAS ALIVE:
THIS is why you NEVER step foot on an old man's lawn. At about 12:45 A.M. yesterday morning, in Chicago, a 93-year-old man's medical alert bracelet accidentally went off. The man's name hasn't been released. --A rescue crew went to check on him and knocked, but he didn't answer. They took out his wall air conditioning unit so they could get in and make sure he was alive. Unfortunately, the old man heard them and thought some punks were breaking in. --So he pulled out his GUN and fired two shots at the emergency crew. Fortunately, he missed . . . and he's not going to be charged with a crime. (Chicago Sun-Times)
A MAN IS BUSTED FOR BREAKING INTO AN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AFTER HE DROPS HIS CELL PHONE . . . AND THE COPS CALL HIS MOM:
Oh MAN is Christmas going to be awkward for this family. On Monday a man . . . whose name and age weren't released . . . broke into an elementary school in Athens, Georgia. The silent alarm went off and the police went to the school. --The guy saw them coming and RAN. He got away . . . but dropped his cell phone. --One of the cops picked it up . . . cycled through the phone book until he found a contact labeled "Ma" . . . and called it. The man's mom answered, told the police her son is always stealing stuff . . . and gave them his name. --And now they're tracking him down. (Athens Banner-Herald)
NAZZY’S SILLY VIDEOS OF THE DAY
#1.) A NEW REPUBLICAN AD SHOWS DEMOCRATS FOLLOWING IN THE JETBLUE FLIGHT ATTENDANT'S FOOTSTEPS:
The Republican National Committee has a new animated ad making fun of Democrats for not wanting President Obama to endorse their campaigns. And it also seems to reference the JetBlue flight attendant. --The cartoon starts out with a bunch of Democrats sitting on Air Force One. Then when Obama comes over the P.A. system and promises to help them campaign, they pop the emergency exit and jump down the inflatable slide.
(--Search for "GOP ad Air Force One slide.")
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCG1PD4cirE
#2.) A GUY SOLVED A RUBIK'S CUBE WHILE SKYDIVING:
Some guy solved a Rubik's Cube while skydiving in an inflatable raft. The video is big on YouTube right now.
(--Search for "solving Rubik's Cube while skydiving." He solves it at :50.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuNOvlqJ1IU
#3.) HERE'S A STREET PERFORMER DOING "CONTACT JUGGLING":
"Contact juggling" is kind of like regular juggling, but you use glass balls and they always stay in contact with your body. There's a new video online of a street performer who's REALLY good at it.
(--Search for "glass ball performer." Here's the street performer, and a video that shows how to do a few basic tricks.)
http://www.collegehumor.com/video:1939950
http://www.metacafe.com/watch/2837475/how_to_do_some_easy_contact_juggling_tricks/
#4.) HERE'S THE 2010 YO-YO CHAMPION:
A Canadian man named Jensen Kimmitt won the 2010 World Yo-Yo Contest in Orlando last weekend. You can watch his winning performance online.
(--Search for "2010 yo-yo world champion Jensen Kimmitt video.")
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=knYCilujrFM
THREE OBSCURE MARRIAGE LAWS THAT STILL EXIST:
On Monday, a federal court ruled that same-sex marriage won't be legal in California until at least December. So let's concentrate on some of the laws we ALREADY have. Here are three strange marriage laws that exist today . . .
#1.) MARRIAGE BY PROXY. In California, Colorado, Texas and Montana, if a member of them military can't make it to their own wedding, they can have someone stand-in. And Montana allows DOUBLE-PROXY weddings. (--"Happy Days" fans might remember that Richie's wedding to Lori Beth was handled this way, with the Fonz standing in as his proxy.)
#2.) IF YOU GET MARRIED ON A DARE IN DELAWARE, DON'T WORRY. To get a marriage annulled in Delaware, you can choose from a whole bunch of fun, different reasons. --There's, quote, "unsoundness of mind," "physical incapacity to consummate," "underage without consent of parents" . . . and even "jest" and "dare."
#3.) WHEN YOU PROPOSE TO A WOMAN IN SOUTH CAROLINA, YOU BETTER MEAN IT. If a guy in South Carolina over the age of 16 proposes to a girl just to trick her into sleeping with him, he can get up to a YEAR IN PRISON. (WomansDay.com)
SITE FOR SORE EYES:
www.walkscore.com
How long should it take to get from your home to your office and how much money will you spend each year on transportation costs? Those are the new elements on this website, which rates neighborhoods in terms of pedestrian access. Transit is a new feature on the site. Also new is a custom commute report. If you type in your address, it will show you how long it takes to get to work by various commuting options, from walking to biking to driving. Walkscore was launched in 2007 in Seattle and is now available nationally. The transit scores work in just 40 cities so far. FYI: America’s most walkable city is San Francisco, followed by New York and Boston. Walkscore also scores the walkability of a neighborhood to its proximity to such amenities as grocery stores, schools, restaurants, parks and even bookstores.
LIFESTYLES:
DDD – Distracted Driving With Dogs
A recent survey conducted by AAA and Kurgo asked dog owners how often they drive with their dog and about their habits behind the wheel. The survey found that drivers not only love to bring Fido along, but they also often engage in risky behaviors when man’s best friend is along for the ride. While 31% of respondents admit to being distracted by their dog while driving, 59% have participated in at least one distracting behavior while driving with their dog.
· 55% have pet their dog while driving.
· 21% allowed their dog to sit in their lap.
· 7% have given food and water to their dog.
· 5% admit playing with their dog.
An overwhelming 80% of respondents stated that they have driven with their pets on a variety of car trips including day trips, local errands and leisure trips, the pet store, dog parks and to work. However only 17% use any form of pet restraint system when driving with their dog.
Back-To-School Spending
Consumer confidence may be down and overall consumer spending flat, but one thing is expected to be going up this fall – parents’ back-to-school spending. Both the National Retail Federation and American Express Spending and Saving Tracker predict a rise in back-to-school expenses for parents starting this month. The average family with school-age children is expected to spend about $58 more than last year’s depressed levels, for a total of $606.40 per family. Clothing comprises the largest share of these costs. Electronics and computer-related gear makes up the second-largest category. One-third of parents say they will be buying a new computer or laptop, calculators or other high-tech gear. Some of the costliest line items are for extracurriculars – with 12% of parents paying for music lessons, at an average $280, and 35% for sports, at an average $150 each. And 8% will be paying for tutoring or test preparation classes, at an average cost of $160. But some of the things that parents are shelling out for are a little on the odd side: 45% of the parents said they will pay for cosmetic services for their kids – mostly haircuts, at an average price of $40; 18% say they will pay for teeth whitening; and 9% are shelling out for tattoos.
Protect Your Kids From Abduction
Teaching kids how to be safe needs to be at the top of their “to do” list as parents prepare for the start of a new school year. An analysis by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children of attempted abductions during the past five years found that children are at most risk when going to and from school or school-related activities. “A common factor with children who escaped their would-be abductors was that the child did something proactive instead of being passive or polite: 31% yelled, kicked, pulled away or attracted attention and 53% of the children walked or ran away,” said Ernie Allen, CEO of NCMEC. An estimated 800,000 children are reported missing every year. That is 2,000 children every day or one child every 40 seconds. NCMEC analyzed more than 4,200 attempted abductions for the five year period from February 2005 and March 2010 and found that:
· 38% of attempted abductions occur while a child is walking alone to or from school, riding the school bus or riding a bicycle.
· 37% of attempted abductions occur between the hours of 2:00 p.m. through 7:00 p.m. on a weekday.
· 43% of attempted abductions involve children between the ages of 10 and 14.
· 72% of attempted abduction victims are female.
· 68% of attempted abductions involve the suspect driving a vehicle.
The five most common lures included offering a child a ride, offering the child candy or sweets, showing an animal or asking for help finding an animal, offering the child money and asking the child for directions. Parents also need to understand that most of those who abduct children are not “strangers.” Research shows that of the 58,000 non-family abductions each year that 63% involved a friend, long-term acquaintance, neighbor, caretaker, baby sitter or person of authority and only 37% involved a stranger. Find out more at www.missingkids.com and www.ncmec.org.
Taxi!
The Hotels.com annual taxi report has revealed that London taxis have been voted the best in the world for the third year running. The majority of travelers (59%) who were polled from across the world said that London’s black cabs were far and away the pick of the world’s taxis, fending off competition from New York (27%) and Tokyo (26%). Berlin, Germany, and Bangkok’s tuk tuk taxis completed the top 5. Other findings:
· London taxi drivers are the friendliest in the world with 8% of the global vote, beating Ireland (6%).
· 12% voted Parisian and New York taxi drivers the rudest in the world.
· 9% of travelers think Rome’s taxi drivers are the worst at driving.
· 36% voted London taxi drivers as having the best knowledge of their city.
· One in five travelers voted New York as having the most available taxis.
Happy 200th Can-Niversary
Get ready to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the food can on August 25th. The can revolution began on August 25, 1810, when Englishman Peter Durand was granted a patent for an idea to preserve food in tinplate vessels. The can manufacturing industry was born in England in 1812 and was brought to the U.S. by English immigrant Thomas Kensett that same year. Kensett received a U.S. patent in 1825. Innovations in can manufacturing over the past two centuries have taken the can from the original “hole and cap” soldered tin cylinder that was produced at a rate of 10 cans per day to 100% recyclable aluminum and steel containers that are churned out by the billions every year. While can manufacturing has grown into a $14.9 billion business annually, the offshoot business of recycling has had an equally huge economic impact on America. Some recycling facts from the Can Manufacturers Institute:
· Consumers diverted more than 1.5 million tons of steel cans from landfills, contributing to the more than 82 million tons of steel recycled last year.
· Consumers helped divert more than two billion pounds of aluminum from landfills by recycling cans.
· Manufacturing new steel and aluminum cans from recycled cans uses 75% and 95% less energy, respectively, than producing cans from virgin materials.
· A recycled aluminum beverage can make its way back to the store shelf in as little as 60 days.
· Since recycling began in America, consumers have earned more than $10 billion by returning their aluminum cans.
· More than 137,200 aluminum and steel cans combined are recycled every minute in the United State.
Today, there are more than 600 sizes and styles of cans being manufactured, allowing consumers to purchase over 1,500 different food items from all over the globe at any time of year.
posted by Nazzy @ 5:53 AM
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