HOLLYWOOD DIRT OVERFLOW (11-24-10)
Prince William Is Getting Married on April 29th:
I learned two interesting things yesterday. First, that PRINCE WILLIAM and KATE MIDDLETON are getting married on April 29th. And second, that the British Monarchy has a TWITTER PAGE. --And the only reason I know about the Twitter page is because that's where the wedding date was announced. (--You can check out the page here . . .) http://twitter.com/BRITISHMONARCHY
Emmy Rossum and Adam Duritz Are No Longer Dating:
COUNTING CROWS singer ADAM DURITZ and "Phantom of the Opera" minx EMMY ROSSUM have broken up. But Emmy says, quote, "We're still very close friends." --Adam and Emmy started dating a little over a year ago . . . and Emmy says they split about two months ago. (--Emmy is 24 . . . Adam is 46.)
Bristol Palin Only Came In Third on "Dancing with the Stars":
BRISTOL PALIN did NOT win the Mirror Ball Trophy on "Dancing with the Stars" last night. --Her talent-defying run for the title got her to THIRD PLACE . . . which is a lot further than anyone thought she'd get . . . and a lot further than a lot of people WANTED her to get. --Bristol and her partner, MARK BALLAS, were the first of the three couples who made it to the finals to get the boot. --In the end, it was the frontrunners, JENNIFER GREY and DEREK HOUGH, who took home the trophy. --KYLE MASSEY and LACEY SCHWIMMER came in second.
Mila Kunis Dropped Down to 95 Pounds to Film "Black Swan":
For her upcoming ballet movie "Black Swan", MILA KUNIS had to drop down to 95 pounds . . . which was about a 20-pound loss for her. (--She's 5-foot-3.) And she didn't like the way she looked. --She says, quote, "I could see why this industry is so (effed) up, because at 95 pounds, I would literally look at myself in the mirror and I was like, Oh my God!' --"I had no shape, no boobs, no ass . . . All you saw was bone. I was like, 'This looks gross.'" --It actually got to the point where friends and family were panicking. --But Mila adds, quote, "In real life, it looked disgusting. But in photographs and on film, it looked amazing." --Mila says it took her five months to lose the weight . . . and only five DAYS to put it back on. (--"Black Swan" is a thriller co-starring NATALIE PORTMAN and WINONA RYDER. It's directed by Darren Aronofsky, and it hits theaters a week from this Friday.)
Denise Richards Wears Sunscreen On Her Face Every Day . . . And Other Things You Don't Know About Her:
DENISE RICHARDS is the subject of "Us Weekly's" latest "25 Things You Don't Know About Me" list. Here are some of the highlights . . .
--"I have a three-legged dog, a blind dog and one with terminal cancer. I have a soft spot for hard-to-place animals!"
--"My hair is all mine . . . no extensions or pieces."
--"I love the smell of a man."
--"I only brush my teeth with Marvis toothpaste."
--"When I was a teen, my sister and I had a Rob Lowe poster in our room."
--"I love Guns N' Roses. I hope one day Axl Rose and Slash will reunite."
--"I've worn sunscreen on my face every day since I was 15."
--"I have a fascination with Lucite stripper heels."
(--Check out the complete list here . . .)
http://www.usmagazine.com/moviestvmusic/news/25-things-you-dont-know-about-me-denise-richards-20102311
Charlie Sheen Was Still Flirting with Capri Anderson While He Was Trying to Pay Her Off:
Two days after CHARLIE SHEEN wigged out in a New York City hotel room, he texted his "escort", CAPRI ANDERSON, and offered her $20,000 as compensation for the insanity that occurred that night. (--And also as HUSH MONEY, no doubt.) --And now, TMZ has obtained the actual text messages. And wouldn't you know it . . . despite everything he allegedly put her through that night, Charlie's texts had a very obvious FLIRTY quality. --In one of them, he said, quote, "All I need is an Acct number etc and I will wire u 20k if u think that will cover everything . . . I really feel bad, u are as cool and sexy and as sweet and fun and friendly as they get!" --When Capri told Charlie she didn't have a bank account, he replied, quote, "Oh, well in that case, lemme put together a plan to get u square and flush. Can u tok (sic) for a sec now sweetie?" --In another text, he said, quote, "Don't worry about our mutual friends, deal with me directly and I promise u kind lady, all will be restored and set straight." --There's also a text from Capri to Charlie in which she says, quote, "u trashed my brand new prada purse dude not cool - how u managed to rip the strap off and put 2 holes in it is beyond me." --In the end, Charlie and Capri agreed in principle that this transaction would happen. But as we now know, it didn't. --Charlie is suing Capri for EXTORTION. --He launched his lawsuit after Capri filed a criminal complaint with the NYPD, and threatened to sue HIM for abuse, assault and false imprisonment. --But yesterday, Capri's attorney said she's holding off on suing Charlie . . . at least for now. Although she's still pressing ahead with the criminal investigation. --The attorney said her decision to hold off on the lawsuit had NOTHING to do with Charlie's extortion suit. In other words, she's not backing off in an effort to get him to drop HIS lawsuit.
NEW MOVIES THIS WEEKEND
Christina Aguilera's "Burlesque" Is Competing with "Tangled", The Rock's Action Flick "Faster", and Anne Hathaway's Romantic Comedy "Love and Other Drugs":
#1.) "Burlesque" (PG-13)
Believe it or not, this is Christina Aguilera's first acting role. She plays a small town girl who takes a job as a cocktail waitress at Cher's burlesque theater and eventually becomes the star of the show after blowing Cher away with her singing. --Kristen Bell, "Dancing with the Stars" minx Julianne Hough, Alan Cumming, and "Grey's Anatomy's" Eric Dane are also in it. --You can watch clips from the film, including Cher singing "Welcome to Burlesque", and Christina performing "I Am a Good Girl", "Express", and "Something's Got a Hold On Me", at this YouTube link.
Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4JkzSuTemA
Official Site: http://www.burlesquethemovie.com/
#2.) "Love and Other Drugs" (R)
A romantic comedy starring Jake Gyllenhaal as a Viagra salesman who works his charm to nail an endless line of women until finally falling for Anne Hathaway. --There's an eight question Love Personality Quiz you can take on their site. If that's your thing, just click on the Menu in the top right corner.
Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrMjIBQGdH4
Official Site: http://www.loveandotherdrugsthemovie.com/
#3.) "Tangled" (PG)
Mandy Moore plays Rapunzel and "Chuck's" Zachary Levi plays a thief who stumbles across her tower and helps her escape . . . after she beats the crap out of him first. --Some of the other voices include Brad Garrett, Jeffrey Tambor, "Hellboy's" Ron Perlman, "Lost's" Mr. Friendly (M.C. Gainey), and Richard Kiel, the guy who played Jaws in the old school James Bond movies. It might be fun to try to recognize each of them as you're watching the movie with your kids, yes?
Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2f516ZLyC6U
Official Site: http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/tangled/
#4.) "Faster" (R)
The Rock plays an ex-con out for revenge against the gang that murdered his brother 10 years ago. As he executes everyone involved in his brother's death, he also has to run from a young hitman trying to prove he's faster than the Rock. --Billy Bob Thornton and "Spy Kids" mom Carla Gugino are the cops trying to bring them down. And "Lost" fans will recognize Maggie Grace as the hitman's girlfriend and Mr. Eko (Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje) as a repentant evangelist on the Rock's hitlist.
Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WL9Jx9jntwo
Official Site: http://www.fasterthemovie.com/
Animated Trailer-Rama: "Hop" and "Mars Needs Moms":
#1.) Does the idea of RUSSELL BRAND doing the voice of the Easter Bunny interest you? If so, then you might enjoy "Hop" . . . which hits theaters on April 1st. (--Here's a teaser trailer . . .) http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/blogs/heat-vision/trailer-universals-teaser-animated-hop-48524 (--James Marsden plays an out-of-work slacker who hits the Easter Bunny with his car, then has to take him in and take care of him. Chelsea Handler and Kaley Cuoco from "The Big Bang Theory" also provide voices.)
#2.) In "Mars Needs Moms", Martians start kidnapping Earth moms and taking them back to their own planet to raise their Martian children. SETH GREEN and JOAN CUSACK head up the voice cast. It hits theaters March 11th.
(--Here's the trailer . . .)
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/blogs/heat-vision/trailer-disneys-mars-moms-48461
TV's Biggest Fall Failures:
Forbes.com has put together a list of TV's Biggest Turkeys of 2010, which is just a timely way of saying the biggest BUSTS among new shows on the major networks. --The list includes shows that have already been axed . . . like Fox's "Lone Star" and ABC's "My Generation" . . . plus the ones on the fence, like NBC's "The Event".
--Here's the list, along with their current status:
--"Lone Star", Fox . . . canceled.
--"My Generation", ABC . . . canceled.
--"Outlaw", NBC . . . canceled.
--"The Whole Truth", ABC . . . canceled.
--"Undercovers", NBC . . . canceled.
--"Medium ", CBS . . . canceled. (--I think we all know that "Medium" isn't a "new" show. But it was new to CBS, because they picked it up during the off-season, after NBC canceled it last year.)
--"Running Wilde", Fox . . . "over," which means: "all-but-officially-canceled."
--"Life Unexpected", the CW . . . "over," which means: "all-but-officially-canceled."
--"Parenthood", NBC . . . "limping along."
--"Chase", NBC . . . "limping along," it's only averaging 5 million viewers.
--"The Apprentice", NBC . . . "limping along." This non-celebrity season is averaging around 4 million viewers, but a new "Celebrity Apprentice" is on tap for this spring.
--"The Event", NBC . . . "shedding viewers." It's gone from over 11 million viewers, to less than 6 million viewers.
(--If you're interested in reading Forbes' mini write-ups on each show, here's the link . . .)
http://www.forbes.com/2010/11/22/abc-nbc-cbs-business-entertainment-tv-turkeys_slide.html
Simon Cowell Is Happy That Steven Tyler Was Chosen to Take His Place on "American Idol":
SIMON COWELL seems pretty happy with the choice of STEVEN TYLER to take his seat on "American Idol". --Simon joked, quote, "I always said it had to be someone who wasn't better looking than me . . . and they achieved it." --It doesn't sound like Simon knows Steven all that well, but he did say that he seems like a nice guy . . . and that RANDY JACKSON has told him they're having fun. --When asked if he thought doing "Idol" might damage Steven's rock credibility . . . which has been a running criticism from some people . . . Simon merely said, quote, "It's a fun job. You've got to take it like that. You can't take it too seriously."
HOLIDAY WEEKEND TV REMINDERS
Wednesday TV Reminders: (--Check your local listings.)
--"The Middle" . . . 8:00 to 8:30 P.M. on ABC. (--Norm McDonald guest stars as Mike's tent-dwelling brother Rusty when he joins the family for Thanksgiving dinner.)
--"Merry Madagascar" . . . 8:00 to 8:30 P.M. on NBC. (--The animals of the zoo crew are on the loose to save Christmas.)
--"Kung Fu Panda Holiday Special" . . . 8:30 to 9:00 P.M. on NBC. (--The animals from "Kung-Fu Panda" gather to celebrate the Winter Feast.)
--"Survivor: Nicaragua" . . . 8:00 to 9:00 P.M. on CBS. (--Highlights and previously unaired footage from season 21.)
--"Drake: Live From Radio City Music Hall" . . . 9:00 to 10:00 P.M. on Fuse. (--Drake performs songs from his album "Thank Me Later".)
--"The Biggest Loser: Where Are They Now?" . . . 9:00 to 11:00 P.M. on NBC. (--Updates for more than 30 contestants from the first nine seasons.)
--"Primetime: Celebrity Plastic Surgery Gone Too Far?" . . . 10:00 to 11:00 P.M. on ABC. (--How plastic surgery in Hollywood has changed the nature of celebrity, with Heidi Montag, Janice Dickinson and British pop star Pete Burns.)
Thanksgiving TV Reminders: (--Check your local listings.)
--"Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade" . . . 9:00 A.M. to Noon on NBC. (--Al Roker Matt Lauer, and Meredith Vieira host. Celebrity guests are Miranda Cosgrove, Victoria Justice, Big Time Rush, Jessica Simpson and Jimmy Fallon.)
Thanksgiving Day Football:
--"New England Patriots vs. the Detroit Lions" . . . 12:30 to 3:30 P.M. ET on CBS.
--"New Orleans Saints vs. the Dallas Cowboys" . . . 4:15 to 7:15 P.M. ET on Fox.
--"Cincinnati Bengals vs. the New York Jets" . . . 8:20 to 11:20 P.M. ET on NFL.
--"A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving" . . . 8:00 to 9:00 P.M. on ABC.
--"Taylor Swift - Speak Now" . . . 8:00 to 9:00 P.M. on NBC. (--A documentary that follows Taylor Swift as she performs, meets and greets fans through autograph signings and attends recording sessions.)
--"CNN Heroes: An All Star Tribute" . . . 8:00 to 10:00 P.M. on CNN. (--Anderson Cooper hosts a tribute to everyday people who change our lives. Sugarland, John Legend and Bon Jovi perform. Presenters include Demi Moore, Halle Berry, LL Cool J, Kid Rock and Eva Longoria.)
--"Punkin Chunkin 2010" . . . 8:00 to 10:00 P.M. on Discovery Channel. (--Engineers unleash their pumpkin-launching machines in Bridgeville, Delaware.)
--"NBC's People of the Year" . . . 9:00 to 10:00 P.M. on NBC. (--Matt Lauer takes a look back on the most notable people of 2010.)
--"Beyoncé: I Am...World Tour" . . . 9:30 to 11:00 P.M. on ABC. (--Beyoncé shares highlights and backstage clips from her summer concert tour.)
--"The Apprentice" . . . 10:00 to 11:00 P.M. on NBC. (--The contestants must write, direct, produce and star in a live sales segment on a home-shopping network. Fashion designer Isaac Mizrahi guests.)
Friday TV Reminders: (--Check your local listings.)
--"The Fran Drescher Tawk Show" [SERIES Premiere] . . . 2:00 to 3:00 P.M. on Fox. (--She hasn't announced any of her guests yet, but you'll find them here.)
--"Young Justice" [SERIES Premiere] . . . 7:00 to 8:00 P.M. on Cartoon Network. (--This new animated series features sidekicks Robin, Kid Flash, Aqualad, Superboy, Miss Martian, and Artemis getting the chance to test their true potential.)
--"TV's Funniest Holiday Moments" . . . 8:00 to 10:00 P.M. on Fox. (--"Glee's" Jane Lynch hosts this stroll down memory lane, which includes holiday clips from "Cheers", "Family Guy", "Married...With Children" and "Friends", to name a few.)
--"School Pride" [1st Season Finale] . . . 8:00 to 9:00 P.M. on NBC.
--"Shine A Light" . . . 9:00 to 11:30 P.M. on VH1. (--The Rolling Stones perform from New York City's Beacon Theatre in 2006.)
--"20/20" . . . 10:00 to 11:00 P.M. on ABC. (--Barbara Walters interviews the President and First Lady Michelle Obama at the White House. Topics include the Democrats November reversals and current issues in the news.)
Saturday TV Reminders: (--Check your local listings.)
--"Grand Ole Opry Live" . . . 7:00 to 9:00 P.M. on GAC. (--Crystal Gale, The Del McCoury Band, Connie Smith and Jesse McReynolds perform.)
--"Austin City Limits" . . . 9:00 to 10:00 P.M. on PBS. (--R.E.M.) (REPEAT)
--"Behind the Music: Lynyrd Skynyrd" . . . 9:00 to 10:00 P.M. on VH1 Classic.
--"Call Me Mrs. Miracle" . . . 9:00 to 11:00 P.M. on the Hallmark Channel. (--Doris Roberts from "Everybody Loves Raymond" plays an angel named Mrs. Merkle, who spreads Christmas cheer and helps a store improve its holiday business.)
--"Triassic Attack" . . . 9:00 to 11:00 P.M. on Syfy. (--"Eureka's" Colin Ferguson directs this movie about a roadside museum owner who accidentally brings three dinosaur fossils to life.)
--"That Metal Show" . . . 11:00 P.M. to Midnight on VH1 Classic. (--Jason Bonham and Poison's Rikki Rockett are guests.)
--"Saturday Night Live" . . . 11:30 P.M. to 1:00 A.M. on NBC. (--Bryan Cranston guest hosts and Kanye West is the musical guest.) (REPEAT)
Sunday TV Reminders: (--Check your local listings.)
--"Sunday Night Football" . . . 8:15 to 11:15 P.M. Eastern on NBC. (--The Indianapolis Colts host the San Diego Chargers at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana.)
--"The Dog Who Saved Christmas Vacation" . . . 8:00 to 10:00 P.M. on ABC Family. (--Mario Lopez is a dog trying to rescue another dog from a thief who wants the diamonds in her collar. The other dog's played by Paris Hilton, and Dean Cain is the dognapping thief.)
--"The Simpsons" . . . 8:00 to 8:30 P.M. on Fox. (--Racing minx Danica Patrick and Rachel Weisz guest star when Bart comes across an injured pigeon.)
--"Sonny with a Chance" . . . 9:00 to 9:30 P.M. on Disney Channel. (--Joe Jonas guest stars as himself. He also joins Demi Lovato for an original holiday song that we assume was recorded in happier times.)
--"Fantasia For Real" [2nd Season Finale] . . . 9:00 to 9:30 P.M. on VH1.
--"Bridalplasty" [SERIES Premiere] . . . 9:00 to 10:00 P.M. on E! (--Twelve "brides-to-be" compete in wedding-themed challenges for the chance to win plastic surgery procedures from their wish lists.)
--"November Christmas" . . . 9:00 to 11:00 P.M. on CBS. (--A little girl with a life-threatening illness brings an entire neighborhood together to help create some special holiday memories early.)
--"Soul Train Awards" . . . 9:00 to 11:30 P.M. on BET. (--Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson are your hosts. Performers include Cee-Lo, Ne-Yo, R. Kelly, Erykah Badu, Keyshia Cole, Tamia, Tank, Chrisette Michelle, and Bruno Mars.) (--Here are your nominees . . .) http://www.bet.com/specials/soultrainawards10/nominees/
--"American Dad" . . . 9:30 to 10:00 P.M. on Fox. (--Lou Diamond Phillips plays Stan's rich half brother when he stops by for a Thanksgiving visit.)
--"Paranormal State" [5th Season Finale] . . . 9:30 to 10:00 P.M. on A&E.
--"Kate Plus 8" [2nd Season Premiere] . . . 10:00 to 10:30 P.M. on TLC.
--"Psychic Kids: Children of the Paranormal" [3rd Season Finale] . . . 10:00 to 11:00 P.M. on A&E.
--"Top Gear" . . . 10:00 to 11:00 P.M. on History. (--Dominic Monaghan test drives a car and drift champion Tanner Foust competes in a race between sports cars and skiers.)
--"Snapped" [7th Season Finale] . . . 10:00 to 11:00 P.M. on Oxygen.
Axl Rose Is Suing the Makers of "Guitar Hero" for Breach of Contract . . . Basically Because the Game Promoted Slash Too Much:
GUNS N' ROSES singer AXL ROSE is suing Activision . . . the company behind "Guitar Hero" . . . for "fraud, breach of contract and unjust enrichment," among other things. --Here's the deal: Axl is upset over the misuse of "Welcome to the Jungle" in "Guitar Hero 3". Now, he DID have a deal with Activision that allowed them to use the song, but he claims there were CONDITIONS in the contract that were ignored. --And interestingly enough, they involved promoting his former guitarist SLASH. Basically, Axl is upset that the game "prominently features Slash imagery in direct connection" with the song. --He also says the game "exploits the prior association between Slash and Guns N' Roses, promotes Slash's and [Velvet Revolver's] separate interests and includes [Velvet Revolver] tracks as available downloads, all of which was and is directly contrary to the contractual obligations." (--Even though it's Slash's guitar work you hear on "Welcome to the Jungle", he was long gone from the band by the time the "Guitar Hero" games started coming out.) --If that's true, Axl might have a case, because Slash was plastered ALL OVER that game. His image was on the box, posters, and he was even a playable character. --Axl is seeking $20 million in damages. Activision hasn't responded to the suit. (--"Guitar Hero 3" came out over THREE YEARS AGO. It's unclear why it took Axl so long to file this lawsuit. But it's definitely not surprising . . . Axl doesn't really get around to ANYTHING in a timely manner.)
THE BEATLES' FIRST WEEK ITUNES SALES NUMBERS ARE OUT:
THE BEATLES sold more than 450,000 albums and 2 MILLION individual tracks worldwide in their first week on iTunes. (--Apple announced that the Beatles were FINALLY available in the iTunes store last Tuesday morning.) --According to iTunes, the best-selling album in the U.S. was "Abbey Road". The most popular individual track was "Here Comes the Sun", which was written by GEORGE HARRISON. (--It was released on "Abbey Road" in 1968.) (--The most popular album and track worldwide was not revealed.)
Beyoncé Clarifies the New Genre She's Creating:
BEYONCÉ recently said that she was creating "her own genre of music" for her next album, which will feature "live instruments." (--And we had some fun with that . . . because there was a time, not long ago, when music with "live instruments" was just called MUSIC.) --But she's now clarifying that her "own genre" will be more mash-up than new. Beyoncé explains, quote, "Well, I wouldn't say I'm inventing a new genre. I'm mixing every type of genre that I love . . . and I'm inspired by every type of genre. --"I'm not in a box. It's not R&B. It's not typically pop. It's not rock. It's just everything I love all mixed together in my own little gumbo of music."
David Bowie Taught Bono How to Sing Beyond His "Man Voice":
Bono tells "Rolling Stone" that U2 "owes DAVID BOWIE a lot." Among other things, Bono says Bowie inspired him to go beyond his, quote, "man voice." -He explains, quote, "It's the high singing, beyond your 'man' voice into the feminine. And there's the staging, the attempt to be innovative. --"Bowie wasn't afraid to use scale, to dramatize things. His set list was not just a jukebox he could run through. It was drama."
Here Are Some Videos of Kids Acting Out Kanye West's Tweets:
The site Babelgum.com has produced a series of seven videos, in which kids act out the context of KANYE WEST'S Tweets. No joke. --Some of the Tweets enacted include: "Man . . . ninjas are kind of cool . . . I just don't know any personally." And "Who's seen the play 'Wicked'? I've seen it four times! Other than loving the music, acting and costumes . . . it's my story!!!"
(--It's pretty fun. You can check out all seven videos, here . . .)
http://www.popeater.com/2010/11/23/kanye-twitter-kids-video/
(--And as a bonus, here's video of a GRANDMA reading Kanye's Tweets. ***WARNING: It contains UNCENSORED PROFANITY.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y82ss2DhaHo
(--Here's the link to Kanye's Twitter if you would like to produce your OWN shenanigans with his Tweets . . .)
http://twitter.com/KanyeWest
TAYLOR SWIFT HAS ANNOUNCED THE DATES OF HER WORLD TOUR:
TAYLOR SWIFT will be doing a massive 19-country tour next year. The "Taylor Swift Speak Now World Tour 2011" will kick off February 9th in Singapore and make stops in Asia and Europe before hitting the states. --The North American trek will pick up on May 27th and 28th in Omaha, Nebraska, and wrap October 8th in Dallas, Texas. (--Taylor's site has the dates and details . . .)
http://www.taylorswift.com/news/o1287965052241?post=taylor-announces-speak-now-world-tour-20110.12002400%201290556850
SHOWBIZ EXTRAS
Wannabe actor Michael Brea . . . who had bit parts on "Ugly Betty" and in the movie "Step Up 3D" . . . killed his mother with a SAMURAI SWORD in her Brooklyn apartment . . . apparently because he felt she hadn't accepted Jesus.
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/ny_crime/2010/11/23/2010-11-23_brooklyn_mom_stabbed_to_death_with_sword_by_her_son_police_say.html#ixzz167nERVap
RELATED COMEDY: A guy was just arrested for decapitating his mom with a samurai sword while screaming biblical passages. No joke here, just a reminder you're about to spend several days with some crazy people known as your relatives.
AMY WINEHOUSE is vacationing in Barbados, where she made a new friend. It's a monkey. (???)
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/bizarre/3241242/Amy-Winehouse-has-got-a-new-monkey-man.html
BILLY JOEL had hip surgery over the weekend. (--He's 61.)
http://www.contactmusic.com/news.nsf/story/joel-undergoes-surgery-on-bad-hip_1185794
"Grey's Anatomy" is doing a MUSICAL episode. There's no word yet on an airdate.
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/greys-anatomy-air-musical-episode-48392
NAZZY’S RANDOM STUFF
THANKSGIVING MADNESS
The Cost of a Classic Thanksgiving Dinner Is Up 1.3% This Year . . . But Is Still Amazingly Cheap:
Every year, the American Farm Bureau Federation puts out the results of its price survey to figure out how much it costs to serve a classic Thanksgiving dinner. And, somehow, it's always cheaper than taking the family out for value meals at Arby's.
--This year they ran their 25th annual survey, and the total cost of a Thanksgiving dinner is up 1.3% from last year . . . taking it to $43.47 for a meal for 10, or $4.35 per person. Last year the cost was $42.91, or 56 cents less.
--That cost includes turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, rolls with butter, peas, cranberries, carrots and celery, pumpkin pie with whipped cream, coffee, and milk.
--The most expensive part of the meal is a 16-pound turkey, which has an average cost this year of $17.66, or about $1.10 per pound. That's about six cents per pound cheaper than last year.
--A gallon of whole milk had the biggest price jump in the past year, up 38 cents from $2.86 to $3.24.
--When the AFBF started running the price survey in 1986, the cost of this meal was $28.74.
--Adjusted for inflation, that would be about $55.50 in today's dollars . . . meaning that the price of serving a Thanksgiving dinner has actually gone down by more than $10 in the past two-and-a-half decades. (American Farm Bureau)
The Best Place To Celebrate Thanksgiving This Year Is . . . Akron, Ohio?
Apparently, if you want to have the best Thanksgiving celebration this year, you should take your talents to . . . Akron, Ohio. Yes, really. According to a study by Pepto-Bismol and BestPlaces.net, there ain't no Thanksgiving like an Akron Thanksgiving. --They ran a survey that asked where you're going for Thanksgiving, how many people are attending, and how many dishes are being served. They also looked at data on the increase in inbound holiday airport traffic and turkey consumption. --And when you add that up, Akron is #1. They have some of the largest Thanksgiving dinners, at 7.63 people and 6.44 dishes. The airport there sees a 3.78% increase. And they consume 105% more turkey than average. The rest of the top 10 are:
#2.) West Palm Beach-Boca Raton, Florida
#3.) Columbus, Ohio
#4.) Fort Worth-Arlington, Texas
#5.) Las Vegas, Nevada
#6.) Rochester, New York
#7.) Salt Lake City, Utah
#8.) Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota
#9.) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
#10.) Warren-Troy-Farmington Hills, Michigan (BestPlaces.net)
Today Is "National Opt-Out Day" . . . So There Could Be Unprecedented Security Lines At the Airport:
If you're flying out of town on a red-eye tonight . . . you might want to head to the airport NOW. Because you may find yourself face-to-face with lines like you've NEVER seen. --By now, everyone knows about the TSA's new screening plan. About 20% of people will be selected for FULL-BODY SCANS that show what's under your clothes. You can refuse . . . and instead get a full-contact, intimate pat-down. --So a movement started online to make today National Opt-Out Day. That means: If you get selected for a body scan, protest by saying NO . . . and make the TSA officer pat you down instead. --The thought here is that pat-downs take longer . . . about four minutes, versus the body scans that take 10 seconds. And if everyone's opting out and slowing the process down, it will send a message to the TSA and the federal government. --The choice of today for National Opt-Out Day is no coincidence . . . the Wednesday before Thanksgiving is the biggest and busiest travel day of the year. --If you try to opt out of the full-body scan AND the pat-down you could be facing an arrest or a fine up to $11,000. (Newser)
Word of the Day Special: Thanksgiving Words and Phrases:
turkey drop (noun) /turr key drahp/ - occurs when a college freshman returns home for the first time at Thanksgiving and now, having been away for a few months, promptly dumps their boyfriend or girlfriend from high school. --Example: Jeff got home Wednesday night from Arizona State and by Friday, he'd dumped Jenny. Vintage turkey drop.
Mayflower (verb) /may flowh ur/ - (alt.) a sexual act similar to the motorboat. A gentleman places his face between a woman's breasts but, instead of making boat engine sounds, he gobbles like a turkey. --Example: To spice things up on Thanksgiving, I'm going to Mayflower the hell out of those fine, fine breasts later.
Tetri-giving (noun) /teht rih give ing/ - the act of rearranging the contents of your refrigerator to accommodate Thanksgiving leftovers. Compound word based on the popular video game "Tetris" and the holiday Thanksgiving. --Example: We have enough leftovers for a month . . . it's going to take all of my Tetri-giving skills to get all these into the fridge.
Johnson & Johnson Has Recalled Almost Five Million Packages of Benadryl, Motrin, and Rolaids:
Here's a VERY IMPORTANT public safety notice. -Johnson & Johnson just announced that they're recalling almost FIVE MILLION packages of Benadryl, Motrin, and Rolaids, quote, "because of manufacturing insufficiencies." --The products were made at a plant in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania . . . a factory that they shut down earlier this year because of quality-control issues and unsanitary conditions. --They're recalling Children's Benadryl Allergy Fastmelt Tablets in cherry and grape . . . Junior Strength Motrin Caplets, 24-count . . . and cherry-flavored Rolaids extra-strength Softchews. --Now . . . this ISN'T a case where you should take those products back to the store. Johnson & Johnson says they're safe and they haven't received any reports of problems. --But they are recalling them from stores and distributors, so no more of those products from that factory are going to be sold. --In other words . . . you can still take them if you have them . . . but, from us to you, since the company thinks they're worth recalling, you might not want to. (Wall Street Journal)
America's Gonorrhea Rate Is At an All-Time Low!
--According to a new report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the gonorrhea rate in this country is at an all-time low. --In 2009 there were 301,174 cases of gonorrhea reported, for a rate of 99.1 cases per 100,000 people. To compare, at its peak in 1975, there were 999,937 cases of gonorrhea, or 464.1 per 100,000. --Syphilis is also down compared to the past several decades. In 2009, there were 44,828 syphilis cases, or 14.7 per 100,000 people. That's WAY down from even 20 years ago . . . in 1990, there were 54.3 cases per 100,000 people. --BUT . . . chlamydia rates keep going up. And they have every year since 1984 when the CDC started monitoring it. Last year there were 1,244,180 reported cases of chlamydia, or 409.2 for every 100,000 people. --Gonorrhea, syphilis, and chlamydia only add up to be about 10% of the total STD cases in the U.S. . . . herpes and HPV are MUCH more widespread. --But we don't have exact numbers on those . . . only gonorrhea, syphilis, and chlamydia cases HAVE to be reported to the CDC. (Los Angeles Times)
Airbrushed Photos Aren't Just For Celebrities Anymore . . . The New Trend Is Digitally Altered School Pictures:
Photos of celebrities on magazine covers . . . and inside of "Playboy" . . . have been airbrushed and digitally altered for decades. So it was really only a matter of time until the rest of our IMAGE-OBSESSED CULTURE hopped on the bandwagon. --According to reports, the newest trend in altered and enhanced photos is . . . SCHOOL PICTURES. --Kids who show up on picture day with scratches on their faces, messed up hair, braces . . . or, of course, the legendary picture day pimple . . . can choose to fix the blemishes for a small fee. --Joseph Sell manages the New York branch of Lifetouch, which takes about 30 million student pictures every year. He says about 10% of them are retouched . . . and by high school, that number gets closer to 50%. --He says the most common alterations they make are little tweaks like getting rid of the glare from eyeglasses . . . but they can whiten teeth, remove a cowlick, or add a tie or long sleeves. Quote, "There's really not much limit [on what we can do]." --Of course, some people think that paying to have your kid's school photos digitally altered is WRONG. Kids aren't supposed to look perfect . . . and do we really want to send them the wrong message? --Dr. Bradley Peterson is the chief of child and adolescent psychiatry at Columbia University. He says, quote, "What supports healthy growth of the child and capacity to love themselves is parental idealization, that this child is perfect." -So if a parent has their school photo airbrushed or altered, quote, "it can inadvertently send [the] message 'I perceive you as less than perfect and not ideal.'" (N.Y. Times)
The Way You Nag Your Kids About Food Can Make Them Picky Eaters or Overeaters . . . For Life:
If you have any kind of COMPLEX when it comes to food . . . and, let's be honest, pretty much EVERYONE has some kind of food issues . . . it's safe to say your therapist is right. It's your parents' fault. --A new study at University College London found that the way parents nag their kids about food has a direct impact on how that kid will grow up feeling about food, eating, health, weight . . . everything. --Parents who are strict about what their kids eat . . . either by denying junk food or by pressuring them to try a bunch of different things and not just their favorites . . . often end up having kids who grow up to become OVEREATERS. --And on the other side, parents who tell their kids to clean everything on their plate can end up raising kids who turn out to be PICKY EATERS. (Reuters)
The Internet Is Killing Our Ability To Spell . . . And There Are Plenty of People Who Are Fine With That:
Anyone who's read comments on YouTube or tried to decipher a tweet written by someone born in the '90s knows one thing: The Internet is doing everything it can to MURDER the fine art of spelling. --And it turns out that there are plenty of people who are cool with that. --According to a study by Manchester University in England, 66% of people 18 to 24 say that they think dictionaries should start adapting their spellings to match what people are typing on the Internet. --They didn't give specifics, but that could include acronyms like LOL . . . misspelled words like using y-o-u-r and y-o-u-apostrophe-r-e interchangeably . . . or randomly sticking apostrophes before the letter "s" in plural words. --The survey also found that 22% of people 18 to 24 say they wouldn't be confident writing an important email without using a dictionary or spell-check . . . they have THAT little faith in recognizing proper versus improper spelling. --Lucy Jones, who led the study, says, quote, "We are witnessing the effect these linguistic variations are having on children born into the computer age . . . they do not question their existence." (The Independent)
A New Study Finally Answers the Question: Who's Smarter, Cats or Dogs?
Here's another missile fired in the never-ending war between dog people and cat people. A new study out of Oxford University wanted to answer the question: Who's SMARTER, cats or dogs? --And the winner is . . . DOGS.
--The study found that, over millions of years, dog intelligence has evolved faster than cat intelligence. Dogs' brains have grown relative to the sizes of their bodies much more than cats' brains. --The researchers believe this happens because dogs are more SOCIAL animals . . . cats are more loners. --Other mammals who've evolved to be smarter also live in social groups . . . like horses, dolphins and camels. Animals that live more isolated . . . like cats, deer and rhinos . . . haven't seen their brains grow as much. --Dr. Susanne Shultz led the study. She says, quote, "Dogs have always been regarded as more social animals [than] cats. But it appears that interaction is good for the brain. --"All dogs are quite good at solving problems. Dogs descended from wolves which appear to have the biggest brains as they live in large family groups." --She says this also extends to other species . . . including humans. Quote, "We are even more social than monkeys and apes and it's this ability to get along with each other that has helped us dominate the planet." (The Telegraph)
A Cat Saves Her Owner from a House Fire by Waking Her Up With Paws To the Face:
Cats may SEEM like they're totally indifferent to you and couldn't care less if you live or die . . . but deep down, your cat cares. It cares. --41-year-old Michelle Prince of Peacehaven, in East Sussex, England, has a 17-year-old cat named Tizzy. And Tizzy cares about her. Enough to SAVE HER LIFE. --Last week, in the middle of the night, Michelle was sleeping when a heater she was using set some curtains on fire. --Michelle didn't wake up from the fire, but Tizzy did. --So Tizzy jumped on the bed and started tapping Michelle on the nose over and over with her paw. She was also meowing loudly over and over. --Finally Michelle woke up . . . and saw the fire. She was able to put it out before it could spread. --She says, quote, "[Tizzy] is a hero because she really did save my life. The whole bedroom would have gone up. I dread to think what would have happened." (The Argus)
Botox Makes Your Life Better In Every Way?
When you get Botox, you're paying big money to have a TOXIN injected into your face. But at least it'll make you SMILE . . . ya know, assuming it doesn't paralyze your face and make facial expressions impossible. --According to a new study, published in the journal "Dermatologic Surgery", people who got Botox reported higher self-esteem and higher overall quality of life than people in a control group. --The study didn't say this, but there IS a chance that people who get Botox have a higher quality of life because they've got more MONEY than the rest of us. (UPI)
A Robber Tries To Rob a Pizzeria Owner By Grabbing His Bag Full Of . . . Pizza Dough:
It's good to see a MEATBALL CRIMINAL like this finally get locked up. Back in June of 2008, 25-year-old Salvatore LaRosa of Staten Island, New York, and an unknown accomplice, decided to rob the owner of a pizza shop. --Salvatore and his friend followed the owner home, then pulled guns on him and demanded the bag in his hand. The owner resisted, so the robbers shot him in the legs . . . then grabbed the bag and ran off. --Well . . . turns out the bag wasn't QUITE the sack of money they were hoping for. No . . . it was actually a sack of PIZZA DOUGH that the man was taking home. --FINALLY, after more than two years, the crime was traced to Salvatore. And on Friday, he surrendered to authorities. (New York Daily News)
Wednesday's random News Extras:
39.6% of travelers say economy is "somewhat" affecting their plans . . . 17% say "very much." 54% are cutting back on expensive activities. 28% say cost is the most stressful part of air travel. 24% say delays.
http://news.travel.aol.com/2010/11/22/economy-wont-keep-holiday-travelers-home/
People with Type 1 diabetes are upset that they often get confused with Type 2 . . . and people tell them they should lose weight. "I hate Type 2. I call it wuss diabetes," says one Type 1-er. They want a different name for their diabetes so they don't have to be ashamed.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/health/ct-met-diabetes-rift-20101122,0,6585739.story
Three people are arrested for a drunken brawl at baby shower where they beat on each other . . . and then a cop who came to break things up.
http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/easton/index.ssf/2010/11/three_arrested_for_disorderly.html
A man spends five days shipwrecked on an island before the Coast Guard finds him and rescues him. He had a working cell phone the whole time but didn't want anyone to know he got shipwrecked. His plan: Fix his boat and get home without anyone knowing.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/11/22/BA8N1GFV82.DTL
NAZZY’S SILLY VIDEOS OF THE DAY
#1.) A Woman Is Already Camping Out In Front of Best Buy for Black Friday:
A woman in St. Petersburg, Florida is already camping out in front of a Best Buy store so she can be the first person to take advantage of the Black Friday sales. And this didn't just start today. She's been there since MONDAY. --A news crew talked to her, and the video is hilarious because she basically set up a shanty town outside. And meanwhile, NORMAL people have been walking in and out of the store all week. (--Search for "first person camping Black Friday video.")
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GA0TtJPt_lQ
#2.) Cookie Monster Wants to Host "Saturday Night Live":
BETTY WHITE got to host "Saturday Night Live" this year after fans started a campaign on the Internet. And now COOKIE MONSTER from "Sesame Street" is doing the same thing. -There's a new video on YouTube where he says he wants to host and makes his case by showing an "audition tape". --It's basically a mini-episode where he parodies MacGruber, Weekend Update, and also stars as the musical guest. (--Search for "Cookie Monster auditions for Saturday Night Live." His audition tape starts at 1:11.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-PkQRh3QXA
#3.) Daniel Radcliffe Doesn't Play Harry Potter . . . He IS Harry Potter:
FunnyOrDie.com posted an interview with DANIEL RADCLIFFE where he pretends to be delusional and says he IS Harry Potter . . . and that he's actually playing the CHARACTER of Daniel Radcliffe. --He goes on to explain that he doesn't have to fight bad guys anymore because he already killed them all. So now he mostly just "chills out" and hits on women.
(--Search for "FunnyOrDie.com I Am Harry Potter.")
http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/a1c04ce68e/i-am-harry-potter
#4.) A Guy Made An Organ Out of PVC Pipes:
Some guy made a pipe organ out of PVC pipes, and there's a new video on the Internet of him doing an awesome medley of songs. He plays "Bad Romance" by LADY GAGA, the theme song from "The Office", and everything in between.
(--Search for "PVC pipe organ." At 5:05, a second guy jumps in and they really go nuts.)
http://www.collegehumor.com/video:1943983
#5.) Someone Had Their Grandmother Read Kanye West's Tweets:
Someone on YouTube had their grandmother read a few of KANYE WEST'S random Tweets, including one that said, quote, "Never do coke with an intern [because] they might not be 21." (--Search for "Grandma reads Kanye's Tweets.")
(--WARNING: This video includes profanity.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y82ss2DhaHo
#6.) Here's What a Theme Park Looks Like If No One Visits for Five Years:
Okay, this is a bit of a downer, but it's also really interesting: The Six Flags theme park in New Orleans shut down on August 27th, 2005 when Hurricane Katrina was about to hit . . . and it never reopened. --It's scheduled to be demolished in January, so a filmmaker went there and made a seven-minute video showing the abandoned theme park.
(--Search for "abandoned Six Flags New Orleans tour.")
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bcja8UBtXdk
#7.) And Now . . . Muay Thai Boxing with Little People:
The only thing more exciting than Muay Thai boxing is Muay Thai boxing with LITTLE PEOPLE. Yes, this actually exists, and there's video of it on YouTube. --It shows one little guy, and one REALLY little guy, and the REALLY little guy wins. It looks staged, but it's still way better than REGULAR boxing.
(--Here are two versions: One with the original sound, and one with an INTENSE soundtrack. Search for "midgets killer Muay Thai boxing." In both videos, the smaller guy "knocks out" the bigger guy at 7:14.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFk09yCDDpI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGNJY6VopYE
--As an added bonus, check out the YouTube video of a dwarf breakdancing while being sexually assaulted by his own dog.
(--Search for "dog humping breakdancing midget." The assault begins at :21.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LA8HC15xNY
Five Ways To Eat Fewer Calories on Thanksgiving:
If you're like most people, you'll probably forget about your diet and pig out on Thanksgiving. But if DON'T feel like eating your own weight in turkey, here's a list of five ways to eat fewer calories tomorrow . . .
#1.) Eat White Meat. Dark meat has twice as much fat. And the correct serving is three ounces, which is about the same size as a deck of cards.
#2.) Eat Pumpkin Pie Instead of Pecan. One slice of pecan pie has around 500 calories. Pumpkin pie without whipped cream has 350.
#3.) Stay Away From the Candied Yams. A half-cup has 250 calories, and it's basically all sugar. In fact, they're even worse for you than regular MASHED potatoes, which have around 150 calories per serving if you don't add gravy.
#4.) Don't Eat Too Much Stuffing. It's loaded with salt, and it's even worse for you if you cook it IN the turkey because it soaks up extra fat.
#5.) If You're Planning to Drink Alcohol, Drink Wine. Mixed drinks usually have a lot of concentrated sugar, which adds empty calories. But a five-ounce glass of red or white wine has around 100 calories with no cholesterol, sodium, or fat. (Contra Costa Times)
I learned two interesting things yesterday. First, that PRINCE WILLIAM and KATE MIDDLETON are getting married on April 29th. And second, that the British Monarchy has a TWITTER PAGE. --And the only reason I know about the Twitter page is because that's where the wedding date was announced. (--You can check out the page here . . .) http://twitter.com/BRITISHMONARCHY
Emmy Rossum and Adam Duritz Are No Longer Dating:
COUNTING CROWS singer ADAM DURITZ and "Phantom of the Opera" minx EMMY ROSSUM have broken up. But Emmy says, quote, "We're still very close friends." --Adam and Emmy started dating a little over a year ago . . . and Emmy says they split about two months ago. (--Emmy is 24 . . . Adam is 46.)
Bristol Palin Only Came In Third on "Dancing with the Stars":
BRISTOL PALIN did NOT win the Mirror Ball Trophy on "Dancing with the Stars" last night. --Her talent-defying run for the title got her to THIRD PLACE . . . which is a lot further than anyone thought she'd get . . . and a lot further than a lot of people WANTED her to get. --Bristol and her partner, MARK BALLAS, were the first of the three couples who made it to the finals to get the boot. --In the end, it was the frontrunners, JENNIFER GREY and DEREK HOUGH, who took home the trophy. --KYLE MASSEY and LACEY SCHWIMMER came in second.
Mila Kunis Dropped Down to 95 Pounds to Film "Black Swan":
For her upcoming ballet movie "Black Swan", MILA KUNIS had to drop down to 95 pounds . . . which was about a 20-pound loss for her. (--She's 5-foot-3.) And she didn't like the way she looked. --She says, quote, "I could see why this industry is so (effed) up, because at 95 pounds, I would literally look at myself in the mirror and I was like, Oh my God!' --"I had no shape, no boobs, no ass . . . All you saw was bone. I was like, 'This looks gross.'" --It actually got to the point where friends and family were panicking. --But Mila adds, quote, "In real life, it looked disgusting. But in photographs and on film, it looked amazing." --Mila says it took her five months to lose the weight . . . and only five DAYS to put it back on. (--"Black Swan" is a thriller co-starring NATALIE PORTMAN and WINONA RYDER. It's directed by Darren Aronofsky, and it hits theaters a week from this Friday.)
Denise Richards Wears Sunscreen On Her Face Every Day . . . And Other Things You Don't Know About Her:
DENISE RICHARDS is the subject of "Us Weekly's" latest "25 Things You Don't Know About Me" list. Here are some of the highlights . . .
--"I have a three-legged dog, a blind dog and one with terminal cancer. I have a soft spot for hard-to-place animals!"
--"My hair is all mine . . . no extensions or pieces."
--"I love the smell of a man."
--"I only brush my teeth with Marvis toothpaste."
--"When I was a teen, my sister and I had a Rob Lowe poster in our room."
--"I love Guns N' Roses. I hope one day Axl Rose and Slash will reunite."
--"I've worn sunscreen on my face every day since I was 15."
--"I have a fascination with Lucite stripper heels."
(--Check out the complete list here . . .)
http://www.usmagazine.com/moviestvmusic/news/25-things-you-dont-know-about-me-denise-richards-20102311
Charlie Sheen Was Still Flirting with Capri Anderson While He Was Trying to Pay Her Off:
Two days after CHARLIE SHEEN wigged out in a New York City hotel room, he texted his "escort", CAPRI ANDERSON, and offered her $20,000 as compensation for the insanity that occurred that night. (--And also as HUSH MONEY, no doubt.) --And now, TMZ has obtained the actual text messages. And wouldn't you know it . . . despite everything he allegedly put her through that night, Charlie's texts had a very obvious FLIRTY quality. --In one of them, he said, quote, "All I need is an Acct number etc and I will wire u 20k if u think that will cover everything . . . I really feel bad, u are as cool and sexy and as sweet and fun and friendly as they get!" --When Capri told Charlie she didn't have a bank account, he replied, quote, "Oh, well in that case, lemme put together a plan to get u square and flush. Can u tok (sic) for a sec now sweetie?" --In another text, he said, quote, "Don't worry about our mutual friends, deal with me directly and I promise u kind lady, all will be restored and set straight." --There's also a text from Capri to Charlie in which she says, quote, "u trashed my brand new prada purse dude not cool - how u managed to rip the strap off and put 2 holes in it is beyond me." --In the end, Charlie and Capri agreed in principle that this transaction would happen. But as we now know, it didn't. --Charlie is suing Capri for EXTORTION. --He launched his lawsuit after Capri filed a criminal complaint with the NYPD, and threatened to sue HIM for abuse, assault and false imprisonment. --But yesterday, Capri's attorney said she's holding off on suing Charlie . . . at least for now. Although she's still pressing ahead with the criminal investigation. --The attorney said her decision to hold off on the lawsuit had NOTHING to do with Charlie's extortion suit. In other words, she's not backing off in an effort to get him to drop HIS lawsuit.
NEW MOVIES THIS WEEKEND
Christina Aguilera's "Burlesque" Is Competing with "Tangled", The Rock's Action Flick "Faster", and Anne Hathaway's Romantic Comedy "Love and Other Drugs":
#1.) "Burlesque" (PG-13)
Believe it or not, this is Christina Aguilera's first acting role. She plays a small town girl who takes a job as a cocktail waitress at Cher's burlesque theater and eventually becomes the star of the show after blowing Cher away with her singing. --Kristen Bell, "Dancing with the Stars" minx Julianne Hough, Alan Cumming, and "Grey's Anatomy's" Eric Dane are also in it. --You can watch clips from the film, including Cher singing "Welcome to Burlesque", and Christina performing "I Am a Good Girl", "Express", and "Something's Got a Hold On Me", at this YouTube link.
Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4JkzSuTemA
Official Site: http://www.burlesquethemovie.com/
#2.) "Love and Other Drugs" (R)
A romantic comedy starring Jake Gyllenhaal as a Viagra salesman who works his charm to nail an endless line of women until finally falling for Anne Hathaway. --There's an eight question Love Personality Quiz you can take on their site. If that's your thing, just click on the Menu in the top right corner.
Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrMjIBQGdH4
Official Site: http://www.loveandotherdrugsthemovie.com/
#3.) "Tangled" (PG)
Mandy Moore plays Rapunzel and "Chuck's" Zachary Levi plays a thief who stumbles across her tower and helps her escape . . . after she beats the crap out of him first. --Some of the other voices include Brad Garrett, Jeffrey Tambor, "Hellboy's" Ron Perlman, "Lost's" Mr. Friendly (M.C. Gainey), and Richard Kiel, the guy who played Jaws in the old school James Bond movies. It might be fun to try to recognize each of them as you're watching the movie with your kids, yes?
Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2f516ZLyC6U
Official Site: http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/tangled/
#4.) "Faster" (R)
The Rock plays an ex-con out for revenge against the gang that murdered his brother 10 years ago. As he executes everyone involved in his brother's death, he also has to run from a young hitman trying to prove he's faster than the Rock. --Billy Bob Thornton and "Spy Kids" mom Carla Gugino are the cops trying to bring them down. And "Lost" fans will recognize Maggie Grace as the hitman's girlfriend and Mr. Eko (Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje) as a repentant evangelist on the Rock's hitlist.
Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WL9Jx9jntwo
Official Site: http://www.fasterthemovie.com/
Animated Trailer-Rama: "Hop" and "Mars Needs Moms":
#1.) Does the idea of RUSSELL BRAND doing the voice of the Easter Bunny interest you? If so, then you might enjoy "Hop" . . . which hits theaters on April 1st. (--Here's a teaser trailer . . .) http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/blogs/heat-vision/trailer-universals-teaser-animated-hop-48524 (--James Marsden plays an out-of-work slacker who hits the Easter Bunny with his car, then has to take him in and take care of him. Chelsea Handler and Kaley Cuoco from "The Big Bang Theory" also provide voices.)
#2.) In "Mars Needs Moms", Martians start kidnapping Earth moms and taking them back to their own planet to raise their Martian children. SETH GREEN and JOAN CUSACK head up the voice cast. It hits theaters March 11th.
(--Here's the trailer . . .)
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/blogs/heat-vision/trailer-disneys-mars-moms-48461
TV's Biggest Fall Failures:
Forbes.com has put together a list of TV's Biggest Turkeys of 2010, which is just a timely way of saying the biggest BUSTS among new shows on the major networks. --The list includes shows that have already been axed . . . like Fox's "Lone Star" and ABC's "My Generation" . . . plus the ones on the fence, like NBC's "The Event".
--Here's the list, along with their current status:
--"Lone Star", Fox . . . canceled.
--"My Generation", ABC . . . canceled.
--"Outlaw", NBC . . . canceled.
--"The Whole Truth", ABC . . . canceled.
--"Undercovers", NBC . . . canceled.
--"Medium ", CBS . . . canceled. (--I think we all know that "Medium" isn't a "new" show. But it was new to CBS, because they picked it up during the off-season, after NBC canceled it last year.)
--"Running Wilde", Fox . . . "over," which means: "all-but-officially-canceled."
--"Life Unexpected", the CW . . . "over," which means: "all-but-officially-canceled."
--"Parenthood", NBC . . . "limping along."
--"Chase", NBC . . . "limping along," it's only averaging 5 million viewers.
--"The Apprentice", NBC . . . "limping along." This non-celebrity season is averaging around 4 million viewers, but a new "Celebrity Apprentice" is on tap for this spring.
--"The Event", NBC . . . "shedding viewers." It's gone from over 11 million viewers, to less than 6 million viewers.
(--If you're interested in reading Forbes' mini write-ups on each show, here's the link . . .)
http://www.forbes.com/2010/11/22/abc-nbc-cbs-business-entertainment-tv-turkeys_slide.html
Simon Cowell Is Happy That Steven Tyler Was Chosen to Take His Place on "American Idol":
SIMON COWELL seems pretty happy with the choice of STEVEN TYLER to take his seat on "American Idol". --Simon joked, quote, "I always said it had to be someone who wasn't better looking than me . . . and they achieved it." --It doesn't sound like Simon knows Steven all that well, but he did say that he seems like a nice guy . . . and that RANDY JACKSON has told him they're having fun. --When asked if he thought doing "Idol" might damage Steven's rock credibility . . . which has been a running criticism from some people . . . Simon merely said, quote, "It's a fun job. You've got to take it like that. You can't take it too seriously."
HOLIDAY WEEKEND TV REMINDERS
Wednesday TV Reminders: (--Check your local listings.)
--"The Middle" . . . 8:00 to 8:30 P.M. on ABC. (--Norm McDonald guest stars as Mike's tent-dwelling brother Rusty when he joins the family for Thanksgiving dinner.)
--"Merry Madagascar" . . . 8:00 to 8:30 P.M. on NBC. (--The animals of the zoo crew are on the loose to save Christmas.)
--"Kung Fu Panda Holiday Special" . . . 8:30 to 9:00 P.M. on NBC. (--The animals from "Kung-Fu Panda" gather to celebrate the Winter Feast.)
--"Survivor: Nicaragua" . . . 8:00 to 9:00 P.M. on CBS. (--Highlights and previously unaired footage from season 21.)
--"Drake: Live From Radio City Music Hall" . . . 9:00 to 10:00 P.M. on Fuse. (--Drake performs songs from his album "Thank Me Later".)
--"The Biggest Loser: Where Are They Now?" . . . 9:00 to 11:00 P.M. on NBC. (--Updates for more than 30 contestants from the first nine seasons.)
--"Primetime: Celebrity Plastic Surgery Gone Too Far?" . . . 10:00 to 11:00 P.M. on ABC. (--How plastic surgery in Hollywood has changed the nature of celebrity, with Heidi Montag, Janice Dickinson and British pop star Pete Burns.)
Thanksgiving TV Reminders: (--Check your local listings.)
--"Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade" . . . 9:00 A.M. to Noon on NBC. (--Al Roker Matt Lauer, and Meredith Vieira host. Celebrity guests are Miranda Cosgrove, Victoria Justice, Big Time Rush, Jessica Simpson and Jimmy Fallon.)
Thanksgiving Day Football:
--"New England Patriots vs. the Detroit Lions" . . . 12:30 to 3:30 P.M. ET on CBS.
--"New Orleans Saints vs. the Dallas Cowboys" . . . 4:15 to 7:15 P.M. ET on Fox.
--"Cincinnati Bengals vs. the New York Jets" . . . 8:20 to 11:20 P.M. ET on NFL.
--"A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving" . . . 8:00 to 9:00 P.M. on ABC.
--"Taylor Swift - Speak Now" . . . 8:00 to 9:00 P.M. on NBC. (--A documentary that follows Taylor Swift as she performs, meets and greets fans through autograph signings and attends recording sessions.)
--"CNN Heroes: An All Star Tribute" . . . 8:00 to 10:00 P.M. on CNN. (--Anderson Cooper hosts a tribute to everyday people who change our lives. Sugarland, John Legend and Bon Jovi perform. Presenters include Demi Moore, Halle Berry, LL Cool J, Kid Rock and Eva Longoria.)
--"Punkin Chunkin 2010" . . . 8:00 to 10:00 P.M. on Discovery Channel. (--Engineers unleash their pumpkin-launching machines in Bridgeville, Delaware.)
--"NBC's People of the Year" . . . 9:00 to 10:00 P.M. on NBC. (--Matt Lauer takes a look back on the most notable people of 2010.)
--"Beyoncé: I Am...World Tour" . . . 9:30 to 11:00 P.M. on ABC. (--Beyoncé shares highlights and backstage clips from her summer concert tour.)
--"The Apprentice" . . . 10:00 to 11:00 P.M. on NBC. (--The contestants must write, direct, produce and star in a live sales segment on a home-shopping network. Fashion designer Isaac Mizrahi guests.)
Friday TV Reminders: (--Check your local listings.)
--"The Fran Drescher Tawk Show" [SERIES Premiere] . . . 2:00 to 3:00 P.M. on Fox. (--She hasn't announced any of her guests yet, but you'll find them here.)
--"Young Justice" [SERIES Premiere] . . . 7:00 to 8:00 P.M. on Cartoon Network. (--This new animated series features sidekicks Robin, Kid Flash, Aqualad, Superboy, Miss Martian, and Artemis getting the chance to test their true potential.)
--"TV's Funniest Holiday Moments" . . . 8:00 to 10:00 P.M. on Fox. (--"Glee's" Jane Lynch hosts this stroll down memory lane, which includes holiday clips from "Cheers", "Family Guy", "Married...With Children" and "Friends", to name a few.)
--"School Pride" [1st Season Finale] . . . 8:00 to 9:00 P.M. on NBC.
--"Shine A Light" . . . 9:00 to 11:30 P.M. on VH1. (--The Rolling Stones perform from New York City's Beacon Theatre in 2006.)
--"20/20" . . . 10:00 to 11:00 P.M. on ABC. (--Barbara Walters interviews the President and First Lady Michelle Obama at the White House. Topics include the Democrats November reversals and current issues in the news.)
Saturday TV Reminders: (--Check your local listings.)
--"Grand Ole Opry Live" . . . 7:00 to 9:00 P.M. on GAC. (--Crystal Gale, The Del McCoury Band, Connie Smith and Jesse McReynolds perform.)
--"Austin City Limits" . . . 9:00 to 10:00 P.M. on PBS. (--R.E.M.) (REPEAT)
--"Behind the Music: Lynyrd Skynyrd" . . . 9:00 to 10:00 P.M. on VH1 Classic.
--"Call Me Mrs. Miracle" . . . 9:00 to 11:00 P.M. on the Hallmark Channel. (--Doris Roberts from "Everybody Loves Raymond" plays an angel named Mrs. Merkle, who spreads Christmas cheer and helps a store improve its holiday business.)
--"Triassic Attack" . . . 9:00 to 11:00 P.M. on Syfy. (--"Eureka's" Colin Ferguson directs this movie about a roadside museum owner who accidentally brings three dinosaur fossils to life.)
--"That Metal Show" . . . 11:00 P.M. to Midnight on VH1 Classic. (--Jason Bonham and Poison's Rikki Rockett are guests.)
--"Saturday Night Live" . . . 11:30 P.M. to 1:00 A.M. on NBC. (--Bryan Cranston guest hosts and Kanye West is the musical guest.) (REPEAT)
Sunday TV Reminders: (--Check your local listings.)
--"Sunday Night Football" . . . 8:15 to 11:15 P.M. Eastern on NBC. (--The Indianapolis Colts host the San Diego Chargers at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana.)
--"The Dog Who Saved Christmas Vacation" . . . 8:00 to 10:00 P.M. on ABC Family. (--Mario Lopez is a dog trying to rescue another dog from a thief who wants the diamonds in her collar. The other dog's played by Paris Hilton, and Dean Cain is the dognapping thief.)
--"The Simpsons" . . . 8:00 to 8:30 P.M. on Fox. (--Racing minx Danica Patrick and Rachel Weisz guest star when Bart comes across an injured pigeon.)
--"Sonny with a Chance" . . . 9:00 to 9:30 P.M. on Disney Channel. (--Joe Jonas guest stars as himself. He also joins Demi Lovato for an original holiday song that we assume was recorded in happier times.)
--"Fantasia For Real" [2nd Season Finale] . . . 9:00 to 9:30 P.M. on VH1.
--"Bridalplasty" [SERIES Premiere] . . . 9:00 to 10:00 P.M. on E! (--Twelve "brides-to-be" compete in wedding-themed challenges for the chance to win plastic surgery procedures from their wish lists.)
--"November Christmas" . . . 9:00 to 11:00 P.M. on CBS. (--A little girl with a life-threatening illness brings an entire neighborhood together to help create some special holiday memories early.)
--"Soul Train Awards" . . . 9:00 to 11:30 P.M. on BET. (--Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson are your hosts. Performers include Cee-Lo, Ne-Yo, R. Kelly, Erykah Badu, Keyshia Cole, Tamia, Tank, Chrisette Michelle, and Bruno Mars.) (--Here are your nominees . . .) http://www.bet.com/specials/soultrainawards10/nominees/
--"American Dad" . . . 9:30 to 10:00 P.M. on Fox. (--Lou Diamond Phillips plays Stan's rich half brother when he stops by for a Thanksgiving visit.)
--"Paranormal State" [5th Season Finale] . . . 9:30 to 10:00 P.M. on A&E.
--"Kate Plus 8" [2nd Season Premiere] . . . 10:00 to 10:30 P.M. on TLC.
--"Psychic Kids: Children of the Paranormal" [3rd Season Finale] . . . 10:00 to 11:00 P.M. on A&E.
--"Top Gear" . . . 10:00 to 11:00 P.M. on History. (--Dominic Monaghan test drives a car and drift champion Tanner Foust competes in a race between sports cars and skiers.)
--"Snapped" [7th Season Finale] . . . 10:00 to 11:00 P.M. on Oxygen.
Axl Rose Is Suing the Makers of "Guitar Hero" for Breach of Contract . . . Basically Because the Game Promoted Slash Too Much:
GUNS N' ROSES singer AXL ROSE is suing Activision . . . the company behind "Guitar Hero" . . . for "fraud, breach of contract and unjust enrichment," among other things. --Here's the deal: Axl is upset over the misuse of "Welcome to the Jungle" in "Guitar Hero 3". Now, he DID have a deal with Activision that allowed them to use the song, but he claims there were CONDITIONS in the contract that were ignored. --And interestingly enough, they involved promoting his former guitarist SLASH. Basically, Axl is upset that the game "prominently features Slash imagery in direct connection" with the song. --He also says the game "exploits the prior association between Slash and Guns N' Roses, promotes Slash's and [Velvet Revolver's] separate interests and includes [Velvet Revolver] tracks as available downloads, all of which was and is directly contrary to the contractual obligations." (--Even though it's Slash's guitar work you hear on "Welcome to the Jungle", he was long gone from the band by the time the "Guitar Hero" games started coming out.) --If that's true, Axl might have a case, because Slash was plastered ALL OVER that game. His image was on the box, posters, and he was even a playable character. --Axl is seeking $20 million in damages. Activision hasn't responded to the suit. (--"Guitar Hero 3" came out over THREE YEARS AGO. It's unclear why it took Axl so long to file this lawsuit. But it's definitely not surprising . . . Axl doesn't really get around to ANYTHING in a timely manner.)
THE BEATLES' FIRST WEEK ITUNES SALES NUMBERS ARE OUT:
THE BEATLES sold more than 450,000 albums and 2 MILLION individual tracks worldwide in their first week on iTunes. (--Apple announced that the Beatles were FINALLY available in the iTunes store last Tuesday morning.) --According to iTunes, the best-selling album in the U.S. was "Abbey Road". The most popular individual track was "Here Comes the Sun", which was written by GEORGE HARRISON. (--It was released on "Abbey Road" in 1968.) (--The most popular album and track worldwide was not revealed.)
Beyoncé Clarifies the New Genre She's Creating:
BEYONCÉ recently said that she was creating "her own genre of music" for her next album, which will feature "live instruments." (--And we had some fun with that . . . because there was a time, not long ago, when music with "live instruments" was just called MUSIC.) --But she's now clarifying that her "own genre" will be more mash-up than new. Beyoncé explains, quote, "Well, I wouldn't say I'm inventing a new genre. I'm mixing every type of genre that I love . . . and I'm inspired by every type of genre. --"I'm not in a box. It's not R&B. It's not typically pop. It's not rock. It's just everything I love all mixed together in my own little gumbo of music."
David Bowie Taught Bono How to Sing Beyond His "Man Voice":
Bono tells "Rolling Stone" that U2 "owes DAVID BOWIE a lot." Among other things, Bono says Bowie inspired him to go beyond his, quote, "man voice." -He explains, quote, "It's the high singing, beyond your 'man' voice into the feminine. And there's the staging, the attempt to be innovative. --"Bowie wasn't afraid to use scale, to dramatize things. His set list was not just a jukebox he could run through. It was drama."
Here Are Some Videos of Kids Acting Out Kanye West's Tweets:
The site Babelgum.com has produced a series of seven videos, in which kids act out the context of KANYE WEST'S Tweets. No joke. --Some of the Tweets enacted include: "Man . . . ninjas are kind of cool . . . I just don't know any personally." And "Who's seen the play 'Wicked'? I've seen it four times! Other than loving the music, acting and costumes . . . it's my story!!!"
(--It's pretty fun. You can check out all seven videos, here . . .)
http://www.popeater.com/2010/11/23/kanye-twitter-kids-video/
(--And as a bonus, here's video of a GRANDMA reading Kanye's Tweets. ***WARNING: It contains UNCENSORED PROFANITY.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y82ss2DhaHo
(--Here's the link to Kanye's Twitter if you would like to produce your OWN shenanigans with his Tweets . . .)
http://twitter.com/KanyeWest
TAYLOR SWIFT HAS ANNOUNCED THE DATES OF HER WORLD TOUR:
TAYLOR SWIFT will be doing a massive 19-country tour next year. The "Taylor Swift Speak Now World Tour 2011" will kick off February 9th in Singapore and make stops in Asia and Europe before hitting the states. --The North American trek will pick up on May 27th and 28th in Omaha, Nebraska, and wrap October 8th in Dallas, Texas. (--Taylor's site has the dates and details . . .)
http://www.taylorswift.com/news/o1287965052241?post=taylor-announces-speak-now-world-tour-20110.12002400%201290556850
SHOWBIZ EXTRAS
Wannabe actor Michael Brea . . . who had bit parts on "Ugly Betty" and in the movie "Step Up 3D" . . . killed his mother with a SAMURAI SWORD in her Brooklyn apartment . . . apparently because he felt she hadn't accepted Jesus.
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/ny_crime/2010/11/23/2010-11-23_brooklyn_mom_stabbed_to_death_with_sword_by_her_son_police_say.html#ixzz167nERVap
RELATED COMEDY: A guy was just arrested for decapitating his mom with a samurai sword while screaming biblical passages. No joke here, just a reminder you're about to spend several days with some crazy people known as your relatives.
AMY WINEHOUSE is vacationing in Barbados, where she made a new friend. It's a monkey. (???)
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/bizarre/3241242/Amy-Winehouse-has-got-a-new-monkey-man.html
BILLY JOEL had hip surgery over the weekend. (--He's 61.)
http://www.contactmusic.com/news.nsf/story/joel-undergoes-surgery-on-bad-hip_1185794
"Grey's Anatomy" is doing a MUSICAL episode. There's no word yet on an airdate.
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/greys-anatomy-air-musical-episode-48392
NAZZY’S RANDOM STUFF
THANKSGIVING MADNESS
The Cost of a Classic Thanksgiving Dinner Is Up 1.3% This Year . . . But Is Still Amazingly Cheap:
Every year, the American Farm Bureau Federation puts out the results of its price survey to figure out how much it costs to serve a classic Thanksgiving dinner. And, somehow, it's always cheaper than taking the family out for value meals at Arby's.
--This year they ran their 25th annual survey, and the total cost of a Thanksgiving dinner is up 1.3% from last year . . . taking it to $43.47 for a meal for 10, or $4.35 per person. Last year the cost was $42.91, or 56 cents less.
--That cost includes turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, rolls with butter, peas, cranberries, carrots and celery, pumpkin pie with whipped cream, coffee, and milk.
--The most expensive part of the meal is a 16-pound turkey, which has an average cost this year of $17.66, or about $1.10 per pound. That's about six cents per pound cheaper than last year.
--A gallon of whole milk had the biggest price jump in the past year, up 38 cents from $2.86 to $3.24.
--When the AFBF started running the price survey in 1986, the cost of this meal was $28.74.
--Adjusted for inflation, that would be about $55.50 in today's dollars . . . meaning that the price of serving a Thanksgiving dinner has actually gone down by more than $10 in the past two-and-a-half decades. (American Farm Bureau)
The Best Place To Celebrate Thanksgiving This Year Is . . . Akron, Ohio?
Apparently, if you want to have the best Thanksgiving celebration this year, you should take your talents to . . . Akron, Ohio. Yes, really. According to a study by Pepto-Bismol and BestPlaces.net, there ain't no Thanksgiving like an Akron Thanksgiving. --They ran a survey that asked where you're going for Thanksgiving, how many people are attending, and how many dishes are being served. They also looked at data on the increase in inbound holiday airport traffic and turkey consumption. --And when you add that up, Akron is #1. They have some of the largest Thanksgiving dinners, at 7.63 people and 6.44 dishes. The airport there sees a 3.78% increase. And they consume 105% more turkey than average. The rest of the top 10 are:
#2.) West Palm Beach-Boca Raton, Florida
#3.) Columbus, Ohio
#4.) Fort Worth-Arlington, Texas
#5.) Las Vegas, Nevada
#6.) Rochester, New York
#7.) Salt Lake City, Utah
#8.) Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota
#9.) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
#10.) Warren-Troy-Farmington Hills, Michigan (BestPlaces.net)
Today Is "National Opt-Out Day" . . . So There Could Be Unprecedented Security Lines At the Airport:
If you're flying out of town on a red-eye tonight . . . you might want to head to the airport NOW. Because you may find yourself face-to-face with lines like you've NEVER seen. --By now, everyone knows about the TSA's new screening plan. About 20% of people will be selected for FULL-BODY SCANS that show what's under your clothes. You can refuse . . . and instead get a full-contact, intimate pat-down. --So a movement started online to make today National Opt-Out Day. That means: If you get selected for a body scan, protest by saying NO . . . and make the TSA officer pat you down instead. --The thought here is that pat-downs take longer . . . about four minutes, versus the body scans that take 10 seconds. And if everyone's opting out and slowing the process down, it will send a message to the TSA and the federal government. --The choice of today for National Opt-Out Day is no coincidence . . . the Wednesday before Thanksgiving is the biggest and busiest travel day of the year. --If you try to opt out of the full-body scan AND the pat-down you could be facing an arrest or a fine up to $11,000. (Newser)
Word of the Day Special: Thanksgiving Words and Phrases:
turkey drop (noun) /turr key drahp/ - occurs when a college freshman returns home for the first time at Thanksgiving and now, having been away for a few months, promptly dumps their boyfriend or girlfriend from high school. --Example: Jeff got home Wednesday night from Arizona State and by Friday, he'd dumped Jenny. Vintage turkey drop.
Mayflower (verb) /may flowh ur/ - (alt.) a sexual act similar to the motorboat. A gentleman places his face between a woman's breasts but, instead of making boat engine sounds, he gobbles like a turkey. --Example: To spice things up on Thanksgiving, I'm going to Mayflower the hell out of those fine, fine breasts later.
Tetri-giving (noun) /teht rih give ing/ - the act of rearranging the contents of your refrigerator to accommodate Thanksgiving leftovers. Compound word based on the popular video game "Tetris" and the holiday Thanksgiving. --Example: We have enough leftovers for a month . . . it's going to take all of my Tetri-giving skills to get all these into the fridge.
Johnson & Johnson Has Recalled Almost Five Million Packages of Benadryl, Motrin, and Rolaids:
Here's a VERY IMPORTANT public safety notice. -Johnson & Johnson just announced that they're recalling almost FIVE MILLION packages of Benadryl, Motrin, and Rolaids, quote, "because of manufacturing insufficiencies." --The products were made at a plant in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania . . . a factory that they shut down earlier this year because of quality-control issues and unsanitary conditions. --They're recalling Children's Benadryl Allergy Fastmelt Tablets in cherry and grape . . . Junior Strength Motrin Caplets, 24-count . . . and cherry-flavored Rolaids extra-strength Softchews. --Now . . . this ISN'T a case where you should take those products back to the store. Johnson & Johnson says they're safe and they haven't received any reports of problems. --But they are recalling them from stores and distributors, so no more of those products from that factory are going to be sold. --In other words . . . you can still take them if you have them . . . but, from us to you, since the company thinks they're worth recalling, you might not want to. (Wall Street Journal)
America's Gonorrhea Rate Is At an All-Time Low!
--According to a new report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the gonorrhea rate in this country is at an all-time low. --In 2009 there were 301,174 cases of gonorrhea reported, for a rate of 99.1 cases per 100,000 people. To compare, at its peak in 1975, there were 999,937 cases of gonorrhea, or 464.1 per 100,000. --Syphilis is also down compared to the past several decades. In 2009, there were 44,828 syphilis cases, or 14.7 per 100,000 people. That's WAY down from even 20 years ago . . . in 1990, there were 54.3 cases per 100,000 people. --BUT . . . chlamydia rates keep going up. And they have every year since 1984 when the CDC started monitoring it. Last year there were 1,244,180 reported cases of chlamydia, or 409.2 for every 100,000 people. --Gonorrhea, syphilis, and chlamydia only add up to be about 10% of the total STD cases in the U.S. . . . herpes and HPV are MUCH more widespread. --But we don't have exact numbers on those . . . only gonorrhea, syphilis, and chlamydia cases HAVE to be reported to the CDC. (Los Angeles Times)
Airbrushed Photos Aren't Just For Celebrities Anymore . . . The New Trend Is Digitally Altered School Pictures:
Photos of celebrities on magazine covers . . . and inside of "Playboy" . . . have been airbrushed and digitally altered for decades. So it was really only a matter of time until the rest of our IMAGE-OBSESSED CULTURE hopped on the bandwagon. --According to reports, the newest trend in altered and enhanced photos is . . . SCHOOL PICTURES. --Kids who show up on picture day with scratches on their faces, messed up hair, braces . . . or, of course, the legendary picture day pimple . . . can choose to fix the blemishes for a small fee. --Joseph Sell manages the New York branch of Lifetouch, which takes about 30 million student pictures every year. He says about 10% of them are retouched . . . and by high school, that number gets closer to 50%. --He says the most common alterations they make are little tweaks like getting rid of the glare from eyeglasses . . . but they can whiten teeth, remove a cowlick, or add a tie or long sleeves. Quote, "There's really not much limit [on what we can do]." --Of course, some people think that paying to have your kid's school photos digitally altered is WRONG. Kids aren't supposed to look perfect . . . and do we really want to send them the wrong message? --Dr. Bradley Peterson is the chief of child and adolescent psychiatry at Columbia University. He says, quote, "What supports healthy growth of the child and capacity to love themselves is parental idealization, that this child is perfect." -So if a parent has their school photo airbrushed or altered, quote, "it can inadvertently send [the] message 'I perceive you as less than perfect and not ideal.'" (N.Y. Times)
The Way You Nag Your Kids About Food Can Make Them Picky Eaters or Overeaters . . . For Life:
If you have any kind of COMPLEX when it comes to food . . . and, let's be honest, pretty much EVERYONE has some kind of food issues . . . it's safe to say your therapist is right. It's your parents' fault. --A new study at University College London found that the way parents nag their kids about food has a direct impact on how that kid will grow up feeling about food, eating, health, weight . . . everything. --Parents who are strict about what their kids eat . . . either by denying junk food or by pressuring them to try a bunch of different things and not just their favorites . . . often end up having kids who grow up to become OVEREATERS. --And on the other side, parents who tell their kids to clean everything on their plate can end up raising kids who turn out to be PICKY EATERS. (Reuters)
The Internet Is Killing Our Ability To Spell . . . And There Are Plenty of People Who Are Fine With That:
Anyone who's read comments on YouTube or tried to decipher a tweet written by someone born in the '90s knows one thing: The Internet is doing everything it can to MURDER the fine art of spelling. --And it turns out that there are plenty of people who are cool with that. --According to a study by Manchester University in England, 66% of people 18 to 24 say that they think dictionaries should start adapting their spellings to match what people are typing on the Internet. --They didn't give specifics, but that could include acronyms like LOL . . . misspelled words like using y-o-u-r and y-o-u-apostrophe-r-e interchangeably . . . or randomly sticking apostrophes before the letter "s" in plural words. --The survey also found that 22% of people 18 to 24 say they wouldn't be confident writing an important email without using a dictionary or spell-check . . . they have THAT little faith in recognizing proper versus improper spelling. --Lucy Jones, who led the study, says, quote, "We are witnessing the effect these linguistic variations are having on children born into the computer age . . . they do not question their existence." (The Independent)
A New Study Finally Answers the Question: Who's Smarter, Cats or Dogs?
Here's another missile fired in the never-ending war between dog people and cat people. A new study out of Oxford University wanted to answer the question: Who's SMARTER, cats or dogs? --And the winner is . . . DOGS.
--The study found that, over millions of years, dog intelligence has evolved faster than cat intelligence. Dogs' brains have grown relative to the sizes of their bodies much more than cats' brains. --The researchers believe this happens because dogs are more SOCIAL animals . . . cats are more loners. --Other mammals who've evolved to be smarter also live in social groups . . . like horses, dolphins and camels. Animals that live more isolated . . . like cats, deer and rhinos . . . haven't seen their brains grow as much. --Dr. Susanne Shultz led the study. She says, quote, "Dogs have always been regarded as more social animals [than] cats. But it appears that interaction is good for the brain. --"All dogs are quite good at solving problems. Dogs descended from wolves which appear to have the biggest brains as they live in large family groups." --She says this also extends to other species . . . including humans. Quote, "We are even more social than monkeys and apes and it's this ability to get along with each other that has helped us dominate the planet." (The Telegraph)
A Cat Saves Her Owner from a House Fire by Waking Her Up With Paws To the Face:
Cats may SEEM like they're totally indifferent to you and couldn't care less if you live or die . . . but deep down, your cat cares. It cares. --41-year-old Michelle Prince of Peacehaven, in East Sussex, England, has a 17-year-old cat named Tizzy. And Tizzy cares about her. Enough to SAVE HER LIFE. --Last week, in the middle of the night, Michelle was sleeping when a heater she was using set some curtains on fire. --Michelle didn't wake up from the fire, but Tizzy did. --So Tizzy jumped on the bed and started tapping Michelle on the nose over and over with her paw. She was also meowing loudly over and over. --Finally Michelle woke up . . . and saw the fire. She was able to put it out before it could spread. --She says, quote, "[Tizzy] is a hero because she really did save my life. The whole bedroom would have gone up. I dread to think what would have happened." (The Argus)
Botox Makes Your Life Better In Every Way?
When you get Botox, you're paying big money to have a TOXIN injected into your face. But at least it'll make you SMILE . . . ya know, assuming it doesn't paralyze your face and make facial expressions impossible. --According to a new study, published in the journal "Dermatologic Surgery", people who got Botox reported higher self-esteem and higher overall quality of life than people in a control group. --The study didn't say this, but there IS a chance that people who get Botox have a higher quality of life because they've got more MONEY than the rest of us. (UPI)
A Robber Tries To Rob a Pizzeria Owner By Grabbing His Bag Full Of . . . Pizza Dough:
It's good to see a MEATBALL CRIMINAL like this finally get locked up. Back in June of 2008, 25-year-old Salvatore LaRosa of Staten Island, New York, and an unknown accomplice, decided to rob the owner of a pizza shop. --Salvatore and his friend followed the owner home, then pulled guns on him and demanded the bag in his hand. The owner resisted, so the robbers shot him in the legs . . . then grabbed the bag and ran off. --Well . . . turns out the bag wasn't QUITE the sack of money they were hoping for. No . . . it was actually a sack of PIZZA DOUGH that the man was taking home. --FINALLY, after more than two years, the crime was traced to Salvatore. And on Friday, he surrendered to authorities. (New York Daily News)
Wednesday's random News Extras:
39.6% of travelers say economy is "somewhat" affecting their plans . . . 17% say "very much." 54% are cutting back on expensive activities. 28% say cost is the most stressful part of air travel. 24% say delays.
http://news.travel.aol.com/2010/11/22/economy-wont-keep-holiday-travelers-home/
People with Type 1 diabetes are upset that they often get confused with Type 2 . . . and people tell them they should lose weight. "I hate Type 2. I call it wuss diabetes," says one Type 1-er. They want a different name for their diabetes so they don't have to be ashamed.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/health/ct-met-diabetes-rift-20101122,0,6585739.story
Three people are arrested for a drunken brawl at baby shower where they beat on each other . . . and then a cop who came to break things up.
http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/easton/index.ssf/2010/11/three_arrested_for_disorderly.html
A man spends five days shipwrecked on an island before the Coast Guard finds him and rescues him. He had a working cell phone the whole time but didn't want anyone to know he got shipwrecked. His plan: Fix his boat and get home without anyone knowing.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/11/22/BA8N1GFV82.DTL
NAZZY’S SILLY VIDEOS OF THE DAY
#1.) A Woman Is Already Camping Out In Front of Best Buy for Black Friday:
A woman in St. Petersburg, Florida is already camping out in front of a Best Buy store so she can be the first person to take advantage of the Black Friday sales. And this didn't just start today. She's been there since MONDAY. --A news crew talked to her, and the video is hilarious because she basically set up a shanty town outside. And meanwhile, NORMAL people have been walking in and out of the store all week. (--Search for "first person camping Black Friday video.")
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GA0TtJPt_lQ
#2.) Cookie Monster Wants to Host "Saturday Night Live":
BETTY WHITE got to host "Saturday Night Live" this year after fans started a campaign on the Internet. And now COOKIE MONSTER from "Sesame Street" is doing the same thing. -There's a new video on YouTube where he says he wants to host and makes his case by showing an "audition tape". --It's basically a mini-episode where he parodies MacGruber, Weekend Update, and also stars as the musical guest. (--Search for "Cookie Monster auditions for Saturday Night Live." His audition tape starts at 1:11.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-PkQRh3QXA
#3.) Daniel Radcliffe Doesn't Play Harry Potter . . . He IS Harry Potter:
FunnyOrDie.com posted an interview with DANIEL RADCLIFFE where he pretends to be delusional and says he IS Harry Potter . . . and that he's actually playing the CHARACTER of Daniel Radcliffe. --He goes on to explain that he doesn't have to fight bad guys anymore because he already killed them all. So now he mostly just "chills out" and hits on women.
(--Search for "FunnyOrDie.com I Am Harry Potter.")
http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/a1c04ce68e/i-am-harry-potter
#4.) A Guy Made An Organ Out of PVC Pipes:
Some guy made a pipe organ out of PVC pipes, and there's a new video on the Internet of him doing an awesome medley of songs. He plays "Bad Romance" by LADY GAGA, the theme song from "The Office", and everything in between.
(--Search for "PVC pipe organ." At 5:05, a second guy jumps in and they really go nuts.)
http://www.collegehumor.com/video:1943983
#5.) Someone Had Their Grandmother Read Kanye West's Tweets:
Someone on YouTube had their grandmother read a few of KANYE WEST'S random Tweets, including one that said, quote, "Never do coke with an intern [because] they might not be 21." (--Search for "Grandma reads Kanye's Tweets.")
(--WARNING: This video includes profanity.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y82ss2DhaHo
#6.) Here's What a Theme Park Looks Like If No One Visits for Five Years:
Okay, this is a bit of a downer, but it's also really interesting: The Six Flags theme park in New Orleans shut down on August 27th, 2005 when Hurricane Katrina was about to hit . . . and it never reopened. --It's scheduled to be demolished in January, so a filmmaker went there and made a seven-minute video showing the abandoned theme park.
(--Search for "abandoned Six Flags New Orleans tour.")
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bcja8UBtXdk
#7.) And Now . . . Muay Thai Boxing with Little People:
The only thing more exciting than Muay Thai boxing is Muay Thai boxing with LITTLE PEOPLE. Yes, this actually exists, and there's video of it on YouTube. --It shows one little guy, and one REALLY little guy, and the REALLY little guy wins. It looks staged, but it's still way better than REGULAR boxing.
(--Here are two versions: One with the original sound, and one with an INTENSE soundtrack. Search for "midgets killer Muay Thai boxing." In both videos, the smaller guy "knocks out" the bigger guy at 7:14.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFk09yCDDpI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGNJY6VopYE
--As an added bonus, check out the YouTube video of a dwarf breakdancing while being sexually assaulted by his own dog.
(--Search for "dog humping breakdancing midget." The assault begins at :21.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LA8HC15xNY
Five Ways To Eat Fewer Calories on Thanksgiving:
If you're like most people, you'll probably forget about your diet and pig out on Thanksgiving. But if DON'T feel like eating your own weight in turkey, here's a list of five ways to eat fewer calories tomorrow . . .
#1.) Eat White Meat. Dark meat has twice as much fat. And the correct serving is three ounces, which is about the same size as a deck of cards.
#2.) Eat Pumpkin Pie Instead of Pecan. One slice of pecan pie has around 500 calories. Pumpkin pie without whipped cream has 350.
#3.) Stay Away From the Candied Yams. A half-cup has 250 calories, and it's basically all sugar. In fact, they're even worse for you than regular MASHED potatoes, which have around 150 calories per serving if you don't add gravy.
#4.) Don't Eat Too Much Stuffing. It's loaded with salt, and it's even worse for you if you cook it IN the turkey because it soaks up extra fat.
#5.) If You're Planning to Drink Alcohol, Drink Wine. Mixed drinks usually have a lot of concentrated sugar, which adds empty calories. But a five-ounce glass of red or white wine has around 100 calories with no cholesterol, sodium, or fat. (Contra Costa Times)
posted by Nazzy @ 5:51 AM
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