Monday, June 13, 2011

HOLLYWOOD DIRT OVERFLOW (06-13-11)

TRACY MORGAN IS A HOMOPHOBE

(NC-17) Tracy Morgan Has Apologized for Launching Into a Homophobic Rant During a Stand-Up Gig Earlier This Month:


TRACY MORGAN apologized over the weekend for launching into a HOMOPHOBIC RANT during a stand-up gig at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee. --Apparently, they still use the Pony Express out there, because the gig was two Fridays ago . . . on June 3rd . . . and the situation didn't boil over until this past Friday . . . one week later. --The only reason it got any attention in the first place is because a gay audience member by the name of Kevin Rogers blogged about it on his Facebook page after the show. --We don't have any direct quotes, but what Kevin paraphrased of Tracy's act is still pretty shocking. Here are some passages from his blog . . . --"[He said] that the gays needed to quit being [wussies] and not be whining about something as insignificant as bullying. --"He mentioned that gay was something kids learn from the media and programming, and that bullied kids should just bust some ass and beat those other little [effers] that bully them, not whine about it." --If that's not wrong enough for you, how about this: "[Tracy said] if his son was gay he better come home and talk to him like a man and not [he mimicked a gay, high pitched voice] or he would pull out a knife and stab that little [N-word] to death." --Tracy also said that being gay is a CHOICE because God doesn't make mistakes. In other words, God wouldn't MAKE someone gay. (--Which is kind of an intolerant twist on the meaning of LADY GAGA'S "Born This Way".) --And he capped off his rant with the following . . . which I've had to paraphrase even FURTHER from this guy's blog, because it was still too raw . . . --"Tracy then said he didn't [effing] care if he pissed off some gays, because if they can take [being on the receiving end of some delicious anu-sex] . . . they can take a [effing] joke." --Some people booed and walked out, but we don't know how many. -Once this thing blew up, everybody from GLAAD on down was calling for Tracy's head on a stick. He quickly issued an apology. Here it is . . . --"I want to apologize to my fans and the gay and lesbian community for my choice of words at my recent stand-up act in Nashville. I'm not a hateful person and don't condone any kind of violence against others. --"While I am an equal opportunity jokester, and my friends know what is in my heart, even in a comedy club this clearly went too far and was not funny in any context." --For many advocacy groups, the apology isn't enough. GLAAD, for example, now wants Tracy to meet with, quote, "family members who have lost children to anti-gay violence in order to help him understand exactly why his rant touched so deep a nerve."


Tina Fey and Other Celebrities React to Tracy Morgan:

Several celebrities posted their reactions over the weekend to TRACY MORGAN'S homophobic rant. Perhaps most important among them was TINA FEY . . . Tracy's boss and co-star on "30 Rock". --She said Tracy's words were, quote, "disturbing to me at a time when homophobic hate crimes continue to be a life-threatening issue for the GLBT Community. --But she added, quote, "It also doesn't line up with the Tracy Morgan I know, who is not a hateful man and is generally much too sleepy and self-centered to ever hurt another person." --She said she hoped Tracy's apology would be accepted by his many gay co-workers, and added, quote, "The other producers and I pride ourselves on '30 Rock' being a diverse, safe, and fair workplace." --ALEC BALDWIN Tweeted, quote, "Oh that Tracy" . . . but when that seemed a little soft, he later added, quote, "No one's making excuses for Tracy." -CHEYENNE JACKSON . . . who plays Danny on "30 Rock" and is openly gay . . . was VERY unhappy with Tracy. He issued a statement saying, quote, "I am disgusted and appalled by Tracy Morgan's homophobic rant. --"The devastating repercussions of hate-filled language manifest in very real ways for today's LGBTQ youth. --"I've known Tracy for two years, spent many long hours with him on set, and I want to believe that this behavior is not at the core of who he is. I'm incredibly disappointed by his actions, and hope that his apology is sincere." --Meanwhile, CHRIS ROCK initially DEFENDED Tracy . . . but that was before he actually heard what Tracy said. He Tweeted, quote, "I don't know about you, but I don't want to live in world where Tracy Morgan can't say foul inappropriate [crap]." --After he got the whole story, he added, quote, "Wow I get it that [crap] wasn't called for and I don't support it at all. Now can I please go to the Tony awards without getting my ass kicked." --Rock's initial reaction didn't sit well with openly-lesbian comedian WANDA SYKES. She said, quote, "Ok, piss'd reading, 'I don't want 2 live n a world where Tracy can't say…' I Do! U Keep the world, just break me off an evolved country." --She also Tweeted, quote, "I do believe in free speech, but for a youth in TN or any other numerous place, Tracy just yelled, 'Fire,' in a crowded theater."


Selena Gomez Has Been Hospitalized Twice Since Thursday . . . Supposedly Due to Blood Pressure Issues:

SELENA GOMEZ has been hospitalized twice since Thursday . . . and TMZ says she has blood pressure issues. --Selena was rushed to the hospital Thursday following a taping of "The Tonight Show", because she was suffering from nausea and a severe headache. --Her reps said Friday that she was "on the mend" . . . but boyfriend JUSTIN BIEBER was worried enough that he skipped the Stanley Cup Finals in Vancouver to be with her. He had reserved a block of seats for Friday's game. (--This is HUGE, people. Justin is Canadian. If you have an opportunity to be at the Stanley Cup Finals, you don't back out for just anything.) --TMZ says Selena was back at the hospital on Saturday . . . and that she's undergone a number of tests for, quote, "blood pressure issues." At this point, nobody knows what the problem is. --The obvious rumor going around is that Selena is PREGNANT. As far as we know, that's NOT TRUE.
Jennifer Hudson Was Rushed to the Hospital with Stomach Pains Friday:

JENNIFER HUDSON was rushed to the hospital with severe stomach pains after performing on "Good Morning America" Friday. Turns out she had FOOD POISONING. --She was treated and released.


Russell Crowe Wants Jewish People to Leave Their Babies' Penises Alone:

RUSSELL CROWE touched off a minor controversy when he Tweeted that Jewish people should stop cutting the foreskins off their babies' penises. --The chaos began on Thursday, when a follower asked if he should have his son circumcised. --Russell replied, quote, "Circumcision is barbaric and stupid. Who are you to correct nature? Is it real that GOD requires a donation of foreskin? Babies are perfect." --Then he added, quote, "I love my Jewish friends, I love the apples and the honey and the funny little hats but stop cutting yr babies @eliroth." --ELI ROTH, as you may know, is the director of "Cabin Fever" and the "Hostel" movies. He also played the baseball bat-wielding Bear Jew in "Inglourious Basterds". --And he directed Russell in an upcoming movie called "The Man with the Iron Fist". And yes, he's Jewish. --Well, Eli didn't seem offended, because he jokingly responded, quote, "You didn't seem to be complaining when I was recutting you this afternoon..." --But when Russell got nasty Tweets from some of his other followers, he really went off . . . saying, quote, "I will always stand for the perfection of babies, i will always believe in God, not man's interpretation of what God requires. --"last of it, if u feel it is yr right 2 cut things off yr babies please unfollow and [eff] off, I'll take attentive parenting over barbarism." --By Friday morning, Russell had removed all his Tweets, and posted the following apology . . . quote, "I have a deep and abiding love for all people of all nationalities, I'm very sorry that I have said things on here that have caused distress. --"My personal beliefs aside I realize that some will interpret this debate as me mocking the rituals and traditions of others. I am very sorry."


Eli Roth Says Russell Crowe Is Not Anti-Semitic:

After RUSSELL CROWE'S circumcision controversy, ELI ROTH was quick to jump to his defense. He blames the media for blowing the whole thing out of proportion.--He said, quote, "The headline blatantly attempts to make Russell look like an anti-Semite. It's tabloid journalism at its worst. No one contacted either of us. It's terrible. Russell is a great person and respectful of all religions." --"The press is trying to terrify celebrities into not using Twitter. They want to show they can still ruin you. It's sickening." (--That's true. The controversy is over the act of circumcision itself, nothing more. Besides, people of ALL FAITHS get circumcised these days, and have for decades.)


Clarence Clemons Had a Stroke:

CLARENCE CLEMONS . . . the longtime saxophone player for BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN'S E STREET BAND . . . suffered a stroke yesterday at his home in Florida. --We don't know how severe it was, but one report said he was, quote, "seriously ill". --Clemons is 69 years old, and he's had a few health issues over the last decade or so . . . including spinal fusion surgery and having both knees replaced. --Last month, he performed with LADY GAGA on the season finale of "American Idol" . . . and also played on two tracks on her "Born This Way" album. --Back in February, Clemons told "Rolling Stone" he was going to keep performing with Bruce until the bitter end . . . quote, "As long as my mouth, hands and brain still work I'll be out there doing it. --"I'm going to keep going 'til I'm not there anymore. This is what's keeping me alive and feeling young and inspired."


Does Weston Cage Suffer From "Mental, Psychological and Physical Ailments"?

The mother of NICOLAS CAGE'S son WESTON wants to know more about how her son is being cared for. --Last week, we saw video of mom Christina Fulton angrily leaving the hospital, blaming Nic for their son's problems. --Now we're finding out that she filed legal papers on June 3rd demanding to be updated on Weston's condition. --In those papers, Christina refers to Weston as, quote, "medically challenged", and says he suffers from, quote, "a number of mental, psychological, and physical ailments [that require] round the clock supervision and parental care." --Christina's request was filed as part of her ongoing legal dispute with Nic. Last September, she sued him for $13 million, claiming that he mentally and emotionally abused her, evicted her from her home and removed Weston from her care. --Weston is clearly on his dad's side. He issued a statement Friday saying, quote, "I am an adult. I don't want to have anything to do with my mother. Any problems that I have ever had is because of the relationship that I had with my mother." --Christina's reply to that was, quote, "My son is under a spell, he's under a trance. Weston would say whatever his dad wants him to say."
Did Scarlett Johansson Break Up With Sean Penn Because He Told Her to Go Back to School?

We still don't know officially if SEAN PENN dumped SCARLETT JOHANSSON or vice versa . . . but the "National Enquirer" said it was Scarlett who walked out . . . because Sean was too controlling. --And it all came to a head at this year's White House Correspondents' Association Dinner, when Sean got upset about her lack of education about politics and told her she should go to school and take a political science course. --A source says, quote, "Scarlett loves him, but she had to end the romance because she felt she had no breathing room. She's a free spirit and just became fed up with him trying to take over every aspect of her life. --"Scarlett got tired of telling Sean to pull back. In the end, she wanted a mentor, not a father."


Is Mary-Kate Olsen Hooking Up with Kanye West?

This could be the most random hookup ever: E! Online says MARY-KATE OLSEN might be fornicating with KANYE WEST. They were supposedly seen making out at a New York City club last week. (--Mary-Kate and her sister Ashley turn 25 today, by the way. Kanye is 34.) (--On a related note, check out a video of Kanye playing Connect Four with JONAH HILL backstage at some event three years ago. WARNING!!! This video contains profanity.)


(NC-17) Bret Lockett Now Says He and Kim Kardashian Never Met In Person . . . But That She "Touched Herself" When They Were On the Phone:

New England Patriots safety BRET LOCKETT has kind of amended his description of his supposed relationship with KIM KARDASHIAN. --On CNN's "Showbiz Tonight" this weekend, Lockett admitted that he and Kim have NEVER MET FACE-TO-FACE. --But he maintains that they had a PHYSICAL relationship . . . because Kim was doing naughty things to herself while talking to him on the phone. He said, quote, "I've said before that it was a physical relationship. --"But when I mean 'physical' I say that meaning there was a physical aspect in the relationship, meaning that, I don't really want to get into the details, but she did tell me that she was, you know, touching herself in a physical way over the phone towards me." --Lockett claims the relationship started when actress LAUREN LONDON . . . who's a friend of Kim's . . . asked for his number on Kim's behalf. Ten minutes after he gave Lauren his digits, he got a call from Kim. --Lockett is ignoring Kim's legal threats to SHUT HIS STINKIN' TRAP, saying that he's telling the truth and has phone records, texts and pictures to prove it. (--You can listen to the interview here.)


Lauren London Says She Did NOT Hook Kim Kardashian Up with Bret Lockett:

BRET LOCKETT says actress LAUREN LONDON was the go-between who hooked him up with KIM KARDASHIAN. --Well, Lauren says that's not true at all. She claims she has an IMPOSTER . . . and her supposed involvement in this situation, or any quotes attributed to her in the tabloids, might actually be the work of this person. --Lauren issued a statement saying, quote, "To my family, friends, supporters and the media. I have an imposter. It is similar to identity theft because he/she constantly pretends to be me." --She added, quote, "The statements made about me in the Kim Kardashian story are 100% false. Please repost and thank you for your support."


"Super 8" Is the New #1 Movie in America:

"Super 8" earned $38 million since it opened on Thursday, making it this week's #1 movie at the box office. That a respectable haul, but it's well below what you'd expect from a collaboration between STEVEN SPIELBERG and "Lost" creator J.J. ABRAMS. --Some blame its lack of a blockbuster opening on lack of details about the characters or plot before the movie opened. But the studio doesn't act too concerned. Paramount expects "Super 8" to maintain a solid performance in theaters over the long haul.

1.) (NEW) "Super 8", $37 million. Up to $38 million since Thursday.

2.) "X-Men: First Class", $25 million. Up to $98.9 million in its 2nd week.

3.) "The Hangover Part 2", $18.5 million. Up to $217 million in its 3rd week.

Just Like We Said: There Will Be No Nude Scene for Hailee Steinfeld in "Romeo and Juliet":

Last week, the global media went absolutely MONKEY BALLS over a British tabloid report that 14-year-old "True Grit" star HAILEE STEINFELD was going to do a nude sex scene in a new version of "Romeo and Juliet". --When this "story" broke, we said there was a good chance it was just the British tabloids overreacting and sensationalizing things, like they usually do. And we're proud to say that WE NAILED IT. --Last week, we did see a script excerpt that called for nudity. But it turns out that the script was written with a 20-year-old actress in mind. --Director Carlo Carlei says, quote, "As soon as Hailee Steinfeld was cast, all nudity and lovemaking have been excised from the script. It will be romantic and age-appropriate for a 14-year-old."


Monday TV Reminders: (--Check your local listings.)

--"NHL Stanley Cup Finals" [Game 6] . . . 8:00 to 11:00 P.M. Eastern on NBC. (--The Boston Bruins host the Vancouver Canucks.)

--"The Secret Life of the American Teenager" [4th Season Premiere] . . . 8:00 to 9:00 P.M. on ABC Family.

--"Kickin' It" [SERIES Premiere] . . . 8:30 to 9:00 P.M. on Disney XD. (--Jason Earles stars as a sensei at a martial arts academy full of misfits. Your kids know him better as Miley Cyrus' brother Jackson on "Hannah Montana".)

--"The Real Housewives of Orange County" [Reunion Part 2] . . . 9:00 to 10:00 P.M. on Bravo.

--"Platinum Hit" . . . 10:00 to 11:00 P.M. on Bravo. (--Natasha Bedingfield guest judges as the songwriters take to the road for inspiration to create musical hooks.)

--"Love Games: Bad Girls Need Love Too" [2nd Season Finale] . . . 10:00 to 11:00 P.M. on Oxygen.


NEW ON VIDEO THIS WEEK

--"Red Riding Hood" - Amanda Seyfried stars in this werewolf version of the classic fairytale. Gary Oldman is a werewolf hunter who stirs up suspicion by telling the village that a wolf is living among them. And when he figures out that the wolf has some kind of connection to Amanda, he decides to sacrifice her as bait.

--"Battle: Los Angeles" - Aaron Eckhart leads a group of Marines in a battle to retake L.A. after the rest of the world has fallen to alien invaders. Ne-Yo and Michelle Rodriguez are also in it.

--"Hall Pass" - Owen Wilson and "SNL's" Jason Sudeikis foolishly take the bait when their wives release them from their marriage vows for one week. Jenna Fischer and Christina Applegate play their wives. It's directed by the Farrelly Brothers.

--"Big Mommas: Like Father Like Son" - In Martin Lawrence's third Big Momma movie, his son witnesses a murder so the two of them put on matching fat suits and go into hiding at an all girls school. His son's played by Brandon T. Jackson, who was rapper Alpa Chino in "Tropic Thunder" and the half-goat dude in "Percy Jackson".

--"Kill the Irishman" - Ray Stevenson plays an Irish mobster who started a turf war with the Italian mafia back in 1976. It's based on a true story, that included 36 bombings as the mob tried to take this guy out. The movie also stars Christopher Walken, Val Kilmer and "Law & Order: Criminal Intent's" Vincent D'Onofrio.

TV Series On DVD:

--"The Glades: Season 1" . . . a four-disc DVD set of A&E's cop show about a Chicago detective who takes a job in southern Florida. Season 2 just premiered last week.

--"Haven: The Complete First Season" . . . a four-disc DVD set of SyFy's show about an FBI agent investigating a small town in Maine that's plagued by the supernatural.

THIS WEEK'S NEW GAMES

"Transformers" and Two New Kinect Games Hit Stores This Week for Your Kids . . . While Adults Can Get the New "Alice" and "Duke Nukem" Games:

--"Transformers: Dark of the Moon" (T) . . . on Xbox360, PS3, Wii, DS and 3DS. This game takes place in between the events of the second and third "Transformers" movies. The Xbox 360 and PS3 versions include online multiplayer combat and the ability to customize your transformer with unique weapon load-outs.

Meanwhile the Wii version features something called Stealth Force mode. That gives you a third hybrid form that features the weapons and firepower of your robot form coupled with the agility and maneuverability of your vehicular form. (Trailer)

--"Alice: Madness Returns" (M) . . . on Xbox360, PS3 and PC. This is a violent sequel to a PC game that came out 11 years ago. You play a grown up Alice, who's been locked in an asylum while trying to suppress her memories of Wonderland. When she eventually returns to Wonderland, she has to fight for her life because it's been distorted by her deteriorating sanity. (Trailer)

--"Duke Nukem Forever" (M) . . . on Xbox360, PS3, and PC. Duke Nukem is back and volatile as ever. Aliens invade Earth for the fourth title, but you don't want to let your kids anywhere near this one since it's littered with animated breasts. Duke also exposes himself while he urinates and has the disgusting ability to throw human feces.

On the plus side though, it is littered with animated breasts . . . and you can kick huge aliens in their family jewels. The multiplayer action features shrink rays and freeze guns, and the single player mini games include pinball, pool, slot machines, shooting hoops, and lifting weights. (Trailer) (--Here's an UNCENSORED gameplay trailer.)

--"Child of Eden" (E10+) . . . an Xbox360 Kinect game. You use your hands to produce musical effects by shooting objects on the screen. Clapping your hands together changes weapons as you progress through the five levels. (Trailer)

--"Wipeout In the Zone" (E10+) . . . a Kinect game for the Xbox 360 which is based on ABC's "Wipeout". It features over 50 obstacles, for up to four players. (Trailer)

ESRB Game Ratings: (E) for Everyone; (T) for Teen; (M) for Mature (18+)


NEW MUSIC OUT THIS WEEK


--"Dream With Me", Jackie Evancho . . . the 11-year-old girl with the operatic voice who came in second on "America's Got Talent".

(--It includes her performing "When You Wish Upon a Star", a cover of the Sarah McLachlan song "Angel", and the "Phantom of the Opera" song "All I Ask of You".)

(--Plus, Susan Boyle duets with her on a song called "A Mother's Prayer", and Barbra Streisand sings with Jackie on the "West Side Story" song "Somewhere".)


--"2", Black Country Communion . . . the rock supergroup made up of Led Zeppelin drummer Jason Bonham, Black Sabbath bassist Glenn Hughes, blues guitarist Joe Bonamossa, and Dream Theater keyboardist Derek Sherinian.

--"All Things Bright and Beautiful", Owl City

--"Wild and Free", Ziggy Marley

--"15 Minutes", Barry Manilow (--The title is taken from the Andy Warhol quote that "in the future, everybody will be world famous for fifteen minutes." And the concept of the album was inspired by Britney's head-shaving meltdown.)

--"A Treasure", Neil Young (--A live album that was recorded on his 1984-1985 U.S. tour. It contains five previously unreleased songs.)


Jack White and Karen Elson Threw a Party to Celebrate Their Sixth Anniversary . . . and Their Impeding Divorce:

JACK WHITE, from the WHITE STRIPES, and his wife Karen Elson had their sixth anniversary on June 1st. And last Friday, they threw a big party for close family and friends to celebrate their impending DIVORCE. Seriously, they're getting divorced. --In a joint statement, they said, quote, "We remain dear and trusted friends and co-parents to our wonderful children Scarlett and Henry Lee. --"We feel so fortunate for the time we have shared and the time we will continue to spend both separately and together watching our children grow. In honor of that time shared, we are throwing a divorce party." --One of the invitations popped up online. It said, quote, "The party will include dancing, photos, memories, and drinks with alcohol in them. This is only for close personal friends and family. So please no plus-ones or dead beats." --"Please help us celebrate together this anniversary of the making and breaking of the sacred union of marriage with our best friends and animals." (--Here's the invite.)


Will.I.Am Needed to Check His Cell Phone to Remember the Lyrics to "Don't Stop the Party":

WILL.I.AM apparently forgot the words to the BLACK EYED PEAS song "Don't Stop the Party" . . . and had to use his cell phone to pull up the lyrics. --It happened while The Peas were performing live on a French TV show called "Taratata". --In fairness to Will, they were doing the song mash-up style with a Belgian rapper named STROMAE, who was performing in French . . . so that might have tripped him up. Will was still singing in English, though. (--Here's video. Will quietly pulls his phone out of his pocket 30 seconds in . . . and he launches into his first verse at the 1:10 mark. And at the 1:36 mark, he laughs and misses the line: "Never on that typical.")


Check Out Britney Spears Covering Madonna's "Burning Up":

A recording of BRITNEY SPEARS covering MADONNA'S 1983 single "Burning Up" has hit the Internet. (--You can listen to it, here.) --It's unclear if and when the cover will be released officially . . . but word has it Britney is planning to sing the cover on her new tour, which kicks off Thursday in Sacramento. (--And of course by "sing," I mean "lip-sync to this recording.")


Fat Joe Doesn't Want to Be Fat Anymore . . . Because He Doesn't Want to Die:

It's no secret how FAT JOE got his name. The guy is 6-foot-2, and 350-plus pounds. --Or at least he was up until about a year ago. That's when Fat Joe decided to pay attention to his health, because he's lost seven friends in their 30s to heart attacks, and he didn't want to be next. (--Fat Joe turns 41 in August.) --He says, quote, "What's the difference between me and them? Health doesn't discriminate just because I'm famous . . . I can't leave my daughter behind. I want to be here for her. I don't want to die on her." (--His daughter Azaryah is five.) --Fat Joe has lost 88 pounds over the past nine months. He's dropped from 350 pounds to 265, where he's at now. He's done that by replacing his old diet with "six small daily meals of fruit, veggies, whole grains and lean meats." --He's also doing two-hour cardio workouts and weightlifting sessions with a trainer. --Fat Joe says people have already started calling him "Skinny Joe" . . . quote, "They're all trying to alter my name, but I can't see myself as anything else. I think I gotta ask Diddy what my new name is." --Of course, it remains to be seen if he can stick to his new regimen. --In 2005, he lost 80 pounds . . . dropping from 370 to 290 . . . after being inspired by an episode of "Oprah". But he says he regained that weight because he "wasn't focused." --He adds, quote, "I'm addicted to food . . . I love food. It's like a crack addict . . . he hits rock bottom and he says, 'All right, forget it. I'm not going to get high anymore.'" (--Here are pictures of Fat Joe, before and after his weight loss.)


And Now . . . Suge Knight Is Doing a PETA Ad Campaign?

SUGE KNIGHT will do just about ANYTHING to remind you that he exists. And next on his list is: Appearing in an ad campaign for PETA. Suge's message is: Don't chain your dogs up in the backyard. --He says, quote, "Dogs deserve our love and attention not a life of 'solitary confinement' at the end of a chain. Dogs depend on us to take care of them, to keep them safe and healthy. --"Chaining a dog is one of the cruelest things you can to do them . . . they are social animals." Suge is expected to take part in a photo shoot as part of the campaign, but there aren't any details on when we might start seeing the pics.
MONDAY'S SHOWBIZ EXTRAS


Showbiz Extras . . . Random Links to Additional Stories:


LILY ALLEN is married . . . and pregnant. The ceremony went down in Britain on Saturday. Her husband is a "decorator and business owner" named Sam Cooper. Seven months ago, Lily and Sam announced they had a miscarriage. (Full Story)



"2 Fast 2 Furious" star DEVON AOKI has given birth to a baby boy. (Full Story)



TMZ has the audio of the 911 call that Dr. Phil made last month . . . after a family friend collapsed while playing tennis with his wife, Robin. (Audio)



BRAD PITT and ANGELINA JOLIE have donated $500,000 to aid recovery efforts in Joplin, Missouri. Brad said, quote, "With the devastating loss of 30% of the city, the Joplin community faces great challenges ahead. Having spent much of my childhood there, I know these people to be hardworking, humble and especially resilient." (Full Story)



5-foot-9-inch NBA star NATE ROBINSON was arrested for PEEING IN PUBLIC in White Plains, New York, on Friday. He'll be in court next week. (Full Story)



In 1989, ZSA ZSA GABOR infamously slapped a Beverly Hills cop in the face. The dress she was wearing at the time is going to be auctioned off, and whatever money it brings in will be used to pay for Zsa Zsa's medical bills. (Full Story)


Frank Sorrentino . . . the father of THE SITUATION from "Jersey Shore" . . . was hospitalized last week. He's feeling better . . . he was just suffering some side effects from changing his diabetes medication. (Full Story)



Sly and the Family Stone leader SLY STONE was arrested for cocaine possession back in April. Sly was supposed to be in court last Friday, but the date was pushed back because he's currently in the hospital with heart problems. Sly is 68 years old. (Full Story)



The site Shortlist.com has put out a list of the 50 Best Final Lines In Movies. They don't appear to be in any particular order. (Full Story)



CONAN O'BRIEN gave the commencement speech at Dartmouth yesterday, and a highlights video has made its way to YouTube. (Video)



"The Book of Mormon" cleaned up at the Tony's last night. It won NINE awards, including Best Musical. (--"The Book of Mormon" was written by "South Park" creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone, along with Robert Lopez, who co-wrote "Avenue Q".) (Full Story)



Would you like to see two guys play "Welcome to the Jungle" on CELLOS? Of course you would. (Video)



NAZZY’S RANDOM STUFF

35% of People Say They Seriously Regret Something They Posted Online:

Here's a reminder of just how DANGEROUS Facebook and Twitter can be. Even if you're not a Congressman. --According to a new survey, 35% of Americans say that they've posted something online that they regret. --People under 25 are most likely to regret something they've posted, at 54%. In other words, more than half of young people already have an online regret. 32% of people over 25 have one. --And of the people with regrets, a lot of them saw real consequences from the regrettable thing they posted. --6% of people say that what they posted caused problems at home or work. --And 3% say they've posted something online that RUINED their marriage or relationship. --Only 15% were able to completely remove what they posted. (Mashable)


Drinking Red Wine Increases a Woman's "Sexual Appetite":

According to a study out of Italy, drinking RED WINE increases a woman's, quote, "sexual appetite." And no, not just because she's drunk. --Doctors at the University of Florence tested three groups of sexually healthy women ages 18 to 50. One group drank one to two glasses of red wine a day, one group drank a few glasses a week, and one completely abstained from red wine. --In the end, the women who drank red wine daily reported higher sexual appetites and improved sexual performance. --The doctors think it could be because certain chemical compounds in red wine increase blood flow . . . including blood flow to the naughty parts . . . which helps a woman get turned on quicker and enjoy sex more. (Wine Enthusiast)


One In Three People Have Had a Workplace Romance?

This survey comes from France, and we're not sure if it applies here . . . those French are morally-questionable perverts after all . . . but if it even comes CLOSE, the numbers are still high. --The survey found that one out of three people say they've had a workplace romance. --Of those people, 63% say it was just a quick fling and wasn't serious . . . 17% say they were fine telling other people in the office about it . . . and 6% quit their jobs over it. But NO ONE was fired because of it. (Yahoo News)


What Will Bill Gates Be Leaving His Kids? Let's Just Say They Should be Furious:

We've heard in the past that BILL GATES is planning on giving almost ALL of his fortune to charity . . . and that he isn't planning on leaving all that much to his kids. He confirmed that in a brand new interview with a British newspaper. And his kids should be FURIOUS. --Gates has three kids, who are currently 15, 12, and nine. And when he dies, each of them will get . . . $10 MILLION. Because, he says, he doesn't think that more would be GOOD FOR THEM. --On the most recent "Forbes" billionaires list, Gates' net worth was estimated at $56 BILLION. He's already given away $28 BILLION to charity. --He did say that his kids TEASE him about his money . . . which might be why they're not getting much of it . . . by singing that TRAVIE MCCOY song "Billionaire" to him. --In the interview, Gates also said he's chosen to focus on curing malaria and not cancer because, quote, "The world is putting massive amounts into cancer, so my wealth would have had a meaningless impact on that." --And finally, in the interview, he was talking about MARK ZUCKERBERG and referred to Zuckerberg's girlfriend, Priscilla Chan, as, quote, "Mark's fiancée." --There's no official confirmation that Zuckerberg's engaged. (--And it might take a while to get that confirmation. Mark just got around to updating that he was "In a Relationship" with Priscilla back in March.) (Daily Mail)


We Have a New World's Shortest Man:

Yesterday, the people from Guinness World Records named a brand new WORLD'S SHORTEST MAN. Sorry, DANNY DEVITO. --Junrey Balawing of Sindangan, in the Philippines, is 23-and-a-half inches tall. That's just under two feet. He turned 18 on Sunday . . . which instantly turned him from the world's shortest boy to the world's shortest man. --The previous record holder was Khagendra Thapa Magar of Nepal, who's gigantic compared to Junrey, at 26.4 inches. Guinness World Records officials were on hand for Junrey's birthday to officially certify him. --It's believed that Junrey had a rare birth defect that made him stop growing within two months of his birth. (New York Daily News) (--Here are some photos of Junrey.)


The Guy Who Predicted the Rapture Has Suffered a Stroke:

89-year-old HAROLD CAMPING is the evangelist who predicted that the Rapture was coming back on May 21st. No one was more upset that the world WASN'T destroyed than him. And now . . . his bad luck streak continues. On Thursday, he had a stroke. --According to a neighbor he's doing okay, but his speech is a little slurred. His family is expected to release more information about his condition today. (Oakland Tribune)


Four People Are Injured at a Restaurant in Florida . . . In a Dessert Explosion?

I don't think I could live in a world where our desserts turn against us: On Saturday night, four people were eating dinner at the Ozona Blue Grilling Company in Palm Harbor, Florida, and they ordered bananas foster for dessert. --If you're not familiar, it's a FLAMING DESSERT . . . involving bananas, ice cream, rum, and banana liqueur . . . and at Ozona, the servers actually set the fire tableside to make a whole show out of it. --Well, on Saturday, the server apparently used too much alcohol . . . the dessert EXPLODED . . . and all four of the people at the table were injured. --Two of them were airlifted to a hospital for treatment and the others were treated at the restaurant. Right now there's no word on their conditions. (ABC 28 - Tampa)


13% of People Have Given Someone Food Poisoning With Their Cooking:

According to a new survey, 13% of people admit that at some point, their cooking has given someone FOOD POISONING. --And this might be why: The survey also found that 15% of people have served food that fell on the floor, and 10% cooked and served something that had some ingredients that were past their sell-by date. --5% of people say that they've defrosted food using an "alternative" heating device, like an iron, hairdryer, or tanning bed. (Reuters)


A House In Pennsylvania Caught on Fire When the Dog Turned On the Stove:

Last week in Reading, Pennsylvania, Kenneth Hiester and his family were out of the house, and their dog Buddy . . . a small husky puppy . . . was home alone. --And while the family was gone, Buddy jumped onto the kitchen stove and somehow managed to turn it on. We THINK it was accidental . . . and not because the dog is an aspiring arsonist. --The house ended up CATCHING ON FIRE, and firefighters had to come put it out. --Fortunately there was only about $7,000 in damage, and no one, including Buddy, was hurt. The family won't be able to move back in for a few weeks, until the damage is repaired. (Reading Eagle)


You Really Should Turn Off Your Phone When Flying . . . Even One Can Make a Plane Crash:

We're all usually pretty good about turning off our electronics and phones when planes take off and land . . . even though none of us really believe that someone using an iPod is going to make a plane go down. --Well . . . it actually might. --According to a new study by the International Air Transport Association, even ONE electronic device might be able to mess with a plane's systems and cause them to shut down. Which could lead to a catastrophe. --Of course, the device would have to be emitting the exact right frequency and the odds are extremely low. But they're not ZERO. --And if there are several people all ignoring the warnings and using their electronics, the study found it can create a, quote, "perfect storm" that could interfere with the plane's instruments. --The study found that iPads were most likely to cause interference, followed by iPhones and BlackBerrys. (Daily Mail)
MEATBALL CRIMINALS

Three Men Rob a Dunkin' Donuts and Only Steal a Bag of Donuts:

Last Thursday night, three masked men with knives and a hatchet busted into a Dunkin' Donuts in Hyannis, Massachusetts just as it was closing. --They saw an employee had a bag, which they assumed was filled with the cash from the day. So they grabbed the bag and ran off without looking inside. --And you can see where this is going. The bag DIDN'T have any cash in it . . . just some day-old donuts. --The entire thing was caught by the surveillance camera and the police tracked down the men in less than 24 hours. --They are: 19-year-old Nicholas Mercurio, 21-year-old Lukas Peterson, and 20-year-old Charles Iliffe, all from Hyannis. --All three were charged with armed robbery. (Cape Cod Times)


A Computer Repairman Has Been Arrested For Installing Software on Women's Computers That Let Him Remotely Take Naked Photos:

I'd say the moral of this story is that you should find a computer repairman who isn't a somewhat-creepy, lonely guy . . . but, ya know. --20-year-old Trevor Harwell of Fullerton, California does computer repairs. And last week, he was arrested. --Turns out, when Harwell would repair a woman's computer, he'd secretly install a piece of software on it. The software would give him remote access to the woman's webcam. And he would use that access to take NUDE PHOTOS of the woman. --The software would pop up a message telling the woman that the computer's internal sensor was malfunctioning and the laptop needed to be near HOT STEAM. --More often than not, the women would take the laptop into the bathroom while they showered . . . and Harwell would use that chance to take nude photos. --Finally, he was caught when one woman's father saw the message on her computer and realized it was suspicious. That led to a major investigation into Harwell. --He's been charged with 12 felony counts for illegally installing the software and recording the women without permission. He's looking at up to six years in prison. (Los Angeles Times)


A Man Is Caught Taking Upskirt Photos at Target and Blames It On . . . Being Upset That His Son Is Sick:

Last Friday, 44-year-old Alan Buckley and his family were visiting Orlando, Florida from England. Alan's son got sick on the trip, which made Alan very upset. So he reacted like any upset father would. --He went to Target and started taking upskirt photos. --At least that's what he told the cops when he was caught putting his cell phone underneath a woman's skirt. He said he was so upset about his son getting sick that he went to Target and, quote, "wasn't thinking clearly." --He was arrested for voyeurism. (Orlando Sentinel)


Random News Extras . . . Random Links to Additional Stories:


The state of New York wants pet cemeteries to stop burying people . . . since owners have been asking for their ashes to be buried next to their pets? (Full Story)


A guy in Michigan lifted a minivan off his neighbor, saving his life. Oh . . . and he has a sweet handle-bar mustache. (Full Story)


New York has ruled that strip clubs have to pay sales tax on lap dances . . . because they don't count as a, quote, "dramatic or musical arts performance", which would be exempt from the sales tax. (Full Story)


NAZZY’S VIDEOS OF THE DAY

#1.) A Dramatic Reading of the Dirty Messages Anthony Weiner Sent to a Las Vegas Blackjack Dealer:

On Friday, BILL MAHER read the dirty Facebook conversation ANTHONY WEINER had with a blackjack dealer in Las Vegas. Maher read Weiner's messages, and JANE LYNCH from "Glee" read the ones from the girl. --All of them were filled with profanity, and the audience gasped when they read some of the dirtiest ones. (--Search YouTube for "Bill Maher: The Weinerlogues with Jane Lynch." They start reading at 1:19.) (--WARNING: This video includes the F-word and a lot of EXTREMELY offensive language.)


#2.) Katy Perry's Music Video for "Last Friday Night" Features Cameos by Rebecca Black and Kenny G:

KATY PERRY has released an eight-minute music video for "Last Friday Night". She posted it on FunnyOrDie.com, and it has cameos by Rebecca Black, Kevin McHale from "Glee", and Kenny G. --FunnyOrDie also posted a bunch of other videos starring Katy as her geeky character, "Kathy Beth Terry." (--Search FunnyOrDie.com for "Katy Perry's Last Friday Night Music Video." Rebecca Black shows up at 1:46, and Kenny G. starts playing at 3:56.)


#3.) Fox Had a Presidential Candidate Debate an Obama Impersonator:

JOHN STOSSEL from the Fox Business channel had Republican presidential candidate GARY JOHNSON on his show Thursday. And he had him debate an Obama impersonator named Reggie Brown. --The guy has Obama's voice down, but he looks more feminine. It's such a stupid idea, you'd think Stossel would only do it once. But he actually did the same thing with RON PAUL in April. (--Search MediaMatters.org for "Stossel Hosts Obama Impersonator Gary Johnson.")


#4.) A Product Called "Happy Hot Dog Man" Lets Kids Make Their Hot Dogs Look Like Little People Before They Eat Them:

The new 'dumbest product ever made' is called the "Happy Hot Dog Man". It automatically slices hot dogs to make them look like little people . . . with arms, legs, and a face. -Then your kids just decorate them with condiments and consume. A kid in the commercial says it best: "It's like a toy you can eat!" You can watch the ad at HappyHotDogMan.com. (--It reminded us of "The Octodog". You can check out a video demonstrating that nonsense, here.)


Three Surprising Things That Can Hurt Your Credit Score:

You probably know that once you pay your credit cards off, you're supposed to keep them open. Because closing them lowers your credit score. So you should keep them active . . . just don't use them. --But here are three more things that can damage your credit score. And these three might surprise you.

#1.) Using Your Debit Card When You Rent a Car. It seems more responsible to use your debit card when you've got the cash to cover it. But if you do, a lot of rental companies do a soft credit check, which can lower your score. --It's in the fine print on the rental agreement, and they won't even mention it. It happened to a writer for WalletPop.com, and her FICO credit score dropped by 14 points.

#2.) Saying Yes to a Department Store Credit Card. They usually offer ten or 20% off when you sign up for a store credit card. But to sign you up, they have to do a HARD credit check, which will definitely lower your credit score. --And as you know, store credit cards have much higher interest rates. So there's no good reason to sign up for one.

#3.) Buying Furniture and Using the In-Store Financing. If you buy a couch from a furniture store, they'll offer to finance it. And they'll usually give you some deal so you don't have to make the first payment for a year. --But when it comes to your credit score, a furniture store loan is seen as a last resort. And just signing up for one can lower your score. (WalletPop.com)

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