HOLLYWOOD DIRT OVERFLOW (12-09-11)
Adrianne Curry Will Tweet a Topless Picture of Herself When She Hits 300,000 Twitter Followers:
ADRIANNE CURRY has promised to Tweet a TOPLESS photo of herself once she hits 300,000 Twitter followers. As of late last night, she was at about 268,000. --Adrianne was the first winner of "America's Next Top Model". After that, she did VH1's "The Surreal Life", where she met . . . and later married . . . Peter Brady himself, CHRISTOPHER KNIGHT. (--They separated earlier this year.) --Adrianne is an exhibitionist, a narcissist and a sci-fi nerd . . . which some guys might say makes her damn-near the PERFECT WOMAN. (--And if you're wondering why you'd want to see her topless, here are some old bikini photos that should convince you. And here's her Twitter page.)
Corbin Bleu Will Be Naked in 3D Next Year!
CORBIN BLEU is ready to leave Disney and the "High School Musical" flicks in the dust. In his upcoming movie "Nurse 3D", Corbin has a SEX SCENE with KATRINA BOWDEN from "30 Rock". And if the title didn't clue you in, it's in 3D. (!!!) --Corbin says, quote, "You see my rear end. It's tasteful. It's done well . . . It should be interesting."
Katherine Heigl Might Not Kill Her Husband if He Cheats on Her:
KATHERINE HEIGL has decided that she might not murder her husband Josh Kelley if he cheats on her. In fact, she might not even leave him. --She says, quote, "Josh and I always said that cheating would be a deal breaker; there is no second chance. But I've seen friends and acquaintances go through it and they've found a way back to the relationship, and a way to forgive each other. --"As much as I would kill him if he cheated because it would destroy me, I have started to question whether, if a mistake were to be made and it was a one-time thing, I would forgive him. --"Because look at the life we've built together. We have history, we have a child. At the same time, it would be really hard to ever fully trust that person again." (--Their daughter Naleigh is 3.) --If Katherine ever DOES find herself single again, good luck trying to snag her for a one-night stand. She's not a fan. --She says, quote, "I don't like them. I've never met a single woman who has ever walked away from a one-night stand and been like, 'That was awesome! Oh, my god! Best ever!'"
"Survivor" Host Jeff Probst Has Married Mark-Paul Gosselaar's Ex-Wife:
"Survivor" host JEFF PROBST is getting down with Zack Morris' sloppy seconds. --On Monday, Jeff married 40-year-old Lisa Ann Russell. She's the ex-wife of former "Saved by the Bell" superstar MARK-PAUL GOSSELAAR. Lisa and Mark-Paul have two kids together. --Probst . . . who's 50 . . . was married to a psychotherapist named Shelley Wright for five years. They divorced in 2001.
Kevin Federline Collapsed While Filming a Weight Loss Show:
KEVIN FEDERLINE is trying once again to drop his delicious candy coating . . . this time overseas. b--Kevin is doing an Australian show called "Excess Baggage". It's basically their version of "Celebrity Fit Club". It takes place in a very remote and hostile part of the Outback. --Unfortunately, things got so rough for your man K-Fed that he COLLAPSED from heat stress and had to be hospitalized. --We don't know how long he was hospitalized, but it wasn't too long . . . and he's back on the set. (--The show will debut in Australia sometime in the New Year. There's no word if we'll ever get to see it here.)
The Octomom Scored a Six-Figure Deal to Do an Internet Show:
The Octomom NADYA SULEMAN may have finally figured out how to take care of her 14 kids. TMZ says she has scored a SIX-FIGURE DEAL to do a weekly web show. --Basically, it's just Nadya talking . . . about stuff like, quote, "parenting, fitness, diet, nutrition, shopping on a budget and all those crazy rumors." It'll air live from her house every Sunday. (--Check out Nadya's YouTube channel here.)
Angelina Jolie Doesn't Have Many Friends:
This just in: ANGELINA JOLIE doesn't have many friends. Unless you count BRAD PITT. --She tells the new issue of "Marie Claire" magazine, quote, "Well, I have a few girlfriends, I just . . . I stay at home a lot. I'm just not very social. I don't do a lot with them, and I'm very home bound." --She adds, quote, "I talk to Brad . . . But I don't know, I don't have a lot of friends I talk to. He is really the only person I talk to."
Is Angelina Jolie Starving Herself . . . To Show Solidarity with Third-World Children?
The not-always-reliable "Us Weekly" says that ANGELINA JOLIE is starving herself. But she doesn't have an eating disorder. It's a sign of SOLIDARITY. --A source says, quote, "She puts herself on fasts to make statements for the children she visits. She says, 'If they can't eat, I can't eat.'"
Check Out Some Cool Videos of Brad Pitt and Other Actors Channeling "Cinematic Villainy":
The "New York Times" magazine got several actors and actresses together and made short videos of each of them. --Each video is inspired by some sort of, quote, "cinematic villainy". --BRAD PITT starts things off by mimicking the main character of the 1977 cult classic "Eraserhead".
--Other videos include
--ROONEY MARA from "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" doing "A Clockwork Orange".
--GARY OLDMAN as the creepy ventriloquist dummy from "Magic". (--It's a 1978 thriller that starred Anthony Hopkins as a crazy ventriloquist.)
--RYAN GOSLING as the Invisible Man.
--GEORGE CLOONEY is Captain Bligh from "Mutiny on the Bounty".
(--You can check out all the videos here. They automatically play one after the other. And you can see a picture collage of all the people who are being imitated here.)
Kris Jenner Wants an Apology from Daniel Craig:
KRIS JENNER wants an apology from James Bond actor DANIEL CRAIG for calling her family, quote, "[Effing] idiots". She says, quote, "[He has] crossed the line. It's not made him look like the world's nicest guy. The right thing for a real man to do now would be to issue a public apology. -"The easy thing would be to criticize his career now, but our family won't stoop to that level."
Random Kaos:
#1.) Check out some photos from the upcoming episode of the DIY Network's "Man Caves" featuring newly-single KRIS HUMPHRIES. (--Here you go.)
#2.) Humphries will bake cookies with his mom this morning on ABC's "Good Morning America".
#3.) "Us Weekly" says KHLOE KARDASHIAN can't get pregnant, so she's decided to try in vitro fertilization. (--You can read more about that here.)
John Mayer Wants Us to Cool It on the Sarcasm:
In case you haven't noticed, sarcasm is big these days. And frankly, it's getting a little old. And I'm not the only person who feels that way. JOHN MAYER does, too. And he's trying to do something about it. -In a new blog, John is calling for a new era of SINCERITY. He says, quote, "If you want to be truly intimidating, if you want to make an impact, if you want to have a strong connection with others, just be sincere. -"Sarcasm is not an attitude, and it's not a personality trait. It's a style of rhetoric meant to be used occasionally to highlight a larger point. -"Saying you're a sarcastic person is like saying your favorite cuisine is salt. Sarcasm is easy because you never have to take a stance. And that's just the problem; It's so noncommittal." -He adds, quote, "I don't know when the lines got crossed and it was deemed attractive to be ambiguous and critical. Girls don't like it when guys do it and guys don't like it when girls do it. -"I live in a city of cool people with the absolute worst PR representatives: themselves. -"Be yourself, even if that means being unsure or uneasy. Let someone else put you at ease. Meet them in the middle. Be sincere." (--Check out John's blog here.)
END OF THE YEAR LIST-OMANIA
iTunes' Top Selling Music of the Year:
iTunes has unleashed their annual lists of the Top Selling Albums and Top Selling Singles of 2011. Since they're based on sales, not all the music was actually released this year.
--Here are the 10 Top Selling Albums:
1.) "21", Adele
2.) "Sigh No More", Mumford & Sons
3.) "Tha Carter 4", Lil Wayne
4.) "Watch the Throne", Jay Z and Kanye West
5.) "Mylo Xyloto", Coldplay
6.) "Born This Way", Lady Gaga
7.) "Loud", Rihanna
8.) "Take Care", Drake
9.) "Teenage Dream", Katy Perry
10.) "Doo-Wops and Hooligans", Bruno Mars
--Here are the 10 Top Selling Singles:
1.) "Rolling in the Deep", Adele
2.) "Party Rock Anthem", LMFAO
3.) "Firework", Katy Perry
4.) "Grenade", Bruno Mars
5.) "Forget You", Cee-Lo Green
6.) "Give Me Everything", Pitbull featuring Ne-Yo, Afrojack and Nayer
7.) "E.T.", Katy Perry featuring Kanye West
8.) "Moves Like Jagger", Maroon 5 featuring Christina Aguilera
9.) "Pumped Up Kicks", Foster the People
10.) "Super Bass", Nicki Minaj
iTunes' Top Selling TV Seasons of the Year:
iTunes has (also) put out a list of their Top Selling TV Seasons of 2011. Here's the Top 10:
1.) "Dr. Who" . . . Season Six, Part Two
2.) "Modern Family" . . . Season Three
3.) "Dexter" . . . Season Five
4.) "Breaking Bad" . . . Season Four
5.) "True Blood" . . . Season Three
6.) The British "Top Gear" . . . Season 17
7.) "Glee" . . . Season Three
8.) "Entourage" . . . Season Seven
9.) "Archer" . . . Season Three
10.) "The Walking Dead" . . . Season Two
iTunes' Top Selling Movies of the Year:
iTunes has (also) put out their Top Selling Movies of 2011 list. Here's the Top 10:
1.) "The Social Network"
2.) "Limitless"
(--Continued on next page . . .)
END OF THE YEAR LIST-OMANIA - 4 of 4
iTunes' Top Selling Movies of the Year: (. . . continued . . .)
3.) "No Strings Attached"
4.) "Just Go with It"
5.) "The Lincoln Lawyer"
6.) "Bridesmaids"
7.) "Source Code"
8.) "Tangled"
9.) "The King's Speech"
10.) "Red"
A Few Other "End of the Year" Lists You May Care About:
E! Online has put together a list of the Top 10 Jams of 2011. (--It's the same stuff everyone is putting on music lists this year. Here's a fun game: Re-rank the E! list based on which songs you're MOST SICK OF at this point.) -Amazon.com also has a Best Music of 2011 rundown. It has Top 10 lists from their editors . . . and their customers. (--Lady Gaga's "Born This Way" is their customers' favorite . . . probably because Amazon sold it to them for 99 cents.) -For those with slightly more eclectic tastes, here's The Best Music of 2011 feature from "The Onion's" A.V. Club.
NEW MOVIES THIS WEEKEND
Jonah Hill's "The Sitter" is Up Against the "New Year's Eve" Ensemble:
#1.) "New Year's Eve" (PG-13) (Trailer)
Hilary Swank is responsible for coordinating the ball drop in Times Square, and she panics when there are last minute problems with its propulsion mechanism. Plus her opening act's backup singer, Lea Michele, is stuck in an elevator with Ashton Kutcher. -It's directed by Garry Marshall, who also directed "Valentine's Day". -Just like its predecessor, this romantic comedy has a huge ensemble cast which also includes Ludacris, Jon Bon Jovi, Zac Efron, Jessica Biel, Halle Berry, Katherine Heigl, Sofia Vergara, Robert De Niro, Michelle Pfeiffer, Sarah Jessica Parker, Abigail Breslin, Josh Duhamel, and "SNL's" Seth Meyers. -Joey McIntyre from New Kids on the Block also makes a cameo appearance, along with Common, Alyssa Milano, Jim Belushi, and Ryan Seacrest as himself. --You may remember that Ashton Kutcher and Jessica Biel were also in "Valentine's Day", but they played entirely different characters. That one was based in L.A. "New Year's Eve" obviously showcases New York City.)
#2.) "The Sitter" (R) (Trailer) (Red Band Trailer)
Jonah Hill plays a lazy college student who takes a job babysitting three kids. When his girlfriend lures him out of the house with the promise of sex, he takes the kids with him, and they eventually end up being chased around town by two drug dealers. --That sounds suspiciously like a remake of the 1987 comedy "Adventures in Babysitting". You can watch Elizabeth Shue sing "Babysitting Blues", which essentially recaps the entire plot of that movie, here.) -There's a phone number for Jonah Hill's character on a flyer for the movie, and a lot of people have called to leave him voice messages. Supposedly he may even pick up and talk to you. The number is 917-409-7838. You can find some of the messages on YouTube. (--Here's one featuring a chick who's totally wasted.) (Voicemail)
Did James Cameron Steal "Avatar"?
"Avatar" has been called a rip-off of "Dancing With Wolves" . . . but maybe JAMES CAMERON swiped it from a source closer to home. -Eric Ryder, a former employee at Cameron's production company . . . claims he came up with the idea in 1997. His movie was called "KRZ 2068". --He described it as, quote, "an environmentally themed 3D epic about a corporation's colonization and plundering of a distant moon's lush and wondrous natural setting." --Another similarity to "Avatar" was the inclusion of, quote, "self-contained robotic exterior suits which house a single human operator." --And Ryder even suggested that one of the characters be played by SIGOURNEY WEAVER. --Ryder claims he pitched the idea to the company in 1999 and they loved it. There were multiple meetings, but in 2002, they suddenly shut it down. --They told Ryder, quote, "No one would go see an environmentally themed feature length science fiction movie." --Ryder says he complained to Cameron's people when "Avatar" came out, but they blew him off. He's seeking unspecified damages.
Pitbull Is in Talks to Come to "Glee" . . . Along with Some Gay Dads:
"Entertainment Weekly" is reporting that rapper PITBULL is in talks to guest star on an upcoming episode of "Glee". He would play the brother of Santana, the lesbian cheerleader played by NAYA RIVERA. --We're assuming that he'll be on the same episode as GLORIA ESTEFAN, who's playing Santana's mom. (--By the way, RICKY MARTIN was going to be on that episode too . . . but now we're hearing he'll get his own episode.) (--There's no word on the sexuality of Pitbull's character, but he may get the rare opportunity to play a HETEROSEXUAL on "Glee".) --Meanwhile, a so-called "source" says "Glee" is currently casting the GAY DADS of LEA MICHELE'S character, Rachel. No specific names have been rumored yet. --Speaking of Lea, she talked about her last name on "The Tonight Show" Wednesday night. It's actually SARFATI . . . but she dropped it because people used to make fun of it. Michele is really her middle name. --She explained, quote, "I don't use [Sarfati] a lot . . . because I got Lea So-fatty, Lea So-farty at school. So, when I was little and I went on my first audition, they were like, 'And may we have your name?' --"And I was like, 'Lea Michele' . . . and I've been Lea Michele ever since."
Michelle Duggar Has Suffered a Miscarriage:
You know MICHELLE DUGGAR, right? --She's the woman who has 19 children and is on that TLC show, "19 Kids and Counting". Well sadly, she's just suffered a miscarriage. Michelle's pregnancy was about five months along. --Michele told "People" magazine, quote, "The Lord is the giver of life and he can choose when that life is ready to go on and be with Him." --The Duggar's previous child, #19, has been in and out of the hospital with medical problems after being born FOUR MONTHS premature in December of 2009. --The baby, a girl named Josie, was born through an emergency C-section, and only weighed one-pound and six ounces. --This is also Michelle's second miscarriage. She lost the baby during her second pregnancy. She was taking birth control at the time . . . and later said it was one of the reasons they decided to leave the number of children they have "up to God." --Michelle is 45 years old. (--Not to be insensitive, but maybe God has more important things on his plate, and wants the Duggars to use some common sense and take care of this on their own. Clearly, they have enough children.) (--To each his own . . . but at some point, you need to put the health and welfare of you and your family ahead of aspiring to reach a certain number of kids.)
WEEKEND TV REMINDERS
Friday TV Reminders:
--"Frosty the Snowman" . . . 8:00 to 8:30 P.M. on CBS.
--"Frosty Returns" . . . 8:30 to 9:00 P.M. on CBS.
--"Yes Virginia" . . . 9:00 to 9:30 P.M. on CBS. Jennifer Love Hewitt and Neil Patrick Harris star in this holiday cartoon that's based on a classic 1897 editorial about a little girl who searches for Santa Claus.
--"The Elf On The Shelf: An Elf's Story" . . . 9:30 to 10:00 P.M. on CBS. An elf helps a boy to believe in the magic of Christmas.
--"Sweet Home Alabama" [2nd Season Finale] . . . 9:00 to 10:00 P.M. on CMT.
--"'80s Rewind Festival 2011" . . . 9:00 to 11:00 P.M. on VH1 Classic. The Human League, Billy Ocean, Average White Band, and Holly Johnson of Frankie Goes to Hollywood perform hits from the '80s.
--"Boss" [1st Season Finale] . . . 10:00 to 11:00 P.M. on Starz.
--"Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team" [6th Season Finale] . . . 10:00 to 11:00 P.M. on CMT.
--"Onion News Network" [2nd Season Finale] . . . 10:00 to 10:30 P.M. on IFC.
Saturday TV Reminders:
--"Your Voice, Your Vote: Republican Presidential Candidate Debate in Iowa" . . . 9:00 to 11:00 P.M. Eastern on ABC. George Stephanopoulos and Diane Sawyer moderate as the Republican presidential candidates face off at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa.
--"Grand Ole Opry Live" . . . 7:00 to 9:00 P.M. on GAC. Sarah Darling, Eamonn McCrystal, Rhonda Vincent and Del McCoury Band perform.
--"The American Giving Awards" . . . 8:00 to 10:00 P.M. on NBC. Bob Costas hosts as five charities are honored. The top charity will receive a million dollars and the other four will split another million between them. Miley Cyrus, Will.I.Am, Colin Ferrell, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, and J.R. Martinez all make appearances.
--"Spike TV's Video Game Awards 2011" . . . 8:00 to 10:00 P.M. on Spike TV. Zachary Levi hosts the 9th annual awards for video games. The Black Keys perform live. (--You'll find your nominees here.)
--"Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" . . . 8:00 to 9:00 P.M. on CBS.
--"The Flight Before Christmas" . . . 9:00 to 10:00 P.M. on CBS. A new reindeer must overcome his fear of heights and learn to fly.
--"Austin City Limits" . . . 9:00 to 10:00 P.M. on PBS. Patty Griffin performs. (REPEAT)
--"Behind the Music Remastered" . . . 9:00 to 10:00 P.M. on VH1 Classic. Pat Benatar is profiled.
--"Metal Evolution" . . . 10:00 to 11:00 P.M. on VH1 Classic. The advancement of British heavy metal is examined, with an emphasis on Iron Maiden, Motӧrhead, Def Leppard, Saxon and Raven.
--"That Metal Show" . . . 11:00 P.M. to Midnight on VH1 Classic. Marilyn Manson and Saxon singer Biff Byford guests.
--"Saturday Night Live" . . . 11:30 P.M. to 1:00 A.M. on NBC. Katy Perry guest hosts and Robyn is the musical guest.
Sunday TV Reminders:
--"Sunday Night Football" . . . 8:20 to 11:20 P.M. Eastern on NBC. The Dallas Cowboys host the New York Giants at Cowboys Stadium in Texas.
--"So Random!" . . . 7:30 to 8:00 P.M. on Disney Channel. Christina Grimmie performs "Advice".
--"Amazing Race 19" [19th Season Finale]. . . 8:00 to 9:00 P.M. on CBS.
--"Tough Love" [3rd Season Finale] . . . 8:00 to 9:00 P.M. on VH1.
--"Hollywood Icons and Innovators" [Back to Back Episodes] . . . 8:00 to 10:00 P.M. on TV Guide. Penny Marshall's "Laverne & Shirley" character Laverne DeFazio is compared to Susie Essman's "Curb Your Enthusiasm" character Susie Greene . . . then Tim Conway's comedic work on "The Carol Burnett Show" is compared with Jack McBrayer's comedic work on "30 Rock".
--"Allen Gregory" [1st Season Finale] . . . 8:30 to 9:00 P.M. on Fox
--"Boardwalk Empire" [2nd Season Finale] . . . 9:00 to 10:00 P.M. on HBO.
--"Stephen King's Bag of Bones" [Mini-Series - Part 1 of 2] . . . 9:00 to 11:00 P.M. on A&E. Pierce Brosnan stars in this adaptation of Stephen King's best seller about a grieving novelist who travels to a lakeside home where he befriends a widow and her daughter and is later visited by the ghost of a blues singer.
--"Luck" [Series Premiere] . . . 10:00 to 10:30 P.M. on HBO. Dustin Hoffman, Nick Nolte and Dennis Farina star in this show about the world of horse racing, with the owners, jockeys, trainers and gamblers crossing paths at the track.
War Is Upset That the Beastie Boys Beat Them Into the Rock Hall . . . Because the Beastie Boys Sampled Them on Their First Album:
THE BEASTIE BOYS just found out that they're going to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in April. They got in on their first nomination. --But one group ISN'T happy about that. It's WAR . . . a band which was also nominated for induction this year, but DIDN'T make the cut. (--They've been eligible since 1996 . . . so for the past 15 years.) --War singer HOWARD SCOTT says he doesn't understand how the Beastie Boys could beat them into the Rock Hall. --He says, quote, "[I'm] shocked . . . we were cranking out gold records when they were still in diapers. How could the Beastie Boys get in before us when they sampled War's music on their first album?! I'll eat their platinum records!" --War felt good about their chances this year, but they were disappointed when they didn't get it. Howard says it, quote, "felt like I was kicked in the back of my britches." (--The Beastie Boys heavily sampled the War classic "Low Rider" on their song "Slow Ride" off their debut album, "Licensed to Ill", which came out in 1986.)
Foster the People's "Don't Stop (Color on the Walls)" Video Stars Gabourey Sidibe from "Precious":
FOSTER THE PEOPLE has released their video for "Don't Stop (Color on the Walls)", and it stars Gabourey Sidibe . . . the deliciously candy-coated star of "Precious". (--Foster the People is the band behind "Pumped Up Kicks".) --Gabourey spends the entire "Don't Stop" video in a car. It begins with her taking a driving test at the DMV. But then things go crazy . . . the examiner is a thief, there's a police chase, and all kinds of slapstick chaos erupts. (--I'll admit, it's pretty amusing.) (--You can find the video at FosterThePeople.com. By the way, if you're wondering if the guys picked Gabourey because they wanted an accomplished actress . . . or if it was an example of stunt casting, here's a hint . . .) (--Foster the People misspelled Gabourey's last name on their website, above the video. Any chance they would've misspelled SCARLETT JOHANSSON?)
FRIDAY'S SHOWBIZ EXTRAS
Showbiz Extras . . . Random Links to Additional Stories:
As expected, NBA players and owners signed off on the new deal yesterday . . . meaning that the season will indeed begin on Christmas Day. (Full Story)
ELLIE KEMPER from "Bridesmaids" and "The Office" is engaged. (Full Story)
DEMI LOVATO now has the word "Faith" tattooed on her right forearm. (Photo)
Check out a cool photo gallery of anachronistic behind-the-scenes photos from movies and TV shows. My favorite is WILLIAM SHATNER and LEONARD NIMOY on the set of "Star Trek" . . . in full costume and reading "Mad" magazine. (Photos)
British censors have banned the movie poster for "Final Destination 5" . . . even though the movie came out in the U.K. back in August. (Full Story)
A male extra on the set of "The Dark Knight Rises" died of a heart attack during the filming of a crowd scene. (Full Story)
Remember how last year's "Saw 3D" was supposed to be the last installment? Yeah, probably not. (Full Story)
Jay-Z will become the first rapper to headline Carnegie Hall. He's booked to do two charity shows on February 6th and February 7th. It's unclear if he's bringing KANYE WEST or any other guests along. (Full Story)
COLDPLAY has announced some North American tour dates for next spring. (Itinerary)
Interestingly enough, RadarOnline.com says COURTNEY STODDEN actually TURNED DOWN a "lucrative offer" to do a VH1 reality show. (Full Story)
ED ASNER will guest star on an upcoming episode of "Hawaii Five-0". The fascinating thing is: He's playing August March, a character he played in a guest appearance on the original "Hawaii Five-O" 36 years ago. (Full Story)
MADONNA kissed NICKI MINAJ . . . on the lips . . . while they were on the set of Madonna's "Give Me All of Your Love" video. Maybe it was for Nicki's birthday. She turned 29 yesterday. Either way, Nicki was freaking out. (Full Story) (--Interesting fact: Nicki is 29 . . . which is several years older than the last several guys Madonna's kissed.)
RANDOM STUFF
Are These the Most-Hated Christmas Songs?
This may be the smallest, most random survey ever. And yet it's hard to imagine anyone arguing with the results.
--A writer at something called the Middle East-North Africa Financial Network wanted to find the most-hated Christmas songs. (--Based on that name alone, wouldn't the answer be . . . "all of them"?)
--Anyway, according to the few dozen Middle East, North African finance enthusiasts who responded, the worst holiday songs are:
#1.) "Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer" by Elmo and Patsy Trigg Shropshire, 1979: It also won the last time they conducted the survey, in 2004.
#2.) "Jingle Bells" by Jingle Dogs, 1995: You know this song. It's the one where the dogs bark the tune.
#3.) "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas" by Gayla Peevey, 1953: This song was nearly forgotten, until the all-Christmas-music stations dug it up to fill air time.
#4.) "The 12 Days of Christmas" by multiple artists over the last 200 years: It was described as the holiday version of "99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall".
#5.) A tie between "Dominick the Donkey" and "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus". (MENAFN.com)
A New Study Found the Perfect Diet for the Holidays . . . Here's How to Avoid Gaining a Ton of Weight This Month:
When researchers ran this diet study, I doubt they had the holidays on their mind. But their results came out JUST in time to keep you from gaining a massive amount of weight this month . . . maybe. --The University Hospital in South Manchester, England has figured out a new diet style, and it sounds like the PERFECT way to manage holiday parties, meals, and gravy. --They found that if people significantly cut carbs just two days a week, it's more effective for weight loss than trying to cut calories every day. --They had one group in the study eat a 1,500-calorie-per-day diet. The other group ate their normal diet . . . except twice a week, they didn't eat any carb-heavy foods like bread, pasta, potatoes, or rice. --And they found that people who cut carbs just twice a week lost almost TWICE as much weight in four months as people who just tried cutting back a bit every DAY. --So how can this apply to the holidays? --Go ahead and have some really ridiculous meals . . . but during those days of the week when you're NOT at parties or dinners, cut out carbs and you could have your least bulky Christmas ever. (Time)
Out of 500 Couples, the Number That Say Men Take the Lead on Holiday Shopping is . . . Zero:
Do you know any families where the husband takes control of the Christmas shopping and the wife isn't involved? No? Don't worry. It's because they probably don't EXIST. --A website for newlyweds called TheNest.com surveyed 500 married couples about their holiday preparations. They asked who takes the lead on holiday shopping . . . the woman, the man, or both equally? --73% of couples say the woman takes the lead. 27% say the man and woman split it equally. And 0% . . . yes, 0% . . . say the man takes the lead. Out of 500 couples, not a single man runs the holiday shopping. --42% of the women surveyed say they wish their husband helped them more with the shopping . . . especially getting gifts for HIS parents. 62% of women say their husband's parents are the hardest people to buy for. (Wall Street Journal)
Four Rules for Whether You Should Invite Your Boyfriend or Girlfriend Home for the Holidays:
It's that really awkward time of year where you have to figure out whether you've been dating someone long enough to introduce them to your family. And that's TOUGH. --Fortunately, we've got a four-point guide from a dating service called 'It's Just Lunch' for how you should handle the holidays with your new boyfriend or girlfriend. Listen and absorb . . .
#1.) Dating less than three months. Invite them to hang out with your friends. But nothing more than dessert with your family . . . and that's only if your family lives locally.
#2.) Dating three to six months. You can do dinner with the family, but only if they live nearby. You're not ready to travel home together yet.
#3.) Dating six months to a year. It's safe to invite them to travel home with you . . . but don't be shocked if they have an excuse not to go.
#4.) Dating over a year. You should expect to be with one of your families for the holidays.
(PR Newswire)
Only 23% of Us Have Searched for Hidden Presents?
Didn't EVERYONE tear their house apart as a kid, to see where your parents hid your presents? Apparently not, according to a new survey by Coldwell Banker Real Estate. They found that only 23% of people . . . less than a quarter . . . admit they ever snooped around for hidden presents. -The other 77% say they've never gone present hunting.
--Here are a few other findings from the survey . . .
--78% of people do some decorating around the house for the holidays. 67% say they decorate some without going overboard . . . and 11% say they go ALL OUT.
--39% of people say they have at least one holiday gathering of more than 15 family members and friends.
--54% say they stay overnight with their families so they can all be in one house for Christmas.
(RISMedia)
Tomorrow is the Biggest Day for Theft in the Holiday Season:
Be extra careful if you're out shopping tomorrow afternoon or go out tomorrow night. Tomorrow's a big day for CHRISTMAS THIEVES. According to a study, December 10th is the day when theft peaks during the holiday season. -The researchers aren't sure why, but it's easy to speculate. There are a ton of people out, which means a lot of targets for thieves . . . and it's easier than usual for them to just disappear into a crowd. -About 4% of people get robbed every year between Thanksgiving and Christmas. PR Newswire)
Christmas Has the Lowest Car Theft Rate of the Biggest U.S. Holidays . . . New Year's Day Has the Highest:
The National Insurance Crime Bureau just put out a new report on car theft during the holidays, and there's good news for Christmas . . . you're probably NOT going to get your car stolen. -Of the 11 biggest U.S. holidays, Christmas Day has the lowest car theft rate. Although Christmas Eve comes in sixth. -Unfortunately, once you get through Christmas, you're only a week away from the BIGGEST car theft day. New Year's Day has the MOST thefts of any holiday, and New Year's Eve is fifth. -The 11 holidays in order from most to least car thefts are: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Halloween, Labor Day, New Year's Eve, Christmas Eve, Independence Day, President's Day, Valentine's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day. (NICB)
A New Survey Finds Americans Consider $150,000-a-Year to be "Rich":
Yesterday, Gallup released the results of a poll where they asked Americans, quote, "Thinking about your own situation, how much money per year would you need to make in order to consider yourself rich?" It was open-ended, not multiple choice. -And the median answer was . . . $150,000-a-year. That's all we need to be rich. Turns out we're really NOT that greedy. -Only 11% said they'd need to make $1 MILLION a year to feel rich, and only 4% said they'd need over $1 MILLION. 18% said they could feel rich making even less than $60,000. (Gallup)
Yawning Is More Contagious If You Know the Person Yawning:
Yawning has frustrated scientists for years . . . they know it's contagious, but they can't prove it or figure out why. --But a study by researchers at the University of Pisa in Italy has uncovered an important clue: Yawning in response to someone else's yawn may be a way of showing empathy. --The scientists studied 109 people for a year, keeping track of when and where they yawned, and whether their yawn was in response to someone else. --They looked at several characteristics: The gender of the person yawning and the person observing, how they were standing, their nationality, and the length of the yawn. --And only ONE factor makes a difference: How well you know the person yawning. Yawns are MORE contagious if you know the person yawning well, and LESS contagious the less you know them. --Yawns are most contagious between family members. Friends are the next-most-likely to inspire someone to return a yawn, followed by acquaintances. So obviously, yawns are least contagious when two people are strangers. (The Atlantic)
Little Kids Want the Next President to Be Honest . . . Adults Want Him to Be Intelligent and Agree With Their Beliefs:
To prepare for next year's presidential election, "Weekly Reader" surveyed kids and adults on political issues. (--"Weekly Reader" is that news magazine kids read in their classrooms, usually during Social Studies.) --Kids and grown-ups agreed that the economy was the biggest issue facing the country. 89% of adults and 64% of kids ranked it first among the country's challenges. --Health care finished second for both groups, but far more kids than adults listed it as a top concern. --Kids were also more worried about war and the environment: One in four kids listed each of them as one of their top two concerns. But adults put those two issues in the BOTTOM two positions on their lists. --Grown-ups were more worried about immigration, energy, and security than war and the environment. --Adults and kids also disagreed on what was important in a president. 51% of kids said that honesty is the number one attribute a new president should have, making it the top vote-getter. --Adults were split between honesty and intelligence as the most important attribute for a president. And 19% of adults said that the president should have, quote, "ideas I agree with." Only 9% of kids said that was important. (PR Newswire)
MEATBALL CRIMINALS
A Chubby 19-Year-Old in Wisconsin Was Convicted for a "Planking" Spree:
We can't guarantee this, but we're pretty sure this is the first person to be convicted in court for PLANKING. --In case you aren't up on the world's dumbest trends, planking was a Facebook photo craze earlier this year where people would post pictures of themselves laying in random places, face down, with their arms to their sides like a flat plank. --19-year-old Alexander Hart of Manitowoc, Wisconsin was definitely into the planking craze. --Back in May, he and his 20-year-old brother, Ryan, took photos of themselves planking on top of an ATM, at Walmart and Lowe's, on top of a police car, and on top of a police memorial. Then they posted the photos to Facebook. --The cops got word of the photos and probably would've let them go . . . if the guys hadn't planked on the police car and the memorial. --They found that TOO disrespectful, so they tracked down Alexander and Ryan, and arrested them for disorderly conduct. --And this week, Alexander was found guilty. He was fined $303. Ryan's trial will be held next week. (The Smoking Gun)
When a School Bus Driver Falls Asleep, a 17-Year-Old Student Takes the Wheel . . . Saving Dozens of Students From a Crash:
This guy just became the coolest kid in school. And he DESERVES it. --On Monday afternoon, 17-year-old Emmanuel Williams of Tacoma, Washington was riding the school bus home from Mount Tahoma High School with dozens of other kids. And Emmanuel noticed the bus driver was acting strange. --Emmanuel says, quote, "I was looking at him and his eyes would close, and when we'd get to a turn, he'd look both ways, start driving again, and they would close more and more." --Just as the bus got on the freeway, the driver PASSED OUT, asleep. And that's when Emmanuel jumped into action. --He sprinted up from his seat to the front, grabbed the wheel, and kept the bus steady while he woke up the driver. If he hadn't done that, the bus almost certainly would've crashed . . . and this could've been an absolute tragedy. --The Tacoma Public School District says they're investigating what happened with the driver. He's a 65-year-old man whose name wasn't released, and before this, he has a perfect driving record. He's on administrative leave right now. (ABC 4 - Seattle) (--Here's a news video about the crash. It features surveillance footage from the bus that shows Emmanuel saving the day starting at :25. You can reach Mount Tahoma High School at 253-571-3800.)
RANDOM NEWS EXTRAS
Random News Extras . . . Random Links to Additional Stories:
Coca-Cola has moved their secret formula for the first time in 86 years. They took it out of a bank vault, and moved it to a new home at their museum in downtown Atlanta. But you still won't be able to see the actual formula. (Full Story)
And now, '15 Things White Girls Love to Do on Facebook.' Including: Look preppy while throwing gang signs . . . take pictures of food . . . and post a photo of something they consider inferior with the question "Really?" (Full Story)
A study of NBA players found there's no such thing as a "hot hand." After making a three-pointer, players are more likely to miss if they try the same shot again. (Full Story)
NAZZY’S VIDEOS OF THE DAY
#1.) "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" . . . with Unnecessary Censorship:
Everyone knows the best Christmas special is the delightfully crappy stop-motion animation "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" . . . the one from the 60's with Hermey the elf, the Island of Misfit Toys, and the Abominable Snow Monster. --The only thing better is the new version posted on YouTube, with unnecessary bleeps to make it seem like the characters are swearing. Just like they do on "Jimmy Kimmel Live". Check it out . . . it's called, "Rudolph Gets Censored."
#2.) It's . . . "The Girl With The Tramp Stamp Tattoo":
One of the most anticipated movies of the year is the dark, murder-thriller "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo" . . . the one with Daniel Craig, based on those Swedish books. --So it was only a matter of time: Funny or Die has a new video spoof called "The Girl With the Tramp Stamp Tattoo", featuring EMMA ROBERTS . . . Julia Roberts' niece. --It's an obvious joke, but it's pretty funny. Even if you haven't read the books or seen the Swedish movies, they nail the vibe of the new trailer. (--WARNING: It contains multiple uses of the s-word.)
#3.) Check Out Chris Farley as Newt Gingrich . . . Performing for Republican Congressmen at the Capitol in 1995:
Now that NEWT GINGRICH is the Republican frontrunner, someone dug up a clip of CHRIS FARLEY promoting the movie "Tommy Boy" in 1995 . . . by dressing up as Gingrich, and cracking jokes in Congress. --John Boehner introduced him, and Newt and a crowd of Republican Congressmen were there. So most of the jokes were about Democrats. Then at the end, Farley had them pass a bunch of fake bills to lower taxes . . . and move the capital to Atlanta. (--Search for "Chris Farley as Newt Gingrich." He starts cracking jokes at 1:01, and starts passing fake laws at 2:51.)
#4.) A Kid Pulled a Prank on His Friend . . . Then Turned Around to Run and Slammed Face-First Into a Metal Pole:
Have you ever played a prank on someone then immediately regretted it? Well, probably not as much as this guy: There's a video online of a teenager on the subway with his friends in New York. --And he surprises one of them by jumping up and hanging from one of the handrails . . . so his crotch is right in his friend's face. But then when he let's go and turns around to run . . . he slams face-first into a metal pole. (--Search for "Crotch-in-the-Face Subway Prank Goes Terribly Wrong." Skip to :15. WARNING: This video includes the N-word at :10 and :12.)
#5.) Bill O'Reilly Shoved a Cameraman with His Umbrella . . . Then Tried to Press Charges:
BILL O'REILLY was in D.C. Wednesday night for a media holiday party at the White House. And while he was walking around in the rain, he had a run-in with an annoying cameraman who asked if he'd just come from a Newt Gingrich fundraiser. --When the guy got too close, O'Reilly pushed him away with his umbrella. Which wasn't a good idea, because then the wind turned it inside out, and kind of ruined it. Then he asked a cop if he could press charges. --In the video, the cameraman shouts like a little punk, but he wasn't hurt. He said later that O'Reilly pushed him into a puddle. --On last night's "The O'Reilly Factor," Bill said the guy ran up behind him screaming, and that he, quote, "could have had a knife." Then he added that he's lucky he had the umbrella . . . because otherwise he might have PUNCHED the guy. --And he wants a law to let celebrities protect themselves when someone runs up in a threatening way, even if there's no physical contact. (--Which is ironic, because on "The O'Reilly Factor," they ambush people with a camera all the time.) (--Search for "O'Reilly Strikes Organizer with Umbrella." He shoves the guy at :10. And right afterwards, the wind turns his umbrella inside out.)
A Holiday Gift-Giving Price Guide for Different Stages of a Relationship:
Earlier this week, we heard how the best Christmas present for someone you just started dating is tickets to an event . . . because it's not too extravagant, it's for both of you, and it sets up another date. -The online dating site Lavalife says pretty much the same thing, and suggests spending between $25 and $100. They also said how much to spend if you've been dating LONGER than a few weeks.
#1.) If You've Been Dating a Few Months, and It's Going Well . . . Spend Between $25 and $100. If you buy something too expensive, the other person might get freaked out. -Ideally, it should be something that's not too extravagant, and shows you've been paying attention. However, if you're not entirely sure how well things are going, they suggest putting an upper limit of $75 dollars on the date.
#2.) If You've Been Dating Between Six Months and Two Years . . . Spend Over $100. That's enough to buy something nice, but not break the bank. --Lavalife says to pick something that will remind them of you on a daily basis . . . like jewelry, sunglasses, or a new watch.
#3.) If You've Been Together Longer Than That . . . Figure It Out on Your Own. Lavalife doesn't have any suggestions for married couples, because it's a dating website. --But if you've been together for ten years, just make sure you buy SOMETHING, and make sure it's within your budget. The one thing you don't want to do is spend $500 if it'll make paying the bills tough next month. --If you're the GUY, and you've been together for years but HAVEN'T gotten married, Lavalife has one suggestion: Don't buy anything small that looks like it could be a ring . . . unless of course it IS a ring.
#4.) If Your Relationship Is on the Rocks . . . Don't Spend More Than $25. This one's kind of weird, but their logic is . . . you shouldn't try to win them over with your wallet. And at this point, it's really the thought that counts. --So buy something that shows them you still care. And spend more than $25 if you want to. Just don't buy them an iPad 2 and expect it to fix anything. (Lavalife.com)
Five Tips if You're Single During the Holidays:
Between all the dinners, parties, gift exchanges and other events, the holidays can sometimes suck for single people. So if you've been feeling like a loser lately, we've got five tips on how to survive the rest of the month.
#1.) Don't Mope. It's easy to get down on yourself when you're single around the holidays, but being a sad sack isn't going to get you anywhere. People who are positive and confident are attractive, so even if you're feeling down, try to fake it.
#2.) Treat Yourself. Buy yourself an early Christmas present . . . like new cologne or a pair of high heels . . . and wear it to a holiday party to feel more confident. It'll make you more likely to flirt, and who knows what'll happen.
#3.) Change the Subject. If your mom's giving you a hard time for spending yet ANOTHER holiday alone, shift the focus to something positive, like a promotion you got at work.
#4.) Volunteer. Volunteer at a soup kitchen or a homeless shelter. You'll feel good about helping others, and it'll help put the holidays in perspective.
#5.) Hang Out with Other Single People. Holiday parties are a drag when you don't have a date. So instead of hitting one up solo, get your single friends together and go out to dinner or hit the bars. (Huffington Post / MyOptumHealth)
ADRIANNE CURRY has promised to Tweet a TOPLESS photo of herself once she hits 300,000 Twitter followers. As of late last night, she was at about 268,000. --Adrianne was the first winner of "America's Next Top Model". After that, she did VH1's "The Surreal Life", where she met . . . and later married . . . Peter Brady himself, CHRISTOPHER KNIGHT. (--They separated earlier this year.) --Adrianne is an exhibitionist, a narcissist and a sci-fi nerd . . . which some guys might say makes her damn-near the PERFECT WOMAN. (--And if you're wondering why you'd want to see her topless, here are some old bikini photos that should convince you. And here's her Twitter page.)
Corbin Bleu Will Be Naked in 3D Next Year!
CORBIN BLEU is ready to leave Disney and the "High School Musical" flicks in the dust. In his upcoming movie "Nurse 3D", Corbin has a SEX SCENE with KATRINA BOWDEN from "30 Rock". And if the title didn't clue you in, it's in 3D. (!!!) --Corbin says, quote, "You see my rear end. It's tasteful. It's done well . . . It should be interesting."
Katherine Heigl Might Not Kill Her Husband if He Cheats on Her:
KATHERINE HEIGL has decided that she might not murder her husband Josh Kelley if he cheats on her. In fact, she might not even leave him. --She says, quote, "Josh and I always said that cheating would be a deal breaker; there is no second chance. But I've seen friends and acquaintances go through it and they've found a way back to the relationship, and a way to forgive each other. --"As much as I would kill him if he cheated because it would destroy me, I have started to question whether, if a mistake were to be made and it was a one-time thing, I would forgive him. --"Because look at the life we've built together. We have history, we have a child. At the same time, it would be really hard to ever fully trust that person again." (--Their daughter Naleigh is 3.) --If Katherine ever DOES find herself single again, good luck trying to snag her for a one-night stand. She's not a fan. --She says, quote, "I don't like them. I've never met a single woman who has ever walked away from a one-night stand and been like, 'That was awesome! Oh, my god! Best ever!'"
"Survivor" Host Jeff Probst Has Married Mark-Paul Gosselaar's Ex-Wife:
"Survivor" host JEFF PROBST is getting down with Zack Morris' sloppy seconds. --On Monday, Jeff married 40-year-old Lisa Ann Russell. She's the ex-wife of former "Saved by the Bell" superstar MARK-PAUL GOSSELAAR. Lisa and Mark-Paul have two kids together. --Probst . . . who's 50 . . . was married to a psychotherapist named Shelley Wright for five years. They divorced in 2001.
Kevin Federline Collapsed While Filming a Weight Loss Show:
KEVIN FEDERLINE is trying once again to drop his delicious candy coating . . . this time overseas. b--Kevin is doing an Australian show called "Excess Baggage". It's basically their version of "Celebrity Fit Club". It takes place in a very remote and hostile part of the Outback. --Unfortunately, things got so rough for your man K-Fed that he COLLAPSED from heat stress and had to be hospitalized. --We don't know how long he was hospitalized, but it wasn't too long . . . and he's back on the set. (--The show will debut in Australia sometime in the New Year. There's no word if we'll ever get to see it here.)
The Octomom Scored a Six-Figure Deal to Do an Internet Show:
The Octomom NADYA SULEMAN may have finally figured out how to take care of her 14 kids. TMZ says she has scored a SIX-FIGURE DEAL to do a weekly web show. --Basically, it's just Nadya talking . . . about stuff like, quote, "parenting, fitness, diet, nutrition, shopping on a budget and all those crazy rumors." It'll air live from her house every Sunday. (--Check out Nadya's YouTube channel here.)
Angelina Jolie Doesn't Have Many Friends:
This just in: ANGELINA JOLIE doesn't have many friends. Unless you count BRAD PITT. --She tells the new issue of "Marie Claire" magazine, quote, "Well, I have a few girlfriends, I just . . . I stay at home a lot. I'm just not very social. I don't do a lot with them, and I'm very home bound." --She adds, quote, "I talk to Brad . . . But I don't know, I don't have a lot of friends I talk to. He is really the only person I talk to."
Is Angelina Jolie Starving Herself . . . To Show Solidarity with Third-World Children?
The not-always-reliable "Us Weekly" says that ANGELINA JOLIE is starving herself. But she doesn't have an eating disorder. It's a sign of SOLIDARITY. --A source says, quote, "She puts herself on fasts to make statements for the children she visits. She says, 'If they can't eat, I can't eat.'"
Check Out Some Cool Videos of Brad Pitt and Other Actors Channeling "Cinematic Villainy":
The "New York Times" magazine got several actors and actresses together and made short videos of each of them. --Each video is inspired by some sort of, quote, "cinematic villainy". --BRAD PITT starts things off by mimicking the main character of the 1977 cult classic "Eraserhead".
--Other videos include
--ROONEY MARA from "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" doing "A Clockwork Orange".
--GARY OLDMAN as the creepy ventriloquist dummy from "Magic". (--It's a 1978 thriller that starred Anthony Hopkins as a crazy ventriloquist.)
--RYAN GOSLING as the Invisible Man.
--GEORGE CLOONEY is Captain Bligh from "Mutiny on the Bounty".
(--You can check out all the videos here. They automatically play one after the other. And you can see a picture collage of all the people who are being imitated here.)
Kris Jenner Wants an Apology from Daniel Craig:
KRIS JENNER wants an apology from James Bond actor DANIEL CRAIG for calling her family, quote, "[Effing] idiots". She says, quote, "[He has] crossed the line. It's not made him look like the world's nicest guy. The right thing for a real man to do now would be to issue a public apology. -"The easy thing would be to criticize his career now, but our family won't stoop to that level."
Random Kaos:
#1.) Check out some photos from the upcoming episode of the DIY Network's "Man Caves" featuring newly-single KRIS HUMPHRIES. (--Here you go.)
#2.) Humphries will bake cookies with his mom this morning on ABC's "Good Morning America".
#3.) "Us Weekly" says KHLOE KARDASHIAN can't get pregnant, so she's decided to try in vitro fertilization. (--You can read more about that here.)
John Mayer Wants Us to Cool It on the Sarcasm:
In case you haven't noticed, sarcasm is big these days. And frankly, it's getting a little old. And I'm not the only person who feels that way. JOHN MAYER does, too. And he's trying to do something about it. -In a new blog, John is calling for a new era of SINCERITY. He says, quote, "If you want to be truly intimidating, if you want to make an impact, if you want to have a strong connection with others, just be sincere. -"Sarcasm is not an attitude, and it's not a personality trait. It's a style of rhetoric meant to be used occasionally to highlight a larger point. -"Saying you're a sarcastic person is like saying your favorite cuisine is salt. Sarcasm is easy because you never have to take a stance. And that's just the problem; It's so noncommittal." -He adds, quote, "I don't know when the lines got crossed and it was deemed attractive to be ambiguous and critical. Girls don't like it when guys do it and guys don't like it when girls do it. -"I live in a city of cool people with the absolute worst PR representatives: themselves. -"Be yourself, even if that means being unsure or uneasy. Let someone else put you at ease. Meet them in the middle. Be sincere." (--Check out John's blog here.)
END OF THE YEAR LIST-OMANIA
iTunes' Top Selling Music of the Year:
iTunes has unleashed their annual lists of the Top Selling Albums and Top Selling Singles of 2011. Since they're based on sales, not all the music was actually released this year.
--Here are the 10 Top Selling Albums:
1.) "21", Adele
2.) "Sigh No More", Mumford & Sons
3.) "Tha Carter 4", Lil Wayne
4.) "Watch the Throne", Jay Z and Kanye West
5.) "Mylo Xyloto", Coldplay
6.) "Born This Way", Lady Gaga
7.) "Loud", Rihanna
8.) "Take Care", Drake
9.) "Teenage Dream", Katy Perry
10.) "Doo-Wops and Hooligans", Bruno Mars
--Here are the 10 Top Selling Singles:
1.) "Rolling in the Deep", Adele
2.) "Party Rock Anthem", LMFAO
3.) "Firework", Katy Perry
4.) "Grenade", Bruno Mars
5.) "Forget You", Cee-Lo Green
6.) "Give Me Everything", Pitbull featuring Ne-Yo, Afrojack and Nayer
7.) "E.T.", Katy Perry featuring Kanye West
8.) "Moves Like Jagger", Maroon 5 featuring Christina Aguilera
9.) "Pumped Up Kicks", Foster the People
10.) "Super Bass", Nicki Minaj
iTunes' Top Selling TV Seasons of the Year:
iTunes has (also) put out a list of their Top Selling TV Seasons of 2011. Here's the Top 10:
1.) "Dr. Who" . . . Season Six, Part Two
2.) "Modern Family" . . . Season Three
3.) "Dexter" . . . Season Five
4.) "Breaking Bad" . . . Season Four
5.) "True Blood" . . . Season Three
6.) The British "Top Gear" . . . Season 17
7.) "Glee" . . . Season Three
8.) "Entourage" . . . Season Seven
9.) "Archer" . . . Season Three
10.) "The Walking Dead" . . . Season Two
iTunes' Top Selling Movies of the Year:
iTunes has (also) put out their Top Selling Movies of 2011 list. Here's the Top 10:
1.) "The Social Network"
2.) "Limitless"
(--Continued on next page . . .)
END OF THE YEAR LIST-OMANIA - 4 of 4
iTunes' Top Selling Movies of the Year: (. . . continued . . .)
3.) "No Strings Attached"
4.) "Just Go with It"
5.) "The Lincoln Lawyer"
6.) "Bridesmaids"
7.) "Source Code"
8.) "Tangled"
9.) "The King's Speech"
10.) "Red"
A Few Other "End of the Year" Lists You May Care About:
E! Online has put together a list of the Top 10 Jams of 2011. (--It's the same stuff everyone is putting on music lists this year. Here's a fun game: Re-rank the E! list based on which songs you're MOST SICK OF at this point.) -Amazon.com also has a Best Music of 2011 rundown. It has Top 10 lists from their editors . . . and their customers. (--Lady Gaga's "Born This Way" is their customers' favorite . . . probably because Amazon sold it to them for 99 cents.) -For those with slightly more eclectic tastes, here's The Best Music of 2011 feature from "The Onion's" A.V. Club.
NEW MOVIES THIS WEEKEND
Jonah Hill's "The Sitter" is Up Against the "New Year's Eve" Ensemble:
#1.) "New Year's Eve" (PG-13) (Trailer)
Hilary Swank is responsible for coordinating the ball drop in Times Square, and she panics when there are last minute problems with its propulsion mechanism. Plus her opening act's backup singer, Lea Michele, is stuck in an elevator with Ashton Kutcher. -It's directed by Garry Marshall, who also directed "Valentine's Day". -Just like its predecessor, this romantic comedy has a huge ensemble cast which also includes Ludacris, Jon Bon Jovi, Zac Efron, Jessica Biel, Halle Berry, Katherine Heigl, Sofia Vergara, Robert De Niro, Michelle Pfeiffer, Sarah Jessica Parker, Abigail Breslin, Josh Duhamel, and "SNL's" Seth Meyers. -Joey McIntyre from New Kids on the Block also makes a cameo appearance, along with Common, Alyssa Milano, Jim Belushi, and Ryan Seacrest as himself. --You may remember that Ashton Kutcher and Jessica Biel were also in "Valentine's Day", but they played entirely different characters. That one was based in L.A. "New Year's Eve" obviously showcases New York City.)
#2.) "The Sitter" (R) (Trailer) (Red Band Trailer)
Jonah Hill plays a lazy college student who takes a job babysitting three kids. When his girlfriend lures him out of the house with the promise of sex, he takes the kids with him, and they eventually end up being chased around town by two drug dealers. --That sounds suspiciously like a remake of the 1987 comedy "Adventures in Babysitting". You can watch Elizabeth Shue sing "Babysitting Blues", which essentially recaps the entire plot of that movie, here.) -There's a phone number for Jonah Hill's character on a flyer for the movie, and a lot of people have called to leave him voice messages. Supposedly he may even pick up and talk to you. The number is 917-409-7838. You can find some of the messages on YouTube. (--Here's one featuring a chick who's totally wasted.) (Voicemail)
Did James Cameron Steal "Avatar"?
"Avatar" has been called a rip-off of "Dancing With Wolves" . . . but maybe JAMES CAMERON swiped it from a source closer to home. -Eric Ryder, a former employee at Cameron's production company . . . claims he came up with the idea in 1997. His movie was called "KRZ 2068". --He described it as, quote, "an environmentally themed 3D epic about a corporation's colonization and plundering of a distant moon's lush and wondrous natural setting." --Another similarity to "Avatar" was the inclusion of, quote, "self-contained robotic exterior suits which house a single human operator." --And Ryder even suggested that one of the characters be played by SIGOURNEY WEAVER. --Ryder claims he pitched the idea to the company in 1999 and they loved it. There were multiple meetings, but in 2002, they suddenly shut it down. --They told Ryder, quote, "No one would go see an environmentally themed feature length science fiction movie." --Ryder says he complained to Cameron's people when "Avatar" came out, but they blew him off. He's seeking unspecified damages.
Pitbull Is in Talks to Come to "Glee" . . . Along with Some Gay Dads:
"Entertainment Weekly" is reporting that rapper PITBULL is in talks to guest star on an upcoming episode of "Glee". He would play the brother of Santana, the lesbian cheerleader played by NAYA RIVERA. --We're assuming that he'll be on the same episode as GLORIA ESTEFAN, who's playing Santana's mom. (--By the way, RICKY MARTIN was going to be on that episode too . . . but now we're hearing he'll get his own episode.) (--There's no word on the sexuality of Pitbull's character, but he may get the rare opportunity to play a HETEROSEXUAL on "Glee".) --Meanwhile, a so-called "source" says "Glee" is currently casting the GAY DADS of LEA MICHELE'S character, Rachel. No specific names have been rumored yet. --Speaking of Lea, she talked about her last name on "The Tonight Show" Wednesday night. It's actually SARFATI . . . but she dropped it because people used to make fun of it. Michele is really her middle name. --She explained, quote, "I don't use [Sarfati] a lot . . . because I got Lea So-fatty, Lea So-farty at school. So, when I was little and I went on my first audition, they were like, 'And may we have your name?' --"And I was like, 'Lea Michele' . . . and I've been Lea Michele ever since."
Michelle Duggar Has Suffered a Miscarriage:
You know MICHELLE DUGGAR, right? --She's the woman who has 19 children and is on that TLC show, "19 Kids and Counting". Well sadly, she's just suffered a miscarriage. Michelle's pregnancy was about five months along. --Michele told "People" magazine, quote, "The Lord is the giver of life and he can choose when that life is ready to go on and be with Him." --The Duggar's previous child, #19, has been in and out of the hospital with medical problems after being born FOUR MONTHS premature in December of 2009. --The baby, a girl named Josie, was born through an emergency C-section, and only weighed one-pound and six ounces. --This is also Michelle's second miscarriage. She lost the baby during her second pregnancy. She was taking birth control at the time . . . and later said it was one of the reasons they decided to leave the number of children they have "up to God." --Michelle is 45 years old. (--Not to be insensitive, but maybe God has more important things on his plate, and wants the Duggars to use some common sense and take care of this on their own. Clearly, they have enough children.) (--To each his own . . . but at some point, you need to put the health and welfare of you and your family ahead of aspiring to reach a certain number of kids.)
WEEKEND TV REMINDERS
Friday TV Reminders:
--"Frosty the Snowman" . . . 8:00 to 8:30 P.M. on CBS.
--"Frosty Returns" . . . 8:30 to 9:00 P.M. on CBS.
--"Yes Virginia" . . . 9:00 to 9:30 P.M. on CBS. Jennifer Love Hewitt and Neil Patrick Harris star in this holiday cartoon that's based on a classic 1897 editorial about a little girl who searches for Santa Claus.
--"The Elf On The Shelf: An Elf's Story" . . . 9:30 to 10:00 P.M. on CBS. An elf helps a boy to believe in the magic of Christmas.
--"Sweet Home Alabama" [2nd Season Finale] . . . 9:00 to 10:00 P.M. on CMT.
--"'80s Rewind Festival 2011" . . . 9:00 to 11:00 P.M. on VH1 Classic. The Human League, Billy Ocean, Average White Band, and Holly Johnson of Frankie Goes to Hollywood perform hits from the '80s.
--"Boss" [1st Season Finale] . . . 10:00 to 11:00 P.M. on Starz.
--"Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team" [6th Season Finale] . . . 10:00 to 11:00 P.M. on CMT.
--"Onion News Network" [2nd Season Finale] . . . 10:00 to 10:30 P.M. on IFC.
Saturday TV Reminders:
--"Your Voice, Your Vote: Republican Presidential Candidate Debate in Iowa" . . . 9:00 to 11:00 P.M. Eastern on ABC. George Stephanopoulos and Diane Sawyer moderate as the Republican presidential candidates face off at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa.
--"Grand Ole Opry Live" . . . 7:00 to 9:00 P.M. on GAC. Sarah Darling, Eamonn McCrystal, Rhonda Vincent and Del McCoury Band perform.
--"The American Giving Awards" . . . 8:00 to 10:00 P.M. on NBC. Bob Costas hosts as five charities are honored. The top charity will receive a million dollars and the other four will split another million between them. Miley Cyrus, Will.I.Am, Colin Ferrell, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, and J.R. Martinez all make appearances.
--"Spike TV's Video Game Awards 2011" . . . 8:00 to 10:00 P.M. on Spike TV. Zachary Levi hosts the 9th annual awards for video games. The Black Keys perform live. (--You'll find your nominees here.)
--"Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" . . . 8:00 to 9:00 P.M. on CBS.
--"The Flight Before Christmas" . . . 9:00 to 10:00 P.M. on CBS. A new reindeer must overcome his fear of heights and learn to fly.
--"Austin City Limits" . . . 9:00 to 10:00 P.M. on PBS. Patty Griffin performs. (REPEAT)
--"Behind the Music Remastered" . . . 9:00 to 10:00 P.M. on VH1 Classic. Pat Benatar is profiled.
--"Metal Evolution" . . . 10:00 to 11:00 P.M. on VH1 Classic. The advancement of British heavy metal is examined, with an emphasis on Iron Maiden, Motӧrhead, Def Leppard, Saxon and Raven.
--"That Metal Show" . . . 11:00 P.M. to Midnight on VH1 Classic. Marilyn Manson and Saxon singer Biff Byford guests.
--"Saturday Night Live" . . . 11:30 P.M. to 1:00 A.M. on NBC. Katy Perry guest hosts and Robyn is the musical guest.
Sunday TV Reminders:
--"Sunday Night Football" . . . 8:20 to 11:20 P.M. Eastern on NBC. The Dallas Cowboys host the New York Giants at Cowboys Stadium in Texas.
--"So Random!" . . . 7:30 to 8:00 P.M. on Disney Channel. Christina Grimmie performs "Advice".
--"Amazing Race 19" [19th Season Finale]. . . 8:00 to 9:00 P.M. on CBS.
--"Tough Love" [3rd Season Finale] . . . 8:00 to 9:00 P.M. on VH1.
--"Hollywood Icons and Innovators" [Back to Back Episodes] . . . 8:00 to 10:00 P.M. on TV Guide. Penny Marshall's "Laverne & Shirley" character Laverne DeFazio is compared to Susie Essman's "Curb Your Enthusiasm" character Susie Greene . . . then Tim Conway's comedic work on "The Carol Burnett Show" is compared with Jack McBrayer's comedic work on "30 Rock".
--"Allen Gregory" [1st Season Finale] . . . 8:30 to 9:00 P.M. on Fox
--"Boardwalk Empire" [2nd Season Finale] . . . 9:00 to 10:00 P.M. on HBO.
--"Stephen King's Bag of Bones" [Mini-Series - Part 1 of 2] . . . 9:00 to 11:00 P.M. on A&E. Pierce Brosnan stars in this adaptation of Stephen King's best seller about a grieving novelist who travels to a lakeside home where he befriends a widow and her daughter and is later visited by the ghost of a blues singer.
--"Luck" [Series Premiere] . . . 10:00 to 10:30 P.M. on HBO. Dustin Hoffman, Nick Nolte and Dennis Farina star in this show about the world of horse racing, with the owners, jockeys, trainers and gamblers crossing paths at the track.
War Is Upset That the Beastie Boys Beat Them Into the Rock Hall . . . Because the Beastie Boys Sampled Them on Their First Album:
THE BEASTIE BOYS just found out that they're going to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in April. They got in on their first nomination. --But one group ISN'T happy about that. It's WAR . . . a band which was also nominated for induction this year, but DIDN'T make the cut. (--They've been eligible since 1996 . . . so for the past 15 years.) --War singer HOWARD SCOTT says he doesn't understand how the Beastie Boys could beat them into the Rock Hall. --He says, quote, "[I'm] shocked . . . we were cranking out gold records when they were still in diapers. How could the Beastie Boys get in before us when they sampled War's music on their first album?! I'll eat their platinum records!" --War felt good about their chances this year, but they were disappointed when they didn't get it. Howard says it, quote, "felt like I was kicked in the back of my britches." (--The Beastie Boys heavily sampled the War classic "Low Rider" on their song "Slow Ride" off their debut album, "Licensed to Ill", which came out in 1986.)
Foster the People's "Don't Stop (Color on the Walls)" Video Stars Gabourey Sidibe from "Precious":
FOSTER THE PEOPLE has released their video for "Don't Stop (Color on the Walls)", and it stars Gabourey Sidibe . . . the deliciously candy-coated star of "Precious". (--Foster the People is the band behind "Pumped Up Kicks".) --Gabourey spends the entire "Don't Stop" video in a car. It begins with her taking a driving test at the DMV. But then things go crazy . . . the examiner is a thief, there's a police chase, and all kinds of slapstick chaos erupts. (--I'll admit, it's pretty amusing.) (--You can find the video at FosterThePeople.com. By the way, if you're wondering if the guys picked Gabourey because they wanted an accomplished actress . . . or if it was an example of stunt casting, here's a hint . . .) (--Foster the People misspelled Gabourey's last name on their website, above the video. Any chance they would've misspelled SCARLETT JOHANSSON?)
FRIDAY'S SHOWBIZ EXTRAS
Showbiz Extras . . . Random Links to Additional Stories:
As expected, NBA players and owners signed off on the new deal yesterday . . . meaning that the season will indeed begin on Christmas Day. (Full Story)
ELLIE KEMPER from "Bridesmaids" and "The Office" is engaged. (Full Story)
DEMI LOVATO now has the word "Faith" tattooed on her right forearm. (Photo)
Check out a cool photo gallery of anachronistic behind-the-scenes photos from movies and TV shows. My favorite is WILLIAM SHATNER and LEONARD NIMOY on the set of "Star Trek" . . . in full costume and reading "Mad" magazine. (Photos)
British censors have banned the movie poster for "Final Destination 5" . . . even though the movie came out in the U.K. back in August. (Full Story)
A male extra on the set of "The Dark Knight Rises" died of a heart attack during the filming of a crowd scene. (Full Story)
Remember how last year's "Saw 3D" was supposed to be the last installment? Yeah, probably not. (Full Story)
Jay-Z will become the first rapper to headline Carnegie Hall. He's booked to do two charity shows on February 6th and February 7th. It's unclear if he's bringing KANYE WEST or any other guests along. (Full Story)
COLDPLAY has announced some North American tour dates for next spring. (Itinerary)
Interestingly enough, RadarOnline.com says COURTNEY STODDEN actually TURNED DOWN a "lucrative offer" to do a VH1 reality show. (Full Story)
ED ASNER will guest star on an upcoming episode of "Hawaii Five-0". The fascinating thing is: He's playing August March, a character he played in a guest appearance on the original "Hawaii Five-O" 36 years ago. (Full Story)
MADONNA kissed NICKI MINAJ . . . on the lips . . . while they were on the set of Madonna's "Give Me All of Your Love" video. Maybe it was for Nicki's birthday. She turned 29 yesterday. Either way, Nicki was freaking out. (Full Story) (--Interesting fact: Nicki is 29 . . . which is several years older than the last several guys Madonna's kissed.)
RANDOM STUFF
Are These the Most-Hated Christmas Songs?
This may be the smallest, most random survey ever. And yet it's hard to imagine anyone arguing with the results.
--A writer at something called the Middle East-North Africa Financial Network wanted to find the most-hated Christmas songs. (--Based on that name alone, wouldn't the answer be . . . "all of them"?)
--Anyway, according to the few dozen Middle East, North African finance enthusiasts who responded, the worst holiday songs are:
#1.) "Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer" by Elmo and Patsy Trigg Shropshire, 1979: It also won the last time they conducted the survey, in 2004.
#2.) "Jingle Bells" by Jingle Dogs, 1995: You know this song. It's the one where the dogs bark the tune.
#3.) "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas" by Gayla Peevey, 1953: This song was nearly forgotten, until the all-Christmas-music stations dug it up to fill air time.
#4.) "The 12 Days of Christmas" by multiple artists over the last 200 years: It was described as the holiday version of "99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall".
#5.) A tie between "Dominick the Donkey" and "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus". (MENAFN.com)
A New Study Found the Perfect Diet for the Holidays . . . Here's How to Avoid Gaining a Ton of Weight This Month:
When researchers ran this diet study, I doubt they had the holidays on their mind. But their results came out JUST in time to keep you from gaining a massive amount of weight this month . . . maybe. --The University Hospital in South Manchester, England has figured out a new diet style, and it sounds like the PERFECT way to manage holiday parties, meals, and gravy. --They found that if people significantly cut carbs just two days a week, it's more effective for weight loss than trying to cut calories every day. --They had one group in the study eat a 1,500-calorie-per-day diet. The other group ate their normal diet . . . except twice a week, they didn't eat any carb-heavy foods like bread, pasta, potatoes, or rice. --And they found that people who cut carbs just twice a week lost almost TWICE as much weight in four months as people who just tried cutting back a bit every DAY. --So how can this apply to the holidays? --Go ahead and have some really ridiculous meals . . . but during those days of the week when you're NOT at parties or dinners, cut out carbs and you could have your least bulky Christmas ever. (Time)
Out of 500 Couples, the Number That Say Men Take the Lead on Holiday Shopping is . . . Zero:
Do you know any families where the husband takes control of the Christmas shopping and the wife isn't involved? No? Don't worry. It's because they probably don't EXIST. --A website for newlyweds called TheNest.com surveyed 500 married couples about their holiday preparations. They asked who takes the lead on holiday shopping . . . the woman, the man, or both equally? --73% of couples say the woman takes the lead. 27% say the man and woman split it equally. And 0% . . . yes, 0% . . . say the man takes the lead. Out of 500 couples, not a single man runs the holiday shopping. --42% of the women surveyed say they wish their husband helped them more with the shopping . . . especially getting gifts for HIS parents. 62% of women say their husband's parents are the hardest people to buy for. (Wall Street Journal)
Four Rules for Whether You Should Invite Your Boyfriend or Girlfriend Home for the Holidays:
It's that really awkward time of year where you have to figure out whether you've been dating someone long enough to introduce them to your family. And that's TOUGH. --Fortunately, we've got a four-point guide from a dating service called 'It's Just Lunch' for how you should handle the holidays with your new boyfriend or girlfriend. Listen and absorb . . .
#1.) Dating less than three months. Invite them to hang out with your friends. But nothing more than dessert with your family . . . and that's only if your family lives locally.
#2.) Dating three to six months. You can do dinner with the family, but only if they live nearby. You're not ready to travel home together yet.
#3.) Dating six months to a year. It's safe to invite them to travel home with you . . . but don't be shocked if they have an excuse not to go.
#4.) Dating over a year. You should expect to be with one of your families for the holidays.
(PR Newswire)
Only 23% of Us Have Searched for Hidden Presents?
Didn't EVERYONE tear their house apart as a kid, to see where your parents hid your presents? Apparently not, according to a new survey by Coldwell Banker Real Estate. They found that only 23% of people . . . less than a quarter . . . admit they ever snooped around for hidden presents. -The other 77% say they've never gone present hunting.
--Here are a few other findings from the survey . . .
--78% of people do some decorating around the house for the holidays. 67% say they decorate some without going overboard . . . and 11% say they go ALL OUT.
--39% of people say they have at least one holiday gathering of more than 15 family members and friends.
--54% say they stay overnight with their families so they can all be in one house for Christmas.
(RISMedia)
Tomorrow is the Biggest Day for Theft in the Holiday Season:
Be extra careful if you're out shopping tomorrow afternoon or go out tomorrow night. Tomorrow's a big day for CHRISTMAS THIEVES. According to a study, December 10th is the day when theft peaks during the holiday season. -The researchers aren't sure why, but it's easy to speculate. There are a ton of people out, which means a lot of targets for thieves . . . and it's easier than usual for them to just disappear into a crowd. -About 4% of people get robbed every year between Thanksgiving and Christmas. PR Newswire)
Christmas Has the Lowest Car Theft Rate of the Biggest U.S. Holidays . . . New Year's Day Has the Highest:
The National Insurance Crime Bureau just put out a new report on car theft during the holidays, and there's good news for Christmas . . . you're probably NOT going to get your car stolen. -Of the 11 biggest U.S. holidays, Christmas Day has the lowest car theft rate. Although Christmas Eve comes in sixth. -Unfortunately, once you get through Christmas, you're only a week away from the BIGGEST car theft day. New Year's Day has the MOST thefts of any holiday, and New Year's Eve is fifth. -The 11 holidays in order from most to least car thefts are: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Halloween, Labor Day, New Year's Eve, Christmas Eve, Independence Day, President's Day, Valentine's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day. (NICB)
A New Survey Finds Americans Consider $150,000-a-Year to be "Rich":
Yesterday, Gallup released the results of a poll where they asked Americans, quote, "Thinking about your own situation, how much money per year would you need to make in order to consider yourself rich?" It was open-ended, not multiple choice. -And the median answer was . . . $150,000-a-year. That's all we need to be rich. Turns out we're really NOT that greedy. -Only 11% said they'd need to make $1 MILLION a year to feel rich, and only 4% said they'd need over $1 MILLION. 18% said they could feel rich making even less than $60,000. (Gallup)
Yawning Is More Contagious If You Know the Person Yawning:
Yawning has frustrated scientists for years . . . they know it's contagious, but they can't prove it or figure out why. --But a study by researchers at the University of Pisa in Italy has uncovered an important clue: Yawning in response to someone else's yawn may be a way of showing empathy. --The scientists studied 109 people for a year, keeping track of when and where they yawned, and whether their yawn was in response to someone else. --They looked at several characteristics: The gender of the person yawning and the person observing, how they were standing, their nationality, and the length of the yawn. --And only ONE factor makes a difference: How well you know the person yawning. Yawns are MORE contagious if you know the person yawning well, and LESS contagious the less you know them. --Yawns are most contagious between family members. Friends are the next-most-likely to inspire someone to return a yawn, followed by acquaintances. So obviously, yawns are least contagious when two people are strangers. (The Atlantic)
Little Kids Want the Next President to Be Honest . . . Adults Want Him to Be Intelligent and Agree With Their Beliefs:
To prepare for next year's presidential election, "Weekly Reader" surveyed kids and adults on political issues. (--"Weekly Reader" is that news magazine kids read in their classrooms, usually during Social Studies.) --Kids and grown-ups agreed that the economy was the biggest issue facing the country. 89% of adults and 64% of kids ranked it first among the country's challenges. --Health care finished second for both groups, but far more kids than adults listed it as a top concern. --Kids were also more worried about war and the environment: One in four kids listed each of them as one of their top two concerns. But adults put those two issues in the BOTTOM two positions on their lists. --Grown-ups were more worried about immigration, energy, and security than war and the environment. --Adults and kids also disagreed on what was important in a president. 51% of kids said that honesty is the number one attribute a new president should have, making it the top vote-getter. --Adults were split between honesty and intelligence as the most important attribute for a president. And 19% of adults said that the president should have, quote, "ideas I agree with." Only 9% of kids said that was important. (PR Newswire)
MEATBALL CRIMINALS
A Chubby 19-Year-Old in Wisconsin Was Convicted for a "Planking" Spree:
We can't guarantee this, but we're pretty sure this is the first person to be convicted in court for PLANKING. --In case you aren't up on the world's dumbest trends, planking was a Facebook photo craze earlier this year where people would post pictures of themselves laying in random places, face down, with their arms to their sides like a flat plank. --19-year-old Alexander Hart of Manitowoc, Wisconsin was definitely into the planking craze. --Back in May, he and his 20-year-old brother, Ryan, took photos of themselves planking on top of an ATM, at Walmart and Lowe's, on top of a police car, and on top of a police memorial. Then they posted the photos to Facebook. --The cops got word of the photos and probably would've let them go . . . if the guys hadn't planked on the police car and the memorial. --They found that TOO disrespectful, so they tracked down Alexander and Ryan, and arrested them for disorderly conduct. --And this week, Alexander was found guilty. He was fined $303. Ryan's trial will be held next week. (The Smoking Gun)
When a School Bus Driver Falls Asleep, a 17-Year-Old Student Takes the Wheel . . . Saving Dozens of Students From a Crash:
This guy just became the coolest kid in school. And he DESERVES it. --On Monday afternoon, 17-year-old Emmanuel Williams of Tacoma, Washington was riding the school bus home from Mount Tahoma High School with dozens of other kids. And Emmanuel noticed the bus driver was acting strange. --Emmanuel says, quote, "I was looking at him and his eyes would close, and when we'd get to a turn, he'd look both ways, start driving again, and they would close more and more." --Just as the bus got on the freeway, the driver PASSED OUT, asleep. And that's when Emmanuel jumped into action. --He sprinted up from his seat to the front, grabbed the wheel, and kept the bus steady while he woke up the driver. If he hadn't done that, the bus almost certainly would've crashed . . . and this could've been an absolute tragedy. --The Tacoma Public School District says they're investigating what happened with the driver. He's a 65-year-old man whose name wasn't released, and before this, he has a perfect driving record. He's on administrative leave right now. (ABC 4 - Seattle) (--Here's a news video about the crash. It features surveillance footage from the bus that shows Emmanuel saving the day starting at :25. You can reach Mount Tahoma High School at 253-571-3800.)
RANDOM NEWS EXTRAS
Random News Extras . . . Random Links to Additional Stories:
Coca-Cola has moved their secret formula for the first time in 86 years. They took it out of a bank vault, and moved it to a new home at their museum in downtown Atlanta. But you still won't be able to see the actual formula. (Full Story)
And now, '15 Things White Girls Love to Do on Facebook.' Including: Look preppy while throwing gang signs . . . take pictures of food . . . and post a photo of something they consider inferior with the question "Really?" (Full Story)
A study of NBA players found there's no such thing as a "hot hand." After making a three-pointer, players are more likely to miss if they try the same shot again. (Full Story)
NAZZY’S VIDEOS OF THE DAY
#1.) "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" . . . with Unnecessary Censorship:
Everyone knows the best Christmas special is the delightfully crappy stop-motion animation "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" . . . the one from the 60's with Hermey the elf, the Island of Misfit Toys, and the Abominable Snow Monster. --The only thing better is the new version posted on YouTube, with unnecessary bleeps to make it seem like the characters are swearing. Just like they do on "Jimmy Kimmel Live". Check it out . . . it's called, "Rudolph Gets Censored."
#2.) It's . . . "The Girl With The Tramp Stamp Tattoo":
One of the most anticipated movies of the year is the dark, murder-thriller "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo" . . . the one with Daniel Craig, based on those Swedish books. --So it was only a matter of time: Funny or Die has a new video spoof called "The Girl With the Tramp Stamp Tattoo", featuring EMMA ROBERTS . . . Julia Roberts' niece. --It's an obvious joke, but it's pretty funny. Even if you haven't read the books or seen the Swedish movies, they nail the vibe of the new trailer. (--WARNING: It contains multiple uses of the s-word.)
#3.) Check Out Chris Farley as Newt Gingrich . . . Performing for Republican Congressmen at the Capitol in 1995:
Now that NEWT GINGRICH is the Republican frontrunner, someone dug up a clip of CHRIS FARLEY promoting the movie "Tommy Boy" in 1995 . . . by dressing up as Gingrich, and cracking jokes in Congress. --John Boehner introduced him, and Newt and a crowd of Republican Congressmen were there. So most of the jokes were about Democrats. Then at the end, Farley had them pass a bunch of fake bills to lower taxes . . . and move the capital to Atlanta. (--Search for "Chris Farley as Newt Gingrich." He starts cracking jokes at 1:01, and starts passing fake laws at 2:51.)
#4.) A Kid Pulled a Prank on His Friend . . . Then Turned Around to Run and Slammed Face-First Into a Metal Pole:
Have you ever played a prank on someone then immediately regretted it? Well, probably not as much as this guy: There's a video online of a teenager on the subway with his friends in New York. --And he surprises one of them by jumping up and hanging from one of the handrails . . . so his crotch is right in his friend's face. But then when he let's go and turns around to run . . . he slams face-first into a metal pole. (--Search for "Crotch-in-the-Face Subway Prank Goes Terribly Wrong." Skip to :15. WARNING: This video includes the N-word at :10 and :12.)
#5.) Bill O'Reilly Shoved a Cameraman with His Umbrella . . . Then Tried to Press Charges:
BILL O'REILLY was in D.C. Wednesday night for a media holiday party at the White House. And while he was walking around in the rain, he had a run-in with an annoying cameraman who asked if he'd just come from a Newt Gingrich fundraiser. --When the guy got too close, O'Reilly pushed him away with his umbrella. Which wasn't a good idea, because then the wind turned it inside out, and kind of ruined it. Then he asked a cop if he could press charges. --In the video, the cameraman shouts like a little punk, but he wasn't hurt. He said later that O'Reilly pushed him into a puddle. --On last night's "The O'Reilly Factor," Bill said the guy ran up behind him screaming, and that he, quote, "could have had a knife." Then he added that he's lucky he had the umbrella . . . because otherwise he might have PUNCHED the guy. --And he wants a law to let celebrities protect themselves when someone runs up in a threatening way, even if there's no physical contact. (--Which is ironic, because on "The O'Reilly Factor," they ambush people with a camera all the time.) (--Search for "O'Reilly Strikes Organizer with Umbrella." He shoves the guy at :10. And right afterwards, the wind turns his umbrella inside out.)
A Holiday Gift-Giving Price Guide for Different Stages of a Relationship:
Earlier this week, we heard how the best Christmas present for someone you just started dating is tickets to an event . . . because it's not too extravagant, it's for both of you, and it sets up another date. -The online dating site Lavalife says pretty much the same thing, and suggests spending between $25 and $100. They also said how much to spend if you've been dating LONGER than a few weeks.
#1.) If You've Been Dating a Few Months, and It's Going Well . . . Spend Between $25 and $100. If you buy something too expensive, the other person might get freaked out. -Ideally, it should be something that's not too extravagant, and shows you've been paying attention. However, if you're not entirely sure how well things are going, they suggest putting an upper limit of $75 dollars on the date.
#2.) If You've Been Dating Between Six Months and Two Years . . . Spend Over $100. That's enough to buy something nice, but not break the bank. --Lavalife says to pick something that will remind them of you on a daily basis . . . like jewelry, sunglasses, or a new watch.
#3.) If You've Been Together Longer Than That . . . Figure It Out on Your Own. Lavalife doesn't have any suggestions for married couples, because it's a dating website. --But if you've been together for ten years, just make sure you buy SOMETHING, and make sure it's within your budget. The one thing you don't want to do is spend $500 if it'll make paying the bills tough next month. --If you're the GUY, and you've been together for years but HAVEN'T gotten married, Lavalife has one suggestion: Don't buy anything small that looks like it could be a ring . . . unless of course it IS a ring.
#4.) If Your Relationship Is on the Rocks . . . Don't Spend More Than $25. This one's kind of weird, but their logic is . . . you shouldn't try to win them over with your wallet. And at this point, it's really the thought that counts. --So buy something that shows them you still care. And spend more than $25 if you want to. Just don't buy them an iPad 2 and expect it to fix anything. (Lavalife.com)
Five Tips if You're Single During the Holidays:
Between all the dinners, parties, gift exchanges and other events, the holidays can sometimes suck for single people. So if you've been feeling like a loser lately, we've got five tips on how to survive the rest of the month.
#1.) Don't Mope. It's easy to get down on yourself when you're single around the holidays, but being a sad sack isn't going to get you anywhere. People who are positive and confident are attractive, so even if you're feeling down, try to fake it.
#2.) Treat Yourself. Buy yourself an early Christmas present . . . like new cologne or a pair of high heels . . . and wear it to a holiday party to feel more confident. It'll make you more likely to flirt, and who knows what'll happen.
#3.) Change the Subject. If your mom's giving you a hard time for spending yet ANOTHER holiday alone, shift the focus to something positive, like a promotion you got at work.
#4.) Volunteer. Volunteer at a soup kitchen or a homeless shelter. You'll feel good about helping others, and it'll help put the holidays in perspective.
#5.) Hang Out with Other Single People. Holiday parties are a drag when you don't have a date. So instead of hitting one up solo, get your single friends together and go out to dinner or hit the bars. (Huffington Post / MyOptumHealth)
posted by Nazzy @ 5:47 AM
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