HOLLYWOOD DIRT OVERFLOW (09-23-11)
A-Rod Says He and Cameron Diaz Will Always Be Friends:
ALEX RODRIGUEZ and CAMERON DIAZ may have broken up . . . but they're keeping things cordial. --A-Rod tells "People" magazine, quote, "I have a lot of love for Cameron. We'll always be friends."
Is Kate Winslet Dating a Guy Whose Legal Name is Ned RockNRoll?
KATE WINSLET is reportedly dating a new guy . . . and his name is NED ROCKNROLL. (???) And that's not a nickname. No, he wasn't born with it . . . he had it legally changed. --Ned is the nephew of billionaire RICHARD BRANSON . . . and he and Kate fell for each other during that vacation on Branson's Caribbean island. You know, the vacation where Branson's vacation house got hit by lightning and burned to the ground. --There's only one problem: Ned is MARRIED. He got married two years ago, but he and his wife separated earlier this year. She reportedly wants him back, though. (--Here's a picture of Kate Winslet and Ned RockNRoll.) (Daily Mail)
Wanda Sykes Lost Her Chest to Breast Cancer:
WANDA SYKES has revealed that she had a double mastectomy after being diagnosed with breast cancer back in February. --In an interview airing Monday on "Ellen", Wanda reveals that the cancer was discovered after she had a BREAST REDUCTION. --She says, quote, "I had real big boobs, and I just got tired of knocking over stuff. Every time I eat . . . Oh, lord. I'd carry a Tide stick everywhere I go. My back was sore, so it was time to have a reduction." --Wanda was lucky, because the cancer was in a VERY early stage. In fact, she described it as, quote, "Stage zero." --But still, she didn't want to take any chances . . . quote, "Do you want to wait and not be as fortunate when it comes back and it's too late?" And now, thanks to the surgery, she has, quote, "zero chance" of getting breast cancer. --Wanda wasn't sure she wanted to come forward, though, because she didn't want to have to represent yet another group . . . quote, "How many things could I have? I'm black, then lesbian. --"I can't be the poster child for everything! At least with the LGBT issues we get a parade, we get a float, it's a party. I was real hesitant about doing this because I hate walking. I got a lot of walks coming up!" (--Here's video.)
Hugh Jackman Probably Didn't Break Dolph Ziggler's Jaw:
Yesterday, we suggested that WWE superstar DOLPH ZIGGLER was exaggerating when he said that HUGH JACKMAN fractured his jaw during a match on "Monday Night Raw" this week. And it looks like that's the case. --A so-called "source" says Ziggler's jaw WAS sore after the shot, but there was no fracture. It was apparently Dolph's idea to exaggerate Jackman's punching power.
Gerard Butler Got Shot Twice in the Head . . . But with Blanks:
During the filming of his new movie "Machine Gun Preacher", GERARD BUTLER got shot in the head TWICE. Luckily for him, they were using blanks. But that doesn't mean it didn't hurt. --He says, quote, "It was a shell, but it sounds better to get shot. The shell hit me, slit my head, it was pouring with blood. About twenty minutes later, we finally stopped the bleeding. --"We went again and another shell hit me! Within half an inch of the first one [and] slit my head again."
Halle Berry's Foot Is Broken:
Just a quick update here: The foot that HALLE BERRY injured this week while filming a movie in Spain is indeed broken. --The movie Halle is filming is called "Cloud Atlas". It co-stars Tom Hanks, Susan Sarandon and Hugo Weaving. Her injury isn't expected to affect the shooting schedule.
Sean Kingston's Jet Ski Accident Was His Own Damn Fault:
Remember the jet ski accident that nearly killed SEAN KINGSTON? Well, the cops say it was HIS OWN DAMN FAULT. --A newly-released police report on the accident cites Sean's "inexperience" and "inattention". More specifically, they say he released the throttle while turning the steering wheel at the same time, which caused him to lose control. b--According to the report, that's a BEGINNER'S MISTAKE that could have been avoided if Sean had taken a boating safety class . . . or at least read the instruction manual that came with the jet ski.
Is Lindsay Lohan Blowing Off Her Community Service?
Remember when LINDSAY LOHAN told her judge . . . and everyone else who would listen . . . that she was going to buckle down and kick butt on her community service? Would you be shocked if I told you she may have been insincere? --Lindsay's been seen partying it up at Fashion Week in New York City . . . and she's about to fly to Milan for a modeling gig. But apparently, she's neglecting her obligation to society. --Lindsay was sentenced to 480 hours of community service . . . consisting of 380 hours at a women's shelter and 100 hours at the county morgue. --So far, she has completed 60 hours at the shelter and none at the morgue. She did complete a shoplifters awareness class, but she's falling behind on everything else. --A source says, quote, "Lindsay's team is telling her she needs to log significant time to show the judge that she is working towards completing her hours, but she is ignoring them. --"Lindsay's rationale is that she has a year to complete the service, so she isn't concerned about it right now." --Lindsay's rep says she's working hard to, quote, "balance the demands of making a living while at the same time fulfilling her court-mandated obligations."
. . . And Snooki Goes Down:
It's not surprising, but it's still pretty amusing: While leaving a club called Eleven in West Hollywood Wednesday night, SNOOKI took a tumble. --It looks like she wiped out trying to negotiate a small step, but we don't know how drunk she was. Luckily for us, the paparazzi were there. (--Check out the pics here.) (Celebuzz)
That 140-Year-Old Photo of the Guy Who Looks Like Nicolas Cage Has Disappeared from Ebay:
Remember that 140-year-old photo of the guy who looks exactly like NICOLAS CAGE? Well, it's no longer for sale on eBay. --There's no word why. The listing just disappeared. (--Here's the link where it USED TO be.)
Tom Brady Explains His Hair:
Patriots quarterback TOM BRADY is still rocking that quasi-Bieber hairdo. But if it makes you feel any better, he really doesn't put that much thought into it. He says, quote, "I don't take it too seriously. I just like to change it up." --The important thing is that Tom's wife GISELE BUNDCHEN is okay with it. And she is. She says, quote, "It's his choice. He can do whatever he wants because I'll love him no matter what . . . short, bald, fat. It's all good."
NEW MOVIES THIS WEEKEND
What do Taylor Lautner, Brad Pitt, and a Dolphin Have in Common? They All Have New Movies This Weekend:
#1.) "Abduction" (PG-13)
"Twilight" stud Taylor Lautner gets to show off his real-life black belt karate skills after learning he was abducted as a child and that his dad's some kind of spy. People try to kill him after he learns the truth . . . with Sigourney Weaver and Alfred Molina each offering to help, while claiming he can't trust the other one. (Trailer) --Jason Isaacs and Maria Bello play his fake parents, and Lily Collins plays the sexy neighbor who goes on the run with him. (--Lily is the daughter of Phil Collins. Before this she was Sandra Bullock's daughter in "The Blind Side" and Paul Bettany's kidnapped niece in "Priest". She's also starring role in one of next year's "Snow White" movies.)
#2.) "Dolphin Tale" (PG)
A boy rescues a dolphin caught in a trap, then helps it learn to swim with a prosthetic tail. The kid is played by 13-year-old Nathan Gamble. --Ashley Judd plays his mom, Harry Connick Jr. runs the aquarium hospital, and Morgan Freeman is the doctor who figures out how to make the prosthetic tail.--It's based on a true story, but the boy's character was actually a girl named Katrina, who was born with a leg deficiency and needs a prosthetic leg to walk. (--You can read more on her story and how she was cut out of the movie here.) (Trailer1) (Trailer2) (--This movie is a wholesome, inspiring story about the healing power of a boy's love for a dolphin. Not unlike the inspiring story of Malcolm Brenner's love for HIS dolphin. No, YOU shut up. You know she was asking for it!) (???)
#3.) "Moneyball" (PG-13)
The true story of how the Oakland A's built a winning team with a small budget, using players the scouts rejected. Brad Pitt plays the general manager, Philip Seymour Hoffman is his co-manager, and Jonah Hill is the nerdy statistics expert. (Trailer)
#4.) "Killer Elite" (R)
Jason Statham is a former special ops agent who takes on a military organization after his mentor . . . Robert De Niro . . . is captured by Clive Owen. (Trailer)
Check Out a New Trailer for "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo":
There's a new trailer for "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" . . . and it's pretty awesome. Unlike the previous trailers we've seen, it gives you a good idea what the movie's actually about. (--"The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" comes out December 23rd. Here's the trailer.)
Robert Downey Jr. Disguises Himself as an Asian Guy in the New "Sherlock Holmes" Movie:
In the new "Sherlock Holmes" movie, ROBERT DOWNEY JR. goes undercover . . . as a Chinese guy. (--Check out the photo here.) (E! Online) --"Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows" hits theaters December 16th.
The "Star Wars" Blu-Ray Set is Selling Like Crazy:
Fans may cry bloody murder every time GEORGE LUCAS messes with the "Star Wars" movies, but that doesn't prevent them from buying every edition that he feeds them. --The nine-disc Blu-ray set that came out last week has taken in $84 million, and sold 515,000 copies in North America alone. It's the highest-selling and most pre-ordered title in Blu-ray history.
Elton John's Production Company is Making a Movie About . . . Elton John:
ELTON JOHN'S production company is making a movie about . . . Elton John. --It's called "Rocketman", and it's being described as, quote, "a biographical musical fantasy that will weave together John's life and his music." --Obviously, that means it won't be a straight narrative. The movie will include scenes that are choreographed to Elton's music. --One of the producers says, quote, "'Rocketman' will be as unique as Elton's life, told in a non-linear and hyper-visual manner that will transport people through the many intense experiences, some wonderful, some not, that helped define Elton as an artist, musician and man."
The "X Factor" Premiere Was a Major Disappointment in the Ratings:
The season premiere of "X Factor" attracted just 12.4 million viewers on Wednesday night, which was a MAJOR DISAPPOINTMENT. (--The ratings for last night's show aren't out yet.) --For comparison, 26.1 million watched the premiere of "American Idol" this past spring, which featured the debut of STEVEN TYLER and JENNIFER LOPEZ. It was also the first season without SIMON COWELL. --Even without the inevitable "Idol" comparisons, "X Factor" wasn't even the biggest show of the night. "Modern Family" drew 14.3 million viewers, "Criminal Minds" had 14.1 million viewers, and 12.6 million people watched "CSI".
No Excuses: Simon Cowell's "X Factor" Is in Need of a "Judges' Save": (A Commentary):
SIMON COWELL and his new "X Factor" may need some sort of "judges' save" because it seems that America did NOT vote for "X Factor" to take a spot on their DVRs.--The season premiere TANKED, averaging just 12.4 million viewers. Those would be considered decent numbers for a lot of other shows, but not this one. Do you think Simon was happy with that? I'll save you the time . . . he most definitely WASN'T. --Simon hasn't commented on the premiere ratings, but last month, he said that anything less than a 20-million viewer average would be, quote, "a disappointment." --That wasn't his true goal. What he REALLY wanted was to annihilate "American Idol". Otherwise, why do the SAME show? It may be ego-driven, it may be money-driven, or maybe he just wanted to thumb his nose at "Idol" . . . I don't know. --What I do know is: Simon has launched a show that's as similar to "Idol" as he possibly could . . . right down to hiring PAULA ABDUL and a RANDY JACKSON impersonator. --Then, he offered an insane $5 MILLION prize in an attempt to make "Idol's" prize irrelevant . . . and he marketed "X Factor" to essentially be the fresh, new-and-improved "Idol". But at least so far, it's been a colossal failure. --Consider this: The very FIRST season premiere of "American Idol" attracted 9.9 million viewers in 2002 . . . just 2.5 million fewer than "X Factor" had. And back then, no one had even heard of Simon Cowell. --For "X Factor", everyone knew EXACTLY what they were going to get . . . and they didn't want it. Or at least, they only wanted it HALF AS MUCH as they want "Idol". --Here's something to keep in mind throughout this fall: "Idol" averaged 25.9 million viewers for the performance episodes and 23.8 million viewers for the results shows last season. Those numbers were UP about 2 million from Simon's last season. --If Simon wants to take down "Idol", he's got a LONG way to go.
"Extreme Musical Chairs" . . . A Reality Show Coming to the CW! Seriously:
There are so many absurd reality shows out there these days that you probably wouldn't be surprised if there was one on the way called . . . oh, I don't know . . . "Extreme Musical Chairs". --And get this, THERE IS. --The CW is indeed developing a show called "Extreme Musical Chairs", which will, quote, "transform the popular children's game into a physically demanding competition with multiple rounds of elimination set in an indoor obstacle course." -There's no word when the show might premiere.
The Best TV Theme Songs . . . According to "Rolling Stone" Readers:
"Rolling Stone" recently polled their readers to come up with a rundown of The 10 Best TV Theme Songs. They released the results yesterday. Here's the list:
1.) "Where Everybody Knows Your Name" . . . from "Cheers"
2.) The instrumental theme from the original "Hawaii Five-O"
3.) "Suicide Is Painless" . . . from "M*A*S*H"
4.) "I'll Be There for You" . . . from "Friends"
5.) "Woke Up This Morning" . . . from "Sopranos"
6.) The hip-hop theme from "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air"
7.) "In the Street" . . . from "That '70s Show"
8.) The theme from "Miami Vice"
9.) "The Streetbeater" . . . from "Sanford and Son"
10.) "Thank You for Being a Friend" . . . from "Golden Girls"
(--You can find audio and mini write-ups for each one at RollingStone.com.)
WEEKEND TV REMINDERS
Friday TV Reminders:
--"A Gifted Man" [SERIES Premiere] . . . 8:00 to 9:00 P.M. on CBS. (--Patrick Wilson plays a neurosurgeon who has visions of his dead wife.)
--"Nikita" [2nd Season Premiere] . . . 8:00 to 9:00 P.M. on the CW.
--"Kitchen Nightmares" [4th Season Premiere] . . . 8:00 to 9:00 P.M. on Fox.
--"Majors & Minors" [SERIES Premiere] . . . 8:00 to 9:00 P.M. on the HUB. (--A music competition for 10 - 16-year-olds. No one is voted out, but only one will win a recording deal and the chance to be featured in a nationwide concert tour. Mentors include Brandy, Leona Lewis, Jordin Sparks, Sean Kingston and Ryan Tedder.)
--"CSI: New York" [8th Season Premiere] . . . 9:00 to 10:00 P.M. on CBS.
--"Fringe" [4th Season Premiere] . . . 9:00 to 10:00 P.M. on Fox.
--"Supernatural" [7th Season Premiere] . . . 9:00 to 10:00 P.M. on the CW.
--"Dateline NBC" [21st Season Premiere] . . . 9:00 to 10:00 P.M. on NBC.
--"Blue Bloods" [2nd Season Premiere] . . . 10:00 to 11:00 P.M. on CBS. (--Tony Bennett and Carrie Underwood guest star and perform a duet at a benefit event.)
--"20/20" . . . 10:00 to 11:00 P.M. on ABC. (--YouTube is tonight's topic.)
--"One Man Army" [1st Season Finale] . . . 10:00 to 11:00 P.M. on Discovery.
--"Nirvana: Live At the Paramount" . . . 11:00 P.M. to Midnight on VH1 Classic. (--Nirvana's 1991 Halloween performance in Seattle.) (Full Story)
Saturday TV Reminders:
--"Biography" . . . 7:00 to 8:00 A.M. on A&E. (--Weird Al Yankovic is profiled.)
--"Grand Ole Opry Live" . . . 7:00 to 9:00 P.M. on GAC. (--Dolly Parton, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Bradley Gaskin and Charlie McCoy perform.)
--"Austin City Limits" . . . 9:00 to 10:00 P.M. on PBS. (--Lyle Lovett and Bob Schneider perform.) (REPEAT)
--"48 Hours Mystery" [25th Season Premiere] . . . 10:00 to 11:00 P.M. on CBS. (--The death of boxer Arturo Gatti is investigated to determine if he committed suicide or was murdered.)
--"That Metal Show" . . . 11:00 P.M. to Midnight on VH1 Classic. (--Sammy Hagar guests.)
--"Saturday Night Live" [37th Season Premiere] . . . 11:30 P.M. to 1:00 A.M. on NBC. (--Alec Baldwin guest hosts and Radiohead is the musical guest.)
Sunday TV Reminders:
--"Sunday Night Football" . . . 8:20 to 11:20 P.M. Eastern on NBC. (--The Indianapolis Colts host the Pittsburgh Steelers at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indiana.)
--"Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" [9th Season Premiere] . . . 7:00 to 9:00 P.M. on ABC. (--The Steps-N-Stages Jubilee House for homeless female veterans is renovated with the help of soldiers and a visit from Michelle Obama.)
--"60 Minutes" [44th Season Premiere] . . . 7:00 to 8:00 P.M. on CBS.
--"The Amazing Race 19" [19th Season Premiere] . . . 8:00 to 9:00 P.M. on CBS. (--"Survivor" winners Ethan Zohn and Jenna Morasca are part of the cast.)
--"The Simpsons" [23rd Season Premiere] . . . 8:00 to 8:30 P.M. on Fox. (--Kiefer Sutherland does the voice of a shy security guard who comes to Homer's aid.)
--"The Cleveland Show" [3rd Season Premiere] . . . 8:30 to 9:00 P.M. on Fox. (--Wrestler Ric Flair guests as himself when he hosts a camping trip Cleveland joins in order to bond with some other friends.)
--"Family Guy" [10th Season Premiere] . . . 9:00 to 9:30 P.M. on Fox.
--"American Dad" [7th Season Premiere] . . . 9:30 to 10:00 P.M. on Fox. (--Stan purchases a singing hot tub played by Cee-Lo Green. "Precious" star Gabourey Sidibe also has a cameo as a party girl.)
--"Desperate Housewives" [8th Season Premiere] . . . 9:00 to 10:00 P.M. on ABC.
--"The Good Wife" [3rd Season Premiere] . . . 9:00 to 10:00 P.M. on CBS.
--"Boardwalk Empire" [2nd Season Premiere] . . . 9:00 to 10:00 P.M. on HBO.
--"Drop Dead Diva" [3rd Season Finale] . . . 9:00 to 10:00 P.M. on Lifetime. (--Brandy and "Sopranos" minx Jamie-Lynn Sigler guest star.)
--"Jeff Dunham: Controlled Chaos" . . . 9:00 to 10:30 P.M. on Comedy Central. (--Ventriloquist Jeff Dunham performs at the Landmark Theater in Richmond.)
--"The Great Food Truck Race" [2nd Season Finale] . . . 9:00 to 10:00 P.M. on Food Network.
--"Ice Road Truckers" [5th Season Finale] . . . 9:00 to 10:00 P.M. on History.
--"Sister Wives" [2nd Season Premiere] . . . 9:00 to 10:00 P.M. on TLC.
--"Pan Am" [SERIES Premiere] . . . 10:00 to 11:00 P.M. on ABC. (--Christina Ricci, Kelli Garner, Karine Vanasse and Margot Robbie star as Pan Am flight attendants in the '60s when airline travel was a sign of luxury and glamour.)
--"CSI: Miami" [10th Season Premiere] . . . 10:00 to 11:00 P.M. on CBS.
--"Dirty Soap" [SERIES Premiere] . . . 10:00 to 11:00 P.M. on E! (--The lives of a group of soap stars, including "Dancing with the Stars" winner Kelly Monaco, is the focus of this reality show.)
--"UNCF: An Evening of Stars" . . . 10:00 P.M. to Midnight on BET. (--The 32nd annual fund-raiser for the United Negro College Fund honors Chaka Khan.) (--You'll find the list of performers here.)
--"Storm Chasers" [5th Season Premiere] . . . 10:00 to 11:00 P.M. on Discovery.
--"IRT: Deadliest Roads" [2nd Season Premiere] . . . 10:00 to 11:00 P.M. on History Channel.
--"Bar Rescue" [1st Season Finale] . . . 10:00 to 11:00 P.M. on Spike TV.
--"Kendra" [4th Season Premiere] . . . 11:00 to 11:30 P.M. on E!
--"Invitation Only: Trace Adkins" . . . 11:00 P.M. to Midnight on CMT.
--"Watch What Happens: Live" [5th Season Premiere] . . . 11:00 P.M. to Midnight on Bravo. (--"Millionaire Matchmaker's" Patti Stanger guests.)
Lady Gaga Wants to Meet with President Obama . . . Because a Teenage Fan Committed Suicide As a Result of Gay Bullying:
Last Sunday, a 14-year-old LADY GAGA fan named Jamey Rodemeyer committed suicide. He was being mercilessly bullied at school because of his sexuality. --Lady Gaga heard about this, and she's so upset that she wants to take it up with PRESIDENT OBAMA . . . to ask him to make bullying a CRIME. --She Tweeted, quote, "The past days I've spent reflecting, crying, and yelling. I have so much anger. It is hard to feel love when cruelty takes someone's life. --"Jamey Rodemeyer, 14 years old, took his life because of bullying. Bullying must become be illegal. It is a hate crime. --"I am meeting with our President. I will not stop fighting. This must end. Our generation has the power to end it. Trend it: #MakeALawForJamey." --It's unclear how or when Lady Gaga plans to meet up with Obama . . . but the President is making an appearance at an event called Federal Partners in Bullying Prevention Summit. --We don't know if Lady Gaga will be there. --Back in May, Jamey made one of those anti-bullying, "It Gets Better" videos, and posted it on YouTube. He said he was bisexual . . . and said he was being taunted and made fun of, but that Lady Gaga was an inspiration for him. --He said, quote, "Lady Gaga, she makes me so happy. She lets me know that I was born this way. And that's my advice to you from her. We were born this way. And all you have to do is hold your head up, and you'll go far . . . just love yourself. --"I promise you, it'll get better . . . I've had so much support from people I don't even know online. I know that sounds creepy, but they're so nice and caring. They don't ever want me to die." (--You can watch Jamey's video, here. It's incredibly heartbreaking. NOTE: Jamey uses the gay slur that starts with "F" 30 seconds in, while describing how he was bullied.) (--I never advise this, but if you can stomach it, you should read a few of the comments under the video. It'll give you a sickening sample of how heartless some people can be . . . in the face of someone who's hurting, and yet is still trying to inspire others. It's absolutely disgusting.) (--On that front, the same can be said for Lady Gaga. Say what you want about her music and her "image" . . . but Jamey's video clearly demonstrates how she is serving as an inspiration for kids who feel like they don't belong.) (--Jamey's funeral is tomorrow. His mom says he'll be buried in his Lady Gaga "Born This Way" shirt.)
The Sugarhill Gang Is Working on Their First Album in a Decade:
THE SUGARHILL GANG has begun work on a new album. It's their fifth . . . and their first since "Jump on It!" was released over 12 years ago, in 1999. There's no release date yet. --There's also a new documentary on The Sugarhill Gang called "I Want My Name Back". It's about the copyright and royalty battles the group has suffered through over the past 30 years. It premiered at a film festival last week. --The director says, quote, "If [their hit 'Rapper's Delight'] happened today, they'd be set for life. But they are living a very modest life . . . their recording career came to an end not really because they wanted to, but they were under such a bad contract." --"Rapper's Delight" came out in 1979. (--You can celebrate The Sugarhill Gang's impending return by jamming to "Rapper's Delight", here. WARNING: It includes some mild language . . . like an uncensored "G-damn", and the word "sperm".)
Here's Some Rare Footage of Tupac Freestyling with Biggie:
"Rare footage" of TUPAC freestyling with the NOTORIOUS B.I.G. has popped up online. It's unclear when it's from, but obviously it was before Pac and Biggie's falling out. (--If you dig '90s rap, this is pretty amazing. You can check it out, here. WARNING: There is a ton of uncensored profanity.)
Is Simon Cowell Mocking Scotty McCreery in This Video?
SIMON COWELL is doing everything in his power to hype "The X-Factor" . . . while at the same time bad-mouthing his old show, "American Idol". He was at it again the other night outside JIMMY KIMMEL'S studios in Los Angeles. --Somebody was trying to get Simon to do an American accent . . . and he took the bait . . . by launching into a southern drawl. He said, quote, "Y'all gonna love this." And then he added, quote, "I love you this big." --That second quote is clearly a mocking reference to last season's "Idol" winner, SCOTTY MCCREERY, and his song "I Love You This Big". (--Here's video of Simon's cheap shot. Skip ahead to the 1:05 mark to bypass the annoying TMZ commentary and cut straight to Simon's southern accent. )
FRIDAY'S SHOWBIZ EXTRAS
Showbiz Extras . . . Random Links to Additional Stories:
MARIA MENOUNOS is 33 years old and NOT ready to have kids yet . . . so she's freezing some eggs. (Full Story)
"Bones" star EMILY DESCHANEL gave birth to a baby boy Wednesday. This is the first child for Emily and her husband, DAVID HORNSBY from "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia". (Full Story)
ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER is writing a memoir. But don't get too excited yet . . . a source says, quote, "It will not be a tell-all." (Full Story)
ALEC BALDWIN went ballistic on Twitter and started bashing Republicans after convicted cop-killer Troy Davis was executed in Georgia yesterday. (Full Story)
One of four pairs of ruby slippers created for "The Wizard of Oz" is expected to fetch at least $2 million at an auction in December. (Full Story)
RIHANNA'S new single "We Found Love" has hit the Internet. (Audio) Her next album will come out on November 21st. There's no word on a title yet. (Full Story)
Beginning next Tuesday, HLN will have "across the board coverage" of the trial of CONRAD MURRAY . . . the doctor who's accused of causing MICHAEL JACKSON'S death. The network also covered the trial of CASEY ANTHONY earlier this summer. (Full Story)
"Late Night with Jimmy Fallon" is paying tribute to PINK FLOYD next week. ROGER WATERS and NICK MASON will appear on the show, and several bands will cover Pink Floyd songs. (Schedule of Events)
VH1 Classic is once again celebrating the Jewish New Year with . . . a 24-hour marathon of Rush. They call it "Rush Hashanah", and it begins next Wednesday night. (Full Story)
RANDOM STUFF
Five Things Scientifically Proven to Arouse Women . . . Including Scars, a Deep Voice, and a Moody Personality:
They've done lots of scientific studies over the years to figure out what turns women on. Here are the five big findings that'll make women uncontrollably drawn to you.
#1.) A Deep Voice. Deep voices aren't just signs of manliness, studies have also found they're more memorable. And women are biologically attracted to men who stick in their memories.
#2.) A Feminine Look. Women look for LESS masculine men when they want to settle down. Because there's a better chance those guys will stick around. So full lips and gentle cheek bones beat a square jaw and big muscles.
#3.) Wearing Red. A study out of the University of Rochester found that men who wear red are perceived by women to be better looking and higher status.
#4.) Moodiness. In a study out of Canada, women were LEAST attracted to smiling, happy men. They preferred everything else: Guys who looked moody, proud, or powerful.
#5.) Scars. A man with a scar on his face is more attractive to a woman in the short-term, because he looks BRAVE or DARING. Women look at men with scars on the face for one-night stands, though . . . not long-term relationships. (Stylist)
Five Things Scientifically Proven to Arouse Men . . . Including Full Lips, Long Arms, and Not Being Funny:
Here's a collection of five different studies that found different traits scientifically proven to turn men on. Enjoy . . .
#1.) Not Being Funny. At least, don't be funnier than the guy. Men want a woman with a sense of humor . . . but that means laughing at HIS jokes more than making your own.
#2.) Full Lips. A study in England found that when women wear lipstick, men look at their lips for an average of seven seconds . . . and spend less than two seconds on looking at their eyes and hair combined. So, prominent lips attract men.
#3.) Brown Hair. A study by a social dating site called Badoo found that men overwhelmingly prefer brown and black hair to blonde hair. (--We covered this study last month, here's a refresher.)
#4.) Wearing Red. When a woman wears red, it gets a guy's attention AND makes him start feeling a little juiced up sexually. And that's all subconscious, so he's developing an attraction to you and doesn't realize it's happening.
#5.) Long Arms. In a study out of Sydney, women with long arms were perceived as more attractive than women with long legs. In fact, no other trait corresponded to men rating women attractive as much as long arms. (Stylist)
Here's What You Need to Know About the Big Changes Coming to Facebook:
Your Facebook page changed a few days ago. But MARK ZUCKERBERG isn't done with you yet. Here are more changes they announced yesterday, that are coming soon.
#1.) The Timeline. Facebook is planning to do a massive overhaul of your profile so it shows your entire life on a timeline. Remember that wall post you made in 2007? No? Facebook does, and now it'll be there as you scroll back in time. --You can also go back to the years before you were on Facebook . . . before Facebook existed . . . all the way back to your birth. --And you can add photos and memories, and make Facebook a scrapbook of your whole life. At first it'll just be an option, but eventually it'll be the default.
#2.) There's More to Do Than "Like." Instead of having just a "Like" button for everything, Facebook and other developers can create buttons that say anything. For example, you could click a button to say you're "Watching" something on Netfilx. --You'll also be able to watch shows on Hulu or Netflix, listen to music on streaming services, and read stories on major sites at the same time as your friends, without leaving Facebook. Just not yet in the U.S. . . . privacy laws make that illegal right now.
#3.) No More Farmville in Your News Feed. Right now there's the main news feed in the center, and the scrolling feed on the right. The main one will have stuff like relationship changes and photos. Stuff like FarmVille will be smaller and on the side. (Mashable)
There's a Lot Less Porn on the Internet Than You Think:
For years, we've all come to think of the Internet as a giant network of porn . . . with some news and videos of people getting kicked in the groin thrown in. --Well . . . according a neuroscientist who might just be THE foremost expert on Internet porno, there's not as much unbridled smut as you think. --Ogi Ogas is the author of "A Billion Wicked Thoughts", which collected data on the online habits of millions of people . . . specifically porno-viewing habits. And here are a few of his findings . . . --Out of the million websites worldwide that get the highest traffic, 42,337 were pornographic or sex sites. That's just about 4%. --About 13% of web searches are sex or porn-related. --And he says that web filtering companies exaggerate the number of sites they block . . . like, you might find one that says it blocks 2.5 million porno sites, but that might include a ton of sub-pages from the same website. --The most popular porno site is LiveJasmin.com . . . that's a webcam site that pulls in 32 million unique visitors a month, or about 2.5% of ALL INTERNET USERS. --The most searched-for ethnicities and races on free porn sites like PornHub are, in order: Indian, German, French, Japanese, Russian, Black, Italian, and Arab. --Utah has the highest percentage of people paying for porno in the U.S. (Forbes)
Computer Downloads in the U.S. are Twice as Fast as in China . . . but South Korea Is Nearly Four Times as Fast as We are:
The world's fastest Internet connections are found in South Korea, according to a new study by Pando Networks. --After looking at download speeds around the world, Pando found that the average computer worldwide can download files at 580 kilobytes per second. (--That means that a cell phone picture would take about two seconds to download, and a 15-second video clip might take three or four seconds.) --The U.S. is slightly above average at 616 kilobytes per second. We're just behind Germany, where the average is 647. We finish well ahead of Australia at 348, and China at 245. (--That's an extra FOUR seconds for each photo or five seconds for video.) --But the fastest downloads on the planet are in South Korea. Their average speed is 2,202 kilobytes per second, meaning they can do a 20-second video clip or three photos in one second. --Romania at 1,909, and Bulgaria at 1,611, are the next fastest. --Eight of the ten fastest cities in the world are located in South Korea. The U.S. has one city in the top ten: Andover, Massachusetts. (Gamasutra)
The Average Middle Class American Will Spend $321 This Year on Apple Products:
If you've been looking for an excuse to buy an iPad or the new iPhone . . . here's one: EVERYONE ELSE is doing it. --According to a report by the financial services firm Credit Suisse, the average middle class American will spend $321 on Apple products this year. And by 2015, it'll be up to $481. (AppleInsider)
People With No Siblings are More Likely to Earn Six Figures, and Youngest Siblings are Most Likely to Get Stuck in Middle Management:
If your career hasn't gone the way you wanted, it might be because of your brothers and sisters. --A study by CareerBuilder found that birth order can have an effect on how much money you make, and how far you advance in your career. --Someone who's an only child is more likely to earn six figures than someone with siblings. They're also more likely to advance to a position like CEO or CFO. --Among people with siblings, the first-born is the best bet to earn six figures and get to the CEO / CFO Level. --The youngest child is the most likely to make it to middle management and stay there. Middle children will probably have an entry-level position and earn less than $35,000. --As for what FIELD you end up in: Only children are more likely to work in technology and health fields. First-borns are drawn to jobs in government and science. --The middle child is most likely to work in public service or as a caretaker (--which explains the low salary.) --The baby of the family is probably going to take a job in a more creative field, or in technology. (PR Newswire)
A Million-Dollar Moon Rock Lost Since 1980 was Found . . . In a Box of Bill Clinton's Papers:
If you speculated on what you'd find in boxes left behind by BILL CLINTON in the Arkansas governor's mansion, a million-dollar moon rock probably wouldn't be your first guess. --But that's exactly what workers from the Arkansas library system found while going through 2,000 boxes of papers from Clinton's first term as governor. --The rock was one of 50 brought back on the Apollo 17 mission in 1972. Each state received one, on a commemorative plaque. Arkansas' rock was given to Governor David Pryor in 1976. --The plaque remained in the office while Clinton took over as governor, and when he lost to Frank White in 1980, staffers packed up his office . . . and lost the rock. (--If that seems like a short time as governor, it's because he got re-elected a few years later.) --It appears that the rock fell off the plaque, which is a good thing, because the plaque is still missing. The rock was found in a plastic container at the bottom of a box marked "Arkansas flag plaque." --It'll be returned to current Arkansas governor Mike Beebe, who plans to put it on display for the public. --Believe it or not, Arkansas isn't the only state to lose their million-dollar moon rock. Alaska and New Jersey misplaced theirs, and former Colorado governor John Vanderhoof took his with him when he left office. (Huffington Post)
RANDOM NEWS EXTRAS
Random News Extras . . . Random Links to Additional Stories:
Want some gift ideas . . . for a divorce? You can buy a coffin for your wedding ring, a detachable playhouse for the kids, or an ex-husband voodoo doll. (Full Story)
According to a new study, 80% of the new jobs in Texas were filled by . . . immigrants. 40% of them were legal, and 40% of them were illegal. But none of them were American citizens. (Full Story)
Are there Arabic messages written in invisible ink on the bottom of Southwest Airlines jets? (Full Story)
Ten New York hotels are now offering guests dogs, for guests who want companionship. (Full Story)
NAZZY’S VIDEOS OF THE DAY
#1.) Queen Is Hand-Picking Their Own Tribute Band . . . And Found a Singer Who Sounds EXACTLY Like Freddie Mercury:
In case you haven't heard, QUEEN is hand-picking their own tribute band in an online contest at QueenExtravaganza.com. --You can submit a video of yourself singing or playing a Queen song on guitar, drums, bass, or keyboards. And the winners get to join the 2012 Queen tribute tour. --The website started accepting videos on Monday, so it's still early. But I think they might have already found their vocalist. --Marc Martel is the lead singer for a Christian rock band in Canada called Downhere. But he submitted a video of himself singing "Somebody to Love" by Queen, and he sounds EXACTLY like Freddie Mercury. --He even looks a little bit like him . . . and he should get points just for his attempt at growing Freddie's signature 'stache. (--Search for "My Somebody to Love Audition." He starts at :11.)
#2.) Check Out Two Competitive Pole-Dancers in the "Hottest Dance Battle Ever":
Break.com has a new video called the "Hottest Dance Battle Ever", and I think they might be right. It's two COMPETITIVE POLE-DANCERS at a dance studio in Brazil that offers pole-dance classes. And all I can say is . . . they're talented. (--The first one starts at :23, but the second girl's better. She starts at :42.)
#3.) Is This the Most Random Thing Ever Thrown on the Field at a Sporting Event?
As long as sporting events have existed, unruly fans have been throwing stuff on the field. But this might be the most RANDOM thing ever thrown. --At a soccer match in Uruguay on Wednesday, one of the sideline referees got hit in the head with a ROLL OF PAPER FROM A CASH REGISTER. The kind they use for receipts. --It might not sound like it could do much damage. But if you've ever held one, they're pretty heavy. And when it bounced of the top of his head, the guy immediately collapsed on the ground, and stayed there for several minutes. (--Search for "Referee's Assistant Is Hit on the Head by Paper Roll." They show it at :39.)
Five Common Flowers the Hippies at PlanetGreen.com Want You to Start Eating:
I'm all for going green and becoming one with the environment. But apparently the people at PlantGreen.com are completely INSANE about it. There's a new article on their website that says we should all be eating more FLOWERS. --Not flour, FLOWERS . . . including some that might be growing in your backyard right now. Here are six common flowers you should add to your diet, according to PlanetGreen.com.
#1.) Dandelions. They're packed with antioxidants, and also have potassium. They're bitter, but if you like Arugula, they say you should try them in a salad.
#2.) Day Lilies. The flower part is sweet, and it's a good source of vitamin C. You can eat that part raw. But the roots are better if you boil them first, like potatoes. --You don't have to eat the stems. Apparently they don't have much nutritional value. Just be careful, because lilies can be deadly for cats.
#3.) Hibiscus. The best thing to do is make tea. Take about ten flowers, soak them in hot water, and add a little lime. The people at PlanetGreen.com claim it tastes great hot or cold.
#4.) Lilacs. They taste like they smell, but it's not overwhelming. And the best thing to do is use them as a garnish. PlanetGreen.com suggests mixing them in with vanilla frozen yogurt or ice cream.
#5.) Violets. The flowers and the leaves are edible, and adding them both to your salad adds a little color. But you can also use the flower part to make jelly or tea. (PlanetGreen.com)
ALEX RODRIGUEZ and CAMERON DIAZ may have broken up . . . but they're keeping things cordial. --A-Rod tells "People" magazine, quote, "I have a lot of love for Cameron. We'll always be friends."
Is Kate Winslet Dating a Guy Whose Legal Name is Ned RockNRoll?
KATE WINSLET is reportedly dating a new guy . . . and his name is NED ROCKNROLL. (???) And that's not a nickname. No, he wasn't born with it . . . he had it legally changed. --Ned is the nephew of billionaire RICHARD BRANSON . . . and he and Kate fell for each other during that vacation on Branson's Caribbean island. You know, the vacation where Branson's vacation house got hit by lightning and burned to the ground. --There's only one problem: Ned is MARRIED. He got married two years ago, but he and his wife separated earlier this year. She reportedly wants him back, though. (--Here's a picture of Kate Winslet and Ned RockNRoll.) (Daily Mail)
Wanda Sykes Lost Her Chest to Breast Cancer:
WANDA SYKES has revealed that she had a double mastectomy after being diagnosed with breast cancer back in February. --In an interview airing Monday on "Ellen", Wanda reveals that the cancer was discovered after she had a BREAST REDUCTION. --She says, quote, "I had real big boobs, and I just got tired of knocking over stuff. Every time I eat . . . Oh, lord. I'd carry a Tide stick everywhere I go. My back was sore, so it was time to have a reduction." --Wanda was lucky, because the cancer was in a VERY early stage. In fact, she described it as, quote, "Stage zero." --But still, she didn't want to take any chances . . . quote, "Do you want to wait and not be as fortunate when it comes back and it's too late?" And now, thanks to the surgery, she has, quote, "zero chance" of getting breast cancer. --Wanda wasn't sure she wanted to come forward, though, because she didn't want to have to represent yet another group . . . quote, "How many things could I have? I'm black, then lesbian. --"I can't be the poster child for everything! At least with the LGBT issues we get a parade, we get a float, it's a party. I was real hesitant about doing this because I hate walking. I got a lot of walks coming up!" (--Here's video.)
Hugh Jackman Probably Didn't Break Dolph Ziggler's Jaw:
Yesterday, we suggested that WWE superstar DOLPH ZIGGLER was exaggerating when he said that HUGH JACKMAN fractured his jaw during a match on "Monday Night Raw" this week. And it looks like that's the case. --A so-called "source" says Ziggler's jaw WAS sore after the shot, but there was no fracture. It was apparently Dolph's idea to exaggerate Jackman's punching power.
Gerard Butler Got Shot Twice in the Head . . . But with Blanks:
During the filming of his new movie "Machine Gun Preacher", GERARD BUTLER got shot in the head TWICE. Luckily for him, they were using blanks. But that doesn't mean it didn't hurt. --He says, quote, "It was a shell, but it sounds better to get shot. The shell hit me, slit my head, it was pouring with blood. About twenty minutes later, we finally stopped the bleeding. --"We went again and another shell hit me! Within half an inch of the first one [and] slit my head again."
Halle Berry's Foot Is Broken:
Just a quick update here: The foot that HALLE BERRY injured this week while filming a movie in Spain is indeed broken. --The movie Halle is filming is called "Cloud Atlas". It co-stars Tom Hanks, Susan Sarandon and Hugo Weaving. Her injury isn't expected to affect the shooting schedule.
Sean Kingston's Jet Ski Accident Was His Own Damn Fault:
Remember the jet ski accident that nearly killed SEAN KINGSTON? Well, the cops say it was HIS OWN DAMN FAULT. --A newly-released police report on the accident cites Sean's "inexperience" and "inattention". More specifically, they say he released the throttle while turning the steering wheel at the same time, which caused him to lose control. b--According to the report, that's a BEGINNER'S MISTAKE that could have been avoided if Sean had taken a boating safety class . . . or at least read the instruction manual that came with the jet ski.
Is Lindsay Lohan Blowing Off Her Community Service?
Remember when LINDSAY LOHAN told her judge . . . and everyone else who would listen . . . that she was going to buckle down and kick butt on her community service? Would you be shocked if I told you she may have been insincere? --Lindsay's been seen partying it up at Fashion Week in New York City . . . and she's about to fly to Milan for a modeling gig. But apparently, she's neglecting her obligation to society. --Lindsay was sentenced to 480 hours of community service . . . consisting of 380 hours at a women's shelter and 100 hours at the county morgue. --So far, she has completed 60 hours at the shelter and none at the morgue. She did complete a shoplifters awareness class, but she's falling behind on everything else. --A source says, quote, "Lindsay's team is telling her she needs to log significant time to show the judge that she is working towards completing her hours, but she is ignoring them. --"Lindsay's rationale is that she has a year to complete the service, so she isn't concerned about it right now." --Lindsay's rep says she's working hard to, quote, "balance the demands of making a living while at the same time fulfilling her court-mandated obligations."
. . . And Snooki Goes Down:
It's not surprising, but it's still pretty amusing: While leaving a club called Eleven in West Hollywood Wednesday night, SNOOKI took a tumble. --It looks like she wiped out trying to negotiate a small step, but we don't know how drunk she was. Luckily for us, the paparazzi were there. (--Check out the pics here.) (Celebuzz)
That 140-Year-Old Photo of the Guy Who Looks Like Nicolas Cage Has Disappeared from Ebay:
Remember that 140-year-old photo of the guy who looks exactly like NICOLAS CAGE? Well, it's no longer for sale on eBay. --There's no word why. The listing just disappeared. (--Here's the link where it USED TO be.)
Tom Brady Explains His Hair:
Patriots quarterback TOM BRADY is still rocking that quasi-Bieber hairdo. But if it makes you feel any better, he really doesn't put that much thought into it. He says, quote, "I don't take it too seriously. I just like to change it up." --The important thing is that Tom's wife GISELE BUNDCHEN is okay with it. And she is. She says, quote, "It's his choice. He can do whatever he wants because I'll love him no matter what . . . short, bald, fat. It's all good."
NEW MOVIES THIS WEEKEND
What do Taylor Lautner, Brad Pitt, and a Dolphin Have in Common? They All Have New Movies This Weekend:
#1.) "Abduction" (PG-13)
"Twilight" stud Taylor Lautner gets to show off his real-life black belt karate skills after learning he was abducted as a child and that his dad's some kind of spy. People try to kill him after he learns the truth . . . with Sigourney Weaver and Alfred Molina each offering to help, while claiming he can't trust the other one. (Trailer) --Jason Isaacs and Maria Bello play his fake parents, and Lily Collins plays the sexy neighbor who goes on the run with him. (--Lily is the daughter of Phil Collins. Before this she was Sandra Bullock's daughter in "The Blind Side" and Paul Bettany's kidnapped niece in "Priest". She's also starring role in one of next year's "Snow White" movies.)
#2.) "Dolphin Tale" (PG)
A boy rescues a dolphin caught in a trap, then helps it learn to swim with a prosthetic tail. The kid is played by 13-year-old Nathan Gamble. --Ashley Judd plays his mom, Harry Connick Jr. runs the aquarium hospital, and Morgan Freeman is the doctor who figures out how to make the prosthetic tail.--It's based on a true story, but the boy's character was actually a girl named Katrina, who was born with a leg deficiency and needs a prosthetic leg to walk. (--You can read more on her story and how she was cut out of the movie here.) (Trailer1) (Trailer2) (--This movie is a wholesome, inspiring story about the healing power of a boy's love for a dolphin. Not unlike the inspiring story of Malcolm Brenner's love for HIS dolphin. No, YOU shut up. You know she was asking for it!) (???)
#3.) "Moneyball" (PG-13)
The true story of how the Oakland A's built a winning team with a small budget, using players the scouts rejected. Brad Pitt plays the general manager, Philip Seymour Hoffman is his co-manager, and Jonah Hill is the nerdy statistics expert. (Trailer)
#4.) "Killer Elite" (R)
Jason Statham is a former special ops agent who takes on a military organization after his mentor . . . Robert De Niro . . . is captured by Clive Owen. (Trailer)
Check Out a New Trailer for "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo":
There's a new trailer for "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" . . . and it's pretty awesome. Unlike the previous trailers we've seen, it gives you a good idea what the movie's actually about. (--"The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" comes out December 23rd. Here's the trailer.)
Robert Downey Jr. Disguises Himself as an Asian Guy in the New "Sherlock Holmes" Movie:
In the new "Sherlock Holmes" movie, ROBERT DOWNEY JR. goes undercover . . . as a Chinese guy. (--Check out the photo here.) (E! Online) --"Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows" hits theaters December 16th.
The "Star Wars" Blu-Ray Set is Selling Like Crazy:
Fans may cry bloody murder every time GEORGE LUCAS messes with the "Star Wars" movies, but that doesn't prevent them from buying every edition that he feeds them. --The nine-disc Blu-ray set that came out last week has taken in $84 million, and sold 515,000 copies in North America alone. It's the highest-selling and most pre-ordered title in Blu-ray history.
Elton John's Production Company is Making a Movie About . . . Elton John:
ELTON JOHN'S production company is making a movie about . . . Elton John. --It's called "Rocketman", and it's being described as, quote, "a biographical musical fantasy that will weave together John's life and his music." --Obviously, that means it won't be a straight narrative. The movie will include scenes that are choreographed to Elton's music. --One of the producers says, quote, "'Rocketman' will be as unique as Elton's life, told in a non-linear and hyper-visual manner that will transport people through the many intense experiences, some wonderful, some not, that helped define Elton as an artist, musician and man."
The "X Factor" Premiere Was a Major Disappointment in the Ratings:
The season premiere of "X Factor" attracted just 12.4 million viewers on Wednesday night, which was a MAJOR DISAPPOINTMENT. (--The ratings for last night's show aren't out yet.) --For comparison, 26.1 million watched the premiere of "American Idol" this past spring, which featured the debut of STEVEN TYLER and JENNIFER LOPEZ. It was also the first season without SIMON COWELL. --Even without the inevitable "Idol" comparisons, "X Factor" wasn't even the biggest show of the night. "Modern Family" drew 14.3 million viewers, "Criminal Minds" had 14.1 million viewers, and 12.6 million people watched "CSI".
No Excuses: Simon Cowell's "X Factor" Is in Need of a "Judges' Save": (A Commentary):
SIMON COWELL and his new "X Factor" may need some sort of "judges' save" because it seems that America did NOT vote for "X Factor" to take a spot on their DVRs.--The season premiere TANKED, averaging just 12.4 million viewers. Those would be considered decent numbers for a lot of other shows, but not this one. Do you think Simon was happy with that? I'll save you the time . . . he most definitely WASN'T. --Simon hasn't commented on the premiere ratings, but last month, he said that anything less than a 20-million viewer average would be, quote, "a disappointment." --That wasn't his true goal. What he REALLY wanted was to annihilate "American Idol". Otherwise, why do the SAME show? It may be ego-driven, it may be money-driven, or maybe he just wanted to thumb his nose at "Idol" . . . I don't know. --What I do know is: Simon has launched a show that's as similar to "Idol" as he possibly could . . . right down to hiring PAULA ABDUL and a RANDY JACKSON impersonator. --Then, he offered an insane $5 MILLION prize in an attempt to make "Idol's" prize irrelevant . . . and he marketed "X Factor" to essentially be the fresh, new-and-improved "Idol". But at least so far, it's been a colossal failure. --Consider this: The very FIRST season premiere of "American Idol" attracted 9.9 million viewers in 2002 . . . just 2.5 million fewer than "X Factor" had. And back then, no one had even heard of Simon Cowell. --For "X Factor", everyone knew EXACTLY what they were going to get . . . and they didn't want it. Or at least, they only wanted it HALF AS MUCH as they want "Idol". --Here's something to keep in mind throughout this fall: "Idol" averaged 25.9 million viewers for the performance episodes and 23.8 million viewers for the results shows last season. Those numbers were UP about 2 million from Simon's last season. --If Simon wants to take down "Idol", he's got a LONG way to go.
"Extreme Musical Chairs" . . . A Reality Show Coming to the CW! Seriously:
There are so many absurd reality shows out there these days that you probably wouldn't be surprised if there was one on the way called . . . oh, I don't know . . . "Extreme Musical Chairs". --And get this, THERE IS. --The CW is indeed developing a show called "Extreme Musical Chairs", which will, quote, "transform the popular children's game into a physically demanding competition with multiple rounds of elimination set in an indoor obstacle course." -There's no word when the show might premiere.
The Best TV Theme Songs . . . According to "Rolling Stone" Readers:
"Rolling Stone" recently polled their readers to come up with a rundown of The 10 Best TV Theme Songs. They released the results yesterday. Here's the list:
1.) "Where Everybody Knows Your Name" . . . from "Cheers"
2.) The instrumental theme from the original "Hawaii Five-O"
3.) "Suicide Is Painless" . . . from "M*A*S*H"
4.) "I'll Be There for You" . . . from "Friends"
5.) "Woke Up This Morning" . . . from "Sopranos"
6.) The hip-hop theme from "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air"
7.) "In the Street" . . . from "That '70s Show"
8.) The theme from "Miami Vice"
9.) "The Streetbeater" . . . from "Sanford and Son"
10.) "Thank You for Being a Friend" . . . from "Golden Girls"
(--You can find audio and mini write-ups for each one at RollingStone.com.)
WEEKEND TV REMINDERS
Friday TV Reminders:
--"A Gifted Man" [SERIES Premiere] . . . 8:00 to 9:00 P.M. on CBS. (--Patrick Wilson plays a neurosurgeon who has visions of his dead wife.)
--"Nikita" [2nd Season Premiere] . . . 8:00 to 9:00 P.M. on the CW.
--"Kitchen Nightmares" [4th Season Premiere] . . . 8:00 to 9:00 P.M. on Fox.
--"Majors & Minors" [SERIES Premiere] . . . 8:00 to 9:00 P.M. on the HUB. (--A music competition for 10 - 16-year-olds. No one is voted out, but only one will win a recording deal and the chance to be featured in a nationwide concert tour. Mentors include Brandy, Leona Lewis, Jordin Sparks, Sean Kingston and Ryan Tedder.)
--"CSI: New York" [8th Season Premiere] . . . 9:00 to 10:00 P.M. on CBS.
--"Fringe" [4th Season Premiere] . . . 9:00 to 10:00 P.M. on Fox.
--"Supernatural" [7th Season Premiere] . . . 9:00 to 10:00 P.M. on the CW.
--"Dateline NBC" [21st Season Premiere] . . . 9:00 to 10:00 P.M. on NBC.
--"Blue Bloods" [2nd Season Premiere] . . . 10:00 to 11:00 P.M. on CBS. (--Tony Bennett and Carrie Underwood guest star and perform a duet at a benefit event.)
--"20/20" . . . 10:00 to 11:00 P.M. on ABC. (--YouTube is tonight's topic.)
--"One Man Army" [1st Season Finale] . . . 10:00 to 11:00 P.M. on Discovery.
--"Nirvana: Live At the Paramount" . . . 11:00 P.M. to Midnight on VH1 Classic. (--Nirvana's 1991 Halloween performance in Seattle.) (Full Story)
Saturday TV Reminders:
--"Biography" . . . 7:00 to 8:00 A.M. on A&E. (--Weird Al Yankovic is profiled.)
--"Grand Ole Opry Live" . . . 7:00 to 9:00 P.M. on GAC. (--Dolly Parton, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Bradley Gaskin and Charlie McCoy perform.)
--"Austin City Limits" . . . 9:00 to 10:00 P.M. on PBS. (--Lyle Lovett and Bob Schneider perform.) (REPEAT)
--"48 Hours Mystery" [25th Season Premiere] . . . 10:00 to 11:00 P.M. on CBS. (--The death of boxer Arturo Gatti is investigated to determine if he committed suicide or was murdered.)
--"That Metal Show" . . . 11:00 P.M. to Midnight on VH1 Classic. (--Sammy Hagar guests.)
--"Saturday Night Live" [37th Season Premiere] . . . 11:30 P.M. to 1:00 A.M. on NBC. (--Alec Baldwin guest hosts and Radiohead is the musical guest.)
Sunday TV Reminders:
--"Sunday Night Football" . . . 8:20 to 11:20 P.M. Eastern on NBC. (--The Indianapolis Colts host the Pittsburgh Steelers at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indiana.)
--"Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" [9th Season Premiere] . . . 7:00 to 9:00 P.M. on ABC. (--The Steps-N-Stages Jubilee House for homeless female veterans is renovated with the help of soldiers and a visit from Michelle Obama.)
--"60 Minutes" [44th Season Premiere] . . . 7:00 to 8:00 P.M. on CBS.
--"The Amazing Race 19" [19th Season Premiere] . . . 8:00 to 9:00 P.M. on CBS. (--"Survivor" winners Ethan Zohn and Jenna Morasca are part of the cast.)
--"The Simpsons" [23rd Season Premiere] . . . 8:00 to 8:30 P.M. on Fox. (--Kiefer Sutherland does the voice of a shy security guard who comes to Homer's aid.)
--"The Cleveland Show" [3rd Season Premiere] . . . 8:30 to 9:00 P.M. on Fox. (--Wrestler Ric Flair guests as himself when he hosts a camping trip Cleveland joins in order to bond with some other friends.)
--"Family Guy" [10th Season Premiere] . . . 9:00 to 9:30 P.M. on Fox.
--"American Dad" [7th Season Premiere] . . . 9:30 to 10:00 P.M. on Fox. (--Stan purchases a singing hot tub played by Cee-Lo Green. "Precious" star Gabourey Sidibe also has a cameo as a party girl.)
--"Desperate Housewives" [8th Season Premiere] . . . 9:00 to 10:00 P.M. on ABC.
--"The Good Wife" [3rd Season Premiere] . . . 9:00 to 10:00 P.M. on CBS.
--"Boardwalk Empire" [2nd Season Premiere] . . . 9:00 to 10:00 P.M. on HBO.
--"Drop Dead Diva" [3rd Season Finale] . . . 9:00 to 10:00 P.M. on Lifetime. (--Brandy and "Sopranos" minx Jamie-Lynn Sigler guest star.)
--"Jeff Dunham: Controlled Chaos" . . . 9:00 to 10:30 P.M. on Comedy Central. (--Ventriloquist Jeff Dunham performs at the Landmark Theater in Richmond.)
--"The Great Food Truck Race" [2nd Season Finale] . . . 9:00 to 10:00 P.M. on Food Network.
--"Ice Road Truckers" [5th Season Finale] . . . 9:00 to 10:00 P.M. on History.
--"Sister Wives" [2nd Season Premiere] . . . 9:00 to 10:00 P.M. on TLC.
--"Pan Am" [SERIES Premiere] . . . 10:00 to 11:00 P.M. on ABC. (--Christina Ricci, Kelli Garner, Karine Vanasse and Margot Robbie star as Pan Am flight attendants in the '60s when airline travel was a sign of luxury and glamour.)
--"CSI: Miami" [10th Season Premiere] . . . 10:00 to 11:00 P.M. on CBS.
--"Dirty Soap" [SERIES Premiere] . . . 10:00 to 11:00 P.M. on E! (--The lives of a group of soap stars, including "Dancing with the Stars" winner Kelly Monaco, is the focus of this reality show.)
--"UNCF: An Evening of Stars" . . . 10:00 P.M. to Midnight on BET. (--The 32nd annual fund-raiser for the United Negro College Fund honors Chaka Khan.) (--You'll find the list of performers here.)
--"Storm Chasers" [5th Season Premiere] . . . 10:00 to 11:00 P.M. on Discovery.
--"IRT: Deadliest Roads" [2nd Season Premiere] . . . 10:00 to 11:00 P.M. on History Channel.
--"Bar Rescue" [1st Season Finale] . . . 10:00 to 11:00 P.M. on Spike TV.
--"Kendra" [4th Season Premiere] . . . 11:00 to 11:30 P.M. on E!
--"Invitation Only: Trace Adkins" . . . 11:00 P.M. to Midnight on CMT.
--"Watch What Happens: Live" [5th Season Premiere] . . . 11:00 P.M. to Midnight on Bravo. (--"Millionaire Matchmaker's" Patti Stanger guests.)
Lady Gaga Wants to Meet with President Obama . . . Because a Teenage Fan Committed Suicide As a Result of Gay Bullying:
Last Sunday, a 14-year-old LADY GAGA fan named Jamey Rodemeyer committed suicide. He was being mercilessly bullied at school because of his sexuality. --Lady Gaga heard about this, and she's so upset that she wants to take it up with PRESIDENT OBAMA . . . to ask him to make bullying a CRIME. --She Tweeted, quote, "The past days I've spent reflecting, crying, and yelling. I have so much anger. It is hard to feel love when cruelty takes someone's life. --"Jamey Rodemeyer, 14 years old, took his life because of bullying. Bullying must become be illegal. It is a hate crime. --"I am meeting with our President. I will not stop fighting. This must end. Our generation has the power to end it. Trend it: #MakeALawForJamey." --It's unclear how or when Lady Gaga plans to meet up with Obama . . . but the President is making an appearance at an event called Federal Partners in Bullying Prevention Summit. --We don't know if Lady Gaga will be there. --Back in May, Jamey made one of those anti-bullying, "It Gets Better" videos, and posted it on YouTube. He said he was bisexual . . . and said he was being taunted and made fun of, but that Lady Gaga was an inspiration for him. --He said, quote, "Lady Gaga, she makes me so happy. She lets me know that I was born this way. And that's my advice to you from her. We were born this way. And all you have to do is hold your head up, and you'll go far . . . just love yourself. --"I promise you, it'll get better . . . I've had so much support from people I don't even know online. I know that sounds creepy, but they're so nice and caring. They don't ever want me to die." (--You can watch Jamey's video, here. It's incredibly heartbreaking. NOTE: Jamey uses the gay slur that starts with "F" 30 seconds in, while describing how he was bullied.) (--I never advise this, but if you can stomach it, you should read a few of the comments under the video. It'll give you a sickening sample of how heartless some people can be . . . in the face of someone who's hurting, and yet is still trying to inspire others. It's absolutely disgusting.) (--On that front, the same can be said for Lady Gaga. Say what you want about her music and her "image" . . . but Jamey's video clearly demonstrates how she is serving as an inspiration for kids who feel like they don't belong.) (--Jamey's funeral is tomorrow. His mom says he'll be buried in his Lady Gaga "Born This Way" shirt.)
The Sugarhill Gang Is Working on Their First Album in a Decade:
THE SUGARHILL GANG has begun work on a new album. It's their fifth . . . and their first since "Jump on It!" was released over 12 years ago, in 1999. There's no release date yet. --There's also a new documentary on The Sugarhill Gang called "I Want My Name Back". It's about the copyright and royalty battles the group has suffered through over the past 30 years. It premiered at a film festival last week. --The director says, quote, "If [their hit 'Rapper's Delight'] happened today, they'd be set for life. But they are living a very modest life . . . their recording career came to an end not really because they wanted to, but they were under such a bad contract." --"Rapper's Delight" came out in 1979. (--You can celebrate The Sugarhill Gang's impending return by jamming to "Rapper's Delight", here. WARNING: It includes some mild language . . . like an uncensored "G-damn", and the word "sperm".)
Here's Some Rare Footage of Tupac Freestyling with Biggie:
"Rare footage" of TUPAC freestyling with the NOTORIOUS B.I.G. has popped up online. It's unclear when it's from, but obviously it was before Pac and Biggie's falling out. (--If you dig '90s rap, this is pretty amazing. You can check it out, here. WARNING: There is a ton of uncensored profanity.)
Is Simon Cowell Mocking Scotty McCreery in This Video?
SIMON COWELL is doing everything in his power to hype "The X-Factor" . . . while at the same time bad-mouthing his old show, "American Idol". He was at it again the other night outside JIMMY KIMMEL'S studios in Los Angeles. --Somebody was trying to get Simon to do an American accent . . . and he took the bait . . . by launching into a southern drawl. He said, quote, "Y'all gonna love this." And then he added, quote, "I love you this big." --That second quote is clearly a mocking reference to last season's "Idol" winner, SCOTTY MCCREERY, and his song "I Love You This Big". (--Here's video of Simon's cheap shot. Skip ahead to the 1:05 mark to bypass the annoying TMZ commentary and cut straight to Simon's southern accent. )
FRIDAY'S SHOWBIZ EXTRAS
Showbiz Extras . . . Random Links to Additional Stories:
MARIA MENOUNOS is 33 years old and NOT ready to have kids yet . . . so she's freezing some eggs. (Full Story)
"Bones" star EMILY DESCHANEL gave birth to a baby boy Wednesday. This is the first child for Emily and her husband, DAVID HORNSBY from "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia". (Full Story)
ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER is writing a memoir. But don't get too excited yet . . . a source says, quote, "It will not be a tell-all." (Full Story)
ALEC BALDWIN went ballistic on Twitter and started bashing Republicans after convicted cop-killer Troy Davis was executed in Georgia yesterday. (Full Story)
One of four pairs of ruby slippers created for "The Wizard of Oz" is expected to fetch at least $2 million at an auction in December. (Full Story)
RIHANNA'S new single "We Found Love" has hit the Internet. (Audio) Her next album will come out on November 21st. There's no word on a title yet. (Full Story)
Beginning next Tuesday, HLN will have "across the board coverage" of the trial of CONRAD MURRAY . . . the doctor who's accused of causing MICHAEL JACKSON'S death. The network also covered the trial of CASEY ANTHONY earlier this summer. (Full Story)
"Late Night with Jimmy Fallon" is paying tribute to PINK FLOYD next week. ROGER WATERS and NICK MASON will appear on the show, and several bands will cover Pink Floyd songs. (Schedule of Events)
VH1 Classic is once again celebrating the Jewish New Year with . . . a 24-hour marathon of Rush. They call it "Rush Hashanah", and it begins next Wednesday night. (Full Story)
RANDOM STUFF
Five Things Scientifically Proven to Arouse Women . . . Including Scars, a Deep Voice, and a Moody Personality:
They've done lots of scientific studies over the years to figure out what turns women on. Here are the five big findings that'll make women uncontrollably drawn to you.
#1.) A Deep Voice. Deep voices aren't just signs of manliness, studies have also found they're more memorable. And women are biologically attracted to men who stick in their memories.
#2.) A Feminine Look. Women look for LESS masculine men when they want to settle down. Because there's a better chance those guys will stick around. So full lips and gentle cheek bones beat a square jaw and big muscles.
#3.) Wearing Red. A study out of the University of Rochester found that men who wear red are perceived by women to be better looking and higher status.
#4.) Moodiness. In a study out of Canada, women were LEAST attracted to smiling, happy men. They preferred everything else: Guys who looked moody, proud, or powerful.
#5.) Scars. A man with a scar on his face is more attractive to a woman in the short-term, because he looks BRAVE or DARING. Women look at men with scars on the face for one-night stands, though . . . not long-term relationships. (Stylist)
Five Things Scientifically Proven to Arouse Men . . . Including Full Lips, Long Arms, and Not Being Funny:
Here's a collection of five different studies that found different traits scientifically proven to turn men on. Enjoy . . .
#1.) Not Being Funny. At least, don't be funnier than the guy. Men want a woman with a sense of humor . . . but that means laughing at HIS jokes more than making your own.
#2.) Full Lips. A study in England found that when women wear lipstick, men look at their lips for an average of seven seconds . . . and spend less than two seconds on looking at their eyes and hair combined. So, prominent lips attract men.
#3.) Brown Hair. A study by a social dating site called Badoo found that men overwhelmingly prefer brown and black hair to blonde hair. (--We covered this study last month, here's a refresher.)
#4.) Wearing Red. When a woman wears red, it gets a guy's attention AND makes him start feeling a little juiced up sexually. And that's all subconscious, so he's developing an attraction to you and doesn't realize it's happening.
#5.) Long Arms. In a study out of Sydney, women with long arms were perceived as more attractive than women with long legs. In fact, no other trait corresponded to men rating women attractive as much as long arms. (Stylist)
Here's What You Need to Know About the Big Changes Coming to Facebook:
Your Facebook page changed a few days ago. But MARK ZUCKERBERG isn't done with you yet. Here are more changes they announced yesterday, that are coming soon.
#1.) The Timeline. Facebook is planning to do a massive overhaul of your profile so it shows your entire life on a timeline. Remember that wall post you made in 2007? No? Facebook does, and now it'll be there as you scroll back in time. --You can also go back to the years before you were on Facebook . . . before Facebook existed . . . all the way back to your birth. --And you can add photos and memories, and make Facebook a scrapbook of your whole life. At first it'll just be an option, but eventually it'll be the default.
#2.) There's More to Do Than "Like." Instead of having just a "Like" button for everything, Facebook and other developers can create buttons that say anything. For example, you could click a button to say you're "Watching" something on Netfilx. --You'll also be able to watch shows on Hulu or Netflix, listen to music on streaming services, and read stories on major sites at the same time as your friends, without leaving Facebook. Just not yet in the U.S. . . . privacy laws make that illegal right now.
#3.) No More Farmville in Your News Feed. Right now there's the main news feed in the center, and the scrolling feed on the right. The main one will have stuff like relationship changes and photos. Stuff like FarmVille will be smaller and on the side. (Mashable)
There's a Lot Less Porn on the Internet Than You Think:
For years, we've all come to think of the Internet as a giant network of porn . . . with some news and videos of people getting kicked in the groin thrown in. --Well . . . according a neuroscientist who might just be THE foremost expert on Internet porno, there's not as much unbridled smut as you think. --Ogi Ogas is the author of "A Billion Wicked Thoughts", which collected data on the online habits of millions of people . . . specifically porno-viewing habits. And here are a few of his findings . . . --Out of the million websites worldwide that get the highest traffic, 42,337 were pornographic or sex sites. That's just about 4%. --About 13% of web searches are sex or porn-related. --And he says that web filtering companies exaggerate the number of sites they block . . . like, you might find one that says it blocks 2.5 million porno sites, but that might include a ton of sub-pages from the same website. --The most popular porno site is LiveJasmin.com . . . that's a webcam site that pulls in 32 million unique visitors a month, or about 2.5% of ALL INTERNET USERS. --The most searched-for ethnicities and races on free porn sites like PornHub are, in order: Indian, German, French, Japanese, Russian, Black, Italian, and Arab. --Utah has the highest percentage of people paying for porno in the U.S. (Forbes)
Computer Downloads in the U.S. are Twice as Fast as in China . . . but South Korea Is Nearly Four Times as Fast as We are:
The world's fastest Internet connections are found in South Korea, according to a new study by Pando Networks. --After looking at download speeds around the world, Pando found that the average computer worldwide can download files at 580 kilobytes per second. (--That means that a cell phone picture would take about two seconds to download, and a 15-second video clip might take three or four seconds.) --The U.S. is slightly above average at 616 kilobytes per second. We're just behind Germany, where the average is 647. We finish well ahead of Australia at 348, and China at 245. (--That's an extra FOUR seconds for each photo or five seconds for video.) --But the fastest downloads on the planet are in South Korea. Their average speed is 2,202 kilobytes per second, meaning they can do a 20-second video clip or three photos in one second. --Romania at 1,909, and Bulgaria at 1,611, are the next fastest. --Eight of the ten fastest cities in the world are located in South Korea. The U.S. has one city in the top ten: Andover, Massachusetts. (Gamasutra)
The Average Middle Class American Will Spend $321 This Year on Apple Products:
If you've been looking for an excuse to buy an iPad or the new iPhone . . . here's one: EVERYONE ELSE is doing it. --According to a report by the financial services firm Credit Suisse, the average middle class American will spend $321 on Apple products this year. And by 2015, it'll be up to $481. (AppleInsider)
People With No Siblings are More Likely to Earn Six Figures, and Youngest Siblings are Most Likely to Get Stuck in Middle Management:
If your career hasn't gone the way you wanted, it might be because of your brothers and sisters. --A study by CareerBuilder found that birth order can have an effect on how much money you make, and how far you advance in your career. --Someone who's an only child is more likely to earn six figures than someone with siblings. They're also more likely to advance to a position like CEO or CFO. --Among people with siblings, the first-born is the best bet to earn six figures and get to the CEO / CFO Level. --The youngest child is the most likely to make it to middle management and stay there. Middle children will probably have an entry-level position and earn less than $35,000. --As for what FIELD you end up in: Only children are more likely to work in technology and health fields. First-borns are drawn to jobs in government and science. --The middle child is most likely to work in public service or as a caretaker (--which explains the low salary.) --The baby of the family is probably going to take a job in a more creative field, or in technology. (PR Newswire)
A Million-Dollar Moon Rock Lost Since 1980 was Found . . . In a Box of Bill Clinton's Papers:
If you speculated on what you'd find in boxes left behind by BILL CLINTON in the Arkansas governor's mansion, a million-dollar moon rock probably wouldn't be your first guess. --But that's exactly what workers from the Arkansas library system found while going through 2,000 boxes of papers from Clinton's first term as governor. --The rock was one of 50 brought back on the Apollo 17 mission in 1972. Each state received one, on a commemorative plaque. Arkansas' rock was given to Governor David Pryor in 1976. --The plaque remained in the office while Clinton took over as governor, and when he lost to Frank White in 1980, staffers packed up his office . . . and lost the rock. (--If that seems like a short time as governor, it's because he got re-elected a few years later.) --It appears that the rock fell off the plaque, which is a good thing, because the plaque is still missing. The rock was found in a plastic container at the bottom of a box marked "Arkansas flag plaque." --It'll be returned to current Arkansas governor Mike Beebe, who plans to put it on display for the public. --Believe it or not, Arkansas isn't the only state to lose their million-dollar moon rock. Alaska and New Jersey misplaced theirs, and former Colorado governor John Vanderhoof took his with him when he left office. (Huffington Post)
RANDOM NEWS EXTRAS
Random News Extras . . . Random Links to Additional Stories:
Want some gift ideas . . . for a divorce? You can buy a coffin for your wedding ring, a detachable playhouse for the kids, or an ex-husband voodoo doll. (Full Story)
According to a new study, 80% of the new jobs in Texas were filled by . . . immigrants. 40% of them were legal, and 40% of them were illegal. But none of them were American citizens. (Full Story)
Are there Arabic messages written in invisible ink on the bottom of Southwest Airlines jets? (Full Story)
Ten New York hotels are now offering guests dogs, for guests who want companionship. (Full Story)
NAZZY’S VIDEOS OF THE DAY
#1.) Queen Is Hand-Picking Their Own Tribute Band . . . And Found a Singer Who Sounds EXACTLY Like Freddie Mercury:
In case you haven't heard, QUEEN is hand-picking their own tribute band in an online contest at QueenExtravaganza.com. --You can submit a video of yourself singing or playing a Queen song on guitar, drums, bass, or keyboards. And the winners get to join the 2012 Queen tribute tour. --The website started accepting videos on Monday, so it's still early. But I think they might have already found their vocalist. --Marc Martel is the lead singer for a Christian rock band in Canada called Downhere. But he submitted a video of himself singing "Somebody to Love" by Queen, and he sounds EXACTLY like Freddie Mercury. --He even looks a little bit like him . . . and he should get points just for his attempt at growing Freddie's signature 'stache. (--Search for "My Somebody to Love Audition." He starts at :11.)
#2.) Check Out Two Competitive Pole-Dancers in the "Hottest Dance Battle Ever":
Break.com has a new video called the "Hottest Dance Battle Ever", and I think they might be right. It's two COMPETITIVE POLE-DANCERS at a dance studio in Brazil that offers pole-dance classes. And all I can say is . . . they're talented. (--The first one starts at :23, but the second girl's better. She starts at :42.)
#3.) Is This the Most Random Thing Ever Thrown on the Field at a Sporting Event?
As long as sporting events have existed, unruly fans have been throwing stuff on the field. But this might be the most RANDOM thing ever thrown. --At a soccer match in Uruguay on Wednesday, one of the sideline referees got hit in the head with a ROLL OF PAPER FROM A CASH REGISTER. The kind they use for receipts. --It might not sound like it could do much damage. But if you've ever held one, they're pretty heavy. And when it bounced of the top of his head, the guy immediately collapsed on the ground, and stayed there for several minutes. (--Search for "Referee's Assistant Is Hit on the Head by Paper Roll." They show it at :39.)
Five Common Flowers the Hippies at PlanetGreen.com Want You to Start Eating:
I'm all for going green and becoming one with the environment. But apparently the people at PlantGreen.com are completely INSANE about it. There's a new article on their website that says we should all be eating more FLOWERS. --Not flour, FLOWERS . . . including some that might be growing in your backyard right now. Here are six common flowers you should add to your diet, according to PlanetGreen.com.
#1.) Dandelions. They're packed with antioxidants, and also have potassium. They're bitter, but if you like Arugula, they say you should try them in a salad.
#2.) Day Lilies. The flower part is sweet, and it's a good source of vitamin C. You can eat that part raw. But the roots are better if you boil them first, like potatoes. --You don't have to eat the stems. Apparently they don't have much nutritional value. Just be careful, because lilies can be deadly for cats.
#3.) Hibiscus. The best thing to do is make tea. Take about ten flowers, soak them in hot water, and add a little lime. The people at PlanetGreen.com claim it tastes great hot or cold.
#4.) Lilacs. They taste like they smell, but it's not overwhelming. And the best thing to do is use them as a garnish. PlanetGreen.com suggests mixing them in with vanilla frozen yogurt or ice cream.
#5.) Violets. The flowers and the leaves are edible, and adding them both to your salad adds a little color. But you can also use the flower part to make jelly or tea. (PlanetGreen.com)
posted by Nazzy @ 5:54 AM
0 Comments
