HOLLYWOOD DIRT OVERFLOW (01-18-12)

Chef Paula Deen Has Confirmed That She's a Type 2 Diabetic:

As expected, celebrity chef and Food Network star PAULA DEEN admitted yesterday that she has Type 2 Diabetes . . . and that she has known about it for THREE YEARS. --And this is a pretty big deal because Paula's recipes tend to be TERRIBLE for you. --So for three years, she's been pushing unhealthy food on you . . . and getting rich in the process . . . while hiding the fact that her cooking has basically given her diabetes. ALLEGEDLY. --The obvious assumption is that she kept the secret because it was something that could potentially bring down her empire. But that's not how she's spinning it. --On the "Today" show yesterday she said she waited because, quote, "I wanted to bring something to the table when I came forward and I've always been one to think I bring hope." --She added, quote, "I had to figure things out in my own head . . . talk to my doctor . . . I had nothing to give to my fellow friends out there." --She also defended her cooking, and said it's only PART of the problem . . . quote, "On my show I share with you all these yummy, fattening recipes, but I tell people 'in moderation.' You can have that little piece of pie." --And here's how Paula plans to "bring hope": She has teamed up with the drug company Novo Nordisk on a campaign called Diabetes in a New Light . . . which is supposed to help people find "simple ways" to manage the disease. --In case you don't want to rely on Paula for your diabetes advice, here are Seven Steps to Help Prevent Diabetes.) --Oh . . . and she'll also be hyping their new diabetes drug Victoza. And of course, she'll be pocketing a healthy paycheck from Novo Nordisk for all of this. (--Check out video of Paula on "Today" here.) --Quick side note: Paula REFUSES to stop using real butter. She says, quote, "I will never use a substitute for butter. Margarine is one molecule away from eating plastic. --"There is a good chance that I can cut down on the amount of butter now that I'm aware, but will I cut butter out of my life completely? No. I will take measurements to manage it."


It's On Between Diabetic Chef Paula Deen and Non-Diabetic Chef Anthony Bourdain:

And now, we check in with fellow celebrity food expert ANTHONY BOURDAIN. You should probably know that he's had it in for Paula for a while. -Last summer, he called her, quote, "the most dangerous person to America" . . . adding that she's "proud of the fact that her food is [effing] bad for you." --Well, the news leaked out last week that Paula was about to announce her condition. --And at that time, Anthony said, quote, "When your signature dish is hamburger in between a doughnut, and you've been cheerfully selling this stuff knowing all along that you've got Type 2 Diabetes . . . It's in bad taste if nothing else." --And yesterday, after Paula made her announcement and revealed that she's now being paid to hype a diabetes drug, he Tweeted, quote, "Thinking of getting into the leg-breaking business, so I can profitably sell crutches later." (--Phone Starter: Are you a Paula Deen fan? How do YOU feel about this? Do you think she was purposely hiding her diagnosis to YOUR detriment?)


Donald Trump Doesn't Like to Share His $7 Billion:

DONALD TRUMP recently placed his own net worth at $7 BILLION. And apparently, one of the ways he stays so rich is by not giving much money to charity. --Trump's Donald J. Trump Foundation recently filed its 2010 tax return . . . and it showed that for the second year in a row, Donald gave NOTHING to his own charity. --And in the past five years, he's only put $675,000 of his own money into it. --In recent years, the foundation has been run mostly on a $5 million contribution from the WWE. Yes, that's right . . . World Wrestling Entertainment. --The donation was in exchange for Trump's involvement in some wrestling storylines . . . including "Wrestlemania 23" . . . in which he got to shave WWE boss VINCE MCMAHON'S hair. (--You can see video of that insanity here. And pay attention at the 55-second mark, where Trump levels McMahon with a CLOTHESLINE outside the ring.) --In 2010, the Trump Foundation made 53 donations, totaling just over a million bucks . . . including $300 to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. --For some perspective, New York City Mayor MICHAEL BLOOMBERG put $350 million into his own charitable foundation in 2010. And that year, it made donations totaling $105 million.


Bruce Jenner Had Some Skin Cancer Removed:

BRUCE JENNER has a scar on his face that has nothing to do with plastic surgery for a change. He had some skin cancer removed . . . and he made no attempt to hide it at the Lakers-Mavericks game the other night. (--Check out some pics here.)







Lindsay Lohan's Judge Says She's Still Doing Well on Her Probation:

LINDSAY LOHAN got good grades from her judge at a progress hearing yesterday. Judge Stephanie Sautner told her, quote, "Keep doing what you're doing. You appear to be doing it very well." --She added, quote, "The probation officer has written a favorable report, as has the volunteer center." --Oh, and check THIS out: Lindsay arrived for the hearing 15 minutes EARLY. (--Here's video.)


Steven Tyler Fell for His Fiancée Because of Her Hair Band:

Back in the day, it probably wasn't too hard for a girl to get the attention of STEVEN TYLER. Hair teased up to the ceiling . . . gobs of electric blue eye shadow . . . purple spandex pants . . . and maybe a super-tight cut-off Cheap Trick t-shirt. --But the man is a lot more refined now. And yesterday on "Ellen", he revealed how his fiancée Erin Brady first caught his eye. Turns out it was a HAIR BAND. --And no, I'm not talking about CINDERELLA or BANG TANGO. --Steven said, quote, "She had this hair band on around her head. She looked really old-fashioned, so I took her back in the room and she tied me up with it and I thought, 'I'm marrying this girl.'" --Elsewhere in the interview, Steven gave some of the credit for AEROSMITH'S success to . . . COCAINE. He said, quote, "I gotta tell ya if it wasn't for cocaine, I don't think the band would have played every state in the United States nine times in seven years. --"Because there was no MTV back then, Peruvian marching powder, it was like, 'Iowa, three in a row? Give me that [coke]." --But he added, quote, "It's what we did, but you know there is no end to that. It's death, jail, or insanity for real reals. . . . [Drugs] lost me my kids, a marriage, a band, a lot of things and it's for real. That's how dangerous that is. So, I take it serious."


An Australian TV Host Asked Vanessa Hudgens and Josh Hutcherson About their Relationship . . . But They're Not Together Anymore:

VANESSA HUDGENS and JOSH HUTCHERSON hooked up while they were making the movie "Journey 2: The Mysterious Island" together, but it didn't last. -Now the movie is coming out next month and they have to be out there promoting it together. And they seem pretty cool with each other. --But there was one awkward moment the other day when they appeared via satellite on an Australian talk show. One of the hosts obviously didn't know they'd broken up, so he asked, quote, "How long have you two been going out?" --They looked at each other for a few seconds, then Josh said, quote, "We're not. We were at one point, but she broke my heart. No, I'm just kidding." --He added, quote, "We're just really good friends now." (--It was actually a pretty funny moment . . . and Josh and Vanessa handled it perfectly. So I wouldn't be surprised if they really ARE friends. Then again, they're actors. So maybe they were just hiding their hatred for each other.) (--Check out the video here. Josh and Vanessa attempt Australian accents at the 3:00 mark, and the interviewer asks them how long they've been going out right after that, at the 3:22 mark.)


Rosie O'Donnell Dated a Guy for Two Years:

You may find this hard to believe, but ROSIE O'DONNELL dated a guy for two years . . . even though "deep down" she knew she was gay. Still, there were things she enjoyed more about being in a hetero relationship. --She says, quote, "There was something really glorious about being in a relationship at the supermarket with your partner, getting stuff for the football game on Sunday and having the cashier say, 'How long have you guys been dating?' --"When you're there with a woman, with your same sex partner, no one asks."


George Lucas Isn't Going to Give You Anymore "Star Wars" . . . Because All You Do Is Complain:

This is it, "Star Wars" fans . . . GEORGE LUCAS has HAD IT with you. --Okay, maybe that's a little harsh. But it does appear that all your crabbing and moaning over the years has basically convinced him NOT to do the 7th, 8th and 9th episodes you've been screaming for all these years. --It started with all the WHINING over his constant digital retouching of the original trilogy . . . which he began doing when the movies were re-released to theaters in 1997. (--And which he really hasn't stopped doing since.) --All the scorn you poured on the second trilogy certainly didn't help. George says, quote, "Why would I make any more when everybody yells at you all the time and says what a terrible person you are?" --As for the ways he has altered the original flicks, he says, quote, "My movie, with my name on it, that says I did it, needs to be the way I want it." --It's not all bad for you "Star Wars" fans. You've got the animated "Clone Wars" show . . . and George IS still planning a live-action series, too.
Kristen Wiig Says No to a "Bridesmaids" Sequel:

I guess this makes it pretty official: KRISTEN WIIG says she and her writing partner Annie Mumolo are NOT doing a "Bridesmaids" sequel. --She says, quote, "We're not planning on doing one. We had a special time making the first one, but we're really excited to try something else."


Check Out the Trailer for Will Ferrell's Spanish-Language Comedy:

WILL FERRELL took a risk making his latest movie in SPANISH. But if it's funny, maybe Americans will finally get over their fear of subtitles. --The comedy, "Case de mi Padre", hits theaters March 16th. (--Check out the trailer here.)


Eleven Famous Movie Lines That Are Always Misquoted:

The awesome website 11Points.com has a great list worth checking out. It's "11 Famous Movie Lines That Are Constantly Misquoted." (--Full disclosure: 11Points.com . . . 'Because Top 10 Lists are for Cowards' . . . is the brainchild of head Stupid News writer Sam Greenspan.)


--Here they are:


--"Field of Dreams"

Wrong: "If you build it, they will come."
Right: "If you build it, he will come."


--"Casablanca"

Wrong: "Play it again, Sam."
Right: "Play it once, Sam, for old times' sake, play As Time Goes By."


--"The Empire Strikes Back"

Wrong: "Luke, I am your father."
Right: Darth Vader: "Obi-Wan never told you what happened to your father." Luke Skywalker: "He told me enough. He told me you killed him." Darth Vader: "No. I am your father."

--"The Silence of the Lambs"

Wrong: "Hello, Clarice."
Right: "Good evening, Clarice."


--"A Few Good Men"

Wrong: "You want the truth? You can't handle the truth!"
Right: Jack Nicholson: "You want answers?" Tom Cruise: "I want the truth." Jack Nicholson: "You can't handle the truth!"


--"Dirty Harry"

Wrong: "Do you feel lucky, punk?"
Right: "You've got to ask yourself one question: 'Do I feel lucky?' Well, do ya, punk?"


--"Mrs. Robinson"

Wrong: "Are you trying to seduce me, Mrs. Robinson?"
Right: "Mrs. Robinson, you're trying to seduce me, aren't you?"


--"Knute Rockne: All-American"

Wrong: "Win one for the Gipper."
Right: "Sometime when a team is up against it and the breaks are beating the boys, ell them to go out there with all they got and win just one for the Gipper."


--"Wall Street"

Wrong: "Greed is good."
Right: "The point is, ladies and gentlemen, that greed, for lack of a better word, is good. Greed is right, greed works."


--"The Wizard of Oz"

Wrong: "We're not in Kansas anymore."
Right: "Toto, I've a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore."


--"Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs"

Wrong: "Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of them all?"
Right: "Magic mirror on the wall, who is the fairest one of all?"


(--For a more detailed description of this chaos, plus Sam's classic, comedic take, visit his blog here.)


Betty White's 90th Birthday Celebration Was a Huge Success:

The BETTY WHITE phenomenon is now two years old . . . and she's still a JUGGERNAUT. --Her 90th birthday special "A Tribute to America's Golden Girl" was a big hit for NBC. 13.9 million people tuned in, which was good enough to make it Monday's most-watched primetime show. --After the special, NBC aired the premiere of Betty's senior citizen prank show . . . "Off Their Rockers" . . . and it CLEANED UP in the ratings, too. --12.2 million people stuck around for that, making it the night's third most-watched show . . . behind "Two and a Half Men", which had 12.9 million viewers.

(--Betty's career resurgence began two years ago, with her Snickers Super Bowl commercial . . . and the ultimately successful Facebook campaign to bring her to "Saturday Night Live", which she won an Emmy for.)


(--Since then, she's appeared in multiple movies, had guest appearances on numerous shows, starred in a Hallmark TV movie, and landed a starring role on TV Land's "Hot in Cleveland".)


(--She's also launched a clothing line, put out a calendar, released a book, received a Grammy nomination for the audio version of that book, dropped a remix of LUCIANA'S "I'm Still Hot", and got that "Off Their Rockers" show.)


(--Betty was far from retired before this phenomenon began . . . but it's remarkable that she's this big of a superstar at 90 years old. As President Obama said on her birthday special, I too would like to see her birth certificate.)
The Original Yellow Wiggle Is Back!

Five years ago, WIGGLES singer GREG PAGE walked away from the group because of a health issue. He was the YELLOW one. -But kids, he's BACK. --Greg announced that, effective immediately, he's appearing with the rest of The Wiggles at promotional events . . . and he'll be on their next world tour, which begins in March. --In 2006, Greg was diagnosed with a rare nervous system disorder called "dysautonomia," which causes fatigue and dizziness. Apparently, his condition improved, but there aren't any details on that. Greg is 40 years old. --The replacement Yellow Wiggle, Sam Moran, is leaving the group to pursue "new opportunities." The Wiggles' website says he, quote, "graciously offered to step aside on hearing of Greg's ability to return to the group."


Wednesday TV Reminders:

--"American Idol" [11th Season Premiere] . . . 8:00 to 10:00 P.M. on Fox.


--"CSI" . . . 9:00 to 10:00 P.M. on CBS. Grant Show from "Melrose Place" and Matt Lauria from "Friday Night Lights" guest star as FBI agents, as Marg Helgenberger prepares to leave the show in a two-part story arc.


--"Dog the Bounty Hunter" . . . 9:00 to 10:00 P.M. on A&E. Dog traps a felon accused of assaulting a cop with some high tech equipment.


--"Hot in Cleveland" . . . 10:00 to 10:30 P.M. on TV Land. Betty White's character Elka celebrates her 90th birthday. Dan Cortese also guest stars on this episode.


--"Fatal Encounters" [1st Season Finale] . . . 10:00 to 11:00 P.M. on ID.


--"Watch What Happens: Live" . . . 11:00 to 11:30 P.M. on Bravo. Jimmy Fallon guests.


14 Years Later, Brandy and Monica Are Doing Another Duet:

Back in 1998, BRANDY and MONICA collaborated on the single "The Boy Is Mine". The song spent 13 weeks at #1 on the Billboard 100 chart. And now 14 years later, they're doing another duet --It's called "It All Belongs to Me" . . . and it'll be out on February 6th --Like "The Boy Is Mine", the song will appear on BOTH of their upcoming albums. Monica's next disc "New Life" is scheduled to hit stores on March 6th. Brandy's album is also expected to be out in March, but there's no title or release date yet.


Bruno Mars Has Completed His Community Service . . . and the Cocaine Charge Against Him Has Been Dismissed:

BRUNO MARS just finished a year of probation, and now his cocaine possession charge has been dropped. Bruno was ordered to complete 200 hours of community service over the past year, and he EXCEEDED that . . . serving more than 230 hours. --He also had to pay a $2,000 fine, and undergo drug counseling. --Bruno was arrested in Las Vegas in September of 2010, after a bathroom attendant saw him with cocaine and ratted him out. He pleaded guilty, but the judge let him off without a conviction as long as he fulfilled his probation requirements.


Paris Hilton's Next Album Will Feature a Track with LMFAO:

I can't think of ANYONE who wants to hear another album from PARIS HILTON . . . and yet it's happening, and there's nothing we can do to stop it. Legally, at least. --Maybe Paris knows this, because this time she's hitching her wagon to LMFAO . . . the guys behind "Party Rock Anthem". (--The club sensation that was infectious at first, before reaching indescribable levels of irritation.) --Her first single will feature LMFAO. Paris has known them since they were kids, because their parents were friends. --The rest of the album is being produced by Afrojack, the producer who was featured on PITBULL'S hit "Give Me Everything". She says the album will be out sometime this summer. --Paris' debut album has sold nearly 200,000 copies since coming out in 2006. But Paris says her new disc is going to be "completely different." --She says, quote, "I'm going with a whole new genre . . . we've just been coming up with the most incredible tracks . . . this is more my thing, more of a club scene, more dance." --Paris adds that switching to a "whole new genre" shouldn't be a problem because, quote, "I'm very musically talented . . . I think a lot of people don't know that music is my passion since I was a little girl."


Sammy Hagar Is Glad Van Halen Reunited . . . But He Isn't Impressed with What He's Heard So Far:

SAMMY HAGAR is glad that EDDIE VAN HALEN and DAVID LEE ROTH have recorded a new album together . . . but he isn't digging the new music so far. --Sammy says, quote, "I personally don't think that what they have just released, what I have seen and heard, is great at all. --"It should be better than it is, but hey, it is what it is and at least they got together and at least they came out with something, that's all I can say, you know. God bless them but I was expecting a lot more." --Van Halen's new single "Tattoo" came out last week. It's OK . . . it just sounds similar to an old outtake called "Down in Flames". In other words, it doesn't really grab your attention. --It's unclear how much Sammy's heard beyond "Tattoo" . . . if anything . . . but regardless, it's surprising that he was "expecting a lot more." In fact, it seems like "Tattoo" is EXACTLY what he was expecting. --Back in November, he told "Rolling Stone", quote, "I heard this record is old outtakes from the old days. They aren't working with new material. Eddie and Dave didn't actually write new songs . . . they took old stuff from previous sessions." (--You can read the rest of the interview . . . including Sammy talking about getting the boot because he didn't want to put out a Van Halen 'greatest hits' album . . . at CackBlabbath.co.uk.) (???)


Taylor Swift Believes She's Smart . . . Unless She's Really, Really in Love . . . Then She's Stupid:

I'm convinced you can't reach the level of success TAYLOR SWIFT has unless you're a really bright person. Of course, smart people still make dumb choices. And Taylor opened up about hers in the February issue of "Vogue". --She was asked how she approaches her "romantic life". She said, quote, "I think I am smart unless I am really, really in love, and then I am ridiculously stupid." --Unfortunately for Taylor, she must be feeling particularly brainy these days because she isn't seeing anyone. She said, quote, "I got nothing going on! --"I just don't really feel like dating. I really have this great life right now, and I'm not sad and I'm not crying this Christmas, so I am really stoked about that." --The Christmas full of crying she's referring to was back in 2010 . . . around the time she broke up with JAKE GYLLENHAAL. --As always, Taylor's pain is our gain. She's been working on her fourth album and she seems to be mining that famous breakup for material. --Taylor said, quote, "There's just been this earth-shattering, not recent, but absolute crash-and-burn heartbreak . . . and that will turn out to be what the next album is about. --"The only way that I can feel better about myself . . . pull myself out of that awful pain of losing someone . . . is writing songs about it to get some sort of clarity." --Taylor was asked if she's learned anything about relationships . . . seeing as she's been in so many bad ones. She has. She now looks for "Red Flags". --Here's one of them . . . and it could be what came between her and Jake Gyllenhaal. --She said, quote, "I can't deal with someone who's obsessed with privacy. People kind of care if there are two famous people dating. But no one cares that much. --"If you care about privacy to the point where we need to dig a tunnel under this restaurant so that we can leave? I can't do that." (--You can read all four of Taylor's "Red Flags", here. Scroll to the middle of page.)


(--PHONE STARTER: What's your #1 "Red Flag" when it comes to dating? Better yet, when did you ignore that red flag, only to have it bite you bad?)


WEDNESDAY'S SHOWBIZ EXTRAS


Showbiz Extras . . . Random Links to Additional Stories:


Check out pictures of JUSTIN BIEBER and SELENA GOMEZ kissing at a Jamba Juice. (Photos)



KATY PERRY is getting her own "Sims" game. (Full Story)



Some British tabloid printed an interview with BEYONCÉ yesterday. But her reps say it's FAKE. (Full Story)



MILEY CYRUS bought her boyfriend LIAM HEMSWORTH a puppy for his birthday. (Full Story)



There is an actual movie called "FDR: American Badass", in which President Roosevelt fights Nazi werewolves. It stars BARRY BOSTWICK of "Rocky Horror Picture Show" fame in the title role. (Trailer) (--WARNING!!! The clip contains R-rated language.)



On February 10th, 500 Target stores around the country are going to show an exclusive scene from "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2". (Full Story)



Check out a list of the Top 5 Male TV Characters You Wouldn't Want to Be Caught Dating. (Full Story)



SEAN HAYES will guest star on an upcoming episode of "Parks and Recreation". He's playing a character similar to MATT LAUER. There's no airdate yet. Sean played Jack on "Will & Grace". (Full Story)



JEFF GOLDBLUM and BRIAN STOKES MITCHELL will play Rachel's gay dads on "Glee". (Full Story) Meanwhile, Oxygen has picked up "The Glee Project" for a second season. (Full Story)



MARS VOLTA'S next album is called "Noctourniquet", and it drops on March 27th. (Full Story)



ODD FUTURE'S next album is titled "The OF Tape Volume 2", and it drops on March 20th. (Full Story)



DAUGHTRY has announced some spring tour dates for the Eastern U.S. (Full Story)



GRATEFUL DEAD drummer Bill Kreutzmann says he doesn't believe the Dead would be touring if JERRY GARCIA were still alive, because, quote, "Jerry had gotten kind of bored with [it], and it was sort of like a marriage that had maybe gone on too long . . . he wasn't really happy playing in the [band] at the end." (Full Story)
RANDOM STUFF

Just Knowing That a Woman Might Talk to Him Makes a Guy Dumber:

A few years back, a study found that men did worse on tests when there was a woman in the room. The conclusion was that just the PRESENCE of a woman makes men dumber. --Now, the same researchers have taken it even further. It doesn't take a woman in the room to make men stupid . . . it takes the mere IDEA of talking to a woman to make men stupid. --For the follow-up study, the men took another test: This time, they were told that a man or woman would send them a few instant messages during the test. --The instant messages never came. But the guys who thought they were getting messages from a woman did WORSE on the test than the guys who thought they were getting the messages from another man. --So, just THINKING a woman was going to talk to them made these guys dumber. --The researchers think it happens because men are socialized to think they have to be funny and charming around women . . . and that can get in the way of normal brain function. (Miller-McCune)


You Spend Over Two Full Days a Year Stuck in Traffic on Your Commute:

Here's another reason why you should BEG to work from home. You know, besides the fact that you don't have to wear any pants. --According to a new study, the average person wastes over TWO DAYS A YEAR stuck in traffic on their commute. --That's not commuting time total, just the time you're stuck in bad traffic. Based on an average of 12 minutes a day in traffic jams and delays, that's one hour a week, or more than two days a year. --Over the course of your entire career, that's around 90 full days spent sitting in traffic. Have a great day! (Visor Down)


Colombian Drug Dealers are Now Selling Cows to Make Ends Meet:

Here's another one of those "the economy is so bad" stories. According to reports out of Colombia, drug gangs are struggling so hard to make ends meet that they've expanded their focus from just selling cocaine . . . to selling COWS. --Between the economy and military action to fight Colombian drug trafficking, the money just isn't what it used to be. So now, drug lords and major rebel groups are filling the gap by selling cattle, too. --But of course the drug gangs are staying true to their roots: They're not selling legit cattle . . . most of the cattle are stolen. (Yahoo News)


Here are Two Pricing Tricks That Stores and Products Use . . . and That You Can't Resist:

You know how we laugh at little kids because they'd rather have five pennies than one nickel . . . since five is more than one? Yeah . . . according to two new studies, we don't outgrow that as adults. --Check 'em out . . .

#1.) Researchers at Virginia Tech found a psychological pricing trick that stores use to get us to buy bigger quantities. And we're POWERLESS against it.


--The researchers found that our brains react much better to a sale that says "50 items for $29" than one that says "$29 for 50 items." When we see that big quantity first . . . and it's much bigger than the price . . . it's harder for us to resist.


#2.) A team at the University of Michigan found that when products advertise a time . . . like battery life . . . we prefer to hear it in minutes.

--Our brains react better to "120 minutes of battery life" than "two hours of battery life." And, again, it's because we hear that BIG NUMBER and we like it . . . even though we should know better. --In this study, 57% more people picked up a battery advertised with 120 minutes of battery life than one advertised with two hours of battery life. (PhysOrg / PhysOrg)
The Things That Annoy Us Most About Roommates are Not Doing Chores, Not Paying Bills, and Stealing Food:

Living with a roommate is a rite of passage everyone should go through. You will never learn the value of personal space until you see a roommate walk into your bedroom, naked and ungroomed, eating your hummus with his bare hands.

--We've got the results here from a new survey about what roommates do that drive us CRAZY. Enjoy . . .


--67% of people say the thing that annoys them the most about their roommate is when they don't do chores.

--64% say it's when they don't pay bills on time.

--53% say it's when they STEAL FOOD.

--52% say it's blasting music late at night . . . or really early in the morning.

--49% say it's inviting bad guests over.

--21% say it's hogging the TV remote.

--And 17% say it's hogging the Internet connection.

--The survey also found that 14% of people say they'd NEVER live with a roommate again. And people agreed that the best combination of roommates is two guys and two girls. (BT Life)


17% of Americans Would Try Eating Possum Fajitas . . . and 5% Would Try Duck Testicles:

Remember 20 years ago when eating sushi was considered exotic? Our adventurousness with food has come a LONG WAY.

--According to a new survey by the Travel Channel, we're surprisingly open to trying some pretty EFFED-UP SOUNDING MEALS. Check it out . . .


--39% of Americans would eat SMOKED RACCOON.


--33% would try MUSKRAT CHILI. (--Which is like "Muskrat Love", only with more beans and less Tennille.)


--20% would try a PIG EAR SANDWICH.


--18% would eat GUINEA PIG.


--17% would try POSSUM FAJITAS.


--6% would try LAMB BRAINS.


--And finally, in a tie for last place, 5% would try either DUCK TESTICLES or COW PLACENTA.


(Huffington Post)
The Largest Brewing Company in America is . . . Yuengling?

Budweiser is owned by a Belgium company. MillerCoors is owned by a British one. Pabst is located in the U.S., but outsources their brewing to other countries. Which begs the question . . . who's actually making beer in America anymore? --According to the latest numbers, the biggest U.S. brewing company is now . . . Yuengling. They're in eighth place overall in the country with a 1.2% market share. (--If you're not familiar with Yuengling, they're actually the oldest brewery in the country, and they're based in Pennsylvania . . . where they're HUGE.) --The second-biggest American brewing company is the Boston Beer Company, which makes Sam Adams. (Ad Age)


The Red Cross Is the Most-Trusted Organization in America . . . and the AFL-CIO is the Least:

A Harris Poll asked Americans how much they trust 12 of the biggest organizations that influence policy and politicians. Here are the five MOST trusted:

#1.) The American Red Cross: 85% of people trust them, but only 60% think they have influence in Washington.

#2.) Consumers Union: They publish "Consumer Reports". 81% of us trust them, but only 59% think they have any power.

#3.) The Nature Conservancy: 80% trust them. They're the least powerful, at 48%.

#4.) The American Public Transportation Association: 72% trust, 67% power.

#5.) The AARP: 72% of us trust them, and 74% of us think they have clout.


--Here are the LEAST trusted:


#1.) The AFL-CIO: 45% trust them, but they're considered the most powerful, at 86%.

#2.) Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America: 47% trust them, but they're third-most powerful at 84%.

#3.) The NRA: 48% trust them, and 80% think they're powerful.

#4.) The U.S. Chamber of Commerce: 60% trust them. And they're the second-most powerful, at 84%.

#5.) National Association of Manufacturers: 61% trust. 80% power. (PR Newswire)


Don't They Ever Clean? In Colorado, a Man Missing for Five Days Turns Up in a Movie Theater Bathroom:

This is a sad story where a man died, and I'm sympathetic to that and blah blah blah. But all I can REALLY think about is . . . MY GOD, how infrequently does this movie theater clean its bathrooms??? --On January 9th, 66-year-old George DeGrazio of Loveland, Colorado disappeared. Three days later, his SUV was found in the parking lot of a Cinemark movie theater in Fort Collins, Colorado. --And two days after THAT . . . after a massive manhunt in the area . . . he was finally discovered, dead, in a stall in the men's room at the theater. --That's right. He was locked in the stall dead for FIVE DAYS, and no one found him. Apparently, the theater is on the "clean our bathrooms once a week" plan. --George died from a heart attack in the stall. (--There's no word on what movie he went to. But if it was "Chipwrecked", seeing that movie and dying on the toilet might JUST be the worst possible way to go.) --Cinemark says they're working with the police to find out how George's body managed to stay undiscovered for so long. They've put five managers from that theater location on leave. (NBC 9 - Denver)

MEATBALL CRIMONALS

Another NASA Employee Drove a Long Way to Attack a Romantic Rival . . . But She Didn't Wear a Diaper This Time:

Five years ago, astronaut Lisa Nowak drove 900 miles to attack a female engineer who was dating her astronaut ex-boyfriend. --Her attempted kidnapping failed, but she earned a spot in our hearts by allegedly wearing a diaper, so she wouldn't have to make any rest stops on the drive. Although she later claimed that wasn't true. --Not sure what it is about NASA that inspires love triangles and felony road trips . . . but it HAPPENED AGAIN. Only this time, it had a MUCH more tragic ending. --52-year-old Shannon O'Roark Griffin is a retired training specialist for NASA. At a marriage counseling session on Friday, her husband Roscoe told her he'd been having an affair, and wanted a divorce. --Shannon left the appointment and hit the road, heading for the home of Roscoe's mistress, a psychiatrist named Irina Puscariu. --Shannon lives in Lyons, Kansas, and Irina is in Gladstone, Missouri. That's a 250-mile drive, and Shannon made it in about four hours . . . no diaper needed. --When she got there, Shannon knocked on Irina's door, and SHOT her three times, KILLING her. --Then she called her daughter to tell her what she'd done, and got back in the car to drive home. Police picked her up near Wichita. She's being charged with first-degree murder. (Daily Mail) (--Check out photos of Shannon and Roscoe.)


The Founder of the Pinkberry Yogurt Chain Has Been Arrested for Beating Up a Homeless Man With a Tire Iron:

If you don't know Pinkberry, it's a chain of trendy frozen yogurt places that started in L.A., then spread around the country and went international. --47-year-old Young Lee is one of the co-founders of Pinkberry, which means he's a multimillionaire. But all that money didn't stop him from doing THIS. --Last June, Lee was on a highway off-ramp in Los Angeles, stopped at a red light, when a homeless man approached the car asking for money. And apparently the homeless guy had a visible tattoo that was, quote, "sexually explicit." --We don't know what the tattoo said . . . the police haven't revealed it . . . but for some reason, the tattoo OUTRAGED Lee. To the point where he got out of the car, chased the homeless man down the street, and BEAT HIM WITH A TIRE IRON. --The LAPD investigated for several months, and just arrested Lee on Monday night after he got back from a long trip to South Korea. --Lee is a former kickboxer. There's no word on how badly he injured the homeless guy. --He'll be arraigned on February 8th on charges of assault with a deadly weapon causing great bodily injury. He might avoid prison time if he can work out a plea. (Los Angeles Times)


A Gay Street Gang Held a Fashion Show For Charity With Their Sister-Gang:

Well, we've told you about all of today's nonsense, chaos, and stupidity. Now here's "The Good News." --'Check It' is a D.C. street gang that started in a neighborhood of immigrants from Trinidad . . . and all of their members are gay. They also have a sister-gang, called 'Unexpected.' We assume they're lesbians, but it's not entirely clear.
--Together, the gangs are believed to have about 100 members, and they're known around the D.C. area for purse snatchings, robberies, shoplifting, and fights. --But supposedly that's all changing now. Check It and Unexpected have turned over a new leaf, and they haven't caused any trouble in the last two months. --And on Saturday, they held a FASHION SHOW at the Police Boys and Girls Club, to show off the new fashion line they're designing. It's called 'TurnItUp.' --In addition to strutting on the catwalk with actual models, gang members also spoke to kids about how to avoid a life of crime. And they showed off their dance moves. --One gangster-turned-model told the crowd, quote, "We want to do something better. We want people to look at us in positive ways." (Washington Post) (--Here's a photo from the fabulous gang fashion show.)


RANDOM NEWS EXTRAS

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


64% of people admit they go to work and social engagements while suffering from flu symptoms. (Full Story)


Check out a list of the most unusual items submitted on employee expense reports, including cosmetic surgery, lottery tickets, and a fine for crashing into a toll booth. (Full Story)


From the unstoppable list-makers at "Forbes", it's 'The Top 10 Cars for Newlyweds.' Including the Hyundai Elantra, the Fiat 500, the Honda Civic, and the Ford Focus. (Full Story)



A toy company in Iran is making miniature versions of the U.S. drone that crashed there . . . and they say they're saving a pink one to send to President Obama. (Full Story)


NAZZY’S VIDEOS OF THE DAY

#1.) This Kid's Message to His Girlfriend Might Be the Most Embarrassing Video Ever:

Some kid's lame video message to his girlfriend is a hit on YouTube right now. It's called "My Video for Briona", and it's so awful it's almost too embarrassing to watch. First of all, the kid looks like 'Screech' from "Saved by the Bell". --But he's also got a creepy laugh, a creepy smile, and delivers an endless stream of cheesy lines to a girlfriend he calls 'baby girl'. Everything about it screams stalker. He also moves the camera and sways the whole time, it's really annoying. --He starts by telling her, quote, "I love you more than there are grains of sand on every beach of every planet of every galaxy of the universe." And it gets worse from there. --But his best line might be, quote, "You mean more to me than Home Depot means to Mr. Lotorado" . . . who I assume is their shop teacher. (--The cheesiness really takes off around :17.)


#2.) The 20 Best Job-Quitting Movie Scenes of All Time:

If you feel like marching into your boss's office and telling him off . . . don't. Check out the 20 best job-quitting movie scenes on IFC.com instead. --A few favorites include Peter Finch in "Network", Jennifer Aniston refusing to wear "more flair" in "Office Space", Tom Cruise's famous exit in "Jerry Maguire", and Renee Zellweger telling off Hugh Grant in "Bridget Jones's Diary". (--Search for "The Best Job-Quitting Scenes of All Time.")


#3.) A Group of Teenagers in Chicago Brutally Beat Another Student on Camera . . . Then Posted the Video on YouTube:

Police in Chicago are investigating an incident where six male high school students brutally beat and robbed an Asian student in an alley. And there's footage of it because the morons who did it filmed themselves . . . and posted the video on YouTube. --Now the four-minute video is up on the "Chicago Tribune" website with no audio, because there's so much profanity. Or you can still see the uncensored version on LiveLeak.com. --First they started stomping on him. Then they dragged him across the alley and started kicking him in the head. --After that, he got up and tried to reason with them, but one of the kids punched him in the face, knocked him to the ground, and they all started kicking him again. Eventually he got a chance to run away. And the video ends with the six of them running after him. --According to police, they stole a pair of shoes from his backpack and $180 in cash. He was treated at a nearby hospital for a bad cut to his lip, along with other cuts and bruises. Luckily he wasn't hurt worse. --Police questioned the six boys in the video, and said that so far no charges have been filed. They also said it doesn't appear to have been racially motivated. (--Search for "Innocent Kid Attacked in Chicago" or watch the censored version of the "Chicago Tribune" website. One of them starts hitting him with his own shoe at 1:16, and tries to reason with them at 1:42.) (--WARNING: The uncensored version includes the N-word and the F-word, and shows a prolonged, graphic beating.)


Seven Steps to Help Prevent Diabetes:

On the "Today" show yesterday, comfort food chef PAULA DEEN revealed she has type 2 diabetes.


--Deen says she won't change the way she cooks, but the editors at the health and fitness website RealAge.com wish she WOULD. Here are their top seven steps for preventing diabetes.


#1.) Don't Eat Processed Meats. Because of all the nitrates and saturated fat, regularly eating hot dogs, bacon, or sausage can increase your diabetes risk by 19%.


#2.) Frequent Your Local Farmers' Market. The fiber in fresh produce helps keep your blood sugar steady. And the magnesium in leafy green vegetables helps you stay sensitive to insulin.


--Most people eat a big meat-based main course for dinner and not enough vegetables. But according to RealAge, at least half of your plate should be filled with produce.


#3.) Be More Active. You don't have to work out like a maniac. You just have to move around more. Getting 30 minutes of light exercise five days a week significantly lowers your risk.


#4.) Snack on Nuts. The protein and healthy fat helps your body absorb blood sugar and use it more effectively. Just don't eat too many, because nuts are high in calories.


#5.) Reduce Stress. Anxiety and lack of sleep both mess with your body's ability to absorb blood sugar. Routinely getting less than six hours of sleep a night can double your risk of developing diabetes. And so can having a high-stress job.


#6.) Cut Down on Sugar. This is the most obvious one, but a lot of people don't realize how much sugar they have in a day. Having just one sugary drink a day . . . like a Pepsi or a sugary cup of coffee . . . can increase your diabetes risk by 26%.


--Adding milk to your coffee is okay though. In fact, drinking one glass of skim milk each day can CUT your risk by 12%.

#7.) Know Your Family History. Healthy changes in your diet and exercise routine go a long way. But you also have to know about other risk factors. --African-Americans and Latinos have a higher risk of developing diabetes. And so do Native Americans and Asian-Americans. So if you think you're at risk, talk to your doctor. (RealAge)