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)

HOLLYWOOD DIRT OVERFLOW (01-17-12)

Goldie Hawn Has a Casting Couch Story:

GOLDIE HAWN has been in control of her own destiny for so long, it's hard to imagine she was once young, inexperienced and trying to get her foot in the showbiz door. --Back in the mid-1960s, when she was just 19 years old, Goldie Hawn ended up on some sleazebag's casting couch. But you'll be happy to know she did NOT give in to his advances. --The man in question was AL CAPP . . . the guy who wrote the "Lil' Abner" comics. He was preparing some TV show and he brought Goldie to his office to "audition". --On the show "Oprah's Master Class", Goldie said he gave her the classic "I'm gonna slip into something more comfortable" line . . . and came back out in a DRESSING GOWN. She says, quote, "He sits down on the couch and I'm thinking, 'This isn't looking too good.'" --He asked to see Goldie's legs, so she showed him. Then things really went south. She said, quote, "He opened up his dressing gown and I looked at it . . . It was scary. --"I said, 'Mr. Capp I will never get a job like this.' And he said to me, 'Oh, I've had them all.' And I said, 'Well it doesn't matter, but I'll never do this,' and he said, 'Well, you're never going to get anywhere in this business, you should go home and marry a Jewish dentist.' And I started to cry and I said, 'Well maybe I will.'" (--Obviously, Goldie DID get somewhere in the business. Al Capp died in 1979, at the age of 70. Here's video of Goldie telling her story.)


Avril Lavigne and Brody Jenner May Have Split:

AVRIL LAVIGNE and BRODY JENNER may have split . . . supposedly because Brody wasn't ready to settle down.
-A source says, quote, "She wanted to settle down, but he wasn't exactly ready. They had been having problems starting in the summer with her tour because she was on the road all the time. --"It put a strain on their relationship." (--Avril and Brody have been together about two years. He's 28 . . . she's 27.)


Rihanna Smoked a Funny Cigarette and Tweeted Pot Lyrics from a Drake Song:

RIHANNA was photographed smoking a funny-looking cigarette during a Hawaiian vacation on Sunday. --And maybe it wasn't marijuana. But if it wasn't, then why did Rihanna then Tweet pot lyrics from the DRAKE song "Up All Night"? --She said, quote, "Kush rolled, glass full . . . I prefer the better things." Kush, for those of you who don't know, is quality weed. (--Check out the pics here.) (Egotastic)


Justin Bieber Is Now a Brunette:

Your 13-year-old daughter may want to be sitting down for this one. Is she strapped in? No sharp objects nearby? Okay, here we go . . . JUSTIN BIEBER IS A BRUNETTE. --He was spotted over the weekend with dark brown hair. (--Check out some pics here.) (Us Weekly, E! Online)


Ashton Kutcher's Twitter and Foursquare Accounts Were Hacked:

ASHTON KUTCHER'S Twitter and Foursquare accounts were hacked recently. --The hacker posted as Ashton, claiming that he was having his first sleepover with his new girlfriend . . . a screenwriter named LORENE SCAFARIA. (--She wrote "Nick and Nora's Infinite Playlist". Ashton's rep says they're "just friends.") --The hacker also posted a Foursquare link pointing out Lorene's house on a map. --Well, since the hacker went on Foursquare, Ashton says he now knows where the guy lives. He Tweeted, quote, "So apparently someone thinks they are clever hacking my account. #lame. --"OK mr. hacker, you only made one mistake. You hacked my Foursquare and I now know your address. Whoops... This is gonna be fun." --Then he posted the guy's supposed location and said, quote, "I'm coming for you my friend." (--Ashton is an investor in Foursquare, by the way.)


Megan Fox May Compete Against Lindsay Lohan for the Part of Elizabeth Taylor:

LINDSAY LOHAN isn't the only actress being considered for that upcoming Lifetime movie about ELIZABETH TAYLOR. MEGAN FOX is in the running, too. --One of the producers says, quote, "I've been talking to Lindsay Lohan directly, and with her reps, and have been in conversations with other actresses, including Megan Fox. --"It's a very serious selection. It's like casting for Hollywood royalty." (--Who would YOU rather see in the role? Yeah, Lindsay Lohan is a train wreck, but when her stuff is together, she's a fantastic actress. You really can't say that about Megan Fox, can you?)
SPORT SHORTS

Tim Tebow Is Still the Broncos' Starting Quarterback . . . For Now:

We all saw the Denver Broncos get blown out by the New England Patriots on Saturday night. --But JOHN ELWAY and the rest of the Broncos higher-ups have enough faith in TIM TEBOW that they've decided to stick with him as their starting quarterback . . . for now. --Elway . . . a Hall of Fame QB for Denver back in the day, is going to personally work with Tebow during the off-season. He says, quote, "Well, I think Tim's earned the right to be the starting quarterback going into training camp next year. --"I think he made some good strides this year. He obviously played very well against Pittsburgh and played very well in a lot of football games." --Now, this doesn't mean the Broncos won't draft quarterbacks or pick any up through free agency. And it also doesn't mean Tebow will be taking the snaps when the season starts next fall. --If another quarterback does better during training camp, that could be the end of the Tim Tebow miracle. (--Meanwhile, Tebow's season might not be totally over. CBS has asked him to do some in-studio analysis during the AFC Championship game between the Pats and the Ravens on Sunday. They haven't heard back from him yet.)


Ravens Linebacker Terrell Suggs Is in a Copyright Battle . . . Over the Phrase "Ball So Hard University":

Baltimore Ravens linebacker TERRELL SUGGS is involved in a copyright battle over the phrase "Ball So Hard University". (???) Yeah, there's an explanation: --In the early moments of NFL games, they always show videos of the starting players introducing themselves by saying their names and the colleges they attended. --Well, during a November 6th game between the Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers, Suggs introduced himself as "Sizzle", and identified his college as "Ball So Hard University". (--Here's video. Suggs actually borrowed the phrase "ball so hard" from "Watch the Throne" . . . the joint album released by Jay-Z and Kanye West last year. It's in the lyrics to the song "[N-words] in Paris".) --Within days, a man named Brian Brussells applied for a TRADEMARK on Ball So Hard University so he could use it on T-shirts and other clothing. Ten days later, Suggs tried to trademark it and found out he was too late. --So Suggs' attorney filed a cease-and-desist order, saying Brussells' use of the phrase is false, misleading, creates confusion and interferes with Suggs' "rights of publicity." (--Here's video of Suggs talking about Ball So Hard University.)


Check Out an Animated Version of the Opening Scene from "Raiders of the Lost Ark" Done with Action Figures:

Somebody used action figures and stop-motion animation to remake the opening scene of "Raiders of the Lost Ark" and it's great. --It appears to be shot-for-shot, because they even used the original audio from the movie, and it fits perfectly. (--Check it out here.)


Here Are Some Plot Details from the Upcoming James Bond Movie:

Sony has released a brief plot summary for "Skyfall" . . . the new James Bond movie. It's not much, but it's better than nothing. --Here it is . . . quote, "Bond's loyalty to M . . . (--Played by Judi Dench) . . . is tested as her past comes back to haunt her. As MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost." --And that's all you get for now. "Skyfall" doesn't hit theaters until next November.


"GOLDEN GLOBES" FALLOUT

Ricky Gervais Enjoyed Hosting the "Golden Globes" This Year . . . But He Doesn't Want to Do It Again:

RICKY GERVAIS has hosted the "Golden Globes" three straight times . . . and although he was not as controversial this year as he's been in the past, he says he enjoyed it MORE. --Ricky wrote on his blog, quote, "I had a blast actually. It was by far my favorite of the three hosting stints." --But he added, quote, "I've told my agent to never let me be persuaded to do it again though. It's like a parachute jump. You can only really enjoy it in retrospect when you realize you didn't die and it was quite an amazing thing to do." --And on his performance, Ricky had this to say: Quote, "The crowd were great this year too. I think they finally worked out that my gags only seemed rude and nasty but were actually not too scary at all. Or they were just drunker." --By the way, about 16.8 million people tuned in for the "Golden Globes". That was down slightly from the 17 million that watched last year's ceremony. --NBC probably isn't splitting hairs though. This year's 16.8 million viewers was their biggest non-sports audience in that timeslot since last year's "Golden Globes".
The Elton John / Madonna Beef Heats Up: Elton's Husband Ranted About Madonna's "Golden Globe" Win on Facebook:

MADONNA has had an eventful 2012 so far. First, she took a few shots at LADY GAGA . . . and now, her on and off beef with ELTON JOHN and his husband DAVID FURNISH is heating up again. --David unleashed a rant on Facebook after Madonna beat Elton in the Best Original Song category at the "Golden Globes" on Sunday night. --He wrote, quote, "Madonna. Best song???? [Eff] off!!!" --And after Madonna's acceptance speech, David added, quote, "Madonna winning Best Original Song truly shows how these awards have nothing to do with merit. --"Her acceptance speech was embarrassing in its narcissism. And her criticism of Gaga shows how desperate she really is." (--Here's video of her acceptance speech. Elton's reaction is shown at the 1:06 mark. He looks unimpressed.) (--David has since removed the posts . . . but there's a screen-capture of them at Towleroad.com. By the way, David was AT the "Golden Globes" when he wrote the posts.) --Elton and Lady Gaga are good friends, but Madonna and Elton have had a much rockier relationship. --Before the show, Elton told CARSON DALY on the red carpet that he didn't think Madonna had, quote, "any [effing] chance" of beating him. When Carson said "those are fighting words," Elton responded, quote, "They're accurate words." --But of course, she did end up winning. --And in a backstage interview after the fact, Madonna said she hoped Elton wasn't upset. She said, quote, "I hope he speaks to me for the next couple of years. He's been known to get mad at me so I don't know. --"He's brilliant and I adore him so he'll win another award. I don't feel bad!" (--Here's video of Elton and David from the red carpet. The dis happens 50 seconds in. Carson's interview with Madonna follows. Elton said he believed MARY J. BLIGE would win the category for her song from "The Help".) (--By the way, the original source of the Elton / Madonna feud is unclear, but back in 2004, Elton slammed Madonna at Britain's Q Awards. He made fun of her for lip-synching at her shows after she won a Best Live Act award.) (--Meanwhile, Madonna almost ticked off someone else at the "Golden Globes": JESSICA BIEL. Madonna accidentally stepped on Jessica's dress. Here are some pictures. But it's all good. You can see that Jessica is smiling.) (TMZ)


Kim Kardashian Thought Ricky Gervais' Joke About Her Was Funny:

KIM KARDASHIAN was one of the few people RICKY GERVAIS slammed at the "Golden Globes". Kim wasn't there, but she HAS heard the joke, and she's OK with it. Or at least, that's the word from Kim's so-called friends. --During his monologue, Ricky joked, quote, "The 'Golden Globes' are to the 'Oscars' what Kim Kardashian is to KATE MIDDLETON . . . a bit louder, a bit trashier, a bit drunker and more easily bought, allegedly." (--Here's video.) --TMZ reports that Kim's friends told them that she gets the joke . . . she has a sense of humor . . . and she, quote, "thought it was funny." However, she did point out that the "drunker" part is inaccurate, because she "hardly drinks." (--Yeah, but Ricky just said that Kim is "drunker" than Kate Middleton. Is Kim really claiming that she drinks LESS than Kate? I'd find that hard to believe.)


"Glee" Is Doing a "Saturday Night Fever" Themed Episode:

"Glee" is working with BARRY GIBB on a tribute episode for the BEE GEES' "Saturday Night Fever" soundtrack. It'll air sometime in April. --And "Glee" creator Ryan Murphy hints that JOHN TRAVOLTA may make a guest appearance on the episode. --He says, quote, "Travolta and Cory Monteith became close friends at a party when Cory told him he'd seen 'Broken Arrow' 20 times . . . so maybe we'll have them dance in a Finn dream sequence." There's no word if Travolta is interested.


Check Out the Opening Sequence from Betty White's Birthday Special:

Betty White's 90th birthday special "A Tribute to America's Golden Girl" aired last night on NBC. It featured Betty's "Hot in Cleveland" co-stars, plus MARY TYLER MOORE, CAROL BURNETT, AMY POEHLER, and others. --Video of the opening dance number is up at HollywoodLife.com . . . and there's another clip available on NBC.com, in which ZACHARY LEVI proposes to Betty. They also share a KISS.


Tuesday TV Reminders:


--"Glee" . . . 8:00 to 9:00 P.M. on Fox. NeNe Leakes from "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" guest stars as the coach of the synchronized swimming team.


--"Celebrity Wife Swap" . . . 9:00 to 10:00 P.M. on ABC. Niecy Nash from "Reno 911" swaps families with "Family Ties" superstar Tina Yothers for a week.


--"Remodeled" [Series Premiere] . . . 9:00 to 10:00 P.M. on the CW. A modeling agency veteran helps small agency owners get their businesses back on track.


--"Texas Multi Mamas" [1st Season Finale] . . . 9:00 to 10:00 P.M. on WE.


--"I Hate My Kitchen" [3rd Season Finale] . . . 9:00 to 10:00 P.M. on DIY.


--"Body of Proof" . . . 10:00 to 11:00 P.M. on ABC. Marcia Gay Harden and Tom Hanks' wife Rita Wilson guest star in this Casey Anthony inspired episode.


--"Justified" [3rd Season Premiere] . . . 10:00 to 11:00 P.M. on FX.


--"Ragin' Cajuns" [Series Premiere] . . . 10:00 to 11:00 P.M. on Discovery. Shrimp fishermen from Venice, Louisiana are profiled in this new reality series.


--"Ink Master" [Series Premiere] . . . 10:00 to 11:00 P.M. on Spike TV. Dave Navarro hosts as ten tattoo artists compete for the chance at winning $100,000.


--"Southland" [4th Season Premiere] . . . 10:00 to 11:00 P.M. on TNT. Lou Diamond Phillips guest stars and Lucy Liu joins the cast.


NEW ON VIDEO THIS WEEK


--"The Ides of March" - Ryan Gosling plays a staffer on George Clooney's presidential campaign, whose loyalties are tested when he gets involved in a scandal. The movie was directed by Clooney, and the rest of the cast includes Philip Seymour Hoffman, Marisa Tomei, Paul Giamatti, and Evan Rachel Wood.


--"Abduction" - Taylor Lautner learns he was abducted as a child and that his dad's some kind of spy. Lily Collins plays the sexy neighbor who goes on the run with him after people start trying to kill him. Sigourney Weaver and Alfred Molina are also in it.


--"Bucky Larson: Born to be a Star" - Comedian Nick Swardson finds out his conservative parents used to be porn stars. So despite his buck-teeth, small package, and lack of sexual experience, he decides that's HIS destiny too. Don Johnson is the porn director who breaks him into the business, and Christina Ricci is in it too.


--"Dirty Girl" - Juno Temple convinces her closeted gay friend to steal his dad's car and drive her across the country to find the father she's never met. It's set in the '80s, with Milla Jovovich and Mary Steenburgen as their conservative moms. The cast also includes Tim McGraw, Dwight Yoakam, and William H. Macy.




TV Series On DVD:



--"Merlin: The Complete Third Season" . . . a five-disc DVD set.

--"Sliders: The Fifth and Final Season" . . . a four-disc DVD set.

--"Waking the Dead: The Complete Season Six" . . . a three-disc DVD set.

--"Kevin Hart: Laugh At My Pain" . . . a single-disc DVD set.


NEW MUSIC OUT THIS WEEK


This Week's CD Releases:


--"Which Side Are You On?", Ani Difranco . . . The title track is a revised version of the 1931 Florence Reece song. Pete Seeger, who popularized the song in the '60s, sings and plays banjo on Ani's version.

--"Kidz Bop 21", Kidz Bop Kids . . . The latest batch includes the juvenile covers of "Party Rock Anthem", "Moves Like Jagger", "The Edge of Glory", and "Stereo Hearts".

--"Speak Now: Deluxe Edition", Taylor Swift . . . This deluxe edition of Taylor's "Speak Now" album, includes six bonus tracks plus a bonus DVD. It was originally sold as a Target exclusive, but it's available everywhere now.

--"Hits and More", Martina McBride . . . A 20-song hits collection that includes three new tracks, "Surrender", "Straight to the Bone" and "Being Myself".


Kid Rock Got Drunk at a Travis Tritt Concert and Lit Up a Cigar in Front of an Asthmatic Man:

KID ROCK went to see TRAVIS TRITT in Michigan over the weekend. --He threw back a few drinks, and lit up a cigar during the show. But like a lot of venues, this place was a NONSMOKING establishment, and Kid's smoke irritated a 58-year-old asthmatic man, who says he's filing a report with the health department. --That man, Randy Snell, says, quote, "It's a violation of a state law, and people paid good money to come to a nonsmoking venue, but they were not treated to a nonsmoking venue. Special privileges were extended in disregarding the law." (--Smoking in public venues, restaurants and bars has been illegal in Michigan since May of 2010.) --But Kid says he's SORRY, and didn't mean to intentionally thumb his nose at the rules. However, he seems more dismissive than sincere. --He says, quote, "It should be no secret that I do receive special treatment. I worked very hard for it, and without it my life would be a series of nonstop cell phone pictures." --Kid says that people were buying him drinks, and he drank them . . . because he didn't want to turn them down and "waste alcohol." --He adds, quote, "I doubt I'm the first one to ever make a bad decision while being intoxicated, so he without fault please cast the first stone. My most sincere apologies to the patrons I may have offended . . . --"And a big middle finger in advance to all the haters and attorneys who will somehow try to find an easy paycheck in all this."


Was Beyoncé's Skin Tone Lightened for a New Album Promotion?

There's talk that BEYONCÉ'S skin tone was intentionally lightened for some photos to promote her latest album, "4". She's also sporting platinum blonde hair. --This isn't the first time Beyoncé has been accused of lightening her skin tone. In 2008, a L'Oreal advertisement prompted a similar complaint . . . and in her video for "Countdown", she looks almost Caucasian. --For what it's worth, Beyoncé's father is African American, and her mother is mixed race. (--What do you think? You can find the new images promoting "4", here . . . along with the L'Oreal ad, and a couple recent pictures of her. Is it just an effect of lighting and makeup, or is Beyoncé trying to look whiter?) (Daily Mail)
And Now, Beyoncé Has a Horsefly Named After Her:

A researcher in Australia has named a species of horsefly after BEYONCÉ. This particular fly is now called: "Scaptia (Plinthina) beyonceae." -He did this for a few reasons:

1.) It was first captured in 1981 . . . the year Beyoncé was born.

2.) It has a gold-colored backside, which the researcher describes as, quote, "pretty bootylicious." (--Clearly, this dude isn't your run of the mill researcher.)

3.) To help draw attention to his research. Seriously, he's outright admitting this. However, it isn't totally self-serving.

--He hopes the attention can shed light on the importance of having researchers cataloging and studying insects so that, quote, "we can measure our human impact on the environment and protect it for future generations to enjoy." --The researcher says he hasn't heard from Beyoncé. (--And the hope of that happening may have been the FOURTH reason why he named it after her.) (--Here's a picture of the bootylicious Beyoncé horsefly.) (Huffington Post)


Tony Iommi Says the New Black Sabbath Album is Coming Along Well . . . Despite His Cancer Diagnosis:

Guitarist TONY IOMMI says work on the next BLACK SABBATH album is coming along well . . . despite the fact that he was recently diagnosed with lymphoma, which is cancer of the immune cells. --He says, quote, "It's really good that the guys are coming over so that we can continue working on the album as things are going great in the studio." --Tony says the diagnosis was, quote, "not what I wanted for Christmas," but he says he can't wait to "get going with the treatment." (--It's still unclear how the diagnosis will affect Sabbath's plans to tour.)


Check Out Some Videos of Kanye West When He Was Younger:

Some old, "never before seen footage" footage of KANYE WEST has surfaced online. --The first one is of Kanye in 1990 . . . when he was probably around 12 years old . . . reading a poem he wrote for Martin Luther King Jr. called "His Name Means Love." (--You can find the video on DDotOmen.com.)

--Here's the poem:


"A man who fought for freedom, a man who fought for equality
Those who were against him, were too blind to see, what this man was fighting for
So Blacks, Hispanics, Jews and Asians could put their foot in the door
Yes, we know that this man is great, that's why today we celebrate
And everyone lifts their voice and sing, for a man who wanted freedom to ring
Martin Luther King is who I'm speaking of
A man whose name means love."


--There's also a clip of Kanye rapping in Chicago in 1996 . . . when he was 18 or 19 years old. (--You can find two versions of the video at DDotOmen.com. WARNING: They contain UNCENSORED PROFANITY.)

(--Kanye didn't release his debut, "The College Dropout", until 2004. But in the late '90s, shortly after this video was filmed, he began producing for well known artists like Jermaine Dupri, Foxy Brown and Goodie Mob.) (--In 2000, he got his big break, and began to produce for artists on Roc-a-Fella Records . . . including JAY-Z.)


Showbiz Extras . . . Random Links to Additional Stories:


You know the guy who cheated on his wife with FANTASIA? Well, he may have cheated on Fantasia, too. A source says he was cheating on her even before she got pregnant . . . and the baby she had last month was her attempt to keep him honest. (Full Story)


KRIS HUMPHRIES is supposedly telling friends that KIM KARDASHIAN planned her own proposal to the letter. (Full Story)


Despite what you've read online, CHRIS DAUGHTRY is not dead. (Full Story)


SEAN PENN has been named an ambassador to Haiti. No, not the official U.S. ambassador to Haiti. It's a title he got from the Haitian foreign minister. (Full Story)


SNOOKI wishes DONALD TRUMP was still running for president . . . because she would endorse and vote for him. (Full Story)


Saucy British minx EMMA THOMPSON went skinny-dipping in a river on her property in Scotland . . . and a neighbor called police to report a NAKED MAN trespassing on her property. (Full Story)


For just $2,100 a night . . . or $13,225 for a week . . . you can stay at Vineyard Knoll, the Sonoma County mansion where the girls are staying on the current season of "The Bachelor". (Full Story)


T.I. might have become a big movie star in 2012 . . . if he didn't violate his probation and spend most of last year in prison. He says he could've been in "Tower Heist", "G.I. Joe: Retaliation", "World War Z" and the upcoming SYLVESTER STALLONE movie "Bullet to the Head". (Full Story)


DR. DREW is launching a new rehab show . . . but this one won't star celebrities. Instead, it'll feature "young adults struggling with addiction." It will premiere this summer. (Full Story)



RANDOM STUFF

For the First Time Ever, More Than Half the Meals We Eat Outside the House are Fast Food:

It's official: When you decide not to cook dinner at home, an hour later, you're probably going to find yourself face down in a bucket of KFC. --According to a new study out of England . . . but one that probably applies here too . . . more than half of the meals we eat outside the home are fast food. --When we go out to eat, 50.4% of the time we go for fast food. The other 49.6% are at regular restaurants. --It used to be the other way around. In 2008, about 52% of meals were at full-service, sit-down restaurants, and 48% were fast food. --Everything these days either gets blamed on the economy or our growing chubbiness . . . so this is a story where BOTH of those things can share the blame. --The researchers behind the study say that because families have less money and larger appetites, quote, "[They're] driven from independent restaurants to fast food chains [where] they know what they're getting and know it's a good value." (The Telegraph) --On a related note, a survey last year found that Americans eat out 4.8 times a week, or 249 times a year. That includes sit-down restaurants and fast food.)
Here's How Much of Our Food Gets Imported From Overseas:

The FDA announced last week that they were testing orange juice imported from Brazil, to see if it contained an anti-fungus drug that's illegal in the States. --We've all heard plenty of food recall stories, but the real surprise here is that we have to import orange juice at all, with all the orange groves in Florida and California. --It turns out we import a LOT of our food. And the amount is increasing, mainly because it's cheaper to make it overseas. Here are some figures from the Department of Agriculture. --The USDA says that a quarter of our orange juice is imported, and more than 40% of our imported orange juice comes from Brazil. -Half of our fresh fruit comes from overseas, and that amount has doubled in the last 35 years. Only 7% of our apples are imported, but 85% of our apple JUICE is.--Most of our seafood is imported. 86% of shrimp, salmon, and tilapia comes from overseas. That's up 30% from 20 years ago.--Overall, 16.8% of our food is imported, which is up about 5% from 20 years ago. --If you want to get all patriotic about it, drink GRAPEFRUIT juice. 99% of the grapefruit juice sold in America is grown right here at home. You can also eat cranberries and sweet potatoes, which are almost all grown here. (Yahoo)


Wikipedia is Shutting Down for the Entire Day Tomorrow to Protest Congress's "Stop Online Piracy Act":

If you need to get semi-credible information online tomorrow, you're going to have to dig a little deeper than usual. Because Wikipedia is shutting down for the entire day. It's going dark to protest Congress's "Stop Online Piracy Act", or 'SOPA.' --If you haven't been following SOPA, it's legislation working its way through Congress that's designed to crack down on people sharing links to pirated music and movies. But there's a huge problem with it. --The language in the bill is EXTREMELY vague, and could basically turn into a witch hunt where websites get shut down without due process just because someone filed a complaint. --That means, in theory, if someone posts a tweet to pirated content, Twitter could be shut down and would need to take legal action to get back up. If even one pirated link showed up on Google, it could theoretically be shut down too. --Wikipedia is one of several sites going dark tomorrow to protest SOPA, but it's the most high-profile. Wikipedia gets more than half a billion views every month. --Instead of articles, when you go to Wikipedia starting at midnight Eastern Time tonight, every page will have a message about the blackout and will encourage you to call or write your member of Congress. --Jimmy Wales is the co-founder of Wikipedia. He says, quote, "I hope Wikipedia will melt phone systems in Washington on Wednesday." (Financial Times)


Congress Passed Fewer Bills Last Year Than Any Other Congress on Record:

It's not just your imagination . . . the government really IS doing less than ever before. --According to the final numbers, last year, Congress only passed 80 bills. That's the fewest ever since records started in 1947. --And apparently, most of the ones that did pass were basic housekeeping kinds of bills . . . like naming post offices or extending current laws.--The House of Representatives has a Republican majority . . . the Senate has a Democratic one. With that difference . . . and with the partisan divide in the country getting bigger and bigger . . . getting a significant bill through is REALLY tough. --Now . . . there is a difference between "progress" and "passing bills." Some bills SHOULDN'T be passed. --But a study also found that this Congress has basically been spinning its wheels. It had the fewest bills signed into laws by the president than any Congress ever . . . and also spent more time in session than almost any other Congress. --And naturally, both parties have blamed each other for the lack of progress. A spokesman for HARRY REID, the Democratic Senate Majority Leader, said the Republicans in the Senate are engaging in, quote, "obstructionism on steroids." --A spokesman for JOHN BOEHNER, the Republican Speaker of the House, says quote, "We hope the Democrats who run Washington will change course and join us" in passing bills, specifically to create jobs. (Washington Times)


One-in-Three People Pretend They Don't Know Much About Computers . . . So They Don't Have to Do Tech Support for Their Parents:

If you know anything about computers . . . or you don't refer to "Google" as "The Google" . . . you're probably the go-to tech support person for your parents. And sometimes, you really don't want that job. --According to a new survey, HALF of people age 18 to 34 say they're regularly asked for tech help by friends and family. So ONE-IN-THREE pretend NOT to have as much knowledge as they do . . . so they don't have to help. --And that's not just a "selfish generation" thing. 26% of people age 35 to 49 also pretend they don't have the tech skills to help their family and friends sometimes. (PR Wire)





Here's the Scientific Reason Behind Being a Hipster:

Good to see the brilliant minds at Harvard working on the important issues facing our country. Today, we've got the results of a sociology study at Harvard that figured out one scientific reason for why people are HIPSTERS. --The study found that when you like something that's UNDERGROUND and UNKNOWN . . . like, say, an obscure rock band . . . you subconsciously believe that exclusive knowledge makes you HIPPER than other people around you. --And when your friends start liking the same thing, the most common reaction is . . . you STOP liking it so much. To keep your "hip" identity, you have to keep constantly searching for the newest thing. (MSNBC)


The Number of Accidents Involving People Wearing Headphones Has Tripled Since 2004:

According to a new study, the number of injuries and deaths involving vehicles hitting pedestrians wearing headphones has TRIPLED since 2004. --Now . . . the numbers are still SMALL. But it looks like a growing trend, and that's worth getting a little bit worried about. --In 2004, there were 16 cases where pedestrians wearing headphones were hit by cars or trains and injured or killed. Last year, there were 47. --This only counted cases where people were listening to music through headphones, not cases where people were talking on their phones. --Overall, 68% of the victims were male, 67% were under 30, and 70% died. In 29% of the cases, reports said that the victim didn't hear horns or sirens before the crash. --So look. Not THAT many pedestrians have been hurt or killed because they're wearing headphones and blasting music. But the numbers are going up, and these are truly AVOIDABLE injuries and deaths. So let's be safe out there, okay? (Los Angeles Times)


60% of Us Let Our Dogs Lick Our Face . . . and It's Really Unhealthy:

Apparently it's NOT a good idea to let your dog lick your face.--According to a survey by Greenies . . . a company that makes dental chews for dogs . . . more than 60% of us let our dogs lick our face. --Which isn't a good idea . . . because that old saying that a dog's mouth is cleaner than a human's mouth is a myth. --Your dog licks the ground AND his own genitals. His mouth ISN'T clean . . . and when he licks your face, he can transfer bacteria that could potentially make you sick. (PR Newswire)


The New Powerball Lottery Has Begun . . . Double the Price, Slightly Better Odds:

It just got twice as expensive to become a multimillionaire overnight. --As of this week, it now costs $2 for a single Powerball lottery ticket. They used to cost $1. --And no, for double the price, you WON'T get double the odds of winning. You'll get SLIGHTLY better odds at winning a prize . . . from one-in-35 before, to one-in-32 now. --Of course, that includes ALL prizes . . . even the couple of bucks you get for just getting the Powerball number right. --The big jackpot will now start at $40 MILLION instead of $20 MILLION. Your odds of taking down the full jackpot . . . getting all five numbers correct and the Powerball correct too . . . are about one in 195 million. --At this point, 42 states, Washington D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands all participate in the Powerball lottery. (NBC 3 - Chattanooga)



An 85-Year-Old Woman Was Critically Injured By a Falling Cat . . . Thrown By an Arguing Couple:

Here's a helpful relationship tip: No matter how angry your wife makes you, don't throw the family pet at her. --A married couple in Buenos Aires, Argentina got into a heated argument on Saturday. (--They weren't named, and we're not sure what caused their fight.) --At one point, the husband grabbed the family cat and threw it at his wife. -She was able to dodge the flying cat . . . but unfortunately she was standing in front of an open window at the time. --The cat flew out the window of their fourth floor apartment, fell to the street below . . . and LANDED on the HEAD of their 85-year-old neighbor, a former opera singer named Betty. (--Her last name wasn't released.) --Betty suffered a fractured skull. She was taken to the hospital, and is on a ventilator in critical condition. --The cat didn't survive the fall, and so far, it doesn't look like the couple's been charged with anything. (The Mirror)
THE GOOD NEWS


A Guy is Repairing His 1979 GMC Pickup . . . So His Newborn Grandson Comes Home in the Same Truck His Kids Did:

Well, we've told you about all of today's nonsense, chaos, and stupidity. Now here's "The Good News." --Jerry Black lives in Shelby, North Carolina, and like any good Southerner, he has an old pickup truck. (--Shelby is 40 miles west of Charlotte.)
--His 1979 GMC pickup has been in the family since it was new, although he doesn't drive it anymore. Jerry's daughter, Jennifer Heavner, remembers the family taking the truck on trips to Lake Norman and Myrtle Beach when she was a kid. --But the truck has another special memory for Jerry: It's what he drove Jennifer home from the hospital in when she was born in 1983. It also carried his newborn son home in 1985. --Jennifer's all grown up and married now, and she's expecting her first son any day now. --So Jerry's been busy fixing the truck's brakes and getting it road ready . . . so his grandson can ride home from the hospital in the same truck his mom did. --Jennifer is on board with the new family tradition. She said, quote, "I'm really excited we're able to do this. He brought both of his children home in it and now, a grandchild." (Gaston Gazette) (--Here's a picture of Jerry, a very pregnant Jennifer, and her husband Jeff, in front of the truck.)


RANDOM NEWS EXTRAS

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


Obviously Apple cofounder Steve Wozniak loves the iPhone . . . but he says the Google Android system is better in some ways. (Full Story)


On Saturday, three hours into a British Airways flight from Miami to London, the crew accidentally played a pre-recorded warning announcement that said, quote, "This is an emergency, we will shortly be making an emergency landing on water." (Full Story)


Check out 10 cars you should trade in NOW if you want to get the maximum value, including the Jeep Wrangler, Mini Cooper, and Toyota Tacoma. (Full Story)


The founder of the Cracker Barrel chain of restaurants has died, at age 76. (Full Story)



STUPID VIDEOS OF THE DAY

#1.) (NC-17) A "Jeopardy!" Contestant Guessed "Donkey Punch":

A contestant on last night's "Jeopardy!" gave a pretty dirty response, but you have to know obscure slang to get it. Here's the question Alex Trebek read: Quote, "A blow to the back of the neck is the punch named for this animal." --The correct answer was "rabbit," as in a "rabbit punch." But a contestant from Gainesville, Georgia named Mike Hatch decided to go with "DONKEY." You couldn't see Trebek's reaction, but it sounded like even HE wanted to laugh. (--CAREFUL: If you've never heard of it, "donkey punch" is a slang term for a sexual act that involves punching a woman in the back of the head during sex from behind.) (--Search for "Man Guesses Donkey Punch on Jeopardy.")


#2.) And Now . . . Movie Characters Edited Together to Sing Lionel Richie's "Hello":

This isn't as good as the video from last week of Obama singing Lady Gaga's "Born This Way", but someone took clips from different movies, and pieced together the lyrics to the LIONEL RICHIE song, "Hello". --They used clips from "E.T.", "Braveheart", "Back to the Future", "Schindler's List", "Avatar", "Borat", and about 30 other movies. (--Search for "Lionel Richie Hello Movie Montage.")

#3.) Check Out Two New Parodies of LMFAO's "Sexy and I Know It" . . . Starring He-Man and Elmo:

Apparently parodies of the LMFAO song "Sexy and I Know It" are the new "thing" on YouTube: There's one that uses clips from the '80s "He-Man" cartoon series . . . so it looks like He-Man is doing all the singing. --Then there's also a kid-friendly parody called "I'm Elmo and I Know It" that uses clips from "Sesame Street", and has all new lyrics about being a furry, red puppet that doesn't wear any clothes. (--Search for "LMFAO He-Man Mash-Up" and "I'm Elmo and I Know It.")


Four Ways to Feel Younger:

If you're starting to feel old, check out this list from Health.com. According to them, if you do the four things on this list you'll actually FEEL a lot younger than you are.

#1.) Go to Bed Earlier. Obviously, more sleep equals more energy. But you have to make it a habit. Getting eight hours of sleep doesn't make a huge difference if you go right back to getting SIX hours the next night. --And since you probably can't wake up any later than you already do, going to bed earlier is the only way to make sure you're always rested. --After six straight weeks of getting eight hours a night, you'll have more energy, and the dark circles under your eyes will start to fade.


#2.) When You Exercise, Focus More on Your Lower Body and Your Core. Men in particular tend to concentrate on upper-body workouts, which are fine --But if you're feeling old, try doing more lower-body exercises . . . like squats, lunges, calf-raises, or just plain old running. --Stronger legs and a stronger core will make you feel lighter on your feet.


#3.) Break Out of Your Routine. Even if you eat right and exercise every day, you'll start feeling old if you don't mix things up a little. --According to Caroline Adams Miller, author of the book "Creating Your Best Life", quote, "The brain craves novelty. To feel younger, you have to stimulate it with new associations and new things." --And those things can be small, like getting your morning cup of coffee from a different place than usual, or trying a new route to work.


#4.) Listen to an Album You Loved 20 Years Ago. Researchers at Harvard University found that when they exposed people to movies, music, and memorabilia from their youth, they were happier and experienced fewer health issues. --Some of them even saw improvements in their vision and memory. (Health.com)

HOLLYWOOD DIRT OVERFLOW (01-13-12)

Heather Locklear Was Hospitalized Yesterday After Allegedly Mixing Pills and Booze:

HEATHER LOCKLEAR was hospitalized yesterday after allegedly mixing alcohol and prescription drugs. --According to TMZ, Heather's sister called 911 at about 2:00 P.M. saying she believed Heather was in danger. Paramedics agreed. --A source says, quote, "[The caller] was afraid Heather was going to harm herself because of her drinking mixed with medication. --"That was behind the 911 call. 911 personnel were at her house for more than an hour before she went with them." -A hospital spokesperson told TMZ that Heather was, quote, "awake and responsive when she arrived" and that she's "responding well to treatment." At least that's what a hospital spokesperson told TMZ. --And Heather's parents, who are with her at the hospital, said, quote, "She is in no danger and she's going to be just fine," (--Heather is 50.) --Heather and boyfriend JACK WAGNER ended their engagement back in November. But on Tuesday night, Heather seemed in good spirits watching the Lakers play at the Staples Center. (--Although "spirits" seems to be the operative word. Check out some pictures of Heather at the game, apparently tipping back a cocktail.) --In 2008, Heather's doctor called 911 to report that Heather attempted suicide by overdosing on prescription pills. It turned out to be a false alarm. But a few months later, she did check into a medical facility for treatment of "anxiety and depression."


The Rumor Mill #1: Did Minka Kelly Turn Down Jake Gyllenhaal?

"Us Weekly" says that JAKE GYLLENHAAL asked DEREK JETER'S ex, MINKA KELLY, on a date last fall . . . and she TURNED HIM DOWN. --But it's not because she didn't like him. Minka didn't want to see anyone else because she was trying to patch things up with Derek. And it worked, eventually. Minka and Derek got back together last month.


The Rumor Mill #2: Is Nina Dobrev Going to Turn Down a Marriage Proposal from "Vampire Diaries" Co-star Ian Somerhalder?

"In Touch Weekly" says that IAN SOMERHALDER proposed to his "Vampire Diaries" co-star NINA DOBREV over the holidays . . . and he's not going to get the answer he was hoping for. --A so-called "friend" says, quote, "She is freaking out, saying, 'I don't want to marry him!' She thinks she's too young, and with all the offers she's getting, she's poised to be a big star." --This might even spell the end of the relationship. The friend says, quote, "They were having fun, and now there's a lot of tension."


Did Cameron Diaz Have a Boob Job?

Over the summer, there were rumors that ALEX RODRIGUEZ was bugging CAMERON DIAZ to get breast implants. When they split up for a while, it was even suggested that she was mad at him over it. --But A-Rod may have won out. Because not only are they back together, but Cameron was photographed in a bikini in Hawaii recently, and she DEFINITELY looks like she's got more happening up top. (--Check out the pics here . . . along with one of a MUCH FLATTER Cameron from a year ago.) (Daily Mail) (--It's been speculated that A-Rod was behind KATE HUDSON'S alleged implants, too.)


The Best and Worst Celebrity Baby Names of 2011:

The website BabyCenter.com polled more than 1,500 moms to come up with lists of the Best and Worst Baby Names of 2011. --Not all moms were in agreement, though, because some of the names made BOTH lists. Anyway, here are the results . . .

The Best Baby Names of 2011:


#1.) Harper Seven (David and Victoria Beckham)

#2.) Aiden (Rod Stewart and Penny Lancaster)

#3.) Liam James (Craig and Megan Ferguson)

#4.) Willow Sage (Pink and Carey Hart) . . . this made both lists

#5.) Arabella Rose (Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner)

#6.) Jack (Maya Rudolph and Paul Thomas Anderson)

#7.) Penelope Athena (Tina Fey and Jeffrey Richmond)

#8.) Skyler Morrison (Celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe and Rodger Berman) . . . this made both lists

#9.) Declan George (Danny and Gia McBride) . . . this made both lists

#10.) Milo Thomas (Alyssa Milano and David Bugliari) . . . this made both lists


The Worst Baby Names of 2011:


#1.) Bear Blu (Alicia Silverstone and Christopher Jarecki)

#2.) Moroccan Scott (Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon)

#3.) Agnes Lark (Jennifer Connelly and Paul Bettany)

#4.) Spike (Mike Myers and Kelly Tisdale)

#5.) Declan George (Danny and Gia McBride) . . . this made both lists (--Danny is the star of the HI-larious HBO series "Eastbound and Down", by the way. You may also recognize him from "Land of the Lost", "Pineapple Express" and "The Heartbreak Kid".)

#6.) Mirabella Bunny (Bryan Adams and Alicia Grimaldi

#7.) Arthur Saint (Selma Blair and Jason Bleick)

#8.) Milo Thomas (Alyssa Milano and David Bugliari) . . . this made both lists

#9.) Skyler Morrison (Rachel Zoe and Rodger Berman) . . . this made both lists

#10.) Willow Sage (Pink and Carey Hart) . . . this made both lists


Check Out the Luxury Suite Where Beyoncé Gave Birth:

When BEYONCÉ gave birth last Saturday, she gave birth in LUXURY. The people at Lenox Hill Hospital constructed a VIP suite for her and JAY-Z that included four flat-screen TVs, a kitchenette, nice furnishings and artwork. --Oh, and Jay had his own bed, too. --The hospital is keeping the suite for future use . . . so in a way, it really wasn't JUST for Beyoncé and Jay-Z. But they were intended to be the first ones to use it. (--Check out some pics here.) (TMZ)


Will Beyoncé and Jay-Z Be the First People to Make a Music Video In Space?

The not-always-reliable British tabloids say BEYONCÉ and JAY-Z want to be the first people to make a music video in space. --They're reportedly planning to film it on one of Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic ships . . . which are supposed to start going into orbit later this year. --The ships will reach altitudes of 70,000 feet, giving passengers SIX minutes of weightlessness. The footage will be shot during those six minutes, obviously.


Has Jay-Z Given Up the B-Word Because of His Daughter?

From now on, when JAY-Z talks about his 99 problems, he's going to have to get a little creative. Because, thanks to the birth of his daughter Blue Ivy, he can no longer use the B-Word. --According to the website AllHipHop.com, Jay released a rhyme yesterday which announced that he's given it up. He said . . . "Before I got in the game, made a change, and got rich,
I didn't think hard about using the word [B****].
I rapped, I flipped it, I sold it, I lived it
Now with my daughter in this world I curse those that give it.

I never realized while on the fast track
That I'd give riddance to the word [B****], to leave her innocence intact.

No man will degrade her, or call her out her name
The women won't despise her and call her the same."

(--There's more. You can read it here.)


At the Golden Globes on Sunday, Ricky Gervais Will Once Again Make Fun of the Wealthy and the Privileged:

RICKY GERVAIS returns to host the "Golden Globes" on Sunday night . . . and you can expect him to rip on celebrities again this year. (--Although let's hope his digs this time are a little fresher than busting Robert Downey Jr. for going to rehab MORE THAN 10 YEARS AGO.) --Ricky says, quote, "Let's get this in perspective: They're the wealthiest, most privileged people in the world. Imagine if I had gone out there and said, 'We're all in the same gang. Aren't we brilliant? Us millionaires together.' --"I'm not a wolf in sheep's clothing. I'm a wolf in wolf's clothing." (--The "Globes" air live Sunday night on NBC. Check out the nominees here.)


Kris Jenner Says Khloe is a Kardashian:

KRIS JENNER continued yesterday to confirm that KHLOE is indeed the daughter of her late ex-husband ROBERT KARDASHIAN. --She told ABC News, quote, "It just gets weirder and weirder: I have never heard such crap in my life. I mean I was there. I gave birth. I know who the dad was, everything's good. We're all good. Don't worry about it . . . Get a life." --She added that it's always been a "family joke" that Khloe doesn't share the same DNA as the rest of the family because she has lighter hair than everyone else. (--Check out video here.) --Meanwhile, KIM was asked if Khloe is really just her HALF-sister . . . and she replied, quote, "Absolutely not!" (--The claim was made by Robert Kardashian's second and third wives . . . and published in the "Star" tabloid. Both ladies say Robert told them Khloe wasn't his biological daughter.) (--But we do know that Kris Jenner is her mom. Khloe had their DNA tested on a 2009 episode of "Keeping Up With the Kardashians".)


Shut Up, Hooker! Madonna Is Not a Cougar . . . She Just Happened to Fall for a Younger Guy:

Just because MADONNA'S last two boyfriends have been 24 years old . . . and she's 53 . . . that does NOT make her a COUGAR. Last night on "Nightline" she suggested that it's all just a coincidence. --Madonna . . . whose current toy is 24-year-old French dancer Brahim Zaibat . . . said, quote, "I didn't choose to, you know, I didn't, like, write down on a piece of paper I'm now going to have a relationship with a younger man. --"That's just what happened. You see, that's the romantic in me. I just met someone that I cared for, and this happened to be his age." --Asked what she found appealing about a younger man, Madonna said, quote, "I don't feel comfortable with this conversation."


It's On! Madonna Calls "Born This Way" a Redo of "Express Yourself":

LADY GAGA was NOT happy when people started suggesting that "Born This Way" sounded similar to MADONNA'S "Express Yourself". So something tells me that it's now officially ON between these two ladies. --Because in an interview for "Newsweek" magazine, Madonna agreed. --She said, quote, "[When I first heard 'Born This Way'] I thought, 'What a wonderful way to redo my song.' I mean, I recognized the chord changes. I thought it was . . . interesting." (--Kids, can you say, "Passive Aggressive"? Your move, Gaga.)
SPORT SHORTS

Hulk Hogan Says He's Shaving Off His Hair and Mustache:

HULK HOGAN has one of the most iconic mustaches of all time. But maybe not for much longer. He says, quote, "I'm getting ready to go on some auditions. I'm getting ready to shave my head and my mustache. So that should be scary." (--Here's video . . . in which Hulk also talks about the dental problems he had recently.) --But the chairman of the American Mustache Institute is urging Hulk not to shave, because that would cause, quote, "angels in heaven to die and fall to earth." (--You can read more about that here.)


NEW MOVIES THIS WEEKEND

Mark Wahlberg is a Smuggler, Queen Latifah is a Choir Director, and "Beauty & The Beast" is in 3D:


#1.) "Contraband" (R) (Trailer)

Mark Wahlberg plays a family man forced back into his old life as an international smuggler, after his brother-in-law messes up a drug deal. Kate Beckinsale plays his wife, and she dyed her hair blonde for the movie, so there's that.



#2.) "Joyful Noise" (PG-13) (Trailer)

Queen Latifah and Dolly Parton play rivals leading their church choir to a national competition. And it doesn't help that Dolly's grandson has the hots for Latifah's daughter, played by Keke Palmer from the Nickelodeon show "True Jackson VIP".



#3.) "Beauty and the Beast 3D" (G) (Trailer)

The 1991 fairytale hits theaters in 3D for the first time. If that's not enough to tempt you, they're including a new animated short before the movie with the characters from "Tangled", called "Tangled: Ever After".


The CW's Musical Chairs Reality Show Will Be Called "Oh Sit!":

A while back, the CW announced that they were developing a reality show called "Extreme Musical Chairs", which was described as "musical chairs for adults." --Well, it's official: They've picked it up. --For now, there aren't a ton of details, but here's what we DO know. --They've changed the title to "Oh Sit!" . . . which is pretty amazing . . . and announced that it will debut "later this season." (--That probably means it'll be on sometime this spring.) --According to reports, quote, "each episode has 20 contestants racing through five obstacle course-style eliminations as they each compete to claim a chair while a live band plays." The last contestant remaining wins a cash prize. (--Here's the game show I want so see: A new version of "The Gong Show"! Even though it's been remade TWICE already, I think it's due for another go-round.) (--With all the remakes coming out of unoriginal Hollywood . . . most of them bad . . . why not a remake of this one? The masses seem to love talent competitions. Why not stupid, useless talent?.) (--The key to a new "Gong Show's" success, of course, is finding a new GENE GENE THE DANCING MACHINE! Marvel at Gene's brilliance here.)


Is Stephen Colbert Preparing to Run for President?

STEPHEN COLBERT revealed his hyped "major announcement" on the "Colbert Report" last night. Basically, it sounds like he's planning on entering the Republican presidential primary in his home state of South Carolina. --But first, Stephen needed to clear up one issue. A while back, he started a super PAC, which is a political action committee. But a politician can't run one of those . . . so he formally transferred it over to JON STEWART on last night's show. --At that point, a graphic appeared on the screen saying, quote, "I'm doing it!" --Is he really? Who knows. He joked that he's forming, quote, "an exploratory committee to lay the groundwork for my possible candidacy for the president of the United States of South Carolina."

Is Jimmy Fallon Stealing Jokes from Conan O'Brien:

On Tuesday night, CONAN O'BRIEN'S monologue included this joke: Quote, "A prominent gay magazine has named Salt Lake City the GAYEST city in America. In fact, as of now the Utah Jazz will be known as the Utah Jazz Hands." --On Wednesday night, JIMMY FALLON told the exact same joke. (--So what happened here? Did Jimmy steal the joke? Probably not. That was an easy punchline that we're sure TONS of joke writers thought of.) --There's video of Conan and Jimmy delivering the jokes on YouTube.)


WEEKEND TV REMINDERS

Friday TV Reminders:


--"One Life to Live" [Series Finale] . . . 2:00 to 3:00 P.M. on ABC.


--"Chuck" . . . 8:00 to 9:00 P.M. on NBC. Bo Derek guest stars as herself.


--"Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" [Series Finale] . . . 8:00 to 10:00 P.M. on ABC.


--"Sweet Home Alabama" [3rd Season Premiere] . . . 9:00 to 11:00 P.M. on CMT.


--"20/20" . . . 10:00 to 11:00 P.M. on ABC. Cynthia McFadden interviews Madonna.


--"Blade" [Series Premiere] . . . 11:00 to 11:30 P.M. on G4. Harold Perrineau, who played Michael on "Lost", stars as the voice of "Daywalker" Eric Brooks in this new anime adaption.




Saturday TV Reminders:


--"NFC Divisional Playoffs" . . . 4:30 to 7:30 P.M. Eastern on Fox. The San Francisco 49ers host the New Orleans Saints at Candlestick Park.


--"AFC Divisional Playoffs" . . . 8:00 to 11:00 P.M. Eastern on CBS. The New England Patriots host the Denver Broncos at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts.


--"Grand Ole Opry Live" . . . 7:00 to 9:00 P.M. on GAC. Del McCoury Band, Rodney Atkins, The Black Lillies and Ricky Skaggs perform.


--"The 2012 Miss America Pageant" . . . 9:00 to 11:00 P.M. on ABC. Brooke Burke hosts with "The Bachelor's" Chris Harrison . . . while Kris Jenner, Mark Ballas, and "Meet the Parents" minx Teri Polo are among the judges.


WEEKEND TV REMINDERS - 2 of 3


More Saturday TV Reminders:


--"Austin City Limits" . . . 9:00 to 10:00 P.M. on PBS. Arcade Fire performs.


--"Pit Boss" [3rd Season Premiere] . . . 9:00 to 10:00 P.M. on Animal Planet.


--"Behind the Music Remastered: Styx" . . . 9:00 to 10:00 P.M. on VH1 Classic.


--"Metal Evolution" . . . 10:00 to 11:00 P.M. on VH1 Classic. A look at "nu metal" with an emphasis on Rage Against the Machine, Faith No More, Tool, and Korn.


--"That Metal Show" [9th Season Finale] . . . 11:00 P.M. to Midnight on VH1 Classic. Scorpions drummer Herman Rarebell and comedian Andrew Dice Clay guest.


--"Saturday Night Live" . . . 11:30 P.M. to 1:00 A.M. on NBC. Daniel Radcliffe guest hosts and Lana Del Rey is the musical guest.




Sunday TV Reminders:


--"AFC Divisional Playoffs" . . . 1:00 to 4:00 P.M. Eastern on CBS. The Baltimore Ravens host the Houston Texans at M&T Bank Stadium in Maryland.


--"NFC Divisional Playoffs" . . . 4:30 to 7:30 P.M. Eastern on Fox. The Green Bay Packers host the New York Giants at Lambeau Field in Wisconsin.


--"Live From The Red Carpet: The 2012 Golden Globe Awards" . . . 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Eastern on E! Ryan Seacrest and Giuliana Rancic work the red-carpet.


--"2012 Golden Globe Arrivals Special" . . . 7:00 to 8:00 P.M. Eastern on NBC. Carson Daly and Natalie Morales host this red-carpet preview.


--"The 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards" . . . 8:00 to 11:00 P.M. on NBC. Ricky Gervais returns as host and Morgan Freeman receives the Cecil B. DeMille Award. You'll find the nominees here: http://www.goldenglobes.org/nominations/.


--"The Simpsons" . . . 8:00 to 8:30 P.M. on Fox. Armie Hammer from "The Social Network" does the voice of the Winklevoss twins when they compete against Patty and Selma in a 2012 Olympic competition.


--"Undercover Boss" [3rd Season Premiere] . . . 8:00 to 9:00 P.M. on CBS.


--"Napoleon Dynamite" [Series Premiere] . . . 8:30 to 9:00 P.M. on Fox. Jon Heder and the rest of the cast return for this animated TV version of the movie . . . and Amy Poehler guest voices as the girl Kip is dating.


--"Family Guy" . . . 9:00 to 9:30 P.M. on Fox. Marlee Matlin guest voices.


--"Desperate Housewives" . . . 9:00 to 10:00 P.M. on ABC. Renee gets Bree to go to a pickup bar, and Susan secretly visits Alejandro's family.


--"Kevin Hart: Laugh At My Pain" . . . 9:00 to 10:00 P.M. on Comedy Central. Comedian Kevin Hart performs stand-up in this comedy-concert film.


--"Leverage" [4th Season Finale] . . . 9:00 to 10:00 P.M. on TNT.


--"Oprah's Next Chapter" . . . 9:00 to 10:00 P.M. on Own. Oprah speaks with New Jersey governor Chris Christie.


--"Hell on Wheels" [1st Season Finale] . . . 10:00 to 11:00 P.M. on AMC.


--"Robot Chicken" [5th Season Finale] . . . 11:30 to 11:45 P.M. on Adult Swim.


Kelly Clarkson and the Foo Fighters Will Be Among the Performers at the Grammys:

KELLY CLARKSON and the FOO FIGHTERS will be among the performers at the Grammys on February 12th. --BRUNO MARS, NICKI MINAJ, TAYLOR SWIFT and JASON ALDEAN are also taking the stage. (--More performers will be announced in the coming weeks.) --We still don't know whether or not ADELE will perform. It's all still speculation at this point. According to reports, she wants to do it . . . but her doctors have to clear her first. (--Adele had surgery on her vocal cords in November.) --However, yesterday Adele tweeted one of the new Grammy posters, which features a picture of her singing. And according to E!, she's already planning to perform at the Brit Awards, which go down a few weeks later on February 21st. (--If you haven't heard, Kelly Clarkson will get a shot to embarrass herself by screwing up the National Anthem at the Super Bowl on February 5th.) --CHRISTINA AGUILERA notoriously made the most of that opportunity at last year's Super Bowl . . . when she flubbed the fourth line of the song.) (--By the way, "Rolling Stone" has also announced that JANE'S ADDICTION and THE ROOTS will perform at their pre-Super Bowl tailgate party. PETE WENTZ is the guest DJ.)


Check Out Pictures of Justin Bieber Pimping a Robot with a Speaker in Its Crotch:

A Vietnamese electronics company called TOSY Robotics somehow got JUSTIN BIEBER to help pimp a new robot that dances, and has a speaker in its crotch. --It's called the "mRobo Ultra Bass." It'll be available this fall for $199. --This nonsense yielded a fun picture . . . particularly if you have a dirty mind . . . featuring Justin holding a microphone up to the robot's crotch speaker. You can probably visualize what I'm getting at. (--You can see that picture along with a few others, here.) (TheSuperficial) --And here's a video report on the presentation. My favorite part is 31 seconds in, when some lady obnoxiously yells "Oh my gosh . . . BIEBER!" And THAT'S why Justin was paid whatever he was paid to be there.) (--It worked, since we're talking about it now . . . but from watching this news report, it also sounds like the presentation was a little buggy, and the event was a bit of a train wreck. But hey, all publicity is good publicity, right?)
Lil Wayne Is Writing a Memoir About His Time in the Clink:

If you're dying to know what it's like inside Rikers Island . . . from the perspective of a world-famous rapper who undoubtedly got some level of special treatment . . . well this is the perfect book for you: --LIL WAYNE is putting out a memoir on the eight months he spent behind bars in 2010. It's called "Gone Till November", and it's scheduled to be out on November 28th. There's no word how much Wayne will pocket for doing this. --According to the publisher, the book will include stuff from the "revealing, detailed journals" Wayne kept while incarcerated. --Those notes include, quote, "his thoughts and feelings, the strange people he met, his plans, his family, his children, his past, present and future."


Lady Antebellum and The Band Perry Are Not Interested in Stumping for President Obama:

PRESIDENT OBAMA'S reelection campaign put together a list of famous names they're targeting to act as "surrogates" to help him get reelected. Basically, well-known people who will spread the word and be positive, and stuff like that. --It's a seven-page list with 194 names under the heading, "Confirmed and Passed Surrogates". Problem is, many of the people had no idea they were even on the list. --LADY ANTEBELLUM and THE BAND PERRY are two of them. In fact, Lady Antebellum's reps told the "Tennessean" the band was "blindsided" when people started asking them about it. --So, the publicist released the following statement, quote, "The members of Lady Antebellum did not submit their name for inclusion on the surrogate list for Obama's campaign. --"Your request for confirmation comes as a surprise to me because the band has never commented on their political affiliations nor do they plan to in the future." --"The Tennessean" reached out to The Band Perry and got pretty much the same response. Their reps said the band "hasn't endorsed anyone for president and isn't likely to."


FRIDAY'S SHOWBIZ EXTRAS


Showbiz Extras . . . Random Links to Additional Stories:


A so-called "friend" says the ring ASHTON KUTCHER was seen playing with earlier this week is NOT his wedding ring. (Full Story)




TONI BRAXTON was hospitalized earlier this week because of, quote, "flare ups" related to her Lupus. But she's okay now. (Full Story)



Check out video of a 12-year-old ANGELINA JOLIE singing "New York, New York" with some friends. She's the one on the far right, dressed as a nun. (Video)



AMBER ROSE was on the MTV show RapFix Live yesterday. . . she's the model who shaves her head and used to date KANYE WEST. And she broke down when she talked about how his fans were mean to her after they broke up. (Full Story)



SNOOP DOGG is launching a cigar brand called Executive Branch. The cigars will debut at the Coachella festival in California this April, where Snoop is one of the headliners. (Full Story and Video)


HollywoodLife.com claims "Dancing with the Stars" is interested in landing MICHELE BACHMANN and / or HERMAN CAIN for next season. (???) They also want JWOWW from "Jersey Shore" and TIM TEBOW. (Full Story)



Eddie Van Halen has donated 75 electric guitars from his personal collection to music programs at L.A.-area public schools. (--To be clear, he's giving them the guitars for the students to play. They won't be auctioned off for the proceeds.) (Full Story)



Interested in what FRED DURST is up to right now? He's two weeks into a 60-day juice diet . . . and it sounds like it isn't worth it. He says it's "challenging," and he "hasn't seen any significant results yet." Nonetheless, he's blogging about it. If you're interested in following his progress, hit up Fred60.tumblr.com.



Someone put together an "infographic" on How Your Father's Favorite Music Indicates What You Listen to Today. (--It isn't all that comprehensive, but it could be something fun to play around with on your show if you have the time.) (Infographic)



Showtime is developing a documentary on DICK CHENEY. The director says it's a, quote, "balanced and multi-dimensional look at Cheney." (Full Story)


RANDOM STUFF

16% of Us Are Late to Work Once a Week . . . Here Are the Four Most Common Excuses:

I thought the economy was bad enough that people were trying NOT to do things that get them fired. NOPE. -According to a new survey by CareerBuilder.com, 16% of people admit they come into work late at least once a WEEK, up from 15% last year. That's about one out of every six of your coworkers. And 27% of people come in late at least once a month.

--Here are the top excuses people use when they get caught coming in late:

#1.) The most common excuse is . . . Traffic: 31% of us have used that as an excuse.

#2.) Oversleeping is the second biggest excuse, at 18%.

#3.) Bad weather, at 11%.

#4.) Public transportation, and taking the kids to daycare or school tied for fourth, at 8% each.

--One more thing: 34% of bosses . . . that's one in THREE . . . say they've fired someone for being late too often.

(UPI)


Here are the Top 10 Most Ridiculous Excuses for Being Late to Work:

CareerBuilder.com just released the results of their annual survey on the most ridiculous excuses for coming in late to work. And good job, America . . . the outrageous excuses from 2011 were WAY less corny than in years past. --To compile the list, CareerBuilder asked bosses around the country to name the most ridiculous excuse they heard for lateness last year . . . then they picked the top 10. Check 'em out . . .

#10.) I was late because I had to take a personal call from the governor. (--This, apparently, turned out to be TRUE.)

#9.) I was late because I had a job interview with another company.

#8.) I'm not late . . . even though my start time is 8:00 A.M., I had no intention of getting in before 9:00 A.M.

#7.) My leg was trapped between the subway car and the platform. (--This also turned out to be true.)

#6.) A fox stole my keys.

#5.) I'm late because I feel my commute time should count as work hours.

#4.) My roommate was angry and cut the cord to my phone charger, so it didn't charge and my alarm didn't go off.

#3.) I got distracted watching the "Today" show.

#2.) I thought I'd won the lottery. (--She hadn't.)

#1.) My cat had the hiccups.

(San Francisco Chronicle)


We Tell More Lies in January Than Any Other Month:

Have you noticed yourself LYING a lot these past few weeks? If you say, "No, I haven't" . . . is THAT a lie? It's fine. Everyone else is doing it too. --According to a new survey, the average person tells more lies in January than any other month. --In January, we tell an average of 217 lies . . . that's seven a day. In every other month, the average comes out to around four lies per day. --Why January? This is the month where we lie about what happened over Christmas . . . where we went, what we spent, and more . . . AND the month where we lie about how we're doing on our New Year's resolutions. (ANI)


Last Year, We Left Over $400,000 in Change at Airport Security:

I have no idea why TSA agents occasionally feel the need to steal from our bags. They could get rich just from the pennies that set off their metal detectors. --According to the TSA, in 2011, Americans left a LOT of change behind at airport security. How much? Try $409,085.56. All in change. All left behind because we had to empty our pockets and didn't bother to grab back a few cents. --Right now, Congress IS working on a bill that would donate money left behind at airports to charity . . . but for now, the TSA just hangs on to the money and uses it to fund whatever it is they do. (USA Today)


The Best Time of Day to Have Sex is . . . 7:30 A.M.:

Having sex at night is PLAYED OUT. Even having some sweet, sweet AFTERNOON DELIGHT is weak. According to a new study, the RIGHT time to get-it-on is . . . just after your alarm clock goes off. --The study found that 7:30 A.M. is the BEST time to have relations. As you're waking up, your body produces a surge in sex hormones and adrenaline. That heightens your senses and makes everything feel even better. --The study also found that morning sex leads to both partners climaxing more often than sex during other times of the day . . . AND morning sex is when you're most likely to CONCEIVE. (--Oooooh. Let's call that strike one, actually.)

--After you're done with that morning sex, here are a few other things you should try to do at specific morning times . . .


--8:10 A.M. Eat breakfast. Your appetite is strongest one hour after waking up, and your breakfast will fuel you . . . not turn straight to FAT.


--9:00 A.M. Do your hardest task. You're at your most alert one hour after breakfast and two hours after waking up.


--10:30 A.M. Have a snack. This is when your energy first starts to dip, so a snack will help you out . . . and it will keep you from gorging at lunch.


(The Sun)
Here are the Top 10 Cities Where Women Can Find a Sensitive Man . . . and the Gay Section of Los Angeles Came in Third:

The dating site Chemistry.com wanted to put together a list of the top 10 cities where women can find a sensitive man. So they crunched their data, looking for "sensitive" keywords in men's profiles, and came up with the list. --One city really stands out. Number three . . . West Hollywood, California, right in the middle of Los Angeles. Which, sure, has straight guys living there . . . but is also one of the largest concentrations of GAY GUYS in the U.S. --And sure, they ARE sensitive. I mean . . . I don't personally know from experience, a friend of mine does. But they're not exactly right for a list targeted at women. Anyway, here's the full top 10:


#1.) Pompano Beach, Florida

#2.) Roanoke, Virginia

#3.) West Hollywood, California

#4.) Nashville, Tennessee

#5.) Buffalo, New York

#6.) Sarasota, Florida

#7.) Greenville, South Carolina

#8.) Wilmington, North Carolina

#9.) Indianapolis, Indiana

#10.) Staten Island, New York


(Chemistry.com)


The More Time You Spend on Facebook, the More Likely You Are to Believe Everyone's Life is Better Than Yours:

Here's another reason to stop looking at Facebook, turn off the computer, and go out and socialize face-to-face with actual human beings. When you do, you realize their lives are just as DEPRESSING as yours. --A new study out of Utah Valley University found that the more time a person spends on Facebook, the more likely they are to believe that EVERYONE'S lives are more exciting, happy, and fun than theirs. --Of course, that's not true . . . but people are pretty self-selecting with what they put on Facebook. Like, people only post photos of themselves out having fun . . . you don't see a photo album of them sitting on the couch clipping their toenails. --The survey also found that the average person has been on Facebook for two-and-a-half years and spends 4.8 hours per week looking at Facebook . . . that's an average of 41 minutes per day. (Miller-McCune)


Shocking News: Looking at Photos of Puppies Cheers You Up:

You might want to sit down for this SHOCKING, EARTH-SHATTERING NEWS. A new survey has found that yes, people really like looking at photos of puppies. --According to the survey, 81% of women and 66% of men say that looking at photos of cute puppies cheers them up. When they just asked pet owners, 87% of both genders said puppy photos make them happy. --The survey also found that 64% of pet owners regard their pets as members of their family . . . and 43% of dog and cat owners admit they talk about their pets as much as, or more than, they talk about their other family members. (Cambridge News) (--Here are some puppy photos to make YOU happy. YOU'RE WELCOME.)





The Average Hospital Room Is 20-to-40% Too Loud . . . and Can Get Almost as Loud as a Chainsaw:

Hospital have bad food, are full of sick people, and a new study found that they're also . . . TOO LOUD. --The University of Chicago did a study measuring noise levels in hospital rooms to see if it got loud enough to keep patients awake. --The World Health Organization recommends that hospital rooms shouldn't be louder than 30 to 40 decibels. That's about as loud as someone whispering from three feet away. --The average hospital room was 20-to-40% louder than that during the night, at close to 50 decibels. That's about the same noise level you'd get from traffic on a quiet street. --Sometimes, doctors and nurses have conversations, and alarms and intercoms go off. That raises the noise level to more than 80 decibels, which is almost as loud as a CHAINSAW. --Nearly half of all Medicare patients complained on a recent survey that their rooms weren't quiet at night . . . and a study found that the average patient gets about one hour less sleep in the hospital than they do at home. --But medical experts pointed out that patients in the hospital are SICK . . . and their discomfort may also contribute to their sleep problems. (Reuters)


A Mexican Transplant Team Dropped a Donor Heart on the Ground . . . But Transplanted It Anyway:

A woman in Mexico is recovering from heart surgery . . . after a transplant team DROPPED her new heart on the ground while taking it to the hospital. -24-year-old Rafael Gomez died in a car accident Tuesday night in Leon, Mexico. He was an organ donor and a match for the woman. So doctors raced to get his heart to Mexico City. (--The woman's name wasn't released.) --A police helicopter flew the heart 240 miles from Leon to Mexico City. Police called it a, quote, "rapid precision maneuver." But things got less precise once they landed. --Paramedics took the cooler containing the heart off the helicopter, then tried to carry it into the hospital. --But one of them tripped and dropped his end of the cooler. It opened, and a bag of saline fell out. So did some ice . . . and the bag containing the heart. --The paramedics picked it up off the concrete, put it back in the cooler, and doctors TRANSPLANTED it ANYWAY in a four-hour operation. (--It's not like they wiped it off and said "three-second-rule." It was in a steel, waterproof container which protected it in the fall.) --Doctors are waiting until Saturday to make sure the woman's body accepts the heart before declaring the transplant a success. (Guardian) (--Check out a photo of them dropping it here.)


MEATBALL CRIMINALS

A Robber Claims to Have a Gun . . . But When It's Clear He Doesn't, His Victim Starts Repeatedly Punching Him in the Face:

On Wednesday morning, 30-year-old Donald White of Council Bluffs, Iowa went into a pharmacy with a black stocking on his head. He told the pharmacist he had a gun and he demanded a painkiller called hydromorphone. --The pharmacist was named Bill Shipley. He's a former rugby player and he called Donald's bluff by asking to see the gun. --Donald couldn't produce it. He DID have an orange box cutter, but Bill wasn't worried about that. He says, quote, "He kept . . . saying he was going to shoot me, but I don't think he had a gun, so I just kept punching him [in the face]. --The cops eventually got there and stopped Bill from repeatedly punching Donald in the face. Donald is now looking at armed robbery charges, among others. (ABC 7 - Omaha)


Mugshot of the Day: This Guy Looks Shocked That He's Been Arrested:

Today's must-see mugshot is 53-year-old Andrei Bibbs of Blue Island, Illinois. On Saturday, he was arrested for DUI . . . and he looks absolutely SHOCKED that they're taking his photograph. (Chicago Tribune) (--Here's the mugshot.)


STUPID NEWS EXTRAS

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


The Huffington Post is launching a section called the "Good News". (Full Story)
(--And here at The Complete Sheet, we'd like to remind you . . . our '1,000 Big Mouths' . . . that WE launched a section called 'The Good News' six months ago!)


(--But when people steal from us, do we get mad? Do we complain when our unique ideas, color, and vernacular make their way into the mainstream? Are we miffed that Arianna Huffington sucks The Complete Sheet's Hind-Teat?)


(--On the contrary. We hope our wonderful creations inspire even MORE websites. Especially reputable websites famous for repackaging Internet drivel and passing it off as original content. YOU'RE WELCOME!)


The presidential election is in full swing, which can only mean one thing: Illegal campaign contributions are up 400%. (Full Story)


One out of every 900 sex acts spreads HIV. Have a great weekend! (Full Story)


A 12-year-old in California thought her sister was going through her things. So she set up a hidden camera in her bedroom . . . and caught a burglar. (Full Story)


A drunk driver went 100 miles an hour in the wrong direction for 18 miles on a Washington state highway . . . and didn't get into an accident. (Full Story)


A carjacker was arrested in Oregon when he stole a car low on gas, and had to stop at a gas station a few miles away. (Full Story)


A woman in Mississippi called police after her crack dealer sold her sugar instead. She was arrested. (Full Story)


Interested in diamond-studded business cards? They cost $1,500 each. (Full Story)


STUPID VIDEOS OF THE DAY

#1.) The Utah Jazz Mascot Accidentally Dropped a Birthday Cake on Two Fans . . . From the Second Deck:

In case you missed it, some fans at a Utah Jazz game got a happy birthday surprise Tuesday night: And by that, I mean a sheet cake with candles was accidentally DROPPED on them from the upper deck. --The team's bear mascot was standing in the front row of the second level, presenting the cake to a long-time season ticket holder. Then he tilted it so a camera could get a shot, and the cake slid off the plate and fell about 30 feet. --Luckily, the people it landed on had a REALLY good sense of humor about it. They even started smearing it on each other's faces. (--Search for "Happy Birthday from the Bear." He drops it at :27, and it shows the first replay at :45. Then they start smearing it on each other at 1:07.)


#2.) They Said Tim Tebow's Name 160 Times on Yesterday Morning's "SportsCenter":

"SportsCenter" dedicated an entire hour to TIM TEBOW yesterday morning, and the website Deadspin counted how many times they said his name. In 48 minutes . . . which is how long the show is without commercials . . . they said "Tebow" 160 times. --That's once every 18 seconds, and there's a montage of all of them online. (--Search for "SportsCenter Makes 160 Tebow References." And check out a webpage dedicated to Playboy Playmates 'Tebowing' here.)
Three Tips for Negotiating a Lower Price on Anything:

People buy most things at chain stores now, so they think the prices aren't negotiable. But according to an article on Jezebel.com, that's not always the case. Here are three ways to negotiate a better price on ANYTHING.


#1.) Do Your Homework. That means checking the prices online beforehand. If you see something you want, and you have a smartphone, check the price on Amazon.com before you start haggling.


--Also, you need to know who to haggle with. Obviously a low-level employee can't give you a deal. But the owner can, and sometimes a manager can, even at chain stores like Wal-Mart.


--For example, if something is slightly damaged but still usable . . . like a greeting card with a bent corner, or a sweater with a smudge on it . . . even a manager at Target will realize that selling it for SOMETHING is better than not selling it at all.


--So before you start negotiating, make sure it's with the right person.


#2.) Ask for More Than You'll Get. Don't ask for 90% off or anything crazy, but don't offer the deal you're hoping for either. Ask for a price you'd be EXCITED to pay, not just satisfied with. Chances are they'll say no, and then you can work your way down.


#3.) Get Ready to Hear the Word "No". If you expect them to say it, you can plan out what to say next. If they won't budge, you have to be willing to walk away. But that doesn't necessarily mean the negotiation has to end.


--One expert suggests leaving your phone number or email address and asking them to call if things change. That gives them the opportunity to think about it without you right there pressuring them, and they might end up changing their mind. (Jezebel)



10 Ridiculous Dating Superstitions:


It's Friday the 13th, so we thought we'd have a little fun with superstitions. We've got a list of 10 RIDICULOUS superstitions about love and dating. Listen up . . .


#1.) Twist the stem of an apple while saying the names of the people you're interested in. The name you're saying when the stem comes off is the one you'll marry.


#2.) If someone sweeps over your feet while sweeping the floor, you'll be single the rest of your life.


#3.) If a woman has hairy legs, she'll marry a rich man. (--We told you these were ridiculous.)


#4.) If a bride looks at herself in the mirror while wearing her veil before the wedding, the marriage will be unhappy.


#5.) If a bride wants her husband to be faithful, she should sew a swan's feather into his pillow.


#6.) If you get a knife as a present, it means your relationship will soon be severed.


#7.) If you drop a pair of scissors, it means your lover's being unfaithful.


#8.) When a woman burns bread or biscuits, it means her lover's mad at her.


#9.) Think of your love interest when you have the hiccups. If your hiccups stop, then they feel the same way about you. If they don't, forget it.


#10.) We all know this one: Pick the petals off a flower . . . usually a daisy . . . repeating the phrase, ''He loves me, he loves me not.'' The last remaining petal is your answer. (Sympatico.ca)