Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Nick Cannon “Good” After Kidney Scare

Nick Cannon is speaking out for the first time since his recent kidney failure scare.

Cannon appeared on Howard Stern’s SiriusXM radio show this morning to talk about the entire ordeal, and what doctors thought they were dealing with at first:

“They thought it was kidney stones, then a kidney infection…They found out my kidneys were not functioning well. So we said ‘mild kidney failure.’”

Nick said that despite having a few more procedures to go, he is feeling great!

“I’m good. I’m feeling 100 percent… Because of this situation I know that I don’t need to go so hard…It’s more about just my way of living … It’s really about taking some time.”

More than anything, Nick said that he’s so appreciative to his wife, Mariah Carey, for all she did for him while he was sick:

“I’m happier than happy…Especially through this entire process, we’ve become so much closer… I even got a chance to see a different side of my wife where she became so nurturing. I’m in debt to her forever.”

Jessica Alba launches Honest, an eco-friendly company

Jessica Alba launched an e-commerce company Honest.com on Tuesday, to sell eco-friendly and toxic free family products.

Honest.com, which is named after the actress' 3-year-old daughter Honor, will offer monthly prescription packages for products like diapers, shampoo and laundry detergent.

"I've spent way too many hours researching products and driving around trying to find safer, eco-friendly options for my kids," Alba said in a statement. "I knew that most people didn't have that kind of time, nor the means to pay the premium prices. We had to make it easier."

Alba welcomed her second daughter Haven with husband Cash Warren in August and told the Associated Press that she decided to start the company after learning that toxic chemicals are in widely used, everyday products. Alba plans to expand the line based on feedback from her customers.

The 30-year-old actress said that starting a business was "hands down" more nerve-racking than opening a new movie, but also more gratifying.

A portion of profits from The Honest Company will go to the Baby2Baby organization, which supplies needy families with baby products. Customers will also have the option of trying a free "Discovery Kit" with a sample pack of diapers and wipes or trial-sized bath, skin and cleaning products.

Alba announced the arrival of her second baby on August 15. She and Warren, a 32-year-old producer, married in May 2008. Alba told Latina Magazine in an interview published in July that her first daughter changed her perspective on life, saying: "Before I had her, work was all I had. Now it's not."

Ashton Kutcher to Twitter hacker: I'm coming for you

Ashton Kutcher has become a vigilante internet cop, threatening to track down a hacker who took over the "Two and a Half Men" star's Twitter and Foursquare accounts.

"So apparently someone thinks they are clever hacking my account. #lame," Kutcher wrote on Twitter but deleted on Monday. "Ok mr hacker, you only made one mistake. You hacked my Foursquare and I now know your address. Whoops...This is gonna be fun."

Later on, Kutcher wrote (and subsequently deleted) the message, "I'm coming for you my friend," with a picture of the hacker's supposed location.

"Big props to http://foursquare.com for your amazing security team!" Kutcher, who is also an investor in the company which allows one to post their current location, wrote on Monday night, presumably after the hacker had been apprehended.

One of the fake Twitter messages the hacker posted on Kutcher's account referenced the actor's alleged relationship with "Nick and Nora's Infinite Playlist" screenwriter Lorene Scafaria, which both Kutcher and Scafaria vehemently denied.

"First official sleepover with my girl@lorenescafaria so maybe breakfast with everyone next time! (@Lorene's House)," read the hacker's Tweet.

Scafaria recently broke up with "The O.C." actor Adam Brody and Demi Moore, 49, announced that she had decided to end her six-year marriage to Kutcher, 33 on November 17.

The hacker also targeted "Modern Family" star Eric Stonestreet who told E! News' Ryan Seacrest that he only learned about the infraction when followers asked him why he was sending spam about diet pills.

When Seacrest asked the 40-year-old actor what one can do about hackers, Stonestreet said, "Hunt him down and punch them in the face."

Prepare For the Fight: The Gap vs. Kim Kardashian

The Gap is getting ready to do battle with reality star Kim Kardashian.

Folks might remember that Old Navy (which is a Gap brand) ran a commercial starring an actress named Melissa Molinaro, who boasts a not-so-subtle similarity to Kardashian. Ms. Kim promptly sued the retailer, claiming, according to a buzzy article from the Hollywood Reporter, that the commercial "created confusion in the marketplace and violated her rights to her name and likeness." Kim wants $20 million for her trouble.

The Gap may be rolling its eyes, but the company isn't rolling over. The retailer has launched an investigation to see whether Kardashian's reputation really was sullied as her lawsuit insists. According to the Hollywood Reporter, the investigation and its aftermath could take about a year to resolve.

If things progress as planned, the legal battle could get really interesting. According to the New York Post, legal experts predict that "Kardashian herself, as well as her doppelganger and the creative forces behind the commercial, could end up on the witness stand."

[Check Out More Photos of Kim From 'Keeping Up With the Kardashians']

Who else might be called? The Hollywood Reporter contends that Reggie Bush, the NFL star who dated both Kardashian and Molinaro, may be asked to testify. "Bush reportedly began dating Molinaro after the Old Navy commercial came out, and the defendants are going to make Bush's relationship with both Kardashian and Molinaro an issue. It's unclear what legal purpose this serves, but it's further proof of how personal this case has become."

Investigators for the Gap also intend to speak with representatives from Bebe and Sears, two retailers that used to have professional relationships with Kim Kardashian.

It's been a rough couple of months for Kim and family. Last week, the Kardashians responded to a report that the Kardashian brand is losing its luster. Back in September, Kim and Kourtney were memorably mocked by two newscasters. And then there was the wedding... yeah, the less said about that, the better.

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Zooey Deschanel dons tuxedo nails and sideburns to Golden Globes - what do you think?

Zooey Deschanel didn't take home a Golden Globe Award last night, but she brought her own bling to the award show.

The "New Girl" star donned a custom green and black rhinestone-encrusted Prada gown and matching clutch to the Award show and complemented the look with a tuxedo manicure. Her nails were painted white with a black French tip which served as cummerbunds to the tiny bowties and buttons painted on each nail.

"I am wearing a gown but my nails are wearing tuxedos!!! #goldenglobes" Deschanel wrote on her Instagram account with a photo of her manicure.

Deschanel also debuted a new hairstyle, her hair was a bit shorter with blunt bangs and swooped sideburns.

The actress, who turns 32 on Tuesday, walked the red carpet with her older sister, "Bones" star Emily Deschanel.

Deschanel was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Performance by an Actress In A Television Series - Comedy or Musical for her role on "New Girl," but lost to "Enlightened" star Laura Dern ( See the full list of Golden Globe winners here).

"New Girl," which debuted on FOX last year, was also nominated for the Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series - Comedy or Musical, but lost to ABC's "Modern Family."

On the show, Deschanel plays a quirky young adult named Jess who moves in with three single men after a bad breakup with her boyfriend. The actress is also known for films such as "Yes Man," "Almost Famous," the R-rated fantasy comedy "Your Highness" and the 2009 romance drama "(500) Days of Summer." (See photos of Zooey Deschanel through the years.)

The younger Deschanel made headlines recently for her split from fellow musician husband Ben Gibbard, singer of the rock band Death Cab for Cutie. The actress, who is part of the indie rock group She & Him, filed for divorce in late December 2011.

It was announced last week that Deschanel will be hosting the February 11 episode of "Saturday Night Live" with musical guest Karmin.

What do you think of Zooey Deschanel's Golden Globes look?

Betty White and Betty Crocker celebrate 90th birthday

Betty White was honored with a star-studded tribute for her 90th birthday.

The actress, who actually turns 90 on January 17, was in Los Angeles on Sunday, January 8, for a taping of NBC television special "Betty White's 90th Birthday: A Tribute to America's Golden Girl," which debuts on January 16.

The occasion also coincided with baking company Betty Crocker's 90th birthday and they designed a three-tiered chocolate layer cake for the occasion.

"Betty White is one of the most popular actresses of our time, and Betty Crocker is honored to create this one-of-a-kind birthday cake for her," Kristen Olson, Betty Crocker food editor told The Huffington Post. "This cake is our gift to Betty White in celebration of her ninety amazing years, and we think this vibrant cake really reflects her personality and the many things we love about her."

The birthday special included appearances by Ellen DeGeneres, Morgan Freeman, Tina Fey, Ray Romano, Seth Meyers and Tracy Morgan, Carl Reiner, Jennifer Love Hewitt and Vicki Lawrence.

Other stars that appeared included White's former co-stars Mary Tyler Moore, Ed Asner, Valerie Harper and Gavin MacLeod for "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" and her current co-stars Valerie Bertinelli, Wendie Malick and Jane Leeves from "Hot In Cleveland."

The special airs on January 16 and will also feature performances surprise guest appearances and honor White's long career in entertainment.

As for what she'll be doing on her actual birthday, White told People magazine, "I'm going to sit back home with my golden retriever Pontiac."

"Usually I'll try to play catch-up with all the things I never will catch up on," she added. "I may just do crossword puzzles and indulge myself and have a wonderful time with my dog."

The actress also said she had no plans on retiring. "Everybody says, 'Why don't you retire? Why don't you quit?' Why should I quit when I'm having such a good time? So my New Year's resolution is to appreciate everything that's happening to me, and hopefully, hopefully continue to do it," she said.

White, who is the only surviving cast member of "Golden Girls," has made a comeback recently, appearing in films like "The Proposal" and "You Again."

The actress has also become one of the most popular senior television stars, especially following a "Saturday Night Live" hosting stint in 2010, which earned the "Golden Girls" star her fifth Emmy Award.

White also had another bit of good news for the New Year, her senior prank show "Betty White's Off Their Rockers" was picked up by NBC. The show is a hidden camera style series and will feature senior citizens pulling pranks on the younger generation. The first sneak preview airs after White's birthday special.

The new series is made up of 12 half-hour episodes and is based on a Belgian show called "Benidorm Bastards." Local versions of the show have been produced in other Europe countries and in South Korea.

Kate Middleton Is Finally Brave Enough to Take a Fashion Risk

It's Kate Middleton's 30th birthday today -- yay for fairy princesses! Since very few of us are going to get to acknowledge this momentous occasion with Duchess Catherine in the flesh, I figure, what better way to celebrate than by looking at a photo of her in the gorgeous Alice Temperley gown she wore to the War Horse premiere? Let's all take a moment, shall we?

Okay. That was good, wasn't it? I'm seriously loving the not-so-stuffy twist on a fancy gown. The black lace, the sheer sleeves -- perfection. Looks like our girl Kate is getting more daring with her fashion choices, and comfortable taking some risks. Finally!

It's not like her style has done a 180 or anything, it just seems like she's getting more used to her role in the royal family. When Kate first became Duchess Catherine, let's be honest, she was mostly seen in very plain, solid-colored dresses that, while perfectly-tailored and beautiful, erred on the side of caution. This Alice Temperley gown -- and the black velvet gown she wore a few weeks ago -- show a different side of Kate, I think. She doesn't seem 100% ready to take some crazy fashion plunge (which she shouldn't), but she seems like she's ready to stop playing it so safe. And that's thrilling for Internet onlookers like us.

Right now, there are few people more exciting to watch, fashion-wise, than Kate Middleton. We're literally seeing a girl transform into a princess (and eventually a queen) before our very eyes. And when she steps out in something a little more daring than she's previously done, a little less plain than usual -- well, that's just the kind of thing we've been waiting for.

Beyoncé is already a wonderful mom, Destiny's Child pals say

Beyoncé just brought baby Blue Ivy Carter home from the hospital but motherhood, according to her former Destiny's Child bandmates, is as natural for the pop star as dancing in stilettos and a leotard.

"She's doing fabulous," Michelle Williams told PEOPLE on the red carpet at the taping of the 2012 BET Honors in Washington, D.C., on Saturday

"She was born to be a mother," Kelly Rowland added at the show, which will air February 13. "She's wonderful."

According to Williams, Beyoncé has what it takes to be a great mother to baby Blue. "She has such compassion for people and humanity, period," she said.

-- Beyoncé just brought baby Blue Ivy Carter home from the hospital but motherhood, according to her former Destiny's Child bandmates, is as natural for the pop star as dancing in stilettos and a leotard.

"She's doing fabulous," Michelle Williams told PEOPLE on the red carpet at the taping of the 2012 BET Honors in Washington, D.C., on Saturday

"She was born to be a mother," Kelly Rowland added at the show, which will air February 13. "She's wonderful."

According to Williams, Beyoncé has what it takes to be a great mother to baby Blue. "She has such compassion for people and humanity, period," she said.

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Justin Bieber unveils new Jesus tattoo on calf

Justin Bieber unveiled a new tattoo on his calf, during a beach outing in Orange County, Calif. on January 4.

The 17-year-old pop star had a new black ink portrait of Jesus tattooed on his left calf, which appears in photos obtained by Celebuzz.

The art is not Bieber's first foray into tattoos. He also has Jesus' name written in Hebrew on his rib cage and a bird tattoo on his left hip, which matches one of his father's tattoos.

Bieber opened up about his religious beliefs to the Associated Press a few years back.

"I'm a Christian, I believe in God, I believe that Jesus died on a cross for my sins," Bieber told the Associated Press in November 2010. "I believe that I have a relationship and I'm able to talk to him and really, he's the reason I'm here, so I definitely have to remember that. As soon as I start forgetting, I've got to click back and be like, you know, this is why I'm here."

Bieber posted a photo from his beach outing on his Populagram account on Wednesday evening, referencing "The O.C." TV series he wrote, "Was in the O.C lookin for Seth and Summer. Turns out it was all a bunch of bs."

Over the past few weeks, he has also posted several photos of his father and siblings and one of him posing in a nativity scene (pictured above).

On Saturday night, Bieber performed the Beatles song "Let It Be" on "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve With Ryan Seacrest 2012" with Carlos Santana. He also debuted a new song, "Happy New Year" with his friend and Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith's son Jaden Smith.

Justin Timberlake, Jessica Biel are engaged, reports say

Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel are engaged, several reports say, but the two are not commenting about it.

Timberlake, 30, popped the question to Biel, 29, during a recent trip to Montana, People magazine said on Thursday, January 5. Us Weekly reported that the event occurred in "the mountains of Jackson, Wyoming" in late December.

Timberlake, a pop singer whose acting career took off after the 2010 film "The Social Network," and Biel, who rose to fame with the series "7th Heaven," have never been married before.

The two have been dating on and off for more than four years. Their most recent breakup was confirmed in March 2011. They reunited months later and were seen and photographed together at several Los Angeles parties and promotional events in the fall.

Amber Rose blames Kim Kardashian for Kanye West split

Amber Rose has long hinted that Kim Kardashian was to blame for her split from Kanye West, but she has now said it explicitly, saying she needed to "get this off my chest."

"Kim is one of the main reasons why me and Kanye are not together," Rose told Star magazine. "She's a homewrecker!"

Rose claimed that the affair occurred when the reality star was still dating NFL player Reggie Bush.

"They were both cheating," the 28-year-old model continued. "They were both cheating on me and Reggie with each other."

Rose claimed that she sent Kardashian an email, asking her to stop but that the reality star ignored her plea.

"She was sending pictures, and I was like, 'Kim, just stop. Don't be that person,'" Rose said. "I thought at least she'd be woman enough to respond to me. She never responded... It's very important that us women stick together and we don't [expletive] each other over like that."

Rose and West parted ways in July 2010 after two years together and according to Us Weekly, Rose was spotted kissing Reggie Bush over the 4th of July weekend. She has since moved on with rapper Wiz Khalifa and said she has the reality star to thank for her happiness.

"I want to thank her," Rose about Kim. "Because if she was never a homewrecker, then I never would have met Wiz, and I wouldn't be as happy as I am now."

Rose confirmed her statements on her WhoSay account on Wednesday writing, "After being asked the same questions over and over in every interview for so long i had to be honest and get this off my chest... I don't lie, i don't embellish I'm not trying to hurt anyone just setting the record straight. #FAME is a Crazy thing But I'm so thankful I have a AMAZING husband that Loves and supports me to the fullest he's my Angel and soulmate."

Kardashian seemed to address the controversy on Twitter, writing a cryptic message on Thursday, "Remember, people only rain on your parade because they're jealous of your sun & tired of their shade."

The star of "Keeping Up With the Kardashians" and "Kourtney & Kim Take New York" said her New Year's resolution was "to really give back more and not make everything so much about myself."

Tiger Woods’ ex-wife bulldozes $12 million home



There are times when divorce forces people to do strange things. Burn sheets. Throw out clothes. Toss rings into the ocean. But when you get $100 million in your divorce, you can trump just about anything and that's what happened with Tiger Woods' ex-wife when she bought a $12 million home and bulldozed the whole thing.

[Check the before picture above and the after picture after the jump]

Yes, according to TMZ, Elin Nordegren bought a $12 million home in North Palm Beach, Fla., but didn't like it, and has plowed the whole thing.

The house, which had six bedrooms and eight bathrooms, is now just rubble, with no word yet on what is going to replace the beautiful building you see above, but I guess when you have nine figures in the bank, it doesn't really matter what you want.

I guess we can all applaud Elin on not rolling over after all this happened and continuing on with her life. But I think we can all agree on one thing: Why in the world is she still in Florida? Wouldn't you want to move back home for good?

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

'Celebrity Apprentice' cast includes Arsenio Hall, Clay Aiken

The cast of the fifth season of the "Celebrity Apprentice" has been announced and includes the likes of Arsenio Hall and "American Idol" finalist Clay Aiken.

The show, which features real estate mogul Donald Trump working with his daughter Ivanka and son Donald Jr., showcases 18 "business savvy" celebrity contestants who compete to raise money for their charity of choice. The last celebrity standing is "hired," and receives the honor of delivering a $250,000 bonus check to their designated charity.

On a weekly basis, the contestants will work in two teams to win challenges, along with having to deal with long hours, harsh deadlines and intense scrutiny by the Trumps.

Arsenio Hall, 55, joins the cast of 18 celebrities who will compete on season 5, which premieres on NBC on February 12, the network announced on Wednesday. The date also marks Hall's 56th birthday.

The actor and comedian is known for his Emmy-award winning talk show, "The Arsenio Hall Show," along with the 1988 film "Coming to America."

More recently, Hall provided the voice of Carl Cristall in the 2008 children's film "Igor" and also portrayed the character Tasty Freeze the 2009 film "Black Dynamite."

In recent years, Hall has appeared on numerous talk shows, such as "Tosh.0," "Lopez Tonight," The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" and "Chelsea Lately."

Aubrey O'Day of "Making the Band" and Clay Aiken, who placed second on "American Idol" in 2003, are also competing on "Celebrity Apprentice" this season, as are Debbie Gibson, a musician and dancer famous in the 1980s, and actress Grammy-winning singer Tia Carrere.

Other cast members include Penn Jillette, half of the Emmy-winning magic duo Penn & Teller, "Queen of Mean" comedienne Lisa Lampanelli and actor Lou Ferrigno, George Takei of "Star Trek," television personality Adam Carolla and actress and model Patricia Velasquez of "The Mummy."

From the reality television side, there's Teresa Giudice of "The Real Housewives of New Jersey" and matriarch Victoria Gotti of "Growing Up Gotti." The show will also feature the owner of Orange Country Choppers Paul Teutul, Sr., CEO of Andretti Autosport Michael Andretti, lead singer of the 80s band Twisted Sister Dee Snider, Miss Universe 2008 Dayana Mendoza and model Cheryl Tiegs.

Supermodel Tiegs announced on January 4 that she will compete for the Farrah Fawcett Foundation on the show.

Fawcett, star of the 1970s series 'Charlie's Angels,' died of anal cancer at age 62 on June 25.

Ryan O'Neal, Fawcett's husband when she passed away, told Piers Morgan in June that he wondered if he and his children, including his daughter Tatum, helped spur his partner Farrah Fawcett's cancer, which ultimately led to her death two years ago.

Kim Kardashian debuts new hairstyle at New Year's party - What do you think?

Kim Kardashian rang in the New Year with a new look.

The 31-year-old reality star showed off her new hairtstyle and bangs on New Year's Eve at Tao in The Venetian in Las Vegas. Shortly before the event took place, Kardashian asked her fans if she should go for a new look for the event.

"I wanna a new hairstyle for tonight! should I do bangs?" Kardashian wrote to her fans on Twitter with an old picture of her with the look.

In the photo above, Kardashian can be seen at her 31st birthday party in October on the left and with her new hairstyle during her New Year's Eve celebration on the right.

The star of "Keeping Up With the Kardashians" and "Kourtney & Kim Take New York" said her New Year's resolution was "to really give back more and not make everything so much about myself."

Kardashian just earned a guest spot on Tim Allen's "Last Man Standing" playing herself, according to TVLine. The storyline will include the middle daughter of Allen's character who is obsessed with reality shows. An ABC spokesperson confirmed Kardashian's participation.

The reality star has played herself on television before in a 2010 episode of "90210" and in a 2009 episode of "How I Met Your Mother."

Nick Cannon hospitalized for 'mild kidney failure,' wife Mariah Carey at bedside

Nick Cannon is in the hospital recovering from a "mild kidney failure," according to wife Mariah Carey.
On January 4, Carey took to her Twitter page to announce that her husband was in the hospital. "Please pray for Nick as he's fighting to recover from a mild kidney failure. #mybraveman," Carey Tweeted on her official Twitter page. The singer also took to her official website to go into deeper detail about the situation, and ask for prayers and support from her fans.
"This is us in the hospital - role reversal," Carey wrote on her official website. "Last year it was me attached to the machines (after having dembabies) and Nick was there with me through it, and now here we are." "We're trying to be as festive as possible under the circumstances but please keep Nick in your thoughts because this is very painful," the songstress continued. "They tried to kick me out of the hospital but here I am pon de bed with Mr. C. ... I'm not trying to make light out of the situation because it's a serious moment that's very tough on all of us so please keep us and our family in your prayers." Carey, 41, and her husband Cannon, 31, wed in April 2009.
Cannon is known for his role as the host of "America's Got Talent." The pair became parents to healthy twins Monroe and Moroccan, who also go by "Roc and Roe," in April 2011 via Caesarean section. The date also marked the couple's second wedding anniversary. The already famous twin babies even have their own website, dembabies.com, where fans can sneak a peek at personal photos of the family. Carey and Cannon debuted the twins in October on "20/20," where they also discussed their high-risk pregnancy. Though the couple are joyful parents now, the process of conceiving was fraught with difficulties, including a miscarriage. With the help of fertility treatments, the couple welcomed their healthy twins. "I don't think I understood the enormity or the magnitude of what it really does to your body," the Grammy-winning singer said in a promo for the episode. "Like it's not just, oh you don't look pretty and you have a bump." Carey debuted a slim figure in November, becoming the face of the Jenny Craig diet program. She also showed off her curves in the December debut of the revamped "All I Want For Christmas" video, which featured Justin Bieber.

LeBron James’ team reject his $3,000 birthday cake; baker gets angry

There is an old axiom, that has nearly become accepted fact, that the richer you get, the more you tend to receive free things. All manner of swag, including suits, gift bags, German automobiles, or even a $3,000 birthday cake that you summarily reject without having to explain why. At least that's the case so far, for LeBron James.

According to the Miami Herald, an area baker named Alethea Hickman was offered heaps of free publicity for designing a cake to be presented to James during his 27th birthday celebration at a Miami nightspot last week. A "sponsorship," and no actual money, was the payoff according to party handler Jared Galbut.

Then the cake, and the communication between Hickman and Galbut, went a bit pear-shaped:

"I don't even know where my cake went," Hickman said. "I was mortified. They had me do it in the middle of the holiday crush and I hired additional people. Someone needs to pay."

Galbut said James' people decided Hickman's work wasn't fit for the king: "It just wasn't what was expected. When LeBron's people saw it, they just didn't want to use it and decided to bring their own cake. I can't tell LeBron James what birthday cake to eat. It's LeBron James, for Christ's sake."


As for how much Galbut would pay Hickman if he were asked, he just said: "That cake couldn't be worth more than $600. It's flour, eggs and water."

No, it's not just "flour, eggs and water," you idiot. It's "workers, hours, wages, delivery, passed-over revenue streams that were let go so as to service James," and also "things that go on and in a cake besides flour, eggs and water."

With that in place, Hickman was probably way off in thinking that the possible publicity from her massive cake could more than make up for the money and effort her company put into creating the confection.

It seems like she was more than willing to allow for the loss of income just to be associated with a star; they have names for people who do these sorts of things, and we shouldn't feel too bad when she was the one who signed off on giving a free birthday cake to LeBron in the first place. It's not his fault he didn't want to eat the thing, much less pay for it after she agreed to provide it pro bono.

All in all, another case of hopelessly entitled people (barely including James, who probably never even saw the cake) and their less-deserving-but-just-as-entitled handlers acting out of touch in an era that doesn't really deserve that sort of disconnect. Marie Antoinette would be proud.

Monday, January 2, 2012

Dennis Rodman to coach topless women's basketball team

Dennis Rodman is making his return to basketball, this time coaching a topless women's basketball team.

Rodman said that he plans to recruit his team from New York's Headquarters Gentlemen's Club, where he has been a patron for 30 years, according to The New York Post.

"I don't know too many men that don't like a good-looking woman running up and down around the court," Rodman told the Post.

The idea was sparked by the strip club Rick's Cabaret, which formed the topless Rick's Basketball Association during the NBA lockout, to boost morale. Rick's disbanded their team when the lockout ended.

"They'll come out in a T-shirt or a tank top, but when the game starts, they'll go topless," Rodman said of his plan. "You don't have to have too much experience, just know how to throw the ball into the hole."

Rodman appeared in the 2009 season of "Celebrity Apprentice," lasting five episodes. He then battled his alcohol addiction on VH1's reality series "Celebrity Rehab With Dr. Drew" and "Sober House."

Rodman retired from the NBA in 2000 after playing with the Detroit Pistons, San Antonio Spurs, Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks. Considered the "bad boy" of the NBA, Rodman was entered into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2011.

Rodman made OnTheRedCarpet.com's list of the Shortest Celebrity Marriages for his nine day marriage to Carmen Electra. The pair got married in Las Vegas on November 14, 1998. Nine days later, Rodman filed for an annulment, claiming he was of 'unsound mind' at the time of the nuptials. The pair briefly reconciled but parted for good five months later. Rodman was also romantically linked to Madonna.

Aretha Franklin engaged to longtime friend William 'Willie' Wilkerson

Aretha Franklin got engaged to her longtime friend, William "Willie" Wilkerson over the holidays, she confirmed on Monday.

Franklin told the Associated Press that she and Wilkerson are planning a summer wedding in Miami Beach, Fla. with a reception on a private yacht and joked to the wire service, "We're looking at June or July for our date and no, I'm not pregnant, LOL!"

The 69-year-old soul singer said she is considering Donna Karan, Valentino or Vera Wang to design her wedding dress.

Franklin has been married twice before, to Ted White in 1961 and to actor Glynn Turman in 1978. She has four children.

The "Queen of Soul," canceled two concerts in August 2010 after breaking two ribs in a fall. In November, she canceled all gigs and appearances through May 2011 by order of her doctors.

The singer underwent surgery on December 2. She later said her "problem has been resolved," but did not specify her ailment.

On February 11, Franklin made her first public appearance since her surgery at a basketball game in Detroit.

Franklin told talk show host Wendy Williams in March that she had lost 85 pounds and was "feeling wonderful.".

The singer, who has struggled with her weight for many years, has denied that she had gastric bypass surgery.

Snoop Dogg wins big for charity on 'The Price Is Right'

Rapper Snoop Dogg appeared on "The Price Is Right" on Monday, as part of the game show's Celebrity Charity week.

The rapper earned $72,585 for his charity, The Snoop Youth Football League, which allows inner-city kids the chance to play football.

"The Snoop Youth Football League is something that we created over seven years ago and it was put together to try to help the inner city kids with all the gang violence and drugs and negativity," Snoop said in an interview after the show. "We wanted to put something in the community that would be positive, they could do that could be here 20 years from now. A football league is very productive and its positive and it keeps a lot of kids out of trouble and it shows them how to organize and work together."

The rapper assisted host Drew Carey on the show and in his post-show interview, admitted that the game show was one of his favorite things to watch when he was little.

"The Price Is Right Celebrity Charity Week" will welcome more celebrities like Heidi Klum and Chris Daughtry this week, to compete for their favorite charities.

The rapper rose to fame in the 1990s and is known for hits such as "Who Am I? (What's My Name?)," "Gin and Juice" as well as his collaborations with Dr. Dre, namely the 1993 hit "Nuthin' but a 'G' Thang."

Snoop Dogg is a popular figure in mainstream pop culture and has also appeared in numerous movies and television shows, such as "The L Word," "Weeds" and "90210." He and his family also starred in the E! reality show, "Snoop Dogg's Father Hood."

Snoop Dogg made headlines in September, joking that he planned to take over as the CEO of Yahoo! after former CEO Carol Bartz was fired from her post as CEO of the online portal and the company's Chief Financial Officer Tim Morse was named interim CEO.

The rapper has often released music that relates to popular topics - he recorded a song that pays tribute to Anna Paquin's character Sookie Stackhouse from the R-rated HBO vampire series "True Blood." In December 2010, he released a track called "WET" in honor of the UK's Prince William and Kate Middleton, who wed in April.

Beyonce and Jay-Z celebrate New Year's Eve in Brooklyn, dispel birth rumors

Beyonce and Jay-Z dispelled rumors that they had welcomed a daughter on Thursday, celebrating New Year's Eve in Brooklyn, NY;

According to foodie website Food Republic, Beyonce and Jay-Z indulged in a quiet dinner at Brooklyn's Buttermilk Channel restaurant. The website reports that the couple sat in a cozy table in the back of the restaurant and the singer was still very much expecting.
The couple's New Year's Eve feast possibly included items from chef Ryan Angula's 3-course tasting menu, which featured a foie gras terrine with pickled grapes, butter-poached lobster and duck meatloaf.

The couple sparked a Twitter frenzy on December 29, when reports emerged that Beyonce had given birth at St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital in New York.

The first news of the couple's birth was published on MediaTakeOut.com, who claimed they had confirmation from two nurses at St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital that they were preparing the labor suite for Beyonce's arrival. The entertainment site was also responsible for claiming Beyonce's baby bump was fake.

It is unknown when Beyonce is due to give birth. Though Beyonce reportedly announced her due date to be in February, The New York Post reported that during a video shoot in late September, the singer said that she was six months pregnant.

The 30-year-old singer announced her pregnancy during the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards in August. During her 2011 MTV VMA performance she told the audience, "I want you to feel the love that's growing inside me." At the end she opened her sequined tuxedo jacket and rubbed her stomach, to the delight of the crowd.

"Physically I was starting to show, so it was only a matter of days before someone zoomed in," Beyonce told Katie Couric on "20/20" earlier in the month. "So I just wanted it to be from me, and I wanted it to be something that was a celebration of something so beautiful. And I didn't want to release a picture or a statement. I figured the biggest statement was to -- just be."

It will be the first child for the singer, who is married to 41-year-old rapper Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Corey Carter. The couple got married on April 4, 2008. The nuptials were so secret that no photos or video from the event were released. The couple got married with a close circle of 40 friends and family members after dating for six years.

The singer has kept quiet about the sex of her baby, her former Destiny's Child band mate Kelly Rowland might have accidentally revealed that Beyonce is expecting a girl.