Blog Posts For: July 2009

“Star Wars” fans get ready for your very own concert!  For the first time ever “Star Wars” is kicking off a world tour in October. George Lucas is planning to bring the franchise alive in a concert venue featuring a symphony orchestra playing music from all 6 movies. In addition to the music, Anthony Daniels, who plays C3PO, will narrate the production, along with clips that will be shown from all the movies on the largest mega screen ever to go on tour. There will also be an exhibit that includes props from all 6 movies as well, including costumes and some never before seen items.  Tickets go on sale in August and will be a treat for young and old. 
 

This has got to be the funnest couple ever…. Kevin and Jill Heinz had their entire wedding party literally dancing down the aisle to Chris Brown’s, “Forever”. It all started out as any other wedding and now the video that shows them dancing has been viewed by over 8 million people, and they only got married back in June. Out of nowhere the video has become this huge phenomenon when all the groom did was post the video online for their friends and family to see.  Then the morning shows both “GMA” and “The Today Show” got involved and this beautiful event turned ugly. Originally the wedding couple was flown to New York and put up in a fancy hotel by ABC so that they could appear on “Good Morning America”. ABC was excited for the couple to appear on the show until they heard they had also agreed to do a pre-taped interview for the “Today Show”, that would have appeared before the live segment on “GMA”. Oh the “GMA” people were not happy when they found out. In addition to that they also found out the NBC was flying the entire weeding party out to recreate the whole dance as we. ABC had the couple’s hotel and flights cancelled and figured they would let NBC pay for them instead. The groom was shocked how ABC handled the situation. He said, “We’ve been kicked out of our room. New York is cut throat. That’s what we have learned. Regardless of all the drama, the video is hysterical, check it out here.

This weekend’s Hall of Fame induction ceremony, which honored former Boston Red Sox right fielder Jim Rice, former Oakland A’s and New York Yankees outfielder Rickey Henderson, and former Yankees and Cleveland Indians second baseman Joe Gordon, came and passed with some tears, some humor, and, of course, some controversy. While some may lament spoiling a moment that is meant to celebrate baseball with continued strife, perhaps it is best to discuss these larger issues when so many are listening. The two subjects that were discussed, or at least mentioned on ESPN and in newspapers across the country, were the Pete Rose and steroids.

A former “American Idol” contestant Alexis Cohen, known as the Glitter Girl, was killed in a hit and run accident on Saturday in New Jersey. She was just 25 years old. She auditioned for “American Idol” back in 2007 and tried again 2008. She did get an audition her first time but was completely turned away the second time. It is surprising she ever returned after the unkind words that Simon had to say of her performance. Not to mention the tirade she went on after she walked out of the audition. Let’s just say she was upset and didn’t have very nice things to say about Simon….there was even some cursing involved.  On a much happier subject, Angie Everhart welcomed her first child, a boy, on July 24th. New baby is Kayden Bobby, and Angie plans to raise him alone. In fact she has not shared any details about who the father might be.  Everhart is 39 and is best known for her swim suit appearances in Sports Illustrated and she has also hosted several reality TV shows. She has been in several films including “Another 9 ½ Weeks” and “Last Action Hero”.

The Octomom, Nadya Suleman, finally has the reality show she has been hoping for. Filming will start September 1 and will most likely air first in the U.K and then here in the states. Eyeworks is the company producing the show and they have also produced, “The Biggest Loser” and “Breaking Bonaduce”. Suleman’s brood will make about $250,000 over 3 years and that roughly breaks down to about $250 a day per kid. Compared to other reality shows their taping schedule will be pretty light. For the first year they will only film for 36 days, the second year only 21 days and the third year only 14 days. Sounds pretty non evasive to me. That was Nadya’s plan all along; she just wants to film certain milestones in their lives. Oddly enough she is trying to stay away from the whole “Jon and Kate Plus 8” scenario. Hey, maybe she is smarter than we originally thought. Not to mention 15% of the children’s earnings will automatically go into a trust fund for each child that they cannot touch until they turn 18 as required by state law in California.

What is the obsession with Kendra Wilkinson from “The Girls Next Door”? She has been on 2 reality TV shows one she is currently starring in and now she has a memoir that is going to be published. I mean she is 24 years old, how much can she have to say?  The book which is scheduled to be released next summer is said to talk about her childhood, as well as her time in the Playboy mansion and the time she spent with Hugh Hefner. She will talk about her new life with Hank Baskett and the impending birth of her new baby. She is definitely the “it girl” of the moment. She also made a statement the other day about how she is no longer going to be watching “Jon and Kate Plus 8” anymore. She liked it better in the old days when they were just a happy regular family and not all Hollywood and drama like now. She says, “I feel bad for the kids.” Ironically she says that “she would never allow her new baby to appear on her hit E! show ‘Kendra’. That will all be private.” Funny on that same day she signed on for another season of her show with 12 new episodes. We will see how long that sentiment lasts.

Are you kidding me??? It seems that Jon Gosselin needed to get away again and this time he is doing it with another new woman. There is a new Kate in Jon’s life and the two have been in the Hamptons for 3 days together so far. Ironically this Kate is Kate Major, a tabloid reporter for the Star. She must be in heaven with all this good stuff to write about!! The story gets even better; the two are staying in Michael Lohan’s house (yes that is Lindsay Lohan’s dad). The two are said to both be friends with Michael and when they needed a place to stay he opened up his home to them. Hmmm….I wonder what the Hailey Glassman thinks about this arrangement and I don’t even want to know what his soon to be ex wife thinks about the whole thing. Glad he is having such a blast while his 8 kids are at home with mom.
 

The All Star game has passed, the pennant race has officially begun, and the trade deadline (July 31) is fast approaching. Any team with a chance to win their division or compete for the wild card is looking for ways to improve their chances, while any team that is more than 10 games out is looking to deal the soon-to-be free agents for some young arms and position players with potential.

As of the MLB standings right now, five American League teams are facing double digit deficits in the standings and truly have no hope of qualifying for even a Little League regional final and one AL team has already called it quits despite being just 9.5 games back (the most exciting thing for Blue Jays fans the rest of the season will be waiting to see who they get for Roy Halladay). The rest of the teams have some chance for the division crown or a wild card spot. These teams could all use something to shore up their chances and what follows is a quick grocery list of wants and needs for those remaining nine American League teams.

There is some disappointing news for Sugarland fans. Jennifer Nettles has been struggling with voice problems since January and it has gotten to the point where the band has had to cancel several shows so she can take a bit of time and give her voice a rest. Nettles posted a video message to the fans letting them know the situation. She says, “I sang too much. And I blew my voice. It’s like a muscle. It’s like any other part of your body. If you sprain it or strain it, then you have to heal it, or else you will break it. And I don’t want to break it. I want us to come back out there and see you.” The band has been busy in the studio and on the road and that is what has caused the problem. The group was supposed to perform with Kenny Chesney this past Saturday and then with Keith Urban on Sunday and they had to cancel both shows. They had to cancel some shows back in 2008 as well as take about 10 days off in May of 09’ as well. How frustrating for Jennifer, the band and fans. Hopefully some well needed rest will help.

Game On…Shaquille O’Neal is getting his own sporting competition reality show on ABC this summer. Starting on August 18th Shaq is taking on some of the world’s favorite athletes at their own game. Here are a few examples of who and what this Cleveland Cavalier is going to be doing. First up on the debut show, called “Shaq VS.”, Shaq is going to swim against Michael Phelps the Olympic Gold medal superstar. You will also be able to see him box against the legendary Oscar De LaHoya, play a little tennis with Serena Williams and bat against St. Louis Cardinals favorite Albert Pujols. What is he thinking? Here is his plan though…he is going to train hard for a week prior to each competition and by that time he will have a pre-negotiated handicap again each opponent to give him a fair shot. The 37 year old hopes that all this training will help him in his upcoming basketball season. O’Neal has won an NBA championship 4 times in his basketball career with the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat and he hopes to help his new team achieve the same.
 

This is a very gossipy story and I feel bad even talking about it because I really like this actress but here is the scoop.  Star Magazine is reporting that former Charlie’s Angel, Kate Jackson, maybe be suffering from an old drug habit again. In a very odd story the Star has witnesses reporting that they went into to professionally clean Kate’s $2 million home which was totally trashed on the inside and out.  Neighbors have complained about all the clutter in the backyard and it took a cleaning crew two days to haul out and clean up all the garbage. Some of the cleaners didn’t even want to return for the second day. They complained of the smell since there was so much trash around, and old moldy food and even rat droppings. In addition to the wreck that the house was in the cleaners said that Jackson was no better. They said she was talking extremely fast, stuttering and even repeating things over. Someone even called her a “crazy recluse” The famous actress is now 60 and that just seems like a bizarre and sad story.

Former CBS news legendary anchorman, Walter Cronkite died at the age of 92 this week. He was known to many as “the most trusted man in America” along with nickname of “Uncle Walter”. He reported the news for almost 20 years from 1962 – 1981 and he was the one people turned to for their breaking news and information. He was there to report the devastating news of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963, as well as he was there for the ground breaking landing on the moon by the Americans in 1969. When he retired, Dan Rather took over his spot at the news desk. Cronkite was well known for his parting comment each night “And that’s the way it is.” He is survived by his 3 children and 4 grandsons. He was married to his wife Betsy for 64 years but she passed away in 2005. He was part of our history and he will be missed.
 

Tragedy strikes while setting up for Madonna’s “Sticky and Sweet” concert in Marseille France. While erecting the stage for Madonna’s performance it somehow collapsed and killed a 53 year old French man and injured six other people with two of those people receiving serious injuries. At this point it is unknown what exactly caused the accident. The show which was scheduled for this Sunday has been cancelled. Madonna released a statement, “I am devastated to have just received this tragic news. My prayers go out to those who were injured and their families along with my deepest sympathy to all those affected by this heartbreaking news.”

There is a little bit of this and a little bit of that going on today in the world of gossip. To start with we are going to be seeing a lot of Mariah Carey in the near future as she gets set to release her new album “Memoirs of An Imperfect Angel” at the end of August. Tonight she will premiere her new video “Obsessed” on “America’s Got Talent”. There is already hubbub about this video, first off it was leaked on the internet, but all copies have been removed. Secondly in the video Mariah is dressed up and looks eerily like Eminem and some are saying this is a response to his song “Bagpipes from Bagdad” where he talks about Mariah and their relationship from years back and why is she obsessed with him. Now Mariah and husband Nick Cannon both deny that the song/video has anything to do with Eminem but really could it be a coincidence? I guess we will just have to wait and see for ourselves once the video is out. You can also see Mariah on the “Today Show” in the Toyota concert series on August 28th. Also performing during the month will be Flo Rida and Natasha Bedingfield.
 

Conan O’Brien welcomed his first cast from a Broadway musical to perform on his show last night. The cast from “Hair”, all 50 members flew from New York to L.A. to perform on their day off. The performance was choreographed special just for Conan’s shows and new set. They looked like they were having a great time and if you haven’t seen the show, just watching the cast made you want to run out and do so.  There is something about all the peace and love of the 60’s that is just magical, not to mention those clothes. “Hair” actually won a Tony Award this year for Best Revival of a Musical. Watch the cast sing the title song, “Hair” and “Let the Sunshine In” from Conan last night.
 

The first half of the baseball season is over and after Tuesday night’s All Star game the pennant race really begins. Well, as the pennant race begins, so must the quest for the MVP award and like the first place teams in each division, certain players already have a huge advantage.

Big break up news today. Not exactly the birthday gift she was hoping for …Tony Romo broke up with Jessica Simpson the night before her 29th birthday. It seems that the happy couple has not been happy for awhile. The two have very busy schedules; Tony busy with quarterbacking for the Dallas Cowboys and Jessica working on her new reality show, “The Price of Beauty”. Jessica still loves Tony and is brokenhearted but it just wasn’t meant to be. Jessica sent out a tweet to her fans to let them know she is doing ok and still hopeful about finding love again. She says, “Everyone needs to know that hope floats…grab the strings and pull it back to you.”

Being a big “Jon Plus Kate Plus 8” fan (if you hadn’t noticed), I have to say I find it very difficult to see pictures and read stories that Jon is having a great time enjoying his new life with his new girlfriend. The couple just filed for divorce last month, and he has 8 children at home, so it feels a bit, for lack of a better word, icky. Here is the latest; Jon is vacationing in France on the French Riviera with his 22 year old girlfriend, Hailey Glassman. Jon is 32. There are pictures of the couple, holding hands, drinking champagne and looking quite cozy. I wonder what his kids are going to think years from now when they see these pictures of their dad. I understand Jon and Kate are getting a divorce and things didn’t work out between them but this seems a bit over the top so soon. Here is the irony about his new girlfriend, (did I mention she is just 22???) she is the daughter of the doctor who gave Kate her tummy tuck a few years back. Anyway it is hard to look at him as the devoted father when he is out in France with his new gal pal.

I have to tell you there is not all that much going on in the world of gossip today. Since Jan and Kate Gosselin have sworn off talking to the media everything has come to a standstill. Just kidding. Ok, here are some odd and ends baby and wedding news. First off Charles Kelley from Lady Antebellum got married in Nashville last week and then spent the weekend in the Bahamas. He twittered out the happy news!  “90210” alum, Jason Priestley and his wife welcomed their second child, a baby boy. They also have a 2 year old little girl at home, named Ava. Tom Cavanagh and his wife are expecting their 3rd child in the next week or two. They are going to have their hands full; they have a 3 ½ year old and a 2 year old already at home. Somebody is not pregnant and that is “That’s So Raven” star Raven Symone. The 23 year old actress/singer had the internet swirling with rumors that she was not only pregnant but that she had recently given birth. Her rep. told “People” magazine that it was all just rumors. Cutie Ryan Reynolds who is currently starring in “The Proposal” says that one day he would like to adopt. He is married to Scarlett Johansson, and has a brother who was adopted.  He says, “I have every intention of adopting at some time. I’m very grateful for having my brother in my life. I couldn’t be more pro – adoption. There are plenty of kids in the world that need it.” Not only is he cute but so sweet!

Here is some scandalous gossip for you which we haven’t heard the likes of in a while. The reason has come out to why hunky actor Lorenzo Lamas and his beautiful 4th wife, former Playmate of the Month, Shauna Sand divorced. It seems that Shauna was having an affair…but not just any old affair; she was having an affair with then 18 year old step son, AJ Lamas. After all the years of soap opera acting it appears he has been living a real life one.  A friend says, “He thought Shauna was acting like a mom to AJ, he had no clue that she was his son’s lover!” That has got to be the lowest form of betrayal ever! If you want to see more about this Hollywood family you will get your chance. Lamas and his family, including AJ and daughter Shayne, who was the “winner” on ABC’s “The Bachelor”, as well as Shayne’s sister, Dakota will have their own reality series on E! this fall.  E! just loves the family reality series don’t they?.

The Michael Jackson memorial service at the Staples Center was quite an event. I am happy to say with all those people and celebrities the setting seemed just right. It was a somber yet lovely ceremony. It was a day to remember Michael and appreciate all he has given to the world. He has touched us all in some way. You really got to see the more human side of MJ and forget about some of the crazy stuff. Brooke Shields (who looked so beautiful) spoke about their friendship and dispelled any question that it was anything other than two famous kids feeling comfortable around each other and just being kids. Magic Johnson talked about the time he learned that Michael Jackson loved Kentucky Fried Chicken. If that doesn’t help normalize MJ what does?  The service started with Mariah Carey singing “I’ll Be There” which led to many more magical music moments. Usher sang “Gone to Soon” and he barely held it together in the end as he sang to Michael. Stevie Wonder sang “I Never Dreamed You’d Leave in Summer” which was a song he wrote about the death of his wife and then led into “They Won’t Go When I Go”. An 8 month pregnant Jennifer Hudson sang MJ’s song “Will You Be There” and she did such a heartfelt amazing job. John Meyer contributed an instrumental version of Michael’s “Human Nature”, which was another brilliant performance. Jermaine Jackson even got on stage and sang, “Smile” which was a song from Charlie Chaplin’s “Modern Times”. Jermaine has such a beautiful voice and it was good to hear him sing after so many years. It was hard to watch though because at times he could barely make it through.

Today is the day that the world will get their chance to say their final goodbyes to Michael Jackson. Although it has not been known until just recently Michael Jackson’s body will be at the Staples Center today for the memorial service. In fact it is being reported that the LAPD SWAT team will be part of the motorcade bringing the body from Forest Lawn Cemetery, where the family held a private memorial, to the Staples Center. There is also a helicopter ready to go as well in case any safety issues do develop. The event is going to end up costing the city of Los Angeles around $4 million and Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is asking the fans to help cover the costs. There is even a PayPal account that has been set up by the mayor where you can donate money directly. You can visit the mayors Facebook page or even his twitter page if you would like to participate. www.Facebook.com/villaraigosa or www.twitter.com/villaraigosa . The Staples Memorial Service will start at 10:00 a.m. pacific time and Rev. Al Sharpton is set to deliver the eulogy. I have to say I am a bit nervous to watch, I just hope there are no altercations or issues with all those people and fans gathered together. This event is said to be the biggest of all time, even bigger the Obama’s inauguration. Billions of people are going to be watching it on TV and between being streamed live and people Twittering about it this will really be a historic event.
 

Former NFL quarterback Steve McNair was found shot to death on July 4th alongside his 20 year old girlfriend Saleh Kazemi, who was shot once in the head. This is a tragic story, especially considering McNair is married with 4 sons. At this point the police are calling the shooting a homicide but so far have no suspects in custody. It seemed that McNair was serious with the girlfriend according the Kazemi’s sister who said her sister was planning to marry McNair. Neighbors often saw Kazemi getting dropped off at her apartment in a limousine early in the morning and she also has a 2007 Cadillac Escalade that is in her name as well as McNair’s. Although there is no record showing that he was getting a divorce his $3 million home is on the market in Nashville. At this point it is unclear how much his wife knew. As you can imagine she is quite distraught over the whole situation. McNair was a very generous person, personally helping victims from Hurricane Katrina and helping pay for children to go to football camps, plus his amazing 13 year football career makes the thought of homicide unimaginable. McNair played in 4 Pro Bowls as well as he played for the Tennessee Titans and Baltimore Ravens.

Former NFL quarterback Steve McNair was found shot to death on July 4th alongside his 20 year old girlfriend Saleh Kazemi, who was shot once in the head. This is a tragic story, especially considering McNair is married with 4 sons. At this point the police are calling the shooting a homicide but so far have no suspects in custody. It seemed that McNair was serious with the girlfriend according the Kazemi’s sister who said her sister was planning to marry McNair. Neighbors often saw Kazemi getting dropped off at her apartment in a limousine early in the morning and she also has a 2007 Cadillac Escalade that is in her name as well as McNair’s. Although there is no record showing that he was getting a divorce his $3 million home is on the market in Nashville. At this point it is unclear how much his wife knew. As you can imagine she is quite distraught over the whole situation. McNair was a very generous person, personally helping victims from Hurricane Katrina and helping pay for children to go to football camps, plus his amazing 13 year football career makes the thought of homicide unimaginable. McNair played in 4 Pro Bowls as well as he played for the Tennessee Titans and Baltimore Ravens.

The custody battle for Michael Jackson is about to begin and one can only imagine that it is going to get ugly. Debbie Rowe is now stating that she wants her biological children Prince Michael and Paris. She even says she would take Blanket too if the court would grant her that so as not to break the children up. She seems to be a bit all over the place since last week she told a British newspaper that “she did not want to see your children again” and that she never consummated her marriage to Michael Jackson. With all the controversy swirling around questioning if she is really their mother and if Michael is really the father to the children, she says she would be willing to take a DNA test to prove that she is indeed their biological mother. She is one of the people that says that Michael was not the biological father that she was impregnated by an anonymous sperm donor. See, it is just getting downright ugly. She even says that she has had no relationship with the children. How could she want to rip them away from the only family they know and have left? Rowe says that she would get a restraining order against Joe Jackson the children’s grandfather to keep him away from them if she were to get custody. If those aren’t fighting words I don’t know what are. Stay tuned, you know there is going to be much more on this subject. Those poor children, hopefully the family is keeping them away from all the media and hopefully they are oblivious to all that is going on around them in terms of these custody issues.

I have some odd and ends to tell you about today that includes some TV and Broadway news but first and foremost I have a big engagement to share with you. Oldest Jonas Brother, Kevin, got engaged this morning to a very surprised and happy girlfriend.  The 21 year old flew to New Jersey after his concert last night in Vancouver. Kevin showed up early this morning and on bended knee asked 22 year old Danielle Deleasa to marry him. “She said yes, yes, yes, like 500 times super fast in a row”. The two met in the Bahamas in 2007. Brothers Nick and Joe are very excited to welcome Danielle to the family as are Mr. and Mrs. Jonas who are also thrilled with the news.