Britney Spears engaged to marry Jason Trawick
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Britney Spears is ready to walk down the aisle for the third time. The 30-year-old pop star has agreed to marry her longtime boyfriend and former agent Jason Trawick.
Trawick announced Friday on “Access Hollywood” that he and Spears are engaged. The two have been dating since 2009.
Spears was previously married to Kevin Federline, with whom she has two sons: 6-year-old Sean Preston and 5-year-old Jayden James. The couple divorced in 2006. Spears also briefly wed childhood friend Jason Alexander in 2004, but the marriage was annulled after 55 hours.
Lambert’s new single inspired by Shelton’s brother
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Miranda Lambert is paying tribute to husband Blake Shelton’s late brother with her new single, “Over You.”
Richie Shelton died in a car accident in 1990. The newlyweds wrote the song together about a year ago, and Lambert recorded it for her latest album “Four the Record.” It is the second single released from the album.
The song idea started on a tour bus as they were flipping through TV channels. Shelton’s “Backstory” happened to be re-airing on GAC, and it was at the part where his dad was talking about his brother’s fatal crash. His father said: “You don’t ever get over something like that. You just get used to it.”
The couple turned the TV off and started talking.
“Miranda never had a chance to meet my brother,” Shelton said recently. “I was just a teenager when that happened. So I was telling her about him, what he was like, and we just ended up like we do sometimes, writing a song.”
Richie was only 24 when he died. Shelton was 14 at the time. This was the first time Shelton, now 35, really opened up to Lambert about the tragedy.
“We both actually cried while writing the song,” said Lambert, 28. “That’s the only time I’ve ever gotten that emotional writing a song, and him, too. So, I think the initial emotion came out right that day, and I think you hear it in the lyrics.”
Some of the lines are pulled directly from Shelton’s experience. Lambert sings, “Your favorite records make me feel better, cause you sing along with every song. I know you didn’t mean to give them to me.”
“That’s one of the things I got when my brother was killed. The family gave me all his albums and things like that,” Shelton said. “I just listened to them over and over again to feel like he was there.”
Shelton said Richie loved all kinds of music, from Hank Williams Jr. to MC Hammer. He still has his brother’s “No Fences” album by Garth Brooks and says Richie’s favorite song at the time was “Friends In Low Places.”
The songwriting process helped Lambert and Shelton grow as a couple. Lambert calls it the most real song she’s ever had.
“It was really a great moment between us. It was like we moved to a deeper level, not just in our relationship, but also, we respect each other as artists, and being able to write something that personal with each other was really cool,” she said.
Back in October, Shelton sparked a rumor that Lambert was pregnant when he found out “Over You” might be a single. He tweeted: “Just received news that is so cool it supersedes any award, hit song, platinum album, sold-out tour or TV show!! What a year. . What a year!”
He says he is probably more proud of creating that song than of anything he’s accomplished in his career.
“That to me, that’s what I’m supposed to do as a country artist, a country songwriter, is take a real-life situation that is emotional and make it into music,” he said. “There’s no way I could have performed that song every night. So I’m honored Miranda put it on her record.”
Shelton and Lambert are the reigning Country Music Association male and female vocalists of the year. Shelton was recently nominated for three Grammy awards.
——
Online:
http://www.mirandalambert.com
http://www.blakeshelton.com
Meryl Streep covers Vogue magazine for first time
NEW YORK (AP) — Meryl Streep may be one of the finest actresses around, yet she says she believed her career was over 20 years ago.
The 62-year-old tells Vogue magazine she was offered three different roles to play a witch after turning 40. She believed it meant women in her age group were “grotesque on some level,” and told her husband, “It’s over.”
Streep played the editor of the fictional Vogue-like magazine Runway in the movie “The Devil Wears Prada.” She is now gracing the January cover of the real magazine for the first time, joking that she’s the oldest person to do so.
Next, she plays the former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in the film “Iron Lady,” which opens Jan. 13.
The January issue of Vogue goes on sale Dec. 20.
Judge says Lindsay Lohan doing well on probation
LOS ANGELES (AP) — A judge offered Lindsay Lohan something Wednesday that she hadn’t heard from a court in nearly two years: Praise.
Superior Court Judge Stephanie Sautner said the actress was doing well under strict new terms of her probation and urged her to keep up the good work.
The starlet has completed 12 days at the county morgue and five therapy sessions since Nov. 2, when she was sentenced to a strict routine of community service and counseling after her latest probation violation.
“You’re doing well and I’d like to see it continue,” Sautner said during a 10-minute status hearing.
She also offered Lohan an incentive to succeed, saying the actress could take leisure trips outside California after she completes a dozen days of morgue work a month.
The actress had permission from her probation officer to take a trip to Hawaii to celebrate her sister’s birthday. She returned just hours before the hearing.
Lohan, 25, has drawn the repeated ire of judges for failing to complete counseling sessions and community service assignments on time. Sautner made clear Wednesday that she believes Lohan’s new schedule — which requires the model and actress to appear in court monthly until March — is the reason for the turnaround.
The judge even hinted that Lohan might end her supervised probation early if she works harder.
“Do more days a month and we can end this in February, possibly,” Sautner said.
The judge said Lohan should keep reporting to court in person to make sure she remains on track.
“I think she likes to come see me,” Sautner joked. “I think that’s her motivation.”
Lohan appeared in court wearing brown slacks and a beige cardigan and found a smaller crowd of reporters than has chronicled the actress’ court scoldings since she missed a hearing in May 2010.
The last time she appeared in court without a probation compliance issue on the agenda was February 2010.
Judges repeatedly sent her to jail and rehab since then, and Sautner said last month she was giving Lohan one final chance to end the court spectacle.
The actress remains on probation for a 2007 drunken driving case and a misdemeanor grand theft case filed after she took a $2,500 necklace without permission from a store.
Her appearance Wednesday came days before a Playboy issue featuring Lohan in a mostly nude pictorial hits newsstands.
Hasidic reggae star Matisyahu shaves off his beard
Matisyahu before he shaved his beard.
NEW YORK (AP) — New York City-based Hasidic reggae superstar Matisyahu (ma-tis-YAH’-hoo) is on a new religious path, but it’s unclear which one.
The Jewish singer shaved off his beard and posted the bare-faced photos Tuesday on Twitter. He says on his website he once felt the need for lots of religious rules so he wouldn’t fall apart. Now he says he’s reclaiming himself.
But it’s unclear whether he’s leaving Orthodoxy. He says he’s still going to synagogue each day.
His spokeswoman says he isn’t giving interviews.
Matisyahu was a musical curiosity who became a mainstream star after his 2004 debut, “Shake Off The Dust … Arise.” He sported the bushy beard, flat-brimmed black hat, black pants and white shirt worn by Hasidic men.
His biggest single, “King Without a Crown,” was a crossover hit.
Jackson daughter tells ‘Ellen’ about acting dreams
In this Dec. 13, 2011 photo released by Warner Bros., talk show host Ellen DeGeneres, right, welcomes Paris Jackson, daughter of the late pop star Michael Jackson during a taping of "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" in Burbank, Calif. The episode will air on Thursday.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Michael Jackson’s daughter says she was inspired to be an actress after seeing her father in the film “Moonwalker.”
“My dad was in the movie `Moonwalker’ and I knew he could sing really well, but I didn’t know he could act,” Paris Jackson told talk show host Ellen DeGeneres, according to a transcript of the episode to air Thursday. “I saw that and I said, `Wow, I want to be just like him.“’
The film featuring Jackson’s signature dance move and other videos was released in 1988.
Paris said her father encouraged her and did improvisation sessions to develop her skills. The 13-year-old has been cast alongside Larry King in a film based on a new children’s book, “Lundon’s Bridge and the Three Keys,” which is in early stages of development.
The Internet Movie Database, known as IMDB, shows the film is tentatively scheduled for a 2013 release, although filmmakers have not presented the teen’s proposed acting contract to a Los Angeles court as required because she is a minor.
Paris also talked about the lengths that her father took to protect her identity for an episode that will air on Thursday.
She said her father protected her and her two brothers from the media, such as by placing them in masks or dressing them in costumes when they were in public. She said she initially thought wearing the mask was stupid, but later came to realize that it was for her and her brothers’ protection.
She said no one recognized her when she began attending school after her father’s death in June 2009.
“I was like, yes, I have a chance to be normal,” she said.
Jackson’s children have since been in the public eye, appearing onstage at their father’s televised memorial service, the Grammy Awards and other television appearances.
Chuck Lorre speaks out about Charlie Sheen
“The [studio and the network] chose to make a moral decision as opposed to a financial one. This was not a game. This was drug addiction writ large. This was big-time cocaine, and in his own words, an ‘epic drug run’ that could have ended with either his death or someone else’s.”
On giving Two and a Half Men an extreme makeover by bringing in a new star:
“I thought, why not find out if we can do it? If we failed, what have we failed at? Making a sitcom? Then it became exciting. We got to do something none of us ever dreamed of doing: We got to end a series and start a new series in 20 minutes.”
On referencing Charlie Sheen during this season of Two and a Half Men:
“To not deal with it felt like a cheat. The unbelievably public nature of this debacle is part of our legacy now. It happened, and the dividing line between Charlie Harper and Charlie Sheen is forever blurred.”
On how things spun out of control with Charlie Sheen:
“He was a great friend and partner for eight years. And every time he got himself into trouble, we believed that there was healing that was going to come. I certainly believed that sobriety is something that he wants in his life, and I was wrong.”
On trying to intervene:
“We intervened all the time. I was so afraid my friend was going to die. When we would shoot a show on a Friday night, there was always that ‘I’ll see you Monday. I hope.’ The holidays were the worst, because those long stretches of time were the ones we feared the most.”
On his decision to shut the show down:
“I didn’t want to be writing a sitcom while my friend died. Or worse, hurt someone else. We couldn’t be complacent. There was a tragedy unfolding right in front of us. There was violence and blackouts. On a certain level, if you’re looking the other way, you’re responsible.”
“You couldn’t do that much cocaine and work. It was falling apart. It was heartbreaking to be around here then.”
On being afraid that Charlie would retaliate against him:
“It’s a long road from being a sitcom writer to really recognizing that you might be in jeopardy. I was looking over my shoulder.”
On Charlie’s personal attacks against him in the press, including making an issue out of Lorre’s 13-year sobriety:
“That broke my heart, too. I thought we were on the same road together. I mean, we held hands and prayed when his sons were born premature. There’s that element of Charlie [that's] admirable, and he was the kind of guy you wanted to hang out with. He was a special guy. But bottom line, special guys are not immune to drug addiction.”
On his feelings about Charlie today:
“Bottom line, I hope he’s happy, I hope he’s healthy. I hope he’s able to be there for his kids.”
“The man was my friend. I cared for him deeply. We had a great time. We succeeded beyond our wildest dreams. Sometimes I’ll watch the reruns and I’ll go, ‘That was worth watching.” I’m proud of what we did.
Anne Hathaway is engaged to boyfriend Adam Shulman
A spokesman for the 29-year-old actress says Hathaway is engaged to boyfriend and fellow actor Adam Shulman.
Publicist Stephen Huvane revealed no other details.
Hathaway is among the stars of the anticipated Batman movie “The Dark Knight Rises.” She was nominated for an Academy Award for 2008′s “Rachel Getting Married” and hosted the 2011 Oscars with James Franco.
Hathaway’s other credits include “The Devil Wears Prada” and “Get Smart.”
Michael Jackson’s doctor sentenced to 4 years
Dr. Conrad Murray turns to the courtroom audience after he was sentenced to four years in county jail for his involuntary manslaughter conviction in the death of pop star Michael Jackson on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2011 in Superior Court in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mario Anzuoni, Pool)
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The doctor convicted in the overdose death of Michael Jackson was sentenced to the maximum four years behind bars Tuesday by a judge who denounced him as a reckless physician whose actions were a “disgrace to the medical profession.”
Dr. Conrad Murray sat stoically with his hands crossed as Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor repeatedly chastised him for what he called a “horrific violation of trust” while caring for Jackson.
However, Pastor conceded his sentence was constrained by a recent change in California law that requires Murray to serve his sentence in county jail rather than state prison.
In addition, the time that Murray will serve in the overcrowded jail also is out of the judge’s hands. That decision will be made by the Sheriff’s Department, and with good behavior, Murray could serve half of the four years.
“If the sheriff is consistent, Dr. Murray’s sentence in terms of time incarcerated will be very short,” District Attorney Steve Cooley said after the sentencing.
The judge was relentless in his bashing of Murray, saying he lied repeatedly and had not shown remorse for his actions in the treatment of Jackson. Pastor also said Murray’s heavy use of the powerful anesthetic propofol to help Jackson battle insomnia violated his sworn obligation.
“It should be made very clear that experimental medicine is not going to be tolerated, and Mr. Jackson was an experiment,” Pastor said. “Dr. Murray was intrigued by the prospect and he engaged in this money for medicine madness that is simply not going to be tolerated by me.”
Pastor also said Murray “has absolutely no sense of remorse, absolutely no sense of fault, and is and remains dangerous” to the community.
The judge said.one of the most disturbing aspects of Murray’s case was a slurred recording of Jackson recovered from the doctor’s cell phone.
“That tape recording was Dr. Murray’s insurance policy,” Pastor said. “It was designed to record his patient surreptitiously at that patient’s most vulnerable point.”
Defense attorney J. Michael Flanagan said after the sentencing that he was surprised the judge focused on the recording. The lawyer also contended that nothing said during the hearing would have changed the judge’s mind about the sentence.
Michael Jackson’s family told Pastor in a statement read earlier that they were not seeking revenge but wanted Murray to receive a stiff sentence that served as a warning to opportunistic doctors.
It included elements from Jackson’s parents, siblings and his three children.
“As his brothers and sisters, we will never be able to hold, laugh or perform again with our brother Michael,” the statement said. “And as his children, we will grow up without a father, our best friend, our playmate and our dad.”
The family told The Associated Press after the sentencing that they were pleased with the results.
“We’re going to be a family. We’re going to move forward. We’re going to tour, play the music and miss him,” brother Jermaine Jackson said.
Murray was convicted of involuntary manslaughter after a six-week trial that presented the most detailed account yet of Jackson’s final hours but left many questions about Murray’s treatment of the superstar with propofol.
Before sentencing, lead defense attorney Ed Chernoff highlighted the accomplishments of Murray.
“I do wonder though to what extent the court considers the entirety of a man’s book of life, as opposed to one chapter,” he told the judge.
Chernoff also attacked Michael Jackson, as he and his team frequently did during the doctor’s trial.
“Michael Jackson was a drug seeker,” Chernoff said.
Murray did not directly address the court. After sentencing, he mouthed the words “I love you” to his mother and girlfriend in the courtroom.
Jackson’s death in June 2009 stunned the world, as did the ensuing investigation that led to Murray being charged in February 2010.
Murray told detectives he had been giving the singer nightly doses of propofol to help him sleep as he prepared for a series of comeback concerts. Propofol is supposed to be used in hospital settings and has never been approved for sleep treatments, yet Murray acknowledged giving it to Jackson then leaving the room on the day the singer died.
Murray declined to testify during his trial but did opt to participate in a documentary in which he said he didn’t consider himself guilty of any crime and blamed Jackson for entrapping him into administering the propofol doses. His attorneys contended throughout the case that Jackson must have given himself the fatal dose when Murray left the singer’s bedside.
In their sentencing memorandum, prosecutors cited Murray’s statements to advocate for the maximum term. They also want him to pay restitution to the singer’s three children — Prince, Paris and Blanket.
The exact amount Murray has to pay will be determined at a hearing in January.
“Anything over a couple of dollars, he’s not going to be able to pay anyway,” Flanagan said.
Murray was deeply in debt when he agreed to serve as Jackson’s personal physician for $150,000 a month, and the singer died before Murray received any money.
Prosecutors said the relationship of Jackson and Murray was corrupted by greed. Murray left his practices to serve as Jackson’s doctor and look out for his well-being, but instead acted as an employee catering to the singer’s desire to receive propofol to put him to sleep, prosecutors said.
Murray’s attorneys relied largely on 34 letters from relatives, friends and former patients to portray Murray in a softer light and win a lighter sentence. The letters and defense filings described Murray’s compassion as a doctor, including accepting lower payments from his mostly poor patients.
“There is no question that the death of his patient, Mr. Jackson, was unintentional and an enormous tragedy for everyone affected,” defense attorneys wrote in their sentencing memo.
Victoria’s Secret stacks its stage with model moms
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- In this Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2011 file photo, Dutch supermodel Doutzen Kroes walks the runway during the Victoria’s Secret fashion show in New York. It’s not just the push-up bras or feathered wings that give some top Victoria’s Secret models their sexy swagger: It’s their off-the-catwalk lives as mothers, they say, that give them their confidence and signature curves. (AP Photo/Brad Barket, FILE)
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- In this Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2011 file photo, supermodel Alessandra Ambrosio walks the runway during the Victoria’s Secret fashion show in New York. It’s not just the push-up bras or feathered wings that give some top Victoria’s Secret models their sexy swagger: It’s their off-the-catwalk lives as mothers, they say, that give them their confidence and signature curves. (AP Photo/Brad Barket, File)
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- In this Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2011 photo, supermodel Miranda Kerr walks the runway during the Victoria’s Secret fashion show in New York. Kerr is wearing The Fantasy Treasure Bra, designed by London Jewelers and valued at $2.5 million. It’s not just the push-up bras or feathered wings that give some top Victoria’s Secret models their sexy swagger: It’s their off-the-catwalk lives as mothers, they say, that give them their confidence and signature curves. (AP Photo/Brad Barket, File)
NEW YORK (AP) — It’s not just the push-up bras or feathered wings that give some top Victoria’s Secret models their sexy swagger: It’s their off-the-catwalk lives as mothers that give them their confidence and signature curves, they say.
Miranda Kerr, Doutzen Kroes and Alessandra Ambrosio have all been crowned VS Angels, so they are among the half-dozen models to get the best outfits and most face time during the lingerie giant’s televised annual fashion show, which was scheduled to air Tuesday night on CBS. Backstage, wearing their short, hot-pink satin robes, they’re also the ones attracting the most attention.
What were they talking about with all those photographers, makeup artists and other models? Nutrition, exercise and juggling their jet-setting careers with their little ones.
Kroes and Kerr have bona fide babies, both giving birth to sons last January. Ambrosio’s daughter was born in 2008.
Motherhood hasn’t slowed them down at all: Kerr even got to wear the coveted diamond-covered bra. “I was asked to do it after I gave birth,” said Kerr. “That was awesome. It’s such an honor.”
Ed Razek, chief marketing officer for Victoria’s Secret parent Limited Brands, has long taken the position that the company wants feminine, womanly models, because that’s who looks best in the lingerie. “It’s true, a number of our models have come back from having a baby more beautiful than ever. I know that some of them have used the show date as a goal to get back in shape and, I think, having a baby has given them a sense of confidence, an `I can do anything’ attitude that is reflected on the runway.”
One thing model moms can do is make money. Forbes ranks Gisele Bundchen, Heidi Klum, Kate Moss, Adriana Lima and Ambrosio — all often photographed with their children — as the top earners of the industry this year.
Some tidbits on mixing modeling and motherhood:
—Kroes
It was empowering to mold her new figure into shape, said Kroes, 27, who did “abs, abs, lots of ab exercises all the time.” Her body isn’t quite the same now as it was pre-baby, and she hopes it never goes back. “I wish every woman can feel so sexy after birth. It’s your body but it’s also a feeling.”
Her two worlds might not seem on the surface a perfect match, but they are, she said. “You get your hair and makeup done!”
She also has a lot of control over her schedule. Even if she needs to be on location for a few days, it’ll never be longer, and then she’ll have many days off, Kroes explained. “It’s not a 9 to 5 job.”
She often can bring Phyllon on set, although she only does that when working locally. “I don’t want him to become a `traveler’ when he is still so young.”
—Ambrosio
Her catwalk costumes are a little less risque now, but she’s not ready to hang up the Brazilian-cup bras and short shorts. “I’m definitely more proud of my body now,” she said. “Our bodies are changed as we get older, and I’m more conscious of it now. Now, I’m a woman doing the show, not a girl.”
Part of that is giving up chocolate in the weeks before the show; she didn’t always have to do that. Part of it is being able to walk in heels without teetering and she’s also learned to ham it up for the camera and the audience.
Ambrosio got her Angel wings in 2004, when she was the first spokesmodel for the then-new Pink collection, which is loungewear geared for a more youthful customer. That’s when she felt she was “a flirty and cheeky teenager” versus the sexy woman she is at age 30.
There might be a model in training at home in daughter Anja, who also loves to come to work with her.
“She loves dressing up, and there is always a lot of dress up here. There are wings — so much fun for her!”
—Kerr
Pilates, yoga, weight training with resistance bags. They were all key factors in Kerr’s new-mom fitness routine, said the 28-year-old, and they’re all things that can be done in her living room.
“I do have less time, but I do try to exercise every day. I exercise at home with my son playing around with his toys on the floor.”
She says she hopes he’s watching and that he’ll learn to incorporate physical activity into his daily life without a thought. The same goes for a healthy diet.
Flynn is too young to watch the Victoria’s Secret show now, of course, but Kerr will let him see her runway photos later.
“I’m sure he’ll be happy his mom had wings.”
Demi Moore to divorce Ashton Kutcher
Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Demi Moore is ending her marriage to Ashton Kutcher.
The 49-year-old actress announced her divorce plans to The Associated Press Thursday, saying she’s doing it with “great sadness and a heavy heart.”
She said that “as a woman, a mother and a wife, there are certain values and vows that I hold sacred, and it is in this spirit that I have chosen to move forward with my life.”
Moore adds that it’s a trying time for her and her family, so she asked for people to respect her privacy.
Moore and Kutcher were wed in September 2005. The couple’s relationship became tabloid fodder in recent months as rumors swirled about Kutcher’s alleged infidelity.
TMZ: Troy Aikman – The Secret Divorce
Troy Aikman and Rhonda Aikman
Troy Aikman is officially a single man … and has been for months … after a judge quietly signed off on his divorce back in April … TMZ has learned.
Back in January, Troy and Rhonda Aikman announced they had separated after ten years of marriage … but TMZ has uncovered official public records, signed by Troy, in which the Dallas Cowboys legend states that an “agreed final decree of divorce” has been issued and it lists April 12, 2011 as the day the marriage was legally terminated.
Troy and Rhonda have 2 kids together — and back in January, they released a joint statement saying, “We remain deeply committed to our children … during this period of adjustment”
Just a few months before the two separated, Troy and Rhonda were already divvying up the family assets. TMZ obtained official documents which show Rhonda gave up her stake in the family mansion in Dallas last November. It’s unclear if she got any compensation for taking her name off the deed … but just a few months later, she purchased a home, also in Dallas, for roughly $1.5 mil.
TMZ called Aikman’s rep for comment — so far, no response.
Aikman shouldn’t struggle too much on the dating circuit — after all, he looks like this now …
Troy Aikman photo provided by TMZ.
Brad Pitt visits South Korea
Bradd Pitt
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Hollywood star Brad Pitt says he’s not worried about getting older.
The 47-year-old actor says he likes aging because of the wisdom that comes with it. He also says he’s taking better care of himself because of his six children.
Pitt made the comments Tuesday at a news conference in Seoul. He’s visiting South Korea for the first time to promote his new baseball film, “Moneyball.”
He arrived in Seoul alone after visiting Japan and Vietnam with partner Angelina Jolie and their children last week. A long-haired Pitt said he was excited to be in South Korea because Jolie spoke highly of a visit she made last year.
Pitt plans to attend an event scheduled for South Korean fans. “Moneyball” opens in South Korea on Thursday.
Sharon Stone announces 2 new roles
Sharon Stone
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Sharon Stone is taking on two very different roles: One in the Linda Lovelace biopic, and another online to welcome returning troops.
The 53-year-old actress says she will play Lovelace’s mother in “Inferno: A Linda Lovelace Story.” But before filming starts, the “Basic Instinct” star has another mission: She’s taking her first steps into the world of social media with a Facebook page that welcomes returning military personnel home from duty in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Stone says her page will serve as a community bulletin board where people can not only thank the troops for their service, but offer them jobs, discounts, a helping hand and a warm welcome.
“It’s very important that people know that their country is behind them,” Stone said in an interview. “With all of this negative chatter in the governmental races, we need to have our actual country say what they feel in loving, really vocal terms.”
Stone said that with 38,000 military personnel heading home in the coming weeks, she hopes her We Welcome Home Our Troops page will be a positive place where troops can find support.
“I’d like to see like big stores like K-Mart and Target offer 30 percent off for veterans,” she said. She hopes businesses seeking workers might also post on the page, along with “lots of thoughtful, understanding messages” from everyday citizens.
Stone said she is planning to hold contests for veterans to attend movie premieres and other Hollywood events, “and I’m hoping that other celebrities will do the same.”
Up next for the actress? She will be filming “The Mule,” a thriller set on the U.S.-Mexico border, before taking on the Lovelace story.
Sexiest Man Alive: Bradley Cooper, says People magazine
Bradley Cooper has been named the Sexiest Man Alive by People magazine.
NEW YORK — Bradley Cooper is now an official sex symbol.
People magazine has bestowed the “Hangover” star with its “sexiest man alive” title.
Cooper tells the magazine that his first reaction was to think that his mom would be “so happy” and that he’s “decent-looking.”
The 36-year-old actor dated Renee Zellweger for two years and has recently been linked to Jennifer Lopez.
However, Cooper says he’s single.
Other actors who have received the “sexiest” label include George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Johnny Depp, Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds.
People’s “Sexiest Men” issue is on newsstands Friday.
50 years later Rita Moreno keeps on dancing
Rita Moreno
NEW YORK (AP) — As Rita Moreno nears her 80th birthday, she’s singing and dancing six nights a week in the biographical show “Life Without Makeup.”
Moreno, who debuted on Broadway at the age of 13 in “Skydrift,” won an Oscar for her portrayal of Anita in the film version of “West Side Story,” as well as an Emmy, a Tony, a Grammy and the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her accomplishments in the arts.
Her Anita portrayal helped other Latino artists get work in Hollywood, particularly because a non-Hispanic actress, Natalie Wood, had the lead role of Maria in “West Side Story” and another white actor, George Chakiris, was cast as the Puerto Rican gang leader Bernardo.
Moreno said in an interview from her home in Berkeley, Calif., that she was “happy” to see so many more Hispanic faces and names in film, television and theater.
“But I love what Ricardo Montalban once said, because it was very precise,” she added, quoting the late Mexican actor. “He said one day that the door was ajar, but not completely open. And that still exists. … We have known artists in the English-speaking world that are Latin artists, but not enough.”
“West Side Story” comes out on Blu-ray Disc Nov. 15 to celebrate its 50th anniversary. And Moreno would like to see more song and dance on screen. “I’d love to see more musicals because today they’re very rare — you barely find them,” she said.
Besides her run at The Berkeley Repertory Theatre, Moreno also plays Fran Drescher’s Jewish mother in the TV series “Happily Divorced,” which starts shooting its second season in January.
“I love working with Fran. She is very delicious, warm, kind … a good person, very noble,” she said.
“I talk like that, talk very very much like Fran,” she said, laughing about the very “Noo Yourk” talk in the show. “I love that accent. I was married to a Jewish man and know very well the characters. … I’ve always tried to maintain that accent because it really makes me laugh.”
Moreno has had diverse roles during her career, from a congresswoman to a psychologist to a nun to a liberated office worker to a senator to a doctor to a mom.
“Because I’ve been around so long … I’ve gotten to do a lot of things that a lot of Latinos have not been able to do,” she said. “Also I think I’m a character actress, more than anything, and I think that is one of the reasons I get other parts that don’t have anything to do with being Latina necessarily.”
Her birthday is Dec. 11 and she plans to celebrate her eight decades of life with a “very big party” at her house.
’20 Kids and Counting?’: TV couple expecting 20th
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — TLC reality show “19 Kids and Counting” may soon need a new name.
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Arkansas couple Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar appeared with their burgeoning clan on NBC’s “Today” show Tuesday and announced they are expecting their 20th child in April.
Forty-five-year-old Michelle Duggar said she’s in good physical shape and that she’s not worried, despite complications during her last pregnancy that led to the premature birth of their youngest child two years ago. She says she’s made it through her first trimester safely.
The couple has said they don’t use birth control. Michelle Duggar says she didn’t necessarily expect to get pregnant again and that she and her husband are excited to welcome the new addition to the family.
‘Potter,’ ‘Glee’ top People’s Choice nominations
" HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS: PART 2" MOVIE: Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter
Katy Perry
From left to right, actor Chris Colfer, actress Lea Michele, actor Cory Monteith, actress Dianna Agron, actor Kevin McHale, and actor Darren Criss arrive at the premiere of the feature film " Glee The 3D Concert Movie" in Los Angeles on Saturday, Aug. 6, 2011.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Katy Perry, “Glee” and “Harry Potter” conjured up the most People’s Choice Awards nominations.
“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2” topped Tuesday’s nomination announcement with nine nods, including favorite movie and ensemble movie cast, while pop star Perry and the Fox musical “Glee” are both up for seven trophies.
“Glee” snagged nominations in six of the TV acting categories, as well as for favorite network TV comedy.
Perry’s seven nominations span the music, movies and TV genres, including favorite animated movie voice as Smurfette in “The Smurfs” and favorite TV guest star as the flirtatious Honey on the CBS sitcom “How I Met Your Mother.”
Voting for the 38th annual fan-favorite ceremony, which is set for Jan. 11 at the Nokia Theatre, ends Dec. 6.
Did Mariah Yeater Have Justin Bieber’s Baby?!?
Reports are that Bieber might be a dad… but if this report is true, Yeater should be arrested for her lude behavior with a minor.
The latest issue of Star Magazine alleges that the 17-year made a big mistake with a young woman named Mariah Yeater.
The tabloid reports that Yeater, 20, had sex with Bieber after a concert in Los Angeles last year. She then gave birth to his child three months ago and has filed a paternity lawsuit against the superstar.
In response, Justin’s reps have issued the following statement:
“While we haven’t yet seen the lawsuit, it’s sad that someone would fabricate malicious, defamatory, and demonstrably false claims. We will vigorously pursue all available legal remedies to defend and protect Justin against these allegations.”
‘Violet, you’re turning violet!’ actor dies
Leonard Stone, middle with red tie, died Wednesday.
Leonard Stone, the guy who played Violet Beauregarde’s dad in the 1971 classic, “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” died Wednesday after a bout with cancer … a rep for the actor told TMZ.
Family members said that Stone, who famously delivered the line, “Violet, you’re turning VIOLET!,” loved being an actor and would often recite lines from the movie anytime people asked him to.
Stone also appeared on “Wheel of Fortune” back in 2000 … winning $4,250 in cash and a trip to Bermuda.
He was 87.
Zooey Deschanel separates from musician husband
Zooey Deschanel and Ben Gibbard
NEW YORK (AP) — Actress Zooey Deschanel and her husband, musician Ben Gibbard, are breaking up.
Deschanel’s publicist Lauren Auslander confirmed Tuesday the couple has separated after two years of marriage. Auslander describes the split as “amicable,” with “no third party involved.”
Deschanel’s career is on a high note with the success of her Fox sitcom “New Girl.” Her band She & Him just released a Christmas album, and last month she sang the national anthem at the World Series.
Gibbard is the lead singer of the rock band Death Cab for Cutie.
News of the separation was first reported by Us Weekly.
Lindsay gets sentenced 30 days hard time- may only serve 6
Lindsay Lohan gets sentenced 30 days jail time.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — A judge sentenced Lindsay Lohan on Wednesday to 30 days in jail and warned the actress there would be plenty more time behind bars if she violated further court orders.
Superior Court Judge Stephanie Sautner imposed the complicated new sentence, telling Lohan she would have to serve more than 400 hours of community service at the county morgue, undergo counseling sessions and report to court frequently to avoid further jail time.
In all, Sautner sentenced Lohan to 300 days in jail for violating a court order, but said the actress would only serve the additional 270 days if there was another violation.
In reality, however, the initial 30-day sentence will be significantly shortened by jail overcrowding, with Lohan likely serving only about six days. The actual length of the term will be set by the Sheriff’s Department, which oversees county lockups.
The actress has until Nov. 9 to report for her jail term, and Sautner ruled she cannot serve house arrest, as she did previously this year.
The judge is keeping a short leash on Lohan, ordering her to report to court for monthly updates between December and March. She said Lohan can no longer leave the country and would have a new “no-nonsense” probation officer.
The judge said the highly-structured sentence was known in judicial circles as “putting the keys to the jail in the defendant’s hands.”
Lohan, 25, acknowledged violating her probation by being terminated from a community service assignment at a women’s shelter earlier this year and missing psychotherapy sessions that the judge previously ordered.
Wearing a polka-dotted dress, Lohan arrived at the courthouse about 10 minutes early and spoke only briefly in court, telling Sautner she understood the sentence and was OK with it.
Sautner noted that Lohan’s popularity in certain circles is low, saying another women’s shelter refused to accept her for a community service assignment because she was considered a bad example for the women.
Lohan’s previous probation officer also wanted off the case, and the new officer is under orders to immediately report any violations directly to Sautner.
It will Lohan’s fifth jail sentence since being arrested twice for drunken driving in 2007. She last served 35 days on house arrest on a four-month jail sentence.
Sautner revoked Lohan’s probation at a hearing nearly two weeks ago.
Sautner, who is the fifth judge that Lohan has faced since her first arrest in 2007, has expressed exasperation with the actress and California’s budget-strapped jail system.
The “Mean Girls” star has been reporting to the Los Angeles morgue regularly, which Sautner ordered her to do at the last court appearance. The judge had sentenced Lohan to serve 120 hours doing janitorial work at the coroner’s office in April and expressed hope that the actress would benefit from working three times that amount of hours at a women’s shelter.
Lohan was terminated from the shelter program after failing to show up nine times at the center. She told her probation officer the assignment was not fulfilling, according to the actress’ probation report.
The actress’ morgue service has not been without drama. She was turned away the first day after showing up 40 minutes late but has shown up early several times since then. Assistant Chief Coroner Ed Winter declined Tuesday to characterize how Lohan’s service was progressing.
The former Disney star has been sent to jail, rehab, counseling and community service numerous times since being arrested twice for drunken driving in 2007.
Her probation on that case is nearly over, but her release remains supervised after Lohan pleaded no contest in May to misdemeanor theft for taking a $2,500 necklace without permission in January.
Once a headlining actress, Lohan’s court and personal troubles have overshadowed her career for years.
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Madonna and Lola: calling all ‘Material Girls’
Are you then next “it” girl? If so, Madonna and her daughter, Lola, are desperately seeking you. The original “Material Girls” are out to find some real girls to represent their Material Girl brand in a spring-summer 2012 marketing campaign.
The “Lucky Stars” model search will be held at Macy’s stores in various cities in November. The good news: you don’t have to be a classically tall, slim, hungry looking model. In a statement, Madonna and Lola said, “It’s more about attitude. We are looking for a stylish, adventurous, creative, free spirits.”
10 finalists will get to meet Lola and the chance to appear in the marketing campaign. And each winner will receive a $5,000 prize.
If you want to audition, bring a photo of yourself to one of the auditions and be ready to tell the judging panel, led by Kelly Osbourne, why you’re the next Material Girl. You can also apply online by uploading your photo to
www.materialgirlcollection.com and explain in 100 words or less why you should be chosen.
Here are the dates and locations of the open calls, in case you or someone you know feels like she’s got what it takes to be the next Material Girl.
Herald Square, New York – Wednesday at 5 p.m.
Dadeland, Miami – Friday at 6 p.m.
State Street, Chicago – Tuesday, Nov. 8 at 5:30 p.m.
Union Square, San Francisco – Saturday, Nov. 12 at 2 p.m.
Beverly Center, Los Angeles – Saturday, Nov. 19 at 2 p.m.
Source for information: LA Times
Kimmel to entertain White House correspondents
Jimmy Kimmel
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Jimmy Kimmel is going to be cracking jokes for the president.
The White House Correspondents’ Association says the “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” host will be the featured comedian at its 98th annual dinner next year.
Association president Caren Bohan said Tuesday that the 43-year-old entertainer was chosen because his “humor is sophisticated and edgy while appealing to a wide audience.”
The White House Correspondents’ Association dinner is traditionally attended by the president and first lady, along with various government officials and members of the press corps. Proceeds from the event fund scholarships and awards to support and recognize excellence in journalism.
Kimmel said in a statement that he is looking forward to being part of the event on April 28, 2012, adding “I love dinner.”
Jessica Simpson confirms pregnancy over Twitter
Jessica Simpson is pregnant!
NEW YORK (AP) — Jessica Simpson has confirmed what photos have indicated — she’s having a baby.
The 31-year-old entertainer Tweeted a photo of herself Monday dressed as a mummy for Halloween, holding her baby bump with the words, “It’s true. I am going to be a mummy.”
It will be the first child for Simpson and her fiance Eric Johnson. The two announced their engagement last year.
Her pregnancy has been rumored for weeks, and recently, photos of Simpson — with a bulging bump — have appeared.
Pregnancy won’t slow Simpson down. She’s signed up to be a mentor on the upcoming NBC reality show “Fashion Star” alongside Nicole Richie.
