Whitney Houston says she is feeling great
(AP photo)
Pop music superstar Whitney Houston announced she is postponing some concerts on her European tour.
Tabloids and celebrity magazines immediately speculated and printed that she is having drug-related health issues again, and that’s why she postponed those shows.
Houston responded to those allegation during an interview with People magazine. She said
“I’m feeling great. I’m just ready to move on and continue my world tour. At this point, I just don’t respond. I don’t even read it. My health is terrific, but this is a time when I get a lot of allergies.”
I hope Whitney really is fine. I’ve seen some concert footage on YouTube from her recent shows, and she doesn’t look or sound too good whatsoever.
Hopefully, she will bounce back.
Corey Haim 911 tape
Corey Haim's casket is being placed into a hearse during his funeral in Toronto. (AP photo by Chris Young)
TMZ obtained the 911 call Corey Haim’s mother made after the actor collapsed in her California apartment. The call lasted about one-and-a-half minutes.
Click here to listen to the tape via TMZ. WARNING: The tape is very sad.
Meanwhile, Haim’s funeral was held today (March 16) in Toronto.
Spartacus star Andy Whitfield has non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Andy Whitfield as Spartacus
Executives from the Starz televsion network announced production will be halted on the new show “Spartacus: Blood and Sand.”
The star of the show, Andy Whitfield, was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma during a routine checkup while he was preparing for the second season, according to the Associated Press.
Whitfield, 38, will undergo treatment, and the shooting schedule will be postponed until treatment is complete, network executives announced.
“Spartacus: Blood and Sand” premiered on the Starz network in January. Thirteen episodes have been filmed. So far, I’ve seen one episode, and it was worth watching. It’s based on the historical figure and gladiator Spartacus during the first century B.C.
The show also stars Manu Bennett, Peter Mensah, Nick Taraby and Lucy Lawless.
Dick Cheney suffers mild heart attack
(AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
Former Vice President Dick Cheney suffered a mild heart attack, but he’s expected to be released from the hospital within a couple of days.
For those of you keeping track. This is heart attack number five. The Associated Press story is posted below via NewsOK.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Former Vice President Dick Cheney sustained a “mild heart attack” but is feeling better and likely to leave the hospital within a day or two, an aide said Tuesday.
Cheney, 69, who has remained a forceful advocate for the former Bush administration and a leading Republican figure since leaving office last year, has a history of heart trouble. He was admitted to George Washington University Hospital in Washington on Monday after experiencing chest pains.
Lab tests revealed evidence of a mild heart attack, Cheney aide Peter Long said in a statement. Long reported that Cheney is “feeling good” after undergoing a stress test and a heart catheterization. The latter procedure examines blood flow to the heart and tests how well the heart is pumping.
A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle is blocked. The statement from Cheney’s office did not say whether he needed to have an angioplasty, a procedure to clear a blockage.
The heart attack is Cheney’s fifth since age 37.
Cheney had bypass surgery in 1988, as well as two later angioplasties to clear narrowed coronary arteries, and bypasses tend to last about a decade before the rerouted blood vessels start to clog.
In 2001, he had a special pacemaker implanted in his chest. In addition, doctors in 2008 restored a normal rhythm to his heart with an electric shock. It was the second time in less than a year that Cheney had experienced and been treated for an atrial fibrillation, an abnormal rhythm involving the upper chambers of the heart.
The former vice president has kept a high profile since leaving the White House. He has sparred with the Obama administration over plans to close the U.S. detention facility for terror suspects at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and hold the trials of several high-profile detainees in civilian courts rather than military tribunals.
He made a surprise appearance last week at the Conservative Political Action Conference, where he accompanied his daughter Liz. He was greeted with chants of “Run, Dick, Run,” but said, “I am not going to do it.”
Louis Gossett diagnosed with cancer
Louis Gosset Jr., left, with Richard Gere (AP Photo/Tina Fineberg)
Actor Louis Gossett Jr. announced he is being treated for prostate cancer.
Gossett made the public announcement Tuesday because he wanted to raise awareness encourage others to undergo preventative examinations and other treatment.
Gossett was an Oscar in 1983 for best supporting actor for his role in the film “An Officer and a Gentleman.”
His next role is in the upcoming Tyler Perry film “Why Did I Get Married Too,” which will be in theaters April 1.
Lil Wayne’s sentencing postponed for dental issues
(AP Photo/Jim Cooper)
Hip hop star Lil Wayne’s sentencing was delayed thanks to some bad teeth.
The rapper was supposed to be sentenced Tuesday (Feb. 9) for his gun possession conviction, but a judge agreed to delay the sentencing until March 2.
Wayne’s attorney told the judge he needed some dental work done before he heads to jail. It might appear like Wayne is receiving special treatment, but if you think about it , this will save taxpayers money.
If Wayne is locked up, and he has medical issues because of his teeth, taxpayers will have to pay for his medical treatment.
Since Wayne is taking care of this issue beforehand, he will be financially responsible for his own treatment (with help from his insurance company).
City High singer on Intervention
Remember the R&B group City High from the early 2000s? The group consisted of Robby Pardlo, Claudette Ortiz and Ryan Toby.
They released an album in 2001 with two hit songs titled “What Would You Do” and “Caramel.” The self-titled album went on to sell two million copies.
After the group broke up in 2003, Toby later released a solo album, and Ortiz guest starred on an episode of “My Wife and Kids” on the ABC network.
Meanwhile, Pardlo became an alcoholic, and he tried to kick his habit by appearing on the show “Intervention” on the A&E network. If you’re unfamiliar with the show, here’s the premise. Cameras follow drug or alcohol abusers while their family members try to stage an on-camera intervention.
The show aired this month the A&E network. Click here to watch the full episode that features Pardlo.
A music video for City High’s biggest hits “What Would You Do” is posted in the video clip below.
Dexter star Michael C. Hall has cancer
The star of the television show “Dexter” announced he has cancer. Michael C. Hall is being treated for Hodgkinlymphona, and the disease is currently in remission, according to his public statement released Wednesday.
Hodgkin lymphoma is a cancer of the immune system. Symptoms include weight loss, fever, fatigue or night sweats, according to the National Cancer Institute Web site.
Hall has been on “Dexter” for 48 episodes from 2006 to 2009, according to Internet Movie Database. He previously played on “Six Feet Under” from 2001 to 2005.
Gary Coleman was hospitalized
(AP Photo/Richard Drew)
Gary Coleman (aka What choo talkin’ bout Willis?) was hospitalized Wednesday in Los Angeles.
His spokesman said Coleman was transported to a hospital by ambulance while staying at a hotel and believes he suffered a minor seizure, according to the Associated Press.
Coleman starred as Arnold Jackson on the tv sitcom “Diff’rent Strokes” from 1978 to 1986. As a child, he suffered from kidney problems which stunted his growth.
Rush Limbaugh hospitalized with chest pains
(AP Photo/Ron Edmonds)
Controversial talk show host Rush Limbaugh is being hospitalized in Hawaii after he suffered chest pains.
His publicist released a statement that said “Rush was admitted to and is resting comfortably in a Honolulu hospital today after suffering chest pains. Rush appreciates your prayers and well wishes.”
Despite my differences with Limbaugh, I hope he makes a full recovery. I wouldn’t wish heart problems on my worst enemy.
Steven Tyler enters rehab
(AP Photo/Nathan Strange)
Aerosmith lead singer Steven Tyler is finally seeking professional help. Tyler entered rehab this week to help him overcome his addiction to prescription painkillers.
Tyler’s management company released a statement that said “With the help of my family and team of medical professionals, I am taking responsibility for the management of my pain and am eager to be back on the stage and in the recording studio with my band mates Joe Perry, Joey Kramer, Tom Hamilton and Brad Whitford. I love Aerosmith; I love performing as the lead singer in Aerosmith. I am grateful for all of the support and love I am receiving and am committed to getting things taken care of.”
Last month, bandmate Joe Perry suggested Tyler would no longer be part of Aerosmith due to his behavior.
Tyler was hospitalized last summer after he fell off stage during a concert in South Dakota. The band was forced to cancel the remaining dates on their summer tour. During that time, Perry said he was unable to reach Tyler for several weeks to determine the band’s future.
This is Tyler’s second rehab stint during the past two years, according to Billboard. In 2008, Tyler underwent foot surgery and became addicted to the painkillers his doctor prescribed him. He went to rehab, and became clean.
I applaud celebrities who check themselves into rehab before their problem spirals out of control.
Unfortunately, celebrities who don’t nip their prescription drug problem in the bud end up dying early like Michael Jackson and Anna Nicole Smith.
At least Steven Tyler is making an effort to overcome his addiction.
Tiger Woods’ mother-in-law hospitalized
Tiger Woods' mother-in-law Barbro Holmberg in 2007. (AP Photo/Pontus Lundahl)
Tiger Woods’ mother-in-law Barbro Holmberg was transported to a Florida hospital early this morning (Dec. 8).
A 911 call was made, and Holmberg was hospitalized with stomach pains, according to the Associated Press. It’s unknown whether she had a preexisting condition.
The mother-in-law was at Woods’ home at the time of the incident.
I might be wrong for saying this, but I wonder if her health problems have anything to do with the stress caused by Woods’ alleged affairs.
Woods’ and his wife’s family have been put under a lot of stress with everyone focusing on Tiger’s marital problems.
Tiger Woods injured in car crash
(AP Photo/Rob Griffith)
Golf superstar Tiger Woods was injured in a car wreck Friday morning in Orlando.
Woods ran into a fire hydrant and a tree near his house, according to a police report. He was taken to a local hospital where he was treated for facial injuries and released, according to CNN.
Police do not believe alcohol was involved, and they are investigating the crash, according to the police report. Woods is scheduled to compete Dec. 3 in the Chevron World Challenge, but I think it’s safe to assume he won’t be attending.
To be continued as details become available.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has leukemia
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar at Disneyland in 2007. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles)
NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar announced he was diagnosed with leukemia.
I had the privilege of meeting him several years ago, and he seemed like a genuine person. The outcome for a leukemia patient is usually gloomy, but I hope he pulls through.
The Associated Press story is posted below via NewsOK.
BY BEN WALKER OF THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is being treated for a rare form of leukemia, and the basketball great said his prognosis is encouraging.
The NBA’s all-time leading scorer was diagnosed last December with chronic myeloid leukemia, he told The Associated Press on Monday.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar during an event Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
The 62-year-old Abdul-Jabbar said his doctor didn’t give any guarantees, but informed him: “You have a very good chance to live your life out and not have to make any drastic changes to your lifestyle.”
Abdul-Jabbar is taking an oral medication for the disease. He is a paid spokesman for the Swiss pharmaceutical company Novartis, which makes a drug that treats the illness.
Citing the way Los Angeles Lakers teammate Magic Johnson brought awareness to HIV, Abdul-Jabbar said he wants to do the same for his form of blood cancer, which can be fatal if left untreated.
“I’ve never been a person to share my private life. But I can help save lives,” he said at a midtown Manhattan conference room. “It’s incumbent on someone like me to talk about this.”
Abdul-Jabbar became concerned last year after feeling odd sensations. He went for tests at UCLA, where he dominated college basketball in the late 1960s, winning three straight NCAA championships from 1967-69.
“I was getting hot flashes and sweats on a regular basis,” he said. “That’s not normal, even for my age.”
An exam showed his white blood cell count was “sky high” and a doctor quickly diagnosed his condition. At first, all Abdul-Jabbar heard was the word “leukemia.”
“I was scared,” he said. “I thought it was all the same. I thought it could mean I have a month to live.”
“That was my first question,” he said. “Was I going to make it?”
A longtime student in martial arts, Abdul-Jabbar said he took the approach of a samurai, to face death without fear.
“I had my face on,” he said.
Instead, doctors told him CML was treatable with proper medication and monitoring.
Abdul-Jabbar is a special assistant with the Lakers and said he hasn’t had to cut back his level of activity of coaching, change his regimen or adjust his diet. “I’m able to sneak out for Thai food,” he said.
“There is hope. This condition can be treated. You can still live a productive, full life,” he said. “I’m living proof I can make it.”
Abdul-Jabbar recently returned from an academic conference in Abu Dhabi and has several speaking engagements planned. Among the people he regularly talks to about his condition is his son, a third-year medical student at the University of California, San Francisco.
The six-time NBA MVP intends to post updates to his Facebook and Twitter accounts and stay connected through www.CMLearth.com, a Web site for those afflicted by the disease.
About 5,000 cases of CML are expected to be diagnosed in the United States this year, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society said. More than 22,000 people are living in the US with the disease.
The disease tends to initially be diagnosed by people in their mid-to-late 60s, and usually affects men more than women.
“I want to spread the word,” Abdul-Jabbar said.
Celebrity briefs (Nov. 8)
The 2009 "American Idol" winner Kris Allen
–After six months of going through the legal system, Usher’s divorce from Tameka Foster Raymond was finalized this week.
–Susan Boyle will perform next week on “Dancing With The Stars.”
–Actor Dennis Hopper was diagnosed with prostate cancer.
–”American Idol” champion Kris Allen’s new video premiered this week. Click here to watch it.
–John Mayer recorded a duet with Taylor Swift. The song “Half of my Heart” will appear on his upcoming album “Battle Studies.”
–Dolly Parton, Kid Rock, Charlie Daniels and Ernest Tubb will be inducted to the Music City Walk of Fame Nov. 8 in Nashville.
–Lady Gaga will perform her new song “Bad Romance” Nov. 16 during an episode of the tv show “Gossip Girl.”
–During the 2009 MTV Europe Music Awards this week, Beyonce thanked husband Jay-Z for putting a ring on it. This is a big deal because its the first time they have shown verbal affection toward each other in front of the cameras. From day one they’ve made a vow to refrain from discussing their relationship publicly.
Golden Girls actress hospitalized
Rue McClanahn during an event in Santa Monica (AP Photo/Matt Sayles)
According to “Entertainment Tonight,” the 75-year-old actress had was hospitalized after she had trouble breathing.
A spokesperson said the surgery was successful and McClanahan is recovering.
McClanahan, along with Betty White, are the remaining “Golden Girls.” Estelle Getty died in July 2008, and Bea Arthur died in April (2009).
McClanahan was born in Healdton, Oklahoma, and she grew up in Ardmore.
Arnold Schwarzenegger signs law in memory of Kanye West’s mother
Kanye West performed while his late mother Donda West stood by in 2006 during a taping of the "Ellen DeGeneres Show." (AP Photo by Damian Dovarganes)
California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a law in memory of rapper Kanye West’s mother.
The Donda West Law requires cosmetic surgery patients to undergo a physical examination before the surgery.
Donda West died in 2007 after a cosmetic procedure. She had coronary artery disease, but it was undiscovered because she didn’t undergo a physical exam before the surgery.
While she was alive, Kanye had a close relationship with his mother. She accompanied him to several celebrity events, and she was always by his side on the red carpet.
Shortly after her death, Kanye continued to perform during concerts, and I don’t think he had time to properly grief.
I’m not making excuses for him, but maybe that’s why he’s prone to random outbursts.
Man hits Leona Lewis in the head
(from left) Leona Lewis, Clive Davis and Carrie Underwood attended a Grammy party in 2008 (AP Photo by Chris Pizzello)
The cover to Leona Lewis' autobiography. The book will be in stores Thursday (Oct. 15).
Pop singer Leona Lewis was hit in the head Wednesday (Oct. 14) while she was signing autographs for fans.
The 24-year-old was hit by a man at a bookstore while she was promoting the release of her autobiography.
Her publicist issued a statement on Facebook that said “Leona was the victim of an unprovoked attack this afternoon at her book signing. The police were called immediately and medical attention has been sought. Leona is understandably shaken and apologises to the fans she was unable to meet and complete signings.”
According to the Associated Press, a 29-year-old man was taken into police custody, and his motive is unknown.
Lewis became famous in 2006 when she won the U.K. talent show “X Factor,” which is similar to “American Idol.”
Her hit songs include “Bleeding Love,” ‘I Will Be” and “Better In Time.” Her autobiography titled Dreams will be in stores Thursday (Oct. 15).
Backstreet Boy has swine flu
Members of the Backstreet Boys (from left) Howie Dorough, A.J. McLean, Nick Carter and Brian Littrell (AP photo by Lo Sai Hung)
Members of the Backstreet Boys are canceling numerous performances and appearances beginning this week because group member Brian Littrell was diagnosed with swine flu.
Littrell posted a YouTube video apologizing to fans for the cancellations.
Group members are promoting the release of their latest CD titled “This Is Us.”
If you’re like me, you probably didn’t even know they were releasing new music. They seemed to have disappeared with the other boy bands in the late 1990s/early 2000s.
Their new CD “This Is Us” is in stores today (Oct. 6). However, they have downsized to a quartet because original member Kevin Richardson left the group in 2006.
Littrell’s YouTube apology is posted below in the video clip.
TLC singer had a brain tumor
During an interview with People magazine this week, R&B singer Tionne “T-Boz” revealed she was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2006.
She said she underwent surgery to have the tumor removed, but she kept the tumor a secret because she didn’t want people to pity her.
T-Boz also suffers from sickle cell anemia, and she has worked tirelessly to raise awareness about the blood disorder.
T-Boz was a member of the popular 1990s R&B group TLC.
The group disbanded in 2002 when group member Lisa “Left Eye” Lopez died in Honduras during car accident.
However, T-Boz and Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas have made occasional appearances as TLC.
Conan O’Brien injured during Tonight Show
Conan O’Brien tried to perform his own stunt for a segment of “Tonight Show,” but it didn’t mix well with his clumsiness.
Conan hit his head Friday night while performing a stunt, according to the Associated Press. He was taken to the hospital, and producers pulled the plug on the episode and aired a rerun instead.
Conan released a statement jokingly saying “Last thing I remember I was enjoying the play with Mrs. Lincoln, and the next thing I knew I was in bed being served cookies and juice.”
Maybe next time Conan should hire a stunt double.
David Hasselhoff said he wasn’t drunk
“Baywatch” star David Hasselhoff was rushed to the hospital Sunday, according to TMZ.
Hasselhoff’s daughter said he appeared to bey drunk, and she became alarmed and notified authorities.
Emergency workers arrived at his home in Encino, California. He was taken to the hospital, but he was released shortly afterward.
However, Hasselhoff’s representatives say he wasn’t drunk. According to TMZ, the reps said he was treated for an ear infection.
The prescription drugs he was taking for the ear infection along with a prescription drug that treats his alcoholism caused his equilibrium to be off balance.
Hasselhoff was a recovering alcoholic who battled the bottled during the past several years.
Mischa Barton reveals why she was in the psych ward
Actress Mischa Barton was locked up in a psychiatric ward earlier this summer. So, why was she locked up in the crazy house?
Some people speculated it was because she was crazy, or she was on drugs.
In an interview with Time Out New York, Barton explains why she had to stay at the psych ward. Excerpts from the interview are posted below.
INTERVIEWR: A lot of people are watching you now, speculating you were in rehab back in July.
BARTON: Here’s what happened: Before the show started, I was traveling abroad for contract stuff and I went through a terrible surgery—a wisdom tooth surgery, all four removed. It was a nightmare. I’ve never had surgery before—it all went wrong and I had to have a second surgery and it almost delayed shooting because it was a nightmare to me, because I couldn’t deal with the thought of not getting there on time. So with the travel, and surgery and prep for the show—it was hell.
INTERVIEWR: Is this when you were checked into Cedars?
BARTON: Yeah, I went through a tough spot where everything compounded on me, and it was like a perfect storm, like everything was happening to me at once. The show, travel and then this fairly routine surgery that went wrong—it’s still just healing. But I had to get through it without proper painkillers because I couldn’t take those during work. So it’s been a nightmare.
INTERVIEWR: How did you end up in a psychiatric hospital?
BARTON: I was down in the dumps about everything there for a while. Sometimes you have to hit rock bottom about things and have to get the most stressed-out just to feel better again. I got completely stressed-out and couldn’t handle everything, and now I feel really in control.
INTERVIEWR:Was it an official nervous breakdown? Drugs?
BARTON: I don’t know. I don’t know. I had a friend who had a quasi–nervous breakdown, but I’m not sure it’s the same thing. I’m not sure I’m capable of a full-on nervous breakdown, but it was pretty bad. It didn’t last that long. It was more about the pain. I have a newfound respect for people who have chronic pain. I started getting migraines.
Brody Jenner undergoes birthday surgery
Reality star Brody Jenner didn’t get to spend his 26th birthday partying like many people do on their special day. Instead, he was in a hospital bed.
Brody underwent surgery Friday to have his appendix removed. His publicist told People magazine “He is resting with family and friends and expected to have a speedy recovery.”
Brody appeared on 16 episodes of “The Hills” and his own reality show “Bromance” aired on MTV earlier this year.
Brody is related to several celebrity families. His father is gold medal track and field Olympian Bruce Jenner; His mother is actress Linda Thompson; his step-father is music producer David Foster, who produced “I Will Always Love You” for Whitney Houston; and his step-sister is Kim Kardashian.
Hi-Five singer shot five times
Treston Irby from the 1990s R&B group Hi-Five was injured during a nightclub shooting earlier this week.
Irby was shot five times outside of the Everybodeez nightclub in New Haven, Connecticut, according to the New Haven Register. A motive for the shooting is unknown. Irby is recovering at a local hospital.
Irby, 36, made an appearance at the club to promote himself as a solo artist. Irby joined the R&B group Hi-Five during the 1990s. Their hit songs included, “I Like The Way (The Kissing Game),” “I Can’t Wait Another Minute” and “Quality Time.”
The lead singer of the group was Oklahoma City native Tony Thompson who died in 2007 from an accidental drug overdose.
