Billboard Top 10 Albums (Nov. 11)
Billboard Top 10 Albums (week of Nov. 11)
1. Play On by Carrie Underwood – 318,000 copies
2. This Is It by Michael Jackson – 196,000 copies
3. My Christmas by Andrea Bocelli – 149,000 copies
4. Glee Soundtrack by Various Artists – 113,000 copies
5. NOW volume 32 by Various Artists – 102,000 copies
6. Fearless by Taylor Swift – 70,000 copies
7. Raditude by Weezer – 66,000 copies
8. Crazy Love by Michael Buble – more than 59,000 copies
9. If On A Winter’s Night by Sting – 59,000 copies
10. New Moon Soundtrack by Various Artists – 52,000 copies
Celine Dion was never pregnant
Celine Dion and Rene Angelil at the 2007 World Music Awards (AP photo by AP Photo/Michel Spingler)
Pop singer Celine Dion announced she was pregnant a few months ago, but it has now been determined she never was pregnant. It was a misdiagnosis.
Her husbandRene Angelil told the Journal de Montreal newspaper, “We are living the reality of the majority of couples who have to use IVF. The process can be long and arduous. But today, we are full of confidence. Celine is more determined than ever.”
Dion and Angelil’s first child (Rene Charles) was born in 2001. Despite this latest failed effort, the couple will try to have another child again.
I’m not certain how a doctor could misdiagnose a pregnancy, but they probably discovered the error when they noticed she wasn’t gaining weight after three months.
Celebrity Birthdays (Nov. 11 and Nov. 12)
- Leonardo DiCaprio attended the 20th Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards Gala in Palm Springs. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Celebrity Birthdays (Nov. 11)
Jessica Sierra – 24 (American Idol contestant/Celebrity Rehab participant)
Anne Hathaway (actress)
Leonardo DiCaprio – 35 (actor)
Jon B – 35 (R&B singer)
Calista Flockhart – 45 (Ally McBeal actress)
Demi Moore – 47 (actress)
Marc Summers – 58 (Food Network host)
Celebrity Birthdays (Nov. 12)
Omarion - 25 (R&B singer)
Ryan Gosling – 29 (actor)
Tamala Jones – 35 (actress)
Tonya Harding – 39 (former Olympic figure skater)
Sammy Sosa – 41 (pro baseball player)
Megan Mullally – 51 (actress)
David Schwimmer – 43 (Friends actor)
Nadia Comaneci – 48 (former Olympic gymnast)
Al Michaels -65 (sportscaster)
Lady Gaga new music video: Bad Romance
Shaq’s wife files for separation
Shaquille and Shaunie O'Neal at the ESPY's in 2007 (AP Photo/Kim Johnson Flodin)
The wife of Shaquille O’Neal filed for legal separation from the NBA superstar.
In the court papers, Va’shaundya O’Neal(also known as Shaunie) cited irreconilable differences.
The O’Neal couple have been married for seven years, and they share four children together.
In 2003, their marriage was put in the spotlight when Shaq’s former teammate Kobe Bryant told police Shaq cheats on his wife.
Bryant made those comments when investigators questioned him during the rape allegations against Bryant in Colorado.
Bryant told police O’Neal has affairs and“Shaq would pay his women not to say anything.”
Since Bryant snitched, it has been reported the O’Neal’s marriage has been on the rocks ever since.
In 2007, they filed for divorce, but they later reconciled.
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.
Abuse was not Rihanna’s fault
Rihanna attended a Glamour magazine's Women of the Year Awards (AP Photo/Evan Agostini)
R&B singers Rihanna and Chris Brown recently appeared on television interviews to discuss the fight that occurred between them.
I’m referring to the fight in February that left Rihanna’s face bloodied and bruised while Brown received probation and a community service sentence.
Rihanna appeared on “Good Morning America” and “20/20″ to discuss the altercation, and Brown was on MTV apologizing for his actions.
Meanwhile, members of Brown’s camp, including his friends and dancers have been using their Twitter pages to insinuate Rihanna is lying.
His backup dancer posted the following tweet: “I wish dancers can speak about things that really go on. I can not believe this. Let me just say Chris Brown was pushed to the extreme. Her people made her do this interview for two reasons–album sales and to try an kill Chris’ career.”
I’ve written numerous blog posts about the Brown and Rihanna incident, and I have been disturbed by the number of emails and comments I’ve received from readers who tell me “Rihanna deserved to be beaten up,” or ”It was Rihanna’s fault” or ”Rihanna brought it on herself.”
Before you make those types of statements, think about this. What if your mother was bloodied and beaten by her boyfriend? Would you say your mother deserved it?… What if your sister was bloodied and beaten up by her boyfriend? Would you say your sister deserved it?
Placing the blame on Rihanna is not productive. It’s not the victim’s fault. No one deserves to be beaten in that manner.
We’ve all seen the photos that were leaked to the press that show Rihanna’s face battered, bloodied and swollen. She didn’t deserve that, and she is not to blame.
Brown has apologized for his behavior, and he was given his punishment by the court. Is he sincere? Only God and Brown know the answer to that question.
Comedian accused of stealing jewelry
Katt Williams on the red carpet at an MTV event in 2006. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)
We all know the economic downturn has affected many professions, including newspaper organizations and car manufacturers.
I guess the gloomy economy is also affecting the stand-up comedy industry–especially when comedians begin stealing.
Comedian Katt Williams was arrested on a burglary and trespassing complaint Sunday near Atlanta, according to the Associated Press. He was accused of breaking into some one’s home and stealing $3,555 worth of jewelry and collectible coins.
The home belonged to the music producer Barry Hankerson. Hankerson is the ex-husband of Gladys Knight and the uncle of the late R&B singer Aaliyah.
Williams denied the accusations, and he told the judge it was “a misunderstanding between me and two stupid detectives,” according to the Associated Press.
He also said he was staying at Hankerson’s home because he was filming a movie about President Obama.
I know Williams wasn’t a billionaire by any means, but I assumed he was making enough money where he wouldn’t have to steal anyone.
He’s appeared in numerous movies and television shows, including, “Norbit,” “First Sunday,” “Girlfriends,” “My Wife and Kids,” “Friday After Next” and “NYPD Blue,” among others.
Top box office movies
Top 10 Movies at the Box Office (weekend ending Nov. 8
1. A Christmas Carol – $31 million
2. Michael Jackson’s This Is It – $14 million
3. The Men Who Stare at Goats – $13.3 million
4. The Fourth Kind – $12.5 million
5. Paranormal Activity – $8.6 million
6. The Box – $7.8 million
7. Couples Retreat – $6.4 million
8. Law Abiding Citizen – $6.1 million
9. Where The Wild Things Are – $4.2 million
10. Astro Boy – $2.5 million
Celebrity Birthdays (Nov. 9 and Nov. 10)
- Nick Lachey and Vanessa Minnillo at a New York event. This couple share a birthday together (. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Celebrity Birthdays (Nov. 9)
Nikki Blonsky – 21 (Hairspray actress)
Miranda Lambert – (country singer)
Vanessa Minnillo – 29 (tv hostess/Nick Lachey’s girlfriend)
Sisqo – 31 (R&B singer)
Nick Lachey – 36 (singer)
Eric Dane – 37 (Grey’s Anatomy actor)
Chris Jericho – 39 (wrestler)
Lou Ferrigno – 58 (Incredible Hulk actor)
Celebrity Birthdays (Nov. 10)
Josh Peck – 23 (Drake & Josh Actor)
Eve – 31 (rapper/actress)
Brittany Murphy – 32 (actress)
Tracy Morgan 41 (comedian/actor)
Ellen Pompeo – 40 (Grey’s Anatomy actress)
Sinbad – 53 (comedian)
MacKenzie Phillips - 50 (actress)
Jennifer Lopez sues ex-husband over private tape
Jennifer Lopez and Ojani Noa attented an event in Los Angeles together in 1997 (AP Photo/Rene Macura)
Singer/actress Jennifer Lopez is trying to stop her ex-husband from kissing and telling.
Lopez filed a $10 million lawsuit against ex-husband Ojani Noa for violating a confidentiality agreement the former couple had.
Noa is preparing to release a film titled “How I Married Jennifer Lopez: The J. Lo and Ojani Noa Story.” According to TMZ, the movie will feature 11 hours footage that shows Lopez and Noa as husband and wife. The footage also shows Lopez in sexual situations during the honeymoon.
Lopez filed legal papers against Noa, accusing him of invasion of privacy and breach of contract. Lopez and Noa married in 1997, and they divorced in 1998.
If Lopez is successful at prevent the tape’s release, that won’t stop it from leaking to the Internet somehow.
Toni Braxton and Keri Lewis are separating
Toni Braxton performed "The Star Spangled Banner" during an NFL game game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New England Patriots at Wembley Stadium, London, Sunday Oct. 25, 2009. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)
R&B singer Toni Braxton and Keri Lewis are separating from each other, according to Essence magazine.
The couple married in 2001, and they have two children together. Since they are only seperating and not filing for a divorce yet, there is a chance this couple could reconcile.
Braxton lit up the blogosphere when she passionately kissed R&B singer Trey Songz during a taping of the Soul Train Music Awards earlier this week. The show and the kiss will air Nov. 29.
Meanwhile Braxton’s new album will be in stores early next year. Lewis was a member of the R&B group Mint Condition, but he left the group to become a music producer.
Chris Brown discusses Rihanna incident on MTV
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.
Rihanna opens up on 20/20 about Chris Brown (part four)
Throughout the week, ABC aired briefs excerpts of Rihanna’s interview with Diane Sawyer. The final part of the interview aired Friday on 20/20.
Rihanna discusses the specifics of the Chris Brown assault. She also discusses how she grew up watching her mother being abused by her father.
The clips are posted below.
Taylor Swift on Saturday Night Live
Country singer Taylor Swift hosted “Saturday Night Live” during the weekend. S
he appeared in a variety of skits and parodies including a skit about Kanye West, the television show “The View,” the movie “Twilight,” Kate Gosselin and her ex-boyfriend Joe Jonas.
The clips are posted below.
Kris Allen new music video: Live Like We’re Dying
Mariah Carey New Year’s Eve concert
Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon arrived at the premiere of her new film titled "Precious." ((AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Unlike many celebrities, Mariah Carey won’t be ringing in the new year sipping on crystal or Belvedere vodka.
Instead, she will be performing a show for her fans. Carey will host a concert the night of New Year’s Eve at Madison Square Garden.
Carey made the announcement on her Web site. Tickets will go on sale Nov. 9 for members of her fan club and Nov. 14 for the general public.
Carey also recently completed filming a music video for her new song titled “H.A.T.U.” The song appears on her album “Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel.”
The Jackson family reality show
Members of the Jackson family are starring in a new reality show set to air next month on the A&E network.
The show, titled “The Jacksons: Family Dynasty,” will feature Jermaine, Jackie, Marlon and Tito Jackson.
Cameras will follow the brothers around while they prepare for a concert tour. It will also show the brothers are coping with Michael’s death, according to the Associated Press.
Six episodes will air beginning Dec. 13. No word on whether Janet or La Toya will make any appearances on the show.
Before anyone assumes the Jackson brothers are trying to profit from their brother’s deaths, keep in mind, the Jacksons agreed to participate in this reality show one month before Michael died.
A preview is posted in the clip below
Celebrity Birthdays (Nov. 7 and Nov. 8)
Celebrity Birthdays (Nov. 7)
Jon Peter Lewis – 30 (American Idol contestant)
Jason London – 37 (7th Heaven actor)
Jeremy London – 37 (7th Heaven actor)
Joni Mitchell – 66 (singer)
Billy Graham – 91 (televangelist)
Nov. 8
Jack Osbourne – 24 (reality star/Ozzy Osbourne’s son)
Tara Reid – 34 (actress)
Courtney Thorne-Smith – 42 (Melrose Place actress)
Leif Garrett – 48 (singer)
Alfre Woodard – 57 (actress)
Mary Hart – 59 (Entertainment Tonight hostess)(in photo above)
Bonnie Raitt – 60 (singer)
Morley Safer – 78 (CBS reporter)
Rihanna opens up about Chris Brown (part 2)
(AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)
Part two of Rihanna’s interview with Diane Sawyer aired Friday on “Good Morning America.”
The singer went into more details about the fight with her then-boyfriend Chris Brown.
During the interview, Rihanna said “There was no person when I looked at him. He had no soul in his eyes. Just blank.”
Rihanna said she (while she was being beaten) she wondered when it was going be over with.
“That’s all I kept thinking the whole time, ’When is it going to stop? When is it going to stop?’
Rihanna also said she still loves and cares about Chris, and she wants him to have a successful life and career.
Rihanna said the incident started when she questioned him about text message that he recieved from a woman.
Watch the video clip below to hear more of what Rihanna had to say. The third and final part of the interview will air tonight on ABC’s 20/20.
David Letterman scandal inspires “Law & Order” episode
(AP Photo/CBS)
David Letterman’s sexual escapades with his female staffers were embarrassing for the late night show host when the incidents became public.
But the scandal gave writers of a television drama some new material.
According to “Access Hollywood,” Letterman’s situation inspired “Law & Order” writers to create an episode in which a married talk show host is blackmailed for having affairs.
The host was blackmailed as part of a $3 million extortion plot.
The difference is the talk show host is female, unlike Letterman. Can’t wait to see this episode.
Jay-Z announces additional tour dates
Jay-Z performed during a music festival in New Jersey (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)
Jay-Z announced new tour dates for the second leg of his North American tour. The second leg begins Feb. 22 in Houston and concludes March 26 in Los Angeles.
Young Jeezy will be the opening act. Tickets go on sale Nov. 13. The tour schedule for the second leg is posted below.
Feb. 22 Houston @ Toyota Center
Feb. 23 Dallas @ American Airlines Center
Feb. 25 New Orleans @ New Orleans Arena
Feb. 27 Atlanta @ Philips Arena
Feb. 28 Greensboro, North Carolina @ Greensboro Coliseum Complex
March 3 Washington, DC @ Verizon Center
March 7 Norfolk, Virginia @ Scope Arena
March 11 Boston @ TD Garden
March 16 Pittsburgh @ Mellon Arena
March 19 St. Louis @ Scottrade Center
March 20 Indianapolis @ Conseco Fieldhouse
March 22 Denver @ Pepsi Center
March 24 San Jose, California @ HP Pavilion
March 26 Los Angeles @ Staples Center
New movie releases (Nov. 6)
“The Box” starring Cameron Diaz, James Marsden, Frank Langella and James Rebhorn
“A Christmas Carol” starring Jim Carrey, Robin Wright Penn, Gary Oldman and Colin Firth
“The Fourth Kind” starring Milla Jovovich, Will Patton, Hakeem Kae-Kazim and Corey Johnson
“The Men Who Stare at Goats” starring George Clooney, Jeff Bridges, Ewan McGregor, Jeff Bridges and Kevin Spacey
Celebrity Birthdays (Nov. 6)
Celebrity Birthdays (Nov. 6)
Lamar Odom – 30 (NBA player/Khloe Kardashian’s husband)
Taryn Manning – 31 (actress)
Thandie Newton – 37 (actress)
Rebecca Romijn - 37 (model/actress)(in photo above)
Ethan Hawke – 39 (actor)
Kelly Rutherford – 41 (actress)
Maria Shriver – 54 (former reporter/Arnold Schwarzenegger’s wife)
Glenn Frey – 61 (of The Eagles)
Sally Field – 63 (actress)
