The Most Powerful Celebrities of 2011

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 09:43:47 -0500

2011's Most Powerful Celebrities
By Brianna DeCesare

Yet another year has passed and the wealthiest of the country still continue to prosper without strife, despite the current state of depression in the US. A few of the past's consistent millionaires remain some the richest in the country however, after this recent year's initiation of several new musicians and artists, there are a number of new faces on the Forbes Celebrity 100; The World's Most Powerful Celebrities list. The pay, money rank, TV/radio rank, press rank, web rank, and social rank of the individuals are taken into account and comprised into an overall list, one that reflects the yearly success of celebrities in relation to the media.

The 10th richest celebrity of 2011 is NBA's Lebron James of the Miami Heat. Being paid about $48 million, Lebron James is the richest basketball player of 2011. London native, Simon Cowell is ranked ninth on the Forbes Celebrity 100. Former American Idol judge and current X-Factor producer, Cowell holds a salary of approximately $90 million. Rank #8, surprisingly, belongs to Bon Jovi, a famous rock-star musician who takes in a whopping $125 million as pay. Ranked 7th, a name that is far less surprising, is Taylor Swift. Her recent triple-platinum album Speak Now granted her her spot on this list and most likely, greatly affected her $45 million dollar pay. Professional golfer, Tiger Woods, paid about $75 million, claims the #6 spot on the list. Having sold 250 million records worldwide over the past 30 years, Elton John holds the #5 spot with an average $100 million dollar pay.

Also a part of the music industry is the ageless rock band U2, whose sold over $700 million dollars worth in tickets. U2 holds the 4th rank on the list and is paid $195 million. Yet another worldwide musician, one that has rose immensly in popularity the past years is Justin Bieber. Bringing in over $600,000 in ticket sales each day on average, Bieber has made it to 3rd on the list and earns $53 million, a large salary for a star of such a young age. Pulling in as #1 in the money rank and 2nd overall on the list is Oprah Winfrey, a self-made television star that grosses $290 million dollars.

The overall, most powerful celebrity of 2011, a new star making history, is Lady Gaga. Paid $90 million, she has earned her to way to the top of the list in all money, TV/radio, press , web, and social ranks. The outbreak of new stars and conclusion of past stars has created an interesting top 10 for the Forbes most powerful celebrities, one that will in turn, see change again in its future years.

Another Look at Celebrity News and Scandals 2011

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 09:35:20 -0500

Top Ten Celebrity Scandals/News of 2011
By Jenn James
Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries wedding… and divorce.
Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries married after roughly six months of dating. Their wedding is huge and costs million of dollars. After 72 days of being oh so happily married the couple then files for divorce. Kris would like to get an annulment so that he can get married in a church again but Kim wants the prenup to get some of Kris’ money so she won’t allow the annulment and continues with the divorce.
Justin Bieber “Baby Mama”
Mariah Yeater announced very recently that she gave birth to Justin Bieber’s son. Fans were applaud to hear this, and refused to believe it. Bieber quickly denied the claims and offered to take a paternity test to prove his innocence. Mariah eventually stopped cooperating and would not take the paternity test.
Scarlett Johansson photos leaked
Scarlett was unfortunately on the long list of celebrities this year that had nude photos leaked onto the internet. Although unlike Taylor Swift and Emma Watson, Scarlett’s pictures were proved to be true. Scarlett saw the pictures and immediately called the FBI and a man was accused and later arrested in October for leaking the photos.
Mel Gibson and Oksana Grigorieva
Mel Gibson and Oksana Grigorieva broke up and voicemails of Mel claiming he was going to kill Oksana and many other threatening things. He was sentenced to three years of probation and community service for attacking Oskana. He then began a vicious custody battle, fighting for his child, which ended badly for him. He is now being forced to pay $750,000 to Oksana and continue providing housing and financial support for the child.
Charlie Sheen
Charlie Sheen has had quite a few scandals this year. At the beginning of the year he checked himself into rehab which seemed to work out so well. He then started insulting the creators of two and a half men, using racial slurs. His ex-wife took a restraining order out against him. He was fired from two and a half men, and then went on a world comedy tour, in which he was booed off stage multiple times. He also created a twitter and began the trend of using his odd phrases such as “Tiger Blood” and “Winning!”
Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver Divorce
In May the world was stunned to find out that after twenty five years of marriage Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver were divorcing. It came out later that Arnold had actually had an affair with Patricia Beana, who worked as part of Arnold and Maria’s staff. Also Arnold was fathering a ten year old son with the woman.
Miley Cyrus and her stoner remarks
Miley Cyrus has definitely had a fair share of scandals in her Hollywood career already, and she’s at a ripe age of nineteen! Last year Cyrus was caught on camera smoking from a bong and was clearly under the influence of some type of drug. The public was outraged, many little kids look up to the singer and she was smoking. In attempt to save herself Cyrus claimed the drug she was smoking was Salvia which is legal. Then this year at Miley’s 19th birthday Kelly Osborne brought out her birthday cake which had Bob Marley’s face on it. Miley then said "This is amazing …You know you’re a stoner when your friends make you a Bob Marley cake — you know you smoke way too much weed.”
Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher
After many rumors and six years of marriage Demi Moore finally released to the press that her and Ashton Kutcher would be divorcing. It was then released that Ashton had allegedly slept with Sara Leal on him and Demi’s wedding anniversary. Apparently Ashton and Sara had unprotected sexual relations after Ashton said him and Demi were separated.
Christina Aguilera
Christina has had a rough year. First she forgot the words to the national anthem. Then rumors of racy photos of Aguilera and some of her celeb friends hit the internet. Recently Aguilera was taken into custody for public drunkenness. Police say that she was so intoxicated she had no idea where she was. She will not be prosecuted.
Chris Brown
Everybody knows that the famous pop singer Chris Brown and Rihanna had a rough relationship… meaning he beat her in his car after an argument. Brown seemed to disappear for a while, the media not hearing about him. Most people expected a public apology for what he had done, but he made none. Instead he just made a comeback with his song “I Can Transform Ya” and then again with his song “Deuces”. He also made a few public appearances where he seemed fine, until he was being interviewed on Good Morning America. Brown was asked about the domestic violence incident and he lost it he threw a chair threw a window and ended up leaving without a shirt on.

Most Popular Tweets of the Year

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 09:04:47 -0500

Most Popular Tweets of the Year
By Alexis Descoteaux

Over 300 million people are signed up and a part of the blogging
phenomenon, Twitter. Billions of tweets have been sent over the years
and many topics have become popular over the site. But which are the
most popular and used topics on Twitter for the year? A web-based
service has been tracking tweets all year, and these are the most
tweeted about topics of 2011.

The top grossing movie of 2011 was the final Harry Potter movie, The
Deathly Hallows Part 2. This was not only the most popular movie, but
also the most popular trending movie on twitter. Followed by Phineas &
Ferb: the movie, Breaking Dawn, Never Say Never 3D and Finding Nemo.

In another category, Glee claimed the spot for top trending TV show of
the year, with Saturday Night Live, The Vampire Diaries, and another
season of the MTV "reality" show Jersey Shore in the next spots on the
list. Top of the List for most trending musical artist is Justin
Bieber followed by Lady Gaga and then- surprisingly- The Jonas
Brothers. Rebecca Black also claimed a spot on the list at number
seven, after her infamous YouTube video.

The List for top trending news stories of the year consists
of the Japan Earthquake/Tsunami at#1,
the Royal Wedding at #2, the Libyan Conflict at #3, May 21st
Rapture at #4 and Osama Bin Laden at #5. Somehow a social networking
site for kids and teens can also provide a recap of the years most
popular events and stories.

Top 10 Things No One Wants for X-Mas

Fri, 9 Dec 2011 13:43:32 -0500

The Top Ten Things That Nobody Wants For Christmas
By Andrea Palagi
Christmas is all about the gifts. Now, whether you’re at ease with that, or if you can’t help but think our population’s “gifty-ness” is a symbol of the moral degradation of society, the idea remains true--Christmas has become all about the gifts.
All season, we see commercials that shove the latest electronics, the most stylish clothes, and the coolest toys down our throats in 30 second increments. What we don’t see is anyone trying to shove spending time with our families and enjoying the happy, warm feelings of Christmas (unless of course you are doing such things while wearing a new pair of diamond earrings bought for you by your husband as a Christmas gift for only $699.00 at Kay Jewelers) down our throats. Even the figurehead of an American Christmas, Santa Claus, is a man who travels the world on a magic sleigh to bring children presents, not a good set or morals or feelings of holiday cheer. With standards like this, can we really expect anything more than a population manifested with materialism?
In addition to all of these commercials, it is common to see, if you are perusing the internet around this time of year, articles that feature a Top 10 Things That ____ Wants for Christmas: Top 10 Gifts for a Girl Who Has It All, Top 10 Gifts for My German Sheppard, or Top 10 Gifts for Your Boyfriend Who Doesn’t Know He Is Your Boyfriend Yet, classic. All of these lists tell us what we should buy this holiday season—exactly what kind of gifts we should buy. Gifts.
Now, I think it’s time to rebel against this cyber holiday norm. We are sick of hearing what overpriced, poorly made, and over purchased gifts that everybody wants for Christmas. Let’s talk about what’s really important: The top ten things that nobody wants for Christmas, starting with number one.
Forever Lazy Adult One Piece Pajamas: Just when we thought the Snuggie/Slanket phase had finally died out, another group of creative geniuses has created the Forever Lazy, a stupid name for adult footie pajamas equipped with a drop seat for bathroom breaks and a cozy hood for mid-winter indoor rainstorms. If you were thinking about not getting something someone for Christmas, this is the item you’ve been searching for
Peekaru: No, it’s not some strange cross between peek-a-boo and Pikachu, but it is just as stupid. Togetherbe.com is selling an altered version of the Snuggie that allows new mothers to carry their child on their stomach while wearing a Snuggie. How does the child breathe? Through a head sized hold in front of the mother’s stomach of course!
The Smurfs: A Christmas Carol: This one pretty much explains itself. A gaggle of little blue men being cheery, singing songs and scaring the heck out of your small children. If you’re looking to emotionally disturb your child visually this Christmas, purchase The Smurfs: A Christmas Carol, otherwise, don’t.
Microphone Tongs: No, this can’t be true. This must be a misprint. Microphone tongs? Yes, microphone tongs. A kitchen utensil for serving salad that doubles as a voice amplifier. Thank God, finally a way for us to serve the antipasto and belt out Adele at the same time—talk about a perfect harmony.
Edward Cullen Barbie Doll: What kind of person is your child going to grow up to be if you allow them to play with a sparkling vampire doll? It’s hard to say, but whatever kind person they do become, it is likely that they will still be living in your basement.
Chia Pets/Characters: Yes, the commercials make them look like fun and the song is intoxicatingly catchy, but Chia Pets or Chia Characters are nothing but heart ache. Nobody can ever get Elmer Fudd’s hair to have the same volume as it does in the commercials. It’s not real, it’s magic.
A Singing T-Shirt/Hoodie from Old Navy: Yes, it’s true, the big O.N. is now selling hoodies and t-shirts that can project your child’s music from their clothing for the world to hear. So please, do us all a favor and leave this gift off of your Christmas list this year.
Benedictaphone Keychain: This stocking stuffer is three thrilling things in one: the miniature plastic head of Pope Benedict XVI, a personal voice recorder, and a snazzy little keychain. If this combination makes even the slightest bit of sense to you, you have bigger problems than worrying about what not to buy for Christmas, so stop reading.
Tablet and eReader Arm Holders: Just when you thought that iPad people couldn’t get any more obnoxious prankpack.com has begun to sell wrist devices that allow any tablet or eReader user to strap their gigantic, expensive gadget to their wrist. What is the capital Denmark? Let me check my gigantic, heavy iPad that I have conveniently strapped to my frail, petit wrist.
Handerpants: Hands + underpants = Handerpants, crafty right? No, wrong. Handerpants may be the worst holiday gift, making a stocking full of coal seem like an upgrade. These hand warmers are designed to look like underwear and act like mittens when really all they do it make a person look confused about which articles of clothing go where. Handerpants = rupid (really + stupid).
If you have already purchased any of these gifts, fear not. Simply, take a moment, hang your head in shame, cry a little, and take comfort in the fact that most major retailers will take returns within 30 days of purchase with a valid receipt. Merry holidays!

Upside-Down What?!?

Fri, 9 Dec 2011 13:30:09 -0500

Upside Down What?
By Taylor-Lyn Hanson

Christmas Trees are one of the oldest traditions of the Holiday Season. People have been putting them in their homes for many years, and have always been happy with them. What is this new fad you ask? Upside down Christmas Trees? This may not be as new as you think.

Upside down Christmas trees have been around since the Middle ages when St. Boniface while in Thuringia, took this tree to represent the trinity and the converted people started to worship the tree as God's Tree. By the twelfth century it became custom to hang the tree upside down to symbolize the Trinity.

Things changed and now the tress are facing with the tip pointing up towards Heaven, with some believing that if one has an upside down tree it is sacrilegious. When in reality, they are just as religious and respectful as a tree with it's point facing upwards.

Retailers started using the odd looking trees for extra floor space and to hang ornaments at eye-level for better selling rates. Customers began to take a liking to the trees and what they look like, resulting in putting them in their own homes for their Christmas Holiday. They are now selling like crazy for an average of $400 at big retailers such as Target (TM) and Walmart (TM). So pick one up today and let the world know how much history really goes into these interesting Christmas Trees.

Christmas Procrastination

Fri, 9 Dec 2011 13:25:12 -0500

The 12 things pertaining to Christmas that are complaints or grips and never get old...
By Nicolette Bernardi

12. "I need to lose this weight from Thanksgiving"
11. "I got trampled on Black Friday getting people presents"
10. "My mother-in law called, their cruise got cancelled and we are to add room for two more. I hate that woman"
9. "I'm Jewish, I don't even celebrate Christmas"
8. "Dad, what's a holiday tree?"
7. There is no snow! I just want a white Christmas!
6. Cousin Todd is coming? But he's a smelly eight year old!"
5. *opens closet* "I didn't ask for that for Christmas!"
4. "Gee thanks Grandma for another kitten sweater"
3. Jesus was born in springtime.
2. Santa isn't real.
1. Christmas is all about presents, any other argument is invalid.

Top Ten Celebrity Scandals of 2011

Thu, 8 Dec 2011 11:11:20 -0500

Top 10 Celebrities scandals of 2011
By Kelsey Morin

10) Hugh Hefner and Crystal Harris Break Up: Although it was a fake relationship, poor Hugh Hef!
9) Christina Aguilera is Arrested For Public Intoxication: Its okay that she used to be dirty but now that she has a baby she needs to get her act together!
8)Lindsay Lohan goes on house arrest: No surprise here..
7)Emma Watson Scandalous Photos: False rumor! poor girl, this scared her out of school.
6)Nicolas Cage gets arrested for domestic violence: He might have gotten away with pulling this in the movie National Treasure.. but not in the real world buddy.
5)Mel Gibson and Oksana Grigorieva custody battle: Awkward and sad, poor kids.
4)Charlie Sheen begins “winning” and loses his job on Two and a Half Men: Too bad this is how things turned out for him.
3)Chris Brown meltdown on Good Morning America: Unfortunate on how bad this made him look.
2)Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shrive divorce, revealing none other than a love child: "Who is your daddy and what does he do?!" a lot that no one would have ever suspected....
1)Roger Ebert’s really insensitive tweet after Ryan Dunn’s tragic death: “friends don’t let jackasses drink and drive” tweet Ebert posted, no need for this uncalled for rude remark right after someones death...

Kim Kardashian Files For Divorce

Mon, 7 Nov 2011 11:51:01 -0500

Kim Kardashian files for Divorce
By Alesha Amato

Only 72 days after saying ‘I Do’, the announcement that Kim Kardashian files for Divorce on Monday, October 31, from Kris Humphries is leaving fans and the public wondering if the whole marriage was just for show and money.

The wedding of the year which even included a two night special of the marriage escapade on television, and three custom made dresses by the well known Vera Wang, is reported to have made Kim and Kris around $18 million dollars. The black and white affair had a number of sponsors, vendors, etc. that invested money and much more in the wedding and just the cake itself reported to ring up to around $20,000.

Kardashian, 31, says the couple has a prenuptial agreement and gives the only reason for the split to differences between them that were beyond the point of being able to be fixed. “After careful consideration, I have decided to end my marriage," she said. "I hope everyone understands this was not an easy decision. I had hoped this marriage was forever, but sometimes things don't work out as planned. We remain friends and wish each other the best”. As for the distribution of their belongings, it is still up in the air as to what will happen with her $2 million 20.5 carrot-diamond ring.

Kim is not revealing many details about the failed marriage right now, but the next season of E!’s Kourtney and Kim Take New York is scheduled to premiere on November 27 which features Kris Humphries himself. If based on watching the show, Kim’s family weren’t big fans of the basketball hubby to began with, but they have extended their love to her and the E! Network also sends her their support.

Candy From a Stranger?

Mon, 7 Nov 2011 10:43:03 -0500

Candy From A Stranger?
By Alexis Descoteaux
Halloween is meant to be a holiday dedicated to the joy of kids, but sometimes it is interrupted by the insanity of others. Santé Fe father, John Martinez was rifling though his son’s stash of candy he had received on Halloween, and noticed something strange. Emerging from the corner of a Reese’s peanut butter cup was a sharp point. When he opened the wrapper, there was a razor blade completely inside of the candy. Martinez quickly told his son to call the friends he had been with to warn them, fearing that was no the only piece of tainted candy. He then phoned the police wondering what should be done in this situation. The police are now investigating the incident. They have not determined which house the teenager received the candy from, but have warned people around the area to be extra careful in checking their receivings from that night. Police have concluded that the blade is from a disposable razor which makes it even more dangerous. They have not taken the blade in for finger printing because they believed that it had already been passed though too many hands to be able to trace any isolated fingerprints.
In the back of every parent’s mind they wonder if all the candy that their child collects on Halloween is safe, and most choose to ignore the thought. However, there have been situations in the past where the idea of tainted candy has been brought up. In 1982, seven people died because they had taken tainted cyanide-laced Tylenol capsules which had come from their Halloween earnings. After the incident, over 40 communities actually banned trick-or-treating in the area. In 2000, James Joseph Smith of Minneapolis was arrested when he was charged with putting needles into candy bars with intent to kill or harm trick-or-treaters. One child was pricked with a needle when he bit into a candy bar, but neither he nor any other children were seriously injured.
Parents should not have to worry if the candy their child collects on Halloween is safe to eat or not. Adults or children who are tainting Halloween candy, even as a joke, are not only causing a health risk, but also are diminishing the integrity of the holiday itself. If events like this keep occurring, canceling the holiday may be the only option.

What Are The Kids Wearing on Halloween?

Mon, 7 Nov 2011 08:20:59 -0500

How Halloween Costumes Have Changed
By Paige Emery

Every year on October 31st, people dress up in costumes to honor a tradition. Disguising yourself, and begging at peoples door for treats around the holidays, dates back to the Middle Ages. Being embarrassed about their lack of money, children would disguise themselves and knock on doors for money. Since then, the tradition has continued, but instead of begging for money people dress up in scary or religious costumes and ask for candy, or treats. Most costumes were hand made, as it was rare to buy a Halloween costume in a store. Costumes included religious figures, skeletons, and ghosts. From the early 1900s on , Halloween became a night to dress up in costumes and scare away the devils. People now a days not only dress scary, but dress as a majority of things.

Beginning in the 20th century Halloween began to change. Kids now dress as movie stars, celebrities, sports players, etc. As a country we have forgotten what Halloween is supposed to be about. The tradition is no longer based on scaring away the devils, but now based on who has the best costume. Costumes can be expensive in cost, some are even priced at $100. Rather than having hand made costumes to wear, our country is spending millions on costumes. This year America spend $310 million on costumes to wear for one night. That amount of money could feed thousands of children suffering from poverty. $310 million could help save thousands in homeless shelters, even if it was used to buy one blanket for the cold nights. Instead, the money has been spent on a costume that will be worn for one night, then thrown into a bin and basically forgotten about.

Teenage girls and young adults and have taken Halloween costumes to a whole new level. To some, Halloween is an excuse for them to dress scandalous without being judged. Rather than the idea of honoring christian spirits, they are doing the opposite. Females going to parties wearing the least amount of clothes possible, calling their bare skin their Halloween costumes. They still dress in regular Halloween costumes, just with a twist. Girls are switching their childhood cop outfits for fish nets tights, handcuffs, and high leather boots.

Halloween is a night for people to be somebody they are not. It gives kids a night to dress as their favorite character. Old traditions are still expressed, just in a more modern way. Making costumes a bigger deal by lifting the prices and giving out awards for best costume, makes more people want to buy bigger and better costumes than the next one. The idea of Halloween still remains, except the religious aspect no longer is a major part. Halloween still remains to be a night for people to dress as anything they want, and go door to door asking for treats.

Bieber Behind Bars

Thu, 3 Nov 2011 12:58:34 -0400

Bieber Behind Bars
By Kelsie Lamoureux

Do you think it’s fair to put Justin Bieber behind bars for up to five
years because he got his start on singing songs by other artists
YouTube? I don’t think so!

A new bill that’s getting passed around Congress, is trying to make it
a felony to post videos that contain copyright-infringing music. It’s
not just Justin Bieber who has violated this “felony”, but also
thousands of young musicians and kids who just want to have fun.
Copyright law is getting so out of control that pretty soon just
singing someone else’s song in public could count as infringement.
Considering that the videos Justin and his mom posted on YouTube were
mainly the reason for his career, it counts as commercial infringement,
which according to Copyright law would be a felony.

Justin is definitely one of the biggest stars these days who has his
career because of YouTube, but if the bill gets passed, he could face
jail time for singing songs like Chris Brown’s “With You” on YouTube,
which potentially got him started. The name given the campaign to stop
the bill is called “The Free Bieber Campaign.” Jail time for singing a song is irrational.
Justin Bieber’s videos all say that they aren’t his own songs.

Wondering what other online crimes could get you
in jail? Things like video taping a school play, taping a professional
sports event or a video with accidental background music. By the way,
“Happy Birthday” is copyrighted, so those videos of you singing to your family members could get you in
trouble too. Yeah, it’s unreasonable.

Sashsa Fierce’s Fetus

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 09:23:55 -0400

Sasha Fierce's Fetus
By Nicolette Bernardi

Beyonce, 30, singer/songwriter/performer, is en route to have a baby in January. The baby's daddy is none other than famous rapper Jay-Z, whom Beyonce has been married to for three years. In 2009, both had been voted as Forbes #1 top-earning couple with a combined total of $162 million. The songstress announced her pregnancy on live television back in August after performing on the Video Music Awards.

The pregnancy has raised many questions. Will this affect her career? What is the sex of the baby? When will her next tour be? Will the release of her new album be affected? Will she design a new maternity line?

News pertaining to all of these questions is coming out daily. She has since revealed that she is in fact designing a maternity collection with her House of Dereon line. Her career on the other hand does not seem to be affected. She has recently released two music videos for songs off of her new album. In the video for her new song "countdown", she is seen wearing tight clothing that is showing off her baby bump. Tour dates have yet to be released. The gender of the baby is supposedly known according to an interview by the India Times with Beyonce's mother, "Yes I know the baby's gender! But I'm not telling". Mama Knowles also said in the interview, "Jay will be a great father. In fact the both of them will be great parents".

There is still three months left until we get to meet Sasha Fetus. But for mother an father both have been long awaiting this love child. Sources close to the couple say that both are ready already.

Hungry for the Games to Begin?

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 10:15:46 -0400

Hunger Games Comes To Silver Screen
By Tina Aguldelo
Have you heard the buzz? There’s a new Twilight in town! About a month ago, Lionsgate, the big movie production company announced that the very popular book series The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins would be picked up for a three part movie adaptation. The three books are a young adult’s series, which take place in a post-apocalyptic world. Two children from each of the twelve districts, each between the ages of twelve and eighteen, are chosen as tributes and sent to the Capitol. Upon arrival to the Capitol, the tributes are completely made over, and they are thrown into an unknown arena, where they must fight to the death, all while being televised to the entire nation. The last person remaining will be crowned the victor.
While the release date for the first installment of this 3-part movie is still a long ways away, March 23rd, 2012 to be exact, the buzz for this movie is through the roof. On the popular blogging website, Tumblr, fans of the books and upcoming movie have been holding their own ways of promotion. They have been holding their ow version of the Games, appropriately titled “The Tumblr Games.” In it, they choose 24 people from all over the world, to represent their chosen district. They must then write short stories depicting what is going on in the Games, and the public must choose whose story is the weakest, thereby killing that person. The last remaining person is the victor, and wins a free t-shirt. So while the fans of The Hunger Games still have a couple months to wait for the release of their movie, they sure are finding ways to keep busy.

Michael Lohan to Blame for Daughter’s Behavior?

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 09:59:39 -0400

Michael Lohan to Blame For His Daughter's Erratic Behavior?
By Brianna DeCesare

Perhaps one of the most mind boggling elements of celebrity entertainment in the news today, is how The Parent Trap's sweet, innocent Lindsay Lohan managed to have recently just posed for her fifth mug shot. After a Los Angeles judge revoked her probation this past Thursday, Lohan's father decided to make a guest appearance on "Issues with Jane Velez-Mitchell" to discuss what he believes is his daughter's new issue. Michael Lohan exlpained to Velez-Mitchell that photos of Lindsay's brown teeth are, what he finds to be, due to a new crack or meth addiction. He then proceeded to say without long-term treatment that his daughter will "wind up in the morgue!" Though Lohan may seem concerned about his daughter's well being, reports state that him and Lindsay make minimal contact.

With that in mind, are his outrageous claims more of a public attack on her rather than an effort to improve her life? This past March, Dina Lohan, Michael's wife, told RadarOnline that Lindsay was no longer on speaking terms with her father and had no desire to be. Lindsay told the website herself that, "I am sorry that my father has continually chosen to speak publicly about our relationship, my mother, my siblings, and my professional team. I am working through my recovery day-by-day and find his public media bouts unnecessary and damaging". Ironically enough, since her parents divorced in 2007, Michael has not only, made little to no contact with his daughters but was in and out of jail as well. If this doesn't shine as a giant indication that Michael can't take care of himself, let alone his daughter, than maybe the fact that he has repeatedly tried to cash in on his daughter's fame will.

In 2009, Michael attempted to make a profit on secret recordings of his daughter and ex-wife, in what he says was his own endeavor at getting Lindsay back in rehab. After trying to sell the tapes for $100,000, he ultimately gave in to releasing the tapes for free and allowing the press to interview him about it. Perhaps Michael Lohan's stingy attitude and detrimental parenting skills have made some effect on his daughter in the long run. While the public finds it hard to sympathize for Lindsay after constant arrests and mug shots, once her father puts his two cents in you can't help but feel a little bit of sympathy for her.

Kingston In Critical Condition

Mon, 6 Jun 2011 09:42:45 -0400

Kingston In Critical Condition
By Jill Rossi
Sean Kingston, a hip-hop artist, is in critical condition after a jet ski accident. Kingston, 21, and a female companion crashed into a bridge at Miami Beach last Monday. He is stable, but is still at the Jackson Memorial Hospital in Florida.
He hit the Palm Island Bridge at around 6 p.m. and a passing boater witnessed the accident and took the two jet skiers onto his boat. Kingston was initially treated in the trauma unit at the hospital, but was transferred to intensive care as his condition stabilized. The name of the female passenger was not reported, and neither were the exact injuries of either of the victims. Authorities say that so far there is nothing that would indicate that alcohol played a role.
Kingston is well known in the pop music industry, as he toured with Justin Bieber last year and has also toured with Beyonce and Gwen Stefani.

TLC’s Extreme Couponing

Fri, 20 May 2011 08:03:50 -0400

TLC's Extreme Couponing
By Cassandra Camacho
TLC is notorious for exposing America's strange addictions. This time it’s in the form of Extreme Couponing. TLC’s new hit show focuses on people, mainly women, who spend very little on groceries. Usually, they end up with 95% savings on their groceries, some totals even getting to zero dollars. To do this, they must well plan out their coupons, this could take up to forty hours per week. The use multiple tactics, looking for coupons online, and buying their local store’s newspaper stock.

Yet, with all the reality television out there today, is this really “real”? It’s hard to believe that someone could have groceries total $800, and only spend $40. Sure, grocery stores probably bend the rules to make the show more interesting. But, the message this show does send is that you can save money on groceries by using coupons. Even if you use a few coupons, and only save seven dollars on a total of $50. Hey, it’s still a save. Americans are intrigued by this show because they too want to save money on groceries in this economy. Any way money can be saved is useful.

These TLC shows are very enticing because they expose a different side to America, a side we usually never see. Whether, it’s a couple with 18 kids, or someone who is addicted to eating couch foam. It gives America a break from their normal lives, and exposes the life of someone else. Extreme Couponing is just another add on to a slew of interesting tv shows from TLC.

Newest Celebrity Twins Born

Tue, 10 May 2011 12:02:00 -0400

Newest Celebrity Twins Born
By Jill Rossi
In addition to the hype of the Royal Wedding and Osama Bin Ladin’s death, Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon brought twins to the world during the weekend of April 29th. Saturday, Carey gave birth to a boy and a girl.
After numerous Twitter guessing games as to what the babies would be named, the couple announced that their girl will be called Monroe, after Carey’s role model Marilyn Monroe. The baby boy will be named Moroccan, after the theme of the room in which Cannon proposed to Carey. Carey and Cannon kept fans on their toes as to guessing the babies’ names; it was a shock to everyone when the names were announced.
Carey and Cannon met when Cannon appeared in one of Carey’s music videos. They got married after a 2 month courtship and had a low key wedding, in contrast to Carey’s 1993 wedding to music executive Tommy Mottola. Carey is twelve years older than Cannon.

The Voice: NBC’s New Singing Competition

Tue, 10 May 2011 11:49:15 -0400

The Voice: NBC’s new singing competition.
By Cassandra Camacho
The new NBC show The Voice premiered to a great audience of views beating out its competition for the both nights, Dancing With The Stars. Yet, did the show live up to its hype? Most people would say yes. Compared to very non criticizing judges on American Idol, the judges actually critiqued. The basis of the show focuses only on the voice of the contestants, with judges having their backs turned to the performers. If the judges; Adam Levine, Cee-lo Green, Christian Aguilera, and Blake Shelton, like what they hear they push a button which shows the performer that the judge wants them on their team. Each judge can have a team of eight performers. Then, the singing competition really heats up.
One of the highlights of the night was the chemistry between the judges. We are used to seeing this chemistry back in the Simon and Paula days of Idol. Christina mentioned how judge Adam Levine is like a car salesman, he was great at selling himself so the performer would choose him. He was definitely a highlight to the show. It was great to see the judges fight in a friendly way to persuade the contestants to choose them. Country singer Blake Shelton was probably the most questionable judge because he was unknown to some. But, he definitely showed America how charismatic he is, and he was definitely a hit both weeks. This is exactly what American Idol is lacking at the moment, great judges. The Voice definitely delivers.
The performance aspect was great as well. The performers were a select few that were invited to audition. This show does not have the cliché theme weeks that many other singing and dancing competitions have. So, the artists were well showcased singing songs that they were comfortable with. It also seemed that these contests had a lot more natural singing ability, as opposed to Idol, which counts.One contestant, Xenia, a shy high school student, had a great voice, and a lot of viewers are excited to see how she will break out of her shell as the show progresses. It wasn’t easy for the judges to choose who they wanted for their team. All of the singers had talent, some judges had to turn down people they actually liked then regretted their decision later on. Some contestants were then brought back to sing again. And, each judge then had their eight singers.
It seems as if there also could be a benefit to a reality talent show. It could actually help young viewers with their self esteem. Not everybody that goes on this show is strikingly beautiful, but what they do have is talent. It could really give the younger generation surrounded with tv shows on thin, beautiful, and just plain unrealistic people. A real confidence boost, which America really is need of at the moment. America is excited to see this show progress, and hopefully it could be the diamond in the rough of reality tv shows.

Branson’s Report Sounds Like A Stroke

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 12:13:46 -0400

Branson;s Report Sounds Like A Stroke
By Kelsey Carpenter
Reporter Serene Branson was thought to have had a stroke after she slurred her words on February, 13 of this year while reporting on the Grammies. It turns out that Serene Branson's comedic performance was not a stroke but a migraine of genius. Her episode was due to a migraine aura, a rare side effect of severe headaches which causes impaired speech. The video of her reporting on the “Heavay Bertation” (incoherent babble) almost immediately went viral and can easily be found on any video sharing site. At first viewers were outraged that people were making fun of someone having a stroke, but no worries America it was only a migraine so laugh away. I did.
Her video racked up over 1 million views on YouTube, not to mention the many remixes and parodies of her gibberish that have popped up all over the internet. Translations of her language have been attempted and experts think that they will be able to break the code soon. Although scared while it was occurring, Serene is in good health and hopefully one day she can fully appreciate her impact on modern comedy. Every comedian only dreams of the ability to so perfectly execute a Nell impersonation.
Her viewers laugh Out of love and if she can take nothing else from her experience, she should take the knowledge that she made a few people giggle. Not because they gained feelings of superiority in the process or found her difficulty funny, but because she tapped a classic humor in the viewer; just as a small child laughs when a parent makes nonsensical sounds and movements, America laughs when Serene Branson is recorded reciting an almost poetic mash up of words. Without her comedic miracle, the catchy auto-tuned version of her report would not be possible which some say might even be worthy of a Grammy.