Kim Kardashian's Glamorous Bridal Shower
Kim Kardashian is tying the knot with her adoring fiancé Kris Humphries on August 20 and in celebration of the big day her doting family and fabulous friends threw the beautiful brunette the bridal shower of a lifetime - inviting OK! Magazine along to capture every glamorous minute.
The gorgeous 30-year-old reality star received a plethora of luxe gifts and many glorious surprises and OK! Magazine has shared some of the exclusive photos of the bridal bonanza. Good Luck Kim
HORRIFIC: 30 Americans Killed In NATO Helicopter Crash In Afghanistan
Twenty two Navy Seals from the unit that killed Osama bin Laden were among those lost in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan.
The operators from Seal Team Six were flown by a crew of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, confirms one current and one former U.S. official. Both spoke on condition of anonymity because families are still being notified of the loss of their loved ones.
Members of the Navy Seals Team Six killed Osama bin Laden earlier this year and the heavy loss of life will be a blow to the elite unit which has a central role in targeting Taliban leaders in Afghanistan.One source says the helicopter was carrying 22 Seals, three Air Force air controllers, seven Afghan Army troops, a dog and his handler, and a civilian interpreter, plus the helicopter crew.
This was the largest single loss of life ever for Seal Team Six, known as the Naval Special Warfare Development Group. It was also the worst single loss of life since the war began.
The operators from Seal Team Six were flown by a crew of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, confirms one current and one former U.S. official. Both spoke on condition of anonymity because families are still being notified of the loss of their loved ones.
Members of the Navy Seals Team Six killed Osama bin Laden earlier this year and the heavy loss of life will be a blow to the elite unit which has a central role in targeting Taliban leaders in Afghanistan.One source says the helicopter was carrying 22 Seals, three Air Force air controllers, seven Afghan Army troops, a dog and his handler, and a civilian interpreter, plus the helicopter crew.
This was the largest single loss of life ever for Seal Team Six, known as the Naval Special Warfare Development Group. It was also the worst single loss of life since the war began.
The helicopter was reportedly shot down by insurgents with an RPG as it returned from a night raid on a militant gathering in the Tangi Valley, Wardak province west of Kabul.
The tragedy comes as America draws down its presence in Afghanistan and attempts to hand over responsibility for security to Afghan forces. Seven Afghan soldiers were also killed in the crash.
The special operations troops were returning from the village of Jaw-e-mekh Zareen where they had been involved in a two-hour fire fight when insurgents targeted the Chinook.
The tragedy comes as America draws down its presence in Afghanistan and attempts to hand over responsibility for security to Afghan forces. Seven Afghan soldiers were also killed in the crash.
The special operations troops were returning from the village of Jaw-e-mekh Zareen where they had been involved in a two-hour fire fight when insurgents targeted the Chinook.
Wreckage was reportedly strewn across the area, after the helicopter crashed carrying a team of 25 Navy Seals, according to ABC news. Also on board were the American crew and a team of Afghan special forces.
Barack Obama today mourned the loss of life, saying it was a sign of the extraordinary sacrifices made by members of the military.
President Hamid Karzai sent his condolences to President Obama, according to a statement issued by his office.
'A Nato helicopter crashed last night in Wardak province,' Karzai said in the statement, adding that 31 American special operations troops were killed.'President Karzai expressed his deep condolences because of this incident and expressed his sympathy to Barack Obama.'
Mr Obama, who learned of the incident at Camp David, issued a statement saying his thoughts and prayers go out to the families of those who perished.
'Their deaths are a reminder of the extraordinary sacrifices made by the men and women of our military and their families, including all who have served in Afghanistan,' the president said.
'We will draw inspiration from their lives, and continue the work of securing our country and standing up for the values that they embodied.'
Mr Obama said he also mourned the loss of seven Afghans 'who died alongside our troops in pursuit of a more peaceful and hopeful future for their country.'
At the Pentagon, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta says he is deeply saddened by the loss, and vowed that the U.S. will stay the course to complete the mission to make the world a safer place.
Mr Obama, who learned of the incident at Camp David, issued a statement saying his thoughts and prayers go out to the families of those who perished.
'Their deaths are a reminder of the extraordinary sacrifices made by the men and women of our military and their families, including all who have served in Afghanistan,' the president said.
'We will draw inspiration from their lives, and continue the work of securing our country and standing up for the values that they embodied.'
Mr Obama said he also mourned the loss of seven Afghans 'who died alongside our troops in pursuit of a more peaceful and hopeful future for their country.'
At the Pentagon, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta says he is deeply saddened by the loss, and vowed that the U.S. will stay the course to complete the mission to make the world a safer place.
Nato confirmed the overnight crash and said there 'was enemy activity in the area.'
But it said it was still investigating the cause.
The alliance was conducting a recovery operation at the site, it said, without releasing details or a casualty figure.
'We are aware of an incident involving a helicopter in eastern Afghanistan,' said U.S. Air Force Capt. Justin Brockhoff, a NATO spokesman.
'We are in the process of accessing the facts.
But it said it was still investigating the cause.
The alliance was conducting a recovery operation at the site, it said, without releasing details or a casualty figure.
'We are aware of an incident involving a helicopter in eastern Afghanistan,' said U.S. Air Force Capt. Justin Brockhoff, a NATO spokesman.
'We are in the process of accessing the facts.
The helicopter was a twin-rotor Chinook, which are used for transport, said an official at NATO headquarters in Brussels, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk to the press, the Associated Press reports.
The helicopter crashed in the Sayd Abad district of Wardak province, said a provincial government spokesman, Shahidullah Shahid.
The volatile region borders the province of Kabul where the Afghan capital is located and is known for its strong Taliban presence.
Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said in a statement that NATO had attacked a house in Sayd Abad where insurgents were gathering Friday night, killing eight fighters.
The Taliban then downed the helicopter, he said.
The helicopter crashed in the Sayd Abad district of Wardak province, said a provincial government spokesman, Shahidullah Shahid.
The volatile region borders the province of Kabul where the Afghan capital is located and is known for its strong Taliban presence.
Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said in a statement that NATO had attacked a house in Sayd Abad where insurgents were gathering Friday night, killing eight fighters.
The Taliban then downed the helicopter, he said.
In June 2005, 16 American troops were killed when a U.S. helicopter crashed in eastern Kunar province after apparently being hit by a rocket-propelled grenade.
Aircraft crashes are relatively frequent in Afghanistan, where insecurity and difficult terrain make air travel essential for coalition forces transporting troops and equipment.
There have been at least 17 coalition and Afghan aircraft crashes in Afghanistan this year.
Most of the crashes are attributed to pilot errors, weather conditions or mechanical failures. However, the coalition has confirmed that at least one CH-47F Chinook helicopter was hit by a rocket propelled grenade on July 25, injuring two crewmembers.
Meanwhile, NATO troops attacked a house and inadvertently killed eight members of a family, including women and children, in the southern Helmand province, an Afghan government official said Saturday.
NATO said Taliban fighters fired rocket propelled grenades and small arms at coalition troops during a patrol Friday in the Nad Ali district.
The troops fired back, and as the fight escalated an aistrike was called in against the Taliban position, said Brockhoff, the NATO spokesman.
He said NATO sent a delegation to meet with local leaders and investigate the incident.
Nad Ali district police chief Shadi Khan said civilians died in the bombardment but that it was unknown how many insurgents were killed.
Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said: 'The fresh reports from the site tells us that there are still Americans doing search operations for the bodies and pieces of the helicopter are on the ground.'
Gen. Abdul Qayum Baqizoy, police chief of Wardak, said the operation began around 1 a.m. Saturday as NATO and Afghan forces attacked a Taliban compound in Jaw-e-mekh Zareen village in the Tangi Valley.
The firefight lasted at least two hours, the general said.
'It was at the end of the operation that one of the NATO helicopters crashed,' he said.
'We don’t know yet the cause of the crash, and we don’t know how many NATO soldiers were on board.'Helmand, a Taliban stronghold, is the deadliest province in Afghanistan for international troops.'
NATO has come under harsh criticism in the past for accidentally killing civilians during operations against suspected insurgents.
However, civilian death tallies by the United Nations show the insurgency is responsible for most war casualties involving non-combatants.
Also in the south, NATO said two coalition service member were killed, one on Friday and another on Saturday. The international alliance did not release further details.
The deaths bring to 334 the number of coalition troops killed this year in Afghanistan, and 11 this month.
Aircraft crashes are relatively frequent in Afghanistan, where insecurity and difficult terrain make air travel essential for coalition forces transporting troops and equipment.
There have been at least 17 coalition and Afghan aircraft crashes in Afghanistan this year.
Most of the crashes are attributed to pilot errors, weather conditions or mechanical failures. However, the coalition has confirmed that at least one CH-47F Chinook helicopter was hit by a rocket propelled grenade on July 25, injuring two crewmembers.
Meanwhile, NATO troops attacked a house and inadvertently killed eight members of a family, including women and children, in the southern Helmand province, an Afghan government official said Saturday.
NATO said Taliban fighters fired rocket propelled grenades and small arms at coalition troops during a patrol Friday in the Nad Ali district.
The troops fired back, and as the fight escalated an aistrike was called in against the Taliban position, said Brockhoff, the NATO spokesman.
He said NATO sent a delegation to meet with local leaders and investigate the incident.
Nad Ali district police chief Shadi Khan said civilians died in the bombardment but that it was unknown how many insurgents were killed.
Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said: 'The fresh reports from the site tells us that there are still Americans doing search operations for the bodies and pieces of the helicopter are on the ground.'
Gen. Abdul Qayum Baqizoy, police chief of Wardak, said the operation began around 1 a.m. Saturday as NATO and Afghan forces attacked a Taliban compound in Jaw-e-mekh Zareen village in the Tangi Valley.
The firefight lasted at least two hours, the general said.
'It was at the end of the operation that one of the NATO helicopters crashed,' he said.
'We don’t know yet the cause of the crash, and we don’t know how many NATO soldiers were on board.'Helmand, a Taliban stronghold, is the deadliest province in Afghanistan for international troops.'
NATO has come under harsh criticism in the past for accidentally killing civilians during operations against suspected insurgents.
However, civilian death tallies by the United Nations show the insurgency is responsible for most war casualties involving non-combatants.
Also in the south, NATO said two coalition service member were killed, one on Friday and another on Saturday. The international alliance did not release further details.
The deaths bring to 334 the number of coalition troops killed this year in Afghanistan, and 11 this month.
MR PRESIDENT PLEASE END THIS DAMN WAR!
U.S. Credit Downgrade By S&P Darkens Economic Outlook, Stokes Recession Fears
With the United States government now shorn of its top credit rating by Standard & Poor's, experts are increasingly worried that the American economy is headed back into recession, while Europe appears vulnerable to another shock.
The announcement that the rating agency had reduced the U.S. government's AAA rating for the first time in history came after days of punishing declines in the stock market, and has now cast a shadow over economic prospects in the months ahead. A recent stream of indicators has provoked concern that the economy could be headed for another recession, with the growth rate slowing considerably, unemployment stubbornly elevated and the stock market swooning. Some experts say the downgrade could be the final trigger, making credit more expensive and sowing broad unease.
"People will be pulling money out of equity markets, out of commodity markets, and putting it into cash -- essentially, stuffing money in your mattress," said Andrew Lo, a professor of finance at the MIT Sloan School of Management, in an interview Saturday. "This is the worst thing to have happened, given the weak economy we already have."
"Some straw has to break the camel's back," he added. "This may be the straw."
The announcement that the rating agency had reduced the U.S. government's AAA rating for the first time in history came after days of punishing declines in the stock market, and has now cast a shadow over economic prospects in the months ahead. A recent stream of indicators has provoked concern that the economy could be headed for another recession, with the growth rate slowing considerably, unemployment stubbornly elevated and the stock market swooning. Some experts say the downgrade could be the final trigger, making credit more expensive and sowing broad unease.
"People will be pulling money out of equity markets, out of commodity markets, and putting it into cash -- essentially, stuffing money in your mattress," said Andrew Lo, a professor of finance at the MIT Sloan School of Management, in an interview Saturday. "This is the worst thing to have happened, given the weak economy we already have."
"Some straw has to break the camel's back," he added. "This may be the straw."
The psychological impact of the downgrade might cause stocks to fall Monday and could exacerbate the sovereign debt crisis in Europe, experts say. Over time, it could raise the interest rates on 10-year and 30-year Treasury debt, making it more expensive for the federal government to borrow money, further worsening the deficit. The downgrade could also push up the cost of loans that are tied to the Treasury rate, making it more expensive for Americans to get funds to buy a car or a house.
The effects could reach Europe, where nations that share the euro currency are contending with a debt crisis that seems to deepen by the week. While S&P didn't announce plans to reduce the ratings of European countries following its U.S. Treasury downgrade, experts said European downgrades might be inevitable, to maintain consistency in the rating system. That in turn could spark a new round of panic.
S&P's decision comes at a time of critical economic weakness, as the American economy seems increasingly vulnerable to another contraction just two years after the official end of the recession that began in December 2007. Gross domestic product grew at an annual rate of just 0.85 percent in the first half of the year, the government announced in July. Seen in relation to population growth, GDP actually shrank in the first three months of the year.
After other data releases showed the manufacturing sector weakening and consumer spending drying up, the Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 513 points on Thursday, in the biggest one-day drop since the depths of the financial crisis.
It remains unclear what the precise effects of S&P's downgrade will be, or when they might materialize. Some experts believe the global economy will be able to absorb the downgrade without much turmoil. But others, like Lo, take a more pessimistic view.
S&P laid blame for its decision to assign the AA+ rating directly on the political process in Washington. Even though lawmakers reached a decision on Aug. 2 to raise the government's debt ceiling and avoid a potentially disastrous default, the deficit-reduction package that accompanied the deal won't sufficiently improve the government's fiscal health in the coming years, S&P said in a release Friday. A factor in that projection, S&P said, is that Republicans seem unwilling to allow the Bush-era tax cuts to expire.
"The majority of Republicans in Congress continue to resist any measure that would raise revenues, a position we believe Congress reinforced by passing the act," S&P said.
The ratings agency said political dysfunction provoked the downgrade, noting that Congress seems to lack the ability to aid the weakening economy. And now, as S&P acknowledged, the downgrade might introduce a new source of strain.
"The political brinksmanship of recent months highlights what we see as America's governance and policymaking becoming less stable, less effective, and less predictable than what we previously believed," the company said. "The statutory debt ceiling and the threat of default have become political bargaining chips in the debate over fiscal policy."
The effects could reach Europe, where nations that share the euro currency are contending with a debt crisis that seems to deepen by the week. While S&P didn't announce plans to reduce the ratings of European countries following its U.S. Treasury downgrade, experts said European downgrades might be inevitable, to maintain consistency in the rating system. That in turn could spark a new round of panic.
S&P's decision comes at a time of critical economic weakness, as the American economy seems increasingly vulnerable to another contraction just two years after the official end of the recession that began in December 2007. Gross domestic product grew at an annual rate of just 0.85 percent in the first half of the year, the government announced in July. Seen in relation to population growth, GDP actually shrank in the first three months of the year.
After other data releases showed the manufacturing sector weakening and consumer spending drying up, the Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 513 points on Thursday, in the biggest one-day drop since the depths of the financial crisis.
It remains unclear what the precise effects of S&P's downgrade will be, or when they might materialize. Some experts believe the global economy will be able to absorb the downgrade without much turmoil. But others, like Lo, take a more pessimistic view.
S&P laid blame for its decision to assign the AA+ rating directly on the political process in Washington. Even though lawmakers reached a decision on Aug. 2 to raise the government's debt ceiling and avoid a potentially disastrous default, the deficit-reduction package that accompanied the deal won't sufficiently improve the government's fiscal health in the coming years, S&P said in a release Friday. A factor in that projection, S&P said, is that Republicans seem unwilling to allow the Bush-era tax cuts to expire.
"The majority of Republicans in Congress continue to resist any measure that would raise revenues, a position we believe Congress reinforced by passing the act," S&P said.
The ratings agency said political dysfunction provoked the downgrade, noting that Congress seems to lack the ability to aid the weakening economy. And now, as S&P acknowledged, the downgrade might introduce a new source of strain.
"The political brinksmanship of recent months highlights what we see as America's governance and policymaking becoming less stable, less effective, and less predictable than what we previously believed," the company said. "The statutory debt ceiling and the threat of default have become political bargaining chips in the debate over fiscal policy."
Although interest rates on long-term U.S. Treasury debt might rise as a result of the downgrade, rates on short-term debt could fall, as investors throw money at safe-haven assets. The yields on Treasury bills, which have the shortest lifespans of the government's debt securities, could fall below zero, if investors turn to U.S. debt that is keeping its rating intact.
Interest rate movement in bond markets, moreover, might be minimal at first. Investors' attitudes about the economy influence their demand for Treasury debt; with the outlook grim, investors have been fleeing from risk, eager to lend money to the U.S. government and happy to accept low compensation. Yields on 10-year Treasury notes neared 2.4 percent, a low not seen since last fall, as the Federal Reserve was beginning a second massive economic stimulus.
Interest rate movement in bond markets, moreover, might be minimal at first. Investors' attitudes about the economy influence their demand for Treasury debt; with the outlook grim, investors have been fleeing from risk, eager to lend money to the U.S. government and happy to accept low compensation. Yields on 10-year Treasury notes neared 2.4 percent, a low not seen since last fall, as the Federal Reserve was beginning a second massive economic stimulus.
But over the next few years, yields on a variety of investments that are influenced by the Treasury rate might rise, implying that a whole range of assets would be treated as riskier.
"When there's more demand for credit, that's when we're likely to see a re-pricing of risk," Mark Vitner, a senior economist at Wells Fargo, said Saturday. "In the very near term, our borrowing costs are going down, due entirely to economic weakness."
In the coming week, the downgrade could cause a period of selling, as investors shun risk. Stocks, commodities and the U.S. dollar might all take hits in the coming days, experts said.
Over time, a downgrade could increase the federal government's cost of borrowing by $100 billion a year, said Terry Belton, global head of fixed income strategy at JPMorgan Chase, in a conference call last week.
As the federal government reduces spending, the fiscal health of states and localities could suffer. Many cities depend on states for aid, and some states in turn depend on the federal government. If those governments face increased strain over the coming years, their credit ratings could also be vulnerable.
In a July report, S&P said there are certain ratings that "move in lockstep" with the U.S. sovereign rating. Those include home loans backed the federal government and the debt of government-related entities. The mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac might see their ratings docked.
"When there's more demand for credit, that's when we're likely to see a re-pricing of risk," Mark Vitner, a senior economist at Wells Fargo, said Saturday. "In the very near term, our borrowing costs are going down, due entirely to economic weakness."
In the coming week, the downgrade could cause a period of selling, as investors shun risk. Stocks, commodities and the U.S. dollar might all take hits in the coming days, experts said.
Over time, a downgrade could increase the federal government's cost of borrowing by $100 billion a year, said Terry Belton, global head of fixed income strategy at JPMorgan Chase, in a conference call last week.
As the federal government reduces spending, the fiscal health of states and localities could suffer. Many cities depend on states for aid, and some states in turn depend on the federal government. If those governments face increased strain over the coming years, their credit ratings could also be vulnerable.
In a July report, S&P said there are certain ratings that "move in lockstep" with the U.S. sovereign rating. Those include home loans backed the federal government and the debt of government-related entities. The mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac might see their ratings docked.
And more sovereign downgrades could follow, experts said.
"If the U.S. Treasury is not AAA, it's hard to justify anyone else being AAA," said Matt Fabian, managing director of the Concord, Mass.-based Municipal Market Advisors, in an interview Saturday. "France, or Microsoft, or some of the muni issuers like Utah or North Carolina -- it's hard to see them as AAAs if the feds aren't."
With a crisis building in Europe, sovereign downgrades on the continent could push markets to a breaking point, said Lo, of MIT. Borrowing costs for the economically weaker nations that share the euro have skyrocketed in recent weeks, with jittery investors fearful of widespread panic. On Thursday, a subtle implication in an announcement from the European Central Bank was enough to spark a temporary sell-off of Italian debt, and cause a plunge in the Italian stock market.
If S&P does not downgrade other governments, the logic of its rating system might fall apart, Fabian said.
"If the U.S. Treasury is not AAA, it's hard to justify anyone else being AAA," said Matt Fabian, managing director of the Concord, Mass.-based Municipal Market Advisors, in an interview Saturday. "France, or Microsoft, or some of the muni issuers like Utah or North Carolina -- it's hard to see them as AAAs if the feds aren't."
With a crisis building in Europe, sovereign downgrades on the continent could push markets to a breaking point, said Lo, of MIT. Borrowing costs for the economically weaker nations that share the euro have skyrocketed in recent weeks, with jittery investors fearful of widespread panic. On Thursday, a subtle implication in an announcement from the European Central Bank was enough to spark a temporary sell-off of Italian debt, and cause a plunge in the Italian stock market.
If S&P does not downgrade other governments, the logic of its rating system might fall apart, Fabian said.
"They would just be accelerating the demise of ratings," he said in an interview late last month. "They are reducing the utility of their own product.".
Is Naomi Campbell the Next to Wed?
The wedding rumors surrounding Naomi Campbell and her billionaire boyfriend are heating up....
According to reports Naomi Campbell and Russian Billionaire Vladislav Doronin set off a spectacular fireworks display off the Greek Island of Crete and hinted to fellow revelers that they were planning to marry.
A guest at the Elounda Beach hotel in Crete, where the couple moored their yacht, said Naomi told them 'they were celebrating something that would send their message to the stars'. Naomi was said to be very excited and telling everyone it was time to celebrate 'their little secret'.
Let's just assume Vlad has already divorced his wife then, shall we?
Tupac Shakur Covers "XXL" On The 15th Anniversary Of His Death
Rap icon Tupac Shakur covers the latest issue of XXL in a profile that celebrates the rapper, who passed away 15 years ago. In the latest issue of XXL which hits stands on August 16, the mag pays tribute to the late great rapper by interviewing those who were closest to him. One such person was his biological father Bill Garland. In the profile Bill spoke of his late son saying,
“[Tupac] cared for people,” he said. “That was his main thing. He really cared for people. I think that’s why he would get so upset when people tried to question his commitment, his love for Black women or Black men. The East Coast/West Coast, you know, that’s a fabrication. I don’t have to begin to tell you that. So when that was questioned, it bothered him. Because he would give his heart or soul. He was a giving person. He would give anything to people. He would go in a store. [If there was a] Black man who couldn’t afford a $1,500 pair of boots, he would buy ’em for him. Think that Black man would ever forget Tupac? That’s just the way he is. But I don’t think that he did it for that. He did it because he had it, and he didn’t. That’s the way he is.”
In addition, XXL spoke with ’Pac’s ex-wife, Keisha Morris, his first manager and one-time roommate and mentor, Leila Steinberg, his stepfather Mutulu Shakur, and his rap group the Outlawz.
The mag also goes in depth about the studio shooting which led to the East/West Coast beef.
Lawsuits Hover Over Aug. 29 Premiere of ‘Basketball Wives: L.A.’
*The Hollywood Reporter today takes a look at the legal drama surrounding VH1’s “Basketball Wives,” which premieres its Los Angeles spinoff on Aug. 29.
The new cast includes Gloria Govan (fiancée of Laker’s Matt Barnes), Laura Govan (sister to Gloria Govan), Kimsha Artest (ex-wife to Ron Artest), Imani Showalter (ex-fiancée to Stephen Jackson), Malaysia Pargo (wife to Jannero Pargo), Jackie Christie (wife of Doug Christie) and Draya Michele (model and actress).
Already, the original version has generated much legal activity: Chris Bosh and Gilbert Arenas have sued the makers of the show, and others, such as Dwight Howard and Shaquille O’Neal, have threatened litigation.
The Hollywood Reporter’s Eriq Gardner writes:
In the past week Arenas filed a motion seeking an injunction against the show. And in response, Arenas was hit with an anti-SLAPP motion contending he’s attempting to impinge constitutionally-protected speech.
Arenas, one of the NBA’s highest paid players as a guard for the Orlando Magic, is upset that former fiance Laura Govan, the mother of four of his children, is set to star in the latest season of Basketball Wives in Los Angeles, scheduled to debut on VH1 on August 29th.
With less than a month to go to the premiere, Arenas is stepping up his efforts to make sure the show never gets on the air. He’s seeking a preliminary injunction that would prevent defendant Shed Media, producer of the show, from using his name, from using the term “Basketball Wives” that would suggest affiliation with basketball players such as himself, and from having a show that features Govan.
A hearing on the motion is tentatively scheduled for August 22nd, a week before the show premieres, and if successful, the show might have to be pulled from VH1′s lineup.
But Shed Media isn’t going to allow Arenas to score an uncontested lay-up. The production company has filed a hard-hitting anti-SLAPP motion against Arenas. The motion points out that Arenas’ name is not directly used and that the show hasn’t even hit the air yet. And here’s the key passage:
“In a showing of unparalleled hubris, Plaintiff claims that he is so famous and important that simply mentioning the words ‘basketball wives’ in the same sentence as Govan’s name — even without actually mentioning Plaintiff’s name — impermissibly impinges on his rights. Essentially, Plaintiff claims that because he is famous, his ex-girlfriend is not allowed to talk about her life. Plaintiff is wrong. Govan has a constitutional right to tell her story, even were it to result in an unauthorized biography of Plaintiff.”
A hearing on the anti-SLAPP motion is scheduled for August 29, the same day the show debuts. The outcome of the case will further define how far publicity rights extend for celebrities.
ETTA JAMES, ALIVE AND WELL, LATEST VICTIM OF DEATH RUMORS
*Etta James’ son is dismissing reports that the ailing R&B legend has died.
The 73-year-old has been in and out of the hospital in recent months undergoing treatment for leukemia and was admitted to a California medical center in May after she was diagnosed with a potentially deadly sepsis problem, caused by a urinary tract infection.
A fake website made to look like Tmz.com surfaced late on Wednesday and reported the music icon had passed away. The bogus news quickly spread across the internet and Twitter.
But James’ son Donto shot down the false reports this morning, telling the Los Angeles Times, “She’s fine. I just saw her last night and she was fine.”
James, who was also diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2009, has been out of the spotlight for a number of years and is currently being cared for at her home in Riverside, California.
The 73-year-old has been in and out of the hospital in recent months undergoing treatment for leukemia and was admitted to a California medical center in May after she was diagnosed with a potentially deadly sepsis problem, caused by a urinary tract infection.
A fake website made to look like Tmz.com surfaced late on Wednesday and reported the music icon had passed away. The bogus news quickly spread across the internet and Twitter.
But James’ son Donto shot down the false reports this morning, telling the Los Angeles Times, “She’s fine. I just saw her last night and she was fine.”
James, who was also diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2009, has been out of the spotlight for a number of years and is currently being cared for at her home in Riverside, California.
Chilli tells Jill …..UM Sista Gurl. No open relationship for me!
Jill Scott has always been very vocal about her sex life (she even told us that she’s been dickmatized) and she’s at it again!
As you can see, Jill tweeted about considering an open relationship. She did it make it known that she knows what she wants and deserve though so don’t get it twisted. She just realizes that a lot of marriages fell. She retweeted a ton of people’s replies back to her about the situation. However, things got interesting when Chili tweeted Jill her opinion on the question at hand:
Dang! It’s obvious that Chili isn’t down for ANY type of open relationship. I bet she chewed Jill out on the phone! Perhaps, she just trying to have Jill’s back. She said in her tweet, ” talk about a horrible situation”. I wonder if she’s had any experience in this. I’m glad she’s looking out for Jill. What do you think of Jill’s consideration of having an open relationship? What do you think of open relationships?
To Catch A Cheater! Chris Hansen Busted For Second Affair
For a guy that made a living catching people out misbehaving on camera you'd think he might of been a little more discreet when it came to his own life.
But, To Catch A Predator host, Chris Hansen, has been caught cheating on his long suffering wife a SECOND time.
The National Enquirer are reporting that the 51-year-old married father of two embarked on a steamy six month affair with Kathleen Collins, a stripper that he met in Las Vegas in early 2011.
According to the Enquirer the petite blonde fell hard for Hansen and was "floored" when she discovered that he had also been carrying on an extramarital fling with another woman, Kristyn Caddell, a 30-year-old TV news reporter for WPTV 5 in West Palm Beach, Fl.
Collins learned of Hansen's other mistress when she saw photos of the two of them together in the Enquirer, who broke the story - and a close friend claims: "I know this sounds crazy, but Kathleen really thought she was the only one."
Lance Gross Gets Shirtless For KORE Mag's Skin Issue
A little Morning Swexyness for you ladies. Lance Gross is in his full out chocolatey goodness in the new Summer 2011 issue of KORE magazine. And since it's the Skin & Beauty issue--of course Lance is showing his skin we all know and love.
He just turned the big 3-0 a few weeks ago, so when asked about kids in his future, Lance jokingly responded, "I want kids by 30."
In the new issue of KORE magazine, Lance dished on his spa routines, his "girlfriend," and more...
Nice. And you're welcome.
Well alrighty now Ms Dana O' aka Latifah Tells Us What She Looks For In A Woman
Queen Latifah had an interesting interview to say the least with Ms Shanika of Hot 107 in Atlanta. In the interview, Queen Latifah actually came out. While it wasn’t a confessional type of interview, she did answer questions that did not hide her lesbian lifestyle that many have wondered about over the years. In addition to this interview, she gave one to Tracy Scott of Sister 2 Sister Magazine. In that interview, she told readers exactly what she’s looking for in a woman:
I just like ladies who have class. Period. And if it’s “T and A” you’re sellin’, that’s fine, as long as that’s what you’re selling. But you don’t have to show everything, you know? You can hold some back and just be yourself and let your personality shine and let your individuality show. There’s no real freedom like being yourself. Big ups to you Queen Latifah! What do you think of her choice of woman? What do you think of her choice to come out in an interview? If this is considered coming out!
THIS IS HOW REAL TALENT SELLS UNITS…Adele’s 21 is TRIPLE PLATINUM in the U.S!
She did it! Adele’s ’21′ album has officially been certified triple platinum after shipping over 3 million copies in the US!
The record received a triple platinum certification this week, a mere 5 months after its February 22nd release. To date, it has sold over 2.83 million copies at retailers and remains the only album of 2011 to sell pass the 2 million mark in the US. Moreover, the project’s lead single, ‘Rolling In The Deep’, is quickly approaching the 5 million mark with 4.69 million downloads sold, continuing to extend its lead as the top-selling digital single by a female UK act in US history.
’21′ also accomplished diamond status in the UK after moving 3 million units in that territory and has scored a worldwide total exceeding 8.3 million copies. Adele can’t be stopped!
Jay-Z Acquires Pharrell’s Billionaire Boys Club Clothing Line
*Jay Z is expanding his business empire with the purchase of a clothing collection co-owned by superproducer Pharrell Williams.
The rap mogul has obtained the licensing to manufacture and distribute the Billionaire Boys Club label via his Rocawear brand, according to GQ.com.
Jay-Z and Pharrell will work “as a tandem” to capitalize on “Jay Z’s business prowess and Pharrell’s creativity” to boost the profile of the line, which Williams established in 2005 with his designer friend Nigo.
Jay-Z sold the rights to Rocawear to the Iconix Brand Group in 2007, but he remains a shareholder and is still in charge of product development, marketing and licensing.
Oprah Winfrey Set to Receive Oscars Honor
They have all impacted society in one way or another, so it comes as no surprise that Oprah Winfrey, James Earl Jones and Dick Smith will be receiving Oscars this year.
After Tuesday’s (August 2) voting, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the three will be honored with Oscar statuettes at the Governors Awards in November
Winfrey will receive the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, which honors philanthropic and humanitarian contributions, while Jones and Smith will receive honorary Oscars for their outstanding careers.
Smith, Jones and Winfrey will receive their statuettes on Nov. 12 at the 3rd annual Governors Awards dinner at the Grand Ballroom at Hollywood & Highland Center, just above the Kodak Theatre, where the Academy Awards are presented.
Is Jamie Foxx Going Broke?
Word around these Internets is Jaime Foxx's money isn't as long as it used to be.
Oscar winner Jamie Foxx is selling his $10.5 million home. Know why?
Because rumor has it that Jamie Foxx is having financial problems mane.
Here’s what an insider had to say:
“Jamie bought all his baby mommas a house, and the up-keep for his house in Thousand Oaks, is killing his pockets. Money ain’t coming in like it used to.”
It also bugged Foxx out when he learned that the FBI was running surveillance in relation to criminal mastermind Warren Braithwaite, who was doing renovation work on the property.
I don’t know if Jamie Foxx is having financial problems, but I do know that he was devastated when he found his best friend Warren Braithwaite was taken down.
Are Ya’ll ready for some more BeWYanSEy?
Beyonce landed the coveted September issue cover of Harper's Bazaar UK magazine. She shot the gorgeous pics at the Ritz in Paris and rocked a red boatneck sheen-heavy dress for the cover shot.
And also Bey rolled into a New Jersey trailer park to shoot her brand new video for her Andre 3000 & Kanye West laced track "Party." She brought her girls Kelly & Solange along as well. Her magazine shots and pics from the video set when you read on...
Bey got gorge in a black and white evening gown and dramatic mod eyes in opulent rooms of her luxe Paris hotel. A baubled out bracelet and bronzy skin top off all her looks:
Yesterday Bey had a long day of shooting at South Brunswick’s Oakdale Mobile Home Park for her brand new video for her next single "Party." One of my fave tracks off 4. But she had her girl Kelly and sister Solange along for the shoot and they had a bit of fun:
The girls danced it up on the set in a big yellow fur and purple sparkling leg-baring outfit for Kelly.
Who needs pants anymore?
And pics of Bey and Solange arriving to the set with the ever-present Julius:
Fab times I'm sure.
Justin Combs Fielding Football Scholarship Offers
Sean 'Diddy' Combs eldest son Justin is getting offers from all over to play college football.
According to Scout.com, Illinois,Virginia, UAB, Middle Tennessee and Wyoming are programs who have offered a scholarship to Justin Combs, son of rapper and record producer Sean “P. Diddy” Combs… Iowa, Iowa State, Kansas State, UCLA, Arizona State and Cincinnati have also expressed interest…Combs is 5-foot-9, 175-pound defensive back at Iona Prep…Diddy must be thrilled to be saving that tuition money he set aside
Mariah Carey’s New Beach Body
She’s having a blast with her new role as a mother, and it seems Mariah Carey has also toned up her post-pregnancy physique.
The “Always Be My Baby” songstress took to her Twitter page to show off her body in a one-piece swimsuit
Along with the picture, Mariah posted, “Ocean work out! It’s been a loooong time since I’ve been in the ocean.”
In a recent interview, Carey shared, "My body went through so much. I was so uncomfortable. I'm kind of proud of myself. I really am -- sorry, pregnant with twins is different than anything! [People] were always saying to me, 'Oh, but it's all worth it!' Yeah, but it's easy to say when you're not the one whose feet are this big! It turned into like a really difficult time.”
ON THE SET: LaLa & Terrence J Kick It On "Think Like A Man" Set
LaLa Anthony was spotted on the L.A. set of the new movie Think Like A Man. She kicked it with part of the ensemble cast--Terrence J--as they walked around in between takes.
Terrence looked camera ready with his business manager Fred on hand as they chilled on set with LaLa yesterday.
The movie is an adaptation of Steve Harvey's Act Like A Woman, Think Like A Man best selling book. The Tim Story directed movie is set to hit theaters in 2012. La tweeted how thankful she is to be a part of the cast: Long but fun day on the set of @ThinkLikeAMan..so many laughs..I'm happy to be a part of this cast..sweet dreams..#sayurprayers..g'night!
And these pics with her castmates earlier this week:
Nice!
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
Two Headed Monster
At what point does cleavage just turn into two monsters fighting each other in a tube top?
MAKE IT A GOOD WEEK EVERYBODY!!!
EFREM
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