WebProNews

Author: Pam Wright

  • Al Roker’s 60th Birthday Honored With an A-MAIZE-ing Gift — Check it Out

    TODAY show meteorologist Al Roker is getting a unique birthday present for this 60th birthday.

    Every year, Bloomsbury Farm, in Iowa, recreates a variety of different images for a seasonal corn maze — from the Kernel’s mascot Mr. Shucks to Willie Nelson. This year, farm owners Dave and Karen Petersen decided they wanted to honor Roker on his 60th birthday for the simple reason that they think Roker “looks like a great guy.”

    Always a-maize-ing, the cutting takes six hours to complete. The Maize Company, which specializes in cutting images into corn fields, took the Petersens’ idea and created the design, which includes Roker‘s face along with “Happy 60th Al.”

    Apparently, the maze is usually bigger, but this year’s weather destroyed part of the field. Thankfully, enough of the field remained to create the 10-acre masterpiece that includes a two-mile path from start to finish for patrons to explore.

    The maze formally opens during the Labor Day weekend and runs through Halloween.

    On Friday, the TODAY show challenged followers on Twitter to send creative wishes to Roker.

    Bet Bloomsbury Farms wins the challenge!

    Happiest birthday to Al Roker. Hope to see you exploring your a-maize-ing gift this fall! (Sorry had to do it again)

    Image via Al Roker, Instagram

  • Elisabeth Moss Shares 25 Things Fans Might Not Know About Her

    Elisabeth Moss, 32, has a new Indie film, The One I Love , opening in theaters on Aug. 22. In an interview with Us Weekly, the Mad Men actress shared 25 things her fans might not know about her.

    Here is her list:

    1. I have an extraordinary amount of shorts. I wear them all the time.
    2. I can’t swim underwater without holding my nose.
    3. I love showers and take them twice a day.
    4. I like traveling alone.
    5. Red wine is my friend.
    6. I swallow my gum. Like, all the time.
    7. I don’t like tea.
    8. I dry-clean my pajamas so they stay soft and perfect.
    9. New York is my favorite city in the world.

    10. I’m a great napper.
    11. My least favorite thing is having to get up early.
    12. J.D. Salinger is my favorite author.
    13. I love TV and watch a lot of it.
    14. I contemplated being a country singer when I was about 11 years old.

    15. I am obsessed with sushi.
    16. I don’t have any tattoos. I think about getting one every day, but then I get scared.
    17. I prefer brunet men to blonds, but I prefer being blonde rather than brunette.
    18. Every two years, I take up knitting. I’ve never finished a scarf, but I love buying yarn.
    19. Disneyland makes me extremely happy.
    20. I have two cats, named Lucy and Ethel. They are sisters, and I adore them.

    21. I love the sound of rain, and I love lying in the sun.
    22. It’s best not to speak to me pre-morning coffee.
    23. I want to live inside an Anthropologie store.
    24. I text way too much.
    25. I love flowers and wish I owned a flower shop.

    The One I Love is the story of Ethan (Mark Duplass) and Sophie (Moss), who are struggling with their marriage. Deciding to embark on a journey to figure things out, they seek a therapist (Ted Danson), who suggests they take a special retreat. Telling the couple the retreat has helped countless other couples, the couple heed his advice and off they go.

    “When they get there, weird sh– happens,” said first time director Charlie McDowell to Entertainment Weekly, unwilling to share more for fear of divulging spoilers.

    “It’s an in-depth relationship study,” said Duplass. “When you first start dating someone, or are trying to date someone, you present yourself as this person who is probably a lot cooler, smarter, more sensitive, more well read than you really are. And then you get to know them and you feel more comfortable, then you start to reveal that you are petty and a little jealous and a little snarky. That is a fascinating thing to us. How do you maintain that relationship and that love when the people you’re with start to change? We try to use a very pointed, odd plot device to examine that.”

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Mila Kunis Celebrates Birthday With Baby Yoga, Sushi, and Ice Cream With Ashton

    Mila Kunis turned 31 on Friday.

    So how does a pregnant actress celebrate her special day? With yoga, sushi, and ice cream, of course.

    According to E! News, Kunis got in a session of maternity yoga earlier in the day, then set out with fiancé Ashton Kutcher for a casual birthday bash.

    A source told E! the couple began their date with a relaxing dinner at a sushi restaurant in Los Angeles before heading to Sweet Rose Creamery for some ice cream for dessert.

    “They were very hands on—hugging, holding hands throughout the night,” the source said. “They waited in a long line, holding on to one another the entire time. They appeared happy and seemed as if they were really enjoying themselves. If Ashton got her a gift, he gave it to her in private.”

    The couple are always very coy about details of their relationship and growing family. In February, the world learned the That 70s Show alums were engaged, immediately followed by the good news that they were expecting their first child together. However, Kunis‘ due date remains a mystery. On The Ellen DeGeneres Show, she announced her due date as “sometime this year.”

    Anyone else notice the adorable couple are always eating?

    Meanwhile, Kunis did spill, in graphic detail thank you very much, about the birth plan to Marie Claire in the July 2014 issue.

    “Two people are allowed in my delivery room: my doctor and my significant other,” she said. “And [my future husband] is staying above the action. He’ll be head to head. Not head to vag. Unless he wants to risk his life and see. But I wouldn’t if I were him.

    “I highly doubt he wants to see that being ripped apart and shredded,” she added. “Because it will be shredded. It’s just a matter of how badly.”

    Ew!

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Kendall Jenner Denies Throwing Money at Waitress: ‘I Was Raised Better Than That’

    Kendall Jenner took to Twitter Tuesday to deny rumors that claim she threw money in a waitress’ face after walking out on her tab, calling the accusations “absolutely ridiculous.”

    A source told Page Six that Kendall became upset because “the staff wouldn’t serve her [booze] because she’s underage” while having dinner at Mercer Kitchen on Aug. 4, accompanied by Stephen Baldwin’s daughter, Hailey.

    “Kendall and Hailey started laughing,” the witness said. “Kendall took a couple of $20 bills out of her wallet, threw them at the server and walked away, not even counting if it was enough or if it included a tip.”

    Blaine Morris, who played Betty Nardone on MTV’s Skins and is a waitress at Mercer Kitchen, immediately took to Twitter to diss on the reality star.

    “That horrible moment you chase a kardashian down the street because she forgot to pay her bill to be thrown money in your face,” she tweeted.

    Kendall‘s attorney, Marty Singer, reportedly sent Morris a cease-and-desist letter insisting she print an “appropriate retraction and sincere apology” for her allegedly false and defamatory statements, which apparently Morris heeded because the tweet has since been deleted.

    Kendall’s mom, Kris Jenner, chimed in to defend her baby as well.

    “If anybody knows our little Kendall—our tall Kendall—she’s the most respectful little girl in the world and would never do anything like that,” said Kris. “And once she realized what was going on she absolutely gave the woman the 30 dollars that she owed—or 33 dollars, plus a tip—and felt very horrible about the fact that somebody would do this and create these stories and start spreading things.”

    Looks like Morris decided to remember what’s important when she tweeted:

    Image via Kendall Jenner, Instagram

  • Kate Upton Shares Her Viewpoint on Posing Nude

    Kate Upton has set the record straight about posing nude, and it may come as a disappointment to some.

    In a recent interview with Details magazine, Upton was asked about the possibility of a nude photo shoot.

    “For me those photos are art. Your body is art, your body is beautiful, and to be photographed in that way is amazing and it’s received in a very positive way” said Upton. “But with social media and the Internet and not so great blogs and the attention like that, I don’t think that my pictures would be received in the way that I’d want them to be received.”

    That doesn’t mean the Sports Illustrated swimsuit model doesn’t appreciate a beautiful, well-done nude shot of women.

    “That’s why I’ve stayed away from them. I really appreciate those photos and I think those women are beautiful, but I think social media and the Internet has prevented me from putting myself out there like that,” she said.

    Upton also took some time to explain why she chooses certain modeling gigs over others.

    “I think that sometimes I take more commercial brands because I want it to be affordable,” said the conscientious 21-year-old. “Not because I’m trying to plan it out, but because I used to be in a situation where I couldn’t afford the really amazing expensive clothes and I want to show people that there are fashionable clothes out there for affordable prices.”

    The curvy model doesn’t mind being known as a bombshell, but says she has certain goals she wants to accomplish in her career.

    “It’s where I’ve started and it’s what I’ve accomplished, so I’m happy about it. But the more my career grows, I think that people will see that I have a lot more to offer and a lot more to give, but I want to do it right and that’s why it’s taking me time. I’m patient about it. Now it’s out of my hands—it has kind of been rolling on its own—but at the beginning I was micromanaging every little step. For example, I felt that my agency before wasn’t helping me in the direction I wanted to go, so I approached IMG myself. I always had in my mind where I should be at a certain stage.”

    Image via Kate Upton, Instagram

  • Kristin Cavallari Rethinks Big Family Plan: ‘It’s a Ton of Fun,’ but Another Baby Is ‘The Last Thing on My Mind’

    Kristin Cavallari is loving family life. She had baby number two in May, but says more children may not be in the immediate future.

    In the past, E!’s Fabulist co-host has said she would love to have a large family with husband Jay Cutler, but that may have changed a bit since becoming mother to two-year-old Camden and three-month-old Jack.

    “I think I said that before I had any kids!” Cavallari told Michigan Avenue‘s all fashion issue.

    “It’s great,” she told the magazine. “Before we had children, Jay and I both wanted four, and now we’re thinking three, but we’re just going to have to see how it goes. Right now the last thing on my mind is having another baby, but it is a ton of fun. We love having kids; Camden is going to be two in August, and it’s such a fun age. He’s just starting to talk, and he makes us laugh every single day.”

    Cavallari said she still thinks she may have another child, but her big family plans seem to have been nixed.

    “I do think we’ll end up having another one, but then we’re done. It’s a lot of work, and being pregnant for a full nine months isn’t the best thing in the world,” she said.

    The 27-year-old says her life has certainly changed since welcoming Jax into the family.

    “It’s a lot easier in the sense that you know what to do and expect, so you have a lot more confidence. But you have zero time to yourself now,” says Cavallari. “Camden takes a nap at 1 o’clock, so when Camden’s going down, Jax is just waking up to eat and play, so there’s literally no time. But it’s amazing and really sweet seeing Camden love being a big brother.”

    Cavallari said the arrival of her second baby boy was a lot easier than the first because she has more experience.

    “You’re definitely more relaxed with the second one because you’re not stressed out by questioning everything that you’re doing,” she said.

    So how is her Chigaco Bears quarterback husband, 31, doing as a dad?

    “Jay is a great dad,” she dishes. “He’s incredibly hands-on, and he has been since day one.”

    “It’s so sweet seeing him with Camden and Jax,” she told the magazine, “and there’s nothing sexier than seeing your husband as a great dad. I couldn’t ask for a better partner in this situation.”

    Image via Kristen Cavallari, Instagram

  • Pam Dawber of ‘Mork and Mindy’, Other Co-Stars Remember Robin Williams

    The world has reacted with shock and sadness this week to the death of Robin Williams, who was found dead in his Tiberon, California home on Monday. The 63-year-old, beloved actor’s death was ruled a suicide by hanging.

    Those who worked with him and knew him well shared their thoughts following the tragic news.

    “I am completely and totally devastated. What more can be said?” — Mork and Mindy co-star Pam Dawber, in a statement.

    “My life is a better place because I knew Robin Williams. To my children he was Uncle Robin, to everyone he worked with, he was the best boss anyone had ever known, and to me he was not just an inspiration but he was the Father I had always dreamed of having. There are not enough adjectives to describe the light he was, to anyone that ever had the pleasure to meet him. I will miss him everyday, but I know the memory of him will live on. And to his family, I thank them for letting us know him and seeing the joy they brought him. Us crazy ones love you. God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” — The Crazy Ones co-star Sarah Michelle Gellar, in a statement.

    “Heartbroken. Thanks chief — for your friendship and for what you gave the world. Robin had a ton of love in him. He personally did so much for so many people. He made Matt and my dreams come true. What do you owe a guy who does that? Everything. May you find peace my friend.” — Ben Affleck, in a statement, referring to Williams starring in his and Matt Damon’s first acting/writing venture, Good Will Hunting.

    “His kindness and generosity is what I think of. How kind he was to anyone who wanted to connect with him. And he could not help but be funny all the time. He would do something as long as it would keep you laughing. He made many, many film crews laugh out loud before the audiences ever saw it. He made such a big impact on the world. So there is the man, and his talent, and I think in his case both were extraordinary.” — Night at the Museum co-star Ben Stiller, in a statement.

    “I feel I have to say something more than just ‘heartbreaking and shocking,’ which everyone has said and I feel as well, but something a little more personal. Thus the following: One day in 1995 while riffing in the character of a snobby French toy store owner, Robin made me laugh so hard and so long that I cried. It seemed to please him to no end. Yesterday, I cried again at the thought that he was gone. What I will always remember about Robin, perhaps even more than his comic genius, extraordinary talent and astounding intellect, was his huge heart — his tremendous kindness, generosity and compassion as an acting partner, colleague and fellow traveler in a difficult world. My heartfelt condolences to his wife and family.” — The Birdcage co-star Nathan Lane, in Time magazine.

    “I feel stunned and so sad about Robin. I’m sad for the world of comedy. And so very sad for his family. And I’m sad for Robin. He always lit up when he was able to make people laugh, and he made them laugh his whole life long…. tirelessly. He was one of a kind. There will not be another. Please God, let him now rest in peace.” — Mrs. Doubtfire co-star Sally Field, in a statement.

    —”Robin was a lightning storm of comic genius and our laughter was the thunder that sustained him. He was a pal and I can’t believe he’s gone.” — Steven Spielberg, in a statement.

    “I saw him on stage the very first time he auditioned at the Improv and we have been friends ever since. It’s a very sad day.” — Jay Leno, in a statement.

    “We have lost one of our most inspired and gifted comic minds, as well as one of this generation’s greatest actors. To watch Robin work, was a magical and special privilege. His performances were unlike anything any of us had ever seen, they came from some spiritual and otherworldly place. He truly was one of the few people who deserved the title of ‘genius.’” — Hook director Chris Columbus, in a statement.

    “Robin and I were great friends, suffering from the same little-known disease: depression. I never could have expected this ending to his life, and to ours with him. God bless him and God bless us all for his LIFE! I cannot believe this. I am overwhelmed with grief. What a wonderful man/boy and what a tremendous talent in the most important art of any time – comedy! I loved him.” — Chevy Chase, in a statement.

    “I’ve never known a sweeter, brighter, more considerate person than Robin. Robin’s commitment as an artist to lifting our mood and making us happy is compared to none. He loved us all and we loved him back.” — John Travolta, in a statement.

    “To see Robin perform was an experience. He was more than a comedian. He was a comedy force of nature. I remember hearing that Robin was once doing a press junket in Germany. One of the reporters asked him, ‘Why is it that Germany is not known for comedy?’ Robin answered, ‘Well, you killed all your funny people.’ I laughed out loud when I heard that. I thought, how sick and how wonderfully truthful.” — comedian Gilbert Gottfried, in a statement.

    “I was lucky to work with him as an actor and witness first hand the magic of what made him a legend, the wit and other worldly improv skills.” — Hook co-star Dante Basco (Rufio), in a statement.

    Image via Robin Williams, Instagram

  • Jyoti Amge, the World’s Smallest Woman, Joins Cast of ‘American Horror Story’

    Jyoti Amge, the world’s smallest woman, has signed on to star in the upcoming season of American Horror Story: Freak Show.

    The 2′ 0.6″ tall native of Nagpur, India has been acknowledged as the world’s smallest living woman in both the Guinness Book of Records and the Limca Book of Records. Series creator Ryan Murphy announced the news Wednesday on Twitter, alongside a photo of series’ star Jessica Lange.

    Amge, 20, has a genetic disorder called achondroplasia, a form of short-limbed dwarfism. The word achondroplasia literally means “without cartilage formation,” according to the Genetics Home Reference website.

    After Amge was named the world’s smallest woman, she stated that she would like to become an actor. Looks like her wish came true in a big way.

    The new season is set in 1950’s Florida and stars Lange as freak show manager Elsa Mars. Joining Lange is Sarah Paulson as conjoined twins Bette and Dot Tattler. Michael Chiklis will play strongman performer Wendell del Toredo and Angela Bassett stars as Wendell’s wife Desiree Dupree.

    Things will likely get interesting with Kathy Bates playing Wendell’s ex-wife Ethel Darling. Rounding out the cast are Evan Peters as their son Jimmy Darling, Emma Roberts as Maggie and John Carroll Lynch as a villain.

    American Horror Story: Freak Show will premiere on FX in October. Murphy has said it has “a little more humor and a little bit more camp” than Asylum, but a darker tone than Coven.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Chelsea Handler Poses in Nothing But a Thong on Instagram to Promote Finale

    Only Chelsea Handler could get away with something like this and continue to retain her OMG-she’s-so-cool factor.

    The 39-year-old television host posted a surprising shot Thursday on Instagram, wearing nothing more than a thong to promote the finale of her E! series, Chelsea Lately. The photo shows the looking-good-at-almost-40 Handler in a locker room sitting on a folded towel on a wooden bench, glancing provocatively over her shoulder, wearing only a tan-colored pair of underwear.

    The best part about the post is the caption: I’m a Kardashian.

    The funny lady shared another sexy-sexy shot on Wednesday. This time Handler is shown standing on a towel, wearing a va-va-voom black lace bra and panties set, surrounded by self-tanning products.

    For this one, she captioned: “Getting ready for my final shower scene. August 26th is the one hour finale. Orange you glad I told you?” Get it? Self-tanning products? Orange? OK, you get it.

    The last episode of the long-running talk show will air live on Aug. 26. Handler’s guest appearances will include none other than her ex-boyfriend, 50 Cent. Other expected guests include Handler’s BFF’s Jennifer Aniston and Sandra Bullock.


    Handler will launch her much anticipated Netflix talk show in 2016.

    Handler has said she chose to work with Netflix because she wanted to take on something completely different if she was going to stay in the industry.

    “If I was going to continue working in this industry, I knew I had to do something outside the box to keep myself interested,” Handler said. “I’m more excited than I’ve been in awhile, and the team at Netflix is the most forward thinking, alert group I’ve sat down with in ages.”

    Image via Chelsea Handler, Instagram

  • Sherry Pollex, Girlfriend of NASCAR driver Martin Truex Jr., Has Ovarian Cancer

    Sherry Pollex, the girlfriend of NASCAR driver Martin Truex Jr., announced on Twitter Wednesday that she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

    “Sherry and Martin would like to thank the NASCAR community for all the well wishes,” said a statement released Wednesday. “They have requested that everyone respect the family’s privacy as Sherry begins her treatment and recovery.”

    Following the news, Truex Jr. made the decision to skip Friday’s practice and qualifying session to be with his longtime love as she undergoes surgery.

    By giving up his spot in Friday’s event, Truex Jr. will be replaced by Matt Crafton, the reigning Camping World Truck Series champion. Truex Jr. plans on competing in Sunday’s Sprint Cup Series race with his Furniture Row Racing team.

    “Everyone at Furniture Row Racing extends their thoughts and prayers to Sherry during her treatment and recovery period,” said Joe Garone, FRR general manager, in a team release. “She is a devoted supporter of our race team and we can’t wait for her return to the track.”

    The irony of Pollex’s diagnosis is her advocacy for cancer research. Even before her diagnosis, she used her voice to seek support for childhood cancer in particular. Since 2007, she and Truex Jr. have hosted Catwalk for a Cause in Charlotte, North Carolina, to benefit children with pediatric cancer. She also manages the Martin Truex Jr. Foundation, to help children suffering from illness, poverty and neglect.

    Even with her new personal battle with cancer, she continues to advocate for kids with cancer.

    “Sherry’s passion is helping children, and specifically those fighting pediatric cancer,” read a statement on the foundation’s website. “Her involvement is well known, as she is the creator of the Foundation’s annual Catwalk for a Cause. If you would like to honor Sherry, please consider making a donation towards Pediatric Cancer Research.”

    Image via Sherry Pollex, Twitter

  • Elizabeth Smart-Gilmour Uses Her Kidnapping Experience For Good Addressing Human Trafficking

    Elizabeth Smart-Gilmour is turning ashes into roses.

    On Monday, Smart-Gilmour shared the experiences of her nine-month kidnapping ordeal at a round table discussion tackling the growing problem of violence and human trafficking in the Dakotas.

    As reported by Valley News Live, Dakota’s U.S. Attorneys joined forces with medical professionals, social workers and advocate group representatives at a three-day event in Sioux Falls to determine protocol for recognizing and supporting victims of human trafficking.

    Smart-Gilmour stressed that it is a growing concern across the country.

    “It’s everywhere whether you accept it or not,” she said. “It’s in my hometown. It’s here in your hometown. It’s everywhere, and as soon as we open our eyes and acknowledge that, the sooner we can start to make a difference.”

    A focus of the conference was the vulnerability of woman and children, and the horrors of being caught in human trafficking rings that are difficult to escape.

    “I mean the fact of the matter is these victims are often the most vulnerable in our community and if the community itself is not taking care of our own children, there are predators out there that are looking to take advantage of that situation,” said Brenda Johnson, attorney general of the South Dakota U.S. Attorney’s.

    Johnson said awareness is not enough. She told the round table it’s imperative the state gets ahead of the problem to protect future victims from being sold for sex.

    “Most often, in South Dakota, our victims are ages 13 to 30, they come from a vulnerable population, often have drug abuse or alcohol addiction problems,” Johnson said.

    Tad Jacobs, chief medical officer for the Avera Medical Group, said the signs of trafficking can be very difficult to detect, but with greater awareness, it will improve the chances of detecting victims when they come to medical facilities.

    “If we have a heightened awareness, then we’ll look for those clues and sometimes, you know, if somebody comes in and has been a victim of violence, it’s pretty obvious in the clinic or in a hospital, but sometimes those clues are very subtle and they’re not very obvious,” Jacobs said.

    Human trafficking has been particularly prevalent in Sturgis, South Dakota. Nine men were arrested last year and six were arrested this year. Johnson said it’s not something anyone wants to think about but says avoiding the problem will only allow it to escalate.

    “This is difficult stuff to talk about, it makes people uncomfortable, but that’s okay because the reality is the discomfort that we have talking about sex trafficking is nothing compared to the real life pain that South Dakota children have gone through when they’ve been victimized,” Johnson said.

    Smart-Gilmour was abducted from her bedroom in her family’s Salt Lake City home on June 5, 2002, at the age of 14. She was found nine months later on March 12, 2003, in Sandy, Utah, 18 miles from her home, in the company of Brian David Mitchell, who raped Smart-Gilmour during her captivity, and Wanda Ileen Barzee.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Robin Williams: Publicist Slams Rumors of Financial Difficulties

    Robin Williams‘s publicist vehemently denies the late actor was experiencing money difficulties before his death.

    “Robin had no financial problems,” said Williams’s rep, Mara Buxbaum, to The Wrap. “We should be blessed to have Robin’s financial status.”

    The Oscar-winning actor was found dead Monday in his home in Tiburon, California. The cause of death was ruled suicide by hanging, according to Marin County Sheriff. Buxbaum, president of ID-PR, confirmed he had been “battling severe depression of late.”

    Since his death, a number of media outlets have speculated that Williams was having financial woes based on a September 2013 interview.

    “The idea of having a steady job is appealing,” Williams told Parade on his return to television. “I have two [other] choices: go on the road doing stand-up, or do small, independent movies working almost for scale [minimum union pay]. The movies are good, but a lot of times they don’t even have distribution. There are bills to pay. My life has downsized, in a good way. I’m selling the ranch up in Napa. I just can’t afford it anymore.”

    During the interview, Williams said his divorces where hitting his wallet hard.

    “Well, [I didn’t lose] all [my money],” said Buxbaum. “Lost enough. Divorce is expensive. I used to joke they were going to call it ‘all the money,’ but they changed it to ‘alimony.’ It’s ripping your heart out through your wallet. Are things good with my exes? Yes. But do I need that lifestyle? No.”

    According to Buxbaum, it was said as a joke.

    “Robin often said things in jest, and sometimes it just doesn’t translate in print,” she said.

    “There were plenty of times over the years that Robin was offered to do TV,” she continued. “Robin wanted to do The Crazy Ones because of [show creator] David Kelley and the material. That’s why he took the show… not because he needed the money.

    “I understand the desire to understand the ‘Why’… It’s not going to happen. The better thing to do is to try to understand severe depression. That isn’t going to be answered, and you can speculate all you want.”

    Forbes estimated Williams’s net worth to be around $50 million.

    Willams is survived by wife Susan Schneider and three adult children from two previous marriages. Daughter Zelda is 25 and sons Zachary and Cody are 31 and 22, respectively.

    In 2009, the actor set up a trust for his children, which was set up to be paid out in thirds when they reached the ages of 21, 25, and 30.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Christy Mack’s Porn Pals Raise Funds For Her Following Vicious Beating

    Christy Mack has some good friends in the porn industry.

    The porn star’s pals are raising money through crowd funding to help her with the costs associated with reconstructive surgery after she was allegedly beaten by ex-boyfriend and MMA fighter War Machine.

    According to TMZ, porn star Kendall Karson started the campaign to raise money so Mack can have surgery to repair her nose, eye socket and other necessary procedures, and has already raised a reported $30,000 of a $100,000 goal via Give Forward.

    Jon Koppenhaver — aka War Machine — allegedly found another man at Mack’s home on Aug. 8 when he arrived at her doorstep. Koppenhaver reportedly assaulted the man before the man fled. He then attacked Mack, beating her, cutting her with a knife, and cutting her hair, before she escaped to a neighbors house.

    According to a tweet she posted from the hospital, the 33-year-old adult actress suffered 18 broken bones around her eyes. Her nose was also broken in two places, some teeth were knocked out, a rib was fractured, and her liver was ruptured.

    Koppenhaver, who defended himself on social media, saying he was there to ask Mack to marry him and the truth will eventually come out, was named as a suspect and Las Vegas police are on the hunt for him.

    As if that drama wasn’t enough, Planet Earth’s Dog the Bounty Hunter has reportedly been called in by the Mack family to find the fugitive.

    According to TMZ, War Machine was to turn himself in by 7 p.m. Tuesday. Apparently, War Machine did not heed Dog‘s warning, so a future episode may be in the works featuring the search for War Machine by Dog and his badass crew.

    Koppenhaver is facing at least seven criminal counts related to the alleged assault.

    Image via Christy Mack, Instagram

  • Meagan Good on Skin Bleaching Rumors: ‘Umm No Ma’am.’

    Meagan Good took to Instagram in an effort to quickly dispel rumors that she bleaches her skin.

    The Think Like a Man Too star has been accused of bleaching her skin with lightening agents. The rumors seem to have disturbed the 33-year-old actress enough to send her to social media to set the record straight. Another motivating factor was her desire to be a positive role model for her band of young female followers on social media.

    Alongside a baby photo of herself, she wrote:

    “I can’t believe I’m actually going to address this nonsense lol … Buuuut I have young women who follow me – so I think its important to give clarity because I believe that black and every other color is beautiful.. This is for those who believe that I would actually bleach my face and entire body to try to be lighter skin smh …. Umm No Ma’am.

    “First off? I LOVE my complexion- no matter what side of the spectrum I’m at at any particular time… My skin looks various different ways for various reasons – from lighting to makeup..style of photography or something as simple as weather and what coast on working on at any given time… This is my complexion-the one I was born with… I tend to get lighter and darker depending upon how much sun I do or don’t get.”

    Good continued:

    “I looove the sun I’m a Cali gal, but as I’ve gotten older and especially more recently, since I’ve gotten into my 30s, I tend not to be in the sun as much because it ages your skin terribly. Simply put -i’m opting to preserve my skin by protecting it and only making exceptions for vacations… Also for the rest of the people who feel as though my blonde hair is yet another way to look more caucasian? “”GET. YO. LIFE. “”…. I went blonde for the same reason I went purple …and for the same reason I’ll probably go Green at some point..because I felt like it.

    “Once again, I acknowledge I really shouldn’t have taken the time to respond to this foolishness, but I felt moved to say something for every little brown girl that follows my page …I’m proud to be me brown or tan, thick or thin, natural hair or weave or dyed purple or green. Godbless…”

    Image via Meagan Good, Instagram

  • Hope Solo’s Domestic Violence Trial Set for Nov. 4

    Hope Solo‘s domestic violence case, which stems from an alleged incident that took place at her sister’s home in June, is set for Nov. 4 in Kirkland, Washington.

    The 33-year-old soccer star appeared Monday before a Municipal Court judge with her husband, former NFL player Jerramy Stevens.

    “We were hoping for a trial as early as possible,” said Solo’s attorney, Todd Maybrown, in an email to the Seattle Times. “Looking at the schedule, November was the earliest date possible.”

    The goalkeeper for the Seattle Reign and a University of Washington graduate, who helped the national team to gold medals in the 2008 and 2012 Olympics, has pleaded not guilty to gross-misdemeanor charges. If convicted, Solo could face up to six months in prison.

    Police were dispatched June 21 to her sister’s home, where she was allegedly “going crazy and hitting people.”

    According to court documents, police arrived to the sounds of shouting from Solo, who was reportedly drunk. Her sister and 17-year-old nephew were said to be crying with visible injuries. During a two-day stint in jail, she entered a plea of not guilty on two counts of fourth-degree domestic assault. She was then released on her own recognizance.

    On June 26, she took to Facebook with an apology, calling the incident “highly unfortunate”.

    “I understand that, as a public figure, I am held to a higher standard of conduct,” she said. “I take seriously my responsibilities as a role model and sincerely apologize to everyone I have disappointed.”

    She added that she was confident her name would be cleared.

    Solo continues to practice with the Seattle Reign, and the trial date is not expected to conflict with Reign matches nor the October qualifying matches for the 2015 World Cup. The team has said it will decide her future with the team following the trial’s outcome.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Alexa Vega, Brette Taylor Score Roles on ‘Nashville’

    Alexa Vega and Brette Taylor have been signed on to star in multiple-episode arcs for the upcoming third season of ABC‘s country music drama Nashville.

    Vega, best known for her roles in Spy Kids and The Tomorrow People, will play Gunnar’s (Sam Palladio) high school sweetheart, Kiley, in a three-episode arc. Kiley is now a single mom who just arrived in Nashville to raise her 10-year-old son she had at a young age. Hmmm? Wonder if he’s Gunnar’s kid?

    Taylor will portray Luke Wheeler’s (Will Chase) back-up singer. The actress, best known for roles in Return To Paradise and Laws Of Attraction, will play Pam, a talented singer with a dark past who inspires Deacon (Charles Esten).

    Nashville premiered on ABC in 2012, and focuses on the relationship between country superstar Rayna Jaymes (Connie Britton) and rising star Juliette Barnes (Hayden Panettiere). The series also stars Clare Bowen as Scarlett O’Connor, Eric Close as Teddy Conrad, Chaley Rose as Zoey and Jonathan Jackson as Avery Barkley.

    Image via Alexa Vega, Instagram

  • Catherine Zeta-Jones Ripped by Michael Douglas’ Ex-Wife

    Catherine Zeta-Jones received a bashing from husband Michael Douglas‘ ex-wife.

    Diandra Douglas, who was married to the 69-year-old actor for 23 years, got just a little bit aggressive about Zeta-Jones in an interview with the El Mundo, as reported by MailOnline.

    The attack began with a question from the publication asking about rumors that Zeta-Jones was trying to purchase half her villa in Majorca, Spain.

    “It’s not true. Sometimes people say things without the slightest proof,” she said. “Why would someone who doesn’t speak Spanish or the local Majorcan language or knows nothing about this culture want a house here? She doesn’t even come here much.”

    When the publication asked her why the Hollywood couple was more visible in Majorca than she, Diandra retorted, “That’s because I don’t believe in showing off.”

    She went on to say she would never dream of selling her life like Zeta-Jones, referring to the couple’s decision to sell their wedding photos in 2000.

    “I’ve never sold photos or kept money from anything and I’ve always given everything away to charity,” she said. “I’m proud to be able to say that I’ve never turned my private life into show business. Too much public exposure affects children.”

    Douglas and Diandra divorced in 2000, not long before Douglas married Zeta-Jones that same year. Last year, he conceded they should have split much, much sooner.

    “I know I’m going to get into trouble here,” he said. “I have nothing against her, and in fact, I’m very fond of my first wife. But we should have ended that marriage eight or 10 years earlier.

    “It took me too long to realise that if you go to a marriage counsellor to resolve problems, it’s in his interest to keep the marriage going.

    “Because if I end the marriage he’s got no business. I think Diandra would probably say the same thing. That’s the only clear regret that I have.”

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Robin Williams: Daughter Zelda Abandons Social Media After Troll Attacks

    As if losing her father wasn’t enough, Zelda Williams has had to endure online trolling over her father’s death, leading her to abandon Twitter and Instagram.

    The world was devastated when news of Robin Williams’s death was revealed Monday. The cause of death was ruled suicide by hanging, according to the Marin County Sheriff’s Department. The actor’s longtime rep, Mara Buxbaum, confirmed the tragic news, saying the beloved actor had been “battling severe depression of late.”

    Zelda has received mostly positive and encouraging notes from concerned fans. However, several anonymous users sent graphic photoshopped images along with disgusting, hateful remarks, and others complained that she didn’t post more ‘selfies’ with her dad.

    It’s enough to make one’s blood boil.

    On Instagram, she shared a photo of a butterfly alongside a caption that read: “I will be leaving this account for a [sic] but while I heal and decide if I’ll be deleting it or not. In this difficult time, please try to be respectful of the accounts of myself, my family and my friends. Mining our accounts for photos of dad, or judging me on the number of them is cruel and unnecessary. There are a couple throughout, but the real private moments I shared with him were precious, quiet, and believe it or not, not full of photos or ‘selfies’.

    “I shared him with a world where everyone was taking their photo with him, but I was lucky enough to spend time with him without cameras too. That was more than enough, and I’m grateful for what little time I had. My favorite photos of family are framed in my house, not posted on social media, and they’ll remain there. They would’ve wound up on the news or blogs then, and they certainly would now. That’s not what I want for our memories together. Thank you for your respect and understanding in this difficult time. Goodbye. Xo.”

    Zelda also posted a farewell message on Twitter.

    On Tuesday, Zelda released a statement on her Tumblr page regarding her father‘s death and addressing the negative comments.

    “My family has always been private about our time spent together,” Zelda began. “It was our way of keeping one thing that was ours, with a man we shared with an entire world. But now that’s gone, and I feel stripped bare. My last day with him was his birthday, and I will be forever grateful that my brothers and I got to spend that time alone with him, sharing gifts and laughter. He was always warm, even in his darkest moments. While I’ll never, ever understand how he could be loved so deeply and not find it in his heart to stay, there’s minor comfort in knowing our grief and loss, in some small way, is shared with millions. It doesn’t help the pain, but at least it’s a burden countless others now know we carry, and so many have offered to help lighten the load. Thank you for that.

    “To those he touched who are sending kind words, know that one of his favorite things in the world was to make you all laugh,” she continued. “As for those who are sending negativity, know that some small, giggling part of him is sending a flock of pigeons to your house to poop on your car. Right after you’ve had it washed. After all, he loved to laugh too… Dad was, is and always will be one of the kindest, most generous, gentlest souls I’ve ever known, and while there are few things I know for certain right now, one of them is that not just my world, but the entire world is forever a little darker, less colorful and less full of laughter in his absence. We’ll just have to work twice as hard to fill it back up again.”

    Robin‘s last Twitter and Instagram post was a tender note of love to his daughter on her 25th birthday: “#tbt and Happy Birthday to Ms. Zelda Rae Williams! Quarter of a century old today but always my baby girl. Happy Birthday @zeldawilliams Love you!”

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Amanda Fuller to Channel Brittany Murphy in Lifetime Biopic

    Amanda Fuller, best known for roles in Last Man Standing and Grey’s Anatomy, will channel her best Brittany Murphy for a Lifetime biopic about the late actress, set to air on Sept. 6.

    It’s been five years since Murphy died at the age of 32. The Los Angeles coroner determined the actress died of natural causes as a result of pneumonia. Five months after her death, Murphy’s husband Simon Monjack died from the same illness.

    The Brittany Murphy Story depicts the close relationship between Murphy and her mother, Sharon, portrayed by Sherilyn Fenn. The story focuses on their shared ambition for the young actress, which culminated with her role in the 1995 cult classic Clueless.

    “Her desperation for approval and insecurity about her looks makes her personal life a disaster,” Lifetime said in a statement. “Unlike other stage moms, Sharon was always her daughter’s support system, but that enduring love wasn’t enough to save her sensitive Brittany from the vicissitudes of Hollywood life.”

    The movie encompasses Murphy’s early life, rise to fame and continues after her death on Dec. 20, 2009, when her biological father, Angelo Bertolutti, claimed his daughter was poisoned.

    In November, Sharon published an open letter in The Hollywood Reporter, slamming her ex-husband for propagating rumors that her death was from anything other than from natural causes.

    “We will never know for sure,” Sharon wrote. “However, we do know the Los Angeles County Coroner did extensive tests and found that she died of natural causes. And now she is a real living angel in heaven.”

    Murphy had minor roles on television before moving on to star in films, which included Clueless, Girl Interrupted and 8 Mile.

    Image Amanda Fuller, Instagram

  • Gillian Anderson, David Duchovny Dating Rumors True or Just Wishful Thinking?

    Few who witnessed the chemistry between David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson on the X-Files can deny the idea of the alien-fighting duo getting together hasn’t crossed their minds now that Duchovny’s divorce from Téa Leoni is final.

    But are rumors of them together now true?

    Duchovny and Leoni have been on-again, off-again for the last six years. The couple were married in 1997 but split amidst Duchovny’s sexual addiction struggles that led the Aquarius actor to enter rehab in 2008.

    They reunited, split again in 2011 and finally divorced quietly in June.

    Immediately following the divorce, rumors emerged that Duchovny, 54, and Anderson, 46, were dating, but Duchovny denied the two were involved.

    Neither Duchovny nor Anderson has confirmed any romantic ties, but witnesses allegedly saw Anderson leaving Duchovny’s apartment a few weeks ago.

    Anderson has conceded that the alien-fighting co-stars have thought about a relationship, but any opportunity to unite may have slipped away.

    “Well now that it is over I can tell you… No. It’s a nice idea, but it’s not going to happen,” Anderson told HuffPostLive. “I think we know each other too well, we know each other better than our spouses at any time when we may have had spouses. There is an attraction… maybe even more than a [friend] attraction… but anyways.”

    Anderson herself is very quick to open up about her private life. In March, she revealed that she is bi-sexual, but has denied anything more than a great friendship between herself and the Californication star.

    Duchovny and his ex-wife will share legal custody of their 12-year-old son, Kyd Miller, and 15-year-old daughter, Madelaine West, although they will reside with the 48-year-old actress. Duchovny’s financial responsibiliies include $40K per month in spousal support and more than $8K per month in child support, as well as other expenses including summer camp, private school and college.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Katie Holmes Reflects on Life After Cruise, ‘The Giver’ and Raising Suri

    Katie Holmes is loving life right now.

    It’s been nearly two years since the 35-year-old actress divorced ex-husband Tom Cruise, and she is busier and happier than ever.

    Speaking with Today show host Matt Lauer last week, Holmes shared about life after Cruise, her role as mother to eight-year-old daughter Suri Cruise and portraying an empty-nesting mother in her new film, The Giver.

    “I’m a risk-taker,” Holmes told Matt Lauer of her decision to play the unnamed mother of the hero Jonas — played by Brenton Thwaites — in the movie based on Lois Lowry’s beloved young adult novel. “I love adventures and new things.”

    Holmes said it was easy to approach her role in The Giver.

    “I approached it like all mothers when their child is leaving the nest,” said the Dawson’s Creek alum. “There’s a pain. There’s a loss. That’s how I approached the character.”

    In the interview, Lauer referenced her escalation to superstar status following her marriage to Cruise and asked if she wishes she could go back to the days when she wasn’t the focus of so much attention.

    “Do you ever think you would make a deal and trade some of that fame to go back to that person you were beforehand?” Lauer asked.

    “You know what?” Holmes replied thoughtfully. “I never really look back. I just approach life [taking] it one day at a time. I’m really excited about where I am right now. I’ve had some really wonderful creative experiences. I’m just really grateful.”

    Holmes enjoyed an idyllic life growing up in Toledo, Ohio with a strong, supportive family and says she aspires to give her daughter a similar experience full of the same love and support she experienced, albeit in a very different environment from the one in which she was raised.

    “Of course you try your best. I try very hard because I’m very grateful for my upbringing, my parents, my siblings. I try to do what they did for me for my little one,” said Holmes. “The most important thing for me is letting her know how proud I am and her accomplishments mean everything. Whatever I do is whatever. It’s really just about her. That’s what I think is most important.”

    Image via Wikimedia Commons