WebProNews

Author: Pam Wright

  • ‘American Idol’ Finalist Michael Johns Dies at 35 From a Blood Clot

    Michael Johns, a Top 10 finalist and fan favorite of American Idol Season Seven, has died at age 35.

    “Our family is devastated by the passing of our beloved Michael, a wonderful husband, son, brother, uncle, and friend,” said a family statement released via American Idol, Fox, FremantleMedia North America and 19 Entertainment. “We appreciate the outpouring of love and support we have received from all corners of the globe. Please keep Michael in your thoughts and respect our need to grieve privately in this difficult time.”

    An official cause-of-death has not been issued, but sources told The Hollywood Reporter that it was likely a pulmonary embolism as a result of a blood clot in his ankle. Johns was apparently complaining of pain in his legs the day before he died, according to E! News.

    “My mom took him into the emergency room [Thursday],” said Johns’ friend, Torrey Gimbill, to E!. “He had complained about his leg hurting him; he thought it might be a blood clot because it had bruised pretty badly and he never hurt his leg.”

    Confirmation of the news was issued on Johns’ Twitter account:

    “It is with a heavy heart and inconsolable sadness that we confirm the passing of our friend Michael Johns. No other details will b avail at this time. Please respect the privacy of Mike’s family and friends as we know u will. Members and admin of @mjohnsonline pass on their prayers.”

    American Idol also issued a statement Saturday, mourning the passing of the Australian crooner:

    “Michael Johns was an incredible talent and we are deeply saddened by the news of his passing. He was a part of our American Idol family and he will be truly missed. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family and friends during this difficult time.”

    Fellow Idol performers and fans of the late singer have taken to Twitter to express their grief.

    Born in Perth, Australia, in 1978, Johns moved to the United States in 1997 and fronted the rock bands Film and The Rising. After several failures with those bands, Johns tried out for American Idol in July 2007 and made the show’s Top 10 the following year.

    With his floppy-haired Jim Morrison look, he quickly became the heartthrob of the show. His soulful covers of Dolly Parton, Fleetwood Mac and the Beatles songs drew a strong fan-base for the singer on the show.

    His elimination in eighth place was a shock to fans, and it became the inciting force behind the producers decision in to instate the “Judges’ Save” a season later.

    Johns continued to record and perform following Idol, releasing Hold Back My Heart in 2009. He teamed up with fellow Season Seven finalist Brooke White on her album, High Hopes & Heartbreak.

    Post by Brooke White.

    Johns leaves behind his wife of seven years, Stacey Vuduris.

    Image via Michael Johns, Twitter

  • Karrueche Tran Dumps Chris Brown, He Responds on Instagram

    Karrueche Tran is so over Chris Brown.

    According to a report by TMZ, after the singer “liked” two fan photos of his superstar ex Rihanna on Instagram, the model reportedly lost it completely, broke up with Brown and even changed her phone number so he couldn’t contact her.

    The Rihanna post was merely the last straw in many grievances Tran has against her on-again-off-again boyfriend of four years. Apparently, she has been considering this for some time because “Chris acts immature, like a child.”

    The American model of Vietnamese and African descent reportedly thinks he’s ruining his life with all the partying.

    Brown seems to be doing some reflecting of his own. On Saturday morning, he posted a photo of himself with the caption:

    “I been through a lot in my life. Made a lot of mistakes along the way. But through it all I’ve always been true to myself and through God I’ve been able to take care of my family! I should regret some things but I think the lessons learned will shape me into a real man. I’m grateful and appreciative! Thank you for life!”

    And despite some self-reflection, the “immature” label attributed by Tran may not be so far off. Brown’s immediate reaction to the break up was to hightail it to St. Tropez with a very good friend of Karrueche’s.

    In a television interview recently on Keke Palmer’s show, Just Keke, Karrueche broke down when she talked about the awkward triangle that she believes exists among herself, Brown and Rihanna.

    “In this case my boyfriend is a celebrity whose ex-girlfriend is an even bigger [celebrity]…so, I’m not only am I fighting a battle with her, I’m fighting a battle with her 14 million fans or however else,” said the tearful model.

    “So, imagine how that feels for me when I gotta get on Twitter and I see a whole bunch of stuff…they make up all kinds of crazy stuff and it’s like they know nothing about me.

    “But, you know, because they know nothing about me, because I stay so mute sometimes, that leaves open space for them to say whatever they want.”

    Image via Chris Brown, Instagram

  • Paul George’s Leg Break Video Makes the World Cringe

    Paul George suffered a horrific broken leg during a game of The Team USA showcase Friday and the tape of the break has left viewers cringing in sympathetic pain for the basketball star.

    As the Indiana Pacers star chased down opposing player James Hardena as he went in for a shot, he slid into the base of the the basket and the leg literally snapped before the eyes of fellow players, viewers, and later, the world.

    In a statement released after surgery was completed, USA Basketball said George suffered an open tibia-fibula fracture and will remain remain in the hospital for about three days.

    George’s poor parents were at the game and joined him on the court as he was being helped by medical personnel. Silence was the only sound at UNLV’s Thomas & Mack Center as medical personnel worked on him. George then left on a stretcher to a standing ovation, and the game was subsequently called off.

    According to ESPN, there was no additional damage apart from the fractures, but doctors believe George likely will miss all of next season. However, no official prognosis has been released.

    Meanwhile, George tweeted his thanks for all the love and support:

    His parents and Pacers general manager Kevin Pritchard accompanied George as he was transported to the Hospital for Special Surgery in Las Vegas.

    “He appeared quite stoic (as the medical team was attending to him),” said Team USA coach Mike Krzyzewski. “They allowed his father to touch him and to comfort him. I thought our trainers did a good job right away making sure that emotionally he was as good as possible.”

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Charlize Theron Reportedly Warned by Friends to ‘Think Twice’ Before Marrying Sean Penn

    Charlize Theron has apparently been warned.

    According to a report by Radar, friends of the South African beauty, and mother to two-year-old Jackson, are sharing their fears that the actress may make the biggest mistake of her life if she chooses to marry boyfriend Sean Penn.

    “They’re urging her to think twice before finally heading down the aisle with Sean,” said a source, claiming her friends believe her life may be in danger if she goes through with a wedding.

    It could be argued that the 38-year-old’s friends my have a valid point based on Penn’s past.

    The 53-year-old Milk star was charged with domestic assault in 1987 after he allegedly hit then-wife Madonna with a baseball bat. He was also sentenced to 60 days jail time for punching a movie extra while filming the 1988 film, Colors.

    “They fear for her safety,” said the source.

    There has been much speculation over whether the couple of more than seven months will be walking down the aisle any time soon.

    “The two began talking about marriage in the last few weeks, after Sean moved into Charlize’s house,” a source told Radar in February. “She has never wanted to get married, but seeing how Sean interacts with Jackson, she is having a change of heart.”

    It’s not likely Theron will listen to any advice her friends may — or may not — have given. She seems thoroughly happy with her new man.

    “It just kind of naturally happened, and before I knew it, I was in something that was making my life better—the people who really love me can see the effect it has had on me,” Theron recently said of the relationship to Vogue.

    Image via YouTube

  • Jennifer Hudson Says the Murder of Three Family Members Was a Test of Her Faith

    Jennifer Hudson endured a horrific experience few of us can even contemplate — the murder of three of her closest family members.

    The singer recently said the 2008 murder of her 57-year-old mother, Darnell Donerson, her 29-year-old brother, Jason Hudson, and her 7-year-old nephew, Julian King, was “the lowest of lows.”

    Believing the experience was a necessary test of her faith, Hudson says it was that faith which allowed her to move forward, accept the loss and find the positive in the wake of her devastating loss.

    “It (faith) was the ultimate help to me. We always said: ‘If He brings you to it, He will bring you through it,’” the award-winning singer said in an interview with The Observer Magazine. “There would be no point in faith if it wasn’t tested. My mother always told me no matter how negative your life seems to be, you must always look for a positive. That is what I believe a woman of faith should do.”

    It was while on tour in 2008 that Hudson learned from her sister, Julia, that her nephew was missing and that their mother and brother had been shot dead in their Chicago home by her former brother-in-law, Jason Balfour.

    Julia’s son was found dead several days later with ‘multiple gunshot wounds’ in the back of an abandoned SUV.

    Prosecutors said Balfour was a jealous ex who had been stalking his estranged wife’s house for months prior to the murders.

    Convicted of the murders in 2012, Balfour received three life sentences.

    Hudson says the trial turned out to be the most “dreadful” part of the whole ordeal. It was then that her grief hit her the hardest.

    “I know my mother would not have wanted us to miss a beat, so we were there every day. I wouldn’t wish it on anyone to have to experience anything like that, but that is what you do for your family, so that is what we did…,” said Hudson.

    In her album, JHUD, Hudson shares a very special song entitled Moan about her mother and brother.

    “… Mom would always tell us if you are hurting, moan and you will feel better … There is not a day that goes by when I don’t repeat the things she said. She was very quiet. The complete opposite of us kids. Now she has gone, I realize she had a lot to say. My brother, too, I hear him, too. When we were kids any time my brother saw me crying he would be like, ‘Jenny, knock it off.’ And that’s what I hear him say when I cry now,” said Hudson.

    Hudson says the loss of her family members has allowed her to tap into even greater depths of emotion when singing.

    “Certainly there is a lot of emotion there, but I think I have always been in that kind of space. What do they say in church? Sing from your heart, because you are singing to God,” said the Dreamgirls actress.

    “You know, when I used to sing those solos in church I would go through every line and ask the director ‘What does this mean? What are we trying to convey here?’ If you can’t feel the emotion of a song, how do you expect anyone else to? It’s like a testimony in that way.”

    The singer shared that she has one thing that hasn’t changed despite pain, loss and upheaval.

    “If I close my eyes, I can almost remember what it was like, what I was like, 15 years ago. I was at home in Chicago, still in high school, singing in church, living with my family.” said Hudson. “But generally, no, it feels like another Jennifer life. I don’t look the same. I’m a mother now. So many things have changed. I sometimes think the only constant is my voice. That hasn’t gone away.”

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Julia Roberts Gets Nailed in ‘Face Balls’ Game With Jimmy Fallon — Hilarious Video

    This has got to be the funniest video in a long, long time, and Julia Roberts is truly a great sport!

    During a “Face Balls” dual with Jimmy Fallon Thursday night on the Tonight Show, the Pretty Woman took one for the team. And it was a doozy!

    “Face Balls” is a game where the contestants, in this case Julia and Jimmy, each threw inflatable balls of varying sizes at each other’s faces — always great fun!

    Jimmy let Julia throw the first ball because she “is our guest.” How gallant of him!

    She asked jokingly, “Are you fully insured?”

    Jimmy assured her that she was clear to let it rip.

    The 46-year-old actress hurled the ball at Jimmy’s face, and the slow-mo playback shows Jimmy’s face getting squished by the clear, inflatable ball.

    “You didn’t have to throw it so hard!” said Jimmy. “You flattened my nose! My face crumpled!”

    Then it was Jimmy’s turn to throw the ball at Julia.

    “I feel bad doing it,” he admitted, saying, “You’re America’s Sweetheart! I love you! I love having you on the show—please come back! I’m sorry!”

    After the first round was completed, he brought out a much larger ball for round two.

    “The balls are bigger now!” quipped the late-night host.

    “There are so many jokes, it’s giving me a headache,” said Julia.

    “Make your own jokes!” retorted Jimmy.

    Julia took her turn throwing the bigger ball.

    “I think I’m better handling big balls,” she said innocently enough — or not.

    A few fans in the audience reacted to the comment to which Julia said, “Oh good, the porn section of the audience got that. This is like the comedy version of Fifty Shades of Grey.”

    When Jimmy took his turn to throw the ball at Julia, he was not so merciful! He let it rip!

    The best part of the whole encounter is the slow motion playback of Julia’s face receiving the ball. It is absolutely hilarious, as is her reaction watching the playback!

    Here’s the full video:

    Seriously can’t stop laughing!

    Image via YouTube

  • Emma Stone, Colin Firth Dish on Working With Their Mutual Idol — Woody Allen

    Emma Stone, Colin Firth Dish on Working With Their Mutual Idol — Woody Allen

    Emma Stone and Colin Firth, 53, may be decades apart in age, but they’ve shared a common dream — to work with director Woody Allen.

    Now that their dream has been realized with the film Magic in the Moonlight, the longtime Allen fans opened up about the real experience of working with the Annie Hall actor and director.

    Stone, who’s family dog is named Alvy after Allen’s Annie Hall character, says her first encounter with the legendary director was a little unsettling.

    “I was incredibly nervous,” said the 25-year-old actress. “You don’t get to know him first, there’s no rehearsal, you don’t see him before shooting.”

    As for Firth, he said Allen’s work had a very influential role in his own life and career, so it meant a great deal when he received the call from Allen.

    “This person’s work had such a specific role to play in my whole relation with movies,” he said. “To suddenly be invited to join the narrative a bit is thrilling.”

    The long-anticipated call from the 78-year-old director was not exactly what Firth expected.

    “I thought he’d asked for the call, and it turns out he thought I’d asked for it,” said Firth. “Cate (Blanchett) told me the same happened to her with Blue Jasmine.”

    And it wasn’t as if the two chatted the night away or shared much of their personal histories.

    “It wasn’t of the ‘Welcome to the film!’ variety,” says Firth. “It was just sort of, ‘Cut to the chase.’”

    In the film, which opened last week, Firth plays Stanley, a cynical magician who wants to expose Sophie, a young American medium, as the fraud he believes her to be.

    Unfortunately, Firth’s skills in magic are, shall we say, limited.

    “I was called upon to perform a simple card trick. That was the only time I saw a hint of impatience from Woody,” said the Pride and Prejudice actor. “He was just sighing.” The scene was eventually cut.

    Firth said many of the stories surrounding Allen turned out to be myths.

    “There are a lot of stories,” said Firth. “He doesn’t really direct, don’t expect him to make jokes on the set, that sort of thing. No. He directs, and he was funny.”

    Image via YouTube

  • Miranda Kerr’s Wise Words to Young Women Everywhere

    Miranda Kerr has some encouraging and wise words to share with women everywhere.

    The model and author of Treasure Yourself and Empower Yourself told Marie Claire México y América Latina in its August issue that women should embrace their unique qualities and encourage each other.

    “What I’m trying to encourage, specially within young women, is for them to celebrate individuality, embrace their authenticity and really feel like they don’t have to fit into certain type of box,” said the three-year-old estranged wife of Orlando Bloom.

    “Everyone is so different and we need to stand together and empower each other as women to be the best versions of ourselves that we know we can be. To achieve that, we need to feel our best, so we should motivate each other to eat healthy and expand on things we love doing. Some people are more intellectual, some people are really funny, whatever it is, we all have something unique to bring to the table.

    “So, find what it is that you’re passionate about, be true to your beliefs and don’t feel that you have to be anything but yourself.”

    Juggling and prioritizing her time being a mom to her three-year-old son, Flynn, and a successful entrepreneur has helped Kerr organize her life better.

    “It’s really been a great lesson for me on learning how to prioritize my time and planning efficiently so I make sure that I have enough quality time with my son,” said the Australian beauty. “And, obviously being a businesswoman and a mother and working with different companies it’s important for me that I balance it all out so that I can give my best, first and foremost to my son, but then also to my clients, and take care of my cosmetic business Kora Organics,” said Kerr.



    “I’m definitely more organized now that I’ve ever been and that’s good for me because I already have my next two years planned out with certain contracts that I have, but I make sure that I take a few days off to be with my son when I get home,” said the devoted mother. “We read or dance together, we go and hang out with a playgroup or draw together. Those special moments are really important. I’m working ‘moth-er’ not ‘harder.’”

    Image via Miranda Kerr, Instagram

  • Antonio Banderas: Melanie Griffith Sends a Tattoo Message to Estranged Husband

    Take that Antonio Banderas.

    Melanie Griffith had a rather unique way of letting her ex know Tuesday that she is moving on — by covering up a tattoo that reads “Antonio” with a bandage over the ink with another name that is becoming the focus of her life in the wake of a painful breakup.

    The 56-year-old actress covered the arm tattoo with a bandage with her name “Mel” written on the coverup. The bandage lines up nicely with the heart of the original tattoo peeking out from beneath the patch.

    Or maybe she’s just trying to quit smoking.

    In any case, she does seem to be moving on. She has a slight smile on her face in the pics as she runs some errands around town.

    Reportedly, the Working Girl actress has been in the process of removing the famous tattoo. Sadly, the permanent sign of the love she once felt for her estranged husband has been the center of attention ever since news of the breakup was announced earlier this summer.

    The famous May-December couple announced the dissolution of their marriage in a joint statement:

    “We have thoughtfully and consensually decided to finalize our almost twenty years marriage in a loving and friendly manner honoring and respecting each other, our family and friends and the beautiful time we have spent together – Melanie & Antonio.”

    The couple’s marriage — Griffith’s fourth marriage and Banderas’ second — was celebrated in a small ceremony in London on May 14, 1996.

    Image vie Wikimedia Commons

  • Colbie Caillat Admits Own Insecurities, Encourages Women Everywhere to ‘Try’ to ‘Stay True to Yourself’

    Colbie Caillat’s viral single Try makes a point of encouraging women to be themselves, but the singer found that making the video caused many of her own insecurities to rise to the surface.

    “I’m used to always being Photoshopped and caked on with makeup, and when I started out with no makeup and I was just sitting there with these lights on and everyone was looking at me on the cameras, I was just all insecurities,” said Caillat.

    The music video, which has reached more than 17 million YouTube views since its release three weeks ago, features the 29-year-old songwriter and women from all walks of life taking off their makeup, baring their true beauty.

    “I felt liberated once the video was out,” Caillat told the Los Angeles Times, “and it’s really affected people so positively. I’m just so happy I did it.”

    While performing the ballad live Sunday night at the Young Hollywood Awards show, Caillat felt an affinity with her video costars as they flashed on the screen above her.

    “They were so beautiful and comfortable, standing there with a smile as they were singing with no makeup on,” said Caillat. “They weren’t hiding in their own skin, they were just like, ‘Yeah, this is me.’”

    The encouraging singer offered some advice for women everywhere.

    “It’s really hard to stay true to yourself; it’s one of the biggest challenges. Follow your gut instinct, because people are going to want you to be something you’re not,” the Bubbly singer said.

    “Be happy and comfortable with who you are, whoever it may be.”

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Jay Leno Returns To His Stand-up Roots on NBC’s ‘Last Comic Standing’

    Jay Leno is returning to his stand-up comedy roots.

    The former Tonight Show host returns to NBC this week as a comic mentor on Last Coming Standing.

    Leno will surprise five comics when they fly into Las Vegas to meet a “surprise guest.” Needless to say, their reaction to finding out the surprise guest is the king of late night comedy is priceless.

    Jay offers the budding comics some advice on their routines and shares his own personal stories from his career as a comedian.

    Leno, who retired last year, said he has made the most of his retirement with traveling and creating some new stand-up routines.

    “Write joke. Tell joke. Get check. It’s pretty simple. It’s not a hard plan,” he joked in an interview with The Associated Press.

    Recently, it was announced the 20-year host of the Tonight Show will receive the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, the highest honor a comedian can receive.

    Cappy McGarr, The Mark Twain Prize executive producer, had some wonderful accolades to share about Leno when he compared the comedian to one of the greatest American humorists.

    “Leno and Twain both have turned humor into a national conversation and a national conversation into humor, and I’m also quite confident they drove the same car. You know, we receive bad news every day, and it’s important for us to keep our humor intact, as difficult as that might be. And thank goodness Jay has contributed to our American humor for a generation and made us keep things in perspective,” he said.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Kate Upton: ‘I’ve Been Begging For This Body My Whole Life’

    Kate Upton has a unique workout regimen — it includes begging for her gorgeous Sports Illustrated swimsuit body.

    The 22-year-old beauty talked to Elle UK magazine about her transformation from a “normal catalogue model” to the “hottest supermodel on Earth.”

    “When I first started modeling, I was a normal catalogue model,” she said. “Then, I became a woman, and I was really excited about becoming a woman.”

    She even shared her biggest secret for the voluptuous body she possesses.

    “Because I’m from Florida, it’s all about being in bathing suits. It’s a different view of beauty there. You are ugly if you don’t have a curvy body. And I didn’t have one, and then I got one, and thought, “Yessss!”

    ‘And then people say: “Oh, wow, you’re healthy.”

    ‘And you’re like, “Wait – what? I’ve been begging for this body my whole life!”’

    Upton didn’t explain who she begged, but it seems to have worked.

    Like many other beautiful women, her curvy body can be problematic for the young model. She explained that after she graced the cover of Sports Illustrated for the first time in 2012, she endured a lot of degrading attention from men.

    “After my first Sports Illustrated cover, I felt terrible about myself for a solid month,” Upton told Elle UK. “Every single guy I met was either married or about to be married, and I felt like I was their bachelor present or something. I’m not a toy, I’m a human, I’m not here to be used. I am a grown woman, and you need to figure your s–t out.”

    Image via YouTube

  • Gal Gadot Rocks the New Wonder Woman Costume

    Gal Gadot sure does fill out that new Wonder Woman costume well.

    A photo of the Israeli beauty in the costume was revealed during San Diego’s Comic-Con over the weekend.

    Gadot, 29, who was born and grew up in Rosh HaAyin, Israel, will play the iconic role in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, and the reveal of the costume was the talk of the event.

    Surprisingly, this is the first time Wonder Woman, a.k.a Diana Prince, will make her big screen appearance, but Gadot has reportedly already signed on to play the super heroine in future sequels, including the upcoming Justice League film.

    Gadot is best known for her role as Gisele Yashar in three installments of the Fast and Furious franchise until her character was killed off in Fast 6.

    Dawn of Justice will also feature Ben Affleck in the role of Bruce Wayne/Batman.

    Director Zack Snyder has been sharing a slew of photos from the upcoming film on his Twitter page over the past week, including pics of Gadot and Affleck in costume.

    Fans of the superheroes will still have to wait a bit for the release of Batman v Superman — it’s not scheduled to hit theaters until May 6, 2016.

    Even though the world has two years to anticipate the movie, predictions are already circulating that the movie will be a major hit. Some sources, including Forbes magazine, say it could make no less than $750 million.

    Perhaps it will be worth the wait.

    Image via Gal Gadot, Twitter

  • Kiefer Sutherland ‘Most Unprofessional Dude in the World,’ says Freddie Prinze Jr.

    Freddie Prinze Jr. sure didn’t mince words when he recently talked about his experiences while working with Kiefer Sutherland, calling the 24 actor “the most unprofessional dude in the world.”

    In a recent interview for ABC News, the 38-year-old actor best known for a series of movie hits in the 1990s, including She’s All That and I Know What You Did Last Summer, said the experience of working with Sutherland on 24 in 2010 nearly drove him to quit the business.

    “I did 24, it was terrible. I hated every moment of it,” Prinze said. “Kiefer was the most unprofessional dude in the world. That’s not me talking trash, I’d say it to his face, I think everyone that’s worked with him has said that.”

    Prinze dropped out of the spotlight for years and seems to blame Sutherland for his lack of projects.

    “I just wanted to quit the business after that. So, I just sort of stopped,” said the father of two and husband to Sarah Michelle Gellar.

    For a time, Prinze dabbled in other ventures, but seemed to insinuate during the ABC interview at Comic-Con while promoting his new Disney XD series, Star Wars Rebels, that his bad luck has something to do with Keifer.

    “I went and worked for Vince McMahon at the WWE for Christ’s sake and it was a crazier job than working with Kiefer,” he said.

    Prinze went on to take a cheap shot at Sutherland’s height.

    “But, at least he was cool and tall. I didn’t have to take my shoes off to do scenes with him, which they made me do. Just put the guy on an apple box or don’t hire me next time. You know I’m 6 feet and he’s 5’4,” he said.

    On the other hand, Sutherland has only had good things to say about Prinze.

    “We have some great actors joining us — Mykelti Williamson is the head of CTU, Freddie Prinze Jr. is playing my partner,” Sutherland said an interview with Parade in 2009. “So, it’s this great balance between something that’s new and what fans will find familiar.”

    Now who’s the most unprofessional dude in the world?

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Curt Schilling’s Son Overcomes Anorexia in a Powerful Way

    Former Boston Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling has something to celebrate these days.

    The baseball star’s son, Gehrig Schilling, has overcome the battle of his life — a years-long struggle with anorexia.

    Diagnosed with the eating disorder when he was in middle school, the young baseball player has used his experiences and his own love of baseball to beat the debilitating mental illness.

    According to Gehrig, his mother, Shonda, first noticed the problem when his eating patterns changed. She took him to a doctor, who eventually diagnosed the disorder.

    “I was actually pretty close to being put on a feeding tube for a while,” Gehrig, who weighed only 78 pounds in 8th grade, told the Boston Globe. “I had to ease back in and eat a lot of protein in order to get my weight back up,” he said.

    Once the diagnosis of anorexia was determined, Gehrig began the healing process by sharing his experiences with others. In the process of becoming a mentor to other young sufferers of eating disorders, he found he was healing both physically and mentally.

    “It’s been really neat to see him be honest with people about what had happened, and talk to other people and be able to be a mentor,” said his mother.

    Another healing outlet for Gehrig is a passion he shares with his father — baseball.

    Following a difficult loss in the final game of the season in his hometown league, Gehrig said his father gave him some advice that applies to the sport and life.

    “He told me, ‘You don’t always have your best stuff,’” Gehrig said. “He said initially it’s really hard to get back into the game, but you gotta roll with the punches and then deal with what’s going on, what the reality of the game is, and just pick each other up as teammates.”

    The family has had much to overcome throughout the years. His younger brother, Grant, has Asperger syndrome, and his sister, Gabby, 17, suffers from hearing loss. Both parents have fought cancer, and the family has had to deal with the collapse of his father’s video game company, 38 Studios.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Catherine Zeta-Jones Was a ‘Mess’ After Husband Michael Douglas’ Cancer Diagnosis

    Catherine Zeta-Jones conceded recently that she was a “mess” after her husband, Michael Douglas, was diagnosed with stage-four throat cancer in 2010.

    “I was a mess. I’ll be quite frank, I was a mess,” Zeta-Jones told doctors at the International Federation of Head and Neck Oncologic Societies’ fifth World Congress.

    “When I’m married to a man who has such a conviction for life … he fights to make the wrongs right. For the first time he was fighting for his life,” she recalled during remarks at the opening ceremony in New York.

    The And So it Goes actor, who was misdiagnosed four times before the final diagnosis was delivered, has been cancer-free since January 2011.

    “In every sense of the word. I’m very fortunate to be here today,” said the father of two. He and Zeta-Jones have an 11-year-daughter, Carys, and a 12-year-old son, Dylan.

    “We can only imagine what the next century will bring. Thank you for saving my life,” he told the medical team at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, where he was treated in 2010.

    The couple are certainly enjoying life today. The power-couple separated for a brief time last year, but reconciled several months later.

    The Behind the Candelabra actor recently said he is learning to appreciate his wife more and more as he ages.

    ”A lot of it has to do with age. When you’ve accomplished a certain amount in your career, you’re not so focused on your ambitions. It makes you appreciate – and hopefully you do that sooner rather than later – the value of your partner,” he said.

    He often mentions the importance of family and the strength he garnered from relationships during his battle with cancer.

    “All of a sudden the affection from my family, from my friends, and from my fans hit me at a much deeper level than I would have ever imagined before,” Douglas told Today show host, Matt Lauer, in 2011. “And it gave me a really new appreciation of just how valuable, how precious good friends are and family.”

    “There’s a much deeper feeling,” he said. “And I’ve talked to other cancer survivors about this, that – that happens, that you just really, really appreciate what’s important in life.”

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Adele Scores a Victory Against Paparazzi, Toddler Son Wins Damages

    Adele scored a major personal victory against the paparazzi when her toddler son was awarded a five-figure damage settlement from photo agency Corbis Images UK.

    The 26-year-old British singer and partner Simon Konecki filed suit on behalf of their son, Angelo, against Corbis Images UK after paparazzi took photos of the child’s “milestone moments.” Adele’s lawyer, Jenny Afia, said Wednesday that her Grammy Award-winning client “accepts and even embraces her public profile” but will not allow her son to become “public property,” The Associated Press reports.

    “She is extremely grateful to the public and press for their support in helping her achieve international acclaim,” said Afia.

    “It is a matter of profound sadness that many of his milestone moments, such as his first family outing and his first trip to playgroup, were photographed and published worldwide expressly against his family’s wishes,” she said.

    Corbis has offered to pay punitive and legal costs to Angelo and agreed not to use the pictures again, said law firm Schillings, which represents Adele.

    The money will be held in a trust for the toddler — who turns 2 in October — to fund any further legal action, the lawyer said.

    “Adele and Simon are pleased this matter has been resolved. They continue to do all they can to protect Angelo’s rights in relation to the paparazzi, including taking legal action where necessary,” said Afia. “They will be holding the damages on trust on behalf of the claimant for this purpose.They will also continue efforts to improve the laws relating to paparazzi and children generally, building on the successful campaign Adele helped fund in California resulting in far stricter harassment laws.”

    Afia said all children have the right to privacy, including children of celebrities who use their kids to promote themselves.

    “This case also emphasises a dividing line between celebrities who strive to keep their children out of the spotlight and those who make them part of their brand,” she said. “The children of famous parents are not celebrities. The law can, will and should protect them.”

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • China Bubonic Plague Nothing to Panic Over … Yet

    An estimated 30,000 people have been quarantined in parts of a northern Chinese city following the death of a man from bubonic plague.

    China’s official Xinhua News Agency said Tuesday the city of Yumen in Gansu province was sealed off with 151 people under observation after authorities determined they had come in contact with a 38-year-old man who died of the plague July 16.

    Authorities believe the man contracted the bacterial infection after contact with a marmot, Xinhua said. The man reportedly chopped up the rodent to feed to his dog and developed a fever the same day.

    The report said all the people under quarantine were in good health, but that 10 checkpoints were still blocking off parts of the city of about 180,000.

    The plague is a bacterial disease borne by fleas attached to rodents and is highly curable with modern antibiotics. However, lack of treatment can lead to the death of a victim within 24 hours of contracting it. Yumen has set aside about $160,000 for emergency vaccinations, according to the South China Morning Post. “The city has enough rice, flour and oil to supply all its residents for up to one month,” reported Chinese state television.

    Symptoms of bubonic plague in humans include fever, chills, headaches, vomiting, diarrhea and swollen lymph nodes. Pneumonic plague, which is an infection of the lungs, can include severe cough, difficulty breathing and bloody sputum.

    Bubonic plague has cropped up to kill millions at various times in history. An epidemic in the 14th century — a period referred to as the Black Death — wiped out roughly half the population of Europe, and tens of thousands died in China in the 19th century. It is still prevalent today in northwest China.

    The plague is incredibly rare in the U.S., but isolated cases do occur from time to time, typically in northern New Mexico, northern Arizona, southern Colorado, southern Oregon and far western Nevada. An average of seven plague cases are reported each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

    Last year, a 7-year-old girl in Colorado contracted the disease after she came in contact with a dead squirrel while camping in southwest Colorado. The girl survived thanks to early treatment with antibiotics.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Ellen DeGeneres Tweet-Brags About Wife Portia de Rossi’s New ‘Scandal’ Gig

    How refreshing to get a bit of good news out of the DeGeneres-de Rossi camp!

    Ellen DeGeneres bragged on wife Portia de Rossi‘s upcoming extended arc on the ABC smash hit, Scandal.

    The Arrested Development star is joining the series’ upcoming fourth season for multiple episodes, TVLine has confirmed.

    News of the casting was announced Wednesday on Twitter by DeGeneres and was quickly followed by a tweet from the Scandal writers room account with their own excited welcome.

    No details about the character have been revealed, but DeGeneres described the arc as “top secret” in her tweet. Wonder what that means for the gladiators?

    This truly does come as good news after weeks of speculation that the couple’s marriage was on the rocks. Despite rampant rumors of everything from infidelity, to taped drunken fights, to ultimatums, to stints in rehab, to you name it, the couple continue to survive the media frenzy surrounding them.

    Like any couple, there will always be difficult times, but it is refreshing to see the couple celebrate de Rossi’s achievements.

    ”They’ve worked out difficulties in the past, and no doubt they’re trying to work out any problems right now,” said a source close to the couple.

    Scandal returns to ABC Thursday, Sept. 25.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Michael Schumacher May Go Home Soon, Will Likely Never Fully Recover

    Michael Schumacher is making very good progress in a Lausanne rehab clinic following the devastating head injury he sustained in a skiing accident in December. According to the Daily Mail, the Formula One legend may be able to return home before the end of the summer.

    “There are signs that Michael will leave the clinic soon and be cared for at home,” said the Swiss newspaper SonntagsBlick.

    However, doctors warn that the legendary Formula One driver may never fully recover.

    “What tortures the public is the same thing that tortures the family –progress is slow, progress is uncertain,” said Peter Hamlyn, a consultant neurological and spinal surgeon and expert in the field of head injuries in sport, in a CNN interview.

    “If you look at severe head injury victims who go on to make a good recovery — and I’m not saying all do — it will always be a story of years.

    “The first months are dominated by questions of survival. Gradually as the weeks and months go by those questions of survival turn into questions of the quality of survival.

    “It’s a rollercoaster and if Michael Schumacher’s rollercoaster takes him and his family somewhere happy then they will have been to places that will have been pretty unhappy on the way there.

    “But I know they will have been buoyed by all the support that has been voiced.”

    Schumacher’s wife Corinna and his family have reportedly transformed parts of their mansion home in Gland, Switzerland, into a state of the art medical facility to care for him once he returns home.

    Schumacher was awakened from a medically-induced coma just last month. The coma allowed his brain time to recover from the trauma incurred after smashing his head on rocks while skiing on Dec. 29 in the French Alps.

    Schumacher remains paralyzed and communicates by fluttering his eyes. Doctors at the Lausanne clinic are optimistic that they can have Schumacher upright in an electronic wheelchair — that he will be able to maneuver by using his mouth — in a few weeks.

    On a more positive note, reports are surfacing that Croatian doctors Darko Chudy and Vedran Deletis have developed a revolutionary microchip implanting technique which may help the Formula One star walk and talk again after his extended period in a coma.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Queen Elizabeth II’s Award-Winning Racehorse Fails Dope Test

    Holy royal racehorse scandal!

    Queen Elizabeth II’s prized racehorse, Estimate, who won first place in the Gold Cup in 2013, has tested positive for the banned drug morphine, Buckingham Palace announced Tuesday.

    “On Thursday, July 17, the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) announced that a number of post-race samples, obtained from recent race meetings, had been found to indicate the presence of morphine, which is a prohibited substance on race days. Five horses, under the care of various trainers, were affected,” said John Warren, the Queen‘s bloodstock and racing advisor, in a statement.

    “I can confirm that one of those horses was Estimate, the five year-old filly trained by Sir Michael Stoute and owned by The Queen. Initial indications are that the positive test resulted from the consumption of a contaminated feed product,” he said.

    Yea, right — and surely Lance Armstrong ingested his banned drugs from Gatorade.

    “There will be no further comment until the BHA announces its considered findings. Her Majesty has been informed of the situation,” said Warren.

    According to the statement, Estimate’s trainer Stoute will be “working closely” with the feed company to determine how the horse’s food could have been contaminated with the performance-enhancing drug.

    If the allegations prove to be true, Queen Elizabeth would have to forfeit her $80,625 prize winnings and Estimate would be stripped of her titles this year.

    One would imagine the Queen won’t miss that pocket change, considering her estimated worth is $500 million.

    However, it may be awkward for the Queen to show her face at Ascot next year.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons