WebProNews

Author: Val Powell

  • Madame Tussauds Gives Duke And Duchess Of Cambridge A Makeover

    Two years after being added to Madame Tussauds, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have been given a makeover.

    When the wax figures of Prince William and Kate Middleton were first unveiled, the figures donned the outfits the couple wore when they were engaged. Now, the engagement outfits have been exchanged for evening wear.

    The Duchess’ wax figure is now dressed in a full-length turquoise-colored silk jersey gown from Issa London. In her left hand is a beige clutch bag from LK Bennett. Right by her side is the Duke wearing a double-breasted dinner suit from Gieves and Hawkes.

    The wax figures of the Duke and Duchess are displayed in the royal zone of Madame Tussauds, along with other members of The Royal Family including Prince Harry, the Prince of Wales, and the Queen.

    The Duke and Dutchess get a makeover

    Madame Tussauds marketing manager Matthew Clarkson said that the process of changing the attire takes a couple of months. “Their in-house stylist team look through a lot of research material and choose a suitable dress,” he said.

    In addition, Madame Tussauds has also been working with The Royal Family to get their opinion on the revamp. “I am sure they will be thrilled to see the results,” Clarkson said.

    Clarkson also said that The Royal Family, particularly the Duke and Duchess, are very popular among their visitors. After two years of being on display, the museum thought that it was time for a makeover.

    The Duke and Dutchess before the makeover

    Each wax figure costs £150,000 to make and about four months to finish. The museum also said that a new wax figure of Prince Harry will be arriving in September to join The Royal Family. As for Prince George, they said that he won’t be joining their display soon. “The current princes were made in their 20’s so we would wait until Prince George is a little older, and work with him on that,” Clarkson said.

    Image via YouTube

  • FA-50 Fighter Jets: The Philippines Strengthens Its Defense

    On Tuesday, Philippine’s President Benigno Aquino III announced that two FA-50 fighter jets will be delivered to the Philippines from a manufacturer in South Korea. The announcement was made at the Philippine Air Force’s 67th anniversary with the theme “Soaring High for Peace.”

    The country is scrambling to look for ways to increase their defenses against the brewing territorial disputes with China regarding the South China Sea.

    The purchase of the fighter jets comes with the Philippine government’s attempt to strengthen its Air Force defenses. The two aircrafts are expected to arrive next year and the remaining 10 will follow after three years. Reports indicate that the Department of Budget and Management set aside the sum of $420 million to purchase the jets from Korea Aerospace Industries, which is the supplier of the jets.

    A look at the FA-50

    In addition to the fighter jets, the government is also looking to purchase other combat utilities such as range patrol aircrafts and radar systems. The government is also expecting 17 UHI helicopters to arrive this year.

    Aquino also took the time to thank the Air Force for their service during the Yolanda typhoon and the Zamboanga siege. “This is what we are celebrating today: professionalism, bravery, and stability in serving the country. These are the principles that we recognize in every unit, pilot, and personnel of the Philippine Air Force,” he said.

    With the acquisition of the fighter jets, Aquino said that the Air Force “can again defend our territory in a more effective way.” In addition, the Philippine Air Force will also be enhancing their pilots’ skills.

    The FA-50 fighter jet consists of an EL/M-2032 pulse-doppler radar, a longer radome, a bigger fuel capacity, tactical data link, and advanced avionics. Aside from being used in combat, the fighter jets will also be used in times of catastrophe, and for survey operations and training.

    Image via YouTube

  • Serena Williams Exits Doubles Match At Wimbledon Due To Ailment

    Serena Williams was out of her game on Saturday. During the warm up for her doubles match against Kristina Barrois and Stefanie Vögele, she looked disoriented and had trouble picking up the tennis balls.

    On Saturday, Williams said that she did not know what she did wrong, referring to her loss to Alize Cornet. “Usually I do. Usually I know I did this, this and that.” Lindsey Davenport told BBC that talks in the locker room are different now. “The general consensus in the locker room is they have a chance now, and it wasn’t like that a few years ago,” she said.

    Serena Williams seemed wobbly and disoriented on the court.

    Soon after the warm-up, doctors visited Williams on the court to check her blood pressure. A shaky and teary-eyed Williams said that she felt faint. Her sister Venus was by her side looking concerned. Despite her condition, Williams decided to play. In the middle of the match, however, an announcement came saying, “Ladies and gentlemen, unfortunately, Miss Williams has to retire.”

    According to the referee’s office, William’s reason for withdrawal was a viral illness. In a statement, Williams said, “I am heartbroken I’m not able to continue in the tournament. I thought I could rally this morning because I really wanted to compete, but this bug just got the best of me.”

    Williams also thanked her fans for the support they gave her despite her withdrawal. “From the bottom of my heart, I thank all of the fans for their cheers and understanding. I look forward to returning to Wimbledon next year,” she said.

    Williams’ coach Patrick Mouratoglou said that he did not know what Williams’ ailment was and he said that he had not seen her for two days before she entered the court.

    Nearly two hours after her withdrawal, Williams was seen walking to a tournament van with Mouratoglou.

    Image via YouTube

  • Jack Osbourne And Wife Purchase $3.2 Million Home

    Jack Osbourne and his wife Lisa Stelly sold their 1920’s Spanish-style home in the congested area of Los Feliz, Los Angeles. Now, they purchased a $3.2 million home just north of Ventura Boulevard in Studio City.

    According to property records, the new Cape Cod-style home is a stark contrast to Osbourne’s last home. The new home boasts five bedrooms, seven bathrooms, a private backyard, an outdoor kitchen, and a pool. The home also features high-end items such as chandeliers, marble counters, a giant shower, a steam unit, and a standalone tub.

    The second floor of the home consists of a home office or library with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves. There is also a media room complete with black leather recliner chairs and a wide screen projection system. Osbourne is sure to keep his family busy with all the home’s features.

    The Studio City home’s master suite can be found on the second floor. The suite has a balcony facing towards the backyard. There is also a kitchenette and a fireplace in the master suite. A walk-in closet connected to a marble bathroom is the icing on the cake for the master suite.

    Sources say that Osbourne was looking for a family-friendly neighborhood where he could raise his 2-year-old daughter Pearl. One of the main features of the new home is a high-tech security system that consists of 16 high-resolution cameras that capture the interior and exterior of the house.

    The new home also features a home automation system that is capable of controlling the entertainment equipment, fireplaces, lights, and the climate.

    Osbourne, 28, is the son of Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne. He has appeared on television shows such as Dancing With the Stars and I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here! NOW! He is also the producer of Osbournes Reloaded and Alpha Dogs.

    Image via YouTube

  • Hyundai Recalls Elantra Touring Vehicles Due To Airbag Support Bracket Defects

    Hyundai Motor Co. said that they will be recalling 35,000 2010-12 Elantra Touring vehicles in the U.S. and 23,600 vehicles in Canada due to faulty support brackets for airbags. According to them, the support bracket of the airbag can come loose and the airbag can be unintentionally deployed causing injury.

    According to the company’s spokesman Jim Trainor, there have been no injuries reported as of yet. However, Hyundai decided to recall the vehicles based on results from laboratory testing of the car models. The two vehicles use different types of brackets for holding the airbag to the headliner, but they are similar.

    During an investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, they found one Elantra Touring car in a salvage yard with a dislodged metal bracket. Hyundai conducted an investigation and testing with the NHTSA and found that the support bracket indeed came loose.

    The loose support bracket is a serious risk, as it can cause major injury during a side impact collision. In one investigation, the NHTSA found out that a driver was injured due to a part of the bracket that was dislodged during airbag deployment. The person sustained a laceration on the left ear.

    Furthermore, they received warranty claims that say the headliner rattles. Reports say that the recall will start by mid-August.

    In a statement, the company said, “Hyundai is voluntarily initiating this action to ensure the safety and quality of vehicles and the continued satisfaction of its customers.”

    To fix the problem, Hyundai dealers will be placing adhesive strips to keep the brackets in place. The adhesives will be available free of charge. Until the recall starts, people who drive a Hyundai Elantra can contact the company’s customer service hotline for assistance.

    Hyundai isn’t the only car company with airbag-related recalls. Just last month Honda recalled three million of its cars due to faulty airbags.

    Image via YouTube

  • Diane Stretton: The “Nightmare Nanny” Says She’ll Move Out

    In March, Marcella and Ralph Bracamonte hired Diane Stretton as a live-in nanny to care for their three children. The couple said that Stretton was excellent at first, but changed a few weeks later. The Bracamontes claim that after about three weeks, Stretton  “didn’t want to help out” anymore. They also learned that Stretton, 64, suffers from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD, which makes her have a hard time breathing. They decided to fire her, but she refused to leave the family home. The Bracamontes couldn’t do anything about it, as the terms of employment in Stretton’s contract stated that she could legally stay in their home.

    The couple fired Stretton on June 6, but Stretton would not leave the home and threatened to sue the Bracamontes for breach of contract, false imprisonment, and wrongful termination.

    According to Stretton, she was treated cruelly by the Bracamontes. “There wasn’t a single day I was there, except for the two days I was sick, that I didn’t do dishes and about two or three hours of cleanup,” she said, “They were trying to exploit me…like a poor migrant worker.”

    The “Nightmare Nanny” said that she was so overworked and that she would do her job for 10 hours a day without having coffee breaks or lunches. She also said that the family gave her dog food to eat. According to Stretton, Marcella Bracamonte gave her three children cans of dog food and told them to place the food outside her room for her to eat.

    Now, the Bracamontes are saying that Stretton has finally agreed to move out of their home by July 4. However, she has certain conditions that need to be met. According to Marcella  Bracamonte, Stretton wrote an email that said that she is going to move out “because of the hot weather that’s going to happen soon.” However, she won’t start packing her things until the media posted outside the home leaves.

    Although the family should be relieved that Stretton has finally decided to move out, they are more worried than ever. They are scheduled to leave their home on July 2 to attend a wedding and they feel that it is an opportunity for Stretton to lock them out of their own home. While the Bracamontes are away, they will leave their house to their relatives.

    Reports also say that this is not the first time Stretton squatted in a home. She did the same thing in another family’s home four years ago. Marcella said that a woman from California claiming to have a similar experience with Stretton contacted her. Stretton has been attached to other cases in California including negligence and nonpayment for property damage.

    Because of their experience, the Bracamontes claim they will never hire a nanny again.

    Image via YouTube

  • Female Four-Star Admiral: Michelle Howard Makes U.S. Navy History

    On Tuesday, Michelle Howard became the first woman to become a four-star admiral in the Navy’s 236-year history. She was promoted to the title at the Women in Military Service for America Memorial held near the Pentagon. She will now be serving as the vice chief of naval operations.

    During the ceremony, Howard said, “If you don’t believe today was a first, when I called to order four-star shoulder boards for women, they didn’t exist. You folks are seeing the first set in the United States Navy,” she said.

    Navy Secretary Ray Mabus said that choosing Howard to serve as the vice chief of naval operations was a simple choice, as she was the best officer.

    Adm. Jonathan Greenert said, “She will bear the burden of a role model and she is ready to bear that very well. And I am very excited about that because we need lots more women in the Navy.”

    Since she was a young girl, Howard aspired to become a military officer. After high school, she joined the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md.

    Becoming a four-star admiral is not Howard’s first big success in her 36-year career. In 2006, Howard became a rear admiral lower half. She was the first female graduate of the Naval Academy to reach the rank. She was also the first in her 1982 class to reach the admiral rank.

    In 2012, Howard became the first African-American woman to be promoted to a three-star rank in the U.S. armed forces. In 1999, she was the first African-American woman to command a Navy warship, the USS Rushmore, at sea.

    In addition to all her achievements, Howard also played a big role in rescuing Capt. Richard Phillips who was the commanding officer of the Maersk Alabama, which was held by Somali pirates.

    Vice Admiral Michelle Howard Promotion Ceremony

    Image via YouTube

  • ‘Cannibal Cop’ Set Free After 21 Months In Jail

    On Monday, former New York Police Department officer Gilberto Valle was released after 21 months in jail for allegedly plotting, killing, and eating young women. He was fired from his job after his conviction.

    It was Valle’s wife Kathleen Mangan who found conversations and disturbing photos that Valle kept on their computer. Defense lawyer Julia Gatto declined to comment on Valle’s current relationship with his ex-wife and their six-year-old daughter.

    According to Judge Paul Gardephe, there was a lack of evidence to support the jury’s guilty verdict. Valle’s lawyers said that Valle’s plots were just fantasy online roles and that he never harmed anyone in real life. They said that their client is guilty of having unconventional thoughts. “We don’t put people in jail for their thoughts. We are not the thought police,” they said.

    Prosecutors, on the other hand, said that Valle was not just fantasizing and that he did actions to carry out his plans. In an online conversation Valle had with another man, he said, “I want her to experience being cooked alive. She’ll be trussed up like a turkey… She’ll be terrified, screaming, and crying.”

    Valle was convicted in 2013 on a conspiracy charge and a misdemeanor count for illegally accessing a law enforcement database.

    Outside the court, Valle apologized to the public. “I want to take the opportunity to apologize to everyone who’s been hurt, shocked, and offended by my infantile actions,” he said. Valle also thanked his lawyers, family, staff, and his fellow inmates at the Metropolitan Correctional Center who took care of him. “I’ll never forget them and love them,” he said.

    Valle was freed from jail on a $100,000 bond and was ordered to stay at home with his mother. He also has to go to counseling and has limited use of the Internet. “I’m tired. I just want to go home and spend some time with my family,” he said after being released.

    Image via YouTube

  • Carrie Fisher’s Daughter Joins ‘Star Wars: Episode VII’ As Young Princess Leia

    Billie Lourd, Carrie Fisher’s 21-year-old daughter, will be playing the young Princess Leia in the upcoming Star Wars: Episode VII. Lourd is the daughter of Fisher and talent agent Bryan Lourd.

    Fisher, 57, will be coming back as Princess Leia Organa in the new installment. Although Lourd has no acting experience, director JJ Abrams thought she would be a good fit to play the role because of her resemblance to her mother.

    According to a source, Lourd flew to the UK to join her mother on the set of Star Wars: Episode VII, which is currently filming at Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire, England. The source also said that Lourd will have her hair up in buns, just like her mother’s hairstyle in the previous Star Wars films. “She’s an aspiring actress and singer so she grabbed the opportunity with both hands. Carrie backed the move as she wanted somebody in her family to play her most famous role,” the source said.

    Fisher could not be happier that her daughter will be playing Princess Leia–the most iconic role of Fisher’s movie career.

    Reports state that Lourd will be appearing in flashback scenes. Director JJ Abrams also added parts for his father-in-law James H. McGrath Jr. and his father Gerald. Both men appeared in the 2013 Star Trek movie, which was also directed by Abrams.

    Aside from Fisher, Harrison Ford will also be making a comeback in Episode VII. The 71-year-old actor broke his leg a few weeks ago when part of a spacecraft door collapsed on him. He will be entering rehab soon. His scenes were re-scheduled for filming and he is expected to return to the set as soon as he is fully recovered.

    Star Wars: Episode VII is slated to be released on December 2015.

    Image via YouTube

  • Idina Menzel Talks About Dating After Divorce From Taye Diggs

    Late last year, Idina Menzel and Taye Diggs ended their 10-year marriage. Menzel, 43, talked about being a single mom and dating on the radio show Valentine in the Morning.

    “I don’t want to keep introducing him to people and having him form bonds and then take ‘em away, you know,” she said referring to her four-year-old son Walker. She added that it’s bad enough that Walker has to go through his mom and dad’s divorce.

    Menzel is protective of Walker, as she too, went through the same experience when her parents divorced when she was 15 years old. She said that she tells her son that he has two parents who love him very much. “At 15 I was too aware, I thought I was an adult, and I got in the middle of everything and I took on the stress for both of them,” she said.

    Menzel and Diggs met in the Broadway production of Rent in the 1990’s. They got married in 2003 and had Walker six years later.

    Broadway fans were devastated upon learning that Menzel and Diggs split up. In an interview, Diggs said, “I’d be lying if I said there weren’t times when I thought, ‘Oh man, people are going to trip out [if we split]’” Diggs said that people rooted for his relationship with Menzel, as there aren’t a lot of couples in the theater community like them.

    Diggs seems to have moved on from the divorce, as he made a public appearance with his new girlfriend Amanza Smith Brown at the 2014 BET Awards held on Sunday night. Diggs looked happy as he stood with his arms around Brown. A source said that the couple is 100 percent in love. “They have been dating for a while,” the source said.

    At this time, both Diggs and Menzel’s main priority is their son.

    Image via YouTube

  • Michael Douglas Opens Up About Son’s Drug Issues And Being A Dad

    Michael Douglas Opens Up About Son’s Drug Issues And Being A Dad

    Last week, Michael Douglas, Catherine Zeta-Jones and their kids Dylan, 13 and Cary, 11 went on a trip to Jerusalem to celebrate their son’s bar mitzvah.

    The trip to Jerusalem was a more serene celebration than Dylan’s bar mitzvah party in New York just last month where Douglas injured himself. “I got carried away at my son’s bar mitzvah this weekend. You know they put you up in the chairs over the top – I think something happened there,” he said.

    Now, the couple is enjoying some quality time together in Rome. After splitting last year, the couple is now working on their relationship, and it seems that everything is now back on track.

    In an interview, Douglas said that marriage is a union that requires constant nurturing. “You cannot take marriage for granted at all,” he said. The 69-year-old actor also shared his views on spending time with his spouse saying, “Like a lovely orchid, or anything else that’s nurtured, marriage prospers and grows, but if it’s ignored, it withers,” he said.

    Concerning his children, Douglas said that he approaches parenting differently now. He said that being an older dad has benefits. “In the early stages of one’s life, ambition rules. Having children takes a lot of time to do properly, and I think sometimes people spread themselves too thin.”

    Aside from his two children with Zeta-Jones, Douglas also talked about his older son with ex-wife Diandra Luker. His 35-year-old son Cameron Douglas is now in prison for possession and dealing of drugs. Douglas warned other parents that drug-related problems should be dealt with early on.

    He said that if parents suspect that their kids need help, it is best to “take action immediately.” Regarding drug issues, Douglas said that parents should do whatever they can before their kids turn 18. “Whatever it takes. Don’t hesitate,” he said.

    Image via YouTube

  • Kelly Ripa Goes On Vacation To Greece With The Seinfelds

    Kelly Ripa is fresh from her European vacation with the Seinfelds. Ripa will be honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and she celebrated by going on a family vacation with husband Mark Consuelos and their kids Michael, Lola, and Joaquin. Jerry and Jessica Seinfeld brought their children Sascha, Julian, and Shepherd along with them.

    “I gotta tell you, it was magical. It was one of those trips where it all came together so beautifully. We started out in Paris for a couple of days – just a quick, quick trip to Paris – and then we spent the bulk of our trip, 10 days, in Greece, going from island to island,” Ripa said.

    Jessica Seinfeld, who is Ripa’s close friend, congratulated her on Instagram by saying that she is the greatest friend in the world and she does a fantastic job on her morning show Live with Kelly and Michael. “Congratulations my love,” she said.

    Ripa shared her pictures from her European trip including pictures on the Eiffel Tower, Poseidon’s Temple, Santorini, and Athens.

    “It was like having no kids because they all amused each other and nobody drove us insane, so it was like a vacation.”

    The trip was also a milestone for Jerry Seinfeld, as he took his first ever selfie. His wife shared the picture on Instagram with the caption, “Jerry’s First Selfie. Ugh. Stop. #greeceistheword.”

    Jerry Seinfeld, Jessica Seinfeld, Instagram

    Ripa enjoyed the trip so much that she encouraged viewers to take a Grecian vacation there as well. “If you’re taking a trip someplace overseas and you’re thinking, ‘Where should we go? What should we do?’ I highly encourage you to visit Greece because the people are the kindest and the loveliest, and it’s so beautiful,” she said.

    Ripa will be receiving her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2015.

    Image via rockonteamripa,Instagram

  • Amanda Bynes Stays Out Of Trouble, Gets Bong-Tossing Case Dismissed

    On Monday, Amanda Bynes’ bong-tossing case was dismissed. The judge’s ruling was based on Bynes’ compliance with counseling sessions twice a week and staying out of trouble for six months.

    Last year, Bynes was charged with marijuana possession and reckless endangerment. Building managers contacted the authorities, as they said Bynes was smoking pot in the lobby of her apartment building. When the authorities arrived at her 36th-floor apartment, the actress tossed the bong out of the window in an attempt to get rid of evidence. After her arrest, she denied tossing a bong and said that she threw out a vase.

    Bynes’ lawyer denied that the actress threw a bong and Bynes even took to Twitter to say that she has never owned a bong in her life.

    On Monday, Bynes was not present in court, but her lawyer Gerald Shargel was there. Shargel submitted an affidavit in court that stated that Bynes has fulfilled all court requirements. “She did her counseling and it’s now all behind her,” Shargel said. The judge sealed the court records after the ruling.

    Last year, Bynes made headlines for her reckless behavior. After setting fire to the driveway of a home, Bynes was subjected to a 72-hour involuntary psychiatric hold. She then entered rehab for a few months and her mother became her conservator.

    Bynes was able to get back to her usual self after staying in rehab. She deleted the mean tweets on her Twitter account and started afresh with her family. In April, she tweeted a selfie with the caption, “Thank you everyone for all the birthday wishes.” The 28-year-old looked happier and healthier.

    After her stay in rehab, Bynes enrolled in a fashion merchandising program. All in all, the past six month have been good for Bynes. She now seems to be turning her life around.

    Image via YouTube

  • Buildings Collapse In India After Heavy Rain, Dozens Killed

    The death toll in two separate building collapses in India reached 27, authorities reported on Monday. More victims who are trapped under rubble are still being rescued.

    On Monday, authorities also reported that the death toll in the city of Chennai is up to 19. Rescuers had a difficult time during the rescue operations due to the heavy rains. According to Chennai Police Commissioner Sebastian George, “50 workers were believed to be present at the construction site at the time of the collapse. Rescue operations are still on.”

    The police arrested six people who were said to have a connection with the collapse of the Trust Heights building. Those who were arrested were employees of Prime Sristi Housing Private Housing Ltd, the developer of the building. Well over a hundred employees of Prime Sristi Housing have also been charged for various violations including culpable homicide (not amounting to murder).

    In a separate incident in New Delhi, a crumbling building collapsed on Saturday. Reports indicate that the building was illegally constructed years ago. The collapse may have been caused by the construction work that was happening on an adjacent building.

    According to officials, building collapses are not uncommon in India. They have seen dilapidated and poorly-constructed buildings end many lives over the past years.

    Based on a report by an official from the New Delhi Municipal Council, many of these types of accidents happen because of unauthorized constructions. People tend to build structures or extra floors without securing the right permits.

    Another leading cause of these incidents is corruption, as many officials authorize risky construction projects. In addition, poor quality materials are often used for the buildings.

    In January, there were at least 15 people who were killed when a residential building that was under construction collapsed in Goa. Late last year, there was also an old building that collapsed in Mumbai. In April 2013, a building collapse happened in a suburb of Mumbai were at least 72 people died.

    Image via YouTube

  • Keyshia Cole Shares Jaw-Dropping Lingerie Pics For ‘She’ Music Video [PHOTOS]

    Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Keyshia Cole is turning her sexy on for the video of her new single “She.” The track was released last week. The song will be featured on her new upcoming album “Point of No Return,” which is slated to be released this fall.

    On Thursday, Cole teased her fans by posting sexy pictures of herself in white lingerie with the hashtags #she and #shevideo.

    When “She” was released, there was a lot of buzz about the song, as Cole sings about being in a relationship with another woman. Down to try something different / Lips and legs, soft skin so feminine / Curves like me, covered in my cherry scent / Them boys love some you / But I ain’t mad cause you look good on me too.

    With the release of the pictures from the video, there is more buzz about Cole’s new single. Some are saying that she is wearing a wedding corset. Could there be a wedding celebration in the new video?

    In March, Cole said in an interview that she and husband Daniel Gibson were separated, but they would be taking care of their four-year-old son. “No matter how much I dislike this man, It’ll never be to a point where he can’t see his son, period.” She confirmed their separation after months of divorce and cheating rumors.

    Last month, Gibson also shared his views on the collapse of his marriage with Cole. He said, “What happened with me and her was that our relationship was out there for everyone to see. So whenever we were going through our problems, it became public and everyone saw the ups and downs.”

    As for the “She” video, fans will just have to wait until the release before they can see if there is indeed a wedding waiting to happen.

    Keyshia Cole: “She”

    Image via YouTube

  • Zendaya Coleman Quits Aaliyah Movie, And Here’s Why

    Zendaya Coleman exits Aaliyah biopic project just weeks after Lifetime announced the movie. In a statement on Twitter, Lifetime said, “We are sad Zendaya will no longer portray Aaliyah. Production is currently on hold.”

    The biopic entitled Aaliyah: Princess of R&B was scheduled to begin filming over the summer with a premiere date in the fall. The script for the movie was based on a book by Christopher Farley entitled Aaliyah: More Than a Woman.

    Zendaya, 17, was cast as Aaliyah and she was supposed to record four songs that would be used in the movie. According to executive producer Debra Martin Chase, Coleman was the choice to play Aaliyah, as “she has Aaliyah’s spirit.” Zendaya recorded part of a song to be used in the movie and the producers were impressed.

    Zendaya receives opposition from Aaliyah fans

    Production for the movie was also halted for a few other reasons. One of which is that the producers were not able to secure the rights to Aaliyah’s music. After the announcement of the biopic, Aaliyah’s family said that they would do everything they can to prevent Aaliyah’s music from being used in the film.

    Aaliyah’s cousin Jomo Hankerson said that their family is seeking help from a lawyer regarding issues about music rights. “We want a major studio release along the lines of What’s Love Got to Do with It,’ the Tina Turner movie,” Hankerson told The New York Daily.

    Chase said, “This film will provide a heartfelt look at Aaliyah’s extraordinary and all-too-short life journey that we hope will provide inspiration to an entirely new generation.”

    Aaliyah died at the age of 22 when her plane traveling from The Bahamas to the United States crashed shortly after it took off. She was with eight others and no one survived the accident.

    Image via YouTube

  • Nicki Minaj Wins Best Female Hip-Hop Artist, Shares Her Near Death Experience

    Nicki Minaj donned a refreshing look at the recently concluded 2014 BET Awards held on June 29. The singer wore her curly hair down and her makeup was toned-down – far from her usual look.

    She opened her performance by entering the stage on a bike. She disappeared for a while and emerged from a giant mushroom singing “Pills N Potions.” The set seemed to be inspired by Alice in Wonderland complete with rabbits, twigs, mushrooms, and fog adding to the dreamy effect.

    It was a big night for Minaj who won the best female hip-hop artist for the fifth consecutive time. During her speech, she thanked Lil Wayne for giving her support. She also talked about writing her own lyrics and getting the recognition she deserves from the music industry.

    Her speech also turned serious when she talked about her near death experience.

    “The other day, literally I didn’t tell anybody this, I really thought I was about to die. Like, I was saying my prayers to die. And I didn’t even want to call the ambulance because I thought, ‘Well if I call the ambulance, it’s going to be on TMZ,’” she said.

    She continued, “And I would rather sit there and die. And it made me realize I don’t care what anybody got to say. I’m going to do me.”

    Other winners at the awards ceremony included Pharrell Williams for best male R&B artist/pop artist, Beyonce for best female R&B/pop singer, Lupita Nyong’o and Chiwetel Ejiofor for acting, Drake for best male hip-hop artist, and Young Money as the best group. Lionel Richie was also given a lifetime achievement award for his musical contributions.

    The ceremony took away the attention from the reports of a stabbing and shooting at separate parties celebrating the awards ceremony. According to news reports, five people were injured and one was killed.

    Image via YouTube

  • Jennifer Lopez Shows Off Perky Posterior At iHeartRadio Show

    Jennifer Lopez has all the right to show off her sexy body and that’s just what she did on Saturday night when she performed at the iHeartRadio Ultimate Pool Party in Miami Beach.

    The 44-year-old singer wore a colorful bodysuit covered up with a jacket, and stockings that had a gaping hole near the butt area. She then stripped off her jacket and revealed her toned arms. It is not clear whether the stockings were ripped by accident or on purpose. Despite the big hole on her buttocks, Lopez continued her energy-pumped performance.

     

    Earlier in the day, Lopez was seen rehearsing with the rest of her dancers. She was wearing a black cropped-top, which showed off her tight stomach, paired with knee-length leggings. Organizers of the show said that Lopez’s mother was present and danced to all of her daughter’s songs. Other performers present were Lil Jon, Iggy Azalea, and Ariana Grande. The event was hosted by Nick Cannon.

    Lopez shed 10 pounds with her rigorous dance workouts and vegan diet. In April, Lopez sought help from exercise physiologist Marco Borges, who also helps other stars such as Pharrell Williams, Shakira, Gwen Stefani, Jay Z, and Beyonce. “You got to work out, you got to watch what you eat. It’s a job – you’ve got to buckle down. I feel great mentally and physically!” Lopez told US Weekly. With her strict diet and exercise, she is now down to a size two from a size four in a span of just five weeks.

    To support her, Lopez’s family, including her six-year-old twins Max and Emme went vegan. Lopez started touring in May to promote her eighth album entitled A.K.A. She has been treating her fans to show-stopping performances in Connecticut and New York. She also performed at the World Cup opening ceremony.

    Image via YouTube

  • Brad Pitt And Angelina Jolie Enjoy A Kid-Free Night Out

    Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie enjoyed quality time together on Saturday. The couple grabbed dinner at Robert De Niro’s Italian restaurant in West Hollywood.

    Pitt and Jolie are usually seen with their children. On Saturday, however, the two were alone. They were seen sneaking out of a side entrance to go back to their car after dining. Jolie looked as stunning as always in a black sheer top, while Pitt donned a white shirt with sunglasses and a khaki beret.

    Jolie was back in town after promoting her most recent movie Maleficent, which is her highest grossing film to date. The movie has surpassed the $500 million mark at the global box office.

    In May, Pitt was the subject of headlines when a Ukrainian journalist hit him in the face. The attacker pleaded no contest to the battery charges and was sentenced to three years probation.

    Although the couple has been together for 10 years, their chemistry is still very much evident. Pitt and Jolie met over a decade ago on the set of their 2005 movie Mr. and Mrs. Smith. They are devoted parents to their six children – Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, and the twins Knox and Vivienne.

    Recently, the couple built a skateboard park in the garden of their Los Angeles mansion to celebrate Shiloh’s eighth birthday.

    Pitt will be returning to the big screen with his upcoming World War II movie Fury wherein he plays Wardaddy, a sergeant in command of a Sherman Tank. The movie also stars Shia LaBeouf, Logan Lerman, Jon Bernthal, and Scott Eastwood. The movie will be released in November.

    Jolie, on the other hand, is reportedly working on a Cleopatra biopic, which she hinted could be the last project that she works on as an actress. “I became an actress because my mom wanted me to become an actress. It took me until my mid-30’s to realize I actually didn’t. I actually wanted to write and direct and be more involved in politics and humanitarian issues,” she said.

    Image via YouTube

  • Mila Kunis And Ashton Kutcher Get Affectionate At Dodgers Game

    Soon-to-be parents Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher were as sweet as honey when they attended the Dodgers game last Saturday. The couple was kissing while watching the game and both showed their team spirit – Kutcher wore a blue Dodgers baseball cap and Kunis wore a blue Dodgers shirt.

    The Dodgers’ Facebook page also posted a photo of the couple attending the game with the caption, “Jackie and Kelso forever!” referring to their characters in That 70’s Show.

    It seems that Kunis and Kutcher love watching sports together, as they have also been spotted at Clippers and LA Lakers games.

    The couple announced their engagement in February and since then, they have been inseparable. They have been spotted shopping, running errands, walking their dogs, and grabbing breakfast.

    On May 8, Kunis appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show where she discussed having a child. “I mean, I did this to myself. I might as well do it right. I wanted this. It’s not like no one made me do this,” she told the host.

    According to OK! magazine, Kunis said that she is interested in giving birth in a Kabbalah pool. Reports say that the 30-year-old actress has been more in touch with her spirituality since being pregnant. According to a source, Kunis has only been eating kosher food and Kutcher always recites psalms to her before going to bed.

    Other sources have also said that Kunis wants to raise her children Jewish. Although Kutcher is not Jewish, he studied Kabbalah while he was married to Demi Moore.

    “It’s a dream for Mila and Ashton, and even if he doesn’t fully convert, he’s very much into the idea of having little Jewish babies,” a source said.

    The couple recently purchased a Beverly Hills Mansion with three bedrooms and four bathrooms for $10.215 million.

    Image via Dodgers Facebook

  • Paula Deen Makes Online Transition After Being Dropped By Food Network

    Last year, Food Network dropped cooking show host and celebrity chef Paula Deen after learning that she used racial slurs in the past. On Friday, the television network said that Deen’s contract will expire at the end of this month and they are not interested in renewing it.

    The Southern cook made guest appearances on several Food Network shows in 1999. By 2002, she was able to secure her own show Paula’s Home Cooking and later had other shows, such as Paula’s Best Dishes.

    Deen was the center of attention when she admitted that she used the n-word in the past. Lisa Jackson, a former manager at Deen’s restaurant, filed a complaint that exposed Deen.

    Deen took to YouTube to apologize for her racist comments. She said, “I want people to understand that my family and I are not the kind of people that the press is wanting to say we are. Your color of your skin, your religion, your sexual preference does not matter to me. But it’s what’s in the heart, and my family and I try to live by that. I am here to say I am so sorry. I was wrong, yes, I have worked hard and I made mistakes, but that is no excuse.”

    A few weeks ago, the Food Network also dropped Deen’s son Jamie Deen. His show, Home for Dinner With Jamie Deen, has not been in production since 2013.

    Despite being dropped by the Food Network, Deen is not losing hope and is gearing to come back with the launch of her digital network in September. “Guess who’s going digital, y’all! I’m so excited about my new online network and can’t wait to show everyone what we’ve been working on,” Deen said in a statement.

    The Paula Deen Network, which is backed by a $100 million investment from private-equity firm Najafi Cos., is a subscriber-based network that will be broadcasting cooking videos of Deen in front of an audience. Subscription fees have not been finalized.

    In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Deen said that going digital is the next step for her, as she wants her fans to be able to reach her anytime and anywhere. “iPads are so much lighter to tote around than a TV. In a network program, you only have 22 minutes. The fans are going to see things they have never seen before,” she said.

    Deen has a strong brand name that should serve her well in her new endeavor. She has 1.25 million Twitter followers and 4.25 million likes on her Facebook page.

    Image via YouTube