Russell Crowe Opens Up About Separation From Wife Danielle Spencer

I Want to "Bring My Family Back Together"

Russell Crowe would like to have an un-miserable Christmas and New Year with his family -- and that includes estranged wife Danielle Spencer.

Two months after widespread reports of a separation, the Les Miserables actor, 48, took to his Twitter earlier this week to address (in vague terms) the state of his nine-year marriage to Spencer.
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"As soon as I finish this job and can get home, my priority is to try to bring my family back together," wrote the Oscar winner, who is currently shooting Winter's Tale in NYC with Colin Farrell, Will Smith and others in between worldwide red carpet premieres of Les Miserables.

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Why tweet now about the situation? The New Zealand-born star was upset by a Page Six item claiming he's casually dating cookbook author and TV personality Katie Lee (former wife of Billy Joel). "These latest reports are false and cruel," Crowe added.
Musician Spencer, meanwhile, also resurfaced on social media with a post to her fans on Facebook.
PHOTOS: Russell Crowe's cheating scandal from way back when
"Hi Everyone! I'm sorry i haven't visited here for a while, things have been keeping me somewhat busy of late," wrote Spencer, who shares sons Charles, 8, and Tennyson, 6, with the actor. Acknowledging the tumultuous several months, she added: "I just wanted to thank you all for bearing with me and also for your messages of support, it means a lot to me."
Australia's Sydney Morning Herald first reported back in October that the couple -- who met 22 years ago on a film set and wed in April 2003 -- had gone their separate ways, with Spencer staying behind with the boys in Australia.
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 "I need to go home & be with my children," Crowe tweeted two weeks ago as Winter's Tale shooting began in the Big Apple. "Cannot believe how f**ked up my schedule has become this year."

This article originally appeared on Usmagazine.com: Russell Crowe Opens Up About Separation From Wife Danielle Spencer: I Want to "Bring My Family Back Together"

Jovan Belcher Killed His Girlfriend and Himself Over Paternity Doubts?

New details suggest Kansas City Chiefs player Jovan Belcher shot and killed his girlfriend Kassandra Perkins over questions of their daughter’s paternity. Belcher’s mother, Cheryl Shepard, was in the home that frightful morning and overheard the couple arguing–possibly about baby Zoey’s paternity. Belcher and Perkins had been in counseling for financial and relationship issues and this allegation might have been the straw that broke it all for the linebacker.
Even with that reasoning, it still doesn’t explain why Belcher shot and killed his girlfriend and then himself instead of, say, petitioning for a paternity test. The fact that he fled the home, went to the Kansas City Chiefs facility and shot himself in front of Chiefs staff indicates that there was more to this tragic event than doubts over his daughter’s paternity.
The question that remains now is will baby Zoey have to undergo a genetic test to determine whether Belcher was her father in order to get survivor benefits provided by the NFL players’ union. As the beneficiary of Belcher’s benefits policy provided under the NFL player’s union contract, Belcher’s daughter stands to receive more than adequate financial assistance throughout her lifetime.
The surviving-child clause of the NFL’s collective-bargaining agreement entitles baby Zoey more than $1 million. The breakdown of that money begins with $108,000 annually over the next four years; a sum of $48,000 in the fifth year and then $52,000 annually until she reaches 18 (23 if she attends college). Also, Belcher’s beneficiary (which he may not have named as his daughter) stands to receive $600,000 in life insurance, $100,000 for a retirement account and $200,000 per season that he played with the Chiefs. Belcher was in his fourth year, so that sum totals $800,000.
Still, the pain of losing a son, brother, father and teammate is more than money can compensate.
Perkins’s family is devastated at the loss of their young daughter and mother to their granddaughter, as well. While the linebacker’s mother, Ms. Shepard, has temporary custody of baby Zoey, Perkins’s family is determined to remain an active part of their granddaughter’s life. During their daughter’s service, the family member spoke on their plans to always love and care for baby Zoey.
“We will raise Baby Zoey in the knowledge of the love from which she was born,” Perkins’ family said in a statement to the press.
The “loyal, honest and trusting” Perkins, they said, “was dedicated to starting her new family and beyond excited about being a mother to her sweet baby.”
They conducted funeral services in Texas and didn’t mention her boyfriend Belcher during the memorial to their daughter.
At this time, there is no word on whether the NFL player’s union will require the child to undergo paternity/genetic testing with a surviving member of of Belcher’s family.

Christina Milian: Karrueche Tran is Chris Brown’s Girlfriend

Karrueche Tran is likely having to clean up the mess made by her friend Christina Milian as she revealed to talk show host Wendy William that Tran remains Chris Brown’s girlfriend – to her (See video below). On top of rumor control, Karrueche Tran’s The Kill clothing line which was scheduled to release on 12-12-12 at noon has been postponed.
She may have soaked up all the free Chris Brown publicity she could get out of her ex boyfriend, but even that wasn’t enough to help the aspiring model with her time management.
Karrueche announced that she would have to delay the launch on the same day that the brand was intended to hit the web. Perhaps she got a bit too wrapped up in traveling around the world with her ex?
“Nothing ever goes as planned,” Tran tweeted when fans tuned in at noon on the launch date only to discover The Kill still didn’t exist online. “It’ll be up soon y’all I promise.”
Needless to say, for this to be her first major business venture attached to her name, it isn’t a good look that she is already having trouble keeping deadlines.
“Patience is a virtue,” she added. “I hate to say it but we’ve postponed the launch date. I will not put anything out that isn’t 100. Sorry guys.”
The clothing line is rumored to feature shirts, hats, hoodies, and even those knee-high socks that Wiz Khalifa can’t get enough of.
The real question is, what exactly is taking so long?
Sneak peaks of the clothing line such as the skully that Christina Milian was spotted in and the t-shirt that Breezy confidently sported were incredibly simple designs (if you even decide to call them designs).
We’re just hoping that when The Kill launches, we can expect a lot more than just t-shirts, hats, and hoodies with “The Kill” slapped on them.
Unfortunately, a behind the scenes video of Kae modeling her clothing line in Paris doesn’t seem to promise much more than just that.
Even Tran is only seen sporting the white t-shirt with “The Kill” written in the corner along with the usual snapback with “The Kill” across the front.
Hopefully Breezy’s boo is saving her best looks for the official launch of the website.

-Update-
Christina Milian stopped by the Wendy Williams show yesterday and the unfortunate clip to surface focuses very little on Milian’s project and a lot on Karrueche, Rihanna and Brown’s relationship. Watch the clip below:

Oprah’s OWN Announces Two New Tyler Perry Shows

Oprah’s OWN network has announced two new shows written and produced by Tyler Perry.
The first is called “Haves and the Have Nots,” which compares the lives of a wealthy family and a poor one. “Haves and the Have Nots” is a single-camera effort about the dynamics of the affluent Cyrer family and the impoverished family of their housekeeper, Hanna, and the obstacles and secrets that exist within both families,” said an OWN representative to the Hollywood reporter.
The rich/poor dynamic is a theme often examined in Perry’s work, with many storylines in the popular “Madea” film franchise featuring wealthy individuals getting some needed perspective.  Most recently, Perry explored this theme in Madea’s Witness Protection, where a wealthy New York family must hide in Madea’s house in Atlanta for safekeeping.
Perry’s second show for OWN, “Love Thy Neighbor,” will be a more lighthearted, multicamera series set at Love’s Diner, “where every day the menu serves up good food, great laughs, valuable life lessons and a lot of love for its zany neighbors,” said the OWN representative.
Per the usual, Perry will write, direct and executive produce both shows. Both are set to start production early in 2013 and debut midseason.
The Perry shows mark a new direction for OWN, which has thus far mainly focused on interviews and reality shows, as opposed to scripted series. One of the most popular programs has been “Oprah’s Next Chapter,” an interview segment that is an outgrowth of her old talkshow. Winfrey has sat down with everyone from Steven Spielberg to Justin Bieber to the family of the late Whitney Houston.
Perry seemed excited about his collaboration with Winfrey, posting on Facebook earlier this fall: “Yes it’s true, Oprah and I have joined forces. We’ve formed a partnership for OWN and I’m super excited about it. I’ll fill you in more as we get closer to the airing of my shows.”

Connecticut School Shooting Update: Gunman, Possible Motive Identified

The school shooting in Connecticut has officially been declared one of the deadliest school shootings in U.S history as the death toll rises to at least 28 people including children.
The number of the deceased includes 20 children all between the ages of 5 and 10.
The gunman was found dead inside the school building after taking the lives of nearly 30 people before he is believed to have taken his own life.
The gunman has finally been identified as 20-year-old Adam Lanza of New Jersey, previously believed to be Ryan Lanza, 24. The shooter carried the identification of his older brother Ryan, causing the initial confusion.
According to the reports, the tragedy began when Lanza entered a classroom where is mother was a teacher. He then shot and killed his mother before firing blindly at everyone else who remained inside the classroom.
Experts believe that although the exact motive is not certain, the shooter’s reason for the bloody killing is likely connected to a trouble relationship with his mother while several others have already dubbed the shooter as “mentally unstable.”
Ryan bas been brought into questioning, making it unclear if he was involved in the deadly shooting.
Police pointed out that it was the quick thinking of teachers and staff members that prevented even more children from being murdered. Teachers instructed the students to grab a friend and head for safety – the firehouse just across the street.
Photos have been released of adults helping the children to safety as they all tightly grasped one another by the shoulders.
Amidst the chaos, only three people were taken to Danbury Hospital – a number that police wish would have been much higher. The hospital prepared to save the lives of dozens, but unfortunately discovered that the number of lives lost was already much higher than the number of lives that could have possibly been saved.
It was only 9:30 am when the State police received a call from the Newton police about the horrendous tragedy.
“On- and off-duty troopers responded to the school, and with Newton police immediately upon arrival entered the school and began an active shooter search,” Lieutenant Vance said.
By 10:30am the President had been briefed of the school shooting and made a televised appearance to discuss the tragedy around 3:00 pm.
“This evening Michelle and I will do what every parent in America will do… which is hug our children tightly,” the President said in a public statement.
He went on to point out that many families in Connecticut won’t be able to do the same so now it is time for America to let them know that we, as a nation, are there for them.
“May God bless the memory of the victims,” Obama said as he wiped away tears.
Seven adults were also shot including the school’s principle and psychologist who have both been pronounced dead.
Some witnesses reported hearing as much as 100 shots being fired while children were immediately huddled into closets and the corners of their classrooms until it was safe for them to escape to the nearby firehouse.
Police have discovered a Glock and a Sig Sauer from the suspect, and it is believed that the suspect had two additional weapons in his possession.
The Connecticut elementary school shooting has easily trumped the death toll of Columbine High School shooting back in 1999 that took the lives of 12 students and a teacher. It stands behind only Virginia Tech, where more than 30 people died by a lone gunman. The tragedy, with innocent children gone and others scarred for life is no doubt in a category by itself.

President Obama addresses the nation

Emotional Obama vows action to prevent shootings ‘regardless of the politics

President Barack Obama wipes a tear as he speaks about the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, …An emotional President Barack Obama vowed on Friday to "take meaningful action, regardless of the politics," to prevent future tragedies like the shooting massacre Friday at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn.

"Our hearts are broken today," Obama said in a brief statement at the White House briefing room, frequently pausing to wipe tears from his eyes. "The majority of those who died today were children, beautiful little kids between the ages of 5 and 10 years old. They had their entire lives ahead of them: birthdays, graduations, weddings, kids of their own. Among the fallen were also teachers, men and women who devoted their lives to helping our children fulfill their dreams."
Obama expressed sorrow for the victims' loved ones and sympathy for the parents of the children who survived but who know that "their children's innocence has been torn away from them too early."
"As a country we have been through this too many times," Obama said, listing a series of mass shootings over the past few years in places like Aurora, Colo.
"These neighborhoods are our neighborhoods, and these children are our children. And we're going to have to come together and take meaningful action to prevent more tragedies like this, regardless of the politics," he stressed.
Earlier, White House press secretary Jay Carney told reporters that "today's not the day" to talk about possible new gun control steps meant to prevent such tragedies in the future.

Obama ordered flags over government facilities to be flown at half-staff until sunset on Dec. 18. Shortly after he spoke, Connecticut State Police said the death toll included 20 children, six adults and the shooter.

Obama learned of the rampage at 10:30 a.m. from Homeland Security adviser John Brennan. He later discussed it by telephone with FBI Director Robert Mueller and Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy.

Obama's reference to acting "regardless of the politics" seemed likely to be a reference to deep opposition in Congress to new gun control legislation.
"Today's not ... a day to engage in the usual Washington policy debates," Carney told reporters. "That day will come, but today's not that day." Carney said renewing a federal assault weapons ban "does remain a commitment" of the president. The ban expired in 2004, and Obama has taken no serious steps to renew it on Capitol Hill.

Carney declined to answer repeated questions on when would be an appropriate time for lawmakers in Washington to discuss possible actions to prevent future tragedies. "Our minds and our focus need to be on what's happening there and providing assistance where we can to those who need it," he said, urging "enormous sympathy for the families that are affected."

One reporter pointed to Obama's remarks in July just days after a shooting spree that left 12 dead and about 60 injured at a movie theater in Aurora, Colo.

"I hope that over the next several days, next several weeks and next several months, we all reflect on how we can do something about some of the senseless violence that ends up marring this country," Obama said at the time.

Obama has made similar comments before, including at a January 2011 memorial for the victims of a mass shooting in Tucson, Ariz., in which then-Rep. Gabby Giffords was grievously wounded.

"We have to examine all the facts behind this tragedy. We cannot and will not be passive in the face of such violence. We should be willing to challenge old assumptions in order to lessen the prospects of such violence in the future," Obama said. "But what we cannot do is use this tragedy as one more occasion to turn on each other. That we cannot do."

Republican House Speaker John Boehner likewise ordered the Stars and Stripes lowered over the Capitol.

"The horror of this day seems so unbearable, but we will lock arms and unite as citizens, for that is how Americans rise above unspeakable evil," Boehner said in a written statement. "Let us all come together in God's grace to pray for the families of the victims, that they may find some comfort and peace amid such suffering.

"Let us give thanks for all those who helped get people to safety, and take heart from their example. The House of Representatives—like every American—stands ready to assist the people of Newtown, Connecticut," Boehner said.

Beyonce Parties with Jay-Z at Art Basel + $50M Pepsi Deal Details (PHOTOS)

Beyonce and husband Jay-Z partied it up at the Art Basel festival in Miami this weekend celebrating some of the word’s leading contemporary art.
Hip-hop’s reigning couple was spotted at The Standard Hotel screening “The Wrinkles of the City, Havana, Cuba” project by artists JoseParla & JR.
Beyonce used the event to debut a new look, rocking blond bangs and a festive printed jumpsuit.
The Art Basel appearance marks only one happy event for the singer this week, who just landed a new $50 million deal with Pepsi.  Details of the deal are starting to emerge, and this Beyonce-Pepsi partnership is no standard celebrity endorsement, but rather a full throttle business collaboration.
The $50 million deal will include typical channels of advertising like commercials and print ads. In addition, Pepsi has also pledged a multimillion-dollar “creative content development fund” to support Beyonce’s artistic endeavors.
“Consumers are seeking a much greater authenticity in marketing from the brands they love,” argued Brad Jakeman, president of PepsiCo’s global beverage group. “It’s caused a shift in the way we think about deals with artists, from a transactional deal to a mutually beneficial collaboration.”
Even by calling pop stars “artists” Pepsi has ushered in a new era of marketing, moving away from the saccharine ads that have dominated their campaigns since the early 2000s, featuring Beyonce and Britney Spears, among others.
It seems that Pepsi and Beyonce have reached this deal with similar goals of brand evolution. “Pepsi embraces creativity and understands that artists evolve,” Beyonce said in a statement. “As a businesswoman, this allows me to work with a lifestyle brand with no compromise and without sacrificing my creativity.”
Like Pepsi wants to change its image with consumers, Beyonce’s statement captures much of the artistic evolution she is undergoing as she prepares for her much-hyped HBO documentary and new album, both due in early 2013. The documentary teaser, released last week, features a voiceover from Beyonce,  who admits she battles the question of “How much do I reveal about myself?”
The documentary will show Beyonce in public and intimate moments, and will profile the star from her childhood in Houston, TX through her recording career, marriage to mogul Jay-Z and most recently–the birth of their daughter, Blue Ivy Carter.   Beyonce’s first Pepsi ad campaign will be strategically timed to coincide with the Feb. 16 release of the HBO documentary and her SuperBowl halftime show performance on Feb. 3.
Pepsi will also release limited-edition Pepsi cans featuring Beyonce’s face, which will first debut in Europe around March.

Beyonce and Jay-Z at Art Basel photos

Lea Michele on Diva Rumors: ‘You Can Think What You Want About Me’

Lea Michele on the cover of the January issue. (Andreas Sjödin/Marie Claire)Lea Michele may be best associated with Rachel Berry, her overachieving high schooler (and now college freshman) character on the musical hit TV show "Glee," but the actress looks much more like the 26-year-old woman she actually is in a sexy new photo spread featured in the January issue of Marie Claire. The sultry pics include a shot of Michele in a bodysuit with a blazer draped over her shoulders and another in a midriff baring top paired with itsy-bitsy shorts .

Read More From The Lea Michele Interview in Marie Claire
Andreas Sjödin/Marie ClaireAndreas Sjödin/Marie Claire
In the accompanying interview, the actress also sets the record straight on rumors that some (including, reportedly, "Glee" guest star Kate Hudson) have said she can be tough to work with.
See More Photos From the Lea Michele Photo Shoot in Marie Claire
"I can assure you that [the diva rumors] aren't real. It's super-frustrating sometimes, and I used to fight back, but now I feel like, You can think what you want about me — that's OK," Michele explains. "I have the most amazing fans, friends, and family members who have stood by me, and I know that my cast and crew really enjoy working with me. That's all that matters."
Lea Michele's Fashion Evolution
Andreas SjödinMarie Claire
As for the rumored issue with Hudson, Michele says it's simply not true and that Hudson actually reached out to her after hearing about the tabloid reports, saying "I just heard about that, and it f**king sucks. I want you to know I think you're amazing." After that, she says, the 33-year-old actress went "straight to the top of my list because it was so classy of her to take a minute to [address the rumor], even though we both knew it was the biggest piece of crap in the whole world. I told her, 'I love you, and I adore you. Thank you so much for creating a human moment with me.'"
Naturally, the tabloids also love reporting on something that actually is true: Michele's romantic relationship with co-star Cory Monteith, 30.
"I don't even remember a time when he wasn't my boyfriend. No one knows me better than Cory," she shares. "He makes me feel like I can do anything. For the first time in my life, I feel really, really settled and happy. I feel like the luckiest girl in the world."

The Game Calls Brown & RiRi's Fight a 'Mishap'

Rapper The Game had his friend Chris Brown's back when he was asked on The Howard Stern Show about what he thought of the R&B star's domestic abuse history with on-again, off-again girlfriend Rihanna. The rapper attempted to downplay the 2009 incident where Brown beat up Rihanna so bad she was hospitalized, referring to the dispute as "one of those Hollywood mishaps."

"I did the best that I could ... counsel him through that," The Game said, speaking to Brown, 23, and Rihanna's domestic dispute the night before the '09 Grammy Awards. Referring to the singer as a "little brother," the rapper added, "I feel like he made it back okay, and they're back together. What I thought of it, I just figured they were young and that was just one of those Hollywood mishaps. I don't think it'll happen again."

However, when Stern's co-host Robin Quivers asked The Game what he would have done if Brown had abused his own daughter, the rapper responded, "Uhh, let's not paint that picture. That's Howard talking. You're trying to get me to kill Chris Brown, it's not going to happen Howard. That was pretty clever, though."
RELATED: Rihanna Posts Pic of Brown In Bed
What do you think of The Game defending Brown? Let us know, below.

Ice-T Disrespected by Racy Photos, Wife Coco Apologizes

CoCo Austin has apologized for her racy Vegas photos, admitting they disrespected husband Ice-T.
Over the weekend, Instagram photos showed CoCo, a model, playfully posing with rapper AP.9 in Vegas, where she is currently performing in the burlesque act “Peepshow” (subbing for a pregnant Holly Madison).
In the photos, AP.9 could be seen kissing CoCo on the cheek and touching her neck. Ice-T, rapper and star of Law and Order SVU, was not pleased, speaking out on Twitter about the incident over the weekend: “Most [are] disrespectful and in bad taste. She’s made me look and feel like sh*t. ‘I say this on Twitter because there’s no way to avoid the obvious misconduct of a married couple.That’s it. Any more questions ask [CoCo].”
Ice promptly deleted the angry tweets. Later that day, CoCo woke up to a social media maelstrom, but tried to downplay the photos: “Woke up to people in a panic about some pics. Please guys, I’m happily married, sometimes fans & friends take silly pics. It’s harmless.”
However, now CoCo is changing her tune, admitting to disrespecting Ice-T.
CoCo has now released a public apology to her husband. “Ice is right, the pics I took with this man were in poor taste & I disrespected my husband. However the pics were the only thing that happened. I feel so sad,” she said.
“The bottom line is I love Ice and I can understand why he’s upset,” CoCo continued. “There’s no excuse for my actions. I’m so sorry baby and to everyone.”
Ice-T and CoCo have been married for 11 years. No word yet on whether the drama will play out on their E! series, Ice Loves CoCo. Thus far, the show has focused on the strong marriage between the actor and model, as well as their English bulldogs.  Ice-T and CoCo were spotted Monday night together in New York, so for now they appear to be working things out.

Beyonce Takes Miami With Kelly Rowland While Working on New Album

Beyonce and husband Jay-Z were out and about all over Miami hanging out Kelly Rowland and their other celebrity pals, many of whom will also make an appearance on Bey’s upcoming new studio album.
The ladies of Destiny’s Child have gone separate ways when it comes to their careers, but the R&B divas are still as close as ever.
Queen Bey and Kelly Rowland met up over the weekend to catch a bite to eat along site Jay-Z and producer The Dream.
The four A-list celebs were photographed leaving Soho Beach Club, where other A-listers like Paris Hilton, were also dining inside.
The “ice” songstress had just gotten back to the States from a TW Steel watch launch in Hong Kong, but still made sure she looked fabulous for her dinner date with her BFF.
A simple gray tank top showed off Rowland’s athletic physique and toned arms while the pair of leather black trousers dressed up the look and showed the R&B star’s chic fashion sense. Keeping it simple but sleek, she accessorized with a low hanging gold chain and gold bracelet.
The Dream on the other hand was busy showing team spirit in a Chicago Bulls hat and jacket.
Beyonce, being the huge fashionista that she is, dressed up in a fiery red fitted dress with black sheer sleeves that made us all forget that she gave birth to Blue Ivy not too long ago.
Her curves looked flawless in the ensemble that she then paired with a simple black heel and her usual bun on top of her head.
Husband Jay-Z, who just celebrated his 43 birthday last week, did his best to match his wife’s look with a red Nets hat and chambray shirt with light blue jeans.
The “Motivation” songstress tweeted a few pics from her fun night out with Bey as she took a snap shot of the groups expensive bottle of cognac that Jay-Z endorses with the caption “#D’USSE’… nuff said!!”
The lovely ladies also made sure to make an appearance at Art Basel, the international contemporary art fair which is probably the reason both ladies were in Miami in the first place.
Bey dressed down a bit in an adorable floral print romper with a high bun (this time leaving her bangs out in the front) and some simple but chic nude heels.
The girls playfully took in all the art around them and even took turns pretending to listen for the sounds of the ocean next to a giant sea shell installation.
The “Countdown” songstress and the Nets part owner were also seen courtside once again at the Miami Heat game despite the fact that it wasn’t Jay’s team on the court. More than likely the basketball loving couple came to the game to support LeBron James who is good friends with the “99 Problems” rapper.
The new face of Pepsi was on the edge of her seat the entire game, and once again looking as fashionable as ever in a sheer top, matte gray skinny jeans, and cheetah print Alaia lace-up ankle boots.
Blue Ivy Carter’s mommy definitely made sure to kick back and just have some fun this weekend, but the mother of one has definitely been keeping herself busy.
With performances for both X-Factor and the Superbowl coming up, a new deal that will make her the new face of Pepsi’s “Live for Now” campaign, and an adorable daughter who will be turning one next month the 31-year-old R&B megastar definitely has a full plate, and that’s not even including the fact that she has a new studio album in the works as well.
Several big name artists (as can only be expected) will be working with the new mommy on the album which is sure to soar to #1 on the charts once again.
Hit-Boy, Kanye West, and Ryan Tedder will all be a part of the new album and some rumors are even suggesting that Bey will be teaming up with Justin Timberlake once again.
“She took the summer to start recording, and now she’s in a place where she’s ready to start gearing up to reveal her plan,” The Dream explained. “I’m sure there will probably be a couple records you here before the Super Bowl gets here.”
Perhaps one of the most anticipated partnerships will be with the award winning song writer and R&B crooner, Ne-Yo.
The 30-year-old record producer, dancer, and singer teamed up with Blue Ivy’s mommy to make the hit “Irreplaceable” and the pair is hoping to create another mega hit on the new upcoming album.

Jessica Simpson Shields Baby Bump as Pregnancy Rumors Persist

Yesterday, Jessica Simpson was spotted shielding a possible baby bump, as rumors of a second pregnancy persist.
Simpson, 32, was out shopping at Saks Fifth Avenue in Beverly Hills, CA with friends, including former assistant, Cacee Cobb. Photos show the star dressed in a covering black blazer, with a large Saks bag strategically placed over her stomach.
Simpson’s first child with fiance Eric Johnson, Maxwell Drew, is only 7 months old. The two have yet to set a date to wed, and may choose to postpone their wedding indefinitely if Simpson is pregnant again. Simpson said before Maxwell’s birth “We didn’t even have a [wedding] date nailed down,” she said. “I’m going to wait until everything is over so I don’t end up being a hormonal Bridezilla.” Simpson was previously married to her Newlyweds costar Nick Lachey from 2002-2006.
There is no word as of yet on how a second pregnancy would affect Simpson’s $4 million endorsement deal with Weight Watchers. Simpson famously signed with the weight loss company to shed the pounds from her first pregnancy.
An US Weekly source claims Weight Watchers isn’t too pleased. The source adds, “She was already on thin ice with them since she didn’t lose enough for a the first ad, when they had to shoot from the waist up.” The second ad is set to feature Simpson’s full 70 pound weight loss, but may be scrapped if the star is indeed pregnant for a second time.
Simpson has yet to officially comment on the pregnancy rumors, although over Thanksgiving she did issue this cryptic tweet: “Eventually all things fall into place. Until then, laugh at the confusion, live for the moments, and know everything happens for a reason.”
For now, it seems she will continue to shield her baby bump as the speculation continues.

Serena Imitated by Wozniacki: Racist or Just Plain Tacky? (VIDEO)

Serena Williams was imitated by Caroline Wozniacki on the tennis court earlier this week, but is it a racist diss? Some seem to think so. The white tennis pro Wozniacki came onto the court mid-game during her latest match with a lot more padding to her breast and backside area. Ms. Williams, already considered a legend in the tennis world with 30 Grand Slam titles, was not present during the apparent mockery of her physical form by Wozniacki. Some have said that if the Danish tennis pro wanted to imitate anything of Serena’s it should have been her tennis skill. Wozniacki went on to lose to the match to Maria Sharapova.
So, was her gesture in jest or was it racist? The jury is still out on that. Some bloggers have taken to the Internet to express their disdain for her actions. Many seem to echo the sentiment that Wozniacki’s mockery of Serena reinforces age-old stereotypes about Black women’s bodies as hypersexual. One blogger said, “So a white woman can do something like this, but Serena Williams can’t crip walk to celebrate a victory? Wozniacki stuffed her bra and underwear so that she could appear like Serena. It may have been done in “jest,” but I love how people can can turn a black woman’s body and sexuality into a caricature. However, we should not have the autonomy to celebrate any successes of our own.”
While some have labeled the gesture in poor taste and indeed racist, others have simply laughed at the joke. The Yahoo Sports crew clearly saw her antics in good humor as they wrote, “Fun-loving Caroline Wozniacki made Serena Williams the butt of her joke at an exhibition match in Sao Paulo.”
For her part, Wozniacki has remained quiet on this latest stunt. However, this is not the first time the 2006 Wimbledon Girls’ Singles winner has mocked Williams. Last year, Caroline entered the court, with butt-padding to boot, dancing to the same Rihanna song that Serena did during one of her previous matches.
It should be noted that in the world of tennis, impressions are often made in jest by one player to another and Wozniacki is known for her practical jokes (maybe at the expense of her actual tennis skill); having poked fun at tennis legends such as Williams and Rafael Nadal. Certainly, if she is racist she’s at least an equal opportunist.
While her most recent joke may have been in poor taste, does that mean it was racist? Does anything that a white person does to poke fun at sensitive topics for black people, such as the stereotype regarding hypersexuality and black women’s bodies, mean that they are purposefully racially insensitive? Or are they just plain ignorant to the history of race relations in the U.S.?
What are your thoughts?
Wozniacki imitates Serena in 2011

Basketball Wives Evelyn Lozada ‘Corrects’ Gloria Govan’s ‘I AM the Show’ Claim

Evelyn Lozada took to Twitter last night during the airing of the Basketball Wives LA reunion to ‘correct’ Gloria Govan’s claim that she is the real reason the show exists. In her tweet, Lozada said, “I just need to make something CLEAR! It is because of @ShaunieONeal creating BBW Miami, Shed Media & @VH1 that there is a “SPIN-OFF”#CarryOn I usually don’t comment & stay in my lane, but the truth is the truth! SMH.” The former Mrs. Chad Johnson certainly did not stay in her lane and made sure that the Twitter-verse knew just why Basketball Wives LA was created.
Shaunie O’Neal, the show’s creator and executive producer, had this to say in response to Lozada’s tweet. “Thank u Boo! I’ve been telling myself 2 put the phone down#iwontaddresstrash lol.” Ouch. Apparently Lozada has O’Neal’s back, even after the recent threat that she wouldn’t return to the show unless she received a hefty raise.
The real question is: Why did both women get so upset that Govan stated what some fans think is the truth?
For those who don’t follow the Vh1 series, Basketball Wives began in Miami with Gloria, along with Evelyn Lozada and Shaunie O’Neal, as one of the original cast members. Her then-fiance Matt Barnes was traded to the LA Lakers and Ms. O’Neal cast Govan as one of the lead women to headline the Basketball Wives LA franchise. Despite their differences, Shaunie had to think Govan would make good TV so she cast her. Maybe fans would have watched if she was not on the show, but it’s reasonable that Govan would think her claim is at least partly true.
The new Mrs. Matt Barnes made the inflammatory statement last night during part one of the Basketball Wives LA reunion show. Govan made the comment after another cast member, Bambi, explained her fabulous-ness (for what seemed like the millionth time last night) and justified why she should be on the show. If one of the cast members thought Gloria’s comment was untrue or out of line, they certainly didn’t speak up. Outside of a few audience hecklers, the set practically fell pin-drop silent when Govan basically said, “If if weren’t for me, Basketball Wives LA wouldn’t exist.”
The younger Govan hasn’t been on the show much these days and her on-screen nemesis Bambi, (doing her best impression of Hottie from Flava of Love), did her best to remind her of that. In one of the final scenes, Bambi took a shot at Gloria, saying that she was boring and that’s why she’s not more included in the filming. Gloria remained defiant during the entire exchange.
Gloria wasn’t well-liked on the original Basketball Wives and it seems she’s making no friends on her spin-off show Basketball Wives LA. It was rumored that she, along with several other cast members, were set to be released from the show to make room for new, more exciting cast members. That rumor was spurred on, in part, Govan’s decision not to include the Vh1 camera crew during her wedding to Matt Barnes. The couple wanted it to be a private moment, sans camera crews, and they made it happen. Some fans were upset by that, but others (including myself) think she has the right to keep certain areas of her life private; especially when her relationship has been held to public scrutiny in the past years.
The whole Bambi vs Gloria feud will continue next week on part two of the Basketball Wives LA reunion show. In the meantime, are you team Bambi, team Gloria or team “Cancel Basketball Wives LA”?

Lindsay Lohan Faces Major Jail Time, Owes Charlie Sheen a ‘Thank You’

Lindsay Lohan is facing up to eight months in jail, and she still owes Charlie Sheen a big “thank you” after he lent the actress thousands to pay off the IRS.
Tomorrow the trouble making actress’s probation will be revoked and that means the starlet may be behind bars for quite some time.
According to TMZ, Lohan will be arraigned Wednesday for “allegedly lying to cops and reckless driving in connection with her car accident last June.”
In addition to revoking the 26-year-old’s probation, the judge will also set an official date for the hearing in which the courts will decide if the “Liz & Dick” actress really did violate her probation.
The hearing will take place during the same time Lindsay stands trial for her other criminal charges. Unfortunately for Lohan, even if the courts find her not guilty on those charges the judge can still determine that she violated her probation.
In other words, the actress is almost certainly going to receive 8 months in jail, which doesn’t include the time she would serve if she is found guilty for the car accident as well.
Sources told TMZ that the L.A. City Attorney is “out for blood,” but they aren’t the only ones who are going after the frequent DUI offender.
Lohan’s “Scary Movie 5” co-star Charlie Sheen wants something very simple (and free) from the trouble making actress – a “Thank You.”
Sheen even admitted that he’ll take it via text message at this point after he forked over $100,000 so his co-star could pay off her debt to the IRS.
“I’m still waiting for a text to say thank you,” the former Two and a Half Men actor told ET. “Anything, anything, you know?”
He went on to explain that he wanted to help out the “Mean Girls” actress because she had been cheated on another job when they failed to pay the star as much as they promised.
“They owed her money, didn’t pay her, so I took care of it,” Sheen added.
The 47-year-old actor has had his share of run ins with the law and drugs, and actually seems to be very understanding of what his young co-star is going through.
“She just needs a little bit of time,” he explained. “People need to give her time to get her s**t together.”
He went on to describe Lohan as a “very good, decent young lady” and even admitted that he feels like she is simply “going through a lot.”
Either way, it seems like the courts are getting fed up with her frequent appearances in the courtroom whether she really is a “decent young lady” or not.

Secret shuttle launch: US military's X-37B to spy on Middle East?

Secret shuttle launch goes off without a hitch Tuesday. But what is the secret mission of X-37B? The robotic, military shuttle spent seven months in space during it's last mission. It could be spying on terrorists, speculates one scientist.

By Marcia Dunn, Associated Press / December 11, 2012

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The X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle at the Astrotech facility in Titusville, Fla., two years ago. On Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012, the Air Force launched the top-secret, unmanned mini-space shuttle from Cape Canaveral, Fla.

(AP Photo/U.S. Air Force via NASA

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Cape Canaveral, Fla.

The military's small, top-secret version of the space shuttle rocketed into orbit Tuesday for a repeat mystery mission, two years after making the first flight of its kind.

The Air Force launched the unmanned, robotic spacecraft Tuesday hidden on top of an Atlas V rocket.
It's the third flight for the X-37B spaceplane. It circled the planet for seven months in 2010. A second X-37B spacecraft spent more than a year in orbit.
These high-tech mystery machines — 29 feet long — are about one-quarter the size of NASA's old space shuttles and can land automatically on a runway. The two previous touchdowns occurred in Southern California; this one might end on NASA's three-mile-long runway once reserved for the space agency's shuttles.

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The military isn't saying much if anything about this new secret mission. In fact, launch commentary ended 17 minutes into the flight.
But one scientific observer, Harvard University's Jonathan McDowell of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, speculates the spaceplane is carrying sensors designed for spying and likely is serving as a testbed for future satellites.
While acknowledging he does not know what the spaceplane is carrying, McDowell said on-board sensors could be capable of imaging or intercepting transmissions of electronic emissions from terrorist training sites in Afghanistan or other hot spots.
The beauty of a reusable spaceplane is that it can be launched on short notice based on need, McDowell said.
What's important about this flight is that it is the first reflight.
"That is pretty cool," McDowell said, "reusing your spacecraft after a runway landing. That's something that has only really been done with the shuttle."
The two previous secret flights were in 200-plus-mile-high orbits, circling at roughly 40-degree angles to the equator. That means the craft flew over the swatch between 40 degrees or so north latitude and 40 degrees or so south latitude.
That puts Russia's far north out of the spaceplane's observing realm, McDowell noted. "It might be studying Middle Eastern latitudes or it might just be being used for sensor tests over the United States," he said.
McDowell speculates that this newest flight will follow suit.
The US military contracted for this flight with United Launch Alliance, a firm that puts objects into orbit using Atlas and Delta, rockets. It's a joint partnership Lockheed Martin and The Boeing Company.

Jennifer Lawrence Rises, While Kim Kardashian Falls on AskMen’s List of The Top 99 Most Desirable Women of 2013

Jennifer Lawrence. (Splash Images)The odds were certainly in Jennifer Lawrence's favor this year: not only did the 22-year-old rising star land leading roles in major movies like "The Hunger Games" and "Silver Linings Playbook," but now the top spot on AskMen's Top 99 Most Desirable Women of 2013 as well. Generating over 2.4 million votes worldwide, the annual list of women to watch was announced Tuesday, December 11^th, and along with Lawrence at No. 1, featured a host of new names and fresh faces, while former mainstays like Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez either dropped far down the list or fell off it entirely.

Top 99 Most Desirable Women of 2013
Now in its 12^th year, AskMen's Top 99 poll takes into account more than just sex appeal, asking readers to vote on the finalists' character, intelligence, talent, sense of humor, achievements in 2012, and potential for 2013. So it should be no surprise that Lawrence came in at No. 1, as men have clearly taken note of the charming, yet down-to-Earth head-turner. With two high-profile roles in 2012, including as "Hunger Games" heroine Katniss, it was almost impossible not to.
(Kim K. (Splash Images)Meanwhile, past favorites slid down the list, as Kim Kardashian fell all the way from No. 8 to No. 98 this year, further proof that AskMen readers are tiring of the reality TV star. It's possible Kim's relationship with bad boy Kanye West contributed to the 90-spot plunge, but readers clearly didn't hold dating drama over Kristen Stewart, who may have lost favor with Twihards in 2012, but actually improved her standing with men, jumping from No. 27 last year to No. 7 on this year's list.
Still, Kim's drop was nothing compared to Nicki Minaj's freefall, who went from No. 5 to off the Top 99 entirely for 2013. Likewise, former standbys like Jennifer Lopez, Jessica Alba, Penelope Cruz, and Megan Fox were all notable omissions. And while the music world still loves Taylor Swift, AskMen readers have noticeably cooled on the 22-year-old pop star, who dropped off the list, making room for "Call Me Maybe" newcomer Carly Rae Jepsen (No. 75) instead.
The Free Top 99 Most Desirable Women of 2013 iPad Magazine
With over 40% of the women selected making their first appearance on the Top 99 however, fresh faces became part of a trend. A new generation of leading ladies joined Lawrence as women to watch for in 2013, including "Mad Men" actress Jessica Pare (No. 9), Emilia Clarke from "Game of Thrones" (No. 15), and "Girls" co-stars Allison Williams (No. 42) and Jemima Kirke (No. 51). Meanwhile, in the battle of the Bond girls, Naomie Harris (No. 19) had the clear edge over fellow "Skyfall" actress Berenice Marlohe (No. 99).
Mila Kunis. (Getty Images)Rihanna. (Getty Images)
But it wasn't all first-timers, as a few familiar names continued to make a serious impression on men for yet another year. Esquire's reigning Sexiest Woman Alive Mila Kunis clearly connected with AskMen readers as well, reclaiming the No. 2 spot after falling to No. 13 last year. And Kate Upton became the only Top 99 finalist to make the Top 3 two years in a row, joining fellow Sports Illustrated model Jessica Gomes (No. 8) in the Top 10. Rihanna (No. 4) and Emma Stone (No. 5) rounded out the Top 5, while model and frequent fixture on the Top 99 Miranda Kerr (No. 6) joined Stewart, Gomes, Pare, and Australian hurdler Michelle Jenneke (No. 10) to make up this year's Top 10. Meanwhile, last year's No. 1 Sofia Vergara held strong at No. 12.
And so, while tabloid favorites like Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez plummeted on this year's Top 99, strong, independent women such as First Lady Michelle Obama (No. 33), Yahoo! President and CEO Marissa Mayer (No. 59), and of course, the feisty yet humble Jennifer Lawrence have risen to take their place, signaling a clear shift that men are looking for much more than just a pretty face going forward in 2013.