August 29, 2008

Cleveland Leader

Keith Olbermann, host of MSNBC's "Countdown with Keith Olbermann", might be losing it. Sources have told the NYPost that he is threatening to quit unless they beef up his security ahead of the Republican National Convention.
Olbermann was reportedly upset to be anchoring at the Democratic National Convention from an outdoor set near Denver's train station, and won't stand for that happening again. An insider said he:
"...announced that his bosses [had] better find a more secure location for him to broadcast from at the Republican National Convention or he's not going. He thinks someone will assassinate him."
Before Olbermann left NYC to head to the DNC in Denver, he was worried about his safety. The car that was to take him to the airport was late, and Olbermann quickly shot off an email threatening to stay home, and telling producers "I could have been attacked on the street."
Maybe if he and colleague Chris Matthews would lay off the Obama lovefest and constant bashing of other Democrats and rival anchors, Olbermann wouldn't have to be so concerned about his safety.
by Julie at3:58 PM under entertainment, gossip, politics, television, u.s. politics
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The Ohio State State season kicks off against Youngstown State tomorrow which means you are probably ready to get back into the spirit of the gridiron. A&E released a biography video of the great Buckeyes coach Woody Hayes which hit stores Tuesday.
Entitled "Woody Hayes' Ohio State Buckeyes" the video takes a look at the career that brought 13 Big Titles and 205 wins to Columbus. One of the highlights of the disc is Archie Griffin's reflections of the great coach in the bonus interview section. Diehard Buckeye fans will love the new offering from A&E Home Video.
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by Eugmc at2:08 PM under cleveland browns, cleveland teams, entertainment, movies, news, sports
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Another spectrum into the ever-growing Christian hardcore realm as Agraceful unleashes to us, The Great I Am. The Great I Am’s opening track is “A Prophecy: In Reverie" as it's severely aggressive with the combination of screaming and singing vocals, melodic guitar solos and double bass grooves that are truly representative of both metalcore and screamo; this isn’t a bad start to this disc. “Stygiophobia” gets into the metallic chaos further into depth as it’s a faster cut and has more destructive elements and less musical structure, but is the perfect song to bang your head and mosh. “The Things We Believe” is a throat-ripper of a track as it shoots straight ahead at you with the guttural growls, heavy shredding and ear-tingling repetitive beats.
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by Francis.Petruziello at2:18 AM under entertainment, music
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August 28, 2008

Cleveland Leader
Olympic gold medalist swimmer Michael Phelps will help kick off Saturday Night Live's 34th season as he has been tapped to host the season premiere show. Other than all the commercials and talk-show spots that Phelps has lined up, this will be Phelps first "acting" role.
Lil Wayne, who's also had the most successful year of his career, will be the show's musical guest.
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by Julie at3:25 PM under entertainment, more sports, news, olympics, sports, television
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Getting to see pop music legend Neil Diamond is a priceless experience. Columbus fans will be able to say that the priceless experience didn't cost them a dime after the singer offered the fans a full refund when he said he wasn't happy with his voice after the show that was held on August 25th.
Diamond wrote on his official website:
Dear Fans in Columbus,
Please give me a few days to figure out a way to make it up to you. I haven't let you down before and I wont let you down now. Until you hear from me again remember, You are the sun. I am the moon. You are the words. I am the tune. Forgive me. I love you. Neil.
Following the show Diamond had to cancel Green Bay, Wisconsin and St. Louis, Missouri because of voice problems.
Diamond's spokesman later said that all fans have until September 5th to claim there refund. Tickets for the show ranged from $19.50 to $120 for the show and arrangements will be made for fans that will request refunds from the show.
by Eugmc at2:19 AM under entertainment, local news, music, news, ohio
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August 27, 2008

Cleveland Leader
In this week's edition of InTouch we're introduced to a new book by Ian Halperin called Stalking Britney: Britney Under Siege which is coming out around Christmas. In the book the author talks about Britney's mental issues, suicide attempts and more.
Halperin claims that in January 2007, after months of binge drinking and drug abuse, Britney took a large quantity of pills and washed them down with champagne. He also says that after that first suicide attempt, she tried three more times: once in the Promises rehab facility where she tried to hang herself with a bedsheet, and another time when she considered driving off a cliff in the middle of the night. I know what you're thinking - that's only two additional suicide attempts. Well Halperin intentionally didn't tell the mag about the third incident because you'll have to buy the book to find out (or wait til someone gets and advance copy and squeals online).
In the book he also says that she was suspected of being bipolar when she was 9, but that her parents ignored it. Britney also reportedly started doing coke at age 16, and after her divorce had a $30,000 per week drug habit.
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by Julie at7:32 PM under entertainment, gossip, news
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In LaLa Land, the price one can get for photos of their offspring corresponds with their placement on the celebrity ladder. A-listers like Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt garned ungodly sums for their twin deities this summer, while Britney Spears lil sis Jamie Lynn nabbed just $1 million. Ricky Martin just had twins through 'gestational surrogacy', and not a single tabloid wants to buy their photos. Ouch.
Other than speculating that no one really cares about Ricky Martin anymore, the mags have indicated why they're not jumping on the chance for these twin's pics:
"We aren't jumping like we usually do. We don't think he is going to tell the backstory, so the whole thing just seems kind of icky. When someone seems like they are hiding something, it's a big turnoff to the public, who want to share in celebrities' lives," added the editor."
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by Julie at5:54 PM under entertainment, gossip, news
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Olympic swimming champ Michael Phelps, winner of eight gold medals in Beijing, has scored an estimated $1.6 million advance for his latest book "Built to Suceed" which is being published by the Free Press imprint of Simon & Schuster. The deal was brokered by Waxman Literary Agency and Phelps' long-time talent manager, Peter Carlisle of Octogon.
The minimum price tag just to start dealing was $1 million, which went up after half a dozen major publishers took a look at it. Dominik Anfuso of Free Press ultimately landed the deal.
The book is being dubbed an "inspirational memoir", and according to the publisher Phelps will reveal secrets of his success, as well as give a behind-the-scenes look at his approach to training, competition, and winning. The narrative thread is expected to be the eight final swims of the 2008 games, where Phelps earned his record-breaking 8 gold medals. The book is expected to hit bookshelves by December.
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by Julie at3:05 PM under books, entertainment, more sports, news, olympics, sports
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August 26, 2008

Cleveland Leader
The 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing were a huge hit in the United States for NBC, officially being declared the most watched event in American television history. NBC's coverage of the 16-day run of the event reached 214 million viewers, topping the 209 viewers who tuned in for the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta.
The network also stepped up its coverage of the Olympic events, broadcasting a record 3,600 hours of coverage across its various multimedia outlets, including mobile and online. NBC paid $894 million for the exclusive rights to cover the Olympics this year, and have more than made their money back. NBC is estimated to have taken in an estimated $1 billion in advertising revenue from the Games.
The top five most viewed events in US television history have all been Olympics. After #1 Beijing and #2 Atlanta comes the Lillehammer winter games of 1994 (204 million), the 2004 summer Olympics in Athens (203 million), and the 1998 Seoul summer games (194 million).
The average audience during NBC's primetime coverage of the Beijing Games was 27.7 million, up 11% on Athens just four years ago. The highly publicized opening ceremonies and the fact that this was China's first time hosting the Olympics undoubtedly contributed to the ratings success.
by Julie at9:46 PM under entertainment, more sports, news, olympics, sports, television
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Cleveland Leader
Dr Dre, who has been in the headlines as a high profile rapper for 3 decades, is mourning the loss of his 20 year old son who died this weekend. Andre R. Young Jr was found in his bed on Saturday morning motionless and she alerted paramedics. Young had been out with his friends the night before and tests are being run by the coroner to distinguish the cause of his death.
Andre R. Young Sr, better known as Dr Dre, released a statement to Allhiphop.com that stated:
"Dr. Dre is mourning the loss of his son Andre Young Jr. Please respect his family's grief and privacy at this time."
by Eugmc at8:24 PM under entertainment, gossip, music, news, us news
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Madonna has been using Senator John McCain's image in the video backdrop to her tour show, putting his face alongside that of Adolf Hitler and Robert Mugabe. She's also been using Senator Barack Obama's image, but has put him in a with a decidedly more peaceful set of figures, Gandhi and John Lennon.
Subtlety is apparently not one of Madonna's strong suits, with the image correlations painfully clear:
McCain = evil, war-loving dictator.
Obama = peaceful man of change.
McCain is obviously not pleased with the use of his image and the message Madonna is trying to send out, and struck back at the aging so-called "Queen of Pop":
"The comparisons are outrageous, unacceptable and crudely divisive all at the same time. It clearly shows that when it comes to supporting Barack Obama, his fellow worldwide celebrities refuse to consider any smear or attack off limits."
by Julie at3:23 PM under elections, elections 2008, entertainment, gossip, music, news, politics, u.s. politics
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After a year of contentious negotiations and bitter exchanges the Big Ten Network and Time Warner Cable have reached a broadcasting agreement. In a joint statement the sides said:
Time Warner Cable and the Big Ten Network announced today that they have reached an agreement-in-principle on terms of carriage for the Big Ten Network and its high-definition and video-on-demand programming on Time Warner Cable's line-ups throughout the Big Ten territory, including Ohio and Wisconsin. The pending agreement will ensure that Time Warner Cable's customers across these Big Ten states will have access to this Saturday's Big Ten college football season openers and all future Big Ten Network programming on an expanded basic level of service.
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by Eugmc at2:53 PM under basketball, entertainment, football, more sports, ncaa, news, sports, television
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August 25, 2008

Cleveland Leader

Comedian Andy Dick may be a dick but the court is not labeling him a pervert. Dick, who in a drunken drugged haze last month pulled a 17 year old females pants down, had charges of sexual assault reduced to 4 misdemeanor that include marijuana, possession of Xanax without a prescription and public intoxication.
The District Attorney released a statement that said:
"We found that his actions were more in line with an assault than with a sexual battery. It didn't appear to be an overt sexual act."
Dick is currently in rehab for substance abuse problems.
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by Eugmc at9:08 PM under crime, entertainment, gossip, news, us news
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Michelle Rodriguez, busted in 2004 for a number of driving offenses including DUI and a hit-and-run, violated her probation in 2006 and lied about her community service. So she was sentanced to 180 days in jail, and the folks at "Lost" subsequently wrote her off the show. But guess what...she's coming back to Lost this season!
Accoding to Entertainment Weekly, "Ana Lucia" will return for one episode in the new season of Lost. Rodriguez's return is shrouded in mystery, but EW does have a few details:
- Rodriguez is back for one episode, most likely this season's second. As a result, the risk to Hawaii's roadways is said to be minimal.
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by Julie at8:05 PM under entertainment, gossip, television
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Not since their major-label debut, Temptation Come My Way, The Showdown have given us any new material, but now they’ve returned with an interesting conceptual piece called Back Breaker. Notice that each track has an unique Greek mythological storyline entwined in its surface as we start out with “Titanomachy-The Beginning” which is a dark instrumental of rolling thunderous bass drums, scintillating melodic guitar solos and ethereal moods crashing into you like the legendary Titans of lore are coming down to Earth to rattle your world. “Hephaestus-The Hammer Of The Gods” truly shows us The Showdown’s brutality as chugging bass grooves, ubiquitous percussive elements like snares or cowbell and heavy blasts from the riffs combined with a roaring vocal makes this song open and personalizing one’s place on the map. “Achilles-The Back Breaker” audaciously bashes your head into the wall with screeching licks, raspy growls and a thrash style that would make Dimebag Darrell smile down from Heaven with approval.
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by Francis.Petruziello at7:52 PM under entertainment, music, news
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It hasn't been a banner few months for Canadian rock band 'Barenaked Ladies'. Just a month and half after bandmate Steven Page was busted for drugs, Ed Robertson of the band was on plane that crashed into Western Ontario. 3 others along with Robertson were aboard the plane and everyone came away from the incident uninjured.
Adam Smith. spokesman for the group who had a number of hits in the 90's released a statement that said
"Everyone is fine and that is the important thing."
Robertson, who recently received his aviation license, was attempting to take off in a 206 floatplane. The plane stalled out and went into a wooded area. Robertson's wife, Natalie, and their friends Julie and Jeff Jones were also aboard the plane.
by Eugmc at7:40 PM under entertainment, gossip, music, news, north america, world news
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August 23, 2008

Cleveland Leader
The rapper, producer and reality star that we all know as Da Brat (real name Shawntae Harris) was sentenced on Friday to three years in prison for an attack which occurred at Jermaine Dupri's Studio 72 nightclub in Atlanta last Halloween. Da Brat hit Atlanta Falcons cheerleader Shayla Stevens in the head with a nearly full liquor bottle.
As a part of her sentence, Da Brat must also serve seven years of probation and complete 200 hours of community service. She will also receive substance abuse treatment, a mental evaluation, and will attend anger management classes.
As a result of the attack by Da Brat last year, Stevens knocked down some stairs, landing on a cement floor. She got a severe facial cut, and will have permanent scarring. Stevens is also suing her for medical and other costs.
Whether she ends up serving the full three years or not remains to be seen.
by Julie at3:48 PM under crime, entertainment, gossip, news, us news
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August 22, 2008

Cleveland Leader
Melanie Chisolm was for the longest time the only Spice Girl that hadn't yet had a baby. But that's all about to change. Mel has now confirmed that's she's pregnant by her boyfriend of six years, Thomas Starr.
Mel, 34, announced the news on her website today, stating:
'Some happy news. Well, I can now announce that Tom and I are expecting a baby and we are very happy.'
'As I'm sure you'll understand we needed time to wait for results and tell our families.
'I will be taking it easy but am also excited to start writing for the fifth album.
'I will need to take some time off to be a mum but, before you know it, we'll be back.'
Fellow Spice Girls Victoria Beckham, Melanie Brown, Geri Halliwell, and Emma Bunton are said to be pleased for her, and have said that they're only a phone call away to pass on parenting advice.
Mel first sparked rumors that she might be pregnant last week when she wore a blue floaty dress at a Liverpool show.
Once she gives birth it will bring the total of Spice babies to eight. Victoria has 3 boys, Mel B has two girls, Geri has one girl, and Emma has one son.
by Julie at7:23 PM under entertainment, gossip, news
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August 21, 2008

Cleveland Leader
More than one year ago, in the summer of 2007, we warned our readers about the potential impact of the increased royalty fees to be imposed on online radio stations. Many smaller online radio stations were forced to shut down in light of the significant cost increases, and now the first major casualty may be in sight. Pandora says that it will shut down if royalty rates enacted in March 2007 are not altered soon.
Pandora, a popular streaming music website, now says that it is paying over 70% of its revenue in royalties.
"We're losing money as it is. The moment we think this problem in Washington is not going to get solved, we have to pull the plug because all we're doing is wasting money. We're funded by venture capital. They're not going to chase a company whose business model has been broken. So if it doesn't feel like its headed towards a solution, we're done," founder Tim Westergren's told The Washington Post. "
A spokesperson for Pandora also said that the company has been paying the new royalty fees to SoundExchange since July 2007, and there there is no specific day on which Pandora would go offline (assuming there is no change in the rates).
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by Julie at4:04 PM under entertainment, music, news
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Britney Spears and ex-love Justin Timberlake may finally record a long-awaited duet. According to PageSix, Spears will team up with JT for a song on her next album, which is due out at the end of the year.
Brit and Justin were supposed to team up for her last album, but missed the recording session with Timbaland at his Virginia Beach studio last year. She just didn't show up, so it never happened.
If Britney and Justin are willing to team up to create music together, then there just may be some creedence to the rumors that they might appear together on Madonna's Sticky & Sweet tour.
by Julie at3:47 PM under entertainment, gossip, music, news
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August 20, 2008

Cleveland Leader

The National Enquirer continues to release juicy tidbits of information regarding John Edwards and his affair with former staffer Rielle Hunter. By revealing the information they've uncovered little by little, they're prolonging the pain for Edwards and ensuring that they story stays in the news. The latest damaging details include the claim that Edwards assured his mistress that they'd be together after his terminally ill wife died.
Edwards publicly confessed to adultery on ABC News on August 8th. Several days prior to the interview, he flew Hunter from California to the US Virgin Islands to avoid the media spotlight. After the interview, in which he denied being the father of Hunter's 6-month-old daughter and loving her, Edwards is said to have called Hunter and said "We'll be together when Elizabeth is gone."
Other new details in this week's edition of the National Enquire include:
- Slept with Hunter the night they met in a New York City bar in 2006.
- First told Hunter, 44, he loved her during a trip to Africa. "I broke down in tears," she told a friend.
- Flew to Boston on the same plane with 59-year-old Elizabeth and Hunter, who was the campaign videographer, right before his wife learned of the affair.
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by Julie at4:19 PM under entertainment, gossip, news, politics, u.s. politics
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August 18, 2008

Cleveland Leader
By now Samantha Ronson and Lindsay Lohan have pretty much confirmed that they're dating. They've been spotted making out all over town, holding hands, and acting in love. But did you know that Sam wasn't Lindsay's first girlfriend?
If you'd paid attention to the Cleveland Leader, you'd have picked up the clues way back in 2007. It was at this time that Lindsay was reported to have been shacking up with Courtenay Semel, daughter of former Yahoo SEO Terry Semel.
According to the rumors that are now out, Sam actually stole Lindsay away from Courtenay. News of the World recently reported:
At one stage, the friend added, both Courtenay and Samantha were separately visiting Lindsay at a rehab unit called Promises.
The pal went on: “By now Lindsay was sending ‘I love you’ notes to Samantha and signing them ‘Lindsay Ronson’ but telling Courtenay she loved her too."
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by Julie at3:16 PM under entertainment, gossip, news
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Four tracks from U2's forthcoming album leaked on the internet after Bono allegedly played them too loudly at his holiday villa on the French Riveria. A Dutch fan says that he heard music blaring out of the singer's beachside home in the village of Eze-sur-Mere, and recorded it on his mobile phone.
U2 have managed to remove the songs from YouTube, but haven't been able to stop people from swapping the songs by other means, including email. The quality of the songs is said to be poor, with sounds of waves and the seagulls on the beach in the background.
U2's new album, No Line On The Horizon, will be the band's first in four years. It has been recorded under conditions of absolute secrecy, and the band even rented an isolated house in Fez, Morocco to finish some of the tracks.
According information online, the four leaked tracks were Moment of Surrender, For Your Love, Sexy Boots, and No Line on the Horizon.
by Julie at2:45 PM under entertainment, gossip, music, news
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August 16, 2008

Cleveland Leader


Wal-Mart and Best Buy want to be the exclusive carrier of Axl Rose's opus 'Chinese Democracy'. Billboard is reporting that retailers are vying for the right to sell the new Guns N Roses album with the two aforementioned stores the most likely contenders.
The band, who has been working on the album for 14 years and spent well over $10 Million dollars producing the new album, hired Eagle's Irving Azoff's Front Line Management. The Eagles released their last album through Wal-Mart.
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by Eugmc at4:20 PM under entertainment, music, news
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August 15, 2008

Cleveland Leader

"Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" was due to begin screening in the US in November, however that has now been pushed back until July 17, 2009. One of the big reasons behind the change of release date is to cash in on the summer blockbuster season.
Having moved the release date, it means a two-year delay between the film adaptations of books four and five in JK Rowlings "Harry Potter" series.
The delay of the latest movie, however, will shorten the wait period between "Half-Blood Prince" and the final two installments of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows", which are being shot simultaneously next year.
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by Julie at7:50 PM under entertainment, movies, news
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If John Edwards thought that his public confession of guilt would help the storm pass over more quickly, he's got another thing coming. The National Enquirer, ever the marketing geniuses that they are, are slowly but surely pounding more nails in the coffin of Edwards' political career as they reveal new information each week. And there's plenty more to come they say.
Having been working on the case for over 10 months now, the National Enquirer is sure to have dug up some pretty tantalizing dirt. Executive Editor Barry Levine says that they've "devoted really big money to this", and claims that the huge sum they've spent on investigating the story is only a spit to "the enormous amounts we know Edwards is spending to keep it contained. But he can't. We've followed the money trail. He bought her [Rielle Hunter] a $1 million house in North Carolina. Few days before our headlines forced him to go public, he spent $150,000 just on a private plane to whisk her to some undisclosed place She was moved in the middle of the night. Lots of money is being spent to keep her hapy and away from the media."
Levine also says:
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by Julie at5:56 PM under entertainment, gossip, news, politics, u.s. politics
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In a bizarre move, Donald Trump has purchased Ed McMahon's Beverly Hills mansion, saving it from foreclosure. McMahon will still get to live there by leasing the house from Trump.
Trump said that he does not personally known McMahon, but said that he did it because helping out "would be an honor."
McMahon bought the gorgeous six-bedroom, five-bathroom, 7,000 sq. foot mansion in 1990. Last weekend the home was listed at $4.6 million, down from its peak of $7 million. Trump purchased the home for an undisclosed amount.
McMahon, 85, has not worked for about 18 months due to a neck injury. He defaulted on $4.8 million in mortgage loans with Countrywide Financial Corp.
Donald Trump is in the business of real estate, and while it may be a nice gesture to save an old man from getting kicked out of his house, there's almost certainly something in it for him. He probably picked it up on the cheap, and as soon as McMahon passes away, he'll flip it for a profit.
by Julie at5:17 PM under entertainment, gossip, news
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August 14, 2008

Cleveland Leader
Comedian Dave Coulier, best known for his work on ABC hit family sitcom Full House, probably wanted Alanis Morissette to "cut it out" the first time he heard her venomous diddy "You Ought to Know". The actor, after years of speculation, finally admitted that he he was the inspiration for the famous rant by Morissette. Morissette at the time was only a tenneager when the two became lovers, and was outraged when Coulier dumped her for someone his own age.
Here is a sampling of the Grammy Award winning songs lyrics:
And I'm here, to remind you
Of the mess you left when you went away
It's not fair, to deny me
Of the cross I bear that you gave to me
You, you, you oughta know
You seem very well, things look peaceful
I'm not quite as well, I thought you should know
Did you forget about me, Mr. Duplicity?
I hate to bug you in the middle of dinner
It was a slap in the face
How quickly I was replaced
And are you thinking of me when you f... her
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by Eugmc at8:24 PM under entertainment, gossip, music, news
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Everybody has heard that the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame is heading to New York. Officials are saying that it is only a "satellite" branch, but Clevelanders are really not that naive. The people who will be naive enough to spend $26 to visit the annex museum in New York City are the ones you have to wonder about. It is $18 for Cleveland area residents and that is about $17 more than I would like to pay- and I am about as big of a rock n roll fan as you can be.
The New York Daily News today wrote about the new addition, and in doing so showed their lack of knowledge of music and rock n roll history:
Wednesday's announcement that the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame will open a "temporary" annex in New York will doubtless cause a whole lot of New York rock 'n' roll fans to say they should have just put the blinkin' thing here in the first place.
The rock 'n' roll world was widely puzzled when the New York-based Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation announced almost 20 years ago that its showcase permanent institution would be located in Cleveland.
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by Eugmc at6:13 PM under cleveland, cuyahoga county, entertainment, local news, music, ohio
(Comments)
After Elizabeth Edwards found out that her husband had cheated on her with a member of his campaign staff, Rielle Hunter, she decided to stick by his side because she is dying and worried about their two young children, said her closest friend.
Hargrave McElroy, Elizabeth's closest friend, said "It's just tragic. That's all I can say about it."
In an interview with People magazine, McElroy says that John Edwards didn't confess about the affair until after he officially announced his presidential run in December 2006. This left Elizabeth with a decision to make: stay or go? Because of her cancer, Elizabeth didn't have the luxury of deciding to seperate or work through it over the years. She decided to stick with him, for the sake of the children, of course.
Elizabeth had hoped that in sticking by his site, both in life and on the campaign trail, she could help to ensure that her youngest children still had an untarnished view of their father. Emma Claire, 10, and Jack, 8, will not have that luxury anymore following the National Enquirer investigations and Edwards' subsequent television interview and admission of guilt.
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by Julie at3:30 PM under entertainment, gossip, news, politics, u.s. politics
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Heath Ledger, having passed away unexpectedly earlier this year, will likely be best remembered for his role in the Batman film, "The Dark Knight". But there was another film he was working on, that didn't get finished up before his passing - "The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus." Three actors - Johnny Depp, Jude Law, and Colin Farrel - were hired to take over Ledger's role in the film. The film is set in a carnival, and each of the actors will play different versions of Heath's character as he is transported through other dimensions.
Heath Ledger's will left all of his personal fortune to his father. It couldn't have been intentional as it was made out before his daughter with Michelle Williams, Matilda, was born. While Heath's father, Kim Ledger, has said that "Matilda will be provided for", there has been concerns due to the fact that Kim had been accused of squandering money from his late father's estate in the past.
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by Julie at2:41 PM under entertainment, gossip, movies, news
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Jennifer Lopez has a habit of picking some really shoddy movies to star in, and 2002's "Maid in Manhattan" was no exception. But for some reason, that's not stopping the sub-par movie from being made into a television series. The latest rumor is that there are plans to revive the idea for a TV series, with J-Lo as the series executive producer.
As executive producer, Jennifer will be responsible for overseeing plotlines and the production. It's not likely she'll do all that, what with two twins to look after and her music career, so she's likely to be exec. producer in name only.
Chad Hodge has signed on as the series' writer. Of the series he said, "The show is a different maid in a different Manhattan. She (Lopez) will be very integral in the pilot and series."
by Julie at2:27 PM under entertainment, gossip, movies, news, television
(Comments)
August 13, 2008

Cleveland Leader
Most of us probably saw this coming from a mile away, but not Jennifer Aniston who's been blinded by love. Notorious love-em-and-leave-em playboy John Mayer has reportedly broken up with Jen. The couple initially decided to spend some time apart, before making the split official earlier this week.
Jennifer has been unable to find love since her divorce from Brad Pitt four years ago. News of the split comes just weeks after the two were rumored to be considering marriage.
According to a source, John, 30, "took the decision to end things as he felt he just wasn't ready for the level of commitment that Jennifer deserved."
The source also said that Jen, 39, "didn't want to have kids or marry this year, but she did want to set a timetable for their future together."
"She also wanted him to assure her he would cut down his tours in the future when they did eventually have children," said the source. "Initially, Jennifer was furious when he told her of his decision but now she's simply sad - not to mention a little heartbroken.
The couple hadn't even been dating a year, and she's already demanding he give up his music for yet-to-be-born children? Therein lies the problem.
by Julie at5:30 PM under entertainment, gossip, news
(Comments)

Once a liar, always a liar? John Edwards, who was proven to be a liar by the National Enquirer who exposed his affair with former staffer Rielle Hunter, has been outed yet again by the magazine. This time the Enquirer is calling him on his claims that the affair ended in 2006, saying that he secretly rekindled their affair after confessing to his wife Elizabeth.
During the now infamous interview with ABC last Friday, Edwards said his brief romantic relationship with Hunter began after she was hired in July 2006, and ended that year. He said he then confessed to his wife.
But according to a new report from the National Enquirer today, Edwards restarted the affair after admitting it to his wife, and that Hunter became pregnant shortly thereafter.
Meanwhile, Hunter's sister, Roxanne Druck, said Tuesday that the 6-month-old child unmistakably "looks like John Edwards. She's got his eyes and jaw line and lips." She told Entertainment Tonight:
"The most shocking thing was watching him on TV [last week] giving these half truths, these half-baked answers. I wish for everyone involved that he'd have come clean."
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by Julie at2:12 PM under entertainment, gossip, news, politics, u.s. politics
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When L'Oreal unveiled their new Feria ad featuring Beyonce, something was noticeably off, specifically her coloring and skin tone. A side-by-side comparison of the L'Oreal ad and other photos of Beyonce made it appear that she'd been whitewashed by L'Oreal. L'Oreal, however, denied that they had done anything to alter her skin tone.
Now that the ads are out in print, another interesting discrepency has been found: the ad that runs in Essence is darker than the one that ran in most other magazines. Was L'Oreal specifically trying to target their black female audience, or were the printers mysteriously askew on Essence's print day? Hmmm..
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by Julie at6:52 AM under celeb style, entertainment, gossip, news, style
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August 12, 2008

Cleveland Leader

When the Cleveland Browns are up 28-0 against the Green Bay Packers in this season's Super Bowl, Bruce Springsteen will be the halftime entertainment as Clevelanders celebrate their first football title since 1964. Ok, the first part is a wish, but the second part is true. Springsteen and his E Street band has been tipped to play the big game by the New York Post.
The Post also reported that it is such a done deal that former 'Sopranos' star and guitarist for the band, Stevie Van Zandt, has rented the Hard Rock Cafe in Tampa Bay for an after show bash. Super Bowl XLIII will played in Raymond James Stadium the home Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
by Eugmc at7:48 PM under entertainment, gossip, music, news
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We've been having a lot of fun with John Edwards here at Cleveland Leader for months and now it seems to be catching on. Comedy Central's website Indecision2008 has released this hilarious new video poking fun at the former 2008 Presidential candidate turned laughing stock of the political world. Here is the video that will be going viral shortly.
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by Eugmc at5:18 PM under entertainment, gossip, news, politics, television, u.s. politics
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John McCain and the GOP were playing along nicely for a short time, but lately have been ramping up their efforts to make Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama look like an inexperienced, unqualified candidate for the White House. And now thanks to a well-timed publication by a former friend and spiritual advisor, Obama will have another major issue and distraction to deal with just weeks before the presidential election.
In October, Jeremiah Wright, former pastor at Obama's Trinity United Church in Chicago, will release a new book and begin a nationwide tour to promote it. New York Magazine said in its latest issue that this is "an occassion that might well place the topic of Obama's blackness (along with his patriotism and his candor about what he heard in the pews in all those years at Trinity Church) squarely at the center of the national debate."
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by Julie at3:16 PM under books, elections, elections 2008, entertainment, news, politics, u.s. politics
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An old novel by Jay McInerney based on John Edwards' future mistress, Rielle Hunter, is getting a fresh new printing to meet increased demand for the book since the scandal has recently made headlines. An extra 2,500 hundred copies have been commissioned for "Story of My Life", according to Vintage Books, a paperback imprint of Random House Inc.
The book was first released in 1988, and its main character is a promiscuous, aspring actor that the author says was inspired by Hunter, who was at the time named Lisa Druck.
As of Monday afternoon, "Story of My Life" was #470 on Amazon's best-seller's list and was out of stock.
McInerney, 53, is best known for "Bright Lights, Big City". Some of his other works include "Ransom", "Brightness Falls", and The Good Life."
by Julie at3:05 AM under books, entertainment, news, politics, u.s. politics
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Donald Trump, 62, and his wife Melania are planning on getting pregnant again.
He said, "Strange things have happened. You know that stuff does happen, right? So I don't know, we'll see what happens. I have a wonderful wife who is very capable. And who knows, maybe we'll have a surprise!"
Donald and Melania had their first child together, Barron William Trump, in March 2006. Trump also had three children with ex-wife Ivana: Donald Jr., Ivanka, and Eric, and one child with second wife Marla Maples: Tiffany.
Donald and Melania were married in early 2005.
by Julie at2:35 AM under entertainment, gossip, news
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August 11, 2008

Cleveland Leader

Author Dave Schwensen continues to bring the excitement of "The Beatles In Cleveland" during a one hour "Meet The Author" program sponsored by the Cuyahoga County Public Library. His presentation includes 2 films - with the second being a rare film of The Beatles 1966 concert, (the riot!), at Cleveland Municipal Stadium. There will also be a display of never before published photos, news clippings, concert poster and more for viewing before and after the presentations. Books will available for purchase and autographing.
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by Leader Staff at7:49 PM under books, cleveland, cuyahoga county, entertainment, local news, music
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Tori Spelling, daughter of Beverly Hills 90210's original producer, was supposed to reprise her role as Donna Martin in the new remake. She'd be joining old castmates Shannen Doherty (Brenda), and Jennie Garth (Kelly). But it looks like that's no longer going to happen.
Having heard rumors that Shannen and Jennie were getting paid more, Tori backed out of the show, citing "timing reasons" as her excuse.
Tori was reportedly signed for just $10,000 to $50,000 per episode, while Jennie and Shannen were signed for $35,000 to $50,000 per episode. When Tori found out, sources say she was fuming mad and demanded equal pay from the network. The network declined, and Tori quit.
Tori told media that the timing didn't work out for her to appear in the new pilot because she was giving birth. “So we’ll see what happens later in the season,” she said. One source says it wouldn’t be surprising if Tori and the show eventually agree to bring her onto 90210 as a November sweeps stunt.
by Julie at6:43 PM under entertainment, gossip, news, television
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Both John McCain (R-AZ) and Barack Obama (D-IL) are said to be seeking out the endorsement of one famous Hollywood actress - Angelina Jolie. The 33-year-old mother of six says she's waiting to reserve judgment on who'll she vote for, and is right now considering both candidates.
Angelina says that when they state their position on the refugee crisis and international justice issue, she might be able to make a decision:
“I have not decided on a candidate. I am waiting to see the commitments they will make on issues like international justice, refugees and how to address the needs of children in crisis around the world.”
Unlike most other celebrity endorsements, Jolie's has the influence of her extensive humanitarian work around the world, in her role as goodwill ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Nevertheless, Angelina is still an actress, and a polarizing figure at that, and many will still lump her in with the rest of Hollywood as just another actress with an opinion.
by Julie at2:24 PM under elections, elections 2008, entertainment, gossip, news, politics, u.s. politics
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August 9, 2008

Cleveland Leader

John Edward's may not believe that he fathered the child of his mistress Rielle Hunter but her family thinks otherwise. A day after the former Senator from North Carolina and Presidential candidate admitted to having an affair with his former staffer, the scorned woman's family is asking him to take a DNA test to see if she is the father of her infant child.
"I would challenge him to do so," the sister Melissa told ABC News. "Somebody must stand up and defend my sister. I wish that those involved would refrain from bad-mouthing my sister."
Andrew Young, a close friend of Edwards who was a key official in his previous presidential campaign, took the fall for Edwards when questions came out regarding the affair. Young, who is married himself, said that he fathered Hunter's baby but inside sources insisted that he never had a relationship with her. Adding to the intrigue is the fact that there is no father listed on the lovechild's birth certificate.
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by Eugmc at3:39 PM under entertainment, gossip, news, politics, u.s. politics
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According to the Chicago Sun-Times, comedian Bernie Mac died early Saturday morning. The newspaper cites a close friend of Mac's family as the source.
Mac had been hospitalized at Northwesten Memorial Hospital in Chicago for a week where he was being treated for pneumonia. Last weekend several websites falsely reported that the funnyman had died, and his publicist repeatedly denied that he was dying. Just two days ago he was said to be in "stable" condition.
TMZ followed up on the Sun-Times report, getting a statement from Bernie's rep:
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by Julie at3:04 PM under entertainment, gossip, news, society, television, us news
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Following her embarassing performance at the MTV Video Music Awards last year, Britney Spears was spotted on the MTV stage this week taping a promotional video for this year's awards ceremony. This has sparked rumors that she might be back at the VMAs this year, hopefully giving it a better go this time.
A source told People:
"Britney looked really good. It was improvisational questions and answers with [host] Russell Brand just like [other promo guest stars] LL Cool J and Pete Wentz did. Russell joked about there being sexual tension, and Britney shot back, 'I don't feel the tension'. The other joke was about no one knowing who Russell was so she called him by the wrong name. LL called him Russell Bland and Britney called him Russell Brown."
According to their source, the promo shoot also included a 9,000lb. elephant:
"The joke of the whole thing is 'there is an elephant in the room'."
MTV has yet to confirm whether Spears will appear in the September 7 broadcast. Filming the promo, however, is a good sign.
Britney has been nominated 17 times for a VMA, but has yet to win. This year she's been nominated for two, and is up for best female video and best pop video.
by Julie at2:37 PM under entertainment, gossip, music, news, television
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August 8, 2008

Cleveland Leader

8/8/08 proved to be a lucky number for Clay Aiken and 50 year old Jaymes Foster. The 29 year old singer who finished second on the famous talent show artificially inseminated Foster but plans on helping raising the baby. The child was born at 8:08 today. Whether that was done intentionally or not is anyone's guess.
The "couple" named the baby Parker Foster Aiken, who weighed 6 pounds 2 ounces. Aiken revealed the news on his blog where he wrote:
"My dear friend, Jaymes, and I are so excited to announce the birth of Parker Foster Aiken (No hyphens. One first name. One middle name. One last name."
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by Eugmc at9:20 PM under entertainment, gossip, news
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Hugh Hefner's penchant for blondes is well-known. His three current girlfriends living at the Playboy Mansion - Holly, Kendra, and Bridget - are all blonde. But a new brunette that has caught Hef's eye threatens to shake up the delicate balance.
According to the National Enquirer, Hefner has been spending a lot time lately with a brunette Ukranian model by the name of Dasha Astafieva. They've been spotted holding hands, and Hugh has even attended some nude photo shoots with her.
Back home, the blonde trio is hopping mad. At the top of the girlfriend hierachy is Holly, who's made public her desire to have a child with and marry Hugh. He has thus far not given in. But if a fourth woman enters the picture, the entire hierachy could be shaken up. Could a mass exodus from the mansion be in order?
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by Julie at8:00 PM under entertainment, gossip, news
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Former Cleveland Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar was never swiftest of players that played the position. The legendary quarterback who helped guide the team to three AFC Championship games got sacked once more. This time it was by the IRS who say he didn't pay his tax bill last year to the tune of $228,000.
Kosar, who was going through a nasty divorce the past couple years, said that it was a complete oversight and he has taken care of the matter and paid up on the bill. Hopefully the check in the mail was a completed pass.
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by Eugmc at3:59 PM under cleveland browns, cleveland teams, entertainment, gossip, sports
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Legendary silver screen icon and Cleveland native Paul Newman has told friends and family that he only has weeks to live. Reports out of the Daily Mail say that the 83 year old actor has ended chemotherapy treatments that was fighting an aggressive cancer and that he wants to die at his home.
In the past year, reports of Newman's failing health have been well publicized. The actor, known for his roles in in movies such as Cool Hand Luke, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, and The Sting, has downplayed the severity of his condition but pictures in tabloids have told a different story.
Newman is being cared for at his home by his wife Joanne Woodward and his children.
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by Eugmc at3:38 PM under entertainment, gossip, news
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Jewel and longtime boyfriend, Ty Murray, a rodeo champion, eloped to the Bahamas and exchanged vows in a private ceremony on Thursday night. According to Jewel's rep, "She wore a traditional wedding gown, while Ty wore his favorite blue jeans, white shirt and cowboy hat. The couple is very happy and look forward to enjoying their honeymoon."
The couple never announced an engagement, but have been together for ten years. They share a 2,200 acre ranch in Stephenville, Texas.
Murray also currently stars in the video for Jewel's new country single, "I Do."
by Julie at2:09 PM under entertainment, gossip, news
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August 7, 2008

Cleveland Leader
The Downtown Cleveland Alliance has three dates of movies lined up to be shown on Mall B this summer. Tonight "The Bucket List" will be shown at 8:45. If you are looking to make an early escape from the Cleveland Browns-New York Jets game tonight you may want to head over to Mall B to catch the remainder of the 2007 film.
Here is the complete listing and summary of each movie that will play this summer:
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by Frank the Movie Guy at6:42 PM under entertainment, movies, news
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The 10th anniversary of the Cleveland's Hard Rock Cafe takes place tomorrow. The popular spot will have a live performance by Next Plateau Recording artist JTX will perform. Doors open at 9 pm for the concert. For more information on the event call the Hard Cafe at 216-830-Rock.
Here is the featured artist of the night performing his hit "(I'm Gonna) Party Like a Rock Star".
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by Eugmc at6:23 PM under entertainment, music, news
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Amy Whinehouse may not have wanted to go to rehab but Howard Stern sidekick Artie Lange has decided he needs some help for his drug and alcohol problems. Lange's behavior recently has been erratic as the comic has canceled a number of stand up gigs and failing to show up for a appearance Sunday night for a "comic roast" of fellow funny man Bob Sagat.
When Lange completes treatment at the rehab center he is expected to resume his normal duties for the famous New York shock jock.
by Eugmc at3:39 AM under entertainment, gossip, news
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Veteran Hollywood actor Laurence Fishburne is in talks to star in the upcoming season of hit show 'CSI: Crime Scene Investigation'. Fishburne is said to be among the finalist to be the lead actor and is on the short list that includes other A-Listers Kurt Russell and John Malkovich.
Whoever nabs the role will play a doctor/scientis who has the same genetic profile as a serial killer but is working for the good guys. Umm, I think I will stick Showtimes 'Dexter'.
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by Eugmc at3:26 AM under entertainment, news, television
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Two weeks ago John Edwards was caught at the Beverly Hilton visiting his mistress, Rielle Hunter, and the illegitimate child they had together. The National Enquirer was tipped off to the meeting, and was ready and waiting when he arrived, and subsequently tried to slip out of the hotel unnoticed. After being confronted by Enquirer reporters, and seeing the flash of photographers' cameras, Johnny boy high-tailed it to the men's bathroom, where he hid until security escorted him out of the building.
Edwards had been caught red-handed, and like a deer in headlights, he panicked. It's understandable why he would panic. Afterall, his wife was battling breast cancer, and he and Hunter publicly denied rumors of their affair and child.
Well the photos we've all been waiting for are finally here, and you can check them out in this week's edition of the National Enquirer, which hit newsstands today. The photo above is a short teaser of what's inside the magazine. This is one scandal that Edwards won't be able to shove under the rug anymore.
by Julie at1:33 AM under entertainment, gossip, news, politics, u.s. politics
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August 6, 2008

Planet Case
Interestingly enough, it appears that this Top Ten episode is missing from CBS' July archives. Conservative critics point out Obama bias or maybe someone forgot to upload the clip. (link)
The Top Ten did not make it to air because Letterman ran out of time. Of course, folks are spinning this to whatever.
There should be no problem for Top Ten to make fun of our presidential candidates. We have seen it done to both Democratic and Republican contenders. If anyone felt the Obama episode was offensive, take a deep breath, then smack yourself for taking this too seriously.
by James Chang at7:39 PM under entertainment

Cleveland Leader
Republican candidate for president John McCain recently used a clip that included socialite Paris Hilton in an ad against Barack Obama. In the ad he likened Obama to a "celebrity", and asked if he was really ready to lead. Mixed in were shots of some of today's hottest celebrities, including Paris Hilton and Britney Spears.
Until now, Paris has been pretty quite about the ad., even though she is said to be furious that he used her likeness without her permission. Her mother, Kathy Hilton, on the other hand, wasn't so quiet and quickly lambasted McCain. Paris, it seems, was working on something bigger, better, and funnier for her response.
In an internet spoof released this week, Paris announced that she was running for president. She addresses McCain, 71, as "from the olden days" and a "wrinkly white haired guy". She also quickly dismisses Obama as "that other guy."
Paris' spoof starts out with her being introduced after a voiceover hailed McCain as "the oldest celebrity in the world... like super-old, old enough to remember when dancing was a sin and beer was served in a bucket... but is he ready to lead?"
Following that, Paris, 27, introduces herself stating:
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by Julie at3:06 PM under elections, elections 2008, entertainment, gossip, news, politics, u.s. politics
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