Kim Kardashian Life & Style Bikini Photos: 'I Have Cellulite So What!'

Kim Kardashian Life & Style Bikini Photo

Kim Kardashian shows off her REAL curvaceous figure Life & Style magazine which hits newsstands On Friday May 1.

The 28-year-old reality star, who was airbrushed on the April-May issue of Complex magazine, has a group of unretouched photo shoots in a black two-piece bikini for the latest issue of Life & Style.

"I love my body the way it is, I'm not perfect. I have cellulite, so what!……I chose to do the shoot because I am so sick of people giving me a hard time for those photos that came out in Complex, I wanted to say, 'This is me, take it or leave it.’” Kim Kardashian defended herself after some recent controversial comments on her curves.

Yup, Kim, don't let it get to you. I also have cellulite but never got bothered, too!

Jennifer Aniston Adopting a Baby Boy? PEOPLE 100 Most Beautiful People 2009; etc

Jennifer Aniston was believed to become a mother soon. The 40-year-old actress was said to consider adopting a baby boy from her own country, the United States. She reportedly has already started planning a $250,000 nursery and even picked out a nanny. --Star

Sean Penn has filed for divorce from his wife of 13 years Robin Wright Penn again last Friday. The Academy Award actor initially filed for divorce in December 2007 but dismissed the divorce petition later. -- Extra

Mel Gibson, the 53-year-old actor made a first public outing with his new Russian girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva, 39, last night, attending the Los Angeles premiere of Hugh Jackman's X-Men Origins: Wolverine. --Aceshowbiz

Christina Applegate, the 37-year-old Samantha Who actress, covers the latest special double issue of People magazine, which features world’s 100 most beautiful people of 2009 including Barack and Michelle Obama, Hugh Jackman, Angelina Jolie, Zac Efron, Nick and Joe Jonas, and Taylor Swift among other. --People

Sarah Jessica Parker, the 44-year-old Sex And The City star and her actor husband Matthew Broderick are expecting twin daughters through a surrogate pregnancy. Their twin daughters will be born this summer. -- Dailymail

Heidi Montag Playboy Photos: A $500,000 Playboy Deal?

Heidi Montag bikini photo via Myspace.com

Heidi Montag Playboy photos are coming soon?

The 22-year-old The Hills star is reportedly considering stripping down for Playboy magazine, and her newlywed husband Spencer Pratt is in support for that. The reported deal will earn Heidi $500,000 in payment.

"(Heidi) wants to do it. It’s just a matter of working out the details,” an insider claims that in the May 11 issue of Life & Style magazine.

After undergoing breast augmentation and getting a nose job, the plastic beauty is more confidently to show off her good look body.

But sources told PerezHilton that "(Heidi) won't be required to actually get n*ked for Playboy.” Sad a little bit!

David Beckham Designs Clothing Line “Adidas Originals By Originals”

David Beckham has joined his wife Victoria Beckhamhis in fashion as a clothing designer.

The 33-year-old footballer designed his own clothing line Adidas Originals By Originals, collaborating with Undefeated sneaker-freak boutiques’ owner James Bond on a fall-winter men’s collection, according to wwd.

Beckham and Bond developed fashionable materials such as leather, cashmere and silk to update classic American sportswear even accessories and thermal layering pieces.

Regretfully, Beckham won’t use his image or personal appearances to promote the new line because he already has an endorsement relationship with Adidas.

Julia Roberts F-Word Tom Hanks Tribute Speech

Julia Roberts photo via Youtube.com Julia Roberts ( Photogallery )

Julia Roberts dropped the F-bomb several times during a tribute speech to her good friend Tom Hanks, who was presented the new Chaplin Award at the 36th annual Film Society of Lincoln Center event last night, Us Weekly reports.

Alright well, it's late and I'm paying my babysitter overtime and I have to pee. So Tom, everybody f-----g likes you. All my bits are gone.

Julia Roberts said with a f-Word introductory remarks, and began to make some uncomfortable comments to Hank’ wife,

Listen, I had lunch today with Rita [Wilson, Hanks' wife], and her t--s were here [motioned high] and her waist was here [motioned small] and her a-- was like that [motioned high], so what can I tell you that's new? Tom Hanks, what the f--k?

I love the Cohen brothers, but the hair Tom [in 2004's Ladykillers], I didn't even know what the f--k that movie was about!

She went on using f-word and joked about Hanks’ role in his movies,

You in the airport with the accent [in 2004’s The Terminal]? It was a pass for me. Airport? Were you just an immigrant lost? I didn't know. I love you, and I didn't know what to do, really. God, I’m wearing the same f-----g dress tonight as your publicist!

Finally, she closed her speech with a highly praise to Tom Hanks, utilizing the f-word again and again,

So Tom, everybody f-----g likes you. So what can I tell you that's new? Tom Hanks, what the f--k? Listen, I've got to get home. But this much we know ... I will say this: Tom Hanks, I love you.

Ouch, what a bizarre tribute speech!

Selena Gomez Taylor Lautner Dating Or Not?

Selena Gomez & Taylor Lautner photo via Photobucket

Selena Gomez and Taylor Lautner dating rumor sparked again when they were spotted stepping out together in Vancouver over the weekend.

Selena Gomez, the 16-year-old Disney Wizards of Waverly Place star, were photographed hugging Taylor Lautner, the 17-year-old Twilight actor during an outing for dinner together at the Cactus Club in Coquitlam on Saturday, April 25.

The two teen stars looked happy after the dinner. They then went to a nearby cinema to watch Beyonce Knowles's thriller Obsessed .

Both Selena and Taylor are currently in Toronto shooting their new movies ( Ramona and Beezus and Twilight sequel New Moon, respectively). The pair previously has been snapped outings together a few times. Are they just friends?

65 days, 0 Hours, 36 Minutes

Just keeping this picture at the top, to keep up the optimism.

SPAM! in the place where you live...

A little off-topic from the subject of JPop, but I'll share this with you, because it appears to be of the utmost importance.

I don't often get spam (or any other email) in my jyoru1211@gmail.com address, and was surprised to find a message entitled 'Dearest' in my inbox, from someone I don't know and who may well not exist at all.  I simply *must* reply to this email with my bank account information and other sensitive data, because I believe every word.

"My dearest," she writes, "I am writing this mail with tears and sadness and pains. I  know it will come to you as a suprise since we haven't known or come across each other before, but kindly bear with me at this moment."

-Okay, I'm bearing with you. I am also 'lion-ing' and 'tiger-ing' with you. Here's to hoping that we never 'know' or 'come across' each other, ever.

"I have a special reason why I decided to contact you. My situation at hand is miserable but I trust in God and hope you will be of my help."

-*Not* out of the ordinary. Buy me a beer sometime and I'll tell you how miserable my 'situation at hand' is.

'She' goes on to say that she is the 25-year-old daughter of Ibrahim Baré Maïnassara, the fallen Nigerian president. 'She' includes a link to a BBC story regarding that assassination. 'Her' stepmother was cruel enough to steal away 'her' passport and "other valuable documents" but luckily 'she' was able to hold on to some sensitive information regarding a great amount of 'her' 'father's' capital.

"I am seeking for longterm relationship and investment assistance."

-Listen, lady, no longterm relationship. Friends-with-benefits, maybe. Investment assistance? Gimme all your money.

She proceeds with the unlikely story of needing my bank information to transfer an ungodly sum into my account. Followed by: "Therefore, I decide to seek for your help in transferring the money into your bank account while I will relocate to your country and settle down with you."

-Whoa, stop right there. You are seeking for longterm relationship and you'll settle down with me? Just give me the freakin' money already and forget this other stuff.

"I have my fathers death certificate and the account number which I will give you as soon as you indicated your interest to help me."

-Good to know that a death certificate has an account number. As for indicating my interest, yep, I'm interested, so give me the account number already.

"It is my intention to compensate you with 20% of the total money for your assitance and the balance shall be my investment in any profitable venture which you will recommend to me as have no any idea about foreign investment."

-My 'assitance' is worth more than 20%. It is pretty clear that you have no any idea about foreign investment, or conventions of the English language.

"I will send you my photos in my next email."

-That will assist me in my decision of whether we should have longterm relationship and settle down.

I have no reservations about sending my bank account number, Social Security Number, and measurements to this person. Anybody have any reason why I shouldn't? It sounds so believable...

And furthermore, is anyone out there really dumb enough to believe this shit?

I love Kayo Aiko, with a passion. That is all.

Legendary

They had it all and they blew it, completely. One got caught smoking, the other one got knocked up. For a mere 630 days or so, these two gals brought the wotas to their knees. For anyone who doesn't already know, this duo was called 'W'.

For a couple of little shits, they had some serious talent. It's hard not to look back at all their television appearances and music videos and see anything other than a couple of rambunctious little girls whose ambitions were to be their downfall.

In Tsuji's defense, she handled her pregnancy/shotgun wedding in the classiest way possible, and up until the graduation of the H!P Elder Club in March, was still a part of the organization.

Kago, my preference of the two, cocked-up royally and has paid a big price for it. She's made her own comeback of sorts, but it just doesn't live up to the hypothetical success she would have been had she stayed on the straight-and-narrow. It's nice to know she's alive and well (and, as expected, looking better by the day) but even if this comes off as harsh: she had TWO chances and she just couldn't cut it.

I've been over it many times in my own mind and as I've said, I'm glad they're doing well; unsurprisingly, I'm really not paying attention to either of them these days. Oh well, we'll still have W.

I don't think W would be quite as impressive, though, if they had stuck with it and were still around today. The fact that they no longer exist as a duo lends some sort of Jim Morrison/Kurt Cobain mystique to the group's works. Yeah, they're not dead, but quite the living example of the old adage 'you can't go home again'. While the girls live on and the image that was captured in that short time may linger on in the memories of fans, the group and its music are now legendary.

So, listening back to those short-lived memories is pleasurable and at the same time very melancholy. Because a lot of the group's music is either ultra-peppy or breathtakingly gorgeous, it's more properly categorized as an experience than just simply music or image.

Bottom line is, whatever they've done since as individuals, the demise of the group has only solidified their place as a force to be reckoned with. Kago and Tsuji just compliment each other, like cheese and wine, Lennon and McCartney, or fire and ice.

The end of W also meant the end of Mini Moni, as that group fell apart and left only these two standing. After which, they grew up at light-speed and left us all behind. Maybe someday they'll get back together and shock the world again, but it probably won't be the same. We've moved on from it out of sheer necessity and can only be left wondering 'what if?'

Does anybody know whether there are any W recordings beyond the two albums and seven singles they released under the group name? I'd like to know that either: my collection is complete, or there's more out there.

Beyonce "Obsessed" Tops Box Office; Kim Kardashian Blonde Hair Is Just A Wig

Beyonce Knowles and Idris Elba's fatal attraction thriller, Obsessed, topped the box office this weekend, earning $28.5 million in ticket sales -- well over what studio execs predicted.

Slumdog Millionaire co-stars Freida Pinto and Dev Patel are dating, Patel comfirmed.

Farrah Fawcett's son Redmond O'Neal left jail on Saturday to visit his cancer-stricken mother. He was given a three-hour window from departure to return for the visit.

Miley Cyrus denied the rumor that she has rekindled her romance with ex boyfriend Nick Jonas.

Kim Kardashian said her new blonde hair showed off this weekend was just a wig.

Samantha Ronson Married? Samantha Ronson Facebook Relationship Status Changed to “Married”

Samantha Ronson picture via Photobucket.com

Samantha Ronson’s Facebook relationship status always swings with her mood.

Samantha Ronson allegedly deleted her previous "In a Relationship" status following a split with Lindsay Lohan earlier this month.

Her Facebook status read “It's complicated” last Thursday after she was rumored reuniting with Lindsay Lohan.

Now X17online is reporting that the 31-year-old DJ changed her relationship status again, from "It's Complicated" to "Married".

Samantha Ronson is married? Is it possible that Samantha Ronson and Lindsay Lohan have been married??? Gross!

Britney Spears Pregnant With 3rd Child? Ryan Seacrest's Claim Sparked Britney Spears Pregnancy Rumor

Britney Spears and Chase Benz photo via Youtube.com

Britney Spears is pregnant with her third child?

American Idol host Ryan Seacrest announced that he heard Britney Spears was pregnant again on his morning radio show in Los Angeles on last Wednesday. Ryan claimed the Britney Spears pregnancy news came from a “reliable source”.

Britney Spears, the 27-year-old divorcee who has given birth two sons of ex husband Kevin Federline, was said to have been knocked up by Chase Benz, the 21-year-old background dancer of her Circus tour 2009.

Britney Spears and Chase Benz photo via Youtube.com

But Britney’s camp denied the rumor immediately. "She (Britney) is not pregnant. I have no idea where this ridiculous rumour came from. Ryan has communication with our camp and could have checked this before saying it," the singer’s manager Adam Leber said.

Kim Kardashian Blonde Hair Photos

Kim Kardashian Blonde Hair Photo

Kim Kardashian become a blonde! the Keeping Up With The Kardashians star changed her colour from black to blonde. She posted photos of her new hairstyle on her twitter page Sunday, inviting fans to give opinions on her new hairdo.

"Hey everyone I have a drastic new look!... I went blonde! Do you like it?... Tell me what u guys think!” the 28-year-old blogged.

I'm OK with Kim Kardashian new blonde style, now she looks more like Beyoncé Knowles or Jennifer Lopez!

Felipe Solis Olguin Death Caused President Barack Obama's Swine Flu Scare

Felipe Solis Olgin, director of Mexico's National Museum of Anthropology , caused President Barack Obama's swine flu scare. On April 16 three days after the swine influenza virus broke out in Mexico, Felipe Solis, 64, hosted Barack Obama at his museum when the President paid a one-day trip to the country's capital Mexico City before travelling on to attend the Americas summit in Trinidad and Tobago. Unfortunately, one week after that meeting, Mr. Felipe Solis, a distinguished archaeologist, passed away. As it was first thought Solis died from "flu-like symptoms, many concerned the President may have a brush with the swine flu virus. To their relief, the White House now said Obama’s health was not in any danger, "The president’s trip to Mexico has not put his health in any danger," White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said in a press conference.“The incubation period is 24 to 48 hours and we have been back from Mexico for nine days now. The doctors say he was not at risk.” Solis’s death cause was confirmed as pneumonia by Health Minister Jose Cordova, but Artdaily.org's official obituary said he suffered a heart attack.

Sources: Obama's swine flu scare after shaking hands with archaeologist who died 24 hours later @ Dailymail Felipe Solis Olguin, Director of Mexico's National Museum of Anthropology, Died at 64 @ Artdaily.org

Casey Aldridge Charged in Car Crash

Casey Aldridge was charged with careless operation of a motor vehicle after the car crash in the early hours of Sunday, according to TMZ.

The father of Jamie Lynn Spears' baby lost control of his Ford F150 at around 1:30am April 26 while driving home on the LA 606 in the Tensas Parish in Louisiana, near the Mississippi border. It was a single car crash.

Casey Aldridge, a Mississippi native, who badly injured with a possible blood clot in his brain, is hospitalized at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

He is currently in stable condition after an emergency surgery to drain fluid from his brain.

Casey Aldridge Hospitalized For Car Accident

Casey Aldridge, the fiance of Jamie Lynn Spears, was hospitalized after involving a car accident last night.

According to TMZ, the 19-year-old dad was initially taken to emergency room at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Mississippi. He has been transferred to another part of the hospital when he was in stable conditon.

Hope he gets better soon for Jamie Lynn and their baby’s sake!

Update: Casey Aldridge was badly injured at the serious car wreck. He has a hematoma and even a possible blood clot in his brain. He is about to undergo surgery in the hospital, Perezhilton reported.

According to Radaronline, Aldridge was driving home with two male pals from a fishing trip in Amite Counts, MS at 1:30 a.m. Sunday. When he wrecked his Ford F150 in the car, one of whom broke collar bone.

Jamie Lynn Spears had rushed to the hospital at the first time and she is remaining at his side.

Update:Casey Aldridge was released from a Mississippi hospital on Friday, May 1.

Brad Pitt Moves Out In Touch Weekly Cover Story; Henry Ian Cusick Accused of Sexual Harassment; etc

Brad Pitt Moves Out In Touch Weekly cover story

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie were reportedly having serious problems behind the scenes. Tired of Angelina Jolie’s selfish behavior, Brad Pitt was remored to have moved out and already packed his belongings from their home in France, In Touch Weekly cover story this week reported.

Henry Ian Cusick, who plays Desmond Hume on Lost, is being sued for sexual harassment by a former ABC Entertainment employee Chelsea Stone who claims the actor fondled her buttocks and breasts and kissed her on the lips in October 2007 on the Lost set.

Kelly Monaco narrowly escaped a run-in with a burglar who broke into her Las Vegas penthouse early Thursday morning -- by hiding behind her bed while it all went down.

Rihanna wanted cops to return the $1.4 million in Jewelry which took as evidence at the night of alleged Chris Brown attack.

Jay Leno was back at home Friday after spending the night at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in Burbank for the dyhydration.

Miss Universe Australia finalist Stephanie Naumoska sparked too thin controversy on Thursday in Australia’s Miss Universe contest, a competition that supposedly encourages “healthy, proportioned, bodies.”

Miley Cyrus Nick Jonas Dating Again?

Miley Cyrus and Nick Jonas are working together on a music video for Disney called Pass It On. The two, who split in 2007, are reportedly dating again.

According to NY Daily News, the 16-year-old Hannah Montana star is on a dilemma: she is considering rekindling her romance with her first love boyfriend Nick Jonas. But she doesn’t know how to dump her current boyfriend Justin Gaston, whom she has been dating about 8 months. An insider told NY Daily News,

Miley and Nick want to get back together, Because they’re working together [on a new video], they’ve been put in close proximity to each other. They’re now spending more and more time together, and they’re constantly on the phone

Miley was over at the Jonas house recently, and they were smooching. Nick’s parents have this rule that when a girl is over, the door has to be open, but that didn’t stop Nick and Miley from making out.

She doesn’t know how to tell Justin that they’re over, but Nick is being very firm with her. He’s a good, stand-up kind of guy, and is making Miley tell Justin very, very soon. He’s being tough about it.

The rumor Miley Cyrus and Nick Jonas were dating again comes early April as the pair was spotted lunching together. Both Miley and Nick’s rep declined to comment on their clients' personal life.

Samantha Ronson Lindsay Lohan Together Again?

Lindsay Lohan & Samantha Ronson photo via photobucket.com

Lindsay Lohan and ex Samantha Ronson reunited already?

Lindsay Lohan was spotted visiting Samantha Ronson’s Hollywood Hills house Thursday afternoon. They reportedly spent about six hours together.

Samantha then changed her Facebook relationship status to "It's complicated" the same afternoon.

Either the Thursday night or early Friday morning, Lindsay met up with Samantha at home, and Sam didn’t left Lilo’s place untill 6am.

Lindsay admitted she and Sam “are talking” on the Ellen Degeneres show that aired Thursday afternoon. The 22-year-old actress declared she is still in love with the 31-year-old DJ.

Are there signs that the ex-lovers are reuniting?

Britney Spears Hair Extensions Pulled Out During Show (Video)

Britney Spears’ hair extensions was accidentally pulled out during her Circus show in Oakland, California this week.

A cluster of blonde Britney’s hair was ripped off by one of her aerialists who descended to the stage on a wire during the live concert Wednesday, as the performer grasped the singer then lift her into the air.

It would be very painful if the hair was not fake! Check out the video below.

Britney Spears hair extensions fall out video

Heidi Klum Seal Having Baby No.4; Kim Kardashian: Carrie Prejean 'Narrow-Minded'

Heidi Klum and husband Seal Us Weekly cover photo

Heidi Klum and husband Seal are hoping their 4th child is a little girl.

Kim Kardashian slams Miss California Carrie Prejean's anti-gay marriage stance at the Miss USA pageant last weekend is 'narrow-minded'.

Michael Phelps is denying rumors that he is romancing controversial Miss California contestant Carrie Prejean.

Michael Jackson was out shopping wearing a surgical mask over his face yesterday in Los Angeles.

Hayden Panettiere had her home burglarized recently. She discovered around $15,000 worth of jewelry was missing.

Lindsay Lohan declared she is still in love with ex-girlfriend Samantha Ronson in a new interview with Ellen DeGeneres.

Lindsay Lohan The Ellen DeGeneres Show April 23, 2009 video

Beyonce Today Show April 23, 2009 (Video)

Beyonce Knowles is on the Today show this morning April 23.

The singer and actress talks to Today’s Matt Lauer about her role in the new thriller Obsessed, her upcoming tour, and a fake audio recording of her singing If I Were a Boy which haoxed by Howard Stern on his radio show Tuesday. She calls the audio "a complete joke."

Check out the videos below of Beyonce on Today Show April 23.

Beyonce Today Show April 23, 2009 Video

Beyonce performs Halo on Today Show April 23, 2009 Video

Beyonce Screech Tape Hoax: Fake Beyonce If I Were a Boy Today Show Tape

Beyonce Screeching Version of If I Were a Boy video

A unedited board mix of Beyonce performing If I were boy on the Today show last year hit the internet. It was played by Howard Stern on his radio show Tuesday. Beyonce sounds out of tune and terrible in the screeching version tape.

E! News tracked down the creator of the video above and confirmed that it’s just a haox.

Yup, If I Were a Boy is one of my favorite songs, I agree the tape is fake because everyone knows Beyonce can sing!

Jennifer Hudson Pregnant With Boyfriend David Otunga's Child, Essence Magazine Reported

Jennifer Hudson reportedly is pregnant with fiance David Otunga's child. Jennifer Hudson has been rumored pregnant on various gossip websites since February, but her manager and publicist denied such claims. Now Essence Magazine cited two unnamed sources close to the Oscar and Grammy winner as reporting "she is indeed expecting."

Jennifer Hudson, 28, met fellow Chicago native David Otunga in 2007. On her 27th birthday last August, Hudson was proposed by Otunga, a Harvard Law graduate and former contestant on I Love New York 2 reality show, with a Neil Lane diamond ring. Earlier this month when returned to perform If This Isn’t Love on American Idol 8 results show, Jennifer Hudson confessed to AI host Ryan Seacrest she had set a wedding date but " it’s a secret" and she "can’t tell anybody.”

Take Your Inspirational Quotes and Stuff 'Em...

If this doesn't bring you happiness, apparently you are a cold-hearted fool. Sometimes I'm just at a loss for words...

Ashley Tisdale “Its Alright, Its Okay” Official Music Video; Julie Chen Expecting First Child With Husband Les Moonves; etc

Ashley Tisdale’s new music video for its alright its okay, the lead single off her new album Guilty Pleasure is now on Myspace. Check it out below.

Madonna going back to the the gym just five days after horse-riding accident in New York. --Dailymail

Julie Chen of CBS' The Early Show is pregnant. she and husband, CBS Corporation President and CEO Les Moonves, are expecting their first child together. --Us Weekly

Jenna Dewan and fiance Channing Tatum’s wedding coming soon. -- People

Dave Grohl, the 40-year-old rocker and and his wife, Jordyn, have welcomed their second daughter. – The insider

Ashley Tisdale Its Alright Its Okay Official Music Video

Ashley Tisdale Caught Kissing Scott Speer In Car (Video)

Ashley Tisdale was caught kissing her new boyfriend Scott Speer in a car at 1 a.m. last night.

Scott Speer, 26, directed a three-part video series video series for Tisdale in 2007, including He Said She Said, Not Like That and Suddenly released at her DVD There's Something About Ashley.

Tisdale and Speer recently worked together on her new music video its alright its okay, the lead single off her new album Guilty Pleasure.

These days, the two were photographed closely together several times.

Ashley Tisdale kissing Scott Speer At 1 AM video

Rihanna Andrew Bynum Dating? Rihanna Rumored Dating Los Angeles Lakers Star Andrew Bynum

(Andrew Bynum Photo) AndrewBynum.com

Rihanna and Andrew Bynum were romantically linked! The Umbrella singer was reportedly dating Andrew Bynum, a professional basketball player who plays for the Los Angeles Lakers of the NBA.

According to X17online, Rihanna and Andrew Bynum went on an intimate dinner date at Mastro's Steakhouse in Beverly Hills last Friday April 17. A witness told the website when the two left the restaurant together, they looked "very couple-y, sitting real close to each other in the car."

This is the first time Rihanna has been spotted out with a man since she split from Chris Brown.

Platinum9DISC recap

I bought 'Platinum9DISC' from JapanFiles last night and gave it a few whirls in the past day. I know I'm a bit late to the party on this, but seeing as how this was the first Real MM album I was 'present' for, I thought I'd go over the material and make some points for discussion. I've listened to every Morning Musume album, maybe not in that order, specifically, but you'd think I'd know a thing or two about them.

If you're comparison-shopping, consider my favorites, in this order: 5, 2, 3, 7, 4, 1, 7.5, 8, 6.

Where to start? I think that overall this record was exactly what I was expecting. That's not a bad thing, at all. Coming off what I would consider an artistic peak of the 'Cover You' album, it seemed like the group was ready to turn another corner and re-start the original ass-kicking on a whole other level. Well, between listening to this record and getting a chance to see them live in LA this summer, I'm totally back on the Morning Musume boat.

1. SONGS
It takes a bit of time for this song to get off the ground, but once it kicks in, the polyrythm and voice-processing makes a great start to the album. It's almost a shell of a song, in fact, and it seems to be a way of saying 'strap yourself in for the ride'. Lots of synth sounds, very busy, but the tune is simple. I can just use my imagination to see the girls dancing about. I think the polyrhythm at the beginning of each verse is the best part, like, 'you think *you're* cool... well, here we come...'

2. Resonant Blue
I'm an unapologetic supporter of Resonant Blue, it's just an ass-kicker from front to back. The 'uu-ee' part is convincing enough, and the chorus part that begins with 'kanashimi no...' is the hook-from-hell, it just pushes the song into the highest gear possible. The one catch is whether they're saying 'happy' or 'help me' at the high point (it's 'help me', btw), so don't get too confused, it's not a happy song. Still, it's groovin'.

3. Ame no Furanai Hoshi de wa Aisenai darou?
I won't even try to give a translation, but something to do with love, the stars, and the rain not falling. The obligatory slow song from the first half of the album, it sounds hopeful. Though it may never top Aya's 'THE LAST NIGHT' or Berryz' 'BE' (good luck with *that*), it's enjoyable, and has a nice buildup. One of those songs that starts nice and quiet and before you know it you're going deaf, but all that does is make you turn it up all the more. I really like the addition of some Chinese words, so thanks, Chinese chicks, for taking it to the next level. Something 'THE LAST NIGHT' and 'BE' can't boast.

4. Take off is now!
Oh people, please listen to others online when it comes to good songs. I put this on repeat about five times this morning, trust me, everyone who says this song is good, they're right, completely. Tastefully executed; busy, yet consistent. Combining rock and heavy dance sounds, this song just WINS. I really hope this becomes a staple of the live show, as I would love to see them sing it in person, and they'd better bring dozens of colored strobes to accompany them. My only gripe on this song is that the 'outro' is much too short, it could really go on for about twenty more minutes before I got tired of it. Please please please, bring this song to the LA show, and make it so that the outro lasts about ten minutes while y'all get your freak on. I will still demand more, but it's a start.

5. Naichau Kamo
I will forever call this song 'Nacho Spider' but I really think it's cool. The video is okay, if you like watching girls cry; I'm sure that some misogynist is watching it non-stop right now. When they're not fake-crying, they look incredible, moreso than usual. But let's not let the video taint our impressions of this song. More hyper-dance from the group that does it so well, and even a part at the end of each chorus for idiots like me to recite 'naichau kamo kamo kamo kamo' with veracity, after the actual song has passed me by at a frightening pace. Not a big first-impression song, but this one will probably grow on listeners.

6. Watashi no Miryoku ni Kidzukanai Donkan'na Hito
I'm totally cool with Aika Mitsui getting her own song. How fitting for a 'turn the corner' album to feature Mitsui as the first solo song? Sounds a lot like most of the other songs on the record, hyper-synth-pop and all; at worst, a forgettable song, but it's not like she's not trying. I liked Mitsui before and in my future bleak days, will turn this on as a testament to individual accomplishment. More power to you, Mitsui. I'm the biggest reluctant fan you'll ever have.

7. Guruguru JUMP
Kusumi+Chinese Chicks=I'm digging it already. Is it upbeat? Another plus. Short sentences? Lots of 'em. Somebody should tell Kusumi that peppy songs are her forte. Yeah, there was hyper-beat on the previous songs, but let's step it up a bit. I don't have any words of wisdom here... either you like 'shopping spree' music or you don't. And if you don't, back the heck off of Kusumi, for crying out loud. She's seen several doctors to try and get that star-shaped tambourine out of her hand, there's just no cure, except for time itself.

8. Mikan
This is the song I'm hooked on, right now. When it came out I could have swore I've heard it before, but blame it on my love of Kusumi. This song is a total Koha-fix, top to bottom. No, let's make it catchier! Like Resonant Blue, the buildup to the chorus is worth it, and when it gets to the chorus, there's that extra push. I know no heavy metal song that kicks more ass, seriously. Be prepared to yell 'Oh yeah, one time!' when you get a chance. Oh, yeah.

9. Jounetsu no Kissu wo Hitotsu
The obligatory slow song for the back half of the album, featuring the same trio of singers from 'Take off is now!'. Of course, the second side always makes the slow song a bit more forceful. 'Dokusenyoku' from the 6th album might be an okay comparison, but 'Dokusenyoku' will always be better. Another stereo-buster, indeed, but just not as good; admittedly, it's a high bar to jump. The ending is abrupt and strange. I would hope for a better farewell from Niigaki, Takahashi, and Reina, so look for it in the future, if they ever decide to leave. Let's hope they don't, they're making some good music.

10. It's You
Who decided that a solo Sayu song was the way to go? I just wanna say thanks to that person. This song really does stand out on the album, and by comparison, (Berryz') Risako's 'REAL LOVE' seems flat and unexpressive, so that says something. Sayu's fans (and they're innumerable) are overwhelmed by this song. 'Hey you...' She's talking to ME! The sound of glass breaking at the climax of the song is one of the best touches UFA has put on one of the best songs I've heard in a while.

11. Onna ni Sachi Are
WARNING; if you should watch this video, each and every one of the girls will call you an idiot before it's over. Just take it in stride. I don't think I've mentioned hyper-dance in this post until now, but if you like that sort of thing, this is the group for you. This song does its job as the introduction to the current lineup of Musume. If you've listened this far and still need convincing, just turn it off and go back to your normal life. Otherwise, its placement here is just preaching to the choir. If we could just... get... to our... utility belt...

12. Kataomoi no Owari ni
Second to last song, better drink it in. Kamei Eri's chance to shine, and shine she does. Along the lines of the Mitsui song, it may not be your favorite, even if you're an Eri fan. Oh, who am I kidding, take it Eri! What more can I say? This song is representative of her personality and style on every level. Take it or leave it.

13. Kanashimi Twilight
A great song, no doubt, but I might be the only one who finds Fujimoto's voice a little out of place at this point. She's been gone for a while now, no shock to my readers, and suddenly she's on (and only on) the last track? Tsunku, you lazy so-and-so, please come up with a better ending than this. Keep this song where it is, fine... just give me some closure on this album. Again, not a bad song to close with, but if your thrust at this point is the future of this group (and it should be), less Yossie, and less Fujimoto on the last song. I suppose we'll wait another two years for #10, and it better be more cohesive than this.

So, overall, I will be listening to the album on a regular basis, because I want to get a feel for how terrible it is....

Miss California Carrie Prejean Anti-Gay Marriage Controversy (Video); Gossip Girl Spinoff Promo Poster Preview (Picture); etc

Miss California Carrie Prejean at the Miss USA 2009 pageant picture

Miss California Carrie Prejean believed her answer on gay marriage ruined her chances of winning during the Miss USA beauty 2009 pageant in Las Vegas after she was asked by openly-gay celebrity blogger Perez Hilton on her thoughts on legalizing same-sex marriages.

Check out the video of Miss California Carrie Prejean giving her answer below.

Miss California Carrie Prejean anti-gay marriage answer video

Khloe & Kourtney Kardashian were branching out with their own reality show Kourtney And Khloe In Miami, the spinoff of Keeping Up With The Kardashians.

Lindsay Loha was reportedly told her new BFF Mel. B that she is 'back on men'.

Gossip Girl spinoff promo poster

Gossip Girl spinoff preview: Gossip Girl fans are getting their first glimpse at The CW series’ still-untitled spin-off set to premiere next fall.

Amy Winehouse is heartbroken over husband Blake Fielder-Civil having a baby with another woman.

Karen Sypher, Alleged Rick Pitino Extortioner; Kim Kardashian Gets Sunburned, Etc.

Karen Sypher of Louisville, is alleged extortioner of University of Louisville men's basketball team coach Rick Pitino.

Kim Kardashian got sunburned while sunbathing on a Mexico beach this weekend after fell asleep in the sun.

Rubina Ali, the 9-year-old Slumdog Millionaire star, was reportedly "selling” for £270,000 by her family, but Rubina's father denied the allegations.

Jennifer Garner InStyle May 2009 cover photo

Jennifer Garner covers InStyle magaizne May 2009 issue.

Ashlee Simpson brought baby son Bronx to the set of her new CW show Melrose Place in downtown Los Angeles on Saturday April 18.

Madonna Horse-riding Accident: Madonna Hospitalized After Horse Tumble

Madonna had a horse-riding accident Saturday in Hamptons, New York. The Material Girl star fell off from a startled horse while horseback riding on New York's Long Island where she was visiting friend and famed photographer Steven Klein.

The 50-year-old suffered minor injuries and bruises after the tumble. She was taken to the Southampton Hospital and released soon.

"The accident occurred when the horse Madonna was riding was startled by paparazzi who jumped out of the bushes to photograph the singer, who was visiting friends on Eastern Long Island over the weekend," the singer's rep Liz Rosenberg told Us Weekly. "Madonna will be having further tests and will continue to remain under observation by doctors."

This was the second time Madonna suffered from a horse-riding accident. In 2005, a much serious accident in London left her with three cracked ribs, a broken collarbone and a broken hand.

Link: Madonna Horse-riding Accident Photos Gallery @ New York Post

Uma Thurman To Wed Arpad Busson? Andy Roddick Brooklyn Decker Married!

Uma Thurman is reportedly to wed her multimillionaire fiancé Arpad Busson to whom she was engaged since June.

Andy Roddick and Sports Illustrated model Brooklyn Decker was married on Friday night in Austin, TX.

Brad Paisley and Kimberly Williams-Paisley have welcomed a son in Nashville on Friday morning.

Rihanna wore a Michael Jackson’s military style inspired jacket while hitting the shops in Beverly Hills.

Redmond O'Neal said cancer-stricken mom Farrah Fawcett's weight is 86 pounds.

David Beckham Motorola's AURA phone Promo Video

Random Facts and Observations

I just want that picture of Aiko to be at the top, so there she is, in LA.

What do you think Brian Wilson meant when he sang, "I wish they all could be California Girls"? I used to think that he wanted to give some superiority to the girls from California, like they were so much better than anything the world had to offer. And now, with an adult mindset, I'm thinking he was just wanting a girl of every type to choose from, right in his hometown; living there, as opposed to being from there. Kayo Aiko could be a California girl, she'd just have to move to California; then it's up to Brian to sort her out from all the rest.

Apparently, piracy isn't all that rampant on the internet. I've had my song previews up for almost two weeks, and nobody's really taken advantage of them, yet. Steal something, for crying out loud!

'Joshi Kashimasi Monogatari' means 'Noisy Girls' Story'. I call it 'The Kashimashi Song' so that means it's the 'noisy' song. Therefore, it can't be 'The Kashimashi Song' unless it is turned up so loud that it makes you bleed internally. At least, that's the logic I follow.

'Kakegoe' is a Japanese word which can be translated into 'a voice for decoration', and Wikipedia explains the similarities I've heard in more than a couple Tsunku-written songs. Things like 'sore sore sore sore!' and 'ha iya sasa'. This is a list of songs which incorporate similar lyrics, inspired by folk tradition and festival atmospheres:
-Tomodachi wa Imasu ka? - Sharam Q ('sore sore' and 'iya sasa')
-Sukiyaki - Morning Musume 6th album ('ha iya', etc.)
-Piriri to Ikou - Berryz Kobo 3rd single ('ha iya, etc')
-Koi no Dance Site - Morning Musume 8th single ('sore sore')
-Shiawase Kyouryuu Ondo - Odoru11 ('Do don ga don')
-Do Don Ga Don Ondo - °C-ute (see song title, etc.)
-Dancing! Natsu Matsuri! - 10nin Matsuri ('dokoisho dokoisho')
-Tan Tan Taan! - MilkyWay ('Dontokoi!')
There's probably more, but this should serve to illustrate what I'm talking about. See also 'kuchi shoga' regarding drum emulation.

Billy Ray Cyrus Responds to Jamie Foxx's Miley Cyrus Controversy: "It Was Hurtful”

Billy Ray Cyrus made a response to the controversy comments Jamie Foxx lashed out against his daughter Miley Cyrus last weekend on Thursday's Bonnie Hunt Show.

The 47-year-old country singer looked upset while asked about the Jamie Foxx’s remarks about Miley Cyrus in the interview. Billy Ray thought Foxx's joke was overdone to his 16-year-old daughter.

It was hurtful. There wasn't nothing funny about it. And, quite frankly, I think if I said those things about his daughter, he might not find it so comedic.

Jamie Foxx allegedly attacked Miley Cyrus during his Sirius radio show Sunday night, saying Miley needs “to get a gum transplant…make a $ex tape…do some heroin.”

The 41-year-old comedian has apologized for his remarks about the Disney star on Tuesday’s Tonight Show With Jay Leno “I apologize for what I said. I didn't mean it maliciously. You know I'm a comedian…I got a daughter too, so I completely understand.”

Billy Ray Cyrus on the Bonnie Hunt Show April 16 (video): Talking about Jamie Foxx's attack on Miley

Madonna Back on Jesus Luz? Heidi Klum Pregnant With 4th Child; etc

Madonna Jesus Luz picture/photobucket.com

Madonna and her on/off lover Jesus Luz back on?

Heidi Klum and Seal are expecting their fourth child.

Katie Holmes’ brother-in-law, the husband of her eldest sister, found dead suddenly.

Jessica Simpson's bikinis to be featured in Miss USA swimsuit competition.

Bar Refaeli Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2009 picture/Youtube.com

Bar Refaeli, Leonardo DiCaprio's girlfriend, was photographed for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2009 edition. Check out the behind-the-scenes video below.

Domino's Pizza former workers who filmed revolting video of themselves abusing takeaway food and posted the video on YouTube are charged by police.

Victoria Beckham was joined by Eva Longoria, Katie Holmes and Jennifer Lopez for her 35th birthday party at restaurant Cecconi's in Los Angeles.

Bar Refaeli SI Swimsuit 2009 behind-the-scenes video

Angelina Jolie Pregnant With Baby #7? Jamie Foxx Apologizes Over Miley Cyrus Rant; etc

Angelina Jolie is reportedly 2.5 months pregnant with baby #7.

Jamie Foxx, who launched a furious rant at Miley Cyrus on his Sirius radio show Sunday night, has apologized to the 16-year-old on Tuesday's Tonight Show With Jay Leno.

Jessica Alba goes back to blond.

Justin Timberlake, rapper Lupe Fiasco, and singer Kenna will climb up the Tanzanian mountain to raise awareness about the current water shortage the world is facing.

Hugh Jackman is a mad scientist on Spain’s popular entertainment show El Hormiguero April 14.

Hugh Jackman on Spain’s El Hormiguero (April 14) video

Going to California, Sans Heartache

No one should ever go so far as to call me a spontaneous person. I mainly just mind my own business and stick it out day after day, year after year, feeling as-stuck-in-the-midwest as anyone can feel. But my mood took a dramatic upswing in the last few days for very obvious reasons. Suddenly I have an urge to listen to every song ever written about California or Los Angeles, knowing that soon, real soon, I'll be seeing it with my own eyes.

Years ago, as a young rock-star-wannabe, I would stare at maps of Los Angeles for hours, trying to get a feel for how the town spreads out.  I would imagine where my future home would be, possibly tucked somewhere in the Hollywood Hills with plenty of parking available to models, other rock stars, millionaires, and party-crashers.  Also, I often dreamed of up-and-driving-there without notice to start a new life, because as pathetic as it may have turned out, I would have at least *tried* to bring change upon myself.  Those plans were at best unrealistic, and at worst really stupid.

I've been told many stories about Los Angeles;  most of them are unflattering, I hate to say.  I'm not sure if one of the best stories I've been told is true, but it's probably very likely, and a good story nonetheless.  

When a group of guys were trying to 'make it' as a big rock band in the 80's, their car (the only car any of the musicians had) was stolen.  Some days later, they found the car in a driveway not more than a couple of blocks away.  Whoever had stolen the car had not changed the locks or the ignition key;  so, having the key, the rightful owner got in and drove it home, only to find that a *wonderful* stereo system had been installed in the days it'd been gone.  There was really no recourse for the thief in a situation like that, so the hero of our story was blessed with a great new stereo and the car wasn't any worse for the wear.  If it didn't really happen to them, I'm quite sure this has been done in LA several times at some point.

People have asked me why I would want to live in Los Angeles, and in truth, I haven't wanted to in quite a while.   But there's just so much happening there, I'm sure that when I get back I'll be a little more comfortable on the city bus, laughing at the one horse we own, and feeling a bit more well-travelled than if I just stayed home and persisted in the mundane.  Los Angeles is, after all, the second-largest city in the US;  California is the most-populated and easily-most-eccentric place we've got, and I've never been there.  I may never go back, who knows, but I will unlikely be unable to forget what it's like.

Still, I'd like to think of myself as well-travelled, regionally, anyway.  I've been to Chicago several times and had the *privilege* of driving through it to a destination near Wrigley Field twice.  I'd taken the 'L' a few times with a friend who lives there, but on my last visit, took it alone for the first time, downtown, where it becomes a subway.  On the outside I tried to pretend that I'd done it so many times before, tried to give off the impression that if I could somehow get away from the daily grind of Chicago and get off this god-forsaken train that I had apparently known since birth, I would.  On the inside, though, I felt like a real farm-boy, though I haven't spent very much time in the rural areas, but nonetheless really nervous about taking the train by myself for the first time.  I lived to tell the tale.

So what happened to me?  Suddenly, without a lot of warning, I have agreed to spend a week in downtown Los Angeles, and it'll be worth it.

I still want to go to Japan, and still plan to do so, but this was too good of an opportunity to pass up.  Now, the reason I got into Japan and the culture wasn't the culture itself, but the people.  And to be more specific, it was certain people;  idols, to be exact.

If I were to go to Japan, attending a concert would probably be very unlikely, almost an afterthought.  So much time would be spent planning hotels and destinations, vacation time, money, and being able to read the signs, etc.  It would be very obvious that I was not from around there, and if I managed to find a good record store, I'd be doing good.  What are the odds that if I *did* go to Japan I'd manage to see any of the people who are responsible for my current obsession?

That all changed with the possibility of seeing Morning Musume perform at Anime Expo in Los Angeles this summer.  See details here, and go mad with jealousy at my comparative good luck.  Let me wallow in this for a while, because I don't get out often.  And on the other hand, I'm still not believing that this is actually going to happen.

I harbor a little bit of dissapointment that I won't be seeing °C-ute or Berryz Kobo, though if I'd seen them a little over a year ago, wouldn't have been star-struck anyway.  Morning Musume may have already reached its peak some time ago, and some of the most popular girls won't be there, but still, let's stop and think about who I'll be in the same room with.

For starters, no, it's not Aiko;  but at least two of them have definitely spoken to her, and shared some time backstage (or possibly the same bunk bed) with her during the Musume audition.

Let's see who I'll be seeing with my own two eyes.  A member of MiniMoni, albeit a latecomer, Ms. Takahashi Ai, and fellow 5th gen-er Niigaki Risa.  Both of these girls are hilariously gorgeous, have talked to Aiko at some point, were around back when 'Mr. Moonlight' came out, and by my calculations, hold the title for being in Morning Musume longer than anyone else in history.

Next, the 6th gen of Kamei Eri, Michishige Sayumi, and Tanaka Reina, all swimsuit models in a former life, apparently:

'Nuff said.

And, if that weren't enough, the almighty Ms. Kusumi Koharu will be there;  so Rainbow Pink, (my favorite super-group) will be reunited, so to speak, with a surrounding ensemble.  Plus, have I ever mentioned that I really like Koha-chan?

Mitsui Aika, the sole Japanese rep of the 8th gen, will be there.  As much as I tried to ignore her, seriously, tenacity is one of her better qualities, and if she encountered me alone on the street, proclaiming that she was a Musume, I'd stop her in the middle of her spiel.  "You're friggin' Mitsui!" I would exclaim, and then we would go back to my castle and live happily ever after.

Here's the hard part.  The other two 8th gen-ers Junjun and Linlin will also be there, but for the life of me, I can't tell them apart.  Blame it on me being racist and having a bit of trouble accepting Chinese girls into my favorite Japanese group.  Or, blame it on me looking the other way when they joined, and just generally not keeping up with Morning Musume in recent days.  Either way, a *lot* of good things have been said about these two, and I usually listen to my online peers when it comes to talent.  I just haven't seen much of them, and unlike, say, Yuko and Rika, there's not a big age/personality difference for me to latch on to.  I can't tell any other two Asian girls apart, so don't get too offended, I'm just an idiot about these things.

So, my goal in life is to see me some idols, and this is quite the collection.  No need to get a passport and the flight itself is about 1/6th the amount I'd be paying to get to Japan, no idol-seeing included.  Add to that the fact that I'll be amongst friends unknown, Japanophiles all.  I'm not a huge anime fan, but there'll be plenty of cool (and cutting edge) things to see there.

Consider this to be another notch scratched on my belt.  Been to California, been to LA, and if things hold out, I'd have stayed but a block away from Library Tower.  It's still partially up in the air, but in all actuality, I have a plane ticket to Los Angeles and admission to the Expo gate.  So it's as if I've already been there, short of telling Kusumi (to her face) that I love her.  Did I mention that I really like Kusumi Koharu?

Andy Roddick To Wed Brooklyn Decker in Texas This Weekend

Andy Roddick & Brooklyn Decker pictures via Youtube.com

Andy Roddick, the 26-year-old tennis player, is getting married his girlfriend Brooklyn Decker, the 21-year-old Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model, reports New York Post.

The two met in 2007 when Roddick asked his agent to contact Decker's after the tennis champ saw her in a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.

The couple engaged in March, 2008. They will tie the knot in Austin, Texas this weekend.

Congrats to Roddick and Decker!

Jamie Foxx Miley Cyrus Controversy Rant (Audio)

Jamie Foxx launched a furious rant at Miley Cyrus on his Sirius radio show The Foxxhole Sunday night.

After someone called in to discuss Miley's plan to “ruin” Radiohead after the brand refused to meet her back stage at the 2009 Grammys, the 41-year-old actor/singer made funny of the Hannah Montana star, asking "Who is Miley Cyrus, the one with all the gums?”

"She's got to get a gum transplant… Let me get an order of mouth, light on teeth, heavy on the gums." Jamie mocked at Miley, "She’s going to ruin Radiohead’s career? The same Radiohead that gets paid a million dollars just to sample their songs? That Radiohead?” he joked.

"Make a $ex tape and grow up. Get like Britney Spears and do some heroin.” Jamie continued to made a joke on the 16-year-old, “Do like Lindsay Lohan and start being a lesbian and get some crack in your pipe. Catch chlamydia on a bicycle seat.” he added.

Check out the Jamie Foxx blasts Miley Cyrus audio below:

Jamie Foxx blasts Miley Cyrus audio

Lil’ Kim DWTS Wardrobe Malfunction; Lindsay Lohan eHarmony Profile (Video); etc

Lil’ Kim had a big Janet Jackson-style wardrobe malfunction on Monday night's Dancing with the Stars.

Mel Gibson’s wife Robyn has filed for divorce after 28 years of marriage. The 53-year-old actor-director-producer would pay his wife half of his fortune estimated $900 million to Robyn. This is expected to be one of the biggest divorce settlements in Hollywood history.

Angelina Jolie has been crowned as the world's 'most beautiful' woman in a Vanity Fair magazine poll.

Britney Spears is rumoured to be having a fling with her tour dancer Chase Benz.

Lindsay Lohan created a funny profile on eHarmony.com saying that she is newly single and ready to mingle!

Lindsay Lohan eHarmony Profile video

Blake Fielder Civil & Gilleen Morris Love Child: Amy Winehouse's Husband Gets Gilleen Morris Pregnant in Rehab

Amy Winehouse's husband Blake Fielder Civil got another woman pregnant in rehab, reported News of the world.

Gilleen Morris, 31, a single jobless mum-of-two, claimed she slept with Blake in rehab and was six weeks pregnant with his love child.

The rehabbing woman said she wanted abortion at first but Blake promised to support her raised the child.

As jailed Blake and Amy are going through a bitter divorce battle, the love child could make his father lose £5 million divorce payout.