MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18

NATIONAL HEADLINES:

TORNADOES TOUCH DOWN IN MIDWEST, AT LEAST 5 DEAD

A powerful storm system swept across the Midwest yesterday, sparking multiple twisters in Illinois. Authorities said at least five people were confirmed dead in the storms and around 30 people injured. At least 10 tornadoes were reported to have touched down in the state, leaving a trail of debris in their wake. The cities with reported damage included Washington, Perkin and East Peoria. Severe weather was continuing to be a threat in eastern Illinois into Indiana, southern Michigan, western Kentucky and western Ohio, and could potentially affect 53 million people.

FILIPINO PRESIDENT STAYING IN TACLOBAN TO OVERSEE AID

Filipino President Benigno Aquino said yesterday that he is staying in the typhoon-ravaged Leyte province until he sees more progress in the humanitarian effort. The president is expected to set up camp in Tacloban. Nearly every building the city was damaged or destroyed by Typhoon Haiyan on Nov. 8. Almost 4,000 people were killed in the storm and many survivors have yet to receive adequate aid. "We really want to ease the burden of everybody as soon as possible. As long as I don't see any more improvements, we'll stay here," Aquino said. He seeks to ensure that the distribution of relief goods goes smoothly and that power is restored soon.

PLANE CRASH IN RUSSIA CLAIMS 50 LIVES

A passenger plane crashed in central Russia Sunday night, killing all 50 people on board. Officials said the Boeing 737 from Moscow had tried to land several times prior to the crash. On its final attempt, it exploded as it hit the runway at the Kazan international airport. The plane was carrying 44 passengers and 6 crew members – none of them survived. The cause of the crash was not yet known.

NOBEL PRIZE-WINNING AUTHOR DORIS LESSING DIES

Nobel prize-winning author Doris Lessing died yesterday at the age of 94. “The Golden Notebook” author’s cause of death was not immediately known, but her publisher, HarperCollins, released a statement saying she died peacefully. In more than 55 works of fiction, opera, nonfiction and poetry, Lessing covered topics ranging from women’s liberation to science fiction. She won the Nobel Literature prize in 2007.

COLORADO MINING ACCIDENT KILLS 2, INJURES 20

A Colorado mining accident claimed the lives of two workers and injured 20 others, officials said yesterday. The incident occurred at the Revenue Virginius mine near the town of Ouray. A cause for the accident was not yet known. Rory Williams, project manager for Star Mine Operations, said the accident was not related to a mine collapse, but was allegedly a “powder-smoke incident,” and that a release of chemicals into the air injured the miners.

THE WEEKEND BOX OFFICE FROM BOX OFFICE MOJO

SHOWBIZ NEWS:

MSNBC SUSPENDS BALDWIN OVER ANTI-GAY OUTBURST

In response to Alec Baldwin’s homophobic outburst against a paparazzo last week, MSNBC suspended the actor’s talk show, Up Late with Alec Baldwin, for two weeks. Just after the suspension was announced, Baldwin issued an apology, saying, “I did not intend to hurt or offend anyone with my choice of words, but clearly I have – and for that I am deeply sorry." He later made it sounds like the show may be gone for good. “Whether the show comes back at all is at issue right now,” he wrote on his blog Saturday morning.   On Thursday, GLAAD blasted Baldwin for allegedly calling the photographer a “c**ksucking f*g,” although he insisted he said “fathead.” Regardless, Alec didn’t seem to realize that the first word he used was just as offensive. “Rich Ferraro from @glaad informs me that c'sucker is an anti-gay epithet,” he wrote. “In which case I apologize and will retire it from my vocabulary." But that still did not sit well with some people. In fact, CNN anchor Anderson Cooper called out the actor, tweeting, "Just read Alec Baldwin's latest excuses. They are actually so ridiculous they are funny."

SLY ALLEGEDLY UTTERS RACIAL SLUR AT PAPARAZZI

In related news…Sylvester Stallone had a run-in with paparazzi in Beverly Hills Thursday, and, according to TMZ, was [NOTE CONTENT] caught on tape making a racist comment. Sly was leaving a restaurant when he allegedly said, “this f**king n***er here, this f**ker.” (The audio is very unclear.) Later a photographer is heard asking Sly “why the racial slurs?” Sly’s rep insists he didn’t use the racial slur and actually said “F**king A**hole.” The rep adds the photographer added the racial slur content to make the video seem more valuable. 

EVA’S GOT A NEW BOYFRIEND

Eva Longoria stepped out with a new boyfriend over the weekend.   The former Desperate Housewives star walked the red carpet at the Museo Jumex opening dinner in Mexico City, Mexico with Televisa President Jose “Pepe Antonio Baston. A source told People, “He’s been sweeping her off her feet and courting her like a proper gentleman.”

GUNFIRE AT HOUSE OF LIES

Gunfire broke out on the location set of the Showtime series House of Lies. According to reports, the show was filming at a housing project in South Central, L.A., which attracted a crowd. In that crowd were members of rival gangs, and after Don Cheadle, Kristen Bell and T.I. finished a scene, the members got aggressive and shots rang out.   Showtime later released a statement and said the three stars were no longer at the location when the shooting occurred and they “were not in danger at any time. “

JOLIE TEARS UP RECEIVING HONORARY OSCAR

Angelina Jolie almost broke out in tears Saturday as she accepted an honorary Oscar for her humanitarian work at the Academy’s Annual Governors Ball in Hollywood. “I came into this business young and worried about my own experiences, my own pain. And it was only when I began to travel and look at life beyond my home that I understood my responsibility to others,” she said in accepting her award. She also gave credit to her family, including her 12-year-old sonMaddox and partner Brad Pitt, who were there that evening. “My family, my love, your love and support make everything possible," she said. "Mad, and your brothers and sisters, there is no greater honor than being your mom."

NICK CANNON’S NAME USED TO STEAL JEWELS

A man claiming to work for America’s Got Talent host Nick Cannon somehow scammed Fred Segal’s Santa Monica store and got away with thousands of dollars in jewelry. According to TMZ, a man calling himself “Michael” called the store saying Cannon needed the jewelry for wife Mariah Carey and had a store employee meet him at the Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood with the goods. Once at the hotel, the employee was met by a man dressed as a security guard, who said he was taking the jewels to Cannon and would be back with the cash. He never returned. Cops are now investigating the incident.

MAN ARRESTED AT COLIN FARRELL’S HOME

A man was arrested outside Colin Farrell’s home over the weekend. The unidentified man paid a visit to Colin’s pad Saturday afternoon and walked right up to the door. The freaked out actor was home at the time and had his assistant call the cops. The fan was taken into custody, and after talking with him, cops decided to put him on a 5150 psychiatric hold.

GWYNETH’S ANNUAL PRICEY GIFT GUIDE

Oprah Winfrey isn’t the only star sharing her favorite things this holiday season. Gwyneth Paltrow has revealed her annual gift guide on her Goop website, and as we know, she sure has expensive tastes. The priciest items include a $5,800 set of kitchen tools by Malle W. Trousseau, a $1,200 membership to the Orin Swift wine club and a set of $530 pajamas (and that’s before the recommended monogramming).   Even the less expensive items are pretty up there, including a $50 bottle of olive oil, $55 signed copies of Gwyneth’s books, $100 Hermes poker cards and a $165 Fornasetti scented candle. And some of things on the list are so expensive she doesn’t even mention the price, like a custom coat of arms by Happy Menocal and custom jewelry from Jennifer Creel.

GWYNETH REVEALS KIDS’ WISH LIST

Gwyneth Paltrow also reveals on Goop what her kids Apple and Moses want for Christmas this year. Nine-year-old Apple wants, “an iPod 5, a Lifeproof case for my iPod5 so I can take it underwater and a Kipling rolley backpack.” Meanwhile, 7-year-old Moses is asking for a video game, an acoustic guitar and a hamster.

GWYNETH DESPERATE FOR GOOD PUBLICITY

In other Gwyneth Paltrow news…Media reports claim the actress is in desperate need of some good publicity. Sources tell Radaronline the 41-year-old is being pressured to fix her image following the negative press surrounding the upcoming Vanity Fair exposé, as well as the measures she took to try to squash it. Insiders say the Shakespeare in Love star is being urged to either have a baby or do something like “gain weight for a Bridget Jones-style film role” to reconnect with the public. “She knows there’s a problem, and is focused on fixing it.,” said a source. “She’s completely lost the public’s sympathy with her ‘little miss perfect’ image.”

SCHOOL BANS VESPAS THANKS TO PALTROW

And finally, the Hollywood Reporter claims the Los Angeles school where Gwyneth Paltrow’skids go has banned Vespas following an incident involving the actress and her husband Chris Martin. In September, video showed Gwyneth narrowly avoiding a crash when she cut off a school bus with her daughter Apple on the back of her motorcycle.   It was later revealed that Gwyneth was riding her Vespa without a valid motorcycle license, but she has since gotten one.

STODDEN’S SHOCKING, BUT NOT SURPRISING, ADMISSION

Teen bride Courtney Stodden has denied rumors she plans to write a tell-all book about her marriage to 53-year-old Doug Hutchison, and she offered up a very honest reason why it’s not going to happen. “I don’t have a book coming out, that’s a rumor,” the newly-separated 19-year-old told Bethenny Frankel. “I don’t read or write.” She also says she has no immediate plans to become a porn star. “No, that’s not the direction I’m taking,” she said. “Trust me, the second I turned 18 the entire porn industry turned upside down…I turned down a $5 million offer about three months ago.”

BILSON DENIES SHUNNING BARTON

Rachel Bilson is denying a Radaronline report that claimed she contacted her former The O.C. co-stars urging them to shut out Mischa Barton. The report suggested the Hart of Dixie star “is the one who basically made it be known that it's okay for everybody to wash their hands of Mischa and not forgive her past transgressions.” But a rep for Bilson told the Huffington Post, "The Radaronline 'story' is a complete fabrication. There simply is no truth to it at all …Rachel has no ill will toward Mischa—she has and will continue to wish her well." Barton added via Twitter that the article was "hilarious."

DEEN BACK IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Paula Deen is slowly inching her way back into the spotlight. New York magazine reports the former TV chef will host a one-hour live cooking show in Williamsville, New York in February, which will also serve to promote her latest venture, a new Paula Deen Foods retail shop in the nearby town of Clarence (a suburb of Buffalo). Deen will be on hand to cut the ribbon on the store, which will sell all things Paula, like, Paula Deen Jalapeño Tortilla Chips, Paula Deen Sugar Free Coconut Clusters, and Paula Deen Raspberry Champagne Salad Dressing.

KRUPA REVEALS EATING DISORDER AND LAXATIVE ADDICTION

Real Housewives of Miami’s Joanna Krupa opens up about her struggles with addiction and an eating disorder in the latest issue of Star magazine. “When I came to Los Angeles in 1999, my dream was to be a model, but I couldn’t get work. I got really depressed, and all I did was eat,” she told the tab. “Within a year, I gained over 20 lbs. and my self-esteem was shot, plus my credit card was maxed out. I cried every day.” She added, “While I was never diagnosed with anorexia or bulimia at the time, I’ve learned that starving myself and bingeing means I had both. I was in deep trouble.” Krupa says her eating issues led to an addiction to laxatives. “Every day — I was an addict,” she says. “I remember being in the ocean on a bikini shoot and had cramps so bad that I was afraid I wouldn’t make it to the bathroom! I knew something wasn’t right. I always worried about having an accident.” Krupa says she finally got clean with the help of acupuncture and a trainer. “I still worry about being camera ready,” she says. “But I’m no longer obsessed.”

KAUFMAN’S EX-GIRLFRIEND SAYS HE’S DEAD

Andy Kaufman is really dead, according to his last girlfriend, 56-year-old Lynne Margulies, who tells TMZ she watched him die from a rare form of lung cancer. “I was in the hospital room. I was there,” she said. “They would have had to switch bodies.” Lynne believes the 24-year-old woman who claimed to be the Taxi star’s kid was “pulling an Andy,” trying to perpetuate the myth he is still alive. She also believes Andy’s brother Michael was in on it.

JILLIAN MICHAELS DEFENDS HERSELF AGAINST CHEATING CLAIM

The Biggest Loser trainer Jillian Michaels is defending herself against charges she cheated by giving her team caffeine supplements. The revelation during last week’s show forced producers to bring back the most recent evicted competitor, American Idol’s Ruben Studdard. But Michaels is insistent she didn’t cheat. “The issue is not whether caffeine can be used by contestants, it is whether the caffeine is provided by a trainer or by the producers,” said Michaels. She believes it shouldn’t matter who gives contestants the supplement, since they are allowed by the show. 

OLIVER LEAVING DAILY SHOW FOR HBO GIG

Comedian John Oliver is leaving The Daily Show for his own HBO series. "I'm incredibly excited to be joining HBO, especially as I presume this means I get free HBO now," said Oliver. "I want to thank Comedy Central, and everyone at The Daily Show for the best seven and a half years of my life. But most of all, I'd like to thank Jon Stewart. He taught me everything I know. In fact, if I fail in the future, it's entirely his fault." The new show, described as a topical comedy series, will air weekly on Sunday nights. It is expected to premiere sometime in 2014.  

TV TIDBITS

● Comedy Central has picked up the Chris Hardwick-hosted show @midnight for 40 more weeks. New episodes will return January 6^th. “This was an experiment we did for a month, you guys watch, you join in the #HashtagWars, and we are so, so, so, so grateful,” Hardwick told his studio audience Thursday.

● AMC has renewed the Western Hell on Wheels for a 13-episode fourth season.

MISCELLANEOUS MOVIE NEWS

● Will Smith has signed on to star in the adventure film City That Sailed, about a father and daughter who live in Manhattan as it breaks off and floats across the Atlantic Ocean.

● Here’s another reason for Star Wars fans to start geeking out. Just a week after Disney announced the film’s official release date (December 18^th, 2015), director J.J. Abrams’ Bad Robot posted the first photo of the production. The pic shows Abrams and other staffers standing around R2-D2, with the caption, “Hi from the workshop!”

ROCK NEWS:

SOUNDGARDEN DRUMMER SETS SAIL ON SABBATICAL

Drummer Matt Cameron, who for years now has performed double duty keeping time forSoundgarden and Pearl Jam, has announced he’ll be “taking 2014 off from Soundgarden touring due to prior commitments promoting [new PJ album] Lightning Bolt with my brothers in Pearl Jam and the desire to have more time at home with my family.” Cameron emphasized that “this is temporary. I am still an active member of Soundgarden,” adding that he is helping to find “the perfect substitute for the upcoming Soundgarden dates in 2014.”

BLACK SABBATH HAUL IN HEAVY HARDWARE AT CLASSIC ROCK AWARDS

Heavy metal groundbreakers Black Sabbath walked away with three key prizes at last week’sClassic Rock Awards in London. The reunited band (minus original drummer Bill Ward) won the Living Legend trophy, Album of the Year for 13 and Event of the Year for topping the UK chart for the first time in 43 years. Reacting to the hard rock haul, Ozzy Osbourne said, “I didn’t even expect to live this long. When I was 21 I thought I would be dead by 40. That was alright until I was 39.”

WHITE’S THIRD MAN RECORDS HEADS TURKEY DRIVE FOR THE HOMELESS

With Thanksgiving now less than two weeks away, Jack White is hoping to make the holiday a little extra special for those less fortunate. The musician’s Third Man Records and the Nashville Rescue Mission have teamed to launch the “Great Third Man Turkey Drive” to help feed the homeless. From now until November 26, Third Man will serve up a free 7” single to anyone who donates a turkey, and the person who provides the most birds will be treated to the rare Dead Weather Triple Decker vinyl record.

MASTODON MASTERMINDS LAUNCH OF SIGNATURE BEER

Suds (as in beer) and studs (as in essential heavy metal attire) seem to be inseparable so it seems oh-so appropriate that Atlanta hard rockers Mastodon have teamed with UK’s Signature Brew to come up with their own craft beer they call Black Tongue. Not surprisingly, double black IPA Black Tongue has a stoutly 8.3% kick and is described by Signature Brew as its “biggest and most powerful creation to date.” The potent brew is due December 3.

JETT JETTISONED FROM FLOAT OVER BEEF WITH RANCHERS

Longtime vegetarian Joan Jett has been axed from appearing on South Dakota’s float in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade after the beef-producing state’s ranchers protested her no meat stance and involvement with PETA. On Saturday, the former Runaways member said in a statement: “I’ve decided to switch from South Dakota to another float because people’s political agendas were getting in the way of what should be a purely entertainment driven event. I will remain focus on entertaining the millions of people watching, who will be celebrating a great American tradition.”

WARRANT “CHERRY PIE” VIDEO VIXEN SAYS SHE BEDDED BUDDING ACTOR

The sexy starlet of Warrant’s classic “Cherry Pie” video claims she slept with a then teenLeonardo DiCaprio, in addition to the many, many, many rock stars she offered a piece to. In her forthcoming autobiography, Dirty Rocker Boys: Love and Lust on the Sunset Strip, Bobbie Brownreveals she shagged the up-and-coming actor when she was 26 and he was just 19. She writes: “I unbuttoned his jeans and tugged down on his boxers. What I saw made me gasp. It made no sense. The kid put Tommy Lee to shame.”

PAGE BLENDS LED ZEP’S “RAMBLE ON” WITH RAP ANTHEM “HYPNOTIZE”

Has Jimmy Page made a notoriously BIG mistake by mashing up a Led Zeppelin classic with a rap standard? Over the weekend the Rock and Roll Hal of Fame guitarist shared a hip-hop-meets-hard-rock mashup of “Ramble On” and late rapper Notorious B.I.G.’s “Hypnotize” titled (NOTE CONTENT) “Ramblize” that is sure to leave some screaming “genius” and others simply screaming. Notorious L.E.D.? B.I.G. Zeppelin? You decide.

PLANT TO PLAY IN TRIBUTE MATCH FEATURING FAVORITE FOOTBALLER

Rock star Robert Plant, a lifelong follower of the UK football club Wolverhampton Wanderers and favorite star Jody Craddock, is set to put his best (Led)foot forward at a charity tribute match next May honoring the retiring defender. The Led Zeppelin frontman paid approximately $1,500 in an auction for the privilege to share the pitch with Craddock, who played 10 years with the Wolves before announcing his retirement this summer. Plant’s bid and all proceeds from the auction will be donated to the Birmingham Children’s Hospital, where Craddock’s son Toby has been treated for leukemia.

NEW BEATLES VIDEO FOR “WORDS OF LOVE” PREMIERES

Using the words “new” and “Beatles” seems almost like an oxymoron in 2013 but a newvideo featuring the Fab Four performing the Buddy Holly hit “Words of Love” surfaced over the weekend. The clip combines animated footage with archive black and white and color footage and is tied to the recent release of the two-CD, 63-track On Air – Live at the BBC Volume 2.