WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4
NATIONAL HEADLINES:
OBAMA TALKS PLANS FOR SYRIA STRIKE
President Obama clarified his plans for military action in Syria yesterday ahead of his first meeting with lawmakers on the crisis. He said his military plan is “proportional, it is limited, it does not involve boots on the ground. He added that, “This is no Iraq, and this is not Afghanistan.” The president was joined by House Speaker John Boehner, who later announced his support for a Syrian military strike, and Minority LeaderNancy Pelosi – as well as members of both parties from key national security committees. The plan, which is headed to Congress for approval, is intended to weaken Syrian President Bashar Assad’s capabilities following mounting evidence he used chemical weapons against his people. Obama said it will also offer "a broader strategy that will allow us to upgrade the capabilities of the opposition.” The president defended his decision to take Syrian intervention to Congress, saying that "we will be much more effective, we will be stronger, if we take action together, as one nation."
Meanwhile, Israel and the U.S. reportedly conducted a missile test yesterday morning, launching a projectile from deep in the Mediterranean Sea.
LONG-DISTANCE SWIMMER DIANA NYAD TALKS ABOUT HER JOURNEY FROM CUBA TO FLORIDA
Long-distance swimmer Diana Nyad was speaking out yesterday following her record-breaking swim fromCuba to Florida. The 64-year-old became the first person to swim the 110 miles without a shark cage on Monday, but she said the journey was not without hardships. She told Willie Geist on the Today show that she “didn’t realize how much suffering there was going to be” during her fifth attempt at the swim. “The wind action was huge. The jellyfish mask made me take in a lot of salt water, so I was sick as a dog,” she recounted. She said she was vomiting constantly, almost throughout the whole 53 hours she was in the water. “I wasn’t out there just kind of swimming and daydreaming like usual,” she said. “I was dealing with a crisis.” But as of yesterday, she said she was feeling alright, no doubt bolstered by her history-making accomplishment.
20-YEAR-OLD WOMAN’S BODY DUMPED AFTER FATAL ASTHMA ATTACK
A 20-year-old Georgia woman who apparently suffered a fatal asthma attack was allegedly dumped on the side of the road by so-called friends last week. Taylor Smith was out with friends last Wednesday night when she reportedly started having difficulty breathing. She went to lie down and her friends left her alone. When she was still unresponsive the next morning, members of the group allegedly gave her a cold shower or bath in an effort to "shock her system," but did not call for help. After that didn’t work, they allegedly drove her to a mobile home in Jasper, Ga., and left her body there. It was only after they left the scene that someone from the group called 911 and alerted authorities. Autopsy reports showed that Smith suffered from a seizure or asthma attack, or both. Authorities were awaiting toxicology tests to see if she had drugs in her system. It was believed that the people with Smith on the night of her death might have been doing meth. One man, 38-year-old Marty Gaddis, has been arrested and is facing charges that include concealing a death, tampering with evidence and drug charges.
MEMPHIS TEEN PLEADS GUILTY TO KILLING PRINCIPAL
A Memphis teen pleaded guilty yesterday to second-degree murder charges in the death of his high school principal in 2011. Eduardo Marmolejo, 18, accepted a plea deal and a 35-year sentence without parole. Police said the teen studied close-combat battle tactics and sharpened his knife the night before he fatally stabbed 49-year-old Suzette York on the third day of school at Memphis Junior Academy. Marmolejo told investigators he was angry with York and that he knew he would be alone with her in a classroom. He was 16 at the time of the killing and a juvenile court ruled that he should be tried as an adult.
CDC: 200,000 HEART DISEASE DEATHS ARE PREVENTABLE EACH YEAR
A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that at least 200,000 deaths each year from cardiovascular disease could be prevented. More than half of those deaths involve people under the age of 65. According to the report, about 80 percent of deaths from coronary artery disease can be attributed to preventable factors like obesity, not exercising enough, heavy drinking, eating unhealthy foods and not keeping your blood pressure and cholesterol in check. The report also found that lifestyle changes such as eating healthier and exercising more could prevent about 50 percent of stroke deaths. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., claiming up to 800,000 lives each year.
SHOWBIZ NEWS:
KATIE COURIC ENGAGED
Katie Couric is planning a second trip down the aisle. The talk show host, 56, got engaged to boyfriend John Molner over Labor Day Weekend. People magazine reports Molner, 50, popped the question at sunset on the beach in East Hampton, NY. The couple has been dating for nearly two years, and first went public with their relationship in May at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute Gala. This will be the second marriage for Couric, a mother of two daughters. She has been a widow since her husband Jay Monahan died from colon cancer in 1998.
IDOL JUDGES CONFIRMED
After weeks of rumors, American Idol has finally announced the judges for the upcoming 13thseason. As expected, Keith Urban, Jennifer Lopez and Harry Connick, Jr. are on board, withIdol veteran Randy Jackson returning as in-house mentor. Ryan Seacrest, of course, will remain as host. Newbie Connick, Jr. is excited to join the Fox hit. “I have always been a huge fan ofAmerican Idol and really enjoyed my time as a mentor on the show,” he said. “And I am honored that they’ve asked me to be a judge this season. As an entertainer, I am truly excited to bring my perspective to American Idol and to help emerging performers find their way.”
J.LO TALKS ABOUT HER INSECURITIES
There’s no doubt that Jennifer Lopez is a huge superstar, but believe it or not, there was a time she felt very insecure about her talent. “It was after I had kids to be honest… The biggest insecurity I had was my singing. Even though I had sold 70 million records, there was this feeling like, I’m not good at this,” she tells Cosmopolitan magazine. (We still have that feeling.) “And while I was married to Marc [Anthony], he helped me get over it. He kept telling me, ‘You’re the only one holding yourself back from reaching your full potential as a singer. You have to let go’… I was always so insecure and just kind of going along.” She adds, “Then I grew, little by little, and realized, wait a minute, this is not a fluke. I’m not a mistake – I work my a** off. And I know what I’m doing.”
DEALER CLAIMS LAMAR HAS SPENT MORE THAN $50K ON DRUGS
Just how bad is Lamar Odom’s drug problem? Well, a man claiming to be the NBA star’s drug dealer tells Radaronline Lamar has smoked more than $50,000 worth of cocaine in the past three years. The man claims he’s witnessed Lamar get “high” as many as ten times since 2010, explaining that the basketball star liked to freebase cocaine. The anonymous man says he even saw Lamar go on a cocaine spree before an L.A. Clippers/New York Knicks game at Madison Square Garden in February. “I know it for a fact because I sold him the stuff and saw him smoke it,” said the source. “He spent about 16 grand.” Meanwhile, Lamar hired attorney Robert Shapiroto help him with his DUI case, and TMZ reports Kris Jenner was behind the move. The site claims Kris wanted Robert on the case because of his history with drug addiction; his son Brent died of an overdose in 2005. Kris wants Robert not only to represent Lamar in his legal troubles, but also try and urge him to seek help for his addiction.
KIM GOES BLONDE
New mom Kim Kardashian debuted a new look over the weekend. The reality show star attended a friend’s barbecue with baby North, and sister Kourtney Kardashian and her two kids, and was spotted with new blonde locks.
MILEY SET OUT TO MAKE “HISTORY” AT VMAS
Miley Cyrus is finally talking about her controversial performance with Robin Thicke at last month’s MTV Video Music Awards. "Me and Robin, the whole time said, 'You know we're about to make history right now,'" Cyrus recalled. "What's amazing is I think now, we're three days later, and people are still talking about it." As for the media frenzy that surrounded the performance, it doesn’t seem to bother the 20-year-old. "They're over thinking it. You're thinking about it more than I thought about it when I did it," Cyrus said. "Like, I didn't even think about it 'cause that's just me." She adds, “I don't pay attention to the negative because I've seen this play out so many times. How many times have we seen this play out in pop music? Madonna's done it. Britney's done it. Every VMA performance, that's what you're looking for; you're wanting to make history."
THE HIGH PRICE FOR BYNES’ SANITY
Amanda Bynes’ psych hold was extended over the weekend, and her medical care doesn’t come cheap. According to TMZ, Amanda’s stay at UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles costs $3,500 a day, and she’s expected to stay there for at least the next 60 days. "The cost is so high because it covers not just treatment, but living expenses as well,” claims a source. “To put this in perspective, you can get a deluxe executive suite at the Four Seasons Hotel in nearby Beverly Hills for $815 a night.”
FANS UPSET OVER FIFTY SHADES OF GREY CASTING
Fifty Shades of Grey fans weren’t exactly thrilled by Monday’s announcement that Charlie Hunnam and Dakota Johnson had landed the lead roles in the big screen adaptation of the S & M best-seller. In fact, someone even started a Change.org petition that had over 7,000 signatures as of yesterday. (They want White Collar’s Matt Bomer and Gilmore Girls’ Alexis Bledel in the roles.) But producers of the film are urging fans to give the two stars a chance. "There is a lot that goes into casting that isn't just looks. talent, availability, their desire to do it, chemistry with other actor, etc," tweeted producer Dana Brunetti. "So if your favorite wasn't cast, then it is most likely due to something on that list. Keep that in mind while hating and keep perspective."
SALDANA MARRIAGE RUMORS
Has Zoe Saldana secretly tied the knot? Well, that’s what The Mail speculates, after the Avataractress and boyfriend Marco Perego were both seen wearing what appeared to be wedding bands on their right hand. Insiders say Zoe was also wearing what looked like an engagement ring. The couple, who went public with their romance in May, reportedly tried to hide their hands from paparazzi when they stepped out in London Monday night. So far there has been no word as to whether the wedding rumors are true.
ZOE CONFIRMS SECOND PREGNANCY
Rachel Zoe has confirmed rumors that she is expecting her second child. Zoe, who recently celebrated her 22nd wedding anniversary with husband Roger Berman, announced the news on her website. “Before we head into the chaos of fashion season, we wanted to take a moment to OFFICIALLY confirm that we are expecting another child,” wrote the 42-year-old. “We are beyond excited for Skylar to have a sibling and for us to fall in love all over again. We feel incredibly blessed.” The couple’s son Skylar is two.
UPTON NAMED MODEL OF THE YEAR
Sports Illustrated swimsuit cover girl Kate Upton will receive the 2013 Model of the Year honor at the 10th Annual Style Awards in New York City today. The event, which kicks off New York Fashion Week, will be hosted by Nicole Richie. Upton is on the cover of Vanity Fair’s 100thAnniversary issue, where she shows off some major cleavage. Surprisingly, the 21-year-old tells the magazine some people thought she couldn’t make it in the modeling business. "I'm not going to name names, but one agency told me, 'You're too American, and everybody knows American women are lazy.' I was so offended!" she explained. "I've never been so offended! I was like, 'You know that you're in America, right?' And it wasn't 'American models'—it was 'American women are lazy,' period! I feel like a lot of women would disagree with that. A lot!"
RIZZOLI & ISLES STAR DIED FROM GUNSHOT WOUND TO THE HEAD
The death certificate for Rizzoli & Isles star Lee Thompson Young confirms the 29-year-old died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, according to TMZ. Young’s body was discovered in his North Hollywood apartment on August 19th. He did not leave a suicide note.
TV TIDBITS
● HBO announced yesterday that True Blood’s seventh season will be its last. The final ten episodes are expected to air sometime in 2014. "True Blood has been nothing short of a defining show for HBO," said HBO president of programming Michael Lombardo in a statement. "Together with its legions of fans, it will be hard to say goodbye to the residents of Bon Temps, but I look forward to what promises to be a fantastic final chapter of this incredible show.”
● The third season premiere of Homeland leaked online Monday. A pirated version of the episode, set to air September 29th, was downloaded by at least 100,000 people according to TorrentFreak. Deadline.com says the leaked episode is a working print, and is missing visual effects and opening credits.
● Pop star Miguel will appear on the upcoming season of The Voice as a guest mentor helpingCeeLo’s team through the battle rounds. Christina Aguilera has already snagged Ed Sheeran as her team’s mentor. The Voice premieres September 23rd.
● NBA star LeBron James is teaming with Starz for a half-hour scripted series called Survivor’s Remorse. The series, produced by Glee’s Mike O’Malley and The Cosby Show producer Tom Werner, will focus on two men who make it big after growing up poor in North Philadelphia.
ROCK NEWS:
KORN RESURRECTS FAMILY VALUES FESTIVAL
Grammy Award-winning rockers Korn have announced the return of the Family Values Festival in the form of a one-day extravaganza on Saturday, October 5 at the 1st Bank Center in Denver, CO. The event is timed to celebrate the release of the band’s forthcoming album, The Paradigm Shift, due October 8. Joining Korn in Denver will be Hollywood Undead, Asking Alexandria, Machine Gun Kelly and Beware of Darkness. Tickets for the Family Values Festival go on sale this Friday. Meanwhile, Korn’s 10-date headlining trek gets underway September 26 in Philadelphia.
MORE ACTS ADDED TO UPCOMING SHIPROCKED CRUISE
A new batch of bands have been added to the already impressive slate of hard rockers set to rock the boat on the 2014 Shiprocked Cruise, Scheduled to set sail January 26-30. The latest seaworthy acts booked to kick the ship out of attendees include Lacuna Coil, Love & Death, Art of Dying, Butcher Babies, Scorpion Child and Wilson. Previously announced performers include Five Finger Death Punch, Papa Roach, Three Days Grace, Device, Sevendust and Candlebox.
WHITE BEING SOUGHT BY COUNTRY ICON FOR NEW ALBUM
Country legend Loretta Lynn is hoping to repeat the experience she had recording with Jack White, who helmed her 2004 album, Van Lear Rose. Lynn told Billboard, “I think I’m going to go after Jack White and give him another call to do another album.” White produced, sang and played multiple instruments on Van Lear Rose. As for White, he recently revealed he is working on new material with the Dead Weather.
PIXIES DUST OFF FOUR MORE BRAND NEW TRACKS
Boston-bred influential alternative rockers the Pixies yesterday released four additional new songs on EP-1 which includes “Bagboy,” “Another Toe,” “What Goes Boom” and “Indie Cindy.” (NOTE CONTENT) The video for “Indie Cindy” tells the story in reverse of a love triangle gone wrong. EP-1is available on the band’s website, and as a limited-edition 10” vinyl record.
HAGAR GETS IT DONE WITH FRIEND RONNIE DUNN
The new Sammy Hagar album, Sammy Hagar & Friends, arrives on September 24, but fans can take the track “Bad on Fords and Chevrolets” featuring country superstar Ronnie Dunn for a test drive right now. Of Dunn, Hagar told Billboard, “When I listened to his vocal, he sang it so good…” Hagar has three dates remaining on his Four Decades of Rock tour: tonight in Vina Robles Amphitheater Paso Robles, CA, tomorrow at the Thunder Valley Resort Casino in Lincoln, CA and Saturday at America’s Cup Pavilion in San Francisco. Finally, Hagar’s annual Cabo Wabo Cantina Birthday Bash will be a four-night affair October 7, 9, 11 and 13.
ANBERLIN COLLECTS RARITIES, REMIXES, NEW TUNES ON NEXT RELEASE
Florida-bred rock unit Anberlin has announced the October 15 release of Devotion: Vital Special Edition, a two-disc compilation containing a special edition of Vital, unreleased, remixed and new material. The set holds over 30 tracks, but super devoted fans will be pleased to know a three-album Devotion Deluxe Edition will feature 44 tracks, plus a live acoustic DVD. Anberlin’s fall tour with The Maine gets underway October 2 in Albuquerque, NM and wraps November 5 in Orlando, FL.
BON IVER ON THE VERGE OF VANISHING?
Festival favorites Bon Iver may be on the threshold of calling it quits after frontman and principal songwriter Justin Vernon confessed he has no plans to record any new music with his 2012 Best New Artist Grammy-winning group. During an interview with Australia’s Triple J Radio, Iver said, “I’m really honored that Bon Iver gives me a platform to do whatever I want, but…I’m not in a hurry to go back to that temperature. All of the music I’ve been making shifting away from Bon Iver feels really good…so if I ever do go back to Bon Iver it will be all the better for it.”
SOURCES SAY BOWIE SKITTISH ABOUT RETURNING TO THE STAGE
On the heels of news that two competing concert promoters are dangling millions of dollars in front of David Bowie to entice him to return to the concert stage, UK’s London Evening Standard is reporting the 66-year old is worried he won’t live up to the expectations placed upon him. A source said, “Bowie knows that the level of expectation for the shows would be huge, and the pressure would be enormous as he would no doubt sell tens of thousands of tickets.”
NEW RULES TRIGGER LONG LIST OF ALBUMS TO GO PLATINUM IN UK
It’s getting better all the time for a host of classic albums, including the Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band and a dozen other Fab Four records, which will finally be certified platinum in the UK following a change in the way the British Phonographic Industry doles out the distinction. In the past, the BPI would only hand out silver, gold and platinum albums to record labels that asked for them, but now they’ll be awarded automatically once an album crosses 60,000, 100,000 or 300,000, respectively, in sales.
