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Sunday, July 31, 2011

Smurfs, Cowboys & Aliens Tie for Box Office Lead

It was a strong weekend for unusual creatures this weekend: The Smurfs tied with Cowboys & Aliens for first at the box office. Both films earned $36.2 million.


Cowboys & Aliens Trailer

Despite the deadlock, Cowboys & Aliens comes out as a loser. Considering the star power involved and the budget ($163 million), expectations were high for the Jon Favreu-directed thriller. Instead, it barely made half of what the top superhero-based flicks of the summer took home in their first weekend.

A look at the top five:

  1. The Smurfs: $36.2 million
  2. Cowboys & Aliens: $36.2 million
  3. Captain America: The First Avenger: $24.9 million
  4. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2: $21.9 million
  5. Crazy, Stupid Love: $19.3 million

Wilshere could miss England match

Jack Wilshere looks likely to miss England's friendly with the Netherlands on 10 August after suffering an ankle injury in an Arsenal pre-season match.

Boss Arsene Wenger withdrew the 19-year-old midfielder as a precaution seven minutes into Sunday's Emirates Cup draw with New York Red Bulls.

Wenger said it was not a torn ligament, but that Wilshere's ankle was inflamed.

"If he's out next week, he will not play in Benfica, so he will certainly not play for England," he said.

Gunners medical staff predicted a week's absence, but Wenger did say there was still a chance he could make a swifter recovery ahead of his side's final pre-season friendly at Benfica on Saturday.

Jack's a quick healer usually, and a tough boy, so I hope he'll be quicker than the medical prediction

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger

"They told me that next week he might be out," he said. "[But] he's a quick healer usually, and a tough boy, so I hope he'll be quicker than the medical prediction."

England manager Fabio Capello is already without Wilshere's fellow midfielders Steven Gerrard and Theo Walcott for the international match at Wembley.

One of Arsenal's strongest players last season, Wilshere appeared to cement his place in Capello's starting XI at the end of last season.

Chelsea consider fresh Modric bid

Luka Modric Croatian midfielder Modric was one of Premier League's best players last season

Chelsea will decide this week whether to make a renewed bid for Tottenham's Croatian playmaker Luka Modric.

Chief executive Ron Gourlay will discuss whether to make a third bid for Modric - or abandon their plans to sign him - with new boss Andre Villas-Boas.

"I don't like talking about players from other clubs, but that's something we'll look at in the week and take it from there," he told Sky Sports News.

Modric is believed to have handed in an official transfer request.

The Blues have had two offers, of £22m and £27m, rejected for the 25-year-old this summer.

Spurs have repeatedly insisted the midfielder is not for sale, though he is said to have accused chairman Daniel Levy of reneging on a gentleman's agreement to allow him to leave.

"We really need to sit down with Andre and talk this through. Even though we've been travelling away [on a pre-season tour in Asia], you can still be active in the marketplace nowadays," added Gourlay. "The communication is always there with our guys back in London, or wherever they are at the present time around the world."

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp's most recents comments on Modric, who captained Spurs on their pre-season tour in South Africa, were that it was down to Levy, and that he felt the player was worth much more than Chelsea had bid.

And when reports emerged in the middle of July speculating Modric had handed in a transfer request, Redknapp told BBC Sport's chief football writer Phil McNulty it was ultimately irrelevant whether he had or not.

"We know he wants to leave, whether he writes it down on a piece of paper doesn't really make any difference to our stance," said the Spurs boss. "He's a great player and we don't want to lose him."

As well as Modric, Chelsea have been heavily linked with Palermo playmaker Javier Pastore - who is reportedly on the brink of joining Paris St Germain - and Anderlecht striker Romelu Lukaku.

The west Londoners have also had a bid accepted for Barcelona midfielder Oriol Romeu, who could help fill the void left by the serious knee injury suffered by the influential Michael Essien.

Angelina Jolie to Scale Back Film Career?

Even Angelina Jolie can't do it all.

Between acting, directing, raising six kids and saving the world, she's got a lot on her plate. As she gets older, the 36-year-old knows something has to give.

What she's likely to give up first is an easy call.

Angelina in Pakistan

The Oscar winner, whose directorial debut is in post-production, and who will be starring in a remake of the Elizabeth Taylor film Cleopatra, said:

"As Brad and I get older we're going to do fewer films. I've been working a long time, he's been working a long time. We've had a nice run and don't want to be doing this indefinitely, our whole lives. There are a lot of other things to do."

"You're drawn to certain roles because they question something about life, about love, about freedom. You ask these questions as you grow up: am I strong enough, am I sane enough? Do I understand love, do I understand myself?"

Jolie continues, "I'm older and I know who I am ... and I'm less interested in the character helping me answer something ... than in being able to answer it for myself, as a woman, as an adult, with my family."

For Angelina, answers that she once sought to find from her characters can now be found as she travels the world, taking her adopted children to their home countries and doing massive amounts of charity work.

Of course, Jolie has said that same exact thing a number of times previously; she first mentioned it in 2006, and then again in 2008.

Think she'll really pull herself away?

Wales footballer on rape charge

31 July 2011 Last updated at 12:12 ET

Wales footballer Ched Evans has been charged with rape.

The 22-year-old striker, who has 22 caps for his country, was arrested after an alleged incident in Rhyl, Denbighshire on 31 May.

North Wales Police confirmed he and another man will appear before Prestatyn magistrates on 8 August.

Mr Evans made a statement through his legal team on his club Sheffield United's website, although the Blades would not comment further.

The £3m-star's legal team said: "We wish to confirm that Ched Evans has this week been charged with an offence of rape by the North Wales Police.

"Ched has decided voluntarily to make this information public as he wishes to express his extreme shock and disappointment at having been charged with this offence."

The statement added that he wished to strenuously deny the charge, would be looking to clear his name and was confident he would be acquitted and entirely vindicated.

The St Asaph-born striker made his Wales debut from the bench and scored the winner in the 1-0 friendly win over Iceland in May 2008.

He came through the trainee ranks at Premier League side Manchester City before spending time on loan at Norwich City.

After returning to the Etihad Stadium, he was later sold to Sheffield United in 2009 for £3m but could not save the club from relegation to League One last season.

The club are prepared to sell Mr Evans for less than their £1.5m valuation to reduce the club's wage bill and has been linked with Championship sides Ipswich, Cardiff and Middlesbrough.

He was not involved in Sunday's pre-season friendly with Blackpool.

A North Wales Police spokesperson said: "A 22-year-old man from Crewe and a 22-year-old man from Rhyl have both been charged with rape.

"Both men were arrested on suspicion of rape on 31 May and were charged with the offence on Tuesday, 26 July.

"Both have been bailed to appear before Prestatyn magistrates on Monday, 8 August."

New Miley Cyrus Tattoo Supports Gay Marriage, Equality

It's small, but important and effective and it forces us to give major props to Miley Cyrus.

The singer Tweeted the words "All LOVE is Equal," last night, along with her new tattoo, which is an equal sign. Check it out below:

Miley Cyrus tat

Cyrus has made her views on gay marriage well known over the years. She spoke out against Carrie Prejean in 2009 and she brought up the topic in contrast with the Casey Anthony verdict a few weeks ago.

In this example, someone disagreed with Miley over Twitter, which prompted the following response: "where does it say in the bible to judge others? Oh right. It doesn't. GOD is the only judge honey. 'GOD is love.'"

Diddy and Jennifer Lopez: Getting Back Together?!?

First, Ben Affleck. Now, Diddy.

Tabloids are really desperate to get Jennifer Lopez back together with an ex.

A source tells BET that Diddy really wants to get back together with new newly-single ex because she is "the love of his life" and his "fantasy girl." However, friends worry that J. Lo will break the hip hop mogul's heart again, similar to how she dumped him in 1999 when he was on trial for weapons charges.

J. Lo ImageDiddy on Stage

Witnesses claim to have seen Lopez and Diddy together in New York City this week, while a friend of the former says:

"Puff wouldn't be my first choice for her, but then again he was always very supportive of her sex symbol image and never got mad when she wore sexy clothes. He actually encouraged it."

For those of you unfamiliar with the rumors surrounding Jennifer's divorce, that was a direct dig at Marc Anthony. Yes, it's on, folks.

Joe Jonas to Appear on Britney Spears Tour

Joe Jonas will be joining Britney Spears' previously all female Femme Fatale tour - which also features second banana Nicki Minaj - later this summer.

The middle Jonas brother will tagging along for one night only.

Joe tweeted: "This just in...I will be performing at the @BritneySpears concert in NJ on Aug 5. and get ready for #FastLife in stores Oct. 11."

Britney Spears O Facing HardLeather Jacketed

A musical dream team if ever there were one.

Earlier this year, Joe was rumored to be Brit's full-time opener before Team Spears locked in Nicki, but he'll finally get to live the dream, if only for a night.

Brit's other new tour addition, Jersey Shore's DJ Pauly D, won't start his stint on the girl power gig until August 17, after Britney leaves the Garden State.

We will fist-pump to that.

Owen scores as Man Utd beat Barca

Michael Owen Owen's winning goal was set up by 21-year-old Tom Cleverley

Michael Owen scored a 76th-minute winner as Manchester United beat European champions Barcelona 2-1 in a pre-season friendly in Washington DC.

In front of nearly 82,000 fans Nani put United ahead in the 22nd minute.

Barcelona, without Lionel Messi, equalised in the 70th minute with a stunning strike from Thiago Alcantara.

Owen latched on to a pass from Tom Cleverley to score the winner as United end their North American tour win five wins out of five.

Owen Tweeted after the game: "As normal with Barca, opposing striker hardly gets a touch! That was the case today! Thankfully I scored but I missed a sitter late on too."

United were beaten by Barcelona in the Champions League Final at Wembley in May, and a record crowd for a football match in the American capital saw the Premier League champions gain a small measure of revenge.

Sir Alex Ferguson's side will return home and prepare for the Community Shield against FA Cup winners Manchester City next Sunday at Wembley.

Ferguson's assistant manager Mike Phelan said: "Tonight wasn't a do-or-die situation. It was important that the players we put out on the pitch understand what it takes to play against an exceptional team.

Kobe Bryant NBA star Kobe Bryant was among the record crowd for a football match in Washington DC

"We have some very good young players out there and [they] proudly conducted themselves to a high standard."

Wayne Rooney missed an early chance before Nani's opening goal was created by Danny Welbeck on a counter-attack. The Portuguese winger beat the offside trap and scored through the legs of Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes.

As well as missing Messi Barcelona chose not to play Xavi, Carlos Puyol or Gerard Pique in their starting line-up. Pep Guardiola's team drew level with 20 minutes remaining when 20-year-old midfielder Thiago scored with a fabulous curling shot that flew past new United goalkeeper David De Gea.

Javier Hernandez is coming back with us. He is fine

Sir Alex Ferguson

The game would have gone to penalties if it had finished level, but Owen ensured that United left North America with a 100% winning record when he chipped the ball past Valdes following some sloppy defensive play from Barcelona.

Brazilian defender Rafael was injured in the first half and was replaced by his brother Fabio.

Ferguson confirmed after the match that Mexican striker Javier Hernandez was given the all-clear to fly back with the squad after he suffered a concussion in a training session.

"Javier is coming back with us. He is fine. He won't play for a couple of weeks but that would have been the case anyway.

"He was always going to need a break until he got his fitness back. He will do some training, then we will have him back in three to four weeks."

Ferguson also dismissed on-going speculation about the club making an approach to sign Dutch international Wesley Sneijder from Inter Milan, saying: "Absolute nonsense. I have never discussed him. There is nothing new."

Saturday, July 30, 2011

Home nations learn World Cup draw

Watch the European section of the World Cup draw

England will face Montenegro, Ukraine, Poland, Moldova, and San Marino in Group H when they bid to qualify for the 2014 World Cup finals in Brazil.

Scotland and Wales were drawn together in Group A, and will play Croatia, Serbia, Belgium, and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

Northern Ireland are up against Portugal, Russia, Israel, Azerbaijan and Luxembourg in Group F.

Only group winners are guaranteed a place at the tournament.

With 13 places available in Brazil for European teams, the eight-best second-placed teams will play-off against each other to go through.

The Republic of Ireland were drawn against Germany, Sweden, Austria, Faroe Islands and Kazakhstan in Group C, while France and world champions Spain are in a five-team group - the only European group without six teams - along with Belarus, Georgia and Finland.

In the qualifying process for the 2014 World Cup, 203 teams will play an eventual 824 matches across the globe.

The draws for the Africa, Asia, Oceania and the North, Central America and Caribbean regions also took place in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday, although no draw was made for South America as its nine teams qualify through a one-group championship.

The finals will take place between 12 June and 13 July, and a decision on whether to introduce goal-line technology will be taken at next March's meeting of the International FA Board, the game's lawmakers.

England manager Fabio Capello was present at the draw, although he is set to move on next summer after the conclusion of the European Championships.

  • The total of 203 teams vying for one of 31 World Cup spots in Brazil surpasses the 200 who participated four years ago
  • The only associations not to have signed up to compete for 2014 qualification are Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam, Guam and Mauritania
  • Fifa would not draw Azerbaijan and Armenia together, nor Russia and Georgia, because of political conflicts which they said could lead to fan violence during matches
  • Germany has been the most successful team in the last six World Cup qualifying campaigns, with only two losses in 74 matches

Montenegro drew 0-0 with England at Wembley in October in their qualifier for Euro 2012 in Poland and Ukraine.

"It is not an easy draw," said Capello. "You have to be really, really focused and play every game like a final - but that will be another manager's job.

"We know Montenegro very well and we have to play against them again. Poland are improving and will be really focused and will be tough opponents. With Ukraine I remember the game we lost against them in the last match during the qualification for South Africa. Moldova are not so strong, and San Marino the same."

Wales manager Gary Speed said: "It's obviously a tough draw. It's a really tough group, but it could have been worse.

"There are no weak teams in the group. It's one of those groups where everyone can beat anyone."

Northern Ireland manager Nigel Worthington said: "It looks a reasonably tough group, but it could have been worse.

"There is a fair bit of travelling but you have to deal with that."

Find the 2014 World Cup preliminary draw in full here (external site).

Ashley Hebert: SO In Love!!

At times, she wondered if this was all a mistake. But in the end, The Bachelorette star Ashley Hebert says she found the happy ending she dreamed of.

This summer, we've seen Ashley roasted to her face, ridiculed and jerked around by Bentley Williams, and ditched by two other men late in the season.

Her take on those ups and downs? All's well that ends well.

Sweet Ash

"There were certainly moments where I thought I'd made a mistake agreeing to be the Bachelorette and thought it wasn't going to end well," she said.

"But you come out a stronger person and learn so many things about yourself. Ultimately, I know I did the right thing. I'm so happy, so in love."

"I found a great man. It's going strong – we've been hanging out and talking all the time. I hoped I would leave with this type of relationship."

With the season finale looming Monday night, Hebert is anxious to go public with the identity of the last man standing - but is it Ben or J.P.?

"I'm really ready for this to be over so we can go into the light of day and get on with normal everyday life," the 26-year-old Maine native says.

Who do you think she should pick of the final two?

View Poll »

Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall: Married!

Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall were married in a royal wedding fit for the Queen's granddaughter today. William and Kate were there to watch his cousin wed!

Zara, Prince William's cousin and 13th in line to the throne (William's #2 behind his father), and Mike, England's rugby team captain, tied the knot in Edinburgh.

The 3 p.m. ceremony took place at Canongate Kirk, the historic, small Church of Scotland venue where the Queen worships when she stays in the city.

Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall

The bride made her arrival at a fashionably late six minutes past the hour in an ivory silk and satin gown by Stewart Parvin, the personal couturier to the Queen.

She accessorized with Jimmy Choo shoes and a tiara on loan from Princess Anne. Mike Tindall wore a suit with coattails and a light grey stripe on the trouser legs.

Princess Beatrice was among the first guests to arrive, wearing a turquoise hat with matching floral dress. Prince William and Kate Middleton (who wore a cream suit and matching hat) pulled up right afterwards in a black Jaguar.

Princess Anne and her husband Tim Laurence followed and then another car brought Prince Charles and Camilla, also dressed in cream.

The guests posed for the throngs of people lining the narrow, cobblestone streets, while HRM Queen Elizabeth II herself, in a dignified peach dress and hat, and Prince Phillip smiled to the crowd upon their arrival.

The reception will be held at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Queen’s nearby residence. Zara spent many school holidays visiting her grandmother there.

The Queen is donating the use of her residence as the wedding reception venue for $60,000, which is being closed to the public for five days.

It will cost local officials a reported $800,000 to police the wedding, including marksmen at vantage points to protect the royal guests.

With guests expected to number no more than 300, Zara looked forward to a private, family affair - quite different from her cousin's in April.

"My wedding will be nothing like Kate and William's," Phillips said last month. For a start, there won't be anywhere near as many people."

"It will be a lot smaller, just close family and friends. Kate and William's wedding was amazing but ours will be very different."

Congratulations to the happy couple!

[Photo: Fame Pictures]

St Johnstone 0-2 Rangers

By Clive Lindsay
BBC Scotland Sport
Steven Naismith scores for Rangers Naismith (left) headed Rangers into the lead after 31 minutes

Rangers secured their first win of the season - and their first under manager Ally McCoist - by overcoming a toothless St Johnstone in Perth.

Callum and Murray Davidson both went close for the home side early on.

But Saints goalkeeper Peter Enckelman had already produced a couple of fine saves before Steven Naismith headed home after 31 minutes.

Naismith turned provider five minutes after the break, with Nikica Jelavic firing Rangers' second from 16 yards.

The victory eases the early-season pressure on McCoist, who suffered a midweek Champions League qualifying defeat at the hands of Malmo to follow an opening day draw with Hearts at Ibrox.

Saints manager Derek McInnes culled his shot-shy strikers at the end last season but has also now gone two games this term without a goal.

Nikica Jelavic celebrates Jelavic scored Rangers' second goal with a clinical finish at McDiarmid Park

He had signalled his attacking intent by including Marcus Haber and Kevin Moon in the starting line-up in place of Chris Miller and Liam Craig.

But it was Rangers who applied the pressure immediately from kick-off and a cross-cum-shot from Steven Whittaker forced Enckelman to turn the ball over the crossbar.

From the corner, Dorin Goian, the former Palermo defender making his debut in place of the injured David Weir, threatened with a header.

Saints replied within seconds, with Rangers goalkeeper Allan McGregor pushing a low, 22-yard drive from Callum Davidson round the post.

The defender's namesake, Murray, ought to have at least forced a save after 11 minutes, but the Rangers target dragged his low drive from just inside the box wide of the far post.

Enckelman denied Rangers again after 18 minutes, palming wide a Jelavic header after the striker rose 12 yards from goal to meet a curling Sasa Papac cross.

Jelavic was inches from connecting with another curling ball, this time from Steven Davis, when the striker peeled off his marker at the back post.

Rangers were finding space inside the box and took the lead on the half hour mark when Naismith rose unmarked to power his header past Enckelman from 12 yards following a Lee Wallace free-kick.

Saints started the second half in positive fashion but suffered a sucker punch after David Robertson lost possession in midfield.

A cute through ball from Naismith set up Jelavic, who held off Callum Davidson before sliding the ball past Enckelman.

Saints sent some dangerous balls into the Rangers box without troubling McGregor but were fortunate not to go further behind when Enckelman's knees denied Naismith after Jelavic sent his strike partner clear.

Jody Morris fired a powerful low drive wide of Rangers' far post from 18 yards, but Saints never looked like staging a comeback against the reigning champions.

 

Saturday, 30 July 2011

Scottish Premier

Home Team Score Away Team Time
St Johnstone 0-2 Rangers FT
(HT 0-1)

ST JOHNSTONE

RANGERS

Possession

  • St Johnstone 51%
  • Rangers 49%

Attempts on target

  • St Johnstone 4
  • Rangers 10

Fouls

  • St Johnstone 9
  • Rangers 15
  • Final Result
  • Full Time
  • 90:00+2:06 The referee blows his whistle to end the game.
  • 90:00+1:19 Nikica Jelavic takes a shot. Save by Peter Enckelman.
  • 89:20 Gregg Wylde takes a shot. Save made by Peter Enckelman.
  • 88:08 Steven Naismith takes a shot. Peter Enckelman makes a save.
  • 85:49 Palazon Juanma Ortiz is caught offside. Free kick taken by Jody Morris.
  • 83:49 Steven Davis takes a shot. Blocked by Steven Anderson.
  • 83:13 Palazon Juanma Ortiz concedes a free kick for a foul on David MacKay. Direct free kick taken by Peter Enckelman.
  • 82:48 Palazon Juanma Ortiz takes a shot. Save made by Peter Enckelman.
  • 82:04 Substitution Gregg Wylde joins the action as a substitute, replacing Maurice Edu.
  • 81:25 Free kick awarded for a foul by Steven Naismith on Murray Davidson. Jody Morris takes the direct free kick.
  • 80:50 Chris Millar delivers the ball, clearance made by Madjid Bougherra.
  • 79:01 Effort from the edge of the area by Jody Morris goes wide of the left-hand post.
  • 77:56 The ball is sent over by Madjid Bougherra.
  • 76:58 The assistant referee signals for offside against Palazon Juanma Ortiz. Indirect free kick taken by Peter Enckelman.
  • 74:27 Direct free kick taken by Peter Enckelman.
  • 74:27 Substitution Palazon Juanma Ortiz replaces Lee McCulloch.
  • 74:27 Corner crossed in by Steven Davis, Steven Anderson fouled by Nikica Jelavic, the ref awards a free kick.
  • 74:21 The ball is swung over by Steven Whittaker, clearance by David MacKay.
  • 73:34 Inswinging corner taken right-footed by Steven Davis, clearance by Marcus Haber.
  • 73:26 The ball is delivered by Lee Wallace, Jody Morris makes a clearance.
  • 72:53 Steven Naismith takes a shot. Save by Peter Enckelman.
  • 72:01 Chris Millar fouled by Sasa Papac, the ref awards a free kick. Free kick crossed left-footed by Callum Davidson.
  • 70:40 Steven Whittaker produces a cross.
  • 68:39 Outswinging corner taken right-footed by Steven Davis from the right by-line, clearance by Murray Davidson.
  • 68:28 Sasa Papac sends in a cross, Frazer Wright manages to make a clearance.
  • 66:22 Frazer Wright gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Steven Naismith. Centre by Sasa Papac, Headed effort on goal by Maurice Edu from inside the penalty box misses to the right of the target.
  • 65:57 Marcus Haber is penalised for a handball. Allan McGregor restarts play with the free kick.
  • 64:27 Murray Davidson takes a shot. Madjid Bougherra gets a block in.
  • 63:48 Steven Naismith gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Frazer Wright. Jody Morris restarts play with the free kick.
  • 63:20 Marcus Haber produces a right-footed shot from inside the area that clears the crossbar.
  • 59:34 Substitution Carl Finnigan comes on in place of Cillian Sheridan.
  • 59:34 Substitution Chris Millar on for David Robertson.
  • 57:39 A cross is delivered by Maurice Edu.
  • 55:53 Booking Sasa Papac receives a caution for unsporting behaviour.
  • 53:59 Lee McCulloch gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Murray Davidson. Peter Enckelman restarts play with the free kick.
  • 53:35 The ball is sent over by Cillian Sheridan.
  • 52:31 Unfair challenge on Murray Davidson by Nikica Jelavic results in a free kick. Callum Davidson crosses the ball in from the free kick, Madjid Bougherra makes a clearance.
  • 51:42 Lee McCulloch gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Murray Davidson. Direct free kick taken by Jody Morris.
  • 50:59 Free kick awarded for a foul by Kevin Moon on Maurice Edu. Direct free kick taken by Allan McGregor.
  • 50:07 The ball is crossed by Marcus Haber.
  • 49:08 Steven Naismith provided the assist for the goal.
  • 49:08 GOAL - Nikica Jelavic:St Johnstone 0 - 2 Rangers Nikica Jelavic grabs a goal from inside the area to the bottom right corner of the goal. St Johnstone 0-2 Rangers.
  • 48:18 David MacKay produces a cross, save made by Allan McGregor.
  • 47:35 Handball by Steven Naismith. Steven Anderson takes the direct free kick.
  • 45:18 Marcus Haber takes a shot. Madjid Bougherra gets a block in. Outswinging corner taken right-footed by Jody Morris from the right by-line. Long range effort by Steven Anderson goes wide right of the target.
  • 45:01 The referee starts the second half.
  • Half Time
  • 45:00+1:35 The ref blows to signal half-time.
  • 45:00+1:04 Jody Morris produces a cross, clearance by Lee Wallace.
  • 44:21 Cillian Sheridan fouled by Steven Whittaker, the ref awards a free kick. Callum Davidson crosses the ball in from the free kick, Dorin Goian makes a clearance. The referee blows for offside against Cillian Sheridan. Allan McGregor restarts play with the free kick.
  • 43:48 Unfair challenge on Steven Davis by David Robertson results in a free kick. Lee McCulloch takes the direct free kick.
  • 43:02 The ball is swung over by Steven Whittaker.
  • 40:12 Frazer Wright sends in a cross, Steven Naismith gets a block in.
  • 37:20 Short corner taken by Steven Davis.
  • 36:31 The free kick is delivered right-footed by Steven Davis from left channel, Marcus Haber manages to make a clearance.
  • 36:31 Booking Murray Davidson shown a yellow card.
  • 36:14 Foul by Murray Davidson on Lee Wallace, free kick awarded.
  • 34:16 Callum Davidson gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Steven Whittaker. Lee Wallace sends in a cross, Lee McCulloch produces a right-footed shot from inside the area that clears the crossbar.
  • 33:12 A cross is delivered by Sasa Papac, clearance made by Steven Anderson.
  • 32:14 Centre by Sasa Papac.
  • 30:23 The assist for the goal came from Lee Wallace.
  • 30:23 GOAL - Steven Naismith:St Johnstone 0 - 1 Rangers Steven Naismith grabs a headed goal from inside the area. St Johnstone 0-1 Rangers.
  • 29:32 Murray Davidson concedes a free kick for a foul on Nikica Jelavic. Centre by Lee Wallace,
  • 29:21 Free kick awarded for a foul by Cillian Sheridan on Dorin Goian. Madjid Bougherra takes the free kick.
  • 27:26 The ball is delivered by David Robertson, Cillian Sheridan takes a shot. Comfortable save by Allan McGregor.
  • 25:34 Nikica Jelavic crosses the ball, Callum Davidson manages to make a clearance.
  • 24:36 Free kick awarded for a foul by Murray Davidson on Lee McCulloch. Direct free kick taken by Sasa Papac.
  • 24:16 Steven Davis produces a cross.
  • 21:54 Foul by Cillian Sheridan on Steven Davis, free kick awarded. Lee Wallace restarts play with the free kick.
  • 19:40 Steven Whittaker delivers the ball.
  • 18:48 Free kick awarded for a foul by Steven Whittaker on David Robertson. Peter Enckelman takes the direct free kick.
  • 18:08 Corner from the left by-line taken by Steven Davis, clearance by Cillian Sheridan.
  • 17:50 A cross is delivered by Sasa Papac, Nikica Jelavic takes a shot. Fantastic save by Peter Enckelman.
  • 17:24 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Frazer Wright by Steven Naismith. Callum Davidson restarts play with the free kick.
  • 14:37 The referee blows for offside against Nikica Jelavic. Free kick taken by Peter Enckelman.
  • 11:44 Unfair challenge on Cillian Sheridan by Dorin Goian results in a free kick. Free kick crossed right-footed by Jody Morris, clearance by Dorin Goian.
  • 10:57 Effort from deep inside the area by Murray Davidson misses to the left of the target.
  • 10:03 Steven Davis challenges Callum Davidson unfairly and gives away a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Peter Enckelman.
  • 9:10 Steven Whittaker sends in a cross, Steven Naismith takes a shot. Save by Peter Enckelman.
  • 8:09 Cillian Sheridan fouled by Steven Whittaker, the ref awards a free kick. Jody Morris takes the direct free kick.
  • 6:19 Shot from long distance by Cillian Sheridan misses to the right of the goal.
  • 3:55 Corner taken right-footed by Jody Morris, Marcus Haber has a headed effort at goal from deep inside the area missing to the right of the goal.
  • 3:41 Callum Davidson takes a shot. Save made by Allan McGregor.
  • 2:09 Inswinging corner taken by Steven Davis from the left by-line, Unfair challenge on Peter Enckelman by Steven Naismith results in a free kick. Peter Enckelman takes the direct free kick.
  • 1:59 Steven Whittaker delivers the ball, Peter Enckelman makes a save.
  • 0:00 The match gets underway.

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Live - 2014 World Cup qualifying draw

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1857: Good people of the live text commentary, a running order (timings approximate): 1921: African Zone Draw. 1941: Asian Zone Draw. 1952: North American, Central and Caribbean (CONCACAF) Zone Draw. 2011: Oceania Zone Draw. 2029: European Zone Draw.

1845: The ceremony has started. And what a start it is... a "governer and mayor video". Anticipation levels sky rocket, pulses race, knees jangle. It's all happening. Ish.

1843: Erm, not quite. A couple of things to remember - there will be no draw for the South American zone as the nine teams will qualify through a one-group championship mode, while Fifa has said that it will not draw together Azerbaijan and Armenia nor Russia and Georgia because of political conflicts which could lead to fan violence during qualifying matches. And the complications only start there. Stick with me, though, and all will become clear. We can but hope.

1841: So, basically, in a ceremony kicking off at 1845 BST (1445 local time in Rio de Janeiro) we will witness before our very eyes the draws for the African; Asian; North American, Central and Caribbean; Oceanic and European zones for their 2014 World Cup qualification campaigns. In that order. Oh and also a bunch of videos, presentations, speeches and what the Fifa running order entertaingly refers to as "vignettes" (seriously). What joy. Simple, yes?

1837: And start, does the countdown, with the draw for the 2014 World Cup qualifying groups - 203 teams, playing an eventual 824 matches across the globe, in a bid to take one of 31 available places for the 2014 finals alongside hosts and automatic qualifiers Brazil. Anyone want a rundown of how it'll work? Of course you do...

1830: Now then, good summer? Let me guess... it's all well and good the sun shining, an ice cold drink in your hand and your toes dipped into the coastal waters of some far-off beachtown, but you would swap it all for some sort of football-related draw right? Aha. Well...

The Real Housewives of New York City: Too Much Drama? New Cast on the Way?

The Real Housewives of New York City just wrapped up yet another dramatic season. But might it have been a tad TOO dramatic?

Insiders say the life on set reached a new low this year, from insulting Tweets to Moroccan brawls to incidents not seen on camera.

“Things have gotten so bad that producers are worried that this cast can no longer film together,” a source says“All the ladies have long memories and will not let the smallest thing go. The level of hatred at the moment is so high that it's toxic and all consuming... it’s just petty and sad.”

All The Real Housewives of New York City

One particular source of contention?

A blogger has been bashing the heck out of Jill Zarin, but multiple co-stars have actually befriended this individual, creating serious tension, a friend of Jill's tells The Huffington Post:

“This sort of behavior should be rejected by all the cast members, no matter how hot disagreements get on the show. It has stopped being a TV fight and is now a real life battle that is unacceptable.”

Might it lead to significant cast upheaval? We'll keep you informed.

The Vampire Diaries Season 3 Teaser: Hot, Bubbly Action!

Bubbles have never looked so sexy.

In a new promo for season three of The Vampire Diaries, Ian Somerhalder - who spent this week in front of Congress being awesome - dons nothing but soap in his role as lovable blood sucker Damon Salvatore.

The bad news? You need to wait until the very end to watch the scene. The good news? It's totally worth it.


The Vampire Diaries Season 3 Trailer

For actual season 3 scoop, visit The Vampire Diaries spoilers section at TV Fanatic. Now!!!

Casey Anthony to Undergo Major Mental Health Treatment

No matter what you think of the Casey Anthony verdict, it's clear this is a wise move. The 25-year-old will seek treatment for serious mental issues.

As such, the acquitted murder suspect won't be sitting down with ABC, NBC, CBS or any other network for an interview in the foreseeable future.

Guilty or not, she needs to receive professional help ASAP.

Casey Anthony Picture

Sources say Casey is seeking treatment for three reasons:

  1. She realizes her questionable behavior when daughter Caylee Anthony went missing in 2008 stemmed from "obvious mental health issues."
  2. She needs help coping with the "obvious trauma of losing her child."
  3. She spent nearly three years in solitary confinement in a Florida jail. That's 23 hours a day in a cramped cell, with death row looming if she were convicted of murder. A source close to Casey says "It messed with her head."

When she's healthy, Anthony will have the final word on where and how her story will be told. Attorney Jose Baez will continue to field offers.

Gerrard to miss start of season

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard is expected to be out until September because of a groin problem.

Gerrard, 31, began a course of antibiotic treatment for an infection on Saturday and is expected to remain in hospital for several days.

Groin surgery ended Gerrard's season in March but he had expected to be back for the start of the new campaign.

The midfielder could also miss England's two Euro 2012 qualifiers against Bulgaria and Wales.

Gerrard missed his side's pre-season tour of Asia this month in order to try to regain full fitness for the start of the new season on 13 August, when Liverpool play Sunderland at Anfield.

He will also miss Premier League fixtures against Arsenal and Bolton, with the trip to Stoke on 10 September a likely target date for his return.

The England midfielder was already set to miss the international friendly with the Netherlands on 10 August but will now also be a doubt for the qualifiers away to Bulgaria on 2 September and at home to Wales four days later.

Gerrard has been plagued by the problem for several years now and it restricted his effectiveness in the last campaign.

More to follow.

Gill happy with Man Utd finances

David Gill says he is "comfortable" with Manchester United's finances in the wake of a Parliamentary report into the ways football is governed.

Concern over clubs borrowing money to mount takeover bids was one of the big issues raised by the 116-page document.

That was how the Glazer family secured control at Old Trafford in 2005, resulting in debts which currently stand at around £490m.

"We are comfortable with our financial structure," chief executive Gill said.

The Commons Culture, Media and Sport Committee report also encourages clubs to better engage with supporters, something which fan groups say they would welcome.

  • David de Gea, undisclosed from Atletico Madrid
  • Ashley Young, undisclosed from Aston Villa
  • Phil Jones, £16.5m from Blackburn

But Gill is content with his club's progress. He added: "We are producing record turnover and record profits and we can meet our obligations.

"We have been clear all along. There is money in the bank.

"Some people have not believed us but if a player is required to improve the squad and challenge for top honours, the money is there.

"That is still the case. We are not afraid to spend big money on players of a certain age."

United have spent an estimated £50m this summer on 20-year-old Spanish goalkeeper David de Gea, winger Ashley Young, 26, and 19-year-old defender Phil Jones.

In addition, Gill confirmed that Ecuador winger Antonio Valencia will be signing a contract extension when United return to Manchester from their pre-season tour of the United States next week.

Friday, July 29, 2011

Home nations await World Cup draw

FIFA WORLD CUP QUALIFYING DRAW

  • Venue: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
  • Date: Saturday 30 July
  • Starts: 1900 BST
  • Coverage: Live text commentary on BBC Sport website and mobiles from 1830 BST, snippets and live European draw on BBC Radio 5 Live from 1900 and live TV coverage on BBC News Channel from 2023.
Peter Crouch and Alou Diarra England and potential qualifying opponents France are familiar foes

England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales will learn their 2014 World Cup qualifying groups when the draw is made in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday evening.

England are among the top seeds and could face 1998 world champions France, who are in pot two along with the likes of Russia and Sweden.

Scotland and Northern Ireland are in pot four, with Wales in pot six with San Marino, Malta and Andorra.

Giovanni Trapattoni's Republic of Ireland are in pot three.

The pot allocations are based on the Fifa world rankings, which were revealed on Wednesday. England dropped to sixth, down two places.

Fifa World Cup pools

  • Pot One: England, Spain, Holland, Germany, Portugal, Italy, Croatia, Norway, Greece
  • Pot Two: France, Montenegro, Russia, Sweden, Denmark, Slovenia, Turkey, Serbia, Slovakia
  • Pot Three: Switzerland, Israel, Rep of Ireland, Belgium, Czech Republic, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Belarus, Ukraine, Hungary
  • Pot Four: N Ireland, Scotland, Bulgaria, Romania, Georgia, Lithuania, Albania, Austria, Poland
  • Pot Five: Armenia, Finland, Estonia, Cyprus, Latvia, Moldova, FYR Macedonia, Azerbaijan, Faroe Islands
  • Pot Six: Wales, Liechtenstein, Iceland, Kazakhstan, Luxembourg, Malta, Andorra, San Marino

The Welsh are now joint 112th with the Faroe Islands in the rankings, but the Faroes have got the final place in pot five, sending Gary Speed's men into the final pot.

With 53 European countries entered in the World Cup qualifying draw, teams will be drawn in eight groups of six teams and one group of five.

Each group winner will automatically qualify for the finals in Brazil, and four places will also be available via play-offs, making up a 13-team European contingent.

In the qualifying process 203 teams will play an eventual 824 matches across the globe.

The draws for the Africa, Asia, Oceania and the North, Central America and Caribbean regions will also take place on Saturday, with no draw made for South America as the nine teams qualify through a one-group championship mode.

The 2014 finals will take place 12 June-13 July, and a decision on whether to introduce goalline technology at the tournament will be taken at next March's meeting of the International FA Board, the game's lawmakers.

THG Week in Review: July 23-29, 2011

Welcome to THG's Week in Review! Below, our staff takes a look back at the stories, stars and scandals that made these last seven days so memorable.

If you don't already, you can FOLLOW THG on Twitter and Facebook for 24/7/365 news. Day in and day out, let us be your #1 celebrity gossip source!

Now, a rundown of the week that was at The Hollywood Gossip:

RIP Amy Winehouse


Rascal Flatts - She's Going Places (A Tribute to Caylee Anthony)


Breaking Dawn Birth Scene


Kat Von D Gets Jesse James Tattoo

Andy Roddick: Shirtless For Lacoste Fragrance!

Tennis star Andy Roddick must have decided that a shirt only impedes his mammoth first serve ... because he ditched it for this new Lacoste commercial!

A-Rodd absolutely aces the spot for the new Lacoste Challenge 2 fragrance (it smells like tennis balls), showing off his crazy skillz and ripped physique.

It doesn't really smell like tennis balls. We made that up. Ladies everywhere wouldn't mind getting close enough to find out for themselves, however.

Damn you, Brooklyn Decker ...

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Andy Roddick Lacoste Fragrance Ad

Josh Hutcherson vs. Liam Hemsworth: Who Would You Rather...

We don't wanna spoil The Hunger Games, but allow us to say this: As Katniss Everdeen, Jennifer Lawrence will have to do choose between Josh Hutcherson's Peeta and Liam Hemsworth's Gale.

We got our first look at these actors in those roles via this week's issue of Entertainment Weekly. As you can tell, the decision won't be easy.

But you can help Katniss make it! Study both actors below and answer the most pressing question of them all: Who would you rather...

<form method="post">>

Josh Hutcherson

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Vote for Josh

Liam Hemsworth

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Vote for Liam

Two Hunger Games actors. Two young studs. But only one winner can be selected between Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth.

View Poll »

</form>

Look at ME Now: Three-Year-Old Covers Chris Brown!

How can you hate from outside the club / You can't even get in!

Yellow model chick / Yellow bottle sipping / Yellow Lamborghini / Yellow top missing / Yeah, yeah / That s--t look like a toupee

I get what you get in 10 years, in two days / Ladies love me, I'm on my Cool J / If you get what I get, what would you say?

Most kids don't sport a vocabulary as hip as this, but that's what makes three-year-old Jayden so ... smart? Fly? Gangsta? Poorly-raised?

It's hard to say. Watch the youngster Chris Brown's hit song "Look at Me Now" in mid-grilled cheese below and decide for yourself ...


Chris Brown - Look At Me Now (Cover)

BALLER: Soulja Boy Drops $55M on Private Jet

Either Soulja Boy is the biggest idiot of all time, or a lot smarter than people think because he even had this much to burn. Either way ... wow.

The rapper is dropping $55 MILLION on a PIMP ASS private jet, a member of Soulja's management confirms. It's a 21st birthday gift to himself.

The plane alone cost $35 million, but Soulja Boy cranked out another $20 million to pimp dat ride with all sorts of cool stuff. Gotta fly in style.

A Soulja Boy Pic

Also a waste of money? NHL merchandise.

Happy birthday to the hip-hopper in any case. Hope he's got a good finance guy.

Because you only turn 21 once, Soulja's also spending $300,000 to throw himself a blowout birthday party at a Miami nightclub tonight.

Dwight Howard, Bow Wow, and Sean Kingston are expected to attend.

[Photo: WENN.com]

Octomom: I Was DRUGGED While Agreeing to Embryo Implantation!

Octomom Nadya Suleman made another startling claim today, accusing her former fertility doctor, Michael Kamrava, of having her sign crucial paperwork she was "not lucid" and under the influence of "valium and a cocktail of drugs."

So she claims, anyway.

In a talk with Dr. Drew Thursday, Octomom said she was not of sound mind when she signed a consent form for 12 embryos to be implanted inside her.

HUGE Mess

One thing led to another, and she had eight babies in January 2009.

Nadya Suleman claims Kamrava "wrote something [and] he gave it to me to sign" inside his Beverly Hills office before the procedure was completed.

"I signed it, and I didn't read it," Suleman said, adding tha  she wanted more children than the six she had already, but never intended on eight.

GOSH no.

In the revealing chat, the drain on society was introspective about her motivations in becoming one of the country's most infamous moms."Is it fair to have a bunch of kids solve your emotional issues? Of course not," she said. "With children, I feel so safe in my predictable world."

"They will never leave me. Kids love you, unconditionally."

The general public? Notsomuch.

Suleman also told Dr. Drew she's got other mental issues to deal with. Anxiety, panic attacks, hyperactivity, OCD, hating babies ... you name it.

"My brain and body are racing constantly," she said.

Doesn't your heart just bleed for her, honestly?

Dr. Kamrava's license was yanked earlier this month because of his "repeated negligent acts, for an excessive number of embryo transfers."

Crystal Harris to Hugh Hefner: Sorry!

During an appearance on Howard Stern's radio show this week, Crystal Harris said she wasn't attracted to Hugh Hefner, she never saw him naked and they only had sex once, with it lasting for like "two seconds."

Now, the busty blonde has something to tell her former fiance: My bad!

"The Stern interview scared me, he's harsh," Harris Tweeted last night. "I was unprepared and blurted out things I shouldn't have said, I'm sorry."

Crystal Image

Hmmm... we've all seen the interview, and Harris wasn't exactly berated inside a police interrogation room. What did she expect to discuss with Stern, America's debt ceiling debate?

Hefner has taken a broad, reasonable approach to the incident, saying this week that "Crystal shouldn't have been booked on the show at this sensitive time." He's right. It's almost as if she cares more about attention than doing the right thing.

[Photo: WENN.com]

Wenger worried by Fabregas focus

Cesc Fabregas Fabregas has not played in any of Arsenal's pre-season games

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says the speculation over Cesc Fabregas must end soon if the club captain is to focus properly ahead of the new season.

Fabregas, 24, has been linked with a move to Spanish and European champions Barcelona, who bid £27m for the Spain international midfielder in June.

"He is coming back from an injury and is not settled with us," said Wenger.

"You know all the speculation which is around his position, that has to be sorted out soon."

Arsenal will continue their preparations for the start of the Premier League season at the Emirates Cup on 30-31 July, but Fabregas, who has not featured in any of Arsenal's pre-season games, remains absent with a troublesome hamstring.

He is torn between two loves - the club where he has been educated as a very young boy and the club where he has been educated from 16 onwards and he has been given a chance

Arsene Wenger

"I'm just worried that the player has to be completely focused and committed to our club," said Wenger. "At the moment he's coming back from an injury and we have to sort out that situation.

"He is the captain of our club and we have to make sure he is really focused on being with us."

The Frenchman admitted that he sympathises with Fabregas, who is tempted by a return to the club he grew up with.

"I don't master completely the situation - it depends on Cesc," said Wenger. "I think he's in a moment when he thinks about it and it is a big concern.

"I always say he is torn between two loves - the club where he has been educated as a very young boy and the club where he has been educated from 16 onwards and he has been given a chance.

"I personally can understand it, but of course we want to be certain about his complete commitment."

Wenger remains committed to getting the best price possible for Fabregas if he is forced to sell, and remains hopeful that Samir Nasri will sign a new deal as he enters the final year of his current contract.

"We have a responsibility towards our club and I have that responsibility to sell the players at a decent price, or I take money away from my club," said Wenger. "And that is not just to please one player."

He added: "Samir loves the club, like Cesc. They both do. Every day we read that they are going somewhere but they are still with us."

Ryan Park: The Next Bachelor?

Ashley Hebert rejected Ryan Park not once, but twice this season. Still, she says The Bachelorette castoff is one of her top choices to be The Bachelor.

Would he consider a turn in the spotlight as the next Bachelor? "Maybe!" he said on a conference call with reporters, saying it would be an honor.

While he was clearly stoked about the idea - almost as much as he is about tankless water heaters - he did say it's no easy task to be in command.

Ryan Park Picture

"Being the Bachelorette is hard!" Park said. "It's unfortunate [Ashley] is being attacked for her insecurities, and how [Bentley Williams] preyed on that."

As for getting dumped twice, Ryan says he has no hard feelings.

"When I was let go, I didn't really understand, [but] now everything becomes clearer watching her chemistry with the other guys," the 31-year-old said.

Having been dispatched before the hometown dates, Ryan showed up in Fiji out of the blue in this week's episode. Ashley sent him home again.

"Timing has a place in every relationship. I do think Ashley and Icould  work; Maybe a date earlier on could have sparked something," he said.

"Something could have been different if it was under different circumstances - or if [finalists] Ben Flajnik and JP Rosenbaum weren't around!"

All in all, Park deems his one-time love "a great Bachelorette," saying she was often misunderstood and looked at unfairly by fans and viewers.

Park says he's no longer "in love with Ashley," but will always feel a close connection to The Bachelorette star. That's nice at least.

What do you think? Can you see Ryan Park as The Bachelor?

Selena Gomez: Sequined and Singing in Boca Raton

Selena Gomez & The Scene were on the scene in Boca Raton, Florida yesterday, as the singer kicked off her "We Own the Night" tour.

Unfortunately for many fans in attendance, Justin Bieber did not make a surprise appearance, but reports confirm he was backstage all night with Sean Kingston.

Still, Selena gave ticket holders plenty to cheer about on her own. Just check out her Vegas showgirl-type outfit here:

Selena SparklesSelena in Florida

Will Gomez be visiting an arena near you? Check out her tour schedule and then enjoy a couple performances from the opening night below.


Selena Gomez & The Scene - Love You Like A Love Song (Live)


Selena Gomez & The Scene - A Year Without Rain (Live)

[Photos: WENN.com]

Michael Douglas: Smoking After Beating Throat Cancer?

Is throat-cancer survivor Michael Douglas smoking again, just months after enduring grueling treatment for the disease? Star and Radar say he is.

The photos appear in the new issue of the celebrity gossip tabloid and were allegedly taken July 21. He is shown on a yacht in Porto Venere, Italy.

The legendary actor is clearly smoking in the cover photo, and in more images inside the magazine. The question is when they were really taken.

Michael Douglas Cancer Shocker!

Michael Douglas went through chemotherapy and radiation last year, bravely beating cancer, making these new photos - if legit - even more stunning.

The oldest, easiest trick in the tabloid book is the file photo, though. Using an old or misleading image to make a cover stand out is par for the course.

We can't guarantee that's what's going on here, but we also wouldn't bet against that. It's worth noting that he was a heavy smoker prior to 2010.

There's also the possibility that he was smoking medicinal marijuana, but even that would still expose Douglas to potentially damaging side effects.

Douglas has yet to comment about the photos.

Dana Wilkey Joins Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Cast

On September 5, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills viewers will meet Dana Wilkey.

The 37-year old event planner and close friend of Taylor Armstrong isn't technically considered a new cast member, but we'll be seeing plenty of her antics throughout the fall on Bravo. Get a preview now in this season two teaser.

So, who the heck is Dana Wilkey?

Dana Wilkey Picture

The new reality star...

... has a 22-month son and will get married next summer.

... will be helping Armstrong navigate her post-divorce life on the show, saying of her friend: "She's just the most beautiful person. She's really focusing on [daughter] Kennedy right now and surrounding herself with really good friends."

... collects Barbie dolls.

... suffered a tragedy as a child when a car accident placed her mom in a coma and eventually led to her passing.

[Photo: Richard McLaren/Bravo]

Glee Cast Pays Tribute to Amy Winehouse

In honor of Amy Winehouse, the folks behind this summer's Glee concert movie have released a clip from the film.

The 3D flick will hit theaters on August 12, but the sneak peek below features Naya Rivera belting out Winehouse's “Valerie," while cast members such as Heather Morris and Harry Shum Jr. dance (incredibly!) all around her.


Glee Movie Clip - Valerie

As for the Glee casting news that seems to change with each producer interview, visit our friends at TV Fanatic for the latest scoop.

Meat Loaf Collapses on Stage, Finishes Concert!

A Meat Loaf concert in Pittsburgh became awfully scary when Loaf (real name Michael Lee Aday) collapsed and medics rushed to his aid.

Fortunately, after a short time on his back, Meat got up and grinded out the rest of the show! Talk about giving fans their money's worth.

Here's footage from right after the collapse took place ...


Meat Loaf Faints in Concert

A short time later, during a performance of "Paradise by the Dashboard Light," Meat explained everything that went wrong at the show.

"I f**king fainted. I have asthma ... I can't breathe ... and then ... oh wait, I forgot ... I got poked by a pin and bled half to death."

"Then I got slapped in the face and my tooth is loose."

Rock n' roll, man. Rock n' roll.

John Skelton, Father of Three Missing Boys, Pleads No Contest to Unlawful Imprisonment

John Skelton, father of three boys missing from Morenci, Mich., since last year, pleaded no contest Thursday to unlawful imprisonment, according to reports.

The surprise plea deal in Lenawee County Circuit court meant other charges were dropped against Skelton, including kidnapping and parental kidnapping.

Skelton could get 15 years at his sentencing, scheduled for Sept. 15. As for what happened to his kids, some new disheartening details have emerged.

John Skelton Mug Shot

Eerily reminiscent of the Casey Anthony case, Circuit Judge Margaret M.S. Noe read aloud from police reports stating that a week before the disappearance, Skelton searched online for information on how to break a neck.

Noe said Skelton said, "The children will hibernate until they graduate."

The boys – Andrew, 9; Alexander, 7, and Tanner, 5 – were last seen on Thanksgiving at their father's home. After the boys went missing, Skelton tried to hang himself. The boys’ mother has said she believes they’re alive.

Skelton has given different versions of his story, which generally states that he gave the boys to someone to keep them from their mother.

But after several fruitless searches, police have given steadily greater indications that they believe the boys are dead, according to reports.

In February, Morenci Police Chief Larry Weeks announced they had reclassified the missing person’s case as a homicide investigation.

Ian Somerhalder Urges Congress to Fund Wildlife Conservation

Ian Somerhalder is so much more than a pretty face.

While the actor is accustomed to making female viewers scream on The Vampire Diaries, he went to D.C. this week with the goal of making Congress listen. The founder of The IS Foundation - which aims to "positively impact the planet and its creatures" - Somerhalder testified before lawmakers on behalf of the Multinational Species Coalition.


Ian Somerhalder Speaks to Congress

"Wildlife and environmental conservation has always been not just a passion, but a priority of mine," he said, hoping to raise funds for organizations that include the World Wildlife Fund, the Sierra Club and the National Audubon Society.

A native of Louisiana, Somerhalder has worked tirelessly to clean up disasters in that area such as the April 2010 BP oil spill.

But he cast an even wider net in this appearance, referencing African elephants, marine turtles, tigers, gorillas and chimpanzees and saying:

"Due to instability or indifference in the areas that many of these species call home, for most of them we are the first, last, and only hope for survival. As the ones with the power to make a difference, the responsibility rests with us. It is imperative that we live up to it.

"On behalf of the Ian Somerhalder Foundation and the Alliance for Global Conservation, I urge the Subcommittee to mark-up H.R. 50 and move to reauthorize this important piece of legislation."

NBC Denies Offering Megabucks For Casey Anthony Sit-Down

NBC is firing back at reports that it is involved in a major bidding war for Casey Anthony - and leading the pack no less - denying that it ever offered money.

An NBC rep says:

"NBC News has not and will not be in a bidding war for a Casey Anthony interview. No money has or will be offered, no licensing or other arrangements."

"If we were to conduct an interview it would be under our standards."

Casey Anthony on Trial

The network doesn't deny interest in landing a sit-down with Anthony. In fact, the rep confirms NBC paid for Jose Baez's hotel in NYC last week.

Baez, Casey's attorney, was believed to be holed up and negotiating for interviews on her behalf, and talking about a "big price tag" for them.

Sources connected with ABC insist there was indeed a bidding war between all three major networks for Anthony, and even Anthony's parents.

While networks don't pay for interviews, technically, they frequently get around this by licensing photos and videos - such as this alleged one Casey Anthony drinking - at whatever price they want, effectively the exact same thing.

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Sabella named as Argentina coach

Alejandro Sabella has been appointed Argentina coach following the removal of Sergio Batista.

Sabella, 56, won the Copa Libertadores as coach of Estudiantes two years ago after a playing career that included stints at Sheffield United and Leeds.

He had been set to take charge of Al-Jazira in the United Arab Emirates before Batista's exit last week.

  • Joined Sheffield United from River Plate in 1978, making 76 League appearances
  • Moved to Leeds United in 1980, but returned to Argentina with Estudiantes the following year

Argentina's quarter-final defeat by Uruguay when hosting the Copa America this month cost Batista his job.

The general secretary of the Argentine Football Association, Jose Luis Meiszner, told official news agency Telam: "The decision has been taken. Sabella is the choice."

Argentina have not won the Copa America or World Cup since lifting the Copa in 1993, although the country's Olympic team won gold at the 2004 and 2008 Games.

The last two World Cup tournaments have ended in quarter-final defeats by Germany.

Presenting: The Kim Kardashian Invitation!

Unless she takes our advice and gets back together with Reggie Bush, Kim Kardashian will walk down the aisle with Kris Humphries on August 20.

The black tie wedding will take place in Montecito, with the invitation reading: "Kris and Bruce Jenner request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their daughter Kimberly Kardashian to Kristopher Humphries."

The Kim Kardashian Wedding Invitation

Aren't those crossed Ks adorable?!? What do you think of the invitation?

View Poll »

Hideki Irabu, Former Yankees Pitcher, Dies in Apparent Suicide

Former New York Yankees pitcher Hideki Irabu has been found dead in his California home. The native of Okinawa, Japan was just 42 years old.

It appears he committed suicide by hanging himself, according to reports. The L.A. County Coroner's office is trying to locate next of kin.

A Japanese pitching star, Hideki played for the Yankees, Expos, and Rangers, winning World Series rings with New York in 1998 and 1999.

IRabu

R.I.P. Hideki Irabu (1969-2011).

Multiple reports indicate that the police are investigating Irabu's death as a suicide, although those reports were unconfirmed as of Thursday afternoon.

Irabu had been arrested twice in the past three years, once for drunk driving in California and another time for assaulting a bartender in Japan.

Jalen Rose: Busted For Speeding After DUI Jail Sentence!

Wow. Jalen Rose can't seem to get a break.

Dude got popped for speeding Wednesday night just hours after he'd been sentenced to 20 days in jail for DUI by a judge earlier that very day.

Rose was pulled over shortly before 9 p.m. in the Detroit suburb of Clawson, going 46 m.p.h. in a 25 m.p.h. zone. That's where they get ya.

Jalen Rose Mug Shot

The 38-year-old former NBA player pleaded guilty to a March drunk driving crash back in May, later issuing an apology statement for his conduct.

Rose's attorney criticized the judge's steep sentence for Rose's DUI, calling him out for making an example of the ESPN analyst, who has no record.

Playmates Swear: Hugh Hefner is Good in Bed!

Crystal Harris made news this week for saying Hugh Hefner can't satisfy a woman.

But a couple Playmates have come out and stood up for the magazine magnate by saying he definitely knows what to do when girlfriends are lying down.

"I've heard girls say they have a lot of fun in there," Miss June 2004, Hiromi Oshima, told People, while while Dani Mathers, who works at Playboy TV adds: "I think they definitely had sex more than that one time and it wasn't two minutes. Hef definitely has a sex life."

Hef and Anna Sophia BerglundThe Viagra TrainThe New Girls Next DoorNew Girls Next DoorHolly Madison and Hugh Hefner

Hugh Hefner has been spotted with numerous women over the years. But does the mogul do anything with them before closed doors?

Do you think Hugh Hefner still gets some?

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United States fire coach Bradley

Bob Bradley has been sacked as United States coach after four and a half years in charge.

The 53-year-old took the team to the last 16 of the 2010 World Cup after drawing 1-1 with England in Group C.

Bradley was subsequently linked with the Aston Villa manager's job, before opting to sign a four-year deal extension with US Soccer.

"We felt now was the right time for us to make a change," said US Soccer president Sunil Gulati.

Bradley's departure follows a 4-2 defeat by Mexico in the Gold Cup final on 25 June.

But his reign also included a shock win over European champions Spain en route to a runners-up finish at the 2009 Confederations Cup and last summer's creditable World Cup campaign that ended in extra-time defeat by Ghana.

"It is always hard to make these decisions, especially when it involves someone we respect as much as Bob," added Gulati.

"We wish him the best in his future endeavours."

US Soccer added that it would make a further announcement on Friday, raising expectations that it may name a replacement.

Maria Shriver Seeks Prompt Divorce From Arnold Schwarzenegger

Maria Shriver has instructed her attorney, Laura Wasser, to hammer out the terms of her divorce from Arnold Schwarzenegger as quickly as possible.

The purpose of Shriver's request is twofold: 1. To keep things as amicable as can be between the couple, and 2. So she can get back to work ASAP.

Maria filed for divorce from Arnold in early July, and under California law, a divorce can be final as early as six months from the date of filing.

Maria Shriver, Arnold Schwarzenegger Pic

Shriver is very eager to get back to work, a source close to the family says, but feels that the ongoing drama of her divorce could be a distraction.

"Maria wants the divorce to be final so she can get back to work, and move on All of the major networks have approached her," said the source.

"She hasn't made any decision yet. Maria doesn't want any job to impede on time she spends with Christopher, and Patrick, who live with her."

Patrick, 17, is going to be a senior in high school and will be visiting colleges. Christopher Schwarzenegger is only 13, and the two are very close.

Maria and Christopher, who is recovering from his serious surfing injury, ventured out on Wednesday to have dinner in Beverly Hills with Oprah.

"Oprah wants Maria for OWN, make no mistake," said the source. "But they are friends first. She just wanted to catch up with Maria and Chris."

THG Asks: Bachelorette Edition! Who Should Ashley Choose, Ben or J.P.?

THG Asks!

Welcome to THG Asks, a feature in which two of our celebrity gossip experts debate topical issues in the entertainment world and you decide who wrote the winning argument!

Today, THG Asks: Who should Ashley Hebert choose on The Bachelorette season finale, Ben or J.P.?

BEN by Free Britney

He doesn't look like a stereotypical reality show hunk. Heck, he looks like a less handsome version of Constantine.

He uses phrases like "ruh-roh." He talks about his deceased father too much. He took his sweet time before he would truly open up to Ashley.

Frustrating? At times, yes. But all of these things are part of what make Ben Flajnik so human, so appealing, and the obvious choice for our girl.

There's no facade with Ben, a funny, smart, free-spirited Sonoma winemaker with a lot of heart (no matter how closely he guarded it for weeks).

He's the genuine article. Ben isn't fling material. He's husband material, a complex, nurturing guy with whom love can actually Evolve over time.

Hopefully, Ashley picks Ben and all he brings to the table on Monday's finale. If not, I bet come January, ABC can find 25 other girls who would.

Ashley Hebert and Ben Flajnik Date

Can Ben pull off the upset on Monday's finale?

J.P. by Hilton Hater

If I had a nickel for every time JP Rosenbaum and Ashley Hebert have made out on The Bachelorette this season, I'd have more money in my bank account than Chris Harrison gets for playing the most pimp-like host on TV.

These two have serious, lip-locking chemistry!

While others clearly came on for the wrong reasons (eat it, Bentley!), JP is as nice and honest as any contestant in recent memory. Has this made for especially entertaining TV? Not every week. But the show is about love, not ratings.

JP has all the physical attributes Ashley could want in a mate, as well. He's easy on the eyes and he resides in nearby NYC, just a quick car ride away. Might he be living a double life? Sure. But no guy is perfect.

THG Asks you ... who should Ashley choose?

View Poll »

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