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Celebrity Foreclosures 2011
Celebrity Foreclosures 2011. A-List stars and reality show rejects are losing homes like the rest of us.The U.S. economy may be gaining momentum, but the same can't be said for the housing market. More than 2.9 million residential properties received foreclosure notices last year, and the 2011 figure is likely to rise another 20%, according to RealtyTrac, an Irvine, Calif.-based firm that tracks foreclosures.

Everyday Americans aren't the only ones losing homes. Many a celebrity has fallen into foreclosure lately too. Some have lost homes due to financial woes. Others have chosen to go the "strategic default" route, giving up the keys to a property to limit their losses, not because they can't afford the mortgage payments.

The famous folks losing their homes these days run the gamut from A-list actors and elite socialites to lower-profile reality show stars. We compiled a list of 13 rich-and-famous homeowners that are either currently going through the foreclosure process or have done so in the past year.

Some celebs are losing multiple homes. Retired hockey star Sergei Fedorov lost two homes in the Detroit suburb of Bloomfield Hills, Mich., in the past year. Grammy-winning songstress Toni Braxton lost her Las Vegas-area home in 2010; then in January US Bank filed a foreclosure suit on her Duluth, Ga., country club residence.

In the past two years former pro baseball player-turned-(failed) entrepreneur Lenny Dykstra has walked away from two Thousand Oaks, Calif., homes. One was a sprawling manse that he'd bought from hockey great Wayne Gretsky in 2007 for $18.5 million. After Dykstra tried unsuccessfully to sell it, he abandoned the property early last year. By the time JPMorgan Chase and other creditors took possession in November, the estate was in disrepair, reportedly with raw sewage leaking from the piping. The cleaned-up property sold in January for $10.5 million. Dykstra's other home is scheduled to be auctioned later this month.

Hakeem Seriki, hip hop artist and Grammy-winner known best as Chamillionaire, strategically defaulted on his Houston-area home last summer. "It wasn't a good business investment to keep paying that much mortgage on a house that I'm never at," he said. Seriki even posted a YouTube video explaining his decision.

Strategic defaults have become increasingly common with homes at all price levels. YouWalkAway.com, a San Diego-based online site specializing in strategic defaults, boasts more than 5,000 clients choosing to walk away from homes that are "underwater"--those for which the mortgage debt owed is more than the property is currently worth. Jon Maddux, chief executive of YouWalkAway.com, says a significant percentage of his clients fall under the high-net-worth, high-profile category.

"We have our share of celebrities and professional athletes with million-dollar-plus homes that can't fathom keeping this underwater home," he says Maddux. "They think it's a bad investment, and maybe their financial planner told them to call us."

When it comes to the rich and famous, home ownership tends to be a different kind of legal beast. Whereas most non-luxury homes are acquired with mortgages, many famous folk purchase property via trusts and so-called "straw buyers," according to Edward Weinhaus, chief operating officer of Blockshopper.com, a real estate research site. Trusts can keep the whereabouts of stars' residences somewhat private. They can also complicate and drag out the foreclosure process, with many cases ultimately involving foreclosure lawsuits and property liens.

Read More:forbes

Barbara Sinatra lady blue eyes
Barbara Sinatra lady blue eyes. `Lady Blue Eyes' — Sinatra's wife tells it her way. "Lady Blue Eyes: My Life With Frank" (Crown Archetype), by Barbara Sinatra: In her memoir, the widow of Frank Sinatra tells it her way, adding a unique perspective to the history of one of entertainment's greats.

By now, the self-centered if often generous nature of Sinatra is as well-known as his unequaled voice. What's fascinating about "Lady Blue Eyes" is how Barbara Sinatra turns to love, admiration and denial in explaining her place at Frank's side.

From her youth in the Midwest to her days as a model and showgirl, Barbara Blakeley longed for a well-heeled life of excitement. In her telling, it was Sinatra, then in his mid-50s, who initiated their affair. Soon, she was Frank's companion — marriage would be years away — and her husband at the time the second unfaithful spouse she had left for a more successful man.

Little love notes and rather large jewels were part of the good times with Sinatra. While she tends to excuse the darker moments in their three decades together, Barbara accepts that Frank's inner demons came with the glitter and glamour.

When Sinatra hurled a brass clock into a wall during a game of charades, she considered it part of his "dangerous" charm. He berated a female columnist who brought up their adultery — for good measure he stuffed two dollar bills in the woman's glass — but Barbara saw his actions as exciting, and a loving defense of her. Friends waited by the phone to see if and when he desired their company, a routine she seems to shrug off.

Her life revolved around his, and that was fine with her. At his behest she quit smoking — he thought it unfeminine — but he never gave up his unfiltered Camels. She quickly learned what those close to him already knew: When Frank was drunk, which was not infrequent, it was best to disappear.

Her version of events, such as why Sinatra kept performing far beyond his prime, at times clashes with those of others. "Frankophiles" will debate whether she was as selfless and dutiful as she appears in these pages.

One image is as chilling as it is sad: Sinatra, on the day he died, sitting in a wheelchair poolside at their Beverly Hills, Calif., home, suffering from heart and lung ailments and memory loss, a half-eaten grilled cheese sandwich on his plate.

Even Frank Sinatra's money, fame and power had their limits.

Source:news.yahoo

William & Kate's have busy plans in US, Canada
William & Kate's have busy plans in US, Canada. Planning for any Royal tour is detailed, to say the least. But the input Prince William and Kate are having on the schedule for their first overseas tour as a married couple is said to be extraordinary.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are leaving little to Royal flunkies and Government administrators – instead both are involved in just about every aspect of the planning.

They leave for Canada on June 30 on a much-anticipated visit that will be followed by a trip to the US, where ‘A’ list celebrities in Los Angeles are already falling over themselves to get the hottest tickets in town.

The result of William and Kate’s planning will be revealed in more detail by St James Palace this Monday.

Reporters have received a background briefing already, but the finer details are embargoed.
What’s certain is that the Royal couple wish for the visit to reflect their interests and age. That will ensure William is able to represent the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA), of which he is president, in Hollywood when they move to the US leg of their tour on July 8.

There is even talk of a cricket match and tea party to promote the UK.


It is also being reported that Kate had asked that they work in a trip to Prince Edward Island during the Canadian leg of their tour. Tourism officers there can hardly containing their excitement over claims the Anne of Green Gables novel may have inspired William and Kate’s trip to the province this summer.

“We do hope that Kate is a big Anne fan, that there is some truth to that,” said Brenda Gallant, marketing director for the P.E.I. Department of Tourism.

“It would be exciting to have her here to experience the beauty of the Island as Lucy Maud Montgomery saw it.”
With all the details set to be revealed shortly, there is still plenty of work to do, especially for Kate. With the world’s eyes on her, there will be fevered coverage of what she wears.

With that in mind, she has been busy putting together a wardrobe to wow Canada and the US.

She is expected to be putting together at least 40 outfits to ensure she has something for every possible occasion.

A former Palace aide said: “A first Royal tour places immense pressure on a young bride because everyone is keen to know what the blueprint will be for her life as a Duchess: whether she has a lady in waiting, or a stylist.”

The Palace insists Kate is yet to decide if she wants to take a stylist. If not, then she will have equerries and ladies-in-waiting who will be helping out.

“On tour you cannot iron all your own clothes, don’t have time to unpack, can’t hold all the flowers you are handed and, most importantly, need someone to start chatting in a crowded room,” the insider added.

Both William and Kate have links with Canada. It was there that Prince Charles took his two sons for a vacation after the death of Diana, the Princess of Wales. While Kate has family ties – her late grandfather served as a trainee bomber pilot close to Calgary during World War II.

If, as expected, they visit French-speaking Quebec, William will have no problem impressing with his near-fluent French. However, it is believed Kate has been trying to brush up on her French.

Source:buckinghampalacenews

Mobiles may cause brain cancer
Mobiles may cause brain cancer. view of evidence suggests an increased risk of a malignant type of brain cancer cannot be ruled out.

However, any link is not certain - they concluded that it was "not clearly established that it does cause cancer in humans".

A cancer charity said the evidence was too weak to draw strong conclusions from.

A group of 31 experts has been meeting in Lyon, France, to review human evidence coming from epidemiological studies.


They said they looked at all relevant human studies of people using mobile phones and exposure to electromagnetic fields in their workplace.

The WHO's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) can give mobile phones one of five scientific labels: carcinogenic, probably carcinogenic, possibly carcinogenic, not classifiable or not carcinogenic.

It concluded that mobiles should be rated as "possibly carcinogenic" because of a possible link with a type of brain cancer - glioma.

Ed Yong, head of health information at Cancer Research UK, said: "The WHO's verdict means that there is some evidence linking mobile phones to cancer but it is too weak to draw strong conclusions from.
"The vast majority of existing studies have not found a link between phones and cancer, and if such a link exists, it is unlikely to be a large one.

"The risk of brain cancer is similar in people who use mobile phones compared to those who don't, and rates of this cancer have not gone up in recent years despite a dramatic rise in phone use during the 1980s.

"However, not enough is known to totally rule out a risk, and there has been very little research on the long-term effects of using phones."

The WHO estimated that there are five billion mobile phone subscriptions globally.

Christopher Wild, director of the IARC, said: "Given the potential consequences for public health of this classification and findings it is important that additional research be conducted into the long term, heavy use of mobile phones.

"Pending the availability of such information, it is important to take pragmatic measures to reduce exposure such as hands free devices or texting."

Source:BBC

Egyptian military performs 'virginity tests'
Egyptian military performs 'virginity tests'. Egypt women protesters forced to take 'virginity tests'. A leading rights group says the Egyptian army arrested, tortured and forced women to take "virginity tests" during protests earlier this month.

Amnesty International is calling on the authorities in Cairo to investigate.

It says at least 18 female protesters were arrested after army officers cleared Tahrir Square on 9 March.

It says they were then beaten, given electric shocks and strip searched.

The army denies the allegations.
'Utterly unacceptable'

A 20-year-old woman, Salwa Hosseini, told Amnesty she was forced to take off all her clothes by a female prison guard in a room with open doors and a window.
She said that male soldiers looked in and took photographs of her while she was naked.

The demonstrator said a man in a white coat later carried out a 'virginity check' on her and she was threatened with prostitution charges.

"Forcing women to have 'virginity tests' is utterly unacceptable. Its purpose is to degrade women because they are women," a spokesperson for Amnesty International said in a statement.

"Women and girls must be able to express their views on the future of Egypt without being detained, tortured, or subjected to profoundly degrading and discriminatory treatment."

Egypt's military has been criticised by activists for detaining people involved in the mass protests and abusing them.

The military denies using torture against civilians.

Last week, the head of the military police told an Egyptian newspaper that video footage had been fabricated by individuals wanting to create divisions between the people and the armed forces.

Human rights groups have also criticised Egypt's new rulers for continuing to put civilians on trial before military courts. They say these have a track record of unfair trials and severely restrict the right to appeal.

Reporting on the military in Egypt is difficult. A law passed in 1956 prevents writing about the army.

Source:BBC

Jessie J denies plane crash rumour

Jessie J denies plane crash rumour. JESSIE J has assured fans she is "fine" after a bizarre rumour she had been in a plane crash swept the internet.

Bloggers were sent into a spin on Tuesday (31May11) over speculation that the Price Tag hitmaker was among the victims of an air disaster.

The star spotted the rumour on Twitter.com and immediately took to her own page on the microblogging website to play down the gossip, writing, "No that's not true. I'm fine."

Source:Express

Tour leaves Lady Gaga in debt
Tour leaves Lady Gaga in debt. Lady Gaga - Lady Gaga's Tour Left Her $3 Million In Debt. Lady Gaga was left $3 million (£1.9 million) in debt when her Monster Ball tour forced her into bankruptcy.

The pop superstar launched her second series of live concerts in 2009 and has spent two years touring the show.
She previously admitted her lavish stage sets and production costs left her bankrupt and she has now revealed she was struggling with a massive multi-million dollar debt.

In an interview with Stephen Fry for Britain's Financial Times, Gaga says, "I put everything in the show, and I actually went bankrupt after the first extension of The Monster Ball. And it was funny because I didn't know! And I remember I called everybody and said, 'Why is everyone saying I have no money? This is ridiculous, I have five number one singles' - and they said, 'Well, you're $3 million in debt.'"

Source:contactmusic

Snooki taken into custody in Italy
Snooki taken into custody in Italy. Snooki Taken Into Custody After Car Accident in Italy. Maybe the mayor of Florence, Italy had a point when he placed all kinds of restrictions on the cast of the Jersey Shore. Still filming the MTV show's fourth season in Italy, Nicole "Snooki " Polizzi crashed her vehicle into a police car Monday and was subsequently taken into custody, reports TMZ.com.


Sources say "zero alcohol" was involved in the crash. One witness says the accident ended up with the vehicle Snooki was driving wedged between a police car and a highway protection wall. After the accident, Snooki's castmate Deena Nicole Cortese, who was riding in the passenger seat, allegedly had to exit the car via its window, because of the positioning of the vehicles.

Despite being taken into custody, a production source told TMZ.com that this was not a formal arrest.

Source:omg.yahoo

LeAnn Rimes insists she's healthy
LeAnn Rimes insists she's healthy. LeAnn Rimes insists she is not too thin. Rimes responded to a Twitter follower who thought she looked "scary skinny" in a bikini. LeAnn Rimes, who recently wed her second husband, Eddie Cibrian, tweeted photos from her honeymoon in Mexico. One of her fans, however, pointed out in the photos that her bikini body looked a little frail. She was told she looked "scary skinny" because of her “protruding hipbones.”
According to Us Weekly, Rimes, who has been subject to weight concerns, tweeted back, "Those are called abs, not bones, love," she wrote, adding, "This is my body, and I can promise you I'm a healthy girl. I'm just lean. Thanks for your concern, but no need to be."

Rimes has tirelessly defended her weight loss. Back in March, she defended her weight and addressed criticism by writing on Twitter, “Maybe it’s time for a nude pic so peeps can see how I look nowhere near what these stupid pics are trying to make me look like, LOL.”

Rimes continued, “I don’t care about the dumb articles. I know how healthy I am. Maybe those people should start taking care of themselves…inside and out.”

She later added, “It’s sad how mean people in this world can be for no good reason.”

Source:thecelebritycafe

Maria Shriver memorial day
Maria Shriver memorial day. Maria Shriver spends Memorial Day weekend at the beach with kids. Memorial Day weekend was family time for Maria Shriver.

"Nothing could be better than going to hit up the Malibu house," her son Patrick, 17, Tweeted Saturday. His father, and Shriver's estranged husband, Arnold Schwarzenegger was spending time at his Sun Valley, Idaho, home, but he flew back to L.A. by the end of the weekend. On Sunday night, though, his family dined out in Malibu without him.
Shriver, 55, also found time to remember those who died in the line of duty.
"This weekend, I'm thinking of all who gave their life, and all the families who lost a loved one, in service to this great country," she Tweeted Sunday. "You have our deepest gratitude and respect. God bless."

The mother of four turned to one of her daughters to find some fitting advice.

"My daughter once gave me a great Plato quote that said, 'Be kind for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle,' " Shriver wrote on Twitter Monday. "We don't know what is going on inside of most people."

She added: "On this #MemorialDay, when so many are grieving in obscurity or silence, let's keep that in mind. Be kind so many people are grieving."

Source:CNN

Basketball wives
Basketball wives. 'Basketball Wives' Season 3 premiere bonus clip: Meeka trashes Royce because she was a dancer.Basketball Wives" returned last night with its Season 3 premiere -- and it picked up right where all the drama left off last season: Everyone's mad at Royce, Tami hates Evelyn and Shaunie pretty much stays out of it all.

Fans were also introduced to a new Wife: Meeka, who's married to former Golden State Warrior player-turned-scout Speedy Claxton.

In a bonus clip that VH1 didn't air, Meeka dines with her husband and gives him the lowdown on all the ladies, namely Royce, a former Orlando Magic and Miami Heat dancer, who has a child with Magic center Dwight Howard -- a big no-no to the Wives.

"I think what bothers me most about Royce is she was a dancer," Meeka tells Speedy. "She crossed the line. I don't know how I can be a wife and be her friend. You know how I feel about stuff like that."

Although Meeka and Royce did have a face-to-face meeting in the premiere, it was hardly a showdown of Wife vs Dancer.

Read more: nydailynews

Stacey Dash single ladies
Stacey Dash single ladies. LisaRaye McCoy reps for the 'Single Ladies'One thing you need to know about LisaRaye McCoy: She keeps it real.

Whether it's discussing the break-up of her marriage to the Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, her desire to find a man of means or even the rumored beef on the set of her new show "Single Ladies" with co-star Stacey Dash, the actress doesn't hold back.

For example, she has no problem admitting that producers wanted a younger face when casting her character Keisha Green on the new VH1 romantic comedy series.

"My friend, Stacy A. Littlejohn, wrote the character with me in mind," McCoy said. "When she sold it and partnered up with VH1 and Queen Latifah's production company, Flavor Unit Entertainment, they wanted a younger demographic." That is, until producers took a meeting with the stunning 40-something McCoy.

The actress added that she's passionate about the character and the show, which she says is a mix of "Sex in the City" and "Girlfriends."

"It's full of drama and comedy and yet it's so real," she said. "When you have a series that is going up against reality television, which is taking over now, you want to have something fresh enough that will capture people's attention."

On that level McCoy is competing with herself, as she also recently launched the second season of her TV One reality show "LisaRaye: The Real McCoy." Viewers get to see her be very open about her relationship with her 21-year-old daughter, Kai, and her quest to find a man of means following the break-up of her marriage.

McCoy said her fans expect such honesty from her, even when it comes to uncomfortable situations like a rumored fight with "Single Ladies" co-star Stacey Dash, perhaps best known for a starring role in the 1995 film "Clueless."

"I normally don't like to address rumors, but I think it was so unfair to both of us the way they took that story and dragged it out," McCoy said. "There was no physical altercation or some beef that people were trying to fabricate. It was us being together for the last 4 or 5 months filming every day for 15 to 16 hours a day."

McCoy goes on, "When you have creative differences with someone, some words might flow back and forth but that doesn't mean we carried it on to the next day...When we read the blogs, it became something else and we laughed at it at first. Stacey and I have known each other since before 'Single Ladies' and we worked together before so at the end of the day we have moved on and know that we've made a wonderful product."

"Single Ladies" premieres tonight at 9 p.m. on VH1.

Source:marquee.blogs.cnn.com

Famous May Birthdays
Famous May Birthdays. If you born in May find out do you share a birthday with someone famous?

1 May

Rita Coolidge
Katy Smith
Tim McGraw

2 May

Bing Crosby
Roscoe Lee Browne
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
Kyle Busch
Levi Johnston

3 May

Engelbert Humperdink
Randy Travis
James Brown

4 May

Chris Brown

5 May

Michael Palin
Ian McCulloch
Ann B. Davis
George Clooney

6 May


George Orson Welles
Tony Blair
Martin Brodeur
Gary Cooper

7 May

Harry S Truman

8 May

Enrique Iglesias
John Brown
Roberto Rossellini

9 May

James L. Brooks
Fred Astaire
Glenda Jackson

10 May

Krist Novoselic
Matt Giraud

11 May

Irving Berlin
George Carlin
Tony Hawk

12 May

Carrie Prejean
Stephen Baldwin
Burt Bacharach
Emilio Estevez

13 May

Harvey Keitel
Dennis Rodman
Robert Pattinson
Stevie Wonder
George Lucas

14 May

Robert Zemeckis
Cate Blanchett
Eddy Arnold

15 May

Brian Eno
Mike Oldfield
Megan Fox
Henry Fonda

16 May

Dennis Lee Hopper
Janet Jackson
Sugar Ray Leonard

17 May

George Strait
Trent Reznor
Bob Saget

18 May

Rick Wakeman
Chow Yun Fat
Grace Jones

19 May

James Stewart
Pete Townshend
Grace Jones
Malcolm X

20 May

Joe Cocker
Notorious B.I.G

21 May

Tommy John
Judge Reinhold
Leo Sayer

22 May

Naomi Campbell
Bob Dylan


24 May

Rosanne Cash
Molly Sims


25 May

Miles Davis
Frank Oz
Robert Ludlum
Lauryn Hill

26 May

Philip Michael Thomas
Lenny Kravitz
Helena Bonham Carter
Henry Kissinger
Hank Williams, Jr.

27 May

Paul Ehrlich
Vincent Leonard Price

May 28

Ian Fleming
John F Kennedy
Carroll Baker
Gladys Knight
Kylie Minogue

29 May

Idina Menzel
LaToya Jackson
Annette Bening
Noel Gallagher
Danny Elfman

30 May

Tom Morello
Walter Whitman

31 May

Brooke Christa Shields
Clint Eastwood

Sean Kingston hospitalized after crash
Sean Kingston hospitalized after crash. "Beautiful Girls" Singer Sean Kingston Hospitalized After Jet Ski Accident.
Sean Kingston is in the hospital after crashing his Jet Ski Sunday evening in Florida, The Associated Press reports. According to a rep from the "Beautiful Girls" singer's record label, he is stabilized, as of Monday morning.

Kingston and a female companion were both injured when their watercraft hit the Palm Island Beach bridge. According to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission spokesman Jorge Pin, "nothing at this point would indicate that alcohol played a role."

Rapper Trav, who's collaborated with Kingston, told UsMagazine.com that he visited the 21-year-old Kingston in the hospital and "he is good in stable condition."

Source:omg.yahoo

Best Summer Jobs

by Shazy | 2:34 PM in |

Best Summer Jobs
Best Summer Jobs. If you are currently enrolled in college you should start thinking about where you would like work during your summer break. Money that you earn will not only help defray the cost of your college expenses but you will also be able to purchase other things that you need and want if you can find work. Working will also teach you a sense of responsibility and independence.

Don’t wait until the summer to look for work, but you should inquire about possible employment opportunities with potential employers now. Here are some excellent tips as to how you can find the best summer jobs this year.
TEMPORARY AGENCY

1. You can start looking for summer work by signing up with a temporary agency now. The agency has connections with various business establishments and can find you suitable work for the summer. You can apply for full-time or part-time temporary work. Just be sure to let them know your exact availability date.

COLLEGE WORK-STUDY

2. If you haven’t already, you should inquire about working on campus during the summer at your school now. Make an appointment to speak to someone in career services about working this summer before they get swamped with applications.

LIFEGARD

3. If you are an excellent swimmer, you should find an establishment that will be needing lifeguards this summer. (e.g.YMCA, summer camps, etc.) You should find out who you should talk to, and let them know that you are interested in becoming a lifeguard for their area this summer.

TUTOR

4. You can start looking into becoming a tutor this summer. There are hundreds of schools and various programs that are always looking for tutors for the summer. Just make sure you find the jobs that offer compensation for your services.

SUMMER CAMP

5. You might want to start asking around to find out which schools and other agencies will be hiring for summer help. Make sure you make them of aware of your interest in working for them this summer. They may tell you to come back after the school year, but at least they will know that you are interested and could possibly reserve a position for you.

RETAIL

6. Many retail shops hire college students during the season breaks. Keep in mind that many of the stores in the malls stay open late during the weekdays, so you can choose the time in which you want to work if you apply early.

RESTAURANT/FAST FOOD

7. This is by far one of the easiest places to find work. You will find that restaurants and other eating establishments have a high turnover rate. Managers like to hire college students because they know that they are dependable. But still, you should get a jump start on your search.

STORE CASHIER

8. You can check with your local supermarkets…many stores look to hire college students for the summer because they can use the extra help.

AMUSMENTS PARKS

9. An amusement park is a fun place to work but can be very stressful as well. If you are prepared to work long hours, work weekends, and can deal with large crowds, this might be the job for you. Many college students put their applications in as soon as they learn that positions are available, (usually early spring).

Concluding, don’t worry if you are not able to find a job in your major. Your main concern should be finding work for the summer. However, I do recommend that you try to find work in something that you like to do. For example, if you like to swim then you might consider looking for work as a lifeguard. Or, if you like to cook, consider working at a food establishment. Just remember that you will be competing with thousands of other students who will be looking for summer work as well, so you better get a head start!

Source: firehow

German e.coli outbreak sickens hundreds
German e.coli outbreak sickens hundreds. E. coli infections kill 6, sicken hundreds in Germany, officials say
(CNN) -- An E. coli outbreak linked to some raw vegetables has killed at least six people and sickened hundreds in Germany, national and global health authorities said Monday.

The first investigation results released by the German federal unit responsible for disease control and prevention -- the Robert Koch Institute, under Germany's Ministry of Health -- indicated that the most recent infections were likely caused by consuming raw tomatoes, cucumbers and lettuce.

The agency said it is advising consumers to avoid eating those foods, specifically in northern Germany.

The institute is investigating six deaths, according to the World Health Organization. Three of those fatalities, all adults, were caused by hemolytic-uremic syndrome, or HUS, from E. coli. The other three fatalities -- all of them elderly -- were caused by an infection linked to HUS and E. coli, said Dr. Guenael Rodier of the World Health Organization.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control said 329 cases of HUS have been reported since May 2. Though HUS is normally seen in children younger than 5, the vast majority of the current outbreak's cases are adults, and more than two-thirds are women, the center said Monday on its website.
"The source of the outbreak is under investigation, but contaminated food seems the most likely vehicle of infection," it said.

Most of the patients are from, or have been to, northern Germany, primarily Hamburg, Northern Lower Saxony and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, it said.

Cases have been reported in Sweden, the United Kingdom, Netherlands and Denmark among people who have visited Germany, most of them northern Germany, it said.

The European Food Safety Alert Network said EHEC, or enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli, a strain of E. coli that causes hemorrhage in the intestines, was found in organic cucumbers originating from Spain, packaged in Germany, and distributed to countries including Austria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Hungary, Luxembourg and Spain.

The Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition issued a statement saying that two Spanish companies producing cucumbers may be involved in the outbreak, and the agency is awaiting further results from Germany's investigation.

"This is the eye of the storm," said Oliver Grieve, a spokesman for the University Medical Centre Schleswig-Holstein, where one of the deaths occurred. "We're working 24 hours here, and we're getting patients from all over northern Germany including Hamburg."

As of Monday, 115 patients were infected with EHEC -- 68 in the medical center's Kiel campus and 47 in its Lubeck campus. Eighty-two patients were stricken by HUS -- 42 in Kiel and 40 in Lubeck, he said.

The fatality, an 86-year-old woman, died of HUS; her husband remains hospitalized with EHEC, Grieve said.

"Patients are coming in waves," he added.

Cases of bloody diarrhea associated with HUS were first reported in Germany in the second week of May. The detection of E. coli on cucumbers was first reported on May 26.

Germany's Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection advised consumers to cook their food to a minimum temperature of 70 degrees Celsius (about 160 degrees Fahrenheit) for at least two minutes to kill any E. coli bacteria. Freezing food does not kill bacteria reliably, the ministry added.

Russia said Monday it is suspending all imports of vegetables, including tomatoes, cucumbers and salad leaves, produced in Germany and Spain.

The Russian Federal Agency for Health and Consumer Rights, Rospotrebnadzor, said on its website that it has not received information from the European Union on the causes of the infection and the measures taken to "localize and eliminate the outbreak."

"A decision might be taken in the next few hours regarding the ban on imports and sales of vegetables in Russia from all EU countries," the agency said.

Surce:CNN

Celebrity May 2011 Quotes
Celebrity May 2011 Quotes. Celebrity quotes May 2011. The world didn't actually end this month, but a few careers did . Read about those swan songs, plus see which international shockers and steamy scandals made headlines in May.

Harold Camping
"There is no possibility that it will not happen because our information comes from the Bible."

The Christian radio broadcaster  was the key figure behind a popular doomsday prediction that did not come to pass.
President Barack Obama
"On nights like this one, we can say that justice has been done."

On May 1, the president announced the death of the world's most-wanted terrorist.
Arnold Schwarzenegger
"While I deserve your attention and criticism, my family does not."

The former California governor publicly admitted to having an affair and fathering a child out of wedlock . He made the admission after he and his wife announced they are separating .
Dominique Strauss-Kahn
"It is with infinite sadness that I feel compelled today to present to the Executive Board my resignation …"

The IMF accepted the resignation of its managing director after he was arrested for investigation of sexual assault charges.

Lars von Trier
"I understand Hitler ... I sympathize with him a bit."

During a press conference at a prestigious film festival, the Danish director — who's worked with the likes of Nicole Kidman and Bjork — joked about his German heritage.
Newt Gingrich
"I'm not commenting on stuff like that. ... I frankly don't want to play the gotcha games in Washington."

The GOP presidential candidate refused to address recent reports that he has carried significant debt to a luxury store.
Jennifer Lawrence
"We don't drink blood … that's sick."

This indie actress joked about her highly anticipated new movie role to David Letterman, who assumed the plot was just another "vampire deal."
Stephen Hawking
"There is no heaven. ...That is a fairy story for people afraid of the dark."

In an interview with a British newspaper, the famed physicist expressed his belief that the afterlife doesn't exist.
Hillary Clinton
"These are not Western concepts; these are universal human rights."

The secretary of state voiced these words of support of individuals "fighting for equality and justice" on May 17, a significant day for a community working to end discrimination.
Ed Fleming
"It's a historic time we're in all along the Mississippi River."

The commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers explains plans to flood a region of Louisiana to reduce pressure from the rising river.
Kristen Wiig
"We wanted to write a comedy, not a female comedy, just a comedy that has a lot of women in it."

The "SNL" alum discussed the new film that she both co-wrote and starred in
Sugar Ray Leonard
"I realized I would never be free unless I revealed the truth."

In his forthcoming autobiography, the hall of famer claimed an unnamed Olympic boxing coach abused him as a teen.
Katie Couric
"Thank you so much for coming on this extraordinary journey with me."

On May 19, the evening news anchor signed off for the last time, leaving the post after five years.
Don Lemon
"An African-American male is taught that he has to be masculine."

The cable news anchor discussed the difficulty of revealing his homosexuality, an announcement he made public in his new memoir.
Lady Gaga
"My parents got me Stevie Wonder 'Signed, Sealed, Delivered' and the Beatles when I was younger. … Good choices, Mom and Dad."

During her MTV special, Lady Gaga recalls the music she listened to growing up.
Taylor Swift
"I was watching the coverage of the tornadoes backstage at rehearsals, and I wanted to do something for the families affected by the damage."

The influential young country star held a benefit for the residents of this hard-hit Southern town
Erik Spoelstra
"For us to have a chance to win, you cannot afford to get tired."

The Miami Heat head coach egged on one of his star players, who helped the team steal an NBA playoff win from their opponents.

Oprah Winfrey
"It is done."

After 25 years of hosting, Winfrey wrapped her daytime talk show with a star-studded finale.

Source: msn

Stacey Dash vh1

by Shazy | 9:51 AM in , |

Stacey Dash vh1
Stacey Dash vh1. Apparently Stacey Dash and LisaRaye McCoy are not playing nice on their smallscreen set.

Us Weekly reports that Dash is pulling a diva maneuver on the Queen Latifah-produced "Single Ladies."

On Tuesday, Dash reportedly ran off set screaming, "No, I ain't coming back unless that b*tch gets her as* kicked!"

The 45-year-old Celebrity Circus star was referring to LisaRaye McCoy. The US Weekly source adds that everyone on set was "stunned," because McCoy, 44, was an innocent wall flower according to the source.

"It was an intimate dinner party scene so everyone was in cocktail dresses," the source says. "Stacey was screaming and running around in thousand dollar Louboutins!"

This one premieres Monday, May 30 at 9 p.m. on VH1.

Read More:monstersandcritics

James Brown apology for his drunken N-word
James Brown apology for his drunken N-word. 'I'm so sorry': Celebrity hairdresser James Brown grovels for drunken N-word rant at the Baftas.
Celebrity hairdresser James Brown has issued a grovelling apology for his drunken N-word rant at TV presenter Ben Douglas at the Baftas.

Brown repeatedly aimed the N-word at Douglas at the glittering ceremony and referred to his female companion as 'a n*****'s bitch', as revealed in the Mail On Sunday.


Theatre academy founder Douglas had refrained from naming the celebrity stylist, who is close friends with Kate Moss, but Brown came clean and issued a full apology.

In a statement he said: 'I'd like to make a public apology to Mr Douglas, to his friends and to Bafta for my offensive and stupid comments.

'The simple truth is that I had drunk far too much on the evening and my behaviour was totally unacceptable.

'Everyone who knows me knows I am not racist in any way whatsoever, but this incident has shown me that my drinking is way out of control and I need to take urgent measures to deal with it.'

Douglas confirmed that the pair had a 'full and frank conversation' about what happened.

The statement continued: 'I have been in touch with Mr Douglas and will be writing to him and to the Bafta organisers to apologise personally.

Read More:dailymail

Niecy Nash wedding
Niecy Nash wedding. Niecy Nash married boyfriend Jay Tucker, People reports.
The past Dancing with the Stars contestant and former Clean House host exchanged "I do's" with Tucker, an electrical engineer, in an outdoor ceremony at the Church Estate Vineyard in Malibu, Calif.
Her wedding party included Sherri Shepherd, The Game's Wendy Raquel Robinson, Holly Robinson-Peete and Sheryl Lee Ralph. Other guests included fellow Dancing contestants Erin Andrews and Evan Lysacek.

Saturday's wedding, and the months of planning that went into it, will be documented in a two-hour special, Niecy Nash's Wedding Bash, airing June 4 at 8/7c on TLC.

Niecy Nash on TLC wedding special: "I do not have a bride gene"
Earlier this year, Nash told TVGuide.com she didn't have the bride gene, but was just excited to be with Tucker. "I don't want to be Carrie Bradshaw. I don't want the wedding to be bigger than Big," she said in January. "I'm just grateful to know that the first time I fell in love wasn't the last time."

This is the second marriage for Nash, 41, who was previously married to Don Nash from 1994 to 2007. They have three children together.

Read More:omg.yahoo

William Catherine vanity fair cover
William Catherine vanity fair cover. Fans of Prince William and his new princess Catherine will be thrilled to know that they will be appearing on the cover of “Vanity Fair” soon. The couple married on April 29 and the excitement has not died down yet. The infatuation and adoration of the royal couple is not expected to die down for a few years.

The photographer who took pictures of the couple is named Mario Testino. Mr. Testino took a picture of William’s mother Diana, who also graced the cover of “Vanity Fair” 14 years ago. William and Catherine are one of the most loved and talked about couples in history.

Source:ecanadanow

Celebrity wedding anniversaries
Celebrity wedding anniversaries. It might seem like celebrities change mates as often as they change roles. But many have enjoyed lasting relationships. Others are just starting out their blessed unions, while some have since separated.
Celebrity wedding anniversaries. Let's take a look at the couples who have said "I do" in the month of May.
Mark Consuelos and Kelly Ripa
Mark Consuelos and talk show host Kelly Ripa, May 1, 1996.
Elvis Presley and Priscilla Beaulieu
Elvis Presley and Priscilla Beaulieu,May 2, 1967.
Dwayne Johnson and Dany Garcia
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Dany Garcia, May 3, 1997.
Forest Whitaker and Keisha Simone Nash
Actor Forest Whitaker and Keisha Simone Nash,May 4, 1996.
Donny Osmond and Debra Glenn
Singer Donny Osmond and Debra Glenn, May 5, 1978.
David Duchovny and Tea Leoni
"X-Files" actor David Duchovny and actress Téa Leoni, May 6, 1997.
Heidi Klum and Seal
Supermodel Heidi Klum and singer Seal, May 10, 2005.
Mick Jagger and Bianca Perez Morena de Macias
Singer Mick Jagger and Bianca Perez Morena de Macias, May 12, 1971.
Ben Stiller and Christine Taylor
Actors Ben Stiller and Christine Taylor, May 13, 2000.
Antonio Banderas and Melanie Griffith
Actors Antonio Banderas and Melanie Griffith, May 14, 1996.
Jane Seymour and James Keach
Actress Jane Seymour and James Keach, May 15, 1993.
Pete Wentz and Ashlee Simpson
Singers Pete Wentz and Ashlee Simpson, May 17, 2008.
Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley
Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley, May 18, 1994.
Matthew Broderick and Sarah Jessica Parker
Actors Matthew Broderick and Sarah Jessica Parker, May 19, 1997.
Mary Stuart Masterson and Damon Santostefano
Actress Mary Stuart Masterson and Damon Santostefano, May 20, 2000.
Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall
Actors Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall, May 21, 1945.
Eunice Kennedy and Sargent Shriver
Eunice Kennedy and Sargent Shriver, May 23, 1953.
Ingrid Bergman and Roberto Rossellini
Actress Ingrid Bergman and director Roberto Rossellini, May 24, 1950.
Claudia Schiffer and Matthew Vaughn
Supermodel Claudia Schiffer and Matthew Vaughn, May 25, 2002.
Lisa Kudrow and Michel Stern
Actress Lisa Kudrow and Michel Stern, May 27, 1995.
Vince Neil and Heidi Mark
Vince Neil and Heidi Mark, May 28, 2000.
Kirk Douglas and Anne Buydens
Actor Kirk Douglas and Anne Buydens, May 29, 1954.
Tommy Lee Jones and Kimberlea Gayle Cloughley
Actor Tommy Lee Jones and Kimberlea Gayle Cloughley, May 30, 1981.
Randy Travis and Elizabeth Hatcher
Country singer Randy Travis and Elizabeth Hatcher, May 31, 2002.

Source: msn

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