Jersey Shore Season 5 trailer: So long, Vinny

Posted by Johan on Wednesday, December 7, 2011

They're back! The stars of Jersey Shore are returning with all-new episodes of the ratings-smashing MTV reality soap. Take a sneak peek at the fifth season of Jersey Shore in this newly-released teaser trailer. The Shoresters invade Seaside Heights Jan. 5 at 10 p.m. ET/PT.

Boozing? Check. Bronzing? Got it. Brawling? You betcha. Sounds like a new season of Jersey Shore to us!

Good news, Shore Fans: You won’t have to wait very long for your next dose of GTL.

The trailer for the new season of Jersey Shore arrived on Tuesday. Following six weeks of hijinks in Florence, Italy, Snooki, Pauly, The Situation and the rest of the Jersey Shore housemates return to their old stomping ground in Seaside Heights in the fifth season of the hit docu-soap, premiering Jan. 5 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on MTV.

The preview offers a first glimpse at Vinny Guadagnino's apparent decision to leave the house and return home to Staten Island. Thongs flew at half-staff all over the Garden State last July, as the reality TV world reacted to news that the "educated guido’s" fist-pumping days were seemingly ovah.

Sources close to the show said Vinny, an aspiring lawyer/actor, was feeling "burned out" and "homesick" in the days leading up to his departure. His absence could force the remainder of the cast to select a replacement roommate.

T-Shirt Time may never be the same.

Vinny says sorry for Jersey Shore rape rap >>

The two-minute sneak peek also shows a vicious club brawl that leaves The Sitch with a bloody face and showcases Snooki's drama over whether to hit Karma nightclub wearing  pink underwear emblazoned with the name of her ex-boyfriend, Jionni.

Hardcore Shore viewers can relive every vodka-soaked moment of the show's fourth season when Jersey Shore Uncensored: Season Four is released on DVD Dec. 27.

Should make an excellent Kwanzaa gift.

Image courtesy MTV

07 Dec, 2011


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Best craft blogs for moms

Posted by Johan

You might be the next Martha Stewart or maybe you don't even own a glue gun. Either way, these five crafty moms offer something lovely to create for everyone. And they'll make you look like you know what you're doing!

best mom blogs

Oh Happy Day

Oh Happy Day

Why we love this blog: Honestly, it's just absolutely delightful to see what Jordan will think up next -- whether you end up making anything featured or ever plan a party!

Oh, how could you not fall in love with Oh Happy Day? A mom of two living in Paris for the year, Jordan Ferney has a most wonderful gift for finding charming DIY projects to share that you didn't even know you couldn't live without.

The finest resource for whimsical do-it-yourself projects on the web, Jordan's expertise with letterpress and event planning provides a strong foundation for the pretty things featured daily on her blog. Moms will be inspired to create their own glittered flatware, floral party headbands and incredibly inventive ways to use alphabet pasta for your next art project. The party ideas and imaginative crafts keep readers excited for what they'll find in the next post. Oh Happy Day makes moms happy indeed.

 

Make and Takes

Make and Takes

Why we love this blog: The kids crafts at Make and Takes are creative yet simple and sensible, made from items most moms already have on hand.

Make and Takes creator Marie LaBaron is a former kindergarten teacher and mom of three. Her main focus is to bring crafty learning into your home, and every post highlights something you can make and take!

Moms will find an abundance of age-appropriate kids crafts, home projects and recipes the whole family will love. The activities and crafts will keep kids engaged and moms happy -- from free seasonal and holiday coloring pages to Marie's secret for the best mashed potatoes you'll ever make, Make and Takes takes the cake.

 

Make It and Love It

Make It and Love It

Why we love this blog: Make It and Love It features projects that moms like, and Ashley's approachable personality invites crafters of all skills to design and create.

Ashley of the wildly popular Make It and Love It learned to sew as a young girl by watching her mom. Despite having advanced sewing skills, she admits to taking shortcuts whenever possible. Her three children are the main inspiration for her creations, as is the same for many crafty moms.

Readers can browse free tutorials and even shop from some of Ashley's own patterns. Adorable little girls' dresses, basic skirts and fun zippered tees are just some of the projects featured on her blog. There's something for everyone to make and love, including repurposing, home decor and even no-sew projects for those of us who can't sew. Ashley even has a group for readers to share photos of their finished projects with each other.

 

The Crafty Crow 

The Crafty Crow 

Why we love this blog: Cassi encourages the family connection by creating a fantastic landing place full of the best art projects and crafts for kids on the internet.

The Crafty Crow is a fabulous children's craft blog filled with ideas and creations collected from around the web. Cassi, creator of the collective blog, is a single homeschooling mom to her three children. She's a craft designer by trade and enjoys featuring projects inspired by nature and open-ended art for a more creative experience for the kids and parents.

Readers will find helpful tips and tools as well as a category section boasting thousands of ideas -- a huge resource in finding the best craft projects to make with the family.

 

Lil Blue Boo

Lil Blue Boo

Why we love this blog: Ashley is incredibly talented and generous to share her ideas and direction for the good of making beautiful art and fashion.

Ashley of Lil Blue Boo can do it all, from sewing to painting to even using power tools. And she has her MBA. A mom to one daughter, Ashley blogs her passion for creating one-of-a-kind pieces for both adults and kids. Her wish is to encourage others to find their creative streak and run with it.

Lil Blue Boo's posts about making your own wooden dolls are absolutely genius. With tutorials, the most creative free downloads and her own shop featuring her unique patterns and recycled clothing designs for sale, readers might never leave.

 

Tell us

What is your favorite craft blog for moms? Share in the comments section below!

Read more on mom blogs

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07 Dec, 2011


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Holiday shopping trends

Posted by Johan

Retail sales during Black Friday weekend soared to $52.4 billion, according to the National Retail Federation. Since that time, however, holiday shopping has fizzled a bit. Most who haven't finished their shopping yet are waiting for last-minute deals.

Holiday shopping

The ARG/UBS Christmas Forecast found that American shoppers are split in two camps: those who are already done shopping and those who are holding out for last-minute bargains. With hardly anyone in between, retailers aren't getting much sold right now.

The survey, which was conducted from Dec. 2 to 4, found that 15.1 percent of consumers have already completed their holiday shopping, up from 11.5 percent at this time last year. On the flip side, nearly 60 percent plan to wait until the days just before Christmas for last-minute deals, up from slightly less than half of those polled last year. More than 41 percent say they are waiting to see 70-percent-off signs before they head back to the stores.

According to America's Research Group, about a third of consumers have finished most of their holiday shopping at this point. So,if you want to shop right now, there's not that many people at the stores. The bad news for retailers is that they are probably going to have to lower prices more than they'd like or find other incentives to draw people into their stores.

Other interesting stats from the ARG/UBS Christmas Forecast include:

  • Online shopping continues to rise at 25.1 percent, nearly double the 13.4 percent last year.
  • Gift-card purchases, which had been in a decline since peaking in 2006, have returned to a five-year high of 36.8 percent, up from 30.2 percent last year.
  • Self purchases are on the rise, too, with 33.3 percent of shoppers having bought gifts for themselves, up from 30.6 percent in 2010.

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07 Dec, 2011


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Terrence Howard: I'm not a wife beater!

Posted by Johan

Actor Terrence Howard -- whose credits include Iron Man and Law & Order: Los Angeles -- is hitting back at allegations that he hits his wife.

Critically-acclaimed actor Terrence Howard -- who earned a Best Actor Oscar nod for playing a pimp-turned-rapper in the 2006 drama Hustle & Flow -- is accused of playing a real-life game of "Whoop That Trick" with his estranged wife.

Howard has been ordered to stay at least 100 yards away from his ex amid allegations that he harassed, threatened and even battered her during their almost two-year union.

On Tuesday, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Scott Gordon granted Michelle Ghent Howard a temporary restraining order against her famous husband after the frightened bride filed a lengthy declaration alleging domestic violence. She says the abuse began just weeks after the couple's wedding.

Michelle, a commercial production employee, cited "irreconcilable differences" when she filed for divorce from Howard on Jan. 27. The filing came only one year and one week after the lovebirds tied the knot on Jan. 20, 2010. The bride now claims she's developed chronic health issues as result of vicious beatings at the hands of Terrence, 42.

The soon-to-be former Mrs. Howard says the Iron Man actor is verbally abusive, has hit her several times and threatened to throw her off a hotel balcony during a trip to South Africa last year.

"Despite my efforts to remove myself physically from life, his periodic mood swings from anger, threats and violence to statements of love and requests for reconciliation continue and have not subsided," she wrote in legal documents filed this week.

Terrence, for his part, denies ever abusing his ex.

"I live in constant fear of Michelle's endeavors to ruin my reputation; even providing this declaration may well lead to my being subjected to a paparazzi blitz which would not be good for my career," Howard wrote in his own sworn declaration to the court.

Terrence says that the abuse claims were concocted by Michelle in an attempt to secure a hefty alimony settlement from him. According to Howard, his wife has even threatened to sell a video of him singing naked in the shower if he refuses to open up his wallet to her.

The restraining order will remain in effect until a Jan. 17 court hearing.

This, of course, isn't the first time Howard has come under fire for his allegedly explosive temper.

In August, the former star of NBC's Law & Order: Los Angeles left a threatening message on a stranger’s voicemail, mistakenly believing the man had been secretly chatting with Michelle.

"N**ga, you been calling my wife… If you call my wife again I'm going to come to your house and I'm going to cut your f***ing throat," a livid Terrence bellowed in the now-viral message. "Understand that. I'm gonna tell you this one time. You call my wife again, I'm going to kill you."

In another rage-related incident, Terrence was arrested by Pennsylvania cops in September 2001 for assaulting his first wife, Lori McCommas. While McCommas was speaking with a police dispatcher, Howard "showed up at the victim's residence and began breaking the door down."

He eventually grabbed his wife's left arm and "punched her twice with a closed fist in the left side of the face," according to a report from the Whitemarsh Police Department unearthed in 2009. When authorities responded to the scene, Howard admitted, "I broke the door down and hit my wife."

In 2003, the couple divorced after 14 years of marriage. They remarried in 2005 -- but split again two years later.

Image courtesy WENN.com 

07 Dec, 2011


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Revenge preview: "Loyalty"

Posted by Johan

Now that the real Emily Thorne is making herself cozy in the Hamptons, will everything fake Emily has been working for go up in flames? Keep reading for a preview of this week's Revenge.

Loyalties will be tested on Revenge this week, as the battle to neutralize Tyler heats up and the real Emily Thorne settles into the past life of Amanda Clarke . 

On this week's new episode of Revenge, "Loyalty," Fake Emily begins to doubt Nolan's commitment to the plan when she stumbles upon a "secret" he's been keeping. 

She's always got a plan, however, and will use the information in her fight against Tyler, which could unleash a "dangerous" side to the frat boy we haven't seen yet. 

Elsewhere, fake Amanda begins settling into the real Amanda's old life as news of her arrival begins to make its way through town. 

Victoria will also take back power that she lost.

Check out a preview of "Loyalty," then head back to ABC on Wednesday night for the full episode...

ABC officially describes "Loyalty" as the following: "Emily questions Nolan's loyalty when she discovers a secret of his, but eventually uses it to her advantage in her battle against Tyler. Unfortunately, it sets in motion a chain of events that prove just how dangerous Tyler is. Meanwhile, Amanda makes herself more comfortable in the Hamptons as word of her presence spreads. Victoria regains some power, and things get very ugly between her and Conrad, on "Revenge," Wednesday, Dec. 7 , on the ABC Television Network."

We want to hear your thoughts on the real Emily Thorne -- do you think she's going to end up a victim or survive the remainder of the season? 

What about Tyler? Are his days numbered on Revenge

Head over to our comments section and sound off! How do you like your revenge? 

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Photo courtesy of ABC

07 Dec, 2011


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Lady Gaga brings anti-bully crusade to the White House

Posted by Johan

Lady Gaga visited the White House today to chat about anti-bullying campaigns with the Obama administration. What went down?

Lady Gaga

Just a day after winning the Hero Award from the Trevor Project, Lady Gaga is back at work -- but not on the stage. The "Marry the Night" singer headed over to the White House to discuss her anti-bullying crusade with the Obama administration.

"Lady Gaga is a source of strength for many young people who feel isolated and scared at their schools. Today, I had the opportunity to welcome her to the White House, where we discussed ways we could work together to make sure that no child comes under attack, regardless of his or her race, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other factor," wrote White House senior advisor Valerie Jarrett in a White House blog post.

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"Lady Gaga has described this cause as a personal one -- she has said that as a child, she was often picked on for being different. I am deeply moved by the way she has used her story, and her success, to inspire young people and shine the spotlight on important issues."

"As we continue protecting our children, we look forward to working with Lady Gaga, the Born This Way Foundation and with every American who is willing to help make our society more kind, inclusive, and equal."

While President Obama was not at the meeting, Lady Gaga already had a chance to meet him. She attended a fundraiser for his reelection campaign earlier this year.

Lady Gaga once described her own brush with schoolyard bullies, "The boys picked me up and threw me in the trash can on the street, on the corner of my block while all the other girls from the school were leaving and could see me in the trash," she said in her MTV special Lady Gaga: Inside On the Outside.

"It didn't sink in with me how bullying affected me until later in my life. I knew that it affected me deeply but it wasn't until a little bit later that I realized how much it affected me and how much it was still very present."

Image courtesy Michael Carpenter/ WENN.com

07 Dec, 2011


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Giuliana Rancic: Mastectomy scars are a "badge of courage"

Posted by Johan on Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Giuliana Rancic has elected to undergo a double mastectomy. The E! News host has no delusions about what permanent impact the procedure will have on her body, and is choosing to look at her future scars as a "badge of courage."

Giuliana RancicGiuliana Rancic's double mastectomy was the topic of Tuesday's episode of The Wendy Williams Show. The E! News host, who is scheduled for surgery next week, opened up about her outlook on her body for the future.

Giuliana Rancic, who has elected to have a double mastectomy followed by immediate reconstructive surgery, shared on the show, "Listen, I love my girls, but I'm gonna feel more like a woman when this is all done."

The 37-year-old added that she feels "scars are beautiful. I think scars tell a story." Giuliana was joined on set by husband and Giuliana and Bill co-star Bill Rancic, who, it seems, has been trying to find a little humor in a stressful situation.

Giuliana Rancic speculated of her breasts after reconstruction: "They might come out looking even hotter. You gotta have fun with this. We find the humor in everything. Bill helped pick 'em out. I'm like, 'Bill, that big? Really?'"

Of the choice to undergo a double mastectomy the television personality shared during her Today show announcement, "It's important to me to get the cancer out... 'Mastectomy' the word seemed so scary to me at first. After doing research and seeing the advancements, the surgery has come a long way from 20 years ago. The results can be incredible. Not only can it save your life, but you can come out feeling healthier and with a positive self-image."

Bill Rancic added a hopeful note during the pair's appearance, saying, "Our goal is to be done with this by Christmastime and not look back."

Giuliana is pictured here working the red carpet at the premiere of In the Land of Blood and Honey on Monday, Dec. 5. The event reportedly is the last scheduled day of work for the E! News host before her double mastectomy and reconstruction surgery.

Image via WENN

07 Dec, 2011


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