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Ellen DeGeneres – Great people are still everyday people

VaughnMarshall — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:18:16 -0800

Great people are still everyday people. Great people lose socks in the laundry and order Chinese food when they don’t want to cook. In the morning their breath smells and they put their pants on one leg at a time.

What makes someone great is undefinable. However greatness is easy to identify.

Entertainers are scrutinised more than any other profession. It is easy to lose them in the hype.

It is easy to forget that Ellen DeGeneres is a great entertainer. Happiness and light are often mistaken for incompetence, just as darkness is continually praised for being creative. Talent alone cannot sustain a talk show for over 1000 episodes and producers, agents and networks can only do so much. Success on the level that Ellen has achieved comes from discovering your purpose on Earth and living it with every breath.

Season 10 of American Idol is going to rest squarely on the shoulders of Ellen DeGeneres. She is going to be the selling point for the biggest show on the planet. Ellen has reportedly signed a contract to be a judge on the show for at least five seasons. American Idol viewers may not have seen Ellen at work, but someone, somewhere knows she can handle it.

On Ellen’s first day on set, reports indicate Simon Cowell showed up an hour-and-a-half late. DeGeneres was reportedly “greatly annoyed” by the tardiness. Insider sources say there are going to be two camps for Season 9. They claim Ellen has decided to try to take control since Simon is on his way out. The rumour mill, greatness’s strongest ally and enemy, is already in full force.

Whatever ensues this will make for great television.

Ellen DeGeneres knows how to make great television.

Great people get annoyed too and don’t always get it their own way.

Great people are remembered not for the arguments or speculation, but for how they transcended all of this and still made a difference.

About the author: Vaughn Alaine-Marshall is a reality-television expert and author. Überstar, Vaughn’s debut novel, is a ground-breaking exposé of reality-television as told by insider sources from the world’s biggest reality shows. Überstar is the Devil Wears Prada of reality-television. For more information go to www.uberstarthebook.com.

Smarter Eats: Have Meals at the Table

FitSugar — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:00:17 -0800

One way I've been eating healthier this year, is by practicing mindful eating. What I mean by that is I'm really taking the time to be aware of the food I eat. By doing so, I'm developing healthier food habits and eating in more responsible ways. I know it may sound a little zen, but it really works. Besides giving myself a meat budget and focusing on the simple act of chewing, what's really helped is eating my meals at the table.

In the past, whenever I ate at home I would cook my meal in the kitchen but eat it in front of the TV. Most of my friends are guilty of the same. Eventually, I started to realize how bad it is because the television - or laptop, book, etc. - becomes a big distraction from our food. Instead of taking the time to sit and really enjoy it, we're sort of just scarfing it down while something else takes center stage. Think about it: how many times have you watched a movie and were then amazed at the amount of popcorn you ate through the whole thing?

Eating at a table, free of distractions helps in a lot of ways. First of all, I take time to enjoy the taste of my food more, and by doing so I tend to eat a lot less. And since I am giving myself more time to eat, I also chew my food more. It may seem like a silly point, but chewing helps with digestion and makes you feel satisfied sooner. And now, I will get a little zen on you - for me sitting down at the table is a small way to respect the food you're eating. You put a lot of hard work into cooking it, now take the time to really enjoy it! Although it may sound silly that little bit of awareness has made me a better cook and more responsible eating. Ultimately, I care more about all aspects of the meal in a way I didn't before.

My challenge for you is to try and eat all of your meals, for the next seven days, at the table (your desk does not count as a table). Check back in with me and let me know how you did!

Alison Sweeney's Tips For Staying Healthy

FitSugar — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 05:50:27 -0800

Actress Alison Sweeney is one busy lady. Between her multiple TV gigs and having two little ones on her hands, life can be pretty hectic. In the latest issue of Shape, the Days of Our Lives star and host of The Biggest Loser says that she manages the craziness by "taking it one day at a time." Along the way, Alison has picked up a few tricks for staying healthy even when life is always on the go.

Keep veggies within reach. Alison makes sure she always has healthy food within an arm's reach. "If you clean them, cut them up, and put them in a bowl, they'll get eaten."
Opt for complex carbs. Alison reaches for complex carbs like whole grains because they keep the body satisfied. "They hold you over far longer than refined carbs, like bagels. That's why I start the day with a bowl of oatmeal."

To see more of Alison's tips, read more.

Know your weaknesses. If it's out of sight, it's out of mind! "I lose sight of my diet when I'm around savory snacks, like tortilla chips, so I don't keep them in the house."
Splurge on the real thing. "I'd rather have one small bite of something I'm craving than a fat- and sugar-free version of it. My best friend gave me an ice cream maker, so I can whip up a thick, creamy dessert and be satisfied with just a spoonful or two."
Read labels. "While working on The Biggest Loser, I learned how misleading packaging info can be, especially when it comes to serving sizes. One 'personal pizza' we found actually serves eight!"

Check out the rest of Alison's tips in the latest issue of Shape, which is currently out on newsstands.

Rachael Ray Slims Down

FitSugar — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 12:00:19 -0800

With all the burgers, beers, and EVOO Rachael Ray downs, I've always wondered how she stays so fit - I'm sure constantly being on the go helps. Just this week, Rachael was in Miami hosting her Burger Bash as part of the Food Network's annual South Beach Wine and Food Festival (SBWFF). And while I wasn't as lucky as Yum to sample the fare, I did get to read all about Rachael's exercise secrets in People. That's a worthy replacement, right?

While at the SBWFF, Rachael shared she went into serious exercise mode after having a cyst removed from her throat last year. Post surgery, she started running 3.5 miles every day: "The gym used to be my adversary. But that has all changed. Now, I look forward to it every morning." And when she talks morning, she's not kidding! To allow for gym time before heading to the TV studio to film her talk show, Rachael is usually up before 6 a.m. and raring to go. She runs for 30 minutes before heading to the gym for an hour-long workout on the elliptical. I'd say the gal loves her cardio!

How much weight has she dropped? Learn the details when you read more.

She can't tell you for sure how much weight she's lost - Rachael doesn't count calories or weigh herself - but there's definite progress. She says that her body has changed, her mind is clearer, and she's dropped several dress sizes. She doesn't slack off either. Even while letting the good times roll at the SBWFF, Rachael made a point to work out at a local Miami gym.

Hitting the local gym is a great tip to have when traveling yourself - I also pack workout DVDs and a resistance band before hopping on a plane.

Easy Chocolate Mousse Recipe

timberlake_box_lover — Sun, 19 Aug 2007 18:24:34 -0700

I thought I would post recipes once in a while that were easy but could satisfy our craving for chocolate - this sounds pretty tasty.

13 ounces bitter or semisweet chocolate
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 large egg yolks
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
2 tablespoons superfine sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

In a microwave safe bowl, combine the chopped chocolate and the butter. Heat in the microwave until melted, about 35 seconds depending on your microwave, and stir to melt completely. Whisk in the egg yolks and set aside to cool.
Pour the cream into a chilled bowl of a mixer and beat on medium speed until it starts to thicken. Add the sugar and vanilla and whisk until the cream starts to form stiff peaks. Carefully fold the whipped cream into the cooled chocolate mixture. Serve immediately or cover and chill until ready to serve.

*RAW EGG WARNING
Food Network Kitchens suggest caution in consuming raw and lightly-cooked eggs due to the slight risk of Salmonella or other food-borne illness. To reduce this risk, we recommend you use only fresh, properly-refrigerated, clean, grade A or AA eggs with intact shells, and avoid contact between the yolks or whites and the shell.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 8 to 10 servings

Courtesy of Food TV : Easy Entertaining with Michael Chiarello

Source: http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,,FOOD_9936_32267,00.htm...

Speak Up: What's Your Favorite Cheat Food?

FitSugar — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 10:00:55 -0800

This week, reality TV star Kendra Wilkinson has been road trippin' with her family and tweeting all about it. When you're visiting a small town or limited to roadside food, it can be hard to stay on track. Kendra's solution: cheat, cheat, cheat. Instead of staying on track while on the road, Kendra has decided to embrace her surroundings and is eating local Missouri fare like chili dogs and chocolate. This is definitely not normal eating for Kendra - after giving birth to her baby in December, she dropped 25 pounds in just two months through diet and exercise.

Like Kendra, I definitely give myself license to cheat a little - especially on vacation. I never pass up a plate lunch in Hawaii, and even though I rarely eat pizza, I always sneak in a slice when I'm in NYC. I've even been known to stop at In-N-Out Burger after driving home from a strenuous climbing trip. It's not how I normally eat, but when I'm on vacation I give myself license to indulge just a bit.

How about you - what's your favorite cheat food?

Michelle Obama's anti-obesity initiative generates a childish pushback

liliblu — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 10:35:06 -0800

By Kevin Huffman
Saturday, February 20, 2010

Watching Shaun White drop into the halfpipe at the Vancouver Games, it's easy to forget that America is the most sedentary nation on Earth. The Daily Beast this week released the results of the Couch Potato Olympics, analyzing statistics for 24 industrialized nations in calories consumed, television watched, aversion to playing sports (yes, there's data on that) and Internet use. Congratulations, compatriots: We took home the gold!

And while Americans are most likely to celebrate White's Double McTwist 1260 with a double quarter-pounder with cheese, we're also excellent candidates for the Olympic committee's promotion: "Follow us on Twitter and you might win a cool video game!"
In this context, you'd think it would be hard to complain about Michelle Obama's childhood obesity campaign. The "Let's Move" initiative aims to improve access to healthful food and to encourage exercise. It's a good project for the first lady. She has the bully pulpit to make a difference, and it allows her to show off her guns on a regular basis -- kapow!
But if there is anything that upsets right-wingers more than Michelle Obama, it's people messing with our right to live the fat life. Combine the two, and it's on.
Michelle Malkin accused the first lady of "playing the national security card" by pointing out that one-third of our military's potential recruits are too fat and out of shape to qualify. (You can imagine how appalled Malkin must have been, since Republicans are so cautious with the national security card.)
Glenn Beck weighed in, too: "This is torn from the pages of the progressive playbook. You're too stupid. You need the government to fix your life . . . They're coming and they are slowly but surely taking away your freedom under the guise of helping you."
Sorry, guys, but someone needs to spell it out: Our kids don't eat well, they don't exercise and, just like their parents, they're getting fat.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have a deeply troubling digital map showing the fattening of America over the past 25 years. You can watch the country chunk up state by state as the map flashes annually from 1985 to the present. Looking at the map, I felt the same foreboding sense I had watching tech stocks 10 years ago and housing prices five years ago. This is a human bubble. It can't be sustained. And when it pops, it's going to be ugly. We're quite literally whistling past the graveyard.
The first lady's initiative isn't going to wash away past excesses, but she's shining a spotlight on a critical issue and taking some important steps. As a parent of school-age children, I can join the amen chorus when Obama calls for more nutritious school meals, comprehensible food labels, helpful tips from pediatricians and changing the 1950s-era presidential physical fitness standards. (As long as they don't give up the rope climb. How many times in life have we all been grateful for the hard-earned lessons of the rope climb?)
Still, it's worth pausing to feel just a little sad that this is where we are as a country. This is least-common-denominator stuff, and we should all be disturbed that we need a White House initiative for basic health habits, that our aspiration is to do the obvious. Put down the Doritos. Eat more fruits and vegetables. Get off the couch. America may not be able to create "green" jobs or provide health insurance to poor people, but doggone it, we can make sure we don't have to roll our kids to school.
Beck's response typifies the childlike populist pushback to any effort to tell an unfortunate truth, particularly if resolving the problem involves a modicum of discomfort. We don't want to hear about global warming, especially if we have to give up the super-sized SUV. We don't want to hear about health-care costs -- we should be able to gorge on the diminishing returns of endless medical tests. And if the first lady wants us to eat more healthful food and hit the gym, she should mind her own beeswax. We pass on the costs and the girth to our kids, and hope it will somehow all just work out.
We're a week into the Olympics and the United States is hanging tough at the top of the medal standings. Our best athletes are clutch, and a little global butt-kicking is good for the national soul. Even better, though, would be a sustained commitment to building a healthier country, a nation with a little less watching and a little more doing.
The writer won The Post's "America's Next Great Pundit" contest.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/02/19/AR2010021902169.html?hpid=opinionsbox1

U.S. Obesity Trends

Trends by State 1985–2008

http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/trends.html
First lady Michelle Obama: 'Let's move' and work on childhood obesity problem
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/02/09/AR2010020900791.html

Michelle Obama plays the “national security” card

By Michelle Malkin http://michellemalkin.com/2010/02/10/michelle-obama-plays-the-national-security-card/

SNEAK PEEK: Inside Grammy Week Parties

kty — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 16:18:02 -0800

By Marisa Laudadio and Jessica Herndon
Nothing says Grammys like a good party – unless it's a week full of them. The biggest names in music and Hollywood are expected to turn out at a string of galas starting Wednesday and going until the wee hours after the awards show Sunday, and PEOPLE has all the details:

Grammy Night

Following the awards telecast from L.A.'s Staples Center on CBS, winners, losers and thousands of others head to the official Grammy Celebration next door, where Wolfgang Puck serves up the food. Across the street, Jamie Foxx will welcome more than 500 guests to his private party at the Conga Room at L.A. Live. Expect to see a mix of musicians and actors – Ke$ha, Nicole Kidman, Simon Baker, Pink and Carey Hart, Maroon 5, Common, director Ron Howard, Nick Cannon and Mariah Carey are expected – who will catch performances from Foxx's Grammy-nominated friends and will leave with Kipling Travel Bags stocked with goodies from Blue Microphones and Godiva. The EMI family will celebrate its 56 nominations with an after-party at the new W Hollywood. Guests including Katy Perry, Lady Antebellum, Keith Urban and Diana Krall will take home souvenir photos from the Samsung Mobile Lounge and can play DJ Hero on Xbox consoles around the party. To close out the night, Universal Motown Republic Group will celebrate its artists including India.Arie, Jay Sean, Drake and Kid Cudi at a cocktail party at the W Westwood, while Sony Music Entertainment hosts an intimate reception for its nominees. Meanwhile nominee Maxwell will be feted at the Mondrian. Also happening Grammy week:

Wednesday

Essence magazine honors nine-time Grammy winner Mary J. Blige at its Black Women in Music reception at the Sunset Tower Hotel, sponsored by Lincoln and featuring cocktails by Belvedere, with a guest list that includes Best New Artist nominee Keri Hilson, Jill Scott, Ne-Yo, Joy Bryant and Holly Robinson Peete. Taylor Swift will perform for honorees including Tim McGraw and Faith Hill at An Unforgettable Evening benefiting EIF's Women's Cancer Research Fund at the Beverly Wilshire. The Grammys will honor Placido Domingo at its Salute to Classical Music, and its Producers and Engineers Wing celebrates Chris Blackwell and the music of Island Records with Jimmy Jam, Quincy Jones and LMFAO at The Village recording studios.

Thursday

Colbie Caillat, The Fray and Jason Mraz are among the performers at the 12th Annual GRAMMY Foundation Music Preservation Project "Cue The Music: A Celebration Of Music And Television" at the Wilshire Ebell Theater. After Will.i.am – along with blink-182's Mark Hoppus, All American Rejects frontman Tyson Ritter and Grammy photographer Danny Clinch – take questions from the audience at the Gillette Uncut film series Q&A at the Grammy Museum, the Black Eyed Peas nominee heads to the Palladium to perform at the first annual Data Awards, a Dipdive.com and Blackberry-sponsored event honoring the DJ community. Fashion-conscious nominees Kings of Leon, who just launched their own clothing line, Pink, Silversun Pickups and comedian Russell Brand are expected at the John Varvatos for Grammy label T-shirts debut party at the designer's boutique.

Friday

The night's big-ticket event is the MusiCares person of the Year tribute to Neil Young. Following a reception and silent auction to benefit the MusiCares Foundation, more than 1,500 guests will be treated to tribute performances of Young's music by artists including Dave Matthews, Josh Groban, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Elton John and Sheryl Crow at the L.A. Convention Center. After the big show, insiders will head over to late-night parties like the 13th annual Friends and Family bash at Paramount Studios, and producer Tricky Stewart and RedZone Entertainment's 2nd Annual Pre-Grammy party, which is expected to draw The-Dream, Christina Aguilera, Beyoncé, Katy Perry, Usher and more to hotspot Wonderland.

Saturday

The guest and performer list always remains top-secret at the Pre-Grammy Gala and Grammy Salute to Industry Icons at the Beverly Hilton. Presented by the Recording Academy and legendary music mogul Clive Davis, this year's event will honor Doug Morris, the Worldwide Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Universal Music Group. Last year guests included Paul McCartney, Prince, Diddy, Rihanna, Chris Brown, the Jonas Brothers and Taylor Swift. Before Davis's bash, the Green Music Group – a new coalition founded by artists including Dave Matthews Band, Linkin Park, Maroon 5, Willie Nelson and Sheryl Crow – will gather at Jane's House, while the Recording Academy will honor the artistic contributions of Michael Jackson, Bobby Darin and Leonard Cohen, among others, at the Wilshire Ebell Theater. Late-night, the Key Club hosts artists Estelle, Ledisi, John Legend and Keri Hilson at the annual Roots Jam Session.Watch the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards on Jan. 31 at 8 p.m. ET/PT, live on CBS – and catch up on all the news and style from the show on PEOPLE.com!

Charlie Simpson, 7, raises £125k for Haiti appeal in one day

Tulipe — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 07:32:36 -0800

By Ryan Parry 25/01/2010
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2010/01/25/charlie-simpson-7-ra...

The mother of Haiti bike boy Charlie Simpson said last night: I am so proud of him.

Mum Leonora, whose seven-year-old had raised an astonishing £125,000 for earthquake victims yesterday with a sponsored ride, said she was stunned at how Charlie's idea had taken off.

She added: What started off as a little cycle round the park with his dad has turned into something a lot bigger than that and we can't believe it.

Hes done really well. Hes worked hard and he's raised a phenomenal amount of money. He really felt strongly about this and thought that something had to be done. It was great to see him so motivated. I am extremely proud of our Charlie.

Charlie initially hoped to raise a more modest sum of s500for Unicef's Haiti appeal by pedalling five miles round South Park, near his home in Fulham, West London.

But things began to take off after he put his appeal on the JustGiving website, which helps raise online charity cash.

Then as his story was picked up by TV stations money began to flood in. Within hours of Charlie climbing off his bike donations had reached s53,000 in just 24 hours.

Leonora said her son had been deeply moved by the plight of the Haitians. She added: He was really upset by the pictures on TV. He actually burst into tears. He sat on my lap and we had a chat about the things he could do. He decided to do the cycle ride and he made me do a sponsorship form and that was it. We sent it out on the web and it just went everywhere.

Charlie said: I just think it was quite sad when I saw the pictures on the TV.

On his JustGiving page, he added: I want to do a sponsored bike ride for Haiti because there was a big earthquake and loads of people have lost their lives. I want to make some money to buy food, water and tents for everyone in Haiti.

Unicef's Michael Newsome said: Theres something quitespecial about a child in the UK reaching out to the children of Haiti.Its quite fabulous.

The charity said the cash raised by Charlie would make a huge difference. It added: Hes helping to provide water to hundreds of thousands of people. Were all overwhelmed with the response to Charlie's bikeride. We've never had anyone raise so much in one day.

Most of the donations to Charlie's JustGiving page which can be found at www.justgiving.com/CharlieSimpson-HAITI were for s10 or s20,although some had given as much as s500. Charlie's grandparents were among the first to donate, giving s100. They said: Well done Charlie we are proud of you, Nanna & Pops.

Dad Daniel also gave s100 and wrote: Go on Charlie!!! I will be right by your side!!

The messages from other donors showed how inspirational Charlie's efforts had been. One said: People like you can change the world.

Another added: Charlie, you're a little star. Thanks for making me put my hand in my pocket.

SAG Memorable Moments: Drew Gets Nauseous, Felicity Can't See

kty — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 19:58:58 -0800

By Brian Orloff
Sure, it was an auspicious night for many actors – including Sandra Bullock and the cast of Glee – who took top honors at Saturday's Screen Actors Guild Awards. But the night was also full of hilarious, off-the-cuff moments from the laid-back awards show, which finds the nominated actors casually sitting at banquet tables with plenty of food – and drinks. Here are five of our favorite moments from the SAG Awards:

Drew's Sickly Sweet Acceptance Speech

Was it something she ate? An overwhelmed Drew Barrymore admitted to feeling a little ill while accepting her outstanding actor in a miniseries or television movie award for Grey Gardens. "Right now I feel really sick and nervous," she said in a speech punctuated by pauses and lots of 'ums.' "And that is a good thing because when you feel that way, I think you're on a good path – at least in a professional sense." The actress also noted she wasn't the best extemporaneous speaker. "Improv is usually a good thing and it's backfiring on me very badly right now," she said. "I want to speak from my heart and spontaneously and it's not going well."

Felicity Is Short Sighted

Good thing Alec Baldwin was there! While announcing the nominees for outstanding actor in a drama series, Felicity Huffman couldn't read the teleprompter. Why? She wasn't wearing her glasses. "You're going to have to click up the type because I can't see that," the squinting actress said. "I don't have my glasses on … [I'm] not going to be able to do it."

Sherri Loves Michael Jackson

Sherri Shepherd had everyone cracking up when she professed her love for the late Michael Jackson during the traditional "I'm an Actor" introductions that open the telecast. Detailing how she'd camp outside of the pop star's L.A. compound and imagine they were married, the View host – and Precious star – confessed to the crowd, "As husband and wife I never pictured us having sex. We just wore matching gloves."

Mo'Nique Goes on a Kissing Spree

Before collecting her outstanding supporting actor in a drama award, Mo'Nique spread the love around the Shrine Auditorium. En route to the stage, the actress kissed her costar Aunt Dot, best supporting actor winner Christoph Waltz and, saving the best for last, planted a big smooch on Morgan Freeman's cheek, who was ready and waiting for her with her Actor award.

Jeff Bridges Won't Wrap It Up

A clearly gracious Jeff Bridges wasn't ready to leave the stage while accepting his best actor in a drama award for Crazy Heart at the end of Saturday's telecast. "Please wrap it up? Oh man!" the actor exclaimed midway through his speech. Luckily, Meryl Streep had his back, telling the actor, "Don't listen to it," which, well, he didn't – at least for another minute or two.