Elizabeth Smart: Engaged!

January 20, 2012


Elizabeth Smart, who was kidnapped by Brian David Mitchell from her home in 2002 at age 14, only to be found nine months later, is engaged, her father Ed confirms.

“We’re very excited for her,” Ed said Friday. “She told us at home last Saturday.”

“I wasn’t really surprised. They’ve been so happy together. We’re thrilled. We’re looking forward to her moving on to this next stage and leading a very happy life.”

Ed, who is staying mum on wedding details, including the groom’s name, says Elizabeth “wants to keep it very private and feels very strongly about that right now.”

Elizabeth Smart Pic

The Salt Lake Tribune reports that wedding registries at Williams-Sonoma and Pottery Barn list an July 1 wedding date for Elizabeth Smart and Matthew Gilmour.

So, that’s probably his name.

Chris Thomas, a rep for Elizabeth, says he can’t confirm the wedding date or the name of Smart’s fiancé, but says, “I know they’re looking at a summer wedding.”

“There are a lot of details to still be worked out. She’s very public in her child advocacy work, but has decided she wants to keep her personal life private.”

Congratulations to Elizabeth, her fiance and her family!

[Photo: WENN.com]

John King Ignores Ron Paul, Gets Booed By Crowd at S.C. Debate


John King did not have a good night Thursday.

At last night’s CNN debate in Charleston, S.C., the network’s moderator was absolutely eviscerated by Newt Gingrich after King brought up his ex-wife’s recent interview in undoubtedly the event’s most memorable exchange.

Not only that, he seemed to skip over Ron Paul – a doctor by trade – more than once, most notably during an exchange about the candidates abortion positions:

Following a back-and-forth between Republican presidential candidates Gingrich, Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum, King changed the topic, only to be booed by the crowd.

Because he had completely ignored the fourth candidate on stage, Paul.

Paul laughed off the oversight, noting “John, once again, it’s a medical subject and I’m a doctor!” Paul, an obstetrician, went on to weigh in on the subject.

The Texas Congressman voiced concerns about federal funding of institutions providing abortions, saying such decisions should be made on a state-by-state basis.

South Carolina’s crucial primary takes place tomorrow.

Mark Wahlberg on 9/11 Controversy: I’m Just a Real Guy From the Streets!


Mark Wahlberg is continuing to walk back his recent comments about September 11, saying he made a mistake but attempting to put it in some context.

In the latest issue of Men’s Journal, the actor said that he would have handled things differently had he been on one of the planes downed by terrorists.

Wahlberg’s 9/11 comments were widely criticized and he quickly apologized. Speaking to Kidd Kraddick in the Morning on Friday, he explained it as such:

Wahlberg, M.

“I would never disrespect the victims of 9/11 or their families. It was misunderstood. My only intention was to explain that I would do anything to protect my family – I would put myself in harms way to protect my family or innocent people.”

“That was it. First and foremost, I am not speaking as an actor.”

“I am a real guy from the streets and I’ve been in a lot of situations, so I was very out of line and I wasn’t thinking about the real heroes and the guys, women, children, fathers, sons, daughters who were on those flights.”

This came up because Wahlberg was initially booked on one of the flights hijacked out of Boston on 9/11/01, before serendipitously moving his flight.

“If I was on that plane with my kids, it wouldn’t have went down like it did,” he told the magazine. “There would have been a lot of blood in that first-class cabin and then me saying, ‘OK, we’re going to land somewhere safely, don’t worry.’”

His comments greatly offended some victims of 9/11.

“People are much more vigilant now than they were on 9/11,” Mary Shetchet, a spokesperson for the support group Voices Of 9/11, explained.

“10 years later it easy to say you would have responded differently.”

Camille Grammer: Not Returning for Season 3 of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills?


According to a new report, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills will look a bit different on season three.

Despite an all-time ratings high for this franchise on Monday night, producers are said to be axing Camille Grammer from the roster and are already on the lookout for her replacement.

Camille Grammer on The Real Housewives

“Producers are asking Lisa Vanderpump, Adrienne Maloof and Kyle Richards if any of their wealthy female friends would be interested in appearing on the show,” a Bravo insider tells Radar Online. “It’s an open secret that Camille most likely won’t be back for a third season. She came off as such a bitch during season one, whereas this season she has been very reserved, and she isn’t exactly eager to return.”

It’s true that executives were concerned early on during filming that Camille was so worried over losing custody of her children that she refrained from the customary antics of the nut jobs who appear on the show.

And, yes, ratings are high (2.2 million viewers this week!), but let’s be honest. That will continue to be the case as long as estranged spouses of of the stars continue to kill themselves in between seasons.

Katy Perry Unfollows Russell Brand on Twitter


Katy Perry is cutting ties with Russell Brand in EVERY WAY.

The 27-year-old pop singer has unfollowed her soon-to-be ex-husband on Twitter. As of Friday afternoon (a slow news Friday afternoon) Perry no longer follows Brad.

She is still one of the 78 people Brand subscribes to however.

Katy Perry and Russell

It’s not surprising, given that Perry is only communicating with Brand, 36, via phone or email. “She’s limiting those interactions,” a source says of the couple.

“He’s being so atrocious, she feels like she never really knew him.”

Perry has been keeping Brand off her mind by focusing on her career: she performed in Jakarta, Indonesia, on Thursday, and she recently shot an Adidas ad.

“She doesn’t want to look battered and have people for sorry for her,” a source says. “She’s very strong and confident and looking forward to the next chapter.”

She’s the most cheat-worthy star on the planet according to married guys, if she ever needs a little confidence boost. Or some amoral companionship.

[Photo: WENN.com]

Seven Rules For Dating Bachelorette Emily Maynard


Emily Maynard has been confirmed as The Bachelorette, a full six months before the summer premiere and well before filming has even begun on the new season.

While ABC has not officially announced that the 26-year-old North Carolinian will star on the show, it’s been reported by People, EW, E! News and numerous others.

It’s happening, and the casting was likely leaked early on purpose.

That’s because Emily Maynard is a different kind of Bachelorette, and guys had better know what they’re in for. Here’s a little tip sheet for prospective suitors …

E. Maynard

  • Ricki, Ricki, Ricki. Maynard and her 6-year-old daughter, are incredibly close. So much show that production is moving to their hometown of Charlotte, N.C. Any fellas coming on The Bachelorette are really wooing two women.
  • The past matters. Maynard lost her fiance, NASCAR driver Ricky Hendrick, at age 19. Days after Ricky’s death, Maynard learned she was pregnant. She named their only child after him, and remains close to his family.

  • The more recent past matters. While it didn’t work out with Brad Womack after The Bachelor, he and Maynard are still close. Womack “taught me that I have it in me to love again,” Emily said. “He’s always going to be a part of my life.”

Emily Maynard, Brad Womack Pic

  • Image matters. As a mother, Emily is not likely to be sexualized or over-the-top in her pursuit of a good time on the show. Guys should act accordingly.
  • Patience is a priority. A beautiful Southern belle, Maynard can find a date any time she wants, but a lasting relationship is a different story. Any potential mate must be prepared that this courtship will be an unconventional one.
  • No douchebags please. Seriously, as offensive as Bentley Williams was on Ashley Hebert’s season, a return by that ass clown would be 10 times worse.
  • Hope you like Charlotte. It’s a vibrant, booming city. One you’re likely to live in for a long time if you want to be with Emily. Just saying.

Tale of the NFL Playoff Tape: Baltimore Ravens vs. New England Patriots


We’re down to the final four in the NFL.

On Sunday, the Baltimore Ravens do battle with the New England Patriots, while the New York Giants head to San Francisco to face the 49ers. Which teams will be featured in a Super Bowl that also includes a mostly naked David Beckham?

We break down the key categories of the first match up below…

Ravens vs. Pats

CONNECTION TO GOD:
Ravens: Middle linebacker Ray Lewis is an ordained minster.
Patriots: Blew away Tim Tebow and the Broncos last week, 45-10.
Edge: Patriots

UNIVERSITY STARTING QUARTERBACK ATTENDED:
Ravens: Delaware
Patriots: Michigan
Edge: Ravens

RECORDS BROKEN BY STARTING QUARTERBACKS:
Ravens: Worst facial hair
Patriots: Most touchdown passes in a single season
Edge: Patriots

MASCOT REPRESENTS:
Ravens: The most widely distributed of all corvids
Patriots: A patriotic freedom fighter
Edge: Patriots

TYPICAL FAN:
Ravens: Unclear
Patriots: Drunk Masshole
Edge: Ravens

THE VERDICT: The Patriots pull it out, three categories to two. Blame Joe Flacco’s Fu Manchu, as well as his poor passing ability, for the inevitable loss by the Ravens.

WHO DO YOU THINK WILL WIN?

President Obama Sings “Let’s Stay Together” For Al Green


President Barack Obama is probably not going to quit his day job (at least not for another year), but he did make a brief foray into R&B at a fundraiser last night.

The Commander-in-Chief burst into song while thanking Al Green, who had performed earlier at the same event, crooning a bar from “Let’s Stay Together”

Obama then joked he hadn’t been ushered off-stage. Watch:

It all happened at Manhattan’s Apollo Theater late Thursday, when Obama stepped to the podium and veered from prepared remarks to thank Green.

Apparently not content to simply praise Green, Obama launched into “Let’s Stay Together,” warbling “I, so in love with you” … complete with vibrato.

He stopped to laughter and applause, remarked that his staff didn’t believe he’d do it, and that the Sandman hadn’t come out to yank him outta there.

That would be Sandman Sims, a famous tap dancer who chased unpopular acts off-stage at the Apollo for decades. Sort of a Keyboard Cat predecessor.

Erika Van Pelt: Mobile DJ, Wedding Singer, American Idol Hopeful


Based on your audition last night, Erika Van Pelt, the answer is yet: we’ll still love you tomorrow.

This Rhode Island native tried out for the Fox smash in Pittsburgh last night, wowing the judges with a rendition of a Carole King classic and piquing the interesting of viewers with her job: she’s a mobile DJ, traveling from venue to venue and spinning records. That is, when she isn’t performing as a wedding singer.

Watch the audition now to see why Adam Sandler should be worried:

See you in Hollywood, Erika! Along with other night two favorites, Creighton Fraker and Hallie Day.

Hazel Jones, Woman With Two Vaginas, Turns Down $1 Million Porn Offer


A UK woman with two vaginas has captured the attention of the news world. Hazel Jones insists she has no interest in cashing in on this irregularity, however.

Jones revealed she was diagnosed with uterus didelphys, an uncommon condition which means she has two wombs and two cervixes, earlier this week.

The 27-year-old has since been approached by – who else – Vivid Entertainment about starring in an adult film for $1 million. NO chance, she says.

Hazel Jones Photo

According to the Daily Mail (UK), she said: “I would never even consider such an offer, let alone actually do it in million years … I just want to be left alone.”

Vivid Founder/CEO Steven Hirsch, who’s made similar pitches to everyone from Octomom (often) to Casey Anthony (later withdrawn), wrote Jones:

“You are obviously an extraordinary woman and I would like to make you an offer to star in an upcoming Vivid production. We would pay you up to $1 million.”

“We would fly you out to L.A. as soon as you are available and provide you with first class accommodations in addition to the payment for your services.”

He did not release any plot details for this potential erotic masterpiece.

Vivid has become the leader in “legit” celebrity sex tapes, with raw footage of Pamela Anderson, Kim Kardashian and others netting the company millions.

Don’t look for Hazel Jones to join their illustrious client list now or down the road, though. Likely for the best. Watch an interview with her after the jump.