Andy Murray needs to channel his inner Napoleon Dynamite

For a long while I considered that the worst job in the history of sport must have been working as 50s middleweight genius Sugar Ray Robinson's accountant. Encouraging fiscal prudence in a man who not only has a hairdresser on standby 24 hours a day but also employs a bloke to whistle during training sessions was clearly a monstrous task – and when your client is more than happy to step in the ring with Jake La Motta there's little hope in simply shouting at him till he does as he's told either.

This month I have had to reconsider. First in response to the news that Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton has hired a consultant – the manager of Vampire Weekend no less – to change his bad-boy image, but mainly because, as usual when the Wimbledon juggernaut is rumbling into view, somebody out there seems to have been tasked with convincing the world that Andy Murray is a zany and lovable young pup.

Barton has apparently changed as a person more often than Mystique the shape-shifting mutant from the X-Men, yet such is his ability to set his satnav for destination controversy and floor the accelerator, I'd imagine the easiest, cheapest and quickest method of changing the British public's perception of the Liverpudlian hothead is to pump tons of mescaline into the UK water supply. This would probably result in many people seeing Joey as a 15ft-high, fire-breathing orange reptile, but that would at least be a step in the right direction. It's either that or paying Sepp Blatter to stand next to him all the time – something that is guaranteed to make anyone look like less of a git. Although in the latter case Ratko Mladic's lawyers may already have got there first, obviously.

As to Murray, well, the attempts to make him appear like an adorable eccentric seem even more doomed to stalk that dark parallel world in which the contrived and failed public images of the rich and infamous stumble about seeking redemption with the slow, remorseless stupidity of zombies scenting human flesh – "Oh look there's a contrite and much stronger as a person Tiger Woods. And – over to the left of devoted family man Ryan Giggs – there's another one. And another …"


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Michael Jackson's Death, Two Years Later

Today marks two years since the shocking death of Michael Jackson, and unsurprisingly, controversy surrounding the singer has hardly died down.

In the involuntary manslaughter trial of Dr. Conrad Murray, accused of administering the pop icon's fatal dose of meds, the defendant is allegedly maintaining his innocence so adamantly, TMZ reports that Murray wants to refuse any plea offer, including deals with no jail time.

Behind the scenes, Murray's team just won court approval to view hours of outtakes from the MJ documentary 'This Is It.' In gaining access to the top-secret footage, the defense seeks proof that Jackson was unwell in the days before his 2009 cardiac arrest.

As for Jackson's kids, Prince, Paris and Blanket were spotted taking in a movie on Friday. The three are in the care of their grandmother, Katherine Jackson, and reportedly thriving.

And outspoken as always about her family's dramas, 'Celebrity Apprentice' contestant LaToya Jackson has been making the rounds promoting her upcoming book. In 'Starting Over,' she insists Murray is merely the fall guy in a broader conspiracy plot carried out to kill her brother.

"This is definitely something that was premeditated, that they had planned to do, and they planned to take my brother out, and my brother knew it, and that's why my brother told me repeatedly....that this was going to happen to him," she said in a recent interview, according to CBS News. "He explained to me, 'It's because of my catalog.'" (Michael Jackson co-owned the lucrative Sony/ATV catalog, including Beatles music.)

A flock of Michael Jackson devotees are expected at his Las Vegas estate today, which is open to the public in memory of the singer's death. And later this year in Vegas, Cirque du Soleil kicks off 'Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour.' The musical extravaganza "turns his signature moves upside down" using acrobatics to interpret Jackson's legacy, according to Boombox.

Finally, for fans who are flush with cash, Jackson's iconic jacket from his 1983 'Thriller' video goes up for auction this weekend, expected to fetch $400,000 -- a pricey, but personal, piece of nostalgia that truly symbolizes the artist in his finest hour.


Article Source: PopEater

**Start of Summer Sale!** on the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining

Happy Start of Summer, everyone! We’re celebrating vacation season with a great discount on our critically-acclaimed guidebook to eating in Disney World. This weekend, celebrate vacation season by getting your very own Disney Food Blog Guide for 20% off the regular purchase price using code: Summer on the check-out page!

If you don’t have your Disney Food Blog Guide to Walt Disney World Dining e-Book yet, this is the time to buy. Want to help someone else plan the best possible trip to Disney World? Purchase the DFB Guide as a gift!

The Disney Food Blog’s Guide to dining in Walt Disney World features 250 full-color pages of information, planning suggestions, tips, and details about eating in Disney World, including where you can dine in Disney World 24-hours a day, where to get a self-serve Dole Whip whenever the whim strikes you, what to do when you’re late for an Advance Dining Reservation, and even where to get interesting kids’ food for your adventurous eater.


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Gwyneth Paltrow Provides Etiquette Education

Gwyneth Paltrow and her security guard drop off her daughter Apple at school in North London on Friday (June 24).

The 38-year-old actress recently gave some etiquette tips in her latest GOOP newsletter.

“Summer is officially here, and for us that means traveling to see loved ones and having loved ones travel to see us,” she wrote. “I had some questions about the etiquette of being a proper houseguest (and some queries about what is polite in this modern era), so I asked the very witty expert on the subject, Derek Blasberg, to guide me in the right direction.”


Article Source: Just Jared

Chris Martin persuades Beyonce to perform at Glastonbury

He’s written a couple of pretty good tunes in his time but it looks like there’s something else we should thank ­Coldplay star Chris Martin for.

I’m told US superstar Beyoncé was reluctant to sign up to ­playing Glasto because she was worried that her brand of divalicious pop wouldn’t go down well with the hardcore festival crowd, especially after her hubby Jay-Z received a truckload of flak for headlining the festival back in 2008.

But after a few calming words from Chris, he managed to ­convince his pal that she would have an absolute blast.

Organiser Emily Eavis said: “Chris is a bit wary of people knowing he’s been so involved. I don’t know why because it’s actually cool. Chris is as loyal as they come – he’ll do anything for Glastonbury.

“He’s really an unlikely ­frontman, most people are a bit more all-consumed with their own thing.”

I’m told Beyoncé plans to throw everything she’s got into tonight’s performance after splashing out on a staggering £100,000 stage show.

Emily added: “Luckily we spoke to Beyoncé ­before she planned her tour this year, so she managed to put Glastonbury in her schedule, then build a European tour around it.”

There’s an ­extra-special surprise for Bey and hubby Jay-Z after the no-doubt electrifying set the Destiny’s Child star is set to perform this evening.

Best mates Chris and wife Gwyneth Paltrow are hosting a special celebration party for her after the performance.

My sources tell me Gwynnie has been beavering away for weeks organising the little shindig that will undoubtedly be the must-have party ticket of the weekend.

My backstage source reveals: “It’s being held in a private ­Winnebago area before a select few head over to the nearby Babington House hotel.

“Gwyneth’s made sure there’s Cristal champagne and Belvedere vodka on tap for the guests.”

Oh, for an invite to that little soirée...


Article Source: Mirror

Epic Rap Battles of History 10: Ben Franklin vs Billy Mays

YouTube has become a place where people can express themselves in many ways; it can be a prank on a friend, a prank on a number of friends or even a soldier dancing like Carlton. There’s even space for NicePeter to carry on making his sketches like the Epic Rap Battles of History 10 which sees Ben Franklin vs Billy Mays.

The Epic Rap Battles have become extremely popular with some of the videos soaring past the 13 million views marker and they certainly aren’t new to us. We have reported on several of them with perhaps my personal favorite being Hulk Hogan vs Kim Hong-Il partly because of the appearance of the Macho Man Randy Savage.

For those of you who perhaps haven’t seen any of the Epic Rap Battles the idea behind them is that after each video, you comment on who you want to see next. NicePeter then checks through the comments and decides on which choice he likes the look of most and then goes ahead and makes a YouTube video.

The latest Epic Rap Battle was added on June 23rd and has managed around 100,000 views already; watch out for this to simply take off. We would like to warn you that some of the language is choice so watch it at your own discretion, as always you can view it at the bottom of the article.

What do you think of the latest Epic Rap Battle of History? Let us know in the comments section below.


Article Source: Online Social Media

2011 NHL Draft Open Thread

Just a year ago, the Boston Bruins grabbed Tyler Seguin with the second overall draft pick (Thanks, Toronto) (Thanks, Burkie) (Thanks, Kessel). 

Tonight they sit a little lower (at 9), but a lot more comfortably, just nine days removed from winning the franchise's first Stanley Cup in 39 years.

Their needs aren't as great and the talent isn't as remarkable, but any draft is an important one in today's NHL.

All 30 teams, including the Winnipeg Jets, are present and accounted for, so let's get this thing started. Edmonton's on the clock.



Article Source: Stanley Cup of Chowder

Buffalo Bills unveil new uniforms

ORCHARD PARK, NY-- The Buffalo Bills have officially unveiled their new uniforms for the 2011 football season.

The teamheld a special event at Ralph Wilson Stadium Friday night.

The Bills say the new uniforms incorporate the Bills storied history, while keeping the team's signature charging buffalo logo.

The Bills last made a change to their primary uniform prior to the 2002 season.

Bills' CEO Russ Brandon said Thursday at the owners' meeting that local military will be involved in the unveiling.

Also, several former Buffalo Bills' players were on hand for the event: Hall of Fame QB Jim Kelly, All-Time Team special teams ace Steve Tasker, Wall of Fame CB Booker Edgerson and AFL Championship WR Charley Ferguson.

2 On Your Side's Marissa Bailey is at the event and will be sending back pictures for WGRZ.COM. You can check them out in our photo gallery.



Article Source: Boxden

Graves’ Disease?! Is Missy Elliott’s Condition Life-Threatening?

Missy Elliot recently announced that she suffers from Graves’ Disease. But what is this uncommonly spoken about disease?

Graves’ disease is the most common form of hyperthyroidism, occurring when your immune system mistakenly attacks your thyroid gland and causes it to overproduce the hormone thyroxine.

The disease which is common in women, can develop at any age, and can affect your metabolism and physical appearance.

Don’t worry too much about Missy though, Graves’ disease is rarely life-threatening.

Elliott said her thyroid has been functioning properly for the last nine months after receiving radiation treatment and medication, according to People.

Article Source: NewsOne.com

Peter Falk’s 5 best ‘Columbo’ episodes

CHICAGO (MarketWatch) — With the death of actor Peter Falk this week at the age of 83, it’s a good time to reflect on what the public came to see as his signature role, that of Lt. Columbo.

Interestingly, when “Columbo” series creators Richard Levinson and William Link were seeking an actor to play the role in the TV movie “Prescription: Murder” in 1967, they wanted either Lee J. Cobb or Bing Crosby. Only after those actors turned down the part, and Universal Studios producer Richard Irving suggested Falk, did Levinson and Link agree to hire the then-40-year-old actor. See video montage of Peter Falk’s life.

After one more pilot, “Ransom For a Dead Man” in 1971, “Columbo” became part of “The NBC Mystery Movie,” a fondly remembered rotating series of glossily produced 90-minute to two-hour presentations that included “McMillan and Wife,” “McCloud” and other shows.

Here, then, are the five best “Columbo” episodes. All seven seasons of the original NBC CMCSA -0.55%  series are available on DVD from Universal Home Entertainment, in a price range of $15 to $25 each.

1) “A Friend In Deed.” Original airdate: May 5, 1974 — the final episode of the show’s third season.

During “Columbo’s” first season, each episode was 90 minutes long. NBC decided to extend the shows to two hours for the next season, and some of the episodes from 1972-73 show the strain of trying to fit in another half-hour.

By the third season, however, “Columbo’s” show runners had truly mastered the two-hour format. In “A Friend In Deed,” Columbo is presented with his greatest challenge — how to catch a killer who is also his supervisor. Richard Kiley plays Deputy Police Commissioner Mark Halperin, who helps establish an alibi for a rich man, Hugh Caldwell, who has just killed his wife. [Source: marketwatch.com]

Peter Falk: 16 Memorable Roles

Murder, Inc. (1960)
Although this gangster flick received only middling reviews, Falk won heavy praise for his vicious portrayal of Abe Reles, the leader of the titular Brooklyn gang who was believed to be responsible for more than 30 murders. Although it was Falk's first major film role, he earned an Oscar nomination for best supporting actor. Falk described the role in his 2006 autobiography as the role that "made my career."

Article Source: TVGuide.com