8 Completely Random Celebrity Facts

There is a lot more to celebrity personalities than just what they show you in People magazine.

Why are we so interested in the comings and goings of celebrities? Probably because the news makes their lives seem more dramatic and filling than our own. There is a lot more to celebrity personalities than just what they show you in People magazine.

Here are some random celebrity facts that not only entertain, but gives you extra insight into some of your favorite actors:

1. Natalie Portman speaks Hebrew. Born in Jerusalem to a Jewish father and American mother, this Queen Amadala actress speaks fluent Hebrew. And as you can imagine, her last name isn't really Portman, but Hershlag, reflecting her Middle Eastern roots. And what's more, she is incredibly smart. In 2003 she graduated from Harvard university with a degree in Psychology.
2. Nicholas Cage or Nicholas Coppola? This National Treasure star is the nephew of famous director Francis Ford Coppola. When Nicholas decided to break into the acting business, he was so determined to do it on his own that he changed his last name so he wouldn't be associated with his famous uncle.
3. Elton John and Hercules. What do Elton John and Hercules have in common? Honestly, I have no idea, but apparently Elton John thought so, which is why he legally changed his middle name to Hercules. And don't forget to note that Elton Johns full name and title is Sir Elton Hercules John since he was knighted by the queen of England back in 1996.
4. Kevin Clash, the voice of Elmo. Kevin Clash, most famous for his puppeteering skills and distinct Elmo voice, also happened to be the voice and face for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles leader Master Splinter in the non-animated movie. Clash started building puppets at the age of 10 and has been puppeteering ever since.
5. Elvis was a Blond. Unlike the other celebrities mentioned, Elvis didn't live in our time, yet his influence is still felt. Nothing is more famous than his cocky grin, sparkling blue eyes, and perfect, wavy brunette hair. There's only one problem, Elvis was a blond! When he was in high school he started dying his hair black and continued for the rest of his life.
6. Jack Nicholson's little misunderstanding. It wasn't until he was well into adulthood that Jack Nicholson found out that the woman he thought was his mother was his grandmother, and that his supposed “sister” was really his mom, and that his other “sister” was actually his aunt. It was a bit of a shock, but didn't keep his acting career from progressing!
7. Tim the Inmate Taylor. Tim Allen spent 28 months in prison for drug dealing before he broke into acting. To shorten his sentence, he pled guilty and named the names of other drug dealers.
8. Pierce Brosnan's unique diet. At the age of 16, Pierce Brosnan left school to study painting, but ended up learning how to be a fire eater instead. He worked in a circus for three years practicing this steamy art.

About the Author

Tiffani Azani is a freelance writer for MyCollegesandCareers.com. My Colleges and Careers provides tools and services to help prospective students connect with online colleges. Online degrees are available at any level, from an associate's degree toonline mba programs.

Michael Jackson and his Astrology

On the day Michael Jackson was born, he belonged under the zodiac sign Virgo. And on this day, the planets that were aligned posing significance to Michael Jackson's life to his death were Neptune, Venus, Uranus, Jupiter, Saturn, Pluto and the Moon.

Seven minutes before the stroke of midnight, on the 25th of June 1958, a child was born to a name of Michael Joseph Jackson. Who would have known that this child from the suburbs of Gary, Indiana would become one of the most legendary icons across the countries all over the world? His natural love for music and passion to entertain his fans and the general public earned him the title King of Pop and despite the constant rummage of issues and controversies throughout his showbiz career, fame and fortune had always been on his side. But unfortunately, at exactly 1:07 in the afternoon of June 25 2009, this world renowned icon was proclaimed to be dead.

His Astrology

Michael Jackson's death came as hurricane, which affected the whole world. The media and entertainment industries relied on what medical experts had to say and many individuals, especially the fans, grieved and mourned for the loss of the humble-hearted King of Pop. Until this point in time, numerous individuals still want to know him more and learn more of how his life was while at the height of fame, glamour and wealth.

Because of such sudden event, psychic, astrologers and tarot reading professionals find it necessary to study his astrology and life path.

On the day Michael Jackson was born, he belonged under the zodiac sign Virgo. And on this day, the planets that were aligned posing significance to Michael Jackson's life to his death were Neptune, Venus, Uranus, Jupiter, Saturn, Pluto and the Moon. Alongside with that is the presence of Michael's True Node which is the zodiac Libra. Having psychics, clairvoyants and astrologists interpret the star's astrological wheel, they have these findings to share.

The presence of Neptune in Michael's astrological wheel was the representation of Michael's drive towards pursuing his dreams and looking for answers to his queries. Venus, the planet of emotions and finances, instilled in him the passion and courage to love music and live out his career. In doing so, he was able to earn the wealth he had. Uranus, which was also in alignment with the other planets at time of Michael's birth, was the culprit for shocking the world with Michael's talent. Evidently, Michael Jackson awed many fans and critics with the incomparable songs, concerts and dance moves that only his brilliant mind can produce. Jupiter and Saturn also came in alignment which allowed his fortune to expand without neglecting his responsibility of being loyal to the people and showing them gratitude. The presence of the moon also played a role in tracking Michael's life. The moon has the primary control for emotions, healing and revelations. This paved the way for Michael to be one inspirational artist along with genuine intuitiveness.

With all such good implications to Michael's life, the presence of Pluto led Michael to meet tribulations in life which were emphasized on affecting his health, career and finances. As the planet Pluto is now to be the planet of extremes, storms, accusations, and sensualities, Michael obviously had to deal with these kinds of issues. And truly, his death was caused by a factor that greatly affected his life and caused him to lose it.

Audrey, psychics reader and clairvoyant from London.

Of the top twenty most expensive celebrity weddings, 40 per cent ended in divorce which proves the words from the Beatles, ‘can’t buy me love’

Everyone wants their wedding day to be special, and celebrities who can afford it spend millions to make the party memorable for their guests as well as themselves. Celebrity weddings take an expert event planner and often the sky’s the limit for the budget. Because of the high public profile for such weddings, celebrity designers, chefs and spectacular venues are available for the famous. Of the top twenty most expensive celebrity weddings, 40 per cent ended in divorce which proves the words from the Beatles, ‘can’t buy me love’.



Speaking of the Beatles, the wedding of Paul McCartney and Heather Mills was one of the most expensive celebrity weddings. The estimated cost was between $3 million and $4.2 million. Married on June 11, 2002 at the St. Salvador Church in Monaghan near Castle Leslie which is an exclusive luxury castle in Ireland, they did not allow paparazzi. They sold pictures of their wedding to whomever would pay $1,600 each and donated the money to their favorite charities. There were 300 guests including Ringo Star, Eric Clapton, Sir Elton John, Bill Clinton and many heads of state. The flowers cost $145,000, the cake cost $4,500 and the gown cost $40,000. The $150,000 fireworks were enjoyed by the guests while aboard a $20 million yacht.



Far from excluding the paparazzi, Liza Minnelli and David Gest brought Manhattan to a standstill on March 16, 2002 because of the limousines lining up to deliver guests to the church. Guests included Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Lauran Bacall and Mia Farrow and they had to make their way through the crowd of photographers. The wedding cost $4.2 million including the gown for $45,000, the flowers for $700,000, the six foot cake for $40,000 and the staff needed for the event for $150,000. The best man and maid of honor were Michael Jackson and Elizabeth Taylor respectively. The entertainment was provided by Stevie Wonder, Tony Bennett and Natalie Cole. At the time, this wedding left even the big spenders of Hollywood in awe.

Kate Middleton and Prince William top this list at $70 million and hopefully with a happier ending. The wedding ring was $136,000, the cake was $78,000, the dress was between $300,000 and $400,000, the flowers were $800,000 and the wedding reception cost $600,000. There were hotel rooms for many guests at $550 per night. This wedding needed police protection which cost overtime and holiday pay for approximately $33 million. Other costs include the music which was provided by The Chapel Royal Choir, the Westminster Abbey Choir, the Central Band of the Royal Air Force Fanfare Team and The London Chamber Orchestra among others.

Expensive weddings are not only part of the lifestyle of celebrities. There are other marriages of the children of royalty, industrialists and politicians from around the world who have hugely expensive weddings. A few of the items included in such weddings are 12 charted jets, luxurious gift bags, 45 chefs and nightclubs rented out across the city for their guests private use.

Sandra is a gossip columnist for a number of local magazines and online publications. She loves both weddings and celebrities and lives for when the two are combined. She's attended weddings at a number of glamorous wedding venues Sydney has showcased to the world and enjoys every moment of those special days.

What Body Parts do Celebrities Insure and for How Much?

There are a lot of strange body parts insured in the entertainment industry, but the following are five of the most notable:

When people think of insurance, they typically picture cars and homes. But for those in the entertainment industry, insuring a body part is just as important as insuring a car. These celebs claim that their body parts are essential to their careers, and that without their bodies in top condition, their careers would instantly be ruined. There are a lot of strange body parts insured in the entertainment industry, but the following are five of the most notable:

1. Legs

Legs are actually some of the most common body parts insured by celebrities. David Beckham has his legs insured for £44,014,110, because his athletic career would be immediately ruined if he were ever unable to "bend it." Mariah Carey also had her legs insured when she became the spokesperson for Gillette's “Legs of a Goddess” campaign. The price of Mariah Carey's legs? £628,000,000

2. Breast Implants

 

Typically, when a celebrity gets a body part insured, that body part is real. This is not the case with Holly Madison. The Playboy Bunny is well known for her gigantic implants. What people don't realize is that her fake breasts are insured for £630,000. When asked why she decided to insure her implants, Madison explained that if something happened to her boobs, she'd "be out for a few months and...probably a million dollars."

3. Sperm

While most celebrities get their body parts insured for business reasons, David Lee Roth's motivations are a little different. The Van Halen front man decided to take out a policy on his sperm, just in case he accidentally got a woman pregnant. The insurance money would then be used to pay child support.

4. Middle Finger

Rolling Stones band member Keith Richards feels that his success is largely attributable to his talented middle finger. As such, the musician decided to take out a £1,006,036 policy on his middle finger. If he is ever forced to quit playing the guitar, Richards will still be able to cash in on the expensive policy.

5. Butt

For Jennifer Lopez, the "money maker" truly is a money maker. The same is true for Kylie Minogue, who decided to insure her famous butt for £3,000,000. A number of other celebrities have also allegedly insured their butts, including Nicki Minaj and Kim Kardashian.

For some celebrities, insuring body parts is absolutely essential. Stars have been insuring their bodies for years, and it the practice is not likely to let up anytime soon.
Guest post provided by UK Insurance Specialists Policy Expert, compare your home insurance policy online.

5 Best Celebrity Bathrooms

The most expensive bathroom may not be the best. An artful blend of form and function is the key. Here are five of the best celebrity bathrooms today

Bathrooms can be as elegant as any room in the house. A tub and toilet are just the beginning.

Fireplaces, saunas, vanity stations, fantastic views or cozy privacy are just a few of the luxury additions celebrities enjoy. The most expensive bathroom may not be the best. An artful blend of form and function is the key. Here are five of the best celebrity bathrooms today.

1. Jenny Craig


Renaissance opulence is the word that describes Jenny Craig’s bathroom in Rancho Santa Fe, California. A large soaking tub is directly opposite a fireplace that looks like it came out of 16th century Florence.

It is decorated with candelabras and other items from the past. The mural of Diana fleeing cupid sets the tone for ancient decadence. The one window has a heavy brocade swag and lace curtains that compliment the golden walls and creamy stone floor. The wooden arched door, cathedral-like skylight and textured walls complete the ambience.

2. Ralph and Ricky Lauren     

The sleek white and steel master bathroom in Manhattan, New York, of Ralph and Ricky Lauren has the opposite décor. Overlooking the Central Park reservoir the one large window looks straight on to the water and the city skyline beyond.

With an artful use of mirrors, the room seems twice its size and has twice the light. The floor and countertop are Thasos marble from the Greek island of Thasos, and the cabinetry is white lacquer. It is a beautiful but practical room, not for leisure.

3. Phil Mickelson



Phil Mickelson’s master bathroom in Rancho Santa Fe, California has all the best features of a bathroom in a luxury hotel suite, but it goes further. The shower is the focal point and it is encased in custom designed mosaics and a curved glass enclosure.

The mosaics were applied by Pietri Bersage who also crafted the mosaics in the Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas. The cream and gold color scheme is beautifully accented by the dark wood cupboards and window frames. There is white Italian marble on the floor and Baccarat crystal and sterling silver fixtures in the custom made vanities.

4. Molly Sims   

Molly Sims harmonizes a beautiful view of her garden with polished stone on most of the surfaces of her master bathroom in Los Angeles, California.

A large window in the rainfall shower and two large windows surrounding the step-up soaking tub bring the freshness of nature indoors. The tub shower and floor are constructed of pale grey stone. It is very elegant yet functional with clean straight lines.

5. Dennis Quaid   

 Dennis Quaid has a more intimate master bathroom in his Pacific Palisades, California home. In the style of a French country estate, the bathroom is elegant but not dramatic. Pale yellow walls with a French limestone floor to match and white trim give a warm, homey ambience.

The white soaking tub and console sink have a classic look from the 19th century. A small vanity is tucked in the corner with attractive lighting and small white upholstered chair. The décor and fixtures are simple and understated creating a relaxing yet elegant bathroom.

Bathrooms reflect personal lifestyle as well as have a practical purpose. These are the five best celebrity bathrooms that blend form and function.

Alicia is an interior decorator and lover of all things Hollywood. Adapting the styles and trends of some of the world's biggest stars is her specialty, bringing the glitz and glamour of celebrities to your own home on a budget. From gold-flaked bathroom paint to spectacular water features that don't cost an arm and a leg, she can turn your home into something special.

Three Gorgeous Celebrity Homes

Many of us can only dream of the luxurious lifestyle enjoyed by the rich and famous; their designer wardrobes and luxury car collections inspire sighs of envy, while most celebrity homes seem like endless real-estate playgrounds in comparison to our own properties!

As envious as we might be, we can’t resist an inside look at the latest celebrity home on the market, and all the extravagant luxuries it has to offer…

In recent months, we’ve seen a number of London-born celebrities buying homes overseas as they work towards breaking into the American market; on the other hand, the UK has seen its fair share of big celebrity names leaving the bright lights of Tinseltown to settle in London. If you’ve been looking at high-end property for sale in Hammersmith, there’s a chance you’ll end up socialising with some rather famous neighbours!

Let’s take a look at some of the most elaborate and expensive celebrity homes currently making headlines:

 

UK pop star Cheryl Cole already owns a luxury apartment in Beverly Hills, but the British celebrity has been spotted house-hunting in Los Angeles recently, and rumour has it Cheryl now has her sights set on a luxurious 6000 sq ft home with a $5.5 million price tag!

This celebrity home has six bedrooms, four bathrooms, a games room, fireplaces, a swimming pool and a number of balconies overlooking the city. The beautiful celebrity singer was raised in a Newcastle council estate along with four siblings, so she’s had to work hard for that luxury celebrity home and it’s safe to say she’s earned it!

Naomi Campbell’s boyfriend, Russian billionaire Vladimir Doronin, has offered the iconic supermodel an eco-mansion designed to fulfil her every wish and whim. This luxury celebrity home will be built on Isla Playa de Cleopatra, an island off the coast of Turkey. Naomi’s glass-domed luxury home will boast 25 bedrooms and a sprawling landscaped terrace, and will be completely self-sufficient with eco-friendly energy, heating and water solutions.

That’s not all; architect Luis de Garrido will be designing the unique celebrity home to resemble the Eye of Horus, an ancient Egyptian symbol of royalty and protection.

While these UK celebrities are buying and building homes abroad, A-listers from across the pond are falling for luxury properties in London; most notably, Hollywood couple Angelina recently added a new celebrity home to their extensive collection when they bought a £10 million Richmond mansion.

The property, named Whornes Place, has already served as a holiday home to numerous celebrities, and the Richmond area is home to so many famous faces it’s earned the nickname “Hollywood-on-Thames”! Brangelina have fallen in love with the neighbourhood and their new celebrity home, which combines tasteful antique décor with modern luxuries, including an indoor swimming pool.

Whether they’re settling into a historic London mansion or snapping up ultra-modern property for sale in Saint Tropez, these stars will doubtless be enjoying the ultimate in comfort and luxury once they move into their new celebrity homes!    

Sally Roberts is an enthusiastic writer looking to share news and views with other bloggers.

Celebrities And Their Games Rooms

It is no great secret that the rich and famous like to pick up a pool cue and relax in order to get away from the grueling spectacle of celebrity.

Check out Celebrity Cribs and you’ll see a host of games rooms in mansions in Beverley Hills or the Hamptons. You’ll notice a pool table taking pride of place in them.

Naturally, with the mega millions rolling around the A List celebrities of this world, you are unlikely to find the dingy, beer stained, dead cushioned pool tables that you are going to see standing in the corner of your local bar.

Money will naturally lead to more expensive pool tables of quality and class. Dwight Eisenhower installed four tables in Camp David when he had the opportunity to do so, and you can’t picture anything but perfect nap and polished rails on the ones he put in there.

It is all about quality at the end of the day, and presidents such as Carter, Nixon and Bill Clinton apparently all enjoyed knocking around on the exclusive tables at Camp David as well. Whether or not quality of pool table makes for a better player or not, is totally up for debate, and you’re not going to meet Barack Obama in a bar, trying to hustle you out of $20 to find out.

Former British Prime Ministers Winston Churchill and Margaret Thatcher, along with former French Premier Charles de Galle apparently liked a game of pool as well. But unless you become the next Prime PM, President or Royalty of a country, you’re unlikely to know just how well the incumbent President plays on the highly crafted Camp David tables.

Iron Chef Bobby Flay likes nothing more than retiring to his game room to get in a few frames of pool. This is his big relaxation away from the pressures of the kitchen. Flay likes to play against himself in his game room sanctuary, as pool, for Presidents and Iron Chefs alike, offers a way to distress and to get some challenging fun into life.

Hollywood superstar Nicholas Cage is another of the glitterati who likes to close the doors and lock himself away in his games room. His illustrious house out in Beverley Hills boasts an expensive pool table, and it sort of carries on a tradition because Cage’s house used to be owned by crooner Dean Martin who also had a good eye for the game. Pool, it bridges generations and class alike. Actress Eva Longoria also had a big, luxurious game room in her California home as well, with the Desperate Housewife a little bit partial to handling a cue.

The list of famous celebrity pool players go on, from Julia Roberts, Gemma Atkinson, Neve Campbell, Christopher Walken, John Wayne and even Sean Connory liking to retire away and get some cueing action in. If a games room is cool enough for James Bond, then it’s definitely worth having. You can find pictures of these stars getting down at the table, which is something of a humbling sight.

Games rooms housing pool tables in the mansions of the rich and famous really are more common than you may think. Imagine the thousands of dollars being spent on some of the most high quality tables around, and naturally putting them in equally classy surroundings to adorn the room like a showcase centrepiece. It may be like saving up for a table and putting one in your Man Cave in the basement of your own house, but the attraction of the pool table really knows no bounds.

But while the celebrities can splash the cash and afford themselves high quality, you wonder how far they will go. Is nearly $200,000 dollars for a pool table a little too much? The Luxury Billiard table goes for around that, and comes with sights (triangles used for lining up shots) which are inlaid with a choice of gold or platinum. There is even an automatic drawer to house your cues and your balls for safe keeping, and the table features its own built in rack. Press a button and the rack pops up out of the table.

For nearly a couple of hundred grand, that is what money can buy you. Maybe the Obscura Cuelight goes even further, as it projects images on the surface of the table. So when you strike a ball, you can marvel at how it looks like water rippling underneath the moving balls. But it matters not the surface, the money spent on the table, the game, the passion for mastering the art is the same from your basement to the A List mansions and the White House.

This is a guest post written by Lee Jackson. Lee works for Liberty Games an online retailer, specializing in pool dining tables as well as other games room equipment.

Looks like celebrities were very busy towards the middle and end of last year, and the result is a horde of baby celebrities being born in 2011

Although the majority of births seemed to occur during May and June, there’s pretty much been a golden child born every month of the year so far...

January

Flynn Bloom

Son of Miranda Kerr and Lord of the Rings elf Orlando Bloom - his Victoria’s Secret mother gave birth to him without a stitch of medication, and said although the labour was long and difficult, Bloom was by her side the entire time.

February

Winter Morgan Williams

Born to  model turned actress Gretchen Mol and director Tod Williams, Winter also has a brother named Ptolemy – the whole family lives in New York, where Gretchen is filming Boardwalk Empire.

March

Henry Flowers

This is the third child of Killers front man Brandon Flowers and Tana Brooke Mundkowsky. The rocker has two other sons with Tana, named Ammon and Gunner, and the pair married in Hawaii in 2005.

April

Waylon Albert Blackjack Jennings 

Desperate Housewives actress Drea de Matteo gave birth to son Waylon this year. He’s her second child with singer Shooter Jennings, best known for his psychedelic and southern rock pursuits.

May

Agnes Lark Bettany

Born to actor parents Jennifer Connelly and Paul Bettany (they met while working on A beautiful Mind) – Agnes is Jennifer’s third child, and she’s stated in interviews that her and Paul plan to make many babies.


June

Willow Sage Hart

Born to punky pop star Pink and motocross racer Carey Hart, Willow is the subject of Pink’s Tweets often. The famous tot appeared in a photo shoot with her parents one week after being born, and pretty much slept through the whole thing.

July

Arthur Saint

This is Selma Blair and fashion designer Jason Bleicks’ first child and they’re said to be ecstatic. The name generated a lot of interest as Arthur is notably popular in Britain as opposed to America, and there’s not much explanation as to the Saint part.

August

Haven Garner

Jessica Alba gave birth to daughter Haven Garner this year. It’s her second child with producer husband Cash Warren, and they already have a daughter named Honor Marie. Jessica was eager to Tweet the news that Honor would be a big sister when she found out she was pregnant.

Jacky Letard is an online content writer and enjoys looking after her health. That's why she specialises in writing health articles and currently focuses on patrick holford products and the amazing qualities of manuka honey.

Top 5 Swimming Pools of the Rich and Famous

People started getting pools as a luxury for their home after the end of World War II, prior to this, the only swimming time people used to get was in public swimming baths, lidos, or of course, in the sea. Ever since, celebrities and the rich have created their ideal pools in their back gardens.

Here are what we think are the top 5 celebrity pools.

Playboy Mansion

Hugh Hefner's Playboy mansion has one of the most iconic pools known in the celebrity world and has played host to some of the most famous celebrities of Hollywood. The image of the pool is never quite complete without a bow-tied playboy bunny splashing around.

Sylvester Stallone




As impressive as it is, what makes this pool special is the bronze "Rocky Balboa" statue at one end symbolizing one of the roles that got him to where he is now. His home in Miami is decorated in a self idolizing manner, but we'll forgive him, he's Rambo and he has styled the pool in a historical Olympian feel.

Ryan Seacrest

The "hardest working man in Hollywood" needs a place to relax after the hard work presenting American Idol and X-Factor USA, and relax he can in one of the most spectacularly simplistic pools of the celebrity world. A sleek professional look within a flourishing garden and overlooks some spectacular scenery. The perfect place to come and relax after a hard days being a celebrity.

Ralph Lauren

The legendary clothes designer's home in Jamaica is a tropical paradise topped with a beautiful pool in the middle. Reminiscent of a luxury oasis, the pool is as eloquently designed as you'd expect from one of the worlds most famous designers.

John Travolta

 

The man that has played some of the biggest roles in Hollywood, and some of the fastest straight to DVD movies has no doubt been a huge success over his career spanning 35 years, which is fairly representative when you look at his home. The only problem is the pool is slightly overshadowed by having his own runway fit for his own Boeing 707 in his back garden.

There are many swimming pool companies that can make you a top quality swimming pool, but the designers of these will be a mix of interior designers, architects and xen professionals to create the perfect pool. As money is not a problem for some of these celebrities the perfect pool really is achievable.

Andy is currently working at a swimming pool pump and filters company, specialising in energy saving pool equipment, as swimming pools use a lot of energy and we don't use them too often.

Five Minutes of Fame and Where Are They Now?

Reality TV is all the rage these days with shows such as X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent attracting millions of viewers. Granted there have been many success stories with stars such as Leona Lewis and JLS achieving world-wide fame, but whatever happened to the bulk of other contestants?
Individuals, duos and groups who were once adored on TV have vanished off the face of the earth. So, the question remains – where are they now?
1. Hear’Say

Hear'Say Image Source
Think back to a time before The X Factor, when Popstars was the show to watch. Winners Danny Foster, Myleene Klass, Suzanne Shaw, Noel Sullivan and Kym Marsh were thrown into a band together and Hear’Say was born – what a disaster that was. Despite a few chart-topping hits – notably their debut single Pure and Simple – Hear’Say broke up after just 18 months citing pressure and public abuse.
2. One True Voice

One True Voice Image Source
Surely everyone knows Girls Aloud, but who can remember One True Voice? Both bands were formed on Popstars: The Rivals and went head to head for the Christmas 2002 number 1 spot. Unfortunately for the boys, the girls topped the singles chart with Sound of the Underground and the guys were left to fizzle out.
3. Steve Brookstein (series one)

Steve Brookstein Image Source
Despite a few scuffles with Sharon Osbourne, Steve Brookstein sang his way to the top and won the first series of The X Factor. Crowned King of the show, Brookstein was elated, however, was dropped from his Sony BMG label eight months later. By 2007 he was performing on the Portsmouth to Bilbao P&O cruise ferry and apparently was seen gigging in a pub – what a fall from grace.
4. Andy Abraham (series 2)

Andy Abraham Image Source
Andy Abraham may not have won the second series of The X Factor, but he certainly won the heart of the nation. A former bin man, Andy took plenty of rubbish from the judges but soon won them over with his voice and charisma. Andy has since represented the United Kingdom on the Eurovision Song Contest, but unfortunately came joint last.
5. Leon Jackson

Leon Jackson Image Credit
You really would be forgiven for thinking X Factor winner Leon Jackson had fallen down a hole. After winning the fourth series of the reality show, Leon achieved an obligatory number 1 single, before disappearing into the background. He may randomly appear somewhere in the future with a brand new, generic pop song, but for now? Who knows!
6. Rhydian Roberts

Rhydian Roberts Image Source
Who could forget Rhydian Roberts, The X Factor’s welsh rock-opera star with bleached blonde hair and an intense stare? Quite the character, Rhydian was one of the most popular contestants on series 4 and belted out his own rendition of songs like The Phantom of the Opera. Since the show he has become a patron of The Prince’s Trust and even posed nude for Cosmopolitan to bring about awareness of testicular cancer.
7. Joe McElderry

Joe McElderry Image Source
Like so many others before him, The X Factor winner Joe McElderry has managed to disappear into the distance. Unfortunately for him, McElderry’s debut single was beaten to the Christmas number 1 slot by Rage Against The Machine’s Killing in the Name. He has since come out as gay (to very little surprise) and seems to have vanished forever.
8. Stevie Starr

Stevie Star Image Source
Britain’s Got Talent is another reality TV show which reveals some completely jaw-dropping acts. Human Regurgitator Stevie Starr shocked audiences when he swallowed and brought back up a whole number of objects including Amanda Holden’s ring and a pool ball – Needless to say he didn’t win!
9. Happiness

Most Amazing Dancer vs Britain's Got Talent Judges Video Credit
Irish contestant Happiness became a YouTube sensation after her crazy dance to the song Scatman on Britain’s Got Talent. Prancing, spinning, jumping and twirling around the stage without a care in the world, Happiness certainly enjoyed her short but sweet moment of fame.
10. Stavros Flatley


Stavros Flatley Image Source
Britain’s Got Talent finalists Stavros and Flatley achieve great success on the show with their Greek Irish dancing. A father and son act with the ability to have fun, the pair didn’t win the show, but they have now released a book entitled “How to be a Little Bit Greek”- Genius.
So there you have it, ten acts which certainly enjoyed their five minutes of fame.

This guest article was produced and provided on behalf of Show and Stay; where you can enjoy a London theatre break that last longer than 5 minutes.

Bruce Lee, The Greatest Martial Arts Movie Star

Bruce Lee is still to this day in my opinion the great martial arts movie star. Jackie Chan, Jet Li and Tony Jaa may be good, but they still do not look as stylish a Bruce Lee.

Bruce Lee was much more than just a martial arts actor, and this gave him a big advantage. He had a great sense of space and made an excellent film director, he was a choreographer and a writer. He was also a great thinker, having studied philosophy. But most of all Bruce Lee was an amazing martial artist - not an actor who learn to look flamboyant on stage, but a real fighter who could act. There is a big difference. Bruce dedicated his time and his physical training to making himself a better fighter. He did this by challenging the traditional ways that kung-fu had been taught for centuries in China and started applying new ideas that he had learned from fitness and strength training.

Bruce Lee was not a Bodybuilder

Many people think that Bruce Lee became a bodybuilder because of his amazing physique. But this was not the case at all. He developed a body that was better for fighting. Bruce Lee was the first practitioner of kung-fu to learn the importance of strong and powerful muscles in improving striking power and endurance.

While many martial arts would train to hit hard, Bruce Lee felt that they were never reaching their true potential as they only ever trained in the traditional ways which involved a lot of static stance work and calisthenics. Standing in horse stance or balancing on your finger tips may be effective at making you a better fighter but Bruce determined that they were not going to make him the best fighter. For that he needed to develop his muscles.

Weight Training for Power and Speed

So Bruce Lee adopted weight training principals to develop himself physically. There was a common held myth that larger and bulkier muscles slowed a fighter down, which was the excuse many used for not adding weight training to their training regime. However, Bruce Lee’s research led him to believe that developing stronger muscles did not have to mean that he would be slowed down.

Bruce Lee was a very practical man, so he trained hard in the gym, experimenting with different weight training methods, and constantly trained his fighting skills to ensure that he was not being negatively affected by increased muscle mass. Anyone who sparred with Bruce Lee can testify that he certainly did not get slower. In fact, if anything he got faster.

In the fight scenes in Enter The Dragon we see Bruce Lee at his best. He is strong, his muscles ripped and he is lightning quick. Bruce Lee mastered the art of martial arts cinema as well as developing radical new approaches to martial arts training. A true legend of our times.

Jon Wade has written at length about Bruce Lee training on MotleyHealth.com where you can find information about his weight training, kickboxing, stretching routines and also his diet. You can also study muscle diagrams to learn which exercises to focus on the build specific muscles. If you have any questions feel free to ask away, there is always someone to answer your questions.

Condom Company Donates 365 Days Worth of Condoms to American Pop Star

Condom powerhouse NuVo is known for taking a strong stand against unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases for young adults. The company has already donated over 200,000 condoms to young adults this year alone.

NuVo condoms have not even hit store shelves yet, slated for national release in the autumn, but are available online now. However, the brand has poised itself as a front-runner in the fight against unwanted STD’s or pregnancies in the nation’s youth and this recent course of action will raise a few eyebrows, but also get teens and young adults excited about the idea of safer sex.

Two of Hollywood’s biggest teenage stars, Selena Gomez and Justin Bieber, are currently at the top of the “It” list for teen couples. With such a following of the young couple and two hot careers to protect, the couple is aware of the need for condom protection in their relationship. NuVo decided to take the guesswork out of the couple’s relationship by sending Justin Beiber 365 free condoms, one for every day of the year.

The company sees the need for safe sex in this particular couple as well as the chance to have Selena and Justin as positive role models to young adults and teens, which may be thinking about or have already become sexually active. If teens see these “idols” promoting safe sex, they are more likely to view the practice as cool and join the movement for sexual health in today’s youth.

NuVo not only wants to use the couple as proof that undertaking safe sex is ‘cool’, though. The company produces high-quality condoms packaged in a cool, urban edgy packaging. Promising to be a competitively priced product of great quality and an attractive look, NuVo intends to take the market by storm.

The products on offer from this company include; lubricated condoms (Lube), ultra-thin condoms for maximum closeness (Nude), and XXL- the condom for males who need a larger fit. NuVo also sells a combination packet, called LIQuid, which contains lubricated condoms and an extra packet of lubricant for the ultimate sensation.

Summary

Focusing on a younger genre of consumers, NuVo condoms has set its sights on safe sex. The company hopes to capture the attention of sexually active youths who may not be already using condoms. By sending Justin Beiber 365 condoms, enough for a year of safe sex, NuVo has placed itself in the limelight.

The company expects that many fans will look on this relationship between Selena Gomez and Beiber as something to strive for in their own lives. If Gomez and Beiber go on record as to being safe-sex partners, there is a huge chance that many other young couples will follow suit, and this means that the potential to stop the spread of STD’s is huge. It is the desire of the NuVo brand to make using condoms cool because they know there is nothing cool about STD’s or unplanned pregnancies.

This article was written by Robert Kirk from Johnnys In A Jiffy. A UK online company who sell a full range of durex condoms and lubrications.

The Celebrities’ Designer Choice This Year

Celebrities have been known to be responsible for surges of demand of particular brands and products and it has been no different with sunglasses this summer.

Celebrities have been shopping in their forces to get hold of the must have sunglasses for this summer. True to form, they are designer and come with the associated price tag, but if you’re into looking your best and having a piece of the celebrity lifestyle, then sunglasses are a great place to start.

Tell me! What sunglasses?

The celebs have been chasing one brand more than others this year. Miu Miu glasses have been flying off the store shelves in record numbers. Miu Miu, famed for their bags carried by celebrities such as Fearne Cotton, Kate Bosworth and Natalie Portman. Miu Miu also have a full range of ready to wear womenswear, but don’t be fooled, the brand have a strong focus on their eyewear department. The Miu Miu frames embody classic chic and have propelled the oversized sunglasses trend to a new level.

Who’s been wearing them?

Photos of Kate Moss, Rachel McAdams, Ashley Olsen, Paris Hilton and Jessica Alba have all come in this year of these high fashion celebrities hiding behind their oversized Miu Miu frames. With countless celebrities endorsing the brand, it’s easy to see how Miu Miu are now competing against brands such as Chanel, which had such a large share of this market previously.

Tell me more about the actual glasses!

Well, there a variety of models available, all in the premium price category. The Miu Miu must haves are competing with Prada, Chanel and Gucci to be the top selling sunglasses on the market. Luckily for Prada though, who own Miu Miu, are starting to see significant revenue being brought in for the group. If you want to be specific, Paris Hilton chooses the MU021S frames which are the peak of oversized trend. They come in a variety of different hues to suit any colour palette you plan to be wearing this season.

Should I make the investment?

Although pricey, Miu Miu eyewear is timeless and supports the overall oversized trend, rather than a specific niche of it. This means a pair of designer sunglasses are likely to stay ‘hot’ for seasons to come, and the outstanding quality is sure to keep them protecting your eyes and making you look good for years after purchase. Like ‘dogtooth’ and quality luggage items, good sunglasses will stand the test of time. Due to their popularity, you can luckily find Miu Miu frames in a variety of outlets across the country, and online for the best prices. It could be time to treat yourself and in what better way?

About the Author: Francesca is an amateur model and fashion writer specialising in designer glasses.

Hollywood Designer Dresses

From its inception, the Hollywood film industry has set cultural trends, and that includes high fashion. Movie studio costume designers were all about glamour and the top actresses of the 1940s-1960s all became fashion icons

These celebrity icons of Hollywood have helped given public exposure to designers of these high-end dresses. The dresses worn by the likes of Marilyn Monroe, Lauren Bacall, and Grace Kelly in their movies were widely copied by many fashion designers, to sate customers clamoring to mimic the Hollywood style. In fact, a costume dress worn by an actress in a Hollywood movie had a much larger audience than any fashion magazine photograph of a designer dress from a top couturier—giving Hollywood a huge role in the developing fashion and style tastes of America and the rest of the world.

Studio designers based their styles on classic fashions, but added their own touch because the dresses that appeared in the movies—unless the film was a period piece—needed to be timeless, flattering, and most of all, photogenic. Edith Head, Adrian, Orry Kelly, Royer, Vera West, Helen Rose, Charles LeMaire, and Bob Mackie designed fashions that began fashion trends as soon as their movies were released.

Not surprisingly, some haute couture designers realized the value of films and sought to use Hollywood’s reach. For example, in Breakfast at Tiffany Audrey Hepburn wore a little black dress by Givenchy that soon became the standard for early 1960s cocktail attire.

Hollywood designers excelled at using luxurious materials including sequins, chiffon, satins, and fur. They also specialized in memorable visual details such as low-cut backs, long coats, hats with small veils, gloves, and other accessories.

Thanks to the Hollywood connection, designer dresses were mass-marketed and helped make off-the-rack clothing much more popular in an age where women had been accustomed to knitting and sewing their own clothing. This broad style and fashion exposure gave the general public the unprecedented access to designer dresses and styles that we enjoy today.

Today, not much has changed. We watch for our favorite celebrities as they appear at award ceremonies, and can't help but to gawk at their designer clothing. Whether it's one of Hollywood's leading women or men, or a notable up and comer that happens to have a keen sense of fashion. Perhaps it's just human nature; the fact that we wait to see what others are wearing before we decide to go out and choose an outfit for ourselves.

Hello, my name is Jennifer and I like to write about everything from designer dresses to Rompers.

5 Iconic Film Characters from the 80s

The 1980s was an exciting time for Hollywood Cinema. A time for American Blockbusters and their Sequels, for Rom-Coms, for Gangster Films, Action Heroes, Epic Adventures and Horror Stories. Top Gun, Die Hard, Back to the Future, E.T., Ghostbusters -these are films that everybody knows, even those not yet born or too young to remember.

The 80s marked the dynamic comeback of Hollywood cinema and of the Hollywood star system. If you are looking for the film characters that best capture the 1980s, or you have been invited to an 80s movies fancy dress party, then just take a look at the list of classics below.

You will find that the 80s heroes were not unproblematic but instead, reflected a crisis of the American dream and a system below which lurked divorce, alienation, abuse of minorities and psychological disorders:

John Rambo/ Rambo Series (1982, 1985, 1988): Sylvester Stallone

Following the tremendous success of Rocky, Stallone became synonymous with action movies and a symbol of masculinity. The marine veteran from Vietnam, John Rambo, or as his fans named him ‘The War Machine’, became a trademark role for Sylvester Stallone. Equipped with a hypermuscular body and a massive machine gun, the hero who was once enlisted in the Special Forces of the US Army, and now suffering from post-tramautic stress, is abused by the very system that trained him. This sets him off onto a one-man guerrilla war for justice and retribution, involving practically killing every policeman along the way.

Tony Montana /Scarface (1983): Al Pacino

Scarface, a film that became iconic of the gangster genre, managed to appeal to mass culture while also being critically acclaimed for its aesthetic merit. Loosely based on the Al Capone story it depicts an iconic yet paradoxical hero. Tony Montana: an ex-convict, a criminal, a gangster, a cocaine addict who strives for the American dream, for wealth, success and individualism. Tony rises to the top of Miami’s crime chain, in a film inundated with blood, gore, drugs and incest.

E.T./ E.T the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)

E.T. became an iconic 80s hero despite the fact that he lacked guns, muscles and a military past. Elliot, a somewhat lonely and reserved boy living with his mum, sister and brother, one day comes across an aging alien, left behind by his spacecraft. The film that exceeded the earnings of Star Wars, is not simply a kids story about the return of E.T. to his planet. It is instead based on the fantastic friend that Steven Spielberg himself had made up to help him cope with the divorce of his own parents. It is not a coincidence that Elliot’s parents are divorced and that Elliot learns to become more confident in himself and more communicative through his friendship with this older male. E.T although from another world, cares for Elliott and understands him, showing that love can exist outside the family.

Daniel LaRusso/ Karate Kid (1984, 1986, 1989): Ralph Macchio

Karate Kid is the Rocky for teenagers. It is the story of a New Jersey kid without a dad, who has just moved to a California that is anything but welcoming. Harassed and bullied at school, feeling weak and unwanted, Daniel befriends a Japanese janitor who teaches him how to stand up for himself and how to use karate and eastern philosophy to defend himself from his bullies without resort to violence. Considered to be one of the most entertaining films of all times, it is also a film about the friendship and mutual respect that develops between a man without a son and a boy without a father.

Johnny Castle/ Dirty Dancing (1987): Patrick Swayze

The musical that surprised the box-office and remained in history, not simply for its successful soundtrack (Time of my Life), choreography and performances, but also for its meaningful storyline, about the coming of adulthood, love and responsibility. Baby Houseman, an innocent teenager meets the handsome but working class dance instructor Johnny Castle who she falls in love with. However, Baby’s father, the wealthy and respected Dr. Houseman, opposes the match, considering Johnny a low life. Johnny helps Baby find her voice, identity, independence and understand how the world works in this record braking film that marked a star-making performance from Swayze.

This article was written by Joker’s Masquerade, leading providers of fancy dress costumes in the UK

Taking Part in June Guest Blogging Contest from BlogEngage!

Blog Engage will launching a new contest every 30 days until the end of 2011. On the fifteenth of each month we will announce the previous months winners and award all the cash prizes.

Wish me luck! I am getting ready to participate in this month's guest blogging contest.

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Jersey Shore Girl Crashes Car Into 2 Italian Cops

"Jersey Shore" star "Snooki", aka Nicole Polizzi, reportedly crashed into an Italian police vehicle while in Florence filming the current season of the MTV hit show.

"Jersey Shore" star "Snooki", aka Nicole Polizzi, reportedly crashed into an Italian police vehicle while in Florence filming the current season of the MTV hit show. Looks like the reality star won't be just calling cabs to the club or hailing taxis when she's reached stumbling intoxication - she's no longer licensed to drive in the country and won't even be able to take herself to the tanning bed.

It appears "Snooki" was driving with fellow "Shore" star Deena Cortese when she unwittingly crashed into the back of the Italian police car guarding her and her co-star. She was driving one of the cast's blue Fiat Multipla cars when she tried to squeeze in between a cement wall and the cop car. She ended up scraping the side of the vehicle so badly Cortese was forced to exit the car through the window. Late Monday night the production company said the accident was only minor. However, two Italian police officer were seen rolling into an ambulance on stretchers. The cops escaped with only cuts and bruises. Funny, the same was said about two of the other "Jersey" characters after their brawl earlier in the season. Amazingly, it has been said that there was no alcohol involved with the accident. Maybe the breathalyzers in Italy work differently than the ones used in the states...

"Snooki" was not arrested. But if she is tried in the Italian court system, it would only add an international offense to her existing record. She was also arrested last season while filming in Seaside Heights. The highly publicized incident involved her uncontrollable drunkenness on the beach, despite the calming efforts of her cast friends, and ended in her being hauled away in handcuffs spewing inappropriate curses and insisting she was "a good person". She was charged with disorderly conduct. The whole event was a highlight of the season.

"Snooki"s latest mistake will undoubtedly become a major scene of the next "Jersey Shore" season. The cast is constantly followed by filming crew, so it is only a matter of time until the world will watch her crash scene, over and over. The sad part about making millions to party in Miami and exotic foreign locations is that any stupid things said and done will be replayed for the world to watch again and again. It is in deed only a small price to pay, when you're being paid millions.

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Top 5 Jim Carrey Movies

In a career spanning 20 years one actor has taken physical comedic performance to the next level. That man of course is Jim Carrey, and if you need any proof that Jim is the king of physical comedy we just need to compare his performance in Bruce Almighty with that of Steve Carell’s in Even Almighty – Carell is a great comedic actor, but he isn’t Carrey!

I am firmly in the ‘I love Jim Carrey’ camp, and when people criticise him for being a one trick pony it gets to me, like it would any other Carrey fan. I hope this list of his top 5 films will show his versatility and comedic genius!

5 Ace Ventura – Pet Detective

Cert 12

At 5 it’s the film that started it all off for Carrey, playing the part of bottom talking, rule breaking extravert Ace Ventura, who earns his living as a pet detective. This character is similar to the one Carrey is accused of playing throughout his career but as we go through this list we will see the change in the characters he plays.

IMDB Score - 6.6/10

Rotten Tomatoes Score - 47%

4 Me, Myself and Irene

Cert 15

Simply a classic, aimed at a slightly older audience Me, Myself and Irene is about a man who develops a split personality due to having a nervous breakdown. The film has some great gags, as well as the standard great physical comedy (The peeing after sex scene springs to mind). However, unlike his portrayal of Ventura, Carrey’s physical comedy stays in context and his ability to flip between the two characters is a wonder to behold.

IMDB Score - 6.3/10

Rotten Tomatoes Score - 60%

3 Dumb and Dumber

Two loveable but very dumb friends embark on a journey to return a case load of cash to a beautiful woman. Carrey plays simple Lloyd Christmas showing that he can drift between daft, witty characters as in Ace Ventura and naive simpletons, whilst still bringing his own brand of comic humour to the role! Carrey’s blank expression throughout is brilliant as he fumbles his way along with a great blend of naivety and bad luck. Does anybody remember the bikini tour bus bit at the end? How much did you want them to get on the bus!

IMDB Score - 7.2/10

Rotten Tomatoes Score - 63%

2 The Mask

I remember when this first came out because it was the first time I had seen special effects of that nature. But, it was clear that the film needed an actor with as big a personality as the effects, so up stepped Carrey. Once again in a ‘split personality’ scenario, Stanley Ipkiss, played by Carrey is a bumbling bank clerk who transforms into an extrovert ‘Super Hero’ when putting on a green mask. Simply the range and variety of different impressions, movements and voices needed for the role is impressive in itself and this film made Carrey top dollar talent overnight!

IMDB Score - 6.7/10

Rotten Tomatoes Score – 75%

1 The Truman Show

This film, for me is one of the best, most thought-provoking of recent years, Carrey, like many other comedians turned his hand to a serious role, and brilliantly at that! The film’s star is Truman Burbank, a man who is unaware his whole life is actually a reality television show. Carrey performs the role so well and on so many levels it is still hard to believe he received no Oscar nomination - particularly when Ed Harris was nominated for best supporting actor for his role as Christoff.

This film is true reflection of his acting range, there is no physical comedy, yet we are fully engaged with his character throughout the entire film. I think it is his best performance because you can’t think of anybody else who could have played the role as well.

IMDB Score 8/10

Rotten Tomatoes Score - 82%

Matthew Graham is a copy-writer whose client provides Medi spa treatments and spa days in the UK

In a career spanning 20 years one actor has taken physical comedic performance to the next level. That man of course is Jim Carrey, and if you need any proof that Jim is the king of physical comedy we just need to compare his performance in Bruce Almighty with that of Steve Carell’s in Even Almighty – Carell is a great comedic actor, but he isn’t Carrey!

I am firmly in the ‘I love Jim Carrey’ camp, and when people criticise him for being a one trick pony it gets to me, like it would any other Carrey fan. I hope this list of his top 5 films will show his versatility and comedic genius!

5 Ace Ventura – Pet Detective

Cert 12

At 5 it’s the film that started it all off for Carrey, playing the part of bottom talking, rule breaking extravert Ace Ventura, who earns his living as a pet detective. This character is similar to the one Carrey is accused of playing throughout his career but as we go through this list we will see the change in the characters he plays.

IMDB Score - 6.6/10

Rotten Tomatoes Score - 47%

4 Me, Myself and Irene

Cert 15

Simply a classic, aimed at a slightly older audience Me, Myself and Irene is about a man who develops a split personality due to having a nervous breakdown. The film has some great gags, as well as the standard great physical comedy (The peeing after sex scene springs to mind). However, unlike his portrayal of Ventura, Carrey’s physical comedy stays in context and his ability to flip between the two characters is a wonder to behold.

IMDB Score - 6.3/10

Rotten Tomatoes Score - 60%

3 Dumb and Dumber

Two loveable but very dumb friends embark on a journey to return a case load of cash to a beautiful woman. Carrey plays simple Lloyd Christmas showing that he can drift between daft, witty characters as in Ace Ventura and naive simpletons, whilst still bringing his own brand of comic humour to the role! Carrey’s blank expression throughout is brilliant as he fumbles his way along with a great blend of naivety and bad luck. Does anybody remember the bikini tour bus bit at the end? How much did you want them to get on the bus!

IMDB Score - 7.2/10

Rotten Tomatoes Score - 63%

2 The Mask

I remember when this first came out because it was the first time I had seen special effects of that nature. But, it was clear that the film needed an actor with as big a personality as the effects, so up stepped Carrey. Once again in a ‘split personality’ scenario, Stanley Ipkiss, played by Carrey is a bumbling bank clerk who transforms into an extrovert ‘Super Hero’ when putting on a green mask. Simply the range and variety of different impressions, movements and voices needed for the role is impressive in itself and this film made Carrey top dollar talent overnight!

IMDB Score - 6.7/10

Rotten Tomatoes Score – 75%

1 The Truman Show

This film, for me is one of the best, most thought-provoking of recent years, Carrey, like many other comedians turned his hand to a serious role, and brilliantly at that! The film’s star is Truman Burbank, a man who is unaware his whole life is actually a reality television show. Carrey performs the role so well and on so many levels it is still hard to believe he received no Oscar nomination - particularly when Ed Harris was nominated for best supporting actor for his role as Christoff.

This film is true reflection of his acting range, there is no physical comedy, yet we are fully engaged with his character throughout the entire film. I think it is his best performance because you can’t think of anybody else who could have played the role as well.

IMDB Score 8/10

Rotten Tomatoes Score - 82%

Matthew Graham is a huge Jim Carrey fan and a professional copy-writer whose client provides Medi spa treatments and spa days in the UK. He also enjoys swimming, staying fit and spas.

Famous Pubs From TV and Film

It is a truth universally acknowledged that the local pub is a great British institution. It’s therefore not surprising that we see its position at the heart of the British social scene reflected in our most popular films and television shows. Here are just five of the most famous examples…

The Winchester – Shaun of the Dead

The eponymous hero of zombie comedy Shaun of the Dead seems to think that his local pub, The Winchester, is the answer to all his problems. It’s even there for him when his relationship breaks down because of his attachment to it. So when the residents of Britain start turning into zombies, he heads for the one place he knows will keep him safe – The Winchester.

The pub was based on lead actor Simon Pegg’s favourite haunt, The Winchester on Archway Road in North London, but the exterior scenes used Bermondsey’s Duke of Albany pub. Sadly for film fans, it’s since closed and been converted into apartments.

The Nag’s Head – Only Fools and Horses

Frequented by Del Boy and Rodney, the Nag’s Head in BBC comedy classic Only Fools and Horses was supposedly set in Peckham, London. However, the scenes set in the Nag’s Head were actually shot at a number of pubs in towns and cities as diverse as Brighton, Bristol, Hull, Ipswich, London and Salisbury.

The Leaky Cauldron – Harry Potter

Wizards have pubs too, and their most famous one is The Leaky Cauldron. Located on Charing Cross Road in London and invisible to Muggles (non-magical people), it serves as a guest house and a gateway to wizarding shopping street Diagon Alley as well as a pub.

It has provided a place of refuge for Harry Potter himself, as well as all manner of strange magical folk which inhabit the much-loved books of J.K. Rowling.

The Mother Black Cap – Withnail And I

Supposedly in Camden, the Mother Black Cap was the pub in which Withnail (Richard E. Grant) places the famous order: “Two large gins. Two pints of cider. Ice in the cider.”

In reality it was filmed on Tavistock Crescent in Notting Hill, and following the release of the movie it saw a number of relaunches which were all unfortunately doomed to failure. Fans of the cult film will doubtless be sad to learn that it was finally demolished at the end of 2010.

The Turf Tavern – Inspector Morse

Fictional detective Inspector Morse is often seen mulling over a case in an Oxfordshire pub, and The Turf Tavern is one of the most famous. This 17th century gem is a real pub in the heart of Oxford, concealed down a narrow alleyway once known, somewhat forebodingly, as Hell Passage.

It remains immensely popular with both local residents and students of Oxford University, offering plenty of room to languish in the summer sun with a pint of real ale. In the winter its outdoor fires are a big Oxford attraction, when guests can toast marshmallows or enjoy a glass of mulled wine.

Rachel is a keen blogger on a variety of topics, from film and TV to pubs for sale.

Celebrity VW Camper Vans

What do Jamie Oliver, Jenson Button and Richard Hammond all have in common? Answer – they’ve all recognised the true brilliance of the VW camper van. Even Britain’s Got Talent winner George Sampson bought one a few years ago – despite being too young to drive it.

Celebrities are getting into camper vans like never before. And why not – they’re the best way to see all the thousands of sites and attractions that Britain has to offer. Whether it’s a beach in Dorset, a national park in Wales or rocking up to a festival in Scotland, camper vans are the only way to go. There’s not much better than having wheels you can sleep in, or a home you can take anywhere.

Richard Hammond

Top Gear’s Richard Hammond has ditched the caravan-trashing ethos of the BBC show and bought his own VW. The Hamster recently spent Easter on a week-long trip around Dorset with wife Mindy and daughters Izzy and Willow, and said it was ‘without doubt one of our most successful holidays ever and quite possibly my favourite of all time’.

Jamie Oliver

Jamie Oliver used a 1959 Samba VW with a specially built trailer kitchen in his Channel 4 series Jamie’s Great Italian Escape, broadcast as a personal adventure before he turned 30. No age is too old for campervans...

Jenson Button

Formula One racing driver Jenson Button has a 1956 VW camper van, and teamed up with fellow driver Lewis Hamilton to promote the 2010 Formula One British Grand Prix by driving around in a 1966 VW and giving out free tickets to the event.

John Quilter and Martin Dorey

Fellow chef John Quilter uses his VW to cruise around Britain’s coastline on his days off and search for the country’s best surfing spots as well as some of the best local ingredients, while Martin Dorey of BBC show One Man and His Campervan fame drives around the country sourcing and making dishes such as stinging nettle and bacon soup for his Camper Van Cookbook.

Other celebrities who’ve seen the camper van light include David and Victoria Beckham, Robert de Niro, Matthew Mc Conaughey and Dolly Parton, although ‘camper van’ might not be a term they’d use.

Rober de Niro

Robert de Niro reputedly roars up to sets in a $2 million RV which is three storeys high and has a whopping 11 plasma TVs. It’s used as his dressing room and make-up area while filming, and at that size, hopefully for parties as well.

Posh and Becks

Posh and Becks ‘love getting away in these giant motorhomes’ to escape the press glare (and the kids), according to the News of the World. ‘People might find it hard to believe, but it’s a simple pleasure they both enjoy enormously,’ a ‘source’ told the paper. ‘Their lives are so hectic that it’s a rare chance to forget about Brand Beckham and concentrate on each other.’ But don’t despair if you don’t have a million or so in spare change to buy the best motorhome available. VW camper vans are cooler anyway. And they’re available to everyone, celebs and non-celebs alike.

Looking for camper van sites in the UK? Then be sure to read the reviews on Pitchup.com to find the best parks as voted by you.

Celebrity Engagement Rings

Celebrities always do everything bigger, bolder and with more bang than the rest of us civilian folk.

When it comes to engagement rings for some of these A-list leading ladies, big and bold is no exception. The ladies of the celebrity world sport some of the biggest and brightest bling in the world on their left hand. It’s also no surprise that when one of these popular women says yes to the big question, knockoffs of their rings hit the market within weeks. Let’s take a look at some of the biggest and best celebrity engagement rings.

Without a doubt, one of the most popular and most beautiful engagement rings recently has got to be the one give to Kate Middleton by Prince William. The ring she wears on her left hand once belonged to William’s mother, Princess Diana. Kate’s ring is an 18 carat blue oval sapphire surrounded by white diamonds. Once the news came out that William had proposed and the world got a look of the ring, jewelry designers worked feverishly to have replicas on their shelves the next day. Blue sapphires remain a popular choice for engagement rings as a unique option from the traditional white diamond. Other celebrities have a blue sapphire perched on their left ring finger including Penelope Cruz who has a 3 carat oval stunner surrounded by white diamonds.

Other celebrities choose to go with a traditional diamond but they still don’t fail to impress. Hillary Duff has a gigantic diamond on her left hand. Her NHL star husband gave her a 14 carat princess cut diamond flanked on either side by smaller diamonds. It is estimated that her ring is worth $1 million! Kim and Khloe Kardashian also have managed to get some serious bling on their fingers as well. Khloe was given a 9 carat square cut diamond ring that has diamonds all around the band. Kim Kardashian’s ring beat out her sister coming in at a shocking 20.5 carats. Kim’s ring has a 16.5 emerald cut diamond in the center which is flanked by two 2 carat trapezoid cut diamonds. Her ring is worth an estimated $3 million and can probably be seen from space!

The Kardashian sisters aren’t the only ones sporting massive engagement rings. Tennis star Anna Kournikova wears a gorgeous 11 carat pear cut pink diamond ring with two Trillian white diamonds on either side. Beyonce is another celebrity wearing a massie diamond on her left hand. Jay-Z popped the question and gave Beyonce an 18 carat diamond dazzler. Her ring is a flawless, emerald cut white diamond supposedly worth $5 million. It is even said that Beyonce can’t wear her ring out in public very often because it is too valuable. Now that is serious bling.

There are plenty of other celebrities out there with gigantic engagement rings and the public will continue to be dazzled by these beauties. Celebrities will continue to try to have the biggest and best ring out there and jewelry designers will be right on their heels issuing replicas that are a bit more affordable so that all of us can have a little piece of Hollywood glamour.

Find out more about the Richmond jewelry store offering a wide selection of Richmond engagement rings and Richmond designer jewelry. You can find Adolf Jewelers online at: AdolfJewelers.com .

The World According to Paris Hilton

Paris Hilton was a guest of CNN host Piers Morgan and he took the opportunity to quiz her about the sex tape that was released nearly a decade ago.

Hilton expressed shame and regret regarding the sex tape of her with her then-boyfriend, Rick Salomon, which was released in 2003. She said she was in Australia when the tape was released and was “in shock” by its release. She told Morgan she did not authorize the release nor did she benefit from it in any way. Hilton went as far as to tell Morgan it was the most embarrassing and humiliating event of her life.

Hilton was joined on Morgan’s show by her mother, Kathy Hilton. She also said her daughter took the release of the sex tape very hard. She even went as far as to reveal her daughter did not leave their mansion for three months after its release and the entire family sought counseling as a result of its release. Morgan seemed to believe the tale the Hilton’s spun for him, but for the casual viewer it seemed like just so much intentional turmoil. It doesn’t help that the Hilton’s have their own reality show coming soon to the Oxygen network. During the interview with Morgan they both seemed to be on “positive spin” overdrive.

Hilton was focused on talking about the many misconceptions people have of her and how she hopes her new show “The World According to Paris” will clear up those false ideas people have of her.

She told Morgan the show completely real and she will finally be able to show the world who she really is.

Hilton has made herself a celebutante, cashing in on her fame with reality shows and using her famous name (and family’s money) to launch 17 different product lines hawking everything from purses, perfume, clothes, shoes, sunglasses, pet products, stationary and bedding. No doubt the exposure she gets from her new show will at least somewhat boost the sales of her goodies. Though Hilton went to great lengths to tell Morgan she wasn’t cashing in on her fame with the new show, but rather just letting people get a better view of who she really was.

Despite her protestations she sounded like the same old Paris Hilton. She is 30 now instead of 20. A little older (and older looking) and a little bit wiser. She doesn’t drink herself silly any more (at least not in public) and she doesn’t let the paparazzi snap shots of her private parts when she goes out without panties (assuming she still does that.) But she is still the same old Paris Hilton the public has grown to love, hate and cast aspersions on.

Ansu Abraham is an avid entertainment specialist and is also lead team leader in a leading Virtual Assistant company. If you're interested in reading Ansu's blog or find out more about a Virtual Personal Assistant,vist her website.

Guests on The Big Bang Theory: Where Is That Person From?

Premiering in the fall of 2007, The Big Bang Theory features a ton of familiar faces. Principals Johnny Galecki and Melissa Gilbert were the on-again, off-again high school romance on the sitcom Roseanne. You may also recognize Jim Parsons from his bizarre 2003 Quiznos commercial or Mayim Bialik of Blossom fame.

What about the cameos and guest stars? If you are frequently left asking "Who is that guy?" or "What else was she on?", you're not alone. Here's the lowdown on those faces you can't quite place.

Stan Lee

Considered a God in the comic world, Stan Lee has been around before the pretentious phrase 'graphic novel' came into modern parlance. However familiar you are with his work, you may not be acquainted with his face. Lee appeared on season three, episode 16 entitled The Excelsior Acquisition. Sheldon is rabid to see him at an appearance in a comic book store, only to be stymied by a traffic court appearance and being subsequently thrown in jail.

Brian George

Does Raj's dad look familiar? He should. The actor, Brian George, portrayed the restaurant owner Babu Bhatt on Seinfeld. His voice is much better traveled, having been used on movies and video games galore. The list is as long as your arm and includes such projects as Baldur's Gate, Everquest II, and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic.

Katee Sackhoff

Named one of the sexiest women of sci-fi by yours truly, Katee is better known for her role as Kara "Starbuck" Thrace in Battlestar Galactica. Appearing in Howard's masturbatory fantasies, she counsels him about dating and relationships with a sharp wit and perfect comedic delivery. Don't let the big hair fool you, it's Starbuck! If you watch TV out of order using DVR or TiVo technology, you may also be recognizing her from the series 24 where she plays Dana Walsh.

Wil Wheaton

Considering Star Trek: The Next Generation wrapped 17 years ago, you may be struggling to recognize thirty-something Wil Wheaton as the simpering Mary Sue character Wesley Crusher. Wheaton also portrayed Gordie LaChance in the 1986 coming-of-age tearjerker Stand By Me. Still not ringing a bell? He also did two independent films: The Good Things, and Jane White is Sick and Twisted. Oh yeah, he's that guy!

Summer Glau

If you're not a hardcore Joss Whedon fanatic, you may not instantly recognize her as River Tam from Firefly and Serenity. She also appeared on Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles as the cyborg terminator Cameron. She plays herself on The Big Bang Theory, but was criticized for being too machine-like. That's called a nod, folks. Winking is too obvious.

Laurie Metcalf

Sheldon's religious mother looks so familiar. She portrayed Aunt Jackie, Roseanne's sister, on Roseanne. She has also lent her voice to all three Toy Story movies. She has won three Emmys and been nominated for a SAG Award, a Tony, and a Golden Globe in addition to making plenty of cameos in award-winning series such as Grey's Anatomy, Monk, Desperate Housewives, and Frasier.

Christine Baranski

Leonard's mom is played by Juliard-trained actress Christine Baranski. Her resume starts at 1980 and is jam-packed every year since, but you probably remember her most for her sexy, all-business portrayal of Katherine Archer in The Birdcage opposite Robin Williams. She also depicted Mary Sunshine in Chicago.

While these actors and actresses gracing The Big Bang Theory are all working quite often, their roles may not immediately jump out at you. With the show being confirmed for the next three seasons, I'm looking forward to more fun, off-beat cameos by unexpected performers. When are they going to call Weird Al?

Matthew Warren works for the geek-centric t-shirt site Gump Tees which feature The Big Bang Theory Shirts among other nerdy themes.