Ben Flajnik’s decision to propose to Courtney Robertson on The Bachelor finale was not exactly well received, but he stands by it, saying they’re a great fit. The reality star hopes that as the recent controversy dies down, “people will get a better understanding of who we are and why we’re still together .” Ben admits he saw signs of Courtney Robertson’s now-infamously catty behavior this season, “like when she would skip back after getting a rose.” Just the same, “I asked [the other women] for specific examples and [they said], ‘She’s weird,’ or ‘She’s different.’ That wasn’t reason enough.” Ben Flajnik says there were “many really sweet moments that we had together” that kept him interested in Courtney Robertson , come what may. Plus, he adds, “She was one of the only girls on the show that questioned the experience and that’s what I found attractive about her – and I still do.” “Courtney was always like, ‘I’ve only been on two dates with you, why should I bring you home right now? My family is really important to me.'” “It was like, finally, someone who asks the right questions instead of [saying], ‘It’s going be wonderful and we could be married for the rest of our lives.’ ” Despite acknowledging that the two split for several weeks this winter, during which he kissed a bunch of random girls , Ben says they “will be fine.” “Maybe someday people will get behind us, but for now we work really well together,” he says. “The Bachelor will not define me as a person.” Question is: Will Ben and Courtney last?
Weeks away from giving birth, Fashion Star mentor Jessica Simpson says she has never felt more in touch with her body, or her sexuality specifically. No wonder Elle features Jessica Simpson nude this month. The hugely pregnant star opened up about her current sex life – oh, did she ever – with fiance Eric Johnson on Ryan Seacrest’s radio show on Tuesday. “I am definitely ‘feeling intimate,”” said the singer/actress, who notes that “I’m kind of unstoppable right now. The Big O is, like, the biggest O ever!” Former NFL pro Johnson, 32, is definitely game, she adds . “He’s always ready,” Jessica notes … wouldn’t you be? During the freewheeling chat, the fashion mogul also explained her decision to go nude for the April cover of Elle. “They didn’t even ask me to,” she said. “It was my idea. It kind of just seemed a natural thing for me to do.” It’s great she feels that way … but what do you think of the cover?
Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum said yesterday that voters can trust his judgment on the environment … and that climate change is baloney. At the Gulf Coast Energy Summit in Biloxi, Mississippi, Santorum basically said that climate change is a liberal myth – in fact, plants are totally doing well! “The dangers of carbon dioxide? Go tell that to a plant, how dangerous carbon dioxide is,” he said. It’s true. Plants eat that stuff up like it’s their job! “I didn’t change as the climate changed,” the ex-U.S. Senator added, seemingly likening Mitt Romney to … the rising global temperatures he denies exist? “I stood tall. Now the climate has changed and everyone’s for drilling now. But please understand that when times were tough, they were not and I was.” In case it wasn’t clear, Santorum said he stands alone in the GOP field as the opposite of President Obama on energy, calling global warming a “hoax.” On Saturday, an op-ed penned by Santorum on RedState (dot) com explained: “The Washington Establishment would rather fight global warming than fight for American jobs … President Obama and his administration have decided to wage war against global warming and thus against the American worker.” “Those living on or near the Gulf Coast in particular know the impact these extreme environmental positions can have on the region’s economy.” What do you think: Is climate change real?
Perhaps he should have spent more time in the negotiating room and less time in the amazon… The Hollywood Reporter confirms that Bear Grylls, star of the Discovery Channel’s long-running hit Man vs. Wild , has been fired due to what a network executive describes as a “contractual dispute.” As a result of this disagreement, this insider says: “Discovery has terminated all current productions with him.” Grylls, who is releasing a memoir in May, has anchored Man vs. Wild since March 2006. The series features the star showing viewers how to survive in all kinds of conditions, against all kinds of elements and enemies. And it’s earned Grylls quite the celebrity following. Jake Gyllenhaal, Will Ferrell and Ben Stiller have all tagged along for adventures with Bear. No one from his camp has commented yet on his ousting.
The Bachelor’s Ben Flajnik adamantly denied – swore on his father’s grave, no less – that he kissed other girls during his brief time apart from Courtney Robertson. These photos clearly show him kissing Alison McGlone and Hilaire Fouts, however. Here’s the deal: Ben Flajnik and Courtney Robertson got engaged on the finale … but he dumped her after seeing what a psycho she was throughout the season. They were apart for a period in February, when the pics (below) were taken. Courtney and Ben reconciled soon after, but he still swore up and down after The Bachelor finale that he didn’t stray from her at any point. Why? Ben kissed Hilaire Fouts (not pictured) after bar-hopping in San Francisco on February 17. Ben was seen kissing an unidentified woman (red pants) after the bars closed. Doesn’t look like the way you kiss a “friend,” does it? Ben was later seen being escorted home by another woman ( Fouts ), who left the next morning in the same clothes. The following night, Flajnik was seen on a romantic late night dog walk with another woman, Alison McGlone (above, center and right) whom he could be seen kissing. Note that there is ass-grabbing going. Not “friend” material. Early the next day, Alison McGlone was seen leaving his house and walking home … in the same clothes. Again, he and Court had split up during this window. But he may have also blatantly lied on TV. Pure celebrity gossip fodder, perhaps. But that doesn’t mean it’s false. It all makes you wonder … will Ben and Courtney last? [Photos: Pacific Coast News]
With the cast of The Hunger Games gathering in Los Angeles tonight for that blockbuster’s world premiere – return go THG tomorrow for all the scoop and all the fashion! – Lionsgate has released another sneak peek at the upcoming big screen adaption. It features Peeta talking to Caesar Flickerman (Stanley Tucci) and responding to a question about his love life? Does he have a special someone? Yes, sort of. Will he be able to date her if he wins The Hunger Games? No. Find out why in this clip from the film and lay your eyes on when Katniss first meets Cinna … The Hunger Games Clip: Crushing on Katniss
Earlier this week, the first photo from Breaking Dawn Part 2 hit the Internet. And it may have been a close-up of Robert Pattinson as Edward Cullen , but let’s be honest: It wasn’t really all that revealing. Fortunately, a new image is here to rectify that. Taken from a feature on the special DVD handed out last month during a Twilight Saga-related event at Target, we’ve now gotten our first glimpse at Bella Swan as a vampire. Check it out below: “It’s strange,” the red-eyed, pale-skinned Bella tells her husband in the clip from which this shot is taken. “Physically I feel like I could demolish a tank. Mentally I feel just drained.” The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2 hits theaters on November 16, 2012. Check out a sneak peek at the final installment now!
It’s all come down to this. After months of speculation over The Bachelor spoilers and controversy swirling around a woman who has left an indelible mark on the show (for better or for worse), Courtney Robertson squares off with Lindzi Cox for the final rose. Who will Ben Flajnik give it to? The next three hours will reveal all as the two ladies go on their last dates with Ben in Switzerland and he makes the proposal that brings this season to an end. After he does, the After the Final Rose special will catch us up on Ben and his fiancee’s current status. We’ll be here throughout with THG’s LIVE +/- recap: Chris: It’s the most controversial finale IN BACHELOR HISTORY (this year)! Plus 11 . Swiss Alps: So beautiful. And a Fitting venue for the Ice Queen’s coronation. Plus 9 . Does ABC freaking have David Gray on retainer? Minus 13 . The MOUNTAIN gives Ben hope?! Uggggh. Minus 7 . Ben’s sister looks a little Shawntel Newton-esque. Plus 4 . Red flag? Understatement of all time. Minus 8 . Lindzi looks as cute as she has all season. Things certainly haven’t gone downhill since she rode in on a horse … dinnertime silverware faux pas aside. Plus 12 . Lindzi and Julia are talking smack about Courtney? We’re not even 15 minutes into the episode! Minus 8 for rehashing the obviously coached ABC narrative. “Red Flag” and “modeling” drinking game, anyone? Plus 6 . WHAT is Ben wearing, a shirt made of alpaca fur? Minus 5 . Courtney, in nasally baby voice: “You like me? You like me?! Aww.” Shoot us now. After we take two shots for the modeling and red flag references. Minus 9 . The creepy Courtney soundtrack definitely isn’t designed to foster the psycopath image ABC has created for her. Not at all. Nice work, sound guys. Plus 8 . Julia “will never truly know went on this season” … until she watches it unfold on network TV and becomes sick to her stomach every single week. Minus 7 . Wait, Court won her “Barb” and “Jule”? Did we see different footage? Minus only 2 , ’cause she did handle the questions well, but she’s not that pretty or charming. The Flajnik family’s take: Lindzi is a “lovely” person. Courtney is “honest,” has “depth” and there is “more of what [Ben] wants.” Advantage: Court. Minus 20 . For some reason Ben annoys us when he says things. Like “Zermatt.” Or “these women.” Or “mountain caps.” Or anything, if we’re being honest. Minus 12 . Oye, Lindzi’s roots are looking kinda rough. Still hope she wins, so Plus 1 . Lindzi can totally trust Ben “on the slopes and in life.” GROAN. Minus 19 . Promotional consideration furnished by: Zermatt Tourism! Ya think? Also sponsored by models, red flags and wool! And in about 45 minutes, Neil Lane! Plus 6 . Even when Lindzi’s annoying, she’s so darn lovable. Plus 7 . Still, this feels more like fun banter than romantic courtship. At this point she may need to pull a Tonya Harding on Courtney to have any chance. Here’s hoping! Plus 30 . Ben keeps saying he “needs more time” since things have been “moving more slowly” with Lindzi. Just because some girls don’t hijack one-on-one time or strip buck ass naked on a group date doesn’t mean they’ve failed somehow. Minus 12 . Mmmyeah Lindz is acting kinda drunk up in herrrrre. Plus 18 . Lindzi: [breathy voice] “I love you …” Ben: [nods, silent]. Minus 45 . This guy makes Brad Womack look charismatic … he can’t even fake it at this point. OMFG they’re in a helicopter!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Minus 13 . “New heights”? Are you guys kidding?! Minus 17 . Courtney Robertson Auto-Tuned Someone’s got to spoof her exulting “I got the stamp of approval” and doing lame baby talk as a sequel to this video of Courtney auto-tuned (above). Plus 9 . It’s “kiss the cook,” not the “chef,” you two. Minus 10 for this nausea. People “keep taking and taking and don’t give anything back” to Courtney? She’s the one who goes skinny-dipping and bikini-less on the third date. Minus 12 . Courtney’s “very special gift” to Ben somehow wasn’t herself naked! Plus 15 . ABC’s interns did a really a mediocre job on that scrapbook. Minus 18 . And also on styling Ben. Suspenders? A vest? AND the hair? Minus 9 . What a surprise, Ben may be “second guessing” his decision now. He can’t even sell stuff straight out of the Bachelor textbook. Which we would totally buy. Plus 5 . OOH, look at the artistic, blurry retrospective montage! Plus 4 . This is cheesy even by Bachelor standards. “I know what true love is” in this “fairy tale romance”? Honestly? Just put the cue cards away, it’ll sound more natural. Minus 7 . Courtney claims she’s “never been with a man she’s really trusted”? Ohhhh, snap. Jesse Metcalfe is totes rolling in his grave watching this right now. Plus 10 . Are they wearing capes? Is this The Bachelor: Hansel and Gretel edition? Who has elbow-length satin gloves lying around? No, no, no. Minus 12 . This is going to suck for Little Red Riding Lindzi. Minus 23 . Look at Chris, escorting her to her doom. Pimp always keeps it professional. Plus 10 . Ben’s liked her from the start, she’s pretty, she’s perfect, he’s fallen for her, but … NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Minus 270 . Geez, didn’t waste a lot of time showing her to the chopper either. Minus 38 for Ben just letting her blame herself (?) and not even looking that upset by it. Plus 40 for Lindz handling that a lot better than, say, Kacie B. might have. This is about as anticlimactic as it gets. In a word, meh . Minus 15 . “You’re my forever.” Eyes? Rolling hardcore. Sweet though. Plus 4 . She said yes! SHE SAID YES!!!! OMG!!!! How magical. Simply breathtaking. Ben and his own personal dominatrix Cruella de Vil, together forever. Minus 70 . At least she took her glove off for him to put a ring on it. Plus 14 . Think Ben’s dad is smiling down upon this? No points , just asking. Her hair does look pretty good. Plus 9 . You know when Chris is asking the audience to withhold judgment on the winning relationship at 10:02 p.m. that this has been one heck of a season. Plus 25 . Minus 125 for Ben’s facial hair. Good grief. Wait, they broke up?! Plus 80 . After watching this season play out all winter, it’s no wonder he had to “reassess.” At least he acknowledged her suckitude. Wow, Chris even brought up his alleged cheating. Nice! Plus 20 . I did not have kissing relations with that woman! Uh, you did, and your hand was on her ass no less, but Radar Online has zero credibility, so you might as well just lie and hope people believe you over them! Plus 20 for strategy. Courtney’s wedding dress shopping thing was a total PR stunt to take the heat off Ben. Unreal. Chris is right … these two are very weird. Wash . First winner of The Bachelor to come on stage to boos since … Vienna Girardi? Plus 16 . She seems semi-sincere in this interview, and it’s possible she regrets what she did on the show, but there’s something that just rubs us the wrong way. Minus 4 . They’re a couple now … “I think.” When you have to think, never a good sign. Minus 6 . When the going got tough, they split. Why? Because it was hard for him to watch the drama, and hard for her that he didn’t have her back. At the very least, they’re being honest about their trust issues and don’t seem like they’ve fully figured it out yet. Tough crowd. Plus 10 . This is one uncomfortable interview. Minus 5 . Gotta love their reaction to the immediate backlash from the “haters.” Hey, maybe it will help them put on a united front going forward? Their engagement has been so SOILED by The Bachelor . Which they chose to go on. Audience? Not too sympathetic it seems. Minus 10 . Aww, their pimp brought the ring! And it’s back on! Plus 75 for such a tear-filled, non-scripted ending to a mesmerizing special! Ben reunited with J.P. Rosenbaum? Awkward! Plus 10 . Nice vote of confidence from J.P., though. He’s right, the worst is without question behind Courtney. Whether she’ll ever earn his trust is the question. They’re opening up Bachelor Pad to random schmoes? Lame. Minus 15 . Ashley Hebert is pregnant … just kidding! Darn you, JP! Plus 10 . Chris Harrison is maybe seriously going to officiate their wedding. Plus 250 . EPISODE TOTAL: -73! SEASON TOTAL: -92! Ben and Courtney: Will it last?
Daylight Savings Time took America by storm Sunday as tens of millions asked “What Time Is It?” following this baffling, totally unprecedented time change. Early this morning, for the first time since March 2011, U.S. residents (Arizona excluded … lucky ) were asked to move their clocks forward by one hour. Amazing. According to the trending topics on Google right now – 1. Daylight Savings; 2. What Time is It?; 3. Local Time – this has thoroughly confounded the masses. With that in mind, THG has provided a helpful Daylight Savings Time visual aid to assist and help you keep calm throughout the pandemonium. You’re welcome:
ABC certainly didn’t have trouble coming up with a narrative this season. With the season finale of The Bachelor on tap tomorrow night, all of America is on pins and needles awaiting the conclusion of an epic morality play. The Bachelor spoilers have been right all season. Will they be on point Monday as the Black Widow does battle with all that is right with the world? Maybe that’s a bit over the top … but this promo blatantly uses “Good vs. Courtney” as a tagline for the conclusion of this controversial season: The Bachelor Season Finale Promo: Good vs. Courtney! As for what’s allegedly happened since The Bachelor season finale, the rumor mill has been working overtime. Reports of trouble in paradise abound. We won’t say whether Lindzi Cox (good, according to 80+ percent of viewers, and ABC’s promo) or Courtney Robertson (evil) got the final rose. Most people have a pretty good idea where Ben’s head is at, though, so follow the jump for the latest report on his current relationship status … Seriously, quit reading now if you want to remain in the dark: Okay. Ben Flajnik and Courtney Robertson, who allegedly get engaged on the finale, revealed they briefly split in February … but are back together. When they taped The Bachelor: After the Final Rose special (airing after the finale) in Los Angeles on March 4, Ben said he dumped her “abruptly.” That allegedly took place on February 7, according to Us Weekly , but the pair reconciled later that month “just as” he was allegedly caught cheating . The Us report was unclear whether Ben and Court reconciled “just as” the photos were taken, or when they were subsequently reported February 29. However, during the special, Flajnik swore on his deceased father’s grave that the three women he was seen canoodling with were his “old friends.” Even though Us says they met this month. “I had days where I stayed in bed and cried,” Robertson reportedly said, explaining that Flajnik didn’t even return her calls during the break-up period. “I was thinking he could at least send carnations [for Valentine’s Day].” It’s been a rough couple of weeks for these two. While the couple eventually reunited, Robertson reportedly told Chris Harrison she doesn’t believe she will be able to “completely” trust Flajnik again. During the After the Final Rose filming, Flajnik also reportedly admitted Robertson’s wedding dress shopping was a stunt to divert attention from him. “Once she saw the [ Us ] photos, she wanted to… shift the focus,” Flajnik told Harrison. “What better way than to go shopping for wedding dresses?” According to Us , the After the final Rose special concludes with Flajnik giving Robertson a new engagement ring. What was wrong with the Neil Lane? Nothing. But The Bachelor producers made her return the free ring that Flajnik proposed with during the finale after learning of the couple’s split. “I’m going to be there for you forever,” said Flajnik, who reportedly claimed to have purchased the new ring himself … you may vomit on cue. Again, we won’t know if any of this is actually true until tomorrow night, when it all unfolds on ABC. But it seems like a believable sequence of events.
