Tag Archives: books

Elmore Leonard Dies; Acclaimed Writer was 87

Elmore Leonard, the beloved writer behind numerous books and short stories that have been turned into Hollywood fare, passed away today at his home in Detroit. He was 87 years old. The author suffered a stroke three weeks ago and his death was confirmed this morning by his researcher via the following Facebook message: “The post I dreaded to write, and you dreaded to read. Elmore passed away at 7:15 this morning from complications from his stroke.” “He was at home surrounded by his loving family.” Among Elmore Leonard’s writings that have been turned into television shows or movies are: Out of Sight , Be Cool , 3:10 to Yuma and Justified . Leonard was born in New Orleans but has resided in Detroit for the past 34 years. We send our condolences to his friends and family members.

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Elmore Leonard Dies; Acclaimed Writer was 87

Swirly Matrimony-dom: African CNN Anchor Isha Sesay Jumps The Broom With White Co-Worker In ATL!

He liked it, he put a ring on it… CNN’s Isha Sesay Marries White Co-Worker Leif Coorlim In Atlanta Via People CNN anchor Isha Sesay made her own news Sunday night, marrying fellow CNN staffer Leif Coorlim in Atlanta. The couple tied the knot in front of close friends and family at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, the ceremony moved indoors from the English garden after CNN meteorologist Jen Delgado predicted bad weather. “Our day exceeded my wildest dreams,” Sesay tells PEOPLE. “It was magical. When I saw Leif standing at the end of the aisle, I felt as if my heart would explode. I married the man of my dreams in front of the people we care about the most. And then we partied the night away.” The bride wore a strapless, custom Amsale gown featuring elaborate beadwork. “Amsale herself was with me as I tried on different dresses at her Madison Avenue showroom in New York,” Sesay says. “She was wonderful. After trying on a number of gowns, Amsale, my stylist Stacey Brice Washington and I agreed that this was the dress for me!” Sesay, 37, is an anchor/correspondent for CNN International and newsreader for Anderson Cooper 360. She met Coorlim, 34, executive editor of The CNN Freedom Project” – a CNN-wide campaign to help end child prostitution and forced labor in the United States and around the world – in 2008 at the network where they both still work. Congrats you crazy multi-cultural kids! Image via Mary Beth Tyson Continue reading

Dear Bossip: We Were Homeless While I Was Pregnant & I Moved Home & Offered Him To Come But He Declined

Dear Bossip , I have been with my man for 2 ½ years now, and I am 9 months pregnant with both of our first child. I am 22-years old and he is 23-years old. When I found out I was pregnant we decided to relocate from Tennessee to Kansas to better provide for the baby. However, a combination of bad luck and bad choices had us living in a car until I was 8 months pregnant. I’ve truly been through hell and back with this man by my side. He had no motivation to work and what money he came up with he spent on drugs. I consistently worked throughout the pregnancy, but we could never get on our feet on my minimum wage paychecks. He’s repeatedly tried to cheat. He’s sneaky, disrespectful and lies. He talks bad about me, and he puts his friends and drugs above me. He doesn’t even stick up for me or the baby in front of his family. He has been in and out of jail in Kansas for domestic violence against me. As cliché as this sounds, I stayed because I truly love him and thought we’d work through it. I believe the drugs turned him into a monster and the pregnancy hormones turned me into a bish. His only redeeming quality as a father is during the last weeks I was with him he was staying off the drugs, paying more attention to me and the baby, and overall trying to be a good provider. As my due date crept closer we were literally on the streets and I decided I would not be homeless with a baby for any reason. I decided to go back home to Tennessee. Conditions of his costly 1year probation included he could not leave the state and a strict no-contact order between me and him, so we decided the best thing would be for him to accept a shorter 4 month jail sentence and get it over with. Therefore, he will miss the birth next week and the first months of her life. The problem is before I left Kansas we made a plan. He was supposed to get out of jail and come to Tennessee to be with us. I am supposed to start college in January 2014 and he was going to work and watch the baby to cut back on child care costs. I already bought his bus ticket and have a place for us to stay. So, imagine my surprise when I talked to him on the phone and he’s decided he wants to stay in Kansas after he gets out and work with some of the guys he’s met in jail, no matter the fact that he’ll be homeless when he is released. At first he said he would come to Tennessee after he could get a car, but then decided he wants to get an apartment up there and send for us. Who knows how long that would take, but more importantly what type of man voluntarily misses out on time with his first baby like that? Plus, he knows my campus is in my hometown, so I can’t just move away like that. I’ve asked him to at least visit his child with the bus ticket, and he’s being shady about giving me an answer. A part of me feels selfish because I refuse to leave Tennessee where I have support and school. So, why should I hold him back from being in Kansas and getting his life on track? On the other side, I’m mad that I can take care of my business with a baby to raise, but he gets to stay up there and do it without her. What solution is there? I know he can’t cope with the physical part of long-distance, so I just want to end it. Honestly, I would die if my daughter were to date a guy like this. So my question is of loyalty. Is it wrong to leave him while he’s in jail? Should I continue to stay by his side during his incarceration and tell him when he’s free? I am the only one who is still here for him or will have any kind of contact with him. I pay for the phone calls, put money on his books and send mail. I’ve been loyal to this man the whole 2 ½ years and wanted to marry him one day. Now I’m a single parent and ready to move on. – He Says One Thing But Does Another Dear Ms. He Says One Thing But Does Another , I don’t know what the issue is. You’ve already decided what you’re going to do. So, just leave him. Why prolong this and draw it out? And, why in the hell would you stay by his side while he is incarcerated and tell him when he’s free? Get the –ish over with today and be done with him. He’s made his choice and decided on what he’s going to do, so why are you trying to be a ride or die chick, holding him down while he is incarcerated, and sending him money to put on his books and accepting his phone calls? I swear the hood –ish will never get old. Your man of  two and half years has decided he is going to stay in Kansas, where he has done nothing but get into trouble, and now has a record because of his antics, has no home, no car, no job, and no means to make an income. And, you’ve offered him a bus ticket home, a place to stay, support to get back on his feet, and a chance for him to be with his child. Yet, he chose Kansas. I don’t understand some of the decisions and choices folks make when, especially dumba** choices that will jeopardize their livelihood, and well-being, but they are so stuck on stupid and can’t make rational choices because of their inept mental and emotional well-being. SMDH! Let’s look at the facts ma’am. 1.) Your man has a drug problem. There is nothing you can do for him. And, you do not want that type of person around your child, and to be left alone with your child. What happens when you’re at school and he comes across some money and he needs his drug fix, so in his impaired judgment he leaves the child alone to “run up the street for a minute,” to get his drugs? Then what? You can lose your child to Child Protective Services because your drug addict boyfriend can’t make rational choices due to his drug use. That is not a healthy environment to bring up a child in, nor is it a conducive environment to leave your child alone with a drug addict, despite him being the father. 2.) You worked, he did not, does not, and probably never will. You got a place to live for your family, and he’s coming to live with him, however, he still won’t have a job, no money, and no way to provide for you and the child. You want to be a responsible parent, and he wants to stay in Kansas and play. He’s sneaky, lies, talks bad about you, and repeatedly tries to cheat. And, you want to stay with him because……? (I’ll wait while you ponder this) 3.) And, he’s not a good father, so stop lying to yourself and to anyone who will listen. This man had you, pregnant in another state, with no place to live, and you were homeless. How is that a good provider? How is he taking care of you and his child, and preparing to be a good father if you’re struggling, dealing with his new prison record which will further make him unable to get a job because of his record? Please explain to me how a man who will decide to leave his girl and child to go and work with some men he met in jail. Really! Really? He’s going to work with some men he met in jail? Bwahahahahahahaha! Girl, stop! 4.) The man has assaulted you while you were pregnant, and has been in and out jail for domestic violence. Sigh! You women won’t stop chasing these silly a** little boys, and babying them and nurturing them like you’re their mothers, despite the physical abuse. The man has put hands on you. There is no reason, no need, and no redeeming factor to stay with a man who puts their hands on you. If he does it now, he will continue to do it. And, if you stay then just know that he will eventually do more physical harm to you, and we’ll be hearing about you on the news. And, your child will grow up parentless. So, stop taking his phone calls and running up your phone bill. Stop sending him money, and stop writing him. As a matter of fact write him off! End this tumultuous relationship and get yourself together. Go back to school, lean on your support system to help you with your child, and empower yourself. You’re young and have the entire world ahead of you. Dream bigger for you and your child. You can do anything you put your mind to, and you don’t need someone bringing you down and wearing you down in the process. You are not his mother, his provider, or his wife. Stop trying to make him do better, and be the man you want him to be. He is not going to change. As you build yourself, grow emotionally, mentally, and spiritually you will look back at him and the experience and see it as a stepping stone and blessing to where you’re going. Use your experience with him as a way to look back and tell yourself that you will never get back into that situation ever again, or even date a man like him ever again! – Terrance Dean Hey Bossip Fam, what do you think? Share your opinions and thoughts below! Also, e-mail all your questions Terrance Dean : loveandrelationships@bossip.com Follow Terrance Dean on Twitter : @terrancedean “LIKE” Terrance Dean on Facebook , click  HERE! Make sure to order my books Mogul: A Novel (Atria Books – June 2011; $15); Hiding In Hip Hop (Atria Books – June 2008); and Straight From Your Gay Best Friend – The Straight Up Truth About Relationships, Love, And Having A Fabulous Life (Agate/Bolden Books – November 2010; $15). They are available in bookstores everywhere, and on Amazon, click HERE!             Continue reading

Dear Bossip: He Travels Within The State For Work & I Suspect He Has A Girl And Seeing Other Women

Dear Bossip , I first want to say thanks for all the great advice to the ladies. Although you can be brutal at times, your words are always on point. I find myself confused and need your advice. I’ve been dating this man “Marcus” for eight months. He is an electrician. With his job, he travels from city to city (Here in Georgia). His latest assignment landed him in my city. We met, hit it off well, and have decided to become a couple. Things are great. He treats me very well, and I am very happy. Last weekend, we went out with a few of his co-workers for drinks. He got pretty wasted. He and I were having small talk. He said to me he was surprised that I wasn’t married. My response was something to the effect of I was surprised he was single. He then blurted out he was kind of not single, but was just unhappy. I was shocked. I was like you have a girlfriend? He then realized what he had said, and was like he didn’t mean it like that. He meant he was unhappy in his last relationship with the mother of his two girls. I’m like that doesn’t even make any sense. I really am skeptical at this point. Yesterday I walked up on him talking on the phone telling someone that his kids mom is a stay at home mom, and he has to pay all her bills due to his girls. While I do understand him doing this, it still can be a sign of him actually still being with her and just taking care of home while he’s away working. After I overheard his phone conversation, I asked him again was he still with the mother of his girls. He keeps saying no. Then we were watching Tyler Perry’s, “Confessions of a marriage Counselor/Temptations,” and he said something suspect again. He said, “I have to make sure my kids mother see this movie. I want her to see what happened to the marriage counselor at the end.” I sarcastically said, “Yeah, let’s call her now.” He then said he was sorry and didn’t mean anything by it. I’ve heard of men having a different woman in every city here in Atlanta, and I want no parts of this for myself. He keeps saying he is single, but I don’t know if I believe him anymore. By the way, he’s a Libra, and they are charming liars from what I hear. I don’t know what to believe. If he has a girl, I will end things. I just don’t know if he does. What do you think? – Ms. I Think I’m Being Gamed Dear Ms. I Think I’m Being Gamed , Face palm, face palm, face palm. SMDH! I know it’s a shortage of men in Atlanta, but DAMN! Are y’all down there willingly and knowingly sharing community d**k? You lie to yourself, or you convince yourself that as long as you don’t see it or her, then it’s okay. It’s just speculation. The thirst is heavy. Ma’am, you got all this damn evidence smacking you in the damn face and you still refuse to acknowledge what is painfully obvious. YOU ARE NOT HIS GIRLFRIEND. YOU ARE A SIDECHICK. He has revealed critical information regarding another woman, children, her staying home and him paying all the bills. Yet, you allow him to slick talk you out of what you hear, feel, and know because why? Why don’t you want to believe what you’re hearing or believing? What about this man is so amazingly wonderful that you refuse to believe your own ears, instincts, and personal judgment? I don’t get some of you women. Evidence can be staring you right in your face, hell, it can be written in 24-font posted on the wall, and all the details, pertinent information, and involved parties can be listed, yet, you still refuse to acknowledge it because you want a man. Any man. A piece of a man. Just some man in your bed and banging you out. UGH! Liquor is a truth serum. It is the devil’s elixir. You want some information from someone, wait until they are drinking, or are drunk, and it all comes out. They will reveal everything. And, this traveling electrician, whom you met while he was visiting your city, and whom you decided to start a relationship with without knowing too much about him, reveals to you that he is “kind of not single.” What the hell is that? Either you are single or not. Duh! But, against your better judgment, and instincts, you continue the relationship with him. Why? Please explain why you continued to see this man. But, then you walk up on him during a phone conversation and learn that his children’s mother is a stay-at-home mom, and he pays all the bills. Uhm, sweetie, how much money is this man making? She can afford to be a stay-at-home mom, and he pays all the bills, and he can entertain you with dates? Ma’am, I’m going to need for you to use your cognitive thinking skills and start making some deductions. He is living with her! They are a couple! Want to know how I know this? Have you been to his home? Do you know where he lives? No you have not. And, you never will because he lives with her. I’ll wait while you shake your wig with your mouth wide-open and that look of shock on your face. Pulls out my bull-ish calculator and begins adding –ish up. 1.) He travels for his work from city to city within your state. Don’t trust him. Think about it, you met him while he was in your city. Thus, adding one city and multiply that by him visiting several cities within the state, then let me do the square root of him meeting other women the same way he met you. Uhm, my deductions indicate he is a traveling hoe and that you are not the only woman he is banging, or spending his time with. 2.)  Based on your letter it seems you spend a lot of time hanging out in your city, and at your place of residence. Let’s see here: Add him coming to your home all the time and visiting you in your city and at your place. Then divide the fact that this gives him the ability to not be seen in his own hometown, and reduces the likelihood of him running into someone he knows, or, lying to his wife/girlfriend, or whomever she is to him, that he is out working. Now, let’s add all this up, and BOOM!  He’s a liar! He’s manipulative and deceptive. Notice that when he gets caught he immediately results to the sorry, and apologetic excuse of he didn’t mean it, or anything by it. 3.) You don’t know where he lives. You’ve never been to his home. He spends all his time visiting you, and you women fall for the ole okey doke because he’s driving to come see you. He’s taking the time out of his schedule to visit you, and spend quality time with you. Uhm, NOOOOO! It’s because he knows how to conveniently lie to his wife, girlfriend, or woman he is living with, and he has a few hours to get away and he comes to spend it with you. Now, you add that –ish up and you tell me what you come up with. Look, the man has lied to you on several occasions, and you’ve caught him in the lie. Why won’t you trust yourself, and the gut feeling you’re getting? If you don’t trust yourself, then it’s easy to allow someone to come into your space and lie to you as well. So, ask him to be honest and tell you the truth. Present your facts to him of what you know. But, he’s going to continue to lie to you because that all he knows how to do. So, that’s when you ask him if you can visit him at his home. Ask if you can spend some time at his place, and that you want to hang out in his hometown instead of yours. As he stutters, and makes excuses as to why you can’t visit him, or come to his place, then you politely escort him out of your home and bid him adieu. You can play this game with him if you want, but know that the game will end with you never being his woman. You’ll always suspect him of cheating, lying, and being deceptive. You’ll wonder when he’s not with you, then what is he doing, and with whom. So, I suggest you end the game before it begins, get the truth out of him, and then decide how to move your piece on the board. – Terrance Dean Hey Bossip Fam, what do you think? Share your opinions and thoughts below! Also, e-mail all your questions Terrance Dean : loveandrelationships@bossip.com Follow Terrance Dean on Twitter : @terrancedean “LIKE” Terrance Dean on Facebook , click  HERE! Make sure to order my books Mogul: A Novel (Atria Books – June 2011; $15); Hiding In Hip Hop (Atria Books – June 2008); and Straight From Your Gay Best Friend – The Straight Up Truth About Relationships, Love, And Having A Fabulous Life (Agate/Bolden Books – November 2010; $15). They are available in bookstores everywhere, and on Amazon, click HERE!            

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Dear Bossip: He Travels Within The State For Work & I Suspect He Has A Girl And Seeing Other Women

Ron Burgundy to Release Memoir

We know he can play the flute. And woo women. And guzzle milk like a champ. But who knew Ron Burgundy could write?!? The beloved newscaster has announced that he will release a memoir in anticipation of Anchorman 2 . It will be titled “Let Me Off at the Top!: My Classy Life and Other Musings” and it will hit book shelves on November 19. Teased Burgundy in a press release: “I don’t know if it’s the greatest autobiography ever written. I’m too close to the work. I will tell you this much: the first time I sat down and read this thing…I cried like a goddamn baby, and you can take that to the bank!” To paraphrase one of our favorite Anchorman quotes , we’d rather take it to a glass case of emotion. Maybe while eating a wheel of cheese.

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Ron Burgundy to Release Memoir

Catching Fire Theme Song to Be Perfomed By…

You’ve seen the Catching Fire trailer . You’ve seen the Catching Fire portraits . And soon you’ll hear the Catching Fire theme song… performed by Coldplay! Director Francis Lawrence confirmed the participation of this group in a statement today. “I have great respect and admiration for Coldplay, and we are thrilled with how well they have connected to the themes and ideas within the film,” Lawrence said. “Their unwavering passion and excitement for the project elevated the collaboration even further, and we can’t wait to share this music with audiences around the world.” Adds Tracy McKnight, Lionsgate’s Head of Film Music: “We are so honored that Coldplay, one of the iconic rock bands of our generation, will perform the first song out on the new soundtrack. Knowing that Chris Martin is a fan of the books makes this even more meaningful.  The Coldplay single underscores the stature of recording artists we’ve assembled for this powerful soundtrack.” The Hunger Games sequel comes out on November 22 and you can expect many more soundtrack announcements to be made in the coming weeks.

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Catching Fire Theme Song to Be Perfomed By…

Dear Bossip: I’m Attractive, I Have Four Degrees & A Great Career, But I Can’t Find That One Guy

Dear Bossip , I just read your response to “Dumb Educated Bird,” and it really touched me. I can somewhat relate to her story! I’m an Ivy League alumni with four degrees and I’m making almost six figures as a 27 year old. My issue is that I’m in my 20s, not married, no kids, and live alone. I am an attractive female, but I tend to attract men who I cannot relate with. I tend to attract very handsome BASIC men (e.g. high school dropouts, no college education, the unemployed, drug addicts, gangsters, baby daddies, minimum wage working men, etc), UGLY educated men, or non-black educated men. I also attract professional actors, athletes, and artists. I remain friends with some of these men because I know in my heart I will never be emotionally attached to them because I cannot relate to them and they’re just not my type. I find myself VERY attracted to corporate black men because we share so much in common (e.g. work ethic, career goals, education, ambition, morals, etc). I met a couple, but they were either into non-black woman, “suspect,” married, or had a girlfriend. I haven’t been in a serious relationship in seven years and it’s starting to bother me. I just don’t want to settle for something less and end up like “Dumb Educated Bird.” What would be your advice? – Lonely Girl Dear Ms. Lonely Girl, This is perplexing, and I know the dating scene may seem daunting and cumbersome, however, I wonder if your standards may be too high, or, if you’re not willing to expand your dating horizons. Granted, you deserve to have a man to match you on every level (e.g. work ethic, career goals, education, ambition, morals, etc.), however, what happens when a man doesn’t meet one of your requirements? Do you quickly throw him to the waste side because he’s lacking in one area? What if he doesn’t have four degrees, but have two? What if his career goals are not to be CEO, but he is content being a senior level manager? What if he doesn’t want to have children? What if he has all of the requirements but may be slightly overweight, not that attractive, or non-black? I think if you relax on your expectations that you will meet some really great men, and who knows what they may bring to the table. Yes, you deserve quality, and if they are quality men, then why discount them if he is blue collar worker? You didn’t mention what city you lived in, and how you tend to meet these handsome BASIC men, but I wonder if it has something to do with where you’re socializing. I’m sure that a very attractive woman such as yourself with an Ivy League education, four degrees, making nearly six figures, with no kids, living alone, and not married must be socializing in the Hamptons, Martha’s Vineyard, or perhaps the Cayman Islands. I know the number of invitations you receive to high society events at various museums, Operas, charity balls, and black tie events surely must introduce you to some very handsome, smart, educated, career-oriented, ambitious, available corporate black men. (I’m being snarky). These Hollywood movies are going to get some of you women in trouble. I swear you watch these movies and think that is how life really is. The beautiful executive woman meets a gorgeous handsome corporate man and fall in love and live happily ever after. Hold out for that if you want, and you will continue to find yourself alone. So, here’s what you can do: All of those men you have as friends that you were not attracted to, well, I’m certain they have male friends. If you receive an invitation to hang out with any one of them and a group of his friends, then invite some of your girl friends and go hang out. It will open your access to the dating pool of men, and you never know who he may know, or who one of his friends may happen to bring with them. Next, don’t discount non-black men. Keep your options open. Love doesn’t come in colors, so to eliminate a pool of available men based on color only limits you. Besides, there is nothing wrong with dating men of various races and ethnicities. Even if it doesn’t work out, if they are corporate men and very successful, then I’m certain they may have friends who are black. And, who knows what access he may have to available attractive black men. So, don’t limit yourself. Then, I don’t know what’s wrong with the artists, athletes, and actors. Rapper Ludacris is dating an educated smart woman who is not in the industry. They seem to have a great relationship, and appear to be in love. Besides, I know most artists, athletes, and actors prefer to date someone who is not in their field. Now, some athletes, well, yeah, they love attention, and tend not to be monogamous. However, again, keep in mind that they have friends, especially if they are successful in their own careers. I’m sure they socialize and know of some successful, smart, and educated men who are available. Finally, change your social scene. Expand your horizons, and attend more events where you are most likely to meet successful, corporate, educated men. I’m certain there are a plethora of men you can find at these events, and gatherings. There are plenty of smart, educated, and good looking men in various historically black fraternities, and they are active in the graduate chapters of these fraternities. And, I’m certain they host a number of events throughout the year in your city. Also, historically black sororities tend to host events, and many men attend these events as well. Check out these gatherings, parties, and events. And, I strongly suggest partnering and volunteering with corporate companies that are active in communities. Many men come out for these volunteer opportunities. And, finally, it’s time to attend some of the philanthropic and humanitarian events. These tend to bring out the elite, rich, educated, and society people. The man you seek may very well be in one of these places. But, it’s up to you to put yourself out there and open your horizons. – Terrance Dean Hey Bossip Fam, what do you think? Share your opinions and thoughts below! Also, e-mail all your questions Terrance Dean : loveandrelationships@bossip.com Follow Terrance Dean on Twitter : @terrancedean “LIKE” Terrance Dean on Facebook , click  HERE! Make sure to order my books Mogul: A Novel (Atria Books – June 2011; $15); Hiding In Hip Hop (Atria Books – June 2008); and Straight From Your Gay Best Friend – The Straight Up Truth About Relationships, Love, And Having A Fabulous Life (Agate/Bolden Books – November 2010; $15). They are available in bookstores everywhere, and on Amazon, click HERE!             

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Dear Bossip: I’m Attractive, I Have Four Degrees & A Great Career, But I Can’t Find That One Guy

Paula Deen Dropped By Publisher Despite Soaring Book Sales

Lots of people still love them some Paula Deen recipes . Ballantine Books does not seem to care, however. The chef’s rough month just got worse with the loss of a lucrative publishing deal, despite the fact that her latest cookbook has soared to #1 on Amazon. Ballantine announced it would not publish her upcoming effort, announcing that it also made the “difficult decision to cancel” her current best-seller. The division of Random House also announced it is nixing a five-book deal it signed with Deen last year, believed to be worth millions of dollars. The decision came after companies including Sears, J.C. Penney, Walmart, Target and Kmart announced they would stop selling her products, including books. “When Walmart, Target and J.C. Penney all announced they are discontinuing their Paula Deen business, including books, it is awfully tough,” said a source. “This was purely a business decision .” Paula Deen’s New Testament: 250 Favorite Recipes, All Lightened Up has actually experienced a boost in sales since she was fired by Food Network . Deen’s fall from grace began when a transcript of a lawsuit deposition was released and showed that she admitted to using racial slurs in the last. The admission created a firestorm and although Deen issued multiple video apologies, she has watched her lucrative business deals fall like dominos. On Wednesday, she made a tearful and what seemed to be sincerely apologetic appearance on the Today show, but even that did not stop the bleeding. Deen is absolutely furious with Lisa Jackson , the woman suing her for discrimination, and alleged in court papers that the chef made racist remarks. While Paula admitted using epithets in the past, she denies Jackson’s allegations and blames what she sees as a bogus lawsuit for her downfall. Talk to THG: Would you fire Paula Deen?   Yes, there is no excuse for what she did. No, cut the woman some slack people! No, I just like her food, who cares what she says/does! View Poll »

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Paula Deen Dropped By Publisher Despite Soaring Book Sales

Richard Matheson Dies; Prolific Author Was 87

Richard Matheson, a prolific and influential writer of fantasy, horror and science fiction novels, has died at the age of 87, according to news reports. Many of his works have been adapted for TV and cinema, and Stephen King has often cited him as the single biggest influence on his own work. Like King, Matheson sent shivers down the spines of readers and viewers for decades with stories like The Incredible Shrinking Man and I Am Legend . He also penned the story and screenplay for one of Steven Spielberg’s most effective films, Duel , and 16 installments of TV’s The Twilight Zone . For Richard Matheson, horror was to be found potentially everywhere: battlefields, suburban streets, a cellar, an aircraft cabin. Even a library. Matheson was born in Allendale, N.J., to Norwegian parents, and raised up in Brooklyn, N.Y., where he first set his heart on a musical career. An avid appetite for fantasy soon sparked his imagination and fired his creativity: he was only eight when his stories appeared in a local newspaper. Among other influences, he was transfixed by seeing Dracula at a local cinema and by his teens had the idea for the vampire story I Am Legend . R.I.P.

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Richard Matheson Dies; Prolific Author Was 87

Leilani Dowding Is Working On Her Fitness

Other than having an amazing body, I have no clue why the Paps follow Leilani Dowding around. Here she is going for a morning run and “coincidentally” there is a photographer around to snap photos of her. Either she is dating the guy, paying them off or it’s a very slow celebrity news day. On the bright side, at least she is wearing sexy workout clothes…