Remember Tracy Morgan’s homophobic rant earlier this year? No? Well T.I. does, and he thinks it was hilarious! The rapper brought the scandal back to life when he told Vibe that Morgan’s anti-gay jokes were the funniest of all time. The comments have Morgan toeing a fine line between staying under the radar and distancing himself from T.I., who’s reveled in “the funniest jokes I ever heard.” T.I. then ignited even more controversy. Not only does he find the anti-gay humor funny, he suggested that the backlash against Morgan’s stand-up is un-American. “They’re like, ‘If you have an opinion against us, we’re gonna shut you down,'” T.I. told Vibe . “That’s not American. If you’re gay you should have the right to be gay in peace.” “If you’re against it, you should also have the right to be against it in peace.” The rapper, who was recently freed from jail , later walked that last part back somewhat, saying that gays are not anti-American, but the actions of a select few are. “I believe you have the right to do whatever you want to do as long as you’re not hurting anyone. I was quoted correctly, but I was taken out of context,” he said. He says the U.S.A. is an “institution built around allowing us to speak peacefully and respectfully in opposition of any point or any topic that comes up,” T.I. added. He went on to add that he’s not even against same-sex marriage, and that members of the African-American community acts in the same, oversensitive way as well. Fair enough, but is what Morgan said, which was borderline hateful, really peaceful or respectful? And would T.I. react the same way to N-word-laden rants? Just curious. Thoughts on T.I.’s comments?
When Kelly Preston welcomed son Ben, she knew bouncing back would be a struggle. “When I got pregnant at 48, I didn’t know if my body would bounce back,” she admits. Turns out she had no need to worry. Not only did she shed all the baby weight, but over the past year she’s dipped below her pre-pregnancy weight , and is relishing a new figure, 39 pounds lighter! Check it out: “I lost 39 lbs., have more energy than I had 20 years ago – and I feel amazing,” she says. “I’m going to be turning 50 next year – holy $h!t! Hey, 50 is the new 30.” Besides tennis and keeping up with a baby, what’s her secret? Channeling Kirstie Alley’s weight loss plan – The Organic Liaison weight loss program she created! “I was so excited when my best friend created Rescue Me,” says Kelly of the diet plan’s organic supplement system that targets cravings and “boosts natural energy.” “It’s pretty much the most genius thing ever,” says Preston, who recently signed on as the new spokesperson of Alley’s plan, on which Kirstie lost 100 lbs. 100! [Photo: WENN.com]
‘I realized [my abs] weren’t as good as Taylor’s, so I just ate every bit of chocolate,’ Pattinson laughs during ‘MTV First.’ By Kara Warner, with reporting by Josh Horowitz Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner’s abs Photo: Summit Much ado is made over the handsomeness of the leading men of “Twilight” — Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner — particularly when it comes to the subject of their being shirtless in any way, shape or form. Their fervent fans know from reading Stephenie Meyer’s books and seeing the first two trailers that there is plenty of shirtlessness in store for them when “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn- Part 1” opens November 18. MTV News was lucky enough to sit down with the two heartthrobs during “MTV First: Breaking Dawn” on Thursday, during which we asked a fan-submitted question about how they prep for their shirtless scenes. “No M&M’s,” said Kristen Stewart, who was seated between her co-stars. “Yeah, I didn’t eat any candy and I didn’t drink any beer for a while,” Pattinson said of his health-conscious prep. “I went kind of nuts. Me and Kristen went nuts working out, because we hadn’t worked out for any of [the previous films],” he admitted. Then, upon noticing that his shirtless photo was being held up next to Lautner’s, RPattz took offense in the comparison. “This is so unfair doing a comparison. Everyone says I painted on my abs in [‘New Moon’] — I did not! Taylor has his painted on too!” he accused with a laugh. “What?” Lautner responded. “What are you talking about? I don’t understand this.” Pattinson stopped his playful ribbing of Lautner for a moment to finish answering the question about his diet before shirtless scenes are filmed. “I had it for, like, two weeks,” he said of his abs, with Stewart agreeing and adding that they gave up being healthy immediately after their skin-showing scenes were wrapped. “As soon as I didn’t have to be shirtless anymore [my good habits were] gone immediately,” Pattinson continued. “During [filming in] Brazil, the day before I had to do my shirtless scene, I realized [my abs] weren’t as good as Taylor’s, so I just ate every bit of chocolate in the mini-bar. I started eating cheeseburgers and stuff.” Stick with MTV News for much more from our exclusive Q&A with Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner! Check out everything we’ve got on “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1.” For young Hollywood news, fashion and “Twilight” updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com . Related Videos MTV First: ‘Breaking Dawn’ Related Photos Twilight: Breaking Dawn ‘Breaking Dawn’ Stars At Their Hand And Footprint Ceremony
A new study indicates that genes may explain about fifty percent of weight gain that begins in middle age. Researchers studied sets of twins who served in the military during the Vietnam War. Some of the twins were identical and shared the same genes, and the others were non-identical twins.After twenty years of follow-up, the study now shows that genes account for about 1/2 of the weight gain among the men. Environmental factors, such as exercise and diet account for the other 1/2. Researchers say the findings may help explain why some people find it hard to lose weight. I Don’t Have Time To Exercise! Your genes and how they effect your weightA new study indicates that genes may explain about fifty percent of weight gain that begins in middle age. Researchers studied sets of twins who served in the military during the Vietnam War. Some of the twins were identical and shared the same genes, and the others were non-identical twins. After twenty years of follow-up, the study now shows that genes account for about 1/2 of the weight gain among the men. Environmental factors, such as exercise and diet account for the other 1/2.Researchers say the findings may help explain why some people find it hard to lose weight. “We’re not acknowledging the strength of genetic factors in our weight loss strategies,” says James C. Romeis, PhD, professor of health services research at Saint Louis University School of Public Health, in a news release. “You’ve got this genetic thing working against you that helps to explain why you’re so heavy and why you may fail at weight loss programs and diets.” Cancer Patients Must Exercise To Prevent Recurrence In the study, which appeared in a recent issue of the journal Twin Research, researchers studied nearly 8,000 middle-aged, middle-class male twins who enlisted in the U.S. military during the late 1960s.At the time of their enlistment as young men more than 3/4s of them were considered normal weight, 17 percent were overweight, and 2.5 percent were obese or severely obese. Twenty years later, less than half of the men were still considered normal weight. Meanwhile, more than half had become overweight. The study showed that about 50 percent of the weight differences among the men appeared to be caused by genetic factors. Other aspects of their lifestyle and environment accounted for the rest. Although genetics may help to explain why some men gain weight more easily and have a harder time losing it, researchers say it should not stop them from trying to maintain a healthy weight, because weight gain doesn’t just happen overnight.
Calories make you fat, and most “low-fat” or “fat-free” foods actually have just as many calories as their full-fat versions, because of added sugar and chemicals. Since we made “cut down on fat” our favorite food craze roughly 30 years ago, the U.S. obesity rate has doubled and among children, it has tripled. That’s a failed food policy if ever there was one. Read More At Hiphopwired.com
Mrs. Tom Cruise says ‘Ghost Protocol’ is ‘the best ‘Mission’ yet.’ By Kara Warner Katie Homes & Guillermo Del Toro Photo: MTV News While we’ve been awaiting an official trailer for “Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol” — which is said to drop in front of this week’s “Transformers: Dark of the Moon” — a French version leaked online Monday (June 27), and reportedly contains plenty of expected shots of Tom Cruise involved in crazy action sequences as super-spy Ethan Hunt. Since we have yet to see the trailer or any footage ourselves, when MTV News caught up with Cruise’s better half, Katie Holmes, Monday during the press day for “Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark,” we asked if she’s seen any of the film yet. “I have. I had an advanced screening,” she said with a laugh, adding that it’s a perk of being married to the film’s star. As for her thoughts about Cruise’s death-defying stunts in the film, particularly those he performed atop Dubai’s Burj Khalifa (the world’s tallest building), Holmes turned the question over to Guillermo del Toro, who produced “Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark.” “What did you think, Guillermo, about the Burj?” she asked him. “I love it!” he said, at which point they both agreed that Cruise’s stunts were scarier than their film, which revolves around the demonic activities of a group of terrifying little creatures that seek out and kill humans, particularly children. “It’s amazing,” Holmes continued. “The movie is going to be very cool and intense and the best ‘Mission’ yet.” The actress also mentioned that she’d be game for a role that required a few crazy stunts herself. “I think it sounds fun,” she said. Del Toro then chimed in with his own “Mission: Impossible Diaries,” so to speak: “I live ‘Mission: Impossible.’ It’s what I call my diet,” he joked, and then proceeded to hum the “Mission: Impossible” theme song, while miming his insatiable appetite, making Holmes burst out laughing. Holmes weighed-in: “I have a lot of ‘Mission: Impossible’ moments, just being a mom.” Del Toro agreed: “Yes, coping with the home front.” Check out everything we’ve got on “Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol.” For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com .
Competing for Brad Womack’s attention on The Bachelor, Ashley Hebert turned to food to cope with the stress. Soon enough, she’d packed on 10 pounds. For a petite, 5’2″ girl, that’s a fair amount. Fortunately, Ashley changed her diet and exercise habits to lose the weight in time for her upcoming wedding to her dreamy mystery fiance (follow this link for The Bachelorette spoilers if you care to know who that is). Those 10 pounds weren’t the extent of Ashley’s self-esteem battle . Despite the misleading cover above (she was called those things as part of a comedy roast, after all), there’s no question she has legitimate insecurities. The way Bentley Williams messed with her, how could she not? Fortunately, with the show behind her and a bright future ahead, things are looking up. Ashley Hebert is engaged , and mentally and physically, just so healthy! “It’s a new, enlightened me. I’m happy. I’m in such a great place right now!” she says of her new body and her new life with the final rose winner. The Bachelorette finale airs August 1. [Photo: Life & Style]
‘I’m good now, thank you. I’m so much better,’ she says on radio show in Texas. By Jocelyn Vena Selena Gomez Photo: Toby Canham/ Getty Images Selena Gomez is doing much better after her health scare last week. She appeared on the Kidd Kraddick in the Morning radio show on Thursday (June 16), days after performing in Santa Monica , appearing healthy and in good spirits and updating fans on how she’s feeling. “I’m good now, thank you. I’m so much better,” she told Kraddick in her home state of Texas. “I do eat. The problem is I don’t eat right. I love everything that’s possibly not good for me.” The singer was treated at the hospital on June 9 for food poisoning and exhaustion after becoming ill following her appearance on “The Tonight Show With Jay Leno.” Gomez said she’s trying to get her diet back on track and has a special someone — her mother — helping her out. “She’s definitely shoving vitamins down my throat and following me around,” she explained about the steps her “supermom” is taking to get her healthy again. “But at the same time, I was a stubborn kid, so I got to eat whatever I wanted. I have to have creamed spinach or cheese on my broccoli. I have to have something that makes it not healthy.” So, what else does she love to eat? “I love M&M’s, Kit Kats, Snickers and Goobers at the movies,” she admitted. Although fans showed support for Gomez when they found out she was ill, she confessed that sometimes it’s hard to be famous. But she’s not letting it stop her from living her life. “It’s a very hard thing because for me, it’s not about being public about anything, but I don’t want to live my life being afraid of what people are going to say about me,” she said of dating and living life in the public eye. “I lived that way for the first four years I was in the business and I was very unhappy.” Related Photos Selena Gomez Performs At The Santa Monica Mall
The stigma associated with being overweight in Western society has spread around the world, even to cultures which traditionally embraced larger figures as the epitome of beauty. The New York Times recently published an article entitled “Fat Stigma Spreads Around The Globe” that blamed this change on the media saturation of the idealized slim body images promoted in advertising and movies. It also pointed a finger at the emergence of public health efforts to promote “obesity as a disease and a worrisome threat to a nation’s health.” What is surprising, according to Dr. Alexandra Brewis, head researcher, is that scores for fat stigma, were high in Puerto Rico and American Samoa, as well as along the Mexican border and in Paraguay, places that have historically held more positive views of larger bodies. She said, “these cultures traditionally view bigger women, in particular, as fertile, generous and desirable…. Of all the things we could be exporting to help people around the world, really negative body image and low self-esteem are not what we hope is going out with public health messaging.’’ This implication – that by trying to promote healthy lifestyles, we are really creating whole societies with body centric issues – struck me, and reminded me of an editorial I read not long ago which questioned Western societies obsession with weight-loss TV shows and ‘real women’ modeling, and asked whether or not our focus on weight is really helping or hurting . I believe, as the new research suggests, that our obsession with weight in the media is in fact harmful, and skews societies expectation of what you “should” look like. You only need to look at the sheer number of weight related reality shows on television and the portrayal of overweight people on prime time shows to see that weight is big business in America. “The Biggest Loser,” “Dance Your Ass Off,” “Heavy,” “Too Fat For 15,” “Supersize v. Superskinny,” “I Used To Be Fat,” the list goes on. These shows claim to be about promoting healthy living and giving people the chance at a healthier life, and they often feature people who have been broken down by their situation and appearance and are desperate to change it, which is the basic premise of the show. However, in reality, are these people’s struggles and very real issues exploited for comedy and entertainment? No one can tell me that the producers of “Dance Your Ass Off” really wanted to help the participants lose weight and get healthy. If that was the case, then the promo clip for the show wouldn’t have focused so much on the contestants in their underwear or in glittery, tight, midriff baring, dancing attire. If “The Biggest Loser” wasn’t trying to shock audiences then the wouldn’t feature food binges or emotional meltdowns every episode. What these sorts of programs aim to do is intrigue the perverse voyeuristic desires of the average audience, rather than help the participants lose weight, and in doing so, they exploit the subjects. By humiliating the contestants by making them stand near naked on the scales, and showing the trainers pushing them and screaming at them until they cry, what is really being promoted is not a positive message of unhealthy people being given their life back, but an underlying feeling that being overweight means, and should mean, that you are fair game for humiliation. Is what is actually being promoted a self-loathing and learned contempt for overweight people? It’s not just weight-loss specific shows that push this subtle rhetoric though. Tyra Banks for instance, pushes the “love yourself, all women are beautiful” message, and has often spoken out about loving bigger bodies, yet at the same time “America’s Next Top Model” featured a girl who proudly proclaimed to have the “ world’s smallest waist ” and she won the series! So what is being promoted as the ideal there: healthy weight or thin to the extreme? It doesn’t really surprise me that the Western obsession for stick-thin has permeated through to other cultures and ways of thinking, however it does trouble me that the anti-obesity message is becoming linked to a hatred of larger figures. The media’s message about weight loss is very contradictory, and it begs the question; how can the obesity epidemic be rectified, if weight-loss strategies are increasingly associated with humiliating overweight people, often on reality television? How To Get Your Diet Back On Track Curvy Vs. Fat? Who’s The Judge? Beyonce Joins Workout Video To Fight Childhood Obesity With Michelle Obama How To Help Your Overweight Child Lose Weight
Filed under: Ben Roethlisberger , TMZ Sports Ben Roethlisberger is paying extra special attention to his diet this week — because when he was pounding drinks at a Texas bar Tuesday night … he wanted his rum mixed with DIET COKE. TMZ has obtained FOOTAGE of the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback… Read more
