Tragic news today out of Soelden, Austria. Ronnie Berlack and Bryce Astle, two prospects on the U.S. Ski Team, were killed on Monday when they got caught in an avalanche. The athletes were among a group of six who were free skiing at a resort when the terrible accident took place; the four others were able to ski out of the slide and find safety. “It’s our worst nightmare come true,” U.S. men’s ski team coach Sasha Rearick tells USA Today. “We’ve never had a death of one of our athletes from an avalanche. Unfortunately, there were no coaches with them at that time. There was a call, and people tried to dig them out.” Berlack, 20, was a native of New Hampshire native. He was named to the U.S. Ski Team’s Development Team in 2013. Astle, 19, was a native of Utah who was invited to train with the team this season. “Ronnie and Bryce were both outstanding ski racers who were passionate about their sport – both on the race course and skiing the mountain,” U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association President Tiger Sha said in a press release. “Our hearts go out to the Berlack and Astle families, as well as to their extended sport family. Both of them loved what they did and conveyed that to those around them.” Celebrities We Lost in 2015 1. Stuart Scott Scott was an anchor on ESPN’s SportsCenter for over 20 years. He died from cancer at the age of 49.
Ian Somerhalder and Nikki Reed did not receive a private plane for Christmas this year. Instead, one of Hollywood’s cutest couples were gifted with something even more special: quality time with each other. Along with Reed’s brother, the stars vacationed in Sun Valley last week, snapping a selfie on top of the mountain and gushing over one another in the process. “My brother and my love all in one day, on one mountain- I’m so overwhelmed by all of the beauty that surrounds us. HAPPY HOLIDAYS! Love…us,” Reed wrote on Instagram. Somerhalder, on break from filming The Vampire Diaries Season 6 , added: “No filter for this sunny Sun Valley day of awesomeness with my loves, the incredible @iamnikkireed and my brother @nathanaugustreed. “The Happiest of holidays to everyone, may nothing but smiles, family time and reflection come from these moments. I’m grateful for all of the love this years for me, us and ISF from everyone-may you empower all around you with the same strength and energy you have to spread positivity and compassion. “Smiles are contagious-please spread them;) I’m grateful for and l love you all…” Ian and Nikki have been dating for most of 2014, with things growing so serious that Somerhalder may have been engagement ring shopping earlier this month. We know, right? EEK!!!! 29 Incredibly Sexy Ian Somerhalder Pics 1. Ian Somerhalder in August Man Ian Somerhalder is featured here as part of a spread for August Man. That’s a magazine.
Justin Bieber is not wasting any time with his latest scandal. The singer has already issued an apology for a video of his 15-year-old self telling an N-word laced racist joke. “I’m very sorry,” the singer told TMZ. “I take my friendships with people of all cultures very seriously and I apologize for offending or… Read more
“Game of Thrones” was all new with “The Mountain and the Viper,” and it nearly made our heads explode with awesome. Here are all of the biggest, most shocking moments on the episode.
The stakes were higher than ever on The Voice Monday night, as the top eight took the stage competing your votes and five spots in next week’s installment. That’s right, THREE singers are going home tonight, and while there will clearly be some dissent no matter who goes home, the favorites did shine Monday. Let’s break down the performances we saw, shall we? The Voice Top 8 Performances Open Slideshow 1. Christina Grimmie – How to Love (The Voice) Christina Grimmie gives her best to Lil’ Wayne’s “How to Love.” View As List
Maybe now Lolo can prove she’s not a huge Olympic failure. Lolo Jones Adds Excitement To U.S. Women’s Bobsled Team She couldn’t get it poppin’ as a track and field star. If she can’t get the medal as a bobsled athlete, well, UPS is hiring… According to The Gazette: Lolo Jones wanted to become a push athlete in Olympic bobsled competition. She knew her ambition would require a big dose of courage. It’s no secret bobsledding can be perilous. She also knew her ambition would require a more enormous version of Lolo. Jones had made her name as a slim 130-pound world-class hurdler. She needed to add 30 pounds, at least, to prosper as a pusher. “I can eat anything,” Jones said late in 2013 as she looked back on her successful attempt to add weight to her frame. “And it’s awesome.” Jones is the most famous of the athletes who have traveled from other sports to bobsled competition. She is joined on the Olympic team by Lauryn Williams, a gold medal Olympic sprinter, and Aja Evans, who competed in track at Illinois. On the men’s team, Curt Tomasevicz traveled to the bobsled Olympic team from football. He was raised in Shelby, Neb., on land almost as flat as a pool table. He still found his way, with a stop at Nebraska’s football team, to this mountain sport and lives and trains in Colorado Springs. “They ask me if bobsledding is fun,” Tomasevicz said, “and I don’t think I could describe bobsledding as fun with freezing temperatures and spandex and wearing only a helmet as protection, it’s not necessarily fun.” Jones disagrees. She’s been surprised by the sheer joy of bobsledding. She once spent her days trying to run as fast as she could while clearing hurdles, but has found thrills in her role as, borrowing his words, “the engine” of a bobsled race team. “Once you get use to the g-force and how it knocks you around, it’s really quite fun,” she said. Do you think Lolo can get a gold Olympic medal as a bobsled athlete? Image via RunLoloRun
Jesse Eisenberg has been cast as one of the comic book universe’s most legendary villains, Lex Luthor, in the upcoming Batman vs. Superman! Movie Fanatic reports that in casting Eisenberg as Luthor , as a contemporary of Clark Kent, the film has cast appropriately cast a Henry Cavill peer. Director Zack Snyder said, “Lex Luthor is often considered the most notorious of Superman’s rivals, his unsavory reputation preceding him since 1940.” “What’s great about Lex is that he exists beyond the confines of the stereotypical nefarious villain. He’s a complicated and sophisticated character.” “Having Jesse in the role allows us to explore some interesting dynamics, and also take the character in some new and unexpected directions.” Meanwhile, legendary actor Jeremy Irons has been cast as Batman/Bruce Wayne butler and confidant Alfred (and Ben Affleck is Batman , of course). Also noteworthy was the recent casting of Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman in the Man of Steel sequel, which continues to generate buzz and headlines. Batman vs. Superman won’t hit theaters until 2016, but the star power, as well as the hype, is already off the charts! What do you think of the latest casting?
Molly Schuyler went to WORK Friday at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. By DEVOURING an eye-popping 363 chicken wings in a HALF HOUR, the 5-foot-7, 125-pound mother of four set a new record at Wing Bowl 22. The previous record was held by Takeru Kobayashi, who ate 337 in 2012. Schuyler, from Omaha, Neb., didn’t exactly cruise to the crown, narrowly edging Patrick Bertoletti, whose 356 wings mark the second most consumed. Jamie “The Bear” Anderson, last year’s champion, was third with 304. For the gutsy effort that may or may not entail puking her guts out later, Molly Schuyler won the $22,000 top prize, a gold medal and a championship ring. “I have car payments and kids, so it’s all good,” Schuyler said. Kids that could’ve eaten for a week with 363 wings. Molly Schuyler DESTROYS Steak She is no stranger to elite competition of this gluttonous nature. To qualify for the Wing Bowl, Schuyler ate nine pounds of cottage cheese in 114 seconds, which may or may not be the most disgusting feat ever. Molly also shattered another world record recently, Hoovering a 72-ounce steak in three minutes (above), a feat which is only slightly less disgusting. We’ve love to see her take on ridiculous quantities of these: 9 Totally Disgusting Food Items Open Slideshow 1. Deep-Fried Twinkie Burger Yes, this deep-fried Twinkie burger is actually offered at a restaurant. It may instantly kill its consumer. View As List 1. Deep-Fried Twinkie Burger Yes, this deep-fried Twinkie burger is actually offered at a restaurant. It may instantly kill its consumer. 2. Ramen Burger Ramen is noodles. A burger is anything but noodles. It’s unclear how these things go together. 3. Taco Bell Waffle Taco Yes, this will soon be a real thing. The Taco Bell Waffle Taco is coming to a restaurant near you. 4. Watermelon Oreos Watermelon Oreos are actually a thing! Get ’em while supplies last! 5. Krispy Kreme Sloppy Joe Yes, a Krispy Kreme Sloppy Joe is a real thing. Go ahead and eat it… and then book a trip to the hospital. 6. Mountain Dew Cheetos In the mood for soda AND a snack? Why keep them separate?!? Down some Mountain Dew Cheetos today! 7. Shrimp Mayonnaise Doritos Shrimp Mayonnaise Doritos are being sold in Japan. If they ever hit stores in the U.S., we may need to move to Canada. 8. Beer-Flavored Jelly Beans Beer-Flavored Jelly Beans are here! Jelly Belly has actually released these. 9. McDonald’s Hamburger The McDonald’s hamburger could be worse, we suppose … but it still looks like this when it arrives on your plate, so that’s on you.
The ladies hit the slopes tonight on The Real Housewives of Orange County . Things heat up between Gretchen and Heather as more than just snowballs are thrown between them. Was this all part of Vicki’s evil plan? We’ll find out now in our THG +/- recap! Lydia has a makeup artist come over to help her, uh, get dressed for the day. Minus 12. She’s taking all the girls to Canada to celebrate her Canadian-ness. Alexis brings her a Swarovski-covered Bible to take to Canada to protect her against the drama from the other ladies. Oh–charity event. That’s why the makeup artist is there. Tamra and Heather are shopping again and maybe Tamra didn’t pick the right dress . Tamra doesn’t like the cold. But she’s going to Canada anyway. Heather can only stay in Whistler for a short time because she has to get back to the Malibu Country set, but if she can go and support Lydia, she’s happy to do it. And maybe test Terry’s yes-man resolve in the process, right? Plus 4. Tamra and Heather discuss Lauri’s loose lips and how she told Gretchen that Vicki had a threesome. Which Gretchen proceeded to tell both Tamra and Heather on separate occasions. Minus 9 . Tamra thinks she should tell Vicki what’s being said, but Heather thinks it’s none of their business and they should just keep quiet. Yes, please listen to Heather. Gretchen is getting ready to start packing for their trip to Whistler. “Cold” for Orange County is about 60 degrees, and Gretchen seems to have a fur for every single degree. How will she ever decide which to take? Minus 9 . Alexis is packing and in addition to her ridiculous fur hat, she has a ring on her ski glove so the women won’t make fun of her ring anymore. Plus 12 Gretchen found a 1980s-esque ski suit that makes her look like a buttoned up Charlie’s Angel. Plus 10 for loving life. Vicki’s bringing the fun bus to Whistler just like she did to Mexico. And backless shirts. For below 0 temperatures. Minus 3. Lauri’s ready for the trip to Whistler. She grew up in the snow and scoffs at the other women wearing their Christian Louboutins. Heather’s going to be in Whistler for 6 hours. And then she’s headed to the set of her new show. Oh, Heather. Lydia’s excited that she planned this trip because this way she knows there won’t be any giant penises or strippers. But Vicki brought a fun bus, so there’s no telling what’s in her bag. In the bus on the ride to Whistler, Heather tells the girls that she’s not staying very long. She calls Gretchen out on the Malibu Country thing and then Alexis says they called her publicist, too. It’s Fox Five: Redux. Minus 10 Heather’s not buying that either of them got a phone call and to be honest, isn’t making herself look great. Finally, the girls are at their resort. They head to their rooms to freshen up before going to Lydia’s room to meet her uncle. She wants to protect him from the girls. Which is smart. Plus 4 . While Vicki and Lauri laugh together, Tamra fumes about what she knows. Seethes, even. Should she tell Vicki or should she not tell Vicki? That is her question. Minus 13. Gretchen asks Uncle Greg if he knows a lot about Canada. The women start laughing. Because that’s a dumb question. Dumb and hilarious. Poor Gretch. It came from a good place, right? The girls start introducing Uncle Greg and Vicki and it’s incredibly awkward. This will likely drive Vicki to drink more and make an ass of herself. We hope. Whew. Uncle Greg has a girlfriend. And with that information the room falls into an awkward silence that Heather breaks by announcing her departure. It’s time to ski! The girls meet their ski instructor and get fitted for boots and skis and Lydia’s “not a nerd.” She doesn’t ski. She snowboards. Ugh. Pretentious. Minus 9. Vicki tells Gretchen that she looks like a Q-tip and then makes fun of Gretchen’s outfit. Lighten up, Vicki. Minus 2. In the ski lift to the top of the mountain, Lydia says she’s so proud of everyone for getting along. Which means everyone’s about to get along no longer. In the other ski lift, Lauri asks Gretchen if she’s talked to Vicki yet. Gretchen drops the threesome tidbit in front of Alexis and then Lauri begins to recant her story. She never said threesome. Just that Vicki was with another woman and a man. Basically, this is Lauri’s way of putting this all on Gretchen. Minus 39. This should be fun. Before it can all fall to pieces at the top of the hill, they have to take selfies in the ski lift. Of course. Neither Alexis nor Tamra believe Vicki capable of having had a threesome. Gretchen believes it’s possible because Gretchen wants to believe it’s possible. Lydia says that no one skis anymore and wants to know what generation the other women were born in. Well, Lydia, at least three of them probably weren’t born in yours, so there’s that. Vicki and Tamra head to a bigger hill to ski together and after having some fun, Tamra tells Vicki what she’s heard from Lauri and Gretchen. Vicki’s ready to throw down with Lauri. Plus 4. Vicki asks Gretchen about the things Lauri said and eventually admits to being unfaithful to Donn. Plus 5 for honesty. She, however, refuses to admit that there’s even the slightest possibility that Gretchen never cheated on Jeff, despite Gretchen’s continued insistence that she didn’t cheat. Then Vicki throws Tamra under the bus, too. Where’s Lydia to mediate this conversation into a peaceful kumbaya? Oh, right. Snowboarding. Plus 8. Alexis skis over and wonders why the women can’t just take care of their conversations in private. Vicki says she has no desire to talk to someone who starts rumors but if she wanted to, she could let the skeletons out of Lauri’s closet. While Vicki starts to shout at Lauri and Lauri calmly defends herself, Lydia goes snowboarding right on by. Where’s Lydia’s mother with her peace-bringing ways? Vicki uninvites Lauri to dinner even though this is Lydia’s trip. Alexis, Lydia, and Tamra make snow angels (and boobs) to cope. Plus 2. Vicki leaves and Lauri and Gretchen are left standing. Lauri asserts that she never said that Vicki was having an actual threesome. Gretchen says that’s what it felt like Lauri was implying. Point to Gretchen here because that’s definitely what it seemed like Lauri was implying until just now when she’s being called on her tale-toting ways. Tamra thinks Gretchen and Lauri should both leave. Lydia blames Gretchen for starting drama on the trip. Really, Lydia? This group of women on a trip. What did you expect? EPISODE TOTAL: -57 SEASON TOTAL: -247
