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Buxom blonde Pamela Anderson and husband Rick Solomon were reportedly filing for divorce already, but Pam’s website says that’s not the case (just yet).   They’re apparently “working things out” now.  The marriage was only about 2 months ago and it came as a result of a gambling debt - Pam paid Rick off w/ sexual favors.  One thing led to another and here we are about 70 days later w/ mutterings of divorce.

This relationship looked like a bomb from day one, so it’s really no surprise that this is happening.  He’s a loser = horrible marriage.   I learned that in middle school.

My bet is that Pam ends up, again, with Tommy Lee (her ex).  It’s inevitable.  So all you horny, single guys out there… she’s already taken.

The Prime Time Reality for Deal or No Deal Models

Decades ago, when shows like “Quiz Show” dominated the airwaves, getting on a game show took a stroke of luck and real brains. Decades later, while shows like Jeopardy see modest success, it is a new wave of game shows such as “Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader”, “1 vs. 100″, “Power of 10″ and most recently the Mega-Hit Deal or No Deal that lead the pack. Many may ask themselves how it is that a show featuring average contestants opening cases for money has grown to be the number one show in America?

It is in fact Deal or No Deal that will exist long after the legions of competitors have been forgotten. Consumers must take a step back and ask: “Why is it that we are so enthralled with this simple show?”. The answer is simpler than you might think, sex appeal, humor and the chance for a quick buck. In fact, it is this unique combination of sex, money and the undying wit of our favorite bald man that has been responsible for three record seasons and the trend does not have any indication of slowing down.

Aside from Howie and promise of a quick buck for some of America’s most interesting contestants, the Deal or No Deal models are attributable for a great deal of the shows’ success. The series producers have done a great job of continually selecting models to satisfy the needs of the wide range of viewers. In season 3, the series features a model to satisfy the needs of those originating from every corner of the world:

• Anya Monzikova representing eastern Europeans
• Tameka Jacobs & Alike Boggan representing African Americans
• Mylinda Tov representing Chinese and Western Europeans
• Leyla Milani representing Middle Easterners
• Lisa Gleave representing Australians
• Liana Grethel representing Latin Americans
• Aubrie Lemon representing red blooded Americans with an inexplicable fascination for blondes

Even the Hawaiians have someone to root for in the like of their native Megan Abrigo! This unique approach to casting models helps to create a global community of models and give the show widespread appeal across many ethnic groups.

The models themselves are clearly the shows greatest asset and contrary to common belief are more than just pretty faces. In fact, Laura Shields and Aubrie Lemon are both qualified to be in MENSA having IQs over 132 (The Average American’s IQ is 98). In addition, the majority of the Deal or No Deal models all have a four year degree with many having advanced degrees. There is even a lawyer in the house in the form of Stacy Gardener. It is important to remember that each model possesses unique talents and skills beyond just the ability to look great on stage.

In fact, offstage these models are doing a great deal to benefit society around them. When Katie Cleary is not busy with work, she is out helping animals through her participation in local humane societies. In her downtime, Tameka Jacob remains humble and focused on helping young girls in foster homes and adoption agencies. Aubrie Lemon is an active participant in the National Geographic Society and works to help local animals by participating in a series of events for the Los Angeles Zoo.

As much as the models do for the show, the show has done a great job of promoting many of the shows models careers into the stratosphere. These days, a season briefcase job guarantees the Deal or No Deal Models covers on Maxim, appearances on Oprah and a variety of other side gigs.

It’s a brave new world for the Deal or No Deal Models, are they ready for it? Visit http://www.dealornodealmodels.net and learn for yourself

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/television-articles/the-prime-time-reality-for-deal-or-no-deal-models-360564.html

Author: Morgan Kelps

The Washington Redskins, family & friends have all lost someone close to their hearts - Pro Bowl safety Sean Taylor died only 1 day after being shot in the leg during a home robbery.

The robbery marked the 2nd time in less than 10 days that Taylor’s home had been broken into.  The 1st incident was about 9 days ago, and the burglars (?) rummaged through drawers and left a knife on one of Taylor’s beds.

It really makes you wonder if Sean Taylor was targeted for some reason…  a shame.

Taylor sustained a gunshot wound to the leg and went into a coma for a short time.  The injury led to a high loss of blood, which Taylor really never recovered from.  There was hope after he came out of the coma, but he passed away early on Tuesday morning.

More info

Britney Spears isn’t ugly… or so she would have you think. Unfortunately, Maxim magazine and a % of the male population are inclined to think she is.

One doesn’t have to look far to see why Maxim would put Britney on the ugliest people list:

• Shaving her head bald
• Changing hair color
• Horrible extensions

You’d think Britney could get some credit for showing her crotch so many times this year, but ugliness is typically associated w/ everything above the shoulders and Spears definitely gets an “F” this year for that.

Britney Spears was reportedly on her way to a Maxim party when she found out she made the ugliest list. Once she knew - the party was off.  She is now requesting an apology from Maxim, but unless they are planning a photo shoot to feature her in the mag anytime soon, I don’t see an apology coming.

Updated 10/18/07
To further make this a “bigger” story - odd considering the timing of Britney’s new CD - Spears has apparently violated some kind of court order (or court request) and is now prohibited from visiting her two kids.  K-Fed has full custody and Britney Spears can no longer visit her kids  - not even w/ supervision.

This is a sad day for Britney… that is unless she’s getting exactly what she wants. 

Updated 10/8/07
To further my point that Britney Spears lost her children on purpose (or doesn’t care), TMZ is reporting that Spears missed her court appearance last Wednesday for “Starbucks” coffee.  Here’s the scoop:

… at the very same time the former pop starlet-turned-celebrity death pool pick should have been throwing herself on the mercy of the judge by promising to comply with each and every condition he set forth, she was in the midst of a crisis, one that only a Starbucks run with her Yorkie could solve.

Granted, she wasn’t required to show up for the hearing, but insiders tell TMZ her attorney du jour, Sorrell Trope, urged her to attend. Not surprisingly, the authority-eschewing Britster reportedly refused.

“It’s like Britney doesn’t care,” a mole tells the London Sun. “Her no-show did not impress the judge and only worsens her chances of ever getting her custody restored.”

Adds a source to E! Online’s Marc Malkin, “There have been no tears. It’s more like she’s angry. It’s more like, ‘Who are you to tell me I’m not a good parent?’”

Full story on MSN.com

Original Story
Britney Spears custody battle took a bad turn on Monday, when the court gave sole custody of the two kids to Kevin Federline (until further notice).

While you do have to feel bad for Britney, it’s also important to think about the things she’s done (willingly) to put herself in this situation.  It’s been reported on TMZ that Britney skipped several court appointed meetings.  This is of course, in addition to all the partying and irrational behavior we’ve been seeing on the news everyday.  Don’t forget about the older incidents as well: shaving her head, showing her crotch, her lesbian love affair, and others.

Bodyguard Details Extremely Troubled (former) Star

Recent reports from her former bodyguard have provided a rare glimpse into the daily lives of Spears.  These reports just add more cause for concern; there’s nothing in them to make you think Britney actually deserves to have custody of her kids.  The bodyguard details that he’s seen Britney Spears nude (he wasn’t suppose to look), that she almost overdosed while in rehab, and that she spends very little time with her kids as it is.

Did Britney Lose Custody on Purpose?

A lot of people are questioning whether or not Spears intentionally violated the court orders in an attempt to “rid herself” of her kids.  Face it… in her line of work and while trying to make a career comeback, kids aren’t exactly a great accessory.  This is horrible thinking (no doubt), but when you’re high on cocaine, drunk all the time, or downing Red Bull’s like they’re going out of style, how you can you put together rational thoughts - like “I love my kids and I never want to be away from them”.  Maybe she wants to get rid of them just because K-Fed won’t come back to her, and she doesn’t want anything to do w/ “his” kids.

Spears is on the same path as many other troubled actors and musicians… the death path.  Losing her kids is probably the most difficult situation she’ll ever go through (assuming she actually does want them), so it wouldn’t be too surprising to hear stories of her actually overdosing or committing suicide.

Get help Britney…

Britney or Bust: How to Hire the Right Celebrity for Your Advertising by Lou Bortone

Celebrity endorsements are a staple in advertising, with more than 20% of all ads today featuring a famous face, voice or likeness.  The reason is simple: Celebrities sell.  Consumers pay attention to celebrities because they are attracted to the familiar.  Using a celebrity to promote your company can add awareness, credibility and star power to your business.  Three ways a celebrity spokesperson can be used by your business include:

1. Advertising - Celebrities can pitch your product via print, television, radio, etc.
2. Appearances and events - Celebrities can make personal appearances for your business at events ranging from charity fundraisers to grand openings.
3. Media opportunities - Your spokesperson can speak on your behalf on TV talks shows, or at press conferences, trade shows or other media events.

Things to keep in mind when hunting for a celebrity spokesperson include:

Define your objectives

Determine what you expect from your partnership with your spokesperson and how to best utilize their talents.  Clarify your needs and expectations from the get-go.

Get-It-Done: Brooks International and Burns are a couple of many agencies who specialize in booking celebrity and sports talent.  These talent brokers can help you assess your needs.

• Find the right fit

It’s important that the spokesperson you hire is a good match for your product or service.  The clearer the link between your company’s product and your talent, the better the partnership will work. (Think Michael Jordan and Nike!)

Get-It-Done: The Hollywood-Madison Group uses a proprietary database called the “Fame Index” to match businesses with appropriate talent.  The Fame Index contains the names of 10,000 stars and uses 250 categories to match talent to businesses and products.

• Plan well in advance

When deciding on a celebrity spokesperson for your business, start early.  Make your plans at least 6 months in advance.  The bigger the name, the longer the lead time.

Get-It-Done: Celebrity Focus and The Celebrity Source are two talent agencies who can connect your company with talent and help you navigate the celebrity maze.

• Consider the costs

Talent fees and celebrity endorsements run the gamut from a few hundred dollars for a local DJ appearing at a business to literally millions of dollars for an international movie star.  Catherine Zeta-Jones’ long-term endorsement deal with T-Mobile was reportedly worth 20 Million, but T-Mobile’s U.S. sales jumped 25% during the campaign.

Get-It-Done: If you’re looking for major star power, you can go with Hollywood biggies like William Morris or PMK/HBH Public Relations.  On a smaller scale, many local celebrities can be contacted directly or through their management.

• Make contact

Talent agencies, entertainment marketing firms and even speakers bureaus can put you in touch with potential celebrity spokespersons.  Contacting talent can be easier than you might think.

Get-It-Done: In addition to some of the agencies listed above, the Screen Actors Guild provides an actor-locator service.

Other things to keep in mind when shopping for a celebrity spokesperson include:

• Don’t be afraid to ask. Maybe that certain superstar is not out of your reach or budget.
• Consider “B-List” stars who may be more available and less expensive.

Local talent such as home-town athletes may be your best shot.

• Make sure you have an “out” clause in case your celebrity gets negative press or is involved in a scandal. (Sorry Britney!)

Lou Bortone is an award-winning writer, editor and television producer who has spent over 20 years in the entertainment industry, including several years at Fox and E! Entertainment in L.A.  Lou specializes in helping businesses create breakthrough video for the Internet. Email Lou at lou@theonlinevideoguy.com or visit http://www.theonlinevideoguy.com

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

A less than energetic Britney Spears took the stage Sunday for the 2007 VMA Awards, but her performance of “Gimme More“, her new single, left most wanting to throw up.

Spears appeared half asleep and was caught lip-syncing to the song several times. Britney’s opening performance was historical, but not for reasons she’ll probably want to be remembered for. From the onset, it appeared that Britney Spears’ dance routine wasn’t quite up to par; on several instances, it looked like she was going to trip over herself or fall over. These are only assumptions, but one can only wonder IF Britney was on any kind of drugs or even drunk during her performance; missed dance moves, poor lip-syncing and general lethargic-ness.

Watch the video and judge for yourself:




Tommy Lee, Kid Rock in MTV bust-up
LATEST FROM THE MTV AWARDS - Stuff.co.nz | Monday, 10 September 2007

OUT YOU GO: Tommy Lee is escorted by security out of the theater at the MTV awards after getting into a fight with Kid Rock.
Tommy Lee, Kid Rock in MTV bust-up
There was plenty of other excitement at the MTV awards when Tommy Lee was escorted out of the auditorium after getting into a fight with Kid Rock.

The scuffle occurred while Alicia Keys was performing on stage.

“There were no fists, they were just holding each other, grabbing each other,” Tom Higginson, singer of the pop band Plain White Ts said.

“Security had to break them up.”

Both men are former husbands of model Pamela Anderson.There was plenty of other excitement at the MTV awards when Tommy Lee was escorted out of the auditorium after getting into a fight with Kid Rock.

The scuffle occurred while Alicia Keys was performing on stage.

“There were no fists, they were just holding each other, grabbing each other,” Tom Higginson, singer of the pop band Plain White Ts said.

“Security had to break them up.”

Both men are former husbands of model Pamela Anderson.

The sentences that celebrities are getting these days for their crimes are ridiculous.  Lindsay Lohan gets 1 day for 2 DUI’s, cocaine possession & reckless driving.  Paris Hilton gets 45 days (23 served) for DUI & driving on suspended license.  Michael Vick’s sentence has yet to be determined, but the NFL has already suspended him indefinitely.

I know this probably isn’t the best it could be, but I thought it was kinda funny and hope you do too:

Before I start on this post, please understand that this is not an attack on people who work in the mortgage or lending industry.  This is simply my opinion of how the industry has used the market to it’s advantage the past few years and how it’s finally catching up to them (it’s our turn).

Our Country’s Mortgage Crisis

Many home buyers and people seeking to refinance their existing home loans these days are, for lack of better words, “shit out of luck”.  The mortgage and banking industry has taken advantage of the highly overated economy and rising home prices in most mainstream markets. 

While many homeowners are also to blame for the mortgage crisis, the loan officers, homebuilders and mortgage lenders are primarily responsible for the worrisome circumstances that the country sits in now.  In addition to providing high-interest ARM loans to people who couldn’t afford the homes they were buying, lenders and buyers both manipulated the paperwork required to get a home loan in order to get approved for their mortgage. 

Buyers were led on by promises of low starting interest rates for their home purchases, an over-hyped housing market and rising home prices, and the hope of refinancing their mortgages as the ARM interest rate started to rise.

What’s really happened is that the market has adjusted and those same homes (over appraised) are now worth less than the loan amount, lenders are filing bankruptcy, closing their doors and laying off thousands of employees.  Homeowners can’t refinance their loans because they can’t qualify and foreclosures are rising at unbelievable rates.

Taking Responsibility For Actions

As in any industry, there are good times and their are bad times.  The mortgage industry has enjoyed the good times for a long time without any bad times, and the people working in that industry have taken advantage of the system for far too long.

It appears that the government (Fed) will help out many of the larger companies by offering them low interest rate loans to help keep them afloat.  While this is probably the best thing for the economy in the short-term, it would seem to further bolster these people in the mortgage industry that they can continue to take advantage of us without repurcussions.

These companies that have screwed up should pay for their mistakes; they should not be bailed out.  If all the loan officers, processors and other higher-ups who’ve been buying up BMW’s, boats, vacation homes and other extravagant purchases have to give up their new toys because they can’t afford them anymore… too bad!!!

Mortgage Rates, Points, Commissions

I have several friends and relatives that work in home building, real estate and mortgages.  At least in the real estate and mortgage side, “most” agents, brokers, processors and officers are being overpaid - YES, overpaid. 

You work 10 hrs to close a $300,000 loan and you’re going to take home even 1% as a loan officer - that’s $3,000 for 10 hrs of work, or $300 per hour.  Last time I checked, most doctors, lawyers & attorneys don’t even charge those rates. 

Even worse, are the “big home purchases” where each person involved in the loan process gets the same percentages that they do on the small purchases.  While working the same 10 hrs to close the loan, getting 1% of a $3 million home purchase comes out to $30,000 commission, or $3,000 per hour.

While I might be underestimating the time it takes to process a loan, even if you double the hours the amounts of money these people are making is ridiculous.  What’s worse, is that these same people are adding “points” to the loans to make themselves even more money - all at the home buyers expense.  Afterall, what’s an extra $500-1,000 on a $300,000 loan - it’s only a few dollars a month more on the mortgage payment -hell, the buyer might not even notice it.

I completely understand that the loan officers and loan processors are making the least amount of money in the sale - there’s a hierarchy of people just racking up dollars for doing very little.  Yes, there’s some risk involved, but if you provide solid loans to people that are qualified to receive them - there’s little risk involved in lending them money.

This is just my 2 cents…

(if you know me, please understand this is nothing personal - just my opinion on the issue)

Other Mortgage & Financial Headlines:
As Mortgage Industry Retrenches, Industry Job Cuts Surpass 40,000
Citi, JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America and Wachovia Say They Borrowed $500M Each From Fed
Countrywide Financial Says Bank of America Made Equity Investment of $2 Billion Into Company