Celebs Out & About: Esperanza Spalding
Grammy Best New Artist, Esperanza Spalding, was spotted at Japan’s Narita International Airport early this morning. The 26-year-old jazz bassist was mobbed by paparazzi as she made her way through the airport. Spalding became an overnight sensation when she snatched the Best New artist trophy from Justin Bieber, who was the odds on favorite.
Her surprise win over the 16-year-old teeny bopper signified an industry that has become wary of the cocky, overhyped “Baby” singer. The writing was on the wall. Rumors swirled back in January that a few female reporters were treated rudely by Justin at a press conference (I was asked not to provide details of the incident).
E’s win angered Justin’s Stans who caused a fracas online. Stans immediately attacked Esperanza’s Wikipedia page, changing her middle name from “Justin” to “quesadilla” and back to “Justin” again.
Before she boarded her flight to Japan, E flew to Hollywood, Florida (a suburb just North Miami) where she posed for a photoshot at The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.
Photos: Splash News and INF PHOTO
Sean Penn and Wyclef Jean bury the hatchet
Here’s a positive post that I doubt you will read, since it’s a positive post and all…
According to TMZ.com, former mortal enemies, actor Sean Penn, 50, and activist/singer Wyclef Jean, 41, made nice yesterday and buried the hatchet for a good cause.
TMZ obtaned a video shot Friday (Feb. 11) at the “Help Haiti” event at B.B. King Blues Club & Grill in New York City — ‘Clef is singing and dancing while Penn signed autographs a few feet away.
The two famously feuded last year when Penn questioned Wyclef’s ulterior motives in running for president of Haiti — and Wyclef retaliated by accusing Penn of drug use, which Sean denied.
Jean eventually lost his bid to run for president of Haiti. Only a fraction of the millions of dollars in donations that Jean took in for Haiti earthquake relief actually reached the people of Haiti.
Ciara: “I have asked and pray that my label releases me”
Struggling R&B singer Ciara cleared up rumors that she was dropped from her record label.
Last week, rumors ran rampant that JIVE Records dropped the “Goodies” singer. But as I reported here, there was no solid confirmation from record label sources.
Ciara released this statement on her facebook page today:
To my fans:
This week the net has been a buzz of the rumor that I have been dropped from my label. At this point that rumor is false.. It is true that I have asked and I pray that my label will release me. I have had some great times and success with my label, but sometimes like all great things, its at that point where I feel we don’t share the same views on who I am as a artist. The past two albums have been very frustrating for me. At times there were songs I chose to lead a project and I was ignored!
This project, I even tried to get Gimmie Dat started I spent tens of thousands of my own money only to hear the radio pds tell me my label didn’t want the song played. I even spent more than one hundred thousand dollars out of my pocket on the video to bring my vision to it and still no label support. I do understand that some labels are not financially supporting their artists and I have become one of them. You, my fans, know that I strive to do my best to deliver to my you the best songs and creative vision I possibly can.
I’m dedicated to my music, performance and to my fans! I’ve tried to be a team player with the label only to have compromised what I truly believed.. And was not given the right opportunity to promote and inform my fans of the release of this album..I have so much of me as a artist I still want to give to the world and my fans. A release would allow me to go be creative with people who care and understand me as a artist. In a short time, I will be able to bring to you a new music energy and a visual excitement! Thank you so much for standing by me through the good, bad, and the confusion. I love you all.
Love Ciara
Photo: Splash News Online
Medical Minute: TIA (Mini Stroke)
Update:
Several online sources reported that KCBS reporter Serene Branson was rushed to a hospital in LA last night where she was diagnosed with a TIA, or what’s known in the medical field as a trans ischemic attack (mini stroke).
A statement posted to KCBS’ website disputes that:
“Serene Branson was examined by paramedics on scene immediately after her broadcast. Her vital signs were normal. She was not hospitalized. As a precautionary measure, a colleague gave her a ride home and she says that she is feeling fine this morning.”
According to the LA Times, Branson told network executives that she is “feeling fine” and that there “was no indication of a serious medical problem.”
But it is apparent that Branson suffered a TIA, or mini stroke, during her live broadcast from the Grammy’s for KCBS last night.
She stumbled over her words after beginning by saying “Well, a very, very…,” before mispronouncing the word ‘heavily’.
By downplaying the situation, KCBS missed a great opportunity to inform their viewers about the warning signs of a TIA.
I wrote a Medical Minute post about TIA’s, which you can read here.
A TIA is sometimes referred to as a “warning sign” of an impending stroke. In Branson’s case, the signal from her brain to her mouth was interrupted and she had trouble forming her words.
A TIA is categorized as a mini stroke because the symptoms lasts less than 24 hours. Most TIAs last less than 5 minutes. If the symptoms lasts longer than 24 hours it is referred to as a Cardiovascular Accident (CVA) or stroke. Some people experience a TIA and don’t even know it.
In Branson’s case, she looked anxiously off camera before trying to continue to get the words out.
Originally posted on Feb. 14 @ 4:19 p.m.
What Kim Kardashian wants for Valentine’s Day
Kim Kardashian is known for her love of anything extravagant. Kim loves anything that’s big — including her diamonds and her men.
But for Valentine’s Day, she wants the simple things in life. The entrepreneur and reality TV star told People.com what she’s looking forward to the most for her special V-Day with NBA star Kris Humphries.
For Valentine’s Day, “I like a long card,” the reality star, 30, told PEOPLE at a QVC fashion week event in NYC Friday. “Write me your feelings – it’s all about the feelings and the card.” (Did you get that, Kris Humphries?)
Her sister, on the other hand, is hoping for something a bit more sparkly.
“For me, diamonds will do the trick,” says Kourtney, 31, with a grin.
The sisters, who live in Los Angeles and shoot their spin-off series in New York, are on the move again for Valentine’s Day.
“We will both be in Vegas,” says Kourtney.
Photo: Wireimage/Getty
Celebs Out & About: Usher in Vivienne Westwood Seditionary Leather Boots
Usher, 32, likes to push the fashion envelope over the edge sometimes. Last night he wore a pair of Vivienne Westwood Seditionary boots while posing with his two Grammy’s at the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards. The boots retail for $673. Usher seems to favor ultra modern, Metrosexual ankle boots with lots of straps. These boots are not for everyone. They feature a contrasting paneled leather and buckle straps, according to Allen at UpscaleHype.
Photos: Splash News, INF PHOTOand Wireimage.com
Morning Wood: Lady Gaga’s Sexy Male Servant
I’m surprised that none of you thirsty females emailed me begging for a Morning Wood post on Lady Gaga’s sexy male servant. He was the only brotha helping to carry Gaga’s giant pod/egg during her Grand arrival on the red carpet at the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards.
Sorry, I don’t know his name. But what I do have are pics from every angle of this fine specimen of a man!
Photos: Splash News, Wireimage/Getty, Zimbio.com
