Today's humanitarian crisis in Iraq -- and the potential consequences for our national security -- are great. Can the United States afford to gamble that 4 million or more poor and displaced people, in the heart of Middle East, won't explode in violent desperation, sending the whole region into further disorder?

What we cannot afford, in my view, is to squander the progress that has been made. In fact, we should step up our financial and material assistance. UNHCR has appealed for $261 million this year to provide for refugees and internally displaced persons. That is not a small amount of money -- but it is less than the U.S. spends each day to fight the war in Iraq. I would like to call on each of the presidential candidates and congressional leaders to announce a comprehensive refugee plan with a specific timeline and budget as part of their Iraq strategy.

As for the question of whether the surge is working, I can only state what I witnessed: U.N. staff and those of non-governmental organizations seem to feel they have the right set of circumstances to attempt to scale up their programs. And when I asked the troops if they wanted to go home as soon as possible, they said that they miss home but feel invested in Iraq. They have lost many friends and want to be a part of the humanitarian progress they now feel is possible.

It seems to me that now is the moment to address the humanitarian side of this situation. Without the right support, we could miss an opportunity to do some of the good we always stated we intended to do.

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Marion Cotillard Wins Best Actress in Oscar Upset



Marion Cotillard was the surprise winner of the Best Actress Oscar last night. The 32 year old French actress won for her portrayal of legendary french chanteuse Edith Piaf in La Vie En Rose. Marion gave a charming acceptance speech, saying "It is true there are angels in this city. Thank you so, so much!" Her custom-made mermaid gown was created by Jean Paul Gaultier.

You can see the entire list of winners here. You can see coverage of the Red Carpet fashions here.



(Photo courtesy A.M.P.A.S..)

Posted on February 25, 2008
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Britney Can See Her Children

TMZ reports that Britney Spears will be allowed to see her children again, in a supervised setting. Her dad helped arrange the visit and K-Fed didn't object so long as there are precautions to keep the children safe.

[L]awyers for both sides have agreed to visitation in a therapeutic setting. Now we've learned the specifics. The kids can visit with momma, provided Jamie Spears and her psychiatrist are present. There are other strings, but at a minimum Jamie and the shrink are required.

We're told both sides are impressed that Jamie has stabilized Britney and the whirlwind surrounding her crazy life, and that's a core reason why a deal was struck.

Sources say Britney will begin seeing her kids again imminently.

The judge extended the restraining order against Sam Lufti: he can't even talk to Britney. She's been better lately, taking her medications and keeping to a sane schedule. Things are better without Sam drugging her, that's for sure. Kudos to her parents for doing everything they can to save her life. We hope Britney can keep it up.

Posted on February 22, 2008
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Judge Denies Motion to Move Britney's Case to Federal Court

A judge has denied an effort by Sam Lufti to move Britney Spears' conservatorship case out of the California state courts and into federal court on the grounds that Britney's civil rights are somehow being violated.

U.S. District Judge Philip Gutierrez ruled the claims "may not arise under federal law" and indicated that not all necessary supporting documents were submitted, according to court papers. Gutierrez did give attorney Jon Eardley, who sought to move the case in Spears' name, until Feb. 29 to demonstrate why it should not remain in state court.

Spears, 26, has been hospitalized twice since early January for psychiatric evaluation and earlier this month, a Los Angeles court gave temporary control -- also known as conservatorship -- over her business and personal affairs to her father, Jamie Spears, along with attorney Andrew Wallet. If the case were moved, Jamie Spears could lose temporary conservatorship, which now extends until March 10.

Last week, Eardley filed papers seeking to move the case to federal court on the singer's behalf, but it remains unclear exactly who hired Eardley. The lawyer's spokesman, Michael Sands, also represents Sam Lutfi who was Spears' manager until the conservatorship was granted, and Sands has said he was "not at liberty to discuss" who hired Eardley. A temporary restraining order has been issued against Lutfi to keep him away from the singer. In separate court documents, lawyers for Jamie Spears called Eardley's filings "a brazen -- but vain -- attempt to strip a probate court" from extending the conservatorship.

Unfortunately the federal judge gave Sam's attorney's until the 29th to add the appropriate documents they failed to attach to their pleadings. This entire motion is outrageous. Sam Lufti is the one who has been feeding Britney mixes of drugs, according to sworn declarations in the state court case. Britney's parents are trying to save her life. To try to move this case to federal court on a civil rights basis is a disgusting move by Lufti to take back his control over Britney and her money.

Posted on February 21, 2008
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Paula Abdul is Dancing Like There's No Tomorrow

Paula Abdul shows that she's still got it going on in her new video "Dance Like There's No Tomorrow." That's Randy Jackson playing the guitar in the background. Paula looks great, sounds great and she's still got the moves. Time for a comeback!



Posted on February 20, 2008
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Attributor Finds Megan Fox's Image is Web's Hottest

According to results released from Attributor Corporation, the image of Megan Fox (on the right) from Maxim magazine's "2007 Hot 100" list is the most popular across the Web. Megan Fox may have only ranked 18th on Maxim's Hot 100 but Attributor found that her image is the most copied on the Internet. They say the viral appeal of Fox's image propelled it throughout the Web, appearing many more times than images of list-toppers Lindsay Lohan (officially ranked number one by Maxim) and Jessica Alba (officially ranked number one by FHM). The image shows Megan Fox in a scene from the Transformers movie.

According to Attributor, images of the official winners, Alba and Lohan, were also popular across the Web with respective rankings of two and five. The study ranked female celebrity images from FHM and Maxim's sexiest women lists of 2007 in terms of how frequently they were copied across the Web using Attributor's image monitoring platform. You can see the rankings below.

Attributor Top Ten Hottest Images of 2007 List

1. Megan Fox
2. Jessica Alba
3. Rihanna
4. Halle Barry
5. Lindsay Lohan
6. Eva Mendes
7. Angelina Jolie
8. Jessica Simpson
9. Christina Aguilera
10. Uma Thurman

You can read more about Attributor's findings here in their blog.

Posted on February 19, 2008
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Lindsay Recreates Marilyn's Last Photoshoot



Lindsay Lohan recreated Marilyn Monroe's last photoshoot with legendary photographer Bert Stern in this month's New York Magazine. See the entire NSFW photo set here.

Posted on February 18, 2008
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Flu Vaccine Not as Effective This Year

Deciding what strains of flu go into the flu vaccine each year is a guessing game played by scientists. Most years, they guess right. But this year they did not. This year's flu vaccine protects against only 40% of the flu strains that are circulating out there.

The flu shot is a good match for only about 40 percent of this year's flu viruses, officials at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday. That's worse than last week's report when the CDC said the vaccine was protective against roughly half the circulating strains. In good years, the vaccine can fend off 70 to 90 percent.

*****

Each winter, experts try to predict which strains of flu will circulate so they can develop an appropriate vaccine for the following season. They choose three strains -- two from the Type A family of influenza, and one from Type B. Usually, the guesswork is pretty good: The vaccines have been a good match in 16 of the last 19 flu seasons, experts said.

But the vaccine's Type B component turned out not to be a good match for the B virus that has been most common this winter. And one of the Type A components turned out to be poorly suited for the Type A H3N2/Brisbane-like strain that now accounts for the largest portion of lab-confirmed cases.

Bottom line: there is lots of flu out there, so use antibacterial gel and stay away from sick people. And for Pete's sake, if you have the flu stay home from work so you don't infect everyone there.

Posted on February 15, 2008
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Celebs Talk Valentine's Day

Uma Thurman, Madonna and Sylvester Stallone shared their views on Valentine's Day with an Associated Press reporter (video below). Uma says she is a bit of a contrarian. She doesn't want things to get too mushy but she enjoys Valentine's Day. .

Madonna thinks Valentine's Day is silly. She says, "I kind of ignore Valentine's Day. I think it's silly. I think people should send me flowers everyday."

US Magazine compiled a list of what some celebrities are planning to do for the romantic holiday. Here's are a few highlights.

Will Ferrell: "I will do my usual and dress as cupid and chase my wife around the house with competition-level bow and arrows. I'm a sharp shooter - my wife doesn't like it."

Anne Hathaway: "I'm going to be in Paris, so we don't have to do anything. Every minute is going to feel romantic anyway."

Nick Lachey: "It's a huge surprise right now. I am hoping she surprises me too! We'll see what happens."

Kim Raver: "My husband is romantic. He's French and very romantic - they are kind of equal."

Tom Cruise: "I have plans! Yeah, it will [be romantic.] I'm going to keep that to myself, but it's going to be fun though!"

Tom Cruise better come through and get the deprived Katie Holmes some flowers. On the tacky side of celebrity Valentine's Day plans there is Raekwon who says, "I'm the type of dude who may be in a helicopter over the city having sex."



Posted on February 14, 2008
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Uno the Beagle Wins Best in Show

Ch K-Run's Park Me In First, better known as Uno, became the first beagle to ever win Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. No beagles have won in the 100 year history of the show, which is a travesty if you think about it.

Uno has quite a personality: as he did his victory lap with his handler Aaron Wilkerson Tuesday night, he just couldn't quit barking. And who could blame him? It was a thrilling victory!

Here's the video of his groundbreaking win, complete with barking and a standing ovation by the crowd.

Posted on February 13, 2008
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Glitch Gives 2,550 Students Saturday Detention

"Mom, I didn't do anything bad. I swear." That kind of argument was heard in the homes of many Palm Bay High students after a glitch sent an automated Friday evening phone call to the parents of all the students in the school that their child had a Saturday detention. The parents of all 2,550 students received the automated phone message. The Florida Union reports that only 16 kids had actually been assigned a detention.

"One of my friends texted me to ask if I had Saturday detention," said Robert Lenoci, 15, of Valkaria. The sophomore is going to the state science fair finals and hasn't been in trouble before.

"I looked and I had a message from mom. She was asking, 'What did you do?' It was pretty bad," he said.

Robert's mother calmed down after talking with other parents and learning something was amiss.

Amy Stewart said after the call that she confronted her son, Jimmy, and he pleaded innocent.

"He said he didn't do anything, but I took him Saturday morning anyway," she said. About 40 students showed up.

The school's principal feels really bad that it happened.

"I really feel bad that it happened," said Principal John Thomas. "It was just too late at 9:30 at night when we found out about it to call everyone back. But Saturday, I sent an apology on the system."

The principal feels bad and so do thousands of students who must have received hours of parental anger for a detention they did not deserve. (via On Deadline)

Posted on February 12, 2008
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Amy Winehouse Wins Big at Grammys

Amy won five awards, but was beaten out for Album of the Year by Herbie Hancock.

Ms. Winehouse won awards in two of the three most prestigious categories, for the writing and recording of the single "Rehab," about her refusal to seek treatment for substance abuse. She performed on the program via satellite from London, where her tabloid-ready lifestyle recently prompted her to enter a rehabilitation center.

Looking stunned and strangely sad as she learned she had won for record of the year, she thanked her record label, her parents and "my Blake, my Blake incarcerated," referring to Blake Fielder-Civil, her husband, who has been jailed for his involvement in a pub brawl. Ms. Winehouse also won for best new artist, best female pop vocal performance for "Rehab" and best pop vocal album for her CD Back to Black.

Amy finally got her visa approved by the U.S. State Department, but by that time it was too late to make it in time for the show. So she performed via satellite. She seemed quite surprised at her wins. We were just happy she got that missing tooth replaced.

You can see all of the winners here.

Posted on February 11, 2008
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Madonna Sparkles at Raising Malawi Benefit

Madonna and a star-studded crowd turned out for the Raising Malawi benefit at the United Nations. The event was sponsored by Gucci. Madonna and her daughter Lourdes both look amazing. Funniest moment: Lourdes reveals how stressed her mom is, then clams up when the reporter asks Lourdes what the most important lesson is that her mom has taught her.



Posted on February 9, 2008
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Cher Discusses Past Relationship With Tom Cruise

This is a bit of a shocker for a Friday: Cher used to date Tom Cruise, back in the day. She finally talks about their relationship.

Cher told ET about her relationship with Tom Cruise, "It was a long, long time ago and neither one of us ever talked about it and I don't know why. When we were together he was such a private person. He always has been until lately. He didn't mention it and I didn't mention it. I loved him though, he was amazing. Now it's hard for me to look at this person and this press. How many times can I watch him jumping up and down on Oprah's couch?"

On why they broke up, "It was after Risky Business and right before The Color of Money. I couldn't go to Chicago and that was kind of the straw that broke the camel's back."

She goes on to say she still feels close to ex-husband Sonny Bono, who passed away in 1998, "I always kind of feel him in a strange way. I've got these lights in my bedroom and they go on and off for no reason and I always think it's him trying to piss me off."

Cher and Tom Cruise. The mind boggles.

Posted on February 8, 2008
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Angelina Jolie Visits Iraq

A happy looking General David H. Petraeus, Commander, Multi-National Force-Iraq poses with Angelina Jolie. Angie is in Iraq on behalf of the UN's High Council on Refugees. Angie ate lunch with the troops, donned a helmet and body armor to go to the Green Zone in Baghdad and blasted a CNN reporter who had the temerity to ask her if she was pregnant.

All she wanted to talk about was the plight of the hundreds of thousands of people who have been displaced by the Iraq War. She does look pregnant, by the way. She keeps showing up in modified caftan tops, which is a dead giveaway for someone who always wears form-fitting clothing.

Posted on February 7, 2008
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Spice Girls Apology to Fans

The Spice Girls apologize to their fans for having to finally end their world reunion tour. They also address those rumors of them fighting tooth and nail.



Posted on February 6, 2008
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Perez Hilton Endorses Hillary Clinton

Well, this has to be some kind of political first. Perez Hilton has endorsed Hillary Clinton for president. He explains why he switched from Obama:

Not that our opinion matters (any more than yours). Nor do we expect that we will influence your vote in any way, but...

Today is Super Tuesday and we feel it is our duty to publicly endorse Hillary Clinton to be the Democratic candidate that will be the next President of the United States.

As we have previously stated, Hillary wasn't our fist choice. We were initially swayed by the promise of change and the inspiring messages of Barack Obama. But that's not enough! After careful consideration and much research, we have come to the informed decision that Hillary is the right candidate for us.

We feel more confident with Hillary's abilities to lead and her proven track record of experience. But, more so than that, HER plans for universal healthcare, education reform and emphasis on equality for all are more aligned with what we want in the next President.

We watched the debates and Clinton just won us over.

Barack is great. But Hillary is the better leader, for us. However, Obama MUST stay in the picture. This country needs him, just as we need Clinton.

It's been a great and heated campaign thus far, but we sincerely hope when it comes time for the Democratic convention that the Clinton/Obama dream ticket will be a reality

We think all the gossip blogs should endorse a candidate. As soon as we figure out whether our state votes or not today (apparently there is mass confusion with people trying to vote in Texas, Washington and other non-Super Tuesday states) we'll get right on that. Of course, we could always ask our sister site, political blog Media Cynic, whether we vote today. She knows. But she might trap us into hearing a lecture on the environment/universal healthcare/immigration reform or -- even worse -- the intricacies of the California delegate allocation rules. It's a risk we'll have to take.

Posted on February 5, 2008
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Britney's Dad Remains Conservator

Britney Spears' parents were in court for quite awhile today in a very heated hearing. Sam Lufti has been avoiding service of process of the TRO which orders him to stay away from Britney; he's been calling her which is in violation of the restraining order. Lufti got Britney's custody lawyers Trope and Trope to hire another attorney Adam Streisand (a second cousin of Barbra Streisand, which he tells anyone who will listen) who argued that Britney hates her dad and doesn't want him to be conservator. The Commissioner wasn't buying it, and concluded that Britney wasn't competent to hire him as an attorney. Bottom line: the Commissioner left Britney's dad in charge of her finances and legal affairs.

Jamie Spears is still the co-conservator of Britney's estate, as is Andrew Wallet. The Commissioner did not give the conservators the power to fire Trope and Trope, Brit's divorce lawyers.

The Commissioner said, based on the restraining order, Sam Lutfi can have no contact whatsoever with Britney -- including e-mails, phone contact, etc. The Commish extended the conservatorship to Valentine's Day.

The Commissioner said Adam Streisand had no legal basis for claiming he's Britney's new lawyer. There will be a hearing at some point to determine just how mentally competent Britney is.

Good for the Commissioner. That Sam Lufti needs to be kept out of Britney's life. Her stay in the UCLA neuro-psych ward has been extended for another two weeks. The Commissioner has ordered a psychiatric evaluation to find out exactly how impaired Britney is. It seems clear that the Commissioner thinks that Britney is in pretty bad shape: having a conservator appointed to take care of someone's affairs is a very serious thing, one that courts do not do lightly.

Posted on February 4, 2008
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Victoria's Secret 2008 What Is Sexy? List

Victoria Secret has released their annual list of What is Sexy. Making the list this year are Scarlett Johansson, Ryan Seacrest, Kate Bosworth, Eric Bana and Josh Holloway. You can see the complete list below.

Victoria's Secret 2008 What Is Sexy? List

Sexiest Male Athlete: Tony Romo

Sexiest Couple: Fergie and Josh Duhamel

Sexiest Style: Scarlett Johansson

Sexiest Smile: Ryan Seacrest

Sexiest Eyes: Kate Bosworth

Sexiest Legs: Ali Larter

Sexiest Mom: Victoria Beckham

Sexiest Dad: Justin Chambers

Sexiest Funnyman: Dane Cook

Sexiest Beach Body: Josh Holloway

Sexiest Lips: Jessica Biel

Sexiest Actress: Eva Mendes

Sexiest Actor: Eric Bana

Sexiest Female Musician: Rihanna

Sexiest Male Musician: Chris Brown

Sexiest Cast: Dirty Sexy Money

Sexiest Newcomer: Blake Lively

Sexiest Newlyweds: Katherine Heigl and Josh Kelly

The Associated Press takes a closer look at the list in this video clip.



E! and Victoria Secret will also be running a one hour special on the What is Sexy? list on February 9th hosted by hosted by Adriana Lima.

Posted on February 3, 2008
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Britney's Drug Binge Prompted Hospitalization

The National Enquirer claims that Britney Spears was on a crystal meth binge just before her enforced hospitalization. That was why she hadn't slept since Saturday.

Britney Spears had been on a 24-hour meth binge before she was rushed to the hospital, The NATIONAL ENQUIRER has learned exclusively. Ironically, she was desperately trying to stay awake -- because she was terrified that if she fell asleep, her family would "drag her off to a mental institution," according to a close source. The drama began at 2 a.m. Wednesday when Britney and Sam Lutfi checked into the Beverly Hills Hotel and she began doing meth.

In addition to her mental problems the ENQUIRER has learned that Britney is addicted to crystal meth, and details her addiction in a front page story this week. Meanwhile, her meth habit played a key role in her recent hospitalization and friends told her mother, Lynne, that she hadn't slept since last Saturday. Her drug-taking went on all day, interrupted only by brief dashes to her home. Secret arrangements for her hospitalization had been made -- but no-one wanted it to happen at the hotel.

Some sources say the reason she's always checking in and out of hotels is to meet her drug dealer(s) and to do drugs in a place that's not her own home. Crystal meth is bad, bad, bad. That plus a major bipolar disorder would certainly equal lots of crazy behavior.

While Britney was being hospitalized, someone robbed Britney's home. Her parents came home from the conservatorship hearing to discover lots of valuables missing. We're looking at you Sam Lufti! We hope her parents get rid of Sam, Adnan and all the loser hangers on that are sucking Britney dry.

Posted on February 2, 2008
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Britney's Dad Named Temporary Conservator

Britney Spears' father Jamie and a well-known attorney have been named temporary co-conservators of Britney's estate. Jamie will be conservator of Britney herself. This means means that a judge has ruled that she is unable to handle her own affairs, so her dad and the attorney will run her finances, hire security, deal with doctors, and can change the locks on her house to keep all the scum away from her.

While James Spears was named conservator of the troubled pop star herself, he and an attorney, Andrew Wallete, were name conservators of her estate. The singer's mother, Lynne Spears, also showed up for the unannounced hearing in Superior Court.

The court also issued a restraining order against Britney Spears' sometimes manager and friend, Sam Lutfi, and gave permission to change the locks on her estate and remove anyone who is there.

A court creates conservatorships when a person cannot care for themselves or handle their affairs. Commissioner Reva Goetz said Spears would be under conservatorship until Feb. 4, at which time another hearing will be held. "It is in the best interests of the conservatee to have conservatorship over her person," Goetz told a packed courtroom.

The conservator will have the power to "restrict visitors," have around-the-clock security for Spears, and have access to all medical records, Goetz said. Goetz said conservatorship over the estate was "necessary and appropriate." She gave approval for the conservator to "take all actions to secure all liquid assets including credit cards."

Jamie has already gotten a temporary restraining order against creepy Sam Lufti. Lufti can't go anywhere near Britney for 22 days and it can be extended after a hearing. This is the best thing that could happen to Britney. But if she can't be kept in treatment long enough to get her stable, it will all be for naught. Let's hope that she can stay at the hospital and get the treatment she so desperately needs.

Posted on February 1, 2008
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