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Danielle Adams

George Lindsey dies at 83

The Andy Griffith Show’s Goober Pyle

George Lindsey, most known for his portrayal of dimwitted Goober on the Andy Griffith Show, died early Sunday morning. He was 83.

Alabama native George Lindsey played the part of the genial auto mechanic Goober Pyle on the Andy Griffith Show, and its spinoff Mayberry R.F.D, and was later a regular on the long-running country music comedy show Hee Haw. He died at a healthcare center in Nashville after a brief illness, said his manager and booking agent, Carrie Moore-Reed.

Andy Griffith was grateful that he had his last conversation with George Lindsey just a few days before his death. “I am happy to say that as we found ourselves in our 80s, we were not afraid to say, ‘I love you.’ That was the last thing George and I had to say to each other. ‘I love you.’”

“George Lindsey was my friend,” Griffith said in a statement. “I had great respect for his talent and his human spirit.”

The Andy Griffith Show was in its fourth season in 1964 when George Lindsey first appeared as the cousin of naïve gas station attendant Gomer Pyle, played by Jim Nabors.

“America has grown up with me,” George Lindsey said in a 1985 interview with Associated Press. “Goober is every man; everyone finds something to like about Goober.”

George Lindsey was born in Alabama in 1928. He majored in biological science and physical education at what is now the University of North Alabama, graduating with a bachelor of science degree. After three years in the Air Force, he worked one year as a high school baseball and basketball coach and history teacher at Hazel Green High School in Alabama.

In 1956 he moved to New York City where he studied acting on the GI Bill at the American Theatre Wing and began his acting career on Broadway, appearing in the musicals All American and Wonderful Town.

One of his first TV jobs was one of the liars on To Tell the Truth. His other TV credits include roles on Gunsmoke, MASH, The Wonderful World of Disney, CHIPS, The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour, The Real McCoys, Riflemen, The Alfred Hitchcock Hour, Twilight Zone and Love American Style. Later, he provided voices in Disney animated features including The Aristocats, The Rescuers and Robin Hood.

In an interview in 1985 George Lindsey said of his career, “There’s a residual effect of knowing I’ve made America laugh. I’m not the only one, but I’ve contributed something.”

George Lindsey is survived by his son, George Lindsey Jr., daughter Camden Jo Lindsey Gardner, two grandsons and his longtime companion, Annie Wilson.

Amber Riley collapses on the red carpet

Glee actor says she is fine

Amber Riley, Glee star, alarmed some fans when she collapsed on the red carpet Tuesday, but she says she is fine.

While attending an Academy screening of Glee, Amber Riley, who plays Mercedes Jones on the show, fainted, causing some minor panic. There was much speculation as to why the star passed out, including speculation that she may have been overheated or that her blood sugar crashed.

The Glee star has assured her fans that she is okay, however. “Hey guys, I’m okay,” Amber Riley posted to her Twitter account Wednesday. “I got a little dizzy from all the photog flashes! You’d think I’d be used to it by now, still a red carpet amateur I guess. Gonna get checked out but I feel fine. Thank you for all the concern and well wishes.”

The photographers present were courteous enough not to document Amber Riley laid out on the carpet. “I’d also like to thank the photographers for being so professional and not taking photos of me on the ground. I truly, truly appreciate it. Could have been super embarrassing,” Amber Riley tweeted.

Amber Riley addressed the gossip on Wednesday. “Let me stop the rumor mill right now,” she wrote. “I’m not pregnant! Yes I’m black but I don’t have diabetes, I don’t starve myself to fit clothes; I buy clothes to fit ME not vice versa, I DO NOT DIET; I eat right and exercise! I love myself waaaay more than I like my career. I would never ever put myself in harm’s way to mirror any ‘image.’ Come on [people]. Get a life. I did get a great laugh this morning reading all the BS though lol.”

Jaleel White booted from DWTS

Says he has no regrets

Jaleel White was the sixth contestant to be eliminated from Dancing With The Stars in the season 14 competition last night, and although he is disappointed, he says he gained a lot from the experience.

One lesson Jaleel White learned from his time on DWTS was having “just more patience with myself,” he said. “Trust the Lord above that he put you on a path for you to succeed, that, you know, in five days I can [learn] a dance and present it to America.”

The former Family Matters star spoke with Access Hollywood and Us Weekly about the experience after his elimination. “I made some great friends here, man. This is a fraternity.”

“Believe me, when I go to Miami I’m calling William Levy!”

Jaleel White said he’s not sure if he’ll continue dancing now that he’s off the show. “I don’t know but I’ll definitely tell you this — I definitely wouldn’t shy away from any role or anything that incorporated dance,” he said. “Before, I definitely would have, you know, run to high [ground] for cover.”

Last month, Jaleel White tweeted that he had already lost 13 pounds on the show. “I will be a little sad I’m not going to get up in the morning and go and go train. I want to keep my waistline! I don’t know how I’m going to do that,” he said.

Look for Jaleel White on Syfy, where he’ll be hosting a comedic game show, Total Blackout,  in which contestants battle each other and their fears in a series of challenges. 

“I’m really happy people are seeing me in a different light,” he said. “I’ve been stepping out my comfort zone and I’m going to keep on doing it.”

Cinco de Mayo is on Saturday

How will you celebrate?

Cinco de Mayo is coming up this Saturday. Although the fifth of May is often confused with Mexican Independence Day, our neighbors to the South actually celebrate their independence on Sept.16.

This year, Cinco de Mayo marks the 150th anniversary of the day in 1862 when a small Mexican militia defeated a much larger French army attack in an unprecedented victory at the Battle of Puebla. This victory was short-lived as the French won right back, but for whatever reason, this day has become a cause for joyous celebration for Mexicans (and non-Mexicans) everywhere.

In Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is celebrated mainly in Puebla, the site of the original victory. They commemorate with parades, fiestas and a reenactment of the battle at the original site.

Cinco de Mayo is much more popular here in the States than in Mexico. People celebrate in many ways; the most popular among college students being imbibing massive amounts of tequila – namely, margaritas.

For those looking for a more sophisticated way to celebrate, try making an authentic Puebla recipe such as the labor intensive Chiles in Nogada or Mole Poblano. Or, if you have a sweet tooth, why not make these festive (but not so authentic) piñata cookies.

Wherever you are, and whatever you do this Cinco de Mayo, be sure to keep in mind the history of this monumental day.

Josh Smith has sprained patella ligament

Scheduled for MRI Wednesday

Josh Smith, Atlanta Hawks forward, had to leave Game 2 against the Boston Celtics in the fourth quarter because of a sprain in his left knee.

Before Josh Smith left the game, he had 16 points and a team-high 12 rebounds. He left the game with the Celtics ahead 74-72 and 4:20 left to play.

“I don’t know much about [Smith’s injury],” Hawks coach Larry Drew said during his postgame press conference on Tuesday night. “We’ll know more after he’s examined. He is one of our go-to guys down the stretch. We were missing all of the things that he brings to the table for us, especially down low.”

Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports tweeted updates on Smith’s condition. “Atlanta’s Josh Smith has sprained patella ligament in knee, source tells Y! ‘He walked out of arena w/no help, just gingerly,’ source says.”

“Smith will have an MRI exam on Wednesday in Atlanta.”

The Hawks are already shorthanded without centers Al Horford (torn pectoral muscle) and Zaza Pachulia (ligament strain in foot), and they may have to go into Game 3 with one less player, depending on the severity of Josh Smith’s injuries.

The Hawks lost to the Celtics last night when Boston was without guards Rajon Rondo and Ray Allen. For Game 3, the Celtics will have home court advantage, and Rondo will be back. If Josh Smith isn’t cleared to play, the Hawks don’t stand much of a chance in Boston.

Celtics defeat Hawks

Boston emerges victorious, despite being shorthanded

The Celtics came out on top Tuesday, beating the Hawks 87-80 in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

The Boston Celtics played without suspended point guard Rondo and injured shooting guard Allen, putting much of the pressure to score on captain Paul Pierce, who certainly did not disappoint.

Pierce reminded fans why Celtics coach Doc rivers often calls Pierce a “professional scorer” Tuesday night. 34-year-old Pierce scored the game’s first points six seconds in and accounted for Boston’s first nine points overall. He scored 36 points over 44 minutes, 21 seconds on floor time, culminating in a pair of free throws that put the Celtics ahead 85-78 with 1:15 left in the game.

After the game, Pierce took to Twitter, posting, “44 [minutes] tonite, old for this, I need a bed right now!!!”

Kevin Garnett added 15 points while Avery Bradley chipped in 14. Brandon Bass added eight, and Keyon Dooling finished with six.

Dooling explained the attitude of the Celtics to ESPN. “We’re professionals,” he said. “Throughout the season, we were in the rotation, out of the rotation, not playing that often. But you focus, you give yourself to the team, you never let yourself get out of shape, never let yourself get in a funk mentally, and stay in tune with the game plan and the schemes. Then when your number is called, you gotta be ready.”

Garnett said the veteran Celtics players are doing their best to instill this sense of professionalism in the younger players. “Everyone knows it’s not about one person; it’s about the group, the team. This team is like a well-oiled machine, you come in, you know what it is. There’s no excuses. You give 100 percent, that’s what it is.”

Rondo will be back for Game 3 Friday night in Boston, although Allen’s situation is still unknown. The series is tied 1-1.

Tyler Perry Studios damaged in fire

Blaze under investigation

Tyler Perry Studios went up in flames in Atlanta Tuesday evening, requiring more than 100 firefighters to respond to the scene. There have been no reported injuries, and the cause of the fire is under investigation.

Firefighters were able to contain the four-alarm fire to one building in the complex since the building is broken up into sections, said Atlanta Fire Department Capt. Jolyon Bundrige. Bundrige said that the fire damaged the exterior of the building, but its structural integrity was not compromised.

“It was all in flames,” Dorothy Ware, who lives next door to Tyler Perry Studios, told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “The building started popping,” Ware said. “Whatever the fire was hitting, was blowing up. There were plenty of sparks coming over here where we are.”

The 30-acre complex includes a 200,000-suare-foot studio, five sound stages and a 400-seat theater, according to its website. The complex also includes a chapel, dining hall, gymnasium, five-acre pond and a back lot for filming street scenes. It also has an art department and a post-production facility.

Forbes reported a statement from Tyler Perry. “We are grateful that there were no injuries, and that 99 percent of the damage is limited to the backlot facade. Mr. Perry wishes to express his heartfelt thanks to the Atlanta fire department for their professionalism in their quick response and limiting the damage.”

Tyler Perry has worked successfully as a director, writer, producer, actor and playwright, with movies such as Diary of a Mad Black Woman and Why Did I Get Married? and television shows, including Tyler Perry’s House of Payne and For Better or Worse. Forbes’ “Entertainment’s Highest-Paid Men” list ranked Perry at number 1, taking in $130 million in 12 months beginning in May 2010.

Jessica Simpson finally gives birth

Singer gives baby unusual name

Jessica Simpson welcomed her baby girl into the world Tuesday morning. She named her Maxwell Drew Johnson.

This is Jessica Simpson’s first child with fiancé Eric Johnson. According to a source the baby, weighed in at 9 lbs. 13 ounces and measured 21 ¾ inches.

Tuesday afternoon, the singer turned fashion designer announced the arrival of her daughter on her official website. “We are so grateful for all the love, support, and prayers we have received,” she wrote. “This has been the greatest experience of our lives!”

Jessica Simpson, 31, and Eric Johnson, 32, got engaged in November 2010 after just six months of dating. They have yet to set a wedding date as they preferred to wait until after the baby’s arrival.

Jessica Simpson announced the news of her pregnancy last Halloween via Twitter. She tweeted a picture of herself in a mummy costume and wrote, “It’s true! I am going to be a mummy!”

In December, Jessica Simpson talked to Us Weekly about her imminent motherhood. “Eric and I love each other so much and knowing that I love this baby inside of me is so amazing — I love it so much, and I haven’t even met them yet,” Simpson gushed. “I can’t imagine how much love we’ll have for it once it finally comes!”

In April, she appeared nude on the cover of Elle Magazine, showing off her belly. She hinted that she and Johnson would be picking a “non-traditional” name for the baby. Maxwell is reportedly Johnson’s middle name. The middle name comes from Simpson’s maternal grandmother, Tina Simpson, whose maiden name is Drew.

Jordan Hill charged with assault

Lakers reserve forward charged with third-degree felony in Texas

Jordan Hill was charged with a third-degree felony Monday for allegedly choking a woman with whom he was having a “dating relationship” according to the Harris County district attorney’s office in Texas.

Lakers reserve forward Jordan Hill faces up to 10 years in jail and a $10,000 fine. He is required to return to Houston for a court appearance that has yet to be scheduled.

Jordan Hill was playing for the Houston Rockets at the time of the incident. The Rockets had a game that, day but Hill did not dress for the game.

The L.A. Times obtained the relevant court documents, which detail the accusations against Jordan Hill. Hill allegedly got into a dispute with the woman, Darlene Luna, on February 29 while they were discussing their future at his apartment. The woman threw his two cell phones to the floor and was hit in the legs by Hill who then pulled her off of a sofa before throwing her against a wall. According to the complaint, Hill then put her in a chokehold, causing her to gasp for air. Luna flew back to Orlando, where she resides and called the police in Houston about four weeks later, on March 29. She emailed pictures of bruises on her legs and upper body and also copies of her plane tickets to and from Houston.

The Lakers issued a statement later Monday stating, “We are aware of the media reports alleging an incident involving Jordan Hill from two months ago when he was a member of the Houston Rockets. We do not have any details regarding these reports and therefore, as well as due to the personal and legal aspects, it would not be appropriate for us to comment. Any further inquiries regarding this should be directed to Jordan’s representative.”

As word of the charge spread Monday morning, Jordan Hill posted two new messages on Twitter, “Wowwwww,” and “Unbelievable!!!!!!!!”

Derrick Rose to miss rest of playoffs

Torn ACL will prevent him from playing

Derrick Rose will miss the rest of the season after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his knee during Saturday’s playoff opener.

With the Bulls up by 12 and just over a minute left in the game, Derrick Rose was going for a layup when he came to a jump-stop and seemingly changed his mind, passing off to a teammate before awkwardly landing. He crumpled to the floor, and team medical personnel immediately rushed out and tended to him for several minutes before helping him to the locker room.

Derrick Rose will miss the rest of the playoffs and is looking at six to nine months of rehab.

Many fans are blaming coach Tom Thibodeau for the injury, questioning whether Derrick Rose should have even been in the game at that point. During the fourth quarter, the Bulls had a 20-point lead, and at the time of the injury, they were still up 12. The 76ers had pulled most of their starters, but Thibodeau must have thought the game was in doubt. Starters Joakim Noah, Carlos Boozer and Luol Deng were still on the floor as well.

It is possible that Derrick Rose’s previous injuries had not fully healed, causing him to overcompensate. Perhaps it was due to the pressure of the condensed schedule that was caused by the lockout. Or maybe it was a result of a combination of these factors.

Regardless, the loss of Derrick Rose is certainly a huge blow to the Bulls, but the team insists it is not a death sentence. “We’re not going to start backing down now,” Joakim Noah said. “We’re a team of fighters. We’re going to keep fighting and make the city proud. The whole team has to step up. Our margin of error is a lot smaller with Derrick out. Can you replace Derrick? No. But we’re not going to let the media or anybody paint the picture for us. We’ve played well without Derrick before.”