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Kelly Bradley

Vanessa Bryant not interested in someone who doesn’t win championships

Vanessa Bryant sets high expectations for her man, Los Angeles Laker star, Kobe Bryant

Vanessa Bryant, wife of Los Angeles Laker star Kobe Bryant, seems to be one hard lady to impress. In an upcoming issue of New York Magazine, she spoke out saying, “I certainly would not want to be married to somebody that can’t win championships.” Never mind that her LA Laker husband brings in about $27 million a year. If he’s not bringing back those rings, forget about it.

In 2003, Kobe admitted to infidelity in 2003 after facing sexual assault charges. Vanessa finally filed for divorce in December. However, the pair seems to be back on good terms. They were spotted recently at the 2012 Olympics with their two daughters, Natalia and Gianna.

The incredibly high standards Vanessa sets for her husband are seemingly impossible to reach, even for Kobe, who has won a mere five NBA championships. That means in 11 out of 16 seasons, Kobe wasn’t able to bring back a ring to show his wife. How embarrassing. 

According to Vanessa, if Kobe puts in all that effort and time away from her and doesn’t come back with anything to show for it, it’s a waste of time. However, Kobe seems to have a similar mind set. When the Lakers were swept by the Dallas Mavericks in the 2011 Western Conference Finals, Kobe referred to the season as a “wasted year” of his life. Now we know where Vanessa gets the idea.

There hasn’t been many championships won by just a single player, but let’s hope for the sake of Vanessa and Kobe’s future relationship plans that this is in the cards.

Brittni Colleps accused of having group sex with students

Brittni Colleps, former high school English teacher and mother of three, on trial for having sex with four students

Brittni Colleps, former high school English teacher and mother of three, was recently accused of having sex with four teenagers from Kennendale High School due to the video evidence presented. A fifth student involved videotaped the act using his cell phone.

The group sex took place in Collep’s Arlington, Texas home in April and May of 2011 while her husband and three children were away. Recognized in the video by her distinguishing lower-back tattoo, Colleps is charged with five counts of improper relationship between educator and student.

According to Texas law, it is illegal for any teacher to have an inappropriate relationship with any student, regardless of their age.

Every student involved was over the age of 18; therefore no statutory rape charges were presented. She potentially faces 20 years in prison if convicted.

Some students were bragging about the incident with Colleps while another wrote it as an entry in her diary. The alleged diary was found and at that time the school proceeded to notify the police. Colleps was later arrested.

Students took the stand Tuesday, going into detail regarding the numerous sexual text messages sent between Colleps and the students.

Despite the numerous counts against her, Christopher Colleps stands by his wife.

Colleps was suspended by the school district and is currently out of work due to her contract failing to be renewed.

Mayim Bialik still has all of her fingers

Mayim Bialik recovers after her car accident in Hollywood

Mayim Bialik, the star of “Blossom” and more recently a recurring character on the hilarious CBS sitcom “The Big Bang Theory” has been in a car accident in Hollywood this past week.

According to police, while driving alone in her Volvo down Hollywood Boulevard, the 36-year-old collided with another car turning west onto Hollywood Boulevard.

Both of her main airbags blew and Bialik suffered a severe left-hand injury and cut up thumb as a result of the accident. Rumors spread, saying that she could potentially lose her thumb. Fortunately, this is not the case. Bialik has returned to the set of “The Big Bang Theory” just 24 hours after her accident with all of her fingers intact.

The three passengers occupying the other car received minor injuries and were not detained. No citations were issued.

Bialik took to Twitter afterwards with her husband typing the message “in pain, but will keep all my fingers.” “The Big Bang Theory” actress seems to be in good spirits and thanks all of her fans for their concern.

Bialik has been recently nominated for an Emmy for outstanding supporting actress in a comedy series.

WWE star John Cena pairing up with Scooby Doo

WWE studios and Scooby Doo team up for their first animated film

What do WWE star John Cena and Scooby Doo have in common? Well, nothing. But according to a press release at WWE.com on Tuesday, August 14th, John Cena will pair up with fellow wrestlers to contribute their voices to a Warner Bros. animated full-length movie in which Scooby Doo and the gang team up to solve a mystery at WrestleMania.

Many are praising this business move by WWE saying it will be great for the marketability of the company. John Cena joining forces with Scooby Doo will produce a large appeal to kids and contribute to the PG reputation WWE currently holds.

As of late, WWE is not doing as well as they would have liked as far as their ratings go. With Scooby Doo, they hope to change that. Children are a large part of keeping this company viable in the future and this animated film will help to pull in the younger generation and get them hooked early.

The film may even appeal to older fans because of the ways in which Scooby Doo is able to transcend age. It has been and still continues to be a very well-known cartoon and can still be enjoyable even to an older audience.  If you’re 30 years old and still hooked on Scooby Doo, well that’s okay.

Some of the more popular characters from Scooby Doo such as the Harlem Globetrotters and Batman promise to make an appearance as well.

It has not yet been decided if the film will have a theatrical release. However, it is scheduled to be available on DVD, Blue-ray, VOD and digital download by 2014.

Melky Cabrera suspended 50 games

San Francisco Giants outfielder tests positive for testosterone

Melky Cabrera, former New York Yankee and current San Francisco Giants outfielder, has been suspended 50 games without pay due to testing positive for excessive levels of testosterone.

Leading the National League with 159 hits, Cabrera is batting .346 with 11 homeruns and 60 RBIs in his first season with the Giants. His suspension comes just five hits short of 1,000 in his major league career.

Cabrera is making a mere $6 million with the Giants this season. However, this recent suspension will cost him in more ways than one. It is unlikely Cabrera will be offered any contracts lasting longer than one year. As if $6 million isn’t enough, he will also be losing any chance of making even more cash in endorsement deals which could potentially bring in several millions more.

Cabrera acknowledged that he was indeed using a banned substance. He spoke on the issue saying, “I am deeply sorry for my mistake and I apologize to my teammates, the San Francisco Giants’ organization and to the fans for letting them down.”

The Giants still have 44 games remaining in their regular season. Cabrera’s suspension would indeed continue into the postseason, should the team advance. This unfortunate occurrence will certainly have a negative impact on the team’s image as well. In fact, Cabrera’s suspension may surpass Manny Ramirez’s 50 game suspension in 2009 with the Dodgers as one of the most detrimental to the team.

Cabrera, also known as the “Melk Man,” will join the list of other San Francisco Giant players associated with steroid use, some of which include Barry Bonds, Marvin Benard, Bobby Estalella, Benito Santiago, Armando Rios and Matt Herges.

Dark chocolate may help reduce blood pressure

Daily doses of dark chocolate or cocoa powder may have its health benefits

According to researchers from the National Institute of Integrative Medicine in Melbourne and the University of Adelaide, dark chocolate and cocoa powder may help in lowering blood pressure. Flavanols, found in cocoa, red wine, grapes, apples and tea, is a compound thought to be responsible for the dip in blood pressure. These flavanols form nitric oxide within the body which causes blood vessel walls to become more wide and relaxed, causing the drop in blood pressure.

Researchers conducted trials in which people indulged in 30-1080 mg of flavanols in 3-100 g of chocolate each day. During these 20 trials taking place over 18 weeks, these participants, on average, experienced a blood pressure drop by 2-3 mm Hg.

Despite the fact that there is no affirmation regarding a sustained decrease in blood pressure, dark chocolate or cocoa powder does prove to have an effect short term and may even contribute to decreasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Take it from the indigenous people of San Blas Island in Central America who, regardless of age, have normal blood pressure and consume cocoa drinks rich in flavanols everyday.

Long-term trials have yet to be completed in order to see how dark chocolate and cocoa powder influence the risk for cardiovascular disease or stroke.

Research also shows dark chocolate may help improve cognitive function in the brains of the elderly. A link was found between larger amounts of flavanols and improved levels in cognitive testing. Again, it is unclear whether or not this improved cognitive functioning is directly due to the flavanols found in cocoa or the secondary effect of enhanced heart health.

So go ahead, indulge. But make sure it’s dark! Keep in mind, these flavanols are only found in dark chocolate due to the high cocoa content.

'The Price is Right' searches for first ever male model

Long time game show launches its search for the first ever male model

Sorry ladies, the guys are now being given the chance to model the toasters, laundry detergent and brand new cars on the extremely well known game show The Price is Right. Men will now have the opportunity to show off their modeling skills on the show, hosted by Drew Carey. The male positions on The Price is Right have previously been held only for the hosts, Bob Barker and Drew Carey, while the modeling positions were left to the long-legged ladies. However, the show is holding an open casting call in Los Angeles on Thursday August 30th for anyone that’s interested. Here, potential hopefuls will be judged by the female models in the areas of showing off a product, verbal skills and posing. 

Should the models move on to the next round, they will face various on-camera challenges that really put their modeling skills to the test. This narrows down the search to six contestants. These six remaining models will be announced on the September 28th episode of The Price is Right. Ultimately, the winner will be chosen by viewers, rather than CBS executives, who will be given the opportunity to vote for their favorites online.

The winning model will begin his week-long gig on Monday, October 15th. Although the position is only a week long, CBS may be looking to see if male models fit in as a part of The Price is Right. If you think you have what it takes and your Plinko skills are up to par, fill out this participant application to be considered for the role.

Taylor Swift to release new album 'Red' on October 22nd

Taylor Swift announces release of her 4th studio album

Multi-platinum recording artist, Taylor Swift, is set to release her 4th studio album titled “Red” on October 22nd. Following the release of 2010’s “Speak Now” which sold more than 1 million copies within its first week, chances are this one won’t disappoint either. The short, yet simple title “Red” captures Swift’s various emotions which she explores through her songs. In true Taylor Swift fashion, she seems to be sticking with her famous theme of relationship-related songs as she continues to divulge her deepest feelings regarding the relationships she has experienced over the past two years. Swift comments on the album title saying, “There’s nothing beige about any of those feelings.”

Swift’s new album will have 16 new songs, one of which has already been recently released. During a live web chat from Nashville, Tennessee on Monday, Swift, dressed in red, took questions from fans and performed her new single called “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together.” “Really touching and sensitive” is how Swift sarcastically described the new track, seeing as it’s a shout out to one of her ex-boyfriends. Of course it’s up to the fans to figure out which mystery man the superstar may be referring to this time. Some of her previous heartbreaks include John Mayer, Joe Jonas, Taylor Lautner and Jake Gyllenhaal. Following the release of this single, it shot to the top spot of the iTunes charts. Swift rushed to Twitter expressing her excitement.

Unlike “Speak Now” which was written completely by Swift, fans can expect several co-writes on the upcoming album, one of which is a duet with popular British artist Ed Sheeran as well as collaboration with Swedish music producer Max Martin.

Check out Taylor Swift’s live web chat for more info on the star’s upcoming album which drops October 22nd. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6gFma4H7fA&feature=player_embedded