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Mason jar salad recipes

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Looking for fun, new ways to serve salad at your summer picnics this year? Instead of bowls, offer your guests individual Mason jars full of light and summery fare.

Fresh corn, edamame and radish salad

Mason jars aren't just for canning and preserving; they can be used in lots of other ways in the kitchen. We've all seen Mason jars filled with green salad, layered and ready to be shaken and eaten, but other salads can be put into Mason jars for on-the-go lunches or cute picnic fare. Check out these quick-and-easy recipes for summery salads served in Mason jars.

Fresh corn, edamame and radish salad

Serves 4

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups fresh corn
  • 2 cups shelled edamame
  • 1 cup chopped radishes
  • 2 tablespoons chopped green onion
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
  • 1/4 cup canola oil
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons white miso paste
  • 2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce
  • 4 Mason jars

Directions:

  1. Combine corn, edamame, radishes, green onion and cilantro in a large bowl.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together canola oil, rice vinegar, white miso paste and chili garlic sauce .
  3. Stir dressing into corn mixture and divide salad between Mason jars.
  4. Refrigerate at least an hour. Shake before serving.

Pasta salad with tomato, mozzarella and basil

Serves 4

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup elbow pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
  • 1/2 cup diced fresh mozzarella
  • 2 tablespoons chopped basil
  • 1 tablespoon shaved Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1/2 tablespoon heavy cream
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • 4 Mason jars

Directions:

  1. Cook pasta according to directions on package.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar and heavy cream. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Reserve.
  3. When pasta is done, drain and immediately combine with tomatoes, mozzarella, basil and Parmesan cheese in a large bowl. Pour dressing over pasta and stir to combine. Season with pepper and divide between Mason jars.
  4. Refrigerate or serve warm.

More on summery salads

Protein-packed summertime salad
Creative summer salad ideas
Jazz up your summer salad recipes


Birth-daisy cupcake craft

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As a judge on TLC’s hit show Craft Wars, people know that I'm an avid crafter, but what they may not guess is that next to my love of making is my lifetime obsession with baking!
Birth-Daisy cupcake craft

Bake every day a holiday

As a judge on TLC’s hit show Craft Wars, people know that I'm an avid crafter, but what they may not guess is that next to my love of making is my lifetime obsession with baking!

Some of my fondest memories as a child are those that have revolved around projects that I like to call “Bake and Do!” The art of combining a yummy homemade confection with handmade decorations. We call this craft the "birth-daisy," but it can be used for any occasion!

The first thing you will need is something to decorate. So dig out your favorite cupcake recipe or start with a boxed cake mix, which can be as tasty as homemade with a few simple tricks.

The first trick is to sift the cake mix before adding the wet ingredients. This removes the lumps, evenly distributes the baking powder, and gives your finished cake a much better texture.

Next, add one additional egg than is called for on the box to give the cake a richer flavor and add loft when baking. Lastly, pour in two tablespoons of real vanilla to give it that baked-from-scratch taste. Follow all the other ingredients and baking instructions on the box. Let the cupcake cool and frost it with a basic buttercream.

For my project, I baked cupcakes in two different sizes: a large cupcake to use as my centerpiece and small bite-sized ones to make rows of posies around my party table.

The baking is done. Now let's get crafting!

What you'll need:

  • White cardstock
  • Printer
  • Scissors
  • White glue
  • Glue dots
  • Toothpicks
  • Kitchen skewers
  • Green acrylic paint
  • Wire
  • Glitter

Step 1: Download and print clipart

Download and print my birth-daisy clipart on white cardstock and cut out the pieces using a small pair of scissors or craft knife.

Step 2: Create the flower parts

Daisy heads: Using glue dots, stack the three layers of clipart one on top of the other. This will give the faces lots of dimension... like a pop-up book!

Dasiy patterns

Stems: Apply a coat of green acrylic paint to kitchen skewers or toothpicks to create the stems.

Leaves: Use white glue to attach the fronts and backs of the clipart together, then attach them to your pick. I like them placed a little high, so they look like the daisies arms.

Leave patterns

Step 3: Assemble the flower

Attach the head of your daisy to the top of the pick using white glue.

Daisy craft

Step 4: Add a message

If you want to add a message to your centerpiece, like “Happy Birth-daisy,” cut out the clipart letters, glue them to a thin wire, and fold the ends onto the leaves like the daisy is holding a banner of salutations!

Happy Birthday Pattern

Step 5: Cover with glitter

Brush on some white glue and cover your daisies in glitter if desired. While I do not recommend this , eating glitter has not killed me yet! So you decide .

Step 6: Add a border

To complete your party look, print out the clipart for my decorative daisy border and attach it to the edges of your favorite cake plate with double-sided tape.

Daisy border pattern

Final craft

Birthday Daisy Craft

More craft ideas

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Easy DIY painted frame
DIY vintage tub garden

The new and improved lemonade stand

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This summer, when your kids complain of boredom, why not challenge them to make some money. From the new trends in lemonade stands to starting your own mini-business, read on for creative ways your child can make some cash while school's out.

Whether your child chooses to start a lemonade stand or create his own business to make money this summer, the principles are the same. Not unlike successful businesses in the adult world, a child's lemonade stand, dog walking business or car wash service needs good marketing, publicity and creativity. Oh, and don't forget that work ethic!

If life gives you lemons...

Most will agree that the lemonade stand is one of the most common ways for kids to make money — especially during the summer.

But although the idea may be standard, there's nothing standard about the modern lemonade stand. And if your kids want to choose this popular route to make cash, help them create a stand that will stand out in your neighborhood. New trends include a far more polished presentation than when you were a child. Long gone are the days of card tables and signs made out of posterboard. Now a lemonade stand is like a mini store front on your neighborhood sidewalk. Like this wooden stand from Alex Toys which comes complete with a canvas awning, dry erase countertop and chalkboard front panel for your business-minded tot. With a stand like this one, passersby won't be able to resist buying a cup or two .

Help your kids start a lemonade stand >>

More than just lemons in lemonade

Beyond the stand itself, there is a new trend in the type of lemonade kids are selling. From blueberry to watermelon, there is a wide range of options. And of course, there's nothing wrong with old-fashioned lemonade — but the powder mix is so, well, 2011. If your child wants to be traditional, help him squeeze lemons for a much fresher and delicious drink. The better the lemonade, the more money to be made!

Impress the neighbors with this lavender lemonade recipe >>

If lemonade isn't your child's thing...

Ideas:

  • Dog walking/dog sitting
  • Car washing/detailing
  • Selling homemade items
  • Babysitting/mother's helper
  • Lawn care

Bring out his inner entrepreneur in other ways. Another new trend for children who want a more "regular gig" than selling lemonade on an occasional Saturday is to start a business. But what type of business? Well that all depends on your child's strengths and interests. Brainstorm with him a list of tasks he feels he'd be good at, then you can help him narrow it down.

Next, guide him in setting up his business. Come up with a name, then challenge his inner artist to design a logo. Next, he can make business cards , put together a marketing plan and brainstorm ideas for publicity . Now it's time to put that business idea to the test and hit the streets and make some money! And most importantly, remember to have fun.

For more ideas on businesses your child can start, check out this book : Better than a Lemonade Stand: Small Business Ideas for Kids.

8 Entrepreneurs your child should know >>

Read more about kids and money

Top 3 money lessons for kids
How kids can make money
How an allowance teaches kids about money


Ghostbusters 3 may be one step closer to becoming reality

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After years of trying to get the project started, Sony is finally making big moves to finally start filming Ghostbusters 3.

Dan AykroydRumors of a third Ghostbusters movie have been around for a while, but it looks like the movie may be an actual possibility.

Variety is reporting that Sony Pictures has finally hired a writer for the project.

Etan Cohen is that man. Cohen previously wrote Men in Black 3, Tropic Thunder and Idiocracy. He also made his directorial debut in Boy Scouts vs. Zombies.

"The Office scribes Lee Eisenberg and Gene Stupnitsky were hired in September 2008 to revive the blockbuster franchise that started in 1984 with Ivan Reitman's Ghostbusters,” said Variety. “At the time, the supernatural action-comedy was Columbia Pictures' highest-grossing film ever, until it was beaten by Men in Black and then Spider-Man."

According to the story, original cast members Harold Ramis, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson and Bill Murray will probably be “passing the torch” to a new generation.

There have long been rumors that Bill Murray is the one who did not want to see a third Ghostbusters movie. Back in December, the National Enquirer said he shredded his script and sent it to Harold Ramis. But there has been no proof of that.

“Sony has been wanting to make more money off the Ghostbusters franchise for years now without a movie actually materializing,” said Cinemablend, “so it's hard to know it[sic] Cohen's hiring even makes it that much more likely the third Ghostbusters will ever exist.”

A script never materialized publicly when Eisenberg and Stupnitsky were hired, so this is the first big step that indicates a movie may actually materialize.

If a script it written, the next step will be getting all the actors on board, a task that may be more difficult than writing a new story.

But for Sony, the hiring of Cohen could be the first big attempt to show that they really want a Ghostbusters 3. For all fans waiting for the movie, this could be a good sign.

Photo courtesy DJDM / WENN.com

When will Fifty Shades of Grey: The Movie come out?

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The producers will have to tone it up quite a bit to help translate the fastest selling paperback of all time into a movie.

Fifty Shades

What do one of the most popular books of all time and the most popular website of all time have in common?

According to the New York Daily News, two of the producers behind The Social Network have signed on to help produce the movie for the book Fifty Shades of Grey.

Universal announced today that producers Michael DeLuca and Dana Brunetti are going to produce not only the movie, but also the other two books of the trilogy when they are turned into movies.

“At its core, Fifty Shades of Grey is a complex love story, requiring a delicate and sophisticated hand to bring it to the big screen,” Universal co-chair Donna Langley told the New York Daily News. “Mike and Dana’s credits more than exemplify what we need in creative partners, and we’re glad to have them as part of our team.”

The book has become the fastest-selling paperback of all time, selling one million copies in just 11 weeks. The Da Vinci Code had the previous record, having sold its first million in 36 weeks.

“Universal won the rights to James’ erotic trilogy, which tells the steamy tale of a college grad who is seduced by a 20-something billionaire with a taste for bondage, after a bidding war in March,” said the New York Daily News. “The books have sold almost 20 million copies in the U.S. alone, according the Vintage, the series’ publisher.”

The paper said author E.L. James had a part in choosing the producers for the movie. She felt both had an understanding of the story, as well as its characters.

While any book that is rumored to be turned into an NC-17 movie may seem like a risk, the popularity of Fifty Shades of Grey made the bidding war an obvious and rewarding war to wage.

Photo courtesy Michael Carpenter/ WENN.com

Sorry, boys: Sofia Vergara spotted with engagement bling

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Sofia Vergara is reportedly ready to settle down with on-again, off-again boyfriend Nick Loeb. The Colombian beauty was spotted with some sparkly hardware on her ring finger while she celebrated her birthday in Mexico.

Sofia Vergara engaged

What better way to celebrate your 40th birthday than by getting engaged?

That's precisely the way Sofia Vergara rang in her fourth decade on the planet, according to MSN's Wonderwall. Vergara's on-again, off-again boyfriend, Nick Loeb, reportedly put a ring on it during the Modern Family star's 40th birthday bash in Mexico.

"She is engaged," a source told the website earlier today. Vergara seems to be over the moon after the proposal, judging from the happy dance she did later at the Rosewood Matakoba resort. A photo — taken at her party on Monday night and posted to Twitter by one of her friends — showed a sizeable ring on her left ring finger.

"She was bouncing around and showing everyone the ring," an onlooker told E! News.

We've reached out to Vergara's rep to confirm the happy news.

Vergara has been dating Loeb, a food entrepreneur, on and off for the past couple of years. The Colombian beauty and her boy are known for their fiery fights and constant breakups, but all seemed good in early June as they dined at Bagatelle in Manhattan's Meatpacking District.

"The two laughed and flirted all night, even sharing long embraces with one another throughout the night," a restaurant spy told SheKnows. "Sofia was glowing as she bounced around the room, even saying hi to the DJ and dancing to his beats on her way out."

She might be happy now, but some "close" to her don't think they'll ever make it down the aisle.

"She's the nicest, sweetest, kindest person on the Earth, but she has a thing for bad boys," a source told Wonderwall. "And she found one with him."

Image courtesy Stefan Jeremiah/WENN.com

Sofia Vergara's engagement: A happy occasion, or is trouble brewing in paradise?

Mommy entrepreneur recipe

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Though it's possible to balance motherhood and running your own business, it takes a lot of work. It's important to remember that your children come first, but it's also essential to squeeze in a little "me time" every day. Read on to learn more about how to balance kids and a successful business.
How to balance business and kids
Busy mom on the phone

Though it's possible to balance motherhood and running your own business, it takes a lot of work. It's important to remember that your children come first, but it's also essential to squeeze in a little "me time" every day.

balancing act

As the owner of Divalysscious Moms, a luxury lifestyle company for mothers, and the mother of two young children, I am frequently asked how I balance motherhood while owning and operating my own business.

While every successful mother and business owner has her own recipe with ingredients that work for her as an individual, here are some tips that I like to give other mothers that are in similar situations: my “Divalysscious Tips” and the ingredients that work for my “Mommy Entrepreneur Recipe.”

Your children come first

Your children need to feel secure. Any email or phone call can and will be there after the children are happy and settled in. With today's technology, it seems that everything is urgent; however, your children's well-being comes first.

That means sometimes waking up at 4:30 a.m.

Prioritize

Make sure that your work can be done early in the morning before the children wake up. Yes, that means sometimes waking up at 4:30 a.m. to finish work… of course you will need a large cup of coffee!

Read about parenting and running a home-based business >>

Have a routine

Having breakfast with the children and taking my older son to school in the morning are crucial aspects of my daily life. Dinner, bath time, and bedtime are also extremely important for my children and for me. I try my best to put down the Blackberry and eat with the children, bathe them, read to them, and spend quality time with them before bed. After my boys are sleeping, I know that I can go back on the computer to finish up my work.

Have a “Mommy Time Out”

Moms that run their own businesses also need to take a few minutes out of their busy day for themselves. I have a strong philosophy that if Mom isn't happy then the children won't be happy, and with running your own business, many times things can be stressful. Take 10 minutes to meditate, get a quick 10-minute back massage at the local nail salon, look through a magazine, or make a phone call to a friend just to say hi. This time will rejuvenate you and allow you a much-needed break. You can find some other great MTO ideas in my book, If You Give A Mom A Martini: 100 Ways to Take 10 Blissful Minutes to Yourself.

Take a 5-minute mommy time out >>

Delegate

Always remember that being a mom and a business owner gives you the right to delegate the work, which means surrounding yourself with a great supportive team comprised of positive people with high energy. Make sure these are people you can trust and who can help you. My husband is my biggest supporter; at times he has to help with the children because I might need to be at a meeting, have to work late, etc. I know that I can count on my husband and vice versa for him, as he too has a highly demanding job. Delegate the errands with your family and caregiver, and do not be afraid to ask for help! It's always better to ask than to be completely overwhelmed.

Happy moms equal happy kids, and moms need to take "MTO" — mommy time outs — each and every day!

More about balance

Work-life balance trumps money
How to balance life as a single parent
Making money from home

Exclusive: Bachelorette finalist Arie acting single in Scottsdale

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Though he seems to have the strongest connection to Bachelorette Emily Maynard, sources tell SheKnows that Arie Luyendyk will mostly likely not win the final rose. See what we learned about his post-show partying.

Arie Luyendyk, Bachelorette

We’ve watched all season as Bachelorette Emily Maynard and frontrunner Arie Luyendyk have smooched their way across the world, but sources in Arie’s home of Scottsdale, AZ tell SheKnows not to bet on him taking home Emily’s heart.

“[We] are 98% sure he doesn’t win,” say sources close to the 30-year-old race car driver. “He’s not acting like an engaged guy should act.”

CONFESSION: I flirted with Bachelorette finalist Arie last week >>

SheKnows has learned that since Arie returned home to Arizona he has been carrying on like a single guy — going out to bars in Old Town Scottsdale, flirting with women and having late-night get-togethers at his Bachelor pad.

"He has girls over to his place frequently and they stay up till like 2 a.m. drinking," said our source.

Two weeks ago Luyendyk was spotted at Scottsdale hotspot El Hefe with four female friends, drinking and dancing up a storm.

Our sources say this could be attributed to the fact that Arie doesn’t really have any male friends.

“All of his friends are girls,” says our source. “He doesn’t have any guy friends.”

Still, we hear he may be getting close to one lady in particular.

A source tells SheKnows that while Arie has not said whether or not he wins the Bachelorette, he has been spending a lot of time with one woman. The source says that once the show is over he, “wouldn’t be surprised if they started dating.”

Additionally, rumor has it that Arie had been in contact with several women while on the show, texting them the entire time he was wooing Emily.

If Arie is dismissed on June 22nd, it would be in line with predictions from notorious Bachelor-buster, Reality Steve. If he proposes though, Emily may have some questions for the Scottsdale dancing machine.

See what Arie said about his chances back in June >>

Guess we’ll just have to wait and see!

Photo credit: ABC

How to sun dye fabric

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Print your own designs on fabric using dye activated by the sun! Try a botanical theme using collected leaves — kids can help hunt for greenery and make prints that preserve summer's foliage year-round.
DIY fabric dyeing
Sun dyed fabric

design your own fabric

Print your own designs on fabric using dye activated by the sun!

Try creating a botanical design using collected leaves. Kids can help hunt for greenery around the neighborhood or in the backyard and then arrange their finds into a collage that will preserve summer's foliage all year long.


Inkodye is a new, water-based dye that develops in sunlight and produces permanent color on natural materials like wood and cotton. Areas shielded from the sun remain uncolored, but when the fabric dye is exposed to light, it changes color before your eyes. The process is magical, making this an entertaining project to do with children — and the results can be quite beautiful!

Supplies

sun fabric dyeing supplies

Directions

Step 1: Prepare a work surface by securely wrapping a sturdy sheet of cardboard with a garbage bag or other waterproof plastic. Place the fabric you're dyeing on the wrapped board and tape down the edges with masking tape.

Step 1: tape fabric

Step 2: In a cup, mix Inkodye with water in a one-to-one ratio. The dye is concentrated and can be used straight from the bottle, but equally vibrant results can be achieved while conserving dye.

In a dim room away from direct sunlight, brush the dye evenly over the surface of the fabric.

Step 2: apply the dye

Step 3: Layer leaves, grasses and stems in a pleasing arrangement on the fabric. Turning leaves face down can help make better contact with the surface, reducing shadows.

Step 3: place leaves

Step 3: leaves close up

Step 4: Place the board in direct sunlight for eight minutes, being very careful not to disturb the leaves or turn the board. The dye will instantly begin turning color, from a pale tint to a deep, vibrant hue.

Step 4: sun dyed fabric time elapse

Step 5: Remove the board from the sun, slide off the leaves and immediately wash the dyed fabric in hot, soapy water. Scrub thoroughly, rinse and your leafy design is now preserved permanently on fabric!

Step 5: wash the dyed fabric

Step 6: Air or machine dry, iron and consider framing your print, sewing it into a pillow or bag or upholstering a chair seat. The design on the dyed fabric is permanent and may be machine washed and dried.

Step 6: final fabric design

Step 6: dyed fabric on chair

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Confession: I flirted with Bachelorette finalist Arie last week

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Our columnist spotted Bachelorette finalist Arie Luyendyk Jr. at a Scottsdale bar last week -- and he most definitely was sans Emily Maynard.

Bachelorette Emily Maynard and Arie Luyendyk Jr.

Have you ever wished you could have alone time with Bachelorette finalist Arie Luyendyk, Jr. against a wall in a dark alley? I mean, Emily Maynard goes on and on about how great of a kisser he is… doesn’t it make you wonder?!

Well… that fantasy may not be as far-fetched of a dream as you think. All you have to do is head over to the bars in Old Town Scottsdale, stalk down said dreamy race car driver, and pull out your best pick-up line. Mine was “Can I buy you a drink?” .

EXCLUSIVE: Bachelorette finalist Arie spotted acting single in Scottsdale >>

It started as a regular Friday night, at our favorite spot for tequila drinking. As I waited for a friend to hand me a drink, I saw this tall, dark, kind of awkward guy in a plaid shirt walk by and immediately I thought “Arie!” I turned to my roommate, who also happens to be my weekly wine and Bachelorette date, and told her my suspicion, but based only on the back of his head, awkward walk and shirt pattern, she didn’t think there was any way I had just seen the frontrunner from the Bachelorette. Wanting to prove it, I grabbed her hand and followed the path Arie had just taken to the open bar.

Bachelorette finalist Arie partying in ScottsdaleStanding there in all his nerd-turned-reality-star glory was Emily’s lip smackin,' face suckin’ suitor, Arie. So naturally, being the investigative journalist I am, I had to approach him. I chugged my drink and waltzed over to the bar. “Can I buy you a drink?” was the only sentence my brain could form…  Arie told me he could only have one drink because “the show is still airing.” Obviously, not wanting to give him a big head, I played it off like I had no idea who he was or what show he was talking about -- this is when I learned, by the way, that I’m a very impressive liar.

Arie went on to tell me that he was on the Bachelorette, and could get in trouble from the production team if he was seen out drinking… busted! Oh, and he had to add that his "fiance," if he wins, wouldn’t be too happy, either. Why not? Maybe because it’s not a very “engaged” thing to do! Feeling my nerves jump back into my throat I wished him luck and left. At least I didn’t have to spend any money on him.

But after watching him mingle with the three or four women he appeared to be with, and his horrendous dancing -- think one hand on the hip combined with foot tapping and hip popping -- I had to wonder -- does this guy, who’s out flirting at the bars and offending my eyes with his “moves” really win Emily’s heart? I felt more investigative journalism coming on…

Being that Arie lives in the same town as me, I knew it wouldn’t be too hard to find some sources who knew him. After a few days of searching, I stumbled upon a few people who were more than willing to add to my theory that Arie does not win Emily’s heart. Here’s what they said…

  • While filming the Bachelorette, Arie was reportedly texting other girls.
  • He’s a "nice guy but very full of himself," in a source's a opinion.
  • Another source disagrees with the above assessment of the race car driver saying "he's a really great guy. People shouldn't judge."
  • He is reportedly seeing someone new, though it has not been confirmed who the lucky lady is.
  • Since his return from filming, he goes out to bars and has girls over to his place to drink until 2 a.m.
  • Overall, he just doesn’t act like most engaged men should. Hanging out with a bunch of women doesn't seem too smart for an alleged fiance, given he's a public figure. So it's likely he's just single and moving on from Emily.

I have been hoping Jef would win all along, but this just solidifies my theory. If Arie does win, Emily is in for yet another heartbreak… but at least we now know that Arie is single, and clearly ready to mingle!

Image courtesy of ABC

Taylor Kitsch counting on Savages to succeed

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After starring in what could be called two box-office failures this year, Kitsch needs Savages to succeed. After five years on Friday Night Lights, this is a new world for him.

Taylor KitschThird time is hopefully a charm for Taylor Kitsch.

After five years on Friday Night Lights, and a few movies under his belt, 2012 seemed to be the year he was going to become a movie star.

He starred in John Carter, a big-budget Disney film released earlier this year. The film was considered a flop. According to Yahoo! the film lost up to $70 million.

"It probably didn't help that he had to act in front of green screens for the majority of John Carter," said Jeff Bock, exhibitor relations box office analyst. "The physique, the look and the potential is there for Kitsch, but he needs to prove he can really dive into a character that isn't one-dimensional; small but juicy roles would be a step in the right direction."

Kitsch also starred in this year’s Battleship. The big-budget film cost $209 million, and brought in a little over $300 million worldwide.

“But that likely doesn't cover marketing costs, so it's hard to say whether the film made any money at all,” said Yahoo!

Kitsch’s newest movie, Savages, opened last weekend as the number four movie in the country. The film brought in just a little over $16 million, according to Yahoo, but cost $45 million to make.

It is not looking good for Kitsch’s third chance this year, as the studio must recoup far over the $45 million in order to gain back their money.

But to be fair, the actor may not be bad luck; it may simply be his choice of roles. Either way, it may not matter for his chances of being hired in the future.

"There is no doubt that a studio would think twice about casting him as a lead after the poor performances of both Battleship and John Carter,” said Bock. “He might still be on the list, but pretty far down, and certainly not the A-list."

Photo courtesy Dan Jackman/WENN.com

Savannah Guthrie & Today make the news headline news

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The Today Show has blurred the lines between reporting the news and being the news for weeks now. With Savannah Guthrie's smiling co-anchor debut now logged, is it time to get on with the show once and for all?

The Today Show-loving public may love their morning news, but a shake-up of who's sitting where seems to be what really gets their motors running! After Ann Curry and Savannah Guthrie have both become hot news topics in recent weeks, we have to wonder if Good Morning America might try for their own replacement-induced ratings publicity boost?

Officially welcoming Savannah Guthrie to the seat on his right side, longtime The Today Show anchor Matt Lauer said, "It truly is a new day around here... I'm pleased to be sharing this new day with Savannah Guthrie, who after several years of playing a great role on this program, takes a step forward this morning and joins us as co-anchor of Today."

A nervous-but-thrilled looking Guthrie responded politely, "It's an honor to be here."

Though neither of The Today Show hosts mentioned ousted Ann Curry, Matt Lauer had this bit of praise for his new partner in reporting: "You bring a great attitude and what we like to call a weird sense of humor to this program, so we're all very happy to have you."

Is Natalie Morales "snubbed enough" to leave Today? >>

Also a bit weird? The amount of press the morning news show has received since rumors Ann Curry might lose her position began in June, causing the news itself to become headline news -- a point not lost on the freshly unemployed.

"I know I am not to blame for the ratings worries," Ann Curry told USA Today June 26, two days prior to her emotional exit. "And my bosses have said to me there are many factors involved. There is no doubt that the rating wars have become meaner and less focused on our responsibilities as journalists."

More entertaining: The news reporting actual news, or The Today Show anchor shuffle?

Image via WENN

Kyle Glover tragedy: Usher's friend caused jet ski collision

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Usher remains at his ex-wife's side as her son, Kyle Glover, continues to fight for his life after a jet ski accident left him brain dead. Find out who caused the horrific accident -- and how Foster is coping.

Usher's stepson brain deadKyle Glover is still fighting for his life in an Atlanta, Georgia hospital just days after an accident on the city's Lake Lanier left him brain dead. However, mom Tameka Foster isn't giving up on her son yet.

"He’s bad," a heartbroken Foster told RadarOnline Tuesday morning. Foster, the ex-wife of R&B superstar Usher, also took to Facebook to thank friends and family for their prayers.

"Kyle, You are strong.. You'll be saved I know it. I love you my baby. I need all #Prayers for my son! Thanks you everybody!" she wrote on the social media site, according to Radar.

Usher is reportedly still at his ex-wife's side, despite their contentious relationship. Sources say that the singer is absolutely heartbroken over Kyle's condition — the two were close both during and after the marriage.

"He grew close to Kyle and, of course, that has nothing to do with the situation with Tameka," the source told US Weekly. "He loved Kyle. This is a terrible, awful tragedy. Usher is torn up."

"Tameka and Usher don't get along, but in this circumstance Usher is coming to her side," the source continued. "Usher practically raised Kyle as his own. He's known him for seven years. It is so sad what happened."

As if that wasn't enough, the person responsible for the accident — Jeffrey Hubbard, according to MTV News — is a family friend. Kyle and a female friend were riding an inner tube when Hubbard allegedly struck them, according to a report from the Georgia Department of National Resources obtained by MTV.

The girl received a broken arm in the accident, but Kyle hasn't registered brain activity since.

"Basically, a pontoon was pulling two juveniles on an inner tube, and the watercraft ran over the top of them," Sgt. Mike Burgamy of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources told the New York Daily News.

Officials are still deciding whether or not to charge Hubbard in the accident, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

"One minute the jet ski was running around, the next he ran over the top of them — it happened that quickly," Burgamy added. "It appears the watercraft did strike both juveniles, with the male taking the brunt of the force."

Such a sad, horrific accident.

Image courtesy Judy Eddy/WENN.com

Stage actress wins role of a lifetime: Janis Joplin!

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The life story of rock icon Janis Joplin is heading to the big screen. Producers have tapped a Broadway actress to play the singer in a feature film. Introducing the new Janis: Nina Arianda.

Nina Arianda After years of development, casting rumors and legal red tape, the Janis Joplin biopic is finally happening. So who's going to play the music legend? Stage actress and Tony-winner Nina Arianda will fill the singer's shoes.

Once more with feeling: 2012 Tony Award winners! >>

According to Deadline, Arianda will make her big-screen debut in the aptly titled, Joplin. Prior to her casting, a who's-who of actors and professional singers were attached to the role. Most notably Oscar-winner Renee Zellweger, Amy Adams, New Girl Zooey Deschanel and Pink.

Arianda is best known for her performance in the play Venus in Fur, which scored her a Tony earlier this summer. In Joplin, she'll join forces with director Sean Durkin, who previously made his feature debut with Martha Marcy May Marlene.

Producer Peter Newman and his partners have acquired the rights to Joplin's most famous songs, which Arianda will belt out on screen. He believes the singer-actress has the chops to pull off the high-strung tunes.

“I’ve never in my life seen an actress walk on a stage and convey the duality of vulnerability with overheated sexuality, which is what Janis was all about," revealed Newman.

Joplin will be based on a collection of published letters from the singer called Love, Janis, as well as the book Piece Of My Heart. There are also countless interviews and first hand accounts that the producers will use.

Joplin begins production next year and will be shot for under $20 million.

What do you think of Arianda as Joplin? Can she pull it off?

Photo credit: Joseph Marzullo /WENN

Studio announces release dates for next three Hunger Games

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Lionsgate Films has booked the same weekend from 2013 to 2015 for the next three movies in The Hunger Games series.

Hunger GamesLionsgate Films has a lot of faith in The Hunger Games movies. And they should. The first movie was released in March and went on to sell almost $700 million worldwide.

Also, as of April, the books in the trilogy have sold a total of 26 million books worldwide, according to Publisher’s Weekly.

Even though the books are contained in a trilogy, the movies will be expanded to four movies. The first film, The Hunger Games was released this year. The next three movies already have release dates, something rare for a studio to announce.

The reason for the early announcement is that the studio wants to release the films annually, starting in 2013.

“[Lionsgate] announced Tuesday that it will release The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 on Nov. 21, 2014, and Mockingjay Part 2 on Nov. 20, 2015. The company has already scheduled the second picture, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, for Nov. 22, 2013,” according to the NY Daily News.

The next movie, Catching Fire has not even begun production, which is slated to start in September.

Yesterday the studio announced that Philip Seymour Hoffman has been added to the film’s cast, an early step in a movie’s production. Making it even more bizarre the studio has announced the release dates already.

The release dates are important for the studio. It not only reserves the dates so other studios decide if they want to compete with the films, but the dates are also the weekend before Thanksgiving, an important weekend for movie releases.

The break in a year and a half between the first films is also important because the final Twilight film will come out this year, probably The Hunger Games’ biggest competitor, according to the NY Daily News.

If there are any other competitors to appear in the near future, Lionsgate is betting they will not want to compete with the same weekend.

Photo courtesy Sean Thorton/WENN.com

Cat Cora DUI arrest almost escapes the press -- almost

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News of Cat Cora's DUI arrest nearly escaped the attention of the press. Almost a full month after rear-ending another vehicle in Santa Barbara, the celebrity chef has something to say.

Cat CoraCat Cora's DUI arrest is a dark moment in the celebrity chef's life in the spotlight -- a moment that the public almost never even knew about!

On July 9, a journalist for the Santa Barbara Independent was browsing the previous month's DUI report when they spotted the name Cat Cora listed as being cited on June 17. A little investigation later, we now know the 44-year-old rear-ended a car at 6:15 pm on that Sunday evening.

The driver of that car told responding officers he thought Cat Cora was intoxicated, they performed a field sobriety test and breathalyzed her and noted a blood alcohol content level of .19.

Famous foodie profile: Cat Cora >>

Why so high at such an early time in the evening? The Around the World in 80 Plates co-host reportedly told police officers she and partner Jennifer Cora had been arguing at a bar, where she had consumed three bottles of beer. Cat Cora was issued a citation for DUI, and was then taken to the Santa Barbara Sobering Center.

The couple has four boys -- Zoran, Caje, Thatcher and Nash -- the first three of whom were delivered by Jennifer. Cat Cora gave birth to Nash in 2009, just three months after Thatcher's arrival.

"I deeply regret my decision to drive that evening after my designated driver became unavailable," celebrity chef Cat Cora said in a statement to E! News after word of her troubles hit the press Tuesday. "I learned a very important lesson from this experience and take full accountability for my actions. This will never happen again."

Cat Cora's DUI arraignment is scheduled for July 26.

Image via WENN

Is Robert Wagner a suspect in Natalie Wood's death?

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California investigators just changed the official cause of death on Natalie Wood's 1981 death certificate from accidental to "undetermined." Does this mean they think Robert Wagner had something to do with it?

Natalie Wood death certificate changed, Robert Wagner not a suspect

Will we ever really know what happened to actress Natalie Wood on the night she died? Her 1982 death — classified at the time as an accidental drowning off the coast of Catalina Island, California — has now been declared "undetermined," meaning that officials aren't exactly sure how she died.

But, does it mean she was murdered?

Natalie Wood's daughter busted on huge drug charges >>

Not so fast: Law enforcement officials say that her cause of death should have been listed as "undetermined" the whole time, according to TMZ. However, L.A. County Coroner Thomas Noguchi, the coroner on duty at the time of her death, didn't account for the bruising on her body — the black and blue marks weren't consistent with a fall from the boat, according to TMZ.

Top 5 unsolved celebrity deaths >> 

As for then-husband Robert Wagner? He's not considered a suspect — and the case will likely stay cold unless some earth shattering new evidence comes forward. The likelihood of that happening 31 years after her death? Not very good. Though Wagner — or any other suspect — could still be charged because California has no statute of limitations on "willful, deliberate and premeditated" murder.

In his 2008 memoir, Wagner blamed himself for her death.

"There are only two possibilities; either she was trying to get away from the argument, or she was trying to tie the dinghy," he wrote in Pieces of My Life. "But the bottom line is that nobody knows exactly what happened."

"Did I blame myself? If I had been there, I could have done something. But I wasn't there. I didn't see her."

The captain of the boat also took some of the blame.

"We didn't take any steps to see if we could locate her," Dennis Davern told NBC News in November 2011. "I think it was a matter of, 'We're not going to look too hard, we're not going to turn on the searchlight, we're not going to notify anybody right now.'"

"I made mistakes by not telling the honest truth in a police report."

Image courtesy WENN.com

Coldplay to release comic book this week at Comic-Con

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The band has even said the album idea may be turned into a movie later on.

ColdplayAccording to Stereogum, Coldplay is stepping outside the medium of music and trying something new.

Their most recent album, Mylo Xyloto, was released in October 2011. But instead of moving on to the next album, they have decided to expand upon this one. This time in the form of a comic book.

Mark Osborne, an Academy-Award nominated director , has signed on for the project.

“3 years ago we had an idea with our friend Mark Osborne about a character called Mylo Xyloto ,” the band said in a statement. “Gradually Mylo’s story and universe came together and this ended up providing the backdrop for the album and tour.”

The band continues by explaining exactly what the story means to them and how they plan to bring it to even more fans.

“Now we’re proud to announce that early next year the story’s going to come out as a 6-part comic and to kick things off Mark’s going to be holding a panel at Comic-Con in San Diego this week,” they said. “So if you’re there you can ask him ‘who’s major minus?’ and ‘what the hell’s the hypnofeed all about?’ We hope you like it. It was fun making it. Love Coldplay.”

According to Stereogum, after the first episode of the six-part series is released at Comic-Con this week, the next one will be released in 2013.

There will also be a panel at Comic-Con for the comic book, although Stereogum reports the band members will not be in attendance. The panel will reportedly be made up of the comic book’s creators.

Stereogum also reports that the story may eventually be made into a feature film, but with five parts of the series yet to be released, that goal may be a long way off.

Comic-Con begins Thursday night in San Diego and will wrap up on July 15.

Photo courtesy WENN.com

Will The Hobbit make an appearance at Comic-Con?

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Years after The Lord of the Rings trilogy was ended, The Hobbit is finally getting close to its release date. Some fans will get a preview this weekend.

Elijah WoodIf there is one film fans have been holding their breath for, it may be The Hobbit.

Elijah Wood played the character in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, but that series ended almost 10 years ago.

Wood is attending Comic-Con this week, and one of the most anticipated appearances will not be by Wood himself, but by previously unseen film footage from The Hobbit.

“Perhaps the greatest sense of anticipation this year is reserved for The Hobbit, a Warner Bros. film based on the novel by J.R.R. Tolkien that follows the trilogy of blockbuster films based on his Lord of the Rings book series,” said Reuters.

Wood appeared at Comic-Con one decade ago, according to Reuters, accompanying director Peter Jackson to the event to promote Lord of the Rings.

Another reason the footage is so anticipated because The Hobbit is expected to be a little more than expected.

“The scale of The Hobbit is larger, the anticipation is potentially greater, everything feels a little bit bigger," Wood told Reuters. "For so long, people didn't think there would be a Hobbit film, so the fact that there is finally, people have been anticipating this for a long time."

Fans are also hobbit-crazy because of the secrecy surrounding the film. Besides a trailer released in December, very little has been released to the public.

“So far, details about The Hobbit have been kept under wraps,” said Reuters. “But the studio will finally show extended film clips and Jackson himself is expected to turn out to meet fans and answer questions.”

Comic-Con will be celebrating its 43rd anniversary this weekend, with other panels by movies like Total Recall and Iron Man 3.

Other actors set to attend this year are Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone.

The Hobbit is set to be released in December.

Photo courtesy Daniel Tanner/ WENN.com

Britney Spears walks off The X-Factor set after bad audition

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After a man shows up dressed as Spears, she leaves during his audition.

Britney SpearsThey say imitation is the finest form of flattery. But apparently if you’re Britney Spears, only good impressions are flattering.

According to People, Spears walked off the set of The X-Factor yesterday after a man dressed as the singer sang her song badly.

“During Monday's auditions in Greensboro, North Carolina, Spears stormed off the set as a man, dressed partially as a woman, rocked through one of her hits, ‘ Crazy,’" said People.

Spears apparently stayed through most of the audition, with her fellow judges looking like they felt sorry for her, until she finally got up and left.

“While Reid and Lovato followed the pop star off the set, Cowell stayed behind,” said People. "’I don't think she quite understood your tribute,’ he told the singer, who wore cat glasses, a bedazzled jean jacket, boots and his hair tucked in a bun.“

If Spears was throwing a fit by leaving the set, it is the opposite of what Simon Cowell said about her earlier this month.

"It's quite interesting because when someone has done what she's done as she has with her career, and being such a public person, you kind of think she is going to be very confident, but in real life she's shy," he had said.

The singer didn’t mean any harm though. As many singing shows go, there are singers who just don’t know they can’t sing. And by the way the judges eventually treated him, it sounded like they knew he was really trying to sing a good rendition of Spears’s song.

"’I had to fight real hard to get here,’ the tearful singer told the judges,” said People, “adding that he was recently on welfare and nearly missed his X Factor call because he couldn't afford his phone bill.”

It seems Spears eventually realized the man did not mean any harm and returned to the judges' table to give her comments to the singer.

"I really respect the tribute," Spears said when she returned. "It was really nice."

The performance is one we are most likely going to see when the show returns for its season premiere on Sept. 12 on Fox.

Photo courtesy WENN.com
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