Chopped Tournament of Stars: Actors! Recap (3/30/14)

On Sunday's Episode of "Chopped Tournament of Stars," the following four actors compete for $10k for charity and a spot in the Chopped Tournament finale:

Peter Scolari, television, film and stage actor, he currently stars on the hit tv show, Girls

 
Tasha Smith, actress, best known for her role in the Tyler Perry films, Why Did I Get Married? and Why Did I Get Married Too?

Lucas Grabeel, actor, known for his roles in High School Musical and Switched at Birth

 

Michael Imperioli, best known for his role as Christopher Moltisanti on The Sopranos

The Millionaire Matchmaker "Make Time For Love and Betting On Change" Recap (3/27/14)

On Thursday's Episode of "The Millionaire Matchmaker," Patti helps a magician and a sports bettor find love.

This week's millionaires are Gerry McCambridge, a 51-year-old Vegas headliner and Dave Oancea, a 36-year-old Professional Sports Bettor.

Pat Houston Granted Restraining Order Against Bobbi Kristina's Husband, Nick Gordon

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Pat Houston, sister-in-law to the late Whitney Houston, was granted a restraining order against Nick Gordon, the husband of Bobbi Kristina.

TMZ reports, "Pat got the order after claiming she feared for her safety after Nick made threatening comments and posted photos of guns."

Gordon has been ordered to stay 200 yards away from Houston.

Updated: Columbus Short-Judge Issues Warrant For His Arrest

Eric McCandless/ABC via Getty Images

 

Scandal! A judge has issued a warrant for Columbus Short's arrest for felony aggravated battery.

TMZ reports, "the judge issued a warrant for Short's arrest on one count of felony aggravated battery. It's a felony because of serious bodily injury."

The arrest warrant was issued following a bar fight involving Columbus Short and a man on March 15, 2014. Columbus is accused of sucker punching the man and rendering him unconscious for several minutes.

If convicted, Short faces up to 4 years in prison. The "Scandal" actor has not yet turned himself in.


This marks the third time this year Columbus Short has been arrested. He was arrested twice in February for violent behavior involving his wife and kids.


Update: The Claremont Police Dept. confirmed Columbus Short turned himself in today. He was released after posting bail, which was set at $50,000, reports E! News.

Lil Za---Felony Vandalism Charge Reduced To A Misdemeanor

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Lil Za caught a lucky break in court today. The Los Angeles District Attorney reduced his felony vandalism charge to a misdemeanor.

According to TMZ, "the reason for the misdemeanor charge is that the phone Za broke in jail was worth less than $400, which is the threshold amount for a felony vandalism charge."

As for the felony drug charge, it is expected to be resolved next month with Lil Za receiving drug diversion.

In January, Za was arrested after cops conducted a search of Justin Bieber's house and found drugs in his "area" of the singer's home.

He was charged with three felonies, 2 counts of felony possession of a controlled substance and 1 count of felony vandalism for breaking a phone in jail. He faced up to nine years in prison if convicted on all three counts.

Gwyneth Paltrow And Chris Martin Announce Separation

 Getty / Christopher Polk/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank

 

Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin are getting divorced. The actress announced the news on her Goop blog, in a post titled "Conscious Uncoupling."

The statement reads, "It is with hearts full of sadness that we have decided to separate." "We have been working hard for well over a year, some of it together, some of it separated, to see what might have been possible between us, and we have come to the conclusion that while we love each other very much we will remain separate."

Paltrow goes on to say that she and Martin hope they can "consciously uncouple and coparent."

 

The couple were married on December 5, 2003 and have two children, Moses, 7, and Apple, 9.

Updated: Judge Joe Brown Arrested For Contempt Of Court In Memphis, TN

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Judge Joe Brown found himself on the wrong side of the law today. The judge was arrested after he lost control and became verbally abusive in a Memphis, TN courtroom.

According to WREG Memphis, "Judge Joe Brown showed up to a Juvenile Court to represent someone in a child support case. Court workers told Brown they had no record of the case. Brown reportedly lost control and become verbally abusive."

"Juvenile Court Magistrate Harold Horne warned Brown to calm down, but he did not. Brown was given two days in jail for contempt of court, but that increased to three days when he once again started yelling as he was being removed from the courtroom."


No word on when Brown is scheduled to be released.


Seems as if the cancelling of "The Judge Joe Brown" show has caused Judge Joe Brown to lose his mind.

Update: Judge Joe Brown was released on his own recognizance after initially being denied bail.

Upon his release he told reporters, ""I'm a little hot under the collar." "In forty years, I've never seen such a circus as they've got down there."

Chopped Tournament of Stars: Comedians! Recap (3/23/14)

On Sunday's Episode of Chopped, the following four comedians competed for a chance to win $10K for charity and a spot in the Chopped Tournament of Stars Finale:

Robert Wuhl, best known for his role on the tv show, Arilss (HBO)

Gillian Vigman, starred on hit tv shows, Mad TV (FOX) and Suburgatory (ABC)

Sinbad, best known for his role in the movie, Jingle All the Way

Tommy Davidson, best known for his role on In Living Color (FOX)

Updated: Charlie Sheen Summons Denise Richards To Mediation---Wants Child Support Payments Decreased

Charlie Sheen & Denise on vacation/Charlie Sheen on Who Say

Charlie Sheen is taking Denise Richards to private mediation next week in an attempt to have his child support payments decreased. The actor currently pays Richards $55,000/month for his daughters, Lola, 8, and Sam, 10.

Sheen does not want to pay Denise $55,000/month since he feels she is preventing him from seeing his daughters.

He also wants his ex-wife to vacate the Mulholland Estates mansion that he purchased for her and his daughters to live in.

According to RadarOnline, "the mediation will be handled by a retired judge that has handled various issues for the couple over the years since their divorce."

The meditation is scheduled for early next week.


As for Brooke Mueller, Charlie's other ex-wife, she's on Charlie Sheen's good side...for now.


Update: Sheen failed to show up to the mediation and as a result, the hearing was rescheduled. In total, he owes Denise $165,000 in back support for the months of Feb., March, and April.

The Millionaire Matchmaker “Frat Brat and Numb With Fear” Recap (3/20/14)

 

This weeks millionaires are John Bonavia, a 29-year-old Financial Advisor, and David Epstein, a 43-year-old Cosmetic Dentist and CEO of his own beer company.

 

John Bonavia is a Financial Advisor with a net worth of $1 million. He is looking for someone who is well-rounded and independent. He's come to Patti because he does not want to be 40 and fist pumping in the club alone. He is almost 30 and wants to start a family. He thinks it is time for him to settle down and meet someone he could spend his life with.

Chopped "Dread and Breakfast" Recap (3/18/14)

 

On Tuesday's episode of "Chopped" the following four chefs compete for the title of Chopped Champion and $10,000:

 

Chef Joe Wetherbee, Chef & Owner of Joe's Café, CA

 

Chef Rose Kai, Exec. Chef of The Fresh Potato Factory, CA

 

Chef Matt Lackey, Exec. Chef of Flyte World Dining and Wine, TN  

 

Chef Brandon Frohne, Exec. Chef of Mason Restaurant, TN.

 

In a surprising twist, the chefs must create Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner using the mystery basket ingredients and any additional pantry and fridge items. 

 

Each dish is judged on presentation, taste, and creativity. The chef whose dish the judges like the least will be...Chopped. 

Chopped Tournament of Stars: Rachael vs Guy! Recap (3/16/14)

 

Sunday's Episode of "Chopped Tournament of Stars," featured four celebrities, who previously competed on Rachael vs. Guy: Celebrity Cook-Off:

 

Coolio, record producer and rapper, best known for his hit song, "Gangsta's Paradise"

 

Carnie Wilson, singer and member of the group, Wilson Phillips

 

Penn Jillete, magician and member of the duo, Penn & Teller

 

Lou Diamond Phillips, actor, best known for his role in the movie La Bamba. 



These celebrities are competing for a chance at winning $10,000 for charity and a spot in the Chopped Tournament of Stars finale.

Updated: Chris Brown Arrested After Getting Thrown Out Of Rehab

                                                                                                                  Michael Loccisano/Getty Images

 

Chris Brown is in jail. He was picked up by Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputies and transported to a Los Angeles County jail after a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Brown was arrested for violating a judge's order to remain in rehab until mid-April. The rapper was reportedly thrown out of the Malibu rehab facility, where he has been living for the past several months.

TMZ reports, Brown was thrown out of the rehab facility this morning, for violating "3 internal rules." The site goes on to say that Brown violated a "special rule" imposed specifically on him to stay at least 2 feet from the women in the facility.

Brown, who is currently on probation in the Rihanna domestic violence case, just recently completed a 90 day stint in rehab, but was ordered to continue treatment following his probation review hearing last month.


Chris is expected to appear in court on Monday. He is currently being held without bail.

Updated: Michael Lohan's Girlfriend, Kate Major, Arrested For DUI

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Kate Major was arrested for DUI Thursday night in Florida. Major, who is Michael Lohan's girlfriend and the mother of his child, was taken into custody after crashing into some bushes near their home.

TMZ reports, Lohan claims he and Kate had an argument in their Florida home and she hit him multiple times in the face. He called 911, and just as cops arrived, Kate was fleeing in her car. According to law enforcement, she crashed into some bushes and was arrested for allegedly driving while intoxicated.

She is currently in custody and being booked for DUI. No word on if she will be charged with domestic violence.

This marks the second time that the couple were involved in a domestic dispute within the last month.

Update:  According to police, Major's blood alcohol content was .243, more than three times the legal limit. Major was arraigned on a DUI charge and battery charge for the fight she had with Lohan. She will remain in jail until her next court hearing on Tuesday.

The Millionaire Matchmaker "The Fixer and The D**k" Recap (3/13/14)



This weeks millionaires are Chad Towersey, an Ad Sales Executive with a net worth of over $1 million and Justin Copper, an Ad Sales Executive with a net worth of over $1.1 million.

Celebs & The Law: Chris Pine

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images North America

 

Chris Pine was arrested on March 1, 2014 for DUI in New Zealand. The Startrek actor reportedly was stopped after he drove through a roadside checkpoint.


New Zealand Police said in a statement, a 33-year-old American was charged March 1 with driving with a blood-alcohol level over the legal limit, which in New Zealand is .08 percent.

Pine is expected to appear in a New Zealand court on March 17, 2014.


If this is Pine's FIRST DUI offense for driving with a blood-alcohol level of more than .08%  but less than .16%... he faces:

 1) up to 3 months in jail        AND/OR
 2) a $4500 fine (New Zealand dollar)   AND
 3) a loss of license for 6 Months of more.



The Associated Press was the first to report on this story.

Legal information provided in this post is courtesy of The Official New Zealand Road Code.

Chopped Tournament of Stars: Sports Stars! Recap (3/9/14)

On Sunday's episode of "Chopped Tournament of Stars," the following four retired athletes compete for a chance at winning $10,000 for charity:

Jackie Joyner-Kersee, an all-time great athlete, who won six medals at four separate Olympic Games

Greg Louganis, an American Olympic diver, who won gold medals at the 1984 and 1988 Olympic Games

Charles Oakley, an American professional basketball player, who played 19 seasons in the NBA

Brandi Chastain, an American soccer defender and midfielder, who played for the U.S. women's national soccer team (She still plays for the CA Storm Soccer Team)

Terrell Owens' Estranged Wife, Rachel Snider, Wants Alimony

                                                                                                             Rachel Snider/Twitter

Rachel Snider, the soon to be ex-wife of Terrell Owens, wants alimony. Snider claims in her divorce petition that she deserves to continue to "live the life she grew accustomed to" while married to T.O.

TMZ Sports reports, Rachel has filed documents with the L.A. County Superior Court asking that Owens also pay for her legal fees. The 33-year-old postal worker denies Owens' claim that there is no community property.

In the docs, Snider acknowledges that she and Owens were married for 3 days. She had previously stated that she and Terrell were married for 2 weeks before she decided to end the relationship.

T.O. filed for divorce from Snider last month. He maintains the two have no community property.

The Millionaire Matchmaker "The Technical Brain and Moonstruck" Recap (3/6/14)

 

This week’s millionaires are Dr. Emil Chynn, a 47-year old Laser Vision Surgeon from NY and Daniel Passov, a 32-year old Entrepreneur from San Diego, CA.

 

Dr. Emil Chynn, is a Laser Vision Surgeon with a net worth of $10 million. Since he is 47, he wants to get married and have kids ASAP. He is so determined to find a wife, he has offered up his $100,000 Ferrari as a prize to the person that can find him true love.  

Lil Za Appears In Court For Second Hearing On Felony Drug Charges

Za on his way to court March 6, 2014.                   Photo courtesy of Lil Za/Shots of Me Page

Lil Za appeared in court this morning for his second hearing on felony drug charges. During his first hearing, he did not enter a plea.

According to ABCCourt7News, the rapper appeared in court for arraignment, but the case was continued to March 26, 2014. A resolution in the case is expected by this next court date.

In January, Za was arrested after cops conducted a search of Justin Bieber's house and found drugs in his "area" of the singer's home.

As a result, he was charged with with 3 felonies, 2 counts of felony possession of a controlled substance and 1 count of felony vandalism for breaking a phone in jail.


If convicted on all three charges, Za faces up to nine years in prison.

Chopped Grandma vs. Grandma Recap (3/4/14)

On Tuesday's episode of "Chopped," four grandmothers compete for the title of Chopped champion.

Grandma Elda Bielanski, Grandma Mannee Soohoo, Grandma Nancy Judd, and Grandma Wenona Moorer must make three dishes, Appetizer, Entrée, and Dessert, using the mystery basket ingredients and any additional pantry and fridge items. 

Dishes will be judged on presentation, creativity, and taste. The grandma whose dish the judges like the least will be...Chopped.

Updated: 'RHONJ' Stars, Teresa And Joe Giudice, Plead Guilty To Fraud Charges

Teresa and Joe arrive to court                                                                          Mike Coppola/Getty Images

Teresa and Joe Giudice pleaded guilty to multiple counts of fraud this morning. "The Real Housewives of New Jersey" stars, appeared before U.S. District Judge Esther Salas in Newark Federal Court.

The Italian cookbook author and her husband are scheduled to be sentenced on July 8, 2014.

According to E News!, Joe faces a potential sentence of 37 to 46 months in jail and Teresa faces 21 to 27 months in jail.

The couple were charged in a 39 count indictment with mail and wire fraud, bank fraud, and bankruptcy fraud in July 2013. Joe was also charged with failure to file his tax returns for 2004 to 2008, he is said to have earned up to $1 million during those 4 years.

Until today, the Giudices had pleaded not guilty to all fraud charges.


Update: Teresa has released a statement to In Touch about the case,

"Today, I took responsibility for a series of mistakes I made several years ago. I have said throughout that I respect the legal process and thus I intend to address the Court directly at sentencing. I will describe the choices I made, continue to take responsibility for my decisions, and express my remorse to Judge Salas and the public."   

Lil Wayne Owes Over $12 Million To The IRS

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

 

Lil Wayne owes serious money to Uncle Sam. The rapper reportedly owes more than $12 million in back taxes to the IRS. Wayne failed to pay taxes for the years of 2011 ($5,843,952) and 2012 ($6,311,132).

This is not the first time Wayne has failed to pay his taxes, he owed the IRS $7 million in 2008. He has since paid off that tax lien.


According to Forbes magazine, Wayne made $27 million in 2012 and $15 million in 2011.

Darren Sharper To Remain In Jail

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A Los Angeles, CA judge ruled that Darren Sharper will remain in jail for at least another week. The former NFL Network analyst appeared before a judge to face charges for rape in California and Louisiana.

Sharper turned himself in to Los Angeles authorities after a judge in Louisiana issued a warrant for his arrest. The warrant alleges that Darren raped two women in Louisiana in September.

According to TMZ, during today's hearing in Los Angeles, the judge decided to take bail off the table till at least Friday, citing the "no bail warrant" issued in Louisiana.

Sharper will appear in court again on Friday where a judge will decide whether to extradite him to Louisiana.