'King of Infomercials' Don Lapre -- Slit Own Throat with Razor Blade

Filed under: Don Lapre, Celebrity Justice, R.I.P., Exclusive

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"King of Infomercials" Don Lapre died from a self-inflicted razor blade wound to the neck, law enforcement sources tell TMZ.

We're told jail guards found piles of blood-soaked clothing lining Don's bed in his Arizona jail cell. Sources say ... officials believe Don used the clothing to conceal the bleeding in order to thwart efforts to save his life.

Lapre was found dead in his cell Sunday morning. The autopsy was completed yesterday.

As we previously reported, Don's mother claims her son had been treated for severe depression after the TV pitchman was jailed in a vitamin fraud case. She also claims jail officials took away his meds, which may have played a role in his apparent suicide.

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Source: http://www.tmz.com/2011/10/05/king-of-infomercials-don-lapre-slit-throat-razor-cause-of-death-autopsy-suicide-jail-depressed-vitamin-fraud/

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Jennifer Aniston Talks Pregnancy and Joins Hollywood's Hottest Ladies to Turn Heads For Elle

Jennifer Aniston's piercing blue eyes stand out on the November issue of Elle, on stands Oct. 18. Jen slipped into a sexy black tank top from Balmain, Balenciaga shorts, a Cartier necklace, and David Yurman bracelets for her cover shoot while boyfriend Justin Theroux watched her pose for photographer Alexei Hay - shop Jen's luxury look now! Inside the magazine she talks more about the rumors surrounding her personal life, including pregnancy speculation, and reveals her experience working in front of and behind the camera. Jen's not the only famous face inside the issue; she's joined by veteran actresses like Naomi Watts, Viola Davis, and Michelle Pfeiffer as well as newcomers like Elizabeth Olsen and Evan Rachel Wood - see the full spread on Elle.com. The ladies talk about what it's like working in Hollywood in addition to pinpointing the moment they all decided to become actresses. Here's more:

  • Jennifer on baby rumors: "But it's not what you read. There's no desperation. If it's meant to be, it's meant to be. I'm at peace with whatever the plan is. But will you hate me if I say I don't want to talk about my relationship?"
  • Jennifer on the first time she stood up to a male director: "I threw a chair at a director. It wasn't my proudest moment. He was treating a script supervisor horribly . . . When the director walked in, I threw a chair at him. I missed, of course. I was like, 'You can't speak to people like that.' I can't tolerate it."
  • Naomi on her breakthrough role in Mulholland Drive: "It was a game-changer, but I knew I had to be careful. You can get a lot of attention and still be gone in a flash."
  • Naomi on becoming an actress: "One of the things was seeing the movie Fame, as cheesy as that sounds. I was like, That looks fun! It wasn't that I wanted to be famous. I just wanted to go to acting class."
  • Elizabeth on taking a year off school to make her film debut: "They're all indies, so the shoots were relatively short - it was great because every single film was a genre, and the directors were so completely different. It helped me figure out what worked for me and how I would adapt. It was difficult at times - like a great year of conservatory training. It was that intense."
  • Elizabeth on her desire to act: "Watching old Frank Sinatra musicals when I was, like, 6. I wanted to be one of the love interests when I got older."
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Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/popsugar/~3/LFE53mrWKxU/Jennifer-Aniston-November-2011-Elle-Cover-Pictures-19419794

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J. Cole Emerges From Sideline To Nab Billboard #1

Blink-182 score a #2 bow with Neighborhoods, with Adele right behind at #3.
By Gil Kaufman


J. Cole
Photo: Johnny Nunez/ WireImage

It took a bit longer than he anticipated, but next week the wait will end for Roc Nation's J. Cole. The first signing to Jay-Z's label can pop bottles tonight as his debut album, Cole World: The Sideline Story, will snag the #1 spot on the Billboard albums chart next week thanks to sales of 217,000, according to figures provided by SoundScan.

After a string of lauded features and mixtapes, Cole is finally having his moment, which means that the long-awaited return of pop punkers Blink-182, Neighborhoods, has to settle for a #2 debut (151,000), while veteran indie godheads Wilco have a solid opening bid at #5 with their self-released The Whole Love (82,000). Two phalange-centric bands wrestled for a spot in the top 10, with former Christian rockers Switchfoot landing at #8 with Vice Verses (45,000), just barely acing out rock supergroup Chickenfoot's latest, Chickenfoot III (#9, 42,000). The week's other debut comes from smashmouth metalers Mastodon, whose Hunter rounds out the top at #10 thanks to 39,000 units moved.

The rest of the top 10: Adele's 21 (#3, 118,000), Tony Bennett's Duets II (#4, 91,000), Lady Antebellum's Own the Night (#6, 75,000) and Lil Wayne's Tha Carter IV (#7, 68,000).

The remastered version of psychedelic warriors Pink Floyd's chart-ruling classic Dark Side of the Moon is back on tally at #12 (26,000), while the 20th-anniversary re-release of Nirvana's Nevermind hits #13 (25,000). While those classics are marching back up, the latest from Demi Lovato, Unbroken, is headed the other way, dropping 10 spots to #14 in its second week as sales fell by 76 percent to 23,000.

Further down the line, Jason Derülo makes a modest bow at #29 with his second album, Future History (13,000), and fuzzed-out Cali rockers the Dum Dum Girls scoot to #105 with their second full-length, Only in Dreams (5,000).

Cole does double-duty by topping the iTunes album chart as well, followed by Blink, Adele, pre-sales for Mac Miller's Blue Slide Park, Switchfoot, Wilco, Lady Antebellum, Weezy, Bennett and Foster the People's Torches. Though she had to cancel her U.S. tour due to vocal problems, Adele still reigns on the iTunes singles chart with her new single, "Someone Like You," beating out B.o.B's "Strange Clouds," Maroon 5's former #1, "Moves Like Jagger," Foster the People's "Pumped Up Kicks," LMFAO's "Sexy and I Know It" and Rihanna's "We Found Love." Rounding out the top 10: Gym Class Heroes' "Stereo Hearts" (#7), David Guetta's "Without You" (#8), LMFAO's "Party Rock Anthem" (#9) and Rihanna's "Cheers (Drink to That)."

Look for the deck to be reshuffled next week thanks to the debut album from "American Idol" winner country teen Scotty McCreery, the return of Feist, and new albums from Jack's Mannequin and country singer Rodney Atkins.

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Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1672017/j-cole-sideline-album-sales.jhtml

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Kristin Cavallari on Dancing With the Stars Elimination: Clearly It's Not a Dance Competition!


Kristin Cavallari was surprisingly eliminated from Dancing With the Stars this week. She's taking it pretty well, but that doesn't mean she's not surprised and upset.

The 24-year-old scored high marks and praise from the judges, tallying 24 out of 30 points Monday. But despite finishing tied for third (out of 10), she's out the door.

"I'm really sad," Kristin Cavallari admitted. "But, I'd rather go out on top and have people be shocked than be like, 'Thank god she's leaving, it's about time.'"

"It was the best experience I've ever had. I could not be happier."

Kristin Cavallari and Mark Ballas Pic

As for why she was voted off? "It is what it is," she laughed. "That's the thing with Dancing with the Stars, you never know. It's clearly not a dance competition!"

Sentimental favorite Chaz Bono, whose mom Cher vowed to cheer him on in person next week if her son made it, survived despite a second straight week in last.

Despite her own elimination, Cavallari is definitely on Team Chaz:

"Chaz is so cute! I think he's great and he tries so hard, and I loved watching him dance every week. It's inspiring, and it's sweet, and I hope he does really well!"

The week was also a net positive for Kristin. Jay Cutler, who cheered her on during Monday's show, has reportedly reconciled with the former star of The Hills.

What do you think? Did Kristin deserve to be voted off?

Source: http://www.thehollywoodgossip.com/2011/10/kristin-cavallari-on-dancing-with-the-stars-elimination-clearly/

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Amanda Knox -- Heavy Security Plans for U.S. Arrival

Filed under: Amanda Knox, Celebrity Justice, Exclusive

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Amanda Knox
and her family will be arriving in Seattle in the next few hours ... and TMZ has learned multiple security agencies, including U.S. Customs and the TSA are working together to execute a safety plan.

TMZ spoke with Port of Seattle Police spokesman Perry Cooper -- who tells us the Knox family contacted authorities to ask for the extra help ... and also to request a media area be set up so  they can make a statement once the family touches down.

Amanda has been locked up in an Italian prison since 2007 -- when she was first suspected of killing her roommate, Meredith Kercher.  Knox was cleared of the murder yesterday -- and she was immediately released from custody.

Cooper tells us the TSA, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, Airport Police and the Port of Seattle Police will all take part in the security effort.

Cooper notes that while the safety of the Knox family is important, officials believe the main concern is keeping the entire airport secure.

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Source: http://www.tmz.com/2011/10/04/amanda-knox-security-plans-airport-arrival-us-border-patrol-customs-tsa-murder-killer-italian-prison-media/

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Amy Winehouse Remembered By Katy Perry, Nicki Minaj, Rihanna, More

'RIP Amy Winehouse. May she finally find peace,' Perry writes. 'I am genuinely heartbroken about this,' Rihanna tweets.
By Jason Kaufman, with reporting by Kara Klenk


Amy Winehouse
Photo: Carlos Alvarez/ Getty Images

As news spread that 27-year-old Amy Winehouse was dead, stars immediately tweeted their shocked reactions and remorse over the lost talent.

Katy Perry, who touches down in Boise, Idaho, this weekend as part of her California Dreams Tour, tweeted her condolences, writing, "RIP Amy Winehouse. May she finally find peace."

Nicki Minaj, who is also on the road as part of Britney Spears' Femme Fatale jaunt, took to Twitter and expressed disbelief at the news of Winehouse's passing. "Please tell me Amy Winehouse didn't die," wrote the Young Money MC, who's set to hit the stage in Florida on Saturday (July 23). "Is this some sick joke?"

"I am genuinely heartbroken about this," wrote Rihanna, who continued to express her shock over multiple tweets. "Dear God have mercy!!! I am SICK about this right now!" In another, she wrote "U made a MAJAH impression on this industry and throughout the world, in such a short space of time...too short!"

Usher reflected on Winehouse, who he had known: "I'm so sad to hear the horrible news of Amy Winehouse's death. I'm so happy I knew you Amy...Rest Well. Gone Too Soon...we'll miss you!!""

Frequent tweeter Kim Kardashian used her 140 characters to send prayers: "I just heard the news that Amy Winehouse passed away. What a true talent. I pray she's in a better place & at peace."

Meanwhile, Ryan Seacrest showed Winehouse's impact on the music industry, singling out both Lady Gaga and Adele as those who had been influenced. "Sad to lose Amy Winehouse - incred talent. Both @LadyGaga & @OfficialAdele say Amy paved way for them."

Dr. Drew focused on the singer's well-documented struggles with addiction. "SO sad, another lost to addiction. A reminder this is often a fatal condition. Recovery is possible, but sadly not for Amy Winehouse."

Winehouse's American record label, Universal Republic, said in a statement: "We are deeply saddened at the sudden loss of such a gifted musician, artist and performer. Our prayers go out to Amy's family, friends and fans at this difficult time."

Many More Stars Are Reacting. Check Back To See Who Else Has Weighed In:

Leann Rimes: "RIP Amy Winehouse. So sad to see such a talent gone and her life end in tragedy. This makes me terribly sad."

Khloe Kardashian: "Wow! I just heard about Amy Winehouse passing away! Wow! So sad :( what an amazing talent"

Ashton Kutcher: "Rip amy winehouse"

Big Boi: "Kurt Cobain, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, Jimi Hendrix and now Amy Winehouse. All died aged 27. RIP to you all."

Kelly Osbourne: "i cant even breath right my now im crying so hard i just lost 1 of my best friends. i love you forever Amy & will never forget the real you!"

Rick Ross: "Wanted to collab w/ Amy Winehouse...r.i.p...smoking 1 in your memoryyy!!"

Janelle Monae: "heart is heavy. My heart goes out 2 Amy Winehouse's family, loved ones. Praying for their strength during this time."

Ricky Martin: "I just found out. I feel pain. I feel anger. Rest beautiful girl rest. You are free!"

Cee Lo: "Is it true about amy?"

Victoria Justice: "I'm so sad about the #amywinehouse news I heard this morning. She was 1 of my favorite artists. What a sad story, she was such a talent..."

Randy Jackson: "Wow what a tragic loss today in the music world, Amy Winehouse such a talent. She will be missed"

Kreayshawn: "I said she was a TIMELESS artist and a real artist because of her struggle. I'm so upset I love her! RIP Amy Winehouse"

What Was Your Favorite Winehouse Song? Pay Tribute To Her Talents On Facebook

Share your memories of Amy Winehouse in the comments below.

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Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1667804/amy-winehouse-remembered-katy-perry-nicki-minaj.jhtml

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Wall Street Protesters 'Still Have Faith In The Future'

'All of my adult life has been economic downturn,' a young activist tells MTV News about corporate greed, unemployment, social injustice.
By Uptin Saiidi, with additional reporting by Akshay Bhansali


Occupy Wall Street protests in New York City
Photo: Mario Tama/Getty Images

NEW YORK — What started as just a dozen college students camping overnight on Wall Street three weeks ago has mushroomed into thousands of protesters and Street-inspired gatherings across the country, from Los Angeles to Boston.

On Monday, a number of protesters dressed up as zombies, holding Monopoly money in their mouths in a gesture to financial workers. The crowd was especially energized after more than 700 of them were arrested over the weekend by New York City Police Department officers, who claimed they were blocking traffic on the Brooklyn Bridge. Thousands marched from the "base camp" at Zuccotti Park, a plaza near the city's financial center, chanting, "Take the bridge!"

Even as the number of protesters continues to fluctuate, the gatherings have remained relatively small by New York City standards. The longevity of the unrest, however, is far from normal. MTV News recently headed downtown and caught up with some of the young protesters to see what exactly was on their minds.

Mike Chrisemer, a 24-year-old graduate student at the City University of New York, said he got involved on the second day of the protest and doesn't plan to abandon the cause. "The general feeling is that the top 1 percent of people is ruling over the rest of us, the 99 percent, and it's not the status quo that we want to see anymore."

Sympathetic supporters have been donating food to the "occupiers," and those who camp overnight at the park rely on portable gas for laptop energy. Social media networks like Twitter have, of course, helped spark interest in the cause and serve as a vehicle to spread its message. For those who cannot get to NYC, a live stream is available at the Occupy Wall Street website.

Celebrity involvement has also helped stoke media attention. Lupe Fiasco, Susan Sarandon, Mark Ruffalo and filmmaker Michael Moore made appearances in the past week, while "30 Rock" star Alec Baldwin has expressed support over his Twitter

At around 1 p.m. ET last Friday, an online rumor began to spread that Radiohead would be giving a surprise performance that afternoon in support of the protest. The buzz was put to rest when the band's rep later denied the group would perform, but it's likely that many curious onlookers (and Radiohead fans) had headed to the park anticipating the event. By 4:30 p.m., a statement was posted on the Occupy Wall Street site apologizing for the miscommunication; they further explained that an email from Radiohead's manager turned out to be a fake and cited the challenges of verifying information in an open-source movement.

The band's no-show didn't slow down momentum though. Late Friday afternoon, an influx of curious spectators wandered the park, many admitting they came after hearing the concert rumors.

"That probably brought a lot of these people here, but they're still here. It's not just about Radiohead, it's not a pop culture movement, it's a real movement to challenge the status quo," Chrisemer told us.

The protests come at a time when the unemployment rate among American youths under 25 is at 18 percent compared to the national rate of 9 percent. Nearly half of young Americans are underemployed, and the amount of student loan debt has recently surpassed credit card debt.

Tim Payne, a 20-year-old New York University undergrad, said he had been coming to the park between classes to hold signs and participate in the protest. "College tuition keeps going up and the top 400 people have more wealth than the lowest 125 million. I have all these loans out and they're profiting off that, and I don't think that's fair."

Some reports have been critical of the protesters for reportedly failing to deliver a clear message about their grievances. Instead, critics say, the rally has become a gathering place for anyone dissatisfied with, well, just about anything. When MTV News spoke with some of the young activists on Friday, their cardboard signs had messages that varied from dissatisfaction with financial corruption, NYPD police brutality, discrimination against Muslims and workers' rights.

"People have so much frustration with government and media, and they're taking this out as an outlet in different ways," NYU student Payne explained.

It's still unclear whether the protests will succeed in channeling frustration into a lasting movement similar to the Tea Party's conservative movement, which was started in 2009 by a group of Americans fed up with the status quo for different reasons. Occupy Wall Street protesters seem to be hopeful that they will have a voice that continues to be heard and gains momentum into the 2012 elections.

"It's more than just Wall Street," Payne added. "It's the fact that all of my adult life has been economic downturn. And I heard a quote once: it was 'When did the future change from a promise to a threat?' I feel like the people here still have faith in the future and are trying to change it."

Share your thoughts on the ongoing Wall Street protests in the comments below!

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Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1671955/wall-street-protests-occupy.jhtml

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Hank Williams Jr.'s Son -- My Dad Should NOT Talk Politics

Filed under: Hank Williams Jr., Hank Williams III, Jello Biafra, Music, Politix, TMZ Sports, Barack Obama, Exclusive

Hank Williams III
Hank Williams Jr.
's son -- Hank Williams III -- doesn't think his father should have opened his mouth about Obama yesterday ... telling TMZ most musicians are "not worthy" of a political discussion.

TMZ spoke with HW3 -- and punk rock-meets-country singer -- who tells us, "The only person out there worthy of mixing political views and music is Jello Biafra."

FYI -- Jello Biafra is the original lead singer of the legendary punk rock band Dead Kennedys ... who is now a big shot political figure in the Green Party.

As TMZ previously reported, Hank's dad's famous "Are You Ready for Some Football" jam was yanked from Monday Night Football last night ... after HW2 went on Fox News and proclaimed that President Obama and Joe Biden are "the enemy."

When we asked HW3 about his political views, he told us, "I'm a musician ... not a politician."
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Source: http://www.tmz.com/2011/10/04/hank-williams-jr-monday-night-football-son-politics-obama-hitler-fox-news-channel-jello-biafra-green-party-politics/

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