Simon Cowell has found his new judges. Fox announced today that Kelly Rowland and Paulina Rubio would be The X Factor for the show’s third season..

Rowland, a former member of the group Destiny’s Child, and Rowland, a Latin pop singer, will join Cowell and Demi Lovato on the judge’s panel when the third season airs next fall.

Cowell said in a statement: “Paulina and Kelly both have great taste and massive experience in the music industry and together with Demi, this is going to be a fun panel. It just feels like the time to do something different.”

The X Factor has gone through several judges since its inception. Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger were fired after season one and L.A. Reid and Britney Spears left after season two. Lovato agreed to return for a third season but Cowell had to rush to find two new judges.

Do you think Rowland and Rubio will be good judges for The X Factor? Rowland already has some reality show experience as she was part of the U.K. version of The X Factor.

Rowland said in a statement: “I am very excited to be reuniting with Simon Cowell and The X Factor family. It feels great to be able to take this journey here at home in the states!”

The X Factor isn’t the only show that is going through some changes at the moment. American Idol recently lost Randy Jackson and there are rumors that Fox will replace all of its judges before next season.

Kelly Rowland And Paulina Rubio Join ‘The X Factor’ is a post from: The Inquisitr

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo gave some fashion advice to Khloe Kardashian today. Cuomo warned Khloe that she may want to stop selling her “Rich Soil New York” t-shirts because the logo is a little too similar to the one used by the state’s farm program.

According to the Washington Post, the New York farm program uses the Statue of Liberty above a row of crops for its logo (see below). The symbol is encircled by the words “Pride of New York.”

Khloe’s design looks very similar to the New York logo but the words “Pride of” are replaced with the name of Kardashian’s company, “Rich Soil.”

Cuomo’s administration confirmed today that a “pro forma” letter was sent to Kardashian asking her to remove the t-shirt from her clothing line.

Ace Showbiz reports that the letter was sent by Susan Rosenthal, a lawyer for the Department of Agriculture.

The letter reads:

“The State of New York has invested substantial time, effort and resources creating the respect and goodwill associated with the trademark.”

The letter asks for Khloe to stop selling the T-shirts and to provide the state with information about how many shirts have already been sold. The letter also said that if Khloe ignores the request that the state would take legal action.

Khloe hasn’t commented on Cuomo’s warning but it appears that the shirt has been removed from the Rich Soil website.

Gov. Cuomo Warns Khloe Kardashian About T-Shirt is a post from: The Inquisitr

Did you read about the cheapskate that left a $446 tip on a $5.97 bill last week? Thankfully, a humanitarian stepped up to give a true example of generosity this week when they left a $1000 tip on a $60.42 meal.

Several details about the tip aren’t known (like who the waitress is, what restaurant it was, and who gave the tip) but Tumblr user Casual Cynic did relay a pretty sweet story about their mother and her dream to go to Italy.

According to Casual Cynic, an unidentified man walked into her mother’s restaurant, had something to eat, and then left without saying a word. He left a $1000 tip on his $60.42 meal along with the message “This is your ticket to Italy.”

Casual Cynic writes: “(MY MOTHER HAS) 8 YEARS OF ART EDUCATION AND SHE’S WORKING A WAITRESS JOB. IT’S PRETTY… SAD AND DISAPPOINTING, I GUESS. HER AND MY FATHER DIVORCED 6 YEARS AGO AND SHE HASN’T HAD A REAL JOB EVER. JUST BEEN STUCK IN A SMALL TOWN SHE’S NOT FROM. THIS MAN WHO WE HAVE NEVER SEEN BEFORE TIPPED HER 1,000 DOLLARS FOR A TRIP TO ITALY. WALKED OUT, NOT ANOTHER WORD. …YOU KNOW. JUST WHEN I START TO LOSE FAITH IN HUMANITY…”

The story hasn’t been verified yet but we’re expecting to see some photos from Italy on the Casual Cynic blog very soon.

Do you think this is real? Some users have pointed out that the math on the generous receipt doesn’t add up. I mean, is the waitress really expected to take 42 cents out of her own pocket to make sure that the meal is paid for?

The Casual Cynic updated her blog writing: “We know about the 42 cents, lol… We have it covered.”

$1,000 Tip On $60.42 Meal Will Pay For Server’s Trip To Italy is a post from: The Inquisitr

A record breaking 19-foot python was killed in Florida this month by a man in Miami-Dade County.

The Burmese Pyton is an invasive species in Florida and it isn’t uncommon for a person in Florida to go out of their way to kill one of the snakes. This python, however, was newsworthy due to its enormous size.

According to Yahoo News, pythons in Florida are about 6 to 9 feet long on average. The python that was killed on May 11 by Floridian Jason Leon came in at 18 feet and 8 inches long. It weighed 128 lbs and is the largest python to ever be captured in Florida.

The New Press reports that Leon was driving down the road when he spotted the snake sticking out of the bush. Leon got out of his car, grabbed the snake by its neck, and dragged it out to the road. The snake tried to wrap itself around his leg but Leon pulled a knife and killed the python.

Kristen Sommers, the Florida Wildlife Commission’s exotic species coordination leader, said: “Jason Leon’s nighttime sighting and capture of a Burmese python of more than 18 feet in length is a notable accomplishment that set a Florida record. The FWC is grateful to him both for safely removing such a large Burmese python and for reporting its capture.”

According to Live Science, pythons first became a problem in Florida in the 1990s after exotic pet owners released a few into the wild. Since then, the population of Burmese pythons has grown to about 100,000.

[Photo Via Facebook]

19-Foot Python Killed In Florida Sets New Record is a post from: The Inquisitr

The NFL will choose its 50th Super Bowl host this weekend after a league vote on Tuesday.

San Francisco is reportedly the favorite for the 2016 game but football’s biggest game may also be held in Miami. According to Yahoo News, the city that does not get chosen will compete with Houston for the 51st Super Bowl in 2017.

According to CBC, the 49ers have the edge going into Tuesday’s vote because the city is currently building a new stadium. Dallas and Indianapolis both hosted the Super Bowl shortly after unveiling a new stadium and many believe that San Francisco will be able to do the same.

Jerry Rice said: “I think with the new stadium … we can host a Super Bowl there … It’s going to be awesome. So I realize there’s a lot of history at Candlestick. To stay competitive in the NFL, this is something we have really needed for a long, long time, and I think it’s going to be awesome.”

The Miami Dolphins were also planning on building a new stadium but the city scrapped the plans earlier this month. The Dolphins have hosted the Super Bowl 10 times but without a new stadium it looks like the team’s chances are pretty slim.

Reporter Albert Breer wrote on the NFL website: “Following the Miami Dolphins’ failure to secure public funding for renovations … San Francisco sits in the driver’s seat.”

Still, Miami’s bid chairman Rodney Barreto said that he was optimistic that the 50th Super Bowl would be hosted in South Florida.

Barreto said: “We’re extremely optimistic that our bid is going to set a new level and they’re going to have a tough decision to make.”

50th Super Bowl Host: San Francisco Favored To Win 2016 Game is a post from: The Inquisitr

Zach Galifianakis is taking an 87-year-old formerly homeless woman to the Hangover III premiere last night in Los Angeles.

And no, this isn’t just some last minute decision the eccentric star will make on his way to the theater. Nope, Galifianiakis and Elizabeth “Mimi” Haist actually have a pretty interesting history together.

The New York Post reports that Galifianakis and Haist became friends back in 1994 when Haist was working at a laundromat in Santa Monica.

At the time, Galifianakis was just another guy living in California with the hopes of making it big. He landed his first TV role in 1996 and since then he’s gone on to star in some of the highest grossing comedies of all-time.

But Galifianakis never forgot the friendly woman from the laundromat. Two years ago he found out that the 87-year-old was homeless and got her a one bedroom apartment in California. Galifianakis has been paying the rent and utilities for the last two years and he recently enlisted the help of Renee Zellweger to help decorate the apartment.

The NY Daily News notes that this isn’t the first time that Galifianakis has taken Haist to a Hollywood party. The comedian even took Mimi to the Hangover II premiere.

Mimi said: “All the fans were taking photos and I waved at them, I said, ‘They don’t know who I am!’ ” said Haist of her prior premiere experiences. Afterwards, they have a party at somewhere close by and you meet the stars. I drink lemon drop martinis with Grey Goose vodka.”

Here’s a video about Zach Galifianakis and his formerly homeless friend Elizabeth “Mimi” Haist.

[Image Via Helga Esteb / Shutterstock.com]

Zach Galifianakis Taking Formerly Homeless Woman To ‘Hangover III’ Premiere is a post from: The Inquisitr

Christian Bale was almost unrecognizable as he walked through LAX today with his family.

The actor was spotted with a shaved head, a scruffy beard, and a bit of a gut this morning at the airport in Los Angeles.

Bale is currently working on his new film American Hustle and apparently had to shave his head for the role. The method actor also grew a beard and packed on a few extra pounds to play Melvin Weinberg in the new movie.

This, of course, isn’t the first time that Bale has been nearly unrecognizable in a film. The actor often goes to extremes to get into his characters. In 2004, Bale lost an incredible 63 pounds to play the role of Trevor Resnik in The Machinist.

He put the weight back on to play roles in movies like Batman Begins, 3:10 To Yuma and Terminator Salvation before transforming his body again to play drug-addicted boxer Dicky Eklund in The Figher. Bale would win an Oscar for the role.

Here’s a video about the many bodies of Christian Bale.

It’s not clear how much weight Bale put on for his latest role but he definitely doesn’t look like himself. For comparison’s sake, here’s what Bale looked like last year at the premiere of The Dark Knight.

[Image Via Featureflash / Shutterstock.com]

And here’s a video of the actor from this weekend at LAX.

Christian Bale Unrecognizable As Bald New Character is a post from: The Inquisitr

The 1967 Ford Mustang, named Eleanor in the movie Gone In 60 Seconds, has been sold for $1 million.

The Mustang was one of 11 cars used in the hit Nicolas Cage movie. Only three of those cars could be driven and two of those cars were destroyed during the film. The Eleanor mustang that sold at the Dana Mecum 26th Original Spring Classic Auction was used during the closing stages of the movie as well as promotional shots.

Fox News reports that the Mustang was built by Cinema Vehicle Services and legendary builder Chip Foose. The car has a 351 Ford V-8 crate engine, centered driving lights and a fake nitrous kit.

The true value of the car, of course, comes from the movie Gone In 60 Seconds. In the movie, Cage is tasked with stealing 50 cars, including Eleanor, in one night. The number of cars isn’t really a problem for Cage and his crew. The problem is that he has to steal Eleanor, a car that has eluded Cage during his criminal career.

As the movie says: “Eleanor is Memphis’ unicorn. A fabled creature. Impossible to capture. It’s the one car that no matter how many times you try to boost something happens.”

Here’s the chase sequence from the movie Gone In 60 Seconds.

Information about the buyer was not released.

Are you surprised that the Eleanor Mustang sold for $1 million?

Eleanor Mustang Sold: Car From ‘Gone In 60 Seconds’ Sells For $1 Million is a post from: The Inquisitr

There’s a bit of a cast crisis over at SNL. The show is saying goodbye to several of its veteran members and will almost have to start from scratch next year.

Kristin Wiig left the show last year and Bill Hader made his exit last Saturday. The show will also soon see the departure of Seth Meyers, who will be taking over Jimmy Fallon’s seat at Late Night, Jason Sudeikis and Fred Armisen.

Sudeikis and Armisen haven’t officially left the show but there are several reports circulating that the two veterans will not return next year.

That’s a lot of gaps to fill for when the show resumes next year.

But the SNL cast crisis may not be as dire as it seems. Variety notes that SNL has dealt with major cast turnovers before and they always seem to come out of it unscathed. The massive turnover could actually turn out to be a good thing.

Variety writes: “The prospect of losing at least four prominent cast members before 2013-14 might seem dire, but students of SNL history will note that past mass cast defections tend to be like forest fires: While the damage done is seemingly devastating, it actually has a counter intuitively restorative effect, clearing the way for future growth. And what’s more, the seeds for the next generation of SNL already seem to be sprouting in the current cast.”

SNL will be losing some of its most recognizable faces soon but the cast still has some bright spots. Jay Pharoah has already taken over the Obama character from Fred Armisen and Kate McKinnon and Bobby Moynihan have already found great characters with an Ellen Degeneres impersonation and Weekend Update’s drunk uncle.

Here’s a video of Bill Hader’s exit from the show.

Do you think SNL will survive it’s current cast crisis?

SNL Faces Cast Crisis As Hader, Meyers Head For The Exits is a post from: The Inquisitr

Disney has some big plans for Star Wars. In addition to the company’s ambitious plan of releasing a new movie every year for the foreseeable future, Disney will also be releasing a new cartoon.

Star Wars Rebels will be an animated series that will take place between Episode III and Episode IV. Production has begun on the series which will make its debut in the fall of 2014.

Gary Marsh, president and chief creative officer, Disney Channels Worldwide, said:

“The entire team at Lucasfilm has provided extraordinary creativity and innovation for over three decades, and we’re thrilled to be bringing the expansive and imaginative world of Star Wars to Disney XD’s viewers.”

The new Star Wars show will premiere with a one-hour telecast on the Disney Channel. After that, the series will move to Disney XD.

Kathleen Kennedy, president of LucasFilm, said:

“I couldn’t be more excited to explore new corners of the Star Wars universe … I think Star Wars Rebels will capture the look, feel and fun that both kids and their parents love about Star Wars.”

The new series is being developed by Simon Kinberg, the screenwriter behind X-Men: First Class, and Dave Filoni, the supervising director of Star Wars: The Clone Wars.

Production has begun on Star Wars Rebels, an all-new animated series set between the events of Episode III and IV. bit.ly/16EjuQE

— Star Wars (@starwars) May 20, 2013

Star Wars Rebellion will focus on a period of about two decades between Episodes III and IV. The Empire is taking control of the galaxy and is working to hunt down the remaining Jedi Knights.

Here’s a video about the new series.

‘Star Wars’ Cartoon Heading To Disney Channel is a post from: The Inquisitr

A training exercise in Northern Virginia turned tragic this weekend when two FBI agents were killed.

According to the Washington Post, two agents from the FBI’s Hostage Rescue Team were participating in a training exercise at the Quantico Marine Force Base in Virginia. Details of the accident are not known at this time, but an FBI spokesperson said that the incident did not involve gun fire.

According to ABC, the two FBI agents that were killed during the exercise have been identified the agents as Christopher Lorek, 41, and Stephen Shaw, 40.

FBI director Robert S. Mueller said in a statement: “We mourn the loss of two brave and courageous men. Like all who serve on the Hostage Rescue Team, they accept the highest risk each and every day, when training and on operational missions, to keep our nation safe. Our hearts are with their wives, children, and other loved ones who feel their loss most deeply. And they will always be part of the FBI Family.”

A press release from the FBI states that Lorek, who joined the FBI in 1996, is survived by his wife and two daughters, 11 and 8. Shaw joined in 2005 and is survived by his wife, his 3-year-old daughter, and his 1-year-old son.

The FBI’s Hostage Rescue Team was formed in 1984 and is part of the Critical Incident Response Group. Since it’s creation, the highly trained officers have assisted in more than 800 hostage situations.

FBI Mourns the Loss of Two Special Agents Killed in Training Exercise: — Washington, D.C. 1.usa.gov/13zUlzk #FBI

— FBI PressOffice (@FBIPressOffice) May 20, 2013

Here’s a video report about the incident from ABC 13.

2 FBI Agents Killed During Hostage Training Exercise is a post from: The Inquisitr

Did you see the moon explosion this weekend? A meteor hit the lunar surface last night and the incredible explosion could be seen with the naked eye from earth.

According to NASA, the spectacular sight only lasted for about a second.

Bill Cook of NASA’s Meteoroid Environment Office said that a 40 kilogram meteor struck the surface of the moon at a speed of 56,000 mph and lit up the moon like a 4th magnitude star.

Cooke said: “On March 17, 2013, an object about the size of a small boulder hit the lunar surface in Mare Imbrium … It exploded in a flash nearly 10 times as bright as anything we’ve ever seen before … Anyone looking at the moon at the moment of impact could have seen the explosion, no telescope required.”

CNN reports that NASA has been monitoring the moon for meteor explosions for the last 8 years. Cooke said that the meteor hit the moon with the force of 5 tons of TNT and created the brightest explosion seen to date.

Cooke said that astronomers will be monitoring the moon closely when it passes back through that region of space.

Cook said: “We’ll be keeping an eye out for signs of a repeat performance next year when the Earth-moon system passes through the same region of space.”

NASA notes that several meteors were flying in earth’s direction this weekend but due to our planet’s protective atmosphere the meteors burned up before they made impact. The moon doesn’t have that luxury and is frequently pelted with meteors.

Moon Explosion Visible From Earth With Naked Eye [Video] is a post from: The Inquisitr

The San Jose Sharks were fined $100,000 by the NHL this weekend after Doug Wilson criticized the league for suspending Raffi Torres.

Torres was suspended for the remainder of the Sharks’ playoff series against the Los Angles Kings for an illegal check on Jarret Stoll during game 1.

Wilson argued that Torres’ hit was legal and that the league had misinterpreted the rule.

After the suspension, Wilson said in a statement: “It is abundantly clear that this was a clean hockey hit … As noted by the NHL, Raffi’s initial point of contact was a shoulder-to-shoulder hit on an opponent who was playing the puck. He did not leave his feet or elevate, he kept his shoulder tucked and elbow down at his side, and he was gliding _ not skating or charging … It appears that the NHL has not only made an inappropriate application of this rule but is trying to make an example out of a player who is being judged on past events, one who has changed his game dramatically this season and taken only six minor penalties in 39 games.”

The league said that it issued the fine because of a policy that forbids teams from talking about disciplinary actions until 48 hours after the fact. CBS reports that the policy carries an automatic $25,000 fine. The league decided to fine the Sharks an additional $75,000 due to the “inappropriate nature” of Wilson’s comments.

Wilson has not commented on the fine yet.

The Kings won the first two games of the series but the Sharks came back with an overtime win last night.

Do you think the San Jose Sharks deserved a $100,000 fine?

San Jose Sharks Fined $100,000 is a post from: The Inquisitr

Iron Man 3 has finally fallen from the top of the box office. The Robert Downey Jr. movie, which recently topped $1 billion worldwide, was topped this weekend by J.J. Abrams latest movie, Star Trek Into Darkness.

According to Forbes, the latest Star Trek movie took in more $84 million during its opening weekend.

Captain Kirk managed to top the box office this weekend but the movie didn’t quite live up to its expectations. J.J. Abrams first Star Trek movie made $75 million during its opening weekend and Paramount was hoping that the sequel would top $100 million during its first few days in theaters.

Box Office Mojo notes that Abrams first Star Trek movie went on to gross more than $250 million.

Iron Man 3 fell from the top spot this weekend but the new Marvel movie is still bringing people to the theaters. Iron Man 3 took in another $35 million this weekend at the domestic box office to bring its worldwide total up to $1.073 billion.

The Great Gatsby was third on the box office charts this weekend with $23.4 million. The movie based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s book was a surprise hit at the box office after receiving poor reviews but the movie is losing some of its draw. The audience dropped 53% for Gatsby this weekend.

‘Star Trek’ Tops ‘Iron Man’ At Box Office is a post from: The Inquisitr

One lucky person in Florida is $590 million richer. Lottery officials announced today that a single winning Powerball ticket was sold at a supermarket in Zephyrhills, Florida.

A message on the Powerball website reads: “There was one winner sold by the Florida Lottery for the last drawing’s $590,500,000 grand prize.”

The Powerball winner won $590.5 million which has a cash value of nearly $375 million.

The person holding the Powerball winning ticket hasn’t been identified yet and Florida Lottery executive Cindy O’Connell said that no one has stepped forward to claim the ticket yet. O’Connell said that she couldn’t wait to meet the winner and that she was delighted that the largest jackpot in Powerball history was won by a Florida resident.

O’Connell said: “This would be the sixth Florida Powerball winner and right now, it’s the sole winner of the largest ever Powerball jackpot … We’re delighted right now that we have the sole winner … There is just the chance that you will have the opportunity and Florida is a  huge Powerball state. We have had more winners than any other state that participates in Powerball.”

The $590 million winning Powerball ticket was sold in Florida but it wasn’t the only ticket worth a seven digit sum. At least two tickets with five of six numbers were sold in California. Each of those tickets are worth a little over $2 million.

The $590 million Powerball jackpot was the largest in the history of the game but it isn’t the largest lottery jackpot. The Mega Millions jackpot once hit $656 million.

Powerball Winning Ticket Purchased In Florida is a post from: The Inquisitr

Ex-NBA player Predrag Danilovic was stabbed during a fight outside of a cafe in Serbia.

According to USA Today, Danilovic was stabbed early Saturday morning in a residential part of Belgrade. The ex-NBA player was taken to the hospital where he had an operation to treat injuries to his head, arms, and stomach.

The exact extent of the injuries are not known but that he was “seriously” injured.

It is unclear what started the fight.

Danilovic, often called Sasha, played for the Miami Heat and the Dallas Mavericks in the 1990. Danilovic averaged 12.8 points per game during his NBA career.

Pro Basketball Talk reports that Danilovic saw his best success overseas. He left the NBA in 1997 to play in Europe. He earned 2 European League championships, 4 Italian League championships, and was named the Italian League MVP in 1998.

Danilovic’s playing days are over but he is still involved with the basketball world. He is currently the general manager of the Serbian basketball club Partizan Belgrade.

Ex-NBA Player Stabbed: Predrag Danilovic Seriously Injured During Fight is a post from: The Inquisitr

Milwaukee has decided to forget about its bra ban at a historic bowling alley in the city.

But no, the city wasn’t trying to strip women of their chest support while they bowled. The problem was actually hanging from the ceiling.

Yahoo News reports that a city inspector complained about the bars decorum saying that the bras hanging from the ceiling were a fire hazard. The Holler House faced some severe fines for hanging bras from the ceiling but the Milwaukee city council decided this week to forget about the bra ban.

The Holler House has been around for over 100 years and owner Marcy Skowronski said that women have been flinging their bras up the rafters at least 45 years.

Skowronski said: “They’ve been hanging there for 45 years. I had inspectors here for 45 years. Every year they come and nobody’s said anything.”

When she was told to take the bras down, she called up a reporter at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel hoping that some publicity would solve her problem. Well, it worked.

Alderman Bob Donovan caught wind of the problem and in less than a day the bra ban was lifted at the Milwaukee bowling alley.

Donovan said: “Long story short, common sense prevailed and the city backed down … We’re going to have a rehang the bras party over there and perhaps charge at the door … And any money we are able to bring in, the proceeds will go to buying a little common sense for the Department of Neighborhood Services.”

Milwaukee Backs Off Bra Ban is a post from: The Inquisitr

Iron Man 3 surpassed $1 billion this week to join a very elite group of movies.

According to Box Office Mojo, Iron Man 3 is now 16th on the highest grossing movies list. The latest Iron Man movie has brought in $402 million at the domestic box office and $698 million at the international box office for a grand total of more than $1 billion.

Only 15 other movies have made more than Iron Man 3. James Cameron’s Avatar is currently the king of all-movies with a world-wide gross of $2.78 billion.

Iron Man 3′s box office sales have finally started to slow down. Last week the movie was challenged by The Great Gatsby and the super-hero movie is not expected to maintain the top spot at the box office by the end of this weekend.

Still, $1 billion is a pretty impressive mark.

Avatar ($2.7), Titanic ($2.1), The Avengers ($1.5), Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 ($1.3), Transformers: Dark of the Moon ($1.1), The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King ($1.1), Skyfall ($1.1), The Dark Knight Rises ($1.1), Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest ($1.06), Toy Story 3 ($1.06), Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides ($1.04), Star Wars: Episode I – Phantom Menace ($1.02), Alice In Wonderland ($1.02), The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey ($1.01), The Dark Knight ($1.004) are the only movies to make more money than Iron Man 3. 

Iron Man 3 is now in the exclusive $1 billion movie club. It’s star, Robert Downey Jr. is now in an even more exclusive club. Downey Jr. now has two $1 billion movies with Iron Man 3 and The Avengers. Johnny Depp has three $1 billion movies with two Pirates movies and Alice in Wonderland.

‘Iron Man 3′ Smashes $1 Billion Mark is a post from: The Inquisitr

Michael Phelps will be returning to the pool in an effort to compete at the 2016 Olympics. Well, maybe.

A news report published by WBBH, an NBC affiliate, claims that Phelps has started training to get himself in shape for the 2016 Olympic games.

Phelps retired after becoming the most decorated athlete in Olympic history but many people believe that the 27-year-old swimmer could add a few more medals to his collection before all is said and done.

The report from WBBH reads: “The greatest Olympian of all time isn’t hanging up his swimsuit, after all.”

But before you get too excited about the greatest athlete of all time returning to the pool, check out this Tweet from Michael Phelps.

Phelps writes: “Why do I keep getting texts about coming back? Do (people) really believe everything they hear or read? There are (too) many (people) in the world that think they have a `story.’”

Now, Phelps didn’t exactly say that the rumor was false but he does seem to be referring to the WBBH story. Do you think Michael Phelps will return to the pool for the 2016 Olympics?

Anchor Peter Busch, who wrote the story, said: “(I am) very confident with my info. Guess we’ll see.”

Why do I keep getting texts about coming back? Do ppl really believe everything they hear or read? There are … m.tmi.me/VVJFR

— Michael Phelps (@MichaelPhelps) May 18, 2013

Last March, Phelps said that there was no chance of returning for the 2016 Olympic Games.

Phelps said: “I’m done. I’m done … I look back at all I’ve got and I can truly say I’ve done everything I’ve wanted.”

Michael Phelps Returning For 2016 Olympics? Swimmer Denies Rumors is a post from: The Inquisitr

The Powerball jackpot has shot up to $600 million and officials believe that the pot will get even larger before Saturday’s drawing. It is the largest jackpot in Powerball history, beating the 2012 record of $587.5 million.

The LA Times notes that the $600 million jackpot is the largest in Powerball history but it’s still a little shy of the Mega Millions record. In March 2012 the Mega Millions jackpot reached $656 million.

California Lottery spokesman Alex Traverso said: “I think it’s going to be really, really close … Every step of the way this jackpot seems to have mirrored that jackpot.”

The Powerball jackpot could surpass the Mega Millions record this Saturday but it will probably fall a little short. If no one wins on Saturday, however, the jackpot will grow to an incredible amount. One lottery official believes that the jackpot could surpass $1 billion.

Kelly Cripe, the media director for the Texas Lottery, told ABC that the Powerball jackpot would grow to at least $925 million if no one wins on Saturday. But due to the huge sum of cash in the pot, Cripe believes that the jackpot could soar past $1 billion.

Mary Neubauer, spokeswoman for the Iowa Lottery, said that it used to take several months for a jackpot to reach this size but it now it only takes a few weeks. Neubauer told the Washington Post: “It usually took a handful of months, if not several months, for a jackpot to reach this large amount … Now it’s achieving that within a handful of weeks. I think the redesign is achieving exactly what we had wanted it to achieve, which is the bigger, faster-growing jackpot.”

Of course, just because the jackpot is increasing doesn’t mean that you’re chances of winning are getting any better. The chances of winning the lottery still fall somewhere between impossible and almost impossible.

$600 Million Powerball Jackpot Sets New Record is a post from: The Inquisitr

Carole King is heading to the White House.

The popular singer will be honored by President Obama and the Library of Congress with the Gerswhin Prize for Popular Song. King will put on a concert in the East Room along with Billy Joel, James Taylor, Trisha Yearwood and several other performers.

According to a White House press release, “Carole King: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize In Performance At The White House” will be broadcast on Tuesday, May 28.

King is the first woman to receive the Gershwin Prize. The award, which has been won by songwriters like Stevie Wonder and Paul McCartney, is given to a musicians whose “lifetime contributions in the field of popular song exemplify the standard of excellence associated with (George and Ira Gershwin).”

President Obama will present King with the award, as he did with Wonder and McCartney, before enjoying the White House concert.

The President has been hosting concerts at the White House since February 2009. This will be the 11th “In Performance At The White House” concert hosted by President Obama and First Lady Michelle.

Carole King’s songs have been performed by numerous artists including James Taylor, Celine Dion, The Beatles, Aretha Franklin, Herman’s Hermits, The Monkees, and several more. Her album Tapestry was ranked number 36 on Rolling Stone magazine’s 2003 list of the 500 greatest albums of all-time.

[Image Via DFree / Shutterstock.com]

Carole King To Be Honored At White House With Gershwin Prize is a post from: The Inquisitr

It’s all fun and games until someone puts a pig’s head into a locker.

Stoke City striker Kenwyne Jones was the victim of a seriously sick prank this week when he opened his locker to find a severed pig’s head. Team manager Tony Pulis said that the team was investigating the incident and would punish those responsible for the prank.

[WARNING: If you don't want to see a severed pig's head, then you should probably stop scrolling down this page.]

Pulis said that the Stoke City players frequently prank each other and that he wasn’t sure why someone decided to leave a pig’s head in Jones’ locker.

Pulis told the BBC: “We have a smashing dressing room, and there are four or five lads who are always up to something. There is always banter going on. I honestly don’t know what’s gone on this morning, I’ve missed all of what’s happened. I try to stay away from the home dressing room as much as I possibly can, I let the lads get on with it. We will look at it tomorrow, I will have a chat with the lads and find out exactly what has happened. From that point onwards we’ll let everybody know exactly what the situation was.”

The club also released a statement saying that they would investigate the incident and punish whoever was responsible for the prank.

The club said: “A full internal investigation will be carried out … Those responsible for any unacceptable behaviour will be dealt with in accordance with the club’s disciplinary procedures.”

Stoke City striker Brek Shea posted an image of the pig’s head to his Instagram account, writing: “Locker room banter gone wild!!!”

Where do you draw the line on locker room shenanigans? Is a pig’s head in the locker one step too far?

[Photo via Stoke City striker Brek Shea]

Pig’s Head In Locker Prank Angers Stoke City Striker Kenwyne Jones is a post from: The Inquisitr

A Navy Seal died at Fort Knox this week during a training exercise.

According to the Chicago Tribune, Special Warfare Operator Third Class Jonathan Kaloust, 23, was killed when a Humvee overturned on Wednesday. Seven other service members were injured in the crash.

Lieutenant David Lloyd, a spokesman for East Coast-based Navy Special Warfare Group 2, said that six of the eight people in the Humvee were Navy SEALS. Kaloust was killed in the accident while the other seven people received minor injuries.

Lloyd said that the group was participating in “tactical training” but did not elaborate on the training exercises. The cause of the crash is currently under investigation.

The Courier Journal reports that Kaloust joined the Navy in 2011 after earning his political science degree from S.U.N.Y. Binghamton University. He completed his Navy SEALS training the following year. He is survived by parents Gary and Irene, and his sister Melanie.

Pat Popolizio, who coached Kaloust on Binghamton’s wrestling team, told Hampton Roads: “He was not the most talented when it came to wrestling, but you could put him in any room in the country, and he would hang in there … You could not mentally or physically break this kid … He was always wanting to work out after, and, you know, I’m a bit bigger than him, so I’d tell him, ‘We’ll go until you break.’ He would never break. We’d end up being there for 30 or 40 minutes … It’s a terrible loss. He would have done great things.”

Navy SEAL Dies At Fort Knox During Training Accident is a post from: The Inquisitr

Aly Raisman got an unexpected visit from the World Anti-Doping Agency this week. The Olympic gymnast, who was at Access Hollywood Live to talk about the Dancing With The Stars finale, was greeted by officials for a random drug test.

Raisman knows that random drug tests come with the territory of being an Olympian but the gymnast was a little annoyed with the agency for picking such a busy week.

Raisman said: “It’s the World Anti-Doping Agency. They haven’t [tested me] since the Olympics, and they choose the finale week of ‘Dancing with the Stars’ to come! Out of all the days since the Olympics, they choose like, the craziest week.”

But the gymnast wasn’t too bothered by the test. She told Billy Bush that she had just had a bunch of water so the test was pretty quick. And besides, the gymnast is clean and doesn’t really have to worry about testing positive for any illegal drugs.

Raisman said: “I’m clean, so I don’t have anything to worry about.”

One Raisman’s random drug test was over she was able to get back to focusing on her dancing. Raisman said that she’s improved a lot over the season and is much more graceful now that she’s worked with Mark Ballas.

Raisman said: “I feel a lot more confident. My toe point is better, I feel more graceful … And I feel like I’ve transformed for a girl into a woman.”

Here’s a video of Aly Raisman dancing the tango on Dancing With The Stars.

[Image Via s_bukley / Shutterstock.com]

Aly Raisman On Drug Test: They Chose The Craziest Week Ever! is a post from: The Inquisitr

Do you ever feel like lounging around, ordering a pizza, and watching a movie? You will if you ever rent one of Domino’s DVDs. The company’s Brazil branch has come up with a pretty ingenious marketing idea: DVDs that smell like pizza.

According to Creativity Online, the DVDs are stamped with a thermal ink and a flavored varnish. When they are played in a DVD player they heat up and make the room smell like pizza.

Yep, just like Glade Plug Ins except it makes your house smell like Pizza and plays movies like Argo and The Dark Knight.

The coolest part about the whole thing is that the DVD actually “cooks.” The movie is covered with a dark thermal ink when it is removed from its pizza box (DVD case). After you slip it into the oven (DVD player) the movie cooks (plays) and makes your house smell like pizza. When you remove the pizza (DVD) from the oven (DVD player) it looks like a freshly baked Domino’s pizza.

The Delicious Video Discs comes with a message that reads: “Did you enjoy the movie? The next one will be even better with a hot and delicious Domino’s Pizza.”

Domino’s partnered with 1o video rental stores in San Paulo and Rio de Janeiro and is currently offering 10 different movies. It’s unclear if you can pick and choose between pepperoni or sausage smelling DVDs.

Do you hope that the trend catches on? Would you like to watch a DVD of The Dark Knight Rises while making your house smell like pizza?

Here’s the ad from Domino’s.

Domino’s DVD Creates Pizza Smell When Played is a post from: The Inquisitr

New York Jets RB Mike Goodson was arrested this week on drug and gun charges.

According to Sports Illustrated, Goodson was charged with marijuana possession, possession of drug paraphernalia, illegal possession of a handgun and possession of hollow point ammunition.

According to Channel 12 New Jersey, Goodson and another person were found in an SUV on the side of a highway in New Jersey at around 3:00 am this morning. Authorities do not know why the vehicle was stopped but did say that the NY Jets RB was very intoxicated at the time. Officers found marijuana on Goodson and when they searched the car they found a loaded 45-caliber handgun.

The NJ State Police write: “Troopers from Netcong station arrested two men for possession of a loaded handgun and marijuana after their vehicle was found stopped in the center-left lane of Rt. 80 early this morning … Garant Evans was the driver of a grey Yukon with Tennesee registration that was stopped in the left center lane of the highway when a tow truck driver came upon them just after 3:00 a.m. today. The tow driver called 911 and an ambulance was dispatched. Troopers arrived and arrested Evans for Driving While Intoxicated.”

Officers determined that Goodson and Evans needed medical attention and had them transferred to St. Clare’s in Denville. Prior to the transport, officers found a small amount of marijuana on Goodson. They then searched the car and found a more marijuana and a loaded .45 caliber semi-automatic handgun.

The New York Jets running back recently signed a three-year, $6.9 million contract. His bail was set at $50,000.

The Jets have not commented on Goodson’s arrest yet.

Jets RB Mike Goodson Arrested For Drug, Gun Charges is a post from: The Inquisitr

Mariah Carey spent all season judging other singers as they performed live in front of a massive TV audience. When it was her turn to wow the crowd, well, several people are saying that Carey Lip-Synched her way through the American Idol finale last night.

Carey took the stage to sing some of her most famous songs. She performed songs like “Hero,” “My All,” and “Vision Of Love.” The international diva’s performance was so perfect that many started to doubt the authenticity of Carey’s live performance.

One user wrote on Twitter: “@MariahCarey Lip syncing?, nice, since your a judge of “live” singing and all, not that you would know anything about “live” #millivanilli.”

Mariah Carey isn’t the only one to find herself in a lip synch scandal this year. Beyonce was criticized earlier this year when she chose to pre-record a song for President Obama’s inauguration. Beyonce said that she chose to lip-sync the song because she was singing outdoors and that the conditions were not ideal for a live performance.

Mariah, of course, can’t use the same excuse. She was singing on the same stage as all of the contestants and her diva rival Jennifer Lopez.

Here’s a video of Mariah’s performance last night. DO you think she was singing live or lip-syncing.

After the performance, Carey’s rep denied that the singer lip-synced her songs. The rep told Entertainment Tonight: “No she did not lip sync! She sang three times and even sang additional songs for fans in between [commercials].”

Mariah Carey needs to practice her lip syncing. She on American Idol right now making a fool of herself

— Artistry Beats (@ArtistryMDBeats) May 17, 2013

Mariah Carey lip syncing parts on the Idol finale? Kind of ironic that she critiques live performances when she can’t even do it herself.

— El Broide (@ElBroide) May 17, 2013

[Image Via Jaguar PS / Shutterstock.com]

Mariah Carey Lip-Synch Scandal Angers ‘American Idol’ Fans [Video] is a post from: The Inquisitr

Charles Woodson could soon be an Oakland Raider.

The 36-year-old defensive back has been invited to meet with the team this Tuesday. Woodson’s meeting with the Raiders comes shortly after a meeting with the Denver Broncos.

The 2009 NFL Defensive Player of the Year left Denver without a contract but he’s still determined to find a team for next season. If he doesn’t get an offer from the Raiders he still has hope of finding a job with the Carolina Panthers or the New York Giants.

Woodson, a three-time All Pro Safety, said that he has no plans on retiring. His agent, Carl Poston, said: “Woodson still can do it on the field.”

Poston added that Woodson isn’t looking to be a de facto assistant coach to help rookies improve their game. The 36-year-old is planning on playing next year.

Woodson started his career in Oakland back in 1998. He spent 8 years with the Raiders before leaving for Green Bay in 2005.

Woodson is one of many All-Pro players looking for a home. Brian Urlacher was recently let go by the Chicago Bears and is currently looking for a new team. The linebacker is reportedly close to signing a deal with the Minnesota Vikings.

Per Carl Poston: Charles Woodson does not plan on retiring. Poston says he’ll play somewhere. Woodson appears frustrated by the system.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 17, 2013

Charles Woodson To Meet With Raiders Next Week is a post from: The Inquisitr

Rihanna is suing Topshop for $5 million over an unauthorized T-shirt bearing her image.

According to the NY Post, the British retailer has been selling a T-shirt with Rihanna’s image on the front without the singer’s consent. RiRi asked the company several times to pull the shirt and has now filed a $5 million lawsuit.

Topshop doesn’t seemed to concerned about the lawsuit. The Telegraph reports that the company purchased the image of Rihanna from a photographer and is not required to pay any licensing fees to the artist. Topshop offered Rihanna $5,000 and said that they “didn’t care” about the lawsuit.

The company is not selling the shirt in the United States and the United Kingdom’s laws do not protect the artists.

But Rihanna is still hoping to get paid for the t-shirt. The singer hired international law firm Reed Smith to file the $5 million lawsuit in London.

A source said: “Rihanna’s management asked Topshop a number of times to stop selling her image and were told, ‘We do what we want.’ They buy the pictures from a photographer, but they do not pay the artist licensing fees. Unfortunately, UK law does not protect the artist … What is most offensive for Rihanna is that they basically told her, ‘Go to hell. We don’t care; we are going to continue selling you.’”

According to the source, the singer acknowledged that she is fighting an uphill battle since the UK is unlikely to side with her. Rihanna has reportedly spent close to $1 million on litigation at this point and says that she wants to make a statement that company’s cannot take advantage of international artists.

[Image Via Ebay]

Rihanna Sues For $5 Million, Says Topshop Stole Her Image For T-Shirt is a post from: The Inquisitr

Chaz Bono has now lost 65 lbs.

The former Dancing With The Star’s contest showed off his 60 lb weight loss earlier this month and was proud to announce this week that he’s dropped another 5 lbs. off the scale.

Bono, who began his weight loss journey last November, originally said that he wanted to lose 50 lbs. Bono’s weight loss journey has been going great so far and the reality star recently upped his goal to 80 lbs.

Chaz Bono has lost 65 lbs since he started working on his body and he’s now just 15 lbs from his goal.

Bono told People Magazine: “Physically, my body feels just so much better … I’m in a lot less discomfort when I exercise and am doing physical stuff. All of my numbers are all normal now, which is great – my blood pressure, my cholesterol. I just have a lot more confidence, and that feels really cool. I really like what I see in the mirror.”

The reality star said that his weight loss journey isn’t just about hitting a certain number. Bono said that he wanted to change his lifestyle and become a healthier person.

I find it so ironic that I’m getting tweets from folks asking me for diet advice. It’s not about dieting, it’s changing eating habits 4ever.

— Chaz Bono (@ChazBono) April 8, 2013

Bono said: “To me, it was never really about a number. It was just about getting healthy and feeling and looking better. So I’m just kind of letting my body dictate. I’ve been eating the same way now for months and months and that hasn’t changed. I’m going to have to eat this way for the rest of my life.”

Chaz Bono: I’ve Lost 65 Lbs And I Feel Great is a post from: The Inquisitr

No, that’s not a Baby Ruth. According to the CDC, poop in pools is far more common than you may think.

The Centers For Disease Control and Prevention said that more than half of public pools may have some fecal mater in them.

The new report found that that 58% of public pools contained Escherichia coli, a bacteria that is found in the human digestive system. The CDC said that the presence of E. coli was a good indicator that there was poop in the pool.

The study was conducted at more than 160 pools int he Atlanta area and researchers emphasized that the results did not indicate that public pools across the country had the same amount of fecal matter in them. They did, however, say that recreational water illness has been rising in the United States.

The CDC writes: “Swimmers frequently introduce fecal material and pathogens into recreational water throughout the country.”

Live Science notes that average person has about .14 grams of fecal material on them during a normal day and that it can easily wash off in the pool if a person does not shower before swimming. The CDC urged people around the country to practice good hygiene before swimming in a public pool.

The report reads: “Swimmers have the power and responsibility to decrease the risk for RWIs by practicing good hygiene.”

The CDC also suggested that parents should check diapers every 30 to 60 minutes and make sure that children take bathroom breaks.

[Image Via OlegD / Shutterstock.com]

CDC: Poop In Pools More Common Than You Think is a post from: The Inquisitr

Just how did Taco Bell come up with the brilliant idea of making a hard shell taco out of a Doritos chip? If inmate Gary Cole is telling the truth, Taco Bell got the idea from him. The inmate filed a lawsuit against Taco Bell this week claiming that the restaurant stole his idea.

According to the Dallas Observer, Cole, who is currently at a super-max prison in Florence, Colorado, is suing Taco Bell, Pepsi, Frito Lay, and Taco Bell’s parent company Yum Brands, for stealing the Doritos Locos idea.

The Consumerist reports that Cole mailed a notarized document to his attorney in 2006 that contained nine imaginary products. One of those products was a taco made out of Doritos. Cole believes that Taco Bell intercepted the piece of mail, or paid someone for a copy of the document, and turned it into the hottest fast food item of the year.

In a letter to the IRS, Cole claims that Taco Bell wrote a check to an unidentified person for “an idea or invention that was submitted to them by theft and fraud.” Cole asks the IRS to identify the person who sold the idea, how much they sold it for, and how much they paid in taxes for the sale.

Cole has also filed a request under the Freedom of Information Act demanding Taco Bell to release any information related to the invention of the Doritos taco.

Cole hasn’t accused his attorney of any wrongdoings but he has decided to represent himself during his lawsuit against Taco Bell.

So far, Cole has not received a response.

Taco Bell has not commented on the lawsuit but the restaurant isn’t shying a way from creative ideas. The company recently announced that it was working on waffle taco. Which, by the laws of nonsense, will probably receive its own inmate lawsuit by the end of the year.

Inmate Sues Taco Bell For Stealing Doritos Idea is a post from: The Inquisitr

A pizza man / cocaine delivery guy was arrested this week in New York after selling more than $45,000 worth of coke to undercover police officers.

Officers say that Ramon Rodriguez, 45, used his pizza route as a cover to deliver cocaine. The Papa John’s pizza man made at least 19 cocaine deliveries around New York to undercover officers since 2011.

His final pizza sale /cocaine drop occurred last Wednesday when he sold an undercover cop a kilo of cocaine.

Pix11 reports that the undercover agent met Rodriguez outside of a Papa John’s on 5th avenue on Wednesday night. Rodriguez went inside to get a pizza, some chicken nuggets, and a bag full of cocaine. Rodriguez was arrested when he placed the bag in the officer’s car.

It’s unclear if the officer was expected to give the pizza man a tip for his drug delivery.

Officers said that Rodriguez admitted to using his pizza route as a cover. The man allegedly made stops throughout his day to deliver cocaine, pizza, and chicken wings.

Rodriguez was charged with the criminal sale of a controlled substance and criminal possession of a controlled substance.

Here’s a video report from Pix11.

Oddly enough, this isn’t the only fast food delivery story in the news this week. You might want to check out this article about smuggling KFC along the Gaza Strip.

Pizza Man Makes Cocaine Delivery, Gets Arrested is a post from: The Inquisitr

Chris Kluwe is heading to Oakland.

The outspoken NFL punter was released by the Minnesota Vikings earlier this month. The Raiders haven’t officially announced Kluwe’s signing yet but the gay rights advocate told Fox Sports that he was excited to be a Raider.

Kluwe, who has frequently drawn attention for making political statements on and off the field, said that he would continue to express his views while playing for his new team.

Kluwe said: “I’m excited to be an Oakland Raider and be playing in California. Now, my family can actually come to games. I’m still going to be myself socially and continue to tweet and interact with my fans.”

Some people questioned whether or not Kluwe’s views played a role in his release from the Vikings. The Minnesota team admitted that Kluwe’s outspoken opinions could be a distraction but said that Kluwe’s views had nothing to do with his dismissal.

Kluwe, 31, averaged 45 yards on 72 punts last year with the Vikings. He joined Minnesota in 2005 and is the team’s all-time leader for average yards per punt (44.4). He’s also second all-time for total punt yards in Vikings history.

Kluwe will be replacing Shane Lechler for the Oakland Raiders. Lechler left the team after 13 seasons to sign with the Houston Texans.

Chris Kluwe Joins Raiders is a post from: The Inquisitr

Emma Watson’s character in The Bling Ring is “vain,” superficial,” “materialistic” and “amoral.” Which is why the actress watched a lot of Keeping Up With The Kardashians to prepare for the role.

The actress said that she watched episodes of Keeping Up With The Kardashians, The Hills and The World According To Paris in order to get into character.

Watson said: “It’d be very easy for (my character) Nicki to feel like a parody … Somehow I had to understand and empathize with her and that was really biggest challenge, second to getting the accent down. It’s quite a specific dialect.”

Watson’s latest role is a big departure from the Harry Potter movies but Watson said that it was fun to play a character that was so different from her previous roles.

Watson said: “The character is everything that I felt strongly against. She’s superficial, materialistic, vain, amoral. She’s all of these things and I realized that I hated her. How do you play someone you hate? But I found it really interesting and it gave me a whole new insight into what my job or my role as an actress could be.”

The Bling Ring premiered today at the Cannes Film Festival. It is scheduled to hit theaters this June.

Here’s a look at Emma Watson in her new movie.

Are you surprised that Emma Watson looked to Kim Kardashian and Paris Hilton to create her latest character?

Emma Watson Watched ‘The Kardashians’ To Prepare For ‘Bling Ring’ is a post from: The Inquisitr

Chad Johnson has a warrant out for his arrest.

According to NFL.com, the Broward County Sheriff’s Office issued a warrant for the former NFL player for violating terms of his probation.

The BSO claims that Johnson failed to failed to show proof that he completed the “Batterers Intervention Program” and also failed to meet with his probation specialists twice earlier this year. Maybe Johnson was too busy treating homeless men to new wardrobes and drinks at the club.

According to TMZ, the warrant was issued for Johnson’s arrest back on May 7. Once Johnson is taken into custody, a trial will be set to determine if he did violate the terms of his parole.

Johnson was arrested last August after getting into a physical altercation with his ex-wife Evelyn Lozada. The reality star claimed that Johnson head-butted her after she accused him of cheating.

The former NFL player was charged with domestic battery and was sentenced to one year of probation.

The 6-time Pro Bowler hasn’t played in the NFL was in 2011. He was picked up by the Miami Dolphins for the 2012 season but was cut shortly after his arrest. Johnson has been working to make a comeback to the NFL but the wide receivers legal troubles may put an end to that dream.

Chad Johnson has not commented on the warrant yet.

Chad Johnson Has A Warrant Out For His Arrest is a post from: The Inquisitr

Former race car driver Richard “Dick” Trickle died this morning at the age of 71.

Lincoln County officials said that Trickle died of a gunshot wound. Authorities believe that it was a suicide.

According to WCTI, authorities received a call this morning from a man who said that “there would be a dead body and it would be his” at the Forest Lawn Cemetery near Boger City, North Carolina. Rescue workers tried to return the call but didn’t get an answer.

Trickle’s body was later found near his pickup truck.

Trickle was a mainstay in the Sprint Cup series for over 20 years. He retired in 2002 after 303 Sprint Cup races. Yahoo Sports notes that Trickle’s best year came in 1989 when he scored six top five finishes.

Several NASCAR drivers have taken to social media to express their grief over Trickle’s passing.

Kenny Wallace wrote: Dick Trickle taught me to be me, He taught me to Justify things my way and said “Kenny keep laughing loud cause that’s who you are”

NASCAR wrote: Dick Trickle will always be remembered – as a NASCAR legend, a great character, and a true wheelman. He will be missed.

J.J. Yeley added: I just read about Dick Trickle, met him during my season doing IROC series. He was a true Racer and will be missed.

Dick Trickle Dies In Apparent Suicide At Age 71 is a post from: The Inquisitr

Craig Sager is known for his ridiculous antics at NBA games. Most of those antics involve ugly ties and hideous jackets, but last night he upped the shenanigan factor by photobombing Will Smith and his Jaden.

Will Smith may have been born and raised in West Philadelphia, but the singer has grown fond of Miami in recent years.

His song, “Welcome To Miami” is frequently played at Heat games, and the actor is often seen courtside.

Last night, Smith brought his son, Jaden (who is not trying to be emancipated) to watch the Miami Heat play the Chicago Bulls.

The camera zoomed in on the Hollywood family during an intermission but Sager made sure that the spotlight wasn’t taken away from him. The longtime announcer quickly maneuvered himself into position to make sure that he was in the Smith family photo.

The Miami Heat managed to close out their series against the Chicago Bulls last night. The Chicago team put up a fight during game 5 but LeBron James and Dwyane Wade proved to be too much for the depleted Bulls.

But enough about sports. Let’s watch a goofy announcer photobomb Will Smith.

Will Smith and Jaden Smith have a new movie coming out later this month. After Earth is set for release on May 31. Sager is not expected to make an appearance in the new movie.

Will Smith Photobombed By Craig Sager At Miami Heat Game is a post from: The Inquisitr

J.J. Abrams recently finished up his latest Star Trek movie and now he’s ready to move on to Star Wars: Episode 7. The director is currently working on the new story and he’s apparently willing to take crowd suggestions.

Last night on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Abrams took some suggestions from the audience about what to do with the new Star Wars movie. William Shatner and Billy Dee Williams were both in the audience and had some pretty good ideas for the next movie.

Williams thinks Star Wars 7 should be some sort of space porn that features Lando Calrissian and a bunch of beautiful ladies.

Some of the audience members agree that Star Wars needed more sex but suggested that the love scenes should be between Chewie and Leia.

William Shatner also showed up to pitch an idea to Abrams. Shatner says that the director should get rid of classic characters like Hans Solo and Lando in favor for the galaxy’s most beloved hero, Captain Kirk.

Shatner said: “You know, this Hands Solo, Lando… Captain Kirk! No rules, just a road trip of a lifetime sort of thing. I actually already wrote it. I also agree that Leia and Chewie should do it. Here, I’ve made some sketches.”

Well, now is as good of time as any… Should Chewie and Leia do it in the new Star Wars movie?

J.J. Abrams Gets ‘Star Wars 7′ Suggestions From Lando, Captain Kirk is a post from: The Inquisitr

Fresh off his Player’s Champion win, Tiger Woods and Lindsey Vonn set off on a yacht for a little rest and relaxation in Florida.

Woods was spotted fishing off of the back of the yacht while Vonn was seen sunbathing in a strapless bikini.

This is the second time that Tiger Woods’ yacht has made it into the news this week. The Daily Gawk reported earlier this week that Woods’ 155-boat is parked right next to Chris Cline’s 164-foot boat on Florida’s Jupiter Island.

If you haven’t been keeping up with the latest Woods’ gossip, the golfer’s ex-wife Elin Nordegren is currently dating Cline.

This isn’t the first time that Vonn and Nordegren have narrowly avoided a confrontation. Earlier this year the Olympic skier decided to stay in the car while Woods and his wife watched their children play in a soccer match.

Woods and Vonn kept their relationship quiet at first but after making their official announcement on Facebook they’ve been seen several times out in public. Vonn has been cheering Tiger on during golf tournaments and they recently attended their first red carpet event.

You can see photos of Tiger Woods and Lindsey Vonn relaxing on their yacht here.

Tiger Woods, Lindsey Vonn Relax On Yacht is a post from: The Inquisitr

Have you ever wondered what the President dreams about? Well, Barack Obama dreams of “going Bulworth.”

According to a piece in the New York Times, the President frequently talks about Warren Beatty’s 1998 black comedy Bulworth. The movie features senator Jay. Billington Bulworth who decides to put politics aside in order to speak his mind.

The NY Times writes: “In private, he has talked longingly of “going Bulworth,” a reference to a little-remembered 1998 Warren Beatty movie about a senator who risked it all to say what he really thought. While Mr. Beatty’s character had neither the power nor the platform of a president, the metaphor highlights Mr. Obama’s desire to be liberated from what he sees as the hindrances on him.”

President Obama may dream of going Bulworth but David Axelrod doesn’t believe that the President will go that far. Axelrod said that many presidents have probably fantasized about ditching the politics but said that Obama will attempt to stay practical.

Axelrod said: “Probably every president says that from time to time … It’s probably cathartic just to say it. But the reality is that while you want to be truthful, you want to be straightforward, you also want to be practical about whatever you’re saying.”

President Obama will never go Bulworth but that doesn’t mean that there isn’t a desire for an honest politician. There have been several movies made about politicians who discard the rhetoric in order to speak their minds and comedians like Stephen Colbert have even toyed with the idea of running for office.

Mother Jones notes that Sean Penn urged the President to go Bulworth back in 2011.

Penn said: “I would love to see Barack Obama be Bulworth.”

Obama Wants To Go ‘Bulworth’ During Second Term is a post from: The Inquisitr

Actor Simon Helberg said that The Big Bang Theory finale tonight will end with a big cliff hanger.

The show, which was recently picked up for a seventh season, has built a huge following for CBS. The show may not have the dramatic story lines of TV drama’s like Breaking Bad but Helberg promises that there will be “some exciting, groundbreaking events” during The Big Bang Finale.

According to NPR, tonight’s episode will focus on Leonard as he gets an offer to join Stephen Hawking on a four month expedition to the North Sea. It’s an opportunity of a lifetime for the character (played by Johnny Galecki) but it will force him to make a choice between science and love.

Helberg said: “This time, the adventure is for Leonard … Howard finds Stephen Hawking’s crew is sending out an expedition to the North Sea, and he gets Leonard a job, going on a boat for four months … The obstacle is Penny and Leonard have never been better. So, is he really going to leave her for four months?”

Helberg said that Leonard’s decision will have a ripple effect through the community as people get “jealous” and “nervous.”

Helberg told Rolling Stone: “It is obviously going to have a ripple effect throughout all the relationships on the show. Then people get jealous, people get afraid, or nervous. There’s a going-away party, and without saying anything that’s giving away too much, there’s definitely some groundbreaking events that nobody has ever seen on The Big Bang Theory that will occur in this finale. It’s an exciting one.”

The Big Bang Theory has doubled its debut audience and now has nearly 20 million people tuning in each week. CBS renewed the show for a 7th season and Helberg believes that The Big Bang Theory will be around for a few more years after next year’s finale.

Helberg said: “I think we’re all having a good time and I think the show is far from being stale. It is kind of constantly — not reinventing itself — but just expanding on these characters. So, yeah, I think we’re going strong for now, as long as people keep inviting us in.”

Here’s a preview for The Big Bang Theory season finale.

The CBS show has been setting new ratings records all year but the show will have some pretty stiff competition tonight. The Office will be closing its door for the last time tonight on NBC.

Do you watch The Big Bang Theory? Are you excited for the finale tonight?

Big Bang Theory Finale: Actor Simon Helberg Drops Hints About Thursday’s Episode is a post from: The Inquisitr

Volunteers removed over ten million pounds of trash, including 2 million cigarette butts, during International Coastal Cleanup Day in 2012.

The Ocean Conservancy, which hosts the event every year, released its report this week saying that more than 500,000 volunteers worked to remove 10,149,988 pounds of trash along 17,719 coastal miles during the event last year.

In addition to nearly 2 million cigarette butts, the cleanup crew also removed more than a million food containers, another million plastic water bottles, 600,00o items of cutlery, more than 300,000 aluminum cans, 4,000 candles, 117 mattresses, and 40 lottery tickets.

The group writes: “For more than a quarter of a century, volunteers from all over the world have gather every year along coastlines and waterways to participate in the International Coastal Cleanup. Many walk, while others set out on boats. Thousands more don scuba gear to seek trash below the water’s surface. In 2012, more than half a million volunteers participated, collecting more than 10 million pounds of trash and covering a distance of nearly 18,000 miles.”

“These volunteers have picked up everything imaginable along the world’s shorelines: cigarette butts, food wrappers, abandoned fishing gear and even automobiles and kitchen appliances.”

The most frequently found item was a cigarette butt. The cleanup crews removed more than 2 million cigarette butts during International Cleanup Day. If you’re looking for an exact number, the organization says that 2,117,931 discarded cigarettes were removed from the ocean.

Here are the top 10 items found during 2012 International Cleanup Day.

The Ocean Conservancy will host its 2013 International Cleanup Day on September 21. Here’s a video from last year’s event.

Here are some of the more interesting finds from 2012.

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Tommy Chong has a pretty simple solution for getting the United States back on track: Legalize marijuana.

The Grammy Award-winning comedian said that the United States could quickly find its way out of debt if it legalized marijuana. Chong pointed to states like Colorado and Washington saying that recreational marijuana could create a big surge of cash for the federal government.

Chong said: “Look at the situation we’re in now. Sequesters. Cuts. Everything cut across the board. Now, the government is tapped into the biggest cash crop in the world … There’s little manufacturing cost. You don’t have to do anything except watch it grow and get a couple of hippies to cut it and then put it in a bag.”

Chong, who is best known for being half of the pot smoking comedy duo Cheech & Chong, is confident that marijuana will save the world.

Chong said: “Hemp itself is going to save the world.”

The comedian isn’t the only one who believes that legalizing marijuana could help the United States with its ongoing debt problems. His comedy partner, Richard “Cheech” Marin, said that he was confident that the United States would completely legalize marijuana in the next few years.

Marin said: “The tipping point is 24 states to legalize medical marijuana, so it’s coming soon.”

Philly.com notes that nearly 20 states have legalized marijuana for medical purposes and another dozen states have legislation pending. Colorado and Washington have both legalized the drug for recreational purposes.

Do you think Marijuana will be legalized in the next few years? Will it “save” the United States?

[Image Via s_bukley / Shutterstock.com]

Tommy Chong: Legalizing Marijuana Could Save United States is a post from: The Inquisitr

A naked painting of Bea Arthur is recently sold for nearly $2 million.

The nude painting of the late Golden Girls actress was auctioned off by Christie’s during the Post-War and Contemporary Art Sale in New York this week. The painting, by John Currin, was expected to fetch somewhere between $1.8 million and $2.5 million.

The painting ended up with a realized price of $1,915,750 (not including any additional fees).

Currin created Bea Arthur Naked back in 1991. Critic Peter Schjeldahl wrote in The New Yorker in 2003 that the painting was suspended somewhere “between the object of desire and the object of loathing,”

Christie’s Auction House writes: “Beautiful in its execution, infamous in the press, and simultaneously nostalgic and repelling with its subject matter, Bea Arthur Naked is among John Currin’s early master works … Here, the muted palette of warm earth tones, allows the viewer to focus on the sitter’s gaze, her smooth skin tone, that enigmatic smile, together with her wonderfully full and expressive eyes. We are familiar with the subject matter but not in the way in which it is handled; Currin mixes nostalgia with provocation.”

The winning bidder has not been identified.

Bea Arthur is best known for her Emmy winning roles in Golden Girls and Maude. She passed away from cancer in 2009.

[Image Via Joe Seer / Shutterstock.com]

Naked Bea Arthur Painting Sells For $2 Million is a post from: The Inquisitr

Australian drag racer Chris Matheson walked away from a 230 MPH crash with a broken ankle, a couple of bruises, and one crazy story to tell at his next race.

Matheson was racing during at the Sydney Dragway’s 2013 Nitro Champs event. The Australian racer got his bike up to 230 mph before he lost control and spilled down the strip. Matheson and his motorcycle both do a couple of flips before skidding to a stop in front of an awestruck crowd.

The racer was able to get up and hobble off the course before being told that he had broken his ankle. Matheson won’t be able to race until the injury heals, but he’s got to be pretty thankful that he’ll be able to race again.

Matheson never really has control of the bike during his run but don’t mistake the Australian racer for some inexperienced rookie. According to the Australian National Drag Race Association, Matheson recently became the quickest thing on two wheels. The racer smashed the unofficial mark to become the fastest motorcycle in Australia.

Matheson said: “The bike ran like it was on rails, carrying the wheel high in the air and blasting down the braking zone before slowing to a stop with the brakes glowing …  It was mind boggling to achieve 241mph in the dark at Australia’s most famous drag strip. I knew on that pass it was now we would run quick or it was not going to happen as the dew had started to roll in. The speed is right up with only a few worldwide.”

Here’s the video of the Australian racers 230 MPH crash.

Racer’s 230 MPH Crash Results In Crazy Video, Broken Ankle is a post from: The Inquisitr

A bowler shot himself in the leg at a bowling at a bowling alley in Florida this week.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. Someone finally pushed Walter over the edge during league play. But no, this was not a Dude related incident. According to WFLX, a man who was bowling with a gun in his pocket accidentally shot himself in the leg.

Witnesses said that the weapon fired after the man accidentally hit his bowling ball against his pocket. The weapon fired, scaring everyone at the Florida bowling alley, and the man fell to the ground in pain and embarrassment.

A witness said: “The ball hit him in the leg, which triggered the revolver.”

The man was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. His injuries are not considered life threatening, and the bowling alley is not pressing charges. Jupiter Police Officer Adam Brown said that noted that it is legal in Florida to carry a concealed weapon and that the man wouldn’t be facing any state charges.

There isn’t a video available of the bowler shooting himself in the leg at Jupiter Lanes but here’s a clip from The Big Lebowski which demonstrates why it is not a good idea to bring a weapon to the bowling alley.

Bowler Shoots Himself In The Leg At Florida Bowling Alley is a post from: The Inquisitr

The battle for the starting quarterback position just got a little easier for Mark Sanchez and Geno Smith. David Garrard announced today that he was quitting the team due to a lingering knee injury.

Garrard,who had a chance at winning the starting position from Mark Sanchez, said today that his knee continued to swell up after practices and that he would not be able to continue his time with the Jets.

Garrard wrote in a text message to NFL.com’s Adam Schein: “Having to call it quits … My knee is not holding up. Continuing to swell after practices.”

An official announcement hasn’t been made yet by the New York Jets or David Garrard but the quarterback told NFL.com’s Jeff Darlington that announcement would come “tomorrow or the next day.”

The Jets have been looking for a way to rectify their abysmal quarterback situation. The team drafted Geno Smith and signed Garrard to a 1-year deal back on March 12. The Jets, who discarded Tim Tebow shortly after last season, also have Greg McElroy and Matt Simms on the bench for 2013.

Yahoo Sports notes that Garrard entered the NFL in 2002 and spent most of his career with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He took over the starting position in 2006 and earned Pro Bowl honors in 2009. He played nine seasons with Jacksonville, passing for more than 16,000 yards and 89 touchdowns.

Garrard did not say if he would be retiring due to his injury.

hey @davidgarrard9 sorry to see it end this way.Tough guy.Good man.Best to you and your family.

— Mike Dempsey (@md_1010xl) May 15, 2013

David Garrard Quits, Leaves New York Jets Due To Knee Injury is a post from: The Inquisitr

A judge scolded Donald Trump today for arguing with an attorney on the witness stand.

This is the second day that Trump has taken the stand to defend himself against 87-year-old investor Jacqueline Goldberg. According to ABC, Trump is being accused of lying to Goldberg in order to get her to purchase condos at the Trump Tower in Chicago.

ABC reports that Trump was questioned by the plaintiff’s attorney, Shelly Kulwin, and it did not go well. Trump raised his voice and rolled his eyes at attorney Shelly Kulwin as she questioned the real estate mogul about his business dealings.

U.S. District Judge Amy St. Eve scolded Trump and Kulwin for acting like children.

Judge Amy St. Eve said: “You have been dancing around and boxing each other. This is not a boxing match. Let’s get control of ourselves.”

News.AU reports that the case centers around Trump’s involvement with the development and management of the Chicago tower. Goldberg alleges that Trump proposed a profit-sharing plan to woo investors but would renege the offer after they bought in. Trump says that he is a big picture executive and doesn’t know anything about the profit-sharing plan.

Trump said: “I build hotels. I don’t run them.”

Goldberg filed a lawsuit saying that Donald Trump breached his contract and used deceptive practices. She is suing Trump for her $500,000 deposit as well as other unspecified damages.

Judge Scolds Donald Trump For Talking Back In Court is a post from: The Inquisitr

Britney Spears wants another baby. The pop singer already has two sons, Sean, 7 and Jayden, 6, but she recently revealed that she would love to have a little girl join the family.

Spears was talking to Mario Lopez about her family when she revealed that she wanted to have another baby.

Lopez told the singer that he was jealous of Spears since she had two little boys (Lopez has a daughter with his wife Courtney) but Spears countered saying that she has always wanted a girl. When the Extra host asked if there could be another baby in the future Britney responded: “Yes!”

Spears may be hoping to add a daughter to the family sometime in the future but that doesn’t mean that she isn’t enjoying her little boys. Spears said that Sean and Jayden are both “little comedians” and may have a future in show business.

Spears said: “They do like attention, so I think they would probably be good in the limelight … We’re taking baby steps right now as far as agencies and stuff go, but they’re little comedians, so we’ll see.”

Spears may want another baby but she may not be able to find time this year. The singer has been working out like crazy to get ready for her residency in Las Vegas.

Britney said: “I’m doing 90 minutes of yoga twice a week in addition to a lot of cardio … Hour-long sessions three times a week with my trainer, Tony Martinez … The [Las Vegas] performances won’t be simple. They’ll be a massive party from start to finish. And to pull this off, I have to be in top condition and running at full speed.”

[Photo Via Dooley Productions / Shutterstock.com]

Britney Spears Wants Another Baby is a post from: The Inquisitr