Former VP candidate/Democrat, Geraldine Ferraro, has passed away surrounded by her loved ones after a long battle against cancer (a multiple myeloma) at Massachusetts General Hospital on Saturday (March 26).

The 75 year-old politician was the first woman Vice Presidential nominee for a major party, alongside Walter Mondale, who was a presidential candidate against Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush back in 1984.

Geraldine Ferraro’s family released the following statement:

“Geraldine Anne Ferraro Zaccaro was widely known as a leader, a fighter for justice and a tireless advocate for those without a voice. To us, she was a wife, mother, grandmother and aunt, a woman devoted to and deeply loved by her family. Her courage and generosity of spirit throughout her life waging battles big and small, public and personal, will never be forgotten and will be sorely missed.”

The 41st President of The United States, George H. W. Bush, and his wife Barbara Bush, released an official statement expressing their condolences:

“Barbara and I were deeply saddened to learn of Gerry’s passing. Though we were one-time political opponents, I am happy to say Gerry and I became friends in time — a friendship marked by respect and affection,” Bush said in the statement. “I admired Gerry in many ways, not the least of which was the dignified and principled manner she blazed new trails for women in politics.”

Former President Bill Clinton and wife, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, also had some words to say about the great Geraldine Ferraro:

“Gerry Ferraro was one of a kind — tough, brilliant, and never afraid to speak her mind or stand up for what she believed in — a New York icon and a true American original.

“She was a champion for women and children and for the idea that there should be no limits on what every American can achieve,” the Clintons said in their statement.

“She paved the way for a generation of female leaders and put the first cracks in America’s political glass ceiling,” the Clintons said. “For us, Gerry was above all a friend and companion. From the rough-and-tumble of political campaigns to the important work of international diplomacy, we were honored to have her by our side. She was a tireless voice for human rights and helped lead the American delegation to the landmark Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing in 1995. Through it all, she was a loyal friend, trusted confidante and valued colleague.”

In a statement, President Barack Obama said:

“Whether it was as a public school teacher, assistant district attorney, member of Congress or candidate for vice president, Geraldine fought to uphold America’s founding ideals of equality, justice, and opportunity for all. And as our ambassador to the U.N. Human Rights Commission, she stood up for those ideals around the world. Sasha and Malia will grow up in a more equal America because of the life Geraldine Ferraro chose to live,” Obama added, referring to his two daughters.

[image: wenn.com]

British singer/TV star Myleene Klass gave birth to a baby girl named Hero Harper, who weighed six pounds and two ounces, on Friday (March 25). The father of the baby is the Hear’Say star’s fiancé, Graham Quinn.

The couple announced the happy news on Myleene’s official Website. A rep released the following statement:

“This afternoon at 5.02pm Myleene gave birth to Hero Harper Quinn. Weighing 6lb and 2oz, Hero is Myleene’s second daughter. We’d like to send Myleene & family the warmest congratulations. You can send your own message of congratulations to Myleene via her Twitter and Facebook pages.”

Graham and Myleene, who have been together for more than eight years, also have a three year-old daughter named Ava Bailey. Congratulations to the Klass-Quinn family!

[image: wenn.com]

Wrestling star Kurt Angle was arrested for being totally wasted while sitting on his car, which was stopped in a median separating lanes somewhere in Grand Forks, North Dakota on Friday morning (March 25).

The highway patrol found the 42 year-old wrestler/actor/Olympic champion behind the wheel on the road. The cops talked with him and smelled alcohol. Kurt failed the required field sobriety tests and was promptly arrested.

The good news is Kurt was actually not driving, so he was only charged with being in control of a vehicle while intoxicated. Poor Kurt even managed to smile for his mug shot. Cute.

Kurt took to his official Twitter to explain exactly what had happened. It turns out it was all a big misunderstanding. Here is what he had to say:

“Thank U to my supporters. I was not drunk. I was in ice storm and my car slid into 3 ft of snow median. I called police 4 help. They had other plans. I was stuck and wanted to go to my hotel. I was not passed out Drunk. I was co-herent. I’m sorry if I let you down. Don’t believe everything You read.

“My life is good and this is a speed bump in the road. The truth will come out. GOD Bless. I take responsibility for this. My job is to stay clean and never put myself in jeopardy. TMZ blew it out of proportion. After my Hearings, I will give You proper story. GOD Bless. Kurt Angle. I Love You all.”

Kurt doesn’t look like the typical drunk guy in the mug shot above. We’ll give him the benefit of the doubt because he did go right back to work afterward.

American Idol Season 10 contestant Casey Abrams reportedly began hyperventilating and fell backstage after being the person with the lowest votes and being saved by the judges during the shocking live results show on Thursday (March 24).

American Idol SHOCKER: Casey Abrams Voted Off, Saved By Judges (VIDEO)

Casey was shocked the judges chose to save him so early in the competition. He said, “I feel really bad that other [contestants] might have to go home now because they [the judges] used the save on me.”

2011 American Idol Season 10 Top 13 Finalists Revealed!

The contestant apparently simply needed some time to calm down. That same day in the morning, Casey got a blood transfusion because of health problems related to his stomach condition (ulcerative colitis).

Casey Abrams, The American Idol Winner Says Steven Tyler

Get well soon, Casey! You deserve to be on Idol. The judges simply did their job.

Giants quarterback, Eli Manning, and his wife, Abby McGrew-Manning, have reportedly welcomed their first child, a healthy baby girl named Ava Frances Manning, in Oxford, Mississipi on Monday (March 21).

The baby girl weighed 7 pounds and 4 ounces. According to Page Six, the proud new parents have been extra busy preparing for the arrival of their bundle of joy. They allegedly bought another apartment on their floor to create their own baby wing.

Congratulations to the new parents!

[image: PNP/wenn.com]

Pop princess Britney Spears made her glorious return to the stage during a surprise performance at the Rain nightclub inside the Palms Casino and Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada on Friday (March 25).

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Jersey Shore’s DJ Pauly D warmed up the crowd before Britney took over the stage to perform her new hits, “Till The World Ends” (listen to audio HERE) and “Hold It Against Me” (watch music video HERE), and debut the song “Big Fat Bass”, which was produced by Black Eyed Peas star Will.I.Am.

The show was filmed as a part of an MTV special that will air next week. There was not many dance moves… but there was a lot of booty shaking and hair tossing with the help of a wind machine. A bit disappointing, I might say. Britney was also most probably not even singing live.

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Britney enthusiastically tweeted, “Just wrapped final rehearsals. Pumped! Here we go people… @RainLasVegas @PalmsLasVegas @MTV Can’t wait to take the stage again at midnight….” Later, she added, “OMFG it feels good to be on stage again!!”

Britney’s new album “Femme Fatale” is out on Tuesday (March 29). Britney is also scheduled to perform a special show for Good Morning America in San Francisco on Sunday night, which will only air on the big album launch day. And finally, Britney will rock an outdoor stage on Jimmy Kimmel Live!.

Watch Britney Spears “Big Fat Bass” Las Vegas Performance HERE

Britney Spears Surprise Las Vegas Performance Pictures

[images: Roderick Trestrail/Britney Spears]

The Kentucky Wildcats beat the Ohio State Buckeyes last night to advance to the Elite 8 on a Brandon Knight jumper with just 5 seconds remaining.  Wildcats senior Josh Harrellson was rugged n’ tough scoring 17 points and 10 rebounds.

Read More Details: Kentucky Upsets #1 Seed Ohio State on Brandon Knight’s Fall-Away Jumper

Underdog of the century, the VCU Rams, scored a last second victory over the Florida State Seminoles on a Bradford Burgess layup with 7.1 seconds remaining to win 72-71.  VCU is the first team to win four games without making the Final Four due to the expanded ‘First Four’ round. Many pundits, including Dick Vitale, were outraged that VCU made the tournament at all.  Now they are just one win away from the Final Four.

Read More Details: #11 VCU Beats #10 Florida State 72-71, Makes NCAA History

The North Carolina Tarheels buzzed the Marquette Golden Eagles on Friday night 81-63, and the game wasn’t even that close.  The Golden Eagles were held to just 15 first half points as the Tarheels had a 40-15 lead at halftime.  North Carolina was led by their big man, Tyler Zeller, who scored 27 points and grabbed 15 rebounds.

Read More Details: North Carolina Takes Marquette off Marquee in Big Blowout

Cinderella’s dance came to an end for the #12 Richmond Spiders last night as the #1 seed Kansas Jayhawks destroyed them 77-57. Brady Morningstar led the Jayhawks with 18 points.  Richmond made just 4 of 25 three-pointers.

Read More Details: #1 Kansas Jayhawks Stomp All Over #12 Richmond Spiders 77-57

Kansas will play Virginia Commonwealth on Sunday with the winner advancing to the Final Four.

Kentucky plays North Carolina on Sunday with the winner advancing.

Lindsay Lohan no more. The actress, or train wreck (whichever you prefer), has decided to drop her last name and just go by “Lindsay,” her mother confirmed to reporters today.

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Dina said:

“Lindsay is dropping the Lohan and just going by Lindsay. Plus, me and [younger daughter] Ali will be officially changing our last names back to my maiden name, Sullivan.”

I would typically say this is a good move for any family who has had to deal with a father like Michael Lohan, but honestly, we all know this will never stick.

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A family friend added:

“So many of the greatest people in showbiz are known by just their first name. Look at Oprah and Beyonce. Now you can add Lindsay to that list. And it’s a way for them all to start over. No one in the family want anything to do with Lindsay’s father [Michael Lohan] anymore and that includes sharing a last name.”

Michael has yet to comment on this. Ohhhhh, Michael…….

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“Stamina is utterly important. And stamina is only possible if it’s managed well. People think all they need to do is endure one crazy, intense, job-free creative burst and their dreams will come true. They are wrong, they are stupidly wrong.

Laura Vikmanis, 42, is not just a mom, trainer and registered dietician. She’s also the NFL’s oldest cheerleader, and soon-to-be center of a major motion film.

In 2009, Vikmanis became the oldest member of the Cincinnati Bengals’ Ben-Gals squad, earning her plenty of attention from her fellow teammates, as well as the rest of the world.

Now, her story, one that is certainly unique, has been picked up by New Line Cinema. Gnomeo and Juliet writers Emily Cook and Kathy Greenberg have been hired to set her story up for the big screen.

Back in 2009, Vikmanis told reporters:

“I was at a point in my life where I was like, ‘What do I really want to do? What’s something in my life that makes me happy?’ I went to a couple games and saw the cheerleaders and thought that looked really, really fun.”

Making it to the final round of cuts in 2008 prompted the mom to train for an entire year, eventually earning herself a spot on the squad in 2009:

“My family, I think at first when I told them I was going to try out, were like ‘Oh yeah, that’s something fun to try.’When I finally made it they were in tears and just so excited. They have been behind me 100 percent. … My children thought it was cool, but I don’t think they understood fully until they went to the game and actually saw me on the field. They think it’s so cool.”

This is a great story. Totally cheesy, but nonetheless, great. I smell a box office hit!

[image: THR]

“The Design Star” Vern Yip and his partner, Craig Koch, happily announced they have welcomed their second child, a healthy baby girl named Vera Lillian Beatrix, via a surrogate on March 12.

“We are thrilled and excited to add a new member to our family. On March 12th, Vera Lillian Beatrix came into the world and she is perfect in every possible way,” Yip, 42, tells PEOPLE.

“It is safe to say that we are all completely in love! Her big brother Gavin has already been taking good care of her, kissing her head and offering up his toys.”

Vern and Craig already had a 14 month-old son named Gavin Joshua Mannox, who was also born via a surrogate on January 6, 2010. Congratulations to the Koch-Yip family!

[image: People]

Lady GaGa is going country! Yeehaw! The eccentric singer, who recently claimed she would start sleeping in her Grammy egg, just released a country road version of her hit “Born This Way” on Friday (March 25)- watch video below. LOVE it!

Lady GaGa’s Tattoos Are All On Her Left Side

GaGa made the big announcement on Twitter, saying, “Surprise Monsters!: Born This Way (The Country Road Version) will be released on Twitter tomorrow at 12am PST/3am EST 3/25.”

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Once again, GaGa proves music is the universal language. It doesn’t matter where you are from… you are on the right track baby cause you were born this way! What do you think of GaGa as a country artist?

Lady GaGa “Born This Way” Country Road Version Video go on reading »