According to a recent survey, there are more break-ups in January than at any other time of year. Relationship experts estimate that as many as nine million people consider breaking up with their significant other after New Year's.
From Thanksgiving to Christmas to New Year's, couples spend a lot of time together -- and get on each other's nerves. On top of that, January is the time of the year that people give their lives a review. Since it's an opportunity to make a fresh start, it's an opportunity to get rid of mates that just aren't clicking.
Giving Up Too Soon...?
Some people complain about the younger generation and how quickly they give up on marriages and other relationships. The criticism is that they don't work hard enough at it to keep it going.
Some relationship experts don't think the problem has anything to do with how quickly people give up, but instead how quickly people get into marriages and deep relationships in the first place.
"Relationships today are often built on shallow ground and we live in a world of immediacy -- we want everything now. Because of this, many of us get into relationships too quickly without spending time getting to know the other person," said one counselor. "A successful relationship is not about shared tastes but shared values, and it can take time to discover whether you share this with another person."
Working It Out...
If you're in a troubled relationship and you're hoping to salvage things, here are a few simple tips when having "The Big Talk:"
1. No Interruptions -- Set aside time to talk when you will not be interrupted.
2. Take Turns -- Both of you will have things on your mind, so take turns. Some counselors suggest even setting a timer for five minutes with one speaking while the other listens, then reversing the process.
3. Explain, Don't Blame -- Tell your partner how you felt, feel or will be feeling about something without blaming them. This can be tricky but it is a very useful way of owning your feelings.
4. Soothing Environment -- Plan to go together somewhere which provides an environment you both find relaxing such as a walk in the park or a drink at a pub.
5. Lower Your Expectations -- Don't be surprised if there isn't an immediate improvement. Fixing relationships takes time.
LATEST FITNESS CRAZE: HULA HOOPING
Women who are tired of spin classes and treadmills now have a fitness alternative -- hula hoping classes.
The hula hoop is back. Hooping classes are popping up at gyms and community centers around the country.
"I hate the thought of going to the gym, but pick up a hoop and it can be playtime," said Noelle Powers, who is teaching a six-week hula hoop course. "It's a great way to burn calories and strengthen muscles, especially core muscles, and it can be very meditative."
In Case You Were Wondering ... Singer Beyonce reportedly uses a hula hoop to maintain her "bootylicious" figure.
Hoops for adults are wider and heavier than those for kids, which makes them easier to spin around a larger waist. And fans usually just call them "hoops" -- since they don't really have anything to do with the traditional Hawaiian hula dance.
Advanced dancers pull off elaborate tricks -- such as twirling a hoop on their feet while standing on their heads. "People didn't even imagine that you could do things like this with a hula hoop," said Rayna McInturf, founder of Hoopnotica, a California-based hooping school.
WEIRD AROUND THE WORLD
Fat Bank Account Better Than Skinny Body
New York, New York ... An online poll of nearly 7000 women done by Woman's Day magazine and AOL Body found that three out of four women would rather have money than a great body.
One question in the poll asked women if they would rather have Jennifer Aniston's bikini body or $1 million.
"I'd rather have the money," said 78 percent of the respondents, while the other 22 percent said they'd like to "look like Jennifer."
Other results ... 57 percent said they considered themselves overweight, 30 percent admitted feeling "uncomfortable and ashamed" about their bodies, and 37 percent said their biggest wish was "to be thinner."
But having millions of dollars surpasses all of those feeling, according to the new issue of Women's Day -- on newsstands today.
Death Before Ticket?
London, England ... British police say a motorist tried to get out of a traffic ticket by posing as a friend and telling authorities that he was dead.
Shafkat Munir presented police with a phony death certificate because he was afraid of losing his license after being caught speeding three times in the space of a few weeks, The Daily Mail reported.
Munir claimed to be a friend when he contacted police to tell them there was no way he could have been behind the wheel when the speed-camera took a picture of his car.
However, police questioned the alleged "friend" and he eventually came clean.
Now Munir, who would have faced a $350 fine and points on his license for the speeding violations, has been sentenced to 12 months in jail and barred from driving for 18 months.
Underwear Thief Gets Jail Time
Colfax, Washington ... A 24-year-old man is facing a month and a half in jail after admitting he stole 93 pounds of women's underwear.
Garth Flaherty was charged with first-degree theft and burglary for stealing 1,613 pairs of women's underwear and bras from apartment laundry rooms.
Under an agreement with prosecutors, he pleaded guilty and was sentenced in Whitman County Superior Court to 45 days in jail. He may serve 30 days of his term in community service, court officials said.
SO SAD
There are certain things we don't see coming -- and Heath Ledger's death is one of them. As we all know, he was found dead yesterday by his housekeeper at a downtown Manhattan residence, and authorities are calling it a possible drug-related death. He was 28.
Law enforcement officials have confirmed to TMZ that various pills were found at the scene but they are awaiting the Medical Examiner to assess the situation before releasing more information. There were no signs of trauma and police think the death was accidental but an autopsy has been scheduled to take place today (Wednesday) to find out the actual cause of death.
Nicole Kidman released a statement to Extra with her condolences ... "What a tragedy. My heart goes out to his family." (Heath dated Nicole Kidman's good friend Naomi Watts on-and-off for two years.)
And Entourage's Adrian Grenier said, "That is so tragic. He led a great life."
Our hearts go out to his family at this difficult time.
EERIE ...
Heath Ledger recently gave an interview to a FOX-TV affiliate in Cleveland where he said: "I feel good about dying because I feel alive through her." (He was talking about his daughter Matilda with Michelle Williams.)
HIS FAMILY SAYS IT WAS AN ACCIDENT
TMZ has heard from a rep from Heath's family. The cops told the family Heath's death was an accident, and there was no evidence that pointed to suicide. Just like Anna Nicole's Smith son, Daniel. He had a deadly concoction of pills ant it was an accident... eenie meenie miney moe... sometimes it's a dangerous crapshoot.
Heath's family is upset that the media is saying he may have taken his own life and said he was not that kind of person.
And Perezhilton.com reports that two bottles of sleeping "aids" were found -- one prescription bottle and one over-the-counter, which means an accidental overdose would be more likely because "experts" say that it is harder to overdose on just prescription sleeping pills.
HEATH'S DAD SPEAKS
Heath Ledger's father, Kim Ledger, with his family by his side, released a statement on Australian television, TMZ reports.
"We, Heath's family, confirm, the very tragic, untimely and accidental passing of our dearly loved son, brother and doting father of Matilda. He was found peacefully asleep in his New York apartment by his housekeeper at 3:30 p.m. U.S. time.
...Heath has touched so many people on so many different levels during his short life but few had the pleasure of truly knowing him. He was a down to earth, generous, kind-hearted, life-loving and selfless individual who was extremely inspirational to many. Please now respect our families need to grieve and come to terms with our loss privately."
CONDOLENCES
Usher's father's father's funeral is tomorrow (Wednesday). Usher Raymond III died Friday at an Atlanta hospital. He was 52. The cause of death is not known.
MEANWHILE...
Amy Winehouse continues to temp fate -- did you hear she was filmed smoking crack at a recent party at her home in East London? The Sun has video footage, shot in the early morning hours last Friday, of Amy snorting what is believed to be powdered ecstasy and cocaine -- and then later taking a hit on a glass pipe allegedly containing crack. She also admits to having taken "about six valium" to "bring myself down".
Oh, she'll bring herself down all right.
Amy's reps and British authorities are keeping tight-lipped on the situation. But Universal Records released this statement saying: "We are deeply disappointed and upset by these latest revelations and are doing everything we can to offer Amy our full support in dealing with her problems."
OH YEAH -- BRITNEY...
Britney and her shenanigans seem trivial in the wake of such tragic news ... But, the show inevitably goes on... It seems Britney's "boyfriend," Adnan Ghalib, is finally speaking publicly about his "relationship" with Britney. In an interview with Entertainment Tonight that aired last night Adnan said ...
He was not paid for his interview with ET.
When asked how he and Britney became "friends" he said: "I think I believe it was December 20, when it was an aggressive chase and at a stoplight in Hollywood she got out of her car and got into mine and I think that's what made the difference." When asked if he was shocked, Adnan replied, "Beyond shocked!"
Of course -- it was his lucky day!
And Speaking Of Britney...
She's been accused again of working with the paparazzi to make sure she's always in the public eye. Paparazzo Alison Silva is quoted in the New York Post as saying: "Britney is in on it. She calls the paparazzi before she goes out. We know 15 minutes before she leaves the house. It's all staged." Anything's possible with Britney...
WHO HASN'T PARIS MADE OUT WITH?
Big deal -- so Paris Hilton was seen making out with Jared Leto this week at an L.A. club. A source told Page Six: "Paris and Jared are not dating seriously, but this is not the first time they have made out - there just weren't any cameras around before." But this won't be a new couple -- Paris has said in the past, "I don't want a boyfriend right now, I travel too much and don't have time for a relationship."
Or more accurately, she doesn't have it in her to stay faithful.
And Speaking Of Paris...
Paris will appear on The Late Show with David Letterman -- even though the last time she was on his show Dave teased her about her jail stint. TMZ reports she'll be a guest on the show on Friday, February 1. It'll be the sixth time she's been on Dave's show -- proving, for Paris, ANY publicity is good publicity.
STUPID IDEA
The National Enquirer is saying Jessica Simpson wants to do a duet with boyfriend Tony Romo. Um, Jessica -- he's a football player -- not a singer. A source told the Enquirer, "Jessica has been schooled in publicity tricks by her manager dad, Joe, and she knows that a duet with Tony will attract major attention." Way to think only of yourself, Jessica. Tony wouldn't get any flack for THAT! Ha!
THAT'S NOT WHY WE'RE CRITICIZING HIM
So we all saw that crazy Tom Cruise video last week -- and now John Travolta is coming to fellow Scientologist Tom Cruise's defense ...
"Tom has -- we all have -- the right to practice how we feel," he told People. "It finally becomes unfair."
Of course we have the right to practice what we feel. It's just that Tom wants US to feel what HE feels and preaches Scientology like a maniac.
SHE DOESN'T WANT TO KNOW -- HE DOES
Here's the first problem for pregnant Jessica Alba and Cash Warren -- he wants to know the gender of their baby, and she doesn't! It seems they were asked when they were at the Sundance Film Festival over the weekend if they were going to find out the sex of their child, Cash said, "Yes!" -- while Jessica simultaneously answered, "No."
Just Wondering... This must happen a lot to couples... What did you do when you were in this situation? What should Jessica and Cash do?
D-LIST IS BACK
Bravo has renewed Kathy Griffin show, My Life on the D-List for a fourth season. It'll premiere later this year. Hasn't she moved up to C-list yet?
DIVORCE PARTIES
Have you heard of those divorce parties women throw -- to "celebrate' getting a divorce? Seems a little sad, like a way to mask a recently divorced women's pain. It's as if you're trying too hard to "not care."
SORRY!
Married people apologize twice as often as those who are single, divorced or separated -- even if they feel they're not to blame, says a Zogby poll of 7,590 adults.
MEN DRINK TWICE AS MUCH AS WOMEN
According to a new study conducted in England, men drink twice as much alcohol as women.
By the Numbers...
Men drink an average of 19 drinks per week.
Women only have 9 drinks.
More Results ...
People from homes classed as managerial level or professional enjoy 15 drinks per week.
Men and women in households who work at jobs that they consider routine and manual have 12 drinks per week.
MARK VINCENT KAPLAN is divulging private details about what happened during BRITNEY SPEARS' deposition on Monday.
KEVIN FEDERLINE's legal eagle tells People magazine that the experience is not anything anyone would enjoy, and calls the details "very, very gut-wrenching." Despite Brit-Brit getting kudos for showing up, Mr. Kaplan maintains she was still 50 minutes late, and says there's a lot more to cover, since he's only asked "about two percent" of his questions.
Meanwhile, TMZ.com reports that Commissioner SCOTT GORDON, who's handling Britney' custody case, has repeatedly ordered Brit to undergo a psychological evaluation, but she has repeatedly refused to do it. The evaluation could be the key to Britney regaining visitation rights. Britney's lawyers are expected to show up today to ask the Commish to grant her "monitored visitation" in a "theraputic setting" --another way of saying she'll get to see the kids in a shrink's office. Maybe.
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The Britney rumor of the day comes to us from her "friends" who tell the British tabloid News of the World that the pop wreck plans to fake her own death, move abroad, and come back as the "world's best mother." If all that fails, she still has PARIS HILTON on her side. The heiress told In Touch Weekly that she's spoken with her buddy, who she calls "very sweet," and has hope that everything will wind up OK. (Lee)
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And, the London Daily Mail reports that FinalPixx, the paparazzi outfit that Britney's ex-boyfriend, ADNAN GHALIB, shoots pictures for, is now offering (surprise!) a bunch of private photos, text messages and even videos of the couple together enjoying some quality time together. Adnan himself has also stretched his 15 minutes over several nights by reportedly signing a lucrative deal with "Entertainment Tonight."
And it shouldn't surprise anybody that Adnan's wife, AZLYNN ELIZABETH BERRY, has filed for separation, since Adnan has been going out with Miss Thang. People magazine says the papers --filed in court Dec 18, five years to the day that they were married-- ask for spousal support and her attorney's fees. The couple has no children.
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MILEY CYRUS may be one of the biggest teen stars on the planet, but is still a sweet girl. Vegas Confidential reports that she made a surprise visit to the Sunrise Hospital's children's cancer ward while in Las Vegas, where she spent and an hour-and-a-half posing for pictures, signing autographs, and visiting with the kids. (Lee)
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With that TOM CRUISE Scientology video making the rounds, it was only a matter of time before somebody came along and made a parody of it. And that person would be JERRY O'CONNELL, who co-starred with Tom in the movie, "Jerry McGuire," playing his client, Frank Cushman. The video is on WILL FERRELL's website, funnyordie.com.
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DENISE RICHARDS and CHARLIE SHEEN had one of the ugliest divorces in Hollywood history, and are still duking it out. Sources tell the TV show, "Extra," that Denise is looking to launch a reality show starring her and their two girls, SAM and LOLA, but Charlie put the smackdown on the idea because he thinks his ex is just exploiting their kids for her own vanity and greed. However, a report on TMZ.com says the judge gave Denise permission to do the show with the kids, as long as she complied with "certain restrictions." (Lee)
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TED CASABLANCA of E! Online.com reports that JAKE GYLLENHAAL is looking to relocate to San Francisco's Noe (pronounced: No-ee) Valley. Word is the "Brokeback" actor is looking into a family-friendly property, allegedly to bring along girlfriend REESE WITHERSPOON and her kids. (Lee)
Editor's note: speaking of "Brokeback" actors --HEATH LEDGER dead at 28. Details in Data Dump, above.
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The National Enquirer reports that BRENDAN FRASER, who split from his wife of nine years, AFTON SMITH, in December, is already dating MARIA BELLO. Insiders say the two met on the set of "The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor" while filming in China and have serious chemistry.(Lee)
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The British tabloid the London Sun reports that we could be seeing lots more of PENELOPE CRUZ than she ever intended. Weeks after her digital camera originally disappeared while on vacation with her boyfriend, JAVIER BARDEM, it has still not been returned and word is she's extremely nervous there's some "content" on the camera that could be sold to the media. Her lawyer vows that if any private images are leaked there will be legal action. (Lee)
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Don't believe the angry and rude SIMON COWELL you see on American Idol is the real deal --he's actually a teddy bear who's left the majority of his 200-million-dollar fortune to charity. He tells the London Sun tabloid that he got the idea from his mother, who asked if he had a trust set up in the event of his death, so he made it happen with his favorite causes in mind. Simon is a softie for animals, too. He's already donated nearly 20-grand to a dog shelter in Barbados. (Lee)
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PINK has been busy tongue-lashing operators of horse-and-carriage businesses in Central Park, and insinuated last week that the animals are not taken care of! A rep for the industry has now shot back, and CAROLYN DALY tells RUSH and MOLLOY of the NY Daily News that the working equines are very pampered, and even get a four-month vacation every year in the pastures of Pennsylvania! Ms. Daly says that the singer is a true "stupid girl" who doesn't know what she's talking about. (Lee)
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SOPHIA BUSH is big fan of Valentine's Day even though she doesn't' have a boyfriend! She told a reporter for In Touch Weekly that one of her traditions for the big day is to send cards to all her friends because boys will come and go, but girlfriends are always there. (Lee)
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JOHNNY DEPP is a celebrated and award-winning actor, but his true talent lies in playing Barbies. He tells Ananova.com that he often plays with the blonde doll and her boyfriend, KEN, with his children, and says it's one of the few things he's good at. (Lee)
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KATIE HOLMES has gotten a glamorous image makeover since marrying TOM CRUISE, but is still a tough cookie. The Post Chronicle's Tittle-Tattle gossip column quotes Katie as saying the "stuff" in the news about her daughter, SURI, allegedly being fathered by L-RON HUBBARD, is "not okay," and something she simply won't stand for. (Lee)
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HUGH GRANT is denying rumors of a mid-life crisis. The actor told NEIL SEAN, a British radio host, that even though he's nearly 50 and still partying it up with college co-eds, he's doing what any other single man would do by just having fun. (Lee)
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HALLE BERRY is loving her baby bump. The mom-to-be tells Us Weekly magazine that she's in no hurry to have her baby and wishes she could stay pregnant forever.
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DANNIELYNN BIRKHEAD is not having eye problems because of her mom's drug use. According to Us Weekly magazine, her turned in eye is genetic, not because ANNA NICOLE SMITH allegedly used drugs while she was pregnant with her.
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BRITNEY SPEARS cousin is telling all to Us Weekly magazine. ALI SIMS tells the tabloids that she's never seen Brit take drugs, thinks her former boyfriend /photographer ADNAN GHALIB is not a good person and is using Britney and says Brit isn't crazy, she's just stressed.
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NICOLE RICHIE was overwhelmed her first day as a new mom. Us Weekly magazine reports that the Nicole and baby daddy JOEL MADDEN took daughter HARLOW home the same day that she was born. A source tells the tabloid that she cried the whole first day but her mom BRENDA and best friend MASHA GORDON arrived to help and she felt more at ease.
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R. KELLY is in love. According to Star magazine, the singer has been seeing "American Idol" Season 2 finalist TRENYCE COBBINS since meeting her last April.
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Did BRENDAN FRASER fall for MARIA BELLO and end his marriage over it? According to Star magazine, the two actors bonded on the set of the third "Mummy" movie and Brendan separated from his wife shortly after.
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CHRISTINA RICCI is getting serious about her boyfriend KICK GURRY. Star magazine reports that the actress recently flew to Australia to meet her "Speed Racer" costar's family. (Myers)
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Taking everything much too seriously:
Flight attendants in Thailand want a new soap opera cancelled because they say it portrays them in an unrealistic and immoral way.
The show, called, "The Air Hostess War," is about a married pilot's affair with a stewardess. The Bangkok Post says viewers like it; the pilot's union doesn't.
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Looking for Love in all the Wrong Places:
No matter where you go, someone's always watching!
In Shanghai, a young couple on a subway platform were kissing goodbye --a long goodbye-- and he kept going for more sloppy kisses. Surveillance video cameras caught it all --from different angles, no less-- and someone decided to download the video onto YouTube. It's gotten thousands of hits, so now the couple plans to sue the subway's operator because they're SO embarrassed.
Authorities say the cameras are needed to combat crime but Chinese legal experts say that doesn't mean uploading video like this. They're calling for stronger privacy legislation regulating the use of video footage.
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Animal Stories:
Maybe cats aren't the only pets who get nine lives. The Kalamazoo Gazette found a dog that survived for months with a huge arrow lodged in its body!
Two-year-old chocolate lab Remington was going through life with an 8-and-a-half inch aluminum arrow shaft, tip and all, resting firmly in his broad chest. Nobody had a clue how the arrow got there, but they knew it had been there for a long time.
At some point, the arrow shifted positions, and Remington started acting odd. That's when owner SCOTT CORNELISSE noticed the arrow by chance. "I thought it was a broken rib," he said. Their vet's X-ray told them it was an arrow, and Dr. STEVEN HARDEN got it out of the 100-pound dog before it was too late. Remington is back to a normal, puncture-free life now. (Couchman)
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