Sunday, April 29, 2012

Iron Man Recast? Robert Downey, Jr 'Would Really Hate' That

The actor tells MTV News he expects to play the superhero 'for a long while.'
By Kevin P. Sullivan


Robert Downey Jr. at the "Avengers" premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival on Saturday
Photo: Getty Images

With the Avengers finally assembling next week, Marvel Studios and the stars behind the heroes have already begun to look ahead to the next films set in the comic-book universe. At the closing night celebration of the Tribeca Film Festival on Saturday night (April 28), Robert Downey, Jr. spoke with MTV News about the future of his character, Iron Man, and addressed recent talk about other actors playing the role in the future.

At CinemaCon last week, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige mentioned to Badass Digest that when it came time for Downey to leave the role of Tony Stark behind, a new actor could pick up right where he left off, like in the James Bond films.

But Downey told MTV News on the red carpet that he wasn't so thrilled about the idea of someone else playing Tony Stark. "I would really hate for someone else to think they could step into my shoes," he said. An infamous jokester, he couldn't help but ask, "I wonder who's playing Tony Stark next. Is it you? Is that what you're here to tell me?"

But Downey can't be Iron Man forever, and while the 42-year-old actor couldn't say for sure how many movies he has left in him, he made clear he'll be interested as long as they remain good films.

"I know things are looking like that they could go on for a long while," Downey said. "As usual in my book, it's all about quality control and delivering a product that you can have this kind of reaction to. If they keep doing that, maybe I'll keep showing up."

In Downey's immediate Marvel future, there's next year's "Iron Man 3." The past few weeks have seen actors like Sir Ben Kingsley, Guy Pearce and Jessica Chastain potentially joining the cast, and Downey said that he could not wait to work with "any or all of them."

"It's funny. Sometimes you have to call for a good old-fashioned British invasion," Downey said. "'Iron Man 3' is really shaping up to be something special. We start in a couple weeks. I'm sure I'll be leaking secrets to you as we move ahead."

What secrets, you ask? Well, it was recently announced that "Iron Man 3" would be co-produced in China. As for whether any filming would take place in the East, Downey was less forthcoming. "I'd like to tell you all my secrets," he said," but I forget them."

Check out everything we've got on "The Avengers."

For breaking news and previews of the latest comic book movies — updated around the clock — visit SplashPage.MTV.com.

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If You Are a Photoshop Nerd, You Will Love This Drawing [Photoshop]

I don't know about you but, as a Photoshop nerd, I love this Adobe color picker drawn with a multi-colored pen. [9gag] More »


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Google Drive, Bitcoin Porn, Testicle Squeezing, Bathtub Junkets and More [Video]

This week was a busy week! Whether it was Tim Cook cracking jokes, cellphone users falling in sinkholes, Google rolling out new products, or our own Sam Biddle accepting a paid bathtub junket in the name of journalism, there were no shortage of interesting stories. Here are our top stories of the week. More »


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How to Pretend to Be Someone's Friend on Facebook [User Manual]

Most of the people you're friends with on Facebook aren't your friends—you know that. But decorum forces you to keep them in your virtual stable! Here's how to block them out of your life in a socially healthy way they'll never even know about. More »


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Maingear's Pulse 11-inch gaming laptop has designs on M11x mourners

Image

Gamers who'd been eyeing up an Alienware M11x may have been rightly irked when the 11-inch form factor was yanked off shelves. Fortunately, Maingear is stepping in with a laptop that slots an Ivy Bridge CPU into equally compact hardware. The Pulse 11 has an 11.6-inch 1366 x 768 LED-backlit display, supports up to 16GB of dual-channel DDR3 RAM while packing HDMI-out 1.4a, USB 3.0 and THX TruStudio Pro sound. Graphics-wise, there's an NVIDIA GeForce GT650M with 2GB RAM for fragging your enemies, and an Intel GMA HD GPU for fragging your spreadsheets. The hardware will begin shipping on June 3rd, with prices starting from $1,099 for a Core i5, 8GB RAM and a 320GB HDD.

Maingear's Pulse 11-inch gaming laptop has designs on M11x mourners originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Apr 2012 08:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Saturday, April 28, 2012

Ellen Reads From Fifty Shades of Grey, is Mortified


The erotic novel Fifty Shades of Grey is creating major buzz lately after the movie rights were optioned, sparking speculation over who will play its sexy leads.

Its content is so racy - often described as "mommy porn" - that it's hard to imagine Fifty Shades on film ... or even as an audiobook. Especially after this.

If you've read it, you know how awkward it would be to read some of the salacious scenes aloud. Which is why Ellen DeGeneres decided to demonstrate this.

The premise of this hilarious skit is that Ellen was asked to record the audiobook version of EL James' work. It starts out in familiar territory, but after that ...

Several big names, including Ian Somerhalder, have been rumored for the film, which has not yet cast leads for what will undoubtedly be highly sought-after roles.

Tell us who should play Christian and Anastasia by voting below ...

Which star do you think should play Christian?

Which star do you think should play Anastasia?

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Thursday, April 26, 2012

INSIDE WASHINGTON: Who pays when prez politicks? (The Arizona Republic)

Share With Friends: Share on FacebookTweet ThisPost to Google-BuzzSend on GmailPost to Linked-InSubscribe to This Feed | Rss To Twitter | Politics - Top Stories News, News Feeds and News via Feedzilla.

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Ricky Gervais Is Up To His Usual Mockery In Today's Twitter-Wood

Ah, Ricky Gervais. It seems like there's not enough words to describe him, but we're also rendered speechless when we think of his antics as a two-time Golden Globe host and the star of the original "Office." Currently, Gervais is filming "Idiot Abroad" specials with producer Karl Pilkington and actor Warwick Davis, who works with [...]

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Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Crystal Bell: 'Dancing With The Stars' Recap: Motown Marathon Madness

The music may have been Motown, but the contestants seemed like they were still caught up in the heat from Latin week, as several couples were pushed to their sensual limits on tonight's "Dancing With the Stars" (Mondays at 8 p.m. ET and Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET on ABC).

William Levy and partner Cheryl Burke ended up getting horizontal on the dance floor, while Katherine Jenkins wowed the judges with her newfound saucy spunk. However, Disney star Roson Fegan's attempt at being sexy may have just cost him the competition.

Gladys Knight may be the Empress of Soul -- and a Motown legend -- but she failed to impress the judges with her slow-tempo rumba, leaving her once again on the bottom of the leaderboard.

However, tonight was also a night of incredible comebacks, as Jaleel White finally lived up to his Week 1 potential. Plus, Donald Driver finally scored a number from Len that he agreed with and Gavin DeGraw's hat made a surprise return appearance on Mark Ballas' head. Oh, hat, how we've missed you.

Adding to the Motown pressure, for the first time this season, the contestants had to participate in a dance marathon at the end of show, where the judges awarded each couple an additional 3 to 10 points -- with the most technical and creative couple earning 10 and the least, earning a 3 -- based on who could successfully dance for the longest amount of time.

It was a brutal four-minute Motown marathon, as it tested the stamina of the competitors. Perhaps least surprising, Gladys and Tristan were knocked out first. However, frontrunners Maria and Derek were quickly kicked off the dance floor after them. In the end, Katherine and Mark were the winners, and once again, we were all treated to Katherine's surprised face. That girl puts Taylor Swift to shame.

Now, let's break down the rest of the night:

William Levy & Cheryl Burke
Dance: Rumba

William has a tough job, guys. He has to be sexy all of the time. It's not as easy as it looks. Well, for William, it actually is that easy.

William and Cheryl definitely brought the sex to the ballroom with their sensual rumba, in which they, too, ended up on the floor in a horizontal position. Their hands were just all over each other, and the women in the ballroom were loving it.

Bruno called it "absolute and utter filth" (but the good kind), while Carrie Ann thanked William "on behalf of all of the women out there." But for Len, it was a little on the raunchy side.

"It was good," he said, "But I can't go into ecstasy like some people here." Thankfully, Bruno responded with what we were all thinking: "He needs Viagra."

Judges' score: 27 + 9 = 36

Maria Menounous & Derek Hough
Dance: Foxtrot

OK, Maria, I'm over your psycho dolphin laugh. I'm sorry, but I'm really not sorry. It's kind of annoying at this point. Thankfully, you're dancing is gorgeous.

Maria may have lost her footing -- and let her shoulders come up, according to Carrie Ann -- but it was an otherwise stellar foxtrot set to "Jimmy Mack" by Martha and the Vandellas. It was sophisticated, yet fun.

And the best part? They didn't need to rely on a kiss for shock value. Instead, Maria and Derek kept it classy. Hallelujah!

Judges' score: 26 + 4 = 30

Donald Driver & Peta Murgatroyd
Dance: Foxtrot

Fact: I'm scared of Donald. I'm sure he's a really great guy (when he's winning), but after seeing how he overreacted to his scores last week, I was slightly scared of the football player -- and frightened for Len's life. I know he's competitive, but that was too much. Remember Donald, you have a Super Bowl ring. Therefore, you're already winning at life.

Back on the dance floor, Donald and Peta danced a super fun foxtrot to "The Way You Do the Things You Do" by The Temptations. After giving Donad a less-than-satisfactory 8 last week, Len told the wide receiver that his foxtrot was absolutely "explosive," and for a minute, I thought Donald was going to do a touchdown dance.

Although, he still feels like Donald can do more, so he tells Peta to "work on him" because Len feels that Donald has what it takes to be a great dancer.

Judges' score: 27 + 7 = 34

Roshon Fegan & Chelsie Hightower
Dance: Rumba

The rumba is all about being sensual, but Roshon has a Disney image to uphold, so there wasn't really anything sexy about Roshon and Chelsie's dance. In fact, the sexiest part of the entire performance was Smokey Robinson singing "Cruisin'."

But that wasn't the super cute duo's only problem. In her pursuit to make Roshon more comfortable being sensual, Chelsie caused him to completely overdo it, and the entire routine felt a little more forced than usual. It was lacking the grace and easiness of their stunning Viennese waltz from two weeks ago.

Even though the crowd loved Roshon's rumba, the judges thought that the "Shake It Up!" star over exaggerated his movements. "The movement was clipped and jerky," said Len. "It was like pain-by-numbers."

However, the best part of the night came when Bruno shook his happy hips a little too vigorously -- much to Len's obvious dismay.

Judges' score: 23 + 5 = 28

Melissa Gilbert & Maksim Chmerkovskiy
Dance: Viennese Waltz

Just when I thought Maks was going soft this season, it looks like the fiery dancer is finally back to normal -- and terrorizing Melissa in rehearsals. (Case in point: "Are your f--king legs together?!") Attaboy, Maks!

Since the beginning of the competition, I've wanted Melissa to go home. I just didn't feel like she was really trying. Where some contestants made up for their lack of technique with their big personalities, I just felt like Melissa was lacking on both fronts. However, I have to give Melissa credit tonight because the former TV star looked absolutely gorgeous on the dance floor during her Viennese Waltz.

Not only was she hitting all of her steps, but for the first week ever, she also wasn't being overshadowed by Maks. Her lines were clean, and her movements were smooth. "You work so hard, and it is finally paying off," Carrie Ann said, before telling Melissa to watch her shoulders.

Looks like Maks' tough love delivers results.

Judges' score: 24 + 6 = 30

Katherine Jenkins & Mark Ballas
Dance: Samba

The odds are definitely in Katherine and Mark's favor. Once again, the two came out on top of the leaderboard.

Working her best Snooki poof, the gorgeous mezzo-soprano danced a high-energy, sultry samba to The Temptations' "I Can't Get Next to You." Meanwhile, Katherine's partner Mark borrowed a hat from the Gavin DeGraw Collection. Maybe Gavin left it for him as a bittersweet memento?

Len was so impressed, he even made a funny, dubbing Jenkins "the midwife" of the competition because she successfully delivers week after week.

However, Katherine and Mark have yet to secure a 30, so the race to the first perfect score of the season is still on. Here that, Derek? You still have a chance.

Judges' score: 29 + 10 = 39

Gladys Knight & Tristan MacManus
Dance: Rumba

Thanks to Gladys, I know more about Motown now than I ever did before. For example, before The Temptations were The Temptations, they were The Primes. Also, The Pips used to wip their butts on the softball field. (Gladys was obviously the pitcher.)

She also brought her own secret weapon to rehearsals: Her brother Bubba, the original Pip. He definitely taught Tristan a few things about Motown, like how to snap-clap-move-and-grove properly.

On the dance floor, Gladys and Tristan got off to a slow start (really slow), but you know what? The Temptations were on stage singing "My Girl," so I was thoroughly entertained regardless. Not to mention that Tristan was wearing the cutest hipster glasses ever. However, I could have done without all of the Barney purple.

"Gladys, if I could judge purely with my heart, you would be at the top of my leaderboard," said Len. Of course, that statement was then followed by, "But you're not the best dancer." You better believe that Len's criticism was met with ballroom boos, so the top judge clarified. "You're the most charismatic dancer ... You're easy like Sunday morning."

For me, Gladys and Tristan were the only couple to really capture the soul of Motown. Of course, I'm sure the Empress of Soul had something to do with that.

Sure, Gladys may have forgotten some of her steps, but can I please just have at least one more week of Gladys and Tristan?! I swear, just give me one more week.

Judges score: 21 + 3 = 24

Jaleel White & Kym Johnson
Dance: Cha cha cha

Now, that's what you call a comeback. After weeks of turning out less-than-stellar routines, I was starting to believe that Jaleel was never going to live up to the potential he showed in Week 1. That is, until tonight.

Jaleel's cha cha cha was so energetic that it even made Bruno quote Kelly Clarkson. Say it with me now: What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.

Side note: Jaleel's mom is the cutest mom ever.

Judges' score: 29 + 8 = 37

"Dancing With the Stars" airs Mondays at 8 p.m. ET and Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET on ABC.

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?

Follow Crystal Bell on Twitter: www.twitter.com/newyorkbell

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Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Increasing Support of Breastfeeding Mothers | Baby care | Health ...

Earlier this year, researchers in Scotland examined the disjunction between the idealism of exclusive breastfeeding and the reality that many families experience. The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life for all babies. Other organizations, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, recommend that all babies consume breast milk for the first 12 months of life for maximum developmental and immune benefits. According to the Scottish study, most women find these goals unrealistic, despite the known long-term benefits of breastfeeding for both mom and baby.

Breastfeeding can reduce the incidence of diabetes, asthma, obesity, ear infections, upper respiratory infections, and SIDS. In fact, the World Health Organization has been quoted to call colostrum-the breast milk that a mother makes in the first few days after a baby is born-?baby?s first immunization? because of the immunological benefits that it confers to newborns. According to the authors of Breastfeeding Made Simple: Seven Natural Laws for Nursing Mothers, ?exclusive breastfeeding for six months by 90% of U.S. mothers could prevent 911 infant deaths and save the U.S. healthcare system US$13 billion.? Research has also shown that babies who have been breastfed excel in speech and language development and have higher IQ levels. Breastfeeding also provides myriad health benefits for mothers as well-there is a significantly lower incidence of aggressive breast cancer, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, ovarian cancer, and diabetes in women who have breastfed.

If a mother and her infant have so much to gain from breastfeeding, why are exclusive breastfeeding rates at 6 months postpartum only at 15% in the U.S., according to the CDC? Despite much promotion of the benefits and joys of breastfeeding, these low rates are likely due to a lack of support within in the infrastructure of the health care system and in our communities at large. In fact, the mothers interviewed in the Scottish study said that the lack of support from healthcare providers, family members and friends contributed to their decision to stop breastfeeding before their baby was 6 months old.

The unfortunate reality is, not all healthcare professionals fully support breastfeeding and what?s more-not all healthcare professionals are knowledgeable or skilled in providing breastfeeding support and counseling during nursing challenges. Many women receive some education in breastfeeding prenatally say, during a childbirth education class, but then get very little continued counseling during the postpartum. Furthermore, the women in the study are right when they said that many healthcare providers paint a rosy picture of breastfeeding, choosing only to speak of the beautiful bonding experience that the mother-baby nursing dyad has during breastfeeding or the long term health benefits. Too few of us actually talk about the common challenges and pitfalls that a woman may face while establishing breastfeeding out of fear of discouraging new mothers from getting started. In the end, however, the women who are challenged by getting a good latch, sore nipples, pumping at work, or getting chided in public while nursing often feel blindsided by these challenges or feel guilty about not achieving the ?ideal picture? of a breastfeeding mother. These are but a few of the challenges that breastfeeding mothers may face.

To say that many women are not getting the support that they need from their communities to continue exclusive breastfeeding until 6 months postpartum would be an understatement. While some companies support breastfeeding by having on-site lactation consultants, clean places for expressing breast milk, and on-site day care centers, many employers still do not have good systems in place to support a mother who needs to express her milk every few hours to maintain her milk supply for her growing baby. Despite the fact that many states have laws that protect a woman?s right to express milk in a clean place other than a bathroom-for up to 3 years after the birth of their baby-some women are asked to pump in the tiny stall of the company bathroom. Others struggle to get the break time that they need to express milk every few hours to prevent engorgement which can lead to a breast infection.

Breastfeeding mothers have been escorted off of airplanes, asked to leave restaurants and courtrooms, and shuffled into dressing rooms of major department stores while breastfeeding their infant. The reasons cited? Some members of the public find breastfeeding lewd, offensive or inappropriate. In Maine, the law states ?a mother has the right to breastfeed in any location, whether public or private, as long as she is otherwise authorized to be in that location.? Raised public awareness of the rights of nursing mothers is greatly needed to encourage mothers to continue breastfeeding and maximize the health benefits for her and her baby.

So where do we go from here? First we need to change the cultural attitudes around breastfeeding in the U.S. Breastfeeding our babies is the way that nature intended for us to nourish and nurture our offspring. There are often a number of key moments in the first 6 months of a baby?s life where mothers are faced with the decision to persevere through the nursing challenges or to switch to formula or exclusively feeding solid foods. However, more support from knowledgeable, skilled healthcare providers who utilize a non-judgmental approach to counseling that extends beyond the first 6 weeks postpartum is paramount during these critical times. Let?s be open and honest about the realities of breastfeeding-which can be hard and frustrating at times and beautifully transcendent at other time. By supporting one another, we can chip away at the goal of exclusively breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life day by day, one feeding at a time.

About the author:
Tiffany grew up in Midcoast Maine and graduated from Bates College in 2004 with a B.A. in Sociology. Currently, she is a 2nd year midwifery student at Birthwise Midwifery School and serves as the midwifery intern at The Birth House as part of her clinical training. At this time, Tiffany lives in the quaint town of Richmond with her fiance, Jameson.

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Bill & Giuliana Rancic: Our Baby Prayers Were Answered

After a tough few years plagued by infertility issues, a miscarriage, failed IVF treatments and a battle with breast cancer, Giuliana Rancic finally has a big reason to rejoice. The E! News host and her Celebrity Apprentice-winning husband Bill revealed on the Today show Monday morning that they're expecting their first child together! (Watch the announcement below.)

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