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Benji Madden: Cameron Diaz is ‘a modern day feminist’ who shares positivity

Embed from Getty Images Benji Madden has a new extensive interview in Newsweek for the 20th anniversary of his band, Good Charlotte (with his twin brother, Joel). Good Charlotte returned from a multi-year hiatus to release a new album last week. I’m not too familiar with Benji and apart from the fact that he seems to be genuinely in love with and supportive of his wife, Cameron Diaz, I don’t have a strong opinion about him. A quick glance at our archives reminds me that he’s dated several famous women including Paris Hilton and Holly Madison and apart from hearing about his other occasional hookups, I haven’t heard a bad word about him in the 10 years I’ve run this site. No scandals, no paparazzi beat-downs, no DUIs. That’s really saying something. So he seems like a serial monogamist and a standup guy. He’s also very supportive of Cameron, and they’ve each gushed about each other on their social media and to the press. That’s all background to this interview, which just impressed me with how wise and thoughtful he sounds. I mean I don’t agree with him about Cameron Diaz, but he comes across extremely well. On how the music industry can be hard on artists My brother and I feel blessed to have survived and still have loving, connected relationships with each other, with our wives, with our family. We feel like: “Hey, there are a lot of artists who might be able to use our experiences.” We’ve been able to withstand a lot of things in the industry because we had each other. We feel protective of other artists. This is not a business that is set up in favor of artists. It’s important for artists to value themselves—whatever that means. Everyone’s going to take that in a different way. If you don’t value yourself, you will be bought and sold. On the public’s obsession with celebrity I think it’s a very unhealthy trend that will eventually be broken when people realize how hollow it is for our minds, it’s very cancerous…it’s like fast food. Fast food companies are trending down, lots of places are going out of business. People figured out: “This is killing us, it’s f-king terrible.” The celebrity obsession is doing the same thing for our minds—it’s very hollow and I think that trend is going to break soon enough. On how Cameron uses her platform for good I’m extremely proud of what she uses her platform for. She just released The Longevity Book, and before that she had The Body Book [a lifestyle guide to diet and health], and she spent thousands of dollars doing all the research, to get information to share with women who don’t necessarily have the resources to get that information. She’s a modern day feminist—she wants to change the conversation that’s being had about women and ageing. With The Body Book, she wanted to share all this information she has gathered over the years with women so they can live happy, pain-free lives. I’m proud of her because of what a light she is in a world where it would be so much easier to use that stage to promote products. But she’s using that platform she has to share positivity. It’s been one of the most inspirational things in my life watching a woman be so courageous…she’s got so much integrity. I’m a lucky guy that I get to experience that. [From Newsweek] He talks a lot about the industry and about how music gets made and artists are managed, and I didn’t excerpt that as it’s not relevant but it’s worth a read. Benji wants to empower young artists to do it on their own and not get chewed up by the industry, which can be brutal. Getting back to Benji’s thoughts on Cameron, she tried. I covered a lot of the press she did for The Longevity Book and she made some misinformed statements about women and aging, but she tried and she meant well. She’s not an authority on health or aging but she used her platform to try to be. It’s true that she’s not just shilling products, and that’s something. Also, of course I disagree with Benji’s opinion that celebrity obsession is terrible for us. Using his same fast food analogy, you can go to McDonalds and get something to eat once in a while, you just balance your calories and get your nutrients from other meals. Just because you like to follow celebrity news doesn’t mean you’re not informed about more serious events or that you don’t care. Sometimes we need a diversion. Here’s a video that Cameron shared of Benji. She left this gushing caption about how proud she is of him, which seems to be mutual. One of my favorite things about being married, is how much pride I take in my husband @benjaminmadden… He makes me proud everyday.. One day it might be how generous and giving, another how gentle and thoughtful. Or when he is fiercely protective of the people he loves and cares about… And everyday single day I am so incredibly proud of his integrity as a human being.. But TODAY what I'm most proud of is his talent… his gift…. Today his band @goodcharlotteband released their first album in 6 years #YouthAuthority .. What makes me even more proud is that he has released it on his own independent label MDDN… And it is so damn GOOOOOOOOD… Its so full of love and hope and truth… about forging and holding onto love… I wish that everyone could write music to express their pain.. their fears… their hopes and dreams. Baby you amaze me… CONGRATS!! @goodcharloteband @mddnco #youthauthority #proud http://apple.co/YouthAuthority A video posted by Cameron Diaz (@camerondiaz) on Jul 15, 2016 at 12:06pm PDT Embed from Getty Images Embed from Getty Images

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‘Ghostbusters’ opened at the box office with $46 million: did you love it or hate it?

I was looking forward to seeing the lady-version of Ghostbusters, mostly because I love the combo of Melissa McCarthy + director Paul Feig, and I think Kate McKinnon is one of the funniest people working today. I went to see it on a lazy Sunday afternoon, and about half-way through the film, I realized that it really wasn’t that funny. Ghostbusters has some giggle-worthy lines and some charm and McKinnon in particular was really trying her damnedest to bring some lightness and quirk to the movie, but even the combined talents of these funny women couldn’t save a clunky script. Those were the biggest issues: pacing, and a script that needed a few more rewrites. They spent too much time earnestly building the world of the “modern” Ghostbusters and there were so many opportunities for some tongue-in-cheek cultural references, anything to shorthand the process and move along the action, but it just didn’t happen. Which isn’t to say that I think it’s a bad movie. It’s not, and if you’re in the mood for something light and silly, I would recommend it. It’s harmless and there are some funny lines and good moments. I feel like Kristen Wiig and Melissa McCarthy’s comedic talents were oddly underutilized as they both tried to play the straight-man to varying degrees. Leslie Jones’ Patty was brought into the story too late (pacing issues, I’m telling you). Chris Hemsworth’s character was the victim of messy writing too, and it felt like they couldn’t decide how stupid they wanted him to be, so his level of intelligence kept changing scene-to-scene. I’m well aware that there is a Battle of the Sexes happening around this film and around the reviews of the film. I was prepared to go to war and rip apart the misogynistic criticism of the film. But after seeing it, the most feminist thing I can say is that the leading ladies were trying and the film’s flaws are not their fault. The fault lies with Paul Feig and Katie Dippold, the co-writers of the clunky script. As for the box office, Sony predicted that it would make between $40-50 million opening weekend, and it performed as expected. Early reports on Sunday put the figure at something like $46 million. It came in second behind The Secret Life of Pets, which… let’s face it, is a massive, crowd-pleasing family film. The problem was that Ghostbusters was TOO scary for really little kids and not funny enough to have box office longevity. It cost $144 million to make Ghostbusters, and I’m sure that the film will break even and likely make the studio some money. But as many analysts pointed out, that might not be good enough. Ghostbusters didn’t need to perform at expectations, it needed to exceed expectations to be considered a “success.” You can read more analysis here. Photos courtesy of ‘Ghostbusters’.

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Calvin Harris to Taylor Swift: ‘You need someone new to try & bury like Katy’

I updated yesterday’s post as news kept coming in, but it’s worth discussing all of the crap that happened after TMZ reported – based off of what they were being told from sources close to Taylor Swift – that Swifty was the one who wrote Calvin Harris’s hit song “This Is What You Came For,” which features vocals by Rihanna. As it turns out, the conspiracy theory/rumor was and is absolutely true. Taylor’s rep confirmed it to People Magazine yesterday, saying: “Taylor Swift wrote ‘This Is What You Came For’ under the pseudonym Nils Sjoberg.” People Mag also ran what amounted to a confirmation of TMZ’s earlier reporting, that Taylor was very hurt when Calvin said he didn’t want to collaborate with her after they had already collaborated. So what was Calvin’s reaction to Team Swifty running to the press to correct the record? He got on Twitter and dragged her. Here’s what he wrote: And she sings on a little bit of it too ?Amazing lyric writer and she smashed it as usual https://t.co/vW3yGOIJit — Calvin Harris (@CalvinHarris) July 13, 2016 I wrote the music, produced the song, arranged it and cut the vocals though. And initially she wanted it kept secret, hence the pseudonym — Calvin Harris (@CalvinHarris) July 13, 2016 Hurtful to me at this point that her and her team would go so far out of their way to try and make ME look bad at this stage though ? — Calvin Harris (@CalvinHarris) July 13, 2016 I figure if you're happy in your new relationship you should focus on that instead of trying to tear your ex bf down for something to do — Calvin Harris (@CalvinHarris) July 13, 2016 I know you're off tour and you need someone new to try and bury like Katy ETC but I'm not that guy, sorry. I won't allow it — Calvin Harris (@CalvinHarris) July 13, 2016 Please focus on the positive aspects of YOUR life because you've earned a great one — Calvin Harris (@CalvinHarris) July 13, 2016 I know I’ve criticized Calvin Harris before for his pettiness and inability to simply let go of the drama. But really… how amazing is this? This is Calvin Harris being a bitchy schoolgirl which is TOTALLY TAYLOR SWIFT’S LEVEL. He’s all, “Why do you keep leaking stories about me, aren’t you with the new love of your life?” And “Don’t try to ‘Bad Blood’ me, chica.” Once again, Calvin and Taylor were so perfect for each other. They are both equally petty and juvenile. And it is glorious. Oh, and Taylor couldn’t let Calvin’s tweets just sit there, she responded via TMZ, insisting that Calvin is trying to downplay her involvement in the song, that she not only wrote the lyrics but also created the melody. “Calvin sources” concede that Taylor did create the melody, but insist that Calvin did everything else. And those Calvin sources say Taylor is “acting like he’s only got one hit song. LOL.” But my favorite part is that since Calvin name-checked Katy Perry – Taylor’s #1 Nemesis!!! – Katy felt the need to chime in too. The Hillary GIF came first, then the retweet from 2015. Bless her. pic.twitter.com/m6ebYV8D1r — KATY PERRY (@katyperry) July 13, 2016 Time, the ultimate truth teller. — KATY PERRY (@katyperry) May 9, 2015 Photos courtesy of Calvin and Taylor’s social media, Fame/Flynet.

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Jennifer Garner & Ben Affleck’s divorce off: ‘a few weeks ago, things changed’

US Magazine has a new article on the sidebar this week letting us know about the state of Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner’s relationship, because we really needed another update after the sidebar on the cover of People last week. Every day I wonder how they’re doing, if they’re still a couple, if Ben is off cavorting with random women on yachts in Canada or both because you know those two things are not mutually exclusive. Jen knows it too on some level, but she may have stuffed it deep down where she keeps her knowledge of fashionable shoes because US is reporting the divorce is now off. In fact, talk of divorce has ceased altogether, sources reveal in the new issue of Us Weekly. “Jen mentioned that the divorce was going through very soon, and then a few weeks ago, things changed,” says a source close to Garner. “It does not seem to be moving in that direction.” The Justice League actor, 43, and actress, 44, are cohabiting in their $17.5 million, five-bedroom mansion, albeit in separate bedrooms. Garner revealed in the March issue of Vanity Fair that she sleeps with their oldest daughter, Violet; Affleck bunks in the guest room, according to a close source. “Jen seems to still be in love with Ben but doesn’t allow her mind to go there,” says the Garner pal. “She just focuses on the kids.” The man down the hall is also having trouble letting go. “If it was up to Ben,” adds a second insider, “they would be together. He feels like he can’t live without Jen.” Still, an Affleck source insists lawyers are hammering out the details of their divorce privately. “They were never in a rush to file. This was always the plan… “They want their kids’ lives to go on as uninterrupted as possible,” says a source. [From US Magazine] Some people will say US is making this up, but this is consistent with People’s report last week, and as I usually mention, US had Garner’s side of the divorce along with exclusive details from their relationship and breakup vacation, where Garner figured out Affleck was sleeping with their kids’ nanny. (I would like to get an update from Ouzounian, but I bet she signed an ironclad NDA.) So Affleck wanted to get back with Garner and she’s letting him stick around until the next time he publicly embarrasses her. Maybe she figures if he keeps him on notice he’ll be faithful, at least by outside appearances. photos credit: WENN and FameFlynet. Garner is shown int he striped shirt outside church Sunday, which she attended with Affleck’s mom

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Denmark’s Crown Princess Mary covers Vogue Australia: stunning or blah?

I’ll admit it: I’ve never paid much attention to Denmark’s Crown Princess Mary. There are dedicated royal-watchers who enjoy all of the royal houses, but I generally limit myself to the Windsors, Bernadottes and Grimaldis. Crown Princess Mary is the Australian woman who married Crown Prince Frederick in 2004, after a three-year courtship and one-year-long engagement. They met in a pub in Sydney, Australia in 2000 and love blossomed. Mary is actually accomplished, and she worked at real jobs before and during their courtship. She’s often compared to the Duchess of Cambridge because of the whole “commoner marrying a prince” thing, but in side-by-side comparisons, Mary does seem like a better/cooler/more accomplished person. Anyway, Mary and Frederick cover the August issue of Vogue Australia. Mary is sort of a hero (the Duchess Kate of Australia, if you will) in her home country, so it makes sense that they would do an exclusive photoshoot for Australian Vogue. The photoshoot was done by Mario Testino, and Mary and Frederick even included their four kids in one of the photos. They are parents to Prince Christian, Princess Isabella, and twins Vincent and Josephine. Here are some highlights from Mary’s interview: Whether she considers herself a role model: “I always find it difficult to speak of myself as a role model, you know, because I think it is other people and their impression of you that makes a role model. It’s not something I consciously think about but at the same time I am very aware of my role and my responsibility.” Her work with the conditions within the fashion industry: “It will take time to create real and sustainable change. If we are talking about the textile and fashion industry, it is one of the most female-dominated industries in the world and yet many of these working women are voiceless. I do use the platform I have built up over the years as a vocal and passionate voice for the empowerment of women and girls and the protection and respect of their human rights to bring attention to this.” Her foundation deals with issues of domestic violence, bullying and loneliness: “One thing I have always found difficult from as early as I can remember is seeing people who appear to be alone. It has always affected me deeply and I can’t explain why. To see people standing on the outside looking in, who can’t understand why they aren’t part of a community or group. We all have this innate fear of not belonging… We all have a right to belong. The abused woman, the bullied child, and the lonely adolescent feel very, very lonely in the world with their problems and will often never share them.” [From The Daily Mail] I think it’s difficult to make “loneliness” a cause, specifically a royal cause. Lots of people are alone, and lots of people are lonely, but she’s conflating those two things and making it seem like everyone who is alone is pitiable and sad. While “loneliness” is good subject to raise and de-stigmatize, what work is there to be done realistically? As for the rest of it, she sounds absolutely fine. It would be fascinating to see the Duchess of Cambridge do an interview like this at one point, but it won’t happen. Photos courtesy of Mario Testino for Vogue Australia.

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Harrison Wagner: Jack Wagner Asks Twitter To Help Find His Troubled Son

Sometimes social media can be used as a force for good. Melrose Place’s Jack Wagner, 56, took to Twitter on July 10th in an attempt to locate his 21-year-old son, Harrison. Harrison had been missing five days when Wagner sent out the tweet. “I’m going to ask those who want to share their fears, addictions & struggles to do so w me via Twitter. We can face them 2gether, I’ll start,” Wagner wrote. “I fear for my youngest sons safety. Harrison has struggled w drugs & alcohol just as I did when I was younger. He’s relapsed & is MIA 5 days.” Wagner was inundated with tweets of support, and stories from fans who themselves were struggling with addiction. Whether or not the tweet caught Harrison’s attention, Wagner updated those concerned that he had be able to connect with his son. “Harrisons been in touch, he’s 21 & in charge of his life, ty for the lv & prayers, please continue to share your struggles, it helps us all,” Wagner wrote earlier today. Wagner didn’t stop there.  He continued to listen and respond to others’ stories, thanking them for sharing. Zac Efron Talks Life Post Rehab Harrison is Wagner’s son with General Hospital’s Kristina Wagner (they are divorced, but remain “great friends”).  The couple have another son, Peter, 25. Earlier this year, Kristina was featured on Oprah’s Where Are They Now? “I realized that I really needed to figure out what was going on with me in order to move forward,” Kristina said of their divorce (filed first in 2001, then 2005 after an attempt at reconciliation). “It’s easy to lose yourself when you’re only in your young 20s and you’re just doing what’s expected of you and not really thinking about your own needs… The divorce was the best thing that could have happened to me and for my children, as well, because I don’t think I was being a very good mother at the time. “I had to deal with myself, first, because we ultimately have to take care of ourselves before we can help others.”  View Slideshow: 22 Celebrities Who Have Been to Rehab

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Joey Chestnut Sets Hot Dog Eating Record

Joey Chestnut has done it, people. The professional eater known as “Jaws” recaptured the Mustard Yellow International Belt on Monday, setting a world record while coming out on top of the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest. After losing out last year in this same contest to Matt "The Megatoad" Stonie, Chestnut defeated Stonie on July Fourth by downing 70 hot dogs. In 10 minutes. That marks the most hot dogs ever consumed by a human being in that amount of time. Chestnut had held the previous mark of 69, setting the figure in 2013. Contest officials said Chestnut also set a record last month when he ate 73 1/2 hot dogs and buns during a qualifying event, but this is the confirmed number that will go on record. As he held the mustard-colored belt after his victory on Monday afternoon, Chestnut said Stonie had "woke up the sleeping giant" when he upset him last year. He simply would not allow that to happen again. "Last year was rough," Chestnut told the crowd. "This year was the best ever." Stonie – who hails from the same California city as Chestnut – said there were "no excuses" for his loss. He said Chestnut did an amazing job. That's one way of putting it. Watch Jaws chomp down on all 70 hot dogs below: