Len Goodman, Dancing with the Stars Judge, Marries Longtime Girlfriend

TV Watch

By Maggie Coughlan

01/01/2013 at 02:15 PM EST

From the judges' table to the altar!

Len Goodman of Dancing with the Stars tied the knot with his longtime girlfriend Sue Barrett on Sunday in London.

The couple exchanged vows during a surprise ceremony in front of 30 family members and friends.

Goodman, 68, and Barrett, 47, have been together for more than 10 years.

"I've had a marvelous day and now my gorgeous Sue is the new Mrs. Goodman," the ballroom dancing expert tells the Daily Mail.

This is Goodman's third marriage.

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Jenny McCarthy Ready for a Crazy New Year's Eve with Ryan Seacrest

By Tim Nudd

12/31/2012 at 12:00 PM EST

Ryan Seacrest and Jenny McCarthy

Bob D'Amico/ABC/Getty

For Jenny McCarthy, New Year's Eve has become a parallel universe. It's the one night of the year when everyone else is crazy, and she's not.

"I'm excited," says McCarthy, 40, about co-hosting Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest on ABC. "I have more fun doing live TV than anything, I think because it's hard to censor. And I like that! So it's a little more off the cuff, and you never know what's going to happen."

That's an understatement. The show will run five hours again this year – it used to be just two and half – and McCarthy knows that's a lot of time for the hordes in Times Square to do unexpected things.

"I've got the drunk guy with no shirt on next to a 10-year-old from Nebraska," she says. "It's a great test of skills and fun for me."

She adds with a laugh: "It's really forcing me to be sober for these New Year's to come. Really the only day I might be sober in the whole year … kidding!"

As for who she'll kiss at midnight, that may be up to the audience. She's taking suggestions on social media on whether he should be a New York fireman, a solider or "average Joe." (Tweet to @JennyMcCarthy with hashtags #military, #FDNY or #AverageJoe or go to Facebook.com/NewYearsRockinEve.)

It will be a milestone year for the show – the first without Clark himself, who died in April at age 82. McCarthy, who has done the show for two years and recently signed up for five more, says she will miss Clark, who "paved the way" for her and Seacrest. But she added that Ryan is a singular talent as well.

"I've worked with so many jerks in the business, and egos … but Ryan is the most professional, nicest, team player, non-ego hard worker I've ever met," she says. "He just makes a ton more money than I do. And he doesn't have a baby!"

• Reporting by KATE HOGAN

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Dick Clark New Year's Eve Love Story - Same Couple Dancing Since 1972

By Dahvi Shira

12/30/2012 at 02:45 PM EST

This New Year's Eve will be just like any other for Kathy and Louie Novoa, except without their dear friend Dick Clark, who passed away in April.

The pair met on American Bandstand and have since taken part in every one of his New Year's Rockin' Eves since they began on the Queen Mary in 1972.

"To be there from the very first one he did and to still be a part of it, I think, wow, I can't believe it," Louie tells PEOPLE. "I still have the original invitation to the very first one."

As for being a part of Rockin' Eve for the first time since Clark's death, Kathy says, "It's very sad and heartbreaking to know he started this tradition and was so important in so many homes. Everybody watches Dick Clark's New Year's Eve. It's very hard [with him gone], but it's also great knowing that it's still going on. That's what he would want."

Kathy and Louie Novoa with Dick Clark in 1976

Courtesy Louie Novoa

Now officially a couple for 36 years, Louie says that starting the New Year with a kiss is his favorite tradition on the show, which kicks off at 8 p.m. ET/PT this year on ABC.

"Kathy and I started doing it, and right after that, Dick's wife Kari [Wigton] goes, 'Why don't we follow up with that?' " he says. "It became a tradition. We had a lot of clips of that. That's what we're going to miss. We always looked forward to that."

The happy pair, who declined to provide their age, would only joke about it.

"People ask us, 'How old are you? You don't look that old,' " Louie explained with a chuckle. "I say, 'We've been around for a while. We are [old].' We really are. You can tell on the dance floor. We're out there dancing with the kids. We call them kids because we try to blend in with them. We still have it though."

Although Louie says they miss Clark "every day," he is a big fan of his replacement, Ryan Seacrest.

"He's incredible," he says. "He's awesome. He does a great job and he has the same personality as Dick Clark. He gets along with everybody."

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Shark Tank Bursts in Mall in China, Caught on Video

People Pets

12/28/2012 at 01:55 PM EST

A 33-ton tank housing sharks, turtles and fish shattered in a Shanghai shopping mall, sending a torrent of water that injured more than a dozen shoppers and employees in a dramatic moment caught on video.

The tank burst Dec. 19 at the Orient Shopping Center, hurtling huge shards of glass through the gushing water that wiped out a cosmetics counter. Those injured suffered cuts and bruises and several people had to be rescued, according to Chinese news reports.

Three lemon sharks, several turtles and numerous small fish also were killed.

Installed just two years ago, the tank may have broken due to a combination of low temperatures and weak materials, according to the BBC.

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What Did Neve Campbell Name Her Son?

Mom & Babies
Celebrity Baby Blog

12/27/2012 at 02:00 PM ET

Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic

Neve Campbell is no stranger in the sea of unusual names.

So when it came to her now 5-month-old son, the actress, wanting him to follow in her footsteps, skipped the mundane monikers.

“We looked through a lot of books and I liked the idea of a unique name,” Campbell, 39, shared during a Monday appearance on The Talk.

“I like having a unique name — it’s [my mom's] maiden name, Neve — and not a lot of people have it. It’s nice having something special and different and so I wanted something like that for our son.”

Before baby boy’s birth, Campbell and JJ Feild had narrowed down their picks to five favorites, but after their first child was born, the winning name was an obvious choice.

“We decided that we’d wait and see and meet him and then decide,” she explains. “And … when  he was born we realized we could only remember one and that was Caspian, so it seemed like it was right.”

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Jessica Simpson Stopping Weight Watchers Diet While Pregnant

By Maggie Coughlan

12/26/2012 at 02:30 PM EST

Following Jessica Simpson's Christmas day confirmation of her pregnancy, Weight Watchers has extended their congratulations to the spokeswoman.

"What an amazing year you've had!" the organization Tweeted following the Fashion Star judge's announcement on Tuesday.

Simpson – who lost more than 50 lbs. with Weight Watchers – "will not be following the program during the pregnancy while her weight and well-being are monitored by her obstetrician, as is recommended for any woman during pregnancy," Weight Watchers says in a statement.

The statement adds: "After she gives birth, Jessica and her doctor will decide when she may resume following the Weight Watchers program."

The organization also released a new television advertisement on Wednesday with Simpson sharing the news of her second pregnancy with viewers.

In the spot, the 32-year-old, who gave birth to daughter Maxwell seven months ago, reveals her new body.

"This year is all about new beginnings for me. I lost over 50 pounds on Weight Watchers and did not have to be perfect to do it. Being healthy has become a part of who I am, which is great timing because I'm having another baby," she says. "I feel like I'm on top of the world!"

In a statement released Wednesday, Weight Watchers' Senior Vice President of Marketing Cheryl Callan praised Simpson's efforts.

"We've seen first-hand that Jessica has a refreshed outlook on food, activity and the importance of developing healthy habits, which we hope will guide her through this next pregnancy and beyond," she said. "She has come a long way and we know her story and success will continue to inspire others."

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Linnea Johansson Blogs About Her A-List Clients' Holiday Party Food & Drink Tips

By Linnea Johansson

12/24/2012 at 02:00 PM EST

Party planner Linnea Johansson (standing)

Adrian Mueller - Fabrik Studios

Celebrity event planner and chef Linnea Johansson knows how to throw a party. She's worked with such A-list stars as Richard Gere, Susan Sarandon and Justin Timberlake and released her second book, Perfect Parties – Tips and Recipes from a New York Party Planner in October. Now she's lending her expertise to PEOPLE.com with two blogs geared toward your holiday party planning. Cheers!

This holiday season, why not incorporate one of the newest food trends?

Three words: Meatballs are back. First came the BBQ craze, then the burger trend and now meatballs are making their own comeback. Meatballs are great at parties – they offer many varieties from many nationalities, easy finger food and who doesn't love a meatball?

A little fun meatball gossip: I have planned quite a few parties where Donald Trump's been a guest. He loves Swedish meatballs, and with me being born in Sweden and all. I had to of course make my grandmother's Swedish meatballs for him. (Scroll down for the recipe!)

It's always fun to surprise guests a bit, and give them a fun twists on food and something a bit unexpected. This holiday season, I am all about boozy donuts. The best part is that you actually shoot in your favorite drink into the donuts.

Boozy Donuts with Creme Brulee Topping

Donuts are the new cupcakes, and this is an easy way to spruce-up a plain, store-bought donut from afternoon snack to fun dessert.

• 6 sugar-covered donuts
• ½ cup of sugar
• 3 oz. liqueur of choice

Heat the donuts in the oven at 250 degrees for 5 minutes.

Pour the sugar on a plate, brush the top of the warm donuts with water and dip in the sugar.

Then, after filling a small turkey baster or cake decorating tool with the liqueur, insert the tool in multiple spots in the bottom of the donuts and inject the booze.

Tip! Everyone likes to watch when there's fire involved. So if you have a brulee torch, burn the sugar on top of the donuts until it becomes a hard sugar topping.
Let your guests watch – you'll look like a pro and their mouths will be watering just in time for a warm donut!

When throwing parties, I always like to batch up cocktails so people don't get stuck behind the bar too long. When entertaining at home and you don't have help, it's a must. Pre-making larger pitchers is easiest, and one of my favorite "pitcher drinks" also happens to also be Kim Kardashian's.

I put together an event hosted by the Kardashian sisters in L.A., and we wanted to make a signature drink for each sister. For Kim, I heard her favorite cocktail was a drink called Xante Berry created by bartender Ricky Broni, so of course we made the drink for the party. After spending the spending the evening drinking KK's favorite it's now one of my favorite "pitcher drinks" as well.

Berry Pitcher drink

• 1 ½ oz Xanté
• 1 ½ oz fresh lemon juice

• 1 oz simple syrup

• 3 strawberries

In a pitcher, muddle the strawberries with simple syrup and add the lemon juice, Xanté (which can best be described as a pear cognac).

Let it sit until you're ready to serve, then add ice, and strain into your guests' glasses. No mixing necessary.

Tip: Simply take the recipe and multiply by as many cocktails you want to serve; estimate about 10 drinks per pitcher.

Linnea's family recipe for Swedish Meatballs

This recipe is total Swedish-ness on a plate, and my family has been making these meatballs for generations!

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 garlic clove
• 1 yellow onion
• 1 egg
• ½ cup bread crumbs, non flavored
• ½ cup milk
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper
• 2 tbsp parsley
• 2 tbsp butter for frying

In a large bowl, grate the onion and garlic on a grater.

To the onion/garlic mixture, add the ground beef and egg.

In a separate small bowl, add the milk and bread crumbs. Let sit for a few minutes until milk is absorbed by the bread crumbs.

Add the bread crumb mixture to the ground beef, with salt and pepper and parsley. Stir.

Place in refrigerator to marinate the flavors for about 30 minutes.

Wet your hands, and roll small approximately 1 inch in diameter meatballs and place on a plate.

Heat a heavy pan on low to medium heat, ad butter and fry to a golden brown for about 7 minutes. Only fry about 1/3 meatball at a time to keep the pan hot. Keep a close eye on them, and turn often to make sure they brown on all sides.

Swedish Meatball Sauce

The secret is definitely in the sauce and you can't eat Swedish meatballs without a cream meatball sauce.

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp flour
• 2 cups of half and half
• ½ vegetable bullion cube
• 3 tbsp sherry wine
• 1 dash of Worcester sauce
• salt and pepper

In the heavy pan, add an additional 2 tbsp of butter, and 2 tbsp of flour. Melt butter on low heat and stir in flour.

Then add 2 cups of half and half, and the vegetable bullion. Stir and heat on medium till simmering.

When simmering, lower heat and ad 3 tbsp of sherry wine. Add 1 dash of Worcester sauce, salt and pepper to taste.

Serve up the sauce with the Swedish meatballs, and of course, for extra Swedish flavor, serve with a spoon or two of lingonberries!

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Bethenny Frankel & Jason Hoppy Split Up

Breaking News

By Andrea Billups and Liz McNeil

12/23/2012 at 02:10 PM EST

Jason Hoppy and Bethenny Frankel in March 2012

Bauer-Griffin

Bethenny Frankel and husband Jason Hoppy have called it quits after almost three years of marriage.

"It brings me great sadness to say that Jason and I are separating. This was an extremely difficult decision that as a woman and a mother, I have to accept as the best choice for our family," Frankel said in a statement Sunday.

"We have love and respect for one another and will continue to amicably co-parent our daughter who is and will always remain our first priority," the statement continues. "This is an immensely painful and heartbreaking time for us."

News of their split comes after months of speculation that their relationship was on the rocks. Earlier this summer, the reality TV star, author and talk-show host admitted that she was fighting for her marriage, which was filmed for and subsequently documented on her Bravo reality show Bethenny Ever After.

Frankel and Hoppy, who married March 2010 when Frankel was seven months pregnant, are parents of daughter Bryn Hoppy, 2½. The family was spotted out together in New York last week, even as rumors swirled that a split was imminent.

Frankel, 42, is the creator of the Skinnygirl line of cocktail, food and nutrition products and rose to early fame as a cast member on The Real Housewives of New York. She later starred in Bethenny Getting Married? and as host of her own talk show, Bethenny. As an author, she has published four books.

Frankel met Hoppy at a nightclub in November 2008, and they two became engaged 11 months later. At the time, she told PEOPLE he gave her life stability.

"He's my anchor," she said back then. "I fell in love with a regular guy with a regular salary. He taught me that being taken care of was emotional and not financial."

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PEOPLE Remembers the American Soldiers Killed in Afghanistan

With the exit from Iraq and the draw-down of troops in Afghanistan, the numbers of Americans killed continues to drop.

Still, loved ones are mourning 311 lost, and as of Dec. 17, the wars' toll since 2001 now stands at 6,656.

Edward Joseph Acosta, 21
Trevor Brandon Adkins, 21
Ahmed Kousay al-Taie, 46 Erica Paige Alecksen, 21
Tobias Christoph Alexander, 30
Joseph James Altmann, 27
Mabry James Anders, 21
Joshua Ryan Ashley, 23
Bradley Wayne Atwell, 27

Daniel Benjamin Bartle, 27
Jon-Luke Bateman, 22
Jonathan Batista, 22
Rayvon Battle Jr., 25
Taylor John Baune, 21
Jordan Logan Bear, 25
Clayton Ross Beauchamp, 21
Genaro Bedoy, 20
Bryan Richard Bell, 23
Russell Ryan Bell, 37
Jose Oscar Belmontes, 28
Kenneth Wade Bennett, 26
Keith David Benson, 27
Richard Liam Berry, 27
Robert John Billings, 30
Christopher James Birdwell, 25
Jeremie Shane Border, 28
Christopher David Bordoni, 21
Joshua Alan Born, 25
Michael Cean Braden, 31
Mikayla Anne Bragg, 21
John R. Brainard III, 26
Sean Edward Brazas, 26
Andrew Trevor Britton-Mihalo, 25
Michael John Brodsky, 33
Christopher L. Brown, 26
Daniel Joseph Brown, 27
Milton W. Brown, 28
Gregory Thomas Buckley, 21
Antonio Carlos Burnside, 31
Thomas Jefferson Butler IV, 25
Brandon Lucas Buttry, 19

Gerardo Campos, 23
Shane William Cantu, 20
Daniel Lewis Carlson, 21
Sean Patrick Carson, 32
Roberto Cazarez, 24
Julian Clement Chase, 22
Nicolas D. Checque, 28
Gregory Lamont Childs, 38
Bruce Kevin Clark, 43
Junot M. L. Cochilus, 34
Kenneth Eldren Cochran, 20
Keaton Grant Coffey, 22
Julian Lee Colvin, 21
Timothy John Conrad Jr., 22
Gregory Todd Copes, 36
Cesar Cortez, 24
Niall William Cotisears, 23

Joseph D’Augustine, 29
Johnathon Frank Davis, 20
Nathan Tyler Davis, 20
Coater Bernard Debose, 55
Michael Robert Demarsico II, 20
Anthony Joseph Denier, 26
Leroy Deronde III, 22
Nicholas Michael Dickhut, 23
Scott Edward Dickinson, 29
Alex Frank Domion, 21
Curtis Joseph Duarte, 22
Michael Stephen Duskin, 42
James Evan Dutton, 25
Edward Joe Dycus, 22

Kevin Richard Ebbert, 32
Jason Kyle Edens, 22
Brandon Forrest Eggleston, 29
Vincent James Ellis, 22
Darrel Lynn Enos, 36
Richard Allen Essex, 23
Bobby Lee Estle, 38
Kyler Lavon Estrada, 21

Joseph Henry Fankhauser, 30
Aaron Matthew Faust, 22
Mathew Gregory Fazzari, 25
Patrick Delaney Feeks, 28
Arronn David Fields, 27
Krystal Marie Fitts, 26
Joseph Fitzmorris, 31
Thomas Kent Fogarty, 30
Nicholas Charles Fredsti, 30

Vilmar Galarza Hernandez, 21
Luis Antonio Oliver Galbreath, 41
Jonathan William Gifford, 34
Theodore Matthew Glende, 23
Jonathan Alan Gollnitz, 28
Moises Jesus Gonzalez, 29
Brandon Dwayne Goodine, 20
Brittany Bria Gordon, 24
Brett Edward Gornewicz, 27
Walter David Gray, 38
Kevin James Griffin, 45
Samuel Mark Griffith, 36
Jesse James Grindey, 30
Dustin Dean Gross, 19
Raul Madrigal Guerra, 37
Michael J. Guillory, 28

Ryan Preston Hall, 30
Carl Erik Hammar, 24
Shawn Thomas Hannon, 44
John Eric Hansen, 41
Justin Michael Hansen, 26
Jeremy Franklin Hardison, 23
Zachary Hayden Hargrove, 32
Aaron Arthur Henderson, 33
Alex Hernandez III, 21
Pernell Johnnie Herrera, 33
Channing Bo Hicks, 24
Darrion Terrell Hicks, 21
Tanner Stone Higgins, 23
Terence John Hildner, 49
Hunter Dalton Hogan, 21
Eric Scott Holman, 39
Patricia Lee Horne, 20
Brian Daniel Hornsby, 37
Justin Louis Horsley, 21
John Patrick Huling, 25

Francis Dee Imlay Jr., 31
Aaron Dale Istre, 37

Kedith Lamont Jacobs Jr., 21
Sean Robert Jacobs, 23
Jamie Darrell Jarboe, 27
Ryan Paul Jayne, 22
Ryan Jeschke, 31
David Andrew Johnson, 24
Donna Rae Johnson, 29
Nicholas Scott Johnson, 27
Payton Alexander Jones, 19
James Austin Justice, 21

Ramon Taisakan Kaipat, 22
Matthew Geoffrey Kantor, 22
Andrew James Keller, 22
Thomas Elliott Kennedy, 35
Kurt William Kern, 24
Richard James Kessler Jr., 47
Michael Joseph Knapp, 28
Jabraun Steven Knox, 23
Noah Mark Korte, 29
Suresh Niranjan Aba Krause, 29

Jarrod Allen Lallier, 20
Todd William Lambka, 25
Matthew John Leach, 29
Dick Alson Lee Jr., 31
Brian Jeffery Leonhardt, 21
Joseph Michael Lilly, 25
Darren M. Linde, 41
Daniel Lee Linnabary II, 23
Kevin E. Lipari, 39
Roberto Loeza Jr., 28
John Darin Loftis, 44
Joseph Daniel Logan, 22
Jesus Jonathan Lopez, 22
Conner Thomas Lowry, 24
Bryant Jordan Luxmore, 25

Bruce Andrew MacFarlane, 46
Thomas Raymond MacPherson, 26
Matthew Patrick Manoukian, 29
Robert Joseph Marchanti II, 48
Justin Cameron Marquez, 25
Chase Stone Marta, 24
Ethan Jacob Martin, 22
Alex Martinez, 21
Robert Anthony Massarelli, 32
Erik Nathaniel May, 26
Kyle Brenton McClain, 25
Philip Daine McGeath, 25
Nathan Ronald McHone, 29
Allen Robert McKenna Jr., 28
Barett Wambli McNabb, 33
Richard Lewis McNulty III, 22
John David Meador II, 36
Dale Wayne Means, 23
Kashif Mohammed Memon, 31
Michael Joseph Metcalf, 22
Daniel Thomas Metcalfe, 29
Jonathan Matthew Metzger, 32
Cale Clyde Miller, 23
Eugene Clifton Mills III, 21
Christopher Michael Monahan Jr., 25
Jose Luis Montenegro Jr., 31
Osbrany Montes De Oca, 20
Cody Otho Moosman, 24
Travis Alan Morgado, 25
Christopher E. Mosko, 28
Sky Russell Mote, 27
Christopher Lee Muniz, 24

Dustin Paul Napier, 20
Juan Pantoja Navarro, 23
Benjamin Harold Neal, 21
James Dominic Nehl, 37
Joshua Nathaniel Nelson, 22
Sapuro Brightley Nena, 25
David Paul Nowaczyk, 32
Israel Paul Nuanes, 38

Nicholas Henry Olivas, 20
Tyler J. Orgaard, 20
Kyle Bruce Osborn, 26
Jesse Aaron Ozbat, 28

Scott Patrick Pace, 39
Joshua Cole Pairsh, 29
Michael Jeremy Palacio, 23
Alejandro Jose Pardo, 21
Christopher Alexander Patterson, 20
Brandon Robert Pepper, 31
Sergio Eduardo Perez, 21
Trevor Adam Pinnick, 20
Benjamin Carlos Pleitez, 25
William Compton Poling Jr., 42
Paris Shawn Pough, 40
Alexander George Povilaitis Jr., 47
Stephen Chase Prasnicki, 24
John Castle Pratt, 51
Daniel Joseph Price, 27
Scott Eugene Pruitt, 38
Michael Wayne Pyron, 30

Christopher Keith Raible, 40
Thalia Suzanne Ramirez, 28
Ryan Davis Rawl, 30
Clovis Tim Ray, 34
Jerry Don Reed II, 30
Chad Robert Regelin, 24
Nicholas J. Reid, 26
Kevin James Reinhard, 25
Jose Joel Reyes, 24
Jeffrey Leon Rice, 24
Joseph Alvin Richardson, 23
Travis William Riddick, 40
Jeffrey James Rieck, 46
Michael Eugene Ristau, 25
Richard Anthony Rivera Jr., 20
Daquane Demetris Rivers, 21
Dion Rashun Roberts, 25
Leonard Robinson, 29
Daniel Anthony Rodriguez, 28
Jose Rodriguez, 22
Kyle Robert Rookey, 23
Adam Corey Ross, 19
Nicholas Jan Rozanski, 36
Clinton Keith Ruiz, 22
David E. Rylander, 23

Brenden Neal Salazar, 20
Christian Riley Sannicolas, 20
Ryan James Savard, 29
Philip Channing Sipe Schiller, 21
Joseph Lee Schiro, 27
Jonathan Philip Schmidt, 28
Julian Seiji Scholten, 26
Jacob Michael Schwallie, 22
Matthew Scott Schwartz, 34
Matthew Ryan Seidler, 24
Ricardo Seija, 31
Anthony Ramon Servin, 22
Dean Russell Shaffer, 23
Christopher Greg Singer, 23
Matthew Steven Sitton, 26
James Lyn Skalberg Jr., 25
Tyler James Smith, 24
Orion Nelson Sparks, 29
William Chapman Stacey, 23
Cameron James Stambaugh, 20
Trevor Jovanne Stanley, 22
Camella Marchett Steedley, 31
Riley Gene Stephens, 39
Steven Prince Stevens II, 23
Matthew Henrick Stiltz, 26
Jesse Wade Stites, 23
Michael Joseph Strachota, 28
Sean Patrick Sullivan, 40
Billy Albert Sutton, 42
Steven Gene Sutton, 24
Jason Michael Swindle, 24

Abraham Tarwoe, 25
Robert Joseph Tauteris Jr., 44
Tofiga Joshua Tautolo, 23
David Wayne Taylor, 20
Nicholas Andrew Taylor, 20
Alec Robert Terwiske, 21
Matthew Bradford Thomas, 30
Alejo Rene Thompson, 30
Joel Del Mundo Tiu, 48
Louis Ramon Torres, 23
Jon Ross Townsend, 19
Gregory Ray Trent, 38
Nelson D. Trent, 37
Neil Isaac Turner, 21

Jalfred David Vaquerano, 20
Manuel Joseph Vasquez, 22
Jorge Luis Velasquez, 35
Dain Taylor Venne, 29
Don Cayetano Viray, 25
Paul Clarke Voelke, 36

Brian Lloyd Walker, 25
Jonathan Patrick Walsh, 28
Eric Dean Warren, 23
David John Warsen, 27
Samuel Thomas Watts, 20
Dennis Paul Weichel Jr., 29
Jeffrey Lee White Jr., 21
Nicholas Schade Whitlock, 29
Justin Michael Whitmire, 20
Ronald Herbert Wildrick Jr., 30
Justin James Wilkens, 26
Clarence Williams III, 23
David Vincent Williams, 24
Eric Edward Williams, 27
Wesley R. Williams, 25
Ryan James Wilson, 26
Shane Gregory Wilson, 20
Wade Daniel Wilson, 22
William Robert Wilson III, 27
Jessica Marie Wing, 42
Benjamin Brian Wise, 34
Joshua Eli Witsman, 23
Chris John Workman, 33
Sterling William Wyatt, 21

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Zoë Saldana's Early Christmas Gift: A New Rescue Dog!

People Pets

By Amy Jamieson

12/21/2012 at 02:30 PM EST

Zoe Saldana and her new dog Mugsy

Courtesy Zoe Saldana. Inset: Tony DiMaio/startraks

Christmas has come a few days early for Zoë Saldana.

The actress has received a gift in the form of a little white rescue pup that she adopted just days before the holiday.

"Meet Mugsy!!! Rescued her last week – my best friend named her – ha! She's adorable and super smart," Saldana Tweeted Thursday, with a photo of the wiry-haired pooch sitting in the passenger's seat of a car.

Perhaps spending timing with her boyfriend Bradley Cooper's dog Charlotte is what persuaded the The Words star to adopt a furry friend of her own. Saldana spent Thanksgiving walking outdoors with the white chow/retriever mix, who is definitely one of the leading ladies in Cooper's life.

"She has to like my dogs," The Hangover star told PEOPLE in 2009 of what he looks for in a potential girlfriend. "My dogs and I come in a package."

Here's hoping Charlotte and Mugsy have already hit it off!

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The Best Viral Videos of 2012

By Cara Lynn Shultz

12/20/2012 at 02:05 PM EST

Everybody danced like a galloping horse, thanks to "Gangnam Style."

Everyone sang "Call Me Maybe" – even Barack Obama. (Well, sort of.)

And everyone wondered why Zooey Deschanel asked, "Siri, is that rain?" when she was standing by a window in an iPhone commercial.

These and more were the viral videos of the year – the clips you posted on Facebook, shared on Twitter and clustered around your coworker's computer to watch over and over.

Want to watch them all again? Ain't nobody got time for that (as Sweet Brown said this year).

Thanks to Videogum, you can watch the best of the best, this retrospective mash-up of the funniest, creepiest, weirdest Internet videos of the year.

And yes, there are news anchors embarrassing themselves. It wouldn't be the Internet if there weren't!

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Have a Question for Emma Roberts?

Stylewatch
Style News Now

12/19/2012 at 02:00 PM ET

Courtesy Photo

Great news: We’re going to be chatting with Emma Roberts on Twitter (@StyleWatchMag) this Thursday at 4:30 p.m. ET. Greater news: You’re invited! Greatest news: It’s all for a fabulous cause. The actress is helping announce the launch of (THRED), a new mobile game that aims to help end mother-to-child HIV transmission by 2015. The app features music by Tiësto, and it’ll be featured on an MTV special in the weeks ahead, too. But in addition to the cause, Emma is happy to chat about all things Hollywood, like fashion, beauty, her upcoming movies and more. So if you have a question, leave it in the comments; she might answer tomorrow!

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How to Help Those in Need After Shooting in Newtown

By Alison Schwartz

12/18/2012 at 02:20 PM EST

Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn.

Google/AP

Even as some sort of routine is being reestablished in Newtown, Conn., after the horrific events of Dec. 14, help for those directly involved is being offered from far and wide.

Counseling services are available through Friday, according to the Newtown Public School District website. Those in need can also call 211.

"We are grateful for all the prayers, thoughts and outpouring of support offered to our community during this difficult time," reads the school district's message.

Those wishing to offer financial donations can make them to the Sandy Hook School Support Fund, which can be accessed here. (Checks also can be mailed to Sandy Hook School Support Fund, c/o Newtown Savings Bank, 39 Main St., Newtown, CT 06470.)

For now, the elementary school will remain closed, although students are due to return to class at the vacant Chalk Hill School, in nearby Monroe. "Welcome Sandy Hook Elementary," reads a sign across the street, according to news photos.

The family of Sandy Hook's beloved principal Dawn Hochsprung, who was killed Friday, is also organizing a scholarship fund in her honor to help a local high-school senior pursue a career in education, reports the community's Patch.

Hochsprung's daughter Erica Lafferty said the scholarship will be awarded to "a student who has a deep passion for inspiring the love and learning in children."

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Stephen Fishbach Blogs: How Denise Stapley Won Survivor

TV Watch

Survivor

By Stephen Fishbach

12/17/2012 at 02:30 PM EST

Stephen Fishbach and Denise Stapley

Rob Kim/Landov; Startraks

Stephen Fishbach was the runner-up on Survivor: Tocantins and has been blogging about Survivor strategy for PEOPLE.com since 2009. Follow him on Twitter @stephenfishbach.

"You need willpower, strength, integrity, intelligence and a little bit of luck."
– Ethan Zohn, winner, Survivor: Africa

"Everyone loves an underdog story," Malcolm said earlier this season. On Sunday night, Survivor: Philippines came down to one big question: Who was the underdog that was telling the story?

Two sets of underdogs were dog-fighting for dominance. Mike Skupin and Lisa Whelchel were tails among lions: outcast at the bottom of Tandang, the dominant tribe. Malcolm Freberg and Denise Stapley were heads among sheep: leaders of Matsing, a tribe that every week went to the slaughter.

Through great play and good luck, Denise emerged as the alpha – winning the title of Sole Survivor, the $1 million prize and the Final Fishy.

Denise Wins Survivor
How did she do it? Straight out of the gate, Denise used her empathy and curiosity to build bonds with everybody, from a day-one friendship with Zane to a season-long alliance with Malcolm.

"I listened and I observed," she said at final tribal. "Being a therapist is what I do. And some of that is appeasing ... I couldn't not bring it into the game."

Like some Marvel comic action hero (The Spectacular Honey Badger?), Denise also had disproportionate speed and strength. Matsing was by far the weakest tribe, and Denise often found herself competing head-to-head against 20-something male jocks. If she didn't anchor her tribe, she certainly held her own.

That combination of social skills, physical prowess and a dogged work ethic made people love and respect Denise. Early on, Russell Swan predicted that if Denise made it to the final tribal, the jury would stand up and applaud. The full force of her charisma never really translated through the screen. But you still got the sense that she was really nice.

The other big thing Denise had going for her was Malcolm. If Denise had a weakness, it was that she preferred to slip through the cracks of the game and not build her own structures. Her ally Malcolm, however, wanted to guide. Denise often found herself swimming comfortably in his wake.

That worked out particularly well at the final four. On any other season, the beloved challenge-beast mom would be the big target. (See: Holly on Nicaragua). But with even-more-beloved Malcolm around, Denise got a pass.

Did Malcolm blow it when he didn't commit to Denise at the final four? If they'd made a pact, would Denise have forced a stand-off against Lisa and Skupin? We can never know for sure. Personally, I suspect Denise would have voted out Malcolm anyway, the same way she voted out Carter instead of Abi. Loyalty in Survivor's a nice ideal – but not worth a million dollars.

The entire season came down to that last immunity challenge. Had Malcolm won, the underdog story would have been his. But he didn't.

Final Tribal
Nowhere was the issue of storytelling more important than at final tribal, where the three finalists laid out their narratives. Denise talked about how she survived every elimination. Lisa, usually so focused at tribal, had a meandering opening in which she discussed her growth as a gamer. Skupin argued that he was an early target and had to fight harder than the others.

A series of weak questions concluded with a bombastic performance from Penner, who was clearly delighted to have the cameras on him for another moment, where he exposed Lisa's TV backstory. To her credit, Lisa never flinched.

In the end, the jury felt that Lisa and Skupin didn't really do anything. Denise's epic journey of surviving every tribal was unmatchable. The vote came 6-1-1, and the Spectacular Honey-Badger saved the day.

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Kat Von D Engaged to Deadmau5 - Who Proposed on Twitter!

By Mike Fleeman

12/16/2012 at 01:15 PM EST

How, uh, romantic?

Electronic music star Deadmau5 took to Twitter to pose this question of girlfriend Kat Von D: "I can't wait for Christmas so ... Katherine Von Drachenberg, will you marry me?"

Deadmau5, whose real name is Joel Thomas Zimmerman, included a photo of a diamond ring with the disclaimer, "Changing the diamond to black diamond FYI. Sorry for the jpg … they'll finish the actual ring soon I hope."

Von D, 30, a tattoo artist and reality TV star, responded on her Twitter page with a string of exclamation points, then told her followers, "Please excuse me while I go squeeze the hell out of my fiancé!"

Deadmau5 then celebrated on Twitter with a three-part profanity and gushed, "brb while i spend the rest of my evening with my future wife :)"

This will be Von D's latest shot at marriage. She previously was engaged to Sandra Bullock's ex Jesse James, broke up, reunited, then broke up again.

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Connecticut Shooting: Bodies Removed from School, Positively Identified

By Mike Fleeman

12/15/2012 at 10:25 AM EST

Connecticut State Police Lt. J. Paul Vance

Mary Altaffer/AP

A horrific day turned to a night of unspeakable grief as parents received formal notifications that their children were killed in the Connecticut school massacre.

The last of the dozens of bodies – most of them children – were removed by early Saturday from Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn.

"Our objective certainly was to positively identify the victims to try to give the families some closure," State Police Spokesman Lt. Paul Vance tells CBS News.

"Our detectives worked well through the night. By early this morning, we were able to positively identify all of the victims and make some formal notification to all of the families of the victims."

The gunman, identified by multiple law enforcement sources as 20-year-old Adam Lanza, killed 20 children between the ages of 5 and 10 and six adults, before taking his own life at the school. His mother also was killed at a different location, bringing the total death toll to 28.

Eighteen children were pronounced dead at the scene and two at the hospital; six adult victims were pronounced dead at the scene, the Los Angeles Times reports.

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Dozens Reported Dead in Connecticut Elementary School Shooting

Breaking News

By Stephen M. Silverman

UPDATED
12/14/2012 at 01:55 PM EST

• Originally published 12/14/2012 at 01:00 PM EST

State police personnel lead children from the Sandy Hook Elementary School

Shannon Hicks/Newtown Bee/Reuters/Landov

A massive, deadly shooting broke out Friday morning at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., about 65 miles northeast of New York City.

A federal official tells PEOPLE that 26 people were killed, including 18 children.

"The shooter is deceased inside the building. The scene is secure," Lt. J. Paul Vance of the Connecticut State Police deparatment said in a press conference Friday afternoon. "Many agencies are working together to answer questions about what happened ... the public is not in danger."

CNN reports that one alleged shooter's body was discovered in a classroom, though it is not known if he died by his own hand, by police, or some other means.

According to the Associated Press, the gunman is a 20-year-old man with ties to the school. An official said the gun used in the attacks was a .223-caliber rifle.

Early reports that there was a second gunman remain unconfirmed. Car-to-car searches in the area are taking place, reports ABC News.

The tragedy began just after 9:40 a.m., when police reported that a shooter was in the main office of Sandy Hook Elementary School. One person in a room suffered "numerous gunshot wounds," police told the Hartford Courant.

A photo taken on the scene shows distressed students as they were led away from the school by state police. Nearby Danbury Hospital, which is receiving victims of the shooting, is on lockdown, according to its Facebook page.

"Out of abundance of caution and not because of any direct threat Danbury Hospital is under lockdown," says the statement. "This allows us simply to focus on the important work at hand."

A young girl after being evacuated from Sandy Hook Elementary School

Michelle McLoughlin / Reuters / Landov

FBI agents, SWAT teams and ambulances are on the scene, according to state emergency management officials.

Also under lockdown are all of the area's schools. Newtown Public School District secretary of superintendent Kathy June said in a statement, "The district is taking preventive measures by putting all schools in lockdown until we ensure the safety of all students and staff."

Some reports are calling this the worst school massacre in American history. At Colorado's Columbine High School in 1999, 15 were killed, including the two shooters. The 2007 Virginia Tech massacre claimed 32 victims.

Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn.

Google / AP

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American Idol: Has Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey's Feud Fizzled?

TV Watch

American Idol

12/13/2012 at 02:45 PM EST

Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey

Frank Micelotta/FOX (2)

Fans hoping to see new American Idol judges Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj battle it out in an epic feud may be disappointed. The new panelists, along with host Ryan Seacrest, took a break from filming Hollywood week to chat with the press on Wednesday, and by (almost) all accounts season 12 is steeped in mutual admiration, sunshine and rainbows.

Despite her and Carey's heated exchange during auditions in Charlotte, N.C., Minaj had nothing but kind words for her fellow judges.

"We've jelled really, really well as a group," she told reporters. "We have a great chemistry. We have a great rhythm now together, and we really are taking it serious. ... We really are rooting for the contestants and we want to find a great American Idol."

For Idol veteran Randy Jackson, that means he'll play the hard-to-please role vacated by Simon Cowell.

"Nicki is mad funny, and Mariah is mad funny, and Keith is very quick-witted and funny," Jackson said. "We're all kind of silly, but I guess maybe I'm the harsh one. I'm the quickest to say no."

Keith Urban happily boasted about the "synergy" that he has found with his "very different" costars and admitted that his reported role as referee is really nothing more than keeping his fellow judges focused on the task at hand.

"I'm just trying to bring the drama down so that we can stay on point," he told PEOPLE.

Seacrest said the drama has a way of working itself out. "I don't really have to play peacekeeper," he said. "The peace finds itself. They find the peace ... eventually"

But Carey, resplendent in a floor-length red gown and diamond earrings, hinted that perhaps the claws haven't been fully retracted. She heaped praise upon her long-time friend Jackson, called Urban an "expert" of country music and said of the group, "I think this panel is great because of the diversity." But she dodged a question about what Minaj brings to the show.

"You know, I wouldn't feel comfortable commenting on that," she said with a smile. "But thank you for the question."

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Miranda Lambert Gets Kissed by a Llama

People Pets

12/12/2012 at 02:30 PM EST

Miranda Lambert at the San Diego Zoo

Courtesy Miranda Lambert

Miranda Lambert is feeling the love – and not just from husband Blake Shelton.

"Llama kisses!" she Tweeted on Friday, sharing a photo of her up-close-and-personal encounter at the San Diego Zoo, which she visited with Shelton over the weekend.

The country couple also got acquainted with one of the zoo's big turtles, with Lambert – who took home three guitar trophies at Monday's American Country Awards – posting another photo of what she dubbed the pair's "zoo date."

"We had a blast at the San Diego zoo!!!!" she wrote. "Thanks so much."

The trip comes as no surprise for fans of the duo, whose love of animals has been well-documented. Lambert and Shelton plan to spend the holidays with their six rescue pooches, each of whom will receive a gift-wrapped present.

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Man Builds Full-Scale Replica of Noah's Ark

People Pets

By Stephen M. Silverman

12/11/2012 at 02:15 PM EST

Johan Huibers and his ark

Peter Dejong/AP

He may have trouble finding two animals of every kind, but Johan Huibers of the Netherlands isn't one to be dissuaded.

After 20 years, the professional builder completed his goal of building a full-scale, fully-operational version of Noah's Ark, using Genesis, books 6-9, in The Bible as his guide.

Huibers converted cubits to modern measurements to pull off the feat, reports the Associated Press, leading to an impressive wooden vessel that is 427 feet long, 95 feet wide and 75 feet high.

But just to be clear, the Dutchman, a Christian, is not expecting a flood of Biblical proportions anytime soon.

"I had a call from American television," he told AP with a laugh. "This has nothing to do with the end of the Mayan calendar."

Instead, citing what The Bible predicts might be in store for Earth, Huibers says, "I want to make people question that so that they go looking for answers." He also hopes people will ultimately find salvation through God and eternal life.

And while the ark is not currently occupied with multitudes of four-legged creatures – though there are reportedly some plastic and stuffed replicas of larger species onboard for atmosphere – there is a small petting zoo with ponies, dogs, sheep, rabbits and exotic birds aboard the ship, which is moored just south of Rotterdam, as well as a restaurant and movie theater that can seat 50.

See more photos inside the ark on CNN.com.

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