Lauryn Hill Breaks Her Silence

  (CNN)  Over the past decade or so since “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” was released, every so often you would see an article or blog post questioning, “What ever happened to Lauryn Hill?” Thanks to NPR chasing down the rapper/singer outside of a concert in Santa Rosa, California, now we can know from Hill herself. “There were a number of different reasons,” Hill said of why she seemed to simply disappear from everything: from performing, from making music – virtually from sight. “But partly, the support system that I needed was not necessarily in place. There were things about myself, personal-growth things, that I had to go through in order to feel like it was worth…

Larry King Ending His Show; Wants to Pass Torch to Ryan Seacrest

(ETonline) With Larry King announcing his departure from “Larry King Live,” resumes are surely to be flooding into the CNN offices for the vacant seat. The retiring host told guest Bill Maher on Tuesday’s show that he hopes Ryan Seacrest‘s name is in the mix. Upon being prompted by Maher to come forth with a recommended successor, King replied, “I can’t be objective because I don’t know his feelings, his interest in politics. But Ryan Seacrest…He is curious. He is interesting. He is likable.” King did stress his concern that he was unsure where Seacrest stands in political awareness. The “Larry King Live” show welcomes guests from all sorts of headlines, political and entertainment. “If he has a…

Oprah Is Forbes’ Most Powerful Celeb Again

(CBS) Oprah Winfrey has taken back her crown as the world’s most powerful celebrity on this year’s Forbes magazine Celebrity 100 Power List. Lady Gaga is the list’s highest-ranking newcomer, at No. 4, with $62 million in earnings. Winfrey reclaimed the title from last year’s No. 1, Angelina Jolie, who dropped all the way to No. 18. The Queen of Talk earned a staggering $315 million over the last year. It’s the fourth time she’s been in the No. 1 slot. Collectively, the 100 actors, actresses and musicians on the list made $4.7 billion during the past year, up from $4.1 billion in the year-ago span. Beyonce Knowles climbed two spots, to No. 2, after a…

Cruise Lines Upgrade Private Island Retreats

(ABC News) Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Lines, Holland America and Norwegian Cruise Lines are in various stages of improving their private island retreats — from just starting to already finished. New additions range from private cabanas to exhilarating rides and water play areas, as well as expanded beach areas. Whether the island renovations are being made to accommodate big new ships or add unique ways to explore, the changes will give first timers and repeat cruisers a new and improved taste of island life — and a reason to return on a future cruise. Here’s what you can expect to find on upcoming private island calls. Royal Caribbean’s Labadee Best New Addition: Until now, Disney’s Castaway Cay was the…

Alicia Keys Wins Big at BET Awards, Chris Brown Breaks Down Onstage

(ETonline) It was a big night for hip hop and R&B artists as the 2010 BET Awards recognized the best in the business. Hosted by Queen Latifah, the night was kicked off by presenting a pregnant Alicia Keys with the award for Best Female R&B artist. Keys also performed twice in the evening and won the award for Best Collaboration for her work with Jay-Zon the song “Empire State of Mind.” Other familiar faces to perform at the awards included Diddy, Monica, T.I., Eminem and Travis Barker. Breakout rapper Drake won for Best Male Hip Hop artist, whileNicki Minaj won for Best Female Hip Hop Artist. In one of his first performances since pleading guilty to felony assault in related to…

No. 1 pick John Wall headlines the 2010 NBA Draft

(Associated Press) NEW YORK – John Wall is heading to Washington, and a record number of Kentucky teammates are following him to the NBA. Wall went to the Wizards with the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft Thursday and four more Wildcats were among the top 30 selections, making them the first school ever to put five players in the first round. After falling short of the Final Four even with all that talent around him, Wall is ready to help Washington bounce back from a season that was embarrassing on the court and in the locker room. “I feel like I had pressure since I became No. 1 in high school and was one of…

Lakers’ Coach Phil Jackson: ‘I’m leaning towards retiring’

(ESPN.com) EL SEGUNDO, Calif. – Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson used it as a running joke this season when asked if he was leaning one way or another regarding his coaching future. “I’m leaning against the wall,” Jackson said in a tunnel in Oklahoma City, and later, “I’m leaning against the podium,” before a playoff game at Staples Center. He dropped the joke and got serious about his decision Wednesday. “I’m leaning towards retiring but I have not made up my mind,” Jackson said. The 64-year-old coach told Lakers owner Dr. Jerry Buss that he planned on completing a series of medical tests and evaluations by Thursday. He then plans to drive out to his…

Wimbledon tennis marathon ends after 11 hours

(Associated Press) WIMBLEDON, England — When John Isner finally won the longest match in tennis history, he collapsed on the Wimbledon grass and then summoned one last burst of energy, springing to his feet to give his opponent a bear hug. Isner hit a backhand up the line Thursday to win the last of the match’s 980 points, and he beat Nicolas Mahut in the fifth set 70-68. The first-round marathon took 11 hours, 5 minutes over three days, lasting so long it was suspended because of darkness — two nights in a row. Play resumed Thursday at 59-all before an overflow crowd on cozy Court 18 and continued for 20 games and 65 minutes…

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Box Office Abuzz as ‘Toy Story 3′ Has $109 Million Domestic Debut

(ETonline) Moviegoers across the globe made play-dates to see ‘Toy Story 3,’ with the film grossing $109 million domestically over the weekend and $153.8 million worldwide, proving that audiences have not outgrown the franchise. The film reunites Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) and Woody (Tom Hanks) for another big adventure along with all your favorite toys. This time, Andy has grown up and is heading to college. Faced with a new home — and the grimy hands of a schoolroom full of tots — the toys plot their escape. Click the pics to see what other films topped the weekend box office according to Sunday studio estimates.