Love is in the air at the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse this Valentine's Day.

First, in the interest of fair and balanced reporting, let me tell you that I completely disagree with what I’m about to write.

Lawrenceville has made a national list of “Least Romantic Cities.”

Ow. It near about broke my heart to type that.

But here are the sad facts. Foursquare has rendered this depressing verdict. Foursquare’s Cupid Division, an outfit that does not actually exist but should, assessed data compiled by cities with at least 100,000 check ins (that’s the nifty function where you announce to the world your every move before you get around to tweeting it three seconds later).

Anyway, Foursquare decided that the cities with most check-ins at lovey dovey spots like French restaurants, wine bars, flower shops, lingerie boutiques and jewelers, could safely be declared the most romantic. Topping this smoochy-poo list was Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Disney World in other words), Napa and Venice, …

Continue reading Lawrenceville makes “Least Romantic Cities” list »

Photo courtesy of Wire Image

Elton John and Steven Tyler would love to see you the night of the Oscars. It’ll cost you, though.

Tyler is auctioning two spots at his  table at the Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party dinner on Feb. 26. The event will be hosted by John and partner David Furnish in West Hollywood.

Tyler struck a jovial tone in a statement about the event:

“How would you have to dress if you were sitting next to me at a banquet table at Elton John’s Oscar Party? Sounds like a loaded question, eh? Put your money where your mouth is and arrive as you will and come as you are to help me support the Elton John AIDS Foundation!”

The evening includes a cocktail reception, dinner by “Iron Chef” Cat Cora and a performance by Foster the People following the Oscars telecast.

Over the years the fete has drawn A-listers such as Halle Berry, Nicolas Cage, Kevin Costner, Kevin Spacey, Denzel Washington and Catherine Zeta-Jones, while musical …

Continue reading $25K to party with Elton John and Steven Tyler? »

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Jay-Z earned $63 million in 2010 and donated $6,431 to his own charity that year, according to an examination of tax records for the Shawn Carter Scholarship Fund by The Daily.

But he is splitting the proceeds from his Carnegie Hall concerts between the charity and the United Way of New York.

A representative said in a statement provided to The Daily that Jay-Z (real name: Shawn Carter) contributes in other ways, and that his mother works at the charity for free:

“Jay, along with his family, provided office support, overhead support, Mrs. Gloria Carter’s 100% effort and time, computers, FedEx expenses, accounting, and treasury function support. This was at no cost to the charity.”

The Shawn Carter Scholarship Foundation, received three donations in 2010, totaling $218,849, The …

Continue reading Report: Jay-Z earned $63 million, gave $6K to his charity in 2010 »

AP photo

Did you love Madonna’s medley during the Super Bowl halftime? Or .. not?

The performer arrived via a parade of gladiators, decked out in Egyptian garb but managed a number of costume changes. She was joined at various times during the set by Cee Lo Green, Nicki Minaj, M.I.A. and the quirky LMFAO.

M.I.A. decided to cap her role by giving fans the one-finger salute, for some reason. While it lacked the shock value of Janet Jackson’s “wardrobe malfunction,” it was nonetheless a low-rent move for which officials have hustled to apologize.

“The obscene gesture in the performance was completely inappropriate, very disappointing and we apologize to our fans,”  Brian McCarthy, spokesman for the NFL, which produced Madonna’s halftime show, said in a statement released to the Associated Press.

We need this sequined Snuggie. AP photo

And what would a football game be without a few fumbles? MTV helpfully posted video clips of Madonna losing her footing at times. Given her …

Continue reading Celebs at the Super Bowl: discuss the highs and lows »

John Travolta is making the rounds and making new friends in Clayton, up in Rabun County, where he is filming scenes for a movie called “Killing Season.”

We’re told he’s been spotted all around the mountain town, dining out and chatting up the locals.

His co-star Robert De Niro? Not so much. Word is he is keeping to himself for now.

“Killing Season” stars the two as a couple of guys who happen to meet in the Appalachians – hence the north Georgia filming sites. De Niro plays an American military veteran. Travolta’s character is a guy who at first introduction is a European tourist. Turns out he is also a soldier, bent on revenge.

Sounds like the thriller will be an interesting one for sure.

Anyway, here’s a photo of Travolta with some of his new mountain buddies. Like the beard?

- Jennifer Brett/The Buzz/jbrett@ajc.com

Continue reading John Travolta making the rounds in north Georgia »

It’s news when a University of Georgia student athlete turns down an offer to turn pro.

It’s usually a football player we’re talking about. This time it’s a cheerleader.

Junior Anna Watson has declined a $75,000 modeling contract, concerned about the physical impact of  performance-enhancing substances that could be part of a professional career.

“I don’t serve a modeling agent. I serve the Lord,” Watson, an exercise and sports science major from Fayetteville, told UGA’s independently run student newspaper, the Red & Black. “I’m not going to compromise my morals and my beliefs just to take pictures. I believe that my body is a temple and a beautiful creation, so I don’t want to put anything into it that can harm it.”

Here is the Red & Black’s story about Watson. Here is a photo gallery of her.

Watson discussed her physique and her faith during an appearance on “Good Morning America.”

“I’ve grown up in the church and I’ve been in the Word my entire life and …

Continue reading UGA’s buff cheerleader turns heads, turns down modeling contract »

Photo Credit: Michael Rozman/Warner Bros.

Golden Globe winner and Oscar nominee Octavia Spencer once streaked down her street wearing little besides a pair of Uggs.

It seems the actress who played Minny Jackson in “The Help,” based on Atlanta author Kathryn Stockett’s book, made a friendly bet with the movie’s director, Tate Taylor.

“I totally did not think that America was ready for an African American president. And, flapping my big mouth, I said, ‘Tate, if America elects a black man to be president, I will run down the street naked,’” Spencer tells Ellen DeGeneres on today’s episode of DeGeneres’ talk show. “And when they did, I said you know what, I have to pay this bet off. But I did it on my own way. I basically wore my underwear, bra and panties. And Uggs, because it was November.”

Taylor upped Spencer’s end of the bargain.

“He said, “Well if you’re not going to do it naked you have to scream, ‘A black man has been elected to the White House!’ So I ran down the street …

Continue reading Octavia Spencer discusses Spanx and streaking »

AP photo

Justin Timberlake will be in Atlanta soon, to work on the Clint Eastwood film “Trouble With the Curve.”

In the baseball-themed movie Eastwood plays an aging baseball scout looking to mend fences with his daughter, played by Amy Adams, while he casts for new talent.

Entertainment publications including Variety and Deadline are reporting that Timberlake plays a rival scout with an eye for Adams, too.

While he’s famous for bringing sexy back, the pop artist is quite a good actor as well. He said taking on his role as Napster founder Sean Parker in the movie “The Social Network” was a daunting challenge, but his fine performance was much acclaimed.

We’ll let you know when he’s spotted here in Atlanta.

- Jennifer Brett/The Buzz/jbrett@ajc.com

Continue reading Justin Timberlake coming to Atlanta for Clint Eastwood film »

AP photo

Comic Tracy Morgan, who once joked during a stand-up routine that he’d stab his son if the youngster acted gay, is back in the news with more family-related drama.

Morgan issued an apology for his gay joke but is not responding to claims by his mother that he will not help her financially.

Alicia Warden of Ohio, who discussed her plight with the New York Daily News on the condition that her address was not revealed, said she faces foreclosure and is about to have her utilities disconnected because she cannot pay. She told the NYDN that she owes less $25,000 on her home, but that her son would only offer a gift of $2,000 when she requested financial assistance after her unemployment benefits ran out.

“My mom’s house isn’t extravagant, but it’s her home. Her health is failing. She has diabetes, and her legs are giving out on her,” his sister Asia Morgan said. “This would be a drop in the bucket for Tracy. She has a son that can do, and she’s done …

Continue reading Comic Tracy Morgan’s mom complains he won’t help her »

…and what are her friends doing this Valentine's Day?

Suzanne Kirkland has big plans for Valentine’s Day this year.

She’s going to dress up in a 20s inspired frock, indulge in few glam nibbles at  Cupz & Cake at 1171 LaVista Rd., then head across the street to see “The Artist” at the UA Tara Cinemas 4 at 2345 Cheshire Bridge Rd.

All with a group of girlfriends.

“It’s a Tuesday. People still have to go to work the next day,” she reasoned.

Indeed, Valentine’s falls rather nonromantically mid-week this year, so instead of aiming for a lovey dovey couples night, how about getting the girls together for a fun outing that’s more “Bridesmaids” and less “The Notebook?”

The Ritz-Carlton Buckhead is featuring seasonal delicacies at tea time.

If you and your lady friends want to go all Downton Abbey this Valentine’s Day season, consider taking tea at the Ritz-Carlton in Buckhead.

On Thursdays through Sundays through the big day, afternoon tea takes on a choc-tacular spirit with …

Continue reading Planning a Valentine’s Girls Night Out? »