U.S. – Ghana World Cup Match Attracts Record Viewers – But That’s Just Not Good Enough!

I love that more people in the US are starting to pay closer attention to the game of soccer. ABC’s coverage of the U.S. loss to Ghana attracted some 14.86 million viewers, making it the most-watched men’s World Cup match ever in the United States. The 1999 women’s World Cup final, in which the U.S. defeated China, is the only match to average more U.S. viewers (17.97 million). Those numbers sound impressive at first glance, until one realizes that in comparison, a regular-season episode of American Idol this year pulled in 6 million more viewers than the men’s game; in a down year for Idol.


Another dose of reality check was kindly delivered by a friend of mine who grew up in London and now plays for the LA Galaxy (Landon Donovan‘s team). We spent six hours today watching tens of YouTube videos of soccer games played in England and Europe this past year and I realized soccer is like a religion for the fans in those countries. The same can probably be said of soccer fans everywhere else in the world other than the US; and probably Canada, but let’s leave the Canadians out of this. 


Other countries’ fans live, breathe and literally bleed soccer to the point that I think soccer means more to the rest of the world than even American football may mean to us in the States. Having realized how little fan support the US team receives in comparison to other teams across the world, I am now even more proud of all that the US Men’s World Cup team was able to achieve this year.


Would love to hear what you all think about this? What will it take for soccer to gain wider acceptance in the US? Will the US ever be able to win a World Cup? Thoughts?

Knight And Day Movie Review – Cameron Diaz And Tom Cruise

   Knight and Day uses some pretty bad computer-generated imagery to bring to life one of the most over-the-top, predictable, silly, far-fetched movies I have ever seen. And I absolutely loved every minute of it. Cameron Diaz and (gulp) Tom Criuse bring so much charm, humor, chemistry and charisma to the screen that I forgot time and time again how unbelievable the storyline really is.  I just didn’t care; I let go, sat back and enjoyed the mindless ride. And laughed out loud more than I can recall at scenes which were meant to be funny.

This movie definitely helped me remember why I used to jock Tom Cruise as an actor. He is definitely out of my dog house and back on my good side, at least as far as his artistry is concerned. And, I think this is a pretty damn good date movie too – a perfect mix of action, comedy, and chick flick-ness; a recipe which is hard to get right. Overall, it’s a great feel good, light-hearted summer movie. What are you waiting for? Go see it already.

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Worst Fashion Show Ever – And I Had To Suffer Through It

AROUND TOWN LOS ANGELES.
WORST FASHION SHOW EVER!

CelebMagnet is starting to get invited to more and more exclusive, private events, including my very first fashion show. But before you let the phrase “lucky girl” crawl across your mind, wait and read this post because I think afterwards, you will see yourself as the lucky one instead.

I was looking extremely forward to this event as I had always wanted to be front and center ogling avant garde ensembles I would never dare wear myself. So, on I went to this “poolside fashion show” hosted by an upscale Los Angeles boutique which shall remain nameless because I am about to bash their event. My blog is not mean-spirited, so, my point is not to bash specific people or designs; just poorly-planned logistics. Continue reading

Vote For Nava Ghalili To Host Her Own Show – Oprah Contest

Oprah and reality TV producer Mark Burnett (Survivor & The Apprentice) are joining forces in search of the next big TV star. As part of their search, they are holding online auditions and the winner will host his/her own TV show.  Brilliant.

My friend, Nava Ghalili, is auditioning for this opportunity of a lifetime, and I am asking you on behalf of CelebMagnet to consider voting for her. You can watch Nava’s audition reel here and vote for her here as well. You can vote for free, without registering, and as many times as you like. But remember, voting for this round ends July 3, 2010.

Why am I pushing Nava? Because Nava has always been in the forefront of empowering young people; a cause near and dear to my heart. She has travelled the world since she was 13 years old, giving motivational talks to people her age and younger. Her youth outreach programs have won the praises of international entities dedicated to improving the mental, spiritual and physical wellbeing of the teenage generation. At 21 years of age, Nava was one of the youngest television news journalists to work alongside professionals in her field. She has worked internationally as a news anchor, reporter and motivational speaker for youth empowerment. If you need more convincing, you can click here and read all about Nava and what she is up to these days.

Jake Pavelka, Ray Lewis, And A Poking By SpongeBob SquarePants – Just A Typical Day In My Life

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF THE CELEB MAGNET.

  Yesterday I took the day off from blogging to spend time at Universal Studios with visiting out-of-town friends.  But no day seems to be without a celebrity sighting these days. Before I left for Universal, my morning started with me running smack into Ray Lewis of the Baltimore Ravens while I was taking my dog for her morning walk. Not sure what he is doing in LA; he was on his cell, but still managed to throw a huge smile my way and say “hello.” I have to say ladies, he is one fine looking man in person.  Seconds later, I ran into a sad Jake Pavelka who was trying to dodge pesty paparazzi that were trying to take pictures of him on the day a nasty gossip story about him was sold to Star Magazine by his ex-fiance, Vienna Girardi.

I won’t tell you what Jake told me about the situation; but I will say that I felt horrible for him and gave him one big huge hug to make him feel better 😉 Don’t hate. But, we should all be so lucky that when our relationships end as they oft do, our ex’s won’t sell nasty lies to a tabloid for $50,000. Yup, that’s what Vienna did.

So, after all this excitement and hoopla, unto Universal Studios I finally went at 12 noon. This week has been filled with lots of accidents in the celebrity world, and the self-made Celeb Magnet was not spared from the mayhem.

First, Katy Perry suffered a mysterious injury at the MuchMusic Awards, requiring 17 stitches. Then, Lady Gaga took a tumble at Heathrow Airport when strutting on the non-fashion runway on her ridiculously high platform boots.

Then, there was I, the ever-injured Celeb Magnet. I was brutally attacked by a huge, bulgy-eyed, gappy-toothed, scary-looking yellow square cheesy-looking monster, better known by some as SpongeBob SquarePants. I ran into SpongeBob at Universal Studios and he, she, it (?), asked me to give him, her, it a hug. And when I did, he poked me. Right in the eye. With his protruding nose. Oh boy. Only me. Can I sue Universal? Or better yet, can I sell my story to Star Magazine? Here is my proof below. Click on the pic to see my agony in its full glory. And the little yellow bugger is adding insult to my injury by waving me goodbye:

Madonna Launches Fashion Line For Macy’s

This falls in the way-too-cute category–and it’s nice to see Madonna involved in good gossip for a change. I grew up with Madonna‘s music and craziness, so, it’s still hard for me to see her as a mommy. But, she and her daughter Lourdes have created a new fashion line together, “Material Girl” to be launched at Macy’s. Today Macy’s released three sketches of “Material Girl” clothing line which will hit store shelves and Macys.com on August 3rd – you guessed it, just in time for back-to-school.
Madonna and Lourdes have formed a company called MG ICON, which will produce the collection of apparel, footwear, handbags, jewelry and – you guessed it, fingerless gloves.
The great news is that the line is very affordable: The collection will retail from $12 to $40.
There will also soon be launches of  a Macys.com/materialgirl site as well as “Material Girl” Facebook and Twitter pages with more imagery and behind-the-scenes video.
Madonna, 51, says that it was fashion designer and good friendStella McCartney who encouraged the burgeoning design talent of Lourdes when she was 8 years old.

Cyndi Lauper To Star On New Reality Show!

BREAKING NEWS
Memphis Blues

If you caught Cyndi Lauper on The Celebrity Apprentice, you know the girl knows how to have fun! Cyndi was so well-liked by the fans that she is now getting her own reality show that will document her family life.

The singer best known for 80’s pop hit Girls Just Wanna Have Fun will star alongside her husband of 19 years, David Thorton, and theirson Declyn, 12. Lauper describes the show as “the comedy of our lives.”

Mark Burnett, the producer behind The Celebrity Apprentice and Survivor, is producing the show that will follow the trio around their New York home. I for one can’t wait to watch this eccentric singer on TV; am hoping the show will fill the magical void left behind when the Osbournes left the reality realm.  What a week for Cyndi –her latest Album Memphis Blues also was released Monday, on her 57th birthday. Happy belated Cyndi!