Saturday, April 6, 2013

Teenaged Olympic athlete Douglas to publish second memoir

Teenaged Olympic athlete Douglas to publish second memoir
Olympic gold medal gymnast Gabrielle Douglas arrives for the Stand Up To Cancer fundraising telethon at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California, September 7, 2012. REUTERS/Jonathan Alcorn
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Olympic gold medalist Gabrielle Douglas, not yet 18, will publish her second memoir next month, publisher Zondervan said on Tuesday.

Douglas, 17, a gold medal winner at the 2012 Summer Olympics in both team and individual all-around gymnastics competition, will publish "Raising the Bar", a follow-up to her 2012 best-selling memoir "Grace, Gold & Glory: My Leap of Faith", on April 30, the publishers said in a release.
Zondervan is a division of HarperCollins that specializes in Christian-oriented books.


The book will offer a behind-the-scenes look into Douglas' life, including color photos, personal stories and details on the athlete's present-day life - from walking red carpets and appearing on TV shows such as "The Vampire Diaries" while also making time for friends, family and training.
"'Raising the Bar' explores what it's like to be an everyday teen with a not-so-everyday life," Zondervan said.

Raising the Bar [Hardcover]


Douglas, who began training at age 6 and became the Virginia State Champion just 2 years later, made history last year when she became the first U.S. gymnast to take home a team and an individual gold medal in the same games. She was first African-American to win the individual gold.
Since the 2012 London Olympics thrust the young gymnast into the public eye, Douglas has appeared at the Democratic National Convention, the MTV Video Awards, on the cover of Time magazine and on special edition boxes of corn flake cereal, along with her gold medal.
(Reporting by Chris Michaud; Editing by Piya Sinha-Roy and Richard Chang)

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Victoria’s Secret Models Alessandra Ambrosio, Karlie Kloss, and Candice Swanepoel Share Summer Fitness Tips

Victoria's Secret Models Alessandra Ambrosio, Karlie Kloss, and Candice Swanepoel Share Summer Fitness Tips
By Taryn Ryder

Wondering what you can do to look like a Victoria's Secret Angel? Or, at least close to a Victoria's Secret Angel?
We've got the answers.
Since not all of us were genetically blessed like Alessandra Ambrosio, Karlie Kloss, and Candice Swanepoel, omg! talked with the ladies to get everyday fitness and diet tips that all of us can use.

"So everyone wants a nice butt, right?" Kloss, 20, said pointing out an area that is important to get bikini ready. "You want to exercise isolating that area. One of the best things you can do are leg lifts. There are a lot of good online do it yourself videos on YouTube."
omg! sat down with the girls for Victoria's Secret Swim 2013 launch at a private house in Bevelry Hills, and they eagerly shared their specific fitness regimens.

"I love going to spin at SoulCycle," Ambrosio, 31, said of a chain of indoor cycling studios in L.A. and New York. "I love Pilates, I feel like that gets you toned and your belly will be a hard rock! And yoga. If I can't find those classes, I love going to the beach and surfing or playing volleyball with my friends. I love being active every day."
Victoria's Secret PINK LOVE PINK Zipper Weekender Canvas Beach Gym Tote Bag

"If you have time, it's great to try and work out three to four times a week," the mother of two continued. "If I have something big like the Victoria's Secret fashion show or a shoot, I try to work out daily."
"Even going out dancing with friends can be a fun work out," Swanepoel, 24, added. "I love doing that!
"I think it's important to switch up your cardio," Kloss chimed in. "I think trying to strengthen and train all your muscles is important, so doing different exercises, like maybe biking one day and then swimming is great for overall toning. That's what I will probably be doing now ahead of summer."
Now for the good news: You don't necessarily have to put down the carbs to look great in a two-piece.
"Two days ago I had pasta and I knew I would be in a bikini today so I just had a little," Ambrosio said. "I felt like eating it! I just don't eat too much of it. You don't ever want to deprive yourself. But during the week I try to be healthy. I love salads, teas, and green juices. I get a lot of organic food. Anything fresh is my go-to."
"I think it's important to make sure you have enough vegetables, fruits, and proteins," Kloss agreed. "A balance of everything."

Candice Swanepoel, Karlie Kloss, and Alessandra Ambrosio (Getty Images)
"For me it's so important getting vitamins," shared Swanepoel. "Living in New York, I get scared that food doesn't have nutrients. I really try and eat organic, I eat all the good fats. It's not about blocking anything out. It's just trying to make sure I get Vitamin D or C. You can't have glowing skin on nothing."
Even if you haven't whipped yourself into shape, according to the Angels, there is one sure fire tip to look fabulous on the beach.
"Feeling confident and not worrying too much about how you look is key," Swanepoel said, joking, "A guy will run away if you do!"
"And a tan always helps! Some of the beach bronze products are a must-have," the blond bombshell added. "There is no really quick fix to anything. So choosing a swimsuit that you can hide the parts you want to hide works. Victoria's Secret also has one pieces that are elegant and cute."
Since the biggest trend in Hollywood right now is a baby bump (take Kate Middleton, Jessica Simpson, Kim Kardashian, and Kristen Bell, for example), Ambrosio even shared tips for mothers-to-be about staying healthy while pregnant.
"When you are pregnant it's really important to eat a lof of nutrients," she advised. "You think because you're pregnant you can eat a whole pizza, but think about it, pizza doesn't have nutrients. I would say just be more conscience with your body. If you have a little here or there that's fine, but just don't get too wild every day."
But back to the beach: Swanepoel thinks neon colors will be all the rage this year.
"I love the Very Sexy Push Up bandeaus," Ambrosio said suggesting the coral or aqua color. You can check that out here).
Anyone else suddenly feeling inspired to hit the gym? See you there!

Friday, March 22, 2013

Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett Set to Record Jazz Album in June

Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett Set to Record Jazz Album in June
By Patrick Flanary | Rolling Stone

The hip injury that led to Lady Gaga's canceled world tour last month will not prevent her from recording a jazz album with Tony Bennett as scheduled, Bennett told Rolling Stone in an interview Thursday in New York.

"We're working on it from now until June, and then we'll record in June. She's phenomenal," he said during a dinner at the Amy Winehouse Gala and Inspiration Awards, which recognized him with a Lifetime Achievement honor. "I get along great with her. She's looking forward to it and so am I."

Recommended from Amazon.com : Born This Way [+Digital Booklet]
Born This Way [+Digital Booklet]

Cost of Lady Gaga's Tour Cancelation Could Exceed $30 Million



Inspired by their lone collaboration, "The Lady Is a Tramp" for Bennett's Duets II album, the pair plan to expand on their relationship when they enter a studio in Astoria, Queens. "Once you have an idea, then you go for it," Bennett said. While they have not settled on a producer, Dae Bennett and Phil Ramone worked on the 2011 song.

Recommended from Amazon.com : Duets II


In addition to Gaga's vocal ability, Bennett added that her business sense also impresses him. He recalled admiring a skyscraper-length advertisement for Fame, her women's fragrance line, during a visit to Germany last year. "She sold one billion bottles of perfume," he said with a laugh.

"It's the best time of my life right now," he said. "I'm 86 years old and I really feel like I'm just starting out right now, because I want to prove that I can get better as I get older." Asked if he plans to record other albums beyond this project, Bennett replied, "Absolutely. I'm studying all the time, learning as much as I can."