MTV’s The Challenge Documents Abram and Cara Maria’s Disturbing Romance

If you watch MTV, then you know about The Challenge, and if you know about The Challenge, then you’re well aware of the bizarre relationship between two of its main staples, Cara Maria Sorbello and Abram Boise. On the most recent episode, viewers were given a disturbing lens into what seems like an abusive relationship. Though Abram never gets physical with Cara Maria, his outbursts are shocking, and she’s clearly afraid of him. Cara Maria cheated on Abram during the course of this season’s show, and she later admitted that she hoped the cameras filming her indiscretion would cause Abram to dump her, since she can’t get out of the relationship on her own. He predictably did not dump her; however, and instead exhibited uncontrollable rage during a taping of the After Show. When the host asked the man with whom she cheated what “he saw in Cara Maria,” Cara Maria responded with, “Do you want him to die?” While the audience laughed, I did not. I found the entire thing reprehensible, and I feel sorry for all parties involved, including Abram, who needs help. Watch the clip below for a glimpse at this sad, troubling event.

Leonardo DiCaprio’s Engine Exploded on an Airplane: WATCH NOW

You know what happens when your interview subject refuses to discuss his personal life in public? You actually get interesting questions from an interviewer that’s forced to think outside the traditional box we often see on daytime talk shows. When Leonardo DiCaprio visited Ellen DeGeneres to discuss his new film, ‘The Revenant,’ he revealed two extremely disturbing stories about near-death experiences. Watch below to see him discuss his parachute not opening and the engine on his plane exploding.

Taylor Swift Performs Acoustic Version of “Wildest Dreams” – WATCH NOW

Taylor Swift is a solid performer, and she proved it at the Grammy Museum with a stripped down version of “Wildest Dreams.” Her performance dates back to September, but it’s worth a listen if you didn’t catch it the first time.

Steven Avery Filmmakers and Lawyers Speaks Out: What Now

If you were addicted to Netflix’s ‘Making a Murderer’ like the rest of America, then you’re likely after more answers as to Steven Avery’s case, and any remaining legal options he might have. Megyn Kelly spoken with attorneys from both sides and the prosecutor is just as gross as he was during trial (if not grosser). Though Kelly asked key questions, Avery’s innocence is actually irrelevant. There were outrageous ethical and legal violations in his trial, which barred him from his fundamental right to a fair trial as a citizen of this country. Watch the videos below. The second video is an interview with the creators of the documentary.

Celine Dion Covers Adele’s “Hello”

Simon Cowell used to advise his ‘American Idol’ contestants to avoid covers of powerhouse performers because unless a singer is capable of contending with the original, he or she will always be compared. So what happens when one powerhouse performer with the right pipes actually covers another? Watch below to see Celine Dion cover Adele’s “Hello,” which will bring you the first shot at a serious singing match-up. While Dion obviously lacks Adele’s emotional attachment to the performance, it’s extremely interesting to compare the two.

Catalina Island: Your Getaway Guide

Care to live a luxurious life on par with Hollywood’s elite A-listers? Angelinos in need of a little rest and relaxation during their next long weekend away are in luck, because Catalina’s peaceful ambiance, pristine waters, secluded coves and can’t-miss activities are are hop, skip, and boat ride away via the Catalina Express.

Catalina’s enchanting charm has attracted Tinseltown for decades, serving as the backdrop for classic films that include The Ten Commandments and Ben Hur, for example, along with actors simply in need of a serene escape, such as Charlie Chaplin, James Cagney, John Wayne, Clark Gable, and more. And let’s not forget Marilyn Monroe, who spent some time on the island with then-husband James Dougherty just before she rose to fame.

When you venture off for your island getaway, there’s an easy number of options and accommodations. Just 22 miles off the Los Angeles coast, the short sailing experience will begin with Catalina Express’ luxury service, which ferries over one million passengers annually in just under one hour. And if you’d like to live like a celebrity and upgrade your experience, the high-speed vessels feature a Commodore Lounge on the upper deck, with leather-trimmed seats, overhead storage, priority boarding, and a beverage and snack service that houses a must-have Bloody Mary. They also graciously offer a free ride on your birthday, which will save you nearly $76 that can later be used for many other on-island activities, such as a Segway ride (a personal favorite), golf carting, zip lining, a behind-the-scenes casino tour, an inside look at the beautiful botanical gardens, and a window into the sea on board a glass-bottomed boat.

When you arrive in Avalon, continue to channel the island’s charm with your choice of the perfect stay, which can be found at the Catalina Island Inn. The beautiful, nautical-inspired decor, approachable staff, and contemporary outdoor balcony provide an elite experience with a boutique feel. The Inn also generously offers flat screen televisions, an iPod dock, mini-fridges, fireplaces, and a private patio, but since it overlooks Avalon Bay and is situated in the center of the action, you’ll likely find yourself easily entering and exiting during your daily excursions. Be sure to grab some complimentary coffee and breakfast muffins in the lobby before you start your day, but save some room for a yummy meal at The Lobster Trap. If you’re like me and you’d like a more private vacation with far less foot traffic, book your stay during the off-season and save some money using the Best of Winter Package. There’s no time like the present, and the Catalina Island Inn is the perfect way to pamper yourself.

Catalina Express

Catalina Express

Catalina Island Inn
Catalina Island Inn
Catalina Island
Catalina Island

Tabloid Gossip: Your Week of Links

Bella Hadid and The Weeknd are taking a break. E! Online

Gwen Stefani spent Christmas with Blake Shelton in Oklahoma. People

We finally know the identity of Bristol Palin’s baby daddy. She Knows

The truck driver in Tracy Morgan’s crash was charged with manslaughter. NYT

Daisy Fuentes married singer Richard Marx. Us Weekly

Chelsea Clinton is expecting her second child. USA Today

T.I. and Tiny are having a baby. Just Jared

Eva Longoria got engaged. Mirror

Carson Daly finally married his longtime love and baby mamma. TMZ

Jennifer Lawrence and Liam Hemsworth have made out in real life. Inquisitr

Janet Jackson postponed her tour to undergo surgery. Rolling Stone

RHONJ’s Theresa Giudice was released from prison before Christmas. Hollywood Life

Madonna’s son did not want to spend Christmas with her. Jezebel

Caitlyn Jenner celebrated Christmas with a very revealing dress. In Touch

Steve Harvey ruined Miss Universe for the ten people that still watch. Pop Sugar

Netflix’s ‘Making a Murderer’ — Judicial Corruption Exposed

NETFLIX_MAKINGOFAMURDERERSteven Avery served 18 years in prison in Manitowoc County, Wisconsin for a crime he did not commit, and two years after he was exonerated with newly developed DNA testing, he was convicted of murder, for which he was sentenced to life in prison. Netflix’s ‘Making a Murderer’ tells his story, starting with his trial. In the first episode of the new Netflix series we learned just how Avery’s original case went awry, and it’s mostly due to shocking government corruption. The state had an agenda, and they shaped the case in their favor. They influenced the witness’s memory of her attacker, they neglected to follow viable leads that implicated another man, they dismissed Avery’s key alibi witnesses, and then covered up their shocking infractions. Avery long felt they were out to get him, and 18 years later, with the help of the Wisconsin Innocence Project, he proved it.

Avery sought redemption for his wrongful conviction via a civil lawsuit, given that the government was outrageously cleared of any wrongdoing. Each deposition revealed the extent of their ethical infractions, and their blind desire to put Avery behind bars. And just as it became increasingly more embarrassing for everyone involved, and Avery was closer to a multi-million dollar settlement, something happened. Teresa Halbach, a 25 year old photographer, went missing, and Steven Avery was accused of her murder. According to Avery, she was on his property taking pictures of Avery’s Auto Salvage yard for Auto Trader magazine just before she vanished. Her car was found on his property with his blood inside, along with its key inside Avery’s bedroom. Her burned, charred remains were also discovered on his property, and his nephew confessed to having participated in killing her. But before you become convinced that he’s guilty from that aforementioned list of exculpatory evidence, WATCH THIS DOCUMENTARY, because nothing is as it seems.

The same individuals that wrongly convicted Avery the first time around are involved in his subsequent trial, which is a shocking conflict of interest. This also means that Avery’s DNA was available to them, and a vial of his blood was in fact tampered with. As for that key, it was found on the eighth search of Avery’s property, and the individual that located the key is the same individual involved in his original trial. And what about the victim’s car? A cop called in the plates to the victim’s car days before it was located on Avery’s property, which suggests that it was located in another area and moved to Avery’s yard for the purpose of framing him. It might seem outlandish, and though many might suggest it’s atrocious to accuse the state of such horrible behavior, they already proved themselves corrupt during Avery’s FIRST TRIAL, and they could obviously (and easily) do it again. In fact, the SHERIFF said during a television interview that it would be ridiculous to frame Avery, because if he wanted to get rid of him, he could just “make him disappear” instead. You might also wonder about the nephew’s confession. As soon as you read it in print, it’s easy to assume a confession cannot possibly be entirely manipulated, but this confession is on camera, and when you watch the documentary you’ll see for yourself just how a learning disabled teenager outside the presence of his mother and an attorney can be conned and bullied into a yes-or-no guessing game that indicates he might not even understand the questions.

Many of us know about government corruption, and many of us hear about it in the news in sound bites. But watching Steven Avery’s trial as it’s happening, with in-depth, behind the scenes depositions, interrogations, and interviews, exposes this darkness through a different lens. Even if Steven Avery committed this crime, which I don’t believe he did, it doesn’t much matter in the end. What matters is fairness, ethics, and the law, and none of that was followed here. Steven Avery deserves a FAIR trial with a FAIR judge that follows the laws of evidence and excludes unlawful searches and seizures. He deserves justice. And hopefully this Netflix documentary will give it to him.

 

‘Fuller House’ Teaser Released!!!! – Watch Now

What do you do when an entire group of television stars has aged shockingly well and have stayed friends? You re-boot their beloved series, of course! The Tanners have returned to their home for ‘Fuller House,’ which brings back a widowed DJ to her family for support, who move in to help raise her children. Watch the teaser below, and tune in to Netflix for its return.

Tina Fey in ‘Whiskey Tango Foxtrot’ – Watch Trailer

Tina Fey in a war movie? Now that’s a concept I can get behind. The film is a comedic adaptation of journalist Kim Barker’s 2011 memoir ‘The Taliban Shuffle: Strange Days in Afghanistan and Pakistan,’ and it is co-directed by Glenn Ficarra & John Requa. Fey plays a New York city news correspondent who reports to Afghanistan, and she’s less than prepared for what’s in store, but she gets a little help from her stellar co-stars, which include Margot Robbie, Billy Bob Thornton, Martin Freeman, and Alfred Molina. Robert Carlock, a longtime Fey collaborator, wrote the screenplay. Watch the trailer below.