Prabhat Saini asked:


Wallpapers have evolved in meaning during the past couple of decades. In the past, wallpapers refer to a sticky big paper with various patterns that can be applied on walls in lieu of paint. Today, wallpapers refer to the image found on the desktop of a computer.

Although people can easily scan and upload a photo to serve as their desktop wallpapers, many tech-savvy individuals have found ways to adorn their computer screens with new and cool wallpapers. People no longer are contented with typical wallpapers like classic artworks, modern digital art, and sports cars.

Perhaps one of the more popular types of wallpapers are celebrity wallpapers. Celebrities have become icons in today’s society. Most people want to act like them, look them, and of course, be with them. It is therefore not surprising that wallpapers containing pictures of celebrities have become a hit among many Internet users.

As on date wallpapers are not only limited to the wall of your room, there are a majority of computer users that have a pretty decent library of them and keep on rotating on their desktop screens. Traditional wallpapers might have lost some of its popularity, but desktop wallpapers are becoming increasingly popular by the day. Not to mention that more than 90% of these are from celebrities, showing different dresses. They help in bringing new fashion and latest designs of dress designers. Now-a-days you do not need to make any wallpapers from a scanned image, there are already plenty available in abundance and their quality is amazing. Some of these wallpapers give a feeling that the celebrity is just about to speak or jump out.

Female celebrities like Cameron Diaz, Angelina Jolie, and Jessica Alba have also become staples in most wallpapers. The temptation of seeing a beautiful celebrity like Jolie and Alba has encouraged many to make use of celebrity wallpapers for their desktop background. Of course, it is more visually appealing to make use of celebrity wallpapers compared to using animals or complex artwork, for instance.

Proof of the popularity of these celebrity wallpapers is the number of websites offering free celebrity wallpapers. In the past, Computer users had to make do with pixilated and poor quality pictures of celebrities for their wallpapers. There were also instances when computer users scanned magazines where pictures of their favorite celebrities were published. There were not enough options for computer users in getting the favorite celebrity wallpapers.

A lot of things have changed in recent years. For one, it is a lot easy for computer users to get a wallpaper of their favorite celebrities. All they have to do is to go to an online search engine, type in the keyword “female celebrity wallpaper” and within seconds they will be provided with a list of websites offering wallpapers of celebrities.

The good part is that there is a comprehensive listing of celebrities that have wallpapers. There’s a good chance that your favorite celebrity is included in the list. Your favorite movie or TV actress is sure to have their own wallpapers.

Try to go online now and visit a number of celebrity wallpaper websites, and spice up your desktop within seconds.

Lisa James asked:


We live in a celebrity obsessed culture. There are news programs devoted exclusively to the lives of stars, and weekly publications that report every facet of their lives both professional and personal. They are not allowed any measure of privacy. Camera people follow them on the most mundane of tasks, await them outside their homes to take photos that can be worth thousands of dollars and even rifle through their trash to find any snippet of information.

Common sense would tell someone in this situation that they must behave in a very respectable manner at all times living in the proverbial fish bowl. Yet, most celebrities do not seem to learn. Therefore I have compiled a list of tips that celebrities on the A, B, or even D list may want to follow.

Do Not Cheat On Your Spouse

This is not to say that they are supposed to be morally superior, or that they need to set an example. The simple truth is that with the increased level of scrutiny it is likely that they will get caught. Celebrities such as Brad Pitt, Ben Affleck, and Ryan Phillippe to name a few can attest to this. It is not a good idea of your spouse to learn of your wandering eye through the pages of Star Magazine.

Do Not Commit Any Crimes

Celebrity mug shots are the dreams of publishers of celebrity weeklies such as Star Magazine and The National Enquirer. There are websites devoted exclusively to embarrassing pictures of entertainers. Some favorites are those of Nick Nolte, Robert Downey Jr., Hugh Grant to name a few. Before the desire to pick up a prostitute, buy illegal drugs, or drive under the influence takes hold, remember every interview going forward will discuss the lapse in judgment and show the less than flattering photo provided in public records.

Do Not Lose or Gain Drastic Amounts of Weight

Most of us know that it is incredibly easy to gain weight as we age. Celebrities have no such luck. Every morsel that they consume must be monitored. A mere five pounds of extra weight gain can easily lead to false pregnancy or depression rumors. On the opposite end of the spectrum it is not unheard of for celebrities to be shamed into shedding pounds only to be questioned about their weight loss methods or about having an eating disorder once the weight loss becomes too drastic.

Do Not Marry Kevin Federline

This should be self explanatory; however, it appears that Britney Spears never got the memo. The level of criticism she received once she started to date the former back up dancer reached epic proportions. Though you should be able to date or marry whatever person you like, the same rules do not apply in the entertainment industry. Marrying Federline made Spears become a punch line. In this case the bad publicity did not bode well for her career. The rule in Hollywood for women seems to be that it is best to marry someone who has the same amount of power or more than you. In the case that your career takes off it is essential to upgrade to a more desirable spouse. Jennifer Garner and Katie Holmes are a great example of this.

Though it may seem unfair that those who choose the entertainment industry for a living have to live by a different set of rules, they do reap the rewards of their profession. Celebrities earn large amounts of money, often more in a year then many achieve in their lifetimes. They receive preferential treatment much of the time, receive complimentary expensive items when they can afford to pay. Perhaps it is fitting that they get themselves into such crazy situations. It makes life a bit more fair.

Lisa James asked:


Popular celebrity weeklies such as Star Magazine and In Touch Weekly explore and report on the glamorous world of popular entertainers and celebrities. It is difficult not to harbor any envy when glossy magazines and popular television shows provide picturesque layouts of palatial estates, and reports of multi million dollar pays for earning a living at something that many do not consider to be work. In addition, celebrities also receive special treatment in most instances and often do not have to pay for things though they can afford to.

While it may difficult to begrudge them their exulted status, there are some things that are positive about celebrity and fame. You may turn a lighter shad of green when you realize that celebs:

Inspire Us to Work Harder

Some may consider this negative, but in a culture full of celebrity worship, we want what our favorite entertainers have. We work harder at trying to attain the perfect body because Beyonce Knowles and Jennifer Lopez possess it. We want to own at least one Porsche like Jerry Seinfeld, or platinum Jewelry like Sean Combs.

Though the perfect body may be unattainable, and to be fair celebrities enjoy airbrushing, personal trainers and personal chefs to help them attain either the illusion or an actual perfect body. They make us work harder at being our best self, and most of us figure if he can do it I can do it too.

Teach Us about the World

Not every person blessed with fame is shallow and self involved. Often celebrities use their fame as a platform to increase awareness about national and global problems and events. Whatever the consensus is on Angelina Jolie as a home wrecker, the fact that she has raised awareness of the importance of adoption is indisputable. Jolie, adopted two children from third world nations bringing an awareness of the plight of children in poor and developing countries. Other celebrities such as Meg Ryan, and Madonna have followed her lead and countless others will undoubtedly follow.

George Clooney may someday run for office, but is currently using his celebrity status to raise awareness of the genocide in Darfur, Sudan. Clooney has helped raise money, and introduced many Americans to a part of the world that is often not discussed on their local news.

In addition to world events celebrities also help to raise awareness and money for foundations for rare and incurable diseases. Both Michael J. Fox and Muhammad Ali suffer from Parkinsons disease, Christopher Reeve was an outspoken advocate for people with spinal disabilities. Celebrities make it cool to do charitable activities such as doing a walk for cancer or encouraging women to be tested for ****** cancer and men for prostate cancer. Celebrities such as Fran Drescher, and Rudolph Giuliani tell their stories and share their fight with the diseases which undoubtedly saves lives.

Though it is quite easy to look at most entertainers as overpaid and egotistical, remember there are two sides to the equation.

Jessica Lowe asked:




The Clothes Off Our Back Foundation is a 501c3 organization that hosts charity auctions showcasing today’s hottest celebrity attire. Items are put up for bid to the public with proceeds going to benefit children’s charities. Clothes Off Our Back was founded by actors and philanthropists Jane Kaczmarek (”Malcolm In The Middle,” “Raising the Bar”) and Bradley Whitford (”The West Wing,” “Studio 60 On The Sunset Strip”) whose efforts, along with their celebrity and designer friends have helped improve the lives of children across the globe.Proceeds were raised to benefit four charities, H.E.L.P. Malawi, Hope North, The Art of Elysium and Feeding America.  With the participation of over 500 celebrities and 200 designers, Clothes Off Our Back auctions have raised nearly $3 million for various children’s charities.  

As the fundraising year for the four chosen charities comes to an end, a new beginning branches out for both HELP and the upcoming chosen charities. Through the generosity of Celebrities and Supporters through the auctions, Clothes Off Out Back was able to give an amazing donation of $50,000 to HELP.  With this generous donation, HELP can now fuel some of the projects that have been awaiting funds to move forward.  With so much planned for the growth of the Nanthomba School and Nandumbo Health Center, every donation is greatly appreciated and welcomed.  HELP is dedicated to giving the children in Malawi, Hope, Education, Love and Protection; with organizations such as Clothes Off Our Back and the help of individual support…the organization will truly be able to make the children’s aspirations and dreams become a reality.  

This donation will specifically allow for the construction to begin on the following projects:

1. Nanthomba School Administration Building. It is important for this phase of the school to be complete. The administration building will create a place where the Head Master, teachers and staff of Nanthomba Primary School will be able to store/organize school records, discuss school: budgets, curriculum and  policies.

2. Library. This building will provide supplement educational resources and a quiet place to study.  Currently, there are no libraries or educational centers within a four hour radius of the Nanthomba Primary School.

3. Gift Shop. HELP has developed a job development program where children learn how to use their skills to create income for themselves and their families.  Many after school programs such as creating magazine bead necklaces/wrap bracelets, making jam and peanut butter, tinsmithing, and various other projects have been developed, so that the children are able to use what they have learned to generate funding for their school.  This program is designed to not only empower the students, but give them the tools to succeed in the future. Everything the children make during these after school programs will be sold at the school gift shop, where 100% of the proceeds will benefit the Nanthomba Primary School.  A HUGE thank you to Michel and Jane from Clothes Off Our Back and their team for giving us the opportunity to work with their wonderful organization over the past year.  

From all of us at HELP, and the children in Malawi…we thank everyone involved with raising funds through Clothes Off Our Back, without your support we would not be able to do what we do. Together, we can make a difference!

Groshan Fabiola asked:


Actors are now jumping up the bandwagon and joining the WGA writers’ strike, to show their support for the hardworking individuals behind the scenes. These actors include our very own favorite celebrities from Smallville. Kryptonsite reports that Michael Cassidy (Grant Gabriel), John Glover (Lionel Luthor) and Phil Morris (John Jones) have already joined the strikers up at the Universal Studios lot earlier this week. Co-creator Al Gough confirmed their attendance in the demonstration.

Al Gough added that other Smallville stars are also enthusiastic about joining “the fight for [the] collective futures [of the industry, professionally speaking].” He said, “Others from the cast wanted to be there, particularly Michael Rosenbaum [who plays Lex Luthor], but the show is still in production and most of the cast lives in Vancouver . We know they were with us in spirit, as we are all in this together.”

Early last week, Gough released a statement regarding the current status of Smallville in relation to the strike. Fortunately, a total of 15 scripts were completed prior to the strike, and the 15th episode will be a cliffhanger to serve as a season ender, if needed. He added that the season may end in February, if the strike is not soon resolved.

“Screenwriting isn’t like other professions. There is no guarantee of employment week to week or year to year,” Gough explained. “It is a feast or famine business, and when the music stops, you may not still have a chair. Miles [Gough, Smallville co-creator] and I have been writing together for 15 years now. Each year I wonder if this is when it all comes crashing down.”

Moreover, he asked the fans of various shows to be understanding of the situation, citing that the writers did not want the strike, but was pushed for their own reasons.

Kryptonsite adds that only one more new episode will be airing this year, and that the rest will air early next year, depending on how long it would take to resolve the strike.

For more resources about Smallville or for the full story of Smallville Actors Join Strike, Co-Creator Discusses Show’s Status please review

Chris Cornell asked:


Facing a celebrity gossip, no matter how big or small, is part of the glitz and glamour of being a celebrity. As celebrities are known personas, it is just normal for people to be interested in all the happenings of their lives, even the tiniest bit of issue regarding them.

Gossip may be thought of as merely news regarding popular personalities. However, there is a line that separates and borders the two. In several angles, celebrity gossip differs from news.

News is basically defined as anything about matters, events and happenings that are currently taking place. These are presented in papers, live television and radio broadcast, internet and the most basic of all, word of mouth.

Celebrity gossip comes in the same form – papers, broadcast, internet and word of mouth. However, gossips are more observable through the internet and word of mouth unlike straight news which is more apparent in live broadcast and newspapers. Also, gossips only talk about more particular issues as they are specific towards popular personalities only. News, on the other hand, cater on anything under the sun starting from current events, politics, environment, art, music, changes and developments on various fields such as technology, medicine, entertainment and  many more.

The most significant difference of the two falls on their contents: news is a factual report, while gossips are not. News, as far as responsible journalism is concerned, only contains verified information. In contrast, gossips may contain unverified reports and information. Oftentimes, reports and gossips on celebrities are simply hear-say and speculation.

Today, celebrity gossips are often brought to surface through the unstaged celebrity photographs taken by paparazzi. In most cases, rumors and speculation start from the malicious photographs posted over the internet. As the discussion grows, the talk spreads and evolves into what we know as rumor or gossip.

Dror Klar asked:


Celebrities can not help the fact they that are so popular. We see them all over television on network television and cable and satellite channels. It is us after all, the adoring fans that create them and make them popular in the first place. If we did not care about what was going on in their lives, they would not become so famous. It might seem to most of us average unknown people that celebrities seem to be really full of themselves, and some defiantly are, but not all of them.

If we keep up to date with the news, not the celebrity stuff, but important world event news, we should realize that there are celebrities that have made room for more things in their lives besides themselves.

So many of the celebrity entertainment programs that we watch, whether they come on network television or on cable or satellite channels, often do a lot more reporting on the latest scandals that the most currently hot celebrities are immersed in. Many of us can not resist interest in who has done what and to whom. It is human nature to want to listen to gossip, especially if it is true.

Something more important about human nature is hopefully a common desire to help others and in some way make a substantial contribution to the society we live in. Sometimes the stir that some celebrities cause by what project they are working on or what trouble some have gotten themselves into, can overshadow the tremendous humanitarian works that many other famous ones are involved in.

The musician known as Bono, who has been the lead singer and lyricist of the famous group, U2 has become known world wide not only for his music, but also for his humanitarian efforts in Africa. He has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize and was given the status of honorary knighthood in the United Kingdom.

Other celebrities following his lead, especially concerning Africa, are Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, and George Clooney. They are using their status to promote attention to the deplorable conditions of the people in Darfur in Sudan, Africa. Pitt and Jolie have adopted one orphan child from Cambodia and one from Ethiopia. Oprah Winfrey has recently started an all girl school for underprivileged girls in South Africa.

It would not be fair to leave out a lesser known actor and comedian that constantly encourages a greener and better world. Ed Begley Jr. has played characters in several television shows and has become an outspoken activist for all things green or things good for our planet. He promotes all kinds of environmentally friendly products and currently has a show on HGTV called Living with Ed.

So the next time you think some celebrities are just more pretty faces, look a little closer and you might see something a little more substantial.

Jessica Lowe asked:

The Clothes Off Our Back Foundation is a 501c3 organization that hosts charity auctions showcasing today’s hottest celebrity attire. Items are put up for bid to the public with proceeds going to benefit children’s charities. Clothes Off Our Back was founded by actors and philanthropists Jane Kaczmarek (”Malcolm In The Middle,” “Raising the Bar”) and Bradley Whitford (”The West Wing,” “Studio 60 On The Sunset Strip”) whose efforts, along with their celebrity and designer friends have helped improve the lives of children across the globe.Proceeds were raised to benefit four charities, H.E.L.P. Malawi, Hope North, The Art of Elysium and Feeding America.  With the participation of over 500 celebrities and 200 designers, Clothes Off Our Back auctions have raised nearly $3 million for various children’s charities.

As the fundraising year for the four chosen charities comes to an end, a new beginning branches out for both HELP and the upcoming chosen charities. Through the generosity of Celebrities and Supporters through the auctions, Clothes Off Out Back was able to give an amazing donation of $50,000 to HELP.  With this generous donation, HELP can now fuel some of the projects that have been awaiting funds to move forward.  With so much planned for the growth of the Nanthomba School and Nandumbo Health Center, every donation is greatly appreciated and welcomed.  HELP is dedicated to giving the children in Malawi, Hope, Education, Love and Protection; with organizations such as Clothes Off Our Back and the help of individual support…the organization will truly be able to make the children’s aspirations and dreams become a reality.

This donation will specifically allow for the construction to begin on the following projects:

1. Nanthomba School Administration Building. It is important for this phase of the school to be complete. The administration building will create a place where the Head Master, teachers and staff of Nanthomba Primary School will be able to store/organize school records, discuss school: budgets, curriculum and  policies.

2. Library. This building will provide supplement educational resources and a quiet place to study.  Currently, there are no libraries or educational centers within a four hour radius of the Nanthomba Primary School.

3. Gift Shop. HELP has developed a job development program where children learn how to use their skills to create income for themselves and their families.  Many after school programs such as creating magazine bead necklaces/wrap bracelets, making jam and peanut butter, tinsmithing, and various other projects have been developed, so that the children are able to use what they have learned to generate funding for their school.  This program is designed to not only empower the students, but give them the tools to succeed in the future. Everything the children make during these after school programs will be sold at the school gift shop, where 100% of the proceeds will benefit the Nanthomba Primary School.  A HUGE thank you to Michel and Jane from Clothes Off Our Back and their team for giving us the opportunity to work with their wonderful organization over the past year.

From all of us at HELP, and the children in Malawi…we thank everyone involved with raising funds through Clothes Off Our Back, without your support we would not be able to do what we do. Together, we can make a difference!

Arindam Bose asked:

CHRISTMAS

Traditionally observed on December 25, Christmas or Christmas Day is an annual holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus. Although some churches observe it on different dates, the fact is that the precise chronology of Jesus’ birth and death is yet to be determined. Christmas has many sides to it, some religious and some secular, including the exchange of gifts, the Santa Claus myth, decoration and display of the Christmas tree, and religious ceremonies.

History

We can trace the origin of Christmas to several pagan holidays. It was since AD 354 that the christians in the West started celebrating the birthday of Jesus Christ on December 25, replacing an earlier date of January 6. By that time, the christians had appropriated several pagan festivals and traditions of the season that were practiced in many parts of the Middle East and Europe, as a means of stamping them out. Among those festivals were Saturnalia of the Romans, the birth celebrations of sun – God Attis in Phrygia (December 25) and Persian sun – God Mithras (December 17-24).

The Nativity

The Nativity refers to the birth of Jesus Christ. The christians celebrate Christmas by remembering or re-creating the Nativity. While the Eastern Orthodox Church practices the Nativity Fast in anticipation of the birth of Jesus, the Western Church mostly prefers celebrating Advent. Children often enact the events of the Nativity, or sing some of the numerous Christmas carols that reference the event. Some christians display a small re-creation of the Nativity in their homes, using small figurines to portray the key characters.

Santa Claus

In Western culture, a main feature of Christmas is the exchange of gifts among friends and family members, some of them being attributed to Santa Claus. Santa Claus is also known by other names, such as Father Christmas, Saint Nicholas, Kris Kringle, Saint Basil and Father Frost. Santa Claus is based on the tale about Saint Nicholas, or Sinterklaas, who gave gifts on the eve of his feast day of December 6. He became associated with Christmas in 19th century America and was renamed Santa Claus or Saint Nick. In Britain and France too, Father Christmas and Pere Noel respectively were made to adopt the Santa image.

Christmas tree

The Christmas tree owes its origin to the ancient pagan idea, later appropriated by the christians, that the evergreen tree represents a celebration of the renewal of life. Christmas trees first became popular in Germany in the late 18th century. Christmas trees may be decorated with lights and ornaments. The poinsettia then became associated with Christmas, while other popular holiday plants include holly, mistletoe, red amaryllis, and Christmas cactus. In some parts of the world, it is traditional to decorate the outside of houses with lights and sometimes with illuminated sleighs, snowmen, and other Christmas figures. Town authorities also hang Christmas banners from street lights and place Christmas trees in the town square.

Feasts and cards

A special meal of Christmas dishes is usually served on Christmas Day or Christmas Eve. Another extremely popular tradition is to send Christmas cards to friends and family members. Cards can also be produced with messages such as “Season’s Greetings” or “Happy Holidays”, to include senders and recipients who may not celebrate Christmas.

Judy Collins asked:

I think there is a natural curiosity about famous people. What are they doing?, wearing?, going?, feuding with?, etc. I was wondering who the greenest celebrities were. So, I set about finding out which amongst the hollywood elite is doing something positive for the environment. There are quite a few, so I’m going with the top three. Here is what I found out…

In past years, Leonardo DiCaprio was always the number one pick for greenest of the green in celebrity world. His documentary The Eleventh Hour, although receiving luke warm reviews, displays Mr. DiCaprio’s passion for sustainable living. His hold, though on the number one position has given way, I’m afraid.

Always in the top 5 of green celebs, Brad Pitt takes number 1 this year. He has made multiple contributions toward making the planet a little greener. His partnership with Global Green USA which has a huge project under construction in New Orleans to build greener, cost effective schools, is only one of his many “irons in the fire”. In 2006, he hosted a PBS series called Design:e2, which not only covers design technology, but other environmentally conscious issues. In 2007, he and wife Angelina Jolie, bought an eco-paradise of a winery in the south of France. Naturally, the winery is 100% organic and boasts olives, vegetables, and herbs as well. And, most recently, Mr. Pitt met with President Obama this month to discuss the Make It Right Foundation (the charity he founded in 2007) and the continuing efforts to reconstruct New Orleans after hurricane Katrina.

Did Leonardo take second place? No! It’s Daryl Hannah. Her commitment to biodiesel fuels is exampled by her personal vehicles. She is a spokesperson for Sustainable Biodiesel Alliance and also actively speaks out against the damage the oil industry does to the Amazon. She also narrates eco-friendly films (in her spare time). Wow! Busy lady. Good job, Ms. Hannah!

Finally, Leonardo DiCaprio. He has done so much for green causes all over the world. His accomplishments include producing Planet Green’s Greensburg and The Eleventh Hour. He founded the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation which works with other environmental organizations to increase awareness of green issues. He also supports multiple eco-friendly charities such as Global Cool, Global Green, Reef Check Foundation (for which he is the Honorary Chairman), Stop Global Warming, and Tree People.

It’s good to know that quite a few A-listers support sustainable living. I’ve highlighted the accomplishments of a few, but kudos to Cameron Diaz, Ed Begley, Jr, George Clooney, Matt Damon, Ed Norton, Adrian Grenier, Cate Blanchett, Bono, Robert Redford, Amitabh Bachchan, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Stella McCartney, Willie Nelson, Salma Hayek, Sting, Penelope Cruz, Orlando Bloom, Julia Roberts, Jamie Oliver, Jake Gyllenhaal, Sheryl Crow, and Cindy Crawford. Thanks to all. Lending your celebrity status to worthwhile causes deserves applause from all of us.