Britney Spears Gets Her Barack Obama Bump

The following italicized article is from www.nationalledger.com:

Just nine months ago nothing seemed to be going right in Britney Spears world. Her emotional problems led to her losing custody of her sons, terrible physical health and a stalled career. But now her future's looking a lot brighter. And Britney deserves credit for her hard work, a family friend tells Life & Style. "It's like a fog has lifted. She's present and showing responsibility for herself again."

She's nominated for a VMA - "Piece of Me," from Brit's album Blackout, was nominated for an MTV Video Music Award. But despite rumors she'll perform, Brit hasn't decided if she'll even attend the September event, says a family friend. Is this the Barack Obama bump for Britney after getting a spot in a political ad campaign ran by John McCain?

It seems like Britney was getting much better before that and now she might be able to get by with a little help from her friends. Brit reportedly filmed a segment for Madonna's upcoming Sticky & Sweet tour. And Britney's ex Justin Timberlake may reportedly reunite with the pop star onstage during one of Madonna's shows!

She's managing now - Britney's signed on to handle the career of rising tween singer Paul Butcher, who worked with Brit's sister, Jamie Lynn, on Zoey 101.

She has her boys back as well. Britney has agreed to let her ex-hubby retain full custody of their son, Sean and Jayden. Bit she's happy with her end of the deal, which doubles her overnight visits with the boys to two a week.

And she's again performing onstage - During her recent Mexican trip, Brit shocked the crowd at a local restaurant by singing a short set that included a new tune she's been working on about her love for her two sons, says a witness.

Source: National Ledger

More UCLA Workers Peeked At Britney's Medical Records

The following italicized article is from www.ok-magazine.com:

When Britney Spears was hospitalized for psychiatric evaluation last January at UCLA Medical Center, it was assumed that the singer would be safe in the hands of medical professionals.

But no one could have guessed that behind closed doors, trusted UCLA hospital workers were peeking at her confidential medical records.

In a new state report, The California Department of Health found that nearly twice as many medical center employees than were previously reported peeked at confidential medical records at UCLA.

In other words an additional 60 employees looked through patients' private records from 2004-2006, doubling the original reported number of accused employees.

Among those affected were Farah Fawcett, and California First Lady Maria Shriver.

The report also states the privacy of a "well-known individual" was breached by two nurses and an emergency room technician who called up the patient's computerized records as recently as mid-April.

"What we're seeing here is a clear pattern of repeated violations of patient medical records and patient confidentiality by UCLA," said Kim Belshe, secretary of the state's Health and Human Services Agency. "It is absolutely unacceptable."

The latest findings show how one employee--a former administrative specialist who now faces federal criminal charges for violating Fawcett's privacy--looked at the records of 939 patients "without any legitimate reason" from April 2003 to May 2007.

She also looked at other personal information, including Social Security numbers, according to the state report.

"What's startling to us is, as we get to a point where we feel we've addressed a specific complaint and a specific issue, we identify additional issues," Kathleen Billingsley, director of the state health department's Center for Healthcare Quality said. "It's very disturbing to see this."

The hospital said it has notified all patients whose privacy was breached by the indicted woman, and has updated its systems to block complete Social Security numbers from its main clinical systems.

"All other employees who were found to have violated patient confidentiality during our review have been disciplined, including some who have been terminated," Dr. David Feinberg, chief executive of the UCLA Health System, said.

"On behalf of the entire leadership of the UCLA Health System, I am deeply sorry for this failure, and the personal distress these breaches may have caused."

Source: OK Magazine

Dolly Parton Talks Britney & Lindsay

The following italicized article is from www.eonline.com:

Dolly Parton says it's time to leave a couple of the world's most famous starlets alone.

"Poor little Britney Spears and Lindsay Lohan," Parton said at her concert last night at L.A.'s Greek Theatre. "Ain't it awful? If those little girls slept with as many men as they say in the tabloids, why their little butts would have more fingerprints than the FBI!"

All kidding aside, Parton said, "I kinda feel sorry for them. We should give those two a break."

It's too bad Spears and Lohan weren't in the audience to hear Parton's got their back.

Source: E! Online

Britney Spears 'Wants Joint Custody Of Kids'

The following italicized article is from www.nowmagazine.co.uk:

Britney Spears is said to be planning to reach an agreement for joint custody of her sons with ex-husband Kevin Federline.

The singer gave full custody of Sean Preston, almost 3, and Jayden James, 23 months, to K-Fed last month.

But Britney, 26, hopes she'll have more involvement in the boys' lives by the end of the year.

'Britney is doing her utmost to stay out of the limelight and lay low, and just focus on her work,' a source tells the Daily Mirror.

'She is so determined to be taken seriously by the courts, she wants regular drug and alcohol tests to prove she is a reformed mum.

'She thinks by ditching her elaborate pink wigs, and bad boyfriends it will help her case.'

Kevin, 30, is keen for a joint deal, too.

'She has a chance,' his rep tells E! 'Kevin could end up co-parenting the kids together with Britney.'

Source: Now Magazine

SPEARS 'STILL HOPEFUL' OF JOINT CUSTODY AGREEMENT

The following italicized article is from www.contactmusic.com:

BRITNEY SPEARS is reportedly still hopeful of gaining joint custody of her two sons with her ex-husband KEVIN FEDERLINE.

The couple recently settled a bitter 18-month court battle over Sean Preston, two, and Jayden James, 17 months, with a judge awarding sole custody to Federline.

Spears will pay her former spouse $20,000 (GBP10,000)-a-month in child support and retains her visitation rights - she currently enjoys three days and one night a week with her sons.

But the Toxic hitmaker is now hoping the Los Angeles courts will amend the custody agreement by the end of the year (08), if she can prove she is fit to take care of the boys.

A source tells British newspaper the Daily Mirror, "Britney is doing the utmost to stay out of the limelight and lay low, and just focus on her work. She is determined to be taken seriously by the courts, she wants regular drug and alcohol tests to prove she is a reformed mum. She thinks that by ditching the pink wigs and bad boyfriends it will help her case."

And a representative for Federline has agreed officials could review the couple's current custody agreement - and allow Spears a more active role in her kids' upbringing.

The spokesman adds, "She has a chance. Kevin could end up co-parenting the kids together with Britney."

Source: Contact Music

Britney Spears' Bounce-Back Bikini Diet Secrets

The following italicized article is from www.mirror.co.uk:

The troubled star has bounced back, losing a stone and showing off a new sexy body. Here's how you can shape up too...

After one of the most public meltdowns in celeb history, Britney Spears is getting her life back on track.

The 26-year-old pop princess was pictured last week looking fit, trim and healthy in a stunning white bikini - a far cry from her bloated, dishevelled appearance of past months.

Britney is said to have shed a stone in weight after ditching junk food, making regular visits to the gym and limiting boozy nights out.

Not only does she look more like her old self but her career is shaping up, too.

There are talks of her making an appearance on Madonna's upcoming 50th birthday tour.
This is all in sharp contrast to the Britney we saw in the last 12 months, stumbling from one crisis to another.

After a messy split from her husband Kevin Federline, the mum-of-two began partying hard, gaining weight, and behaving weirdly - including the incident when she shaved off all her hair.

It looked as if the girl who had topped sexiest star lists while still in her teens, and sold 83 million records worldwide, had thrown it all away.

But now the slinky, sexy, confident Britney of old is back. Here's how she did it.

Get moving

Britney, snapped last week horse-riding on a Mexican beach, has also been heading to Bally's Total Fitness gym in LA up to four times a week.

She has been seen pounding the treadmill there, with her personal trainer.

Afterwards, she did 20 minutes on a spinning bike (a special bike that burns maximum calories). A former child gymnast, Britney has clearly rediscovered her love of exercise.

And it's not just her body feeling the benefit.

"Cardio exercises such as cycling and running are some of the best mood-boosters around," says personal trainer Cornel Chin.

Make it work for you: Make time for cardio exercise - brisk walking, cycling or swimming - a minimum of three times a week.

Ditch the booze

After breaking up with Kevin, broken-hearted Brit was often seen knocking back shots in clubs. But far from lifting her mood, alcohol would only have made her problems seem worse.

"Alcohol is a depressant," says nutritionist Carina Norris. "It intensifies any bad feelings you have." Britney has now reportedly ditched alcohol altogether, in a bid to get her act together, and to help her weight loss.

Make it work for you: If you are having a tough time, avoid alcohol. Even if you're not, stick to no more than 14 units a week (14 small glasses of wine) and have at least two alcohol-free days a week.

As well as bringing your mood down, alcohol is fattening - a large glass of wine contains 150 calories - so you'll lose weight, too.

Eat little and often

Earlier this year, Britney was snapped carrying junk food back to her LA home, but she's now sticking to five, small, protein-rich meals a day. Good sources of protein include eggs, chicken, ham, tofu and seafood. "Eating little and often speeds up the metabolism," says Carina Norris.

"Plus protein is a natural appetite suppressant, so a serving with every meal wards off cravings and leaves you feeling full." Britney has also cut down on Starbucks Frappuccinos, which contain 400 calories each, and Red Bull which, like other sugary drinks disrupts your blood sugar levels and increases your hunger.

A source from a Starbucks in LA says: "Britney used to come in every day. Now she comes in from time to time and orders a lighter version." Carina warns: "Sugary drinks can add hundreds of calories to your daily diet and the sugar is stored as fat around your middle."

Make it work for you: The best diet for mind and body is lots of brown bread, brown pasta, wild rice, lean protein and dark green veg.

Eat every four hours, even if it's something small, to keep your metabolism fired up. Ditch the

Source: Mirror

Britney At Bally Total Fitness

Britney, accompanied by her assistant and bodyguards, is seen here at Bally Total Fitness after her workout. It has been reported that Britney's workout regime includes 500 abdominal excercizes, jumping rope, sprints, and eating healthy, costing a reported $30,000 a month. If it maintains that sexy body we all saw in Cabo, I'm all for it! After her workout, Britney was filmed cruising around in her drop-top enjoy the sunny summer air.

Source: Breathe Heavy

Lee: No Intimate Relationship Between Britney And Myself

The following italicized article is from www.haaretz.com:

Britney Spears has reportedly let love into her life again, with her new boyfriend cum bodyguard - a former Israeli soldier.

British tabloid newspaper The Sun last week published photographs of Britney with former Givati soldier Tzuri Lee Adeto as they exercised together on a Mexico beach.

But Spear's suspected lover has denied all reports of romance.

"There is no intimate connection between us," he told the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth over the weekend. "It is ridiculous to think that way."

Adeto denied that he has been spending nights at Britney's home, insisting that after long working days, he returns to his own place.

"We are good friends, and Britney is the most charming person in the world. But I am not sleeping there, rather working at her house during the day and then returning to my own home."

This is not the first time the embattled singer has been linked to an employee. In 2004, Spears married her former backup dancer Kevin Federline and the couple had two children, Sean Preston Federline and Jayden James Federline. The couple later split in a highly publicized divorce in 2006, and the singer's ex-husband was later granted full custody of both children.

Spears was known to have developed an interest in Jewish mysticism, or Kabbalah, reportedly through her friendship with Madonna, who is an avowed follower. She became involved with the Kabbalah Center in Los Angeles in 2004, but later left saying "I no longer study Kabbalah, my baby is my religion."

Whether or not her relationship with Adeto, romantic or platonic, is blessed, remains to be seen.

Source: Haaretz

Britney Wins TV.com's "Recent Achievement Award"

Teen Choice Awards who? Britney has just won TV.com's "Recent Achievement Award" for her stint on "How I Met Your Mother" with over 312,000 votes, coming in at 79% - crushing her competition.

Source: Breathe Heavy

"Amnesia" Track Details

An insider close to Fernando Garibay, a confirmed producer for the upcoming album, has revealed exclusively to BreatheHeavy.com some of the details for an upcoming track Britney has recorded entitled "Amnesia." The insider says: "If it really goes on the final album, I bet it'll be a smash hit! It's kind of Britney fighting with a voice inside her, and damn... it's a huge fight, with an aggressive and uptime instrumental. And be ready, Brit is screaming in the studio."

They went on to reveal a bridge from the song:

quote:

"It's kinda amnesia / (baby, just forget it) / what you save only weighs you / and all I want is to be free / (to fly higher than ever) / so baby get out of my way / (I ain't still the same) now you are in my freaking game / and it's hotter than ever / (it's kinda amnesia)"

The track, contrary to reports, does NOT feature Justin Timberlake - nor does the other Garibay produced track titled "Quicksand."

Source: Breathe Heavy

Lady GaGa On Britney

In response to the flood of comments ive received re: britney due to my radio interview. yes. rumors are true. i wrote TWO songs on it :). And no i will never tell you the names, buy her album and find me in the credits. And her comeback is going to make you all pee yours pants and wish you never posted those dumbass utube videos. Because really, what is more rockn'roll than going on stage under the influence in your panties. Nothing! Absolutely nothing. And yes im partial because, i used to do that. Love love love you B.

Source: Lady GaGa's Official Website

Britney Leaving Hair Salon

New pictures of Britney just moments after she got her hair done. Lookin' mighty fine, Brit!

Source: Piece Of Britney

Britney Nominated for Best Dancing In A Video At VMAs!

It's official: MTV is using Britney for viewers. And I love it! Britney is in the running, again, to be nominated for "Best Dancing In A Video" for the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards! We have successfully gotten Britney a nomination for "Best Female Video," and "Best Pop Video," and now it's time for her third! You know the drill: you've got until Wednesday (August 6) to vote for Britney, and then on Friday (August 8) MTV will announce the nominees. OH and you must a registered user of MTV.com to vote.

Source: Breathe Heavy

Kanye West Denies Working With Britney

Quote:

'CLARITY POST: I HAVE NOT SIGNED UP 2 DO BRITNEY SPEARS MUSIC.'

Source: Kane West's Blog

Britney Nominated For Best Pop Video

The following italicized article is from www.usmagazine.com:

Britney Spears, the Jonas Brothers and Danity Kane will vie for Best Pop Video at the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards.

It will be announced on F'N MTV tonight (8 p.m. ET) that Spears' "Piece of Me," the Jonas Brothers' "Burnin Up," Danity Kane's "Damaged," Tokio Hotel's "Ready, Set, Go!"and Panic at the Disco's "Nine in the Afternoon" are up for the golden moon-man statue.

The nominees for Best Hip Hop Video will also be announced on Friday's show: Lil Wayne for "Lollipop"; Lupe Fiasco for "Superstar"; Flo Rida featuring T-Pain for "Low"; Kanye West for "Homecoming"; and Mary J. Blige for "Just Fine."

The Jonas Brothers are scheduled to perform on the 25th annual awards, which will air live on Sept. 7 at 9 p.m. ET/PT from Paramount Studios in Hollywood.

Last week, Spears' "Piece of Me" was nominated for Best Female Music Video.

She'll compete in that category against Katy Perry for "I Kissed a Girl," Rihanna for "Take a Bow," Mariah Carey for "Touch My Body" and Jordin Sparks for "No Air."

The nominees for Best Male Music Video are T.I. for "What You Know," Usher for "Love in the Club," Lil Wayne for "Lollipop," Chris Brown for "With You" and Flo Rida for "Low."

The telecast will be hosted by British actor/comedian Russell Brand.

Source: US Weekly

Ireland Chart Update For The Week Ending Of July 31st

In the official singles chart 'Radar' rises 11 places to #34 in its 3rd week on the chart.

In the offcial album chart 'Blackout' rises 6 places to #46 in its 40th week on the chart.

Source: Break The Ice

Britney At The Recording Studio

Britney Spears went to Borrelli-Vo Salon in West Hollywood; the paps were even scaling fences to get their shots. She enjoyed a smoke on the way to Edmonds Studio. Britney was at Edmonds Studio well past midnight! Talk about hard work! Brit Brit also has her own video team recording her every move, is she preparing for a new reality series?

Source: X17 Video

Sony to Pay Louis Vuitton for Past Britney, Da Brat Videos

The following italicized article is from www.nymag.com:

If we ever trademark a special pattern made from our initials, we would hire the Louis Vuitton legal team to help protect it in a heartbeat because they are on their game. The luxury company won another victory yesterday in its never-ending trademark-protection crusade, this time against Sony BMG. In a legal dispute just slightly more glamorous than LVMH's recent ones with eBay, Sony BMG has agreed to pay Louis Vuitton 100,000 euros, or $155,830. Louis Vuitton got upset with the music giant because they used its Toile Monogram and Multicolore trademarks in music videos and on CDs by Britney Spears, Ruben Studdard, and Da Brat. For example, in her "Do Somethin'" video, Britney appears driving through the clouds with her sexy girl entourage* in a pink hummer with a pink dashboard embossed with Louis Vuitton's signature pattern (which flashes on the screen for literally less than a second). "We don't make dashboards," a Vuitton spokeswoman told the Daily News. Though you can still watch the "Do Somethin' " video on YouTube (thank God), Sony BMG has agreed to cease distribution of American Idol winner Studdard's album The Return and pay Louis Vuitton an extra, undisclosed amount of cash in relation to that case.

What makes the LVMH legal team seem even more spectacular is they've already won $240,000 in the Spears and Da Brat cases over the last five years. In fact, according to our calculations, with the total winnings minus the Studdard bonus, the company can buy itself, why, 130 airport rolling bags!

Source: NY Mag

Britney's Dance Partner Revealed!

The following italicized article is from www.eonline.com:

Is Britney Spears falling for her bodyguard?

Not exactly. The two were spotted dancing and clowning around in Cabo this week, but it's purely platonic, according to the guy's brother.

"It’s strictly work," Kobi Adato tells E! News of his brother, Tsour Lee Adato, a former Israeli army soldier.

"He was her bodyguard, but now he’s her photographer."

Kobi would not reveal why his brother is now serving as Spears' designated photographer.

Even so, Tsour might make a good match for Britney. According to his MySpace, he is currently single, 31, 5’8" with an athletic build, a Taurus, Jewish and is a college graduate.

He also says on the page: "like to make people Laugh & enjoy when i see them Happy...I always tell people that even when things are difficult they should always see the light and positive in life."

Tsour also lists his occupation as a music engineer.

Sounds like a match made in studio heaven.

Source: E! Online

Hair Again

Britney Spears held her purse in her lap after visiting the hair salon in LA on Thursday after her father's conservatorship was extended though the end of the year.

Source: Popsugar

Rep: Britney Is Not Dating Bodyguard

The following italicized article is from www.accesshollywood.com:

Almost a year to the date that news broke suggesting Britney Spears was dating a member of her security team, the same rumor cropped up again pitting the pop star in a romantic relationship with an employee.

Several gossip sites suggested Spears has been dating a member of her latest security force, but the rumors are absolutely not correct, her manager, Larry Rudolph, told Access Hollywood’s Billy Bush.

“There is no truth to this at all,” Rudolph said.

The man Spears has been spotted with is not Spears’ security, but a staff photographer.

And, Rudolph noted, Spears is “100% single.”

In July 2007, Spears was spotted out on the town with former bodyguard Daimon Shippen.
Sources denied the two were in a relationship at the time.

Source: Access Hollywood

Lady Ga Ga On Britney

Interviewer: You surely earned even more gay fans with the recent announcement that you wrote a track for Britney’s upcoming album. Was that a dream come true?

Lady Ga Ga: Yeah. I was working with Rodney Jerkins on Pussycat Dolls, and we wrote this song - I almost slipped and told you the name. Thank God I caught myself; I respect her a lot, so I was to give her control over that. When we were done with the song, I was like, "Oh, I want to sing it," but my album was already closed. It never even crossed my mind that she was doing a new record. Then Rodney played it for [Britney's manager] Larry Rudolph, who was in the studio. Rodney called me later and was like, "Britney's people are freaking out about this song." Ultimately, she makes the decisions, so when I found out that she loved it and was going to record it, it was amazing. I actually heard it yesterday with her on it for the first time, and I really had chills.

Source: HX Weekly

Brit Pays Big for Sanity

The following italicized article is from www.ok-magazine.com:

The last year has seen many changes in the life of Britney Spears.

Most of the focus centered on the custody battle over her two beautiful boys with ex Kevin Federline and the long standing conservatorship over her person and estate that, thanks to her father Jamie Spears, has slowly helped the singer,26, regain and stabilize her mental health.

While most will agree Brit's conservatorship is necessary to keeping her healthy, it has not been without a heavy price — literally.

In the last five months, Britney has paid $724,109 in attorneys fees to Andrew Wallet, Sam Ingham, Luce Law Firm and Stacy Phillips and to her father, who to date has made aproximately $37,500 acting as his daughter's conservator.

And that's just her conservatorship case. Brit's also had to shell out money for her separate custody case (Remember, Brit paid both K-Fed's lawyers and her own).

A source close to the case estimates that Britney has paid Mark Vincent Kaplan roughly $745,000 as well as over $1 million to a rotating door of attorneys who acted as her counsel.

When you add all that money together, the total number equals out to just under $2,500,000 that Britney has paid to attorneys in the last year.

Source: OK Magazine

Spears Allows Lutfi Restraining Order Lifted

The following italicized article is from www.eonline.com:

The Spears family's temporary restraining order against Sam Lutfi is set to expire later today. Which means Britney's onetime constant companion is now free...to continue maintaining his distance from the star.

"It's done," a source close to Lutfi told E! News of the already twice-renewed order. "They are dropping it."

The order, which has been in place since February, when Spears' parents claimed he "drugged" Britney and otherwise "purported to take control of her life, home and finances," officially runs out at 1:30 p.m. PT.

Jamie Spears, Britney's father and continuing conservator, opted not to renew the order, deeming it no longer necessary thanks to his daughter's renewed mental clarity.

"Britney has made clear to everyone that she does not want to be further harassed or contacted in any way by Osama 'Sam' Lutfi, now or anytime in the future," said Samuel D. Ingham III, the singer's court-appointed attorney.

However, should she not have made herself clear enough, the Spears clan, restraining order or not, still have the upper legal hand in the situation.

Despite insistence by a Lutfi insider earlier this month that the singer's ex-manager would refuse to sign another restraining order extension, Jamie Spears remains in charge of who is allowed to see Britney in his role as conservator of his daughter's estate.

At least one person has come to Lutfi's public defense.

Michael Sands, the former spokesman for Kevin Federline's divorce attorney turned former spokesman for Lutfi, told E! News that Lutfi is "a good guy but was made to be the tabloid villain."

"He's glad that she is doing well and getting along with her family. Everything will work out; it will be fine and what will be, will be!"

A source close to Lutfi seconded that notion, telling E! News that Spears' former pal "only wishes the best for her, her parents and her sons.

"He has always been supportive of Britney and has never tried to capitalize on their personal relationship. He was never in a position to control."

Source: E! Online

Britney's Dad to Remain in Control for Rest of the Year

The following italicized article is from www.people.com:

Britney Spears's father will remain in legal control of his daughter until Dec. 31, a court ruled Thursday.

Jamie Spears, 56, was named temporary conservator of her affairs on Feb. 1 following his 26-year-old daughter's two forced hospitalizations in January. "The extension of the conservatorship was at the request and suggestion of Britney's doctors," says a source close to the singer. "They've indicated she's made great improvement, but it's a work in progress. Jamie Spears doesn't want the conservatorship to last a day longer than the doctors recommend."

Jamie has sole authority over whom his daughter has contact with, and has hired security guards to watch her 24 hours a day. He shares control with another lawyer over her multimillion-dollar estate.

A progress review of the case was set for Oct. 28.

Earlier Thursday, Spears's court-appointed attorney, Samuel D. Ingham III, told the Associated Press that he wouldn't seek to extend the restraining order against the singer's one-time pal Sam Lutfi, because Spears has cut all ties with Lutfi anyway.

Ingham also said that the restraining order is no longer necessary because Jamie can legally control whom his daughter sees: "During the temporary conservatorship, the conservators have the power to insure that Lutfi will not harm Britney anymore."

Source: People