Heritage Auctions via AP

An auction house photograph shows what is described as a "pristine" copy of The Beatles' "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" album autographed by all four members of the band.

Even Lucy and her diamonds can't compete with these riches. A rare, signed copy of The Beatles’ "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" has brought $290,500 at auction, shattering the previous record for such an item.

PHOTOS: The Beatles: Rare Photos Offer Inside Look at Fab Four

The item signed by all four members of the legendary band was purchased Saturday by an unnamed buyer from the Midwest. An anonymous seller parted with the album through the Dallas-based Heritage Auctions, which ahead of the bidding estimated the album would sell for $30,000.

The Fab Four are believed to have signed the cover near the June 1967 release of "Sgt. Pepper's." The previous record for a signed Beatles album cover was the $150,000 paid for a copy of "Meet the Beatles."

PHOTOS: John Lennon: Days in the Life

Ahead of the auction, Beatles expert Perry Cox said of the piece: "With my being thoroughly immersed in Beatles collectibles for over 30 years, it takes something extraordinarily special to excite me, but I consider this to be one of the top two items of Beatles memorabilia I've ever seen -- the other being a signed copy of Meet The Beatles."

The album is a U.K. Parlophone copy with a high gloss cover and gatefold.

Action movie "G.I. Joe: Retaliation" won the weekend box office battle in the United States and Canada, fighting off competition from cartoon cavemen, a Tyler Perry drama, and an alien-possessed heroine trying to save the human race.

Jaimie Trueblood / Paramount Pictures

Channing Tatum, left, and Dwayne Johnson in a scene from "G.I. Joe: Retaliation."

"G.I. Joe," a sequel starring Channing Tatum, Dwayne Johnson and Bruce Willis, secured $41.2 million in domestic ticket sales from Friday through Sunday, according to studio estimates.

Last week's winner, animated prehistoric adventure "The Croods," slipped to second place with $26.5 million in North America (the United States and Canada). "Tyler Perry's Temptation" landed in the No. 3 slot with $22.3 million.

"G.I. Joe" opened Wednesday evening to get a jump on the Easter holiday weekend. The cumulative box office after Sunday is estimated at $51.7 million. In international markets, the movie racked up $80.3 million, for a global haul of $132 million.

"The result is as spectacular as the look of the movie," said Don Harris, president of domestic theatrical distribution at Paramount Pictures.

"We couldn't be happier with the result in terms of both the domestic and international box office and the response from movie goers."

Inspired by a Hasbro toy, "G.I. Joe" tells the story of elite soldiers fighting the enemy organization called Cobra as well as threats from within the federal government. The sequel to 2009's "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra" was slated to open last summer, but the release was delayed to convert the film to 3D.

Viacom Inc's Paramount Pictures, MGM and Skydance Productions produced the sequel for about $130 million. Ahead of the weekend, forecasters predicted a domestic tally around $38 million for "G.I. Joe."

Domestic ticket sales for "The Croods," a Dreamworks Animation comedy about a family of cave dwellers, dropped 39 percent from its debut a week ago.

"Temptation," a departure from Perry's hit comedies, focuses on a married woman drawn to a handsome billionaire. The movie stars Jurnee Smollett-Bell, Lance Gross and Vanessa Williams. Reality TV star Kim Kardashian plays a small role and helped promote the film through TV appearances and social media.

Another new release, sci-fi romantic thriller "The Host," finished in sixth place with $11 million. The movie is based on a novel by Stephenie Meyer, author of the "Twilight" vampire series that became a blockbuster movie franchise.

"Host" features a love triangle centered around a young woman whose body is taken over by an alien with good intentions. The two live in the same body, first as enemies before they become friends who team up to save the human race. Irish actress Saoirse Ronan plays the lead character.

Distributor Open Road Films acquired domestic rights for "The Host" for $2 million.

In fourth place, thriller "Olympus Has Fallen" earned $14 million during its second weekend. The movie stars Gerard Butler and Morgan Freeman in the tale of a White House under attack. Disney's "Oz the Great and Powerful" came in fifth with $11.6 million.

"G.I. Joe" was released by Paramount Pictures, a unit of Viacom Inc. "The Croods" was produced by Dreamworks Animation and released by News Corp unit 20th Century Fox. "The Host" was distributed by Open Road Films, a joint venture between theater owners Regal Entertainment Group and AMC Entertainment Inc. Lions Gate Entertainment released "Temptation." "Olympus Has Fallen" was distributed by privately held FilmDistrict.

Related content:

• Review: 'G.I. Joe: Retaliation' is a live-action cartoon
• G.I. Joe, G.I. Joe how much trivia do you know?

Be they demons, advertising executives, or dinosaurs -- or all of the above -- a batch of familiar faces are back again this week. Here's our pick for the three best entertainment offerings of the week ahead.

Frank Ockenfels / AMC

"Mad Men" returns for its second-to-last season.

FRIDAY: 'Evil Dead'
The original "Evil Dead" film series has some of the scariest scenes in horror-film history. Yes, you always knew there was a reason to avoid creepy cellars in isolated cabins -- but maybe you never knew how scary tree branches could be. Original director Sam Raimi and star Bruce Campbell served as producers, and Oscar-winning "Juno" screenwriter Diablo Cody reportedly helped tweak the script. Variety calls the result, "The rare remake that likely will be enjoyed most by diehard fans of its predecessor." (Opens April 5.)

FRIDAY: 'Jurassic Park 3-D'
"Jurassic Park" is a great movie by itself, but we have high hopes for the 3-D version, which hits theaters this week to celebrate the film's 20th anniversary. Sure, going back to an already filmed movie and adding the extra dimension doesn't always work out, but we can't think of a film we'd more like to see it tried upon than this one. The raptors, the T-rex, the chilling hide-and-seek in the theme park's kitchen! Objects in mirror are closer than they appear. (Opens April 5.)

SUNDAY: 'Mad Men'
It's about time season six of "Mad Men" rolled around. It's 1967 -- or it was when we left off -- a tumultous time in the nation, and surely for our characters as well. The cast must continue to deal with the fallour from Lane's suicide, and Don and Megan grapple with issues in their own marriage as her career begins to rise.  Showrunner Matthew Weiner isn't revealing much about what's coming, but he did promise the new season will bring "a lot of insight into Don, a new dynamic, and people striving to grow up. (Premieres April 7, 9 p.m., AMC.)

Related content:

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We know "The Walking Dead's" third-season finale will be a bloodbath. The only question is how many main characters will be lost in the battle between The Governor's Woodbury forces and Rick Grimes' new democracy.

Gene Page / AMC

Will Michonne embrace the prison gang's all-for-one-and-one-for-all fightin' spirit? In one of several shots from "Welcome to the Tombs," exclusive to The Clicker, the sword fighter has returned to the prison, and clearly she and Rick have a lot to chat about. Although we bet he'll do most of the talking -- Ricky has some 'splainin' to do after nearly sacrificing her to the gubernatorial torture chamber. 

Gene Page / AMC

And even as the Walkers roam the prison yard, Carl draws strength from the family picture he fought so desperately to retrieve from the Grimes' old house (with help from Michonne).

Gene Page / AMC

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Production on "Koh-Lanta," the French adaptation of "Survivor," has been stopped and the series canceled for the 2013 season following the death of a contestant during filming in Cambodia.

Channel TF1 and production company Adventure Line Productions jointly made the decision to cancel the season. "It is not really a question,” said TF1 spokesman Alexander Petit following the death of Gerald Babin, 25. “Everyone is being flown back to France.”

No decision has been made about the long-term continuation of the series.

Gerald Babin died Friday after suffering cardiac arrest during the first day of filming. After the group jumped from a boat and participated in a tug of war, Babin complained of cramps in his arms and was given medical attention at the scene by the staff doctor before being airlifted by helicopter to a nearby hospital. He suffered a series of cardiac arrests during the transfer before reaching the facility, the companies said.

“Adventure Line Productions, TF1 and [host] Denis Broginart are devastated and join in the profound sadness of Gerald’s family,” the channel said in a statement.  TF1 has flown Babin’s family to Cambodia to recover his body. 

VIDEO: 'Survivor: Caramoan': Fan Laura on Being Blindsided by Her Alliance

ALP said that all candidates had received extensive medical examinations and testing as part of the selection process. 

The French version of Survivor has been a consistent hit for channel TF1, with a high of 8 million viewers and a 40 percent share in the 2007 season and an average of 7.4 million viewers and a 29.9 percent share in the 2012 season. Ad rates for the finale were $117,000 (€90,000) for a 30-second spot. After The Voice, the show is the biggest hit on TF1 and considered the flagship of the channel. Since its debut in 2001, TF1 has aired 12 series and two special “all star” editions.

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Kim Kardashian and Kanye's baby will not be named North West, the E! reality star told Jay Leno on Thursday's "Tonight Show." But they're not necessarily going in another direction with the moniker. 

"You know what name I do like, but it probably won't be on (our list)?" she told the host. "I do like --because it kind of goes with North -- I like Easton. Easton West. I think that's cute."

Leno, obviously trying for a big gender reveal, asked, "Isn't that a boy's name?"

"Boys' names are good for girls," she said coyly.

Boy or girl -- and our money's on the latter -- Kim insists her infamous "momager," Kris Jenner, "will not be handling anything for the baby."

Dashing (ahem) any hopes for a "Keeping Up With Kimye" spinoff, Kim insisted: "The baby is not hopefully going to do anything in the business or have a show or anything like that."

Do you think Kim is expecting a girl? What do you think of "Easton West"? Tell us on our Facebook page!

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If you ever wanted six-pack abs on your way to being named the Sexiest Man Alive, or if you crave the toned legs and flat belly of an international pop superstar, a trip to your nearest fast-food establishment may be in order.

Startraks, FameFlynet

Ryan Reynolds, left, gets his Burger King on during a break from filming in New York this week. Britney Spears grabs KFC to go in Thousand Oaks, Calif., on March 19.

If that doesn't make sense, then neither does Ryan Reynolds walking down the street with Burger King to go, or Britney Spears hauling a bag of KFC across a parking lot. We know stars are supposed to be "just like us," but have you seen us? We don't look like them.

Let's just assume that Reynolds and Spears ate whatever was in those bags. Instead of collapsing into a cheeseburger coma in front of "South Park," it's safe to say these two burned it off. Probably before the bags hit the trash. (In Reynolds' case, the task may have been a little easier. A publicist tied to the actor called Friday to say that's just a turkey burger and unsweetened iced tea!)

Albert Michael / startraksphoto.com

No Coke. Pepsi. Actress Denise Richards at Arby's.

Celebs with six-packs under their shirts and not in their shopping carts get that way thanks to a strict diet-and-exercise routine. And there's a good chance that both of those disciplines are maintained under the watchful eye of well-paid personal chefs and trainers. It also doesn't hurt to go the "kale and dust" route if fitting into a catsuit is in your job description.

So those of you envisioning looking like any of these people because you eat at the same drive-thru, take note. Joy Bauer, nutrition and health expert for TODAY, says "limit fast food outings to once per week, and alternate fattening fare with healthier offerings like grilled chicken salads, turkey burgers, and snack wraps."

If the thought of a snack wrap taking the place of your bacon-double sounds unappetizing, Bauer crunches some numbers for you.

She says to pay penance for a Burger King Whopper (630 calories), large fries (500 calories), and 40-ounce soda (380 calories) -- totaling 1,510 calories -- you would have to:

• run for 2 hours straight, or
• swim for 4 hours, or
• bike for 2 hours, or
• play full-court basketball for 2 hours

INFphoto.com

Rihanna hits the drive thru at a fast food joint in her native Barbados.

If you scarf down KFC's Original Recipe chicken-thigh value box (540 calories), a side of mashed potatoes with gravy (120 calories), and 30-ounce sweetened iced tea (260 calories) -- totaling 920 calories -- you'd need to: 

• spin for one hour and 10 minutes, or
• walk for 3 hours, or
• hit the dance floor and boogie down for an hour and a half, or
• do yoga for 5 hours straight!

"Celebs have cravings just like everyone else ... and when they succumb to fast food faves -- just like us mortals -- they must work hard to burn off the calorific splurges," Bauer says.

Maybe you're burning calories right now at the thought of Ryan Reynolds burning calories to work off his meal. Maybe the thought of his wife, Blake Lively, in a swimsuit is enough to motivate him to stay in shape. We know she'd never eat ... aw, forget it!

Who's making a food run?

More in TODAY Entertainment:

• Kristen Bell, Dax Shepard welcome baby girl
• Jennifer Lawrence afraid of ghosts, not burglars
• Tired of Lohan? Fame is not fleeting, study finds

Seth Wenig / AP

Richard Griffiths.

Richard Griffiths, the versatile British actor who played the boy wizard's unsympathetic Uncle Vernon in the "Harry Potter" movies, has died. He was 65. 

Agent Simon Beresford announced Friday that Griffiths died a day earlier of complications following heart surgery at University Hospital in Coventry, central England.

He paid tribute to Griffiths as "a remarkable man and one of our greatest and best-loved actors."

Griffiths appeared in dozens of movies and TV shows, but will be most widely remembered as a pair of contrasting uncles — the hero's grudging Muggle guardian in the "Harry Potter" series, and flamboyant Uncle Monty in 1980s cult classic "Withnail and I."

"I was proud to say I knew him," said "Harry Potter" star Daniel Radcliffe.

A large man and a huge stage presence, Griffiths was one of Britain's leading theater actors, creating roles including the charismatic teacher Hector at the emotional heart of Alan Bennett's "The History Boys" -- a part he took to Broadway, winning a Tony Award, and repeated for the film adaptation.

National Theatre artistic director Nicholas Hytner, who directed "The History Boys," called Griffiths' performance in that play "a masterpiece of wit, delicacy, mischief and desolation, often simultaneously."

Griffiths also played poet W.H. Auden in Bennett's "The Habit of Art," a hugely persuasive performance despite the lack of physical resemblance between the two men.

Known for his sense of humor, large store of theatrical anecdotes and occasional bursts of temper, Griffiths was renowned for shaming audience members whose cell phones rang during plays by stopping the performance and ordering the offender to leave.

Griffiths' last major stage role was in a West End production of Neil Simon's comedy "The Sunshine Boys" last year opposite Danny DeVito.

In 2007 he appeared in a London production of "Equus" alongside the then 17-year-old Radcliffe.

"Richard was by my side during two of the most important moments of my career," Radcliffe said Friday.

"In August 2000, before official production had even begun on Potter, we filmed a shot outside the Dursleys', which was my first ever shot as Harry. I was nervous and he made me feel at ease.

"Seven years later, we embarked on 'Equus' together. It was my first time doing a play but, terrified as I was, his encouragement, tutelage and humor made it a joy.

"In fact, any room he walked into was made twice as funny and twice as clever just by his presence."

Griffiths is survived by his wife, Heather Gibson.

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Joe Alblas / AP

"The Bible" didn't always stick to its inspiration.

“The Bible” miniseries has truly brought in divine ratings for The History Channel these past few weeks. Despite at least one major road bump (Satan appeared in a black hooded robe and was promptly compared to President Barack Obama), the episodes -- which selectively feature certain stories in both the Old and New Testaments -- have been well received by millions of viewers every week. But as the series comes to a close Sunday, it’s worth asking – just how accurate was the series, in the end?

Telling the story of The Bible is a tricky business, said biblical scholar Dr. Peter E. Enns, who teaches Biblical Studies at Pennsylvania’s Eastern University. But it was clear, he notes, that series creators Mark Burnett and Roma Downey had an agenda – and that every episode they told had one goal: To get to the climax of Jesus’s life and death.

 “They were focusing on the final stage of the Bible story, which is Christ’s appearance,” he said. “It’s all a buildup to that. They take a celebrity approach to The Bible, and highlight the figures people know and present them in ways that make it seem that when you get to Jesus, you’ll feel that this was how it was meant to be all along.”

That can lead to some problems with the series; for Enns, there were some clear issues with “The Bible."

Telling Samson’s story
Samson is a “minor character in the Bible,” said Enns, but gets a lot of screen time in the series. Why? He’s a precursor to Christ, said Enns: He gave his life for the community, is unjustly treated, chained and blinded. “We’re seeing Jesus in preview form,” he said.

Joe Albas / A&E Television Network

Samson's major role in the series is probably because of his similarities to Christ.

Ninja angels
Jesus again got a preview in the scene where three visitors meet Abraham on their way to destroying the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. “In the Bible, these three figures are clearly angelic divine figures, but it’s ambiguous,” said Enns. Instead, since one is referred to as “Lord,” the miniseries transformed him into a proto-Jesus, never clearly seen in the show, but highlighted as Christ. “In the Old Testament, that’s completely out of bounds,” said Enns. The other two angels are also problematic: “When the two angels in true ninja fashion take out swords and start swing-kicking, that’s a gratuitous moment.”

Joe Albas / A&E Television Network

The Warrior Angel could have doubled as a ninja.

Sarah wants to save her son
Sarah running after her husband Abraham and son Isaac as Abraham takes him to be sacrificed to God was “stupid,” said Enns. “It’s what a mother would do, but Sarah is nowhere to be found in that sequence. They turn the scene into an ‘I want to save my boy!’ moment rather than a test of faith.”

Joe Alblas / A&E Television Network

Sarah's role in Abraham's aborted sacrifice of Isaac is extended in the miniseries.

Too many Caucasians
Arguably, “The Bible” was more multicultural than many versions have been in the past. But in 2013, the portrayal of characters with Scottish and British accents and clear European looks was just wrong, said Enns. “You have Mary who looks like someone you’d bump into at the water cooler and she speaks wonderful American English," he said. "It does not do justice to the foreignness of the story.”

Joe Alblas / A&E Television Network

Mary, seen here with Joseph, looked too all-American, said a biblical scholar.

Sympathy for the Devil
While not precisely an inaccuracy, Enns gave a thumbs-down to the image of Satan and the resemblance to the president – a comparison he made after watching the episode. “What I thought was if the resemblance was not intentional, someone should have pointed it out,” he said. “It was a very unwise decision to leave it there like that. So many people noticed it immediately that it makes it hard to imagine no one on set did.”

All of that said Enns knows that retelling The Bible is a tricky business. “It’s impossible to please everybody with a show like this,” he said. “You talk about God, you’re going to make enemies, especially with the sacred book.”

The series finale of "The Bible" airs Sunday at 8 p.m. on The History Channel.

Related content:

• 'Bible's' Jesus actor: President Obama-Satan controversy is 'hilarious'
• Mark Burnett on miraculous 'The Bible': 'Weird things happened'
• In the beginning ... there was Charlton Heston

AP file

Lil Wayne

Lil Wayne's recent medical emergency had everyone worried, but it wasn't exactly new territory for the rapper.  During an interview with Power 106's DJ Felli Fel, Tunechi--who mentioned that he is "100 percent now"--revealed that he's epileptic and is "prone to seizures." 

He tells the radio station, "This wasn't my first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh...I have had a bunch of seizures, you just never hear about them."

Weezy announces summer return of America's Most Wanted tour

But that doesn't take away from the seriousness of his latest health scare, when the celeb suffered three seizures in a row. "My heart rate went down to 30 percent," he said. "I have people around me who know how to handle it. This time was real bad because I had three back to back and the third one was so bad". So what happened? While some have suggested that sippin' on some sizzurp caused the rapper's recent medical condition, the YMCMB artist explained it was "plain stress and no rest. That's just typical me."

Lil Wayne says he's "more than good" after hospitalization

We believe him. Only 10 days after being hospitalized, Wayne announced he's hitting the road this summer for an encore of his America's Most Wanted Music Festival, which will play 40 dates in amphitheaters and arenas across America starting in July.

Check out pics of other notable musicians performing live on stage  

Hey, he said it himself: "I will never stop, like I'm runnin' from the cops."

Get it, Weezy.

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Jimmy Iovine called the Devin Velez-Lazaro Arbos-Burnell Taylor trio “Wrong Direction” after their group performance on Wednesday.  It turns out that it’s more like the overarching theme for the guys in season 12.

For the second time in three weeks,  the bottom three was an all-male affair, and for the third week in a row it was a guy who got shown the door.  This time the bell tolled for Devin, though the judges sold the possibility of a save for all they were worth, as though the “A Girl Must Win” season 12 storyline would allow for that sort of shenanigans. The crowd chanted, the judges appeared to be glancing at each other like it was actually under consideration … but Randy Jackson was the Grinch who Stole “Idol” and Devin went home.

No big shock. Devin was better this week, but as Jimmy noted that was in comparison to his previous efforts, not in relation to how everyone else did. His farewell performance featured the English-Spanish mix that impressed Nicki Minaj so much back in the day, but it was all for naught.

Fox / Getty Images Contributor

Devin Velez was sent home.

Even worse news for those who were betting on the "Idol" men this season -- Lazaro was in the bottom two.  He’s the guy who could do no wrong with the voters despite subpar performances, so the fact that he was in the danger zone after a much better solo effort this week doesn’t bode well for the guys. It’s the rare time when a group performance could prove to be a game-changer -- he was so terrible when paired with the other guys that it might have closed a few eyes, or shut down a few phone lines.

As for Burnell, he was the first guy sent to safety, which this season is akin to Jack Dawson winning that last seat on the Titanic. He’s now the odds-on favorite to finish sixth.

It was also a bad night for those who like their results shows to feature actual results. It was a full 47 minutes before anyone heard their fate, by which point we’d heard Colton Dixon, Katharine McPhee and One Republic, and Keith Urban perform live, the “Idol” contestants do another brutal group number and mentor young children in how to sing like season 11 champion Phillip Phillips, and Jimmy give his detailed thought on every Wednesday performance, including the group acts. “Idol” continues its groundbreaking efforts to kill time and sell commercials, but I do not think the phrase “results show” means what Fox thinks it means.

It was a banner night for the girls, particularly Kree Harrison, who got the patented Voicemail of Praise from Aretha Franklin. Sure, Jimmy said that Angie Miller maybe shouldn’t pick her own songs any more and was off-track, but she still was among the top five vote-getters.

That all ends next week, however.  It’s a sure bet that one of the women will be among the three contestants with the fewest votes.

Because there are only two guys left.

Did you agree with the ouster? Tell us on Facebook.

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David Livingston / Getty Images file

Dax Shepard and Kristen Bell.

Actress Kristen Bell and actor Dax Shepard are the parents of a new baby girl, the "Parenthood" star announced on Twitter Thursday.

"Lincoln Bell Shepard is here. She has mom's beauty and dad's obsession with breasts. Hooray!!!" Shepard tweeted.

This is the first child for the couple who co-starred in 2010's "When in Rome." The couple got engaged in 2009 and had said they were waiting until gay marriage was legal in California before they would marry. But Shepard, 38, did refer to Bell, 32, as his wife in a blog post about his dying father that went viral last week.

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By Stephanie Pappas
LiveScience

Fifteen minutes of fame? More like 15 years. Once a celebrity claws their way to the top, they're unlikely to get knocked off the pedestal, a new study finds. In fact, 96 percent of people mentioned in newspapers more than 100 times in a given year were already famous three years before.

"There is almost a consensus among scholars in the field of the sociology of fame, that most fame is ephemeral," study researcher Eran Shor of McGill University said in a statement. "What we've shown here that is truly revolutionary is that the people who you and I would consider famous, even the Kim Kardashians of this world, stay famous for a long time. It doesn't come and go."

Slideshow: Lindsay Lohan

Charley Gallay / Getty Images

Launch slideshow

They're not going anywhere
That's bad news to those tired of seeing reality star Kardashian or actress Lindsay Lohan plastered over every tabloid. The finding also doesn't bode well for those aiming for the spotlight: Turnover in the celebrity industry is low, the researchers report in April in the journal American Sociological Review.

Shor and his colleagues tracked names mentioned in English-language newspapers over several decades. They found that lasting fame is the norm in all areas, including sports, politics and entertainment.

17 Species Named for Celebrities

They also found the celebrities most likely to get name-checked by entertainment sections. Between 2004 and 2009, they found that the 10 most frequent names in newspaper entertainment articles were Jamie Foxx, Bill Murray, Natalie Portman, Tommy Lee Jones, Naomi Watts, Howard Hughes, Phil Spector, John Malkovich, Adrien Brody and Steve Buscemi. All of these entertainers boast years- or decades-long careers. ("The Aviator," a movie based on the life of billionaire and movie producer Howard Hughes, came out in 2004, which might explain why Hughes' name was so common despite his death in 1976.)

The fame loop
Fame is self-reinforcing, the researchers wrote. A new talent or random chance might propel an individual into the spotlight, but once they're there, the media and audiences tend to devote attention to them simply because they are famous — and because competing media outlets are devoting attention to them, as well.

There are exceptions to long-lasting fame, of course, said study researcher Arnout van de Rijt, a sociologist at Stony Brook University.

"Leonard Cohen is still well-known today, over 40 years after he first became famous," Van de Rijt said in a statement. "But Chesley Sullenberger, the pilot who received instant fame after safely landing a disabled plane on the Hudson, is a name that will likely be forgotten pretty quickly. What we have shown is that Leonard Cohen is the rule and Chesley Sullenberger the exception."

More from LiveScience:

• Best Supporting Role: 8 Celebs Who Promote Science
• Creative Genius: The World's Greatest Minds
• 10 Things You Didn't Know About You

Some people will stop at nothing in their quest to become famous. For Vanessa Sky Ellis, however, the goal isn’t necessarily to become famous herself but rather just be near famous people.

In the season two premiere of TLC's 'My Crazy Obsession,' Ellis discusses her fascination with meeting and taking pictures with celebrities. The Brooklyn native spends about eight hours a day "celebrity-spotting" and estimates that she’s collected over 10,000 pictures with celebrities, counting everyone from Angelina Jolie to Rev. Al Sharpton as her conquests.

"I’ll go after whoever, whenever," Ellis said. "Celebrity-spotting is most important to me. It's more important than having a boyfriend, going to work, then doing anything."

Between stalking famous people in New York City during the day and her late-night gig as a bartender, Ellis doesn’t have much free time, and claims to only sleep about two hours a night.

"Me getting another photo with somebody, that’s me achieving," she explained. "That makes me feel good."

In some cases, Ellis’ obsession with famous people has made her somewhat famous in her own right. Her fixation on 'Jersey Shore' star Paul "Pauly D" Delvecchio garnered her some camera time during the show’s final two seasons. Ellis would frequently show up at the Shore Store to watch Delvecchio as he worked, and reportedly even tried to sneak into the show’s season 6 premiere party in New York last October. On her Twitter account, Ellis proudly calls herself "Jersey Shore's Real Pauly D stalker."

In addition to Ellis’ tales of celebrity hunting, the premiere episode also features a segment with a woman named Chantal that eats and sleeps with her 19 pet rats. Her obsession has caused her marriage to fail, but Chantal refuses to stop buying rats. Other obsessions featured on the episode include a man who wants to be a merman and a woman who can't stop collecting Raggedy Ann dolls.

The show’s second season premieres Wednesday, April 3, at 10 p.m. ET on TLC.

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Jordan Strauss / AP file

Demi Lovato.

Amid a major judges overhaul for season three of "The X Factor," there will be at least two familiar faces looking back at the contestants -- one of them smiling.

In addition to "X Factor" mastermind Simon Cowell, Demi Lovato will be back in a judge's chair for the third season of the Fox series.

PHOTOS: 'The X Factor' Finale in Pictures: A Country King, a Teen Diva and a Girl Group

The pop singer, who joined the singing competition in its second season, was the youngest judge on the show and mentor to the Young Adults category.

"I am so excited to return as a judge and mentor on 'The X Factor,'" said Lovato. "Last season was an unbelievable experience and I really enjoyed developing personal relationships with the contestants and the panel. I look forward to taking my previous experience and applying it to make this season even better."

'X Factor': Ryan Seacrest Asks to Guest Host, Simon Cowell Wants Demi Lovato Back

Season three of "X Factor" began the first round of auditions on March 6 in Los Angeles. So far, replacements have not been named for exiting judges L.A. Reid and Britney Spears, nor have co-hosts Mario Lopez and Khloe Kardashian been confirmed to return. Open auditions for season three continue in New Orleans on April 14, followed by Long Island, N.Y., on April 25 and Denver, Colo., on May 14.

PHOTOS: An 'American Idol' to 'X Factor' Timeline

"I couldn’t be happier that Demi wants to come back this year," said executive producer Cowell in a statement. "She’s a superstar in her own right and was a fantastic mentor last year. Even though she can be really, really annoying -- I truly enjoyed working with her and so did the artists. I'm especially pleased she’s back even during her world tour!"

Lovato has had a busy 2013 already. The first single off her currently untitled fourth studio album, "Heart Attack," debuted at No. 1 on the iTunes chart in 18 countries (including the U.S.) and No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart (the second-best Billboard debut of the year).

'X Factor': Melanie Amaro's Debut Still in Limbo as Tate Stevens, Emblem3 Release New Music

Though Lovato was the first mentor knocked out of the competition, with all four of her acts sent home early, she was a hit with audiences. Even in studio tapings, the former Disney star was the subject of constant and deafening screams, and countless signs. Her fanatical followers stayed glued to Lovato’s every move and offered words of praise and encouragement via social media, making her one of the most obvious fan favorites on the panel.

Earlier this month, during an appearance on Ryan Seacrest's radio show, Cowell confessed that he hoped Lovato would return to the series. "We’d be crazy not to have her back," he said, adding that "I liked having Demi on the show" and that "she’s fun to work with."

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Jim, otherwise known as The Armless Wonder, was born without arms or hands, but there's nothing he can't do. Don't believe it? You'll change your mind after watching this exclusive "Freakshow" clip AMC shared with The Clicker.

The cameras follow Jim performing his morning routine -- shaving, brushing his teeth, sipping coffee while reading the newspaper, sewing…

Hold up!

Yes, while, most of us can barely thread a needle with 10 fingers, Jim does it effortlessly with his toes.

"I don't consider myself disabled," Jim said. And why should he? He also writes, drives, plays sports and goes fishing.

"If you find something I can't do," he added, "then we'll talk."

We don't expect to be having that conversation anytime soon.

"Freakshow" airs Thursdays at 9:30 p.m. on AMC.

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Did Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt finally get married? It's an answer you've been waiting for since the last time there was a rumor that the two had secretly tied the knot.

Today's rock-solid proof that the A-lister and her betrothed are still just engaged comes from a new TMZ video and a truth-seeking paparazzo in Los Angeles.

"Is that a wedding ring, Angelina?" the voice shouts off camera. "No, it's not," Jolie says through the back of her head as she's ushered into a waiting SUV.

So there you have it. The gold band she was wearing on her left ring finger during a recent humanitarian trip to Africa is still nothing more than just a piece of jewelry. The fact that she actually deemed the question worth answering -- after being with Pitt for 8 years -- strikes us as a bigger deal at this point than her answer.

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Director Harmony Korine’s sex, drugs, and violence-riddled "Spring Breakers" opened nationwide last weekend after a massive publicity blitz that capitalized on the scandalous coming-out party of its former Disney Channel stars Selena Gomez and Vanessa Hudgens along with ABC Family's Ashley Benson.

Annapurna Pictures

The stars of "Spring Breakers," from left, Ashley Benson, Selena Gomez, Vanessa Hudgens and Rachel Korine.

The sexualization of the "Wizards of Waverly Place"and "High School Musical" actresses was met with condemnation from some corners. At ParentPreviews.com, a review said that parents "will need to be prepared to explain -- yet again -- why their kids should avoid seeing their childhood icons depicting the most deplorable of adult behaviors."

And Billy Bush of Access Hollywood weighed in on the movie and how he told his 14-year-old daughter she was not allowed to see it. "'Spring Breakers' is rated 'R,' it's raunchy, it's filled with sex, drugs and violence," Bush said. "A lot of teenagers that grew up with Selena and Vanessa have seen the commercials and they think they're ready to see the movie. Safe to say, I think they're not."

But, instead of nationwide outrage at the box office, the indie movie ended up exceeding expectations, pulling in over $5 million, more than covering the reported $2 million it cost to make.

Remember when Britney Spears announced she was "not that innocent" through the lyrics of her 2000 hit "Oops I Did It Again"? The world was shocked. The pop singer had found fame on a platform of purity and watching her transition into a sexualized adult was a hard pill to swallow for many, namely the parents of her massive tween and teenaged fan base.

Spears was taking part in what has become a celebrity rite of passage for teenaged stars hitting their 20s: she was a "good girl gone bad." These days the practice of youthful stars shedding their innocent images is so frequent it's almost expected.

It raises the question: Have we become desensitized to the storyline?

Yes, says Michael Levine, an image consultant and founder of Levine Communications Office. "As we become a more and more and more and more technologically sophisticated society, we become, by definition, a less reverent, less sacred society," he said. "Things that 10, 20 years ago would be absolutely unthinkable have become more normalized," adding that, "many of these girls benefit from the controversy and the edginess."

IMDb.com managing editor Keith Simanton also argues that the idea of watching previously categorized "innocent" stars show a naughtier side incites intrigue.

"I think there was very much the 'Black Swan,' Mila Kunis-Natalie Portman curiosity factor there that drew people in to see 'Spring Breakers,'" Simanton said. "[The film’s marketing] didn't leave much to chance that there was going to be something steamy going on."

Gomez, 20, and Hudgens, 24, are in crowded company when it comes to pushing the boundaries of their squeaky-clean Disney images.

"Remember when Miley Cyrus did that spread for Vanity Fair with Annie Leibovitz?" Simanton asks. "You look at those photos now and they're, like, not a big deal. But at the time it was, 'Oh my good Lord!' It seemed so shocking because here was this sweet really ebullient gal who shows us a dark side, which didn’t fit our perception."

Simanton says the desire to mature and move on from the persona that made their mark also applies to male actors in the biz. "You look at Zac Efron in "The Paperboy" -- what’s he’s trying to do? He’s trying to shed that image. Let's try and not have you think of me as Troy Bolton [his 'High School Musical' character] dancing around in the gymnasium."

Gomez, Bensen and Hudgens aren’t the only ones taking on riskier roles this year. Emma Watson, of wholesome Hermione Granger fame, is set to star in a notably more mature role this summer in "The Bling Ring." The film’s trailer shows the 22-year-old star robbing homes, dancing seductively and crying in court -- a massive departure from her "Harry Potter" role. But, Simanton doesn’t expect a blowback from Watson's mature role selection.

"I think it's different because she's a movie star, she's not a TV star. She's basically known for eight movies and she’s shown up over a long period of time changing herself," Simanton said. "With TV -- this is why actors both love and loathe getting TV roles because a) it’s steady work, but b) if it’s successful, you’re Frasier Crane for the rest of your life. You’re Gilligan. ... Her being Hermione Granger was more of a role. You really don’t know who Emma Watson is, but you feel like you know who Miranda Cosgrove is and you kinda feel like you know who Miley Cyrus is or those two kids on "The Suite Life of Zach & Cody," because you saw them every week."

Related video:

• Watch the trailer for 'Spring Breakers'
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• Disney stars take on adult roles in 'Spring Breakers'

Gene Page/AMC

Last October, as Glen Mazzara was readying himself for the premiere of the third season of AMC's hit drama "The Walking Dead" – his first full season at the helm of the show that chronicles the tribulations of the survivors of a zombie apocalypse – he was feeling pretty invincible. "I'm very happy," Mazzara told RS, after taking over for the series' creator, Frank Darabont, the year before. "Everybody is on the same page. I feel like a kid in a candy store." Two months later, Mazzara was out as showrunner, replaced by one of the lead writers, Scott Gimple. The parting wasn't particularly bitter, but surely, the midseason shuffling suggests a floundering show that has lost its way, right?

'The Walking Dead': Rolling Stone's complete coverage

Not exactly. "The Walking Dead" continues to be a ratings juggernaut. It's the most watched basic-cable drama in history, and currently draws more 18-to-49-year-olds than any show on TV. Mazzara chalks up his departure to "creative differences," but it didn't seem to impact the series any more than his predecessor's considerably less amicable parting did the season before. It's as if "The Walking Dead" is much like the shambling undead hordes it documents: Sure, you can pick a few off, but as a whole, this is a relentless, unstoppable force.

As the show closes in on the season three finale, two camps of survivors – one in a prison led by Rick Grimes, a small-town cop; the other in a walled town ruled over by a sly sociopath known as the Governor – are seemingly on a path toward all-out war. "We have two ghettoized communities fighting for their lives," says David Morrissey, the actor who plays the Governor. "If only they could join forces, but egos are not allowing them to."

Grimes, who is played by the show's star, Andrew Lincoln, has spent the better part of the season going bat@!$%# crazy, chasing visions of his dead, adulterous wife. In recent weeks, though, he has emerged from his PTSD haze to guide a band of misfits through the challenges of end-times survival, a not entirely unwelcome development for Lincoln himself. "It's nice to be ass-kicking again," he says. "Rick is a leader. He needs to be in action, saving people."

The grossest moments of 'The Walking Dead' season three

According to Robert Kirkman, a writer and executive producer on the show, who also writes the graphic novels upon which it is based, the remainder of the season will continue at the breathless pace that it has built to so far. "The episodes are all about ramping up the conflict between the Governor and Rick," he says. "It's about finding out where allegiances lie. There are a few surprises in store as to who is going to be doing what on which side. Those reveals are going to be startling."

For the season finale, Lincoln promises, there will be blood. "Twenty-seven people die," he says. "It's safe to say it is all hands to pumps. It's a crazy season finale." It's a good bet that among those 27 casualties will be some central figures in the cast. Part of "The Walking Dead's" mojo is its willingness to dispatch even its most beloved characters. "The reality is nobody is safe," says Morrissey. "But that's the ticket we bought." Next season, Kirkman says, viewers should expect changes. "We're not going to slow things down, but if I had a criticism of season three, it would be that we didn't focus on character development," he says. "We're going to try to step it up a notch in that department." He points to "Clear," one of the most well-received episodes this year, which focused on a road trip by Grimes, his son, Carl, and the samurai-sword-wielding warrior Micchone, as a template for the coming shifts in tone: 'We're going to focus on fewer characters per episode." Not coincidentally, "Clear" was written by new showrunner Gimple. Lincoln has had some discussions about where his character will go from here, but as he puts it, "I can't disclose any of them because they will kill me."

"Nobody is safe," says Morrissey. "But that's the ticket we bought."

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So fetishistic about high-powered weapons that it qualifies as an NRA wet dream, "G.I. Joe: Retaliation" pretty accurately reflects the franchise's comic book and cartoon origins, which is both a good and a bad thing: good if you're a 12- to 15-year-old boy, bad if you're just about anyone else. Still, Hasbro's concept about elite macho soldiers fighting weird, elusive villains has hit the mark with target audiences over the decades, and Dwayne Johnson's presence atop this sequel to the 2009 action nonclassic likely will propel it past its predecessor's $302 million worldwide box-office take.

Jaimie Trueblood / AP

Channing Tatum and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson in a scene from "G.I. Joe: Retaliation."

After spiriting a defector out of -- where else? -- North Korea, Duke (a returning Channing Tatum) and Roadblock (Johnson) relax by -- what else? -- playing a video game. However, there's more trouble afoot. When last seen, the president of the United States had been displaced by a look-alike imposter installed by the sinister world domination-seeking organization Cobra, and now it's time to cash in on the charade. Sending the G.I. Joes into Pakistan to remove some nukes, the faux president then betrays America's best fighters by attacking their base, leaving just four survivors: Duke, Roadblock, Flint (D.J. Cotrona) and Lady Jaye (Adrianne Palicki).

PHOTOS: Senior Superheroes: 19 Action Stars Kicking Butt Past 50

While the president calls for global disarmament, the better to victimize those who might comply, more bad guys materialize, including Snake Eyes (Ray Park, of Darth Maul fame) and the ferocious Firefly (the imposing Ray Stevenson from HBO's "Rome"). A whole Japanese subplot involving ninjas and a strange guru (RZA of Wu-Tang Clan) seems like filler to allow the Joes time to lick their wounds and figure out how to get to the alleged president. But no matter what, director Jon M. Chu (the last two "Step Up" films, the Justin Bieber concert film "Never Say Never"), never forgets that his primary obligations are to whip together some sort of action sequence every 10 or 15 minutes and to make sure to provide close-ups and, if possible, practical demonstrations of as many fancy pieces of artillery as possible to make the heavy-ammo crowd drool.

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So in the midst of cartoonishly scripted and indifferently presented scenes devoted to good-guy intelligence work and bad-guy thuggery are two big scenes that are eye-popping for different reasons. The first, nearly an hour in, is one that makes the whole Japanese side story pay off; opposing teams of fearsome ninja fighters treat sheer rock mountainsides almost as parkour athletes use walls, jumping down into voids, throwing zip-line cords across great distances in order to slide from one cliff to another, many of them plummeting to their doom. It's like "Spider-Man" times 10 in a dazzling sequence in which conceptual novelty is strongly served by visual compositions and action choreography well beyond anything else in the film.

The other scene is equally arresting but in a rather more dubious way. Having agreed to help the G.I. Joe squad get to the evil president, retired Joe founder Gen. Joe Colton (Bruce Willis) invites the warriors to his home to offer them access to his personal arsenal. In every drawer, cabinet, closet and desk is a hidden trove of ever-more awesome weapons, a veritable candy store of firepower that's photographed in the lethal-hardware equivalent of a Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue. The sequence climaxes and epitomizes the film's extreme idolatry at the altar of the gun, a posture that will be a massive turn-on for the target audience but might give pause to those who still care to remember that the "Dark Knight Rises" shooting happened less than a year ago.

EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: 'G.I. Joe: Retaliation' Featurette Digs Into the Explosive 3D

Chu and screenwriters Rhett Reese & Paul Wernick (Zombieland) clearly know their intended audience and what it wants: a less mechanized, more human-based younger brother to Hasbro's other cash-cow franchise "Transformers." Injecting the ever-personable Johnson into the proceedings helps a good deal, the returning Tatum and Byung-hun Lee (as Storm Shadow) are easy on the eyes and, for nonfans, it's by some distance easier to take any of the "Transformers" entries.

"G.I. Joe: Retaliation" was held back from its original 2012 release date so it could be converted to 3-D. Perhaps the bean counters know best as to whether this was worth the effort, but aesthetically the effect is negligible and sometimes, especially when the framing of action is tight, quite awkward and off-putting. This is 3-D that does not enhance a film that was not originally intended for it. The visual effects and CGI are highly variable, with one brief sequence toward the end of a major world capital being destroyed looking laughably cartoonlike.

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The new movie "G.I. Joe: Retaliation" opens in more than 3,500 theaters Thursday, and even if you're not planning to see it, you surely know the title character. Here's a look at our favorite G.I. Joe pop-culture memories.

Hasbro

Movie that inspired a franchise
In 1964, when G.I. Joe creator Don Levine was inspired to make the movable action figure (never call it a doll!) he tried out all sorts of names. Ace the Fighter Pilot, Rocky the Marine, and Salty the Sailor were considered and rejected. But then Levine caught part of a 1945 Robert Mitchum movie based on Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Ernie Pyle's war coverage. The title, "The Story of G.I. Joe," gave its name to the new action figure.

Lester Cowan Productions

Action figures, video games, comic books
The figures are the best-known, what with 1974's kung-fu grip (softer molded hands that could hold things) and the controversial switch in size from 12-inch to teeny 3 3/4-inch Joes. But comic books and video games also filled our bedrooms -- and later, our parents' garage sales. Wondering if your Joe is the real deal or a ripoff? Real versions have a scar on his right cheek and an upside-down thumbnail on his right hand, both meant to prevent other toymakers from ripping off Joe's look.

Parker Brothers

Cartoons and PSAs
Kids of the 1980s grew up with an animated Joe via the classic cartoon series "G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero." ("He'll fight for freedom wherever there's trouble, G.I. Joe is there!") This is the series/toyline and comic-book era that introduced Joe's terrorist nemesis Cobra. The show is also fondly remembered for its classic 30-second public-service announcements, where cartoon kids locked themselves in fridges, set themselves on fire, forgot to wear sunscreen and threatened to jump their bikes over downed powerlines, only to have random Joe characters with names like Dial Tone and Barbecue stop them in the nick of time. "Now we know," the chastened kids chirped, with the Joe representative always snarling, "And knowing is half the battle."

'G.I. Jane'
The "G.I." in Joe's name came from "government issue," a common stamp on military-provided crates of food or ammo, and a well-known nickname for American soldiers. So in 1997, when Demi Moore starred as a woman going through a grueling SEAL-like military program, the movie in question was dubbed "G.I. Jane." There's also an action figure called G.I. Jane, a combat medic.

Hollywood Pictures

Modern movies
In 2009, "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra," followed fellow toy-based movie "Transformers" to box-office success. Critics hooted -- Roger Ebert wrote, "It is sure to be enjoyed by those whose movie appreciation is defined by the ability to discern that moving pictures and sound are being employed to depict violence." But the roller-coaster action begged for a sequel, and now we have "G.I. Joe: Retaliation," which reportedly includes ninjas, nukes and a plot where the president is kidnapped and replaced with an exact lookalike. If there is an Oscar for explosions, start engraving it now.

Paramount Pictures

Did you have G.I. Joe action figures, or watch the cartoon? Share your favorite Joe memory on Facebook.

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“American Idol” had two hours of airtime to fill on Wednesday and just eight singers. That meant that in addition to everyone’s solo, each singer also had a group number to worry about.

Frank Micelotta / FOX

Lazaro Arbos will probably be safe.

That was bad news for the guys on the annual Salute to Detroit episode, appropriate for a season that has been a debacle for their gender. Guys have been voted off in each of the last two week, and tomorrow’s results show might make it a trifecta. Their group number was brutal and then they proceeded to shift the blame around to make it even more obvious that the “Idol” guys are the J.V. talent understudying for the all-star women on the varsity.

“It’s a beautiful day in Hollywood today,” Nicki Minaj said after watching Lazaro Arbos, Burnell Taylor and Devin Velez butcher “I Can’t Help Myself.” But that wasn’t the compliment it might sound like. “That’s what I thought, because I thought I was back in Hollywood week! Get off the stage! Go!” she added.

They did, but not fast enough to avoid tarnishing what had been a decent week.

Lazaro Arbos badly needed a strong performance, and he got what he needed in “For Once in My Life.” The old swagger was back, and he again looked like a pop star, which is a big step forward from the hot mess of the previous two weeks.

“I don’t know if you completely redeemed yourself, but it was much better than last week,” Randy Jackson said. But Nicki was more effusive, crediting herself for her insistence that Lazaro stop listening to Jimmy Iovine’s criticism. Forget Nicki-Mariah … it’s Nicki-Jimmy that’s the most entertaining “Idol” feud in years.

Burnell Taylor impressed the judges with his own solo, and continues to be the beneficiary of Randy Jackson’s worship of All Things Louisiana. Meanwhile, much-maligned Devin Velez got a huge endorsement from Nicki, who raved, “That was an amazing job tonight. I love every single choice that you made tonight.”

Michael Becker / FOX

Burnell Taylor has a fan in judge Randy Jackson.

So, individually, the guys did fine.  Together … ugh.

If any of the women crack the bottom three – and at least one likely will, given Lazaro’s demonstrated fan support, there are a couple of possibilities.

The obvious choice is Amber Holcomb, a surprise member of the unpopular trio a week ago.  Her “Lately” by Stevie Wonder got a standing ovation from all four judges, but it’s also the type of performance that has always tended to impress judges more than viewers.

If she’s in trouble again this week, Nicki has some fashion advice. “If you wear the pink lipstick, you’ll get more votes,” she said.

It could also be Angie Miller, who got something less than raves for the second week in a row. She was dinged last week for being too theatrical. As if to emphasize that point,  Jimmy told her she didn’t need to enunciate like she was in the musical “My Fair Lady” -- which caused Angie to point out that she had acted in that play in high school. Accentuating a perceived flaw is rarely a good idea.

Randy called it the first time ever he’d heard her give a pitchy performance, but Keith Urban remained optimistic. “Your talent is undeniable, and we’ll be seeing you next week,” he said.

The other three women all shone, particularly Janelle Arthur. The judges all told her that Kree Harrison ate her lunch in their duet of “Like a Prayer, “ but she came up huge with her slowed-down cover of “You Keep Me Hanging On.”  

“Janelle at her finest!”  Mariah yelled.

“I absolutely loved it. I thought it was incredible,” Randy says.

So basically, they liked it.

Candice Glover and Kree Harrison bookended the show, either a smart decision or some lucky randomness.  Both are locks to last until May, and aren’t going anywhere. As for the boys … well, all bets are off.

Who would you send home? Vote in our poll, and tell us on Facebook.

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E!

"What Would Ryan Lochte Do?" is the title of E!'s new docu-series about the oddball Olympic swimmer -- and a question no sane person should adopt as a personal motto.

"I want everyone to be in my shoes," says the self-proclaimed fashion icon, displaying a pair of his famous electric green high-tops, in an extended preview for the show. Is he speaking metaphorically or just advertising his brand?

Some other revelations from "Lochtenation":

• "You really have to put the emphasis on the 'J'": A pronunciation guide to his never-caught-on catchphrase "Jeah."
• "I don't even remember what I got at the Olympics": His confusion about how many medals he won at the London Games.
• "Describe player": The 28-year-old bachelor's response when asked about his reputation as a ladies' man, and followed by shots of his many bar conquests.
• "I won't give up on love": His explanation for his, um, dedication to "dating."
• "Don't duplicate. Just recipitate": ???

"What Would Ryan Lochte Do?" premieres April 21 on E!.

Will you be watching? Tell us on our Facebook page!

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ABC

"Nashville" returns Wednesday night with a brand-new episode … and a new girlfriend for Deacon.

And y'all, it's not Rayna (Connie Britton)!

"We wanted to see what it would be like for Deacon to be smitten by somebody who's totally outside the world he's dwelled in for the last dozens of years -- an outsider, a civilian, somebody who represents the path not taken," showrunner Dee Johnson told The Clicker at the country music soap's PaleyFest panel.

"Rayna's (marriage) to Teddy kept her from having to deal with things for a long time," she added. "Now it's officially not an obstacle anymore. So what does that mean? It's sort of a new world order for her. But at the same, Deacon, who's been making himself available all these years, is suddenly not available."

"Deacon is thinking this has been pretty tricky, pretty problematic, this relationship," Charles Esten told us. "Maybe he's addicted, maybe there's parts he needs to walk away from, that aren't healthy."

"He meets somebody who's not in the music business," Esten said. "That's about as healthy as you can get in the eyes of a musician. That's definitely attractive. Plus she's a really great person, so maybe stepping into that world -- Deacon wants to give a try."

Thank his new puppy (we'll call him Young Yeller for now) for playing matchmaker with a beautiful veterinarian (Susan Misner) and newcomer to town.

"That dog is awesome," Esten raved about his new co-star. "He's such a great actor. I predict a dog Emmy at some point. I swear you're going to see a lot of good work out of that dog."

But he acknowledged that "it would definitely be hard (for a new girlfriend) to compete with that deep, deep well and reserve of emotion that is between Deacon and Rayna. But meanwhile along the way that doesn't mean that you can't really have a sympatico with someone, a real bond, a real relationship. Thereby maybe there's some collateral damage. That's how people get hurt. There's a lot of people who might get hurt in the wake of Deacon and Rayna's troubles."

That just might include their daughter, Maddie.

"How dare you?" Britton joked when asked about their secret love child. "You calling me slutty? Don't tell him, he doesn't know!"

"I don't know what's gonna happen with Deacon," she said seriously about their chances of getting back together. "For God's sake, it's been long enough, right?"

But Esten warned, "After the divorce, you thought it would be easy. It won't."

Do you hope Deacon will reunite with his soul mate? Tell us on our Facebook page!

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Sean Penn has never been a fan of the paparazzi, and based on an incident caught on tape Tuesday, neither is his 19-year-old son Hopper Penn.

Zodiac / Splash News

Hopper Penn gets into an altercation with a photographer while visiting an office building with dad Sean Penn on Tuesday in Beverly Hills.

The younger Penn was following his father into a Beverly Hills building Tuesday when the incident occurred. Sean sauntered past the clicking photographers without a word or acknowledgment, but his son walked over from across the street and began engaging the photographers. Based on a video shot by one of the snappers, Hopper pushed past him (possibly making contact) and the two began engaging in a verbal altercation. 

"What the hell?" the photographer who got pushed aside said.

"You f------ kidding me?" Hopper shot back, never pausing.

"You kidding me?" the photographer continued, following him into the building. "Don't play yourself. Don't ever do that, dude."

Hopper shot his middle finger in the air and the verbal parrying continued. But then it took a more aggressive turn, as Hopper's retreating figure first called the photographer a homosexual slur.

"That the kind of talk you're teaching him, Sean?" the photographer, undeterred, called down the emptying hallway.

Hopper's last riposte was to shoot back that the photographer, who was African-American, was a "f------ n-----."

"Oh, word?" the photographer, now outraged, called out.

Police showed up at the scene, according to E! Online, and the photographer is seen in another video showing officers footage on his camera. The photographer declined to press charges. No one was cited.

Hopper later issued a statement, saying, "I was accosted by paparazzi and made to feel like an animal -- threatened and under attack, but that does not condone my own actions. ... I deeply regret my choice of words."

Sean Penn's own altercations with the paparazzi have been well documented. Here's video from 2010 of the actor kicking a photographer. And here's a classic image from back in the Madonna days of Penn throwing a punch. 

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