Kelly Preston

Kelly Preston, former fiance of troubled actor Charlie Sheen has emerged to defend him and all of his wacky exploits by insisting that he "is a good person underneath it all". The pair were together for a year and were going to get married until a bizarre incident where he shot her in the arm in 1990.

Preston broke off the engagement shortly afterwards. Preston, who is now married to John Travolta, admits she has been distraught to see her former partner publicly battling personal and professional problems, and urges his critics to remember he is a "great man" despite his faults. She tells People.com, "My heart just goes out to him, and all of his family. He's such a good person underneath all of it, he really is. We were together for a year, and he wasn't drinking, and he wasn't doing drug (sic). And there's a beautiful person in there. He really is a great man."

So amidst all the chaos of the actors turmoil being played out in the media he has someone in his corner.

things fall apart

50 cent's new film "Things Fall Apart" has had it's trailer released giving people a taster of what is to come in the movie. The rapper, whose real name is Curtis Jackson, shed a lot of weight to star in the role of a big high-school football player who has contracted cancer.

He has stated that he normally weighs 214 pounds and is often photographed flaunting his muscles. Yet after nine weeks on a liquid diet last year, he went down to just 160 pounds. Jackson wrote, produced and financed the film himself. It has been directed by Mario Van Peebles and is expected to be released later this year.It is also loosely based on the life of his childhood best friend, the rapper-turned-actor goes from a dread-locked NFL hopeful to an emaciated cancer victim. Already pegged the "most critically acclaimed role of 50's career," the film also stars Ray Liotta.

So an exciting prospect to see he musician star in another film role and fans of his will surely be very eager to see the film.

mike starr

Mike Starr, The original bassist for legendary Grunge band Alice In Chains, has died at the age of 44. Police report that his body was located at a house in Salt Lake City, Utah on Tuesday Afternoon. The cause of death is currently unconfirmed but a spokesman from the police dept said: "There is nothing to indicate that this was foul play by another individual."

Starr's father told TMZ "It's a terrible shock and tragedy." Starr battled drug addiction for many years, and went public with his substance abuse problems in 2010 when he appeared on Season 3 of VH1's 'Celebrity Rehab With Dr. Drew.' Dr. Drew Pinsky expressed his condolences via Twitter: "Devastating to hear of Mike Starr succumbing to his illness. So very sad. Our prayers are with his family." He left Alice In chains shortly after the release of 1992's "Dirt" and later admitted that he left because of his drug addiction. His fellow band member, singer Layne Staley, died of a drug overdose in 2002.

So a sad end to the musician who will have been remembered with fond recollection by fans of the band.

jon cryer

Machete wielding maniac Charlie Sheen unleashed more scorn on Tuesday by attacking co-star Jon Cryer and his ex bosses in a heated video diatribe. He stared straight into the camera whilst smoking a cigarette and was seemingly reading the messages from cue cards.

"Jon has not called me," the out-of-control actor grumbled to E! Online. "He's a turncoat, a traitor, a troll." He vowed their relationship, like his job on "Two and a Half Men," is kaput - so Cryer shouldn't bother reaching out now."What's there to say? I'll tell him, 'You're a little late. Goodbye, troll,' " Sheen said."When I'm starring in multimillion-dollar films and he's begging me for a supporting role, I'll say: 'You left me out in the cold with all your guilt and stupidity."

So more venomous swiping by the fired star of Two and a Half Men and seemingly a very angry man.

mardi gras

Today sees the Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans to coincide with Fat Tuesday and it sees the Indian tribes group together in suits they have spent a whole year designing and creating. If you miss the Indian showing at the Mardi Gras you can still see them later when the Mardi Gras Indian Orchestra plays the Hi-Ho Lounge.

Out-of towners can enjoy the Rex and Zulu parades by renting stands along the route, and within the bounds of the French Quarter there are bands of revelers on foot. The Krewe of St. Anne marches from the Marigny down Royal Street. It disbands by afternoon, but there's still a magic to the day that can be best sustained by avoiding Bourbon Street. For breaks in the French Quarter, Café Envie, Cafe Beignet and CC's Community Coffeehouse have iced coffee, hot tea and pastries (Carnival carbs).

So plenty to enjoy at the event which will see many visitors and performers in the event which lasts for a while.

charlie sheen fired

Charlie Sheen has been hit with the news that his star role in the hit sitcom "Two and a Half Men" has been ended as he has been fired by his bosses. The actor wanted his bosses to say sorry to him and "lick his feet" but instead he's been shown the door from the programme.

 "After careful consideration, Warner Brothers Television has terminated Charlie Sheen's services on Two and a Half Men effective immediately," the studio said. Sheens reaction to it was: "This is very good news. They continue to be in breach, like so many whales. It is a big day of gladness at the Sober Valley Lodge because now I can take all of the bazillions, never have to look at whatshiscock again and I never have to put on those silly shirts for as long as this warlock exists in the terrestrial dimension," Sheen said.

So a somewhat expected reaction from the bosses of the show who have decided that Sheen's reckless attitude can't be tolerated anymore.

fat tuesday

Fat Tuesday is a celebration for people to live it up, party and unwind as a preparation for Ash Wednesday which takes place the following day where lent begins for many people but ironically a lot of people who celebrate the event don't even partake in any lent when Ash Wednesday arrives.

You will most likely see a slew of celebrities celebrating Fat Tuesday. Check out who has ties to New Orleans and Louisiana, which is the epicenter of Madri Gras celebrating in the United States. Sandra Bullock adopted a baby from New Orleans and bought a home there, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie spend a lot of time at their home in the French Quarter, also Ali Landry (a Cajun and Breaux Bridge native), of course celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse and Ellen DeGeneres (she’s a New Orleans native).

So certainly a very poignant day or many who start lent on Wednesday but also for many who just want an excuse to indulge.