Catholic Priest JC Was Persecuted 'Palestinian Jew'!!! Sparks Big Debate on Xmas
A Catholic priest came on CNN on Christmas to say Jesus was a persecuted Palestinian -- and that the story of his birth contains parallels to what's going on in the Middle East.
Father Edward Beck -- a regular contributor -- joined Monday morning's anchors to discuss the topic of how to keep faith alive this holiday season with everything going on in the world ... namely, the war between Israel and Hamas, with Palestinians caught in the middle.
He said the story of Xmas was actually one of a "Palestinian Jew" -- noting how extraordinary it is to hear those 2 words put together. Father Beck went on to say JC was born into an occupied country, and that his mother and father (Mary/Joseph) were forced to flee into Egypt as refugees ... which is technically correct, as far as the Bible's concerned.
Beck went on to say the same sort of thing is going on right now in 2023 -- and while he didn't outright come out as explicitly pro-Palestine ... that's how his remarks were perceived.
In fact, there's a lot of handwringing happening online over the suggestion that Jesus was Palestinian ... and that he might've identified more so with the current Palestinian plight over that of Israelis. As many have pointed out online, Palestine didn't even exist back then.
On the flip side, neither did the state of Israel as we currently know it ... but the one thing that's undeniable is that JC was Jewish, for whatever's that worth in this raging debate.
You should be ashamed of yourself, distorting what I said like that. Sowing more division.
— Father Edward L. Beck (@FrEdwardBeck) December 25, 2023 @FrEdwardBeck
(And I would think you would know that the “state of Israel” came into existence in 1948.)
Merry Christmas!
Father Beck has defended what he said in some back-and-forths online. Again, some took his words here to imply that Jesus was more so Palestinian/Arab than he was Jewish -- but Beck says his words are being twisted, and his larger message of peace/unity overshadowed.
He's also posted articles that reference the use of the word "Palestinian" historically -- and how it's apparently been employed to identify Muslims, Jews and others who've lived in that region dating back millennia. In other words, Father Beck's doubling down on the notion Jesus was Palestinian ... and that him also being Jewish doesn't necessarily contradict that.
It's a doozy of a conversation, for sure ... and it's ignited a fury on both sides, it seems. As Jesus himself might've said in more eloquent terms -- can't we all just get along, guys???
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Kamar de los Reyes fallece a los 56 años a causa de un cáncer
Kamar de los Reyes -una estrella de telenovelas de larga data- ha muerto, según su familia.
Un portavoz dio la noticia a THR el domingo, diciendo que el actor falleció el sábado por la noche en Los Ángeles después de una breve batalla contra el cáncer. No está claro qué tipo de cáncer fue con el que estuvo luchando o cuando fue diagnosticado, ya que todo el proceso fue bastante privado.
Aunque de los Reyes es quizás más recordado por su papel de Antonio Vega en 'One Life to Live' - en la que apareció en 287 episodios - los fans de los videojuegos probablemente lo reconozcan también ... ya que puso la voz al villano Raúl Menéndez en la serie 'Call of Duty'.
Puso voz a Menéndez, un personaje principal y recurrente, en un total de 4 entregas de "COD", incluido el famoso "Black Ops II", donde debutó como el gran villano de los años venideros.
De los Reyes también tenía un currículum impresionante fuera de eso. Además de su trabajo en "OLTL" y "COD", también había protagonizado programas como "Sleepy Hallow", "All American", "The Rookie", "Reed Between the Lines", "Promised Land", "Four Corners", "Valley of the Dolls", "ER"... así como estrella invitada en "Law & Order", "CSI", "The Mentalist" y más.
También ha participado en un puñado de películas, como "Nixon", "En busca de un sueño", "La celda", "Cayo", "Salt", "Apocalipsis en Los Ángeles", "Amelia 2.0" y "Tíos buenos con pistolas", entre otras.
A de los Reyes le sobreviven su esposa, Sherri Saum, sus hijos y otros familiares. Tenía 56 años.
RIP
'One Life to Live' Soap Star Kamar de los Reyes Dead at 56 ... After Private Cancer Battle
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Kamar de los Reyes -- a longtime soap opera star -- has died, according to his family.
A spokesperson broke the news to THR Sunday, saying the actor passed away Saturday night in L.A. after a brief battle with cancer. Unclear what sort of cancer he might've been battling, or when he was diagnosed -- but it sounds like it was kept fairly private.
While de los Reyes will perhaps best remembered for his role as Antonio Vega on "One Life to Live" -- on which he was featured in 287 episodes -- video game fans probably recognize him too ... as he voiced villain Raul Menendez in the "Call of Duty" series.
He voiced Menendez -- a main and recurring character -- for a total of 4 'COD' installments ... including the famed 'Black Ops II,' where he debuted as the big bad for years to come.
de los Reyes had an impressive résumé outside of that as well. In addition to his work on 'OLTL' and 'COD' -- he had also memorably starred in shows like "Sleepy Hollow," "All American," "The Rookie," "Reed Between the Lines, "Promised Land," "Four Corners," "Valley of the Dolls," "ER" ... as well as guest starring on "Law & Order," "CSI," "The Mentalist" and more.
He had also been in a handful of films ... like "Nixon," "In Search of a Dream," "The Cell," "Cayo," "Salt," "LA Apocalypse," "Amelia 2.0," "Hot Guys with Guns" as well as others.
de los Reyes is survived by his wife, Sherri Saum, their children and other family. He was 56.
RIP
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Entourage star Kevin Connolly's L.A. Home Hit By XMAS Eve Burglar
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Kevin Connolly had a visitor on XMAS Eve, and it wasn't Santa ... the "Entourage" star’s L.A.-area home was burglarized just before midnight ... TMZ has learned.
Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... a burglar forced open a backdoor and entered Kevin's home. The actor was not there. The thief stole an antique gun and some other minor items before beating it.
Kevin was notified of the break-in and met the cops at his home, where they took a report.
Cops reviewed surveillance footage from the area and determined the suspect appeared to be a homeless man and not a member of the burglary rings that have been targeting high-dollar homes around L.A. in recent months.
TMZ broke the story ... thieves smashed a window at Keanu Reeves' home this month and stole his Glock.
A dollar amount will be determined after Kevin goes through the home to see what else if anything is missing. There have been no arrests and LAPD is investigating.
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Kevin Spacey anuncia su candidatura presidencial como Frank Underwood en una entrevista
Kevin Spacey está de vuelta para su payasada anual de Navidad Frank Underwood, solo que esta vez tiene grandes noticias, burlándose de una carrera presidencial y rompiendo con Tucker Carlson.
El actor apareció en la última entrevista por X de Tucker que acaba de caer el domingo y sí, está completamente en personaje como su ex personaje de "House of Cards" para el video de siete minutos. Mientras que él nunca dice abiertamente que se postula para, ciertamente sugiere que podría hacerlo.
Spacey (como Underwood), dice que no está por encima de entrar en la carrera en esta última hora, explicando que él cree que el país necesita a alguien como él durante este tiempo oscuro.
Tucker le pregunta directamente si se presenta, pero KS no llega a comprometerse.
Como de costumbre, todo es muy extraño, pero es coherente, por lo que suponemos que recibe algunos elogios. Spacey ha estado haciendo todo este asunto de Frank Underwood desde hace unos años, desde que fue efectivamente cancelado durante el movimiento #MeToo, y cada año es raro como el infierno.
Recordemos que el papel de Spacey fue nixed de la temporada final de "HOC" en medio de su escándalo, y ha estado tratando de hacer un regreso desde entonces... aunque con no mucho éxito.
Él ha hecho un buen trabajo en los casos penales y civiles presentados en su contra tanto aquí como en los Estados Unidos y en el extranjero, pero él sigue luchando contra las demandas de los acusadores. Mientras tanto, es obvio que sigue muy comprometido con la actuación, aunque con menos atención.
Kevin Spacey Teases Prez Run (As Underwood) ... Drops News with Tucker
Kevin Spacey is back for his annual Christmas-time Frank Underwood shtick, only this time he has big news ... teasing a presidential run, and breaking it to Tucker Carlson.
The actor showed up in TC's latest X interview, which just dropped Sunday -- and yes, he's completely in character as his former "House of Cards" anti-hero for the 7-minute video. While he never outright says he's running for POTUS, he certainly suggests he just might.
Watch ... Spacey (as Underwood) says he's not above stepping into the race at this late hour, explaining that he believes the country needs someone like him during this dark time.
Tucker asks him directly if he's running, but KS stops short of outright committing to it.
Per usual, it's very bizarre ... but it is consistent, which we suppose he gets some kudos for. Spacey's been doing this whole Frank Underwood thing for a few years now -- ever since he was effectively canceled during the #MeToo movement -- and each year, it's weird as hell.
Remember, Spacey's role was nixed from the final season of 'HOC' amid his scandal ... and he's been trying to mount a comeback ever since, with not very much mainstream success.
He's done a good job of beating criminal and civil cases brought against him -- both here in the States and abroad -- but he continues to fight lawsuits from accusers of his. In the meantime, he's obviously still very committed to acting ... albeit, in a smaller spotlight now.
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Tori Spelling Chats Up Mall Mystery Man ... Next to Daughter Stella
Tori Spelling might've found new love for Christmas -- 'cause she was hanging out with a mystery stud during last-minute shopping ... and he seems to be cool with her kid too.
The '90210' star was out at a mall just outside of L.A. Friday, and she was rolling with her teenage daughter, Stella, whom she shares with estranged husband Dean McDermott. The two of them had company here ... some middle-aged dude who was part of the pack.
He was seen chatting up Tori and Stella inside the building, especially TS ... staring deep into her eyes. Eventually, he left with them too -- and drove away with Tori riding passenger.
No word on who this guy is, or what his relationship to Tori might be -- there's no sign of PDA here or anything, so it could just be a pal or maybe even a relative. Still, considering everything going on with her these days ... it's interesting to see a new face in the mix.
Remember, Tori just recently talked about experiencing her first "single mom Christmas" ... this in the wake of her splitting with Dean earlier this year. Now, she's not so alone, it seems.
The fact Stella was with them for this outing also speaks to a familiarity that might explain something -- namely, this guy might not be a romantic partner ... 'cause you'd figure Mama Bear wouldn't bring around a fresh fella like this without some groundwork being laid first.
Like we said, it's a bit of a mystery for now -- but in any case, good to see Tori has some people in her corner for the holidays ... familial or otherwise.
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Sophie Turner and Joe Jonas She Gets The Kids For Holidays ... He Might See Them, Too
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Sophie Turner is back on mommy duty just in time for the holidays ... it's her turn to look after her two children as part of her child custody arrangement with Joe Jonas ... but a family reunion may be in the cards.
According to new legal docs, obtained by TMZ, Sophie's got the kids through Jan. 7 ... which means she'll probably be celebrating Christmas and New Year's with Willa and Delphine over in London.
But, get this ... Joe is in England too -- he was recently spotted at London hot spot Chiltern Firehouse -- so it appears there's at least a decent chance Joe will get to see the kiddos on Xmas too.
Of course, the big question then becomes ... will Sophie and Joe spend time together with their daughters for the holidays, which are traditionally a family affair?
The girls have been with Sophie since Dec. 16 ... and they're allowed to travel with her in the United States and the United Kingdom ... but the kids have to be dropped back off to Joe in NYC on Jan. 7.
Remember ... Joe had the kids for Halloween and Thanksgiving, so the parents are splitting holiday duties under their temporary child custody agreement as they work through a divorce.
Meanwhile, Sophie was spotted making out with British aristocrat Peregrine Pearson earlier this month in London ... before she had the kids.
The best thing about divorce ... two Christmases!!!
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Sophie Turner y Joe Jonas Ella tiene a las niñas para las fiestas Él podría estar con ellas también...
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Sophie Turner está de vuelta en su deber de mamá justo a tiempo para las vacaciones y es su turno de estar con sus dos hijas como parte de su acuerdo de custodia con Joe Jonas, pero una reunión familiar puede estar en la mira.
Según los nuevos documentos legales obtenidos por TMZ, Sophie tiene a los niños hasta el 7 de enero, lo que significa que probablemente va a celebrar la Navidad y el Año Nuevo con Willa y Delphine en Londres.
Pero escuchen esto, Joe está en Inglaterra también y fue visto recientemente en Londres en Chiltern Firehouse, por lo que parece que hay al menos una posibilidad de que Joe vea a las niñas en Navidad también.
Por supuesto, la gran pregunta es, ¿pasarán Sophie y Joe tiempo juntos con sus hijas para las fiestas, que son tradicionalmente un asunto de familia?
Las niñas han estado con Sophie desde el 17 de diciembre y tienen permitido viajar con ella a Estados Unidos y el Reino Unido, pero tienen que estar de vuelta con Joe el 7 de enero en Nueva York.
Recuerden, Joe tuvo a las niñas para Halloween y Acción de Gracias, por lo que los padres están dividiendo los deberes de vacaciones en virtud de su acuerdo temporal de custodia. Todo, en medio de su proceso de divorcio.
Mientras tanto, Sophie fue vista besándose con el aristócrata británico Peregrine Pearson a principios de este mes en Londres, antes de tener a las niñas.
Lo mejor del divorcio, ¡¡¡dos Navidades!!!
Peyton Manning Se viste de Santa... Luego es emboscado con bolas de nieve de Watters
Peyton Manning tuvo que experimentar la "clásica bienvenida de Filadelfia" como Santa Claus, porque después de ponerse el traje rojo fue bombardeado divertidamente con bolas de nieve de Ricky Watters y Matt Millen!
El QB del Salón de la Fama se convirtió en el blanco fácil en el episodio navideño del programa "Peyton's Places" en ESPN, donde se lo ve montando un camión de bomberos dentro del Lincoln Financial Field antes del partido de Navidad de los Eagles.
Watters, que jugó de running back para Philly durante dos temporadas, y Millen, ex linebacker y ejecutivo de la NFL, están en las gradas abucheando a Manning y luego empiezan a bombardearlo con bolas de nieve.
"¡Boo! ¡Eres un pésimo Santa!" Gritó Millen mientras lanzaba sus bolas a Peyton.
Por supuesto, este es un remake del partido de los Vikings vs. los Eagles de 1968 en Navidad, en el que los aficionados de Filadelfia empezaron a lanzar bolas de nieve a Papá Noel durante el espectáculo del descanso debido a la mala actuación y temporada de su equipo.
El tipo que se disfrazó de Papá Noel, Frank Olivo, que entonces tenía 20 años, dice que recibió más de 100 bolas de nieve durante su aparición.
Eso sí, Olivo fue elegido de entre las gradas para interpretar el papel por el director de animación de los Eagles, ya que una tormenta de nieve la noche anterior impidió que el actor original de Papá Noel llegara al partido.
Esperemos que esto no ocurra durante este partido los Giants vs. los Eagles en Navidad.
Peyton Manning Dresses Up As Santa ... Then Gets Ambushed W/ Snowballs From Watters
Peyton Manning got to experience the "classic Philly welcome" as Santa Claus ... 'cause after he put on the red suit, he was hilariously pelted with snowballs from Ricky Watters -- and Matt Millen!
The Hall of Fame QB became the sitting duck for the holiday episode of "Peyton's Places" show on ESPN, where he's riding a firetruck inside the Lincoln Financial Field ahead of the Eagles' Christmas game.
Watters -- who played running back for Philly for two seasons -- and Millen, a former linebacker and executive in the NFL, are in the stands booing Manning ... and start hitting him with snowballs.
"Boo!! You're a lousy Santa Claus!" Millen yelled while throwing bombers at Peyton.
Of course, this is a remake of the 1968 Vikings vs. Eagles game on Christmas ... where the Philly fans started throwing snowballs at Santa Claus during the halftime show due to their team's poor performance and season.
The guy who dressed up as Santa, then 20-year-old Frank Olivo, says he was hit with more than 100 snowballs during his appearance.
Mind you, Olivo was picked out from the stands to play the role by the Eagles entertainer director, since a snowstorm the previous night kept the original Santa actor from getting to the game.
Hopefully, this doesn't happen during this Giants vs. Eagles game on Christmas.
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Celebrity Christmas Trees 2023 Spruce Up Your Life!
The stars are stepping out of their usual Hollywood spotlight ... shining even brighter under their festive Christmas Trees ... and they sure are looking tree-mendous!
Standing tall and havin' a ball, a plentiful of your top celebs -- like Terry Crews, Lizzo and Corinne Olympios -- added their special touch to their trees with divine decorations, bringing light and life to their homes. And, of course, they posed with glee!
No "Dilemma" for Kelly Rowland this Christmas ... she and her sweet kiddo spread the holiday love and showed the BEST gift around the tree: a happy fam all wrapped up in each other!
And topping things off ... Hoda Kotb put the finishing touches on her tree -- assisting her two daughters with their tree-topper!
Check out our gallery of stars feeling right and shining bright by their trees and igniting the holiday spirit!
Merry Christmas Eve!
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Navidad de famosos Árboles 2023, ¡adorna tu vida!
¡Las estrellas están saliendo de su habitual centro de atención en Hollywood para brillar aún más fuerte bajo sus árboles de Navidad y de seguro están buscando una decoración que sea magnífica!
De pie y sosteniendo los adornos de Navidad, muchos de los famosos como Terry Crews, Lizzo y Corinne Olympios, le han dado un toque especial a sus árboles con decoraciones divinas, aportando luz y vida a sus hogares. Y, por supuesto, ¡han posado felices frente a ellos!
No hay "dilema" para Kelly Rowland esta Navidad, ella y su dulce hija repartieron el amor navideño y mostraron el MEJOR regalo alrededor del árbol: ¡una familia feliz y reunida en torno al arbolito!
Y para rematar las cosas, Hoda Kotb le dio los toques finales a su árbol, ¡ayudando a sus dos hijas con sus adornos!
¡Echa un vistazo a nuestra galería de estrellas, sintiéndose bien y brillando junto a sus árboles y encendiendo el espíritu navideño!
¡Feliz Nochebuena!
ScarJo & CoJo Reciben a un montón de celebridades ... Para una fiesta de Navidad en NYC
Scarlett Johansson fue el blanco de las bromas de Colin Jost en 'Saturday Night Live', pero su mujer no está enfadada con su marido. De hecho, los dos acaban de organizar una gran fiesta de Navidad, con las estrellas de la farándula.
La pareja organizó una gran fiesta el jueves en Nueva York en The Flatiron Room en Manhattan, y parece que invitaron a todos sus amigos famosos para celebrar antes de Navidad, y un montón de ellos fueron felizmente obligados.
Fue un poco un desfile de parejas aquí, no solo fueron vistos ScarJo y CoJo, sino que también Chris Evans y su esposa Alba Baptista, por no hablar de Alec y Hilaria Baldwin.
Lo mismo ocurrió con Jon Hamm y Kieran Culkin, que estaban con sus parejas y, por cierto, también pudimos ver a Greta Gerwig y Noah Baumbach, que acaban de casarse. Se ven tan felices como puede ser en la vida matrimonial.
De todos modos, otros peces gordos también fueron en solitario a la fiesta, como es el caso de Chris Rock, Sarah Silverman, Bill Murray, Sal Vulcano y Rachel Dratch. Una mezcolanza de estrellas.
Parece que fue una especie de reunión de 'SNL' y algunos invitados/anfitriones también fueron invitados. Esto también confirma lo obvio, que hay un montón de celebridades en la Gran Manzana para las fiestas. En comparación con Los Ángeles, donde está un poco de fresco, Nueva York parece estar congelado.
De todos modos, lo único interesante de esto es que Scarlett está bien después de haber sido expuesta en el programa de televisión de su marido. Recuerden, su coanfitrion de "Weekend Update", Michael Che, le hizo leer un chiste que había escrito la semana pasada donde incendiaba sus "peliculitas de arte".
Parece que ella puede con las bromas, y algo más... porque vaya que no está fuera de forma.
Pareja guapa... gente guapa. De eso se trata la Navidad, ¿verdad?
ScarJo & CoJo Host a Crap Ton of A-Listers ... For Xmas Party in Big Apple
Scarlett Johansson was just the butt of Colin Jost's jokes on 'SNL,' but wifey's not mad at hubby -- in fact, the two of them just hosted a big Xmas bash ... with A-listers in tow.
The couple threw together a major shindig Thursday in NYC at The Flatiron Room in Manhattan, and it looks like they invited all their famous pals to roll through and party before Christmas -- to which a ton of celebs happily obliged.
It was a bit of a lovers parade here ... not only were ScarJo and CoJo seen, but so too were Chris Evans and his wife Alba Baptista -- not to mention Alec and Hilaria Baldwin.
Ditto for Jon Hamm and Kieran Culkin, who were with their significant others ... and BTW, we also got a glimpse of Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach, who just recently got hitched. They look about as happy as can be in married life.
Anyway, other big-time hot shots were rolling solo for this thing ... like Chris Rock, Sarah Silverman, Bill Murray, Sal Vulcano and Rachel Dratch. A hodgepodge of star power, indeed.
Looks like it was an 'SNL' reunion, of sorts, and some guests/hosts were invited as well. This also confirms the obvious ... there's a helluva lot of celebs out in the Big Apple for the holidays. Compared to L.A., where it's a tad bit nippy, New York looks downright freezing.
Anyway, the only interesting thing about this is that Scarlett's clearly a good sport after getting roasted on her husband's TV show. Remember, his "Weekend Update" cohost, Michael Che, made him read a joke he'd written last week ... where he torched her "little art films."
Looks like she can roll with the punches and then some ... 'cause she ain't bent outta shape.
Good looking couple ... good looking people. That's what Xmas is all about, right?!
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'Men in Black' Star Mike Nussbaum Dead at 99 ... Recently in Hospice
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Mike Nussbaum -- a longtime character actor -- has died due to old age ... TMZ has confirmed.
His daughter, Karen, tells us her father passed away from natural causes in bed Saturday morning at his Chicago home, with her right by his side. We're told Nussbaum had been in hospice over the past year -- and Karen adds, "It was his time."
MN was one of the oldest living actors still working in the biz in recent years -- having recently performed in some plays of late ... but his on-camera résumé is impressive too.
He'll perhaps best be remembered as Gentle Rosenburg from "Men in Black" or Bob Drimmer in "Fatal Attraction" ... or even the principal from "Field of Dreams." He'd been in a lot.
Some other notable movie credits of his include ... "House of Games," "Things Change," "Desperate Hours," "Losing Isaiah," "Steal Big Steal Little," "Dirty Work," "Osso Bucco," "Towing," "Tom of Your Life" and more. He'd acted in some big TV shows as well through the years.
Just a taste of some of the series he'd been in ... "Frasier," "L.A. Law," "The Commish," "The X-Files," "Early Edition," "Cupid," "The Chicago Code," "The Equalizer," "Spenser: For Hire," etc.
Nussbaum was considered a legend in the local theater scene there in Chi-Town. He was 99, and just a week short of reaching age 100.
RIP