New iPhone App Could Help Students Save on Books

A new iPhone application claims to help students save money on textbooks, according to Jeff Sherwood, CEO of BIGWORDS.com.

BIGWORDS, a free iPhone application, can help students find the best deals on their textbooks from Multi-Item Price Optimization which calculates the cheapest combination of textbooks from stores with multi-item orders and finds the best deals available, Sherwood said.

Sherwood said people using the site and the app save $225 on average on multi-item orders.


Students search for textbooks on BIGWORDS by plugging in the title, author or ISBN code and drop the books into a virtual book bag. It searches from over 20 different sources, like Amazon, Textbooks.com, and Barnes & Noble, to find the best deals by factoring in shipping cost and promotions.

"Our site or software runs every combination of all of the books at all of the stores that we cover and comes up with the cheapest combination of stores from which to buy your books," Sherwood said.

Sherwood said he got the idea to start BIGWORDS from his time as a college student.

"At that time there were no online alternatives to the college bookstore," he said. "We would wait in line for three hours to check out and there was virtually no availability for used books and half the time they didn't even have the inventory for new books."

More than 750,000 people visit the Web site at the beginning of the semester and it generates $13.5 million in textbooks sales and the Web site is constantly updated with the latest coupons and promotions, he said. BIGWORDS also supports textbook rentals, international editions and guaranteed buyback, he said.

Samantha Stroud, a freshman criminal justice major, said she would use the app in the future to help her find the best deals. For now, she used the university bookstore's Web site.

"I went to the bookstore Web site and got my books off of there," Stroud said.

Katie Bain, a senior psychology major, said she gets her books from the bookstore, but has sold her books online.

"I thought I could get a better price from them than I could get from the bookstore," she said.

Sherwood said that BIGWORDS plans to update the app in November and plans to add the service to other devices like BlackBerry phones.

Megan Fox Will Be the Next Catwoman

That's what UK paper The Sun is reporting.

Columnist George Smart says the "Transformers" star is set to follow in the footsteps of Michelle Pfeiffer and Halle Berry in donning the skintight catsuit.

HOT SHOTS: The lovely and talented Megan Fox.

"All the other stars who have reinvented the Batman films are back on board," he reports. "(Including) Christian Bale, Michael Caine, and director Christopher Nolan."

Smart says shooting is scheduled to start next year, with the film slated for release in 2011.

Last year's "Batman: The Dark Knight" became the fourth highest-grossing movie of all time, with total sales over $1 billion.

Linda Bollea Sues Hulk Hogan for Her Harley, Wants Him in Prison

Just a few weeks ago, Hulk Hogan and the mother of his children Linda Bollea finally reached an undisclosed divorce settlement that they were both satisfied with, and Pop Tarts was assured Bollea was particularly delighted with her prominent payout. But is the former pro wrestler not living up to his legal word and giving his ex the agreed-to goods?

Bollea filed a motion against Hulk in the Pinellas County Superior Court in Florida on Tuesday for the "Enforcement of the Confidential Marital Settlement." In the suit, Bollea claims her ex has failed to release her Harley Davidson motorcycle and pay her $225,000 due on August 7 as promised in the settlement.

RAW DATA: NEW HOGAN COURT DOCUMENTS (PDF)

Consequently, Bollea is not only demanding her money and motorcycle, but now wants him to cover all the transport and attorney fees she has incurred, and if he still refuses to comply, has filed a request to have Hulk "incarcerated."

But a Harley wasn’t the only mode of moving Bollea is allegedly entitled to. According to the documents, their confidential marital settlement also involves her getting "exclusive possession and ownership of her Mercedes Benz, Cadillac Escalade, Corvette and Rolls Royce."

"We are proceeding against the Hulk with enforcement and contempt proceedings to make him comply with the marital settlement, whether he likes the agreement or not, and regardless of his stalls, emotional issues and games," Bollea’s attorney Ray Rafool told Pop Tarts on Tuesday.

A rep for Hogan told Tarts that the "Hogan Knows Best" star has done no wrong and is "absolutely complying with the terms of the marital settlement agreement."

"Linda will receive everything she is entitled to under the agreement as soon as it is available to give to her," the rep said.
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Less than a month ago both parties issued statements to Pop Tarts declaring their happiness to move on with their lives in the hope that could sustain a friendship and "work together" as parents of their two children Brooke, 21 and Nick, 19.

Kristen Cavallari Earning More Money Than Lauren Conrad?

While it was Lauren Conrad’s decision to bid farewell her MTV reality show "The Hills," Pop Tarts has learned that her replacement, Kristin Cavallari, is actually banking a little more than she did.

Reports recently emerged indicating that Cavallari was earning an impressive $63,000 per episode. However, an inside source assured us that such numbers were "totally inaccurate" and that the Denver-born 22-year-old was actually earning around $90,000 per episode. Poor ol’ LC reportedly made "only" about $75,000 a pop.

It figures that the figures were pretty good, as just weeks before inking the deal to narrate the next two season of "The Hills," Cavallari swore up and down that she was absolutely done with reality television.

"I haven’t even watched an episode of 'The Hills,'" she told Tarts, saying her focus was on being a "serious actress."

Kid Rock Takes Naughty Pics; Jeremy Piven Downs 17 Shots; And That's the PG Stuff

Hollywood’s hottest turned up to über-socialite Diana Jenkins' annual summer party in her palatial Malibu pad on Saturday, but as the day turned to night, we’re told the A-list crowd continued to turn up the heat.

Aside from the multitude of modelesque guests wearing next-to-no-clothes, attendees included Justin Timberlake, Sean Penn, Jeremy Piven, Salma Hayek and billionaire husband, Francois-Henri Pinault, Justin Murdock, Rick Rubin, Matthew Perry, Shannon Doherty, Paris Hilton, Nicky Hilton, David Katzenberg, Ludacris (who had just played at a nearby party in Malibu), and Kid Rock (who performed at the party).

According to spies, Pamela Anderson’s former flame was up to his usual tricks, and joined a group of men in taking very racy body shots of DeLeón tequila wedged in the cleavage of the cocktail waitresses, while Jeremy Piven drew more attention to himself by downing almost 17 shots of tequila at the bar. Not bad for a guy who just eight months ago was struck down and forced to quit his Broadway play with a death-defying bout of "mercury poisoning."

But we're told a lot more "adult-themed" behavior went down at the ultra-exclusive bash (especially behind the bar) and that all photography was strictly prohibited. In fact, one party person that was caught taking happy snaps on his cell phone was not only kicked out but had to "beg" not to be arrested.

"No photographers were even allowed near the property, as the 40 sheriffs that guarded all sides of her house during the party made sure of," added our snitch. "It was an absolutely crazy, adult-themed, scandalous party."


On-again couple Sophia Bush and Austin Nichols spotted last week at Soho’s Pop Yogurt sharing a cold nutritious dessert together. This past Friday the couple journeyed to the east where they were spotted dining and cuddling at Georgica Restaurant and Lounge in East Hamptons. Also at Georgica on Friday night was Avril Lavigne who took a break from recording her album to hang out with "Hell's Kitchen" season 6 contestant, Robert Hesse. She was overheard giving cooking tips to the chef and letting everyone know that she loves the Hamptons, where she has been getting inspiration for her new album.

"Real Housewife of New York City" Ramona with husband Mario Singer enjoying the fresh local fluke and veal carpaccio at Matto in East Hampton on Saturday.

Stephanie Pratt chatting to Billy Zane about parties and Hollywood as she had her makeup done (alongside Zane's wife Jasmine) at Valerie Beverly Hills on famed Canon Drive on Saturday.

Anne Hathaway at Hotel Healdsburg in Healdsburg, California on the weekend with beau Adam Shulman to attend his brother’s wedding at the Trentadue Winery.

Liev Schreiber riding his bicycle to La Fondita in the Hamptons on Saturday afternoon, refueling on some fish tacos and a salad.

Rachel Bilson and Hayden Christensen all lovey dovey while checking into a suite at the W Union Square, NYC on Saturday.

Kourtney Kardashian judging the 5th Annual Miss Malibu pageant alongside Ludacris and Elisabeth Rohm at a private residence on Sunday afternoon.

Alanis Morrisette picking up a few tank tops while shopping at Fred Segal Fun in Santa Monica on Sunday.

Jermaine Jackson and Michael Jackson’s three children, Prince Michael, Paris and Prince Michael II (Blanket) enjoying dinner with a party of twelve in the private dining room at N9NE Steakhouse inside The Palms.

Ice-T (enjoying veal and Pepsi) and wife Coco (who opted for Merlot and Lobster Bisque) while dining with four others inside the private wine room at Strip House at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, Las Vegas on Sunday before going backstage after the 9pm performance of PEEPSHOW.

Ashlee Simpson and co-star Stephanie Jacobson sipping Vita Coco coconut water in between takes on the set of their new show, "Melrose Place" on Monday.

Mila Kunis, Jason Bateman and Jessica Stroup laughing together at the Los Angeles Premiere of "Extract," co-hosted by Three-O Vodka at Arclight Hollywood on Monday. Other attendees included Gene Simmons, Johnny Knoxville, Cheech Marin, Jonathon Schaech, and Doug Benson.

Madonna looking ultra svelte while rocking out on stage during her concert in Belgrade, Serbia on Monday.

Jared Leto, Kevin Connolly, Kristin Cavallari and Eliza Dushku helping "True Blood" starlet Anna Paquin celebrate her cover of NYLON Magazine's Annual TV Issue with an intimate dinner and roaring after party at West Hollywood's SkyBar at the Mondrian Hotel.

Justin Timberlake (sans Jessica Biel) Monday night at Hollywood's Madame Royale on the patio drinking his own tequila, 901, with a couple pals.

Martin Short’s Jiminy Glick character grilling a "fried" Ronald McDonald (played by Andy Dick) in Chicago for a two-minute spot to highlight McDonald’s inhumane slaughter practices.

Neil Patrick Harris, Judah Friedlander, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Mekhi Pfifer and Reba McEntire filming a "Get Schooled" PSA as part of a five-year national initiative co-developed by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Viacom that creates a platform for corporate and community stakeholders to address the challenges facing America’s public schools.

Brace yourself: Beer prices are going up

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Beer drinkers beware: The cost of a cold one is going up.

Brewers across the globe are hiking prices to compensate for lower volumes and higher commodity costs in the recession.

Anheuser-Busch InBev, the world's largest brewer and maker of Budweiser, announced plans to raise prices Tuesday.

"We plan on taking price increases on a majority of volume and in a majority of markets this fall," Anheuser-Busch InBev said in a statement. "The increase helps cover some input costs."

The U.S.-Belgian brewer said prices will go up "across different price tiers" including its high and low-end brands.

The price hikes are part of a broader industry trend.

Heineken, best known for its Heineken and Amstel brands, said Tuesday that its global price increases have helped it turn profits despite sagging volumes.
0:00 /2:10Battle brewing over beer

Anheuser-Busch InBev (ABI) was formed in November 2008 when InBev, which brews Beck's and Stella Artois, bought St. Louis-based Anheuser-Busch for $52 billion.

The looming price hike comes as sales volumes in the brewing industry have declined. Anheuser-Busch InBev said earlier this month that total beer volumes were down 1.5% in the second quarter versus the same period last year.

Heineken, based in Amsterdam, said Tuesday that price increases helped the company offset the pull back in consumption. Heineken makes and brews 170 international beers and ciders, but is best known for its brands Heineken and Amstel.

"The economic and trading conditions remain difficult, and there will be continued pressure on volumes in the second half of 2009," CEO Jean-François van Boxmeer said in a statement.

Obama calls Kennedy 'greatest U.S. senator of our time'

U.S. President Barack Obama: For five decades, virtually every major piece of legislation to advance the civil rights, health and economic well being of the American people bore his name and resulted from his efforts.

I valued his wise counsel in the Senate, where, regardless of the swirl of events, he always had time for a new colleague. I cherished his confidence and momentous support in my race for the Presidency. And even as he waged a valiant struggle with a mortal illness, I've profited as President from his encouragement and wisdom.

An important chapter in our history has come to an end. Our country has lost a great leader, who picked up the torch of his fallen brothers and became the greatest United States Senator of our time.

Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick: "One of the Commonwealth's brightest lights went out last night. Ted Kennedy was a compassionate, effective, visionary statesman, family man and friend. Diane and I were blessed by his company, support and many kindnesses, and miss him profoundly. We pray for comfort for his beloved wife and partner Vicki and his entire family."

Harry Reid, Senate majority leader: "Because of Ted Kennedy, more young children could afford to become healthy. More young adults could afford to become students. More of our oldest citizens and our poorest citizens could get the care they need to live longer, fuller lives. More minorities, women and immigrants could realize the rights our founding documents promised them. And more Americans could be proud of their country. Ted Kennedy's dream was the one for which the founding fathers fought and for which his brothers sought to realize. The liberal lion's mighty roar may now fall silent, but his dream shall never die."

Nancy Reagan, former first lady: "Given our political differences, people are sometimes surprised by how close Ronnie and I have been to the Kennedy family. In recent years, Ted and I found our common ground in stem cell research, and I considered him an ally and a dear friend. I will miss him."

Sen. Orrin G. Hatch (R-Utah): "Today America lost a great elder statesman, a committed public servant, and leader of the Senate. And today I lost a treasured friend. "Ted Kennedy was an iconic, larger than life United States senator whose influence cannot be overstated. Many have come before, and many will come after, but Ted Kennedy's name will always be remembered as someone who lived and breathed the United States Senate and the work completed within its chamber."

Nancy Pelosi, House Speaker: "Today, with the passing of Senator Edward M. Kennedy, the American people have lost a great patriot, and the Kennedy family has lost a beloved patriarch. Over a lifetime of leadership, Senator Kennedy's statesmanship and political prowess produced a wealth of accomplishment that has improved opportunity for every American."
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"Senator Kennedy had a grand vision for America, and an unparalleled ability to effect change. Rooted in his deep patriotism, his abiding faith, and his deep concern for the least among us, no one has done more than Senator Kennedy to educate our children, care for our seniors, and ensure equality for all Americans."

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (married to Kennedy's niece Maria Shriver): "Maria and I are immensely saddened by the passing of Uncle Teddy. He was known to the world as the "Lion of the Senate," a champion of social justice, and a political icon. Most importantly, he was the rock of our family: a loving husband, father, brother and uncle. He was a man of great faith and character."

Former President George H.W. Bush: Barbara and I were deeply saddened to learn Ted Kennedy lost his valiant battle with cancer. While we didn't see eye-to-eye on many political issues through the years, I always respected his steadfast public service  so much so, in fact, that I invited him to my library in 2003 to receive the Bush Award for Excellence in Public Service. Ted Kennedy was a seminal figure in the United States Senate  a leader who answered the call to duty for some 47 years, and whose death closes a remarkable chapter in that body's history.

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair: Senator Kennedy was a figure who inspired admiration, respect and devotion, not just in America but around the world.

He was a true public servant committed to the values of fairness, justice and opportunity. "I saw his focus and determination first hand in Northern Ireland where his passionate commitment was matched with a practical understanding of what needed to be done to bring about peace and to sustain it. I was delighted he could join us in Belfast the day devolved government was restored.

My thoughts and prayers today are with all his family and friends as they reflect on the loss of a great and good man.

Gordon Brown, British prime minister: "Senator Edward Kennedy will be mourned not just in America, but in every continent. He is admired around the world as the senator of senators. He led the world in championing children's education and health care, and believed that every single child should have the chance to realise their potential to the full. Even facing illness and death, he never stopped fighting for the causes which were his life's work."

Brian Cowen, Irish prime minister: "In this country, Ted Kennedy will be remembered with great affection and enduring respect. Throughout his long and distinguished career in politics, Ted Kennedy has been a great friend of Ireland. He has used his considerable influence in the world's most powerful parliament for the betterment of this island."