Madonna and A-Rod Hitting it Out of the Park?

The Internet is awash with rumors about Madonna's latest exploits. According to just about every tabloid around, she and New York Yankee third baseman, Alex Rodriguez, have been keeping company. US Magazine reports that A-Rod has been making late night visits to Madonna's Central Park West apartment.

Per radaronline.com, OK! Magazine reports that Madonna and A-Rod have been hanging out for months. An unnamed source reported to the magazine that the lithe twosome were seen working out together last October. Not too long after that A-Rod hired Madonna's manager, Guy O'seary, to guide his career. The rumors gathered steam when A-Rod attended Madonna's latest concert at the Roseland Ballroom and she returned the favor by attending a Yankee's game and sitting in A-Rod's seats.

The first Yankee's game anyone can ever remember Madonna being photographed at. Adding fuel to an already raging fire, young Rocco Ritchie, Madonna's son was seen all decked out in Yankee's gear playing in Central Park. Not to put to fine a point on it but Madonna is from New York so it would not be far fetched to think that she might have the presence of mind to buy Yankee's gear. It seems ridiculous that she would be using it to telegraph the fact that she's having it off with A-Rod.

US Weekly further reported that a decidedly dour Guy Ritchie arrived at New York's JFK airport and from there went directly to Madonna's apartment. Tabloids have taken special relish in mentioning that Madonna and Ritchie have been seen sans their wedding rings. Gossip and innuendo about the state of Madonna and Ritchie's marriage has dogged the couple almost from their wedding day. Ritchie's mother, Lady Amber Leighton, denies that there are any problems in the marriage.

"They are no different to most other couples and we all know that being together can be hard sometimes and marriages are not always a bed of roses," she said. However the London Times released a report that Madonna has consulted with Fiona Shackleton, who is the attorney who handled the divorce of Paul McCartney from Heather Mills. Initially both A-Rod and Madonna's reps had been keeping mum about the firestorm of rumors that have descended upon the internet. However, Madonna's rep, Liz Rosenberg has come forward to try and stem the tide of speculation. Speaking to People Magazine, she said, "Madonna's husband Guy arrived in New York last night to be with his wife and family (not in a last-ditch attempt to save his marriage, which does not need saving), there are no plans for Madonna and Guy to divorce."

Bennifer, Too

Speculation about A-Rod and Madonna and Guy Ritchie has all but overwhelmed the internet and left all other noteworthy news to bask on the back burner. However, they are not the only stars who have been grist for the rumor mill. Most recently Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck have been on the hotseat. Bennifer Part II has weathered a recent storm of innuendo that they are splitsville. One remembers well the denials of Bennifer I; Jennifer Lopez and Affleck, concerning the demise of their relationship. To curtail, the speculation, Jennifer G and Ben went out on a double date to celebrate their 3-year anniversary, at Nobu, with Matt Damon and his wife Luciana Barroso. Sources at Nobu, said, "Ben and Matt were entertaining the girls with stories, and they were all laughing a lot. The group made a toast to Ben and Jennifer's anniversary when dessert came. They were all in a great mood, and Jennifer and Ben left Nobu hand in hand." According to ExpoSay.com when asked about his marriage Ben responded, "My home life is pretty great. We're very happy. Things couldn't be better. We're kind of taking it easy and just kind of enjoying a little downtime at home."

Not Just For Divorces

Rumors aren't just for divorces. Ubercouple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie dealt with a deluge of rumors concerning the impending birth of their latest editions. Several online and internet tabloids reported that Angelina had already given birth. One French newspaper went so far as to share the names of the twins. As it turned out, the twins had not made their arrival. However, as of July 1, the Associated Press reports that Angelina Jolie has entered the hospital in anticipation of the twins' arrival. A spokesperson for the hospital indicates that Jolie is resting comfortably and everything is well.

New Love

Even the simple sweetness of getting to know a new love is marred by the excessive intrusions of the paparazzi and tabloids. John Mayer and Jennifer Aniston are working on getting acquainted as their new relationship starts to get stabilized. However, they have been assailed by tabloid and paparazzi since possibly their first kiss. Rumors concerning the demise of their relationship jostle for a place next to rumors that their relationship is going to the next level. The fragile first beginnings of new love are tenuous at best. How much harder must it be to navigate those first beginning with a gaggle of untrue stories dogging one's tracks.

Tabloid journalism is a billion dollar industry and people's hunger for the newest and the latest on their favorite celebrities does not appear to be waning. As long as there are celebrities they will continue to be pursued by the speculation, rumor and gossip.

Sources:

http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1590236/20080701/madonna.jhtml

http://www.exposay.com/ben-affleck-dismisses-divorce-rumors/v/21257/

http://www.usmagazine.com/guy-ritchie-arrives-in-new-york-to-see-madonna

http://www.celebrity-mania.com/news/view/00005541.html

http://wcbstv.com/entertainment/Angelina.Jolie.Brad.2.761229.html

http://www.imnotobsessed.com/2008/07/01/jennifer-aniston-and-john-mayer-going-strong

http://www.usmagazine.com/exclusive-ny-yankee-making-late-night-visits-to-madonnas-apartment