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Image: David and Victoria Beckham
Mario Anzuoni  /  Reuters file
David Beckham gave his wife, Victoria, a vineyard for her 34th birthday, but Full Disclosure reports that he may have had an ulterior motive.
By The Scoop
msnbc.com
updated 6/8/2008 10:43:15 PM ET 2008-06-09T02:43:15

What birthday gift do you get for the woman who has everything? If you’re David Beckham shopping for wife Victoria, you don’t spring for some fine wine, you pick up the entire winery. To celebrate Posh’s 34th birthday, Becks picked up the tab on a multimillion dollar vineyard in Napa Valley.

Seems like a grand gesture, even by Beckham standards, so what gives? Full Disclosure reports that the vineyard was meant to keep Victoria busy. “David feels like Victoria needs something to do other than shopping and going to parties,” a source told Full Disclosure. “He is hoping she will get into the wine business and settle into some kind of regular routine.”

Another source close to the Beckhams told us having a vineyard is also meant to keep Victoria happy stateside. “Her experience in the States hasn’t been what she hoped for. Her clothing line never took off, she doesn’t have loads of girlfriends,” said the source. “David doesn’t miss the level of fame he had in England, Victoria does.”

Maybe this will be a good distraction.

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Swayze heading to work
Just months ago it was announced that Patrick Swayze was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Now comes news that the “Dirty Dancing” star is well enough that his planned drama series, “The Beast,” will go into production this summer, reports the New York Times.

Swayze, who only a few months ago was found to have a life-threatening case of pancreatic cancer, has recovered enough that his planned drama series for the A&E network will start filming this August, with him in the starring role.

Slideshow: Playing together The pilot for the A&E series was filmed in January, before Swayze’s diagnosis. The Times reports that the network was just a day away from announcing the decision to go ahead with the series when Swayze, who plays an FBI agent in the series, called in March to say that he’d been given the ominous diagnosis.

Drama at Tony Awards
There might be some potential drama at the June 15 Tony awards, and not the kind that's scripted. “Gypsy” star Patti LuPone, who is nominated for leading actress in a musical, and fellow leading actress nominee Faith Prince of “A Catered Affair,” have a long-standing rivalry that might require some careful planning when it comes to choreographing arrivals to the show.

A source familiar with the rivalry says it began back in 2001 when LuPone and Prince both appeared in the revival of “Noises Off.” LuPone, according to the source, once refused to join her fellow castmates onstage in an effort to collect money for Broadway Cares, and the experience left her fellow actors, especially Prince, “horrified.”

Hopefully time has healed those wounds.

‘The Mole’: Burning questions answered
“The Mole” has finally returned, and because we’re so thrilled to have the show back (the second episode airs on CBS Monday night), Scoop approached Andy Dehnart, msnbc.com contributor and editor of realityblurred.com, to get some burning questions out of the way.

It’s been so long since we’ve seen an old-fashioned written exam (or at least the electronic version of one), it was easy to forget the details about elimination. What happens if there’s a tie? Easy answer, said Dehnart. The time it takes to complete the quiz is used as a tiebreaker. “It pays to be fast,” he answered. “Past reunions have revealed that players just barely escaped elimination because of the tiebreaker.”

And what about revealing the votes? In the season premiere it seemed very TV friendly to have the eliminated contestant revealed toward the end. That was just good production luck, said Dehnart.

Slideshow: Celebrity Sightings “As far as I can tell, the order that they reveal the votes is predetermined, but it has nothing at all to do with their quiz scores. It's sort of ‘The Mole’s’ version of Jeff Probst’s arranging of votes (he organizes them so that he reveals them in the most dramatic order possible),” said Dehnart.

And what about that touch screen? Not only does it really make us yearn for past host Anderson Cooper’s hunting and pecking at the keyboard (and it was the best use of a computer monitor since the days of “Doogie Howser, M.D.”), but it doesn’t even seem like a real touch screen. Dehnart agreed. He wrote on his blog, “… either he’s using the world’s least responsive touch screen or the whole thing is fake fake fake.”

Can the producers find out who handles the “Wheel of Fortune” electronics? Vanna White’s seem to work pretty well. Maybe it’s not too late for an upgrade.

Weekend box office
Although it seemed like the weekend box office had the potential to be close this past weekend, family-friendly flick “Kung Fu Panda” easily took over the No. 1 spot. The animated film made a healthy $60 million, while the Adam Sandler movie, “You Don’t Mess With the Zohan,” made $40 million. “Indiana Jones” made $22.8 million in its third week out and squeaked by “Sex and the City,” which made $21.3 million. Not bad for the chick flick, considering “Indy” is playing in more than 800 more theaters than “SATC.”

Celebrity sightings
In New York: Ashanti attended the Step Up Women’s Network’s 10th Annual Inspiration Awards on May 29. … On June 3, Tyson Beckford and Lance Bass stopped by the Bryant Park Hotel, which hosted the Bravo A-List Awards. That same night at the Central Park Zoo, former Vice President Al Gore and his wife Tipper attended The Wildlife Conservation Society’s Safari India Gala to raise money to help the tigers. … Kate Hudson was spotted running down 49th street in a black track suit on June 4 while filming her new movie, “Bride Wars.” Also that day, Seann William Scott was on hand at Gen Art’s preview of his new movie, “The Promotion.” … Taryn Manning was at Kobe Club June 5 to celebrate the opening of their East Hampton locale. ... Julia Roberts was at the Heartland Brewery just off Rockefeller Plaza June 5. The star gamely posed for a few cell-phone photos with tourists before leaving. Kim Cattrell was at the Hampton's Magazine dinner party at the Empire Hotel Rooftop May 29.

Video: Scoop on 'Panda's' big weekend

L.A.: On May 29 Tommy Lee and Adrian Grenier showed their support for the Planet Green party sponsored by VeeV. Ludacris performed at the event. … Ciara stopped in the Thompson Xchange on June 2.

In Nashville: Jessica Simpson has been out and about in Nashville promoting her new country music record. She was spotted in East Nashville’s trendy club/restaurant Mad Donna’s on June 7.

In Las Vegas: Paris Hilton, who is in Vegas shooting scenes for her upcoming reality show, “My New BFF,” was spotted with Benji Madden and Nicky Hilton celebrating the birthday of “You Don’t Mess With the Zohan” actor Danny A. Abeckaser at the Bank Nightclub on June 7. … Jamie Lynn Siegler, Rob Iler and Seth Meyers were also there.

Abroad:Dita von Teese was among the celebs spotted having an ice massage at Cannes Film Festival on May 29. ... In Moscow, Eva Longoria, Tony Parker and Natalia Vodianova attended the June 5 opening of Jacob and Co.

© 2013 msnbc.com Reprints

Photos: The life and times of David Beckham

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  1. The Grand Marshall

    Paris Saint-Germain's midfielder David Beckham (left), with teammate Swedish forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic (right), parades on a double-decker bus one day after Paris secured the French L1 football championship title. (Kenzo Tribouillard / AFP/Getty Images) Back to slideshow navigation
  2. Time to celebrate

    Paris' British midfielder David Beckham celebrates after Paris Saint-Germain won the French L1 title on May 12, 2013 at the Gerland stadium in Lyon, France. Paris Saint-Germain won their first French title since 1994 with a 1-0 margin of victory. (Philippe Desmazes / AFP/Getty Images) Back to slideshow navigation
  3. The man, the legend

    David Beckham of Paris Saint-Germain looks on during the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal second leg match agaisnt Barcelona at Nou Camp on April 10, 2013 in Barcelona, Spain. (David Ramos / Getty Images) Back to slideshow navigation
  4. 'Hey, you!'

    Paris Saint-Germain's English midfielder David Beckham takes part in a training session on April 19, 2013 at French L1 football club PSG's training camp in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, near Paris. (Bertrand Guay / AFP/Getty Images) Back to slideshow navigation
  5. Like father, like son

    Paris Saint-Germain's English midfielder David Beckham (left) speaks with his son Cruz as he takes part in a training session on April 19, 2013. (Bertrand Guay / AFP/Getty Images) Back to slideshow navigation
  6. Good as gold

    Beckham was in the MLS for five seasons before he won his first MLS Cup on Nov. 20, 2011. He became one of the few players to win league titles with three different clubs in three different countries. (Toby Canham / Getty Images) Back to slideshow navigation
  7. Reign man

    David Beckham celebrates with teammate Robbie Keane after winning the MLS Western Conference championship on Sunday, Nov. 18, 2012. The win placed Beckham in the title game for the second straight year. (Ted S. Warren / AP) Back to slideshow navigation
  8. First Lady's a fan

    Michelle Obama walks withBeckham during a 'Let's Move!' event for about 1,000 American military children and American and British students ahead of the 2012 Summer Olympics on July 27, 2012. (Lefteris Pitarakis / AP) Back to slideshow navigation
  9. Carrying the torch

    Beckham holds the Olympic Flame in Cornwall, England, in preperation for the 2012 London Olympics. A British delegation including David Beckham, flew back with the flame from Greece where they attended a ceremony welcoming the flame, before being taken on a 70-day relay involving 8,000 torchbearers covering 8,000 miles. (Matt Cardy / Getty Images) Back to slideshow navigation
  10. show of hands

    Beckham heads for the dressing room following the friendly between Newcastle and the Galaxy on Nov. 27, 2010 in Newcastle, Australia. (Brendon Thorne / Getty Images) Back to slideshow navigation
  11. Britain's best

    Prince William, Britain Prime Minister David Cameron and David Beckham meet during a meeting to discuss the upcoming 2018 World Cup bid winners announcement. (Matthew Childs / AP) Back to slideshow navigation
  12. Move to MIlan

    Beckham, shown here after a Serie A game, was twice loaned to Italian power AC Milan while a member of the Galaxy in 2008 and 2009. It didn't always go over well with fans. (Claudio Villa / Getty Images) Back to slideshow navigation
  13. Mad men

    Los Angeles Galaxy supporters hold up signs for Beckham during his loan to Milan. (Kevork Djansezian / Getty Images) Back to slideshow navigation
  14. Becks and Cruise

    Tom Cruise and David Beckham leave a performace of the Broadway play "All My Sons," on Nov. 26, 2008, in New York. The men and their families have been great friends during Beckham's stay in L.A. (Charles Sykes / AP) Back to slideshow navigation
  15. Closing show

    Beckham holds a ball toward the crowd during the closing ceremony for the 2008 Beijing Olympics on Aug. 24, 2008. (Gabriel Bouys / AFP/Getty Images) Back to slideshow navigation
  16. Oh, captain

    Beckham celebrates with English captain John Terry after a goal against Brazil on June 1, 2007. Beckham has 115 caps with England, 10 short of the most by any English player. (Tom Hevezi / AP) Back to slideshow navigation
  17. Beckham and his boys

    Beckham sits courtside with his sons Cruz, far left, Romeo and Brooklyn, right, during a game between the Lakers and Suns. Beckham has four children, including a daughter, Harper. (Danny Moloshok / Reuters) Back to slideshow navigation
  18. Larger than life

    A view at the Unveiling of Macy's New Emporio Armani Underwear Advertising Campaign on June, 18, 2008 in San Francisco. Beckham has always been a worldwide brand. (C Flanigan / Getty Images) Back to slideshow navigation
  19. Act of kindness

    As a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, David Beckham carries five-year-old Foday during a tour of a therapeutic feeding center on Jan. 19, 2008 in Makeni, Sierra Leone. Foday is being treated for severe malnutrition at the UNICEF-supported center, the only one of its kind in the northern part of the country. (Handout / Getty Images) Back to slideshow navigation
  20. First kicks

    Beckham made his long-awaited MLS debut against DC United on Aug. 9, 2007. (Nick Laham / Getty Images) Back to slideshow navigation
  21. Kickin' it in L.A.

    Beckham holds up his new jersey as he is introduced on July 13, 2007 at the Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. (Kevork Djansezian / AP) Back to slideshow navigation
  22. Fandemonium

    Fans cheer before the news conference introducing Beckham to the Los Angeles crowd. (Kevork Djansezian / AP) Back to slideshow navigation
  23. Becks lives the Posh life

    Beckham and his wife, Victoria Beckham, arrive at Los Angeles International Airport on July 12, 2007. Both of the Beckhams are familiar with the paparazzi. (Paul Buck / EPA) Back to slideshow navigation
  24. The Real deal

    Beckham celebrates after Real Madrid won its 30th Spanish League title on June 17, 2007 in Madrid. It was Beckham's finale with the club he'd neen with since 2003. (Jasper Juinen / AP) Back to slideshow navigation
  25. Checking out the new guy

    Los Angeles Galaxy players listen Beckham during a press conference, live via satellite from Madrid, on Jan. 12 2007. Beckham received a $250 million deal to move to the Galaxy. (Gabriel Bouys / AFP - Getty Images) Back to slideshow navigation
  26. Coming to America

    A man poses with a New York Times showing a full-page advertisement announcing Beckham's arrival in summer of 2007. (Stan Honda / AFP - Getty Images) Back to slideshow navigation
  27. Bending it

    Beckham celebrates with teammate Ashley Cole after scoring the opening goal of England's 2006 World Cup in Stuttgart, Germany. (Shaun Botterill / Getty Images) Back to slideshow navigation
  28. Family matters

    Victoria Beckham watches England play along with her sons Romeo and Brooklyn, right, on June 15, 2006. (Joerg Koch / AFP - Getty Images) Back to slideshow navigation
  29. Flying high

    Beckham waves an English flag from the window of a British Airways plane named carrying the team to Germany for the soccer World Cup on June 5, 2006. (Sang Tan / AP) Back to slideshow navigation
  30. Larger than life

    Beckham talks to the media after training for the World Cupon June 23, 2006. (Eddie Keogh / Reuters) Back to slideshow navigation
  31. A work of art

    Hazel Sutherland of Britain's National Portrait Gallery looks at a videoDavid Beckham sleeping. The 67-minute video loop shown on April 27, 2004 at the National Portrait Gallery in central London by artist Sam Taylor-Wood has been called "unashamedly beautiful" by the Guardian newspaper. (Adam Butler / AP) Back to slideshow navigation
  32. Headline news!

    When Beckham left Manchester United for Real Madrid, the signing was the top news story in Great Britain. (Odd Andersen / AFP/Getty Images) Back to slideshow navigation
  33. Cultural icon

    Beckham didn't appear in the movie "Bend it Like Beckham," but the popular movie capitalized on the fame of his free kicks. () Back to slideshow navigation
  34. LAS ROZAS, SPAIN: Real Madrid's Portuguese Luis Figo (L) runs next to his teammates British David Beckham (C) and Brazilian Ronaldo (R) during the first training session after the Christmas holidays in Las Rozas Football City, near Madrid, 30 December 2004. AFP PHOTO/JAVIER SORIANO (Photo credit should read JAVIER SORIANO/AFP/Getty Images) (Javier Soriano / AFP/Getty Images) Back to slideshow navigation
  35. Queen, and the king

    Queen Elizabeth II receives the Jubilee Baton from six-year old Kirsty Howard and David Beckham during the 2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games opening ceremony on July 25, 2002. (Damien Meyer / AFP/Getty Images) Back to slideshow navigation
  36. World-class downer

    Brazilian defender Roberto Carlos consoles Beckham after England's 2-1 loss in the 2002 World Cup semifinals. (William West / AFP/Getty Images) Back to slideshow navigation
  37. Face of the game

    Beckham holds the official match ball of the 2002 World Cup. (Gary M. Prior / Getty Images) Back to slideshow navigation
  38. Fabulous foot

    Beckham isn't a huge golascorer, but he's notched crucial goals for his team thanks to his free kicks. (Phil Cole / Getty Images) Back to slideshow navigation
  39. Father figure

    Beckham gets a kiss from his son, Brooklyn, after Manchester United won the FA Cup in 2001. (Alex Livesey / Getty Images) Back to slideshow navigation
  40. Manchester's man

    Beckham lifts the trophy after the Red Devils beat Bayern Munich 2-1 in the 1999 Champions League final. That capped a season in which Man U won the Champions, Premier League and FA Cup. (Ross Kinnaird / Getty Images) Back to slideshow navigation
  41. Dark day

    One of Beckham's worst moments came when he drew the first red card of his career for a foul against Argentina during the second round of the 1998 World Cup in France. (Ross Kinnaird / Getty Images) Back to slideshow navigation
  42. Celebrity couple

    Beckham poses with his then fiance, Victoria Adams, outside their hotel after announcing their engagement on Jan. 25, 1998. (Dave Hogan / Getty Images) Back to slideshow navigation
  43. Young gun

    Beckham made his Manchester United debut in 1995. (Gary M. Prior / Getty Images) Back to slideshow navigation
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