Bernie Sanders Sparks New Meme w/ Capitol Steps Pic ... Amid Vote-A-Rama in D.C.!!!

Bernie Sanders is firing up the meme machine again -- this time by posing in the thick of summer and looking dog-tired while hard at work ... a shot that's worth a thousand words.

The Vermont senator was photographed Sunday laying out on the Capitol Hill steps, where he appeared to be kind of exhausted after a marathon day of work known as Vote-a-Rama ... where congressmen and women are going through hours of debate/votes on legislation.

According to the photog, reporter Kent Nishimura, the Senate was entering its 13th hour of the overnight marathon when this pic was taken ... and as you can imagine, it's catching fire.

For starters, some say this makes a great album cover ... if BS was into music. Others say he very much resembles the 'School of Rock' cartoon, Bill, from the famed sketch, "I'm Just a Bill," where the rolled-up paper character is also lying down on the Capitol steps.

In other words ... it's just a great (and hilarious) photo, perhaps equally meme-able as his other famous photo from 2021 when he was captured nestled up in a sweater and mittens during Biden's inauguration ... which also set the internet ablaze with jokes up the wazoo.

This seems to be the summer version ... and funny enough, it's kind of the exact opposite vibe as his mitten meme. Bernie out here trying to beat the heat and letting it all hang out.

BTW, there's actually some serious business going on indoors ... including votes on amendments to Biden's Inflation Reduction Act -- a major spending package addressing climate change/taxes -- which Bernie was actually against without some major tweaks.

His proposed amendments, however, were rejected in roll call votes, and the bill ultimately passed. It now heads to the House, where it's also expected to pass.

Pink Floyd's Roger Waters Argues with CNN Host ... About Conflicts in Ukraine and China

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CNN

Roger Waters got into a heated debate with a CNN host about who's really to blame for the war in Ukraine -- saying it's actually the U.S. and NATO that are fueling the ongoing conflict.

The Pink Floyd rocker sat down with Michael Smerconish on his weekend show, and they were getting into it over Ukraine and China as well ... with RW taking the position that not all is as it seems when it comes to who's at fault for the fighting dragging on this long.

Watch ... he says we, the States, are partly at fault for keeping it going by not pressuring Zelensky to strike a deal with Putin for a cease-fire -- but instead, continuing to fund/supply their military efforts (Ukraine's, that is).

Smerconish pushes back on that, pointing out that Roger here seems to be pointing the finger at the country that was invaded -- but there, too, Roger doubles down ... and says this thing has been going on for far longer than just a year, arguing NATO has stoked the flames.

When he's confronted with the notion that America has an obligation to step in and be "liberators" ... Roger kinda loses it, saying they have no such place in the world -- even contesting that they weren't going to get involved in WWII until Pearl Harbor was attacked.

One last thing ... they also talk Taiwan, and Roger once again takes a counter viewpoint that the nation does, in fact, belong to the People's Republic, despite what the U.S. might think.

He sounds very pro-China/pro-Russia ... at least that seems to be the consensus on Twitter, and the dude is getting dragged heavily for it. Roger, however, seems set in his mindset.

Pete Rose Phillies Ceremony Criticized ... Amid Old Rape Claims/Qs

Pete Rose took the field in Philly for the first time in a long time -- which was quickly met with criticism after how he responded to questions about old allegations of statutory rape.

The controversial baseball legend --  who's been effectively banned from the game for life after it was discovered he gambled on matchups while playing -- was trotted out Sunday at Citizens Bank Park, where the org was honoring the 1980 WS team ... including himself.

He got a mixed bag response -- a standing O and lots of cheers, but some boos too.

Mind you, this was supposed to happen a few years ago -- but plans were scrapped after a woman claimed she'd had sex with PR while she was just 14 or 15 in the 1970s.

Rose admitted they had sex while on the Reds, but said he thought she was 16 -- the legal age of consent in Ohio -- and insisted they never left state lines ... so, presumably, it was all kosher, from his POV. That story torpedoed his would-be ceremony in 2017 ... but on Sunday, when it resumed, a reporter asked him about those allegations anew, and it didn't go well.

Inquirer reporter Alex Coffey tweeted, "I asked Pete Rose what he would say to people who say his presence here sends a negative message to women. His response: 'No, I’m not here to talk about that. Sorry about that. It was 55 years ago babe.'"

Of course, that got backlash almost immediately. Coffey further expanded, later saying Rose attempted to apologize to her for the earlier interaction ... but that, too, was seemingly botched. PR reportedly said to her, "Will you forgive me if I sign 1000 baseballs for you?"

Coffey goes on to say that when he was again asked about the old rape claims and questions about it, he reportedly said ... "I'm going to tell you one more time. I'm here for the Philly fans. I'm here for my teammates. I'm here for the Phillies organization. And who cares what happened 50 years ago."

One last gem from Rose ... "You weren't even born. So you shouldn't be talking about it, because you weren't born. If you don't know a damn thing about it, don't talk about it."

Safe to say -- the debate about whether Rose should be welcomed back to the league (and to Cooperstown for a HOF induction) will almost certainly rage on after this. Oof ...

'Magnum P.I.' Star Roger E. Mosley Dead at 83

Roger E. Mosley -- famous from 'Magnum P.I.,' among other shows -- has died.

The veteran actor passed away peacefully early Sunday morning at his home surrounded by family and loved ones ... this according to his daughter, Ch-a, who posted a tribute to her dad while announcing the sad news.

She writes, "We could never mourn such an amazing man. He would HATE any crying done in his name. It is time to celebrate the legacy he left for us all. I love you daddy. You loved me too. My heart is heavy but I am strong. I will care for mommy, your love of almost 60 years. You raised me well and she is in good hands. Rest easy."

Mosley will perhaps best be remembered as Theodore 'TC' Calvin in the OG 'Magnum' series of the '80s, opposite Tom Selleck. His character ran a helicopter biz in the show, and was often helping the lead man get out of a jam by transporting all over the Hawaiian island.

He actually portrayed two other characters within the same franchise, and acted on 'MPI' for a total of 8 years, with 158 episodes under his belt. Of course, REM dabbled in several other hit TV series as well throughout the years ... not to mention some films here and there too.

Some of the shows he was on ... 'Love Boat,' "Night Gallery," "Sanford and Son," "Kung Fu," "Kojak," "McCloud," "The Rockford Files," "The Life and Times of Grizzly Adams," "Starsky and Hutch," "You Take the Kids," "Night Court," "Hangin' With Mr. Cooper," "Walker, Texas Ranger," "Rude Awakening," "Las Vegas," "Fact Checkers Unit" and many more.

Mosley actually came back to the 'Magnum P.I.' family the past few years (for the reboot) to play a cameo role, but not his old character ... an entirely new one. Still, pretty cool.

He was 83. RIP

'Top Gun: Maverick' Beats 'Titanic' to Become #7 ... Highest Grossing Film

The 'Titanic' has been sunk again ... because Tom Cruise's 'Top Gun: Maverick' just overtook the legendary blockbuster in the list of biggest money-makers in Hollywood history.

The high-flying sequel, which has been on a roll since its release in May, has now claimed the #7 spot in highest box office sales domestically ... clocking in at $662 million in tickets sold, beating out James Cameron's 1997 classic by a good $3 mil or so at $659M.

According to reports, 'TG' raked in $7 million this weekend ... which might sound relatively meager, but considering it's in its 11th week in theaters right now -- that's damn impressive.

While 'Titanic' is in Tom's rearview, he has many other flicks ahead of him that have made far more money big picture -- including, in due time, 'Avengers: Infinity War' and 'Black Panther,' ... which had total domestic hauls of $678M and $700M, respectively.

Some film reporters and box office analysts think 'Top Gun' actually has a shot to perhaps surmount those two as the year progresses ... but the others ahead of it in line -- 'Avatar,' 'No Way Home,' 'Endgame' and 'Force Awakens' -- are probably safe from being touched.

They've made 200-300M more dollars -- and it doesn't look like 'Maverick's' jet fuel will last that long. Unclear when Paramount will yank it from cineplexes, but even if they kept it there through the end of the year ... 'Top Gun' will like peter out at #5 all-time at best.

Still, it's a helluva achievement for both Tom and Paramount -- and proves there's still most certainly a desire for folks to hit theaters, even today. They're just more selective, is all.

Tom's the king of the world right now, so congrats to him. And also ... talk to us, Goose!

Drake Here Are the GOATs of Rap ... Lil Wayne and Nicki Minaj!!!

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THE TRIO
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Drake is crowning Lil Wayne and Nicki Minaj as the best to ever do it in rap -- and in NM's case, particularly, seems to be throwing a little shade at her contemporaries.

The OVO chief was performing in Toronto Saturday during the Young Money Reunion Tour ... and Drake took several moments during the set to pay his respects to Weezy -- who's credited with finding both he and Nicki all those years ago and getting their careers started.

Drizzy heaps on the praise and adulation for Wayne, who just stands there giddily and accepts it. But watch when Drake starts dishing out GOAT titles ... he bestows LW with the honor, but Nicki as well.

Of course, this is just Drake's opinion ... but it's an interesting argument for Wayne's case. Some say Jay-Z or Nas might be the GOATs of hip-hop, but Champagne Papi has his pick right here.

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As for Nicki, he calls her the greatest as well -- but perhaps in the female rap setting. In her case, he actually scoffs at any notion that any other femcee is close in status ... saying NM is the originator and the best to ever do it. That, too, is obviously controversial.

There've been countless female rappers before Nicki who paved the way -- and there are even some now who some believe might be up there ready to take the throne ... aka, Cardi B or even Megan Thee Stallion, just to name a couple.

But Drake doesn't see it that way -- he clearly thinks these two are the cream of the crop ... and they got his cosign on that right in front of a massive crowd.

This should get the rap heads chattering ...

Britney and Sam Attack Kevin Federline ... How Dare You Say Her Kids Avoid Her!!!

Britney Spears and Sam Asghari went on the attack after Kevin Federline, the father of her 2 children, did an interview saying the 2 teens are avoiding their mom.

Sam went on social media, saying ... "There is not validity to his statement regarding the kids distancing themselves and it is irresponsible to make that statement publicly. The boys are very smart and will be 18 soon to make their own decisions and may eventually realize the ‘tough’ part was having a father who hasn’t worked much in over 15 years as a role model."

Britney doubled down ... "It saddens me to hear that my ex husband has decided to discuss the relationship between me and my children … as we all know, raising teenage boys is never easy for anyone … it concerns me the fact that the reason is based on my Instagram … it was LONG before Instagram … I gave them every thing … Only one word: HURTFUL … I’ll say it … My mother told me ‘You should GIVE them to their dad’ … I’m sharing this because I can … Have a good day folks!!!"

Kevin did an interview with the DailyMail and the video will appear on ITV this week. He made it clear 16-year-old Sean Preston and 15-year-old Jayden James haven't seen their mom for months, choosing not to attend their wedding, and their decision was intentional.

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As for why ... it seems there are several reasons, one of which is that Britney has been posting lots of nude pics on social media, although Sam was quick to respond she "never posted a nude selfie except of her butt."

Kevin really leaned in on the conservatorship, and clearly supported the notion. As you recall, Britney had lost custody of both kids and was ordered to undergo random drug testing by the family law judge before the conservatorship was created, and he gave props to Jamie Spears, saying the kids "had a lot of questions about it," ... I don’t know that I can answer all of them for them but I just tried to explain to them that your mom needed help, you know, and the people were in play to try to make that happen, to make it better."

He called Jamie a "really caring" man, adding, "When Jamie took over, things got into order. He saved her life," ... although he has said in the past he wasn't sure the conservatorship should have lasted 13 years.

Sam was irate, referring to the fact Kevin gets child support until the kids turn 18, saying, "Kevin’s gravy train will end soon [which] probably explains the timing of these hurtful statements. I do not know him personally and have nothing against him aside him [deciding] to vilify my wife. His character is revealed by approval of the cruel 13 year [conservatorship] and his loyalty to Jaimie indicates his approval at time of its conception as well.”

Sam went on, "Things that are now considered normal issues and behavior easily dealt with in therapy or other ways were magnified to justify a 13 year sentence. I will not comment on this matter except to say I have a job."

Sam went all Will Smith in a follow-up, saying, "But for now: Keep my wife's name....out your mouth."

Travis Scott Kylie and Stormi Go Nuts for Him ... During Sold-Out London Concert

Kylie Jenner and daughter Stormi were all about Travis Scott's amazing concert Saturday night in London ... they were jammin' just like the normies in the packed stadium.

Kylie and their kid were arms up as Travis performed to a sold-out crowd at The O2 Arena ... which held 20,000 screaming fans.

This was Travis' first arena concert since the Astroworld tragedy last year, and it went off without a hitch ... well, actually, one idiot threw some sort of heavy object on the stage, missing Travis, but he was clearly pissed.

He has another show Sunday night, and he seems thrilled to be fully back.

The rapper wasn't holding back much, if at all. He was all over the stage with max energy, but he was clearly mindful of the crowd ... not wanting to encourage them to go too far.

Travis acknowledged K&S were in the crowd, and then dedicated "Mamacitas" to his daughter. Their baby boy, who was born in February, wasn't at the concert.

Travis intro'd a new song, "God's Country" ... it was supposed to be on Kanye's "Donda" album that was released last year, but didn't make the cut.

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Instagram / @kyliejenner

There were other celebs on hand ... Kevin Durant and James Harden were backstage popping champagne bottles and dousing their buddy Trav.

After the concert, Travis and Kylie were interlocking fingers as they made their way to a restaurant ... the hard-to-get-in The Twenty Two. Somehow they got a res!

Kylie and Storm had some serious mommy-and-me time all week in the town of Big Ben, shopping and just hanging out.

Travis isn't done this summer ... he's headlining at a festival in South America. He's also heading to Vegas for a residency.

Teresa Giudice Luis, I Say 'I Do' to You!!! Glitzy Wedding Brings Out 'Real Housewives'

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TMZ.com

Teresa Giudice has tied the knot again ... and TMZ has obtained video of the moment the 'Real Housewives of New Jersey' star said "I do!"

Teresa and fiancé Luis Ruelas got hitched Saturday night in front of 200 hundred family and friends at the fancy Park Chateau Estate & Garden in New Brunswick, NJ. Luis' sister, Dr. Veronica Ruelas, officiated the wedding.

Our video captured the 2 lovebirds face-to-face while holding hands and surrounded by white roses as Veronica read their vows.

After Luis said, "I do," his sister turned to Teresa and asked, "And Teresa do you take Luis as your husband, your best friend and partner in life?

Teresa smiled and said, "Yes, I do." Veronica became the comedian ... "To overlook the endless dog hair on your white furniture?"

Looking to the sky, Teresa laughed and again said "Yes" before Veronica wrapped up and made it official.

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By the way, Teresa looked stunning in her all-white dress with a long veil and tiara. Luis didn't look too shabby either in his white blazer and black slacks.

Of course, Teresa's 4 daughters -- Gia, Gabriella, Milania and Audriana -- were in attendance and wore light pink gowns. Luis' 2 sons, David and Nicholas, also enjoyed the festivities.

The kids helped light the ceremony's unity candles after Teresa had walked down the aisle to the sounds of violins and the song, "Ave Maria," to honor her late parents.

RHONJ costars Jennifer Aydin, Dolores Catania and Margaret Josephs, were reportedly also present, as were 'Real Housewives of New York' alums Dorinda Medley and Jill Zarin.

This was Teresa's second trip down the aisle. As you know ... she divorced her first husband, Joe, who now lives in Italy after getting deported following his federal conviction for tax fraud.

Fred Durst Married Man Once Again ... Wedding #4, Sucka!!!

Apparently, it's all about the he said she said "I Do" ... because Limp Bizkit's Fred Durst has gotten married for the 4th time.

Their marriage record, obtained by TMZ, says Fred and wife Arles Durst got married in L.A. County ... however, the date they tied the knot is unclear.

The actual marriage certificate is confidential ... that's a thing in L.A., especially for celebs, but the County Clerk makes public the fact a confidential marriage certificate has been filed.

The two have been an item for at least a few months ... his band did a show in Pennsylvania back in May, and he brought Arles out to slow dance together to "Careless Whisper" ... before jumping into their hit, "Nookie."

Arles has also changed her last name on Instagram to Durst -- she's got a profile description that reads, "Mrs. D."

As we reported, Fred's 3rd divorce was finalized back in 2019 from Ukrainian make-up artist Kseniya Beryazina.

The guy walked away with all his rights and residuals to his music secured, while having to pay off her car and ante up spousal support.

Before Kseniya, Fred was married to Esther Nazarov for 3 months ... before that, he was with Rachel Tergesen, with whom he has a daughter.

4th time's the charm!!!

Kourtney & Travis Flying Commercial Works for Us ... What Carbon Footprint???

Intentional or not, Kourtney Kardashian's one-upping her kid sister by traveling like the masses and doing better by the environment ... just as a bunch of celebs -- including her kin -- catch heat for huge carbon footprints.

Kourt and her husband, Travis Barker, flew commercial on Alaska Airlines for a trip from LAX to Spokane, Washington earlier this week. We're told Penelope and North were also on board.

They appeared to keep the whole thing lowkey, putting on their masks and hoodies. We know they have a home in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, and Spokane is the nearest airport. So, it's likely they'll be spending some time there.

Of course, commercial cruisin' isn't exactly her family's M.O. lately. Remember, a recent report by Yard, a marketing agency, called out celebs polluting the air by taking private jets.

Kim Kardashian and Travis Scott were among the celebs to make that list -- and, as we reported, Kylie Jenner's carbon footprint has also been a hot topic after she posted a shot of her and Travis with his and her private jets.

She also got flak for reportedly using her PJ to go shopping less than 30 miles from home ... just to dodge L.A. traffic.

It's safe to say Travis and Kourtney are doing what they can to stay off the planet polluters list!

WWE Legend X-Pac Blown Away By Logan Paul ... 'Huge Future'

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TMZSports.com

Add Hall of Famer X-Pac to the growing list of people who think highly of Logan Paul's wrestling future -- the legend tells TMZ Sports the newly-signed WWE Superstar is a "natural" and has the serious makings of a champion one day.

We spoke with Pac -- a two-time inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame -- out at LAX this week, and he was effusive in his praise of Paul, who won his first singles match as a competitor over The Miz at SummerSlam last week.

"He's a natural, man," Pac said. "Huge future."

Pac admits he used to not think so highly of the Maverick following his suicide forest video scandal ... but can tell Paul has truly grown as a person.

Pac -- a former NWO and D-Generation X member -- said what separates Paul from other newcomers is his athletic ability coupled with his intuitive feel for knowing what to do inside the squared circle.

"A lot of people can be great athletes like him, but he has like an aptitude for this, man. His timing is really good. He grasps the psychology of a match."

"I got nothing but praise for that guy," he added. "He could be like WWE champion material at some point."

"Gotta call it like you see it."

Since making his in-ring debut at WrestleMania 38, Logan has been setting the WWE on fire ... earning the respect of fans in the WWE Universe and higher-ups like "The Game" Triple H.

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Raw women's champion Bianca Belair echoed the same sentiments as Pac when she spoke to us recently, lauding Paul as a natural ... saying she could see him as WWE champ one day.

Maxwell Jameson Sizzles In Spain W/ Sexy Swimsuit Shots!

This week's Summer Hot Shots feature is coming from a picturesque balcony in southern Spain where model Maxwell Jameson busted out a skin-tight crop top tee and stringy black bikini bottoms while taking some blazing hot photos overlooking Marbella.

When this European influencer isn't giving her IG followers something to gawk at ... Maxwell can be spotted playing the piano, fine-tuning her makeup regime and dropping jaws on some awesome British reality TV shows!

10!

We are continuing to whip up our Summer Hot Shots for 2022 from a distance and have collaborated with some mind-melting hotties from around the world for your viewing pleasure!

Be sure to check back every Sunday this summer to see who's overheating your computer modem.

Meek Mill Drops $200K On DreamChasers Chain!!! Leveling Up Post-Roc Nation

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CHAIN OF YOUR DREAMS
@FYEImages

Meek Mill is dropping big racks to celebrate his label, copping a dreamcatcher-style Dreamchasers chain -- it's an interestingly timed purchase, and TMZ Hip Hop has all the diamond details.

The piece, designed after a Native American dream catcher said to block out bad dreams, makes the most outta the dual-meaning "DC" emblem ... and comes with a hefty $200,000 price tag!!!

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Easy to see why ... it's packed with 100 carats of various diamonds -- round stones, solitaire emeralds and baguettes on the feather -- all sparkling with VVs clarity.

Don The Jeweler of Status Jewelers tells TMZ he and Meek met a little while back at a Roc Nation event where both Young Thug and Gunna vouched on the spot for Don's jewels. Thug specifically called Don "the G.O.A.T." when it comes to custom pieces for rappers.

From there, Meek and the Atlanta-based jeweler sparked a connection and spent the next year outlining the intricate details of the Dreamchasers piece ... which was hand-delivered during Rolling Loud Miami last month.

Don also had the back pendant engraved with the phrase "Dreamchasers catch dreams" ... which signifies the moves Meek is trying to accomplish going forward.

In July, Meek took the reins of his career, vowing to take his DC label to new heights after he departed from Jay-Z's Roc Nation management, his home since 2012.

No doubt, a $200K chain should feel like a fresh start ... especially when it's dangling around your neck!

Mindy Kaling Good Genes or Good Docs?!

'Hello,' Mindy Kaling ... your looks over the years are seemingly 'fresh.'

Here is a 26-year-old version of the comedian and actress showcasing her fresh, curly look and intriguing smize at the premiere of "The 40 Year-Old Virgin" in Hollywood back in 2005 (left). This was the year she debuted her Kelly Kapoor character on the hit show "The Office."

And, 17 years later ... the gorgeous momma bear stepped out for a "Late Night" and rocked her ageless smile at the premiere of "Vengeance" at the Ace Hotel in L.A. (right).

The question is ...

Mindy Kaling ...

Kevin Federline Me & Britney's Boys Are Purposely Avoiding Her

Kevin Federline is spilling the alleged tea about his kids' relationship with their mom, Britney Spears -- saying their boys don't want to see her right now ... for myriad reasons.

The singer's ex-husband -- with whom she shares two boys, Jayden and Sean -- did a wide-ranging interview with DailyMail ... portions of which are apparently going to be aired on ITV this coming week. Still, some juicy quotes surfaced in the print version of their story.

For starters, Kevin says their sons are deliberately choosing to avoid Britney right now. He doesn't give a clear-cut reason or explanation in DM's post -- but there are hints that they might wanna keep their distance over a number of things, including Brit's behavior of late.

He says, "The boys have decided they are not seeing her right now. It's been a few months since they've seen her. They made the decision not to go to her wedding," going on to add that they were happy for her and that they still wish their mother the best.

One possibility for why they're keeping her at arm's length ... it's actually Britney's constant social media posting -- her nudes, specifically -- that have caused her teenagers embarrassment. KF says he's tried to explain it away, but it's hard on them regardless.

Kevin goes on to say the very public nature of the conservatorship battle has been difficult, generally speaking, and he's tried to shield them from it/the spotlight as best he can ... despite their constant questions about it over the years, some of which he couldn't answer.

He also says Jamie Spears "saved her life" -- and that he'd welcome their grandfather back into his and their life at large, despite the drama that's gone down between them recently.

Anyway, back to Britney. Kevin also had this to say ... while the boys would visit Britney amid her conservatorship, they saw things that made him (and presumably them as well) fairly uncomfortable, but he declines to go into detail with DM.

In light of that, though, as well as her recent lashing out on social media ... he says Sean and Jayden have reached their decision -- and that choice, for now, is to stay away.

Kevin adds, "They tried to give her the benefit of the doubt but at the same time, I can tell that sometimes, it hurts to be in that position. So, I made sure all my kids can come to me at any moment and discuss anything. The boys -- all my kids -- know that they come to me and to my wife and discuss anything."

The implication, it seems ... this level of trust can't be reached with Britney. Britney and Kevin, of course, share custody of the teens, but KF has them a majority of the time.