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TESTING OUR FAITH

Philippe Cousteau Jr. Ted Turner

Searching For Salvation From BP's Assault On The Sea

By Elizabeth C.

I MET GOD IN THE MUSEUM OCEANIQUE DE MONACO IN THE SUMMER OF 1993.

If faith's a choice, I remember clearly stepping toward it while watching the teeming gorgeous diversity of life in the salt water tanks of the museum founded by legendary oceanographer Jacques Cousteau.

And though I've since fallen back to doubt, I was convinced that day that this underwater world was too spectacular, too wondrous, to be an accident.

Perhaps this is why I'm paying particular attention to what Cousteau's grandson told Bill Mayer on his TV show two days ago.

Philippe Cousteau Jr., cofounder of EarthEcho International, is setting off the panic button that our oceans cannot recover on their own from man's assault.

"I could cut my leg off, I could cut my arm off, I could gouge my eye out, I'd still probably survive, but not very well, and that's what we're doing to the ocean," Cousteau said during the interview.

“It’s the life support system of this planet. We’ve been dumping in it, we’ve been polluting it, we’ve been destroying it for decades, and we’re essentially maiming ourselves… It’s not a question of whether the oceans can take anymore. The ocean can’t take any more. They couldn’t take any more fifty years ago.

”The question is, ‘when are we going to stop?”

Cousteau has been part of the cleanup efforts in the Louisiana marshlands which have been destroyed by the oil washing in from the sea. He’s been blogging about it on his own site, where he calls the spill “the price of our arrogance.”

Ted Turner, whose ex-wife Jane Fonda divorced him in part because of his criticism of her faith, has experienced his own form of religious conversion, telling a reporter that God might be sending us a message.

”You know, I'm not a real religious person, but I'm somewhat religious. And I'm just wondering if God's telling us he doesn't want us to drill offshore, because it sure is setting back offshore drilling,’’ Turner told CNN.

Turner says energy “is the most complicated issue that the government of the United States has ever faced. And that the people of the world have ever faced….but the United States is the biggest polluter and the biggest energy user and we’re in a leadership position. It’s very important that we lead in a responsible and progressive way.”

Turner, a businessman and conservationist, says it’s time for the U.S. to phase out the use of coal and oil.

And I find myself praying, 'Dear God, please help us make this happen.'

I would give anything to believe again.

May 31, 2010

FACELESSNESS = UNACCOUNTABILITY

Credit: AP

Obama Should Appoint Al Gore To Spearhead Resolving, Investigating BP Oil Spill

By Elizabeth C.

Al Gore AL GORE, WILL YOU PLEASE STAND UP?

As millions of gallons of oil continue to pollute the Gulf of Mexico -- wiping out sea life, ecosystems, fishing and tourist economies -- no single person has emerged as a credible leader in this fight against time.

The emotionally cool President Obama does not have the temper to react swiftly to the crisis, is accused of helping to obfuscate the facts, and provokes pundits and critics to label this man-made assault on nature his Katrina.

On Friday, the president traveled to the Louisiana Gulf Coast for the first time nearly six weeks after the explosion.

The consequences of America's unquenchable taste for oil now literally stains our shores.

Credit: Greenpeace UK

And the oil keeps spewing, 40 days after an explosion on an oil rig killed 11 and began what is now the largest oil spill in U.S. history.

"This scares everybody, the fact that we can't make this well stop flowing, the fact that we haven't succeeded so far," BP Chief Operating Officer Doug Suttles told the media Saturday. "Many of the things we're trying have been done on the surface before, but have never been tried at 5,000 feet."

Yet the media reports that every step of the way the oil behemoth has lowballed spill estimates and evaded answering questions about his mismanagement. "It's obvious BP's lying,"’ said the Rev. Tyronne Edwards, who runs a community development organization in Plaquemines Parish, La. "It's criminal what they're doing. But the government cannot be let off the hook, either."

The immensity of this disaster is buried in soundbites and the limits of commercial TV. Salient facts get lost amid the noise.

Here's what’s captured my attention and warrants repeating:

The New York Times reported Saturday that there were "serious problems and safety concerns with the Deepwater Horizon rig" as far back as 11 months ago.

The busted well has dumped between 18 million and 40 million gallons into the Gulf, according to government estimates.

The oil spill forms a surface slick at least 130 miles long and 70 miles wide that stretches from about 30 miles west of the Mississippi River to the offshore waters of western Florida, according to the latest National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration estimates.

Human error is the reason for the oil spill. Even as the oil rig burned, employees on board it hesitated to activate[e] the emergency disconnect system that was supposed to slam the oil well shut at the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico," the Associated Press has reported.

In a detailed story about what happened on the oil in the hours before and after the explosion, the AP reports that rig workers had a "skirmish" with a BP official over how to plug the deep sea well.

"I overheard upper management talking saying that BP was taking shortcuts by displacing the well with saltwater instead of mud without sealing the well with cement plugs, this is what it blew out,"’ Transocean rig worker Truitt Crawford told the Coast Guard. BP declined AP's request for a comment on Crawford's statement.

The federal government's official policing agency of the oil industry -- Minerals Management Service -- was literally in bed with oil company lobbyists. “A year and a half ago, inspectors found MMS workers in Lakewood, Colo., engaging in sex and drug use with oil industry representatives, taking payments from oil companies, and rigging contracts for them," says the Washington Post’s Dana Milbank.

Here what’s also evident: Americans are drowning in hopelessness and anger.

"If they have no fucking clue how to fix this, WHY WERE THEY ALLOWED TO DO IT IN THE FIRST PLACE?," lamented someone commenting as Larryfishkorn on Gawker. "Oh yeah, because selling oil makes a lot of money. BP needs to have all of their US coast drilling licences revoked immediately. Oh right, they make a [lot] of money, and no American politician has the coconuts to do that.”

It's time for President Obama to appoint Senator Al Gore to head up a task force directing the cleanup, investigation and communications surrounding this horrific disaster. No other public or private official has the public's faith on this issue.

May 30, 2010

CURIOUS MINDS WANT TO KNOW

Avoine

The Low-Down: Answers To Your Burning Questions

Credit: The Reminder's Deluxe EPDEAR AVOINE,

Which is better: fake moaning or no moaning at all? - -DB.

If you're just not a moaner, don't force it, but understand that we all appreciate some verbal reinforcement, be it in actual words or euphoric sighs/moans/grunts. Is the sex that great to begin with? If you're not letting any breath escape your lips, I'd say that all signs point to "no."

How do I keep from crossing into "friend territory" with someone I'm into? --DG.

Offer to pay for something. Let your forearms touch. Don’t talk about other romantic interests.

What’s the deal with the gooch? -- BH.

The perineum –- a.k.a. "gooch" – is the area between one's vadge or balls and anus. On guys, it's essentially the very base of the penis, so don't neglect it. It's less sensitive for woman, but should still probably deserves attention.

Does asexuality really exist? -- ZC.

Asexuality, as mind-boggling as it seems, is definitely real. One percent of people consider themselves asexual, which only means they do not experience sexual attraction. Some, however, experience romantic attraction and have romantic relationships like the rest of us nookie-mongering humanoids.

Does semen cure a sore throat? -- JW.

My ex-boyfriend used to ask me to plop on down on his face whenever he had a sore throat, citing some "insider info" from a military doctor that performing oral sex on a woman cured sore throats. I don't know about semen, but I think it all sounds like bullshit. Cough drops and hot tea, man.

Why do vaginas smell bad? -- TB.

Vaginas should only smell bad if the woman doesn't shower, has an infection, or has a repugnant diet. Maybe you're gay, dude. If you think pussy smells bad, try giving a blowie to a musky pair of balls.

Does love make sex better? -- LR.

I'd say yes, because then sex is more emotionally fulfilling. However, good sex is good sex, and you can have a physically gratifying bone with whomever you stumble upon. Love usually makes sex better, but it can't redeem everything.

Why are some guys so possessive when they turn around and flirt with other girls? -- KB.

Because you are dating sniveling fools. Run, girl. Run as fast as you can.

What is the best boudoir soundtrack? -- SU.

You really can’t go wrong with the classic African-American male crooners –- Barry White, Marvin Gaye, the Chi-Lites, John Legend, etc. Other favorite boner jams include: India.Arie’s Brown Skin, Dave Matthew’s Band Say Goodbye, Bob Marley’s Stir It Up, and Broken Social Scene’s Lover’s Spit. Oh yeah, and Peaches’ Fuck the Pain Away for when you’re suckin’ on some titties.

What's your pleasure? Got a problem? Write to Avoine at AvoineSauvage@CrabbyGolightly.com

May 29, 2010

BUT CAN SHE TALK?

Credit: Sauvage

Rosie Is The New Hot Young Thang From Transformers' Michael Bay

By Madi S.

Madi S.WANTED: HOT, YOUNG DUMB THING WITH A PENCHANT FOR POTTY MOUTH. NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY. MUST BE WILLING TO WORK UNDER EXTREME CONDITIONS.

Transformers' director Michael Bay has found his girl!

British model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley will play Shia Labeouf's love interest in Transformers 3. The British model reportedly replaces Megan Fox in the action boobs and bombs movie franchise.

Credit: JustJared As soon as word was out that Megan had "quit" the gig, wags began speculating on her replacement and word was that Bay was considering several models. Other names that showed up on his "potential" included Miranda Kerr and Bar Rafaeli.

But for Bay, everything came up Rosie.

Outfoxed: Megan Fox Scrambles To Set Record Straight On Who Nixed Transformers Role.

Megan Fox's 10 Most Fearsome Quotes.

Megan Fox Gets Stupid, Proves She's No Angelina.

And wouldn't a Hilteresque director want a blonde underling who looks good and keeps her mouth shut?

Bay reportedly met the Victoria's Secret model while he directed her in a commercial and the two hit it off. Some unnamed source was quoted saying the obvious: "She has absolutely zero acting experience, so we'll see how that goes. But he likes her, and that's all that matters."

Here's the commercial that Bay made for the lingerie company during which he met Rosie. Once again, his work is all about the boobs and explosions. Does Bay have a one-track mind or what?



We have advice for Rosie: Don't compare the hot-shot director to any historical figures in future interviews. Or he will burn your ass!

Madi S. is mom to two kids and three cats. She loves pop culture news, movies, fashion, travel, reading and observing the world.

May 28, 2010

LIAR'S PANTS ON FIRE

Ironman 2

The Lying Cheating Jesse James Excavates His Past

By Madi S.

Madi S.POOR VANILLA GORILLA. His cheatin' heart is the fault of a thug daddy who beat and humiliated him as a kid.

Of course, daddy Larry James's denies those stories and is telling folks he "would have died" before hurting his children. Calls Jesse "the apple of my eye."

"I think he made these allegations because he's told so many lies for so many years about his childhood," James professed to Radaronline, and his ex-wife is backing him up. It's too bad for him that now his daughter says Jesse's claims are true.

In his first interview since being outed as a serial cheater and Nazi poser, the Monster TV star claimed his father broke his arm and generally scared the eff out of him when he was a kid.

His excuses came in an interview with Nightline, propelling the late night news show to record ratings.

"I grew up with a huge amount of shame and fear and abandonment on my shoulders from a very young age," JJ tells Vicki Mabry. Choke, sniff, sniff. Stop – the – cameras.

He ain’t no Nazi. He don’t hate anyone. “I’m a liar, not a racist.’’ Never mind that picture of him saluting heil Hitler in full Nazi regalia.

Seeing his face during the interview gives me flashbacks to Sandra Bullock’s Oscar payday. Sitting in that audience, Jesse looked uncomfortable, out-of-place and teary. And guilty as hell about something.

Now he claims he wanted to get caught all along. “I mean, it was me trying to self-sabotage my life," he says.

“I took a pretty amazing life and amazing success and marriage ... and threw it away by my own hands."

Should we feel for the "monster"? Is it ever possible to believe a liar?

Madi S. is mom to two kids and three cats. She loves pop culture news, movies, fashion, travel, reading and observing the world.

May 27, 2010

WIGGING OUT

Credit: Solvara.com

Playing Head Games For A Good Cause

By Elizabeth C.

PANACHE WALKED THE RUNWAY AT THE NINTH ANNUAL TULIPS & PANSIES: The Headdress Affair which benefits VillageCare, a nonprofit providing healthcare to people living with HIV/AIDs.

Fashions' top designers and New York's "finest" florists cross-polinate for the night to create gorgeous, wacky, and out-of-this-world floral headresses.

"It's big, and it's campy and it's fun," said James Aguiar, said ringleader of ceremonies. "It's the best of what fashion is. It doesn't take itself seriously, and people are here to have a great time. Of course it's for a good cause, but all the jaded front row stuff is gone."

This year the event raised more than $120,000 that will go to providing direct care to AIDS/HIV patients.

Jump for more fanciful gardens grown in the fertile imaginations of New York's designers and florists. Photos are courtesy of Paul Newland of Solvara.com.

Credit: Solvara.com

Credit: Solvara.com

Credit: Solvara.com

Credit: Solvara.com

Credit: Solvara.com

May 26, 2010

DOWN TO THE WIRE

Credit: Fox

Will Crystal Score On Lee's Fumble? American Idol's Final Showdown

By Nicki R.

Nicki R.WHAT A DIFFERENCE A DAY MAKES.

The buzz had Lee DeWyze winning this thing after his compelling performances of the last month. But the hippie mom got the best of the paint store clerk on the eve of American Idol's coronation.

Nerves rattled Lee, and the fire in Crystal's belly roared, making the final showdown less of a nailbiter than America expected. But that didn't stop the night from becoming "a bit of a lovefest,'' as Simon called it.

Each finalist sang three songs: one of their own choice, one chosen by the show's executive producer Simon Fuller, and the song that they'll release as a single if they win the title.

Lee opened the show singing Simon and Garfunkel's The Boxer. Randy rightly tells Lee that he needs to deliver the passion. Kara tells him that she loves his connection to the song but that he needs to turn it up. Simon raps him for his anemic performance and says, "That was a kiss on the cheek when I want a kiss on the lips."

Crystal sings Janis Joplin's Me and Bobby McGee and it's like she's channeling the 60s rocker. Randy said she started slow but she picked it and he thought it was dope. Ellen's acting like she's got a girl crush, basically telling her that she mesmerizes her audience. Kara said she loved it when she first did it and she loved it now. And Simon says, "This brought me back to the time when we absolutely fell in love with you. ...This is you back on your best. You know what? We got a competition tonight. That was terrific." So, so true.

For the producer's choice, Lee's assigned REM's Everybody Hurts. Randy points out Lee's weak opening, but says he pulled it together at the end. Ellen tells him she feels him pulling back. Kara says said she could feel everything he was singing, and Simon calls it a brilliant song choice but points out the melody was off in parts. He wants a perfect 10 for this final performance.

Then Crystal sings Alannah Myle's Black Velvet for Crystal. Randy says "Mama Sox is in it to win it." Ellen calls it fantastic, and Kara says she can tell Crystal wants to win. And you can hear the disdain when Simon says he's allergic to that song. But "that was really good," he adds.

Final round: Lee sings U2's Beautiful Day. Randy said it started off interesting but he got his groove back on the high notes. Ellen said she was proud of him and he did a great job. Kara said he had good moments and not so good moments but he grew on the show and he deserved to be there. Simon said Lee was the kind of person that Idol is about, and he wishes him best.

Crystal closed the show with Patty Griffin's Up to the Mountain. Randy calls it amazing and one of her best moments on the show. Ellen's a goner, tells Crystal she's in a league all her own, and that she'll buy her records and eat her salad (is that some kind of euphemism?). And Simon says, "Since this is going to be the final critique I'm ever going to give, I would just like to say, that was outstanding."

Crystal did the the best out tonight because Lee's nervous got the best of him. She won the judges over with her flawless vocals but because Lee is a local Chicago person l want him to win. Lee has been the mot consistent of the year and he's been humble from the beginning.

Tomorrow the winner is crowned.

Nicki R. is a Southern girl living in the big city of Chicago. She loves quiet evenings at home watching horror films with her dogs Jezebelle and Zombie. Check out her blog, Hey, Look Behind You!.

FLIP A COIN

Credit: Fox Credit: Fox

Wishful Thinking: Fans of Lee DeWyze & Crystal Bowersox Predict Wins For Their Favorite

By Elizabeth C.

WITH ONLY 24 HOURS TO GO BEFORE THE WINNER OF American Idol is crowned, fans of both finalists can find reason to crow.

Chicago's homeboy (well, Mount Prospect, Ill. is close enough) has already been declared the winner by a Psychology Today blogger, who ticks off a litany of reasons why Lee DeWyze's crowning is inevitable.

Scott Barry Kaufman, Ph.D., a New York-based cognitive psychologist, says Lee has both the "the talent factor and the relatability factor" that make him appealing.

Combine these traits with his growing charisma and confidence on stage, his humility, and his genuine likeability and he becomes someone the public wants to rally around, contends Kaufman.

The shrink-cum-blogger bolsters his argument with several compelling psychological studies.

Pamela Rutledge, director of the Media Psychology Research Center tells Kaufman: "We want the best man or woman to win -- not just the best singer, but the best person. Narratives are the way we make meaning out of life. Idol represents an archetypal narrative: the journey, the quest against all odds." Lee's story allows us to project our own hopes and dreams.”

But not so fast, says MTV’s Ann Donahue, who’s putting her money on Crystal Bowersox for the win.

"Crystal defined the kind of artist she was early on -- and that, plus her compelling backstory, means that she's received a lot of screen time since the show's debut in January,’’ Donahue writes.

Donahue doesn't use any psycho mumbo jumbo to sway readers to her argument. "Sure, Lee DeWyze has come on strong…But Crystal's been so consistent for so long that she's transcended the horserace appeal."

Of course, both Kaufman and Donahue could be guilty of cognitive dissonance: both seem to be rooting for their inevitables.

We’ll find out soon enough who's right.

In what could be a prelude of the outcome, MTV.com asked readers to vote on who they thought would win. With 4,703 votes cast, 58 percent predicted Lee would win.

It’s a tough vote between two talented artists and I don’t want either to lose. Then again, if they’ve reach this point, is that even possible?

Truth be told, Lee seems to want it more these last few weeks. Crystal is so selfpossessed I doubt she'd really care either way.

May 25, 2010

STILL WAITING

Credit: AP

Justice A Long Time Coming In Trial Against Sadistic Cop John Burge

By Elizabeth C.

THIRTY YEARS AFTER TORTURE CHARGES FIRST EMERGED AGAINST HIM, PROSECUTORS WILL FINALLY TRY TO WIPE THE SMILE OFF JOHN BURGE'S FACE.

The former Chicago Police Lt. goes on trial this week in federal court, accused of lying under oath about torturing black suspects in his custody. Jury selection began Monday and resumes today.

Burge was fired from the Chicago force in 1993 after Amnesty International and Chicago activists pressured officials to respond to overwhelming evidence that Burge beat, shocked, suffocated, played Russian roulette and coerced confessions from black men in his custody.

Burge's brutality was documented in a 1994 investigation by producers Peter Kuttner, Cyndi Moran and Eric Scholl.

"Borge said 'It's fun time,"' convicted cop killer Andrew Wilson is quoted saying on the tape.

"He took out the black box out of the bag. He put one wire on one ear and one wire on the other ear and so he started cranking....He kept on doing it over and over and over. It hurt. And it stays in your head. And it grinds your teeth."

Wilson maintained that Burge tortured him until he confessed to being involvedin the killing of two Chicago police.

As many as 110 men accused Burge of torture. Now decades later federal prosecutors will try to convict Burge, who livesin Florida collecting a full police pension.

"There really can't be any full justice until the torturers are all in jail, and the torture victims are released and given fair trials," David Flint, an attorney who's represented Burge's victims over the last 20 years, told the Associated Press.

"Burge goes into court smiling and cocky. He’s been doing this stuff for 20 years and he keeps getting away with it,'' former public defender Dale Coventry on the documentary. "Because nobody holds him accountable." Maybe that's about to change.



BY HOOK OR CROOK

Credit: AP

Royally Screwed: Forced To Work, Fergie Exacts Cost To Palace In-Laws

By Elizabeth C.

SO NOW WE KNOW: THE COMMONER WHO GOT KICKED OUT OF THE PALACE HAS TO SELL HER SOUVENIRS.

There's no excusing Princess Sarah Ferguson for selling access to Prince Andrew for a hefty pile of dosh. But that'll happen when you give a commoner taste of royal privilege, then banish her with a paltry $20,000 divorce settlement.

A British tabloid recorded the Duchess of Debt soliciting $723,000 from an undercover reporter who pretended he wanted favor from the Prince.

Prince Andrew is Britain's UK's Special Representative for International Trade and Investment.

"Look after me and he'll look after you... you'll get it back tenfold," Fergie reportedly said. She claims the money was never intended for him -- that he’s in fact “completely whiter than white. "

The Duchess apparently got wind of the undercover scam while jetsetting at the Cannes Film Festival in southern France. A fellow passenger told the media that Fergie “looked distraught” on a flight back to London’s Heathrow. In a statement released Sunday, she said, “I very deeply regret the situation and the embarrassment caused. It is true that my financial situation is under stress. However, that is no excuse for a serious lapse in judgment and I am very sorry that this has happened. I can confirm the Duke of York was not aware or involved in any of the discussions. I am sincerely sorry for my actions."

The embarrassed Duchess of York has a reputation for pissing away, and indeed she’s recorded saying on the undercover tape, “I have not a pot to piss in.”

But there’s a lesson here for the royals: you don’t banish secret holders from the fold without keeping them on the payroll.

That’s the price they have to pay for renewing the bloodlines sans corruption scandal

May 24, 2010

THIS IS NOT 1979

Credit: Bravo

On A Clear Day You Can See Through Crazy: A New York Housewives Recap

By Sexy Chatty Catty

SexyChattyCattyIT BEGINS AT DINNER BUT LASTS UNTIL BREAKFAST AFTER Bethenny tells Kelly to "stop the fucking bullshit."

The ladies are yachting off to a gorgeous cliff-side mansion. Everyone seems to be getting along and there's enough space to avoid encroaching on personal boundaries. Maybe that'll cool the animus for a hot minute.

The place makes me gasp -- it's 11,000 square feet of stone and wood luxury -- arches, tile, flowers, with beautiful views and a private beach.

Bethenny drops off monogrammed beachy bags for all the ladies as a nice gesture. Kelly immediately takes offense! Because the bag is filled with Bethenny products! She's already losing it. She says she doesn't understand that girl and begins crying! Am I missing something here? She reaches out to -- of all people of course -- Jill.

She’s creeped out that Bethenny is out and about so soon after her father’s death (??????), tells her she's having dreams of Bethenny killing her.

Jill’s wondering what the fuck she’s talking about because she's really making no sense.

Friends and the blogosphere are chattering that the girl's bi-polar, took too much medicine, left her medicine state-side, that she's seriously ill. I dunno. I think she's finally run into someone, Bethenny, who sees clear through her and won't stand for her cutesy bullshit. And, for some secret reason only know to her, it scares her to death.

But anyway, we're on a beautiful island, let's have some fun. Bethenny's making breakfast, another nice gesture. So in walks Kelly with a "complaint pad." You’re supposed to write your complaints down and then throw them away. Huh? Alex is perplexed as I am. "I didn’t even do that in fourth grade," she says. Is this in lieu of airing your complaints in front of the person, as they've been doing? She also proposes a photo shoot with the ladies with her doing the shooting.

Photo shoot time, Kelly's nice gesture. Sonja poses in the grasses and trees and looks simply fantastic. Ramona frolics in the surf. Alex looked mean and weird. She claims the vibe from Kelly threw her off. They get better pictures when she walks in the surf.

Ha, in a short vignette Jill gets ordered off the ice. I guess she's practicing for her holiday on ice party but today she's mixing with professionals (Johnny Weir!) and the coaches won't stand for it. Get you amateur ass off the ice! Ha.

Jill and LuAnn dine and dish. LuAnn, as I do, wonders why in the hell Kelly went away with the witches of the East Side. They both told her not to go. They are so curious, and Jill says Kelly can’t put two words together sometime. But LuAnn calls her courageous to go into the lion's den. Jill proposes her going down to surprise Kelly and give her some support. LuAnn says "you crazy girl," but sees Jill has her mind made up. Jill says Bobby said she needs to make up to Bethenny. And Ramona. She says face to face has to be better than email has been for their relationship. LuAnn says she's on her own.

Bethenny is also preparing dinner for everyone, as a gift to Ramona. Kelly talks on speakerphone with her daughter and the ladies complain and tell her to leave the room. Sonja says she was killing the atmosphere. Kelly gets offended and stomps out. She returns saying that her kids come first and accuses them of being high maintenance. She thinks she's trying hard to accommodate these ladies but they just don’t understand her. They talk hair and everything’s cool.

Kelly complains and doesn’t sit across from Bethenny. Bethenny hears her and says you can do whatever you want. Kelly complains that it’s four against one. And it is. And it just gets worse as time goes on.

Kelly loves the salad but doesn’t like the crab cake. But even taste buds can be misconstrued, so Ramona gets Sonja to eat the crab so Bethenny won't think Kelly doesn't like her food.

Oh, and Kelly gets the only piece of meat with the string still attached. Coincidence? We shall see.

Kelly pretends to care that Bethenny worked hard creating dinner, then she begins to unravel. Ramona wonders if anyone's heard from Jill and Kelly raises her hand. She says Jill is well but worried about Bethenny. The others pooh-pooh this and roll their eyes. Then it becomes a madhouse of rude. Ramona compliments Bethenny then sits on her lap and Kelly wonders aloud if they’re gonna make out, with tongue! That pisses Ramona off. Then Kelly gets into it with Ramona and keeps repeating that Ramona made Bethenny cry. She also tells her for the first time to shut it.

Bethenny and Ramona leave the room and Ramona agrees that Kelly is just nuts. Kelly talks the "feelings are so 1979" thing again to Alex, and she calmly tells Kelly that she seems a little unstable sometimes. So Kelly scratches back, recalling "the message" performance and calling her makeup Kabuki. The ladies run out of the room cackling, leaving Sonja alone with Kelly.

Sonja tries to make sense of girlfriend but it’s over. She's also noticed that they tend to leave her with Kelly but that's OK with her, she'll be her support. See why I love her?

Meanwhile, in another room, Ramona, Alex and Bethenny high five as Bethenny yells that "Yes! Yes, you finally see the crazy."

Kelly’s now bawling at the table. Sonja says that something is going on with Kelly, something that's beyond that night. Kelly proposes to tell the truth and Bethenny spills the Jack Nicholson line "you can’t handle the truth," and Kelly yells "Al Sharpton, Al Sharpton." Then she accuses Bethenny of attacking her good friend Gwyneth Paltrow and some chick named Rachel. Then she runs out of the room, grabs some candy and returns to babble some more. She agrees with them that she's crazy. She sets Ramona off with her "her dad died, she's here, that’s creepy" conclusion. Ramona starts to tell her that she also went away after her mother died but Kelly cuts her off and tells her to shut it. Sonja says they have to stop cause they're sane, she’s a mess and now they’re just picking on her.

Bethenny screams at Kelly to go to bed. She pleads with Kelly to believe that she’s not after her, but Kelly says she’s been after her since day one. Bethenny continues to tell her that she doesn't want to fight and wants this all to stop. Kelly says people get into it with her because she doesn’t want to hear the chatter. O....K. Then end up toasting to good things for everyone. Their poor waiter.

Well, the Molotov cocktail has been assembled. Next week the flame, Jill, arrives bearing her shield, Bobby.

SexyChattyCatty is a regular contributor at CrabbyGolightly.com where she writes on TV, America's favorite snack food.

PLAYA

Perez

Will Work For Face Time: Perez Hilton Begs For Simon Cowell's Job

By Elizabeth C.

SEMEN WHISPERER PEREZ HILTON is getting desperate.

With his name being bandied about as a possible replacement for Simon Cowell, and with Simon himself blowing back props to him, the queen of mean says he'd replace the exiting judge for free.

"I've shamelessly been campaigning for the job," Perez tells MTV news. "And I am adamant and I believe I would do a great job. Plus -- I'm not even joking, I would work for free the first season. After that, then we can talk about a fair paycheck."

Perez won't need the jack if he sells his heavily trafficked internet real estate. He's been offered $20 million for Hollywood's most despised blog.

A collective gurgle went up over at MTV.com at the idea of Perez replacing Simon.

Read Who Will Replace Simon: Speculation Runs From Ridiculous To Ingenious

Read Lee & Crystal Worthy Opponents In Idol Final.

"He would have to do it for free, because nobody wants to see his ass on TV,"’ dissed Rockin80sbaby. “Besides his opinion are garbage, WTF does he know about music, Simon is blunt but his criticism always ring true. Perez has nothing to offer Americans especially since he spends most of his time insulting everyone besides Gaga. Such a loser.”

So …was Perez’ appearance Wednesday night to introduce his pet project Travis Garland a televised trial balloon?

If so, Perez gets an epic fail from me. The bad boy blogger's too anemic for television and too impolitic: he claimed the formulaic Travis is better than Justin Timberlake (uh, no.). Plus you could practically smell the desperation through the TV screen.

My prediction: Perez won’t make the American Idol cut.

May 22, 2010

ALL WET

Avoine

Gushing Over The Discovery Of Female Ejaculation

By Avoine Sauvage

Credit: Hunter HouseFEMALE EJACULATION, A.K.A. "SQUIRTING" OR "GUSHING" (terms which I, in fact, find pretty repulsive and juvenile) was once elusive to me. That recently changed. Ahh yes, how it changed.

I first learned about female ejaculation as a yippy little college freshman in the fall of 2006. I was instantly intrigued. My roommates and I searched for and studied countless videos of girls -– some, if not most, of whom I now realize were just peeing on themselves. We discussed it in great detail. We drew diagrams and cartoons on the dry erase boards that lined the halls of our dorm (mature, I know). I pelted my human sexuality professor with volumes of obnoxious questions on the subject. Where does the fluid come from? What is it? And why the fuck had I not experienced it?

Here is what it is: a clear, watery fluid that is similar to urine in alkalinity, but distinct in the levels of its shared components.

Though definitive research on it is underwhelming, there is speculation that the fluid is stored in the urinary bladder. One study, however, consisted of a woman ingesting dye, which later showed up in her urine but not her ejaculate. Ejaculation occurs during some, but not all, G-Spot orgasms, as opposed to clitoral orgasms (the kind I usually have). The fluid is thought to come from the Skene’s glands, referred to as the "female prostate." This is fascinating to me mostly because the male prostate gland, which is accessible via da butt, is often called the "male G-Spot." These glands are located on the front of the vagina, near the urinary opening. According to the highly credible Wikipedia, "Skene's glands have highly variable anatomy, and in some extreme cases they appear to be absent entirely. If Skene's glands are the cause of female ejaculation and G-Spot orgasms, this may explain the observed absence of these phenomena in many women."

This phenomenal thing finally happened to me, after -- well -- years of trial and error. When I told her, one friend said, "Good for you! I know that's been a goal of yours for quite some time now."

So here's what went down: I was bangin' this dude. It was the second time we slept together. Because we boned the first night we met (whoops), I was insistent on not having sex because I actually kinda like him and didn't want to let the freak flag fly too soon. An absurd amount of foreplay ensued, and we both caved (not that he was resisting in the first place, come to think of it.) So, I climbed on top of him and started workin' it. All of a sudden, my thighs were soaked, his hips were soaked, his sheets were soaked.

"Wow, I'm super wet," I said.

"Yeah, keep going," he responded.

"No, like, umm, this is not normal," I replied. And then it hit me. I just ejaculated. And I couldn't stop smiling. I was elated. And then we fucked until he came.

I don’t know why it happened with this particular guy. I mean, the intellectual stimulation is there (dude graduated from Cornell), the physical attraction is there (he's gotta nice bod), and his peen is not lacking (although his Jewish upbringing prevented him from having my so-coveted UCD), but still; nothing was really that out of the ordinary. We smoked some pot beforehand, but I was smoking pot with the UCD in California nearly every time we had sex. So that wasn't it. Perhaps it is the particular length, girth, and curvature of Cornell’s glorious dick that is so compatible with my own body. I doubt I will ever know.

But I do know this: my reaction is consistent. It happened a second time, a few hours ago. We were having sex normally (guy on top, girl on top, from behind, etc.) when all of a sudden, my thighs were soaked, his hips were soaked, and my sheets featured a massive wet spot.

The bizarre thing is, I didn't come either time. I felt a marked release, sure, and -- especially after the first time -- I was grinning from ear to ear like a fool, but they definitely weren't body-quaking, holding-back-the-screams kind of orgasms. I just can’t explain it.

While researching, I learned more about female ejaculation than I realized. The debate in the current literature focuses on three threads: the existence of female ejaculation, its source(s) and composition, and its relationship to theories of female sexuality. Often the debate is also tied to the existence of the G-Spot. It has been thought that scientific denial of female ejaculation, despite several women’s subjective accounts, dismisses women's experiences and is an example of male sexologists discrediting them.

It is also possible that, since women’s sexuality still carries more taboo than men’s, any serious consideration of female ejaculation has been swept under the rug. The terminology "female prostate" and "female ejaculation" invokes images of the female as merely an imitation of the male, mapping the female body onto the male. As if, like the Galenic view, it was incomplete. By contrast, I could equally argue that the Y chromosome merely modifies a female template.

Furthermore, overemphasis on ejaculation may induce performance anxiety. While I appreciate the analytic efforts, and find these arguments interesting and valid, I am more concerned with how to make it happen.

Babeland's Alicia Guinn wrote on the topic. She suggests a few things to “teach” yourself to ejaculate.

1) Do Kegels to become as acquainted as possible with the pelvic floor muscles. Relaxing and “pushing out” these muscles will help to allow you to splooge err'where.

2) G-spot action is essential to ejaculation because it stimulates the production of ejaculate by the paraurethral glands. Find your G-Spot (and yes, I do believe it exists, and skeptics just happen to have a less sensitive G-Spot). To locate your G-Spot, first become aroused, masturbating in your usual style. This will cause the spot to swell with blood and fluid, making it easier to find. Then, put your finger up inside to find the ridged area that is on the front wall (closest to your bellybutton as opposed to your tailbone) an inch or two in. There lies the Spot, my friends. Now, it takes quite a bit of stimulation to really warm that puppy up, so be patient. Clitoral stimuation can help, but try to keep yourself from coming.

3) You may want to go pee before doing this or having sex in general, as some women become afraid of the feeling of an impending ejaculation because they think they’re about to wet the bed. Guinn also notes that G-Spot sensitivity “changes with your monthly cycle, or over a lifetime.”

The moral of the story? If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. I waited years (literally) to experience this particular function, and when I least expected it, it happened. Keep the faith, friends.

Love, Avoine.

What's your pleasure? Got a problem? Write to Avoine at AvoineSauvage@CrabbyGolightly.com

May 21, 2010

HE SAID, SHE SAID

Megan

Outfoxed? Megan Scrambles To Set Record Straight On Who Nixed Transformers Role

By Elizabeth C.

CONSPIRACY THEORISTS (i.e. me) are speculating about the curious timing of the just-released topless snaps of the radioactively hot Mega Fox.

Megan's publicly pouting over the pics, taken while she played an angelic circus freak in Passion Play with Mickey Rourke. But isn't their appearance the perfect ruse to distract from the brouhaha over who quit whom -- Megan or the Hitleresque director Michael Bay?

"It was her decision not to return,'' the starlet's mouthpiece told People. "She wishes the franchise the best."

Deadline Hollywood reported Wednesday that Paramount Pictures passed on Fox's option for the sequel.

Rumors are bouncing that the actress was dropped from the Transformers franchise after she bashed Bay in an Enertainment Weekly interview.

"I mean, I can't s--- on this movie because it did give me a career and open all these doors for me," Megan carelessly dissed. "But I don't want to blow smoke up people's ass. People are well aware that this is not a movie about acting."

In reaction, Bay dismissed Megan as a "ridiculous" 23-year-old, and disagreed "100 percent" that his movies are only about tits and explosions. (Um, Michael, Urban Dictionary disagrees with you.)

But the hottie with the clubbed thumbs still wasn't finished. In a subsequent interview, she said Bay "wants to be like Hitler on his sets, and he is.

"So he's a nightmare to work for but when you get him away from set, and he's not in director mode,'' she spewed. " I kind of really enjoy his personality because he's so awkward, so hopelessly awkward. He has no social skills at all. And it's endearing to watch him. He's vulnerable and fragile in real life and then on set he's a tyrant."

Wags are convinced that the "hopelessly awkward" director took his revenge on the starlet, who was trashed by his crew as stupid, ungracious trailer vermin. But my fingers are crossed that she really did opt out of windowdressing in Bay's drek and is transforming into a smart fierce actress.

CONSEQUENCES

Oil turns Gulf of Mexico into black sea

Rigged: Government's Conflicting Interests Play Role In BP Disaster

By Elizabeth C.

Oil covered bird LIKE EVERY OTHER GAME THAT INVOLVES BIG MONEY AND GOVERNMENT, THE OIL GAME IS RIGGED.

No matter what industry we point to, the circle of influence is closed. It begins with investors pursuing wealth, snares academics and businessmen profiting off special knowledge, then proceeds to government officials perpetuating their individual power and the industrial complex.

There is no place at the table for independent watchdogs, the "public interest" or a population scrambling to pay bills or buy toys for which demand has been created.

Seduced by power, public officials are forced to chase donations for million-dollar re-election campaigns, the bulk of which comes from monied "special interests" who pay to play.

And who profits directly?

Oil-soaked bird

Media companies from whom candidates' are forced to buy their 30-second television ads. Our self-appointed "watch dogs", who benefit from the status quo, increasingly redirect staff to infotainment rather than uncovering conflicting interests.

Despite its immensity and its expense, the US government enables industry more than it oversees the oil, food, gas, auto, drug, health insurance, banking, investment industries. Just click on the link and you'll find a story on lax governmental oversight. And though the body politic depends upon elected officials to protect its interests, it's too amorphous to take shape against the "stakeholders" seated at the table.

Which brings us to the latest crime of indifference: a sickening 6 million-gallon oil spill that threatens to devastate sea life, industry and habitats surrounding the Gulf of Mexico. The Deepwater Horizon calamity is entering its second month without resolution, and it's becoming increasingly clear that government's conflicting roles as cheerleader and industry policeman played a role.

"The Gulf of Mexico is a crime scene," said Larry Schweiger, president of the National Wildlife Federation, "and the perpetrator cannot be left in charge of assessing the damage."

President Obama has acknowledged the nepotism. "For too long...there's been a cozy relationship between the oil companies and the federal agency that permits them to drill. It seems as if permits were too often issued based on little more than assurances of safety from the oil companies,'' he told PBS.

"It's delusional to think we'll eliminate the profit motive. So too is it crazy to conclude that, in our complicated world, government that governs least is best.

We have proven to the world once again, that we put money over life,'' wrote Scott Scheffler of Seattle, Wash., at MSNBC. "Again and again. The oil companies are just another symptom of the underlying disease of American greed. When all the oceans are dead and everything else is dead, maybe we will have learned to be better stewards of the Earth as a specie ."

Our only hope is that this careless assault on land that's yours and mine will provoke us all to go postal, to write Congress and ring its phones ringing off the hooks. Maybe even provoke a few of us to park our obscene Humvees and super-sized SUVs.

Because for once, finally, we need to get mad and make sure this carelessness doesn't happen again.

Below is the so-called continuously running "spillcam," which opened yesterday, May 20th, to enable the public to see oil gushing into the ocean at the BP site. The feed has worked intermittently due to traffic demands but appears to be shut down now.


May 20, 2010

TWO

Credit: Fox

Lee & Crystal Worthy Opponents In Idol's Final Showdown

By Nicki R.

Nicki R.WITH 47 MILLION VOTES CAST, America kicks Casey James off the stage.

Casey's flowing hair and chiseled looks couldn't pull him through to the finals. We say goodbye to the eye candy of the season. Now it's time for the real stars to shine.

Lee Dewyze and Crystal Bowersox will face off in the finale and I don't think anyone on planet earth is surprised. We got foreshadowing that these two would be the final runners when they performed Falling Slowly last week.

Now the only question remaining is "Who wins it?" I've been a big fan of Lee's from the beginning and I have to support him because he's a local Chicago boy.

Read also Who'll Replace Simon Cowell? Speculation Runs From Ridiculous To Ingenious.

Temperament Tips The Scale In Idol Race.

Falling Slowly Foreshadows Final Contest Between Lee & Crystal.

Crystal brought her unique touch to everything she did this season so it's going to be a close race.

Last night's show saw the three finalists return home for heroes' welcomes in tape pieces that were masterfully produced, meaning evocatively manipulative. Casey, Crystal and Lee got all choked up after seeing the spectacles produced in their honors. Before Casey was officially nixed, we got to see America's latest teen sensation Justin Bieber sing and shake his pubescent groove thang.

Watch the final showdown between Lee and Crystal next Tuesday night before the American Idol finale airs on Wednesday.

Nicki R. is a Southern girl living in the big city of Chicago. She loves quiet evenings at home watching horror films with her dogs Jezebelle and Zombie. Check out her blog, Hey, Look Behind You!.

GUESSING GAME

Simon Cowell Guy Oseary Perez Hilton Adam Lambert Howard Stern

Who'll Replace Simon Cowell? Speculation Runs From Ridiculous To Ingenious

By Elizabeth C.

SEEMS EVERY TIME A BLOGGER BURPS, A NEW NAME APPEARS ON THE ''POTENTIAL LIST'' OF REPLACEMENTS For American Idol's Simon Cowell.

A cursory search on the web turns up 18 possible suspects, including shock jock Howard Stern, music's Sir Elton John, bad boy blogger Perez Hilton and last year's favorite flav Adam Lambert. "Unfortunately, it's just a rumour,'' Glambert told MTV. "I would be honoured to be asked."

At least two of them -- Stern and Perez -- seem to be contenders due in part to their talent for take-downs.

And just today, items hit the web quoting Ryan Seacrest saying that teenybopper Justin Bieber would be a great replacement, proving that at least some LaLaLand reporters retain naivete. "Who would I want in that chair?" Seacrest said in response to a question. "I would want a much younger, thinner, more charming Simon. ... Bieber -- he's the guy!"

Ryan's joshing, right? Sure, Justin's cute and cuddly as an LOLcat, but we're talking about replacing the guy with the biggest balls on the show. Justin's still growing 'em.

Other names bandied about: Tommy Mottola, Mariah Carey, Jamie Foxx, Harry Connick Jr., Quincy Jones, and P. Diddy or whatever perfidy he's committing against himself today. Each of these names have their own logic if considering star factor, name recognition, reputation and music experience.

Then there's the absurdities like Oasis' Noel Gallagher, comedian Conan O'Brien (one comic's enough, dontcha think?), and the much-despised Kate Gosselin (in jest only!).

Some of the more intriguing but less well-known names to emerge include: Guy Oseary, agent to the stars including Madonna and her ex boy toy Alex Rodriguez. "Guy has been in the music business since Madonna discovered him when he was 17, and he has a lot of the same experience as Simon," a Fox insider told the New York Daily News.

Another name popping up: Ron Fair, a "veteran A&R executive, record producer and songwriter" best known as a "guru/mentor" to acts like Chrstina Aguilera, Ashlee Simpson and the Black Eyed Peas, according to Wikipedia.

Antonio L.A. Reid, Island/Def Jam’s Chairman & CEO who's discovered such superstars as Usher, TLC, and Ciara. He's also held top posts as LaFace and Arista, so say others.

Then there's "legendary" music veteran Joel Diamond, who's got his own Facebook group of friends lobbying for him to get Simon's job. Though everybody seems to agree that experience in the field is necessary, for a show that limits contestants to being under the age of 29, "legendary'' seems like a stretch.

Whoever it is has got to be as much of a ballbuster as Simon, who wielded near total control during his eight-year-reign of terror. This year's his lame duck status has softened his delivery though not his judgment.

Filling Simon's shoes also means finding someone with credibility in the business. The addition of 'nice' Ellen DeGeneres' has heightened the awareness of the need for judges to have music chops.

Two others considerations, as Simon himself pointed out: looks and taste.

"Perez would be funny," Simon himself told reporters. "He's got good taste in music, he's got a personality, that could work."

Back in February Simon told reporters of his replacement, You have to be good looking. Secondly, you have to know what you’re talking about. I’m starting to realize with these shows that you have to put people on that actually know what they’re talking about. Rather than guessing, they really have to have experience, so that you cannot just criticize — you can offer constructive advice as well.

Any predictions Got the inside track? Let us know!


May 19, 2010

TORRENT

Sky, Unplugged

By Staff

EVEN WHILE SHE'S THROWING A TEMPEST, MUMMY EARTH ENTHRALLS, AND I will always take her side in a battle.

Why am I not afraid? Probably because YouTube's beatlesfanxxl is safe inside while watching the dramatic show, and probably because the blue water matches my site! For me, the show's all virtual.

The skies just snapped and unleashed a violent storm of baseball-sized hail on Oklahoma City last Sunday.

It's amazing how much patience this Earth typically shows mankind. This reminds that we're here as long as we stay in her good graces.

Via Gawker.

CHARACTER IS DESTINY

Credit: Fox

Temperament Tips The Scale In Idol Race

By Nicki R. and Elizabeth C.

AN ESSENTIAL TRUTH EMERGES AS THE FINAL THREE FINALISTS COMPETE TO BECOME AMERICA'S NEXT ROCK IDOL: Character counts in this contest too.

Tonight's battle between Lee Dewyze, Crystal Bowersox and Casey James turns into a showcase of more than raw talent; ambition, drive and temperament also flash as the three sing two songs, one of their own choice, the other the choice of a judge.

Opening is the formerly sexy Casey singing Eric Hutchinson's OK, It's Alright With Me.

"Some things are just meant to be. It never comes easily. And when it does I'm already gone," James sings, and it becomes apparent that he could care less if he wins this thing. He's like a pretty girl resting on the laurels of her looks. Ambition doesn't carry him; he's happy to just get by.

And so on the night it matters most, Casey's performance is limp, stale and lifeless, dissipating the sex appeal he once had.

Randy calls him out on it. “You can’t do an easy, safe song like that now. It just didn’t work for me.” Ellen echoes Randy; ditto Kara. And Simon rightly points out that he sounds like he's "busking for a couple of dollars" rather than competing in the most important contest of his life. Casey either doesn't care, or he doesn't have the energy to spend.

Up next, Crystal Bowersox livens things up with her throaty version of Melissa Etheridge's Come To My Window. Crystal's almost too comfortable with the country/rock tune. What's even more evident: Crystal doesn't really care what we think. She'll sing her songs in her way, thank you very much. She has a stubborn streak that makes her indifferent to winning or losing. And while she turns in a solid performance, she's not trying to persuade of anything.

Randy says he didn't love the arrangement but does love her vocal. Ellen tells her she thinks Melissa would be proud. Kara rightly points out that Crystal needed a "moment." And though Simon agrees she's didn't knock anybody's socks off, he tells her that he appreciates the uncompromising artistry she's displayed all season long.

My question, though: Will it cost her the crown?

Lee DeWyze closes the first round with a startling powerful cover of Lynyrd Skynyrd's Simple Man and now it's clear he wants to win, wants to never step foot again inside that suburban Chicago paint store where he used to work.

"Somebody is feeling they can win this, Lee!," Randy exclaims. Ellen tells him "he took this thing seriously," and she's proud that he's stepped it up. Kara declares "round one goes to Lee." And Simon nails it with, "I don't think you've won round one. I think you just crushed the other two."

Then the singers' perform the judges' choices.

For Casey, Randy and Kara chose John Mayer's Daughters. Casey turns in another weak and forgettable performance, although Randy says the song fits him like a glove. Ellen calls it good and Kara says it shows the artist in him. Simon said it was a better song choice than his own, but says it had a lazy arrangement and no big vocal moment. He gives Randy and Kara a hard time for picking it for him and not making him push it.

For Crystal, Ellen chose Paul McCartney's Maybe I'm Amazed. Crystal's passionate twist on the song helps her top her first performance of the night. Randy calls it a great choice and says, "America, we have someone in it to win it!" Ellen calls it great. Kara said she showed parts of her voice no one had ever heard, that she pushed herself and it paid off. And with a wink, Simon tells her she's proven she's got soul, and that she should thank Ellen for putting her in the finals next week.

The night ends with Lee singing Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah, chosen by Simon. If America's only exposure to Lee was this performance, he'd be a shoo-in for the title.

Randy said this was his biggest moment on the show. Lee took a moment to thank Simon for picking the song for him and Simon winked at him. Ellen said she was glad Lee listened to Simon and calls the performance "stunning." Kara says Lee "owned the entire night." And Simon proudly says Lee proved himself a fantastic singer and great person, and he hopes he makes it.

Tomorrow the final two are announced and my guess, it's going to be Lee vs. Crystal. Sexy Casey has been riding the good looks wave too long and it's time for him to go and leave the finale to the real singers. And that'll be alright with Casey.

Nicki R. is a Southern girl living in the big city of Chicago. She loves quiet evenings at home watching horror films with her dogs Jezebelle and Zombie. Check out her blog, Hey, Look Behind You!.

Elizabeth C. is founder and editor of CrabbyGolightly.com.

May 18, 2010

REAL DOWN HO' FUN

Jaime Grubbs Joslyn James Jamie Jungers Michelle McGee Rachel Uchitel

The Proof's In The Putang: These Gals Ideal Cast For Reality TV

By Elizabeth C.

EW HAS A PIECE EXPLORING THE PRICETAG of celebrity mistressdom, which so far has bagged only a few couple hundred grand for most of these objects of sex obsessions.

That's more than these ladies (cough, cough) would get collecting dollar tips from dirty hands while pole dancing at strip clubs.

But if the reports are true that serial husband-stealer Rachel Uchitel pocketed $10 million (minus the Gloria Allred's lawyer fees), then the proof's in the putang that hos who represent themselves have fools as agents.

So while Uchitel reviews her little black book with Allred looking for ways to pad her bank account, and plans her pictorial debut in Playboy, Jamie Jungers, Josyln James, Jaimee Grubbs (did Tiger have a thing for ‘Js’ or what?) and Michelle McGee will have to devise new ways to keep riding the money train.

Here’s what I want to know: When will reality TV producers step up? When is The Donald taping Celebrity Apprentice: The Ho Edition?

Or perhaps Bravo is looking to pad its lineup of televised narcissism? These ladies are the perfect cast for my proposed show, How To Steal Celebrity Husbands Or Get Caught Trying!

Think of the drama! The cat fights! The scratching! The diseases! The doctor's visits!

Already the “war of words rages between Tiger's trysts. Why not televise the drama? It'll beat the manufactured pettiness of those New York Housewives any day.

Why isn’t Hollywood jumping on this sheeeeit?

Come on, LaLaLand, now's the time to sign these girls for cheap!

And I promise: my cut for the idea will be far less than what Allred charges.

RACE IS ON

Credit: Gizmodo

Ready Or Not, Apple's 4G iPhone On Its Way To Market

Product's Premature Reveal Hastens Need For Quick Release

By Elizabeth C.

RESERVE ONE IN MY NAME, PLEASE?

Digitimes says 24 million 4G iPhones will be shipped in 2010 starting next month. The device will reportedly be officially unveiled June 7th at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference.

The existence of Apple's next generation iPhone was revealed when some sorry beer-swilling engineer lost a prototype in a California bar and another schmo found it and sold it for $5,000 to Gizmodo.

The irreverent tech blog, part of the Gawker chain, then raped that machine, photographed the assault and laid it out bare on the web. This, despite calls from the grand wizard himself, Steve Jobs, trying to get his baby back.

Digitimes reports the updated device seeks to address battery issues that hampered appeal of earlier generations, and will incorporate a 960×640 resolution.

Apple says the revelation that release of an updated iPhone was “immensely damaging” because informed-by-default consumers will hold off on buying the current iPhone.

Count me among them; my current iPhone went missing last Thursday and I’ll be damned if I’m kicking out replacement costs until the new one hits the market. Unless I want to buy an unlocked one direct from China. That means waiting at least a couple of weeks, a dangerously long time to consider that two-for-one Droid deal now being offered by Verizon.

Apple, start your engines.


May 17, 2010

DROWNING IN BATHOS

Credit: Bravo

Ship Wrecked: A New York Housewives Recap

By Sexy Chatty Catty

SexyChattyCattyFINALLY, THE PAYOFF FOR ENDURING THIS NEVER-ENDING SEASON OF ACRIMONY IS SEEING Ramona Singer smashed out of her mind. On a boat.

We join the ladies as they land in St. John in the Virgin Islands. Ramona has gathered together her TV friends for a girls' trip before renewing her vows. Jill is not coming and Ramona tells Sonja that she and LuAnn are buzzkills anyway, so there.

Onboard -- Ramona, Bethenny, Alex, Sonja and Kelly. This cannot end well. One bird (Kelly) is missing her wings (Jill and LuAnn). Anyway, we heading to an enormous yacht, then Kelly tells us she's never been on a bachelorette trip before (HUH!!), so doesn’t know what to expect. Strippers? she says.

The yacht is first class and just what Bethanny and Alex think they need right now. Everyone agrees that anyone not there is square. Ha. Ramona says it doesn't get better than this, and she is so right. I’d give anything to be with them right now. These are the housewives I love -- all luxury and liquor.

Ramona flaunts every one of her ten bathing suits to the girls and they ooh and ahh as if they don't have any themselves. Then, as before, she says just the right things to comfort Bethenny, who's still feeling a bit wobbly. Then Bethenny jokes about stomping some grapes that Kelly says she intends to eat. It's a joke that flies right by Kelly's head. While Kelly goes inside to get a cover-up, Ramona tells Bethenny about Jill's attack on her at the event planner’s cocktail party. When Kelly returns and hears the chatter she gets very defensive of Jill. She says she doesn't like to talk about people (...she happens to like).

She and Bethenny get into it and the crosstalk is maddening. But ends with Kelly saying this is "gross, gross. Disgusting."

Then it starts up again and she gets up to leave, basically calling them bitchy sorority girls as stomps off to the land of the righteous. She comes back out later with a small apology but the tension is still there.

Sonja sits back in the cut, smirking like a Cheshire cat and wondering when she'd get her pedicure.

Then, it's all bikinis and swimming and snorkeling and realizing that the next boat over belongs to the president of Hooters!

Later, Bethenny and Alex sit and chat in a dusky light before a beautiful sunset. Both bust out laughing recalling Kelly's earlier nonsensical outbursts, calling them weird and wondering what they teach at Columbia.

LuAnn goes out with Cort again. We learn he's a published author and trés intelligent. She’s just out for fun and it seems he wants to do a lot more canoodling than she does, he's very kissy-kissy. But when he mentions tennis she invites him out to her home in the Hamptons to bat some balls. And many more. As they leave the bartender is making some concoction that sets the entire bar on fire. That was pretty cool.

Ramona separates Kelly and Bethenny at dinner. Afterwards, Bethenny talks about her dad and Kelly defends bad parenting. They drink shots, Ramona interrupts and invites everyone over to the boat next door. She’s been drinking all day and is feeling fine. Talk turns to one-night stands and Kelly claims to have never had one. The others pooh-pooh this bullshit. Sonja is incredulous. All of sudden Sonja's tearing up over her old, perky boobs and lost residences. They accuse Kelly of not having any feelings and she scoffs that feeling are so 1979. See what we mean about her. Then she goes the fuck off about her first fight with Bethenny, getting it completely backwards, and calls her all kinds of names, including creepy. Bethanny's a hoot telling us that Kelly short-circuited - bzzzz, bzzzz. Kelly calls her a cook not a chef. Oh no she didn't. Bethenny says Kelly's the most unintelligent person she’s ever met and that she needs to stay out of her world. Kelly calls her a ho-bag and accuses her of putting her kids in the tabloids. What the hell is she talking about?????? What is going on????

Bethenny runs over to the Hooters boat where Alex and Ramona -- probably on her 10th Pinot Grigio -- are hanging out. Ramona’s inducing a stranger to ask if she really wants to renew her vows. She bends over and with her wine-scented breath declares her love for Mario and breathes right up close into dude's face “Hot, I’m hot for him, “ she giggles. Bethenny tells them of Kelly’s rampage and laments that she can’t have a drink, wanting to suck some of the wine out of Ramona. Ramona is smashed and slurring.

Sonja and Kelly go over to the Hooters' boat accusing the others of ditching them. Ramona drunkenly asks for peace between them and gets an argument from Kelly, who's loudly embarrasses the other ladies.

Then Alex, Bethenny and Ramona start dancing on the pier before dancing their way into a nightclub. Kelly and Sonja head for the boat where Sonja smells something funny, then says is smells like cat pee. Thand goodness we end with shots of dancing and not Sonja nosing around for cat pee.

Meanwhile, buzzkill LuAnn is in a studio being licked up and down by a producer in sunglass and blond mohawk, who insists on calling her Countess. Ohhh, she feigns humility, but she loooooves it.

As she saunders into the recording room she says she feels a little James Brown and utters something like "uh uh." Uh-no. Her sing/talk doesn't do it for me but she jazzes mohawk, whose name is Chris. It’s all Auto-Tune. On "Watch What Happens," she claimed they edited in her frequent note-missing, of course. Then belted out a couple of bars of Big Spender to prove she's got pipes. I dunno.

SexyChattyCatty is a regular contributor at CrabbyGolightly.com where she writes on TV, America's favorite snack food.

PARANOIA WINS THE RACE

Credit: Disturbia

Bad Parenting Pays Off! Insecure People May Play Key Role In Survival Of Their 'Group'

By Staff

HERE'S A TRICK QUESTION:

You know that easygoing, fun, secure guy who's wife is guarded and distrustful? Which one do you think you'd want around when the going gets tough?

A new psychological study suggests you might live longer with that insecure woman.

That's because researchers found that groups that include an individual with an "insecure attachment" personality react more quickly to perceived threats, or in the study's example, smoke created by a concealed smoke machine.

"Secure people have disadvantages," the study's author, Tsachi Ein-Dor of the New School of Psychology in Herzliya, Israel, told LiveScience. They react slowly and then act slowly because they need to first get organized."

Ein-Dor says that humans may have evolved to live in mixed groups of "secure" and "insecure" individuals -- a hypothesis supported by evidence that almost half of all people in the world have insecure attachment styles, he maintains.

The takeaway message: parental neglect has its rewards! Those hard-learned lessons growing up learned while fending for yourself might help save the "group."

May 16, 2010

Credit: VBussola on Flickr

Metal's "Devil Horns" Ronnie James Dio Succumbs To Cancer

By Staff

ONE OF THE GRANDADDIES OF HEAVY METAL, RONNIE JAMES DIO, DIED today after a six-month battle with stomach cancer. He was 67 and had recently undergone his seventh bout of chemotherapy .

The dark conscience of the metal science, Dio was well known for flashing the devil horns in concert, something he said he picked up from his Italian grandmother who used to do it ward off evil spirits, according to Wikipedia.

Today my heart is broken," Wendy Dio, the singer's wife and manager, wrote on his site. "Many, many friends and family were able to say their private goodbyes before he peacefully passed away."

Dio, a New England native, began his musical career in 1957 with the band The Vegas Kings. During the next 22 years he performed in four different band iterations until he replaced Ozzie Osborne in Black Sabbath. He quit that band after Live Evil, he quit and began Dio, which became a favorite of disaffected teenage boys.

Dio was was known for his piercing vocals and his exploration of epic struggles between good and evil in his lyrics.

Said Twisted Sister guitarist Jay Jay French, whose band had worked with Dio since 1983: "He was the nicest, classiest person you would ever want to meet,''



THE WISDOM OF SEINFELD

Facebook: Where Worlds Collide

By Crabby Golightly

EVEN BEFORE THE BROUHAHA BROKE OUT OVER FACEBOOK'S CLAIM TO PERPETUAL OWNERSHIP OF EVERYTHING YOU EVER uplinked to its pages, George Costanza would have never approved of it.

To our fictitious Seinfeld friend, posting your name and picture on a social network enabling 175 million other people to find you would be pure folly, the unleashing of potential social disaster.

It was the Seinfeld theory of worlds colliding!

As aptly explained by Marcellus on a Seinfeld blog (but with a little bit of spelling help), "The worlds colliding theory is quite simple."

Read also Applauding Guerilla Tactics Against Facebook's Reach.

Canadian Woman Loses Sick Leave Because of Happy Pics On Facebook.

Facebookers Cooking Up Campaign For Betty White To Host SNL.

"You have your "independent self" (the guy that tells nasty jokes, swears, hangs with the fellas, and is an all around cool guy). And then you have "relationship self" (the guy that does nice things for his lady, leaves the seat down, cooks sometimes. Still a cool guy, but a little adjusted). And then there's the "family self," (which is just like relationship self, just a little less wussy). "If either of the latter mix with the first, say a girlfriend begins to "hangout" with you and your friends, then it's chaos because the way you act around her was never supposed to be seen by your buddies. Who have every right to make fun of you after that. You no longer have the ability to act like the independent wildman because you're constantly in conflict with the relationship guy. One of the two [personalities] will have to subside, and depending on your strength of will, it may be the independent side that suffers. "

Consider Marcellus scenario. Then calculate the exponential result of every single person you ever met in your life meeting every other person with whom you have crossed paths: grade school friends, high school bullies, frat brothers, old boyfriends, ex-girlfriends, dope dealers, prigs, pigs, crazy colleagues, snotty colleagues, enviable colleagues, Girl Scouts, teachers, bosses.

What you end up with is apocalyptic clatter; the destruction of whatever social respectability you have earned over decades!!

You may not realize it yet, but coming soon to your Facebook page is the weird dude from your old 'hood whom you didn't want to hang out with when you were 15. Or the girlfriend you feared was a . Only now you're married and living a respectable life in a city 800 miles away and don't want to be reminded you ever smoked pot with him or slept with her.

My advice: close your Facebook page now before it's too late!

I would ask Marcellus what his thoughts are on the subject, but his MySpace account has been eliminated.

This entry originally ran February 18, 2009.

SHARING SYNERGY

Credit: CrabbyGolightly.com

Miley & Justin Dating? Na, Just Blending Pop Tart Time

By Miz J

Miz JEVERYBODY'S TALKING ABOUT HOW IT'S ALL "Miley and Justin…sitting in a tree…"

Oh please. She had sushi with a fellow little underaged tater tot. That's all this is. Well, maybe they'll swap some hair tips too. But that's it, really. And Justin's an appropriate playmate for a 17-year-old, unlike the 44-year-old Adam Shankman whom she gifted with a lap dance last summer.

Miley. Listen to me, young lady. It's one thing to dance around like that with your friends under the cloak of anonymity -- believe me, we've all had our moments. But when you've got cameras in your face 24/7, you don't have the luxury of going to a club and leaving with your dignity intact. Quite the opposite.

In 10 years' time, you'll be able to look back and actually POINT to the exact moment where all the shit slid downhill and covered you with the sickening stench of failure. And don't say it won’t happen to you. I know you think you're so fucking cute right now, but just take a look at that poor Lohan girl. It can and WILL happen to you. And it will be a very long, very hard, very bad kind of Party in the USA.

So this is why you had to sit and eat McNuggets with Bieber and listen to him talk about Power Rangers or Pokemon or whatever for four hours. I sincerely hope you’ve learned your lesson. Leave that ho stroll to the professionals and try to grow up with a little more grace.



Miz J, who works in advertising, is a regular contributor and resident expert on all things Mad Men.

May 14, 2010

WE DO, WE DO

Credit: TMZ Seal kisses the bride Credit: Twitter

Once Is Not Enough: Renewing Wedding Vows Is Hollywood's Latest Trend

By Sexy Chatty Catty

SexyChattyCattyO M G, NOT ANOTHER ONE.

What is it with this renewing of the vows? What does it all mean? Am I supposed to do it now?

It's must be catching.

On April 30, those crazy kids Mimi and Nick renewed their vows for a third time.

And just this past weekend, Heidi Klum and Seal did it for a sixth time. "It's our time -- a lovely family time," Klum explained to Redbook. "It's about remembering this moment of love we gave to each other and reinforcing it."

Thwarting rumors of impending divorce, Tori Spelling and husband Dean McDermott also recoupled Saturday in a private Beverly Hills ceremony. Tori wore white and kissed her husband "passionately" after the ceremony.

They're a long way from their romantic island wedding on Fuji five years ago. After a failed bed and breakfast ownership, two kids and grandma troubles, who wouldn’t expect things to be rough.

A few months back, OC Real Housewife Vicki Gunderson and her husband Don were actually heading for divorce before snapping to their senses and recommitting to each other. They were on a lovely vacation and Vicki sprung the idea on Don as a surprise. It was on the beach and it was beautiful, heartfelt and real.

For NY Housewife Ramona Singer, the thought that popped into that swirly head of hers. Determined to celebrate 16 years of marriage, an anniversary just as odd as she is, she seductively talked husband Mario into what promises to be a lavish ceremony. Maybe she’s nervous there wouldn’t be a 17th?

But is another wedding the way to save a marriage?

Some relationship experts say yes, and that recommitting to a spouse can be an "essential part in healing a broken marriage."

According to Dawn O. Braithwaite of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, some couples who renew their vows "want to fix something. It's what we call relationship repair; they want to repair infidelity, or having grown apart, or a relationship that was not very close."

And as more celebrities continue to do it, the trend may catch on with average Joes and Josephines. All it may take is for a few celebrities to renew their vows, and if it works over a long term it may become pretty prominent within the public," said David Popenoe, professor of sociology at Rutgers University and co-director of the National Marriage Project. "We all know how much influence they have over the public."

But the move may be a last-ditched effort to mend an irreparably broken marriage. Cases in point: Both Madonna and Guy Ritchie, and John and Elizabeth Edwards exchanged renewed vows shortly before their marriages permanently collapsed.

I just wonder who’ll be next in TVLand to cement their relationship with a second time around.

My prediction Larry King and seventh wife Shawn.

And won't that just confirm that the death knell has rung for that marriage?

SexyChattyCatty is a regular contributor at CrabbyGolightly.com where she writes on TV, America's favorite snack food.

May 13, 2010

CHEATERS

Boreanaz and Uchitel

Paging Dr. Bones: Forensics Out On Rachel Uchitel's Tryst With David Boreanaz

By Staff

YOU KNOW THAT SLUT IN HIGH SCHOOL WHO DIDN'T GIVE A TWIT what all the good girls said behind her back?

The one who traded rides on the joy stick with the boy who got the brand new Jeep for his 16th birthday? And then dumped him when the boy from the next town over showed up in the BMW?

She grew up to be Rachel Uchitel.

Seems Tiger's No. 1 ho -- the one he was dreaming of when he slammed into a fire hydrant while hopped up on Ambien and Vicodin late Thanksgiving night -- had traded up when she met Ti.

Radaronline's published text messages that it says are between Uchitel and married Bones star David Boreanaz when the actor's wife was only days away from giving birth to the couple's second child.

Read Tiger Woods Falls Prey To The Chase For Magic Pussy.

The texts portray Uchitel as a conniving cheat who demanded that Boreanaz leave his pregnant wife and fly to New York to be by her side.

"This is not a good time,’’ Boreanaz responds. “She is in labor.”

Rachel, writing as “Puma”, responds, “I can’t do this anymore…You’re never leaving. You’ve wasted my time and once again I’m alone.”

The threats Boreanaz who responds, “Am I not worth having a little patience…FUCK!!!!!!!!!!!”

Somebody got impatient, Uchitel moved on and then bagged the $10 million-dollar man.

Her mother must be so proud.

Lawyer to Hos, Gloria Allred, who represents Uchitel, says her clients "believes" that the texts are "not authentic" and shouldn't be published. RadarOnline.com went ahead anyway.

Read Feminist Lawyer Gloria Allred: Fighting For The Whole Team To The Ho Team.

Read Neighbors Spot Car Like Rachel Uchitel's Outside Tiger's House.


GROUNDED

Credit: Julie Heffernan

Organic Imagingings

By Staff

MOTHER EARTH, WE PRESUME?

Painting by Julie Hefferman. Click her name for more fantastical imagings.

Via Stumbleupon.

CUT

Credit: Fox

For American Idol's Exiting Mike Lynche, "It's All Good"

By Nicki R.

Nicki R.WITH OVER 37 MILLION VOTES CAST, the highest of the season, there were no more saves for Big Mike.

Lynche jinxed himself on American Idol yesterday by saying he wanted to be in the final three. But with his poor performance of Michael Jackson's Will You Be There from Free Willly, American wouldn't let him stay and play.

Mike, a personal trainer whose wife gave birth during his chase in the competition, left with no hard feelings.

"It has been unbelievable," said Lynche from onstage. "Thank God for the judges' save... It is all good."

And as the saying goes, and then there were…three.

Casey, Crystal and Lee are the only ones left in the race for the title of American Idol.

Nicki R. is a Southern girl living in the big city of Chicago. She loves quiet evenings at home watching horror films with her dogs Jezebelle and Zombie. Check out her blog, Hey, Look Behind You!

HELP

Paris Jackson Pleads For Help On YouTube Video

By Staff

PARIS JACKSON LOOKS POSITIVELY FORLORN AS SHE PLEADS FOR HELP FROM "MONKEY" ON A YouTube video, one of a cache of tapes showing up today depicting the Jackson kids. What if anything does it mean?

First order of business: finding out who's "monkey." A nickname for Michael? Reference to his beloved Bubbles?

And another question: does anyone care as much for the Jackson children as they do about wringing out profit from Michael's estate?

Via Gawker.

May 12, 2010

UNCOVERED

Credit: Apron Chronicles

Past Life Progression: The Apron

By Elizabeth C.

THE LOS ANGELES TIMES RECENTLY HAILED THE REVIVAL OF THE apron.

"Forget those unisex, butcher-style, fuddy-duddy aprons," the writer pshawed. "Today's models …are fun."

Of course, they always could be.

A dowdy apron was de rigueur when kitchen work was hard and long. But even back when women were tied to the kitchen, aprons could be feminine and flirty, feisty and frilly.

They were the dessert before dinner, the eye candy in the kitchen.

And for today's hostess with the mostest, aprons still deliver a dash of delight. Here's a sampling from around the web with links for shoppers. Above is a pretty pink and green apron displayed in Apron Chronicles: A Patchwork of American Recollections.

For more fun, read Hootin' Tootin' Fun Finds On Etsy.

Etsy Trinkets For The Tweet Obsessed.

Have Yourself A Very Merry Kitschmas.

Blythe: She's A Real Doll -- And Obsession.

Credit: AWednesdaygirl on Etsy
"Yellow Rose Pillowcase" apron by AWednesdayGirl on Etsy. $40.

Credit: Bijooboo on Etsy
This is vintage inspired fun by Bijooboo on Etsy. $28.75

Credit: PeaceLoveVintageShop on Etsy
One of my favs, this is the "Willow" by PeaceLoveVintage on Etsy. $38.

Credit: Puddintanes on Etsy
Serving up spice in the kitchen. By Puddintanes on Etsy. $40.

Credit: Boojiboo on Etsy
More vintage-inspired fun, "Modern Trees on Orange with Brown Dots" by Boojiboo on Etsy.

Credit: Apronology.com
A gorgeous vintage-inspired baby blue crinoline apron created by Andrea Tarling. The delicious confection is featured in the publication Apronology.

BreesVintageRevivals on Etsy
A bonafide oldie but goodie. Offered by BreesVintageRevivals on Etsy. $8.

Credit: AttitudendApron on Etsy
For mommy and daughter day in the kitchen, from AttitudeandApron on Etsy. $35.95.

REAL OR IMAGINED?

Credit: Getty

The Debate Over Sex Addiction: Does It Even Exist?

By Madi S.

Madi S.THERE'S A LOT OF TALK IN THE MEDIA ABOUT CHEATING HUSBANDS SEEKING TREATMENT FOR SEXUAL ADDICTION. BUT not every cheater is a sex addict, or as professionals prefer to call it, a "sexual compulsive."

Is sexual addiction even a disease? Not according to the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), the definitive compendium on mental disorders.

But the manual does include a diagnosis called “Sexual Disorders Not Otherwise Specified" described as "distress about a pattern of repeated sexual relationships involving a succession of lovers who are experienced by the individual only as things to be used."

Examples include compulsive fixation on an unattainable partner, obsessive use of pornography, compulsive masturbation, compulsive love relationships, extra-marital relationships, compulsive sexuality in a relationship. Treatments to cure this addiction are residential rehab programs, weekly group therapy sessions that include 12 step programs much similar to Alcoholics Anonymous.

A favorite rehab place to the stars is Promises in Malibu, though the chain has other locations. The rehab doesn’t really look like a psych ward but more like a vacation spot; its website says it's "designed for clients who are accustomed to luxury."

According to Promises' literature, "those seeking treatment for sexual compulsivity are not advised to abstain from sex entirely, but instead are encouraged to learn to control their behaviors and positively associate sex with relationships." Treatment includes individual and group therapy, 12-step support, and possibly psychiatric medications.

"Most studies show that 80 percent of people struggling with sexual compulsions have some kind of family-of-origin or sexual trauma," says Aline Zoldbrod, a psychologist who authored SexSmart.

"Trauma is not just sexual trauma, it's emotional neglect, physical neglect or abuse, emotional abuse, experiencing or witnessing family violence, and/or growing up with parents who are addicted or mentally ill. In treatment, the patient is forced to take a long, hard, deep look at his family history and to confront the painful feelings which he or she has avoided in a supportive, informed atmosphere."

Tiger Woods and Jesse James are among the celebrities who spent time in sexually rehab an attempts to repair their marriages.

After Jesse James made headlines for cheating on Sandra Bullock with four women, the natural thing to do was to go to rehab. The place he chose for his treatment was the Sierra Tuscon facility in Arizona, which treats drug, alcohol and sex addictions as well as other disorders.

Tiger Woods reportedly was treated at Pine Grove in Mississippi for "sexual compulsion."

Nobody knows for sure if the treatments will work but it's too little too late for these wives, both of whom have ditched their cheating husbands.

These "sex addicts" are free now to do whatever they want with whomever they want. As single men, the only disease they'll have to cop to is called “can’t keep it in their pants.” They're now cured of marriage.

Madi S. is mom to two kids and three cats. She loves pop culture news, movies, fashion, travel, reading and observing the world.

FOUR

Credit: Fox

Falling Slowly Duet Foreshadows Final Contest Between Lee & Crystal

By Nicki R.

Nicki R.IT'S DOWN TO FOUR SINGERS BATTLING IT OUT FOR THE OFFICIAL AMERICAN IDOL TITLE. Last night, Lee, Crystal, Mike and Casey were mentored by singer/actor Jamie Foxx, who was making his encore appearance on the talent show.

Foxx mentored last year's contestants and did such a good job that he was asked back to guide this year's finalists. But movie themes didn't bring out the best from the foursome, and the night's scene stealer was a duet between Lee and Crystal.

Opening the show, Lee Dewyze sang Seal's Kiss from a Rose from Batman Forever. Lee started off a little pitchy with the high notes but picked it up later in the song. Randy wasn't impressed, said he did nothing with the song and it was just OK. Ellen said he could have done more but he's still good. (By the way, are we all still in love with Ellen? I think not.) Kara points out that Lee picked a difficult song, got lost, went out of tune, but is still great. Is that even possible? And "we'll miss him when he's gone" Simon said he was on Randy's side, that Lee was verging on karaoke.

Big Mike Lynche sang Michael Jackson's Will You Be There from Free Willy. Mike's performance felt restrained and he could have pushed it a little more. Randy said it was passable but it didn't really soar. Ellen said his goal shouldn't be to be in the top three, but to win it. Kara was hoping to get goosebumps and accuses him fo playing it safe. Simon was more confused about who or what "Willy" was than Mike's performance. He felt that Mike could have chosen a different song but he said he gave it 100 percent.



As a bonus treat, Crystal and Lee performed a duet of the song Falling Slowly from the film Once. These two performed beautifully and have an intense power together, foreshadowing what I believe will be the final showdown. Randy said it could be a hit and it was amazing. Ellen said"you're like the new Captain and Tenille!" Kara told them they brought out the best in each other and that it was her favorite moment of the entire season. Simon said the song was nothing but fantastic. I think these two should get married and hit the road together!

Sexy Casey sang Paul Simon's Mrs. Robinson from The Graduate. Casey nailed the folky vibe of the original. Randy said he liked his cool vibe, Ellen loves what he did with the song, Kara gave him kudos for stepping out of his comfort zone. Kara then dodged jokes that the song was directed towards her and her on-going flirtation with Casey. Simon calls the performance "lazy" and says it didnt have the substance required for this night, and once again the truth hurts.

Crystal Bowersox ends the show with Kenny Loggins' I'm Alright from Caddyshack. Randy tells her she is 'definitely an artist," the ladies conclude that she bested the original version and Simon says succinctly, "You, Crystal, are back in the game.”

Last week I predicted that Casey would leave and I was wrong. This week I predict that we'll say goodbye to Big Mike. Am I going to be right or wrong? Check back to see who are the remaining 3 Idols.

Nicki R. is a Southern girl living in the big city of Chicago. She loves quiet evenings at home watching horror films with her dogs Jezebelle and Zombie. Check out her blog, Hey, Look Behind You!

DEAR DIARY

Courtney

Courtney Tweets Dating Tips & Legal Plea To Estranged Daughter

By Elizabeth C.

Poor Courtney Love. The hole in her heart was like a sieve yesterday as she spilled boy tips and mommy dearest denials to estranged daughter Frances Bean on Twitter.

Pour Courtney. Because as much as she blathers on about how she loves and misses Frances, and how that girl should never, ever settle for a beta boy, she's made such a fucking mess of her life that you grant her an audience at your own peril.

Thus, I've put you notice that what follows are the rantings of a sad, confused, pathetic, deluded, miseducated, desperately needy mind.


last of my twitter relapse, bean i saw you at coachella with isaihia in a pic he looks sweet and like your dad actually.hope alls well

I hope he takes care of you and you look beuatiful even thoiugh you have an angry furrow i think thats called your "lawyer lie" furrow!

sorry to state this publically but i wont stand accused of such implications or tolerate making 3 on worst mothers list. thanks to this, no.

i love you and i will fight for you i though if i bore up and was sxtrong for six mos youd get over it but obviously its just inflamed you,

the last thing i lpok forewArd to in this life is any trial but im a good mother and i wont allow you to believe such nonsense so suit up.

lets try and use judy so i dont have to fucking go on TWITTER. i dont even use this thing and im sure this will be in some bs news feed

i love you soprry to take to the world wide ethernet but i love you and i dont know how to tell you without telling one of the pack , madly.

i really hope that boy is as nice as his sweet face, cos iff not ill get him, your just like me in almost every way and i know you hate it,

theres plenty of fish in the sea lining up for both of us who will treat us like princesses& not like 2nd class citizens, or damaged goods

if he cant suit up and have a balanced perspective and if hes just blindly being a beta male , ick if hes an alpha and hes treating you bad

i will give him one of my very special looks reserved for those whose blood needs to turn to ice, even i have a breaking point and i walk.

and i give the look before i walk they never see it coming, they think im so vulnerable because i am and then after treating me like shitBAM

i know you have that in you, if hes not treating you like the Goddess you are baby , get the hell out, do not settle. do NOT settle.

give them a little time and if they dont man up then woman out, thats my advice to you and dont date a slave, or an assnt, thats no fun

you asked me if i was being "treated well" i cant say on twitter, im sad i said anything but trusting 18 year olds to translate is nightmare

so cryptically between us ill tell you on the fb page since you care, im not an enabler & im not enabled, so thats all, its never my frame.

when its not your frame it sucks, i have as you can imagine vast vast abandonement issues wich make me weaker than normal.

i wish i was stronger and i am getting my strength together to cut anything beneath me. if its not worthy of me i will cut. ok? Nuff said.

but because of this nonsense and then my archetype and job and "batshitness" im always the bad one, as usual, always the street girl.

like a backstreet girl, and sometimes like a bitch, and its not allowed anymore, i have summed up the courage to just go if that goes on.

with any man ever, again, youve seen it done to me before seen someones try to acquitre me like apiece of art or tame me like a puppy.

i know what kind of boy youve always liked, and im afraid of you falling into the trap of simply being worshipped and not having an equal.

how shallow is he? how much is about you making him cool? NOTHING? awesome! dont buy yourself jewelry EVER. ive told you that.

dont get him presents and dont vye for him, dont overtext( im very guilty of that one i think its a letter and its NOT they hate it) allofem

you shouldnt have to vye for him, dont dont dont stay with him if hes a beta, you need to be challenged, kept in line just a little.

and again im extremely sorry to use TWITTER but i saw you holding hands in Coachella wich was coach HELLA for me, and my stomach turned.

i know you are mad at me for not marrying e. but he never made me laugh.maqke sure you laugh alot, and try to have a spiritual connection !

your relationships should not be abput getting "saved" they should be as strong and secure as your relationship to yourself. love yourself 1

autonomy . carrie once said when you were just 4 youd be like me looking for the big hug, BE THE MAN YOU WANT TO MARRY! BE IT!

i pray everyday you will chant again, & find your way back to the law of cause & affect and be wise enough to see our karma &transform it

so at the very least please clear my name i dont think you . i know you dont want other people to think things that arent true.

again my deepest apologies for using twitter for fucks sake, i dont even use it anymore but i cannot trust 18 year olds to be accurate w you

dont take any shit from that boy, and dont have an assnt as a bf, have a peer, if hes not a prince and a MAN he doesnt deserve you, period.

and if as a MAN he doesnt treat you like the GOddess you ARE. cut it, lastly i miss you more than anyone has ever missed anyone.so much.

im going to chant now ill pribably delete half of these but the boy stuff you need to hear only from me, wendy is too boycrazy.



Pray for her, will ya?


May 11, 2010

BETWEEN A ROCK & A HARD PLACE

Photo credit: Maxwell Colette

Runaway Art: Banksy In Chicago

By Staff

MYSTERIOUS STREET ARTIST BANKSY HAS STRUCK IN CHICAGO.

The stencil of a runaway perambulator was first reported on the blog of Maxwell Colette Gallery before being picked up elsewhere in Chitown.

Fear is rampant, or maybe it's just a big joke, that Mayor Daley will sic his graffiti- busters on the street art, which adorns a wall on the side of an Indian restaurant in the west Loop, according to Maxwell Colette. But it'd be far wiser for Daley to cut it out and auction it off to the highest bidder. The city faces a half billion dollar shortfall in its 2010 budget.

According to Wikipedia, on April 27, 2007, Banksy's Space Girl & Bird fetched $576,000 at auction -- about 20 times more than expected. Oprah, where are you?

Photo credit: Maxwell Collette

Editor's note: Maxwell Colette was previously misidentified as a blogger; we regret the error.

May 10, 2010

NO SHUSHING PLEASE

Credit: NotWhatYouThink & Sean G. Fermoyle

The Art Of Promoting Chicago's Libraries: Not What You Think

By Staff

GOT INSPIRATION?

For the second year in a row, the Chicago Public Library is holding a poster illustration contest to promote the URL chipublib.org.

Details about the contest can be found here.

The deadline for submitting your work is Sunday, May 16th at 11:59 pm Central. Voting takes place from May 17th through the 23rd and is open to anyone in the world.

Above is "City Of Reading," by Sean G. Fermoyle, one of 13 submissions received so far in the 2010 contest.

Last year there were 164 entries which you can still check out on Flickr.

Posters of the finalists and winners will be exhibited at Harold Washington Library Center.

Here's a few entries from this year and last:

Credit: NotWhatYouThink & Aaron Wooten.
"Cloudy Skies" submitted in 2010 by Aaron Wooten.

Credit: NotWhatYouThink & Kenneth Denson
"City Of Learning" submitted in 2009 by Kenneth Denson.

Credit: NotWhatYouThink & Maggie Puckett
"Not What You Think by Maggie Puckett. Submitted in 2009.

SPEAK SOFTLY

Credit: Medical Infrared

Not Naturally Endowed, Teased TSA Worker Evens Score With Man-Made Baton

By Elizabeth C.

ISN'T THIS WHY WEAPONS WERE INVENTED IN THE FIRST PLACE?

A TSA employee is facing criminal prosecution after he walloped with a police baton a coworker who had mocked the size of his manhood. His shortcoming was allegedly revealed after he walked in front of a full-body imaging screen during training several months ago, according to reports.

Rolando Negrin, 44, "could not take the jokes anymore and lost his mind," according to a Miami-Dade Police Department report.

Enraged by the insults, Negrin confronted TSA screener Hugo Gorno and slapped him with a police baton on his arm and leg and demanded an apology. Gorno reportedly complied, but authorities arrested Negrin when he showed up for work the next day.

Negrin was released on $7,500 after being charged with aggravated battery.

Note to Negrin: the law mightier than the sword, and probably less expensive in the long run. Sue!

RELATABLE

Credit: Geico Insurance

Meet The Relatives: Neanderthals

By Elizabeth C.

A LITTLE BIT OF CAVEMAN LURKS IN MOST OF US, SAY SCIENTISTS who've mapped out the genomes of Neanderthals who lived more than 38,000 years ago in Croatia.

The finding counters previous studies and lends evidence that modern homo sapiens mated with Neanderthals as recently as 50,000 years ago, before modern humans spread into East Asia.

Paleogeneticists at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Germany sequenced the Neanderthal genome using more than 4 billion nucleotides recovered from the bones of three females.

The gene sequence was then compared to five modern humans from different regions of the world.

Researchers found that, with the exception of Africans, modern humans shared one to four percent of genes with Neanderthals, from whom humans diverged between 270,000 and 440,000 years ago, according to this study's authors.

All told, Neanderthals and humans share a relatively paltry 100 genes. How these genes specifically affect modern man will no doubt be thes subject of future research. And the new finding, based purely on statistical comparison, is problematic for some scientists.

“They are basically saying, ‘Here are our data, you have to accept it," Richard Klein, a paleontologist at Stanford, told the New York Times. "But the little part I can judge seems to me to be problematic, so I have to worry about the rest."

Neanderthals were stronger, slightly shorter, and had less protruding chins than modern man, according to scientists. They used soft tools, fire, practiced cannibalism, and ate meat almost exclusively, according to Wikipedia.

One study suggests that they were red-heads with pale skin. Based on fossil and genetic discoveries, they are believed to have had language capabilities, which scientist Steven Mithen proposes was more "musical" than modern man's.

A LIFE'S SEASONS

Lena in 1941. Creditt: Carl Van Vechten

Lena Horne, "The Radiantly Beautiful Sepia Girl," Dies At 92

By Elizabeth C.

LEGENDARY SINGER LENA HORNE, WHO BROKE COLOR BARRIERS BOTH ON AND OFF SCREEN, DIED YESTERDAY AT AGE 92 IN NEW YORK.

Horne, who began singing at the Cotton Club in Harlem at age 16, was the "radiantly beautiful sepia girl" who became the first African American performer to sign a multiyear contract with a major Hollywood studio. But in an age when Jim Crow laws dominated, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer mismanaged her talents, plopping per performances into movies in which she had no part of the storyline.

After a decade in Hollywood, Horne returned to performing in clubs, "where she established herself as one of the premiere nightclub performers of the post-war era," according to Wikipedia.

Ms. Horne's evocative voice and sultry good looks won her fans across the color line, and she was a favorite among US soldiers during World War II, according to the New York Times.“The whole thing that made me a star was the war,” Ms. Horne told an interviewer in 1990. “Of course the black guys couldn't put Betty Grable’s picture in their footlockers. But they could put mine.”

In 1957, her live recording Lena Horne at the Waldorf-Astoria became the largest selling record by a female artist in the history of the RCA-Victor label. A year later, she was nominated for a Tony
Award for "Best Actress in a Musical" for her role in the musical Jamaica.

Ms. Horne continued to perform on television and in theaters into the 1990s. She was awarded a Tony Award for her one-woman show, Lena Horne: The Lady and Her Music, which continues to be the longest-running solo performance in Broadway history.

Ms. Horne was married twice; her first marriage ending in divorce and her second, to Lennie Hayton, a white Jewish musical composer, in separation. In later interviews, Horne spoke of the pressures of being part of an interracial couple. Though the couple separated in the early 60s, he was her composer and manager up until the time of his death in 1971.

Horne was born into two established middle-class black families, though her father left the family when she was age three. She briefly lived in Atlanta with her grandparents who persuaded her to become a member of the NAACP. She remained politically active throughout her life. "She was at the March on Washington" and worked on behalf of the NAACP, SNCC and the National Council of Negro Women. She also worked with Eleanor Roosevelt to pass anti-lynching laws, according to Wikipedia.

Ms. Horne is survived by her daughter, Gail. Her son, Edwin, died in the 70s.

"Don't be afraid to feel as angry or as loving as you can," Horne once said. "Because when you feel nothing, it's just death."

Horne made her fans, of which I am one, feel more alive.




CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME

Credit: Bravo

Mean Girls In High School: A New York Housewives Recap

By Sexy Chatty Catty

SexyChattyCattyWHO AMONG THEM'S GONNA BUY BETHENNY A BABY PRESENT?

After three seasons together, these ladies thrown together as acquaintances are now sorting themselves out as friends. Crazy Ramona as the wild card.

LuAnn chats with Sonja as she does her makeup in the bathroom of my dreams. It's the night of the Cocktails and Couture party.

Alex is one of the first arrivals. LuAnn immediately tells her that their last encounter was horrifying. Alex tells her she should mind her own business. LuAnn thinks Alex should have at least called to apologize and asks her who made her God.

Both Alex and I think -- What??

Alex's worried about what will happen when Jill arrives and urges Alex to smooth things over. She's not having any of it and tells her that Bethenny was right about a lot of things and she could care less what Jill thinks about anything. She tells us she wanted to slug LuAnn. Hee.

Sonja makes her entrance in a tight purple mini with a bright red ribbon down the back. So chic, and where is that pooch?

Oh, here comes Kelly with Jill and Bobby. Kelly pretends she doesn’t know the protocol of charity and asks if people will learn which donated items came from whom. Not that she cares, of course. Sonja thinks there will be drama tonight and says bring it on.

LuAnn and Kelly try to shore Jill up for Alex’s appearance. Alex hangs back while Jill pointedly ignores her at first and babbles about interior decorating. She tells us she’s not happy with Alex and has nothing to say to her. Alex hangs off to the side. She says that Jill keeps standing right beside her saying nothing, wanting everyone to feel that she’s ignoring her.

Ramona and Mario arrive, along with more fabulous folks and Jill’s event planner, who mysteriously figures prominently in this episode.

Now Bobby takes Alex aside to scold her. He’s sweet but he should butt out, too. Yea, maybe Jill was hurt but she’s also done a lot of hurting. Alex will not apologize but says she wants to talk to Jill herself. Bobby urges her to do so.

Meanwhile, in another corner, Jill is crying to Kelly about her broken relationship with Bethenny and how, since she’s pregnant now, she should be with her. She talks about the supposed ambush and says she just wasn’t ready to talk then. Then she begins to really cry and babble. Too late now, honey. The damage has been done and you are the culprit.

Now Ramona is scolding Alex. Gosh, is this what happens when someone finally shows some balls? Mario breaks the tension by telling them he’s disappointed Simon’s not there. Oh, Mario. Then Alex tries to talk to Jill but Jill immediately says she’s leaving. Alex fumes and says it’s probably over between them and that’s just fine and dandy with her. Outside Jill says “Alex, she’s done.”

Bethenny’s dying father wants to see her! She and Jason limo to the airport. She’s feeling weird about the situation and decides to call Ramona since she’s recently gone through the identical deal with her dad. We sit through a heartbreaking conversation. Ramona, as silly and off the wall as she can be, is amazing during this call. She understands, gives good advice, calmly tells her everything will be good and sends her love.

Ugh, Gotham mag is throwing a shindig for Kelly. Hey, that wedding planner chick is here again. What’s up with that? Alex and Simon arrive but she vows to stay away from Jill. Next thing you know Simon is sitting at Jill’s feet and she’s tousling his hair. Simon, you so crazy!!!

LuAnn brings some fey blonde guy she’s courting named Cort. She tells him she wants to sing, calls herself maybe a female Barry White, and they flirt. Kelly gets up on a table and talks about herself, blah, blah. Then Jill is all “Hey Alex, how are yewwwwww?’ As Alex says, she’s all "kissy-kissy" all of a sudden. Alex turns away as they yell out what a good hair day she’s having. She’s done with this fake society shit, at least for this night.

Ramona chooses her re-wedding dress. While she and the designer talk to her daughter Avery about her dress, we see that Avery still just doesn’t get it. Then she tells her mom she gets it but thinks it’s ridiculous. Ha, ha. I think she’d understand better if they just said, we’re loaded and we want to dress up and party, instead of all the endless “how much we love each other” talk.

LuAnn takes Kelly, Jill and Sonja to her secret spa. They listen while she talks about depression, soul mates and other spiritual and mystical stuff. Jill just listens as Kelly and Sonja pipe up about their divorces and feelings. Sonja says it was a nice experience and that they got to see each other on a deeper level.

In L.A. Bethenny clings to Jason after seeing her father. It was hard but Bethenny will make it. She says she can shut the door on that part of her life; now she can just look forward and not to the past. She also says if her mother knew he was dying she’d say “good.” He must’ve been quite a guy.

Then there’s a hilarious short scene with Jill reprimanding Kelly about saying “like” to much. Thank you, Jill. Remind girlfriend she’s not, like, 17 anymore.

Ramona invites Sonja and Jill to lunch. She’s having a girls yacht trip before her re-wedding, a bridal shower kinda thing. Sonja tells them about her modeling career and Jill breaks in with, “Really? You’re not that tall.” So negative, all the time. Ramona tells them about the trip and insists that they must come. Jill doesn’t want to come if Alex and Bethanny are invited. Ramona says she really wants her to come and it’s time to grow up. After all, there wouldn’t be much drama with everyone there. Oops -- that’s my thought -- not Ramona’s.

Now, that wedding planner chick is having a cocktail party. Oh goody, a change of apartment for the drama we know is coming. Doing something I hate, Jill quizzes the planner on who is coming. When she finds out Alex will be one of the guests she stiffens but says “whatever.” Ramona arrives and tells the group Bethenny’s father died. Jill immediately goes the fuck off and rails at Ramona for not calling her sooner. Ramona’s getting sick of Jill’s shit and asks why didn’t she call her herself. Now Ramona’s not Jill’s friend. How silly is this woman. Then Jill runs into the closet to cry crocodile tears, be comforted by Kelly and call Ramona a bitch. Then LuAnn and Ramona get into it, each blaming the other for sundry wrongdoings. I wonder if the planner knew what she was getting into. I hope she got paid well.

Then Alex arrives. She immediately says to Jill, “How dare you.” She accuses Jill of texting her for Bethenny gossip. They throw fingers up in each other’s faces like gang signs and Alex’s hives return. They argue, sitting down on either side of Kelly, who then makes the perfect funny face for that situation. Alex then reads Jill the riot act. Then comes the line we’ve waited for all season as she tells Jill: “You are a mean girl and you are in high school. And while you’re in high school I am in Brooklyn.” O...K.

Jill says then let’s just cut it and be done with each other, I don’t need you in the fabulous circle of friends I run with. Then cheers to the end of gossip and their relationship.

Alex leaves, still frustrated that Jill, since she didn’t just shut up and listen, didn’t understand what she was really saying.

P.S -- Bethenny welcomed baby girl Bryn Hoppy into the world!

SexyChattyCatty is a regular contributor at CrabbyGolightly.com where she writes on TV, America's favorite snack food.

May 09, 2010

MUFFIN MANAGEMENT

Sow 'em

Itching For An Answer To A Chronic Yeast Infection

Dear Avoine Sauvage

I've have had chronic yeast infections -- about one every month -- for the past 10 years, since I was 15. They're inconvenient, and sometimes so painful I can barely walk. I've cut sugar out of my diet at a doctor's suggestion. Besides spending a fortune on Monistat, what can I do?

Ahh, the ever-persistent yeast infection. I had one once while spring breaking on Hilton Head Island. I was 14. As it occurred over the holiday weekend, my friend and I affectionately referred to the condition as "the Yeaster on Easter."

First of all, I'm not a doctor (and you should probably go have a chat with yours) but I do know a thing or two about vaginas.

Most women, at one time or another, get yeast infections. But, as Marilyn Monroe says in Some Like it Hot, it just sounds like you got the fuzzy end of the lollipop.

It's rare for women to get them as often as you do.

Problem is, yeast infections are tricky to self-diagnose, and in turn are over-diagnosed.

The vagina is a self-cleaning, self-regulating organ. It is always striving to maintain the balance between the levels of bacteria and yeast (fungus). When the balance is disrupted -- by things such as diet, antibiotics, douching, or over-use of Monistat -- you wind up with a nasty infection. Bacteria and yeast are both normal and necessary, but they must be equal.

By using Monistat as often as you are, you are killing the yeast and inviting the bacteria to go forth and multiply, since there is no yeast to regulate its growth. After repeated use of OTC yeast infection "cures," the bacteria is probably having a goddamn carnival in your lady-bits.

Sure, the soothing properties of those goopy suppositories can deal with the acute pain you're feeling, but that's all you're getting -- a masking agent for the real issue at hand. And speaking of pain, yeast infections shouldn't affect your ability to walk. Unless the yeast is experiencing figurative 'roid-rage, a typical infection should only entail some funky discharge and nagging itching.

Again, you need to get to a gyno for an exam to see if this is the case. Any symptoms beyond this could be indicative of an infection such as bacterial vaginosis or (god for-fucking-bid) an STD.

There are several methods to prevent this bullshit before it starts. Unless you’ve got a hot date, stick with cotton underwear. If you use tampons, change them within six hours. Never douche unless a doctor tells you to do so. Again, the vagina is a self-cleaning organ; respect its wisdom.

Stay away from scented laundry detergents. Avoid perfumed tampons or fragranced "feminine hygiene" products. And unless some huge corporate machine starts manufacturing special scented wipes for dude's stanky ball sweat, consider the mere existence of such products to be a misogynistic insult. There's nothing gross or dirty or smelly about you. Put the pussy on a pedestal and trust that it knows what it's doing.

It is also possible to prevent yeast infections with your diet. Yogurt contains the healthy bacteria Lactobacilli, which can help to maintain the vagina's balance. Garlic also has anti-fungal properties. Drink tons of water, always. It can also be helpful to take an acidophilus supplement. Like your doctor told you, cut back on sugar, alcohol, and – well – yeast.

All healing begins from within, and every aspect of your body is connected.

If your doc verifies that yeast is, in fact, the culprit, there are online resources for treating infections naturally, if holistic shit is your thang. But whatever you do, until you are certain it’s a yeaster, please stop wasting your money on Monistat -- it's probably making the problem a lot worse.

What's your pleasure? Got a problem? Write to Avoine at AvoineSauvage@CrabbyGolightly.com

May 08, 2010

FEAR FACTOR

Bret Michaels gives thumbs up to marriage?

Bret Michaels To Marry? Near Death Rocked His World

By Miz J

Miz JSO, WAIT. AM I HEARING THIS RIGHT?

That Bret "Love The Dirty Ladies Til I Die" Michaels is contemplating marriage to Kristi Gibson, the mother of his children? So does this mean that his doctors might actually have FIXED his brain, or…?

"As painful as this experience has been, I was given a second chance, right?,'' Michaels said. "I don't want to sit around every night worrying this is going to happen again. What I want to do is make a positive bucket list and say, 'I'm just gonna go for it.'

"There's just so much more I want to do and experience," he continued. "[Getting married], for sure, is something I have never done. Kristi's such a great person. We'll see if that happens. But yes, that may be one of the big things on the list."

Well, I guess this makes some sense. I mean, when all your interactions with women revolve around booze, hair-pulling, sharing greasy eyeliner, crying jags, more booze, stripper poles, implant popping and still more booze, the whole "wild rocker" thing is likely to get the best of you.

That, plus a life-threatening brain injury. Um, and dia-bee-tus.

But does this mean Bret should slow his roll and head down the aisle instead of back on that nasty bus?

No freakin' way. If Keith Richards, who's damn near 70, can snort his father's ashes, fall out of a tree and continue on another whirlwind tour as if he’s somehow 23 again, then Bret just needs to nut up.

Besides, I don't want to give up my Rock of Love.

Miz J, who works in advertising, is a regular contributor and resident expert on all things Mad Men.

May 07, 2010

RELEASE

Ironman 2 Robin Hood
Eclipse Inception

Summer's Box Office Serves A Smorgasbord Of Choices

By Madi S.

Madi S.THERE'S SOMETHING FOR EVERYBODY AT THE BOX OFFICE THIS SUMMER -- action flicks, romantic comedies, dramas and adventures.

The season unofficially opens today with the arrival of superhero flick Iron Man2, cast with A-listers Robert Downey, Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow and Micky Rourke. The producers hope to break the $158 million opening weekend record set by The Dark Knight two years ago. Does it help that Don Cheadle and Scarlett Johansson are part of the cast?

If you like sword-fighting studs who champion common folk and dames in distress, Robin Hood is the movie for you. And helping to woo the female audience is Russell Crowe, trying to recapture that Gladiator magic in Ridley Scott's latest box offering.

Next weekend, gals get the chance to drag significant others to the chick flicks Letters to Juliet and Just Wright.

Jake Gyllenhaal as the Prince of Persia will make you forget the sensitive roles that he usually plays. The movie is based on the popular video game of the same name and is produced by the folks who created the cult franchise Pirates of the Caribbean. The re-buffed actor will become the next superhero actor to make the girls swoon and forget about Johnny Depp.

And let's not forget about the third installment of the Twilight franchise. Eclipse is set for a June 30 release to the delight of the twi-heads who never tire of wanting more, more, more of the love triangle between human, vampire and werewolf. Director David Slade promises fans that, this time around, the movie will be fast-paced compared to the sleepy creepy New Moon. So no more teenage angst and pouting?

Remakes are big this summer. Karate Kid, The A-Team and Predator are just a few titles that will capture a new generation of fans for these action flicks.

Sequels, too, are part of the lineup. The cougars from Sex and the City 2 go to the Middle East for more sex, Toy Story 3 promises to delight the young and the old alike, and the producers of Shrek Forever After promises us that this'll be the last chapter in the ogre's life. Phew!

Inception, with heartthrob thespian Leonardo Dicaprio, is the most anticipated science fiction movie of the summer. Also coming in July: Sorcerer’s Apprentice with Nicolas Cage and the lesbian comedy The Kids Are Alright.

More than 100 movies will be released this summer, and movies studios are hoping beat the $4 billion bank they collected in 2009. With 3D sweetening the pot for the public, they're sure to hit the jackpot!

Madi S. is mom to two kids and three cats. She loves pop culture news, movies, fashion, travel, reading and observing the world.

May 06, 2010

BEDTIME

Credit: Fox Credit: Fox

The Eye Candy Survives Another Week On Idol

By Nicki R.

Nicki R.THEY HAD LET HIM STAY UP LATE TO PLAY WITH THE BIG KIDS, but now it's bedtime for Aaron Kelly.

The 17-year-old Pennsylvanian was eliminated from American Idol, leaving only four contestants remaining in the chase for the Idol prize. Increasingly the final showdown appears to be stacking up between Crystal Bowersox and Lee Dewyze, who stepped under the hot spotlight this week with a persuasive performance of Sinatra's That's Life.

Big Mike, who had swung Frank Sinatra well, finished second to bottom.

Everyone expected sexy Casey Jones to be sent packing -- including Casey -- after Tuesday's "lamb"-like performance of Blue Skies. But America opted for the eye candy over Aaron. Who said anything about this being a meritocracy?

Next week the remaining Idols will sing songs of the cinema with mentor Jamie Foxx.

Nicki R. is a Southern girl living in the big city of Chicago. She loves quiet evenings at home watching horror films with her dogs Jezebelle and Zombie. Check out her blog, Hey, Look Behind You!

WHY

Marry someone curious

The Best Advice You Never Heard: Marry Someone Curious

By Elizabeth C.

Paul DobranskyHE'S BEEN CALLED THE "hookup man," teaching men how to flirt and women how to be "irresistible." But celebrated love Dr. Paul Dobransky isn't all about the catch.

In a recent piece he wrote on his Psychology Today blog, the Chicago psychiatrist makes a compelling case for why a potential mate's curiosity is predictive of the chance of successful long-term love.

Dobransky contents that people who lack curiosity become "dispassionate, stilted lovers" who haven't the interest to inquire about your dreams and desires.

"They don't care to learn much about what makes you tick, what makes you passionate about your life's goals, or what you need to feel happy, self-determining, and growing," writes Dobransky.

Nor do they understand themselves, making them clumsy and unsatisfying lovers. Ultimately, a relationship with such a person leaves you tired, less passionate and less happy.

On the contrary, being involved with someone who will "really care about who you are, what you love and why" reliably predicts good things for the future: "This benefits your life,"’ not just in feeling loved, but in your career efforts actually being amplified…. You just know they "get it" and "get you," says Dobransky.

The take-home message?

Screen your suitors for “the gift of a curious mind” which Dobransky calls “salve for the wounds of misunderstanding, catalyst for the …necessity of compromise, and fuel for the engine that drives all relationships to last: collaboration.

May 05, 2010

THE MESSENGER

Credit: Bravo

The Difference Between Old Money & New: A New York Housewives Recap

By Sexy Chatty Catty

SexyChattyCattySINCE THERE'S VERY LITTLE PRIVACY IN THE REALITY SHOW WORLD, BETHENNY finds her pregnancy "outed" by the ugly and cruel Perez Hilton. That is such bullshit. I don't care who you are, everybody should be able to let their pregnancy news out in their own time. And especially at Bethenny's age. She wanted to wait the traditional three months. Just cruel and ugly.

The Countess arrives at Sonja's townhouse to chat about the upcoming charity party. I think I've got a girl crush on Sonja.

She's so rich and so real, and has an awesome townhouse with a Range Rover in the driveway. Everything I'd want in a woman. Not at all like most of these "had-nothing, got a little something" bitches. They call Jill and she spills the pregnancy news. They surmise that's what motivated the engagement. Wrong, bitches. She says Jewish people like to wait. News flash, hon, that's universal, not a special Jewish yenta thing. She says she wants Bethenny to keep the news to herself. Say what??? Now she wants to get all up in Bethenny’s business after shunning her for months. WTF is wrong with this woman. Next thing you know she's ragging on her and not wanting her to be invited to the Cocktails and Couture party. Fuck her.

Bethenny’s fiancé Jason is not feeling this "in the public eye" stuff. He’s very, very disappointed and frustrated that the news got out before they had a chance to tell his parents.

Jill does lunch with an event planner to concoct a holiday party. She wants to have a skating party but it seems mostly what she wants is to impress this person with all the high class people she knows. The planner never gets a word in, it's ridiculous.

And, although she looks to be in excellent shape, Sonja wants to have her stomach pooch tightened. I would kill for her stomach as it is now, but I still love her. She takes Ramona along to grill the surgeon on the details, board certification and such. I think Ramona scares him with her questions and her crazy staring eyes.

Bethenny calls Alex with the news before she can read about it online and Alex exhibits the proper emotional giggles. Then she tells her that Jill emailed her that she told the press the pregnancy was a rumor. Bethenny wonders why the hell she's talking to the press about her and why she's all up in her bidness. She asks Alex to tell Jill that she's done with her and Alex immediately and eagerly agrees to convey this message.

Jill and Bobby appear on a local TV show to talk up Zarin Fabrics. Bobby's dapper and controlled but was too slow relating the history of the business. Jill immediately interrupts and then takes over and throws out the appropriate sound bites quick and clean. She's become a professional, that girl. Bobby nods.

Sonja sees a psychic who's missing teeth and looks like she lives in a shack but I guess Sonja feels she has the gift. That's what I mean about her. She's the same with everyone and treats everyone the same. The woman also praises her for always being herself and seeing the good in everyone. And she used to run five households! In addition to telling her that the surgery will go well, the psychic tells her she will be married again, but Sonja's doubtful about that little nugget.

LuAnn does a book promotion at Bloomingdales and Jill comes with her daughter and Kelly. When not texting she and Kelly talk incessantly throughout the interview. Jill even yells out to the audience. The Countess is red-faced and appalled. Such bad manners from her friends.

I'd forgotten about TRU-ReNewal, Ramona’s skin care line. We’re at her launch party and everyone but Bethenny attends, with Kelly in a somewhat secretarial black top and glowing fire-engine red short, short, shorts. Jill immediately gets Ramona back by telling everyone that another skin care line is the last thing the world needs. Alex and Simon arrive and she’s nervous about talking to Jill. But instead of taking her aside, she keeps saying to the group how uncomfortable she is, how she has a message to deliver to Jill, and how you can shoot the messager if you want. She keeps trying to get the information out until she begins to break out in bright, blotchy hives. It's just not in her nature to be mean.

Jill complains that she obviously wants to say something not nice. It finally comes out -- that Bethenny is fucking done and never wants to see Jill again.

Kelly says we’re not in fourth grade, Ramona is angry it came out in front of everyone, and Jill says she might as well have thrown a drink in her face. She’s embarrassed but it’s not like everyone around didn’t know what was going on. At least Alex feels better but knows her relationship with Jill is changed forever but doesn’t care, lol.

Kelly, Jill and LuAnn commiserate in a corner with Jill saying she will never forgive Alex. Of course not, she never forgives anyone. She leaves crying in LuAnn’s arms. So fake.

Alex visits Bethenny to relate the story and they both get off on it. Bethenny marvels at the balls of this woman. Then Alex tells her she has her own problems with Jill. Says she’s been mean to her and her family and acknowledges that some of her balls came from that. Seems Bethenny is not the only person done with Jill.

SexyChattyCatty is a regular contributor at CrabbyGolightly.com where she writes on TV, America's favorite snack food.

Credit: Fox

The Verdict's In On Idol's Sinatra: Lee Dewyze Swings It

By Nicki R.

Nicki R.T ONIGHT THE FINAL CONTESTANTS TRIED ON BIG SHOES and were left wobbling.

With the help of Harry Connick, Jr., the five remaining contestants borrowed from the songbook of silk-throated Frank Sinatra and the collective result was less than thrilling. As the finale approaches, we've yet to see any of the finalists dazzle consistently. Tonight was no different.

Taking stage first was 17-year-old Aaron Kelly singing Fly Me to the Moon. For someone who is only five when Sinatra died, Aaron did a good job bringing back that classic swingin' vibe.

Credit: FoxRandy said he was worried because Aaron was so young but he did a good job. Ellen said his voices were beautiful. Kara says he was good though not as strong as last week but she thinks he'll be back. Simon said he didn't have conviction and the vocals toward the ends were corny. But Simon, who's already emotionally checking out, gives points to the teeny bopper for trying hard.

Next up is Casey James singing a flat and lifeless version of Blue Skies. It was a real snoozer. Randy calls it his worst performance ever and points out it was pitchy till the end. Ellen said it felt stiff. Kara said he took too long to warm up to the material and when he finally did, he sounded like a lamb. Huh? Simon calls him out for being uncomfortable and awkward. And it's clearer who's going home tomorrow night.

Crystal Bowersox, who finally brushes her hair and wears a pretty dress, sings The Summer Wind. At first she seemed to be trying too hard to be sultry and I could barely hear her. But as usual overall she did an amazing job. Randy calls the performance a little sleepy. Ellen tells her to loosen up but says she loves all the different colors in the Crystal rainbow. Kara rightly points out that Crystal's out of her element, but neverthless she still likes it. And Simon calls the first half too jazzy, and points out the obvious: she's had two "ok" weeks and needs to bring it home.

Mike Lynche delivered his soulful swagger to The Way You Look Tonight. It was clear that Mike felt at home with this material and up to this moment in the show he's tonight's standout. Randy calls his arrangement terrific, Ellen says he sounded smooth and good. Kara said he took them for a journey, and Simon announces that he's back in the game.

Closing the show is Chicago fav Lee Dewyze delivering a rockin version of That's Life. And just like that, he owned the night. Ellen said if this were the last night of the contest, he'd go home the winner. Kara tells him he can win this thing he just needs to believe in himself. And Simon calls him incredible.

We'll see them all again tomorrow, when I'm betting we'll say our final goodbyes to Casey.

Nicki R. is a Southern girl living in the big city of Chicago. She loves quiet evenings at home watching horror films with her dogs Jezebelle and Zombie. Check out her blog, Hey, Look Behind You!

May 04, 2010

I GOT YOU, BABE

Credit: jpistudios.com Credit: People

Elin & Sandra Move On, Take Solace In Wee Ones

By Elizabeth C.

THE LEGAL UNTANGLING REMAINS, BUT ELIN NORDEGREN AND SANDRA BULLOCK are slowly leaving their tattered marriages behind while finding solace with their wee ones.

Elin's been photographed in her native Sweden jogging without her wedding ring, which she discarded shortly after Tiger's sexual peccadilloes became public. Her two children, Sam and Charlie, are reportedly with her and the rehabbing of her new house is proceeding at a furious pace.

Though the paperwork hasn't been filed, talk is picking up pace that a divorce is inevitable and imminent. Is Elin just biding her time due to contractual obligations?

There was lots of talk in December that Tiger had sweetened the money pot if she stayed married two more years. Is $55 million worth being Mrs. Woods for 18 more months? You tell me.

And Sandra Bullock's already made it official: she's filed for divorce from Jesse James in Texas and now there's talk she'll raise her new four-month-old son Louis Bardo in his native-born city, New Orleans.

New Orleans is his city, and he is going to know it inside and out," she told People magazine.

Having someone to call her own is her salve from the revelations that her husband was a cheating, Nazi sympathizer.

"Sandra is a loving, giving person, and Louis could not be in a better home," said George Lopez, a close friend of the star. "She could not be happier."

Meanwhile, Tiger plays his "worst round of golf in seven years," and is looking over his shoulder as his slayer arrives on the scene.

And we presume Jesse’s still nursing that hole in his heart.


WORD

Credit: GoodGroveRecords

Get Your Groove On At GoodGrooveRecords

Credit: Marc Sakol's Sweet DreamsBy Marc Sakol

A SHOUT OUT TO YA'LL. TODAY, I come preaching the word of good music, or rather, good grooves.

A buddy of mine pointed me in the direction of GoodGrooveRecords.com. The site doesn't seem to update often but the real draw is the killer podcast.

Featuring various members of the Good Groove Label, including Feature Cast, Parker, DJP and the Break Beat Junkie to name a few -- the podcasts are nothing but straight out awesome groove, hip-hop and funk from a bunch of really great artists.

There are only six podcasts out right now but I highly recommend you go check them out, and maybe buy an album or two. If you're too lazy to listen to them all, I recommend listening to at least Podcasts one, two and six; those are my favorites so far, especially Peculiar Symphony, a matching of Marvin Gaye's Ain't that Peculiar and The Verve's Bittersweet Symphony that plays at the beginning of Podcast Six.

There isn't a lot of chit-chat in the casts; the hosts try to let the music talk for itself, leaving commentary to a minimum.

Seriously though, go get your groove on, in the mean time, I'm gonna go look for some more killer beats.

Marc Sakol understands the kindness in strangers, which is why he abandons hope of actually getting to know people. He spends his time falling head first into video games, watching every movie ever made and writing for his blog, Sarcasm Not Included.

May 03, 2010

HEYDAY

The incomparable Betty White

Unburied Treasure: Celebrity Snapshots From The 70s

By Elizabeth C.

Credit: TheeErin's on FlickrJUST A FEW STEPS WEST OF WRIGLEY FIELD, TOM BOYLE TRADES in the flotsam and jetsam of the past.

Boyle, 79, is the owner of the aptly named "Yesterday,'' a tiny yellow shack on Addison Street filled to the brim with collectibles from yesteryear. There's women's magazines dating to the 20s, old issues of Look and Collier's, original movie posters, newspapers documenting momentous events, baseball cards, political buttons and more.

And then sitting casually on the counter is a cardboard box filled hundreds of black and white snapshots of celebrities who, while in their heyday of the 70s, traveled through Chicago. Above is a snap of the incomparable comedic actress Betty White photographed 1977.

The photos are the legacy of photographer Don Fisher, who described himself as part of the "friendly paparazzi.'' When it was offered, Tom snapped up Fisher's entire collection, from which these snaps were culled. One lady came in one day and bought about $500 worth.

Alas, I missed the biggest names and rock stars, but Boyle says he has the negatives somewhere.

Check 'em out. They're great fun.

Johnny Cash
Country legend Johnny Cash, 1974.


regis Philbin
The hardest-working man in show biz, Regis Philbin, with full head of hair.


Tina Turner
Rock n' roller Tina Turner, 1976, the year she fled her abusive relationship with Ike Turner.


Johnny Carson
King of late night, Johnny Carson. 1976.


Amy Irving
Actress Amy Irving, 1977.


Grace Kelly
Princess Grace Kelly of Monaco in undated photo.


Jimmy Walker
Jimmy Walker looking dyn-o-mite. 1974.


Phil Donahue
The original touchy-feely talk show host, Phil Donahue.


Dom DeLuise
Funnyman Dom DeLuise.


The Rev. Jesse Jackson
The Rev. Jesse Jackson. 1975.


George Hamilton and then-wife Alana
George Hamilton with then-wife Alana. 1973.



Warren Beatty. 1975.


Charles Nelson Reilly with unidentified man
Charles Nelson Reilly with unidentified friend.


Robert Wagner
The ever-dashing Robert Wagner.


Vincent Price
Vincent Price, circa 1975.


Kirk Douglas
Actor Kirk Douglas. 1977.


Tom Snyder
Tom Snyder, 1977.


Tom Snyder
Robert Reed, aka Mr. Brady. The back of the snapshot suggests he was outside a hospital.


Raymond Burr. 1976
Raymond Burr, aka "Ironside."


Walter Cronkite

The most-trusted man in America, CBS Anchor Walker Cronkite.


Marty Feldman
Marty Feldman in 1977. The photo suggests he removed his sunglasses to reveal his bulging eyes, a condition caused by Graves' disease, according to Wikipedia.


Robert Goulet and fan
Singer Robert Goulet in bling with presumed fan. 1975.


Michael York
Michael York, 1977.

Danny Thomas
Danny Thomas, 1973. Most famous for Make Room For Daddy, he founded of St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.


Dennis Weaver
Dennis Weaver, 1975. The television actor was president of the Screen Actors Guild the year this picture was taken, according to Wikipedia.



Tony Randall
Tony Randall, the persnickety half of The Odd Couple.

Glen Campbell
Country singer Glen Campbell renowned for such hits as Wichita Lineman and Rhinestone Cowboy.


Henry Winkler
Henry Winkler, aka "The Fonz." This picture is circa mid-70s; the first episode of Happy Days aired in January 1974.


Billy Daly
Television actor Bill Daily. He costarred in I Dream Of Jeannie and Bob Newhart.


Shirley Jones
Academy Award winning actress Shirley Jones. Though best known for The Partridge Family, she is highly regarded for her screen work and singing.


Eddie Albert
Eddie Albert.

May 02, 2010

HANG WITH 'THE GANG'

Credit: Archie Comics

Today Only, Free Comics For The Hi-Low Crowd

By Elizabeth C.

ALL ACROSS AMERICA, CHUBBY MEN WEARING FLANNEL AND JEANS gather today in local comic book stores for handouts in honor of Free Comic Book Day.

Kidding! At least, about the flannel part. The free part is true!

Started in 2002, Free Comic Day is sponsored by the comic industry to promote the uniquely "American art form'' that began in earnest in the 1930s. A format that began primarily telling cartooned superhero stories has spread to include genres such manga, fantasy, humor, and horror. For a quick overview of the industry, stop by here.

But even better, visit your local comic dealer to join the party. You'll be supporting local businesses. And it might be the only chance for these hi-low readers to meet girls this year.

Kidding!

May 01, 2010

LOOKS ARE DECEIVING

Lina Marulanda Ambrose Olsen
South Korean model Daul Kim Ruslana Korshunova

The Death Of An Illusion: Models' Suicides Show Beauty's Only Skin Deep

By Madi S.

Madi S.A STRING OF RECENT SUICIDES AMONG THE WORLD'S SUPERMODELS IS PROVING that good looks, money and the admiration of others is not enough to make you happy.

Top male model Ambrose Olsen hung himself Thursday, April 22, according to the blog Modelwhispers. Olsen, 24, had appeared in print ads for design heavy hitters including Hugo Boss, Burberry, Louis Vuitton, and Armani Exchange.

That same day, Colombian supermodel and television presenter Lina Marulanda jumped off her 6th floor balcony and fell to her death.

In November of 2009, 20-year-old South Korean model Daul Kim was found hanged in her Paris apartment.

She had been a regular on the runways in New York , Milan and Paris.

And in 2008, Russian model Ruslana Korshunova, 20, died after falling from a building in Manhattan''s Financial District. Her death was ruled a suicide after depressing poetry written by her was found on her computer.

In February of this year, designer to the stars Alexander McQueen killed himself, distraught over his mother's day which had occurred days earlier.

What drives these beautiful and successful people to such desperate acts? In every instance, people close to the victims said they didn’t know they were unhappy or showing signs of depression.

That these successful, beautiful and rich people couldn’t live another day seems incomprehensible, yet suicide can be triggered by many factors including depression, alcoholism, drugs, and financial difficulties.

Yet, a study by the University of Rochester published last June in the Journal Of Research In Personality paradoxically suggested that having it all -- money, fame and looks – can actually contribute to a person’s unhappiness.

”People understand that it's important to pursue goals in their lives and they believe that attaining these goals will have positive consequences. This study shows that this is not true for all goals," says the study's author Edward Deci, a psychology professor. "Even though our culture puts a strong emphasis on attaining wealth and fame, pursuing these goals does not contribute to having a satisfying life. The things that make your life happy are growing as an individual, having loving relationships, and contributing to your community."

The study found that the more individuals reached their goals for materialism and image, the more they experienced negative emotions such as shame, anger and anxiety.

Madi S. is mom to two kids and three cats. She loves pop culture news, movies, fashion, travel, reading and observing the world.