Random Update....

Happy Friday Everyone! This week has kind of dragged on...which is strange since I had Monday off and all, but still. I am glad it is Friday. It's been a few days since I have posted...or maybe more than a few days. It's interesting since sometimes I am in a post numerous times a day mood...and sometimes, I don't feel the need to post for a week or so.

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I have seen people post all about Heath Ledger dying all over the internet. I think it's tragic and horrible...just like everyone else (except for that jerk on Fox News Radio...who said Heath died because God is punishing him for playing a gay cowboy. *grumbles*), but I am not going to speculate about how he died...what happened, etc. I feel so sorry for his family who have to go through this while the paparazzi and news media are in their face 24/7. I can't imagine how horrible that must be. His ex-fiance returned to NY with their daughter and instead of being able to come home in peace...she came home to a flood of cameras and microphones. That's a shame. But, it's how society works...and I will admit it...when I see a new article on the internet about the story, I click on it and read it. So, I hate it...but I am also part of the problem. So sad...really. Star Jones...who I actually loathe...wrote a great article about it. I hate to agree with her, but well...I do. That's all I will have to say on the subject because even though he was a celebrity...I didn't know the man, I doubt you did either. And in the grand scheme of things...my opinions on someone else's tragedy just don't really matter now do they???

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Speaking of my mom...I have been dreaming a lot lately. Well, I imagine I always dream this much, but I have been remembering them more. She's been present in my dreams lately...and it's been nice. I have been dreaming about family adventures and the whole family is there...mom...dad...my brother, etc. What is particularly nice is that it just seems normal that she is there. It could be a dream that we are all going grocery shoppping and she is just part of the family group. I like it...and there isn't any sadness about it. So, I hope these kind of dreams continue...so I can continue to have warm family moments with her...if only in my dreams.

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I don't know if I have mentioned it before...I probably have, but I am interested in running a 5 mile race in the end of March. Ok, let's be clear...I want to jog a 5 mile race. I have never been a great runner...even though I can run on my elliptical machine forever. So, it's a goal I have....to continue training and be ready by March. I have gone out and jogged around my neighborhood and what not...in hopes of building up my tolerance. So far...it is jog some...walk some...jog some...walk some. Each time, I build up a little more of the jog time. The race is in the winter time, so I am running outside...I figure, I have to get used to it, eh? It does make it hard because sometimes it is just too cold to run. I really wanted to go out for a jog on Monday since I had the day off work...but it was so cold...only in the single digits. I don't have access to a treadmill...so when the outside doesn't work with me, I am stuck. Tomorrow though...it's on. I am going to jog/walk from my apartment to my dad's house...which is just over 4 miles. I don't care if it is cold. I don't care if it is snowing like nuts. I am going! Wish me luck!

Alright...that's it for now. See, I don't update all the time, but then when I do...I give ya more than just a line here or there.

Celeb Gossip A Holic!

I wish I could say I don't read the gossips mags when I am checking out at the grocery store...or that I didn't read all the gossip that is out there on the internet, but alas...I do.

So...what has gossip told us this year? What stories made us pay attention?

Paris Hilton and her going to jail and not going to jail and going to jail again.

Lindsay Lohan and her going to drug rehab more times than I can count.

Britney Spears and all her craziness...shaving her head, dancing like crazy town all over the VMAs and of course losing her children and K-Fed actually proving he is the better parent in that family. Sheesh!

Rosie O'Donnell and the fight of all fights on The View.

Tom Cruise being all crazy...and did he and Joey Potter have the baby this year or last year?

I gotta wonder what celeb gossip will we get in 2008! I am shamed to say it, but no matter how much I wish it didn't exist...it'll entertain me, no doubt!

Britney loses the kids...

So, as I was watching GMA this morning...they reported, much like everyone else, that the judge has ordered custody of Britney's children to K-Fed temporarily. I guess I should feel bad for her, but in reality...I don't. I feel bad for those kids. I have little hope that they are going to survive all of this without being scarred...and well, probably turning into a mini version of her. I hope that she sees this...not as the world being unfair to her, but as a wake up call to change the things she needs to do in order to be a mother to those kids. You know, I take it back...I do feel sorry for her. I don't think anyone taught her how to be a mother...I think she was a such a celebrity/media engine when she became a mom that she didn't get the education she needed. Yes...some things are common sense. MANY things are common sense, but she doesn't live in my normal world...she lives in Britney land. lol I hope that with this ruling and the required drug testing and parenting classes, etc....that maybe she learns something. Those poor kids.

Now...I know that there could be much worse for parents. I see it everyday. Example...there was a news story on the local news. It makes me angry and sick just to think about it. This woman...I think she was 36 or 37...she was arrested for prostitution in one of the urban cities in our area. And here is the kicker...she picked people up for services with HER CHILDREN in the car. She would perform her workly duties in the front seat while her 6 year old and one year old were in the backseat. Umm...really? And there are also reports that she smoked crack in the car with the kids present. Ooh...and someone else reported that she once snorted lines off her baby's chest while she was breast feeding him. You HAVE to be flippin' kidding me! And now her children have been taken...but they should have been taken a long time ago. *shakes head*

You know...in comparison...this woman makes Britney's parenting style look like she was Mother Teresa!

Kiefer Sutherland gets ANOTHER DWI

I was reading some different sites on the internet...and came across the news that Kiefer Sutherland was arrested this morning for suspicion of drinking and driving. This would be the second, if not third DWI that Kiefer has gotten.

We all know that I adore Kiefer...he is one of my favorite actors ever. I just think the world of him, etc. However, I have also thought for at least a few years that his alcohol use is out of control. Maybe this last instance will make him realize he needs to get some help. He seemed to be the definition of a functioning alcoholic for a long time...drinking to excess, but still getting the things he needs to get done in life, etc.

I wonder how this might effect 24's schedule...I guess it all depends on what the outcome of the court case. I know that he got sentences to community service for his last DWI in 2004.

*shrugs*

Britney drama...

Oh..since I was mentioning the OJ Simpson drama...what about the Britney Spears custody drama. The courts say that Britney needs to attend a parenting class, she will be randomly drug tested twice a week, she has to meet with a parenting aide for 8 hours a week, she cannot use drugs and alcohol during her visits with her children and that she cannot use any substance 12 hours prior to getting her children. Now, I do wish that they mandated her into addiction treatment instead of just saying she needs to be tested. Obviously, she has problems and drugs and alcohol is pretty much a part of it.

Who would have ever thought that K-Fed would be the shining example of parenting in that relationship? Sheesh.

So, the news has been all over the new OJ Simpson case...where he allegedly went into an LA hotel room and attempted to steal back some stuff that people stole from him. So, he got caught and has been in jail for a few days. He went to court yesterday and bail was set for $125,000. The bail was paid and he went back to Florida.

How many times is OJ supposed to get away with doing stuff? At some point, he will be in a jail cell for good.

The thing that broke my heart more than anything was seeing his daughter in court behind him. Can you imagine...your mother being murdered and more than likely, your father did it. I can't imagine what her life is like. I feel really sorry for her.

OJ is an idiot...but then again, he's not in jail, so maybe he is a genius.

since i seem to be in a gossip mood...

My roommate gets Entertainment Weekly in the mail. I never would order it myself, but since she gets it...I do enjoy reading it. It's got all that TV and movie news and gossip, but unlike the other magazines, it has a high level of snark to it. Anyways...the newest magazine has an overview of the fall lineup, so I took a gander. I am excited to see a lot of shows return, but also looking to pick up a few new shows this fall as well.

Since I seem to be gossiping all over the place lately...about Britney...about Tommy Lee and Kid Rock and all their craziness...the new show Gossip Girl on The CW caught my eye. It's made by the creators of the O.C. and even though I don't want to admit it, I watched the O.C. from time to time. I know...I know...I'm almost 30...I know.



Anyways, Gossip Girl is about all these incredibly hip prep school kids in NYC...and they get all their news and info about their school from this "gossip girl" website. It sounds like Perez Hilton, but of course the gossip girl is probably thinner, hotter and better dressed. I guess no one knows who the gossip girl is...but she is the one outing the best gossip and info in the school to the shagrin of the people she is writing about.

You know, I thought I outgrew the teen based shows or maybe I just don't want to admit that I watch them. lol Gossip Girl premiers on the CW at September 19th at 9pm. I might watch it, I probably just won't admit to it! *winks*

VMA wreckage...

I think we all know by now that Britney Spears was well...the Queen of Suckage at the VMAs last night. She wasn't in the best shape to be wearing just a bra and panties on national television...now if one more person calls her fat though, I am going to punch them in the face. If Britney is fat...well then, what the hell am I? Anyway...back to Britney's breakdown...she danced like...well, she danced like you do when you are at an aerobic class for the first time. She seemed confused and would take one step in one direction only to stop, stare and step in the other direction. Yeah...it was a train wreck. My roomie said...and I agree, Justified Timberlake had to be in the back going, "Phew...dodged the bullet on that craziness!"

But, I am not writing this to highlight the Britney drama... because I find the Tommy Lee/Kid Rock drama to be even funnier...and maybe less pathetic. I guess Tommy was talking some smack to Kid Rock...and then Kid got up and socked him in the face. Wanna see a video of it? Of course you do...click here and just giggle away.

Now, I gotta wonder what Tommy said to finally get Kid out of his chair and throwing punches. Hmmm....maybe something having to do with size actually mattering, etc. tee, hee, hee....

Now this could only happen at the VMAs....could you imagine this happening at the Oscars? Emmys? Let's see...Nicole Kidman starts jabbering at Katie Holmes...making jabs at The Creek and what not...until Katie has enough and turns around and smacks her. Hmm, I don't think so. Or...maybe at the Emmys...Jennifer Garner makes some comment to J-Lo...and then J-Lo scratches her eyes out. Not likely...no wait a minute.,..I would believe that cause J-Lo is hella gangsta.

*snickers*

treatment and consequences!

As most people know, my job revolves around the criminal justice system and alcohol and substance abuse. Basically, if someone has broken the law and their addiction was a factor in that case, I do an assessment and if appropriate make a recommendation for treatment. Sometimes it is people doing outpatient treatment and then maybe getting probation or electronic monitoring. Sometimes it is people getting released from jail right into an drug rehab program, usually a 28 day stint. Sometimes it involves someone doing a long term inpatient and then getting involved in a intensive program like drug court.

It all really depends...on so many different things. It depends on their level of addiction and how severely it has impacted their lives. It depends on their criminal history and their likelihood to re-offend. It depends on their motivation for recovery, etc. There are so many different factors and treatment options. The one thing I have learned is that there isn't a cookie cutter way of doing this. Each person's treatment recommendation and plan looks different because what might work for person A is not the same thing that would work for person B.

I was talking to some people at work on Friday about the Lindsey Lohan nightmare and her plea deal. I don't wish bad things for her...really, I don't. But, I am saddened to see that she really isn't getting any consequences for her actions. I am glad she is in drug rehab again, but I am not sure if that will be enough for her. I mean, she got charged with SEVEN misdemeanor charges (and could have been charged with 2 felonies as well). She got charged with all that and she ends up with a plea deal including ONE day in jail, 10 days community service and completing a drug treatment program. I am happy she is being forced to complete treatment, but I also think she is being shielded from the consequences of her actions. I know if Joe Shmoe off the streets got arrested with her charges, he wouldn't be walking out with a deal like that. And, I also know that if people don't face the consequences...it makes recovery SO much harder. The excuses become easier. There is a reason why people usually have to hit rock bottom. Rock bottom gives you that extra shot of motivation to actually make recovery work.

Anyways, enough complaining about Lindsey. I think her court deal is unfair, but I also worry that this isn't the last we will see of her legal and addiction problems. I hope her family and people around her wake up and really do something to help her. My advice to anyone out there who knows someone suffering from addiction: Get them help and don't hide the consequences from them. It may seem mean, but in the long run it's probably the kindest thing you can do.

Thoof happens people!

There is a new website out there, Thoof.com...where normal people, like you and me...can post articles we found or even posts on our own blogs. So, we can read the news that our fellow bloggers found interesting instead of what the media circus thought we should be reading. It's like a personalized news service for the internet.

There are a few articles on there right now...which caught my interest. There is one about the 7 credit traps to avoid...another about 15 unfortunately placed ads and how it just made them ever so funny...one about Keira Knightley posing naked and the digital enhancement of her misquito bites. So...there is a little bit there for everyone.

I think the concept is really interesting and I am definitely going to put some of my blog posts up on there when I think it is something people might want to read. You can even install a ThoofRank Badge on the posts that you have put up there and it will tell you how many people are clicking through from Thoof to your site. So, in essence...it will tell you how popular your article is. Oh...and of course, the more popular an article is, the longer it stays up on the top of the front page.

So, find some interesting articles and get them all Thoofed up and ready to go!

What the thoof???

So, there is a new website out there called Thoof. It's a site where normal, average people can submit articles and then you can either click on it, which means you think it is cool or interesting...or not click on it and let the article die a lonely and depressing death. And, if you submit something to Thoof, you can put a Thoof PageRank on your article and it will tell you how you are doing in comparison to other people's articles on the site. It's kind of like a popularity contest on the net.

Now...why would a website name itself Thoof? It's left me wondering and here what my mind comes up with. I think that some crazy internet designers and hackers got together and wanted to make a site where people could submit their own stories, etc. They were so sick and tired of the media elite deciding what news is and is not important. They were sick of watching the news each night and not seeing anything that mattered to them. And, as time went on, they found that the internet was spoon feeding them just like the nightly news. These internet boys had enough and so, they decided a new location must be created...where people can come and share their news with the internet world. They decided they were going to call their website the "Truth" because it would be wear everyone could tell the honest to goodness truth. Only one problem...when they were registering for the website, they did it by phone (there was a great deal...almost made it free!). But, the guy giving the information had one hell of a LISP...so he said, I want the site to be www.truth.com and all the woman heard on the other end of the phone was www.thoof.com. When they got the website registration in the mail...they saw it was not what they wanted, but it made them laugh their little internet heads off. So, they decided to keep it. And, it was their own inside joke. The truth is told at the internet on thoof.com. LOL

Too funny, but seriously...if you want to read real, personalized news on the internet...it's the place to do it!

too cute

tee, hee, hee....I was reading about all the celebrity gossip online and came across this quote from Paul Rudd.

“God, I hate mustard. I don’t like condiments. Condiments in general I find unsettling. I don’t like ketchup. I don’t like mayonnaise. I didn’t have salad dressing until I was in college, I swear to God. I wasn’t ready. When I was a little kid I wouldn’t eat cucumbers unless my mother cut out the seeds. That behavior should not be tolerated, first of all. My mother did a horrible, horrible job. Thankfully I can now eat a whole cucumber.”

- Paul Rudd tells MTV News

Now...that's just hilarious. It's one of the many reasons why I love the snot outta Paul Freakin' Rudd.

When will enough be enough?

I am sure everyone and their brother is talking about it...so why not me? I am so disgusted about the situation with Lindsey Lohan and her legal and substance abuse troubles. She left Promises Rehab and relapsed publicly 11 days later...while getting arrested for a DUI, driving without a license and possession of cocaine. She has already had one DWI...which she also fled she scene. After that incident, she bailed out and jumped right into rehab. And after this DUI...she also bailed out and immediately entered another rehab.

Now I don't mean to downplay the power of addiction and how it can take someone's best intentions and throw them right out the window. However, treatment only works...if you play by the rules and do what you are supposed to. Lindsey Lohan is a poster child for not doing things the way someone in recovery should be. She is someone who seems to go to rehab when it will get her out of trouble, but doesn't seem to want it to negatively impact her life at all. Why do I say this? Well...one, fresh out of rehab she is going to Vegas nightclubs where booze and drugs are available and encouraged. She said she was sober there, but still...anyone in recovery knows that people, places and things will get you sooner or later. You can't surround yourself with the drug...the temptation and not think you are going to come out the winner, especially a WEEK out of rehab. And then there are unconfirmed reports that Lindsey was asking where she could score some ecstacy at the club since she wouldn't get caught on her alcohol detection bracelet if she was abusing drugs.

And then her DUI situation...11 days out of rehab she was caught speeding, driving recklessly and under the influence of alcohol. Where were all her sober friends then? And...they also say that cocaine was found in her pants pocket. She says it wasn't hers, but even if that was true...why is someone 11 days out of rehab have someone else's cocaine in their pocket??

I do have compassion for the girl...because I think getting clean and sober while being in the fishbowl of celebrity is hard, especially when you have the money and status to not really face the consequences. I mean, if this happened to me...where I was charged with a felony DWI and had a $25,000 bail...I wouldn't be going anywhere. My butt would be sitting in jail until my next court appearance. For Lindsey...25 grand is nothing, paid it and moved on. And for her own sake...because if she doesn't get clean, she is either going to kill herself or someone else, I hope she gets some consequences. I hope that this time...the judge doesn't think rehab as "good enough"...I hope she serves some time. Of course, it will all become the next Paris jail saga. I think this girl really needs a good wake up call. A serious one.

I do wonder...when will enough be enough? Does she have to drive drunk and hurt or kill someone? Do we have to find her OD'ed in her hotel room? Haven't we learned this lessons in Hollywood excess over and over again??

*shudders*