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Monday, December 31, 2007

From ME to you: Happy New Year!


Here's to wishing you all a safe, prosperous and joyous New Year!


Note: Please do ME a favor and participate in our blog wide survey above. I really want to make the blog better in '08 & would love to hear your feedback.

Saturday, December 29, 2007

Margarite Elaine has partnered with Snap Shots

Hi All!

I just installed a nice little tool on this site called Snap Shots that enhances links with visual previews of the destination site, interactive excerpts of Wikipedia articles, MySpace profiles, IMDb profiles and Amazon products, display inline videos, RSS, MP3s, photos, stock charts and more.

Sometimes Snap Shots bring you the information you need, without your having to leave the site, while other times it lets you "look ahead," before deciding if you want to follow a link or not.

Should you decide this is not for you, just click the Options (wheel) icon in the upper right corner of the Snap Shot and opt-out.

Friday, December 28, 2007

ME and My Money: Miss Money Bags

MICHAEL Michael Kors Hudson Soft Large Shoulder Bag

If you're like ME, you need a handbag that can fit everything plus the kitchen sink. No matter how many times I try to downsize my purse (or luggage as my mom calls it), I always end up back in my big comfortable bags. This purse is soft, subtle, sexy and will look very chic as it hangs from my arm. What's the litmus test? Can you help ME lift this kitchen sink?

MICHAEL Michael Kors "Hudson Soft Large Shoulder Bag", $378.00, shopbop

Shopbop offers FREE GROUND SHIPPING everyday.

have a date by dec. 31

Or maybe not.

This week has been pretty slow, but this random gem still managed to surface on the Internet. It's an article called "31 ways to meet a quality man," but don't get your hopes up. Here's No. 8: "Be friendly at the grocery store. If a man hovers around the pasta, give him your grandmother's recipe for tomato sauce."

Um, yeah. I carry THAT around with me all the time.

three's company


This site has an interesting article: "Five women with whom your girlfriend would have a threesome." The winners:

1. Heidi Klum

2. Angelina Jolie

3. Shannyn Sossamon

4. Scarlett Johansson

5. Kate Winslet

I agree with three of the five....but I'd like to delete Shannyn Sossamon and Kate Winslet. I didn't even know who Sossamon was (get the Wikipedia entry here) and 95 percent of Winslet's films annoy me.

Their replacements? Jennifer Garner and Natalie Portman.

Thoughts?

Thursday, December 27, 2007

ME and My Money: Tick Tock Clock

Haurex Pink Swarovski Crystal Watch

Nothing makes ME (and my accountant) happier than a honking piece of jewelry on sale. I just get all tingling inside, giddy with joy and silly with anticipation. When I think of all the wonderful clothing that this Haurex watch will accent, I truly get overwhelmed. Now I understand how my preacher must feel when his sermon is well received by the congregation. Can I get an Amen up 'n here?


Haurex "Women's Pink Swarovski Crystal Dress Watch", $235, Forzieri

Save an add'l $10 on all orders over $125. Use code 907301 at checkout.

NEW YEAR'S EVE

You asked for it. Here's the (kind of) official guide to New Year's Eve party spots in Columbus. This is a complete version that I cut and pasted from a piece I wrote for today's paper. To see the full article, click here.

Soho Bar & Grill , 5751 Milgen Road, will host a party with DJ music. It starts at 9 p.m. There's no cover, but customers can purchase a $10 party pack that includes party favors for two guests, as well as two glasses for free champagne at midnight. 706-568-3316.

Scruffy Murphy's , 1037 Broadway, will have a party with the rockers from Driven, as well as free champagne and party favors. Cover is $10, and the action starts at 10 p.m. 706-322-3460.

Muldoon's , 6499 Veterans Parkway, will have a party featuring local band Mindblender, as well as a breakfast buffet at midnight. Happy hour is 4-8 p.m. and the band takes the stage at 9 p.m. Cover charge. 706-327-9700.

Memory Lane , 1812 Midtown Drive, will have party favors, champagne and DJ music for guests beginning at 7 p.m. Cover is $10. 706-569-1165.

The Shanty Shack, 4475 Warm Springs Road, will host a party that's $30 per person, $50 per couple. That includes a breakfast, one bottle of champagne per guest, party favors, DJ music and a money machine game. Only 300 tickets are available. 706-507-3418.

The Uptown Tap, The Vault and Big City Club will have a joint party featuring champagne, a balloon drop with prizes and a Search for Baby New Year scavenger hunt. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door. 706-653-8277.

Buckhead Grill & Bar , 5010 Armour Road, will have a special menu in which entrees are $18-$30. You'll also get party favors, champagne and entertainment from the Donald Tipton Trio. 706-571-9995.

Daileys , 1039 Broadway, will have party favors, champagne and a performance by local band Seven Zero Sixx. The party starts at 9 p.m. Cover charge. 706-320-3353.

Belloo's , 900 Front Ave., will have champagne and a performance by the Mike Watson Trio. Cover is $5-$10. It starts at 9 p.m. 706-494-1584.

Spices Caribbean Restaurant & Bar , 4022 University Ave., will have a party featuring $15 seafood pails, champagne and party favors. Reserve a four-person table for $40. Staff recommends making a reservation by today. 866-814-2202.

After 5 , 3709 Gentian Blvd., will have a party starting at 9 p.m. 706-507-0024.

Bavarian House , 2528 Weems Road, will have party favors and DJ music beginning at 8 p.m. No cover. 706-257-1775.

AMF Peach Lanes , 1636 Bradley Park Drive, has two bowling specials. From 6-9 p.m., a group of up to six people can get a lane for $75. That includes a pitcher of soda and a large pizza. Then, from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., a group of up to six people can get a lane for $99. That includes a bottle of champagne and party favors. Reservations for that deal must be made in advance. 706-324-4431.

The Sports Page , 5736 Veterans Parkway, will have a full-day party featuring football games during the day and a party with a DJ and karaoke at night. No cover. 706-641-9966.

Broad Street Blues, 913 Broad St. in Phenix City, will have a party featuring Peggy Jenkins and the Rhythm Roosters, as well as party favors and a champagne toast. Tickets are $15 or $25 -- the $25 ticket includes a steak dinner. Doors open at 6 p.m. 334-297-3200.

Locos Amigos Cantina , 1030 Broadway, will have DJ music, drink specials and a finger-food buffet around 1 or 1:30 a.m. Cover is $5, or $10 with drink tickets. The party starts around 9 p.m., and the restaurant is open for dinner as usual. 706-320-4520.

The Loft , 1032 Broadway, will host a party featuring The Old School Band and Big Saxy. Cover is $15, and the action starts at 9:30 p.m. 706-596-8141.

The Saloon & Oyster Bar , 6005 Macon Road, will have a performance by The Maria Gabriella Band, as well as champagne and party favors. Doors open at 8 p.m., show starts at 10 p.m. Cover is $10. 706-568-8400.

Oxygen ,1040 Broadway, will have party favors, champagne and prizes. Cover is $10 and the action starts at 9 p.m. 706-596-8397.

Meritage Cafe , 1350 13th St., will hold a special New Year's Eve dinner. It's $75 per person and reservations are required. Seatings begin at 6 p.m. and continue until 8:30 p.m. The restaurant will close by 10:30 p.m. 706-327-0707.

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

ME and My Money: These boots were made for walking

Nina Ricci - Long Scrunched Boot

Now that the holidays have come to a close, I can focus on my resolutions for the New Year. My main focus in 2009 will be generating revenue. With all of my new money, I'd splurge on this subtle leather boots from Nina Ricci. These would look great with all my skinny jeans or leggings and would really step up my shoe game. Now, all I have to do is convince my accountant that shoe shopping is a valid business expense. Any suggestions?


Nina Ricci "Long Scrunched Boot", $834, eluxury

Counsellor Johnny Depp

Johnny Depp acted as a relationship counsellor for Tim Burton and Helena Bonham Carter on the set their new film.

The actor - who stars as murderous barber Sweeney Todd in musical movie 'Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street' - regularly helped his co-star Helena and herdirector boyfriend through their "domestics".

Helena said: "Johnny was very helpful because me and Tim would sometimes have little domestics and he was very diplomatic!"

The actress - who recently gave birth to a baby daughter, her second child with Tim - also said Johnny helped her remember her lines because she was pregnant when they shot the film.

She said: "Johnny was very thoughtful because I was pregnant and when you are pregnant, for the first three months it's difficult to concentrate on anything - all your energy goes into the baby.

"Sometimes he was off camera and when I had completely forgotten what Tim had told me, Johnny would just sign language, 'Look over there!' or whatever it was I needed to do, so that was particularly helpful!"

December 24 2007 -

Britney Spears in Bubble of Illusion that Will End in Suicide

Addiction expert Marty Brenner is claiming that Britney Spears is living in “a bubble of illusion” that “could end in suicide.”

Her weekend exploits hooking up with a member of the paparazzi and wearing a shirt with no bra are both disturbing attempts to regain attention after Jamie Lynn announced her pregnancy, Brenner tells The Sun:

“Britney appears to be crazy.

“She is disconnected from life. She’s losing it now, and she’s going to eventually lose it altogether if she doesn’t get the help she needs.

“She’s exhibiting bipolar signs and she’s clearly fighting depression.”

I think everyone needs to see the big picture here: At least Britney Spears is only flashing her nipples and publicly flaunting her rampant promiscuity. She could be trying to upstage Jamie Lynn by getting pregnant.

I think that’s the worst case scenario and God, I hope I didn’t just jinx us all by making that statement.

Britney Spears “Living in a Bubble of Illusion” Bubble Gum!

Spears' teen pregnancy puts parents to the test

Lisa Nicita
The Arizona Republic
Dec. 26, 2007

Gossip columns buzzed. Entertainment shows sizzled. Parents and preteens froze with fear.

Jamie Lynn Spears, younger sister of troubled pop star Britney Spears and star of her own Nickelodeon show, announced last week she was pregnant at 16.

That meant parents and fans of Spears' show, Zoey 101, might have some explaining to do.
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But before you have "the talk," know that topics of sex and pregnancy don't have to be scary or uncomfortable, unless you get carried away with threats and graphic details.

Kathleen Waldron, a faculty member in the College of Human Services at Arizona State University, advised keeping it simple. She said many of the kids who watch Spears' show may not even realize that you must have sex to get pregnant.

"Kids have all kinds of weird little ideas in their heads that we can't even appreciate," Waldron said.

Younger kids may just ask about the grind of motherhood. They'll want to know how Spears will care for the baby and how she'll miss sleep when the baby cries at night, Waldron said.

But preteens may have a different take. Waldron said they could be wrapped up in how a pregnancy can derail everyday teenage life.

No mall. No movies. No life.

"Those are the issues kids are going to be much more tuned in to," Waldron said.

To make it even easier, parents could just leave the subject alone until a child brings it up or asks questions, Waldron said. Why go there when you don't have to, yet?

"Don't give out any more information than they can process," Waldron said.

Turn the subject on them. Waldron said parents should ask their children what they think about Spears' pregnancy. Their responses may be surprising, and comforting to a parent.

"It could be a positive thing," Waldron said. "It turns into whatever the parents want it to turn into. It could be a thunderous moral lesson, which I would advise against."

Spears' pregnancy can open the door to touchy topics, including adoption and abortion.

DeAnn Bates, 33, of Peoria, thinks the teen TV star should be commended for her honesty and choosing to have the child despite public scrutiny and potential consequences to her career.

"Yes, she made a mistake. But look at how she's handling her mistake," said Bates, mother of a 3-year-old son. "I was excited for her for making the decision she made. A lot of young girls don't know what to do. Would the world have felt better if she went to a clinic, gotten her problem taken care of and it (news of the pregnancy) came out later?"

Because we now know nearly everything about celebrities, from DUI arrests to fast-food runs, concealing a pregnancy, or abortion, would be difficult.

Charles Coletta, a professor in the pop-culture department at Bowling Green State University, said Spears appears to be in uncharted territory. He can't recall when or if another teen television star has announced a pregnancy while the program was still on the air.

Nickelodeon has said a fourth season of the show already has been filmed and episodes are scheduled to begin airing in February.

"In the old days, people would get into trouble, but there would be a studio to keep things quiet," Coletta said. "We have so much more access to it. This is going to be her introduction to the larger viewing public."

ASU's Waldron said this could be a good time to separate reality from make-believe.

"This is an actor, not a character," Waldron said.

I Respect That Paparazzo with Britney Spears!

The other night, i was shocked how Britney Spears got into a paparazzo's car and simply drove off ... well, now that i think of it, it might have been the only thing to do, with all the hoards of drooling paps all over her!
The paparazzo, Adnan, who is a Brit, might have been the only guy that night, who treated Britney as a human being!
He helped her, by driving her to all the places she needs to go, helping her to go to the facilities at one supermarket and trying to ward off the paps!
To many, Britney is a big walking $ ! When she's in public, it's the prefect chance to snap as much photos of her as possible and to make a good deal of green ones! But Adnan saw her in a different way!
He saw her as a human being, being harassed by shouting paps with lenses shoved into her face!
I don't think anything happened between Brit & Adnan that night ... when he tells X17online that it was the best night of his life, it doesn't have to mean it was a wild romp!
By the way, he's a paparazzo ... but all through the night, he didn't take one photo of Britney! He could have made thousands of buck with exclusive photos of her ... but he didn't!
There's another thing bothering me about this matter ... i came across many comments over at X17online concerning Adnan and Britney ... it's true, everyone has the right to post their own opinion about anything, but some people think in strange ways! ...
The minute they find out this dude is of Arab origin ... he turns into a terrorist! That's crazy!
some posted comments like: "Maybe he grew up in the UK but he went to terrorist training camp in the Middle East." or "He does look like a F****** terrorist. Osama wears his beard or whatever the shit that is, like that. Middle East f******!"
Why? I don't get it? Why do some people suddenly start bashing other people like that?
What if he's called Adnan? He could have been called Adam and he'd still be the same dude ... but would he get all those accusations thrown at him like that? ...
He's just an ordinary dude, who put aside his job for a few hours to drive around town with Britney Spears ... cut him some slack and let him be!
Posted by H.A.R.

Jamie Lynn Spears Bump Photo Worth $100K: Will Casey Aldridge Cash In?

By Karen Diaz
Dec 26, 2007


Where is Jamie Lynn Spears and Casey Aldridge? Reports are circulating that a photo of the Jamie Lynn Spears bump would deliver a whopping $100,000 to the lucky person that happens to have a cell phone or a brand new digital camera and knows where to find Jamie Lynn and can snap a good clear photo of the pregnant Nickelodeon starlet.

Will Casey cash in? EL of Crazy Days and Nights believes Britney Spears may have a very merry Christmas if she can learn how to operate a camera. He writes online, " Jamie Lynn Spears is hiding. She is hiding well. So far she has managed to avoid Britney Spears and Britney's camera."

***

Oh the humanity! More from EL: "Why is Britney looking for Jamie with a camera? Britney wants the $100K currently being offered for new photos of Jamie. There are serious questions about just how far along Jamie is right now, and who the father is."

Star Magazine uses the cover for that story this week. He adds, "Now, don't go all producer crazy on me. Just people are curious about who the father is, and why if Jamie is just three months along as she indicated that there are not photos of her with a three month bump. The pictures from September show more of a three month bump and so now if Jamie were to show up looking like Halle Berry she would have some explaining to do. Much more explaining than if the baby was say three months premature with a life threatening struggle to survive in a hospital with all the world on Jamie's side.

Nicolas Cage's British Christmas

Nicolas Cage is set to fulfil a lifelong dream and spend Christmas in the UK.

The Hollywood star has always wanted to celebrate the festive season in England so is flying all his family over from the States.

Cage - who has a two-year-old son, Kal-El, with wife Alice Kim,said: "This year I'm doing something new. I'm going to be in the UK.

"I've always wanted to have a Charles Dickens-style traditional English Christmas ever since I was small so I'll be bringing the whole family over and we'll spend it in England. Maybe it will snow. Maybe!"

Cage is fast becoming a committed Anglophile.

Earlier this year, the 'Ghost Rider' spent nearly £5 million on a British castle.

Isabel Briggs - the seller of the 18th Century gothic abode, located near Bath - said: "There is a bit of fantasy about the castle but what appealed to him is the rather romantic landscape - we have a beautiful valley with its own woods. When he visited in May he walked all around the estate and decided that this was for him."

The 60-acre estate boasts an orangery, two cottages, a ruined chapel and 11 acres of woodland.

Cage already has an impressive property portfolio, with 14 homes dotted around the globe worth around £33 million. They include a Californian beach house which once belonged to late actor John Wayne.

December 24 2007 -

Britney Spears' paparazzi passion

Britney Spears spent the night in a hotel with a photographer on Saturday (22.12.07)

The 'Gimme More' singer experienced another meltdown which culminated in her inviting a paparazzo known only as Adnan, who works for the Finalpixx photo agency, to share a room with her at Beverly Hills' Peninsula Hotel.

A source is quoted as saying: "Adnan and Britney met in Malibu about 10.30pm. She got into his car and chatted to him for a while. Then she went home and got changed into her pink wig and a leopard print mini-dress.

"She met up with Adnan at the Peninsula and they checked into a room together. He came out at 4am to buy cigarettes. When someone asked what was happening between him and Britney, he said, 'It's hard to make babies when you're just having lunch.' "

According to reports, Britney left the hotel room at 9am with Adnan following at 10.25am yesterday morning (23.12.07).

Adnan is believed to have followed Britney to her Mulholland Drive home, and was still there yesterday afternoon when the 26-year-old singer's sons - Sean Preston, two, and 15-month-old Jayden James - were due to arrive for a supervised visit.

Britney's night with the snapper followed a bizarre series of events as the pop star - who this year has shaved her head, attacked a paparazzo's car with an umbrella and checked into rehab - appeared to go off the rails yet again.

The meltdown began on Friday night (21.12.07). Following a late night shopping trip to Target where witnesses claim Britney appeared to be randomly throwing items into her trolley, she visited West Hollywood Japanese restaurant Miyagi's at 1.15am, where she demanded take-out food, despite being told the kitchen was closed.

After spending Saturday (22.12.07) at home, Britney left her Malibu gated community at 7pm and drove to a nearby gas station.

She was overheard on her cell phone in the restroom having a heated argument with her assistant Sam Lufti.

Witness claim the singer then phoned a recording studio to book a session for that night. When she was told they were fully booked, she allegedly shouted: 'I need a f**ing studio now. Don't tell me you don't know who I am. F**k you. I need it now, not tomorrow!'

Britney then drove to a convenience store where she invited a photographer named Phillipe to join her in her MINI Cooper car. After talking to Phillipe for some time she asked him to call Adnan - who was at his aunt's home in Santa Barbara - and tell him to come and meet her in Malibu.

Britney previously met Adnan in September, when she admitted he was "cute". The photographer came to the star's rescue when she asked a crowd of paparazzi following her to get her a tampon, while using the bathroom at a Los Angeles Quiznos sandwich store.

December 24 2007 -

Michelle Rodriguez jailed

Michelle Rodriguez began her six-month prison sentence yesterday afternoon (23.12.07).

The former 'Lost' star reported to California's Lynwood County Jail at 4.33pm to start her sentence for violating the terms of her probation after she was found guilty of DUI (driving under theinfluence of alcohol).

Superior Court Judge Daviann L. Mitchell ruled the 29-year-old actress could not be given early release, but due to prison over-crowding the county sheriff may have no choice but to let her out before she has served her full sentence.

State law also permits that Rodriguez be released early for good behaviour.

The 29-year-old actress was sentenced on October 10 after she "admitted violating her probation by failing to provide proof of completion of her community service and for consuming alcohol three times while wearing an alcohol-monitoring device."

Rodriguez - who played Ana-Lucia in hit TV show 'Lost' - was serving an extended probation term for several driving offences.

In May 2006, she served just four hours and 20 minutes of a two-month sentence at Lynwood for violating probation terms of a DUI arrest in Hawaii in December 2005.

She was released early due to prison over-crowding, and served just over two days in a Honolulu jail for the same offence.

In June 2004, Rodriguez was placed on three years probation after pleading no contest to DUI and driving with a suspended licence following two separate incidents in Hollywood dating back to 2003.

December 24 2007 -

say what?

Here's a set of popular buzzwords from 2007. I'm usually kind of opposed to these list-type article, but some of these words are pretty sweet.

Like "bromance," a strong relationship between two heterosexual men.

Just waiting for the day when "guylence" makes it into one of these pieces.

post-christmas hangover

More in the metaphorical sense.

The day after Christmas is always so weird, especially when you have to work. On one hand, the holiday-induced pressure is over, and you most likely have a bunch of new stuff. But the other, you're tired, have a messy house and can't yet bring up any other major holidays without seeming selfish and/or ungrateful.

Oh well. I'll survive.

Still craving yuletide cheer? Check out this list of Christmas sex positions. Re-gifting a tried-and-true package never felt so good.

Monday, December 24, 2007

all i want for christmas is u

And you. And you.

OK, I know I've been borderline MIA lately, but thanks for sticking with me. Just wanted to wish everyone happy holidays and thank you again for your support of this blog.

I've never been a huge Christmas person -- the holidays usually function mainly to reinforce my own loneliness or remind me that I'm not being charitable enough during the remaining 364 days of the year.

Still, there's always one moment Dec. 25 -- even if it is brief -- that I forget about those concerns and feel like a kid again.

May your favorite moment last a little longer than usual this year.

Merry Christmas!

Friday, December 21, 2007

ME Holiday Gift Guide: Star Light, Star Bright

STARLIGHT LACE CAMI, BOY SHORT SET

Guys listen up! Why go to the strip club when your wife can look this hott? You'll be surprised how many square meals you'll get if you drop a 20 in her garter belt. Ladies when your guy presents you with this great gift on the BIG DAY, don't frown up. Instead get him to promise to have dinner with the mother-in-law during a moment of ecstasy. Now that's a gift that just keeps on giving.

Starlight Lace Cami & Boy Short Set, $34, Fredericks.com

Thursday, December 20, 2007

Celebrities like Paris Hilton cash in on notoriety

NOTORIETY rather than talent has become a hot asset, with a growing demand for washed-up Hollywood stars and wannabes to appear around the world.

The so-called celebrities are cashing in big-time, charging exorbitant fees to keep up their lavish lifestyles.

A chocolate commercial here, a perfume launch there, jewellery store openings, award ceremonies, sometimes just a big party -- and organisers seem only too happy to line their pockets.

The new fame game is led by notorious party girl Paris Hilton and her sister, Nicky, who are said to be asking more than $500,000 to show up at a club this New Year's Eve.

"Paris and Nicky are shopping their partying ways to Vegas," an insider said. "Only they have the guts to ask for that kind of money.

"Paris will party at a few spots and Nicky will bless the lucky host with a fashion show of her wares."

It wasn't always so for the Hilton sisters. When they were brought to the Melbourne Cup by Channel 7 in 2003, they were largely unknown in the US -- let alone in Australia.

According to a Seven source, they were not paid a fee but were happy to attend the Spring Carnival on an all-expenses-paid basis.

That's not cheap, with first-class air tickets, five-star accommodation, limousine service and designer clothes.

The Hiltons were also promised a Gold Coast holiday at Palazzo Versace as an added incentive.

"Their phone bill was astronomical," the Seven source said. "Everybody wanted to give them clothes, and there were problems when many of them were not returned."

When Paris Hilton returned to Australia for New Year 2006 for the launch of Pure Blonde beer, her fee was a cool $250,000 -- on top of other sundry expenses.

And that fee continues to rise with her jail farce this year.

The Chinese lavished attention on Hilton when she attended the MTV awards in Shanghai.

And just last week, she was in Berlin, earning thousands to launch a sparkling wine and open a department store.

Pamela Anderson might go through husbands as frequently as she changed swimsuits in her Baywatch days, but she doesn't need the alimony.

Her asking price has taken a leap. The busty blonde wants almost $300,000 to turn up, compared with less than $100,000 last year.

When she appeared in Melbourne last year to launch green M&Ms, sources said it cost organisers well under $200,000, including expenses.

They said that she was "very good value for money. She was great and went overboard to promote the commodity".

That included wearing a dress in the same green as the M&M.

Australia is becoming increasingly popular as a lucrative destination for Hollywood party girls.

This month, Tara Reid trekked to Darwin to host a hooker's ball. She is believed to have asked, and received, $25,000 for the gig.

When she demanded a similar fee for numerous other appearances in Sydney and elsewhere, organisers said no way. Reid's management quickly dropped the fee to $3500.

Insiders say the price fell dramatically because her agent noticed a sharp decline in her bookings.

But the American Pie star's flights, accommodation and entourage were all taken care of.

Max Markson, who organised a Reid appearance at the Ed Hardy store in Sydney, said you could not put a price on the publicity she created, with photos of her shopping at the store appearing everywhere from the New York Post to the London Sun.

"Ed Hardy received millions of dollars worth of free publicity when the photos of Tara were shown worldwide," he said.

"That kind of publicity justifies the price you're paying her."

Australian Consolidated Press editorial director Louisa Hatfield has brought out stars such as Anna-Nicole Smith for the annual NW Oscar's party.

While she wouldn't go into figures, she said it was worth every cent.

"(Smith's) visit to Australia and at the NW Oscars party is still talked about today -- that literally is the point," Ms Hatfield said.

"It means the magazine gets noticed and talked about."

She says it's not essential to hire a celebrity for a party, but it is the icing on the cake.

"It gives a party a touch of glam," Ms Hatfield said.

"We are all fascinated by the UK and US celebrities, so the idea you could be sipping a cocktail with them is unbeatable -- even for diehard cynics."

According to Ms Hatfield, it is now much easier to bring celebs out to Australia because overseas stars are much more aware of Australia than they used to be.

"A few years ago, for my weekly titles, I wouldn't have dreamed of bringing out an overseas star," she said. "But now it's relatively easy to pull off because the stars are willing and able."

Mr Markson, who is negotiating to bring out Lindsay Lohan and Anderson for $500,000 each, agrees the publicity a brand generates by having a celebrity attached is priceless, if not a little ridiculous.

"It's definitely crazy to spend half a million on an appearance, which is what many of the celebs charge," he said. "But the publicity you generate for your brand around the world is priceless.

"We charged $1000 a seat when Al Gore was in Melbourne."

As the trend becomes more popular, the price goes up.

While, last year, Mariah Carey's asking price for a private appearance was more than $1 million, that figure had reportedly now increased to more than $3 million.

Aussie performers and celebrities may not be raking in the kind of money as their US counterparts, but they are not doing too badly either.

According to an insider, girl band the Young Divas and Anthony Callea can earn up to $10,000 for a nightclub performance.

A source said that former Hunters and Collectors singer Mark Seymour made $10,000 for singing three songs at an event just last week, while Jon Stevens made $7000 at the same event last year.

Melbourne nightclub publicist Adam Beaupart says while clubs and bars are happy to pay for performances, unlike the US they won't pay for appearances.

"Nightclubs are prepared to pay up to $10,000 for a performer, but they won't pay any money for an appearance," he said.

"Clubs and bars in the city don't need to, they will come anyway because the name of a bar speaks for itself."

Beaupart says that bars and clubs in the suburbs will pay for famous faces such as those from Big Brother and Neighbours because they will attract crowds.

Brooke Campbell

December 21, 2007

Teen Spears' Baby Daddy Eludes Media

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — He's a 19-year-old pipe layer; a deer-hunting, dirt-bike-riding former high school class president who still lives in his tiny Mississippi hometown. So why are the paparazzi hot on his trail?

Because Casey Aldridge is an expectant father — and the mother is 16-year-old Jamie Lynn Spears.

And to hear Aldridge's uncle tell it, the daddy-to-be isn't quite ready to join Spears — the star of "Zoey 101" and the sister of pop star Britney Spears — in the spotlight.

"I don't think they are ready yet to sit down and talk to the media," Odus Jackson, a pastor in Gloster, Miss., told The Associated Press by telephone Thursday. "They haven't gotten their heads together yet."

Jackson said media were already swarming the southern Mississippi town — with a population of 1,073 at last census count — in search of Aldridge, not even 48 hours after the news came that Spears told OK! celebrity magazine about the pregnancy. She said she plans to raise the baby in her home state of Louisiana.

Jackson, 71, said Aldridge left before camera crews descended Wednesday and was going into hiding. Jackson said he spoke briefly with his nephew, who also lives in Gloster but was often out of town for work.

"He doesn't want to say the wrong thing to the media," Jackson said. "At the right time he will speak."

It's unclear how Aldridge and the younger Spears met or where they spent time together.

Jackson said his nephew briefly attended a junior college in Mississippi but now works for a pipe-laying company in Baton Rouge, La. He attended school at Amite School Center in nearby Liberty, Miss., where he played football and baseball, principal Dan Brewer said.

Brewer, who was not principal when Aldridge graduated last year, said the teen went to school with his daughter and has visited his home. Aldridge was class president, and was honored by his senior classmates as "campus favorite" and "most versatile."

"He was just a super dude," Brewer said.

Jackson said Aldridge enjoys deer hunting and rode dirt bikes. His parents, Joyce and Mark, currently live in Tennessee.

"He is a quiet guy," Jackson said. "That is why it is going to be very difficult to corner him until everybody is ready to talk together on the same page. He doesn't like the limelight. He is going to hide as much as he can."

Jackson denied reports that his nephew and Spears, who was a guest at Jackson's home this past Thanksgiving, were no longer together.

"I think they are going to try to stay together," he said. "They certainly don't want to part."

Jackson said Aldridge has told family members that "he wants to go ahead and get married as soon as possible." Jackson added that the two do not want to "rush into it."

By KATHY HANRAHAN

Britney Spears Shops for Jamie Lynn Spears, Baby

Britney Spears may have been a little bit behind when she was blindsided by paparazzi telling her that her little 16-year old sister Jamie Lynn spears was knocked up. She was reportedly stunned and answered with one of her patented 'Wha..?' when she was told that Little sis was with child.
There has been all kinds of speculation that Britney's wild late night lifestyle may have contributed to Jamie's wayward ways, but as Britney doesn't even have custody of her kids that seems a bit unlikely.

***

It looks like Britney has rebounded a bit and she was off to shop for her pregnant sister on Wednesday, according to a report from TMZ.Com. Britney believes that the little sixteen year old will be a "Hot Mom to Be" and she bought her a black tank top to prove it. Wait - isn't this the type of thing that got the Spears gals in trouble to begin with?

TMZ reports that Britney ordered Jamie Lynn a Tuni & G tank top with the words "Hot Mama 2 B" on it, along with a bunch of all white items including a blanket, a stuffed elephant with a white satin bow, onesies, socks and sneakers.

By Tina Sims
Dec 20, 2007

Step'mom' Katie Holmes

Tom Cruise's children with Nicole Kidman call his new wife Katie Holmes 'mom'.

Katie, 29, revealed she has such a bond with Isabella, who turns 15 on Saturday (22.12.07), and 12-year-old Connor - who both live with Katie and Tom in Los Angeles - they refer to her by the parental term, even though they call their adoptive mother Nicole by her first name.

She said: "Tom is a great father and husband and Connor and Bella are incredible, really smart and kind. They call me 'mom.'"

Nicole - who primarily lives in Tennessee with her husband Keith Urban - is said to be furious and has banned her children from calling Katie 'mom'.

A source said: "Nicole was anxious to make it very clear that she is Connor's and Bella's mother. They may not live with her but no one can take that away from her."

Katie - who has a 20-month-old daughter, Suri, with husband Tom - also gushed that last Christmas "meant the world" to her because it was Suri's first.

She added in an interview with Parade magazine: "Last year was Suri's first Christmas. It was so spectacular to share the holidays with her. It really meant the world to me. To be able to create a tradition for your children is one of the best gifts you can have."

The former 'Dawson's Creek' actress also praised Tom, 45, for being an "inspiration" to her and added their relationship has been full of "thrills and joy".

Katie - who has been married to the 'Lions for Lambs' star for just over a year - said: "Oh, we have so much fun. Tom has introduced me to so many new experiences. I have done things I never thought I would do, like climbing mountains and flying in the P-51. That's what is so inspiring about being with him - constant thrills and joy."

December 20 2007 -
by BANG Showbiz
askmen.com

Jude Law's Sadie salsa

Jude Law is set to spend Christmas with ex-wife Sadie Frost in Cuba.

The 'Sleuth' actor, who was married to Sadie for six years until they divorced in 2003, will celebrate the festive season by learning to salsa dance in Havana.

A source told Britain's Daily Express newspaper: "They may not be married any more but Jude and Sadie still love spending Christmas together. They will be taking only one suitcase of presents with them. Jude's present from Sadie is really small and fits into a tiny box so who knows, it could be a ring?!

"They have already started joking about Jude's lack of rhythm. No doubt there will be a lot stomping on Sadie's toes!"

The pair - along with their three children Rafferty, 11, Iris, seven, and Rudy, five, and Sadie's son Finlay, 17, from her previous marriage to Spandau Ballet star Gary Kemp - will be staying at the luxurious Hotel Nacional de Cuba.

Fashion designer Sadie recently revealed she is still close to Jude and they are determined to remain friends for the sake of their kids.

She said: "At the end of the day it's all about families. Jude and I will always be family."

Since the split, Jude Law has dated actress Sienna Miller, while Sadie has romanced a series of younger men.

December 20 2007 -

Keira Knightley's funny fear

Keira Knightley is terrified of starring in a comedy.

The 'Atonement' actress has revealed she would be uncomfortable making a fool of herself on the big screen and insists she is too "dark" to be funny.

Keira said: "I am a big fan of 'Blades of Glory'. I don't normallywatch films like that and it was great. But getting involved in a Will Ferrell comedy would terrify me.

"I guess I am into darker things at the moment. I think I am quite frightened of comedy. It's never something that I've watched a lot of. I think people can always quote comic films and I've never been able to do that. I can quote you the tragic ones, but not the comic ones.

"I can't watch myself at all. I'm not really interested in trying to look at myself in a film and go, 'Yeah, good job.' I'm incredibly critical. And I like being critical - I like watching it and picking it apart."

Keira loves going to the cinema and watching a movie which leaves her in tears.

She explained: "I like a good cry. I think those are the films I like the most. I like ones that make me cry. There are millions of movies that make me cry. Pretty much anything. I cry at anything."

The 22-year-old star also revealed she shared a bath with Sienna Miller in a scene for 'The Edge of Love'.

She said: "We did get in the bath together, yes. Washing our knickers in the bathtub."

December 20 2007 -

Pink's cooking cut

Pink needed stitches after she cut her hand while cooking at home.

The 'Stupid Girls' singer was seen leaving California's Sherman Oaks Hospital with a bandage around her wedding finger on Tuesday (18.12.07).

Pink said: "I cut my finger cooking. I'm obviously a terriblecook, I needed four stitches."

The 28-year-old singer may have been trying to add some romance to her life by cooking her motocross star husband Carey Hart a special meal.

Insiders claim their marriage is on the rocks and she is tired with his constant dalliances with other women.

A source said: "Divorce is just around the corner. Carey has this one blonde in particular that he takes everywhere, even public appearances. But Pink knew what she was getting into!"

Pink was reportedly overheard telling friends at Hollywood restaurant Eleven that she wanted time apart from Carey after just 21 months of marriage.

A source said: "Pink was out with a table full of friends and telling them that her and Carey just wasn't working anymore."

When asked about their marriage in September, Carey, 32, said "everything's fine".

A representative for Pink said rumours the couple are splitting up were "complete bulls**t."

December 20 2007 -

Amy Winehouse's prison wish

Amy Winehouse is desperate to go to prison so she can empathise with husband Blake Fielder-Civil.

The troubled star - who was arrested on Tuesday (18.12.07) before being released on police bail - has been spiralling out of control ever since Blake was arrested and sent to prison last month.

Now Amy is intent on being put behind bars as she believes it will bring her closer to her husband.

A source told Britain's Daily Star newspaper: "It's almost like she wants to get herself jailed so she can feel how Blake feels and in that way feel closer to him.

"Everyone is trying to get her to snap out of it but we worry. These past few weeks have been hard on her and we don't want her to self-destruct. But she's on a downward spiral."

Amy voluntarily turned herself into Shoreditch police station, in London's Hackney area, in connection with the investigation into her husband's charge of perverting the course of justice.

A Scotland Yard spokeswoman said: "A 24-year-old woman has been bailed to return to an east London police station on a date in early March pending further inquiries."

Blake is currently being held in custody in London's Pentonville Prison after allegedly conspiring to pervert the course of justice by bribing James King, the landlord of Macbeth's public house in Hoxton, to withdraw his allegation of grievous bodily harm (GBH) against the 25-year-old.

He will be remanded in custody until January 18 for a plea and directions hearing.

December 20 2007 -

Heather Mills' lawyer war

Heather Mills has been warned to pay £2 million in unpaid legal bills or face a court battle.

The former model, who is currently embroiled in a bitter divorce with Sir Paul McCartney, had arranged to hand over the huge fee once her divorce settlement was finalised.

However, law firm Mishcon de Reya no longer represents Heather and the company is now concerned about her paying the bill.

A source said: "Heather has been told she has to make steps to clear the debt. She has been told that a writ is as good as on its way. Mishcon de Reya worked tirelessly indifficult circumstances for Heather and it is now concerned it may not get its money. Mishcon is concerned Heather could get a nominal settlement of a few million pounds and because she has other debts to clear, Mishcon is worried they will be at the back of the queue."

The firm contacted Heather last week and asked her to clear the debt or face legal action.

Paul's lawyers are reportedly keeping track of the situation and are aware that if Heather was ever to be declared bankrupt it would weaken her position in the divorce settlement.

Mishcon de Reya and Heather parted ways following her decision to appear on several UK and US TV shows last month where she verbally attacked Paul.

The source added to Britain's Daily Mail newspaper: "Mishcon has drawn a line under its relationship with Heather. The thinking is that by going so public with a raft of accusations in that round of television interviews, Heather has ruined her chances of getting a reasonable settlement."

During the interviews, Heather likened herself to the late Princess Diana, said she was suicidal, branded Paul's daughter Stella "evil" and claimed Paul had refused to give her a "quick and gentle" divorce."

Heather recently told LBC radio station it was her decision to let Mishcon de Reya go and the firm are said to be concerned the 39-year-old vegan may dispute the unpaid legal fees.

Mishcon de Reya's representative refused to comment on whether the company has issued a writ.

Heather's representative was unavailable to discuss the legal action.

Paul and Heather are next scheduled to appear in court in the spring.

December 20 2007 -

Will Smith's 'beautiful' girl

Will Smith says working with his daughter on his new movie was "beautiful".

The Hollywood actor stars alongside seven-year-old Willow in 'I Am Legend', and revealed the experience left him "bursting with pride".

Speaking at the film's UK premiere at London's Odeon cinemain Leicester Square last night (19.12.07), Will told BANG Showbiz: "It was beautiful working with my daughter on this movie and wonderful to have her play my on screen daughter.

"She's very into acting and performing, so any time your kids want to do what you want to do it's a great experience as a parent.

"I was just bursting with pride most of the time she was on set."

Will - who starred with his nine-year-old son Jaden in last year's 'The Pursuit of Happyness' - spent 30 minutes greeting hundreds of screaming fans, signing autographs and posing for pictures on the red carpet.

The actor appeared on a balcony before entering the film's screening to say a special thank you to the crowds.

He said: "I just want to thank you all again so very much for coming here tonight. It was cold out here but you all made it warm in my heart."

'I Am Legend' sees Will play Robert Neville, the apparent lone survivor in a world dominated by the ravaging effects of a man-made virus.

Willow takes the role of Robert's daughter Marley, who appears in early scenes and then later in a series of flashback sequences.

December 20 2007 -

obligatory


I feel like I'll be shut out of humanity if I don't post something about Jamie Lynn Spears' pregnancy. So out of panic, I just did a Google news search on the issue. Turns out finding bizarre takes on the issue wasn't that hard after all. Here goes:

*A 16-year-old is pregnant. Who better to comment on the issue than Blair from "Facts of Life"? Sure, she didn't get pregnant as a teen. And was on TV, like, 20 years ago. But other than that, they're totally the same person. Read more here.

*Nickelodeon is considering airing a special about love and sex to explain the issue to its younger audience. Who, of course, has been living a completely sheltered existence until now. Get the full story here.

*The online version of TV Guide brilliantly decided to run this article, in which a "regular teenager" gives her opinion of the issue. My favorite part: "Now, I personally do not know Jamie Lynn Spears, but it is my guess that she, along with most teenagers, myself included, did not plan on having children pre-high school graduation."

who knew?

For all your urinary needs...here's a guide on how to use a men's public bathroom without annoying everyone.

Something I never thought about:

"Regulate your stream so that you pee as long as possible, since it's a scientific fact that the length of one's pee is proportional to the length of one's pee-pee."

Um...yes?

ME Holiday Gift Guide: Have you been Naughty or Nice?

bebe.com : Be Naughty Urban Tank

Some say nice girls finish last but if you're a good naughty girl, you finish on top. This tee gives you every reason to unleash your wild side and every excuse to tell Santa why your name's not on his list.

"Be Naughty" Urban Tank, $39, bebe



Order by December 21, and get a FREE UPGRADE TO OVERNIGHT SHIPPING. No promo code required!

oooohhhh yes

Wow...I skip blogging for two days, and come back to a blogosphere that's apparently now under a Jamie Lynn Spears dictatorship.

I'll get to that issue in a minute, but here's some more pressing news: Saturday is World Orgasm Day, according to this article. Here's what will, um, go down:

"The day works like this: people from all over the world are encouraged to synchronise their orgasms at the exact moment of the Summer Solstice, which Down Under occurs this Saturday at 5:08pm. This is supposed to bring positive energy to the earth, promote peace, engender empathy, compassion and love, and even combat global warming."

Get those AA batteries ready, ladies!

(If you're wondering about the lack of recent blogging, it's because I've been totally consumed by our holiday lights competition. See the fruits of my labor here.)

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

ME Holiday Gift Guide: Come to my 'Hood

Victoria's Secret - Bling signature hoodie

Sparkley, comfortable and 30% off. Need I say more?

"Bling signature sweats", $51, Victoria's Secret

Use code PINK30 at checkout to save 30% off all hoodies and sweats. Hurry offer ends today!

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Matthew McConaughey stitched up

Matthew McConaughey needed stitches after cutting his face while training for his new movie.

The 'Sahara' actor was seen with bandages over his left eye yesterday (17.12.07) after he suffered injuries training to play a heavy-for-hire in new comedy 'The Grackle'.

McConaughey's representative said: "Matthew was doing training, based on the principles of the Ultimate Fighting Championships, when he suffered a cut face which required medical treatment and stitches."

The 38-year-old actor is to play a brute who hires himself out for $250-a-time to settle disputes for people who can't afford a lawyer.

McConaughey is currently dating Brazilian model Camila Alves.

The party-loving actor spent the summer living in a trailer on a Malibu beach but left the rustic abode for a hotel after Alves allegedly refused to move in.

The pair checked into Malibu's Polaroid Beach House hotel in July and began house-hunting together.

December 18 2007 -

Kate Hudson 'loves' Owen

Kate Hudson has spoken about her ex-lover Owen Wilson for the first time.

The actress, who began dating Owen last year after they met on the set of 'You, Me and Dupree' but split in June, will always love Owen and hopes he is happier following his failed suicide attempt.

She said: "Owen is such a lovely person, and I love him dearly. And I wish him beautiful things - health and everything that he desires in life."

Kate, 28, also revealed her marriage to rocker Chris Robinson began to falter after their three-year-old son Ryder was born.

The actress, who split from Chris in 2006 after six years, admitted her divorce was the most "painful" thing she has ever gone through.

She told Vogue magazine: "We had Ryder, and we both sort of looked at each other and went, 'Something's off.'

"The divorce was the most difficult thing I've ever done in my life. The process of discovering with somebody that you love that you don't work is so painful."

Despite the heartbreaking split, Kate insists she is still close to her ex-husband and claims being a single mother has forced her to grow up quickly.

She said: "Thank goodness I did it with Chris. We helped each other through it. Now we're both single and since the day we separated, we talk multiple times.

"This year was just an extremely giant sort of leap. I definitely feel like I've grown up a lot."

Following her split from Owen in June, Kate has been romantically linked to Dax Shephard and Orlando Bloom.

Owen was rushed to hospital on August 26 after being found unconscious with slashed wrists, just days after Kate was first photographed with Dax.

The 'Wedding Crashers' star has since reportedly dated Jessica Simpson, supermodel Le Call and 'Bionic Woman' star Michelle Ryan.

December 18 2007 -

Britney Spears' Vegas wedding

Britney Spears is planning to marry her personal assistant in Las Vegas, it has been claimed.

The 'Gimme More' singer - whose 2004 Vegas wedding to childhood friend Jason Alexander was annulled after 55 hours - is reportedly infatuated with assistant Sam Lufti and has already toldex-husband Kevin Federline and her lawyers she is planning to tie the knot.

A source said: "Britney is completely under Sam's spell. Everyone sees through him, except her. I hear that he stays with her most of the time, and she pays for his food, his bar and restaurant tabs and his clothing. She takes care of everything.

"Her lawyers have begged her to at least get a prenup, but she didn't seem to be listening."

Kevin, 29, is said to be furious about the 26-year-old singer's plans as he does not want Sam to be stepfather to his sons, two-year-old Sean Preston and 15-month-old Jayden James.

A family insider told America's Star magazine: "Kevin has seen Sam lose his temper. We hear he swears a lot and makes very derogatory statements when he's alone with Brit.

"Kevin has forbidden Britney from having Sam around the boys. In fact, Kevin has threatened to get a restraining order. She'll lose custody if she allows Sam around them, Kevin will make sure of it."

Meanwhile, Kevin's lawyer Mark Vincent Kaplan will appear in court today (18.12.07) to discuss Britney's night of partying last week, on the same day she claimed to be too ill to attend her court-ordered deposition.

Inside sources say Kaplan plans to ask the judge to prevent Britney getting more custody of the boys until she sits for her court-documented questioning with Kevin's legal team.

He could also request Britney's lawyers be blocked from depositioning anyone on Kevin's side.

Kevin currently has temporary full custody of the boys and receives £15,000-a-month in child support from Britney, while she has three supervised visits a week.

They have agreed to share custody over the Christmas holidays, but Kaplan may even appeal for Britney's current visitation rights to be withdrawn.

December 18 2007 -

Daniel Radcliffe's New York penthouse

Daniel Radcliffe has spent £2.1 million on a New York penthouse.

The 'Harry Potter' star's luxury new apartment is located on the fifth floor of a 13 storey block in Manhattan's exclusive SoHo district.

Radcliffe plans to rent the property out for $20,000 per month until he moves in just before the Broadway run of Peter Schaffer's hit play 'Equus' - in which Radcliffe strips off nude -starts in September 2008.

Designed by architect Jean Nouvel, the two-bedroom property, which boasts floor-to-ceiling windows and multiple bathrooms, is one of the "sexiest new developments" in the area, according to the actor's letting agent Chris Pomeroy.

Radcliffe, who has an estimated fortune of £23 million, will also have access to a 50ft swimming pool, sauna and steam room and "hotel-like" services when he becomes a resident.

After getting his hands on his fortune on his 18th birthday last July, Daniel claimed he didn't "have any plans to buy anything extravagant", adding: "The things I like buying are things that cost about £5 - books, CDs and DVDs."

December 18 2007 -

Tara Reid hospitalised

Tara Reid was rushed to hospital after collapsing in a nightclub.

The 'American Pie' actress was enjoying a night out on the island of Bali when she lost her footing and injured herself.

A source said: "She was having a couple a drinks and then all of a sudden she lost her footing."

She was taken to a nearby hospital, where she was treated for cuts and bruises and she is now recovering at her luxurious hotel.

The 32-year-old is in Bali promoting a new pyjamas range with entrepreneur Peter Alexander.

Earlier this month, Tara hosted a 'Hookers Ball' in Australia at Darwin's Discovery nightclub.

The club's hospitality manager Guy Dunne said: "We thought Tara Reid would be a great choice for it. It was a kind of naughty night, like 'pimps and prostitutes'.

"Tara was very enthusiastic to come and do it."

An advertisement for the party promised "bondage beds, fantasy, latex, porn stars and erotic dancers" - all for $25.

December 18 2007 -

Happy mother Marcia Cross

Marcia Cross says motherhood makes her "deliriously happy".

The 'Desperate Housewives' star - who gave birth to twin daughters Eden and Savannah, her first children with husband Tom Mahoney, in February - admits parenting has made her "scarily happy!"

She said: "I'm deliriously happy. I mean, I'm scarily happy. Oh my goodness, I mean life is so precious so I just value every day and every gift."

Marcia also revealed she has been using her time off from 'Desperate Housewives', which is currently off-air due to the Writers' Guild of America strikes in Hollywood, to bond with her ten-month old daughters.

She told People magazine: "It's fantastic! I mean, obviously it's terrible for the larger picture, but when I am with my daughters it's just glorious, so I'm enjoying that."

The 45-year-old actress also revealed she will be spending Christmas at home with Tom and the girls.

She said: "It's our first Christmas together as a family, and it's probably going to be sort of quiet. I want to go out and take a hike in the woods and have a day of outdoors activities. Just all kids, all day. It will be fun."

December 18 2007 -

Amy Winehouse's legal bill

Amy Winehouse must pay her husband's £300,000 legal bill.

The 'Rehab' singer will have to settle the costs - which could spiral to £500,000 - after her spouse Blake Fielder-Civil's appeal for legal aid to fight charges of assault and perverting the course of justice was rejected.

Blake - who is currently being held at London's Pentonville Prison awaiting trial - has been accused of offering a barman £200,000 to change his story, after Blake and a friend were accused of grievous bodily harm.

Amy's father Mitch has defended his daughter over claims madeby Blake's mother Georgette that she has neglected her husband in prison, telling Grazia magazine: "Amy is going to pay for his legal team and that will be a lot of money.

"I don't see how anyone can say she's not doing anything for him. His mother hasn't been forthcoming with an offer to out her hand in her pocket, so maybe she should keep her opinions to herself."

Mitch, 57, also rubbished reports Amy - who is set to be questioned by police over the incident and could face a jail sentence if she is linked to the conspiracy to clear her husband - has made a prison suicide pact with Blake.

He added: "It's nonsense. Amy is on the road to recovery and there's no way she would ever consider that."

However, taxi driver Mitch did admit the 24-year-old singer is still struggling with insecurity issues and suffering from depression.

He said: "It's clear there are issues of self-image, self-loathing. We were recently looking at photographs of her five years ago, where she was curvy and she said, 'I look really happy there.'

"I said, 'Aren't you happy now, darling?' And she said, 'I've been happier.'

"I know the real problem is that she's depressed about Blake being in prison."

December 18 2007 -

ME Holiday Gift Guide: Smoke and Mirrors

Sephora Brand: The Smokey Eye Kit

Thanks to my friends over at Coutorture, I've had the pleasure of previewing/using/enjoying/savoring the benefits of this product first hand. This smokey eye kit has everything I need to ensure that my eyes out smolder the competition. Conveniently wrapped in a chic gunmetal faux leather case, it comes with several brushes, a how-to-booklet, & sephora's volume black mascara. As an added bonus, it's the perfect stocking stuffer for all of my girlfriends.

"The Smokey Eye Kit", $42, Sephora

Order by December 20, and get a FREE SHIPPING UPGRADE. No promo code required!

Monday, December 17, 2007

Forbes magazine's top 10 most influential under-fives:

Forbes magazine's top 10 most influential under-fives:
1. Shiloh Jolie-Pitt

2. Suri Cruise

3. Zahara Jolie-Pitt

4. Sean Preston Federline

5. Pax Jolie-Pitt

6. Sam Alexis Woods (daughter Tiger Woods)

7. David Banda (son of Madonna and Guy Ritchie)

8. Dannielynn Hope Marshall Birkhead (daughter of Anna Nicole Smith and Larry Birkhead)

9. Cruz Beckham

10. Romeo Beckham

askmen.com

Fergie's web sex

Fergie and her boyfriend Josh Duhamel use a webcam to keep their sex life hot when she's away on tour.

The 'My Humps' singer has revealed she performs sexy strip teases for the 'Las Vegas' actor over the internet, when their work schedules keep them apart.

Fergie, 32, said: "We're learning iCam. I've actually gotten to see a lot more of him lately, ever since I got home from tour, which is great."

The singer also revealed she did all her Christmas shopping for Josh while she was on tour with her band the Black Eyed Peas.

She explained: "I go shopping in all different countries and get different musical instruments. I ship them home in boxes, although he's not allowed to open them yet!"

Fergie and Josh are not afraid to experiment to keep their sex life exciting.

This year the 25-year-old actor installed a stripper pole in their home so she can treat him to private dances.

Fergie even took pole dancing lessons so she could send Josh wild with a perfect racy routine.

December 17 2007 -

Will Smith's Christmas wish

Will Smith dreams of spending Christmas on the beach, but wife Jada Pinkett Smith won't let him.

The 'I Am Legend' star would love to be somewhere sunny for the festive season, but his wife and their children - nine-year-old Jaden and seven-year-old Willow - prefer a White Christmas.

Will said: "We like to go to snow. And by we I mean Jada likes to go to snow. Me, I'd much rather be in Jamaica. But Jada has wonderful childhood memories of snow, so we try to find wherever there's the most snow.

"She actually spends weeks online figuring out where the most is, and that's where we end up going."

The 39-year-old actor also revealed he loves Victoria and David Beckham because they are so funny.

He added to movies.com: "We're friends with Tom and Katie, and they are close with the Beckhams, so when they came to Los Angeles, we started hanging out and befriending them. And getting to know them, they're very, very funny. I keep telling them, 'You probably should let people know how funny y'all are, 'cause you're hilarious.' "

December 17 2007 -

Amy Winehouse's suicide pact

Amy Winehouse has made a prison suicide pact with her husband.

The 'Rehab' singer, who is set to be questioned by police over husband Blake Fielder-Civil's charges of assault and allegedly perverting the course of justice, could face prison if she is linked to the conspiracy to clear Blake.

Amy has reportedly vowed to kill herself if she is parted from her husband by a lengthy jail sentence.

A source is quoted as saying: "Amy has had her problems but she is really teetering on the brink. She has hatched a suicide pact with Blake. If they are both handed lengthy jail sentences she is determined they will end it together rather than face five years apart.

"She can't live without Blake and her family are worried sick. This could finish her off. She isn't strong enough for prison life."

Amy must present herself for questioning this week. She will be finger-printed and asked to give DNA samples, as police reportedly believe she may be linked to crucial documents seized after Blake was arrested.

A police source said: "This is a very significant development in the investigation."

Barman James King was allegedly offered £200,000 to change his story, after Blake and his friend Michael Brown were charged with grievous bodily harm following a brawl which severely injured King.

Last month, police searched Amy's north London home and recovered mobile phone records, bank details and computer software.

Last week, the offices of Amy's accountant were reportedly searched so officers could review all her transactions.

The source added: "As soon as the figure of £200,000 emerged, the finger of suspicion started to point in her direction. How could Blake, who is not wealthy, be expected to come up with that kind of money? Police want to see where Amy's money goes to. They will account for every penny."

If found guilty of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice Amy could face life in prison.

December 17 2007 -

Helena Bonham Carter's baby joy

Helena Bonham Carter and Tim Burton have become parents for the second time.

The actress and the director welcomed a baby girl into the world on Saturday (15.12.07) and both mother and daughter are said to be doing well.

The couple's spokesperson, Karon Maskill, said: "They are absolutely delighted they have a daughter. It's a lovely Christmas present for the family."

The pair already have a four-year-old son, Billy, and Helena recently revealed she was very excited at the thought of him becoming a big brother.

She said: "I just can't wait. It's hard to imagine we can make anything other than Billy."

Helena, 41, recently revealed her breasts swelled to the size of "melons" while she was expecting.

The actress fell pregnant during the filming of Tim's new musical movie, 'Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street', and revealed her breast size changes constantly in the final cut of the movie because it was filmed out of sequence.

Helena said: "Anyone who pays attention to my chest size will see there's no continuity.

"The first half of filming I wasn't pregnant, and the second half I was, and because we didn't shoot it in order, I start off with huge breasts and then I walk upstairs and suddenly I've got tangerines again. It's melons to tangerines!"

December 17 2007 -

Nicollette Sheridan's secret wedding

Nicollette Sheridan and Michael Bolton have reportedly got married in secret.

The 'Desperate Housewives' actress and the singer - who got engaged in March 2006 - were seen leaving a New York restaurant both wearing a band on their respective wedding fingers.

A source told the New York Post newspaper: "If they have got married, they've kept it very quiet. Michael wasn't trying to hide his ring, though."

Michael and Nicollette originally dated in the 90s but split in 1993, before rekindling their romance in 2005.

The couple announced their engagement after Michael popped the question and presented Nicollette with a huge diamond ring.

She said at the time: "Have you seen the size of the ring? Forget the wedding. That was the event of the year as far as I'm concerned."

Michael added: "I was thinking 2008 for the wedding. But while we wait I might write another song for her."

Last month, it was reported Nicollette was pregnant with her first child.

A source said: "She's absolutely glowing and her pregnancy is the buzz of the set."

The 43-year-old actress has been asking her 'Desperate Housewives' co-stars Marcia Cross and Felicity Hoffman for advice on pregnancy and motherhood.

The source added: "She kept asking Felicity and Marcia about how the pregnancy would change her appearance and if it would make her hair thinner."

December 17 2007 -

Brad Pitt's influential girl

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's daughter Shiloh has been voted the world's most influential infant.

The 18-month-old toddler - the couple's only biological child - beat off stiff competition from Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes' daughter Suri to top the list compiled by Forbes magazine, which considered the Hollywood children who have the greatest effect on popular culture.

The publication analysed the amount of media attention famous children under-five had received and they were then placed according to how well known they are and their parents' consumer appeal rankings.

Shiloh's adopted two-year-old sister Zahara came third, while the pair's adopted brother, Pax, four, was fifth.

When Shiloh - who had more than 2,000 articles written about her last year - was born in May 2006, her first photographs sold for a reputed $4 million.

Other famous offspring to make the list include Britney Spears and Kevin Federline's two-year-old son, Sean Preston, and Madonna's adopted boy, David Banda.

Sarah Ivens, from America's OK! magazine, said: "We're now as fascinated to see Suri take off for Paris or Berlin in a little Burberry outfit as we are by what Scarlett Johansson is wearing."

December 17 2007 -

Marathon man Pete Doherty

Pete Doherty is set to run the London Marathon next year.

The troubled Babyshambles rocker has already started training for the demanding 26-mile road race with his former landlord, radio DJ Ralph Bernard.

A source said: "Ralph knocked on Pete's door one day and they went for a run. Despite being completely out of shape, Pete enjoyed it and he's been out again and again. The runs went so well, Ralph suggested that Pete try a marathon."

Pete's representatives have not denied the singer is planning to run the gruelling race on April 13, saying: "There is some truth to this - you never know what could happen."

The 28-year-old star, who is battling heroin drug addiction, has also been seen meditating and doing press-ups in a bid to clean up his act.

The source added: "He thinks that running is a great way to get back in shape - especially after piling on the pounds in rehab.

"He knows that people will be surprised by his efforts to be healthier but he really wants to turn over a new leaf."

Meanwhile, Pete has revealed he has a new addiction - mince pies.

The rocker, who performed at Kent's Tap'n'Tin pub at the weekend, rejected all alcoholic drinks and insists he is planning a sober Christmas.

He said: "It is going to be mince pies for me this Christmas. I have got a massive order on the way."

December 17 2007 -

ME Holiday Gift Guide: Let Them Eat Cake

Chocolate Lava Cakes

Want to win my heart? Show up on my doorstep with this cake and you're one step closer to that coveted spot in my king size bed. These little cakes feature a molten "lava" center and are the ultimate in romantic desserts. All is I need is a side of raspberries, a wonderful dinner and a man who looks hot in an apron. Now, that would make it a happy holiday indeed.

"Chocolate Lava Cakes", $36, RedEnvelope

Use code SHAREJOY at checkout to receive free ground shipping on most items. Hurry offer ends today at 3pm PST!

self-obsession on the rise

Happy Monday!

Don't be too embarrassed if you've already Googled yourself once -- or seven times -- today. It's not an uncommon tendency, according to this article.

It cites a recent survey revealing that more Americans are Googling themselves, or at least more Americans are comfortable admitting they Google themselves.

Google yourself NOW.

What's the coolest thing you've ever learned on a Google (read: stalker) search?

Friday, December 14, 2007

ME Holiday Gift Guide: Hello, Kitty

Hello Kitty Crown Necklace

Hello Kitty is queen and she has the crown to prove it. This necklace is heavy on bling and sure to delight any Hello Kitty fanatic in your life.

"Clear Hello Kitty Crown Necklace", $50, margarite-elaine.com




Place code FREEME10 in the comments during checkout to save 10% off all regular priced jewelry and free shipping on all orders $100 or more.

what's going on this weekend?

I'm leaving you with one major must-do event:

The sexy Santa contest at Big City Club this Saturday night.

You have to understand...this contest kind of goes against one of my biggest holiday-season pet peeves -- girls who wear Mrs. Claus lingerie on an average weekend. Lingerie in public is only appropriate at Halloween. Christmas is not Halloween, no matter how warm it is here.

That said, if you really need to flaunt your red velvet bra -- sans cover-up -- in public, you might as well do it during a sanctioned competition.

Good luck, and ho, ho, ho.

paging captain obvious

Check out this article about the most ridiculously obvious sex studies of 2007. An excerpt:

People like to have sex for all sorts of reasons. So should it be any surprise that, when asked to give 237 possible reasons for putting out, the most common responses from college students included: wanting to experience physical pleasure; being attracted to their lover; or just simply sex feels good?

Perhaps the tragic bit about these findings is that researchers at the University of Texas spent five years and their own money confirming these ridiculously obvious motivations for wanting to knock boots.

Hopefully 2008 will yield a breakthrough study about the healing powers of YouPorn.

damage control

'Tis the weekend for office holiday parties, and I'm sure none of you are going to have any incidents involving spiked cider and a never-before-hot coworker.

But if you, um, have a friend who just so happens to exercise some impaired judgment, check out this article about how to manage holiday party hookups.

And tell me all the stories Monday!

Thursday, December 13, 2007

woot woot

To Merriam-Webster's decision to make "w00t" its word of the year and add it to the dictionary.

Get the full story here.

"Facebook" was the second-place contender, in case you were wondering.

file this under random

Forty percent of Japanese men sit down to pee, this brilliant piece of journalism reveals.

Do with that information what you'd like.

vomit

Bad news for anyone who got a little too excited by my last post about holiday cocktails.

Most hangover remedies don't work, according to this article.

It lists possible cures ranging from exercise to water to greasy foods.

What, if anything, is your fail-safe hangover remedy?

i should be drinking...

A cosmopolitan, according to the results of this quiz that lets you find your ultimate holiday drink.

I'm pretty elated that the extremely in-depth set of questions led me to what is already my favorite cocktail ever.

If you're still in the mood for holiday quizzes -- who isn't? -- check out this test that helps you find which holiday movie is right for you.

Long live Prancer!!

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

ME Holiday Gift Guide: Who needs a LBD?

Delias.com: Brigitte Dress

Going to a holiday party but need to give your LBD a break? This dress is a unique departure from your average run of the mill holiday frock. The crinkled chiffon and braided ribbon made ME do a double take and the price makes ME want to melt.


"Brigitte Dress", $44.50, delias.com

Use offer code XMASDEL to receive free shipping on all orders until December 16

baby alert


How do you feel about the news that Jessica Alba is pregnant? Think she'll do a semi-nude photo spread like Christina Aguilera?

riding the cotton pony


In her new song, Janet Jackson says she's "heavy like a first day period."

Um, TMI.

And blech.

Get the full story here.

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

ME Holiday Gift Guide: Travel in Style


I'm a jet-setter and always need a new way of organizing my essentials. These bags offer ME some great options, with a ton of sparkle (a definite plus) and the price is right. With prices ranging from $10-$29.50, these bags will be fantastic for storing my jewelry on the road.

Travel Accessories, $10-$29.50, Express (In-Store for purchase)

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