The new claim is that neither Michael Jackson or Debbie Rowe are the biological parents of his children, Michael Jr. or Paris. Neither Michael's sperm nor Debbie's eggs were used. Debbie was just a surrogate, however the sperm used was the Doctor Debbie used to work for, Dr. Arnold Klein (Dermatologist).
On another note, Dr. Arnold Klein is now being investigated by the LAPD for the possibility that he also wrote Jackson several prescriptions in the last few months prior to his death.
This story just keeps getting weirder by the minute.
Farrah Fawcett was laid to rest today after her 3 year battle with cancer. She had a private/invitation only funeral in California this afternoon. Farrah's longtime partner, Ryan O'Neal, organized the services and her son Redmond O'Neal was also able to participate.
I highly recommend watching "Farrah's Story" http://www.hulu.com/watch/73354/farrahs-story as she chronicles her battle with anal and liver cancer. It is a heartbreaking story but shows the true side of what cancer does to your body and spirit.
May you rest in peace Farrah and hopefully "on a rainy day, God will let you dip your wings in the rain"!
Michael Jackson's mother, Katherine wants custody of his children and the family attorney is going to court today to get the ball rolling. For the kids sake I hope that she does get them, but I do have concern over the involvement of Michael's' father, Joe Jackson. Solely my opinion, but I don't know that Joe is such a good role model. My hope is that they are placed in a loving and safe environment and that the three children will remain together. How detrimental would it be for them to be separated? That would be so heartbreaking.
Bernie Madoff has just been sentenced to 150 years in prison for his massive Ponzi scheme. He must serve 80% of the sentence and would not be eligible for parole until 2129, basically the rest of his life will be spent in prison.
Autopsy results are in for Billy Mays who died over the weekend, and head trauma was not the cause. It seems as if he had hypertensive and arteriosclerotic disease of the heart, which lead to his untimely death.
Pitchman, Billy Mays, best known as the OxiClean guy, died over the weekend at the age of 50. Billy was coming back on a US Airways flight when luggage hit him from the overhead compartments after a rough landing. It seems the front tires blew out which caused such a landing. It's not clear yet if that had anything to do with his untimely death, but he is expected to undergo an autopsy today which should give answers as to what caused it.
Should Governor Mark Sanford resign? Does his personal life interfere with his ability to run the state? Should he resign for the extramarital affair, or for leaving the state without putting the 2nd in line in charge, or both?
There are a lot of things to talk about from the weekend, but first and foremost is about my weekend. Here lately they have been fabulous! I love it when I can leave work on Friday afternoon and not leave the house until Monday morning. Our family has been spending the weekends at home taking care of things around the house and just hanging out. It has been wonderful. Most of the time we don't even turn on the TV, as we spend the majority of the time outside or playing inside.
How was your weekend? Did you do anything exciting or relaxing?
Whether you love him or hate him, you can't deny that the world has lost one of it's biggest Pop icons on the planet. In the next few video clips, I hope to highlight his most memorable moments.
This is where it all began for Michael Jackson, when he performed on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1969.
In 1970, he appeared once again on the Ed Sullivan Show and put the Jackson 5 on the map with their song, "ABC".
In 1973, Michael grabs his first number 1 song as a solo artist with "Ben".
In 1984, Michael performs "Billy Jean" at Motown's 25th Anniversary and introduces us to his signature dance move - The Moonwalk.
In 1988, Michael WOW's us at the Grammy's with his rendition of "The Way You Make Me Feel" and "Man In The Mirror".
In 1992, Michael hits the stage and performs "Smooth Criminal" on his "Dangerous Tour".
In 1993, Michael performs at the Superbowl XXVII Halftime Show.
In 1995, Michael joins Slash, the lead guitarist from Gun's & Roses, on stage at the MTV Music Awards.
Fast forward to March 5, 2009 when Michael announces his final curtain call with a tour that was to originally kick off July 8th in Europe. Unfortunately, that day never came.
Jermaine Jackson announces the death of The King Of Pop, Michael Jackson:
Michael Jackson has died at age 50. They say it always happens in 3's, but 2 in one day. First Ed McMahon, then Farrah Fawcett and now Michael Jackson. This is heartbreaking!
TMZ has just posted a "Breaking News" alert that Michael Jackson has gone into cardiac arrest and is being transported to a hospital near his Holmby Hills home in L.A.
Did you know every 9 1/2 minutes a person is infected with HIV? Saturday, 6/27 is National HIV Testing Day. Go to www.hivtest.org to find your nearest testing center.
Oh Jesus, I'm so freakin' sick of Cheater Cheater Pumpkin Eaters. I am sick of it! It's day after day, week after week that you hear of someone else who's stepped out on their marriage. I feel the same way my friend Stephanie feels when she said, "Is there not any role models out there anymore?". The most recent dumb ass is Governor Mark Sanford of South Carolina. Not only did he cheat, but this guy left the Country over Father's Day weekend (he has 4 young boys), without telling anyone where he was headed. It's bad enough you cheat on your wife, but it's just outright selfish to leave your children over Father's Day.
I was so glad to see that his wife was not standing by him during his speech earlier this afternoon:
I have to make a dish tomorrow for my daughters school and it has to be a dish from her culture. Our family is Irish so I need some ideas on what to make. Any suggestions?
The only thing in my head is "Irish I Had A Beer"! LOL!
Hate it with a capital H! I talked so much as a teenager that now as an adult I can not stand it! When my phone rings, I cringe and grit my teeth. Idle chit chat does nothing for me. Sitting on the other line hearing the other person breath is not my idea of fun. How much can one person say to another, is there really that much to talk about especially with someone you know well? Unless you have something to discuss with me, other than your own random thoughts, why call me? You know I'm going to sit on the other line as you listen to me breath? If you know this about me, why get frustrated when I react the same way I did the last time you called. If I have not talked to you in a while or have not seen you in years, I'm game for catching up to see how and what you've been up to. If not, what's the purpose of a call to ask if I knew the sky was blue today?
In 36 minutes the "Rescue Documentary of the Invisible Children" captivated me. I must say, it is extremely graphic and heartbreaking but definitely makes an impact. In the following clip you'll see a small glimpse of what the documentary is about. Even though parts are hard to get through, I urge you to watch the entire video.
After the "Big Announcement" last night on Jon & Kate + 8, Kate Gosselin released the following statement: "Over the course of this weekend, Jon's activities have left me no choice but to file legal procedures in order to protect myself and our children. While there are reasons why it was appropriate and necessary for me to initiate this proceeding, I do not wish to discuss those reasons at this time, in the hope that all issues will be resolved amicably between Jon and myself. As always, my first priority remains our children." Jon also responded with a statement by saying: "This afternoon, Kate filed for divorce. Our kids are still my number one priority. I love them and want to make sure they stay happy, healthy and safe. My job is being the best, most supportive and loving father that I can be to my kids, and not being married to Kate doesn’t change that."
I don't know if I'm the only one around that feels like this, but I think it is so sad to see the dissolution of this marriage on national television. I am so saddened for the kids who didn't ask for any of it. I know Kate said that even if the cameras were not there this probably would still have happened to the two of them, but part of me thinks it's too stressful on a marriage to put yourself out there on a Reality TV show. It really has been the Reality TV curse that marriages just don't work in that arena.
I'm mad at them! Like they really care, huh? However, I am! They claimed (on so many episodes) that "at times, it seemed like they weren't getting along but that their relationship worked for them", they claimed their family was the most important thing to them both, and let's not forget they renewed their vows just last August.
I know people change and things don't always seem to work out but all of this turmoil seemed to happen so fast! It was like a snowball effect. Some may say that it was Kate's fault because she was so mean to Jon. However, on many occasions he was the one saying that their relationship worked even though it was clear Kate wore the pants. I think the downfall of their marriage came when Jon decided to step out on Kate. Some may say, she deserved it. I say not! No one deserves that, no one! If Jon was unhappy in the marriage he should have got counseling and guidance and if that didn't work - separate, but don't step out and then blame the other person. You're responsible for your own happiness. He was wrong for what he did and he can sit there all day and claim that he didn't cheat on Kate, but when your "rumored girlfriend" is on the front lawn of your new home sunbathing - give me a break. That is enough of a cheat for me. Even if he didn't have sex with her (which I find extremely unlikely that he didn't), bringing another woman to the house while your spouse is away is just flat out wrong. It's like he's going through a midlife crisis at 32. The cheating, the bar scene, the new bike, the earrings in both ears, the smoking. It's such juvenile behavior! I also saw Jon in a whole new light, when during his interview he said that "he was excited" about this new chapter in his life. Excited, excuse me? What is exciting about any of this. I know, he's free from Kate and his eight children, but I don't think excitement is the way you should feel knowing your marriage is ending.
Kate's not completely free of wrong doing either, but I think the marriage could have survived had Jon not cheated. I agree, Kate was mean to Jon. Their were times I even said, "I don't know how he does it". I also think that Kate got to a point of no return and could not let the show go, which was very clear that it was what Jon wanted. I do feel that if family was the most important thing to her, the show didn't have to go on. Instead she chose the show over the well being of her marriage and that is sad to me.
I hate it for Jon & Kate, I hate it for their children, I hate that we are all watching them go down this path! It's all such a sad situation!
Perez Hilton is claiming Will.I.Am, from the Black Eyed Peas, attacked him outside a club over the weekend. Perez posted a video message on his twitter account as well as his website: (contains explicit language)http://perezhilton.com/tv/index.php?ptvid=0cd5e5f27f759.
Will.I.Am then posts a message on Dipdive:
Who knows who's telling the truth, but Will.I.Am seems pretty calm, cool and collected where Perez's video is pretty comical and all over the place. Can't they all just get along?
Several online tabloid mags are claiming that Jennifer Aniston and Bradley Cooper were out on date last night. Look at them, aren't they such a nice looking couple? Oh, I really hope it's true!
And this time it's for the refugees in Pakistan. Listen to her heartwarming story about her last visit and children she has met there. The United Nations Refugee Agency announced yesterday that a $1 million donation was made by the Jolie-Pitt Foundation to aid displaced people in Pakistan.
On Behind The Walls Of Vanderwilt I have a section to the right hand side that gives the "Quote of the Day". I don't think I really like the one that's on there today. Do you? There is a time for departure even when there's no certain place to go. - Tennessee Williams
So, an announcement is going to be made on Monday nights episode of "Jon and Kate + 8". I hope it's not what I think it is. It's so sad to see this marriage fall apart on national television and I hate it so much for the kids. Maybe it's wishful thinking but maybe it's not that a separation is in the works, even though I've heard he's living over the garage. Maybe it's what we originally heard that if they signed up to do the additional 40 episodes they had to agree to go to marriage counseling. I hope that's what it is and not a separation.
Former Idol, Carly Smithson is joining the group from Evanescence after former lead singer Amy Lee left the band. They will be going by the new name of, "The Fallen". I actually like Carly's version better. Check out the two and you decide which one you'd rather. Carly Smithson
God I love Oprah Radio - XM156. I get my news and entertainment from Gail King in the morning and sex therapy from Dr. Laura Berman in the afternoon. Life is good!
Stephanie and I were at lunch this afternoon and look who walked by.... a g-string wearing transgender and his/her boyfriend. The front was even worse but I couldn't get a good shot of it. However, I can tell you there were things jiggling in every direction. Only in Houston!
ET Online is claiming that Melissa Rycroft from "The Bachelor" and "Dancing With The Stars" will be joining Good Morning America as a contributor this summer. Way to go Melissa! http://www.etonline.com/news/2009/06/75409/index.html
It's so nice to see the brood together again. I'm really pulling for these two to make it work. It helps so much that they are both in the same city! I just wish Jon would have been there on Friday for their 10th Wedding Anniversary. Not necessarily to spark things up, but just be there showing that you support the marriage and want to work on it like they both have said they want.
I really hate to hear this. From what I've heard about Katie Lee, she is a real sweetheart. I'm sure the big age gap had something to do with the split as he is 60 and she is 27.
Is age a deal breaker when it comes to relationships?
This guy, Thomas Parkin, impersonated his dead mother to collect $117,000 in government benefits. One of the officers on the case refers to the scheme as brilliant.
Would you impersonate your mother or father to collect money on their behalf?
The four year old only wanted to get the mud off of his week old puppy, when he thought he'd clean him off by flushing him down the toilet. Luckily the puppy survived such an ordeal and is back with it's family. What a happy ending!
When I read the headline "Ex-convict Gets 1 Year For Rape Of 4 Year Old", I absolutely cringed. However, I have some mixed emotions after viewing the following news clip.
I still stand by the thought that their needs to be stricter laws for child sex offenders, but in this case, I think they may have done what was in the best interest in order not to loose the case all together. What's your take after viewing the clip?
Can someone tell me why exactly I should be using my Twitter account? I don't get it, don't get what all the fuss is all about. Am I missing something here or should I really be making random posts to my Twitter account?
They are so full of crap!! Spencer on his new found religion and Heidi on wanting to be the modern day Mother Teresa. I say modern day because I don't think Mother Teresa would be posing for Playboy Magazine. LOL, these two crack me up!
Check out Whoopi at the end of the interview with Heidi & Spencer on The View. She is flat out done with this interview. Done I say!
David Letterman apologizes to Sarah Palin and her family during his 1st segment of The Late Show last Wednesday. Dave's apology came after 2 jokes were made about one of the Palin daughters (the one who's already been knocked up, Bristol), which he reiterates in the explanation/apology.
Then, last night he goes even further with his apology to the Palin's with this response.
In my opinion his apology is heartfelt, but I also don't think the apology was necessary. This is what he gets paid to do. Yes, sometimes a joke can be taken too far, but the Palin's are the ones that have made this in to a bigger spectacle than what it had to be.
You just have to love David Letterman! I honestly don't think he meant any harm!
You know, Kate Gosselin asked for the fame and publicity so why is she dissing the paparazzi? I'm sure they can be annoying and they would eventually get under any ones skin, but she acts like she's been in the celebrity world for decades. Get over yourself Kate.
Man, I can not stand these two - Heidi & Spencer Pratt. Al Roker really grilled them on the Today Show and you could tell they were a little squeamish in their seats. I loved it! They are so obnoxious it's ridiculous.
In April I featured a video that touched my heart regarding a little girl named Jamsmina, who had been stricken with a deadly form of leukemia. http://behindthewallsofvanderwilt.blogspot.com/2009/04/one-for-jasmina.html Well on Thursday, Jasmina received her bone marrow transplant thanks to the out pore of those who lined up to see if they were possible donors. Jasmina also had the support of Rihanna, who flew to New York to visit her April 2nd.
Congratulations Jasmina! You'll continue to be in my thoughts and prayers!
Unfortunately the press has spent more time talking about Stephen Tyrone Johns' killer than they have of him. I was really touched and saddened to hear that Johns opened up the door, out of the kindness of his heart, for this elderly man only to be gunned down by him. It's tragic to think that a life has been taken by some crazed lunatic who obviously shouldn't have been on the street let alone allowed to carry firearms. I feel for his family as well has his fellow co-workers and will keep them in my prayers. Stephen Tyrone Johns, 39 Years Old
I had one of the best weekends I've had in quite a long time. My SUV did not make it out of the garage and my body did not physically leave our yard. It was so nice! Saturday morning I got up and did the normal spring/summer, weed picking, out in the yard "stuff". Then Saturday afternoon and all day Sunday, Laura and I spent time outside soaking up the sun and hanging out on the back porch. Tim got all of things he needed to do done on Saturday so he was able to take some much needed time to rest yesterday. Tim is not one for just sitting outside all day, or sitting inside all day for that matter, but he would come and visit Laura and I from time to time. It was wonderful to spend time outside, without the TV, catching up with them both. During the week it's hard to find time to spend quality time with them. By the time we get home, go through the mail, cook dinner, take our evening walk/run, pick up from the night before and get baths, it's time for bed and/or time to veg out in front of the TV. So, it was nice to just RELAX this past weekend. Hopefully we can enjoy more of those in the near future.
I'm actually a fan of Gordon Ramsay and find the biggest part of his shows quite entertaining. However, I think he may have taken it a little too far in an interview, which then spewed over into the next few days.
I'm quite impressed at the response from the interviewer though...
I am on a mission to loose weight! For the past year and 1/2 I have put on the weight and starting today, I'm going to shed it. I started walking/running a few weeks ago and it doesn't seem to be taking the pounds off. So, I'm going to try some other things in an effort to help me. My Mom says to keep a food journal so that I can keep track of what I eat and I'm going to start that. I also need to incorporate more fruits and vegetables in my diet, so I'm going this afternoon to stock up!
Do you have any ideas or suggestions on things you have done to loose weight and keep it off?
North Korea has sentenced Laura Ling and Euna Lee to 12 years of "hard labor" for being found guilty of a "grave crime". The grave crime they are referring to is illegally crossing into the country and "hostility toward the Korean people". Ling and Lee were sentenced to the maximum amount of 12 years, which can not be appealed as the courts decision is considered final. It's absurd to me that this can happen. I know that you have different rules and regulations when you cross over into another country, but a sentence of 12 years for illegally entering the country doesn't make sense to me.
Reporters Without Borders ranks North Korea as Asia's worst country for press freedom.
President Barack Obama gave a speech in Cairo, Egypt this morning and as always, he was stellar. In his speech, Obama vows a "new beginning" for Islam and America in a landmark speech to the world's Muslims, evoking a vision of peace after a smouldering cycle of "suspicion and discord."
What are your thoughts on the speech? Do you think that his words could spark peace in the middle east or do you think it's back to life as usual?
I'm not a vampire watching movie kind of girl, however, when I saw the movie "Twilight", I really enjoyed it. Now, the sequel is coming out in November, called "New Moon". Check out the trailer below.
I'm very impressed with the President's speech on the new restructuring of General Motors. I believe his intentions are always for the better of the American People. His plan and his team seem to have thought this through and they have come up with a plan that suits GM and the American People at this point and time in our country.
Yesterday I heard people refer to GM as the new Obama Motors and I think that's a little far stretched. You know, our President doesn't get involved in anything without having detailed conversations with his advisers. In no way do I think this decision was made lightly. He is very clear in saying that he has no intention of running GM and that he wants to have the US Government be involved in as little as possible in the decisions of the company. He wants to get in and get out, as quickly as possible.
I believe President Obama is extremely intelligent and I think he surrounds himself with very intelligent people. I support him 100% and have no fear that the decisions he and his staff have made will result in nothing less that victory for GM.
Authorities are not confirming the story, but it seems as though debris has been found in the Atlantic Ocean, which they think could be from the missing flight that went down early Monday morning. 228 people were on board when the plane disappeared off the radar leaving everyone to speculate as to what could have happened? There were severe thunderstorms in the area and now they are saying possible hail and heavy winds could also be a factor.
Do you ever think of not making it to your next destination when you board a plane? I try not to, but sometimes find that difficult to do. Especially when I fly alone, which is not often, but when I do my mind wonders "will this be the last trip" and will my family be OK if I weren't here?
My husband does a great deal of traveling and I always make sure I say a little prayer as he walks out the door, to bring him back safe and sound. My heart goes out to the families of those who are missing. I can't even imagine what a difficult time it must be for them.
Well a 25 year old Egyptian man did. All because his father would not give him permission to marry, what he calls, a lady from a lower class family. I don't know if that's love or insanity?
Unfortunately, the hospital where he was rushed to could not reattach his severed member.
Kate Gosselin looks amazing to have had eight kids. I know she's had a tummy tuck, but even so, you can tell she works hard on her body. How on earth she has time, I don't know, but way to go Kate!
We were able to see Lounge 4407 this past weekend, and once again they were awesome! If you get a chance, check out their website: www.lounge4407band.com