Celebrities and What They Do With Their Fame & Power

So here we go with another blog about celebrities this month. It seems that they're really getting under my skin this month. First with (idiot-not-a-man-but-a-slug) Chris Brown, now with two more celebrities. One whom I adore(d) and thought was oh-so-sexy, the other who I just thought was a pain in the ass. I'm talking about Joe Perry and Oprah Winfrey.

When you become a celebrity....you have a lot to contend with. You've scads of adoring fans, more money than you really should even have, and of course more influence on the public that anyone should ever have. Because...you know...most of the public follows by example, and doesn't think for themselves. Example: Paris Hilton has a platoon of Chihuahuas...so everyone goes out to buy the same breed....forgoing pets in shelters who need good homes. Every once in awhile, you'll have a celebrity who actually uses their fame, voice and popularity for good and helping mankind....see Brad Pitt, Bono, Gary Cooper, which then leads to bringing awareness to the public and sparking people to help their fellow man or cause.

But it broke my heart and even sickened me when my very own (ok, maybe he's not mine....but I was so enamored by him) Joe Perry decided to list some personal items on e-bay for an auction. Joe Perry decided to sell a Gibson amp which he had used to record some of Aerosmith's earlier albums, as well as Just Push Play, and had used it on tour as well. This item was not in pristine condition, having some nics which added to the charm and personality of the amp. Not only did the group's web site: aeroforceone.com send out messages about 'being able to buy one of Joe Perry's amp's' but it was being auctioned!I went right to e-bay, knowing there was no way I could bid on it...but wondering what charity this item was helping out. Okay people...sit down for this one: the 'charity' that the proceeds of the amp auction was going to was JOE PERRY'S OWN POCKETS.Joe is not selling it to help those less fortunate than him, or no pun intended, the average joe. He was selling the Gibson amp for his own personal gain. Because, you know...he don't have enough money. And with the econonmy inthe state it is, perhaps the $3,400.00 at which the auction ended at is his mad money. Shame on you Joe....for not just selling the item, but auctioning it....and auctioning it for his own gain. You know what? You're not as good looking to me as you once were, and age has nothing to do with it. Maybe you should take a look at Steven Tyler's actions and follow in his footsteps. Learn from Steven about donating your items to charity.

Oprah Winfrey is my new hero. At least for the remainder of the month. I had thought her to be a busy-body, know-it-all who just talked to hear her own voice. I never thought her sincere. But I am very proud of her, and applaude her for vocalizing her disgust of the Chris Brown actions, and trying to set Rihanna and all women straight about it never being okay for a man (or anyone for that matter) to hit and hurt you. Oprah has spoken on national televison from the beginning of this Chris Brown/Rihanna debacle about domestic abuse, quoting the facts about repeat offenders, and offering Rihanna help as well as pleading with her to leave him. Oprah has even swore that Chris Brown would never be a guest on her program. Oprah is teaming up with Tyra Banks to do a special show in regards to domestic violence and bringing awareness to women to run away from anyone who lays hands on you in anger. Kudos Oprah.....you are finally using your celebrity, not for your own personal image...but to help women in the world who suffer physical abuse and trying to reach out a friendly hand to Rihanna. Now if only Tina Turner would try to reach out and open her eyes...maybe Rihanna will live a successful life too.

Meme wrap-up for 2008

1. What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before?
Went on a mini-vacation completely by MYSELF...wound up sleeping in a room full of complete strangers, made friends on said trip and had a blast.

2. Did you keep your new year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Nope, and it sucks. I am just not motivated.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
No.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Nope....thank God.

5. What countries did you visit?
As usual....NONE.

6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
More self confidance (which I am obtaining), financial stability, and a man. Not a boy...but a REAL man.

7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
March 15th, as that was the day we got Lola. (See Lola-Palooza)

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Making new friends on my own.

9. What was your biggest failure?
Not being able to let go of stuff.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
LOL....chronic sinus issues, IBS w/ constipation, anxiety.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
My I-Pod Nano, my laptop.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Bono's, my mother's.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Live SciFi. Trying to swindle people out of their money.

14. Where did most of your money go?
Bills, pets, anything and everything.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Picking up Lola, getting in to my paranormal investigative group.

16. What song will always remind you of 2008?
'So What' by Pink

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:a) happier or sadder? Sadderb) thinner or fatter? fatter.c) richer or poorer? Poorer.

18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Saving more money...traveling more.

19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Stressing out.

20. How did you spend Christmas?
With mom and Id a....it was MUCH BETTER in 2008, than in 2007.

21. Did you fall in love in 2008?
*Sigh* No.

22. What was your favorite TV program?
I'm sticking with my answers as always: SuperNatural, Grey's Antanomy, TRUEBLOOD!!!

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
I hate to say it, but yeah....I do.
24. What was the best book you read?
'To Kill A MockingBird', and also 'Twilight'!!!

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Blue October! LOVE THEM!!! Just got tickets to see them in concert.

26. What did you want and get?
Confirmation of love and being watched over by two important people in my life.

27. What did you want and not get?
To go to Ireland.

28. What was your favorite film of this year?
Too many seen to remember. But Probably Iron Man, and TWILIGHT

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Went to dance class, had b-day cake at home. The next night we went to dinner in Port Jefferson. I had turned 32.

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Being able to go to Ireland.

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
Comfort. it's all about comfort.

32. What kept you sane?
My cats. It may sound silly, but my cats know my every mood and emotion even if I do not voice it. ....they know. 2008 was a crying year for me, and the cats were there to comfort all the way through.

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Colin Farrell! Bono! Actually Brad Pitt for helping the people in New Orleans.

34. What political issue stirred you the most?
Having a black man be a candidate for the presidant.

35. Who did you miss?
My uncle. A special someone who lives in Florida. (Actually 2 in Florida)

36. Who was the best new person you met?
My friend Liz. She is a trooper, hystrical....kind, and someone I look up to.

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
Speak up for yourself.

38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.'So so what? I'm still a rock star. I've got my rock moves...and I don't need you. And guess what? I'm having more fun. Now that you're gone. Na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na.'

My heart breaks for Rihanna

I am completely disgusted with the whole Rihanna/Chris Brown situation that is in the media. I have been a fan of Rihanna for a few years, think she is a beautiful young woman inside and out. As for Chris Brown, I don't know too much about him, other than he's in the music industry (and now an 'alleged' woman beater.)

Domestic violence is a horrible crime and is also almost always an endless cycle which moves from generation to generation. It is NEVER okay to hurt someone, regardless of hurting them with fists or words. I implore people that if you are a victim of domestic abuse to seek help! And know that if you're in a 'loving relationship' with someone who is hurting you, they are NOT going to change, and they are NOT sorry for hurting you. They will apologize afterwards, promise it will never happen again, and even try to make you 'see how it was your fault they hurt you.' But it is NEVER excusable, nor is it EVER your fault. Get help, and get out of the relationship.

My heart breaks for Rihanna, she is a kind woman who does much charrity work, has a foundation and went out on a mission to find a bone marrow match for a complete stranger. She has her life ahead of her. I am disappointed in Chris Brown.....by his actions, he has taught the youth that it is okay to use their fists. He has broken the hope of those less fortunate of making themselves better, those who looked up to Chris.

Chris Brown has lost several endorsments, and gigs due to the charges and investigation brought against him. And I AM GLAD. I think it is about time that a celebrity is held accountable for their actions. I hope that he learns from his mistake, and gets the counciling that he may need to heal from the troubles of his youth. I also hope to God that Rihanna moves on in her life, and away from Chris.

http://perezhilton.com/category/rihanna/

Anyone who knows me, knows how much I love my 'kids'. Pooka and Cro..i have been such a joy to have, I can't believe it's been six years they're a part of my family. Pooka is the macho-yet-mamma's-boy cat, and Cro..i is just a little-lump-of-love since day one. And then there's Lola...the 10-month pain-in-the-arse-puggle-pup who is so cute you just gotta love her. And they each have their own personalities which are so distinct...I could tell you endless stories until you beg me to stop.

And if you have been following my blog on blogger (which granted I hadn't updated in forever) or read some of my blogs here, you'll know that Pooka and Cro..i love to give the gifts of love that only devouted house kittens could give. You know it.....a mouse-gift. It seems like a lot of time has passed since a field mouse has unfortunatly found its way in to our home, but tonight Pooka and Cro..i showed they've still got what it takes. A lot of people also seem skeptical when we tell them how Pooka and Lola really are best friends. I mean, he lets her chew on his ears, and they play in the back yard together. Well, tonight he solidified it in an amazing act, and I wish I had a camera near by to capture it.

This morning Lola was a bit under the weather, having up-chucked some phlegm and having a case of the snizzles. We're blessed to have a dog with allergies....and Ida had kept a close eye on her during the day to make sure she (Lola) wasn't getting any sicker...which she wasn't. By the time I got home from work, Lola was a bundle of energy and her playful self. Per our nightly ritual...we were all hanging out in the family room watching Grey's Anatonmy, and Lola was curled at Ida's feet snoring not so softly...Pooka overhead dosing as well on the back of the couch. As we watched tv, Cro..i was making a commotion scratching Lola's wee papers (which were clean) and I kept telling her to knock it off. Ahhhhh, how my motherly instincts were not kicking in...but perhaps that had something to do with watching 'McDreamy' and 'McSteamy'.
Pooka eventually hopped off the back of the couch, and then there was no distracting noises of scuffles or papers or anything. Ida and Lola's snores filled the background instead. A little more time passes, and who come strolling around the side of the couch, looking like a little kid wanting to surprise a loved one but my boy Pooka. He looks at my mother, then glances at me with a look on his face like "ssshhhh, don't spoil my surprise." Then he proceeds to take a few steps past us, towards Lola...heading SPECIFICALLY towards Lola, with a clump of gray dust on his chin. I was laughing at his expression, and about to tell my mother to get the clump of dust off his mouth when I noticed that this clump of dust had little ears, and little legs, and a body and head. POOKA CAUGHT A MOUSE AN WAS BRINGING IT TO LOLA!!!

When he realized he was busted for being so darn cute...he high-tailed it back around the couch, and him and his sister began to play with the mouse. A mouse which was not dead! Well, call me cruel...but I wasn't coming between my little mc-kittens and their kill (not that I wanted them to kill the mouse either.) But they were only doing their job. IS this mouse still alive? I dunno, I've come upstairs to report to all of you how cute Pooka (and Cro..i.....and Lola) is. Because once mom and I were gushing over Pooka's gift for Lola, Lola woke up and was hanging over the back of the couch, wanting her gift.

But I also can't help but wonder, as Thanksgiving is almost upon us:
(A) Did Pooka and Cro..i intend to give Lola the mouse as a gift, to make her feel better after feeling icky this morning?
(B) Did Pooka intend to try and scare Lola with a mouse gift as little boys are known to do to little girls?
(C) Did Pooka and Cro..i intend for the mouse to be their Thanksgiving dinner, and was bringing it to us to prepare for them?

So I am so disgusted with myself. I am also saddingly shocked with how accurate the horror movie writers and industry make characters and storyline plots. Let me clarify.
You know how when you're watching a horror movie, and the climatic or spooky music is building up, so you know something BAD is going to happen? And there's the dumb character who is being victimized or is about to become the next causality because they hear a noise and go to check it out....and there's Jason/Leather-Face/zombies/(insert your own horror movie bad-guy) just lurking around the corner, waiting for the victim to be stupid enough to head their way to see what made the noise? Then they spring out and kill said dumb character.

Meanwhile you're watching the movie saying out loud: 'Dumb ass, what is wrong with you? Go the other way...it's so obvious that you're about to get mutilated! If that was me, my ass would have been so outta there.' And you know what....you're feeling superior because you would never be as dumb as that person if the shoe was on the other foot and this was a real scenario. *RAISES HAND* I've been the one all the time pointing out the obvious and making my snide little comments when watching the horror movies. I used to pride myself on thinking that I'd be the smart one, to make it through the entire movie, in one piece- being able to live happily ever after with Freddie Prinze Jr's character.

But I was wrong! Wrong I tell you! And I am smacking myself in the head over the fact that I would be one of these dumb characters who get bumped off. It makes me cringe. Last night we went to the diner for dinner: mom, Ida and myself. Before we ate, I decided to go to the restroom. Mind you the restroom has two stalls. So as I'm washing my hands, I hear a noise. No, not that kind of noise....it sounded like the spool of toilet tissue being unfurled from the roller. But it didn't sound like it was coming from the stall next to the one I just vacated. So there I am rinsing my hands, pondering the noise, and I hear it again...this time longer, and almost like it's coming through the wall. Then I figure it is coming through the wall...but I wasn't sure. So I turn around and look at the floor to see if there are feet in the stall which is next to the one I was in. NO FEET. I take a step closer and kinda peer through the crack of the door, because the door is slightly ajar.

AND THEN I FREEZE. Because I realize how stupid I am! I realize that this is a classic horror movie scene where the dumb character gets killed. (How many times have I watched 'Scream' when the killer is in the bathroom perched on the toilet seat and Sidney sees the feet lower themselves to the floor). This is the classic horror movie scene where the DUMB CHARACTER hears a suspicious noise, goes to investigate it INSTEAD of turning and running the other way, and gets hacked to pieces!!! I also realized that the stall was indeed empty and the noise was from the men's restroom. But I left the restroom to go back to my table laughing to myself as well as chastising myself for being dumb enough.

So Hollywood, keep churning out those horror movies. I'll keep watching, and will try to not make fun of the 'dumb characters' who so easily get themselves bumped off. Because I'd be one too.

Pooka & Lola truly partners in crime!

Once upon a time, there were these two adorable little kittens. They were so loving, and jovial, and not at all cold-blooded killers of things such as mice, or fish, or anything that had blood runnng through their veins.These cute, cuddly kittens used to stalk dust, play with their kitty toys, and eat goodies galore. Just for the sake of it, we'll call these cute, sweet, NICE kitties Pooka and Cro`i. (What a coincodince, huh?)
Well, over the years these two NICE house kitties, Pooka and Cro`i shared with their family, they grew in to unique furballs of love. Cro`i would oogle Derek Jeter whenever he was on the tv...and Pooka became such a mamma's boy. If a pet fish was brought in to the house they never thought to try and HURT the fishy. In fact once Pooka stuck his paw in the water and got skeeved out. But as they grew, it was clear that they wondered what was outside the warm house they cohabitated in. To keep them safe, and give them a sense of adventure these sweet, NICE kitties were allowed to venture in to play in the garage...instead of being allowed in to the open air of the yard.
AND that's where the trouble started. These two kitties who just so happen to have the name Pooka and Cro`i began to change. From time to time, especially in bad weather (winter) they'd find these little furry poachers, who skittered around...looking very much like their toy mice. The kitties morphed themselves in to sleek, swift, fierce hunters. Proud to show off their kill, even though their family (more importantly their mother-who we'll call Rose) would be appalled. But the family understood the nature of cats, and even when these kitties deposited a mutilated mouse in her bed, on Egyptian cotten sheets.
But as if this tale was not getting gruesome enough, the tale gets even darker. A puppy was brough in to this little family...and soon won over the hearts of all who lived under the roof...even the kittens who now had a dark side. And although the puppy, who just to keep consistant, we'll call her Lola was being house broken...and allowed to go outside...the cats were not. And the cats didn't understand why. So over the course of a few months...the cats known as Pooka was allowed to play in the back yard...because (a) he was Lola's best friend and they played together...and (b) because he would try and cry all night to get out if he didn't have his way.
The other day when the family came home...they spooted Pooka outside, looking like he was going to make a mad dash out of the yard. Pooka's mother had a panic and went running towards him. But Pooka was not trying to escape. And he gave his mother a dirty look, as his intended victim...a little finch flew off. Pooka's muscles slowly unbunched and he went in the house. The family laughed it off, glad that the little bird lived to see another day. Estatic to know their darling Pooka's paws were unbloodied.
But oh no, Pooka would not be thwarted. Pooka's need for a hunt was overwhelming. Many times since July...he was foiled when he'd go to innocently 'visit' the new gold fish named Jimmy Buffett. At night he slept so soundly...his mother thought he was a little furry saint. But that was when he was plotting it all out. He waited until no one susspected anything...would never suspect his accomplise.
Pooka mother and grandmother had been out running errands and returned home wondering what they would have for dinner. It was then that they heard Pooka's aunt yelling 'Let me wash your mouth...let me wash your mouth' for some odd reason. When they entered the home...there was Lola...having her face scrubbed clean. The mother and grandmother innocently asked what was going on- and here's where our tale ends in a murder most fowl (intentional mis-spelling.)
Pooka got to go on his hunting expaditon. He hunted in his own back yard...stalking a BIG black bird. He solicited his sister Lola's assistance in the hiding of the body...so no one would be the wiser. However Lola could not resist...so proud to be part of a secret Pooka entrusted her with. Pooka chosing Lola over Cro`i. Lola then brough her trophy in to the house and as she watched tv began to gnaw and chew on her black bird quietly. Due to her own oblivion, and not answering her aunt's calls for her...did she ignite suspission and had Aunt Ida come looking for her. And THAT'S when Ida discovered the horrid truth! Pooka and Lola are now murderers and partners in crime. Pooka did the hunting, and Lola the stashing. And our sweet little kitty will never be the same again.
So those of you who own pets. Wether they be cats or dogs or some of each. Don't put anything past them. Because you never know when your sweet and innocent furball will cross over to the dark side.

Crappy Day

I should have known this was coming....something crappy. My life has been going so good, and I've been quite happy the past few months. But yesterday crappiness crept in to my life from all different angels, and I should have realized it was long overdue. So if I've done something to piss off the universe, I'm sorry. But I like being happy, can I have my nice life back?
Yesterday morning started with me dragging my butt to get to work (as usual.) So I went down to feed the puppy-head, and get food for the mckittens. Never did I hear Ida ask me to open the back door for the dog on my way up to get dressed. Well, the dog had an accident in the house, Ida had to clean it and was pissed at me. I, in turn got my back up and yelled at her before leaving for work. On my way home from work I called the house leaving Ida a message asking if she wanted to get something to eat. She was avoiding my call, and when I got home, still wasn't talking to me. Crappy day.So I went up and took a nap.

During yesterday morning, I called a co-worker to ask them a question, and we wound up talking about a happy hour which took place the night before for a friend of ours. I almost went to it, but at the last minute decided not to. Well, I asked who went to the happy hour, and she ran down the list of attendees...saving a certain name for last. She then went on to tell me that she met the dickheads 'new' 'old' girlfriend....as in he has been with her before and now they're back together. Which my response to her was 'good, they deserve one another.' But I am so irked about this! And I don't know why. I guess it's because I wanted to be the one to be able to flaunt someone in his face? Saying 'ha- I didn't pine for you!' I guess it's because he just dropped me without any closure. One day everything was hunky-dory, the next I was lucky if I even got a 'hello' from him. Dickhead was not mature in the least, saying 'hey I want to move on.' And lastly, I guess it's because he lied to me. As in, never saying 'look, me and my ex....we've got history. We always find our way back to one another, so I don't know if this thing between you and me is a fling or can be more.' I mean dickhead and his 'new' 'old' girlfriend have been dating on and off for 4 years! And he brought her to a happy hour, which I could have been at. I mean, that would have been shock and a slap in the face for me to meet her with no warning. This is the biggest lie he ever pulled on me, which also erases any nice thoughts I have of dickhead, or any fond memories of our time together. I honestly don't want him back, nor did I. But I am irked about this, and am really unclear why. Crappy day.

And lastly I was in a MINOR car accident tonight. I was supposed to go to the Zappa Plays Zappa concert, in Westbury. On my way to meet a friend and his girlfriend for dinner, the rain was coming down like I've never seen it come down. The traffic on the highway was slowing, so to avoid a truck which spun out and hit the wall, and as I slowed, I fish-tailed, and rear-ended the car in front of me. In turn, I was hit from behind by a white car. My airbags deployed (nasty odor) and I was shocked. Undoing my seat belt, I got out to check the driver in front of me, and realized there was some damage, but not tons. Five squad cars arrived on the scene, and two officers were very nice. One squad car left, and two cars handled the lady I hit, while two attended me. The white car who hit me had snuck off, and being that I was in shock, didn't think to mention it to the cops. Due to my airbags deploying, the Santa Fe wouldn't start (as safety mechanism) and I couldn't find the kill switch, so I could move the car (as it was dead.) So the cops pushed me to the side, and a tow truck had to bring me to an impound yard. So needless to say, I missed the concert. Needless to say, I now have to rent a car, and see how long I'll be without my truck. My beautiful Santa Fe, which I will now not turn in for anything. No one was hurt badly in my accident, thank God...but I am sore and stiff. So say it with me....crappy day.

And to the universe, I've had my fill of crappiness. Can I have some nice, quiet, happy now?