Blogcritics Author: So Infatuated Girl

Announcement: Short-content feeds

Phillip Winn — Sun, 26 Aug 2007 12:00:00 EDT

Sunday, August 26, 2007, marks the switch of all Blogcritics.org article feeds from full-content to short-content. This is the result of several converging factors, and is unfortunately a permanent decision (as permanent as any decision can be on the web, that is). We are aware of all of the reasons that this is a Bad Idea, and we are aware that some of you will be quite upset about having to click on something to read the free content, and we're sorry. Unfortunately, despite great effort, full-content feeds are not currently economically viable. Two other factors are involved: full-content feeds have resulted in an unprecedented level of content theft, with BC content appearing on many websites, usually spam sites, without attribution or permission. This duplicate content causes a cascading set of problems, not the least of which is that search engines generally aren't favorable to duplicate content, and don't always guess correctly. Finally, our RSS advertising partner is strongly in favor of short-content feeds. We hope that you'll continue to subscribe to BC via RSS, and when an article grabs your eye, it's only a click away, still free on the BC website. Thank you for your understanding.

Get Madonna's Gibson Les Paul Guitar on eBay

So Infatuated Girl — Thu, 14 Sep 2006 21:10:11 EDT

Every couple of weeks there’s a desperate celebrity advertising gimmick or rumor on eBay: Britney Spears trying to make a few quick bucks selling her dirty flip flops, Nick Lachey ditching his Jessica Simpson memories — even celebrities sharing their company with pimple-infested tech nerds in the name of one charity or another. This month, there’s actually an exciting celebrity item for a good cause… and you don’t have to risk foot fungus, an STD or mental trauma when you buy it. On October 6, Pop Queen Madonna’s Gibson Les Paul custom guitar, which she used during her Drowned world tour in 2001, will debut on eBay. Once owned by legendary guitar technician John Griswold, who customized the guitar for the singer and was later given it back as a big “Thank You” gift, the instrument says "Love, Madonna” in gold pen. A world traveler, the instrument is being touted as one of the most photographed guitars in the world and has been captured in pictures and video tape thousands of times — even appearing in the August 27, 2001 issue of People magazine.According to a press release issued by the seller, the instrument is the only surviving guitar of two that were custom made for Madonna and played by her on her 2001 tour, which was the first time she ever played a guitar in concert. "While the guitar has back scratches and light wear from Madonna's costumes and belt buckles rubbing against it during her performances, it is in perfect working order and has been clear coated to protect the autograph from wear (standard procedure in guitar preserving),” says the press release. “This guitar can be played without wearing down the autograph. With original strings as Madonna last played them, this guitar has been kept very well and secure the last 5 years.” The sad part is that Griswold, who still owns the guitar, and his family lived in New Orleans when Hurricane Katrina hit the city and apparently his house was flooded to the top of the first floor and he lost most of his possessions and studio equipment. The guitar was one of the first things he and his family saved before relocating to California and while he is reluctant to put his precious guitar up for auction, the financial loss and hardship of the move has forced him to change his mind. Though the reserve bid for the guitar has not been announced (for all you non-eBayers, that means the lowest possible bid price), we do know that the guitar and included matching tour case are numbered with the Gibson serial number of 001360, which is verified on all the tour's manifests and carnets. The seller, Pierce Jensen of Sonora, California (eBay user "pierceandshelly"), has been a member of eBay since March, 1999 and has thousands of auctions to his credit along with a wonderful feedback rating. He's an eBay "Power Seller" ranking among the most successful sellers in terms of product sales and customer satisfaction on eBay.Until the auction begins, the guitar can be previewed at Pierce and Shelly Celebrity Services. The auction starts October 6, 2006, at 7:00 P.M. PST, ending on October 16, 2006. Good luck.

So Infatuated Girl is the founder and editor of SoInfatuated.com, a cheeky entertainment blog dedicated to providing "over-analysis" of pop culture, celebrities, the media, music and so-called superstars. A writer and editor by trade, SIG has no formal medical training, but relies instead on street psychology and common sense to decode the subconscious messages embedded in candid photos, press statements and outrageous diva behavior. And yes, she's really is so infatuated with Jake Gyllenhaal.

Former Host Meredith Vieira Says She Feels Bad for Everyone at The View

So Infatuated Girl — Mon, 28 Aug 2006 22:24:33 EDT

Who knew a bunch of ladies sitting around the table with Barbara Walters could solicit so much attention?Meredith Vieira, a former cast member of The View has said she doesn’t watch the show anymore because of its decline in quality."I have to admit, the day after Star made her announcement, I watched," Vieira said in an interview published in Time magazine. "But I feel very sad for everything that's happened and for everybody involved."Star Jones Reynolds unceremoniously exited The View in June amid speculation that she was wanted out because comedian Rosie O'Donnell was picked to fill Meredith Vieira’s spot — rumor had it that Reynolds was angry at O’Donnell for publicly saying Reynolds had gastric bypass surgery. There was also speculation that Reynolds, who was married last year and is accused of abusing her access to freebies and promoting wedding companies on air to get free stuff for her own wedding, was not going to be asked back. Since Reynolds' departure, the show has brought in a series of “trial hosts” such as Renee Elise Goldsberry, Kelly Monaco, Susan Lucci, Robin Givens, Mo'Nique and Shannen Doherty, singers Brandy Norwood and American Idol contestants Katharine McPhee and Kellie Pickler, who were all hoping to take over her spot. The producers have not announced who the lucky lady will be yet. Vieira stepped down after nine years on the program this summer to take over Katie Couric’s place as co-anchor of NBC's Today show, which she will begin September 13.The Washington Post recently reported that Vieira, who was also the host of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? is “proud of her efforts for the popular daytime talk show, but she told Time that it's not what it used to be.”"It's hard to watch. It sort of became a joke," she said.

Singer Boy George Reports for Community Service

So Infatuated Girl — Wed, 16 Aug 2006 20:50:45 EDT

Singer Boy George reported for his first day of community service on Monday with the New York City Department of Sanitation, after getting caught with a little something-something in his house this spring. George, who was the lead singer for Culture Club and the voice of catchy songs like “Do You Really Want to Hurt Me?” and “Karma Chameleon,” was ordered to perform five days of service working for the Department of Sanitation after pleading guilty in March to falsely reporting a burglary at his lower Manhattan apartment. The officers that responded to the call found cocaine in the singer’s home.According to reports, George, born George O'Dowd, was told by a Manhattan judge that he must decide whether his court-ordered community service would be an "exercise in humiliation or in humility." Apparently humiliation was George’s karma: George was hounded by reporters and photographers while he stood on the median of a Lower East Side Street picking up trash and using a broom to sweep dust and leaves into the lens of a video camera. "You think you're better than me?" he allegedly yelled. "Go home. Let me do my community service. This is supposed to be making me humble. Let me do this," he said. "I just want to do my job."Wearing regular civilian clothes instead of his usual makeup and flock of seagulls hair, George, who is 45, reportedly whipped dust into the faces of nearby reporters that crowded around him. And that, folks, is why you should keep clean.

Pictures of Suri Cruise to be Unveiled Soon

So Infatuated Girl — Wed, 9 Aug 2006 22:53:04 EDT

Those who have suffered from a lack of appetite, experienced insomnia and wondered about the future of mankind due to the obvious absence of Suri Cruise can finally breathe a sigh of relief. Pictures of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes’ baby, who was born on April 18, 2006, will reportedly soon be shared with the masses. The New York Post reported on Wednesday that Vanity Fair magazine will have the honor of publishing the first photos of Suri, who has never been seen by the public. The Post said the pictures were taken by famed photographer Annie Leibovitz and will be published this fall.Despite reports from Tom Cruise and Kate Holmes’ Scientology buddy Leah Remini and stars like Penelope Cruz and Jada Pickett-Smith, who all say they’ve seen baby Suri, the world has been standing by waiting for an update on the famous infant since Tom and Kate first announced they were preggers.Is there something wrong with Suri? Does she have Tom’s nose and Kate’s chin (that would be bad!)? Is she a different race than Tom? Does she even exist? Those pressing questions will hopefully be answered with the spread.According to the Washington Post, a spokeswoman for Vanity Fair had no comment and a spokesman for Leibovitz’s studio said, “We know nothing about this. The studio is closed for August.” The Washington Post also said a spokesman for Cruise was not immediately available for comment.When pictures of Suri do surface, and if she does exist they will sometime, they will quell the tabloid and blogging war that has been waging since her alleged birth. Star Magazine has published a fake picture of Suri Cruise, while other blogs have created “create your own picture of Suri” contests. Ahhh, the things we think we’re entitled to.

Robin Williams to Seek Treatment for Alcoholism

So Infatuated Girl — Wed, 9 Aug 2006 19:30:05 EDT

A publicist for funnyman Robin Williams has announced he is seeking treatment for alcoholism.Mara Buxbaum told the AP that the 55-year-old comedian had been sober for 20 years.Williams “found himself drinking again and has decided to take proactive measures to deal with this for his own well-being and the well-being of his family,” she said in a statement. “He looks forward to returning to work this fall to support his upcoming film releases.” Buxbaum declined to elaborate beyond the statement.While I always wondered if Williams had a substance abuse problem — I would have guessed an upper, not a downer — it really is troubling how many celebrities are coming out of the woodwork as addicts. Are these talented, celebrated, and media-savvy characters setting a good example by publicly admitting their battle, or are they somehow lowering the social standard in regards to drugs and alcohol?The recent arrest of actor, producer, and alleged anti-Semite (I say alleged for my safety and in case some tape is ever released that proves this was all a publicity war — something I doubt more than anything, but a blogger can’t be too careful!) Mel Gibson serves as a cue that we rarely talk about addiction until the media reminds us it’s a “hot topic.”Clearly, Williams’ recent admission is preventative and indeed “proactive” for his personal health and recovery. But not all those suffering from addiction are lucky enough to have that realization before it’s too late. Mel Gibson’s recent drunken tirade and arrest, while not sympathy-inspiring, was likely necessary for his future. If he hadn’t gotten arrested would he have ever checked himself in?We’ve all seen celebrities, and likely family members and friends, from across the social spectrum suffer and seem to brush it off our shoulders. Think Wynonna Judd, Nick Nolte, “Lost” stars Michelle Rodriguez and Cynthia Watros — just to name a few that have been picked up by the police and charged with drunk driving. We remember the mug shots, but do we remember what the consequences of their actions could have been?According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, substance abuse has an estimated $181 billion per year on our society. This figure includes costs related to crime, medical care, substance abuse treatment, social welfare programs, and time lost from work.That number pales in comparison to reports that more than 15 million Americans are estimated to suffer from alcoholism. Kudos to Mrs. Doubtfire, I mean Williams, for seeking treatment. May Mel and the millions of others suffering follow in your footsteps.

Studio Warns Lindsay Lohan To Show Up For Work

So Infatuated Girl — Mon, 31 Jul 2006 22:42:55 EDT

It’s been a tough two weeks for actress Lindsay Lohan. Early last week, Lohan was reportedly taken to the hospital after suffering one of her famous heat exhaustion episodes. The last time she went to the hospital she came out about thirty pounds lighter. Then, on July 26, the CEO of Morgan Creek Productions sent the Mean Girls star a strongly worded letter saying the company was “well aware” that her “ongoing all night heavy partying is the real reason” for her “so-called exhaustion” and that her absence and tardiness to the set of Georgia Rule would no longer be accepted.The letter, which is copied to nine other parties and linked on the power house smokinggun.com, also slams Lohan by saying she is acting “like a spoiled child and in so doing has alienated many of her co-workers and endangered the quality of the picture.” Geez, Lohan, what’s up with your diva-like antics? I hate to side with the man, but Mr. CEO says you’re costing the company thousands of dollars and are in danger of having your wages reduced due to the amount of filming you’ve missed. Pull it together would you? You know, you can be replaced. I’ll bet Morgan Creek has a long list of ladies like Mandy Moore, Hilary Duff and even Jessica Simpson, who would know better than to stay up past 10 on school nights.

Gillian "Scully" Anderson Is Pregnant With Her Second Child

So Infatuated Girl — Wed, 26 Jul 2006 17:46:15 EDT

Gillian Anderson, the immortal and pretty as a peach actress who played Agent Scully on The X-Files, is having a baby with her new boyfriend, businessman Mark Griffiths, a spokesperson told the Associated Press. According to Connie Freiberg, Anderson’s rep and the person who sent an e-mail to People confirming the story, the baby will be born at the end of the year.Anderson, who is 37, has an 11-year-old daughter from her ex-hubby Clyde Kotz.What’s the scandal you ask? The rumor mill, and by that I mean the endless circuit of celebrity blogs, is abuzz, saying Anderson has only been separated from her second husband, who lasted a whole 16 months of marriage, since April. So was there a little crossover time? There’s really no telling until another statement surfaces. It seems Anderson has been pretty busy on the professional front as well, according to IMDB, the actress, who hasn’t done many film projects since the end of The X-Files, will star in three movies in 2006. No One Gets Off This Train, Straightheads, and The Last King of Scotland are all in post-production and set to be released.Now we just have to cross our fingers for The X-Files movie number two. And yes, I think plenty of people would go see it.

Lionel Richie Is Worried About Daughter Nicole's Weight

So Infatuated Girl — Wed, 26 Jul 2006 17:38:57 EDT

I have a confession to make. Are you alone? Is the front door locked? Do you promise not to tell anyone? I’m a blogger. Okay, you already knew that. I’m not just a blogger, I’m a celebrity gossip and pop culture blogger, which I’m learning – daily – is considered to be the bottom feeder of the blog pool. Owning up to my blogging activities has become increasingly thorny recently. After a long vacation, my beau returned home to proclaim my addiction to the Internet. My sister starts most of our conversations with the disclaimer: Yes, I want to talk to you, but no, I don’t want to talk about blogs. Am I worried? Absolutely not. For the most part, their comments roll off my back, and I plan on making up my extensive time spent at the computer with both of them – in very different ways, obviously. But, when it comes down to it, the real problem lies in the fact that most of the world doesn’t understand what it is we bloggers do. Seriously, ask your loved ones tonight. Do they know what an RSS feed is? How about a Permalink? And Ping? It’s not just bells and whistles, its hard work, people!Of course, I have a respectable, “intellectual” job, but managing department productivity reports isn’t sexy, invigorating, or inspirational. Blogging about Lindsay Lohan, Jessica Simpson, Hilary Duff, and Nicole Richie while wearing skimpy pajamas and drinking a glass of white wine is. And I can admit it, aside from their penchants for unnecessarily expensive handbags, all four of those ladies are genius at playing the publicity machine. TV shows, books, albums, and movies: what can’t they do? Somebody has to blog about it!I digress. The point is that those who are uninitiated to the world of the blogosphere don’t understand the extreme thrill of scooping your genre with a hot, titillating story. It’s unbeatable and it’s 100 percent natural. What else can you say that about?So, Nicole Richie. I took a while to get here, didn’t I? It’s not a scoop but Britian’s Life Style Extra reports that Lionel Richie has become a “basket case” over his adopted daughter Nicole’s weight loss.On Monday the singer, who is hoping for a comeback, told Access Hollywood: "I'll be honest with you, it hurts me more than it hurts her. I'm more sensitive. I take it more personally. I must tell you, I'm the basket case."He added that he’s spoken with Nicole, who is rumored to be somewhere between 80 and 98 pounds and recently admitted she is likely too thin, about her health. Nicole, please find some sort of soy protein shake you can tolerate and gain ten pounds. And Lionel, stop pretending you can actually feel Nicole’s pain and do something to help her.

Oprah and Best Friend Gayle Say They're Not Lovers

So Infatuated Girl — Wed, 19 Jul 2006 16:42:14 EDT

First it was Tom Cruise. Then it was Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal. Then it was Tom Cruise again. And now it’s Oprah? The world’s most influential woman, and by that I mean Oprah, not Britney Spears or Paris Hilton, found a need to defend her sexuality this month when she addressed hair saloon rumors that she and her best friend Gayle King are lesbian lovers. In the August issue of O, The Oprah Magazine, the reigning daytime TV queen and media mogul said some people misunderstand her close friendship of 30 years with Gayle King, an editor of the magazine and Oprah’s longtime confidant and BFF. “I understand why people think we're gay,” says Oprah in O magazine and in an accompanying article online. “There isn't a definition in our culture for this kind of bond between women. So I get why people have to label it—how can you be this close without it being sexual? How else can you explain a level of intimacy where someone always loves you, always respects you, admires you?”According to Gayle, the while the rumors used to bother her, they don’t anymore. “I used to say, 'Oprah, you have to do something. It's hard enough for me to get a date on a Saturday night. You've got to go on the air and stop it!.' And then you realize you really can't stop it. And, you know, somebody made a good point: Well, every time we see you, you're together, which is true.”In the article, the dynamic duo, who often appear side by side on Oprah’s shows, tackle their 30-year friendship and their "four-times-a-day phone calls." They also say they would be totally open about taking about their intimate relationship, if they had one. "The truth is, if we were gay, we would tell you, because there's nothing wrong with being gay," says King, who is divorced and has two children. Oprah, who has the highest rated talk show in television history and is considered by Forbes to the richest African American of the 20th century, has never married. Most people believe Oprah has been living with beau Stedman Grahm, who she does talk about on her show, for nearly 20 years. Earlier this year, she admitted her past dating card featured movie critic Roger Ebert.Still we should really leave her alone. As arrogant as she can be, she has helped a lot of people and she has plenty of other things to worry about, like say her almond and water diet.

Kylie Minogue Speaks Out About Dealing With Cancer

So Infatuated Girl — Mon, 17 Jul 2006 06:22:16 EDT

Pop queen Kylie Minogue spoke out about how cancer changed her life on Britain’s Sky One channel on Sunday evening, telling the interviewer that she “doubts her once vibrant and energetic live performances will ever be the same again.”According to Britain’s The Independent, Minogue also said her cancer treatment left her so frail and emaciated that she couldn’t bring herself to look in a mirror. The campy Australian singer and sometimes actress (she was the teeny green fairy in Baz Luhrmann’s Moulin Rouge and started her career with a role on Australia’s longest-running soap Neighbours), is known for her already petite frame and over-the-top concert outfits and dance numbers. She was diagnosed with breast cancer last year and stayed out of the limelight with her beau and sexy “Unfaithful” star Oliver Martinez. According to The Independent, 38-year-old Minogue told Sky One that despite the incredible lows, her experience with cancer had renewed her zest for life. “I just want to do everything. I honestly don’t want to sound soppy or too clichéd, but that’s the way it is. It’s nice to take a walk and to see friends. I just can’t help but see things differently.”Minogue first made it big with her “I Should Be So Lucky” hit more than 18 years ago. After being diagnosed with cancer last year, she canceled her Showgirl World Tour and went into seclusion for the first time since her career took off. In Kylie: The Interview, which was broadcast by Sky One, she said the cancer had left her in “a dark place.”Minogue plans to resume her tour later this year, but in her interview said "I'm not sure that I'll be able to do everything that I did before.”Speaking for her fans, we'll take you any way Kylie. Here's to health!