Octomom trouble: Is she an unfit mother?

Shocking reports surface, and social services investigates

Uh oh, Nadya Suleman, otherwise known as Octomom, might be in big trouble. Earlier this week, a report surfaced that Suleman, mother of 14 kids, was living in "squalor" with the children at her home in La Habra, California. Suleman's former hair stylist claims that conditions in Octomom's house are horrible, and that prompted her to file a formal complaint with police.

On Tuesday, authorities and members of the Orange County Social Services department went to Nadya Suleman's house to check things out. At this point, it's not known exactly what they saw, but it was enough to satisfy. For now. This story is far from over, I'm afraid. Is anyone surprised by all of this? Nadya Suleman's money troubles are nothing new, and with that many mouths to feed, it's no wonder she's in trouble!These allegations are extremely serious, and terribly sad. I only hope that they aren't true. TMZ was the first to break the story, and now they're following up, posting potentially damaging photos that purportedly show some of the kids using the restroom outside in what looks like portable toilets. There's graffiti everywhere (inside and outside the house) and the children look pretty unclean. This isn't good.

According to TMZ, police "determined the kids were not in danger," but added that officials will follow up. No doubt they will!  Octomom's former hairdresser, identified only as "Stephanie," is quoted as saying that Suleman's children "are in desperate need of help."

Anything Nadya Suleman does seems to be fodder for tabloid headlines, but something like this gets everyone's attention. If the children are being neglected, as the hair stylist claims, it will come out. Hopefully the proper authorities will indeed follow up, to make sure that each and every one of Octomom's children are being well taken care of.
 

Actress Vanessa Williams drops a bombshell (or two) in her new book

Reveals sex abuse as a child

Vanessa Williams seemingly has it all. She's having an incredibly successful TV career right now in the final season of ABC's Desperate Housewives, and she was amazing as the evil Wilhelmina Slater on Ugly Betty (a show I still miss, terribly). But in her new memoir, You Have No Idea: A Famous Daughter, Her No-nonsense Mother, and How They Survived Pageants, Hollywood, Love, Loss (and Each Other), Vanessa reveals shocking details about her early life. You know, before she became Miss America, resigned ten months later (nude photo scandal) and then went on to fame and fortune as a singer, Broadway performer and now, TV star.

Vanessa Williams is now speaking openly about being sexually abused as a young girl, and yeah, she's totally right: We really did have no idea!

Williams says she was sexually molested when she was just 10-years-old by an older teenager during a family trip. She also says she didn't tell her mother what happened. In fact, she didn't really process how something like that affected her until she was much older and in college. Williams' mom, Helen, didn't find out until mother and daughter sat down to write the book together!  

There's more: Vanessa Williams also reveals that she had an abortion, after getting pregnant in high school. And no, in case you were wondering, she didn't tell mom about that incident either.

Personally, I think it's wonderful whenever a major celebrity comes clean about sexual abuse. It happens more than any of us could ever imagine, and it damages some children for life. Vanessa is brave to put all of this out there, and hopefully others will learn from her life experiences.

Amanda Bynes' Arrest: Was she drunk or not?

Actress' father says his daughter wasn't drinking

 

In case you haven't heard, actress Amanda Bynes got popped for a DUI late last week. And while it's not at all surprising to hear of a young, beautiful Hollywood actress having a brush with the law (I'm looking at you, Lindsay Lohan), it's what's happened since Bynes' arrest that interests and infuriates me.

Amanda Bynes' father is speaking out now, claiming that there's no way his daughter got a DUI because she wasn't drunk -- and doesn't drink. Wait, what? Time to sort things out, don't you think?
Here's the gist of what happened with Amanda Bynes' arrest: On Friday, April 6, Bynes was taken into custody after allegedly having a "fender-bender" with a cop car in Hollywood. No one was injured (fortunately), but police took Bynes into custody and news broke that she'd been arrested on suspicion of DUI.

According to TMZ, Amanda Bynes is a party girl right now, having hit up "several clubs over the last few weeks." That, in itself, doesn't necessarily mean she's drinking, right? But then TMZ also states that photogs "thought she appeared to be extremely intoxicated" as she left Hollywood's swanky Greystone Manor Supperclub on St. Patrick's Day. Uh oh. Not that I think the TMZ paps are all that credible -- but still, it is what it is...

Anyway, that brings me to the latest twist in this story: Amanda Bynes' dad tells People magazine that his daughter does not drink. Rick Bynes said Amanda "was not drunk" when she was arrested, adding:

I was told that she blew a zero on the Breathalyzer. She didn't have a single drink that night. My daughter doesn't drink.

But there's more: Rick Bynes maintains that Amanda was arrested because "she was upset and very emotional."

So there you go. Is this a father in complete and utter denial, or is there some truth to what he's saying? One would think that someone would be "upset and emotional" after getting arrested for any reason. People quotes the official West Hollywood Sheriff's Station website as saying that "if the offense is alcohol or drug related, the suspect will stay at the sheriff's station until he or she can safely care for himself or herself."

Now, hang on a second: The cops kept Amanda Bynes locked up overnight. Do they do this for every person who seems overly emotional and/or upset? Not likely. Jails are overcrowded enough. Sadly, I suspect Mr. Bynes isn't seeing the real truth here.
 

New power couple alert: Kim Kardashian and Kanye West

Reports say these two are more than just friends

Well, well, well: Me thinks they did indeed protest too much. After much speculation, and months worth of rumors, today the world learns the truth: Kim Kardashian and Kanye West are apparently dating. Are you shocked? Nah, I think many of us suspected these two had a thing for each other, but what I am surprised about is how forthcoming Kanye West is in this new song.

In "Theraflu," Kanye West flat out says it: He loves Kim. Now of course, this could be another Kim Kardashian, right? That doesn't seem very likely. A closer look at the lyrics to "Theraflu" definitely points to it being Kim K. It seems Mr. West has been carrying a torch for Kim for quite some time now. Kim and Kanye have long maintained that they're just buddies, but now, it seems their relationship is blooming into much more.First, the headline: Kim Kardashian and Kanye West are dating. If that doesn't set the tabloids on their collective ear, I don't know what will. TMZ broke the story on Thursday morning, quoting sources as saying that the whole Kim and Kanye thing is "just starting." Apparently, the new couple hit the movies last night in New York, seeing The Hunger Games (good choice). No word if they had the whole "new relationship" night out, dinner AND a movie, but probably so.

Now, let's discuss this new Kanye West song, "Theraflu," shall we? After reading the lyrics, there's no doubt in my mind that he's got a major thing for Kim Kardashian -- and he's had this "thing" for a while. I submit to you, dear readers, as evidence, these "Theraflu" lyrics:

And I admit I fell in love with Kim
Around the same time she fell in love with him
Well that's cool baby girl, do your thing
Lucky I ain't had Jay drop him from the team.

It's all there in the first two lines: Kanye fell in love with Kim K while she was with...you guessed it, Kris Humphries! What gets me is that last line, about not having Jay-Z "drop him from the team." I strongly suspect he's talking about the fact that Jay-Z, as a part-owner of the New Jersey Nets, didn't "drop" Kris Humphries (who played for the Nets while he was with Kim).

So far, no comment from Kim K. or Kanye about this tabloid bombshell, but I bet we'll hear much more about the story in the next few days and weeks. 2012's first super-power couple: Kim Kardashian and Kanye West!

Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel's Wedding Plans are Grand

Couple will marry in high-style this summer

We're only early into April, and already, it's becoming quite clear what 2012's celebrity wedding of the year will be: The nuptials of Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake. Yes, the world's most gorgeous engaged couple will walk down the aisle in grand fashion! Anyone surprised? Didn't think so.

Apparently, J.T. and Jessica are going to do this big, and do this right. After dating for so long, then breaking up, then getting back together and, finally, getting engaged, a huge, elaborate affair seems fitting, doesn't it?According to People magazine, Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake's summer affair is going to be massive. People quotes an unnamed source as saying that at first, plans were in order for a much smaller ceremony. That was Jessica's wish -- but in typical Timberlake fashion, Mr. Bringing Sexy Back wanted something much larger, so "that's what they have decided on."

Have you seen Jessica Biel's engagement ring?! J.T. has big taste, and likes the bling! And this is why, dear readers, I'm not at all surprised that he wants a stunning, large wedding. That, and he's from Memphis -- we do everything big in the South. Everyone is invited, and I do mean everyone -- even those third cousins you've only seen on Christmas card photos (and no cracks about cousins and the South, okay?).

While I'm certainly intrigued by the actual wedding plans, I'm even more interested in Jessica Biel's wedding dress. This is one Hollywood celebrity who knows how to wear an elegant gown, and I've rarely seen her not look amazing. I cannot wait to see what she chooses for her walk down the aisle!

At the moment, there's no word on Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel's actual wedding date. All we know right now is they're marrying this summer, but I'm pretty sure more details will leak before the big day arrives.

Jessica Simpson's pregnancy weight gain: normal or excessive?

Star says she's gained 40 pounds while pregnant

Is it just me, or does Jessica Simpson seem like she's been pregnant for like, oh I don't know, two years?! She certainly looks ready to pop at any second, though she supposedly has a few more weeks to go before her due date. That baby bump has got to be one of the biggest in the history of celebrity bumps, for sure, and it's more than that -- Simpson has definitely put on a lot of weight during her pregnancy.

Now, Jessica Simpson is talking about her pregnancy weight gain, saying she's pretty much ready to get back into shape after she delivers her baby. No doubt! She's in for an uphill climb (or a lot of uphill climbs on a treadmill, at the very least), but as countless gorgeous celebrities have proved since the beginning of time, it can be done.Jessica Simpson has confessed that she's put on a whopping 40 pounds during pregnancy. To be fair, that's not unusual, but it's a little high. I actually looked this up on WebMD, and apparently for a normal sized woman, gaining up to 35 pounds while pregnant isn't abnormal. I'd say Jessica Simpson qualifies as normal sized, right?

Anyway, back to Jessica's story. She says that she's had a blast "not having to worry" about how much she's eating. That's understandable, and it's a good thing. No need to stress out over weight with a baby on board (unless it's like a crazy weight gain, then yeah, worry a bit). The thing is, Jessica already has a huge advantage: She's a (very) wealthy celebrity. This means she can hire a small army of chefs to cook her healthy post-baby meals, a group of trainers to whip her back into shape in a matter of weeks and a nanny to keep an eye on that precious newborn while she hits the gym. All of us should be so fortunate, right?

Reese Witherspoon is Pregnant!

Actress is expecting, and showing (a little)

Actress Reese Witherspoon and her husband, Jim Toth, are expecting their first child together! Reese has two other children with her ex, Ryan Phillippe: 12-year-old Ava and 8-year-old Deacon. Congratulations are definitely in order.

Witherspoon hasn't issued an official statement yet, but widespread reports say she's definitely pregnant.Earlier this year, Reese Witherspoon said in an interview that she hoped to have more children. Now, that wish is coming true: She and her talent agent hubby, Jim Toth, are going to be the parents of a newborn. All this, just in time for these two to celebrate their one-year anniversary! A friend tells People magazine that the expectant parents are "both thrilled."

When is Reese's due date? There's no official word on that. In recent weeks, Witherspoon has been photographed several times sporting what certainly looks like a (very small) baby bump. Most recently, she stepped out in L.A. wearing a loose-fitting shirt that concealed any possible bump. Reese will definitely be a gorgeous pregnant woman - she looks great all the time. It will be fun to watch her fashion choices as her belly grows, too.

Reese Witherspoon joins an ever-expanding (so to speak) list of Hollywood A-list celebrities who are expectant mothers. This list includes the likes of Hilary Duff, Jessica Simpson, Kourtney Kardashian, Alyson Hanigan and Victoria's Secret models Alessandra Ambrosio and Adriana Lima. Who will give birth first? My money is on either Jessica Simpson or Hilary Duff -- both (especially Simpson) look positively huge.

Commence Reese Witherspoon, Baby Bump Watch, 2012!

Charlize Theron is a Mom! Actress Adopts a Baby Boy

Congratulations are in order for the beautiful South African actress

One of the most gorgeous women on the planet is now a mom for the first time. Actress Charlize Theron has adopted a baby boy! Congratulations to this talented woman, who is no doubt over-the-moon with excitement about the new addition.

Very little is known about the child, except that Theron is overjoyed about the adoption.Charlize Theron is arguably one of the most gifted actresses working today. Her list of accolades and wonderful movies is long and impressive. Now, apparently, Charlize has decided to take on her most challenging role yet: mother.

A brief statement issued by Charlize Theron's spokesperson confirmed the news:

"Charlize Theron has adopted a child.  She is the proud mom of a healthy baby boy named Jackson."

Now, I realize that not everyone's totally into the single parenting thing, but this decision is one that Theron has thought about for quite a while. Charlize isn't married (she split from longtime boyfriend Stuart Townsend early last year), and isn't really involved in a serious relationship (at least not one the tabloids have gotten hold of) -- but she has discussed adopting before. Last year, during an interview, Charlize said flat out: "I want a baby. If it would happen tomorrow I would be very happy." She also said she'd be totally open to adoption, even if she wasn't married.

She was serious. Now, Charlize Theron has joined the ranks of other celebrity moms. I think it's wonderful that she's taken this huge step of adopting -- and I say that as both an adoptee and someone who is currently knee-deep in the (ridiculously lengthy) process of trying to adopt a child. Adoption is an amazing thing.

Here's hoping that Charlize Theron enjoys every single moment of her life with her new baby, Jackson.
 

Whitney Houston's Will

What's In It?

It has been reported that an Atlanta judge has validated the will left by the late, Whitney Houston. In her will, she leaves ALL, furnishings, clothing, jewelry, cars, etc to her surviving children. In this case, Bobbi Kristina is set to inherit everything from her mother. An estate worth close to a reported $20 million. In the event that something should happen to Bobbi Kristina and she passed away, everything would be split amongst various relatives, including her ex-husband Bobby Brown. Whitney’s will was signed by the late entertainer in 1993, just a month before the birth of her daughter Bobbi Kristina Brown.

Though many material things will be immediately available and disposable to the legend’s daughter, her money will not. In Whitney’s will, her money is to be set up in a trust fund. Bobbi Kristina will receive her mother’s fortune in chunks. It has been reported that her money will be disbursed to her daughter in increments at the ages of 21,25 and the remaining balance of any monies at the age of 30.

Bobbi Kristina is now at the age of 19. While, it may seem far away before she sees a dime, to me, it may be too close. While, I am only going off of other reports from associated press, etc. If any of the situations about her addictions, etc are true, she will need some time to recover. She needs to get settled in a healthy lifestyle prior to coming into a large fortune that will now be at her own disposal. This is just merely my personal opinion.

I know for Bobbi Kristina, no amount of money will bring her mother back nor will it cure her grief. This money will however, ensure that she is taken care of thanks to her mother’s hard work for so many years.

All Hail the Great Jon Hamm: Absolutely Rips Kardashians 'Idiot Culture'

'Mad Men' star goes off in Elle UK interview

Add Jon Hamm to the growing list of Hollywood actors who've simply had enough. In a great interview with Elle UK, the Mad Men star pretty much goes off on the entire celebrity culture thing. He calls out Kim Kardashian by name, too.

I can now add "rips Kardashians" to my list of reasons why I simply adore Jon Hamm.Hamm's excellent chat with Elle UK isn't just about the whole Kim Kardashian and Paris Hilton obsession - he talks a lot about Mad Men, his struggles as an actor before finding fame and his chemistry with MM co-star January Jones. Trust me, it's going to be worth a read. You can get some of the highlights online now, if you want a preview.

I consider this a gem to keep me satisfied until Mad Men's fifth season starts (March 25, mark calendars) and I finally get to see Don Draper again. If it seems like forever since we've had a Mad Men fix, it has. For now, we can all have a nice chuckle at Hamm's take on Hollywood.

Basically, Jon Hamm has trouble understanding how and why reality TV stars are now gazillionaires. He's not alone. I see you out there shaking your heads! Hamm tells Elle UK, "Whether it's Paris Hilton or Kim Kardashian or whoever, stupidity is certainly celebrated," adding, "Being a f***ing idiot is a valuable commodity in this culture because you're rewarded significantly."

Yikes. Wait, did he just call Kim Kardashian an idiot? Yes, I think he did. Good for him. Someone had to say it.

FYI: Hamm also talks about his (ahem) looks, saying that he doesn't think he's handsome. This might be the only part of the interview where I think he's flat-out wrong.

Can't wait to read this Jon Hamm Elle UK interview in it's entirety, but for now, it's sure getting a LOT of hype. Slam the Kardashians and boom! Instant attention!
 

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