One long weekend, two sort-of celebrities and three hours in jail - this is what happens when you put Tila Tequila with San Diego Chargers ball player, Shawne Merriman and toss in liquid refreshments.

Merriman was arrested over the weekend when Tila Tequila, reality star and whose real name is Tila Nguyen, pressed charges and accused Merriman of choking and assaulting her.  He was released three hours later and immediately spoke to the press. He has completely denied the charges and insists he was only trying to protect the woman because she was drunk and he didn’t want her to drive.

Meanwhile, Tequila released her own statement and insists she wasn’t drunk, and even goes so far as to tweet she’s allergic to alcohol. Ah, but the police say she was indeed drinking.  Classic “he said, she said and they said”, to be sure.

Late today, Nguyen tweeted, “If u or some1 u know is being abused or hit..Tell on em”.  Whatever happened to proper grammar?  FoxSports is reporting paramedics could find no injuries, marks or bruises on Nguyen.  So what happens now?  Unless formal charges are filed, nothing will happen and since Merriman was hauled in as a result of Nguyen filing a citizen’s arrest, that only makes it even more likely that nothing else will come of this.  Apparently there were many party goers nearby who witnessed what happened and more importantly, what didn’t happen.  Many interviewed by the media insist they’re ready to come forward and answer any questions the police may have that will provide an unbiased account of what transpired.

In the meantime, both sides have returned to their respective corners and with the exception of Nguyen, who apparently spends an incredible amount of time on her Twitter account, there has been no new information today. Merriman’s attorney insists his client did nothing wrong and expects the evidence will completely absolve him.

It’s official.  Usher, a Grammy-winning R&B singer, has filed for divorce less than two years after walking down the aisle.  His wife, however, was more than surprised that divorce was even being considered.  She’s provided an exact date as to their last intimacy and says she believed her marriage was intact.  Tameka Raymond’s lawyer, Randall M. Kessler, has only released one brief statement, “All I can tell you is that my

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client loves her husband and she loves her children.  She’s trying to keep this as private as possible.”  Usher’s lawyers haven’t released any statements, but the divorce papers filed in Atlanta, GA are speaking volumes. 

The reasons for the splitting of the sheets are listed as a hopeless reconciliation and that the marriage is irretrievably broken.  Not only that, but Usher is also seeking at least joint custody of his two sons, one who is less than two years old and another who is six months old.  In the meantime, his wife Tameka has asked the court to ensure her husband continues his financial support until the divorce and custody issues have been decided.  She’s also requested her husband pay her legal fees.

It’s not said where Usher is residing, though it’s most likely outside Atlanta and probably not even in Georgia.  The two were married in August, 2007.  It was his first marriage and her second marriage.  She also has three children from that first marriage.  He says they’ve been separated since July 2008, which, if true, means they separated before they even celebrated their first wedding anniversary.

Tameka Raymond is said to still be recuperating after being hospitalized for severe complications due to liposuction she received in Brazil.  It’s only when the rumors began circulating last week over the imminent filing that she hired Kessler.  The one striking difference in this celebrity divorce and others that have hit the headlines is there doesn’t appear to be any mudslinging….yet.  Hopefully, for the sake of the little ones, these two will remember they’re the adults and that the art of biting one’s tongue will go a long way in the psyches of their kids.

The first court date is set for July 15 in Fulton County Superior Court in Atlanta.

Not long ago, Dr. Phil McGraw landed in hot water over comments he made after meeting with Britney Spears’ family. The accusation was that he revealed confidential information and crossed the doctor-patient confidentiality oaths our medical and even our legal systems depend on. Of course, Hollywood being the unreliable source of information that it’s known for, no one really knows for sure what, if anything was revealed. Still, Dr. Phil was quoted as saying she was troubled and in dire need of psychological help over a year ago. Plans for a show devoted to her were scrapped and before long, in classic Hollywood manner, it fell off the front page.

Now, another well-known celebrity doctor is being accused of speaking out of turn. Dr. Drew Pinsky has been quoted as saying he’s convinced Lindsay Lohan will get sober one day. This leading comment has many

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believing Lohan is still abusing drugs, alcohol or both. In retaliation, Lohan twittered over the weekend that “real” doctors didn’t discuss such matters in public. It’s true she’s done far more damage to her own image than anyone else possibly could, whether it’s a doctor or some tabloid scrambling for a front page story. In any event, she doesn’t like to be the topic of his conversations.

It’s a fine line physicians, lawyers, psychologists and others in the medical field must walk. They’re bound by their oath of confidentiality. But an across the board general comment such as what the good doctor made about Lohan in no way betrays that oath. Anyone can see she’s troubled. He’s not the first to state the obvious. The fact that it’s not even known whether or not Lohan has ever been a patient of his proves he’s not betrayed the trust as a physician. Seems as though his concerns of something drastic being what finally awakens her has been hashed out in the media for years. Let’s face it, we’ve seen some mighty erratic behavior out of both Spears and Lohan and if it wasn’t due to intoxication, then they certainly need a few lessons in proper etiquette and how to behave in public.

Hopefully, she’ll seek out the guidance of medically trained personnel in the near future. Since Dr. Drew seems to have a head start, it might as well be him.

Once again, Terry and Linda Bollea, aka Mr. and Mrs. Hulk Hogan, are throwing some major verbal attacks at

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one another.  Accusations flew in the most recent court hearings this week of Linda Bollea spending the vast majority of her $40,000 monthly temporary alimony payments on drugs.  In fact, two witnesses showed up and testified they’ve witnessed her snorting cocaine and taking a painkiller known as Roxycodon.  She also heard them testify to her expensive marijuana habit as well. 

A judge has been doling out the cash as needed to both parties.  That has to sting.  To have to ask for permission to spend one’s own money must be a difficult process for Terry Bollea.  He’s said to be worth over $10 million, but he said in court that unless his family reeled in its spending habits, he’d be broke within a year.  The fact he’s been ordered to pay the $40k monthly payment on top of all of her expenses, including credit cards, trainers, housekeepers and car payments and maintenance surely is taking a toll.  To add insult to injury, she’s now claiming she’s living below the standard of living she’d grown accustomed to as Mrs. Hulk Hogan.  She’s petitioned the court for an increase in her monthly allowance, all the while, her husband’s legal team is arguing for the judge to reduce the payments. 

Since his son, Nick, was a minor in 2007 when he was arrested for causing a serious brain injury to his once-friend during a car crash, the Bolleas’ have shouldered all of his legal fees.  Many believe this is what marked the beginning of the end of their 23 year marriage. 

The judge also heard Bollea’s argument today that he’s unable to provide for his family since his wrestling career is all but over.  A recent back surgery only adds to the long list of health problems and injuries many wrestlers suffer with.  His hopes of playing an active role in the upcoming Wrestlemania seem to be fading. 

In the meantime, the accusations are still flying, the name calling is still being traded and the divorce attorneys are working overtime to keep their respective clients quiet and not so much in the limelight.  What can they do, though?  Two entitled people who’ve lived charmed lives all these years won’t buckle easily and aren’t apt to take orders from anyone, whether it’s a judge or their own attorney.

Ever heard of Speidi?  This is the collective term used for a Hollywood-wannabe couple, Spencer Pratt and his new wife, Heidi.   Made sort-of famous on MTV’s The Hills, this couple has done nothing except serve as a warning for spoiled kids who choose to get married.  Spencer Pratt, who’s 25 and with a tendency to be belittling, insulting, abusive and violent, practically demanded his bride to marry him after having alienated everyone in her life, including her mother and best friend.  This all played out in front of MTV’s cameras.

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What’s so alarming is how few see his violent tendencies and those who do insist it’s done for the cameras.  Many chalk it up to nothing more than rich kids playing house and then whining when they don’t get their way.  It seems it goes far deeper though.

Pratt has a sister who’s clearly afraid of him, the fact their family life, especially their childhoods, remains a mystery only adds to the suspicion.  Now that they’re on NBC’s, “I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here”, he’s shown his colors once again.  He demanded to speak to the president of NBC, hurled insults of his being better than his teammates, insisted he was “too good” for the conditions in the jungle and has placed WAY too much priority on a bottle of hair product.  He and his wife have walked off the set at least twice, only to come back.  This time, though, Pratt’s taken it to the edge yet again.  Heidi Pratt was rushed to the hospital after “vomiting convulsively” and was diagnosed with an ulcer due to her torture of having to eat rice and beans for a day.  Yep…one day of eating beans and rice has caused an ulcer.  Bless her pampered little heart.  Here’s where it becomes typical “pratty” behavior: Spencer has decided that they’re leaving again, with his lawyers suing NBC, they were tortured and starved and that no charity is worth all that.

By hiding behind religion, he has spent at least some of his time trying to mend his broken image, both on and off the airwaves.  He attempted to apologize to Heidi’s mother prior to the wedding, said an insulting prayer minutes before their vows were spoken (aired on the season finale of The Hills) that was nothing more than disrespectful and disgusting.  Most couples, moments before their wedding, will pray that God will bless the union, keep them safe, protect those who traveled far and wide to witness the ceremony and host of other unselfish requests; not Pratt.  His prayer was that he’d not overextend the traditional alter kiss.  He had the audacity to do this in front of the bride’s father.

With only a bit of research into the warning signs of an abusive relationship, one can clearly see the patterns.   When a husband or boyfriend alienates a woman’s friends and family, has a split personality (in the beginning of the relationship) to where he is abusive to his girlfriend’s or wife’s network of those she tries to stay close to, only to deny it and accuse everyone else of overreacting when she confronts him with it and flaunts his “manly” conquests in front of her, you can be sure that’s only the tip of the iceberg.  Hopefully, this young girl will see the light before investing too much of her life into such an empty avenue.

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 Admittedly, I have very little knowledge of who Jon and Kate are, let alone this magical ‘8′ that follows the title of their TLC reality show, Jon and Kate Plus 8.  Listening to screaming little ones just doesn’t fall into my preferred TV viewing choices, especially if there’s a Law & Order to be found among the available shows.  But it’s hard to ignore the headlines and the news of nearly 10 million viewers who caught last night’s season premiere.  My first question was, “So if everyone’s watching Jon and Kate, who’s paying attention to the North Korean nuke crisis?”

After I delved into the seemingly thousands of websites dedicated to the drama that is now this young couple’s life, I realized there exists the very real possibility of a divorce and custody battle playing out in the media.  Then I realized that magic number ‘8′ is in reference to the number of children this couple share.  Accusations of adultery seems to be what most are interested in and maybe it’s because I’ve come in late on this, I have no idea who’s fooling around on whom, who’s the nagging spouse or for that matter, who’s taking care of these kids while all of this supposed adultery is taking place.  The Learning Channel staff, maybe?

It’s more than surprising when one starts searching for reports from anyone associated with this couple regarding the well-being of these kids should a divorce come to pass.  Clearly, they’re happy kids and despite the constant media up their little noses, they seem to be well-adjusted.  Mom and Dad love these kids, no doubt.  But there are a lot of unanswered questions.   Why would this couple agree to yet another season of this insanity, knowing cameras, both from The Learning Channel as it films their lives as well as the paparazzi, are filming every “evil eye” that’s passed between them and every sigh each time one spouse needles the other?  Aren’t these things better resolved behind closed doors, the way marriages used to work?  Surely by now the money this couple has earned by allowing this all access has been earmarked for lawyers and counselors, especially if they do choose to divorce.  We’ll never know if their lives would’ve been more peaceful had they not chosen to participate in this show, but hopefully, for the welfare of those kids and for their own sanity, they’ll not agree to another season.

If the adultery accusations are true, you can be sure these trysts are more than documented somewhere and depending on which state they reside in (seriously, I never watch this show), one or the other stands to shell out major money each month on child support and possibly alimony payments.

Seems the only thing these two people agree on is how frustrated their lives have become since allowing cameras anywhere near them.  Hopefully, they can find some middle ground before they destroy their marriage and find themselves co-parenting their children from two separate addresses.

The huge controversy that’s been brewing for a couple weeks has resulted in one pageant director taking her toys and leaving and another throwing criticisms against Carrie Prejean for her beliefs.  When asked during the Miss Universe pageant her beliefs on same sex marriage, Carrie responded that her faith teaches

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marriage should be reserved for one man and woman.  Taking a step back and considering the question, one can’t help but think it was as risky a question that could’ve been asked of any contestant.  Regardless of her answer, she was bound to upset someone.  Many say her reply cost her the title.  This is especially disturbing since the questions that are usually asked during these pageants are subjective; if officials had only taken a step back, they might could have seen the potential problems with the answers that were sure to be provided.  But since it was asked and answered, on no level should she have been penalized.

This week brought a new set of problems both for Prejean and the pageant.  Photos emerged of Prejean in a semi-nude state and were promptly distributed across the web.  Within a short period of time, news was announced of a potential contract breach on her part due to her participation with a national anti-gay group.  From there, this became a decision for Donald Trump.  It was left to him to decide if she would lose her title or if a second chance was in order.  He decided to allow her to keep her title.

Now, in the wake of Trump’s decision, one of the two California pageant directors, Shanna Moakler, has announced her immediate resignation and in her press release, she says, “I cannot with a clear conscious move forward supporting and promoting the Miss Universe Organization when I only longer believe in it or the contracts I signed…”

Here’s where it gets interesting.  Moakler was one of those most vocal when Prejean’s ties to the anti-gay group leaked.  In fact, she was one who was pushing hardest for Prejean to be stripped of her title.  For someone who appears to be such a stickler for contracts and the importance of honoring them, you’d think the last thing she’d want to do would be to appear in an ad for a group that supports gay marriage.  Yet that’s exactly what she did, thus breaching her own contract.

One should never have to apologize for her beliefs - whether those beliefs are pro gay marriages, pro-life, pro-choice or anything else, especially when those beliefs were revealed in a respectful manner and as a result of a direct question.  This has snowballed into far more than a perception of a wrong answer.  Prejean has spent much of her time since the pageant defending her decision to give a straight answer during the interview phase.   But aren’t we all just happy that the reply didn’t include the words ‘world peace’?

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NASCAR fans are a loyal bunch who thrive as much on the adrenaline of a fast paced, leader-changing race as much as the drivers of these near-million dollar cars are.  It’s the most recent near-tragedy that’s brought a controversy back into the spotlight and has the drivers, fans and NASCAR executives debating once again.  Restrictor plates, which basically ensure each driver isn’t driving too fast, has long since been a thorn in the collective side of NASCAR drivers.  They insist, and many agree, that it forces them to drive too close

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together since no one can get an upper edge in terms of speed.  Very few drivers believe it serves any purpose other than to provide too much danger due to the increased risk of crashes.  This is exactly what happened in Talladega, AL yesterday.

The world famous track has long since been at least partially blamed for the mandatory restrictor plates, especially after a particularly spectacular crash in the late eighties involving Bobby Allison.  He was running at 200+ mph, his crash sent him airborne and nearly resulted in his death.  He crashed into the fence and sent pieces of his car into the crowd.  NASCAR’s response was the development of the restrictor plates.  They insisted the insanely fast speeds had a lot to do with both Allison’s injuries as well as the spectators who were injured.

Yesterday’s crash that sent Carl Edwards airborne also sent debris flying into the spectator area, just as it did with Allison over twenty years ago.  This, of course, has many opponents arguing that the restrictor plates aren’t doing everything they’re designed for after all.  Yesterday’s fright only seems to back up these arguments.   Amazingly, Edwards walked away from the crash and actually crossed the finish line (the crash happened in the last lap) on foot.  He was battling for first place with Brad Keselowski, who ended up winning the race.  Although Edwards was uninjured, several fans weren’t so lucky.  Flying debris isn’t uncommon at these races and die-hard fans know it’s a risk they take.  Rarely are there lawsuits that result.  This time, there’s one fan who’s still in the hospital with a broken jaw.

Even Dale Earnhardt, Jr., whose father was killed in 2001, says the restrictor plates are celebrated, both by the media and networks, because it increases the chances of “the big one”, referring to a major crash that would most likely end the career of a beloved driver.  It’s not unheard of; some of the best have lost their lives on the tracks and every famous NASCAR family, including the Allison family, the Earnhardt family and the Petty family, just to name a few, has its own heartbreak over losing a family member.

Perhaps it was best said by Edwards himself after the race, “I don’t know if I could live with myself if I ended up in the grandstands.  We’ll race like this until we kill somebody, then NASCAR will change it.”

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Just over six months ago, in September 2008, Ryan O’Neal was arrested with his son Redmond for drug possession (read the previous post here). The younger O’Neal was arrested again today. For whatever reasons that must make sense only to him, he arrived at a Los Angeles jail to visit a friend - only to be caught with drugs during the routine process jail personnel conduct anytime a visitor arrives. What was he thinking?! He’s only twenty-four and has been arrested at least three times for dug possession. It appears serious jail time is the only remedy at this point. The judge set his bail at $25,000, but no one has bailed him out. It could have something to do with his mother’s health.
Farrah Fawcett underwent stem cell treatments for cancer that at one time had been in remission. She flew back to the States after having been in Germany while receiving these treatments only to be hospitalized and listed in critical condition. She has been unconscious for days. Although she and Redmond’s father, Ryan

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O’Neal, have been divorced for years, they’ve remained close. He’s rarely left her bedside but did attend the court hearing for their son. Redmond had been in rehab, but chose to leave when he heard how serious his mother’s health is. Hours later, he was arrested again for bringing the drugs into the jail (instead of being with his mother).
As his mother’s life hangs in the balance, his choice to do drugs could very well cost him the opportunity to be near her as she struggles for her life. If no one provides the bail money needed, he most surely will remain behind bars. As sad as it is, most keep coming back to the original question: ‘What was he thinking?’ And too, the debate over how to treat those charged with drug -related offenses rages on.
True enough, drugs are illegal and prisons across the country are overflowing with people convicted of every conceivable drug offense. And it’s also true the thousands of drug rehabilitation centers in this country are overflowing and have waiting lists of those wishing to get clean. In many ways, the very first time anyone chooses to use drugs makes him or her guilty of breaking the law. From there, it becomes less about breaking the law and more about becoming sick without the illegal substance. So should the laws punish the criminal or treat the patient?
This debate will continue long after Redmond O’Neal receives his punishment - or treatment -whatever the case may be. It’s just unfortunate that he isn’t where he’s supposed to be; and that’s next to his mother’s bedside.

I know the buzz is loud regarding the interview between The Daily Show’s Jon Stewart and CNBC’s Jim Cramer that aired last week.  I’m sure many are thinking to themselves or even saying out loud, “Finally!”  Maybe it’s because the whole financial crisis is so overwhelming and changes so fast, it becomes difficult to keep it in perspective.  All the stimulus packages - the ones that passed, the ones that didn’t - combined with the bailouts of major companies, some that have criminals at the mast and others that are so close to being criminals, it’s just a matter of dotting the “i”s and crossing the “t”s.   Million dollar bonuses, billion dollar losses - ugh!  It’s to the point many of us are steering clear of conversing about these topics because we

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don’t know how old our knowledge is.  Even news that broke an hour ago has a short shelf life.  So when questions are asked and an interviewee begins sweating, it gives us all pause.  We settle in to see where the blood and dust settles.  This time, the one in the hot seat found himself stumbling over his past conversations, predictions and arrogant approach to all things financial. 

Jon Stewart was relentless and determined to bring Cramer down a notch or two.  He demanded to know exactly who holds him accountable, who at CNBC determines the legalities of many across the board statements regarding Bear Sterns and AIG; and Stewart finally says what the rest of us are feeling:

“And they burned the X@# house down with our money and walked away rich as hell and you guys knew that was going on.”

Cramer sees this is an opportunity to plop himself on some pedestal and declare he has a wall of shame and he keeps banana cream pies expressly to throw into CEOs faces.  He says the media is often lied to, and then says they unknowingly report the lies.  That one still has me wondering what planet he lives on. 

He defends his decision to go to bat for Bear Sterns, only to see it crash just one day later.  He said he was as surprised as anyone.  Keep in mind, he’s a financial heavyweight for CNBC and up until recently, a well-respected financial journalist.  He mentions several times of the trust he had in all of these folks who’ve since been exposed as thieves and that he was as disheartened as the rest of the country, even though he refers to most of them as his “friends”.

Honestly, it was painful to watch….yet I’ve watched it a few times this weekend. I especially got a kick out of Stewart’s analogy of Cramer’s insistence of a market for fast money.  Stewart retorts with, “Yeah, but there’s a market for cocaine and hookers too.” 

There’s still talk of charges being filed on many of these company heavyweights who have benfited from bail out money, although it doesn’t appear likely, at least in the immediate future.  And from the headlines this weekend, it may never come full circle with criminal or civil charges since AIG has announced, yet again, even more bonuses for the higher-ups.

If you’d like to see the edited video, click here.  If, however, you want the full effect, complete with expletives, click here.

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