August 2008 Archives

Posted Aug. 29 at 6:12 p.m.

This just in. The CTA has added another cell phone service provider to its subway.  Beginning Monday, Verizon Wireless service will work in the subterranean sections of the CTA.   

Can you hear me now?  Good.

Sorry, I couldn't resist that one.

Even if you're not a VZW customer, you can cell-e-brate that the agency will earn close to $28,000 per month for a 10-year contract with Verizon.  This is in addition to the agency's now two-year-old $2.9 million deal with U.S. Cellular.  Cha ching! 

Sadly, the down side to these deals is also obvious: the potential for more cell yell.  That's why "Going Public" feels it is important to unload with this obvious advice.  Please. don't. talk. loudly.  Don't understand the urgency?  Read this previous post from a rider decrying cell nation.

It will fall on deaf ears, but what advice do you want to give VZW users as they exercise newfound phone freedom?

Posted - Aug. 29, 2008 - 6:12 p.m.

Uno Chicago Grill sent me a press release this morning detailing Sen. Barack Obama's and Sen. John McCain's pizzanalities, suggested pizza recipes based on the candidates' personalities.

>> The McCain Pizza: "Is a no-nonsense, straight talker, so we start by piling on the basics with an extra helping of cheese -- perhaps, but not necessarily, of the aged variety.

But the McCain Pizza is also a maverick, which is willing to function in a bi-partisan manner, so there's room here both for meat (pepperoni and sausage) and veggies (green pepper and mushroom).

Finally, we add a helping of onions that some will insist is 'not truly conservative,' but which will undoubtedly deliver a surge of flavor and drive out the menacing forces of blandness."

>> The Obama Pizza: "His legacy would be a Chicago deep-dish pizza. The Obama Pizza also has a hint of audacity to it, so we suggest a liberal layering of pepperoni to add bite and round out the ticket, delivering a taste you can sink your teeth into. However, if you're not a fan of pepperoni, don't be afraid to change your topping … after all, the Obama pizza is all about change."

I like Canadian bacon and pineapple, also known as the Hawaiian pizza. Does that automatically make me an Obama supporter?

I also like my pizzas extra cheesy, so perhaps I'm bipartisan.

What do you think of these pizzanalities?

Published Aug. 29 at 8: 10 a.m.

You've heard of the "Dark Knight," right? Well, now meet his Crimson counterpart, a Roseland resident called Crimson Knight who has agreed to keep an eye on the Red LIne as well as two bus routes.  Check out his description and photo below, and then step back...this message will self destruct in 10 seconds.  Okay, it won't exactly self-destruct, but nothing wrong with inserting a little urgency.

Posted 9:17 p.m., August 28

First, "Laguna Beach." Then, "The Hills." And after is "Greek." Now Lauren is "Privileged."

Like on "Greek," Lauren will play herself on an episode of the CW series, according to TVGuide.com.  Lauren posted a pic on her MySpace page of her featured on the mag's cover on Sept. 1. (Speidi's got their own cover.)

On the Oct. 7 episode, LC will appear at a party thrown by spoiled celebutante twins Rose (Lucy Kate Hale) and Sage (Ashley Newbrough), TVGuide.com said.

Posted 9:05 p.m., August 28

If you can't wait until Monday to see Lauren on TV, tune in on Friday. She says on her MySpace page she'll be on Jimmy Kimmel Live.

Posted - Aug. 28, 2008 - 6:18 p.m.

Today's word of the day comes to us from Kyra Kyles, my cube neighbor and author of "Going Public," RedEye's mass transit blog.

>> eaterview: a job interview over lunch. Extremely awkward and undesirable, as it requires both table manners and interview etiquette exercised simultaneously. Should be avoided unless you are trying to land a position as a cheftestant and said lunch is your audition.

Like Kyra, I also try to avoid the eaterview. I've had a few eaterviews, which I've spent paying more attention to not spilling food or drinking than to the interviewer.

Is the eaterview the worst kind of interview? A bestie of mine was meeting with the editor of the paper he eventually worked for and his nose started to bleed. Would that be a bleeding meeting?

Please post your interview horror stories here.

Posted Aug. 28 at 11:56 a.m.

Not to keep making hay out of our Metra brothers' and sisters' misfortune, but I cannot help but comment on today's buzz that the agency is now doing away with some of its restrooms on trains.  This has been a point of envy from CTA sibs, who have written to "Going Public" over the years pleading for public restrooms and even suggesting ways to do it (yes, pay-toilets on platforms). 

Well, we can be a little less green with envy now.  But with the end of bar cars and bathrooms vanishing from trains, here's my question:

Is Metra turning into the CTA? 

Posted Aug. 28 at 8:15 a.m.

Want to check out something positive on public transit?  How about some exciting artwork on the "L"? If the answer is yes to both, you're in luck.  This weekend, some very passionate locals rented an "L" train and will turn it into an 8-car art exhibit on Saturday, Aug. 30. 

Participating galleries include: The Flat Iron Artists Group, The Silver Room, Colibri Studio Gallery, Peter Jones Studio/Gallery and Quennect 4, according to a release sent over by the event organizers.

Sounds like a great time, so if you want to go, it's $5 (fare waived) and participants should meet at the Wabash/Adams entrance for a ride around the Loop from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.  You can pre-purchase your tix at chicagoartontrack.com, where you also will find more deets. 

Let's just hope the CTA gets the train there on time.  Ba dum dum! 

Posted Aug. 27, 2008 at 12:44 p.m.

It's the end of an era, folks.  Our CTA sibs, Metra riders, have swigged their last from the bar cars.  The cars are on last call in order to allow for more seating space on the increasingly crowded service. 

Here's some vid about this historic development:

As a high-schooler who rode Metra from Beverly to downtown, I used to dislike the liquor cars because (A) I wasn't old enough to imbibe at the time, and (B) Those who did drink up could get rowdier and raunchier than need be. 

But I think the cars, which apparently didn't bring in that much revenue, according to a Trib story were classics.  They were a sign of the times when you could kick back with a cold one during your commute.

Some RedEye staffers were joking about the CTA liquor cars, which technically don't exist, but certainly seem real when you have some off-the-chain riders sipping surreptitiously from brown bags.  So what do you think?  Did you ever take advantage of a Metra bar car?  Would such an offering ever be a good idea on the CTA?  (My take: hell to the naw.)

Posted 6:32 p.m., August 26

You know you want to hit Spencer, even it's to wipe off his cheesy grin. Well, now you can.

Extra reports Electronic Arts has a new video game "FaceBreaker" where you can pit Heidi and Spencer against each other in a virtual boxing match. Wonder if Lauren's on the game...

Would you play it?

Posted 6:12 p.m. (LA time), August 26

Well, we heard Heidi's latest song "Overdosin'" and weren't impressed. But her music video is getting some buzz. Can't say it's good either.

She probably wasn't even born when Jane Fonda was doing her spandex workout VHS tapes, yes VHS. Or when Olivia Newton John was singing "Let's Get Physical."

Heidi seems to be channeling both women in her latest video by wearing the leotard and legwarmers and sweatband. I'm embarrassed for her. Check it out:

Posted 6:01 p.m. (LA time), August 26

So it looks like there's still tension between Audrina and Lo especially with Lo saying those who matter are getting along when Lauren asks if we can all get along. Ouch! And of course, there's Lo's looks and snide remarks.

Here's Audrina's take she posted on her blog:

"It's weird because when I'm actually filming with her I don't always notice the dirty looks until I watch the episode. It's actually kind of funny to watch on TV, and I get to see everyone else's point of view of what's going on."

"Going to Stephanie's birthday party was definitely a bit awkward for me. I didn't know Stephanie very well and I knew Lauren and Lo would be glued together, but I still went and had half a cocktail, said my hellos and then quietly slipped out before the drama."

Posted - Aug. 26, 2008 - 2:23 p.m.

Check out this interview The Chicago Tribune did with Renee Mazer, who created Wordgasm, "a five-part CD series that uses racy poems, saucy songs and sex to help adults build verbal prowess."

My favorite question ...
Tribune: OK, let's test you with a word that stumped me on the SATs: lachrymose.

Mazer: That's easy. The way to remember it, it sounds like "la-cry-the-most." So if you "cry-the-most," you're lachrymose.

From the Wordgasm press release:
> A man says to a woman, "You're a vegetarian right?" She replies, "Only when it comes to food. I'm a carnivore for carnal knowledge."

Wow, that dialogue wouldn't even fit into "Boogie Nights."

Posted Aug. 26 at 8:15 a.m.

CTA rules of riding. If only the transit agency would post them in a visible spot on transitchicago.com and save us all some grief.  Maybe then we wouldn't have hearty debates about whether you can eat and drink on CTA vehicles (no, unless it's a hot day and it's only water you consume), whether customer assistants can open fare card vending machines (nope, no access) and this week's big debate: whether pets are allowed on public transit.

Fear not, fair riders.  "Going Public" will now solve at least this last conundrum by posting the CTA pet policy, kindly provided by transit agency spokeswoman Sheila Gregory below.  You'll know why I felt the need to do this if you read the beginnings of the great debate in "Hey, CTA!" last week as well as the follow-up discussion in today's column.

Check out the rules (below) and let me know what you think: Should pets be allowed on the CTA or is there barely enough room for us humans?  This wording is a memo that appears to be addressed to CTA employees:  As a reminder to our Transit Operations employees, we are reissuing our policy governing access to CTA vehicles for customers traveling with animals. This policy conforms to federal regulations regarding service animals, and permits customers to board CTA vehicles during all hours of operation with animals fitting the following descriptions/definitions:

Service Animals

Dog guides or any animal wearing a harness; any animal wearing a cape identifying it as a hearing animal; or any animal wearing a cape, backpack or other identification showing it is a service animal.

Therapy Animals

Any leashed animal identified by a scarf, cape or other visible therapy animal identification that indicates that the animal is part of a therapy animal program, such as companion dogs for people with disabilities and seniors.

Small Domestic Pets

Any small pet that fits into a carrier designed for travel and can be carried by one individual; the carrier must be constructed in a manner that ensures protection of both the animal and customer; carriers are not permitted to occupy seats or impede customer flow; animals are not permitted to annoy customers.

Any animal that does not fit the description under Service Animals, Therapy Animals, or Small Domestic Pets is not permitted to board CTA vehicles.

Posted 2:59 a.m. (LA time), August 26

This episode was filled with such prolific statements. Here are the Ten Best:

#10: "I don't know if it follows as much as they chase it." - Lauren to She-Pratt on Speidi and drama

Translation: They will do anything to get camera time and are masters at creating drama even if it's spiteful. Hello, sex tape rumors?

#9: "It's no fun when we both end up at the same place." - Lauren to Whitney about the possibility of seeing Speidi

Translation: I hate them and don't want to ever see their faces. If I do, it won't be pretty. Remember Le Deux?

#8: "Why would they not come?" - Whitney to Lauren about Speidi going to She-Pratt's birthday

Translation: Why am I the only one who sees this as a set-up? C'mon Lauren.

#7: "Who would've guessed we're going to Stephanie Pratt's birthday?" - Lo to Lauren

Translation: Why they hell are we going again? You know I can't stand your friends.

#6: "I'm going to bounce... I don't want drama. I just want to go have fun and party. All this is is drama. It's ridiculous." - Brody about She-Pratt's party

Translation: I don't need to see or talk to Spencer. I'm only here because Lauren asked me to go.

#5: "It's like Stephanie, we've been nothing but nice to you and now all of the sudden you're hanging out with Lauren. That's so disrespectful." - Heidi to Spencer about what she's thinks about She-Pratt

Translation: I'm jealous you're hanging out with my former BFF. So not fair!

#4: "You think I'm going to hang out with Stephanie if she's best friends with the girl I despise more than anything on the earth...Don't get me fired up, I 'm not going to be able to eat, I'll get so mad...If she wants to continue being friends with LC, that's her choice and she knows what happens, I will never speak with her again." - Spencer to Heidi on his sister

Translation: Yeah I'm mad at my sis but I still have my appetite for Don Antonio tacos.

#3: "I think a lot of times I trust people I shouldn't and it turns out right and it makes me feel a little better about it. I want to think you can trust everyone...It's kind of nice to know some people deserve it." - Lauren to Lo on being friends with She-Pratt

Translation: She-Pratt better not make me eat my words.

"#2: "At the end of the day, you are still my sister. All we were was nice to you and then all of the sudden you jump ship to the bad guys...In your head you're peacemaker and I want to be nice to everyone and you got caught up and I get that. It's like whoo, whoo, it's fun, fun. I'm friends with everyone and why can't we just get along. It's like trying to tell Iran and Israel to get along, it's not going to happen...We're brother and sister and at the end of the day, I can't change, I can't make you un-my sister. Trust me if I could in the past, I would've... I don't want to see you. I don't want to hang out with you. As long as you're going around with that posse, you have nothing to do with my life and that's straight up." - Spencer to She-Pratt

Translation: I can't believe you would choose to be friends with Lauren instead of hating her like we do.

#1: "It's not a secret to you all my friends say I shouldn't even trust you and you just kind of sent them back on that rampage." - Lauren to She-Pratt about trusting her

Translation: I look like a fool for being friends with you even though all my friends said to be careful.

What do you think are the best quotes?

Posted 2:57 a.m. (LA time - sorry computer probs), August 26

Talk about DRAMA! The episode was titled "Drama Follows Them" when it should be drama follows those who create it ... She-Pratt.

Here are the top three scene stealers:

She-Pratt: the other unlovable Pratt

So she has a birthday party and clearly invites Speidi so why wouldn't she just tell Lauren that? Because she wants Lauren there so she can get face time. The party creates some AWKWARD moments like:

* Lauren buying She-Pratt a gift. Does she not remember Jen Bunney's birthday? Luckily this time the guy Lauren likes isn't leaving with the birthday girl...at least not yet.

* Lo is nicer to She-Pratt than Audrina even though I'm pretty sure her "you look pretty" comment to She-Pratt was recycled to Audrina.

* Brody seeing his former BFF and is smart enough to leave a bad situation.

Spencer: the original unlovable Pratt

Wow, he knows how to make the show all about him when he threatens to cut She-Pratt out of his life. He doesn't realize he's doing her a favor. His speeches about his sis are priceless.

Kelly: the feared boss at People's Revolution

We all knew that Jessica was going to get canned. But not sure she knew. But it opened the door for Whitney. Her life is definitely about to get crazy living her bicoastal lifestyle. Bring on NYC and the guys.

Posted 9:23 a.m. (LA time), August 25

We get to see another episode of "The Hills" tonight and it looks like it's She-Pratt's birthday party. From the previews it looks like Speidi show up even though She-Pratt told Lauren they wouldn't. Awkward! Oh, and Doug plans to go too.

I'll be blogging about the show but from LA where I'm on vacay and of course hoping to run into one of the girls. Stay tuned.

Check out some scenes from tonight's episode!

Posted - Aug. 22, 2008 - 4:43 p.m.

I'm tired of waiting. Rather, I'm tired of hearing about the waiting. When will Sen. Obama announce the winner of the veepstakes, the search for his wingman?

While we wait, techulation is the endless speculation of when Obama will text America about his VP choice.

Posted 3:17 p.m., August 22

Well we watched the first episode of Season 4. All I can think about is 1.) I wish the show was longer than half an hour and 2.) What else is going to happen.

Lauren talks about the fourth season in an iamonmtv.com video. She says there's:

*New Boys: Previews showed Audrina went out on a date and not with Justin. We met Doug and we're not impressed. And Whitney has a guy - finally! Too bad Heidi's still hanging on to Spencer.

*Same frighting but between new people: My guess is she's talking about Holly and Spencer or her and She-Pratt or could it be Brody and She-Pratt?

*New roommates: I hope either Lo or Audrina moves out but my money is on Audrina since the preview showed her talking about it.

*New job opportunities: That sounds like Whitney going to NYC to work for People's Revolution and possibly getting her own spin-off. Or maybe Heidi will get fired from Bolthouse?

Don't forget other scenes shown at the end of the premiere included Audrina again with Justin Bobby (ugh) and Lauren and Holly meet up. And Heidi admitting, "Obviously I miss Lauren. I never even had a best friend like that." Talk about DRAMA!

Watch it here:

No english title - video powered by Metacafe

Posted at 9:55 p.m., August 21

Well it looks like the girls are getting away from the Hollywood spotlight.

"I'm off to Mexico for a few days with Audrina and the boys. Hope you all have a great weekend! Hasta la vista," Lauren wrote on her MySpace blog today.

Audrina mentioned a trip to Cabo in a video she posted on her site too.

Can't wait to see what happens in Mexico! Hopefully the crews are going and Doug and Justin Bobby aren't.

Getty file photo

Posted Aug. 21 at 12:30 p.m.

Lately, it seems like the CTA is more into extensions than Lil' Kim and Paris Hilton combined.  The transit agency held a public hearing on a potential Orange Line stretch from Midway to Ford City Mall earlier this week.  Now, there's a public meeting on adding on to the Yellow Line to stretch it to Old Orchard Mall. 

Want to go sound off?  Have at it, but these meetings are -- as CTA spy Double-Oh-Fo' wisely pointed out-- inconvenient for those who work a J-O-B...

Here are the deets on the meet:  Tuesday, Aug. 26 from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at National Louis University, North Shore Campus at Skokie-3rd Floor at 5202 Old Orchard Road in Skokie, IL.

Posted 11:57 a.m., August 21

Well the season premiere showed Holly, Heidi's sis, get a Hollywood makeover. And it wasn't pretty. Sorry girl, but the extensions looked awful. I wonder how much more Holly will change once she moves to LaLa Land.

In my marathon watching of all the seasons leading up to the premiere, I thought Heidi doesn't even look the same as when she started on the show. A dye job, new nose and boobs will definitely make someone look different. But you be the judge.

Has Heidi changed? Which look do you like better?

Compare the pics from summer of 2006 and June 2008. (Getty photos)

Posted 3:57 p.m., August 20

It's time for Battle of the Blogs!

Heidi's the latest Hills girl to have her own website Heidi's site She just launched the site last week. Still, not much is there other than her new Overdosin' single and her biography (which is exactly the same on her MySpace page) talking about her passion for music.

"As early as the age of 5, I was making up songs and making my own music videos to Madonna, Britney Spears, MC Hammer, Michael Jackson, everyone! I have been performing (dance recitals, plays, musicals) ever since I can remember. Everyday I dreamed of becoming a pop star like one of my idols. I am inspired by Jesus, Janet Jackson, Christina Aguleira, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Britney Spears, Prince, Elvis, and many, many more. I have always wanted to be a performer, not just a singer."

Meanwhile, Audrina has posted videos of herself getting ready for the MTV Hills premiere party on Audrina's blog

Getty file photo

Posted 1:51 p.m., August 20

Spencer has found his faith! Let's rejoice. Wait, does that mean he'll be nice to Lauren, reunite with Brody or forgive his sister She-Pratt for being Lauren's friend? Doubtful.

He says he goes to church every Sunday with Heidi. I have to see it on "The Hills" to believe it.

"I’m a work in progress. I’d never been to church until I met Heidi," he tells Yo on E!, according to excerpts on Usmagazine.com. "She got me to go — it was a big step. The walls shook a little bit as I first cruised in, but Jesus and I are making the connection."

"I’m trying to live a more positive, holy life, but it takes work," he said. "It’s hard not sinning, you know?"

After Mary-Kate Olsen was on David Letterman and talked about how she went to high school with Spencer and he had a bad temper, Spencer called her a "troll" and the "less cute" twin.

"Heidi’s there going, ‘What would Jesus do? What would Jesus do?’" Pratt says. "And I’m like, ‘Jesus gave me these great comebacks.' And she’s like, ‘No, that’s the devil.’"

"Now looking back, I apologize," he says. "You know, I didn’t need to go to the throat on her ... that’s just part of this industry."

Part of the industry or just part of who you are? Hate to break it to you Spencer, but you could bathe in holy water and you probably still wouldn't change your ways or lose your bad attitude.

Getty file photo

Posted - Aug. 20, 2008 - 11:23 a.m.

I saw this story about babymoons on the Chicago Tribune's Web site recently but decided not to make it a word of the day because the word and concept didn't strike me as interesting. Perhaps that's because I'm not married and the first thing that comes to mind when "baby" is mentioned is "foodbaby."

For the record, a babymoon is the trip a couple takes before having a baby. It's a last hurrah of sorts.

Anyway, the story sparked some e-chatter between readers who complained that people concoct words for anything. Uh, I guess that means me.

So the Tribune is asking you, what made-up word drives you nuts? One reader wrote that she hates staycation, a vacation where you stay home or stick to your home city.

I've also tried avoiding using that word in this blog because it is overused and my vacation next month will be a partial staycation so I'm a little bitter.

What Frankenword, a word created by combining two or more words, do you despise the most? Leave your comments here or go to the Tribune graffiti board.

Posted 5:34 p.m., August 19

Of course they do. Anything to milk their 15 minutes of fame. Heidi should really thank Lauren for having her on "The Hills" in the first place.

Extra says the blond duo talked about getting married live on TV after "The Hills" is done. Wait, are they even engaged still? Again?

"I'm just waiting for that big ring," Heidi said, answering if Speidi will get married.

If they do it, maybe they'll have the curse of couples who go on MTV and then break up.

Getty file image

Posted 5:03 p.m., August 19

Lauren talked to the New York Post's Pop Wrap about her show, filming since she was 17, her dream guy and her fans. Here are some excerpts:

PW: Why do you think people are so interested in "The Hills?"

LC: I still don't understand it. The only thing I can think of is because it was a gradual growth and because it's lasted so long. I've been doing these shows for almost five years now and I think that you develop a relationship with these people. So you know all the girls on the show and people have seen them go through a lot and people have developed a relationship there.

PW: I think the fans would follow you forever, but are you willing to keep being trailed?

Lauren: The show is definitely reaching its end. It's been so amazing and I've loved most of it, but I think there is going to come a time where I need to live my life for myself and not in front of viewers. I'm young and having fun with it now, but it's not something I am going to be able to do forever, obviously.

PW: When the show does end, are you planning to withdraw from the spotlight a bit?

Lauren: Definitely. I am really looking forward to more normalcy. To get to do things that everyone takes for granted.

PW: So describe your dream guy - is he anything like Stephen or Jason?

Lauren: Not really, those are just the guys I end up with. My dream guy is someone who gets me, he doesn't want to change me in any way and he's got a great sense of humor. If you ask any of my friends, that's my big weakness: a funny guy.

PW: I imagine you get approached on the street constantly. What do fans say to you?

Lauren: They feel like they know me. I always get, "I know this is so weird, but I feel like I know you." And that's kinda cool because it makes for a more comfortable interaction. They're always really nice and I also get a lot of girls coming up to me and asking for advice because they are going through something I did. Or a lot of times they give me advice!

For the full interview, click Pop Wrap

Getty file image

Posted 3:34 p.m., August 19

It's no secret Heidi and Lauren aren't friends but Heidi is dishing about her former BFF.

Although Heidi said she doesn't know Doug well but she knew who he was from Lauren.

"I've heard a lot about him before from Lauren cause that was kind of like her obsession for a while," Heidi told E! online's Party Girl.

Heidi goes on to blab about how LC and Doug dated on and off in high school. "And she was like in love with him," Heidi said.

Speidi also talked about how Lauren is friends with their siblings but not them. Heidi seems fine with it because Holly had lived with Lauren and Heidi for months. "They were just as good of friends as Lauren and I were," Heidi said. And besides her sis can hang out with whoever she wants.

But Spencer said, "I think it's insane." Wonder if he is still mad at She-Pratt.

Watch the interview:

Posted 2:52 p.m., August 19

Well, I think this cat fight is just getting started. No, not talking about Lauren and Heidi but Audrina and Lo.

Remember how Audrina told her co-worker about how Lo's always super bitchy? Lo's got something to say about it.

"She has taken it to the level where she's name calling. I have never done that and don't plan to," Lo says in an issue of Us Weekly, according to Usmagazine.com.

Can we help that Audrina says what we're all thinking?

"Audrina and I know we're never gonna be best friends. She and I don't have personalities that go together very well," she tells the mag.

Getty file image

Posted Aug. 19 at 12:55 p.m.

Longer "L" lines.  Enhanced service.  Sounds great, but how practical is it? I explored that very topic in today's "Going Public," so do check it out and feel free to post your visceral reaction.  I may pluck a few and use them in tomorrow's "Hey, CTA!"   

I also wondered if anyone is planning to attend the hearing on the possible extension of the Orange Line at Ford City Mall.  Here are the  complete deets:

Date: Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Time: 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Whereabouts: Ford City Mall
Lower Level – North Mall Entrance
7601 South Cicero
Chicago IL

I've been to quite a few of these and rider atttendance is typically low compared to the level of outrage when changes are/are not made.  What's up with that?

Posted - Aug. 19, 2008 - 12:01 p.m.

My RedEye cover story Saturday looked at the phenomenon of cellulite.

Cellulite is not a medical term or condition. If you have cellulite, like 90 percent of women and 10 percent of men, blame it on Nicole Ronsard.

Ronsard coined the term "cellulite" in her 1973 best seller "Cellulite." Ronsard, a French woman, defined cellulite as a "gel-like substance made up of fat, water and wastes that becomes trapped in lumpy, immovable pockets just beneath the skin," according to a 1975 Time magazine article.

Ronsard suggested dieting, drinking lots of water, deep breathing and massaging to break up the fat deposits.

She failed to offer medical research in the book. Nevertheless, the Time article noted, about 200,000 American women bought "Cellulite" in the first two years of its release in hopes it would ease their thigh anxiety.

If you have cellulite, how do you try to reduce the appearance of it?

Posted 11:11 a.m., August 19

Now that I've had some time to chill after last night's episode, I've got some morning after questions, five to be exact.

1. WB? Where's Brody? Has he been replaced by Doug, who appears to be in a bromance with Frankie? They even wore matching jerseys. Brody better come back soon. Us girls need some eye candy.

2. Why does Lauren like Doug? She was giddy before he even picked her up. But he lost me at "Babe." And then the guy hardly spoke in the car and yet she fawned over him over dinner. All he had to say was she looked beautiful and give her his best Blue Steel look.

3. Why don't we see more of Whitney? I love her, and she's the most sane person on the show. Wait, I think I just answered my own question. But her facial expressions are priceless.

4. Is Spencer acting like a spoiled brat on purpose for more face time? I mean, call me cynical but that's a good way to be on the show more. Part of me actually thinks he could really be like that all the time - rude.

5. What is up with the Hollywood make over? Those hair extensions Holly got were awful. Why not dye her hair white (not blond), get nose and boob jobs just like her little sis? But with her makeover, she's ready to be on "The Hills," at least she thinks so cause she tells Heidi she's planning on moving out to LA. Ah, somebody's following exactly what She-Pratt did.

What did you think of the season premiere?

Posted 11:24 p.m., August 18

The first episode was filled with snide remarks. Here’s what the cast said and what they really meant.

10 Best Bitchin’ Quotes:

#10: “I can’t even look at you two right now, you’re such dorks.” - Lauren to Doug and Frankie about their Lakers jerseys

Translation: Never wear matching clothes.

#9: “It’s a bit of a slump. It’s about time.” – Whitney to Lauren on Lauren’s dating life

Translation: Get back into the dating game, girl.

#8: “Some of these dishes look like they’ve been in here for a month or so.” - Holly to Heidi and Spencer

Translation: Clean up a little, you’ve got company.

#7: “Is that breakfast right there? ...Uh, that would be a pass.” - Spencer to Holly.

Translation: I don’t want the breakfast you cooked and I don’t want you here at all.

#6: “Well, we’re just going to have to enjoy the company that comes.” - Lo to Audrina

Translation: Oh well, nobody I like is going to be here, including you Audrina.

#5: “So rude, I’m so embarrassed. He’s just grumpy.” – Heidi to Holly about Spencer

Translation: I can’t believe Spencer is being like that to my sis.

#4: “Lo’s always super bitchy. That’s just how she is.” - Audrina to a co-worker

Translation: I hate Lo.

#3: “I’m just concerned because I don’t want you to have to sacrifice anything else for your relationship.” - Holly to Heidi

Translation: It’s too bad you’re not friends with Lauren over Spencer.

#2: “I feel like the blame is being put on me for the reason you and Lauren are drifting apart and I don’t think that’s fair.” - Lo to Audrina

Translation: None of this is my fault.

#1: “I feel like I have friends that actually treat me good and I feel included, and you don’t do that…We’ll never be friends.” - Audrina to Lo

Translation: Everything was fine before you came into the picture, and I don’t like you.

What do you think are the best quotes?

Posted 10:42 p.m., August 18

If you didn't see the premiere, click to watch the first episode.

Posted 9:42 p.m., August 18

Before the premiere aired, the girls described the season in one word:

“Thrilling” – Whitney

“Romance” – Audrina

“Emotional” – Lauren

Turns out all three girls were dead on in describing the first episode.

The episode titled “We’ll never be friends” started with Lauren narrating and saying things have to get worse before they get better. And it's true.

Here are the three scene-stealers:

>> Doug (the date dud). Like Whitney (through her facial expression), I was excited for Lauren to go out with him because the last person she dated was Brody. Apparently, she went to prom with Doug but all hope was lost when he showed up at her door and called her “babe.”

C’mon. I don’t think he said any more than one word in the car other than “starving” and “yeah.” Can the pretty face hold a conversation? Wait, he asks her over dinner, “So, what have you been doing the last four years of your life?” Like he doesn’t know or hasn’t watched an episode. Please. Next.

>> Holly Montag (H2). She beats Heidi home and surprises Spencer with her visit that lasts a couple days. And Spencer is not too pleased. It got to the point where Heidi has to tell Spencer to be “nice.” And Spencer says, “That’s my middle name.” Why does everything he says or does irk me? Ugh.

Even Heidi admits to being “embarrassed” by him after Holly offers him some breakfast she cooked and Spencer acts like a brat by rolling his eyes. Heidi takes her sis to get a Hollywood makeover and Holly asks about why Heidi doesn’t tell her parents about what’s happening with Spencer. Maybe cause they’d disapprove, like we all do.

Then, Holly strikes another nerve when she asks about the last time Heidi saw Lauren and if she misses her. “I’m just concerned because I don’t want you to have to sacrifice anything else for your relationship,” Holly says. Ouch, sis.

Then Holly drops this bomb: maybe she’ll move out to LA and stay with Heidi for a little while. That wiped Spencer’s cheesy grin off his face! Spencer doesn’t even say goodbye and no hugs. No hugs from a guy who wants to marry Heidi and this is Heidi’s sis.

Oh, yeah, he says it’s ridiculous for Heidi to agree to let her sister stay at their place. Spencer, how you forget. Remember when She-Pratt took you in when Heidi kicked you out?

>> (We saved the best for last) Lo, or should I call her Lousy Lo.

Moment #1: Before Audrina's birthday party. “Lo’s always super bitchy. That’s just how she is.” Audrina tells her co-worker that Lauren is throwing a birthday party and doesn’t know if Lo is in on it. But LC says Lo is helping to smooth things over. At first I thought that was a nice gesture, but Lo rolls her eyes when LC tells her to have a fun night with Audrina when Lauren goes on her date.

Moment #2: Audrina's birthday party. It’s sad that Lauren has to tell Lo to be friends with Audrina. Lo asks Audrina who she invited and says, “We’ll, I’m just going to have to enjoy the company that comes.”

Yeah, that’s right unless you invited some of your own friends and LC doesn’t count because she’s also your roommate. But Lo just stays upstairs with her dog when they throw Audrina a birthday party. What? Oh, because Lo says she doesn’t know any of Audrina’s friends. So get over it!

But instead she whines about how she thinks she’s making an effort. How? “So I’m done and I’m not going to be put in this situation again,” Lo says. What situation? She should want to celebrate her roommate’s birthday.

But yet Lauren somehow defends Lo to Whitney, saying she’s making Lo jump through hoops for Audrina and Lo doesn’t owe Audrina anything. True, she may not owe her anything but it’s just common courtesy to be nice to the people you’re living with and supposedly friends with.

Moment #3: Post Audrina's birthday. Only after being prompted by LC to talk to Audrina, Lo and her attitude go into the guest house. The conversation at first starts out good by Lo apologizing for being MIA at the party but quickly goes downhill when she accuses Audrina of not doing her part to be friends. Audrina explains how she feels like an outsider and doesn’t really click with Lo.

But Lo gets snippy and says, “I feel like the blame is being put on me for the reason you and Lauren are drifting apart.” Audrina rightfully gives it back to Lo said she’s got attitude and has friends who treat her good and make her feel included, unlike Lo. “We’ll never be friends,” Audrina says.

She’s not nice girl Audrina anymore.

Posted 8:42 p.m., August 18

"The Hills" premiere starts at 9 p.m. Audrina said on her blog she's seen the first episode and wrote "there is already a lot of drama brewing for this season after just one episode! I think you guys will enjoy watching it! :)"

We think so too!

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Posted 2:11 p.m., August 18

Ooooh, Heidi has another song titled "Overdosin'." Yes, another song. Speidi stopped by Ryan Seacrest's morning radio show today and talked about the season premiere. She said she eventually wants to release a Christian album. "That's really my roots and my passion," she said. Oh, gawd.

Heidi said her new song is "about when you fall in love with someone and your love for somebody and just overdosing off of their love." Of course, it's about Spencer. Maybe she should've called it "Brainwashin'."

Guess what? The song sounds exactly like all the others....pretty lame.

But don't take my word for it. Listen if you can stand it.

Posted 1:25 p.m., August 18

Here's another sneak peek of Lauren getting ready for her date with Doug courtesy of Us Weekly.

Online Videos by Veoh.com

Posted 11:16 a.m., August 18

The premiere of Season 4 of "The Hills" starts at 9 p.m. tonight on MTV.

If you're looking for a place to watch the show, the only place I know of that will air it and have sound is Schoolyard Tavern & Grill at 3258 N. Southport.

Here's the trailer to get you even more excited about the new season.

Posted 2:32 p.m., August 16

So the Top 10 Memorable Hills Moments Ever did not disappoint. It was filled with old footage from the past three seasons and commentary by cast and Us Weekly editors, Perez Hilton, Rev. Run’s daughters, socialites, etc.

Perez Hilton said it best: “The Hills is like crack.” And it is an addiction. We can’t wait for our next fix. Luckily, Monday is only a couple days away. Here's a couple videos from the special.

#10: Welcome to Hollywood

This is about how Lauren and Heidi move to Hollywood and Lauren gets the Teen Vogue internship with Whitney. Remember for LC’s first assignment, she goes to the Teen Vogue party and Heidi shows up to crash it and ends up causing a scene and getting LC in trouble? The commentators agree that’s when Heidi showed she can be a troublemaker, drawing us into the show.

#9: Good Morning America

Whitney said she was “mortified” when she slipped down the stairs on live television. It was the collective “Ooohhh” heard. Poor Whitney. Perez Hilton called it her “Carrie” moment.

#8: Meet Spencer Pratt

Enter reality TV’s best villain. Heidi said she met him and fell in love with him and Spencer said he was hooked the second he met her. Oh, gag me. Somehow I doubt that if he was also hitting on Audrina and Playmates. Spencer admits he wanted Heidi to know he was hanging with Audrina, who says she never dated Spencer. Thank God for Audrina but too bad for Heidi. When Spencer showed up with Audrina to Area where Heidi was working made Lauren think he was “kind of a jerk.” I think we all would’ve used a different word. That should’ve been a good sign to Heidi. Spencer calls that “a move on the chessboard of love.” Of course he did. And when Spencer went to the club with the playmates, Heidi said she was so mad and stopped talking to him for two weeks and was going to breakup with him. But did she dump him? Nope. She should’ve. Perez calls Spencer the ultimate puppeteer. “He can make her do whatever he wants,” he said. How is that? Heidi needs to lose him.

#7: The Girl Who Didn’t Go to Paris

Love makes you foolish. Jason was Lauren’s first love and she gave up a trip to Paris to spend the summer with him in Malibu. While most of us think she should’ve gone to Paris, Whitney defends the move saying LC was listening to her heart. But it didn’t work out and we think it was for the best. Jason said Lauren didn’t like him going out and he didn’t like to be told what to do. Lauren said Jason cheated on her and never got how big a deal Paris was for her. And luckily Lauren got a second chance to go to Paris.

#6: Heidi Moves Out

We all agree that Heidi could do better than Spencer. And she shouldn’t have been put in the position by Spencer to choose her friend or boyfriend. And we all know friends come before guys – maybe Heidi didn’t know that. Heidi said it was time for her to move on and she tried to talk to Lauren about it but she never heard her out. “I was losing my best friend. I wish it could be different but Lauren wouldn’t have it any other way,” Heidi said. What? It was Heidi’s choice to move out and spend all her time with Spencer. “I knew we weren’t going to be friends any more because he obviously wasn’t going to allow it,” Lauren said.

#5: The Other Pratt

The first we see of Stephanie Pratt is her yelling at Lauren. Fast forward and now they’re friends when LC hates her brother. Huh? “It wasn’t a big deal she yelled at us. If you do something and say sorry, that’s fine,” Lauren said. Well, that’s not entirely true. Jen Bunney and Heidi have apologized. Audrina said she would never confide or trust She-Pratt as a good friend and Brody doesn’t get along with her. Doesn’t that mean anything to Lauren? Watch out LC.

#4: Bunney Hops on Brody

Jen was one of Lauren’s oldest friends who hooked up with Brody after Lauren gave her diamonds for her birthday. What a nice thank you. Jen says there was no betrayal. Really? Why did she apologize then? Brody said he was wrong. And that only makes us like him even more. “To have somebody like Lauren in your life is like a blessing,” he said. Aw, I want them to get back together. Please!

#3: Did He Just Kiss Her?

Audrina and Justin Bobby. He calls her the biggest sweetheart and still denies kissing a girl – which everyone saw, including Audrina. Audrina said Justin was one of the first people she met when she moved to LA. “We clicked and you don’t meet a lot of people you click with and when I meet those people I don’t want to let them go,” she said. After that night, she stopped talking to him for 4 to 5 months. Too bad it didn’t last longer.

#2: Sex Lies and Videotape

So who started the rumor? Perez Hilton broke the sex tape scandal and said he never said Speidi told him. But he’s never revealed his source either. Heidi said she doesn’t like drama. Yeah, right. I think her nose just grew a little. “It was very hurtful to see after so many years and so much I been through with her…that’s how our friendship ended,” Heidi said. Maybe she should’ve done something about the rumors then.

#1: Forgive and Forget

Heidi said she made an effort not to be mad at Lauren when she went over to the apartment to patch things up. “I really poured my heart out to her,” she said. But we agree Lauren was right to keep her distance. Who needs friends like that? Lauren says everything happens for a reason. “Obviously I miss the friendship we had,” LC said.

Can't wait to see what happens this season!

Posted 5:09 p.m., August 15

Don't forget about the MTV special Saturday at noon on most memorable moments. Here's a peek at the drama in "The Hills." New season starts Monday!

Posted 4:57 p.m., August 15

Well, well, well. Spencer turned 25 on Thursday. (IMDb says his birthdate is Aug. 14, 1983.) Think he's any wiser? Yeah, me neither.

So to celebrate, I'd thought I'd list ways we love to hate Spencer.

1. He's manipulating, conniving and a "sucky" person as LC said. But we love the drama he creates on the show.

2. He still gets the girl after trying to date Heidi and Audrina at the same time. Audrina thankfully figured out he was bad news.

3. His cheesy smile - ugh. What does Heidi see in him anyway?

4. He acts like a brat, especially when he doesn't get his way. Remember when he told Heidi to get out of his car when she first said she didn't want to move in together?

5. He ended a childhood friendship with Brody over Lauren. Huh?

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Posted - Aug. 15, 2008 - 1:58 p.m.

Today's words are courtesy of reader Jon from Oak Lawn. (No rhyme intended.)

He submitted a letter and two words to WOTS.

>> magpie: someone who enjoys mouthing off much about nothing. Jon writes: "In the dictionary it was defined as 'a person who chatters'.  Try telling one of your drunk friends this weekend that they're spouting off like a magpie! Hilarious."

>> guttersnipe: "describes any of the slew of unsavory characters on our streets -- the ones who look like they may reside in the gutter," Jon writes.

Jon said he picked up these words in high school. I searched for more recent uses.

Chicago Tribune columnist John Kass recently used "magpie" in a column about Illinois Gov. Blagojevich comparing himself to John Wayne.

Kass writes: "'See, John Wayne was always on the side of good versus evil,' he chattered like a frightened magpie to reporters at a City Club luncheon the other day. 'In the eternal struggle, he was the good guy against the bad guy. He'd ride into town, and he'd be on the side of truth and justice and fair play. He was a great American hero.'"

In the same column, Kass dropped the word "wackadoodle," which "Project Runway" fans remember is contestant Suede's favorite word besides "Suede."

On guttersnipe, from the Waterbury Republican-American's article on the production of "Pygmalion:" "Seen first as a gutter-snipe using the most coarse Cockney, she looks a fright. By the time this poor flower peddler transforms into what appears to be a Hungarian princess, she is refinement personified."

Have suggestions for WOTS words or phrases? Send a letter to tswartz@tribune.com.

Posted 4:28 p.m., August 14

Get ready for the new season by watching MTV's special at noon Saturday "Drama in The Hills: US Weekly Presents the Top 10 Most Memorable Moments Ever.”

Perez Hilton posted a video on his site of him and Hills castmates talking about the infamous sex tape rumors.

Click here to watch: Perez Hilton

Posted 9:55 p.m., August 13

If you can't wait til Monday to see Audrina on "The Hills," you can see her on Chelsea Lately on E! on Friday. And judging by photos she posted on her blog, it looks hilarious. (She's rubbing sunscreen on Chuy!) See photos here: Audrina's blog

"For the appearance, I kind of wanted to make fun of my life a bit ~ especially the constant speculation about who I am dating. I decided that Chelsea's loveable sidekick Chuy would be the perfect new 'beau' and we had fun documenting our new relationship for the paparazzi."

And her good news doesn't stop there.

She blogs she's been offered a guest appearance on a new comedy series airing this fall on FOX called "Do Not Disturb," starring Jerry O'Connell.

Apparently, the show's about a power struggle between a NYC hotel manager (O'Connell) and HR manager (Niecy Nash). Audrina's playing a guest checking into the hotel.

"I'm having a great day!... I think Jerry O'Connell is hysterical (have you guys seen his video on that website Funny or Die!?) and I can't wait to meet Niecy!"

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Posted 7:19 p.m., August 13

Lauren's already going to be on set soon to shoot the finale of "Greek" where she plays herself.

But what about another show?

Lauren tells to E! online, "I love Gossip Girl...I just love it. It's so gossipy and superficial. It's amazing."

"I probably wouldn't want to see myself on there because it would ruin it for me," she says. "I like watching other people get gossiped about. It makes me feel better."

Wow, that's exactly what her show does for us!

LC gave E! a sneak peek of what to expect between her and Audrina when it starts Monday: "things definitely get worse before they get better."

And life in front of the cameras has been hard for her and her friends.

"My love life is an absolute trainwreck,...And half of my friends are guys...It's kind of embarrassing, because you're out with a group of friends and the next day it says you're dating one of them and lap dancing, too. You have to say, 'You know, I'm sorry, but that kind of comes with the territory.' "

But we're sure they still like you as much as we do. XOXO.

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Posted - Aug. 13, 2008 - 3:34 p.m.

I have a confession to make: I haven't watched a single Olympics event this summer. Not gymnastics, men's swimming, archery, badminton, shooting. Nothing.

But I got up early this morning and caught Meredith Viera and Matt Lauer talking about Michael Phelps and the women's silver-medal gymnastics team. (Note: I never, nenver, nerver watch the "Today Show" and only did so this morning because I thought a friend might make a cameo on there.)

Anyway, the "Today Show" and RedEye's cover story today examined every little bit Phelps.

I have to admit, the guy is extraordinary, save for his Eli Manning nose.

But does he have to be everywhere? He's even in that cellphone commercial about the girly Phelps phan.

Is it just me, or is anyone else experiencing Phatigue?

Posted 11:42 a.m., August 13

First a fashion show in LA and now designing Emmy dresses. What's next?

Working the runway in Orange County next month!

Lauren will debut her fall collection at the first-ever Style Week Orange County on Sept. 8 in Irvine, Calif., a few miles from Laguna Beach.

"This is a wonderful homecoming for me, and I look forward to seeing old friends - and making new ones," LC said in a news release.

"Because it was so close to my home, I grew up shopping at Irvine Spectrum Center and still visit the center when I’m in Orange County."

And when does she go back? We never see that or her shopping at a mall (gasp!) on "The Hills."

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Posted Aug. 13, 2008 at 11:50 a.m.

Watch out, CTA...we just added another spy to our espionage arsenal.  Nugget, from Bucktown, is teed up to tattle on what's going on in areas of the system, including the Blue Line.  Here's more about Nugget and we look forward to updates from our new "L" and bus Bond.

Code Name - Nugget

Age - 26

Neighborhood - Bucktown

Frequent Rider of - Blue Line, Fullerton & Western bus lines

What I loathe about the CTA - it doesn't try hard enough, it can't make money

What I love about the CTA - bus driver personality, public transpo icons, it best represents the diversity of Chicago

Posted 6:22 p.m., August 12

If this is the last season of "The Hills," be prepared for Lauren to pack up her house.

"We’re going to have to move after we're done filming," she tells E! online.

"I would love to return to Orange County," she says. "L.A. is a really young city and it's great for now, but eventually I'm going to want to settle down a little bit."

I don't see her leaving LA yet. I mean she gets to go to clubs, red carpet appearances and fashion shows. Hopefully this isn't the last season either!

What do you think: should this be "The Hills" last season?

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Posted 4:59 p.m., August 12

Well, you've read how unhappy LC's neighbors are about her living there. I would be too if tour buses came down my street “between 15 and 20 times a day – with speakers!” as she told Ryan Seacrest on his morning radio show on Tuesday, according to Usmagazine.com.

“If we’re about to leave and someone yells ‘Star Tours,’ you hit the ground. If you go down, they can’t see you.”

Bus sometimes, they're seen by the tourists.

"You can hear the tour guides like, 'Just yesterday, we saw Lauren Conrad pulling into her driveway and she stopped to get the mail,' " Conrad tells E! online.

"And Lo was walking down the street one day and they were like, 'Here on the left we have a celebrity dog walker walking Chloe.' They knew my dog's name and Lo was like, 'They just called me a celebrity dog walker!' "

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Posted - Aug. 12, 2008 - 2:37 p.m.

Essayist Meghan Daum wrote a column recently about the word "nonplussed."

It's not a word I use very often, which is good, because if I used it, I'd probably use it wrong.

Daum writes that people often use "nonplussed" to mean unfazed, unperturbed or unconcerned.

> On golfer Charlie Wi, CBSSports.com Senior Writer Steve Elling writes: "For a newbie, a born-again baby, a first-timer, Charlie Wi was hardly nonplussed."

> A Denver Post article about the daughter of the legendary jazz musician Nina Simone: "A talented singer in her own right who performed on Broadway in 'Rent' and 'Aida,' the 46-year-old beauty is nonplussed by the comparisons some critics have made between the songs on her debut album 'Simone on Simone' and her mother's classic recordings."

Yet the standard definition for the word is "a state of perplexity, confusion, or bewilderment," according to dictionary.com.

Daum talked to Mark Liberman, a linguistics professor at the University of Pennsylvania and the founder of a linguistics blog called Language Log, about how "nonplussed" has morphed meanings.

He wrote in an addendum to an earlier post: "There are many examples of historical change where people in some sense 'got it wrong' as they did with nonplussed, as opposed to just promoting a connotation or a figurative usage to become part of the core meaning, or regularizing irony, or bleaching out some aspect of the core meaning to allow wider usage."

Does anyone have an example?

Posted Aug. 11, 2008 at 2:35 p.m.

I have to admit I didn't have high hopes for the CTA this weekend.  On Saturday, my 7-year-old cousin came to visit from Mississippi and her eyes were all atwinkle about riding the bus and the train, specifically the subway.  After standing in the drizzle during the Bud Billiken parade, I will admit that I wanted to drive downtown, park in the lot for Trib employees and then faux commute back and forth along the Magnificent Mile.

But who was I to deny my cute cousin the authentic experience?  So we took the "L" and several buses on Saturday during the course of our trips to Navy Pier and Millennium Park.  She enjoyed riding the "L," mostly because we had a very funny rail operator who -- bucking the trend of insufficient communication -- kept shouting "this is a Red Line train, this is a Red Line train" for those who were confused by it running above ground. 

At one point, the gravelly voiced CTA employee humorously chided a rider who dropped something, but was too busy gabbing on the phone to hear the operator letting him know the item fell.

All in all, it was fun and my young traveling companion thought buses and trains were "awesome" as they arrived on time and were, for the most part, filled with kind riders who smiled and spoke to her.

So I have to say "thanks, CTA" sans sarcasm...for once.

Posted 1:29 p.m., August 11

It's almost time for the new season of "The Hills" and I can barely wait. Mark your calendars - it starts one week from today!

So, I've been getting myself prepared for the upcoming drama by watching past episodes on DVD of course. And I came up with a quick list of 5 reasons I love the show (in no order) other than the drama, fights and tears.

#1: I get to go with them to the hottest Hollywood clubs I've never get into on my own.

#2: Lauren takes me on her trips to NYC, Vegas and Paris when I'm stuck on my couch in Chicago.

#3: The girls and guys show me it's possible to hardly work and still live extravagantly.

#4: Whitney isn't just a pretty face...we've seen some weird expresssions from her.

#5: Great insight from the girls. (Heidi said: "In preschool, is how you’re gonna be the rest of your life. ‘Cause in preschool I was like ‘I love you, I love you, I love you’ and I used to have a new boyfriend every five minutes in preschool.")

And this Saturday at noon, MTV will air “Drama in The Hills: US Weekly Presents the Top 10 Most Memorable Moments Ever.” (Sure to make the cut are some of what I called "UpHill Battles" in an earlier post. Check it out.)

What moments do you think are most memorable?

Photo courtesy of MTV

Posted 12:57 p.m., August 11

Is Lauren with Kyle Howard from "My Boys?"

If they are, they're not saying so.

People.com said they were spotted hanging out together with friends at the Roosevelt Hotel. But People asked LC when she was in Vegas Saturday if she was dating the actor. Her answer: "No, but I do know him, yes."

She might have well said "We're just friends" like every celebrity says when they're rumored to be dating someone.

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Posted 3:15 p.m., August 9

We know Brody's getting his own MTV show "Bromance." So Brody seen with his sidekick Frankie told People.com some of his secrets for getting the ladies. Wonder if Brody used these on Lauren.

“If you see a girl on the street, or in a Starbucks, I’d say just look her in the eyes, be confident, and approach her. Because what do you have to lose?”

"Avoid any cheesy pick-up lines unless they are so intentionally cheesy that they make her laugh."

"Everyone knows that the best part of having a fight is the make-up sex you have afterwards.”

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Posted 2:14 p.m., August 9

Speidi made an appearance at the RockCorps Boost Mobile Event in LA. In an video interview posted Friday on E!online.com, Spencer said Heidi's got a track with Akon coming in about a month so "get ready."

Get ready? For another bomb? Hopefully it's good if Akon is part of it but we'll see.

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Posted 1:38 p.m., August 8

I had no idea Audrina drove since we never she her behind the wheel on the show...Until I read her blog where she listed her playlist while driving around town. Her music tastes seem to be all over the place from Nirvana to Scorpions.

Here's what's on her playlist:

Slightly Stoopid - Collie Man

Counting Crows - Mr. Jones

Nirvana - Heart Shaped Box

Scorpions - Wind of Change

Oasis - Wonderwall

Le Tigre - Tell You How

Alkaline Trio - This Could Be Love

Pantera - Cemetary Gates

The Steve Miller Band - The Joker

AFI - The Interview

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Posted 10:32 a.m., August 7

One of the things we all wonder is why is Audrina with Justin Bobby?!

Now, it looks like he's cleaned up with a new hair cut and all but he never seemed to appreciate her. Do we have to remind her that he kissed another girl at the club they were at, left her at the beach party in Malibu, and didn't want to be her boyfriend.

So here's what Audrina had to say in a Q&A about Justin Bobby on her blog:

Are you dating Bobby all the time? Is he the only guy in your life? Is it really serious? Would you marry him?

"It seems Justin and I always end up back with each other. I do date other people, and go out and have fun, but it is really hard for other guys to accept how my life is and my crazy schedule. Before even considering marriage we would actually have to be together exclusively for awhile..lol."

Wondering if you and Justin are still together or hanging out or whatever?

"Yes, we are still friends and hang out."

Are you seeing anybody at all or are you single?

"I don't have a ring on my finger! lol"

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Posted 6:13 p.m., August 6

Lauren's neighbors are complaining about her and her housemates.

In a LA Times story, LC's neighbors say the show's filming is disrupting the neighborhood with the paps staked out and tour vans going up and down their street.

Residents signed a petition demanding the city-issued film permit be revoked. What? Us viewers need to see what happens at the house and all the drama between LC, Lo and Audrina at the house!

Neighbors said there was a fight among the paps and a drunken fight at a party that spilled out onto the street. Hope MTV got that on tape and will air it this season.

And of course, there's the fans who want to see LC in person.

"Last Saturday night between 12:30 and 2:30 I was awakened three times by girls stopping in front of the house yelling, 'Lauren, we love you!' " said David Brumer, a realty agent who lives next door.

And Brumer told the Times that neighbors don't think the girls even live there. Say it ain't so.

"Lights are left on in there 24/7, so you wonder if anyone is sleeping. Most of the neighbors don't see them there on a regular basis except when they are shooting," he said.

Here's what Lauren said in a statement to the Times:

"This is 100% my home and my only place of residence. I try to be a respectful and conscientious neighbor."

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Posted 5:28 p.m., August 6

Lauren's pretty busy these days: filming her show, starring in a commercial, working on her clothing line, going to movie premieres...and soon shooting the season finale of "Greek"?

Entertainment Weekly says LC will be on set next month and will play herself giving advice to Casey. Well, that shouldn't be too hard for Lauren, huh? Guess we won't find out if she can act.

"It's a dream sequence in which Casey and LC are best friends. Casey has a big decision she has to make, and she's like, 'LC, what do I do? Advise me!'" series creator Sean Smith told ew.com.

Watch it on Oct. 28 on ABC Family.

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Posted 5:04 p.m., August 6

Want to know more about Audrina?

"I spend a lot of summer running around town and at the beach, but I do manage to make time for my favorite TV shows," she wrote on her blog.

How does she find the time to watch TV between filming her own show?

Audrina's Favorite TV Shows:

Californication

The Tudors "because Henry Cavill is sooo hot!! haha"

"I'm totally addicted to Dexter."

"I also love How I Met Your Mother ~ it always cracks me up"

Here are the songs she said she's been keeping on repeat lately:

Katy Perry's "I Kissed a Girl." I'm sure Audrina's fans fantasize about this.

Alkaline Trio's "Help Me." Is she blasting this when thinking about Lauren and Lo?

David Banner's "Get Like Me."

Neon Neon's "I Lust You." Hopefully, she's not thinking about Justin Bobby when listening to this.

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Posted Aug. 6, 2008 at 2 p.m.

Thank you, you and especially you for your exuberant and impassioned reaction to the new CTA Spy program launched by yours truly.  This new public transit program -- think "The Wire" meets CTA's Secret Shopper program -- is aimed at uncovering all that is going on along the system.  Our first spy comes to us from the South Side and he is a regular and insightful blog contributor.

Put your hands -- or typing fingers-- together for Agent Double-Oh-Fo'....who will bring us his observations and findings on a more permanent and prominent basis in this space.  Here's more about my first CTA spy:

Posted 4:38 p.m., August 6

Update: It's official LC will design the dresses for the models handing over the awards, according to E!

"I am so excited for this opportunity," Lauren told E! "I have so many great ideas, and I can't wait for the dress to be revealed on Emmy night."

Posted 5:49 p.m., August 5

LC could be a presenter next month at the awards show in LA, says E!'s Marc Malkin citing an unnamed source.

And he says he's told the models handing out the awards will wear dresses from the Lauren Conrad Collection. What? Not animal prints from Heidiwood?

LC sure knows how to mingle with the in-crowd, but is she deserving of being a presenter?

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Posted - Aug. 5, 2008 - 5:17 p.m.

Today's RedEye cover story is about the HBO show "Generation Kill," which documents the efforts of the First Reconnaissance Battalion to invade Iraq in the first days of the war.

I interviewed Illinois-area vets about whether they feel shows like "Generation Kill" accurately portray life in wartime. Some said movies and shows about the war aren't realistic while others said they hit too close to home.

The miniseries is receiving critical acclaim for its insider's view of the war. A Rolling Stone writer embedded with the battalion wrote a book about his experience, and David Simon and Ed Burns of "The Wire" fame adapted those words into the TV show.

Here's a glossary of the words used in the show, as reported by the St. Petersburg Times:

>> A.O.: Area of operations, which may range from the size of Iraq to the ground around a camp.

>> Charms: Hard candy given to troops at meals though it's considered bad luck.

>> Devil Dog: Marine

>> Haji: Anything Arabic; word derived from the cartoon sidekick character on "Jonny Quest."

>> Oscar Mike: On the move

>> POG: Person Other Than Grunt, an insult for someone who isn't in a recon or infantry unit.

Have you seen "Generation Kill?" What do you think?

Posted 4:31 p.m., August 5

No, not Lauren and Heidi. But Lauren and Heidi's older sis Holly so says Perez Hilton.

Hilton says the two lunched together in Santa Monica.

We'll see more of Holly when "The Hills" show airs. She's in the trailer.

Heidi told USA Today last month that Holly once lived with her and Lauren.

"Holly and Lauren were inseparable for a while," she said. "But they stopped being friends when Lauren and I stopped being friends."

So let me get this straight. LC hangs with the sisters of the two people she hates the most. Huh?

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Posted - Aug. 5, 2008 - 10:45 a.m.

I don't have a briefcase full of crackers, but like Kramer, I have to TCB (take care of business).

>> I was on WGN News/Talk 720 last month for my story about Chicago's lakefront trail. I've updated the tour-toise post with the audio.

>> Tribune reporter Josh Noel included my Rockford airport experience in his article about alternatives to flying out of Chicago airports.

>> And finally, don't forget about Twitter. Follow me and I'll follow you.

Posted Aug. 5 at 8 a.m.

Cue the dramatic music, usher in the beautiful Bond girls and cue the double "O."

It's time to engage in a little bus and "L" espionage. 

Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to join "Going Public" in its ongoing online mission to shed light on the troubles and triumphs of the CTA.  I get so many great photos and insights from riders all over the city that I'd like them to get the credit -- and some shine-- for their hard work.

So here's what you need to do, besides immediately delete this posting before it self-destructs.  Send an e-mail to goingpublic@tribune.com titled "CTA Spy" and include the following:

Posted 5:53 p.m., August 4

E! says the two were seen together filming "The Hills" Friday at the T-Mobile Sidekick LX Tony Hawk Edition launch party.

Wonder what they were talking about?

Here's my three options:

A. How much they hate Lauren

B. Why they started off Season 2 hating each other

C. How Spencer tried to date them both

What do you think?

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Posted 1:29 p.m., August 4

Not only was LC a presenter at the Teen Choice Awards last night but she took one home for TV Female Reality/Variety Star.

Who else would win?!

Turns out her competition was Heidi, Kim Kardashian, Kristi Yamaguchi (DWTS), and Whitney from Top Model.

Well, take that Heidi. Looks like teens are on Team Lauren.

And "The Hills" won the TV Celebrity Reality category. Duh, it's only the best reality show on TV now.

You can watch the award show at 7 p.m. tonight on FOX.

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Posted Aug. 4 at 12:30 p.m.

From all accounts, I'm hearing that Lollapalooza was the business.  Translation: it went very well with high attendance and low criminal activity.  Wish I could have been there at least to catch Kanye West, Radiohead or Rage, but I stayed on the South Side this weekend for the most part.

So, clue me in.  How did the CTA fare on this busy weekend with tens of thousands of fans converging on Grant Park.  I received an e-mail from a bloke who sent me this funny sentence:

"CTA should come up more creative ways to maneuver around a lot of Lollapfoolslooz."

Guess we know what he thought.  Now, I'd love to hear from others who were attending or just trying to avoid the fest that some see as a pest. 

Posted - Aug. 4, 2008 - 11:26 a.m.

My Sunday Tribune Perspectives piece explores used-date parties, also known as BYOB (bring your old boyfriend) parties.

I've never attended a used-date party, where women bring an ex-boyfriend to swap. At these parties, reassurance is the name of the game: The men are all eligible, and each is vouched for by at least one woman in attendance. Essentially, one woman's trash is another woman's treasure.

About 200 people attended one of the parties, also known as a BYOB (bring your old boyfriend), in mid-July at Lumen, a club on the near West Side.

The party, where dates with six singles were auctioned off with the help of their exes, was held to help promote Bravo's new reality show "Date My Ex: Jo & Slade."

On the show, Jo De La Rosa, former star of "The Real Housewives of Orange County," relies on ex-fiance Slade Smiley to help fix her up with a new man. De La Rosa goes on a series of dates, which Smiley secretly monitors on a laptop. And, oh yeah--the potential suitors live in Smiley's Los Angeles home.

It's not a new phenomenon, though it appears to be gaining traction in popular culture. Used-date parties were featured in a "Sex and the City" episode in 2000 and a 2002 episode of "Girlfriends," but it's unclear when these shindigs became vogue.

I've received a few e-mails from readers about used-date parties. Some say they would definitely let their ex set them up, others said no way.

Would you ever attend a used-date party?

Also check out the companion piece about dogging an ex online.

Posted 9:39 p.m., August 3

Well, Lauren isn't really saying if she's dating Kyle Howard, who plays Bobby on "My Boys."

What? Where did that match even come from?

"I'm just dating," she told People on Saturday at the Do Something Awards Pre-Party for the Teen Choice Awards. "I'm single and having fun."

But Howard said, "I'm not going to answer that."

Why not? It's a simple yes or no. My guess is if he didn't say no, they are. But I just don't see him as her type.

People.com cites an unnamed source who said the two met through Brody and have been seen togther in LaLa Land.

So now Brody is a matchmaker? I secretly hoped Brody and Lauren would get back together.

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Posted - Aug. 1, 2008 - 5:34 p.m.

I Facebook coach at the RedEye and the Chicago Tribune, which basically involves showing reporters and editors how to sign up for Facebook, make a profile, post stories and get friends.

After they set up a profile, I suggest they go to a bestie's friend list and start friending their friends. Just poach 'em. Presumably, the buddies the new Facebook user befriends are people they know -- but maybe not.

In real life, social poaching is when "a friend or acquaintance mines your social network, without permission, for friends or romantic partners," according to this article on cnn.com. Facebook and MySpace have helped automate this process, the author writes.

But social poaching can create problems. Some people like to keep their friendships separate, like work buddies from college buddies.

Also, if your two buddies become good friends, you can feel like the third wheel or suddenly, they start doing things without you. Jealousy may ensue -- especially if one of the buddies is a past romantic partner.

I offer one story that so far has had a happy ending and one story that did not end well.

I met two women a few years ago. One was a school friend and the other was a friend I met through my ex.

The three of us went out one night and the two of them became quick friends. They went shopping together and at least one vacation together. For the most part, I've been happy to see their friendship grow. Occasionally, I'm hurt when I can't hang out with them, mostly because they live Downstate and I live in Chicago. But I'm glad they have each other.

On to the not-so-happy-ending. Years ago, I introduced a friend to a guy I occasionally hung out with. I started dating someone else and she started dating him. I didn't know they were dating but when I found out I didn't really care. Nevertheless, my friendships with both of them never recovered.

Your stories?

Posted 10:17 a.m., August 1

So Audrina's got a blog.

Check it out at audrinaxo.celebuzz.com

She even blogged about her recent trip to Chicago! And posted some pics of Michigan Avenue.

"I recently got to spend some time in Chicago, and it was rockin'!

"I guess I got a little photo happy while I was there because there were just so many cool things to see. I loved the little cancan-type dress that was on the sidewalk. How cool! And some of the buildings there had awesome architecture.

"Not only that, but the views were beautiful. I took a photo of Lake Michigan from my hotel room and I think it kind of looks like a beach from the coast. If you haven't been to Chicago before I totally suggest that you go as soon as you get the chance ~ you'll love it, I promise."

Aw, that's so sweet! She's welcome in the Windy City any time.

On her blog, she takes emailed questions and blogs about skin care tips, shopping with Lo, her sis Casey and my personal favorite - how she stays in shape.

"I am naturally thin and always have been since I was a little girl. I eat whatever I want, just in moderation," Audrina wrote.

Yeah, right. Doesn't every celebrity say that?

"I drink a lot of water. I eat a lot of fruit, veggies and sushi. As far as exercising I am always on the go. When I get a chance I swim, dance, and hike. I love to do things outside, so in the summer I'll go to the beach and play volleyball or go kayaking or running on the beach. I also love kickboxing, tennis and riding bikes. xo!" Audrina wrote.

At least she, unlike other celebs, admit to exercising somewhat. Well, whatever she's doing works for her. She's gorgeous.

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