Posted - Dec. 31, 2008 - 4:33 p.m.
Check out Geek to Me columnist Elliott Serrano's story today about the "Svengoolie show" on Chicago's WCIU.
Serrano writes, "Rich Koz plays the wise-cracking ghoul Svengoolie, who uses bad puns and rubber chickens to help viewers through the awful, mostly low-budget horror and sci-fi movies about to air."
On his program, Koz calls the people who collect the rubber props from the set "chicken shaggers."
And with that, have a happy new year.
Posted 12:14 p.m., Dec. 31
Speidi hosts MTV's four-hour "Engaged & Underage: The Bridal Bowl" at noon on New Year's Day.
The special will air footage of the lives of four couples in their early 20s who will get married live on MTV. Plus MTV will be giving away prizes, including $5,000 to viewers.
Getty Image
Posted 10:57 p.m., Dec. 29
Gotta love that MTV gave us back-to-back episodes the day "The City" premiered.
Here's what else I loved about the second episode:
1. Love that Whitney admits to model Alex that she felt bad she ditched him for Jay the last time she was in NYC.
2. Love that Whitney isn't as naive as some would think, questioning who she should believe when Alex tells her something about Jay. (See hate #1.)
3. Love that Whitney confronts Jay about the possibility he's hooking up with an old flame.
4. Love that Olivia's cousin says (to Olivia) that PR girls are known to be bitchy.
5. Love that Jay denies hooking up with an ex and even offers to call that girl just to prove it.
6. Love that Jay always compliments Whitney on what she's wearing.
7. Love that Kelly Cutrone (Whit's old boss) is such a cool person who genuinely cares about Whitney and busts Olivia by being in disbelief that Olivia got a job at DVF.
8. Love that Whitney got her first pair of Manolos (and one for Lauren too).
And here's what I hated:
1. Hate that Alex ruins Whitney's morning by telling her his roommate's friend may be hooking up with Jay.
2. Hate that Whitney feels like her heart sank into her stomach upon hearing what Alex had to say.
3. Hate that Alex and Jay get into a war of words about how Jay is taking advantage of Whitney and cheating on her and threats are made.
4. Hate that Olivia still name drops - Manolo Blahnik is a "family friend."
5. Hate that Olivia goes on and on talking about her "deb ball" and how she wore two different pairs of Manolos that night, like anyone cares.
6. Hate that Jay acts like he doesn't want to be exclusive with Whitney during guy talk with his roommate on the basketball court.
7. Hate the striped shorts Jay wears when he plays b-ball in Central Park.
8. Hate that Olivia acts like she knows everything about the fashion world, suggesting to Whitney she should go look at window displays at Bergdorf and Saks.
Posted 10:05 p.m., Dec. 29
Well, love the show. Love to hate Olivia, Whitney's new co-worker and we suspect frenemy. And want Jay, Whitney's love interest, to love her. I mean, wouldn't that be too cute!
Whit is definitely living the life - but I've got a feeling it's going to be a love/hate relationship with some of her new castmates.
So I give you my love/hate list. First I give you some love:
1. Love Whit's job. Working for DVF is a dream job. What more could a girl want in NYC - her life is fashion and it's Fashion Week. And Whit gets props from her boss about the amazing job she did.
2. Love the celeb sightings: Molly Sims, Rosario Dawson, Jennifer Lopez.
3. Love that Olivia changed her mind about inviting Whitney to her rooftop party.
4. Love that Jay takes Whit out to dinner her first day of work and offers to be her personal Australian tour guide in NYC and then kisses her. Aw.
5. Love that Jay surprisingly shows up to the rooftop dinner he told Whit he didn't want to go to.
6. Love that Jay made Whitney do an Australian accent and he did an American one.
7. Love that the skyline and Empire State building is in the background off Olivia's rooftop.
8. Love that her friend Erin lets her stay at her house and even goes with her to Olivia's party.
And here's what we hated:
1. Hate that Olivia's first words were basically what are you doing here at DVF.
2. Hate how Olivia pretends like she didn't watch "The Hills" when she asks Whitney where she's from and if she's ever worked in fashion before.
3. Hate how nobody seemed friendly at DVF when Whit was introduced and says hi to her new co-workers at the staff meeting.
4. Hate that Olivia name drops - she knows Kelly Cutrone (Whit's old boss) "quite well," and Anna Wintour's son is invited to her dinner.
5. Hate that Olivia keeps bringing up Jay and asking why he was a no-show at the party.
6. Hate that Jay doesn't initially want to go with Whitney to the party.
7. Hate how bitchy Olivia is, whispering things like she hates a limp handshake.
8. Hate that Jay is second-guessing his relationship with Whitney on his boys' night.
Posted - Dec. 29, 2008 - 7:02 p.m.
How do you let your brain vacation? My brain is currently summering in Florida. Apologies for the light/non posting this past week. If you have a chance, check out my RedEye cover story from last week that gives suggestions on how to free your mind, or as my editor calls it, how to take a brain vacation.
Posted 11 a.m., Dec. 29
Watch what Audrina has to say about Whit's new show in a video she put up on her blog:
Posted 10:35 a.m., Dec. 29
It's here! Whitney's Hills spinoff: "The City." Here are some clips from tonight's back-to-back premiere episodes starting at 9 p.m.:
Posted 11:55 a.m., Dec. 26
Set your TIVOs, "The City" premieres Monday in the Hills timeslot.
Check out what Whitney has to say about her new show:
Posted 11:38 a.m., Dec. 26
Sure, Spencer did a good thing on the Hills finale - waiting to give Heidi the wedding she wants with her family present.
But has he turned into a do-gooder?
Access Hollywood reported that Speidi served food Christmas Eve to the needy at the Los Angeles Mission.
That sure was nice of Speidi. Anything for a photo op, right?
Getty file photo
Posted 4:37 p.m., Dec. 23
Wow, Speidi had some of us fooled. Totally didn't see it coming - that Spencer would be the one not to go through with making the marriage legal at City Hall.
Maybe it had something to do with his statement to Ryan Seacrest before the finale aired: "We checked the confidentially box, so good luck [finding our marriage license] people!"
Well I guess he is capable of being nice after all. In the finale after Heidi said her vows, Spencer decided to pull the plug and wait so Heidi could have her family involved and have the wedding she dreamed of.
Click here to watch video: http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid416421276?action=rss
It probably helped that She-Pratt made him see that Heidi might regret getting married at the Beverly Hills court house.
And I'm sure next season of the Hills will capture Speidi's wedding planning and Speidi will probably sell the pics to UsWeekly for big bucks.
"Things are better since we didn't legalize the wedding," Spencer said on the after-show
"I want cakes and bridesmaids, two of them are standing right here," Heidi said on the after-show referring to her sister Holly and Spencer's sis Stephanie.
Posted 1:42 a.m., Dec. 23
These quotes are what we think are the most memorable ones of the season. And we serve as your translator, telling you what we think they really meant to say. Let us know what you think.
#1: “Audrina is crazy...She thinks I hooked up with him, like totally serious...It’s so insane...It’s insulting on so many different levels. She's calling me a bad friend. She's calling me a shady person. She's calling me a slut and she's saying I would hook up with him. Yes, Audrina I did. I couldn’t resist his charm and his manners and his impeccable hygiene. I was under the Justin Bobby spell." - Lauren to Lo on the rumor she hooked up with Justin Bobby in Episode 16
Translation: Is this a joke cause I would never touch him.
#2: "If you in your heart are horrified that we’re in a courthouse and your mom is crying and is not talking to you, we don't have to do this right this second...It’s like this rain cloud following me and I don’t want that feeling. I just feel like we’re doing something sneaky and shady...I just want to give you the wedding of your dreams that you have been talking about now for three years...I’ll do it the way you want. I’m sorry. I love you so much.” - Spencer to Heidi in Episode 20 (the finale) Translation: We'll wait and not legalize in a courtroom without your family. #3: “I think you’re very controlling and manipulative...I think you’re condescending, rude and very hostile right now.” - Heidi's mom to Spencer in Episode 8 Translation: I can't believe you and I hope you never marry my daughter. #4: “The worst part is at the end of the day you were one of my best friends and I feel like I’ve completely lost that. I’ve lost another friend. I’m so tired of trying to make you be my friend. I don’t know what to do anymore. I feel pathetic.” – Lauren to Audrina in Episode 5 Translation: Why don't you want to be my friend? I can't believe this is happening to me again! First Heidi, then Jen Bunney and now Audrina. #5: “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 in Episode 1 (the premiere) Translation: Everything was fine before you came into the picture, and I don’t like you. #6: "You don't think I want to be catching up with her and hearing about how her life has been for the past two years? That was my best friend and now I'm the only one who can't talk to her because of something I had nothing to do with. I think it's hard too because I think Lauren thinks she was the only one hurt in this. I’ve been the one on my own and to lose my best friend and to lose all my friends, it's just been so hard." - Heidi to Holly about Lauren in Episode 9 Translation: I miss Lauren too and it's not fair everybody else is friends with her. #7: "The day I’m friends with Stephanie again is the day I’m friends with Lauren Conrad." – Spencer to Heidi about She-Pratt in Episode 3 Translation: I'm not going to be friends with my sister because she's friends with the enemy. #8: "I can't have you visibly intoxicated drunk in front of my partner...He said your boyfriend was there? That's not ok to have your boyfriend there. If he influences you in bad way at the workplace, that’s something you have to work out…I don’t have much of a choice. Get your bag, get your stuff, I’m firing you." - Brent Bolthouse to Heidi in Episode 13 Translation: You're fired. I can't believe I kept you around this long. #9: “It sounds amazing but it’s scary. I always kind of saw myself in New York. I just didn’t think it would happen this fast.” - Whitney to Kelly Cutrone in Episode 18 Translation: I have to take this awesome job if I get it offered. OMG, I'm going to move to New York.
#10: "Holly is like the mooch of the century. I have to spend my day in the coffee shop because Holly's in my office all day long." - Spencer to She-Pratt in Episode 10 Translation: Holly needs to go. She's at the house all day, every day.
Posted 11:40 p.m., Dec. 22
Here are the ten best quotes of the finale:
#1: “I mean it’s so sad, but the main reason we don’t get along hasn’t changed..I’m sure she misses having friends period...Because we were so close for so long, I know how to be her best friend and I know how to hate her and I don’t know how to do anything in between.” - Lauren to Lo about Heidi
Translation: She was my best friend and then my enemy and how am I supposed to act now when I see her?
#2: "If you in your heart are horrified that we’re in a courthouse and your mom is crying and is not talking to you, we don't have to do this right this second...It’s like this rain cloud following me and I don’t want that feeling . I just feel like we’re doing something sneaky and shady...I just want to give you the wedding of your dreams that you have been talking about now for three years...I’ll do it the way you want. I’m sorry. I love you so much.” - Spencer to Heidi
Translation: We'll wait and not legalize in a courtroom without your family.
#3: “You can’t do this...She’s going to remember this day forever and you know what she’s going to think about is she’s not talking to her sister or her mom...She’s going to regret this when she’s older." - She-Pratt to Spencer
Translation: No girl wants to get married in a courthouse without her family.
#4: “How can I not be upset? You chose to go and elope...It does affect me and it affects a lot of people. A lot of people have been hurt very deeply by all this...There’s a lot of people who your whole life contribute to your life to get you to where you are and to help mold you into the person that you are. Obviously a wedding is for two people who are in love and want to spend their whole lives together and that's the dream. But it’s also a mother’s dream to be part of her daughter’s wedding...I just feel excluded from your life in a lot of ways and this is a big one." - Darlene to Heidi
Translation: I can't believe you eloped and got married without having your family there.
#5: “I know you manipulated and plotted this whole wedding and you know that’s not what Heidi wanted. It’s just too fast, it’s just too much. You are not putting Heidi first. You know she had dreams of a bigger wedding with her family there. I can’t let you go to the courthouse and make this wedding legal.” - Darlene to Spencer
Translation: I know this whole wedding thing was your idea and I won't forgive you for doing this.
#6: “I didn’t mean to hurt you and I can’t not live my life worrying about everyone else all the time too." - Heidi to Darlene
Translation: I didn't mean to hurt you.
#7: “It’s really hard, it’s been hard with her...The things she said are just a little bit irreparable...The only thing really missing in my life is you and I don’t think that’s really going to change anytime." - Heidi to Lauren
Translation: I miss you and wish we were still friends.
#8: “I'm all yours and you’re all mine.” - Audrina to Justin Bobby
Translation: It's just the two of us and I love that you're here with me and no other girls.
#9: “It is what it is. It’s not always fair...You know that if you ever really needed anything that I’m here...I miss you.” - Lauren to Heidi
Translation: Even though we're not really friends, I would still be there for you.
#10: "I'm super blessed to know you and I thank my lucky stars that a person like you came into my life...Audrina I don’t have that big a connection to people that I give myself to and spend all my time with and you are definitely one of those people. I hope it stays like that as long as it possibly can.” - Justin to Audrina
Translation: This is as much a committment you're getting from me.
Posted 10:40 p.m., Dec. 22
It was how a finale should be - all about Lauren. It is after all her show.
And that's what makes her the top scene stealer.
The reunion between Lauren and former BFF Heidi was quite different from a couple seasons ago at LeDeux where they were screaming at each other about the rumored sex tape. Now, they both seemed to mellow out and move on. It started with a few minutes of uncomfortable silence. Still, it was kinda sweet to see Lauren talking to Heidi and even comforting her with a couple hugs when Heidi cries. It was probably a good thing Spencer is banned from all Bolthouse events.
The reunion just made you wish Spencer never even showed his face on the Hills. Then Heidi and Lauren would still be friends.
Lauren knows Heidi doesn't have any girlfriends and kind of extends an olive branch and tells her she's still there if Heidi really needed her and then they both tell each other they miss one another.
But I wouldn't be looking for them to hang out now. Fact is Spencer is still in the picture and the problem. But at least the two girls are civil.
The next scene stealer is Spencer. For most of his time on the Hills,m we've hated him. I mean how could you not. Sure he treats Heidi well, but what about Lauren, Holly, his own sis and Heidi's mom?
Even though stalker mom comes to town, Heidi stands her ground about eloping. And Spencer is deviant and goes to the Beverly Hills courthouse to make their marriage legal despite stalker mom telling him she can't let that happen. But it takes She-Pratt to try to get Spencer to call it off. And it at first looks like he'll go through with it. But then at the last moment, he decides to do it the way Heidi wants and doesn't legalize the marriage.
It may be the only thing Spencer did that was right.
And we can't forget about the other scene stealers: Audrina and Justin Bobby
Of course, they're back together. JB is like magnet for Audrina. She keeps going back.
After a 3-hour ride on a motorcycle with JB wearing overalls (yes, overalls), they arrive in Palm Springs for a romantic getaway. And romantic it is. JB is actually telling Audrina nice things every girl wants to hear - how they're special, blah, blah. And he gives her a ring that he puts in his mouth. (Ew.) That and calls her "dude" a lot, which is not so romantic. But the ring is not an engagement ring, so JB said on the after show.
We'll see what happens next season. And yes, Lauren said there will be another season.
Posted 3:41 p.m., Dec. 22
Tonight Heidi's mom confronts Speidi about eloping.
To watch a snipet, click on:
Posted 3:20 p.m., Dec. 22
So Heidi talked to Ryan Seacrest about her marriage and reunion with Lauren (read other posts). But she also talked about possibly not going home to Colorado for the holidays.
Why? Because Spencer's not welcome? Not quite. She said it's because she's got upcoming flights and visits to New York, Las Vegas and Chicago. Yes, Chicago.
What could Speidi be doing in our city?
Posted 3:06 p.m., Dec. 22
Tonight we'll see the two former BFF turned frenemies have a special moment on the season finale.
“Lauren and I have both had a lot that’s happened in our lives and I think that we’re older now and a lot of things have happened. For me personally, I’ve missed her — that was my best friend and it’s hard when that’s taken out of your life,” Heidi told Ryan Seacrest in a phone interview that aired Monday on his radio show.
“I think for both of us we kind of just want some kind of closure in one way or another. It was really, really good to see her. It was definitely one of my best moments of this season.”
Wonder if Lauren shares Heidi's feeling.
And we'll also see Heidi's mom (aka Stalker Mom) come face to face with Spencer.
In the interview, Heidi insisted her mom's comments about Heidi's marriage not lasting were "taken out of context."
“She loves Spencer and she always says that she’s never seen anyone be treated as well as Spencer treats me. I think moms are just shocked at first because all moms would be but you know she’s really come around,” Heidi said.
Heidi may need a new nose job after that one, cause her nose is growing like Pinochio.
Posted - Dec. 19, 2008 - 5:08 p.m.
Check out today's RedEye cover story about the best dive bars in the city and the difference between a dive bar and a hipster watering hole.
The story also mentions the slashy, which is "when the bar is a bar-slash-liquor store, a place to drink and/or buy a six-pack to take home," said Ted Koerth, a lawyer who lives in Lakeview and conducts Dive Bar Tours.
Richard's, which has two entrances on Milwaukee and Grand Avenues, next door to Emmit's in River West, is a slashy.
Your favorite dive bar? I enjoy Matchbox in West Town, which was just named one of 10 "Great American Dive Bars" by Playboy last month, but not Marie's Riptide Lounge in Bucktown. Nothing good ever happens to me there. Probably because I'm not a cougar.
Posted 1:20 p.m., Dec. 19
If you want to see pics from Audrina's past Christmas holidays, check out her blog: http://audrinaxo.celebuzz.com/
She's got blond hair in the photos. She blogs about her holiday traditions.
"Every year on Christmas Eve my whole family and I go to my grandparents' house and have a huge dinner and open presents. It can get pretty hectic because I have a really big family, but it's always so much fun!"
"We spend the night at my parents' house and wake up on Christmas morning and open the gifts we got each other, and of course from Santa. Then we spend all day in our jammies playing with new gadgets and just spending time together!"
Posted 12:59 p.m., Dec. 19
Will there be as much drama in The City as on The Hills?
Posted 3:37 p.m., Dec. 18
Since Whitney's show is coming up in 2 weeks, here's her infamous spill on Good Morning America:
Posted 2:46 p.m., Dec. 18
One more episode of "The Hills," then it's to "The City." And on its first night at 9 p.m. Chicago time on Dec. 29 (Monday), there will be back-to-back episodes.
So here's what we know so far, Whitney Port (aka Lauren's advice guru and hands-down the most sane and logical Hills castmate) is leaving LA to work for Diane Von Furstenberg and live in NYC.
We've already met Jay Lyon, her potential love interest and rocker from Australia. The couple first got cozy in NY when Whit was working for People's Revolution and behind the scenes at fashion shows. She ditched model Alex to hang with Jay. She saw him briefly after her interview at DVF. Will their love affair heat up and last, we hope so.
Soon we'll meet her new circle of friends and possible frenemies.
First there's Erin Lucas. She's one of Whit's BFFs who likes to party and confesses to dating three guys at once.
Then there's Olivia Palermo.
She's a native New Yorker and socialite and works with Whit. She's the one who refers to herself as a "social." She's been photographed with Ally Hilfiger and Tinsley Mortimer. Oh yeah, she's got frenemy written all over her.
Other City Castmates: Adam Senn, Jay's best friend and roomie who is a restaurant owner and model from Texas and has a model GF. And Samantha, an assistant buyer at Bergdorf Goodman Uptown, and meets Whit through DVF and become fast friends.
That's some guy, Olivia, Whit and Erin
Getty Images
Posted - Dec. 18, 2008 - 1:38 p.m.
RedEye ran an Associated Press story today about top travel trends for 2009, according to ad agency JWT.
One of the top trends is glamping, or glamorous camping, "where a tour company provides comfy bedding and nice meals so you don't have to rough it while experiencing remote or wild places."
Here's a New York Times article about glamping.
I've never been glamping, and I've only been camping once. I'm pretty much Smokey the Bear's worst nightmare. On a camping trip near Gainesville, Fla., in 2004, I burned a hole in my pants with a smores stick and attracted loads of spiders while picking sludge out of the Suwanee River.
Have you ever been glamping?
Posted 3:55 p.m., Dec. 17
Looks like Speidi talked to Ryan Seacrest Wednesday, saying their courtroom wedding ceremony seen in clips of next week's finale was official and legal, according to a statement posted on Seacrest's radio show Web site.
"Spencer Pratt boasted, 'we checked the confidentiality box, so good luck people,' in response to many media outlets reporting that there is no record of any marriage license for the couple in L.A. County," the Web site said.
A segment with Speidi will air on his radio show Monday, the day of the Hills finale.
Posted - Dec. 17, 2008 - 11:56 a.m.
Tuesday's RedEye cover story was about eco-maniacs and the relationships they have with non-environmentally friendly people.
As more people decide to live a green lifestyle, they'll have to consider how the decision impacts their relationships and friendships--for better or for worse. Greeniacs who talked to RedEye said they've attempted to push their friends and family members to also go green, sometimes to disastrous results. Trying to force others to change their wasteful ways, some eco-friendly Chicagoans have learned, can alienate friends to the point that the only meaningful relationship the environmentally conscious have left is one with the Earth.
Is there a middle ground between the eco-maniacs and the eco-foes? RedEye devised four eco-nundrums and asked a green-ribbon panel to weigh in on how the problem should be solved.
RedEye "Practically Green" blogger Supriya Doshi, goantigreen.com founder Matt Unger of Bloomingdale, self-proclaimed Chicago "enviromedian" (environment + comedian) James Wesley Jackson and Etiquette Chicago's Melenie Broyles offered their eco-pinions.
SITUATION: You love to recycle but your friend doesn't have blue bins and doesn't reuse anything. What should you do when you visit?
SUPRIYA: Offer nicely to take home some of your friend's
recyclables, since the friend doesn't have blue bins. Or mention how
much less you have to take out the garbage since you started recycling.
MATT: Throw everything out into the garbage, give my friend a big pat on the back and steal the neighbors' blue bins.
MELENIE: You might suggest your recycling company, because you
are under the impression they may not be aware. I suggest using their
trash cans and realizing that it is just one day.
JAMES: Buy a blue bin and present it to your friend as a blue ski container.
SITUATION: You have a roommate who showers for more than an hour each day, which you find extremely wasteful. What do you say?
SUPRIYA: Tell them there isn't enough hot water left for you when they're done. And tell them they smell (Ital)really(ital) good.
MATT: I'd ask my roommate why he takes such short showers, then
encourage him to use the shower as a steamer rather than ironing his
clothes.
MELENIE: If you are sharing the water bill you can suggest they
might cut down their time in the shower to help with expenses. Maybe
give gentle advice on wasting water.
JAMES: A short shower can improve relationships and reduce stress, not to mention the $30 a month you save on soap.
SITUATION: Your friend constantly lectures you about eating
organic foods, commuting less and installing eco-friendly light bulbs,
but you don't want to change your ways. What do you say?
SUPRIYA: Emphasize the things you are already doing. If that
doesn't work, you can always hound them about something they're doing
that you don't like.
MATT: I'd tell my friend that everyone has different opinions and that I vaguely respect his a tiny little bit.
MELENIE: Simply say: "I love that you are so passionate about
the environment. I, however, am not, and know that you love me for who
I am."
JAMES: Do you know why there are more vegetarians? Because plants are whole lot easier to sneak up on.
SITUATION: You are staying with a friend who has requested that
you only flush the toilet if it's No. 2, which you find gross. What do
you do?
SUPRIYA: Say it's gross--politely, of course. Tell them you're uncomfortable or that you get queasy around, um, bodily fluids.
MATT: First, I would give my friend a really disgusted look. I
would then vow to drive to my friend's house thrice a day (in a Hummer)
and flush every toilet.
MELENIE: As the guest, you can deal with it for the day, or even
simply say: "I am sorry but that makes me very uncomfortable. Do you
mind if I flush just for today?"
JAMES: I don't flush at all.
Posted 10:33 a.m., Dec. 17
After seeing a preview for "The Hills" finale where Spencer and Heidi are in a courtroom, I asked Spencer's sis Stephanie Pratt about it, saying it looks like on next week’s finale Spencer and Heidi made their marriage official in a California court.
And she told me about how she went to the Beverly Hills courthouse where Spencer and Heidi filled out paperwork and wrote a check (but she didn't know how much for) and that she was a witness. “It was just really weird with a police officer and judge, a deputy, it was just very bizarre,” she told me in a phone interview on Tuesday.
An Associated Press story Wednesday reported "MTV was recently granted permission to shoot in a courtroom in Beverly Hills, but it was done after hours — and that's not one of their judges sitting on the bench in 'The Hills' footage.
"MTV was granted permission to film 'what purported to be a wedding outside of court hours' at the Beverly Hills courthouse, court spokesman Allan Parachini said Tuesday. He did not know who the participants were in the wedding, but Parachini said court officials wanted the filming to be treated as a news event."
The AP story goes on to say, "Civil ceremonies are sometimes performed at the Beverly Hills courthouse, but not in the manner portrayed in the brief preview. If a judge does preside, it is typically in chambers during a break, Parachini said."
"A check of marriage records last week did not reveal any filings by Pratt or Montag in Los Angeles County, although the couple could get married in any county in California as well as opt for a confidential license," the AP reported.
This story over Speidi's marriage may just fuel the controversy over how real the show really is.
Check out the finale sneak peek:
Posted 1:01 a.m., Dec. 16
Lots of tears and travel in this episode - Speidi go to Mexico and Whitney leaves for NYC.
But the storyline that stole the episode was the now infamous elopement of Speidi.
Spencer admits to planning to elope the day before he bought the tickets and didn't know if Heidi would go along. Looks like all she needed was a few Patron shots to convince her. As soon as they arrive in Cabo, she's prancing around in a red bikini sipping on champagne - as it should be in Mexico. But of course the drinking doesn't stop there. Later in the night, she's calling Spencer Jose and talking in an accent that doesn't sound Mexican in the slightest.
When Heidi says, “You know what Patron does to me, it gets me crazy,” it's sign for Spencer to initiate the wedding proposal. And he starts with the guilt trip about how he doesn't want to be in a relationship that's not going anywhere and how her mom would never let a wedding happen (probably true). It's enough to get Heidi to go along with the master plan. The next morning Spencer greets Heidi with a "Hello Mrs. Pratt" and the two watch the wedding footage and reality sets in that "stalker mom" is going to flip out.
Turns out Heidi ditched a shopping extravaganza with She-Pratt to go to Mexico. Steph is so concerned she goes to see Audrina, who oddly enough looks like is back with Justin Bobby. Wait, of course she is. She always goes back to him. Anyways, She-Pratt explains Speidi is missing and Justin Bobby pipes up with the bright idea to put up missing fliers. Oh, JB.
Audrina out with Lauren and Lo (strange, huh?) at Whitney's goodbye celebration mentions She-Pratt told her Speidi disappeared. Lo and LC give a look like they could've cared less. Talk about awkward...
The other scene stealer is Whitney. So sad to see the most logical person leave the show but good news is we'll get to see her on "The City."
After Whit gets the news she got the job, she and Lauren kinda silent scream with excitement. Whit reminds herself she's going to NY for the job, not the boy Jay. But it doesn't sink in until the girls' goodbye lunch when they get all sappy remembering their time at Teen Vogue where they had to change their outfits because it was "too matchy-matchy." And don't forget about the Young Hollywood party that Heidi and Audrina crashed and Whit let them in the door. You just know the friendship won't stop because they're living on opposite coasts. Besides, someone has to give Lauren relationship advice.
Posted 12:44 a.m., Dec. 16
Here are the top 10 best quotes:
#1: “Heidi Montag when I’m with you, you make me want to be nicer and that’s why I’m just madly obsessed with you and it’s pretty apparent the fact that I haven’t left your side in nearly two and a half years and I pretty much keep you from the whole world. You are just my angel.” - Spencer to Heidi
Translation: Let's get married already.
#2: “I can’t believe we did this…It was just so romantic and on a whim. Unbelievable…My mom is going to freak. I don’t even know what to tell her because she’s going to kill me.” - Heidi to Spencer
Translation: My mom is going to flip out I married Spencer.
#3: “I kind of went into it looking at it as a job and didn’t expect to get a friend...I’m so proud of you and so excited you’re going away. It’s just a little sad, I’m really excited for you though.” - Lauren to Whitney
Translation: I'm going to miss you so much.
#4: “I really think we got so lucky to have found each other...I’m honestly so touched that we’ve liked come this far." - Whitney to Lauren
Translation: You're a true friend.
#5: “Our relationship always is best when it’s just you and me and I feel like it’s always other people trying to tear us apart whether it’s your former best friends, your sister or your mom or my sister. And when it’s not that, it’s work. I feel like I was never going to see you...I have a feeling my dear this will be the most memorable vacation of your life.” - Spencer to Heidi
Translation: I'm going to convince you to marry me.
#6: “We couldn’t be more proud of the fact you’ve progressed the way you have, with dignity. We hope that you have all the success, and we hope that maybe you can convince them you should run their west coast office and be back shortly. Love you and be safe.” - Whitney's dad in a toast
Translation: I'm going to miss my girl.
#7: “I just can’t even imagine living in the city. Like when I go to the grocery store, do I take a cab there and just bring all my groceries with me? Do I get a bicycle and get a basket and carry everything inside? I’m going to be siiting at my desk staring at my computer with no one to look to…I feel like we’ve really grown up with each other." - Whitney to Lauren
Translation: I'm kinda nervous living in a big city like NY.
#8: “You’re going to have the perfect job and the perfect boyfriend. You’re going to leave behind everything and still have the perfect life.” - Lauren to Whitney
Translation: You're life will be great in NYC.
#9: “When we met, you really never got stressed out. You were such a carefree party animal...That's why I brought you here, cause this is our life. It’s time for Heidi and Spencer time.” - Spencer to Heidi
Translation: You're all mine here, my dear.
#10: “My first memory of you was our first day. We had our hair all done and they changed our outfits. I would dare someone to come change your outfit now." - Lauren to Whitney
Translation: We've really grown up and changed, huh?
Posted 6:37 p.m., Dec. 16
We’ve seen “The Hills” episode where Spencer and Heidi elope in Mexico and on the finale it looks like we’ll see them make it official.
Stephanie Pratt, Spencer's sister, tells RedEye she was at the Beverly Hills courthouse as a witness and that Spencer and Heidi filled out paperwork and wrote a check. She said Heidi disappeared to the bathroom briefly.
“I don’t know if she was kind of freaking out or not,” Stephanie said. “It was just really weird with a police officer and judge, a deputy, it was just very bizarre,” she said of the courtroom experience.
As for whether her brother and sister-in-law will have a reception with friends and family, she said, “They have to. I know Holly and I will make Heidi do it.”
Besides, she said she thinks Heidi will want to wear a pretty dress and have a party in her honor. But exactly when that'll happen she doesn't know. "The fallout with Heidi's mom has been so crazy," she said.
And will she be an aunt soon? Even though she says the couple eventually wants a boy, Heidi wants a dog really badly now.
Her relationship with her brother Spencer sounds like it's improving over the past few weeks. "It’s so different it’s hard to believe. We talk on the phone. He invites me to dinner with him and Heidi," she said.
But for the past 10 months, they were staying clear of each other, she said. "It was so crazy for so long and it’s like why all of the sudden are you talking to me again," she said. But she says she won't ask. Maybe so he won't realize he's being nice to her.
In the meantime, she said she's trying to figure out when to start her own handbag line and is still dating Cameron (who she says Spencer now gets along with). She said she hasn't heard anything from MTV about a next season. In the scenes for the finale, we saw Lauren and Heidi talking at a SBE event. It's the same event where Stephanie said she meets Heidi's sis Holly for the first time.
“Heidi for the past two years has always been saying, ‘You remind me of my sister. You’d get along so well,’” she said. And turns out Heidi was right. Steph and Holly have even hung out since too.
Stephanie visited the Windy City for two days this month, grabbing dinner at Gibson’s, shopping on Michigan Avenue and stopping by Manor. “I love it there,” she said, even the snowy weather Chicago has.
Next time she comes, she should bring some warm weather and sunshine from SoCal.
Posted Dec. 16 at 12:22 p.m.
Update: Tony Coppoletta at CTA - the Manageof External Electronic Communications is the man behind the transitchicago.com "Extreme Home Page Makeover."
Awww yeah, it's business time. I know I've been lazy with the posts, due to my "Going Public" and "Hey, CTA!" hustle, but I had to mention some news of the day.
The CTA has launched a new sexy-looking site. Check it out at www.transitchicago.com. This much more image-oriented and seemingly more navigation-friendly effort just popped up today and the CTA already sent out a press release congratulating itself for the move. Thank you, and you're welcome.
I'll post more here later, including (hopefully) an answer to RedEye Twitterer questions about whodunnit. In the meantime, some initial observations:
1. Loving the merchandise that is being pimped out front on the site. It's engaging, colorful and I support anything that helps the agency get its money right.
2. Kudos on the Brown Line construction link. I've been a fan of their microsite with Brown Line updates, but enough riders ask me questions about what is going on that I sensed it should be more prominent. Done, and done.
3. Big ups to the system alerts on the right-hand corner letting you know the service construction status on various areas of the rail.
4. Not liking that hokey looking holiday train image, but in all, I do think that the icons are helpful throughout the page.
Thoughts? Do you likee? Want to do a Mr. Blackwell-style dressdown of the site makeover? Have at it!
Posted - Dec. 12, 2008 - 5:45 p.m.
New York magazine is asking its readers to submit their buzzwords for 2009. Vanity Fair editor Graydon Carter said his words for the new year are sophisticated, innovative and entitlement, according to New York Post's Page Six.
Here are some other responses, according to New York:
>> New York's roving articles editor Nick Catucci's are "wandering, post-apocalyptic, whiskey."
>> New York Observer editor Doree Shafrir's are "enlightened, creative, purposeful."
>> Gawker editor Alex Pareene's are "reorganization, pandemic, and blagojevich."
My buzzwords are: "exploratory, meaningful, laughter."
Speaking of Blagojevich, Julia Gray, a contributor to the political blog The Beachwood Reporter, offered this word:
>> blagoviate: "noun or verb: to speak pompously (verb), a governor who speaks pompously and uses profanity when describing how unappreciated he feels after being ignored by the president-elect."
What are your buzzwords for 2009?
Posted 4:41 p.m., Dec. 11
Get ready for the Hills finale - it's on Dec. 22.
But you won't be going through withdrawal cause Bromance and The City start the following week. Set you TIVOs for the series premiere on Dec. 29.
The entire "Hills" cast will be live from Tavern on the Green in NYC for the finale. Will they have to separate Speidi from Lauren & Friends?
So the pre-show (red carpet and reruns of the last 3 episodes) starts at 7 p.m. central and the finale is at 9 p.m.
It looks like we'll see Lauren and Heidi (without Spencer) meeting at a Bolthouse hotel event, Spencer coming face to face with "stalker mom," and Justin taking Audrina for a Palm Springs getaway.
Of course, it's followed by the After Show at 9:30 p.m. where the Pussycat Dolls will perform "I Hate This Part."
Posted 2:10 p.m., Dec. 11
So next week we get to see the wedding and in the season finale on Dec. 22 we get to see Spencer and his new mother-in-law together.
Holly told Usmagazine.com that her mom and Spencer have been talking. Suprising considering she finds him to be manipulating. But I'm sure she still wants to be a part of Heidi's life. But really who would want a son-in-law like Spencer?
Holly also said that Heidi apologized for not telling her family right away.
"I think she felt bad that she didn't tell us right away, and we had to find out through other sources," Holly said.
Lauren called Holly when she found out about Speidi, Holly said.
"She was just checking on everybody and making sure the family was OK," Holly told Usmagazine.com.
But Lauren hasn't publicly said anything about the Speidi marriage.
"She has not said anything to me about it," Holly said. "She just wants to make sure Heidi is OK."
What does his former best friend Brody think?
"Good for them," Jenner told E! online. "I think if they're happy and they want to get married, I have nothing bad to say."
Posted 2 p.m., Dec. 11
Now that Audrina blurted out they'll be another season of "The Hills," Brody thinks maybe Lauren should walk away.
What? No!
"She works her butt off and has other things going on," Brody told E! online. "It's time for her to maybe take a little break."
I don't know what I'll watch instead.
"I think everybody on The Hills is only focused on drama," Brody said. "There's only so much drama you can talk about! I mean, Justin Bobby and Audrina?"
But that's what we love about the show - drama!
Posted 6:02 p.m., Dec. 10
Whit tells Lisa Love her Teen Vogue job was the most life changing experience. Of course it was, she got to be on "The Hills" and now has her own spinoff "The City" and gets exposure for her clothing line as well.
Watch what else Whit tells her old boss:
Posted 5:56 p.m., Dec. 10
Don't forget about the 90-minute special “Whitney: From The Hills to The City” tonight at 9 p.m. on MTV.
I'm sure there's plenty of Whitney faces and moments like her spill on Good Morning America.
Take a look:
"The City" starts at 9 p.m. Dec. 29.
Posted - Dec. 10, 2008 - 4:58 p.m.
Please continue to check out the Tribune's coverage of the Gov. Blagojevich scandal and who's linked in the Blagosphere.
Meanwhile, Tribune columnist Eric Zorn is asking readers to submit names for the scandal. One suggestion: Roddergate.
The term "Merry Fitzmas" is being used to describe U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald's investigations.
Then there's also Blagojeviching, a word David Letterman used on his show Tuesday. "It's one count of bribery, one count of fraud and one count of Blagojeviching."
You have a favorite Blago word?
Posted - Dec. 10, 2008 - 11:53 a.m.
G-Fraud? is the one-word headline RedEye used on today's cover to describe Gov. Blagojevich's corruption scandal.
Read the Tribune's ongoing coverage here.
Read my September one-on-one interview with the governor here.
Here is one of his quotes from that sitdown interview: "If you're going to use the office to actually do things, and you're not afraid to shake things up and take on a system and change it for the benefit of the people, then ... there's plenty of company. The history books are filled with people like that, who've done that, and I'm just honored and thrilled that I have a chance to consider myself, to a lesser extent, one of them in there, in the mix, slugging it out on behalf of the people. That's how I see me."
Posted - Dec. 9, 2008 - 6:01 p.m.
The magazine printed excerpts from Post's 1922 book "Etiquette in Society, in Business, in Politics and at Home." Here's the blurb related to slang: "The fact that slang is apt and forceful makes its use irresistibly tempting. Coarse or profane slang is beside the mark, but "flivver," "taxi," the "movies," "deadly" (meaning dull), "feeling fit," "feeling blue," "grafter," a "fake," "grouch," "hunch," and "right o!" are typical of words that it would make our spoken language stilted to exclude." On the flight home from Las Vegas earlier this week, I caught an article in the Southwest Airlines magazine about etiquette guru Emily Post and her legacy.
Orginally referring to a Ford Model T, a flivver is a small, inexpensive automobile, according to Dictionary.com.
I guess we'll have to wait and see what's next for the flivver industry.
Posted 1:32 p.m., Dec. 9
Did anybody else catch Tom Cruise on the Hills after show?
What was he doing being interviewed about Speidi's wedding? How did the after show get access to him? Isn't he an A-list actor? Does he even watch the Hills or know who Speidi is?
One last question - huh?
Watch it here:
Posted 10:45 p.m., Dec. 8
Here are the 10 best quotes:
#1:"What I need to keep in the back of my head is I'd be doing this purely for the job and not for any other reason, you know?” - Whitney to Lauren
Translation: I'm moving to NY for the job and not the guy (even though I can't wait to see him).
#2: “It sounds amazing but it’s scary. I always kind of saw myself in New York. I just didn’t think it would happen this fast.” - Whitney to Kelly Cutrone
Translation: I have to take this awesome job if I get it offered. OMG, I'm going to move to New York.
#3: "Despite how demanding I am, I always try to think about the people who work for me, where they’re headed and what’s best for them. I don’t want to lose you. I think you’ve done a lot for us. This interview is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Diane von Furtsenberg is amazing, she’s a legend.” - Kelly Cutrone to Whitney
Translation: You should take this job.
#4: “Do you know how immature and stupid this relationship sounds, from an outside perspective? Obviously this relationship is not meant to be. From my honest opinion, I know you could do better than that guy.” - Spencer to She-Pratt
Translation: Dump this guy, Steph.
#5: “Dream boy, dream job." - Lauren to Whitney
Translation: You're going to get a new job and boyfriend.
#6: “Then he’s not worth your time if he can’t drive 15 minutes to see you, that’s like straight punk...Go be a nun, join like a nun’s thing.” - Spencer to She-Pratt
Translation: Why are you with Cameron?
#7: “I think we both need to compromise and work this out because it’s worth it to me.” - Cameron to She-Pratt
Translation: Let's make it work because I don't want to break up.
#8: “I'm sure I've said this was the happiest relationship I’ve ever been in and it was. But it's not there anymore. Where I am right now is I deserve better than this. I just want to find a guy that makes me happy.” - She-Pratt to Cameron
Translation: My brother tells me I can do better than you and maybe he's right.
#9: “P.S. I would like to be buried in my homecoming dress with my crown on my coffin.” - Lauren to Lo
Translation: I can't believe I had a will and I was so vain in high school.
#10: "You look nice. I like your dress...I love this dress babe. You look hot." - Jay to Whitney
Translation: I like you.
Posted 10:44 p.m., Dec. 8
This episode is all about leaving. She-Pratt leaves her BF. Whit leaves LA. And Lauren's parents leave Laguna.
So the scene stealers are:
Whit - Heading to the City
Her once bitchy boss Kelly Cutrone wins the best boss award for setting up an interview for Whit with Diane Von Furstenberg in NYC. And that's where Jay, the Aussie singer is. SHe even has her interview on camera. How scary, but it looks like she wows DVF (obviously she gets the job). And after the interview she was able to see Jay briefly - a lot of hand holding involved.
She-Pratt - BF or no BF?
Wrong move to enlist Spencer's advice about relationships - he's the guy who eloped with his girlfriend. She-Pratt and Cameron have broken up like 4 or 5 times already. Had no idea they were dating for that long. So after Spencer tells her she could do better, she brings Cameron to an uncomfortable dinner with Speidi, only to break up with him later on camera. Yet we still don't know why it's not working out for the couple. Even though we think he's better off staying away from the Pratts, apparently they're back to together. She spilled it on the after show.
Lauren's parents - leaving Laguna.
At a visit with Audrina (guess they are friends again) Lauren reveals her parents are leaving the home we all got to see on Laguna when LC was in high school. They're downsizing since it's just the p's. And when Lauren's packing up, she finds old journals sharing with us she had her first kiss with Steven in the previous home, shows us her brick-size cell phone and reads a will that she wants to be buried in her homecoming dress. Kind of morbid to have written a will in h.s.
Next week: Speidi gets married and Whit gets the job.
Posted - Dec. 8, 2008 - 6:16 p.m.
A block graph is a "bar chart in which each bar is divided up into individual blocks," according to this BBC Q & A.
Block graph is also one of the phrases added to the Oxford University Press' junior dictionary, the UK Telegraph reports. Other words added to the dictionary include "blog," "broadband" and "celebrity."
The press also has removed some entries including "carol," "cracker," "holly," "ivy" and "mistletoe." But Christmas words weren't the only phrases axed from the dictionary.
Some words that caught my eye on the "remove" list:
>> budgerigar: a parakeet
>> corgi: a herding dog breed
>> cygnet: a young swan
>> drake: a mallard, also a coffeecake
>> kingfisher: a subtropical bird
>> plaice: a flat fish
>> gorse: an evergreen shrub
Bacon is also one of the choice cuts. Sacrilegious?
Posted 2:41 p.m., Dec. 8
Even though Holly put a smile on her face and wished Speidi the best after finding out about the so-called impromtu marriage. But we all know she must have been burying feelings of anger or betrayal or something.
Here's what she has told Us Weekly: "People elope. It happens all the time. I just want her to be happy.”
“But Spencer wanting to avoid my mom is just cowardly. That’s the poorest reason to elope. Because you’re afraid of your mother-in-law?”
We've got a feeling his reponse would be something like "I'm not afraid of Heidi's mom, my dear." Or "I'm afraid stalker mom will stalk me next."
Posted 5:18 p.m., Dec. 4
Will you watch Brody's new spinoff - "Bromance?"
Watch the trailer now. It starts airing on MTV on Dec. 29.
Posted 5 p.m., Dec. 4
This Speidi wedding thing is getting ugly.
Spencer was on Ryan Seacrest's radio show Thursday talking about his spontaneous nuptials, according to excerpts from People.com.
"If I had planned it, I think I would've stepped up my ring game a little bit," he added referring to the $8 rings they picked up there for the ceremony.
About Heidi's mom: "She's just hurt and reacting crazy because she wasn't there," he said. "I can't wait to prove her wrong and be married for the rest of our lives."
Heidi had this to say to Usmagazine.com:
"I want to make it very clear to family, friends and fans that the decision to marry Spencer was very much mine. It was a beautiful day, and I've never been happier," Heidi said.
"I look forward to everyone seeing the footage of our time in Mexico on The Hills, so they can see for themselves what a joyous occasion it was."
And Spencer tells Us Weekly he's going to make their marriage legal.
“I'm on it. In my mind, it's as legal as the ring on my finger," he said. "But I wouldn't want everyone going around saying, 'It's not real.'"
Posted 4:52 p.m., Dec. 4
So why wasn't Heidi's family at the wedding?
Could it be because it was spontaneous? Could it be because Spencer banned her family? Or simply because Heidi's family (or anyone really) doesn't get along with Spencer?
Heidi told Us Weekly that she didn't want her mom there because she was "starting so much drama.” What a nice thing to say about your mom.
"She should be happy I found someone I love," Heidi said. "Some people go their entire lives without finding that."
And many have found partners better than Spencer.
Spencer of course has something to say about Heidi's mom who he calls on The Hills "stalker mom."
"I think her mom needs to take a real fat chill pill and be happy for her daughter," he said.
Posted 3:50 p.m., Dec. 4
Like everyone else, Heidi's mom Darlene doesn't like Spencer.
Here's what she told UsWeekly about Heidi's marriage to Spencer.
"I think it's the biggest mistake Heidi's ever made," she said. We think so too.
And she says what we've all been thinking too about her new son-in-law:
"He's manipulative and seems to have power over Heidi," she said. "I would like to see a blood test from Mexico. It wouldn’t surprise me if he had her drugged."
Well, the last part is a little harsh. Drugged? Not like Spencer. Maybe they were drunk. They did have margaritas before the ceremony, didn't they?
The mag says Heidi skipped Thanksgiving with her family in Colorado to stay in Mexico with Spencer. Not a good sign when you choose a guy, er, I mean husband over family for the holidays.
"Spencer has tried to cut everyone out of her life," Heidi's mom told Us mag. "I've been honest with Heidi, and it's caused our relationship to decline. I'm more devastated about that than the marriage, because I'm confident the marriage won't work out."
"I want the best for my daughter - and he's definitely not it. I think Spencer wants to possess Heidi more than marry her."
Wonder if Speidi will spend the holidays in Colorado? My guess is no.
Posted on Dec. 3 at 12:50 p.m.
Earlier this week, I wrote a piece suggesting five sponsors for CTA stations, including the California Raisin Board for California stops and Match.com to hook up the pretty people at Armitage.
Hey, the transit agency opened the door for some imagineering. The CTA is mulling relationships with corporations that can essentially adopt stations and perhaps even make them into their own lil' promotional plazas.
Among my suggestions, were the St. Pauli beer folks. (Full credit for the original notion goes to RedEye Editor and Nine Line super-genius Leo Ebersole.) I took Leo's idea to the next level, suggesting the company take over Paulina, re-christen it St. Paulina and invite their lovely spokeswoman to the station to meet and greet riders.
Apparently, St. Pauli is up for the idea. I heard from one of their execs saying they plan to contact the CTA about the notion. Hopefully, it works out and adds some revenue to the CTA's lint-lined pockets. All I ask is that no beer be sold on the public transit premises. We've got enough problems with folks drunk-riding, no?
We'll keep an eye on this one. Cheers!
Posted 2:54 p.m., Dec. 2
Looks like Audrina still isn't taking any responsibility for her part in the Lauren and Justin Bobby rumor - a rumor they both denied.
Here's what Audrina wrote on her blog about last night's episode where she and Lauren kinda made up.
"After the smoke finally cleared we were both able to sit down and have an actual adult conversation. I didn't ask to be informed, falsely or otherwise, that my "best friend" and my "boyfriend" were involved in some carnal activity. It was very disturbing to have a rumor, that could have easily been killed, thrown in my face over and over again."
Yes, Audrina, you're right, it could've ended sooner - like the first time when Lauren and Justin denied it. But who kept bringing it up? Oh, right. That was you.
"I just want to put it on record that never did I EVER call Lauren a 'slut,' 'bad friend,' 'shady person,' etc... I simply asked her a question and that's how she interpreted it. I didn't go around town running my mouth either. I confided in Heidi because she knows how Lauren works and when Lauren hung up on me and was acting like a child, I obviously thought the worst. I do always find it interesting to watch the episodes and see what senseless gossip people come up with!"
Well, asking Lauren more than once if she hooked up with Justin is insinuating she's a bad friend because you think there's a possibility that she would hook up with your boyfriend. As for running your mouth, you did tell people about the rumor - Chiara, Brody and Frankie (who told Lauren) and wait I remember you going on Ellen and talking about it as well. And you had to know when you tell Heidi anything, she's going to tell Spencer, who's going to tell everyone, especially if it involves LC. C'mon, Audrina. Who was acting like a child? Lauren? Nah, weren't you the one who stormed out of Lauren's kitchen when she said the rumor was crazy and it was you who called Justin a bunch of times, leaving messages that he didn't want to respond to?
"Bottom line, Justin and Lauren treating me like I wasn't worthy of an explanation was almost worse than the rumor itself, and it only got worse the harder I tried to get a genuine answer. Instead, I got screamed at and they both got super defensive."
Well wonder why they got defensive. Maybe because you were accusing them of it and then you kept asking them if it was true when they already said it wasn't?
"Let me just remind everyone that this rumor didn't appear out of thin air, they were both at the same place at the same time, but apparently what was said to have happened never actually did. I am very glad this whole thing is over and this blog will be the last time I address the issue."
Glad to hear you can put it behind you Audrina.
"As for Justin, his inexcusable behavior has become somewhat expected at this point and I just want to say that if I were looking for a serious relationship, I would definitely be looking elsewhere!"
Really Audrina? Cause it seems like you want to be serious with Justin and have kept going back to him even though you say you've had it with him. We'll see what happens next.
"Dealing with a situation such as this one, where the two people who you really need to talk to are the very same two who turn their backs on you and treat you like you mean nothing, has really opened my eyes. I have never been one to hold grudges though, life is just too precious. So I guess I learned a very valuable lesson this week ~ communication is NOT key, so if something bothers you, keep your mouth shut and smile, or you will end up apologizing later. :)"
Wow, wonder if Lauren and Audrina are really friends now.
Posted 10:28 p.m., Dec. 1
Here's the top 10 best quotes:
#1: "You, after I told you it wasn’t true, still believed it...What really made me upset is I watched you over the past few years repeatedly go back to Justin and trust him with not just your feelings but your heart and you couldn't give me the benefit of the doubt." - Lauren to Audrina
Translation: I'm still hurt that you even thought I would hook up with him.
#2: “This is a mess Lauren...I’m sorry that I jumped to conclusions...I realize the damage that it's done...I’ve been so torn up inside and so angry and so almost lost that I don’t know who I am anymore. I feel like inside I’ve lost who I am.” - Audrina to Lauren
Translation: I'm sorry and I want to salvage our friendship.
#3: "She’s decided to become friends with the person who was talking mean about poor sweet Heidi for over a year." - Spencer to Nana about She-Pratt
Translation: She's friends with Lauren who we hate. And you should lecture my sister about family loyalty.
#4: "So, I have something to talk about - why you bangin' Justin Bobby?...Just go about your life and leave people like that that are constant drama, leave them to do their own thing...You don’t need somebody like that in your life...You’ve got to let her go as a friend.” - Brody to Lauren about Audrina
Translation: It's time to stop being friends with Audrina.
#5: “Life sometimes is a bucket of worms and you don’t know what to do with them...You have to wait til he grows up a little bit...and then he’ll see the error of his ways." - Nana to She-Pratt about Spencer
Translation: Life is like a box of chocolates...You two will get along once Spencer grows up.
#6: “Just playing devil's advocate maybe she just has something different to say...You guys have been through so much that if she’s reaching out this hard she must really, really need someone to talk to right now...Maybe she just needs you right now." - Whitney to Lauren about Audrina
Translation: You should hear Audrina out. You guys used to be really good friends.
#7: “Truly, if somebody questions you in that way, you will always know they don’t trust you completely...what will it take for you to forgive her?” - Lo to Lauren about Audrina
Translation: Will you forgive her and still be friends?
#8: "Do you think if you look closer at Spencer, he'd still be your favorite?" - She-Pratt to Nana about Spencer
Translation: If you really knew Spencer, he wouldn't be your favorite.
#9: “It’s disgusting and it’s embarrassing for other people to ask me about that." - Lauren to Brody about Justin Bobby rumor
Translation: Justin is gross.
#10: "He's so cute. He just puts xoxos after sentences...I hope I see him again soon." - Whitney to Lauren about Jay
Translation: Jay's so cute. I really like him.
Posted 9:43 p.m., Dec. 1
A visit to Nana in Huntington Beach and a meeting between Lauren and Audrina were the two best highlights of the episode which makes them the top scene stealers.
#1: Nana - Even before the trip, Spencer gives She-Pratt a guilt trip for not seeing Nana as often as she should. And yes, she's 80-something and still clearly doesn't know her grandson well. She buys into his whiny smooth-talking compliments while he throws She-Pratt under the bus. At the visit to Nana's, you would've thought Nana was Heidi's grandma she was just as cheesy as Spencer tending to Nana. And gotta love how Spencer - over lemonade and cookies - brings all the drama between Lauren and Heidi and She-Pratt to Nana's attention.
And when Nana spends alone time with She-Pratt, She-Pratt confronts "Queen Nana" as Spencer called her about why Spencer is her favorite. And Nana doesn't dispute that she likes Spencer more than She-Pratt. Isn't Nana not supposed to play favorites? She-Pratt tells Nana that Spencer isn't as nice as he seems and Nana says he needs to grow up some. Yes, we agree.
#2: Audrina - Finally says she's sorry to Lauren. But it took some prodding from her sister Casey and from Whit telling LC she should meet with Audrina. WHat will Lauren do without Whit - the voice of reason - once Whit moves to NYC? Audrina finally realizes the situation she put Lauren through and admits she's lost sight of the person she is and wants to be. Looks like they'll remain friends even though Brody again (remember Vegas) tells Lauren to drop Audrina.
Posted 5:29 p.m., Dec. 1
Jay's back and so is Alex. And then there's the "social." Watch the trailer to Whit's new spinoff.
Posted - Dec. 1, 2008 - 10:00 a.m.
Which do you prefer: Cyber Monday or Black Friday?
Cyber Monday got its name in 2005 after the National Retail Federation "discovered a surge in online shopping as workers returned to their cubicles the Monday after Thanksgiving and continued shopping," according to this Chicago Tribune story.
Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, is when people crowd stores, usually big-box retailers such as Wal-Mart, before sunrise to get deals and goody bags. Black Friday is also known as the Super Bowl of Shopping or the Buyathalon in my house. As kids, my mother used to drive us from store to store before 8 a.m., so my brother and I could wait in line, grab a gift bag or coupons, and then hop back into the car for the next round.
Black Friday was a bit disappointing this year. The deals were OK, but the mall in Oakbrook, Ill., wasn't very crowded. What was your experience?
