Ack. I have mixed feelings about it. First off, why shouldn't an 'old girls' group have the same shot at a comeback as an 'old boys' group? Maybe part of the negative backlash will come from people who don't think any woman over 30 should be in show business at all.

On the other hand, they were hardly a band, just a slammed-together vocal quintet who didn't write their own songs, didn't play their own instruments, and were basically just mass-produced pap. The industry is teeming with such semi-talents, based mostly on their ability to shake their booty, more than their ability to create good and memorable music. Britney Spears is another example of this rubbish. Shaking one's tushie may be 'hard work,' as Mel C states, but it's hardly a learned skill, and hardly worth the money these women have 'earned.'

Bring back the Bangles, I say, if we need a girl band brought back. They actually did write their own music and play their own instruments.

I just had to respond to this one! Good job Alkisti!

OK a bit of my history with the Spice Gilrs. Jenny loved them when they first came out in '96. All the girls did, all that girl power stuff sort of gripped the nation. I went with a friend to an outside concert in London in the summer of that year and they were performing. I didn't see much as I was pregnant at the time, anyway it was announced they 'Wannabe' had reached No. 1 in the charts.

All the girls had their favourite Spice Girls. Janny's was Baby Spice (Emma Bunton) as we know she was called that because she was the youngest. Then their was Ginger (Geri Halliwell), Posh (Victoria Beckham nee Adams) Scary (Melanie Brown) and Sporty (Melanie Chisholm). They were a phenomena. Evey thing they released went to number one. They were a hit machine, churning out album afetr album and the kids lapped it up. Then Posh met David Beckham, Mel B met some dancer bloke and they both got pregnant out of wedlock, was this still girl power? Jenny's previously first love was Take That, and they had split up in '95, she was afraid that the Spice Girls would go the same way. Then Geri left and the sacked their manager Simon Fuller, who was obviously getting far to big a cut of the pie for their liking. The trouble was, they couldn't manage themselves and eventually they stopped making records.

They all tried and failed to make a go of solo careers. Melanie C was probably the most successful. Victoria Beckham became known for everything except being a singer-, her husbands alleged affairs, what she wore, where she did or did not eat, anything.

Geris Halliwell dropped off the face of the planet and then Emma Bunton took part in the BBC series 'Strictly Come Dancing'.

Mel B was in the press for having a relationship with Eddie Murphy with who she has a baby. She recently married movie producer Stephen Belafonte. She is also currently appearing in Dancing with the Stars on US TV.

So why are they getting back together?The answer I think is different for them all. They never had an official break up/farewell concert. The one that rakes them in millions. Victoria Beckham still hankers after that feeling of being known for something other than being David Beckhams wife. Emma Bunton has had a few watery hits, but they have been few and far between, so to get back on stage as part of the biggest girl band of all time. Melanie Brown probably spent a good pile of dosh on that lawsuit proving Eddie Murphy was the father of her child, Geri Haaliwell is a single mother who hasn't had a hit record for years so could do with the money. Only Melanie C probably doesn't need the exposure or the money. She recently released her new cd. In an interview just before the reunion was announced, she was asked about the possibility of getting together with the girls and she said a definite no! It has been documented that she didn't want this and is onl;y involved because without her they wouldn't be the Spice Girls and she has the best voice.

In a recent interview she said



In 2005 we saw the come back of Take That. It is probably one of the most successful comebacks ever. They are pretty brilliant now, much better than they were before I think. This week saw the newly reformed Boyzone, who took over the mantle of Britains biggest boy band from Take That back in '96, but I don't think they will have the success of Take That. They too were lured by reality TV to stay in headlines.

The Spice GIrls have the 'Children in Need' charity song this year, it's ok but nothing special. They have been really overexposed lately and Geri Halliwell still thinks she can talk for the others like she did back in the day. She hasn't got anything to say that I want to listen to. The others will soon get annoyed by that.

So, why are they doing it, it would appear that the might $/£ has a major influence in their decision.

I've had enough of them already!

Elaine, I've got to say I loved the way you analyzed the whole story!

I have never been a great fan of Spice Girls myself since I always thought they were a little bit stupid and they were gaining money out of nothing. I was more into other singers like Britney Spears (who turned out worst than them) and Backstreet Boys (who have had two comeback albums already, both nothing special, but very respected by me). I believe that the old pop is dead already, since everything evolves, especially in the world of music. The most famous singers of the 90s are either away from the spotlight or trying a new style, like Aguilera (sp?) for example.

So, overall I agree with what Elaine said. Especially when it comes to Victoria Beckam/Adams, I am sure she tries to be famous for something of her own. It most be awful living under the shadow of her husband and trying to stay famous any possible way. I can see the "pressure" she is going under. However, (and I am sorry to say this Darcy) I do believe they are too old to shake their hips on stage and sing these old songs. Back when they made these songs, they meant something if not to them, then to the public. But nowadays, who can actually listen to "If you wanna be my lover, you've got to get with my friends" by these fully grown-up women without laughing?

I agree however that they need a proper goodbye. A goodbye tough that should have been given long ago and for the right reasons.

But I will never understand the whole "comeback" idea. When something is over, it is over. If one has talent, they will find other ways to use it. We know well that this industry is swallowing people down too quickly for them to plan a bright future. You have to be quick, risky and take chances. Spice Girls are rotten to me.

I missed a large part of my history with the girls! Just before Geri left, I took Jenny to see them at Wembley Arena in London. They were OK, the show was really well put together, but the one thing that struck me was you could never actually hear Victoria Beckham sing. Her voice was always blended with one of the other girls. The odd thing is, I noticed this very same thing when they were performing their new song on Friday.

*GASP* ok first off


*Claps* Totally agree! I love the Bangles! Great music!

Alright the Spice girls... I spent most of my kiddie days mocking them. I just really hated them because every girl in my school wanted to be like them, personally I thought there were better people to be. The were made into Barbie dolls who had no brain and let their managers make them popular with all that "girl power" nonsense. I think those years were crucial for my upbringing because that's when I began to hang out with kids who had better taste in music. I suppose I do owe the Spice Girls something. As for them getting back together I seriously think they shouldn't. They had their time, they had their big boom I say leave it alone. Girls now a days have enough bad influences telling them who they have to be like, what they have to wear to be "cool". When the Spice Girls where big about 10 years ago I remember being insulted because I didn't dress like any of the Spice Girls. I was mocked for being more concerned for being more interested in my books then in what new song or what new scandal the girls were up to. I wouldn't want the little girls to have them as role models. Sorry if any of you are complete fans but that's the way the Spice Girl mania was in the states.

So I agree with Darcy, bring back the Bangles. I hear Bananarama is getting back together

And here in the UK too. You are absolutely right ofcourse. They have had their time. When they didn't release anymore singles, I didn't hear that the Samaritans had opened up a hotline to deal with the calls from bereft fans as they did when Take That split up. Nobody cared. The fact that their current tour dates sold out in record time could be to do with two things. One, the novelty factor, people thinking let's have a look and see what all the fuss is a bout, and two, and I think this is the real reason, the lack of dates. Originally they only set one date for the UK, just one, how mean is that. Well it guaranteed a sell out

I am pleased though that this is it, once the tour is over, we can put the Spice Girls back in the rack where they belong!

Oh dear goodness... I couldn't stand the spice girls back then, why would I stand them now?! True thing is that I was 7 when they got really popular and I remember that my sister got home once and sang a parody of them, so that's pretty much all I heard from them.

What i still can't get through my head is, why are all these bands are getting back together? I don't think it's for the money 'cause they have plenty, so what is it? All these horrible pop bands who were big in their time are getting back together and it's not only the Spice Girls, if I recall The Backstreet Boys are back together as well; is it that music corporations can't come up with something new? Maybe it's just me but I think that all they want is the big bucks and they think by bringing back all these bands they'll make alot more money then with new artists... which (sad but true) is a reality. Like etphonehome says, they sold out all their tickets the first day... a thing they wouldn't have done with new artists.

Very true! At school with 5 of my guy friends we made up a new version of one of the Spice Girls songs. Then that halloween I helped those 5 guys dress up at the Spice Girls just to infuriate all the girls in our school. We made up new names for them and everything! Fun times...
I actually do think they get back together for the money, well most of them need money and hey why get a real job if you can go on stage and make the big bucks?

What does Victoria Beckham need money for? Her husband is a professional soccer player? Anyways, I think that personally the Mel chick...was she scary spice? Anyways, I think she should consider not doing a reunion and riding this wave of success that she has going with Dancing with the Stars. She is really fantastic!

I never really got into the Spice Girls when they were popular...I always made fun of them and I don't know why they would consider a reunion unless they are trying to get quick cash. I mean is it really going to be new songs or just a greatest hits with like three new tracks on it?

She doesn't, she just wants to be famous for doing something herself rather than being David Beckhams wife. She's tried being the chat show hostess but can't stop posing herself to give the camera over to her guests, so going back to having the girls around her is her thing.

The rest of them have pretty much tried the solo career path and with the exception of Mel C (Sporty) have failed...they need the money. When you live as if you're still earning big bucks, sooner or later you end up broke.

I remember there was this time of my life when I had a Cd from the Spice Girls... I remember there was also this girls-only singing group called All Saints that were their competition. I remember I also had a CD from them... But then, that was when I was starting middle school, and those girls used to have a new single every week... It happened for like a month or so...

They were kind of popular back then, but it was only because they were so very different from each other, so they could easily identify with most of the girls: there was a spice for your every taste!

I also remember there was this rumor that they couldn't sing... Gerry did a little bit of a solo career but I think I mostly remember her for her whole losing weight incident. Baby Spice (was it Emma?) lacked strength in her voice, Victoria married David, the other one was Scary and Sporty was a tomboy...

I also think a couple of years ago they tried this reunion thing and there was a whole incident in Denmark I think... I believe people didn't show up and then the power failed so they couldn't sing... Why are they doing this again?

I totally agree with Amanda,

That is what it seems to me...

I must stand up for Sporty Spice, just like Elaine says,

I was very much surprised of her voice. I have this Bryan Adams CD that's got a very nice song with her in it. It's called When You're Gone, and I guess, after his popularity for love songs, he wouldn't have risked to work with someone who can't sing. Over all, the song is pretty good, so, again, I think she's the best from the group.

The news machine could not turn without reporters. Yet, when do they go too far, cross the final boundary, step over the line? If you are one Hulk Hogan, Friday would have been that day. Seems his wife of 24 years filed for divorce in California last Tuesday, and Hulk Hogan was unaware. Coverage can be found here.

Do reporters know too much? Should reporters use their inside information for shock value?
Is there any need for integrity when dealing with celebrities? Do celebrities ever deserve the same respect "Average Joe" receives?

What do the Duelers think?

Wow. This is my kind of subject... I'm a journalism student, you guys know... That's why somehow I feel assaulted by the need to give my most honest opinion in this matter. So, here it goes:

Entertainment reporters all over the world are extremely reckless. They don't care about the person they are chasing. It could be the Nobel Prize winner or the next singing sensation, as long as they are doing something out of the ordinary, or, they are doing something ordinary (which sometimes could be shocking for them, even though they are aware celebrities are just human beings), if they can get a glimpse with their camera, they'll get a paycheck or even an award. Sometimes they act better than private investigators, meddling into other people's lives. They simply lack respect toward others.

I dislike that. I don't respect those people. I think of them as hyenas, laughing and boasting as celebrities are caught on the spot, and it's a huge accomplishment of theirs to be at the right place in the right time.

Sometimes we (other human beings) think that celebrities know what they are getting into when they decide to go public, but still, I don't envy a life without privacy. Maybe they like being famous? Maybe, but I cannot fancy a life where I have to go to the supermarket in disguise because it's so common.

So I guess I believe people deserve a stressless life as much as it is possible to have one.

I pity these reporters because if they can't find the brand new thing to put in the front page of their media, they might lose their jobs. I also think that having to follow someone else around waiting for a time when they become more human is not a nice way to make a living. Not only it is boring, but also less dignifying than any other kind of job: you live to look after someone who despises you. I think it's just plain wrong.

This kind of knowledge, just like what happened to Hulk Hogan is sad. How do they gather the nerve to go ask someone how does he feel about his wife filing a divorce if he doesn't even know? Could they actually think that is gratifying? If so, the matter becomes disgusting.

Mr. Hogan acted in a very polite way. That's something to say. What these reporters did is utterly disturbing.

Makes me remember of Lady Diana's situation. Correct me if I'm wrong, but as far as I know, reporters were chasing her car and only after they took enough pictures of the accident, they decided to call an ambulance. How sick is this?

Their moves on others are not only unprofessional, but inhuman. What are people becoming when they gloat on the pain of others? Monsters.

So I guess sometimes reporters go to some extreme lengths to pursue their stories. I can only hope to never have the need to become one of those. The career has to become a little reinvented, and the professionals have to learn to respect their fellow human beings. At least on the entertainment area.

(Sorry if I was a little too harsh, guys! Just my thoughts out there...)

Hey Kaitlyn! We have one common thing there: I study journalism as well!

I agree pretty much with everything you say. Being a journalist is very hard not only because of the total absence of any kind of schedule, but also because of the hard ethical decisions you have to make. When you have to choose between money and being right to your beliefs, you can never really tell which is the best decision.

Personally, I don't want to be a paparazzi, chasing after famous people or doing what we are doing here, by posting articles for the Quibbler. I am not into serious hardcore journalism, but I do not want to be this kind of journalist. I hate interfering in one's life and I would hate it more if I made money out of one's misery. Well, doctors do but I think you can all tell the difference.

Journalists remind me of these birds in the desert which stand there and wait till their victim is dead so that they can eat it. Wherever there is pain, they are there to take advantage of it.

I know that not everyone is like that, and there are many respectful journalists, but they are very rare. I respect myself and other people, so I do not want to be one of them.

Concerning the whole Hogan story, I don't think this is the first time that something like that happened. It is common learning something important through the media, considering the fact that most rivals between famous people either begin or are announced through them.

I do not want to be harsh, but when you become famous you have to accept the fact that you will no longer have privacy. You are exposed to the media and to the public. End of the story.

Anyways, this was a great topic, Dorthy. I could say so much but this is not the right time. I am glad you brought this up!

A good journalist has the ability to unearth information on his topic/subject. A great journalist uses integrity when deciding what to do with that information.

This is what bothers me most about news media today. Most are more concerned with there careers rather then reporting accurate facts or with the fact that what will the repercussions be if this information is publicized. I feel for Hulk Hogan. He was blindsided. A great reporter could have informed him privately then, on the record asked all those annoying Access Hollywood/National Enquirer questions.

This is not just a problem for the rich and famous and their privacy rights. Reporters dig up ammunition and pit neighbor against neighbor when just doing local stories on simple things like property boundary disputes and what not. I heard of a case where one neighbor didn't even know the other had opened a civil suite against him until a reporter came knocking at his door.

I get where you're all coming from by saying that reporters have to have a certain ethical view on things but you guys have to remember how competitive the world we live in is. Before there were few reporters so there was a wonderful story for them all. Now there hard so many reporters that of course they fight over stories! They have to dig up dirt on people to be able to provide food for their families! They are actual humans there, they have families who depend on them. I'm not defending paparazzis (sounds like it though). I hardly ever read a tabloid but I understand them. The problem with journalist now a days is that they see a lot of awful things and they become insensitive towards them. When I was reading what Anita mention about Princess Di's case it reminded me of all the reporters around here who literally hunt down car accidents or wait to see if any famous person steps out of line. They become in sensitive! I really hope that that never happens to you two Alkisti and Anita, because that's horrible.

In Hogan's case I reckon it's his wife's fault. If she knows they're in the spot light and stuff when she should have had the decency to call Hogan up and say "Dude I'm going to divorce you". Celebes really should realize that since they are public people they should be careful with what they do. I think most of them make trouble as publicity. But still I agree that reporters should have ethic.

I find it interesting that Buddhists actually see the job of being a tabloid journalist to be bad karma--a "Wrong Livelihood," because it consists of profiting from the suffering of others. It is not the same for regular journalists who report real news. As long as the journalist tells the truth--that truth could bring help to the suffering, and create good karma. But reporting on how Kate Moss has lost contracts because she snorts cocaine is not news that will really help anyone, least of all Kate Moss.

Following the Britney Spears Meltdown Drama, I have learned how these guys use modern technology to hound the famous. If Britney leaves her house, they follow. There's a guy on a motorcycle that follows her around, dialing the paps on his cell phone to report on where she is going. Lately, Britney has actually driven over a photographer's foot--twice! This is because she is trying to leave and they are all over her car and won't move! She's also run red lights trying to get away from them, which of course they catch on camera, which of course her deadbeat ex-husband uses in court to make her look bad.

While I haven't much sympathy for Britney Spears, it's unreal that she has to live like this. I wish she had enough sense to at least put some panties on when she goes out! Also, another argument has been that someone like Britney can afford a limo with tinted windows, and a driver. But shouldn't she be allowed to drive down the street just like any other citizen?

Keira Knightly has been quoted as saying that celebrities are glorified way too much, and that people tend to forget that there's an actual human being there, trying to learn to cope with having the world watching their every move. I do think, however, that some stars enjoy the attention and the drama (and I believe that Britney does, to an extent). Others really hate it and just wish they could be left alone. Famous people aren't all cut from the same mold as regards how they feel about said fame.

So, is it the reporter's responsibility to discern which people want that intrusive attention and which don't? Is it their job to only write things that flatter the famous? That's not always truthful, either!

Most journalists work for 'the company' and must do what their bosses want them to do--which, at times, has included lying to the public. There was actually a case a few years ago in which FOX News won a lawsuit against two ex-employees, reporters who had been fired for refusing to lie for FOX News. FOX News's win was based on the fact that FOX News is not, by law, compelled to tell the truth. There's no law saying so, so they won!

Journalism is a tough field, and the pitfalls are many! My hat is off to anyone brave enough to try it! I hope you can bring something good to it!

Paris Hilton has always been in the center of attention, whether because of her famous videos around the internet, or because of her adventures in jail. She is constantly in the spotlight, trying to promote her album and other creations of hers, but she can never have enough. Hence, it makes people wonder which is going to be her next bon mot to draw once more, the attention on her.

This short article refers to Hilton's latest desire: a baby. The pregnancy of her famous friend, Nicole Richie, has made her want a baby of her own, regardless the fact that she doesn't have a serious relationship or the lack of any serious motivation towards this huge step in a woman's life.

So, what do the Duellers think? Does money buy everything? How much power does it give to us? Should we somehow remind Paris Hilton and the rest that real life is nothing like that? Last but not least, when are famous people going to realize that babies is not another accessories for them to carry around? Discuss!

I think Paris is a person people love to hate. Her sense of reality is so incredibly warped that most of us read of her antics and just shake our heads in disbelief!

The thing about the baby sounds pretty normal, really, in that her friends are having babies and it makes her wish she were having one, too. That's a common thing in one's twenties, really. But what's out of whack is that she seems to have absolutely no idea what a commitment it will be! Would she be an appropriate parent? I doubt it. I wonder if she's given any thought to how her future child might feel, when it finds its mother's x-rated videos online? But that's Paris. She never seems to think any further than beyond what she wants. She grew up thinking the world revolves around her and her desires, and nothing much that's happened to her since has helped her to change that attitude. Even when she went to jail she thought it should be different for her.

Paris should really think about what babies mean. She should have a talk with sometime-drinking-buddy Britney Spears, who is another has-been teen queen who was too selfish for motherhood. Parenthood means never being able to just think about what you want, ever again. You must always consider the impact that any decision you make could have on your child! Somehow I don't think Paris is up to that.

I followed a celebrity site for awhile, and Paris has really faded from view since her jail term. People are fed up with her. There was that talk about her going to Rwanda to help, but again, it turned out that it was nothing but one big publicity stunt. I do remember a quote from her where she said it would really help to focus people on how hard she works. OMG. How hard she works. Not the poverty, not the resilience of the Rwandan people. Again, her twisted sense of reality--it's always got to be all about her. She gets paid a million dollars to show up at a party! Yep, she works so freakin' hard! It must suck to be her. The Rwandans have basically made it pretty clear they don't want her, and people are appalled that her true intention was to film herself there for a documentary series that could be sold to a network, so the trip has been 'postponed.' Yay, Rwanda!

Paris, Nicole, Britney, Lindsey, and now, it seems, Vanessa Hudgens--who seems to have scored a good deal of free publicity for her 'leaked' nude photos...where did the nice girls go? It seems the only young female celebrities we have anymore can only teach girls that nothing matters except looking good, having lots of fancy clothes, and making men want you. Intelligence doesn't matter. Decency doesn't matter. Maybe I'm just old-fashioned. I grew up during Women's Liberation, and grew up thinking women could do anything! It all seems to have gone backward. I read recently that in 1975, women earned 75.1 cents for every dollar men earned doing comparable work. In 2007? It's 74.1 cents. Yes, it's worse than it was in the days of mini-skirts and bouffant hairdos! I just got a dose of that reality recently when I discovered that a male co-worker of mine makes more than twice what I do. He's been there longer, but $26 an hour compared to $10? That made me so mad! My job is every bit as complicated and as hard to do as is his.

These young celebrities make a lot of money for doing little of any real value. That is really warped. I mean, what has Paris ever done that has any good purpose whatsover? But their fans will say they earned every penny. Money can do great things, but in the hands of the immature, it can lead to their own downfall, because there are no limits to how much they can indulge bad habits. And the example set is that if you actually work hard for a living, you're a loser. If you can't shake your keyster and have money fall into your lap, you're a loser.

All I can do sometimes, when I look at the antics of these perpetual teenagers (because even though they are heading into their late twenties, Paris, Britney, and Nicole seem unable or unwilling to grow up), is shake my head and wonder where things started to go wrong.

Thank goodness I don't go completely off, because I know so many wonderful young women here at VTM, young women who study hard and work hard, and prove to me that not all is lost. You keep me hopeful!

I see what you mean Darcy, by saying that it is reasonable expressing the need of having a child at this age. But I don't think Paris Hilton is doing this for the right reasons. She wants a baby so as Richie's baby can play with hers! What a motivation!

I wonder about models girls have as well. I am not a mother, but as a late teenager, I sometimes feel trapped inside the images of perfect female figures. I can not be that thin, obviously that tall, have the perfect nose or legs! But seeing all these pretty girls dominating everywhere, everywhere you look, makes me feel obligated to be like them, to look like them! Because if I don't, then I will not be considered pretty. It is a vicious circle.

Luckily enough, when I was still going at school, I didn't really care about these images and figures, since I didn't really care about looking a certain way. I wanted to get up, go to school, comeback, study and all over. My classmates though came every morning with make-up on and perfect hair. I could not stop wondering how these girls could do these at 7 in the morning! I didn't care then, I don't care now.

Paris could be the leader of a new wave of women, of women who want to look perfect and who want to have everything they want, when they want it. I want it here, I want it now, sort of. I can only laugh at them and walk the other way. One day, she and all will realize life isn't like that. And if P.H has a baby after all, she will only cause it misery it doesn't deserve. Don't we all deserve a "normal" family with both our parents who are old and reasonable enough to help us become great people?

What can one say... *sigh*

Oddly, the press has been reporting the desire Paris has for a baby of her own for quite a while. I remember it in the news as long ago as when she was dating the other Paris. I think it was Paris Latsis, the Greek shipping heir. Although, I recall his family was none-to-happy over his dalliance with her. Appears she was beneath him.

So, she wants a baby? I agree with Darcy: she's at the age when that biological clock starts ticking. Not the impending need to procreate, but the beginning of the thought process. Regrettably, I see nothing in her life that would prepare her for a child. Come on, she lost her dog! I can see the tabloid headlines now....

I can see her being another Britney Spears. Alas, the news has it she's pregnant again, too. I sure hope that press report is false! What one wants right now is no way to contemplate being a parent. Day in and day out, when you're tired, when you're sick, you're still a parent and the child comes first. The first step in becoming a responsible parent is acknowledging nothing is about you: everything is about the baby.

I cannot tell you the last pair of shoes I purchased for myself, but I can tell you the last five pair of shoes I purchased for my daughter. I have holes in my socks and really need to get new ones, yet I get distracted shopping for myself and shop for her. Does she need snow boots? Does she need a heavier coat? I always forget myself...and that is because I am a Mom.

That is the perspective I cannot see in Paris Hilton, or Britney Spears. Happily, that is something that seems to be blooming in Nicole Richie these days. Welcome to the club, Nicole! I think you've come a long way.

You know, to play devil's advocate somewhat here and not because I in any way support that notion of playing mommy in Paris Hilton but when I decided to get pregnant with my first child at age 24 I was extremely selfish. It was truly "all about me" and yet I had that desire to have a child of my own. Whatever it may have stemmed from be it low self esteem, or a desire to be loved completely or my dad didn't love me enough or what ever ( the last one about my dad isn't true, just making a point) the truth was the moment I decided to get pregnant and then find out for sure that I was, my life did change. It was suddenly about the best I could do for the life inside of me.

Sadly in the case of Brittney Spears this did not appear to happen, but in the case of Nicole Ritchie it seems too. Who is to say that it couldn't for Paris? Do I think it will? No. When Paris Hilton can stop relying on mommy and daddys empire and fortune and earn an honest buck...not with candyland reality tv show, but honestly work and pay her taxes and pay rent and buy food etc...perhap only then should she consider having a child.

Reality TV shows seem to be sweeping the stations. Search for your perfect mate here, stranded on a deserted island there, dancing with the stars into the spotlight, and many more.

Just this week I saw a new TV advertisement for a reality show based on married couples. Seems the couple is hooked-up to a lie detector machine, then read various questions, which they must answer in front of their spouse. Wonderful, huh? Divorce lawyers are standing at the ready for this one!

What do the duelers think about reality TV: too far, over the edge, crazy, or wildly entertaining?

When Big Brother first hit UK TV screens back in 2000, \i was determined to switch off and stay switched off. The trouble was, everyone I knew seemed to watch it. Anyway I thought what harm could come from watch it a little bit, but it was completey addictive. I was hooked, allthe way through that first series. It turned me into a voyuer of the worst kind. Watching people do things they wouldn't normally do just to win money. I have never watched it again.

Now they have celebrity big brother, which is worse. They also have a show where they stick a bunch celebs in the aussie jungle and make them eat crocodile penises and other disgusting grub and we're supposed to find it entertaining.

They once had a show where they put a dozen troubled teens in a house a waited to see the fireworks go off, which they inevitably did.

I'm sure someone will find this married couples show entertaining, but they are not for me. Although if you include X factor under that same umbrella of programming then I'm guilty of finding it entertaining.

Edit: Ok I had to laugh at myself here. Ofcourse I love reality TV...not Big Brother or I'm a Celebrity get me out.... but I love American Idol, X FActor, Strictly Come Dancing (Dancing with the Stars in the US), Dancing on Ice, and all of those moer entertaining programmes. I hate anything that includes watchingl people do their ablusions. I have not interest what-so-ever in seeing anyone, use the toilet, have a shower, fight over ccoking dinner,talk about not be able to use the toilet or any other bodily function. But I do like the other stuff.....lot's.

I was one of The Real World huge fans when it hit MTV. Hawaii was my favorite. I remember thinking it was okay because it was different, it was something that wasn't what people usually watched and it was quite interesting.

I'm not a big fan of reality TV. I remember my grandma watching Big Brother and all the fuss she made of it. Then my classmates at school started talking about it and I actually thought, "How come my grandma is more into what's in now than me?" It was outrageous! Then a radio show that was transmitted here became the coolest thing: it was called " A Single Guy's Apartment" and it was on every Sunday at 7 pm and it lasted an hour. It was pretty funny and I did become very interested in that one.

Then came all the do overs from Big Brother and it's modifications: Mexico, Spain, Celebrity, and those times when they even sent one contestant to the same show in a different country. It just became annoying how they couldn't let one good story go. I hated it when they started asking people to call in order to save their favorites! Now you even had to pay to allow them to stay in!

I guess we are so interested in knowing what's going on with everyone else's own lives that we stick to these kinds of shows because they are sometimes funny and because it's better to see people making a full out of themselves than to see our own selves doing it.

Thinking of what's going to happen next, waiting till next week or whenever the next show is, fills up our lives: we talk to coworkers or partners nonstop about it, we come in with theories and they become the same as soap operas to us.

I did like America's Next Top Model, and I became a huge fan of American Idol and would actually talk to everyone who would listen of who I thought was going to win (I was very disappointed when Bo Bice didn't, by the way), and in our version of Dancing with the Stars, I hated the show so much that I actually watched it just to make a huge column for school where I complained about it.

Now, I sometimes watch the Dancing with the Stars International Dance Competition and I'm rooting for either Slovakia or Rumania. I think they are quite good. And I hate it whenever the Mexican guy gets insulted by people in Argentina... Come on! He's making an effort! Why do they have to bring the bad comments all the way from South America?

I hate that. They make conflict just to raise the ratings, just like they show us when they fight for the hot water for the shower in other kinds of reality TV.

I quite agree with Elaine, it has happened to me as well:


The invasion of privacy is almost the same as the one of reporters being able to know too much. I guess it all comes back, at least for me, to the reasons for "interesting" journalism and publicity: proximity, sex, magnitude, confrontation, actuality, delinquency, celebrity, utility, life, money, suspense or progress, that my professors talk about nonstop in lectures. those are definitely the ways to attract readers or viewers.

***

NOTE: I'm a HUGE fan of The Real World: Hogsmeade and have NOTHING against it. Please, Janet and Pepperimp, keep it coming and DO NOT take in any of the above said! (I beg you!)

Okay, I'm guilty here. I LOVE reality tv. I guess it's because the people on the show are real people doing things that they normally would not have been able to do.

For instance, The Amazing Race. I would love to travel, and being on The Amazing Race gives these people to see so many places that normally they wouldn't get to see. I wish I could be on the show.

Survivor-it puts people in remote locations to see if they can survive the elements and the other competitors. I would love to be on this show, too. You get to be at an exotic place (well it would be if you weren't starving) and compete in challenging competitions. I'm weird...I would thoroughly enjoy most of the challenges.

American Idol-gives people a chance to become what they've always dreamed (if they are truly good) when they haven't been given the chance before. Those people who have won and gone on to be true stars would probably have never gotten that opportunity.

The list goes on and on. Of course there are a few out there that I don't necessarily get in to. *cough Dancing with the Stars cough* (That whow focuses back on the celebrities.) I like the reality shows that feature real people doing extraordinary things. If I didn't have kids, you better believe that I'd be applying for some of them!

I am not really sure whether I like realities or not. It depends.

When the first reality show was broadcasted in Greece (Big Brother), everyone was watching it, and so did I. I even voted for the ones I liked so as to keep them in the game. And I voted for the final winner as well. I actually still remember the winner's name, it is Tsakas. He has disappeared now, but everyone remembers that he was the winner of the first reality in Greece.

Overall, I don't like (greek) realities. I would only watch them if I liked someone or if I wanted to hear the contestants sing in realities like Fame Story.

However, I have to admit that I do like foreign realities, like American Idol and The next top-model of America. And I am watching one with Jamie Oliver. In general, I find them really amusing, not only because America has some great voices, when it comes to AI, but also, because I enjoy other people's culture and way of living. They are like tv series and they keep me watching until the end!

Overall, I don't think that realities are harmful. However, there are some like Survivor or Big Brother which exceed the limits of the human nature and lead us to an extreme voyeurism. What is more, I believe that the participants feel obligated to make themselves look like complete fools. And then, everyone laughs at them and they lose their dignity and they can't have a normal life again... It is their decision and choice though.

Concerning extreme realities, I have to mention one that has been discussed in the DP as well. You may remember it. It was a Dutch one I think, where a woman was supposed to donate her kidney and had to choose between three contestants. She was an actor and this was fake (though the patients really had a problem) and the producers claimed that they wanted to catch the public's attention on the whole donation issue. I think it was kind of grotesque...

Confession: I love reality TV.

There are some shows which I absolutely refuse to watch, such as the Bachelor/Bachelorette shows, Real World/Road Rules/anything on MTV, Flavor of Love/I Love New York/any shows on VH1.....and other ridiculously stupid ones. Just can't stand those.

However, I've been a pretty committed viewer for everything else I watch, which is more along the lines of Survivor, Amazing Race, America's Next Top Model, sometimes American Idol, sometimes Dancing With the Stars, and So You Think You Can Dance. I have watched Big Brother, but only about the last two seasons.

Honestly, I probably watch them because I hate everything else on TV. I don't like the crime/law shows, I vomit anytime I hear anything about Grey's Anatomy, and I can't stand any of the other dramas or whatever. Reality TV isn't really reality and everyone knows that, but there's something people get out of it that is just really.....pulls you in.

The reason I like reality shows is because I like seeing how people react to each other, and I think things are elevated because it's on camera. There's something I enjoy about watching other people screw up or fight or win something big...guess it's my weird mind, but I love it. I like Survivor for the gameplay, I like Amazing Race cause...well I dunno why. I like America's Next Top Model for the photography and make-up, though I'm not really a *really* girlie type. I like that sort of stuff though. There's just an individual pull about each show, and I think when people watch the shows every week, they kind of want to watch each person go through whatever it is. People actually get attached to these characters/people they don't know, and it can be addicting.

Now the weird stuff about donating kidneys....um, absolutely not. That's just weird and it doesn't even deserve a time slot. There are better ways to raise awareness for those type of things and reality TV is not the way to go. And some realities just take it to far, aka this lie detector one about to come on. I think producers are just getting a little desperate and crazy for show ideas.

Hahaha! I love that I am not the only one that thinks these above shows are rubbish! I too love reality tv. There is something about watching real people unfold in dramatic fashion and know that they are not celebrities (although many of them take there 15 minutes of fame afterwards.)

Amazing Race, Survivor, Dancing with the Stars and The Biggest Loser are some of my favorites.\

Sometimes I just watch these shows because the people's lives are more screwed up then mine. They're bigger then me or more insecure then me or gosh darn it...more talented then me. It is always nice to think about nothing important except who I would vote off at the next tribal council instead of what I am going to make for supper tomorrow night.

This article refers to Renee Zellweger's concerns about her shape and state of health.

As you may already know, Zellweger has participated in a series of movies called "Bridget Jones Diaries". In order to stand up for her role, she had to add many pounds by following a rather unhealthy diet. Thus, the possibility of participating in a third movie has caused her anxiety, fearing that this might affect not only her metabolism but also her health, and have an impact on her organism.

This fact brings out the whole weight issue concerning Hollywood. How much does an actor have to sacrifice to stay competitive? Can one put their success above their health and well-being? Does the goal justify the means in this case? What does the Duelling Club think? If you were an actor, how far would you be willing to go?

Duel!

I feel compelled to post this topic for a variety of reasons on a variety of levels. Rather than linking to a specific article, I'll let the duelers find the plethora of information flying around all aspects of the internet right now. Her story is everywhere; in the USA it is CNN headline news.

Jamie Lynn Spears, the sixteen year old sister of popwreck Britney Spears, is pregnant by her eighteen or nineteen year old boyfriend. She is the star of Nickelodeon show "Zoey 101." Regrettably, this is important to me, because my eight year old daughter watches the show on a regular basis. So, now I find I will have to be explaining why it is not such a good idea for Jamie Lynn to find herself in this position at a mere sixteen.

What do the duelers think? There are so many topics this story can exemplify, we may go in a myriad of directions: let's go!

Where to begin from??

First of all, I didn't know her sister participates in a series. I guess that fame keeps chasing after the Spears family. I can say a lot about your worries Dorthy, but there are so many popping in my head right now that I can't put them in an order.

Somehow, I think I have read or heard that Britney is pregnant again, but it must have been wrong. Or I hope so. We all know that a third kid is more than Britney Spears can handle right now.

A few articles: here and here.

One quick question: shouldn't her boyfriend be lead to justice for sexual intimacy with a minor? It is interdicted in many countries, and I believe that the US is one of them.

I really don't know what to comment on!

I may be mean but I must say that I believe it is Britney's fault, for setting a bad example. She pretended to be "pure" until 20 or so, though everyone found out later that she was not that innocent after all. So, how can her sister ignore all these? She wants to be in the spotlight for once. And seeing how her indifferent and irresponsible sister raises already two kids, I think she believes that it shouldn't be that hard for her either.

I feel sorry for her, though it is too late already to be a normal teenager. She lost that right ever since her older sister got famous. And one thing leads to another...

But the ones I feel the most sorry for are her parents. Probably they are to be blamed for the way they raised their kids or for not being there and controlling Britney and her excessive behavior. However, I can not ignore the fact that they are once more seeing one of their kids being manipulated by press and led to a life they never really wanted. No parent raises their kids to be miserable or live in a fake world of beauty, money, fame and riches.

I will come up with more tomorrow.

Great post Dorthy!

Hey, first of all, I'm sorry I missed that weight issues thing, Alkisti! That was a good topic! Darn holiday season!

Oh man...where does one even start? First of all, I don't think Lynne Spears (Britney & Jamie Lynn's mom) cares that the media are in her children's faces all the time. I think she loves the attention it brings to her! She wrote at least one book about raising Britney, and she was to write another about parenting famous kids (ha!), but with the pregnancy, that's postponed.

The thing is, I think the Spears family is rude! Jamie Lynn and Lynne already gave an exclusive interview about the pregnancy to some magazine, even before most of the biys' family had been informed! So here the press are, calling up members of his family, and they're like "Huh? I didn't know that!" Anything for attention, it appears.

As for the underage thing, if the 'mating' took place in Louisiana, they're probably safe. It depends on the state in which one lives, what the consensual laws are. I doubt that California's age of consent is 16. Here's a list, state-by-state.

Ooops, my bad. Neither state allows for 16-year-olds to give consent. This guy might be in more trouble than just having an unwanted pregnancy on his hands.

Jamie Lynn is a little fool if she thinks this is cool. It seems like in Hollywood, pregnancy is the new black, and if you aren't married, so much the better to fit in. Both of those girls are messed up, and i think their Mom has a lot to do with it. She's raised them to think they can do no wrong, and all of their choices are awesome and should be honored. Stupid woman.

Well, I have to say, I was hoping that Jamie Lynn would learn from her sister's mistakes. Doesn't look like she did, unfortunately. I have to feel sorry for her, though. She is still so young and doesn't yet know the full impact of her choices and the consequences that come along with those choices. This pregnancy will probably be a wake-up call for her. At least I hope so. Didn't seem to do much for Britney, but maybe she might have at least learned from her sister's mistakes there. Guess we will just have to wait and see.

What really struck me as funny was when the media said she was pregnant by her long time boyfriend. She's 16!!! How "long time" can he be? Sheesh. I doubt her parents are going to press charges against the boyfriend. Well, they might if they want to gain even more press spotlight. But hopefully they won't so he is given the chance to step up to the plate and help raise the child. At least I hope he is willing to do so.

There are a lot of teen pregnancies out there, a heck of a lot more today than years ago. Problem is, when it happens to someone in the spotlight who is idled by so many young, impressionable kids, it creates a problem. All these kids who look up to Jamie Lynn and want to be like her are going to become very confused by this new turn of events. Some will probably think it is cool to get pregnant at 16 and teen pregs might increase even more. Others will hopefully see the error of their idle's way and not follow in the same path. I feel for Dorthy because they watch Zoey 101, and she's now faced with the task of explaining things to her daughter. Luckily, my daughter and I haven't been watching the show so she knows nothing about it. Good luck Dorthy!

Oh yeah! Like Darcy, I'm really sorry I missed ALkisti's topic... There was so much to be said on it...

Well, regarding this one, I have to say I agree so so much with both Alkisti and Darcy... Both posts were really good...

I'll comment on a mixture of both: the exposure of the kid to the media and the mom's intervention on it. Yeap, that's what bothers me the most.

On Alkisti's first link, there was this tiny bit where it said that Jamie Lynn was her family's "big hope",

How can a family rely on a kid to be able to have their own ways of living? I guess Britney got them used to this big fancy life, filled with glamour and the media chasing after them wherever they went from the time when she was so famous, that now, when she became this wreckage, the Spears had to rest in this teen for support. I don't think that it's fair, and as far as I'm concerned, parents still have the power, when you're underage, to allow you to work, or where to work for that matters, if you want to.

I think that it was all planned... Not the pregnancy, but the exposure of the girl. What do you get when you live on such high expectations? Well, she burned life stages too quick, that's all. She was thrown into this way of living, she had to provide, and she only got bitten by hormones. And the family even sold the exclusive to a magazine... Some nerve!

She's a teenager! She didn't think that her sister's fate could possibly happen to her! She had to live a different kind of life, far away from the media and her mother prodding her into more exposure, in order to be able to measure the consequences. So, I believe that her mother wanted her to have the life that she wasn't able to live herself, specially when her plans with Britney didn't come the way she expected.

It isn't fair what her family did to her. She shouldn't have to carry the burden of supporting her family, and mostly not the way her family wants it to be. Maybe she likes acting, but she shouldn't have to be on the spotlight to fulfill her mother's desires for fame.

Now, the other bit that also caught my attention comes from the second link of Alkisti's post,

Darcy is so right, shouldn't the guy be accused for molesting?

I remember there was this time when Lindsay Lohan was dating Wilmer Valderrama and all the media was after the fact that she wasn't 18 yet, so they shouldn't have sex even if she consented it because of the law. I really hope that this new couple don't get away with it only because they are famous. They shouldn't be allowed to even get married! Why would celebrities get away with breaking the law? They are as human as we are, and well, if something like that happened to any of us, we'd be facing time in jail!

EDIT: Your post was really good Laura! Sorry I missed it! Only a 3 minute difference between yours and mine!

I just read this article, and I'm starting to feel even more sorry for Britney and Jamie Lynn. Sounds like the mother wasn't the best of role models for her girls. Sounds to me that instead of Lynne Spears helping her daughters stay on the straight and narrow path, she was helping to guide them in the wrong direction.

There's still a chance for Jamie Lynn. Let's just hope she strives to be a better mother and role model than her own mother.

Considering the noted interest in the posts following the Jamie Lynn Spears headline, Alkisti and I wished to run her post again. Weight Issues: Take Two!

For starters I have to admit that I love the Bridget Jones movies. For me, they portray the image that it doesn't really matter if you're skinny or chubby, you can always fulfill your dreams, which I think is true! However, I don't think it's good for the actress to be risking her health in order to make them.

She may bring upon her health bigger problems because of those quick gains of weight and fat and then its loss, that could even develop in whole life illnesses (like one of those colonic disorders).

I think an actor's life isn't really easy. Sometimes we hear that they sacrifice relationships in order to stay competitive, but nowadays, their sacrifices also include their health and weight.

In the movie industry, as I understand it, because I don't have any acting experience whatsoever, you have to stay as beautiful as they ask you to be. There's no "I feel good this way", there's no feelings involved, and women specially have to maintain this great physique to be called to represent different parts. Also, they have to maintain some exposure to be "in". That's what I think of it.

Sometimes these sacrifices go beyond health. They have to be seen in clubs, partying till late hours of the night, making "friends", and the next day follow extreme exercise routines and still look healthy. Those two things, as far as I can see, can't mingle.

I can still remember that very young brazilian model who died out of anorexia and starvation because she was afraid she wouldn't be picked out, or that woman, a regular woman, who went to extreme lengths in order to be thin and even was the subject of euthanasia in the end (I think Teri was her name, I'm not very sure).

And I think that's the biggest problem. These people transform their bodies, and children and teenagers look up to them, and try to follow their lead. This leads the world into those too many anorexia and bulimia conflicts. So they are not only sacrificing their bodies, but also their image and well-being in order to be successful, keeping a constant watch on it because "the camera makes you gain at least 10 lbs", or so they believe, without actually thinking of what they are doing to the world.

Setting these standards make different companies follow them just to be competitive and that's no help either.

I guess they feel those are the requirements of their jobs, and they agreed to put up with them when they signed their contracts, so, they are forced to fulfill them, or else they'll be fired. I will always remember that beautiful Miss Universe Alicia Machado who almost lost her title because she gained too much weight. I think celebrities are afraid of jeopardizing their careers, just like her, and well, after all, their image is what they live of.

If you don't take good care of your body, where are you going to live in the future? For a few years of a career, they are willing to give up their health. I don't think that's very smart, but still, it's just my point of view.

Merry Christmas everyone!

And thanks to Dorthy for bringing this post up! You are so sweet!

Now, concerning this topic, I can not hide the fact that I myself feel very worried about the fact that these people are role-models for teenagers and kids. Thinking a little bit more Dorthy's topic, about Britney's sister, and combining it with this one, I believe that this is a tough tough world for both celebrities and real people.

When it comes to celebrities, I think that Kaitlyn's post pretty much covered what I wanted to say. It is a very difficult world the one of spectacle, where the smallest mistake can cost you your career. Being beautiful is not a quality, it is a necessary skill in order to be accepted there. I know that not every celebrity is that pretty (especially men), but they have to follow a standard and a very hard schedule. But you know, if I were a celebrity, I think that the hardest part for me would be relationships. I don't think I could handle being followed everywhere around, not being able to have a coffee with my friends, shop or a date anyone I want, non-famous, maybe chubby, maybe clumsy and a little bit stupid. And I could not make other people go under the pressure of being exposed as well because of me. Some may enjoy it at the beginning, but I don't think it is that nice walking by and hearing people say "She's e.g. Jessica's sister" or "She is her best friend". Everyone has their own identity.

As for real people, I fear that celebrities dominate already in our life. We want to be like them, cut our hair like theirs, look like them, talk and think like them. And to be honest, I don't blame anyone. When we see these people 24/7 in a screen, we start believing that in order to be happy, make money, and maybe, be famous, we have to look like them. So there you go, we have a role-model! I guess it is up to parents and one's environment to help them understand that our size doesn't really matter as long as we are healthy and happy with who we are. It is as simple as that. Easily said, hard done, though.

Last but not least, considering Renee Zellweger, I am glad that she is actually worried about her body. It makes me think that this woman doesn't put money and a possible success above her health and well-being. Let's just hope she'll stick to it, or at least that she will find a way to skip this part in order to be Bridget Jones once again. I hope she takes the part because I love the series, but only if she doesn't jeopardize her health.

Today's news is reporting the popwreck princess has been dumped once more, this time by her lawyer! The full article can be found here.

While losing one's legal representative may not be cause for calamity, Ms. Spears is in the midst of a legal battle over child custody. She failed to show for her last deposition hiding behind health woes, but was photographed out and about the very same evening. So, does a woman truly seeking to regain her young children act in this manner?

What do the Duellers think? If you were her lawyer, would you stick by her side through all her mistakes? Would you continue to defend her, when her own actions do not?

To be completely honest, I'm really sick of hearing about Britney Spears. And anything that has to do with her. Blah! But this is The Quibbler. So I shall comment.

If I was Britney's lawyer, I would have left a long time ago. I don't really think she has an ice cube's chance in hell of getting out of her predicament, and I personally do not believe she deserves to have her children. Not that K-Fed is much better, but at least he hasn't done what she's done. I suppose I simply wouldn't stick with her because she is showing no signs of caring about anything. She never shows up and she really doesn't seem to be fighting for her children. So I don't see the reason why I would want to fight for her children either.

I think she just needs to get her act together. Good luck with that one.

I hear you Aubrey, the woman is, or should I say the entire family are in dia need of counselling. On this morning I heard that the police were called to her home because she didn't hand the boys back to her ex after a visit. Then a woman was seen being taken out of the house on a stretcher.

I have no sympathy for her. A woman who wants her children doesn't just hang onto them on visitation days, she goes to court and fights through the proper legal channels. This is a woman who can't be bothered. I expect she didn't hand them over at the end of her visit because it was too much hassle.

This is not a good mother or a good environment for these children and if I was her lawyer I'd have walked too.

Well, we've kinda been waiting for Britney's 19th Nervous Breakdown, and it appears she has finally had it. Last night, according to website TMZ, the paramedics came and hauled her away in an ambulance. She was, apparently, 'under the influence of an unknown substance.' Here's the worst part, though--word is that her youngest son, Jayden, is also in the hospital! What happened at Britney's house?

I sure hope that that baby is OK. I also hope Britney's OK, as in, I hope she doesn't OD or something. This is probably it for her as far as custody goes, though. She's skipped giving her deposition SIX times, she can't lay off the booze, partying, and drugs, and now her son is in the hospital after a visit to her!

The story continues a downward spiral. According to TMZ this morning, it appears she may have been "under the influence" at the deposition, too.

This is not a woman that wants her kids all that much. Her life is out of control, but her kids don't seem to be that important to her. Perhaps the media slews everything to the negative for her, but she has the ability to change that. They follow her every move, she could stop the negativity and act responsibly, just once!

She has limited visitation as it is, her kids are world-famous because she's their mother, yet I have not heard of the paparazzi following her ex-husband every moment he has them. Anyone notice that? Either he is sequestered away from life or he just does things with them at his place of residence. I may never have liked him (nor have I ever liked her), but he does seem to be the more stable of the two.

Oh yes, the news is also reporting both children were at the hospital, but with their dad; they were both fine and did not need treatment.

Standby for today's news, it is sure to have a new twist.

Latest update has that her issue is not chemical, but mental. She is on 5150 hold, which is a term indicating she may be a danger to herself or others: her kids. Everyone saw this coming, why is it that no-one can help her?

If I were a lawyer, I would never take up such a case. Britney is unstable, she is going to worse from worst, and her life is out of order, out of handle, out of anything! She is dumped by everyone. It is such a pity because this pop star could have a brilliant Madonna-like future. Too bad she is immature and way too much irresponsible.

Although I do understand why her lawyer gave up her case, I think that it is a lawyer's duty to follow and support his/her client no matter what. This is their job. They could have predicted everything and leaving her alone at this crucial moment can be even more devastating for her. Everyone deserves a good representation in court, even if it is a lost cause. I wonder if she is going to find now a new lawyer. I guess it will be hard.

But as everyone said already, she doesn't seem to care about her kids that much, so maybe it is better they leave them with their dad. She has nothing to offer, not even money, because the way she is acting she will end up as a cleaning lady or something like that (no offense) to support herself.

And I wonder if this case is reversible.

The Golden Globes Award Ceremony kicks off the award season for film and TV in America, and it is often looked at as a prediction of the Oscars for who will win the awards. This article reports that the long-running writer's strike by the Writer's Guild of America (WGA) will force the anticipated awards ceremony into nothing more than a news conference. Many actors and actresses will not cross the picket line that was promised to form because they are also members of the unions. They have not said whether a picket line will form for the news conference. Either way, the awards ceremony is going to be extremely downplayed and lack star power, which is the main reason audiences tune in. What do you duellers think about the awards ceremonies of the season and the writer's strike that threatens to ruin all the pomp and ceremony?

As far as the writers strike is concerned, here is the FAQ section of the WGA West website which explains a lot of the reasons they feel the writers must strike. Do you think that their demands are legitimate? Do you think that writers should be compensated for their work through the sale of DVD sets and internet distribution, or do you think that the writers have a one-time contribution in the script and should be happy with what they get? The site's mainpage has several links which you can check out if you wish for more information.

I really am not fond of corporations, no matter what their product, for precisely the reasons stated in the screenwriter's FAQ. I think it's cool that the Golden Globes were cancelled, and it's cool that actors are showing solidarity with the writers in this. Audiences need to be aware of what's going on, and interfering with their pleasure will definitely focus their attention!

Most people in the entertainment industry get paid next-to-nothing. The only people making a lot of money are the CEOs and the more famous actors and personalities, who can bargain their popularity with viewers into extremely hefty paychecks. Other people--the tech people, the writers, are lucky to make a living at it at all. It's good if those who benefit most from the industry give something back to those who work in it purely out of love for what they do, because there's certainly not much money in it!

My best friend Laura has another friend whose daughter spent 6 years at college to learn costume design, then took her talents to Hollywood. All that education, and she makes about $30,000 a year. And with rents in Los Angeles at more than $1,000 a month for some little closet someplace, you can imagine how well she lives. This is not a fancy lifestyle she has, but she loves her work.

We are media-saturated society now, and the technology is growing fast. I think that the corporations are not at all pleased that the techs and writers want their share of future media resources. The corporations want to have their cake, eat it, and get away with tossing a few dry crumbs at many of the people who make good TV and films possible! It isn't right, and one has to hand it to the writers for sticking to their guns. Only when they've been on strike long enough to hurt the corporate profits will they be taken seriously.

All these multi-national, conglomorate, corporations have only one thing on their minds...profit. PAying the writers, wardrobe, make-up and other departments eats into the profits and so they won't negotiate a proper deal that will reduce the number. They want to see the difference between overheads and gross profit increase not decrease because they had to pay the grafters.

These things can go on for ever, it does however surprise me that the writers do not continue to work while the union negotiates on their behalf. They are losing money habd over fist. The actors who support tham still can by staying away from awards ceremonies.

I have a great empathy for these people though. Last April all the TA's in the UK were due to get a pay increase. When the County Council announced the amounts, the GMB (union) called a one day strike and immediately the council entered into negotiations, but they held us a ransom. They would not talk unless we carried on working. Since most of us are mums who are supplementing the family income, we agreed to work, but it has taken until last month to get a result. I can tell you it wasn't worth waiting for even if it was back dated to last April. I wonder, will the writers get a back dated pay check? I doubt it. The unions aren't that great at negotiating, to me they just reach a compromise. I hope that's not what they do in this case otherwise there'll be no more Bones, Journey Man and worse...Heroes!

I'm okay with the Globes being downplayed. There are far too many self-congratulatory ceremonies out there as it is.

As far as the writers' strike. I haven't read too much about it, but I've long felt that writers are underpaid. Do I have any idea how much they're paid? Not a clue. How do I know they're underpaid then? I think they should make at least as much as the actors do. If the actors are being fairly compensated, then if the writers were also being fairly compensated, wouldn't we here at least a whisper about the mountains of money writers make?

Take Friends, instance. I liked watching it. It was very funny. Matt LeBlanc's character, Joey? One of my favorite characters on television. Why then was the show Joey cancelled after just two seasons? Was it that the supporting cast was inferior? That might have been part of the reason, but Matt LeBlanc himself wasn't as funny on Joey as he was on Friends so I think the main reason was that there were a different set of writers for the two shows.

The solution should either be to pay the actors less or the celebrities more, or some combination of the two solutions.

Much like the baseball strike years ago, the writer's strike will end...eventually. Hollywood may not cave to their demands to end the strike, rather the writer's will accept something less than they wish to pay their bills. It is the way the Hollywood food-chain works.

I don't watch much of anything that requires writers, so it hasn't made an impact to my life as of yet. Although I watch TV, I lean more towards learning channels over late-night TV, especially considering 8 pm is late for me. Early to bed, early to rise....blah, blah, blah.

On the other hand, two houses down from me is a retired couple in their late 60's. Fabulous couple, we speak to them nearly every day. Their oldest child of three, is my age and an artist. She came for a month over the holidays and I learned she was actually out of work due to the writer's strike. She designs art backdrops for TV shows. I had no idea that's what her occupation was, I simply knew she lived in the Los Angeles area. She had her first child 16 months ago and is petrified over returning to the high cost of living in LA, the fact she has no end in sight to the strike, and she's a first time mom.

She brought the strike a touch closer to home for me. It isn't just about priniciples, it isn't just about money, it's about what's earned, fair and proper. The writer's deserve their fair share of the profits in whatever venue those profits are being earned. Shame on Hollywood for wanting more money; the big wigs don't deserve the money they earn now on the backs of the working class artists.