Singer Jill Scott: How I Lost 63 Pounds!

Usmagazine.com reports that singer/actress Jill Scott has lost 63 lbs in 2 years.

I commend Jill Scott for losing at a regular person pace. She seemed to be doing it for health and well being instead of Hollywood crazy reasons. She also speaks of portion control and exercise for success. So many celebrities don't talk about the basics. I also like that she didn't do a bikini cover after the weight loss.

Racist/Sexist/Classist Ad from India--Wow, Well Done!

Are you kidding me with this? This ad from India managed to be racist, sexist and classist all in one fell-swoop! It is for Lotte Choco Caramel With Mango Inside, "the choco-caramel-colored pregnant maid represents the Choco Caramel With Mango Inside." Link to Jezebel Article HERE.
I mean, what can you say? Wow, just wow? Isn't there any...THINKING about ad content?

Mac Gets Fat For Laughs

So, there's a bit of a buzz about Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia actor Rob MacElhenney gaining 50lbs in order to play a "fat Mac" in the next season of the show. First off, I should be upfront: I think Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia is one of the funniest shows on TV! So, if my love for the show is getting in my way of being appropriately critical of it, let me know in the comments. Some of his cast-mates expressed concern for the health implications of gaining 50lbs through eating tons of junk (and that's super valid), but why I think this will be okay artistically if not generally okay healthwise is that the writers of Sunny are super smart satirists and Mac is NOTORIOUSLY VAIN. I think they will explore several issues of weight, self-perception, self-esteem of men based on their physical appearance, prejudice and double standards of beauty in this up-coming season with this deliberate choice of weight gain. Now, this doesn't all happen in a vaccuum and fat men are often "the funny guy" as a defense mechanism in our culture. Fat men like Chris Farley and John Candy died prematurely due to their lifestyles, which in Farley's case at least, included lots and lots of drugs to keep him manic as well as funny. There's also the softer side of the fat man trope, the jolly fat man--think Santa. So, these are cultural touchstones Sunny will have to deal with, and maybe they'll just stick with the Big Mac theme of MacElhenney as the fool who doesn't know that he's fat. We'll see. But I'm going to give them the benefit of the doubt and see where they take this. If its all bad, I'll retract this post!

That Diet Coke Addiction? Yeah, its a REAL Problem

Alright, I'm not one for alarmist reactions to popular-culture health stories with buzz, but this is probably the most comprehensive diet soda study (almost 10 years) and the results are alarming. I've already been on the record that I've had "a diet coke problem" before and that I almost never drink Diet Coke now, but I do occasionally because I'm against purity pledges. I gotta say folks, I'm starting to go all AA on this issue.

The Study Found:

Measures of height, weight, waist circumference and diet soda intake were recorded at SALSA enrollment and at three follow-up exams that took place over the next decade. The average follow-up time was 9.5 years. The researchers compared long-term change in waist circumference for diet soda users versus non-users in all follow-up periods. The results were adjusted for waist circumference, diabetes status, leisure-time physical activity level, neighborhood of residence, age and smoking status at the beginning of each interval, as well as sex, ethnicity and years of education.

Diet soft drink users, as a group, experienced 70 percent greater increases in waist circumference compared with non-users. Frequent users, who said they consumed two or more diet sodas a day, experienced waist circumference increases that were 500 percent greater than those of non-users.

Also:

"These results suggest that heavy aspartame exposure might potentially directly contribute to increased blood glucose levels, and thus contribute to the associations observed between diet soda consumption and the risk of diabetes in humans."

Yeah, when my diet coke addiction was at its worst, I was gaining the most weight. One individual's data isn't significant, but this large-scale and comprehensive study? It has me convinced that "Diet Coke" ain't my friend. Water, iced-tea (lightly flavored with juice), coffee, juice, etc. These will hydrate and refresh you. Put down the can!

Shia LaBeouf: I Hooked Up...

Usmagazine.com reports a long list of conquests Shia LaBeouf gave in a Details Magazine article.

I say celebrities need to keep their hookup out of the press. The relationship is over so why talk about it just to get ratings. Same goes for you Jennifer Aniston.

Vintage Beauties: Lark Voorhies

Lark Voorhies " Lisa Turtle of Save by the Bell" make the list for making big hair work. I also appreciate that post Saved by the Bell she didn't go for the nude scenes to try to get famous like some of her co-stars.

Book Review: Body With Soul

I recently read Randy Jackson's Body with Soul. This book was a quick read. I enjoyed the book mostly because he "kept is real". So real that Dawg was frequently used in the book. What I liked about it compared to other diet books, he actually had commentary from real doctors, dietitian, and personal trainers. He also stated that even though he had the weight loss surgery it took a lot of personal effort to get to the thin we see now on American Idol. He also talked about how people can get weight loss in a slow and steady fashion. So I felt for an at home reader, following him and his teams suggestions would leave you more satisfied then a 30 day cleanse type book.

Bristol Palin: I Lost My Virginity While Drunk

Usmagazine.com reports: In [Bristol Palin] new autobiography, Not Afraid of Life: My Journey So Far, the 20-year-old single mom reveals that, while drunk for the very first time, she lost her virginity to Levi Johnston during a camping trip.

Palin says she woke up alone in her tent, with no recollection as to what happened. Johnston, meanwhile, "talked with his friends on the other side of the canvas."

I feel this story if true should have come sooner. I feel what she should be talking about instead of abstinence only sex education. She should talk about the real issues:

- Birth control dosage to stop cramps is not the same dosage as preventing pregnancy

- Underage drinking leads to bad decisions

- Getting to know your partner before sex will tell you a lot about their character

- sexual acts with an intoxicated person maybe considered assault

I wish her the best, but I do feel all the interviews and books even if true are pretty sensational and all done in the sole pursuit of money.

Gabrielle Union: I Tried to Shoot My Rapist

Usmagazine Reports:

Gabrielle Union wasn't offended by the violence in Rihanna's "Man Down" video.

In fact, the 38-year-old actress thought the singer's video "did a great job of getting the entire world talking about rape."

PHOTOS: Stars who've survived abuse

"I hope that it leads to healing and prevents rape," Union tweeted Saturday. (Rihanna's video depicts the singer shooting a man for sexually assaulting her.)

Union's very person impetus for discussing the controversial clip: the star herself was a victim of rape at age 19, she revealed. "A stranger who robbed the store I worked at. He put his gun down during the rape and asked me to hand it to him."

When that happened, Union "tried to shoot [her] rapist, but missed."

"Over the years I realized that killing my rapist would've added insult to injury," she mused. "The desire to kill someone who has abused/raped you is understandable, but unless it's self defense in the moment to save your life, it just adds to your troubles."

This a follow-up to my June 3, 2011 post . I am glad Gabrielle Union spoke out and is keeping it real about the emotions that rape victims go through. It is easy for people to say what they would do if they were in a situation but you thoughts and reactions don't always align in a crisis situation.

Vintage Beauties: Jada Pinkett-Smith

Jada Pinkett-Smith has had an awesome carreer planning fearless woman. She also has great style past and present. Mediatakeout.com has some old pics of Jada Pinkett-Smith. She makes the list for always being fearless in her style now matter the decade.

Wiz Khalifa Snubbed At Designer Store After He Spends Thousands On Girlfriend Amber Rose

Radaronline reports: An onlooker told RadarOnline.com: “ After his spending spree on the shoes Wiz went up to the ultra expensive men’s department floor, but instead of rolling out the red carpet for him they refused to help the poor guy!

“Not only did they fail to recognize him they actually thought that that he was a thief and treated him like one!

“It was only when somebody pointed out to them who the guy actually was that they back-tracked somewhat.”

Radaronline is making this seem like a "Pretty Woman" moment where people don't want to sell to questionable girlfriends. But to me this seems like a shopping while black moment. They were happy to take his money when is was shopping with white people. Yet, when he goes to the men's department by himself the store wants to treat him differently.

What She Said

Skinny Girl with Money

What she said HERE!!!

Rihanna Responds To Music Video Backlash: 'I'm A Rockstar With No Kids!'

Radaronline.com reports Rihanna addresses her critics about her "non-role model" type videos such as Man Down. She says "I'm a 23 year old rockstar with NO KIDS! What's up with everybody wantin me to be a parent? I'm just a girl, I can only be your/our voice!"

I agree with her on this issue. I believe she is being held to a double standard when it comes to the Man Down video. The movie "The Skin I Live In" staring Antonio Banderas has similar subject matter without the same backlash.

It think the truth of the matter is that rape is an act based on violence and power. So the natural reaction to this event is to react in a violent and powerful way. The only way to overcome the natural reaction is a lot of therapy and the current mental health system doesn't provide that opportunity for most.

Vintage Beauties: Cast of Punky Brewster

The cast of Punky Brewster makes the the Vintage Beauties list because they were children dressed like children. This is lacking in today's TV when you consider the pageant children reality shows like “Little Miss Perfect,” “Toddlers and Tiaras,” and “Little Beauties.”

Naomi Campbell vs. Cadbury

OMG is reporting that Naomi Campbell is angry over a Cadbury Chocolate advertisement compare her to a milk chocolate candy bar.

I get it black people don't want to be compared to inanimate objects. Cadbury has apologized and
pulled this ad. Yet, I wonder how many advertises, who weren't black, came up with this campaign not seeing this complaint coming.

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley Was Bullied to Lose Weight

Usmagazine.com reports: When I started modelling, I was definitely heavier," she says in ELLE magazine's June issue. "I was quite voluptuous in fact. I had a real baby face and baby fat. But I was a baby! I was told I had to get into better shape, but I'm quite stubborn so I didn't. I can't remember a time where I really battled with my body, but I can remember being asked to lose weight and battling with the advice. It hurt me. Especially as my baby fat naturally melted away as I got older."

But in true bombshell fashion, the 24-year-old Brit stood strong. "You can bullied as a young model, but there was a point where I found my voice, effectively."


I am glad she kept it real and let you know that going into modeling can definitely effect yourself esteem.

Ugh, More Stupid People Exploitation, This Time, More Baby Bumps

Okay, so obviously this young woman is extremely ignorant (or just really good at self-delusion), but what is this BBC show really trying to accomplish? Is it really trying to educate young women and pregnant women about health hazards to their feti? Or, is it just another reality show opportunity to be disgusted by stupid people? "16 & Pregnant" followed by "Teen Mom" may have started out with good intentions: showing how awful it is to be a pregnant teen/teen mother, but its turned into a side-show (complete with US Weekly cover for those featured). This pre-occupation with pregnancy, baby-bumps, teen mothers, stupid pregnant people, surprise pregnancies/babies, etc. Its such a weird phenomenon and shows that seek to further this voyeuristic vein of pop-culture worry me. What are your thoughts, readers?

Khloe Kardashian "Freaking Out" About Possible Infertility

Usmagazine.com reports Khloe Kardashian has concerns about her fertility and talks about it in her season finally.

I think people need to realize that not everyone is willing to talk about their reproductive lives publicly. So the next you about to ask a woman when she is going to have a baby, you might want to think twice. The woman may want kids but is having fertility issues and doesn't want to discuss them with you.

"Passing as Thin" Apparently is Invitation to Fat-Phobic To Share How They Really Feel

So, I went on an OkCupid date last night and it didn't go too well. There are a variety of reasons why I'm not going on a second date (and he's not TOO TOO awful), but one of those reasons is that he's fat-phobic and apparently I've reached a thin enough stage to "pass" as a (if not skinny person), not fat person. Maybe as a fat-identified person, I'm too sensitive, but he had to tell this elaborate story about the indignity of sitting next to a fat person on his last leg of a trip (in 1st class no less--and those seats are way bigger) from Japan. Add insult to injury, dude was not a skinny minny himself--he's probably about 40lbs overweight. It just seemed mean and unnecessary, but it is probably something I'll have to get used to (and at times will be compelled to call people out for and at other times, like a bad first date, just leave alone because I don't want to have to deal with a stranger on the defensive, who will probably just call me a fat bitch for standing up for the fatties...remember, even if I ever achieve "skinny minny" status, women are always great targets for the body-shame/bitch combo by angry dude-bros).

Some converts, like myself, might be compelled to anti-fat tirades because of self-loathing or self-righteousness (I lost weight, why can't everybody?), luckily I'm not one of those people. No matter my size, I'll always be fat-identified and body-diversity promoting. There are so many identity factors that "the man"/the kyriarchy use to divide natural allies, and body acceptance is one of the most powerful, whether its about weight, hair-texture, height, coloring, etc. Only the trim, white man is normative and everybody else is "other," which is bullshit.

So, no second date for dude-bro (he also appears to be a binge drinker and culturally incurious, so those are also valid reasons for not going on date two), but I have a feeling that in my dating life, this will probably just be the first of many "fat people suck" jokes/comments I'll have to get through on my journey to find Mr. Right.

MTO WORD EXCLUSIVE!! NEW EVIDENCE SUGGESTS THAT KIM KARDASHIAN'S ENGAGEMENT IS A PUBLICITY STUNT!!!! (EVIDENCE INSIDE)

Mediatakeout.com is reporting that Kim Kardashian maybe faking her engagement for publicity.

The reason I bring this topic up is because it seems that society wants women of a certain age to be married and pregnant. Since Kim is in her early thirties. Some insist she can't be happy because she doesn't have a baby or a husband like her sisters. Yet, I think she is very happy playing the field and making $5 million a year.

Also, she was married before I think she knows what it is like. So I think we should get out her business. Because each time we pay attention to her limited talent self she gets a check.

PHOTOS & VIDEO: Justin Bieber & Selena Gomez -- Wet & Wild In Hawaii!

Radaronline.com reports : Young lovebirds Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez have turned up the passion a notch -- or ten -- in Maui.

At one point on Thursday, a shirtless Bieber, 17, held the bikini-clad Gomez, 18, up by her backside in the water as they passionately kissed.

Click on the link to see the photo. I have two issue with photo.

1. Why are the paparazzi following the kissing habits of teenagers.

2. Why isn't Selena Gomez getting more slack for being with an underage boy?

I think we as a society over sexualize teenagers to much. Then we want get the courts involved if they start having sex.

Vintage Beauties: Samantha Mathis

Samantha Mathis was picked as a Vintage Beauty for her role in Pump Up the Volume . She gets girl power points for rocking dark hair in a movie, when so many were filled with blonds in the late 80's early 90's.

So, If You Are Anti-Vegetarian Because Hitler "Was a Vegetarian" Then You Might Want to Rethink Your Position

So, according to Vegetarian Food Historian, Rynn Barry, the myth that Hitler was a vegetarian cannot be substantiated. She's written a book, Famous Vegetarians & Their Favorite Recipes available HERE.

She contends: "Mainstream historians have an elastic definition of vegetarianism," he says. "They don't hold Hitler to the same standards as a practicing ethical vegetarian. You can't be a vegetarian and eat liver dumplings."

Frozen Yogurt--How I love thee!

Frozen Yogurt--love love love, frozen yogurt and a couple Orange Leaf shops have opened in Lexington recently. I had some and didn't even check the calorie count before going. I know that frozen yogurt is on the light side, but I forgot how light. Check out Orange Leaf's nutrition info HERE. Yes, the listed serving is only 1 ounce and especially at self-serve places, you're putting more than 1 ounce in the cup (although, I think I did a pretty good job of gauging what I could/should eat). Now, the toppings? That's another story. But there's fresh fruit and nuts (as well as candy bar bits). This summer, I'm definitely taking myself (and prolly my niece) for Orange Leaf on a hot day at least once a week. Soooo gooooood.

Workin' Harder For Your Money

Surprise surprise, overweight women make less money than "average" sized women and significantly less than slender women...what about the mens? Slightly overweight men make MORE than "average" sized men. What's the solution? Shape up fatties! Yes, the researchers recommended that discriminated people seek to normalize their weight rather than we have to deal with bias and discrimination on a cultural level.

"That study found that compared to average weight women, those who weighed 25 pounds less made about $15,572 more, and women who weighed 25 pounds more made $13,847 less." That is a, pardon the pun, HUGE difference in pay and I'm feeling kinda ragey about (and poor!!!). Here's the Jezebel take down and HERE is the original study.

Its an international study and the US actually comes in 31st (with Iceland the least discriminatory), so anti-fat bias specifically against women was found to be present in all 134 countries studied. So, that's bad, but what's worse is the incredibly condescending "shape up fatties" message from the researchers at the end of the study summary. The simple minded, pat advice breaks down to: "Focus on what you can replace ice cream with," he said. "Maybe it's yogurt or fruit." 95% of diets fail, but regardless of those statistics, the researchers call on individuals to shape up rather than for anti-fat biases (found globally, though yes, there are still cultures that value and prefer fat women--though, insisting that women conform to being fat is as restrictive and body-diversity denying as insisting that they must be thin) be looked at as serious human rights violations and discrimination. Individual solutions are bunk--people's salaries and social mobility should be based on performance, education, hard work and skills, not suit size. I'm not saying that its impossible to lose weight and keep it off (and for those who do, they tend not to diet, but to integrate a lifestyle of exercise, healthy eating, extra movement whenever they can get it and a host of other things (like sleeping 8-9 hours instead of 6-7) and they tend not to be "thin" but simply "not fat" anymore--going from fat to thin and keeping it that way is really hard to sustain, but getting thinner is more likely to succeed if your goals in mind are health oriented and not specifically aesthetic.

So, dear reader, do you feel like your size has played a role in your salary? Career success? Share in the comments.