Since it seems that Keith and his wife were out shopping for books on Mother's Day, we would like to add a few more to their reading list.
These essential selections are from a few lesser known authors but the information that they contain is priceless for the expectant parents. We're sure that with a little searching, their people will be able to find these titles and get them in the power couple's hands post haste!
For her:
1. The Belly Book by S. Vectin. This one is actually a journal to keep track of your growing belly. The updated edition includes a space for weekly belly photos.
2. 40 Weeks by F. Term. This is the essential pregnancy organizer with space for the list of today’s who's who.
3. Butterflies and Burps. A guided imagery primer for those things that make you throw ashtrays.
4. A Natural Guide to Pregnancy by B. Ford. This is an A to Z guide to keeping your pregnancy completely natural and free of all toxins.
5. Pregnancy Sucks by K. Arma. What to do when your miracle makes you more miserable.
For him:
1. My Boys Can Swim! by Izzy Fore Real. The official guy's guide to life when the opposite of what the doctor told you really happens.
2. The Unplanned Pregnancy by Ivanna Runn. A nine month planner for ruining your life. The updated edition of this one contains a 17 month planner.
3. The Complete Organic Pregnancy by GNC.
4. Belly Laughs by S. Marks. The naked truth about your wife.
Remember, a room without books is like a body without a soul. Happy reading!
Monday, May 12, 2008
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Friday, May 9, 2008
An Interview in the Future
We thought we would time travel a bit, so let’s look to September 2008 and Vein Magazine.
It’s the right time to be us
By: Samantha
In January when it was announced that Nicole Urban and Keith Kidman were expecting their first natural child, many wondered why Mrs. Urban, 41, waited until her fifth decade to get pregnant. This question in polite society should never be asked, and we never will. We were quite pleased when we were asked by Ms. Urban's publicist, Katherine Doldrum, if we would be interested in interviewing the new parents after the birth of their daughter this past June. After the six week blackout following the birth, we flew across the country to the Kidmans’ new home in Brentwood, a suburb of Los Angeles, California. The home, originally built in 1968 by famed architect I.M. Egotistic, is a modern structure in the tissue box design scheme. As we entered the living room it struck us how terribly precise and elegant the room was - with bright red walls and tan furniture the room is void of personal belongings. As we look at the over two hundred mirrors placed all about the room we are reminded of a sophisticated nightclub in the heyday of disco.
The surprise for us was the lack of a musical anything in the room. We waited for almost an hour and then with a flourish the Kidmans and their fifteen staff members appeared. Both Keith and Nicole were dressed in casual work out gear and Nicole had her hair in pig tails with cute red flower bows at the end. The couple carried water in bottles, as did their employees, but we were not offered anything to drink. We agreed beforehand that we could only talk about their new family and nothing from the past.
VM- Thank you for meeting with us. There has been a lot written about this baby and this birth. Why did you agree to talk to us today?
NU- Well it’s obvious. The connections were connecting and the time for a well… I just think that when you reach a point…
KK- It was just the vibe and the time to connect.
VM - What is it like to be parents?
KK- Extraordinary. I wake up each day and look in one of these mirrors and say out loud ‘I am someone’s father!’ It’s quite a bit of a humanitarian effort.
NU- I think it’s a role I was born to play.
VM - Can you talk about the birth?
NU- It was difficult and extremely sexy and very singular…the power I held was power I had never had before.
VM- Keith??
KK- It was something (at this point Keith is looking around the room and looking at the floor) so many have done yet, no one like me.
VM- Why did you have the child in Los Angeles?
NU- There was never any question. This is our home. Our people are there, and others.
KK- We are gypsies at heart and our rainbow is always coming together in LA.
VM- Why not in Australia?
KK- Well, we were there and now we are here.
NU- I guess that we wanted the birth to be about us and while I love Australia and I even have a movie by that title being released in November at a cinema near you, my parents and my sister I felt would be a distraction.
VM - Why not Nashville?
KK- Well, we were there now we are here.
NU- That was never a choice; we love the city; spent some time there during the gestation but in the end it is a city of shadows for me that I just didn't want my beautiful new child being born in.
VM- What was the birth like?
KK- It was massive; just life affirming and sustaining.
NU- That’s a personal question – we are too private.
VM – Keith, we noticed there are no musical instruments or anything musical in your home.
KK- Well, that’s the past; that’s my past. (at this point Keith tears up and starts weeping)
NU- We talked while in Tahiti and we both felt that music was a hobby for Keith not really anything solid. Since he left that he has become more devoted to me, to our union. The music was a distraction from what is important. I just, well, we just felt that since I didn't understand it, music wasn't that cohesive to our goals.
VM - Your goals?
NU - Yes we are a complete family unit, and we will present ourselves as such. When I make a movie, we make that movie, and Keith sees how blissful that is. I can't see life without that devotion.
VM- How is the day to day care of the baby going?
NU- I hear it’s a struggle but we all vent and I make sure we are all a team. The baby is well cared for. She is from heaven and the gods and we are lucky to be in her light. My parents and sister are helpful and we are so close. I had other children but not like this.
VM- Keith?
KK- (sniffling and wiping his eyes) She is precious and small and mine. She is my child and when I have seen her she seems so aware of this time, this place. She is very in the moment.
VM - What is your favorite memory of the baby so far?
NU - When she heard my voice and smiled that was our connection.
KK - During one of the hours I was able to be in the nursery the nurse held her up and she smiled at me.
NU- Darling, that was gas.
KK- No, sweetheart, she was told by Nurse Gulch ‘that is your father’. She knew.
NU -Thank you for coming today, but I have my spin yoga class.
KK - I am watching a movie of my 2005 concert from Red Rocks.
VM- Well thank you both for sharing this time with us.
NU- Yes, I guess we will have photos for your article (she gets ups and leaves).
KK - Hey baby, that’s a great skirt you have on. Would you like to stay have a drink and watch a movie with me?
VM- Well, um I …
KK- C'mon darlin’, I can show you the house maybe even show you the great tub I have in my wing…
VM- Really?
KK- Yeah, c'mon, let’s go!
NU- KEITH! Damn it. Go back to your wing and don’t forget about calling your mother. I am sorry he has these funny moments and people didn't really understand his humor. Thank you again.
We never did see the baby.
It’s the right time to be us
By: Samantha
In January when it was announced that Nicole Urban and Keith Kidman were expecting their first natural child, many wondered why Mrs. Urban, 41, waited until her fifth decade to get pregnant. This question in polite society should never be asked, and we never will. We were quite pleased when we were asked by Ms. Urban's publicist, Katherine Doldrum, if we would be interested in interviewing the new parents after the birth of their daughter this past June. After the six week blackout following the birth, we flew across the country to the Kidmans’ new home in Brentwood, a suburb of Los Angeles, California. The home, originally built in 1968 by famed architect I.M. Egotistic, is a modern structure in the tissue box design scheme. As we entered the living room it struck us how terribly precise and elegant the room was - with bright red walls and tan furniture the room is void of personal belongings. As we look at the over two hundred mirrors placed all about the room we are reminded of a sophisticated nightclub in the heyday of disco.
The surprise for us was the lack of a musical anything in the room. We waited for almost an hour and then with a flourish the Kidmans and their fifteen staff members appeared. Both Keith and Nicole were dressed in casual work out gear and Nicole had her hair in pig tails with cute red flower bows at the end. The couple carried water in bottles, as did their employees, but we were not offered anything to drink. We agreed beforehand that we could only talk about their new family and nothing from the past.
VM- Thank you for meeting with us. There has been a lot written about this baby and this birth. Why did you agree to talk to us today?
NU- Well it’s obvious. The connections were connecting and the time for a well… I just think that when you reach a point…
KK- It was just the vibe and the time to connect.
VM - What is it like to be parents?
KK- Extraordinary. I wake up each day and look in one of these mirrors and say out loud ‘I am someone’s father!’ It’s quite a bit of a humanitarian effort.
NU- I think it’s a role I was born to play.
VM - Can you talk about the birth?
NU- It was difficult and extremely sexy and very singular…the power I held was power I had never had before.
VM- Keith??
KK- It was something (at this point Keith is looking around the room and looking at the floor) so many have done yet, no one like me.
VM- Why did you have the child in Los Angeles?
NU- There was never any question. This is our home. Our people are there, and others.
KK- We are gypsies at heart and our rainbow is always coming together in LA.
VM- Why not in Australia?
KK- Well, we were there and now we are here.
NU- I guess that we wanted the birth to be about us and while I love Australia and I even have a movie by that title being released in November at a cinema near you, my parents and my sister I felt would be a distraction.
VM - Why not Nashville?
KK- Well, we were there now we are here.
NU- That was never a choice; we love the city; spent some time there during the gestation but in the end it is a city of shadows for me that I just didn't want my beautiful new child being born in.
VM- What was the birth like?
KK- It was massive; just life affirming and sustaining.
NU- That’s a personal question – we are too private.
VM – Keith, we noticed there are no musical instruments or anything musical in your home.
KK- Well, that’s the past; that’s my past. (at this point Keith tears up and starts weeping)
NU- We talked while in Tahiti and we both felt that music was a hobby for Keith not really anything solid. Since he left that he has become more devoted to me, to our union. The music was a distraction from what is important. I just, well, we just felt that since I didn't understand it, music wasn't that cohesive to our goals.
VM - Your goals?
NU - Yes we are a complete family unit, and we will present ourselves as such. When I make a movie, we make that movie, and Keith sees how blissful that is. I can't see life without that devotion.
VM- How is the day to day care of the baby going?
NU- I hear it’s a struggle but we all vent and I make sure we are all a team. The baby is well cared for. She is from heaven and the gods and we are lucky to be in her light. My parents and sister are helpful and we are so close. I had other children but not like this.
VM- Keith?
KK- (sniffling and wiping his eyes) She is precious and small and mine. She is my child and when I have seen her she seems so aware of this time, this place. She is very in the moment.
VM - What is your favorite memory of the baby so far?
NU - When she heard my voice and smiled that was our connection.
KK - During one of the hours I was able to be in the nursery the nurse held her up and she smiled at me.
NU- Darling, that was gas.
KK- No, sweetheart, she was told by Nurse Gulch ‘that is your father’. She knew.
NU -Thank you for coming today, but I have my spin yoga class.
KK - I am watching a movie of my 2005 concert from Red Rocks.
VM- Well thank you both for sharing this time with us.
NU- Yes, I guess we will have photos for your article (she gets ups and leaves).
KK - Hey baby, that’s a great skirt you have on. Would you like to stay have a drink and watch a movie with me?
VM- Well, um I …
KK- C'mon darlin’, I can show you the house maybe even show you the great tub I have in my wing…
VM- Really?
KK- Yeah, c'mon, let’s go!
NU- KEITH! Damn it. Go back to your wing and don’t forget about calling your mother. I am sorry he has these funny moments and people didn't really understand his humor. Thank you again.
We never did see the baby.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Is Keith Still A Guy?
The author wants to thank rotomahana and the UM Music Festival Day One - Am I Still A Guy? blog for the idea.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Come out, Come Out, Wherever You Are...
After a week of Nicole Kidman's one true love being beamed all over the hinterland, it’s interesting that we haven't had one picture of the loved up couple in Nashville. OTL was seen in New York with his wife and child. He was seen at a soccer game with his two older children where BOTH children were smiling. Bella has a lovely smile by the way. And of course he was on Oprah for two frigging days. I just bet Kidman was throwing ashtrays and screaming and stomping because she was stuck in Nashville as he was parading around the museum with everyone who is anyone from Hollywood.
So, why no pictures? Does she want to hide her growing belly or someone’s growing belly? Has Keith finally had his fill of the press and put his foot down? Or has Nashville gotten tired of her and has decided that it’s no big deal to have her around, or are they ignoring her so she will go away?
From some of our sources down in Music City we hear that Kidman indeed looks quite pregnant - enormous with bad skin and a balding head. She slips into the yoga place two minutes before a class begins and as usual doesn't talk or acknowledge the little folks. She does her class then is whisked by a driver back to the mansion. She may reappear later in a store or on a walk but again she is either alone or with her paid staff.
As for the daddy-to-be, he is apparently writing new tunes and bitching about his cell phone service. But he is in Nashville and is left alone. More so than Kidman, Keith is one of the natives and comes and goes as he pleases. While many blame Nashville for Keith falling down that’s not really true. It was not the town, it was Keith who fell. The vices that plague Keith are in any little town or major city; it’s a question of choice about that. Is Keith the reason why there are no photos? Some are saying he is. Some are venturing that he has asked for this quiet time in the city he truly loves before that baby hoopla starts. He has just come off an 18 month tour and while he only played 107 shows, the travel that he did was exhausting. Yep, it was his own fault, but it was still taxing.So why aren't the paps there? They were there during the courtship, the newlywed phase and the sporadic visits; so why not now? Kidman has no great love of the city. Don't think that she won't own a house in LA if she doesn't already. Is this Keith's swan song to the city he loves? Did he come here before the crown princess of Oz is born? Does he know he won't be coming back soon? Is he getting used to being back because he will be staying on permanently? He is the only one that knows the answers, but it’s safe to assume that there is a very planned reason why those paps aren't there at Starbucks, Zoe's or J Alexander's. Kidman is up to something and we will be made aware of it when she is good and ready. I would trust her about as far as I can throw her and these days she is a bit too heavy to throw. But remember, everything is planned by her. An example, People magazine was at the CMT awards and will be highlighting it in their country music special issue. Let's document once again that Nicole Kidman is the supportive wife and the joyous expectant mother, even if it isn't true. That could be why we have no pictures from Nashville; maybe the gig is up.
A note about an earlier blog: In no way was there any condemnation towards people that post on the E! board. The E! board has a lot of great people posting on it who post on a number of boards that I post on. That blog was not about them in any way. It was a reminder to those new to the Keith Urban experience to be careful about what they are reading and to learn to think for themselves. Those who are out to spread poison and lies know who they are and many of us know who you are, too.
So, why no pictures? Does she want to hide her growing belly or someone’s growing belly? Has Keith finally had his fill of the press and put his foot down? Or has Nashville gotten tired of her and has decided that it’s no big deal to have her around, or are they ignoring her so she will go away?
From some of our sources down in Music City we hear that Kidman indeed looks quite pregnant - enormous with bad skin and a balding head. She slips into the yoga place two minutes before a class begins and as usual doesn't talk or acknowledge the little folks. She does her class then is whisked by a driver back to the mansion. She may reappear later in a store or on a walk but again she is either alone or with her paid staff.
As for the daddy-to-be, he is apparently writing new tunes and bitching about his cell phone service. But he is in Nashville and is left alone. More so than Kidman, Keith is one of the natives and comes and goes as he pleases. While many blame Nashville for Keith falling down that’s not really true. It was not the town, it was Keith who fell. The vices that plague Keith are in any little town or major city; it’s a question of choice about that. Is Keith the reason why there are no photos? Some are saying he is. Some are venturing that he has asked for this quiet time in the city he truly loves before that baby hoopla starts. He has just come off an 18 month tour and while he only played 107 shows, the travel that he did was exhausting. Yep, it was his own fault, but it was still taxing.So why aren't the paps there? They were there during the courtship, the newlywed phase and the sporadic visits; so why not now? Kidman has no great love of the city. Don't think that she won't own a house in LA if she doesn't already. Is this Keith's swan song to the city he loves? Did he come here before the crown princess of Oz is born? Does he know he won't be coming back soon? Is he getting used to being back because he will be staying on permanently? He is the only one that knows the answers, but it’s safe to assume that there is a very planned reason why those paps aren't there at Starbucks, Zoe's or J Alexander's. Kidman is up to something and we will be made aware of it when she is good and ready. I would trust her about as far as I can throw her and these days she is a bit too heavy to throw. But remember, everything is planned by her. An example, People magazine was at the CMT awards and will be highlighting it in their country music special issue. Let's document once again that Nicole Kidman is the supportive wife and the joyous expectant mother, even if it isn't true. That could be why we have no pictures from Nashville; maybe the gig is up.
A note about an earlier blog: In no way was there any condemnation towards people that post on the E! board. The E! board has a lot of great people posting on it who post on a number of boards that I post on. That blog was not about them in any way. It was a reminder to those new to the Keith Urban experience to be careful about what they are reading and to learn to think for themselves. Those who are out to spread poison and lies know who they are and many of us know who you are, too.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Wishin' and a hoping this doesn't happen...
Wherever she is Mary Isabel Catherine Bernadette O'Brien is either having a great laugh or big cry. News broke last week that Mary and her life would be portrayed in an epic film penned by Michael Cunningham for Nicole Kidman. Oh why oh why oh why? Leave her alone. Don't pick at corpses as she has only been dead for nine years. In case you don't know who I am talking about Mary O'Brien was also known as Dusty Springfield. Kidman has been hinting about playing Springfield for more than a year. She told the Advocate in 2006 that Dusty was the gay icon she most wanted to bring to life. Cunningham, who helped Kidman get her Oscar for The Hours, interviewed Kidman last year in Interview magazine and has said that they would deal with all the issues that revolved around Dusty. Her perfectionism, her talent and her bisexuality.
Note to you idiots, Kidman and Cunningham, Dusty was a lesbian. But Dusty, in her lifetime couldn't talk about being a lesbian and had to talk in vague terms about being bisexual. She never married, kept cats and liked her privacy. When that makeup came on and she hit the stage or studio you didn't get in her way. With a cigarette in her hand and the words to the song in front of her you didn't mess with her. She was in charge and in the 1960's that was almost unheard of for a woman.
Very few albums stand out. Yes there was Revolver, Born to Run, Blood on the Tracks and there was Dusty in Memphis. This record was legendary in that it used the best musicians and had a distinct sound. It was a classic and the only one from a woman recorded in the 60's. Springfield, being a diva, had a hard time getting her voice heard the way she felt it should be. Dusty also was playing in the big boys club even though she was still a shy convent girl. She didn't feel she was attractive, hated having her picture taken and often used her insecurity as if it were a weapon. Now tell me how Nicole Kidman could ever play her? Kidman the actress is not good enough to portray Dusty. Dusty was too complex. Dusty had that desire to create good music and perform it. You have to understand being a musician to get Dusty. It’s not about her make up or her isolation or even the cancer that killed her. It is about creating and performing and Kidman is incapable of this.
Kidman has said in interviews that she doesn't understand her husband; doesn't get what he does. Dusty should be played by a lesser known actress or a complete unknown. Why? Because the audience has to believe that the woman in front of them is Dusty. In Kidman's case it is Nicole Kidman playing Dusty Springfield and that takes away from the importance that Dusty had in music. How many of you knew that much about Virginia Woolf, except she killed herself and A Room of One’s Own? But stick a rubber nose on Kidman and play up her sad personal life in the tabloids and gosh darn she got an Oscar. Too many of us remember Dusty. Another thing Kidman would need to be careful of is alienating her gay audience. You get a bunch of gay men and lesbians pissed at you for taking their idol apart and your career could be over. Don't laugh at that, its true.
Dusty is just too big for Kidman. It’s sad that she wants to do this role but Kidman can't do it. She doesn't have that range. More importantly Dusty is too important a figure in music to be prostituted by Kidman. Look at what she did to Diane Arbus. It would be tragic to lose this story to that box office poison. Hollywood - find someone else please.
Note to you idiots, Kidman and Cunningham, Dusty was a lesbian. But Dusty, in her lifetime couldn't talk about being a lesbian and had to talk in vague terms about being bisexual. She never married, kept cats and liked her privacy. When that makeup came on and she hit the stage or studio you didn't get in her way. With a cigarette in her hand and the words to the song in front of her you didn't mess with her. She was in charge and in the 1960's that was almost unheard of for a woman.
Very few albums stand out. Yes there was Revolver, Born to Run, Blood on the Tracks and there was Dusty in Memphis. This record was legendary in that it used the best musicians and had a distinct sound. It was a classic and the only one from a woman recorded in the 60's. Springfield, being a diva, had a hard time getting her voice heard the way she felt it should be. Dusty also was playing in the big boys club even though she was still a shy convent girl. She didn't feel she was attractive, hated having her picture taken and often used her insecurity as if it were a weapon. Now tell me how Nicole Kidman could ever play her? Kidman the actress is not good enough to portray Dusty. Dusty was too complex. Dusty had that desire to create good music and perform it. You have to understand being a musician to get Dusty. It’s not about her make up or her isolation or even the cancer that killed her. It is about creating and performing and Kidman is incapable of this.
Kidman has said in interviews that she doesn't understand her husband; doesn't get what he does. Dusty should be played by a lesser known actress or a complete unknown. Why? Because the audience has to believe that the woman in front of them is Dusty. In Kidman's case it is Nicole Kidman playing Dusty Springfield and that takes away from the importance that Dusty had in music. How many of you knew that much about Virginia Woolf, except she killed herself and A Room of One’s Own? But stick a rubber nose on Kidman and play up her sad personal life in the tabloids and gosh darn she got an Oscar. Too many of us remember Dusty. Another thing Kidman would need to be careful of is alienating her gay audience. You get a bunch of gay men and lesbians pissed at you for taking their idol apart and your career could be over. Don't laugh at that, its true.
Dusty is just too big for Kidman. It’s sad that she wants to do this role but Kidman can't do it. She doesn't have that range. More importantly Dusty is too important a figure in music to be prostituted by Kidman. Look at what she did to Diane Arbus. It would be tragic to lose this story to that box office poison. Hollywood - find someone else please.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Boards, Blogs and Other Business
Just talk amongst yourselves if this doesn't matter to you...
Many of you are here because you heard about this site from a fan board. There actually was briefly a thread on Monkeyville with a link to the blog, but of course that didn’t last long. But other people have found us and spread the word on other boards. While we appreciate that, and we really do, this brings us to the subject of boards.
Why talk about the boards? Because even on private boards there are people there who are there for the wrong reasons. I have been on at least eight Keith Urban boards. Some were really great and some were worship boards. I have been banned from one major board, thanks Teener!
I left one board when other posters ganged up on one of the four original skeptics. I have been asked to join a few others but I don't have the time to give to that so I have declined. Currently, I belong to two private Keith Urban boards. One is a little more active than the other but both have their strengths. Private boards are places where the membership is limited. Both have administrators who care about the content and about the members. But even as great as these boards are, they still have people on them who have agendas.
What is an agenda? Well, it can be anything from someone wanting to gossip to someone who is paid by either Camp Urban or Camp Kidman to post comments or "monitor" the board. Oh, you don't believe that happens? Well, think again. It does. I know because things I have been accused of having an agenda about get back to others who aren't on the boards I am posting on. How would they know unless someone is monitoring the stuff on the board, or someone is on there to discredit another poster? That is a pretty heavy accusation but it’s true.
For the most part on boards the real news comes from private messages and e-mail networks. This is where those that want to know, who are there on a paid mission, have to access, but few get access. Once someone is suspect they are either eased out or dropped. I know I have been dropped. Why? Because I refused to spread a rumor on a board. I don't do that. Many do, but what is the point except to spread an agenda? Plus rumors end up on the public E! board all the time and are often brought back to the boards.
Let’s talk about the E! board. The E! board is fine place to visit but I don't want to post there. It is as public as can be and because of its public nature what is put on there can be very damaging. I am surprised that the lawyers haven't got on there as they did on the Velvet Rope. The Rope was superior to E! in many ways but its Nashville section is now a shell of what it used to be. As you read E! just take into account what is being said, who is saying it and the time it is being said. As for your own board think about who is posting, what are they posting, how often they are on and posting or just on and not posting. It can be eye opening!
We are interested in how you heard about this blog. So please use the comments section to tell us. Also, is there something that you would like to see addressed in a blog that hasn't been? While we have the gestation lull, and Keith and the incubator are holed up in Nashville, let’s talk about stuff that we haven't before.
Many of you are here because you heard about this site from a fan board. There actually was briefly a thread on Monkeyville with a link to the blog, but of course that didn’t last long. But other people have found us and spread the word on other boards. While we appreciate that, and we really do, this brings us to the subject of boards.
Why talk about the boards? Because even on private boards there are people there who are there for the wrong reasons. I have been on at least eight Keith Urban boards. Some were really great and some were worship boards. I have been banned from one major board, thanks Teener!
I left one board when other posters ganged up on one of the four original skeptics. I have been asked to join a few others but I don't have the time to give to that so I have declined. Currently, I belong to two private Keith Urban boards. One is a little more active than the other but both have their strengths. Private boards are places where the membership is limited. Both have administrators who care about the content and about the members. But even as great as these boards are, they still have people on them who have agendas.
What is an agenda? Well, it can be anything from someone wanting to gossip to someone who is paid by either Camp Urban or Camp Kidman to post comments or "monitor" the board. Oh, you don't believe that happens? Well, think again. It does. I know because things I have been accused of having an agenda about get back to others who aren't on the boards I am posting on. How would they know unless someone is monitoring the stuff on the board, or someone is on there to discredit another poster? That is a pretty heavy accusation but it’s true.
For the most part on boards the real news comes from private messages and e-mail networks. This is where those that want to know, who are there on a paid mission, have to access, but few get access. Once someone is suspect they are either eased out or dropped. I know I have been dropped. Why? Because I refused to spread a rumor on a board. I don't do that. Many do, but what is the point except to spread an agenda? Plus rumors end up on the public E! board all the time and are often brought back to the boards.
Let’s talk about the E! board. The E! board is fine place to visit but I don't want to post there. It is as public as can be and because of its public nature what is put on there can be very damaging. I am surprised that the lawyers haven't got on there as they did on the Velvet Rope. The Rope was superior to E! in many ways but its Nashville section is now a shell of what it used to be. As you read E! just take into account what is being said, who is saying it and the time it is being said. As for your own board think about who is posting, what are they posting, how often they are on and posting or just on and not posting. It can be eye opening!
We are interested in how you heard about this blog. So please use the comments section to tell us. Also, is there something that you would like to see addressed in a blog that hasn't been? While we have the gestation lull, and Keith and the incubator are holed up in Nashville, let’s talk about stuff that we haven't before.
Friday, May 2, 2008
An Actress' Take
I apologize to those who find it tiresome to read articles that dredge up the past but my schedule hasn’t allowed me to write many blog articles since last year, and Urban Myths has been gracious enough to provide me with an opportunity to do so once again no matter how “old” the material (thanks UM!) So, if you’ll humor me for just a moment, I’d like to share my thoughts on an aspect of the entertainment industry that is related to the subject(s) of this blog.
First, I’d like to clear up a misconception about those of us who choose to have a career as an actor/actress. Keep in mind that while we do choose our careers we do not choose to be “famous”. No one can choose that. It either happens to you or it doesn’t and whether it does or not, is beyond your control. Contrary to popular belief, most of us (albeit, not all, but a lot) just want to be actors – not stars - and yes, there is a difference. So, when discussions about tabloids and paparazzi take place, it annoys me to hear people say we “ask for it”. That is like saying that the victim of a mugging “asked for it” because they left the house with their wallet. We do not ask for photographers to hide in our bushes, climb our trees, stake out our houses, or follow us to gyms, coffee shops, doctor appointments, etc. No one asks for that. If you ask me, the whole paparazzi thing is legalized stalking. There is a line there somewhere but it has been crossed so many times that no one really knows where it is anymore.
However, to be in this business, to stay, and to succeed in it, there are things about it that we must learn to accept – like them or not. No matter why any of us gets into this business, it is well-known that if we achieve a certain level of success, people will “want to know” and the paparazzi and the media will follow us, take our pictures and ask us questions that we may not want to answer. This is not our doing. This is society’s doing. We cannot help the way the industry is. We have no control over the public’s insatiable need to know about things that are none of their business, their lack of sensitivity, or their lack of respect for our privacy. We do however, have control over how we deal with it.
I will grant you that some paparazzi will, at times, intentionally antagonize in order to get you to cooperate or act out so they can get a shot. And even when they are on they’re best behavior, they can be pretty annoying. And sometimes you just want to be left alone – period. However, I would be remiss if I blamed only the paparazzi because you see, it is not just their fault. There are celebrities that do indeed create their own problems where this issue is concerned.
There are the obvious Don’ts of course: Don’t act out or cause a scene; Don’t use profanity or flip the bird; Don’t show up at a well-known celebrity hang-out; Don’t “leak” information about where you will be, when you will be there and who you’re with; Don’t go into detail about your private life in interviews; and above all, just don’t make a big deal out of anything – the more you try to hide something, the harder they will try to find it out. If you act like it is no big deal, then it ceases to be one.
Please do not misunderstand…I am in no way suggesting celebrities should not ever leave the house, run errands, exercise outside of their homes, go out to dinner or try to have some fun. However, when you do these things, you know that you will most likely encounter paparazzi or two. So, just don’t do any of the “Don’ts”, don’t make a big deal, and just come & go. It really is that simple.
When you do not want to “deal with it”, then don’t deal with it…if you encounter them despite sticking to the “Don’ts”, then just ignore them. They’ll snap a pic or two and if you don’t react, eventually they’ll be on their way.
As someone who works in this business, I can tell you that I do understand how Nicole & Keith feel at times and why they may appear to be camera shy on some occasions. It is not at all pleasant to be stalked. It sucks. It’s intrusive and kind of creepy and after a while, it does get to you. Unfortunately, it isn’t going to change and as unfair as it may be, we just have to suck it up and deal with it.
When Nicole Kidman’s bodyguard/driver/trainer/friend, assaulted a photographer, there was a lot of “to-do” about whose fault it was. Some feel that the photographer got what he deserved. However, from what I saw, it appeared to be an unprovoked and violent attack. The photographer was not in her face, not chasing her, not antagonizing her…just sitting in his car. And just so we are clear, this guy is Nicole’s employee and that does make her partially responsible because he was acting on her behalf.
It is exactly this kind of behavior that enables the “you asked for it” attitude. Especially when you are one of the many celebrities who do, in fact, set up photo ops and leak whereabouts. Because when you do that, you set a precedent.
Nicole Kidman set that precedent 2 years ago at the beginning of this relationship and has encouraged it ever since. Does that mean the paparazzi should be able to stalk her at all times? No. But nor does it mean her “bodyguards” should be attacking photographers. Photographers, who btw, she gives beer to when she wants her pictures all over the tabloids so the entire world knows when, where and to whom she is marrying; photographers she poses for when she wants the public to know how together, happy and in love she and her husband are.
You can’t have it both ways. You can’t leak you’re your whereabouts & stage photo ops on one day and then tell them to F-Off when you’re not in the mood on the other.
There is a balance here. Many celebrities have found it. It is not achieved by beating up photographers…just ask Sean Penn how well that worked for him and his image.
First, I’d like to clear up a misconception about those of us who choose to have a career as an actor/actress. Keep in mind that while we do choose our careers we do not choose to be “famous”. No one can choose that. It either happens to you or it doesn’t and whether it does or not, is beyond your control. Contrary to popular belief, most of us (albeit, not all, but a lot) just want to be actors – not stars - and yes, there is a difference. So, when discussions about tabloids and paparazzi take place, it annoys me to hear people say we “ask for it”. That is like saying that the victim of a mugging “asked for it” because they left the house with their wallet. We do not ask for photographers to hide in our bushes, climb our trees, stake out our houses, or follow us to gyms, coffee shops, doctor appointments, etc. No one asks for that. If you ask me, the whole paparazzi thing is legalized stalking. There is a line there somewhere but it has been crossed so many times that no one really knows where it is anymore.
However, to be in this business, to stay, and to succeed in it, there are things about it that we must learn to accept – like them or not. No matter why any of us gets into this business, it is well-known that if we achieve a certain level of success, people will “want to know” and the paparazzi and the media will follow us, take our pictures and ask us questions that we may not want to answer. This is not our doing. This is society’s doing. We cannot help the way the industry is. We have no control over the public’s insatiable need to know about things that are none of their business, their lack of sensitivity, or their lack of respect for our privacy. We do however, have control over how we deal with it.
I will grant you that some paparazzi will, at times, intentionally antagonize in order to get you to cooperate or act out so they can get a shot. And even when they are on they’re best behavior, they can be pretty annoying. And sometimes you just want to be left alone – period. However, I would be remiss if I blamed only the paparazzi because you see, it is not just their fault. There are celebrities that do indeed create their own problems where this issue is concerned.
There are the obvious Don’ts of course: Don’t act out or cause a scene; Don’t use profanity or flip the bird; Don’t show up at a well-known celebrity hang-out; Don’t “leak” information about where you will be, when you will be there and who you’re with; Don’t go into detail about your private life in interviews; and above all, just don’t make a big deal out of anything – the more you try to hide something, the harder they will try to find it out. If you act like it is no big deal, then it ceases to be one.
Please do not misunderstand…I am in no way suggesting celebrities should not ever leave the house, run errands, exercise outside of their homes, go out to dinner or try to have some fun. However, when you do these things, you know that you will most likely encounter paparazzi or two. So, just don’t do any of the “Don’ts”, don’t make a big deal, and just come & go. It really is that simple.
When you do not want to “deal with it”, then don’t deal with it…if you encounter them despite sticking to the “Don’ts”, then just ignore them. They’ll snap a pic or two and if you don’t react, eventually they’ll be on their way.
As someone who works in this business, I can tell you that I do understand how Nicole & Keith feel at times and why they may appear to be camera shy on some occasions. It is not at all pleasant to be stalked. It sucks. It’s intrusive and kind of creepy and after a while, it does get to you. Unfortunately, it isn’t going to change and as unfair as it may be, we just have to suck it up and deal with it.
When Nicole Kidman’s bodyguard/driver/trainer/friend, assaulted a photographer, there was a lot of “to-do” about whose fault it was. Some feel that the photographer got what he deserved. However, from what I saw, it appeared to be an unprovoked and violent attack. The photographer was not in her face, not chasing her, not antagonizing her…just sitting in his car. And just so we are clear, this guy is Nicole’s employee and that does make her partially responsible because he was acting on her behalf.
It is exactly this kind of behavior that enables the “you asked for it” attitude. Especially when you are one of the many celebrities who do, in fact, set up photo ops and leak whereabouts. Because when you do that, you set a precedent.
Nicole Kidman set that precedent 2 years ago at the beginning of this relationship and has encouraged it ever since. Does that mean the paparazzi should be able to stalk her at all times? No. But nor does it mean her “bodyguards” should be attacking photographers. Photographers, who btw, she gives beer to when she wants her pictures all over the tabloids so the entire world knows when, where and to whom she is marrying; photographers she poses for when she wants the public to know how together, happy and in love she and her husband are.
You can’t have it both ways. You can’t leak you’re your whereabouts & stage photo ops on one day and then tell them to F-Off when you’re not in the mood on the other.
There is a balance here. Many celebrities have found it. It is not achieved by beating up photographers…just ask Sean Penn how well that worked for him and his image.
If Nicole is sick of being followed everywhere – and I honestly don’t blame her, I would be too - then maybe she should start practicing some of the “Don’ts” above…they work.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Let's Talk About What We Don't Talk About
Here at Urban Myths it’s easy to be happy-go-lucky all the time.
We have that crazy Nicole Kidman and her PR hacks helping us write the script. One thing that we won't do is talk about some of the dark aspects of the Kidmans, Keith's sobriety, in particular. Only he knows why he went to rehab in 2006. He has said a few things over the last year that led many to believe it was for alcohol abuse. That being said, anything else is rumor and gossip. And there is always rumor and gossip about Keith, and his past present and future chemical abuse or sobriety. It is safe to say he has issues with substances. It is not fair to say he is off the wagon, he is using everything under the sun or that he is a paragon of sobriety virtue. He said after the motorcycle accident last fall that his sobriety is important and private and guards that. We respect that. Whether he goes to meetings or sees a counselor or does it on his own, we cheer him on. It’s not easy; many of us personally know that.
So when would we talk about it? When he went to rehab it became public. When it is mentioned in the press it is public. When Amanda talked about his drug use it was public. If he went on stage high and people observed that it is public. Someone who saw something somewhere is not public, it is rumor and it is usually viewed as suspect. It may be true it may be someone’s agenda, and that is up to everyone to figure out for themselves. But you won't see a blog here about Keith using unless it is public.
On another note, someone called us a hate site in the comments. I wish they would explain to me what this hate site label means. Hate is such a negative and disconcerting word. We don't like Nicole Kidman, some even dislike Keith Urban, but no one hates here - except for those commenters who use that word.
We have that crazy Nicole Kidman and her PR hacks helping us write the script. One thing that we won't do is talk about some of the dark aspects of the Kidmans, Keith's sobriety, in particular. Only he knows why he went to rehab in 2006. He has said a few things over the last year that led many to believe it was for alcohol abuse. That being said, anything else is rumor and gossip. And there is always rumor and gossip about Keith, and his past present and future chemical abuse or sobriety. It is safe to say he has issues with substances. It is not fair to say he is off the wagon, he is using everything under the sun or that he is a paragon of sobriety virtue. He said after the motorcycle accident last fall that his sobriety is important and private and guards that. We respect that. Whether he goes to meetings or sees a counselor or does it on his own, we cheer him on. It’s not easy; many of us personally know that.
So when would we talk about it? When he went to rehab it became public. When it is mentioned in the press it is public. When Amanda talked about his drug use it was public. If he went on stage high and people observed that it is public. Someone who saw something somewhere is not public, it is rumor and it is usually viewed as suspect. It may be true it may be someone’s agenda, and that is up to everyone to figure out for themselves. But you won't see a blog here about Keith using unless it is public.
On another note, someone called us a hate site in the comments. I wish they would explain to me what this hate site label means. Hate is such a negative and disconcerting word. We don't like Nicole Kidman, some even dislike Keith Urban, but no one hates here - except for those commenters who use that word.
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