Archive for the ‘News’ Category

Teen From “It Gets Better Project” Found Dead

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Since his death, there has been a myriad of responses to Jamey’ Rodemeyer’s death. Last May, he added his video to the It Gets Better Project as a gay youth, and while he had been bullied prior to that, he was continually bullied both at school and online. Like some others, he hoped to encourage others like himself to look forward, to give hope.

The 14 year old teen from Buffalo, New York was found dead outside of his own home, apparently having taken his own life.

In his video, he thanked Lady Gaga for her support of the gay community, and she has since dedicated one of her songs to him in memoriam not only of his death, but his struggle and life, and many have continued to play that recording when they play that song.

Jamey received messages such as “JAMIE IS STUPID, GAY, FAT, ANND UGLY. HE MUST DIE!” from what would seem to be random strangers online. He also received support from other unknown strangers, but friends have reported extreme taunts that did not subside. Friends reported the taunts on Formspring, but it wasn’t enough.

According to reports, Jamey was seeing a counselor, and he was encouraged by the outpouring of support from other kids like him and celebrities associated with the It Gets Better Project. However, judging by the response to his death from kids in his own school, many are still hoping for major changes in the future.

More recently, it was reported that taunting has continued even after his death. While attending a school dance shortly after his wake, friends of Rodemeyer started chanting for him after Lady Gaga’s song was played, which was repudiated by a crowd of bullies chanting “You’re better off dead!” and “we’re glad you’re dead!”

Jamey’s death has drawn responses from major figures including Lady Gaga, President Obama, and Ricky Martin to name a few, all of whom have openly condemned the actions that led to the teen’s death. There are also reports that his death has attracted more attention and support for the project he supported so fully in life. However, the full impact remains to be seen.

Amy Winehouse’s Final Video

Since the death of well-known singer Amy Winehouse, controversy has swirled around her death, the cause, and her final moments. There are some who for obvious reasons attributed her death to alcoholism and drug use while others have denied it, because there has been no proof introduced as of yet.

Recently, reports have stated that there was alcohol in her system, but it is unclear whether chronic alcoholism or drug use or the alcohol in her bloodstream could have contributed to her death. Either way, she was found dead in her London home as of July 23.

Her father stated that Winehouse had been suffering from occasional seizures to which he attributed her untimely death, also stating that she used alcohol to fight anxiety while using prescription Librium to fight the withdrawal symptoms of alcohol.

However, only recently released is the final video performance of Winehouse combined with the infamous Tony Bennett singing “Body and Soul.”

Given her previous performances and style combined with her death, this video seems to be a haunting and yet beautiful reminder of all that Amy Winehouse was in her time.

Interestingly enough, Winehouse looked perfectly healthy and some would say happy in this particular video, showing no signs of imminent death, which some would expect given her end. This particular video emerged a full 2 months after her death, and some still wonder what else will come to light. However, many consider this to be bittersweet, both for family and fans.

Fans and others alike continue to talk about Winehouse’s death, the possible causes, and the mixed legacy she has left behind. However, it is hard to deny her talent for singing and her dedication to that particular part of her life that many will continue to remember for years to come.

Chaz Bono on Dancing with the Stars

Ever since Chaz Bono (previously Chastity Bono) came out as transgender and officially went through the necessary surgeries to become a man, controversy has surrounded him as one of the best known transgender individuals in the world. However, even with his famous parents and previous notoriety, his recent addition to the Dancing with the Stars cast has stirred up even more controversy, and some would even say trouble for both the show and Bono.

Bono has become the first major target for critics of the show, with some saying that a transgender person should not be allowed on a “family show” just as some suggested that a gay man should never have been allowed on American Idol (despite the fact that there have now been at least 2). However, these detractors have attracted just as many critiques from people who believe that Bono has every right to be on the show and believe his critics to be nothing more than bigots, including both his mother, Cher, and co cast member Lacey Schwimmer.

Discussion boards have been filled with some asking whether Bono will dance as a man or woman, though the answer seems obvious to me. He now considers himself a man. However, it has become extremely clear that Bono sees this as an opportunity for transgender activism, bringing recognition to this particular sect of people and trying to fight discrimination.

What kind of discrimination you might ask?

According to the first survey of its kind conducted in February of 2011, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and the National Center for Transgender Equality reported that more than half of the 6000 transgender and gender non-conforming individuals surveyed reported being harassed in the workplace. 19% reported being refused homes or apartments, and 41% had attempted suicide, which is 26 times the national average.

Because of incidences such as that of a 22 year old transgender women who was brutally attacked by a woman and child at a suburban Baltimore McDonalds, it is more than clear to activists like Bono that something has to be done. The fact that it is currently unclear whether transgender discrimination in the US is getting better or worse simply increases motivation for many activists who want transgender individuals to be simply seen as people.

Now, the country is in uproar on 2 sides about whether or not Bono, a transgender advocate, has the right to be on DWTS who underwent sexual reassignment surgery at the age of 39. Many say it is simply shining a harsh light on the ignorance of many Americans. Despite all of this, Bono and DWTS seem determined to move forward.

Beyonce’s “Bump” and the Twitter Phenomenon

Beyonce PregnantWhen Beyonce switches from skin-tight jeans and leather mini-dresses to loose and flowing maxis and leggins, the media and public knew something was up. And right we were, Beyonce announced earlier this week at the VMAs that she and husband Jay-Z are expecting. News of this happy occasion spread like wild fire and generated more tweets than Hurrican Irene, Superbowl Sunday, and the Earthquake in Japan, racking in 8,868 tweets per second!

The Twitter Phenomenon

Whenever anything big happens in the news, on the screen, or on the red carpet, the networks, the media, and the public instantly go into Twitter mode wanting to know who knows what about what’s going on. The media, internet, marketing, advertising, product reviewing, shopping, etc. is moving into the personal realm and specialists and trend-noters are well-aware of this push towards the individual.

What’s happening, is that because so many people are online and involved in blogs, websites, product review sites, etc. a person who’s shopping or blogging or broadcasting the news would way rather trust another human than a simple computer. Here in the 21st century people are craving the human connection and are finding it via social network channels like Facebook, Twitter, blogging, and Google +.

This is exactly why news of Beyonce’s pregnancy spread like wild fire and blew up the social networking scene. Believe it or not, humanity actually does have a soul and is excited for the diva’s transition into motherhood, even more excited than they are about a football game or massive thunderstorm.

Nielsen Numbers Vs. Twitter

Somehow this all ties back in with Beyonce. In order to estimate numbers and figures, specialists have been using a technique called the “Neilsen Numbers” which are simply a way of telling how many people were at an event, watched an event, or knew about an event. These numbers are very removed and are now being compared to people’s “tweets” that not only let you know who was where and doing what, but who was paying attention. Rather than a simple number, you now have a personal message attached to every component of that number, and the media and internet marketing are going crazy for it.

The Move to “The Personal”

Beyonce PregnantIn order to stay on top of who’s who and who’s doing what, social networking is completely necessary. People are tweeting, status-ing, and blogging about new before the camera men arrive and the segment is aired to the public.

Today, Beyonce’s VMA announcement holds the record for Tweets per second and moves her up on the celebrity influence list. Who better to usher in this new era of personal interest than miss Beyonce herself.

Amy Winehouse Death: Alcohol withdrawal?

Winehouse spent years partying with drugs and drinking. On Saturday, July 23 Amy Winehouse was found dead. She was 27 years old at the time of her passing.

Her father has been quoted saying that she died as a result of alcohol withdrawal symptoms. According to him, Amy hadn’t been drinking for three weeks before the incident. Mitch says that the sudden “shock” of sobriety is what caused the sudden death.

A friend of Winehouse’s said this at her funeral service: “Doctors had told Amy to gradually reduce her intake of alcohol and avoid bingeing at all costs. Amy told him she couldn’t do that. It was all or nothing and she gave it up completely. Mitch said the shock of giving up, after everything she had been through over a bad few years was just too much for her to take.”

Severe alcohol withdrawn can lead to symptoms such as fevers, seizures, and hallucinations. Liver specialist, Professor Roger Williams told news that it is unlikely that Amy died from giving up alcohol. He did say that is it possible to die of alcohol withdrawal, but only within the first 36 hours of quitting.

Three days before her death, there are reports of Amy drinking gin at the iTunes festival in London. Mitch says that the reports are false and that defends his daughter’s sobriety.

Confirmed cause of death has not been determined, although an inconclusive post-mortem was held Monday, July 25.

Fashion Icon Lady Gaga

Everyone goes goo-goo gaga over fashion when it comes to the famous and fabulous. In honor of the fashionable, the industry just held the 2011 Council of Fashion Designers of America Awards in New York City last night.

Fitting for the fly and flashy, Swarovski sponsored the award ceremony. The entire night recognizes the designers people drool over, “I-want-to-be-her” icons, and the journalists we are jealous of because their job is to report the top trends.

Glamourous Gaga


Get ready for this: Lady Gaga received the Fashion Icon Award. At the risk of being clawed to death by the paws of Little Monsters, I would like to say: really?!

Gaga’s gowns are made of meat. She enters the Grammy’s in a vessel. I don’t think she even knows her natural hair color. I mean I get it, she was Born This Way. But let’s not all pretend she is a fashion icon. Last I checked if you strut in the streets looking like a stripper you get whistles and whispers.

Is Gaga edgy? Innovative? Unique? Original? Yes. She created an image and continues to be shocking while taking risks. However, to give her an award that embodies the top fashionable inspiration for America? Take a look at this outfit down below, is that ensemble iconic? I suppose it depends on your personal definition of the word.

Behold: The Fashion Icon...


Despite disagreeing (after all, I am not the fashion police), Gaga took the award with grace. Once accepting the award Gaga said “As much as this award means to me personally … I just want you to know how much this means to young Americans.” Which in all honesty she is totally right about that because her loyal fans do indeed see her as a symbol of freedom and perhaps a fashion icon.

I will also agree with Lady Gaga when she said “Fashion made me feel like a star before I was,” because I think most everyone uses style for self-expression.

Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver

There are celebrity couples you think will stand the test of time, battle the paparazzi, and even work things out better than your neighbors. Like Sarah Michelle Gellar and Freddie Prince Jr. or Tim McGraw and Faith Hill or Will and Jada Pinkett Smith. How about Arnold Schwarzenegger and…wait. But this is old news. The power couple – ex-Governor and the niece of JFK – have split after 25 years of marriage.

Bodybuilder/Actor/Politician/Liar

As it turns out Arnold had an affair with an employee of their household and fathered a love child. What is worse? The affair? The lies? The secret second “family”? Or maybe the fact that Arnold cheated on his wife with a women that is a sixteenth as gorgeous as Maria Shriver?! I’m sorry to dog the mistress, but it’s what everyone is thinking right?

It takes two to tango, and both Arnold and Ms. “Patty” Baena are both home wreckers.  Don’t worry, Mr. Bodybuilder did the noble thing and has been financially responsible for the kid since day one (I hope you sense the sarcasm). You know what is really sick? His wife and his mistress had both had babies five days apart! Way to cheat on your pregnant wife and knock someone else up too. Is that some sort of unknown game they play in Austria?

Dirty Mistress

The newer news about this Hollywood/Political/Heartbreaking scandal is that Patty was apparently married at the time as well. In fact, her husband raised Schwarzenegger’s son as his own without any knowledge of the infidelity or paternity.

Rogelio Baena thought the boy was his biological son. In an interview recently, Rogelio has a message for his son, “I am your father. That’s all” Well, at least someone in this giant love pentagon has some decency.

I don’t know if Arnold plans on returning to the big screen, but heaven knows he gets an Oscar for fooling his family.

Catherine Zeta-Jones Seeks Mental Help

When you hear of Michael Douglas, you also think of his much younger wife Catherine Zeta-Jones. She was recently hospitalized to treat for bipolar disorder. With Michael Douglas getting through throat cancer, you can imagine the stress she must of dealt with.

Catherine Zeta-Jones Sought Treatment for Bipolar Disorder
Stress of Past Year Forced Catherine Zeta-Jones to Seek Mental Help

For months, Catherine Zeta-Jones played the part of the devoted wife as her husband, actor Michael Douglas, sought treatment for throat cancer. Now, it seems all wasn’t well in her world.

Today, Zeta-Jones’ publicist revealed that the actress recently sought treatment for bipolar disorder.

“After dealing with the stress of the past year, Catherine made the decision to check in to a mental health facility for a brief stay to treat her Bipolar II Disorder,” her publicist said in a statement. “She’s feeling great and looking forward to starting work this week this week on her two upcoming films.”

Bipolar disorder is also called manic-depressive illness. The disorder is most known for the unusual shifts in mood and energy that those with it experience. Sufferers can go through what is known as a manic episode–an overly excited or joyful state–or a depressive episode–a state of unusual sadness or hopelessness.

Bipolar II disorder is not as severe as bipolar I. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, while those with bipolar I typically experience mania and intense mood episodes that can last at least seven days and may require hospitalization, bipolar II usually results in less intense depressive episodes.

While bipolar disorder often develops in a person’s late teens or early adult years, it has been known to develop later on in life as well.

Zeta-Jones, 41, was outspoken about her anger after Douglas, 66, was diagnosed with throat cancer in August 2010.

“It makes me furious they didn’t detect it earlier,” Zeta-Jones told People magazine. “He sought every option and nothing was found.”

Douglas’ cancer wasn’t the only stress in the couple’s life. Last year, Douglas’ ex-wife took him to court seeking a some of his profits from his “Wall Street” sequel, which was released in 2010 but was based on the iconic film that he made while they were married, which she said entitled her to a share.

Zeta-Jones reportedly turned down roles to be by Douglas’ side through his legal and physical battles. In January, Douglas noted that his cancer fight drew him and Zeta-Jones closer.

“One thing that all cancer survivors talk about is a new depth of feeling that you have for loved ones,” he said while receiving an award at the Palm Springs Film Festival. Zeta-Jones was at the festival with him.

“It’s made us even closer,” he added, “and certainly there’s a depth of emotion and an appreciation of your daily life that you didn’t have before.”

Zeta-Jones and Douglas married in 2000. They have two children together, Dylan Michael Douglas and Carys Zeta Douglas.

ABC News’ Dan Childs contributed reporting.

http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/catherine-zeta-jones-reveals-shes-bipolar/story?id=13366854