Nov 30, 2009

Kell on Earth






Reality has come knocking on Kelly Cutrone's door. Again.


The notorious "I only wear black" public relations taskmaster and boss from hell now has her very own reality show, the aptly titled Kell on Earth. The show's distributor, Bravo, calls Cutrone one of the "coolest, scariest and New York-iest people ever."


Kell On Earth will follow Cutrone - who has previously appeared on MTV's The Hills and The City as Lauren Conrad and Whitney Port's employer - as she juggles running People's Revolution (a public relations, branding and marketing firm) with being a single mother.


Let's hope Cutrone has a big enough personality to carry the show. After all, clips like this make for quite boring TV...

Zac for Target


Famed designer Zac Posen will be the next limited edition designer of Target's Go International series.

Posen's Go International collection will be available at most Target stores in the U.S. and online from April 25 through May 30. Target has not disclosed prices for Posen's collection, but previous Go collections have ranged from $14.99 to $149.99. Recessionistas rejoice!

Posen is no stranger to lower price points. In the spring, he is launching Z Spoke, a less expensive (yet luxurious) line exclusive to Saks Fifth Avenue. Z Spoke will retail from $78 to $675.

Since 2007, Go International has focused on young or emerging designers. Previous featured designers include Erin Fetherston, Jovovich-Hawk, Rogan, Thakoon and Jonathan Saunders. Next month, Target will introduce Rodarte, the collection designed by sisters Kate and Laura Mulleavy.

Uncle Karl's Latest Accessory


Fashion genius Karl Lagerfeld has created the most fashion-forward scooter helmets ever.

For his 2009 collection, Lagerfeld created helmets encrusted with pearls and covered in mink. They also feature iPod hookups and are safe for practical use.

Want your own eccentric helmet? Currently, they are only available at Colette in Paris and cost a hefty $1,805 to $6,837, depending on your style. Oh, and there are only twelve in existence.

Would you buy this pricy headgear?  


(image via Imaxtree)

Music Monday

If Twitter can do it, so can The A List.

The inaugural honor goes to two songs: Morning After Dark, the hot new track by Timbaland featuring Nelly Furtado and SoShy, and Video Phone by the vivacious Beyonce and Lady Gaga.

Enjoy!

Morning After Dark



Video Phone

Nov 29, 2009

Hollywood's Other A-List

In Hollywood, the A-list is determined by those actors who can guarantee buffo box office around the world and who can win tons of awards. The stars who can succeed win acclaim, praise and adoration from the hotshot producers and the loving (and judging) public. Oh, and they tend to rake in the big bucks. 

Each year, Forbes comes out with its annual list of Hollywood's elite. This year, they have devised a new list, Hollywood's Real A-List. The list is devised of actors who have been nominated for Oscars and who have also made good money at the box office. This year's top scorer was People's sexiest man alive, Johnny Depp. 

Depp's combination of acting chops and mass (sex) appeal puts him at the top of Hollywood's real A-list. Thanks to his captivating performance as Captain Jack Sparrow in Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean series, the three films have earned an astounding $2.7 billion at the box office worldwide. His films over the past five years (including Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) have earned $3 billion, putting him at the top of Forbe's earners list. The stunner has also been nominated for a Best Actor Oscar three times, though he has never won. 

People's former sexiest man alive, Brad Pitt, ranked second after Depp. The heartthrob father of six proved he is more than just a pretty face when he earned rave reviews (and a Best Actor Oscar nomination) for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. The movie went on to earn $334 million at the box office. Guess Angie and Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, Vivienne and Knox aren't slowing this fox down. 

The late Heath Ledger ranks third in the list. Over the past five years, his films earned $1.3 billion and the actor even won a Best Supporting Actor Oscar posthumously last year for his chilling portrayal of the Joker. 

The lady of the hour, Meryl Streep, ranks fifth on the list (Will Smith is fourth) and is the most Oscar nominated actress of all time. She is also the highest-ranking woman on Forbes' list with two Oscar nominations in the last five years and $1.3 billion in box office earnings. How's that for girl power!

Basic math: Oscar + Box Office = Real Hollywood A-List.

Tiger on the Prowl?


Golf superstar Tiger Woods is at the centre of a storm of media speculation following an early morning car crash outside his Florida home on Friday.

The golf champ steered his black Cadillac Escalade  into a fire hydrant and a tree just feet from his house in the gated community of Islesworth, Fla around 2:25 a.m. on Nov. 27. The crash has piqued the curiosity of law enforcement officials, sports fans and gossip rags.

While alcohol was said to not have played a role in the crash, Wood's suspicious appearance has raised questions about his martial bliss. Married to Elin Nordegren since Oct. 5, 2004, the couple have two children together: daughter Sam Alexis (2) and son Charlie Axel (9 months). The day before the crash, the National Enquirer reported that they have evidence of a relationship between Tiger Woods and party queen Rachel Uchitel. Was this affair the cause for the crash?

Survey says, YES. While the Enquirer has not released all of its evidence, they claim to have polygraph testimony from multiple sources saying that Woods and Uchitel were "in love" and that she didn't care he was married. If Elin was previously unware of her husband's extra-marital activities, the Enquirer surely rattled her tail-feathers.

Adding to the suspicion, sources are unclear over Elin's whereabouts during the time of the crash. Windemere Police Chief Daniel Saylor told People magazine that Woods was laying on the street when officers arrived on scene. Some sources claim that Elin used two golf clubs to shatter the back window of Wood's SUV in an effort to remove him from the vehicle. But the question remains, why was Elin outside, near her husband's moving car at 2 a.m.?!?

Some sources are claiming that the two were embroiled in a domestic dispute prior to the crash. Woods was found with facial lacerations on his lower and upper lips, begging the question: did Elin or the crash do this? TMZ is reporting that while being confronted by Elin about the affair, the conversation got heated and she scratched up his face. Woods then headed to his SUV to escape, but Elin followed him with a golf club and struck the car several times. Tiger thought the vehicle was stopped, but became distracted, causing the car to crash.

Confused? The reports differ over the use of the golf clubs. While People claims Elin used the clubs to free Woods from the vehicle, TMZ's sources claim Elin was trying to hurt Woods for the affair.

Even sketchier? The New York Daily News says that Woods and Elin were suspiciously unavailable for questioning today. In this case, maybe silence really is worth a million words.

Model Baby


The newest little Angel has made her first online appearance.

Lou Sulola Samuel, daughter of Victoria's Secret model Heidi (Klum) Samuel and singer Seal, was born on October 9, 2009 in Los Angeles. Eager to keep their little princess under wraps, the superstar duo waited until today to release the photos of the precious bundle of joy.

Just like siblings Leni (Heidi's daughter with Flavio Briatore), Henry and Johan, it is obvious that Lou received her parents' good looks. The one month old looks pristine and angelic in her debut photoshoot and will surely grow up to be a stunner, just like her mother.

Seal and Heidi turned to their respective blogs to introduce their fans to their newest addition. The photographs were posted along with Seal's song A Father's Way, an emotional ode to his family. A statement on Heidi's website read: "She is beautiful beyond words and we are happy that she chose us to watch her grow over the coming years. From the moment she looked into both of our eyes it was endless love at first sight."

Congratulations to the Samuel clan!

Nov 28, 2009

Ugly Betty does Scientology


In a bid to up their ratings, ABC ditched the ugly for the pretty. Season 4 of ABC's Ugly Betty has been full of new bangs and new looks for its title character, Betty Suarez. But the producers and writers seem to have a few more ratings tricks up their sleeves this season, as they have thrown in sneaky comparisons to celebrity cult Scientology.

Ugly Betty's latest story line centers around publishing god Daniel Meade and the trauma he is suffering after losing his wife Molly to cancer. To help him combat his grief, Daniel's ex-assistant Betty signs him up for bereavement classes held by the Community of the Phoenix. With the help of Phoenix's dutiful servant Natalie (played by an eccentric Jamie Lynn Sigler), Daniel becomes entrenched in the program and is on a mission to reconnect with his dead wife.

In episode seven, Level (7) with Me, viewers watch as Daniel is sucked into the Phoenix cult. Daniel allows the Community of the Phoenix to help run his persona and professional affairs, and crosses the line when he invites them into Mode's editorial meetings. At this point, Betty and Claire Meade (Daniel's mother) begin to investigate the true motives of the community. What they find out startles them and has them worried for Daniel's well-being. It seems that Daniel has quickly advanced through the community's levels by using powerful drugs, disguised in teas. Daniel is now at level seven and will be given a hallucinatory tea to help him reconnect with Molly. Just like in all prime time shows, Betty and Claire Meade rush in just in time to save their beloved Daniel.

Writers and producers tend to borrow ideas from the headlines. The Ugly Betty team seems to have picked up on this practice as their story arc for Community of the Phoenix bares a strange resemblance to celebrity influence in Scientology.

Daniel Meade's involvement in Community of the Phoenix is reminiscent of Tom Cruise's devotion to the Church of Scientology. As Scientology's most famous follower, Cruise has been privy to intense media scrutiny and ridicule as a result of his involvement. Just as Cruise credits the movement with helping to cure him of his dyslexia, the Community of the Phoenix helped Daniel recover from the loss of his wife. Further, Cruise's financial involvement in Scientology has long been debated. Insiders say that the superstar gives the church millions of dollars annually and has led to speculation that they are using him for financial gain. Ugly Betty showed a weary Betty and Mrs. Meade hacking into Daniel's bank account to check for any unusual cash transfers.

Another similarity? The physical building. The Ugly Betty team evidently chose the location of their Community of the Phoenix based on the Church of Scientology's Celebrity Centre in Los Angeles.

Ugly Betty's Community of the Phoenix

Church of Scientology's Celebrity Centre in Los Angeles, California        

What do you think, A-listers? Is the Community of the Phoenix storyline a rip off of Scientology? Did you make this connection?

Tune in (or set your PVRs) to catch all of Betty's new adventures: Friday, 8 p.m. on ABC

The Real Party Crashers of DC


Media whores Michaele and Taraq Salahi threw whatever dignity they had out the window when they crashed President Barack Obama's first state dinner.

Dressed in a tux and fancy sari, the couple managed to sneak past the throngs of security to hobnob with Washington and Hollywood elite. Apparently Marine guards, Secret Service details and White House Staff are no match for this eager couple. The Salahi's successful escapade resulted in meet and greets with Vice President Joe Biden, Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel and news anchors Katie Couric and Robin Roberts.

Now, the Virginia socialite couple is being investigated by the Secret Service for being history's most successful gatecrashers. These media whores had the audacity to call Bravo and invite them into their home as they prepared for the party. The cameras captured every detail, from the dress selection to the limo ride. Best of all? Michaele is rumored to be Bravo's newest housewife, with a starring role on The Real Housewives of D.C.

Michaele's Facebook profile has been updated to share her experience with friends and media. Her status now reads: I was honored to be invited to attend the First State Dinner hosted by President Obama & the First Lady to honor India. In June 2010, the America's Polo Cup will be between INDIA & the UNITED STATES. Please join me in this cultural celebration of politics, diplomacy, fashion, sports, entertainment & family fun.


Pictures of the couple and famous invited guests adorn her photo albums. Her albums also give followers a peek into the life of a Washington socialite and social climber. Michaele, along with her husband, seem to attend a multitude of Obama-sponsored events. She even has photographs of the President speaking at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation dinner. Celebrity-wise, she has pictures with Star Jones and ex-Apprentice star Omarosa Manigault-Stallworth. The fact that her profile is still set to public only reaffirms her ambitions for fame and notriety. After all, no level-headed individual would allow Facebook stalkers access into their personal page.

Clearly, the Salahi's have already infiltrated society's elite. Their next mission, fame, is already becoming reality (or at least a reality show). How soon until Michaele and Taraq's 15 minutes are up?

Nov 24, 2009

Reminiscing: The Mirror Ball Trophy


The winners of this season's Dancing with the Stars were announced tonight.


Donny Osmond and pro partner Kym Johnson were the recipients of this year's Mirror Ball trophy. The pair bested their competitors: singer Mya and her partner Dmitry Chaplin and reality star Kelly Osborne and her partner Louis Van Amstel.


Amidst all the hubbub surrounding tonight's win, I was left reminiscing about last season. While die hard DWTS fans were shocked that fan favorite Kelly was left in third place and highest scorer Mya was put in second, I was thinking about Team Shark.

Last year's winners, Shawn Johnson and Mark Ballas, were indescribable. Their intense connection on the the dance floor was evident in each of their performances. And did anyone else spot the sexual tension? Call me crazy, but I swear those two had some behind the sheets practicing going on.


The pint-sized 17 year old Olympic athlete and the charming dancer pulled my heartstrings during their win last season. And is it just me or does the crowd seem much more excited for Shawn and Mark than they did on today's finale? Relive the magic, and my favorite dances, below.


The Win (fast forward to the 4:03 mark)

The Freestyle (fast forward to the 2:45 mark)

Pretty Young Thing
(images via ABC.com)

Fighting Cancer in Every Zip Code...



Television's most famous zip code is fighting for a cure. Ford Motor Co. arranged a tie-in with the CW's 90210 to promote its Warriors in Pink breast cancer awareness program.


The series began a plot line featuring fan favorite Jackie Taylor, the dysfunctional mother of Silver and her half-sister Kelly Taylor, succumbing to the disease. The impact of losing the Taylor matriarch will resonate with long time fans (like myself). Played by Ann Gillespie, Jackie Taylor has been a major character in both the original series, Beverly Hills 90210, and the new generation, 90210. The elder Taylor has battled drug and alcohol addictions and is referenced as an absentee mother in both series.


"It was such a shock," Jessica Stroup (Silver) said, referencing the day she found out about the plot twist. "I understood that it was an important story-line, but at the same time, to have the show lose a character like her - someone who's been a part of this show from the very beginning - it was devastating."


Jessica and her TV sister Jennie Garth (original cast member Kelly Taylor) have joined forces with Ford's Warriors in Pink program. During the last 15 years, the program has  raised or donated more than $100 million to the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Foundation.


In the past, Warriors in Pink has been more about speaking to older women. By pairing with 90210, the program is reaching out to a different demographic. The message now speaks to how people who have not necessarily had the disease, but have been affected by it, can make a difference.


Various aspects of the Warriors in Pink program will be highlighted throughout the remainder of the season. After her mother succumbs to the disease, Silver is inspired to get involved with Ford's Warriors in Pink program. On the Dec. 8th episode, Silver is rumored to be wearing a T-shirt from the organization. She is also rumored to be looking for sponsors as she prepares to run a 5k Race for the Cure for breast-cancer research, which she will run in her mother's honour.


Seeing a mainstream show like 90210 support such a worthy charity is inspiring. Despite the obvious plug for Ford cars (Put a Hybrid in your Zip Code contest), the partnership will make young viewers more aware of the heartache and hurt that follow a breast cancer diagnosis and related death. The endorsement of the program by Stroup and Garth (online and print advertisements) will only continue to raise awareness (and hopefully garner donations) of the cause.


Nov 22, 2009

A Wacky Wonder


"It Would Be So Nice 
If Something Made Sense 
For A Change"

From Alice's mouth to Tim Burton's ears, the much anticipated remake of Alice in Wonderland is already capturing the hearts of fashionistas, Disney die-hards and A-list fans.

Making the wacky even wackier, Tim Burton's remake of the Disney classic features an all-star cast and out of this world costumes, makeup and set design. Like usual, Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter look a little freakier than necessary, but Anne Hathaway and Mia Wasikowska look absolutely breathtaking.

These stunning cast photographs give us a glimpse into the eccentricities we can expect.

Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter. Stunningly weird yet captivating.


Helena Bonham Carter (aka Mrs. Tim Burton) as the Red Queen. Surpasses my expectations.


Anne Hathaway as the White Queen. A vision in white. Simply breathtaking.


Mia Wasikowska as Alice. Relative newcomer shows beauty potential.


Michael Sheen (New Moon's Aro) as the White Rabbit hops on into Wonderland.

(Photos courtesy of Walt Disney Images)

Guilty Pleasures

Best. Movie. Ever.

In all seriousness, I have a strange obsession with the Free Willy trilogy. I am not sure if it was Keiko (the whale) or a young Jason James Richter that captured my heart, but my love for this movie will never die. The Michel Jackson theme song, "Will You Be There" doesn't hurt either.

Check out the MJ/Free Willy medley below.


Nov 21, 2009

"He's Trying to be More Positive"

Sure he is, Heidi. Watch as Speidi make total fools of themselves while promoting their book and dissing "weatherman" Al Roker on The Insider.
 

The Twilight Slayer

Watch this hilarious spoof featuring clips from Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Twilight.



SPOILER ALERT!!
Now don't you wish Sarah Michelle Gellar was cast as Bella Swan instead of Kristen Stewart? With a wealth of vampire knowledge under her belt, Gellar would have been the perfect human companion to Robert Pattinson's Edward. With her brown hair (think Cruel Intentions days), she has the perfect combination of homeliness and gorgeousness needed to fulfill Bella's shoes. While Bella is still human (Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse), the books explain that she is pretty, yet nothing special. However, once Bella becomes a vampire in Breaking Dawn, she is described as stunning, gorgeous and emotional. Truthfully, I just don't see Kristen Stewart being described with any of these adjectives. Her acting is dry and her looks are mediocre. Can you really see Stewart as a pregnant Bella fighting to save her baby? Can you really see her happy, cheerful and "full of life"? I can't. After seeing her in New Moon yesterday, I can confidently say that she is one of the most boring, empty actresses I have seen in a long time. No chance she has the emotional depth needed to carry on as Bella.

Oh, and another bonus: If Gellar had been cast as Bella, we can safely assume that Robsten (i.e. Robert and Kristen) would have never become a couple. Gellar would have only admired Rob from afar, given that she has Freddie Prinze Jr. to go home to at night.

Moral of the story? Sarah Michelle Gellar should have been Bella Swan. The actresses has not been cast in any substantial or buzz worthy roles since her stint as Buffy ended and she only JUST gave birth to baby Charlotte Grace. Maybe there is still hope for her to be cast as Edward's leading lady, though. Anyone up for creating a petition?

PS Last vampire related post. Swear!

(Kristen Stewart photo credit: (c) Albert L. Ortega/PR Photos)

Nov 19, 2009

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall...

...who is the hottest vampire of all?

Get This - Survey Results - GlowDay.com

More than just a Vegetarian Vampire



Robert Pattinson has officially made his mark outside the Twilight Saga. In an effort to distance himself from the role that made him famous, Pattinson tackled a new-ish sort of character.

In the new Summit Entertainment film Remember Me, Pattinson plays Tyler, a troubled young man in New York City. The movie focuses on Tyler's strained relationship with his father (Pierce Brosnan) and his relationship with nice girl Ally (LOST's Emilie de Ravin).

Much like his Twilight character Edward, Tyler's life is more complicated than he first lets on. Through an unusual twist of fate, Pattinson's characters both met their leading ladies. In Twilight, Edward meets Bella after she happens to move to Forks, Washington, while in Remember Me Tyler meets Ally following an encounter with her policeman father.

Other similarities include the brooding personality of the title characters and the charming good looks and un-British accent adopted by Pattinson. This real life Brit (shocking, I know!) manages to make girls of all ages swoon, whether from the Twilight films or this short trailer.

Women (and some men) can't help but fall in lust with Pattinson. His good looks come with ease, as he and his costars lamented on the late night circuit that Pattinson rarely bathes. The intensity of his emotions shine through the screen and effectively capture the hearts of all in attendance.


To get your daily R-Patz fill, check out the trailer for Remember Me below.

WARNING: Ensure that your heart rate stays at an acceptable level during the viewing of this trailer. If heart palpitations occur, call your local doctor. I have mine on speed dial.
Thanks to Halee for the inspiration!


(Photo Credit: Bruce Weber, Vanity Fair)

Nov 18, 2009

From A-List to D-List

When choosing the name of my blog, The A List came to me after much consideration. What did I want my brand to be? What do I want to be known for? After considerable pondering, I realized that among my circle of friends I am already famous for something: celebrity gossip. After all, gossip sites are a procrastinator's best friends. I'm sure all of you in Weldon Library can attest to this.







This is where the A List fit in. The A List is not just the name of my blog, but it also refers to the Hollywood elite. These heavyweights can frequently be seen on the cover of magazines like Vogue, Vanity Fair, Elle, GQ, Rolling Stone and Harper's Bazaar. They are constantly surrounded by a swarm of paparazzi. And, most importantly, they have captured the hearts of their loyal followers (much like I am doing right now...).


Naturally, the exclusivity of the A-List provides the perfect environment for social climbing. Celebrities must battle their fellow famous folk for the top spot, and the process is not always pretty. Who can forget the sex tape rumor Speidi started in hopes of becoming the new stars and evicting Lauren Conrad from The Hills? LC is now dating Z-lister Kyle Howard (of TBS show My Boys "fame") and has seen her overpriced fashion line crumble. Is LC's current status a result of Speidi's rumor? Maybe. Probably. While I can't tell you with 100% certainty, I can tell you that she has been mysteriously absent from my obsession: weekly magazines. While LC has not yet reached the Z-List, she is definitely on the D-List.


The D-List is nothing to be proud of. Although it is commendable to not reach the unrecognizable, walk-right-past-the-paparazzi-without-them-noticing-Z-List, these D-Listers have had to resort to reality shows and guest stints to revive their careers.


Melissa Joan Hart
Best known as Sabrina the Teenage Witch, MJH was a TGIF staple on ABC. My Fridays circa 1996 were spent curling up on Bubie and Zaida's couch after Shabbat dinner to watch Sabrina work her magic on Harvey while Salem the talking cat egged her on.
But what happened after the show's 2003 cancellation? Ignoring the fact that this show should have bypassed the crappy college years, MJH faded into obscurity (read: marriage and children) following the series. Married to Z-List singer Mark Wilkerson, the couple now have two sons, Mason and Braydon.
To revive her career and move from the Z-List to the D-List, MJH joined this season's cast of Dancing with the Stars. Like her fellow DWTS cast mates and alum, MJH wanted a quick fix for her relative obscurity. The show promises to not only help you drop a few dress sizes (hello baby weight!) but also to put you back on the Hollywood map. Since beginning her stint on the show, MJH has been featured in the tabloids and has garnered 29,784 Twitter followers. Mazel Tov Sabrina!

THEN: Sabrina the Teenage Witch

NOW: Team Melarky on Dancing with the Stars and definite D-Lister


Shannen Doherty
Doherty was considered one of Hollywood's It Girls (i.e. A-List) in the late '80s to early '90s.
After playing the title character in the cult classic Heathers, Doherty was cast as Brenda Walsh in the hit series Beverly Hills 90210. As one half of the '90s most famous twins, Doherty made her mark as a snotty, bratty and catty teenager with major diva-tude. Seriously, why show up late to work when you get to make out with the Robert Pattinson of your time, Luke Perry? Tori Spelling's memoir sTORI Telling corroborated the media reports of Doherty's unprofessional behavior (perhaps she was Lindsay Lohan's inspiration?).
After  being axed from the show following the fourth season (1994), Doherty was able to land a second Aaron Spelling produced show, Charmed, before once again being cast off. Unable to land any memorable parts, the Z-Lister was forced to return to mentor the new class of West Beverly High in 90210, a CW remake of the original hit show. While fans of the original series were beyond thrilled to have some Brenda Walsh back in their lives, the guest stint only highlighted the sad ending for this former A-Lister. Because of her inability to play her cards right, Doherty is now squarely in the D-List. If she doesn't return to West Beverly High soon, the Z-List will come crawling back for her. Maybe she should ask former co-star, frenemy and B-Lister Jennie Garth for some advice on properly reviving Brenda. And bring back the rest of the crew, ladies! We all know their careers need reviving too...



THEN: Brenda Walsh, America's Sweetheart



NOW: Shannen Doherty, D-List

Nov 17, 2009

The Original Singing Sensation




Forget Tina Chen, Gellieman is the original online teen star.  This video was my grade 11 (2004) obsession. Don't you just love how Gellieman serenades you with Aicha Aicha? I do. I especially die for his Mickey Mouse sheets. Ahhh teenagers....

Nov 16, 2009

Media Whore (2)

Definition: A person who has a psychological need to get into TV, film, radio or print (Urban Dictionary)


Looks like:

Jon and Kate Gosselin


WHO: Jon and Kate, the parents of 8, have made a name for themselves by shamelessly whoring their family of multiples on the small screen. Their family-friendly TLC show was filled with heartwarming moments and "love taps" that captivated viewers hearts. The couple found themselves to be tabloid fixtures following accusations of cheating. Currently, the Gosselins are separated and continue to battle it out in front of the press.


WHERE: Based in Wyomissing, P.A. Jon and Kate have had to venture into the big city to capture the spotlight. Jon is renting a home in New York City with his current girlfriend, Hailey Glassman (daughter of Kate's plastic surgeon). Kate frequents L.A. and New York, as she feels the need to make the talk show rounds (she even co-hosted The View!). The children reside in their $1 million home in Wymossing.


WHEN: The Gosselins came onto the scene in 2006 with the one-hour TLC special Surviving Sextuplets and Twins. The special's popularity led to a follow up, Sextuplets and Twins: One Year Later, and a subsequent television series. Jon & Kate Plus 8 first aired on April 10, 2007 and the series finale is set for November 23, 2009.


WHY: What have Jon and Kate actually done to garner media attention? Well it all began with Kate's IUI treatments. Kate found out she was pregnant with six babies. Due to their strict religious beliefs (insert confused face here), Jon and Kate refused to discuss reduction. Instead, she left the twins, Mady and Cara, at home with IT developer Jon, and checked herself into Hershey Medical Centre to await the birth of her babies. On May 10, 2004, Alexis, Hannah, Aaden, Collin, Leah and Joel were welcomed into the world. Understandably, Kate had to leave her job as a nurse to care for the little ones.


When TLC offered Jon and Kate an hour-long TV special, they jumped at the chance. Although viewers initially believed they were doing the show to benefit their children, the consensus has since changed. Throughout the four short years we have known them, Jon and Kate have proven to us that they know how to use the media to their advantage. Ranging from the freebies they received on their show (clothing, vacations, motorcycles, etc) to the celebrities that they got to meet (Sarah Snow, Oprah, Ellen), Jon and Kate loved the attention.


The attention only grew once their fame whoring led them to part ways. In April 2009, it was announced that Jon and Kate were separating. Jon was said to be having an affair with Hailey Glassman (lovingly referred to as Homewrecking Hailey) and Kate Major, while Kate was rumored to be banging her bodyguard, Steve Neild. The tabloids loved the drama and loved focusing on how it was hurting their brood. These eight little faces (also the name of Kate's book) were left to drown in their sorrows with the nannies (which, surprisingly enough, Jon hooked up with).


It is almost impossible to find a weekly magazine that does not mention Jon and Kate. People Magazine had exclusive interviews and photo shoots with Jon and Kate (on consecutive weeks, of course). US Weekly went as far as to advertise a special "Gosselin Free" issue. How is it that having a large family makes you a media target? If you know how to play your cards right, which these two obviously do, getting and staying in the spotlight is not a difficult task. Shamelessly promoting your children in books and having an infamous haircut (Kate) and shacking up with the nearest young girl and bedecking yourself in Ed Hardy (Jon), are quick ways of garnering attention.


MEDIA WHORE MONTAGE



Jon and Kate showing off their brood. Wonder who sponsored the matching clothing?



Jon & Kate Plus 8 in a TLC promo





The staged Hawaii wedding. All payed for by TLC, of course




Jon and Homewrecking Hailey out for a paparazzi-filled stroll



Did Ed Hardy throw up on you, Jon?





Kate promoting her bookMultiple Bles8ings. Wonder what it's about...



Kate showing off her tummy tuck, courtesy of Homewrecking Hailey's dad, Dr. Lawrence Glassman



The "Kate". Doubt it will ever reach the popularity level of the "Rachel"

Media Whore (1)

Definition: A person who has a psychological need to get into TV, film, radio or print (Urban Dictionary)

Looks Like:

Heidi and Spencer Pratt

WHO: As the venomous duo on The Hills, media whores Heidi (nee Montag) and Spencer Pratt live for the spotlight. This duo has successfully manipulated the media and are even rumored to have the paparazzi on speed dial.

WHERE: Based in Los Angeles, the Pratts have garnered media attention on Robertson Blvd, Nobu, Mr. Chow, the beach, and countless other celebrity hotspots. Coverage has also been garnered in Las Vegas, Crested Butte, Colorado (Heidi's hometown) and Mexico.

WHEN: 2007- present. Or in Hills terms, season two (first date) until now.


WHY: Heidi and Spencer have successfully branded themselves as media whores. They have been on countless magazine covers (including US Weekly's "Why I Chose to Call off My Wedding" and "Revenge Plastic Surgery") and have successfully managed to maintain their Hills contract. Heidi and Spencer even appeared on last summer's I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Outta Here! Media tactics involved in that venture include faking a sickness and praising Jesus. God always gives media whores the upper (and virtuous) hand.
Speidi has been vying for their own reality show, but MTV has yet to extend a contract. Currently, you can find the Pratts on tour promoting their new book, "How to be Famous: Our Guide to Looking the Part, Playing the Press, and Becoming a Tabloid Fixture."


MEDIA WHORE MONTAGE

Heidi and Spencer tie the knot for real this time and in front of The Hills cameras



Protecting themselves from Swine Flu on their honeymoon in Mexico



EDA: Easter Displays of Affection. The costume was for good measure.


Patriotism is alive and well in the Pratt household. Their dream? To be Prez and Vice-Prez



Showing off what their mama (or plastic surgeon) gave them!


Even at the grocery store, Speidi knows how to garner (much-wanted) attention


Never fear, Officer Heidi is here!


Cashing in on Carrie Prejean's sex tapes

The A List Hits