Eva Longoria, Piers Morgan, and divorce and cheating

So, I just watched this clip of Eva Longoria talking about her marriage breakdown:

http://www.mrpaparazzi.com/post/14689/Eva-Longoria-fights-back-the-tears-as-she-talks-about-marriage-split-for-the-first-time.aspx

What struck me is the sentiment UK interviewer Piers Morgan expressed... how could anyone cheat on her.

He says in the clip: "People watching this... Like I, having met you... incredulous that this could happen. That any guy would even think or contemplate of... doing anything to damage a marriage to someone like you. What more could a guy want, frankly?"

I certainly feel the same - and yet it's a little offensive.

Like women who aren't as attractive, who don't spend every waking moment maintaining their looks for a living as Eva clearly does, deserve to be cheated on any more than Eva because, y'know, she's a hottie and all.

I know, I know... the popular premise on why people cheat is that their spouse has let themselves go, is looking kinda sloppy, and therefore eyes wander. But that's not always the case.

I have researched a (yet to be published) story on cheating, and why men and women cheat, even going on some undercover surveillance jobs. The man behind the private investigator firm was adamant that in most cases he investigates, it is opportunity that creates the landscape for someone to cheat.

So, he adds, lots of time away from each other, meeting interesting people at work away from the daily drudgery, and a willingness from both of the people doing the cheating to take things further creates an environment ripe for straying.

In Eva Longoria's case, it has been documented that her sportstar ex-husband Tony Parker indulged his penchant for s-exting... with his team-mate's wife. That was a deal-breaker for Eva.

Yet, in the TV interview with Piers, she says simply: "We wanted different things. He's not a bad person. He just wanted... something else. And I don't hate him for it."

What are your thoughts on cheating? What constitutes cheating? And would you / have you forgiven someone for cheating? Or have you taken them back? And do you think Piers's theory on 'how could someone cheat on Eva' holds any weight?

Jackie O: going back to work - how soon is too soon?

Days after the Jackie O / Pru Goward controversy (can you believe the hoo-haa generated over that one photo?), I am yet to address the other argument which was so instrumental in setting this whole kerfuffle off. Women returning back to work - how soon is too soon?

A bit of background first.

The first stone was cast by Daily Telegraph Sydney Confidential gossip columnist Annette Sharp, who, in an open letter to Jackie O, questioned why the radio co-host would return to work only "a few weeks" after the birth of her baby Kitty.

"I'm not judging, I just don't know why a woman who can afford to take a year off with her new baby wouldn't," Annette wrote. A tearful Jackie O broke down in tears after Annette's comments made her "feel like a second-rate mum".

Jackie O used her live breakfast show to hit back at Annette, telling listeners she felt positive about her choice until she read the newspaper article that morning.

"It was two months I was off [not a few weeks]. Then when I did return to work I was working from home and had Kitty by my side for the whole show," she said. "I'm trying the best I can. It is hurtful. I just wanted you to know that I put her before everything else."

Yes, you are trying the best you can, Jackie. And of course you put her before everything else. But the judgement is constantly stacked against working mums. Or non-working mums, for that matter.

So I was very interested to hear about the just-released, sixth Annual Child Care & Workforce Participation Survey examining the health of Australia's child care system conducted by http://www.careforkids.com.au/.

The survey encourages parents to provide insight into their specific child care arrangements and have their say about our child care system and whether it is working for them. According to the survey, up to 60% of working mothers feel stigmatised, while up to 40% of stay at home mums have been judged by their decision not to work.

The report was discussed by journalist and mum Renae Leith-Manos on the Kerri-Anne TV show yesterday (Renae also happens to be my old editor, and is a fellow mum of twins).

"Children are a highly emotive issue and everyone wants to put in their 10 cents worth and try and tell mothers what to do," she told Kerri-Anne. "It's really tough out there... I've done it. To work or not to work? And the real issue is that if you lose your job for too long you won't get it back in this day and age - depending on what your job is of course. But for most of us there's a real pressure and a real choice and it's the toughest choice a woman has to make.

During the segment, Kerri-Anne asks, "Who out there is at the pointed end of the criticism?" Responds Renae: "I hate to say it - I think it's other women. The women who stay at home criticise the women who go back to work. The women who go back to work criticise the women who stay at home... it's been going on for a long time and us women need to talk to each other and support each other more."

Ain't that the truth, Renae!

She adds, "Even if you go back to work, there's this expectation of, 'Oh, she's going to come in late'. Or, 'she's going to leave early. She's going to be exhausted. She's not going to be up to scratch.' And sometimes those things are true. Because, you know having babies at home is tough work. You're up all night, your brain isn't functioning to full capacity. It's tough."

When Kerri-Anne adds that the survey shows that 60% of working mothers said that they were made to feel that they were not taking their parenting responsibilities seriously, Renae says the exact sentiment I am thinking.

"Isn't that devastating! As a woman, there is nothing more important than your children. And the idea that someone would judge you in that way is heartbreaking."

So, what constitutes the 'right' reason to go back to work? Money? Boredom? An excuse to get away from the madness? Says Renae. "And again, it's judgement. And who's to say what someone's financial situation is, what their emotional situation is. I mean, a lot of women feel better going back to work and feel they can give more to their children. And it's not necessarily always about money. It's also about your future career. You may not need the money now, but everyone needs to have a job. And if you leave it too long you may not get it back."

Long before I had kids, my best friend (already a mum) revealed what she called a dirty little secret working mummies kept - that they actually only wanted to work to get away from the responsibilities of parenting (that, and making money for the family, of course).

I must say that for me, my primary motivations were that I wanted to contribute to the family funds... and I hated the way I felt when I wasn't working. There was a slight power shift in the family dynamic - and I didn't like it. I had freelance sub-editing jobs before I had the twins and when they were three weeks old I gladly accepted some work from home. It was minimal, and I have been working from home for the past three years (going into an office only late last year), but I loved that the sole purpose of my day was not only to raise my much-loved children.

The irony was I had taken on the oft-called 'most valuable job in the world'... and yet when I didn't work, I felt the most worthless I'd ever felt. Weird, no?

Agreed Renae on Kerri-Anne: "It can be really mind numbing being at home all the time and again people judge you. Friends come over and they're working... work can be fun! And when you're not working you can't relate to a lot of the things they're talking about, so yes you do feel stigmatised as well."

The answer? Says Renae, "Look I don't think there is [one]. I think the answer is to be more understanding. More part-time work helps a lot. And more childcare facilities on-site. I would love to see some big corporations bring childcare into the workplace. That would really facilitate a lot more women going back to work and acheiving that balance that they're really after."

You said that right, sister.

Perhaps the shape of things to come? In the meantime, please - let's respect each others' choices, eh?

To see the entire interview, go here: http://www.kerri-anne.com.au/video_highlights.php (Photo credits: Renae: http://www.motherandbaby.ninemsn.com.au/; Kerri-Anne: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/)

Bridalplasty: interview with Shanna Moakler

You ask your girlfriend to marry you, and as she walks up the aisle, she looks... different.

That's the premise of the new E! channel TV show Bridalplasty, currently creating some waves. The show features 12 brides-to-be in a competition to win the perfect dream wedding - and their ideal of a 'dream' body to go along with it.

Host Shanna Moakler (her and now ex-husband Travis Barker - from rock band Blink-182 - starred with their family in their own reality show Meet The Barkers) leads a group of engaged women who are seeking complete body transformations before their 'big day' through a series of wedding-themed comps.

This way, they 'earn' their dream wedding and score plastic surgery procedures from one of Hollywood's most sought-after plastic surgeons, Dr. Terry Dubrow. Each contestant has a wish list of plastic surgery jobs she'd like get ticked off - crooked noses, bad teeth, flat chests, thin lips and muffin tops - and each 'challenge winner' gets a procedure off her wish list.

The last bride standing receives every treatment she wants. And her new 'look' will be unveiled to friends, family and, (hopefully not horrified) fiancé for the first time at the altar on her wedding day.

Wowser! What a concept... so I asked host Shanna all about the TV show, for Josie's Juice.

Congratulations on the new hosting role! How did you feel when you were offered this new gig? Thank you! I was very excited, I love E! and I love their programming on top of hosting so I thought it would be really fun. And it was! I always love a little controversy too.

How do you feel about the women on the show? Have you gotten to know them? I love the women! And yes, I got to know them very well. Some of them I got very attached to but in the end I think the right woman won and I know everyone was happy.

Are they in a good place? Is it simply about "body betterment"? I think they are in a good place, I don't think any of them of have unrealistic expectations. All of the women were there for different reasons, wants, and desires. For example, Cheyenne was bit in the face by a dog, one contestant lost 100 pounds on the Biggest Loser and had excess skin, and some women just wanted the wedding. So each girl's journey was very personal.

Have you had some backlash about the concept of the show? Ha, yes! And I understand, surgery is not for everyone but this show is not about telling women they're not good enough, it's more a way to shine a light on what women are doing all the time before big events and sadly some women can't afford to make the changes they've wanted to make their entire lives. What is right for you is very different for someone else. I know all the women who had procedures walked away very, very happy.

You were one of the pioneers of reality TV with "Meet The Barkers." How has this genre of TV changed since you were first onscreen? Wow! Well besides competitive reality, I find a lot of the docu-style shows are more scripted, where "Meet The Barkers" was not. That was really our crazy love and our crazy lives... Reality TV has had many highs with shows such as "The Biggest Loser", "Survivor", and many lows such as "Whose your Daddy" etc. People are always pushing the limits of reality TV so I don't know how we could really be shocked by anything they put on our TV. I think people need to remember TV is entertainment. There is nothing real about reality TV today.

What do you hope viewers take away from this show? I hope viewers just have fun with it, I hope they see the harsh realities of surgery if they are considering it, but I also hope they see some of the great things we can do with plastic surgery today as well as some really interesting points couples should consider before getting married. I know the ending will put a smile on everyone's face!

The interesting, business-end of the show is screening right now - tune in tonight and every Wednesday for the next few weeks on the Style channel, on Foxtel. The finale show will screen on May 4.

The brides-to-be are: • Netty, 23, who considers herself to be a spoiled brat. • Alexandra, 21, a former contestant on "The Biggest Loser" where she also met her fiancé. • Allyson, 32, who was recently laid off at the same time as her fiancé. • Ashley, 25, who would like to change the fact that she looks like her father. • Cheyenne, 21, a small town Mummy's girl who is struggling with running a household on her own. • Dominique, 24, who resents her parents for spending all their money on her sister's wedding and not saving any for hers. • Jaimie, 23, who wants to re-marry her husband after they rushed their first time to the altar so her mother, who was diagnosed with terminal cancer, could attend. • Jenessa, 27, who gave her fiancé a timeline and ultimatum for the marriage proposal. • Jessica, 30, who's dream is to get her breasts reconstructed before getting into a wedding dress. • Kristen, 21, who is the daughter of a former Miss California, who competed in pageants herself and was crowned Miss Anaheim 2005. • Lisa Marie, 29, who wants every type of plastic surgery possible done before her wedding. • Melissa, 20, who met her husband in the ROTC club and had a quickie wedding before he was called to duty in the Middle East where he has been stationed.

The series is produced by the team behind some of cable TV's biggest franchises, including "The Surreal Life," "My Fair Brady," "Flavor of Love" and "Rock of Love." Executive producers include E!'s Giuliana Rancic.

Bridalplasty screens every Wednesday at 7.30pm on Style, on Foxtel and Austar.

Pru Goward, Lisa Wilkinson, and Jackie O: the debate about that photo

So, I am sitting here gobsmacked, eyes glazed with tears.

I just heard Lisa Wilkinson from the Today show speak about these photos and this article, below (in particular the explosive quotes from politician Pru Goward):

http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/celebrity/row-erupts-over-jackie-os-feeding-furore/story-e6frfmqi-1226032841515

Here is what Lisa said: "It's a comment that has deeply offended many mothers and is all the more surprising coming from a politician who, shortly afte taking office in 2007, was caught speeing in a schoolzone. We invited Ms Goward to appear on the show this morning to explain her comments. She declined because she, quote, had parliament this morning. An excuse we do find odd as Ms Goward is attending the Barnados' Mother of the Year Awards this morning. I know because I am hosting the event.

"Ms Goward, our offer for you to explain your comments stands. As I said last week, the truth is we know nothing of the circumstances behind the Jackie O photo, but we do know those first weeks of being a new mum are fraught. How we work it out is a deeply personal thing, and what none of us need is unpleasant sneering from the sidelines. And as incoming Family Services Minister, in a state with an unprecented number of children being abused and neglected, surely Ms Goward, you have more worthwhile issues to attend to."

Lisa - what can I say? You are the voice of all women. You said what many are thinking.

Yesterday, Pru was quoted saying: "We all were horrified when Michael Jackson dangled his baby out the window and this woman is crossing the road not just holding a baby but feeding a baby and I think it was unnecessarily cavalier," Ms Goward told The Sunday Telegraph.

"There would be no mother, no parent probably, or even a hardened feminist, in the country who would think that was a good way of feeding a baby, particularly a little tiny baby," she said.

Wow, Ms Goward. Bring on the onslaught. How dare you judge like this?

The first months, years even, of a new mother and baby's life together are fraught with trial and error, tears and disappointments, frustrations and sleep deprivation. Add a dollop of unsolicited advice and intense judgment and snide comments and you have a recipe for even more of the daily self-loathing and inadequacies we feel as new mothers.

How many times did I leave the house with my baby twins, desperate to be around people in some kind of social setting, head to my local Woolies supermarket, and cower in embarrassment as one or both of my twins screamed down the shop.

My elderly mother - bless her - really was no help, and so I felt so alone, so helpless, like such a failure.

Yes, I got those looks. The ones that say: "Can't you control your children? What is wrong with you? Sheesh, what's wrong with them?"

The turning point came for me one day when I'd had yet another day out from hell. I had to take my mother to the doctor's surgery. My twins screamed. I had to take my mum to the bank. My twins screamed there too.

I was in tears - actually a total mess - right there in the bank, and from behind an angel appeared: my hairdresser/family friend Alba. She scooped up my inconsolable son so quickly and without prompting; she comforted him instantly, and in that moment, I was just so grateful. She knew. She understood. Me.

The next time I saw my doctor's secretary, again in tears, she simply said: "Mothers understand. Nobody is judging you. Ignore everyone else. And this will all pass." I hugged her right there in the street, and cried some more. I cry as I write this as it takes me right back to the moment.

And I had tears as I heard Lisa Wilkinson's impassioned statement, straight down the barrel of the camera this morning.

The hazy first year of my life twins' life when I had two babies to raise, an elderly mum diagnosed with a life-threatening illness who moved in with us - and for whom I became full-time carer - were a mixture of intense emotions. There were plenty of beautiful times I will treasure forever. And there were some I'd rather forget. And with days and days filled with no help, hired, family or otherwise (I did/do have a heaven-sent/helpful husband and I did have the occasional visit from my Karitane volunteer), I felt incredibly isolated and deeply sad.

Add to that a paparazzi shot and judgement from an entire country, and, well... how do you think anyone would feel, famous or otherwise...?

What are your thoughts? Please share anything you'd like to say.

(Photos: news.com.au / Mode Media)

Breastfeeding protest: do you agree?

Did you hear about the woman who was allegedly forced out of a Lifeline charity store in Asquith, NSW, for breastfeeding?

According to an article on news.com.au, Abby Hogarth was breastfeeding her son in the charity store and was allegedly told breastfeeding was against OH&S and “you can’t do that here”.

So, Abby is going back to the Lifeline store this week - bringing with her hundreds of breastfeeding mums - and plans to sit amongst the second hand clothes to feed her baby boy. She even posted a "Facebook Nurse In" event on the social networking site. Apparently, the Lifeline worker said breastfeeding was against OH&S because “She might touch the secondhand clothing and then her baby might get sick”.

You can read the rest of the article here: http://blogs.news.com.au/naughtycorner/index.php/news/comments/breastfeeding_woman_forced_out_of_lifeline_store

So, what do you think? On Facebook last night, one of my school buddies posted this exact link and added the following comment: "[I think] things are just getting too far. I breastfed both my boys for months and never ever did I do it in public, not even in front of any male relos at home. How hard is it to plan your day around feeding times, going to a shopping centre mother and kids room or going to your car if you have to? I may be prudish, but so be it."

So, I thought about that comment - and it kinda made a lot of sense. Please don't send hate mail about my not backing breastfeeding - I do! I breastfed both my twins - sometimes at the same time (how's that for a visual?) - and loved it. Yes, there was one time I had to do it quickly because one was screaming - I swathed myself in so much muslin, nobody got a peep of the girls (my boobs, I mean). Mind you, it was when the twins were three weeks old and I was at my twin prenatal class reunion, so I knew I was in an understanding environment. If I was at home, with visitors, I simply went to another room. Or again, covered my breasts in a light material.

When you are out, and you have a suddenly hysterical baby, and you know the only thing that will calm them down is your breast, of course you will give them what they want, wherever you are - I know I would. I think it's just a matter of assessing the situation quickly, doing it as discreetly as possible (lactating mums know boobs are not sexual; men still view them as 'fun bags'... crude, but true!), and feeling comfortable that what you are doing is right for you and your child in that moment.

What did you do when faced with a similar situation? Have you ever had a complaint - even a disapproving look - from someone around you?

Further, the news.com.au piece added an updated comment from Lifeline themselves after the incident: "Here’s a comment from Lifeline that I thought deserved to be up here in the blog. Hi Everyone, Chris from Lifeline here, We wanted to update you on our response to this complaint; we believe you all have a right to know. To begin with, as an organisation we have no policy that discourages breastfeeding in any of our stores. We want to be clear about that from the outset. Here is a message from Wendy Carver, the local Centre Manager responsible for the store: “Lifeline Harbour to Hawkesbury has received a formal complaint from the customer who attended our Asquith Shop last week. Lifeline always takes these complaints seriously, especially when they involve a member of the public feeling that they have been treated inappropriately. Lifeline believes all people deserve to be treated with respect and dignity and we are immediately disappointed and upset if anyone accessing our services or shops is not treated well. Lifeline Harbour to Hawkesbury has a Complaints Policy and Procedure, and the complaint that was received last week is currently being investigated.

You can read the rest of the statement here: http://blogs.news.com.au/naughtycorner/index.php/news/comments/breastfeeding_woman_forced_out_of_lifeline_store

Thoughts?

Beyonce's 'Blackface': L'Officiel Paris 90th anniversary edition

Beyonce is the cover star of the 9oth anniversary edition of L'Officiel Paris magazine.

You can watch the behind the scenes video here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BwvZ8OTAsMg

There has been some controversy over her apparent "blackface" makeup in some of the shots inside the mag, though she has defended this, saying it's in line with the “African Queen” theme, and she was paying tribute to Nigerian musician and human rights activist Fela Kuti who will heavily influence her upcoming fourth studio album.

The magazine is standing by the photos, stating:

The fashion magazine is about to celebrate its 90th birthday. To celebrate this anniversary, the festivities start with the March issue, with Beyoncé on the cover. She agreed to pose for an incredible fashion shoot, with the theme of African Queen, paying a tribute to the legendary Fela Kuti. Far from the glamorous Sasha Fierce, the beauty posed for the magazine with amazing fashion designers clothes, but also in a dress created by her mother. [It is] A return to her African roots, as you can see on the picture, on which her face was voluntarily darkened. All the pictures will be available in the collector edition, on sell at the end of this month."

The Atlanta Post has attacked the photoshoot, saying that 'blackface' is not 'art'. Here's an excerpt:

"...With the frequent use of this image on both the catwalk and in fashion editorial, it makes one wonder if this is a form of art or racism?

The tradition of blackface began as theatrical makeup used in minstrel shows that would “blacken” an actor’s face using shoe paint, burnt cork and greasepaint. The practice became synonymous with racism because it used by white actors to entertain white audiences with stereotypical caricatures of blacks. This once beloved art form has played a significant role in cementing globally racist imagery and perceptions about black people.

The current tone of blackface may seem to be less malevolent today; still, the fashion industry has shown their insensitivity because this imagery is still considered in the black community to be just as insidious and hurtful as it was in the past. Blackface is not fashion forward or edgy and in my opinion, it is just flat out offensive. Black folks must have a zero tolerance policy for any manifestation of blackface, period."

What do you think?

Houso's: Offensive. Stereotypical. Brilliant.

This is the most offensive video you will see all year.

http://www.youtube.com/profile?annotation_id=annotation_369455&user=SuperchocTV&feature=iv#p/u/1/yuo_ZuTbqP8

It's what they'll be talking tonight on A Current Affair.

It's what talkback radio station listeners will be calling about.

The words "government-funded" will be bandied about a lot. So will "taxpayers' money" - which will be preceded by "what a waste of..."

I cannot wait to see it.

It's a teaser for a yet to screen SBS TV show called "Houso's" - alluding to people living in housing commission homes.

Let me be clear here.

I get there's a helluva lot of stereotypes - far too many to count.

I also know that I live a mere few blocks away from where many of the scenes from this teaser were filmed - I recognise every single spot.

I live in a pretty peaceful neighbourhood - no hoons, no break-ins, loads of families - but they clearly needed some pretty urban locations to shoot, and our neck of the woods fits the bill.

I also know that the whole thing looks so hysterically funny because it's an exaggeration - that's what comedy is, right?

Taking the piss... embellishing... going a little OTT?

I've always loved what Paul Fenech - the creator of this show - has done. His last TV show, also for SBS, was a parody of the courier industry, called Swift and Shift.

And of course, Fenech and co were behind the so-bad-it-was-good SBS comedy Pizza and spin-off movie Fat Pizza.

I was glued to all of it, because I can relate to it. I see this kind of behaviour, live in this kinda community, every day. Have done since birth. In fact, acceptance - and harmony - of all races goes with the territory when you live where I live. It's the only normal I know. In primary school, when I did a school project on my local area, I discovered it was the most culturally diverse city - in Australia! More nationalities were - and probably still are - represented here more than any other suburb/city in the country. I was so proud of that, to live amongst people of so many different races. That's why I still live in the area.

Having said that, I grew up with loads of "you wog" jibes, and even today I still hear plenty of racially offensive words like "Lebbos", "Nongs", and the rest.

I say bring on the "Houso's" - those with a bit of intelligence and the ability to separate parody from reality will find it compelling, can't-take-their-eyes-off-the-screen viewing.

SBS this afternoon published a press release saying:

“SBS is aware of media interest relating to a program currently in production for SBS called Houso’s.

“Paul Fenech, the star and producer of SBS’s long-running, provocative and irreverent series Pizza, is producing this new comedy series for SBS.

“Houso’s is not a reality series and everyone participating in the series is an actor.

“Audiences have always understood Paul’s work to be highly exaggerated parody.

“The program, as with Pizza, is not receiving direct funding through any State or Federal Government funding agency and is being funded by SBS through revenue raised by commercial activities.”

Nine’s A Current Affair is heavily promoting a story on the show on tonight’s program this way: “Housing commission uncensored… and it’s funded by the government”.

In reply, Fenech issued a statement:

“I’ll be stunned if the stooges at ACA actually think this show is a reality show, It’s hard not to miss some of the actors which appear in the vision on You Tube; Jabba, Angry Anderson, Ian Turpie and myself without thinking something is up. The unofficial clip of Houso’s which ended up on YouTube has had over 22,000 hits and people seem to like what they see. Basically my show is part of the Aussie tradition of doing comedy about true battlers. Housos’s in still in production and SBS have yet to give an on-air date.”

A couple of things. The video hardly "ended up" on YouTube...

And... this is a PR dream for Fenech and Houso's.

Bring it, stooges.

(Photos courtesy: http://www.facebook.com/housostv)

This "fattie" couple "grossed out" a US journo. Her words. Read why here.

I love a bit of controversy. Who doesn't? I especially love when the not-thought-through comments of some cause a whole lot of uproar. And healthy discussion. When the source is... a TV show? Well, that's my fave kinda 'scandal.'

This Wednesday February 9, the Nine Network will be screening the much-discussed US show Mike & Molly.

During the show's promos, I for one was delighted to see characters who did not, for once, resemble someone straight out of the Friends-mould. You know, looking very much like they needed a sandwich.

Good, I thought. Actors representing the body shape of a great deal of the Australian population. Then I heard about the 'furore' a US Marie Claire magazine blogger created when the show started screening in the US late last year.

Here's some of what the writer Maura Kelly had to say on her blog, posted on October 25, 2010.

"So anyway, yes, I think I’d be grossed out if I had to watch two characters with rolls and rolls of fat kissing each other…

"...Because I’d be grossed out if I had to watch them doing anything. To be brutally honest, even in real life, I find it aesthetically displeasing to watch a very, very fat person simply walk across a room."

Are you kidding me? How rude is that?

She also called them "fatties", then proceeded to suggest that obesity wasn’t that hard to conquer, even adding she had some dieting tips she’d like to pass on to the masses, like she had to her "plump" friends.

Wow. Bold. Brave. Pretty arrogant.

As you can imagine, the masses united and gave Maura the finger.

Body image and eating disorder experts became concerned that Maura's words would trigger anxiety and self-loathing. And some "fat-acceptance activists" were planning “The Big Fat Kiss-In” in front of the Marie Claire offices.

Maura immediately attached an apology to her post, saying she never meant to offend or bully anyone and admitted that her own struggles with anorexia and body image may have made her project onto other people. (Her editor, Joanna Coles - who appeared in the show Running In Heels - was much less apologetic, saying only that Maura was a "provocative" blogger who was "moved" by the responses.). Who knows if anyone bought either apology.

Said Johanna Kandel (as reported in the American 'The Palm Beach Post'), executive director of the West Palm Beach-based Alliance For Eating Disorder Awareness and a recovered anorexic herself. “Where was the filter, editorially? I’ve lost too many people to eating disorders, too many people whose lives are completely destroyed. We need to watch these negative words, to step back and say, ‘How are people going to feel?’"

The article continues:

“This is a miniature of all of our culture’s attitudes toward fat people right now,” says San Francisco-based fat-pride activist Marilyn Wann, whose movement rejects the diet culture. The media is telling you “fatties don’t count,” she says. “They don’t get to be the hero. They don’t have to have sex. So maybe they’ll be grateful as the object of a joke.”

And then still:

"This show is not about people who represent the norm. This is about people who are obese," says Miami-based behavioural expert Patrick Wanis. "And that is not healthy. We are watching two people who are quite sick because their health is in danger. It would be better if one of the things they said was ‘We are in love with each other, but let’s both work on being physically healthy.’"

For blogger Julie Stein - who sent Maura Kelly a copy of her open letter - she was more than surprised when the writer personally responded:

"You’re right, Julie. Encouraging someone to lose weight is one thing, and insulting people is another. I feel really sad that I’ve hurt so many people, including you. I really do apologize."

To see what the fuss is about, tune into Mike & Molly this Wednesday. Over 12 million viewers in the USA have.

Coming from the creator of Two and a Half Men and The Big Bang Theory, this new comedy
centres on two working-class people in Chicago who find love at an Overeaters Anonymous meeting.

Officer Mike Biggs (Billy Gardell, My Name Is Earl) is a good-hearted cop who sincerely wants to lose weight. At an OA meeting Mike finds Molly Flynn (Melissa McCarthy, Gilmore Girls), a likeable teacher with a good sense of humour about her shape.

After Mike and Molly find each other in the most unexpected of places, they’re finding out where their quest for companionship will take them. I'll be tuning in for sure.

Mike & Molly premieres Wednesday, February 9, at 8pm on Channel Nine.

Irina Shayk GQ Magazine Spain, December 2010: nude airbrushed pics [apparently]

So, I had no idea who Irina Shayk was.... until now.

The girlfriend of football player Cristiano Ronaldo is a Russian model and covegirl for the latest issue of GQ Spain.

According to the Daily Mail UK, Irina is considering taking legal action against Spanish GQ after nude pictures of her were published in the magazine's December issue.

Shayk says she was actually wearing underwear during the shoot, and GQ reportedly airbrushed them away, without her permission. [Hmmm, I am calling bullshit on this one].

The magazine also allegedly violated a contract that gave her the right to view the images before they went to print.

So, admire these amazingly sexy pics while you can... no doubt the magazine will sell out.