Strollerderby : celebrity babies

Suri Starts Her Scientology Training

SunnyChanel — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 19:30:00 GMT

So you want to raise yourself a scientologist? How do you go about instilling the values, rules and regulations into your school aged offspring? By sending them to the New Village Leadership Academy. This brand new school is a Church of Scientology education center that was launched just last year by superstar Will Smith and his wife Jada (even though there is much speculation, the couple haven’t come out publically as scientologists). This school will have a famous new student this week, Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes’s young daughter Suri.

The New Village Academy is located in Los Angeles and educates the pre-k to 6th Grade set. This private school has just 60 students, but they hope to get up to 80 soon. The staff are all reportedly trained Scientologists and the curriculum features “study technology” (the methodology for learning developed by L. Ron Hubbard) as a focus. They also are quite strict about nutrition with a low-carb, low-sodium, low-sugar and organic diet.

The school boasts a tailored and individualized program, which is made possible with such a small enrollment of students. Along with the academic basics the students are also schooled in “Living Skills, Spanish, Dance/Performing Arts, Science, Physical Education, Karate, Yoga, Communications, Social Studies, Leadership Development, Music, Robotics, Technology, Etiquette, and Art.” They also have a longer school day, ending at 4pm, so that there is less home work and hopefully more family time, that is when mommy and daddy aren’t off filming a movie. Although there is no is reference to scientology on the school’s website, reports say they adhere to strict Scientology principles.

Suri will be attending this school this week, right after her third birthday and will be attending classes five days a week.

Many have a gut reaction when hearing the term scientology but do you think this is any different than sending your kid to an established religious educational center such as a Catholic school?

Photo: Just Jared
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Pete Wentz: "I've Tasted Ashley's Breast Milk."

Cole Gamble — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 20:30:00 GMT

To take heat off his decision to name a child Bronx Mowgli, Pete Wentz recently announced he’s tasted Ashley Simpson’s breast milk.

So what did Pete think?

Unfortunately, Pete thinks Ash’s BM (not bowel movement, people) tastes “weird” and “sour.” Thanks, Pete.

You know what; we’ve probably all done this. Usually accidentally, I need not go into details, but you get it. We all know the taste of breast milk. The difference is most of us aren’t a principal player in a popular emo band and therefore have a forum of millions to share this breast milk tasting news.

At least it was Ashley’s milk he was sampling and not someone else’s. Is this gross? The tasting and/or the proclamation of said tasting. How many mothers have appraised their own juice?

More by this author:

Should You Take A Risk on Orgasmic Birth? (Orgasmic Birth Video included)

4 Ways Birth and Breastfeeding Will Ruin Sex

Angelina and Brad are Christmas Crafters!

SunnyChanel — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 23:00:00 GMT

Are you wondering what Angelina, Brad or their brood will be getting for Christmas? Well get out the yarn, the popsicle sticks and the glittered pipe cleaners because, according to Hello! Magazine, the Jolie-Pitt family prefers a thoughtfully handmade gift as opposed to a extravagant present.

Pitt told the magazine, "We do exchange gifts, although we don't feel any pressure to make them big or expensive gifts… the kids don't ask for big gifts for the reason that they don't see a lot of the American cartoon television, which is packed with all those manipulative commercials for big toys that look so fantastic.”

With their gift giving, they try too not overdo it and spend a lot of money on the family presents. “The rule is that everyone's got to make something for someone else, you got to put time into it," Pitt said.

I’d love a gift made by Angelina or Brad…hello eBay! It is sweet that they are on a quest to satisfy the family thirst for presents with items of the home made variety. I know that the kids in my life, who do happen to watch ‘American cartoon television’, would be none too pleased with such gifts. I wish they would. But really, who am I kidding, I don’t even have the time to do the laundry let alone craft something meaningful and majestic enough to pass as a decent Xmas present.

Do you give your kids handmade gifts? And do they like them?

Source

Photo: W Magazine

Minnie Driver Reveals Baby on MySpace

Jen Chaney — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 13:04:00 GMT

As reported yesterday in FameCrawler, Minnie Driver has revealed the first picture of her month-old son, Henry Story Driver. But she didn't do it by selling pictures to Vanity Fair or People magazine. Driver posted the picture on her MySpace page. That's right: "The Riches" star rolls Internet-style.

I have to say, I kind of respect this approach to the celebrity baby photo. She didn't make a fuss or start a bidding war. She just posted the photo and if people saw it, fine. If they didn't, no big deal.

To be fair, there isn't the same amount of pressure and attention on her as there is on Brangelina or TomKat. And I certainly respect famous folks who take that attention, as Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have done, and turn it into a force for good by giving the money they receive for their pictures to charity.

I know that the public clamors to see those baby pictures and that no movie or rock star wants to be perceived as letting down his or her fans. More importantly, I realize that releasing a photo of a new addition is the best way to control the media's appetite and avoid being hounded by paparazzi every time Mom or Dad takes the little one for a stroll.

Still, sometimes I wish stars could protect those babies by keeping their faces out of the spotlight just a little longer. Children don't sign up to have an Oscar-winning mom or rock-star dad. Their privacy should be protected, and it's a shame that in today's TMZ-ified climate, it's next to impossible for most celebrities to do that.

Given that climate, I think Minnie Driver has handled the situation with an appropriately low profile and some class. So congrats to her. And incidentally, wow, what a beautiful little boy.

J-Lo's Twins: Toby and Tutu?

Rachael Brownell (Redsy) — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 23:58:00 GMT

Everyone knows Jennifer Lopez is a diva mama of the highest magnitude.

From a posh baby registry to a reputed $1.4 million birth, this woman thinks money can buy anything.

So it's oddly fascinating to learn what she has reportedly named her twins...

Maximiano and Emelina...

Beautiful but pretty inexpensive sounding names. Couldn't they have come up with something flashier, like Coolio and Milli or Pish and Posh?

Will they go by Max & Eme? And how many nannies for each?

(Grey's) Anatomy of a Baby Naming Trend

Madeline Holler — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 23:04:00 GMT

What kind of embarrassing is it when you realize that you named your kid after a TV character? Because nobody does that on purpose, right? It’s TV. It’s fleeting. It’s getting canceled next season. Nobody actually says, “We’re naming her Olivia. We’re big fans of Law & Order SVU!”

So all you parents of an Addison under the age of 2, tell me: where’d you come up with that name? ABC Thursdays, 9 p.m./8 central? That’s what I thought, you Grey’s Anatomy automatons! Well, prepare yourselves for cast reunions at your weekly playgroups, because your Addison is going to be fighting over crayons with a lot of Baileys, Izzys (Izzies?), Callies and Jacksons.

The fastest rising baby names in 2007 have some kind of connection to Grey’s Anatomy and its stars, according to Baby Center. Let’s start with Addison, the name of a hot OB/Gyn who was spun off onto her own series Private Practice. She jumped 20 spots in the name rankings to land in the Top 10 names.

And Isobel, the character played by Katherine Heigl, moves an average of six spots a year since the show’s launch in 2005.

Bailey, the name of the no-nonsense doctor with a heart of gold, was the fastest rising, jumping 39 spots.

Callie, new to the Top 100 list, is, don’t you know, the name of Dr. Torres on the show.

Over in the land of boys, Jackson jumped 10 spots and is now in the Top 10. Who’s Jackson on the show? Well, this is where Baby Center’s arguments for the show’s influence gets tenuous.

They say: Actor Justin Chambers (who plays Dr. Alex Karev) has a daughter named Isabella and a son named Jackson.

You know, I’ve been in the baby name business for at least seven years now and let me tell you, I’ve met enough pre-2005 Jackson’s to fully staff a city hospital starting in the year 2020.

While I’m at it, there has always been at least one Isobel in every park too – though rather than Izzie, the pre-2005 nom de play of choice was always Bella.

So maybe Grey’s Anatomy isn’t as influential on names as the website argues. Maybe … maybe! … writers for Grey’s Anatomy’s pilot went to a kid's birthday party in 2002 and named the characters after the guests who brought the best presents.

Now, tell me. Why did you name your baby Isobel?

2007's Top Ten Influential Babies

Karen Murphy — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 20:09:00 GMT

What, you never thought of babies as influential before? Name someone else who can keep you up all night and you hardly mind, wipe various bodily fluids on you and it doesn't cause you to blink or even, after a few months, change your shirt.

See? Babies ARE influential. And celebrity babies, well, they influence the rest of us. We look at what they wear, what pricey gear they're strapped into, and as a result sometimes our chpices are influenced. Ooh! Use the same stroller Shiloh has! Did Apple (I know, I know, old news) ride in a Baby Bjorn or a sling? See what I mean? So you'll likely be able to guess at least five out of this year's Top Ten:

Forbes Magazine, who evidently likes lists of this sort, based this list upon web presence and press clippings over the past year. So I know that the names are familiar.

The complete list of Hollywood's Most Influential Babies:
1) Shiloh Jolie-Pitt
2) Suri Cruise
3) Zahara Jolie-Pitt
4) Sean Preston Spears
5) Pax Jolie-Pitt
6) Sam Alexis Woods
7) Tie: Dannielynn Hope Marshall Birkhead and David Banda
9) Tie: Cruz Beckham and Romeo Beckham

P.S. I think the Beckhams suffered from an unjust lack of press. And who is Sam Woods? I'm so out of touch...

Photo: filmski.net

How Many Godknows, Jupiters, and Hatreds Are in Your Kid’s Class?

Madeline Holler — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 21:07:00 GMT

In this space, we’ve dealt with the Swedish baby named Metallica, as well as arguments in favor of forming an Office of Nameland Security to bring some order to the unchecked freedom parents have in choosing names and how to spell them.

I think we’ve all just agreed to disagree and keep writing whatever we please on birth certificates: Apple, Pilot Inspektor, Suri, Pax. Anything less isn't even an option.

Now comes this story on names that makes Metallica seem like the next most reasonable thing to calling your son Jack.

How many Godknows, Lovemores, and Honours go to your kid’s preschool?

These names, bestowed on kids in Zimbabwe, are the result of the tradition of choosing a name based on meaning, not current trends (or an obligation to trend-setting). In the past, names given were in the region's various local languages. But with English taking over, the name selections have shifted too.

So it is not terribly shocking to meet an Enough or Oblivious, a Hatred or Jupiter, a Givethanks or Norest. There are stories behind the names, some quite easy to imagine, others not so much (Hatred? That's a little harsh.).

My kids’ names mean “Bringer of Joy” and “A Free Woman” according to this site. And while I was pleased to find this out, actual meaning wasn’t the starting point for my husband and I when deciding on names. Just a bonus. My own first name (which happens to also be the name of a mind-bogglingly large number of today's third-graders) means "Tower of Strength." Doesn't really roll off the tongue.

But the parents of Zimbabwe have certainly raised the bar for the Hollywood name-giving risk-takers. Naming a child Abide, Praise, or Raised-on kind of makes Apple, Kal-el, Neveah and Moxie Crimefighter seem downright bland.

50 Craziest Baby Names, and a Few More Thrown in For Good Measure

Alisyn — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 13:34:00 GMT

Is it just me, or does anyone else find the current trend of giving babies outrageous names totally awesome? I never get tired of the subject of baby names anyway, but with the floodgates opening on food names (Apple, Honey), made-up names (Jermagesty), technology-inspired names (Rocket, Audio, Pilot), and place names (London, Paris, Brooklyn) there are almost too many choose from. What is it about having a baby, the oldest tradition in the world, that makes people go nuts trying to find a way to set themselves apart from everyone else? I just love that we've gone from having about 100 acceptable boy names to choose from, to naming our young men Kal-El. It's nuts!

The British Times Online recently compiled their own "50 Craziest Baby Names" list, and while they left out a few notables (Zowie Bowie, Peaches Honeyblossom, Little Pixie and Denim come to mind), they hit the nail right on the head with others (Princess Tiaamii leaves me utterly speechless). With kids walking around with names like Poet and Ocean, though, it seems kind of silly to have kids named Willow and Liberty on the "Crazy" list. Those sound down right vanilla these days.

Water-Breaking News: Julia Roberts Gives Birth

Kelly Mills — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 19:45:00 GMT

Julia Roberts, owner of the world's broadest grin and creator of a bajillion somewhat-trashy-yet-spunky film heroines, gave birth this morning to a baby boy. The baby came in at 8 1/2 pounds and was born at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. This is the third child for Julia and her husband Danny Moder, who also have two-year-old twins Hazel and Phinnaeus.

So what odd, old-fashioned, or otherwise celebrity-friendly name did the couple bestow upon the newest addition? Henry Daniel Moder. Which I guess will be an unusual name in Hollywood. So cuuuute. (I ain't throwing stones here- my kid has an old lady/plant name.)

With toddler twins and a newborn, we wish Julia all the best and will gladly volunteer to hold off the paparazzi for her while she has her daily "I'm so overwhelmed" crying session. Congratulations to the whole Roberts-Moders clan!

Dannielyn Has a Crazy Daddy

Kelly Mills — Sun, 10 Jun 2007 14:32:00 GMT

Talk about being born into the circus: the latest in the neverending saga of Dannielynn is that Larry Birkhead, the sperm contributor in her conception, has been called out for being "obsessive" by the lawyer who worked on his paternity suit pro bono. Debra Opri, Birkhead's former attorney, is still trying to collect legal fees for representing him in his quest to bring home the baby. She also responds to Birkhead's malpractice suit against her and "slanderous" statements to the media by claiming through her lawyers that "Birkhead was a very demanding and high maintenance client" who chastised her for not telling him when she went on a short weekend trip to Mexico.

If Birkhead walked into my office, you know what my first thought would be? "This mo fo is gonna be very demanding and high maintenance." You can just tell. I mean, for god's sake, look at his hair. But it's funny, when I think of pro bono cases, I have this romantic notion of defending poor people wrongfully convicted and on death row, not greedy jerks eager to bring home a baby as a cash cow. So while I wouldn't mind seeing the creep part with some of his cash, I'm not exactly weeping with sympathy for Opri either. Seems like a case of the jackals trying to eat the vultures. As for Dannielynn, she may be one of a very few people who could write quite a tell-all memoir at six months old. Poor kid.

Matt Damon and Kids "Roll Like J-Lo"

Rachael Brownell (Redsy) — Tue, 29 May 2007 15:02:00 GMT

Matt Damon admits to "rolling like J-Lo" when traveling with his relatively new family with wife Luciana, step-daughter Alexia, and 11 month old cutie pie Isabella, tutors, assistants, and assistants' offspring.

Phew!! At least Damon seems to have a sense of humor about the whole thing. And could that little girl be any cuter? I think not!!

Metallica Dude and Gladiator Chick Have a Baby

Kelly Mills — Mon, 28 May 2007 13:08:00 GMT

Soooo, what kind of breaking news is so urgent it can't possibly wait until the end of a long holiday weekend? That's right: Lars Ulrich and Connie Nielsen had a baby. Uh, last Monday. As you know, Lars is the drummer for Metallica, and Connie has been in films like Gladiator and Brothers, and shows like Law & Order: SVU. And here's a fun internet fact: both are Danish-born. The things you can learn with a simple Google search!

They decided to name the baby boy Napster. Or Bryce Thadeus Ulrich-Nielsen. One or the other, because I hear "Metallica" as a kid's name was just too popular. (Who wants to be known as "Metallica N." in class?) The littlest addition joins a family of boys: Nielsen's son, Sebastian, from a previous relationship, and Ulrich's two sons, Myles and Layne, from his marriage to Skylar Satenstein.

Now back in the early '90s I had this speedfreak roommate who loved Metallica, and she played their self-titled album non-stop in her room at high volume twenty-four hours a day. I know all the lyrics to all the songs, and not on purpose. I understand that's not your fault, Lars, but if this little one isn't a such a good sleeper, I'm going to have to work hard to lather up some sympathy. Enter sandman, heh heh...

Napoleon Dynamite Dude Gives Birth!

Mike Adamick (Cry It Out!) — Wed, 23 May 2007 13:55:00 GMT

Napoleon Dynamite gave birth! OK, OK, fine, the actor who played Napoleon Dynamite gave birth. Well, his wife did anyway. But it's not like she starred in only the, like, most killer movie ever.

Though the date of Evan Jane Heder's birth was not revealed, the parents reported the kid is doing just fine and is already enrolled in a sweet cage fighting program -- when she's not busy chatting with chicks on the Internet. All day.

So kudos to Jon Heder and wife, Kirsten, who will find out soon that, like chickens, babies have large talons.

Duggar Family Prepares to Welcome 17th Child

Patti — Fri, 11 May 2007 12:01:00 GMT

Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar have essentially made a career out of having kids (if you have somehow missed their Discovery Channel shows, try and catch one). Having said in the past that they'll continue having children as long as God continues to bless them with the ability to do so, they're now on the verge of adding their seventeenth child, a daughter who will be named Jennifer Danielle. That's right, seventeen kids, all with J-names, and they're JUST NOW getting around to "Jennifer". That may be the most amazing thing about this story, because the rest of it is pretty much just a family doing what's best for them.

The Duggars have been ridiculed up one side of the Internet and down the other, but I can't get it up to join the fun. Their hair is no more bizarre than mine was in 1987. They built their house with their own hands and they have no debt. I'm a little surprised they all seem so healthy considering their idea of dinner, but I'm hardly morally opposed to tater tots and cream-of-soup, ask anyone. And honestly, if I had enjoyed pregnancy even one iota, I would seriously consider having more kids myself. Maybe not 17, but I started later than Michelle Duggar. I've heard much made of the childhood-stealing practice of setting each older Duggar child up to supervise a younger sibling or two, but I spent a great deal of my childhood being fully responsible for my younger sibling and I still had a good time. I don't share their religious beliefs, but that's okay with me. I just can't really hate on them too much. Plus, they had the brilliant idea of storing all their clothes in a family closet adjoining the laundry room, and that has become the guiding principle of my life as I embark on remodeling a house.

If there's anything at all I feel judgmental about with regard to the Duggars' lifestyle, it's my suspicion that the girls in the family are going to get the short end of the stick when it comes to choosing their path in life. I doubt the Duggar girls are being raised to follow in Daddy's footsteps and run for office. But, you know, I could be wrong about that. 35 years from now, Jennifer Duggar just might be President (if so, am I bad for hoping her politics are a little more moderate than her parents'?)

(Oh, and I also find the picture at right hilarious, even though it's seriously outdated. I like to use it every chance I get.)

(via Celebrity Baby Blog)

Happy Birthday Little Alien: Suri Cruise Turns One

Sarah, Goon Squad Sarah — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 13:41:00 GMT

Has it really been an entire year since we had to hear about Katie Homes giving birth without drugs? Has it been nearly a year since there were rampant rumors that the baby on the magazine cover with Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes was a fake? (Well, not a fake baby, but not really the offspring of Tom and Katie.) It seems like it was just yesterday.

Celebrities' babies grow up so fast. *sniffle*

Looking at this picture [via People.com] from Suri's first birthday (but apparently someone else's birthday party) I think it is safe to say that she shares at least some genetic material with Tom Cruise. (That poor kid is going to be 4' 8" tops.)

I'd like to take a moment to mention that in the People article they say Suri did have her own small birthday party that took place on April 18th at the Cruise compound. The Cruise compound? Creepy.

Anyway,happy birthday, Suri. You are actually quite adorable, and it isn't you fault you parents are freak shows.

Scary Spice Melanie Brown Names Her Baby After Eddie Murphy

Stefania Pomponi Butler (CityMama) — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 19:04:00 GMT

Suck it, Eddie Murphy! Even if you say you aren't the father of Mel B./Melanie Brown/Scary Spice's baby, she feels confident enough that you are to name her daughter after your sorry ass. The latest addition to the Scary Spice clan is Angel Iris Murphy Brown. (Murphy Brown, heh.) You know it!

Brown has claimed all along that Murphy is the father of her baby, and Murphy has claimed all along that he isn't and wants a paternity test. We all know that the implication is that Brown slept with other dudes and therefore can't possibly know who her babydaddy is. But if girlfriend is confident enough to give her newborn Eddie's name (and put his name on the birth certificate), I think that speaks volumes.

Eddie Murphy: shut your big ole mouth and take the paternity test. Then sack up and start being a father to the baby you know is yours.

Shiloh Jolie-Pitt's Very First Legal Battle

Stefania Pomponi Butler (CityMama) — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 22:06:00 GMT

It's bound to happen sooner or later: a celebri-baby's very first lawsuit. Awww. I wonder if Red Envelope sells an engraveable gift for this special occassion. What's all the fuss about? Seems Mama Angelina Jolie isn't too pleased that a French perfumer wants to release a scent called "Shiloh."

The mother-daughter pair have filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to block Hors Lá Monde Corp., a jewelry-design and fragrance company owned by Symine Salimpour, from naming its latest perfume Shiloh. Hors Lá Monde applied for the trademark last June.

I'm sorry, but what the eff? Since when are names patentable? And I ask this question knowing absolutely nothing about patent law. I mean, shoot. I would be thrilled if someone created a perfume called "Stefania" as long as it didn't contain musk and spice notes with patchouli-vanilla undertones. What does Shiloh smell like? Humiliation and adultery?

The perfume designer claims that the fragrance has been in the works for two years and that the name (as hard as it must be for Brad and Ange to believe) is completely unrelated to the Jolie-Pitt "love child." The designer, who is Israeli, claims the name Shiloh (Hebrew for "his gift") has special significance for her.

Hey all you Charlie's, Anais's, and Enjoli's out there (you know there is one): follow this case closely. You could have some money coming your way.

Mom-ebrities: Celebrities Famous for Being Moms

Stefania Pomponi Butler (CityMama) — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 18:31:00 GMT

Who are these tiyerd "celebrities" cluttering up the pages of tabloids and online sites just because they have kids they cart all over West L.A.? Yeah, I'm talking about you, Sabrina, the Teenage Witch. I don't know what you've done lately, but every time I sit down to check my gossip feeds you and your kid are front and center. Why? Move over, Melissa Joan. Maybe I don't want to see your perky mug when I'm trying to find out who Lily Allen puked on last night.

I'm also talking to you, Denise Richards. I've seen you and the kids at the zoo, the park, out shopping. Can't you stay home for five minutes so the paparazzi can move on to someone else more ~~interesting~~ effed up? Like Courtney Love?

And Brooke Shields? You know what I'm about to say. Going for a walk? Having tea? Cut it out.

At this point y'all are famous just for being mom-ebrities. Call your agents! I know there's a Danielle Steel screenplay somewhere that needs filming. Get back to work! Take your kids with you, but get back to work! Give us a break and stay out of Santa Monica for a week. Trust me, Fred Segal ain't going anywhere.

Salma Hayek Sounds Off on Motherhood, the Bible, and the Pressure to be Perfect That All Women Face

Alisyn — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 23:11:00 GMT

Newly engaged and pregnant with her first child at age 40, outspoken actress Salma Hayek sounded off to Marie Claire Magazine about the mounting pressures women today face, and how the Bible is partially responsible for it.

"Motherhood is for me, [but] it's not for everyone... " she said. "Society thinks if you don't have children, you've failed as a woman, even if you are CEO of a company. You've got to be beautiful, smart, skinny, tall, rich, successful at your job, married to the right guy – and have genius children. And by the way, you also have to be a nun!"

Let's see... we have to have kids, raise them, keep your day job, stay skinny, make a lot of money, have a happy marriage, all while living by a strict moral code... just to be considered "good enough" as a woman?

Yep, that sounds about right.

There are many theories about where the pressure to be perfect comes from - magazines, TV, our peers, ourselves, all of the above - and Salma added one more to the pile, when she spoke of her belief that the Bible, and its perception as the literal word of god, is at the heart of society's oppression of women. "I don't like the way the Bible views women - this thing about the Virgin Mary conceiving a child without having sex - so if you conceive a child by having sex, there's a subliminal message that there's something dirty about it... [But] the possibility of creating another life should remind women that we are creators, that we are made like God in our ability. And this is what makes us divine!"

Some strong words, and I think she has a point. Christian dogma dictates that we, as women, must protect our virginity, because our value is lessened without it, which is simply ridiculous. It implies that women are second-class citizens with few critical thinking skills and even fewer rights, and that we're all either whores or saints. Mostly whores. From biblical times, through the ages and into the present, women have been expected to conceive children (but not enjoy it), raise those children (and love every second of it!)... and that's about it. We are judged unfavorably (to say the least) for choosing something different. And that kind of judgment has trickled down through the ages, keeping women down, and making us feel bad about ourselves, even when we are successful on many different levels.

So is the Bible at the heart of female oppression? I personally am inclined to blame Christianity, especially in its fundamentalist form, for most of society's ills - but I'm a heathen like that. What do you think?

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt Piss Off Warner Bros. Parents by Hogging the Daycare Facilities

Alisyn — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 13:06:00 GMT

Apparently not everyone is as smitten with the world's most famous blended family as I am. It seems that some of the employees at Warner Brothers Studio (where Brad Pitt is under contract) are a little ticked off that the Jolie-Pitt family is using—and some say abusing—the subsidized daycare center on the Warner Bros. lot in L.A.

A source at the daycare center noted that the Jolie-Pitt kids snagged four of the coveted full-time slots, for which non-famous families are put on a long waiting list, though they are only there for a few hours a day—and that's only when they are in town. Also annoying parents is the fact when Brad or Ange arrive to drop off or pick up, no one else is allowed in the room, and cell phones are banned.

On the one hand, I can see how this would piss people off: the J-Ps are obviously getting special treatment at a facility that is designed to help working families. But on the other hand, this is probably one of the only safe places they can take their kids to socialize. As the dependents of an employee, Mad, Pax, Z, & Shi have as much right to be there as anyone else.

What do you think? Are the J-Ps are being bullies, or just trying to juggle work and kids like everyone else?

"A Day in the Life of Posh" - Heartbreaking Video Footage of Victoria & Sons at Disneyland

Alisyn — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 15:33:00 GMT

Ever wondered what it's like to be a celebrity parent? Of course you have. But it ain't all $800 diaper bags and free designer baby gear.

If you really want to enter into the realm of the uberfamous, check out this video footage of Victoria "Posh" Beckham and her two older sons Brooklyn, 7, and Romeo, 4, at Disneyland recently. The wall of photographers yelling, shoving and popping flashbulbs in their faces doesn't seem to phase them too much - until Romeo (who has epilepsy, which can be triggered by flash photography) is almost hit on the head by a camera, at which point Victoria unloads on the press.

Honestly, after seeing this, my heart just broke for her as a mother, and for those boys, who will never know what it is like to live anonymously.

[Via TMZ]

Melanie "Scary Spice" Brown Welcomes Baby Girl

Alisyn — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 18:03:00 GMT

Melanie Brown gave birth to a healthy baby girl early today in L.A. It is the second child for the former Spice Girl, who has an 8 year-old daughter, Phoenix Chi, from her marriage to British dancer Jimmy Gulzar.

Controversy and rumors have surrounded Mel's pregnancy since she and former boyfriend Eddie Murphy - who she claims is her newborn's father - broke up earlier this spring. Or rather, since he unceremoniously dumped her, in the middle of her pregnancy, live on Dutch television. While Eddie claims no one knows for sure who the father is, Mel claims that it can only be Eddie. Only a paternity test, which is in the works, can tell for sure. (Is it an ironic twist, or a strange coincidence that Baby Brown was born today - which happens to be Eddie Murphy's birthday??)

Baby Brown has yet to be named - stay tuned for updates! Congratulations to Mama and Baby.

Mia Hamm, Nomar Garciaparra Welcome Twins

Stefania Pomponi Butler (CityMama) — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 21:01:00 GMT

Sports superstars Mia Hamm and Nomar Garciaparra welcomed healthy twin girls in Los Angeles today. Mia Hamm played on the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team for 18 years bringing home two World Cups and two Olympic Medals.

Nomar Garciaparra is the Dodger's first baseman. He previously played for the Chicago Cubs and the Boston Red Seox. Thanks to Saturday Night Live, I will forever hear his name in my head as "Nomaaaahhhhh!"

Congrats, athletes! Hooray girlies!

[photo credit: Phillips/WireImage]

Sandra Bernhard Blames Britney's Parents, Disney for Singer's Troubles

Stefania Pomponi Butler (CityMama) — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 11:03:00 GMT

Comedienne Sandra Bernhard tells it like it is and often has celebrities and celebrity culture in her sights. This time, she's speaking out about Britney Spears saying Brit-Brit's parents are to blame for her troubles. Bernhard claims that her parents pushed her into the spotlight and forced her to be famous, then hung her out to dry. Britney's increasingly erratic behavior in recent years is completely the fault of her parents, says Bernhard. Can I get an "Amen?!"

It's about time someone called out her parents, especially her mother, Lynne Spears, who lives in a giant house in Kentwood, Louisiana built with Britney dollars. She should have been there years ago the moment her daughter started acting all crazy-like. Mother of the Year? Not. Bernhard puts a pretty fine point on it saying:

Having an eight-year-old kid myself, and knowing the vulnerability of a child, and being thrown into that disgusting, slimy world of Disney. I mean, I can't imagine a more horrible thing to do to a child.

However, if actor Shia LeBeouf has anything to say about it, working for Disney isn't all that bad. In fact, he credits working for Disney show "Even Stevens" with saving his life. So yeah, it's back on Britney's a-hole parents. Shame on their selfish @sses.