Saturday, March 26, 2011

THE BAREFOOT CONTESSA (INA GARTEN) DENIES A VERY SICK LITTLE BOY HIS WISH...[UPDATE: BOYCOTT !]

The Barefoot Contessa (Ina Garten) and Enzo (6 years old).  
Enzo is suffering from Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia


Words cannot describe the disgust I feel for Ina Garten (aka The Barefoot Contessa). Her heartless denial (not once but twice) of Enzo's wish through the Make-A-Wish Foundation for Ina to spend an hour with him is simply mind-boggling. How could this woman not take an hour out of her so-called busy schedule to grant this very sick little boy his wish?

For more on the story, click here:



and here:


Please take a moment to read about Enzo on his mom's blog, Angels for Enzo:

New Facebook pages have suddenly sprouted. Check out the comments.






Fortunately, celebrity chefs  Beau MacMillan and Michael Symon have stepped up to the plate:


I truly hope everyone who reads this not only boycotts her show on the Food Network but also her books. This heartless woman needs a wake-up call.

Karma's a bitch, Ina.

~~~~~

Click below to sign the

Boycott Ina Garten From the @FoodNetwork

Petition:



Photo:
TMZ: http://www.tmz.com/2011/03/24/ina-garten-barefoot-contessa-make-wish-child-cancer-leukemia-cooking-chef/

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Wednesday, March 16, 2011

LEANN RIMES TWEETS SHE'S "COMPLETELY HEALTHY"...

 
Flynet/KM Press

      (Click picture to enlarge)

LeAnn Rimes' startling and rapid weight loss is causing alarm among her friends and fans.  Reacting to their concern, LeAnn tweeted...




I'm concerned.  She's lost so much weight in such a short time.  Something's not right.

Thanks, Amanda, for the heads-up.






Link to photo:
http://www.radaronline.com/exclusives/2011/03/leann-rimes-steps-out-looking-super-skinny?page=1

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Monday, March 14, 2011

JESSICA'S STORY: "I HAVE SUFFERED FROM A PHYSICAL DISABILITY...ALL MY LIFE I DEALT WITH BULLYING. FROM A YOUNG AGE I KNEW I WAS WORTHLESS..."


“Hey Medusa

I understand you probably get thousands of emails with people’s stories in them, and that the vast majority of them will be worse and more moving than mine, but I guess the reason I’m sending this is because I need to get it all out. I’ve told a few people before but always stopped short of spilling all my guts because I was so afraid of losing people.

My name is Jessica, and ever since I was born (12 weeks premature) I have suffered from a physical disability called Cerebral Palsy Spastic Diplegia. My condition is mild and, though my gait is distorted, I am still able to walk. All my life I dealt with bullying, starting in kindergarten I was beaten up, harassed and taunted by my peers. I felt so ashamed I couldn’t tell anyone. In my mind it was my fault I was being bullied, and I was just too weak to figure out a way to stop it. From a young age I knew I was worthless, and I hated myself.

It wasn’t just the actual bullying that got to me. It was the fact people judged me as soon as they looked at me. So at age 8 I thought I needed to take attention away from the fact that I was ugly, that I couldn’t take 5 steps without losing my balance. There was an inner urge, something pushing me. I just –had- to find a way. So I slowly cut down what I ate, I would leave bowls around the house and set them up so it looked like I had eaten. My mother would be proud of me, I thought, I’m making myself beautiful. I’ve never really felt loved by my mother and I've always strived to impress her, I always tried to be more like my brother, who in my eyes, and seemingly hers too, was perfect. I knew my sacrifice and hunger would be worth it one day.

It was around 10 years old I started cutting, I was dangerously underweight at the time, with my hips and ribs jutting out, and I –loved- it, but I was still unhappy. I realise now looking back that I was a very sick little girl. I’d heard somewhere that when your body is cut it releases endorphins, the same thing that chocolate does. And I knew that these “endorphins” as they were called, made you happy. And I was very unhappy, I was still being bullied, I still wasn’t smart or thin enough. I still was a failure. So I tried it and I loved the rush. It was almost as good as the hunger. Long story short my legs were the biggest victim of my rage with myself, as they were the cause of all my problems.

This was also around the time my mother began to notice, I’m abridging things here but I was taken to a doctor and then a psychologist and then a doctor again, who combined, diagnosed me with EDNOS with restricting tendencies.

I didn’t want to get better. I loved the fact that everyone now said “oh, that poor girl, she’s so thin” now instead of covertly whispering to their companions “what’s wrong with that girl?” I could now attribute their staring to something other than the fact I was defective.

Recovery is shit. That’s all I can say, but what did it was my parents threatening to pull me out of school and put me into hospital. I hated hospitals and I loved school, because no matter how much I was bullied outside of class; knowledge was a power to me that no one could take away...

I’m apparently now recovered although I think I may be relapsing. I’m restricting and feeling guilty again. Food is my enemy again. I’m trying to fight it because I want to become a successful doctor, and treat those in third world countries. I want my life to matter but there is always that little voice in the back of my head that says I will never be able to get that score on my final exams and my life will never matter so I might as well give in to what I want; to be thin and pretty. Even though I know eating disorders aren’t pretty and I don’t know how to explain it. I still look in the mirror and see rolls of fat. I still hear a voice in my head that tells me I’m worthless and a failure....I just don’t know what to do.

I have a beautiful best friend who always understands, I don’t know what I would do without her. Who knows? I may have already spiralled downwards in myself destructive habits but I know I have to be strong and stay “recovered” for her and for the people I will be able to help in the future by defying my disability and all the naysayers, by fighting the voice in my head that is my eating disorder and by helping those who need it.

Now, at 15 I still cry myself to sleep at night because I don’t know what I’m doing, and I don’t know if I can make it. I just hope that I can....for me, for my best friend, and it may be egotistical to say this, but for the people I may help in the future if I do manage to succeed.

Thanks for reading Medusa...I do hope you post this. Maybe there is someone like me out there....I’ve always been looking for someone who knows how I feel."




Link to photo:
http://thegazette.com/2011/02/23/bullying-common-can-be-sneaky-experts-say-at-pta-presentation/

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Sunday, March 13, 2011

ANOREXIC TWINS: RACHEL WALLMEYER CHARGED WITH ATTEMPTED MURDER OF HER TWIN SISTER, CLARE [UPDATED March 13. 2011]

Rachel & Clare Wallmeyer

UPDATE:  March 13, 2011


 TROUBLED: Rachel Wallmeyer was strangling her twin sister 
as police arrived at their Grovedale home, a court heard.


"Twin's kill threat against sister in court

Aleks Devic | February 19th, 2011

RACHEL Wallmeyer phoned police and told them unless they came in 15 minutes she would kill her twin sister after a dispute over cask wine.

She sobbed in the Geelong Magistrates' Court yesterday as her lawyer said she would plead guilty to threatening to kill identical twin Clare Wallmeyer and unlawfully assaulting her.

In documents tendered to court, the prosecution alleged Rachel phoned police at 10.30pm asking them to come to their Grovedale home on November 19, last year.

"In the next 15 minutes (she was) going to kill her sister and that her sister's life was in danger if police didn't get their soon," police allege Rachel told the 000 operator.

The court heard police arrived 10 minutes later and found Rachel's hands tightly wrapped around Clare's throat while lying on top of her and Clare's face turning blue.

"At the time (Rachel) was repeatedly saying 'I'm going to kill you' to the victim," documents reveal.

"Police then restrained the accused and once the accused was removed off the victim, the victim took a deep breath and began to cough.

"(Rachel) then continued to crawl along the ground towards the victim stating 'I'm going to kill you'."

The prosecution said the sisters were drunk during the altercation and Rachel was angry that Clare came out with a cask of wine after telling her there was no wine.

Clare was taken to hospital after the incident and was later joined by Rachel who became unconscious while being interviewed at the Geelong police station.

A charge of attempted murder was dropped.

A plea of guilty was also entered for a theft charge.

Police told a previous court hearing the sisters were alcoholics and had a volatile relationship.

The matter was adjourned for a plea hearing to enable a psychiatric report to be prepared. Rachel, who is banned from living with her sister, returns to court on April 5."

Source: Twin's kill threat against sister in court


Original post ( November 22, 2010):

I've been following the lives of Rachel and Clare Wallmeyer for quite some time, and almost fell over when I came across this story published in Australia's Herald Sun newspaper today:

"Geelong anorexic sister 'tried to kill twin'

By Karen Matthews

"Well-known Geelong anorexic twins, Rachel and Clare Wallmeyer, were in court yesterday with Rachel charged over the attempted murder of her sister.

A Geelong court was told Rachel was allegedly caught in the act of trying to throttle her sister when police arrived at their Grovedale flat at the weekend.

Rachel, 40, of Camira Court, fronted Geelong Magistrates' Court yesterday charged with attempted murder.

She is also charged with recklessly causing injury and unlawful assault.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Peter Beard said police were called to the twins' Camira Court flat about 10.30am on Saturday.

"When they arrived they found Rachel Wallmeyer sitting on top of her sister with both hands tightly around her neck, attempting to throttle her," he said. "Clare's face was blue and Rachel was yelling, 'I'm going to kill you'."

Sgt Beard said police dragged Rachel away but she continued to kick out at her sister while being arrested.

'Both women were extremely intoxicated," he said.

"Both are alcoholics and have an extremely volatile relationship."

Sgt Beard said a 12-month intervention order prohibiting Rachel physically assaulting her sister was taken out by police at Geelong Magistrates' Court on September 7.

He said the main concern of police was the escalating level of violence directed by Rachel towards her sister.

"Police are very concerned for Clare's safety," he said.

The prosecutor said it was likely the attempted murder charge against Rachel would be withdrawn at some stage and replaced by a lesser charge.

Margie Bourke, for Rachel, said no animosity remained between the sisters and suggested any concerns could be addressed by bail conditions that included the women reside at separate addresses.

The lawyer said Rachel suffered from depression connected with anorexia and had ongoing psychological issues regarding alcoholism and the use of prescription drugs.

"The bond between them is very strong and they accept that alcohol is damaging their relationship," Ms Bourke said.

Magistrate Stephen Myall said the risk of re-offending could be adequately dealt with by the imposition of separate residential conditions.

Rachel was granted bail and the matter adjourned to Geelong Magistrates' Court for committal mention on February 2."*

Click the link below to read my previous posts on Rachel & Clare Wallmeyer:




*Source: Geelong anorexic sister 'tried to kill twin

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CHELSEA'S STORY: "WHEN I LOOK IN THE MIRROR...I SEE WHAT I REALLY AM. A SICK GIRL THAT NEEDS HELP..."




"I haven't ever written to a complete stranger before, nor have I ever really told anyone my story, but I'm hoping that maybe opening up and talking about it might help; if not me then others who might read this if it is posted and decide to turn away from bulimia and self harm before it consumes them. Attached are pictures of some of my scars in regards to burning.

I have been struggling with bulimia for nearly 8 years now. I am only 21 years old, almost 22. When I was younger, I started with the mindset that I wanted to be thin like other girls, but as time went on and I eventually became thin it continued. Over the years it had shifted from a yearning to be 'pretty' to a compulsion.

If I don't purge I begin to get anxious. My heart races and I slip into a temporary depression. If you are thinking that you can control it, you are wrong. When I first started I had the mindset that I would only purge when I felt I ate too much, then it drifted to only purging one meal a day. It continued until I was purging everything I ate for several days. I would only stop purging for a day or two when I started seeing blood in my vomit.

When I started I had heard people say that you can't control it, but I thought I was different. I was convinced that -I- Would be different, that -I- would be able to keep hold of the situation, and even when I was at my lowest I was still convinced that I had it under control.

After a few years I was forced to move in with my father and it became very difficult to purge as I had been, but I still managed to purge at least once a day, twice if I was lucky. That continued until I turned 18 and moved into my own house.

My eating disorder stayed the same for some time, managing to keep 'control' and only purge once or twice a day, but I started to gain weight. I slipped so far, purging until there was blood and then continuing but I still kept gaining weight.

Finally I went to the doctor for another medical problem I had, only to find out that I had PCOS and Diabetes. It was because of my untreated diabetes that the little sugar I was taking in to keep my blood sugar up was instantly turning to fat. I then started medication to treat it and the weight melted away.

My eating disorder seemed to 'balance out' once again, until I lost my insurance. Here we are now. I am 'thick' if that is what you want to call it, yet I purge daily. It is 4:42pm, and I have purged 4 times. I get to feel the pain, to struggle with the physical hurt and mental agony of bulimia, and I don't even get the 'benefit' of being thin.



Not only do I purge on a regular basis, I also burn. I prefer burning over cutting. I have several scars on my upper leg and every time I look at them I am disgusted with myself. They are hideous, and yet I continue to burn. It is an endless cycle. I burn because I have power when I burn. I have control of what causes me pain. I know full well that I have no power over this, but when I am in the mind set to burn all of that reasoning goes out the window. I can sit here and tell you right now that it is stupid. There is no point in burning. It doesn't solve any of my problems, it doesn't change the outcome of things, it doesn't make me feel better. I look at my scars and I am disgusted with myself. If anything, it makes my life worse. Yet I know when I slip into that specific state of mind, when something triggers it and I have the urge to burn, everything I just stated becomes void. My mind works against me, and I press the hot blade against my skin. I become both empowered and pathetic at the same time. It doesn't help.

I wish I wasn't the way I am. I wish my head worked right. I don't like being broken. I am disgusted with my appearance, in regards to both my weight and my scars, even though I have a boyfriend that truly does think I am beautiful. I have had strangers tell me I am pretty. Yet when I look in the mirror I see something that isn't there. I see what I really am. A sick girl, that needs help yet refuses it because I fear it. I no longer have control over this.

If you are reading this, if you are considering becoming bulimic or harming yourself because you think that it will help, don't. If you have already started but still have a thread of hope to hang on to, you can still get help. Get out while you can. This isn't a life to live. It doesn't make you happy, it brings nothing but misery and pain into your life. I know the pain this brings. I know what it is like to be hopeless, and I don't want anyone else to suffer. Hopefully someone will see the truth in my words, or will be able to connect in some way and believe me when I say it is not the path to take.

Sincerely,

Chelsea"

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Friday, March 11, 2011

EARTHQUAKE: TO ALL MY READERS IN JAPAN...

Houses swept out to sea burn following a tsunami and earthquake in Natori City in northeastern Japan March 11, 2011. The biggest earthquake to hit Japan since records began 140 years ago struck the northeast coast on Friday, triggering a 10-metre tsunami that swept away everything in its path, including houses, ships, cars and farm buildings on fire.

Photograph by: REUTERS/YOMIURI, National Post

 

My deepest sympathies on the loss of life and the devastation that has wracked your beautiful country in the wake of this horrific earthquake and tsunami.  

My thoughts are with you all.

~ Medusa

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Thursday, March 10, 2011

SOME EXCELLENT MAKE-UP TIPS...



...from Madison, an adorable 5-year-old (who I'd adopt in a nanosecond)   :)



Link:  Madison, 5-year-old make-up artist

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Monday, March 7, 2011

CRYSTAL RENN: SLIP SLIDING AWAY...


One of my favourite pictures of last Spring was this one of Crystal Renn on the runway wearing this gorgeous creation of Jean-Paul Gaultier's.  The sumptuousness of the dress on Crystal's curves was breathtaking.


Call me crazy, but I am saddened by Crystal's weight loss duing the past year.  She's lost her mojo.

Crystal after weight loss (2011)

Crystal says she lost the weight in a healthy way by exercising.  I'm not so sure.  Here's what the Daily Mail reported:

"The 24-year-old Chanel model, who was previously a UK Size 16, said that she finally felt ready to exercise for the first time since her teens, when she suffered from an eating disorder and became addicted to working out for up to eight hours a day.

She revealed that a difficult break-up had contributed to her decision to embrace a more healthy lifestyle, and a combination of hiking and yoga had helped the weight drop off.

She told NY Magazine: 'In the past, I avoided exercise because it brought back terrible feelings. I wasn’t ready. And I was scared that maybe I was going to be addicted again. 
'That’s a fear that goes through your mind, whenever you’re getting over an addiction or a disease like anorexia, yeah, I absolutely was worried.

'But then I guess you could say my life changed in a really drastic way. For one, there was a split-up that I went through that was very difficult, and I thought, “You know what? I need to be in a good place. I need to find me again.”'
Crystal in the throes of anorexia


Crystal suffered with anorexia for years.  I have serious concerns that her eating disorder and exercise addiction may have reared their ugly heads again.


"Slip sliding away, slip sliding away
You know the nearer your destination, the more you slip sliding away"

~ Simon And Garfunkel



Click these links to read my previous posts on Crystal:

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RUTH'S STORY: "I KNOW THE DARK PLACE ONE MUST BE IN TO BE SELF-DESTRUCTIVE."


"I am not sure when it all began but I suppose growing up in a family with an alcoholic father who criticized everything was probably a good start. 

I always remember being bigger than most of the girls. I was never fat, just bigger for my age. I always remember my thighs rubbing  together when I walked and just feeling like I was a giant but clearly I know now I wasn't a giant at all. 

I am 48 years old now and have suffered from Bulimia since the age of 28. I don't remember dieting  much through the years but I did struggle to just maintain. It seemed that no matter what I ate, I never seemed to lose weight and would always gain a little depending on my choices. I could never eat twinkies and cookies and yummy sweet things without paying the price.  

Through my late teens and twenties, I was lost. I did not know how to fit in very well with others. I did not have many friends and was lonely often. I suffered from some depression when I was about 20 or so and have had bouts of anxiety through the years, but nothing that would not allow me to function well. I have always been able to keep going and deal with whatever came my way. 

At the age of 25, I married a man from a prominent family and was propelled into a lifestyle that I had dreamt about but was not quite ready for. I learned to be the best hostess, the best dresses, and the life of the party. I did a good job, but I was not happy. My marriage was not great and I felt like it would not last forever. I became pregnant at 27 and at 7 months pregnant I told my husband at the time that I wanted a divorce.  It was such a sporadic decision but one I have no regret to this day for making. 

Close to the time he moved out, I remember the first time I vomited while I was pregnant. The idea had never even entered my mind my entire life. Once except. It was that day that it all finally hit home and I knew that I just had to stop this madness. 

I am healthy, active, normal size and take very good care of myself except for this destructive behavior. Since that day that my daughter found  me, I can't say that I have not vomited since but I have definitely  taken massive control over this situation and it is a very very rare  time if I do vomit. I still haven't stopped totally as I have since she confronted me and I still need to continue to work on this as I am  not totally "cured", but this problem is definitely one that I  started, continued and have nearly stopped on my own. The power of our brain to change thoughts and behavior is profound and finding the strength deep inside to make the change I believe is highly possible and I believe that I am proof.


I find such great sadness for all who suffer. I know the dark place one must be in to be self-destructive.  I know the world is harsh and the pressures to be perfect are impossible to avoid. But knowing that this world is imperfect one must realize that we as inhabitants are imperfect also and to strive for perfection in a world so imperfect is an idea created by humans but in true nature it does not exist. We must learn to live with the body and mind we were created with and overcome the challenges in life that come our way without fear.


My best wishes to all who seek freedom from self-destruction and for a life of good health and happiness!

Ruth"


Link to image:
http://www.sciencephoto.com

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