Rumor #3

Health experts are quietly warning of a new menace to women visiting the beach, beyond sharks, sunburn and European men in Speedos: VSD. Vaginal-Silica Disease, or what beach residents call "Sandy Vagina."  Most sand is made of Silica (Silicon Dioxide, SiO2), usually in the form of crushed quartz, which most of us know as sand.  The problem is the chemical reactions of the Silicon Dioxide with the inner lining of the cervix.  Women and Silicone have had a troubled history.  In the late '80s and early '90s there was a scare with Silicone Breast Implants, and Dow Chemical even had to stop making most of their Silicone implants.  

Apparently something very similar is happening again. "Certain women react toxically to Silicon Dioxide, or sand," said Dr. Ramalla of Atlanta's CDC in an interview on Friday. "Sand gets into the vagina, and effectively starts shredding the inner wall."  Doctors in Florida have reported a 49% increase in incidents of Environmental Endometriosis, just one of the possible complications.  More common are reports of increased irritability, moodiness and irrational thoughts, although as one anonymous RN put it, "You put sand up my [vagina], I'm gonna be pissy, too."  It is not known if something in the water is chemically altering the sand, or if the problem stems from the much skimpier bathing suits currently in vogue on Florida's beaches. 

Rumor #2

Oprah may be preparing to step away from the Airwaves next June but is not quite ready to give up her Empire.  AP is reporting that HARPO Inc. (the company that syndicates Oprah's show) is negotiating with the 2245 stations where Oprah is currently seen to keep the timeslot when the mogul retires. To do that she needs a replacement with star power. Later this year, during a planned 3 week hiatus, rather than re-runs AP reports that Oprah will give three different people auditions. Each audition will be a week's worth of shows, and they will run under Oprah's name.  The identity of these three guest-hosts has been a closely guarded secret, but TMZ is reporting that former Alaskan Governor Sarah Palin, reality-star Kate Gosselin and Lindsay Lohan will get the nods.  Palin's star power is obvious and it is thought she would be able to hold the "middle America" audience.  Gosselin has recently made a name for herself too with her show (and the headline-grabbing aftermath) of "Jon and Kate Plus 8."  The real surprise is Lohan, but TMZ reports that Oprah met the movie star several years ago (right after MEAN GIRLS) and the two hit it off. "Oprah really likes her," said a confidential source, "And thinks Lindsay has real potential.  All the problems she's had have been because of the Hollywood machine, and Oprah thinks with the right guidance Lindsay could be fantastic."  The shows are scheduled to tape in late July and to air in August. 

Rumor #1

Fresh off the sad news of Gary Coleman's passing this week (due to complications from a stroke) comes word that Emmanuel Lewis (known to most as the lovable "Webster") was bitten by a shark off the coast of Pensacola, Fla. on Saturday. Hospital and Police officials were not identifying the name of the person rushed to Baptist Hospital late Saturday night other than to say it is an adult male in his late 30s or early 40s, but numerous reports indicate it is indeed Lewis. 

Hilarious Luvs commercial - What it's like for an Only Child

Normally I just HATE Diaper companies, but this video is hilarious.  It won a Clio.  Well done, Luvs!

Sometimes You're the Lion....

Bull Gores Man

I'm not animal-rights guy (not by a long-shot), but I don't like bull-fights. They start by stabbing the bull through the head several times to give him brain damage, and the whole thing just seems cruel. Anyway, a chance to see a BULL GORE A BULLFIGHTER THROUGH THE CHIN?  I'm in.