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Britney, Anna Nicole, our obsessions-- what's the lesson here?

Posted: Saturday, February 24, 2007 8:02 PM by Dateline Editor
Filed Under: ,

by Josh Mankiewicz, Dateline correspondent

This week, two strange soap operas attracted an audience of millions. On TV, on the Internet, and in print, the sagas played out. And depending on how you see all this, you can choose your own storyline -- women gone wrong, women done wrong, or girls gone wild.

Singer Britney Spears, more than accustomed to headlines for her sexy onstage persona, found her image publicly deep-fried for behavior that could only be described as very troubling. She took a one-day trip to a drug and alcohol dependency center, then she stopped off at an L.A. salon and, seemingly on a whim, she shaved her head. Then, that same evening, she made a pit stop for a couple of tattoos, followed by another spin through the revolving door of rehab after her ex- threatened to take her to court over the kids.

For Harvey Levin of TMZ.com, the Internet encyclopedia of celebrities-in-crisis, Britney needs help. “Her family knows she needs help.  And the world knows she needs help.  And you know what?  She probably knows she needs help too.”  

Anna Nicole Smith needed help as well, but she either didn't get it, didn't want it, got too much of it... or got it from the wrong people. That might be the curse of being beautiful, vulnerable, and constantly on the verge of being hugely wealthy. The result was that long, bizarre hearing we all saw unfold in a Florida courtroom.

The model and actress didn't have much of a career, but it wasn't her body of work that was being litigated -- it was her body, the one that made her so famous.

And 13 days after Anna Nicole Smith's death, the local medical examiner warned she was literally decomposing as her companion, her mother, and her ex-boyfriend argued about what would be done with her. It was a hearing awash in both theater and regret with Smith's estranged mother on the stand remembering her daughter's addictions.

She tried taking her daughter to the Betty Ford center. But the former Playmate of the Year didn't last in rehab. 

And so far, the former Mouseketeer seems at best ambivalent.

We talked to author and talk-radio host Dr. Drew Pinsky, an expert on addiction and the nexus between public fame and personal agony.

“People that are driven to be a celebrity, by definition, have very high incidence of what we call, ‘cluster-B personality problems,’ particularly narcissism,” says Pinsky.  “Lots of trauma in childhood, lots of substance and alcohol use.  This predicts, guarantees more addiction and more chaos in their relationships.”

So is the common theme here drugs or alcohol? Or maybe fame-- living with it and trying to hold onto it? And don't forget money. Men are lining up to claim the paternity of Smith's infant daughter who may be soon a millionaire.  Britney Spears' hair is for sale on the Internet. It's all enough to make you want to turn your head away...or at least, to tell people you do.

There's a kind of hypocrisy in this country, isn't there?  I mean, people will tell you, "Oh, I can't believe you spend so much of your time following Britney around."  And then the minute there's a story, they want to know about it.  They're clicking on TMZ.  And they're buying the latest magazine.

For Levin, it’s not unlike watching accidents. “It’s the same principle.”

More of my conversation with Harvey Levin:

Mankiewicz: But what's our responsibility here, yours and mine?  We both, to some extent, make our living covering these people, and fueling this interest.

Levin: I mean, I don't apologize for covering it. These are celebrities who court publicity.  They want their lives covered. It's a door they opened. I mean, you can't say to me, "I open the door but I'm having a bad hair day, so this door gets shut today."

And lately, for a young woman who only a couple of years ago was at the top of her game, it's been one long bad hair day.

Levin: I think she is viewed as a dark figure, which she never was before -- a troubled person. She's not this darling anymore.  I mean, honestly, I think it's pretty amazing that Kevin Federline looks like the stable one. These women are not our royalty. They lead lives few would envy.  It turns out that when that door to fame opens, it sometimes opens to a lot of other things as well.

Mankiewicz: It was different when the studios ran Hollywood.

Levin: Totally.  Totally different.

          Mankiewicz: Certain things just didn't get reported.

Levin: Most things didn't get reported.  Hollywood looked like the perfect place, where people had the perfect marriage, the perfect looks, the perfect children, and nobody ever had a substance abuse problem.  And nobody committed a crime.  And everybody was happy, happy, happy.

Now, we get everything we always wanted to know...and so much more. And all of it's a sad, painful, and sometimes embarrassing lesson about our stars, ourselves, and the vapor trail of celebrity.

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Comments

Instead of poking fun at the obsurdity of the fall of a celebrity..Britney, Anna...why not take it seriously as a country and see how it is indeed a refelection of our own making.  I'm sick to death of the derogatory comments about celebrities we actually know nothing about, except what we are told through the media as if that is any indication of the truth.  Britney shaves her head, so what!  People make nasty remarks about celebrities only to feel good about themselves.  The good thing is that it exposes the average joe and his
questionable outlook and lack of conciousness.  People scare me with comments about Anna, calling her a crack whore....whatever that woman did or endured or needed to do to exist however sad, is not for me to judge.  There are alot of people in the U.S. struggling without emotional and financial support, without families or someone to turn to.  America is the land of oppourtunity but not for all, how can that be changed?

sue jovanni (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 10:32 AM)

Caitlyn in Alaska said "If we (being predominately Americans) took as much of our time discussing major world health/war problems, as we do discussing celebrities and their new harcuts, many of the issues in the world could be resolved."

I disagree. There is little to debate when discussing celebrities, but it opens a whole 'nother can of worms to discuss something with substance. Everyone has different opinions and personal experiences about serious problems that affect our world and our country. Being a dietitian, I'm especially opinionated about Americans' health and weight. But believe me, few would listen to what I have to say, and little would change when all the ranting and raving is over.

We best let the world remain united over frivolous celebrities instead.

Lacee, Las Vegas (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 10:58 AM)

Anna Nicole Smith's death is being played out just as her life was - in total chaos. I know nothing about the woman, but I believe she sincerely wanted to be buried beside her son.

Britney Spears is an example of an over-indulged child, suffering from arrested development, with too much disposible income. Stupid and rich are a dangerous combination. Sadly, I don't think there is a light at the end of this tunnel. It is simply downhill from here.

Janis P:"Our country should be so embarrassed that we allow someone like this seemingly uneducated man hold such a high position." I assume you are talking about George Bush.

Barbara, TN (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 10:59 AM)

All I have to say is Thank God she is gone, now there is more time to follow the life and times of Paris, Britney and the Oscars.  Are all your lives really that pathetic that you have to spend your time reading and watching everything about these "White Trash Train Wrecks"?  I could care less what club someone went to last night, if they had on underwear or not, and please bury Anna she is still stinking up the place, maybe more now than when she was alive!

Michael "I Have A Life" Goike (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 11:02 AM)

YOU KNOW THE OLD SAYING! WHORES ARE LIKE OLD BUILDINGS..IF THEY STAY AROUND LONG ENOUGH THEY BECOME HISTORIC!WHAT IS WRONG WITH ALL OF THIS,,,,,,,,,,? WE HAVE BRITANY TO THANK FOR 10 YEAR OLDS GOING FROM DRESSES AND HAIRBRETS TO THONGS AND BELLY RINGS. AS FAR AS ANNA......HMMMMM IT APPEARS ALL WAS SELF INFLICTED.HER POOR SON,WHAT KIND OF A MOTHER WOULD SUPJECT HER CHILDREN TO SUCH THINGS.ITS ALL STRANGE TO SAY THE LEAST

MAY (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 11:17 AM)

I knew the news was in trouble when I sit down to watch the 11 PM local news in LA and the lead story
is 3 minutes on Brittany shaving her head followed
by the Anna saga.  I DON"T care - there are many
people in this country in trouble that need help -
I'm so SICK of celebrities being hounded and made
the news.  Let them handle their life the way the
rest of us do - in private.  

I want to see news about what is happening in my
community and world - not this.

Barbara, Anaheim, CA (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 11:17 AM)

YOU KNOW THE OLD SAYING! WHORES ARE LIKE OLD BUILDINGS..IF THEY STAY AROUND LONG ENOUGH THEY BECOME HISTORIC!WHAT IS WRONG WITH ALL OF THIS,,,,,,,,,,? WE HAVE BRITANY TO THANK FOR 10 YEAR OLDS GOING FROM DRESSES AND HAIRBRETS TO THONGS AND BELLY RINGS. AS FAR AS ANNA......HMMMMM IT APPEARS ALL WAS SELF INFLICTED.HER POOR SON,WHAT KIND OF A MOTHER WOULD SUPJECT HER CHILDREN TO SUCH THINGS.ITS ALL STRANGE TO SAY THE LEAST

MAY (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 11:22 AM)

The lesson is that we the people have the privilege to make our own choices in life. However, we are in this planet to be involved. This is one the reason leaders's star are much brigther than average people. We all wondering why we value and appreciate their lives. It is simply like l 2 and 3. Of course, these people brings to others the side we all have but can not expresse becaus it is not a gift or better say we did not work to be in that position as people from enternment and business leaders.

Also, we all wonder why life is unjusted to some and some individual seems to have all. . . I am appreciative of all diversity among us. I keep going and give the best of me to spread love and respect for any kind of life. I am part of this pool and appreciative of this understanding. Life is GREAT! Let all of us love and forgive everyone because we all have faults and flaws in our own. PEACE!

Demores (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 11:26 AM)

It's the media that's obsessed with the downfall of celebrities - not the general public!  WE DON'T CARE about Brittany, Anna Nicole, Paris, etc.

Laura, Hampton, VA (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 11:29 AM)

3155....The total number of US Soldiers who have died in Iraq, as of today.  We as a society could easily rattle off 10 facts about Anna Nicole.
Yet, how many know the name of just one of those soldiers.  

God Bless Our Troops.

fran, Wisconsin (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 11:34 AM)

The combination of vicarious living, star-stundedness, superficiality, and vacuous emulation...all of which have become universally accepted by a generation of Americans who eschew serious studies (e.g., the math and science on which their generation will ultimately depend) who know little about history, less about geography and virtually nothing about world affairs should be the wake-up call of all time. But toss into the boulibasse a media (TV and net) which fosters these obsessions at the direct expense of real life and we end up with a stew that is rancid and makes rational people question whether this American society can continue to exist.

Craig Usas, Boston MA (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 11:34 AM)

Talk of a movie being made of Anne Nicole's life, and actresses already interested in playing the part.  Well it will be difficult to find anyone close to her beauty, physical and spiritual.  Let's give Anne some justice she deserves (we know she hasn't been successful with the courts), have Heidi Klum play Anne Nicole Smith Marshall Stern.

Patricia Panos (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 11:37 AM)

For everyone that is bashing the site for stating that they don't care about what happens in the media, I have to pose the question of "really, cause you clicked on the link?" YOU posted YOUR comment, after reading even a bit of the story, in turn you are negatively reinforcing the media to continue to run these stories, as you are giving them mini-sweeps through the whole celebrity drama whosits. Now me personally, hell ya I care what happens, adn am fine with Dateline representing it. I know that half of all that it written is propaganda or gossip, I'm not gonna deny it, It gets me out of myself and horrid to say but better them than I. Plus, it does shed some information on the psychosis and addictions of todays society, which most people will never face as their glass house won't shatter. It's individuals that have the largest problems with denial or were negatively effected (a little PTSD maybe?) that can't handle the hype. Again, celebrities make their lives public, and we pay for it, everyone has a bad hair day/ year. Thanks Dateline, I watch alot of your segments and they're honest news, I appreciate this stuff.

Simone

Simone, Seattle WA (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 11:48 AM)

Its good to read so many intelligent thoughts  on this discussion...but, alas, there are still those that must refer to celebrities as whores.  Come on, must we resort to that.  For young and powerful country as the U.S. is,  isn't it a bit sexually repressed...remember the Janet Jackson boob thing?  With responses that can be likened to a child's.  Parents concerned about their child being exposed to a BOOB?  I was not born with clothes on, must I live in shame should my boob peek out?
European countries for instance show naked women on television, the front cover of daily newspapers...have nude beaches and nude co-ed spas as the norm ..not trash.
I'm not siding with Anna's lifestyle or choices, certainly not mine.  The need to change one's body into an exaggerated one to get noticed, famous most often happens here in the U.S.  Most likely a result of the puritanical dynamic that goes at length to hide the body, what is natural from the public, in an effort to be moral?  
There are plenty of women who don't wear any underwear, but not enough photographers to snap a shot of it.  Spinning info. RE: Britney, out of context is an intrusion on her life and criminal.  And if a celebrity purposefully exposes themselves I can imagine it may be rooted in this repression.  And who cares in light of greater world issues?  Well apparently alot.  

SJ, CA (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 12:41 PM)

Its good to read so many intelligent thoughts  on this discussion...but, alas, there are still those that must refer to celebrities as whores.  Come on, must we resort to that.  For young and powerful country as the U.S. is,  isn't it a bit sexually repressed...remember the Janet Jackson boob thing?  With responses that can be likened to a child's.  Parents concerned about their child being exposed to a BOOB?  I was not born with clothes on, must I live in shame should my boob peek out?
European countries for instance show naked women on television, the front cover of daily newspapers...have nude beaches and nude co-ed spas as the norm ..not trash.
I'm not siding with Anna's lifestyle or choices, certainly not mine.  The need to change one's body into an exaggerated one to get noticed, famous most often happens here in the U.S.  Most likely a result of the puritanical dynamic that goes at length to hide the body, what is natural from the public, in an effort to be moral?  
There are plenty of women who don't wear any underwear, but not enough photographers to snap a shot of it.  Spinning info. RE: Britney, out of context is an intrusion on her life and criminal.  And if a celebrity purposefully exposes themselves I can imagine it may be rooted in this repression.  And who cares in light of greater world issues?  Well apparently alot.  

SJ, CA (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 12:43 PM)

My opinion is that the only comparison between these two women is that they both made choices which ultimately caused their demise. However, my sympathy goes out to Anna. Her problems must have started in early childhood.  I can't imagine being raised by a mother who would rather allow her daughters body to decompose rather than be buried next to her (Anna) child.  As for Britney being a "sick little girl" as her father claims, I'm not buying it.  The umbrella episode looked like a temper tantrum, not a breakdown.  While by her own hand she hit bottom, what better way to gain public sympathy than to use the insanity plea. The problem, as I see it, is that Britney isn't smart enough to carry it off.  I think she shaved her head in an attempt to find her lost tiara.  I hope while in therapy somebody explains phantom feeling to her.

Maggie, Washington (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 1:51 PM)

Howard K. Stern.... the man that "wanted Anna to be happy" these are his words on the stand to the judge. I often wondered WHY Anna had her lawyer with her ALL THE TIME??? Now I know! Here is a man that only wanted Anna to be happy, and now that she is gone, RIPPED away from him in a second... He never even got a chance to grieve! EVERYONE has jumped on his back! "YOU killed Anna", "YOU gave her drugs", "YOU killed her son" "YOU MUST have done SOMETHING WRONG"
This makes me so sad, mad, I CAN'T BREATH! I wonder how Howard K. Stern (the man that JUMPED THROUGH HOOPS FOR ANNA NICOLE) the only person that even cared about her BEFORE SHE DIED...I wonder how Howard is doing?????
HE is the one that She trusted with EVERY part of her life.
HE is the one that has to be strong for the baby. (RIGHT NOW ANYWAY)
HE is the one with the greatest loss! She was his WORLD! She said jump, and HE said how high Anna?

HOWARD K. STERN, Thank You for being by her side 24/7

Now I know why you were there.... Look at how the "people" have attacked YOU! DRAGGING you in to court while the LOVE OF YOUR LIFE LAY DEAD IN A MORGUE!
THIS is why Anna Nicole Smith had her lawyer by her side ALL the time! He loved her, AND You never know when the "people" are gonna drag you in to court on some TRUMPED UP CHARGES. We should ALL have our lawyers by our side!
Everybody says that they wish they could give Anna a hug, I think Howard needs one. 000's and XXX's from Robin Z. another "girl from Texas" that's crazy about you Howard. I'm praying for YOUR baby.

Robin Zastawnik, Longview,Washington (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 3:02 PM)

Are we fascinated because they failed or do we read because we are no different from those girls and our lives have mirrored theirs in some small way at one point?
Yes, they are in the public eye on a global scale....what about the neighbour who has three children by three different men or aunt wilma who committed suicide before you were born.  My grandmother killed herself with a shot to head years before I was born....it was nevered talked about back then....can this sort of tragety happene to any family..YES and more than anyone ever wants to admit.
Ms. Smith and Spears should not be burnt at the stake for their mistakes...yes they both have addictions...but to some extent we all do.  Prescription drug addictions are on the rise...and yes I am speaking from experience....humans tend to go from one addiction to the next...be it food, exercise, sex, alcohol, precriptions, illegal drugs. We have all been there or know someone.
Why are we critizing these two people on how they conduct their lives? Do we see a part of us in them? Are we scared..?..fascinated..?..or just on top of the heap with no sins..no faults...the perfect..the chosen to judge those who have lost their way?
Please don't judge until you have walked a mile in their shoes or your neighbors shoes....you should be feeling so sad for these two girls...not their families, not their futures, but who they are at this very moment in time.....they are both lost souls and do you know how scary that feels even when you have the world at your fingertips.  No matter what you are told that feeling won't go away....and yes, you try anything to make it go away.  Try to commit suicide...yes.
Reach out, don't judge. Don't blame the media or society, money, no money. Don't judge....because when this happens to you or someone you know this harshness is gone and you will understand.  Don't judge Anna Nicole, Britany, their family, friends and loved ones until you have walked a mile in each of their shoes.
Girls, I have walked in your shoes.  I understand and sympatize with everyone involved....my heart goes out to all.

Hope, Canada (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 3:27 PM)

Hi,

Where all those peoples takes their money to paid all the lawyers.  Her mother is rich????? So, if not, who are paying for her lawyers????? We ALL KNOW why she wants the baby is't the MONEY.

Diane Tremblay, Montréal, Québec, Canada (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 3:47 PM)

I will never understand why people are so obsessed with these
no talent white trash losers. It's sad that these non stories have
become actual news. America has been dumbed down with
shows like American Idol and Jerry Springer. People's ideas
of what talent is has become warped what with all of these
no talent fools in the spotlight. These no talents linger on
long after their fifteen minutes of fame are up. How sad...

Ernie Clark, Battle Creek, Mi (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 4:19 PM)

All in all, I just believe the obssesion and compulsive behaviors of our media and the people who don't accept reality have driven two great people into making extraordinary decisions in their lives. It comes to show how ridiculous it is to expect so much from such people and ask them to mold their own lives to our own unethical advantages. They may have chosen this road of 'sold privacy', but it's not fair for the world to hover over their shoulders and assume information about every supposed dilemma in their lives. The majority of the media and world of celebrities have become so overrated, so unvaluable. Why do we keep on suggesting what both Anna and Britney were thinking? We will never really know until we ask them, and we may get some information from credible people, but we can't make assumptions becuase information isn't entirely credible these days, considering how much ommitance and manipulative speaking there is now. "Is Tyra Fat?", "Is Angelina Anorexic?" -My question is, why question these things - is it going to get us any 'skinnier'?. I can't blame Britney Spears and Anna Nicole for their actions, and you might call me crazy, but, Hey, they're both human, and so much pressure is or was put onto them. Anna Nicole never did anything bad to the world, (her profession may have gone against many moral beliefs, although it was never through bad intentions) and I have seen many people who were happy when she died. Britney was a unique face with a valuable talent, and maybe she doesn't even remember or misses who she really used to be. Look closely into the two controversial events, and realize the wake up call that says that there is a loss of control in celebrity gossip and it really is affecting potentially amazing people in the world.

We are all human -let's try to live in each others shoes instead of assuming what it's like =).

Andrea E, West Palm Beach, Florida (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 4:23 PM)

I know that people believe celebrities opened some kind of door to the public when they attain fame. I disagree.

I know I am a fan of musicians, artists and movies. I really don't believe that Britney thought the day she signed her record contract "I can't wait until I can't go to the grocery store because I am so famous."

Anna Nicole was a troubled person, yes, but why do we care? She married some old guy and got his money!It's none of my business!

You see it everyday in the tabloids or some gossip magazine - who's doing what and where. I think people should start being recognized for their awesome movie or amazing voice and leave it at that, not how many times they've been married or how drunk they got on a Tuesday.

I don't believe it is the media's fault either. If people are more interested about the soldier's dying in Iraq, then don't click the link regarding Britney or Anna or Paris Hilton.

Ratings and magazine sales are a result of public interest, not the reporter or the photographer. If you don't like it don't read it.

It's supply and demand, if we want it, there will always be somebody there to give it to us. If we as a society stop feeding this beast, it will die.

Zack Rodich, Albuquerque, NM (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 4:28 PM)

Beth (St.Paul) if you have better things to worry about why are you even commenting on here?

Carol Ann Phoenix, AZ (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 6:04 PM)

To Zack Rodich, I totally agree with everything you said. It is not the media's fault. People are hungry for such information, and why not invest in the public's interest? And of course Britney never expected things to go back to normal, nor does any other person who goes into this business -my mother's an artist, I've been with many celebrities, and there is a lot to risk. My point wasn't to offend, it's just that sometimes the world seems ignorant to some perspectives.

Andrea E, West Palm Beach, Florida (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 6:21 PM)

To Zack Rodich, I totally agree with everything you said. It is not the media's fault. People are hungry for such information, and why not invest in the public's interest? And of course Britney never expected things to go back to normal, nor does any other person who goes into this business -my mother's an artist, I've been with many celebrities, and there is a lot to risk. My point wasn't to offend, it's just that sometimes the world seems ignorant to some perspectives.

Andrea E, West Palm Beach, Florida (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 6:22 PM)

To Zack Rodich, I totally agree with everything you said. It is not the media's fault. People are hungry for such information, and why not invest in the public's interest? And of course Britney never expected things to go back to normal, nor does any other person who goes into this business -my mother's an artist, I've been with many celebrities, and there is a lot to risk. My point wasn't to offend, it's just that sometimes the world seems ignorant to some perspectives.

Andrea E, West Palm Beach, Florida (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 6:22 PM)

Sorry for the repeats! Haha

Andrea E, West Palm Beach, Florida (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 6:40 PM)

I think we all need to show respect to the families of Britney, and Anna Nicole as well. Britney must be going through so much right now, and yet, she cant walk outside her house without being hounded and harrassed by the constant flashing of cameras and just blatant harrasment. I cant begin to imagine how frustrating it must be for them. They're people like you and I...celebrities, but still people. We should treat them with the respect that we would expect for ourselves in the same situation. Britney has a family of 2 children at home that shes obviously trying to fight to keep...give her a break and let her deal with her issues right now

Danielle (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 6:47 PM)

While Britney Spears and Nicole were never reported upon in the same breath until Britney decided to act loco, a comparison can be made in that both were attention / media whores.  As they say "what comes around goes around".  In case it has been forgotten by our illustrious stars out there...The word of the day is KARMA.
So, here is what I think...I believe Britney is acting like a jackass just to have something (anything) mentioned in the media because her life in the eyes of the public is a disaster...and a bore.She could be acting a fool because there is no reason that is interesting enough to mention her stupid a**; so why not act as a moron, that way at least something will be put in the media just to remind people that she still exists - despite the fact that the vast majority of the population doesn't give a sh**!
Next,I agree that the 'judge' should never have presided over the case of Anna Nicole (talk about a conflict of interest!!!).  Again,this just shows what a joke our justice system really is.
I find it insane that anyone (justice system or otherswise) could manage to put a hold on a body for 13 days while people argue like children over where to bury the body...its disgusting, not to mention disturbing.  I don't think any family's wish would be to see a decomposing member of their family at their funeral as they try to say 'goodbye', and deal with the overwhelming grief of losing a loved one.  
I must admit that I was stunned at the news of Anna Nicole's untimely death, however; she certainly doesn't deserve this media circus, I mean good grief to what point is this crap going to end???  Let the woman and the family have some privacy so they may grieve like normal people (if their is such a thing).
She was never really famous in the first place...the only thing that sets her apart from the dark side of society (such as drug addiction) is that she was paid to be an addict and paid for being stoned out of her mind in the view of the public.  I for one have to say that it is almost impossible to fathom-but since we've been bombarded with crap, crap and even more crap about Anna Nicole...we've no choice but to hear about it and the public made her very wealthy for doing nothing (as did her late husband).  I'm thinking she wasn't as dumb as she was portrayed...hmmm...things that make you go hmmmm.  
Finally, I find it extraordinarly sad when our entire nation is focused on this ordeal...as someone mentioned earlier, our nation is falling apart and all you see on the news channels are the same sh** about Anna Nicole and Brittney.  What the he**?  This is a sad, sad day that we all live in...with no relief in sight.  We can only sit down, hold on and hope for the best.
The catch phrase "Like my body?", takes on a whole new meaning now doesn't it?  God, help us all.

Aimee V.G. Houston, TX. (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 6:55 PM)

I think Britney has gone crazy by shaving her head. She is acting like a wild child who is out of control. Hopefully this is a phase she is going through and will outgrow it. Everyone has a wild phase in their life. Lets hope she gets through it quickly. Do not judge unless you have walked in her shoes!!

Chris, MI (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 7:30 PM)

I so agreee with MSI from Arizona. Few people have mentioned that for whatever the reason, Anna Nicole did not want to be with Larry Birkhead and chose (Yes, CHOSE)- she was an adult who made her own choices-- to be with Howard Stern, doing the commitment cermony and acting like a couple.  She obviously wanted him to act as father to her daughter.  I think he gets a bad rap, and I don't think there's anything he could do for the public to prove he cared about Anna. Also, it is amazing to me that people seem to want to assign blame to everyone around the substance abuser but not to the person abusing drugs or alcohol.  Anyone who has been involved with an addict or 12 step program knows that responsibility for substance abuse rests squarely on the shoulders of the user, and no one else.  You can't control an alcoholic or drug abuser. Who knows who tried to help and how? Most people just don't know how to deal with it.  I have great empathy for Anna Nicole, but I think her substance abuse was her fault, NO ONE elses. And if you DO need to assign blame, take a look at that selfish so-called mother who doesn't give a damn what Anna so clearly wanted. She's probably the biggest culprit in terms of why Anna had issues.

The baby should stay with Howard; Anna's actions before her death show that's what she intended + look at Anna's mother to determine whether the biological parent should always have rights.  Who would want to be raised by that?

Donna, Columbia MD (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 7:34 PM)

Two days before Anna Nicole was found dead I had this dream:
Before her death I knew little about her and her sagas. I analyze my dreams often, but this one seemed to have nothing to do with my wishes, fears etc.  
If anyone has any feedback on the dream's meaning please let me know.
I was not in the dream, rather I watched the following happen:

The Dream:  
There was a man and woman having an argument.
They were in a big room, looked like an office on the 47th floor of a tall building.  The woman was on the left, had very long black hair with bangs, wore jeans, was slightly plump but curvaceous.
The man was on the right, small to medium build, had light brown wavy hair and wore a suit that wasn't very stylish.  
The woman yelled at him in the argument:  "Go ahead and do it"

The man was holding onto a young boy approx. 13-17 yrs. old behind his back so the woman could not see.  He then threw the boy out an open window (a large picture window). After a few seconds I heard a sound that meant he hit the ground and was dead.  The man was now holding on to an infant girl behind his back.  End of dream.

Two days later, when I heard Anna nicole was dead, I began reading the net to get up to speed and felt a connection to the dream.  Even if the dream wasn't prophetic I figured I'd use it as a modal to try to figure out what was going on.

At first I took it literally that the man in the suit killed the boy and was holding on to the girl for some kind of leverage.  After much thought I came up with this:
1.  A secret was exposed, the woman was found out by the man and either felt threatened by him or he did threaten her in some way.
2.  If this was a prophetic dream why didn't it look like Anna Nicole and one of her men?  
Ans:  It could be a metaphor that things aren't what they seem, people aren't who they appear to be.
3. The boy thrown out the window is also a metaphor.  The man may have wanted to get the boy out of "the picture".  But the boy kept "falling" until he finally hit rock bottom and died. Which is way he held on to the girl behind his back out of the woman's sight.
Whatever the man did to get him out of the picture may have led to his death, although may not have been his intention.
4.  The man is seen holding an infant girl tightly behind his back while he faces the woman.
It could mean that he will do anything to keep the girl away from her mother.  The mother doesn't know that he got the boy out of the picture and plans to keep the girl behind his back.  
Or it could mean that the man has power over the woman now that he knows her "secret" and may be planning something.

Or the dream is about me and I just haven't figured it out yet...
Any feedback?

Stella, CA (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 8:05 PM)

Beth, I am on your side. You have every right to post your opinion like anyone else here! So back off, detractors! Everyone is entitled to an opinion so maybe THAT'S why she posted here! Ever think of that? I am SICK TO DEATH of a media that constantly feeds us news again and again and again because they think we are interested. Not only the ongoing saga of Anna and Britney, but the ridiculous coverage of recently announced candidates to replace the current occupant of the white house. We just got through with a mid-term election and the next one isn't taking place for another YEAR AND A HALF!!! And we're being beat to death with the same thing over and over, on and on...  Let Anna rest in peace with Daniel. And don't report on Britney until she COMPLETES her rehab. And puhleeeez wait at least until it is 2008 to report on presidential candidates. I will then maybe be half interested. Give it a rest, guys!

Dennis D, Orlando, FL (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 9:02 PM)

I agree with shar, anna,s momma should should go home. butt out. her daughter hated her and her home. anna most defently should be buried beside her son. AS she bought three plots. as for daddy,who knows. when it comes out who daddy is ,then what.life gos on. I,am very sure the baby will be taken care of by ? the daddy. Her remains not being buried right away is rediculous. She had it already in writting. this court lasted way too long.Don,t tell me its not drawing attention for those people alive ,who need the attention.people do things how it works for them. This whole thing should be buried and over with.Let it rest people. as far as britney TOTALLY no different than the normal druggie on the street. She just has more money. people forget where they came from.Its like this,OH well too bad so sad everybody has a problem.bottom line,its their choice to make their life the way they wanted, not ours. they do it to their selves.everyone should get on with their lives.who cares really. Who would care about you in hollywood if you died . think about it.we are not on earth for a trial ride. YEP its for real.We hear about the soilders and again THEY SIGNED UP .IT was THEIR choice to go. not ours.I guess everyone needs to figure out THEIR needs and life gos on.fran ontario canada

fran e whisken (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 9:08 PM)

Dr. Drew Pinsky, an expert on addiction and the nexus between public fame and personal agony states,“People that are driven to be a celebrity, by definition, have very high incidence of what we call, ‘cluster-B personality problems,’ particularly narcissism,...”
Narcissism is a personality disorder and one trait is the inability to realize and accept self-blame.  Anna admitted she screwed up but Britney only admits to taking her new found freedom a little too far. From her interview with Matt Lauer we learned that Britney can't accept blame for her notorious actions.  Now, with her pantiless pictures on the web, her temper tantrum with the umbrella and her bald head broadcast for the world to see, it's all in her face. She had no choice but to play it crazy.  Nothing new, she's merely blaming it for her actions.  As far as Anna, she's gone and I think her story needs to be put to rest at least by the media.  She can't defend herself now.  Perhaps Britney could blame Anna, at least it wouldn't be a 'she said - she said' comedy routine.

Maggie, WA (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 9:53 PM)

there is no reason that any of these people should be on our news!!!   they are celebraties,   sooo what the heck is the news putting their lives on review?  and really who are we to say what all them with all the money do with it?  I am totally sick of hearing about them, and hope the stupid news programs can find something better to talk about.    Like maybe how we can make our country better, or help the homeless.   but i am sure that is way toooooo boring for them

Mo Matton, sarona WI (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 10:03 PM)

WE LIKE TO SEE CELEBRITIES IN BAD PLACES IN THEIR LIVES. IT REMINDS THE REST OF US THAT CELEBRITIES CAN HAVE A HARD TIME IN LIFE, THAT IT'S NOT ALL GLAMOUR, FAME AND MONEY.

VICKI, ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 10:59 PM)

Obviously I'm not the only one that is getting sick and tired of all the coverage of these two women.  I am truly greatful that my daughters were raised with great morals and are beyond looking to so-called celebrities as role models.  As far as Ms. Smith's story goes, forget Howard, Larry, her evil mother and the rest of the slime balls associated with this case.  Put that beautiful baby girl up for adoption (keeping her birthright anonymous) - there are a lot of wonderful families out there looking for children.  Let the Marshall family keep their millions and let's move on to more important issues.  Regarding Ms. Spears.....obviously she needs help.  Could be any number of problems that we've read about.  Hopefully she'll get some kind of help before it's too late for her.  To the news media, over the last 10 years or more of my life I've been a news junkie to the point of not seeing what I'm sure are great movies and TV programs but no longer.  As long as I have to have this crap rammed down my throat I'll get out the DVD player and watch some oldies but goodies!!!!!

Colleen, Southern Utah (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 11:36 PM)

Anyone ever think about how many colors, bleachings, etc., that Britney's hair has endured? Shaving her head and getting a new start for her hair, was probably the best thing to do to hair that undoubtedly was damaged to crispy fried condition. A good time to sort out lots of things, and let new hair grow in---
The horror story of Anna Nicole Smith's death and the burial delays are almost unbelievable--the "mother" is the most bizarre of the entire "cast and crew"---
The entire soap opera will be on record for that baby....to have to "live down"--
Howard Stern is the most dignified and protective of the baby of all of the troupe.

Linda, Alaska (Sent Monday, February 26, 2007 1:44 AM)

Where the heck does Kevin Federline get off?  All during the marriage he was doing nothing but spending Britney's money like it was water and working on what turned out as a rotten rap career.  No one liked it.  Why can't everyone leave Britney alone.  Since she got pregnant the first time the media has been down her throat and proclaiming her a bad mother.  NOT.  Divorce is hard enough to go through and when you have an ex who threatening to take your kids, hey he's part of the problem and he knows it. It's a control issue, she left him and denied him his free access to her money.  Leave Britney alone.

Laura, Kent WA (Sent Monday, February 26, 2007 2:51 AM)

I just think this whole thing is crazy. Howard is a snake, Quit his job, ANNA paid, Anna paid.Men can be golddiggers too. What a loser! I hope the Dna test reveals the true father Larry, If Howard was the father he should have ran to get a DNA test to prove it. I also think it is great that the Bahama's trial is closed to the media, this has gone far enough. The woman needs to be buried by her son and left to rest! I'm a mother myself so I feel for Ms. Arthur, no matter what she is still Anna's mother.  

Candi, Crittenden, Ky (Sent Monday, February 26, 2007 9:09 AM)

This country is in sad shape and it really shows thru with the death of Anna Nicole Smith.
With all that is going on in the world why or how is this headline news?
MSNBC is selling this crap to us when they should be reporting real news.  
This is not news and your coverage of this crap is a insult to all Americans. Might as well watch FOX noise. Really if these are the type of people we hold in such high regard, we are in real trouble!

MIke IL (Sent Monday, February 26, 2007 10:03 AM)

I think it's pathetic people even CARE about either one of these c-list celebs. It's NOT newsworthy, yet MSNBC and CNN are bumping news programming and every single newspaper is devoting FRONT PAGE COVERAGE to cover silly, sensationalist hearings and other garbage. Last time I checked, soldiers were dying in Iraq in a foolish war, our president and VP are doing their best to steal our civil rights away from us and our environment is crying for help. yet, he you people are, wasting your life by caring about what happens to ANS and Britney. How sad have we become?

Devin C., Norwalk, CT (Sent Monday, February 26, 2007 11:49 AM)

I have one thing to say about all these celebs and their troubles.....get over it!  No one said life was easy.  If you're worth millions, I feel even less sorry for you.  They have been given the opportunity to make a difference and what do they do...screw it up with drugs, alcohol and whatever else.  If life were a card game I'd say the dealer dealt a sh*tty hand.  Half the people at the top don't deserve to be there.

Drew Brodie, New York, New York (Sent Monday, February 26, 2007 11:56 AM)

I am so sick and tired of hearing about the lives of so-called celebreties that I want to kill MYSELF! Who the hell cares whether a "star" is divorcing, cheating, marrying, having a baby, adopting a baby, fighting with friends, falling down drunk, snorting drugs, dressing like trash, failing at the box office, or gets nominated for an award. I agree with Bruce that "There is something pathetic and, in its own way narcissistic, about celebrity journalists agonizing over their role in all this." Oh, you poor media types, crawling through slime and thorn bushes to catch a "star" sunbathing topless. Oh, the mental anguish you must feel being forced to chase and harrass "stars" just to make a living because all the rest of the world demands answers to these life-altering questions. Does Jennifer sunbathe in the nude? Does Jolie (the ultimate of depravity and hypocrisy) plan on yet another African adoption, or will she lower herself to adopt a poor refugee from New Orleans? Better yet, perhaps she will dump Pitt, find a nice, wealthy Middle Eastern prince with lots of little kiddies and join his harem as top bitch. I DON'T GIVE A F--K that Jolie or Pitt visit New Orleans and talk to the common folk on the street and then go stay in their luxurious digs in the nice side of town, I don't give a f--k if Camilla is having a whole body lift so she won't lose Charles. Why does the media feel this garbage must be shoved in front of everyone's faces? I also agree with another poster that the media is failing in its responsibilities to us. Did you know that TV was developed in order to deliver NEWS. That is still the first obligation and mission of television. A case in point: in one week, first, Nancy Pelosi screwed the US taxpayers by demanding that the USAF supply her with her own personal jet to fly her and 40 or so assorted friends around the country. The last Speaker of the House flew commercial airlines. Second, an astronaut tried to kill her husband's lover, and third, Anna Nicole Smith died. There was virtually no press coverage regarding newly elected Democrat Pelos reneging on promises to control gov't spending, to cut perks and earmarks, and to address global warming by adding another huge aircraft spewing fumes, using fuel, and taking the money of US citizens. The media seems to think that all people are mindless blobs who are easily amused, and easily pointed in the direction that the media desires to focus rather than intelligent, concerned citizens who want to know what is happening to OUR world, what is happening to our troops, what is happening to the morals of our children, and what is happening in our government. The media needs to grow up, remember the reason they became journalists, and provide the world with human interest news about real human beings, the ones who struggle everyday to make a difference in the lives of those around them, the ones who fight against injustice in our courts, fight against animal abuse, domestic abuse, environmental abuse, religious fanaticism, global warming, and so forth. Go to www.Care2.com where you will see the type of information that millions of people select each day as being important and news worthy.

EMR, Sarasota, FL (Sent Monday, February 26, 2007 12:06 PM)

I agree with Beth and many others.  It is the media that is obsessed with reporting on celebrities issues not the publilc.  How many times does MSNBC and CNN and Fox news have to report on the same story and the whisper down the alley comments on Britney or Anna Nicole.  We shouldn't have so much deliberations on these topics.  its being beaten to death.  I can't seem to turn on the news channels and not hear about Anna Nicole and Britney.  

LSB - Harrisburg PA (Sent Monday, February 26, 2007 12:28 PM)

Who cares?  Really, who cares, besides the media?

David in McKinney, TX (Sent Monday, February 26, 2007 2:12 PM)

I AGREE totally!!  You know there is something wrong with the world when some idiot photographer gets a big fat pay day for catching pictures of Britney without underwear on.  Mean while there are starving kids in Affrica, or the Dar 4 crisis, etc. etc. Americans wonder why the rest of the world views us as immoral and stupid.  We are, if all that interests us is where Anna Nicole will be burried.  I am proud of where I come from and to be an American but the older I get the harder it is for me to say that.  We elect idiots into office who think that means they've been given a blank check to do whatever they want and we have to hear about some stupid celeb who shaves her head and falls in and out of rehab.  The problem is the media, but the problem also lies with the American Public....they buy the garbage.  If they didn't, the media wouldn't be making money on covering these trash stories.  I need to make enough money to go off and buy a hut on some deserted island...and drench myself in warmth while bathing in crystal clear water....somewhere where I can imagine the rest of the world is sane...and big issues really do matter.

Drew Brodie, New York, NY (Sent Monday, February 26, 2007 2:18 PM)

I vote with everyone who says "Who cares?" about these women (Anna Nicole, Britney, Paris, Nicole Richie, Lindsay Lohan, Hillary Duff, etc.) whose personal lives and spats are covered by just about every gossip columnist and "entertainment journalist" in this country. These young women got discovered on Disney, in Playboy, through various TV talent shows, and now they're going out, getting drunk, getting high, going into rehab, and not really paying their own way. When was the last time we saw Paris Hilton in anything other than "The Simple Life" with Nicole Richie? What has Lindsay Lohan done, since her last movie? Hillary Duff has had some fun TV series and a couple of movies, but what else is she doing? Their lives seem to be a string of high-profile DUIs, going into rehab, and coming out, without learning anything about themselves or how their actions might affect either themselves, their careers, or other people. I hope it won't take a drunk driving accident (such as Brandy's) and the death of the other driver or passengers, to get them thinking about the hazards of getting drunk or high, and then getting behind the wheel of their or a friend's car. Perhaps they need either a designated driver or a chauffeur on hand the next time they decide to go out to a party.  With the rest of our country's drunk drivers, a DUI usually means a suspended or revoked license, and lots of "barriers" between a drunk driver and his or her car, such as a breathalyzer installed in the car(so the car won't start without a breath test), an electronic ankle bracelet/monitor, and time behind bars. Good luck getting those "installed" on these celebrity drunks or their cars.

Wendy King, New Orleans LA (Sent Monday, February 26, 2007 2:41 PM)

To all the people who say that it is the media who is obsessing over celebrities. You are wrong. Think of supply and demand. If people stop demanding it, surely it will stop being supplied and the paparazzi will be out of business. They are making money off of someone right now, otherwise they wouldnt be around now would they?

AMS, Seattle WA (Sent Monday, February 26, 2007 2:58 PM)



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