“It seems trivial for me to be writing about celebrities at a time like this, when so many people are suffering as a result of a terrible tragedy. My thoughts are with those at Virginia Tech and their families. I’m not about to go into a sentimental story about how life is worth living, but when you look at how quickly the lives of our fellow college students were lost, it really puts things in perspective.”
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It seems trivial for me to be writing about celebrities at a time like this, when so many people are suffering as a result of a terrible tragedy. My thoughts are with those at Virginia Tech and their families. I’m not about to go into a sentimental story about how life is worth living, but when you look at how quickly the lives of our fellow college students were lost, it really puts things in perspective.

I am glad to say, though, that my usual sources for celebrity gossip have chosen to report on the tragedy first instead of who is wearing high-waisted jeans and who is sitting with whom at a Knicks game.

My heart goes out to the families of the victims and the town of Blacksburg.

Worst Break-up:

Prince William and Kate Middleton. Say it ain’t so! I think this one ranks up there with Reese and Ryan or Jessica and Nick as one of the saddest break-ups. Middleton seemed like a normal person, unfazed by Will’s status and prestige. She was compared to Princess Diana on a regular basis. I’m holding my breath for a reconciliation. Jess and Nick may have let me down, but the British have always come through for me (thank you, William Shakespeare and Hugh Grant).

Best Baby’s Daddy:

Larry Birkhead. DNA tests finally proved that photographer Birkhead is the father of Anna Nicole Smith’s baby Dannielynn. I called this last fall. Well, actually, I hoped for it last fall when I saw pictures of him and compared them to Howard K. Stern, the other potential father. Birkhead told the press that Anna Nicole would be so happy for us. Um, really? I’m pretty sure she fought to deny his fatherhood. But whatever. This girl has had a tragic life so far, but now she has a legitimate father and good genes also.

Most Typical Celebrity:

Avril Lavigne. The singer had dropped off the Earth for the last couple years as she planned her wedding and worked on her latest album. But now that she’s back in the limelight with her new record, it hit me: I hate her. Well, hate may be a strong word for someone I have never met, but she is downright annoying. She recently bought a 10-bathroom mansion and has been flaunting it about. Her new song, Girlfriend, sounds just like every other song she has made since she was 19. I’m not impressed.

Best Reality Show:

American Idol. OK, I’ll admit, since the original auditions of each city, I haven’t cared a lick for this show. But somehow, I could tell you who has been kicked off and who has done well. The show has become much more than good television; it’s a pop culture phenomenon. And I did catch an episode last week, and I will say that, despite the mediocre singing, I was hooked. What is it that they’re doing? Is there some subliminal message they are sending through the screen that keeps us all hooked? Or is it just Sanjaya’s hair?

Saddest Celebrity:

Katie Holmes. Is it just me or does every picture of Holmes and Tom Cruise look like he is the happiest kid in America, but her puppy just got run over? At least she’s finally back to work on a new movie. Come on, Katie, free yourself!

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