Do You Agree with Kirstie Alley?

Divabetic

Kirstie Alley slammed Abercrombie honcho Michael Jeffries this week for why the clothing retailer refuses to stock items in sizes larger than, well, large.

In short, the company wants only cool kids coming through its doors.

The onetime “Fat Actress” star, who has openly dealt with her weight issues over the years, went on “Entertainment Tonight,” video above, to encourage folks of all sizes to stop shopping at A&F.

“I’ve got two kids in that [target] bracket, but they will never walk in those doors because of his view of people — forget women, his view of just people,” she said.

The dust-up started with a May 3 Business Insider story about Abercrombie, unlike its prime competitors, refusing to stock clothes in XL and XXL. The story resurfaced comments made by Jeffries to Salon in 2006, in which he said his business was built on sex appeal and therefore “we want to market to cool, good-looking people. We don’t market to anyone other than that.”

“In every school there are the cool and popular kids, and then there are the not-so-cool kids,” he continued in the quote that went viral. “Candidly, we go after the cool kids. We go after the attractive all-American kid with a great attitude and a lot of friends. A lot of people don’t belong [in our clothes], and they can’t belong. Are we exclusionary? Absolutely.”

The Abercrombie chief exec finally addressed the issue Thursday in a statement that stopped short of an apology, according to Money & Co. He said he regretted that his “choice of words was interpreted in a manner that has caused offense,” stating that the “7-year-old, resurrected quote has been taken out of context.”

Nevertheless, A&F “targets its marketing at a particular segment of customers,” he said, adding that the company was opposed to discrimination and bullying based on “race, gender, body type or other individual characteristics.”

(We’re guessing Alley’s huge-head comment would fall in that last category.)

Incidentally, the retailer’s reputation among 18- to 34-year-olds has tanked in the last two weeks, Business Insider reported Thursday.

LISTEN NOW: Diabetes Roundtable Inspired by Kate Middleton http://www.blogtalkradio.com/divatalkradio1/2013/05/14/diabetes-roundtable-inspired-by-kate-middleton

Serve, Taste or Trash! Game at Apollo Theater

Dionne Warwick Files for Bankruptcy

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If you’re filling out your taxes ‘say a little prayer’ because Dionne Warwick has just filed for bankruptcy after discovering she owes more than $10.2 million in taxes.

I guess those trips to San Jose really do add up!

Warwick’s publicist announced that the  singer and Celebrity Apprentice star cites fiscal mismanagement as the reason she owes so much, according to Reuters.

Warwick filed the bankruptcy papers March 21 in New Jersey. Most of the alleged “negligent and gross financial mismanagement” Warwick referenced occurred in the late ’80s through the ’90s.

Warwick listed her average monthly income as $20,950, with expenses totaling $20,940. Her publicist, Kevin Sasaki, says it is interest that Warwick is left to pay, as most of her back taxes were reportedly paid off.

“In light of the magnitude of her tax liabilities, Warwick has repeatedly attempted to offer re-payment plans and proposals to the IRS and the California Franchise Tax Board for taxes owed,” Sasaki said. “These plans were not accepted, resulting in escalating interest and penalties.”

READ MORE: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/26/dionne-warwick-bankrupt_n_2955615.html

TUNE IN: Serve Taste or Trash Game! podcast: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/divatalkradio1/2013/04/02/serve-taste-or-trash-game-2

Easter Parade 2012 with Mr. Divabetic:

LISTEN NOW: Diabetes Roundtable Inspired by Melba Moore http://www.blogtalkradio.com/divatalkradio1/2013/03/12/diabetes-roundtable-inspired-by-melba-moore

Basics In Diabetes Pattern Management – Divabetic

Experience Mr. Divabetic’s wellness with a wow programming in New York, NY, Philadelphia, PA, Savannah, GA, Bethesda, MD and Pittsburgh, PA in 2013. Get more details at www.divabetic.org

Drew Barrymore’s New Wine Debuts

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In April, we will be talking about ‘divas, drinking and diabetes!’

We’re kicking things off  starting with actress Drew Barrymore  who is partnering with wine distributor Wilson Daniels. She’s created  Barrymore Pinot Grigio, composed of grapes grown in northern Italy. The wine has already garnered praise from those more concerned with taste and less with the famous name attached. Drew’s new label even took home gold at the prestigious Le Challenge International du Vin in France.

“I love wine, and it’s always fun when you can do something in your work life that you love in your personal life,” Barrymore told Unfiltered. “It seems very authentic to me. … Pinot grigio has always been a love of mine. If I go to a restaurant, it’s a safe, surefire bet and I love it.”

Excuse me but I’m slightly confused — I thought Drew was sober! Doesn’t it seem strange that someone who had a very public battle with drugs and alcohol at such a young age is now making wines?

Drew  says, “I’m not (sober) and I don’t claim to be – quite the opposite. I’ve tried to find the balance. I hope it’s balanced.”

Though she has done some quirky and questionable things as a celebrity, there have been no reports of her relapsing into drug use. She seems to have found good work that matches her talents, service and charity efforts she believes in, and good people around her.

Barrymore told the Angeleno that she was involved in nearly every step of the process of creating the pinot grigio, a process that took three years. ”I’ve been to the winery and to Italy numerous times,” she said. “I liked the idea of working with a family who has done this for generations because I wanted to name this after my family.”

COMING SOON: Diabetes Roundtable podcast inspired by Kathie Lee & Hoda scheduled for Tuesday, April 9, 2013, 6 PM, EST.  http://www.blogtalkradio.com/divatalkradio1/2013/04/09/diabetes-roundtable-inspired-by-kathie-lee-and-hoda

Easter Parade 2012 with Mr. Divabetic:

LISTEN NOW: Diabetes Roundtable Inspired by Melba Moore http://www.blogtalkradio.com/divatalkradio1/2013/03/12/diabetes-roundtable-inspired-by-melba-moore

Basics In Diabetes Pattern Management – Divabetic

Experience Mr. Divabetic’s wellness with a wow programming in New York, NY, Santa Clara, CA, Philadelphia, PA, Savannah, GA and Bethesda, MD in 2013. Get more details at www.divabetic.org

New Diet Coke bottles designed by Marc Jacobs

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Diet Coke named Marc Jacobs as its creative director for 2013 and last night, he revealed his creative designs for the fizzy bottles and cans at a bash in London. Each bottle displays a striking model, one sporting a suit and top hat, another in a feminine pink gown, and the final one portraying a chic woman in monochrome stripes.

As part of year-long partnership with the drink brand set up to celebrate Diet Coke’s 30th birthday, Jacobs designed the collection of bottles and cans, which are set to be unveiled across 11 countries including Britain, France and Iceland.

The illustrations represent the drink’s 30th anniversary, which is why they feature graphic drawings inspired by the ’80s, ’90s, and ’00 decades. “Diet Coke is an icon… and I love an icon,” Jacobs said in a statement.

Cute, right? Too bad we can’t buy them just yet .. the products are only available in eleven European countries including Britain, France and Iceland.

LISTEN NOW: Diabetes Roundtable Inspired by Melba Moore http://www.blogtalkradio.com/divatalkradio1/2013/03/12/diabetes-roundtable-inspired-by-melba-moore

Let’s Talk About Sex!  Here’s a sneak peak of  Divabetic’s ’Love On A Two Way Street’ free outreach program focused on ‘Sexual Health & Diabetes’ and presented at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital

LISTEN NOW: The Mr. Divabetic Show featuring Kirsten Holly Smith and Holly Clegg http://www.blogtalkradio.com/divatalkradio1/2013/03/04/the-mr-divabetic-show-with-kirstin-holly-smith

Basics In Diabetes Pattern Management – Divabetic

Experience Mr. Divabetic’s wellness with a wow programming in New York, NY, Santa Clara, CA, Philadelphia, PA, Savannah, GA and Bethesda, MD in 2013. Get more details at www.divabetic.org

Lorraine Brooks’ poem, ‘Ms. Melba’

Lorraine Brooks – Divabetic

Last night, I had the honor of interviewing R & B music legend and Tony Award winning actress, Melba Moore who’s life off stage is as dramatic and inspirational as her art on Divabetic’s free monthly podcast, Diabetes Roundtable. 

I feel she’s truly the embodiment of Divabetic’s ‘Don’t Get Down, Get Diva!’ spirit. Her much publicized problems with music executive Charles Huggins, her partner at Hush Productions, that sent her spiraling into bankruptcy serve as a testimony that she is indeed a true survivor after experiencing some dark years in her life.

“(It was a) very, very, very difficult (time) because of just the total crisis and collapse of everything that had any kind of security around my life.  Nothing is familiar or  comfortable.  Everything is about depression with no money, with no esteem, no support.  You don’t know what you’re doing.  This territory is not difficult, its impossible.  It’s chaos, but you gotta live.  You gotta figure out how to put one foot before the other,” says Melba Moore.

Divabetic

I hope Melba Moore’s moving story helps to inspire anyone who are feeling overwhelmed by having to deal with diabetes on top of everything else they have to manage in their lives. If you feel this way, you are not alone. After all, there are no vacations from diabetes; it’s with you 24 hours a day.  And diabetes affects absolutely every aspect of your life. But the truth is YOU have the strength to overcome obstacles in your life just like Melba!

Today, Melba Moore’s basking in the glow of her upcoming forth album entitled, “Forever Moore” which will be released on her new label A’Moore Music, Inc. The single, “Love Is” is up for two Grammy Awards in the first round of nominating process in the category of Best Short Form Music Video and Best Traditional R&B Performance. Be inspired by Ms. Melba Moore to ‘not get down, get DIVA! 

I asked our resident poet, Lorraine Brooks to write original poem about Melba’s perseverance titled ‘Ms. Melba’ which she was unfortunately unable to share on the podcast due to technical difficulties.

Ms. Melba

 

The musIc you gIve us

Is touchIng and fIne

In ways that warm all of our souls.

Your voIce and your presence

Are lIke a good wIne

We love you In all of your roles.

 

But lIfe, as It happens

Has ups and has downs and

You’ve had your faIr share of sorrow.

We’ve watched you be human

And watched you rebound

And gave us new hope In tomorrow.

 

Not once, but twIce now

You hIt a low level

Betrayed and mIstreated for sure.

But you dIdn’t buckle

You faced your own devIl

You stood up and you saId NO MORE!

 

So,you are a dIva In all cIrcumstances

A dIva who’s strong and dIvIne

You say we can do It

We all have our chances

To get up and make ourselves shIne!

 

Here’s to you, Ms Melba

Keep lIghtIng the flame

And tellIng the truth as you fIght…

You’re one of those women

We all can exclaIm…

You’re truly a ‘dIva’ tonight!

LISTEN NOW: Diabetes Roundtable Inspired by Melba Moore http://www.blogtalkradio.com/divatalkradio1/2013/03/12/diabetes-roundtable-inspired-by-melba-moore

Let’s Talk About Sex!  Here’s a sneak peak of  Divabetic’s ’Love On A Two Way Street’ free outreach program focused on ‘Sexual Health & Diabetes’ and presented at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital

LISTEN NOW: The Mr. Divabetic Show featuring Kirsten Holly Smith and Holly Clegg http://www.blogtalkradio.com/divatalkradio1/2013/03/04/the-mr-divabetic-show-with-kirstin-holly-smith

Basics In Diabetes Pattern Management – Divabetic

Experience Mr. Divabetic’s wellness with a wow programming in New York, NY, Santa Clara, CA, Philadelphia, PA, Savannah, GA and Bethesda, MD in 2013. Get more details at www.divabetic.org

What You Should Know About Kelly Osbourne’s Seizure

Kelly Osbourne had quite the medical scare on this week after she was hospitalized following a seizure. And although nothing has been diagnosed, doctors are telling TMZ that Osbourne could be an epileptic.

Sources connected with the 28-year-old “Fashion Police” star tell TMZ that the seizure was far more serious than first suspected and doctors are still running tests. It’s possible it was an isolated incident, but professionals are also saying that there’s a chance Osbourne has epilepsy. Insiders also reveal that she’ll be in the hospital for a few more days.

Meanwhile, Osbourne’s mom Sharon Osbourne took to Twitter yesterday to reassure fans that her daughter was OK.

I suffered a seizure once too. It’s a terrifying experience. I was nervous and anxious for months afterwards that it could happen again – anywhere:  on the subway, on stage, at the movies, at work and/or on the tennis court.  I had to keep telling myself repeatedly that I would be okay if I suffered another seizure.

 

When someone is having is seizure, they will often experience involuntary movement and involuntary changes in behavior and awareness for 60-90 seconds. If you’ve never witnessed a seizure, you might be shocked, confused, scared, worried, or all of the above. The most important thing, however, is for you to remain calm.

If possible, roll the person onto their side, so that if they vomit, they don’t choke on or inhale it.

Whatever you do, don’t ever restrain a person having a seizure, even if they are moving violently. Instead, move any objects that could injure them away from them.

Make sure the person is breathing. If their breathing is difficult, check that nothing is blocking their airway, like food. Otherwise, do not insert anything into the person’s mouth.

LISTEN NOW: Diabetes Roundttable Podcast - “LIVE from the RED CARPET SPECIAL” featuring: Ginger.io spokesperson, Peter Smith, diabetes advocate, author and coach, Riva Greenberg, Divabetic Image & Style Advisor, Catherine Schuller, Go2Bra creator, Connie Elder, Pumpwear Inc. & Girly Girl Studio co- owner, Julie De Fruscio, poet Lorraine Brooks, Patricia Addie Gentle RN, CDE, Constance Brown-Riggs MSEd, RD, CDE, Neva White DNP, CRNP, CDE, makeup and skin guru, Sue Perez, celebrity photographer, Winston Kerr, Mama Rose Marie and Marilyn from Pasadena, CA who is living with type 1 diabetes.

SHOW LINK:  http://www.blogtalkradio.com/divatalkradio1/2013/02/12/diabetes-roundtable-inspired-by-sally-field

Mother Your Diabetes Advice with Mama Rose Marie:

LISTEN NOW: The Mr. Divabetic Show featuring Kirsten Holly Smith and Holly Clegg http://www.blogtalkradio.com/divatalkradio1/2013/03/04/the-mr-divabetic-show-with-kirstin-holly-smith

Let’s Talk About Sex!  Here’s a sneak peak of  Divabetic’s upcoming ‘Love On A Two Way Street’ free outreach program focused on ‘Sexual Health & Diabetes’ and presented at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital on Sat., Feb, 9, 2013

Basics In Diabetes Pattern Management – Divabetic

Experience Mr. Divabetic’s wellness with a wow programming in New York, NY, Santa Clara, CA, Philadelphia, PA, Savannah, GA and Bethesda, MD in 2013. Get more details at www.divabetic.org

Joy Behar is Leaving ‘The View’

Joy Behar is leaving “The View,” she told Deadline on Thursday night.

Behar, a longtime standup comic and an unapologetic liberal, has been on the ABC talk show since 1997. She said she would leave in August, when her contract expires. Her exit leaves Barbara Walters as the show’s only remaining original co-host.

“It seemed like the right time,” Behar said. “You reach a point when you say to yourself, ‘Do I want to keep doing this?’ There are other things on my plate I want to do — I’ve been writing a play, I’ve been neglecting my standup.”

Behar has had shows on Current TV and HLN, and she has met with Jeff Zucker, the new head of CNN who is reportedly looking to add a comedy show, In a statement to Deadline, ABC said, “Joy Behar has been instrumental in the success of The View from the very beginning. We wish her all the best in this next chapter, and are thrilled that we have her for the remainder of the season.”

“The View” has not had a cast change since 2007, when Whoopi Goldberg and Sherri Shepherd arrived. It has weathered many storms — most notably, the extremely acrimonious departures of Rosie O’Donnell and Star Jones. Behar, however, has been a constant.

LISTEN NOW: The Mr. Divabetic Show featuring Kirsten Holly Smith and Holly Clegg http://www.blogtalkradio.com/divatalkradio1/2013/03/04/the-mr-divabetic-show-with-kirstin-holly-smith

LISTEN NOW: Diabetes Roundttable Podcast - “LIVE from the RED CARPET SPECIAL” featuring: Ginger.io spokesperson, Peter Smith, diabetes advocate, author and coach, Riva Greenberg, Divabetic Image & Style Advisor, Catherine Schuller, Go2Bra creator, Connie Elder, Pumpwear Inc. & Girly Girl Studio co- owner, Julie De Fruscio, poet Lorraine Brooks, Patricia Addie Gentle RN, CDE, Constance Brown-Riggs MSEd, RD, CDE, Neva White DNP, CRNP, CDE, makeup and skin guru, Sue Perez, celebrity photographer, Winston Kerr, Mama Rose Marie and Marilyn from Pasadena, CA who is living with type 1 diabetes.

SHOW LINK:  http://www.blogtalkradio.com/divatalkradio1/2013/02/12/diabetes-roundtable-inspired-by-sally-field

Mother Your Diabetes Advice with Mama Rose Marie:

Let’s Talk About Sex!  Here’s a sneak peak of  Divabetic’s upcoming ‘Love On A Two Way Street’ free outreach program focused on ‘Sexual Health & Diabetes’ and presented at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital on Sat., Feb, 9, 2013

Basics In Diabetes Pattern Management – Divabetic

Experience Mr. Divabetic’s wellness with a wow programming in New York, NY, Santa Clara, CA, Philadelphia, PA, Savannah, GA and Bethesda, MD in 2013. Get more details at www.divabetic.org

Queen Elizabeth Hospitalized

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Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II was hospitalized over a stomach infection that has ailed her for days, a rare instance of ill health sidelining the long-reigning monarch. Elizabeth will have to cancel a visit to Rome and other engagements as she recovers, and outside experts said she may have to be rehydrated intravenously.

Buckingham Palace said the 86-year-old queen had experienced symptoms of gastroenteritis and was being examined at London’s King Edward VII Hospital – the first time in a decade that Elizabeth has been hospitalized.

LISTEN NOW: Diabetes Roundttable Podcast - “LIVE from the RED CARPET SPECIAL” featuring: Ginger.io spokesperson, Peter Smith, diabetes advocate, author and coach, Riva Greenberg, Divabetic Image & Style Advisor, Catherine Schuller, Go2Bra creator, Connie Elder, Pumpwear Inc. & Girly Girl Studio co- owner, Julie De Fruscio, poet Lorraine Brooks, Patricia Addie Gentle RN, CDE, Constance Brown-Riggs MSEd, RD, CDE, Neva White DNP, CRNP, CDE, makeup and skin guru, Sue Perez, celebrity photographer, Winston Kerr, Mama Rose Marie and Marilyn from Pasadena, CA who is living with type 1 diabetes.

SHOW LINK:  http://www.blogtalkradio.com/divatalkradio1/2013/02/12/diabetes-roundtable-inspired-by-sally-field

Mother Your Diabetes Advice with Mama Rose Marie:

Let’s Talk About Sex!  Here’s a sneak peak of  Divabetic’s upcoming ‘Love On A Two Way Street’ free outreach program focused on ‘Sexual Health & Diabetes’ and presented at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital on Sat., Feb, 9, 2013

Basics In Diabetes Pattern Management – Divabetic

Experience Mr. Divabetic’s wellness with a wow programming in New York, NY, Santa Clara, CA, Philadelphia, PA, Savannah, GA and Bethesda, MD in 2013. Get more details at www.divabetic.org

Country Singer Mindy McCready Dies

Remembering Mindy

A source confirms to ET that country music singer Mindy McCready has died. She was 37 years old.

Her death is allegedly the result of an apparent suicide, according to FOX reporter Stacy McCloud.

McCready had attempted suicide before, having been hospitalized in 2008 after she cut her wrists and took several pills. Her passing follows the shooting death of boyfriend David Wilson on January 13.

Wilson, a record producer, was initially rushed to the hospital after suffering a reported self-inflicted gunshot wound that did not immediately kill him. McCready recalled how she discovered him after the shooting in an interview on NBC’s Today. “I just started screaming, calling 911. I laid down next to him and just pleaded with him not to die.” The singer said Wilson “was responding” after the shooting, but only making sounds, not words. McCready was admitted to an in-patient facility weeks later.

McCready had several successful country albums in the ’90s, but her career was later overshadowed by domestic abuse issues and drug and DUI arrests. She is survived by her two sons: 6-year-old Zander (fathered by ex Billy McKnight) and 9-month-old Zayne (who she had with now-deceased boyfriend David Wilson).

Mother Your Diabetes Advice with Mama Rose Marie:

LISTEN NOW: Diabetes Roundttable Podcast - “LIVE from the RED CARPET SPECIAL” featuring: Ginger.io spokesperson, Peter Smith, diabetes advocate, author and coach, Riva Greenberg, Divabetic Image & Style Advisor, Catherine Schuller, Go2Bra creator, Connie Elder, Pumpwear Inc. & Girly Girl Studio co- owner, Julie De Fruscio, poet Lorraine Brooks, Patricia Addie Gentle RN, CDE, Constance Brown-Riggs MSEd, RD, CDE, Neva White DNP, CRNP, CDE, makeup and skin guru, Sue Perez, celebrity photographer, Winston Kerr, Mama Rose Marie and Marilyn from Pasadena, CA who is living with type 1 diabetes.

SHOW LINK:  http://www.blogtalkradio.com/divatalkradio1/2013/02/12/diabetes-roundtable-inspired-by-sally-field

Let’s Talk About Sex!  Here’s a sneak peak of  Divabetic’s upcoming ‘Love On A Two Way Street’ free outreach program focused on ‘Sexual Health & Diabetes’ and presented at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital on Sat., Feb, 9, 2013

Basics In Diabetes Pattern Management – Divabetic

Experience Mr. Divabetic’s wellness with a wow programming in Tucson, AZ, Santa Clara, CA, Philadelphia, PA, Savannah, GA and Bethesda, MD in 2013. Get more details at www.divabetic.org

Jennifer Lawrence Undresses At the SAG Awards

Jennifer Lawrence Daisy Dukes

Jennifer Lawrence won a SAG Award for “Silver Linings Playbook” at the 2013 Screen Actors Guild Awards but her big moment actually happened as she headed towards the stage, getting her lovely Dior Couture dress stuck on someone’s chair. When Lawrence stepped onto the stairs holding her dress, the skirt seemed to separate around mid-thigh, revealing several inches of leg (0:50). Seconds later, when she stood on stage accepting her award, the dress seemed to be intact.

Did Jennifer Lawrence’s dress just rip?

Not exactly. E! News reasons, “The original gown, which was revealed on the runway at a couture fashion show on Monday, showed clear distinctions that were connected by sheer lining. Lawrence’s dress, however, had the lining hidden, so people couldn’t really tell that it was a tiered gown.” When Lawrence lifted the dress so as not to trip, it seems she only grabbed the top layer, pulling it up to reveal the sheer piece.

Or so it would appear. What do you think? Do you feel the sheer panel was Jennifer’s ‘silver lining’ in disguise?

Watch News Yorkers try to identify the healthiest treat from three Serve, Taste or Trash! Food Game choices bought at a convenience store. You might be surprised by the results.

Let’s Talk About Sex!  Here’s a sneak peak of  Divabetic’s upcoming ‘Love On A Two Way Street’ free outreach program focused on ‘Sexual Health & Diabetes’ and presented at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital on Sat., Feb, 9, 2013

TUNE IN: Free to Diabetes Roundtable podcast Inspired by Rihanna with guests: Neva White DNP, CRNP, CDE, Connie Frazier RD, CDE, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, author Elsie Spruill, poet Lorraine Brooks, hairstylist and makeup artist Charlene Wilson, Mama Rose Marie and Allison from Jersey City, NJ living with diabetes http://www.blogtalkradio.com/divatalkradio1/2013/01/08/diabetes-roundtable-inspired-by-rihanna

 ’Movie Girl Workouts’ with Mr. Divabetic and fitness expert, Katherine Adamenko

Experience Mr. Divabetic’s wellness with a wow programming in Tucson, AZ, Santa Clara, CA, Philadelphia, PA, Savannah, GA and Bethesda, MD in 2013. Get more details at www.divabetic.org