Lady Gaga has been on a media binge, talking to media near and far about Tuesday's musical release: ARTPOP. While I've heard a few songs (I like the collaboration with R. Kelly and Gypsy), one thing that stuck out for me was her openly discussing the amount of pot she has smoked. She even has a song on the album called Dope that is about her kicking her habit so as not to lose those closest to her. I especially enjoyed her Howard Stern interview last week. But one thing that has really stuck out for me is that while no one really bats an eyelash about Gaga's use, Toronto's mayor has admitted to not only smoking pot (in the past) but that he's purchased and used crack cocaine in the last year while he's been mayor.
Gaga has alluded to harder drug use as well, and hasn't come out and expressly said "I've done ecstasy" or whatever drugs she may have done, while Miley Cyrus admits to using MDMA, and Madonna has sung about the drug.
Is it just that we expect artists to be users? Or that we accept it?
I personally think any business leader or political leader should not have their brain clouded by use of any drugs OR alcohol (in excess), but I do think that musicians, although they may be "leaders" in celeb-dom don't have to live up to the same regulations.
In films and TV over the years, drug and drink have been both demonized and glamourized, but I think the onus really is on the parents to teach the right and wrong and accept that even the best kid might be tempted into trying something (because a lot of us did in our youth). When drug use becomes so front and centre as it has with this awful Toronto mayor situation, it takes it from a theoretical use (as one might see in a movie) and into the real world.
Maybe it's a good teaching tool to show what drug use and alcoholism can cause in a real adult's life with true consequences? Regardless, Rob Ford has gone from Toronto sideshow to TMZ, so this is getting beyond out of hand.
What do you think about drug use in popular culture?
I've been thinking a lot about traditions lately. Henry is almost three and now that I have two kids, I want them both to have memories of doing something as a family over the holidays. I'm big on experiences and I love live theatre and music. So, this year, we've decided to start a family tradition of taking the kids to a holiday show. But not just any holiday show—a Ross Petty's holiday show.
Every year for the last few, I've been seeing these silly posters on the subway with Ross Petty—almost always in drag—touting a family-friendly fairy tale done in a pantomime style. As a mum to young kids now, this really speaks to me. A show for kids that will make me laugh and not roll my eyes is a good thing, and live theatre is awesome and something I want my kids to be into for life. A Ross Petty show, then, is exactly perfect for me. They do the shows every holiday season and do a different fairy tale each year.
This year, it's The Little Mermaid.
I got a chance to chat with cast members Ross Petty, Dan Chameroy, Chilina Kennedy, and Jordan Clark this week.
Their enthusiasm is infectious, isn't it? I'm really excited to be starting this tradition with my kids and think this is a great tradition for you to start with your kids, too!
There have been a number of stories in the news lately about Justin Bieber as he tours the world and apparently just has sex with girls. But not just any girls—exotic dancers and prostitutes, who are in turn outing his escapades.
I find it interesting (bizarre) that Bieber is paying for sex instead of just finding one of the hundreds of young women willing to sleep with him. I think he maybe assumed that paying for sex would protect his exploits from getting out publicly. Sadly, these ladies are happy to kiss and tell and Tweet and Instagram.
All the girls say he is "great," usually get paid money, and get tickets for his shows. They are using this opportunity to get into the spotlight themselves, which I'm pretty sure Bieber was trying to avoid.
This guy needs to stop thinking with his crotch and start using his brain. Isn't his mother an advocate for no-premarital sex?
He seems to be on a mini downward spiral since the most recent Selena Gomez split. I wonder if she's thinking she dodged a bullet splitting with him for good.
What do you think about all the news about Justin Bieber's sexual exploits?
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