Celebrities and Special Needs Children: Raising Awareness or Child Exploitation?

Having a special needs child is something that no one is immune to. It happens every day, all around the globe. Rich people, poor people and everyone in between. Even celebrities.

Some would call it a Hollywood “trend.” Celebrities shouting from the rooftops about how they are raising a special needs child. Yet, can this really be viewed as a trend? Or is it simply a matter of raising awareness?

Celebrities like Jenny McCarthy have gotten plenty of guff for what some people claim is nothing short of exploitation when it comes to sounding off about her autistic son. Some wonder if she used to him resurrect her stalling career or that her former beau, Jim Carrey.

Though it may be tempting to point fingers and accuse a celebrity of the “any press is good press” mantra, nobody can deny the fact that McCarthy has tirelessly donated her time and resources to raise autism awareness via several charities and events, including the Jenny McCarthy and Jim Carrey Autism Organization – Generation Rescue.

In another example, celebrity/politician/author, ex-Alaskan Governor Sarah Palin, was accused of using her son Trig, who suffers from Down syndrome, as a campaign ploy and a push for her stance on Right to Life issues. While Ms. Palin vehemently denies doing anything other than sharing her “colorful” family with the nation, the rest of the country couldn’t help but take notice of Down syndrome issues, which spawned a resurgence in educating later-in-life mothers about the risks involved in having babies after age 35.

While having a special needs child is no easy road to travel and there is no safe online pharmacy to go to and make it all “go away” there is much to be said for those who are brave enough to share their “normal-to-them” children with the rest of society. Celebrities or otherwise. Because sharing these special, wonderful gifts of God raises awareness on several levels, which often translates into raising money and resources for the cause. And that, any way you slice it, can only be a good thing!

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Liberty Kontranowski is a freelance writer with hundreds of articles published online and in print covering topics like health, sex, celebrities, beauty and more. She is part of the Viamedic writing team, providing top-quality articles to safe and secure online pharmacies like Viamedic.com.

Top 5 Jon Stewart Moments

Jon Stewart will certainly be entertaining us for many more years to come but here is a list of the Top 5 Greatest Jon Stewart moments from the last few years:



I've watched the first episode of the Daily Show after September 11th a few times now and my eyes can't help but get a little teary every time I see it. Stewart's sarcasm and silliness are stripped away here (for the most part), and you can see just how much he loves his country.

"The view from my apartment was the World Trade Center, And now it's gone. And they attacked it. This symbol of American ingenuity and strength and labour and imagination and commerce and it is gone. But do you know what the view is now? The Statue of Liberty."

2) Jim Cramer accepts a challenge and probably wishes he hadn't

Jon Stewart can dismantle a jackass like no one else but he usually does it with video clips – not face-to-face. Jim Cramer obviously struck a nerve with Stewart after starting, what most people thought, was a good-natured feud.

Obviously Jon was more serious, telling Cramer, "I understand that you want to make finance entertaining, but it's not a f***ing game."

Cramer showed up to the Daily Show studios probably expecting a few quick jabs but the verbal lashing that Stewart gave Cramer was perhaps the toughest since he called Tucker Carlson & Paul Begala "partisan hacks."

There isn't a better talk show interviewer on television than whip-smart Stewart but the last thing you want is him coming after you.

3) Stewart takes aim on Crossfire

Crossfire hosts Tucker Carlson and Paul Begala never saw it coming. In October 2004 they invited Stewart to join them on their show but Stewart came out guns blazing and quickly turned the tables on the two hosts.

Stewart's suggestion that it was shows like Crossfire that were “hurting America” by encouraging divisiveness only got awkward responses from the two hosts.

The interesting part was that it seemed even the Crossfire audience was siding with Stewart.

Oh yeah, and what happened to Crossfire after Stewart's appearance?

It was cancelled shortly thereafter while the Daily Show is still reaching a huge audience every night.

4) The Oscars

Jon's self deprecation and charm are commonplace to most Daily Show fans but Comedy Central is hiding one of America's greatest comedians.

The Oscars gave Jon a chance to shine on the world's stage and we only wish he could stay there.

When hosting in 2008, Jon had this to say about one of the lesser films, "Even Norbit got a nomination, which I think is great. Too often the Academy ignores movies that aren't good."

5) Half Baked

On the Daily Show, Jon likes to talk about his failed acting career but his (very short) appearance in the 1998 comedy Half Baked is still a lot of fun.

He plays an “enhancement smoker” who thinks that everything is better when high. Most importantly though, it’s not Death to Smoochy!


This is a guest post by Donald Farber. He works for a life insurance website based in Canada and is a big Jon Stewart fan.

Glee Star Does His Bit For Kids At Risk

Patrick Gallagher, star of music TV phenomenon Glee got together with some of Hollywood’s brightest entertainers to promote positive programs that assist at-risk youth.

Gallagher teamed up with musicians Amy Scruggs, Invinceable, Madisen Hill and Brittany Flickinger, Comedian/Actor Scott Vinci, Actresses Helenna Santos, Nadjah Dabney, Kristen Ruhlin, Ariel Teal Toombs, and Actors Rene Cadet and James Giordano among others to appear in a Public Service Announcement, with filming commencing in Burbank on Sunday. The PSA aims to educate the public on the challenges faced by at-risk youth as well as promoting the red carpet fundraiser “Big Kids Care” scheduled for July 21st.


Big Kids Care benefits not-for-profit organization San Bernardino County Prevention, Resource, Intervention, Mentoring, Education (SBC PRIME). SBC PRIME provides weekly workshops, with mentoring and information services for 13 – 21 year olds from low income, probation and foster care homes. The group meets for 4 hours and covers topics such as preparing for employment, managing money, preparing for a college education and stress management. The young adults were even treated to a day of pampering recently; receiving pedicures and massages as part of the program!

SBC PRIME also supply much needed items such as school supplies, food and retail vouchers, personal hygiene products and transport services to around 180 youth and always welcome contributions.

SBC Prime is no stranger to celebrity endorsement. Youth advocates for Big Kids Care include Paul Butler, child star of Children of the Corn, Sonny with a Chance and My Sister's Keeper, Jordan Butler (Playhouse Disney), Gabreon Womack (Playhouse Disney and Lakeview Terrace) and Nya Womack.”

“Why not try to give them (disadvantaged teens) some hope?” said Crystal Butler, founder of the organization. “Our goal is to prevent incarceration, teen pregnancy, drug use, homelessness and unemployment” According to Ms Butler, over 21% of San Bernardino youth live in poverty.


Canadian born Gallagher plays the love sick, somewhat depressed Coach Tanaka on Glee and has appeared in dozens of movies and television programs including the Night at the Museum Films, True Blood, The Line and Da Vinci’s Inquest among others. Gallagher is said to be thrilled to be involved with the project.

Tickets for the red carpet event are extremely limited and available exclusively to members of the entertainment industry and to sponsors.

To become a Big Kid that Cares either through donation or sponsorship, contact the event organizers, ARC Talent Management or donate directly to the organization.

About the Author: Susan Long has used her knowledge of the housing industry to benefit low income families for many years through her work at Sell Property Quickly

Catching Up On Celebrity Apprentice

I am a huge fan of Celebrity Apprentice. This season has been the best. There are five remaining celebrities, and I think they are all great. Holly Robinson-Peete, Bret Michaels, Marie Kanellis, Sharon Osbourne and Curtis Stone have been great to watch. Sunday’s episode was fun to watch. I was hoping that Holly’s team would win. I’m partial to her, because she is playing for autism.

I think Bret Michaels has shown a great ability to take on tasks, work with others, and mediate well between two strong personalities. I was a little worried when Trump started talking about firing him. When you think about it, the reason Bret was most likely because he didn’t have much sleep. Between the concert and the assigned task, he was probably at the end of his endurance. A good night’s sleep is what he needed.

But, I don’t see that happening anytime soon. The show ended with Trump calling everyone back to the Board Room. I like Cyndi Lauper, but I am glad she was fired and not Holly or Bret. Next week, 3 more celebrities will be fired. I’ve been thinking about who they should be, and it’s a tough call. Curtis Stone will probably be first choice. He hasn’t demonstrated the leadership ability that the others have.

I’d like to see Marie Kanellis and Sharon go, too. No offense, they are both great, but I feel that Bret has been the strongest and Holly is playing for autism. Holly has been really strong, but I’m not sure if I would consider her better than Sharon. That’s a tough call. Who do I pick as the winner? I have to say Holly, because of her charity. If she goes up against Bret, I will be really torn. I do think that Bret has been better on the show.

Who do you want to see in the Season Finale?

Here is a Bonus Boardroom scene from their website.

Celebrity Kids with Autism

Hello all, I bow my head in shame that it's been so long since I submitted a post.  Things around the home have been hectic and uncertain due to job changes and doctor visits.  However......on to today's post...and remember I am the writer who is learning about autism.....

I read an article in a magazine to which my daughter-in-law subscribes.  It was about Holly Robinson and her husband having to struggle with their marriage and learning to raise an autistic child.  I was surprised to learn that Holly had an autistic child and is a successful and well-known actress.  She's so beautiful and her smile is almost always evident.  It misleads one to believe she has no struggles.  Ahhh, the things we moms can hide from the world.

After reading Holly's story, I went online and searched briefly for actors/actresses who have autistic children.  In just a one page search, I discovered only two others besides Holly Robinson who are celebrities with autistic children.  One was Toni Braxton and the other was Jenny McCarthy.  I'm not as familiar with those two ladies, but I do recognize the names when I hear or see them.

Anyone can have an autistic child.  It's not readily evident to the world that a parent has a child with this challenge.  Autism is not an entity that chooses who to target.  Celebrities usually do, of course, have more expensive resources available to them to deal with challenges, and the money with which to get the best of help that is available and discovered.  But the fact is that it should not be a source of shame that a child is discovered to be autistic.  It is also a fact that these ladies, even with their successful circumstances, have still had to be educated and have suffered through mistakes with their children.

Parents should be proud of their children and unashamed to make the challenges known to others.  It is in opening up that one begins to discover avenues that would otherwise be lost.  A child does not choose to be autistic, and therefore should not evoke the parent to feel disappointed in them. 

My hope today is that any mom who does feel any guilt because of having an autistic child or has felt apologetic and hopeless and embarrassed, will understand that we should not be ashamed of our children or our circumstances provided we are making every effort possible to be the best person and mother we can be.  Doing the best we can is all that can rightfully be expected.  Pity is often extended towards mothers with challenging children because of a lack of understanding.  It is often through enlightenment that the pity changes to empathy, a totally different emotion.

Although there are people in this world, including close family members, and sometimes unexpected loved ones, who have a slim and closed mind and an unfairly judgmental attitude that nothing we can say or do will change.  But that is not reason to lose hope and faith in humankind.  To give in is to give up.  So, if you struggle with negative emotions and depression, please take this message to heart.

Hold your heads high for your accomplishments and for your milestones crossed with your children whatever your challenges.  As for those who are blessed to have not had this struggle with negative emotions, kudos to you.  Open up your heart and pour out that encouragement to others who desperately need a pat on the back and a light shed in their darkness.

Who is Justin Bieber

Justin Bieber is a name that I have been seeing on Twitter as a popular trend. He’s been on that list for some time. Until today, I didn’t know who he actually was. Justin Bieber is a Canadian singer that has hit it big. Born in 1994, (yep, he’s just a little kid), Beiber has had several hits on the music charts.

Since I am not familiar with his music, I have no idea if it is good or bad. Apparently there are a lot of people that think he is great, or he wouldn’t be trending on Twitter for as long as he has. His songs wouldn’t have made it onto the Top 40 Hits chart here in America.

Now I know who he is, and I expect that my daughter will soon know, too. If he starts to make an appearance on some of her favorite shows, she will discover him quickly. If not, if he is still around and popular in a year or two, I’m sure she will discover him and I will become very familiar with his music.

The Dancing With The Stars Season 10 Cast Revealed

The Season 10 Stars of Dancing With The Stars has been revealed. Much to my delight, one of them is Aiden Turner, from All My Children. This sexy soap star will certainly heat up the dance floor. I predict he will do great!

Other stars for this season will be astronaut Buzz Aldrin, NFL wide receiver Chad Ochocinco, sports reporter Erin Andrews, Olympic Gold Medal skating champion Evan Lysacek, from The Bachelor, Jake Pavelka, Kate Gosselin, Niecy Nash, Nicole Scherzinger , Shannen Doherty, and Pamela Anderson.

Buzz Aldrin should be interesting to watch. He will definitely get the elderly vote. I don’t think he will last that long. From watching every season since Dancing With The Stars premiered, I don’t think he will be able to keep up with the physical challenges of the show.

Shannen Doherty and Pamela Anderson will be able to get a lot of votes based on their celebrity status. The question is, can they dance? We will see. I look forward to seeing if Cahd Ochocinco will be light on his feet, or if he will dance like he is wearing cement boots.

No matter what, Aiden Turner will get my vote. I hate that All My Children turned my beloved character into a bad guy. I miss him on All My Children. I look forward to watching him on Dancing With The Stars. If he can dance as well as he acts, then he will be the one to beat.

Reportings of Bill Cosby Death and CNN Screen Shot Picture

Bill Cosby, legendary comedian and actor, is being reported dead from a heart attack. This latest celebrity rumor started when someone on Twitter allegedly posted a fake CNN screenshot that reports the news of Cosby’s demise.

I did a search on CNN’s website and could not find any reports of this. I’ve searched other sites and have found people reporting that he is and that he isn’t dead. There are no official reports stating that he has passed away.

This appears to be one, in a long list of celebrity death hoax rumors on the internet. It is horrible that people do this. I hope that CNN can do something about the fake screenshots that keep appearing on the internet. There are people that actually believe these to be true.

There is a report floating around that Bill Cosby was found passed out in a chair while watching the television. It is reported that his wife, Camille found him and called 911. It goes on and says that the EMT’s report indicated a cardiac arrest and that he was pronounced dead at Baystate Franklin Medical Center on February 6, 2010. None of this has been confirmed by official means. As of right now, this is just a rumor.

All My Children Actor James Mitchell Died

“All My Children” fans have lost a favorite character and the world has lost a great actor. Actor James Mitchell, known to fans as Palmer Cortlandt on “All My Children,” died Friday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, CA. He was 89 years old.

Mitchell appeared in over 300 episodes of “All My Children“, with the last one being the show’s 40th Anniversary show. The first one was in 1979. Before “All My Children,” Mitchell starred in the movies “The Band Wagon” with Fred Astaire, 1954’s “Deep in My Heart” and 1955’s “Oklahoma.” he also performed in Broadway musicals and danced with the American Ballet Theater.

James Mitchell’s character, Palmer Cortlandt, was a ruthless businessman. Over the years, he has mellowed out, but his animosity and competitive relationship with the character Adam Chandler, played by David Canary, continued to be a source of great amusement for fans of all ages.

James Mitchell’s passing will leave a whole in the heart of the show and it’s fans. He was a great actor and had become a part of the family for many. He will be greatly missed.

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson as the Tooth Fairy

“The Tooth Fairy” is Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s latest movie. I have not seen this movie yet, but I really want to. I love The Rock. I think he is great in any type of movie, be it action adventure or comedy. The previews for this movie just crack me up. Seeing him in the Tooth Fairy’s outfit is hilarious.

The basic premise of this movie is that a minor-league hockey player, played by Johnson, does something bad and is sentenced to serve as a tooth fairy for a week. Legendary actress, Julie Andrews, plays a supporting role in the movie. Andrews brings elegance and sophistication to any movie she is in. She has a long list of acting credits on her resume, but is still best known for her portrayal of Maria in “The Sound of Music.”

I’ve heard some negative things about this movie, and I don’t care. I am going to see this movie and I am positive that I will love it. It has The Rock in it, so how can I not like it? My favorite movies of his are “Race to Witch Mountain” and “Scorpion King.” As the Scorpion King, Johnson proved himself as a leading, romantic and action adventure hero, while showing us a little of his comedic ability. “Race to Witch Mountain” gave him the opportunity to do everything. He was the romantic hero, comedian, and action adventure hero. Because of this, I can not think of anyone that would be better suited for the movie “Tooth Fairy” and am so looking forward to watching it.

Did Johnny Depp Die In A Car Accident?

I was checking out what was going on in the world this morning when I saw “Is Johnny Depp Dead” as a hot internet keyword search. Johnny Depp is one of my favorite actors. I watched him back when he was on “21 Jump Street.” “Edward Scissorhands” was filmed partly in the same town that I lived in as a teenager. To me, it was a great movie that showed off his acting range.

Of course, let’s not forget the “Pirates of the Caribbean” movies. Yes, he has done a lot of movies in his career. These are my favorite ones of his. So, when I saw that the internet was buzzing about rumors of Johnny Depp’s death, I had to check into it.

It is all just rumors. He was in a car accident and is fine. Rumors have it that he might have been drinking, but those too are just rumors for now. Johnny Depp is alive and (I hope) well. This is just one, in a long line, of celebrity death rumors that seem to always be appearing on the internet. It must be a really slow celebrity gossip weekend. You would think that people had more important things to report, instead of making up false rumors. Especially, in regards to such a serious matter.

For all of you Johnny Depp fans out there, he is alive. With any luck, we will have many years to come of movies starring my favorite character actor. For those of you who started this rumor, GROW UP!

Biggest Loser Winner Erik Chopin Gains Back Weight

Season three winner of Biggest Loser, Erik Chopin, started the show at 407 pounds. During the course of the show, he lost 214 pounds, and became the winner of that season’s Biggest Loser. At the end of the show, he weighed 197 pounds and has since put most of that back on.

This is not surprising to me. Rapid weight loss is not healthy. I have spent years going up and down in weight. Why? Stress and not watching what I eat. The best way to lose weight and keep it off is to do it slowly. It’s healthier and you stand a better chance of keeping the weight off.

What really caught my attention with this story is that it appears that his wife blames the show for her husband’s weight gain because, after the show was over, they just dropped him. Come on people, you can’t be serious. How do you go on a reality television show for weight loss and blame them for not checking in and making sure you are not gaining weight after the show is over? How is it their responsibility?

Grow up! It is Erik’s responsibility. He signed off to be on the show. He won that season of Biggest Loser. It was and is his responsibility to take care of his body. Unless, of course, they signed a contract saying the show will hold his hand after the season was finished. For some reason, I tend to think that the producers of Biggest Loser did not agree to act as parental figures in Erik Chopin’s life.

I am not the only one that feels this way. I came across this comment on another article ab Erik Chopin and his wife:

“I saw an interview with Eric and he said he liked the fame and his wife seemed to blame the show, saying that they treated him like a celebrity then dropped him.
What do you people want? They kept up their end of the deal. He lost weight and in addition he got half a million. And now they blame the show. Grow up!” - Roger Russell

Face it. There is only one person to blame for what happened. We all know who that is. Do I like Biggest Loser? No. I think it portrays unrealistic weight loss and promotes what will ultimately turn into the yo-yo weight loss and gain system for people that follow the show. What do I do about it? I don’t watch the show. I sympathize with Erik and his struggles. I face the same struggles everyday. The difference is that my husband and I know where the blame should be placed.

Melodee Hanes photo found

I have been keeping an eye on what is going on around the internet today. One of the hot search topics is for a picture of Melodee Hanes. Here are some links to places you can find pictures of her.

Melodee Hanes photo found

Posted using ShareThis


Melodee Hanes Photo on PopCrunch "Senator Max Baucus finds himself embroiled in controversy today after it was revealed he was sleeping with Melodee Hanes." Visit PopCrunch to read full article.

All the other sites that I found pictures on were the same as these. Why is this so important? I guess people have a lot of extra time on their hands. Kinda like me today. Since I have been up since 5:30 this morning, I find myself with extra time to do meaningless stuff. I'd post the picture here on my site too, but then you wouldn't have a reason to go visit someone else.

For some reason, we seem to be drawn to scandals involving politicians. These are our elected officials that have a profound affect on our lives. Does that mean that their personal lives are our business? Do we have a right to know everything that goes on when they are not working?

Even though affairs are immoral, isn't that between his family and God? Do we have the right to pass judgement? What about how all of this press affects the family of th politician caught having an affair? Do they deserve to be hounded by the press and to have their lives opened like a book to the public?

Isn't what should be important to us the job the person does? How has he or she helped us? Are they voting and passing legislature that will help our families? What is important to you?