You know, there's been a ton of press today about Britney's performance. I actually forgot to tune in last night, but was able to catch it on AOL Video today. The performance is, by all accounts, pretty bad. The woman known for her singing and dancing didn't appear to do either very well. Britney doesn't look as great as she has in past VMA's, for sure.

But I have to say, I really feel sorry for the girl. I personally don't like her, I don't agree with her choices in child-rearing or basically any other thing she does in her life, but my gosh, most people, Sarah Silverman included, are just being mean.

No, she shouldn't have done it, Yes, she should have worn something more flattering. YES, she should have taken an honest look at herself in the mirror before going out there. And yes, by being out there - she's inviting good AND bad commentary.

It was a bad move to perform. I'm sure she's upset about it. Maybe THIS will be the moment that she realizes she needs a life-makeover.

But for goodness sake, please give the woman a break!

Today marked my four-year-old son's first day of preschool. My husband and I built this up as a very cool thing for him, because we didn't want to see a meltdown as we dropped him off on day 1. Last night after dinner, we pulled out his brand spanking new Spiderman lunch box and I proceeded to ask him what he would like me to pack for his first preschool lunch. I was fully expecting the standard "pb&j", which the boy eats at every meal we'll allow. But lo and behold, he asked for "chicken and rice"!. CHICKEN AND RICE?? What four-year-old boy asks for chicken and rice in his lunchbox? I tried not to laugh, but I did think it was one of the cutest things he's said in a while. We discussed it and decided on the pb&j and I actually realized that I need some new "Tupperware" type-thingys to keep things hot or cold in case this is a legitimate request at some point in the future and that I would like to make a chicken and rice dish for dinner. It also occurred to me that I needed some new ideas for lunches, as it's been awhile since I was in school and can't remember the last time I packed my own lunch of something other than a delicious frozen diet meal J Upon arrival to preschool, we realized it was a short day - so no lunch. Oh well - he was able to enjoy it at home with his sister. Friday's another day and another lunch to pack!

As if we didn't already suspect this, Americans are not winning it. Just yesterday, another shocking report came out about how people in most states have gotten larger and are exercising less. Obesity rates are ranging from 17% in Colorado to over 30% in Mississippi . Very sad indeed, as increased rates of obesity can lead to all kinds of future health problems.

On a happy note, out comes a very fun read "How to Eat Like a Hot Chick" that I found on AOL Body. This book is chock full of fun tips like eating cake for breakfast and salads for the rest of the day and exchanging those calorie-laden margaritas for rum and diet coke or rum and soda. SIGN ME UP!!

Would love to hear some diets that you guys think sound interesting or that have worked for you!

WOW - TMZ has outscooped almost everyone again by announcing the new line-up of Dancing with the (Wish They Still Were) Stars - and BOY are there some shockers. Not one, but TWO more 90210 cast-mates facing off, a Las Vegas , um, legend, a former TV Doctor and a "STILL IS A BIG STAR WHAT IS SHE THINKING?" supermodel.

Honestly, I live for DWTS and can't wait to see it this year. I mean, where else could we find Cliff Claven facing off against the former (and possibly again?!) Mrs. McCartney?

Or J Peterman versus some soap star --

THIS IS HIGH DRAMA PEOPLE!!

So, it's almost back to school time. As an only child who was pretty much bored in the summer, I always greatly anticipated the first day back to school. My mom always made certain that I had all new school supplies, a "nice " haircut (although wings were in back then, so "nice" means "for the times"), and new clothes.

Now that I'm an adult, that whole back to school thing still plays on me. I LOVE changing my hairstyle/color and getting new clothes for the fall. SO FUN!

Last week, I decided to focus on finding a new hairstyle. My coworker Kristy found this hollywood hair makeover tool on InStyle and I am completely obsessed. You can upload a photo of yourself and try on TONS of celebrity 'dos - from Kate Hudson's waves to Posh Spice's (um, I mean Victoria Beckham's) bob and everything in between. You can even flip the part, change the color or add highlights and lowlights.

While I didn't find the perfect style for me, it was SO much fun to play with. Give it a whirl!

And I DON'T mean "It's Hot Summer" is boring - it's been a VERY uneventful summer in celeb-land.

Lindsay is in and out of rehab and charged with another DUI . Oops, Britney may have done it again and gotten herself pregnant. Proving that neither Linds OR Brit can out do her, Nicole Richie is pregnant AND facing DUI charges. Way to go Nic!

Posh and Becks FINALLY came to America and had a big party.

A few celeb non-event weddings - Eva Longoria and Rebecca Romijn

BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH.

C'MON Hollywood - give us something interesting :)

Yes, I'm still obsessed with celebrity plastic surgery - it's AMAZING to me. Especially when there are such incredible results - both good and bad.

It kind of makes a girl hope that with a few (hundred) thousand dollars - she too could look like Ashlee Simpson after two (yes, two!!) nose jobs.

This is a great photo comparison I found on AOL Red. Some really great b/a's (before and afters). ENJOY!

I'm obsessed with celebrity plastics – of the surgical kind. There are some great sites out there for those who want to know – did she or didn't she? TMZ has pulled together some amazing photos and I think we can mostly tell – OH YES SHE DID!! Not that there's anything wrong with that. However, one of my favorite before/after pics is of Dr. McDreamy. Not the TMZ post – but this one. I'm speechless. It doesn't matter – he's totally McDreamy anyway.

So, I've heard and seen a LOT about non-invasive liposuction -and I have to say - I'm intrigued. I've read about celebs supposedly having it done and seen photos of those who supposedly had some done and it looks pretty good. It seems pretty simple and painless - just a few small shots.

However, this article says that the procedure should be done mostly in small areas - like under the chin - so I guess that whole-body sculpting thing I was planning is out of the question. Darn.

That said - I'm finding TONS of great celebrity diet and workout tips on AOL Body. Like this one about what workouts the hottest bodies in showbiz do to get their star parts! Totally inspiring - I'm actually doing some of Reese Witherspoon's calf toning moves as I type :)

I'm also loving the info on Alli. No - not Mohammed and Laila - but the diet pill! Totally interesting stuff. This I may just try....more to come.

Each day, I have a news ritual. NPR in the car on the way to work, AOL Welcome Screen for timely updates and my ultimate source for what's REALLY going on in the world...TMZ. and the Cooler Then and only then do I feel up to date with all that's happened in the world since last night and able to talk to virtually anyone on a wide variety of topics – like where in the world is Paris ? J.