Image Credits: Book Cereal
I started watching Orange is the New Black on Netflix a couple of months ago. Okay, I’ll admit it — this show was one of the main reasons why I ever signed up for Netflix to begin with. I was intrigued after hearing so much about it from everyone else. I knew it must be good. But more than that I wanted to see Madeline Brewer who plays the role of Tricia Miller. Maddie and I went to school together years ago in Pitman, NJ. I didn’t know her very well at the time, but I always knew she was talented. She was frequently cast in school plays and I remember seeing her perform in a talent show once. I was excited to see her in her first big role, and she definitely didn’t disappoint.
Image Credits: IMDB
I really loved the Netflix series and watched the whole first season within a week or two. I couldn’t get enough. However, the show raised many questions for me and there were a few things that I had trouble believing. Some of my biggest doubts were over Piper and Alex ending up in the same prison together, drugs and sex being so common in prison, an inmate dying of a drug overdose in prison, and a guard impregnating one of the inmates. I loved watching it all unfold on tv though. The drama is what made the show so intriguing. You have to keep watching because you have to see what’s going to happen next.
Image Credits: MsMagazine
After I finished watching the entire first season I knew I had to get a copy of the book that the show was based on. I had so many questions and I wanted to see how the book would address them and what “really happened”. I was surprised by how different the book turned out to be. I’m usually one of those kinds of people that loves the book and hates the movie (or in this case the show), but here I’m able to appreciate both the book and the show despite their major differences. Both are excellent in their own rights and worthy of praise.
To those of you who have yet to read the book (and don’t mind a few spoilers) I made a list of what I felt were the top 5 biggest differences between the Orange is the New Black movie and the book.
Image Credits: FanPop
1. Alex/Nora Never Went to Danbury With Piper On the show her name is Alex and she’s one of the main reasons why Piper is in jail. She is Piper’s ex-girlfriend and is doing time with Piper after being sentenced for drug smuggling. She is one of the main characters on the show and the show frequently focuses on her past and current relationship with Piper. It calls for a lot of drama and is good tv. However, in the book her name is Nora and she’s absent until the very end. She never goes to Danbury with Piper. When Piper is called into trial in Chicago to testify against another drug smuggler in the same case she is met with Nora. Nora has to testify as well and is doing time in a different facility. They talk very little. Piper is very angry at her and frequently expresses her desire and threats to drown her in a toilet. However, Piper also reflects on how she wants to forgive Nora and move on with her life.
Image Credits: After Ellen
2. Piper And Larry’s Relationship/Faithfulness Sure, Piper starts off being extremely faithful to Larry in the beginning of the Netflix series and he shows support by visiting her frequently, but as time goes on, Piper begins to question her sexuality and become less than faithful towards Larry. She has sex with Alex and is unsure of whether to stay with Larry until Larry finds out about her unfaithfulness and leaves her. This isn’t the case at all in the novel, probably due to the fact that Alex/Nora is not in the same facility as Piper and doesn’t make an appearance until the end. Piper doesn’t seem that interested in lesbian sex or any of her other inmates in the novel. She stays with Larry and Larry faithfully visits her even when she is on trial in Chicago. They ended up getting married as planned after Piper was released.
Image Credits: Tumblr
3. Pennstatucky Isn’t Really a Religious Nut In the beginning of the Netflix series Piper and Pennstatucy got along fine. I wouldn’t say they were best friends, but they were at least acquaintances. Somewhere around the middle of the first season Pennstatucky came out as a religious nut freak who tried to use her powers to heal the other inmates. When Piper started to go back to being a lesbian with Alex Pennstatucky was completely intolerant of it, telling a guard about her “outrageous” behavior which landed Piper a stint in SHU. Things definitely didn’t get much better between the two of them as the first season ended with Piper beating the hell out of her. However, in the novel Piper and Pennstatucky remain pretty good friends and little is said about Pennstatucky’s religious beliefs.
Image Credits: TVTropes.org
4. Nobody Dies Of A Drug Overdose Who can forget the dramatic episode 10 of season 1 of Orange is the New Black? Tricia Miller’s biggest problem is a heavy addiction to drugs. During her prison sentence she goes into withdrawal once, and later overdoses on drugs that were smuggled in by one of the guards leading to her untimely death. I was right to be skeptical of this. Tricia doesn’t really exist in the novel. There are some references to younger inmates which resemble similarities and a few mentions of weed and other drugs being snucked into the prison. However, drugs don’t seem to be as big of a problem as the show makes it seem and no one died from a drug overdose.
Image Credits: TVTome.com
5. Bennet Doesn’t Impregnant Anyone I always rooted for Bennet and Daya. They seemed like such a cute couple and you almost felt bad about their forbidden romance. When it was announced that Daya was pregnant with Bennet’s baby, everything wa really shaken up a bit. Not only was the relationship threatened, but so was Bennet’s job. How could the prison cover this up or live this one down?
Fortunately, in the book this never actually happened. Piper did mention that prison relationships between inmates and guards do occur and she even briefly talked about a guard who almost got caught having sex in a bathroom with an inmate (similar to how Pornstache got caught having sex with Daya in a closet). The guard that is supposed to resemble Bennet in the book flirts with Piper by calling her by her first name whereas everyone else in prison calls her by her last name, Kerman. Piper doesn’t respond to his flirting and they never have a romantic relationship. No other relationships between guards and inmates were documented.
If you’ve read the book and seen the show feel free to let me know what I missed and what your thoughts are!
Image Credits: People
Post-Jonas Brothers Band, Joe Jonas is opening up to Vulture and he’s more candid and open than ever before. It’s actually hard to imagine that he was ever thought of as being a squeaky-clean, purity-ring wearing Disney star!
Joe admitted to smoking weed with other Disney alums Demi Lovato and the infamous Miley Cyrus when he was in his late teens. Of the experience Joe is quoted as saying:
The first time I smoked weed was with Demi and Miley. I must have been 17 or 18. They kept saying, ‘Try it! Try it!’ so I gave it a shot, and it was all right,” he says. “I don’t even smoke weed that often anymore. I was caught drinking when I was 16 or 17, and I thought the world was going to collapse. But I was in another country, and it was legal there. My 21st birthday, I fell down a flight of stairs. I was unconscious that time, and my whole team was scared to death that somebody was going to get a picture. Now I appreciate wine or a vodka-soda at the end of the day every once in a while.
I can imagine him smoking weed with Miley. Miley’s no stranger to smoking weed as she proved at this year’s European Music Awards (EMA’s). But I must admit I was shocked to hear about Lovato smoking weed with Joe. However, if you recall, Joe dated Lovato for a brief period in their teen years right when she began to struggle with bi-polar disorder, an eating disorder, and substance abuse right before landing a stint in rehab. Joe also opened up about this experience when he stated:
I really got to know her and got to see the ins and outs of what she was struggling with, like drug abuse,” he writes. “I felt like I needed to take care of her, but at the same time I was living a lie, because I wasn’t happy but felt like I had to stay in it for her, because she needed help. I couldn’t express any of that, of course, because I had a brand to protect.
In addition to opening up about his past drug use, Joe also got candid about his sex life, confessing to losing his virginity to Ashley Greene four years ago when he was 20, despite previously wearing a purity ring and promising to save himself until marriage. Joe described the experience by stating to Vulture:
I lost my virginity when I was 20. I did other stuff before then, but I was sexually active at 20,” Jonas explains in his Vulture post. “I’m glad I waited for the right person, because you look back and you go, ‘That girl was batshit crazy. I’m glad I didn’t go there.
Although this confession goes against his previous promise to himself, it sounds as if it was an experience he did not regret. He dated Ashley Green from 2010-2011 before calling it quits due to the difficulties posed by the long distance.
Joe’s candid interview comes just weeks after The Jonas Brothers announced their breakup due to irreconcilable differences and the band’s inability to agree on which musical direction to go in. It sounds like Joe and the rest of the band’s change and break from their “squeaky clean” image was going on for far longer than most suspected. They tried to hide their true identities to protect their young fan and their Disney image, but now after splitting up they are free to be their own selves.
What do you think of Joe Jonas’s candid interview? Are you surprised by his confessions?
Disney stars really are cursed, aren’t they?
Image Credits: JustJared
It has been confirmed by numerous sources that Zac Efron has recently completed a secret 5-month stay in rehab. His stay was not publicized and only recently came to light as Efron continues to make appearances to promote his new film, Parkland, in which he plays the role of a 28-year-old first year surgical resident that treated JFK right after he was shot.
The reports for what exactly Efron was seeking treatment for are a bit conflicted. Some sources have been cited as stating “He’s healthy, happy and not drinking,” suggesting that Efron was struggling with alcoholism. Other sources however suggest that their may have been more drugs in the picture an Efron’s rehab stay may have been a bit more serious. Both TMZ and Perez Hilton have reported that Efron suffered from a serious addiction to crack cocaine while also experimenting with Molly from time to time.
Image Credits: Yahoo!
Efron’s rep refused to comment on the allegations of Efron’s apparent drug addictions. Efron himself took the time this week to thank his fans for their support. He posted a photograph on Instagram with the caption “Hey guys! Just returned from an incredible trip to Peru with my dad and wanted to thank you all for your support these past few weeks…means the world to me. Love you guys!”
Image Credits: Zac Efron’s Instagram
While I’m still completely shocked by Efron’s rehab stay, I’m glad that he seems to be recovering! He always seemed like such a sweet guy and he has so much talent. Here’s hoping he continues down his road of recovery! Wishing him the best of luck!
Image Credits: NY Daily News
It is being reported that Lamar Odom was arrested under suspicious for driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs at 3:54 this morning in San Fernando Valley. Odom was booked by the California Highway Patrol and is was held on $15,000 bail.
Image Credits: TMZ
Police pulled Odom over after he was driving under the speed limit and in what the cops described as a “serpentine manner”. It took awhile for Odom to respond to the police as he reportedly drove through 3 exits before stopping. Odom was then asked to do a series of field sobriety tests, all of which he failed. He refused to take a chemical test. He was released from prison at 8:33 am.
Image Credits: BET
Odom and his wife, Khloe Kardashian have been in the news frequently for Odom’s alleged drug addiction. This past week Odom went missing for over 72 hours on what was believed to be a crack cocaine binge. His struggle with drug addiction has been said to take a toll on his marriage to Khloe. Hopefully this recent arrest will help open Odom’s eyes and get him the help he needs to better himself and save his marriage!
Image Credits: Life And Style Magazine
Image Credits: Celebrity Net Worth
Earlier today TMZ reported that Lisa Robin Kelly, better known as Eric Forman’s demon sister Laurie on That 70’s Show, was found dead in her bed at a rehab facility she recently checked into.
Image Credits: HollywoodLife.com
Kelly was known to struggle with drug and alcohol addiction as she was arrested for DUI in August of 2010 and more recently, June of this year. Kelly was also arrested and charged for injury of a spouse in May of 2012 and assault along with her husband, Robert Joseph Gilliam in November of 2012.
Image Credits: TMZ
Kelly’s agent told TMZ that she checked into the rehab facility earlier this week. She has been quoted as saying:
She had been fighting demons for a while and finally lost her battle.
It is easy to assume that drugs and alcohol played a significant role in Kelly’s death. However, some sources have also been reporting that she suffered from cardiac arrest in her sleep. These sources also report that despite numerous efforts, the former actress was unable to be revived. The official cause of Kelly’s untimely death has yet to be confirmed.
Image Credits: SitcomsOnline.com
My thoughts and prayers go out to Kelly’s family, friends, and fans. While it is always easy to pass judgement on someone that ends up in as much trouble as Kelly did especially when drug/alcohol addiction seems to be the center of their life, let’s not remember her that way. Instead, let’s all make an effort to remember her the way she was when we were first introduced to her: as the lovable, somewhat evil and always hilarious and talented Laurie Foreman from That 70’s Show.
Image Credits: Fan Pop
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PerezHilton.com just posted an article claiming that Amanda Bynes‘s parents fear the troubled actress may be suffering from schizophrenia. Hilton posted on his blog that according to a close source of the actress, the actress has been hearing voices and paranoid of security devices and smoke detectors for years, fearing that they may contain cameras or other spying devices.
Sounds like childhood fame has really gotten to her! When you’re a celebrity the paparazzi has the tendency to follow you around and watch your every move. Bynes has been in the spotlight from a very early age and may have spent a majority of her life in front of cameras, even during private times when she assumed she was alone. Perhaps this is what is aiding to her troubling downfall?
According to Mayo Clinic, “Schizophrenia is a group of severe brain disorders in which people interpret reality abnormally. Schizophrenia may result in some combination of hallucinations, delusions, and disordered thinking and behavior.”
This seems to explain Bynes’s erratic behavior well! Despite being arrested for drug possession and having a bong found inside her apartment, the actress still denies that she uses drugs! In fact, she has twisted the entire story around claiming that the NYPD sexually assaulted her!
Bynes is also within the age range for people to most commonly be diagnosed with schizophrenia. Mayo Clinic explains, “In women, schizophrenia symptoms typically begin in the 20s or early 30s. It’s uncommon for children to be diagnosed with schizophrenia and rare for those older than 45.”
Bynes also seems to exhibit a majority of the “positive symptoms” of schizophrenia, which Mayo Clinic explained are:
- Delusions. These beliefs are not based in reality and usually involve misinterpretation of perception or experience. They are the most common of schizophrenic symptoms.
- Hallucinations. These usually involve seeing or hearing things that don’t exist, although hallucinations can be in any of the senses. Hearing voices is the most common hallucination among people with schizophrenia.
- Thought disorder. Difficulty speaking and organizing thoughts may result in stopping speech midsentence or putting together meaningless words, sometimes known as word salad.
- Disorganized behavior. This may show in a number of ways, ranging from childlike silliness to unpredictable agitation.
Bynes’s inability to accept the reality and consequences of her actions may fit the description of the delusions, especially with her rant about the NYPD sexually assaulting her. Her family and friends report that she has suffered from hallucinations for years. Her random tweets/twitter rants where she goes on calling everyone “ugly”, starting feuds with Rhianna, and posting sexually explicit content about Drake and Drake Bell may be the actress’s way of exhibiting a thought disorder and disorganized behavior.
Image Credits: E Online
Bynes also seems to possess a number of “negative symptoms” which Mayo Clinic states are:
- Loss of interest in everyday activities
- Appearing to lack emotion
- Reduced ability to plan or carry out activities
- Neglect of personal hygiene
- Social withdrawal
- Loss of motivation
Bynes’s decision to retire from acting may show her loss of interest in everyday activities. She has been an actress for a majority of her life and always seemed to enjoy it up until this point. Whether Bynes lacks emotion or not is debatable. She seemed upset by her arrests, but not remorseful in ways that others would be. She was not apologetic. The photographs published by In Touch Weekly show the actress’s dirty apartment, possibly suggesting a lack of personal hygiene.
Image Credits: Rory Roselyn
It sounds like Hilton, Bynes’s friends, family, and the source may be onto something when they suggest Bynes may have schizophrenia! Whether or not she is suffering from this mental illness I hope that Bynes will seek help soon and get back to being her normal, funny, fun-loving self!
The title of this blog was a mouthful, wasn’t it? That’s just another day in the life of Amanda Bynes. The troubled train-wreck of an actress was arrested on Thursday night following reports of a “disorderly” person. Bynes reportedly threw a bong out the window prior to her arrest.
I have been following several sources including PerezHilton.com and TMZ in hopes of gathering all the latest news and reports surrounding the Bynes case.
Perez Hilton posted a report that Bynes called 911 on herself, shortly after hearing of her doorman calling police to report the actress’s erratic behavior. Her reasonings were fear that the police would assault her. This fear helped aid in the police’s decision to take Bynes in for a psychiatric evaluation. Bynes was later released from the hospital and taken into police custody where she spent the night in jail. She was released this morning following a court appearance.
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Video Credits: PerezHilton.com
Bynes showed up to court looking extremely disheveled. Although she was required to remove her wig for her mugshot revealing an alarmingly bald hair style, she clung to her beloved stripper-inspired wig throughout her court appearance. Her wig looks as if it had seen better days as it was a knotted, tangled mess covering her eyes. Her wig helped to reinforce the notions of Bynes hard-partying lifestyle.
Image Credits: SandraRose.com
While in court today, as Perez Hilton reports, Bynes claimed that the bong she allegedly threw out the window was simply a vase. Police arrested her for drug possession, tampering with evidence, and reckless endangerment. The later two charges were the result of Bynes throwing the bong/vase out of her 36th-story apartment while the police were present.
Image Credits: Huffington Post
Prior to Bynes’s court appearance she was released back to her NYC apartment. Her next court appearance is schedule for July. There is a chance that Bynes could be served with a heavy fine and possible jail time for a probation violation. She is still on probation for driving with a suspended license.
Image Credits: Starcasm.net
As of May 25th at 3:24am, Bynes latest tweets read:
Image Credits: Blogger’s Own
It seems unlikely that Bynes really does only smoke tobacco. Her tweets also appear to show the disturbing reality that Bynes has self-image and self-esteem issues. She also fails to accept the reality of her situation. Bynes seems to be enjoying the attention she is getting and is only concerned about how her nose looks in her mugshot. Most celebrities would be more concerned about keeping the mugshot from floating around and taking measures to prevent having another one in the future…
Jail time may not be the worst thing in the world for Bynes. At least it would keep her from partying for a little while and possibly keep her grounded, right? But for now all we can hope is that Bynes wakes up and seeks psychiatric treatment to help her get back to her old, funny, loving ways and back to making great movies and sitcoms!
Image Credits: US Magazine
PerezHilton.com just posted breaking news about America’s favorite child star-turned-trained wreck, Amanda Bynes. According to Perez, Bynes was recently arrested by NYC police after they received several reports about a “disorderly” person. Bynes reportedly threw a bong out of the window of her NYC apartment upon the arrival of the police. It is unknown what was in the bong, but based on previous reports and speculations it is assumed to be illegal drugs.
Image Credits: HollyScoop.com
NYC police arrested Bynes for “reckless endangerment”. She was then taken to Roosevelt Hospital where she received a psychiatric evaluation. No further information regarding her evaluation were released.
Image Credits: Huffington Post
Bynes’s case is currently being processed at a Midtown police station. Updates will be posted as they become available.
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