Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory…What Happened to the West Memphis 3?

 

As the new Peter Jackson financed documentary West of Memphis, is debuting at The Sundance Film Festival, HBO has been airing the third installment to the Paradise Lost sega, Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory, their answer to the West Memphis 3 murder convictions.  Having read all of the craziness occurring at Sundance with Jackson’s arrival with Paradise lead Damien Echols, we thought it would be interesting to watch the third installment we had heard so much about in the past few weeks.

Twenty years ago it was a different time in the United States.  Kids weren’t so concerned with Roth IRA’s or presidential debates.  The era of the mid-90’s was filled with the end of sex, drugs and rock and roll.  The West Memphis 3 were a perfect example of this debauchery and perfect targets for a murder case.  Interestingly, I was also a perfect example of this debauchery.  They weren’t much different than me or my friends at the time, probably a small fact which has drawn me to them for the past twenty years since the case began.  Probably the same reason so many other people have been drawn to them as well.  They could have been anyone in the wrong place at the wrong time but most importantly, misunderstood.

It goes without saying that the Paradise filming crew has once again mastered an amazing documentary as I found myself late into the night watching from behind the safety of my blankets, now an adult, wondering, just what the hell happened in those woods so long ago.  This is the crux of the focus of this installment, which, if you haven’t kept up with this story, will literally surprise the hell out of you.  An amazing soap opera which made me begging to find out more, even though the lost characters seem to be the three small children who lost their lives so long ago.

Before seeing West of Memphis you must watch the three-part series Paradise Lost.  Just as enticing today as it was when it first aired, rich with character study and intrigue, it will literally pull you in as if you also live in West Memphis.

Interestingly, while the majority of the three films have focused around the lead character, Damien Echols, the producers decide to end the entire trilogy with a poignant monologue by Jessie Baldwin, one of the other accused killers.  Seventeen years older and much more wise to the world, he seems to have found some truth within the walls of prison which left me wondering…is he the real story?

Eyes Open, We’re Watching

12 Days Til Super Bowl XLVI…The Super Bowl Rematch! Patriots and Giants!

Indianapolis, Indiana.

Its four years later and the Giants and the Patriots will host what might possibly be the best rematch in Super Bowl history.  As we count down the days for you here in Indy, we’ll be sure to fill you in on all of the planning, parties and celeb craziness that will occur outside of the football field and behind the red carpet.

Stay tuned to see if there really is more than just corn in Indiana.

Be Unafraid.  Be Yourself.  Be Your Own Unexpected Luxury.

The WORST of Indy 2011!

The end of the world is coming in 2012…but for many of us, the end of the world came this year to Indy as we put together our WORST of Indy List! You didn’t actually believe we were so cruel we would list people on our list did you? Well…maybe a few, but even those few have allowed themselves into the spotlight for a moment, hopefully brief, of Kato Kaelin fame. So…here it is. Our picks for the Worst of Indy. While we’re sure many will get upset and angry, we know most will snicker to yourselves in the absolute truth within this list! Til next year…

10. Hamilton County’s Obsession with Roundabouts.
They won’t stop building them and no one knows how to drive on them. This isn’t Great Britain.

9. Downtown Safety at Bar Closing.
If you’ve been barricaded on South Meridian at 3:15 on a Saturday night…you know what we mean.

8. Parking Meters.
Do YOU understand the new meters? How much do we pay the surliest meter maids in the country?

7. Segregation of the Gay Community.
How can we expect people to vote in our favor when the gay community can’t even get along. Boo you whore. This isn’t high
school.

6. Poor Attempt at a Unified Fashion Industry.Is this Paris is Burning revisited, a student show or a one-man operation? We liked some attempt to make Indianapolis a fashion haven but now it’s a complete mess with models and stylists galore. Honey…not everyone will actually be Rachel Zoe or Kate Moss.

5. Bike Lanes and Lane Changes on 62nd Street Driving into Broad Ripple.
Recipe for disaster. What idiot thought this accident waiting to happen endeavor?

4. Colts Players Annual Earnings compared to a White Castle Employee for a Losing Business.
If you came through White Castle and got chicken rings instead of cheeseburgers three times in a row you’d expect
someone to lose their job. HELLO!!!!

3. Republican Representative Phil Hinkle’s “Craig List” Suga Daddy Hook Up at The J.W. Marriott.
This was maybe our only attempt for Indiana to end up on Chelsea Lately. We’d like to thank the Craig’s List boy!

2. Passing of HJR-6 in 2011 Against Gay Marriage.
Shame on you.

1. Porn star Bree Olsen of Charlie Sheen fame gets attention as “Indiana Celebrity of the Year”.
How ridiculous that Erica Stikeleather and Brittany Mason have left Indiana and actually had major accomplishments in
the entertainment industry while porn “star” Bree Olsen from northern Indiana secures major fame for fucking Charlie
Sheen. What…a disgrace.

Be Unafraid. Be Fearless. Be Yourself. Be Your Own Unexpected Luxury!

Bang Bang! The A-List Dallas! Beautiful and Dirty…Rich!

Once again LOGO TV has spun out an amazing cast of reality characters to fill our television screens and entice us into their melodramatically, gay lives. Although The A-List Dallas has been on for some time, it definitely holds it’s own against the original A-List New York. Even more so in fact because this time, each player is so interesting on their own…or together. After nude pictures of cast member Levi leaked several weeks ago on the internet, the world learned that everything actually is bigger in Texas. This being true we wanted to go past the zipper of truth and find out what is really ticking inside this eclectic group of reality star ingenues…

JAMES



1. What five words would you use to define yourself?

Spontaneous, Passionate, Irresponsible, Loving, Faithful

2. What are the differences between the A-list New York and the A-list Dallas.
There is no comparison, we both live in different worlds.

3. In Dallas, why are you on the A-list and not the D-list?
It’s all about who you know, and maintaining a good relationship with anyone you meet. Relationships with great people lead to great connections, and great connections lead to amazing lives.

4. Describe your other cast members in one word:
Chase: Responsible
Ashley: Spunky
Levi: Charmer
Phillip: Loud
Taylor: Opinionated


5. What do you have that everyone else wants making you a commodity on the A-list?

The most blessed and amazing life I could ever ask for.

6. If you were a book, what would your title be?
Confessions of a Midwestern Gay Man.

LEVI

1. What five words would you use to define yourself?
Truly One-of-a-kind

2. What are the differences between the A-list New York and the A-list Dallas.
The over all tone will be the most obvious difference, I believe “Southern Hospitality” shines brighter than a “New York Attitude”. The NY cast is very entertaining, but I see a lot more diversity in the cast members of Dallas.

3. In Dallas, why are you on the A-list and not the D-list?
I think the biggest quality I poses that really puts me on a level all my own is my ability to get anything done with a good phone call or two. I take a lot of pride pulling things together nobody else can. It is a wicked combination of problem solving skills, juggling a dozen things at a time, a huge network of amazing professionals I have developed over my entire life, and the stubbornness to NEVER take “No” for an answer. When you have the reputation of being the go to guy, people love to stay on your good side.

4. Describe your other cast members in one word:
Chase:Brilliant
James:Young
Ashley:Blond
Phillip:Branded
Taylor:Bat-Shit-Crazy

5. What do you have that everyone else wants making you a commodity on the A-list?
“Just because you are a character, doesn’t mean you have character.” -W. Wolf
I have always had a very intense personality. I have a life long reputation for doing things completely outside of the box, being comfortable in my own skin and always being myself. Everybody wants to be an original, I just always have been.


6. If you were a book, what would your title be?

Get Your Cowboy On; If you aren’t comfortable in your own shoes, try on a pair of boots

TAYLOR

1. What five words would you use to define yourself?
Ambitious, Successful, Outspoken, Christian, Republican

2. What are the differences between the A-list New York and the A-list Dallas.

We are younger, hotter and have less wrinkles!

3. Describe your other cast members in one word:
Chase: Sassy
James: Misunderstood
Ashley: Genuine
Levi: Sexy
Phillip: Trouble-maker
Taylor: HOT

5. What do you have that everyone else wants making you a commodity on the A-list?
Good looks, charm, success and connections to all the decision makers of Dallas.

6. If you were a book, what would your title be?
Grin and Garrett

CHASE

1. What five words would you use to define yourself?
Honest, Blunt, Hard-working, Sassy, Fair

2. What are the differences between the A-list New York and the A-list Dallas.
The A-List Dallas is a show that actually shows true emotions and reality…

3. In Dallas, why are you on the A-list and not the D-list?
I have never once said I am “A-List.” You can call me “Y-List” for all I care…anyways, the people that say they are “A-List” are normally people that so badly want to be something that they are not. They are the insecure, debt-ridden, annoying people you see in a BMW 6 Series drive into an apartment complex, walking up to their 500 square feet rented “studio….” I mean come on….we all know it is true…

4. Describe your other cast members in one word:
James: – messy
Ashley: – sparkly
Levi: – charming
Phillip: – loud
Taylor: – fake

5. What do you have that everyone else wants making you a commodity on the A-list?
Awesome hair

6. If you were a book, what would your title be?
Jesus Christ, God-Damn It

PHILLIP

1. What five words would you use to define yourself?
Loud, Trendsetter, Gay, Outspoken, Diva

2. What are the differences between the A-list New York and the A-list Dallas?
The difference between the A-List NY/A-List Dallas is I consider us a real family. No matter what the situation is between us we will always have each others back. We break-up to make-up and then probably break up again. Haha.

3. In Dallas, why are you on the A-list and not the D-list?
Because I’m “cooler” than the other side of the pillow. Haha! I’m pretty much the who’s who in Dallas. There’s no doubt about it.

4. Describe your other cast members in one word:
Chase: Judgemental
James: Victim
Ashley: Barbie
Levi: Gentleman
Taylor: Unicorn (supposedly gay republicans don’t exist.)


5. What do you have that everyone else wants making you a commodity on the A-list?

A BIG… sense of humor. Haha.

6. If you were a book, what would your title be?
Stepping out.. The Truth Behind Phillip Willis

ASHLEY



1. What five words would you use to define yourself?

Artistic, conservative, LOVING, married, Christian.

2. What are the differences between the A-list New York and the A-list Dallas.
I think the main difference between our cast and the NY Cast is our love for each other! We really love and support each other!

3. In Dallas, why are you on the A-list and not the D-list?
Clearly I’m on the A-List because my name starts with an “A.”

4. Describe your other cast members in one word:
Chase: Sarcastic
James: My baby boy
Levi: Rough
Phillip: Selfish
Taylor: Quirky

5. What do you have that everyone else wants making you a commodity on the A-list?
I have a very secure, solid, happy marriage!

6. If you were a book, what would your title be?
I would be a 10-volume series of Pulitzer Prize-winning text books titled “Dumb Blonde.” Don’t judge a book by it’s cover!

Thanks Guys!

Be Yourself. Be Fearless. Be Unafraid…Be Your Own Unexpected Luxury!

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WARNING: We allow 100 words or less of content per interview to be taken, with a link to our original interview, and used without our authorization. Content larger than 100 words or copying our entire interview without our authorization to be used in ANY manner will result in our taking legal action per copyright infringement.

Indy SEXY GOLD! The Sexy List 2011!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

sex-y
-adjective
1. a genuine mix of physical beauty, confidence, attraction, humility, compassion, star quality, character and authenticity.
used in a sentence: “I made the sexy list!”

Every year we pick the SEXIEST people of Indianapolis. This year we’ve taken some categories off and added two very important categories. The Original Sexy is to the couple who for some time has defined not only the look…but the feel of sexy. Our Sexy GOLD award goes to two people who could have literally been at the top of several categories; sexiest man and woman, sexiest style, sexiest couple, sexiest bodies, etc…For that reason, they are and will always be our pick for Sexy GOLD! Of course, the most coveted award is the Sexiest Man and Woman for 2011 and Faces to Watch in 2012! Congratulations to all of our winners! You are truly the ones who set the bar! Enjoy! (We’ve even included some SEXY music to set the mood so make sure you hit play before reading the list!) And remember…Be Yourself. Be Fearless. Be Unafraid…Be Your Own Unexpected Luxury!


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sexiest Woman 2011: Laura Symons
Sexiest Man 2011: Kyle Smelser
Sexiest Mom: Molly Vaught
Sexiest Dad: John Wilkinson
Sexiest Couple:Mattie Rowe and Greg Allen
Sexiest Newlyweds:Stephanie White Reeder and Zach Reeder
Sexiest Married Couple: Bryan and Jenny Cook
Sexiest Divorcee: Sky Block
Sexiest Gay Couple: Peter Monn and Alex Paredes
Sexiest Dating Couple: Taylor Roberts and Rochelle Huber
Sexiest Body/Man: Tommy Housley
Sexiest Body/Female: Tawny Jenkins
Sexiest Sense of Humor: Melissa Barth
Sexiest Bitch: Sherry McWilliams
Sexiest Flirt: Courtni Hall
Sexiest Philanthropist: Jessica Wright
Sexiest Foreigner: Yana Botsman
Sexiest Style/Man: MJ Coyle
Sexiest Style/Woman: Erica Mitchell
Sexiest Doctor: Jose Vitto
Sexiest DJ: Gabby Love
Sexiest Hair Stylist: Lacy Montalvo
Sexiest Waiter/Waitress: Rachel Maher
Sexiest Bartender: Chad Thompson
Sexiest Doorman: Justin Ernst
Sexiest Bar Owner: Jeremiah Hamman
Sexiest Television Personality: Andi Hauser
Sexiest Print Personality: Christy Pastore
Sexiest Comeback: Alana Steele
Sexiest Artist: Polina Osherov
Sexiest Model: Cola Shavonne
Sexiest Stylist: Nikki Sutton
The Original Sexy: Richard and Donna Deer
Sexy GOLD: Melissa Elrod and Bryan Schmidt
Sexiest Man to Watch in 2012: Jason Jenkins
Sexiest Woman to Watch in 2012: Mari Yamaguchi

Is Your Phone Bugged? Who’s Recording YOU!

On Monday, Trevor Eckhart posted a 17-minute video on YouTube leaking that a specific software, known as Carrier IQ, found on certain brands of smart phones, tracks text messages, phone calls…even searched websites and sends this information back to the mobile phone carrier. Check out the video below:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T17XQI_AYNo&feature=player_embedded]

The scariest part of this real life 1984/Big Brother scheme isn’t even being asked…Why the need to collect this information and send it back to the phone carrier.

This is just the beginning. To find out more, read the article posted on The Huffington Post today.

Almost makes you miss landlines!

NEVER!

Be Yourself. Be Fearless. Be Unafraid…Be Your Own Unexpected Luxury.

Do You Believe In Angels?…The Ultimate Victoria Secret Fashion Show Recap!

As most of the world knows…tonight was the premiere of the newest Victoria Secret Fashion Show!

We just wanted to recap the night and pick our favorite looks.

Enjoy!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fI8C2zkaLZY]

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3oQP61aUIA]

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ostVp54qA4g&feature=related]

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQXH4shzCZo]

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBvF-IN6vYI]

Be Yourself. Be Fearless. Be Unafraid. Be Your Own Unexpected Luxury!

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Ellen Hopkins is THE Pied Piper of Our Youth!

Several years ago, we started getting messages about novels from a writer named Ellen Hopkins. Most of our readers knew we highly endorsed the awareness of recovery from addiction being that one half of us has been clean and sober for 17 years. Even though her books were already bestsellers, we had never heard of her. We trotted over to Barnes and Noble and picked up a copy of Crank, the first novel in her series about meth amphetamine addiction. We…were…stunned! Her words tore at the veins of our heart with the raw candor she wove through the poetically, visual images she pens on her pages. We read the book in less than one day and were back at the bookstore buying the sequel, Glass. Instantly we were hooked and since that first day have been huge fans of her work, waiting desperately for her next book to hit the shelves.

Although her first books were written as young adult fiction, there is nothing specifically young adult about them. She is willing to tell the gritty stories about topics most writers are afraid to touch. Most of the people we have referred her novels to are adults, although she has an enormous teen following. Now she has followed up her young adult fiction with two adult specific books which are just as amazing. Needless to say, not only is Ellen Hopkins a prolific storyteller with imaginable grace, she’s a real deal gal who tells it like it is…and we love her all the more for her refreshing honesty!

1. Describe Ellen Hopkins in ten words or less.
Devoted wife, mother, friend. Compassionate crusader. Passionate writer.

2. Your first fiction novel was Crank. Tell us what motivated you to write this book.
Crank was inspired by the very real story of my daughter’s addiction to crystal meth. I started it because I needed to understand the “whys” of what happened to my trouble-free A+ kid, which is why I wrote first person from “her” point of view.

3. You have now ventured into several different areas of adolescent angst. How do you typically do research for your writing?

I do a lot of primary research, and have the amazing resource of my readership to tap into.

4. Before you wrote fiction, you wrote 21 non-fiction books for children. Tell us about this body of work.
I came to writing nonfiction from my work as a freelance journalist. In researching some stories, I thought they might be interesting books for children. The first was about aviation, through man’s love of competition. From there, I wrote about everything from deep sea exploration to outer space to military weaponry and jets. I actually wrote all 21 books in the span of just four years.

5. What do you believe are the four major issues facing teenagers today?
The lack of cohesive families/parenting, either through divorce or as a result of both parents having to work. Peer pressure. Bullying. And dealing with issues they can’t control (physical or sexual abuse; losing a parent to addiction; losing a friend to suicide, etc.)

6. What advice would you give to a young person struggling with addiction or substance abuse?
To ask for help sooner rather than later. So many young people believe they can’t talk to their parents about the tough stuff, but in my experience most parents want to help their children, even if they seem judgmental. Beyond their parents, other family members, teachers, counselors, etc., are surely willing to help.

7. What advice would you give to family members of people struggling with addiction? How about a teenage friend?
Not to take the entire responsibility for helping. Professional help will likely be more effective, and take away the judgment value. But also not to accept excuses when it’s clear there is a problem. And if the addict refuses help, to go the “tough love” route. You can’t help if you’re an emotional wreck. Sometimes you have to save yourself.

8. What are your three favorite books of all time?
Anne Lamott’s Traveling Mercies—an amazing look at faith. Ken Kesey’s Sometimes a Great Notion—tough to read, but amazing character studies. Salinger’s Catcher in the Rye—which perfectly captures the troubled soul.

9. If someone could only read one book that would make an impact on their life, what would you suggest they read?
The Shack, which shakes up the classic views of God.

10. Of all of your books what is your favorite you have written and why? Do you think your books should be read in any order?
Probably Identical because of the mysteries presented. The subject matter is tough (father-daughter incest), and presented unflinchingly, but this is an important issue to understand and
drag out into the light. As for order, Crank, Glass and Fallout (in that order) are a trilogy, and it makes sense to read Impulse before its companion, Perfect. The others are stand-alone titles.

11. Recently, On Oprah Winfrey’s last show, she stated, “turn your wounds into wisdom”. Being that much of your work seems based in some autobiographical fact, what do you feel about this statement?
Some wounds never heal completely, but if exposing my wounds through my words can help others cope somehow, there is power in that.

12. In all of our interviews we ask how each person defines “sexy”. How would you define sexy and what advice would you give to young men and women who want to feel sexy or attractive?

Sexy is about self-love. Not conceit, but the confidence that comes when you love who you are. Learn to love yourself, and don’t be afraid to let that love shine through.

13. What are three things we wouldn’t know about you by looking at you?
That I am focused (okay, maybe closer to driven); that I am organized (except for my office); that I am a Believer (who chooses not to ram religion down anyone’s throat).

14. We have only known you a short time but you have already taken a lot of time and interest giving us advice on writing as a career. Why do you think it’s important to help new writers?
Because literature and literacy are not all about me. Competitiveness in this business helps no one. Mentoring the next great writers will help countless people, well into the future.

15. What three pieces of advice would you give a young writer to help them be successful at writing as a career?
1. Patience. Don’t expect the first thing you write to end up a bestseller. 2. In keeping with that, craft is as important as story. Keep building your craft. Forever. 3. Don’t choose writing as a career expecting to get rich. Some do. Many more don’t. Make writing your heart. Tell the best story you can, in the very best way. Making a living with your writing should be your goal.

16. Based on your books, you seem to keep up on pop culture. Where do you find your information, such as movies, television, radio, etc and what are some of your “faves” in pop culture right now?
Lady Gaga. Some of her music (not all). But Lady Gaga, the person. I also like reality TV where some sort of talent is involved—Idol, So You Think You Can Dance, Survivor, Amazing Race. Shows that illustrate the best—and worst—of real people. On the cable TV side, True Blood is pretty hot vampire, if you ask me. And as for radio, Sirius all the way. So many choices, commercial-free.

17. If you could only listen to three CD’s for the rest of your life and they couldn’t be mixed, what would they be?
Here I show my taste for classic rock: The Beatles (White Album); Dark Side of the Moon; Queen’s Greatest Hits.

18. If you could be any fictional character, who would you be?
Scarlet O’Hara. Only I would have been smarter. Ashley over Rhett? Seriously?

19. What message would you most like teenagers, or anyone for that matter, to gain from your books?
That life is all about choices. We can forgive some mistakes. But bad choices can’t always be taken back. Think carefully about outcomes before you choose.

20. In Bowling for Columbine, singer Marilyn Manson was asked what would he say to the kids of Columbine if they were there and he responded, “I wouldn’t say a single word to them I would listen to what they have to say, and that’s what no one did.” What do you think of this statement as a role model to teenagers and young people?
I would say he has a point. But troubled teens aren’t always willing to talk. As a community (not to mention as parents), we need to be mindful of the warning signs of mental breakdown. They were definitely there before those kids picked up their guns. Overlooking them, or pretending they’re not there, is highly irresponsible.

21. Tell us about your new book Perfect. What is this book about and where did you find the inspiration?
Perfect is about four teens’ drive for the unattainable goal of perfection, through self-regulated eating, surgeries, steroid use, etc. It is also about trying to live up to other’s expectations of perfection—parents, boyfriends, coaches, etc. The inspiration for this book, as for most of my books, is the teens I talk to every day. Their stories inspire my stories.

22. We end all of our interviews by asking, “Boxers, briefs, jockstraps…or nothing at all?”. As a writer who develops characters, what would you say each of these answers says about the person answering?
Boxers = someone like my husband, who worries about squish-related health issues, but not about “hanging out.”
Briefs = someone like my brother-in-law, who is all about propriety. Most of the time.
Jockstraps = someone like my ex, who wished he had a reason to use one.
Nothing at all = someone like my 14-yr-old son, who claims he “forgets” his underwear.

Thanks Ellen…We Adore You Darling!

For more information on Ellen Hopkins visit her website HERE.

Be Yourself.  Be Fearless.  Be Your Own Unexpected Luxury.

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WARNING: We allow 100 words or less of content per interview to be taken, with a link to our original interview, and used without our authorization. Content larger than 100 words or copying our entire interview without our authorization to be used in ANY manner will result in our taking legal action per copyright infringement.

*Photographs courtesy of Ellen Hopkins.