When stars shave their heads, couch-jump, spend countless minutes in jail, commit a fashion faux pas and/or other random acts of ego-inspired inanity, washingtonpost.com Celebritology blogger Liz Kelly is on the job. Every weekday, Liz shares the buzz, offers perspective and provides crucial links to juicy alternate news sources and, of course, takes your reaction in her daily blog.

Join Liz LIVE every Thursday at 2 p.m. ET to gab about the latest celebrity pairings (and splittings), rising stars (and falling ones), and get the scoop on the latest gossip making waves across the Web.

In her pre-celeb obsessed days (as if!), Liz ran washingtonpost.com's Discussions section, where she enjoyed talking to really interesting people -- sometimes even Post reporters -- on the phone. She still produces Pulitzer-prize winner Gene Weingarten's weekly Chatological Humor discussion.

Celebritology Live Archive

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Liz Kelly: I'd like to welcome all five of you still stuck at the the office on this 4th of July eve. In a quick spin up to my own office in the Courthouse area of Arlington, I spied a bumper crop of hooky-playing Washingtonians on the streets. Their pasty-white flip-flopped feet and creased shorts gave away their financial solvency and lack of ease loafing at outdoor coffee shop tables. Which is to say that I think we may have a tiny, but committed group here this afternoon.

In the spirit of Independence Day, please (if you can watch video at work) take a look at this short holiday piece from former post.com staffer and v. funny guy Meredith Bragg who now sacrifices his days so that we have things like this to watch at work. A true American hero.

No Brangelina baby yet, though Zahara and Shiloh visited mom today at the hospital. Speaking of moms-to-be, here's a shot of the super-preg Gwen Stefani who manages to look fashion forward even when she's got her hair done up like that.

I also want to send a shout out to RiverCityRoller if she's in the audience today for sending me the v. cool gift. It is at the frame shop now and I'll share pix with everyone in the blog next week.

Let's get started...

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Scientology: So I think why I'm a little freaked out by Scientology is because it elevates "celebrities" above normal people. I know other religions almost always elevate one class of people above everyone else (i.e., priests), but it seems that the entire philosophy of Scientology is centered on validating the materialistic life of celebrities. They don't really have to change the way they live (does Tom Cruise do more charity as a result of his Scientology; I mean, other than publicly denigrating psychology at every opportunity) -- they just keep on living their lifestyles of the rich and famous in perfect accordance with their newly purchased "belief" system.

So I don't begrudge them all for flocking to an organization that tells them they are special because they are actors, but I do find it a little more creepy for that reason than, say, Kabbalah.

Liz Kelly: I'm glad you brought this up. It ties in nicely to the discussion earlier this week about Will Smith's flirtation with Scientology and a conversation I was having with "Lost" co-blogger Jen Chaney just this morning about why it is that Scientology is so irksome.

And what you say below is pretty much the point that Jen made -- that it isn't so much the religion that is the focus of public ire, but the non-stop brow-beating from Tom Cruise and others about the group and it's being the one true way.

But what religion doesn't preach to the faithful as being the only path? Depending on who you ask, they all do -- after all, several different religions identify their adherents as "chosen people." So in my view it's no odder than Kabbalah or Catholicism. It's just that Scientology of late has had a very public, vocal face in the form of Tom Cruise. And he is a massive weirdo.

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Alexandria, Va.: The beauteous Emmanuelle Chriqui starred in "You Don't Mess With The Zohan," but fans of N'Sync know her best as the former girl friend of N'Sync member Lance Bass, who recently came out as gay.

When a star's significant other comes out of the closet, is this a source of embarrassment for the star? I remember '80s star Lou Diamond Phillips was humbled after Melissa Etheridge stole his wife.

Liz Kelly: I suspect the answer doesn't depend so much on someone's star status so much as what kind of person he or she is at heart. I doubt Emmanuelle, who I'm sure Paul can find a photo of to share with us, is losing much sleep about Lance Bass's sexuality.

And if I were Lou Diamond Phillips I'd be more embarassed about "Young Guns" or, I dunno, allegedly beating up my girlfriend.

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Oakland, Calif.: Did you see that ABC has stolen your idea for the Lost Book club?

Liz Kelly: Well, "stolen" is a strong word. Good ideas tend to spring from more than one well -- in fact, there's even another "Lost" book club over at goodreads.com. And ABC did create this fab show, after all, so it isn't out of the question for them to start their own. Though it would've been cool if maybe we could've partnered or something.

Right now, our own club is still coming up on top in a Google search. But in only a few days, ABC's has made it to No. 2. So I guess we'd better watch our backs and hope that "Lost" fans have enough reading time to keep up with both of us.

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11 Downing Street: Do we really have to watch another Venus vs Serena final at Wimbleton ? What's the point of going all the way to England when they could have played this in their Mom's backyard ?

Liz Kelly: I feel your pain. I'm all broken up about this. Perhaps instead you could find your way to your nearest DVD retailer and get a copy of "The 36th Chamber of Shaolin" -- inspiration enough for Wu Tang and one of the best kung fu movies ever. Venus and Serena will fade like a bad memory when you pop this baby in the DVD player.

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jes: But isn't Scientology the reason we think wee Tom is a massive weirdo? I mean the couch jumpimp bit didn't help, but it was mostly the foaming at the mouth in verbal beat down of Brooke Shields and the recruiting videos we've seen. Was there something else I missed?

washingtonpost.com: I'm not sure if "jumpimp" is a typo or intentional, but I like it.

Liz Kelly: It does have a certain ring to it.

But I think Jes's question is a chicken and egg conundrum. Do we think Tom Cruise is a massive weirdo because of Scientology or do we think Scientology is odd because Tom Cruise is a massive weirdo?

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Anonymous: Liz: You're wrong about Kabballa -- from what I understand it is all about meditation and money. That is why it is so attractive to people like Madonna because she is so calm and rich.

Liz Kelly: And I'm neither calm nor rich, which explains why neither Kaballah nor Scientology have come knocking.

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washingtonpost.com: The lead to a great Scientology story from the old Spy magazine: I am an ex-drug addict who has solicited prostitutes in my day. I've also masturbated and inhaled at the same time, and I have been arrested more than once in my life. I dropped out of high school, and I've been under psychiatric care. Oh yeah, and I owe the IRS roughly six thousand dollars that they are well aware of. In the language of Scientologists, the above information reflects what they include in their "Dead Agent Packs"-dossiers of all the dirt they dig up on people critical of their "religion."

washingtonpost.com:
The lead to a great Scientology story from the old Spy magazine: I am an ex-drug addict who has solicited prostitutes in my day. I've also masturbated and inhaled at the same time, and I have been arrested more than once in my life. I dropped out of high school, and I've been under psychiatric care. Oh yeah, and I owe the IRS roughly six thousand dollars that they are well aware of.

In the language of Scientologists, the above information reflects what they include in their "Dead Agent Packs"-dossiers of all the dirt they dig up on people critical of their "religion."

Liz Kelly: I'm going to go ahead and put this out there because Producer Paul, being the boss of this chat, knows where the line is and would never cross it.

I'd also urge anyone interested in reading more about Scientology to hunt down the articles of Postie (and former Reliable Source) Richard Leiby, who nailed them so hard they have officially blacklisted him.

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Public sector internship: Hi Liz! No question really, but just want to say thanks for hanging out with us this afternoon. I'm still here, and I'm glad you are, too. Just got an e-mail from the office Chief of Staff with the subject line of: EARLY RELEASE!!!! Except, it's only an hour early release. Here I was thinking she was saying, "Go home, you fools!" Such a tease...

Liz Kelly: Right. I hear you. We hear a lot about early closings around here, too, on holiday eves. Except that they never apply to folks in the newsroom. I mean, how could I in good conscience start my weekend early when Angelina Jolie is out there just waiting to pop?

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Sasquatch Office Cave: Liz, have you been able to schedule the Mike Rowe phone interview?

Liz Kelly: No. But I was on vacation last week and this is a holiday week. I'm going to redouble my efforts with his publicists next week.

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Tampa, Fla.: Speaking of Venus Williams, does anyone know if she is still seeing that golfer - Hank Khuene? Last time I heard of them being together was at the Master's golf tournament in April (he wasn't playing, but his brother was). He had started showing up at her tournaments last year, but so far, he's been absent (at least from the stands) this year.

Liz Kelly: No idea. Any sports gossip junkies out there who'd like to field this one?

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Silver Sping, Md.: Does anyone know when Angelins Jolie's babies are due? Why is she just chilling in a hospital? Is she early, late, pre-eclamptic... What?

Liz Kelly: I believe she's due any moment now. My suspicion is that the doc's assertion that the birth could be "weeks away" is merely a ruse meant to get us all to stand down. Maybe Angie wants a little privacy. Who can blame her?

That raises another question I've been thinking about lately, though. Is it selfish for someone like Angelina, who is such a paparazzi magnet, to have kids at all? I mean, knowing that they will be hounded at every step -- is it fair to bring a kid into that world?

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Boulder, Colo.: I was the one who had suggested resurrecting the Lost Book Club a while back since I missed out on the first go-round. Are we going to read together this summer? Happy 4th!

Liz Kelly: We will be bringing back our own "Lost" Book Club in August. Stay tuned.

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Rowe, Rowe, Rowe: I am stuck at work. The AC is off (because no one else is here) and the one good place to eat is closed. Help me - give me something to get me through the afternoon - perhaps the auspicious day that you will finally, breathtakingly interview the hunky bit of man candy, Mike Rowe.

Liz Kelly: Well, it's not quite Mike Rowe, but here.

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Lost in the suburbs: What exactly are you "Lost" souls reading ? I thought it was TV and no reading was required. Except of course for the too small subtitles on foreign movies.

Liz Kelly: Dude, if you don't get it, you don't get it.

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"Massive Weirdo": Awesome. This is why we love you.

On the subject of Mr. Nutball, do you think his aggressive program of Image Rehab has worked?

Signed, One of the Committed

Liz Kelly: Heck no.

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Divorce odds: Madge and Guy?

Jen and Ben?

Chris and Gwynneth?

Liz Kelly: Madge and Guy -- it's over, baby.

Jen and Ben -- Solid

Chris and Gwynnie -- may be some chinks, especially now that Gwynnie pal Madge will be single again.

I'd keep my eyes closely focused on Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon if I were you. I sense a disturbance in the force.

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Scientology follow-up: Since there's only 5 of us here, and it's not guaranteed that all of us will be Lost fans...

The distinction I was trying to make was not that Scientology elevates its adherents, because, as you point out, all religions do that. But that Scientology, as I understand it, tells celebrities they are already privileged just for being celebrities and that they should continue living their (vapid, materialistic) lives just as they already do.

Most other religions require you to make significant changes to your lifestyle before you can be a true adherent (I'm ignoring hypocrisy here). As far as I can tell, when you're already pulling a few million per picture, what's a little bit of money thrown the Church's way to get to the next level? No big changes required.

(Of course, Scientology's affect on the little people that get sucked in is a whole different matter.)

Liz Kelly: Thanks for expanding on your point, and it's a good one.

Scientology's genius when it comes to celebs seems to be -- as you say -- telling them they're already mostly doing everything right and to just keep doing it. It's ego stroking at its most obvious. And it seems to work again and again.

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Richard Leiby: Man, I loved Richard when he was Reliable Source (also love Amy and Roxanne). He must be doing the type of insightful, hard-hitting, current events journalism that I never read, because I haven't seen anything by him a long time.

washingtonpost.com: He's mostly editing these days I believe. His most recent byline: A Winning Portrait of Loss in Iraq (Post, Oct 19, 2007)

Liz Kelly: Yep, he's mostly editing. But when he writes, it is always a joy to read. One of my faves.

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Speaking of Angelina: I was never a fan. Thought she was too thin, a bit odd, a homewrecker, etc. Saw "Wanted" last week and I am officially in her camp. Well, I moved past the homewrecker thing a few kids ago, I think. But Liz, I don't know what it is, but she is SMOKIN' in that movie!

Liz Kelly: I haven't seen "Wanted" -- just the trailers, but I know Angie excels at playing bad ass so it wouldn't surprise me to hear that she'd done it again.

But you're telling me you didn't come away from it still thinking she was too thin? She was practically emaciated during the filming of that movie.

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Courthouse: Come down to the 11th floor and grace us with your celeb-presence!

Liz Kelly: Hey there Courthouse. I would, but I'm already back home typing to you from my kitchen.

Hasn't that "go home early" note gone out yet?

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I sense a disturbance in the force.: How about Simpson-Wentz?

Liz Kelly: Yes, interesting leaks lately about Pete and his dabbling in same sex recreation. But, I dunno, those two are just vapid enough to make a go of it.

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Scientology is weird, regardless of Mr. Cruise: Let me rephrase--Scientology is really no weirder than any other religion, with the difference that it incorporates some modern day technology. The thing that makes Scientology bizarre is that its history is recent and well known. Mr. L. Ron Hubbard created this religion out of the depths of his own sci-fi loving brain, reportedely as a tax shelter. And I think there are even quotes about him saying before he created Scientology that he wanted to start a religion.

The fact that anyone actually buys into it all is what makes it so strange and really unbelieveable. Which begs the question, do these celebrities actually BELIEVE in Scientology? Or do they just like the way it makes them feel?

Liz Kelly: Whoa. Okay, slow down.

Stop and think -- Scientology is modern because it is essentially a modern religion and so we've all been witness to its freaky birth. But is its use of "technology" really any odder than Joseph Smith's invention, Mormonism? Smith claimed that he was able to channel God when he put some kind of stone in a hat and promoted polygamy as the model of family life.

Then, of course, there's the Catholic church -- in which I was raised -- which tells us that a wafer and some grape juice transmutate into the body and blood of Christ in our mouths.

What I'm saying here is that any religion can sound weird when you strip it down to some of its more "mystical" elements.

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Nick and Mariah: Uh, you are no Jedi if you didn't sense this disturbance coming up Sixth (or should I say Sith?) avenue...

Liz Kelly: Right.

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Courthouse 11th Floor: Yes, we are being released like Montgomery Burns' hounds at 3 p.m. Next time you're here be sure to put the word out, we can go for lunch and discuss Brit-Brit over martinis.

Liz Kelly: Oooh, love the MB reference. Meet you at 4 Courts next week.

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CFO of the Vatican?: So Anne Hathaway's former BF Rafaello whatever... do you think he is a sociopath? I mean, claiming you are the CFO of the Vatican is quite a humdinger and seems like you'd have to be pretty soulless to do everything he did, while hiding it all from a live-in girlfriend. And apparently thinking you would get away with it.

Liz Kelly: Sociopath is a bit strong, but the guy seems to have a big problem with the truth.

David Segal wrote at length about Raffaello earlier this week. It's worth reading (after the chat, of course).

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HOAX ALERT : I think I need to alert you to a massive hoax. It seems the publicist for Mike Rowe has been peppering these chats with Mike Rowe questions and fawning comments. The truth is this man is NOT attractive and his hands probably need a good cleaning from some of those "dirty jobs".

Liz Kelly: Well, maybe I can help him with that. I just bought some naturally antiseptic soap yesterday.

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Good point: What is up with Wentz saying he's kissed boys and has a crush on Meyer? It would be one thing if he were single... but I dunno, married with a baby -- it's just off.

Liz Kelly: I met the guy in person. He's a space case. This is the behavior of a space case. He has the mentality of a 13-year-old. He thinks we care. We don't.

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Sasquatch Office Cave: Liz, Since it's a slow day, here's a question for you to ponder:

Now that you've lived in the remodeled Kelly Mansion for about a year, what lessons have you learned from the renovation? If you had it to do over, what would you do differently?

As you may guess, I've been contemplating some major upgrades to the Home Cave.

washingtonpost.com: We've officially reached "talking amongst ourselves" status.

Liz Kelly: All I can say, Sas -- is that you can never do too much to upgrade kitchens and bathrooms. Spend your money there and you will not be sorry.

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Massive Weirdo or Tired Celeb: Sounds like a new game! I name the celeb, you tell me if they are MW or TC. Ready? (The winner gets a PT Cruiser)

Tom Cruise (easy one to get you started)

Rosie O'Donnell

Ashlee Simpson-Wentz

Tony Danza

Keith Richards

Ringo Star

David Bowie

Cher

Liz Kelly: Oooh, I love it.

Tom: Massive Weirdo

Rosie: Tired Weirdo

Ashlee Simpson: Tired Sister of Celeb

Tony Danza: Likeable Weirdo

Keith Richards: Tired Celeb who Fell Out of a Coconut Tree

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RE: Children and Paparazzi: Liz, are you serious about wondering if paparazzi-stalked celebrities should have children? Why should a woman base her decision to have children (or not) on anything other than her and her partner's desire and ability to care for children? Further, there have been several big-name stars that have been able to have children, and successfully shield them from the glare. I'm thinking of the the Witherspoon-Phillippe family, Julia Roberts, Brooke Shields, Bennifer (or whatever Affleck/Garner is called these days). Yes, there are some photos that show up of these kids, but mostly they seem taken from a distance, and the parents seem pretty careful about shielding their children. I know that the Jolie-Pitts are in a whole 'nother stratosphere regarding paparazzi pressure, but it seems like they've been doing pretty good so far with controlling the paparazzi getting too close and pushy with the 4 they already have.

Liz Kelly: Isn't the well-being of that child, in terms of its freedom to move about unharrassed, part of the mother and father's ability to care for that child?

I can tell you I'd think twice about bringing a kid into my world if I was unable to walk to the park without a trail of cameramen, people regularly picked through the trash or I knew that someone would be there every time my kid made the inevitable missteps that are part of growing up. It's a lot to ask of anyone, especially a kid.

And before you get your panties into an On-Parenting-style bunch, please note that I was merely asking the question, not pronouncing an opinion.

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Nosy Parker: Thanks to Bawlmer for her brilliant coinage of "Cruisiness" on this week's Insta-Poll chat! So, can you think of any celebs who come even close to TC (besides other Scientologists)? Maybe Woody Harrelson?

Liz Kelly: Juliette Lewis comes to mind.

As does Mel Gibson, or Mel Gibson circa 2006.

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Jeff City MO: What do you get when you put Bob Dylan, Keith Richards and Joe Walsh together in a room?

One brain!

I've got a million of em! Order the veal and don't forget to tip the wait staff!

Sorry, the Keith Richards reference brought that out in me.

Liz Kelly: Now we're getting a little punchy.

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New England: All this talk of scientology is boooring. Don't you have some photos of hot Italian soccer players to link to?

Speaking of handsome Italians, I'm still stuck on the story about Anne Hathaway and her con-artist ex boyfriend. I wonder if he used any of her money in his scams? Who was paying the $37k per month rent, him or her?

washingtonpost.com: I heard she was now dating Sidney Poitier' son...

Liz Kelly: Do tell Producer Paul...

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Pregnancy World: As a pregnant woman I've been noticing all the pregnant celebs quite a bit. Are there more pregnant celebs in 2008 than the past few years or am I just noticing it more this year?

Liz Kelly: I think maybe you're just noticing it more.

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Not a Mormon but...: I believe JS used the stones to be able to decipher the tablets that no one has found since. He placed them in a hat. I think.

Not that it matters, except I know how you like to keep the chat as accurate as possible.

Liz Kelly: Right. When I put stones in a hat, all I get is a headache.

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cat, question: if it's really that slow. Hi, Liz! About two months ago (little more, maybe) you gave me advice on putting down one of my cats down. Many thanks for the advice, but it totally totally sucked. Advice cannot fix that, I don't think. I have another cat, and she went through an attacking me phase. We've upped the play time, and she's good and actually affectionate now, which is awesome. I'm toying with the idea of another cat, but think that I will keep this at her and me for a while b/c of the affectionate side. She occasionally attacks my toes, but looks rightly sad when I yell at her for it. Your thoughts?

Liz Kelly: Sorry about your kitty. Losing a pet is never easy, whether you're there for the final moments or not.

I don't really have a good answer for the one or two cats question. It could really go either way depending on the temperament of the kitties and whether or not they'll get along with each other. A new pal could either be a great companion for your current kitty or a never-ending cat war.

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east compton, va: Why are you a dupa-head?

Liz Kelly: I suspect I'm married to this questioner who can neither capitalize, nor realize that Dupa Head is not hyphenated.

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McLean, Va.: I'd like to hear Producer Paul's opinion, along with pictorial proof, as to whether Jessica Simpson has the nicest boobs in Hollywood.

washingtonpost.com: Not even the top 10, but it would take me too long to illustrate this. Maybe a Friday list Liz?

Liz Kelly: Hmmm, sure. I'll add that to my To-do list.

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Hi Liz Kelly: If you weren't able (hypo) to have a cat or dog, is there another pet you would have? ferret? piglet? bunny? carnivorous pony?

Liz Kelly: Parrot.

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Flat-front update: While we're just chatting amongst ourselves here, just wanted to say thanks for the advice a few weeks back re: the BF and flat-front pants. Got him to try a pair on at the Gap last week and after much fawning on my part (and WOW, did they look good!) he actually decided he likes them! Just not their price tag. But I have a feeling if they magically appear in his closet, he'd be down with wearing them. One man at a time, Liz...

Liz Kelly: Yay, another convert!

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Philadelphia, Pa.: Hi Liz!

On People.com today, there is an overly detailed account of L.Lo's birthday celebration last night. Do you find it odd that there hasn't been more discussion of her relationship with Samantha Ronson, which according to the article is still going strong? I distinctly remember her sex life being everyday fodder when she was with guys, but now nothing.

Liz Kelly: Well, but she seems to have actually settled into a relatively stable groove with Samantha (ooh, check out my DJ pun!), while her previous relationships were often short, PDA-fraught affairs.

Besides, I think there's been plenty of coverage of these two. The only thing we're lacking is a good portmanteau for them.

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byool, IN: Heyyyyyy... speaking of giant hoaxes, has anyone seen any pix of Jamie Lynn Spears' baby? Google gives me nuthin'.

And speaking of giant weirdos, Tom Cruise turns 46 today. (Does he get extra thetans for that?)

Liz Kelly: Nope, no baby pix from Jamie Lynn yet. I'm sure she's still locked in negotiations with InTouch or Star.

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jes: By the way, did we remember to thank Producer Paul for his guest duties last week? Not that I'm sucking up for future chat consideration or anything.

Liz Kelly: Hmmm, I think Jes (hearts) producer Paul.

I thanked him profusely offline. But since you mention it, all FIVE of last weeks subs were fab. I should take another week.

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"Cruisiness": Well, there's the former Cat Stevens, who loudly jumped on the fatwa bandwagon against Salman Rushdie, calling for Rushdie's murder after the publication of "The Satanic Verses." That went WAAAAY beyond mere religiosity.

Liz Kelly: Right, and denounced his own music. He's since recanted on one or both, I believe.

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Scientology: no, the thing about Scientology that separates it from any other religion is that it REQUIRES you to pay money to learn about it. Other religions raise money through appeals, contributions, etc., but it's free to be a member. Even Catholics (of which I am a member) don't charge for adults to be baptized, confirmed, and brought into the Church. Scientologists make you pay money to learn what they're about. That's the part that puts me off so much.

washingtonpost.com: Doesn't the Bible say to tithe?

Liz Kelly: Sure, Catholicism is free-ish. Unless you want to be a member of Opus Dei, which requires some portion of your money be given to the organization or the church -- I haven't the time to research it right now.

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Richard Leiby: Speaking of, I really love his articles whenever I happen upon them, but since I am out here in fly-over land and my only link to the Post is online, I fear I often miss what he writes.

Is there a way to pull up all his stuff at once?

washingtonpost.com: Send me your e-mail and I'll see if I can hook you up.

Liz Kelly: There you go..

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Bethesda: I think the Hathaway-Poitier thing was a joke about the play/movie "Six Degrees of Separation," about a con man who infiltrates the Manhattan socialite scene by pretending to be S.P.'s son.

washingtonpost.com: You get a cookie.

Liz Kelly: Whatever. I never saw that movie. Sosumi.

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Oooh, love the MB reference. Meet you at 4 Courts next week. : Deal! You can fawn over my cool MB keychain. Next Thursday night?

Liz Kelly: Deal.

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Fourth of July Video: Liz, I sent it out to a bunch of office mates and all i'm hearing are the words, morbid, and gross....am I the only one who thought it was funny?

Maybe its just the people in the chairs at the end...

Liz Kelly: Ya, they need to lighten up. There's no blood! Not even fake CGI blood.

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B'More Cat and Celebritology Lover: I am one of the five. The markets closed at 1:00, so we can officially leave early at 3:00. Of course, the floor is pretty quiet. Oh, and my company blocks You Tube as a 'social networking' site so can't watch any fun links. So, I'm in my office filing, going through all the crap that accumulates on my desk, and listening to Warren Zevon. Yup. I'm a rebel.

Did Andy and Page miss you while you were vacationing or did they get to go along?

Liz Kelly: Page went along with us. Here she is making new friends on the beach.

Andy, however, was less than amused with his eight days at the kennel. He's still a little irritated with us.

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Philadelphia, Pa.: You are too young to probably have ever seen this, but you should know how nuns created their own mind control with paddles. One used a flattened baseball bat and had students bend over. And our parents paid good money for this privilege. (Of course, now I hear some US Senators pay good money for the same privilege, but that's something else.)

Liz Kelly: And my mom swears she was required (by nuns) to kneel on bobby pins when she talked in class. That's just nutso.

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Falls Church, Va.: Liz, Are responsible for the updates to Gene's discussions? If so, who found that video of our wonderful POTUS giving us the monodigital salute?

Liz Kelly: As far as I know, Gene found that one.

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Richmond, Va.: Sure Paul, The Bible calls for tithing. But that's not the same as being charged to enter Sunday school.

Liz Kelly: I think this may vary from parish to parish. I also recall having to "gift" the priest with a big fat check at my first wedding.

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Reston, VA: Dupa Head? Wow, I haven't heard the term "dupa" since my Slovak grandfather passed away a few years ago. Thanks for the bit of nostalgia!

Liz Kelly: You're welcome. It comes courtesy my Ukrainian and Slovak mother.

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The more the merrier...: I have nine cats and yes I used to think people with more than one were nuts. When we moved here we had five but strays kept finding their way into our window and adopting us. So my advice is try to keep your windows closed.

Liz Kelly: Umm. Okay.

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Salt Mine in Washington, DC: Nicole Kidman is a Scientologist? I thought she remained Catholic. In fact, I thought that's why Tom left -- because he was getting into the religion in a big way and she wasn't willing to. Was I (gasp!) WRONG????

Liz Kelly: What? Who said Nicole is a Scientologist? She's a Catholic, and as you say, that was rumored to be a big part of the rift between she and TC.

Katie Holmes, also, was Catholic when she started dating Cruise.

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Talking amongst ourselves: I totally thought of you yesterday Liz! I was on the Metro and this good looking guy was standing in front of me. Unfortunately for him, he was wearing pleated pants. Asking myself, what would Liz do, I toyed with the idea of telling him he'd be a knockout with flat front pants, but ultimately, chickened out.

Yeah, it's been a slow week.

Liz Kelly: I think maybe we need some lapel pins or something... "Flat Front Rules" or somesuch.

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One of Leiby's Former Peeps: Props to Leiby for his self-promotion in your online discusssion.

Liz Kelly: Oh stop -- you know Rich would never do that.

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washingtonpost.com: Leiby's story: The Life & Death of a Scientologist (Post, Dec. 6, 1998)

washingtonpost.com: Leiby's story: The Life & Death of a Scientologist (Post, Dec. 6, 1998)

Liz Kelly: Ahhh, here you go -- a bit more of Leiby. I can't get enough.

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London, U.K.: Well, you could just spend all afternoon watching the commercial for the new Bond movie. I'm tempted to do that all day tomorrow (transplanted American here, and there isn't even going to be the pathetic consolation prize of less-crowded commute for working on a holiday), but I won't even be able to sneak it into the day. Maybe I'll just have a little tea party in the break room and dump it all out...but that's only fun if other people catch on. Any suggestions on what I should do?

washingtonpost.com: Quantum of Solace trailer (youtube.com)

Liz Kelly: There you go -- one more thing to while away the day.

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Bible Stuff: Nowhere in the Bible does it say that you have to tithe a certain percent of your earnings...it says it's good give freely (much like you'd do to charity), but you don't go to hell or get denied any spiritual benefits if you don't (I often don't).

washingtonpost.com: Gotcha.

Liz Kelly: Gee, I wish we could argue about the Bible some more.

Unfortunately, the hour's up and I'm out of here for the weekend (while continuing to keep a close eye on Angie's status).

No blog tomorrow, cuz of the holiday and all. We'll be back full strength next week.

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