Meanest Story nominee: Penny Marshall has six months to live!

Publication: Globe
Date: 31 Oct. 2011

Penny Marshall has been on the Brave Last Days list since last year and the stories about her have been in the Globe. I assumed they thought her life was in danger because of her weight, but instead it was about an alleged cancer diagnosis. In August, the Globe reported a nice story that she had lost weight and the cancer was gone. Here are this week's headlines.

• Penny Marshall dying
• Her cancer is back
• Six months to live
• Race against time to write tell all book
• Then and now pictures

Best wishes to Ms. Marshall, her family and friends. This is a nominee for Meanest Story of the Week.

Breaking news (?): Why Jen's in tears.

Publication: OK!
Date: 24 Oct. 2011

Yet another headline with the phrase "Breaking News!" this week, this time about Jennifer Aniston being in tears. Having seen the news in other places, she's doing publicity for Breast Cancer Awareness Month and she got misty eyed listening to the stories of survivors at a treatment center in Virginia.

By all means, women should have regular check-ups, because early detection is the most important tool we have in fighting this disease.

Breaking news (?): Garth Brooks' cancer tragedy.

Publication: Globe
Date: 24 Oct. 2011

Two different gossip magazines promised "breaking news" this week, which is not really possible in this era of the 24 hour news cycle for a magazine that has its front page set by Tuesday and hits the stands on Thursday. The Globe website tells us that Trisha Yearwood's mom has died from cancer. Last year, the low rent Examiner told us Garth's ex-wife Sandy also has a bad prognosis with cancer.

Best wishes to all concerned.

Meanest story nominee: Chaz Bono cancer shocker

Publication: National Enquirer
Date: 19 Sept. 2011

I don't watch Dancing With The Stars, but I do somewhat admire the show's ability to generate gossip. Chaz Bono is the obvious negative lightning rod this season, though I think Nancy Grace will also add a lot of new people to the list of folks who hate her guts. The Enquirer says there is a shocker involving cancer for Chaz. Here are the headlines.

• DWTS Chaz Bono
• Cancer shocker
• His tears and pain
• World exclusive news and photos
  

This is a nominee for Meanest Story of the Week.

Meanest Story nominee: Michael Douglas' NEW cancer shocker.

Publication: Star
Date: 1 August 2011

Michael Douglas' health problems were all over the tabloids late last year, but after several predictions of his imminent demise, one of which came with a deadline that has already passed with the star still alive, the story was pretty much dropped. Now, Star has a grainy telephoto picture of him smoking and these headlines.

• Smoking again and fighting for his life
• Catherine struggles as they run away from it all
  

This is a nominee for Meanest Story of the Week.

eCigarettes Cause Cancer Too?

The Food and Drug Administration announced Wednesday that electronic cigarettes contain carcinogens and a chemical used in antifreeze, reported the Washington Post.These findings contradict the manufacturers’ claims that the electronic cigarette is a safe alternative to more traditional cigarettes and include little more than water vapor, nicotine and propylene glycol – which is used to produce