In the wake of the recent deaths of Brittany Murphy, Casey Johnson, DJ AM, Michael Jackson and Heath Ledger, I felt it imperative to address the issue of addiction and more specifically- prescription drug abuse. Addiction comes in all forms, doses, and quantities. In the past few years, we have heard how many celebrities have died from prescription drug cocktails. Just think about how many deaths from the same causes don't make the nightly news. In fact:

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Center for Health Statistics, unintentional overdose deaths involving prescription opioids increased 114 percent from 2001 (3,994) to 2005 (8,541)*

During 1999--2006, the number of poisoning deaths in the United States nearly doubled, from approximately 20,000 to 37,000**

This is the most recent nationwide data available. As you can see, this is a fast growing epidemic with a lack of efficient research and education. Despite the FDA and Health Insurance bureaucratic regulations and policies, the public has found various loopholes to obtain and abuse prescription drugs without the proper knowledge ANY drug interactions.

Rule #1- Uppers and downers DON'T mix.

Being of the Paxil and ADD generation, there is an inherent likelihood of adverse drug interactions between stimulants and depressants. Why? While doctors are quick to write a script if you're feeling blue, they often don't inform you of the chemical properties of the drug. Some anti-depressants are stimulants, some are not. For example, if you are taking meds with more up and an anti-anxiety med (Xanax, Ativan) to take the edge off, then find yourself scheduled for a root canal and a script for Vicodin, you could be in serious trouble.

River Phoenix had been on a slew of meds when he decided to go to The Viper Room in LA and do a few lines of coke. Realizing he was too sped up, he took some xanax to calm down, the fatal move. To put it simply, his brain fritzed, his synapses didn't know how to feel- up or down, nor did his heart. It was like two cars driving driving right at each other and crashed head on... his heart just stopped.

Thought: If you do find yourself too wound up, don't try and fix it with another drug.

Do: Have a warm glass of milk, go for a walk, take several deep calming breathes, call or visit a friend and talk their ear off until the speedy effects tone down. Of course, if you have chest pains or start vomiting, put your paranoia aside- call 911.

Don't: Stay home alone or think that going for a midnight jog is a good idea.

Rule #2: Have at least one Doctor know all the medications and recreational drugs you are taking, preferably your primary health care provider, not Dr. Feelgood.

It is an addicts nature to manipulate, especially when it comes to those with prescription pads. You know what to say to whom to get what you want. You leave certain info out so Dr. Feelgood will give you what you want, and he/she usually would rather not know all the details in fear of a lawsuit. What you may not know, is even cold medicine, Advil, foods, or alcohol can be a fatal interaction with certain meds, including ADD medications and painkillers. Also, disclose exactly why you are taking a specific med. Drugs have many different uses and could greatly effect other interactions

Brittany Murphy was on several medications including Topamax. While commonly used for migraines, it's also used to treat bulimia and often prescribed with an anti-seizure or heart medication. Taking Topamax alone, there is a severe threat if the patient vomits, combined with other meds that threat can be fatal.

Thoughts: If you have the wherewithal to obtain meds, you have the ability to take a couple minutes to know the facts and risks of what pills your popping.

Do: Great sites which even rate severity of interactions: Healthline or Medscape. Make sure you tell your Doc everything you're taking and all medical issues, no matter how minor you may think it is.

Don't: Assume because it's a prescription it's safe. Think because your boyfriend that's twice your size takes a certain amount, you should take the same dosage. Likewise, just because it's prescribed to your Mom or Dad, doesn't mean it's safe for you.

Rule #3: Break the cycle.

Depressants make you more depressed. Just like after a sugar rush, the crash is hard. We may think that alcohol or downers like painkillers, can make you feel better, happier, or calmer- but after the effects wear off, the depression is worse, especially if you are predisposed to depression. An addict, will increase their intake of whatever to avoid feeling the inevitable depression, thus manifesting a vicious cycle.

Thoughts: You're not alone. We often find it difficult to talk to those who care about you the most, but getting out of your head can get you out of the downward spiral.

Do: Talk to someone, even the coffee guy you see every morning may just be the impartial ear you need. Take small steps. Acknowledgement is the first step and even thinking about the one thing that makes you happy once a day, is a step in the right direction.

Don't: Think you're hopeless or helpless. Stay addicted to the thoughts in your head or keep them to yourself.

Rule #4: Find what works for you.

Every addict is unique with different issues, DNA, and addictions. Therefore, it is impossible to think that there is one cure-all for addiction. The greatest chance of success is to find a program or plan that suits your needs mentally and physically. I am grateful that 12-step programs and similar clinics exist, I also know that they don't work for everyone. Some people respond well to this type of approach. Non-conformists instinctively reject the idea regimented plans and beliefs, therefore, the chance of relapse is high. This is ok, there are several alternatives. However, nothing will help you dry up and stay dry unless you have a definitive desire to do so.

Thoughts: Getting clean is tough, staying cleaning is tougher, deciding to get clean is the toughest and bravest.

Do: Know that no matter how you feel, there is a way. Research your options. Try, try, and try again. Accept and forgive yourself.

Don't: Give up. Be too proud to ask for help. Let your health insurance (or lack of) inhibit you from getting the best care possible- there is always a way.

Addiction can be selfish, selfless, or self-destructive. Regardless, addicts are slowly killing themselves. No matter if they are escaping from day to day life, cutting themselves off from friends and family, or attempting to quell their inner thoughts, they are ultimately taking the slow road to the end of life- whether they know it or not.

Obviously, the aforementioned are just a few conjectures and there is much more to all of this. Yet, it is an undeniable issue that needs attention.

***MH- I love you and you will always remain in my heart. See you on the other side.

****NB- stay strong, slowly you arrive.

*****Note: SBS does not condone or advocate recreational drug use. The situations mentioned above are hypothetical and opinions, and should not be taken as fact. They shall in no way serve as a proponent of illegal or prescription drug use in any manner.

*National Drug Assessment 2009 http://www.justice.gov/ndic/pubs33/33775/index.htm

**Center for Disease Control and Prevention http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5842a1.htm

Image of River Phoenix courtesy of Katie Loves Life

All other images courtesy of Getty Images: © copyright 1999-2010 Getty Images, Inc.

Tonight is the NY and LA theatrical release of Across the Hall, starring Brittany Murphy, Danny Pino and Mike Vogel. This past week, I posted a review from the NY private screening and had the pleasure of interviewing Danny Pino (Terry), Director Alex Merkin and Brad Greenquist (the Porter).

After returning to his hometown of Miami this past summer to perform in a play at The Actors Playhouse, Danny was kind enough to take some time from production for the hit television series, Cold Case, in Los Angeles.

Scene B Seen: How did you get involved in Across the Hall?

Danny Pino: Mike Vogel, who plays Julian in the movie, called and said he had read the script and was involved with this film and they were looking for someone to play his best friend. You know, Mike and I are very good friends and have known each other for a while and we always wanted to find something to work on together. So I read the script and thought that the character was something that would be challenging, interesting and had something that was very different from what I usually do on the TV series [Cold Case]. And so that and meeting the director Alex Merkin and speaking with him about what his ideas were with the script and the writer Jesse Mittelstadt. I felt like it was going to be a good fit for me. I was actually nervous.

SBS: Nervous? What were you nervous about?

DP: 1st off, I knew that we were only going to have 17 days to shoot and the way that the script is set up, it’s chopped up, it has different cuts and it shifts out of sequence, some scenes, if you were to eliminate those cuts, and were to read them in a sequential order, they run 10-15 pages long. That’s a pretty long scene when it comes to film and TV world. I mean, when you’re on stage, its par for the course, usually longer then that.

SBS: Right.

DP: When you’re doing a play, you’ve got several weeks of rehearsal… to be able to make that happen. Here we were looking at 1 week before we were going to start shooting. All of those elements made me nervous. But, I was really excited to be working with Mike and I thought the script was in a very good place. Alex and Jesse were very dedicated to what we were doing.

SBS: So, did you shoot sequentially or out of order like the script reads?

DP:  Well when we rehearsed it, we rehearsed in sequence… so, it really felt like there was something going on when you went back into the scene, you were already at that level. There was an intensity there and there was a life flowing through the characters rather than starting at zero again.

SBS: Absolutely.

DP: So, we mostly shot it that way. There were some things that Alex had to do with the camera, and Andrew, the DP, wanted to do with the camera, so we were cut in certain places so that we would have a nice transition into whatever the next scene that they would be cutting into was. We tried to stay within the same “world” and certainly within the same scene as often and much as we could. In essence, we block shot it and shot it very much like a play.

SBS: Interesting.

DP:  You know it’s shot in a very classic noir style, but it has modern elements that are very quick, quick cuts. I think the camera and a lot of the visual elements that Alex has put into the film, really moves the story along, sometimes more then the script does.

SBS: Yeah, except for two shots, I think, everything was eye level and the camera was always moving in the same direction. Cold Case and Across the Hall are very stylistic, does style effect how you take on a character?

DP: I think it’s a consideration, you know, to live within that “Noir World”. Everyone needs to know what the stakes are and all the acting 101 stuff, but then after that, you’re sort of on your own. Then when you come to set, you hope that there’s some sort of harmony to what your bringing to the character and what the camera is doing, the lighting, sound and set design. That’s where the synergy comes in with filmmaking. Especially when shooting within 17 days… hopefully it really comes through.

SBS: I definitely think it did. So, you knew Mike prior to this film, did you know Brittany [Murphy]?

DP: I knew her work and was excited that she was a part of the ensemble, but I did not know her personally.

SBS: The chemistry between all of you is phenomenal. Everyone has a secret and is very devious, so it’s very impressive that only after a week of rehearsal… was Alex a big part of how you all interacted together?

DP: Alex was definitely a big part of that. Alex is very cohesive. He had a lot of considerations to address as we were shooting, some relative to the actors and mostly not. Mostly in relation to the camera or the lighting.

SBS: How much actor directing did he do or was it mostly lighting and camera direction?

DP: What’s interesting though, I can’t really speak for the other actors but, because of the experiences that I’ve had on Cold Case, we work very quickly. We sometimes shoot 8-10 pages a day, which is pretty high when you consider motion picture world… you don’t have a lot of time to rehearse. You basically have to be comfortable with what you’re doing and that everybody is on the same page and prepared.

SBS: Right.

DP: So, thankfully we were when we were shooting. I think all the actors knew that we were on a time crunch and we were under a lot of pressure to bring what we were gonna bring, almost ready to perform. And just search for those “happy accidents” in the scenes and that something real happens, ya know?

SBS: Yes.

DP: I think that happened quite a bit throughout the 17 days, where something real would happen and we would engage within the given the certain circumstances in the scene, that would help us carry through the rest of it. You get enough of those and all the sudden; you’ve got a 90-minute movie that delivers.

SBS: Well, I have to be honest with you, I Tivo Cold Case and watch 2-3 episodes before bed every night [laughter]. I know it’s very strange to watch that type of show before bed, but I didn’t even recognize it was you for the 1st half hour of Across the Hall.

DP: Wow! That’s a compliment.

SBS: It is! The character is so far removed from what you normally do, it didn’t even occur to me. Which I think is pretty cool.

DP: Thank you for that. I really appreciate that. That is something I really love doing- playing against what I’ve been doing, been blessed to be doing for the last 7 years… It’s also fun to challenge yourself by playing someone like Terry. He’s so desperate and going through such a desperate time, that he doesn’t see any other way out.

SBS: Absolutely. It was a great performance and I hope to see you in more of these dark roles. It’s refreshing to see an actor play against “type”. Thank you so much for taking the time to chat.

DP: It’s my pleasure and thank you for taking the time to promote our film.

Danny is currently shooting the episode, "Metamorphosis", which he co-wrote with Adam Glass. The episode takes place in 1971 about a small traveling circus. Set to all Doors music, the segment which is scheduled to air in February 2010, promises to be psychedelic, dark, very desperate, and devious.

*photo 1: Danny Pino

*photo 2: Across The Hall Los Angeles Premiere 12/01/2009 - Laemmle's Music Hall 3: Danny Pino, Brittany Murphy and Mike Vogel

*photo 3: Across The Hall Los Angeles Premiere 12/01/2009 - Laemmle's Music Hall 3: Brittany Murphy

*photo 4: Across The Hall Los Angeles Premiere 12/01/2009 - Laemmle's Music Hall 3: Danny Pino

*photo 5: Across The Hall Los Angeles Premiere 12/01/2009 - Laemmle's Music Hall 3: Mike Vogel, Alex Merkin and Danny Pino

*photo 6: Across The Hall Los Angeles Premiere 12/01/2009 - Laemmle's Music Hall 3: Across the Hall Cast and Crew

Every girl wants and needs to feel like a jewel... So we deserve to treat ourselves to the very best. Lindsay Colbus jewelry is modern, bold, stylish, and unique... just like every woman. We are special and should always feel that way!

Being a jet-set girl myself, who absolutely loves accessories, has on several occasions almost missed a flight searching for the perfect piece of jewelry to make an outfit look just right. I am charmed by Ms. Colbus' pieces. Adding a few of her designs to my collection, I am certain to be running on schedule from now on. It seems some celebs have caught on as well; from Rihanna (who had 2 pieces custom designed especially for her) to Sophia Bush to Lauren Conrad.

The talented designer lives in New York City and is continually inspired by her surroundings, her world travels, music, nature, and all things vintage. Her designs would look just as much at home at special events in Monaco, Paris, NYC, as they would on a tropical island. Simply gorgeous.

They are just finishing touch you need... effortlessly comfortable, feminine, and modern, just like you.

Lindsay Colbus jewelry participates with many charities and causes including organizations geared to women and women’s health.

The ready-to-wear jewelry brand will be having a national monthly sale in October. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Lindsay Colbus jewelry will be having a sale via online offering 25 percent off of all jewelry and 15 percent of the proceeds will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. The online sale at www.lindsaycolbus.com starts October 1 and ends October 31, 2009. The promo code is BRSTCNCER2009.

-article by Georgina Chapman for SBS

A few weeks ago, I had the fortunate pleasure of meeting the fantastic Julie Feldman of Julie Feldman Designs. I was in Southampton with my friend, Stephanie Newhouse, who was there representing Self Magazine, one of the sponsors for Ellen's Run. The day before the run for Breast Cancer, Stephanie insisted that I meet Ms. Felman to take a look at her fabulous bag collection.

Immediately, Ms. Feldman graciously offered a purse of our choice, to model at that evening's Gala event: HEAT at Steven Klein's Estate. Let me tell you, it was difficult to choose just one. Ms. Feldman's handbags are custom-made  from florals, satins, silks, leathers and exotic fabrics and trims. Having been featured on Fox News, CoolDesignerHandbags.com, in Accessories Magazine, Couture Magazine, the New York Post, the Santa Monica Star, and the Las Vegas Review Journal, among others, I now knew why. Divine.

A Chicago native, Ms. Feldman left the Windy City for Los Angeles bringing with her a passion for art and design. As an artist, her work usually took form in welded steel sculptures and oil paintings. Several years ago, after an art showing of her welded copper roses, Ms. Feldman was awed by the beauty and innocence of tiny, colorful, fabric roses. She began adorning satin evening bags with hundreds of brilliantly colored silk ribbon baby roses in "pavé-style". This was the birth of her Signature Baby Rose Collection.

What's even more fabulous then the pocketbooks themselves, Ms. Feldman created Handbags for Humanity® to honor and assist the great work of certain charities and foundations. "Over the years," Julie says, "I have felt extraordinarily lucky to be involved with organizations, and more profoundly the people behind them, that make a huge difference in people's lives. I count myself privileged to be able to give something back."

Whenever a handbag or accessory is purchased through the website that is accompanied by a handbag icon, Julie Feldman Designs donates a portion of that sale to one of the organization's profiled on the page; Ellen's Run, Center Theatre Group, Long Beach Women's Cancer League, and Planned Parenthood Los Angeles.

Um, hello? How much do you already love her?!

If you haven't already, check out the website HERE, and get one of your own custom-made designs that have been adorned on some of Hollywood's A-list celebs.

*JFD: Julie in Hot Pink Hornback Leather

*JFD: The Tye Dye Collection: SOLD OUT!

*JFD: Pirate Skull Beltbag

DJ AM posted his final tweet on Tuesday afternoon.

A couple weeks ago, LA's PsychicGirl Justine Kenzer, was visiting NYC and asked if she could do my reading. Apprehensive at first, I checked out her website. What I discovered was a lovely intro written by Ms. Kenzer and a ton of press (including; NY Times, The Daily News, the London Times, VH1, E!, Glamour, and countless other reputable press sources) about her and the numerous celebrities for whom she's done readings. In addition, she had met with my girls at The Luxury Spot, who adore this PsychicGirl.

I met Ms. Kenzer at a small cafe in the East Village. I was struck by her vivacious presence, extremely pleased she was not decked out in crystals, nor did she hint of patchouli (I did live in Venice Beach for several years). We ordered iced tea as she explained to me how it all works.

All readings are recorded for you, phone or in person. The recorded reading is sent you in by email link to an MP3 that you can listen to online, download to your own computer or ipod. Cool.

I felt completely comfortable and was ready for Ms. Kenzer to do her thing. She asked me to say my full name, as she would do an initial reading of what she saw.

What she saw, is so personal, that I cannot even disclose the details to you, my faithful readers. I had to bite my lip so I wouldn't burst into tears. Obviously, she could read on my face that she touched on something. She explained that a large part of what she does involves healing.

I consider myself to be more of a healer who is able to provide spiritual healing which can quickly result in positive change in your physical world. I strongly believe that destiny is not set in stone, that we create our own reality through our thoughts and our actions, yet we can have unconscious limitations due to our past experiences and the memories of them.

That being said, Ms. Kenzer went on to see my professional future... which involved loads of travelling to some amazing places, perhaps even writing about my adventures. Therefore, I was completely willing and open to any sort of healing in order to fulfill that prediction.

Though Ms. Kenzer revealed a few general dates which would bring my professional and love life into fruition, any shrink will tell you that you have to accept, deal and heal your past, in order to move forward.

Honestly, Ms. Kenzer's uncanny intuition regarding the skeletons in my closet, completely freaked me out. Yet, she was spot on and there is, without a doubt, something to be said for that.

Conclusion: Jot down some specific questions, and book an appointment with Justine Kenzer ASAP. Readings are available via instant message, phone or in person in Los Angeles.

Deets: PsychicGirl.com Email: Justine Kenzer

*Photo 1: Justine Kenzer

*Photo 2 courtesy of Wire Image: Justine Kenzer and Eva Longoria

I recently had the great privilege to sit down with my friend, Peter Davis, Editor of Paper Magazine and one of New York City's most stylish men, to ask him 10 questions about all things style. Here is what he had to say:

JP Whitney: What things influence your style?

Peter Davis: People and places: Fred Hughes, Mark Ronson, Tokyo,
London, Big Sur, Bob Marley, Amy Winehouse, and of course- New York. The
 Mods are a huge influence.

JPW: What do you prefer: everyday street style or party primped?

PD: Street Style. NYC's best looks start and shine on the
 street and not in the front row of a fashion show or on a red carpet.

JPW: How does your City Style differ from your Hamptons Style?

PD: I only wear board shorts in the country. Whereas in NYC, I never wear board shorts.

JPW: What is your prized possession in your closet and what is your must have du jour?

PD: My tux that my tailor in London, Timothy Everest, made. Always looks good. A pair of black Loakes shoes which were a huge pain to order from London, but my favorite shoe.

JPW: Who are some of your favorite designers or labels?

PD: Martin Margiela, Rolex, Fred Perry, John Lobb, Thom Browne shirts, Vans slip-ons (have owned over 400 pairs), Michael Bastian blazers and tux jackets, vintage Helmut Lang, Bess NYC, and my tailor
 Timothy Everest is my style guru.

JPW: How did you get started in the magazine business?

PD: I was an intern at Paper in High school. I had blue hair. 
I never wanted to be a writer or an editor. I studied painting in
 college. I just loved Paper's whole vibe.

JPW: How do you take/react to negative press?

PD: Not well. I'm not a celebrity, so I'm always surprised that Page Six or Gawker makes up silly stories about me or slams me.

JPW: Is the Peter Davis we see on red carpets and at parties the 
same Peter Davis that hangs out with family and friends?

PD: Red carpets scare me!! I don't have a good photo face down, 
so I'm never red carpet ready. I need to have Mark Ronson give me some 
lessons in looking cool!

JPW: What is on your wish list for the coming fashion season?

PD: Getting an editorial discount at Gucci, so I can load up on 
mod style clothing.

JPW: Peter, it's been a pleasure chatting with you.
 Before we wrap it up, tell me something most people don't
 know about Peter Davis.

PD: I'm scared of sharks. I went scuba diving with Jaws-like
 sharks in Fiji, and it still haunts me.

*Photo 1 by Thomas Whiteside: Peter Davis at Chateau Marmont

*Photo 2 by PMc: Peter Davis and Amanda Hearst at Surf Lodge

*Photo 3 by PMc: Peter Davis at LEVIEV Party for "GLAMOUR GIRLS" in LA

Fourth of July is not only my fave holiday, it also equates house hoppin' in the Hamptons. So where better to start my evening of sparkling adventures then at the Social Life Estate in Water Mill for the Social Life Magazine dual celebration of Independence Day and the July Issue launch, hosted by its' cover model, Kellan Lutz and Publisher, Justin Mitchell. Though co-cover model Lydia Hearst was slated to co-host the soiree, she was a no-show to the privé event. Not to fret my fabulous readers, the eve produced exclusive guests and some delicious threads bedecked on the next generation of the Hamptons' jet-setters, taste-makers, and socialites.

My girl Melissa and I were escorted though the magnificent great room and out to a crowd of beauties ensconced around the candle lit pool. As we descended the stairs, I spotted my lovely friends, Alex McCord and Simon van Kempen. Always delighted to see them, I stopped for a kiss- kiss and to congratulate Alex on the opening of Second Time Around Consignment on Mott Street. Alex informed me that she, Simon (feeling better), and the kids will be heading to Australia for a few weeks for some family fun and some much need relaxation, but would be back in time for my birthday fete. Alex was promptly swept away by Plum TV for an interview, so Melissa and I attempted to make our way to attain a bevy or two.

An impermeable swarm enclosing the bar, we opted to catch a breather in the back yard. Of course there were others who had our idea, and who other but one of the hosts of the soiree, Mr. Lutz- being photographed and assessed by an earnest young journalist about Twilight, 90210, and his Social Life Magazine editorial spread with socialite, Ms. Hearst. Not wanting to intrude, I noticed Devorah Rose, Editor-in-Chief of Social Life, observing her guests on the stairs. She immediately called me over, introduced herself to me and told me the charming young man next to her was going to be the next it actor... or so people keep stating (meeting Parker and commingling with him late-night, I believe they all may be on to something).

Ms. Rose, in a champagne color just above ankle silk dress, is more gracious and gorgeous than I ever could have expected. With a genuine smile and openness, we chatted a bit and she thanked me for attending. There is definitely something to be said for expectations and being pleasantly surprised. Ms. Rose singled out one of her ladies, leapt up to embrace her friend, and Melissa and I excused ourselves to continue our rounds.

We immediately passed Annalynne McCord of Nip/Tuck and 90210, in a cute denim romper, sipping H2O while conversing with a friend and there to support her 90210 co-star- Kellan Lutz, and fashion designer Allison Parris. Pausing to take in our surroundings and make a game plan to secure some vino rojo, we located Kelly Killoren Bensimon, NASCAR Development Driver Tim George Jr., and gossip blogger Micah Jesse.

After enjoying a private fireworks show, catching up with my good friend Arthur Mandel of Nolcha, and one last peek around the magnificent 10,000 square-feet abode- we decided it was time to meet up with our peeps and get ready to hit the dance floor at Axe Lounge.

July has proved to be off to a great start with the glam help of Social Life. And while I will not divulge how the evening progressed, I will mention that it included Leonardo DiCaprio, the Social Life crew, Kellan Lutz, a Real NYC Housewife's daughter, and 'you heard it from Ms. Rose first'- Parker.

For additional exclusive snap shots: click here

*Photo 1 by Jerritt Clark for Wire Image: Twilight and 90210 actor Kellan Lutz

*Photo 2 by Jerritt Clark for Wire Image: Social Life Publisher Justin Mitchell, Annalynne McCord, and Social Life Editor-in-Chief Devorah Rose