As the Turks and Caicos Islands Turn

Yesterday Essence.com released previously unpublished photos of injures LisaRaye McCoy-Misick sustained on Providenciales, including bruises and bite marks said to be left by her soon to be ex-husband Premier Michael Misick (note that Premier Misick was also treated for injuries sustained at this fight). Last week a women's group on Providenciales issued a press statement and video denouncing the former First Lady, claiming that she never did anything for the people of Turks and Caicos.



It was a picture perfect wedding and a lovely two years, marred by a few allegations of infidelity but around here that's typical. But I sense that the people of this small adopted Caribbean country of mine briefly forgot that when an American actress is involved the world will become involved. Every video, every photo, every comment, every statement is being analyzed by millions of people.

Interesting timing, though. Everyone seems to have forgotten that the Premier is being investigated for corruption by the British overseas territory regulators. I hope for his sake that he didn't scam any funds to buy gifts for LisaRaye. That will not sit well with his people.

Tags: Providenciales, Turks and Caicos, Caribbean, Celebrities, News, Misick divorce, lisaraye mccoy divorce, lynda lippin

Misick Marriage Update

Well, in a new low for a small Caribbean country the looming Misick divorce has rated mention in the gossip pages of the ew York Daily News, where Rush & Molloy claim, It's a bit nippy for Caribbean duo".

They of course refer to the latest news where LisaRaye went back to discuss things with her ex and they both ended up at the clinic emergency room being treated for bite wounds. Oh how far we fall and how embarrassingly we behave!

"Misick's spokesman said, "LisaRaye, her cousin Phillip Travis, and her publicist, Lynn Jetter, assaulted the guard at the premier's home, proceeded to ransack the house, and then assaulted the premier and his sister. The premier at no time had any physical contact with LisaRaye."

LisaRaye countered, "An attempt was made by and on behalf of my husband to first prevent my entry into our home and then, later, to make me leave our home by force. I shall continue to assist the police force with its inquiries."

Jetter told us, "No, we didn't break in. She was at her home. Someone bit her. It might've been Michael or his sister, but there was shoving and someone bit her on the shoulder.""

Yes, we live in a soap opera.

Tags: Providenciales, Turks and Caicos, Caribbean, Celebrities, News, misick, lisaraye, lynda lippin

Why Michael, Why?

As if it isn't bad enough that every single day my Turks and Caicos Google alerts are full of references to actresses fighting at airports, money laundering schemes, and the British government's enquiry into government corruption, now it seems that Premier Michael Misick has actually been busted cheating on his wife.

According to LisaRaye McCoy Misick's PR firm, Lynn Allen Jeter & Associates, Turks & Caicos Premier Michael Misick was seen "canoodling" with BET's Rocsi of "106 & Park" during the TCI Music Festival while LisaRaye was in NYC.

"Sources have even reported that Rocsi stayed at the Misick home and hosted guests as if she was the lady of the house," the release stated.

Tacky tacky tacky!

Tags: Turks and Caicos, Caribbean, Celebrities, lynda lippin

Actresses Fight In the Providenciales Airport

Oh, the laughter that ensued when I read the headlines in my Turks and Caicos Google Alert, "His & Hers Arrests for Nikki Blonsky, Dad", "America’s Next Top Model Meets Hairspray", "Ex-'Top Model' finalist Bianca Golden arrested after 'Hairspray' brawl". This is news!

Anyway, it seems that saved seats in the departure lounge caused a scuffle that ended in the arrests of all involved, including Blonsky, her father, and Golden and her mother. "Nikki Blonsky was charged with actual bodily harm as well as common assault; her father, Carl, was rung up on a count of inflicting grievous bodily harm.

Bianca Golden was also charged with actual bodily harm and assault.

Golden's mother, Elaine, was hurt so badly she had to be airlifted to a hospital in Aventura, Fla...."

Craziness! How bad is your life when you have to hit people over a seat in the departure lounge of a tiny airport in the Caribbean? I won't see Hairspray on Broadway now just because I refuse to financially support someone so stupid.

Tags: Turks and Caicos, Providenciales, Travel, Celebrities, News, nikki blonsky, bianca golden, lynda lippin

Carnie Wilson Loses Weight Again

I think we all remember when Carnie Wilson (daughter of Beach Boy Brian Wilson) lost half her body weight (150 pounds) after gastric bypass surgery in 1999. She looked great, felt great, and I am sure was convinced that she would never gain the weight back now that her stomach was teeny.

Fast forward to 2005 when Carnie had her baby girl. She managed to gain back about 60-70 pounds during her pregnancy and ended up around 208 pounds, a weight she has maintained up until a few months ago. Now, according to OK Magazine, Carnie is down to 176 pounds and is finally learning how to eat healthily to maintain her weight loss.

Lots of veggies, lots of tofu, and taking the time to cook her own meals and care what goes into her body are the secrets to Wilson's success this time around. She feels so good she may even have another baby!

Tags: Celebrities, weight loss, News, carnie wilson, lynda lippin

Earl Klugh Avoids Spine Surgery with Pilates

LOUIE FAVORITE/Staff Jazz guitarist Earl Klugh gets Pilates instructions from Body Awareness owner Leslie Clayton during a recent workout.

As seen at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Jazz Master Earl Klugh has saved himself from spine surgery by doing Pilates.

"Three decades of touring and playing guitar — including 13 Grammy nominations and 30 albums — took quite a toll on Earl Klugh's body. The jazz musician, composer and songwriter suffered from chronic back pain but refused to have surgery."

"Because of Klugh's travel schedule, instructor Leslie Clayton designs a variety of workouts to relieve his back pain, improve his posture and keep him flexible. His three one-hour private sessions include lots of stretching and exercises using foam rollers, Pilates balls and spring tension to help with body alignment. Abdominal and upper back work help keep his shoulders and hips flexible. When he's not in the studio, Klugh performs exercises on his own such as wall squats and side-lying arm circles that stretch his chest and keep the spine mobile."

"Klugh initially found Pilates very intimidating and slightly frustrating but overcame the challenges one day at a time. Now, he admits that he's pretty good at it and his biggest obstacle is building consistency.

'"Not only have I changed physically, but my attitude is much more positive. I have always had a good outlook, but I am now even more positive in my thinking. My energy level has increased dramatically — and while touring — this is really valuable. My diet changed completely over time. I feel all this helps with composing, playing and the demands of travel."'"

Note that Klugh at first did not love Pilates. He was intimidated and frustrated as it was new and challenging. Now, however, he attends privates 3 days a week when in Atlanta and does exercises while on tour performing.

So get out of your comfort zone and try some Pilates!

Tags: Pilates, News, Celebrities, Earl Klugh, Spine Surgery, back pain, atlanta, leslie clayton, body awareness, lynda lippin

Queen Latifah Reaches Weight Loss Goal

Photo by: April L. Brown/AP According to People Magazine Queen Latifah, who took over as spokesperson for Jenny Craig a few months ago, has reached her goal weight. She looks fabulous and is still not overly skinny.

'"My intention was to lose five to 10 percent of my body weight because it makes a difference with health related issues, and I achieved that goal in a couple of months," she told PEOPLE at the first annual National Awards & Recognition Luncheon for The League recently. "I'm excited about this weight loss."'

Her clothing fits better, she feels better, and is very excited to be in a healthier place. In addition to dieting the Queen also exercises, alternating the treadmill and elliptical for 60 minutes 5-7 days a week.

You go girl!

Tags: Celebrities, weight loss, News, jenny craig, queen latifah, lynda lippin

Crystal Palace's Ifill to Try Pilates

According to Teamtalk.com, Crystal Palace winger Paul Ifill plans to spend his summer rehabilitating from the back injuries that have plagued him this past season. To increase his pelvic stability and his hip and leg flexibility he is trying (you guessed it) PILATES!

"I have a few things I want to put in place over the summer to make sure the problem improves. It is to do with my pelvis and I need to become more flexible, so I am thinking about taking up Pilates and there are other things which can help me.

"I know what needs to be done and I need some time away from football and I will get that in the summer, so hopefully I will come back stronger."

Tags: Sports, Pilates, News, Injuries, Celebrities, crystal palace, football, paul ifill, lynda lippin

Trainers Face Off About Abs

Photo of L.A.’s high-profile personal trainers Sebastien Lagree and Brad Bose by Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times


The LA Times has a very interesting article entitled 2 Takes on 6-Packs where they interview personal trainers Sebastien Lagree (trained Ben Stiller for his role as an action hero in the upcoming summer spoof "Tropic Thunder.") and Brad Bose (helped Robert Downey Jr. put on 20 pounds of muscle in five months for the just released "Iron Man.") about how men can improve their abs.

My favorite lines:
"Which area are men most concerned about improving?

Lagree: It's all about abs. My clients don't want to bulk up because they wear designer dress shirts. They need to fit into a slim-cut Dolce & Gabbana suit. The guys I work with know that smaller doesn't mean weaker.

Bose: Guys I see want really well-rounded shoulders, nice pecs and a strong chest. They want a flat stomach instead of six-pack abs."

The best way to achieve this look? PILATES!

Tags: Pilates, News, Abdominals, Celebrities, robert downey jr, iron man movie, ben stiller, tropic thunder movie, lynda lippin

Erykah Badu is a Reiki II

A full 5 years after the release of her last album, Worldwide Underground, Erykah Badu is back with a new project, New Amerykah. Lest you think she has been just hanging out for the past few years, Starpulse tells us:

Besides becoming a second-time mom - to rapper The D.O.C.'s daughter Puma - she has worked with her youth charity Beautiful Love Incorporated Non Profit Development (B.L.I.N.D.) and studied reiki - a type of healing therapy.

She explains, "I became a second-degree reiki practitioner. I'm not just a recording artist. I do many things and try to put my hand in many places."

Go Erykah!

Tags: Reiki, Celebrities, News, Erykah Badu, lynda lippin

Pilates Is NY Giants' Secret Weapon

How about those Giants!? I watched the Superbowl Sunday with a group of fellow ex-pat workers here on Parrot Cay and was so proud of my hometown team. (I lived in Philadelphia before moving to TCI, but was raised in NYC.)

After watching that incredible win in the last quarter of the game I opened my new issue of Pilates Style and there was a great little articel about how Giants' cornerback R.W. McQuarters does Pilates.

According to the article McQuarters' does Pilates 3 night a week after a full day on the field. Says our winning player, "'Pilates has helped me stay on the field and off the training table.... I feel a lot looser, I sleep better, my hamstrings feel open, my hips are more aligned. And even the next day, I feel better.'"

I couldn't have said it better.

Tags: Pilates, Celebrities, Sports, NY Giants, Superbowl, RW McQuarters, Pilates Style, lynda lippin

Kobe Bryant Is A Big Pilates Fan

photo by CRAIG T. KOJIMA

From Brandon Lee of the Star BulletinJayme Newhouse, owner and lead instructor of the Pilates Training Center Hawaii in Kailua (pictured above adjusting student Louise Kuba) had a big tall brush with fame last fall when the Los Angeles Lakers came to Hawaii for training camp.


Kobe Bryant [photo from Game Time Workouts is a big fan of Pilates and has been for years, since his wife and her trainer introduced him to the exercise method. He is such a big fan that he insists on having a piece of Pilates equipment wherever he calls home.

Newhouse received the call and helped him set something up in his hotel room. Now that's dedication!

Tags: Pilates, Sports, Celebrities, News, kobe bryant, la lakers, basketball, hawaii, lynda lippin

Pregnancy Pilates

Photo by: Sal Bautista / Stargaze

From People.com:
Actress Brooke Burke is pregnant with her fourth child (more power to her!) and told Entertainment Tonight that she has stayed in shape throughout all of her pregnancies with, you guessed it, Pilates!

Says the expectant mommy, "I know a lot of women are a little afraid to work their abs, or are afraid of core work, but I think it supports your back and I think it helps for an easier delivery and it makes us feel good." She also maintains that exercise helped her get back in shape faster after delivery.

Tags: Pilates, Celebrities, brooke burke, pregnancy

The Premier and I

It's official! According to Michael Schneider of Variety, Lifetime picks up 'Premier' pilot. In November Lifetime will come to film the pilot episode of an "I Love Lucy-esque" look at LisaRaye McCoy-Misick as she adjusts to life as the first lady of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The Misicks have very different personalities. He is quite reserved and she is quite high powered. "'Much of the project will center on the natural conflicts that rise out of such different personalities... Then there's also the fish-out-of-water aspect of McCoy-Misick trying to figure out her new role as the wife of a head of state, as well as the lavish, exotic setting.

Clearly, the Turks and Caicos is a beautiful place to shoot... It's a voyeuristic look at the lifestyles of the rich and famous, as well.'

Misick recently turned heads by purchasing a pricey, back-cover ad in Variety to wish McCoy-Misick a happy birthday; he also threw a gala at the Beverly Hills Hotel in her honor."

First Gene Simmons and now this!

Tags: Turks and Caicos, Celebrities, Misick, Providenciales, LisaRaye McCoy-Misick, Lifetime, the Premier & I, news, caribbean, lynda lippin

Billy Blanks Commands Japanese Fitness

We all fondly remember Billy Blanks from the rockin' TaeBo workout. Well, according to japanprobe.com Commander Billy is seeing a huge surge in popularity in Japan and is making the most of the earning opportunity with the release of the new rap single, Boom Boom Wonderland. And yes, that's the cover image. Can you just see the promotional products now?

I'm kinda scared.

Tags: Celebrities, Exercises, News, lynda lippin

Pilates for Posh Spice?

Photo from The Rad Report.

She doesn't smile. She always looks miserable. And now Victoria Beckham may bring her sad self to a Pilates studio near you. Not necessarily to exercise, however...

“I really don’t like the gym, in fact I can’t stand it. Maybe it’s the whole getting sweaty thing, but it’s just not me. I tried cycling in Spain but maybe my bum’s too small as it just wasn’t comfortable. I want to get fit, though, so I’m exploring some different options. I like what I’ve heard about Pilates - just sitting in a room, stretching and breathing. Sounds much more civilized.”

Civilized, maybe. But "just sitting in a room stretching and breathing"? Tell that to my clients when their abs are sore just getting out of bed the morning after class with me!

Tags: pilates, news, posh spice, victoria beckham, lynda lippin

Susan Lucci to Promote Malibu Pilates

America's favorite soap opera villain for 30 years, the beautifully vile Erica Kane, has been played by Susan Lucci for fully half of the gorgeous actress's life. And how does Ms. Lucci stay fit? Pilates.

According to the Village Voice's Michael Musto, Lucci's next project will be to promote something called "Malibu Pilates. It's very dancer-oriented and concentrates on your core. It's wonderful, and it doesn't hurt." Sounds good to me!

A follow up--This is a home version of the Pilates chair and is just scary! Bad Susan Lucci choice; I am horrified.

photo courtesy of yahoo photos

Tags: Celebrities, Pilates, malibu pilates, pilates chair, susan lucci, lynda lippin

Sting, Pilates, and Yamuna Body Rolling

Yes, it's true, Sting is a Pilates devotee and tours with his own Pilates studio equipment. While he can work out on his own, Sting (like most of us) prefers to work with an instructor and his people find him good Pilates teachers wherever he is. So when the Police tour stopped in Seattle Sting worked with Martine Dedek, co-owner of Seattle's Studio Evolve. As reported in the Seattle Times, Dedek is an astute teacher and immediately noticed tension patterns in his body related to being a musician.

"Her intuition led her to suggest Yamuna Body Rolling, which is a bit like rolfing in its aim of releasing the connective tissue surrounding the muscles and organs to improve movement and circulation. She says Sting talked about the imbalances of his body after decades of playing bass. One shoulder holds the weight of the instrument, while the other droops to allow him to work the strings.

"I thought the intensity of Yamuna Body Rolling would appeal to him," she says. "And it did. He felt the difference after working one side ... and really liked working his shins. He has some Achilles tendonitis from jumping on stage in boots, so releasing his shins and getting more movement in his ankles will help with that."

Sting loved the work and left Seattle with a set of YBR Balls to add to his exercise room collection. See, every job takes its toll on the body!

Tags: celebrities, sting, police, yamuna body rolling, reiki, pilates, lynda lippin, caribbean, turks, caicos, turks and caicos, providenciales, energy, healing, fitness, exercise

Pregnant Playboy Cover Girl Does Pilates

This image courtesy of Footpetals.com. Yes, this beautiful Haitian woman did Pilates throughout her pregnancy! According to PR Inside, the very pregnant 40 year old actress/model Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon "'amped up' her Pilates sessions to make sure her body was in tip-top form for the Playboy spread." Readers of Playboy's August 2007 issue seem to agree--she looks mah-velous!

So if you are looking for a great way to stay fit during your pregnancy, try Pilates.

Tags: Pregnancy, Celebrities, News, garcelle beauvais-nilon, playboy, reiki, pilates, lynda lippin, caribbean, turks, caicos, turks and caicos, providenciales, energy, healing, fitness, exercise