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Pass the Gravy and the Drama: It's the Dysfunctional H'wood Family Thanksgiving

PopEater

posted: 220 DAYS 21 HOURS AGO

comments: 43

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(Nov. 19) The holidays are all about family, turkey and football. And if your family situation is a bit tense, as several across the entertainment spectrum are, it might also include custody battles, unwanted guests, awkward silences and lots of wine.

Oprah's magazine 'O' suggests the following game plan for surviving a dysfunctional family gathering:

1) Give Up Hope: Don't think you can change your family to be the way you hope they would be.

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2) Set Up Boundaries: Decide how much intimacy you want.

3) Lose Control: If soul-searching has shown you that your family's opinions are wrong for you, hold that truth in your heart, whether or not your family members validate it.

4) Become a Participant Observer: Try to view the dysfunction from the outside looking in, then share the details with someone on your wavelength later on.

5) Debrief: Talk to a relative that you love after the gathering. If there is no such relative, seek out a friend (or a therapist).

Who are we to disagree with 'O'? That said, here's some advice should any of 2008's rockier clans get together to break bread on Nov. 27.

The Hogans

Topics to Avoid: Linda and Hulk's split, Linda's claims that Hulk stalked her, new boyfriend Charlie, Brooke Hogan's album sales, those pics of Hulk rubbing tanning lotion on Brooke.

When Things Turn Awkward, Talk About: Nick Hogan's early release from jail.

Peter Cook and Christie Brinkley

Topics to Avoid: That nasty divorce trial, "Has anyone read the New York Post lately?", Cook's interview with Barbara Walters

When Things Turn Awkward, Talk About: How stunning Brinkley looks in that new DirectTV commercial

Sienna Miller, Balthazar and Rosetta Getty

Topics to Avoid: Those photos of Sienna and Balthazar smooching in the Daily Mail, Wondering who scribbled 'slut' on Sienna's apartment building, anything having to do with the paparazzi, Sienna's new beau.

When Things Turn Awkward, Talk About: Miller's upcoming 'G.I. Joe,' upcoming plot twists on Getty's 'Brothers and Sisters'

Samantha Ronson, Lindsay Lohan and Michael Lohan

Topics to Avoid: Prop 8, Ali Lohan's style, Scarlett Johansson

When Things Turn Awkward, Talk About: Sam and L.Lo's recent trip to Paris, the imminent end of Michael's parole supervision.

Madonna, Guy Ritchie, Alex and Cynthia Rodriguez

Topics to Avoid: The New York Tabloids, New York City real estate, A-Rod's 8th place finish in the MVP race, A-Rod's post-season batting average with the Yankees

When Things Turn Awkward, Talk About: Madonna's tour, Ritchie's upcoming Sherlock Holmes film, the new Yankee Stadium

Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie and Jennifer Aniston

Topics to Avoid: 'Mr. and Mrs. Smith,' Jen's interview with Vogue, upcoming John Mayer albums

When Things Turn Awkward, Talk About: Shared frustrations with the paparazzi, Aniston's kick-ass '30 Rock' appearance, Jolie's turn in 'Changeling,' Pitt's upcoming 'Benjamin Button'

Charlie Sheen, Denise Richards and Brooke Mueller

Topics to Avoid: Sperm donations, Sheen's Two and a Half Men salary vs. Richards' pay day for 'It's Complicated,'

When Things Turn Awkward, Talk About: We're stuck. Head for the exits

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2008-11-20 15:46:28

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Alfred schrader

06:05 AMNov 29 2008

The turkey in the Blingee photo is way overcooked. Email me for suggestions if your turkey was a disaster. Chef Alfred......alfredschrader@aol.com

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justpicky03

05:51 AMNov 29 2008

celebrities love drama , it helps there ratings . No drama , No Rating . As far as Oprah , she's a selfish lady . she could of adopt several innercity children , instead she's gay with Gail King , stedman is a coverup for Oprah and Gail . Oprah could do more if she and her celebrity friends help those who in need , since the ones in need are her Fans . The gifts she gives away for Free are sponsors , it didn't come out of her "selfish bank acctsssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss.

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JenniferKizzy

08:04 PMNov 29 2008

i go out to eat on turkey day to a cozy eatire by my place no fuss or drama turkey burger to with a sam adams yumo

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Phkloa11

12:42 PMNov 28 2008

O magazine holiday survival tip #6: Go to your $50 million dollar Montecito estate, like Oprah, to get away from holiday stress and plan to hog attention at the Obama inauguration. Oh, sure, everyone can relate to that, thanks to O magazine!

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Toddpugz7111

12:18 AMNov 28 2008

do any of these families even remotely resemble anyone you know? me either. these people are mutants bred for amusement and buffoonery. if they had no public to impress and beguile with their massive egos and narcissistic lifestyles, they could not exist. their twisted opinions on politics and morality should never be mistaken as mainstream.

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Gobluespartyon

10:53 PMNov 28 2008

Beansteven you should get a life and if you don't like popeater then don't click on it and post on it either. I'm sick of the people that don't like Obama and always bring up his middle name which I don't care about. I think it would be crazy if all those couples did spend thanksgiving with each other I thought it was funny and a pretty good read.

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