Jane Devin

The Virgie Arthur Story: Where Are the Journalists?

May 4th, 2007 at 6:35 pm (Anna Nicole, Howard K. Stern, Larry Birkhead, Dannielynn, Virgie Arthur)

In the last couple of weeks, I have seen three televised interviews with Virgie Arthur, and in all three a crucial element was lacking – and that was a substantial story, or anything approaching investigative reporting.

A brazen and out-of-control media took journalism to a new low when the subject was Howard K. Stern, but now that same media has put on blinders and kid gloves for Arthur. Not only are they not investigating, they’re not asking even the most obvious questions – and I want to know why.

I suspect that Arthur is granting interviews only to “friendly” media sources, who provide questions in advance so that answers can be rehearsed. That’s probably to be expected. What’s less expected is the total grinding halt of investigative journalism, even in the absence of a personal interview.

I would not wish upon Arthur, or anybody else, the spree of ugly and malicious gossip that was so carelessly spent on Stern. My involvement in the Anna Nicole story came about solely because I found that type of reporting repugnant. The news should be trusted to bring the public accurate information – when it fails to do that, and instead embarks on a campaign of pumping up facts with fictional theories, the news is tainted and can no longer be relied upon as a source of good information.

So, no, I don’t wish Arthur’s backstory or present motives to be a source of raw speculation. I don’t desire that broadcasters exchange one media victim for another – I simply want them to do the job of investigative journalism. I want them to tell the Arthur story with integrity. I want facts and – call me demanding – I want some substance.

What I don’t want is another fluff piece that seems almost desperate in its attempts to not ask any crucial questions.

As a writer, a survivor of abuse, a news buff, and simply as a part of the public that has heard this case played out in the media, I want to know more –

*About the cycle of abuse in the Arthur, Hogan and Hart families.
*About the criminal records of members of those families.
*About who specifically Anna was speaking of when she said she was abused.
*About who Dannielynn may be in contact with should she visit Texas

I want to know more about Virgie’s marriages, particularly her first three. I want to know about all of the half-siblings and stepchildren Anna had contact with growing up, in and out of Arthur’s home.

I want to know about three year old Donald Hart, Jr’s head injury. Internet buzz says that a gun went off when a purse was dropped, lodging a bullet in Jr’s forehead. If this is true, was it a service revolver, an automatic? Single or double action? Was it cocked? Was the safety off? What was the trigger pull? 2.5 pounds? 3.5 pounds? I want to know if the injury was in fact caused by a gun, or if there’s some other explanation. If the story is true, I want to know the circumstances. (Virgie’s testimony to Seidlin regarding the injury is in comment 15).

In her interview with Greta VanSusteren, Virgie accused those in Anna’s after-family life of being “hanger-ons.” I want to know how Virgie would view those in her own family who reportedly hung on to Anna in Houston – including Virgie’s own sister Kay Beale and her daughter Shelley. Didn’t they, as well as Beale’s husband, live in Anna’s Houston apartment, room and board-free? Did Shelley Beale not beseech Anna for money and dental expenses? And what of the reports of the step-sister with cancer? Was the family not angry that Anna did not contribute money for medical expenses?

What of Donna Hogan’s report that Virgie turned down an opportunity for a televised reunion with Daniel because it didn’t pay enough? True or not?

Speaking of Daniel, what attempts if any did Virgie make to see him after he turned eighteen? What record, if any, does she have of previous correspondence with him? Virgie has maintained that she “knows” Daniel did not do drugs. Where did this “knowledge” come from?

Virgie claims she spoke with people “around Anna” to ask how she was doing. No reports from people employed by or around Anna have verified this claim. Whom did she speak to? When?

Virgie says that she last talked with Anna after Daniel died. Reports have said that this was not a conversation, but a message left on an answering machine. Which is factual? Virgie says that Anna was “obviously drugged up” during that talk or message – would Virgie, or anybody, be able to differentiate between deep grief and drugged up during a brief call or a taped message?

Virgie says it was the drugs and Howard K. Stern that kept her away from Anna. Yet Anna had a history of drug use, including one overdose and a DUI, prior to meeting Stern. In addition, Anna testified at the Marshall hearing that she was estranged from her mother at nineteen years of age. At fifteen, Anna left Arthur’s home to live with the Beale’s. It would seem that neither estrangement or drugs was new. What is Virgie’s response to this?

Virgie claimed that Anna called Howard her “purse-holder” or some other demeaning phrase. What kind of so-called purse-holder could wield such power and control over Anna that she would forsake her family for him?

Virgie claims that Howard lost no one. That he did not lose Daniel or Anna because they were not his to lose. Yet, Howard was in Daniel’s life for twelve years to Virgie’s six, spending twice as many years caring for him and watching him grow.

Howard was with Anna for her last twelve adult years and was, according to Anna, her best friend and trusted companion. Virgie was with Anna for the first fifteen years of her childhood, and had not seen her for over ten years. Anna had no kind words for Virgie and, in fact, called her evil. How does such an estranged mother’s loss trump that of her long-time, in-person, companion, lover, and fiancé?

Virgie says that when Anna called as “Vicki” that meant she was fine. When she called as “Anna”, Virgie knew something was wrong. Yet, it has been steadfastly reported by other family members that “Vicki Hogan” called herself “Nikki Hart” for a time as a child – and that when she was very young and into her teens, she often fantasized of having not just a different name, but a different mother. As a child, Anna expressed her desire and belief that she was either Marilyn Monroe’s daughter, or the daughter of Virgie’s sister, Kay Beale. Did Virgie believe that her daughter was fine then? Did she have any concern about the state of her and her Anna’s relationship in those years? What was it that Anna was so desperate to escape from even as a child?

Many books about Anna Nicole Smith are in the works. Maurice Brighthaupt and Joyce Wagner have promised future readers “new details” about the life of Anna, including her childhood. I would think that if anything was truly new or relevant, this would be the time to bring it forth – when Virgie Arthur is attempting to wrangle some control from Larry Birkhead in the matter of his daughter, Dannielynn. I don’t believe either of these books will provide the full-story of Anna’s life – nor would I believe a book written by a Splash-sponsored Arthur.

What I would believe are some hard facts – the kind that investigative journalists, with all the resources afforded them by their media companies, usually bring to a substantial public interest story.

It was my first question in this article, and now my last: Where are the investigative journalists in this story?

163 Comments »

jimi said,

May 4th, 2007 at 7:29 pm

Last sentence ,jane…It’s you! shake the bushes and get others to join you. But please, take some credit for getting the truth out. I watched the show with Greta and Virgie.. They were” chewing fat” so to speak..Greta was fishing for any info she could get and Virgie….Well, all i can say is..The inappropriate laughing and smiling, i found strange. One thing that really hit me,I felt her anger toward HKS. she is extremely jealous of him.why? Because he had a relationship with her daughter that she never had. Her rage is going to be her downfall. ‘The bounds that link your true family are not one of blood but of joy and respect in each other’s life.JLS. HKS is a decent man. I rest my case, Stay safe friend, J,
Jane Devin said,

May 4th, 2007 at 7:43 pm

Jimi, what I wouldn’t give for the kind of resources a real thorough investigation takes, and I’m just a writer not a journalist. I find it hard to fathom that no one from the mainstream media is investigating Arthur, given all the actions she has taken since Anna’s death.

As for getting others to join me, I’ve written dozens of letters — and know that many people have. It didn’t seem to make a dent in either ending the battering of Stern or in shedding light on Arthur. It took a lawyer like Lin Wood to end the 24-hr campaign against Stern. I don’t know what it will take to get the media to ask Virgie some basic questions — or to find those answers elsewhere.

It seems to be a case of all or nothing. The media is either going full-out to create a villian, or totally holding back and offering nothing but fluff pieces.
Linda said,

May 4th, 2007 at 7:49 pm

Jane - your writing truly amazes me!! What I wouldn’t give for a fraction of your writing talent!

Thank you!
JAKIGIRL said,

May 4th, 2007 at 8:46 pm

JANE-GREAT ARTICLE. I HAVE LOST INTEREST IN THE MEDIA LIKE CNN AND FOX NEWS, GRETA, NANCY GRACE AND MOST OF THE ANCHORS ON COURT TV. YOU HAVE WRITTEN A GREAT STORY ABOUT VERGIE ARTHUR. SHE DOES SEEM TO BE PUTTING HER FOOT IN HER MOUTH EVERYTIME SHE IS INTERVIEWED, AND I JUST DON’T SEE ANYONE BUYING A BOOK FROM HER IF SHE EVER WROTE ONE. WE ALL KNOW SHE IS IN IT FOR THE MONEY, I HOPE SHE’LL NEVER GET ANY. YOU KNOW THE MONEY SHE SAYS SHE DOES NOT WANT.

SHE WOULD NOT GIVE ANNA PICTURES OF DANIEL WHEN HE WAS LITTLE, BUT SHE SOLD 50 OR 100 TO SPLASH FOR ONLY FIVE-THOUSAND DOLLARS.

I THROUGHLY ENJOY ALL OF YOUR ARTICLES. THANKS FOR BEING THE MOST FAIR AND BALANCED ON THE ANNA NICOLE STORY..
squeaker said,

May 4th, 2007 at 8:54 pm

VA should go on the Dr.Phil show..He would have NO problem setting her straight. He did a fantastic job when Donna Hogan was a guest on his show.
Jane Devin said,

May 4th, 2007 at 9:04 pm

Yes, he did, Sqeaker. I’m not usually a fan of McGraw’s, but I was proud of him that day.
Ruth said,

May 4th, 2007 at 9:24 pm

Once again Jane you speak from the heart. I pray the “media” will read and take on this task. I feel Virgie has never taken blame for anything. Every mother makes a mistake even if its a small one that you can never forget. Howard is the only one who actually gave Anna the attention she really needed, without asking for a handout or extra media attention!
I believe the Bahama government may possibly have seen thru Virgie and really wish someone in the “US Media” would have the “GUTS” to do the same. Can’t everyone see “someone” is expecting something from her….why else would someone be footing all the Bills.
KIMRAKANUTTIE said,

May 4th, 2007 at 9:49 pm

Jane, As always I enjoy your writing….You say it as it is…Great story…You should email this one around….Where is the media now? They were all over HKS and now nothing….hmmm
joni said,

May 4th, 2007 at 9:57 pm

Hi Jane,

It’s so frustrating isn’t it? All these questions and no one is willing to even ask them of any of the players. I wish you could do an interview with ole Virgie on TV, live! She’d do some squirming then lol.

Do you think maybe Art Harris may be working on something concerning Anna’s family? Have you asked him if he would do some investigative reporting on any of these things?

Also I agree with you in that everything will go ok at the inquest for Howard. After all it was already declared an accidental overdose and was left go at that.

Keep up the good work Jane.
joni said,

May 4th, 2007 at 9:59 pm

I also wonder what is going on with Ford Shelley and Ben Thompson. I wonder if they are being investigated at all. I certainly hope they don’t get away with all they’ve been getting away with so far.
Anne said,

May 4th, 2007 at 10:07 pm

I am so thankful for you. I, too, wish I had a fraction of you talent and ability to express myself. Your words are my feelings exactly. I am sick at heart. Sick of Virgie, the unfair media and I must say - sick of Larry too. I feel so much fear for Howard and Dannielynn. Watching Virgie speak ill of Howard is sickening and she never has any facts to back up her evil words. I’m surprised at Greta’s actions and this latest interview with Virgie was an all time low.
Jane Devin said,

May 4th, 2007 at 10:33 pm

Yes, so many loose ends — Shelley and Harding being the two most prominent. What was Shelley really after in the house? He didn’t fly to the Bahamas to steal Dannielynn’s birth certificate and artwork. . .what was he looking for? Did he find it on the computer drives he stole? Somewhere else? Not at all?

O’Quinn’s involvement with Harding, through his ex-FBI employee. And did David Tacker work out of the same office? How did O’Quinn get involved with this case?

Also, the question I asked at the very beginning — where are Daniel’s friends?

During the interview she gave to a Texas station, Virgie invited people to “go ahead and ask” her children and grandchildren about her. Okay, but where are they?

And what other children were in and around the Arthur household? Who were all the stepchildren of each parent?

The Virgie Arthur story has many facets. The surface hasn’t even been skimmed.
A. Bar said,

May 5th, 2007 at 3:50 am

Jane:
Excellent article! In addition to the interviews lacking any in depth questions, I noticed one other thing missing. I did not see Virgie exhibit any sorrow or sadness for the loss of a daughter. She smiled and even joked, as if her daughter were not recently deceased. She talked about how “drugged up” Anna was without a second thought as to how she was damaging her DEAD daughter’s reputation.
Virgie Arthur never ceases to amaze me.
Barbara said,

May 5th, 2007 at 4:57 am

Great article Jane.

I am sure Virgie’s greed will catch up with her, hopefully sooner than later. There was much contradiction in some of the interview statements with Greta. Greta is not stupid, did she really believe her? I doubt it. But they do have one thing in common. They both appear to despise Howard and want to bring him down. That probably is why she did not pursue any harsh questioning.
Jane Devin said,

May 5th, 2007 at 4:57 am

She showed the same lack of emotion after Daniel died, A Bar.

Someone sent me the testimony from VA regarding Don Jr’s head injury. Her testimony, as usual, was vague:

Seidlin: The disabled boy, where does he live?

Arthur: He lives in Houston.

Seidlin: Who takes care of him?

Arthur: Oh, he’s old enough. He takes care of hisself [sic].

Seidlin: And his disable [sic], what is it?

Arthur: Uh, he had a brain injury [TURNS TO JUDGE AND POINTS TO MIDDLE OF HER FOREHEAD] when he was three and it crippled his whole right side. He had to learn to do everything all over again. And now he has, uh, yeah, it’s his right arm that is totally unusable.

A Virgie fan insisted to me that Jr’s problems stem from meningitis and that all other reports are “Stern propoganda”. VA’s testimony doesn’t seem to support an organic disease. So what was it that caused the injury? VA only provides yet another vague and incomplete answer.
Kristin said,

May 5th, 2007 at 5:49 am

Good morning, Jane!
I tuned in to your column at 7.30 AM, in my neck of the world. And am I ever glad I did! Wow! Thanks! By the way, yes, you might have written many letters re. this case, and some of us here have done so, also, alas, it seems we are too few and far in between. Last night I checked tmz and court tv boards, and it’s amazing to see those ongoing hundreds of pages of posts per day. And still slashing at you-know-who, there was even a claim that the FL investigation is about to be relaunched. What gets these bloodhounds going? Is something in our human psyche that predisposes us to turn into a lynch mob?
I wonder how Howard K Stern is coping with the loss of Dannielynn. I hope Larry will learn to be a good father. I mean until now, recently, he was just a kid on a treasure hunt, and now that he’s found her … I pray that he will turn serious. As the saying goes, Hope Springs Eternal in the Human Breast.
Hang in there, Howard K Stern, loyal friend and platonic lover of the woman you loved above and beyond your own soul. In the end, right, instead of might, shall prevail.
Thank you again, Jane, for a very fine column! Wishing you love, light, and laughter, always.
squeaker said,

May 5th, 2007 at 7:37 am

What would VA do if people(the media) took her up on her offer of investigating her past? talking to family, friends,children,grandchildren and neighbors. She may end up sorry for what she requested on the GVS show.
I think even then, when the truth is starring her in the face she would somehow put a spin on it to make it look like HKS had something to do with peoples reality of her(VA).
Again I must say THANK YOU Jane for a safe haven to come to and read the truth and offer my help to HKS and family.
squeaker said,

May 5th, 2007 at 7:59 am

I don’t understand why the media was all over HKS. They were busy presenting us with so-called facts and history of his life before and with ANS.
BUT with VA the FACTS are right there for all to see and they(the media) choose to be blind. I too wish the media would ask VA to explain her many inconsistencys when answering ?”s and confront her with fact. They certainly didn’t shy away when presenting ANYTHING about HKS. There are other players in this tragedy that need to be investigated for the harm they”ve caused Anna and Howard. I guess where VA is involved evil finds evil. I’m sorry for the harsh words, but my frustration has it’s limits with the kid golve treatment of this woman(VA), my heart goes out to HKS for his loss. I wish that we all could aspire to be like him how he handled the media, the pressure, the loss and made sure to keep true to ANS’s wishes and kept DL out of the spotlight. He is a true gentle–man. If only we all could have someone like him in our lives,,then made our past abuses wouldn’t be sooo painful most of the time. Howard i sincerely hope that the future holds some great things for you with many moments to smile with happiness. You have made me a true believer that there is good in some men THANK YOU for that.
squeaker said,

May 5th, 2007 at 8:01 am

sorry it should say “then maybe our past abuses wouldn’t be sooo painful
Joelie said,

May 5th, 2007 at 9:42 am

Very well written Jane! Hopefully one day you will get the chance to interview her, since nobody else will ask the most important questions. Altho it is well known, that Vergie wants money for interviews, I wouldn’t expect you to spend your hard earned money on the likes of her, maybe she will accept cheeseburgers instead.
Anne said,

May 5th, 2007 at 12:35 pm

A. Bar,

I agree with you. Virgie never shows emotion concerning the death of Anna or Daniel. She seems totally consumed with hate for Howard. Her vocabulary and brain power seems limited to say the least. Why the hate for Howard? He cared for, and protected
her daughter for the past 12 years and there was no contact with her (from Howard or Anna) but to hear her tell it she knows everything about Howard and Anna’s life. I also watched Greta’s face and had to wonder - what was she really thinking about Virgie and her comments. I also think that Greta is consumed with hate for Howard. I would expect more from a professional such as Greta. She knows little to nothing about the truth concerning Howard and neither does Virgie.
Cara said,

May 5th, 2007 at 1:40 pm

Jane, thank you for your continued search for the truth. And thank you for exposing the prejudice of the media. And most of all, thank you for your support of HKS.

Cara
My mothers daughter said,

May 5th, 2007 at 2:11 pm

Jane:

Another great article that reflects the feelings of so many.

Looking at what questions have been asked, not asked or with no follow-up of Virgie provide answers that remind me of what I would see on the covers of supermarket tabloids. Lots of headlines but no guts to the story. Not only have the reporters and so called journalists barely skimmed the surface, they are thousands of miles away from the surface.

For a story that has received so much airtime and print space, it is discouraging to see that no one has even tried to ask the hard questions of Virgie. This certainly may be because of her attorneys however you would think that someone would try and stick in just one probing question.

In my opinion, the only people that even came close to getting any truthful answers from Virgie were Judge Seidlin and Mr. Milstein. Even with their direct questions, her previously very good recall seemed to evaporate into confusion, tears or misunderstanding.

For someone with a police background who should well be familiar with the words, “the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth so help me God”, it is as though she has no concept of the meaning of the phrase. This was proven time and time again in the court room in Florida with the various attorneys until Judge Seidlin would get frustrated and break in.

It is so blatantly obvious that she is only being interviewed by “Virgie friendly” media and even there she is unable to keep her stories straight. People like Jane Velez-Mitchell or Diane Dimond who normally would dig and dig are giving her a pass and I am at a loss as to why.

At the end of an interview instead of feeling like you have learned some insight into the many and various issues, you are left with only more questions. It is totally infuriating! Whatever happened to the five “W”s of journalism?

I would also like to know what happened to all the investigative journalists.
Laura P. said,

May 5th, 2007 at 3:52 pm

JANE:

I’ve thought for a very long time that “investigative” journalists are a dying breed. All your questions are excellent and beg for answers. It seems apparent that the only way GVS and others can continue their under-the-surface tirade against Howard is to give some additional credence to Virgie Arthur. Why? Because it’s the “gang mentality” which says the more people you have ganging up on someone (Howard), the more credible it will seem to the observer (public). It strikes me that GVS would be very happy, if Howard stayed in the Bahamas and rotted there the rest of his life. But, GVS is not as intelligent as Howard, and I think she will be made the fool in the end.

The thought has occurred to me that the ONE reason Virgie still is so full of hatred for Howard is that it deflects the hatred off of herself. What else could it be?

What I want to know is why hasn’t there been a lawsuit filed against the MEDIA yet? The only one has been Virgie’s attorney, and I’d like to see them go after the Big Guys frankly….asap.

Regarding Ford Shelley’s motives, he may have taken advantage of Anna sexually during her visit, and if you want a really wild speculation, he may have been worried that she got pregnant with HIS baby and wanted to destroy any evidence, if there was any. He didn’t know for sure it was Birkhead’s, due to the timeline.

FS had a LOT to lose if his wife would have found out. His wealth was a sure bet, but I seriously doubt he would have been willing to bet his own millions of dollars on a ‘potential’ fortune for Anna’s baby.

A long time ago, I observed him in several GVS interviews in the Bahamas. My impression at the time was that Shelley was overly emotional, too much so, that I became suspicious immediately. His WIFE was never that emotional, but HE WAS. Just a wild notion, though, as my mind is meandering today. But, imagine his relief, when he found out Birkhead was the biological dad.

Jane, I also have been wondering for a long time—where are Daniel’s friends, girlfriends, etc. Didn’t he have any?

And, Jane, I HOPE someday YOU can interview Howard. I’m sick of the snippets that ET gave us. Perhaps you can, if the day comes if and when he writes a book himself. I think he should….someday.

A BAR:

Virgie is consumed with hate for Howard, I think, because he’s an “easy” target……at least for now.
Regina said,

May 5th, 2007 at 7:31 pm

Virgie is an awesome grandmother to her grandkids that live here in Texas including step-grandkids. You are basing everything on what you see in the media. The media has away of twisting things to make it look worse then it really is. Donald, Jr. was injuried at the age of 3 when he dropped his mother’s purse off the bed on to the floor and her gun went off. He lost the use of one of his arms and is a slow thinker. Her oldest son David Tacker changed his name when he was 18 to David Hart. He has been with the FBI for more than 15 years. There was two other kids, that Virgie raised, Larry and Shawna Hart. Virgie helped Shawna thru leukima. She is in remission. In July of 2003, Virgie almost died of a brain aneursym. During the 2 months, Vickie called everyday to see how her mother was. Virgie lost her short term memory and that is why she looks like she is lying and stumbles over some of her answers. Cut her a break.
squeaker said,

May 5th, 2007 at 8:24 pm

Regina….PLEASE…..The media has been very kind to VA and have crucified an innocent man named Howard K. Stern. As for twisting things look to VA for that, she’s very good at manipulating the situation. I have NO sympathy for VA, she has shown herself to be absolutely despicable.
jimi said,

May 5th, 2007 at 8:37 pm

Regina, HKS is not the M word.He never harmed ANS or her son. He loved them… He was very loyal and devoted to both of them…This is rare these days. I would love to have HKS as my friend… and i’m not that friendly… Just extremely fair and objective. We have not been unfair to Ms. Authur….Far from it… we just want answers…. Is that unfair????? Take a look at HKS…There is no glory in being cruxified..GET IT???? J
Jane Devin said,

May 5th, 2007 at 8:39 pm

Regina,

Interesting that Larry Hart was not on the list of children Virgie gave when Seidlin asked her how many children she had. Shauna was on the list — Larry was not.

A previous poster made some allegations about one of the stepbrothers that I had to remove because they were very serious in nature and there was no evidence found to back their claims.

I would certainly be interested in any proof offered. In the meanwhile, it is not the media as you suggested that has caused my questions, but Virgie herself. Her family history, the arrest records of her children’s fathers, allegations made in books like Big Beautiful Doll . . . stories told by the Beale family . . . Anna’s own words . . .and yes, Virgie’s present-day actions.

The media, from tabloid to network, has been nearly silent on most of these issues. You would probably see that as a “break.” I see it as a glaring omission.
VIVIAN said,

May 5th, 2007 at 9:04 pm

vergie wrote to mark hatten, as we know he is in jail,and asked him to write and tell her every thing he knew what was going on with anna . this was after her death. she wanted every tidbit he could come up with. that is where she got her info from and when she was on the stand in fl. she acted like it was ist hand. she also APOLOGIZED to this jail bird for getting mixed up in this fiASCO WITH ANNA. i have the letter posted on qvs post. she has lied, about what she wnts .she sat there and lied to greta, and greta knew she was lying, but did not call her on it. is greta afraid of oquinn? because he is lying also. i rember hinm saying that vergie would give larry lots of visitation, when vergie got dl. and vergie says nooooooo she doesn’t want that tainted money, doesn’t want to touch it. then i say go home vergie, about the porsche, when dannie lynn is 14. add it up vergie larry will be in his 40s DUH. trouble is vergie is so indebted to splash and oquinn. i dont think they would let her quit. she owes them thousands . ..and thousands. and she says to greta she has to pay. in court she told the judge her family and friends were paying. so what is it vergie? i hope vergie never gets to see dl again. i hope larry fightsto the end to keep her away from that bunch.
jimi said,

May 5th, 2007 at 9:05 pm

THANK YOU JANE, FOR WRITING IT BETTER THAN I EVER COULD. WELL SAID….. NOW I CAN GET SOME REST. STAY SAFE FRIEND,J
Jane Devin said,

May 5th, 2007 at 9:27 pm

Vivian,

The “new” TMZ story is simply old news being recycled. I wrote about the Hatten connections in one of my first posts on Arthur. The link to the original EXTRA story was posted in QV’s forum back in March.

Maybe it’s good that it’s being put out there again — but TMZ really should have given EXTRA the credit for being the one that actually broke the story instead of acting as if they discovered it on their own.

Jimi, Thank you for always bringing your kind spirit to this place.
squeaker said,

May 5th, 2007 at 9:29 pm

REGINA,,

it’s too bad that a daughters devotion didn’t return a mothers love. and then the bow broke and the truth the whole truth from a child’s past came to light.
and when confronted by the reality of hurt and anger the mother continued to let it fall upon deaf ears.
joni said,

May 5th, 2007 at 10:47 pm

Hi Jane,

You are wondering what Shelley was really looking for. I’ve always said that he protested too much and that’s what got me suspecting he was trying to hide something. It could be some imcriminating evidence that would put him in a very bad light, or worse. I’ve been wondering for some time if there was something between him and Larry, that was maybe on video and in Anna’s house. I remember he said on TV a good while ago, that Anna’s house was in Thompson’s name, but he (Shelley) was the one who put up the money for it. I don’t know if there is any truth to that or not, but I also wonder why he, or Thompson was willing to let Larry and Dannielynn live in the house, if it proved to be that Larry was her father. Why would they do that

I may be way off base here, but I just had to put it out there. He was so hell bent on trying to pin everything he could on Howard. We already suspect he was behind paying those nannies to say the things they said. He has to have a very good reason to be so scared as to try to put the spotlight onto Howard so it wouldn’t be focused on him. As I said, I may be way off base, but this guy needs to be very thoroughly investigated.
joni said,

May 5th, 2007 at 10:56 pm

Also Jane,

Do you know if Greta knew Howard before all this that’s happened? I’d like to know why she is so intent on bringing Howard down. Why she is taking it so personally, or so it would seem. I don’t watch her anymore but it’s being said by others that she is still on his case. What could be her real reason? Jealousy or something else?
Jane Devin said,

May 5th, 2007 at 11:08 pm

I don’t know, Joni, but have considered that it may be less about HKS than about the attorneys who have handled his case. I sense some personal rivalry there. Another alternate theory is that she probably got her best ratings during her exploitation of the investigation into Anna’s death and she’s hoping to prolong her shelf life by sticking with the tried and . . . false.
Sonya Morrison said,

May 5th, 2007 at 11:16 pm

I am so glad I found this I having been looking for people who felt the same way I do about VA. I am very worried about HKS. ANS I think had a horrible childhood just like I did but, as difficult a life she had atleast she was lucky enough to have HKS. I hope he is lucky enough to have someone taking care of him right now. I wish he could know how concerned some of us are for him.

I do not think that VA should have any visitation with the baby. I do not think that the baby would be safe around her and at the very least VA would obviously tell the baby lies about her mother if she is involved in the life of the baby and enough negative stuff has already been said about her mother and VA would definitely only say negative things about Dannielynn’s mother (ANS) and we all know that, that would have a negative effect on Dannielynn’s emotional and self esteem and self worth if she is raised with negative tones of her mother and I worry about the effect that VA will have on this baby as she grows if VA is allowed to be around her not to mention her physical safety
Annie said,

May 6th, 2007 at 12:02 am

Jane,

Another great article. Wow,
your writing ability just blows me away..what a talent you have and I always
agree with what you have to say. Also, I love the large print on your site; I don’t have to squint or anything.

I have been thinking about Laura’s comments on FS as to his motives for breaking into Anna’s house and making accusations against Howard and I think there is a good possibility there is merit to her suspicions. One thing is for sure and that is his explanation doesn’t hold water. But there again GVS never challenged him on anything he said either. A ten year old could have asked better questions. This whole thing with these people stinks to high heaven.

I am just so thankful for sites like this one and QV’s. If I ever had problems like Howard has had with the media, I would want you guys in my corner.
catttgirl said,

May 6th, 2007 at 12:40 am

Regina, Actions speak louder than words. What we have seen of Virgie’s actions or (lack of) towards her daughter speaks volumes.

Jane, great site! How blessed you are to be gifted with such a talent for writing. How lucky Howard and his family is to have your talent bestowed on them.
A. Bar said,

May 6th, 2007 at 2:14 am

Regina:
I see you are taking the stand that Virgie Arthur is a good grandmother. I am not sure you should include the part about her child dropping her purse and becomming disabled from her gun going off as a point to support your argument. There is no excuse for keeping a loaded weapon within reach of a child whether it is inside of a purse or not. In fact, a loaded weapon inside of apurse could be considered even more dangerous than one in plain sight. With it hidden like that, an accident could have happened even to someone who would not normally go near a weapon.
I mean seriously is a purse an appropriate place to keep your loaded gun when you have children in the house?
Regina said,

May 6th, 2007 at 8:29 am

A-Bar,
Normally, she kept her purse up where the kids could not get to it but that day she was getting ready to leave the house and set her purse down on the bed to get something. Dino picked up her purse and she said NO put it down and he dropped it. At the time of the accident Virgie work nights at a convenience store and she used it as protection.
squeaker said,

May 6th, 2007 at 9:01 am

Regina,

AGAIN,, VA takes no responsibility for the actions of her children,,,she always seems to be blaming their misfortunes on someone else. She needs to take a long look in the mirror and remember the past as reality NOT a fairy tale as she would like it to be. ANS didn’t move away at such a young age because her mother and family life was so WONDERFUL. There’s more to the story than meets your eyes. And as for her hatred of HKS,,,,,,,He was the ONE who loved her daughter without condition. He was with her through thick and thin,,never putting her down in anyway. VA should have been happy that Anna finally had someone in her life that was not only loving but extremely trustworthy. He was the only one by her side that wasn’t in it for money. (expection of her son daniel).
Jane Devin said,

May 6th, 2007 at 9:07 am

Regina, who is Larry Hart? I have found no information on this stepbrother. Is it a nickname for Robert Hart, like Dino is for Don Jr? Or another person altogether?
joni said,

May 6th, 2007 at 9:22 am

Jane,

Thanks for answering my questions. If she has something against Howard’s attorneys, she should take it up with them instead of taking it out on poor Howard.

Also you are probably right in that she was getting her best ratings in putting down Howard. I think they all were. Some people have no shame do they and also no ethics.

I could never, for any amount of fame or money, do what they have all been doing to Howard. I honestly don’t know how they can live with themselves. They obviously have no conscience whatsoever.
squeaker said,

May 6th, 2007 at 9:32 am

Regina,,

You say give her(VA) A BREAK,,did she give ANS A BREAK when she called virgie to say her beloved son had died? ( and by the way Anna left a message on VA answering machine) No Va went on TV and accused her own daughter and HKS of murder. Then she(Va) goes AGAINST EVERYTHING Anna wanted. To be buried next to her son, for Va to have no contact with her daughter DL, to STAY OUT of her life…..
squeaker said,

May 6th, 2007 at 9:40 am

You Regina and few others may think virgie is wonderful, but the vast majority doesn’t. My open mindedness ENDED the day VA accused her own grieving daughter of MURDER. The hurt and devastation Anna must have felt by Va attempt at 15 minutes of shame.
VIVIAN said,

May 6th, 2007 at 11:23 am

hi jane, i also had the mark hatten post, for quite a while, but when vergie started coming back saying she talked to anna , I just had to show where she got the infirmation. it was like her saying she talked to anna when daniel died, but as we know anna left a message on vergies recorder. so if i have the proof , i like to put it out there, so there are no questions. and the new posters can read these things and see that on qvs site , we only like to speak in facts.
Kristin said,

May 6th, 2007 at 12:05 pm

Dear Regina.
I too am a mother, also, a deeply loving daughter. It’s been 14 years since Mummy passed away into the Light, and in my heart, the pain of her parting is as fresh as if she had gone just this morning. She was a great, wonderful, lady. A grand dame par excellence. Had a very hard life, suffered a great deal — gallantly. Also very stubborn, very proud, highly opinionated, highly temperamental. While growing up, many times I shook and cringed under her thunderbolts! But … oh! Regardless of how many times I rebelled against her, ran away from home, and at 17, eloped and married a man more than twice my age … Yes, no matter how great her righteous anger with me, and regardless of how far I lived from her (in a country far far away — two continents and many cultures away), whenever I was down and under, Mummy sensed it, found me, helped me, bailed me out — loved and forgave me.
So, naturally, the perpetually grieving daughter that I am, would love to give Virgie a break or two, or ten. In fact, I do believe that she still loves Vickie Lynn, albeit in her own way. But she made some terrible errors. Terrible errors. In how she raised her daughter, and later, in how she treated her. No one who knows this story (admittedly, most of us here do not know Vickie and Virgie personally, so our knowledge is derived from the extensive coverage in the media) buys the argument that it was HKS who tore mother and daughter apart. The problem was there long before Howad K Stern arrived on the scene.
That aside, if having a relationship with her daughter was what Virgie wanted, she would have found a way to do so. Virgie Arthur strikes me as an intelligent, stubborn, and most importantly, resourceful woman. She doesn’t let anyone dictate her actions. This goes for her (lack of) relationship with Daniel, too. If Virgie had wanted to keep a loving presence in both of their lives, she would have found a way, and HKS be darned. But to be fair, I do not blame the fact that she did not try hard, in her lack of love for them.
Yes, yes, I DO BELIEVE IN THAT VIRGIE ARTHUR LOVED BOTH VICKIE AND DANIEL. The problem here must lay, in my opinion at least, in her stubbornness, in her misplaced pride, and the unforgiving streak in her nature.
More than anyone, she must have known how much her daughter loved her grandson. First thing she should have done was to fly to the Bahamas, not to lay on Daniel’s grave for a photo op, so many mothers later, but IMMEDIATELY, to her daughter’s bedside. If HKS or anyone else dared to block her way, she sure had the strength and temper to blast them to kingdom come. Camp at her doorstep, sleep in a van, take a megaphone in hand and scream from the top of your lungs, demanding to see, embrace, and comfort your grieving daughter.
But Virgie Arthur let pride stand in her way.
Daniel’s death was unlike anything in Vickie Lynn’s existence until now. She had dealt with everything else, but the loss of her firstborn, a child who was so much more, who was with her when she was down, when she was up, a child who was her friend, her very soul ….
How could Virgie Arthur fail to understand its deadly impact on this fragile (yes, Vckie aka Anna, was a very fragile person) daughter of hers?
She could not, because she was stubborn, and too proud.
I feel sorry for Virgie Arthur for regardless of whom she sues, how much money she makes, where she travels, with whom she speaks, she will not be able to ask for Vickie Lynn’s forgiveness for letting her down after the death of her beloved son.
At least not in this world.
Jane Devin said,

May 6th, 2007 at 12:16 pm

Beautiful post, Kristin. Thank you.
Joelie said,

May 6th, 2007 at 12:44 pm

Regina~

It’s also not so much what Vergie says, her actions speak louder then her words. She show’s no signes of a grieving mother. She holds up a battle over Anna’s body, then she causes a delay in the funeral, then she tramples over her daughters grave, like she wasnt worth anything!
If Anna had contact with her mother in 2003, when Vergie suffered a brain aneursym, why did Vergie say it’s been 10yrs since she’s had contact with Anna? lemme guess, she’s forgot that too?
Jane Devin said,

May 6th, 2007 at 12:48 pm

Still curious as to who Larry is….a nickname for Robert, another member of the diffuse and extended family….or…..?
maryst said,

May 6th, 2007 at 2:45 pm

Valid point, where are they? There are so many unanswered questions the Am. public are hungry for.
maryst said,

May 6th, 2007 at 2:56 pm

Post 25 Regina
Question,
you state Vergie is a great g.mom. Is she a great grand mom to all her grand children? Are there some that do not talk to her?
I ask you this because from my experience with this type of women is that there will be a some she gets along with and treats good. An abuser does not abuse every child. They usually pick one to abuse. It is very common to find them treat just one in the manner Vergie treated Anna. The abuser thinks it is the person they are abusing fault because they do not conform to the abusers values. They do not think the same as the abuser so the abuser justifies their abuse by blaming the child. It is clear the way Vergie disliked Anna, her words and actions tell us that.
maryst said,

May 6th, 2007 at 3:02 pm

Forgot, I think Greta is trying to bait Howard into an interview. It would be great for her rating.
VIVIAN said,

May 6th, 2007 at 4:05 pm

howard would not be caught dead on that program, i doubt we will see him on many talk shows. i believe he is a man that does not like the bright lights. he did the lkl for anna, and also et.. although if he has something to say it would be on et, i’m sure. he trusts them . and who could stand to sit next to greta for even 5 min.
bill c said,

May 6th, 2007 at 4:19 pm

Regina,

I am in no way tryng to shut you up or take sides, but please remember people on these blogs save information, with any name you drop, or any clue you leave behind, some people will run with it. Please keep that in mind. I also do not agree with a thing Vergie does. I believe people are innocent untill proven guilty, I try to keep that in mind as I think of Vergie. My dislike of her makes it very hard, but we must remember, INNOCENT untill PROVEN guilty. I would like to have proof of any abuse . Maybe childhood friends of Annas , maybe teachers, someone had to know of this alleged abuse, I wish they would come forth so tthe defamation and assumptions could all cease.
My mothers daughter said,

May 6th, 2007 at 4:27 pm

Kristen: Terrific and well stated post. My recently deceased, much loved mother would have done exactly what you said. Nothing would have stopped her.

Kudos!
Jane Devin said,

May 6th, 2007 at 4:49 pm

Bill C. - If information offered by a poster is supposedly true, what possible harm or wrong could come from researching it? Shouldn’t things offered up as fact or fact-based opinions be checked?

As for “running with it” of course I will — at the least I will research the “missing” stepbrother through public record databases, and to find out if the poster’s “Larry” is also “Robert,” or if there’s another Hart child not listed in the books. As for the poster herself, I have no interest in who she personally is, only in what she claims to know.

For the record, I wrote the poster and invited her to provide information if she had it, and she did not reply. So she’s either glad to send me on a wild goose chase, or she simply didn’t care to offer more than she gave. In any case, yes, the stepbrother information will be researched.
Regina said,

May 6th, 2007 at 5:02 pm

Virgie tried to keep in touch with Vickie and Danny. The reason that she never spoke out in public when other family member did was so that she could keep the door open for when Danny would get old enough to come looking for her. When Danny died it was 4 days before Vickie left the message on her recorder. Virgie regretted the first interview after hearing Vickie’s voice on the recorder but it was too late. No One on here knows what it is like to have lost 2 family member within several months of each other. Virgie tried to warn Vickie that she was next. Ask yourself, whose name were the drugs in. Who video Vickie when she was 8 months pregnant all drugged up. Who was there at each one of Vickie overdose? Howard was!
Virgie regrets not fighting for Danny and so she is not going to give up on Dannielynn.

As for who is Larry Dale Hart. He is the oldest son of Donald Hart, Sr. Virgie’s 3rd husband, Shauna full brother. As for her grandchildren, everyone of them is very close to her.
Joelie said,

May 6th, 2007 at 5:26 pm

Oh so your telling us that Vergie is planning on going after Dannielynn? “so she is not going to give up on Dannielynn.” If thats the case, then she lied on tv again! It really doesnt matter who was around when both of these young people died. Are you telling us, that if you happen to be around two people that die months apart from each other, that we should hold you accountable? Yes it’s very tragic that two gifted people lost their lives, but the whole point is, if they werent suppose to die, then they wouldnt have, I’m a firm believer in that. Some of us have gone through the pain of losing people we love within months apart, and some of us have lost people we love all in one day as well. But for Vergie to go on T.V and just point the blame on someone is uncalled for. She has never met Howard, and shows no hurry in to getting to know him. She just doesnt want to admit that, all what has happend is called LIFE! no matter what the situation is. There was no evidence pointing to Howard that he killed Anna, so she just needs to drop it!
Regina said,

May 6th, 2007 at 5:32 pm

Virgie is not going give up on Dannielynn means that she is going to make sure that she is in her life whether she has grandparent rights or custody.
Jane Devin said,

May 6th, 2007 at 5:40 pm

Virgie will have no success with that, but I’m sure she’ll give it the old sheriff’s try. At least as long as O’Quinn is working on contingency.

There’s only so much that can be covered up, denied, and hedged. Virgie is doing herself no favor by refusing to speak about Anna’s allegations. It makes her look like a worse parent — not a better one. In the end, the truth will out.
Joelie said,

May 6th, 2007 at 5:40 pm

Humm, no matter what something smells fishy. Overall it’s Larry’s decision whether Vergie gets to see her, he is her father, and if she continues to keep doing what she has been doing, it’s not going to look good for her. BUT THAT’S JUST MY OPINION!
JoJo said,

May 6th, 2007 at 6:21 pm

Regina,
I think it is great that you have a good relationship with Virgie, but, if you will please explain why she told Greta, that she had never wanted custody of DL, and you are saying she will never give up on DL?
JoJo said,

May 6th, 2007 at 6:31 pm

Regina,
Why did Larry change his last name?

Editor’s note: JoJo, do you mean David? David wasn’t raised by his father, but by Don Hart, so he probably changed his name for that reason.
Jane Devin said,

May 6th, 2007 at 6:36 pm

Regina, have you seen the actual prescriptions? I have not. In any case, they were all prescribed by Ehresovich for Anna. Howard was not involved in the process of deciding which drugs would be prescribed to Anna. If his name was used, it was because he was a person close to her and they were trying to cover her as a celebrity — which is absolutely nothing new. Prescriptions issued under pseudonyms for a celebrity are common.

As for who was there during overdoses, Howard was in Anna’s life for the last twelve years. According to even Arthur, Howard saved her at least twice.
Why would he do that if he had some ulterior malicious intent?

Prior to Howard, Anna had a DWI, a string of prescription drug abuses, and s stint in Betty Ford’s clinic — why is it that Howard is, according to Arthur’s family, the reason for and perpetrator of Anna’s drug use?

The video at eight months pregnant — Anna acted that way off of drugs as well. This is evidenced in a Larry King videotape as well as by people who were in her life. Apparently she felt that playing the “spacey blonde” was funny. Outside of pure speculation and guess, there is no evidence that Anna was on drugs during that taping. None. In fact, I would venture to guess that if that videotape was played to a college class with the sound shut off, and no reference to a “mushroom trip” very few people would believe she was on drugs, but simply acting the fool.

As for Virgie’s TV appearance, did she really need the phone call to feel bad about her Nancy Grace appearance? It was a terrible thing to do — to go on TV and call your daughter and her partner a murderer. I simply cannot imagine that a loving mother would do this.
JAKIGIRL said,

May 6th, 2007 at 7:00 pm

I HOPE VERGIE DOESN’T GIVE UP ON DANNIELYNN AND FIGHTS WITH LARRY BIRKHEAD TOOTH AND NAIL, AND SEE HOW MANY VISITATIONS SHE GETS IN THE FUTURE. SHE DOESNT CARE ABOUT THAT PRECIOUS BABY, SHE JUST WANTS THE MONEY. I LOVE SEEING HER ON TV MAKING A FOOL OF HERSELF. BLAMING EVERYONE BUT HERSELF. SHE NEEDS TO GO BACK TO TEXAS AND GET A LIFE. I DON’T THINK LARRY BIRKHEAD NEEDS ANY HELP FROM VERGIE ARTHUR.
Laura P. said,

May 6th, 2007 at 7:16 pm

REGINA:

You said, “…she is going to make sure that she is in her life whether she has grandparent rights or custody.” I don’t think Birkhead is going to allow V. access to the baby, mainly because it would make HIM look bad in the Media. He will use the excuse that V. fought him, so he will not make it easy now for her.
squeaker said,

May 6th, 2007 at 7:36 pm

Bill c,

the abuse proof you need is in Anna’s own video statement (on ET) after Daniel died.
VIVIAN said,

May 6th, 2007 at 7:40 pm

regina vergie lost anna and daniel a long time ago. she threw anna away, when anna was at the age she needed a mother . a real mother. she should have felt blessed for anna to let her have daniel for a while. but anna was also around much of the time. she did’nt just come and drop daniel off. . and that gave vegie another chance to make it right with anna, and be a real mother. to love her and cherish her, inside anna was juat a little girl. she thought of her self that way. even in the video, after marshall died. and she was being sued, the reporter kept asking her about drugs. and she said everyone is after me , my husband died i’m being sued, and i’m just a little girl. just one little girl. i thought my own heart would break, hearing her. and she had no mother to turn to. vergie had no feelings for anna. she could have gotten in touch with daniel. he was’nt living with anna. so no excuses for vergie. she made her bed, so oooo
Lori said,

May 6th, 2007 at 8:10 pm

Regina,

Making excuses for Virgie does not excuse her behavior. She has lied repeatedly.
Jane Devin said,

May 6th, 2007 at 8:30 pm

As a general reminder, I want to say — please remember that even though a subject may cause heated debate that we should strive not to get personal with other posters.

You guys really are all great, and I appreciate your voices, whether they are passionate or sweet. I just needed to throw this out here now, sensing that some controversy may be brewing.

Thanks!
lynda said,

May 6th, 2007 at 9:41 pm

Jane you have done it again. Your writings are very insiteful. The last I heard about Ford Shelley was that there an arrest warrant for him in the Bahamas. Regina welcome, I have read your posts and find them very interesting, if Vergie had been as forth comming as you people would not have to speculate and draw their own conclusions. Unfortunately Vergie did not get of to a good start on Nancy Grace. We have all become involved in this story because of all the acusations been thrown around and I beiieve anyone that posts on this site is a true believer in true and fair outcome in the end. Jane has been our source of sane and fair infomation as well as asking questions we have asked ourselves, but were never able to get answered. Anna has always been larger than life and no matter how she lived she was a person who loved life and she was a loving,generous person. Unfortunatly at times to trusting,no one with hardness in their heart could have been so trusting. I think because she was in our homes for such a long time we,at least me, feel responsible for the well being of Danielyn. I think Vergie has been getting poor advice from an unscrupulous lawyer. Larry has said she could be a part of Danielyn’s life, why does she feel she has to keep puting roadblocks in his path. The more she demands the more he will dig in his heels. Any father would do the same thing. You sound like you are well aquainted with Vergie, ask her how she would feel if grandparents on the other side of the family of her other grandchildren were asking what she is asking.
Laurel said,

May 6th, 2007 at 10:34 pm

Thanks for expressing your thoughtful ideas so beautifully. I was enraged the way the press went after Howard and ravaged him when he was grieving. He was, most of all, a true and loyal friend to Anna.

Having been abused as a child, I immediately and instinctively believed every one of Anna’s words. Yes, she was abused. I felt anger toward Virgie for not protecting her. As a single mother myself, it also seems Virgie did her best while her children were young. She had a very difficult road to hoe and I do believe that when Anna struck it big, Virgie was jealous as Anna said and expected payback as her mother. The problem with Virgie is that it’s my opinion she rallied members of the family to gange up against Anna because
she felt rejected.

However, as much as Virgie makes my blood boil, the jury is still out. It’s possible Virgie has information we don’t know about because I don’t think her attorney would be involved is she wasn’t holding a trump card of sorts. Also, while Virgie was most likely at least complicitly abusive, she strikes me as nearly learning disabled when it comes to self-knowlege. In her mind, she worked like a dog to provide for her kids and what does she get? Criticism and rejection. Virgie herself seems to me as if she has been abused and believes her own misperceptions, maybe even her own lies. what confounds me is why he lawyer believes there is a case. He’s no dummy.

Please continue to encourage further investigation into Anna’s family. This case is of interest to anyone who has been abused and had difficulty, as Anna did, trying to become healthy in the aftermath. Unfortunately, she didn’t survive. But all survivors of abuse, such as myself, would find it very educational to learn what happened to Anna.
Laura P. said,

May 6th, 2007 at 10:47 pm

Looks like B. had a grand ole time in Kentucky with all the babes and million dollar pictures…so much for mourning Anna’s death, huh…and why isn’t he with the baby where he should be?

http://news.search.yahoo.com/search/news?p=larry+birkhead&c=&ei=UTF-8&datesort=1&fr=slv8-&c=images
Amybtru said,

May 6th, 2007 at 11:10 pm

Regina,
Are you related to Virgie Arthur? How do you know so much. Keep talking it is interesting to hear what you have to say. IF what you say is true it will give us more to research. Boy I sure wish Virgie would have had the safety on-on her gun in her purse that she had “for protection at a convenience store”
Jane Devin said,

May 6th, 2007 at 11:30 pm

FYI —

the poster “Regina” is not, according to her, David (Tacker) Hart’s ex-wife Regina. I just wanted to put this out there so there is no confusion or unnecessary speculation.

Based on e-mail correspendence, the poster claimed to be a different family member. I promised confidentiality, and will keep that promise. I do not have enough information to verify her standing, one way or another.

I will continue researching some of the claims made, with the help of a couple particularly savvy researchers.

The story will continue with or without familial input. Thank you.
A. Bar said,

May 7th, 2007 at 2:19 am

Regina:
I felt the need to add one more thought in reply to your post, #
Regina said,

May 6th, 2007 at 8:29 am

A-Bar,
Normally, she kept her purse up where the kids could not get to it but that day she was getting ready to leave the house and set her purse down on the bed to get something. Dino picked up her purse and she said NO put it down and he dropped it. At the time of the accident Virgie work nights at a convenience store and she used it as protection.
————————————————————–

It seems to me you can paint the picture with any brush you like, but the scene remains the same. You can make excuses for Virgie all day long, but it was her gun who permanently damaged her child. If in fact that was the only time she ever left her gun within reach, wich seems like a rather convenient coincidence, then it was one time too many. In addition, as a person who has actually fired many types of firearms, I can tell you from experience there are many measures wich can be taken in order to prevent these types of tragic accidents from occuring. As mentioned by Jane and Amybtru, an act as simple as putting on the safety is a rather effective means of ensuring a weapon doesn’t get fired by mistake. There are also locks and such designed to prevent this from happening.
If this had happened in today’s world, she would have been prosecuted for child endangerment.
Although your loyalty to Virgie is commendable, it also seems rather blind to me. Her child was permanently harmed because of her choices, there is no amount of loyalty which can explain that away. I respect your right to support Virgie, but please do so in a manner which doesn’t minimize the seriousness of her child being irreparably harmed by her gun. Just a word of advice, if you mean to defend her, it would be far more effective for you to say, yes Virgie made a terrible mistake, but she is eternally sorry, that due to her decision her child has serious physical disabilities. Unless of course Virgie is not sorry and does not accept culpability, in which case, you can continue to make excuses for her.
You are doing the same thing regarding the gun incident, as Virgie has done when describing her problems with Anna. According to Virgie their problems stemmed from ANNA’s drug use, and from HOWARD being controlling. Never once has she acknowledged that she is anything less than perfect, or that she too has some responsibility for the dynamic of her relationship with her daughter.
Perhaps if she learned to be more humble, and stopped blaming everyone but herself for things, people would not view her so negatively.
Jane Devin said,

May 7th, 2007 at 5:09 am

Re #52, by Maryst:

Maryst said:

I ask you this because from my experience with this type of women is that there will be a some she gets along with and treats good. An abuser does not abuse every child.

This is one aspect of child abuse that many many people don’t get, and it’s unfortunate. Many families do indeed have the proverbial whipping girl or boy — the one who is made a black sheep and who is punished above and beyond the rest. This has been illustrated quite often by books like “A Child Named It” — or in case studies about isolated children like Jeannie from CA — or in newspaper articles about one of a family’s children being kept in a cage. Yet the public seems not to hear the message.

The “reasons” offered by abusive parents can be anything from gender to personality to paternity to activity level.

People will often point to the child who turned out “okay” in such a family as if it’s a testament to good parenting all-around. It’s a wrong analysis to make. Sometimes that “okay” child is actually deeply scarred but has learned to compensate. Sometimes they learned, at their parents direction, how to justify the excessive punishment of the other child, and believe that they truly were the better and brighter child, and they will see the abused one as “deserving” of whatever they got.

In Anna’s case, people tend to point to her eldest brother as an example of good parenting. He did, after all, grow up to be an FBI agent. In fact, what David does for a career can hardly speak to what Anna’s childhood experience was like. That he has an esteemed career does not mean Anna was not abused, or that Virgie was a wonderful parent. A career also does not represent what someone’s internal life is like — it cannot tell you what kind of character that person actually has. While we tend to hold certain positions in high esteem, we should not provide an automatic pass to people based on their social standing. Priests. . .Presidents. . .CEO’s and cops can exhibit bad behavior in their personal lives.

Each child’s experience must stand on its own. It’s not at all uncommon for children from the same family to have completely different experiences and memories of growing up.

Lastly, not every child who turns out “not okay” is the result of bad parenting. I think society does, for the most part, acknowledge this. We know that some people can grow up in pretty typical fashion and still turn out poorly. Often though these children, at some point in their lives, will admit to that and acknowledge other factors that played a crucial role in the forming of their character.
Kristin (a) said,

May 7th, 2007 at 5:43 am

Good morning!
Dear Laura P.
I appreciate this link you gave
http://news.search.yahoo.com/search/news?p=larry+birkhead&c=&ei=UTF-8&datesort=1&fr=slv8-&c=images
Oh, God, it’s hurtful.
But we already knew Anna Nicole was not the love of his life, yes?

By the way, henceforth I will sign as Kristina, which is my name, anyway, for I saw another Kristin over on those other boards.

Dear Regina.
I would like to reply to some of the points you represented, and will do so later, after my morning cuppa caffeine.

I wish you all a good, lucky, sunny day.

Kristina
Lynda said,

May 7th, 2007 at 7:15 am

When I was growing up we had a neighbor with 5 children,4 boys 1 girl. The husband is the brother of a good family friend,and we knew the family quite well. He was in the seminary for a while, but and married soon after, it wasn’t long before they had their first child a boy.(This was before ultra sounds, we had to wait for our little surprise, we were also having our children in our twenties.) When he was told it was a boy he told his wife that the child was not wanted by him and was her complete responsibility,3 more boys followed and the wife was told the same thing, he did not visit the hospital ( usual 8 day stay at that time ) When she was ready to come home she had to depend on a relative. The boys learned at a very young age not to be seen or heard when their father was home, because to him they did not exist. When she had her next child it was a girl, the husband brought his wife 12 red roses, and spent every spare minute at the hospital with his baby girl. When they returned home he began comparing his boys to their sister, the boys of course could not be even close to her equal. This is when the wife saw that this was not good for the children ( at this time people kept the worse of their problems to them selves. Child abuse of this kind was not recognized.) All the bruises were on the heart and sole,so not any thing to do about it. It toke the wife about 5 years to finally break away. These children were severely abused, it showed up in several ways drugs were not readily available but alcohol was. They suffered with poor grades they acted out at school, they vandalized in small ways. When they got older there was promiscuity,being unable to have a steady relationship. Their mother stuck beside them thick and thin. Slowly as they grew into young adults,things slowly turned around and they became healthy productive adults. The last I heard mother was a grandmother x3.By now it is probably x6 or 7. She knew her children were worthy of her love and protection and she made her children believe it too. To me that is what a mother does, that is the natural order of things.
Lynda said,

May 7th, 2007 at 8:11 am

Dear Laura P. I was pleased to see LB at the Derby. He has been under terrible stress for almost a year ,some brought on buy his poor choice off lawyer in LA. He has been unable to work for at least 6 mos. Does any one really think a young man 34 yrs old should stay locked up at home with no social life. The Derby is also a very good way to keep in touch with clients and meet new ones. He is a celebrity photographer and journalist. That is how and where he met Anna Nicole. I hardly think Danielyn will suffer terribly being left with half a dozen family members, or even if she is alone with her nanny. She is much better of having a father who is able to gain some control over his life for at least a little while. Not at the mercy of the courts,and antagonizers, he will soon enough have to do battle again. He needs a short respite to gather his reserves believe this going to be long and nasty. John Oquin does not work pro bono and I am quite sure grandparent visitation will not pay his legal fees.
VIVIAN said,

May 7th, 2007 at 9:02 am

dannielynn is in a place that is new, all the people around her are new.and somewhere in that tiny mind she is confused. no larry should not have a social life right now. if he wanted social he should have left dannielynn with howard. howard does not care about a social life at this point. vergie wanted a social life too. and so she got. it, and look at anna. first things first, and dannielynn comes first with howard. but evidently not with larry. anyone ever heard dr. laura. ? she is probly shaking her head at him. also he does’n have to go to work right now. his WHOLE LIFE should be about dannielynn, he wanted her ,hes got her. don’nt leave her for others to raise. if thats too much to ask then give her back to howard
squeaker said,

May 7th, 2007 at 9:27 am

Lynda #80
nice post…a mother undying love is very powerful.
squeaker said,

May 7th, 2007 at 9:35 am

Vivian,
I agree with you, DL is in a new place being left with new faces to care for her. LB happily helped in creating the monster(media)that follows him around now. He is without a doubt relishing in the warmth of his spotlight.
I wish that HKS had DL as I feel he is the more responsible of the two.
danigirl said,

May 7th, 2007 at 10:06 am

Jane, Your knowledge of child abuse in every form is right on the money.
Whoever Regina is I hope that she continues to enlighten us and that we can learn more information that is useful to investigate. At the same time perhaps she will continue to read what we have here and see a different side to Virgie and then she can make really informed decisions about her beliefs.
Yoyogi said,

May 7th, 2007 at 10:21 am

by Mary E. Frye:

Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sunlight on ripened grain ,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there. I did not die
Laura P. said,

May 7th, 2007 at 10:42 am

LYNDA:

You are asking me to have sympathy and understanding for a man whom I believe was culpable in the death of Anna Nicole Smith, who threatened to take her baby away from HER, and who threatened to use her prescription drug use against her to gain CUSTODY (with purse strings attached) under the guise of so-called “parental rights”. He had no problem firing Debra Opri ultimately, so why didn’t he fire her sooner? He had no business even being in Florida for that trial. Howard’s attorneys tried to get him to leave the room. If it were not for the self-aggrandizing Judge Seidlin, Larry would have been gone. Instead, LB milked the Media for what he could get, damaged Howard in the process, and, in general, made a slaphappy spectacle of himself. Of this, I firmly believe, he KNEW what he was doing. He KNEW what he was saying, and NOONE, including Debra Opri, forced him to say the things he did.

If Birkhead was “under terrible stress”, it was due to the side-effects of his own insatiable coveting over Anna’s potential FORTUNE, and FAME (after she died). Do not tell me the baby was his main motive, because he had PLENTY of opportunity to work something out with Anna in a non-threatening manner. All he had to do was sign a legally binding agreement NOT to pursue custody of her baby, but NO……….he refused to do so, which, then, made it perfectly clear TO HER what he was really after, and it wasn’t changing diapers.

In fact, one could go so far as to say that if he had just cooperated, Anna would not have gone to the Bahamas, and she may very likely have NOT died of a broken heart. Why? It may be a stretch, but I feel like stretching today to suggest that….. If Birkhead had behaved honorably, THAT pressure would have been gone. LESS pressure on Anna would have resulted in a more peaceful life, and Daniel would have benefited from that. In other words, MAYBE, just MAYBE, Daniel might NOT have died. He certainly would not have been in the Bahamas absorbing all the stress his mother was under, plus maybe feeling he was adding to her burdens. What a tragedy, and whether you like it or not, Birkhead is indirectly responsible, as I see it.

You can use the excuse of having people around the baby this weekend, but long term, my intuition says otherwise, in that Birkhead’s true character will have plenty of time to shine through, when he moves to California where his PAPARAZZI cohorts and the Hollywood ‘scene’ are. The term “celebrity photographer” was a watered down word calculated by the likes of Nancy Grace or Greta or Geraldo. In no way is it regarded by anyone as a highly esteemed occupation. In fact, it is quite the opposite.

EVERY time Birkhead gains notoriety, takes advantage of photo-ops, or has babes chasing after him, AS A RESULT of Anna’s fame or her baby’s fame, I will think of HIS exploitation of Anna Nicole Smith and HER baby. EVERY time he pursues the “celebrity status”, Anna’s memories will plague him. Why? Because deep inside his conscience, he knows what he did was wrong. EVERY woman he brings home, EVERY celebrity day, EVERY Hollywood event he goes to idolizing the “celebrity status”, as a result of Anna, will be turned against him someday. To save himself from this misery, he must unconditionally flee from the temptations of greed and fame, but will he?

I doubt so…
Carol Anne said,

May 7th, 2007 at 11:16 am

To Regina,
As you stated quote “Virgie is an awesome grandmother.” I bag to differ with you as a mother and grandmother; I can speak to this issue with experience. NO LOVING mother or grandmother would get on National TV on the tabloid show that she did and call her daughter and her future husband a murderer without facts as she did. Virgie was not there so she has no idea what happened. Did she not think by doing this she would cause Vickie aka Anna more grief? Vickie aka Anna had just lost her son was being sued by a number of people and her mother adds this to her problems. And she’s blaming Howard the man who was with Anna for 12 years who worked for her, cared for her, did whatever she asked and love her unconditionally. If Anna was pushed over the edge Mama sure helped. And I do understand about lose also. Believe me we are cutting her a break after what she has done and said.
Carol Anne
jimi said,

May 7th, 2007 at 11:21 am

Dear Laura P., This is the best explanation of LB i have seen so far. God Bless you. I am sooooo proud of all of you on this site. You all ROCK!!! About children of child abuse…. Remember.. Some of us are driven to achieve.we try to compensate for our poor self esteem. we often feel better positions and college degree’s prove we are worthy. Does it work? NO!!! We have to work through the pain. It is not an easy task. Poor Anna… the drugs/etoh were only a symptom that something was wrong. She is free now of the pain and suffering she experienced during her short life. Peace to all,j
Rosemary said,

May 7th, 2007 at 11:34 am

Dear Kristen,
Thank you for sharing your story. Your capacity to focus on the strengths of your mother’s character is reflective of sensitivity and compassion for others. In focusing on the positive about your mother, I am concerned however about your sensitivity and compassion for yourself. You say that “While growing up, many times I shook and cringed under her thunderbolts!” What do you mean by thunderbolts? What did your mother say, do, or not do to make you shake and cringe? Why do you say that her anger was righteous? What is right about making a child shake and cringe? From your post, I don’t know if your mother acknowledged and apologized for her thunderbolts. If she did, I can understand why you have forgiven her. If she didn’t, what enabled your forgiveness – fear, denial, blaming yourself? I hope it isn’t any of these. You say that your mother had a hard life. How did that hard life affect her capacity to give and receive love? I think that loving parents raise their children to believe that they belong, are trustworthy, capable and responsible. Did you mother cause you to believe these things about yourself? If she did, why did you rebel against her as much as your post suggests, run away from home, and elope at the age of 17 to marry a man twice your age? At the age of 17 you were still a child. Behavior that is destructive of the self or others should be recognized as a cry for help – a cry for help to develop the capability to assume responsibility for our physical, intellectual, emotional, social and spiritual well-being. Legally, children become adults at different ages. If the true yardstick is when they are capable of assuming responsibility for own well-being, would we behave differently as parents?
I find that people don’t like to talk about issues related to the rights of children and child abuse. Some suggest that this is because it stirs up uncomfortable feelings. This may explain why people don’t want to ask the important questions about the way children are raised and the harm it causes. And the cycle of abuse goes on. What could be more important to our collective well being than to acknowledge and address the cause and cost of child abuse?
Rosemary
Michele (Lucky) said,

May 7th, 2007 at 11:53 am

Jane,
again, I am with you on all of these issues. I want to know why certain questions are not being asked from Virgie.
1. She stated that Anna moved from home when she was young because she was using drugs and hanging out with the wrong crowd. Yet she states that Anna was on drugs because of Howard. Well Howard did not know her when she was 15.
2. Why did she not insist on guardianship with Daniel all those years like she is with Dannielynn if she thought she was abusing drugs and was sooo worried about her. No money or fame there is why.
3. The abuse on Anna as a young girl, why did she allow it to happen.
4. She has lied several times about the phone calls with Anna and how many times she has spoken to Howard. Her stories between the court in Florida and her interviews are different.
5. She is insisting on this inquest so that she can sue Howard.
6. She said her family was paying her bills in court in Florida. Lies! They don’t have the money to pay all those meals, hotels, airfare, lawyers, and so on.
It goes on and on and no one is stepping up to the plate to call her hand on it. Where’s the media when you want them?
Regina wants everyone to cut her a break!!!! Virgie did not cut Howard any breaks no did she? She doesn’t like the shoe on the other foot. Where it for a while and see how it feels. It is Virgie who cant shut up about Howard, on and on for months. Also, Virgie stated that Anna was using drugs and hanging with the wrong crowd is why she left at such a young age. Hmmmmm, Howard was not around then, but Virgie was. Get it? If you can’t get someone off drugs then shut your mouth about others not being able to do the same.

Bill c, you want the truth yet your trying to shut posters up. Which is it?

If you two are all for the truth, then lets here it because that is what we are here for. The facts only.

Good luck to all,

Michele
EJ said,

May 7th, 2007 at 12:50 pm

Maybe we need to write Dr.Phil and ask him to ask Virgie on his show. Of course we know she will refuse. She is so hell bent on revenge toward Howard until she has lost site of everything right. Greed does this to people. She said that Howard has lost, hell, she’s lost. She said Howard never had them to begin with, neither did she. He was in their lives longer than she was and they were her blood relatives. He loved them with all of his being. Virgie is totally bent. She hasn’t won one court case that she’s set out to win. I don’t anticipate her winning any. Her motives are wrong and no right will come out of it. Her lawyers are pimping her and she doesn’t even know it right now, but she will soon. She really wants to get Howard and see him sweat. This is not going to happen.
Kate said,

May 7th, 2007 at 1:25 pm

I’m relieved to see that there are so many people out there who see through Virgie and think that Howard K. Stern is a decent human being and not evil incarnate. People who don’t think that Larry Birkhead is an angel who did no wrong. The mainstream media has been terribly biased throughout this entire ordeal. They seem to have the facts, yet ignore the details that don’t fit their “Larry is an Angel and Howard is Evil” agenda. And Virgie? The fact that anyone gives her a platform to slander Howard is disgusting. She is a vile woman who is money hungry and disgusting.

I’m so happy to have found this blog. I agree with all you’ve said.
Alison said,

May 7th, 2007 at 1:29 pm

This whole topic has become as circular and superficial and ultimately as non-productive as arguing about which religion is the one that’s right and true. The fact of the matter is that no one who is posting, with the seeming exception of Regina, really KNOWS much of anything about any of the people involved in this whole story. At least her knowledge of Virgie appears to be genuinely firsthand. Just about everyone else has taken a rough sketch and colored it in with varying degrees of projection and bias. Howard is the pure-hearted, loving protector; Anna is the tragic victim of child abuse who led a life filled with tragedy and people trying to take advantage of her success; Virgie is the wicked witch, abusive mother who couldn’t possibly care about anything but the money; Bonnie Stern was just a loving sister reluctantly dragged into this to vindicate the honor of her unfairly targeted brother; Larry Birkhead is usually either the undeserving parent, or at best on probation and subject to microscopic scrutiny which will surely prove that Howard should have been given custody; Jane Devin is the sainted arbiter of truth and justice who has subtly and unsubtly promoted these very paper thin generalizations of people none of us have ever even met, all while advising us not to harm others with our pre-judgements, unless it’s Virgie who really needs to be investigated (HKS,Bonnie were taken at face value). In reality, all of these people are no more known to us than the characters in a favorite soap opera. How would you or members of your own family hold up to this degree of magnification when we all know that any action can be framed in either a positive or negative light? Mothers and daughters often have strained relationships–add drugs to the picture and estrangement, anger and accusations (true or untrue) are all to be expected. It doesn’t mean for a second that despite it all there isn’t love and regret for how we treat each other at times. If Virgie were as horrible a mother as Anna said in that barely coherent clip after Daniel’s death, would she ever have let Virgie raise Daniel for six years? Let’s use a little common sense. What would that have said about Anna as a mother to have handed her son over to Cruella Deville? Regina, you seem to know the family from the inside and you have shown those willing to listen that there is a humane depiction of Virgie that is in contrast to the conclusions drawn by so many who judge her as low-class, immoral and mercenary. Even Bonnie Stern alluded to the lower class that Virgie belongs to. (I wondered if insulting someone’s class is considered high class) Jane, I think you are essentially a wonderful person but you seemintent on casting Virgie as a child abuser, although I’m not certain of the proof you have beyond Anna’s angry film clip and something taken from a book about Anna. Forgive me if I’m wrong on that, but it just seems far-fetched to attempt to build a case which criminalizes Virgie based on hearsay.
Lynda said,

May 7th, 2007 at 2:04 pm

Vivian: squeaker you are correct in every thing you say.I didn’t chose my words very well. I may have been projecting my own feelings onto LB,I can only imagine how he feels,I was more likely thinking about how over whelmed I would feel, in his place. There is a joke about the female members of my family , we can’t talk and chew gum at the same time, can’t walk,cook,on and on. It is very true that we are inclined to one thing at a time women,but we normally that very well if not to distracted, it could very well have something to do with age, but we will never admit that to our men. Idid not mean that LB should go out and whoop it up, what I meant was that he would be no good to DL if he becomes ill or so overwhelmed that he can’t function when he needs to be at his strongest. I’m sure Mr. Oquine has something up his sleeve, he will hit LB with it when he least expects it. I think if he were a woman he would understand better, but he isn’t,he also is not Howard, two completely different animals. They each handle stress differently . These men have had more on their plate in the last year than any one of us could even imagine. I believe at first there was a lot said that should not have been, I don’t know. Since paternity has been decided both men have behaved as gentlemen and they have come together for DL. Howard has basically given LB his stamp of approval, even if guarded. I still believe LB is still very new at this, and it does not come automatically to everyone, better he takes time to regroupe and decompress now, he will be a better father with all his wits about him. He has to be strong for DL and himself, LB bashers are already fired up, as well as the nasty things they have been saying about DL since the day she was born.
Alison said,

May 7th, 2007 at 2:17 pm

Are politely written but differing opinions weeded out? I sent in a post and it seems to have been yanked. Just curious if it’s a website for only like-minded people. Except for Regina who seemed to offer a firsthand insight into Virgie and her family relationships.

Editor’s note: No, Alison. The moderation system puts the first post of every new contributor on hold until it can be reviewed — it’s a way to weed out spam. Once you have an approved post, your posts are not put on hold anymore and your posts will show up right away. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to explain. - Jane
EJ said,

May 7th, 2007 at 3:05 pm

I just wish that Howard would file a lawsuit against Virgie. I know she doesn’t have any money, but put a lien on her wheels. She has to go away with her nonsense.
Kristina said,

May 7th, 2007 at 3:08 pm

Dear Rosemary.
Thank you for your very sensitive reply to my earlier post and the issues you’ve raised. I believe this is where Jane Devin’s board differs from those other boards, because she sets the tone with her columns, and we discuss what it is that makes us relate to ANS and HKS and Co., why we care about them, and what we could do to help to balance the scales.
Yes, Rosemary, my mother had a temper, a short fuse, very little patience (thus I understand Virgie Arthur and her treatment of Anna/Vicky), however Mummy balanced these attributes with a tender heart, and gallantry. When compared to today’s teenagers, hey, I was an angel :-))))), though I sure was a handful of a child. A dreamer, writer, poet, and actress beginning from when I was a toddler. But also, very impatient, a misfit, very curious about what makes Man/Woman-kind tick, and possessed a strange sort of intelligence — too bright, ahead of my age-group (hence married a much older man, who was not all hormones but all brains and talent — an artist), yet, in retrospect, I understand that I had what’s today called ADD.
From what I read, Anna aka Vicky was a bright and sensitive child, yet a misfit too — she did not fit into her family nor did she fit into her school and neighborhood. She did not have the emotional luxury of having a mother AND a father. Parents (like mine) who, though temperamental, had a lot in common with their child, such as music, learning, the arts, etc. Nonetheless, Anna dared to dream big, and aspired to break away and rise high. I feel that in her formative years, she had no one to share her innermost thoughts and feelings with.
To me, from my vantage point, it seems that Howard K Stern was one of the very few who cared for her for her own sake. It seems she was always beautiful and lovable in his eyes, regardless of whether their relationship was sexual, regardless of whether she was fat, thin, cantankerous, funny, sane, insane, promiscuous, sober, or “drugged up.” Neither did he care that she lacked a substantial, formal education. He loved Anna Nicole just the way she was. He loved her perhaps as purely as Daniel, her ‘wee, beloved son, loved her. Or so it seems to me.
Yes, my mother threw thunderbolts and I cringed, and shook, and sometimes talked back. But firstly, I had an innate sense of balance about these things, which is lucky, I suppose, but also, my mother always took the time to explain that she did so because she cared. I am not so sure Virgie Arthur thought of … explaining.
Explaining what it is to be a mother, and to tell your child you’ve lost your temper because you love your errant child, and want to help her (and sometimes, save that child from itself). Want to be her guiding light, her sheltering heaven when life’s storms threaten to blow away your sanity …… to explain to your child that you are not only her mother, but her caring, wiser, best friend.
Aggh, am getting teary-eyed.
May all our mothers be blessed!
Jane Devin said,

May 7th, 2007 at 3:08 pm

Alison said: “If Virgie were as horrible a mother as Anna said in that barely coherent clip after Daniel’s death, would she ever have let Virgie raise Daniel for six years? Let’s use a little common sense.”

Hi Alison,

I have gone over this territory before, but don’t mind repeating because this is a very common question.

Okay, common sense would tell us several things. The first being that there is no magic age one becomes where they realize the extent of their family’s cycle of abuse. It is what they’ve known throughout their life, and while they may have detested certain things, it is still what they know. Speaking specifically about Anna, she was at the time a young woman with very few resources and worldly experience. She knew she needed more than Red Lobster or Walmart could offer, and she did what she had to do — with the resources she had. One of those resources, for better or worse, was her mother. Mother watched Daniel for free and offered a 24 hour environment. Anna could not have gotten that elsewhere.

Virgie did not, as she has claimed, raise Daniel for six years. Anna and Daniel both lived at Virgie’s home for most of that time. When Anna started to get work, she was away more often and at one point — and even Virgie has admitted this in her interviews — she wanted to take Daniel with her and Virgie refused to let him go. It was only when Virgie’s mother lay dying and told Virgie she should give him back that she agreed to do so without further threats and fighting.

Daniel was also a boy. Would Anna have left a girl in the home? Difficult to say, but less difficult is the fact that Anna launched a claim of sexual abuse and her brothers did not. In #79, I agree with another poster who reminds us that child abuse is not evenly spread among children of the same family. It is common for one child to be especially targeted.

You insinuate no proof — okay, you’re right, there’s no rape kit, no known police report, and no confession. . .well, except from Regina who says that one of the brothers did molest Anna. Let’s take that away as hearsay.

Here’s what’s factual and proven:

Virgie’s first husband spent time in prison for incest. Her second raped Virgie’s ten year old sister and spent six months in jail for molestation. With her third husband, she raised a son who got shot with a gun when he was three, and who went to prison for kidnapping.

The allegations against another Hart son have not yet been investigated.

Regardless of whether one of the bunch went on to become an FBI agent, or another married a millionaire. . .or another went on to become a Playboy model. . .the fact remains that there is an element of criminality and sexual abuse in the family. And that is not hearsay — it’s not projection — it’s fact.
EJ said,

May 7th, 2007 at 3:11 pm

Alison.
You don’t have to personally know a person to know facts about them.
EJ said,

May 7th, 2007 at 3:16 pm

Right on Jane,
I think these new posters had better have facts and their hands on the bible before they come here and try to bash. We’re ready for them.
Michele (Lucky) said,

May 7th, 2007 at 3:30 pm

The media did not have all their facts when they went on the rampage of destroying Howard. Neither did Virgie, O Quin or anyone else for that matter. Just a bunch of hearsay. They did not know him when they accused him of things, did they?

You do not need to know someone personally to know when justice is not being served. It does not take a genius to know right from WRONG.

We are here for the facts. Trying to gather the infomation and see who is telling the truth and who is out for fame and money.

Michele
Kristina said,

May 7th, 2007 at 3:30 pm

Dear Alison,
I just read your substantial post, and welcome it.
However, if I may point this out:
“Jane Devin is the sainted arbiter of truth and justice who has subtly and unsubtly promoted these very paper thin generalizations of people none of us have ever even met, all while advising us not to harm others with our pre-judgements…”
In my opinion, Jane Devin is one of the very very very few writers who offers an in-depth (and sorely needed) view that is different from what’s been the standard fare ever since the onset of this saga.
Lynda said,

May 7th, 2007 at 3:39 pm

Laura P. Ican understand your feelings, it is difficult to think good things about some people when you have seen some of the things they have done. The first time I saw Debra Opri on tv I knew Anna Nicole was not strong enough to stand up to her. Debra Opri deals in bullying and mean innuendoes. LB was wrong to let DO use the tactics she did,and it may well have proven to much for AnnaNicole, we will never know. You can gain some comfort knowing he has to part with more than half a million dollars to appease that beast. It’s just that I prefer to believe that some people deserve to be treated innocent until proven guilty. You may have more information than I do, If so I respect your interpretation of events, and I will keep an open mind. Jane you are an angel for allowing us to listen and learn on this site. At some others I get ripped no matter what i say about anything or anyone. The newest theory is that Dr.Perper, Dr.Wecht the Seminole Police, judge hearing the inquest are all in cahoots with Shane Gibson and Mrs. Gibson to falsify the results of Daniels autopsy and Anna Nicoles as well to throw people off the real reason and cause of their deaths. That was last night it could be any thing by now.
Jane Devin said,

May 7th, 2007 at 4:09 pm

“The newest theory is that Dr.Perper, Dr.Wecht the Seminole Police, judge hearing the inquest are all in cahoots with Shane Gibson and Mrs. Gibson…”

I wish you were kidding, Lynda, but this is really the way it turns, isn’t it? Those who wanted Howard’s head on a platter are still looking for ways to get it, even if they have to resort to fantastic pieces of fiction. I can only trust this will go the way of other idiotic conspiracy theories, and soon.
VIVIAN said,

May 7th, 2007 at 4:40 pm

annas older brother? now wasn’t his father a step brother to vergie?
catttgirl said,

May 7th, 2007 at 5:04 pm

Alison, Your right none of us do know Virgie personally but I am sure the majority of us are mothers. As a mother of a daughter I would like to think when she gets older no matter how difficult she is to handle I wouldn’t just “give up” on her. Nor would I allow her to quit school. It would be “over my dead body” before I allow that to happen. I wouldn’t fight and ignore my grown daughter’s burial wishes knowing full well her once beautiful face is rapidly decaying. The lost diaries that have turned up and been auctioned, as a mother why not put all your efforts into getting those back. After all they were your daughter’s private thoughts. You right Virgie and Anna’s relationship is more complex. Than most of us know. It’s more than labeling Virgie the evil mother and Anna the victim. There’s the good the bad the ugly. I am sure Howard had all of that with Anna as well. Unlike some people though he never quit on her. He chose to remain loyal and try to protect her the best way her could and most of all he by all accounts he loved her unconditionally. Where was Virgie’s support for her daughter? When Anna reached out to Virgie to tell her about Daniel’s death she was reaching out to her mother it was a chance for the both of them to come together. To bury the hatchet so to speak of any past wrong doings by either party. Instead Anna had to watch her mother go on national television and make allegations against her and Howard. Also, Alison she made those allegations with out any proof of the facts or without even knowing Howard. I think if she really cared for her daughter she could have shown her daughter unconditional love. How different life could have been for Anna if her mother tried putting her daughter’s needs first instead of her own. By the way we may not have proof of physical or sexual abuse but just the little bit that we have seen of Virgie we definitely have seen the mental/emotional abuse she inflicted onto her daughter.
Lynda said,

May 7th, 2007 at 5:07 pm

What is the QV site.
Jane Devin said,

May 7th, 2007 at 5:12 pm

Lynda, it’s in my blogroll on the left ~ it’s the Anna Nicole and Howard K Stern tribute site.
Nolene said,

May 7th, 2007 at 5:16 pm

It appears to me the only person that is controlling is VA not HKS and that is why VA is doing all of this stuff to HKS and LB because she knows ANS never wanted anything to do with her and for sure never wanted her around Dannielynn and all of this crap with her is to get the last say and so when she lays down in the bed at night she can say Vickie Lynn I got you and so she can have the last say she is just trying to do to ANS in death what she did in her life only now ANS is not her to set her straight. Also we know she did not give a crap about ANS much less love her but, If she loved Daniel like she claims then she would not have fought Anna being buried next to him just out of love for him not to mention out of love for ANS I don’t think she cared about Daniel and I think that she may have tried to take Daniel away from Anna when Daniel was little and that also has something to do with why their relationship was non-existent and We all know she is not sorry for anything she did to ANS she has not even said sorry and or said she has any regrets in the relationship with Anna and I also think that the courts should let ANS life be a testimony to why Dannielynn should not be around VA that would be ANS and the other children because from what I understand all the kids are screwed up not just ANS. (also VA is jealous of ANS and always has been and was jealous of Daniel and ANS relationship)
My mothers daughter said,

May 7th, 2007 at 5:32 pm

Dear Allison:

Welcome to the blog. I read your long and detailed post with great interest and beg to differ with you on your characterization of our host, Jane Devin.

This site is the only place where all parties involved in this tragedy are considered innocent until proven guilty and information is based on fact and research. With all due respect, Jane Devin has been the only one to ask the hard questions which the mainstream and tabloid media have either avoided or not followed through on. Information is not taken at face value nor is the party line. Transcripts are read and public records combed through. Sources like Star Magazine or TMZ etc. are not relied on. Posters are respectful of each other.

All we, meaning the general public, are looking for is the unvarnished and unbiased truth. It is the absolute minimum we deserve as do Anna and Daniel.
Laura P. said,

May 7th, 2007 at 6:02 pm

ALISON:

Need I remind you that Howard K. Stern was NOT charged with the murderous allegations that Virgie and the Media either outright accused him of, or with obvious audacity made insinuations that he’d murdered Anna Nicole. There is NO BIASED reporting in that. As a matter of fact, I wouldn’t hold up very well under the magnification that Howard K. Stern had to be under. Let us not forget WHO the one is who has been castigated here.

Regarding Virgie, Alison, I think we can agree that it is respectful to honor the wishes of the dead. And, even if I wanted to give Virgie every break in the world, I still could NOT allow that baby to see this woman. It has nothing to do with her “background”. It has everything to do with honoring the dead. BUT, if you want to get into an argument that Anna was not coherent, I will argue that till the cows come home. You would only have a case to be made IF Anna had had a close relationship with her mother for years, UP to her demise. Otherwise, any argument is just simply irrelevant, in my opinion.

I think you need to look at the BIG PICTURE, Alison, because if Virgie weren’t fighting to gain custody and to garnish a foothold on the baby’s finances, I would tend to agree with you. But, SINCE she is fighting, she leaves us no course but to fight back, capiche?
joni said,

May 7th, 2007 at 6:27 pm

I agree completely with everything that Michelle(Lucky), Kate and Laura P. said on their posts. I don’t know why so many are painting such a wonderful picture of Larry Birkhead. Nor do I understand how some people can say how terrible it is that everyone is so hard on Virgie, but they don’t say anything as to what has been done and is still being done to Howard.
Kristina said,

May 7th, 2007 at 6:41 pm

Dear Laura P.
I re-read your reply to Lynda, marked as post # 88.
Very, very, thought-provoking. Indeed, this tragedy seems to harken to Larry B. and Anna/Vicky’s desperate urge to flee him, to keep her yet unborn baby to herself — and safe. Safe? From what? From whom?
Well, if one mulls over the the core reason of why this pregnant woman searched for a safe heaven and ended up in the Bahamas, one might agree (”in just my opinion”) that she was motivated by her fear of him.
Yes, this paragraph of yours feels true to me:
” in fact, one could go so far as to say that if he had just cooperated, Anna would not have gone to the Bahamas, and she may very likely have NOT died of a broken heart. Why? It may be a stretch, but I feel like stretching today to suggest that….. If Birkhead had behaved honorably, THAT pressure would have been gone. LESS pressure on Anna would have resulted in a more peaceful life, and Daniel would have benefited from that. In other words, MAYBE, just MAYBE, Daniel might NOT have died. He certainly would not have been in the Bahamas absorbing all the stress his mother was under, plus maybe feeling he was adding to her burdens. What a tragedy, and whether you like it or not, Birkhead is indirectly responsible, as I see it. “”
Ah, the twists and turns Fate takes!
Yes, Laura P., just maybe, you hit the nail on the head as for the true cause of ANS’ death.
Lynda said,

May 7th, 2007 at 8:36 pm

I have not meant to give the impression that I do not respect Howard. I have been for him since the beginning. I guess I have posted so many times on so many sites that Ifor some reason thought every one knew my position and how I felt about him. I think Howard deserves the very best that life has to offer. The way he felt about Anna was clear for anyone to see, if not for his steady hand and undenialble devotion Anna may have made some very dangerous decisions. For some reason there has never been any doubt or question in my mind and no one could change my mind now. I have always followed Howards lead as far as Larry is concerned, he has known him as long as Anna did. When he accepted Larry into Horizons,I felt it was not for me to judge. Howard is a very intelligent man and I trust his judgement .Every day I say a prayer for him and Danielyn. I would be proud to know him. as a friend sometimes I wish I could mother him, he is the same age as one of my son-in-laws. I worry about his health and well being. Every one calls me too sensitive.
Rosemary said,

May 7th, 2007 at 10:00 pm

Dear Kristina,
I just returned home from a long walk with my dogs - it was a beautiful day. You could never believe the extent to which I am able to relate to your post. Thanks from the bottom of heart for taking the time to answer my questions. Besides my dogs I have three beautiful children. I spent my life thinking I was a weirdo although I am anything but that. Now that I am better I just want to help in whatever way I can. All the best you sweetie pie. I’ll be back. We need to focus on what’s good about people. Thank you. Rosemary
squeaker said,

May 7th, 2007 at 10:08 pm

Alison,
Life is about opinions, I don’t happen to agree with your opinions. I had NO trouble understanding ANS in her interview on ET telling the world what a horrible mother she had. I saw a heartbroken mother in that interview that just lost the love of her life, her son. At a time when ANS was so completely devastated she didn’t need her mother(VA) going on national tv ranting about a hypothetical theory not FACT that she dreamed up in her head.

Read VA response to NG’s question about daniel not being buried yet.
GRACE: Tonight, in a primetime exclusive, speaking out is the mother of Anna Nicole Smith, famous cover girl, and she`s a 28-year veteran of law enforcement mother. Virgie Arthur is joining us from her home there in Montgomery, Texas. Ms. Arthur, right now, as we speak, the embalmed body of your grandson. that you helped raise for many years, is still sitting in a funeral home, awaiting burial. Why?

ARTHUR: That`s my question, why? That`s the last bit of respect that anybody gets in the world, is to be buried. So why is my baby laying in a cold room somewhere and not being buried?

Va has alot of nerve after SHE and ONLY SHE let her daughter sit in a cold morgue for day after day and again in the hot sun before she was finally buried. This woman(VA) has NO SHAME Here’s another one of VA rants

GRACE: Back to Virgie Arthur. This is Anna Nicole Smith`s mother. I`m reading this article here in “In Touch,” “Was it murder?” And you also state you`re furious over the commitment ceremony they had, the wedding. Why?

ARTHUR: Why? Well, I`m happy that they had the baby and I`m thrilled to be a grandmother again, but I`m very upset that my grandson is still laying in a cold room and hasn`t been buried yet. The last bit of respect you get in this world is at a funeral, and my baby`s not had one.

Because of her..as we all know ANS wasn’t buried for days and days after her death.
VA has out right lied and continues to do so. This is not hearsay, it’s in the interviews she gives and so on. VA should RESPECT her daughters wishes and back away from her present course of action. She needs to go back to HER home, HER life and let it go.

As for your harsh words of Jane Devin…I along with many others on this site appreciate her undying devotion to researching the TRUTH and getting the truth out there with her wonderful writing capabilities. She has a way of getting us to use our minds and search for the facts, NOT hearsay. She’ll be the first one to step in and take back a statement that isn’t true.
joni said,

May 7th, 2007 at 11:17 pm

Alison, we are all very happy to have found QV and Jane. Please show them the respect they deserve.
Jane Devin said,

May 7th, 2007 at 11:37 pm

I think I must have some of the most supportive posters on the internet. You all make me want to be a better person, and a better writer.

Regarding Alison’s post — I think those who have not had experience with a hard-scrabble life sometimes don’t understand (or try hard to understand) the limits in choices, opportunities, and resources that others have. That whole question and it’s implied auto-answer (”let’s use common sense”) of Daniel’s stay with Virgie is indicative of someone who just hasn’t put a great deal of thought into the subject. . .but is sure she’s right because on the surface it appears to “make sense.”

When you dig deeper, as many people here have, you find that what’s on the surface hardly tells the story, and that the sense it takes to understand is not the common kind, but instead the kind that takes empathy.
Fran CA said,

May 8th, 2007 at 12:08 am

I am an avid reader of the posts on Jane’s site. You all are all very thought-provoking contributors.

Over the weekend, I found my self on Dr. Phil’s site, and read his fierce questioning of Donna Hogan relating to her book “Train Wreck”. Dr. Phil was like an “attack dog, peppering Donna with direct questions and excellent follow-up questions that caused her to respond in a tongue tied fashion. Just google dr.phil.com and you will then be able to click on “Show Archives” and search Donna Hogan. Bonnie Stern also had a chance to question Donna and did an excellent direct confrontation.
Also the Guilfoyle show on Fox Sunday nights had a segment about the nannys in the Bahamas now (again) claiming that Anna drugged Dannilynn and of course it was implied that it’s Howard’s fault. Apparently the baby was asleep from 10am til 2 (4 hours). Now it is fairly normal that a baby will sleep that long after their a.m. bath and eating. Now another factor, they are claiming that the baby had colic. My understanding that colic crying occurs at night. So if Anna was unable to cope with a colicky baby and gave her drugs to sleep, why was it done in the a.m? These network anchors can’t get facts correct, and/or are unable to analyze these flimsy charges. It was clearly obvious that old claims of the nanny of questionable care of the baby are resurfacing simly to embarass and insult Howard and to keep the negative story alive.
I feel that Howard and his team of attorneys are putting their informaton together with a good legal strategy and also have an excellent legal team of investigators. We all need to keep Howard and his legal team in our thoughts and pray for wisdom and guidance in their preparation to silence Virgie and her ilk.
Thank you Jane for an excellent forum and your editorials. QV - thank you as well for your efforts.
Midori said,

May 8th, 2007 at 5:43 am

Re #31, above. I posted a comment in Jane’s 17 March blog.
maryst said,

May 8th, 2007 at 7:18 am

Regina, I understand abuse, probably better then most. I have lived it and have watched thought others. I understand that abusers can be great people to some. I do not believe every one around Vergie Arther, those who know her, all approve of her.
You are trying to say Anna was “drugged up” in other words he life did not count for any thing. This simply is not true. Anna’s life did count and her words did manner and I believe her words about her mother. You are using a argument which quite frankly annoys me. I have heard others use this argument, they blame every one else for every thing going wrong. Vergie Arthur has never, acknowledged her part in Anna’s unfortunate life. The right thing to do is to tell people why Anna had problems, her child is dead, what kind of mother would disrespect her dead child in the manner VA has done so, so, so many times.
There she sits on Greta, her new suit, her new make up, hairdo, talking bad about Anna and her companion. The man who tried to make Anna happy. When did VA ever reach out to her daughter? All I ever heard her do is talk bad and constantly blame the drugs. Anna is dead, why is she even bringing the drugs up? Anna choose Howard, why is VA attacking him?
As far as 2 people dead in the same family. Yes, I have heard of this, the reason Howard was near is because he was always near. Let us look at the facts, Anna’s autopsy tells us the drugs were with in therapeutic levels. The real story is drug over doses is the number 2 cause of death in Am. The thing we should be concern about is why there are so many deaths. Since the DEA changed the way the drugs effect us ( in the 90’s), drug over dose has been on the rise now to become the number 2 cause of death.
I do not know how close you really are to Vergie Arther, if at all, you could be just another person with similar problems justifying her behavior. I noticed people in my own family who defend her are just like her. So in that case, I understand there will be now reasoning with you and I am in fact wasting my time.
maryst said,

May 8th, 2007 at 7:32 am

my sister in law was the one who witnessed the abused (the good child) however she is the one who is most effected by it. She is a very successful career person but suffers in her personal life. She explained it to me but it would be hard for me to express her words. There is a reason why she has problems more than the person who was abused. The child who was abused did have many problem as a youth but does have a some what normal life as an adult. The abused child was in their late 40’s before thing got better in there life. The child who witnessed the abused has been in therapy all her adult life but to this day still has not over came what she saw and heard as a child.
The OTHER side of this story! said,

May 8th, 2007 at 7:59 am

I couldn’t help notice that Virgie Arthur is being dumped on, because of her custody battle with Larry Birkhead. Who can blame Grandma Virgie for her actions?

In six short months this woman suddenly and unexpectedly lost her grandson Daniel (who she did help raise) and her daughter! I would venture to say it would put anyone in the mode and mindset of cautious!

I think that Virgie Arthur is after assurance for the only surviving child of Anna Nicole and Virgie’s only tie left to Anna and Daniel! Do you blame her? Who is to say that something won’t mysteriously happen to Larry Birkhead! The problem Virgie has is she doesn’t know if Larry will live out all his days without incident! Virgie knows with her own recent loss of two of her loved ones ( who were quite young to die) that there never is a guarantee of long life!

I think Virgie wants the custody she is seeking, not to intrude on Larry Birkhead’s parental rights and not to take over! She is trying to make sure that if anything should happen to Larry Birkhead, the legal battle that both Larry and Virgie had to go through with Howard K Stern will not happen again! I think that Virgie is quite a fabulous grandmother and I think that she seeks those assurances to help protect her granddaughter. I also think that Virgie knows what can happen as she was once a police officer! Police officer’s see more then we can ever imagine on a daily basis!

Larry Birkhead is a journalist and goes on the road. He is looking for a nanny! Why? Larry has his family members and Virgie to help him with Danni-Lyn! In my opinion, the blood family would be the better guardians in his absence! Instead of Larry getting a Nanny he should set up his home base near his own family! Danni-Lyn needs stability in her life and family structure, not a stranger and not a nanny!

I think that this case could be settled very easily. Virgie agrees not to intrude or try to take over as long as Larry is present. Larry agrees to allow Danni-Lyn to be cared for by her living blood relatives only in his absence! Precious grandparent time should be set up. All of Danni-Lyn’s family members should be invited for special events! Normal communication with her other relatives should be entwined in Danni-Lyn’s life! What should be set up legally is that both sets of grandparents and/or aunts/uncles from both sides would become the legal guardians in the event that Larry Birkhead parishes. I see nothing wrong with Virgie Arthur’s request, nor do I find her out of line or hideous!

It is important that Larry Birkhead realize that Virgie has unsettled feelings because of what she lost and she only seeks to protect their mutual family member who they all love. (Birkhead, his family and Virgie and her family).

Danni-Lyn is going home and now it is time for the surviving relatives to do! What is in the best interests of the child. It can be worked out, they should make it happen!

The other court case that involves the millions of dollars could be easily settled as well! The Marshall family, could easily have their lawyers set up a trust fund for Danni-Lyn! Some of the money could be dispersed to her at the age of 18, then a bit more when she was 21, then 25 and the balance of the settlement to be dispersed to her when she was 30 years old. ( Old enough to not squander the money away)! I don’t think that either side should be holding out for as much or least money in a settlement as possible. Anna Nicole has passed away, the money that the Marshall family could offer to put in trust for Danni-Lyn, would most likely be the same money that they are paying out in lawyers fee’s. One to two million dollars is enough for a child! This money should not go to any adult that is caring for Danni-Lyn! Larry is the biological dad and he is to care for his child! Anna Nicole does have an estate and that estate should only in part be used for Danni-Lyn’s care and the rest of it put in trust for Danni-Lyn!
Kristina said,

May 8th, 2007 at 8:02 am

Dear Maryst,
Great observation here: ” …The thing we should be concern about is why there are so many deaths. Since the DEA changed the way the drugs effect us ( in the 90’s), drug over dose has been on the rise now to become the number 2 cause of death.”"”
Indeed drug-interaction is a very big, worldwide problem, causing deaths at epidemic proportions, and we, the general public, need to spotlight this more. So many of us take so many types of medication and are not given enough information about what reacts with what. For example, something ordinary like Vitamin C heightens the effect of different medications, so one has to give a window of two hours minimum before and after taking that med, before swallowing Vit C..
Think of blood thinners, arthritis medication, asthma, thyroid, heart, cholesterol, and the list stretches infinitely long. Without even going to antidepressants, pain killers, etc.
ANS suffered from Hashimoto’s, and of chronic fatigue. I’ve been taking thyroid med for 16 years now, and despite this ,or perhaps because of it, am suffering chronic fatigue, loss of hair, sometimes slurred speech, and a slew of other ailments. Sure, I cope, most of us do. Further, a lot of us suffer from CMV, cytomegalovirus (most of us are carriers) , a problem that is mostly silent, undetected, but causes chronic fatigue.
I do believe ANS’ end came because of long-term drug-interaction. One accidental fatal dose that pushed her over the edge. It could have happened before, or any time after, all by itself. What hastened her death, though, is most likely the stress she was under, beginning with the Cesarian birth, then her beloved son’s sudden death, and add to it Larry B.’s demands and Virgie A.’ horrible comments of accusing her and HKS … well, you know.
You might all be familiar with this link, but am posting it anyway, it’s about the emails sent to her by Larry and an example of how vicious his treatment of her:
http://boards.courttv.com/showthread.php?threadid=293743
Here is a bit from that link:
” … Another email, 12 days after her son died.

“To make me look bad Anna, come on, what if I told what I know about everyone’s habits? You need to go to the nearest church and pray that you won’t be in the fire pits of hell if something happens to you because you’re already headed there, if not there already.”

Krista asks if he can read it again because she didn’t hear the last paragraph. Birkhead says he doesn’t remember writing this email, even though it comes from the same email address.

Another email…

“I don’t have any rights now, but I will have plenty in a few months. You’re acting worse than your mother. You look desperate begging people to be your friends and asking people $4.99 to see my baby. How desperate. Haven’t you stole enough?”
………………………………………………
Kristina said,

May 8th, 2007 at 8:08 am

Hello, Rosemary!
3 children and 3 pets. Lucky you!

How right you are here: “Now that I am better I just want to help in whatever way I can. ”
Ah, I wish you all the strength you can use, and then some
Blessings to you and yours,
K
Kristina said,

May 8th, 2007 at 8:15 am

Hello, again.
I see this thread is popular, so with your permission, Jane, I would like to post this link of yours again, to remind the rest of and alert newcomers:
https://janedevin.com/2007/04/22/request-from-iraq/
sk8mom said,

May 8th, 2007 at 8:19 am

today on the QV site I saw a link to the video of Dannielynn’s birth. During the interview with Anna and Howard she did not look under the influence of any drugs. If I am not mistaken(I could be wrong) isn’t she is the same outfit that she was in when she said all those bad things about her mom? If that is true then that is more proof that she was not under the influence when she said all that. It had to be taped the same day.
lauriv said,

May 8th, 2007 at 8:35 am

Since this whole saga I have been asking myself many of the same questions that have been asked here Why is that supposed journalists think that they can hand us only what they *believe* without any kind of investigating as being the truth. These people (Nancy and Greta) are supposed to have been former lawyers and DA’s, but now are in my opinion tabloid journalists. I harken them to Jerry Springer wannabes. HKS always stood by and protected Anna. He did everything he could to protect her and her baby. He was always there for her wether she was overweight or thin, he tried to help her with her drug abuse. Virgie points fingers and accuses him of having something to do with Anna’s and Dannie’s death. She claimed he was the only one making money off Anna. Larry has been making monety off Anna for years with her images. Virgie was so thrilled that Larry was determined to be Dannielynn’s father. I cannot help but wonder if she was so thrilled because she knew Larry was (in her mind) was someone who was not a fighter and was meek and easy to manipulate. She zeroed in on that and probably was tickled HKS was not since he would put up a fight against Virgies wishes.or demands. As someone who was abused (Virgie) that is typical for them to do. They look for the weaker person to aim their abuse on. Once you are abused, you visit that on your offspring. It is a fact that is well known amongst psychologists. You need to break the cycle so as not to visit it on your own children. It appears Virgie never did that since she married a succession of abusers., she never broke the cycle. She denied any of her children were abused, yet most knowledeable psychologists will tell you this is common to do Why didn’t these supposed expert reporters (Greta and Nancy) ever bring in a professional to discuss this? Why didn’t they ever ask Virgie about her abusive past or the abuse that was visited upon her? If they want tp point fingers at Anna being the liar claiming she was the liar, why didn’t Virgie ever address this and say Anna was not lying? Was it because then she would have to admit that she looked the other way while it happened and let people know she was not the mother she wants people to believe? I get the impression listening to Virgie she was embarassed by her daughters past behavior, and it bought so much shame to her, that she found it easier to create these stories about Anna being such a horrible drug induced individual, and that was why she didn’t see, or be a part of Anna’s life for so long. It was ok to be with Anna when she was making honest money when she was making movies, but not when she was stripping. That brought shame to her, so it is easier to deny her.
Laura P. said,

May 8th, 2007 at 8:59 am

JANE:

You and others here are the SWORD OF LIGHT piercing the VEIL OF DARKNESS that surrounds Howard K. Stern. And, that’s all there is to it!!
Aggie said,

May 8th, 2007 at 9:44 am

Myself and many others have always wondered if Virgie herself has addiction problems, probably alcoholism. That might be why she is so vehement when she says the drugs were the cause of all of Anna’s problems for the last ten years…that is Vergie’s statement…TEN YEARS…but it is well documented and reported that Anna had problems with addictions since she was a TEENAGER…it usually takes one to know one…just different drugs of choice…alcohol or drugs.

It is well documented that alcoholism and addictions tend to run in families.

If it is true that Vergie is an alcoholic Anna did not get her addictions from a stranger, she was born into it, and with the abuse that she suffered she was probably self-medicating all of her life…that was all she knew…because that is what she saw…

There are many media reports stating that Virgie was a heavy drinker, and she used to go drinking to bars with Anna when she was younger. Did she suddenly quit drinking or has she continued this self-destructive behavior?

Would this explain many of her behaviors today…denial…blaming others…never taking personal responsibilty etc…?
maryst said,

May 8th, 2007 at 10:27 am

I do think that VA was also abused. It is her choice to continue the abuse. She could stop at any time.
This women who lost a child and grand child and took no time to reflect on the reason why. She never took the time to reflect on her contribution to the deaths. It is clear she contributed to Anna’s death. But even if she did not contribute wouldn’t a good mom ask why? Could I have been more nurturing?
This is a women who took to the air waves immediately. Anna left a message with her, why didn’t she get on a plane then? She went on CNN and Nancy Grace with her self fulfilling prophecy. How hard was it to guess Anna would be next? She knew Anna’s fragile nature more than any of us. She knew how to push her buttons; and push she did.
I would feel sorry for her if she would show remorse. All I see in her is a vindictiveness, jealous of Anna and what Howard gave Anna. She hates Howard for giving her daughter the love she should have given her.
I don not think VA ever experienced the type of love Anna got from Howard and she simply hates him for it.
VA could get sympathy if she were sincere but her claim to just want to be grand mom have lose all creditability. With O’uinn, splash by her side she looks like what Anna told us.
Alison said,

May 8th, 2007 at 10:36 am

I didn’t mean to start such a stir and I definitely didn’t intend my words about Jane to sound harsh. Jane clearly has a very high sensitivity for people and I’ve read and been moved by many of her other writings. Also, I would have more accurately explained myself if I had used the word “convictions” rather than opinions, because Squeaker rightly points out that we all have opinions. It’s the declarative tone of the conclusions that have been reached, some being huge leaps of judgement, that make this site appear to be more of a Howard and Anna fan club site than a serious quest for the truth. I was only trying to make the point that none of these people are one dimensional and none of them would likely come out lily-white if a floodlight was to expose everything in their own pasts, or in the lives of their surrounding family. Or mine, and probably your’s for that matter. When I said none of us even know these people I meant that no matter what we learn through books, tv interviews, observations and intuition, who can factually say that they knew exactly what all Howard felt for Anna? Without implying that he had any hand in killing her, isn’t it possible that he had conflicting feelings for her, or Daniel? Isn’t it possible that deep down he resented the dynamic of their relationship and whatever role he played in it? Might he have not resented Daniel as a higher priority in Anna’s life? Might he not have even resented the yet unborn Dannielyn as potentially distancing him one more step in her heart? Did he ever ponder the possibility of Anna remarrying and telling him his services would no longer be required? If so, what feelings did that evoke?
I don’t know the answers to any of those questions, nor do any of you. Yet we all know how often the people we would least expect do things that are so not in keeping with the image we had of them. Haven’t you ever been betrayed by someone you had the utmost faith in? It happens.
Conversely, the Virgie bashers could well be surprised that her heart may have the purest love of all for Anna. Again, how do you know? Sure, she’s flawed and hasn’t always shown parental maturity and wisdom, but why is her life story worthy of a public expose? Virgie was never even remotely considered culpable in either death so the media had no real reason to dig up dirt on her or her family. Yet, as is always the case in a sudden death of a young woman, the media and law enforcement look first to the closest male in her life. That’s why Howard was zoomed in on. He did not deserve to be convicted by any member of the media, but he sure as heck met the text book defintion of a “person of interest”, especially having been with each one at or near the time of death.
Virgie delayed the burial of Anna because she didn’t want her buried in a foreign country, but that doesn’t mean it was so she could turn the family cemetary into a theme park.
I watched the Greta interview and found her to be more likeable and candid than I thought she would be. Was it a hard-hitting take-down? No, but the Bonnie Stern interview on this website was even more of a fluff piece. Look at the questions posed and it’s obvious that the thrust of the interview was to discredit and disparage Howard’s detractors. Maybe not consciously but it was no surprise that the interview page ended with an ad for Bonnie’s chocolate company.
If visitation rights are the only motivation for investigating Virgie and her family, that’s more than understandable. I’m not sure that we all have an inherent right to the file contents.
Uh-oh, I think I hear the whistling sound of incoming already…
Freida said,

May 8th, 2007 at 10:39 am

Dear Jane Devin,
The hardest thing in this world is to stand alone, against many.
Especially if you have doubt, especially when lead, especially when you feel powerless, especially when you’ve been used and abused.
EJ said,

May 8th, 2007 at 10:49 am

Alison,
In my mind you haven’t started a stir. Everyone has a right to his or her own opinion. After reading your post, I read very loud and clear what you think about Howard Stern. It doesn’t matter how you try to explain that you’re not biased, your words have the undertone that says differently. You have already judged him guilty without knowing him. You seem to be totally anti-Stern, period.
maryst said,

May 8th, 2007 at 10:58 am

Alison, I have speculated on what you write. I simply have come to a different conclusion. My conclusions are based on life experiences. Do I think Howard could have been treated better by Anna? Yes I do think she could have treated him with more respect. Do I think Howard understood how fragile Anna was and excused some of her behavior? Yes.
Do I think Howard made mistakes, Yes I do.
I do believe him to be a descent man and base my opinion on his actions. I watched him with Anna earlier years on Larry King. I liked him ever since.
I do not judge him to be a perfect person but who among us is? I got very upset the way he was treated by the media. My heart told me better. If you want to call me a fan that is okay with me. But for me it was about finding a place to interact with like thinking people. I was getting beat up pretty bad on other sites. I felt this site and QV and Art Harris a God sent.
Lucky said,

May 8th, 2007 at 11:14 am

Yes, for most of us, it is certainly our opinions. What we have gathered from interviews, talk shows, media slandering, papers, blog sites. It was not just an interest in Howard that started this explosion of sorts. I do recall a lot of so called family and close friends accusing Howard of all sorts of things publicly, over and over. These people making all these accusations were not even close to Anna and Howard for years, yet claimed they were and knew everything as if it was fact. Innocent until proven guilty, period. Maybe some have forgotten the beginning, certain people would go on TV over and over and accuse him of things, that’s what and where it all started. One cannot assume nor bash a human like what happened here. Howard was zoomed in, from these people on purpose. So its fair to say what goes around will come back to haunt you.

As far as exploiting family issues from the past. Well, I recall “so called close family and friends” doing that immediately after Daniel and Anna passed, in regard to Anna and Howard. Most of what has been done to help Howard is only in his defense to all these false accusations made of him from the beginning.

For twelve years Howard was by Anna’s side. I would like to think that if she sensed any harsh feelings from Howard that he would not have been around for so long. Come on, that says a lot in it self. She adorned him more than anyone else ever in her life. It is obvious to the naked eye. The way she looked at him, her interviews, her public appearances, what she stated in her will for her estate and children. She appointed Howard. One does not have to KNOW them personally so see it. But, if you used to be close to her and she ran you off for any reason, I could see the jealously and hate they would have toward Howard. So in all fairness, Howard did not deserve any of what was brought on him from these so called close family and friends. So many lies have been caught by things that they have said publicly. Jealousy and greed are a powerful evil.

I am a mother and I can tell you without a doubt if any of this happened to any of my children I would have gone about all this in a much different way. First I would be brave enough to admit any fault that I may have contributed and have stopped at nothing to see my children and grandchildren throughout the years. Made every and any effort to put the past behind and move forward. Positive thinking.

So for some, if they have any problem with anyone defending Howard, they should look closer for the source, that started this evil. I have gathered my thoughts and opinions from the truth and what is the right thing to do. This is not a fan site, but more of findings of what the truth is, wherever it may lay.

Good luck to all,

Michele
EJ said,

May 8th, 2007 at 11:34 am

I hate to keep sounding like a broken record, but I personally think that something very dark and sinister happened between Virgie and Anna long time ago. Virgie knows what it is as did Anna. Virgie does not want to take responsibility for any of this. She keeps bringing up drugs. I am a mother of three adult children and nothing or no one can keep me away from them. God knows they get under my skin sometimes and vice versa, but nothing could keep me away if something happened to them or their children. Even if I was upset or angry with them, I would find a way to be there for them. There is just no way my grandchild would have died and been buried without me being there. Virgie always says she couldn’t get to talk to Anna. Ok. when she appeared on CNN, it should have been to tell Anna to call her. It should have been to tell her how much she loved her, and to let her know she would move Heaven and earth to get to the Bahamas to get to her and to be able to hold her. Instead, she went on CNN to call her and Howard murderers. What a disgrace! I don’t see the geniune love between Virgie and her daughter. Now that Anna is gone, it’s very hard for people to see why Virgie is desperately trying to gain access to anything that belonged to Anna. She didn’t try to be the mother and grandmother when Anna was alive, so why now? Why didn’t she go to visit Daniel while Anna was in the Bahamas and he was in LA? I just don’t think I could go ten or twelve years and not see my children. There’s just no way. I wonder what would happen if Anna was still know as Vickie Smith instead of Anna Nicole Smith, without the fame? Would Virgie still be interested? I can answer that, heck no. One day when she gets a conscience, hopefully, she will stop and take responsibilty for her actions.
lauriv said,

May 8th, 2007 at 11:37 am

Allison,
you mention the fact that everyone has some sort of skeletons in their closet. This is very true. However Virgie seems to be of the opinion that it is ok to air Anna’s dirty laundry to anyone who will listen, yet she seems to intentionally avoid reveling anything about herself. When she went on tv to talk about Anna she came across as venemous, not very understanding at all. I am sorry, but if you love your daughter and claim she was close to her, how could she speak so vindictively about her. If she cared for her daughters needs and wants as she claims, why then does it seem she is doing everything possible to defy those wishes? Perhaps Virgie does care…but her actions and words do not in any way show that. If in fact Virgie wanted Anna buried in Tx since, as she claimed that was what Anna wanted…why did Anna bury her son in the Bahama’s? Why would a mother want to bury her daughter someplace not near the one love of her life, her son. She said she would exhume Daniel and bury him there too…why? She had not seen or talked to him for 10+ years. Why now is it necessary to bury him in a place he did not feel was his home? Who was going to pay the bill to exhume him? She stated the reason she did not visit Anna or Daniel in the Bahamas after he died was because she could not afford to. Yet who was the first person to strike a deal with a tabloid to have them pay her way to get pictures of Daniels resting place. Who jumped on the first tabloid chartered plane to get to the Bahamas after her daughter died aso she could point fingers at Howard , have her daughters funeral held up because she wanted her body to be buried in a place Anna had left and did not want to spend eternity at?
butterfly said,

May 8th, 2007 at 11:39 am

Regina -

I notice the blame is still towards HKS…Larry has DannieLynn now, why is she fighting him, if her concerns are Howard?. What grandmother delays burials, delays court hearings. ASKS THE BAHAMA JUDGE TO ALLOW DANNIELYNN TO STAY WITH HOWARD - This is what Virgie asked…and yet she says he is responsible for the deaths. You can’t have it both ways Virgie.

ANS had 9 prescriptions in her body…5 of those prescriptions were for the infection and resusitation treatment.

You say she kept her door open for Daniel.. What about the interview that she turned down to reunite with Daniel because it was not enough money?

She wants more than visitation….but yet can’t even make it to a scheduled visit with her in the Bahamas???????????????

Sorry - SHE WANTS THE MONEY and isnt going to get it nor visitation with Virgie..She opened her mouth and screwed up…THANK GOD !!
Alison said,

May 8th, 2007 at 11:47 am

E J,
See, that’s what I’m talking about. I just was making the point that these are questions that none of us has the answers to. I’m not inferring his guilt, really. I’m just saying that relationships are never black and white.
Laura P. said,

May 8th, 2007 at 11:49 am

LYNDA:

Let me explain something. If someone were to hurt one of your grown children, if they were to badger them, hound them, make a mockery of them in public, cause the down-spiraling of your son’s fiancé, and take your son’s baby away from him against his fiancé’s will, IF all these things happened to you personally, would you be so forgiving of the person who perpetrated these acts against YOUR son? Would you be so quick to forgive and forget the torment he had caused and still is causing against YOUR son?

I wouldn’t. However, let me say this. I can forgive a LOT, but the person needs to come to me and ask me for my forgiveness of them, and then, they need to show a MAJOR change in their behavior, so that I know they are truly sorry and repentant. Anyway, that is the main reason I still harp on LB. It’s because he has NOT come forward in the kind of behavior I envision. For sake of a “fantasy” about Larry Birkhead, I will paint the following movie. I apologize for its length. If others want to, they can skip over this post.

Once upon a time, one day, a man named Larry re-possessed his natural child, a little girl named Dannielynn. He took the child back from the deceased mother, even though he knew it was against her WILL. But, he just couldn’t resist all the money, all the fame, and all the glory to be gained. How could anyone resist that! He couldn’t. It’s true. Anna had never wanted to marry him, not really. He knew that, but he didn’t care. That was ok, as long as he remained in her life and had the benefits. One day Anna dumped Larry. He was shocked and couldn’t believe what she did. Now, what? What about the life he had anticipated? What about the money? What about the endless parties and fame? He hadn’t expected THAT. So, Larry became very angry, and he decided to get even, and to make her pay. As he saw things, he could be more than just her designated ‘sperm donor’. So, Larry began his fight. Boy, did he fight. He got a pit bull attorney who had no scruples and fought more! Although a little nervous, he quickly adapted to and even became elated at all the publicity. It became a game, a game to win! But, there were lives at stake here. HE didn’t care and recklessly moved on. In fact, his emails were becoming even more vitriolic. He knew he was hurting the woman. He knew her son had died, but he didn’t care. He pushed on and on….until one day, that woman died.

We know the rest of this woeful tale. Finally, Larry moved to California, where he immediately started going to all kinds of events and Hollywood parties. He couldn’t believe the invitations! He couldn’t believe HIS fame! But, nothing was ever quite ‘right’, for some reason. Although he knew he didn’t have Howard to worry about, he still was leery of him–call it fear–call it a deep inferior feeling, when compared to Howard’s attributes and integrity. It was a nagging thing, never changing, always bothering him. The more parties he attended, the more reckless he became about leaving Anna’s baby alone with the babysitter, and the more guilt he felt inside.

Larry went happily along, oblivious to those bothersome guilty pests he dusted off. But, every time he got up in the morning, he felt a heavy load, a pressure inside. It got SO bad; he hated shaving in the mornings, as he hated to look at himself. He was UNHAPPY. He had everything he wanted. He was confused. He didn’t understand why he was unhappy. He didn’t even have to put up with Anna Nicole anymore. He had it ALL, or so he thought…

Then, one night, last night, he went overboard at another Hollywood house party. His reputation was a solid “party boy” by now. And, he let it all hang out, man. What a great deal, with everyone siding with HIM and saying bad things about Howard K. Stern. His ego soared. It didn’t matter he wasn’t front page on TMZ anymore. Nothing mattered. He had it all, right? But, later in the evening, as he perched, bold and brassy, on the settee, something beyond belief transpired. An older attractive woman approached him, in an innocent enough way. Yet, there was something inconsistent about her, as if she didn’t quite fit into the surroundings somehow. It was disarming. Larry kept thinking it was the alcohol, but he wasn’t sure, so he just sat there, as if frozen in time. The woman asked if she could sit down beside him. He tentatively agreed. Thus, she began a visit of pleasantries. It was innocent enough, but then, something changed.

At first, he thought it was okay, but he could not stop her, nor stop himself. He thought, “What is she doing? What is going on? I can’t answer that, no.” She gently pressed on. He felt under her spell. He wanted to leave, but couldn’t. He felt confused and even more uncomfortable. But, this trance was unstoppable, a trance that made him FEEL the truth.

Through it all, she was holding something inside him. It was as if he was in a dream. His eyes averted hers for a moment, as he saw others in the room laughing. It was strange. They were distant, as if in a cloud. His eyes pulled back to the woman. He could only think of this woman. Her stinging, yet tender words spoke to Larry’s soul that there was much more to life than this. Time flew by, but her impression stayed. She left, it seemed so fast. She was gone from the party, and the laughter resumed, but he couldn’t see her. She was gone. She had left. He forgot to ask her name and wondered, why. Afraid to find out more, a chill came over him. Somehow, the magic of the night he had felt much earlier was gone.

Instantly, Larry felt dejected and sorrowful. He thought of his life with Anna and what he had done to her. She was ‘there’ for the taking, so he took her. Sure, he had fun, he thought, but when he knew she wanted a child, it was ‘ok’ to cooperate with that idea, wasn’t it? He couldn’t help but think, wow, he’d won the lottery with Anna! Sure, he’d be the biological dad, sure he would. Funny, but there was never a mention about a real profound love, nor serious talk of marriage. He knew Anna didn’t want strings attached, and that was ok with him….for now. In the beginning, Howard was not a bother either, but after awhile, he couldn’t stand to look at Howard.

Howard had become Larry’s CONSCIENCE…

With each passing day, Larry craved more and more what was in front of him. Anna, being notably perceptive, began to see changes in Larry. There was a dogged determination about him. He had become pensive and poker-faced. Inwardly, Larry lusted after the money and fame. Anna feared it had become “All about Larry”.

Anna reacted. With anguish, she realized too late that she had made a dreadful mistake. Without warning, she realized she wanted a marriage, but not to him, not to a man whose entire existence depended only on her wealth. She leaned more on Howard at that point, then, fear drove her onward…fear, fear, fear, until her own death.

And, this is where Larry’s guilt indubitably began to capsize. He sat stupefied. People at the party came up to him and tried to cheer him up, all to no avail. The waft of silence was deafening. He couldn’t hear anything. All he knew was that he had to leave. He had to get out of there, so he left…without a word.

It was early, about 11pm. He went straight to bed, but he couldn’t sleep. He tossed and turned with thoughts of Anna, Howard, and the baby—all the lies, the deceit, the rationalizations, all the things he’d kept inside. Moreover, he couldn’t get THAT woman out of his mind, or her gentle, yet disturbing words. He fought so hard to shake this spellbinding admonition. Finally, he slept.

He woke up the next morning and felt better. The baby had been up for awhile, but he couldn’t deal with her now. He went back to his room, feeling unsettled, the coffee burning his hand, dropped to the floor, his eyes welled up with tears, his hands coming up to his head, and all those thoughts, all the guilt swirled around. He grasped the cup tightly, as if his life depended on it but could not let go. Slowly cleaning up the mess, speckles of change disentangled his mind. As he peered into the mirror to shave, he saw someone else, not him. He realized he had grown to hate that man. He knew why. In a moment’s time, he spoke to himself, as he shaved with determination, a sheer, piercing determination.

Elated, with joy, the first person he had to see…..was Howard.

So many good things happened after this. It seemed the world was put “right”. He reconciled himself with Howard and asked for genuine forgiveness, and he proceeded to abide finally by what Anna had always wanted. He insisted they somehow share in the legal custody of Dannielynn. Howard was overjoyed. Larry made such changes that no one knew him anymore. He wasn’t fooling anyone anymore, and THAT felt good.

DISCLAIMER: Any version of the above could happen, if LB wants it to…
EJ said,

May 8th, 2007 at 11:56 am

This is such a complicated mess. I really think Howard loved Anna and Daniel more than life and this came from someone that doesn’t like him very much. Virgie is saying her daughter and grandson shouldn’t be dead because they were too young. She needs to tell God that. Who knows how old you’re suppose to be when you die? Her daughter had a history, so there.
EJ said,

May 8th, 2007 at 12:04 pm

Laura,
That story gave me chills. It seems so real.
mary said,

May 8th, 2007 at 12:15 pm

Alison, I do not understand what your point is. Are you saying we are a fan club or is it we have beliefs? What exactly is your point? I don’t think any one of us believe Howard or Anna were perfect. I think most of us are in disbelief of the way the media has conducted themselves in this tragic story. I think we are upset at a mother who is behaving the way she is but we have reasons for our convictions and they are based on facts not speculations and lies.
Could you clarify your position so we can debate on the subject. You have not really given a fact or made your position understood. Your post was filled with theories.
Thank you, Mary
angie said,

May 8th, 2007 at 12:17 pm

dear jane,

i started reading your site and qvs for a reason and that reason was the way i felt inside watching a listen and reading all of these bad things beening said about a man. the day i decided to get on the computer was because of a break i had in my heart something inside of me just keept saing this is not right. iwas a fan of annas and wacthed just about everything she had done. i to was a girl from a small town in tx and watching her make it made me fell one day i could have a good life. she made me laugh,and on her show i saw her and howard and thought ok now why are these two not toghther?? people say you don’t know how howard felt about anna, well look at things now he is the ONLY one tring to protect her!! he didn’t want to talk about the durgs on the stand but everbody else sure did. he is the only one not saing anything at all right now, tring to get a hold of things and turn them around for the sack of annas little girl. larry and her mother have done nothing but bash her from day one, is this what they want little dannielynn to grow up and hear about her mother? well i know howard dose not and thats why i truly do belive he loves her!! everything i have said to anyone about anything a have had facts and people still didn’t want to listen they just wanted to hang this man, for what loving someone to much? he took care of her will always take care of her and be watching out for little dannielynn. can you say this about anyone one else in this sad story? i don’t think so. please keep doing what you are doing i love your work and will keep coming back to read your stuff everyday no matter what it is. stay strong and be safe your new fan,
angie
mary said,

May 8th, 2007 at 12:28 pm

Lynda, great writing
mary said,

May 8th, 2007 at 12:28 pm

forgot to ask what did the women say to Larry in the story?
joni said,

May 8th, 2007 at 12:33 pm

What kind of mother stomps over her just buried daughter’s grave? What kind of grandmother lays down on her grandson’s grave to have her picture taken for a tabloid?

None that I would ever care to be aquainted with.
EJ said,

May 8th, 2007 at 12:44 pm

As a mother myself, I’ve tried to understand Virgie, but I just CANT! She is so wrong and she is going to suffer because of it, even if she doesn’t have a conscience. Only God can fix her and he will. I don’t know how and when, but he will. When he fixes things, it can be much tougher than it would be if we corrected ourselves. She has so much hatred in her heart for Howard. This is by her own admission. I would be afraid to close my eyes as night with this hatred in my heart.
EJ said,

May 8th, 2007 at 1:04 pm

Has anyone heard anything else about the hearing concerning the house in the Bahamas? That’s strange that we never see GBT’s Bahamian attorney anymore. He was always on Greta’s show. I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, God is going to make Howard’s enemies be still.
catttgirl said,

May 8th, 2007 at 1:16 pm

Alison,

Yes maybe we should all keep an open mind until all the facts are out. You are correct what do we really know about any of the players in this sad saga? After all what we really do know is what the media has reported to us. Who can keep track with what is fact from fiction in this case anymore. The only accusation that we have been bombarded with non-stop is that Howard is evil. Who lead this media campaign against Howard to portray him as evil? Wasn’t it Virgie who was the first one to go to the media with her wild accusations? These accusations is what got the ball rolling that led to the media hate campaign against Howard. Did Virgie care then whether she had her facts straight or not? How does she know how Howard felt about Daniel, or if Anna was going to marry someday? Was she in Anna’s life and did she observe for herself his feelings towards her daughter. Do you think maybe she is getting some of her information from people with an agenda? Maybe a secret you know you scratch my back I’ll scratch you back type of thing. Or is she going by her ex-sheriff instincts, maybe its a woman’s intuition, perhaps she has psychic abilities or dabbles in reading the tealeaves? Law enforcement does usually look at those closely associated with the deceased. They also go where the leads take them. Hasn’t Howard been cleared? In fact didn’t it come out that he had help with the cause of death investigation for Anna? Didn’t he provide the investigators with any information when asked to? Doesn’t sound like someone with something to hide.

As far as the interview with Bonnie that you call fluff and had a problem with I personally think it is great to see a sister defend her brother. To me it says a lot about the type of people they are. How could that be offensive? Unless you never had that then maybe it is strange to see such family loyalty towards one another.

So Alison we should all refrain from forming an opinion until this saga plays out in court. At the same time the parties involved should stop trying to use the media to manipulate for support for their side. Yet the only party so far who has done that non-stop was all of the Howard bashers.
Kristina said,

May 8th, 2007 at 2:14 pm

Dear Laura P.
Just read your post, marked # 143. Wow!
Yes, would that …………………….
Laura P. said,

May 8th, 2007 at 2:18 pm

KRISTINA:

Please go get the book, “Never be sick again”. I will help you, really. I know him personally. My daughter went to him. Go to:
http://www.beyondhealth.com/
Raymond Francis is an MIT scientist who came very close to death and recovered. Good luck.
Laura P. said,

May 8th, 2007 at 2:33 pm

MARYST:

Ohhhhhhhh, yes, indeed. Virgie put the idea “out there” for all the world to hear, but it was Anna whose mind she pierced with those harsh words. She might as well have stuck a knife in her daughter, for she couldn’t have rejected her more than that. It was a VERY evil act, what that woman did. Maryst, you made me think more about that, and Anna must have felt. The public heard those vile words, but they stayed with Anna. It was more than a self-fulfilling prophecy for Virgie. She willed Anna’s death….to prove she was “right”. That woman is deranged. There is NO doubt about it.
Laura P. said,

May 8th, 2007 at 2:54 pm

ALLISON:

Regarding your post #133, it is true, we do not know ALL the facts. But, I can’t figure you out. Are you not reading our posts, or what? Virgie is pursuing financial control of the baby. What does that tell you? Anna, in her own words, had contempt for Virgie and never wanted her to “touch that baby”. What does that tell you? Are you in denial, or are you related to Virgie?

I agree the Media was judgmental. I wish they had reported DAY 1, and let it go at that. Then, we wouldn’t be talking right now, which would be good. I would also suggest you read Butterfly’s post #141.
jimi said,

May 8th, 2007 at 2:55 pm

Dear Jane, Thanks again for providing such a professional, educational site. I really enjoy coming here. Unlike some blogs i visited… well, yours and AH are the very best. I know I can TRUST the information you put into your editorials. If you feel the facts are incorrect, your not too big to admit it and correct such information. ” SOME PEOPLE” that come calling.. well, they seem to have an AX TO GRIND” ,so to speak. Trying to CHALLENGE and COMPETE with the host is not appropiate. WE are adults here and have our own values. I am not likely to give mine up since I am an old lady!!!! To the small few of unhappy visitors….If you don’t like the music….well,change the channel. I am not a ‘fan’, I am a friend. Regards,j
joni said,

May 8th, 2007 at 3:01 pm

Yes Freida, I had a teacher, a very mean and abusive one, but I refused to be like him.
Fran CA said,

May 8th, 2007 at 3:03 pm

Laura P, awesome script scenario on Larry B and a possibility to manifest itself;
Maryst - your posts are to the point and enlightening - great stuff;
EJ - your posts are interesting, thought provoking and analytical - good job.

Vergie is truly an evil person as evidenced by what she projected onto Anna when she was a child and growing up. Anna’s life attests to Virgie’s behavior and care taking abilities.
Laura P, share your movie script on Virgie - would be a great read!
Kristina said,

May 8th, 2007 at 3:13 pm

Dear Laura P.
I went to and bookmarked the link you recommended. Thank you, that was sweet of you. I WILL surf it carefully. In the past, I’ve defied conventional medicine often, in fact, for sure, I have saved and extended Mummy’s life.
Though some problems do not respond to Mind Over Matter, including the best of biofeedback, chelation therapy, Ta-Chi, and herbs and such.

By the way, I was thinking. The DS and ANS saga could be spun beneficially:
For example: How about pressuring the media to research and expose cases of drug-interactions, and the cumulative, toxic effects of long-term drug use?
Kristina said,

May 8th, 2007 at 3:40 pm

Ah, I saw this by “Butterfly” over at
http://annanicoleandhowardkstern.com/2007/05/07/twisted-branches-anna-nicoles-family-tree/#comments

and cannot resist copy/pasting this following part of her post

“And the last legal issue?
Who gets the money. What Anna Nicole’s will does is leave to her daughter the value of any claims in the dispute over the estate of [J. Howard Marshall II, her dead billionaire husband. How that estate will be divided is still tied up in litigation]. This will is fairly interesting. It was prepared in California when Anna Nicole was a resident of Los Angeles County. It leaves everything in trust to Howard K. Stern for the benefit of [her now dead son] Daniel Wayne Smith and names Howard K. Stern as the guardian of Daniel Wayne. This raises an interesting issue because the will also refers to “my children” in the plural. It is possible that the court in the Bahamas might look at this provision and see that even though the little girl was not born at the time, the fact that Anna Nicole used the term “children” means that she intended for Howard K. Stern to be the guardian of Daniel and also guardian of any child born afterward.”

Yes, I would like to see that happening. Yes, here is to hoping that Howard K Stern will be Dannielynn’s guardian.
And regardless of what he said on the stand in Florida, I hope that he will ACCEPT a reasonable fee for managing Anna Nicole’s estate.
Howard K Stern deserves to be reimbursed for his hard work, and deserves to remain in Dannielynn’s life.
EJ said,

May 8th, 2007 at 3:53 pm

Fran,
Thanks. You’ve made some interesting points yourself. I am thrilled to be able to post in the midst of so many fantastic people that have compassion for their fellowman. And of course, I can’t say enough about Jane Devin, the bomb.
maryst said,

May 8th, 2007 at 4:08 pm

#
Laura P. said,
she willed Anna’s death….to prove she was “right”. That woman is deranged. There is NO doubt about it.
It is sad but I have seen an evil women do this to 2 of her step children. It is evil at its deepest core. This women IMO is evil to the bone. This women knew how to push the buttons of a very fragile girl and I think others did too but I will not go there (LB, Opri)
What amazes my husband and myself is the way Howard handled Anna, we deeply respect him. He shows good example. We believe deeply he would not do any thing to hurt her and always protected her. VA said on Greta, I really think she hates Howard because he loved Anna in the way he did. She never had that kind of love.
She knew how to push Anna and push she did.
It is very sad, very, very, very sad the only thing that makes me be able to deal with this is my firm belief Anna and Daniel are in a better place.
I miss Anna, my family enjoyed her so much, she made us laugh. My husband is sad too.

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The Virgie Arthur Story: Where Are the Journalists?

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Laura P. said,

Amybtru said,

Jane Devin said,

A. Bar said,