When I think of the St. Patrick’s Day influence on pop culture I think of a cereal, a bar of soap, and a film starring Jennifer Aniston.

Who can forget the movie Leprechaun from 1993? What a difference 16 years makes, especially when it comes to Jennifer Aniston’s career.

Click here to watch the movie trailer.

Then there is that bar of soap that leaves you feeling “Clean as a whistle”. Irish Spring has changed a lot since their retro TV commercials. Visit GetIrishNow.com  and they’ll teach you how to meet a lass, defend her honor and even show you how to get a raise.

Blue diamonds, green clovers… that yummy high fructose corn syrup mixed with Red Dye #40. According to Wikipedia Lucky Charms Cereal has been referenced in pop culture media many times. From the films Leprechaun Back 2 tha Hood, Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery, to TV Shows like Family Guy, and the Simpsons. There’s even a song entitled Lucky Charms by The Moldy Peaches.

There are so many great movies out there with an Irish theme, some subtle and some blatant as the Blarney Stone.

For the John Wayne enthusiast there’s The Quiet Man with one of my favorite actresses Maureen O’Hara.

Who could forget Far & Away  starring Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman. Remember when they were the paparazzi’s favorite couple? Wow that does seem far and away now doesn’t it?

If you’re a Boondock Saints fan I’m sure you’ll be popping in your DVD to watch Sean Patrick Flanery  and Norman Reedus. Don’t forget to show off your favorite Boondock Saints T from Hot Topic.

Let’s listen to Van Morrison, who is a Northern Irish singer-songwriter, sing the title song from his album in 1972, Saint Dominic’s Preview.

We could have an entire site devoted to the Irish in pop culture. I end this post with a song by The Pogues. Play it this Tuesday Morning. Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Jennifer Gimenez is an international model, actress, and producer. She is an inspirational woman in the entertainment industry with an exotic look, years of modeling experience, and a passion for life.

She has worked in films such as Blow, Vanilla Sky, and Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle.

Her television appearances have included The Young and the Restless, The Bold and the Beautiful, Karen Sisco, and VH1’s new reality series Sober House.

After watching the trailer for Sober House, I wanted to find out more about this talented and passionate woman. She is “quickly emerging as one of Hollywood’s brightest talents”. Here’s my interview with Jennifer Gimenez:

HIH: According to IMDb, you were discovered at age 14 and became the youngest model to be on the cover of American Elle. What was it like being so young in such a demanding industry?

Jennifer: You know I want to start by saying how blessed I’ve been to be given the life I have. Modeling taught me so much. Yes, it was demanding in every aspect. From weight to how I looked, it all mattered. It’s a fast life, so if you don’t have your head on right you can get lost quick. I had my mom with me at all times. I’m so lucky for her. The pressures can really get to anyone and when you just begin to develop as a young woman it’s a bit overwhelming. I had a great team behind me from my mom, dad and family to agents.

HIH: You’ve been in quite a few music videos for artists like Prince, 2Pac Shakur, and Mick Jagger. You’ve worked with big names in film like Johnny Depp and Tom Cruise. These are not only talented performers but very sexy men. Were you at all star-struck with any of them?

Jennifer: Working with mega famous, sexy and super talented men has been a stroke of good luck for me. I was definitely in awe. The one who I was very shy next to was Tom Cruise. All of them took me off guard for a minute, I mean wouldn’t you be? I do have to say they were all very generous and kind to me. They made me feel very comfortable around them.

HIH: How has your Argentinean heritage affected your career?

Jennifer: Well in the beginning it wasn’t common for “models to have the exotic look”. I believe I was part of the ethnic barrier being broken. Also I am a woman with curves. Hello I’m Latin! Before I used to be insecure about it, today I embrace it!

HIH: Was your experience on VH1’s new series Sober House the first time you had the title of House Manager?

Jennifer: Yes, I was given the opportunity to be a part of Dr. Drew’s team after having battled many of the same experiences that the house residents would have to endure. I’ve been where they’ve been. The only difference is that my early recovery was not put out there for the whole world to view. That just blows me away how courageous these people are.

I was brought on based on my recovery and I am and have been in the entertainment/fashion industry since the age of 14. I have gone to any lengths to get better. That also included not working for 3 years. I just focused on getting a foundation in my life. So Dr. Drew and the producers thought it would be great for me to help these guys. I get what it’s like.

HIH: On your MySpace page under the Interests section you mentioned surfing and being ONE with the universe. I think many people that wrestle with addictions are tricked into believing that their drug of choice can bring that feeling. Do you have any advice for viewers struggling with addiction?

Jennifer: The only message I have is “hope”, that there is a solution. If a girl like me can do it, I promise you, you can too. There are 12 Step programs, rehabs, therapy and doctors that can help. I was just sick and tired of being sick and tired. I had to finally surrender.

Have you ever felt that you either couldn’t live and or couldn’t die, and was stuck in the middle (I call it…hell)? I’ve been there. This is a disease that not only kills your body and mind but your spirit. I am a member of a 12 Step program and I am in recovery today. I use to think that was for losers. But I had such a spiritual bottom that I was willing to try anything.

I had finally surrendered. It had been a process. Some days are better than others. I am a human being today instead of a human doing.

I have a wonderful woman that is my sponsor. Women for me have been my saving grace. Oh how much I love and honor you women. I am no longer alone in my journey of life. I have great relationships with my mom, brother, boyfriend, family and friends. I am a woman with integrity, grace, and dignity. I believe every human being has some loved one, relative, friend, or themselves that has to deal with the disease of alcoholism and drug addiction.

With hope comes faith and through faith comes the will to live… Please don’t give up.

HIH: The preview trailer for Sober House looks intense. I’m sure the task of managing celebs in recovery was difficult. Many moons ago I was a Squad Leader in Army boot camp so I can relate to the difficult part, but did you take any fun memories with you?

Jennifer: This show on recovery was intense, both emotionally and physically draining. I would do it all over again though. I have so many great memories. When I heard, after all the drama had just occurred, that Andy Dick was coming in the house I was like, “Hells no, I’m out!,” just because, I believed the media on him. Andy ended up becoming my angel and the person I identified the most with. We instantly hit it off. We just laughed and laughed, cried a bit, and laughed. He encouraged me to refocus on my acting career. Till this day he and I are super close. We talk 3 to 4 times a day. I love him.

We were being filmed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week so there was a month full of memories that will last a lifetime with all the residents. I spent numerous intimate moments with Seth, Nikki, Mary, Rodney, Amber, Steven, and Andy. What you won’t see is that I developed friendships with the crew and production staff.

HIH: You mentioned you’ve lost weight since the taping of Sober House. Congratulations! How did you do it?

Jennifer: After The Sober House I realized I was in the next phase of my life. I must be clean in every area of life. I had been working so hard on the inside that it was time for me to have my outside meet my insides. I started walking then jogging/ running on the treadmill on my own. Now I’ve been working with Eric Pakel. He is a teacher and trainer. He’s taught me a new way to approach my mental and physical health and state of mind. I am learning that exercise has to be an introspective process, just like getting sober was. This weight battle thus far is the hardest thing I’ve overcome. Not eating or eating out of emotions is a no no for me today. Balance is the key. I’ve lost 50 pounds, image use to be everything to me. God is running the show not me.

HIH: What’s next for Jennifer Gimenez in 2009?

I am so excited for the future, the sky’s the limit. I hope to continue acting and modeling. I also look forward to producing as well., although my recovery always comes first.

Visit Jennifer’s official website http://www.jenngimenez.com/

Check out http://VH1.com for showtimes, and more information about Sober House.

Unlike our costume choice that can be thrown into the costume box until next year, we’re stuck with whoever moves into the White House. We can easily take off that itchy blue wig, or wash off the green witch paint, but it’s a long 4 years if we pick the wrong candidate.

While searching the net for informative answers to my political questions I came across this video of celebs telling us to vote by telling us not to vote.  Confused? Click the pic and see for yourself:

PSA produced by Leonardo DiCaprio’s company