Today is Monday, Aug. 4, the 217th day of 2008. There are 149 days left in the year.

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Jeff Gordon, 37; Daniel Dae Kim, 40; Billy Bob Thornton, 53; Richard Belzer, 64

Last week marked a fairly momentous occasion in the annals of pop culture: It was 40 years ago that McDonald's introduced the Big Mac.

Latter-day Saint film and theater people who have read the Book of Mormon all their lives know it's in there somewhere. In addition to its religious content, the volume of sacred scripture that members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe was translated from ancient records by church founder Joseph Smith, contains the raw material to create a really good movie, or possibly a classic play. It just does. The stories and characters are too rich, too involving , too rooted in familiar relatable emotions, to remain untapped forever. 

NEW YORK -- A person involved in the negotiations for pictures of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's newborn twins says the rights have fetched $14 million.

Dear Carolyn:

NEW YORK -- When Katherine Heigl opens her mouth, people listen. They don't always like what they hear.

My best friend's boyfriend has made our friendship almost nonexistent. He's very controlling and he doesn't let her do anything without his permission. I miss her, but she won't listen to anybody about his behavior, and she claims they love each other. I just want her back. What should I do? -- Nina, 17, Hazel Park, Mich.

It's hard to tell a friend that you don't like her boyfriend. But talk to her -- tell her that you miss her and that you're worried about her losing her independence. Focus on your concern and pain, and try not to accuse her of anything. Say "I'm so happy that you're in love -- but I really miss you. Is there a reason we've stopped hanging out since you started dating him?" She might get upset or defensive, and if she gives you a hard time, you may want to back off for a while. But you're right to be concerned about this situation, Nina: Controlling behavior is one of the signs of an abusive boyfriend (or girlfriend), so make it clear to your friend that you'll always be there to listen. If her boyfriend's behavior doesn't change, or if she mentions that he's acting in other dangerous ways -- like constantly checking up on her, calling her names, threatening her or pushing and hitting her -- you should encourage her to go to a trusted adult (like a parent, a favorite teacher or your school's guidance counselor). She can also call the National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline at 866-331-9474 to get support and information about finding help in her area. Hopefully after you talk to her, she'll see what's happening and stop asking for his permission to hang out with you. In the meantime, be nice to yourself by seeking out new friendships. It will involve some extra work to meet new people, but it will be worth it.

I get self-conscious about my acne. My breakouts make me feel stressed, plus I scar, which gives me an uneven skin tone. Help! -- Tiffany, 15, Cleveland

You're not alone, Tiffany -- so many teens get acne, ranging from occasional breakouts to painful cysts. But even more painful than the acne can be the emotional toll it takes. We don't want acne to keep you from enjoying your life. So ask your parents to take you to a dermatologist, a doctor who specializes in skin care. She will help you find the right treatment for your acne and your scarring, from creams to gels to prescription medicine. (Also ask the dermatologist what brands of makeup or makeup ingredients are best for your skin, then consider trying the products for free at a department store. It may sound shallow, but sometimes a little bit of cover-up or foundation can make a huge difference in helping you feel good. And there's nothing shallow about feeling good about yourself!) You will most likely outgrow your acne eventually; until then, do things that make you feel self-confident, and surround yourself with people who love you for who you are inside and don't judge you for what's on the outside.

My dream is to be a model, but my parents don't support it at all. How can I achieve my dream without them being upset? -- Nicole, 18, Houston

Your parents are probably looking out for your best interests. They want you to be happy, and they may think that modeling is not the path to happiness. But any dream you really want is worth rocking the boat for -- and when your parents see that you're serious, they'll likely come around. So take the time to prove to your parents that you're committed to this dream: Research the profession to find out how to get started, how well it pays and what kinds of sacrifices you may have to make to be successful. Modeling isn't just about being pretty and wearing awesome clothes: You have to be able to handle rejection and cheerfully endure hundreds of "go-sees" for jobs (that may not even lead to bookings). It can be tiresome and discouraging in the beginning! If you feel you can handle that, then approach a reputable agency to see if its representatives think you have potential. If they do, present all the facts to your parents. Say you appreciate their concern, let them know you have a backup plan (like you'll keep going to school as you model on the side!), and tell them that one of the most important secrets to your success will be their support.

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