Just when you thought you’d seen it all when it comes to Michael Jackson’s odd behavior, he goes and outdoes himself … in spades. Jacko stepped out into public view in LA this week to do some antiquing and was snapped wearing a pair of slippers, a light blue tunic, a head wrap, his trademark fedora hat — and a Zorro mask. Meh, on second thought … when it comes to Wacko Jacko, this sounds pretty standard … behold:

He has never lacked creativity when it comes to fashioning a ‘disguise’. But Michael Jackson’s latest effort is remarkable, even by his standards. With his trademark trilby hat and a black eye mask, the troubled 50-year-old looked a dead ringer for Zorro. However, his lower half was not quite in keeping with the theme. Instead of a cape and boots, he opted for slippers and a bright blue tunic. Intentional or not, one thing was clear; it didn’t work. In fact, if the singer had wanted to escape any unwanted attention, he only succeeded in doing the exact opposite. A crowd of bemused onlookers gathered and watched on as Jackson wandered around the streets visiting an antiques shop. His rather odd choice of outfit was not the first time he has attempted to go incognito … In his hand this time around Jackson appeared to be holding a copy of the reality television show The Jacksons Are Coming, made about his brothers and their move to Devon last summer. Meanwhile, it has also been revealed the singer is arranging an auction at which he plans to sell off some of his personal memorabilia. Among the items on sale is the iconic white glove the star wore in his 1983 video for Billie Jean. The five-day auction will take place in Beverly Hills in April. Auctioneer Darren Julien said that Jackson was not being forced to sell the items rather he was doing it of ‘free will’. Last month he was also taken to court by an Arab sheik, who claimed the singer owed his millions of pounds for pulling out of a music contract. In November he also lost ownership of his Neverland ranch in California.

Um … what the hell is going on with those cardboard babies in the backseat of his car? The outfit is atrocious but, the more I think about it, it’s pretty par for the course … but the babies? That’s really freakin’ weird, y’all. I am so astounded by the way this man operates … like, what can the thought process be that makes him think that going out in public looking like this is normal? I honestly doubt that he does it for the attention (well, mebbe he does it for a little attention) but I cannot understand the why. In the end, mebbe it’s not for us to understand … mebbe it’s more for us to enjoy from afar — very afar. Lawd, he is SO WEIRD!

[Photo credit: National Photo Group; Source]

People magazine is reporting that partygirl extraordinaire Tara Reid has willfully and voluntarily checked herself into rehab. Choosing the Promises Treatment Center in Malibu, CA, Reid’s publicist asks the media to “respect her and her family’s privacy at this time” by issuing a press release to the most popular, most celeb-friendly magazine. Ummm:

Tara Reid is in rehab, her rep tells PEOPLE exclusively. “Tara Reid has checked herself into Promises Treatment Center. We appreciate your respect to her and her family’s privacy at this time,” the actress’s rep Jack Ketsoyan tells PEOPLE. The rep would not reveal what Reid, 33, is being treated for. A friend of the troubled actress says she headed to the treatment facility on Tuesday. “Her friends and family are supportive of her decision,” says the friend. “She checked in herself – it was her decision.” It is unclear if Reid, who launched the fashion line Mantra in September, will spend the holidays at Promises.

The first thought that occurred to the skeptic in me was that we’ve not heard from or seen Tara Reid in quite some time (neither on film or merely out in public) and that this decision to go to rehab is merely a ploy to get attention. When you consider that she chose to get help at the Promises Treatment Center in Malibu, CA (basically rated as a 5 star resort), well, it does seem a wee bit suspect. But then again … perhaps the fact that we’ve not seen her out in public means that she’s been quietly battling her addictions out of public view. Mebbe choosing a cushier rehab center like Promises is a way to ease into getting help? At this point, we can’t be sure if either scenario is true. I, for one, sincerely hope that — if Tara is really serious about getting help — she does get the help that she needs. I still remember that sweet and innocent Tara Reid that we got to know and love when she broke on the scene all those years ago (circa the Josie and the Pussycats era). Get well soon, Tara! Here’s hoping you are finally on the path to health and prosperity.

[Photo credit: Splash News; Source]