Friday, August 29, 2008

Meow



I'm sure this story will end up being just another rumor. However, I would certainly be very excited if it turned out to be true:

The 62-year-old singer and actress is reported to be in talks to play Catwoman opposite Christian Bale in the third Batman film from British director Christopher Nolan.

The Oscar-winner will join a cast that includes Johnny Depp as The Riddler as she plays the whip-carrying burglar.

A studio executive said: "Cher is Nolan's first choice to play Catwoman. He wants to portray her like a vamp in her twilight years.

If that casting choice were to be true, I'm confidant that Christopher Nolan would make sure that, like Heath Ledger's Joker, a "twilight" catwoman character would be dark, complex and interesting.

Plus, I love me some Cher!

I've enjoyed most of the catwoman portayals over the years. Eartha Kitt, Julie Newmar, Lee Meriweather and, visually, Halle Berry.

However, my favorite so far, has been Michelle Pfeiffer.



I think she was great and that Warner Bros. made a HUGE mistake not immediately making a Catwoman movie with her in it.

I bet even Halle Barry was thinking that after her Catwoman movie dropped immediately into the critical litter box.

If only she could turn back time...

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Things to do


As you may have already heard, Dave Freeman, the author of 100 Things To Do Before You Die, died this week from an accidental fall in his home at the age of 47. It is, yet, another example of the fact that you'll generally get no warning when your time is done here on this planet.

So, as we've all heard a million times in the past, it's best to live the kind of life you want now, rather than pinning all of your hopes, dreams and desires for a "one of these days" future time ("I'll try to do it tomorrow...", "Maybe I can find time next month", "Hopefully next year..", "Definitely when I retire...", etc) that you may not actually end up being around to see.

JoeMyGod blog posted an open thread for comments from people about what they would like to do before they die. I always find the responses to these kinds of questions fascinating. Some people want to acquire more material things, others want to find love, many want to travel and others want to ease emotional burdens, whether it is their own...or someone elses.

There was one comment, in particular, that stood out to me...

I would like to awaken and free the soul of a person who is dead inside...

I love the thought, kindness and hope that this person's statement evokes.

I pray, for each of their hearts and souls, that he is successful.

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

A clear message



Now, THAT was an inspirational moment!

I thought Hilary Clinton did an amazing job last night. It's a shame that she's not still in the running, but I think she found a way to speak to all of her die-hard supporters about not letting their disappointment prevent them from continuing to back the Democrats and, ultimately, Barack Obama.

She certainly has a way with words.

I don't think I've been as moved by a speech since THIS woman spoke in Georgia many years ago...



I still get chills.

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

The Closet

Thanks to JoeMyGod for posting this touching short film (about 2 1/2 minutes long). It goes to show that a film doesn't need a lot of dialogue or spectacular visual effects to affect an audience on an emotional level.

They had me at "Hello".



Also, the one little boy looks like a young Angelina Jolie.

I'm glad scientists have moved forward with cloning her.

It's a good thing.

Monday, August 25, 2008

Dancing with Frau Blucher



This should be a very interesting season of "Dancing with the Stars"....

Susan Lucci, Toni Braxton and Lance Bass will hit the floor on ABC's "Dancing With the Stars."

The other contestants are Cloris Leachman, Kim Kardashian, Ted McGinley, Brooke Burke, NFL champ Warren Sapp, Misty May-Treanor, Maurice Greene, chef Rocco DiSpirito, Cody Linley of "Hannah Montana" and comedian Jeffrey Ross.


Some very interesting choices, with Lance Bass (will he have a male or female dance partner), Susan Lucci (Kain Erica boogie?) and Ted McGinley (that guy's got a painting aging for him in a closet somewhere). However, none of them can compete with THE firecracker that is now within their dancing midst.....



Cloris Leachman!!

She is one of the funniest women on this planet and, no matter how old she gets, continues to keep working with the energy and enthusiasm of people half her age. Honestly, I don't know how she keeps going year after year, but I'm glad that she does.

Who can forget her in "High Anxiety" as the titular Nurse Diesel...



And, of course...."Young Frankenstein" as the hilarious Frau Blucher.



If they could just make Beverly Leslie her dancing partner on the show...I think they'd stand a good chance to win.



Well, well, well....

Friday, August 22, 2008

Da' bomb



We've all seen this phenomenon take place and, some of you (and you know who you are!) have willingly participated.

Photo-bombing.

I found this site, PhotoBombers, full of pictures of people who, while having their picture taken, end up having someone move in to ruin the shot.





They're actually pretty funny and, judging from the array of photos, usually involve "bombers" who have had a little bit to drink.

Shocking.

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Color my world



I miss fall back east.

As I ponder my flight options to visit the family back in Ohio, I found myself looking over photos that I took of Columbus during my visit last year. Although I'm from a much smaller town, I had decided to spend a few days in Columbus because several friends and magazine articles had recommended it and, although I grew up in the state, I had never checked it out.



I had forgotten what a nice surprise it was to get there in time to see the leaves changing color. It has always been my favorite time of the year and, living in California for as long as I have, I often find myself longing for those crisp, cool days of autumn.





As a kid, fall used to signify the start of a new school year (we lived in the country, so I always looked forward to heading back to see my friends). Picking out my new lunch box (I'm sure my Partridge Family selection has finally rusted down to a nice pile of dust in my parents attic by now), buying new school clothes and supplies (I still get a little excited each year when I see them all displayed at the local drug store) and standing out in the driveway those brisk early mornings waiting for the bus to appear in the distance.





When you're a kid, you usually just want to get through school, move as far away from home as possible and become the successful adult you always dreamed you'd be.

But, there are days when I wish that life was simpler, people were friendlier, the world was less emotionally toxic and that I could turn back the clock for a few hours to be that innocent, wide-eyed kid again.

Where my biggest worry was whether everyone could see the pimple in the middle of my forehead (they could) and, if they did, would they laugh (they would).



But, on those days...I would just take my frown out to the playground, sit on the teeter-totter and look at the natural quilt of color that surrounded me and, for whatever reason, I knew that it would all be okay.

And...it was.

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

But, wait...there's more!

A couple of updates on a few postings that I've done recently....



Here is a message from Ellen on her Web site, regarding her recent wedding...



She sounds really happy and is as funny as ever.

I'll have to record the show when she comes back on in September.

And, regarding the Bigfoot bonanza that took place last week...

The body turned out to be rubber, and the two men who claimed that they found it, Matthew Whitton and Rick Dyer, have admitted that it was a costume, said a posting Tuesday on the Web sites of Searching for Bigfoot Inc. and Squatchdetective.

Wow...someone really made that whole thing up?!

But, they had a press conference.

And a freezer.

Dumbasses.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

A plunging neckline



Should one wear open-toed shoes with this look?

Michael Phelps, "he-who-must-win-medals", is on the cover of the new Sports Illustrated magazine that is about to hit newsstands soon. It is a take on the infamous Mark Spitz photo from 1972.



Both men are certainly top-notch athletes and should be very proud of their amazing accomplishments. It's one thing to dream of being in the Olympics (I wanted to be an Olympic gymnast, but lacked the skill, dedication and limited TV watching that was required), but it is an entirely different thing to actually train hard enough to eventually realise that dream.



As nice as Phelps' J-Lo-inspired look from SI is above...I think I prefer this Time magazine cover shot better.

All that red in the SI shot makes him look, although bejeweled to the tits, a bit too Skreech from "Saved by the Bell" to me.

Monday, August 18, 2008

I now pronounce you...



It's the Degennerossi's!

I appears that Ellen and Portia got married this weekend:

Chat show host Ellen DeGeneres and actress Portia de Rossi were married following an intimate ceremony in the grounds of their LA home.

Fewer than 20 of the couple's family and friends gathered at sunset for the civil service ceremony.

I'm really happy for them, but kind of surprised that they had only 20 people at the ceremony. I mean, it's not like Scott Baio and Soliel Moon Frye got hitched....it's ELLEN.

She's got a heapin' helpin' of celebrity friends and hangers-on...you'd think the wedding party alone would be over 20.

Maybe they had a ginormous reception at Dodger Stadium.



I'm sure the tabloids will poop out every intimate detail over the next few weeks.

Until then...congrats ladies!

Friday, August 15, 2008

Big shoes to fill



If a Sasquatch naps in the freezer, does anyone hear it snore?

According to this story on CNN.com, some bigfoot researchers (I should have majored in that in college) have claimed to have, not only seen one of the hairy beasts of yore, but to have captured one...

Matthew Whitton and Rick Dyer, a pair of Bigfoot-hunting hobbyists from north Georgia, say they found the creature's body in a wooded area and spotted several similar creatures that were still alive.

The carcass of the furry half-man, half-ape is 7 feet, 7 inches tall and weighs more than 500 pounds, they say. However, the two are not disclosing the exact location of their discovery to protect the remaining creatures.

According to a written release, the two announced the discovery on an Internet radio show, "Squatch Detective," several weeks ago.


I can't wait for that radio show to make its obvious transition to TV as "Squatch Detective: SBU: Special Bigfoot Unit", starring John Lithgow and Martika.

The guys who discovered the creature claim that they will reveal the evidence today in California. At the time of this entry, CNN.com is featuring the "Live Story Developing" press conference with the discovery team.

So far, it all sounds very suspect (one of the guys has a hand wound and, when asked about it, just said "I was shot" and left it at that.) and, my guess, it will turn out to be a big hoax or some kind of elaborate viral marketing campaign.

It's like the press is interviewing the real Beverly Hillbillies...I wish granny would step up to the podium.

To my knowledge and based on all my years of researching this very topic, this is the only documented evidence of an actual encounter with a Bigfoot...

Of course, it was recorded by a rogue team of space aliens, so there is no way to verify their sources.

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Go USA!



The US gymnastics team is very proud of their bronze medals. As they should be...

It's a shame they don't work out more.

I'm sorry...I mean, it's a shame I don't work out more.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Someone's been working out



Mabel, is the heat on?

JustJared posted some pictures of Jake Gyllenhaal from the set of his new movie "The Prince of Persia". I believe the movies is based on a popular video game, so that would explain why Jake is all muscle-mary'd out.

He certainly didn't always have that body...



I'm sure the extreme heat on the set in Morocco helped him sweat off a few pounds. And maybe a little personal training here and there before filming.



Plus, I'm sure that Reese Witherspoon cooked up nothing but veggies and tofu during his months of research for the role.

I hear that the Hollywood couples do that for each other.

I need to find a Hollywood couple to do that for me.

I wonder if Mark Wahlberg and his girlfriend have the time....

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

It's what's inside that counts



I'm still not sure how I feel about all of this...

This past weekend, I went to the California Science Center to see the "Body Worlds 3" exhibit. I've seen the promotional posters for it posted all over the city for months. I'd heard it was an amazing experience and that the displays were, at times, life-altering.

Being mostly squeamish about any movie or TV show that features graphic operations or dismemberments of any kind, I was a bit hesitant to go. But, like most things, I'm willing to at least give it a try.

It was...memorable.



It certainly gives a fascinating and detailed view of the inner-workings of our bodies and, likely, the closest most of us will ever come to looking that deeply "inside" ourselves (if we're lucky).

But, I have to admit....it was a bit creepy at times. Knowing that they are all (or were) real people and that their bodies are now dissected and on display for all to see is a bit odd.

Especially when you look at their faces up close...

It was educational, for sure, but something I doubt I'll ever subject myself to again in this lifetime.

Has anyone else seen it?

If so...thoughts?

Monday, August 11, 2008

Olympics Opening Ceremony



I wish I had recorded this...

I kind of forgot that the Olympics were about to start up and, after looking at this photo spread on Boston.com, I really regret not paying more attention.

It looks amazing!







I think I may have to check the interbots and see if I can find some video coverage of the event.

I hear that is where all the kids get their information these days.

Friday, August 8, 2008

Heel clicking

The daily news in this country can really be a downer...



These are the current headlines on the homepage of CNN.com:

Edwards admits to extramarital affair
Mexican cartels grow pot in U.S. national forests
Ticker: Antichrist Obama in McCain ad?
CNNMoney: Stocks end the week with a bang
Russian, Georgian troops in fierce fighting
iReport.com: Georgians 'anxious' about war
Afghan 'surge' may not be enough, general says
China's president declares Olympics open
Detroit mayor faces new felony charges
Mom lied about missing tot's call, cops say
Dead girl, 5, left last message for family
Zakaria: Raw power and self-interest in Pakistan
Glenn Beck : Drive naked, save America
Wedding-day disasters didn't stop 'I dos'
Ghostly image caught on security cam
CNN Wire: Russia takes fight to Tbilisi

It's a wonder people are able to get out of bed each morning and go about their day with any kind of hope.

I know that times have changed. The world has changed. Views have changed. Yearning for a simpler time may not be realistic to some, but I have to wonder if, overall, people felt more optimistic and positive many years ago.

I saw this comedy clip on the "Alternate ending to the Wizard of Oz" and, as funny as it is, it's probably exactly how a modern day Dorothy would react within that classic film.



Our beloved Dorothy with the mouth of a truck driver.

Welcome to 2008!

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Matt Locke



Did anyone watch the "Design Star" finale on Sunday?

As you know, I enjoy watching this series each year when it's on. The past two seasons, I was really rooting for the person who actually won. This year, I felt that the best candidate, all around, was Trish and she was the last to be eliminated before the final two were chosen.

Disappointing.

It's not to say that the final two, Matt and Jennifer, were not talented....they were. But, Trish had a natural hosting ability and could design, where Matt and Jennifer had somewhat passable hosting abilities and each was strong as a designer.

I won't ruin the finale for anyone, in case you still have it sitting on your DVR right now. But, if you did watch the finale, AfterElton has a really good interview with Matt Locke. He talks about the competition, his renewed bond with his family, what happened to the missing Mickey V during the finale, and his current relationship.

Very insightful.

Regardless of who won, both of the final contestants were nice people and, to me, that is important and offers a ray of hope during these times of nasty reality shows and awful people whoring themselves out for 15 minutes of fame, regardless of the chaos and pain they cause the people around them.

In my soul, I always want good people to triumph over bad.

I know it may not be realistic or the way the world is today...but I still hold hope for it every day.

Is that so wrong?

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

That wrinkly white-haired dude

I've never really been a big fan of Paris Hilton.

However, her response to John McCain using her in his latest assinine "Barack is a celebrity" ad is very entertaining.

See more funny videos at Funny or Die

Of course, I'm sure the "Funny or Die" team had a little bit to do with it (they make some hilarious videos).

See you at the debates, bitches.

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Money changes everything



I'd like to be the additional card member on all of her accounts...

TV Guide is about to release their annual star salary survey and, topping the list again is Ms. Oprah Winfrey making a paltry $385 million dollars a year.

And, I believe, that is just the money she makes on TV-related properties.

I just got the vapors.

I've always dreamed that someone that wealthy would just give me a million dollars, just as an experiment, to see what I might do with it. I mean, would Oprah really notice only making $384 million one year?

I think not....

Here are a few of the runners up on the list...

Simon Cowell (Mr. American Idol) makes $50 million.

David Letterman makes $32 million.

And as far as the highest paid comedy star (although I would argue that "comedy star" might be a slightly exaggerated term to describe him) is Charlie Sheen. He makes $825,000 per episode of "Two and a Half Men".

I'd be happy with just collecting the salary of the "Half Men".

Monday, August 4, 2008

I wish I could quit these....

I know that "Brokeback Mountain" parodies are so 3 years ago....

However, I never actually did a search on them until today and, suprisingly, there are many more than I had imagined. Some people really did some fancy editing on their Macs to pull them all together.

Here are some of my favorites...

Original "Star Trek"



A slightly uncomfortable "Star Trek: The Next Generation" version...



Lord of the Rings



And, one of the suprising ones (but no less funny)..."Planes, Trains and Automobiles"



"Planes" is really one of my favorite movies of all times and, this next clip, is my favorite scene from that film.



Edie McClurg is so Fu#!ing funny in that scene (as well as in "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" and other films around that time).

I wonder if she's still acting?

She slays me!

Friday, August 1, 2008

On a lighter note....

After the last post, I decided to clear my mind (if that's possible) and feature something a little more light-hearted.

Where does one go for a quick laugh-fix?

Why, The Onion, of course....



Al Gore Places Infant Son In Rocket To Escape Dying Planet

Former vice president Al Gore—who for the past three decades has unsuccessfully attempted to warn humanity of the coming destruction of our planet, only to be mocked and derided by the very people he has tried to save—launched his infant son into space Monday in the faint hope that his only child would reach the safety of another world.

"I tried to warn them, but the Elders of this planet would not listen," said Gore, who in 2000 was nearly banished to a featureless realm of nonexistence for promoting his unpopular message. "They called me foolish and laughed at my predictions. Yet even now, the Midwest is flooded, the ice caps are melting, and the cities are rocked with tremors, just as I foretold. Fools! Why didn't they heed me before it was too late?"

Al Gore—or, as he is known in his own language, Gore-Al—placed his son, Kal-Al, gently in the one-passenger rocket ship, his brow furrowed by the great weight he carried in preserving the sole survivor of humanity's hubristic folly.

"Gore-Al"....hilarious!

Have a great weekend everyone!

This shouldn't happen...



What is this world coming to....

As horrified travelers watched, a Greyhound Canada bus passenger repeatedly stabbed and then decapitated a young man who was sitting and sleeping beside him, a witness said Thursday.

Stabbed and decapitated someone....

On a public bus...in the middle of the day....in Canada?

I just....

Horrible.