Monday, November 30, 2009

Lady DeGeneres

The always visually-subtle Lady Gaga was on "Ellen" Friday. You'd think, from the wild costumes and makeup, that she'd be this loud, weird rocker-chick...but she's not. She's surprisingly soft-spoken, sincere, and childlike when she speaks.



I enjoy her.

I also enjoy the song "Speechless", which she sang at the end of the show (and also on the AMA's).



For those of you who enjoy the Lady...her new CD, "Fame Monster" is really good too.

I give it two enthusiastic glittery thumbs up!

Friday, November 27, 2009

Dark Friday

Although I am avoiding anything that remotely resembles a mall today, I thought I would post this trailer for the upcoming "Family Guy" Star Wars saga DVD, "Something, Something, Something, Darkside".

The saga continues as Luke (Chris), Leia (Lois), Han Solo (Peter) and Chewbacca (Brian) have evaded the dreaded Imperial Starfleet led by the cunning, conniving and curiously short evil lord Darth Vader (Stewie), setting up a new secret base on the remote ice world of Hoth. With the rebellion in trouble, young Skywalker must take the advice of his late, and rather lascivious, mentor Obi-Wan Kenobi (Herbert) and learn the ways of the “farce” under Jedi Master Yoda (Carl) to save the galaxy once and for all.

Stewie as a wee Darth Vader...priceless.



"Geez, Gordon....maybe today wasn't the day for you to be wearing your mesh Storm Trooper shirt".

Enjoyable.

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

LEGO my Neo

This is really cool...

In honor of the 10th anniversary of The Matrix, a group of fans recreated nearly 900 frames of the film. The entire sequence is animated "in camera," with no wire removal, no Photoshop, and no special effects other than what can be created with the Lego blocks themselves. The entire project took 440 hours.

Here is the side-by-side comparrison of the scene.



Here is the LEGO-only version.



Very crafty kids.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Tomb Raider



My friend, Brad, has come through again with another addition to my on-going fascination with creepy dolls. This time, from a gallery that featured some mummified Barbies.



And, as usual, they disturb me on a variety of levels.

I will be sending him my therapy bills...

Monday, November 23, 2009

Growl!

I don't watch "Cougar Town", but with Cloris Leachman and Shirley Jones in the sequel...I would definitely not miss an episode of this!



Cloris Leachman is still one of the funniest women around. Someone should put she and Betty White in a movie or sitcom together.

Maybe Lady Gaga could do the theme song...

Did you see her performance on the AMA's last night? Say what you will about her, but that gal can really sing and is very entertaining visually.

Friday, November 20, 2009

Twilight: New Moon



I haven't seen much press on the new fitness movie, "Twilight: New Moon", that opens today. So, I felt it was important for me to do my part to help promote this little film with the hope that other studios will be encouraged to make more health-centric movies that actually reflect the challenges that we normal people face each day.



With winter setting in, the filmakers really try to remind us all that it's still very important to get outside and walk a little bit each day to keep the blood flowing and brain stimulated.

Fresh minds, create fresh ideas and there are parts of our bodies that, without visual stimulus, would fail to remain as firm as we'd like them to be.



Re-connecting with nature on a regular basis is also stressed. In this crazy technological world, it's important to remember to take a few minutes each day to appreciate the natural beauty all around us.

If you don't reach out and touch it sometimes, it might not be there later when you need it most.



One of the messages that I've gotten from the trailers for the film is that it's important that we each find ways to step away from the computer or crackberry and just "let our hair down" once in a while. It's easy to get stuck in a rut, so it's good to let loose and just have fun, either with yourself or new friends.



This is especially important for those of you who can't seem to find time during your hectic work day to relax. No matter how busy you are, the director stresses that each of us should take a few minutes to quietly meditate and "be" with yourself.

I try to be with myself at least once a day or more, depending on what I happen to be focused on at the moment.



There is also a great montage in the movie that reminds us that you don't need a personal trainer or large gym chain to stay in shape.

Just a few minutes of bending, twisting, and stretching can be done anywhere and, if you do it right and in a safe environment, the results can be very gratifying and relaxing. Make sure you keep a towel handy...you're gonna need it!



Exercise doesn't have to be a solo venture either. It's always more fun when you gather a few like-minded people and do it together.

Sweating, pumping and letting loose with a friend or strangers can have some very beneficial socialization results as well. Spending intimate time with others is really the mental lubricant that keeps people bonded and connected in this world.



I really do hope that the studio marketing department is able to figure out some way to visually get people into the theater to see "Twilight: New Moon".

It's not like they have Tyler Perry and Oprah producing or Jim Carrey to go out on the talkshow circuit to pull people in. They just have these regular kids trying offer health advice to the masses. It's not easy...



Thankfully, the studio marketing department has produced some very helpful merchandising to promote their film. Because, as we all know, kids always like to have something to play with once they get home and back into their private spaces. I think their "Portable Personal Trainer" has some real potential.

With its attention to detail and life-like moveable parts...it should really help men and women, of all ages, get back in touch with their true selves and remind them that being healthy is not just a lifestyle...but a way of life.

I plan to see this movie very soon and I hope that you all will too.

It feels good to help.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Gaga Germanotta



Every celebrity has their humble beginnings and Stefanie Germanotta, a.k.a. Lady Gaga, is no exception. Here is a video of her performing at an NYU talent show in 2005 before she began fashioning her eclectic style of clothing.



She really does have a beautiful voice and, I think, looks much more attractive without all the eye makeup and giant silver discs twirling around her body while singing.

Here is a fun mashup of "Poker Face" where Cartman and Christopher Walken join her in the pa-pa-pa-poker face fun.



And I'm reposting her new video, "Bad Romance", from her new album "Fame Monster" (in stores on November 23rd) too.

Why?

Because I enjoy it...a LOT.



She's performing that song on the American Music Awards this Sunday (where she is nominated for four awards, including Artist of the Year).

I'm setting the DVR now...

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Will people come and see'em?



Bebe Neuwirth really is perfect casting as Morticia in the new Addams Family Musical.

The Addams Family stars the undisputed king of Broadway musicals, Nathan Lane, as the gallant, dapper layabout Gomez. (The irrepressible Lane even looks like a living cartoon.) The smashing Bebe Neuwirth makes for inspired casting as the slinky matriarchal goth, Morticia.

They certainly look a lot like the original cast, don't they?



It will be interesting to see how this does. Although it sounds like a good idea, I also thought that "9 to 5" and "Young Frankenstein" would do well on Broadway.

Not so much.

Here is a fun behind-the-scenes video of the photo shoot of the cast for the upcoming Vanity Fair issue.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Bad Booty Call

Dating is difficult enough these days without having to worry about this...



"He might strike again. Approach with caution."

Single ladies of Williamsburg, Brooklyn...you have been warned.

I think things were easier in the past when video dating was all the rage. I mean, listen to these charming guys in this Video Dating, Part 2 video describe themselves and the lucky ladies that they're looking for...



The "typical research mathematician" in the opera outfit was probably snatched up right away.

See, you can get a woman's attention without having to resort to pooping in her kitchen.

Take a lesson, people.

Monday, November 16, 2009

Star Trek DVD



It arrives in stores tomorrow...Yeah!

I loved the new "Star Trek" movie, so have really been looking forward to it coming out on DVD. It really was one of the most fun movies of the year, regardless of whether you were a fan of the original show or not.








If you missed it in the theaters, then definitely rent or buy it to watch at home (you can actually get the single disc version for $9.99 on Amazon.com. Can't beat that!). There are three version of the DVD, each with their own set of special features (including a digital copy for the kids who want to download it to their various i-Devices).

I ordered the 3-Disc Blue Ray Special Edition and the one disc regular version, cause I like having options.

And...I'm a bit of a nerd.



For a more detailed breakdown of the differences between the discs, click here for the full scoop on each.

Here is a great DVD promo trailer from Comic-Con this year with some fun behind-the-scenes footage.



And here is the original trailer for the film. I really loved the music they used for this...shame it wasn't actually in the movie.

Friday, November 13, 2009

The end is HERE

I'm so glad this is finally opening today...



I plan to see it this weekend and hope that it doesn't suck.

Anyone else?

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Date Night



I just saw the first trailer for the movie "Date Night", with Tina Fey and Steve Carell, and it looks very funny. Kinda like an "Adventures in Babysitting" for adults. I think they're both hilarious, so am really looking forward to seeing this in the spring.

Plus, it doesn't hurt that there is a certain Mr. Wahlberg in it too...



I enjoy his...apartment.



She said "Whacked off".

Insert "Beevis and Butthead" laugh here.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Cocktail, Larry?



I think that Louise and Larry Tate would have had these very expressions on their faces if they happened to catch news footage of our past weekend in Palm Springs...mainly because we all noticed that there were a lot of men down there who looked just like Larry.

It was uncanny.

So, we just decided to label it "Tate Pride" weekend and enjoy.



I went down there to meet up with two friends, Mark and Karl (on the right), who were visiting from Boston and staying with my friend Roland (on the left) for Tate Pride this past weekend. Roland sells Tupperware, so he made fun T-shirts for each of us to wear during the parade while we passed out his business cards to folks who expressed interest or even remotely made direct eye contact with any of us.



As you can imagine, the parade was filled with hot chicks and celebrities. The cast of the "Golden Girls" (above) were there, which is always exciting. Although they've eaten a little more cheesecake since the 90's, they still looked festive and seemed to enjoy the cheering crowd.



Paula Deen was tossing out fried chicken legs and handfuls of Mac and Cheese to the hungry folks nearby. She's really got a good arm and managed to catch the eye of many a starving Tate along the way.



The Brady Bunch's dog, Tiger, was also there. Paula Deen's stylist got hold of him before the parade and managed to find just the right shoes, scarf and hat for the occasion.



Dancing Tate in the white hat on the float...

The parade was fun and didn't last too long, which is always nice. The rest of the weekend was spent hanging out with the guys while doing our part to help the city redistribute their excessive alcohol reserves.

So, we were kind of community activists, if you really think about it.
 

It also happened to be another friend's birthday (Rob, right), so we all went out to celebrate, while still focused on our community service mission.

At the "community center", we met Shay, a marine biologist, who was in charge of fundraising for this particular establishment. His clothes were still drying at the laundromat next door, so he was just hanging out on top of a pool table greeting folks and collecting money, which people seemed to be practically shoving into his....hands.



When he heard it was Rob's birthday, he gave him an especially warm greeting and pulled him right up onto the pool table so that he could relax for a few minutes after such a long day of walking in the hot sun.

Shay happened to notice that someone had accidently dropped some money on Rob's trousers, so being the professional that we was...



He performed a remarkable feat of acrobatic grace and carefully retrieved the funds (so as not to disturb Rob's sleep) and added it to the rest of the till.



Shay really seemed to know how to engage and connect with the crowd and, I'm sure, was able to raise quite a lot of money for his particular foundation.

So between all the Tates, celebrities, Tupperware promotion and community service...a fun time was had by all.

Or as Ed Sullivan used to say...



It was a really big shoe.

Monday, November 9, 2009

Happy Birthday, Kathy



I'm sure this will become an annual holiday tradition like "A Christmas Carol" and "It's a Wonderful Life".

Kathy Griffin turned 39 again this past weekend and celebrated her birthday at the Abbey in Weho along with a promo team for a new show, "Let's Dance", that she'll be hosting soon. I didn't know about her Christmas CD, "Suckin' It for the Holidays" or that she had a new comedy special on Bravo called "Balls of Steel" that premiered last week (it's now on my DVR).

I really need to stop reading about world politics and healthcare and re-focus my attention on pop culture where I belong.

Kathy appeared on Joy Behar again this weekend to talk about her new CD, book (which was very good), and Levi Johnson's...goods.





I love her.

Friday, November 6, 2009

Joy's View

Sandra Bernhart, Fran Drescher, and Aiesha Tyler joined Joy Behar to discuss a variety of current topics. They manage to actually all talk and joke, without shouting over each other relentlessly.

Take a lesson, Ms Walters.



Funny and smart ladies.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Jesus take the wheel

As you know, I thought Jonesborough, Tennessee was a very special place when I visited it a couple weeks ago. However, I had no idea it was this special...



A Jonesborough, Tennessee man says an image of Jesus has appeared in the condensation on his pick-up truck window for two weeks and won't go away.

"Stevens said when he first saw the image, he figured it would evaporate and not return. But it kept reappearing for two weeks now. Stevens said folks at the grocery store he goes to were amazed to see the image. He said he isn't going to wash the truck for a while."

I should never have used the de-fogger on my rental car...

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Wild and Crazy Guys



Well, this could be fun...

Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin are taking on the Oscars. The two Hollywood veterans will share hosting duties at the 82nd Academy Awards, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences said Tuesday.

They're both very funny and should be able to slip enough humor and sarcastic digs in between the windy speeches and musical numbers to keep everyone entertained.

Maybe they can convince Tina Fey to write their jokes...that would be heaven.

Sheer heaven.

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

They're here...



The new "V" series premieres tonight...very exciting.

I watched the cheesy original series off and on when it first aired back in the day. I've always liked Sci-Fi and any show with aliens usually got my attention.



Of course, how could you not watch a show with that much big hair and eye makeup?!

I mean, if aliens were to come visit earth a few decades back, they'd certainly want to be noticed. Plus, you get the added bonus of their unique ability to dislodge their jaws so that they could eat....rats.



Snacks, anyone?

Thankfully, they gave the new alien leader a short, sassy haircut and hip clothes.

We'll see how delicately she eats rodents soon enough, I'm sure.

Here is the trailer for the new series that starts airing TONIGHT.

Monday, November 2, 2009

Trick of Treat

For those of you who are still recovering from Halloween...here is one last treat.



Animal Planet's Dave Salmoni was on the Tyra Banks show last week dressed in a Tarzan outfit while showing Miss Sm-eyes a variety of critters that practically freaked the weave right off of her.

The trick part of this post is provided by the clip of Tyra (part one) from a previous animal show as she lept up onto the back of her couch and fell ass-over-feet, taking the furniture with her.




Enjoyable.