Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Norma Gay

Kathy Griffin showed up to lend her support to help overturn the passing of Prop 8 here in Calilfornia. Here is a clip of her giving a strong and entertainng speech in Sacramento...



I like her.

I really, really like her.

Monday, March 30, 2009

Star Trek movie posters



I think I like this UK version the best.

Now that we're just a little more than a month away from the release of the new "Star Trek" movie, versions of the movie posters are being released around the world. It's interesting to me that different posters are created for particular countries...no standard for everyone.



The Italian poster focuses only on the action, not the cast. I do like it, but it could be an ad for any Sci-Fi action movie.



The German version is similar to UK, but without Nero's eyes looking in...which I'm actually starting to prefer over the UK version now after comparing.



The Japanese version is just bright colors and the name...kinda boring.



And, out of all the different designs created, the US gets this simple version...hopefully they'll come out with at least one featuring the cast for us too.

Otherwise, I'm gonna start using my English accent and hope that I can wrangle one of the UK posters for my office.

Friday, March 27, 2009

Engage, Stewie!



This Sunday night's episode of "Family Guy" should be a lot of fun...

Stewie devises a plan to kidnap the cast of "Star Trek: The Next Generation" from the annual Quahog Star Trek Convention. He builds a transporter and beams them to his bedroom so they can all spend a fun-filled day together.

I can't believe that they were able to get the entire cast of TNG to do the voices for this episode. Although, besides Patrick Stewart, I suppose that most of their schedules were pretty open...



"Look at me...I've got GIRL-boobs" - Patrick Stewart

OMG...this is gonna be frickin' hilarious!



I'm still waiting for Seth MacFarlane to adopt me...

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Oh, Mamma!



I saw this on the Oh La La blog...

The UK had their annual Comic Relief telethon recently and they were treated to Dawn French, Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley (Patsy from AbFab) doing their spot-on twisted version of the movie "Mamma Mia".

Hilarity ensues, of course.



You can view Part 2 of the spoof by clicking here.

Those gals are all very funny. I wish they would do a real movie together sometime.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

What Would You Do?

Primetime Live had a very interesting show on last night called "What Would You Do?" where they placed hidden cameras in public places and set up different scenarios (racial profiling, helping a fake police officer, gay-bashing) to see what regular people would do in that situation.

Overall, there were more people that helped than didn't. Here is one of the segments...



It was nice to see some people stand up to the man causing the trouble. Although in my opinion, the guys were being a bit more affectionate than I think most people would be if they were in that environment. But, I suppose they wanted to do that in order to make sure they got some kind of reaction from patrons.

I was more disturbed by the earlier segment with the African American woman being asked to leave an upscale clothing store just because she was black. Most customers just stood there watching, but saying nothing...even though it was obvious that the woman had done nothing wrong.

Plus, it was awful to be reminded that there are still some people out there who say things like "those kind of people"....



Thankfully, a few customers did finally stand up to the "store manager" (also an actor) and try to help...so there is some glimmer of hope for our world.

Baby steps...

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Wild thing



I don't know anything about this movie.

I've certainly seen books and merchandising over the years, but have never read "Where The Wild Things Are", a very popular book that many people of all ages seem to know and love.





However, like Watchmen, that won't stop me from going to see it.

I'm sure I'll be reading much more about the movie before it comes out in theaters in October. With a brand this popular, the media and PR machines usually start hyping it up as the opening week draws closer.

My first impression is that it looks interesting, for a movie with people in giant creature costumes. It'll either be cheesy and "Howard the Duck-y" or, possibly, entertaining and "Chronicles of Narnia-y" (the same team is working on this film too).





I guess time will tell....

Monday, March 23, 2009

Portia apologizes

She's reaching out to all of the people she harmed by marrying Ellen...



I can't wait for Elton John's apology.

Perhaps it'll be in song.

FYI....Portia's new series "Better off Ted" is very funny! Probably one of the best written and entertaining new shows I've seen in a long time.



If you missed it last week, give it a try this Wednesday night at 8:30.

Portia is quite HI-larious.

Friday, March 20, 2009

They need a Swiffer



Jessica Lange kinda looks like Miss Daisy in this poster.

This HBO movie about the quirky reclusive cousins of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis looks interesting. I've heard the play is also really good.



I may have to renew my HBO subscription in the next month.

Now if I can just figure out how to get back up on the neighbors roof to reconnect that while they're away this weekend...

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Media Madness



It's sad that Natasha Richardson died so young. She was a really good actress and usually did very quality projects. What a tragedy...

It's always jarring when someone passes away unexpectedly and from a seemingly random occurance. People ski, skateboard, rollerskate, bungee jump, etc. every day and often fall or hurt themselves and, surprisingly, get right back up and do it again with just a scratch or bump on the head.

It's another one of those reminders that, no matter how careful you are in life, anything can happen and any day could be your last.

Life's way of reminding us again that it's important to be the best person you can be to yourself and others around you each day.



On a side note...I know the media is a business, like all others, but it still kind of creeps me out how quickly they can produce a magazine with last minute news like this. Natasha was injured on Monday, passed away Wednesday and I got my People magazine TODAY with a cover story about her accident.

It had to be mailed out to me at least on Tuesday, if not Monday night.

And, as you can see above, Entertainment Weekly also has a cover on her accident...which I will likely get tomorrow and, it won't surprise me, if they've updated the cover above to say she passed away.

It troubles me...

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Back to Nature



This could be fun...

Ellen DeGeneres has signed on to play Mother Nature in an untitled comedy being produced by Walden Media. The project is being penned by "Sex and the City" writer-executive producer Jenny Bicks. In the film, which springs from an original concept inside Walden, the Emmy-winning talk show host will return to Earth for the first time since the planet's creation.

If the script and effects are good, I think that Ellen could have a blast with this role. Kind of like George Burns did when he did the "Oh, God!" series of films.

Of course, when I read this, I immediately thought of one my all-time favorite series of commercials...



If you think it's butter, but it's NOT....it's Chiffon.

Of course, the 70's are gone and, it seems, Mother Nature now has more important things to focus on than margarine or the environment...



Try regifting that.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Vote for Vampire Hours!



I feel like I'm running for student council all over again...

The folks at RoadTripJournal enjoyed the entry I wrote on my hometown of Tipp City, Ohio and have reposted that entry on their site for others to read and, on top of that, they have entered me in their monthly Reader's Choice Award contest for March.

The winning blogger gets a $100 gas card and, really, who couldn't use some free gas?

Well, gas for the car anyway.



Plus, one random voter (which could be one of YOU) will also get a free $100 gas card.

So, it could be a win-win for everyone!

Voting is very easy...you just click on the Wonder Woman image below, then enter your email address, vote for the TIPP CITY entry (last on the list) and hit Enter.



I would greatly appreciate it!

Monday, March 16, 2009

REALLY not into them



Where are the dropping anvils when you need them?

I finally saw "He's Just Not That Into You" yesterday and, oh MY...it was annoyingly bad. It was wishing-cartoon-violence-to-most-of-the-main characters bad.

Now, I'm usually a big supporter of the chick-flick. I tend to enjoy them and, because of that, many of my favorite films of all time are in that catagory ("When Harry Met Sally", "Terms of Endearment", "While You Were Sleeping").

So, I was kind of looking forward to this film, even though the reviews were not great (which isn't uncommon for most chick-flicks). I thought perhaps the interesting ensemble cast might balance things out.

Not so much.



I don't think I've ever disliked a random collection of characters so quickly in a movie.

The people in this movie make one unrealistic choice and decision after another and, while doing it, blindly support and offer ridiculous advice to each other in the process. They're all co-dependent, whiny, stalking messes who seem incapable of making even one sane decision in the face of romantic adversity.

They're worse than the characters on "Grey's Anatomy" and you know that isn't good.

No wonder men don't want to be with any of them...the only thing that kept me in my seat to the end was the slim hope that at least one of them would learn a lesson, make a healthy decision, reveal a backbone, or, if not that, at least be the victim of a cartoon tragic ending (ie: anvil or piano falling from the sky).

But no such luck.

So, if you haven't seen it...wait for DVD and let someone else pay for it when you do finally rent it.

Oh...and drink a lot before viewing.

A LOT.

Friday, March 13, 2009

Run like a jackrabbit



Time goes by quickly...

It's hard to believe that, a year ago today, I was sitting alone in my hotel room in Melbourne, Australia writing about the death of Frank (a man I took care of until the day I left for Australia). It was a very sad day and, all this time later, I still find it a bit strange that he's not here.

The funeral was held while I was gone, so I guess I never had any real closure (like a service or burial) with the whole experience. He was here when I left and not here when I got back.

Caring for him in his final years had become such a big part of my everyday life that, the absence of that connection, was a bit jarring upon my return.



But, I do think of him often and know that he is now free of the pain and discomfort that throttled him mercilessly in that final year.

For that, I am thankful.

Be kind and loving to those closest to you while they are here.

Because, as a famous fashionista once said...

"One day you're in...the next day you're out."

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Block Ringy Dingys



I got an email reminding me to register my cell phone with the National Do Not Call center to stop unwanted sales calls from telemarketers...

To prevent this, call the following number from your cell/home phone: 888-382-1222.

It is the National DO NOT CALL list. It blocks your number for five (5) years. You must call from the cell phone number you want to have blocked. You cannot call from a different phone number.

You can also register online here: DoNotCall.gov

It takes less than a minute, so it's definitely worth your time.

Unless, of course, you enjoy chatting with the sales kids at all hours...


UrbanLegends does list this particular email subject, but mainly to point out that there is no real deadline to do this...it's ongoing. Here is a bit more info:

The Federal Trade Commission does allow cell phone users to add their numbers to the National Do Not Call Registry (the same one already in force for landlines). Doing so probably isn't necessary, mind you -- per FCC regulations, telemarketers are already prohibited from using automated dialers to call cell phone numbers -- but millions have already signed up, and so can you.

Contrary to what most variants of the email rumor claim, there is no 31-day, 16-day, or 8-day deadline for adding cell phone numbers to the Do Not Call list — indeed, there is no deadline whatsoever.

I figure, you have nothing to lose by doing it and, if it works in any small way to prevent telemarketers from calling during one of my shows...then it's all worth it.

Plus, if particular telemarketers do continue to call, the Web site does offer a section where you can file a complaint against them.

Enjoyable.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Fabulous?



Let's hope this is more "The Office" than "Kath and Kim".

FOX has started shooting the pilot for the US version of the cult British TV show "Absolutely Fabulous". Although my initial reaction is fear that it will suck, there are a few glimmers of hope with this particular production.

Jennifer Saunders (who played Edina in the original) is executive producing the show, James Burrows is directing the pilot (he of "Cheers", "Will and Grace" and "The Comeback" fame), and Kristin Johnson (from "3rd Rock from the Sun") is playing Patsy.

At least she looks like Joanna Lumley (who played Patsy so perfectly) from the original.



The original show was so outlandish, full of smoking, drinking and drugging and took place during a very different decade (the 90's). Plus, they were British, which usually adds a bit more bite to any comedy. Will Americans feel compelled to follow two uninhibited accent-free women here in the states?

Lindsay Lohan, Britney Spears and the Olsen twins seem to continue getting tabloid coverage for similar behavior.

It just might work.

Here is a great collection of clips from the original show (with a few german subtitles sprinkled in, so it's educational too)...

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Body by Jake

A couple of stills from Jake Gyllenhaal's upcoming blockbuster movie "The Prince of Persia" were released this week.

The movie is about...well...a prince...



It focuses on the epic story of....ummm...Persia...hmmm...



At this point, does it really matter what the movie is about?

Monday, March 9, 2009

Trailer parked



One of the bonuses that went along with seeing "Watchmen" this past weekend (which was really good, although I could have done without a couple of the protruding bones scenes) was that many people got to see the latest "Star Trek" movie trailer.

They're not messing around with these trailers.

I think what I like most is that, although this trailer is longer and includes a bit more character info (especially on Kirk), I don't feel like I've seen the whole movie...which is a good thing.



The film looks epic in scope, the effects look top-notch, and the music (at least for the trailer) is very cool/ominous.

Plus, all that aside...it just looks like an exciting hold-on-to-your-garters Sci-Fi action movie for the summer.



In keeping with my inner-geek history, I just purchased tickets to see the midnight showing of the movie for the Thursday night/Friday morning 12:01 show on May 8th at the Arclight Cinerama Dome (the largest screen, besides IMAX, in Los Angeles).

You can't beat the excitement and energy of a crowd crazy enough to see a movie that late on a school night.

If you haven't see the new trailer yet...here ya' go:



I'm SO there.

Friday, March 6, 2009

Feeling Blue?



I'm really looking forward to seeing "Watchmen" this weekend. I love me some comic book action movies and this one, at least from the trailer, looks pretty cool.

I'm trying to keep my expectations low, so I won't be too disappointed if it isn't great (learned my lesson with "Fantastic Four"). So, we'll see how it goes...

How about you?

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Git yer hur did

From SissyTakesARoadTrip comes this hilarious news footage of a woman whose hair weave stopped a bullet.


I'm guessing it was coated in Aqua Net and Dippity Do.

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Cher the love



Our friend Kerry really outdid herself this past weekend wrangling tickets to shows while we were in Vegas. Not only did she get us comps to see "Le Reve" on Friday night, she also knows a fearless gal who is an aerialist in Cher's new Vegas show. Through that connection, she was able to get four of us a birds-eye view of the show from the lightroom high above the theater for free (always within my budget).

Kerry rocked!



Although we weren't at eye level (as you'll notice from my pocket digital camera wee-zoom photos), we were able to get a wonderful unobstructed view of the entire show.

Because of the distance and all of the flashing lights and sparkles on and around Cher at all times (she never met a reflective material that she didn't like), I couldn't get great closeup shots of her...but, at least I was able to take several non-flash photos throughout the show without being dragged out of the theater.





The show was a lot of fun, starting with Cher descending from the back of the Celine Dion Theater in a Glinda the Good Witch-type glittery encasement, complete with three foot high lighted head-dress.



The show was pretty much exactly what you'd expect a Cher show to be...glamour, glitz and one extravagant costume change after another.

She'd usually sing a song or two, then disappear backstage while music played and aerialists and dancers kept the audience entertained until the next costume (with Cher wrapped tightly inside) appeared onstage either by floating gondola, gigantic Christmas Ornament or mystery trap door.





Cher looked and sounded great. Of course, from our high angle of sight...the whole show could have been performed by a drag queen and we never would have known the difference.

But, the banter and personality were definitely the Cher we all know and love.

So, a fun time was certainly had by all.

"Believe" it!

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Le Reve



I think the cast must live in le gym.

Thanks to our lovely and talented friend Kerry (and her wonderful friend in the cast who wrangled us comps), Oscar and I were treated to the breathtaking spectacle at the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas called Le Reve.

It has to be one of the most beautiful shows I've ever seen.



The theater is gorgeous and, as you can tell by the photo I took before the show, there is not a bad seat in the house (everyone sits above and around the 1 million gallon pool/stage).

Le Reve doesn't mean "the river" as I initially assumed (obviously all of my years of French really paid off), but rather "The Dream"....which is exactly what you feel like you're watching when you experience this show.

My friend Andrew said "Enjoy the naked tree" and, when we asked what that meant, he said "You'll see".



And, shortly into the show, we knew exactly what he was talking about and...enjoy it, we did.

It's really difficult to describe the show accurately, because it's not just a bunch of genetically superior acrobats playing in the water (although, there is no shortage of those) for ninety minutes...far from it. It's like being pulled into a beautiful painting and watching it come to life all around and above you.



There is water, fire and wind...people "flying" down from 1000 feet above you like angels, then grabbing people below and hoisting them high into the heavens above...then casually releasing them, sending them plunging (without any support wires) into the water very far below.

You sit there in awe, gasping at the visual and emotional beauty one minute and, moments later, praying that someone doesn't miss their mark and end up dropping one of the fat-free performers onto the metal stage down below...or on you.



Of course, as with all Cirque-type shows, each cast member seems to have been specifically designed and manufactured by Oscar Goldman and his bionics team. It's the only way to explain how they can be so freakishly flexible and strong enough to, not only hold just their own body weight up high above the ground while grasping only folds of material, but to do "little" things like balancing on top of someone's head with ONLY one arm.

Oscar said "I can't even reach far enough around to scratch my own back without help".

We mere mortal still have own set of everyday challenges...

Here is a good montage of visuals and music from the show.



If you ever get to Vegas and would like to see a show unlike anything you'll likely find elsewhere in the world...go see Le Reve.

It's a visual and emotional journey that you'll not soon forget.



Tomorrow, I'll do some sharing about le Cher concert we also got to see.

If I could turn back tiiiiiimmme....

Monday, March 2, 2009

Vegas, baby



Just got back from a weekend in Vegas.

Me so tired.

Will post more tomorrow, but just a couple quick highlights...

Cher, Wheel of Fortune, and the naked tree.

Discuss.