Rest In Peace Liz

As most of you already know Liz Taylor passed away this morning at the age of 79. Rather than tell you all about her, as you most likely have heard all of it 20 times over, I thought I'd share some of the movies she's been in.

Liz may be gone, but her work in films and humanitarian efforts will not be forgotten.

Happy 80th To The Shat!

I think it is totally unbelievable that William Shatner is 80 years old. That's only about 5 years younger than my dad.

Yikes!

I think The Shat looks pretty darn good for his age, and his talent never wanes. Right now I'm hoping Bleep My Dad Says comes back for another season because it was so freaking funny.

William Shatner is so much more than just James T. Kirk.  He's a writer, a rather humorous singer and an all around entertaining guy!

Let's hope he has many more birthdays!

The Wenches love you!

What A Beautiful Man

I just watched the 25th anniversary cast of Les Miserables, and I have to say, I was totally taken aback by Alfie Boe's performance as Jean Valjean.

I've seen this show a few times and I've watched the 10th anniversary cast, which is fantastic, but I have to say,  Alfie steals the show.

Of course, considering some of the cast, it isn't hard, but no matter, his voice is beyond superb. When he sang Bring Him Home, I cried. 

It is a shame the rest of the cast didn't have his talent.

Nick Jonas as Marius? WTF!

But here's proof of his stunning voice

Bob Dylan Takes on "Charles in Charge"

I know plenty of people that can't stand Jimmy Fallon, and a few that adore him. One thing that can't be denied is the fact that the man does some stellar impressions, especially of musicians. Especially musicians singing ridiculous songs. And only Jimmy Fallon would take the stage as Bob Dylan - and pretty excellently - singing the Charles in Charge theme song.

Enjoy.

I Love Spring!

Spring is probably my favorite season. The start of warmer weather! Flowers in bloom. All the usual stuff. But what I love the most about spring? Fashion!

Spring means it is time to put the sweats away! The sweaters and bulky clothes can get put away for a few months!

Woo hoo for that.

I hate winter clothes.

I'm not much of a shorts and t-shirt girl, which is why I'm not too keen on summer fashion. I don't bare flesh if I don't have to, but oh how I love spring clothes! The colors are always bright and fun...and finally things are light!

This is an example of the stuff I obsess over when I want to buy new clothes. Oh NY & Co. I'm so glad there aren't many of your stores near me, or I would be in so much debt!

A New Level Of Obnoxious

I'm not sure which celebrity I find more obnoxious these days; Conan O'Brien Or Charlie Sheen. It seems like Charlie is following Coco's lead and taking his crazy on tour, with the first few dates sold out almost instantly.

WTF!

It really makes you wonder about the American Public.

Charlie is not a comedian.

What people are paying to see is a meltdown of a crazy man.

Its sad and creepy all at the same time.

And yet, Charlie will be "duh....winning" all the way to the bank.

I can't even begin to fathom how much money he'll make from those shows...and from the lawsuit...because, I don't see how CBS will do anything but lose. Now if they fired him or stopped the show when he actually had done something....not months and months down the line...I'd think otherwise...but as it is..I think they are screwed.

Ah..why am I wasting time thinking about this....

Charlie is a crazy man...albiet a rich one...

Cheesy Pop Music

When it comes to pop music, I always look to Britain for tunes. Right now there's a few great little pop tartlets with songs that will worm their way into your brain. My favorite is Jessie J. 

Her current single is called Price Tag and it is just adorable, much like Jessie.  Its just a fun song. It isn't going to change your life or make you think, but as I've said before, that really isn't the point of pop music.  Pop music is supposed to be fun.  It should make you want to get up and move, and Price Tag definitely does that.

So give the song a listen, and let me know what you think.

Dear Phil

Dear Phil Collins,


It has been brought to my attention that you are quitting music. I am deeply saddened. I've been a fan for years, and I loved the songs that were cutesy as well as the more serious stuff.

I remember seeing you in concert at Starlake Amphitheater. It was one of the few shows at that venue that I actually enjoyed. It was the But Seriously Tour. You put on a fantastic show.

You shouldn't have to apologize for the success of songs like Against All Odds, A Groovy Kind Of Love or any other song. They were great songs and they still are. So what if they are adult contemporary. People think Celine Dion is the bees knees, and Phil, you are by far a superior performer and singer.

I understand that you have health issues that make playing the drums difficult, so I understand your need to distance yourself. However, you will be missed. Your music was and always will be quality and you should be proud of it.

I wish you all the best in your retirement.

Love,

The Mistress Of The Dark...

A Phil Collins Fangirl

Something A Little Light And Fun

~ Totally sick of the media blitz on Charlie Sheen. The man is in denial and in need of some serious medication.  Oye and Vey.

~ Chrisina Aguilera gets brought in for Public Drunkeness while out with her boyfriend who is now being held for DUI. Uh chicky....you have a young child. Might want to stay away from the booze so the kid can have a mother.

Celebrities....seriously....why have kids if you are going to drink/drug yourself to death.

But now for the light fun thing...

Bertrum Thumbcat...and the best ever milk commercial from the UK.

Charlie "Tiger Blood" Sheen

Look, normally when I see a celebrity tran wreck going down, I feel kind of bad and just hope they get help, but some of this Charlie Sheen shit is golden. And I'm going to leave it at that and let the internet and its greatest gems speak for themselves tonight.

First, some links: www.livethesheendream.com and pictures of baby sloths paired with some of Charlie's finest quotes.

And now, an artist rendering of this chaos.



Keep on winning, wenches.

Let the Sunshine In

The national tour of Hair may have ended its Pittsburgh run, but that just means people outside of the city have the chance to see it.

Hair isn't your average musical. The disadvantage of this is that some people don't seem to know what they're expecting going in - my guess is they see "Tony Award" and spring for it with their season tickets, and the advertising doesn't help. True, it's a fun tale of hippies protesting the Vietnam War and everyone knows "Aquarius," and sometimes even "Let the Sunshine In" or "Good Morning Starshine," but because of the nature of the show they can't show much else on TV. Here's the thing - Hair is full of sex, drugs, anti-war statements, and onstage nudity, which some clearly can't handle but I loved.

The timing for a Hair revival feels right. We're involved in a war most of us don't agree with, so the strong anti-war sentiment is familiar and relatable. Not to mention the fact that the show takes that feeling of inclusion a step further by interacting with the audience, climbing on seats, dancing, clapping, and best of all throwing flowers. At the end, the audience is even invited to dance onstage, which was wonderful.

While much of the show is light-hearted and fun, it doesn't always stay that way. I don't want to ruin the very poignant ending, but the inclusive end-of-show dancing is a good pick-up.

People of Minneapolis, Hair is now in your city. Embrace it.

Bye Bye 2.5 Men

I've never been happier to see a show go into a semi-permanent hiatus than Two and a Half Men.

Charlie Sheen, has apparently gone all Mel Gibson on Chuck Lorre. Not a nice thing to do, really. 

I've never understood the appeal of this show, though I like most of the people involved in it, especially Jon Cryer, who really deserves something this hit worthy, but also less sleazy.

Charlie Sheen does not act in this show. He plays himself, which in most cases could best be described as a scumbag. But I don't have to tell you that, right? This show has been in the top 10 for years. I also see that as further proof that American's watch crap.

Want to read more about Sheen's latest tirade? Click here.  Apparently he missed that cliche that says not to bite the hand the feeds you.  Oh and he has some advice for Lindsay Lohan too....

he said: 'I've got some things I would recommend she consider. Work on your impulse control.


'Just try to think things through a little bit before you do them.'

Perhaps he should take his own advice?

Simon Pegg Is a Genius

Shaun of the Dead was golden. I haven't seen Hot Fuzz, but I'm sure it was the same. And now we have Paul, which Simon Pegg's Twitter followers all seem to love. And people speak the gospel truth on Twitter. The Lost hating Damon Lindeloff and Carlton Cuse got was ridiculous. They respond by re-tweeting.

Anyway, I give you Paul!



And no, the fact that my boyfriend's name is Paul has no bearing on my desire to see this film.

Must See TV

I have to admit that I've got really strange taste when it comes to TV. I like some UK shows and I have a few shows during the week that I absolutely must watch.

Here's a few of the shows I'm currently obsessing over.

I absolutely adore Mike and Molly. This is an example of a sitcom at its finest and funniest.

The characters are fun and quirky and not in the least bit airbrushed.

Can I get a yay for real looking people finding love?

Plus Molly's sister is a hoot...just as Mike's partner Carl and his grandma are.  You will find me in front of the telly at 9:30 on Monday's watching this every week.

Castle is one of those shows I have a love and hate relationship with.  When theshow is good, it is fabulous, but when it is bad, it puts me to sleep.  The problem is, I've been falling asleep through too many episodes lately.  Even Nathan Fillion's gorgeousness can't keep my eyes open. Worse still, is when they let the sexual angst between Castle and Beckett take over the episode.   I love the characters in this show, but I hate the angst. These two characters can't sleep together or the show would be done. Sure they are attracted to each other, but together they would be a huge train wreck.

Still I have to try, just so they can make jokes about Serenity every few weeks.

Eureka is one of Syfy's best shows and one I look forward to every summer.  I  curse the fact that it usually only runs about 8 episodes.

Syfy! Let your cast make some money! More episodes please!

I love that this show has a lot of different elements. It has mystery, relationships, comedy and a touch of the unusual. Plus the cast is fantastic. I love Colin Ferguson. I still can't believe he was cast in the train wreck that was the US version of Coupling!

If you have't given this show a try, you really should!

I really wasn't sure what to make of Hot In Cleveland when it first aired last year. It is actually pretty ridiculous. However, ridiculous makes for a great sitcom.  Plus TVLAND has really assembled a great cast.

There's all kinds of personalities in this show....and then there's Betty White.

Betty makes the show.

Betty could carry the show...and sometimes she does.  This is a fun way to waste 30 minutes of a Wednesday night...oh and if you watch this....stick around for Retired at 35...its not as great as Hot In Cleveland, but is is good for a few laughs, especially if you like Shit My Dad Says.

Eat Your Heart Out, Gaga

Yeah, the Grammys might be sort of old news. But some of the performances deserve to be watched over and over again. I'm talking about Cee Lo Green and Mumford & Sons (and they were probably one of the most underrappreciated artists there that night).

First, Cee Lo. I know one of my complaints about Gaga is how flashy she can be and Cee Lo has a lot of that going on too, but Cee Lo didn't show up in a damn egg, his song doesn't sound like a rip-off of Madonna's "Express Yourself," and it doesn't use words like "chola."



As for Mumford & Sons, major props to them for carrying a performance on raw talent and passion alone. That's a major underappreciated skill in mainstream music today, and they're amazingly skilled writers and fantastic musicians with beautiful songs. Luckily, those who didn't already know about them and would've given a damn found out, and if you haven't heard them yet, this is worth your time and you won't regret it.



Runners-up: Eminem and Rihanna. Eminem gets so into his raps that I sometimes fear he may turn into the Hulk.

Save A Horse, Ride A Cowboy

As much as I hate this song, I think it is an appropriate title for a post about the sexy men that sing country music, and there are lots of them.

Allow me to share some of the finer specimens in this genre:

Keith Urban...sadly taken by Nicole Kidman, but what a lucky girl she is. Much better than Tom Cruise, if you ask me.

Brad Paisley is another hottie. Again, married, but that doesn't stop a girl from drooling over him, right?

Blake Shelton is another pretty cowboy...taken by Miranda Lambert...anyone noticing a pattern here?

Dierks Bentley....Ah....words can not express the beauty of this man....

Now if you don't mind...I'm going to save some horses!

Billy Ray Is A Big Ole Whiner

Have you read the headlines where Billy Ray Cyrus states "Hannah Montana Destroyed My Family"?

For the love of God, Billy Ray, you know the industry. You've seen what it has done to other tween girls, yet Miley wen to that audition, and you took part in the show. Hell, Billy Ray, you were by far more entertaining than she was in the show.

Now that she's all grown up, with a taste of the hugeness that celebrity brings, you say it has wrecked your family.

Whose fault is it?

Besides Disney for creating all of these TV Show/Musician monsters with little or no talent.

I think the blame should partly fall on you.

You were the parent.

So was Tish.

You chose to let your child follow this path.

She's 18 now and is heading down the path of screwupville.

Guess whose fault that is too.

Stop whining...and start putting your life together...so Miley has someone to lean on when her life goes BOOM! a'la Lindsey Lohan or Britney Speers.

Wenches That Rock: Amanda Palmer

Or should I say Amanda fucking Palmer?

Maybe you know her from the Dresden Dolls. Maybe you're a fan of her husband, Neil Gaiman. Or maybe you liked Who Killed Amanda Palmer? Personally, I've been intrigued, at the very least, since I heard "Girl Anachronsim" on MTVU, before it was called that. Ah, sweet nostalgia.

Anyway, she's back with a new album, Amanda Palmer Goes Down Under, and it's pretty awesome and typical Amanda - catchy and fun but brilliant.

Is Amanda all fun and games, though? Of course not. She's had her share of controversy, from singing about a teenager's perspective on abortion in "Oasis" to Roadrunner Records taking issue with shots in her video for "Leeds United" because according to them, she looked fat. So her fans fired back with pictures of themselves and letters of support and called it The ReBellyon.

She can sing. She can play piano. She's a certified, card-carrying badass. Female piano players and singer-songwriters take heed - Amanda fucking Palmer may be your queen.

For your enoyment, one of my favorite from Amanda Palmer Goes Down Under - "Map of Tasmania" featuring The Young Punx. It's light. It's catchy. It's totally naughty.

Happy Single's Awareness Day

The media is full of ways to buy your Valentine something awesome, be it dinner, a gadget or expensive jewelery.

The rest of us that are single or have stopped caring, would like to celebrate too.

We'll do so, by going on with our lives like today is any other Monday. Though a few of us, might stop by the bar and have a few.

I'm not one of those.

I'm pretty content with my single existence, not that I wouldn't welcome someone in my life. I just don't need a person to validate who I am.

So for those of us that are single, and proud of it. I raise a glass to you today. I'll even share my chocolate bar with you, as I toss arrows back at Stupid Cupid!

Happy Single's Awareness Day! Go do something nice for yourself today!!

Things That Annoy

Yes, it is time for another installment of "Things That Annoy."

~ That eTrade baby. OMG! Those commercials make me want to smack that baby! And that baby didn't do anything except get exploited by a bunch of advertizing wankers. GAH! I cringe every time those commercials come on.

~ Anyone singing the National Anthem. Dear God....this song is HORRID. No one can sing it...and as we learned on Sunday...some people don't even know the words.  Hmmm wondering if X-tina's career will officially be over after that flub?

~ Lindsay Lohan! OMG...what hasn't this girl done? And lifting a $2,500.00 necklace! Bitch, you can afford to buy the damn thing! I have no pity for you!

~ Bill O'Reilley: Seriously sir, you tell the President you hate him? How professional of you. You should be ashamed of yourself. You spout such nonsense. You are a disgrace to the human race.

~ Artists that release the lead single for a new album more than 6 months before the album is ready! GAH! I can see a month or two...but I swear Sara Evans' song Stronger has been out since October and the album isn't out until March! Then again, maybe it just feels that long.

An Oldie

Let's be honest: there's a lot wrong with mainstream music these days. Our choices are Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Kesha, and Rihanna, who all sound pretty similar these days (I'll grant that Kesha can be left out because she is by far the worst of them). There's little appreciation for older music these days, I guess because some consider it outdated, but good music is good music no matter the year.

So, for your enjoyment, The Box Tops with "The Letter."



It makes a great karaoke song. Really.

Here We Go!

In honor of the Steelers (hopefully) bringing back a 7th Lombardi Trophy tonight...

Steelers Hunks!! Of the past and present

Hines Ward

 

Terry Bradshaw

Jerome "The Bus" Bettis

Troy Palamalo

Congrats To Craig Ferguson

My favorite late night host, welcomed a new son.  His wife, Megan, gave birth to  a baby boy!

Woo hoo!

Liam James Ferguson was born Monday in L.A.


Here's to parenthood!

It seems like everyone is having babies or adopting them lately!

TV Movie Review: The Lost Valentine

Betty White and Jennifer Love Hewitt lit up the small screen last night in the made for tv movie, The Lost Valentine, based on the novel by James Michael Pratt.

The story recounts the love story of Caroline Thomas whose husband of only a year was MIA in the Pacific. Every year, she returns to Union Station in hopes that her husband Neil will return.

It is through the intervention of Susan Allison, played by Love Hewitt, that Caroline receives closure. 60 years is a long time to wait for information about someone you love.

This movie was done beautifully and like so many Hallmark movies, it won't leave you with dry eyes.  Caroline's story is so heartbreaking, it would be impossible not to cry, especially as the Western Union man arrives at her porch.

Their love story is told through flashbacks., but that isn't the only love story going on here. Susan is falling for Caroline's grandson.

The movie could have been sickeningly sweet, but it wasn't. White, who usually plays comic roles, plays Caroline so well, that she deserves and Emmy for this. Love Hewitt was likable, though at times, she was a bit annoying, but that comes from trying to condense multiple relationships into 2 hours, while trying to keep the focus on Thomas.

Hallmark really did well with this one. It isn't the stellar film that Sarah Plain and Tall was, but it will likely go down as a fan favorite. Now I have to find the book.

Another Must See Movie

OK, it seems like these days that the only movies I get to see are animated.  Gnomeo and Juliet is the next one that I have to see.

It looks so freaking cute.

Oh and the best thing about the film?

The music!

Our favorite whining geezer, Elton John, has his music featured in the film. Songs like Don't Go Breaking My Heart, Rocket Man, Bennie and the Jets and Tiny Dancer to name but a few!  Nelly Furtado does Crocodile Rock, which has me a little bit intrigued and even more frightened.

All in all,  gnomes and Elton have to make for a cute flick and a cute soundtrack!

Now I'm going to have to rent a kid so I can go see it without feeling to weird.

To Smartphone Or Not Smartphone

My 2 year "New Every Two" has come up and I find myself wondering, should I upgrade my phone?

I have an LG EnV, which I like for the most part, but would be easily swayed away from, because the screen has scratched worse than any phone I've ever owned so far.

Everyone in my family has smartphones now, but I keep thinking...Do I really need or want one?

OK, I want one, but affording one is another story.

Most of the highly rated smartphones require a data package that costs $15.00.  I'm not sure what plan I'd have to move to if I upgraded my phone.

Right now the LG Vortex is a free upgrade and so is the Motorola Citrus.

As much as I'd love an Iphone or one of the fancy Droids, they aren't in my budget.

So tell me about your smartphones. Are they really worth it?

I Must See This

First, yes, I'm back! I don't know for how long, though - the spring semester (also my last) is already busy, but I found some time.

To talk about Rabbit Hole.

First of all, the poster is awesome.

Second, Nicole Kidman and Aaron Eckhart together? Yes please.

But the real factor that attracted my attention was the wonderful director, John Cameron Mitchell. He's responsible for such gems as Hedwig and the Angry Inch and Shortbus, which I have yet to see but hear is amazing.

As for the plot, it's based on a play (of the same name of course) and revolves around a couple losing a child and having to deal with the mourning process afterward. Tough subject and by all accounts a rough movie, but brilliant.

Here's the trailer.

Elton John A Second Class Citizen In The US?

Oh come on Elton...can we please stop whining now?

Take a look at this article.

I love Elton. His music is some of the best around and always will be. The man has great talent.

However, he has a mouth that should be taped shut when it comes to everything but singing.

Hoof in mouth disease much?

Yes, the US is backwards with Gay Rights. But second class citizen? I really don't think so. I think it is one more thing he's doing to get attention.

I mean, after all, he's wearing more understated clothing these days, so he has to do something.

The world rejoiced with you..everywhere...except maybe on this blog...when his son was born. (Hey, sorry, I don't think old men should be procreating, millions of dollars or not). That's not totally a country forcing you to feel second class.

However in all his rantings and ravings he did have something to say that we should all listen to..."We don't need any more stone throwing. We don't need any more vitriol. We need people to say, 'OK. I'm straight. You're gay. Let's get along. I'm Republican. You're Democratic. Let's work together.' I'm sick and tired of people being hateful to each other in this country."

Amen to that Sir Elton. Amen to that!

Now sing me a song!

What The Heck Was She Wearing?

Most all the news sites say that Michelle Obama sparkled in the red and black Alexander McQueen gown she wore to the state dinner last night



Maybe it is just me, but I think the cut of the gown makes her look sloppy.

I know she loves to show of her wonderfully toned arms and sure the dress does that, but the slightly cockeyed shoulder makes it look off kilter, and yet it is a gorgeous gown. The pattern is stunning, but I think the neckline is awful.

So what's your take on the dress? Am I the only one that thinks its just a bit meh?

Weird News

I go away a few days from the blog and all kinds of things are happening.

~ Jim Parsons wins the globe for actor in a comedy. No upset there really. He won the Emmy a few months back.

~ Speaking of the Globes...why is this award show necessary? We have the Emmy Awards. We have the Oscars. What's the point of this crazy ass combination of the two?

~ Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban welcome another child via surrogate. Congrats to them. What I don't understand are the haters out there. C'mon people. Nic and Keith are good people and not crazy like her ex.

~ The series finale of Hannah Montana got a record number of viewers: 6.2 million! Bye Hannah! Don't come back now! Ya'hear!

~ Melissa Etheridge is going to take a walk on the Great White Way in American Idiot. Further proof that Broadway is losing credibility and inspiration. No offense to Ms Etheridge.

~ Vince Neil is going to jail for 2 weeks and then will be under house arrest for DUI for another 2. WTF! DUI and he gets 2 weeks...the rest of the world would serve a real sentence! How is this justice?

~ Regis is retiring....OMG the 9 a.m hour will never be the same. 

One Year Later And He's Still Whining

I'm so sick of hearing Conan O'Brian WHINE like a little boy over the whole NBC debacle last year.  There's nothing like a bunch of whining rich people.

OK Conan...a few words of advice.

 You fell into a shit pile with NBC. Yes, it sucked, but...and this is a big but...so pay attention here: YOU GOT PAID MILLIONS AND YOU HAVE A NEW SHOW! So you came up smelling like a rose.

So for the love of God, stop playing the "poor me" or "pity me" card and act like a grown up. I know from the humor you've used on all three shows, that may be difficult for you, but try it. It means you're a bigger stronger man, and not a wimp.

I'm at a point where I like Conan as much as I like Sarah Palin...and that's not one iota.

I Want To Make This So Bad

I was watching GMA today.

Thank you Weather Bomb from the day off.

They made a Chicken Enchilada Chili that just about made me want to dive into the TV to get a sample.

Here's the recipe from the website.

Ingredients

11/2 cups prepared enchilada sauce (read labels carefully if avoiding gluten)

2 (14.5-ounce) cans tomatoes with seasoning (your choice: I had garlic and olive oil on hand)

2 (15-ounce) cans pinto or kidney beans with juice (or 1 cup dry pinto beans, soaked overnight)

2 celery stalks, chopped

1 onion, diced, or 1 tablespoon dried minced onion flakes

1 to 2 teaspoons chili powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

11/2 pounds chicken (thighs, legs, breasts—your choice)

shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream for serving (optional)

Cooking Directions

Use a 6-quart slow cooker. Pour the enchilada sauce and tomatoes into the bottom of the removable stoneware insert. Add the beans, celery, onion, and spices, and stir to combine. Place the chicken on top.
Cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours, or until the flavors have combined. If you are using dry beans, you may need to cook longer to fully soften the beans. If your chicken has bones, fish the bones out before serving. Serve with shredded cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream, if desired.

I think I'm going to try this one out soon