Random Musings About Nothing

Spotted: Suri Cruise

2010-04-30T09:32:00.000-07:00

April 30, 2010, 9:20 am - Suri Cruise and Tom Cruise's mom crossing Park Avenue, heading east on 54th Street, right next to me. Awesome! (And of course I know what Tom Cruise's mom looks like!)

Project Runway in LDTV?

2010-03-02T17:43:00.000-08:00

I've been trying to give Project Runway on Lifetime a chance, but I have only so much patience to give when it's broadcast in murky, low-quality non-HD on Time Warner Cable in New York City. Wtf? How can I properly analyze the intricate stitching and unique patterns so as to enjoyably assess which designers are the best of the bunch, when I can barely see the color of each garment?

Sigh. I don't know how we lived before HD, but get with it Lifetime! You brought the show back to New York City, now can you please let your NYC viewers actually see the show? Hand whatever bribe is necessary over to Time Warner so that you can broadcast in HD. (Bravo does.) I can only take so much, and I'm sure I'm not alone.

Midnight Sun

2010-02-24T11:24:00.000-08:00

This post is for Twilight fans. Actually, this post is for ignorant Twilight fans who have not kept up with all things Twilight as well as they should!

I'm new to the Twilight phenomenon. I got hooked on the first movie pretty late in the game -- November 2009. Since then, I've read all the books and watched the second movie. And as soon as I finished book 4 (the final book), I got the shakes. You know what I'm talking about -- those shakes you get when you're done with the series and find out there's nothing else left to read. Oh no! That's when I started Googling for any juicy info on when a new book might come out.

And that's when I stumbled upon Midnight Sun.

Midnight Sun was meant to be a companion book to the first Twilight, retelling the story of how Bella and Edward met...but through Edward's eyes (and through the eyes of everyone around him, as he can read their minds). Unfortunately, a draft of the book was leaked back in August 2008, when Stephenie Meyer had written only twelve chapters. Since then, she's stopped further work on the book indefinitely. Fortunately, she's decided to make the draft available to her fans on her website.

In my opinion, Midnight Sun is the best book of the series, even in its uncompleted, unedited form. (I'm currently re-reading it, in conjunction with Twilight. Obsess much?) If you've made it to the end of this post, I take it you're a fan. If you're a fan, you must read this book. And then tell me what you think.

Another Lesson in Killing TV Shows

2010-02-11T08:03:00.000-08:00

If you haven't heard by now, it's official: Ugly Betty is getting canned after this season. And honestly, good riddance. The show's been pretty bad lately. Painful to watch, in fact. But, I do feel some sadness in seeing it go, particularly when I think of why it had to end so abruptly: a broadcast network's use of the usual time-slot-shifting-MO in the quest to kill another inconvenient show.

Yes, the writing for Ugly Betty really went downhill this season. But that's not why it lost its viewership. The fans were still willing to watch...if only they knew when it was on!

Ugly Betty started out on Thursday night. At the height of its popularity (and after viewers convinced ABC not to cancel it), Ugly Betty got quarantined to Friday night. And just when we finally got used to DVRing it on Friday and watching it over the weekend, ABC --always a step ahead -- bumped it to Wednesday.

I'm getting tired just keeping up with Ugly Betty in this post. So what viewer would have the patience to keep up with it on television (particularly in a year when the writing is a bit...off)? Thank you, ABC, for murdering yet another show. It's certainly not on the scale of Dirty Sexy Money, but the principle of the matter is still the same. I just hope Modern Family gets to stay put on Wednesday nights.

Conan: 1 - NBC: 0

2010-01-12T14:12:00.000-08:00

Alec Baldwin's 30 Rock impersonation of an NBC exec is really spot on. When will those television big-shots learn that playing musical chairs with television shows kills television shows? Bravo to Conan for releasing the following statement today:

People of Earth:

In the last few days, I’ve been getting a lot of sympathy calls, and I want to start by making it clear that no one should waste a second feeling sorry for me. For 17 years, I’ve been getting paid to do what I love most and, in a world with real problems, I’ve been absurdly lucky. That said, I’ve been suddenly put in a very public predicament and my bosses are demanding an immediate decision.

Six years ago, I signed a contract with NBC to take over The Tonight Show in June of 2009. Like a lot of us, I grew up watching Johnny Carson every night and the chance to one day sit in that chair has meant everything to me. I worked long and hard to get that opportunity, passed up far more lucrative offers, and since 2004 I have spent literally hundreds of hours thinking of ways to extend the franchise long into the future. It was my mistaken belief that, like my predecessor, I would have the benefit of some time and, just as important, some degree of ratings support from the prime-time schedule. Building a lasting audience at 11:30 is impossible without both.

But sadly, we were never given that chance. After only seven months, with my Tonight Show in its infancy, NBC has decided to react to their terrible difficulties in prime-time by making a change in their long-established late night schedule.

Last Thursday, NBC executives told me they intended to move the Tonight Show to 12:05 to accommodate the Jay Leno Show at 11:35. For 60 years the Tonight Show has aired immediately following the late local news. I sincerely believe that delaying the Tonight Show into the next day to accommodate another comedy program will seriously damage what I consider to be the greatest franchise in the history of broadcasting. The Tonight Show at 12:05 simply isn’t the Tonight Show. Also, if I accept this move I will be knocking the Late Night show, which I inherited from David Letterman and passed on to Jimmy Fallon, out of its long-held time slot. That would hurt the other NBC franchise that I love, and it would be unfair to Jimmy.

So it has come to this: I cannot express in words how much I enjoy hosting this program and what an enormous personal disappointment it is for me to consider losing it. My staff and I have worked unbelievably hard and we are very proud of our contribution to the legacy of The Tonight Show. But I cannot participate in what I honestly believe is its destruction. Some people will make the argument that with DVRs and the Internet a time slot doesn’t matter. But with the Tonight Show, I believe nothing could matter more.

There has been speculation about my going to another network but, to set the record straight, I currently have no other offer and honestly have no idea what happens next. My hope is that NBC and I can resolve this quickly so that my staff, crew, and I can do a show we can be proud of, for a company that values our work.

Have a great day and, for the record, I am truly sorry about my hair; it’s always been that way.

Yours,
Conan

Right on, Conan! Finally, someone is standing up to them. I hope this drama really pumps up your ratings, but I also hope that NBC gets burned when you leave them for Fox.

And the Award Goes To...

2009-11-24T09:09:00.000-08:00

Huge apologies for the way-too-long time off from posting. I have all sorts of excuses, but I won't bore you with them. So, onto the next post!

There are 3 good places to go with the headline of this post:

1) It's official: my personal award for best new show of the season goes to: Modern Family (Wednesdays @ 8 p.m. ET on ABC). Each episode is laugh-out-loud funny and well-acted. And the biggest plus of the show? We get Al Bundy back -- as an older and more charming loveable grump. The show's gotten plenty of acclaim, so you can definitely give this one a chance without any fear of imminent cancellation by the man.

2) The award for most disappointing new show of the season? That one will have to go to Community (Thursdays @ 8 p.m. ET on NBC). I was really looking forward to this one, particularly because of Chevy Chase's return to TV -- so I really tried hard to like it. Unfortunately, I have not been able to keep watching past episode 3. It was quite bad in the first 3 episodes. For anyone who's been patient enough to sit through the rest of the season, let us known if it's gotten any better.

3) Finally, how can I not comment on the Taylor Swift/Kanye West MTV Video Music Awards rumble? I was abroad on vacation when it all occurred, so I was extremely anxious to catch up on this juicy piece of national pop gossip upon my return. For anyone who missed it, here's a live clip of the fumble and the save. No surprise that the award for biggest jackass of the season goes to Kanye West.

SEVERE crime of fashion!!!!

2009-09-01T10:45:00.000-07:00

This man is the scum of the earth. Plain and simple. Anand Jon Alexander (a fashion designer who was on America's next top model, the Tyra Banks show and dressed Paris Hilton) was brought up on charges for not 1, not 2 but 16 counts of assault and rape!!! This scumbag designer would have models come up to his apartment to do a "photo shoot" for his line and would then rape and assault them! The worst part - the models were between the ages of 14 - 21!!! WTF! He is also facing similar charges in NY with 9 more women!

Anand was sentenced to a minimum of 59 years in prison. I say keep the bastard for life!

If that's not bad enough, his sister, Sanjana is being held in contempt of court for juror tampering (she offered herself up to a juror who found her attractive. He is also being held).

It's bananas!!

2009-08-30T18:40:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite guilty pleasures is back for another season - The Rachel Zoe Project! Rachel Zoe is a fabulous stylist and I just love watching the insanity that goes on when dressing celebrities!

Rachel and her bitchtastic assistants Taylor and Brad opened the series dressing celebs for the Golden Globes. While much of the drama is totally over the top, u gotta love their dedication!

Join the fabulosity Mondays at 10 on the channel where all guilty pleasures are born - Bravo!

Talk About Blood for Oil

2009-08-24T08:13:00.000-07:00

Just as most other Americans out there, I am absolutely outraged by Scotland's release of the Pan-Am bomber, to (what else but) jubilation and reverence in Libya.

Scotland's reason for the handover of a man who killed 270 people and served only 8 years of a life sentence? "Compassion," of course, in light of his terminal prostate cancer diagnosis.

Well, while this reason made no sense to any sane person, diplomats and laymen alike, the truth -- which makes perfect sense -- has finally come out:

On Friday, Lord Trefgarne, chairman of the Libyan British Business Council, said Mr. Megrahi’s release had opened the way for Britain’s leading oil companies to pursue multibillion-dollar oil contracts with Libya, which had demanded Mr. Megrahi’s return in talks with British officials and business executives.

("New Questions in Lockerbie Bomber’s Release," The New York Times, August 21, 2009.)

Aaaah...so after years of liberal Europeans accusing the U.S. of trading blood for oil, we learn that the proper way to do it is to trade already-shed civilian blood. That makes it bloody better, indeed. Chip chip cheerio, carry on!

Give me a friggin break!

2009-08-21T21:14:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow I am leaving for a fabulous vacation with my husband to the grand canyon and Vegas. I must say though, after watching the news recently, I am not sure what I should wear. Like any sane person, I was planning on wearing shorts when hiking in the 100+ degree weather down an enormous canyon, but apparently, when Michelle Obama did it recently, people went crazy!!! Some even went so far to say that she was a disgrace to our nation. You want a disgrace? Take a look at her husband's proposed health care plan! Seriously, what the heck was she supposed to wear? A ball gown?! Perhaps long pants?! It's friggin hot people! And they're not even that short!

Obviously it was a slow news day if that was all people could talk about. People need to stop acting like they are celebrities. It sickens me that I read more about the Obamas' wardrobe than their politics. They could wear trash bags for all I care! Lets worry less about what they wear and more about what Obama is doing to our poor country!!

And yes, I'm packing the shorts!

The State ... on DVD!!!

2009-08-13T10:54:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I'm so late in informing everyone (in fact, I bet that any true State fans out there are wondering how I can call myself a State fan and not have discussed this sooner), but The State is finally available on DVD!!! Yes -- after a decade of waiting and pleading, the powers-that-be at MTV/Viacom finally decided that they might just make some money on this venture. Gee, MTV -- what gave it away? Was it the online petition from cult fans everywhere begging you to release your best show ever on DVD?

Anyway, if you're not familiar with The State, it's a 1990s sketch comedy show made by the same guys and girl who have since brought you Reno 911! and the like. In fact, these days you'll probably find their faces to be very familiar, as they have made appearances in various movies as well. And if you're at all into comedy, you really have to check out the 26 hilarious episodes of one of the best sketch comedies ever made.

All hail The State!

Why Didn't I Think Of That?

2009-08-07T13:48:00.001-07:00

The newest gossip site making a big buzz is http://www.gossipcop.com/. Its claim to fame? Dispeling celebrity rumors and giving us just the facts, ma'am. It even has a real v. rumor --green v. red -- scale next to colorful pictures and headings that pertain to each story of the day. So, you don't even have to read full article to be in the know instantly. Amazing!

Why didn't I think of starting a blog like that? ...Maybe because I don't have the right connections. Oh well...one day. At least I've already spotted two real-life celebrities, and that's a fact, ma'am.

Step Right Up to See the NYC Reality Freak Show

2009-07-16T20:41:00.000-07:00

The latest issue of NY Magazine includes an article called "The NYC Reality Freak Show," which meanders in circles analyzing Bravo's recent string of NYC-focused reality TV shows, in a quest to answer: "In NYC Prep, as in The Real Housewives of New York City, Manhattan is a kind of moral hell, corrupted by money and power and baubles and drinks. Is it really this bad?"

Yes, it's that bad, and why wouldn't it be? If the grown women on Real Housewives -- who did not grow up in the money-obsessed era of Paris Hilton and the like -- act like spoiled children with over-sized wallets, then how are NYC private school teenagers going to act?

And please spare us the excuses from these kids for why they have ended up being unfairly misrepresented as spoiled brats on television:

. . . [S]ome of the NYC Prep cast I interviewed suggested that the people they were onscreen were not the people they were in real life. Kelli, for example, says that she doesn’t live alone—on the show, she lives in an apartment while her parents stay in the Hamptons, popping in once in a while—and also claims to have never been interested in Sebastian, on whom she is supposed to have an unrequited crush.

Really, Kelli? So the producers forced you and your parents to pretend that you live alone for six nights of the week, and then they forced you to giggle on camera about how great it is to go out every night when you live with only your brother? Or was it the shock of seeing what you actually look and sound like on television that subsequently made you recant?

Obviously, good reality shows are like fun mirrors (in continuing with the freak show metaphor). Talented producers pick up on potentially sensational personality traits that are already present in each cast member, and they exaggerate them to grab the viewer's attention and mold a television character. (Clockwise from top left: Sexually-confused PC, queen bee Jessie, trying-too-hard Kelli, over-driven Camille, wannabe-playboy Sebastian, and status-seeking Taylor.)

But, while exaggerated, these traits are not made up. Real Housewife Bethenny Frankel says it best in the same article:

Frankel was approached for The Real Housewives by a producer at a polo match in the Hamptons, but initially turned it down. “I thought it would be tragic, just tragic, a bunch of women drinking and acting like idiots, and I would be the idiot who’d been on two reality shows,” she says. But she went to a party where she met the rest of the cast and changed her mind. “I thought, Maybe I should do this, because there is no way I could look like a crazy person with all these crazy people.” She lets out a guffaw. “You can’t believe these shows are real, because you don’t believe that people could be this insane, but everything is 100 percent genuine.” She sighs.

And (to the producers' chagrin, I'm sure) Bethenny has succeeded in coming off as the only remotely non-crazy Housewife.

Of course, it's nice to have a stable Bethenny character once in a while, so that there's someone who says aloud exactly what you're already thinking about the rest of the wacky cast. But, come on, it's the crazies that make for great television -- just as the freaks make for great circus acts.

Sarah Palin Resigns ... For Now

2009-07-07T08:58:00.000-07:00

My take on Sarah Palin's resignation? She's totally (and unfortunately) gunning for President. In reading articles that describe the resignation speech, it's hard to picture it leaving any impression other than Sarah Palin wants to hide under a rock, away from the public scrutiny that has engulfed her life and her family. But once you watch the resignation speech for yourself, you cannot come away thinking anything but that this is all tactical maneuvering for a presidential bid. ...Keeping her "eye on the ball," as she calls it.

Celebrity Spotting

2009-06-17T10:27:00.000-07:00

So I think my celebrity-spotting luck has officially taken a turn for the better. I ran into Terrence Howard at the Starbucks in the Sony store on Madison and 55th today. He was standing right next to me in line, and I wouldn't have even noticed him, but for the giggles of the Starbucks staff. Seems that he had been having a conversation with them when I walked in, and that he's a regular there. He was very nice and waved good-bye to everyone and told the staff he'd see them tomorrow. He looked exactly as he does in his films...perhaps even better in person. I then confirmed with the Starbucks cashier that it was, indeed, Terrence Howard. I guess that's just another perk of working for (and drinking) Starbucks.

This is so fab!

2009-06-14T14:53:00.000-07:00

I found this online - It's from a 1955 edition of Housekeeping Monthly - I have to say, I do love some of these - although perhaps not the ones about staying out all night and not asking questions :)

-Have dinner ready. Plan ahead, even the night before, to have a delicious meal ready on time for his return. This is a way of letting him know that you have be thinking about him and are concerned about his needs. Most men are hungry when they get home and the prospect of a good meal is part of the warm welcome needed.

-Prepare yourself. Take 15 minutes to rest so you'll be refreshed when he arrives. Touch up your make-up, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh-looking. He has just been with a lot of work-weary people.

-Be a little gay and a little more interesting for him. His boring day may need a lift and one of your duties is to provide it.

-Clear away the clutter. Make one last trip through the main part of the house just before your husband arrives. Run a dustcloth over the tables.

-During the cooler months of the year you should prepare and light a fire for him to unwind by. Your husband will feel he has reached a haven of rest and order, and it will give you a lift too. After all, catering to his comfort will provide you with immense personal satisfaction.

-Minimize all noise. At the time of his arrival, eliminate all noise of the washer, dryer or vacuum. Encourage the children to be quiet.

-Be happy to see him.

-Greet him with a warm smile and show sincerity in your desire to please him.

-Listen to him. You may have a dozen important things to tell him, but the moment of his arrival is not the time. Let him talk first - remember, his topics of conversation are more important than yours.

-Don't greet him with complaints and problems.

-Don't complain if he's late for dinner or even if he stays out all night. Count this as minor compared to what he might have gone through at work.

-Make him comfortable. Have him lean back in a comfortable chair or lie him down in the bedroom. Have a cool or warm drink ready for him.

-Arrange his pillow and offer to take off his shoes. Speak in a low, soothing and pleasant voice.

-Don't ask him questions about his actions or question his judgment or integrity. Remember, he is the master of the house and as such will always exercise his will with fairness and truthfulness. You have no right to question him.

-A good wife always knows her place.

Royal Pains - Dirty Sexy Money ripoff?

2009-06-08T16:30:00.001-07:00

So I tuned in this week to the new show Royal Pains on USA. Basically, the show is about a doctor who loses his job, goes to the Hamptons with his brother, and "happens" to save a life at a party (convenient, huh?). The next day, people "happen" to have his number, and, much to his chagrin, the rich and bratty begin calling him for random jobs (Including a 16 year old who crashes Daddy's car, and a boob job gone flat)
Sound familiar?

Instead of a Lawyer who feels obliged to work with a rich family, we now have a doctor in the house.

Lucky for them, there's not much on in the summer, so I will probably keep watching!

I miss you DSM....

...Grrrowl!

2009-06-06T12:48:00.001-07:00

Has anyone been watching The Cougar? If not, here's the awkward final episode, recapping the journey that 20-somethings Colt and Jimmy took to try to win over 40-year-old Stacy's heart, pants, and wallet. Some highlights? Colt singing his "So You Like 'Em Under Thirty" song to the tune of his guitar, and 23-year-old Jimmy bromancing Stacy's 15-year-old son.

A Real (Kinda) Celebrity Sighting!

2009-06-04T20:30:00.000-07:00

If you read this blog, you know that I'm constantly on the lookout for celebrity sightings, but I have a real knack for never spotting any celebrities. Well, I totally forgot to inform everyone that I finally ran into a real celebrity about a month ago, just strolling the streets of New York (Chelsea, on a Saturday night, to be exact). It's this guy:
...You know, he's that guy from 30 Rock...the one whose name no one knows. So, alright, he's not much of a celebrity, but he's better than a reality show pseudoceleb. I'm moving on up.

Chapter one.....

2009-06-04T18:55:00.000-07:00

And so my journey begins in the world of blogger. I feel very much like Carrie Bradshaw only without the voice over...
Much thanks to I am a Miranda for adding me as the voice of the suburbs! That's right folks. Now you get two voices for the price of one! Still working on my angle though - Miranda has the whole city vibe thing going so I think I might just embrace my "quaint" suburban existence and run with it.

And what's more suburban than a home cooked meal?

Recently, I am a Miranda asked me how to poach an egg, so here is poaching 101 along with my favorite recipe for eggs benedict. Enjoy!

Ok, here is the 411 on the poached egg:

Step 1: Fill a medium to large sized pan (a pot is too deep) with about 3 inches of water.
Step 2: As the water is heating up, crack your egg into a small bowl or coffee cup. This step is important as it ensures that you don't break the yolk!
Step 3: Add a little vinigar to the water and turn down the heat when the water is about to boil. The water should be simmering but NOT boiling.
Step 4: Carefully slide the egg into the water. Let it cook 2 min for a runny yolk and up to 4 for a firm one.
Step 5: Take out egg with a slotted spoon and lay on paper towel to absorb water.
Step 6: EAT! or use in my Eggs Benedict :)

Mrs. Van de G's Eggs Benedict
(serves 2)

toast an english muffin split in half
while the muffin is toasting:
blend together 1/2 reduced (or full if you prefer) fat mayo with 1 garlic clove, a squeeze of fresh lemon, a spash of water, salt and pepper. You can also add a few sprigs of parsley.
when muffins are done, top each half with 2 slices of smoked salmon and some chopped chives
top each half with 1 poached egg
top with sauce

Voila! Tasty and delicious!!

This sauce is also really good over steamed asparagus :)

The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien

2009-06-03T09:00:00.000-07:00

On Monday night, Conan premiered his run on the Tonight Show, and the baton was officially passed. Overall, I was pleased to see a new generation of comedy in an earlier time slot, and I was particularly happy to see Andy Richter reunite with Conan. However, I was somewhat disappointed with the writing, and I was especially disappointed with the limited use of Andy as comic relief. And the same goes for the second episode that aired on Tuesday night. In fact, the funniest part of the second episode was Tom Hanks. (You can check out clips or full episodes here.)

I was hoping to see a new era of the Tonight Show with bits as funny as "In the Year 2000" and "Masturbating Bear," and with Conan and Andy consistently playing off each other. Unfortunately, all I saw were pre-taped skits that were just ... well, okay, with a tamed Andy standing behind a podium, barely contributing to the show.

Ultimately, I have a lot of confidence in Conan, and I'm sure the show will get better. But I feel compelled to say (in case one of Conan's interns is reading): Conan, please think back to your early days and what made your show special among the Lenos and the Lettermans. Channel that, and I'm sure you'll do great. And, please, use Andy more! ...At least give him a seat.

What Harm Could a Few Terrorists Do?

2009-05-21T11:00:00.000-07:00

In support of the argument that we should close the detention center in Guantanamo Bay despite a Pentagon report "that about one in seven of the 534 prisoners already transferred abroad from the detention center...are engaged in terrorism or militant activity," the New York times reported today:

Terrorism experts said a 14 percent recidivism rate was far lower than the rate for prisoners in the United States, which, they said, can run as high as 68 percent three years after release.

What ever happened to common sense? ... Of course, this is piled on top of yesterday's New York Times' ode to hypocrisy:

"Guantánamo makes us less safe," the Senate majority leader, Harry Reid of Nevada, said at a news conference where he laid out the party’s rationale for its decision [to bar transfer of detainees to the United States], which is expected to be voted on this week. "However, this is neither the time nor the bill to deal with this. Democrats under no circumstances will move forward without a comprehensive, responsible plan from the president. We will never allow terrorists to be released into the United States."

So now the Democrats are admitting that Guantanamo Bay houses terrorists, rather than some poor saps who happened to be walking by a war zone and accidentally got rounded up by the U.S. army?

Why are we closing Guantanamo Bay again? Anyone?

Searching for the Perfect Pad Thai

2009-04-28T14:08:00.000-07:00

The hubby and I have been on a quest for the perfect pad thai for years. Some are too soggy. Some are too dry. Some have come close to being just right...but never quite there. Well, I am glad to announce that we may have finally stumbled upon the holy grail of pad thai at a restaurant called "Land" on Manhattan's Upper West Side (450 Amsterdam Ave, b/w 81st & 82nd St).

The place is small and quaint, with excellent thai dishes -- pad thai or otherwise (the steamed vegetable dumplings, for instance, are not to be missed). But the pad thai is...well, perfect. Firm but moist noodles, the right mix of ingredients, no overpowering flavors or smells, not at all watery or dry. It's really just right.

Another two pluses in my book: Land has a nice selection of wine and serves sticky rice. While the wait can be quite long on a Friday or Saturday night, a great pub next door makes the time fly. And, well, the food is worth the wait.

(Note: Land did not pay me for this post, but if they're reading, gift certificates to their restaurant are always appreciated!)

The City

2009-03-17T20:35:00.000-07:00

I was never really a fan of The Hills... mostly because I'm not a fan of L.A. But when they decided to make The City spinoff, I figured I had to give it a chance. (And in case you've been living under a rock or just simply living in the MTV-less real world, The City is a semi-reality show about a nobody girl trying to make it in the fashion business in New York City...with the help of clever MTV producers who spin her "real" life into a plot fit for a soapy TV show.)

So, the first season of The City just ended this week. Now that I've had time to digest the show as a whole, here are my thoughts:

I've grown to like Whitney. I especially like her pink lipstick...so cute! Anyway, I was proud of her in this last episode for standing up to evil Upper East Side snob Olivia and to her hunky downtown hipster sleazebag ex-boyfriend Jay. Go Whitney! ...Though, of course, this plot clearly falls in line with my prediction of this show being made to emulate the trials and tribulations of Sex and the City's lovable Carrie and love-to-hate Mr. Big. Case in point: In the finale of the first season of Sex and the City, Carrie tells Mr. Big to take a hike too. Sigh...how predictable.

I like Allie. I hate her player boyfriend, Adam, though. I definitely fell into the producer's love/hate trap here. And I bet all the male MTV viewers who watch this show (yeah, you're out there) love Allie and give props to Adam for scoring such a hot chick while getting some on the side. Those MTV producers are geniuses.

I like Olivia. She obviously got this gig specifically by agreeing to play the gorgeous, snobby, rich-girl villain. And why the heck else would she be working as an intern for DVF other than to implement the character of Whitney's frenemy in the workplace. Love it!

Jay, Jay, Jay.... As I've already mentioned, he's obviously styled to be the hipster version of "Mr. Big" ... obviously without any of the "bignesss." The producers are clearly setting him up to be the guy Whitney dumps and takes back...over and over again. I bet the number of expected break-ups and reunifications are spelled out in their contracts.

So, all in all, it was a great season. And yes, I know the show is blatantly set up and not real at all. (Why else would Jay's ex-girlfriends, for instance, "happen" to show up in the most unexpected places again and again?) But I know that taking "real" people and setting them up to deal with life's most awkward moments is exactly what keeps us all watching. For that, I give props to MTV.

Delta: You'll Love the Way We Fly...Without You

2009-03-13T21:32:00.001-07:00

Going "airline" is this decade's "going postal."

I was close to "going airline" today at the Delta terminal in JFK Airport. Turns out the $500 airplane ticket I purchased on expedia.com was not for a "seat" on Delta flight 1823 from New York to Miami, but rather for a "reservation" for a chance at a seat. Turns out Delta overbooked my flight by an extra dozen passengers (and does so routinely for all their flights) without letting me know until I arrived at the gate...after I had checked my liquid-filled bag for a $15 fee. Turns out I lost the seat "lottery." Turns out Delta runs three flights a day from New York to Miami on the eve of spring break. Turns out Delta overbooked all its Miami flights. Turns out that your checked luggage can get on an overbooked flight...even when you can't. Turns out my luggage was in the company of another dozen or so bags that went on vacation without their owners. Turns out that when your luggage goes on vacation without you, you don't get your $15 back.

I was close to going postal...or rather, airline, on someone at Delta today. Instead, I wrote this post.

The Oscars Streaming Blog: Part VI

2009-02-22T23:59:00.000-08:00

My predictions were all right! *Patting myself on the back.* Well, the Oscars were pretty blah this year. Some great dresses; some lousy dresses. Nothing very memorable, except those weird award presentations where egocentric actors and actresses who've already won their own Oscars tell the actor/actress nominees of the night (in the second-person) how each one of their innovative 2008 performances changed the world. Gag me.

The Oscars Streaming Blog: Part V

2009-02-22T23:04:00.000-08:00

That dancing medley was fun! Woke me up. And that black girl showed everyone up at the end. Yeah!

The Oscars Streaming Blog: Part IV

2009-02-22T22:53:00.000-08:00

I'm bored. *Yawn.*

The Oscars Streaming Blog: Part III

2009-02-22T22:01:00.000-08:00

I stand corrected, WJW. Sean Penn has won before. But I hear his performance in Milk is the leading candidate for an Oscar this year. And besides, I think he should have won for I Am Sam way back when, so they still owe him one. I did not enjoy that musical medley at all. And was that vampire movie (Twilight?) a musical?? Why were those vampire kids singing during that medley?

The Oscars Streaming Blog: Part II

2009-02-22T21:47:00.000-08:00

Finally -- Tina Fey and Steve Martin -- a breath of fresh air and some humor! Can either of them replace Hugh Jackman as the host mid-show? ...And Ben Stiller is hilarious! I don't believe he's ever hosted ...that would be great to see one day...maybe today? -- please?! Anyway, I'm happy to see the Duchess win for costumes -- it really deserved it. And if WallE hadn't won for best animated feature, that would have been ridiculous. ...I still have to see Slumdog Millionaire. My bet is (from what I've heard about it) that it wins best movie tonight. I think that Kate Winslet will win best actress...even though there's talk that her speech at the Golden Globes annoyed everyone enough to award the Oscar to someone else. She was really great this year. As for best actor, I haven't seen Milk, but I think Sean Penn deserves to get an Oscar after all these years of great performances. (As you can tell, I'm just not prepared for the Oscars this year, but I've been meaning to see Slumdog...I promise! I'll have to see it this week.) These are all predictions, but what I know for sure is that Leo totally got gypped this year -- he deserved to get a nod for Revolutionary Road.

The Oscars Streaming Blog: Part I

2009-02-22T21:00:00.000-08:00

What was with that intro song and dance number by Hugh Jackman? That was so lame and not funny at all. I miss Billy Crystal. Is it me or do the Oscars feel like they're taking place in someone's basement this year? I guess they have to jump on the recession bandwagon. And that first presentation for best supporting actress -- that sounded more like nominees for sainthood than for supporting actress. And they didn't even play a clip of any of the performances! ...Btw, I love Marisa Tomei's Versace dress! Recession smesession.

Twitter Me This

2009-02-18T15:21:00.000-08:00

I became a member of twitter some months ago to keep up with all things new. But I really didn't get it and didn't like it. It seemed that anything I could do on twitter I could just as easily do on Facebook...and so I signed on only a handful of times since then. That is, until I found out the difference between Facebook and twitter: unlike on Facebook, you can stalk -- scratch that -- "follow" celebrities' instant updates on Twitter without having to "friend" them or read about their fan pages. Hence, for the past 24 hours I have been obsessively following Britney Spears (britneyspears), John Mayer (johncmayer), Tina Fey (TinaFey), and Perez Hilton (perezhilton), who never seems to shut up on this thing -- but in a much more controlled way than on his website. I know that without twitter I could just as easily find out about all of these celebrities' latest happening by visiting their websites, but for some mysterious reason (probably the same reason that people scour Facebook for their frienemies' updates), it feels really cool to get up-to-the-minute updates about what all these famous strangers are thinking, doing, and eating (i.e., Tina Fey: Am I eating a Caramello bar for lunch? Yes. Yes I am. 3:06 PM Feb 3rd) by going to one simple website, without having to admit that I'm their "friend" or a fan of their Facebook page or message board. Is it just me?

Grey's Lubotomy

2009-02-16T21:34:00.001-08:00

If you didn't know by now, Grey's Anatomy has gotten bad. Really bad. Perhaps Shonda Rhimes is the only television-watching person who isn't aware of this fact. So, Shonda, in case you're reading this, this message is for you: Despite the unbearable storylines, the annoying characters, and the over-the-top goriness, I wanted to give you the benefit of the doubt; I wanted to keep liking your show, I wanted to keep forcing my husband to watch it with me.... But I can no longer justify doing so. Your show is that bad.

And as much as I really wanted to find out how Izzie and George end up getting canned, I just can't take having to watch anymore of this crap to find out. The last episode was so unbearable that I fast-forwarded through the whole thing on my Tivo, just to see if Izzie and George are still on the show by the end. The highlight of the episode: Denny (the talking ghost) didn't make an appearance. The downside: Izzie and George are still here. Sigh. Leave it to the brilliant minds at ABC to keep this garbage on while canceling Dirty Sexy Money.

Bromance: The Evolution of Man

2009-01-10T20:46:00.000-08:00

The American "man" as we once knew him is officially dead. This important point in history was marked by the premiere of MTV's new reality show: Bromance. For years I've been saying that my generation has spawned a new breed of metrosexual men, forcing women to take on the dominant role in society. These men can't change a flat tire; they can't bang a nail into the wall; they can't throw a punch. But they can accessorize like nobody's business...while still coming home to a woman. What was once somewhat of a hypothesis has now been confirmed by this groundbreaking show.

The premise of Bromance is that a bunch of random guys compete to be the new best friend of Brody Jenner (of The Hills' fame - 15 minutes of it, that is). I don't know which scene of the show's first episode made me most confused -- the middle-of-the-night kidnapping of the boys in their skivvies for their first meeting with Brody, or the hot tub elimination, during which Brody told his "bros" (again in their skivvies) which qualities he admired most about each one.

In fact, at the outset of the show, everything about it made me think it was simply Brody Jenner's clever way of coming out of the closet (via a Tila Tequila-like confession to the contestants about why they were really there). But as the show progressed and 1) the only openly gay contestant left because it wasn't what he had expected it to be (obviously the same thing I expected it to be), and 2) one of the apparently heterosexual contestants himself noted that the jacuzzi scene was "awkward," I started to realize this show might be more profound than I initially gave it credit for.

I confirmed this realization when I looked up the word "bromance" online; urbandictionary.com defines it as "[d]escrib[ing] the complicated love and affection shared by two straight males." The show, indeed, seems to play off a bunch of heterosexual men feeling comfortable enough with their metro-sexuality to engage in "bromance." What's profound about this is that it marks the end of the era of the manly American man as our parents knew him. The new man is a girly man and he's fine with it -- proud of it, even. For a decade or so, he's been the "metro" who feels comfortable enough with his sexuality to put lots of product in his hair and to take longer than his female counterpart to get ready before going out. Now he's the "bro" who feels comfortable sitting in a hot tub with a bunch of men he just met, discussing his feelings for them...but not in that way.

...Just one small step for Brody Jenner, one large leap for metro-kind, and one more reason why women no longer need men. Suckers!

What Do OJ and Obama Have in Common?

2008-12-13T16:09:00.000-08:00

If you haven't heard by now, OJ Simpson was sentenced to up to 33 years in prison for robbery and such. ...Makes me think: oh how the racial tide has turned. Back in 1995, black Americans across the country cheered at a black man being acquitted for butchering his white wife. And just over a decade later, a black man becomes president and OJ is put behind bars. Karma (and justice) work in mysterious ways, right?

So what do OJ and Obama have in common (aside from the obvious)? Well, they are both litmus tests for racial progress. Once it became okay for white people to put a black man in the white house, it became okay for black people to put OJ in prison. And in terms of harmony and balance, well, they were hanging out with karma and justice, and they all said to each other, "Obama in the white house and OJ on a golf course? That can't be right."

And So They Break Our Hearts...Again

2008-11-19T14:40:00.000-08:00

On a sadder note, this week's UsWeekly recently reported that Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling have, once again, split up. *Tear. *And a special tear for Canada. Good thing I saw the Notebook again during the few months they were back together. It's just that much sappier that way.

Finally! A RealityTVPseudoCelebrity Spotting

2008-11-19T14:16:00.001-08:00

I'm a bit obsessed with celebrities, so I'm always on the lookout for them. Unfortunately, I have a funny knack for never spotting them. The problem in New York City is that they look just like your average, ordinary folk, just walking down the street...especially when it gets cold and everyone's bundled up and red-nosed. At least in L.A., when you see a regular-looking, skimpily-dressed girl walking down the street, but she happens to be swamped by photographers, you know she must be famous. Here, celebrities probably squeek past me on the street regularly, and I would never even know it.

Well, I think my curse may have been broken today! I could've sworn I saw McKey from America's Next Top Model Cycle 11 walking into a Starbucks on 56th St. this morning, as I was walking out of it. I did a double take, and I'm pretty sure it was her, as she has rather distinct facial features and she's obviously freakishly tall.

Okay, okay -- so she's not much of a celebrity. But what's really cool about today's realitytvceleb-spotting is that now, I have a reason to predict that McKey will win tonight's finale. (Okay, so she's kind of a shoe-in to begin with, but....) What does McKey walking out of a Starbucks in NYC have to do with her winning ANTM, you ask? Well, we ANTM fans all know that once you win ANTM you move to NYC, of course. Where else would you possibly go if Tyra Banks crowned you as being model fabulous (but not nearly as fabulous as Tyra herself)? Duh!

2012: A Political Prophecy

2008-11-17T10:14:00.000-08:00

I keep hearing newsbits about Sarah Palin running in 2012. First off, if you didn't get a chance to see this before Election Day, apparently now is as good a time as ever to visit: http://www.palinaspresident.us/never/index.html. But seriously...Palin in 2012? When did the Republic Party get hijacked by the religious right? Okay, okay - so we know the answer to that one. Perhaps the question is why did the Republican Party get hijacked by the religious right? ...Because isn't it strange that such a thing would happen during the best economic times known to man? Was it September 11th that turned things backwards?

One thing's for sure: the Bible-thumping will only get worse when economic times are bad. As such, I feel a major rift coming on in the Republican Party. I, for one, am not hopeful for 2012. Perhaps it really is time for us Giuliani-philes to seriously explore shacking it up with those wacky Libertarians. ...They seem like the sane ones, comparatively speaking.

Sorry, but I AM a Miranda

2008-11-17T10:12:00.000-08:00

So here's some more proof that I am, indeed, a Miranda: I have not had time to post on this blog since September because I was so busy at my big law firm job. Things have calmed down a bit now, so back to my musings.

Lifestyles of the Rich and Bratty

2008-09-24T23:49:00.000-07:00

The CW got a head start on the Fall's season's premieres, giving teeny boppers and teeny bopper wannabes alike something to watch, while we awaited the season's more meaty shows from the grown-up networks. Here's my take on the three CW shows I'm watching, which (coincidentally?) share one common theme of: "Don't you wish you were this filthy rich? Ha ha, oh but you're not! Sucks to be you!" (I'm likewise -- coincidentally or not -- eagerly awaiting the season premiere of Dirty, Sexy Money...but that's a totally different future post.)

Gossip Girl: No matter what the writers throw at me with this one, I'll keep watching. It's like a train wreck on a glamorous fashion runway, and I just can't get enough. Right now, I'm torn between wanting Serena and Dan together v. wanting to see more of the old, bad-girl Serena. I think the latter will prove much more entertaining. (And anyway, who needs Serena and Dan together on TV when you can see the actors who play them holding hands in weekly tabloid pics?) I'm also hating on Vanessa right now for being so naive and stupid (with telling the Duke about his wife's affair with her stepson). Nevertheless, I would like to see the relationship between Vanessa and Nate develop. I love seeing the rich boy falls in love with poor girl plot. It gives us girls hope.

90210: I've been concerned that this one won't survive. Watching this remake made me remember just how cheesy the original was (with a clear lesson learned from each episode's teenage angst story -- i.e., don't do drugs, don't have sex) which made me realize how difficult it will be to remake such a show nowadays, when the competition is shows like Gossip Girl, which provide excellent entertainment without no societal benefit whatsoever (my...how far we've come since the innocent days of shows like Dawson's Creek). The new 90210 has been trying to walk a fine line between Gossip Girl and the 90210 of days yore, with the more recent episodes being better than the first. I think the show has great potential, if done right...let's hope they can make it happen.

Privileged: I thought I liked this one...until I saw the second and third episodes, which just draaagged. They have to pick up the pace with this one. I'm already quite sick of the evil (but is she?) sister v. the angelic (but is she?) tutor plotline. Can we get on with it and get to something juicier happening? Something's missing with this show, and I hope they can fix it fast. I can only hold out for a handful more episodes.

Project Boring

2008-09-10T23:19:00.000-07:00

Is it me, or is Project Runway just not so great anymore? While I still get excited every Wednesday to hear Tim Gunn's critiques and Heidi Klum's catch phrases, I find myself just not that into the contestants, or their fashions, for the most part. In fact, I can't say that I'm rooting for anyone. At the same time, I can honestly say that nearly every one of the contestants has annoyed me ... and those two blond Christian Siriano wannabes, Blayne and Suede, in particular. (And, for some reason, I constantly get those two guys confused.) All in all, the challenges are eh. The contestants are blah. And the fashions are okay. Perhaps the biggest problem of the show is that it's already been done ... four times. My prediction: Next season's switch to Lifetime will either kill the show or bring some new life into it. Either way, nothing's as bad as the slow death its dying right now on Bravo.

A Handy Guide to Our Favorite TV Shows

2008-09-03T16:46:00.000-07:00

I know I've been really bad about writing, but with vacation and work, it's been hard to keep up. (Sorry.) Anyway, I've been meaning to post about a bunch of great topics that deserve posts, so hang in there...I promise I will do so very soon. In the meantime, I had to inform everyone about this handy-dandy calendar that TVGuide has created for all those TV fanatics out there (like me), to make sure we don't miss any fall premieres. Check out http://www.tvguide.com/special/fall-preview-2008/calendar.aspx and you won't be disappointed. I have the printed version hanging on my refrigerator. Seriously.

Targeted Musing About Something

2008-08-12T07:49:00.000-07:00

On a more serious note, is anyone else concernced that the Russians are rolling in their tanks and taking over a sovereign, pro-west, democratic country (Georgia), while the U.N., as usual, is wrangling over the perfect words to use in a proposed resolution that will be vetoed by Russia anyway? This debacle in history is proving that 1) the Russians are too proud to ever live under democratic, peaceful rule; 2) in the post-Cold War era, with the European Union stronger than ever, the U.S. is no longer the superpower that it likes to still think it is (after all, France's Sarkozy is actively leading the mediation efforts with Russia on behalf of the E.U., while Condoleezza Rice is sitting in D.C., waiting for the phone to ring); and 3) Ukraine is probably next. Hmm...very reminiscent of the first half of the 20th century, don't you think? ...And just when we thought all we had to worry about were those darn Arabs.

Whew.

2008-07-30T08:29:00.001-07:00

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/29/science/29tier.html?em&ex=1217563200&en=4dbf31d7328e09a3&ei=5087%0A

Obama-mania Update: Obama to Rid World of Nuclear Weapons

2008-07-16T17:59:00.000-07:00

Obama announced today that two goals of his administration would be to secure all loose nuclear material and to rid the world of nuclear weapons. I'm not making it up. See http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/sns-ap-obama,0,5575263.story.

. . . Really? I would think that someone in the Obama camp would be familiar with post-WWII 20th century history or political science or common sense. But, I guess maybe you need a combination of all three to understand the silliness of Obama's statement.

Maybe Bono should run for president -- that way, we can finally get world peace. Oh, wait, Bono's British [correction: Irish]. Oh well, I guess Obama it is. Let's hold hands and sing as we go to the polls.

902010, Baby!

2008-07-09T21:51:00.000-07:00

If there's one show I'm totally psyched to see this fall (well, I'm psyched about a lot of shows but that's another post...) it has to be the remake of 90210. A lot of people are booing the concept of this remake, but I'm welcoming it with open arms. How great will it be to relive one of the best shows ever made, but with an updated wardrobe and vocabulary, modern promiscuity, and all in HD? I can't wait! What do you think?

As for the juicy gossip of which of our old Beverly High friends will appear in the first few episodes, rumor has it that Shannen Doherty and Jennie Garth are in, but Tori Spelling is out (for personal reasons). I'm sure that the producers will also save some surprise cameo appearances as the show continues.

My prediction is that this show will be a huge hit...way bigger than the OC ever was. After all, 90210 ain't never broke (the show simply had to end because the kids grew up and started to all look the age of Andrea Zuckerman circa high school -- wait, I think that's how old I look now) ... so no reason to fix it. All it needs is a nice 2008 makeover a la Gossip Girl. ...Now if they'd only remake Melrose Place....

Kids, Don't Try This At Home.

2008-06-29T20:26:00.000-07:00

These are actual signs I saw in a subway car. Apparently, the MTA has run out of ideas but never runs out of idiotic ways to spend money.

...Kids, don't take joyrides on the outside of subway cars. Only you can prevent forest fires.

The Celebrity Treatment (aka You Can't Make This Kind of Stuff Up)

2008-06-25T19:05:00.000-07:00

I go to the Equinox gym in Columbus Circle. It's a huge and airy place, and it's considered to be one of the poshest gyms in Manhattan (certainly not the cheapest). And upon entering the gym, one passes a locked door to what appears to be an inner, secret room (see picture on left). From my investigation (basically my peaking through some glass areas around the pool and above the door that let you see part of this "inner" area), this is a secret (presumably celebrity) gym (see picture below of what my camera saw through the glass above this door).

And right by the locked door leading into this secret gym is a wall-mounted contraption that looks like one of those Sharper Image wall-mounted CD players (see picture of door above and pictures of the contraption itself below). ...But, get this -- it's actually an eye scan. Yes, an eye scan! As in, futuristic Star Trek wannabe eye scan!

Of course, I'm not creative enough to come up with an eye-scan conspiracy theory by myself. Leave that one to the hubby. He's been talking about it since we started going to the gym, and I was sceptical that there could possibly be such a thing at our gym. That is, until I stopped in front of the mysterious "eye-scan" and put my own eye to it. It immediately began blinking a green laser, trying to scan my eye (see picture below of my finger in front of it)! That's when I was convinced the theory had to be true and started telling the story at cocktail parties.

What's amazing is that the theory was finally confirmed the other day when, as I was leaving the gym, I actually saw someone walk up to the eye scan and put his eye to it only to have the secret door open! Of course, you're thinking (as I was), who was that guy??? I don't know; he was bummy and I didn't have my glasses on. But I can assure you that I will be bringing my glasses to the gym from now on and stalking the secret eye-scanning entryway until I spot my very own celebrity. ...You really can't make this stuff up. I will keep you posted.

Holy Morons, Batman!

2008-06-06T08:24:00.000-07:00

"Two men, one a practiced French stuntman known for climbing tall buildings, the other a New Yorker who said he wanted to raise awareness of the dangers of malaria, scaled the 52-story New York Times Building in Times Square on Thursday just hours apart. Each was arrested when he stepped safely onto the roof." http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/06/nyregion/06climber.html?_r=1&oref=slogin What else is new?

THE Sex and the City Movie Post

2008-06-03T22:52:00.000-07:00

If you couldn't tell by my name, I am a huge Sex and the City fan. I think it's safe to say that it's my favorite show, as I have seen, re-seen, and over-analyzed every episode ever made. So, like almost every other girl out there, I was way psyched about seeing the movie. I made a night of it -- fine NY sushi, cosmos at a Manhattan rooftop lounge, and then an evening showing at the Lincoln Center AMC. And let me tell you -- I have never seen so many girls in one, packed movie theatre before. It was like the antithesis of seeing Ironman (and apparently I'm not the first to compare -- very cleverly -- the two, see http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2008/06/sex_and_the_city_box_office_ex.html).

Okay, so make room for spoilers galore here -- meaning, if you haven't seen the fabulous Sex and the City movie yet, then 1) what's wrong with you?, and 2) you should stop reading this post now if you don't want to ruin it for yourself.

The movie is looong, and it feels long (in a good Sex and the City marathon way, though). And when closing credits rolled, I had many mixed thoughts. For one, why couldn't they have come up with something more original than "Carrie and Big break up again?" And did Samantha really have to break up with Smith?? And did they really have to make Steve's lovable character a cheater??? Something just didn't sit well with me about the movie immediately after it ended. But then, I had some time to absorb it, discuss it, and understand why they did the things they did.

As for the main plot, I expected something more than just another break-up. I was really waiting for Big to finally have that heart attack. But after I left the theatre and had time to think about it, I realized that because the whole show (from episode 1) is really based around the love story between Carrie and Big -- how quirky they are and how perfect they are for each other -- it made sense that the movie plot would revolve around Carrie missing the "big" picture (pun intended) and losing herself (again) in planning their wedding and life together. The wedding charade that unfolded wasn't "Carrie," and contradicted the show's main idea of Carrie being true to herself. After all, Carrie would have never picked out that pouffy wedding dress on her own (remember the Aidan wedding dress rash?). As I thought more and more about the concept of the movie from this perspective, I appreciated the plot more and more: Carrie stays true to herself through Big, rather than losing herself like she had with Petrovsky.

And what about Smith and Samantha? Well, I'm still somewhat torn on this one, but I can understand that, ultimately, Samantha is the type of character that needs to be free. She is the quintessential single girl, and while it was nice to see her find love, it's understandable that she lost herself in that, as well. Not every woman ends up with someone, and of the four girls, Samantha was the perfect one to stay single. After all, someone had to end up being the role model for all those 50-something women who are making it on their own out there with a dog or 10 cats.

Now for Steve. It broke my heart that Steve cheated on Miranda (maybe because I relate to Miranda so much that I married a Steve myself). And I think the fact that this plot line was so powerful that it broke my heart and made me feel so much, while forcing me to root for Miranda and Steve to still work it out (because Steve is such a good guy), proves that this was a good story. I'm mad at Steve (and the hubby got a talking to because of it), but I forgave Steve and I'm glad Miranda did too.

So I guess that's it. ...But I am quite sure the girls aren't done playing with our hearts. I am certain we'll see another installment of a Sex and the City movie, especially considering how well this one did at the box office ($55.7 million opening weekend, becoming one of the top five R-rated opening grossers of all time). Girl Power!

Us Weekly Mad Musing

2008-05-29T17:49:00.000-07:00

What the %*$@!?! Heidi Montag is on yet another cover of Us
Weekly?! ...And just weeks after being on the May 7th cover!? And just months after being on at least four other covers that have made us want to scream, "who cares??" Have the people at Us Weekly lost their minds (and their pull)? While People Magazine snaggs photos of Ashlee Simpson's and Mariah Carey's weddings, all Us Weekly can give its readers is Heidi Montag in a fake wedding veil?! You've gotta be kidding me!

For this, I have downgraded my "Weekly Us Weekly Musings" posts to just an ordinary, random, once-in-a-while "Us Weekly Musing" that I will post only when Us Weekly deserves mention. I am very disappointed in you, Us Weekly! Baah! I will have to think twice before renewing my subscription.

Finale-land

2008-05-27T22:00:00.000-07:00

Spotted! Gossip Girl's season finale, leaving us wondering: Is there any hope for Serena and Dan? How long will it be before Lilly cheats on Bart with her first true love? Will Blair ever forgive Chuck (again), and will Chuck ever grow up? Why did Nate and Vanessa break up? What will Jenny Humphrey's role in the cool-girl-clique be after working with Blair's mom for the summer? And, of course, will Serena and Nate and Vanessa and Dan hook up? One thing's for sure -- this is the best new show of the year. The writing is great, with very believable dialogue (even though the Upper East Side brattiness may sometimes seem a bit much). Ultimately, I love that Dan can call Serena for what she is -- crazy -- without going into a long SAT-word-filled rant like they would have on Dawson's Creek.

As for the season finale of Grey's Anatomy, well, it left us viewers just as unimpressed as the rest of the season has. Grey's is just getting more and more boring. And as soon as you think something interesting might happen, Derek and Meredith get back together...or Derek and Meredith break up. How about a new plot line for a change? The hubby predicts that Derek will get into a car accident on his way to tell Rose that he's still in love with Meredith. We'll see....

The season finale of The Office certainly did not disapoint. Is it really not Michael's baby? Or is Jan lying? Hmm.... I can't get enough of Michael and Jan's craziness. Soo excited about next season.

The finale of Desperate Housewives takes the cake, however. We get to zoom five years forward and see where the girls all end up (and strangely enough, Eddie is missing from the montage). Does this mean that the new season will start five years in the future? Or was that just a glimpse, with the show continuing in the present? Either way, the show is finally back on track, with the most satisfying finale of the year.

A toast to seasons gone, and seasons to come! ...But do I really have to wait a whole 3 months now for my stories??? Oh, the agony!

China Had Birdflu, France Has Sarkosis

2008-05-26T19:35:00.000-07:00

I loved this New York Times articles about the identification of a new illness among the French: obsessive Sarkosis, an unhealthy fascination with the French president, Nicolas Sarkozy. It explains a lot about the French...oh la la. Thought I'd share: A Passion for (and Against) Sarkozy.

Conan for Leno and Fallon for Conan

2008-05-23T14:03:00.000-07:00

NBC has announced that Conan O'Brien will be taking over as host of Jay Leno's Tonight show, starting in 2009, and Jimmy Fallon (formerly of SNL) will be taking over Conan's time slot. Finally, late night might actually get fun. This begs the question: What will Conan's shtick be, now that he can't pull the "woe is me, my time slot is so late that the only people we could pull together as guests for you tonight are Al Roker and the masturbating bear?" This also makes me realize that I'm getting old because I'll finally be able to relate to a late-night host. Sad, but hopefully the funny will make up for it.

And the Mirror Ball Trophy Goes to...

2008-05-21T13:37:00.000-07:00

Kristi Yamaguchi!

And if it hadn't gone to her, I would've been very mad at Dancing With the Stars. Kristi totally deserved to win. In fact, I think she's the best dancer they've ever had on the show. I can't see how anyone can top her next season, unless they start picking celebrity dancers as the "the Stars." Congratulations, Kristi. You've made future seasons of Dancing With the Stars, well, kinda pointless.

Weekly Us Weekly Musings

2008-05-19T11:30:00.000-07:00

So, yes, I've skipped a few Us Weeklys here and there (don't sue me). I'll try my best to keep up, but no promises. This week's Us Weekly begs the question: Will any man ever be able to stand Jessica Simpson? It also presents as fact, the unconfirmed rumor (or so I thought to be unconfirmed) that Ashlee Simpson is, indeed, pregnant.

So, according to UW, Jessica Simpson is distraught that her ex, John Mayer, has found happiness with someone else (Jennifer Aniston) so soon (a year) after their breakup. Meanwhile, Jessica has been referring to her boyfriend of a half year or so, Tony Romo, as her future husband, though rumors are now swirling about a possible break-up...adding to her despair. Jessica is especially upset that John Mayer seems to be so much more into Jennifer Aniston than he ever was into Jessica (who even became artsy and brunette to please him while they were together -- hmm...shocker that this didn't work).

And so, this proves that Jessica should have stayed with Nick, the only man who could stand her for longer than a year (no offense, Jess -- I personally loved you on Newlyweds, but I gotta tell it like it is). I truly hope that Jessica can find lasting love, but as the days pass and she grows older and adds more notches to her bedpost (a far cry from her virgin until marriage act of days past), she grows less and less appealing. Sorry, Joe Simpson. But at least it seems you'll be granddaddy soon!

Where's Bare Breast-o?

2008-05-15T13:23:00.000-07:00

Did you know that Where's Waldo -- that lovable book from the '90s with the funny looking guy in a striped hat -- is one of the top controversial and often banned books in libraries and schools? In fact, it ranks 88 on the American Libarary Associations list of the 100 most challenged books of the last decade.

Why, you ask? See if you can figure it out on your own in the picture to the right. Or did the title of this post give it away? Okay...yes, it's because of an exposed breast in the scene where Waldo goes to the beach. Oh no! Make sure to keep the kiddies away...while you look for the nipplege yourself.

Didya Know?

2008-05-12T17:37:00.000-07:00

Did anybody know that Mila Kunis (of That 70s Show and Family Guy fame) and Macaulay Culkin ('nuff said) have been dating for 6 years?

Yeah. Seriously.

...I didn't know Macaulay Culkin was still around, let alone dating anyone seemingly normal (and Russian). Wow.

Oprah and Tom: Take Two

2008-05-05T21:09:00.000-07:00

So who caught the Oprah interview of Tom Cruise last Friday? If you didn't, this about sums it up: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/05/02/AR2008050203945.html?hpid=topnews. Pretty weird, but sorta nice. I'm glad to see Tom and Oprah patch things up and have it out on Tom's turf. And I must say, this interview does make him seem a little more sane and normal, and it certainly makes one think that his marriage to Katie Holmes might actually be real. In fact, Oprah did such a good job making Tom look sane, that at one point I actually wondered if the media might be the crazy ones (at least I did when Oprah brought up accusations that Suri isn't really Tom's baby -- come on, the kid looks like a clone of Tom Cruise! How could anyone possibly think that?). But then Tom mentioned Scientology, and that sanity stuff pretty much flew out the window -- at this point, Tom seemed nice, and perhaps genuine, but not so much sane. One issue that Oprah didn't touch on, of course, is why Tom didn't invite Oprah to his wedding. Oprah must be pissed about that...at least a little. Come on...it was in a villa...in Italy...and it was the talk of the town. Everyone who's anyone was there...except Oprah. I'd be just a little upset if I were Oprah.

Countdown to Sex and the City!

2008-05-02T17:00:00.000-07:00

The countdown has begun. Sex and the City, the movie, hits theatres May 30th.

Four weeks to go....

THIS is Seinfeld?

2008-05-02T12:00:00.000-07:00

I recently watched the first season of Seinfeld on DVD...and wow, what a snoozer. Has anyone even seen the early Seinfelds anyway? Or did NBC refrain from airing repeats of those out of fear that it would make the rest of Seinfeld look bad? The first season is really quite awful. In fact, it's so awful that I wonder how Seinfeld ever got renewed for a second season. Perhaps viewers and networks simply weren't as picky and short-tempered in the late 80's/early 90's as they are now? These days, if your pilot is a stinker, they might pull you off before you get to air your third episode (case-in-point: the American version of Coupling), and even a Golden Globe won't save your show (case-in-point: Geena Davis's Commander in Chief).

Well, I'm glad Seinfeld got through that first bad season to give us one of the greatest TV shows in history. (Makes me think of all the other shows with great potential that were cancelled prematurely by those greedy networks heads ... imagine all the great TV we may have missed out on because of them.) Regardless, if you're ever in the mood for renting Seinfeld, trust me -- just start with Season 2.

Weekly Us Weekly Musings

2008-04-29T22:18:00.000-07:00

So this week's Us Weekly cover celebrates the birthdays of Shiloh and Suri, those adorable celebri-tot clones of their famous parents. Though I expected that Angelina Jolie (or her direct offspring) would make the cover soon, simply because she hadn't been on the cover for quite some time now, I was surprised that Jordin Sparks didn't make it onto the cover this week...or anyone interesting for that matter.

After all, Jordin's reps just announced last week that she was struck with an acute vocal cord hemorrhage, forcing her to cancel tour dates and rest her voice. This is the kind of stuff that ends singing careers, and this case is especially heartbreaking because Jordin is only 18 years old and worked so hard to win American Idol. Now, just as her career began taking off with the single "No Air," it's unclear what will happen to Jordin's career. I hope she recovers, and I predict that next week's Us Weekly will turn to the allegedly pregnant Ashlee Simpson or back to the usual go-to girl, Britney Spears. Happy Birthday, Shiloh and Suri, but come on, Us Weekly -- can we get some real stories next week?

Star Jones Files for Divorce from Al Reynolds

2008-04-25T12:57:00.001-07:00

What else is new? I called this one way back in 2004, after Oprah aired her "down low" episode, right around the time that Star got engaged. But I guess Star either didn't catch that Oprah, or she chose to simply ignore it. Either way, there's no denying it...if it quacks like a gay duck, it's a gay duck. Sorry, Star.

On a More Serious Note...

2008-04-23T07:44:00.000-07:00

A story in today's New York Times posed the question of whether the dragging out of the Democratic primary is hurting the Democrats. The story's premise is that Hillary's attacks on Obama, particularly the racially-motivated ones, are taking a toll on his electability. After all, results of a Pennsylvania exit poll show that 16 "percent of white voters said race mattered in deciding who they voted for, and just 54 percent of those voters said they would support Mr. Obama in a general election; 27 percent of them said they would vote for Mr. McCain if Mr. Obama was the Democratic nominee, and 16 percent said they would not vote at all." (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/23/us/politics/23assess.html?_r=1&th&emc=th&oref=slogin.)

I beg to differ. Obama's electability was always in question, regardless of Hillary's attacks. And if anything, at this point, I've forgotten that McCain is even a candidate, as there is absolutely no attention given to him. Meanwhile, this looong Democratic primary is great press for both Democratic candidates. It seems to me, that the longer the focus is on them, the more electable and presidential-like they become, regardless of which one of them is ultimately chosen to battle against McCain -- the unknown candidate.

Furthermore, the airing out of Obama's dirty laundry now, so far ahead of the November election, shields him from identical attacks down the road. Race will continue to be a factor if Obama becomes the Democratic candidate, but Obama will have months to shape himself into the black candidate that doesn't scare white people, and that is an advantage for Obama.

Weekly Us Weekly Musings

2008-04-21T23:30:00.000-07:00

So I missed a weekly Us Weekly post that would have been about the Beyonce-Jay-Z wedding cover story. Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Z, but we have to keep moving forward with the most recent Us Weekly, instead of getting caught up in what's old news at this point. This week, Mariah Carey graced the cover. The story is, of course, focused on Mariah's having lost 20 pounds, just in time for a new CD release, and right after Mariah's appearance on Oprah. Now here's the thing -- one of Mariah's Oprah segments was of Mariah in her NYC apartment, doing exercises in an in-door swimming pool. So I got to thinking: how many NYC residences have in-door swimming pools anyway? Am I just not with the program, or is it somewhat of a rarity? So, for a day, I was convinced, that Mariah must live in the Time-Warner Building, just a few blocks away from me. After all, the big selling point you always hear about with the Time-Warner penthouses are their swimming pools. And where else would you get an in-door pool in New York anyway? Well, today I googled it, and guess what, like every other celebrity in New York, Mariah lives in Tribeca. Yes, she has a three-story loft that, apparently, contains a swimming pool. Alas, Mariah Carey isn't my neighbor, in-door pools are seemingly not that hard to come by, and I obviously have to hang out in Tribeca more often if I'm ever going to spot a celebrity.

OJ on the Rocks: An Editorial

2008-04-18T12:32:00.000-07:00

One thing I can't stand is when a waiter brings out orange juice with ice in it. Who the heck would want ice in their orange juice, anyhow? That just makes for watery orange juice. And once the glass with ice comes out, it’s just uncomfortable to deal with asking for a new one. One would hope that a restaurant can simply refrigerate the juice before bringing it out, for the outrageous price they charge per glass.

Because of the handful of experiences I've had with my orange juice being served with ice in it, I’ve decided to take action and preempt the situation. So, when I order orange juice, I immediately say, "no ice, please."

A month or so ago I went to brunch with the hubby and with my friend, NotanAnthony. The hubby and I both ordered orange juice, and I immediately specified to the waiter, “no ice, please,” without the waiter asking about the option of ice and before he had the chance to bring out anything with ice in it. NotanAnthony gave me a funny look and told me he’d never had anyone put ice in his orange juice, so why the clarification to the waiter? I explained. NotanAnthony scoffed (as usual), never having had the experience of getting orange juice with ice in it. As a result, I lost my boldness with my ice preemption plan.

Fast forward to last weekend. The hubby and I go for brunch to a decent place on the Upper West Side. We order orange juice. We mention nothing to the waiter about ice. Two glasses of orange juice with ice come out. We look at each other, thinking we should not have listened to NotanAnthony. We are forced to ask for two new glasses. Moral of the story: 1) Always preempt the ice when asking for OJ, and 2) Never listen to a NotanAnthony.

Ugged Out

2008-04-09T21:48:00.002-07:00

Last December, Oprah once again unleashed her list of favorite things on the world. And on the list this year was the Ugg Classic Crochet Tall Boot (pictured above). This is the slouchy knit boot that keeps Oprah's feet comfy and cozy, with a sock lining that makes her feel like she's walking on a cloud. And, of course, the minute Oprah uttered the word "Ugg," these babies went like hotcakes.

I was hoping to get my hands on a pair right after Christmas, but my size in black was sold out everywhere. And I mean everywhere. I tried all the stores, all the websites. No one seemed to have it. I was even ready to get the Ugg Classic Cardy, which is actually a cute variation of the Classic Crochet with three wooden buttons on the side (pictured below). Still, nowhere could I find my size in any color I liked, even outside of black. . . . That is, until I randomly walked into a store called "David Z" on Brooklyn's Kings Highway two weeks ago. There it was, an Ugg Classic Cardy in black, staring at me. And guess what? They had plenty in size 7! And it was the real deal too -- regular price, brand new, packaged in a box, with the Ugg stamp on the back. The salesman informed me that both the Classic Cardy and Classic Crochet became limited edition boots and are no longer being made, thus the unavailability (or so he said).

I got the boots, and I love my boots. They're even better than the Classic Cardy because the wooden buttons allow them to be styled buttoned up, slouched down, slightly unbuttoned, or completely cuffed down. And yes, Oprah was right -- it's like walking on a cloud.

So if you're longing for a pair of your own in whatever size or color you can't find anywhere, have I got a tip for you! David Z sells the Classic Cardy online: http://davidzinc.stores.yahoo.net/ug5819-blk.html or in person in many of their Manhattan and Brooklyn stores: http://davidzinc.stores.yahoo.net/stores.html. You're welcome, reader. You're welcome, David Z.

Weekly Us Weekly Musings

2008-04-06T20:38:00.000-07:00

It was a weak week for Us Weekly. Unfortunately, there's really nothing too interesting on the cover. You know, it's the usual: Britney's working on her mental illness, Heidi Montag's 15 minutes of fame are still going strong, and in a bit of a surprise, Carrie Underwood and Chace Crawford split up. But luckily, in a fascinating non-cover story called "Famous Family Trees," we finally find out why both stars and politicians are crazy: they're all inter-related. Yes, as Us Weekly reports, it turns out that Barack Obama and Brad Pitt are ninth cousins; Hillary Clinton is ninth cousin twice removed to Angelina Jolie and tenth cousin to Madonna; Britney Spears and John Edwards are seventh cousins thrice removed; and, well, poor John McCain gets no star power -- he's just related to boring ol' Laura Bush, sixth cousin. Don't you feel better about the future of our country now? Thank you, Us Weekly.

Food Wars: Battle La Focaccia

2008-04-03T00:30:00.000-07:00

Which 'hood has better for food? In an ongoing feud between my friend (let's call him NotAnAnthony), I say Hell's Kitchen has better restaurant options (judging by taste, value, and variety) than the West Village. NotAnAnthony disagrees. Last night, in another attempt to resolve this war, we faced off on his turf: the West Village.

Place: La Focaccia.
Food: Italian/Dinner
Atmosphere: Romantic and quaint
Bill: About $50 per person (including tax, tip, and booze)

Review: Though there was quite a mix-up with my order (the waiter thought I ordered only an appetizer salad and no main course), it was quickly resolved, and I had my food within three minutes of alerting the waiter to the problem. After that, the manager kept coming up to the table and making sure everything was okay, so the restaurant redeemed itself in terms of service. As for quality of food, I was quite pleased with my main course of rigatoni with eggplant and mozzarella in a tomato sauce, though I can't say that it was anything spectacular. (I was very pleased with gnocchi I stole from someone else's plate.) However, I was disappointed with my salad. It was drenched in dressing and had no crunch to it. I've certainly had better. Overall, the atmosphere really snagged a win for this restaurant. Though the room was small and noisy, it felt very comfortable and quaint, and the windows overlooking the cute Village streets really helped.

One win for West Village.

A Tribute to the AARP?

2008-04-02T18:02:00.000-07:00

Okay, so here's a quiz. Is this a picture of:

a) Barbara Walters with her family?
b) Barbara Walters with her bingo night buddies?
c) Barbara Walters with the new cast of the Cataractic View?
d) Barbara Walters with a bunch of really, really old people who are shockingly even older than she is?

April Showers Bring...Good Television!

2008-04-01T13:02:00.000-07:00

It's taken months of watching agonizingly terrible reality TV and reruns and praying that it will soon stop...BUT, it's finally here -- REAL television!!! Yes, with the writer's strike over and those crews and casts back in action, our favorite shows are finally coming back to life in the next few weeks, and boy, am I excited! (Really. I am sooo excited! I have been counting down the weeks, waiting for my TV to mean something to me again. When shows like Cavemen and Carpoolers and Don't Forget the Lyrics seem appealing, you know television's in trouble.) So, without further ado, here is a list (in air date order) of when the REAL shows are coming back...[Drumroll, please]...:

Samantha Who: Monday, April 7

Boston Legal: Tuesday, April 8

30 Rock: Thursday, April 10

The Office: Thursday, April 10

Desperate Housewives: Sunday, April 13

Smallville:* Thursday, April 17 (*Okay, so you might be asking yourself, "Huh? This is what she considers to be a REAL TV show?" Well, no. I don't. It's in here for the sake of one particular reader of this blog who would, sadly enough, be interested. Hey, at least I didn't stoop low enough to include the air date for Battlestar Gallactica (April 4).)

Brothers & Sisters: Sunday, April 20

Gossip Girl: Monday, April 21

Grey's Anatomy: Thursday, April 24

Ugly Betty: Thursday, April 24

Lost: Thursday, April 24

Unfortunately, Dirty Sexy Money and Pushing Daisies will not return until next season.

As for Lipstick Jungle and Cashmere Mafia -- the shows that got me through the dreary, terrible-TV weeks of February and March -- I don't know when and if they will return. (And to tell you the truth, as long as Dirty Sexy Money and Gossip Girl are back, I frankly don't care about the other filthy rich people shows; they simply don't measure up.)

So, get your DVR's ready, get your feet up, and get back to being friends with your TV (oh, I've missed you so, TV)! ...April's never looked so good.

Weekly Us Weekly Musings

2008-03-29T11:30:00.000-07:00

I've decided that every week I will have a post about a cover story in the latest Us Weekly.

Luckily, the stork brought my Us Weekly to me on Thursday instead of Friday this week -- giving me an extra whole day to read before I muse. And even better, this week Heidi Montag was finally not on the cover (whew) ...giving me a full good three stories to choose from. So, I decided to write about two (two!) stories at once!

First, Us Weekly sources say that Reese Witherspoon and Jake Gyllenhaal are close to tying the knot. Even Ryan Phillippe has given his blessing (as if!). Good for Reese and Jake! I think they're very cute together, and Jake seems to be such a nicer guy than Ryan (who still hasn't denied the cheating rumors, even when asked about it on the Howard Stern Show). And because Jake's career is so much more successful than Ryan's, I think there will be less conflict in this relationship. I see a cover story about a wedding coming soon.

And shocker, shocker, in our second cover story, Kevin Federline is thinking of reuniting with Britney Spears. Thing is, now that he realizes why she's crazy (bipolar disorder), he thinks it can work. Granted, now that she's medicated, I hope they can figure something out, for the sake of those boys and for Britney's sake. But of all the Hollywood relationships out there, I just don't see this one lasting. You see, it's a simple law of physics: trailer trash + trailer trash = divorce. And even when money is thrown into the equation, the values simply don't change.

Spanish Steps on the Hudson?

2008-03-27T18:32:00.000-07:00

It was announced today that Tishman Speyer won the bid to redevelop the MTA-owned Hudson rail yards -- a 26-acre desolate site stretching from 30th Street to 33rd Street, between 10th Avenue and 12th Avenue. This would bring in a new Rockefeller Center-like vibe to the Midtown part of the Hudson Riverfront, currently a place no one would ever choose to visit.

The plan includes a green-themed, New York version of Rome's Spanish Steps leading to a plaza dubbed "The Forum," surrounded by four skyscrapers. The complex would include 10 million square feet of office space, 3,000 residential units, 550,000 square feet of retail space, a 200,000-square-foot cultural venue, a public school, and 13 acres of open space. According to http://www.tishmanspeyer.com/HudsonYards/ (which also contains a lot more cool pictures), "The Forum will become New York City’s next great meeting place, a new town square for the Far West Side."

Very cool! But by the time this actually happens, will I need a walker to get up those steps? They constantly talk the talk, but they never walk the walk. Weren't we promised something like this on the lower west side four years back? And what about the beach complex that's been in talks for years on the lower east side? Until they break ground, I ain't buying it. And let's just hope we already have some kind of version of the Freedom Tower by then. All in all, props for the ambition, but please, just build something already! If all this takes just over a decade, as some very hopeful critics suggest, we'll be lucky.

Le Lunch at Le Cirque

2008-03-26T12:22:00.000-07:00

Le Cirque is back, and it's mmm mmm gooood. The original restaurant opened in 1974 at NYC's Mayfair Hotel (where restaurant Daniel is now located). In 1997 it relocated under the name Le Cirque 2000 to the New York Palace Hotel (where Serena VanDerWoodsen resides, for all those Gossip Girl fans out there). Then, in 2004 owner Sirio Maccioni announced he would be packing up the restaurant yet again. Alas, I never got to taste Le Cirque during its golden years. But in 2006 Le Cirque opened its doors again...right near my work. So today, I finally went, and let me tell you -- it's so worth it. Well, for lunch it is. In fact, it's a steal at just $42 per person for the three-course prix-fixe lunch. And let me also tell you, my arteries are deliciously clogged right now. I did have the salad Le Cirque to offset the delectably unhealthy braised short ribs (mmm). And then, my party of four shared four desserts. The best, by far, was the creme brulee, le Cirque's signature dessert. And all the while, one of the best parts of the experience was the gorgeous main dining room, with its tall, bronze, circus-tent ceiling. Very soothing. So, if you're in NY and looking to lunch somewhere fancy, this is the place to go.

If You're 62, Considering A Face-Lift, and Are Willing to Forgo Facial Expressions...

2008-03-25T19:22:00.000-07:00

So I was watching Priscilla Presley on Dancing With the Stars last night, and I was mesmerized with her lack of wrinkles way more than with any of her dance moves. Yes, she's totally Botoxed-out and can't form a smile. Yes, she's probably had as many plastic surgeries as her former son-in-law. But go Priscilla -- you're the hottest 62-year-old I've ever seen, so who cares how you did it? And I have HDTV, so I see all the wrinkles, and she barely had any. What impressed me the most, though, was her neck -- I mean, that's one of those places that's a dead give-away to someone's age, and hers looks like a 30-something's. Screw the disco ball trophy, Priscilla wins the GILF award hands-down.

The Beginning

2008-03-25T12:30:00.000-07:00

I'm not a blogger. But I guess every blogger said that before blogging for the first time. Everyone had to start somewhere. So this is my start.

The truth is that I've been reading more and more blogs and disagreeing with more and more of what I read, while still feeling the urge to keep reading. And honestly, that little comments section is just not enough for me to express my disagreement (or agreement). Sometimes, you just need your own full post. So why not try a blog?

So, some ground rules: This blog will be devoted to anything, everything, and nothing at the same time. Random musings will cover it all, in no specific order: pop culture, politics, relationships, health, societal observations, etc. We all know Seinfeld was a success, so I'm not about to reinvent the wheel when it comes to musing about nothing.

This blog will not be a personal diary or journal. (Though, of course, random musings will often be inspired by personal happenings.) It will be a thought-provoking, practical outlet for ideas and observations -- all open for your comments. So now that the rules are set, let's blog.