Thursday, July 31, 2008

HATE IT! Beijing Olympics

The Summer Olympics commence a week tomorrow (Friday, August 8) in Beijing. 

I don't care. Do you?

These games are already a farce. Smog threatens to put a choke hold on the marathon and other outdoorsy sporting conquests. The Chinese authorities are trying to play nice and sweep away under the proverbial carpet various nasties such as dog meat on restaurant menus, clogged highways, and spitting in public -- and the press who have already stationed themselves in the Olympic media centre have already discovered that internet sites have been restricted despite the IOC's statements to the contrary. And to top it all off -- check out their Olympic mascots. They're terrible! Did they have to create five in a hopeless attempt to equal one worthy mascot?

Just why were the games granted to China with all their human rights offences and the lung-crippling pollution? Despite their questionable ideology, they're an ever-growing power on the world stage and the IOC (never a group to be free of scandal or overly moralistic) wanted a piece of the pie and couldn't help their greedy selves. For shame. Me? I'll be skipping all the festivities and focusing on the EPL which launches a week later. At least I won't have an asthma attack brought on by watching!

RATE IT! Giggsy as Disciplinarian

Truth be told, this photo of Ryan Giggs pointing at Cristiano Ronaldo was actually taken after a goal was scored last season, but I prefer to imagine that it's Giggsy chastising C-Ron in response to his selfish shenanigans this Summer.

That finger gesture, Giggsy's stern look, and Cristiano looking cocky (as per usual). Got any ideas for captions?

(photo: AFP/Getty Images)

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

RATE IT! Harry Potter & the Half Blood Prince Trailer

Spooky!! The latest Harry Potter flick coming to theatres in November. Here's a sneak peek with the official trailer:

RATE IT! Death By Chocolate

Death by chocolate -- what a way to go! Or is it?

Desserts with the name 'Death By Chocolate' will never be the same again! Time for some silly digi shorts from last season's 'Saturday Night Live.' Here's Ashton Kutcher as you've never seen him before. Just be sure to hang in and watch all three shorts which are loaded here back-to-back.


HATE IT! Star Wars - The Clone Wars

Have you seen the trailers for the new animated feature, 'Star Wars: The Clone Wars'?

Weird animation...really freakingly weird. Maybe I'm just not enough of a geek to give the enterprise the thumbs up. All these animated versions just cheapen the Star Wars franchise. Does George Lucas believe that more product will erase previous SW brain-farts such as Jar-Jar or Natalie Portman's stilted performances from the audiences' memory, and thus Star Wars history?

Sorry, but this latest take looks a bit crap!

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

RATE IT! David Archuleta - First Single!

As a recent convert to the soulful musical stylings of American Idol 'runner-up' David Archuleta...I was quite happy to see that his first single is being debuted this Friday on Z100 in NYC.

Titled 'Crush', it kinda sums David up, don't you think? Many gals have one on David - and why not? Bad boys are over-rated, don'tcha know!

(photo: www.davidarchuletaofficialsite.com)

RATE IT! The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2

August 6 sees the return of another fave female foursome...the girls of 'The Sisterhood of Traveling Pants 2.'

What a difference three years makes...when the original movie was released, the marquee names were teen tv titans, Alexis Bledel of "The Gilmore Girls", and "Joan of Arcadia's" Amber Tamblyn. With the sequel, their co-stars are now the prime time darlings, Blake Lively ("Gossip Girl") and America Ferrera ("Ugly Betty").

The follow-up flick reunites us with the girls in the midst of college life as they try to maintain their strong bonds of sisterhood. Will distance and growing up get in the way of their friendship? I doubt it, but regardless I still want to witness their individual journeys. Plus, there are scenes in Greece again too ~ nothing better than girlie angst in Europe with some Mediteranean male eye candy beautifying the already stellar Greek scenery!

This year has been a great one for female-led movies...most notably with "Sex and the City" and now "Sisterhood 2." Hopefully, women will support this movie just as they did for Carrie, Samantha, et al. 

HATE IT! File Under WTF -- Awards as Weaponry

And you thought only us normal working folk faced health & safety hazards on the job!

Check out Manchester United's mid-field maestro, Ryan Giggs -- hoisting the pointy and surprisingly dangerous Vodacom Challenge trophy in South Africa this past weekend. 

Jeez - this apparent torture device is an accident just waiting to happen! It's wonderful to win a pre-season tourney, but is it really worth it when you can come this close to losing an eye, or impaling a vital organ??

Yikes! Come home, Ryan. At least the trophies in Europe have rounded edges and don't masquerade as weapons.
(photo: AFP/Getty Images)

Monday, July 28, 2008

RATE IT! EPL Countdown ~ 20 Days to Go!


Just like Owen Hargreaves (pictured, right), we're kicking up our heels in anticipation of the launch of the next English Premiership season -- only 20 days to go!! 

Can't wait...can't wait...can't wait...so much drama has gone down over the Summer. The new season is just ripe with excitement! New players, new managers - and with only a few days til the grand kick-off, there are still players (Lampard, Ronaldo, Berbatov for starters) that could fulfill transfer scenarios. It's all happening! (photo: Reuters)

RATE IT/HATE IT! Sienna Miller Backlash

Actress Sienna Miller has been splashed across tabloids and gossip TV programs as of late for her topless PDAs with fellow actor, the married Balthazar Getty. It seems that the zines are all hot and bothered over not only the 'married' label of Balty, but the fact that Sienna has been romantically linked to many men in such a short spell of time. Let's see there was Rhys Ifans, Matthew Rhys, Jude Law, scruffy 'model' Jamie Burke, rumoured trysts with Sean Penn, P Diddy...

Now her involvement with the married (albeit apparently, separated) Getty has apparently forced her into hiding as 'friends' in the UK and US are shocked at her behaviour and don't want to be seen with the scarlet woman. Bit hypocritical of the Hollywood crowd, don't you think? Since when did these people develop morals? 

I agree that it's not cool to hook up with a semi-married man under *any* circumstances, but to diss the gal for having many a boyfriend is just so sexist!! If Sienna was a man in Hollywood, she'd be called Warren Beatty or Jack Nicholson and get invited to all the prime parties! Unfortunately, double standards are still alive and *very* well.

Sunday, July 27, 2008

RATE IT! David Archuleta ~ For Real





Meet 'American Idol's' David Archuleta with my dear friend, Anne at Fran's in Toronto.

Hmm...I wonder if he had the grilled cheese, or a chocolate milkshake?

Friday, July 25, 2008

RATE IT! American Idol ~ David Archuleta in Toronto

I'm one of those people who sheepishly admits a casual viewing relationship with the behemoth that is 'American Idol.' I'm not a die-hard fan -- far from it, I never vote or buy the albums -- but I do watch occasionally and agree with Simon Cowell almost always. I was pleased that rockin' David Cook won the latest edition over the young, teen pin-up David Archuleta. Cook had substance while Archuleta had a lovely voice and...12 year old girls squealing.

And then today happened. I met David Archuleta...by pure fluke. With my friend Anne, we decided to catch a late lunch/early dinner at Fran's diner across from Massey Hall in Toronto. Upon entering, we encountered this good looking guy walking past, very slight in build but very familiar in overall appearance. David Archuleta! Anne was thrilled, I was bemused! David turned out to be shy, a bit awkward, and quite humble when approached by us (well...Anne, mostly) in regard to his wonderful voice and success on 'Idol.' He posed for a photo with Anne (which is now up in its own post) and returned to his gang (most of the 'Idol' top 10, in town for their show at the Air Canada Centre tomorrow). 

David is a genuinely nice kid, and a talented one too. For being such a good sport and a very smiley one at that, I'm giving David a 'rate it' and promise to be much nicer about him in the future -- which for him promises to be quite successful, and in his case I really do hope nice guys finish first!  (photo: nymag.com)

RATE IT! Chocolate Pez


Hmmm....not sure if this chocolate-flavoured Pez is a sweet idea or a bitter mistake.

Pez, the boxy candy typically housed in plastic character dispensers (Homer Simpson! Darth Vader! Kermit the Frog!), has re-introduced a chocolate concoction. Last offered back in the 1940s, Pez is hoping that the flavour gets a better reception this time around -- no doubt they changed the recipe from back then!

Has anyone had the stomach to try them yet?

Thursday, July 24, 2008

HATE IT! Bueller Cheated on Bradshaw?!?

Is nothing sacred?! Rumours abound that Matthew Broderick cheated on wife, Sarah Jessica Parker!

Supposedly, Ferris went for a little something (or more accurately, someone!) on the side while SJP was off shooting the 'Sex and the City' flick elsewhere. Most of the movie was shot in NYC so if the stories are true, he most certainly timed his liaison just so...getting some out-of-bounds booty in the few days that his spouse was out of town.

Sarah's reps have yet to comment so it's very possible that these gossip reports are false. It was the never-reliable Star magazine that broke the story. Is there no one left in celeb-ville that has a happy, faithful marriage? I'm really starting to wonder. 

RATE IT! Becks in Toronto

Canadian soccer fans have had to endure an extremely long wait to view David Beckham plying his trade on the pitch. Last year, his Canadian MLS debut in front of Toronto FC fans was delayed due to injury but with the MLS All-Star tilt vs. West Ham United on the slate tonight, it looks like the Toronto fans are in for a treat. Becks in the flesh!

The city has been Becks mad ever since he touched down in our fair city this week. Toronto may be officially a hockey city, but it is soccer mad. The fans that fill BMO field week in, week out are much like European fans -- they're knowledgeable, dedicated enough to travel to cheer on their team, and love a good footie song. It's not surprising that Becks would get such an overwhelming reception. Welcome to Canada, David!! (photo: Becks in Toronto by Getty Images)

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

RATE IT! Chuck and Blair




Individually so bad...together so good.

New episodes of 'Gossip Girl' cannot return to our television screens soon enough. I am literally counting the days until September 1st.

More Chuck ~ Blair jousting, please. Just thought if I asked early and politely during production on series two, the TV gods might be listening...

RATE IT! Feist on Sesame Street

I'm not a big fan of Feist or this over-played song, but I just may change my tune with her appearance on 'Sesame Street.' Funny how some cute Muppets (and lyrics altered Sesame-style) can change your mind!

RATE IT! Gary Neville Stunner

Hurrah!! Our captain is back! It's hardly a surprise that Manchester United's Gary Neville has been proving his worth during Manchester United's pre-season swing through South Africa.

The team has been playing several friendlies versus various South African sides in the run-up to the English Premiership season that begins again on August 16.

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson has been telling all that Gary looks to be on top form despite missing almost a season and a half due to injury. And at age 33 (a senior in soccer circles), our Skipper is playing like a youngster. Just the way we like 'em!

As every United fan knows, G-Nev bleeds United red and he's not one to discounted easily. All hail our fearless leader! 

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

HATE IT! Grey's Is Jumping - Again!

'Grey's Anatomy' fans...remember that wacky storyline two seasons back when Ellen Pompeo's Meredith Grey floated through that accidental drowning-near death experience? Remember how stupid and lame that story arc was? There's a time when (most) every TV series goes a little too far...and to quote the wonderful analogy born out of a ridiculous 'Happy Days' episode, the show jumps the shark.

Just when I thought 'Grey's Anatomy' had jumped the big minnow a first time, rumours have been circulating about a possible story line in the upcoming fifth season, that can only mean another leap is in the works.

Denny Duquette, a dead character, people (!), is returning. Yep, actor Jeffrey Dean Morgan has signed on to come back for a few episodes. Last time we saw Denny, his gal-pal, Izzy Stevens (Katherine Heigl, pictured here with Denny/Jeffrey) had (whoops!) accidently killed him during an attempted life-saving procedure. With Katherine on the outs with the Grey's Producers, does this mean that Izzy will be killed off thus enabling her to rendez-vous with her deceased beloved *elsewhere*? GEEZ!!! It's so terribly tacky and crap!!! Time to rev up the motorcycle...some shark jumping action is on the cards! It's finally time to make a new date for Thursday nights and stop watching this moronic program!

Monday, July 21, 2008

RATE IT! The Art of Racing in the Rain

As a dog person, I'm a sucker for any book that features a canine as the main character. In 'The Art of Racing in the Rain', man's best friend plays a unique role as the narrator, reflecting upon a life lived full of devotion and love under extraordinary circumstances.

Our storyteller, a mix breed called Enzo, comes to live with car racing buff, Denny and together they navigate life's challenges, touchstones and tragedies. Denny meets Eve, they're blessed with a daughter, and all is perfect in their world.

But just like during a car race, situations spiral out of control and the unspeakable happens to destroy their idyllic bliss. Enzo is the ideal witness to the events that befall Denny and his family, and as dog lovers know, a pet can offer comfort when human counterparts fail. Enzo, however, wishes to be human, and dreams of the day that he can communicate in a manner that befits him. Believing that dogs can return as a human after death, he vows to someday tell Denny how much his love meant to him.

This story is part heartbreaker, part inspiration. You'll never look at your dog in the same fashion after reading Gareth Stein's novel. If you've always believed that there is more to your pet than a waggy tail and those soulful brown eyes, this book is for you.


RATE IT! Blizzards in July

My summer romance with the Dairy Queen Blizzard - a stormy relationship, this is not! And on the forecast, no signs of this addiction ceasing.

A few months in, it's now the time for experimentation. Straight ahead Blizzards with no featured guest stars -- so boring!

Take my word for it...try the Chocolate X-treme Blizzard with Reese's Peanut Butter Cups swirled into the gooey mix. These choco-peanut gems raise this creamy treat to a whole new level of decadence, and fat grams, but who's counting?!? (btw, the Bliz photo on the left...the Cookie Dough Blizzard. Haven't tried that one yet -- but it's next on my to-do list).

Sunday, July 20, 2008

RATE IT! Travelling? Here's Your First Destination

Traveling soon? Before you start the mammoth task of packing, do I have a helpful website for you! Blame my geeky fascination for all things suitcase-y. I enjoy the challenge of packing a travel bag to the best of its potential, and for the love of my wheelie case, I can't believe that I didn't discover this site earlier.

The type of suitcase, what to pack inside...should I bring a carry-on bag too? All these questions and more are found on the One Bag site. Take a trip over to this website for organizational tips that will prepare you to be the true, unstressed jet setter that you were born to be. Just remember to send me a postcard!

Saturday, July 19, 2008

RATE IT! Gossip Girl Season 2 Teaser

The forecast calls for the summer heat to continue into September when season two of 'Gossip Girl' debuts on North American tv screens. Looks like a whole lotta badness is keeping the Upper East Siders busy this summer.  I -- CANNOT -- WAIT!!


WANT IT! Sweet Feet



Make a splash with these deliciously delightful rain boots from NYC's Dylan's Candy Bar

It may be bucketing down, but your spirits don't have to fall along with the barometer. With these candy-coated slickers, you'll be showing off your rain dance in every puddle you meet. 


Friday, July 18, 2008

HATE IT! Where's Owen?

It's a happy time for footie fans everywhere as all the English Premiership teams are in the midst of their training camps, prepping for the season that kicks off on August 16.

Manchester United are busy globetrotting, taking their spectacular game to fans far and wide -- this year, with a trip to South Africa. Ryan Giggs, Wayne Rooney...pretty much all their big names were on the plane...except for Cristiano Ronaldo (nursing an ankle op and his big ego), and our fave, Owen Hargreaves.

Owen's been kinda AWOL -- no one has seen him, and it's been a bit of a mystery where he's been. There weren't any 'sightings' during the break & various fan message boards have seen postings about him now dating some tart from Sky Sports (where's longtime Canuck girlfriend, Janelle!? We're Janelle fans around here!). 

Turns out, Owen's tendinitis in his knee is back. Yep, the same injury that plagued him last season and kept him out of the line-up for months. Damn! This news is not ideal! We need to see him, stat! We've waiting this long only to find out he's out of commission. Sigh. Let's just hope history doesn't repeat and he's ready for August 16.

HATE IT! Hayden Panettiere


Meet today's 'hate'..."Heroes" starlet, Hayden Panettiere

She's everywhere and frankly, I don't think she deserves the attention. 

A great actress? Nope. Fashion icon? Only if you rate flip flops as the creme de la creme of your footwear collection. And now, she's starting a singing career. What gives? Just because you're a somewhat attractive blonde teen employed on a big American network TV show, does not mean that you should be wasting some poor audio engineers time as he painfully records your warbling for posterity. 

And don't think that I've forgotten about her reported lust-fest with her much elder co-worker from "Heroes", Milo Ventimiglia. Creepy. This girl is growing up too fast. I think we might have a future case of child-star crash and burn. Save the cheerleader? Um, no thanks!

Thursday, July 17, 2008

RATE IT! The Dark Knight


Yes, I'm elbowing my way onto the 'Dark Knight' bandwagon. Fess up, you want to scamper on too...all the cool kids are doing it! I haven't seen the movie yet, but I'm sure it lives up to the propaganda. 

Christian Bale has been making the rounds for all the Batman press junkets -- he must be so tired of answering the same mundane questions regarding co-star Health Ledger and his untimely death. Attention interviewers -- Christian is a mighty fine actor in his own right and should be your main topic of Bat-conversation. 



RATE IT! Cillian Murphy

Cillian Murphy...me likey the Irish actor. The flashy, vacuous Hollyweird scene is not his thing and he choses to stay back in Blighty (hurrah!). And you won't see him trotting his family out to OK magazine for a quick buck. This guy has substance, smarts and yes, sex appeal. He's got several new flicks on the horizon...he's rumoured to be appearing in the new Batman flick, 'The Dark Knight' and he's definitely appearing in 'The Edge of Love' so there will be plenty of opportunities to get lost in those fascinatingly blue eyes this summer.

Oh...and he's a mighty fine actor too...

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

HATE IT! Rumer Willis

Ew. Talk about a f-ugly dress.

Rumer Willis, fame whore sprog of Demi & Bruce trots out her droopy chest in one boob of a gown at a recent red carpet event in NYC. 

Hon, a bra can be your breast friend! 

This dress that barely covers her chest is not the only fashion crime...check out those shoes! Time to get Mummy and Daddy to fork out for a stylist! And is it just me or is she morphing into Winona Ryder?

(photo: Splash)

RATE IT! David Beckham Cooks for Gary Neville

David Beckham in the kitchen...cooking! A fantasy for many and here he is, doing the deed for his best pal, Gary Neville back when they both played for Manchester United. MMM...I don't know what's more yummy!

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

RATE IT! Action Figure Undies


Need a superhero in the boudoir? Take a gander at these fancy pants for your fella. 

Kinda like updated Underoos, don'tcha think?


RATE IT! And Then We Came to the End

Spend most of your waking hours inhabiting a cube farm? Enjoy the camaraderie of being part of an office environment? Been laid off recently? If you answered 'yes' to any (or all) of these questions, then here's the book for you. 

Then We Came to the End is a highly recommended novel (just check out the pages of praise inside the cover) about office life in the climate of lay-offs. Pink slips are hanging over all their heads and the stress & gossip is driving these advertising 9-5ers to all sorts of distractions. Back-stabbing, pranks, questionable behaviours, aloof bosses who don't give away any clues to their private lives...it's all in here. I just bet you'll recognize many a co-worker in this tome. 

To be honest, I found parts of the middle of this novel to be a bit long and tedious but overall, it's a fantasticly funny and dark account of life in the office during tough economic times. At at time when lay-offs happen more often than not, it's refreshing to read a humorous take on an upsetting, life-changing event.

Monday, July 14, 2008

HATE IT! Penn is an Arse!

What's with young Hollywood celebs these days? 

First, Ed Westwick (Chuck of 'Gossip Girl') exclaims his {misguided} footie love for Chelsea...now the more level-headed Penn Badgley (Dan of 'Gossip Girl' ~ pictured left) comes clean in Vanity Fair magazine about his affection for ARSENAL!

Did both of these fellas get dropped on their heads as children? Fingers crossed, Chace Crawford (Nate) is a Manchester United man, but I'm not holding my breath! Afterall, he's roomies with Ed and probably only knows the dark side!   (photo: www.nymag.com/)

Sunday, July 13, 2008

HATE IT! Brangelina Overload Pt. 2

OMG! Angelina did something this weekend that women around the globe do *every* single day...she popped out a baby - or two. 

Queue the continued media frenzy surrounding this over-rated twosome. Is nothing else of real substance going on in this world?

And the names for their new boy and girl...
Knox and Vivian. 

Vivian...okay, that's pretty normal, but Knox??? Is that in 'Fort Knox'? I'm guessing baby pix of the kid will earn enough cash to fill Fort Knox. What an awkward, horrible name. Celebs, eh? 

Congrats to Brangelina - still, doesn't make me rate them any higher. Now, will you please go away! (photo: Getty Images)

HATE IT! Madonna and Guy




Madonna and Guy Richie-- rumours of a marriage on the rocks, or just more attention seeking by needy Madge before her world tour kicks off?

Do we really care anymore?

Honestly...I'm so over her. Perhaps Guy is too. Can you blame him?
(photo: PA Wire)

Saturday, July 12, 2008

RATE IT! The Queen Gets United



I know this photo is from December last year but I couldn't help but dig it out for a fresh airing.

It's Manchester United living legend, Ryan Giggs, receiving an OBE from the Queen herself. 

Ryan is class personified. Can't wait for the season to start on August 16!

(photo: Reuters)

HATE IT! Pierce Brosnan's Singing

Former James Bond, Pierce Brosnan, is currently starring in the big screen adaptation of the worldwide stage musical hit, Mamma Mia

Pierce Brosnan...in a musical. For someone so suave...you would expect a voice to match the flawless exterior. SURPRISE! He sounds somewhere between Bruce Springsteen and Joe Cocker -- I kid you not!

It's just so so wrong when the voice does not match the face! Abba tunes never sounded so strange!

WANT IT! Build-A-Bear United Stylee!

Surprise, surprise! I had no idea that the fabulous Build-a-Bear Workshop had set up shop in the UK. D'oh...they're all over the US and in Canada so one would think they'd be overseas as well. And look what I uncovered....they have Manchester United kits for their furry friends!! 

Over here on the other side of the pond, you can get all sorts of North American sporty outfits and yes, I must admit that I did buy a Toronto Maple Leaf jersey for my frog that I lovingly created in Manhattan a few years back. Because soccer isn't that big a deal over here, I had to get a generic Build-a-Bear footie kit but now....I see that I could order some United gear for him!! They have all sorts of bits & pieces. And if you cheer for one of the *other* sides, they have goodies for you too. I had to laugh when I saw the Chelsea kit ...on a monkey! Fitting, no!?

Friday, July 11, 2008

RATE IT! Apple iPhone

Canada, Australia, Japan and several other countries have gone absolutely coo-coo today for the Apple iPhone upon its release in said territories. 

Everyone loves a cool new toy, and I'm dizzy over the notion of blogging anywhere, anytime...but the phone is pricey and here in Canada, there's an insane plan by the carrier which locks customers in for three long years. The hype is addictive and the propaganda machine has certainly done its job.

The question remains...is it worth it?

RATE IT! Dairy Queen Brownie Batter Blizzard

My Blizzard addiction is well documented and after a prolonged absence from said delectable treat, I've had *two* this week...in the period of *two* days! Stress does crazy things to people and I wandered by Dairy Queen and thought why not? The steamy, muggy days of July are here and I'm deserving, hungry and bored. What better way to fill time than by scarfing DQ chocolate sensations!

My 1st Blizzard of the week: the Xtreme Chocolate variety. Size small. Taste HUGE. My first Blizzard love. As we all know, early crushes can be painful and this one is completely detrimental to my waistline!! Even a teeny one...670 calories...29 grams of FAT! That's 43% of your daily fat allowance in one go!


My 2nd Blizzard of the week: the Brownie Batter concoction. Apparently, it's been a special Blizzard on the menu previously and it's gloriously back with its bad-for-your-ass brownie chunks & chocolately goo. Turns out, this sweet treat in the small size that I gulped has 630 calories and 28 grams of fat -- that's just marginally healthier than my first Blizzard of the week. 

I feel fat just working out the math. Ugh! I never count calories or fat grams ~ I'm really questioning my sanity in doing a Google search on these Blizzards. Ignorance in this bloated case really would have been bliss! What did I do on the way home? Stopped and bought carrots, lettuce and cucumbers to atone for my ice cream sins. What lesson did we learn today kids? Like loving a bad boy, lusting after a Blizzard will only end in heart-break...and binges!

Thursday, July 10, 2008

RATE IT! Owen's Biography

FINALLY! Owen Hargreaves unauthorized (I believe) bio is out in print and available for purchase. After months of being told by Amazon that it wasn't ready, it mysteriously showed up in my mail.

I haven't read a page yet but I can tell you that the author was stingy with the photos and the type is rather large...hmmm, not very promising yet - still, I'm just excited that it exists! There's always time to diss it later!

HATE IT! Brangelina Overload

Pop culture is most often a delicious dish that we can devour continually without feeling full.

But there are occasions where you've had a little too much -- and a prime example of indulging beyond what's tolerable? Brangelina!! Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt.

Am I alone in being SO OVER these two? I am so sick of hearing about them and their brood, about where she will drop her next two sprogs and all the amazing charity work...I don't even find them that gorgeous anymore. 

Granted, it's wonderful they are do-gooders - the world can always need more, but when it's used again and again for publicity reasons and they just seem so pleased for themselves, then I have to cut the cord. Please have your kids and then go away for awhile. Have a private vacation...disappear and give us a rest from the forced feeding of all your fabulous exploits. I've had my fill and am feeling nauseous!
(photo: www.telegraph.co.uk)

WANT IT! Hostess Cup Cake Coin Purse





Talk about your treat of the week! This coin purse was made for cake junkies like me. Save your pennies and calories! Pure sugary genius!


Wednesday, July 9, 2008

RATE IT! Retro Game Shows

Everything old is new again in TV-land! Ah, if I only had a buck for *everytime* that I said that! As you know, I've been complaining at great length about the 'return' of several show franchises from the 80s and 90s...but I'm not all gloom and doom -- some of the re-vitalized programs I actually like!

Take the reappearance of 'Family Feud' -- but in the more fresh celebrity themed edition. Hosted by NBC's Today Show weather dude, Al Roker, this star-tinged reproduction is funny, offers the same silly style of quiz questions from yesteryear and even goes as far to include 'TV families' -- like the crew from 'The Office' and 'My Name is Earl' all in character, doing their thang! LOVE IT!

Also enjoying a boomerang effect -- fellow game shows, 'Password' and the soon to be in production, 'The Dating Game' and 'Newlywed Game.' Now if only they'd bring back 'Concentration' and heck, even 'Press Your Luck' (no whammies!!!) -- the world would be a happier place!

HATE IT! The New 90210

When TV execs run out of new show concepts, the broadcasting landscape gets cluttered full of reconstituted old ideas. The lamest programming move for this coming season? Okay, it's been heavily challenged by the insipid 'Knight Rider' remake but I have to award the most unnecessary return to the new 90210. 

The original was born to succeed. Hatched from the TV hit factory of Aaron Spelling, the show cast a gang of gorgeous unknown actors to portray a clique of rich Cali kids experiencing life with little adult supervision. What teen or young adult wouldn't watch? It took awhile for the audience to find the show on the new, hip 'n' happening FOX network but when they did, ratings soared, stars were born and you couldn't walk by a magazine stand without catching a glimpse of Jason, Luke or Shannon. The program was a first in many ways -- storylines were snatched from the headlines -- pregnancy scares, drugs, suicide. Yes, it's true that Canada's 'Degrassi High' franchise tackled these sensitive issues with much more care and heart, but at least '90210' reached thousands upon thousands of viewers & got kids talking to their parents. The series was truly a success of its time, and before long many shows copied the challenging storylines, while egos on the set outgrew the program resulting in the show dying a quick undignified death.

Fast-forward to 2008 and we're about to have a new, "improved" 90210 foisted upon us. Why? We really don't need the show like we did back in the 90s. Since then we've had 'the O.C.', 'One Tree Hill' and now we have the exquisite 'Gossip Girl'. The spoilt kids of L.A. void is already currently filled -- by the pseudo reality of the god-awful 'The Hills.' The demo is more than catered for. Viewing the '90210' trailer and picking out this new version's 'Dylan' or 'Brenda' clone...the entire enterprise feels cheap and out for a fast (advertiser) buck. 

Spare me the overblown publicity hoopla and reworked characters. I'll stick with the far superior 'Gossip Girl' and remain in ever cool Manhattan. Kids who want their L.A. kicks will inevitably stick with 'The Hills' and if we're lucky, we won't have to stomach this year's version of 'David Silver' for too long. 

(Heck! It's too much fun dissing this new 90210 - for more bile click here.)



Tuesday, July 8, 2008

RATE IT! Vote for this Fab Star Wars Video!

There's nothing better than talented, new filmmakers getting their day in the sun. George Lucas, a god of movie making for *obvious* reasons, has always supported the up-and-comers, and this time, he's organized a fantastic contest. Getting plenty of buzz is the competition for the 2008 Star Wars Fan Movie Challenge. George Lucas himself will unveil the winner on July 24. The video voted the best will be shown on Spike TV. Now check out this video -- in my opinion, it's far and away the best of the entries. It's funny, and so well crafted. Take a look yourself and vote for 'Catching Up With Darth Maul.' Like it as much as I do? Click on the link above and vote!! But be quick...voting ends on July 10. 

RATE IT! Ugly Betty on the Move

Television is a magical land where clever production staff can make one locale look like another...'Ugly Betty' is a prime example.

If you think that the fictional magazine that Betty dedicatedly toils for is based in NYC, well...it's not really. Until this Spring, 'Ugly Betty' was actually shot on a soundstage in the very un-Big Applesque surroundings of Los Angeles. With the clever use of green screens and fancy editing techniques, the production crew were able to trick everyone into thinking that Daniel, Betty, Marc, etc were living one fashionably fabulous Manhatten existence.

For season 3, production is moving cross country to New York City -- for real! No more faking it - make believe Manhattan style just got real. New York always makes the perfect co-star as 'Sex and the City', 'Gossip Girl' and 'Law & Order' can attest to. I'm sure Betty and co. will feel right at home.

Monday, July 7, 2008

HATE IT! Their Girl Sunday


Scary botox-lovin' Nicole Kidman and equally odd-faced hubby, Keith Urban are now the proud parents of a baby girl: Sunday Rose Kidman Urban.

Sunday? Huh?! If you're going to use such a lame name for your kid, go with Sundae! Always sugary sweet and frozen...much like Nicole's face!

HATE IT! Chelsea Chuck

You know that awful feeling when you find out that your obsessive crush turns out to be different than you thought?

Sure, his looks remain untouched, his voice...his manner, his scheming ways...ah, all the yummy traits you LOVE about him...yes, they're still ALL there, but something is amiss causing you to second guess your lust?

Something unacceptable has come between me and my TV crush, "Chuck Bass" from 'Gossip Girl' -- otherwise known in 'real life' as Ed Westwick.

It pains me to discover that my Ed/Chuck is tainted...he's not the Brit that I thought him to be and I fear that my cheeky crush will forever be ...contaminated

Right, time for the reveal - the truth that haunts me, makes me queasy...my Ed...is a Chelsea Football Club supporter. Yep, he cheers for Chelski -- and as a die-hard Manchester United gal, well you can guess what that means. Ugh. I wish it was just some rumour posted on Gossip Girl, but it's true...he proclaimed it himself in the UK's Company magazine. Ed...ED! And you showed so much promise, my little Chuck Bass. Now I'll be thinking of you with John Terry and that's just so WRONG!

RATE IT! Reese & Jake




Ah! Am I the only one who adores these two together?

Gossips report that their relationship is getting really serious and they're moving in together. And what's most important ~ their dogs get along...his German Shepherd and her English Bulldog. Very cute. Hope it's true, Reese & Jake *and* the dogs. The world needs more happy stories even if they're of the over-paid, impossibly good-looking celebrity variety.

Sunday, July 6, 2008

HATE IT! FIFA Soccer Rankings

Oh dear...the absence of England in the Euro Cup championships this summer has resulted in a dive in the country rankings. England is now listed as the 15th "best" team in the world, falling out of the Top 10. Yikes!!

Spain received more kudos as they grasped the #1 slot following their triumph at the Euro last week. Looks like they've been recognized for their stellar efforts as well as their steamy factor. Just the way we like 'em.

Filed under 'not surprising footie news', Canada -- such a massive soccer world power -- is sitting pretty in 77th place. Yes, you read that correctly -- 77th spot. And to think that there are *still* soccer pundits out there who wonder why, oh why...would Owen Hargreaves choose to play internationally for England instead of Canada!

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