Gig's Daily Dose

The Muppets: Bohemian Rhapsody

2010-01-26T08:35:00.006-05:00

Nuff Said

Posted on YouTube by Muppets Studio

So five years ago...

2009-12-22T23:25:00.000-05:00

Come back Mal Reynolds!

Glee gets 4 Golden Globe noms!

2009-12-17T09:45:00.008-05:00

Wheeeee!In addition for being up for Best Comedy, Lea Michele, Matthew Morrison, and Jane Lynch are all up for Golden Globes for their work on Glee. While I think all of them deserve to win, I will be SOOOO upset if Jane doesn't get an award for her role as Sue Sylvester. Speaking of...I bought the Glee Soundtrack, and while some of the adaptations are pretty good, all it did for me was remind me how awesome the originals are. Except for Bust A Move...Morrison's version is high-larious!

Photo from Fox.com

Awesome, just....awesome

2009-11-03T15:13:00.003-05:00

Whee! Joss Whedon will direct Glee!

2009-10-20T19:45:00.002-04:00

According to Michael Ausiello over at Entertainment Weekly, Joss Whedon will direct an episode of Glee next year! This is very exciting news for anyone who is a fan of Whedon and Glee. And if you aren't, what's wrong with you???? Let's all pray that Joss somehow works in Numfar's Dance of Joy into the mix. Check it out when it orginally appeared on Angel.

We are mad, mad, mad MEN!

2009-09-28T15:33:00.001-04:00

For a very not suitable for work spoof, check out MA Men on Funnyordie.com

What's a pirates favorite letter?

2009-09-18T08:09:00.001-04:00

ARRRGGGGHHHH!!!!

Celebrate International Talk Like a Pirate Day this Sat, 9/19!

The new Melrose...will you be watching?

2009-09-03T13:14:00.002-04:00

So Melrose Place is making a comeback. Are you going to watch? I'm not...didn't watch the original and my catty, girly, fluff section of my tv schedule is already filled by Gossip Girl. Plus, Melrose does not have CHUCK! So really, what's the point? Speaking of, GG will be back NEXT WEEK!!!!!

And I hear Chuck's storyline is taking a hell of a turn!

I kno I've been gone awhile. but LOOK what I have for ya!

2009-06-23T10:41:00.006-04:00

2009-03-29T18:00:00.002-04:00

You know what really burns my bubble? When stores do price adjustments a couple of weeks after you buy something, but their price adjustment policy doesn't allow you to receive one. No joke...3 weeks ago, I purchased a pair of pants from one store and a jacket at another. And today, the pants are $15.00 less and the jacket is $50.00 less!!!! I'm returning both items this week, and rebuying the jacket! I can't believe in this economy, these stores are doing this. I haven't even worn either item, as they are both spring items. Really, I think these stores (who will be nameless, not b/c I want to protect them , but b/c Gigs doesn't want to admit to shopping at one of them) need to rethink their policies for loyal customers.

Stars! They're Just Like Us!

2009-03-16T19:20:00.004-04:00

Did you hear what Jennifer Lopez's baby boy's first word was? Dada. Do I care?

While I am at it, here are some other "news" stories I don't want to hear any more about:

Octomom---I've had it. Talk about rewarding someone for irresponsible behavior...if you want to call her behavior irresponsible.

Rihanna and Chris Brown-- let her deal with her loser boyfriend without the cameras in her face, if you want to call him a loser boyfriend. And btw, what is up with that survey the Boston Globe did?

Dancing with the Stars/American Idol/Bachelor--what did you expect from crappy reality shows? The same old same old? They HAD to do something different! More injuries! New judge! A-hole bachelor! If you want to call him an A-hole.

Lindsay Lohan-unless you have a new movie coming out ( and I hope you do!) I don't care. About anything else.

Bristol Palin and Levi whatever--whatever.

There, I feel better.

Help stop teen cough medicine abuse! (what about other age groups' abuse?))

2009-02-26T08:47:00.005-05:00

1. Oscars--yep I watched--the whole durn broadcast! Glad for Milk's wins, and Heath's...and in case you were wondering, I like the new format!

2. 3 Doors Down...Gigs took in a concert on Monday night at the new House of Blues in Boston...ehh venue, sound issues until the main act came on, but all in all a great show! Gigs went with buddies Nancy and Mike, and had a great time, as always when you mix Nancy, Mike, live music and a Dirty Shirley.

3. Cough Medicine--I was carded, and asked to sign a document that stated that I would not sell my cough medicine to teens (who may abuse it) twice this week! They keep it behind the counter, probably under the guise of protecting kids from what can harm them if abused. It got me thinking about if this is a law, or store policy. And if libraries were to do that....put "harmful" materials behind the desk and not let a minor check them out. God, now more than ever, I am glad most libraries don't function like this! I can't imagine blocking anyone from the freedom of information. I would have been so mad if as a teen I wasn't allowed to check something out, on the authority of someone who didn't know me! But I do believe that parents need to step up and parent.

4. I need some sleep! I'd go get some Tylenol night meds, but I don't want to get my license carded again! Someone might come after me for abuse!

Ouskar

2009-02-20T19:33:00.003-05:00

I wasn't going to watch the Oscars this year...I find it wrong that during these hard times, so much money is being spent on praising actors....good actors, and good movies, but really what did they DO? Entertain us, sure. But this money could be going to much better causes that another pat on the back for Hollywood....still, maybe it is a welcome distraction for some. I dunno...I do want to see who will win Best Actor and Supporting Actor, and this rumored musical number with Hugh Jackman, but that's about it. I think the entire award season has gotten out of hand...and judging by the ratings of recent years, maybe the public feels the same way.

Did you know that it was an Academy librarian that gave the award its name? Yah-Huh..I heard it on Extra so it must be true!

Bwaaahahahaha!

2009-02-11T15:52:00.002-05:00

Didja hear?

2009-02-10T18:49:00.002-05:00

A-Rod admitted to doing steroids...yeesh...why am I not surprised? But only when he was with the Texas Rangers. oh, phew, well he was just a kid then. I suppose we should let it slide, I mean he was making only a few mil a year at that point. Gimme a break! Toss him outta the game! Pull his awards, cancel his contracts....hey, so does this mean that maybe he didn't have an affair with Madonna? Maybe the real reason his wife divorced him is b/c he couldn't ...ummm...perform anymore. Don't steroids effect your...ummm...performance?

President and First Lady Obama visit a school library

2009-02-03T19:00:00.002-05:00

NBC News reported that the President and First Lady took time to visit a elementary school library today, to talk with students and read them some stories. The news reported that they took a break from White House going ons, and this is where they went....Thanks. Keep the positive library press comin'!

Live from my couch...again!

2009-02-01T17:26:00.006-05:00

Getting ready to blog the Super Bowl commercials, but I'm still about an hour or so away from kick off...and I'm already sick of the hoopla....I've been checking in since 9am, and all the Peacock is covering is the game! Which, again, doesn't start until 6:30!
But already the broadcast had Jumped the Shark....what the hell is Keith Oberman doing commenting on the field?!?!?

Ok...be back when the game starts!
Aaaaaaannndddd...we're baaack! (anyone get that Jimmy Fallon reference? Anyone?)

1. The Doritos commercial where the guy throws a snow globe at a vending machine and declared free Doritos for the office.

2. Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head go out for a drive on Bridgestone tires.

3. FAST AND THE FURIOUS trailer!!!!!!!!!!!

4. Matt Lauer can eat it!-- trailer for Land of the Lost

5. A true love story--Daisy and her beau...Budweiser.

6. NO one wants to see you naked! Send Teleflowers....

7. Heroes!

8. My gold hip replacement...Ed McMahon shills hilariously for Cash 4 Gold.

8. Mush, brain, mush...Alec Baldwin, "tv star" promotes Hulu.

9. gosh, that Sarah from Chuck is pretty...

10. MacGruber....sell out! but i'm for anything that bring R.D.A. back to tv.

Did I miss any?

I need to rewatch but...

2009-01-29T15:00:00.002-05:00

I think Faraday is Charlotte's father!

Recap here!

Grams!

2009-01-27T21:34:00.002-05:00

from Dawson's Creek popped up on Fringe tonight. I love when new shows reunite stars from past favs. I gotta say though if not for my interest in the characters, I'm not sure I'd be such a faithful viewer. But it's pretty good, and as mysterious as is, it's a lot less heavy on the brain than Lost. And it's pretty scary.

Which would you rather read?

2009-01-07T13:14:00.008-05:00

or

That's the Dutch cover on the top. It comes out in Holland in March. For those of you who didn't get the bird head reference, it's Mary Poppins' umbrella head from the movie. Thanks goodness the story can stand on its own legs....you have read it right??????

Gigs has been sick

2009-01-02T08:34:00.005-05:00

Really sick...which is why I haven't awarded the SAGA's for best song or best book. So I'm going to do both right now.
BEST BOOK
I declared this way back in February...and then changed my mind in March. But nothing else I have read this year comes close to My Most Excellent Year by Steve Kluger! Read my review here.

Runner Ups

Suck It Up by Brian Meehl -just look at that cover! How could you not like that book? And see the smiley fangs on the right? Yeah the author has buttons he sells on his website! Gigs has a bunch!
Parties and Potions by Sarah Mylnowski -this is the fifth in a series, and I liked it so much, I'm gonna read them all! So likeable! And the author has been a Gigs fav since her first book, Milkrun.

BEST SONG

I have no idea...there wasn't anything good that came out this year...maybe Lovebug by the Jonas Brothers. Or Womanizer by Britney. And you know it's been a bad year if I chose a Britney song as the best of the year. Oh and I really liked Spotlight by Jennifer Hudson. But I think I'm going to search out in left field to find a winner...and since Gigs never LOVED this band like so many others, this is left field for me!

Viva La Vida by Coldplay

I like the song...it's the first Coldplay song to ever make it to my iPod. In a pretty depressing pop year this was one of the highlights. I'm sick of rap (or what is now referred to as rap) and these sugary sweet poppy underagers who can't carry a tune without professional sound equipment (did you HEAR that commercial promotion New Year's with Ryan Seacrest? They all sounded horrible!)

And a special award that I'm giving out this year...this fell into no other category, so I'm creating a special one for it!

Best episode not shown on tv or in the movies....

Dr. Horrible's Sing A Long Blog!

It all came about during the writer's strike (certainly one of the best things to have come from that). Joss Whedon was bored and he couldn't write for tv or movies, so he wrote for the web. He and some other talented folks created this 3 part web series about a young evil do-er who falls in love and finds himself having to prove his evil-ness. Oh, and there's some funny singing too. I personally have not sung a long with it.

Best Movie

2008-12-29T08:59:00.003-05:00

Notice I said "Best Movie" not Best Film? Just pointing that out....
ok so this year's winner is no surprise:

The Dark Knight...

In preparation for the awards, I rewatched this last week, and I was just as engrossed, creeped out, and amazed the second time around (6 months later) as I was the first time. Yep, this is a keeper. Much attention has been given to Heath Ledger, and it should, but let's not forget the great performances by all the cast, especially Christian Bale, who, I think found himself playing second fiddle to Ledger's untimely death. We'll know soon if the hoity toidy of the film world agree with us at the Oscars.

Runner Ups

Tropic Thunder-I can't explain it, just see it!
Pineapple Express-How did Franco walk away with a nom for this movie and not Milk?
The House Bunny--Cute! This was so formulaic, but Anna Faris is so endearing. And I love Colin Hanks and with this flick and his amazing performance on Mad Men, it's been a good year for him.

Movies I am sure should be on this list, but I haven't seen them yet:

Milk
Slumdog Millionaire
Gran Torino
Doubt
Frost/Nixon

Did I miss anything?

2008-12-24T11:17:00.003-05:00

Covent Garden in London...pretty, no?

Wishing you and yours (your what? I don't understand that phrase, but is sounds Christmas-y) a very Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday. Don't forget the SAGA (Second Annual Gigs Awards) start on Dec 26!

What I'm currently listening to

2008-12-22T11:06:00.002-05:00

Bob Segar's Greatest Hits
Jersey Boys soundtrack
Last Christmas by Jimmy Eats World
Confessions by Madonna
Twentysomething by Jamie Cullem
Oldies 103.3

Matthew Settle plays the DAD on Gossip Girl...that's when I knew I was too old to watch this show.

2008-12-10T08:14:00.008-05:00

But has that stopped me? Oh, no, if anything it has only encouraged my obses...er, um, my tv viewing schedule.

Monday night's Gossip Girl was the best ep yet! There is even Emmy talk for Ed Westwick, who plays Chuck. I wouldn't go that far...but he was pretty good. All angry and hell bent on revenge, and guilty that he may have played a part in his father's death (Is Bart Bass really dead? Coming up in January...) And WHY do I like Lily even more now that I know she :

a. was pregnant with Rufus' child and had an abortion
b. gave birth to Rufus' child and gave the baby away
c. gave birth to Rufus' child and raised him/her as another man's child! Eric!

The boys of GG. That would be Chuck on the right.

Let's hope the child isn't Serena....that would raise the whole ick factor of her relationship with Dan. We're dating! We broke up! We're sibilings!

I'm so glad this show is on...it's totally filled my Days of Our Lives void that I have been living with since high school.

P.S. Wallace Shawn is as awesome as ever!

Photo taken from www.reservelresult.com

2008-12-05T08:05:00.002-05:00

So the rumor is that not only will Heath Ledger be nominated for Best Supporting Actor Oscar, but that Dark Knight will be nominated for Best Picture! If it wins, this will mark the first time in history that Gigs and the Academy agree on what was the best film of the year. But let's not get our hopes up....Gigs and the Academy never agree on anything. Except that members of the academy have the best email addresses ever! gigs@oscars.org --has a nice ring to it!

Give it on up for Turkeyville" won't happen?

2008-11-18T08:17:00.009-05:00

Justin hosts SNL on Weekend Update!

and the Brothers Gibb one!

Want to see more? Visit Hulu!

Yowza..it's been awhile!

2008-11-14T13:26:00.002-05:00

Some things I've been thinking about.....

Obama is our next President...no comments, just thinking.
Little Brother by Cory Doctorow...did I like the book? Did I hate it? Was it to "real?"
Jenny and Nate on Gossip Girl...I cringed every time he kissed her....I know they are actors, but he's 22 and she's 15 in real life! I don't know what that creeps me out. Also, Dan on GG...what happened to that character?
Twilight...ENOUGH ALREADY!!!
Bones...the show that gave me my next fav cult couple...hooking up the actors who played Sam Weir on Freaks and Geeks and Lizzie Exley on Undeclared was genius! It's like early Apatow is coming full circle. Not since the casting of Alyson Hannagan and Jason Segal on How I Met Your Mother has me inner geek felt so fulfilled.
Did Shakespeare really write Shakespeare?
Will Heroes really be any better w/out Jesse Alexander and Jeph Loeb?
Kiefer Sutherland hasn't aged in the past 10 years.
I'd really like some M&Ms right about now.
Oh, and some pumpkin chocolate chip whoopie pies.

My Favorite Quote

2008-10-29T08:23:00.001-04:00

"It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice."

Next stop-tv producer!!!

2008-10-22T10:55:00.003-04:00

Ok, I admit I was kidding when I posted that last thing about Fringe producers wanting me so desperately, they sent out audition notices, but after this past week, I am convinced that Hollywood is not only reading my blog, but taking my suggestions seriously!!!

Case in point:
On last Monday night's Chuck, all the hoopla was about Nicole's Ritchie's guest appearance, which was all well and good. But the previews didn't mention that one Ben Savage was playing her husband!! Remember what I said last year? And ratings were up. Ha! It was a pretty good ep too. We learn a bit about Sarah's past, which to be honest, was needed, as the show's premise was getting a tad old. Who am I kidding? Did you see the girlfight set to Prodigy? Hawt! And of course Casey as a DJ. Awesome!

Fringe producers are looking for ME!

2008-10-17T14:07:00.004-04:00

According to Michael Ausiello over at EW.com:

"the show is casting two people from his past -- one, a knockout thirtysomething female who'll warn him that folks are after him..."

OMB! It's like they knew if they waited a week, I would fit that age description! The knockout thing, well I've had that in the bag for YEARS!

Insomnia October

2008-10-09T13:51:00.002-04:00

'Tis the season for not getting any sleep. Between the Sox, the debates, and regular ol' tv, you really have to plan to take naps during the day. Gigs is so tired! She plans on taking a nap when she gets home today. But it will all be worth it when the Sox win, the votes are cast, and Jack Bauer comes back. So, what's been keeping you up at night? A new show? A great book? Your snoring partner?

Well, that was redeeming.

2008-10-01T08:34:00.001-04:00

And I can't wait to find out where this storyline goes! Go on, read the recap, esp the second to last sentence.

Librarians, Librarioes, and Guybrarians

2008-09-20T12:15:00.004-04:00

I just found out that one of my favorite librarians retired from Assumption College. And it got me thinking about all the other librarians that have inspired me in one way or another over my young lifetime. So I'd like to take a moment to thank them:

Larry Spongeberg-the aforementioned librarian. He always knew when you felt lost or stressed and had just the right cheesy joke to get you laughing again. Congrats, Larry and thanks for the smiles.

First Lady Laura Bush-the classiest librarian ever.

Bonnie O'Brien-for giving me my first, second, third and fourth library jobs, and being a damn fun lady to hang out with.

George Brown-for supporting me through all my crazy programming ideas, and for being one of the most interesting and smartest people I know.

Maureen Ambrosino-for showing me that there was more to librarianship than checking out books and answering questions.

Debbie Alger- for reminding me not to take myself too seriously. There's still fun to be had!

Sharon Terry- for accompanying me on all my crazy adventures--and never being embarrassed by me. And for trusting me when I say those are librarian shoes.

"Uncle" Tony Stankus-the greatest Science Librarian EVER! He's too cool for this profession.

Thanks to everyone who has inspired me along the way. I must have hit my quarter life crisis or something. This is sounding like a speech or something!

Gigs is taking a few days off, and to quote George Brown, "As the German grape stompers say, 'Our feet are stained!'

People get off the damn phone!

2008-09-19T14:35:00.003-04:00

I usually don't get into anything heavy in my blog, but let this be the one exception. With news coming out that the engineer of the train that crashed last week in LA may have been texting while working, led to the death of 25 people. Everywhere I go, people are running red lights, not paying attention, and driving recklessly with a phone attached firmly to their ear.

And I'm not talking about teens; I'm talking about everyone! And those little bluetooth headsets look dorky but if it helps keeps your eyes on the road and you hands on the wheel, use them!

I readily admit that I cannot drive and talk on the phone, but it seems that others think they can. I don't wanna die (and I am sure those who lost their lives in the train crash would agree) b/c you couldn't unplug.

You may live in the 90201 but you're still a zero!

2008-09-16T20:13:00.003-04:00

It's 8:12 PM on Tuesday night, and I have a stack of wonderful books next to my couch. But what am I doing? Watching 90210-2.0 Is it good? No. It's stupid. But damn is it worth it to hear Jessica Walter belt out "Mama Who Bore Me."

So really why have I spent all afternoon in front of the tv?
Because I have discovered Mad Men. And right now, no book that I am reading can compare to the stories this drama tells. Wow...it is wonderful. Almost makes me go out and sign up for cable so I can get AMC. But right now, I will have to settle on the DVDs. This show is visually stunning, and set in a world which I really don't think ever existed--at least I hope it never did. All that drinking, smoking, and sex is amazingly compelling stuff, but how did people get any work done?

But the cast. Wow. Perhaps the best ensemble I've seen in a very long time. Vincent Kartheiser (remember him as Connor on Angel?) is so good as Pete, a cad who I find myself actually caring about. He's trying to play with the big boys, but can't quite pull it off. And January Jones as Mrs. Draper gives new meaning to the term housewife. The scene where she's shooting at her neighbor's pigeons--classic.

Total side note: Gossip Girl--the character--is totally hawking Nick and Nora's Infinite Playlist. Mad Men would be proud of that cross promotion.

I'm sorry that the first season of Mad Men is only 13 eps. Season 2 might just become my new iTunes must have.

I was wrong...and I admit it.

2008-09-15T10:02:00.006-04:00

I'd like to print a retraction to a comment I made last week. In reference to the almost meeting Josh Jackson, I said I was dragged to Spooky World by my college roommate. I was in fact not dragged but bounced through the front gates like a 12 year old at a Jonas Brothers concert. Chappy, my roommate, was kind enough to remind me of that this weekend. I apologize to Chappy and others for the erroneous statement I made. I guess I remember myself as cooler than I was. Then again, I think it was cool that we went to support Josh!

FRIIINNNNGGGEEEE!

2008-09-09T11:53:00.007-04:00

Josh Jackson returns for our weekly viewing pleasure! Tonight at 8!

And what a fine actor he is. I mean, to have put up with some of those baaad storylines on Dawson's Creek, and STILL make the audience love him, I mean, well...I LOVE YOU PACEY!...ahem. sorry bout that.

OK so we all know that J.J. Abrams' new show Fringe premires tonight oon Fox, and as if you could not have guessed, it stars former Skulls (did you see that movie? You should) actor Josh Jackson. Do you think JJ has over stayed his tv welcome (Lost, Felicity, Alias)? Should he concentrate on movies (Mission IMpossible 3)?

Hey did I ever tell you I was supposted to meet Josh? It's true!
He was going to come to Spooky World (remember that?) but had to cancel at the last moment. So Kerr Smith from Dawson's Creek came. He was cool. It should be noted that Gigs was dragged there by her college roommate and would never have done something so lame as to go on her own. I prefer my celebrity encounters to be of the random kind...in an elevator, at the Magic Kingdom, while looking for a lost water bottle.

"Oh dear lord, can someone please help me?"

2008-09-03T13:49:00.003-04:00

Gossip Girls premier--yes I watched and it was totally awesome! Is anyone else sick of Serena and Dan? I loved the Chuck and Blair storyline, tho! I love that Mother Chucker, to paraphrase Blair.

90210- please, like Gigs would waste any more time on frivolous teen dramas. Yeah right. ARGH! ok ok yes i watched all 2 hours of it yesterday. What a train wreck. I think they stole some plot points from Saved By the Bell. Having not been a fan of the original, I had no idea what was going on with the adults' storylines.

Tonight brings us a new Bones. I love this show! I actually think I like David B. better as Seeley Booth than Angel.

Let's see...OMB so you MUST check out Gigs fav, Brad Meltzer's new book, The Book of Lies. Just LOOK at this trailer:

Yes that's more of Gigs fav writers Joss Whedon., Brian K. Vaughn, and Damon Lindelof. There is just NO WAY I can wait for my name to come to the top of the hold list at the library. Must Buy!!!

EEEEEEEE!!!!

2008-08-25T10:19:00.002-04:00

So the Olympics are over. NOW what will I do? I was so obsessed with the swimming, the gymnasts, the wrestling, the basketball, hell, even the volleyball kept me awake at night with antici.......pation.

But don't feel too bad for me. September marks the return of new tv! Gossip Girls is a mere week away. And as if I needed another reason to watch Heroes, Michael Ausiello posted this over on EW.com!

"
Heroes is getting its very own geek squad.

Real-life BFFs and frequent collaborators Seth Green and Breckin Meyer are nearing a deal to join the cast of Heroes for multi-episode arcs, sources confirm to me exclusively.

As I first teased in this week's episode of Ausiello TV, the Robot Chicken duo will play Atlanta-based comic book ~~nerds~~ aficionados who cross paths with (and perhaps serve as advisors to) one of the Heroes. I'm told the names of their characters are still in flux, so there's a chance the cheeky monikers I referenced in ATV won't stick. Then again, they very well may. (Fingers crossed that at least one of them does.)

Got any theories as to what higher purpose Green and Meyer may serve in the Heroesverse? Is it just me, or do these two bring to mind a certain nerdy advisory panel from another popular sci-fi franchise? C'mon, it can't just be me."

Hence the EEEEEE! of the title! YAY more Seth Green!

FINALLY! A GOOD Twilight trailer!

2008-08-14T16:08:00.001-04:00

Well. I can't wait for this one. How about you?

“Superman is how America views itself. Batman is how the rest of the world views America.” - Michael Caine

2008-08-01T09:20:00.004-04:00

So Gigs FINALLY saw The Dark Knight--and was not disappointed. It was great. It was scary. It was criminal how they underused Michael Caine. But still a great movie. The best I've seen this year. I really hope they make another one with this team. And I know everyone is saying it, but Heath Ledger's performance really is Oscar worthy. When you can watch a character on the screen and really have no idea who is playing him, that's incredible. I still can't believe that was him. Even when he was shown for a split second without the makeup, it was like, OMB that's Heath! And can i just say how much better Maggie Gyllenhaal was as Rachel than Katie Holmes--who was good in a Joey Potter kinda way.

Scary quote at the top, there. Do you agree?

Mamma Mia, let me go

2008-07-24T08:11:00.003-04:00

So Dark Knight opened last weekend? Did I see it? No of course not. I saw Mamma Mia! Ugh. Was dragged to it by a friend. Do you like musicals? Then you will LOVE this flick. The singing! The dancing! The way no one reacts when characters break out in songs--from the 70's! And they didn't even include my favorite ABBA song! Tho, I did forget what a guilty pleasure ABBA is.

Ok so it was alright. Meryl Streep, I admit, was very good. As was her two friends. But the real magic happens during the closing credits. Not gonna tell, but even if you don't want to see the movie, sneak in for the credits.

Next up is Dark Knight (i hope).

Mamma Mia! The FBI is 100 years old today!

2008-07-22T20:35:00.003-04:00

I just have to share this video that my dad sent me. Now that George has discovered the wonders of YouTube, he has been finding the most random vids.

It's pretty funny if you are familiar with Armenian Music. If you aren't you might just find it weird--in a good way.

Posted by rokirkk on YouTube.

My name is Gigs, and I am a Hoodie.

2008-07-19T18:41:00.003-04:00

If you haven't checked out BBC's series Robin Hood, you really must. Though the second season is airing on BBC America now, production is under way for season 3. You can see from May 29th's post, I am a fan. Thank goodness for iTunes. I don't get BBC America so I rely on purchasing the episodes online to get my fix. I can't wait for the DVDs to come out. But for those of you who do not want to spend money of any kind on the show, you can check out the season 1 DVDs from you local library. And LOOK what I just found online! The season 3 trailer!!!!

It should be noted that this trailer was made by a fan and posted on YouTube by HeathDances.

Did I mention all the hotties in the show? Pure eye candy. Especially that bad boy Gisborne.

Special Edition! Summer movies!

2008-07-10T08:44:00.006-04:00

With the 4th of July weekend behind us, we are the the full swing of summer movie season. Due to high movie prices, and the cost of gas, I haven't seen ANY of the flicks I have been looking forward to! But that is about to change! Starting this weekend, I am committed to seeing at least one movie a week. Here's my list of must sees, in no particular order:

The Dark Knight-Why? Because Gigs hearts Christian Bale AND Michael Caine. And b/c Batman Begins was sooooo coool. Add in Heath Ledger as the Joker, and, you've got a surefire hit, with bittersweet results.

Hancock-Why? Independence Day, anyone? Will Smith is so cool, that even this looks watchable.

Hellboy 2-Why? Three words--Guillermo del Toro. Need two more? Pan's Labyrinth.

WALL-E-Why? Why not? Gigs has been a Pixar fan since Toy Story.

Mamma Mia!- Why? Colin Firth! Really, that is the only reason I want to see this thing. I don't like musicals or romantic comedies, so really this is like the worst possible thing for me. A romantic comedy that sings. Hawt.

So what are your must sees this summer?

DISCLAIMER: Please DO NOT share plots, spoilers, or even opinions in the comment space. I will post a review when I see each movie, and then we can discuss. You know how Gigs is about her movies....she doesn't even like to be late for the trailers!

"I want you I need you oh baby oh baby"

2008-06-26T14:39:00.003-04:00

So I just finished this new book called First Kiss (Then Tell) , a collection of true stories about YA authors' first kisses. Gigs fav Shannon and Dean Hale recounted their first kiss with each other (though each remembers it differently). Which got Gigs thinking about her first kiss....So for this first time ever, I am going to share the highlights of that fateful night.

It was on the beach.
There was a fire and a cool summer's night breeze.
I was 21 (YES ok I kno I was a late bloomer! But don't worry, I've made up for lost time. Wait, that came out wrong.)
He was...probably 22.
It tasted like SoCo. Probably because he had been drinking SoCo.
He's still a friend, and no, I don't think he knew it was my first kiss.
About 20 people witnessed the event.

Those were the days. Ok, so which of Gigs' faithful readers is brave enough to tell their first kiss story?

No pleasure, no rapture, no exquisite sin greater than central air.

2008-06-12T08:10:00.006-04:00

It's been awhile since my last post, but we can blame it on the heat. Which, btw, I LOVE!

What else is there to do on these hot days but read? I've finished Rumors, which was really good....way better than most sequels. Sad too. But it has a great setup for the third book, Envy. I can't wait to see the dress on the cover! Gigs totally recommends picking up these book for some lazy summer reading.

Also read the new one by Mary Higgins Clark, Where Are You Now?--BLECH. How boring. Don't waste your time.

What's next? Glad you asked! Saving Juliet, Reincarnation, and The Given Day (yes, that would be the new Dennis Lehane book) What's that? It doesn't come out until September!!??!?! Yes, well I am reading what we in the industry call and ARC (Advanced Reader's Copy) Stay tuned for my exclusive review! (tho, it may be awhile...this baby is intense!)

But reading is not just limited to books. I also read websites! Here are a few of my new favs:

If you were a fan of the Sweet Valley books, you MUST read The Dairi Burger . Our blogger has set out to re read all the books in the series, and post her commentaries, complete with snarky comments. Hawt. Caution: Beware of snorting laughter. This may 0r may not be appropriate Reference Desk reading.

You know all those great stories you have about working in a library? Scott Douglas posted his online. He has his own blog, and also posts on McSweeney's Internet Tendenancies. I strongly urge you to read the latter. He also just published a book, Quiet Please.

Gigs has a wedding this weekend (no, not her own) but that of Gig's DD contributer, Mr. J! Yes, ladies, he is taken! No, Gigs will not be wearing the Luxe Dress--that's for her OWN wedding!

Just when my to-read list was starting to dwindle....

2008-06-03T18:57:00.003-04:00

Run, do not walk to your nearest Borders, Barnes and Noble, independent bookstore, or online vendor and pick up RUMORS. It's out today. Stay tuned for my review!

Also, special thanks to Sharon for sending me Chill Factor by Rachel Caine. I will try very, very hard to save it for my plane ride. No promises tho, as it looks way awesome.

Sigh

2008-05-29T15:43:00.004-04:00

"Book of the Year", rave critics*

2008-05-22T14:12:00.005-04:00

*ok, raves me.

I know it's a bit early to announce my fav book of the year, but I kinda already did in February. And up until yesterday, A Northern Light was by far the best thing I got my hands on. But that was then...

And now comes My Most Excellent Year: A Novel of Love, Mary Poppins, and the Boston Red Sox by Steve Kluger. This book could not have been better. T.C. and Augie are brothers--not by the same parents. And then there is Alejandra. And a deaf 6 year old named Hucky. And the Sox, Mary Poppins, Buck Weaver, Jackie O, and Judy Garland all make appearances too. I can't say more than that or I will tell you the entire plot. But it was simply put, wonderful.

Him?! Really? He's the killer?

2008-05-20T11:33:00.004-04:00

Last night brought us some exciting season finales. Most notably, Bones. Does this mean the end Zach? Is he crazy? Oh well, at least we will have our Sweets. I tell ya, I was getting nervous there for a minute or two. And we get treated to David B. without a shirt AND in uniform! Personally, the uniform does it for me.

And I did see the season enders of Big Bang Theory and How I Met Your Mother--and, yes there were tears. Barney and Robin?!?! really? and Ted? oookay...next year, can we please let Alyson Hannigan be the star. Please???? And can I just comment on how much I enjoyed the kiss between Leonard and Penny on The Big Bang Theory. Bravo to the writers for not dragging this romance out. Nothing turns me off like a dragged out romance. Boring!

If you have no idea what I am talking about above, I suggest you use some of your summer catching up on what could be 3 of the 5 best shows on television!*

Summer is just about here, and you know what that means!!! Less tv reviews, more book talk!

How awesome are those Red Sox? Way awesome!

*Totally my humble opinion.

"Oh, My B*lls!" and other things learned at Comic Con

2008-04-29T10:57:00.003-04:00

It has taken me a full week to recover from our 2 days at Comic Con in New York. The dreams featuring adult males in spandex, Princess Leias, the random fan boy have pretty much subsided. But what an awesome weekend! Some highlights:

1. Shannon Hale-the coolest! A gal that can write novels, GNs, and can sing the He-Man theme. My hero.

2. The stars of Moonlight-this marks the second time Gigs has ridden an elevator with a actor that plays a vampire detective on television, the first being David Boreanaz who played Angel. Admittedly being in an elevator in such close proximity with David, who smelled so nice, was more exciting, but I did learn a new catchphrase from Alex O'Loughlin, the aforementioned "Oh my b*lls!" as in "oh my gosh!"

3. Neil Patrick Harris-he was there to promote the new Harold and Kumar movie, and let me tell you ladies and gents, he is more handsome in person, with a great sense of humor. The first question asked of him was "In the first movie, did you really do [drugs]?" Excuse me, but you have one opportunity to ask him anything, and that is what you come up with? Luckily Mr. Harris gave it right back to him, "Right, like I did 20 takes of me doing real [drugs]!" I don't even know how he was able to look that guy in the eye! But he handled it all with patience and was very thankful to the fans. And when he spoke, he spoke clearly and he sat up straight--I very much appreciated that. He also dressed very nicely, not the same t-shirt and jeans other guests wore.

4. Randomly--and I mean randomly, walking into a Milo Ventimiglia signing. It wasn't promoted, and I just walked into a table--me being the klutz that I am--and there he was. and, yes, he is even more good looking in person. And he wore a suit!

5. Seth Green-normally he would be at the top of my list, complete with a picture. But you needed a ticket to meet him, and alas, I did not have one. That's ok, given that this girl behind me in line, was having a literal hissy fit over the situation, I thought it be best and act my age, and say to the poor assistant, "It's ok, really. I am fine following the rules. Really. " I like to think that if Seth happened to hear the commotion, he would appreciate what I had said rather than psycho-b*tch. She almost hit the assistant in frustration!

6. Brendan Fraiser-I'm sorry it's too soon to go there. But wow. Ummm.....next time, a little less caffeine for Mr. Fraiser. Still, I do want to see The Mummy 3 this summer.

So what did we learn at Comic Con? Stars are people too. No need to scream, swear, be obnoxious, hover, follow them around. Authors are the biggest and brightest stars around (and more approachable too). Being a klutz can be a good thing. I am destined to share an elevator with another actor who plays a vampire detective in the future--why stop the streak now? Neil Patrick Harris really is legendary!

Willow vs. Angel--who will win?

2008-04-15T13:45:00.002-04:00

Greetings fair blog readers! I know it's been ages (2 weeks!) since my last post. Gigs had a bit of a meltdown-well, her laptop did anyway. But it's back! I'm back! And I have nothing to talk about at the moment.

Let's gossip for a moment...so is Ashlee Simpson really pregnant? Was Britney really in another car accident? Do I care?

Bones is back! At 8PM on Mondays no less. Don't I have enough to content with? Now the networks are actually making me choose between Willow and Angel ("mmmm...Angel")! What's a girl to do? At least Faith isn't in the mix (Eliza Dushku's new show Dollhouse isn't on till fall). Talk about being pulled in three different directions! I am SO not ready for that one.

Been watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer over from the beginning. I always said Season 3 was my fav (probably b/c of a certain other slayer that made her debut) But I think I seriously underestimated Season 2, of which I am about halfway through.
It's very good...even tho Angel is a bit like a mopey puppy. Get bad already!

Converse turns 100!

2008-03-31T15:50:00.003-04:00

Today marks the 100th birthday of what is probably the most famous sneaker the world over--no, not the Air Jordans. CONVERSE!-all stars, one stars, and Jack Purcells!

My first pair were zebra striped and they glowed in the dark. I go them in 6th grade, and have been wearing them ever since. Not that exact pair, but there has always been a pair in my closet. Cranberry, green, and black were my favs. The anti-popular popular shoe.

Still the most comfy kick out there...

She's just being Miley

2008-03-28T10:41:00.004-04:00

My name is Gigs and I like the new Miley Cyrus song. YES, I admit it, that damn catchy See You Again gets me moving. But it's not my fault. I think my car likes the song...seriously. Every time the song comes on the radio, the volume on my car radio turns itself up! I'm not kidding. The song gets louder all on its own! So really I have no control over the song. I have to like it or put up with it b/c my car likes it. Total side note: Does this song remind anyone else of the song "Sunglasses at Night"?

On a side note, I have theme from the Sweet Valley High board game commercial going through my head. "You can be a Sweet Valley Girl, going with a Sweet Valley guy, living in a Sweet Valley world, getting into Sweet Valley High!" Ugh. I think it's because I just saw that the are re releasing the books with updates like cell phones and new cars. Wonder if the Fiat will be a Land Rover or Escalade in the new books. Remember the one about how Jessica and Elizabeth started a pet grooming business to earn money, and they found that the dog had been abused? That may have been a Sweet Valley Twins book.

I'd much rather have the tv show theme song in my head, but I don't remember it.

Note to publishers: can we please leave Jessica and Elizabeth in the '80's? We have Blair and Serena and lots more Wakefield replacements. Want to bring a good series back from extinction? Get me..... ummm.....hmmmm....I can't think of any.

2008-03-25T07:07:00.002-04:00

Wow, there is so much going on, I don't know where to start!

1. Red Sox are currently playing their first game of the season in Tokyo. Top of the 3rd, Oakland-2, Boston-0. But no worries, we're just getting warmed up.

2. Britney on How I Met Your Mother--funny but unnecessary. But it is nice to see her looking like a human again.

3. The Big Bang Theory on CBS...first time in a long time I laughed out loud during a sitcom. Come to think of it, I did that a lot during CBS' 2 hour comedy night.

4. New York's new governor...I am SO not going there but yeesh!

Christian Bale's stepmom, Gloria Steinem is 74 today.

BAAAA!!!! EEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!! WOWIEEEEE!!!!!!!

2008-03-21T14:12:00.003-04:00

It's here! It's here!!!!

Our first look at the cover of Rumors, the sequel to The Luxe!!!

For my wedding, I will be wearing the dress on the cover of the first novel, and my bridesmaids will be wearing the dress on this cover! Where can I get them?

"My name is Gigs and I demand things to be AWESOME!"

2008-03-21T11:34:00.004-04:00

Have you seen those new Verizon FiOS ads, featuring Michael Bay? With the exploding grill and the ginormous pool that blows up? Great commercial. I'm very connected with this commecial; I also demand things to be awesome. Check it out by clicking on the title of the post.

So what's the what with LOST? I have to wait a month to find out? Why are Michael and Walt hiding their true identities? Why does Michael actually think that by killing a (literal) whole boatload of people that it will erase the guilt he has for killing Ana Lucia and Libby? And Libby has shown up in Michael's hospital room (or his dream at least) AND Hurley's hospital. This gal gets around! I think Adam over at EW sums up my thoughts on the ep:

"Only Ben could devastate Michael by coolly pointing out that the Others never asked
him to kill Ana Lucia and Libby; he did that all by himself. And only Ben could have the
chutzpah to follow that up by telling Michael he's now one of ''the good guys.''

So is Ben the real Big Bad? Does Widmore work for him? Or is Widmore only one of many pawns in Ben's big game? And was the big death the writers told us about really Karl and Rousseau? Really? I mean they were cool and all, but I really thought it would be someone I really cared about like Ben or Jin or Charlie again. Well,we have 5--FIVE!!!-weeks to discuss. My suggestion is to get started now before you forget how awesome this season has been so far.

He's back! They're back!

2008-03-18T14:03:00.001-04:00

Yesterday CBS aired the first new eps of some of their best shows since the strike began waaaaay back in the fall. And I didn't know how much I missed Leonard, Marshall, Lily, and Christine. Welcome back guys! We missed you!

“After a day spent staring at a computer monitor, think of (a) book as a kind of screen saver for your brain”

2008-03-12T09:44:00.003-04:00

I like to read. I really like to read. But I'm very picky about what I read. I DO judge books by their covers. I DO NOT wait to finish at least 3 chapters or 100 pages to decide if I want to keep reading. Authors take note: You CAN lose in me 5 pages and under. Publishers I don't care how good the text is, the cover better be good.

I started reading a book this morning and it was around page 3 that I realized that this is the kind of book for me. Spud by John van de Ruit is totally awesome! (hello, 1995) What I mean is that it's filled with witty dialog, funny funny situations, and completely relatable character. I would tell you more, but I'm only on page 30. But he had me at page 3, line 3. Good thing I live alone...my shrieking could have woken the dead.

Speaking of reading here's a scary statistic: in 2006, 46% of adults in the U.S. finished at least one book. ONE BOOK! 54% of you didn't even read ONE BOOK! Were you too busy watching American Idol? Maybe you were chatting yourselves to death on your cell. News flash: there are good books out there. Many are being adapted for these new fangled things called movies. YES, you read it here first! You can READ a story and then WATCH it! How cool is that? Then you can gripe about how the book was better. It must be working... three of 2008's best picture nominees were written stories first.

Anyhoo...I digress. This past week I've read some great things... A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnelly (great, great, great), 7th Heaven by James Patterson (the best fluff since the Marshmallow kind), The Seduction of the Crimson Rose by Lauren Willig (a historical mystery that's not hard to follow?!?! What a novel idea!)

Are you one of the 46%? What are you reading?
Jack Kerouac was born today in 1922. So was Edward Albee, in 1928.

"It's gonna be legend-... wait for it... and I hope you're not lactose intolerant because the second half of that word is DAIRY! "

2008-03-05T11:40:00.003-05:00

Entertainment Weekly, Gig's most fav magazine, has some fun stuff going on on their website today. There's a column about the 20 movies they (and I) can't wait to see. Forgetting Sarah Marshall! 21! Harold and Kumar 2! Just look at the movie poster and tell me you don't want to see it. I dare ya!

And then there's the column on the TV star you'd most likely date. Jim from The Office? Dr. Jack Shepard? Sylar? Jack Bauer? No thanks...I'm saving myself for Alex P. Keaton.

Good stuff...head on over during your coffee break and check it out. Better yet, bookmark the site. It's always filled with salty goodness.

Let's go back to the birthday listings I miss those.
Eva Mendez, the best thing about Ghost Rider, turns 34 today.

Photo taken from moviesmedia.ign.com

"In other words, he's Biff from Back to the Future 2."

2008-02-29T10:00:00.002-05:00

Heartbreaking. Simply brilliant. Last night's ep. was great. Less Kate, more Desmond! I want more of Kierst--er, Penny's--dad, too. What's up with the Black Rock ledger? Why did Mr. Widmore want it? Will it help him locate the ship, which presumably is on the island, even tho it's 1996? Did he send Desmond there? What about Faraday? Is Desmond his constant b/c his visit in 1996 meant so much to Faraday? Ben!--what is that guy's story?!?! And where it hell is Michael? For a peek at some theories, check out Doc Jensen's column.

Girlicious--the new Destiny's Child? The new PCD? The new Go-Go's? The new Eden's Crush?

2008-02-21T08:37:00.015-05:00

Before I start, let me preface this with a thanks....THANK Everything that is good that the strike is OVER. No more reality!!!! I can't handle it!

Ahem. And now onto today's topic. So as many of you know I have been entertaining myself with Quantum Leap on DVD. (Seriously, Knight Rider can get remade, but Sam and Al can't come back? How injust!)

But last night I crawled into bed, and found that the only show on at 9PM without any dead bodies was Pussycat Dolls Present: Girlicious on the CW. So I watched. Bad idea. The premise is so not original: Robin Antin (her of PCD and way too many collagen injections fame) and her team are choosing 3 girls to become Girlicious!: the next all girl pop band. I'm sorry? You actually think I will listen to a band called Girlicious? It was cute when Fergie sang "Fergalicious", but please.

Show highlights include Natalie, the Queen Bee and all around b**ch, but of course she happens to be the most talented of the group- she can sing and dance and walk in a straight line and chew gum! She also is very pretty. But she's not a collaborator-oh no. When Charlotte asked if she could borrow Natalie's boots, she said no, and cited the fact that they were in competition with each other. Yes, Natalie, Charlotte will be made a member b/c she was wearing your boots. Did I mention that most of these girls are 18-20 years old? All pert and full of attitude.
Last night's ep featured the girls singing karoke of Sugar Ray's Fly and Nelly Furtado's I'm Like a Bird--all while Sugar Ray frontman and host Mark McGrath and Nelly were in the audience!?!? Is that fair? Wait...this whole show is unfair! Oh and the BIG CRISIS of the night-Jenna was taken to the hospital with a ruptured cyst-and she still put on a great show!
Still, there were some highlights: Jenna is the daughter of personal trainers, and she's a big girl, and I mean that in a good way! And Ilisa, the redhead, has a great and very different voice (plus, um, red hair!)

Bad, dumb show. If I had to say now, they'd be the next Eden's Crush. Remember them? The band from the VERY similar WB show, Popstars? There was one breakout star from that group. Her name? Nicole Scherzinger, the lead (and only) singer of the Pussycat Dolls. Huh.

Photo: Michael Yarish/THE CW ©2007 THE CW NETWORK, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

The written word survived!

2008-02-13T13:15:00.004-05:00

The Strike is OVER! Will we get more Heroes, Chucks, and Bones before summer? Maybe, but we will definitly be getting more at some point! YAY WGA--congrats on your new deal! We've missed you! But we support you!

NO MORE WINTER!

2008-02-13T09:22:00.001-05:00

That's It! I'm done, No more snow no more ice, no more temps below 50. I'm moving to Florida!

LIVE from my couch! The best ads of Super Bowl XLII

2008-02-03T19:15:00.000-05:00

6:55 PM-Pepsi Max What is Love? featuring Chris Kattan-best cameo of the night? We'll see.

7:08-Wanted trailer--I'd see it just for the Special Effects

7:14 PM-Iron Man trailer-Good to see you, RDJ!

7:38 PM-T-Mobile-"I don't want to look fat in High Definition" w/Charles Barkley and someone else I think I should know.

7:39 PM- Pepsi Stuff-Justin, Andy, and Tony-if drinking a Pepsi was all I had to do to get Justin into my backyard, count me in!

8:43 PM-"I hear he even goes to Infinity." "But not beyond."- WALL-E trailer. But the real stars? Buzz and Woody? Where is Toy Story 3 already?

9:19 PM-another talking, spitting bay....zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

10:02-whaaa? sorry i guess i fell asleep. boring game. what' s that's? The Pats lost?!? Now, how did that happen? Oh well....Spring Training is right around the corner!

Best ad of the night goes to Pepsi! For not one,but two great ads. But the best was the first. Chris Kattan was indeed the best cameo of the night. Better than all those "celebs" they kept showing at the game.

She went for a really BIG pile of firewood!

2008-02-01T12:42:00.000-05:00

Beware--SPOILERS follow!!!!

O.M.W.

Was it worth the eight month wait? HELL, YES it was! Lost S.4 kicked off with a bang, a boom, and a lot of yelling last night. The new ep. seemed to go on for hours, but really was its usual 60 minute length. And why do they always answer some of our questions but leave us with new ones? So we find out that 6 people make it off the island, and three of them are Jack, Hurley, and Kate. But what about the rest of them?

And let's discuss Charlie, who looks cuter dead than alive: with less scruff and all spiffy. And those SHADES...what a ROCK STAR!

And we finally catch a glimpse of Jacob...or do we? Was it actually Jack's dead (or not dead) father in the rocking chair? (I admit, I watched this scene with closed eyes and peeked through my fingers---hey, it scares me--but I have on good authourity that Hurley saw Jack's dad in the rocker---or maybe it was Charlie. Thanks, Jeff Jenson of EW).

We also get another Oceanic connections...the detective that questions Hurley was Ana Lucia's ex-partner! And--you heard it hear first---The guy who says he is from Oceanic Air that comes to visit Hurley IS THE BLACK SMOKE IN HUMAN FORM! Well, that's my theory.

The acting/writing/and general layout of this ep actually made me forget it had been 8 months since we left the island. It felt like no time had passed at all, a true testament of these people's storytelling talents. I CANNOT wait for next week! So many answers...so many more questions...and yet even more theories! TV is back, people! Get on board!

We have to go baaaak!

2008-01-28T19:34:00.000-05:00

Ok so the week is finally here! LOST season 4 premiers this THURSDAY at 8PM. Now, I know it's running opposite Survivor, but I'm telling you that NOW is the time to jump in if you're not a fan or were a fan.

What's that? You're afraid you'll be lost on Lost? Well, it's good that the creators put together a little catch up video for ya. You can watch it on iTunes for free. It runs 8:15 (sic) minutes and comes complete with snarky comments.

Now that we finally have an end date for the show, I'm sure that it's going to be nothing but heart stopping excitement from now on. No more tailies and random storylines we don't care about.

Stay tuned for my review on Friday!

"There's a rumor going around in the circus..."

2008-01-24T13:14:00.000-05:00

PBS has always been know for their amazing documentaries and for airing many awesome tv shows from England, but I think they outdid themselves with the Pioneers of Television. The four part series presents the history of the kinds of shows that make television what it is today: sitcoms, variety, late night, and game shows. The series complements actual footage from the shows it showcases with interviews with the people who lived and worked through it all.

It's been making me think about all the great "old" shows I used to love and their impact on today's hits. Would we have Deal or No Deal without You Bet Your Life? Or How I Met Your Mother without I Love Lucy? And it's obvious that all of our late night programs would be snow filled channels without the contributions of Ed Sullivan, Jack Parr, and Steve Allen. And I never knew about the cultural impact of the Smothers Brothers! Did you?

So with this writer's strike still on, I think I'll use this opportunity not to watch more prime time game shows and reality, but to check out some of my favorite tv shows, courtesy of my local library. I'm in the middle of the third season of Quantum Leap, which I used to watch all the time. And there are more I'd like to see again. What would be great is if PBS could get the rights to show all those great tv shows again. The Carol Burnett Show would be awesome! Remember this clip:

Clip taken from YouTube,posted by EarlSinclair.

2008-01-23T08:33:00.000-05:00

I was going to write about the amazing new series on PBS, The Pioneers of Television, but it doesn't seem right.

Another great actor left us wondering what else he would have accomplished had he lived to see 30. Heath Ledger, admired by many for his turn as a cowboy in Brokeback Mountain, was one of the best young actors around. Though his role as Ennis is the aforementioned film was easily his most famous, many of us loved him as Patrick in 10 Things I Hate About You, a smart and surprisingly loyal adaptation of The Taming of the Shrew. And as William in A Knight's Tale, a movie so formulaic it should have bombed, but thanks to its brilliant casting, made for a very entertaining movie.

Heath was also in the cult series Roar which lasted less than one season ABC, but did very well on DVD. Even in bad movies, Heath shined. Take The Order...terribly boring movie, but watchable for his performance. Even those dreaded romcoms were made better with Heath--Casanova could have been absolute crap (and kinda was if not for Heath's performance). And when I found out he would be playing the Joker in The Dark Knight, I knew people would learn what my friend Kathy and I saw way back on the big screen at 10 Things....this guy is a star! As we learned as his career grew, he was also an actor. Too many of the Hollywood types today are stars, not actors. Even fewer are both. Heath was one of the few.

So not to dwell on the life of someone I haven't met (the tabloids will do that for us), tomorrow we will go back to our regularly scheduled postings.

Grrr.....

2008-01-21T19:06:00.000-05:00

I am very put out by all this. For about 4 years, I have been dreaming about decorating a house in the amazingly simple and modern designs that Todd Oldham created for La-Z-Boy. Well, I finally have a place of my own and, trying to undo the "dorm room chic" that adorns it now, I stopped at my local La-Z-Boy store only to find out that they no longer carry Todd Oldham designs! Well, now what do I do?

I went to other stores in the area and all I found was over priced, over stuffy furniture. I mean, my parents wouldn't even want this stuff ( though my boyfriend was especially excited over at Cabot House.) Blech. And the limited modern pieces I DID find, were so durn expensive.

Anyhoo, do any of my generous readers have a secret furniture shop they'd be willing to share?

Christopher Plummer is freaking me out!

2008-01-07T10:09:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the first post of 2008!

What better way to start the year than my looking back at an old favorite of mine: The Sound of Mucus, er, I mean the Sound of Music.

The 40th anniversary DVD includes some awesome extras, the best being commentary by Julie Andrews, Charmian Carr, and Christopher Plummer.

We learn all sorts of wonderful and not so wonderful tidbits that will surely leave you looking at the film in a whole new light:

1. Charmian, who played Liesl, was eight years younger than Julie, so she found it hard to play her daughter. Also, Charmian was 21 when she played Liesl and the guy who played Rolfe was 20, so she had a hard time with the Sixteen Going on Seventeen bit.

2. Julie kept getting knocked over by the wind the helicopter was making during the filming of the opening scene. Also, the brook she jumps over was built for the production.

3. Charmian admits she not only had a crush on Christopher during filming, but that she shared a lot of firsts with him...first glass of champagne, first red wine, first whiskey...One can only imagine what else they shared. Wait....don't.

4. Christopher tells the story that about 15 years after the film, he was doing a play and he had a guest come visit after the show. "In walks this hot blond woman!" The visitor? Kym Karath, who played Gretl.

5. All the kids were American actors! Well, they just threw credibility right out the window!

My recommendation to all is to listen to the commentary to learn more fascinating and creepy facts about the making of this fantastic film. Sure, you may come out a bit jaded, but for me, it made the movie even better! I no longer feel that my crush on Christopher is inappropriate.

CRUSHES

2007-12-31T08:12:00.000-05:00

Following in the footsteps of such esteemed hotties as Captain Von Trapp, Marty McFly, Triple X, and Faith the Rogue Slayer, comes 2007's crushes. Now unlike many people, Gig's tends to crush on a character rather than the actor who plays the part. Why? I don't know...maybe it's my ability to separate the actor from the character they play. Side note: did anyone else watch The Sound of Music on tv last nite? That Christopher Plummer is so handsome!

So without further ado....2007's crushes!
Guy-

Link Larkin from Hairspray. To paraphrase Colin, er, I mean Mark Darcy, "He loved Tracy-just as she was!" Granted anyone could have played this role, and at times, it seemed that Zac Efron didn't look as if he was having the time of his life. Hell, all you have to do is listen to the movies' commentary to figure out what the director and star thought of him. (He was mentioned exactly one time in their 2 hour talk). But something about a teen playing a teen was so refreshing. And Link was a good person, giving up all he worked with to give someone else a chance.

Girl-

And here we come to the exception....my crush is on the actor, not the character, simply because I don't think this person can do no wrong. She is fall down funny, a wonderful comedic and drama actress, always looks amazing on the red carpet, and someone who I have admired for years, but has finally received the credit she deserves: Helen Mirren! She is so awesome! You'd think that winning the Oscar for The Queen would be the pinnacle of her career, but she said that working on National Treasure 2 was the most fun she'd had! It was a fun movie. And her work in Cal was amazing! She's so cool! I want to grow up to be just like her.

SONG

2007-12-28T08:25:00.000-05:00

I had to really think about this one. Not because there were SO MANY great songs released this year (there weren't) but because I thought I would have trouble finding one that I first heard this year. Turns out, I didn't have to go far.

I checked out my iPod and all the songs I'd purchased over the past year, and the one that stands out is a frothy little ditty with an unbelievably great hook and fun lyrics. Not to mention a fun video. "When Did Your Heart Go Missing" by Rooney. The band got it's big break playing on The O.C. a few years ago, but I never really listened to them. Then this song hit, and I really liked it. It's been on replay for the second half of the year. Check out a snippet at the band's website.

Runner up:
Also another iTunes replay: God Only Knows by the Geoff Gascoyne Trio featuring Jamie Cullum. I figured this couldn't count as my favorite new song b/c it's a remake of the Beach Boys classic, but WOW. A wonderful recording. Go buy it on iTunes. No need to sample it, trust me. And hearing the song live? Yowza!

BOOK

2007-12-27T08:03:00.000-05:00

I shouldn't have even given it a second glance. I should have kept on walking. But while visiting Book Expo with Sharon last June, I was stopped in my tracks by the most sumptuous dress I have ever seen! It was on the cover of a book called The Luxe by Anna Godbersen. I asked the book rep what it was about. She replied, "Well, it's Gossip Girls in turn of the century New York!" I assumed she meant turn of the twentieth century, given the dress. She turned away from me, but I grabbed her arm, and asked, "But what's the story? What ages is it for?" She again said, "Well, it's Gossip Girls in turn of the century New York." Clearly, she had not read the book she was promoting. (Don't you hate when people do that?)

That was all I needed to grab a copy--not the description from Miss I Know Nothing, but the dress, and the prospect of sending this woman MY review of the book. Never did I think it would be my favorite book of the year! In fact, it sat on my desk for almost 2 months before I finally picked it up.

Sure, you can compare it to Gossip Girls. I'll admit the characters are nearly identical. I had someone come up to me and tell me it's just like the British Royalty-there's Charles and Diana, Camilla and the Queen! That's pretty cool. But the story----a historical romance, where love conquers all. But let's be honest, that's not where the fun lies.

Here's a more in depth description from Harper Collins' Website:

Pretty girls in pretty dresses, partying until dawn.
Irresistible boys with mischievous smiles and dangerous intentions.
White lies, dark secrets, and scandalous hookups.
This is Manhattan, 1899.

Beautiful sisters Elizabeth and Diana Holland rule Manhattan's social scene. Or so it appears. When the girls discover their status among New York City's elite is far from secure, suddenly everyone—from the backstabbing socialite Penelope Hayes, to the debonair bachelor Henry Schoonmaker, to the spiteful maid Lina Broud—threatens Elizabeth's and Diana's golden future.

With the fate of the Hollands resting on her shoulders, Elizabeth must choose between family duty and true love. But when her carriage overturns near the East River, the girl whose glittering life lit up the city's gossip pages is swallowed by the rough current. As all of New York grieves, some begin to wonder whether life at the top proved too much for this ethereal beauty, or if, perhaps, someone wanted to see Manhattan's most celebrated daughter disappear...

In a world of luxury and deception, where appearance matters above everything and breaking the social code means running the risk of being ostracized forever, five teenagers lead dangerously scandalous lives. This thrilling trip to the age of innocence is anything but innocent.

Still need more convincing? The book opens at Elizabeth's funeral! The sequel is out in June, 2008.

So what did I miss while I was obsessing over The Luxe?

Best of the Best

2007-12-26T08:45:00.000-05:00

It's time for the FIRST ANNUAL GIGS AWARDS, or FAGA for short (Next year will, of course, be SAGA.) Each day between now and the new year, I will post my favorite in a category such as movies, songs, fictional character, etc. And of course you have the opportunity to tell me what you favorite is. Please keep in mind the winners are what I saw, read, heard this year, not what actually was released this year. So without further ado, today's category:

MOVIES
"Hey, baby, you look like you could use a stiff one!"

As if you couldn't guess, ( "Is it charm, is it poise?), no it's Hairspray." No other movie this year made me laugh as much as this one. Who would have guessed that Travolta's return to the musical oeuvre ( I love that word!) would be dressed as a woman, and a woman who wore the coolest dress, made of pink sparkles! And how bout that Nikki Blonsky? How amazing was she? No doubt that this might be the only movie she wil be in, but what a way to break into Hollywood! And that supporting cast! Bynes, Walken, Snow, Efron, Latifah, and Marsden! Could your big break BE with better actors?!??! But the real prize should go to Adam Shankman, who has been a Gigs fav since he choreographed the Buffy musical episode. For an added happy, watch the movie with Adam and Nikki's commentary. You'll learn that, yes, it was alluded that Corny got that girl pregnant at the beginning of the movie, and that Nikki is indeed a very comfortable girl on her 4'11" frame. What a great role model for teens (better than, ahem, any of the Spears clan. Or anyone in Hollywood for that matter).

Runner Up:
The Lookout with Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Wowee! Talk about nail biting! One of the BEST young actor working today. The other being Ben Foster. Put these two onscreen together and watch it explode!!!!!

I Want My MTV back!!!!!

2007-12-18T08:43:00.000-05:00

Remember when you were a teen (or younger) and you had to sneak cigarettes so your parents wouldn't find out? I don't b/c I never did. I sneaked music videos! A friend and I were reminiscing about music videos from the 80's. The conversation started by him mentioning Cradle of Love by Billy Idol. I used to sneak watching that one, b/c it was very risque for it's time. A girl come to her dorky neighbor's door with a tape, asking to use his tape player and proceeds to dance to the song through his living room, on his bed, while wearing-GASP- a black bustier and skirt. This is so tame by today's standards.

That got me thinking about all the videos I grew up on...well, until 1987, when my parents had MTV scrambled off our cable b/c they didn't like the content. My parents were so forward-thinking! Before it was cool to hate MTV, they were already doing it! Anyhoo, here's a list of my favs in no particular order:

Land of Confusion by Genesis
anything by Madonna
Cold Hearted by Paula Abdul (another one i had to sneak)
Goin' Crazy by David Lee Roth
Simply Irrestiable by Robert Palmer
When I Think About You by the Divinals ( keep in mind I was 8 and had NO IDEA what this song was really about).
Girls Just Want to Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper
anything by Poison
Dancing In the Dark by Springsteen
that Paul Simon video featuring Chevy Chase

There are more....TONS more...but I want to hear about the ones you remember watching.

The End is Near

2007-12-17T08:22:00.000-05:00

The title of this post is based on the fact that the sky is falling, hell has frozen over,a giant meteor is headed for earth that even Ben Affleck can't save us from, and the weekend box office top movies. Yes it's no big surprise that I Am Legend took the top spot, and the Golden Compass slipped to number 3, but the BIG SHOCK was the number two movie of the weekend! Any guesses? Yes those adorably creepy CGI'd chipmunks beat out a talking polar bear to gross $45 mil! That's not even mentioning the ginormous amount between Alvin and Compass--Compass only made $9 mil this weekend. Guess people are getting sick of the is it or isn't it blasphemous Compass. And Enchanted made only $6 mil! Isn't this family movie viewing season? Though given the choices I'd see Legend,too. Enchanted is a close second, tho.

But this is all nonsense. Let's talk about the next GREAT movie I just can't wait to see.....Cloverfield! What's it about, you ask? I have NO IDEA! NO ONE DOES!!!!! Don't believe me? Check out the trailer. But it's written by Drew Goddard (of Buffy and Angel) produced by JJ Abrams (you must know that name by now) and directed by Matt Reeves (who co-created Felicity with JJ). So that is where I will be on Jan 18. What movies can you not wait to see?

"Just a Sprig of Holly"

2007-12-12T14:26:00.000-05:00

It's officially Christmas Movie Viewing Season! I kicked off the season with probably my absolute favorite holiday flick, Love, Actually. I still cry at the sappiest of scenes: the one with Juliet and Mark, the one where Jamie asked Aurelia to give him her hands, and of course when Rufus gift wraps the perfect gift in that perfect way. Course, that last one are tears of laughter. And how bout John and Judy's meeting as, ahem, stand ins. And the most perfect use of my fav xmas carol, All I Want for Christmas Is You. Lest we forget the amazing Colin Firth. He made a great movie so much better. Doesn't every girl dream of being proposed to in front of her whole town, with her intended bumbling his way through her language.

"I've come here with a view of asking you to marriage me. I know I seems an insane person - because I hardly knows you - but sometimes things are so transparency, they don't need evidential proof. And I will inhabit here, or you can inhabit with me in England."

**SIGH** Colin, I will inhabit anywhere with you.
To get you in the mood, check out this wonderful snippet:

So tell me, what are your favorite Holiday movies?

Engaged Couples-Take Note

2007-12-05T11:26:00.000-05:00

Check out this clip my sister sent me. No, I am not planning a wedding any time soon, but if you're sick of all those smaltzy first dances at weddings, this is the clip for you. And if you are planning a wedding, take note:

Jamie needs to record a Christmas Album

2007-11-29T08:29:00.000-05:00

Has it really been 3 weeks since my last post??!?? Where has the time gone? Hope I didn't lose any faithful readers, but you know how the holidays are. And, yes, according to Al Roker, who lit the tree in Rockefeller Center last night, the Holidays are officially here!

I thought Thanksgiving was the start of the Holiday season. Retailers seem to think it's Halloween. And Boston lit their tree the weekend before Thanksgiving. So, methinks NYC is a bit late this year. Or trying to hold onto their glory days as the best city to be decorated for the holidays. Actually,I think they still are. I went to London over Thanksgiving, and was surprised to find that there weren't trees on every corner, lights on all day and night. I expected it to look like that scene in Love, Actually. Sloane Square was done up nicely, Harrods looked nice, but no better than Macy's in Times Sq.

Let me tell you about my trip. For the first time in ages, I didn't visit any bookstores (unless you count the mini-Borders at Heathrow, which I don't), libraries, and I didn't worry about my job or what was waiting for me when I got back! My desk was not piled up with notes that I did not understand, my mailbox was not overflowing. Sure I still had lots to do, but not overwhelmingly so. Don't get me wrong: I miss my friends (very much) at SPL, but that was a real treat, walking into my office and seeing it just as I left it.

Course, our office was closed the Friday after Thanksgiving (and on the weekends), where the library is open all weekend! That does not seem fair...I really think having the library be closed on Black Friday would assist the economy. So next year I propose closing all public libraries on Black Friday, not for the staff to enjoy their day after cooking and hosting 30 people, but to boost the economy.

But back to my trip. I spent the whole time walking the city with my sister, we saw Jamie Cullum in concert, and even managed to get tickets to see Mary Poppins (another musical--what a surprise). We also shopped, went on the London Eye, and ate! The fruit in England is AMAZING! I don't know how it can be so fresh in the middle of November. I hope to go over again for another fun girl's weekend--maybe next summer.

So, how was your holiday? As exciting as mine?

STRIKE DRAGS ON FOR SECOND DAY! IS THIS THE END OF WRITTEN WORD?-Joss Whedon

2007-11-09T11:21:00.000-05:00

So let's talk about this strike. Every night this week, there's a blurb on the news about day __ of the writer's strike. Are they gonna do this every day of it? Cuz I think this one is going to be a doozy. 25 years ago they went on strike, but not much changed. 2 years ago, they were planning on it, but it never happened (I believe that it was the actors' union that time). But this one...well, they are doing it for a reason I can get behind. Y'know how cool technology is? How you don't have to choose between Heroes, Chuck, and sleep on Mondays at 9? That's because we know that we can always go online an see what we missed. Networks are streaming their shows on their website--so awesome. AND, now you can buy individual episodes on iTunes, so you can take them to go on your iPod.

But here's the thing...while the actors, directors, producers, advertisers, and just about everyone else involved gets some sort of payment for their work, the writers aren't making a cent off of additional showings of their work. So for example, Keifer Sutherland gets paid for his work on 24, then if the show goes online and to iTunes, he gets another check. THEN, if the show goes into syndication (which it has) he gets another check for that.

Writers get money for the original show and syndications, but not that middle, "new technology" stuff. Now please don't misunderstand me...Hollywood has enough money. I stopped watching Friends when the stars demanded (and got!) one mil an episode, somewhere around the 4th season. But writers have a long history in Hollywood for being neglected, so I understand their reasoning.

Hopefully this will all end soon (an in support of the writers!). As it is, most of the late nite talk shows are in reruns, 24 has been postponed, and there will be no more new episodes of our favorites. The Heroes team has reworked an episode to serve as a season ender, in case the strike continues for longer than a few weeks. Lest we forget what this may do to views of shows like Lost: they've already lost (haha) many fans due to the convoluted storytelling ( I am not one of these fans--I learned long ago to trust JJ Abrams and his team and just enjoy the ride). What will a strike mean to shows depending on their fans? And most people who know me, know I feel that the writers are the stars of the shows--Joss, JJ, Tim, and Josh, you're the reasons Buffy, Alias, Heroes, and Chuck/Gossip Girls work. Oh sure, the actors and everyone else are important, but every show begins with a word, and it comes from you guys.

Note to strikers: feeling that writing bug bite? Try your hand at writing a YA novel! I'd love what some of you would do in the publishing field (I'm talkin' to you, Tina Fey!)

And the worst part of all this? More "reality" tv--as if they weren't stealing enoughs jobs from actual actors and writers!

Penny's boy Nick Lachey is 34 today. He's had such a hard time after his divorce, and would really appreciate it if you showed your support by buying his cd, right Pen? Yuck!

2007-10-30T15:17:00.000-04:00

Sorry, all. Gigs has been so very tired due to lack of sleep due to the hard schedule of the games during the World Series. But hey, no complaints! Boston won! First team in the 21st century to win 2 series! That's what someone said on the radio, but let's try and remember that's it's only 2007. But whatever! Red Sox won!

And of course, we barely have time to bask in the glory of these hard working men, and talk turns to contract negotiations. Leave it to a Yank (or former Yank) to crash our party with news that he's opting out of his contract. I'm talking about Alex Rodriguez. But we already have a fantastic 3rd Baseman, Mike Lowell. Now if A Rod wants to put on a Sox uniform, well that's all fine with me, so long as he leaves enough money in the piggy to re-sign Lowell. Also, he would have to take another position. I mean it's not like we NEED A Rod to, I don't know, WIN or anything. Honestly, what is the big deal with him anyway? Yes he's a great player, and we would probably benefit from having him in Boston. And yes, he would up our cute players quotient (which in my professional opinion is already pretty durn high), but are these reasons enough to turn our backs on players who have been with us, when A Rod first turned us down? Alex, Boston is not standing at the back of the gym because you didn't want to dance with us. And now just because you've realized that we are the prettiest girl at prom, doesn't mean we will dump our current partners for you. There might be room for you to join us, but please don't think you broke our hearts or spirit.

OK, I may have gotten a bit carried away, but I'm sure GDD readers are smart enough to find my point in there.

Heeeeyyyyy. Henry Winkler is 62 today.
Only 122 days til Spring Training starts! Rest up, boys!

"Nah, we aint got no ticket."

2007-10-23T08:04:00.000-04:00

In honor of the new Dunkin Donuts ads, y'know the "Made for everyday people" ones featuring the likes of Corey Hart and Jermaine Dupree (see title of post), here's my list comparing DD and Starbucks coffee:

Coffee:
Dunkin Donuts is milder of the two, which is nice if you don't like burnt tasting coffee. But it's also too weak, sometimes tasting like dishwater. Also, 1 time out of 4, you're likely to get a cup of actual burnt coffee.
Winner: Starbucks cuz you can always add extra milk if it's too strong

Price:
Dunkin Donuts is cheaper than Starbucks, but it all goes back to you get what you pay for.
Winner: DD for your second cup of the day (if needed) but for your first, Starbucks

Location: How come cities have both on every corner, but once you hit suburbia, Starbucks' are scarce?
Winner:
DD for cornering the suburban market.

Promotions:
DD doesn't have to many in my memory. But Starbucks came out with the promotion to beat all promotions. For 31 days, the're giving out free song downloads. A new song every day. Sure they're prepicked, but there are some artists you have actaully heard of: John Mayer, Dave Matthews Band, and Joss Stone. Plus you get the chance to hear new artists. They partnered with iTunes for this magnificent idea.
Winner: Starbucks

So in conclusion, Starbucks is clearly the winner. Of course, you could take my mom's advice and make your own coffee. But that would knock off 5 oh so precious minutes of sleep in the morning. So instead I choose to wait and pay someone to make my coffee. I know---the priorities of youth.

Ryan Reynolds, the hottest vampire slayer next to Buffy, is 31 today.
Didja hear? The Red Sox are in the series! First game tonight at 8!!!!!!!

Oooooh! Glowy!

2007-10-15T09:45:00.000-04:00

For those of you who know my true identity, you know that i am easily fascinated by shiny and glowy objects. Pins that blink, keychains that shine, you get the idea. Pens that glow are no exception. Now, I am known in some circles as a Freebie Queen. I put on my freebie voice and usually I can score very cool stuff from business: free books, posters, a stuffed cow, free repair on my digital camera etc. But the one that I didn't have a chance at was a glowy pen from a sales rep that visited the library a few months back. I walk in and everyone at circulation is playing with their super cool blinking pens. "Where's mine?" I wondered. Turns out, there weren't enough to go around. I was deeply put out by all this. Sure these librarians are having fun now, but in a few minutes they would get bored and the toy would go back to being just a pen. Worse, it might get taken by a fascinated patron! Nooooooo!

For my birthday, GDD corespondent Mr. J bought me my very own glowy pen. It's pink and glows blue! I am SO EXCITED. I don't know where to keep it: at work to entertain me but might get stolen or at home for safe keeping. I love my pen!

"I’ve got the 411. And you are not going out and getting jiggy with some boy. I don’t care how dope his ride is." 10 Things I Hate About You's awesome Larry Miller is 54 today.

Red Sox tied with Cleveland. Next game is tonight!

"Damn it, Tony! This is the only way!"

2007-10-12T10:36:00.000-04:00

Dung Dink Dung Dink Dun..... It has been too long since I have heard this, the most popular ticking clock in the history of television. And sadly I have another 3 months before I will hear them again.

For those of you who don't remember what happened to the guy who played the bully in Stand By Me, he grew up to be a super badass CTU agent, stopping off once to play a super badass Musketeer.

I'm talking about Kiefer Sutherland on 24. Sure last season was...let's say interesting for lack of a better term. Fans have been whining about the lack of good storytelling and "realism" (?!) as the reasons why the show's sixth season was not so great. But here's the real reason....Tony Almeida. The former head of CTU and the perfect foil for Jack Bauer's break all the rules attitude died in season five. "Nooooo", I moaned as Tony fell to the floor after being pathetically stabbed. It was the lamest death on tv since Wesley bit it on Angel. C'mon...both characters survive being blown up, tortured, and, had their neck slit/shot and we're supposed to believe that getting stabbed is what kills them?! Please.

Now comes news that gives me a very big happy....Tony is not dead!!!! Apparently, when a major character dies on 24, the bumper to the commercial break shows the digital clock ticking down, but no ticking sound. BUT, when Tony "died" there was clock and sound, so the astute viewers knew Tony was still alive. Huh. I guess that's what keeps the show fresh...I will have to be more attentive and less emotional when it looks like the end of a character. And who cares if this is the most random "re-introduction" of a character since J.R.
Tony's back! Read more here.

Carlos Bernard, who plays Tony, has gotta be pretty happy too! He's 45 today.
Red Sox are playing the Indians in the first game of the ALCS today!

"I call her Vera."

2007-10-04T08:56:00.001-04:00

I'd like to know what I did to deserve this. Really, cuz I'd be glad to do it again. Joss Whedon's late, great series Firefly gave us lots to buzz about: Nathan Fillion in another "he's so great , so why don't any of his shows last on tv" role (see also Drive), Joss and co.'s smart and sharp dialog, and Adam Baldwin. Adam played tough guy Jayne, the gun naming (see title of post) mama's boy rebel on Serenity. And when Firefly ended, he jumped over to another Whedon favorite, Angel. And when that ended, he was gone.

Fast forward to fall, 2007. Adam's back! He costars in the new NBC show, Chuck. Now I was a Chuck fan before it aired: Awesome writer/produce-check (Josh Schwartz). Established production company-check (Wonderland Sound and Vision). Lovable lead-check (Zachary Levi). But Monday night's episode just made it must see tv: with is quirky casting, hilarious plot, and razor sharp dialog (courtesy of former O.C. scribe and current Gossip Girl producer Schwartz) it makes for a very funny hour. I swear the only thing better than the sly Lost reference ("Oceanic flight #815 was shot down by...") was the opening scene, where Adam's character (who is and undercover agent working at a Best Buy type store ) racing through the parking lot to stop a shoplifter, only to be stopped by Chuck. Funny, funny, funny. Now we just need some sort of reference to Jayne's hat from Firefly and the Nerd Herd will go nuts!

Liev Schrieber is 40 today.
Red Sox won their first post season game, thanks to amazing pitching by Josh Beckett.

Mia, I'm still a cop! Or, am I?

2007-10-03T13:35:00.000-04:00

Just when I had given up hope comes news that there will be a fourth Fast and the Furious....this one maybe starring Paul Walker and Vin Diesel!!!!! YAY! Read the story here. Wonder what the surprising twist will be this time. And who they will get for the token rapper turned actor role.

BIG news in the YA books-to movie genre: Catherine Hardwicke has been tapped to turn Twilight, Stephanie Meyer's wannabe Buffy novel into a film. Though I didn't really like the book, I am def. excited to see who they will cast as Bella, a lonely teen in Washington State, and Edmund, her creature of the night boyfriend. And Edmund's family should be a hoot. But I should give the film the benefit of the doubt-Hardwicke is the director of Thirteen and Lords of Dogtown, two edgy teen related flicks that treated its audience with respect. Check out who the author and fans want to see cast here. All I have to say is NO, absolutely not! They CANNOT cast Logan Lerman as Edmund. He is way too good for this movie. Plus, he is my inappropriate crush and I am not ready to share him with anyone, let alone millions of girls. Though from his standpoint, this would be excellent for his career. But noooooo...I want him to play another great teen character for another book adaptation (sorry, not at liberty to say titles).

Seann William Scott is 31 today.
Red Sox play their first post season game against the Angels at 6:30 tonight.

CSI: The Experience

2007-10-01T10:23:00.000-04:00

On Saturday, I was invited by the very cool Terry family of Westborough to attend an advanced tour of of CSI: The Experience at the Museum of Science, Boston.

SO COOL! The exhibit is set up with 3 crime scenes, and you get assigned to one of them. You job is to collect evidence, and process it thorough databases and the lab like actual investigators. Along the way, you have the opportunity to learn more about the skills it takes to solve these crimes. It took about 45 min and was packed! I highly recommend going at an off time and making a reservation via the MOS website.

I gotta say, I think it made me like the show even more! Kids, who I'm not even sure are old enough to watch the show, were running around comparing notes and making sure they hit all the exhibits inside. The only disappointment was that Warrick Brown and Greg Sanders weren't there to greet us personally.

Julie Andrews is 72 today.
WE DID IT! RED SOX are playing in October! Our first postseason game is Wed against the Angels. Gotta tape Gossip Girls!

2007-09-27T08:32:00.000-04:00

Hello wonderful readers! I have no idea what to write about as I am so tired (Premiere week--YAY!). Just watched Journeyman, soooo good! Will be watching The Office and Earl (love Jamie Pressley) tonight, taping the encore of Reaper over on the CW. So tell me, what have you been watching? New shows, movies, entire seasons on DVD? Too busy playing Halo 3?

Gwyneth Paltrow is 35 today.
Red Sox up by 3, October is fast approaching, which means major juggling of my tv schedule. Should I break and buy a TiVo? Or stick with my trusty VHS??

Gossip Girls---TRASH!

2007-09-22T20:52:00.000-04:00

You know those people who say they hate rap music but never actually listen to it? I don't like those people. I actually was on my way to becoming one a few months back, but I was against the Gossip Girls book series by Cecily Von Zigesar. Not because of the content, mind you. But because of the negative portrayal of teenage girls I was just sure it depicted.

Well, I decided that if I was going to bad mouth a book that millions of girls loved, the least I could do was read it. And something surprising happened....I was right: the girls are depicted in a negative fashion, all snooty and self-absorbed and doing things that I didn't know existed at that age (lotsa sex, alcohol, and drugs). But here's the surprising part: I LIKED IT! Couldn't put the damn book down. Oh sure, I was reading the book in the safety of my own bedroom, so no one would see, and I was still embarrassed! And when WHDH TV, (channel 7 to those of us in Beantown), ran a segment on the Racy Reads teens can find at the library, I immediately got on the defensive. There is nothing worse that a teen reading, right? I mean, omg, the library may actually be entering the realm of coolness just by having these books in their collection. Way to go, 7 news. Let's not promote all the awesome things libraries are doing for teens, let's focus on the trashy reads....and that is exactly what the GG books are...fun, mindless trashy reads. Just wait til they make the movie, I thought after seeing the segment. **Please note: the article isn't as negative as the actual tv spot was, but it was all I could find.**

Well, I wasn't too far off. Last week gave us the premier of GG: the series (Loved it, loved the guy who plays Dan, and I love Josh Schwartz). More Cruel Intentions, less O.C. But when I ever saw that 7 news was "taking us behind the scenes of the CW's newest hit teen series", I almost puked. The 60 second bit gave us clips of the show, stars, and a positive blub on the series, no doubt put together to increase promotion for the show. But how dare they not mention the basis of the show. Wouldn't want to come off as a bunch of hypocrits, would we? Promoting the show, and trashing the books.

Just my thoughts on the matter. Sure it won't be my favorite show of the fall, but like the books, it's a nice filler while waiting for something better to come along. Kinda wish they launched it as a summer series; this summer was boring! And no, I will not tell you if the books/series are appropriate for your teen. That is a decision you, as the parent, have to make.

Tom Felton is 20 this weekend. 20!
Red Sox up by 2, but are currently (as in this instant) beating the Devil Rays 5-2.

Pink and Sparkles-my two favs at the Emmys

2007-09-19T09:15:00.000-04:00

Greetings, fair bloggers! Sorry about the delay in posts, Gigs was getting subpoenaed by K-Fed.

We won't spend too much time discussing the Emmys, as they were such a BAD show (the exception goes to Terry O'Quinn of Lost--keep rockin' the pink and sparkles--you looked awesome and happy to be there! Congrats on your well deserved win!)

Did I call it or did the masses finally listen to me? It looks like Kanye has outsold 50 Cent-by 300,000 copies! And it turns out that Jay-Z, producer on Kanye's album has also lent his talents to Fiddy, as a contributor to the remix of the song "I Get Money". Why do I feel betrayed? Then again, it will probably make me like the song, just as his additions made me like Umbrella by Rihanna and (don't kill me for saying this, Dan) Rehab by Amy Winehouse. That song got so much better with a Jay-Z beat and rap.

And while we're on the topic of 50, have you seen his new video? So stylish and sleek...almost made me forget who the artist was. The half naked girls reminded me. This might be the first song by Fiddy to make it to my iPod. Great beat, great vocals, and I kinda dig the dressed up 50. Put some clothes on the girls and I might become a fan. Seriously, the amount of half clothed girls on MTV (and I'm talking about the video chicks, the reality star,etc.) is just plain embarrassing. Put some clothes on! What's that? Skin sells? Well, ok...I suppose you can show JT without his shirt once or twice. No wonder people from other countries think American girls are sluts. If I had to base my opinions on what I saw, I'd believe it too!

Rosemary Harris is 80 years young today.
Red Sox are up by only 3 games, and no, I don't want to talk about it. It will be ok.

Perez Hilton...who is this guy?

2007-09-14T08:41:00.000-04:00

So for today's post, I thought it'd be fun to attempt to find out just who this Perez Hilton is. I mean, yes, he's a celebrity blogger, but recently he seems to be everywhere! VH1 gave him his own show, Backstage at the VMAs. Victoria Beckham confronted him on her reality special, Coming to America:

"Let's talk about some of the names you've called me..., VB says.
"I may have called you....a robot with really big boobs.", Perez responds.
"Really? (pause) Do they look that big?", VB asks.
Perez:"Well, they're squished in today, are you wearing a bra?"

Classic! That Victoria, at least she as a sense of humor. I like her.

Anyway, I digress. Perez Hilton, according to Wikipedia, was born in Florida, and used to be an actor. But he started blogging about celebrities in late 2004. Within 6 months, he was at the top of Hollywood's Hate list. He claims that over 8 million people viewed his blog on July 3, 2007. Not as of July 3, but just on July 3. He's known to have outed some celebrities--even when they haven't confirmed the details. (Off subject: I could care less what sexual orientation celebrities are. I'm gonna like/dislike your work regardless.)

He also calls himself a journalist. Well, hell, then I am one too! Yippiee! I've always wanted to be a journalist!

That's about it. That's all we know. I don't know what the fascination is, his blog is messy and he draws on people's pictures: coke lines and captions. But then again, I'm sure I've posted tidbits that can be traced back to Perez. So, ok I'm still sick of him. No more reality tv for Perez; hire Victoria Beckham instead!!!

Kimberly Williams-Paisley is 36 today.
Sox up 6 and are prepping to kick some Yankee ass!

Savage brothers! TV needs you!

2007-09-13T11:06:00.000-04:00

Sorry about my lack of posts the past few days. I was away on a top secret miss.....I mean, I was visiting my mother. Yes, that's it.

So Jon Stewart is hosting the 2008 Oscars. All I have to say is...thank goodness it's not Ryan Seacrest! He's doing the Emmys, AI, The Superbowl opening ceremony, and quite frankly I'm sick of him. Not that I have an ill feelings toward him, but buddy, give some gigs to the funny people. My pick for new hosts for any events: Ricky Gervais, Rainn Wilson, in full Dwight Scrute-mode, and Stephen Colbert. And hey, since I'm dreaming, let's add Stephen's own Papa Bear, Bill O'Reilly, as a co-presenter.

Kanye says he is through with MTV, stating that they exploited Britney and him to gain ratings at last week's VMAs. Um, duh? When has MTV not exploited anyone? Madonna, countless cast members of The Real World, and others are why MTV is so popular. And, sad to say, even if Britney hadn't performed, they would have had their ratings, simply with them rumor of her performing. Come to think of it, they should have put her on last. That would have guaranteed viewers for the whole show.

With all the talk about Britney, no one has even bothered to mentioned the amazing performances of young Chris Brown and the always awesome Foo Fighters. This is what I wish MTV would be about: amazing live sets featuring people who actually play instruments and sing out loud! Actually, it's possible Brown wasn't singing live, but who could blame him with all the shimming and jumping he was doing. At least it looked real.

OMG: Ben Savage is all grown up. When did that happen? He's 27 today.
Red Sox are up by 6 games.

Awards, embarrassments, and birthdays

2007-09-10T15:51:00.000-04:00

JT and Andy Samberg won the Emmy for Best Original Music and Lyrics. JT also had quite the night at the VMAs. He won 4 awards including Male Artist of the Year.

His former girlfriend, Britney, well...she opened the show with her new single "Gimmie More" (gim-ey, gim-ey more, gim-ey oooh, gim-ey more) Give me less, please. Waaaaaayyyyy less. Good Golly! I'd like to know who talked her into: 1. Wearing that outfit 2. Recording that song 3.Putting the "It's Britney, bitch." at the beginning of the song. Like there was any guess that it wasn't Britney's song. And please don't refer to me as a bitch. Makes me reminisce about the skin colored bodysuit days. Still, I don't think we have seen the last of Ms. Spears. I hope not....I think she's due for an amazing comeback. Whether it's good or bad remains to be seen.

And I won't dwell, but High School Musical star Vanessa Hudgens has had some private pictures go public. Good news: Disney is standing by her. Wonder if they would have made the same decision over, say, Lindsay Lohan back in the day. And I wonder how it would have changed things.

Mr. Colin Firth is 47 today. Sadly he is still married (thought happily for him and his wife I suppose).
Sox are up 6 games.

I Love Musicals!

2007-09-07T08:32:00.000-04:00

No I don't actually, but I seem to be getting awfully excited about a few of them in recent months. The movie Hairspray was awesome! I had such a good time, I went twice and I think it just might be my favorite movie of the year (certaintly the only movie with no deaths in it to make my top 5 list). And I've been dying to see Avenue Q for about 5 years, and my friend and co blogger Dan invited me to go see it when it comes to Boston next Spring. Also coming to Boston is Sweeney Todd, and I am going to see that too! Spring Awakening has been all over the news, and well, I just can't wait til it tours, so I'm planning to trek into NYC for a matinee one of these days.

Which leads us to today's BIG scoop...remember that day you heard the anguished wails of parents all over Britain and the squeals of all the girls ages 11-98 around the world? That was the day Daniel Ratcliff announced he was starring in Equus in the West End in London. But here's what brought the screams...he appears naked (HORRORS...not that!) for a part of the show! And now it looks like he's bringing the nudie show to the U.S.

So to answer the big question....why would Daniel, who is so loved and adored by millions of girls worldwide, strip down on stage? Because he is an actor (say it with me: actor). He is not Harry, nor any other character he has played. Let's face it: Harry is all well and good, but talk about being typcasted. He's barely out of his teen years, and he will forever be remembered as a 13 year old wizard. So, please, let's not make a big deal over this. Equus won rave reviews in London, and I'm sure it will here. Parents, don't like what Daniel's doing? Don't let the kids see the play.

Oh, and the worst kept secret in showbiz has been confirmed: Britney will perform at the MTV VMAs on Sunday. Whoo-hoo.

Michael Emerson is 53 today.
Sox won, we're up by 7 games.

Even slower news day

2007-09-06T09:45:00.000-04:00

My apologies for today's post. It seems that there really isn't too much going on in Lala Land.

Premier Magazine has listed it's top 20 movie plot twists ever! Sure I agree with a couple of them....Fight Club and The Usual Suspects, but I can't believe they left off the biggest plot twist ever! Was I the only one who never saw that Paul Walker's character in The Fast and the Furious was (GASP!) an undercover cop?!?! Could have knocked me over with a feather! What a great twist! Cop proves himself to bust up an underground ring of illegal racers and thieves and then befriends the leader and macks on his sister! The leader then goes on the lam from cops, doing stints as a nanny and a maybe-human with glowing eyes. Unfortunately, I am not joking about the generic twist in The Fast and the Furious, and I enjoyed the movie much more sitting in my little world of oblivion. "I live my life a quarter mile at a time.". Me too, Vin. Me too.

Now don 't get too excited (didn't stop me from screaming like a 12 year old at an High School Musical concert), here's some casting info on J.J. Abrams' Star Trek reboot. Never saw the show or any of the movies, but my ass was there on opening night b/c it was an Abrams flick. Then I hear that Zachary Quinto signed on to play Spock, and my ass was in the center of the last row (best seat in the house) on opening night. NOW comes news that Nathan Fillion is rumored to be up for the role of Captain Kirk! Add Eliza Dushku to the cast (I don't care how) and I will be one of those lame people that camp out for movie tickets a week before they go on sale! Thanks to DD corespondent, Mr. J, for this story.

Swoozie Kurtz is 63 today.
Red Sox lost, Yankees won. Boston is STILL 6 games up!

Slow news day

2007-09-05T08:40:00.000-04:00

Not much going on today...

Halle Berry is pregnant.

Maggie Gyllenhaal is the new face of Agent Provocateur, and she's beautiful enough to make even the straightest girl swoon! Except the chair picture, that one scares me.

We're one week away from knowing if 50 Cent will leave the recording business (pretty please, you promise?) Next Tuesday, Fiddy's new CD comes out and he and Kanye West, whose disc will also be released that day, are in a sell off, with 50 saying he'll retire if he doesn't outsell Kanye. So who does yours truly think will win it? Well, 50 does have JT on his first single, but as far a quality and air play, I think Kanye's Stronger won that round. But my pick is....Kenny Chesney! NEVER underestimate the power of a hot man in tight jeans and a cowboy hat! His songs are pretty good, too. Like Trace Adlkins says, Ladies Love Country Boys (and Maggie G.)! Not sure about middle American white teens, cuz you know that's whose buying all those Fiddy discs.

Bob Newhart is 78 today.
Red Sox are 7 games up, after beating the Blue Jays last night at Fenway.

D**k in a Box Censored!

2007-09-04T08:53:00.000-04:00

How bout this? You're on SNL for the second time and the whole world could care less what you do, as long as you reprise your role as a lyric skewing mascot in a funny costume. I wonder if that's what Justin Timberlake was thinking last December when he hosted SNL's Christmas Show. Of course, he did the mascot skit--which, I have to admit, is probably the funniest reoccouring character played by a guest since The Continental by Christoper Walken. Anyway, imagine his surprise (or maybe not) when Justin woke up the next morning and found that everyone was taking about a new skit, a song performed by JT and Andy Samberg, the aforementioned D**k in a Box. Now why the bleeped our word, you ask? Well, that's how it appeared on tv, but the uncensored version can be found here. I strongly recommend taking a look because the random little ditty earned JT and Samberg an Emmy nomination! No joke. What's more is that the Emmy committee asked JT and Samberg to perform it at awards show, censored, of course. Read the full story here. While we won't know for sure what their decision will be until show time, it's reported that they have declined. Could it be because they don't want to recreate a censored version for the masses (hey, it's been a long time since the "masses" watched SNL and I really don't think they could find their way out of a paper bag online, let alone watch the skit on YouTube) or because the best song Emmy is given out almost a week before the broadcast, at the "your're important, but not that important" show, aka the Creative Arts Emmys. Whatever the reason, I hope they win just so some hoity toity presenter has to say that the Emmy goes to JT and Andy Samberg for "D**k in a Box"!

Beyonce is 26 today (is that all?!)
What a weekend! YAY Buchholz! Sox up by 7 games!