That Fighting Spirit

I have to admit, when you're this ticked off about a play and you're making a billion dollars and married to the richest model on earth, I'm going to love you. Now some will say Brady was a brat for yelling at his young receiver for allowing a Redskins defensive player for undercutting him on the route, but you know what? I am soooooo happy to have and see someone who gives a flying fig about the outcome of a game. Sometimes we all take things for granted. And I know maybe if I had three super bowl rings and it was a forgone conclusion that I would be elected first try into the NFL Hall of Fame, I may have said, "Screw it....our defense blows, I'm taking it easy for the rest of the season". Not Tom Brady. And do I agree with him blaming Underwood for not catching the ball- no I don't. Plain and simple it was a crappy decision to throw the ball, and an even worse pass. But keep that intensity Tommy, the team needs to see you care and that you haven't checked out. And kuddos for Bill O'Brien for yelling back at Brady-he's a player and needs to be coached no matter how many wins he has. I kinda wish I was this intense about anything in my life right now. Well I kinda am, watching football. Here's to the upcoming Post season. I don't think my poor Pats have a chance in hell of making it beyond their bye week, but you know what, Play the hell out of the rest of your schedule and I'll love you even more.

Thankful and Grateful

Last week I went to New York City and got a bit of my soul back watching some wonderful Theater. Hopefully I'll find it in me to talk about all my experiences, but I wanted to take this time before Thanksgiving to say thank you to a certain group of people that through the years, have, without knowing, made life wonderful for me. Who are these wonderful folks? Well easy to guess, actors, stage managers, producers, dancers, set designers and all of the other wonderful and talented folks that make theater happen. From Broadway to small professional to student shows, theater brings me joy and energizes me in a way I guess nothing else ever has. I've shared moments with types of families, individuals and events during centuries I'd never really ever know or be near (unless I had a Tardis that worked!) thanks to the magic of Theater. So on this Holiday, I do thank my family for making me a little crazy, but most of all I want to thank all of those who create those wonderful magic moments on Stage.

There's a huge list of performers I've enjoyed through the years but here are some highlights: Douglas Sills in The Scarlett Pimpernel ,whose pure joy of performing I have never seen matched on stage (well maybe Hugh Jackman this past weekend, but that's another blog); Elaine Paige in Sunset Boulevard who with the 2 1/2 decent songs she had to sing worked a miracle and created one of the most intense, "hair rising up on the back of my neck" moments in musical theater I've ever experienced; Mark Rylance and Martin Shaw respectively in Jerusalem and An Ideal Husband for showing why Brits really do have a monopoly (for the most part) on amazing actors. The set design team and director Nicholas Hytner for creating for me what is the most beautiful and haunting first 10 minutes of a musical theater piece ever with the 1994 revival of Carousel; Janet McTeer and Harriet Walters in Mary Stuart, Robert Cuccioli in Jekyll & Hyde for making trash electrifying, and Hugh Jackman (I'll always get back to Hugh) for making dreck (worse than just trash!) like The Boy from Oz watchable. Ah how can I not mention Patti LuPone in her one woman show and Gypsy; or Brian Stokes Mitchell in Ragtime (for that matter the entire amazing cast of the original production) This just scratches the surface, but you should begin to get the idea, so thank you to all. With it being Thanksgiving, let's make sure to give a little thanks to those that help bring a bit of magic and wonder in our lives! Happy Gobbles everyone!!!

Brit Wit

So I know I know, I haven't posted in a bit, okay, forever. So so sorry. Tons to talk about but I always find it so much easier for me to TALK than to write..but I will continue to try to post. Thanks to wonderful Adam for pushing me along. So today's post, simply: Why I love Brits. I'm not looking for the handsomest man-though if mighty Thor Chris Hemsworth likes older woman, who am I to say nay!-but what I am looking for, and what I do love in men is great wit! And those Brits have it in spades. Plus I really do love the accent..... So here for your viewing pleasure, two wonderful clips from The Trip with Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon (not quite as fun as The Wilde Boys doing Jersey Shore, but you get the idea- and ok technically those boys weren't Brits, they were Americans doing Brit accents, oh whatever....

The Kindness of Strangers........

Every now and then it's nice to be reminded that there are nice people out there. And every now and then it's nice when that reminder comes unexpectedly, like it did for me this Labor Day Holiday. Here's the set up: I'm trying to be good, live healthier (no more sex with guys on subways-I kid-I kid) you know eat better, exercise etc. Well for the past two summers for my weekend exercise I walk around a local pond, Horn Pond. It's nice, busy but not too crazy busy, and it's about 2.25 miles around if you go some of the back routes. Now I've gone from a slow walk, to a brisk walk to a slow jog (I think it's a slow jog!) and I'm trying to add distance as well. It hasn't been fun, and honestly, I don't enjoy it I just do it cause I have to. I have a good friend who fell into running and she loves it. Again, SO NOT ME. So there I was, Monday, exercising cause I should, begging for it to end cause it was muggy and felt like soup outside. I thought I'd walk round twice, but it was so freakin' hot, I started to run just to get it over with. Monday, was fairly busy so I'd gone by a few walkers, have gone by some joggers, and had been blown pass by some runners. About 3/4 way through I'm sweating my arse off, my sunglasses are glued to my eyeballs and I'm telling myself "it's almost over, god when is it going to end!" when to my left a female jogger starts to pass by in the opposite direction I'm going. We catch each others eye, I do the smile (grimace more like it at that point), and she smiles back and says, "Keep going!" all cheery but with a great deal of sympathy kinda sorta like "God, can't believe we're out here, might as well finish what we started." Well thank you miss lady jogger/runner. You made my day and put a real smile on my face. It was the small bit of encouragement that I needed, and I also felt a bit of a connection to someone too. Didn't expect it, didn't ask for it, but it was so nice to receive. It did get me through my jog, and though I didn't wake up today with a greater appreciation for running, jogging or for exercise in general (I'm not even going to begin to talk about the kettle ball routine I did this morning!) I guess I was reminded in a way that my task (to paraphrase the great Bill Belichick) "is what it is". There's no easy way out of exercising, and I may never get faster, better, or learn to enjoy it more, but sometimes you just gotta do it. And every now and then, getting a friendly push from someone can help you make it just a wee bit easier.....So while poor Blanche Dubois tried to depend on the kindness of strangers and got screwed, my experience with my stranger truly was kind. So,thank you!

Just some stuff...

If you want to laugh watch "Legend Quest" on the SyFy channel. (I hate that the SyFy channel felt as if they had to change their name to SyFY from SciFi really, that's gonna bring you in more viewers?). Anyway, "Legend Quest" is like Nickelondeon's "Legend of the Hidden Temple" + "Raiders of the Lost Ark" x Geraldo Rivera's "Mystery of Al Capones Vault"- Anything Michael Woods has hosted on PBS. In other words, you will spend an hour each week, watching someone traipse around the world, searching for historical artifacts that may or may not exist, and here's the kicker finding absolutely NOTHING. You will hear the host, who I swear is sporting a fake Scottish accent, talk excitedly to his female assistant about what they've discovered, which is ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. I have honestly never laughed so hard in my life. "Imagine if this was the place that the spear that pierced Jesus was at. It would be a great discovery." But we can't search where we want to because 1) the land's protected 2) it's too delicate to dig 3) Pigs haven't started flying......well you get the idea. I loved watching a few episodes cause I think he's also actually making stuff up and adding things to already existing ledgends. Like Merlin-Everyone knows he's under stone, not in a glass tomb, that's SNOW WHITE...well anyway I encourage you all to check it out. Just to figure out how much money gets spent sending this guy to find again I'll note for you NOTHING!!!!!! PS watch Michael Woods stuff, at least he doesn't have the annoying assistant

Here's some links for fun!


http://www.syfy.com/legendquest/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uy7grh_BZu8&feature=related

http://www.pbs.org/mythsandheroes/wood.html

I'd Rather be doing.........

This week I did something I thought I'd never do. I signed up with an online dating site. Now it's not the pay kind, but based on advice of a friend who did it she thought it was worth the effort as she had some nice dinner dates etc, and really I'm not looking for walking down the aisle (unless David Tuterra is going to be my wedding consultant!) After having gone through the process all I have to say is I really would rather be on the beach with Matt Bellamy. Outside of the fact that one has to write briefly about themselves, sell yourself with a photo, cause really folks that's what everyone is looking at, not what you write about how nice, kind, funny or smart your are), the sheer weirdness of having info about you online like this still strikes me as creepy. Now if I was someone that would get lots of interest just from a photo, I don't know maybe it would work, but I'm not. And then again, it's creepy if you're just picking someone off a photo, cause ew...well strip clubs exist for a reason. Now my dear friend Aimee has been my wing girl through this, and I won't give up since she put a lot of effort to sit with me and read my profile and review the "they could be your match" listings, but right now, I'm still in the eww state, and really doubt this will move beyond that. I mean will this really have the effect that I wanted which would be for Russell Crowe, Matt Bellamy or Matthew MacFadyen to email me with a "where have you been all my life ?" I know, unrealistic, but really when I get an email from someone saying "Hi, you look like a cutie" I mean, read my profile I don't think it would indicate in any way, shape or form that "cutie" is a phrase I'd enjoy being called. Enough bitching, back to work, and back to hoping maybe one day I'll get to hang on the beach with the Bells.

Breaking Up is Hard to Do....

I have a confession to make. Last night I got together with my ex. I know I know, not a good thing on most accounts, but actually this was fine,see the hook up was with my musical ex Josh Groban. Now for those who don't know me, my musical taste runs slightly all over the place. Favorite bands growing up The Who and Queen. Also loved Barry Manilow even enjoyed Hurricane Smith singing "Babe, What would you Say" (I dare you to remember that one!). The 80's were ruled by Duran Duran. Currently a 5 ft. 4" Brit named Matt Bellamy (he of Muse fame- I'm not talking about the whole Kate Hudson thing "lalalalala I can't hear you!") holds my heart in his hands, but the Grob, well, his voice does things to me. Ever since I came across his cute little 18 year old self talking to Larry King "So, Josh, this singing thing, you like it?" and saw a clip of him on Ally McBeal (never really watched the show-honestly-dancing baby puhlease)I just have been amazed by the beauty of his voice. Yes, he sings schmaltzy songs but I honestly have to say voice wise, his baritone, vibrato, control and depth of sound is brilliant. Well all was right in my Josh world, except I kept missing him in concert early on. So stints at the Wang Center and Great Woods (or whatever the hell it's called now) were missed. That said I made up with in it what about '07 by seeing him twice (Boston and CT at Mohegan Sun), then an appearance with the Pops performing on a PBS Chris Botti Special (Botti not so much interested in-but did also see Sting and John Mayer (and Steven Tyler who should have stopped at singing Cryin' instead of also doing "Smile") -so that was cool for the most part!-but I digress. Well what's the verdict. He was lovely in concert. Great voice, totally likable, if I were 25 I would so go after him, but honestly he seems like a good guy. Now I wasn't that thrilled with some of his music on his Awake album (Josh note to self Paul Simon already did Graceland, stop with the world music influence stuff) but I liked a good number of cuts on it. Then came his recent work "Illuminations" (I think) Heard it streamed on line and hated it everything...thanks Ric Rubin Mr. Producer of everyone. Sometimes folks should just sing, not write music, but you know what hey Josh do what you want and if you keep singing like you do, sure I'll find a cheap tkt to see ya but I may not buy your albums.

As far as the concert itself, personally certain artists should remain in smaller venues. I believed this with him in '07 and still do today after last night. The thing is is that regardless of offering an "intimate stage" in the middle of the floor, there really is not way to create intimacy at venues like the TD Garden. It was so funny but when the concert started all I could think of was how strange it was to come back to see a show maybe 1/2 to 2/3 full with a small stage compared to the sold out sweating and head banging crowd at Muse (sigh-you spoiled everything else for me boys). The Grob should play here in venues like The Wang or The Opera House. Two three nights and you'd have the audience size you had a the Garden (then again one night vs. two or three in one place). And honestly you could have saved yourself 15 minutes of jogging from one stage to the other which translates to at least 3 more songs to sing. Also if you're in a bigger venue, even if you say you want to be intimate you're selling seats in balcony far away seats (yes there were folks there), so you MUST have some type of video screen that will help the audience see you up close. At this concert and his past concert I saw he's had awful and I mean AWFUL visuals, ballerinas dancing, machines marching during a song called "Machine" well you get it Literal to the point of ridonculus! Then again why do I think Machines marching during "Supermassive Black Hole" is cool...ok I'll stop mixing musical genres.

So Josh when all is said and done, thanks for the one nighter...I miss you, and was happy to have you for a bit, but now you go about your business and I'll go about mine. I'll love ya but won't always like your music and when the next tour comes, if you're playing greatest hits from your first three albums, count me in....

Unbelievable

One of my first sports memories was of watching the '70 & '72 Stanley Cup finals with my brothers on the floor of our living room. Now how much do I remember? Well considering I was what-4 when they won in '70 I can't say I remember tons but enough to remember the excitement when the game ended and we all jumped up and screamed. I also remember my sister keeping newspaper clippings of the B's (especially Derek Sanderson-yup her love of bad boys began early on) in a green plastic mini suitcase along with the names of all the players that she carefully and painstakingly made from alphabet pastina and scotch tape! She drew with pen a huge Bruins' logo and kept it under lock and key. I was privy to the contents, but couldn't look at it without her around. Well 39 years later, here we go again. Hell froze over in '04 when the Sox finally won a World Series, pigs flew earlier in 2001 when the Pats won the first of three (that's three-super bowls) I'd talk about the Celtics, but I never was a basketball girl, and now the Bruins have brought Lord Stanley's cup back to Boston! I'm looking outside my window right now for flying Locusts.

Now I have to admit, I stopped watching hockey regularly around '90. Before that, good lord, in High School I watched it all the time. My best buddy Gina had 1/2 season tkts bought with her baby sitting money. I was fortunate enough to go to the '83 playoff game with her when Brad Park scored an overtime goal to beat the Sabres. LOVED Brad Park. Over those years I've wanted to marry let's see (in no particular order), Giles Gilbert, Mike Krushelnyski, Brad Park, Bobby Orr (well okay 4 was a bit too young to think about getting married) and Peter McNabb. But then the lovin' stopped...pretty much after Cam Neely had to retire. While I've never not be aware of the Bruins-you can't when your oldest brother is a die hard fan and lives vicariously though you since he's on the West Coast and you're the only one that can go to games, I've just not been really engaged with the team. Recently, my fav player over the past 5 years or so has been Patrice Bergeron, he of the bubble head wrap and one more concussion away from not playing ever again (sigh). So who'd have thought this group, kinda like F Troop if you ask me, would make it happen. Well they did,and god luv em for it. Tim (Timmaaay) Thomas was awesome, and everyone on the team contributed, that's Hockey folks, the ultimate team sport (well granted we did have the "En Fuego" goalie during the playoffs). Anyway, thanks for the run boys, it was awesome.
What's the memory I'll keep of this win? The call I got from my brother on the West Coast right after the final seconds of game 7 came to and end. The gist of the conversation. Phone rings....I answer...no sound on the end "Larry???" "Um, Steph, they won, so I just wanted to check in, I"m, well I'm going to watch this, and I'll call you later, ok?" That and then me running out with Gina to Modell's in Medford at 11:30pm and waiting in line 45 minutes to get our Stanley Cup Champion T-Shirts.....God luv ya guys, it's Unbelievable.....and Most Excellent, and Wicked Awesome.... Thank you!!!

Know when to admit defeat.....by the hammer of the Gods!!!

Okay the blog's name is Daily Diva Dish..it sound great but the reality is I'm lucky if I get weekly or monthy Diva Dish...so sorry if the title is deceptive. On that note here are some random thoughts for today

1) Hockey in May is just wrong
I've tried not to get sucked into watching Bruins playoff hockey. I haven't really watched hockey in any regular pattern since 1990 or so. I've loved Patrice Bergeron otherwise known as bubble-head (3 concussions in three years) but really have no vested interest. Of course they now have a chance to make it to the Stanley Cup finals for the first time in what 20 plus years? Good lord a game 7, I'm still recovering from Red Sox 2003,2004 playoffs, and don't even mention the Patriots vs. Giants in 2007.

2) Summer Movie update
Go See Thor. I kid you not. Honestly, it is an awesome popcorn movie. Great scenery, fun story, wonderful hammy acting (thank you Anthony Hopkins) and one HOT and I mean HOT lead Chris Hemsworth and a wonderful British actor, Tom Hiddleston as Loki. I never thought I'd watch a comic movie directed by Kenneth Branagh but you know what, he pulls it off. Bravo.

3) American Idol
Just not into it this year. Anyone of interest (and I don't even think they were great vocalists) James and Jacob got the boot and I found myself even before then not caring much. When did Idol turn into Nashville Star, and as for JLO and Steven Tyler...come on "you made it your own" and "I Love you Honey"...really isn't enough.....At least Marc Anthony sang on the show, but even then people were more impressed with JLO shaking her Arse...um, the guy can actually sing folks what the frell? Plus they played credits over David Cook singing???? Screw you Fox...urg....

Okay that's it for now, have a great long weekend.....and off to think of more things to talk about in another week or so....

A visit to the Jersey Shore, Wilde style.......

Broadway's Earnest Leading Men Speak the Language of "Jersey Shore" in Playbill Video Series - Playbill.com

I must tell you this made me laugh out loud...I just, oh my goodness. Makes me love the men from Earnest even more. And I confess, I've never watched any of Jersey shore...but I still love this...I hope it makes you laugh or at least smile a bit more....

And sometimes it's just hormonal......

I started watching HBO's new series "Game of Thrones"...now I could tell you that I watched cause I read the well received fantasy novels written by George RR Martin...but I didn't. I could tell you that I started watching "Game of Thrones" because it's a wonderful exploration of corruption of power with some amazing sets and it's epic...but I really didn't. I could tell you I'm watching it because it's a hell of a lot better in one episode than "Camelot" has proven to be..(we'll maybe a little). But the two biggest reasons I'm watching the show are as follows in (pictures are indeed worth a thousand words). Yup I'm watching "Game of Thrones" for Sean Bean and Jason Momoa. Now if you don't know who Sean Bean is well shame on you. A great actor one of the best 007 villains (006) for Pierce Brosnan. A wonderful addition to Lord of the Rings, and amazing and sexy as all hell in "Sharpe" (the series based on wonderful novels by Bernard Cornwall-read them they're really good). I'll see Bean in anything, he adds a wonderful gravitas to the show. What does Jason Momoa add? Well first off most folks don't know him. I happen to know him from catching glimpses of him in Stargate: Atlantis. Now I never really watched that show, honest but one look at this man, and good lord, did I need a fan to cool off. I gotta tell you he is perhaps the most amazing male specimen I have ever seen. Acting? well who cares. He's going to be in this summer's reboot of Conan the Barbarian and he plays Khal Drogo (ok he's basically playing Conan the Barbarian)in "thrones". But honestly, who really cares about that, let's just say this man is HOT! I'm so sorry to be writing like this but honestly if I ever saw this guy in person (and you won't miss him he's 6' 4") I'd fall down, grab his knees and beg him to take me home with him. Of course that could prove a problem since he's been with Lisa Bonnet for some time. Hey girl not fair, Lenny Kravitz and him, urg...ah well. Anyway, do watch the show some great acting and plots, it'll be great I tell you. But when it comes down to it, I'm still watching it for the adult eye candy. No whimpering lads in this tale (well ok some, but Bean and Momoa make up for it!) Enjoy!

Let's not go to Camelot...it's a silly place

Okay things I discovered last week to sadly prove I am getting old.

1) I Am NOT interested in standing 80 minutes or more to see a freakin' theater show. Interactive theater does not mean break my back theater. So Club Oberon, honestly provide seats for a show. No more of this "shove Stephie 85 ways as the actors move about the space." I'll be happy to stay out of your way if I HAD a place to sit...then I could avoid actors and those other theatergoers on the dance floor who seem to enjoy invading my personal space..Wait I can't have personal space cause I'm stuck with 100 other folks on the dance floor urg...

2) Every guy I like in the new Camelot series on Cable plays a secondary character. Why you make ask...okay here it comes.....CAUSE THEY"RE OLD! Expendable too. Why...oh here we go again....cause they're OLD. I tried to watch a full episode of Camelot, excited because James Purfoy (brilliant as Marc Antony in Rome) and Sean Pertwee (great in the Cadfael mystery series) were listed in the cast. We'll (Spoiler alert) they both don't make it through the first episode, not cause they can't act (cause they can) but cause they're not 19. At the end of the show I was left watching an Arthur who looks like Keira Knightly with a bad blond wig on, and some interchangeable knights, oh and some chicks who feel good dropping their gowns cause they somehow found a source for waxing and perfect white teeth during the middle ages. Oh and Camelot must not be a castle but a Fitness Center cause they all have cut muscles! Arthur is sooo young I don't think his voice has actually changed yet. And if you think I'm going to get excited watching this crew -you've got another thing coming. Oh and to add insult to injury they have the wrong Fiennes brother employed. Sorry Joseph, I wish you the best, but eww eww eww...He's like the younger Baldwin brothers; they look enough like Alec that you know they're related, but looks and talent wise, boy was there a big drop off....

Okay I rest my case for now. Leading men turned to supporting "character actors"; and my desire to have a seat at theater shows. Maybe next time I go to Oberon I can bring a folding chair!

Today's lesson Part one: Vocal Porn

Okay..it's not as bad as it reads, but I got your attention didn't I? I hope to post a note about the Live feed I saw last week about the National Theatre's production of "Frankenstein" directed by Danny Boyle and starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller. I'm glad I saw it, and though I thought it was a flawed production with some major script issues, there were strong performances by the leads and some beautiful stage craft going on. Since I don't have my brain quite wrapped around what I'd like to say, I did want to point out the fact that right now Benedict Cumberbatch is my "go to" dude for Vocal porn. What do I mean exactly? Come on, you've experienced it I'm sure. Someone who's mere voice can bring quite a delightful feeling to you, perhaps a bit of melting or inducing heavy sighs by simply saying "Boo". Actually my test is if a person can make the alphabet sound sexy. Cumberbatch can do it, for goodness sake he makes a reading of "Jabberwocky" sound scintillating. Richard Burton is one for the ages, Alan Rickman's up there too (by the by, Cumberbatch does a pretty hilarious impersonation of Rickman reciting the lyrics of "Candle in the Wind"). Anyway, before I totally go far afield enjoy this link to Cumberbatch's reading of Jaberwocky.

Something for a rainy day.........

A little bit of Alarm harmonica, some Lone Justice sprinkled in and just a tiny bit of Bare Naked Ladies and tadah!- You've got the best song on Radio right now from The Decemberists. Something I thought fit in well with today's rainy weather...

I've lost the plot....and boy am I glad I did

On March 6, 2010 at approximately 8:30 pm I lost the plot and have yet to get it back. Let me explain, I innocently had agreed to join my sister a few months before in seeing Muse. She liked their album "Black Holes and Revelations", I enjoyed it too, and hearing Adam Lambert (ok-shut up) sing Starlight, made me revisit the rest of their songs etc. Anyway, I figured sure, why not. Little did I know I would fall under the spell of a 5'5" 100 lb. wet Englishman named Matt Bellamy. I don't know if it was a combo of amazing singing, ridiculously fabulous guitar playing, brain burning from all of the lasers used in the show, or having my head bashed by the wall of sound that assaulted me throughout their show but I didn't just enjoy the concert, I became obsessed with Bellamy, and his bandmates and the wonder that is Muse. Since then I have not been able to let my obsession go, and yay say I. I guess it just had been a long time since I had felt that amazing oneness that music or a huge sports event (like the Sox in 2004, or Patriots in 2001) can sometimes bring to a crowd of people. And despite the fact that I was sharing Muse with 16,999 others at the TD Banknorth Garden I felt that they were playing only for me. And when I was able to get tkts to see them in California in Sept. thanks to a good friend of my best buddy Gina, well it was the same thing. I mean how much more glee can one get than sharing your amazement with someone about music that blows your mind either in the bathroom line (I love that at concerts!) and even more so with someone sitting next to you that you don't know but grabs you in the middle of a song and shouts, "This is the best F#$%ing Concert I've been to!!!", a riot. So thank you Muse and Matt Bellamy. You made me believe in rock again, you've helped keep me sane in crazy times, and most of all thank you for so far, one year later, for putting a bit of the sparkle back in me. Things can indeed go crazy, but if anyone sees a smile come on my face at work, at home or on the T know more likely than not know it's caused by the boys from Teignmouth Devon!

Grammy Recap

I've never really trusted the Grammy's since I was 10 and Boston lost Best New Artist to "Starland Vocal Band". Yup, you read it right, Boston loses to one hit wonderkings of "Afternoon Delight". So really Grammys haven't had cred in over 30+ years. I've never really gotten into watching the Grammys, and mostly because it seems artists are awarded not for great recordings but for #'s sold I mean "Wind beneath my Wings' Best song, whatever, ug. This year I watched since my boys (that's Muse to anyone who doesn't know me) were up for three awards. They've never been nominated before and though old fans argued that The Resistance (the album they were nominated for etc.) is not their best, I figured screw it, another chance to see them before they go off on a much deserved rest. So did I watch all of the show? Hell no, but from what I watched here are some comments:
1) Lady gaga, honestly Madonna wants her outfits and songs back. Oh, and you should find Sally Field to discuss how much people really really like you. When you're finished talking to the flying nun, I have a suggestion for you. Get over it, you were picked on, now you're rich, good for you. Move on.
2) Group dancing pretty much ended with Janet Jackson's "Rhythm Nation" video. Unless your last name is Jackson, don't do it. That means you Gaga, you Usher and anyone and everyone else
3) Um, there is a point when fiddles on the Grammy stage need to stop...it was an overabundance this year
4) Bob Dylan, I never got you, and can't say you've aged well like fine wine. Actually my ears begged me to change the channel once you started singing with the dueling banjo group and I did.
5)Um grammy producers, whoever thought dancers invoking "riot" moves during Muse's performance of Uprising was a good idea, as Mr. Trump would say "you're fired".
6) Matt Bellamy thanks for dousing my joy of you and the boys winning a Grammy (best rock album) by mentioning that blond slut in the audience, I'm talking to you Kate Hudson. Business vs. personal keep it separate. Freakin' Chris W's wife has had five kids and you don't see him having to thank her in public....
7) Babs...(forget this comment if you can't figure out who I'm talking about) Um, should have thought about that outfit a second time before putting it on
8) Michael Buble's shitty album won for best traditional pop-What? I mean I like this guy I saw him at Berklee years before he made it, but his last album was at best, great elevator music.
9) Finally.....can someone puhlease explain to me why G. Paltrow has to keep on trying to sing....your married to the guy in Coldplay. Sing to your kids at home, seriously....that's it....

Oscars next Sunday, and since I've seen about 1 1/2 of the movies nominated my comments will be fashion related.....

A little Pick Me Up

My brain can't even begin to think in a coherent way right now, I'd love to say I'd talk about the Grammys (useless as always-except of course for Muse win) and American Idol (will someone PLEASE shut Steven Tyler up)...but I digress. I think today is just about trying to find the joy somewhere, for my sanity and for others around me. Well for me it's always Music that works for me..and for today it's this piece. A great energetic performer, Jaime Cullum has to be seen live to truly appreciate, but I hope and think this video shows some of the joyous enthusiasm he has in performing. Seeing the entire Orpheum up on it's feet dancing (even the precariously rocking balcony folks) was a great sight to see. He's a bit of a unique voice, and maybe not for everybody's taste, but I love to see someone doing something they so obviously love, it's joyous and puts a smile on my face. I hope it does the same for you!

...come on get happy.........

In an attempt to work on that 2011 "stay positive" attitude, I present the following:

1) More snow to shovel: Hey, at least it's light and fluffy

2) Nothing good on TV: Hey The House of Batiatus returns in "Spartacus: Gods of the Arena this Sunday

3) Pats aren't playing: Tom's surgery went well and reports confirm that he has NOT cut his hair

And last but most of all not least.....

4) Muse will be performing at the Grammys. Now the Grammys are a joke ever since Starland Vocal Band beat out Boston for Best New Artist, but screw it, the wee Brit will be on TV. Hoping for full on disco ball suit and singing "Uprising"......sigh.....

Hellfire........

Okay Kate Hudson pregnant with Matt Bellamy's baby AND the Pats lose to the Jets...housebound till I regain my sanity...could be 2012......

Absolute Reality?..........

Okay I admit it. I'm a bit of a loon when it comes to my famous people crushes. I get a tad possessive (though not stalker material as there's still some type of editing mechanism left in my brain). Actually, I can't say I get many famous people crushes, it's more and mostly Musician crushes. Music is such an important part of me, that I do get giddy when I find an artist, or group that "speaks" to me.

Lately since March 6, 2010 exactly I've been a bit obsessive about Muse's lead singer Matt Bellamy. I don't know what it really is about the tiny, skinny Brit, but his mad guitar skills, amazing vocal range, horrible fashion choices and awkward but hilarious interactions with media have won me over. Now the guy had a long standing girlfriend that he broke up with in beginning of 2010. No big deal, not as if I'm that delusional about me having a bat out hell's chance of meeting Bells, let alone having the wee Brit as my personal cabana boy, but to my horror late spring/early summer he begins to shag Kate Hudson. Oh for the love of God. At least the previous girlfriend had been Italian. I mean Kate Hudson. Really??? I hoped that he was practicing safe sex considering the number of relationships that have been documented for her once her marriage to another rocker Chris Robinson of The Black Crows ended, but NO...........she's pregnant, and they actually announce -she did at least via reps, that they're delighted even though it's an "unexpected" pregnancy. Did the condom rip Kate? what the hell does that mean, other than "lets hope both have been tested on a regular schedule". So, now I could go all on about desperation pregnancy, stupidity of people, how awful that her poor kid Ryder has seen a revolving door of "Friends" with Mommy, but for now I'll keep it to a simple, "While I know this is not a rational response I will say with great conviction "THIS IS NOT FAIR""...Okay that's it. I'm not rational, and I'm going to sulk about this for a long long time. My friends are trying to console me with offers of dinner out. How nice since I'm on a f'ing diet. So let's see how 2011 is going so far, off to the gym, no further progress on weight loss-check; still hate my hair-check; ready to kill family-check; had to shovel 23 inches of snow-check; imaginary boyfriend, who I don't think ANYONE is attracted to except me having baby with dingbat Kate Hudson-check. Wow, can't wait to see what the next few months brings.

In the big picture I know this is nothing but a frivolous and silly rant, but you know sometimes those really are necessary. So consider this rant #1 for 2011.....In the meantime I will try and follow the advice posted in the photo above (Credit photo to Tumbler blog: "WTF is Matt Bellamy Wearing").

Winter Wonderland

Thoughts for today....I'm thinking Johnny Mathis never shoveled snow hence he could sing "Walking in a Winter Wonderland". If he ever had to shovel the Sh%# he'd be singing "Shoveling F'ing 23" of wet crappy snow" I guarantee.........

Football Follies..I mean Follicles

Okay many things to write about but what will I focus on, Hair in football. This season Tom Brady's flowing locks have been the talk of the town (well not really, but kinda) As of yesterday, I thought Tom was indeed the King of Football hair. However, during yesterday's Miami game Julian Edelman gave him a run for the money. I would have mentioned Jules before but since the dude has only been returning kicks this year mostly I hadn't seen him with his helmet off. Good Lord, boy did he grow his hair out. Well there you go, I thought, good run Jules but Tom Terrific is still #1. Then wait, what is this? During the snooze fest that was the Seahawks and Rams battle for the NFC West last night low and behold Clipboard Jesus was revealed. Yup, Charlie Whitehurst, quarterback back up for what 3.5-4 years comes on the scene. Tommy boy I love you but Hello Charlie. Good lord, what a head of hair. Right length, great deep dark color and significant scruff to match. Wow, who knew but the Seahawks not only won a playoff spot with an under .500 record, but they slipped in at the end of the season to win the Football Follicles 2010 award. Photos provided in order of mention.