(haute) pop couture

Good Old Fashioned Gossip

2008-10-16T11:27:00.007-05:00

I'm addicted to blind items and spend a lot of time on sites like Crazy Days and Nights and Blind Gossip. Now, for those of you who don't know what blind items are, let me back up the truck a little and explain--blind items are news/gossip stories where the details are reported, but the identities are hidden. Okay, now that we are on the same page, let me share my favorite blind item from last week...

"Last week, this A list director of some very huge films was shooting his new movie. After work, our director went to a local restaurant (as was his routine) where he picked up two local floozies. After buying them a few drinks and impressing them with his big-shot “I’m a Big Hollywood Director” come-on, our director took the two tramps back to his hotel for a night of debauchery. Little did our director know what he was getting himself into!

Turns out that this pair of hometown hotties weren’t as dumb as our director thought. In fact, there were certified pros, if you get my meaning. (Word has it ugly pros, too – but hey, whattaya want.)

Anyway, flash forward a few hours

Our director wakes up the next morning feeling all kinds of groggy. He discovers his wallet missing, and worst of all – his laptop stolen. On the purloined laptop was reportedly the script to his new movie and several highly secret, ultra-confidential, For-His-Eyes-Only visual FX sequences for the new movie that could be leaked any day now. Not surprisingly, the studio is furious with our director and his utter lack of discretion."[via CDAN]

While popular guesses for this blind included douchebag directors like McG and Brett Ratner, Michael Bay was definitely the fan favorite. Not only does Bay have a history with the uh, ladies, but he is also in the middle of filming the special fx packed Transformers 2. In fact, this blind was practically confirmed when an industrious commenter from Gawker posted this lil story from TMZ:

Michael Bay Burglarized -- No Special FX Involved

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ director Michael Bay was the victim of a home break-in at his apartment in New Mexico last night. He's staying down there while filming "Transformers 2." If surveillance video of the crime exists, it's probably grossly over-directed, but will take in $100 mil at the box office anyway...

Well played studio heads, well played. I am betting one of two things are about to go down. Either secrets from the Transformers 2 set are about to leak all over the internet (and quite frankly, who cares?) or two "professional" ladies are about to get some serious cash from the studio.

Sidebar: don't you just love that picture of Bay "directing"? Love it.

How did I miss this?

2008-10-16T11:15:00.001-05:00

Baby, you just made my day...

2008-10-15T11:33:00.002-05:00

Good news everyone, Amy Sedaris, a.k.a. Jerri Blank, has just signed a deal with 20th Century Fox to create, write and star in her very own sitcom/comedy project! Long-time partner-in-crime Paul Dinello will also write and direct, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

In somewhat related news, I was just wondering what last minute Halloween costume to throw together. I usually like to dress up as a television or film character and had narrowed it down to Joan Holloway from Mad Men, Ugly Betty or Kate from Lost (it can be done with the right cargo pants), but whoa, Jerri Blank would be amazing! This chick totally nailed it and even wrote down step by step instructions on how to achieve her look. Hhhhmmm....should I go for it?

Chicago Film Craziness

2008-10-14T15:01:00.005-05:00

There is a crazy amount of cinema happening in Chicago right now. I'm going to try and see as much as I can afford, so let me know if you are along for the ride.

-First and foremost, we have the Chicago International Film Festival that runs from Oct. 16th-29th, Time Out Chicago has a decent schedule of events posted on their website. When it comes to CIFF, I am a little overwhelmed. So. Many. Screenings. And so many of them are happening while I am at work. Ergh. I would like to see A Christmas Tale, Dead Girl's Feast and Tokyo Sonata, but I am open to anything that works in my schedule at this point.

-Thursday, October 16th, Conversations at the Edge is screening Joanie4Jackie: The Lady Glitterati of the New Movie Uprising. I'm excited to see this video chainletter started by Miranda July. Check out Jamie Murnane's article on Conversations and Joanie 4 Jackie in TimeOut Chicago for more information about the show.

-Friday, October 24th, the Music Box is screening Don Hertzfeldt's latest animated feature I am so proud of you. Reviews for this flick are crazy good, I am especially excited for this one. Hertzfeldt will be in attendance, and there will be an "embarrassing live on-stage interview" after the show. For more information, check out Bitter Films.

-Also on Friday the 24th, the Lakeshore Theater is hosting the Found Footage Festival. Check out the trailer, looks hilarious. Why, oh, why does it have to be on the same night as Hertzfeldt?

-Running from October 24th -30th is London to Brighton, a British film I wanna see at the Gene Siskel. I'm hoping to squeeze it in somewhere.

In addition to all this, I still have to get out and see Religulous, W., Nick and Norah's Ultimate Playlist and Rachel Getting Married...So, yeah, I am pretty much going to go broke from watching movies.

A boring Lauren update

2008-10-14T12:27:00.003-05:00

It's been forever since I have updated Pop Couture, for that, I apologize. I'm just so busy with uh, work? I wish. I owe my screenwriting partner, like 30 pages. I haven't finished this simple 3 minute Super 8 film I'm working on, I haven't edited a podcast I recorded three months ago, I haven't been reviewing any movies and I rarely make it to the gym...

Ugh, lazy.

I did manage to get a couple of things done, like destroy season one of Mad Men and obsess over 1950's era clothing. As we speak, I am purchasing shoes from Mod Cloth and a dress from Stop Staring. I want to look like Joan Holloway everyday.

Also, a new comic book shop has opened up down the street from me. Dangerous, I know. Third Coast Comics, check them out if you live on the Northside. I've become somewhat of a regular and was even interviewed by a very nice student from Loyola about the store. You can read his article here. I have been reading a lot of comics lately, especially loving Brian Michael Bendis' books Powers and Alias (no, it has nothing to do with the tv show) in addition to my regulars like Buffy, Runaways and Fables, Invincible, Angel...

What else? Oh! I have been following this presidential election thingy obsessively. Reading loads of Wonkette, listening to NPR all day and watching The Daily Show regularly. I nearly peed my pants last week when after this segment. The whole thing is damn funny, but my favorite part starts seven minutes in. I'll leave you now, for some private time with Jon Stewart.

Let's Do Stuff: Renegade Craft Fair

2008-09-09T16:08:00.007-05:00

Alright, who wants to spend some money with me? I'm definitely down for hitting up the Renegade Craft Fair this year, they have even added some musical acts to their crafty lineup. I'll mosey on down to Wicker Park after all breakfast needs have been satisfied on Saturday morning. So...'round noon? Call/comment/text/email or twitter if you are down. Okay...I realize that I'm waaaay too easy to get into contact with these days...

Missed Connections

2008-09-02T10:59:00.004-05:00

My love for MC ads is well documented and I still check out the Craigslist MC's daily for inspiration/laughs. This morning I stumbled across this one, which is pretty fucking hilarious, especially if you obsessively listen to Chicago Public Radio.

To Melba Lara and Abby Ryan - m4w - 28 (WBEZ)

Melba, Abby, it's time we faced facts, it's time we considered all things. I've been listening to you two coldly thank one another for a long time now. There's a certain lifelessness that creeps into your voice Melba when you tell us that we're now going to turn to Abby for a look at the Roads. A certain delight when you report technical difficulties will not allow us to hear from her.

Abby, I sense something on your side as well. Why are you always so curt with Melba? For every ten times she thanks you for your fine reporting you seem to thank her once, why? I know it's between three and four in the afternoon and more often than not you have to be the bearer of bad news but shit Abby can't you take some solace in a familiar voice?

In my mind's eye you're both beautiful, successful women who live happy well informed lives. I can't imagine envy is the source of enmity between the two of you. Sure, Melba's the fancy anchor but how often do anchors get access to helicopters? I presume you think of one another as colleagues and equals. So what is it? Does Melba represent something sinister in the world of N.P.R. that only you are aware of Abby? Has Abby always seemed a little perkier than public radio Melba? Really my question is, can I help?

Happy Labour Day gals.

For real, his middle name is "Neil."

2008-07-24T12:05:00.005-05:00

Okay, let's say you are a D-list celebrity and you, of course, need some attention, BUT, you've already appeared/starred/groveled on a VH1 "Celeb" reality show and made a sex tape. What's next? Well, Dustin Neil Diamond, better known as Screech, has exhausted most of his options, except one...He is currently in the process of writing a tell-all book about his Saved by the Bell days called Behind the Bell. Now, I'm not sure what sort of sordid details will be revealed by this book (sex/drugs/yawn), but I can only hope that it will be followed up by some sort of behind the scenes, made-for-tv movie ridiculousness like Behind the Camera: The Unauthorized Story of Three's Company.

I, of course, will read Behind the Bell in the Borders Cafe as soon as it comes out.

I have totally seen Chinatown.

2008-07-22T11:47:00.004-05:00

So July has been a busier month than expected, but I totally got a jump on my best of list. Here are the movies I have seen so far and some thoughts that came to me while viewing:

Chinatown: Highly recommend. This is my favorite Nicholson performance right behind "The Shining," and Faye Dunaway is awesome.

Network: Speaking of Dunaway, she totally rocks out in this flick. Another excellent movie you should add to your Netflix queue if you haven't already seen it.

Night and Fog: This French documentary about the Holocast by Alain Resnais is very, uh...French and super short.

Hiroshima Mon Amour: Speaking of Resnais, his first full length feature "Hiroshima" is both beautiful and frustrating. Just like "Last Year at Marienbad." I highly recommend any of Alain's work, mostly because I just need to talk to someone about it.

Nashville: Meh. I liked it okay, but I think this is my least favorite Altman film. I love the Elliot Gould cameo, however.

Seven Up/Plus 7: Rent this movie! It's one of my favorite documentaries and is at times, extremely adorable.

Fast, Cheap & Out of Control: If you are a fan of "This American Life" the tv series, you should get in on some Errol Morris action. The influence is evident- dramatic cinematography and Philip Glass score. My only complaint is that Morris goes on a bit too long...

Short Cuts: Classic Altman. I could watch these characters depress me all day.

Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolf: Cruel...Cruel and awesome.

Breathless: I've studied "Breathless" in half a dozen film classes, but never seen it all the way through. Many teachers treat it like the most important movie ever. I like it okay and understand its importance but...It's not like it changed my life or particularly inspire me.

Ten down. Ninety more to go. Shoot me an e-mail or comment if you have any suggestions. I know I have La Dolce Vita and Scenes from a Marriage up on deck, along with some lighter fare such as The King of Kong and Singles.

We've Lost Her Now...

2008-06-25T15:09:00.006-05:00

I never thought I would complain about having too many things to watch. But here I am. Completely overwhelmed with the possibilities. I have officially finished my list o' classic films (domestic and foreign, fiction and non-fiction) that I have managed to avoid over the years and Netflix has been sending them to me all week. Expect mini-reviews of Hiroshima Mon Amour, Network, 7 Up/Plus Seven, Chinatown and Night Fog by the end of the week. I still have 95 more to go...

God only knows when I will finish.

Especially now since I have Surf the Channel interfering with my viewing schedule. STC is basically Hulu, if Hulu added more shows and foreign tv! Now I can watch Top Gear, Spaced, Little Mosque on the Prairie and some Aussie show called The Librarians. And yes, Patrick, it is, in fact, about librarians. Sexy. Funny. Australian librarians.

Damn. I was actually planning on leaving my house this summer.

Let's Do Stuff: Mortified

2008-06-25T12:58:00.003-05:00

OMG. Mortified is doing a live show tonight at the Green Mill! I desperately want to go...$15 bucks at the door. Anyone up for it?

Comparing People

2008-06-25T11:06:00.002-05:00

-I slept through my alarm this morning.
-It was raining and my umbrella broke.
-They were cash only at Starbucks this morning.
-I have a massive headache that causes me to squint at everything. Everyone says this makes me look angry.

To top it off, I open up my email this morning and I only got one. It's from Facebook's "Compare People" application. They wanna let me know how I rank. I'm not sure why I ever added this application to begin with. I never thought it was fair/interesting to compare some of my closest friends to people I knew in middle school who have since grown up to be teachers/dental assistants/nurses who seem like perfectly lovely people (sidebar: a judgement call based solely on their photo albums and musical tastes). Anyway, it appears I'm slipping in the ranks. Facebook has reminded me, yet again, that I am not as powerful/sexy/entertaining/smart as someone else. One category I am winning, however, is "crazy."

Confession: I've never seen Chinatown

2008-06-17T16:21:00.002-05:00

Sure, I watch 7-10 movies a week, but I'm missing out on some classics. I thought about Netflixing the American Film Institute's list of the 100 greatest American films, but I have seen most of them. And been bored to tears by more than a few (I'm looking at you Lawrence of Arabia). I thought about going with Jonathan Rosenbaum's alternate 100, but I think I'm just gonna take a little from column a, few more from column b and some outta left field to make my own list! Send me some suggestions, your favorite movie perhaps? I will add it to the list if I haven't seen it yet.

What I am doing with my summer vacation...

2008-06-17T12:24:00.004-05:00

It's summertime and I'm outta school. I should be rejoicing, but in actuality I'm just bored. I have, however, tried to keep busy by watching anywhere from 7-10 films a week. My choices are pretty random. I'll watch anything, especially if it's cheap, readily available, at the Music Box, French or stars Jason Statham. I won't list all the movies I have seen in the past 4 weeks, honestly, I don't remember them all. But I will throw down the best and worst in case you are looking for something to watch.

BEST
-La Vie En Rose. Best biopic I have ever seen.
-Last Year at Marienbad. Equal parts frustrating and compelling.
-Iron Man
-The Conversation
-Sliders: Season 1. I'm a total geek for mid-90's scifi.

WORST
-South Land Tales. I heard it was unwatchable and that's why I wanted to see it. Yep. It's unwatchable.
-Strange Wilderness. Not even sure that the 12 year old Adam Sandler fanboys (Sandler produced this trainwreck) would find this amusing. I expected more from Steve Zahn and Jonah Hill.
-War. I wasn't expecting genius here, but for a movie starring Jet Li and Jason Statham, I thought I would be getting some action. Too much plot.
-National Treasure 2
-The Other Boleyn Girl. Oy, BORING, go rent season 1 of The Tudors.

I've always wanted to join the roller derby...

2008-06-03T16:03:00.004-05:00

The Windy City Rollers are in need of a few good women and I am totally tempted to tryout. And before you ask, YES, my roller skating skills are the shit! Or at least they were when I was 14...

If anyone is interested in trying out, I have posted the info below. Also, I want to hit up the next game versus Madison on June 14th (7:00pm). Lemme know if you are interested in carpooling.

Have you always wanted to roll with the Windy City Rollers? Are you at least 21 years old and extremely dedicated?

We're looking for skaters for our 2009 home season, and we want you! Our tryouts are coming up, and if you want to be part of the fastest growing women's sport, come show us what you've got. We have two upcoming recruitment parties before our tryouts and we want to meet you!

Friday, June 6th from 8 - 10 pm
Cobra Lounge
235 N. Ashland
It's a party! Come meet the skaters and staff of the WCR and learn about what we're looking for next season. You'll get all the info you need to be ready for tryouts. Cobra will have a buffet available for a nominal fee.

Saturday, June 7th from 5 - 7 pm
North Avenue Beach Outdoor Hockey Rink along Lake Michigan
Come see us and learn more! We'll be meeting at the outdoor hockey rink at North Avenue Beach where you can talk with some of our current skaters up-close-and-personal. We'll also have information table to get more info on gear, rules, league details, and more, as well as food and soda to keep those stomachs satiated. (People under 21 may attend the recruitment event at North Avenue Beach, but please remember that only 21-and-older can tryout for the WCR)

Now for the real deal: Official WCR Tryouts will be held on the following two dates, but you only need to attend one.

Saturday, June 28th, TIME TBD
Sunday, July 13th, TIME TBD
For more info on tryouts, send an e-mail to tryout@windycityrollers.com or get all the info and meet other potential recruits at sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/wcr_recruits

Time Traveling Bunnies

2008-05-30T11:55:00.003-05:00

Oh my, oh my, oh my. Still coming down from a Lost high. The only reason I got out of bed on this rainy morning was to consult with the internet Lostie Gods about last nights season finale. I still have a lot of theories/musings/questions rolling around in my head but I haven't pulled it all together yet. Mostly because I am (ever so slightly) hungover. However, I have pulled together a collection, an assortment, a caboodle (if you will), of Lost links, theories and videos for those of you who are, ya know, too busy working at your jobs to play on the internets all day. Although, by the time this get posted, I am sure most of this will be old news...

I'm a huge fan of Jeff "Doc" Jensen's LOST recap's. You must read. Out of the six pages, two passages really stuck out to me:

On "moving the island":
"As for Ben, we now know how he wound up in his Dharma parka in the Tunisian desert at the start of ''The Shape of Things to Come'': Apparently, that's where he landed after he moved the Island. The date: October 24, 2005, or about 10 months from when Ben moved the Island. So...where did the Island go? Nowhere. My guess is that it's in the same spot where it's always been — it just rematerialized in reality 10 months in the future, just like Ben."

The phone call in Kate's dream (I knew someone would have that sound file online 5 mins after the show ended):
"According to a sound file sent to me by reader Russ Boyd, the backward voice on Kate's phone said, ''The island needs you....You have to go back before it's too late.'' The dream encounter with Ghost Claire — who told Kate, ''Don't bring him back'' — suggests that each of the Oceanic 6 is getting a ghost to haunt him or her. Kate and Aaron get Claire; Jack gets Christian; Sun would get Jin (though I hope not); Sayid would get (?) (he's clearly the flaw in my theory); and Hurley has Charlie and...(Mr. Ecko)"

Octagon Global Recruiting. Heh, heh. Octagon. I get it...
I totally missed this commercial last night. Looks like the DHARMA Initiative is doing a bit of recruiting at the San Diego Comic Con. There are so many Lost alternate reality games, I just can't keep them straight.

That Jeremy Bentham Guy.
The British philosopher and economist Jeremy Bentham was a contemporary of the real John Locke. His Wikipedia page is blowing up today. Same goes for Panopticon(a circular prison designed by Bentham): "The concept of the design is to allow an observer to observe (-opticon) all (pan-) prisoners without the prisoners being able to tell if they are being observed or not, thus conveying a 'sentiment of an invisible omniscience.' In his own words, Bentham described the Panopticon as 'a new mode of obtaining power of mind over mind, in a quantity hitherto without example.' "

So John Locke is Jeremy Bentham, the man in the coffin. Another mystery solved. I watched the alternate endings this morning on GMA and I'm happy with the way it turned out.

Random Thoughts
-How badass was that Keamy/Sayid fight?
-Is Sun working with Ben and the others (meaning Jack, Kate, Sayid and Hurley) to set Widmore up? The money that Sun used to take control of her father's company came from multiple accounts. I wonder of those accounts are tied to the others. Just how big was that Oceanic settlement?
-Or is Sun trying to align herself with Widmore against Ben?
-Do you think Jin survived? I think so, because every major character on this show has a major exit and this was clearly Michael's time to die. Love Christian's, "you can go now, Michael."
-If Jin is alive, is he in real time? Or island time?

And finally, here is an interview with Kevin Durand, or Keamy on Lost. The writer's strike totally screwed with the backstory for the freighter peeps. We know (now) that Charlotte was born on the island, but Keamy had a larger purpose on the island as well from the article-- "Keamy has a very big personal stake in this mission, and it's beyond anything monetary. He's just trying to get it done as soon as possible. It has to do with his family, so that's why he's working at the pace he is."

Ok, I may have to rewatch, feel free to discuss in the comments section!

She & Him

2008-05-29T11:06:00.003-05:00

I'm in twelve year old girl mode, listening to Volume One by She & Him, over and over and over again. In case you're not up to speed, "She" is Zooey Deschanel and "Him" is M. Ward and their album is delightful. At first I was nervous to hear that yet another indie actress was releasing an album (see also: ScarJo and Anywhere I Lay My Head, which is sort of sonically lovely and interesting sans the lifeless vocals). But Zooey has a beautiful and expressive voice that reminds me of Neko Case, Jenny Lewis and Linda Ronstadt. Take a listen to a few of their tunes on their Myspace page and if you like them, join me on August 5th at the Park West to see them live.

Jun 11 2008 2:00P NPR World Cafe Session (Air Date) PHILADELPHIA

Jul 23 2008 8:00P Opera House Toronto, Ontario

Jul 24 2008 8:00P Academy of Music Northampton, Massachusetts

Jul 25 2008 8:00P Trocadero Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Jul 26 2008 8:00P Terminal 5 New York, New York

Jul 28 2008 8:00P Cat’s Cradle Carrboro, North Carolina

Jul 29 2008 8:00P Variety Playhouse Atlanta, Georgia

Jul 30 2008 8:00P Mercy Lounge Nashville, Tennessee

Jul 31 2008 8:00P Orange Peel Asheville, North Carolina

Aug 2 2008 8:00P Newport Folk Fest Newport, Rhode Island

Aug 5 2008 8:00P Park West Chicago, Illinois

Aug 7 2008 8:00P First Avenue Minneapolis, Minnesota

Aug 8 2008 8:00P Barrymore Madison, Wisconsin

Aug 10 2008 8:00P V Fest Baltimore, Maryland

Journey to the Center of the Earth

2008-05-14T11:40:00.002-05:00

I inexplicably received 40 free passes to a sneak preview of Journey to the Center of the Earth yesterday. The screening is tonight and Brendan Fraser is going to be on hand for a "special" Q&A.

Sigh. Where do I begin?

First of all, who knew that they were remaking Journey and...just...why? I had to take a look at the trailer and, wow. It's terrible. I might not be able to sit through it. But I do want to see The Fraser...Ergh. Dilemma. If anyone wants a pass, send me an e-mail.

The Tom Cruise Interview, Part 1

2008-05-02T09:13:00.010-05:00

Only Tom Cruise could get me up early on a Friday morning. I made a pot of coffee, fired up the laptop and prepared myself for a full hour of Tom on Oprah. Here are my thoughts...

Anyway, on to the couch where Oprah (literally) takes off her shoes and starts asking the tough questions. She asks about Brooke Shields, Matt Lauer, Scientology, Nicole Kidman, if Tom is really Suri's father, but he is so coached and so polished, none of it even fazes him. Cruise turns on the all-American, gee-whiz charm like a motherfuckin' pro. We learn nothing new, there are no surprises here. Tom reiterates time and time again that he is just a simple family man, who loves making movies and thinks his life is "magical." He doesn't care what those gossip mags or internets say.

Damn.

There is one interesting moment where Oprah asks Tom if he respects other peoples religious views.

Tom:
(Golly Gee Whiz)
Oohh, of course I do! I would never try to convert people to Scientology!

Oprah:
(Bitch Please)
Mmmhhmmmm.

After that, Oprah and Tom go check out his mountain view and she says something ultra-corny like, "I wish for you all the peace that this mountain can bring," and Tom gives her another one of his super-stares. Seriously, how can anyone have a conversation with this man?

So, at the end of the hour, we learned absolutely nothing new other than Tom Cruise is now under control and desperate to repair his image. Got no good sound bites, no good quotes. But I must admit, this was not a total waste of my time. I always enjoy watching this man talk. I know he's a total disaster, but honestly, this guy LOVES being a movie star. He never pulls a Sean Penn, he never pretends like acting is akin to curing cancer. Tom Cruise knows his place in the world and there's something to be said for that. I think it' very old Hollywood. He's a dying breed and he is totally aware of this fact. I can't wait until Monday to see the second part of this interview...

April is National Poetry Month?

2008-04-30T14:24:00.002-05:00

I just found out. I guess it's not too late to celebrate. I have had a certain William Carlos Williams poem floating around in my head all day:

I have eaten
the plums
that were in
the icebox

and which
you were probably
saving
for breakfast

Forgive me
they were delicious
so sweet
and so cold

This American Life did a great segment on this poem for their 354th episode, Mistakes Were Made, where they explored apologies that weren't actually apologies. Sarah Vowell, David Rakoff and the rest of the TAL crew take a stab at writing their own versions. I typed up a few this morning but have decided not to post them. Mostly because I am a coward. But also because I'm not a 14 year old girl and this is not a livejournal.

Why is it such a surprise...

2008-04-30T12:20:00.003-05:00

That Charlie Sheen is still into hookers?

That Paula Abdul is still freaking crazy?

That Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford (probably) slept together while filming Star Wars?

That Tom Cruise and Cher definitely slept together in the 80's?

Just wondering.

So. Excited.

2008-04-30T12:02:00.001-05:00

Oprah interviews Tom, not once, but twice! May 2nd and May 5th. I'm gonna live blog that shit.

Stuff I Like.

2008-04-29T14:36:00.008-05:00

I apologize for neglecting this here blog, but April has been nothing but one personal disaster after another for me and...well, blogging just fell by the wayside. In times of crisis, I tend immerse myself in pop culture- music, comics, clothes, movies and...uh, M&M's. Seriously. I. Have. A. Problem. Anyway, I thought I would share some of my fav things with you kids, since celeb gossip is a little on the dry side. Unless you wanna talk about Heidi Montag. And honestly, I tried watching that Hills show and I got less than nothing.

Summery Dresses
I'm anticipating a cruel summer and stocking up on simple dresses like this one from Urban Outfitters. Yeah, I just plugged Urban. I am such a whore.

Facebook Instant Messaging
Thank God! Now I have a way to communicate with those of you who do not AIM. 'Cause, you know, it's not like I could call you on the phone or anything...

The Impossible Shapes
Mellow, sweet music that should be the soundtrack to some indie movie about a group of 20-somethings going on a roadtrip and having sex with each other. Ridiculous, I know, but that's what I think. Wilco, Neutral Milk Hotel and Horns of Happiness fans with like The Impossible Shapes.

The Savages

They gots the Daddy issues. Linney and Hoffman are seriously great together, I know this received some Oscar love but I actually think this movie was underrated.

Dirt
I know, I know. But honestly, this show is so interesting to watch. Is it pure camp? Failed drama? Softcore porn? Or just 100% trainwreck? Decide for yourself, watch seasons 1 and 2 for free on Hulu. And if you don't have a Hulu account, get one! It's the only way to watch tv.

Mint Crisp M&M's
Yum! One of the many reasons I can be seen at the gym every night of the week.

The Plain Janes
I might be regressing. I am all into young adult fiction lately and reexamining my teenage years. Plain Janes is the adorable debut in DC's new Minx series of graphic novels targeting teenage girls. Confessions of a Blabbermouth and Good as Lily are up on deck.

Ira Glass in a movie theater near you!

2008-03-26T17:06:00.002-05:00

Dear TAL fan,

Remember when you took a survey asking if you’d like to see a This American Life live show beamed into your local movie theater? Remember when you said yes? Well, more than 20,000 of you did, and now we pretty much have to do it—so we are.

On Thursday, May 1, Ira will take the stage in New York City to unveil some stories from our upcoming TV season, perform a radio piece, and more. The show will be filmed in HD and sent live via satellite to more than 300 movie theaters across the country.

It’s just one night, and tickets are sure to go fast, so we promised to give you a heads-up about the sale date: mark your calendar for Friday, April 4. You’ll be able to buy them here.

More details soon, including an FAQ. Meantime, please be kind to our web manager by not flooding her inbox with queries!

xox,
TAL

Yaay! So, who wants to come with?

Public Enemy: Call for Extras!

2008-03-26T16:27:00.004-05:00

Thanks to the weak American dollar and generous state tax breaks, we've been getting some good film business in Illinois. Suck it, Toronto! Public Enemy, starring Johnny Depp and Christian Bale, has been all over Chi-town this month. In fact, if you live near Diversy and Surf, you might be hearing some fake gunshots this week. Do me a favor and run towards them. Maybe you can send me some pics for the blog;)

Better yet, sign up to be an extra! They need some peeps for a scene at the Paramount Theater (pictured below) in Aurora on April 5th and 6th. Let me know if you're going! Details are listed below.

AURORA, Ill (Aurora Beacon News) ― A casting company is looking for extras to work in the Johnny Depp movie that will be filming in west suburban Aurora on April 5 and 6.

Last week, Paramount Theater signed a contract to film part of "Public Enemies," starring Depp and Christian Bale, in downtown Aurora. The movie is directed by Michael Mann.

The film, about the life of gangster John Dillinger and the birth of the FBI, is set in the 1930s. In order to re-create the look and feel of the film, male extras need to be less than 6-foot-2 with a jacket size no larger than 44, while female extras must be shorter than 5-foot-8 with a dress size no larger than 10.

A release cautions people not to call if they do not match the size requirements, because the casting agency cannot make exceptions.

To reach Joan Philo Casting, call is (312) 924-1840.

When you call, a recorded message will prompt you to leave your name and phone number.

What did you have for breakfast?

2008-03-26T16:07:00.003-05:00

I have been chastised for not posting a tip to Pop Couture. In all honesty, I had not checked my popcouture@gmail.com account for many moons. Whoops. But I will from now on and I encourage you all to continue to send in story ideas, celeb gossip and my personal favorite--what you ate for breakfast.

So, I ate a leftover gyro, a pancake, yogurt, and some coffee for breakfast. The breakfast of champions that is.

So, I thought I'd tell you Jessica Simpson and her new beau as well as Brady Quinn and co. were all in Cbus this weekend for a wedding. Rumor has it they were hanging out in the arena district at Sugar. Now, there's some celeb gossip for you!

Thanks Michelle!

"BIG News"

2008-03-26T09:45:00.004-05:00

This morning I got an email from my friend Erik entitled, "BIG News." I opened that shit right quick, thinking that maybe he had an upcoming (art) opening or perhaps, he had found himself a life partner. Instead, I read this:

So I was watching Charlie Rose tonite. For a little while, it was about
Hydrogen fuel with some guy from Shell boring. But I noticed his face
had been pounded. So I had to find out. Annnnd...
TechCrunch: Charlie Rose Face Plants to Save his Macbook Air

That headline says it all. Charlie Rose decided to eat pavement rather than let gravity claim his Macbook Air. I love my Mac and certainly understand where he is coming from, but I have trouble believing this story. Looks like C-Rose got schooled by his pimp. Plus, c'mon. A Macbook Air? I know Charlie works in public broadcasting but can't he afford a pro?

We're Gonna Be Friends

2008-03-20T22:11:00.002-05:00

I was just going through some of my student projects and thought I would post this music video that I did last year (sorry, I compressed the hell out of it). It was a beautiful spring day in Wicker Park and we just came up with this idea on the fly. Easiest project ever. Makes me long for warm weather, shopping at Quimby's, drinks at Estelle's and hanging out with Jeremy and Erik. It's been too long, dudes!

A perfect frame

2008-03-19T12:01:00.005-05:00

I absolutely love this picture.

Jean-Claude Van Damme: The Movie

2008-03-18T11:17:00.005-05:00

This trailer is worth two minutes of your time. I swear.

Thoughts I had while viewing this trailer for the 1st time:
1. Omg, Jean-Claude Van Damme is totally self aware
2. He's a decent actor!
3. Excellent music choice, this trailer is really well done...
4. Aw, that little girl makes me sad
5. Bank robbery? Confused, but also intrigued.
6. I need to see this movie, like now.

Posted below is a full scene from JCVD, it's also excellent. And worth six minutes of your time. I swear.

Fact o' the Day

2008-03-18T10:07:00.003-05:00

Minimum number of homicides committed in the last full seasons of all 3 Law & Order shows: 83

Number of actual homicides committed last year in Manhattan: 69

*Via Harper's Magazine

iPod Shuffle: Top Ten Workout Songs

2008-03-17T14:30:00.005-05:00

So my friend Jamie is running the upcoming Chicago Marathon and recently she asked her facebook friends to help her find a new theme song for training. I thought long and hard about this. Katie Holmes said that Kanye West's Stronger got her through the NYC Marathon, so that song is forever ruined for me. But never fear, I have plenty of songs that get my heart rate up and get me through a workout. Here are my top ten, in no particular order:

Mos Def - Ghetto Rock
Mos Def's "The New Danger" is one of my top ten favorite albums. It's practically criminal to listen to it via iPod headphones, I like to blare it through our Usher speakers or open-air Grado headphones. But, "Ghetto Rock" is such a badass song, I had to include it.

The Gossip - Standing in the Way of Control
Beth Ditto. My hero.

Beck - E-Pro

Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Phenomena

The Strokes- Juicebox

N.E.R.D. - Don't Worry About It

Madonna - Die Another Day
I have always liked Madonna's music--"Vogue", "Material Girl" and "Holiday" are all great songs. But I love, LOVE the scary, middle-aged, pilates master, I'll kick your ass Madonna of today. "Hung Up", "Music" and "Hollywood" were also contenders for this spot.

Beastie Boys- Sabotage

Rage Against the Machine - Bombtrack

Lily Allen - Knock 'Em Out

There they are, my favorite workout songs. Questions? Comments? What are your favs?

The Return of Jezebel James

2008-03-14T14:52:00.004-05:00

The Return of Jezebel James premieres tonight on Fox and the reviews are in. Everyone wants to love this show, but they just can't. Amy Sherman-Palladino + Parker Posey seems like an obvious recipe for success, but it falls flat. I wonder if Fox is to blame? They pulled their usual tricks and scheduled it for Friday nights at 8/7c, so it's bound to be canceled. Oh well, I'll give it a shot and let you know my thoughts. What else have I got to watch?

The perfect way to end your week...

2008-03-14T14:25:00.004-05:00

Oh. My. God. Watch it. Watch it now. Before the Scientologists take it down. Tom Cruise is...There are no words. I just gotta see that again...

Ok, now that I have watched it 3 more times, let me say this. That video of Tom Cruise fills me with so much...joy? Is this joy? Is my heart actually beating? My God, I feel so much lighter. I feel happier. I can stop wars and fart flowers. Am I a Scientologist now?

Link-O-Rama

2008-03-14T12:22:00.006-05:00

Happy Friday, bitches.

This is that thing that I do when I'm too lazy to write an actual post. Enjoy!

Here's the pitch: Jekyll and Hyde meets the Bourne Identity. Starring...Christian Slater. NBC is this close to committing to the series. I'm thinking I should move out to L.A., I mean, I come up with this shit in my sleep. WTF?

The greatest thing I have read all week, perhaps all month:
David Caruso: "What should I do? I'm a grown man with red hair."

Not only did I watch Lost last night, but I have read ~~three~~ four recaps since then. TvSquad's recap is pretty informative. Best Week Ever's is the most amusing. Pop Candy has the best comments. And Entertainment Weekly's recap is the best. Wow...it's one o'clock. I have been reading Lost recaps all day. I have a million and one things on my to-do list. Help me?

Bring back Schadenfreude!

2008-03-13T19:54:00.004-05:00

I'm a huge fan of the Chicago comedy group Schadenfreude and I miss, miss, miss their weekly show on Chicago Public Radio. If you like these videos, check out their radio archives, the episode about a Wrigleyville frat boy's epic quest for Cubs tickets and his tan girlfriend is my favorite (and seems to be missing from the archives? I must investigate further...).

The Logic of Hillary '08

Regrets: Boxes

Grand Ole Party Tour Dates

2008-03-13T12:28:00.003-05:00

Thank God I'll be around for some Grand Ole Party action next month. Again, feel free to email/IM/comment if you are interested in joining. Unless, you know, you hate good music and good times. You effing tool.

Mar 13 2008 3:30P
SXSW -- FADER MAGAZINE @ The Fort Austin, Texas

Mar 14 2008 4:45P
SXSW -- LITTLE RADIO/NOISE POP @ Red Eye Fly Austin, Texas

Mar 15 2008 2:00P
SXSW -- BUST MAGAZINE @ Habana Annex Austin, Texas

Mar 15 2008 3:00P
SXSW -- MESS W/ TEXAS 2 @ Waterloo Park Austin, Texas

Mar 15 2008 8:00P
SXSW -- CAMEL Austin, Texas

Apr 2 2008 8:00P
HI-DIVE Denver, Colorado

Apr 3 2008 8:00P
SLOWDOWN JR. Omaha, Nebraska

Apr 4 2008 9:00P
REPLAY LOUNGE Lawrence, Kansas

Apr 5 2008 8:00P
RUTLEDGE Nashville, Tennessee

Apr 6 2008 8:00P
BOTTLETREE Birmingham, Alabama

Apr 7 2008 8:00P
VILLAGE TAVERN Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina

Apr 9 2008 8:00P
SATELITTE BALLROOM --all ages-- Charlottesville, Virginia

Apr 11 2008 8:00P
PARADISE w/ Rogue Wave Boston, Massachusetts

Apr 12 2008 8:00P
FILLMORE NY w/ Rogue Wave New York, New York

Apr 15 2008 8:00P
FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH w/ Rogue Wave Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Apr 16 2008 8:00P
9:30 CLUB w/ Rogue Wave DC, Washington DC

*Apr 18 2008 8:00P
SCHUBA’S w/ Rogue Wave Chicago, Illinois

*Apr 19 2008 3:00P
in-store @ PERMANENT RECORDS Chicago, Illinois

*Apr 19 2008 8:00P
SCHUBA’S w/ Rogue Wave Chicago, Illinois

Apr 20 2008 8:00P
GARGOYLE CLUB w/ Rogue Wave St. Louis, Missouri

Apr 22 2008 8:00P
FOX THEATRE w/ Rogue Wave Boulder, Colorado

Apr 24 2008 8:00P
RHYTHM ROOM w/ Rogue Wave Phoenix, Arizona

Apr 27 2008 12:00P
COACHELLA !! Indio, California

May 3 2008 8:00P
FILLMORE w/ Rogue Wave San Francisco, California

Rilo Kiley Tour Dates

2008-03-13T12:08:00.004-05:00

Bloody hell.

You know, I don't go to very many concerts. And I really only listen to one band, over and over and over...So why, oh why, does Rilo Kiley have to come to Chicago on the one and only DAMN day that I am busy in May?!

Living in Chicago, I have never had to travel elsewhere for my music but it looks like I will be headed off to New York or Cleveland for the show. Anyone want to join?

Apr 17: San Francisco, CA @ The Concourse at SF Design Center

Apr 19: Portland, OR @ Roseland Theatre

Apr 20: Seattle, WA @ Showbox Sodo

Apr 23: Santa Cruz, CA @ Rio Theatre

Apr 24: Pomona, CA @ Glass House

May 15: Alpine, CA @ Concerts In The Park

May 19: Denver, CO @ Ogden Theatre

May 20: Omaha, CA @ Slowdown

May 21: Omaha, CA @ Slowdown

May 22: Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue

May 23: Milwaukee, WI @ Pabst Theatre

May 24: Chicago, IL @ The Riviera Theatre

May 25: Royal Oak, MI @ Royal Oak Music Hall

May 26: Cleveland, OH @ House of Blues

May 28: Toronto, ON @ Phoenix Theatre

May 30: Worcester, MA @ The Palladium

May 31: Providence, RI @ Lupo’s Heartbreak Hotel

June 2: New York, NY @ Terminal 5

June 5: Philadelphia, PA @ Electric Factory

June 6: Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club

June 7: Baltimore, MD @ Rams Head Live

June 10: Norfolk, VA @ The NorVa

June 11: Ashville, NC @ The Orange Peel

June 12: Charleston, SC @ The Music Farm

June 15: Dallas, TX @ Palladium Ballroom

June 16: Austin, TX @ Stubb’s BBQ

Let's Do Stuff: Sound of Silent Film

2008-03-12T15:58:00.004-05:00

This event seems pretty cool. If anyone is interested in joining me, please do let me know!

Sound of Silent Film is a truly unique and entertaining evening featuring newly composed music for modern (yes, modern!) silent films performed live. The event is BYOB so relax with the beverage of your choice and enjoy the show.

This year's films are by Steve Bilich, Chris Hefner, Justin Heim, Hurt McDermott, BJ Moore and Drew Richardson.

Wednesday, March 26, 2008 7:30 PM
Chopin Theatre
1541 W. Division St., Chicago
773-278-1500
$10 online, $12 at the door

CTA Mystery Shoppers

2008-03-12T14:59:00.003-05:00

Hilarious.

Dead Like Me Trailer

2008-03-12T12:06:00.002-05:00

29 perfect episodes. That's all we have of Dead Like Me, a short-lived Showtime series that was cancelled back in 2004. The show ranks a solid #4 on my list of favorite television programs (a list of 21 shows that includes Lost, Buffy, Wonderfalls, Mary Tyler Moore, 30 Rock...). I was heartbroken when it was axed, even though I saw it coming. Bryan Fuller (Wonderfalls, Pushing Daisies) has a knack for creating quirky, high-concept dramadies...that just happen to be hard to market/explain to the average TV viewer.

Thankfully, Dead Like Me is currently in syndication over on the Sci-Fi network. And a series of direct to dvd films are in the works. The first one should be released sometime this summer (if anyone knows the exact date, please let me know). The trailer doesn't look too uhh...high budget. But I am pleased with one particular addition to the cast...Henry Ian Cusick. Oh hells yeah.

Things you might not know about Steve Guttenberg.

2008-03-12T10:27:00.003-05:00

Steve Guttenberg is writing a memoir. As. We. Speak.

Steve Guttenberg will (probably) win Dancing with the Stars this season.

There is a website full of Steve Guttenberg "facts." And by facts, I mean falsehoods, and by falsehoods I mean entertaining lies.

The Gutt will star in tonight's episode of Law and Order: Criminal Intent. Watch it!

Jerry O'Connell is awesome again.

2008-01-23T12:56:00.000-06:00

Again? Again, you say. Oh hell yeah. I was all about O'Connell back in the Stand By Me days and who didn't love Sliders? At least the first couple seasons. Jerry really took a turn when he starred in Tomcats, which lead to other stinkers like Kangaroo Jack. Oy. But, he has certainly won me back with this little spoof of Cruise's crazy Scientology vid from last week. If you haven't already seen it, please watch.

Shoot First. Sightsee later.

2008-01-23T11:58:00.000-06:00

I have some free passes for Colin Farrell's new movie In Bruges for this Friday at seven. Here's a review from the Chicago Tribune if you are interested in attending.

That's So River Phoenix...

2008-01-22T18:55:00.000-06:00

Sometime around 4 pm, central time, I received no less than 6 IM's, 3 text messages and 2 phone calls. A celebrity has died, must alert Lauren. Of course it wasn't just any celebrity. By now you know that it was Heath Ledger who passed away. Hell, I probably told half of you, but I still can't believe it myself.

Heath was one of my favorite actors, I have been a fan for a long time. Since Roar, motherfuckers. ROAR. I thought he looked like a cuter (and obviously older) version of a boy I had a crush on in middle school, that's what initially drew me to the show before its cancellation on Fox (surprise). But over time, my Heath crush faded and it grew into respect for his immense talent. He was often the best thing about a bad movie, i.e. A Knight's Tale (which I secretly love) and Lords of Dogtown. If you are a Heath fan and have not seen this movie, go out and rent it. The boy gives an Oscar-worthy performance in what is at best, a trashy 2-hour music video.

A lot of people were nervous about his upcoming role as the Joker in The Dark Knight, but I couldn't have been more pumped. I thought it was a perfect casting decision and now I'm nervous for what will be the final Heath Ledger performance. Heath was in the middle of shooting Terry Gilliam's latest movie The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus. Now, I am not sure if Heath finished his scenes but, this is a Terry Gilliam picture. And if you know anything about Terry Gilliam, you know that the dude is cursed. So my guess is no, Heath did not finish his scenes.

I was saddened to learn that Brad Renfro and Suzanne Pleshette recently passed but Heath is like a cold-water shock. I'm thinking this is how people must have felt when River Phoenix died in 1993 (I was only ten when River died, so he was never really on my radar as "present," River Phoenix has always been a sort of cautionary tale in my head, if that makes any sense). I feel really bad for Michelle and their baby, Matilda, and I hope the press & paps will actually respect their privacy for the time being. RIP, Heath.

Oscar Nominees and Predictions

2008-01-22T18:53:00.000-06:00

Wow. No surprises here. Wait, I lied. One surprise--why didn't director Joe Wright get a nomination for Atonement? Oh well, he's young. And methinks it's Joel and Ethan's year anyway. Shall we just move along with my predictions? I have about as much enthusiasum for this as a Tom Cruise has for boinking Katie Holmes. Yeah, that's all I got. I'm that uninspired.

Performance by an actor in a leading role
George Clooney in "Michael Clayton" (Warner Bros.)
Daniel Day-Lewis in "There Will Be Blood" (Paramount Vantage and Miramax)
Johnny Depp in "Sweeney Todd The Demon Barber of Fleet Street" (DreamWorks and Warner Bros., Distributed by DreamWorks/Paramount)
Tommy Lee Jones in "In the Valley of Elah" (Warner Independent)
Viggo Mortensen in "Eastern Promises" (Focus Features)

Musings: Is it just me, or is George Clooney overrated? Sure I like those Ocean movies and One Fine Day is the shit, but I just can't deal with his smugness. Whatevs. I think it will go to Daniel Day-Lewis but Viggo Mortensen could easily upset. It would be interesting if the vote was split between the two and Johnny Depp won.
Final Vedict: Daniel Day-Lewis.

Performance by an actor in a supporting role
Casey Affleck in "The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford" (Warner Bros.)
Javier Bardem in "No Country for Old Men" (Miramax and Paramount Vantage)
Philip Seymour Hoffman in "Charlie Wilson's War" (Universal)
Hal Holbrook in "Into the Wild" (Paramount Vantage and River Road Entertainment)
Tom Wilkinson in "Michael Clayton" (Warner Bros.)

Final Verdict:I would be shocked if Javier Bardem did not win. Final answer.

Performance by an actress in a leading role
Cate Blanchett in "Elizabeth: The Golden Age" (Universal)
Julie Christie in "Away from Her" (Lionsgate)
Marion Cotillard in "La Vie en Rose" (Picturehouse)
Laura Linney in "The Savages" (Fox Searchlight)
Ellen Page in "Juno" (Fox Searchlight)

Musings: It's anyone's game here. I read earlier today thate Cate Blanchett is the new Judy Dench and I think that is totally true. I love Cate Blanchett, but seriously, you don't have to nominate her every time she takes a crap in the street.
Final Verdict: Julie Christie. By the way, learn from my mistake, don't watch Away from Her with a bottle of red wine, you're just asking for trouble.

Performance by an actress in a supporting role
Cate Blanchett in "I'm Not There" (The Weinstein Company)
Ruby Dee in "American Gangster" (Universal)
Saoirse Ronan in "Atonement" (Focus Features)
Amy Ryan in "Gone Baby Gone" (Miramax)
Tilda Swinton in "Michael Clayton" (Warner Bros.)

Musings: The Oscars like to reward "newcomers," so this could be Amy Ryan's year. I hear she pulled out an amazing performance. The safe bet would be Cate Blanchett, however, since she is nominated for two damn awards but I would be surprised if Tilda Swinton walked away with it either. This is a hard one.
Final Verdict:Let's walk on the wild side and say Amy Ryan.

Best animated feature film of the year
"Persepolis" (Sony Pictures Classics): Marjane Satrapi and Vincent Paronnaud
"Ratatouille" (Walt Disney): Brad Bird
"Surf's Up" (Sony Pictures Releasing): Ash Brannon and Chris Buck

Musings: Ratatouille is adorable and certainly deserves a nom, but I think Persepolis should definitely win. Don't get me wrong, I know we all love Brad Bird, I mean the man can shit gold. But Persepolis is actually taking animation in a different direction, a more adult direction and I like that. Read the graphic novel if this film isn't playing in your town.
Final Verdict: Persepolis.

Achievement in art direction
"American Gangster" (Universal): Art Direction: Arthur Max; Set Decoration: Beth A. Rubino
"Atonement" (Focus Features): Art Direction: Sarah Greenwood; Set Decoration: Katie Spencer
"The Golden Compass" (New Line in association with Ingenious Film Partners): Art Direction: Dennis Gassner; Set Decoration: Anna Pinnock
"Sweeney Todd The Demon Barber of Fleet Street" (DreamWorks and Warner Bros., Distributed by DreamWorks/Paramount): Art Direction: Dante Ferretti; Set Decoration: Francesca Lo Schiavo
"There Will Be Blood" (Paramount Vantage and Miramax): Art Direction: Jack Fisk; Set Decoration: Jim Erickson

Musings: I's pretty shocked that Across the Universe didn't make the cut, the art direction seemed to be the only redeeming factor. And seriously, American Gangster? Random.
Final Verdict: Sweeney Todd.

Achievement in cinematography
"The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford" (Warner Bros.): Roger Deakins
"Atonement" (Focus Features): Seamus McGarvey
"The Diving Bell and the Butterfly" (Miramax/Pathé Renn): Janusz Kaminski
"No Country for Old Men" (Miramax and Paramount Vantage): Roger Deakins
"There Will Be Blood" (Paramount Vantage and Miramax): Robert Elswit

Musings: Pretty tough category, Atonement is absolutely gorgeous. I'd say it would be hard to beat, but There Will Be Blood looks beautiful as well.
Final Verdict: Atonement.

Achievement in costume design
"Across the Universe" (Sony Pictures Releasing) Albert Wolsky
"Atonement" (Focus Features) Jacqueline Durran
"Elizabeth: The Golden Age" (Universal) Alexandra Byrne
"La Vie en Rose" (Picturehouse) Marit Allen
"Sweeney Todd The Demon Barber of Fleet Street" (DreamWorks and Warner Bros., Distributed by DreamWorks/Paramount) Colleen Atwood

Musings: Uhm...meh?
Final Verdict: Uhh...Sweeney Todd?

Achievement in directing
"The Diving Bell and the Butterfly" (Miramax/Pathé Renn), Julian Schnabel
"Juno" (Fox Searchlight), Jason Reitman
"Michael Clayton" (Warner Bros.), Tony Gilroy
"No Country for Old Men" (Miramax and Paramount Vantage), Joel Coen and Ethan Coen
"There Will Be Blood" (Paramount Vantage and Miramax), Paul Thomas Anderson

Musings: I am so happy for Jason Reitman, I know there is no chance in hell of him winning but this should help him get more projects greenlit. I think this is going to come down to the Coen brothers vs. Julian Schnabel.
Final Verdict:Coen brothers.

Best documentary feature
"No End in Sight" (Magnolia Pictures) A Representational Pictures Production: Charles Ferguson and Audrey Marrs
"Operation Homecoming: Writing the Wartime Experience" (The Documentary Group) A Documentary Group Production: Richard E. Robbins
"Sicko" (Lionsgate and The Weinstein Company) A Dog Eat Dog Films Production: Michael Moore and Meghan O'Hara
"Taxi to the Dark Side" (THINKFilm) An X-Ray Production: Alex Gibney and Eva Orner
"War/Dance" (THINKFilm) A Shine Global and Fine Films Production: Andrea Nix Fine and Sean Fine

Musings: I love documentaries but...I have not managed to see a single one of these films. So, uhm, no clue. Anyone have any thoughts? Anyone? Bueller?
Final Verdict: No End in Sight for no particular reason.

Best documentary short subject
"Freeheld" A Lieutenant Films Production: Cynthia Wade and Vanessa Roth
"La Corona (The Crown)" A Runaway Films and Vega Films Production: Amanda Micheli and Isabel Vega
"Salim Baba" A Ropa Vieja Films and Paradox Smoke Production: Tim Sternberg and Francisco Bello
"Sari's Mother" (Cinema Guild) A Daylight Factory Production: James Longley

Got nothing.

Achievement in film editing
"The Bourne Ultimatum" (Universal): Christopher Rouse
"The Diving Bell and the Butterfly" (Miramax/Pathé Renn): Juliette Welfling
"Into the Wild" (Paramount Vantage and River Road Entertainment): Jay Cassidy
"No Country for Old Men" (Miramax and Paramount Vantage) Roderick Jaynes
"There Will Be Blood" (Paramount Vantage and Miramax): Dylan Tichenor

Musings: Finally a category I can get down with. The Bourne Ultimatum, without a doubt. I could explain why but, that might be boring for you. So just trust me.
Final Verdict: Bourne.

Best foreign language film of the year
"Beaufort" Israel
"The Counterfeiters" Austria
"Katyn" Poland
"Mongol" Kazakhstan
"12" Russia

Musings: I'm sad that I haven't seen any of these films. This category kind of sucks because the films actually do have to be in a foreign language, so a film like Once is not eligible for competition.
Final Verdict: Meh.

Achievement in makeup
"La Vie en Rose" (Picturehouse) Didier Lavergne and Jan Archibald
"Norbit" (DreamWorks, Distributed by Paramount): Rick Baker and Kazuhiro Tsuji
"Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" (Walt Disney): Ve Neill and Martin Samuel

Musings: Norbit? Oh God, why did they do that? Seriously guys...
Final Verdict: Pirates.

Achievement in music written for motion pictures (Original score)
"Atonement" (Focus Features) Dario Marianelli
"The Kite Runner" (DreamWorks, Sidney Kimmel Entertainment and Participant Productions, Distributed by Paramount Classics): Alberto Iglesias
"Michael Clayton" (Warner Bros.) James Newton Howard
"Ratatouille" (Walt Disney) Michael Giacchino
"3:10 to Yuma" (Lionsgate) Marco Beltrami

Final Verdict: Let's cut to the chase, Atonement.

Achievement in music written for motion pictures (Original song)
"Falling Slowly" from "Once" (Fox Searchlight) Music and Lyric by Glen Hansard and: Marketa Irglova
"Happy Working Song" from "Enchanted" (Walt Disney): Music by Alan Menken; Lyric by Stephen Schwartz
"Raise It Up" from "August Rush" (Warner Bros.): Nominees to be determined
"So Close" from "Enchanted" (Walt Disney): Music by Alan Menken; Lyric by Stephen Schwartz
"That's How You Know" from "Enchanted" (Walt Disney): Music by Alan Menken; Lyric by Stephen Schwartz

Musings: I gotta see this Enchanted, people cannot stop talking about it.
Final Verdict:Once

Best motion picture of the year
"Atonement" (Focus Features) A Working Title Production: Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner and Paul Webster, Producers
"Juno" (Fox Searchlight) A Dancing Elk Pictures, LLC Production: Lianne Halfon, Mason Novick and Russell Smith, Producers
"Michael Clayton" (Warner Bros.) A Clayton Productions, LLC Production: Sydney Pollack, Jennifer Fox and Kerry Orent, Producers
"No Country for Old Men" (Miramax and Paramount Vantage) A Scott Rudin/Mike Zoss Production: Scott Rudin, Ethan Coen and Joel Coen, Producers
"There Will Be Blood" (Paramount Vantage and Miramax) A JoAnne Sellar/Ghoulardi Film Company Production: JoAnne Sellar, Paul Thomas Anderson and Daniel Lupi, Producers

Musings: This is hard, I sort of...don't care? I dunno, they are all such different movies and pitting them against each other is hard. No Country and Atonement have an equal shot. Way to go Juno for the nom.
Final Verdict: No Country for Old Men.

I haven't seen any of the shorts yet, but I will very soon whenever the Music Box or Gene Siskel runs them back to back. I hope some of you kids will tag along!

Best animated short film
"I Met the Walrus" A Kids & Explosions Production: Josh Raskin
"Madame Tutli-Putli" (National Film Board of Canada) A National Film Board of Canada Production Chris Lavis and Maciek Szczerbowski "Même Les Pigeons Vont au Paradis (Even Pigeons Go to Heaven)" (Premium Films) A BUF Compagnie Production Samuel Tourneux and Simon Vanesse
"My Love (Moya Lyubov)" (Channel One Russia) A Dago-Film Studio, Channel One Russia and Dentsu Tec Production Alexander Petrov
"Peter & the Wolf" (BreakThru Films) A BreakThru Films/Se-ma-for Studios Production Suzie Templeton and Hugh Welchman

Best live action short film
"At Night" A Zentropa Entertainments 10 Production: Christian E. Christiansen and Louise Vesth
"Il Supplente (The Substitute)" (Sky Cinema Italia) A Frame by Frame Italia Production: Andrea Jublin
"Le Mozart des Pickpockets (The Mozart of Pickpockets)" (Premium Films) A Karé Production: Philippe Pollet-Villard
"Tanghi Argentini" (Premium Films) An Another Dimension of an Idea Production: Guido Thys and Anja Daelemans
"The Tonto Woman" A Knucklehead, Little Mo and Rose Hackney Barber Production: Daniel Barber and Matthew Brown

Achievement in sound editing
"The Bourne Ultimatum" (Universal): Karen Baker Landers and Per Hallberg
"No Country for Old Men" (Miramax and Paramount Vantage): Skip Lievsay
"Ratatouille" (Walt Disney): Randy Thom and Michael Silvers
"There Will Be Blood" (Paramount Vantage and Miramax): Matthew Wood
"Transformers" (DreamWorks and Paramount in association with Hasbro): Ethan Van der Ryn and Mike Hopkins

Final Verdict: Transformers. Yeah. That's right. I read some stuff about the poor sound editors on this film, they deserve it.

Achievement in sound mixing
"The Bourne Ultimatum" (Universal) Scott Millan, David Parker and Kirk Francis
"No Country for Old Men" (Miramax and Paramount Vantage): Skip Lievsay, Craig Berkey, Greg Orloff and Peter Kurland
"Ratatouille" (Walt Disney): Randy Thom, Michael Semanick and Doc Kane
"3:10 to Yuma" (Lionsgate): Paul Massey, David Giammarco and Jim Stuebe
"Transformers" (DreamWorks and Paramount in association with Hasbro): Kevin O'Connell, Greg P. Russell and Peter J. Devlin

Achievement in visual effects
"The Golden Compass" (New Line in association with Ingenious Film Partners): Michael Fink, Bill Westenhofer, Ben Morris and Trevor Wood
"Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" (Walt Disney): John Knoll, Hal Hickel, Charles Gibson and John Frazier
"Transformers" (DreamWorks and Paramount in association with Hasbro): Scott Farrar, Scott Benza, Russell Earl and John Frazier

Adapted screenplay
"Atonement" (Focus Features), Screenplay by Christopher Hampton
"Away from Her" (Lionsgate), Written by Sarah Polley
"The Diving Bell and the Butterfly" (Miramax/Pathé Renn), Screenplay by Ronald Harwood
"No Country for Old Men" (Miramax and Paramount Vantage), Written for the screen by Joel Coen & Ethan Coen
"There Will Be Blood" (Paramount Vantage and Miramax), Written for the screen by Paul Thomas Anderson

Musings:Away from Her or No Country.
Final Verdict: Away from Her.

Original screenplay
"Juno" (Fox Searchlight), Written by Diablo Cody
"Lars and the Real Girl" (MGM), Written by Nancy Oliver
"Michael Clayton" (Warner Bros.), Written by Tony Gilroy
"Ratatouille" (Walt Disney), Screenplay by Brad Bird; Story by Jan Pinkava, Jim Capobianco, Brad Bird
"The Savages" (Fox Searchlight), Written by Tamara Jenkins

Musings: Ohhh, tough. The toughest category. I'm sort of hoping Lars and The Real Girl will win. But I am fine with Juno or The Savages. Tough.
Final Verdict: Believe the hype, Juno.

Aw, D-Lynch is so cute.

2008-01-12T15:05:00.000-06:00
David Lynch on the iPhone...pretty much what you'd expect.

Also, a friend sent me this excellent D-Lynch spoof from Youtube. Enjoy.

Law and Order.

2008-01-09T13:19:00.000-06:00
If you are a Law & Order: SVU/CI fanatic (like myself), you will appreciate the latest strike video entitled Murder Unscripted. If you're not, don't worry, you still might laugh anyway.
value="http://www.youtube.com/v/u_igKSYspPs&rel=1">
Speaking of Law & Order, did anyone happen to catch SVU last night? Completely. Insane. This season has been such a treat (seriously). Every week the promo promises "THE MOST SHOCKING S.V.U...EVER!" and every week, God help me, they actually deliver on that promise. Real quick, let me just take this opportunity to send out my love to whoever comes up with these promos (my absolute favorite--"Next week on SVU, watch as Detective Stabler...goes...BLIND!" cue Stabler screaming Rambo-style).

Anyway, I had a few thoughts last night while watching SVU and I'm too lazy to put them in real sentences and paragraphs. So, how about in list form?

1) Where is Stabler?
2) Does anyone else hate that stack of tv's and computer monitors that are sitting right in the middle of the police station? It looks like the NBC5 Hi-Def Doppler Weather Center up in here. Is it gonna rain tomorrow, Benson?
3) Wow, check it out, it's Erika Christensen guest starring. Remember when we all got her confused with Julia Stiles and then no one cared? Yeah...
4) The director of photography had some serious Edward Hopper, Nighthawks inspired lighting going on.
5) Where the fuck is Stabler?!
6) Is it the bad acting, bad directing or a strange mix of edits that is causing Erika Christensen to dramatically respond to questions that aren't even being asked? Did they drop a line? What the hell is going on?
7) B.D. Wong is more intense than usual...
8) More Casey, please!
9) Well, the writer was certainly inspired by those Saw movies...
10) Note to SVU producers, uhm, stop trying to push this new guy on us. He's doing a bad D'fro (Vincent D'Onofrio) impression and eating into the Ice T, Munch, Stabler screentime. Thanks.

Critics' Choice Award Winners

2008-01-08T11:14:00.001-06:00
Last night, the red carpet was rolled out for the first (and possibly last) time this awards season at the Critics' Choice Awards. In case you're not up to speed, the Golden Globes have officially been cancelled because of the writers strike...well, not cancelled cancelled. Let me clarify. The self-congratulatory champagne celebration is off but the winners will be announced in a very unsexy hourlong press conference this Sunday. The Oscars may suffer the same fate.

Without further ado, here are the CCA winners.

BEST PICTURE:
* No Country for Old Men
American Gangster
Atonement
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
Into the Wild
Juno
The Kite Runner
Michael Clayton
Sweeney Todd
There Will Be Blood

BEST ACTOR:
* Daniel Day-Lewis - There Will Be Blood
George Clooney - Michael Clayton
Johnny Depp - Sweeney Todd
Ryan Gosling - Lars and the Real Girl
Emile Hirsch - Into the Wild
Viggo Mortensen - Eastern Promises

BEST ACTRESS:
* Julie Christie - Away From Her
Amy Adams - Enchanted
Cate Blanchett - Elizabeth: The Golden Age
Marion Cotillard - La Vie en Rose
Angelina Jolie - A Mighty Heart
Ellen Page - Juno

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR:
* Javier Bardem - No Country for Old Men
Casey Affleck - The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford
Philip Seymour Hoffman - Charlie Wilson's War
Hal Holbrook - Into the Wild
Tom Wilkinson - Michael Clayton

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS:
* Amy Ryan - Gone Baby Gone
Cate Blanchett - I'm Not There
Catherine Keener - Into the Wild
Vanessa Redgrave - Atonement
Tilda Swinton - Michael Clayton

BEST ACTING ENSEMBLE:
* Hairspray
Juno
No Country for Old Men
Sweeney Todd
Gone Baby Gone
Before the Devil Knows You are Dead

BEST DIRECTOR:
* Joel Coen and Ethan Coen - No Country for Old Men
Tim Burton - Sweeney Todd
Sidney Lumet - Before the Devil Knows You are Dead
Sean Penn - Into the Wild
Julian Schnabel - The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
Joe Wright - Atonement

BEST WRITER:
* Diablo Cody - Juno
Joel Coen and Ethan Coen - No Country for Old Men
Tony Gilroy - Michael Clayton
Nancy Oliver - Lars and the Real Girl
Sean Penn - Into the Wild
Aaron Sorkin - Charlie Wilson's War

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE:
* Ratatouille
Bee Movie
Beowulf
Persepolis
The Simpsons Movie

BEST YOUNG ACTOR:
* Ahmad Khan Mahmoodzada - The Kite Runner
Michael Cera - Juno
Michael Cera - Superbad
Freddie Highmore - August Rush
Edward Sanders - Sweeney Todd

BEST YOUNG ACTRESS:
* Nikki Blonsky - Hairspray
Dakota Blue Richards - The Golden Compass
AnnaSophia Robb - Bridge to Terabithia
Saoirse Ronan - Atonement

BEST COMEDY MOVIE:
* Juno
Dan in Real Life
Hairspray
Knocked Up
Superbad

BEST FAMILY FILM (LIVE ACTION):
* Enchanted
August Rush
The Golden Compass
Hairspray
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

BEST PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION:
* Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee
The Company
Tin Man
The War

BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM:
* The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
4 Months, 3 Weeks, and 2 Days
La Vie en Rose
Lust, Caution
The Orphanage

BEST SONG:
* Falling Slowly - Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova - Once
Come So Far - Queen Latifah, Nikki Blonsky, Zac Efron, Elijah Kelley - Hairspray
Do You Feel Me - Anthony Hamilton - American Gangster
Guaranteed - Eddie Vedder - Into the Wild
That's How You Know - Amy Adams - Enchanted

BEST COMPOSER:
* Jonny Greenwood - There Will Be Blood
Marco Beltrami - 3:10 to Yuma
Alexandre Desplat - Lust, Caution
Clint Eastwood - Grace Is Gone
Dario Marianelli - Atonement
Alan Menken - Enchanted

BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE:
* Sicko
Darfur Now
In the Shadow of the Moon
The King of Kong
No End In Sight
Sharkwater

Not too many surprises there. I was happy that Once got best song and I hope that it gets a nomination for best foreign film when the Oscars noms are announced on January 22nd. I know it's a longshot, but Steven Spielberg really loved that film and he basically owns the academy, right?

Michel Gondry in Chicago tonight!

2008-01-08T10:21:00.000-06:00
Got this in my inbox this weekend, if you are in town, I suggest you check it out!

Director Michel Gondry will be discussing his new film, Be Kind Rewind at Apple Stores in San Francisco, Chicago, and New York City as indieWIRE continues its ongoing independent filmmakers' series with Apple

WHEN: Tuesday, January 8, 2008

7:00pm - 8:00pm

WHERE: Apple Store, 679 North Michigan Ave., Chicago

Filmmaker Michel Gondry will participate in a discussion moderated by Time Out Chicago's Ben Kenigsberg. He will also show scenes from his latest film, Be Kind Rewind. The film stars Jack Black as a man who unintentionally erases every tape in his friend's (Mos Def) video store when his body accidentally becomes magnetized. The pair set out to remake the lost films, including Back To The Future and The Lion King.

This event is free and open to the public. Seating is available on a first come, first served basis.

If you haven't watched this yet...

2008-01-04T16:22:00.000-06:00
Do it now!

Ten things that made 2007 bearable...

2008-01-04T12:01:00.001-06:00
Ok, I'm being a little dramatic. I tend to do that. Just ask my Mother. She'll probably tell you about the time I locked myself in my bedroom with a bottle of Flintstone's vitamins and threatened to O.D. Liz Taylor-style (I used those words too). Yeah, I was seven. Anyway, here's a little list of some of the things that I discovered in 2007 that made my life a little easier/better. It's sorta like Oprah's favorite things...but not.

Jezebel. My new favorite blog of all time. If you have some free time, go through the Crap E-mail from a Dude archive. You won't be disappointed.

30 Rock. Ok, this show did come out in 2006, but I just got the dvd's for Christmas and I love it, love it, love it even more. Tina Fey is the new Mary Tyler Moore. There, I said it.

Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Season 8 Comics. If you're already a hardcore Buffy fan (like myself), you probably already know how great these books are and you don't need me to sell them to you.

NPR/PRI Podcasts. Oh, how did I live before NPR came into my life? (Oh, and before you ask, I will proudly tell you that I'm a member, wanna see my card?) My favorites include: This American Life (of course), Studio 360, Radio Lab, and Wait, Wait...Don't Tell Me.

Blind Box Ninja Toys. What is there to say besides adorable and awesome? Must. Buy. More.

Jason Reitman:producer, director and all around decent human being (I was sold after hearing his interview on Fresh Air). Reitman's name may sound familiar to you as he is the son of director Ivan Reitman (Ghostbusters, Stripes) and his latest movie, Juno, has received rave reviews and then backlash for receiving said reviews. For the record, I liked it. I also like Reitman's mission statement which is, "to produce small subversive comedy that is independent but accessible."

Rilo Kiley's New Album. Yeah, a no brainer here. This is my favorite band and (surprise!) I loved their new album Under the Blacklight. Although, I still say their 2002 release, The Execution of All Things, is the soundtrack of my life.

Super 8 Film. 2007 marks the year that I officially went from digital to analog. And it was fun. Fun and expensive. There's a lovely little internet community of Super 8 filmmakers on the internet, you can view their films at Straight 8.net, I will be submitting my next short.

The Daily Puppy. A new, cute puppy everyday? Yes, please. Gotta love this internet thingy.

Ireland. Yep, Ireland. The whole country. I went this year, and I have to say it was the best vacation of my life. Besides doing the normal touristy stuff (Trinity College, drinking Guinness) I also watched a lot of Irish television. It was grand. Especially since they love Buffy, X-Files and Top Model. It was on every time I turned on the telly. Score!

Whoa, I have a blog!

2008-01-04T10:15:00.000-06:00
I've been a little out of control lately. I have too many thoughts floating up in this ridiculous head of mine and when I stop writing them down, they exit in the strangest ways. So today, I offer my apologies to the friends who have been on the receiving end of my intense (pop-culture inspired) verbal rants, text messages, emails and phone calls. Various topics have included Conan's beard, Sitcom set design, Why hasn't Betty White been aging?, Lee Pace is the like, so hawt, Blackout is the best thing Britney Spears has ever done, I hate Sofia Coppola. No, wait, I love Sofia Coppola. I'm obsessed with the Dark Knight trailer, Booze Cruise is my favorite episode of The Office ever, Tina Fey is writing 30 Rock especially for me.

Apparently, I need this blog. It's therapeutic. Enjoy my rants (if you're still reading).

Thought of the Day.

2007-07-30T18:04:00.000-05:00
I am pretty sure Samuel L. Jackson never turns down a script. It's first come, first serve. He might read the logline, or have an assistant give him the rundown--but he doesn't read his part, that's for sure. No matter how big or small, he'll do the role if 1) it's paid and 2) it fits into his schedule. Sam Jackson is a busy man. He's also a gifted actor. I have a feeling when he shows up on set and it's all improv from there.

Anyone who has seen 1408 will understand what I mean.

Tom Cruise booty shakes; America still divided on sexuality.

2007-07-26T10:39:00.000-05:00

Usually the comment section of the US Weekly blog is much more interesting and informative than the articles themselves. Any time they write about Tom Cruise, the comments manage to get downright bizarre, the blurb about Kate and Tom's party for the Beckham's was no exception. This pic was the spark that ignited a fire of ridiculous comments, the majority of which, I believe are posted by his fans (see: employees/scientologists), as they are known to search the internet for negative material and refute it with statements like:

"Tom & Katie are such a beautiful couple, their daughter is adorable and tabloids and people are really cruel towards this family! Katie looks sincerely happy and has really bloomed since she met Tom Cruise."

"I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THESE TWO AND THINK ANYONE WHO SPEWS HATE ABOUT THEM OR THEIR BEAUTIFUL BABY IS JUST JEALOUS OF THEM AND FEEL MAYBE A BIT INFERIOR OR EVEN A LOT INFERIOR. IT'S PRETTY OBVIOUS."

I myself have been on the receiving end of comments and email from "fans" of TomKat. I am not sure I wanna get into that right now, BUT, I would like to post some more of these odd comments from the mag blog.

Katie is controlling, I always say that, working for an agency related with TMZ (I don't like them though), she is manipulating Tom, if she doesn't get her Ferrari and the private jet, she is doing sad face in public,that she can use the media who are also manipulated by the 'poor little 30 years old girl' holmes, and they say 'poor katie', she is so sad because of Tom, just like Us Weekly did. Stupid. She is a pain in the ass. Tom is nice though, everyone say that. He's HOT too, I also wet now. ;)

Their sexiness is off the charts. My goodness Katie is so hot. They should pass a law by Congress to dress up like her.

For one, it looks like they're in a conference room. How much did they spend on this party again? I'm thinking Hubbard monuments got some nice flower arrangements recently. Two, I'm guessing he is waiting for the completion of the super power building to really receive his OT8 level powers, because, damn, if I have powers such as they get then I'd be using them to not be covered in so much sweat it looks like I was just part of a wet t shirt contest. Three, I'm guessing that's the only position they really get into- her face looking away and the focus on her butt.

Hot Links

2007-07-20T14:47:00.000-05:00
Wow...wow...I love the internet. What else can I say? I have been rendered speechless by the most hilarious form of inmate therapy (?) in the world. Thriller brings everyone together.

These photos of Britney on the set of her new music videos are insane. The idea of a new Britney Spears video is absolutely insane, I thought that was a joke. Who is financing this? I demand to know.

These photoshopped pics on Planet Hiltron, however, are awesome. There is one of Ann Coulter on the website, but I couldn't bring myself to post it here, it would haunt my dreams. Beware.

Seth Rogen (Knocked Up, Superbad) is writing and possibly starring in The Green Hornet movie. Random move, but ok...I will go with it for now.

And finally, The State is coming to DVD!

Emmy Rant

2007-07-20T14:26:00.000-05:00
By now, I am sure you know that the Emmy nominations were announced yesterday morning. And I bet you have peeked at the list of noms to see if your favorite television shows made the cut (if you haven’t, don’t feel bad—I am sure you were just off having a life). Most of mine got on there one way or another. As usual, I am feeling a mix of satisfaction and displeasure at an academy that honors mediocrity most of the time, but has gotten a few things very, very right.

Every year I usually breakdown the list and predict the winners in the major categories. This year, I think I will change that up a bit. Mostly because my blood pressure is way up and I can’t already feel my chest tighten up over the fact that This American Life was not nominated for an Outstanding Nonfiction Programming award, yet Biography, Inside the Actors Studio and Deadliest Catch were (Sidebar: I used to enjoy Inside the Actors Studio and still watch it, but wtf? It’s such a joke now, who could take it seriously after James Lipton called Ben Affleck “revolutionary” or "visionary," either way--gawd. Sidebar part deux: Planet Earth was also nominated in this category and it totally deserves to win). Thankfully, TAL was nominated for three Emmy’s, including Cinematography, Directing and Writing.

Anyway—see? Look how crazy that made me. Why don’t I just go over some of the things that made me happy and talk about some of the more unusual categories that tend to get overlooked by entertainment writers.

Outstanding Directing For A Drama Series
Battlestar Galactica • Exodus, Part 2 • Sci Fi Channel • R+D TV in association with NBC Universal Television Studio
Felix Alcala, Director

Boston Legal • Son of the Defender • ABC • David E. Kelley Productions in association with Twentieth Century Fox Television
Bill D’Elia, Director

Friday Night Lights • Pilot • NBC • Imagine Television, Film 44 in association with NBC Universal Television Studio
Peter Berg, Director

Heroes • Genesis • NBC • Tailwind Productions in association with NBC Universal Television Studio
David Semel, Director

Lost • Through the Looking Glass • ABC • ABC Studios
Jack Bender, Director

The Sopranos • Kennedy And Heidi • HBO • Chase Films and Brad Grey Television in association with HBO Entertainment
Alan Taylor, Director

Studio 60 On The Sunset Strip • Pilot • NBC • Shoe Money Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television
Thomas Schlamme, Director

In my opinion, Battlestar, Lost and Heroes have some of the best directing in the business. I hear great things about Friday Night Lights, which I plan to watch on DVD. I am thinking this will come down to Heroes or Battlestar. Tough call.

Outstanding Original Music And Lyrics
Family Guy • Peter’s Two Dads – Song title: “My Drunken Irish Dad” • Fox • Fuzzy Door Productions in association with Fox TV Animation

MADtv • Episode 1209 – Song title: “Merry Ex-Mas” • Fox • Girl Group Co.

Saturday Night Live • Host: Justin Timberlake – Song title: “Dick In A Box” • NBC • SNL Studios in association with NBC Studios and Broadway Video

Scrubs • My Musical – Song Title: “Everything Comes Down to Poo” • NBC • ABC Studios

Scrubs • My Musical – Song Title: “Guy Love” • NBC • ABC Studios

Wow. Possibly one of the toughest categories in the whole game—do you vote for Everything Comes Down to Poo, My Drunken Irish Dad or the classic, Dick In a Box?

Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Drama Series

Boston Legal • ABC • David E. Kelley Productions in association with Twentieth Century Fox Television
William Shatner as Denny Crane

Grey’s Anatomy • ABC • ABC Studios
T.R. Knight as George

Heroes • NBC • Tailwind Productions in association with NBC Universal Television Studio
Masi Oka as Hiro Nakamura

Lost • ABC • ABC Studios
Michael Emerson as Ben

Lost • ABC • ABC Studios
Terry O’Quinn as John Locke

The Sopranos • HBO • Chase Films and Brad Grey Television in association with HBO Entertainment
Michael Imperioli as Christopher Moltisanti

This category scares me because I feel like it’s all up in the air. I think the academy will probably go with T.R. Knight to make some sort of statement to the gay community or Michael Imperioli since it was the last season of The Sopranos. They tend to work that way. Now, don’t get me wrong, I am not saying these guys aren’t decent performers (in fact I think they are perfect for their specific roles, but they truly are SUPPORTING characters. They are not exactly scene-stealers, when Patrick Dempsey is onscreen, I forget T.R. exists in the world).

Totally different story with every other actor in this category. Fuck that cheerleader, Masi Oka is the Heroes darling. I desperately wanted Jack to beat Michael Emerson’s character to death on Lost this year because he freaks me out/ frustrates me so much. Emerson plays the role perfectly, in fact, he’s so creepy I can’t quite separate the actor from the performance. William Shatner is…well, c’mon. The man is a legend, a visionary, a tour de force (I am imitating James Lipton now). Terry O’Quinn is badass. Bad. Ass. Love him or hate home, John Locke totally makes Lost. After three seasons, you’d think you could get a handle on this character (who has the biggest, baddest daddy issues in tv history), but O’Quinn manages to surprise me each week.

Outstanding Guest Actress In A Comedy Series

Desperate Housewives • ABC • ABC Studios
Dixie Carter as Gloria Hodge

Desperate Housewives • ABC • ABC Studios
Laurie Metcalf as Carolyn Bigsby

30 Rock • NBC • Broadway Video, Little Stranger, in association with NBC Universal Television Studio
Elaine Stritch as Colleen Donaghy

Ugly Betty • ABC • ABC Studios
Judith Light as Claire Meade

Ugly Betty • ABC • ABC Studios
Salma Hayek as Sofia Reyes

The only episode I have seen of Ugly Betty is the one where Salma Hayak takes her shirt off. Now, I don’t know if this was the same episode they submitted for consideration, but I think it had to be, because her breasts are spectacular.

Outstanding Writing For A Comedy Series

Extras • Daniel Radcliffe • HBO • BBC and HBO Entertainment
Ricky Gervais, Writer
Stephen Merchant, Writer

The Office • Gay Witch Hunt • NBC • Deedle-Dee Productions, Reveille, LLC, in association with NBC Universal Television Studio
Greg Daniels, Written by

The Office • The Negotiation • NBC • Deedle-Dee Productions, Reveille, LLC, in association with NBC Universal Television Studio
Michael Schur, Written by

30 Rock • Tracy Does Conan • NBC • Broadway Video, Little Stranger, in association with NBC Universal Television Studio
Tina Fey, Written by

30 Rock • Jack-Tor • NBC • Broadway Video, Little Stranger, in association with NBC Universal Television Studio
Robert Carlock, Written by

I am really proud of Ms. Fey, got herself quite a few noms. I think 30 Rock is the best sitcom on tv right now. Let the backfire begin…

>Outstanding Choreography

Dancing With The Stars • Episode 303A • ABC • BBC Worldwide Productions, LLC
Louis Van Amstel, Choreographer

So You Think You Can Dance • Ramalama (Bang Bang) • Fox • 19 TV Ltd and Dick Clark Productions, Inc.
Wade Robson, Choreographer

So You Think You Can Dance • Calling You • Fox • 19 TV Ltd and Dick Clark Productions, Inc.
Mia Michaels, Choreographer

Tony Bennett: An American Classic • NBC • RPM TV Productions, Inc.
Rob Marshall, Choreographer
John DeLuca, Choreographer

I never knew this category existed.

C'mon Chicago...

2007-07-18T15:40:00.000-05:00

Batman needs extras, like NOW. I submitted a headshot and application today. But I am wondering if they will even call me back since my application wasn't too spectacular. I put a scribble mark down next to weight. I don't really have any special skills (i.e. juggling, music, etc) and I am guessing my basic html or competent art skills don't apply here. I don't have a car, theater training, stage combat skills...honestly, I am pretty useless except for the fact that I have a flexible schedule.

Whatever, maybe I can make my feature film debut at pedestrian #84 in a scene with secondary characters (which would actually be awesome because even the supporting actors in this film are amazing--Eric Roberts, Gary Oldman, Aaron Eckhart, Morgan Freeman...the list goes on). Anyway, get on those apps you guys!

Casting Call!

2007-07-13T16:00:00.000-05:00
“Rory’s First Kiss”, a Warner Brothers Film directed by Christopher Nolan, starring Christian Bale and Gary Oldman, is looking for extras to play various roles. Casting all types; all ages, races, ethnicities. No acting experience necessary. Shooting in Chicago now through the end of August.
All positions are paid.

When: Saturday July 14th, 2007
Where: Chicago Academy For The Arts
1010 W. Chicago Ave
Chicago, IL 60622
Time: come anytime during the hours of
10AM to 3:30PM

And yes, I will be going down there to be an extra for Batman...ohhh, sorry "Rory's First Kiss."

Do you have 2 minutes for Beaker?

2007-07-13T14:05:00.000-05:00
I swear, if I had more time, I would sit around doing stuff like this all day.

Ok, who am I kidding? If I had The Muppet Show: Season 1, I would sit around doing stuff like this all day.

Hot Links: I read this stuff so you don't have to.

2007-07-13T13:17:00.000-05:00
Mandy Patinkin is missing from the set of Criminal Minds...Criminal Minds? Oh yeah, it was that show on CBS about...murderers and stuff...Maybe now he will be free to star in the Dead Like Me movie that I am oh-so excited about.

Perez Hilton's new tv series to premiere on VH1 in September. Suddenly, I am no longer mourning our canceled cable.

President Bush makes a little girl cry. Sigh, just another day on Capitol Hill.

RADAR Magazine's 50 Things You Should Never Say. My favorites include:

This is my favorite Creed song.

I actually make my own granola.

This old thing? Got it at Hot Topic.

Ferguson is my Darling.

2007-07-13T12:45:00.000-05:00
The XYZ Affair is now my favorite new band, this mostly stems from the fact that they put Michael Maronna (Pete & Pete), Danny Cooksey (Salute Your Shorts) and Jason Zimbler (Clarissa Explains it All) in their new video. Their music isn't terrible either...

Pop Couture lives!

2007-07-13T12:32:00.000-05:00
Ok, you know it's bad when your own Mother starts giving you shit for not blogging. So, I will tear myself away from The Tyra Show and re-commit myself to Pop Couture, right after this commercial break...

I have some good excuses for not blogging. Let me explain: last month I moved, finished my short film, threw a birthday party for John, and started interning at the Illinois Film Office. This month, I have turned 24, started online classes, went to a family reunion and threw another party for myself. I am a very busy girl, this week I haven't even had the chance to watch one primetime television show--it's criminal!

But now that I am taking online classes and surfing the web at all hours, I promise to start updating again...

Ask and you shall receive.

2007-05-07T10:15:00.000-05:00
A few months ago, I was complaining that nothing was happening in the world of celebutards, then Anna Nicole died. Last week, gossip was slow and I whined about it, but here I am overwhelmed with emails concerning Paris in jail and Lindsay's Sense of Snow (bad joke I know, but whatevs).

I know you all know that Paris is going to jail, I don't have anything clever to add to the whole story. TMZ seems to have up to the minute coverage of the whole situation, including how many pairs of panties Paris will be able to take with her. Just two, btw. Expect "Free Paris" t-shirts to be popular this month, which I find kind of amusing since Paris (the city) is rioting today against their new conservative administration, as well as the 40 hour work week.

This logo is pretty weak, anyone have any better ideas here? Send them to me at Pop Couture and we can make some super sweet tees.

Ok, and now for my fav news of the day, which no one seems to be reporting besides the beloved The Superficial, is that LiLo went on a massive cocaine binge after exiting rehab. Lohan went to rehab for alcohol, not drugs right? Coke isn't included in the Detox Special, you gotta drop an extra $500k for that.

There are a lot more screencaps of Lindsay skiing in the ladies room at The Superficial. Including a quote from a source close to the actress that details some of the men she has slept with, including Jude Law, James Blunt, Benicio Del Torro, James Franco and Jared Leto. Ew.

Although Lohan's official publicity rep has not released anything concerning this...incident (aka a regular tuesday night), Lindsay Lohan has reportedly told friends that the pics are "fake." Nice counter-strike.

Just a rant on how awesome Paul Rudd is...

2007-05-04T11:08:00.000-05:00

Last night I had a lengthy discussion on how Paul Rudd unexpectedly turned out to be one of the most interesting people in Hollywood. Remember when he starred in movies like Romeo and Juliet, Object of My Affection and Clueless, and we just had no idea funny he was? I couldn't quite figure him out. Then he turned up on Friends and was all...hot. That's when I really started paying attention to him.

Paul Rudd has the kind of talent/looks that Zach Braff would kill for. Rudd can pull off a serious role like Hunt in Diggers, but he is also a very skilled comedian (see: Wet Hot American Summer, Reno 911!, 40 Year Old Virgin). Whereas Braff, who could have the slapstick comedy market cornered if he weren't so concerned with his image, is never really quite believable in his angsty roles (see: The Last Kiss) because of his goofy charm.

Anyway, the point of this little post is that Paul Rudd has quickly moved up on my list of favorite actors. You all should check him out in Diggers, The Oh in Ohio and especially Knocked Up--which I can't wait to see. Also, hit up this NSFW clip of Paul Rudd and Michael Showalter channeling the Lily Tomlin/David O. Russell showdown with their brill comedic powers.

Signal Fire

2007-05-04T11:02:00.000-05:00
I haven't read too many flattering reviews of the new Spiderman movie, but everyone does seem to love the music video for the theme song by Snow Patrol. The song is MEH, but the video is so fucking adorable I had to post it.

Lazy Blogger

2007-05-03T23:54:00.000-05:00
I have really let the blog go lately, but I can explain. School this quarter has been kickin' my ass. And last week I went on vacation to Monterey, California and I didn't even take my computer. If was rough, but I got through it somehow. When I got back, I immediately read through my favorite 7 entertainment blogs and I really didn't find that much to report on, except:

-Gilmore Girls has been cancelled, although that was expected

-Danny DeVito is coming out with his own brand of limoncello

-A new My So-Called Life dvd box set is in the works.

-Dead Like Me is coming back as a tv movie.

-Lindsay Lohan says she would like to win an Oscar, because she's "like, a really serious actress." Sure, why not.

Anyway, here's a nice, relaxing pic from my vacation. Although it wasn't relaxing to drive over that bridge. No, it was downright scary.

This is all Burnsey

2007-05-01T17:10:00.000-05:00

Burnsey, a.k.a Hugh E. Rechtson, send 'round an e-mail earlier today stating his desire to start up a production company entitled "Daddy Made Toast." This name came from some interview with Alec Baldwin, where he said that he made toast for his daughter Ireland. Presumably because the "fat little piggy" shouldn't be eating french toast or donuts. Sidebar: Am I the onlyone that thinks that phone call wasn't that bad?

Anyway, I created this logo for Mr. Rechtson while I should have been doing homework.

You might not see me for awhile...

2007-04-04T11:11:00.000-05:00
I have just discovered AllofTV.net via my friend Greg, so I might not be available for awhile. Here you can watch new tv shows and old favorites for free! Yay for new episodes of America's Next Top Model and old episodes of Pete & Pete. But best of all, I can also watch some shows not available in the States, like Canada's critically acclaimed Little Mosque on the Prairie. Homework be damned!

I heart blind items.

2007-04-04T10:11:00.000-05:00
Here's todays blind item, a la Gatecrasher.

Which two famous-for-going-to-parties Hollywood female best friends recently stayed in a hotel together? The maid had to call the manager to ask if she should wipe up the cocaine, or clean around it.

A friend of mine was once a maid at the Chicago's Palmer House Hilton years ago, and she told me how she met Paris back in the day. Paris asked her if she could run some errands around the city for her, and made it well worth her time in generous tips. I wonder if Paris still tosses hundreds at the maids who gather up her stray lines of cocaine and neatly stash them into a baggie to leave on her pillow like an Andies mint. Not that this blind item was about Paris...

King Leonidas has some serious abs.

2007-03-23T16:54:00.000-05:00
I saw 300 last weekend and I must say, it wasn't half bad. Yes, the script is completely laughable and it's all a little ridiculous. But the angry suburban adolescent boy who lives in us all will appreciate the fine violence underscored by generic rock. The special effects are really what this movie is about, along with washboard abs. Lots of abs. The performances are not terrible either. I quite admire the lead actor Gerard Butler, he definitely delivers an interesting and (somehow) not over the top performance, which has gotta be difficult when you are standing in your Spartan skivvies and acting against a green screen.

Molly send me this 300 video earlier today and I love it! If this had been part of their marketing campaign I wouldn't have even hesitated to get my butt in the chair. You gotta play to all demographics...

TV Buzz: The Peacock Network

2007-03-13T12:05:00.000-05:00

Law & Order
Just in time for May sweeps, Law & Order: Criminal Intent will bring you their fictionalized version of the Anna Nicole Smith story (who called it?). ANS will be played by Kristy Swanson, also known as that figure skating, husband stealing tramp who played Buffy in the orginal film. I actually think it's an excellent choice. Best role she's had in years. There are also rumors swirling about that Jon Lovitz will be playing Howard K. Stern. (Thanks for the tip, Silas!)

I was surprised that see that the ANS story is going to Criminal Intent and not L&O: SVU or L&O: Le Original, especially since Criminal Intent is already tapped to do the Lisa Nowak ripoff (crazy astronaut diaper lady) story as well. But I guess CI really needs the ratings if they want to hold on for another season. After reading Variety this morning, I discovered that not only is CI on the brink of cancellation, but so is the mothership Law & Order, which is now in its 17th season. Variety speculates that both shows might be saved if a few of the higher paid actors are let go. WTF? They better not get rid of Sam Waterston.

One cast member that might be on his way out is Fred Dalton Thompson since he is contemplating a run for President. Thompson was actually a U.S. Senator before he began his stint on Law and Order as D.A. Arthur Branch and is a hardcore conservative: Pro-life, Anti-gun control, Pro-Iraq War, Anti-gay marriage and is totally in favor of pardoning Scooter Libby. Hhhmmm...I am going to go out on a limb and say that Thompson probably doesn't have a shot.

Remember, NBC has other shows that aren't part of the Law & Order family...

And if those shows are called Scrubs, then they aren't too fond of them. NBC is once again hemming and hawing over whether or not to pick up the ABC-TV produced comedy. If they do, ABC is reportedly prepared to spend $350,000 on Zach Braff per episode. Which is kind of a shame, since Braff's star isn't shining too brightly right now. The show is only picking up 6.9 million viewers per episode these days. Which, in my opinion, has more to do with NBC constantly shifting it about and less to do with the slumpy writing. Don't get me wrong, I love this show--I just think it's kind of in a rut right now. Moving to ABC (which is a possibility) might breathe new life into the show and give the network a much needed sitcom hit.

On the horizon...

For those of us who are shamefully addicted to Wife Swap and Nanny 911, a.k.a best method of birth control ever, here is another reality show idea brought to us by those wonderful Brits.

"NBC is bringing up "Baby Borrowers," a Blighty format in which teenage couples get the chance to experience firsthand the joys and pains of parenthood.

Produced by U.K.-based Love Prods., skein will follow the teens as they fast-forward through the various stages of parenthood, starting with gaining custody of a real baby. After caring for an infant for a few days, the couples, who will be living together for the first time, will then be forced to watch over a toddler, a pre-teen, a young teenager and even a senior citizen."

You can finish the article here on Variety.com, although I am already imagining most of you are rolling your eyes at the concept.

While I was checking out Variety's NBC Pilot Watch, I was shocked to see that Improv Everywhere is listed as a possible "Alternative Comedy" in development. I am a big fan of Improv Everywhere, I found out about them via This American Life, but I just don't think they are right for tv, especially NBC. NBC is just going to make them look like a flashy version of Candid Camera. Bad...bad...just bad.

Sidebar: Improv Everywhere will be featured on the This American Life tv episode "Reality Check." And that will be good...good...just good.

This American Life

2007-03-08T09:32:00.000-06:00

Last week I had the pleasure of seeing Ira Glass and This American Life Live at the Chicago Theater. This is certainly not the first time I have gone to see Ira, in fact I was stalking him pretty good back in '05. But this was definitely my best TAL experience and that's saying a lot. I remember when I first heard This American Life on WBEZ a few years ago and (nerd alert) it totally changed my life. I have always had trouble putting into words what exactly I want to do with my life. When I was little I wanted to be an artist, then a writer, then a filmmaker. But when I first heard TAL, I knew that that was what I wanted to do. I don't necessarily mean work for the radio show (although that would be lovely). I just mean, create something sweet, something interesting that will make people laugh and feel less alone. On a whole, I am not a huge fan of artist statements--but I think this is the closest I will ever get to one.

Anyway...At the show, Ira unveiled some scenes from the TAL television series and I must say, it looks amazing. It's just as good, if not better than the radio show. Oh yeah, I said it. I am expecting backlash from this, but just check it out first. You'll see it my way. The show premieres next weekend on Showtime, I am hoping they will also make it available for download on iTunes the way they do with Weeds. Or maybe, one of my bestest friends with Showtime will let me come over every Friday night? Hhhmmm?

A Call for Extras!

2007-03-08T00:19:00.000-06:00
OMG, remember Lori Petty? Tank Girl? A League of Their Own? I guess she is directing now and will be shooting in Chicago soon. I saw this call for extras up on Craigslist earlier today. Send in your submissions if you want to work with Kit. I mean Lori. Miss Petty if you're nasty.

Chicago Background Casting is searching for EXTRAS for the Feature Film "POKER HOUSE" which is scheduled to shoot in Chicago. "Poker House" is directed by Lori Petty (Point Break, A League of Their Own, & Tank Girl).

If you would like to be a featured extra on the silver screen, please send us a recent 4x6 snapshot of yourself and include the following information:
Name, D.O.B. Address, Phone Numbers, Height, Weight, Hair, Eyes, Nationality, List any and all special skills, Athletic experience and if you have done stand in work before. If yes, please list experience.
Sizes: MEN - Pants (Waiste & Inseam), Shirt (Neck & Size), Jacket size, hat size, shoe size. WOMEN - Dress, Hips, Pants, Waist, Shoe Size

*PLEASE SEND IN YOUR SUBMISSION ASAP AS CASTING IS IN PROCESS*

Your submissions may be sent to :
Chicago Background Casting
Attn: Becca Knights
1512 N. Fremont, Ste. 202
Chicago, IL 60622
312-202-0139 phone

"Every now and then I fall apart.."

2007-03-08T00:14:00.000-06:00

If I had a nickel for every time I saw some stupid, drunk chick perform Total Eclipse of the Heart at a karaoke bar, then...I would have twenty-five cents. Yeah...that's it, that's all I've got. Tara Reid must've killed some of my brain cell's too.

Material Girl: Things that have made me happy in 2007

2007-03-06T10:03:00.000-06:00
You know how people are always saying that you can't buy happiness? I am not too sure about that theory, maybe someone can give me access to an unlimited amount of funds and I can test it out. You know, in the name of science. Here are a few things that I have purchased with my limited amount of funds that have made me very happy. Check them out--perhaps they will bring you some joy as well.

I Know You're Out There: Private Longings, Public Humiliations, and Other Tales from the Personals

I could give you a brief synopsis of this book, but I think the title sums it up pretty well. Essays from this book, written by Michael Beaumier, have been featured on my beloved This American Life, so you know it's gonna be funny, sweet and sad all at the same time. One of the first stories comes from my favorite episode of TAL appropriately titled "Classifieds." Give it a listen, it's wonderful. And buy the book, it's a quick and delightful read. I promise you.

MacBook Pro. Two years ago, I purchased a sparkling white iBook. It was 12 inches of pure Mac Love. We went everywhere together--school, work, Starbucks. We wrote scripts and stole internet. I thought we would never part...until MacBook Pro came along. I was swayed with it's super editing capabilities and iLife. It truly is a lovely machine.

Season's 1&2 of Lost on DVD. Tv on DVD has always been a great love of mine. In fact, this is how I discovered most of my favorite television shows long after they had been cancelled (i.e. Wonderfalls, Coupling, Dead Like Me), so I was excited to find actually find something that is still on television that I can watch in real time. Only, watching Lost in real time is a total pain in the ass. The very definition of sloooooow burn. I wish I had paced myself on the first two seasons.

Wholphin, the DVD magazine entirely comprised of unseen short film. You can subscribe to Wholphin or purchase it at places like Quimby's. At the very least, check out their website, which is also chock full of unseen films. One of these days I am going to have the balls to submit something.

Starbuck's Java Chip Ice Cream. Mmmm. Yum.

I love a good t-shirt and my 2006 favorite "Sex, Drugs, Dungeons and Dragons" is starting to wear thin. This I STAR Chicago is a more than an adequate replacement.

MovieMaker Magazine. Somehow less pretentious than Filmmaker or Cineaste. I like reading this because there is not a drop of snark in this random and refreshingly boring(ish) rag. Not a stellar review, I know, but give it a try if you are actually interested in which cities offer the best tax incentives and film festivals that aren't Sundance.

Ex Machina by Brian K. Vaughan. I used to think of it as something to get me by until the next Y:The Last Man came out, but I must admit-it's a fucking fantastic comic. If you haven't read either, I suggest you do so before the movies come out. Even though they are to be penned by Brian K. Vaughan--I still fear for their transition from page to silver screen.

You know Daley's gonna win...

2007-02-27T10:59:00.000-06:00

Especially when he shows up to the polls lookin' like a straight up Chicago Gangsta. For those of you who do not live in Chicago, today is the day that Chicago re-elects Richard Daley, because...that's tradition? If (when) Daley wins his sixth term in office, it will make him the longest serving mayor in Chicago's history. I for one, hope that he wins because I love it when Daley gets flustered in press conferences. Hi-larity.

It's funny because I don't even remember Daley campaigning...I don't remember even seeing and ads for his opponents and I watch a lot of TV. Oh well, I just hope he makes his acceptance speech in that hat.

No surprises here...

2007-02-25T23:06:00.000-06:00
The Departed wins...meh.

Whoa, Diane Keaton looks hot. For once, she's not going to be on the worst dressed list.

The three amigos: Steven Spielberg, Francis Ford Coppola, George Lucas are all onstage. I think this means that Martin Scorsese
is going to win...I am right. He is no longer the Susan Lucci of directors.

Forest Whitaker wins. Leo has tears in his eyes.

Helen Mirren wins.

Live Oscar Blogging: Where am I?

2007-02-25T21:50:00.000-06:00
I totally lost track of time after I saw Celine Dion...in fact, I think I feel asleep. Did I miss anything? Not really.

Look how Hollywood loves Al Gore, especially Leo...

Eddie Murphy should be regretting Norbit right about now.

What were they thinking on the red carpet?

2007-02-25T21:18:00.002-06:00

Live Oscar Blogging: 98 mins in...

2007-02-25T20:46:00.000-06:00
Yay! Sherry Lansing is winning an award. I likes it when the female media moguls win.

Audible gasps at the realization that Tom Cruise is allowed to roam free in the streets. Audience is visibly nervous.

Oh Meryl Streep and her dark glasses...I almost hope she wins.

Helen Mirren is reigning in Tom Hanks tonight. Thankfully, we won't have another "balls" incident.

Ben Affleck's hair plugs look excellent.

Live Oscar Blogging: 67 mins in...

2007-02-25T20:36:00.000-06:00
Sleeeeeeeepy.

Live Oscar Blogging: 37 mins in...

2007-02-25T19:55:00.000-06:00
Is that Andy Garcia in a Cadilliac commercial?

LOL! Oh, West Bank Story, you kill me. I have to say, these short films are much more interesting, daring and more imaginative than the features. That is all.

Jayden Smith has an amazing little suit on. It's so tiny!

Dakota Fanning hates Abigail Breslin, I am sure of it.

This song with John C. Reilly, Will Ferrell and Jack Black may be the best part of this award show.

Peter O' Toole has no idea who Jack Black is.

Live Oscar Blogging: 13 mins in...

2007-02-25T19:43:00.000-06:00
The set looks pretty great, Ellen's suit--terrible. This isn't fuckin' Vegas.

Whoa, why does Jack Nicholson look like an AIDS patient, only fatter?

Ok, that was wrong.

Abigail Breslin is starting to get adult face.

No one seemed to enjoy the choir.

Oscar de la Renta gave Jennifer Hudson the "fat girl" dress.

This video makes me happy.

2007-02-20T12:07:00.000-06:00

I never watched Reno 911 before this past weekend, but the all day Saturday marathon totally made a believer out of me. The movie opens this weekend, sounds perfect for the Brew&View.

America to Kevin Federline: "We may have judged you unfairly."

2007-02-20T10:20:00.001-06:00
Unless you spent this weekend in a drug-induced, comatose slumber, you are probably aware that Britney Spears shaved her own head before gettin' some tats. Currently, her chemically damaged hair is available for sale at the appropriately named Buy Britney's Hair dot com along with a can of Red Bull and a lighter. I shit you not. The site claims that "this is the ultimate Britney experience," which is either the funniest or the saddest thing I have read all day.

Actually, I think the saddest thing I have read all day is how Britney spent the rest of her weekend. Dinner with Dad, putting her house up for sale and then crashing a (gasp) civilian's private party at The Roxy. I am reading a lot of conflicting reports on this, but my favorite via NY Daily News states that Brit Brit, donning a cheap wig, arrived at The Roxy expecting live music but was instead, treated to some karaoke. She sat alone in a private booth all night and made "many trips to the ladies room" before going to the Polo Lounge.

All of America seems to be wondering, where are her kids? Are they with Kevin Federline? He has been surprisingly low-key lately. I am just waiting for a Matt Lauer interview.

Happy Valentine's Day

2007-02-14T14:20:00.000-06:00

I know I posted these Law & Order valentine's last year by Brandon Bird, but I had to show you his latest addition. He might be even more obsessed with L&O than I am--and that's saying a lot. I have e-mailed him a couple times, and I must say that he's a really nice guy as well as a talented artist. I encourage you all to check out his website and buy some stuff.

"No, no--you've got it backwards. 30 Rock is the funny one."

2007-02-14T10:42:00.000-06:00

I hate to give Jeff Zucker any credit...but NBC's Thursday night lineup is perfect. The Office, My Name is Earl, Scrubs and 30 Rock all work exceptionally well together. Although, I have been having a little difficulty with Scrubs this season, Zach Braff seems to be doing a parody of...well, Zach Braff. It's starting to get a little stale. What makes this especially noticable is the fact that Scrubs is currently syndicated on two networks, so I am constantly reminded of how good the first season was. Oh, well. I am sure that the show is on its last legs anyway, since Braff will surely leave to become a full-time writer/director/actor so that he can finally come to terms with his early thirties onscreen before he turns forty.

On the opposite end of the spectrum is 30 Rock. This show surprises me with how it continues to get better and better. Seriously, can they make Isabella Rossellini a series regular? 'Cause I could watch her and Alec Baldwin verbally spar all day long. I wrote into NBC.com to see if Rossellini and Baldwin could do some sort of webisode spinoff where they play "20 Questions" or "I Never Ever" or maybe just stare at each other for awhile, something. That's the sort of video based web content I long to produce once I am done with this college business. Anyway...I discovered this little gem of a quote vai Defamer yesterday. I think it's an appropriate end to my little rant on 30 Rock. Enjoy.

Tina Fey dissed archfoe Aaron Sorkin Sunday night at the Writers Guild Awards. The "30 Rock" star competes with Sorkin's "Studio 60": Both take place behind the scenes at a show like "Saturday Night Live," where Fey was head writer. Wiggling around the Hudson Theatre stage in a party frock with plunging decolletage, Fey told the crowd, "I hear Aaron Sorkin is in Los Angeles wearing the same dress - but longer, and not funny."

Jesus Camp

2007-02-11T15:52:00.000-06:00
Watch the Oscar nominated documentary in its entirety here on Pop Couture. It's...something else.

What Goes Around Comes Around

2007-02-11T15:12:00.000-06:00
Here is Justin Timberlake's new video, the one that supposedly broke him and Cameron Diaz up due to the steamy scenes with Scarlett Johansson. It's starts off OK, delves into weird and then finally ends on a ridiculous note. Leave your thoughts, I am curious.

Your death will be immortalized in a Law & Order Episode

2007-02-08T15:38:00.000-06:00

In case you're not up to speed, earlier today, Anna Nicole Smith collapsed at a Hard Rock Casino and Hotel in Florida. She was rushed to the emergency room where she was declared "unresponsive" and ya know...dead. Anyway, I give it about 4 weeks for the Law & Order to totally rip this from the headlines. Hell, they could even go for a two-part episode, I still don't "know officially" what killed her son. And did they ever figure out who the baby daddy was? Howard K. Stern? That blonde dude that was crying on Access Hollywood? Or even better, did she come from a frozen batch of J.Howard Marshall's sperm? Where is all that settlement money? And how long before Trim Spa totally tanks?

Good Morning Mr. Waters.

2007-02-08T09:14:00.000-06:00
I hopped on Defamer this morning and the first thing I saw was a link to the Nerve interview with John Waters. You should check it out, especially since the third question is from one Lauren Burke of Chicago, IL.

Lauren Burke, 23, from Chicago, asks, "My friends and I have made a couple T-shirts that we thought you might be interested in. One features a picture of Paris Hilton. Below it says 'She's no Edie Sedgwick,' which we stole from your 2004 interview with Nerve. Also, we have made matching Chicago Bears T-shirts that feature the three bears from A Dirty Shame. If you let me know your size, I would be happy to send a couple shirts to you."
I would say a regular large, and you send 'em where I get a certain kind of mail, Atomic Books in Baltimore. You can look them up online [We'll do it for you: 1100 W 36th St , Baltimore, MD. — Ed.]. It's a great bookshop, too, really radical books.

P.S. If any of you are interested in the Paris Hilton tee, let me know. I think I will start selling it via cafe-press on Pop Couture.

Yay, Movies!

2007-02-06T15:59:00.001-06:00
2006 was a let down for me in the movie arena. I pretty much fell out of love with the silver screen. But there is a new hope, Obi-Wan. 2007 may actually bring some decent films. I hope they do not disappoint.

Zodiac: I am excited for David Fincher to make me forget all about Panic Room, plus you get some Jake Gyllenhaal and Robert Downey, Jr. action.

Knocked Up: If you didn't like The 40 Year Old Virgin, then you probably won't like this movie either. But with stars like Harold Ramis and Paul Rudd, how can you resist?

Fired! by Annabelle Gurwitch certainly looks interesting, it will be playing at the Gene Siskel Film Center, here in Chicago, from February 9th-15th. Also, West Bank Story is one of this year's live-action short Oscar noms, it will be playing at the Music Box February 16th-22nd along with the other nominees. This weekend the Animation Show will be at the Music Box as well, displaying the work of PES, Bill Plympton and Don Hertzfeldt among many others.

A few things waiting to be picked up and distributed are on my list as well, one being The TV Set with David Ducovny, Justine Bateman and Siqourny Weaver about a tv pilot from start to finish, Chicago 10 and the new Ralph Nader documentary, An Unreasonable Man. Whew.

So, anyone want to see a movie with me?

Brain Freeze

2007-02-06T14:21:00.000-06:00
Waking up was hard this morning, these below zero temps have completely zapped my energy. Thank god I am not taking any labs or art classes this quarter 'cause it takes my brain 8 hours to thaw. By the time five rolls around, I am totally ready to work. This morning, as I ran from the subway to work, I passed a newspaper stand that boasted a homemade sign encouraging me to buy a lotto ticket. The Illinois Mega-Millions is up to $77 million right now and I must admit, I tempted to purchase a ticket. I know it's a complete waste of, not only a whole dollar, but all of the energy that I would use up thinking about all the things I could buy with my millions...But I am gonna do it anyway. I guess the cold has gotten to me.

I am kind of scared of what I would do with so much money. Like the cold, I think it would completely drain me out of my energy and motivation. But there are a few things I would try to accomplish. They are listed here, in case you care.

1) Tell no one I won the lottery. I would make up some fantastic lie when family/friends started asking me questions about my new million dollar loft like, "Oh, I am an heiress to a small hotel chain fortune. HoJo? You may have heard of them."

2) Buy million dollar loft and fill it with tv's. Jury is still out on the ball pit.

3) Go on one of those European bike tours. Bet you didn't see that one coming. I also eat a lot of granola.

4) Open up a museum of cringe-worthy art. Every Friday night we would also have a film screening where we would watch the worst of the worst--like Basic Instinct 2 and Manos: Hands of Fate.

5) Go back to school and study Pop Culture and Television History full-time. My goal would to become a leading authority on television and the media. I would use my knowledge to occasionally pop up on NPR and teach ridiculous college courses on feminism and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Just like this item I saw in Pop Candy this morning about how Tufts University is offerring a class on Lost, entitled The Future is Lost: Economic, Social and Technological Impact of a Cult (and Cultural) Phenomenon. Click on the link to see the syllabus. Sounds pretty sweet.

I wish I was a Howard Johnson Heiress.

You Sir, are no Barbara Stanwyck!

2007-02-01T12:38:00.000-06:00

It's one of those days that every aspiring filmmaker dreads--the day that a studio greenlights a project that you have been dying to make, only you're not the one making it. Variety.com broke the news that Jennifer Garner is tapped to star in a remake of one of my favorite movies, Christmas in Connecticut starring Barbara Stanwyck. The story is simple and charming, it's about a journalist named Elizabeth Lane who writes a popular column in a Good Housekeeping-type magazine. She is basically the Martha Stewart of her day, with a farm in Conneticut, husband and baby. Except really, she's a single woman living in New York who has never cooked a meal in her life. Her publisher insists that she host a war hero for Christmas dinner as a publicity stunt and everything starts to go downhill from there. It's your typical screwball comedy from that classic Hollywood era when the dialogue was fast and witty and women like Stanwyck and (Kathrine) Hepburn ruled the screen.

Here's the big problem you face remaking this movie--you have to make this character likeable. In the original, set in 1945, Elizabeth Lane does aspire to be a serious journalist, but isn't taken seriously because of her gender, so her lie is forgivable. Today however, in a post-Million Little Pieces world, that wouldn't fly. Could you imagine how Rachel Ray would be treated if we found out that she was a fraud? She'd be called out on Oprah, that's for sure.

I also think that Jennifer Garner is all wrong for this role. I don't think she fares well in comedies. For 'Chistmas,' Garner will re-team with the producers from 13 Going on 30, a movie I found awkward and embarassing to watch. Barbara Stanwyck set the bar high since Christmas in Connecticut is a truly a testament to her acting range. She could channel Lucille Ball in one slapstick scene before seemlessly moving into a dramatic moment. This would be the perfect vehicle to boost some overlooked, underrated actress into the romantic comedy stratosphere that has been missing a star since Meg Ryan and Julia Roberts quietly left the scene. My version would star Lauren Graham.

No matter what, I will probably see this movie. I have a feeling that it will be a trainwreck, but it could turn out to be OK. The last time a movie I loved as a child was remade, I guiltily enjoyed it...Of course, it was written by Norah Ephron and starred the oddly irresistable combo of Ryan and Hanks.

P.S. By the way, I do know about the other made for tv remake of Christmas in Connecticut that came out in the 1980's and was directed by Arnold Schwarzenegger, I just choose to ignore its existence.

Da Bears!

2007-02-01T09:27:00.000-06:00

So tomorrow Nerve.com is going to interview John Waters with questions sent in by their readers. Earlier today, I e-mailed scanner@nerve.com to ask Mr. Waters if he would like us to send him one of our screenprinted Super Bowl T-shirts that feature the three bears from A Dirty Shame on the front. This limited edition tee, designed by the fabulously snarky Ryan Burns, will be featured at our 2nd Annual Super Bowl party this Sunday. If you're in the area, I suggest you stop by for copious amounts of fried food and some killer dessert. Bring some Lipitor.

Street of Pain

2007-01-29T22:18:00.000-06:00
Who doesn't love Steve Carell? And dodge ball? But more importantly, Steve Carell.

24 Mini-Recap: Kiefer Sad, Kiefer Mad.

2007-01-23T23:29:00.000-06:00

Last week on 24, Jack was forced to kill Curtis before he broke down and had a good cry. He called Bill to tell him that he quit, which was kinda funny because technically he's not really even employed by CTU right now. I mean, can't a guy get a leave of absence for a 20 month stint in Chinese prison?

Anyway, just moments after Jack quits, a nuclear bomb goes off on American soil. JB hits the redial and lets CTU know that he's back in the game. Then he runs off to save a man trapped in a helicopter. Seriously. The President and his cabinet go underground. Karen Hayes, however, has got some excellent cell phone reception--so she can still talk to her hubby. Chloe discovers that Jack's father may be in league with the terrorists and Bill tells Jack to bring him in. Jack can't seem to track down dear ol' Dad, so he calls his brother who, surprise, is that evil blue tooth guy from last season! Their conversation is a little odd and very strained, it goes a little something like this--

"Graham, it's me, Jack...your brother."

"Whoa, Jack...uh....how? I thought you were in Chinese prison?"

"I have no time to explain, I need to find Dad, now!"

"Yeah...I dunno where Dad is...BTW, we TOTALLY tried to get you out."

After JB realizes that he's not going to get much info out of his evil brother, there's only one thing for him to do. So, he calls up Chloe to get Graham's address so he can crash his pad. Oh yeah, and torture him until he talks. They, of course, take us out on that note.
Sidebar: I made the little 24 comic, be expecting many more...

Do I dare?

2007-01-23T09:41:00.000-06:00
I received this e-mail earlier today and I am pretty sure that I would get kicked out of this "positive Internet community" pretty quickly. I am not really down with blogging my hero worship of some zit-faced 16 year old kid from Sheboygan with the voice of Frank SInatra. That's something you repress, and then repress further...and then a little more. Yeah...it's still not right.

Dear blog author:
We recently came across your site, hautepopcouture.blogspot.com, while searching for bloggers who blog about the hit tv show American Idol, now starting its sixth season.

A small group of us have started a new site called American Idol Bloggers. Our intent is to bring American Idol bloggers closer together, and make a positive contribution to the Internet community.

Would you be interested in joining American Idol Bloggers? Please take a few minutes to have a look at what we are trying to do, and if you are interested, there is a sign up page to get the ball rolling. We would greatly appreciate your support in this endeavour.

If you do not feel that your blog would be a good fit for American Idol Bloggers, but are an American Idol fan, come visit us and one of our member bloggers. You can also check our FAQ Section to learn more about American Idol Bloggers.

We look forward to hearing from you and seeing you on American Idol Bloggers.

For your half-hearted viewing pleasure...

2007-01-23T09:04:00.000-06:00
I don't have too may comments on the Oscar nominations, the Golden Globes prepared me for all the BS. I will say, however, that these awards could turn out to be very surprising. "Little Miss Sunshine" won best picture from the PGA (producer's guild) last week, so it has a very good shot at winning best film. I was also surprised to see that Sascha Baron Cohen picked up another nomination this season as well. Very odd.

Best Picture: "Babel," "The Departed," "Letters From Iwo Jima," "Little Miss Sunshine," "The Queen."

Actor: Leonardo DiCaprio, "Blood Diamond"; Ryan Gosling, "Half Nelson"; Peter O'Toole, "Venus"; Will Smith, "The Pursuit of Happyness"; Forest Whitaker, "The Last King of Scotland."
I really want to see "Half Nelson" sometime soon, I have been hearing great things about Ryan Gosling. It would be interesting to see who wins this cateory...I am thinking Forest Whitaker, but I wouldn't be surprised to see Peter O'Toole take it.

Actress: Penelope Cruz, "Volver"; Judi Dench, "Notes on a Scandal"; Helen Mirren, "The Queen"; Meryl Streep, "The Devil Wears Prada"; Kate Winslet, "Little Children."
Helen Mirren vs. Judi Dench, hardcore Brit match-up.

Supporting Actor: Alan Arkin, "Little Miss Sunshine"; Jackie Earle Haley, "Little Children"; Djimon Hounsou, "Blood Diamond"; Eddie Murphy, "Dreamgirls"; Mark Wahlberg, "The Departed."

Supporting Actress: Adriana Barraza, "Babel"; Cate Blanchett, "Notes on a Scandal"; Abigail Breslin, "Little Miss Sunshine"; Jennifer Hudson, "Dreamgirls"; Rinko Kikuchi, "Babel."
Whoa, Abigail Breslin--show that that robot Dakota how it's done!

Directing: Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, "Babel"; Martin Scorsese, "The Departed"; Clint Eastwood, "Letters From Iwo Jima"; Stephen Frears, "The Queen"; Paul Greengrass, "United 93."

Foreign Language Film: "After the Wedding," Denmark; "Days of Glory (Indigenes)," Algeria; "The Lives of Others," Germany; "Pan's Labyrinth," Mexico; "Water," Canada.
Volver? Volver?

Adapted Screenplay: Sacha Baron Cohen and Anthony Hines and Peter Baynham and Dan Mazer and Todd Phillips, "Borat Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan"; Alfonso Cuaron and Timothy J. Sexton and David Arata and Mark Fergus and Hawk Ostby, "Children of Men"; William Monahan, "The Departed"; Todd Field and Tom Perrotta, "Little Children"; Patrick Marber, "Notes on a Scandal."
I am hoping for a little"Children of Men" action here...that Borat nomination is just plain shocking.

Original Screenplay: Guillermo Arriaga, "Babel"; Iris Yamashita and Paul Haggis, "Letters From Iwo Jima"; Michael Arndt, "Little Miss Sunshine"; Guillermo del Toro, "Pan's Labyrinth"; Peter Morgan, "The Queen."

Animated Feature Film: "Cars," "Happy Feet," "Monster House."

Art Direction: "Dreamgirls," "The Good Shepherd," "Pan's Labyrinth," "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest," "The Prestige."
No doubt, Pan's should take it.

Cinematography: "The Black Dahlia," "Children of Men," "The Illusionist," "Pan's Labyrinth," "The Prestige."
"Children of Men," absolutely.

Sound Mixing: "Apocalypto," "Blood Diamond," "Dreamgirls," "Flags of Our Fathers," "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest."
I'll give this one to "Dreamgirls."

Sound Editing: "Apocalypto," "Blood Diamond," "Flags of Our Fathers," "Letters From Iwo Jima," "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest."

Original Score: "Babel," Gustavo Santaolalla; "The Good German," Thomas Newman; "Notes on a Scandal," Philip Glass; "Pan's Labyrinth," Javier Navarrete; "The Queen," Alexandre Desplat.

Original Song: "I Need to Wake Up" from "An Inconvenient Truth," Melissa Etheridge; "Listen" from "Dreamgirls," Henry Krieger, Scott Cutler and Anne Preven; "Love You I Do" from "Dreamgirls," Henry Krieger and Siedah Garrett; "Our Town" from "Cars," Randy Newman; "Patience" from "Dreamgirls," Henry Krieger and Willie Reale.
"Inconvenient Truth has a song?!

Costume: "Curse of the Golden Flower," "The Devil Wears Prada," "Dreamgirls," "Marie Antoinette," "The Queen."

Documentary Feature: "Deliver Us From Evil," "An Inconvenient Truth," " Iraq in Fragments," "Jesus Camp," "My Country, My Country."

Documentary (short subject): "The Blood of Yingzhou District," "Recycled Life," "Rehearsing a Dream," "Two Hands."

Film Editing: "Babel," "Blood Diamond," "Children of Men," "The Departed," "United 93."

Makeup: "Apocalypto," "Click," "Pan's Labyrinth."

Animated Short Film: "The Danish Poet," "Lifted," "The Little Matchgirl," "Maestro," "No Time for Nuts."

Live Action Short Film: "Binta and the Great Idea (Binta Y La Gran Idea)," "Eramos Pocos (One Too Many)," "Helmer & Son," "The Saviour," " West Bank Story."

Visual Effects: "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest," "Poseidon," "Superman Returns."
Poseidon...Poseidon...yeah, I totally forgot about this movie.
Academy Award winners previously announced this year:

HONORARY AWARD (Oscar statuette): Ennio Morricone

JEAN HERSHOLT HUMANITARIAN AWARD (Oscar statuette): Sherry Lansing