Pee Wee Sez': 'Les Claymates, sont fous!'

'John Paulus, the ex-Marine who made headlines by claiming that he had a tawdry gay tryst in a hotel room with the squeaky-clean pop idol, has been denied protection from the FBI, which he apparently sought out after being 'bombarded' with death threats from crazed Aiken fans.

'The Claymates', described as 'a loosely organized army of middle-aged women', have been operating under the radar for some time now, beginning with secret after-hours 'Claymate Club' meetings in church basements, Olive Gardens and suburban salons across the country, where they would plot ways to fight the rumors about their idol's sexuality, that keep popping up in the press.'

Best Week Ever

'Hot and Spicy' is the new 'Extreme'

I was eating my Hot And Spicy Cheezits, when I was reminded of an article I read discussing that the new angle in marketing, was making stuff hot, and spicy.

It was a related article on how McDonald's dropped their spicy chicken sandwich due to low sales, yet Wendy's version, is flying off the shelves.

It talked about how, with an increase in the number of Hispanic and Latino populations, more and more companies are looking at infusing their products with non-traditional flavors. They also cited how the Gen X'ers and Baby Boomers are big on food from other cultures, like Thai and Indonesian; and that it is invading popular culture as well.

It makes sense, but it doesn't seem like that big of a deal. But if you stop and look, you can see it. McDonald's has an Asian salad I hear. Asian/Latin fusion restaurants are all the rage. Even Colorado is starting to turn in to Texas, where signage in public spaces, is in English, and Spanish.

When that trickles down to a bag of Cheezits, it makes you think: is this really an influence of a change in pop culture? Or is it just the Tabasco people wanting a larger market share, and thus, piddling their sauce in just about any item that they think it will enhance? [There's even Tabasco flavored popcorn at your local Kwik E Mart!].

Whenever I read articles that examine today's society, I always like to go back and think of what Mr. and Mrs. Typical American, from the 1950's, would think. As if they were somehow transported to our crazy Future Land.

Imagine them seeing a bunch of cellphone talking, crackberry using, people in $300 jeans, retro tennis shoes, getting out of their safety laden SUV's, to go eat tequila and sesame seared prawns, while drinking mojitos, as a DJ plays Bhangra in the background.

It would probably seem bizarre, as the most exotic food of that time in the U.S.was Chop Suey.

Gilded Moose Post Of The Day

'HERO: Adam Sandler Storms Jolie-Pitt Compound; Saves The Chinese One'

Hotel Name

So for my Hospitality Design class we have to come up with a concept for a hotel. I have been toying using the name 'Bex', but I just thought of something cheeky.

Like how we went from 'W', single letter concepts, to overly namey concepts like 'J. W. Marriot', to have fun with it, I would call mine 'Houghton And Holleran'. Get it? Hootin' and Hollerin'?

I'm such a geek.

Hubba Hubba 9

Balthazar Getty

Clay mentioned him in one of his posts. He got me at 'Lost Highway'.

The Butterscotch Stallion Speaks

In response to Steely Dan getting their panties in a twist over 'You, Me, And Dupree':

'In a statement released by his spokeswoman, Ina Treciokas, Wilson said: "I have never heard the song `Cousin Dupree' and I don't even know who this gentleman, Mr. Steely Dan, is. I hope this helps to clear things up and I can get back to concentrating on my new movie, `HEY 19.''

This has to be a joke.

The Butter Trough


Who would go to a restaurant where the only things on the menu are hot melted butter, bread and breadsticks, and tea?

Weird.

Snapple 'Real Fact' #116

'Chewing gum, while peeling onions, will keep you from crying.'

Filming in Denver

From: Brando
Sent: Sun 7/30/2006 1:33 PM
To: John
Subject: Sunday Sighting

Hey John,

Do you know if anything else is being filmed in Denver right now? I was on Broadway, going south at Speer, when a police escort and a camera rig passed by. The Jeep on the film rig was far from new, so I don't think it was the Real World cast.

Any ideas?

Brando

From: John
To: "Brando"
Subject: RE: Sunday Sighting
Date: Sun, 30 Jul 2006 17:11:53 -0600

I know this week The Real World has been filming the "introduction" to the episodes, going around to iconic places in the city and shooting the cast tanding around and looking cool or whatever. That could be it? Or maybe B-roll for interstitial moments?

If it's not them it could be an indie film. There's one called "Skills Like This" currently being filmed in the city. There's another one with Josh Hartnett based here but I don't know if they're filming in town yet or if it's going to be a lot of L.A. soundstage stuff. There should be more info in Bill Husted's gossip columns on DenverPost.com. Try doing some searches through his stuff about it...

Best,
John

Mel Gibson hates Jewish people.

His dad did say, that the Holocaust never happened.

Hollywood Split over Mel Gibson's future

'LOS ANGELES (AP) - A stunned Hollywood debated the future of one of its biggest stars Sunday as a sheriff's watchdog launched an investigation into a possible cover up of a leaked report that quoted Mel Gibson unleashing a tirade of anti-Semitic remarks during a drunken driving arrest.

One media expert said Gibson irreparably damaged his career with his "crazy" behavior following his arrest by Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputies in Malibu early Friday. Charges of anti-Semitism were also leveled against the actor-director with the release of his 2004 blockbuster "The Passion of the Christ."

"It's a nuclear disaster for him," said publicist Michael Levine, who has represented Michael Jackson and Charlton Heston, among others. "I don't see how he can restore himself."

The entertainment Web site TMZ posted what it said were four pages from the original arrest report, which quoted Gibson as launching an expletive-laden "barrage of anti-Semitic remarks" after he was stopped on Pacific Coast Highway.'

Hell to the blow!

Lohan's gonna get fired.

A letter from the CEO of Morgan Creek Productions, the company behind the movie 'Georgia Rule', that Lohan is currently filming.

[Click Image To Enlarge]

Signage

There is this place called Christie's across the street from my work that has a sign saying:

'4 DVDs - 20$ Now Hiring All Positions'

It made me chuckle because Christie's is an adult bookstore. I think it would be funny if some hooligan removed the 'now hiring' portion in the middle of the night.

Robert Best is on Friendster!

Name: Robert
Age:37
Location: West Hollywood

Helen just sent me his profile.

On 7/28/06, Pee Wee wrote:

That's funny. Saw my hubby Robert in the tank top last night.
You're right,hubba hubba.

From: Helen Damnation
To: Pee Wee
Subject: Re: New comment on Here we go again.


I just friendster messaged him and told him I thought so.

Fack me, I'm famous.

'A good 3/4 of the available items were in English, but they were so poorly translated that I ended up having to leave the store because the sales girl didn't appreciate my raucous laughter and constant picture taking. An example:

- 'Fack me I'm famous'

That's from Logged Hours' post on her trip to Croatia. Having looked up some tourist sites, Croatia actually looks pretty cool. I want to go there now. For some reason, I pictured Croatia as being somewhat of a Second World country, what with that war and ethnic cleansing in Serbia and all, but it's surprisingly what one thinks of when you think of the Mediterranean Coast.

Pimp Babies

'A couple years ago, when I registered my now defunct through exhaustion blog which happens to have the word 'pimp' conspicuously in the URL, one of the suggested URLs GoDaddy handed back to me was 'PIMPBABIES.COM'.

I was confused: were the babies the pimps, or were they merely the tricks? I almost registered it because the former reading was pretty hysterical, but then started fearing government agencies might parse it as the latter.'

Consumerist [I'm assuming it's Ben]

Funny.

Germany Aufs Wal-Mart

'BERLIN (AP) -- Wal-Mart Stores Inc. said Friday it plans to sell its 85 stores in Germany to rival Metro AG, a move that effectively ends a nearly decade-long effort by the world's largest retailer to crack the market in Europe's biggest economy.

Furthermore, Schlueter said consumers rejected some of Wal-Mart's signature features, like stores outside of town centers, employees required to smile and heartily greet customers, or baggers at checkouts.'

Hee hee. That, Helen.

On her post about MyHeritage.com:

'Penis envy?

So I finally break down and do the celebrity face match thing on MyHeritage.com, only to discover that I look just like Chad Michael Murray.

Suicide impending. I recommend submitting your claims on my stuff now; I'd hate for battles over my Wolverine telephone and crappy Ikea furniture to erupt amongst my loved ones after I'm gone.

But hey, at least now I understand why the gays love me. I'm a damn fine piece of man-meat.'

Barney Boy said...

Hee hee. I find it funny how people break down out of curiousity on the MyHeritage thing. It could be worse, it could have said you looked like Jason Biggs like it did me.

Helen the Felon said...

Barney: Thank you. I feel better. And you look nothing like Jason Biggs. (Recall that I have seen you naked.)

Honestly, the question at this point is who hasn't seen me naked, at least in Denver.

Here we go again.

We're like Ike and Tina Turner, minus the physical violence.

From: Dave
Sent: Thursday, July 27, 2006 12:40 PM
To: Brando
Subject:

do you want to come over to my house and hang out with family and
friends.
paul, gabe, angela, mom, other sister, my new girl, peter? i would love
to have you over for drinks and food. bring something. please come over

From:Brando
To: Dave
Subject: RE: Date: Thu, 27 Jul 2006 13:39:14 -0600

thanks, but maybe another time, I don't really feel like being social
right now.

From: Dave
Sent: Thursday, July 27, 2006 3:30 PM
To: Brando
Subject: RE:

everything ok you dont seem like your social that much anymore. you never call me to do anything very much. please dont say i am busy cuz everybody is busy. and just because i say no here and there doesnt mean that you just give up. life is busy. frankly this whole mom thing has put alot of pressure on me along with everything else in my life so i really hope you understand that.

From: Brando
Sent: Thursday, July 27, 2006 4:13 PM
To: Dave
Subject: RE:

It has been exactly 10 years since we have had issues. It was in 96, where I got kicked to the curb, and had to go to Austin.

some people think stuff happens in cycles

I don't make an effort to call, because I never know when your available, and yes, after being shot down a few times, I figure, what's the point? I'll just do it myself. Most people would have the same reaction.

My favorite part is how that got turned around on me like I did something wrong [deciding to go to body worlds on my own, even though you knew my availability, yet I didn't hear from you on when you cold go].

Your life may be busy, but mine certainly is not. I took the summer off from school for a reason; because after 3 years ongoing school/work, I needed a break.

Yes, I understand, and sympathize, with your mother situation.

I am not mad at you or anything, but I just don't want to get into anything with you, so I am letting you, let me know when your available to do something, to prevent any issues.

Lance Bass Plays Spin The Bottle

Eric Clapton is highly overrated.

'Let My Love Open The Door'. Are you serious? A kindergartner could write a better song.

Cool!

I love Lime's nachos. This is right near me:

'Los Troncos at 730 E. Sixth Ave. (across from Don's Mixed Drinks) is set to become a second location for Lime, the Mexican restaurant/nightclub on Larimer Square, called Lime XS (extra small, extra special)'

Bill Husted

It's about time they did something with that building.

Sage announces Executive Tower Inn plan

'Sage Hospitality Resources announced plans today to turn downtown Denver's shuttered Executive Tower Inn into a boutique hotel called The Curtis.

The 336-room hotel, set to open in December, will have a pop-culture theme and contemporary décor.

"We are creating a whimsical flair for the hotel. There are other independent hotels in the city but nothing like The Curtis," Sage Hospitality president Walter Isenberg said in a press release. "We want to capitalize on the rich tradition of the area, our neighbor across the street, The Denver Performing Arts Complex, and the trend nationally towards experiential travel."

Located at 1405 Curtis St., the pet-friendly hotel will also feature 20,000 square feet of meeting space, high-speed wireless Internet throughout, a fitness center and two restaurants.'

Maybe it really is heat exhaustion and dehydration this time.

It has been super hot in Cali.

Lindsay Lohan overcome by heat

'LOS ANGELES (AP) - Actress Lindsay Lohan was overcome by the heat on a movie set and required hospital treatment, her publicist told "The Insider" Wednesday.

The 20-year-old actress was taken by private car Tuesday to a Los Angeles area hospital where she spent several hours being treated for overheating and dehydration, spokeswoman Leslie Sloan Zelnick told the syndicated entertainment show.'

Update: Maybe not.

Paparazzi photogs have come out with a timeline of Lohan's night:

'11:30 pm - party at Guy's with Harry Morton

1:45 am - slam head against car while leaving club

2:30 am - arrive on the set of "Georgia Rules" for night shoots in downtown LA

4:00 am - collapse from heat exhaustion

4:30 am - go to the hospital to find out real reason for collapse

6:00 am - released from hospital; head to Harry's Malibu pad to recover

8:00 pm - dinner at Il Sole with Harry

9:30 pm - head to Chateau Marmont'

Update: In response to her flack saying she got a B12 shot for dehydration:

'Having worked in a hospital pharmacy for 12 years, I know that Vitamin B (Thiamine, typically 100mg injected intramuscularly) shots are NOT given for 'dehydration', or 'heat exhaustion', but rather for alcohol detox, and to help avoid the sometimes dangerous symptoms and/or seizure activity associated with "DT's".'

Defamer

How can one city make a difference, with something that is global?

Hottest destination in 2100: Aspen

'ASPEN (AP) - A study released by the city of Aspen says the town could be as hot as Texas by 2100.

The study released yesterday by the Aspen Global Change Institute says the average temperature in Aspen has increased by three degrees in the past 25 years.

Besides eliminating skiing, it will be difficult to find enough water to deal with the growing population and higher temperatures. The report says hay fields and other crops will require more water.

Rafting seasons and fishing seasons will be shorter because the snow will melt earlier.

The report says some wildlife will not be able to survive.

Aspen Mayor Helen Klanderud says the city is committed to doing what it can to slow or reserve global warming.'

Liveblogging: 'Project Runway'

Yes, I'm lame.

But I am loading stuff for my mp3 player, and, it's on. Plus, Logged Hours is out of the country, so mabe I can help keep her up to date.

8:01 - Robert Best. Yay! My future husband.

8:02 - Kayne remids me of 'Chucky', from 'Child's Play'.

8:03 - Bradley looks like the singer of that band that sung 'Three Princes'. Wait. Spin Doctors. That's it! If he got a haircut. And horses?

8:05 - Oh man, dogs? Seriously?

8:06 - Tim Gunn for president. 'Make it work.'

8:07 - The blonde chick, Allison, looks like Paris Hilton's less trashy cousin....in a good way. Of course, an architect would have to be finicky.

8:09 - Putting an animal print, on an animal? I think that's wrong. Missoni, nice. Robert is going for 'Rehab Chic'. Hee hee, 'oh, Rahhhhb'.

How gay am I, that I know the Missoni reference? Although, I would say his fabric choice was more Pucci, than Missoni. Thank you, W. [Side note on the W link: I wish I would have thought of using 'House Of Harlot' for my blog name].

8:16 - Wow...what channel is gayer, Bravo or Logo? The chick from 'Work Out' is a lesbian?

Interesting.

Jeffrey, please lose the Vanilla Ice shaved eyebrow. Stop trying to make that happen again. That's very 1988, and in a non-ironic, hipster way. Although, I kinda like his tats on his neck.

8:17 - Vincent is high.

8:19 - I agree with the architect, and Helen, Keith needs to go. Oh....so they are doing an outift for the model, AND the dog. I thought it was just dogs. The pug is actually kinda cute. And this coming from a dude who is not a fan of small dogs.

8:21 - Angela reminds me of my lesbian party pal Wendy. I miss her. We had some crazy times. She used to let me take her car after, afterhours [!].

8:24 - Oh yah, Macy's took over for the Banana. I wonder if it is because Gap isn't doing so well.

8:29 - Who would put a dog in silk? Their claws would rip it to shreds.

8:30 - Unrelated thought: What do people with seeing eye dogs do about the dog's poo? They obviously don't pick it up outside, like other people. Or do they? Anyone know? Do they have a 'dogbox' instead of a 'catbox'?

8:31 - Laura's dress for her model reminds me of 'Fraggle Rock'.

'Tallulah', what a great name. If I get a bulldog again, she is going to be named that.

8:33 - L'oreal makeup 'tip guy needs' micro-dermabrasion for his acne scars. Actually, so do I.

8:35 - 'The Descent' looks cool. I was shocked, too, when I saw Subway was making pizzas now. It looks like Subway is trying to become the new Taco Bell; where they have 9 million things on the menu.

8:37 - Bradley has the cuter dog. Damn, Heidi's hawt, and has got great legs.

8:38 - Not Ivanka again! She reminds me of a white Maya Rudolph.

8:29: The Runway:

Kayne's: - Great look for the model, not the dog

Ulee's: Cute for both, except for the words on the dog.

Robert's: Hubby, it looks like you put a used pink sock on the dog.

Bradley's: Ick for both.

Allison's: Like the model's dress, the dog's outfit sucks.

Keith's: You're SO going home. Horrid dress, and no outfit for the dog. Duh, that's the challenge.

Pug Chick's: Ok.

Snowboarder chick's: I like them. The dog reminds me of Gizmo from 'Gremlins'.

Black gayngster's: I like.

Architect's: Still Fraggle Rock

Angela's: I dig, except for that horrid pink skirt.

Last one: Cute dog. Didn't see the outfits though, due to typing. But that's ok, this episode will be on like 50 more times in the next few days, as Bravo is the 'Runway' channel.

8:46 - 'That is one hot momma to be working with kids. Belly showing, boobies out. Damn' - Go Heidi!

8:48 - Heidi calling out Keith on the bracelet he 'made'. Nice.

8:50 - Streetwalker.

Funny.

Send Keith home!

I think Ulee should win. Her, or the snowboarder chick.

8:51 - Yay! Next week is the 'Kicked Off The Show' episode.

8:54 - Jay reminds me of my fabulous [and I rarely use that term], flaming gay friends from my Tracks days.

8:56 - Ulee won! Maybe, I am, a fashionsita after all. Keith go home. Keith go home. Keith go home.

8:57 - Damn! Keith stays. He sucks.

8:58 - I'm conflicted. I liked Angela's, but I feel sorry for snowboarder, being 'auf weidersen'. Go forth, snowboarder, and keep designing!

8:59 - Oh, snap! Maybe it's Kayne going home....[?]

And this concludes Brando's Gay Liveblogging for the week.

Today In 'Goggle Nazi'

Goggle Nazi happened to be working today. He wasn't at the front desk, rather, he was doing some cleaning/maintenance looking activities. At the desk however, was maybe a new breed of Tanning Specialist: The Lotion Nazi.

Unlike Goggle Nazi, she didn't require me to show her my goggles. Rather, she wanted to know which brand of lotion I was using. Do they track these things, seriously? Or is it an attempt to upsell me?

I reply, 'the one with the marijuana...er...I mean, hemp in it'. [It actually does have hemp in it].

My answer passed the test.

While this was transpiring, Goggle Nazi stopped what he was doing and came by the far side of the desk, just kind of hanging out. I could see in my peripheral version he was watching me with the Lotion Nazi. I was planning on walking by him and saying 'howdy' on the way to my bed, but alas!, the Lotion Nazi gave me a bed on the opposite side of the salon.

I go to my bed, and the second I lie down, the music changes from Hip Hop to...wait for it.....Gay Techno. Seriously, I felt like I was at Tracks.

Did Goggle Nazi change it as some sort of sign? Or did lotion Nazi think that music was more my style, for as usual, I was the only one in the salon? If it was the latter, she made the wrong decision. I abhor cheesey Gay Techno.

I have to say it cracked me up. Last time I was in and Goggle Nazi was working, they were blasting Jessica Simpson. Yeesh.

Unfortunately, when I finished, and came out, Goggle Nazi wasn't around. I was going to engage him in conversation, and see if the music stylings were his choice, but he was AWOL. Guess I will have to find out next time.

Yay! I am getting published in Westword again.

I wrote in a while back about this one chick's funny post on quitting smoking, and got published in letter's to the editor. Wrote in about this story, and got the following from Patricia Calhoun, editor of Westword:

>>> Brando > 07/26/06 1:47 PM >>>
SENT FROM:westword.com

DATE/TIME:July 26, 2006, 12:47 pm MST

SUBJECT:Becky Due wants to eradicate the B-word.

LETTER:Your link to her site on her blog works, but there isn't anything on her 'Bitch Crusade' there.

I wanted to see what she thought of the of the use of the variant 'beeyotch'.

Probably against that too.

----- Original Message -----
From: Patricia Calhoun
To: Brando
Sent: Wednesday, July 26, 2006 3:56 PM
Subject: Re: Becky Due wants to eradicate the B-word.

thanks. I didn't see anything, either. we'll check it out. in the meantime, can we publish your letter?

Ummm....ok.

Woman testifies about cell phone in throat

'INDEPENDENCE, Mo. (AP) -- Prosecutors say a man shoved a cell phone down his girlfriend's throat because he was angry and jealous. But defense attorneys insisted as a trial got underway that the woman swallowed the phone intentionally to keep the defendant from seeing whom she had been calling.'

What is up with Calvin Klein jeans?

Seriously, who needs such long pockets? They almost go all the way down to your knee. God forbid you have anything in them; it makes you look like you have Proteus Syndrome.

In honor of Lance Bass coming out....

It's about time

Finally, Nip/Tuck is coming back on air.

Hagman, O'Donnell, Shields to appear on 'Nip/Tuck'

'PASADENA, Calif. (AP) - Larry Hagman, Brooke Shields and Rosie O'Donnell are among the celebrities set for guest roles on "Nip/Tuck" this season.

The Golden Globe-winning drama about two Miami plastic surgeons who are best friends and business partners returns for its fourth season Sept. 5 on Fox.'

Yet people still want to make abortions illegal.

'Police affidavit says Corbett gave birth to the baby in the shower and cut the umbilical cord with a nearby pair of scissors. Then the affidavit says she wrapped the entire baby in a towel, including the face, and put the child into the entertainment center, closing the doors to hide the baby.

In the police affidavit her parents admit they were suspicious Corbett was pregnant, but say she always denied it. She told them she was just gaining weight.'

KUSA

I hate pointless conference calls.

Anyone with me?

Is it me....

or does the Miami Vice movie look exceptionally lame?

Hell's Kitchen - Fare Thee Well, Garrett

I have had a hankering for linguine and clams in a white wine and garlic sauce, for some time now. Rather than spend a nice chunk of change at Bambino's, I figured I'd attempt to make it myself, as my Caveman Diet has made me even more finicky when it comes to food.

Even though the last thing I wanted to do last night was cook, I hunkered down and began cooking. I managed to finish around 7, and everything turned out better than expected. Side note: use Chardonnay for the wine, instead of Riesling, as in a previous attempt to make a sauce for chicken, Riesling made it turn out horribly wrong.

A while back I got sucked in to Hell's Kitchen when it first came on. I have seen Gordon Ramsey on other shows before. He's a piece of work, let me tell you. He's got quite the temper and foul mouth.


Gordon Ramsey

The cooking was done, so I figured I watch some boob tube. Last night it was down to the final five. The remaining 'chefs', were combined in to one team. The last two guys in the house, Keith [a wannabe gangster from Southampton], and Garrett [an ex con] have been shown as being buddies. That is until Keith wins the first challenge, and chooses to take Virginia with him to visit the restaurant space they 'win' in Vegas, instead of his buddy Garret. Snap!


Garrett


Keith

You could see Garrett fuming. One of the other chicks made a funny comment of 'I hope there's no knives in the dorm', as Garrett storms out of the kitchen to go confront Keith.

Keith knew he did wrong, and apologized to Garrett, but he wasn't having it. The viewers and the other 'chefs', were all waiting for Garrett to stick a shiv in him, right there in the 'prison yard'. But he didn't.

The editors later cleverly edited it to look like Garrett was playing with a butcher's knife while waiting for Keith and Virginia to get back from their trip.

Anywho, so this little episode spins it that you are rooting for Garrett. He has been an ass most of the season, making misogynistic comments here and there to the women chefs. But they pulled out the violins, and sappy music, to get you to identify with his early struggle with having anger management issues, and being sent to juvie, and then I guess later, prison. It kinda worked.

Eventually we get to the meal service for that night, and Gordon Ramsey is being a prick as usual. I understand an artist feeling passionate about their work, but he is just a foul mouthed bastige. He yells at everyone, but the best part comes when a customer comes and complains up at the serving line.

She asks how much longer will her food take, but he tells her to shut up, and give him 30 seconds. This pisses her off. So what does she do? She throughs the tray with a table's meal' over the line' on to Ramsey' and the floor. Hooray! It's about time someone stood up to this guy.

Another funny moment was the reaction on Jean Phillipe's face [the maitre d] after Ramsey makes a comment to him about losing his virginity finally, as Jean Phillipe was flirting with a bachelorette party.


Jean Phillipe

The meal service ends, and then it's elimination time. Garrett gets the axe. In one night it went from him being a prick, to you feeling kinda sorry for him. It almost negated all his earlier actions in the show.

So they show clips for next week, and it looks like Sara has the cojones to talk back to Gordon Ramsey. Should be interesting. I have dealt with a few Gordon Ramsey's of world in my life, and I am proud to say, I didn't take their shite, or given them the ego massage to deal with their ego problem. I can't believe how people will be humiliated and subserviant to win a reality TV show, but then again, I'm not.


Sara

The point of this post? I have toyed with the idea of going to Culinary school since I have discovered I love to cook. Heck, I am already going to School for Interior Design, I might as well become the next Martha Stewart.

But thank god there are shows like Hell's Kitchen to remind me of the harsh pecking order of a commercial kitchen. Having worked in quite a few restaurants in my life, it brings me to back to my senses of how working in a kitchen, can literally be hell.

For now, I think I will save the thousands of dollars for a culinary degree, and continue doing my own 'Iron Chef Brando's' on my own time.

Up is down. Black is white.

I can't believe I am admitting this on the 'nets, but BBC Radio 1 has actually affected me.

The revelation? I actually don't hate the Paris Hilton single that is out. I am sure I will catch a lot of flack for this, but gotta come clean. I still loathe her though, that will never change. I just pretend someone else is singing the song.

Further realization, the new Justin Timberlake single is lame.

Madonna's 'Get Together' is growing on me although, I still am not a huge fan of the 'Confessions' album. I must say the video for Together' reminds me of a mash up of an iPod commercial and those VH1 bumpers they used to show about a year ago.

Finally, Robbie Williams is very touch and go for me. He's totally an acquired British taste. Some songs I like, most I don't. But his new single, 'Rudebox' I kind of dig. You Tube has a snippet of a lady rocking out to it here.

A view on blogging

Daniel Schorr, NPR:

'It's just you and a little machine and you can make history. I find that scary. Nobody should get into print or on the air without some kind of editor.'

I wonder if the poliferation of blogs since the last election will have any impact on the next one.

Matthew McJedi

Over at Best Week Ever there is an animated GIF using Matthew's beach yoga pics that are surfing the 'nets, mashed up with Star Wars.

Big Brother All Stars - Spoilers

Yay. So Chicken George used the veto and Jase was put up in his place. Word in the house is it may be Jase to go. Good. But either way, lame ass Dr. Will, or Jase, will be meeting the Chenbot this Thursday.

Joker's Updates

Tim Gunn's Podcast - Episode 2

You get some background on the show. I guess Tim and Vincent are like oil and water. A confrontation between Tim and Vincent didn't make the show. Although he says he would rather deal with him, the Zulema from last year.

Guess I could never convert

I have tatoos, and the following stuff about Jewish funerals, I couldn't comply with:

'Cremation is not allowed in Jewish law because the body was given to us as a gift from G-d who expects us to take care of ourselves and return in the best condition possible.

Autopsies are not allowed according to Orthodox law, nor donation of body organs. A Rabbi must be consulted if an autopsy has to be done or an organ donation is being considered. It is acceptable, however, to donate a kidney during the persons lifetime.

Embalming is not allowed. This process of removing blood, discarding it down the drain and substituting preservative chemicals in the body, is considered desecration of the deceased person and is forbidden by Jewish law.'

Strange Invite

I got this weird invite for a wedding, I assume, for a Nicole Johnson and Zachary Arnold sent to Mr. and Mrs. Brando.

?

I don't know a Nicole Johnson, I think. I know an Erin Johnson, and I sometimes run in to her at Lipgloss. The invite is for a ceremony in Kansas. I don't anyone in Kansas. Is this a scam or something?

Real World Denver - The Crew

Ran in to the Real World crew on the way home from work this evening. Three of the crew members were walking down the mall with camera and equipment out. The black dude with the 'fro that Get Real Denver posted was there. Also, the chick who denied being part of the show when I asked her at Pride, was there. Didn't see any cast members around, so not sure what they were filming.

Debbie Downer - A Tribute

Rachel Dratch has joined Tina Fey in leaving SNL to work on Fey's new show '30 Rock'. So in honor, a salute to Debbie Downer.

Big Brother All Stars - Jase reformed, not so much [Spoilers]

Thank god he is supposedly out on Thursday and I am glad I don't have the feeds.

Chicken George won Veto comp, and James is contemplating putting Jase in his place.

Jase On You Tube - Audio NSFW

'I think I'm done with the sofa.....

I think I'm done with the hall,
I think I'm done with the kitchen table, baby,
Let's go outside'

George Michael 'Outside'

So George Michael got busted again. News Of The World caught him in a tryst in London park. How funny that 'Outside', was the last song played on my mp3 player this morning on the way in to work.

George isn't handling retirement gracefully. Probably the most disturbing part are the images of his tryst partner. I won't post pictures as English tabloids are notoriously litigous, but I will link to it.

'News of the World investigators caught the singer red-handed and red-faced as he emerged from the bushes after cavorting with a pot-bellied, 58-year-old, jobless van driver.

When challenged George, 43, was wild-eyed and trembling. Trying to hide his face under a baseball cap, he screamed:

"I don't believe it! F*** off! If you put those pictures in the paper I'll sue!"

Meanwhile his new buddy Kirtland crept from the undergrowth looking sheepish and rushed to his Ford Transit van. As he opened the door a grubby, stained mattress was clearly visible in the back.'

Goggle Nazi

So there's this guy at the place where I tan, that I can't quite get a fix on. He is the only person on staff who insists on me showing him, that I have my eye gear. I am usually the only one there, and thus, haven't seen if he enforces this with others.

None of the other Tanning Specialists ask to see the eyewear. He's kinda young, and my type, but my gaydar isn't working on him. I kind of get the feel something is up, but can't decipher it.

He doesn't strike me as being family. Besides being the Goggle Nazi, there has been little things here and there that have struck me as odd.

One time he walked me to my tan room cubbyhole. Never in all my years of tanning, has anyone ever done that. Well, once, when I was using a machine I hadn't used before. On a separate occasion, he was waiting right outside the door, after I had finished.

This place is never busy, which is why I go, but I don't see the need to be waiting at the door for people to finish. Again, no one else that works there has done that either.

Another thing is he always seems to get flustered when I talk to him. Instead of talking normally, he stammers and talks low; often leaving me confused as to what he said. And most recently, as I was on my way out the other day, he calls me by name and asks 'how was it?'.

Huh?

How do you respond to that?

'It was hot! And bright!'.

So now I am intrigued to see if something is afoot. Would be cool if there is, because he is kind of cute. But then again, if he's straight, and just a freak, that would mean something else.

Thoughts?

Real World Denver - Wild Oats

I keep forgetting that the cast/crew shop at my Wild Oats. Get Real Denver finds out that the grocer has hooked up with the show. I would find it funny if I ran in to Davis again.

'Hmm.. it reminds me of when we contacted an Outward Bound board member about whether or not 'The Real World' Denver cast were working for them as mountain guides. That board member declined to discuss details because of a signed waiver.

In other words, if it wasn't true, they would have told us. Instead they said they couldn't talk about it, more or less confirming for us that yes, they were working with MTV.'

Sugar 2

[Click image to enlarge]

Denver Infill has some info on the building that will reclaim a parking lot in LoDo. A step in the right direction.

'The Sugar² building will make that half of the block complete and will give the 1500 block of Wazee a solid street wall on both facing blocks... a rarity in LoDo. So, here's to the little Sugar² building and its role in eradicating the anti-urban surface parking lot from one of our most urban places, Lower Downtown.'

New Word: 'Crackerbilly'

I just saw someone that I thought was an old co-worker, and that word created itself in my head. It's a combo of cracker and hillbilly. Definitely described the old co-worker.

Old Fashioned

From Gawker:

'News Corp overlord Rupert Murdoch speaks out on gay marriage:

'I believe it is wrong. I'm considered homophobic and crazy about these things and old fashioned. But I think that the family - father, mother, children - is fundamental to our civilisation.'

The twice-divorced Murdoch, whose three wives have borne him a total of six children, is responsible for such other contributions to our civilization as 'Temptation Island,' 'The Littlest Groom,' and 'Trading Spouses: Meet Your New Mommy.'

I Heart Rockabilly

From one of my favorite bands who, unfortunately, broke up.


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Six Degrees Of Fun!

My friend Heidi has been giving me random celebs to link:

-----Original Message-----
From: Heidi
Sent: Thursday, July 20, 2006 12:25 PM
To: Brando
Subject: RE: Messin with Sasquatch


OMG. You are awesome. Do it again! Do it again!

Anne Heche and Greg Kinnear

-----Original Message-----
From: Brando
Sent: Thursday, July 20, 2006 2:33 PM
To: Heidi
Subject: RE: Messin with Sasquatch

Anne Heche was in 'Six Days, Seven Nights with' Harrison Ford, who was in 'What Lies Beneath' with Michelle Pfeifer who was in 'Wolf' with Jack Nicholson who was in 'As Good As It Gets' with Greg Kinnear

:)

-----Original Message-----
From: Heidi
Sent: Thursday, July 20, 2006 2:44 PM
To: Brando
Subject: RE: Messin with Sasquatch


You are a gash dern genyous.

-----Original Message-----
From: Brando
Sent: Thursday, July 20, 2006 2:47 PM
To: Heidi
Subject: RE: Messin with Sasquatch

I think you may have got me addicted to it - on a smoke break i was trying to link uma thurman to matt dillon


-----Original Message-----
From: Heidi
Sent: Thursday, July 20, 2006 2:47 PM
To: Brando
Subject: RE: Messin with Sasquatch


Do it yet?

How about woody allen and jim carrey.

-----Original Message-----
From: Brando
Sent: Thursday, July 20, 2006 2:58 PM
To: Heidi
Subject: RE: Messin with Sasquatch

Uma Thurman was in 'Paycheck' with Ben Affleck who was in 'Armageddon' with Liv tyler who was in 'One Night At McCool's' With Matt Dillon

working on woody/jim now

-----Original Message-----
From: Brando
Sent: Thursday, July 20, 2006 3:03 PM
To: Heidi
Subject: RE: Messin with Sasquatch

Woody Allen was in 'Antz' [voice] - with Jennifer Lopez who was in 'Gigli' with Ben Affleck who was in 'The Sum Of All Fears' with Morgan Freeman who was in 'Bruce Almighty' with Jim Carrey

-----Original Message-----
From: Heidi
Sent: Thursday, July 20, 2006 3:04 PM
To: Brando
Subject: RE: Messin with Sasquatch


Holy shite!!!

Nick Cage & Selma Hayek

-----Original Message-----
From: Brando
Sent: Thursday, July 20, 2006 3:07 PM
To: Heidi
Subject: RE: Messin with Sasquatch

Ooh. That's kinda tough because I am not a Nick Cage fan and thus haven't seeN many of his movies.

-----Original Message-----
From: Brando
Sent: Thursday, July 20, 2006 3:39 PM
To: Heidi
Subject: RE: Messin with Sasquatch


That one was hard

Nick Cage in Fast Times At Ridgemont high with Sean Penn
Sean Penn in Carlito's Way with Al Pacino
who was in Dick Tracy with Madonna
who was in Four Rooms with Selma Hayek

also

Nick Cage was in The Rock with Sean Connery
who was in Entrapment with Catherine Zeta Jones
who was in The Mask of Zorro with Antonio Banderas
who was in Frida with Selma Hayek

Six Degrees Of George Clooney

From an email convo:

From: Heidi
Sent: Thursday, July 20, 2006 12:03 PM
To: Brando
Subject: RE: Messin with Sasquatch


Oh.

Ok, do 6 (or fewer :) degree of sep between kevin kline and george clooney.

From:Brando
Sent: Thursday, July 20, 2006 2:24 PM
To: Heidi
Subject: RE: Messin with Sasquatch

Got it

Kevin Kline is in 'A Prarie Home Companion' with Tommy Lee Jones who was in 'Batman Forever' with Chris O'Donnel who was in 'Batman and Robin' with George Clooney

Soul confirmed to be non-existent, as well.

Lay's autopsy shows blocked arteries

'A Mesa County coroner calls faked-death rumors "absolutely ludicrous" and rules out suicide.

Former Enron Chairman Ken Lay had had at least two prior heart attacks and had severe coronary artery disease when he died of a heart attack in Aspen two weeks ago.'

Yikes!

'James was on her way home from her work as an oncology massage therapist Tuesday when a semi-truck hit her Volkswagen Beetle at I-25 and 20th Avenue.

The truck smashed the small car against the concrete median. Most of the metal on the car caved in. The only thing left intact was a small cocoon of space around the driver's seat.'

KUSA

Ick. No.

'Will Gwyneth Paltrow and her hubby be battling it out over positions on the music charts?

The 'Proof' star - who is married to Coldplay frontman Chris Martin - reportedly is looking to release an album. Paltrow has been writing and recording songs with William Orbit, who produced her buddy Madonna’s 'Ray of Light' album, according to Brit paper The Sun.'

MSNBC

Except if your Muslim.

George W. Bush speaking to the NAACP:

'I come from a family committed to civil rights,' Bush said. 'My faith tells me that we are all children of God — equally loved, equally cherished, equally entitled to the rights He grants us all.'

So this is what's called a lunchtime poll......

What's your favorite Beatles song?

Mine would have to be 'Daytripper' and 'Magical Mystery Tour'. It's interesting to look back and see how influential the Sgt. Pepper's album was. They really were the first mainstream act to experiment with abstract sounds. Just another example of drugs expanding one's mind.

Leave your answers in the comments section.

'I'm looking for Tar-uh Con-nuhr'

That's what ran through my mind last night during Project Runway when they introduced the Miss USA chick.

So there ARE Reality TV Gods. Malan got kicked to the curb. Yay! He was this year's Santino for me. He was another pretentious a-hole, with no sense of how he portrays himself. When he went and said, 'it's sad. I don't really have many friends', I was like 'duh, maybe because you come across as an ass'.

Good riddance, I say. And wow, was his dress was butt ugly. It reminded me of Cave-woman couture. Snaps go to the flaming guy who does pageant dresses, and my future husband, Robert Best
for winning. Their dress was cool.

Geez, how gay am I?

Speaking of gay, I'm stoked Benji is still in the running for 'So You Think You Can Dance'.

'Taylor Hicks really does 'get what he wants and goes where pleases.''

The Daily Dump has a funny post about seeing Taylor Hicks at a baseball game. There's no way Taylor is 29.

'The moment of the night, though, came in the top of the third inning. We had ordered food earlier in the game, and each of our orders came with a free bag of Utz potato chips. My friend Scott, who doesn't eat carbs, set his off to the side in case someone wanted them later.

Suddenly, though, Scott picks up his potato chips, which had been tucked in neatly by his side, and reached across my friend Jeff to hand them to me, sitting at the end of the row, closest to Hicks. He says, nonchalantly, as though it were to be expected, 'Pass these down to Taylor. Tell him they're from us.'

Bad Computer Karma

My home computer bit the big one the other night, and now my brand new work computer just spontaneously died. Blegh.

Six Degrees Of Wentworth Miller

Six Degrees Of Wentworth Miller:

'Rosario Dawson was in "Josie and the Pussycats" with Tara Reid.. who was in
"Van Wilder" with Ryan Reynolds..who was in
"Blade Trinity" with Dominic Purcell.. who was in
"Prison Break" with Wentworth Miller!!!'

DC10

So there's this new club by me whose decor looks like an interior I designed. How funny:




[Click image to enlarge]

Carson Daly: Manorexic

[Click to enlarge....if you dare]

Funky people get up...on...it!

Holy Moley

A recorded call between a manic depressive having an episode, and an unsuspecting Telemarketer. I love the internets. From the Consumerist. Audio NSFW

Project Runway - Kicked Off Contestant Revealed

From Best Week Ever:

'Fans of Project Runway and bitchy gay guys, brace yourselves: Season 3 contestant Keith Michael, he of the face like a bird (fine, a cute bird), may have cheated on his Project Runway application. A sharp eye over at Television Without Pity notes the similarities between many of Keith's portfolio designs compared with those of some major designers, such as Lacoste and Marni. Keith, who fulfills my longtime fantasy of Jude Law and Greg Kinnear making delicious manlove and then producing a skinny, elf-like child, won last week's challenge with a pretty halter dress stitched out of some blue bedsheets. But according to last week's previews, we know something major goes down on Wednesday night's episode, as Tim Gunn's brows appear to knit a 13-ply cashmere cardi. (i.e. He looks pissed.) Look at these pics, then decide':

Left: Keith, Right: Giambattista Valli Spring 2006

Left: Keith, Right:Lacoste Spring 2006

Left: Keith, Right: Marni Spring 2006

Consumerist On Nightline

My buddy Ben made it on air about the Vincent Ferrari/Comcast debacle on Nightline. Go Ben!

Back To The Future

[Click Image To Enlarge]

Denver Infill has an interesting post on what would have become of the Central Platte Valley, had voters approved a bid to build the Convention Center down there.

Looking at the various plans and elevations, I would have to say I am happy with what we have now. I like the Convention Center where it's at on 15th. And the Riverfront development is much better than the ugly superbuilding portrayed in the original plans.

Who knew she sang?

Paul Oakenfold ft. Brittany Murphy - 'Faster Kill Pussycat'

It sounds like a combo of Benny Benassi and Junior Jack to me.

I think 15th is more 'seedy' than 14th

Spiffing up 14th Street

Developers, city hope to create lively, inviting path between convention center and Larimer Square

'With thousands of visitors pouring out of the new Colorado Convention Center and wandering down 14th Street to Larimer Square, spiffing up the somewhat seedy thoroughfare has taken on new urgency.

Civic leaders are asking public and private sources for the money to turn it into something the city can be proud of, a lively, pedestrian- friendly corridor they like to think of as its "cultural spine."

After six months of study sponsored by the Downtown Denver Partnership Inc. and Downtown Denver Business Improvement District, among others, the price tag for transforming 14th Street was determined to be between $6 million and $10 million.'

Blegh.

'Scientific exhibits are just one of the angles companies are using to differentiate themselves. Chicago-based shopping center developer Urban Retail Properties recently announced a deal with MGM to build movie-themed shopping centers. Similarly, fast-food giant McDonald's is revamping its indoor playgrounds to include age-appropriate zones zones that stress physical fitness.'

Denver Post

Useless Info

If you were to eat an entire 10 oz. bag of Romaine lettuce, it would only be 45 calories total.

[I bought a bag of Romaine hearts to make a Caesar, and had to eat it all before it turns. I brought it with me to work and just noticed that on the Nutrition label.]

The Brand New Heavies......

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'Right On - The Brand New Heavies'

are like the Greatest... Band... Ever!

Holy man! Much to my pleasant surprise, VH1 ran a commercial for their new album and tour. And N'dea Davenport is back!

I got in to them way back in high school, and they have been with me ever since. Even through the Siedah Garret days. They have been a soundtrack to the ups and downs of my life. Mostly the 'ups.

I'm so excited. Too bad they aren't coming to Denver on their tour though. Luckily, I did get to see them as part of the Smokin' Grooves tour at Red Rocks some years back.

Audio taken from: The Brand New Heavies - MySpace

Justin Timberlake is the new Pete Doherty

Well, not yet.

Justin Timberlake has spoke openly about his use of drugs.

'The singer, who is currently in the UK to promote his second album, admitted that he has taken drugs in private and is careful not to be caught on camera.

"The drugs that I do have been done in my own private time," he told the Observer Music Monthly magazine. "I've never been arrested - though that's not to say that I won't. I've done way too many drugs already. I've already inhaled and I've already - who knows?"

He added, "I'm just like everyone else - I get completely plastered, I've done my fair share of drugs and been caught places with my pants down. It's just that I make sure there are no cameras around."

Real World Denver - 'Gone Daddy Gone'

Seems like the cast is on vacation. But aren't they always? Kidding. Here is a conversation with John Wenzel from Get Real Denver in regards to this post:

From: Brando
Sent: Friday, July 14, 2006 12:35 PM
To: John Wenzel
Subject: [Get Real Denver] Comment: "Gone, daddy, gone"


Maybe they are on the trip MTV usually sends the cast on. Like how
they sent the Key West cast to Spain.

From:John Wenzel
To: Brando
Subject: RE: [Get Real Denver] Comment: "Gone, daddy, gone"
Date: Fri, 14 Jul 2006 12:34:51 -0600

Possibly. I'm wondering if it's Europe or just some out-of-the-way
Place in Colorado?

From: Brando
Sent: Friday, July 14, 2006 3:58 PM
To:John Wenzel
Subject: RE: [Get Real Denver] Comment: "Gone, daddy, gone"

Probably Hawaii or Mexico. They have to stay somewhat close to get back in time for the rest of the shooting schedule.

From: John Wenzel
To:Brando
Subject: RE: [Get Real Denver] Comment: "Gone, daddy, gone"
Date: Mon, 17 Jul 2006 09:33:21 -0600

We just got a tip that they were in Beaver Creek this weekend. I'm going to make some calls and see if I can confirm that.

Blurb Movie Reviews - 'Strangers With Candy'

Wow. What a disappointment. I feel sorry for anyone who isn't a fan of the show, and sees this movie. There are a lot of jokes from the show, and unless you are a fan, you probably won't get them.

I think the biggest problem is the beginning. There is no incidental music like in the show. I never realized how much of a component, the 'after-school special' music is, and how it affects the tone. Without it, the first 20 minutes just falls flat.

That's the other thing. The movie was supposed to start at 12:15, but didn't until 12:30. The movie was over by 1:30. Only an hour? It seemed longer.

The only bright spot was Sarah Jessica Parker as the guidance counselor. I think I only laughed out loud twice, and that was only for new jokes that haven't been used before. Like the typically un-PC Jerri saying:

'I love you all like family. Well, at least you white ones. You dark ones are more like endentured family servants'

Overall, it just seemed like the movie tried too hard. Bummer. I was expecting more.

Fine Print

I got this Nepalese incense yesterday, and while reading the package, I came across this statement:

'Non-toxic and non-habit forming'

?

How does one become addicted to incense? Is someone making pot or opium incense out there? Seriously. I want to know, who, has an incense habit.

This reminded me of another funny fine print thing I have seen. On the commercial for Orbit gum, with Snoop Dogg being sent to Hell, then Heaven, there is a tiny disclaimer on the bottom of the screen that says:

'Orbit gum will not get you in to Heaven'

So is this for real? Are people that dumb that they need to be told that chewing gum will not get you in with the man upstairs? Sadly, I think there probably is.

Praise Jesus, Hallelujah!

Haven't posted in a while due to the fact that I was in the process of getting a new work computer. I'm back up and running, but even more important than that, I can listen to BBC again!!!

Something happened on my old computer and it would time out while connecting. Might have been blocked. This is big for me because American radio stations suck. I can listen to the retarded musings of Vernon Kay and Sara Cox again. Plus, mixes by Pete Tong and Annie Mac.

BBC was the station that introduced me to Keane, Kaise Chiefs, Hard Fi, and many other of my favorite Brit pop acts. Brilliant!

Audio Clip Of The Day

The perfect song to mellow you out before the weekend starts. Bonus brownie points to anyone who can name the song, or orchestra.


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"Be a real man and dry shave, tough guy."

So they are doing it again. Two years ago, they had people wearing sandwich board signs with funny statements on them like 'Save water, shower with a friend', and 'Save water, drink beer'. It's good to see Denver Water use humor in their campaign.

Denver Water's ads already working conservation angle

'Singing shorter songs in the shower or using plastic ice cubes just may help Denver conserve more water.

That's the tongue-in-cheek focus of a new $500,000 advertising campaign by Denver Water urging consumers to continue their water-wise practices.

Designed by Denver agency Sukle Advertising & Design, the campaign consists of print, outdoor and transit ads. Four billboards already up have writing that covers only a quarter of the sign, leaving most of the wooden structure exposed. The signs read: "Use only what you need."

"We certainly think they will get people's attention," said agency president Mike Sukle. "Conserving water is just part of the way of life in Denver now."

Denver Water also plans to distribute 20,000 drink coasters to local restaurants and bars. They'll offer water-conservation tips such as "Be a real man and dry shave, tough guy." '

I thought this place was already closed

If they do clean it up, it could prime real estate. It's just outside of the central business core, and accessible by I-70 and I-25. Although the area around it is still kind of 'ghetto', if someone was willing to invest in that area, it could be a great infill site. They would have great views of Downtown.

Asarco closure plan cheers Globeville

'The metals processor with a long history of polluting nearby areas will be cleaned up for other uses.

Asarco LLC said Wednesday it will close its controversial metals-processing plant in Globeville by the end of August, eliciting cries of joy from neighborhood residents.

"We're saying 'hallelujah,"' said Lorraine Granado, a community leader in the north Denver neighborhood. "We're just delighted that they're closing the plant."

Asarco's 89-acre plant - called "Globe," it gave Globeville its name - has a long history of polluting nearby areas with toxic waste. It was declared an Environmental Protection Agency Superfund site in 1993 after regulators determined that the plant had spread lead and arsenic pollution through parts of a 4.5-square-mile area.'

Cruisenfreude - Suri On Tour

From Bill Husted:

'This week's Us magazine asks, "Where's Suri?" Next week it tells us - the baby girl of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, a.k.a. TomKat, is in Telluride, where Cruise has a house.

In a three-page spread, the fanzine has pics of Katie walking around town, but no pics of the missing kid or Cruise. But some

locals told the mag that they've seen Suri. A clerk at a natural goods store said the baby is "funny looking."'

Audio Clip Of The Day

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I'm diggin' the deep, abstract bassline.

Pomegranate Punch?

I would try it.

'Across the country, restaurant menus are getting more bold flavors--such as a spicy pulled pork sandwich from Tyson; drinks from the Coca-Cola Co. like Pomegranate Punch, a blend of Bacardi rum with pomegranate juice, Sprite and lemonade; and fusions of flavors such as a peach blackberry streusel pie from Sara Lee Corp.'

Chicago Tribune

Oh no. Just think what havoc you could cause with a 'Blog In'

From the Homeless Guy. Whose blog I had seen before, but forgot about it.

' At 8:37 AM, webslog said...

I'm on board for the Blog-In as well. 50 bloggers fill all the chairs, get on line then make a single .70 purchase every 30 minutes or so all at the same time. The battitude and unserviceness of this particular McD's is legendary.'

You know how I know you're a geek?

You get all excited when Consumerist links to one of your posts.



'Forget a certain ISP, leaving Architectural Digest is like extricating yourself from a lover who wants to have dinner and talk about why you broke up, maybe see a movie afterwards? [Bonjour, PeeWee] "Architectural Digest eats its peas one by one."'

Boulder Goats Gruff

This kinda cracked me up.

Boulder bikers, joggers confront bridge trolls

'As if Boulder didn't have enough to think about, what with attempting to singlehandedly stop global warming and the war in Iraq.

But now the myriad joggers and the bicyclists of this fair city have a problem that many might have previously believed confined to Scandinavian legends and fairy tales.

Bridge trolls.

According to reports from the Boulder police, several joggers encountered a modern-day variety of bridge trolls in a park near the intersection of Foothills Highway and Colorado Avenue shortly after noon on July 7, although the trolls may have taken it a step too far when they challenged an off-duty Boulder County sheriff's deputy.

Police said they came across the encounter about 12:27 p.m., in which the off-duty sergeant was faced off with Robert Hibbs, of Boulder, both armed with broken golf clubs.

As the police officers took Hibbs, 19, into custody he allegedly insisted he was a troll and claimed the bridge as his own, reports state.

Several witnesses noted that Hibbs and companion Bradley Boville, 19, were confronting joggers and bikers attempting to cross the bridge, demanding a dollar. '

Real World Denver - Update

Get Real Denver has a new photo of their courtyard, and it appears one of the cast members got busted for public intoxication. I'm thinking Colie, maybe? Just because of what I observed at the Foxhole on Pride.

'Klaven' is not a word.

Report: White supremacists set up Colorado chapter

'OLATHE (AP) - A Ku Klux Klan member from Indiana has said the white supremacist group has a chapter in this small western Colorado town, but city and county officials said they are skeptical.

Railton Loy, who says he is the international imperial wizard of a Klan group, told the Rocky Mountain News in Tuesday's editions that the Olathe chapter was formed about four years ago. He said he did not know the names of any of the members.

"It's just a little Klan klaven," he said.'

I think he meant Klavern:

klav·ern n.
A local organizational unit of the Ku Klux Klan.

Big Brother All Stars

So, ack! I can't believe I actually don't mind Jase so far this season. I am glad he called Alison out on her shite.

I also like how Alison realized she can't use the tactics she used before. I hope she gets booted on Thursday.

Next up is what's with Howie having a crush on Will? Please Howie, don't feed his ego any more.

I'm still rooting for the season 6 peeps for some reason. Reading the daily feed recap, it looks like James is doing a good job making the hamsters think he's not fully withe season 6 alliance.

Ideally what happens on Thursday, is that Alison gets booted, and James and Kaysar get Head of Household. That is if they continue doing two HOH's.

Oh, and I like how Big Bro changed the rules of Veto competition where two players are picked at random. That is going to muff up things.

This song will get stuck in your head

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I don't even want to know...

When Branding Goes Too Far

From Consumerist:

The Columbus Children's Hospital announced last month it's going to dub its new emergency department the Abercrombie & Fitch Trauma Center, in honor of a $10 million grant the clothier made....

To be fair, the naming isn't entirely inappropriate. Lots of people are traumatized by A&F.'

Enough already - 'Hetmosexual'

Blegh. This naming trend is so two years ago.

Not quite a heterosexual, the Hetmo wouldn't be caught dead listening to Dave Matthews or chugging a PBR. No, he needs a category all his own, hence my term Hetmosexual.

The Hetmo is extremely sensitive to a woman and her needs. If you tell him that it bothers you when he leaves his dirty socks on the floor, it'll never happen again. He is patient, understanding , and he'll even listen to the entire story behind your refusal to watch Kirsten Dunst movies. He will send you beautiful love poems and give exquisite restaurant recommendations.

No need to run out to the nearest foreign film fest to snag yourself a Hetmo, but just remember that they're out there and can make great partners. So the next time a not-so-fashionable man hits on you at a Carly Simon concert, give him a chance. After all, he won't steal your best moisturizer or drink all your beer.'

Real World Key West - Paula Arraigned

I guess therapy didn't help:

'CROMWELL, Conn. - A cast member on the MTV reality show "The Real World" was arraigned on a misdemeanor assault charge Monday after police said she bit her boyfriend during a domestic dispute.

Paula Ann Meronek, 25, bit her boyfriend several times when he refused to let her into their home at about 3 a.m. Sunday, police said."I think it was an argument that led to one thing then another,"

Cromwell Police Chief Anthony Salvatore said. "He attempted to keep her from the house. It got physical and we were contacted.'

[Thanks to Clay!]

Real World Denver - Colorado Athletic Club

So my interest in this is waning, but came across this from Get Real Denver:

'Several cast and crew were spotted by multiple readers at the Colorado Athletic Club earlier this week. We previously reported they would be playing dodgeball at the Denver Athletic Club (just a few blocks away) at some point over the summer, so fitness seems to be a priority between trips to the bars..'

and:

'I work out at the Colorado Athletic Club Downtown (between 16th and 17th on Welton) and I see the cast members and the crew filming them working out there all the time. Today I saw a few of them working out with a personal trainer - two guys and a girl (I think it's Brooke and Alex and Steve based on your pictures).'

It would have been funny if I still had my membership there and would have run in to Davis again. It would totally look like I was stalking him.

Big Brother All Stars Spoilers - Veto Competition

Yay. Janelle won it, and did not use it. So Danielle and Allison are still on the chopping block for eviction. If they're smart, they'd get Allison out first.

Joker's Updates

Esther takes the stage.

Excerpted from a review of Madonna's NYC concert from the Village Voice. I agree with the Stuart Price comments.

'In the early stages of her two-hour extravaganza/ordeal - after a maudlin intro wherein interpretive dancers flail about during the solemn audio testimony of, say, a child-abuse victim or a former gangbanger - she emerges crucified on a life-size sparkly cross, with a mic helpfully attached so she can croon a draggy, canned-sounding version of "Live to Tell" while surrounded by Jumbotron images of destitute, AIDS- orphaned African children who're occasionally swallowed up by CGI fireballs.

Holy shit.

This is my professional reaction. Holy shit. It's a sequence unparalleled in its combination of blasphemy, absurdity, melodrama, humanitarian grandstanding, and preposterous narcissism, all set to her second-best '80s torch ballad.

Instead, we settle for these brief flashes of old-time bravado and, even rarer, vulnerability. At one point our heroine sat down on the catwalk steps, visibly exhausted, content to merely look like an out-of-breath hot mom for a few seconds, apologizing for "fucking up words" and "falling all over the place": a quick peek at the perfectionist insecurity that drives all this grandeur.

She then sang a limp "Drowned World/Substitute for Love," profoundly inferior to "Crazy for You" or even "The Power of Goodbye."

She gave us everything she had, but not what we wanted.'

Ha!

'Lindsay celebrates her birthday by setting fire to Nicole Ritchie'

Curse you CBS!

You pulled me back in!

I had a hard time trying to decide if I was going to watch Big Brother this season. Last season was just visceral and disappointing. I spent all that time invested in the show, to have one of the worst people to win it in the end.

I stumbled across last night's premiere to see if I could handle it. I did. Dern it!

There is a lot of egos in the house this season. It could be interesting. I am glad though that Yvette



and Michael aka 'Cowboy'



did not make it in to the house. Yvette was probably the worst of last season. She's evil, rascist, and the biggest cry baby I have ever seen on a relaity show. I bet she had an unpleasant year after the show. She looked like she was going to burst in to tears when she found out she didn't make it in the house.

I feel sorry for Michael, sort of. He's like the un-popular kid in school who desperately wants to hang out with the cool kids. But his drawl, and his torpid demeanor are just plain annoying.

I'm glad Janelle, Nakomis, and Marcellus are in the house. Will and Boogie need to get over themselves. Blegh.

And I have to say, Jase seems to have mellowed out a bit. We'll see if that lasts.

The twist with the two Head of Households is intriguing. It no longer makes one person an immediate target for the following week. You have to be crafty in the game now, since things will change on a dime even more quickly, it seems. Wonder what's going to happen with the Veto this week.

For awesome recaps and daily updates, the best site is Joker's Updates for those of you so inclined.

Let the backstabbing and manipulation begin!

Good...

because waiting in the Emergency Room bites.

"Doc in the box" concept growing

Company plans to roll out 1,050 minor care clinics in five years

There's a guy to watch on the business scene in Colorado. His name is Tyler Tysdal, age 35. One of the companies he's involved with, SmartCare, is hitting the radar now because it has begun rolling out the first of what it hopes are 1,050 minor-care health clinics in grocery stores and other retail establishments across the U.S. during the next five years.

Greenwood Village-based SmartCare is a sort of an advanced version of "doc-in-the-box" you might see at Wal-Mart or Sam's Club; you know, where the optometrist is in for a few hours, only SmartCare's nurse practioners schedules will mirror pharmacy hours.

SmartCare's licensed nurse practitioners will be able to handle a lot of the cases that end up in emergency rooms, but at just a fifth of the cost, the company claims. It's a large potential market. The company's research showed that of the 114 million patients who went to emergency rooms in hospitals in 2003, 15 million were treated for minor ailments.

Seinfeld Moment

What's with White Tea becoming all popular all of a sudden. It reminds me of when Cranberries became big and started popping up in everything. Or like the clear soda/Gatorade trend. I wonder who makes the decision, 'ok, how about we push White Tea as the new big thing'?

It almost kind of reminds me of the movie 'Josie And The Pussycats' [yes, I saw it, and it's not bad - Parker Posey's the main bad guy] where the government and commerce were in charge of trends, and were subliminally getting people to buy the stuff they wanted us to buy.

I have to say, Lipton's Tangerine Iced White Tea drink is pretty good, though. Less sweet than their Black Tea iced teas, even though I bet they have the same amount of sugars.

White Tea - Wikipedia

Sallie Mae Outsourcing Sucks!

Unfortunately, they are handling my school loans that just became due. And their billing system jacked up my payments. I made two payments in May that got misapplied to the wrong months. So I get a letter saying there is a past due amount. [!]

I am anal about my money and bills and I always pay early and I overpay. There is no way that there is a past due.

So I call customer service, get a rep by the name of Ebony [who I am sure I spoke with before], and she says she has to transfer me to a specialized service rep. Yep, you guessed it; that sent my call to India.

Some dude with a heavy Indian accent by the name of Michael. Call starts off ok, then when I tell him I am disputing the late fee and past due amount, the tension starts.

The jist of it is, he tries to tell me that one of the May payments got applied to April, and there was no June payment. I keep meticulous records and had my checking account online up so I could recite dates sent, check numbers and processed. He argues with me, contradicting hiself that no April payment was received, yet one May payment was applied to April, since none was received for that cycle. Total BS. I have the cancelled check to prove it.

All throughout the conversation, his accent made it difficult to understand what he was saying. He often repeated the same thing over. Finally I had enough and asked, 'are you outsourced in India?'. Long pause. He confirms he is. My patience gone, I tell him, 'I need to speak to supervisor, or someone who speaks English'.

Yikes! I can't believe that came out of my mouth. But then again, I had had it. I am sick of companies outsourcing stuff overseas. The manager who came on was slightly better with the English language. The issue STILL unresolved, I told him to mail me my entire transaction history. So we'll see what happens.

This little encounter has encouraged me to get my loans off of Sallie Mae.

Even their website is difficult to use. I can't remember my login and password and it refuses to resend it to me because it says it already exists when I try an enter my info. If you call in, you're put on eternal hold, and transferred to India. I think people should start boycotting companies that outsource their customer service.

I am going to Wells Fargo to see what I can do. I, knock on wood, haven't had any issues with Wells the 13 years that I have been with them.

Sallie Mae, you suck major arse and I hope a lot of people see this!

Ok, rant over.

Oh man.

Santiago's has the best salsa in town. Even though it's not chunky, it is hot and flavorful. Their green chile on their burrito's is super hot. You have to get mild, or a mix of mild and hot if you can't handle super hot foods.

Today in 'Culling The Herd'

One dead in car surfing incident

BURLINGTON - One man was killed and another injured after they tried to ride on top of a moving car Tuesday, according to the Colorado State Patrol.

The incident happened on County Road 59 around 3:30 a.m. northeast of Burlington.

The State Patrol says Kelley Faylor, 26, let two passengers climb out of his sunroof.

The passengers, 20-year-old Gage Cloyd and 20-year-old Korey Schulte, slid onto the hood of Faylor's car, and according to the State Patrol at some point both fell off the hood.

Cloyd was killed after he was run over, according to the State Patrol.

Schulte was injured, but his condition was not immediately released.

Faylor has been charged with vehicular homicide, vehicular assault, and driving while under the influence.

The City of Denver Moves In To The 21st Century

It's about time. Geesh. They should have had this long ago. Hickenlooper is a cool Mayor and should have run for Governor.

Mayor unveils phone service for just about anything

DENVER - As of Friday morning, Colorado's capital has a new, free service to help with everything from applying for a marraige license to reporting a missing street sign.

Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper announced the activation of Denver's 311 system Friday on 9News 6am.

"311 is the city's non-emergency information number and it will revolutionize Denver's approach to customer service by providing our residents and businesses with the ability to make 'one call to City Hall' for all of their city-related questions," said Mayor Hickenlooper. "From reporting a pothole or purchasing a park permit to starting a new business or getting a marriage license, 311 will handle it all."

Trained 311 customer service agents will either answer questions and provide information on the spot, or they will assign a tracking number to the inquiry if a special service is requested. The tracking number allows citizens to follow their requests for service through the City system online at www.denvergov.org

In addition to calling 311, city-related questions or concerns can be e-mailed to 311@ci.denver.co.us311@ci.denver.co.us

You can also fax 720-913-8490 or by walking in to the 311 center for person to person contact at the Webb Municipal Building at 201 West Colfax in Downtown Denver.

French Lesson Of The Day - ' Dessin'

French: dessin


English: drawing

-----------------------------------------------------------

Example Phrase Using Today's Word:

French: Vous devez lui montrer ce dessin, Pee Wee.

English: You must show him this drawing, Pee Wee.

Architectural Digest eats its peas one by one.

A month ago, I got a weird, almost conceited letter from Architectural Digest asking why I haven't renewed my subscription. I didn't respond, but posted about it.

So what do I have today? A new letter, that sounds like a desperate girlfriend dealing with a break up:

'Dear Former Subscriber,

Your subscription to Architectural Digest has expired and we have not yet received your renewal instructions. Despite our repeated attempts to notify you and find out what you would like us to do about it, you remain silent.

It is difficult to imagine you willingly going without the pleasure that Architectural Digest brings you each month.

You're missing out on the work of top international designers, art that commands worldwide attention, tantalizing interiors, and gardens beyond compare.

We would like to put you back on the list of continuing subscribers. And if we can't do that, we'd like to know why - is it something we have done wrong?

Please take a moment to use the enclosed form and envelope provided to renew your subscription...or just drop us a line if we have somehow disappointed you.

Either way we look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Kristie'

So this time I am going to respond. I am sending back the letter with this response:

'Dear Kristie,

It's not you, it's me. I am just in a different place now.

No hard feelings?

Much love,

Brando'

I talk to a person like the 'customer' at least once a day.

My favorite? The guy who called me to ask what state Wisconsin was located in.

'12PM Lunch'

Food service worker: What type of soda would you like today?

Female customer: Large.

Food service worker: Yes, mam'm. But what type or flavor did you want?

Female customer: I said large.

Food service worker: Yes, ma'am. Diet Coke? Sprite? Coke? What type?

Female customer: Are you f*cking stupid or something? Large. A large soda. How many times do I have to tell you?

San Diego Mall Food Court
San Diego, California

Overheard In The Office

Cruisenfreude - No baby?

From Defamer:

'Three months after her birth, Baby Suri, is still unseen, even by the family's closest friends. A source says Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes have yet to show her off to fellow Scientologists John Travolta, Kelly Preston and Lisa Marie Presley.

Even good pals Will and Jada Pinkett Smith supposedly have not met her, despite repeated calls to Cruise. "Every time, it's a different excuse: He's busy or Kate's not feeling well," says a source. '[The Smiths] think it's so weird."'

Ouch is an understatement.

'Castle Rock - Jason Bunch was listening to Metallica on his iPod while mowing the lawn outside his Castle Rock home Sunday afternoon when lightning hit him.

The last thing the 17-year-old remembers was that a storm was coming from the north and he had only about 15 minutes before he should go inside.

Next thing he knew, he was in his bed, bleeding from his ears and vomiting. He was barefoot and had taken off his burned T-shirt and gym shorts. He doesn't know how he got back in the house.

The wounds follow the line of his iPod, from his ears down his right side to his hip, where he was carrying the device. The iPod has a hole in the back, and the earbuds dissolved into green threads.

Bunch and his mother believe the iPod acted as an antenna, drawing the lightning to him. There were tall pine trees nearby that didn't get hit.'

Denver Post

As if our attention spans aren't already short enough.

'Even on radio, where TiVo is not a factor, short ads are showing up: Clear Channel Radio is running five-second ads, called adlets, for products including Afrin nasal spray. The nation's largest radio company even has created sample one-second ads, called blinks, to offer to marketers.

Consumers "are bombarded with messages on a daily basis ... (so) we were looking for ways to use our medium that were fresh and of interest," says Jim Cook, head of Clear Channel's creative group. "Shorter lengths are the way so many things are being consumed today in an overcommunicated world."

Clear Channel created a one-second McDonald's ad with its "I'm Lovin' It" jingle and a Mini Cooper ad with a honk and a voice that says, "Mini." McDonald's and BMW did not create the samples, which haven't aired. And Cook insists the company won't overwhelm listeners with wee ads. "We have limits on how many and how often any of these shorter ads will appear."'

KUSA

Word Origins - 'Lobby'

lobby

1553, from M.L. laubia, lobia "covered walk in a monastery," from a Gmc. source (cf. O.H.G. louba "hall, roof;" see lodge (n.)). Meaning "large entrance hall in a public building" is from 1640.

Political sense of "those who seek to influence legislation" is attested 1808 in Amer.Eng., in ref. to the custom of influence-seekers gathering in large entrance-halls outside legislative chambers. The verb in this sense is first attested 1850.

Lobbyist is first attested 1863.

French Lesson Of The Day - 'Cours'

French: cours


English: class

-----------------------------------------------------------

Example Phrase Using Today's Word:

French: Pee Wee a parle avec son professeur apres le cours.

English: Pee Wee talked with his professor after class.

Joke

Sorry about the all caps, but too lazy to re-type it all.

'A GUY GOES TO A SUPERMARKET AND NOTICES A BEAUTIFUL BLONDE

WHO WAVES AT HIM AND SAYS HELLO.

HE'S RATHER TAKEN BACK, BECAUSE HE CAN'T PLACE WHERE HE

KNOWS HER FROM, SO HE SAYS, " DO YOU KNOW ME?" TO WHICH

SHE REPLIES, "I THINK YOU'RE THE FATHER OF ONE OF MY KIDS."

NOW HE THINKS BACK TO THE ONLY TIME HE HAS EVER BEEN

UNFAITHFUL TO HIS WIFE AND SAYS, " MY GOD, ARE YOU THE

STRIPPER FROM MY BACHELOR PARTY THAT I LAID ON THE POOL

TABLE, WITH ALL MY BUDDIES WATCHING, WHILE YOUR PARTNER

WHIPPED ME WITH WET CELERY AND THEN STUCK A CARROT IN MY

BUTT?"

SHE SAID,

"NO, I'M YOUR SON'S MATH TEACHER!"'

My Heritage

This has been on the 'nets for a while, and well, curiousity got the best of me. You upload a photo, and it matches what celebrities you supposedly look like. My results?

Ben Stiller

With a little



and



mixed in.

Other photos?

Jon Stewart

and

Johnny Knoxville.

That's what I get for having such a square noggin. Their software is mistaken, I think. Hot Babe once said I looked like a young Martin Sheen, which I take of as more of a compliment.

Aw man!

I LOATHE Jase.

'Yesterday, the Big Brother 7 houseguests were heard on the live feeds, as 'they started broadcasting for approximately an hour Tuesday afternoon before being shut down,' according to Jam! Showbiz. Thus, the names of the houseguests have been revealed, as has a major game-changing twist.

The houseguests are Alison, Danielle, Diane, Erika, George, Howie, James, Janelle, Jase, Jennifer/Nakomis, Kaysar, Marcellas, Mike Boogie, and Will. Of course, we don't yet know which six were viewer's picks. Producers opted to stock the house with 14 people, not 12, which everyone seems to think is a surprise, even though the possibility was revealed by producer Allison Grodner back in April.'

It should be interesting. You have a lot of A Type personalities in there. This could get ugly.

Reality Blurred

'Fagwa' - Nice

'Has Pharrell Williams cost himself a big-bucks Louis Vuitton campaign after a regrettable incident at Milan Men's Fashion Week?

The singer was slated to be the face of Vuitton's fall advertising. But he had a "fag-wa" called against him after his heavies bounced a bevy of influential gay fashionistas (including Elton John's hubby, David Furnish, and Burberry designer Christopher Bailey) out of his VIP lounge at a GQ magazine party, telling them there was "too much sausage" in the room.

Now Vuitton reps are calling around, "taking the temperature" of the bad press he generated, says an insider, and are mulling whether to pull the campaign.

Williams' pal Naomi Campbell seems to have summed up his problem best.

According to multiple sources, she called and told him, "Two words: Donna Summer." It's a reference to the disco diva whose career nosedived after she allegedly made homophobic remarks.'

Gatecrasher

Wouldn't it suck...

if they have an accident anyway?

'The astronauts were taking more images of the shuttle's wings and nose cap on Wednesday using laser, digital and video cameras attached to a 50-foot boom. The new inspection techniques, implemented after the Columbia disaster, can spot damage as small as an eighth of an inch.'

KUSA

So this is what's called a lunchtime poll....

Today's question:

'What is the worst weather you have ever personally experienced?'

Mine would have to be driving back from St. Louis in eastern Colorado, in the middle of nowhere, and getting stuck in a apocolyptic rain/hail storm. It was raining so bad, I couldn't see out the windows, and the hail was collecting up so quickly it looked like snow.

Leave your answers in the comments section.

Blurb Movie Reviews - 'Sideways'

What a piece of shite. I don't see what all the fuss was about. Paul Giamatti certainly did not warrant an Oscar for this role. He basically played himself. Blegh. I wanted to turn it off like three times, but I kept watching hoping it would redeem itself. It didn't.

It's both pretentious and juvenile, and the two lead characters [Hayden Church and Giamatti] aren't likable. I wanted 'Miles' [Giamatti] to commit sucide just so we wouldn't have to suffer through anymore of his whining and wine talk. Looks like I am not the only one who thinks this way.

'Don't you know I'm loco?'

On the way in to work today, the guy who hangs out on the corner of Colfax and Lincoln was back. Previously, he was out there with this red sign that said 'Clinton Raped Elian', or some crazy shite like that.

Today he had a new sign. On one side it said 'Hillary Is Castro', and on the other 'JFK Shot Marilyn'.

If he didn't look like a crazy person, I would think that he was just some hipster, or performance artist looking for attention. But he seriously looks like the Unabomber.

He's an old white dude in dirty clothes, and scraggly hair. It's kind of scary to think of the people like him out there, with a fugged up sense of reality. I wish I had my camera.

French Lesson Of The Day - 'Boire'

French: boire


English: drink

-----------------------------------------------------------

Example Phrase Using Today's Word:

French: Pee Wee, desires-tu quelque chose a boire?

English: Pee Wee, would you like something to drink?

Publicity Whore - 'Brotherhood'

So I got this PR email the other day about some new show on Showtime called 'Brotherhood'. By chance, I was browsing On Demand since nothing was on TV. In the upper corner of the menu they usually show clips of new movies and such.

Well, they were showing clips of 'Brotherhood'. It's looks like it is an Irish Soprano's. Excerpt of description:

'Amidst the weathered row houses and rust-barnacled tugboats framing the port city of Providence, Rhode Island, lies an Irish-American neighborhood known as 'The Hill.'

There, the old-world ways of street justice and loyalty still permeate through the tough blue-collar neighborhood. It is where the familial bonds of the Caffee brothers are constantly teetering above a moral abyss, something akin to the classic sibling fable of Cain and Abel.'

It looks decent enough, at least from the clips I saw. Then it reminded me, I got the press release. And since I haven't determined my stance on shilling for publicists yet, I figured I'd mention it. The above photos aren't flattering, but the two main characters are kinda hot, in a weird way. Maybe it's just because of my thing for Irish accents.

Snakes On A Plane - The Soundtrack!

Captain Ahab, an electro duo out in LA, won a Snakes On A Plane contest. From Hollywood Reporter:

'Los Angeles-based band Captain Ahab was the official winner of the "Snakes on a Plane" soundtrack contest, which was thrown by New Line Cinema and social networking site TagWorld. Captain Ahab's song, "Snakes on a Brain," beat out nearly 500 entries and will be placed in the film and on the "Snakes on a Plane" soundtrack.'

You can check out the song on their MySpace page here.

BTW, they are doing a really good job of creating hype for this movie on the 'nets.

New Feature! - 'So this is what's called a lunchtime poll..'

Before blogging, I used to ask questions of all my email friends. My friends are all pretty smart and witty, and it was quite entertaining. I figured I'd reincarnate it here.

Today's first installment is:

'You stumble across unrestricted access to all US Government records. What one Government conspiracy would you look up and find out what really happened?'

Mine would be Roswell. I don't really think it was aliens, but they went to great lengths to cover up the info, so it must be something juicy. It would be nice to know if there really are men in black, and an alien cadaver somewhere.

Leave your responses in the comments section.

French Lesson Of The Day - 'Abasourdi'

French: abasourdi


English: stunned

-----------------------------------------------------------

Example Phrase Using Today's Word:

French: Pee Wee est reste, comme abasourdi par la nouvelle.

English: Pee Wee sat there as if stunned by the news.

Gallery Of The Absurd - 'Careerisoverum'

[Click image to enlarge]

'The poor little barefoot Britneyroo (careerisoverum) is worn down and burdened from always having to lug the Freeloading Federline Lizard (paraciticus wannabeus africus reptilia) around in her pouch. The Lizard sits back, cracks open a 40 ouncer, and daydreams about one day becoming a big rap star. He never has to lift a finger to do anything other than keep the Britneyroo knocked up. What a life the slimy little Lizard has.'

I love that it has Cheeto's in the pouch.

Blurb Movie Reviews - 'Campfire Tales'

Surprisingly, not bad. I was expecting a 'David Decoteau-bad-B-movie', but it's pretty decent. It also has actors that we know today, at the beginning of their careers [for the most part]. In it were the following:

Christine Taylor [Ben Stiller's wife, Zoolander, The Brady Bunch Movie]

Amy Smart [Win A Date With Tad Hamilton]

Ron Livingston [Office Space, Sex and The City]

James Marsden [Cyclops from Xmen, and Superman]

Jacinda Barrett [Real World London, Poseidon]

Glenn Quinn [Played Mark on Roseanne]

Chris Masterson [Malcom In The Middle, brother of Danny Masterson [That 70's Show]]

These kids get in to a car accident, and decide to start a fire and tell 'ghost stories' while waiting for the cops to show up.

First story is about newlyweds on a road trip that get harassed. The second, which was the most creepiest, was about this girl who gets stalked online, and then for real when she's home by herself, by a guy.

The last one creeped me out because it reminded me of a story I read in grade school. It was about this woman, who always wore a choker necklace. Her hubby asked her to take it off but she always refuses. So while she's asleep, he cuts it off, only to find that her head falls off, as she yells back 'I told you I couldn't take it off!'. It creeped me out as a kid, and has stuck with me to this day.

The end of the movie has a twist which I actually didn't see coming, surprisingly. Overall, a pretty good 'horror' flick.

Blurb Movie Reviews - 'Superman Returns'

**Major Spoilers!!**

Bryan Singer did a great job. It drags in some spots, but the action sequences are really good. The first one with the airplane gave me that roller coaster 'dread' feeling of 'oh man, what's going to happen?', even though I know of course Superman would save the day. The technology for the visuals greatly enhances the franchise. The one from the 80's seems really outdated now.

Defamer and their 'Package Of Steel' watch, made me keep an eye out for it. You can tell they did try to minimize the crotch shots. Most notably, when he was landing once, he put his leg up, thus blocking the light so you didn't see anything. It's subtle, I wouldn't have noticed, or cared, if it weren't for Defamer talking about it.

Speaking of his package, it occurred to me during the film that after this weekend, Routh won't have to worry about getting some action for the next month. I didn't think he was all that hot, but he grew on me.

Kevin Spacey was awesome as Lex Luthor. Parker Posey, rawked, as usual. And the crystal island segment was beautiful. Two things that I didn't like, were how Lois was seriously thinking about hooking back up with Superman. James Marsden [hubba], is her hubby, and they have a kid. I couldn't believe she would just throw all of that away for the caped one.

And as for the kid, as soon as I saw him, I predicted the ending that he was Superman's, and not James Marsden's character's. That was kind of lame.

Oh, and another thing that bugged me. I know it's been discussed before, but how inobservant is the staff of The Daily Planet? How can they not know Clark Kent is Superman? Seriously, when Superman is supposedly dying in the hospital, no one notices that Clark doesn't show up for work? Superman has been away for five years, and he and Clark happpen to re-appear at the same time? Yeah, right.

Wow. He's dead.

He played the boyfriend of someone on Roseanne. [Denver Shenanigans should know]. I just watched this movie 'Campfire Tales' [surprisingly not bad], and he was in it. I knew he looked familiar. So I had to IMDB it and came across that he OD'd. Yikes.

Yer darn tootin'

Holiday leaves Monday shift adrift

New York - With the July Fourth holiday falling on Tuesday this year, Monday will be an orphan workday for many people who can't take the day off.

Although other national holidays are usually moved to the nearest Monday, Independence Day is always observed on July 4. And while some companies are giving their employees an extra day off Monday, many other people who have to work might not be as productive as usual.

Some may be a little out of sorts, knowing they're stuck on the job while friends or relatives are at backyard barbecues. But workplace experts say that it might not be entirely their fault that they're less productive - a lot of tasks require collaboration, and many co-workers, customers and other business associates won't be there.

Incidentally, this affects me.

We had to re-scheduled some work because NASA had a moratorium, which was a pain. And now they go and delay it again. Bastages!

Crack found in foam on shuttle; launch uncertain

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) - A 5-inch crack in the foam insulation covering the shuttle Discovery's external fuel tank has the craft's Fourth of July launch in question.

The crack was spotted during an overnight inspection. NASA had scrubbed launch plans Saturday and Sunday because of poor weather and had removed fuel from the tank.

The inspectors found the crack, which was an eighth of an inch deep, in the foam on a bracket near the top of the external fuel tank.

Olav Basoski - 'Waterman'

Olav Basoski - Waterman (Feat. Michie One)

Annie Mac played this on her BBC show last year. This weekend I saw it on Logo. Crazy how dance music can be around for ages before becoming known in the mainstream.