HBO renewed Entourage today - woo hoo - Vince and the boys will be back for a 7th season (not to sound like too much of a dork)! True Blood and Hung were also renewed. Very cool. Check out the full story: http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118006705.html?categoryid=14&cs=1
So I went to a sporting event last night and had one of those fun neighbors sitting near me who made the night so special. Remember that Friends where Ross is coordinating moving a couch up a flight of stairs and he keeps saying (instead of pivot) "PIV-AHT" "PIV-AHT" "PIV-AHT"...I used to rewind that 12 times to keep rewatching- crying laughing the whole time. But I digress...
well last night my friendly neighbor was rooting for the other (visiting) team and wouldn't stop yelling the whole game - screaming just for the sake of screaming (you know the type) and then there was this (instead of saying miss it)...MISS-AHT...MISS-AHT. MISS-AHT. I couldn't stop chuckling, fondly picturing Ross attempting to wind his way up those stairs.
were a strange, yet captivating duo last night. Singing lullabies, playing with dolls, you didn't know what was going to happen next. Project Runway season 6 with Heidi starts on August 20 and there will be an All-Stars edition airing that day and a show on the Models premiering, Models of the Runway. Sounds very intriguing to get a behind the scenes look at the models.
Very funny interaction between Tom and Jimmy last night. They did a very funny Quick Fire challenge and Tom beat Jimmy. Apparently, Jimmy really doesn't like mayo - who knew? Tom is so cool - he just seems like a guy you want to chill with. So excited for the new season of Top Chef to start August 19. And in Las Vegas - should be awesome!
So Jillian is moving to Chicago to be with Ed. It seems like she and Ed are actually very into each other. I did think it was a little suspicious that she kept saying when sitting with Reid that the show is so real and emotions are very real, etc.. It seemed a bit defensive, but she and Ed do seem very happy.
Fascinating how many Chicagoans have made it to the end and/or won reality shows. For example, Jen Schefft from the Bachelor, Stephanie Izard from Top Chef, and Bernie from The Biggest Loser.
45 consecutive outs in a row. He got a standing ovation from the Minnesota fans when he the streak ended and the record was set. Very cool considering the Twins are rivals of the White Sox. What a history making few days for Buehrle!
I recently came across a list of the worst song lyrics ever and it included Elton John's line in "Your Song":
An interesting post-apocalyptic movie with Denzel Washington. Check out the trailer...
The Book of Eli on Apple's Trailer Site
Are there a lot more "post-apocalyptic", "end of the world" movies coming out lately?
Various dvds of Battlestar Galactica, Torchwood and Doctor Who are being released today.
As a Gen X'er I'm not "feeling" any of the new releases today, BUT there are 2 cool box sets coming out soon in time for holiday gift giving!!
The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones Box Set (Amazon.com Exclusive)
The Beatles
The Beatles Stereo Box Set
Josh Radnor, remarkably funny and fresh as Ted on How I Met Your Mother, has just finished directing a film he also wrote, HappyThankYouMorePlease. I think he is really talented and am excited to see anything he is a part of. Check out the full story: http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118006550.html?categoryid=13&cs=1
I would have realized that getting the lead in a summer camp play (with 4 leads and no one wanting the part) does not make you an extraordinary talent with a future in song.
Ed from Chicago was Jillian's choice - cool that she picked a Chicago boy. That Reid appearance was a big surprise, but I guess when he didn't show up to the Men Tell All last week that was a clue that something was up.
I have to admit, I fast forwarded through some of the show (did anybody else?) stretching about a half hour show into 2 hours was, while quite a feat, tough to get through.
I am most curious to see what is going to happen tonight on After the Final Rose. Are they still together? Any surprises? Should be interesting to see where things are at.
Mark Buehrle was both endearing and humble reading the Top 10 List on Letterman last night. You would never have known that he was the pitcher with the historic and amazing achievement from last Thursday.
Dave Matthews Band totally rocked it. Performing Why I Am, my personal favorite song off the new album, they sounded great and did what they do best. Awesome that they will be back on Letterman this Friday night!
Last night Jimmy Fallon aired a very funny clip he put together at Comic-Con this past weekend in San Diego. Trying to gain a following for "the Re-charger", he gets help from the likes of Jon Favreau, Joss Whedon, Don Cheadle, and Stan Lee, to name a few. Sidepoint but while Jon Favreau was giving Jimmy advice I couldn't help but picture him as Monica's quirky boyfriend, Pete, in the early years of Friends. Who knew then that Jon Favreau would end up a hugely successful director in Hollywood?
in 1984, Purple Rain the movie came out. I am incredulous that that was 25 years ago. In addition to being a wild film, Prince's Purple Rain is one of the best albums of all time and defined the 80s in so many ways: I don't think there was a party in the eighties from 1984 on in which a song from Purple Rain wasn't played.
After I settled in on the business idea I wanted to pursue (more on the actual business idea in a future blog) I knew that I needed to write a business plan. Tired of reading book after book about actually writing a plan and getting nowhere I decided to look for a business coach to help me get started. I remember searching for things like "business plan Chicago" and other similar searches until I came across Barry Moltz at http://www.barrymoltz.com/ and decided to contact him to talk business plans. After having a brief lunch meeting with him I decided he was the guy to help me - he was easy going, he was an entrepreneur, and was in the midst of writing a book on business - seemed like a good start. Links to his books are below as well as couple other interesting books on business and innovation. More to come...
Bounce!: Failure, Resiliency, and Confidence to Achieve Your Next Great Success by Barry Moltz
You Need To Be a Little Crazy: The Truth About Starting and Growing Your Business by Barry Moltz
Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap... and Others Don't by Jim Collins
Innovator's Guide to Growth: Putting Disruptive Innovation to Work by Scott D. Anthony
How cool was it to see Louis Lombardi, Edgar from seasons 4 & 5 of 24, back on Entourage last night playing Turtle's friend Ronnie?
Not to sound like a dork, but the character development of Ari is quite intriguing - helping E and Turtle with their new paths. Who knew seemingly heartless Ari could have 2 heart to hearts in one episode? I won't go for the Ari actually has a Heart of Gold pun here because of the groans it might elicit :)
I am so excited that Dave Matthews Band, who are awesome in general and incredible live, will be on Letterman tonight. I especially love their earlier tunes.
And Mark Buehrle who, as mentioned below pitched a perfect game on Thursday, will be making a special appearance!
So I know her special came out in April but I just watched it again and that Cher story is simply hilarious. I could hear it over and over again. So unbelievably cool that she spent her birthday with Cher!
Evelyn to Charlie..."Do you need a good lawyer? ...a discreet doctor?...a fake Gucci handbag?...There's only so many ways Mommy can help you, dear."
in 1985, National Lampoon's European Vacation with Chevy Chase and Beverly D'Angelo was released. Fun fact: the movie was written by John Hughes, director of such classics as Breakfast Club, Ferris Bueller's Day Off and Sixteen Candles, among many other accomplishments.
So I finally saw this movie. Not the greatest movie ever but great soundtrack with highlights including Lenny Kravitz's Love Revolution - awesome song! Funny to see Patrick Dempsey playing a total player 21 years after playing the nerd in Can't Buy Me Love. Cool to see Kevin McKidd in a completely different role than he plays in Grey's Anatomy.
Carlos Bernard, Tony on 24, sang at the 7th inning stretch at the Cubs game today. And he rocked it! He is from Evanston, IL and went to New Trier High School.
in 1980 the classic movie Caddyshack, directed by Harold Ramis, starring Bill Murray, Rodney Dangerfield, Ted Knight and Chevy Chase was released. Fun fact: the movie is #2 on Bravo's list of 100 Funniest Movies.
have the Charles in Charge song in your head with the chorus basically playing on repeat in your mind? Just curious
Happy birthday to John Aniston, Michael Richards, Dan Hedaya, Lynda Carter, Gus Van Sant, Karl Malone, Barry Bonds, Laura Leighton, Jennifer Lopez, Rick Fox, Eric Szmanda, Rose Byrne, Summer Glau, Anna Paquin, and Elisabeth Moss.
Love this song by Fall Out Boy off their latest album. The video for it reminds me of Baz Luhrmann's movie Moulin Rouge with Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor.
How ridiculously awesome is the Genius function on iTunes? Endless amounts of fun looking up matches to songs you like and then matches to those songs. I even used it recently to help think of ideas for a gift for someone who I knew loved this one group and they were thrilled with the resulting present. Dare I say the Genius function is, in fact, absolute genius?
All-Star Pitcher Mark Buehrle of the Chicago White Sox just pitched a perfect game: not one person reached base - no hits, no walks, no hit batsmen and noone reaching on an error. He is only the 18th person in MLB history to accomplish this amazing feat. This is the first perfect game thrown since Randy Johnson in May of 2004. Go Buehrle!!!
Happy Birthday to Edie McClurg, Woody Harrelson, Eriq LaSalle, Slash, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Gary Payton, Stephanie Seymour, Alison Krauss, Marlon Wayans, Monica Lewinsky, Nomar Garciaparra, Stephanie March and Daniel Radcliffe.
in 1982 the movie The World According to Garp was released.
I'm extremely interested (read "obsessed") with creativity, innovation, and creative problem solving. People tend to hear the word "creativity" and associate it with artisitic pursuits (writing, painting, etc.). While artsitic expression is certainly an area of creativity it is simply one part of it. For example, there are many creative ways to solve problems (for both business and personal challenges).
I recently attended CPSI (pronounced "sip-see") where I learned creative problem solving methods, techniques, and activities. It was great! One keynote speaker was Dean Kamen, inventor of the Segway among many other things.
Creative Problem Solving Institute (CPSI)
http://www.cpsiconference.com/
Creative Education Foundation
http://www.creativeeducationfoundation.org/
Here are a few great books on creativity:
Jack's Notebook by Gregg Fraley - Gregg is a good friend and has facilitated ideations sessions for me in the past. Check out his website at GreggFraley.com
The Creative Brain: The Science of Genius by Nancy C. Andreasen
Strong Imagination: Madness, Creativity and Human Nature by Daniel Nettle
Extraordinary Minds: Portraits Of 4 Exceptional Individuals And An Examination Of Our Own Extraordinariness by Howard Gardner
Is it me or do you not think of Wayne's World every time you see someone with some sort of id card around their neck and hear Wayne and Garth saying "backstage pass...backstage pass..."?
I thought this movie was great and did not understand why it didn't do well at the box office. Its all star cast includes Russell Crowe, Ben Affleck, Helen Mirren, Robin Wright Penn, Jason Bateman, Jeff Daniels and Rachel McAdams. In this era of the media competing to break stories on a minute by minute basis, it was captivating to see the perspective of a newspaper sitting on a huge story and the decisions that need to be made. And that is just one aspect of this political mystery. Thoughts as to why it didn't do well?
Loved the show Felicity -- was so bummed when it went off the air. Keri Russell being torn between Ben and Noel all while navigating college in the city. Lots of twists and turns along the way.
How ridiculously amazing is JJ Abrams, who along with Felicity has also created Alias, Lost and Fringe and directed Star Trek, among many other things. His combination of people dynamics, character development, conspiracy, science fiction and intrigue, to name just a few of the elements he puts into his productions, make for unique and must-see tv and film. What's also cool is that you often see actors and actresses from one of his shows pop up in another one of his productions. I think he is an incredible Generation X talent.
Just saw The Hurt Locker the other night. Very well made and seemed very realistic. Be prepared for some tense scenes. I thought it lost some steam at the end (the movie felt a little long), but very powerful overall.
in 1988 the movie Big Top Pee-wee was released. Fun fact: the movie was directed by the same person who directed Grease, Randal Kleiser. Funny that Bender made a reference earlier today.
Did I mention I am a HUGE fan of Prince? He just played the Montreux Jazz Festival. I hope he launches a full scale tour soon!
For all things Prince check out:
http://www.lotusflow3r.com/ (official site)
http://www.prince.org/ (awesome fan site)
I think Craig Ferguson is great and should be the new King of Late Night!
He is so funny, quirky and off the wall that I laugh every time I watch the show. He recently interviewed Gerard Butler and Jackie Collins and he was hilarious. He made a reference to Pee-Wee's Playhouse (which I had forgotten about)...
Try to catch Craig's interview with Holly Hunter - it was so funny and out there!
Craig! Craig! Craig!
Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson
http://www.cbs.com/late_late_show/
Happy Birthday to Alex Trebek, Don Henley, Danny Glover, Willem Dafoe, Keith Sweat, Rob Estes, David Spade, John Leguizamo, Rhys Ifans and Keyshawn Johnson.
Last night the world champion Philadelphia Phillies beat the Cubs in the bottom of the 13th inning due to Jayson Werth's walk off home run. The tradition when that (or a game winning hit in general) happens is that the team pours out onto the field and everyone jumps up and down and surrounds the game winner jumping all over him. As I saw that I was wondering, isn't there anybody that wants their space when that happens? Is there one guy that has said "Guys, don't crowd me"? Just curious.
So I used to love that show and had the most wacky Hart to Hart night last night. I am catching up on Kathy Griffin: My life on the D List and Stefanie Powers appears to visit Kathy's Mom. Then I am watching a Two and a Half Men rerun and Robert Wagner is guest starring on the episode. From one Hart to another - it was so random.
As Claire mentioned Sugar Ray is back with "Music for Cougars". I heard a few clips on iTunes and they sound like...Sugar Ray!
Also, Matthew Sweet and Suzanna Hoffs are back with "Under the Covers, Volume 2". Volume 1 covered 60's music and Volume 2 covers 70's music.
I'm a fan of Matthew Sweet and Susanna Hoffs/The Bangles had some fun songs back in the day, but I can't say I'm in rush to hear this collaboration. Maybe if they record a Volume 3 covering 80's music I'll check it out ;)
Claire here: I just have to say Matthew Sweet's Evangeline is one of my all time favorite songs
A couple new releases today include Watchmen (Director's Cut) and Prison Break: The Final Break.
I haven't seen Watchmen, but am excited to check it out. As for Prison Break, I have been a fan of the show, but the last couple seasons went off the rails. I have seen "The Final Break" and it does close up all/most of the loose ends on the show.
is the name of the new Sugar Ray album out today. Former Extra correspondent Mark McGrath and his band are back.
Twenty years ago today the movie When Harry Met Sally was released - wide - everywhere. How crazy is it that it has been 20 years?
Happy Birthday to Brandi Chastain, Josh Hartnett, Justin Bartha, Damian Marley, David Carr, Blake Lewis, and Rory Culkin.
So I have to admit in the spirit of my fascination with people dynamics, I watched the men tell all episode of The Bachelorette last night. Here's what is so interesting: the men were quite cliquey and mean to each other. Women have that reputation, and not that that doesn't happen, but it appeared the men on the show were "not that innocent" in the words of Britney.
This relates to my theory that growing up we were socialized to believe that girls are very moody, and guys, not so much. But that is so not the case. Guys are just as moody as girls. So where does this idea come from?
I would realize that in college bragging about going to every a cappella concert on campus does not earn you cool points nor does it earn you better grades.
Steve Martin is awesome. Always loved his brand of comedy, his movies, etc.
He could sit on stage for 2 hours without saying a word and I would pay to see him - he's that great in my mind.
When I was in 8th grade we had an assignment to write a biography on someone and present it in class. Of course I chose Steve Martin. I even had the arrow through the head.
For all things Steve check out stevemartin.com
Happy Birthday to Carlos Santana, Chris Cornell, Josh Holloway, Sandra Oh, Simon Rex, Ray Allen, Elliott Yamin, Gisele Bundchen, and Julianne Hough.
For all you Shaq fans, a new reality show, "Shaq Vs." will be starting next month featuring him competing against other top athletes in their sport of expertise. It sounds like it will be a chance to see a variety of athletes including Michael Phelps, Serena Williams and Albert Pujols doing what they do best with Shaquille O'Neal in the mix.
Click here for full story: http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118006203.html
First of all, let me just say that Top Chef is a great show. Even though I am not a cook, it is fascinating to watch the behind the scenes. And co-hosts Padma Lakshmi and Tom Colicchio were just nominated for an Emmy. The new season is premiering next month and should be cool to see the competitors dueling it out in the Las Vegas setting.
Now, for the news. It appears that Padma is in talks to star in her own sitcom. Should be interesting to see how this develops.
For the full story click here: http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118006175.html
On this day in 1989, Batman starring Michael Keaton, Kim Bassinger and Jack Nicholson was the #1 movie. Yep, that came out 20 years ago (June 23, 1989).
Great show on TNT. It premiered last fall and is now in its second season. It tells the story of the practice of law from both the public defender and prosecutor angles. Fascinating cases that are always very nuanced. There's also the portrayal of the relationships between the lawyers, the judges and the lawyers and their bosses. Always lots of storylines going on at once which makes it a fast moving show.
Saved By the Bell Fans will like Mark Paul Gosselaar as the lead character, a public defender who cuts his long hair in the first episode of this season because his long locks in the court room may have been seen as unkempt by the jury. He is principled and clever and takes his lawyering to heart.
Last night's rerun episode, Charlie trying to convince Alan to go on a double date with a woman named Desiree, "that's like desire with a 'yay' at the end"...
Another fun season is underway. Ari Gold is always played to perfection by Jeremy Piven and Adrian Grenier makes a great Vince Chase, easy going, very likable and adorable. The Jay Leno appearance in the season premiere was vintage Vince: playing to the crowd, limitless smiles and an everyguy who grew up "rich in love" who happened to luck out and make it big.
In last night's episode, the juxtaposition of Ari taking the moral highground with his colleague Andrew while forcing Lloyd to lose weight, was genius. How funny was Turtle's obssession with Seth Rogen getting the girl in the movie Knocked Up? As the group of 4 guys are each developing and branching out in their own way - the growing pains involved resonate with anybody who has had to come to the realization that the frat house lifestyle does not happen forever.
Hosted by Samuel L. Jackson, the tone was set early on for a fun, musical, full of shtick night. The video montages of great sports moments of the year were all set to phenomenal music from Lenny Kravitz to Britney Spears. The athletes seemed to have an awesome time and the celebrities in attendance seemed awe struck by the sports crowd.
The Arthur Ashe award for Courage given to Nelson Mandela and the Jimmy V award for Perseverance give to Coach Don Myer were really touching and inspirational moments. Even if you aren't a sports fan, the effect that sports can have on bringing all people together and giving people strength were highlighted by their stories and added a very emotional element to the evening's otherwise lighthearted festivities.
I would have eaten more when it was still fairly easy to lose weight.
In its 7th week in release this weekend it made another 8 plus million dollars. I saw it in the first weekend and thought it was one of the funniest movies I had seen in a while: no scene was too long and the way the story unfolds was a mystery wrapped in a freakishly funny comedy. Unbelievable that in week 7 it is still going strong and made almost as much as the 2nd week of the #1 movie last weekend.
Click here for this weekend's boxoffice estimates: http://www.boxofficemojo.com/
How cool is it that How I Met Your Mother was nominated for best comedy series after I was just touting its greatness?
Other nice tidbits: Damages- awesome show - nominated for best drama series and Rose Byrne who is phenomenal in the show up for best supporting actress. The Emmys and Creative Arts Emmys hosts, Neil Patrick Harris and Kathy Griffin, each nominated in their categories.
Entourage, up for best comedy series.
Surprising that none of the Desperate Housewives were nominated.
For full list of Emmys nominations click here: www.emmys.com.
Say hi to larious when it comes to Kathy Griffin. Her unapologetic inside take of all things celebrity is so comical to me. She makes fun of herself too which is refreshing. I think she is the one person I am aware of who actually watches more reality tv than I do.
She is hosting the Creative Arts Emmys which is sure to be a raucous evening. Ever seen her on Larry King? their dynamic is a rarity - he appears both totally shocked and completely amused by her antics.
Great show! Classic songs. Packed crowd - everybody was into every word of every song. It was wild. Funny highlight - Bret Michaels referencing his Vh1 Rock of Love show and Big John from the show talking to the audience a couple of times. Not that I watched it (read: funniest show ever!)
Email is great - can't live without it, but texting is the better, easier, and faster way to not have to communicate with someone verbally!
Love it!
Very excited about seeing them at Wrigley Field - for both shows ;)
Just saw them last night on 7/16/09 and it was a great show!
Check out the reviews...
Chicago Sun-Times Review
Chicago Tribune Review (with set list)
These are some of my favorite artists! Each one deserves its own post but in a nutshell...
Prince - the greatest of all time! Sign 'O the Times, Lovesexy, Symbol Album, Emancipation, LotusFlow3r...
Michael Jackson - simply amazing! Been listening to Thriller this morning - P.Y.T and Wanna Be Starting Something are great...
Billy Joel - check out Chuck Klosterman's book "Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs" for the greatest analysis/praise of Billy Joel's Glass Houses album. Glass Houses was the first album I ever bought!
Hall & Oates - Classic and underrated! Waiting for the new box set to be released in August...
Spielberg/Lucas - that duo is a big part of Gen X'er's history. Star Wars, ET, Close Encounters, etc.
I love everything SCI-FI and "aliens" related - looking forward to District 9 - looks very cool!
http://www.d-9.com/
The American League wins again! The National League has not won an All Star Game since 1996. Wackiness. The significance is that the team from the American league that goes to the world series this year has home field advantage. Good news if you are a fan of an American League team. Not so much for National League fans.
How cool is it that Neil Patrick Harris is hosting the Emmys. He is one of my absolute favorites - if you don't watch How I Met Your Mother - you need to start. If you were a fan of Doogie Howser, and even if you weren't, do yourself a favor - the show is one not too miss. But I digress, the Emmys should be a heck of a lot of fun to watch this year. As Neil Patrick showed in his witty, unplanned one-liner during the Emmys telecast last year, he is clearly up to the task.
Saw Green Day last night - the concert was awesome! Billie Joe is the ultimate showman. He totally commands the stage connecting with everyone no matter where they are sitting. His voice is ridiculous. He brings people up on stage to be a part of the show including Jack - a kid who played Billie Joe's guitar and knew every single word to jesus of suburbia.
Coolest thing was that I was going to post yesterday about being in an older generation (we're not kids anymore etc...) and then I saw Green Day, a band older than me, rocking out like they were in their teens. Age, shmage - here's to rockin out all the time no matter how many years young you are.
Two and a Half Men is one of the funniest freakin' shows ever. I can't decide who of the females is funnier - the Mom and her not to be outdone insults or Rose's startling candor about her love for Charlie or Berta with her "zippy" one-liners. Just added it to series recording on the DVR so now all first runs and repeats are picked up. Yay!
To begin my reflection on Generation X I headed to, where else? Wikipedia...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Generation_x
I always loved being born in the "Gen X" era, but I think the late 70's and 80's get a bad rap - big hair, pop music, crazy clothes/trends, greed/Wall Street, etc.
I'm at the point where I watch a movie or tv and when 80's references come up I know that it's over the head of the "younger crowd" and feel a bit old, oh well...
;)
I would never have cried as a baby. What's there to cry about?
