Along with millions of TV viewers on planet earth, I wait for the annual celebrity soup where actors hope to be rewarded for their work in films. The Academy Awards is an opportunity to see the latest designer fashions modelled by acctresses (and actors) who have primped and pulled and tucked weeks and months ago, in anticipation of this one night.
"Who are you wearing?" interviewers ask the celebs, to which they give a plug to the list of familiar/famous designers. The phrasing of this question has always left me puzzling. Not "what designer outfit are you wearing" but "who are you wearing." There's always this image in my head of designers clinging to bodies. But I digress.
There were some memorable moments, especially Sacha Baron-Cohen's publicity stunt when dressed as a dictator and holding an urn, he "accidentally" poured the contents on interviewer, Ryan Seacrest. Like that wasn't planned. Gimme a break! Then there was Angelina Joli looking gaunt and somewhat cadaverous flashed her skinny leg and JLo looking stunning as usual, had a questionable flash of nipple - maybe. The dress designer is denying that it was on purpose. Uh-huh...
In as far as the show itself, was disappointed in host Billy Crystal. The opening number featuring a melange of clips featuring Crystal as the various characters, was somewhat dated leaving a "been there - seen this" feeling. Don't know who wrote his jokes but perhaps he should consider cleaning house, although he did provide some laughter ad-libbing cracks later on. Adored Chris Rock and his short and definitely not long enough comments as a presenter. Note to Academy: get him as a future host!
Disappointed that George Clooney didn't win best actor award. He really deserved it and happy that Meryl Streep took home another Oscar. Also loved "The Help."
To sum it all up, the show was flat and lacked that spark of excitement necessary for an awards show or else it becomes a boring parade of celebs reading cue cards. My vote as mentioned before is Chris Rock.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Willliam and Kate to join Barbie and the vinyl bunch
Haven't received any reaction yet from well-known vinyl personality and fashionista, Barbie, regarding the news that she may soon have two rivals for attention.
Seems that toy maker Mattel, has releaed a limited edition of "William and Catherine Royal Wedding Giftset" a.k.a. Prince William and Kate Middleton, to coincide with the royal couple's first wedding anniversary. In the way of a memory jog, I'm still waiting for my invitation to the royal nuptials that obviously got lost in the royal mail. But I digress.
According to reports, the two royal vinylistas/dolls are wearing "outfits inspired by "the" regal wedding attire." Does this mean that a wardrobe is in the works a la Barbie et al, where the couple will wear different outfits to suit the occasion? You know...lunch with the Queen...etc. Taking it further, perhaps there will be a royal home replete with royal servants. The mind boggles. At least mine does. But I digress - again.
"One year after Barbie and Ken announced their reconciliation, Barbie celebrates the love of another iconic couple" with the introduction of the new set, Mattel said.
This definitely will not go over well with Barbie who considers herself the queen of dolls. When asked about the new Mattel additions, Barbie commented, "Kate and William who?" Contacted for his take, Ken, Barbie's signifigant-other, said "I have a new surfboard, It's yellow. I like surfing."
That Ken! Such a beach bum!
The dolls, which will sell for $100, will be part of the Barbie Collector edition and will be available in April. Here is a photo of the new additions: http://www.nydailynews.com/gossip/kate-made-barbie-ken-dolls-time-anniversary-article-1.1024233?localLinksEnabled=false
So would you buy a set?
Seems that toy maker Mattel, has releaed a limited edition of "William and Catherine Royal Wedding Giftset" a.k.a. Prince William and Kate Middleton, to coincide with the royal couple's first wedding anniversary. In the way of a memory jog, I'm still waiting for my invitation to the royal nuptials that obviously got lost in the royal mail. But I digress.
According to reports, the two royal vinylistas/dolls are wearing "outfits inspired by "the" regal wedding attire." Does this mean that a wardrobe is in the works a la Barbie et al, where the couple will wear different outfits to suit the occasion? You know...lunch with the Queen...etc. Taking it further, perhaps there will be a royal home replete with royal servants. The mind boggles. At least mine does. But I digress - again.
"One year after Barbie and Ken announced their reconciliation, Barbie celebrates the love of another iconic couple" with the introduction of the new set, Mattel said.
This definitely will not go over well with Barbie who considers herself the queen of dolls. When asked about the new Mattel additions, Barbie commented, "Kate and William who?" Contacted for his take, Ken, Barbie's signifigant-other, said "I have a new surfboard, It's yellow. I like surfing."
That Ken! Such a beach bum!
The dolls, which will sell for $100, will be part of the Barbie Collector edition and will be available in April. Here is a photo of the new additions: http://www.nydailynews.com/gossip/kate-made-barbie-ken-dolls-time-anniversary-article-1.1024233?localLinksEnabled=false
So would you buy a set?
Monday, February 13, 2012
Recalling past loves on Valentine's Day, the good, the bad and the not-so-bad. Debrett's weighs in on choosing bouquets
The first thing wrong with Valentine's Day is that it falls at the wrong time of the year when a portion of the world is deep in the throes of winter woes. It would be much better if the holiday fell during late Spring or early summer, for example. Here's a thought: why not switch Valentine's Day, with let's say...Mother's Day, for example? Mothers being blessed with extra-understanding qualities wouldn't mind observing their special day in winter. Right moms?
This holiday aimed at romantics came about a long time ago when the Bishop of Spoleto was martyred on February 14, AD 271. Traditionally, Valentine's Day was celebrated as a lover's feast, hence the reason for restaurants offering special gastronomical banquets. Profit has nothing to do with it, of course.
According to http://www.theromantic.com/, statistically, 110 million Valentine's roses are sold and delivered in a three-day period surrounding February 14th, the vast majority of which are red. Of those 110 million, 73% are purchased by men and a mere 27% are purchased by women. It's intereseting, at least to me that red roses are the number one color choice. Roses do come in other tints including yellow, pink, white and shade mixes. Somehow, the color red is viewed as a passionate hue, implying pasionate undertones, which is probably the reason that men are attracted to this particular tint and stick to giving red roses. Then again, so is black... But I digress.
In as far as the selection of flowers, we look to Debretts once again, "the" guide to social etiquette, for its take blooms.
•Be prepared to spend, and don't economise. Never buy bunches from the supermarket or garage.
Garage? People sell flowers from garages? I thought that was the place one stored trash cans that hold dead rose bushes. Ask me about it.
•Don't overlook the importance of the card that accompanies a delivered bouquet - it is an important part of the present.
•Make sure the bouquet suits the occasion and the style of the recipient (e.g. classic or contemporary).
In other words, don't give your special friend a Venus Fly Trap for example, in the way of a card and gift. If someone wants to get rid of insects, they can call an exterminator.
•Avoid white flowers for celebratory bunches (they are often associated with funerals and death).
•Mixed bouquets can look cheap if they aren't substantial and well-styled; instead, consider buying a bunch of all one type of bloom or going for just a single colour.
Personally, I believe in using flowers growing in or around one's garden. When one thinks about it, dandelions fit the bill perfectly and they are virtually...everywhere, plus they are free for the asking. Or for that touch of greenery, add some three (four leaf are hard to find) leafed clover.
•Utilise greenery - it can bulk up the bouquet and complement the flowers - and pick seasonal blooms, which will be in better condition.
Perhaps consider adding some dill or chives to make a bouquet look fuller. They can also enhance a home-made pot of soup that can be used as an entree for the Valentine's Day supper. Two gifts for the price of one! Can't go wrong!
That Debrett's has the right answers to suit all occasions. Of course they will be consulted for advice on social dilemmas. But I digress...again.
Thinking back, my first encounter with romance was a somewhat painful experience. We were both nine years old and after our school day ended, we enjoyed sitting on my front stairs discussing life as seen through our eyes. One day for no apparent reason and without any prior warning, he leaned over and kissed me square on the cheek. To say I was aghast was an understatement and reacted instantaneously by making a fist and thrusting it square into his stomach. He groaned while doubling over in pain. We stared at each other for what seemed like forever but was probably no more than a few seconds, as tears welled up in his eyes and spilling on to his cheeks. Clutching his stomach, he took off like a bat out of hell and never looked back. Ever. We never spoke again and he refused all overtures of friendship.
The first twitches of love were felt by author, Josh H., at the ripe age of seven. He still retains the image of the object of his affection dancing and singing with a group of girls at a school performance. Later, a girl in the 4th grade gave him his first valentine's card when they were both 9 years old.
" I remember it well because it totally shocked the heck out of me," Josh recalls. "I didn't even thank her because I was too embarassed. But I do remember her name well, because it was and still is the loveliest female name I've ever come across: Donna Marie Devoe. I think I'll use that name in a book one day."
As a student, Sadie Johnson, felt an attraction to someone in one of her classes.
"We were acquaintances, maybe even friends, but I was way, way too scared to say anything (it was an interesting time for me, I might act differently now than I did then, but if it hadn't happened the way it did, I don't know if I'd be the person I am today). I don't know if she had any inkling of how I felt, but she never reacted as if she did. I still see her occasionally and still get a little flutter in my stomach when I see her, but I don't know if I'm just in love with the memory of her from school, or I'm actually still in love with her."
For Sadie, February 14 is merely another day.
"Maybe if I was in a relationship I'd feel differently, but I doubt it. I do think it's a commercial rip off, and I'm not much for the saccharine idea of romance put forth by the card companies. That's not love, that's hollywood sappiness, at least in my opinion."
The date has special meaning for Thomas Fisk and his wife.
"On Valentines Day, 1988, we did a pregnancy test and found she was pregnant with my first son. Needless to say, Valentines Day has always been very special to me ever since."
A romantic, his perspective is that it's a sweet day set aside for love.
"With all the negative things in our society today, we need every positive things we can get," Thomas opined. "I've seen so many wonderfully creative things people do on Valentines Day that have nothing to do with buying gifts."
Practicing what he preaches, Thomas's celebrations have included preparing a romantic evening replete with a home-cooked meal followed by a soak in the bath tub surrounded by candles. It's the sentiments that count.
"But even if someone only buys a gift or gives a box of candy, it's still a nice thing and every little nice thing counts. Just because companies make a ton of money doesn't take away the fact that it is such a very nice day."
Children's author, Donna Campbell Smith, recalls Valentine's Day as a special occasion while attending school.
"I remember Valentine's Day being a big deal in elementary school. We made and decorated big Valentine's Day envelopes and the teacher hung them on the wall. Then everyone brought everyone a Valentine and dropped it in the big envelopes. On Valentine's Day we had a party (grade mother's brought refreshments) and opened our big envelopes full of Valentines."
She experienced her first crush in 5th grade and searched through all her cards to find a special one that would convey her feelings.
"Alas, there was not one. A foreshadowing of future disappointments in men," Donna jokes. "I married my high school sweetheart and it lasted 26 years. Not too bad, all things considered. I have three daughters, three grandchildren and two darling great grands to show for it."
Came accross this quotation, which sums up love and Valentine's Day:
"We are all a little weird and life's a little weird, and when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall in mutual weirdness and call it love. (Unknown Author)
Aint't that the truth.
This holiday aimed at romantics came about a long time ago when the Bishop of Spoleto was martyred on February 14, AD 271. Traditionally, Valentine's Day was celebrated as a lover's feast, hence the reason for restaurants offering special gastronomical banquets. Profit has nothing to do with it, of course.
According to http://www.theromantic.com/, statistically, 110 million Valentine's roses are sold and delivered in a three-day period surrounding February 14th, the vast majority of which are red. Of those 110 million, 73% are purchased by men and a mere 27% are purchased by women. It's intereseting, at least to me that red roses are the number one color choice. Roses do come in other tints including yellow, pink, white and shade mixes. Somehow, the color red is viewed as a passionate hue, implying pasionate undertones, which is probably the reason that men are attracted to this particular tint and stick to giving red roses. Then again, so is black... But I digress.
In as far as the selection of flowers, we look to Debretts once again, "the" guide to social etiquette, for its take blooms.
•Be prepared to spend, and don't economise. Never buy bunches from the supermarket or garage.
Garage? People sell flowers from garages? I thought that was the place one stored trash cans that hold dead rose bushes. Ask me about it.
•Don't overlook the importance of the card that accompanies a delivered bouquet - it is an important part of the present.
•Make sure the bouquet suits the occasion and the style of the recipient (e.g. classic or contemporary).
In other words, don't give your special friend a Venus Fly Trap for example, in the way of a card and gift. If someone wants to get rid of insects, they can call an exterminator.
•Avoid white flowers for celebratory bunches (they are often associated with funerals and death).
•Mixed bouquets can look cheap if they aren't substantial and well-styled; instead, consider buying a bunch of all one type of bloom or going for just a single colour.
Personally, I believe in using flowers growing in or around one's garden. When one thinks about it, dandelions fit the bill perfectly and they are virtually...everywhere, plus they are free for the asking. Or for that touch of greenery, add some three (four leaf are hard to find) leafed clover.
•Utilise greenery - it can bulk up the bouquet and complement the flowers - and pick seasonal blooms, which will be in better condition.
Perhaps consider adding some dill or chives to make a bouquet look fuller. They can also enhance a home-made pot of soup that can be used as an entree for the Valentine's Day supper. Two gifts for the price of one! Can't go wrong!
That Debrett's has the right answers to suit all occasions. Of course they will be consulted for advice on social dilemmas. But I digress...again.
Thinking back, my first encounter with romance was a somewhat painful experience. We were both nine years old and after our school day ended, we enjoyed sitting on my front stairs discussing life as seen through our eyes. One day for no apparent reason and without any prior warning, he leaned over and kissed me square on the cheek. To say I was aghast was an understatement and reacted instantaneously by making a fist and thrusting it square into his stomach. He groaned while doubling over in pain. We stared at each other for what seemed like forever but was probably no more than a few seconds, as tears welled up in his eyes and spilling on to his cheeks. Clutching his stomach, he took off like a bat out of hell and never looked back. Ever. We never spoke again and he refused all overtures of friendship.
The first twitches of love were felt by author, Josh H., at the ripe age of seven. He still retains the image of the object of his affection dancing and singing with a group of girls at a school performance. Later, a girl in the 4th grade gave him his first valentine's card when they were both 9 years old.
" I remember it well because it totally shocked the heck out of me," Josh recalls. "I didn't even thank her because I was too embarassed. But I do remember her name well, because it was and still is the loveliest female name I've ever come across: Donna Marie Devoe. I think I'll use that name in a book one day."
As a student, Sadie Johnson, felt an attraction to someone in one of her classes.
"We were acquaintances, maybe even friends, but I was way, way too scared to say anything (it was an interesting time for me, I might act differently now than I did then, but if it hadn't happened the way it did, I don't know if I'd be the person I am today). I don't know if she had any inkling of how I felt, but she never reacted as if she did. I still see her occasionally and still get a little flutter in my stomach when I see her, but I don't know if I'm just in love with the memory of her from school, or I'm actually still in love with her."
For Sadie, February 14 is merely another day.
"Maybe if I was in a relationship I'd feel differently, but I doubt it. I do think it's a commercial rip off, and I'm not much for the saccharine idea of romance put forth by the card companies. That's not love, that's hollywood sappiness, at least in my opinion."
The date has special meaning for Thomas Fisk and his wife.
"On Valentines Day, 1988, we did a pregnancy test and found she was pregnant with my first son. Needless to say, Valentines Day has always been very special to me ever since."
A romantic, his perspective is that it's a sweet day set aside for love.
"With all the negative things in our society today, we need every positive things we can get," Thomas opined. "I've seen so many wonderfully creative things people do on Valentines Day that have nothing to do with buying gifts."
Practicing what he preaches, Thomas's celebrations have included preparing a romantic evening replete with a home-cooked meal followed by a soak in the bath tub surrounded by candles. It's the sentiments that count.
"But even if someone only buys a gift or gives a box of candy, it's still a nice thing and every little nice thing counts. Just because companies make a ton of money doesn't take away the fact that it is such a very nice day."
Children's author, Donna Campbell Smith, recalls Valentine's Day as a special occasion while attending school.
"I remember Valentine's Day being a big deal in elementary school. We made and decorated big Valentine's Day envelopes and the teacher hung them on the wall. Then everyone brought everyone a Valentine and dropped it in the big envelopes. On Valentine's Day we had a party (grade mother's brought refreshments) and opened our big envelopes full of Valentines."
She experienced her first crush in 5th grade and searched through all her cards to find a special one that would convey her feelings.
"Alas, there was not one. A foreshadowing of future disappointments in men," Donna jokes. "I married my high school sweetheart and it lasted 26 years. Not too bad, all things considered. I have three daughters, three grandchildren and two darling great grands to show for it."
Came accross this quotation, which sums up love and Valentine's Day:
"We are all a little weird and life's a little weird, and when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall in mutual weirdness and call it love. (Unknown Author)
Aint't that the truth.
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