Because I'm almost on a roll...

Check out this video if you care or can take it:



Yes, Lindsey Lohan was arrested. Beyonce fell off stage. Britney Spears might be in trouble! This video is about George W. Bush but I thought those other names might get you here and watching faster so I mentioned them.

Dear Mr. President

Watch this and try not to care or cry or even pass it on:



Thank you to Pink and Indigo Girls for making a statement. Pink, you truly have come a long way.

I <3 Ricky Gervais

I just have to gush for a moment about Ricky Gervais. This week, Kathy Griffin took her staff to London for a press tour. If you haven't seen Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List but you like Kathy Griffin (Suddenly Susan), comedy or reality shows about celebs, definitely check her out on Bravo. I'm sure some people think she is obnoxious and she kind of is but I love it and her! She did quite well in the UK which was great to see.

Now, back to Ricky. He was hilarious on the D-List and it made me want to dedicate an entry to him. Ricky, if you don't know, created The Office in the UK (along with Stephan Merchant), and then here in the US. I heard that there is a German version now as well. He also stars in and created Extras, another funny, brilliant show. Additionally, he is on tour with a one man comedy show that is selling out all over the UK which he somehow had time to create while starring in Night at the Museum and Stardust (Note: can't wait to see this one!!!).

What's next? On Ricky's website, he and Stephen Merchant talk about the Extras special that is due to be released near Christmas. I'm looking forward to that and think I might finally need to get HBO so I can catch it! Like they did with The Office (BBC version), they are only doing Extras for two short seasons and a special. My hope is also that Ricky will bring his UK show to The States. If not, I might be due for a trip across The Pond. Ricky is a fantastic comedian whom I greatly respect and I wanted to give him a shout out here. BTW -- I also think he's pretty cute.

Thank you to Ricky and Kathy. Because of you, I'm having a laugh!

Transforming Harry Potter

This review will cover half of what was covered on "Ebert and Roeper" this week and my opinions are very similar to Roeper's which is slightly disturbing for me. Ebert hasn't been on due to illness but I have prided myself on siding with him more often than Roeper overall. This week though, I was all about Roeper's "thumbs up" opinions and just annoyed with the special guest.

Transformers is loud, action-packed and a great popcorn and soda film. There isn't much to be said for the story. It isn't very elaborate and it seems that a sequel if one was made might be better than this first installation which served as kind of a "Transformers 101" introducing the story of the robots. From the special effects perspective, the film was a marvel. The tranformation of the robots into cars (some of them being really amazing cars) was flawless and phenomenal. The dialogue left much to be desired at least for me. I thought it was silly or even stupid at some points but not unbearably so. Optimus Prime had the best dialogue and he was a robot! There was quite a bit of humor in the film which was a pleasant surprise. Shia LaBouf continues to show why he is the next big thing. He gave a solid performance in this action film and I can't wait to see what he does in Indiana Jones 4. Do I recommend this one? If the trailers appeal to you, yes. If they don't, there is a reason why and you probably won't change your mind after seeing the film.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix made some news simply for its run-time. Phoenix is the longest Potter book but the film is the shortest. I can't speak as to whether there were important parts of the plot line cut out as I did not read the book but I can say that it was an interesting, fun film. It was darker than the Potter films I have previously seen but the kids have gotten older. Things do get darker as we get older, don't they? I have seen the first 2 films though I didn't realize I had seen the 2nd one until I did some reading up this evening. There is some great character development in Phoenix for Harry and some supporting characters as well. There was also enough action and magic to keep everyone interested. I enjoyed two specific scenes very much and they both involve spectacular effects. To avoid a spoiler here I won't be specific as to the content of the scenes. Radcliffe and his friends are proving to mature as actors overtime and it is fun to see them grow up. Imelda Staunton was wonderful as a cat lady/professor and her character was highly entertaining. Alan Rickman was wonderful as well and deserves mention. Similar to Transformers, I would say that if the film at all interests you, definitely see it. You won't be disappointed (unless my ignorance about the content of the actual book and the assumption that the story was well translated from print to screen is incorrect).

Live Earth

Live Earth was seen by over 10 million people on line and in person on 7.7.07. If you didn't catch this unprecedented international call to action for the environment, it is not too late to catch the performances, the interviews and some damn cool PSA's.

Check out MSN's coverage here.

I've seen a lot of the coverage so far and here are my recommendations:

PSA's -- check out as many as you can handle watching. There are some good tips and fun stars involved. Two of my faves were Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Cameron Diaz and Josh Lucas. Their messages: turn it off or unplug it when you're not using it. Before you leave your computer for the day, try shutting down and saving energy!

Missy Higgins (AUS) -- this is a good intro to the Australian singer-songwriter if you haven't heard her already

Interviews -- some of them are a bit mundane so pick and choose. I found the one with Spinal Tap entertaining, James Blunt's and Keane's were thoughtful and Robert Kennedy Jr.'s was angry.

Genesis (UK) -- it was a bit sad to see the size of the audience at their show but if you're a fan, it is nice to see them again

SOS All Stars (UK) -- Awesome drumming :)

12 Girls Band (CHI) -- Pretty cool instrumentation

Shakira (GER) -- How does she move like that?

The website is organized by country and there are a ton of things to see from acts you already know to acts more locally famous than internationally. Check it out, take care of the Earth and be wel.

More Moore

Michael Moore on CNN. No comment needed from me, just watch.

Reluctant Insomniac

Insomnia is beginning to attack me again. This happens periodically and I sympathize with those who just can't sleep. I think I got 2 hours. I was productive and did some podcast interview editing but still, it would have been nice to sleep. It is after 6am so might as well call it a night and get ready for the day job.

Sicko Evening

There are two films in this posting, of very different natures; Sicko and Evening. I'll start with the latter since I saw it first.

Evening is a chick-flick, unapologetically. It is about first love and loss and forgiveness and living. It wasn't as good as I wanted it to be. I wanted the film to completely blow me away and stir me and change me. I wanted too much and probably didn't like the film as much as I would have if those expectations hadn't been there. The cast consists of no less than Vanessa Redgrave, Clare Danes, Toni Collette, Natasha Richardson, Glenn Close, Mamie Gummer, Meryl Streep, Eileen Atkins and also the males; Hugh Dancy and Patrick Wilson.

Basically, the film finds Redgrave on her deathbed reflecting on Harris (played by Wilson), her only true love, events surrounding their meeting and the subsequent life she led after she lost him. Harris and most of her youth are a mystery to daughters Collette and Richardson who learn about their mother and themselves as she looks back at the past. The film flashes between the past and the present with the young version of Redgrave's character played by Danes and Streep’s by her real-life daughter Mamie Gummer. Streep arrives in the end shedding a faint light on Redgrave for the girls and granting Redgrave the peace of mind she needs to basically die. There was no spoiler here because you know from the start this is what's coming (it's in the preview).

The film equally weighs the present and the past but left me wanting more. I wanted more interaction between Streep and Redgrave. I realized after reflection though, I just wanted to see more of Streep and that the film handled quite well the interaction between the two characters in their older age. It wasn't the greatest film but there was a wonderful lesson in living and forgiveness of one's own mistakes that the film presented. The acting is flawless and there is no over dramatization in the performances. If anything, Danes for example was quite subtle and beautiful. I especially enjoyed Dancy's performance as well.

Sicko, in case you don't know, is Michael Moore's newest documentary which looks at the flawed if not tragically so, American health care system in contrast to the socialized health care systems found in Canada, France, Britain and Cuba (yes, Cuba). The film was well done as expected and with the exception of a few charming (if you agree with him) quips by Moore, a fair assessment of insurance and health care in the US. Real people told their stories. There was no need for melodrama as the stories conjured up emotions of anger and disenchantment on their own. Sure, there are positive things in our system. The right insurance and the right situation yield a positive result but the documentary wasn't about what works. It was about what doesn't work and naysayers who find the film unfair should keep that in mind and tell their own fairy tale on their own dime if they so choose. They already sort of do if one considers Pfizer and Kaiser ads to name two.

For a second time that I remember, I find myself truly disheartened with our health care system, to the point that I want to do something. I want to take action and fight. Generally speaking, I have known that people are treated unfairly (if they are treated at all!) and that the U.S. healthcare system discriminates against the uninsured, the sick (MS is a pre-existing condition) and the poor. I have known that I am lucky to have the coverage I do and that some people in much worse condition than me can't afford annually more than a month's worth of the medication I don't even bother taking half the time for no good reason. I have been aware of this and weighed down by this but the only other time I remember a fire starting in me and a desire to do something about it was several years ago on a trip to NYC.

Here is my story:
I love NYC and I love America, but I know they are flawed. In December of 2003, I was crossing the street near the Empire State Building when I slipped on a patch of ice and landed unfavorably on the inside of my right knee. It was a tough lesson in proper footwear for such weather and after I finished cursing my New Balance shows and crossing the street, I realized the pain I was in and shortly thereafter passed out. Not a good start to a vacation to be sure. My point? I'm getting to it. Due to a poor booking, my friend and I were staying in Queens. By the time we got back to the hotel, I could barely walk and had to go to the ER. The ER in Queens was dismal. I was well-insured at the time and had money so that was no object. Still, I was there from 11pm until 2am without being seen. There were maybe 3 people in the waiting room but still, it took that long. When I was called back, my friend and I entered a room that neither of us could believe existed in a hospital, a place that people were supposed to be when they needed care, safety and comfort the most.

All of the beds were full and chairs were randomly placed throughout the room. A man with a soiled open gown and even more unsanitary underwear wandered around muttering to himself and disturbing others. People were clearly uncomfortable all around and doctors and nurses ignored them as the called out with a question. After 20 minutes, I was seen and learned that before I could have an x-ray, they needed a urine sample.

I asked the nurse why thinking that it was a drug test. I explained that I had been up for over 24 hours and assured him that I was not on any drugs. He said it was for a pregnancy test. At the time, I assure any reader that a pregnancy would have been impossible...even less possible than as I type this! I told the nurse that I was not pregnant and it wouldn't be necessary. It was hospital policy though because "you never know." I knew but I also knew I had to comply. I took the cup and went to the bathroom. At this point, I had no crutches or assistance and made my way along the wall, getting support where I could.

In the bathroom there was urine and excrement on the floor (hopefully that's what it was) and on the toilet seat. I had to figure out a way to avoid sitting on the toilet while getting my sample into the cup and putting minimal pressure on my injured leg. I can't tell you how I did it but mission accomplished I got out as fast as I could and sat back down, several ounces of urine in hand. I got into a wheelchair at that point because one was sitting there and wheeled up to the nurses' station. I held my urine cup up and was told by a nurse to just hold onto it. What?!? Hold onto it? I saw the nurse who asked for the sample and he ignored me when I called. I was told also to back away from the counter. 15 minutes later I finally yelled, "Someone please take my urine!" I was fed up. My friend and I were nearly in shock at how I was being treated and in looking around me I faced the reality that this is how people are really treated outside of La Jolla and the safety of UCSD. I was out by about 430am but by then I was completely exhausted and burdened by what I had seen. Ignoring my own problems, I was devastated by what I had witnessed.

I wasn't devastated enough I suppose because I did nothing about it other than look up a few Public Policy grad programs, go to physical therapy and forget about it until now. I don't know if I will this time either but to start I am telling anyone who reads this that they should see Sicko and keep an open mind and to vote and to spread the word. See Sicko!

Ratatouille = Delicious

Pixar films tend to always entertain me and the film I saw today, Ratatouille, is no exception. The story itself was so creative, the characters so fun and the setting (Paris, oui?) so great that I couldn't help but enjoy Ratatouille as much as I enjoy saying the title itself. This was the 3rd movie I've seen with my little nephew and though he did find the dark parts a little frightening and sitting for nearly 2 hours a little tedious, I can say that even the littlest critics will enjoy the story of the little chef and narrator of the film, Remy who happens to be a rat. :)

I saw the film at the El Capitan theater in Hollywood which made for a unique experience. Prior to the show there was entertainment including and organist playing Disney tunes and then a live mini-show featuring Disney characters and human chefs singing a medley if Disney favorites. It was a lot of fun for the young and not-so-young. I recommend checking out a Disney movie at that theater sometime.

The Pixar short film that preceded Ratatouille (That is so fun to say, right? Not as fun to spell though!) was Lifted, their most recent Academy Award nominee. I saw this one earlier this year when I viewed all of the nominated shorts and was glad to get to see it again. It is a great little film and I hope precedes Ratatouille at all screenings rather than just at the El C.

Pack up the kids if you have 'em, or go enjoy it yourself but definitely beat the summer sun's heat and step into the kitchen to see my new favorite rat, Remy, in this summer's surefire hit, Ratatouille!

The Police and Podcasts

The Police show was brilliant. Ok, I may be exaggerating slightly but I had a fantastic time, the guys sounded great and they brought a killer opening act with them. I'm not talking about Sting's son's band. They were the Opening Opening Act. I'm talking about the Foo Fighters. Dave Grohl and company brought excellent energy, enthusiasm and a nice catalog of songs with them rocking a semi-impressive crowd before The Police took the stage. Grohl even ran through the crowd at one point. Among the hits FF played was "Hero" which was dedicated to The Police.

The Police were great musically and vocally. Sting has not lost much when it comes to his voice and the other harmonizing hasn't fallen victim to passing time either. As musicians all three guys were impressive. Stewart Copeland has the respect of many in his industry for his playing and producing, deservedly so. I don't know much about Andy other than I've never been too attracted to him in any capacity. He was great and a pleasure to watch play during guitar close-ups on the big screen. Speaking of the big screen, I didn't find myself staring at it as often as I have at other big shows that have found me sitting a distance from the stage. I was enthralled I supposed and glanced at the screen from time to time, usually when Sting's biceps were seen, but mostly kept my attention on the music and towards the stage. It was an amazing time.

I didn't get to interview The Police, but I do have two new music interviews up on piratepods.com. Check out my alter-ego's interviews with Thrice lead-singer Dustin Kensrue and also up and coming band The New Atlantic in the music section of the site.

Good evening to you!

The Police

This is a silly quick entry written for the sole purpose of saying that I am incredibly excited to have plans this Saturday night to see The Police at Dodger Stadium! I've seen Sting twice but was too young to see The Police in concert when they were initially touring as a band. Having seen Sting so often and trusting the enduring talent of Stewart Copeland, I predict that the show will live up the the hype I've attributed to it.

Here's a narrative medley for ya (dark but I used a lot of songs in it!):
Bring on the night but don't stand so close to me. Next thing you know, I'll be wrapped around your finger. I'll send my SOS to the world and everyone will know that every little thing you do is magic. Only treat me like an ordinary Roxanne if you're a Demolition Man. Had they survived, other boys could tell you that murder by numbers is easy for me, like learning my ABC's. Every step you take, every move you make, I'll be watching you. Voices inside my head will never let me forget and will fool me into thinking our lives are forever entwined in a false synchronicity. If you want to stay, let's spend our day walking on the moon. Do do do, de da da da that's all I have left to say to you.

The Foo Fighters are opening so that is a nice bonus because though I probably wouldn't buy a ticket to see them, I am glad that a band I respect is opening.

In addition to my excitement over seeing The Police, I am stoked on the venue. Dodger Stadium is one of my favorite places in the world. You may think, "You really haven't been out much, girl!" You're right. I have been to quite a few places though and still maintain my belief in that statement. I went to countless Dodgers games as a kid and have a nostalgic fondness for the place. This show will only add to the memories.

Ten-Year (2)

I attended my 10 year high school reunion this past weekend and frankly don' t know what I had ever worried about. It was a silly event and in all wasn't worth my time. Since I can't get my time back, I'll spend a few more moments on the subject to give you the highlights:

Hired Dates: Yes, 2 guys did indeed hire dates to accompany them. This is not speculation but the truth. Twin brothers from my class showed up with 2 very hot (dirty hot, not cute or pretty or believable) girls. The first this I said to my best friend was, "Looks like the reunion cost them a few hundred more than it did us." I knew they weren't really with these guys because they were dating. Turns out, I was right as confirmed by one of the girls.

Boring Night = Discovery: A decision was made by about 20 of the 30 reunion attendees to go to a local restaurant bar for an after-party/party. We were bored at the reunion and wanted to have some fun. It was early so we all headed over. Turns out that one of the twins' dates was already scheduled to report to the same restaurant shortly afterwards to start her shift...in a cage...as a dancer. All I'm thinking here is, "I'm your private dancer, dancer for money..." Too bad for the guy that she was not so private and in fact he had been found out. He paid a lot of money for no exclusivity.

Drugs: One guy told me he had been to rehab 6 times since leaving high school. I looked him over carefully and he was for sure a guy and not Lindsey Lohan just playing a joke by crashing the party. In addition to this guy, one of the kindest people (no one had a bad thing to say about him, sincerely) from my class seems to have turned into a major party-guy and I think he was hopped up on something when he arrived and immediately bought a round of shots before even looing around to see who was in the room. It was sad to see and I wish both of them better health in the next 10 years.


That's about all. It was a non-event when all was said and done and I really wish more people hand been there or the thing had been cancelled because the event wasn't worth the $100 and the time. I did get to hang with two of my best friends which was a good thing but overall, the 10 year reunion is truly a waste of time.

At least I don't feel as bad about myself now. I actually felt pretty good because I wasn't the biggest and wasn't the least accomplished both of which were fears I had going in.

Until 2017! (or tomorrow)

John Mayer

I know I go to a lot of shows/concerts. I know that I often say the person I saw was great. Tonight I went to Coors Amphitheatre to check out Rocco DeLuca and The Burden, Ben Folds and finally John Mayer. First, I have to say that the entire line up was solid. Rocco is the newest guy of the three and he put on a good show. He has a strong voice and the hardest rock edge of the three which was a good way to kick off the evening. I'm checking him out again at the House of Blues next month. I think the smaller venue will suit him better but he held his own at Coors with a sparse audience in a big venue.

Ben Folds was wonderful. I haven't seen him live before but have been aware of him for about 10 years and from time to time have listed to his work with his band or his solo work. What a vivacious performer this guy is. He's bold because he plays the piano and lets the piano, and his voice, power well over the rest of the band in such a way that you hear every note he is playing and every word he is singing. He enunciates so you don't wonder at the lyrics. I had a lot of fun during his set.

Last but not least, John Mayer. I saw John perform at SDSU's Open Air Theatre about 6 years ago, give or take. He was good then. Now, he is better. That isn't always the case with artists and in seeing John play tonight, looking at the way he led the band, and hearing the way his old songs have developed over time while his new songs have a brilliance all their own, it is clear that John is truly an artist with a respect for music and a clear interest in learning and improving in his art. His lyrics have always been good and they have grown with him. The subjects have moved from girls and high school memories to adult relationships, deeper introspection and social awareness (kudos for Waiting on the World to Change). As a whole his catalog of songs so far make for an enjoyable night of music. John is sexier, more mature, and ever more talented as a performer. I am excited to hear what he does next. If you get a chance to check him out sometime, definitely go see John Mayer.

Thanks for a great show tonight, guys!

Ten-Year

My 10-year High School Reunion is this weekend. Since graduation was a while ago and probably the first time anyone mentioned a reunion, I don't remember my exact thoughts of where I thought I'd be 10 years on. I don't think it was here. I am proud of some accomplishments and even proud that I am ashamed of some things I've done too. It means that in the last 10 years I have lived. Still, I'm not happy. I wish I could say I've been extraordinary or that I'd become gorgeous or even lost 10 pounds since January rather than gained them. But, I will go, as I am, a little more jaded, a little more complicated and hopeful that I have changed for the better. I am going with my best friends, going as a singleton and going to enjoy it all the same.

Pirates

There is a lot going on with Pirates lately and in case you hadn't heard here are a few things happening in their world:

Pirates of the Caribbean 3 has been released. I finally saw the 2nd one and was over the moon when Geoffrey Rush suddenly appeared at the end! Very cool. I wasn't too excited about seeing the third until I saw the 2nd and that delicious cliff-hanger happened. I know that first part, that I wasn't excited to see the 3rd until the 2nd may not make sense but there are some cases where seeing the previous movie is not a requirement for my excitement about a coming attraction. Oceans 13 is an example. George Clooney = Excited Filmgoer Rabiah

Piratepods.com: This is a webzine I work for. I get to live part of a dream as a journalist and there is great hope that this will take off one day. All of the pirates who work for the 'zine are in love with it so the passion is there. My latest interviewees: Josh Kelley and Third Eye Blind. I actually met Third Eye Blind in person...all of them. The drummer, Brad Hargreaves, is the person I interviewed but after the show I met everyone. Too cool. It was on of those Rock 'n Roll fantasies that came true. I just edited the interviews yesterday and they'll be up this weekend.

Pirate RC: That's my pirate alias!

Talk Like a Pirate Day: an actual big deal in England but you can make it happen where you are too...Sept 19.

Pirate Clothing: Skull and Crossbones fashions were supposed to be soooo last season but ultra-cool Jack Sparrow is keeping this style going.

Arrrrrrrgh!

(de)Mused

My muse has left me
Before my art has sold,
For something spiritual,
something more...old.

Now I can eat but can't sleep,
Expertly rant and cry more than laugh,
And I'm stuck writing bad poetry
Unable to sew and make it prose.

Paramour
No more
Nevermore
No Lenore

My muse has left me
Taking my cheap soul,
For something more real,
To him I suppose.

What Now?

I didn't start off writing this blog to update a few people on American Idol each week. In fact, I don't think I meant to talk about TV or movies at all. But, as time has passed, that is what the blog has been used for. It has been another way for me to hide behind unimportant, inconsequential things, similar to the way I conduct myself off-line minus the humor. I insist that I cannot "write funny" very well but I do say funny things when I speak. We'll see what the future brings for me and this blog. I think about a lot more than TV but so far am scared to write about those things. I may start and I hope you'll read. Until then, I'm sure some movie reviews will come seeing that Idol is over now and I seem to be able to write about them, but I also hope to write about something else too.

Happy Memorial Day weekend...still another day left before work resumes again!

Jordin Sparks -- Winner

Congratulations for Ms. Jordin on her American Idol win. Of the final 2, she definitely has the strongest voice. Blake is the creative one and I think would make not only a good performer but a good producer so don't be surprised when you hear about collaborations between he and others in the future.

The final song was not that great in my opinion and certainly did nothing for Blake. It wasn't a song that fit his typical genre or his personality. I wasn't surprised at the results of the final week once all was said and done Tuesday night.

Good luck to Blake, Melinda and Jordin as they all begin or continue what will hopefully be brilliant careers.

American Idol: A Tale of 2 Singers

I know, I know...I've been MIA for a little while. Work. That's the reason. Anyway, I can't yet somehow I can believe that Blake and Jordin are the final two Idol contestants. Melinda should be up there in a face-off with Jordin. That would have been interesting and a good battle royale because they are both strong-voiced, beautiful women who show a genuine passion for singing itself. Jordin has a dramatic flair that gives her an edge on ballads and Melinda had developed a sass that shows up on the upbeat numbers--a new confidence she learned on Idol. It would have been something. But, Melinda is no more and that is too bad. It seems possible that this is the result of a "3rd-party candidate" factor where 2 people likely to have similar fan bases saw their votes split up.

Enter Blake. I do really like Blake and I would go see him perform and buy an album because I think he is creative, comes up with great jams and is a hottie to boot. I don't want to discount his talent when I praise the 2 girls. It is just a different talent. I don't think he has the best singing voice though it is good and his beat-boxing is amazing. I am interested to see how he performs next week when it is very possible that any beat-boxing at all could kill him and the songs are unfamiliar to anyone at all.

Good luck to Jordin and to Blake.

And then there were 4....

Just a quick hello as I've been offline all week, traveling for work.

I wanted to give myself props for calling Idol this week as Chris and Phil left. I feel bad for punking on Phil all of the time but that's how it is in Hollywood, baby. As for Chris, the stage won't look as good and I think he has something to offer but when you look at who's left, he was out of his league.

I think there is some danger that the votes will be split too much between the three girls so people, it is time to pick you person and vote!

Blake looks cool was his new hair as mentioned in comments and will probably be doing something simply groovy this week when Barry Gibb is the guest.

--Separate thought: I love the Bee Gees and am so excited that Barry Gibb will be on.

LaKisha needs to have fun this week and really bring it. That sounds lame but really, that's what it comes down to. She will have to keep performing to her absolute fullest ability. I can't wait to see what he'll come up with.

Jordin will also need to "bring it" so to speak and Disco is a great opportunity to show her youth while showcasing her voice. I have a soft spot for the youngin'.

I think Melinda has anything locked in at this point. She is a great, versatile talent that deserves recognition through Idol or outside of it. She is a woman that has worked hard at her craft and clearly respects music. Love her!

We'll see what happens...