As you know, the Cowboys' coaching situation is a bit of a mess at the moment. Nobody knows who is doing what next season. However, a decision on Bill Parcells' replacement could come today, according to some media outlets.
Clearly, I had too much time to think about this in the shower. With the assistance of the Looney Tunes gang, here is what Jerry -- and we know he's reading -- should do:
Head coach: The Road Runner. Have to get somebody who can think fast on his feet. Nobody does this better. And he runs an incredible two-minute drill. "Beep! Beep!"
Offensive coordinator: Bugs Bunny. If you want an offensive mind, this is the guy. He'll keep opposing defenses guessing every week and mix in lots of trick plays.
Defensive coordinator: Yosemite Sam. A natural fit here. He's relentless. Sure, calling a few too many blitzes will blow up in his face, but he won't stop putting the pressure on.
Special teams coach: Elmer Fudd. This coach has to be a little crazy. Imagine Fudd, as the Cowboys huddle before a kickoff, saying: "Let's go hunt some wabbits!"
Receivers coach: Daffy Duck. Every time T.O. comes off the field following a dropped pass on third down, Daffy hits him with: "You're deth-picable!"
Jeff Tweedy of Wilco/Uncle Tupelo/Loose Fur fame is having a live Webcast tonight at 8 p.m. on Wilco's official site. Tweedy will be performing from the Paramount Theatre in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Daredevil No. 93: Dallas artist Michael Lark (pictured above) completes his first year drawing the adventures of the Man Without Fear. For a look into how he does it, check out today's Quick cover story.
Batman: Secrets: Sam Kieth's acclaimed five-issue series pitting the Caped Crusader against the Joker has been collected in one volume.
Teen Titans No. 43: After plaguing the world of hip-hop for years, the East Coast vs. West Coast debate infects DC's teenage superheroes.
Frank Miller's Robocop: The Sin City creator worked on the screenplays for both Robocop sequels. This huge $30 volume shows what those films might have been like if his scripts had been followed faithfully.
Usagi Yojimbo No. 100: Several creators lend a hand to celebrate the 100-issue milestone for Stan Sakai's samurai bunny, which is sort of like a ninja turtle.
Prison Break is now a jumbled-up mess of a show. During the first season, it never bothered me how many characters there were, because most of them were in the same place (the, uh, prison). But this season, all the characters have different storylines going, which requires every scene to begin with a location printed at the bottom of the screen. A little much.
I'm ready for the other escapees to be killed off so the show can focus on Wentworth, his love interest and the grunting brute who plays his brother. Or it could end with the second season. Because, really, how much longer can this plot be squoze?
Will Ferrell and Jon Heder join forces in a figure skating movie, Blades of Glory. I guess the funniest thing is that they will compete as a couple. Whoa, Nelly!
I just happened upon this article ringing the death knell of the floppy disk. It's not really surprising--I haven't had a floppy drive in four years and I know they're fading into obscurity. Dell hasn't had included the drive as standard equipment since 2003.
But it's strange. For years, my entire relationship with computers centered around me toting those little hunks of plastic from school to home, dorm to lab, work to apartment. There's still a stack of them somewhere at my mom's house.
{Sniffle} I feel kinda sad, like when I realized I'd never play Oregon Trail on an Apple IIe again. Meeeemorieeees...
TiVo alert! Tomorrow night is the premiere of a new reality show called Top Design and my favorite designer in the universe is one of the four judges. Jonathan Adler's style is colorful, mod and fun; "happy chic," I believe they call it. Joining him are Todd Oldham, Kelly Wearstler and Margaret Russell.
The premise looks quite similar to HGTV's Design Star (great fun to watch last year): 12 aspiring designers compete each episode as they tackle interior nightmares/challenging environments/ugly-ass spaces. The winner of the show gets the money to start his or her own firm and a spot in a NYC designer showcase.
The Web site promises "eccentric personalities and creative egos," which of course means it's going to be a freak show/train wreck of divas and drama queens. Rawk! I can hardly wait to see the futons fly.
Top Design premieres tomorrow night at 10 p.m. on Bravo.
I think I might have been the first person to ever type the words in that headline. The Public Enemy rapper and reality TV star will be at the Plano Centre on Feb. 9, courtesy of The Ticket.
The Lollipop Shoppe is hosting a crafts fair (cleverly titled “Make Love”) this Friday from at 8 p.m. at the Avenue Arts Venue. Everything for sale comes from local artists and creative types, so support them and check it out. And, if you’re in the mood, stay for the Valentine's Day party — it starts at 10 p.m.
Here's some good news for Adult Swim fans: An Aqua Teen Hunger Force movie, set for release on March 23. The title? Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film for Theaters.
Of course.
A press release describes the film as an "action-adventure epic that reveals the mysterious origin of Meatwad, Frylock and Master Shake."
As impressive as the Mavericks have been this year, the Phoenix Suns have had a little more of the "wow factor" goin' on.
Their 17 game win streak ended last night at the hands of the T-wolves and Kevin Garnett's 44. Those 17 consecutive wins are good for fifth best in NBA history, tied with four other squads.
So should Mav fans fear what's happening out there in the desert?
If Phoenix wins it all this year, they'll be the first team to win an NBA championship without being able to protect their own basket since...umm...well you gotta go back to uhhh....hmmmm....I guess that'd be since, ever?
There's no doubt that Phoenix is an amazing offensive team and a lot of fun to watch, but if I'm going to fear an opponent, it's going to be the prospects of a healthy Houston Rocket team. They defend, can dominate the paint on both ends of the floor, and they have an unstoppable scorer in Tracy McGrady who can do it on his own from anywhere on the court.
I'm not saying Phoenix isn't one of the best teams in the league, but I'm sayin' though.
Thought there were a few moments worth watching during last night's SAG Awards. No, not the rehash of the speeches from the Golden Globes. (America, Jennifer -- love ya, but I'm talking about you two!)
--The Julie Andrews presentation. Best looking 71-year-old I've ever seen.
--The dead people tribute. Man, I'm going to cry watching the Oscars.
--TelePrompTer problems. Or was it the champagne? I include this only because watching people trip over their lines is entertaining. (But Greg Kinnear -- DAMN! Most natural presentation all night.)
--The opening bit, the whole "Here's my life story, this is my name, and I'm an actor" thing. Good variety of people, and I learned a couple of things. Like how to pronounce Marg Helgenberger's (Catherine Willows on CSI) first name. And that she's married to SAG prez and occasional CSI guest Alan Rosenberg, who once treated Willows roughly in a bar parking lot and turned into a murder suspect on the show.
Yeah, yeah.....anybody can file a lawsuit. The latest target? Advocate.com reports that some writer (Janice Scott-Blanton? Anyone heard of her? Anyone?) is suing Universal and the studios that distributed Brokeback Mountain for copyright infringement.
Now, I'm not trying to argue the case for the studios or anything, but I briefly skimmed my copy of Annie Proulx' story (like 3 bucks at Half Price Books if you don't have one). Guess what? At least a few of the scenes from the film that Scott-Blanton said were similar to her book, published in 2005, were in the the Brokeback story, published in 1997 or so.
As I see it, two possibilities here:
1. Proulx is psychic and was able to predict what Scott-Blanton was going to write a decade later.
2. The woman's trying to get some free publicity for her book.
Angelina Jolie's mother has died after a fight with cancer. Marcheline Bertrand reportedly died Sunday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. Jolie, her brother, James Haven, and boyfriend, Brad Pitt, were by Bertrand's side. Jolie's father is fellow Oscar winner and Tomb Raider co-star Jon Voigt.
Considering that a huge block of Academy Awards voters are also part of the Screen Actors Guild, the SAG awards are often good predictors of who will take home Oscars. Last year, Crash won best ensemble and then cruised into the Oscars to upset favorite Brokeback Mountain for the best picture statue. Could this mean Sunshine might do the same? 'Cause I could get down with that.
Your best best for Monday-night music is at Club Dada in Deep Ellum. The Ramonalisas, Dodo Bird (San Francisco), Dana Falconberry and Chris Garver are on the bill and they'll be shooting a music video for Raw Sugar Elements. Cover is $5, show starts at 11 p.m. 8 p.m. Woops. 2720 Elm St., 214-744-3232.
Lesley, I add to your earlier post about weekend gigs. For those of you who, like me, love the twang-infused rock and roll, head to DoubleWide tonight to see Current Leaves, Cartright and 100 Damned Guns at 10 p.m.
Don't know what cover is, but it's usually around $5. And the Lone Star beer is always a buck. 3510 Commerce St., 214-887-6510.
If you read my Fanboy column this week, you read about Indonesian artist Buddy Setiawan. He lost the original art for the first issue of Roadkill Zoo to the December 2004 tsunami and had to start over from scratch.
After hearing about his misfortune from Nicole Jones, Roadkill Zoo's writer, I peppered Setiawan with questions via e-mail. His answers came back too late to include in the column, but if you're interested, keep reading.
Remember those Saturday Night Live skits spoofing Jeopardy!, in which idiotic celebrities such as Sean Connery (Darrell Hammond) frustrate Alex Trebek (Will Ferrell)? If you're not watching 1 vs. 100, which airs at 7 tonight on Channel 5, you're missing out on a real-life version of that.
The basic premise of the show: A contestant is asked a multiple-choice question after a "mob" of others answers it. If the contestant gets it right, they get a certain amount of money for each member of the mob who gets it wrong.
The mob always includes celebrities. On last week's episode, Fabio could not answer this question correctly: "Which of these U.S. holidays is not observed on a Sunday? Father's Day, Easter or Thanksgiving?" And Diff'rent Strokes actor Todd Bridges missed the question about which month gets an extra month during leap years.
TONIGHT
Jet Black Thursday at the Walrus. Break out the black clothes and your fun party attitude. 1914 Laws St. No cover.
TOMORROW
More black clothes! Protocol at Minc, with Per, Ragnarok and Son of Sam spinning EBM, industrial, electroclash and more. 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. 813 Exposition Ave. $5.
SATURDAY
Black Converse. Hot Flash at the Fallout Lounge with DJs Stephen R and Schwa. (Music is booty bass, baile funk, etc.) 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. 835 Exposition Ave. No cover.
After that you can stop at The Smoke!, one of the city's few (if only) monthly mod parties. So um... keep a little psychadelic dress in your car. The Smoke! on Saturday at Avenue Arts Venue. 10 p.m. 825 Exposition Ave. $6. BYOB.
The Austin Toros of the NBA's development league have suspended their mascot, Da Bull, for premature celebration. Said Bull ran onto the court before a recent game concluded and collided with a player while hanging on the rim. Da Bull's 50 hours of community service begin this weekend at a basketball clinic. Soak in all that showboating knowledge, kids.
"Ha! Ha! I'm gonna post those photos of me robbing a bank on my Facebook page because they are sooooooo funny!" Why would I do that? Because I'm an idiot!! I guess if you do stupid stuff, you do even more stupid stuff. Why else would students at Tarleton State University in Stephenville post photos of their "MLK Party" that show them eating fried chicken, drinking malt liquor and dressing in phony gang clothes? (See photos at TheSmokingGun.com; warning: some may find them offensive.) I don't get it. Since when did college turn your brain into mush?
I've been eagerly following the news out of Utah as the Sundance Film Festival winds down. Some of the movies sound spectacular. Some sound provoking. One in particular sounds shocking.
Dakota Fanning is starring in a flick called Hounddog, which premiered Monday. And boy, the dookie hit the fan over a scene which depicts the 12-year-old actress being raped in a barn. According to Premiere Magazine, writer/director/producer Deborah Kampmeier had to actually hire someone to screen her hate mail when news of the scene leaked out.
Obviously, most adults are not keen on seeing the sexual assault of a child on the Silver Screen. Most of us are totally appalled out by the idea. It looks like the film is having trouble finding a buyer because of that.
But when Fanning was interviewed by USA Today, she had some harsh words for those who are criticizing her role.
Some who bashed the film's concept "were attacking my family and me, and that's where it got too far," says Fanning, 12, jabbing her finger into a table at a restaurant. "Pretty much everybody who talked about it attacked my mother, which I did not appreciate. That was extremely uncalled for and hurtful."…Fanning said that even if she hadn't been in the movie, she would want to see it…"I know my mom would take me to see it," said Fanning, who turns 13 in February. "You have to prepare your children for things that happen in the world. Everything isn't rosy."
The hubbub has led Slate to do a little legal wrangling and ask, Is Hounddog kiddie porn? Interesting.
This just in: Law & Order: Special Victims Unit stars Mariska Hargitay and Christopher Meloni have each signed on for another two years on the show, according to Daily Variety. And it's not for chump change, either: Each actor will likely receive between $300,000-$340,000 per episode. That's $6.5 million a year. As they note, this makes Hargitay one of the highest-paid female actors on network television.
Producer and series creator Dick Wolf said in a statement in which he said he is "thrilled that Chris and Mariska have decided to stay with a show that they've made an indelible stamp upon, as we move into our ninth season."
New character this season on SVU is super-hottie Adam Beach who guest starred last year as Brooklyn police Detective Chester Lake. Yowzah.
You know, sooner or later I am going to have to join some sort of Law & Order 12-step group. It's like television crack. I hear that "dunh dunh" noise and am hooked for the hour.
If you get the chance, head over to The Undermain Theatre in Deep Ellum tonight for the opening of King of the Road. It's a mixed media production--think theater-meets-big-screen--about a family vaudeville act that has hit bottom and has to find a new routine to make it again. I've heard it's quite an experience.
The play runs Thursdays through Saturdays at 8:15 p.m. until Feb. 17 and tickets are $8-10. 3200 Main St., 214-660-7731.
The heiress is among the celebs featured in Kiss & Tell, a cute new coffee table book -- just in time for Valentine's Day -- filled with famous people’s “kiss confessions” and lipstick prints.
Paris says:
“I like a kiss that’s soft and sweet. And when you’re kissing, a feeling of happiness takes over your body…. The first time my boyfriend and I kissed, we were walking through the lobby at the Roosevelt Hotel. We had just started seeing each other so we were trying to be discreet. It was so sudden and exciting, it was the best kiss of my life.”
The book retails for $14.95 and should be at Macy’s stores starting Feb. 1. (Other people featured include Joss Stone, Poppy Montgomery and Betsey Johnson.) Ten percent of the proceeds go to the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women movement, which helps increase awareness of heart disease in women.
Here's one major benefit to having Jason Garrett as head coach of the Cowboys. Rather than seeing someone who looks 900 years old on the sideline, you see someone who looks 9 years old.
I want to get both the Jack Bauer figure and MacFarlane Toys' Jack from Lost action figure and make them fight over me. Except that this Jack has a Ben Affleck look about him that I'm too hot for.
I want THIS Todd McFarlane-created action figure. In case you don't watch the best TV show in the universe and/or are completely out of touch with all that is cool, this is a figure of Jack Bauer, the protagonist who occasionally tortures people on 24. The American James Bond. The reason I stayed indoors for a month with only a DVD player and a sleeve of crackers. The action figure comes out in August, and it will be followed by several more versions, including Jack kicking down a door. DROPPP YOUR WEAPON!!!!
Looks like Isaiah Washington is teetering on the edge of his career with Grey's Anatomy. The apparent gay-bashing doctor has checked into therapy for his use of an anti-gay slur against a castmate. "With the support of my family and friends, I have begun counseling. I regard this as a necessary step toward understanding why I did what I did and making sure it never happens again," Washington said in a statement today. At the same time, show creator Shonda Rhimes also released a statement saying Washington’s use of the "f" word was "a shocking and dismaying event." The moans caused by this illness aren't going away. I'm thinking the doc leaves the Anatomy house soon.
Just got forwarded an email from Kenny Brattain, the man who's trying to open a Fat Daddy's Sound Shack in the old Trees buildling in Deep Ellum.
He now says he's NOT going to move into Deep Ellum at all. It's too much of a hassle -- first he and his wife were told they needed a special use permit, so they got one; now they're being told they need extra parking spaces, which they can't afford without having to charge for parking. Apparently, if you are a bar- or club-owner, you can't charge for parking in Deep Ellum.
You can see his frustration:
Well, City of Dallas, you did it. We are planning on not going forward with re-opening the Trees building. I guess we will look at a city that cares about its citizens and the local music scene. Good luck.
P.S. ATTN: City of Dallas! How come you can charge to park, but we cannot. ALSO THIS IS A WARNING TO ANYONE WHO WANTS TO OPEN A LIVE MUSIC VENUE IN DEEP ELLUM, THAT IS NOT A CHURCH. DON'T DO IT. THE CITY OF DALLAS WILL NOT LET YOU!!
Just called Brattain's wife, who says she hasn't seen the email yet. We'll see if this is truly the end or if they're going to keep trying.
Remember the Dove Campaign for Real Beauty and the film that shows the transformation of a model into a billboard image? Fascinating stuff.
Witness more of that kind of thing here on Greg Apodaca's Web site in before and after shots. Apodaca is a digital retoucher and has put together a collection of images that show just how much a pic is distorted and changed before it fits the advertising culture's standard of beauty.
Why is it that starlets never own up to going under the knife? If I looked as good as some of them, I'd have my plastic surgeon's name tattooed across my ass in an act of gratitude.
Jennifer Aniston might be skipping that kind of body art, but her rep is acknowledging that she visited the offices of celebrity surgeon Dr. Raj Kanodia for "a procedure done to correct a deviated septum that was incorrectly done over 12 years ago." Um, yeah, I think that's called a nose job.
According to the infallible Us Weekly, a source close to the actress explains, "Jen has hated her nose ever since her first nose job. She always said how lousy it was and that her nose was still too wide.”
Far more entertaining than the article, though, are the 310-and-counting comments at the bottom of the piece. Really, people are taking her nose job so personally.
Men of the Square Table, you're dismissed -- Miller is suspending its Man Laws ad campaign. It was popular, but apparently Miller Lite's market share slipped.
The guys eased the repetetive pain that were the commercial breaks during last year's NBA playoffs. And I'll miss their guidance on such touchy subjects as how to properly toast with bottles (clink bottoms -- you don't want to swap spit) and how to properly carry several brewskies at a time (don't put your stinking fingers in my beer).
The holy-crap-I'm-getting-old feeling arrived again when pondering The Cheetah Girls, of all things. The insanely popular trio is back at Nokia Theatre this weekend. And while I shake my head in disgust about their popularity among the preteen set (along with High School Musical), it dawns on me that I once thought it was cool to see Debbie Gibson shaking her love on MTV.
So I'll just shut up about these girls of cheetah. Enjoy the show. I'll be busy digging up a kick-ass 1987 mix tape that featured "Only In My Dreams" followed by Kool Moe Dee's "Wild Wild West."
It did not feature "Electric Youth." Because I had better taste than that.
ArchEnemies: In this collection of the four-issue series, one roommate is a superhero. The other roommate is a supervillain. Neither is aware of the other's secret identity. Hilarity ensues.
Wolverine No. 50: Speaking of archenemies, writer Jeph Loeb takes over this title with a bang, pitting Wolverine against Sabretooth.
A Dummy's Guide to Danger No. 4 (of 4): The conclusion of the buddy comedy in which one of the buddies is a figment of the other's imagination.
Eternals No. 6 (of 6): An even more noteworthy conclusion is this one of the blockbuster collaboration between writer Neil Gaiman and artist John Romita Jr.
Civil War: The Return: A long-gone hero -- whose identity Marvel has kept top secret -- returns in this one-shot.
Silent War No. 1: As if the Civil War between the superheroes wasn't enough to contend with, the Inhumans have declared war on humanity. Bad timing, people.
Not to whore myself out to Barnes & Noble (without getting paid), but this is worth mentioning if you're an avid TV box-set collector such as myself.
B&N's got a buy-one-get-the-second-set free sale until the end of this month, and it's not a bad idea to check out what they've got while the sale's still on.
I picked through some remainders at a store this last weekend, and despite a sell-out of some of the more popular sets (The Office, South Park, Lost, etc.), they still had a share of shows, not counting Friends or Thundercats, Vol. 1, that were oldies, yet goodies.
At 10, Little Miss Sunshine star Abigail Breslin is pretty young to get an Oscar nomination. But she’s not the youngest. Justin Henry was only 8 when he snagged a nod for Kramer vs. Kramer (his on-screen parents Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep actually won statues for their roles).
And even if Breslin wins, she won’t be the youngest to take Oscar to show-and-tell. But she will tie Tatum O’Neal, who was 10 when she won for Paper Moon. Anna Pacquin was just one year older when she won for The Piano.
The Academy used to hand out the “Honorary Juvenile Award.” Shirley Temple took the first back in the 1930s. Other honorees included Mickey Rooney, Judy Garland and Hayley Mills. But it’s been more than 45 years since the Academy ended the practice. Now, the young ’uns are nominated alongside their adult counterparts.
As I sat on the parking lot that was Central Expressway late last night, I discovered a great new comedy/news show on KERA: Fair Game. I especially liked the recurring Jeff Foxworthy parody that changed "you might be a redneck" to "you might be at war with Iran."
Meryl Streep now has more Oscar nominations than most people have had sexual partners. Her nod for The Devil Wears Prada brings her total to 14. Yes, 14 acting nominations. She is also the only American nominated for lead actress this year - Judi Dench, Helen Mirren and Kate Winslet are all Brits; Penelope Cruz is Spanish.
And in an industry where many actresses complain there are no good roles for women over 40, it’s interesting to note that the average age of this year’s lead actress nominees is 50. Dench is this year’s oldest nominee at 72.
Cruz is the only first-time nominee. Before this morning, this year’s best actress nominees had 24 nominations and three wins among them. Mirren, who is this year’s favorite to take Oscar home, and Winslet have never won.
Winslet and Dench both got nominations (Winslet as supporting, Dench as lead) for Iris in 2002. And while Mirren is expected to win this year for playing Elizabeth II, Dench won in 1999 for her eight minutes of screen time playing Elizabeth I in Shakespeare in Love. That same year, Cate Blanchett – Dench’s Notes on a Scandal co-star and a supporting nominee this year – was a lead actress nominee for playing Elizabeth I as well.
Blanchett won a statue in 2005 for The Aviator. In that movie she played Katherine Hepburn who herself was nominated for an Oscar 12 times, making her second only to who else, but Meryl Streep!
Check out the club happenings this week, courtesy of Quick's Orientations columnists.
* Throckmorton Mining Company is hosting a toga party on Friday. Toga materials and clothes check will be available at the club. No cover. 3014 Throckmorton.
* Heather Knox will perform at Sue Ellen's at 9 p.m. Friday. $4 cover, drink specials from 9:30 to 10 p.m. 3903 Cedar Springs Road.
* The Eagle will be celebrating its “Flesh and Fantasy” event this weekend. The three-day party begins Friday and includes a “Bare as You Dare” Saturday event. 2515 Inwood Road.
* The Round Up Saloon will crown a new Mr. Round Up on Sunday. The event begins at 9 p.m. and contestants will be judged on western attire, talent and fantasy sportswear. 3912 Cedar Springs Road.
Looks like the song category has three songs from Dreamgirls (There were three original songs in Dreamgirls?) something from Cars, and something from An Inconvenient Truth (Didn't know Al Gore could sing.)
Truth also got nominated for best documentary feature. Score!
Still seeking the lesser categories: Prince fans are dying to know whether "Song of the Heart," the Golden Globe winner from Happy Feet, gets an Oscar nod.
It would be his first nomination since he won for Purple Rain. For the music, not for his acting. Because looking doe-eyed into the screen doesn't count for acting.
Actress: Penelope Cruz (Volver) will have a hard time fending off Meryl Streep (The Devil Wears Prada) and Helen Mirren (The Queen). And I'm afraid it'll be another year where Kate Winslet (Little Children) stays in nomination purgatory.
Supporting actor: Alan Arkin (Little Miss Sunshine) and Eddie Murphy (Dreamgirls) will most likely duke it out for this one, but don't be surprised if Djimon Hounsou (Blood Diamond) sneaks up and steals it. Hey, I'm just happy that Marky Mark (The Departed) got a little love. Feel the vibration!
Actor: Let's see, Forest Whitaker (The Last King of Scotland) transformed himself the most, Will Smith (The Pursuit of Happyness) was the best cryer, Leonard DiCaprio (Blood Diamond) had the most annoying accent, and Ryan Gosling (Half Nelson) is, well, the cutest. And Peter O'Toole (Venus) is the sentimental favorite, apparently. God, there's just no predicting this one.
Director: The Queen and Babel were arresting films, and Letters From Iwo Jima has been called Clint Eastwood's masterpiece. Still, Scorsese deserves some long overdue love, and if anything can get it for him, it's The Departed. As for United 93, I still haven't been able to watch that one. Soon, soon.
Picture: My head is with Babel, but my heart is with Little Miss Sunshine. The academy voters? They'll probably vote in Letters From Iwo Jima.
Best Picture * Babel
* The Departed
* Letters From Iwo Jima
* Little Miss Sunshine (above) * The Queen
Best Actor
* Leonardo DiCaprio for Blood Diamond
* Ryan Gosling for Half Nelson
* Peter O'Toole for Venus
* Will Smith for The Pursuit of Happyness
* Forest Whitaker for The Last King of Scotland
Best Actress
* Helen Mirren for The Queen
* Penelope Cruz for Volver
* Judi Dench for Notes On A Scandal
* Meryl Streep for The Devil Wears Prada
* Kate Winslet for Little Children
Best Supporting Actor
* Alan Arkin in Little Miss Sunshine
* Jackie Earle Haley in Little Children
* Djimon Hounsou for Blood Diamond
* Eddie Murphy for Dreamgirls
* Mark Wahlberg for The Departed
Best Supporting Actress
* Adriana Barraza for Babel
* Cate Blanchett for Notes on a Scandal
* Abigail Breslin for Little Miss Sunshine
* Jennifer Hudson for Dreamgirls
* Rinko Kikuchi for Babel
Best Director
* Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu for Babel
* Martin Scorsese for The Departed
* Clint Eastwood for Letters from Iwo Jima
* Stephen Frears for The Queen
* Paul Greengrass for United 93
Aiight, the nominations are in and there are a few li'l surprises here and there, but nothing too shocking.
Well, maybe it's a little shocking that DREAMGIRLS DIDN'T GET A BEST PICTURE NOD. But I think it's the right decision on the Academy voters' part. The film may have been a crowd pleaser, but it was no masterpiece overall. Jennifer Hudson and Eddie Murphy provided the real moments of brilliance, and they were duly nominated for their supporting roles.
Hudson will have to compete with a couple of gals from Babel, the seemingly-always-nominated Cate Blanchett ('Notes on a Scandal') and -- SURPRISE! -- cutie patootie Abigail Breslin from Little Miss Sunshine. She's a great actress and all, but it always kind of annoys me when children get Oscar nominations. I'll revisit this with my therapist.
More to come in a minute. In the meantime click here to read the nomination list.
I'm a fan of A&E and everything on it (except for maybe Gene Simmons Family Jewels), and I've been addicted lately to a reality/documentary-type show called The First 48. It follows around real-life homicide detectives during the, yes, first 48 hours of the case. It's gritty, compelling and real. Dallas pops up in almost every other episode, and I have a new local hero -- Det. Eddie Ibarra. He can get a confession out of anyone. Eat that David Caruso. New episodes air at 8 p.m. Thursdays.
So, has anyone heard about this new MTV show, Maui Fever? Here's the network's description for the program:
"What is life like when everyday [sic] is a vacation? 'Maui Fever' explores the lives of several young Kaanapali, Maui locals who spend their days sunning and their nights partying with no rules and no one to answer to."
Why do I not feel the urge to fire up the TiVo? Because this is YET ANOTHER MTV reality show about the spoiled, privileged youth of America. But it's no shocker -- Music (HA!) Television has been slowly moving away from substance ever since The Real World replaced accomplished artists and writers with tanned, insipid alcoholics.
No I'm not talking about MJ or LeBron. It's a new movie starring Jim Carrey, The Number 23. Jim goes a little batty when he reads a book. Just watch the trailer. Too hard to explain. I wonder, will Mike and LeBron go see this movie?
By the way, I just saw the updated Spiderman 3 trailer. It rocks!
The Irving-raised supermodel — also known as the face of Maybelline, and the first winner of the F!D/Kim Dawson model search — was hanging out at the Amsterdam Bar on Friday night, celebrating her 25th birthday. She was dressed casually, in skinny jeans, heels and a funky T-shirt. She looked like she was having a blast.
There was also a clown making weird balloon hats for everyone.
* Nick Saban: Right, like he couldn't be talked out of leaving Alabama.
* Dennis Franchione: Right, like he couldn't be talked out of leaving Alaba-, er, I mean A&M.
* Bob Stoops: C'mon, Jerry, don't make this a Ross-and-Rachel routine.
* Snoop Dogg: He already coaches a youth league team. But can he design a 3-Fizzle defizzle?
* Mack Brown: But only if Chris Simms comes, too.
* Jimmy Johnson: If Jerry can promise his private jet for fishing trips to Florida ...
* Katt Williams: Think of how entertaining the press conferences would be.
* Ed "Too Tall" Jones: T.O. wouldn't have much complaining to do with Coach Too Tall looming on the sidelines.
If you haven't seen it yet, I highly recommend the Body Worlds exhibit now showcased at the Museum of Nature and Science over in Fair Park till the end of May.
I mistakenly chose a recent Sunday to go, and the number of people almost got me throwing elbows. (Weekdays are the best time to go, the museum says.) The only good thing about the lines though, is that you buy your ticket for a specific time, so when you're holding a ticket for 3 p.m., you can skip ahead of the group of four who bought tickets for 5:30 p.m. and thought they should be let in first.
(HA! That will teach you, Curly-Haired-5:30-p.m.-Lady. Outta mah face!)
The specimens on display are fascinating looks into our own bodies, and they're also splayed-out works of art. I thought I'd never say that about unraveled large intestines, but I totally just did. The related "The Human Body" film playing at the IMAX theater also inside the museum is worth your while.
And, ahem, if someone comes across a plastinated kidney just, you know, lyin' around, please let the Body Worlds exhibit in Seattle know.
Went there on Friday night, all energized because the DMN recently named the place as one of the top restaurants of the year.
Maybe they’re overwhelmed by the publicity, because my experience was less than stellar. We waited for 20 minutes for a table, despite having a reservation; a rude bartender asked me, “Do you want something else or what?” when I informed him that their tonic was flat; and, the worst of all, our dinner (at $35/$20 a plate) came out in 15 minutes. Lobster tail was rubbery. Husband’s meal — a tortilla pie thingie with tomatillo sauce and chorizo — could have been from Blue Mesa. Not knocking Blue Mesa, but with higher prices, you expect something unique.
On the plus side, the tableside guac and the sangria were fabulous. And the ambience is modern and dark, which I liked.
Maybe they were just having an off night. Has anyone else gone and had a different experience?
During the AFC Championship, I saw a Peyton Manning commercial that I'd never seen before. This time, the Colts' quarterback was endorsing some brand of television set. The name of the manufacturer has already slipped my mind, but the ad reminded me of this hilarious comment from Mike G of Alliston, Mass., who -- like me -- is a loyal reader of ESPN.com columnist Bill Simmons:
"I am loving the fact that Peyton Manning will do a commercial for just about anything. How much would you pay to see him in a genital herpes commercial?"
Simmons said he's in for $700. I might be able to spare 10 percent of that.
Check out this interview with Sarah Silverman about the debut of her new show on Comedy Central on Feb. 1. I didn't even know about it--called The Sarah Silverman Program--but she is a such a scream, it has to be good.
The movie Dreamgirls brings up a good question (for those of us who care): Can girl groups ever survive? Or must one "star" always steal the spotlight? (Diana Ross and Beyonce, we are talking to you). VH1 analyzes girl groups of the past in its one-hour movie special Dreamgirls: The Making and Breaking of Girl Groups. From the Supremes to En Vogue to Destiny's Child, the special takes a look at why groups break up, and the answer usually lies in the girl with the "it" factor. The lesson I learned from it? Sharing is possible. TLC, one of my favorite groups of all-time, knew how to share where others didn't. I watched the show last night, but visit www.vh1.com for more showtimes.
For the final song of a captivating set at the Granada last night, Jeff Tweedy stepped out onto the edge of the stage with his vintage acoustic and did "Acuff Rose" without a mic. Now, if you've ever been to a concert in Dallas, you know ditching the sound system would normally be a bad idea. Crowds around here are notorious for buying tickets to shows they don't end up seeing because they're too busy answering cellphones, spilling drinks and socializing (I could grumble all day). But if anyone can silence a crowd, it's the Wilco frontman, and last night was no exception. It was a moment that I and the rest of the folks in the packed house will never forget.
Saturday, I went to the NHL All-Star Trading Card and Memorabilia show at NorthPark Center. I'm not a big hockey fan but it was fun. I purchased the limited-edition Mike ModanoMcFarlane figure. I even got it autographed by Todd McFarlane. He's a pretty cool guy. I even got a free Upper Deck trading card with me in it. If you have a chance, go check it out.
The writer/director of Flannel Pajamas, Jeff Lipsky, explains the reason why he decided to go with extended full-frontal nudity scenes in his film: "When I watch a movie, two things take me out of the film that claim to depict a real life couple. One - when couples are in bed with a blanket practically pulled up to their chin and then when someone gets out of bed after a post-coital moment and feels compelled to drag a sheet with them even though they’re the only two people in the room. The other instance is when I watch a woman stark naked when a man she’s enraptured with and in a private situation somehow he’s got all his clothes on. The courage and the nervousness of exposing yourself physically in the beginning of the relationship is a reality. If it doesn’t work there, there’s something wrong with the relationship that’s never going to jive. That’s something I felt needed to happen. What’s funny is that in those scenes, the subtext is disturbing, but the visual aspect is beautiful."
How did I miss this? Alan Cumming got married Jan. 8 in a civil ceremony near London to his partner, illustrator Grant Shaffer. Of course, the main reason I care is because Rufus Wainwright was in attendance and I am obsessed with his music. Also there were Sir Ian McKellen, former Baby Spice Geri Halliwell, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, and, seemingly randomly, Monica Lewinsky.
According to the Houston Voice, 140 guest watched the new couple skip the dancing stuff after the ceremony, opting instead to go ice skating on a nearby rink. In a quote from his publicist, Cumming said they chose to marry in the U.K. because, “not only are we so happy to be able to celebrate our love for each other, but also to be able to do it in a country that properly recognizes the rights of same-sex couples.”
This Isaiah Washington gay slur situation is disappointing, especially considering one of his past roles. In Spike Lee's great 1996 film Get On the Bus, Washington played a gay character who was breaking up with his partner while both were on their way to the Million Man March.
Washington played it well, and with sensitivity, as he usually does. He's a fine actor (even Ghost Ship, above, wasn't really his fault).
(By the way, it's pronounced "the arrr," like the sea captain on The Simpsons might say. Not The A.R.E., like The Notorious B.I.G. That's your helpful hip-hop hint of the day.)
I know it's a shameless marketing promotion thingy, but the Iams Great Cat Stare-Off is a hoot for animal-lovers and workday time-wasters. Just go to www.iamscatstareoff.com and challenge cats named Skeeter, Muffin Top and Lil' Freaky. The cats wait a long time to blink, so get your eye drops ready.
In an age when celebrities go at each other’s throats publicly, I gotta give props to how some of the cast members of Grey’s Anatomy are handling Isaiah Washington’s remarks about T.R. Knight's sexuality. In October, Washington referred to Knight by using a gay slur, forcing Knight to publicly come out of the closet. Now, months later, the Internet and entertainment world is abuzz about Mr. Knight’s response on Ellen's talk show today.
At the Golden Globes this week, where Grey’s Anatomy took home the best drama award, Mr. Washington fumbled as he tried to save face on the red carpet. But then Mr. Washington reignited the debate by denying he ever referred to Mr. Knight “the f word.” He told Access Hollywood it did not happen. Co-star Katherine Heigl then spoke out against his behavior saying he should never speak in public.
But today T.R. Knight appeared on Ellen and talked about the whole debacle in a video you must watch. Instead of taking the angry Rosie route, Mr. Knight showed the utmost class as he talked about Mr. Washington and the repercussions of his comments. Finally, an honorable gay male role model worth looking up to.
GLAAD is now calling for an apology from Mr. Washington. And my boyfriend is intent on starting a “Fire Dr. Burke” Web site. Personally, I’m over Mr. Washington, who should have quit when he just looked like a bigot. Now he’s coming across as a bigot and a liar.
Alpha Dog almost didn’t make it to theaters this week. The film involves characters that are actually on trial and the defendant tried to have the release of the movie blocked claiming that it would sway the jury. Given the circumstances, he may not be wrong. The story is a tragic one and obviously one that is yet to have a satisfying conclusion. The plot revolves around a group of teens in the 90s that idolize the gangster lifestyle portrayed in hip hop and video games. Once they’re actually caught in a felony situation, though, they quickly realize that there are no additional lives, no restarting and no second chances in such dark situations. Showcasing the talents of young actors like Emile Hirsch, Ben Foster and most notably, Justin Timberlake, the film is already gaining praise for its daring content and strong performances.
Director Nick Cassavetes stopped in Dallas to promote the release of the film. The former actor (Face/Off) and son of film legend John Cassavetes is best known for directing the sappy hit The Notebook, a film that couldn’t be more different from this one. Tall, handsome and tattooed, the sharp-witted director gave Quick the scoop on everything from Timberlake’s first big screen appearance to the court battle over the film.
Here’s more from Cassavetes:
Q: Was it hard working on a story that doesn’t really have an ending yet? Did the original subjects help you get to “the end”?
A: Yeah, there’s still that final chapter of [Jesse James] Hollywood’s trial. I had interaction with all of the subjects except for Hollywood. His father, though, was a consultant on the film. I had to pretty much look up all of the rest of them and get the story from them. I was compelled by the story because I couldn’t really figure it out. It still haunts me to this day because it just doesn’t make sense. It had a through-line dynamic that I thought people would understand.
Q: Their stories didn’t all match up, did they?
A: No, they didn’t. They were wildly different in many respects. Like most stories, somebody has a certain culpability in the story, they’ll angle away from it.
Q: Did most of the actors get to meet their real-life subjects?
A: They did. Fernando did and we brought Justin up to meet Jesse and he was pissed about it. He said, “What the hell is going on here?” and I said, “It’s you, man.” He didn’t get it, though. They talked and it was cool.
Q: I suppose the kids all out in their two cents about how the film should turn out?
A: Everyone wants to tell you how to do your film and you just have to give them their moments. I had tons of them. That’s your job as a director, though – to listen to everyone.
Q: One of the issues in the film is the fact that you find at least some fault in the kids’ fascination with the gangsta rap lifestyle.
A: Well, hip hop music is supported by young, white affluent boys who are looking for an escape from their boring existence and they adopt that jailhouse eye for an eye mentality and it’s satisfying for young boys. It’s amusing to me that white America is buying the rap music and getting their images of toughness from musicians who are about the least tough people on the planet. The fact that’s it’s acceptable and functioning is amazing. So there’s a horrible rap video in the movie that I made on purpose, but that’s what it looks like to me. I grew up in a different era and I look at it and go, “Wow, that’s really horrible acting. That’s just really bad. If you’re going to do it, do it right and shoot and kill everybody”, but they don’t allow guns. It’s weird. I’m not a hip hop guy.
Q: Is there any hip hop music you enjoy?
A: I’m a Biggie Smalls guy. My girl loves Tupac. I love Tech N9ne, who does the music in the film. He’s friggin’ awesome. I enjoy less people talking about how many chains they’re wearing, how they’re gonna kick my ass and how many girls they sleep with. It’s less interesting to me. I see writing as a way to express your conditions. Gangsta rap is a really smart invention by Dr. Dre and the boys, but it has its limitations. How many ways can you tell people you’re going to kick their ass in film? It becomes a little redundant. It’s always mutating into something extreme, though.
Q: Did you have any apprehension about working with Justin Timberlake, as he was an unproven actor at the time?
A: I didn’t realize how popular he was and how many haters he had until my kids were like, “Dad, no. You don’t know this kid.” He’s a nice kid. I don’t audition people. I talk to people about the characters. I liked his vibe and to me was a kid without pretense and reminded me of Travolta. He moves good, he’s watchable and talented as all hell. The thing that shocks me is why people are so shocked that he’s good. He can sing and dance well, why shouldn’t he able great at everything else?
Q: As an actor or former actor, did you consider putting yourself in the film?
A: No. I wouldn’t do that. It’s not important to me anymore. I did it when I was younger to make some money, but making movies is a full time job. Now I just go to people and ask for their money.
Q: Did directing the hit The Notebook help you get money for this film?
A: I thought it would, but it didn’t. I went to every studio and they all said no so I had to get independent financing for the film. Easier? No. One day it will get easier. I know the day it gets easier, I’ll get hit by a bus or something.
Q: Your younger years had an echo of these characters, didn’t it?
I was “troubled youth”. I got thrown out of the house early on. Not too dissimilar from these kids in some ways. I was a kid that thought I knew everything like most kids. I had a fight or flight mentality and it didn’t work well for me. Studying these characters, I looked back at myself and was shocked at what an a**hole I was. I had to take a trip down memory lane. I had a kid young and had to grow up and be a man instead of running around like a chicken with his head cut off, like I was doing. I felt like the world owed me something. Now as a father I had to make sure my kids don’t do the same thing.
The Hollywood Reporter says Gwyneth Paltrow is joining the cast of Iron Man, playing Tony Stark's personal assistant Virginia "Pepper" Potts. Robert Downey Jr. has already been cast as the armor-clad title character and Terrence Howard is playing best friend Rhodey. When the Paltrow news broke, a staffer here at Quick asked "Stark has a girlfriend?" Come to think of it, has the iron dude ever had a big love interest? Certainly nothing like Spider-Man and Mary Jane. Hmmmm. Anyways, Potts and Stark are supposed to "share a secret attraction to each other."
Because we work nights, I can only catch reruns of CSI on SpikeTV at about midnight. But I've just heard that Liev Schreiber (owner of the world's sexiest-scariest man voice), will be guest starring as an East Coast investigator temporarily filling in for star William Petersen. His four-episode arc on CSI begins tomorrow at 8 p.m. on CBS. According to an interview with the Associated Press, Schreiber is a bit commitment-phobic when it comes to long-term projects, so catch him while you can.
Life in Deep Ellum opens this Saturday with a performance by Lovedrug. It’s not just a music venue, though. In addition to the performance space — which holds 1,100 people — they’re offering a coffee bar (no alcohol), art gallery and a community center, which is offering real neighborhood programs like ESL classes.
Interestingly, Life is operating in a partnership with Deep Ellum Church, which has been holding services in and around Deep Ellum for five years. (Who knew?) The old coffee/milkshake bar Insomnia was a ministry of theirs. The church will meet at Life on Sundays.
In any case, the place seems cool. The art gallery's opening reception runs from 4 to 7 p.m. on Saturday. Lovedrug starts at 8 p.m. Coffee bar will be open daily, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Dirt, The F/X network’s new show about tabloid celebrity “journalism,” is an absolute original. And Courtney Cox completely ditches all remnants of Monica Gellar Bing in her portrayal of Lucy Spiller, the success-obsessed, soulless and yet somehow simultaneously fascinating editor of two magazines. I can’t decide if I want to punch her in the face or buy her a drink.
Then there’s the schizophrenic star photographer willing to cut off his own finger to gain access to a hospital so he can snap shots of a famous Christian singer who just burned her face freebasing. The starlet TV star whose drug addiction causes problems on the set. And the young magazine employee who can’t seem to cut a break as she slithers through celebrity circles hoping to come up with any scandalous-headline-worthy tidbit.
The depths the characters – both celebrities and “journalists” – go to in order to reach fame and fortune is often a little over the top. But it’s semi-commentary on celebrity in America makes for a kick-ass hour that entertains even if it does make you feel a little dirty.
At least that's what my Houston homie Matt Sonzala says about Money Waters and Bavu Blakes. His blog is essential reading for anyone who cares about Texas hip-hop.
He had Money perform at his birthday bash in Houston the other night and he's got the fly flix to prove it.
OK, so Aaron McGruder quit his Boondocks comic strip and now he's working full-time on his TV show. Cool. Understandable. So where's the second season? Shouldn't it have debuted back in September? Maybe even November? Hasn't he been working on season 2 since, like, January 2006? His "official Boondocks site" seems like it hasn't been updated in more than a year (it talks about the show premiering Nov. 6, but I think it's referring to the first season). And the Adult Swim site has nothing about season 2. What's the deal? It's hard without my regular dose of fresh Boondocks, people.
Temper queen Naomi Campbell pleaded guilty this morning to misdemeanor assault for the unfortunate incident in which her cell phone made high-velocity contact with the head of her maid, the Associated Press reports. Campbell will have to undergo anger management and community service (as well as paying the woman's medical expenses).
Anyone else having déjà vu here? Last June, another maid accused her of striking her in the head and has filed civil suit. A month later, a former assistant also sued Campbell for "verbal, physical and emotional attacks." Back in 2000, she pleased guilty in Canada for beating another assistant over the head with a phone.
Seems to me some horse tranquilizers might work better than another anger management class for keeping her temper in check. That or making her communicate by carrier pigeon instead of telephone.
For all the hungry folks leaving the Monkey Bar, Minc, Double Wide, etc., on weekends, the Exposition Park Cafe (in the old Crayton’s spot) is open until 3:30 a.m. Just went there this weekend and the food is yummy. I highly recommend the zuchinni fries. Or you can try the $5 breakfast, which includes eggs, bacon, potatoes and toast.
All this week, Keith's Comics is accepting donations of comic books and graphic novels to stock the library at Promise House. This facility serves a variety of at-risk kids, from the abused to runaways to homeless.
Donations will be accepted through Saturday at all four of Keith's stores. Any materials deemed inappropriate for children will be sold, and the profits will go toward refurbishing the library.
As Keith himself so eloquently put it, "This is a great opportunity to turn those runs of West Coast Avengers into something useful."
Battlestar Galactica fans, get ready! Executive producer David Eick is going to take on "Bionic Woman" for NBC, a sort-of reimagining of the original 70s series.
Yay! When I wasn't running around the house with aluminum foil on my wrists, pretending to deflect bullets like Wonder Woman, I was weilding a tennis racket and pretending to be Lindsay Wagner.
I'm intrigued by how Eick is going to incorporate all the changes in technology in the past thirty years. Perhaps the new Bionic Woman will use an iPhone and be a huge proponent of open-source software. Who knows?
Eick did give a hint to Variety: "It's using the idea of artificial technology as a metaphor for what contemporary women sometimes feel is necessary to do everything that needs to be done." Whatever that means.
Here's hoping Little Miss Sunshine does well at the Golden Globes tonight. The cast is on Ellen right now, and played a game of musical chairs. First one out: Steve Carell, who immediately threw a tantrum: "THIS GAME STINKS! I HATE THIS GAME!"
I never watched one second of 24 until last night, but since I was home for Quick's one-day-early MLK holiday, I decided to see what all the hype was about. And I'm already hooked.
Maybe it was the scene in which Kiefer Sutherland got in touch with his Lost Boys roots by killing a terrorist with a neck bite. Or maybe it was the scene in which the U.S. president ordered an airstrike on a home in Inglewood, Calif. Or maybe it was the scene in which Kiefer kicked a terrorist out the back of a subway train just as the guy ignited his explosive vest.
But to be honest, I was most likely hooked because they gave a major role to Alexander Siddig, a.k.a. Dr. Julian Bashir of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. It always warms my heart when former Star Trek actors find work beyond the conventions.
Tried twice over the cold-and-rainy-but-not-yet-icy weekend to see Pan's Labyrinth at the Magnolia and found sold-out houses both times. It's even playing in the Magnolia's largest auditorium (Theater 5), but there were no seats either time, and there seemed to be a lot of praise from people lucky enough to get in. ... The trips weren't a total loss. The Magnolia's got a terrific lineup right now, so instead of Pan, I saw Notes on a Scandal and Curse of the Golden Flower. Thumbs up to both of those.
I recently asked if anyone remembered what Play Lounge was 10 years ago, and I've since been inundated with emails from people who remember Greenville's past.
Before Play Lounge, Loure Lounge, Lush and the Flying Saucer, that spot was Flip's, a "funky, hip place with mediocre Italian food and a zillion beer taps," says one reader. Another person mentioned something about a table there with X-rated decorations?
Before Flip's, the place was a wine market and food store called DiPalma.
Don't mean to open up the floodgates again, but all this history talk has me wondering. Amid all the turnaround, which bar or restaurant has been on Greenville the longest? Anyone know?
Anybody happen to see Jake Gyllenhall on SNL? The opening, in which Jake asked the audience for no gay cowboy jokes but then ended with him singing from Dreamgirls in drag, was pretty funny. And he hit the high notes!
Flipping through the new issue of Rolling Stone, and lo and behold, a photo of Laura Miller is on Page 39. Sure, it's in a story about TXU and coal plants, not about her rock 'n' roll tastes, but still. Rolling Stone is Rolling Stone. She's gotta love this line: "Pissing off Miller was not a smart move."
Wow. I am fascinated by this article on what it takes celebrities to walk the red carpet. Botox in the armpit, airbrush tan, suck-it-all-in girdles, double-sided tape under straps, and hair extensions, to start.
Women's breasts seem to get the worst treatment: "Cutlets" and duct tape for cleavage, self-sticking "bras," tape/cotton balls/stickers on the nipples...ouch!
And here I was, bitching about how long it takes to do my own routine. I don't have to iron starch into my hair or rip adhesive off my jubblies at the end of the evening. And that's a good thing.
The first time I heard Hard Night's Day, I was kinda freaked out. They are the best cover band I've seen and they manage to nail the Beatles performance. If you're a fan of the Fab Four, go see these guys. You'll be glad you did. They're playing tonight at 6:30 p.m. at Club Dada (and the 19th at the same time).
Our man Skin talks hip-hop with Lil Phil of the Ra'Koo Nation in the latest Gemini Disco Soul Party. And you get to hear the tracks "Move" and "No Problem," too.
Listen to it right here. Or hurr, as Skin says. I can't really pull that off, no matter how much I'd like to.
Pantera drummer Vinnie Paul's new band, Hellyeah, will debut its first CD on April 10. The band also features Mudvayne's Chad Gray and Greg Tribbett, and Tom Maxwell and Jerry Montano of Nothingface.
As of today, it's back to "no way" for any chance of Peter Jackson directing the Lord of the Ring's prequel The Hobbit. In an interview with Sci-Fi Channel, New Line co-chairman Robert Shaye says: "I do not want to make a movie with somebody who is suing me." Jackson says he sued the studio after "financial anomalies" surfaced from a partial audit of The Fellowship of the Ring. Shaye says Jackson wants "another $100m or $50m" over the "quarter of a billion dollars" he's already received. Really, there are tons of cool (not greedy) directors who can take on The Hobbit. Guillermo del Toro (his fantasy Pan's Labyrinth, which opens tomorrow, is getting awesome reviews) would be killer. But to some LOTR fans, anyone other than Jackson is sacrilege.
Not what you're thinking, but it perked your interest, eh? The Associated Press reports that Canada's winter athletes will be receiving an assist from one of the country's top rock bands. The Barenaked Ladies are donating a portion of the ticket sales from their upcoming tour to the cause. Of course, Canada wants to look good since Vancouver plays host to the 2010 Winter Olympics.
OK, OK....so David Beckham has actually signed with the LA Galaxy, not FC Dallas. But it means that he'll evenutally make his way to Pizza Hut Park.
Posh's hubby will reportedly be paid $250 million over five years. Is he worth all that just to fill seats? (Real Madrid has been pretty blah in his time there.) Not sure, but I know I'll be trekking up north to see His Royal Hotness play.
He’s coming to Karma next Thursday. We hear he’s actually a pretty good DJ, even though everyone knows him, sadly, as Nicole Richie’s former fiance. (This pic was taken in 2005, right after they got engaged.) Tix are $10 presale.
Billboard enlightens us on a new HBO project , a show that follows Kanye West in his daily I'm-the-greatest-living-thing-ever-in-the-history-of-history routine.
Kanye's albums are fantastic, but I think I'd rather spend 30 minutes picking up dog droppings (with no plastic bag) than sit through that.
On this morning's The View, Barbara Walters squarely sided with co-host Rosie O'Donnell in her fight with Donald Trump -- calling him a "poor, pathetic man." Pretty strong words from Barb. She and Rosie high-fived, made nice and said they were moving on. But The Donald refused to leave the ring. He issued a statement after the show aired blasting Walters ("Barbara Walters has taken the low road for the sake of her show rather than the sake of her morality," he wrote) and saying he wished Walters had never chosen him as one of her "10 Most Fascinating People." Wah-wah-wah. We officially declare Rosie and Barbara the winners of this thank-goodness-it's-over celeb feud.
Unleash your inner performer with Rock Star Karaoke tonight at 10 p.m. at Barley House, 5612 Yale Blvd. There are judges, there are shots, there are some far-out performances. Good times.
If you're planning to watch Bones, Criminal Minds, Deal or No Deal or The Knights of Prosperity tonight, you'll have to wait a few minutes. President Bush is going to present his new Iraq strategy to the nation at 8 p.m., and the four major networks are expected to carry his speech.
I just heard The Ticket's Dan McDowell present an interesting strategy for Mark McGwire to get into the Hall of Fame. McGwire should tell the voters, "Look, I played in an era when everybody hitting home runs was on steroids, and I hit more home runs than all of them."
Fans pay $12.95 to hear Stern's raucous humor and antics, "like a standing bit in which he persuades a porn star or centerfold model (typically naked, sometimes in tandem) to climb onto a vibrating, mechanical contraption known as the Sybian. He (and they) then provide play-by-play commentary on their apparently escalating enjoyment — all over the roar of a motor as loud as a leaf blower’s." Read more here.
Proenza Schouler -- the young, hot New York fashion duo -- is the next big-name designer to hit Target. Past designers, if you haven't been keeping up, include Behnaz Sarafpour, Luella Bartley and Paul & Joe.
I'm dying to own this silk wrap palm-print dress. (It's $39.99!) Look for the clothes in February.
The Ying Yang Twins are coming to Club Blue on Jan. 28. Meanwhile, you may or may not want to decode their song's Billy Ocean reference. (Me, about five minutes ago: "Ewww!")
Pirates vs. Ninjas No. 1 (of 3): If you thought Superman and Batman vs. Aliens and Predator was the silliest new title this week, you were wrong.
Squadron Supreme: Hyperion vs. Nighthawk No. 1 (of 4): This is the first comic book I know of to be set in the Darfur region of Sudan. Nothing like a superhero smackdown to call attention to genocide.
You'll Have That Vol. 2: Irving-based Viper Comics puts out another collection of Wes Molebash's funny strip about married life.
Thunderbolts No. 110: Writer Warren Ellis takes the reins as this title about villains posing as heroes gets a new subject, courtesy of Civil War: villains recruited to hunt down renegade heroes.
Mythos: Ghost Rider: After retelling the origins of the Hulk and X-Men, writer Paul Jenkins and painter Paolo Rivera take on the subject of Nicolas Cage's next movie.
Amerikan Freak: Ahmet Zappa is one of the creators of this one-shot about a murdered teen who merges with his living brother to become a creature of revenge. I wonder what Dweezil thinks of all this.
We all watch the Super Bowl for the commercials, right? Gino Bona of Portsmouth, N.H., threw a touchdown pass the NFL's way with his pitch for a spot during the Feb. 4 game in Miami. Bona's ideas in the "Pitch Us Your Idea for the Best NFL Super Bowl Commercial Ever. Seriously." contest won him a trip to L.A. for the shoot and a pair of tickets to the big game. Score! Check out his pitch, which centers on how hard it is to say goodbye to the NFL season.
Here's a good one: A high school art teacher in Virginia recently got the ax when his school found out he spends his free time making "butt-print art."
I would've loved to have been in the room when he got called to the principal's office.
Oh, and hold the snickering when you get to the part about how the school district "lost a tremendous asset today."
Prepare to again experience the greatest, messiest sugar high of childhood. The Snoopy Sno Cone Machine is back. Sababa Toys is 're-introducing' it in late spring, complete with Snoopy doghouse and syrup bottle. $9.99 to $14.99 at major retailers. We'll keep you posted on when we spot it in stores, since we still go to Toys R Us "for research." It's especially fun after happy hour.
If you read between the lines of Donald Trump's catty letter to Rosie O'Donnell, the message is pretty clear: He's challenging Barbara Walters to fire Rosie. Yes, The Donald is no longer happy firing people from his own show. He wants to get people fired from other shows. If you're Barbara, tho, you got to be pretty PO'd that Trump would betray your trust and tell everyone what you told him. I'll give it another week to see if higher ratings offset Walters feeling like Rosie is making her life a "living hell" on The View.
The long-awaited iPhone is here. It slices. It dices. Oh my bad. Wrong product. It's controlled by touch. You can play music, surf and watch shows. It comes in two models, 4 gigabytes for $499 and 8 gigabytes for $599. It's exclusive to Cingular and will ship in June. My birthday is June 8 and I've been good.
Think of me as your own private Oprah for a minute. You must pick up a copy of Rob Sheffield's new book Love Is a Mix Tape: Life and Loss, One Song at a Time. Sheffield writes the Pop Life column for Rolling Stone (the fact that his column shares a name with Quick's entertainment section is mere coinci-Prince). His book's title explains its premise well enough. The first chapter alone slayed me. If I had a camera phone, I would post a picture of myself holding my copy to prove that I can't put it down. Check it out.
Heard Beyonce’s Spanish version of “Irreplaceable” on the radio this morning, and I gotta say, it’s not bad. It’s fun to hear her sing “Ya lo ves, ya lo ves” instead of “To the left, to the left.” The new chorus doesn’t do it for me, though. “Que sabes tu de mi/no me hagas reir” (What do you know about me/ don’t make me laugh) just doesn’t have the same ring as the original.
The song’s redeeming factor is an appearance by Pitbull, who plays the part of the sensitive bad boy earnestly vying for Beyonce’s love. It’s a nice change from his normal “subete la falda” stuff.
I love the annual Bloggie awards: It's a chance for the public to pick the craftiest, snarkiest, most entertaining, best written, or just funniest blogs to get their moment in the spotlight.
Time is almost up for this year's first step: You have until midnight Wednesday to make nominations for the 2007 Bloggies here. The finalists will be announced Jan. 22 and voting will once again be open to the public. Awards are given out at the spring's South by Southwest Interactive Festival in Austin.
There are 30 categories; this year, we bid farewell to "Best Tagline" and "Best Podcast," replaced by "Best Sports Weblog" and "Best Weblog About Music." I've got about fifteen in my head that I can't wait to nominate, quite a few from right here in Dallas.
The scene is from the seminal hip-hop film, Wild Style. And while it's a pretty awful movie, all the hip-hop elements are on point thanks to the involvement of Fab 5 Freddy (the cat in the clip grooving on Flash's work).
Flash is juggling two copies of the Headhunters' "God Made Me Funky." He then moves on to edited versions of Bob James' "Take Me To The Mardi Gras" - which was first exposed to the hip-hop generation as the sample source for Run D.M.C.'s "Peter Piper." Check it.
I woke up unusually early this morning and happened to catch CNBC's exclusive unveiling of the new Dodge Avenger. You won't believe who pulled back the tarp -- Fabio. It was as smooth as butter.
HBO On Demand is my new fave thing. Wanna know why? Because it allows me to watch the season premieres of Rome and Extras (which air on Sunday at 8 and 9 p.m., respectively) an ENTIRE WEEK EARLY. Or at least six days early. That means before all you regular people. Any of you want to take bets on what happens? I say the Republic bites the dust (eventually) and that Orlando Bloom is not really that hot.
Not only is Ohio State getting blasted in the NCAA title game, but the Buckeye band is performing Celine Dion's "My Heart Will Go On" from Titanic at halftime.
Nothing says "football" like "historic maritime disaster."
When we were kids and got sad, we usually locked ourselves in our room and played video games. How things change. About four months after her father died, little Bindi Irwin this week is kicking off what some newspapers are calling her "American showbiz career" with a series of high-profile television appearances and speeches across the United States. She will address the National Press Club in Washington and then appear on The Ellen DeGeneres Show and The Late Show With David Letterman. Later this year, her awesome new TV show Bindi, the Jungle Girl will debut on Discovery Kids. Way to tackle that Gila monster, Bindi! We're sure "Crocodile Hunter" Steve Irwin is looking down from heaven and smiling.
There was an all-Cowboys presence on Fox's pregame set before the BCS national championship game kicked off tonight. Former coach Jimmy Johnson and players Emmitt Smith and Eddie George all got in their two cents. The weird moment occurred when George, from Ohio State, offered Smith, from Florida, a few gifts: a Buckeyes visor and sweater. Then George reached for what appeared to be some Dancing with the Stars garb, but Fox quickly cut away to the national anthem, which had already been started. And the sound was messed up on that.
R.E.M, Van Halen, Patti Smith, Grandmaster Flash and The Ronettes are this year's inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The ceremony will take place at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York on March 12th.
The biggest question of the night will be if Van Halen (with David Lee Roth) makes an appearance with their new bass player - Eddie Van Halen's 15-year-old son, Wolfgang - or if longtime bass player Michael Anthony rounds out a full-fledged reunion.
I've seen The Roots a million times, and they're always money. But missing them when they roll through is not that a huge a deal anymore. The Gypsy Tea Room site says they'll be rolling through Feb 19th . Aiight - fine.
But if remix mag's site is correct and Lupe Fiasco is on board as the opener, you can chalk it up as a million and one.
I love me my gadgets more than Elvis loved a doughnut and this week promises to have some fun developments in that world. The 2007 International Consumer Electronics Show is running in Vegas this week and Apple CEO Steve Jobs is expected to unveil some miracle new product at the MacWorld conference tomorrow.
The folks behind the International CES released some interesting research about the high-tech toys we lust after and how deep we'll dig in our pockets to get the latest and greatest.
* In this $155-billion industry, the average American household will shell out about $2,000 this year on consumer electronic devices. In 2005, that amount was only $1,251.
* Peek in the window of the house down the block and you'll see about 26 consumer electronic products, ranging from DVDs and Wii game consuls to camera phones, iPod Nanos, and TVs. A mere seven years ago, that house would have had about 17. And around the time the Partridge family was hitting reruns in 1975, we had just one or two products per household.
* Speaking of televisions, we love LCDs! Flat-panel monitors are rocking the industry this year and will likely grow to $26 billion in 2007.
Speculation about tomorrow's MacWorld magical unveiling includes guesses that Jobs will introduce the world to iPhone. According to the N.Y. Times, it could have "a sleek ceramic case and a transparent touch screen" and be "the first of a new generation of devices that are closer to personal computers in pocket form, meaning that they will easily handle music, entertainment, productivity tasks and communications on cellular and other wireless networks." Rawk. That sounds way better than the piece of crap my wireless carrier hooked me up with in exchange for a multi-year contract and the promise of my first-born child.
* "Slip Slidin' Away" by Paul Simon
* "Drop It Like It's Hot" by Snoop Dogg
* "Cryin' Drunk" by Old 97's
* "When Disaster Strikes" by Busta Rhymes
* "Don't Know What You've Got 'Til It's Gone" by Cinderella
* "How Can You Mend a Broken Heart" by the Bee Gees
* "Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)" by Green Day
* "It's the End of the World As We Know It" by R.E.M.
* "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life" by Monty Python
There's a new extended trailer online for Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, but I think it contains a mistake. The last image is a graphic that says, "Landing 5-15."
May 15 can't be right, because that's only 11 days after May 4, the scheduled release of Spider-Man 3. On top of that, May 15 is a Tuesday.
Washington Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas celebrated his 25th birthday in style over the weekend at Love nightclub in D.C. According to the Associated Press, there was an ice carving of Arenas playing basketball (a little over the top, huh?). Sean "Diddy" Combs played host for the bash that included performances by Busta Rhymes, Lil’ Wayne, T.I. and the Game. All of the TV monitors in the club were showing highlights of Arenas. Who else?
Here's a story you can expect to be mentioned on The Colbert Report.
A month after dictionary publisher Merriam-Webster declared "truthiness" -- Stephen Colbert's term for "truth that comes from the gut, not books" -- the word of the year for 2006, the American Dialect Society has bestowed that title on "plutoed."
That word means "demoted" or "devalued," as in what happened to Pluto when the General Assembly of the International Astronomical Union decided it was no longer a planet.
"And just who are the American Dialect Society?" you ask. They're linguists, grammarians and other scholars who were way out in front of the "truthiness" craze. That was the group's word of the year for 2005.
I like the Central Booking DJs because they aren't snobby about using mainstream pop and R&B to get people dancing. Some songs are just good, whether they come from Billboard artists or not, right? The latest mix, created by Austin's Prince Klassen, is now available for download on the guys' Web site. On The Party Vol. 5: Lip Service, Justin, Omarion, and Dr. Dre act as a gateway to lesser known acts such as Spank Rock, Young Leek and Annie. Go get it!
The Rosie-Donald fight has left its real world fakery and entered its next phase: Internet video game! Yesssss! Now this is real entertainment. Let the fighting begin!
The Associated Press is reporting this morning that "Steve Jobs, chief executive of Apple Computer Inc., is expected to launch at least one revolutionary product Tuesday at the Macworld Conference & Expo in San Francisco. Speculation has focused mainly on an Apple-branded cellular phone and a set-top box that allows people to send video from their computers to their televisions."
As I get older, I realize that I spend most of my social time with my cats and co-workers and sadly neglect my oldie but goodie friends who now live in different cities. We promise to get together (OK, I'll e-mail you soon and we'll figure out a weekend) but it hardly ever happens. But I have just been informed about this new site, www.imin.com. I'm In! lets you plan a group trip without much hassle (except for picky friends -- that's your problem). You set up a private home page where you can put all the trip details in one place. Each member of the traveling party can log on and put in their 2 cents, plus you can make travel reservations and upload embarrasing trip photos later. Cool! I'm actually e-mailing the link to my friends right now ...
I am shocked. After only one year of marriage, Dita Von Teese, a relatively lovely looking burlesque dancer, has filed for divorce from decidely freaky looking Marilyn Manson. The reason? Irreconcilable differences.
Post-punk fans and graphic designers rejoice! Chronicle Books recently released Factory Records: The Complete Graphic Album ($35), which features album art, rare record sleeves, club flyers and posters from the label's historical collection. Think U.K. acts from the '70s through '90s such as Joy Division and New Order. Buy it here.
I never fail to be impressed with the artists featured by Photographs Do Not Bend Gallery. The owners moved it last year from the Quadrangle to an airy new space in the Design District and their first exhibit of 2007 opens today, George Krause: Sfumato Portraits.
There's an artist's reception from 6-8 p.m. with Krause and if you can make it, do! His work is captivating, backlit portraits of Dallas art patrons and players from the Texan Football team. There’s something so vulnerable--yet assertive--about his subjects. Also on display, some photographs he shot from the 1960s to 1980s.
The exhibit is open at PDNB from today through Feb. 10, 1202 Dragon St., Ste. 103. 214-969-1852.
Stranger Than Fiction, the movie in which IRS auditor Will Ferrell hears novelist Emma Thompson narrating his life, is a thoughtful and funny film. But eagle-eyed viewers get a bonus chuckle that has nothing to do with the story.
Two of Ferrell's co-workers are played by T.J. Jagodowski and Peter Grosz. You may not recognize their names, but you'll recognize their faces from the Sonic commercials. One can imagine that the movie and the ads take place in the same world, and that these two are wolfing down burgers and tots between audits.
Maybe one of the bonus materials on the DVD could be an interactive feature that lets you make T.J. drink.
Was driving to dinner last night and saw a new sign a few doors down from Pearl -- Ice Bar. I think the sign might have said "Barr," but that can't be, because why would it have two r's? Tried Googling it, but didn't get very far. Darn common names. Anyone know anything about this? I think this is the former Vain Lounge spot.
I know I promised this would appear yesterday, but yesterday was a busy day at Quick headquarters. If you want spoilers for Civil War No. 6, the penultimate issue, keep reading.
In my quest for Mac knowledge, I found the MacTablet. MacRumors.com linked to a site describing the Axiotron ModBook. Features: Write and draw directly on the screen. Pen and handwriting recognition. CD/DVD combo drive. Sounds yummy. It'll be introduced January 9 at the Macworld conference.
When did Lindsay Lohan's appendix become news? I mean, Britney's special place is one thing, but an appendix? That's not even a useful part of the body!
Donald Trump and daughter Ivanka were on the Today show this morning to talk about The Apprentice, but a lot of the gab focused on The Donald's continuing "war of words" with The View's Rosie O'Donnell. Ivanka said Rosie has been “bullying people for a long time.” Donald complained that Rosie has made fun of his hair. He was reminded that he had called Rosie a “fat pig.” “I don't know. Which is worse? I think I'd rather probably be fat,” Trump said. Huh? Donald is not a bully? And he'd rather be "fat" like Rosie? OK, when fighting words stop making sense, the "fight" should be over.
We've all heard of the Madden curse, right? Just ask half of the fantasy football owners out there about Shaun Alexander. Turns out dating tennis star Martina Hingis (above) can be hazardous to your health, and career, too.
In its newest issue, Tennis magazine serves up the proof by naming these tennis players who have supposedly had issues since courting Hingis:
* Justin Gimelstob: Chronic back injuries.
* Julian Alonso: Several physical ailments, is out of tennis.
* Magnus Norman: Hip injury. Never heard from again.
What must Czech player Radek Stepanek, who is now engaged to Hingis, be thinking?
I've just barely made it to stage five in my grieving process over the end of Will and Grace (the constant reruns help ease the pain). Now I can't even get a Megan Mullally fix: her talk/variety show has been canceled. Apparently something about low ratings or some other nonsense. Boo.
Tonight's I'm-so-glad-I-left-the-house show: Ashburne Glen, Dogme and The Theater Fire at Doublewide, 3510 Commerce St. Get there at 10 p.m. Cover is $5.
In "possibly fictional memoir scandal #2", the latest issue of Vanity Fair interviews members of the Turcotte family, who were supposedly depicted in Augusten Burroughs's best-selling memoir Running With Scissors. The family says they feel betrayed by Burroughs because he never told them about the book, and that their situation wasn't as bad as he portrayed it and that some of the scenes were falsified. My question is, who really cares? Is it ethically irresponsible? Yes, but it's still an entertaining read. I'll pick it up again, even if it's been moved to the fiction category.
The latest Transformers trailer is pretty fun, in a silly action movie kind of way. But it doesn't appear that they've kept the cartoon sound for the actual transforming. You know, "week-wakk-wauk-wauk-woo." That's how it sounds to me, anyway.
Whenever I tune into ESPN's Pardon the Interruption and find Dan Le Batard sitting in for one of the show's regular hosts -- Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon -- my heart sinks. But the man from Miami scored major points with me on last night's episode.
In response to Le Batard's idiotic argument that a football team needs a few thuggish players "on the cusp of the law" to be successful, Kornheiser became irate. "So easy even a caveman could do it? Is that your position?" Kornheiser asked.
Without missing a beat, Le Batard said, "First of all, I'm not 100 percent in love with your tone right now." And if you love those Geico commercials with the Jim Morrison look-alike as much as I do, you know why that's 100 percent greatness.
If you haven’t heard, Martini Park is the new lounge at The Shops at Legacy. It’s the vision of Chris Barish, a big-time nightlife exec who’s opened clubs in Las Vegas and New York. He’s also the son of Keith Barish, a movie producer (The Fugitive, Monster Squad) and founder of Planet Hollywood.
We had to ask the 33-year-old Barish: Why Plano? And why a martini bar? Hasn’t that been done before?
The release of new comic books was delayed 24 hours by New Year's Day. According to Newsarama.com, people on the West Coast have to wait even longer. But here's what the rest of us can enjoy today.
Civil War No. 6: Marvel's big blockbuster returns with its penultimate issue. Check back here later today for a review.
Iron Man: Hypervelocity No. 1: I'm not even sure what this six-issue series is about, but it will struggle to be as compelling as artist Brian Denham's story.
Ghost Rider: Road to Damnation: Gear up for the upcoming Nicolas Cage movie with this collection of the six-issue series by writer Garth Ennis and painter Clayton Crain.
Scalped No. 1: Jason Aaron, the rookie writer of Vertigo's Vietnam miniseries, The Other Side, begins an ongoing series set on an Indian reservation.
G.I. Joe vs. Transformers Vol. 4 No. 1: It just cracks me up that the first three volumes of this concept were successful enough to merit a fourth.
Turns out Cowboys coach Bill Parcells is a cat man. When quizzed by Seattle-area reporters whether he had a cat or a dog, Parcells said: "I have a cat. My girlfriend has a cat. I have a cat. His name is Cody. He's a good-size cat. He's about 16 or 17 pounds, very athletic. He can do stuff you wouldn’t believe."
What are you waiting for, Jerry? Sign that cat up to play some defense.
First, Houston Comets coach Van Chancellor announced he is resigning. Then, the grim news that the Charlotte Sting is folding. Chancellor and the Sting have been in place since the league started in 1997. Chancellor says he wants to spend more time with his family. His resignation also comes while the Comets are negotiating new ownership. The Charlotte Bobcats, which operated the Sting, could not find a buyer for the team and could no longer sustain the struggling attendance numbers.
The Star reports it's over between Cameron Diaz and Justin Timberlake. JT reportedly spent Christmas at home in Tennessee with family while Diaz was skiing in Vail, Colo. At the same time, E! Online reports JT was at Kate Hudson's New Year's party in L.A. and they were "quite chummy." Hudson, who shares a publicist with Diaz, most recently was linked to Owen Wilson after separating from her rocker husband Chris Robinson, while JT in the past dated newly single Britney Spears. Consider yourself ewww-ed out for the day.
So, MTV's premiering this I'm From Rolling Stone reality show on Jan. 7 (check out the trailer here). It follows six young writers as they work a summer internship at the magazine and compete for a full-time contributing editor position. I'm sure they're talented people, but it's suspicious that they are also cute, hipster-y and camera-ready. In the trailer, Rolling Stone's Jann Wenner tells them over the phone that they've made the show. One of them responds, "for reals?". Grrr. I can't help but be bitter about this show. I need therapy.
Two restaurants caught my ear yesterday by focusing on body parts in their radio commercials.
One is for a chain you’ve probably heard of. It employs “sandwich artists” and is endorsed by a guy named Jared. The commercial makes fun of less healthy fast-food options by translating a drive-through worker's questions into what they really mean, such as “Do you want love handles to go with that pot belly?” and “Was that a ba-dunk-a-dunk butt or a ba-DUNK-a-dunk butt?”
The other is for a newer chain that employs lots of scantily clad waitresses but zero subtlety. The ad refers to the eatery as a “breastaurant” and says, “There are two big qualifications for working here, and experience isn’t one of them.”
Rolling Stone alerts us to this report on the Beatles, that Paul McCartney is aiming to rescue an unreleased John Lennon song called "Now and Then" for his next album, and will join him on vocals.
It's kinda like what rappers do with old Biggie tracks. But probably better.
Here's a fun little project for the a) creative b) alcoholic c) bored among you. My favorite store in all of Dallas, Design Within Reach, is sponsoring a champagne chair contest. What, pray tell, is that? Well, they challenge you to create an original, innovative chair design using nothing more than the foil, labels, cages and corks from two bottles of champagne. The grand prize winner gets a $1,500 DWR gift certificate and jealous phone calls from me.
You can get the materials yourself (ie: bubbly for dinner!) or stop by their studio at 4524 McKinney Ave., Ste. 103, for a kit. All entries must be mailed to San Francisco and arrive no later than Jan. 15.
The downtown tavern (which took the place of Metropolitan Grill) is now Sol Irlandes, a Tex-Mex restaurant. The name means "Irish sun." No word on whether the menu has a salsa-fied version of bangers and mash.
In other downtown news, The Tunnel nightclub in the West End -- which hosted Roger Sanchez for its opening show in November -- has canceled its MySpace account and basically dropped off the Earth. Haven’t heard of any events happening there since early December. The owner also won’t return my phone calls.
My favorite online retailer stocked up on the James Brown reissues over the weekend. Dig what the Lab is puttin' down. The Sure Shot sho shot has gotta be In The Jungle Groove - the no-brainer party wrecker!
I try to visit relevant news Web sites -- CNN, MSNBC, PinkIsTheNewBlog, etc. -- as often as I can. It's important to stay up on the important events of the world. My attention to current issues, aside from making me better than everyone, gives me the right to test the knowledge of those around me. That includes you, dear reader.
See if you can answer some important current-event questions. The first to post a comment with all four correct answers wins his or her choice of one of the following neglected freebies from the Quick office back counter:
-- one pair, green fuzzy dice
-- a fanny pack that conveniently holds a bottle of beer
-- a book, on becoming an awesome writer, by L. Ron Hubbard
-- one box, powdered herbal tea packets
-- one tube, Pick-Up Sticks
And now, the questions:
1. Which pop star's publicity people felt the need to explain the difference between "sleepy" and "completely effing wasted" to the press?
2. Which celeb is currently helping herself to Hilary Duff's sloppy seconds?
3. Which singer is making the worst mistake of his career by canoodling with a Simpson?
4. And finally, which bimbo heiress is the star of every direct-to-DVD movie on the new release wall at Blockbuster?
Nope, your eyes weren't deceiving you. Euless Trinity's football program and Cowboys coach Bill Parcells are featured in the newest Gatorade commercial. It's being run during the Bowl Championship Series games and the upcoming NFL playoffs. Favorite quote from Trinity coach Steve Lineweaver: “I don’t really understand the commercial, but I guess it makes you want to buy Gatorade.”
The Hollywood Reporter says Ian McKellen (Gandalf, Magneto) has signed up to do the voiceover narration for the upcoming Stardust movie, based on Neil Gaiman's comic series/graphic novel. Stardust tells the story of Tristran Thorn, who promises his love that he'll retrieve a fallen star. On his way, he runs into goblins, gnomes and talking animals. Other casting decisions sound interesting, like Claire Danes as Yvaine. But Robert De Niro? Michelle Pfeiffer? Peter O'Toole? Rupert Everett? Hmmm. Check out some photos at IMDb. The movie opens in July.
Stopped by Mantus, the new downtown lounge on Saturday night. The website doesn't say anything about its door policy, so we figured it was open to everyone. (i.e., You don't have to be on a list.)
The door host’s first question as my friend and I walked up: “Do you have table reservations?”
Boo. No “Hi!” or “Welcome to Mantus!” or even a bright “Good evening, ladies!” We said no, and he looked at us for a second or two. Then he let us in.
It’s nice inside. White upholstery, sparkly little chandeliers. Drinks were kind of expensive for Dallas ($20 for a Cosmo and RB/vodka), but, as we all know, you’re paying for the scene. The scene was pretty dead around 11 p.m. Maybe it’ll get more crowded as word gets out.
Hopefully the doormen will be a little nicer, too.
Remember O.J. Simpson's salacious and sadistic-sounding book, If I Did It, about how he would have killed Nicole and Ron Goldman had the mood struck him? It was pulled from the shelves in November after a slew of bad press (duh!) and stuck in the dumpster by Rupert Murdoch's News Corp.
But the drama and bad taste is not over. According to Time, "Simpson's rights to the material will eventually revert back to him" and a source says that--fingers crossed!--we might get the book via European publishers by next Christmas.
Was anyone else stuck in cab hell on New Year’s Eve?
Unfortunately, because we weren't thinking, probably on account of those Maker's Mark shots, we waited until last call to call one.
At 3 a.m. — after about six or seven phone calls, and two cabs that stopped to pick up other people — we were still waiting. THREE A.M. We were at Cosmo’s on Skillman, by the way… not exactly in the middle of nowhere.
The sad thing is that at 2:45 a.m., a Yellow Cab did stop. But when we told him we were going to Oak Cliff, he drove off.
Luckily, a Cosmo’s waitress took pity on us and offered a ride. We finally called it a night at 4 a.m.
New Year's Resolution: Befriend a cab driver, and get his or her personal cell phone number.
Caught a CBS special on Saturday afternoon called Video Game Super Stars. One of the players profiled, David "Moto" Geffon, said he moved to Austin -- from somewhere out of state, I assume -- to be closer to servers in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. He said people who live closer to D-FW and Chicago have a slight advantage because of proximity to servers. So if you're playing Moto's game of choice, Counter-Strike, find some online opponents who live on one of the coasts.
Boise State's incredible upset of OU last night went down as one of the most exciting college football games ever witnessed by this hurr Skin. Absolutely riveting and wildly entertaining with plenty of wild-arse trick plays and huge momentum swings.
It was so good, I had to keep watching. Surely something else great was bound to happen. And I'll be damned if they didn't squeeze in one last nugget after midnight.
It was a strange sight to see star BSU tailback Ian Johnson hugging his cheerleader girlfriend while Chris Myer's asked him the standard post game fare. But the payoff came when Johnson took a knee and proposed. Like she was gonna say "no."
Focus on the Family and the Parents Television Council are not so happy about NBC's use of the Internet to air the uncensored version of the Saturday Night Live skit that included a very special package. "It's an end run around parents and they are putting it in a Web environment occupied and used by children and teens," said Melissa Caldwell, director of programs for the Parents Television Council. Read more here. Maybe if we lock all of them up until they are 18, children will never know that they have sexual organs or that sex even exists.
The glowing reviews, the breathless word-of-mouth ... I was pumped for Dreamgirls. Maybe too pumped. It's a fine movie and all, and Jennifer Hudson is terrific. But Jamie Foxx seems to be phoning it in, and Beyonce, well, she photographs prettily. She sings fine too. (I especially like the new tune "Listen.") But she can't speak movie dialog convincingly. Fans of the show and musicals in general will like Dreamgirls, but it won't create any movie-musical fans.
Another year, another resolution. I don't know what I'm going to do different this year. Lose weight, of course I will. Make more money, I'm trying to. Be a better parent, can't get much better. So what's your resolution? LMK.
Gawker has graciously pointed out several examples of media-blogger lingo that is overused and needs to go-go. As I perused the list, I began to recall countless Blah Blah Blah posts in which I was guilty of being a trite, insufferable bastid blogger. Tune in tomorrow as I emerge from my shallow pool of shame.
Did anyone happen to catch Meat Loaf performing -- not even sure which network broadcast it was -- in a T.O. Cowboys jersey? Mr. Loaf has, um, packed on a few pounds. You could have fit three or four T.O.s in there. Mr. Loaf's wearing of T.O.'s jersey makes sense, though, since they both go through so many mood swings.
If your favorite team didn't make the NFL playoffs, then you need a rooting interest in what Bill Parcells calls "the tournament." An interactive personality test at NFL.com will help you figure out which playoff team to adopt. It's worth your time only so you can hear NFL Films' Harry Kalas say, "I feel you, shortie," after he asks you a question about bling.
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For the final song of a captivating set at the Granada last night, Jeff Tweedy stepped out onto the edge of the stage with his vintage acoustic and did "Acuff Rose" without a mic. Now, if you've ever been to a concert in Dallas, you know ditching the sound system would normally be a bad idea. Crowds around here are notorious for buying tickets to shows they don't end up seeing because they're too busy answering cellphones, spilling drinks and socializing (I could grumble all day). But if anyone can silence a crowd, it's the Wilco frontman, and last night was no exception. It was a moment that I and the rest of the folks in the packed house will never forget.
Saturday, I went to the NHL All-Star Trading Card and Memorabilia show at NorthPark Center. I'm not a big hockey fan but it was fun. I purchased the limited-edition 
I like the Central Booking DJs because they aren't snobby about using mainstream pop and R&B to get people dancing. Some songs are just good, whether they come from Billboard artists or not, right? The latest mix, created by Austin's 
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