Anthony Bourdain Blasts the Food Network

If you're a fan of the Food Network, you should check this out. Snooty pa-tooty chef, Anthony Bourdain, tells us what he really thinks about some of the stars from the Food Network - includes Sandra Lee, Rachael Ray, Emeril, Ace of Cakes guy (I love this show by the way!), Alton Brown and more!

Guest Blogging: A Bourdain Throwdown

My Take: The Office - Wedding of Phyllis and Bob

Awww … Phyllis and Bob (of Bob Vance refrigeration) got married. This meant we got tons and tons of cringe-worthy moments from Michael. (Was the six weeks honeymoon vacation really worth it, Phyllis???)

Let’s see… off the top of my head, we had Michael…

• Harassing the bride minutes before the ceremony by first accusing her of “breaking wind” and then trying to fix her hair (sure, it’s bad – but it’s Phyllis! Let her do her thing!)
  
• Loudly dragging the wheelchair to the altar even though Phyllis’s dad managed to walk his daughter down the aisle without it
  
• Then forcing himself into the groomsmen line up at the altar
  
• Taking it upon himself to announce the new husband and wife (even though Bob had not said his vows yet)
  
• Attempting to deliver a 40 minute toast with three intros, then screaming “I hate you!” to Bob once he was escorted out of the reception
  
• Trying to sneak back in later (I’m proud of Dwight for not letting him in – even if he did kick out Uncle Al earlier)

As for my beloved Jim and Pam... well, I’ll just have to be patient and get through this setback. :P I had heard this was going to happen so at least it wasn’t a surprise. Hopefully, Pam sticks to her guns and doesn’t go back to Roy just because she thinks Jim and Karen are solid. The good news is that Rashida Jones is signed for a new series next fall so at least the Karen storyline won’t go past this season.

Anyway, it was fun to see the whole gang there and having their own silly moments (Creed attaching his card to someone else’s present, Kelly insisting to wear white because she looks good in it, Ryan making sure Kelly didn’t catch the bouquet, Toby cheering himself on when his hot date caught it instead, and hello! Scrantonicity was in the house!!!) But once again, where was Oscar? And I guess Andy couldn’t get out of his anger management training to be there, too, huh?

My Take: Grey's Anatomy - Ferry Disaster, Part 1

WHAT THE ^*&^*???!!!

(Don't read on if you haven't seen the episode yet, which is available online and will air again Friday night at 8PM.)

Well, originally, my review was going to be something like "So-so episode - but no Code Black." But then they had to throw that ending in!!! And then the teasers for next week's episode! Yikes!

I think this is supposed to be a three episode arc so maybe this first episode is the slow build to the intense scenes in the next two. Sure, the ferry disaster was crazy with all the chaos and dead bodies lying around and stuff. But it wasn't "edge of my seat" kind of craziness.

It was interesting how the ending tied back to the beginning when Meredith sunk herself in her bathtub. That did remind me of the Code Black episodes with the three girls in the shower. Obviously, we all know they can't kill Meredith off the show, but I know I was still freakin' out watching the teaser for next week's episode. Let's hope her "knight in shining whatever" saves her again.

And how about that creepy girl??? I wonder if her relationship to Meredith is supposed to somehow reflect Meredith's relationship with her mom. I don't know why it would - but sometimes these writers get all deep on me. In any case, she spooked me out at the end.

In addition to the ferry disaster, they managed to squeeze in some amusing side stories as well:

• Reactions of the attendings to Dr. Webber's newly dyed black hair
• Return of the chipper resident, Sydney, as she spars with both Bailey and Callie
• When asked by Webber for an update, McSteamy gives the soap opera update instead - "Shepherd and Grey are on the rocks, Burke and Yang are engaged"
  

And the whole dysfunctional relationship between Burke and Christina is really getting old. Sure, George and Meredith also have issues with being romantically involved with their superiors, but at least they have a lot of cute, lovey-dovey moments. Meanwhile, most of the interactions between Burke and Christina are all so serious and cold.

Random note - do they give Emmy's for make-up? Because this episode should get one for that pregnant lady that Alex found. Did she remind anyone else of Eric Stoltz from Mask?

The Daily Show Takes on Laguna Beach

These clips are so hilarious! I'm surprised The Daily Show even pays attention to Laguna Beach, but someone there is a fan because these little mock news segments filmed to look like an episode really captured the essence of LB.

Good-bye Anna Nicole

Crazy news huh? I've never really been a fan (or a hater either) but for her to die at such a relatively young age is so tragic, especially considering the way things have been going for her lately. Her son mysteriously dies, the public dispute over the paternity of her baby, some Trimspa lawsuit... I can't imagine she was in much of a happy state when she passed away but hopefully she's in peace now.

My Take: Ugly Betty

You know, it's nice to finally see the pay-off from all those early scenes of Wilhemina and the mysterious masked lady. Not that the show needed it, but Rebecca Romijn's addition (as Daniel's brother Alex/now sister Alexis) has added another fun level to the show.

Some moments that made me chuckle out loud:

• Daniel's mom, Claire Meade, describing Walter as "a man with no chin and permanent bedhead" when she saw his picture on Betty's cell phone


• Daniel and Alexis fighting like true brothers during the press conference until Betty had to break them up


• Daniel and Alexis reminiscing about the good ole days of going to "clothing museums" with their mom as kids (when really she just had them play hooky from school to take them shopping)


• Loved Justin's response of "Snap!" when Hilda exchanged insults with another mom from Justin's school

And so many big reveals at the end of this episode!

• Walter and Betty break up, Walter takes the promotion in Maryland


• Henry gets back together with his ex


• Daniel and Alexis make amends and Wilhemina gets screwed


• And the biggest of all - drunk Claire reveals to Betty that she's the one that killed Fey Sommers!

American Idol Schedule

In case you're curious, here's the schedule for upcoming American Idol episodes. Thankfully, the Hollywood round only lasts one week (two episodes). By this time next week, we will know the final 24! Check out the Fox press release for more info.

• Tuesday, Feb. 13 (8:00-9:00 PM) Hollywood Round, Part 1
• Wednesday, Feb. 14 (9:00-10:00 PM) Hollywood Round, Part 2
• Top 24 Singers Revealed on Wednesday, February 14
• Top 12 Male Singers Perform on Tuesday, February 20
• Top 12 Female Singers Perform on Wednesday, February 21
• First LIVE Results Show on Thursday, February 22
• Top 12 Finalists Perform for the First Time on Tuesday, March 13

My Take: American Idol - The Best of the Rest

Tonight was "the best of the best" and "the worst of the worst".

Out of the best - nice to see the Asian dude representin' :) I also liked Ebony from the Carhop trio and Lakisha (who reminded me a little bit of Mandisa).

The rest of the episode was mostly just filler fluff to me.

We finally get to the Hollywood round next week! Will curly-haired Chris with the funny one-liners still rock it? Will Antonella and Amanda's friendship survive head-on competition? Will the Indian siblings turn the final 24 into a family affair? Will Paula act inappropriately toward 16 yr old model-looking Jenry? Ah... so much to find out...

Who are you looking forward to seeing again?

Road Rules Video - Boys Fight, Girls Cry

I know I shouldn't be, but I am so entertained by this clip!



MTV has brought Road Rules back with a sort of All Stars/Fresh Meat thing going on. I haven't been watching this season but I did manage to catch this clip which I have watched at least three times now.

In my own world, I hate when boys fight. In the MTV reality world, I don't really like it either (ugh, like that Real World - Austin season when Danny got totally bruised up). But since these guys barely suffered a scratch, I can make fun of it.

Maybe it's because the setting of the fight was at a pool and the boys were in their swim trunks and not in some dark alley or something - it was just too comical. Abe is the one that attacks Adam first and he had him down for a little bit, but then the third guy (Shane, a lover not a fighter) reluctantly had to step in and pull Abe off. Somehow in all this scuffle, Abe was now attacking Shane.

What I loved was watching Adam (the one that was originally punched) basically just pick Abe off Shane (who was pretty much all crouched and trembling in fear) and then put him in this full body lock where it almost looked like he was gonna rock him like a baby.

And that was the fight.

To add to my amusement was the reaction of the girls, which varied from "You mother%^&*er!!!" to "Please stop! Please stop! Please stop!" to the third girl crying, "I just want to go home..."

Does anyone else find this as funny as me?

Five Kooky Tidbits about Heidi from "The Hills"

So I just read this very enlightening article about Heidi Montag from The Hills.

1. She will appear in an 8-page spread in the March issue of Stuff Magazine.

2. She was not able to appear on the cover of Stuff Magazine because she is underage.

3. Amazingly, she is still dating king of the losers, Spencer Pratt.

4. Not only that, Spencer is also her manager.

5. And what I find to be the kookiest of them all - she is currently recording a pop album with David Foster (who happens to be the stepfather of Brody Jenner). She describes the sound as "... very fun, fresh, sexy. It will be the Pussycat Dolls-meets-Gwen Stefani, with a dose of Fergie. "

Wow. That's all I can say right now while I process all this information.

OK - some initial thoughts: Wouldn't you think she would have dumped Spencer by now? Before - everyone in LA warned her about Spencer. Now - it's every blogger across the globe with cable access! And do you think her album will ever see the light of day?

Dreamgirls to perform at the Oscars!

Yes! I'm so excited - I just watched an interview with Miss Jennifer Hudson on E! and she revealed that she and the other Dreamgirls will be performing during the Oscars telecast on February 25th.

They must be doing a medley of some sort based on the songs nominated in the Original Song category:

“Listen” – DREAMGIRLS
“Love You I Do” – DREAMGIRLS
“Patience” – DREAMGIRLS

Only songs written specifically for the film version were eligible and I think all the group numbers were from the original Broadway production.

Beyonce will sing "Listen", Jennifer Hudson will sing "Love You I Do", and Anika Noni Rose will sing "Patience". The big question - will Eddie Murphy join her???

My Take: American Idol - San Antonio

Thank goodness! Tonight is the last night of auditions and I'm thrilled. The bad auditions are funny and all but I'm excited to see the real talent.

And why did Simon and Randy change seats at the judging table? That kind of stuff throws me off...

My random comments:

I could see how Bryan (sang Billy Idol) could win that mock American Idol contest - maybe if it was in a loud bar setting or something. He was definitely entertaining and and caught my attention with the fist pumping and all. (Paula and Randy certainly got into it!)

I knew Haley ("I Can't Make You Love Me") would be in as soon as she walked in - pretty girl, pleasant personality. Decent voice - plus she sang it softly and didn't try to wail it like other girls do. As I've mentioned before, there are a lot of these types that have made it into the Hollywood round. I'm a little worried because what if we get to Hollywood and it's just a bunch of so-so people that look nice but can't really sing???

Loved the bit about the double doors - that's definitely been an on-going theme with these auditions. I don't know if the producers locked one of them on purpose, but I guess it did create some funny moments. Especially when both Simon and Paula got stuck on them.

That one dude's fake irate reaction when he left the audition room was hilarious, especially since his cousin fell for it! I thought it was cute the way the judges got a kick out of the faux tantrum as well.

An American Idol first - judges allow an audition do-over (and not just to make fun of them). Ashlyn (sp?) has a unique voice but apparently some bad habits to break. After first turning her down and sending her away to the comfort of her family, the judges decide to give her a second chance and bring her back in. She didn't really kill it her second time around, but apparently it was good enough to send to the next round.

And yay for Jimbo! He's definitely a fun one to watch.

And CRAP! Tomorrow is the best of the rest??? No Hollywood until next week? WAHHHHHH!!!!

My Take: Dancelife - Balancing Act

Good for Jersey, she finally booked a gig - dancing with Ashlee Simpson. The cute part was watching Jersey celebrate. She was more excited about working with choreographer Teresa Espinosa (a dancer even I recognized)... I don't think she said anything about Ashlee.

Yay - we get a dance solo performance this week! (I don't think we had one last time.) This week Celestina got to show her stuff while she worked out her frustrations with balancing life between dancing and her BF. Man, that girl can move... it looks like has quite a few more joints than the normal human, too - heehee. Anyway, Celestina also booked Ashlee Simpson. Unfortunately, that meant she had to cancel on a weekend getaway with her boyfriend.

That sucks - these dancers can't plan for anything because they never know when a job will pop up. They have to take anything they can - even the more established dancers that have already booked videos and concert tours. I mean, they may be considered some of the more successful dancers in their field and they're still shopping at Forever 21! (Not to knock that store, since I've been known to find some good deals there myself from time to time...)

Finally, the episode closed with Carnival - a dancers' showcase where Jersey, Blake, and Nolan all performed in separate pieces. It was funny the way they had intercut Blake's rehearsals with those of Nolan's with Blake's group looking really tight and sharp and Nolan's group looking sloppy and out of sync. But on performance night, I actually enjoyed Nolan's group the best. But it might be just the excerpts the producers selected to show.

Next week we get to see Kenny reunited with his Pussycat Doll girlfriend - awww!!!

My Take: The Hills - You're a Tool, Spencer!

ARGHHHH!!! I seriously did not think Heidi's beau could possibly be more annoying but apparently I was completely wrong. He completely attacks some intern from Heidi's office for merely suggesting Heidi's outfit might not be approrpiate for some event their firm was hosting that night. It was completely ridiculous. I loved Spencer's comment, "I was being nice until he called me a tool" (for which, I will forever love that intern). What an embarrassment.

In other news, Heidi and Audrina finally meet up to discuss the on-going drama between the two of them. Loved Audrina's reaction ("Ew!") when Heidi told her that she had heard Spencer and Audrina were hooking up. They finally hashed it all out... and I was happy to see that Heidi did not blow off Audrina's side of the story. But Heidi, really! If everyone in LA warns you about Spencer, then wise up! And I blame Lauren, too. She admitted that she doesn't trust Spencer, but she does trust that Spencer likes Heidi. Well so do I, but I also think he likes every other girl in LA as well. TOOL! (Yeah, you heard me, Spence!)

Ugh - Spencer is the kind of toolbox that would track how many friend requests he has on myspace. Supposedly, his page is here but you never know with these things.

I'm not sure what to make of Heidi and her relationship tactics. I actually didn't care much when she tormented Spencer by making him think she may have been pregnant with his child (it was only for a few minutes!) but then she continued to test him by surprising him at a club (where he happened to be partying with some blonde "whores", "sluts", "bimbos" (all terms selected by Heidi's friend working the door). Side note - Spencer really is an idiot. If he's going to play while the cat's away, why would he go to the place where Heidi's friends are on watch? Anyway, Spencer is so shady that he is the kind of guy that deserves these types of tests, but at the same time, they're such pathetic actions that if you don't trust a person that much - then kick him to the road and be done with it!

Thankfully, Heidi caught him red-handed... it looked like Spencer was actually going to take off with one of the blonde girls right in front of her!

I loved the closing scene with Heidi and Lauren drinking away their sorrows, especially with the drunk phone conversation with Spencer. Sad to think Heidi thought she was falling in love with him. Ew.

Ben Affleck rocks!

Ben Affleck is a fan of The Office!

Jenna Fischer ("Pam") wrote about their really cute encounter on her myspace page. (She updates this while filming actual scenes from The Office as do other cast members from the show. What a fun job!)

"The Golden Globes were pretty cool…until the part where we lost. It picked up again at the after party when Ben Affleck came over to our group and geeked out on the show. He told me to quiz him to prove he was a true fan. I thought, "Okay amazing and talented movie star Ben Affleck who is too cute for words…what is Dwight's middle name?" And he said, "Um…I know it…wait…Kurt!" Then he called over his wife – that would be Jennifer Garner – and she geeked out too. Jennifer Garner is STUNNING by the way."

Complete entry here.



(Photo linked from GiveMeMyRemote.com)

Superbowl 2007 Commercials - My Top Ten

OK, if you're like me, you probably did attend a Superbowl party ... but maybe didn't actually spend too much time watching the game. Or in our case, watching the game or the commercials. (Oops, I guess we were having too much fun chatting and chowing down!)

In any case, I wanted to see what I missed and luckily IFILM has a nice recap of all the Superbowl commercials.

Here are the ones I personally found the most noteworthy - in no particular order:

NFL: Superbowl Party
I don't know how they managed to get Martha Stewart, Janet Reno, Jimmy Fallon and David Beckham all together.


Bud Light: Rock, Paper, Scissors
Nice twist. Liked the "low five" ending as well.


Late Show with David Letterman
I love when these two get together.


Doritos: Check Out Girl
The girl cracked me up - especially at the end... "We're gonna need a clean up on register six!"


E*TRADE: One finger
Amusing throughout with a clever ending


Bud Light: Slapping
I'm a little worried about this one getting too popular - but it was one of the few that did manage to get our attention.


Nationwide: K-Fed
Had to include this one!


GM: Robot
I really felt for this little guy :)


CareerBuilder: Office Jungle
CareerBuilder.com had a few of these jungle-themed ads... I like this one since we can all relate to the dreaded all-day training seminars.


And finally...

NFL: Hard to Say Good-bye (how appropriate)

Future of Wonder Woman?

I'm typically not a huge fan of comic book character movies (except for Spiderman of course!) but I've considered this on-going story sort of interesting.

Last November, Entertainment Weekly published an interview with Josh Whedon, creator of TV's Buffy the Vampire Slayer, which highlighted that his newest movie project was an adaptation of the DC Comics' superheroine Wonder Woman. At the time, he had mentioned that he was struggling with getting the script together.

Meanwhile, there were all these rumors about who would play the lead role (even Katherine McPhee!!!)

Yesterday, Whedon posted an update on his blog, Whedonesque, where he reveals he's no longer slated to make the Wonder Woman film. Basically, the studio and Whedon couldn't agree on that script. (Since then, the studio has purchased another Wonder Woman script, either to prevent another studio from making a WW film or possibly use themselves.)

Too bad... I would have been intrigued, even though I didn't watch Buffy myself. But he has so many die hard fans that it I bet it would have been good! The one interesting tidbit is that he makes a small comment in his blog that if had continued with this project, his first choice would have been Cobie Smulders, Robin from How I Met Your Mother. I can't tell if this was a joke or not, but she did look the part...

My Summer Watch List

So now that they have announced when the final Harry Potter book will be released, it made me think about when I could look forward to other big summer events.

Here's the short list:

Spider-Man 3
May 4th, 2007

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
July 13th, 2007

Hairspray
July 20th, 2007

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (book)
July 21st, 2007

Other big "blockbusters" due this summer:

• Shrek the Third - May 18th
• Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End - May 25th
• Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer - June 15th
• Live Free or Die Hard - June 29th
• Transformers - July 4th
• The Simpsons Movie - July 27th
• Rush Hour 3 - August 10th
  

More Dancelife - The Gap Ad

OK, I'm having way too much fun with this new youtube setup I have here :) Anyway, in the last episode of Dancelife, Jersey, Staci, Kenny, and Blake all auditioned to be in a Gap commercial and Staci and Blake both got it. When they showed them filming it, it looked familiar and I was pretty sure I had seen the commercial.

And sure enough, I had - here it is. Staci is the third girl to appear (the one with the bandana) and Blake is the guy afterward with the mohawk.

DanceLife Intro - One of the Best Opening Credits

This is a really good show - I just love the opening credits. It gets you all pumped to see some amazing dancers. I also love the theme song and just downloaded it off iTunes... "Find a New Way" by Young Love.