to Gene Simmons Family Jewels.
I know. It’s grotesque. It’s bizarre. It’s ridiculous. And yesterday I couldn’t take my eyes off the telly. No, I am not a KISS fan or a Gene Simmons fan. I do not condone any part of his purported shenanigans or former lifestyle. But the show was so engrossing, I watched a marathon of back-to-back-to-back episodes, while I was vacuuming, cleaning the living room, washing the dishes… (Matt is going to cringe when he reads this. Sorry, honey.) It’s the voyeur in me. Nonsexual, of course.
Best parts of the shows:
- His kids’ commentaries. Hilarious.
- The number of people who don’t recognize him or know who “Gene Simmons” is and request multiple forms of ID from him. I loooove it.
- Seeing places in L.A…. Bristol Farms or Ralphs Fresh Fare where we used to shop, etc. I miss it.
It’s like watching a train wreck. I may have to add this to my tivo list. Oh, the shame.
No question that David Archuleta has a God-given talent. (I was thinking about this as I attempted to sing with a church choir this last week. Or should I say warble. Whatever it was, it sounded a little pathetic.) His rendition of Imagine from last week was incredibly difficult, effortless and so beautiful, it brought tears to my eyes, along with many others. (Just call me Paula.) Matt thinks they should just call it good and hand him the title. I’d have to agree.
Adding to the hypocrisy, I watched the Oscars last night. I know, I know, after that last post you’d think I’d boycott them, but I told you, I just love Johnny Depp way too much. (Since the age of 14…eeeeee.) I really do have a love/hate relationship with Hollywood… love good acting, hate pretentious beliefs and behaviors.
It was a fairly predictable affair, with the single upset of Tilda Swinton winning “Best Supporting Actress” for Michael Clayton. I was ecstatic to see that my favorite couple Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova won for “Best Song.” Once is one of the best flicks I saw last year. The acting, directing, writing and music are all excellent. In fact, you’d probably think it was a true documentary if you didn’t know better. Unfortunately, it’s rated R. Unfortunate because despite the language, it’s a very clean, poignant, well-written film that truly moves you. Meanwhile, you get a bunch of PG-13 crap out there with nudity and all sorts of crassness that makes me wonder about the MPAA rating system.
As I mentioned previously, PBS’ Masterpiece Theatre is showcasing adaptations of Jane Austen’s canon of work from January through April with new adaptations of Persuasion, Mansfield Park, Northanger Abbey and Sense & Sensibility. (Already purchased and on the way. S&S is only available for pre-order at this time.) While I was perusing their website, I came across this link: “The Men of Austen,” which any Austenite will enjoy.
Darcy & Wentworth are delish. Who’s your favorite?
Shlumpadinka.
If you watched Oprah yesterday, you know exactly what I’m talking about. I just can’t stop the frump. Running around in any sort of comfy, soft pants with elasticized waists, my formless shirts hiding the baby pounds that just won’t shed. Covered with stains from painting, cooking, cleaning, spit-up. Hair in a constant ponytail, or worse, using those big sunglasses as a headband. It’s attractive.
I miss the days of work, dressing up, nice fitted shirts, trousers, shoes with heels. (Ever try pushing a stroller in heels in 20 degree weather with snow/ice all over the streets? Gotta get some UGGs) Honestly, even if I had a great wardrobe, it’d be difficult to maintain; if you have an infant, you know what I’m talking about.
Waiting for Spring, so I can dump the frump.
Once again, the Brits rule. (See previous post about current obsession.) Simon Cowell has been as caustic as ever on American Idol, now headed into the top 24. A little ambivalent about Josiah Leming, not really sure if I care about him not getting in. Very talented, but seemingly arrogant.
Eli Stone, the co-creation of Greg Berlanti, who also created one of my favorite shows Everwood, airs on ABC Thursday nights and stars Brit actor Jonny Lee Miller. You may remember Jonny Lee Miller as Edmond in the 1999 adaptation of Mansfield Park. In fact, he and Frances O’Connor are probably the only saving graces in that film, which in my opinion completely got it wrong. Miller was also married for a brief stint to Angelina Jolie, before her freaky blood-in-a-vial wearing days with Billy Bob Thornton.
Episode 2 highlight was Victor Garber singing “Freedom” by George Michael. Best line from Dr. Nathan Stone, Eli’s brother: “It’s called genetics, dumbass. You also inherited Mom’s eczema and Uncle Todd’s terminal lameness.”
