George Clooney Staring at Goats

Well, I was just going to leave you with this lovely picture of George Clooney as a kind of offering for not blogging for the last couple days but then Viejo showed me this preview of a new Clooney film called "The Men Who Stare at Goats" It looks truly bizarre, but hysterical. It's set to open November 6th, with an all star cast including Ewan McGregor, Kevin Spacey and Jeff Bridges. I'm going to go out on a limb here and say, based on the trailer and the cast, that this is going to be incredible and you should probably go see it as soon as possible.




Too funny George referencing Jedi to Ewan/ Obi Wan.

My Birthday with Liza

Well, today starts the week of my 40th birthday celebrations. It begins rather auspiciously, I think, with an evening with Liza Minelli. One of my oldest friends is taking me to see Ms. Minelli at the Hollywood Bowl this evening. Very exciting. My actual birthday will be Wednesday, so we'll probably just have a little dinner, and for the grand finale a birthday party next Saturday. I don't know how this 40 year old lady is going to handle it, but I'm looking forward to finding out!

Kathy Griffin

Kathy Griffin tickets go on sale tomorrow for a one night show at the
Gibson Amphitheatre( I could have sworn there was and L in that???)on November 27th.
She cracks me. I love her My life on the D list show too. I bet this sells out quick, so get on it if you want tickets too.

Dalton Trumbo on PBS

Wednesday, Sept 2 at 8pm on PBS on American Masters is Dalton Trumbo. It's really an interesting look at the man and his experiences during the red scare. It is adapted from his sons play that was based on Trumbo's letters of the time. Lots of great HUAC footage, and plenty of A list actors reading Daltons letters. I think it's important for our society to always remember the danger of "witch hunts", and this program makes it crystal clear. See if you can get your kids to watch it. I loved it, the letters to the telephone company are hysterical!!

Teddy Kennedy

Whenever a political figure dies I think half the populous is annoyed that all their misdeeds are ignored and the other half just wants to celebrate the accomplishments. Of course, Teddy Kennedy is no different. Almost immediately I heard people on twitter talking about preserving his memory by getting the Health care bill through, but there were also those pointing to Chappaquiddick and thinking he was not such a great individual. Both are probably right in my view, which was the point of my tweet last night "Politicians do crazy, creepy, unexplainable things in personal lives. I try to weigh that against their service to the country".
I know Chappaquiddick was unforgivable, but I also wonder if we know the whole story. The Kennedy's have a lot of people who really don't like them, as exemplified by the murder of Teddy's two brothers. There has always been rumors of mob involvement...maybe there is more to the story, I don't know??? All I'm saying is that everything is not always as it seems.
I know in my personal life there are people I dearly love who have done some not great things, infidelity, theft, even being involved in murder. But all of them have extenuating circumstances, that I'm sure don't matter to their victims but I look at and think "OK I don't know what I would do in there shoes." and for that reason cannot judge or at least choose not to.
I do think that Senator Kennedy has done a great job as a senator for Massachusetts for more than 40 years and that does warrant some credit. He has worked for this country tirelessly and for that he deserves, in my opinion, to be respected not blindly but wholly as a human being that made some huge mistakes but also did his best to raise us all up.

I'm over at The LA Moms Blog today talking about how I still haven't mastered sharing and other things you're suppose to teach your children.

Teddy Kennedy

The last of the Camelot generation of the Kennedy's has passed away of brain cancer, he was 77. Teddy Kennedy died Tuesday night. This family has been through alot these last few weeks with the passing of Eunice Shriver and now Teddy. My thoughts are with them.

High Society

Friday is Frank Sinatra day on TCM. I had no idea he had made so many movies?? They're showing 12 of them. The one I'm going to be sure to catch is High Society. I've never watched it in it's entirety, and I want to. High Society is the musical version of Philadelphia Story, I guess I've always assumed High Society couldn't measure up so I've just never given it a chance.
High Society stars Frank ( Oh Yeah, we're on a first name basis), Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly, and I don't know who plays the women reporter. The only scene I remember from this film is Frank singing "Well, Did You Evah" with Bing Crosby. I'm not even sure if Frank plays the X or the reporter, anyway he and Bing are in those roles. I'll know more after I see it I guess. It's on Friday, Aug. 28 10:30 et 7:30 pt.

Choosing a school

Here's a fun SV Moms and Yahoo video I did with the amazing Liz Dwyer about choosing the right school for your kid.

Choosing the Right School for Your Child @ Yahoo! Video

CBS Season

Yesterday, after some wandering around the studio I finally found the screening room where I had been invited to watch some of CBS's new shows for this season.It was cool to see some of my blogging buddies and meet some that I'd never seen in real life. I only ended up staying for about half of it, but the other half was all CW shows, that I always think of as shows for the young and hip, and I think we all know that is not me.
So here are the shows I did see.

The Good Wife which I reviewed a month or so ago. Loved it. See previous review here.Premieres Sept. 22 10et/pt

Three Rivers this is a show about transplant doctors. It looks pretty heavy, I was borderline crying watching the cut-down of one episode about an organ donation. So be prepared, although the creator, Carol Barbee, said not every episode would involve someone dying. They'll have siblings giving kidneys, parents giving organs where the drama will involve more family dynamic than death. I also asked if they'd get into any of the stories where people get transplants and it changes their personality in some way and she said yes. I'm looking forward to this one. Premieres Oct. 4th 9et/pt

NCIS: Los Angeles I don't watch the NCIS that is already on so I don't really know about that show. This one looks fabulous though. It has an amazing cast, Chris O'Donnell, LL Cool J, and Linda Hunt. Their chemistry looks great so I'll definitely be working this into my TV rotation. Sept. 22 9et/pt

Accidentally on Purpose is a show about a, shall we say, middle aged woman who gets pregnant after a somewhat drawn out one night stand with a 20 something guy. It stars Jenna Elfman (Dharma & Greg), who I love, bringing the cute curly hair do. It also stars Ashley Jensen from Extras, who is as zany and funny as ever. I think this is going to be a very fun show. I hope they will continue to play it to adults and not feel the need to water it down for family audiences. It's a great premise and one I think lots of women can relate to. Premieres Sept 21 8:30 et/pt

So that was it. The CW shows I missed were The Beautiful Life, Melrose Place,and Life UneXpected, Check those out and let me know what you think. Happy viewing!!

YFU: Youth for Understanding

Have you ever heard anyone say that all teenagers should be shipped off? Well, now you can. Actually YFU: Youth for Understanding, has been doing it since 1951. That’s right folks all you have to do is sign your teenager up and they will be sent to the foreign country of your choice. If the truth be told my mother sent me in 1986, and seriously, it was great.
YFU started as a program to foster understanding between Germany and the States after WWII but since then has expanded to over 60 countries and exchanged a quarter million students. Having been one of those students I can tell you, it is a life altering experience. One I highly recommend both for your teenager and for your family. That’s right, your family can get in on the action too, by hosting a foreign exchange student in your home.
It’s not just a foreign language your child will learn either, that is possibly the least of it. The bigger lesson is about culture, how things can be completely different but equally valid. It is an experience full of life lessons that will serve them and you, all your lives. I know they are still trying to place a few students for the upcoming year, if you’re interested check out their web site here.
Though it’s been, ahem, more than 20 years since my family has been active in YFU, we are still in touch with the French boy who lived with us for a year, the Danish girl who lived with us another year, and the poor unsuspecting Belgian family that hosted me, I think they have just about recovered. Don’t worry I’m sure they’ve upgrading the screening process since the 80’s.

Here's a video a host mom made as a goodbye present for her student. It made me tear up remembering my own experiences and the bonds we formed.

Oedipus at The Falcon Theatre

All I can say is go see Oedipus The King, Mama!!! I saw it last night at The Falcon Theatre in Burbank and it could not have been funnier. Both myself and the friend Yvonne, I went with were laughing so hard we could barely stand it. The play is a mix of Oedipus and Elvis songs, along with a healthy portion of ad libs, for example when the entire show came to a stand still 3 times due to a mysterious feather that kept floating around. The cast was hysterical in the scripted material and the feather ad libs.
I have no idea what a straight version of Oedipus looks like but I know it's not funnier than this. In the name of transparency I will cop to the fact that I did go to high school with two of the actors, but one I haven't seen since and the other only sporadically, and she was a homecoming princess, so I think we all know I'd hate her if anything(not that I'm the jealous type, much). So no Bias, just a really good show.
I really can't recommend the show enough. Run don't walk to get tickets now. Actually it would probably be faster if you just call. 1-818-955-8101.
You know it's gotta be good if I'm encouraging people to go to Burbank. Seriously, I haven't laughed this much in a theatre since Drowsy Chaperone.

The Dentist

I have teeth issues. I'm not one of those people who just doesn't like going to the dentist, I am full on crazy. I make small children stop talking about their loose teeth, or else I start to curl into a ball and shake. I wish that was an exaggeration, but it's not.
You might wonder why I bring this up. Yesterday I had to go to the dentist to have my teeth cleaned. I do this ever 6 months, which you might find strange from someone afraid of teeth, but I am more afraid of something going wrong with my teeth so I stay vigilant even if it's terrifying. Actually I'm much better since I had my daughter I don't cry in the waiting room. I don't shake like a leaf in the chair, I'm pretty mellow actually. Yesterday, though, something happened I have to share. I'm sitting in the chair and the dental hygienist is there with her instruments (of pain) and she starts sharpening them with one of those little stone brick things. I could not believe it. I was out of that chair so fast. "ARE YOU KIDDING ME!" I yelled. Seriously, have you ever in your life had a dentist sharpen the dental tools next to you, before a cleaning. What the hell.
It took her a while to talk me down off the ceiling but she did finally get me back in the chair. Also they might want to rethink the blood red tooth polish. I'm just saying there are extreme cases like me in the world, but I don't think anyone wants to see a mouth full of red liquid when they rinse at the dentists.
These are all my tips for the dental community.
PS I tried to put a picture of a dental something with this post but they were freaking me out so imagine your own picture. Thanks

Generation Islam

CNN is airing a special hosted by Christiane Amanpour (I hope I spelled that right), on Thursday Aug 13th at 9pm et/pt called Generation Islam. This is an amazing special about the Islamic children in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Gaza. It is painful to see the conditions these children try to grow and learn in. You can see where anyone offering shelter and food would be able to wield unlimited power over children in these direst of straits. This is how the extremist factions recruit much of their followers.
I felt the message of the piece is really that the more aid we can pour into this part of the world for schools and shelter for these children the more stable our world will be. The more we foster peace and understanding the more we will know it ourselves.
Please watch, I think it's important for all of us to see what a difference we could make in both their lives and our children's just by supporting the efforts to educate, house and feed the children.
CNN Thursday, August 13th at 9pm et/pt

LA Moms Blog

I have a new blog up at LA Moms Blog all about Moms and working or not, or some of both. Check it out here.

Red Dust and Magambo

Here's a great double feature for you. TCM (Turner Classic Movies) Is showing Red Dust and Magambo back to back on Wednesday August 12. Red Dust starts at 8eastern, 5pacific. Red Dust is a 1932 movie starring Clark Gable and Jean Harlow set in Indochina with Clark being torn between two women (Jean and Mary Astor) It's great. Then you have Magambo made 20 years later, a remake of Red Dust but still starring Clark! I don't know if anyone else has ever been in the same role in the remake of a movie, but Clark does a beautiful job. Magambo is reset in Africa, and of course poor Jean Harlow did not survive to play her role, Ava Gardner takes over for her(with Grace Kelly in Mary Astor's part).
Of the two I like Red Dust better, but that's probably because I like the 30's style of film better. Watch them and let me know your preference.

Feminist note: Of course even if Harlow had lived there is no way on gods green earth Hollywood would let an actress play the romantic lead in her 50's. Just the man keeping us down...

Korean BBQ Cookoff Whrrl

I embedded my whrrl of the Korean BBQ Cookoff today, below. I've never done this so I hope it's as fabulous as the rest of my stuff. Anyway, The cookoff was really yummy but way to crowded. We ate lots and then made for the car.

More stories at Korean BBQ cookoff

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Creativity

One of the other parents at my daughters school sent this out and I just loved it. It Elizabeth Gilbert(Eat, Pray, Love) talking about Creativity. It's from Ted:Ideas worth spreading, which has so many many amazing talks about so many amazing topics. Check it out.

Legally Blonde at The Pantages

Here's a great discount on Legally Blonde tickets at The Pantages. Unfortunately, I already bought mine, so get out their and save a buck for me. If you go toward the beginning of the run please post a review here. My tickets are for the end of the month. Love to hear peoples opinions.


SAVE UP TO $20 ON SELECT SEATS*
WITH THIS SPECIAL OFFER!



L.A. Premiere!
August 12 – September 6, 2009
Pantages Theatre, Hollywood


Must Use Promo/Special Offer Code: OMGX2

Online: www.BroadwayLA.org/OMG
Phone: 800-982-ARTS (2787)
In Person: Pantages Box Office
6233 Hollywood Blvd., open daily 10am-6pm

Groups of 15 or more, please visit www.NedGroups.com or call 866-755-3075

It's here, and it's "AN ELLE OF A SHOW" (TIME Magazine). The hilarious MGM film has become a smash hit stage musical, and now LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL is celebrating its Los Angeles Premiere at the Pantages Theatre for four weeks only, August 12-September 6. LEGALLY BLONDE follows sorority star Elle Woods, an underestimated blonde who doesn't take "no" for an answer. When her boyfriend dumps her for someone more "serious," Elle puts down the credit card, hits the books, and sets out to go where no Delta Nu has gone before: Harvard Law. Along the way, Elle proves that being true to yourself never goes out of style. After turning Broadway and MTV hot pink, this “Feel-Good Song and Dance Juggernaut” (New York Magazine) was proclaimed “The Best New Musical Around!” (WOR).


* HURRY! Offer expires at 5PM on 8/22/09!
Discount valid on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evening performances from August 18 thru August 27 only. Offer excludes Orchestra Rows A-Z 100s/200s/300s. Subject to availability. Regular $95 tickets, Now $75. Regular $75 tickets, Now $55. Regular $55 tickets, Now $40. Regular $35 tickets, Now $25. Regular $25 Tickets, Now $20. Customary Ticketmaster convenience charges apply to all online and phone orders. Not valid on previously purchased tickets. Other restrictions may apply.

John Hughes

Below is my favorite John Hughes moment, it's from Sixteen Candles. My favorite line is probably, well, let just say all the dialogue in The Breakfast Club. Thanks for all the teenage angst John. You're definitely remembered, verbatum.


Sixteen Candles - Final Scene - Movie Ending - The best bloopers are here

Julie and Julia

Julie and Julia opens tomorrow. You can not miss it. SO So good. I LOVED IT!! Click here for my earlier gush fest. Though I still haven't tried to bone a duck I am determined to try a Julia Child recipe. PBS has episodes of Bon Appetit up as their featured video. I think I'll watch a few and try to cook something from there. Wish me luck, and go see Julie and Julia tomorrow. Run don't walk!!

Korean BBQ Sat

My mouth is watering just looking at the poster. I can't believe no one thought of this before, what are the great minds thinking about?? A Korean BBQ Cook Off right in Los Angeles' own Korea town. I know this flyer is too small to read go to The Korean American Coalition for all the details.
I don't want to sound like a bad wife but I don't care what my husband has to have taken out this weekend, I'm going!!! Seriously, you can come between me and my PBS, but if you start messing with the food, it's over.
See you there.

Hospital

Well, I spent the entire weekend at the hospital. My husband came home Friday night with a stomach ache, that continued to get worse and worse. By 9pm we realized we needed to go to the emergency room. Thank god for all my wonderful neighbors, I was able to quickly find someone to come watch our daughter and off we went.
We spent several hours in emergency taking tests and were sure it had just been a stomach flu when around midnight the doctor came and told us it was appendicitis. We were shocked. We thought for sure we would just get released. Since it was so late, and apparently not a serious case, they said we would get on the surgery schedule in the morning. Long story short he ended up going into surgery around 10pm the following night. We were annoyed, but decided it was probably wise to be nice to the people who are about to take a knife to you.
Amazingly, he came home the next morning (today) and seems fine, if a bit sore. They said it would be better today and probably worse tomorrow. We'll see.
Unfortunately because of all this, shall we say excitement, I missed the PBS press tour. I did get a friend to pick up my press kit, which I will get to ASAP. And let you know about all the great upcoming PBS shows.
Stay tuned.