Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Robert Osborne back on TCM Dec.1st


Tomorrow is Dec. 1st and Robert Osborne returns to TCM. It's been about 6 months, and he has been seriously missed.
In honor of his return here is a 6 reel salute, all in black and white of course.

Starting with the Classic Dinner at Eight.



A little medley of Thin Man silliness



Casablanca's beginning of a beautiful friendship



A little romance from Philadelphia Story



The head strong Bette Davis in Jezebel



and finally Sullivan's Travels



This could have been a 21 reel salute but time is limited, and Robert knows better than anyone what they should be.

Welcome Home Robert, don't go away again!

More post on Robert Osborne and TCM.

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Sam's Club Versus Costco


I go back so far with Costco that my original card said Price Club. When Sam's Club recently contacted me to participate in a webinar on their new iphone/ipad app, it seemed like an invitation from a far off foreign land.

After hearing about the iphone/ipad app I had to go check out a store. Unfortunately the closest Sam's Club to me is almost a half hour drive. Which is of course why I've never joined. I found it to be very similar to Costco, almost imperceptibly different actually.

Now the thing that's giving Sam's Club the edge for me is their iphone/ipad app. It has so many cool features.

First there is the Click 'n' Grab where you can make a list of all the items you want and the selected store will gather them up for you to pick up the next day. If you stay in vacation time shares, like my family does, this is amazing. You can order everything you need before you travel and then just drive by and pick it up. Not to mention just the convenience of this in every day life. It's gotta save you at least an hour not having to go through the store.

They also have delivery on many items and some without delivery charges. With larger items like TV's, furniture and mattresses, this is another huge convenience. Unless you happen to own a moving van.

You can also make lists. This could be your standing list of things you get at Sam's Club or make special list, while you browse their inventory. If you have my organization skills (none) this is a life saver.

There are so many more great features you really have to check it out. If you're a Sam's Club shopper I can highly recommend the app.

All opinions are my own. I was compensated for my participation time in the webinar with a gift card to cover a Sam’s Club membership and some shopping.

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Thanksgiving, Paul Simon, SNL, Turkey, Still Crazy



Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

I wanted to share my favorite clip of Paul Simon on SNL dressed as a turkey singing Still Crazy After All These Years. It's great. It's hysterical. But it is not available online????

That's right every lead led to a note that said this video has expired or nor longer exists or was removed by the owner.

Annoying yes. But in my frustration I did find the intro into the song which is also quite funny. It features George Harrison, Chevy Chase, and of course Lorne Micheals..

So let's all be thankful for the vastness of the web. Hopefully, someday it will also have Paul Simon in a turkey suit.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Pumpkin Soup Recipe for Thanksgiving



Pumpkin soup is one of my favorite Thanksgiving treats. One of my cousins started making it a few years ago and now I have to have it every Thanksgiving. Unfortunately this cousin isn't attending Thanksgiving this year so I decided to make it myself.

Of course I can never follow a recipe as written so here is my version of Pumpkin soup.

First you're going to need a big pot of chicken stock. I like to make my own stock.

Making stock:
Buy a whole chicken, cook it, eat it and then boil the bones with an onion, carrot, celery, salt, pepper and bay leaf. Let this simmer for as many hours as you can manage.

Now that you've got stock, Saute an onion and 3 cloves of garlic in a couple tablespoons of butter.

While you're doing this take a pumpkin, slice it in half, clean out the seeds and guck, place on a lightly oiled cookie sheet like two mountains and bake it at 400 for about an hour till the skin gets bubbly.

While that's baking, mix your sauteed onion and garlic into the stock. You can add salt, pepper and thyme at this point to taste and let it simmer.

Once your pumpkin is done and cooled scoop out the pumpkin meat and add it to the stock let that simmer and then take a hand mixer and blend it till it's almost smooth but still has a little texture. Now add a cup or so of cream and more salt, pepper, and thyme to taste.

Now optional: is to add Rooster sauce. I like a little spice to it don't go crazy though, that stuff's hot.

It was served to me with Asiago cheese, but you can use whatever you like. I used Manchego and it was really good.

Sorry about the vagaries of my recipe, but it's soup once you have stock just throw in all the stuff you like and blend, you can't really go wrong.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

Here's last years Celery stuffed with Cream Cheese recipe. That's another favorite of mine. It's got a secret ingredient....

Monday, November 21, 2011

PlayStation 3: Movie Mecca


Last week PlayStation invited a group of bloggers up to their head quarters in Foster city. I was grateful and over joyed to be included. They also gifted each of us a PS3.

Now of course we all know that the PS3 is an amazing gaming systems with the best graphic and sound, but what I love about it is the movie capabilities. I know surprise surprise.

First you can use your PS3 to play blu rays, which really are the next best thing to virtual reality. Then there are all the streaming choices. If you, like me have used other system to stream Netflix, you know the result can be disappointing. The quality really is about the same as bunny ears. The PS3 however has much higher quality, that to me seems on par with playing the movie on DVD if not blu ray.

Streaming choices include Vudu, Hulu, Netflix, not to mention all the films available through the Sony Network.

I haven't even gone into all the music capabilities the system has, but I can only wrestle the controllers away from my daughter and husband so often. Stay tuned for more on that.



Here we all are (AKA PS Family) with Jack Tretton PlayStation CEO



In alphabetical order, for fairness....

Ana Picazo, Amy Heinz, Beth Blecherman, Christy Matte, Elise Crane Derby, Gina von Esmarch, Glennia Campbell, Grace Duffy , Jennifer Wagner, Kris Cain, Lori Cunningham, Michele McGraw, MJ Tam, Sarah Auerswald, Stacy Libby, Yvonne Condes

Not Pictured
Heidi Leder, Leticia Barr

Friday, November 18, 2011

The Closer on TNT this WInter




The Closer starts it's second to last season Monday, November 28th. There will only be 5 episodes, so don't blink or you'll miss it. Brenda conitues to struggle with the lawsuit against her among other things this season. The series will finish this Summer.

I'm hoping we'll get to see more of Mary McDonnell whose spin off Major Crimes should premier sometime this Summer.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Savvy.com an App to Save Shoppers


Savvy.com launches today!!! I love this app/ site.

Last week I was invited to test drive the new app Savvy is launching today. We met for brunch and then a little shopping. This app is a bargain shoppers dream. First you can scan all your receipts from participating stores, so if the price drops within their reimbursement period you will be alerted and can go back to the store for a refund.

Second, if you see something you want to buy but need to wait till it goes on sale, you can scan the bar code and you will be able to see when the price drops. You can even set a specific price you are willing to pay and it will alert you when that price is reached.

I know it's Christmas/Chanukah, and your birthday all wrapped up in the best present ever.

Now it is still in beta so not every store is participating just yet, but there are plenty that are and you can perfect your Savvy skills while the others catch up.

See you at the sale rack!

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

The Muppet Movie at El Capitan


For the holidays the historic El Capitan theatre in Hollywood will have Kermit and Miss Piggy appear live onstage before each screening on The Muppet Movie. They will lead El Capitan guests in a Holiday Sing-A-Long presented by Kodak, with all guests receiving a free Jingle–bell Bracelet to help them join in the fun! Miss Piggy will even have her couture wardrobe collection from the film on display after the movie, including her designer Zac Posen gown and her peep-toed Christian Louboutin pumps.

So be sure to catch it November 23, 2011 through January 8, 2012. If you're not in LA check your town maybe they're coming to your town too. Hope so!

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Clue on The Hub



The Hub is airing a 5 part mini series based on the board game Clue. Beginning Monday November 14th The Hub will premiere two back to back episodes, with the rest airing the subsequent nights through Thursday At 8:30 ET/5:30 PT (perfect time for me to park the kid in front of while I make dinner in LA). Or you can catch the whole series in a Marathon on Saturday, November 19th.

I've said it before, I really like The Hub's programs they are the perfect mix of kid programming and quality material for our family. Everything from Family Game Night to The Haunting Hour to My Little Pony (alright maybe I avoid watching the ponies, a little) is fun for the whole family.

Here's the trailer for Clue and check your local listings

Saturday, November 12, 2011

George Clooney Q & A and Ides of March



Ok this will most likely be my last post about The Ides of March or Farragut North. Tomorrow night Writers bloc is hosting a free screening and Q & A with George Clooney at the TV Academy, 5220 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. That's right if you can get in, you will be in the same room with GEORGE.

I won't be able to attend, so I hope you all will give me a full report in the comments.

Give George my love!

Triberr Good or Evil



Triberr has been such a mixed blessing. When I first joined a few months ago I loved it. I had two small tribes and I could set almost all of the members to automatic tweet. My traffic grew and all was right with the world.
Triberr was the first to say that they were in beta and changes were to be expected and you better be ready to roll with the punches. I went through a few changes with little traumatic effects. Most were almost imperceptable, but this last one was a real earthquake to many tribes.
One of the main complaints about Triberr has been concerns over spamming followers with unwanted content. This last update attempted to solve this by getting rid of automated tweeting. Mine and the heads of many of my tribemates nearly exploded. How could they? We can't go to the site everyday and set tweets to go out. It was madness.
Many tribemates have thrown up their hands and walked away from the whole thing. I have hung on and seen a light at the end of the tunnel. That light is the multi platform sharing addition. Now instead of just tweeting you can share tribemates posts on Facebook, Google+, Stumble, etc...
Even though it is more work to go in and manage your tribes, I think this new versatility makes it worth it. Dare I say, even better than it was. You can now have a group of bloggers you want to retweet all in one place and share one anothers content across all platforms.It still is a major time saver and, god bless it, traffic builder.
Now if we can just get rid of those crazy bones!

Friday, November 11, 2011

Women Who Rock on PBS




PBS' WOMEN WHO ROCK
, Premiers next Friday November 18, 2011, at 9:00 p.m. EST on PBS. It's a documentary about female musicians from the earliest trailblazers to today. Including Bessie Smith, Mahalia Jackson, Darlene Love, Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart, Bonnie Raitt, Cyndi Lauper, Wanda Jackson, Mavis Staples, Deborah Harry and Kathleen Hanna of the bands Bikini Kill and Le Tigre. Also featured are songwriter Cynthia Weill and journalists/critics Ann Powers, Nelson George and Holly George Warren.

I got a chance to see some of these ladies at TCA last summer and their stories really are amazing. I wish they got as much visibility as their male counterparts.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Free LA Screening of The Artist



There's a free Writer's Bloc screening of The Artist this Friday at The Television Academy. If you haven't heard about this film it is a brand new silent movie. Here are all the details from Writer's Bloc.

RSVP ONLY TO TheArtistLosAngeles@gmail.com Writers Bloc is delighted to present a free screening of the new film, The Artist, which received great reviews at this year’s Cannes Film Festival. A black and white silent film, The Artist stars Jean Dujardin (who received the Best Actor award at Cannes) and Berenice Bujo as a pair of actors with two different destinies in Hollywood, from 1927 to 1932. The Artist portrays the rise of talkies and the decline of the silent film era, as silent movie superstar George Valentin (Jean Dujardin) sees his future receding, and beautiful actress Peppy Miller (Berenice Bujo) sees the unlimited potential in her own future.

At the TV Academy, 5220 Lankershim, North Holllywood. RSVP ONLY TO TheArtistLos Angeles@gmail.com . We ask that you arrive 30 minutes early. Screenings are overbooked to compensate for no-shows. RSVPS do not guarantee seating.

Monday, November 7, 2011

TCM Film Festival 2012



Tickets for the 2012 TCM Classic Film Festival Go on sale November 9th. The actual festival is April 12-15. I have been at the first and second TCM Film Festivals and wouldn't miss the third for the world. If you haven't made it to the TCM Classic Film Festival you really must go. You won't regret it.

Follow this link for videos and posts from the past TCM Classic Film Festivals

Here are some of the press release highlights:

Join TCM hosts Robert Osborne and Ben Mankiewicz and classic movie fans from around the globe as we kick off the 2012 TCM Classic Film Festival in style with the red carpet, world premiere of the 40th anniversary restoration of Bob Fosse’s CABARET (1972), followed by our exclusive after party produced with Vanity Fair magazine.

In addition to kicking off the Festival with CABARET, we are pleased to announce:

•The world premieres of new restorations of ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT (1930) and Pre-Code film CALL HER SAVAGE (1932)

•In celebration of Gene Kelly’s 100th birthday anniversary, the world premiere of a brand new restoration of SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN (1952)

•A new restoration of CASABLANCA (1942)

•A new restoration of the first Best Picture Oscar winner WINGS (1927)

•A brand new print of THE WOMEN (1939)

•The incomparable Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers in SWING TIME (1936)

See you there!

Friday, November 4, 2011

Funny Girl Postponed at The Ahmanson


Apparently, Funny Girl has been indefinitely postponed at the Ahmanson. I'm so disappointed. I love this show, and was really looking forward to this new production.

No Second Hand Rose, or anything else. What a heart breaker.

This financial crisis stops being funny when it interferes with my theatre!

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Drew Barrymore to host The Essentials on TCM


Drew Barrymore said last year at the TCM Film Fest that she was dying to be on TCM and now she gets her wish. Beginnning this March she will be the new cohost of The Essentials with Robert Osbourne.
I love Drew Barrymore. She is just one of those people who make you happy just looking at them.
Can't wait to see what films they pick? Here's a peak from the press release.

The 12th season of TCM’s The Essentials showcase is set to launch Saturday, March 3, 2012. The lineup of movies selected by Barrymore and Osborne will include such enduring classics as George Cukor’s star-studded comedy Dinner at Eight (1933), which features Barrymore’s grandfather, John, and great uncle, Lionel; George Stevens’ comedic romance Alice Adams (1935), starring Katharine Hepburn and Fred MacMurray; William Wyler’s atmospheric version of Wuthering Heights (1939), starring Laurence Olivier and Merle Oberon; Howard Hawks’ To Have and Have Not (1944), which paired future spouses Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall for the first time; Carol Reed’s thrilling mystery The Third Man (1949), with Joseph Cotten and Orson Welles; Charles Vidor’s film noir Gilda (1946), with Glenn Ford and the sensuous Rita Hayworth; and Billy Wilder’s gender-bending farce Some Like It Hot (1959), with Jack Lemmon, Tony Curtis and Marilyn Monroe.

Among the more contemporary films Barrymore and Osborne have chosen for The Essentials are Martin Scorsese’s Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore (1974), with an Academy Award®-winning performance by Ellen Burstyn; Herbert Ross’ film version of the hit Neil Simon comedy The Goodbye Girl (1977), which earned Richard Dreyfuss an Oscar; Steven Spielberg’s eye-popping sci-fi drama Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977), starring Richard Dreyfuss, Melinda Dillon and French New Wave auteur Francois Truffaut; Robert Benton’s domestic drama Kramer vs. Kramer (1979), with Oscar-winning performances by Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep; and Rob Reiner’s hilarious glam-rock mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap (1984), starring Christopher Guest, Michael McKean and Harry Shearer.


More on TCM

Carnage / God of Carnage


Carnage the film based on the Tony award winning play God Of Carnage will be released next month, December 16th. It is completely recast with Jodie Foster, Kate Winslet, Christoph Waltz, and John C. Riley.

Definitely looking forward to seeing the four of them gradually lose it together.

Unfortunately, the director is Roman Polanski. I'll leave my opinion out but I'm sure just his name on the poster will keep many people away. It's a shame because this really was a great play and I wish everyone would get a chance to see the film.
You decide.

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Real California Milk Supports our Schools



Real California Milk is supporting California schools by launching the Real Seal Appeal program and awarding California schools with up to $2 million in cash, books and prizes. Families can participate by collecting Real California Milk seals from milk and dairy products and turning them in to their teachers. Each seal acts as a sweepstakes entry – the more seals collected and turned in, the more chances your child’s classroom (and school) has to win.


 Grand Prize: 3 winning schools will receive $20,000 plus a Wii Fit™ game for every child in classroom (up to 50)

 2nd Place: 3 winning schools will receive $10,000 plus a Wii Fit™ game for every child in classroom (up to 50)

 3rd Place: 3 winning schools will receive $5,000 plus a Wii Fit™ game for every child in classroom (up to 50)

 Runner Ups: 2,595 winning schools will receive $500 prizes

For all the details check out The Scholastic Real Seal Appeal Sweepstakes Information Center. You can also follow the Real California Milk on Twitter and Facebook.