Doctor Who Christmas Special

Very excited to see the Doctor Who Christmas Special, The Snowmen,Tuesday night on BBC America. Looking at the trailer, I'm fascinated to see how they will bring back our souffle making Oswin (Jenna-Louise Coleman) from the first episode of season 7,  Asylum of the Daleks. Looks like she's getting a name change to Clara too???

I'm also happy to see Richard E. Grant. He was one of my favorites years ago. I can't remember the last time I saw him in something. Seems like there will be lots of familiar faces. Oh Goody!

Oh yeah, and have a nice Christmas too...

Parental Guidance Opens Christmas Day

20th Century Fox invited me to a screening of Parental Guidance last week. I really wasn't expecting too much, but it turned out to be an incredibly sweet film that is the kind of movie you can take every generation of your family to and they'll all enjoy it.

Of course, having Bette Midler and Billy Crystal star doesn't hurt it any either. There are lots of laughs, a few tears and some fun musical numbers, including one that takes place in a public restroom, that is not to be missed!

The story is the age old issue of grandparents thinking their children's child raising philosophy is ridiculous. I'll admit it is a bit corny in places but it serves the story. Experiencing failure turns out to be just as important for the grandparents and parents as it is for the kids.

Call The Midwife Holiday Special On PBS

Very excited to tell you that Call The Midwife will be airing a holiday special on PBS on December 30th. Check your local listings for time. And if that weren't good enough news, Call the Midwife will be returning to PBS for a second season March 13th!

I was a bit worried that Chummy would be written out of the show with her marriage, but she is definitely in the holiday special, so there is hope she will continue on in season two. I also have fingers crossed that Sister Bernadette will have more scenes about here struggle with life as a nun. Is it wrong to want to see her ditch the habit???

I will be glued to this holiday special and waiting, not too patiently for season two.

Gun Control

I encourage all of you to contact the NRA, your congress person, and your senator and demand that they legislate gun control to stop all this senseless violence.

Email them today. I know people say it is disrespectful to talk about it today. But what is more disrespectful is letting this happen again. If these children had to die, let it be for a reason. Let it be the last tragic shooting or at least the one that changed our laws forever.

Today we lost 20 children, because we have not done anything to stop these shootings.

We need better screening on gun purchasers and we need to out law these guns that can shoot so many bullets so quickly. Further, we as a country need to do something more about caring for our mentally ill.

Columbine was almost 15 years ago and it is shameful that almost nothing has changed in our gun control laws in that time.

Gift Guide

It's that time of year when we're all trying to find great gifts for all our loved ones. Here are my recommendations.

For The Kids:

First there is the above pictured Playstation Book of Spells. This is an augmented reality storytelling game featuring new and original content from J.K. Rowling. It's only just come out and perfect for the Harry Potter fan in your family.

These PBS toys are great for preschoolers. They bring the educational programing of PBS into the home. They are also a great deal at Tuesday Morning. There are several different ones, including a fishing game, dominos and many more.

For The Men:

It's like Doctor Who says "Bow Ties are cool" and these ones are particularly cool because they are from Jesse Ferguson (Modern Family) and 100% of the proceeds go to support marriage equality. You can purchase them online at The Tie Bar. And if you need a tutorial in bow tie tying and the importance of marriage equality check out his site Tie The Knot.

Now once you got that fella all bow tied up what more could he want? FIRE. That's right you know since the cave man days boys love fire, and what better way to indulge that love than a nice new fire pit. They have a great selection at Home Depot. Find one that suits their aesthetic style and their inner Cro-Magnon.

For The Women:

These continuous scarves are almost as cool as bow ties, and much more versatile. You can find them online and in almost every womens clothing store at every possible prics point. I'm just saying I'd be all smiles if one came my way.

Massage and Beauty Treatments

I think the ultimate gift for most women is a spa treatment. Massages, facials, manicures, etc...If the lady in your life has a spa get her a gift card there. If she doesn't already have a place, there are chains like Spa Finders that provide gift cards for spas nation wide.

If none of these ideas suit your gift giving needs I do have one more fail safe gift- Pajamas. It's not fancy but everyone loves a warm pair of jammies.

Happy Holidays!

Promised Land

Promised Land is a new film written and starring Matt Damon and John Krasinski, and directed by Gus Van Sant. The incredible Frances McDormand also co stars, as Damon's well matched partner.  Damon and McDormand have great sparring scenes. The two are constantly ribbing one another in a friendly but still adversarial fashion.

The story is about a man who has gone through something terrible and learned all the wrong lessons. It's told against the back drop of natural gas and fracking. Even though Damon is really the bad guy he is also the protagonist, and you keep rooting for him right up to the last frame. Really all the characters are struggling with doing the right thing versus doing the easy thing or the quick fix thing. 

The film is incredibly moving and I wouldn't be surprised if it gets multiple Oscar nominations for writing, acting, and direction.

It opens in select cities December 28th and nation wide January 4th 2013.

RIP Dave Brubeck

Sad to hear Dave Brubeck passed away this morning. Thanks for all the amazing music, Dave.

Let's all take five and enjoy this wonderful song

Knott's Merry Farm

Knott's Berry Farm is all decked out with decorations and shows for the holidays. They invited my family to come visit last weekend and we had a wonderful time.

My daughter and husband love the rides and I love the chicken pot pies at the restaurant. On top of all that they have great Christmas themed shows. Sweet stories with heart warming morals and fun shows with ice skating Peanuts (The Charlie Brown and Snoopy kind).

You can get in for just $25 if you buy a Knotts toy to donate to Toys for Tots. You can also get season passes to Knotts's Berry Farm for just $66.99. It really is a fun day and such a good deal for an amusement park.

OH and just for the holidays they have these delicious frozen maple syrup lollipops. You really have to get one or two. Hey whose counting...