RATE IT! Sex and the City: The Movie

I've been counting the months, days...hours (!) until I could take in the 'Sex and the City' movie, and I finally had my chance this morning. With my sister in tow, and plenty of treats to keep us going through the two and a half-hour extravaganza, we settled in for (hopefully) a delightful reunion. 

If you read my blog, you know my hatred for anything 'spoiler-esque' so I'm not going to spill any secrets for those of you who have yet to see the flick. All I will say....I LOVED IT! I truly, unabashedly loved it. It felt like the return of four dear, old friends and as easy as it is to sink into conversation with mates that you've known for ages, we got caught up and 'Carried' away with their latest exploits. We laughed, swooned...and cried. The great thing about SATC - the tv series, it never shied away from mirroring real life, real relationships -- and the movie remained true all the while adorning itself in the fashions and witty banter that we've become accustomed to. Heck, I want to do it all over again!

 

RATE IT! Owen Hargreaves "Team-mates"

Be kind. I'm experiencing severe English Premiership withdrawal...and a harrowing spell of separation anxiety from mid-fielder, Owen Hargreaves. I need some gratuitous Hargreaves viz to cheer me up. I *LOVE* him! He's pretty and clever and makes me yearn for the new footie season really badly! Enjoy this segment from UK telly last season. Question is: when do we get the dance off between Rio and Cris?

RATE IT! Sex and the City: The Movie

Hello, Lover! We've waited...years, watched all the DVDS over & over again to get our fix, and now it's finally here...the Sex and the City movie has finally made her debut. Can't wait...can't wait. Is there anyone out there who ISN'T looking forward to a rendez-vous with the fab four??

RATE IT! Gossip Girl Tees

It's bloody well time! Forget Team Aniston and Team Jolie (so 2004!), it's time to pick a new alliance! Make mine a Team Serena. Honestly, Blair's a bitch on wheels and Serena needs all the help she can get!

HATE IT! The Hills

I know that I'm going to alienate many people with this opinion but what the heck. I hate "The Hills". I despise it with a passion that knows no bounds. My raging hate-on is the ying to the yang of my love for "Gossip Girl." Yes, my repulsion is *that* strong! This uber-popular 'scripted' reality program *starring* Lauren Conrad, LC, or whatever the hell she's called does my head in. It seems that this LC twit is everywhere -- on sycophantic talk shows, in every gossip-heavy magazine touting her 'celebrity' fashion line. I just can't escape from her.

Just how did this dim-witted chick become a celebrity? For the life of me, I cannot sit through an entire episode of the yawn-fest that makes up 'The Hills' to even attempt to find out. The girls on this program cannot string ten words together to make a complete sentence. Watching their exploits is like following around 4 Paris Hiltons. So vacuous, fluffy and I.Q. eroding! Want to get drunk quickly? Play a drinking game based on how many times they utter 'um,' or 'like.' From what I can gather, this series is about rich, brainless clothes-horses and their equally inane & vain boyfriends. I can see the attraction of the rich part but seriously...what else is there to appreciate, or aspire to?

Final verdict: If you are looking for a cure to your insomnia, tune into MTV Canada and partake in this snore-inducing program. It works for me.

RATE IT! Only 3 Days Til Sex & the City Opens

The movie event of the year for us gals is only three days away! The long-awaited 'Sex & the City' flick steps out fashionably this Friday, and already cinema cash registers are a flutter. Media outlets are reporting that fans have been purchasing tickets days in advance in order to guarantee group viewing for themselves and their gal pal cliques. Sounds like Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte and Samantha would approve! 

RATE IT! Hi-Jinx at the United Awards

On the night of Manchester United's Premiership win back on May 11, the team held their awards at Old Trafford. Here's the funny clip of Owen Hargreaves trying to be professional and answer the presenter's questions all the while Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani mug, and giggle (so HIGH pitched, Cris!) on his shoulder. 

HATE IT! The Simpsons

First of all, I must clarify...not The Simpsons, the always entertaining cartoon family from Springfield, USA. No, my vitriolic regard is aimed directly at the singing (and I'm only using that term loosely!) Simpsons -- Jessica and Ashlee. 

Honestly, they CAN'T sing! Seriously! Anyone who steps up to claim otherwise -- is deaf! They CAN'T act. Jessica's made flop after flop of a movie. Sorry, casting directors, but her boobs aren't enough of a draw to rake in big bucks and keep punters in cinema seats. Her Dad, creepy Joe Simpson, may be enamored by those puppies but the least said about his weird fetishes regarding his blonde bimbo daughter, the better! And before we're all done let's spare some vinegar for Ashlee...all gothed up, wed to a Fall Out Boy, Ashlee. She's about as goth as I am a supermodel. C'MON! She's been shopping in the same crappy head shop as Avril Lavigne. You're a wannabee, nothing more! Angst?! To Ashlee, it's having to sing live on Saturday Night Live. She doesn't know how to spell angst let alone understand what it means. Blech. I'm so tired of these two idiots clogging up the pages of my US magazine. Enough!

Final verdict: And you may ask....what's wrong with America? Well, start with Ashlee and Jess, toss in "The Hills" and you've got yourselves a good start...

RATE IT! England Training

Joe Cole, Owen Hargreaves, Wayne Rooney, Wes Brown, Frank Lampard & Rio Ferdinand training ahead of their friendlies this week including one vs. the US on Wednesday. (photo: Day Life photo website)

RATE IT! Superheroes ~ Fashion Saviours

A bit too titillated by Wonder Woman’s strapless costume? Transfixed by the naughty taut-ness of Batman’s tights? Look no further than the recently opened special exhibition, Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Backed by designer Giorgio Armani, the exhibit which runs until September 1st is the perfect marriage of pop culture icons and fashion. See how runway designs have been inspired by our Superfriends and vice versa. Fashion forward or job-dictated duds? Yes, ultra-fit Aquaman does show off his goods in excessively tight leggings but how fast could he swim the ocean & save lives without such a painted-on body glove?

Final verdict: Take a break from the mummy exhibit and see how fashion can be functional and flattering...at least for the Superheroes lurking among us.   

RATE IT! Xabi Alonso

With the EPL season finished and a England-free Euro on the horizon in June, it's easy to be a weepy, depressed mess if you're a footie fan. But the Euro only comes every four years so it's time to dust ourselves off, get up from the floor and find a new team to support. Want a tip? Here's a reason to cheer for Spain! Xabi Alonso! His regular 9-5 job is toiling in the mid-field for Liverpool. Often overshadowed by the likes of Steven Gerrard and Nando Torres, Alonso is an under-rated gem. And yes, he's quite attractive too!

Thanks to Mrs. Xabi for her inspiration!

RATE IT! Andy Popping Into Frame

The weekend is here so it's perfect timing for...this vid! It's simple and kinda juvenile but it always makes me smile.

Saturday Night Live's Andy Samberg (and fellow cast-mate, Wil Forte) with a SNL Digital Short from the 2007-08 season: Andy Popping Into Frame.

Enjoy!

RATE IT! Gratuitous Cute Puppy Viz

My brain is mush in the post-celebratory haze that was United's victory yesterday in the UEFA Champions League. I need something cute and fluffy to soothe my tired brain and this video does the trick. Adorable. I want one!

RATE IT! TV Mirroring Real Life

It's true! Penn Badgely and Blake Lively of 'Gossip Girl' are an item! So cute! I know that I shouldn't really care about such things but I like these two together. I'm channeling my inner 12 year old girl. Next I'll be posting about kittens, rainbows and glitter!

RATE IT! United WIN Champions League!

RATE IT! Owen Hargreaves Speaks

To celebrate Manchester United's victory this evening in the Champions League AND to toast my personal man-of-the-match, Owen Hargreaves, here's a recent interview with the United mid-fielder. Okay, I don't really need an excuse to post this interview...do I? LOVE the Paul Smith suits!

RATE IT! Countdown to the Champions League Final ~ Today!

More scenes today like these two, please! The Champions League final is just hours away in Moscow. All fingers and toes crossed for United. Hopefully, Chelsea's boss didn't recruit the Russian mob to help him out. 

RATE IT! Countdown to the Champions League Final ~ 2 Days to Go

He went that-a-way! United boys, Wayne Rooney, Owen Hargreaves and Rio Ferdinand (bum shot - cheeky!) train in advance of the Champions League match vs. Chelsea. Hopefully, they're pointing to Cristiano Ronaldo's run down the pitch and not a rumoured exit towards Real Madrid. 

RATE IT! The Office Turning Japanese

This past weekend's 'Saturday Night Live' was quite the let-down. The season finale, with guest host Steve Carell, was bland and snore-worthy. It looks like the writers spent far too much time eating donuts on picket lines this year than drafting sketches that contained any semblance of humour. SNL can be so hilarious and leave your sides just aching from laughing so hard - but overall, this shortened-strike plagued season just didn't deliver the goods. I felt bad for Steve because he clearly tried to make the sketches work.

Luckily before shutting off the PVR, all was not lost. Saved by a short!...the SNL digital short (and correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't the digi shorts *always* the stellar part of the episode?) of 'The Office' gone Japanese. 'Office' creator, Ricky Gervais provided the opening monologue for the spoof stating that *his* original Brit version of the award-winning comedy was based upon this Japanese version. Steve was front and centre in this funny parody playing the boss but with a Japanese twist. And I loved Bill Hader as Dwight, and Kristen Wiig's giggling Pam! 

RATE IT! Countdown to the Champions League Final ~ 3 Days to Go

With the Champions League final kicking off this Wednesday, I'm holding my own mini-countdown to the big match. Let's indulge in some Ryan Giggs-Gary Neville love with only 3 days to go. 

RATE IT! United Get Physical

Days prior to the Champions League final, Owen Hargreaves, Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand are working it - hmmm...soccer practice never looked so intriguing!

HATE IT! The End of the EPL (for now!)

Wah! I'm going through English Premiership withdrawal! No more Cristiano post-game winks, no more Tevez dummy-celebrations, no more Owen Hargreaves stolen free kicks. My weekends just won't be the same. At least we have the Champions League match next week so we can hate Chelsea *one more time.*

RATE IT! Fossil Fuel

Ice cream is pretty much a party in a bowl anyway but Ben & Jerry’s Fossil Fuel is a celebration all on its own. They’ve playfully added mini chocolate dinosaurs to the creamy vanilla and fudge swirls. 

Final verdict: Get all prehistoric and dig in!

HATE IT! Grey's Anatomy

"Grey's Anatomy" has completely jumped the shark...and then some! Rewind your mind back to last season when Meredith fell into the Seattle harbour and tripped through a silly near-death experience. What was supposed to be a heart-wrenchingly moving vignette came off as wacko and off the charts ridiculous -- and it was the first leap over shark-infested waters. From that absurd episode onwards, the show has been more contrived and laughable. Izzy and George? Pul-lease!!!! Never would have happened in *real* life...NEVER! If it wasn't enough to take the leap once, this program just keeps jumping!

This season, the lame plot lines are back...Meredith is as cloyingly annoying as ever, and I really want to throttle George and the new interns. If they utter, 'Coded' in their giggling, stoner voices one more time, I swear my PVR remote is going to pay! Obviously, I am not alone. Ratings for many returning dramas are down this Spring. The only reason I keep tuning in...Patrick Dempsey seems a little hotter than usual. I don't know what it is, but his attractiveness has risen all the while the show's appeal has dwindled. I think the Producers have given McDreamy a make-over on purpose to keep us gals coming back when there's really nothing else to come back for.  

Final verdict: Pulse is weakening, blood pressure is low -- I think this dying patient is too far gone for resuscitation. 

RATE IT! Gossip Boys

Gossip Girl stars, Ed Westwick, Chace Crawford & Penn Badgely ~ television's triple threat. Do I really have to explain? Didn't think so.

RATE IT! Dylan's Candy Bar

If you're planning a trip to NYC, do yourself a favour and make a pit-stop at Dylan's Candy Bar. A few years back, we found this confectionary haven on our way to Serendipity. The brainwave of Ralph Lauren's daughter, Dylan, this 2-storey HQ for sugary treats is located on the corner of East 60th Street & 3rd Avenue. It's chock a block full of all types of candy, chocolate, and will soon boast a full-on ice cream & dessert bar. The lower level houses t-shirts and pillows featuring your fave candy brands. My favourite: the classic Double Bubble pillow. If you're like me and love to not only shop, but eat your way through a vacation, Dylan's Candy Bar should be at the toppermost of your itinerary.

Final verdict: YUM! That was good!!

RATE IT! Sex and the City: The Movie

Can't wait! Can't wait! Cannot WAIT!

I'll be gutted if I have to return here after the film has theatrically opened and have to change my vote to 'hate it.' I have faith in Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda! Your best girlfriends do not let you down!

RATE IT! Nights on Broadway

You can take this post various ways...am I writing about spending evenings on one of NYC's most famed boulevards? Am I crushing on that 1970s gem of a sing-along by the Bee Gees? Or both?!

The answer behind door #3 would be correct -- after all, aren't the two previous choices intricately connected? To me they are. I LOVE New York City! It's one of my most favourite destinations on the planet. It's an epicentre for everything: the arts, culture, politics. And the city's brazen starlet would be... Broadway. The section at the cross-roads of Times Square is a schizophrenic carnival of neon advertising, a cornucopia of wacky sights, endless noise and odd characters rushing by on the streets below. My fave commercial venture would be the M&M World store - yes, there is such a thing in the Big Apple. Who knew that these colourful candies could inspire three floors of M&M paraphernalia - you name it, some marketing hack has thought of it. The BEST part though is the massive video board attached to the Broadway-facing flank of the building. It broadcasts these wonderfully colourful vignettes of the various M&M characters doing zany NYC things. They also peer down at the people down at street level, blinking downwards completely omniscient. Big Brother just got coated in chocolate!

As for the brothers Gibb...I have to say it was the 'Saturday Night Live' Bee Gees parody performed flawlessly by Jimmy Fallon and Justin Timberlake that made me seek out my reintroduction to this little piece of musical heaven, "Nights on Broadway." Laugh if you must -- this song is AWESOME! The lyrics are all stalker-ish angst transpiring in the glorious freak-heaven that is New York City -- on Broadway!!! The best part has to be at 2:36 when they get all slow and serious...and kinda creepy! 'Somehow I feel inside, you never ever left my side...{skipping a few lyrics...}...even if it takes a lifetime, takes a lifetime....' It's fabulous! And really fun to sing...I dare you!

Final verdict: There's nothing better than hitting this tune's high notes while mixing with the other freaks and geeks strolling along Broadway.

HATE IT! 27 Dresses

I'm a sucker for a good romantic comedy. Unlike some people who run off lists of epic features and wouldn't dare to tuck a "Serendipity" or "You've Got Mail" amongst the "Lawrence of Arabia"s and "Deer Hunter"s, I proudly catalogue "Only You" alongside "LOTR: Return of the King." What irks me to no end is when I put my money and heart on the line only to have both sadly disappointed with a crappy rom-com. Case in point, "27 Dresses."

To think that I was actually looking forward to renting this flick with great expectations. Ugh - it was pathetic! A predictable story-line, stereotypical characters...and a waste of two capable leading actors, Katherine Heigl and James Marsden. Both are totally adorable and fun to watch (usually), but even their ultra-white smiles and comedic timing couldn't save this one from the trash heap. No laughs, no real chemistry, no heart! And even the bridesmaid gowns that make up the titled 27 dresses weren't that over the top! All this wedding movie served up was a waste of 90 minutes and my vow to divorce myself from the genre for the foreseeable future!

Final verdict: Save yourself five bucks and take a pass on renting this hand-me-down of a wedding movie. Revisit "Four Weddings and a Funeral", "Father of the Bride" or "The Wedding Singer" instead. 

RATE IT! Manchester United WINS!!

RATE IT! Owen Hargreaves

Today is the final match day for the English Premiership. With Manchester United and Chelsea neck and neck at the top of the table, the title race will be decided after United play Wigan, and Chelsea meet Bolton. I'm ever hopeful that the end of the afternoon will see the Red Devils celebrating with the trophy. I think it's time for a glimpse of Owen Hargreaves and Cristiano Ronaldo. Not sure about the flip flops, C-Ron! 

RATE IT! The Ting Tings

It's been a good month for bouncy, pop-alicious music tracks...first kovak with their new groove, and now The Ting Tings. Think you haven't heard of this Salford, UK based duo? Oh, but you have! The latest iTunes commercial features their latest, "Shut Up and Let Me Go", as did a recent ep of "Gossip Girl". It's all shouty 'tude curled around a north-western English accent. Mark May 20th on your calendars now - their debut album, "We Started Nothing" will make its grand entrance on that date. 

Final verdict: My iPod is just humming in giddy anticipation!

RATE IT! Robert Downey Jr.

I know that I'm not the only one pleased to see the triumphant return of actor, Robert Downey Jr. While growing up, Robert always seemed to be around. He didn't quite qualify for membership in the Brat Pack of the 1980s but he was always on the peripheral. He dated and shacked up with Sarah Jessica Parker, made a slate of films including his Academy Award-nominated turn in "Chaplin" as well as fan favourites such as "Only You" and "Air America." Despite the teasing of a certain older sister, I always thought he was pretty cool. Talented, attractive...not adverse to making a fool of himself on film - what wasn't there to like?

While Robert was racking up role after role, he also began to accumulate many a rumour about drug abuse and erratic behaviours. Hollywood was a buzz about his exploits and eventually, the gossips were proved true. Robert was charged for multiple drug offences and was even caught driving through Hollywood starkers! Think Britney and Paris were blazing a trail tottering around Tinsel Town sans panties? Heck, Robert did that ages ago! 

A career that began as a talented child actor had seemingly shattered as he was sent to prison several times over, and ordered to partake in extensive rehab. Once released and finally clean, Robert carried on with his acting but never quite reached the same level of roles or popularity that he once enjoyed. Woody Allen and other movie makers encountered difficulty getting insurance coverage for the once-troublesome Downey, thus roles that he would have gotten easily before all his personal drama, went to other actors. 

A few years later, Robert Downey Jr.'s fortunes have begun to change. Two weeks ago, Marvel Comic's superhero "Iron Man" hit theatre screens in North America, and movie goers took notice -- BIG notice...to the tune of $141 million dollars to date. Director Jon Favreau -- who will always be in my good books for the job he did on 'Elf' with Will Ferrell -- took a major gamble and cast Downey Jr. in the lead role. For any actor who's misadventures and jail sentences are more well-known that his acting credits and accolades, it's a rewarding payback. Robert has paid his dues and then some. In today's celeb culture, where falling 'stars' (and I use the term 'stars' lightly for Paris, Lindsay Lohan and their ilk) are sent to rehab or prison for a shorter spell than a commercial break, Robert has exuded class accepting his punishment & learning from it. His younger, less accomplished counterparts should take heed from his tale - but I'm not holding my breath!

Final verdict: Hurrah! Robert's back and better than ever!

RATE IT! Whatchamacallit

See this odd alien-shaped thing? I have no clue what it's supposed to be called. He makes a terrific early '80s computer sound when you press his tum. A friend rescued him from McDonald's. Instead of being dropped into the prying hands of a toddler, he came to live with us. I love him, but just wish that I knew what he was called! 

Answers on a postcard, please...

RATE IT! I'm on Setanta Sports

I have a love/hate relationship with Setanta Sports. The Canadian version, available on digital, is a god-send in that it broadcasts practically all the English Premiership soccer games. Yet, Setanta is also a pain in the a** for its lack of half-time programming, annoying filler music (am I the only one who thinks it sounds like a rejected Spice Girls instrumental?) and repetitive on air promos. 

The balance, however, does tip in the favour of RATE IT all because of a puppet. I haven't loved a marionette this much since Jerome the Giraffe on the Friendly Giant. Setanta's interstitials starring former Chelsea FC manager, Jose Mourinho as a puppet (now there's a metaphor!) are the work of genius!! His "I'm on Setanta Sports" fillers make up for all the boring matches (Derby! Fulham! West Ham!) clogging the Setanta schedule. Add in "guest appearances" by Sven Goran Eriksson and Wayne Rooney, and the stage is set for a hilarious tv moment. I love "The Special One" -- even if he is just a puppet!

Final verdict: As Jose would say, "Be champions!" And yes, he really IS fantastic!

RATE IT! Owen Hargreaves

This weekend, Manchester United *should* be crowned champions in the English Premiership. In honour of the impending close of the EPL season, let's pause and consider one of United's star additions from this past season. Canada's own, Owen Hargreaves...reason enough to speed through Summer to kick-off next season!

RATE IT! Kovak

iPod sounding a bit run-down? Tired of your music library and desperate for something fresh? How about kick-starting your music collection and your mood with this fantastic UK band! Based in the fun-filled seaside town of Brighton, kovak is a 5 member group that serves up energetic pop-tastic dance tunes that will boost your spirits and have you pulling shapes in no time.

You'll be hard-pressed to find a band that works harder than kovak. They run their own club night in their hometown and tour all about the UK. It's just a matter of time before this awesome band gets the plump record deal that they truly deserve. They've already won over the Mod Club in Toronto, and have an ardent fan in legendary LA scenester DJ, Rodney Bingenheimer. What are you waiting for? Introduce your CD collection to kovak. Their latest fab stomper of a release, Death in the Disco is currently available for download at iTunes. Your iPod will thank you for it!!

Final verdict: kovak is exactly what the music scene and your iPod needs!

RATE IT! Ed Westwick -- aka, Chuck Bass

LOVE this guy! Not in a fancy-the-pants-off-him way...it's more along the lines of having a very fond appreciation for how iniquitous this bad boy can be. Ed Westwick portrays Chuck Bass on 'Gossip Girl' playing the resident villain. All haughty rich kid wickedness. You know the guy's getting under your skin when you just want to smack him silly episode after episode. Truth be told, Ed's from England where they grow evil rogues like no one else. Makes sense. 

Final verdict: Chuck walks a fine line between love and hate.

Enjoy reading about Ed and the Gossip Girl crew? Check out the 'Gossip Girl' label for more articles.

RATE IT! Crouchie's Wave

You don't have to be a Liverpool soccer fan to get a chuckle out of this clip. Here's striker, Peter Crouch instructing everyone how to complete a Mexican wave. Click on the link and enjoy! Arsenal and Everton players also make cameos. Silly, but fun.

Final verdict: Where's Manchester United? Ah, too busy to wave -- they have a league trophy and European championship to grasp but of course!

RATE IT! Owen Hargreaves

You may ask, why a photo of Owen Hargreaves? Manchester United won today....and just because!

RATE IT! Christian Siriano on Ugly Betty

Hurrah...'Ugly Betty' is back on our tv screens and two episodes into the post- writers' strike allotment, it looks like the show has jumped back on stride. The storylines continue to be wacky yet heart-felt, Gio may finally get the girl, and Mark & Amanda are on peak form. 

How do you make it even better? Have a guest appearance by recent Project Runway winner, Christian Siriano! His screen time may have only been a few minutes but his impact was, as he would exclaim, fierce! Hilarious and oh, so full of arrogant regard, he was side-splittingly funny. 

Final verdict: That's what I call one hot tranny mess.

RATE IT! Duffy

She may be the current darling of the UK music press but that doesn't mean that Duffy doesn't deserve the accolades. The Welsh singer has been packaged as a songstress descended from the same family tree as the iconic Dusty Springfield - with a soulful, 1960s vibe, and the blonde retro look to complete the presentation. As someone who loves the whole '60s Brit Girl thang, it's easy to be skeptical of newbees who appear on the scene trying to revisit a past era. But with Duffy, she has this fresh vibe about her that makes her songs so catchy and fun!

Her debut album, already a #1 hit in the UK is due in North America on May 13. For a taster, check out iTunes and download her first two singles, "Mercy" and "Rockferry." 

Final verdict: I'm buying what she's selling!

HATE IT! Spoilers!

Remember that bratty kid who told you there was no Santa Claus when you were little? Remember how shattered you were to have your illusions trashed and your expectations unfulfilled? There's nothing worse than a kill-joy -- a party-pooper that rains on your parade and has the nerve to actually enjoy it. The same can be said for magazines, websites even friends who give away closely guarded secrets regarding the tv show or movie that you are dying to see. 

Case in point...this week's Entertainment Weekly magazine. Don't get me wrong...this publication is awesome for organizing the upcoming week's worth of new releases, stellar tv programs and juicy entertainment industry goss. It also likes to give a leak or two about upcoming story lines...like their article on "Gossip Girl." Yay, an article on my favourite program, I thought when I did my daily whirl around my local zine shop. But my joy was quickly squashed once I settled on my couch and flicked through its pages. The whole article is basically one HUGE spoiler for the next episode! How dare they?? Luckily, I caught myself just in time after only a few preliminary words. Georgina Sparks did what with S? I couldn't bear to go any further...just in case...

I don't know what's worse...actually reading the full article and having my wait for next Monday's episode trashed, or knowing that the secret to my anticipation is just there lurking on my coffee table, taunting me every time I reach underneath it for the insipid US magazine. I hate being teased almost as much as I hate being suckered by a spoiler!

Final verdict: Don't read, don't tell! <<Fingers stuck in ears>>  I can't hear you!

RATE IT! MacBook Pro

I've never been one of those geeky computer nerds who can't get enough of their PC and spends hours glued to the keyboard. Obviously, the advent of the computer in my work life meant that it was much easier to perform certain tasks. Email, although it can be intrusive, allowed me to catch up with friends and family when time constraints made phone calls or visits impossible. When 5pm rolled around, it was easy to power down the desk top and forget all about emails and spreadsheets. I felt no pangs of loss or separation when I typed my final keystroke.

Suddenly, everything changed.

Enter one shiny silver MacBook Pro. I've always wondered why there were Mac obsessives. A few friends upon hearing that I was contemplating a lap top, suggested that I go Mac. Actually, 'suggested' is not the correct term. These people bubbled over in excitement at the thought that I might...just might purchase a Mac. 'Do it for your iTunes', one said, 'and don't forget to play with the photo booth.' Another couldn't praise the iPhoto application enough. All this praise was best summed up by my friend who said, 'It will change your life.' I scoffed.

So, I finally took a giant leap and decided to try this Mac lark. Yes, like millions of others, I own an iPod and apart from that gizmo that truly did change my life, I've had no interaction with the Apple company. A week into owning my MacBook Pro, I was a changed woman. I was addicted to the dashboard and it's animated pop onto my screen. iPhoto, iMovie, Photo Booth -- I cannot imagine my life without them now! All these high-tech toys bring me such joy that it makes work on the computer more like play. I can't get enough of this computer. I have found a new, calorie-free addiction and I am eating it up *and* scoffing second helpings. I finally get it! A Mac is life-altering. A PC is just a nerdy tech tool. I love my Mac and it loves me. Ah, I love a happy ending!

Final verdict: An Apple a day is a prescription for a very happy and healthy computer life!