RATE IT! Scoop on Dirty Hotels

Traveling soon? Along with your pre-trip planning, you must visit the Trip Advisor website for a ranking of the dirtiest hotels. Trip Advisor is an invaluable site for all kinds of travel information. Real folk leave honest ratings and detailed descriptions of their stays at hotels worldwide. If their room was filthy, you'll know about it! Since I discovered this gem, I haven't booked a trip *without* first checking out the reviews here first. 

Save yourself days & nights of anguish, bed bug attacks and hidden charges. Click here to visit their listings of the grossest hotels around the globe. You'll be thankful you did!

RATE IT! Celebrity Apprentice Take 2

He's back! Yep, the Donald is back with his brood for another round of 'Celebrity Apprentice' this coming Sunday night at 9pm ET on NBC. It's one thing watching over-achieving nobodies compete on this franchise but quite another beast altogether when it's the rich, famous & untalented clawing each other's nipped & tucked eyes out. 

This new season pits Joan Rivers and her equally annoying daughter, Melissa up against vulgar "comedian" (does anyone find him the least bit funny?) Andrew Dice Clay, crooner Brian McKnight, Sandra Bullock's hubby & Monster Garage dude, Jesse James, country star Clint Black, plus figure skating champ, Scott Hamilton, a Playboy Bunny, a poker expert, and other non-entities that I've either never heard of, or would rather ignore (stand up, Tom Green and Dennis Rodman).

I love 'The Apprentice' for all its boardroom slag-fests and silly challenges. It's great fun to sit back at home and tear apart the teams' strategies & project management. No doubt, we at home could all do a better job, right? Right! Bring it! And let's hope that Trump spawn, Ivanka gets a flattering wardrobe this season. Pretty girl but her dress sense is terrible!

RATE IT! Cheery Cupcake Scarf

Don't let the on-going Winter chill get you down! Arm yourself with this fleece scarf complete with a happy cupcake along for the ride. Too cute. 

RATE IT! Jenga Final!

Nevermind the Champions League - this match up is the one that I've been waiting for!

Manchester United teammates, Owen Hargreaves and Jonny Evans in a Jenga showdown. Great sports, these two! Taken from United's 2009 DVD Annual.

HATE IT! Aniston vs. Jolie

I DON'T CARE!

Obviously, someone must - otherwise covers such as this one on the new 'US' magazine wouldn't exist. I think the parties involved have moved on, so can we too?

Is it a coincidence that the editors chose a photo of Jen looking downward, kinda meekly while Angie is all eyes above board & holier than thou? The only interesting part of this story is how the magazine editors fuel a non-story with their photo & quote selection. Slow entertainment news week in the wake of the Oscars, I guess. 

RATE IT! Ice Cream Kitchen Timer

Just a few weeks ago, I was lamenting the absence of cute, properly rendered items featuring an ice cream motif. Looks like someone answered my call to action!

Check this baby out! A soft-serve ice cream kitchen timer! Pink and delectable, it actually makes me want to cook - and that's saying something!

Put this time keeper along side the stupendous ice cream lamp that I found last year, and the frosty treats carry-all, and we're well on our way to ice cream satisfaction!

RATE IT! Gossip Girl Sneak Peek ~ Age of Dissonance

Gossip Girl fans - the show may be taking a longer than hoped for break, but when it returns March 16, it looks like we're in for some UES fireworks! Check these sneak peeks out! I'm really digging Serena's straightened locks. And as for Chuck & Blair -- HURRAH! I'll try to behave though - it's a teaser, after all.

RATE IT! Cell Phone Headsets

Add some old school to your modern tech ways with this unique "headset" for your cell phone.

Yeah, it's funny, kind of ridiculous but cool too! It will take a brave soul to strut down the street with this baby!

RATE IT! Pancake Tuesday

Here's a 'special' day that isn't just some hokey PR stunt to sell more chocolate or bubble gum. Today is Shrove Tuesday -- otherwise known in many circles as Pancake Tuesday. 

Shrove Tuesday is the day before Ash Wednesday when Lent befalls Christians and they fast to purify themselves prior to Easter. Today is also known as Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras -- all these monickers are all tied in to the same ideal.

Basically, people would rush to use up all their eggs, milk, flour - anything and everything in their pantry before the advent of Lent & the upcoming days of starvation. If fasting is on the cards, you have to remove all temptations -- so eating the contents of your kitchen was the #1 priority. Funny enough, in old times many of these food items could heartily make up pancakes hence the alias for Shrove Tuesday is Pancake Tuesday. See where I'm going with this thing?! Hungry yet?

I'm not particularly religious but I do like a good pancake smothered in real honest to goodness maple syrup (typical Canadian, me). Any excuse to eat non-stop sounds good to me. Just be sure to wear your trousers with an elastic waist. 

For more pancake fun, click here.

RATE IT! Dogs in Space DVD Release

2009 is gearing up to be a fantastic year for long-lost DVD releases! First, official word that Brit favourite, 'Enchanted April' is slated for a May release and now EVEN BIGGER news - to me, at least - that 'Dogs in Space' is finally making the trek from VHS to an official DVD release!

Apparently, the Aussie cult classic is due for a September debut. Commentaries have been recorded over the last few days and Director Richard Lowenstein has uncovered two hours of extras: behind-the-scenes clips with Michael Hutchence & the incredible cast. If all goes to plan, the film will also be screened at the Melbourne Film Festival in July. 

Why all the frenzy over a movie you probably have never heard of? To me, 'Dogs in Space' is one of those movies that defined me in so many ways! The soundtrack, one of the best ever produced with many Australian acts that never really made it big (Michael Hutchence and Nick Cave, aside). The film itself, based on a true story, brought together many young Aussie musicians, actors & scenesters taking their first steps in the adult world, living in a house that should have been condemned & creating their own family of friends picked up along the journey. I've always been into music in a major way, and as a teen this movie depicted a lifestyle that seemed ultra cool and somewhat relatable. And yes, at the time I did bleach my blonde hair white to copy the movie's heroine, Anna (portrayed by Saskia Post). Kids, eh?

Until the DVD release is a true reality and I'm clutching it in my hands, I'll make do with the soundtrack and my ratty VHS copies (yep, I have two), and I'll enjoy Michael Hutchence's 'Rooms for the Memory' again & again -- and you can view the video by clicking here. I hope you enjoy it even half as much as I do! 

Thanks to Adam Gheller for the info!

RATE IT! Depeche Mode Tour Dates

With the release of Depeche Mode's 12th studio album, 'Sounds of the Universe' on April 20 (UK) & 21 (North America), the band have just announced their North America tour dates. So now I know where I'll be on July 24:

Friday, July 24th (Toronto)
Saturday, July 25th (Montreal)
Tuesday, July 28th (Washington, DC)
Friday, July 31st (Boston)
Saturday, August 1st (Atlantic City)
Monday, August 3rd (New York)
Monday, August 10th (Seattle)
Wednesday, August 12th (San Francisco)
Friday, August 14th (San Diego)
Sunday, August 16th (Los Angeles)
Monday, August 17th (Los Angeles)  

Thursday, August 20th (Santa Barbara)
Saturday, August 22nd (Las Vegas)

Sunday, August 23rd (Phoenix)
Tuesday, August 25th (Salt Lake City)

Thursday, August 27th (Denver)
Saturday, August 29th (Dallas)

Sunday, August 30th (Houston)
Tuesday, Sept 1st (Atlanta)

Friday, Sept 4th (Tampa)
Saturday, Sept 5th (Ft. Lauderdale)

RATE IT! Soft Cell -- Bedsitter

Never mind the more populous 'Tainted Love', this gem is the real jewel in the crown for Soft Cell. 'Bedsitter' - still brilliant! Multitalented, I think Marc Almond was much more adept at applying black eyeliner than most girls. 

RATE IT! Saint Etienne & the Olympics?

Quintessential London pop geniuses (okay, full disclosure -- I am TOTALLY biased, I love them so!), Saint Etienne are pondering the recording of a London-centric song for the 2012 Olympics.

This admission makes complete sense! The band embraces London like no other, with the most beautifully crafted songs about the capital, and their short films such as 'Finisterre' and 'What Have You Done Today, Mervyn Day'.

Speaking to the BBC, the band mentioned that former London Mayor, Ken Livingstone had agreed to an open-air showing of the group's 'Mervyn Day' in Trafalgar Square in the run up to the Olympics. Since Livingstone's exit and the arrival of Boris Johnson. those plans have been shelved. Boris needs to get with the program. Someone -- stat! -- send him over St. Et's latest release, the glorious career compilation, 'London Conversations' (more on it later!).

If the city wants to have a truly thought-provoking soundtrack & official song for the 2012 London games, they should give Sarah, Pete and Bob a call. A musical love affair with London -- it's what Saint Etienne do best!

RATE IT! Diamond Dave

My iPod as of late seems happiest bouncing between 'Tonight' by Franz Ferdinand and The Bird and the Bee's 'Rayguns Are Not Just the Future'. They compliment each other quite well, actually - always a good thing keeping an agreeable soundtrack in your daily life!

One aural fixation of mine is the divine 'Diamond Dave', the third track on "Rayguns". Oh, how I love thee! First things first - how often do you get a musical ode to Van Halen's enigmatic David Lee Roth? That's right - never! The Bird and the Bee have delivered a twinkly, nostalgic gem of a tune here, one that will have you swooning even if you find Mr. Roth scanky and questionable of talent. I must admit that I've never been a fan of DLR. In fact, I was dragged along to a Van Halen concert once and it scarred me. It was the most vile couple of hours I've ever spent at a show. Truly nasty, noisy, smokey hell hole. Hey, I was a Durannie - what do you expect? 

But this song....THIS SONG! Its chorus, so wistfully awesome in its yearning for a childhood pop hero. "I'll always love you. Diamond Dave...no one can hold a candle. Nothing else is quite the same. Pretty Dave, I'll always remember. I still carry such a flame."

Aw, all innocence and puppy love lost. When he bolted from the band, he left singer Inara broken hearted and sobbing into her '1984' gate-fold album sleeve. Then, just like all good popsters, he came back (I relate! See also, John Taylor with Duran Duran) & his recommitment rekindled her gooey, love struck musings. Ah, my popchick heart just adores this tune. Remove DLR and insert your personal pop idol of choice and it speaks to all of us! Simon Le Bon -- no, wait. He never did leave Duran Duran....unlike John Taylor! Anyways, the charm of the premise of this adorable song is unmistakable. Buy it, listen and fall in love all over again with your pop star crush!

RATE IT/HATE IT! A Titanic Viewing Experience

Only in Britain! Movie goers in London got to dive into the movie 'Titanic' like never before!

Take one swimming pool, fill it with wooden life boats, mini icebergs and then invite your audience to dress the part in costumes from the early 1900s. A HD screening of the movie completed the picture. Now you have the setting for this latest exhibition of 'Titanic'.

You have to admire the originality in creating such an on-theme viewing experience. But just one question? What happens if you've had too much pop and need a wee?

(photo: PA)

RATE IT! Red Devil's Kitchen

You can keep your Jamie Oliver and Nigella Lawson! Heck, take back 'Hell's Kitchen' and Gordon Ramsey! The only cooking program I want to set eyes on is 'Red Devil's Kitchen'!

It's almost too hilarious to ponder! Manchester United have launched their own cooking show on their TV station, MUTV. 'Red Devil's Kitchen' features United's left-back, the very talented & charming Patrice Evra, along with the team's resident head chef, Romain Camos, roasting, baking, creating all sorts of edible delights!

Cannot wait! The clip on the website is cracking me up & leaving me hungry for more. 

*yes, I couldn't help myself and had to post a photo of Patrice with Owen Hargreaves*

HATE IT! No Makeup Means No Story!

I love the UK media -- just love it! Throughout my day, I continually check in with my favourite websites, some newsy, some pure trashy tabloid. The British press are notorious for making up sensational crap as well as taking the smallest, most unimportant crumb of fluff and blowing it up into the supposed scoop of the day.

In my travels today I stumbled over the latter, *this* non-story. Tara Palmer-Tomkinson, friend of the Royals, rich party girl with a fondness for designer labels and a life of luxury, happened to venture outside for a shopping trip in London -- without makeup.  The story found on the Daily Mail website is aghast at her bravery for making the public trek without pounds of slap affixed to her 37 year old visage. 

Personally, I think Tara looks fresh-faced fantastic! She should be proud of how terrific she looks, and the press here have totally missed the mark. The article seems to think that she's gained weight (shock! horror!), traded in her couture for run of the mill threads and become... normal. Heaven forbid. Is it really any wonder why some women have a distorted sense of what they should present themselves to the world when a popular "news" source freaks out when a well-known gal about town leaves the makeup bag at home, unused? Stereotypical stupidity on the part of the Mail or slow news day? Sorry but I think their attempt at taking a swipe at Tara P-T failed big time. They should be knocked back for airing their biased opinion that a woman wearing no makeup is shocking and horrible. She looks great - period! The Daily Mail -- now that's ugly!

(photo: matrixphotos.com via the Daily Mail)

RATE IT! Shaky Bacon

Now here's an excuse to play with your food! 

Meet Shaky Bacon. He has a plush friend called Mr. Toast. Shaky Bacon is way more fun hence he gets to be an internet star, while Mr. Toast is lounging on a plate somewhere, pouting.

This bacon buddy hails from Urban Outfitters and is looking for a good home but not one where he will be eaten. Go figure. Never mind Mr. Toast, I wonder if he knows Jon Hamm...

RATE IT! Duffy Sings for Her....Coca-Cola

This Wednesday is a special date for Welsh pop girlie, Duffy. Not only does she get to look forward to the Brit Awards which celebrate the UK music scene as only they can on that eve, but she'll get to set eyes on her new Coca-Cola campaign. 

The Coke folk are set to debut a 60 second commercial during the Brits' telecast. The campaign is scheduled to be rolled out across not only the UK, but Europe as well. Looks like Duffy has conquered the hearts (and iPods) of many. You go, girl!

(photo: PA Wire for Coca-Cola Great Britain via the Daily Mail)

RATE IT! Things That Suck

Who doesn't love a book of lists? Especially, a book of lists featuring almost EVERYTHING that sucks! 

Author Jason Kaplan has compiled just that in 'Things That Suck'! Page upon page of things that, well - SUCK! Here's a sample: trying on jeans, department store mirrors, taking down your Christmas decorations, being allergic to chocolate, being told to calm down -- and the list goes on, and on, and on...

Wonder if having to do posts for your blog on a Monday is in there? Should be.

RATE IT! Spice Up Your Life

I don't want to have a completely grown up set of dish ware -ever. Life is too short to be all stuffy and boring.

Case in point...these adorable salt & pepper shakers, hugging it out in full view on your dining room table. I love them almost as much as they love each other! Spice up your dining experience, and feel the love!

RATE IT! New Nike Ignite Ad

Love it! Here's the new Nike Ignite ad with an epic clash between Manchester United and Arsenal. Featuring Cristiano Ronaldo, Carlos Tevez and Cesc Fabregas....and a cameo by legend, Eric Cantona.

GO UNITED!

RATE IT! Dairy Queen Cares!

This coming Monday is Family Day! What may you ask is this special holiday lovingly placed in the middle of chilly February? 

Well, for *some* Canadians -- those living in the provinces of Ontario, Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan -- it's a much coveted day off. The intention: to give us hard-working souls a reprieve from the drudgery of the long winter with a gift of some quality time with our loved ones. Sounds great, doesn't it? 

Unfortunately, this February freebee isn't shared with all Canucks. If you call British Columbia, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island or Newfoundland home, you miss out. It hardly seems fair. Canadians in these provinces deserve a special day too. 

Here's where Dairy Queen graces the picture. Yep, Dairy Queen, home of the famous Blizzards that I adore. Well, DQ is a family-friendly eatery, one that celebrates fun like no other. DQ is organizing petitions in the Family Day-free provinces this coming Monday, February 16 and is putting on a smorgasbord of comfy treats to help promote the message. Stop by your neighbourhood DQ, sign the petition, and indulge in the Sweet Deals menu. Cheeseburgers, onion rings, hot dogs, side salads, several of the icy treats & more, are all included at special combo prices that will please your bank balance and your appetite. 

Heck... if the thought of bringing a Family Day holiday to your fellow Canadians doesn't give you warm & fuzzy feelings, this Dairy Queen value menu sure will! On Monday, count me in! The Sweet Deals are being served up country-wide. Now if only Family Day was too!

RATE IT/HATE IT! Oh Snap! Cheese Board

Mouse traps give me the creeps. Just hearing the horrid 'snap' sound drives me loony and brings back images that do not bear repeating. It's with some trepidation that I offer up this kooky cutting board and cheese slicer. Yeah, it's funny alright, but I'm not sure that it's silly enough to remove the mouse murder movies playing back in my memory. 

RATE IT! Ed Westwick in Harper's Bazaar

My, my! 

Forget about those K-Swiss ads... Ed Westwick gets all dolled up for some steamy clinches with Helena Christensen in the new issue of Bazaar. I'll be counting the days impatiently until my issue appears in the mail. 

Finally! Something worthwhile *at last* in that snooty zine!

(photos: Terry Richardson for Harper's Bazaar)

RATE IT! Hamm-ing It Up 30 Rock Style

Can Thursday night television get any BETTER?!

With 'Ugly Betty' hitting its stride and tugging on the heart strings, and 'The Office' getting zanier & sillier (did you catch the ep post-Super Bowl? One of the best *ever*), Thursday eve is once again the best night to hunker down for a night's worth of good TV viewing. Tina Fey's '30 Rock', the critics' latest darling, lives up to their over-wrought platitudes, grasping hold of its place as the jewel in the crown of TV choices. Just when it seems improbable that it can get - any - better... it does!

Fey's 'Liz Lemon' has a new love interest, Don Draper himself, Jon Hamm! Last week was his first guest spot on the series, and he's back again tonight. All floppy haired and bespectacled, Hamm personifies Liz Lemon's dream man and here's where the hilarity resides.

Follow the lead of the cool kids. Drop the deadly bore that is 'Grey's Anatomy' (yep, I finally cut the cord), and laugh your self silly through Thursday nights instead. Okay, yeah...'Grey's' has been truly ridiculous and laugh out loud funny -- unintentionally, mind you -- as of late but stick with the Emmy Award winners of 'Ugly Betty', 'The Office' and '30 Rock' to tickle your funny bone properly.

RATE IT! Chocolate Spoons

Yes, I do have a love/hate relationship with products that take the guise of chocolate - but aren't really the world's most perfect food. True, I hated the chocolate magnets. They were too life-like. Really. You could see some poor soul hankering for some Cadbury's going in for a bite and then getting the disappointment of a lifetime. And a broken tooth. 

So why the 'rate it' for these dainty teaspoons with the psuedo-chocolate toppers? 

They're just too sweet! Bon bons with your tea...bon bons with your coffee. They seem to hark back to a time when women sat down in their Sunday finest, entertaining their girlfriends with petit sandwiches, tea and delectable mini cakes & pastries. I know my grandmothers used to meet for tea. I bet sometimes they'd have little chocolates just like these ones - for real. The appearance of these faux candies on the teaspoon tips are just chock full of whimsey and sweetness, and in this hard & fast world, don't we need more of such sugary kindness sometimes?

HATE IT! Gossip Girl Vacay

Looks like we're not the only ones in despair. Did Blair misplace her favourite hair band? Not quite...

Apparently, we're in the midst of a 'Gossip Girl' new episode mini-hiatus resulting in no new eps until March. So what's a true blue GG fanatic to do during this enforced GG vacation?

There are always the series' spoilers to mull over...  ready? 

...................................

Right...first up, Nate is getting some new relations. Two actors have been cast to portray some richie rich blue bloods from Nate's mother's side of the family. Yep, the Vanderbilts have landed!

Even more dishy - there are rumours of some sort of entanglement going on between Nate and another female cast member. You'll have fun guessing this spoiler as Nate has snogged *all* the female cast members except Lily, Dorota, Penelope, oh...and Nelly Yuki. Hint: the female participant IS someone he's made out with before. Looks like poor Vanessa is about to get her heart broken yet again. I swear, the writers must hate her!

Now do you feel any better about a 'Gossip Girl' famine? Nah, I didn't think so. 

(photo: the CW)

HATE IT! Mini Cheese Burger Vacuum

When I first set eyes upon this tiny fast food wonder of technology, I could just eat it up. Now, upon a closer inspection...I'm not feeling fully satisfied.

Yes, this mini vacuum in its cheesy burger get-up is too cute! No doubt, it looks hilariously funny, zooming around your home picking up all the crumbs and dog hair. My one pickle? It reminds me totally of that robot round vacuum that is sold on infomercials, touted to be the best floor sucker around.

Ahem....it is *not*. Someone very near and dear to me bought one. Without me knowing. It's horrible! Gets stuck under the couch, finds itself pinned into a corner... and it drives your pets mental. So yes, the mini burger is adorable but if it's anything like that *other* round vacuum "miracle", just don't plan on it getting the job done right. 

*sigh* I always hated hamburgers anyway.

RATE IT! Mona Lisa in Lego

Toying with art masterpieces. Sacrilege... or just having a laugh? 

Italian artist, Marco Pece, has taken several of the world's best known paintings and given them a Lego twist. Click on this link to view more.

If Pece can bring the masses to art's greatest works via his Lego copy-cats, more power to him! Perhaps we should take our cue from Mona Lisa  - she looks very pleased, thank you very much.

RATE IT! All That & a Bag of Chips

A tee so cute, I could just eat it up!

Another gem from Loyal Army Clothing.

I have a friend who uses this phrase all the time. Some of us are still big kids who get excited by the appearance of a bag of chips (preferably salt & vinegar, please & thank you). 

RATE IT! Who Do You Think You Are USA

As an avid genealogist -- hey, I can't be all kooky products, candy & Manchester United *all* the time -- I am addicted to the fantastically moving TV series, "Who Do You Think You Are." The program launched originally in the UK and spawned relations in Australia, Canada and elsewhere around the globe, featuring celebs in their quest to uncover their ancestry.

Genealogy is one of the most popular past-times, so it's hardly surprising that it's been a huge TV hit worldwide (except in Canada where the CBC brainiacs gave it a crappy, hidden time slot & eventually deemed it too pricey & a ratings loser -- tossers!). Now add the US to the long list of interest parties yearning to climb their family tree! 

Lisa Kudrow -- Phoebe from 'Friends' -- is leading the charge. It's her production company that is behind the US series for NBC. Due to launch on April 20, WDYTYA US has confirmed actresses Sarah Jessica Parker and Susan Sarandon as subjects. Lisa, herself, will also delve into her past on camera, "the experience went beyond my expectations," she admitted in an interview with Britain's Daily Mail, "it was very moving."

With a pedigree of American celebrities on board, the US version will no doubt be very popular everywhere. Can't wait. In the meantime, season 3 of the UK series was just released on DVD, and is currently living in my machine. A must-see.

(photo: AP Photo)

RATE IT! Ed Westwick Behind the Scenes

CW scheduling trolls have it in for us again this week. Alas, there's no new 'Gossip Girl' this unforgiving Monday night. 

Fear not, here's a little vid of "Chuck" behind the scenes at his recent Teen Vogue photo shoot to tide you over.   

HATE IT! The 51st Grammy Awards

Horrid. Just ... blech! 

Every year, the Grammy's disappoint. The same sort of artists always win. Robert Plant? Gimme a break! And what about the performances ...Jonas Brothers? Ew. And the rap thing with M.I.A., Jay-Z and the lot.... crap. At least it was mildly entertaining watching to see if M.I.A.'s sprog made a splash on stage (it didn't) while she bounced around on her due date. Seriously, she was due to pop on Grammy day! I think they should've given her an award for dedication if for nothing else. 

Is it me, or has Sir Paul had a face lift or five? 

At least Adele and Duffy won awards  - BUT in a pre-televised portion of the awards. Ditto Coldplay and Radiohead. For shame! Can't spare some time for the best acts on the planet during the live show? Nah, but let's see John "media whore" Mayer again. Crappy McCrap.

All I have left to add... bring on the Brits! They know how to do an award show with *real* drama, drunk musicians and fantastic performances. Watch for it, February 18. 

(Duffy photo: Chris Pizello for AP Press)

RATE IT! Ed Westwick - Model

As was mentioned here yonks ago, bad-ass Bass 'Gossip Girl's' "Chuck" -- Ed Westwick, is now shilling for trainer makers, K-Swiss. Take a gander at his modelling shots. Understated, no bells and whistles, just Ed and a microphone, hinting at his double life as the front man for his band, The Filthy Youth.

It works. Oh, yes. But...it has to be said - I'm not really focusing on the shoes.

(photos: K-Swiss)

Sad Anniversary

February 6 is the 51st anniversary of the Munich Air Disaster -- a tragic plane crash that killed 23 passengers including half of the 1958 Manchester United team. Always remember, never forget.

RATE IT! Anti-Theft Lunch Bags

Put your hand up if you've had your lunch stolen from the fridge at work...

Yep! -- puts right hand down -- count me in! I was a victim, oh eight years ago and I'm still p*ssed about it. I mean, who does that? And it's not like I had the most gourmet lip-smacking lunch known to man. A lame sandwich and some carrot sticks! Guess lunch stealers just don't discriminate, gladly lifting even the most boring, run-of-the-mill meal.

Worry be gone! Now you can arm your lunch properly with the anti-theft lunch bag! These clear plastic sealers come with a green icky fake-mould splotch on both sides so it looks like your ham & cheese is growing a healthy science experiment. Fear no more! With these baggies, your lunch will be happily waiting for your return. Genius!

RATE IT! 2010 Olympic Goodies

The 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver may be a year away but the sporty shop is now open for business!

Choose from all sorts of fabulous swag! Clothes, bags, pet wear...and an assortment of adorable products featuring the official mascots. Unlike Beijing's Summer Games which featured the ugliest games' mascots we've seen in years, the Vancouver extravaganza has four different creatures that both kids and adults will love.

Check out MukMuk - he's the mascot for Vancouver Island. What is MukMuk? He's a marmot, one of the most endangered mammals in the world. While he's not officially one of the three *main* mascots, he's tagging along for the ride with plenty of goodies available to buy on the official Vancouver 2010 website.

RATE IT! Ice Cream Tote

Finding cool gear with an ice cream motif is a bit sticky. Sure, there are many shirts and pieces of jewelry out there, but very few meet with my standards. I consider myself a dessert connosieur -- after all, I do plan my meals backwards, planning on what dessert to have, then planning the meal accordingly -- and the artwork can make or break the item. Shoddy images will result in the product being left on the shelf - untouched. 

No need to worry with what's being served up today! This tote from Shana-Logic takes the cake! The chocolate fudge-icle & the soft-serve vanilla cone are a lovely pair, sweet & kooky -- adorably rendered but in no way overdone. 

Final verdict: I, scream....you scream, we all scream for ice cream! Oh, yes please.

RATE IT! Stitch Trailer

Sure, this trailer is from 2002, seven years ago (7!! That long ago!) but it's still funny. LOVE Stitch! One of the best characters to come from the Disney stables in a very long time. Enjoy!

RATE IT! Hot Gossip

Seems the rumours of 'Gossip Girl' co-stars Ed Westwick (Chuck) & Jessica Szohr (Vanessa) hooking up *are* true. Here's the proof!

(photos: live journal via NYMag)

RATE IT! He's Just Not That Into You

This coming Friday sees the release of one of the most eagerly awaited chick flicks in ages. Based on the best seller, "He's Just Not That Into You" boasts a veritable who's who of pre-baby boomer tinsel town all tossed together on the silver screen: Jennifer Aniston, Drew Barrymore, Scarlett Johansson, Justin Long, Ben Affleck, Jennifer Connelly, Kevin Connolly, Bradley Cooper, Ginnifer Goodwin.... *whew** Exhausting. Can I stop naming co-stars now?

Sure, it's not deep like 'Milk' and won't get nominated for Oscars like 'Slumdog Millionaire' but it will elicit plenty of laughs and sometimes that's all we really need. Opens February 6.

HATE IT! Ew. February Blizzard Faux Pas

Yes, it's the moment you've all been waiting for - the unveiling of the February Dairy Queen Blizzard of the Month. 

Ah, best to keep on waiting. This one looks horrid. Choco Cherry Love, is its name. One disgusting flavour seems to be its game. DQ state that those red fleshy blobs are real cherry chunks. Am I the only one who feels compelled to gag?

Granted, the colour of this Blizz is appropriate for Valentine's month but still .... I won't be showing this concoction any love. Blech.

RATE IT! Ray Guns Are Not Just the Future

With my iPod blaring the new Franz Ferdinand non-stop, I definitely am in need of something a little less frantic. Ask and you shall receive! Thank my lucky stars, The Bird & the Bee have a new release from last week too!

Poppy, chilled out fun with a retro twist. Charming and sweet. And surprisingly, a tune about "Diamond" David Lee Roth is tucked in for good measure! I highly recommend this lovely aural treat -- and be sure to check out their back catalogue. There's even more to swoon over!

For more on The Bird and the Bee, click here.

RATE IT! Nick & Norah on DVD Today

A music-filled geeky romance amidst the dark streets of late night New York City - Count me in! 

Been there, done that and have the t-shirt! For a celluloid perspective, check out 'Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist' released today on DVD. Perfect viewing to warm you up on a cold winter's night.

RATE IT! Snowbound London

London, England -- home of damp, often rainy winters? Think again! The nation's capital ~ and many other areas in the UK ~ have been getting more than their fare share of the white stuff over the past 24-48 hours. England often gets a dusting here & there of snow, but the 5-10cm that has prettily decorated the country is virtually unheard of nowadays. People were stuck at home, kids got to experience a rare snow day, and London shut down all of its buses and most of the Underground.

As a Canadian, it's easy to sit back and have a hearty laugh at how the Brits are handling this minimal amount of precip, but one only has to think for a moment: they are not equipped to deal with *any* snow! Plows and salters -- virtually non-existent in Blighty. And where do they pile that snow, when and IF they can get to shovel/plow it? Britain is home to many a crazy narrow street especially in older towns and cities. Sure, we can scoff at how everything has been shut down as a result but spare a thought for how tricky a situation it is when you're hit with weather that you just never get. Kinda like if Toronto had a hurricane - or a mud slide.

I hope the Brits aren't just slipping & sliding about, but also enjoying how pretty this snowfall is! Just gorgeous! Check out these photos - picture postcards of a snowy London town.

(photos: Reuters from the Telegraph.co.uk website)

RATE IT! New Gossip Girl - Tonight

Roll on, February!! The Valentine's month brings February sweeps - a time when TV is on top of its game with plenty of new episodes and eye-catching story lines -- or so they hope! 

Last week was just dire with all shows pretty much in repeat...but not this week. Most programs are back in the mix, and 'Gossip Girl' is front and centre tonight. Can't wait!

Meanwhile, it seems that a few of the show's stars were keeping active...here's Penn Badgely and Blake Lively at one of the corporate events for the Super Bowl this past weekend in Florida.

(photo: Getty)

RATE IT! Raining Cats & Dogs

It may still be Winter, but Spring is not that far off the horizon. Heck, today is Groundhog Day so perhaps the little furry fellas will scramble outside and predict blue skies and warm breezes in our near future. Well, a girl can hope!

In the meantime, why not get set for all the joys that Spring brings - even showers! Rain in the Spring is so much easier to tolerate when you have a fun umbrella to keep you dry and smiling. Raining cats and dogs? We've got you covered! The giddy gang at Gama-Go offer this pet friendly umbrella. Cute but subtle as the print is on the inside. Genius!

RATE IT! Enchanted April -- Available. FINALLY!

Finally!!! The movie gem that we've been deprived of viewing on DVD is *finally* set for its disc release!! I was complaining about its absence from shop shelves just a few weeks back.

'Enchanted April' is available now on pre-order from Amazon.com! The film will be in shops on May 5! That date cannot arrive soon enough!

HATE IT! Super Bore

It's Super Bowl weekend in the States.

Meh! Like I care! 

Like my mother says, "Why do they call it football when they don't touch it with their feet?"

Yes, Mum....why? Give me proper football -- SOCCER -- as it's called *only* in North America. 

NFL -- overpaid, overfed, overly boring. *yawn*