RATE IT! DQ's Largest Cake!

Ah, to be in Canada's capital!

Tomorrow, June 30 -- one day before Canada's birthday on July 1st -- Dairy Queen, the brilliant brains behind BLIZZARDS!! -- will be marking Canada's festivities with the largest EVER Dairy Queen ice cream cake! Want some?? Do I have to ask?

Just pop by Confederation Park in Ottawa around noon tomorrow, and nab yourself some creamy frozen joy! Donations to the Children's Miracle Network will be gladly accepted so you won't feel *too* guilty about partaking in some decadent dessert fun. And it's for Canada's birthday... so you HAVE to indulge!

Wish I was there! Have a slice or two for me, okay?

RATE IT! Overheard in.....

Eavesdroppers unite!

Here's a series of web sites that were made just for you!

'Overheard in New York' -- 'Overheard in the Office' .... and at the beach and more!

These sites capture snippets of the silly, mundane and plain outlandish conversations. Worth a read with none of the guilt of being caught earwigging in person! Subscribe & have the 10 best quotes emailed to you weekly.

The folks behind these sites also have a few books circulating out there (last printed in 2008) as well if you'd like to take these real soundbites with you.

RATE IT! There's More Snakes Than Ladders

I can't be the only child of the 80s who loved this song by Captain Sensible... can I?

Any song about a fave childhood board game *has* to be fab! Watch for the gargantuan Wheetabix.

RATE IT! Viktor & Rolf Luggage

I love me a funky piece of luggage! Yep, I'm a big travel accessory geek and am always on the look out for some cool gadgets and cases to tote about my wares on holiday.

My latest fave: the Viktor and Rolf Black Label line for Samsonite.

Retro-esque airplanes adorn their fancy pants line for the famous travel retailer. Sure to put a smile on your face at the luggage pick-up point!

HATE IT! Horror Movie Shower Curtain

Is it me or is this shower curtain & bath mat combo just a bit much?

'Psycho' fans -- I know your answer already.

HATE IT! Long Wait for Gossip Girl DVDs

With the Gossip Girl fabulous season two ender well in the bag on this side of the pond, I was hoping that the DVD set would be released soon-ish so we could relive the magic (Chuck! Blair!) and the tragic (Little J, fashion designer) -- but no.

The set isn't due to drop 'til August 18. Oh, what to do until then?

At least it's something to look forward to as the season 3 premiere isn't slated until Monday, September 14 in its new 9pm timeslot.

A Year Ago on Lose That Girl

~~ Misadventures of Margaret

A soundtrack for all seasons - yep, it's THAT good!

RATE IT! Ed Westwick in GQ

Our favourite TV bad boy plays dress-up in the July 2009 'GQ' magazine.

Oh, yes please!

Image: Gossipgirlinsider.com

HATE IT! LC: Esteemed Author

Pu-lease......Lauren Conrad, 'Hills' airhead, author?

Ghost writer, anyone?

Image: nymag.com

RATE IT! Easter Island Pez

LOVE IT!! Who knew? And you thought the statues were just ancient stone faces! Look what they can do!

Image by Jeremy Kramer & Eric Vaughn

A Year Ago on Lose That Girl

~~ Gary Neville Gets "Punked"

A (somewhat) oldie, but a goodie! Special guest appearance by PFA's Player of the Year, Ryan Giggs. I love Gaz, but even I find it hilarious to see that the joke's on him courtesy of teammate Rio Ferdinand. 

HATE IT! Cristiano is Leaving Us

You know how some news is just too hard to take...

I'm still trying to get my head around the fact that Manchester United's star winger, Cristiano Ronaldo IS truly REALLY - it's no joke this time - LEAVING the club for the glam footballer realm of Real Madrid. Geez, just what that club needs, another massive ego. I think they might need a larger dressing room.

United fans have known it was going to happen *sometime*.... the timing was never sure, but the rumours have always been constant, the signs of Cris' want to depart for more sunny climes ever present. Just check out that sneer in the photo to the right. If I was his teammate, John O'Shea, sat beside him, I'd want to smack that look of disgust off his overly tanned visage. United gave Cristiano the worldwide platform to show his talent, to win overflowing armfuls of silverware --- no, no, NO Cris! Looking annoyed while at United is just not allowed. And thus, it is truly time for him to go...

It was fun while it lasted. And I have to offer a big heartfelt thanks for all that Cris did while a Red Devil. Now he can do step-overs into the Spanish sunset to his heart's content. Best of luck with Real - although, really I can't see you doing much better than you had done in Manchester, Cris. 

United will survive -- they always do! One player does not make THIS team. 

HATE IT! Garfield the Cat Day

I'm all for funky "holiday" days... National Chocolate Chip Day, National Waffle Day, Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day. Yep, they're all silly, but they also make the month a little brighter. And if you can't celebrate the little things in life, then .... you're in trouble!

One day, however, has me irked. June 19 is Garfield the Cat Day. 

I am not a cat person & I normally wouldn't let my prejudice stand in the way of such an occasion -- but if Snoopy doesn't have his own day, then I just cannot have Garfield Day. 

No way, Jose. 

(photo: google image)

HATE IT! Bacon Wallet

All together now....

EW!!!!!

Seriously? Unless you are a nine year old boy, I can't see why anyone would want to tote this gross thing around. 

It's from Fred Flare if the sight of cold overly processed meat doesn't turn you off.

A Year Ago on Lose That Girl

~~ Perfect Book for Summer 

Summer is beckoning... and here's a lovely girlie read for warm nights when anything seems possible. 

RATE IT! Doggie Office Supplies

You don't have to be an animal lover to add some whimsey to your office.

Cute doggie bone paperclips and push pins! Just be sure to keep them safe away from your four legged friends!

RATE IT! One Week ~ Out Today

Best movie of the year -- I still stand by that declaration! If you missed this wonderfully moving film during its theatrical release you are in luck as "One Week" is out on DVD in Canada this fair day. 

Enjoy!

RATE IT! Pizza Slicer

When everyday items get the silly treatment, we all win. What good is daily living if you can't have a giggle along the way?

Take this pizza cutter gone undercover as a buzz saw. Perfect for Father's Day, perfect for pizza lovers with a sense of humour!

RATE IT! Tamsin Archer: Sleeping Satellite

LOVE this song! Tasmin Archer's 'Sleeping Satellite' from the early 90s. Enjoy!

A Year Ago on Lose That Girl

~~ Light Up Your Life

Get your just desserts with this gigantic ice cream cone lamp! Definitely for those with big appetites for whimsical housewares!

RATE IT! Brownie Batter Blizzard

IT'S BACK!!!!!

A Blizz fave is back for the month!

'nuff said!!  You all know how I feel! Don't have time to ponder at length as I'm far too busy enjoying before the month is over!

RATE IT! Marquee Alphabet Lights

If you've always wanted to see your name up in lights, now here's the chance!

Thanks to Urban Outfitters, you can rack up the alphabet on your walls, your bookshelf, anywhere! -- all with a warm, golden glow! 

All letters available! Hurrah!

LTG up in lights -- just gorgeous!

A Year Ago on Lose That Girl

~~ Monsters!

Hmmm.... scary, but in a cute way.

HATE IT! Couture Lollipops

High fashion sugar rush? Couture lollipops? 

Introduce yourself to the Sugar Factory's bedazzled suckers.

Yep, those lollipop sticks come dressed up in jewels and glittery finery.

Hmmm.... this so-called fashion forward take on sugary treats is somewhat off. Don't the super slim avoid sweets at all costs, even if they come decked out in glitz and faux gem stones? Maybe it's just me, but I wouldn't pay double digits for a shiny sucker that was created for Britney's tour or to "celebrate" the Pussycat Dolls. 

I'll pass, thanks and leave the tacky for Paris Hilton and her posse.

RATE IT! Daniel Craig Popsicles

Ice ice baby!

If you've ever wanted to devour the delectable 007, Daniel Craig -- well, now is your chance!

Del Monte in the UK has crafted a limited time-only icy pop of the blonde Bond for your licking pleasure. To mark the UK's national ice cream week, Del Monte brazenly held a poll to select the most yummy man alive, and women overwhelmingly chose Daniel for their oral fixation. 

As a Daniel Craig fan, I applaud this oddity for its unique quality & overall weirdness, but can't see myself actually treating myself to such a popsicle. It's just a bit.... creepy! Very funny, but creepy!

HATE IT! I'm a TV Viewer... Get Me Outta Here

*sigh*

A week ago, I was ever so excited about the prospects for NBC's 'I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here'. As it sometimes happens, life has been ultra busy as of late & I haven't had the chance to watch this reality show staple - but actually that's probably a good thing...

I managed to catch just 10 minutes on a re-feed and ... IT'S HORRIBLE! I'd rather watch paint dry. Truly! Heidi and Spencer -- your 15 minutes were up LONG ago, and the rest of the 'celebs'.... totally Z list, not worth one moment of viewing time *ever*. Not even YOU, Janice Dickinson. Such dull people. Nothing like the UK version which is a total guilty pleasure. 

The casting person should be worried about their job. Yes, the marooned celebs on this show are *that* bad! At least it's nice to know that I'm not missing out on some essential TV viewing. 

A Year Ago on Lose That Girl

~~ Owen Hargreaves Blindfolded

Need I say more? Check out what he can do.

RATE IT! Donut Day

Seriously! Today and well, tomorrow too, are DONUT DAY! It's real.... it really is!

This sugary occasion may be only an American thang but living next door in Canada, I'd like to be neighbourly and mark the special day here too.

Tim Horton's for EVERYONE!

A Year Ago on Lose That Girl

~~ Andy Punches!

SNL's Andy Samberg. Silly, juvenile ... just the way we like him!

RATE IT! Black: Wonderful Life

Time for some Friday video fun -- trolling through the vaults, here's a gem of a tune from the late 1980s. One of my all-time favourites, beautiful song, gorgeous video. Enjoy!

RATE IT! Bar Bingo

Bored of the dating game? Happy Hour, not so festive? Maybe you need to dive into Bar Bingo!

Liven up your bar-fly ways with this old school favourite. Earn points from spying! Pick ups, drunk customers, off-putting PDA, martinis ~ all earn you points on your Bingo board. 

Ignoring your date was never so much fun!

HATE IT! Lite Brite Cubed

Is it me, or is this toy too much of a good thing?

Lite Brite, the popular 70s era "game" where you used mini light bulbs to create designs. Did you have one?

Feeling nostalgic? I'm not. I never had a Lite Brite as a kid so perhaps I'm just bitter that it has returned on steroids as Lite Brite Cubed. 

Now you have not just *one* screen for your artful masterpiece but FOUR! Is this necessary? I think not.

RATE IT! Max Q: Sometimes

The late great Michael Hutchence is best known for his frontman role with INXS but he also had quite the slate of side projects. One of his best - yet little known - was the band, Max Q. 

Formed around 1989, Michael & his mates -- most notably, Ollie Olsen who he met during production of the flick, 'Dogs in Space' -- crafted an album full of unrelenting angst. Feeling a bit unhinged, exploited or fearful in the big bad world? Max Q's album was made for you! 

Unfortunately back in the day, this release didn't get much attention outside of Australia. It's one of my desert island discs and I personally believe it challenges the best works of Michael's full-time band. 

Here's a taster -- 'Sometimes' by Max Q (remix version by Todd Terry).

RATE IT! I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here!

With all the usual TV suspects on hiatis & absent from our screens, it makes the viewing of trashy reality TV all the more.... permitted. Frankly, there's nothing else on! Why go outside and enjoy the warm weather with your friends when you can stay indoors & watch C-list celebs eat spiders and sleep hanging from trees while stranded in the jungle? LOVE IT!

NBC kicks off "I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here" TONIGHT at 8pm, and set those PVRs because the series airs almost *every* night 'til its conclusion on June 24. If you've seen the fan-freakin'-tastic UK version, you know that you're in for a decadent treat of silliness. Who doesn't want to watch Stephen Baldwin eat bugs!? Is there a reality program that this dude won't do? Or Janice Dickinson, or Heidi & Spencer? Nevermind C-list celebs.... I think this lot is pure Z!

I cannot wait! To add some class to proceedings, the US series will be hosted by the lovely Myleene Klass. She's a wonderful TV presenter from the UK (used to be in the pop band, Hear'say with Kym Marsh, she now of 'Coronation Street').