RATE IT! Champions League/Zoey of the Week

UEFA's Champions League racks up again today... my whole day is being scheduled around the Manchester United/Wolfsburg clash. Ah, the joys of working for yourself! Footie in the afternoon.

With Zoey, my Schipperke puppy, playing a permanent starring role in the *new* animated Lose That Girl header, I'm starting a new post category: Zoey of the Week. Since she loves her tiny soccer/footie ball, it's fitting that she appear today ready and kitted out in her United attire, as you do.

HATE IT! Glee is Twee

I'm surrounded by people who are just in a tizzy over the new comedy series, 'Glee.'

Some love the popular tunes given the 'Glee' club treatment, others can't get enough of the empowered nerd herd.

Me, I find it twee, the songs over-produced in a tear your hair out 'High School Musical' style, and the nerd thing... been there, done that. It has moments of hilarity but I just find the whole thing grating.

A Year Ago on Lose That Girl

~~ DQ Ice Cream Bank

Saving not for a rainy day.... but a blizzard!

RATE IT! Guardians of Being

Renowned spiritual author, Eckhart Tolle & 'Mutts' comic strip genius, Patrick McDonnell have teamed up to create 'Guardians of Being', a joyous romp through heartfelt life lessons taught by the family pet.

On first glance, the pairing of Tolle and McDonnell seems odd, but just thumbing through their book, it becomes crystal clear that they were made for each other. Tolle teaches about the importance of living in the now --- something that our dogs & cats do exquisitely. McDonnell's art, focused mainly on beloved canines, is simple but powerful, conveying emotions that spring off the page.

We all need to stop the rat race and sniff the air, watch the birds & think about what's truly important. 'Guardians of Being' is the perfect treat for all.

RATE IT! Away We Go

Sam Mendes' latest offering arrives on DVD today -- 'Away We Go', starring John Krasinksi and Maya Rudolph.

I love Maya! SNL hasn't been the same since she departed...and John, well it goes without saying what I think of him!

I missed this flick in the theatres and am really hyped about the DVD release. All the ingredients are there for a gem. Not your typical rom-com, that's for certain.

RATE IT! Our New Look!

It may be rainy and horrid outside, but it's all blue skies and joy inside Lose That Girl!

Welcome to our unique, updated look!

A HUGE thank you must go out to Andy at Flash Booty, who created the wicked animation of Zoey and myself, and to Darren for the wallpaper, fonts & all the difficult technical tricks of the trade. I love the new space & feel right at home and hope you do too!

I'm still tweaking a few things so please bear with me during the final moments of our metamorphosis.

Speaking of Zoey, here's the little Schipperke monster dog that inspired the cartoon... 6 months of crazy but she's adorable with it!

RATE IT! Bride of Mad Men

The absolutely stunning Christina Hendricks, Joan from 'Mad Men', graces the cover of the latest 'InStyle Weddings' magazine.

Isn't she gorgeous?

It's wonderful to see an actress who isn't a starving size nothing getting plenty of success & all the attention that goes with it. I just hope that Christina's upcoming real life marriage is happier & healthier than that of her TV character, Joan.

RATE IT! Gossip Girl Season 3-Ep. 2 Sneak Peek

Trouble in rich kid paradise? The world would fall off its axis if Blair and Chuck didn't fight. Can't wait for tonight's episode.

Apparently the ratings for the GG premiere were down from usual estimates -- I blame that f-ugly annoying spawn of Lily and Rufus. He's creepy!

RATE IT! Flash Forward

Did you happen to catch the premiere of ABC's new "Lost"-alike, 'Flash Forward' last Thursday? I recorded it in my PVR and only just had time to watch it last night.

It's really cool! Much like "Lost", it's a time warp of intrigue and freaky occurrences. Based on a Canadian novel by Robert J. Sawyer (props to a fellow Canuck!), 'FF' looks to be one of the best bets for TV survival. When all of mankind falls unconscious for a spell of 2:17, the world as we know it stops, or does it? Upon waking, everyone realizes that they experienced a flash forward into the future to the same day, April 29, 2010. Was it a dream, a premonition? Suddenly, deja vu seems so last year!

Focusing on the great unknown -- the future -- something that we all fret about, 'Flash Forward' is engaging and addictive. Will those frightened by their glimpse into the future be able to change their fate? We'll just have to keep watching to find out!

It's great to see Brit film actor, Joseph Fiennes on US TV -- although it's odd to hear his American accent. The actress who played Penny on "Lost" shares screen time with Joe, and was that really 'Family Guy' creator, Seth McFarlane in the FBI powwow scene? And Dominic Monaghan shows up in the second episode furthering 'FF's brotherhood with the aforementioned "Lost."

Any way you slice it, 'Flash Forward' is a hit in my books. Can't wait for the next ep. And how many people spotted the Oceanic airline poster during the surveillance scene?

RATE IT! Jim and Pam

All together now, "Awwwww!"

Jim and Pam from 'The Office' adorning this week's 'Entertainment Weekly' magazine.

TV's nicest couple are due to walk down the aisle on Thursday, October 8 on NBC. Let's hope that Michael Scott doesn't mess up the proceedings too badly.

RATE IT! Mad Men Sneak Peek -- Episode 307

Not a lawn mower in sight...

RATE IT! Puffins!

I have a soft spot for National Geographic. I grew up with the magazine in my house & my Dad still has a subscription to this day. One of the best TV jobs that I've had involved working for National Geographic Channel here in Canada. Nat Geo internationally does so much good, raising awareness about our planet and all of its inhabitants.

Here's a Nat Geo clip focusing on the plight of Iceland's puffin population. Puffins have such an appealing clown-like face -- much more interesting than your run of the mill penguins. Sadly, the puffins are having a tough time of it in Iceland. Come to Atlantic Canada, I say!

RATE IT! Smiling Sweets Notepad

Smiley ice creams, cakes & ice lollies = an automatic "RATE IT" in my dessert-obsessed mind.

The perfect conduit to write sweet nothings.

RATE IT! Pencil Sharpener Organization

Do kids these days even *know* what this thing is?

Before pencils go the way of the dinosaur, check out this nifty, rather LARGE pencil sharpener moonlighting as a catch-all for your desk's office supplies.

Stay sharp!

RATE IT! Musical Tube Map

Some people prefer Paris, others Rome...but in the beautiful lyrics of Saint Etienne, London belongs to me. I *love* London... more than any other place on the planet. The history, pop culture references, I just can't get enough.

I've always been a fan of the London Underground - the Tube - which probably does make me a silly tourist in some people's books. Perhaps if I lived there, I wouldn't hold the transportation network in such high esteem. Regardless of how you feel about the rounded subway trains and the Cadbury vending machines on station platforms, you can't really argue about the iconic status of the Tube's map, originally crafted back in 1933 by Harry Beck. It's cool. Cool enough to adorn mugs, t-shirts and posters. In my search for my own poster, I came across this different take on the Undergound grid. In 2006, Dorian Lynskey of the Guardian newspaper devised the map with musical artists appearing in the place of the traditional station names (for example, Pimlico station --- one of my fave areas of London -- is rendered as disco stalwarts, Chic).

Blending music and the Tube map = pure genius in my books! Two of my loves together! Is it any surprise that I ordered my copy minutes after my discovery? Yeah, the poster has been around for a few years, but it's new to me and I adore it. Shame there's no Duran Duran on here, and there's far too much rap included for my liking but Saint Etienne, Depeche Mode, and Blur did get a look in, so it's still a winner in my eyes.

You can order a copy of this poster from the London Transport Museum here.

RATE IT! Bungee Bird Feeder

It's about time someone had a laugh with garden accessories! In this case, the hilarity is for the birds -- literally!

Feed your backyard's feathered friends and have a giggle while you're at it.

RATE IT! DVD Treats a Plenty

Bumper crop of DVD releases today in North America.

For TV fans, season releases of 'The Mentalist' (season 1), '30 Rock' (season 3), and 'Ugly Betty' (season 3) are all out today. And so is 'The Ghost Whisperer' ...but the least said about that and its super silly dead husband storyline, the better!

There's a lot of 'Star Trek' stuff out today too, but as a non-Trekkie, I'd rather opt to save some couch time to watch the latest 'Wallace & Gromit' flick, 'A Matter of Loaf or Death.'

A Year Ago on Lose That Girl

~~ September 22 is...

Special "holiday" days are not just limited to dead Presidents & religious events! 

RATE IT! This Shirt Speaks for Itself

There's no escaping it. Monday has dragged its weary butt back into frame.

Here's a t-shirt perfect for days like today... why speak when your shirt can do it for you.

Alternatively, you might prefer this gem.

RATE IT! Oprah Goes Mad (Men) on Monday

Tonight's TV viewing is not only stellar because Sunday = 'Mad Men' but also because the Emmy Awards happen this evening. I'm hoping that Jon Hamm's gang walk away oh, so fashionably with all the silverwear, leaving the comedy trinkets for the equally wonderful and deserving Tina Fey and her '30 Rock.'

Speaking of which, is Oprah having a premonition about tonight's festivities? Does she think that 'Mad Men' will cart away everything tonight too, because she has Jon & January Jones on her show tomorrow. She's throwing a 60s themed party complete with music, fashion and all sorts of enticing fun. Clearly, she doesn't realize that just having pretty Jon Hamm is more than enough to get all us ladies in a tizzy.

Thanks Gabby for the tip!

RATE IT! United for Derby

Derby day in Manchester -- and the good guys -- *my guys* -- WON!

Love my team, love Sir Alex Ferguson's celebration (and G-Nev's too!), and love new recruit, Michael Owen - a true Red Devil if there ever was one! Scoring the winner at just the right time with seconds remaining. Super subbing at its finest.

Tevez, on the other hand, money doesn't buy you happiness or success. Red was more your colour than blue but hey.... you had your chance.

(photos: Reuters {Sir Alex}, Getty {M. Owen})

A Year Ago on Lose That Girl

~~ Superstars in Lego

Who says celebrities are all plastic and fake? 

HATE IT! Jennifer Aniston...Singing

Yep... she did go for a warble.... or at least tried to on Ellen DeGeneres' show yesterday.

Dogs everywhere cried out in pain. Please.... for the love of our beloved pets... make - it - STOP!

RATE IT! Mike Flowers Pops: Wonderwall

It's Friday! After a tough slog of a week, we all deserve some brainless, musical cheese.

This one is especially for YOU, Noel Gallagher...

RATE IT!/HATE IT! The Good Wife

While Summer is hesitant to pack it in and head into the sunset, the same cannot be said for the Fall TV schedule, elbowing its way into view. Returning series are already robustly premiering their new seasons while new series are eagerly and somewhat impatiently waiting to debut. One newcomer getting much press attention is 'The Good Wife' (CBS, Sept. 22 @ 10pm).

Starring Julianna Margulies (formerly Carole Hathaway of 'ER') and Chris Noth (Mr. Big!!), the drama focuses on a fallen politician (Noth), caught in a tawdry sex scandal, begging the public for forgiveness. His wife (Margulies), stands by silently as the ever faithful spouse despite the unbearable glare of public humiliation. When her cheat of a husband is packed off to prison, she's left to pick up the family pieces & re-enter the work world she abandoned a decade earlier. Angry and bitter about her hubby's extracurricular activities, Margulies' character doesn't have time for major revenge -- she's got kids to feed, bills to pay -- but it's always there...simmering, eating away at her...

Sound enticing? On the surface, this program seems to have the recipe for ratings success: two talented, and well-liked lead actors; a mix of sex, scandal and politics on the agenda -- a story virtually ripped from news headlines (looking at you, Eliot Spitzer) -- and an expected on-the-cusp-of-revenge scenario just waiting to break out. Or will it?

I haven't seen a screener but I have read plenty about this series.... and from the looks of things, the wife doesn't really get down and dirty in the revenge stakes. She gets on with life, works her butt off to become a success and other than a passing slap across hubby's face, getting payback unfortunately, isn't on the cards -- much.

Bummer. Payback is such good viewing, so I think someone at the helm has missed the explosive ratings boat here. For a series that shows such promise (and gets a partial 'rate it' from me for cast alone), it really seems that the Producers and CBS took the staid, easy way out. Unlike the excellent British mini-series, 'The Politician's Wife' (starring the incredible Juliet Stevenson), this Noth-Margulies vehicle is stuck in watered down relationship inertia. In the Brit series, the wronged wifey (Stevenson), plots to get her own back on her adulterous spouse at all costs. Karma baby, oh yes .... it's here in spades! It's juicy and oh, so satisfying viewing. There's no doubt as to how she feels and the viewer gets to ride along on her coat-tails as she triumphs despite her rotten husband. No wishy-washy making nice, just plain ol' feel good revenge. 'The Politician's Wife' is definitely worth spending several hours with, hunkered down in front of the TV -- 'The Good Wife' ...I'm not so sure. For now, I'm only halfway there to a full 'rate it.' Right now, I'm kinda turning to 'hate it.'

Hopefully all the press is slightly off the mark and I will actually love it. Here's hoping but I'm not holding my breath.

RATE IT! Mad Men Sneak Peek -- Episode 306

An invasion of even more Brits but more importantly, LOVE the assembled cast in all their 1960s finery!

HATE IT! Love Happens

Have you seen the snorefest of a trailer that is Jennifer Aniston's latest, "Love Happens"?

It's groundhog day all over again for dear Jenn.... bland rom-com goo, woman hopeless at love, featuring a generic love interest (sorry Aaron fans, but he's just kinda there...not hot, not cool, just there), etc.... etc.... etc....*yawn*

And *obviously* with a title like "Love Happens", it will, at some point during its 90 minutes, all playing out like a movie we've all seen time & time again....where the popcorn is as stale as the dialogue and the acting.

Love may happen, but so does shit....and I think I know what would have been the better title.

RATE IT! PB + Jelly Sandwich Plush

A few weeks back, we had the pleasure of an introduction to smiley plush toast. Well, now I have some new starchy pals that must meet your acquaintance.

Ladies and gents, here's Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich.

Fresh from the creative mind of artist Heidi Kenney & her My Paper Crane shop, you can treat yourself to plush donuts, cinnamon rolls, fruit, veggies -- all overstuffed with personality.

Be free to indulge without any pesky calories.

RATE IT! Mattress Wallet

With all the financial fear circulating out there (still!) looks like the notion of stashing your cash in your mattress has caught on.

Literally!

And now you can take it with you -- meet the mattress wallet. Cash comfort at its silly best. 

RATE IT! Gossip Girl Season 3 Premiere TONIGHT

Please do not call me after 9pm this evening as I will be otherwise engaged.

Gossip Girl, season 3 debuts tonight! New characters, new schemes...Blair & Chuck, oh have we missed you!

(photo: the CW)

RATE IT! Plushy Robot with Headphones

Even robots need a soundtrack to their lives.

Take this big guy -- 14 inches tall, rockin' the tunes and a big smile. He's sure not listening to Morrissey, let me tell ya.

RATE IT! Early List of SNL Hosts

With just over two weeks to go until 'Saturday Night Live' kicks off its 35th season on September 26, their guest hosts & musical guests for the first 4 shows have been announced:

Saturday, September 26 ~ Megan Fox & U2

Saturday, October 3 ~ Ryan Reynolds & Lady Gaga

Saturday, October 10 ~ Drew Barrymore & Regina Spektor

Saturday, October 17 ~ Gerrard Butler & Shakira

Not bad. Could care less about Megan Fox -- no doubt the male staffers at SNL will be drooling over that one. Looking forward to Ryan Reynolds - and I'm still holding out hope that Jon Hamm will be invited back again. His appearance last season was one of the best episodes in a very long time.

(photo: InStyle.com)

RATE IT! Mad Men Sneak Peek -- Episode 305

Family troubles in Sunday's 'Mad Men'. What else is new!

RATE IT! Happy TV Tank Top

Well, a-ha did sing ever so sweetly in the 80s that the 'Sun Always Shines on TV'.

If only! Shame it doesn't really -- especially for those of us who have worked in the industry for some time only to be either laid off completely or shuffled over to a different (soul destroying) position.

It's not fun working in TV at the mo', but at least this cute tank top keeps the faith and a smile in these tough times.

HATE IT! Ellen New Idol Judge

Ellen Degeneres has been named as Paula Abdul's replacement on 'American Idol.'

I find this choice really surprising!!

Sure, Ellen is very enthusiastic, loves music and is occasionally funny -- but she has no music industry experience, no special insight to offer the participants or viewers! She's so 'white bread' bland too. I don't think she offers anything original or interesting to the program. If the Producers were looking to replicate the nicey-nice of Paula, they've done that in spades, but part of Paula's charm was that she was so train wreck-fabulous to watch. Would she be drunk? High? Both? Would Simon fight with her on air? Or flirt? Well, with Ellen, none of this delicious viewing will be on the agenda. She'll just be...well, Ellen! Kinda bland, boring and please! someone tell her...no dancing allowed!

The one thing that Ellen DOES bring to the Idol table is a fan-like love of music. She's like the average viewer, ultimately.... someone with no working knowledge of the biz but just an honest to goodness appreciation for what they like to listen to. Not such a bad thing. It just won't make great television, that's all.

(photo: google)

RATE IT! Brief Interviews with Hideous Men

A *fantastic* title!

Check out John Krasinski's directorial debut with this trailer for 'Brief Interviews with Hideous Men.' It looks so promising! I really REALLY hope it's as stellar as the trailer hints it to be.

'Brief Interviews...' will stalk theatres in late September.

A Year Ago on Lose That Girl

~~ Nerf Weaponry

Even fave toys of yesteryear grow up -- so it seems -- and it's not necessary a good thing!

HATE IT! Obama Interferes...Again

An open letter to President Barack Obama...

Why, oh why Mr. President do you keep stepping on our prime time television programming in order to broadcast your latest musings on American TV? You speak to your nation more than any other U.S. head honcho, and this Canadian is kinda, well.... sick of it.

With the American networks all in a tizzy over you still, I guess there's no hope that they'll put their programming agenda first and push your pretty face solely to the cable news outlets. I really don't want to hear about your chat with American students, or why your administration hates Fox News...I just want my prime time TV uninterrupted by yet another self-important publicity campaign for your administration.

The only salvation.... you chose Wednesday -- not Tuesday or Thursday, hence avoiding the elbowing of 'Big Brother' out of the way. Perhaps Michelle watches Julie Chen & co.? Whatever the reason, thank goodness for small mercies. Now, please go away.

RATE IT! World Cup Qualifiers

With summer ending and fall peeking around the corner, the drive to qualify for the 2010 World Cup is heating up.

England hope to clinch their berth in next summer's tourney in South Africa today when they meet Croatia this afternoon/evening. Croatia has proved tricky for the boys so here's hoping Rooney, Lampard, Becks and the gang are firing on all cylinders...and don't forget to finish!

ENG-ER-LAND!

(photo: Reuters)

RATE IT! Ice Age's Scrat in PEZ

The unsung hero of the 'Ice Age' movie franchise, Scrat is now forever safe from harm.... as a PEZ dispenser. 

Have no fear, Scrat -- that acorn is going nowhere. 

(photo: Flickr)

RATE IT! Hoarders

It feels oh, so wrong.... but I can't help it!

I've become addicted to watching A&E's "Hoarders." I feel for the people featured, really I do. Uncontrollable saving of past-due food, rotting garbage, never worn clothes, unruly paper documents... for whatever reason, these collectors cannot stop their excessive behaviour.

A&E has a bunch of episodes all queued up this evening, perfect late Labour Day viewing. My PVR is all geared up and ready to grab them all. While I'm publicly watching last season's finale of 'Gossip Girl', I'll be secretly hoarding all the "Hoarders" episodes (as my better half cheekily pointed out). Can't wait.

RATE IT! Mad Men Sneak Peek -- Episode 304

Tag.... you're it!

RATE IT! Oreo Cookie Jar Blizzard

The arrival of September brings many things... the return of the dreaded school year, the advent of earlier sunsets (damn!) and the Fall TV season. Best of all, the ninth month blows in with a new Blizzard of the Month, making all this change a little easier to stomach.

Meet the Oreo Cookie Jar Blizzard!! 

I've never ever met this dream come true before. Is it new? It's new to me... and I am salivating waiting to become well acquainted. September's Blizzard offers up Oreo pieces, gooey cookie dough and creamy fudge all in one taste sensation. So kind of DQ to present a Blizzard of such comforting joy at such a time of transition. 

HATE IT! New Last Days of Disco DVD Art

'Last Days of Disco' is one of my all-time FAVOURITE movies!! Yes, I love it that much! It's this brilliantly acted slice of Manhattan life in the late 70s/early 80s when disco was taking its last glittery gasp. 

It's never been officially confirmed but the movie hints that the 'Club' so rabidly attended in the story was a pseudo take on the famous Studio 54 in NYC - all decadent, hard-to-get-into velvet rope fun. Kate Beckinsale portrays an overtly snotty bitch of a girl. A passive aggressive bully to her supposed bestie played by Chloe Sevingy. The gals toil by day mired in their first proper post-college jobs in book publishing as lowly paid assistants, while by night they faithfully dance, drink & make the scene at the 'Club.' Who cares if you make next to nothing during office hours when you can feel important enough at night to skip the line up at the hottest nightclub in the city? It definitely helps when you know who runs the joint!

Anyone who loves a film with a wickedly brilliant script will adore this movie. It's clever, laugh out loud funny and features one of the best soundtracks of the era. An all around terrific movie -- one that I can watch (and do) over and over...and over again. You know you have it bad when you & your best friend can relay the dialogue back and worth with the greatest of ease.

So it was of great interest to me to see that Criterion, the movie distribution company with a rep for handling arty, critically acclaimed movies, was releasing an edition of 'Last Days of Disco'. The new issue includes the trailer, deleted scenes, a making of featurette and more! All good!! But...they kinda took a giant stumble with the cover art. It's HORRID!

Check it out. The original cover was graced by a colourful screenshot of Kate and Chloe in character doing the hustle or some other disco-centric strut. Makes sense, right? Well, the Criterion re-do (on the right) has this pale, craggy looking drawing. It's supposed to be Kate and Chloe taken from a scene in the club's ladies room. Its style is out of place. It looks like it's from the 1920s or something. It's dreadful! It sends the wrong impression about this lively, engaging movie. From this questionable 'art', this film could be about prohibition! No drugs or alcohol, or sex here! For a movie company that gets it right so many times, how on earth did they get this one so wrong?

A Year Ago on Lose That Girl

~~ Give Kate a Break!

A year on since my original post, and Kate Middleton still can't do anything right! The girl is trying her hand at a new career possibility ~ photography ~ but the complaints leveled against "Waity Katy' today sound identical to those snarled about her last year. 

RATE IT! Gossip Girl Season 3 -- Spoiler

Now we *all* know what Serena did this summer. Sort of. Photos would have been nice, thanks.

Great to see that the writers are current with their paparazzi flavours du jour (Cristiano Ronaldo, anyone?).

RATE IT! Living Etc. Magazine

I've been a fan of this British home decor magazine for some time now, and with the untimely demise of the American 'Domino' magazine, 'Living Etc' is pretty much *it* for funky modern design ideas.

Colourful and chock full of ideas, this magazine isn't a snotty Better Homes and Gardens affair. It's cool, fun and practical. Some may say that it's a drawback to enjoy a magazine that features so many products that are not available in my own neck of the woods, but the geography problem doesn't bother me too much. The magazine is just SO fantastic -- many of the sources are reachable via the net -- and for items that are either too large or pricey, I just enjoy the view!

RATE IT! Princess Margaret PSA

Princess Margaret Hospital in downtown Toronto is already lauded worldwide for its unparalleled care of cancer patients as well as its achievements in cancer research.

Now they're getting more acclaim for this new public service announcement that is both moving and informative. Real people. Real doctors. Simply brilliant -- and the use of The Verve's "Bittersweet Symphony" is perfect.