RATE IT! Hallelujah Flash Mob

25 MILLION YouTube views!! That's the amazing count -- so far -- of plays for this glorious 'flash mob' rendition of Hallelujah performed in a Canadian food court.


It's festive, it's enchanting... it makes the holiday season all the more brighter. 


I know the wonderfully talented woman behind this video event (yep, talking about you, Ms. Vickie Fagan!) and it just does my heart good to see such a great person get so much press and attention for her work. 


If you haven't seen the Hallelujah Chorus video, sit back, enjoy and feel all the joy and love of Christmas time. And if you are already a fan, take a break from all the seasonal hustle and bustle, and treat yourself to a repeat viewing. Only a Grinch will find fault with this little piece of heaven.


Merry Christmas! And thanks, Vickie!

RATE IT!/HATE IT! A Rug with a Stamp of Approval

It was bound to happen! The iconic image of the Queen on the British stamp has now been given the interior design treatment. 


This 100% New Zealand wool rug comes in an assortment of colours, and is guaranteed to spruce up your home lickety split. 


I'd order one for my home in a second... what's not to like? Uh, well... there IS one stumbling block - the price. At just shy of 700 pounds ($1,400+ Canadian), this rug is just a bit too dear for my floors and my bank balance!

RATE IT! New Duran Duran TODAY!

Christmas comes early! Duran Duran's latest album is out NOW on iTunes.


Boasting the same name as the recently released free single, 'All You Need is Now' has already climbed atop of the iTunes charts around the globe. Never under estimate the power of Durannies - even us grown up ones!


The album is really catchy despite the somewhat unattractive album art. What's up with that? Duran typically score major points on their excellent album covers. Anyway...


John Taylor has mentioned that tour dates are forthcoming so best to watch the press for the latest news on that score!

RATE IT! Tiny Tree

Yep, I'm a sucker for the Target holiday commercials and here's the other one that tops my list of great Christmas shilling moments. 


And don't forget... if you like the tunes featured in these ads, you can download them for free from Target's website. Merry Christmas, indeed!

RATE IT! Etch A Sketch iPad Case

Aw, it's the perfect marriage of geeky technology and childhood whimsey.


Meet the Etch A Sketch iPad Case -- the officially licenced Etch A Sketch case, don'tcha know. Someone at Etch A HQ was definitely on the ball with this invention! Why cover your Apple tablet with a boring, grown up casing, when you can have this attention grabber instead. 


Shame it doesn't come with the capability to make those gray sludge-coloured drawings of times gone by. 

RATE IT! This Is the End...

The holiday season doesn't only usher in the annual shopping frenzy and terrible weather, it also brings forth all the delicious end of the year magazine review issues. The best on the block (and the least tabloidy) is Entertainment Weekly. 


Once again, they've gone for the cover collage of the year's most notorious celebs. Yay, to Don Draper! Yay, to Jimmy Fallon! And is that a zombie in the upper right corner? Hope so! The world needs more 'Walking Dead', pronto!

RATE IT! Find My Christmas

Target is one of the few American retailers that hasn't invaded the Great White North despite the fact that most Canadians would LOVE to have this dollar-friendly chain entrenched up here. Oh, how you tease us so, you Target execs!


To make our cravings for their cool, well-priced products even more rabid, we DO get to see their fantastic commercials on TV when we tune in to an American channel. Their latest batch of Christmas ads have raised the bar once again. Such lovely holiday vignettes each with a killer soundtrack. My favourite is this clip of a happy couple trying to hide their presents from one another. And the best part of all this Target love, you can download the songs from these ads directly from the Target website. Click here and add a whole lotta Christmas joy to your iPod today!

RATE IT! Bing & Bowie Redux

You knew that it was bound to happen! A remake of the Bing Crosby/David Bowie 'Little Drummer Boy/Peace on Earth' classic.


Leave it to Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly to have a go! From the jokesters at Funny or Die. 

Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy with Will Ferrell & John C. Reilly from Will Ferrell

RATE IT! Punk Rock Tea

Who doesn't like to kick back on the sofa with some cozy slippers and a steaming cup of tea at this time of year? 

If you have a Sex Pistol (or one of their fans) on your Christmas shopping list, you might find this punk themed mug to be just the treat. Complete with safety pin and 'Pretty Vacant' stamped on the side, you could say that this mug rocks! 

RATE IT! Jesus! Holiday Nesting Dolls

If you're looking to add a little levity to your Christmas decor, this timely set of nativity matryoshkas -- or, nesting dolls -- might be perfect for you.

Stack up Joseph, Mary, the three wise men and the baby Jesus. A more clutter free decoration you'll be hard pressed to find!

RATE IT! Paul Rudd on SNL

With his new movie, "How Do You Know" waiting in the wings for a December release, Paul Rudd will be taking to the stage as Saturday Night Live's host this coming weekend. 


A buddy to fellow SNL fave, Jon Hamm, Paul is a guaranteed laugh riot. Remember his last appearance with the Beyonce 'Single Ladies' video? One of the best skits EVER! Oh, and some dude named Paul McCartney is the musical guest too. No pressure!

RATE IT! New Duran Duran Single

Three years after the release of 'Red Carpet Massacre', Duran Duran are back with an early Christmas gift that won't damage your holiday shopping budget - a new single -- FOR FREE!


'All You Need is Now' is available as of today on iTunes worldwide.


The only problem, iTunes hasn't made it easy to find. A simple search by title doesn't pull up the song. Have no fear! I have the solution! Duran posted a link on their Facebook page and if you click here, you will be transported to that link directly. Once there, select the 'view in iTunes' button underneath the logo for the single and you should be magically re-directed to the iTunes download page. You can thank me later!


Duran's new album will be released on December 21 exclusively on iTunes. For purists who prefer a CD or vinyl, such releases will be available in February.


Enjoy!

RATE IT! Reindeer Bites Blizzard

Ho Ho Holiday season treats are coming at us fast and furious! The most welcome of indulgences...the queen of Christmas diet splurges has to be DQ's Reindeer Bites Blizzard.

Um, wait a second... Reindeer Bites? Kinda an odd name! I mean it's not Reindeer 'Bites' as in... bites = terrible... or (perish the thought) as in little pieces of reindeer. Ugh, that's just too ghoulish for contemplation. No, it's Reindeer Bites meaning delicious chunks of caramel, chocolate, coconut and cookie -- all good, all yummy!

No reindeers were harmed in the making of this seasonal Blizzard treat!

Once again, Dairy Queen serves up a delectable early Christmas present! When you're out and about playing Santa for your nearest and dearest, be sure to give yourself the gift of a quiet moment with your very own Reindeer Bites Blizzard.

RATE IT!/HATE IT! Crystalized Katy

With the holiday season upon us, everything is getting the bedazzled treatment - including Katy Perry's lips.


Check out the cover for December's limited edition of 'Harper's Bazaar.' The fashion tome typically issues two covers: one for newsstands, the other for subscribers - so I'm guessing the Swarovski pout is lighting up the mailboxes of loyal subscribers around the globe. 


The photo is quite interesting and certainly unique... but overall, it makes me think of sore, chapped lips. Sorry! 

HATE IT! Dancing Pet Speaker

Remember those plastic dancing flowers from the '90s that would sway to the beat of your radio? Looks like someone thought that idea was the cat's meow and has taken it to a whole new (creepy!) level.


Channel your iTunes playlists through this cat toy. Not only will he amplify your music, but he'll do a little jig too (and most likely give you nightmares for months...). Not a cat lady? There's a dog option too.


Kinda has a possession-meets-taxidermy feel to it so I think that I'll pass.

RATE IT! Oh.... Fuuudge!

Film favourite Ralphie is back on the holiday scene causing trouble as only he can. This homemade fffffuudge company has taken this hilarious moment from 'A Christmas Story' and turned it into a welcome seasonal treat.


Being bad was never so delicious!


From Perpetual Kid.

RATE IT! Holiday Mix

Music geeks and 'High Fidelity' fans unite! Here's the ultimate Christmas greeting card for you!

Don't just send the atypical glad tidings this year - include your top holiday music choices on CD. Slip in your chosen Christmas mix along with the card and give your nearest and dearest the most groovy of holiday greetings. 

RATE IT! Candy Icon

Here's a tasty Christmas treat for the pop culture aficionado on your list.


Selfridges in London is offering this Marilyn Monroe Chocolate Canvas. The famous Warhol print is re-worked completely in chocolate.


The canvas is solid white chocolate, and the colour print in Smarties. 


Enjoy the silverscreen's most popular bombshell and fulfill your sugar rush at the same time!


Also available: chocolate Snakes & Ladders, and Backgammon. Game on!

RATE IT! Cookie for SNL

C'mon Lorne Michaels*! Time to sign up Cookie Monster for a stint as a guest host on Saturday Night Live! He's done the homework (Macarooner! Fake News!) and knows what is expected of him. If an internet campaign worked for Betty White...


*Creator & Exec producer of SNL

Thanks for the link, Gabby!

RATE IT! Gab & Dad: Love and Other Drugs

Looks like Dad is missing but Gab is on form with her latest review, "Love and Other Drugs." Maybe it's best that Dad is AWOL... if the rumour of plenty o' nudity in this film is true. Kinda uncomfy watching that with your Dad sat beside you. Over to you, Gab!

RATE IT! Wallace & Gromit Get Licked

Ah, to live in the UK at Christmastime! Not only do the Brits do the holidays like no one else, they also know how to create a festive postage stamp.


Beloved characters, Wallace & Gromit get licked this Christmas as the Royal Mail's holiday stamps. Choose from a series of adorable designs featuring the Academy Award winners going about their typical Christmas preparations. My fave: Gromit and the giant pudding.

Shame Canada Post never thinks of something so clever and fun!

RATE IT! Added Pulp

Suddenly it feels like 1992 again!


Robbie Williams is back with Take That, Damon Albarn mentioned to NME Magazine that Blur may be recording together next year *and* Pulp are reforming for 2011.

The Britpop-chick in me is thrilled beyond belief! Now if only Pulp would ensure that North American cities were on their reunion tour. Please, Jarvis!


For more info on Pulp's plans, sign up for email updates on their official website.

RATE IT! Birds on a Wire

If you've arrived on my doorstep through a Google search related to Mel Gibson, I'm sorry but you've come to the wrong place. There won't be any punch ups or visions of Goldie Hawn here. 


You WILL discover, however, this really unique photo hanger featuring a flock of blackbird clips. Sitting atop a 36" clothesline-type string, these feathered friends guard your photos, postcards, whatever keepsakes you wish to display. Gives a whole new photographic meaning to "watch the birdie!". Very tweet! (sorry!)

HATE IT! Andy Warhol Christmas

Dog gone it! I so want to LIKE these Andy Warhol Christmas cards but I just *can't*!


First off, there's the subject matter -- DOGS! Love 'em... all types, even fat, blobby ones as featured on these holiday greeting cards. And I'm all for works of famous artists being reintroduced to the masses via new platforms... but I just have a hunch that this artwork is kinda half assed. 


I know kids that could have created something similar - and probably, BETTER!


And yellow of all colours screams anything but snowmen, Santa Claus & candy canes.


Yeah, these cards are kinda nice, and certainly unique, but I'm dolling out a C+ for this effort and nothing more. I'll skip Andy's cards for something that feels a bit more heartfelt and emotionally stirring. 

RATE IT! Official Photos!

Yes, count me in as one of the many suckers excited for a good royal wedding!


While I won't be holding my breath waiting for my own invite from the Bride's side of the family (sorry, inside joke -- couldn't help myself!), I am thrilled for Kate and William. A wedding regardless of who the Bride and Groom are is a happy occasion in my books. 


Here's one of the official engagement photos taken at the Palace today.


Love Kate's gorgeous blue dress - a hue chosen to compliment the ring (Diana's original engagement ring) perhaps?


(photo: PA)

RATE IT! Gab & Dad: 127 Hours

If you're a fan of movies based on real life adventures (or nightmares in this case), you'll be interested in Gab & Dad's latest review, '127 Hours.' 


James Franco stars in this Danny Boyle flick based on climber Aron Ralston's horrific life or death experience. 


If you're sensitive to even a mention of somewhat graphic situations, you might want to give this one a pass... still, Gab & Dad handle this review with their utmost class and professionalism. Take a look!

RATE IT! Festive Friends Earmuffs

I just returned from a visit to the UK where they do Christmas like no where else (that's a compliment!). Britain is home to one of my new favourite destinations: Paperchase.


Not your average purveyor of cards and gift wrap, Paperchase offers items that are more sparkly, more adorable... just more FUN... for all occasions!


Top of my list, the Festive Friends range of Christmas products. If you like the world of Kawaii where the everything is happy, and smiley, you'll adore Festive Friends. Holiday meat pies, puddings, reindeer, mittens even Christmas cracker characters are jovial and fully engrossed in the spirit of the season. Case in point, this set of pudding earmuffs. 


Silly, yes but sweet and guaranteed to put a smile on the most Grinchiest of faces. I dare you not to chuckle at this item. 


Just one question remains: who has the guts to strut down the street with these sweet treats on their ears? 

RATE IT! Ninjabread Men

Get your kicks from cookies? 


Take no prisoners with these Ninjabread Men cookie cutters.  


Eat and destroy!


Available now from Perpetual Kid.

RATE IT! Hatful of Holiday Cheer

St. Nick doesn't have to be the only soul with a jolly holiday chapeau!


Top off your holiday spirit with this vibrant Christmas tree hat. Complete with colour stitches masquerading as tree lights, this 100% acrylic hat will keep you toasty and seasonal. 


Available from Fred Flare. 

RATE IT! Cover Me

Hurrah! More retro stylings for our futuristic phones!


City iPhone is pleased to present a new disguise for your smart phone -- best of all, no coins or claustrophobic booth required.


Just don't tell Superman!

RATE IT! Star Trek Pizza Cutter

From the "Now I've Seen Everything" file....


A pizza cutter like no other! An officially licenced Star Trek product (I kid you not!) but would Spock approve of the Enterprise's latest adventure? From Think Geek.

RATE IT! Festive Balloon Pup

Sure, Christmas is still over a month away but with November having landed on our doorstep, it's no longer too early to start thinking of the holidays, right? Right!


Urban Outfitters presents a little something special for your tree this season - a balloon dog ornament. 


Available in three colours and styles, this canine adds some atypical festive flair to the most traditional of holidays!

RATE IT! Toy Story 3 DVD Release

You can keep your oh, too clever 'Inception' and 'Eclipse' flicks... the movie that I've been hankering for on DVD is 'Toy Story 3.' 


The third movie, yet another Pixar charmer comes fully accessorized with a plethora of extras to keep kids of all ages happy and entertained. 


'Toy Story 3' is in shops today!

RATE IT! Floppy Disc Stickies

Oooh, a relic of the not-too-distant past!


Floppy discs. Once the darling of the computer set - now, just a dusty, clunky memory. 

Get in on the geeky hilarity with this set of floppy disc inspired sticky notes. Gone, but never forgotten!

RATE IT! Hallowe'en Hamm

Tomorrow night's episode of 'Saturday Night Live' has all the ingredients to make it a season stand-out.


Third-timer, Jon Hamm -- Don Draper of 'Mad Men -- will be stepping up to host. Unlike the ad man he portrays in his day job, Jon has instinctual comic timing, and is game for pretty much any embarrassing situation the SNL cast dare to concoct. Sergio, anyone?


And it's Hallowe'en!!! Well, Hallowe'en eve. I'm guessing that Bill Hader's Vincent Price will make an appearance... and the last time SNL's Hallowe'en show had Hamm as host, the VP skit was a scream. More, please!


Who needs trick or treating when SNL is gonna be so ghoulish to watch?

RATE IT! Shannen Doherty

Before Lindsay, Britney or Paris were falling over in Hollywood behaving badly, we had 90210's Shannen Doherty.  


Boring Brenda on our TV screens, but wild child in real life, Shannen has done a Tori Spelling and is releasing a book next week titled 'Badass: A Hard-Earned Guide to Living Life with Style and (the Right) Attitude.' 


As an old school 902010 fan - don't even talk to me about that new CW crap - I'm hoping that Shan dishes the dirt about her days hanging out at the Peach Pit, and snogging Luke Perry. We need some early '90s gossipy nostalgia, like now please! 

HATE IT! Port-a-Pug

Remember the cardboard baby gifted to Charlotte on 'Sex in the City'? Remember her reaction? 


Well, for us dog lovers... here's our canine equivalent. Port-a-Pug.


Anyone who would find this oh-so-hilarious should never own a pet in the first place. 


File under "just plain dumb" - or better yet, chuck it in the circular file where this waste of money belongs. 

RATE IT! Stefon

Have you met Stefon? He's been a semi-regular guest star on SNL's Weekend Update, offering tourist advice for NYC. Freaky tourist advice! Check out his appearance last Spring -- unfortunately his visit this past weekend hasn't landed on YouTube as of yet, and NBC's website is geo-blocked outside of the US -> BOO!

RATE IT! Back to the Future

Happy Anniversary to the 'Back to the Future' movie franchise! Twenty-five years young today. 


The trilogy plus a bunch of special edition goodies - including a 6-part documentary - make up this restored box set released today.

RATE IT! Gab & Dad.... er, Guest!

Gabby's back with her latest movie review, "Paranormal Activity 2".

But...where's Dad? Too scary for him? 

HATE IT! Taylor, How Could You?

If the most recent People magazine is to be believed, America's singing sweetheart Taylor Swift had a dalliance with serial shagger, John Mayer. 


Am I the only one put off by this news? Taylor seems so young and naive, while John Mayer with a list of conquests to make any guy blush, is just a horrible womanizing creep. Opposites attract, I guess.


Oh, and if you're easily bored by Taylor's 'Untold Story' you could always lose a few brain cells while you persue Kim Kardashian's multiple birthday bashes. 


Kill me now.

RATE IT! United Turkish Delight

Turkish Airlines have taken flight as one of the latest sponsors of Manchester United. Here's their new commercial featuring the team in some in-flight hi-jinx.


With the latest news about Wayne Rooney wanting to leave the team, was it a bit of foreshadowing that he's the player who kicks the ball in the unwise direction of United legend, Sir Bobby Charlton? Whoops!

RATE IT! Cut the Rope

Attention iPhone and iPad app game addicts -- a new challenge is awaiting! If you're searching for a game to sever your affections for the hugely popular 'Angry Birds', 'Cut the Rope' just may be IT!


Chances are, you may already have this adorable yet addictive game lurking on your device - it's currently sitting pretty atop the iTunes game charts with other a million users - but in case you missed its quiet debut, here's the scoop.


Cut the Rope stars a little green monster called Om Nom. He's tiny and cute, but is in possession of a huge appetite for candy. Your quest, should you accept it, is to satisfy little Om Nom's sweet tooth, and keep him happy. Sounds simple, doesn't it? Well, not so fast... the premise is easy but the execution is a tad tricky.


Om Nom is stuck in a box... special delivery sat on your doorstep. You must get inside his cubic surroundings to feed him the candy that he so desperately craves. Dinner time wouldn't be so difficult if the treats weren't attached to a multitude of ropes - a ha! Get it? Cut the Rope? Now you know what you must do! 


Race against meddling spiders, avoid razor-sharp barbs, and make friends with balloons and bubbles -- and if you can catch a clutch of glowing stars along the way, you'll be Om Nom's best buddy. But remember, your main task is to feed those sweet candy morsels to Om Nom - or else!


Cut the Rope is incredibly addictive. I rarely play games on my iPhone but this one will convert even the most fair-weather of players. The animation is top notch and the soundtrack is worthy of a Pixar release. You would be hard pressed to find better value for $0.99!

RATE IT! Photobooth Dogs

I'm in love with this new book, 'Photobooth Dogs' by Cameron Woo. 


Over 100 pages of doggies in old school photo strip glory - none of that fake Mac photo booth junk. 


It's inspired me to find a local booth in order to capture Zoey in such a unique and cool way.

HATE IT! Bedbugs 'n Things

Are you bugged? I am!


I'm certainly not the first person - nor the last - to get grossed out by all the bed bug hysteria swirling in the news as of late.


I tweeted about the excellent but gruesome Bed Bug Registry a year ago, and have made a conscious effort to be extra diligent on my travels so that I don't bring any of these hitchhikers home. Every day a new victim shamefully steps forward, and even the big boys aren't immune (Niketown, Victoria Secret, the Wall Street Journal, Howard Stern and the latest -- the Lincoln Centre -- all in NYC -- have been invaded by these suckers.) Equal opportunity life destroyers, these bugs.


And now... there's an app for that. Seriously. New this week in the iTunes app store: Bedbugs 'n Things. The first social media app to bug out in a major fashion. For $0.99, you can become familiar with their ugly little mugs, their hangouts and their damage (ouchies .... those bites look NASTY! Definitely gonna leave a mark...).

Any tool that can help wage the war on bed bugs, I'm all for, but an iPhone app - seriously? Even I, with my obsessive need to know where the latest infestation has exploded, will not purchase this app. I don't want a reminder of their carnage on my iPhone alongside my Twitter, Tetris and Shazam apps. My iPhone app territory is a happy place - and bed bugs aren't invited.


Besides... the monicker "Bedbugs 'n Things" reminds me too much of the now defunct retailer "Linens 'n Things" -- somewhat fitting, don't you think? Strange bedfellows, indeed!

RATE IT! Cassette iPhone Cover

Give your iPhone some retro flavoured personality with this kooky cassette iPhone skin. Genius!


Looks like a real cassette -- and the cover is housed in a proper clear cassette case.


Keep hold of the old days (and your iPhone/iPod) thanks to I Want One of Those.

RATE IT! Gobble Gobble

Today, Canadians will down untold numbers of juicy turkey drumsticks, and slices of spicy pumpkin pie (with whipped cream!) in celebration of our annual Thanksgiving. 


My advice? Be sure to wear your comfy trousers with the elastic waistband to enable all this consumption. And if you REALLY want to get in on the holiday action... this accessory, an oldie but goodie is BACK! It must be as crowd pleasing as your aunt's homemade cranberry sauce because it's available for sale for the 2nd year running - at least! 


The turkey hat -- always a winner (apparently!). 


Happy Thanksgiving, my fellow Canucks!

RATE IT! Gab & Dad

Fresh from last month's Toronto International Film Festival or as us locals call it "TIFF", Gab is back - sans Dad - to review "It's Kind of a Funny Story", in theatres this week. 


See The Hangover's Zach Galifianakis play crazy -- is it really a stretch? Watch and find out!


And for more Gab & Dad, subscribe to their YouTube channel. You know you want to!

RATE IT! Record Collection

If you're a music fan  -- especially a connoisseur of current British releases (Lily Allen, Amy Winehouse, Robbie Williams) -- you will be very familiar with Mark Ronson. Producer, DJ, jaunty man about town... Ronson wears many hats and it's his multitasking work ethic that comes into play with his latest album, 'Record Collection.' His new release features a treasure trove of artists from across the globe and the end result is ear candy to suit many tastes!


While the album as a whole is very unique and cleverly assembled, I find that one tune in particular is hogging airtime on my iPod. The title track, 'Record Collection' won't leave me alone. I'm addicted - badly. 


A song with many a pop culture reference: Charlie Sheen, the movie Trading Places, and Bono - 'Record Collection' is one of only a handful of songs on his album where Ronson actually sings. To me, Mark's voice sounds eerie similar to Stephen Duffy - yep, the original lead singer of Duran Duran - a funny coincidence as this track is accompanied by Nick Rhodes-inspired keyboards and a chorus sung by Simon Le Bon. Obviously, Mark was a bit of a Durannie growing up - just like the rest of us. It's all making sense now... as he's currently slaving away producing Duran's next album, natch!


'Record Collection' is infectiously refreshing and urges you to get up and have a boogie. I dare you not to be swayed by its invitation to let loose. This track is awesome and I hope it gets the single treatment. Yes, it's that good! Do yourself a favour and buy it so I'm not the only one addicted to this gem!

A Year Ago on Lose That Girl

Invisible Dogs

Is it just me, or does this sort of hi-jinx never get old? 


Originally posted a year ago on Lose That Girl. Enjoy! 

RATE IT! Like & Dislike Stamp

Or should I stamp, "Like"?


If you spend far too many hours trolling through status updates and poking your friends, these Facebook inspired ink stamps were made for you.


The Like & Dislike Stamp set will let you voice your opinion wherever, whenever you please. And unlike Facebook, you have the option to 'dislike' something. 


Shop the Tate Online Shop (yes, the famous Tate Gallery in London) and stamp to your heart's content!

RATE IT! iPad Pee Wee

Pee Wee Herman and friends jump on the iPad bandwagon... 

Pee-wee Gets An iPad! from Pee-wee Herman

RATE IT! Dick and Jane and Vampires

Literary mash-ups seem to be all the rage as of late with 'Pride and Prejudice and Zombies' and  'Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters'. Now, kid lit gets a makeover with 'Dick and Jane and Vampires.' 


Old school Dick and Jane with their retro storytelling and animation stylings, gets an update with the trendiest of co-stars -- the ubiquitous vampire! Bella would be so proud!


Dick and Jane and Vampires is available now from the ghoulish folks at Fred Flare. 

RATE IT! Return of the Great Pumpkin

When the calendar sheds another page and takes yet another step away from the glory of Summer, it's imperative that we have something to comfort us through this most cruel of season changes. Ah, the melancholy pain of rummaging through your closet to unearth that cozy parka you last set eyes upon months ago! It feels too soon! Bye, bye Summer.... hello Autumn. A time of departures (falling leaves! kiddies to school! hazy warm days!), the Fall certainly lives up to its name. Bummer.

But wait! All is not lost! Yes, the Fall can be a time of reflection, but there's no better occasion to celebrate the bounty of this chilly, yet colourful season. To coincide with the Autumn harvest and one of the best holidays of the year -- Thanksgiving! -- Dairy Queen steps up to comfort us with its traditional Pumpkin Pie Blizzard. Thank goodness some things never change! While we say goodbye to many things in the Fall, we get to say a big, gooey heartfelt HELLO to this seasonal treat! All pumpkin-y happiness mixed with vanilla soft serve, and crowned with whipped topping and a dash of nutmeg -- even the pumpkin patch-dwelling Linus would approve!

Like the beautiful changing leaves, this Blizzard is only here for our adoration for a limited time! Quick! Get to your local DQ ASAP to partake in one of the most flavourful joys of this brief season - definitely something to be thankful for! Enjoy!

RATE IT! Gab & Dad

Have you had the pleasure of meeting Gab & Dad? Many of you have but if you haven't made their acquaintance, please let me do the honours.


Gab and Dad are a daughter-father team who dish up the latest in movie reviews. Witty, and intelligent with a dose of family fun, Gab & Dad are a must-visit YouTube destination. And I can personally vouch that they're lovely people to boot!


Here's their latest.... discussing 'The Social Network' otherwise known as the Facebook movie... which makes me ask, Gab! When, oh when will you be signing up?? You'd have such fun over there, my dear friend! And Philip, where's my FB friend invite? 


Want to subscribe? Click here for Gab & Dad's YouTube page.

A Year Ago on Lose That Girl

Guardians of Being

A year on and these helpers are still most welcome!

HATE IT! From Twitter to TV

Did you manage to survive an entire episode of 'Shit My Dad Says?' No? Well, you're not alone. Apparently, the popular blog/Twitter account does not make for good telly viewing. Now, there's a surprise!


What's an even bigger shock is that CBS is rumoured to be morphing yet another Twitter feed into a television program. Apparently Twitter addict, actor & producer, Ashton Kutcher is somewhat to blame as his production company is involved in the program's development. Their target: Shh...Don't Tell Steve ~ a silly bunch of tweets revealing the odd behaviour of a weird roommate called Steve.  


Isn't this fascination with Twitter going a little bit too far? Now I must admit that I love Twitter but reading fun posts on the web does not necessarily make for enjoyable television. If 'Shit My Dad Says' doesn't prove that theory, I guess nothing will.