RATE IT! Real Housewives of Atlanta

Dishy TV doesn't get more outrageous than 'The Real Housewives of Atlanta.' The third season has just kicked off here in Canada - the US got the jump on us and have already deliciously enjoyed the antics of NeNe, Kim and the crew - and already the ladies are up to their old, dirty tricks.

To catch up on their shenanigans from previous seasons, please check out my Top 10 'Oh, No You Didn't' article for Slice.ca. I can't guarantee that it's a hair-pulling free zone, so please tread carefully!

RATE IT! Great Day

Saturday Night Live's Andy Samberg can do no wrong in the Digital Short stakes.


I'm hoping that NBC doesn't shut down access (again!) to their vault of hilarious videos. They have a tendency to lock down their content if you're not within US borders, so let's just enjoy while we can!


This digi short is my absolute favourite! Crazy but in a good way! Watch for the typical star cameos too!

RATE IT! Kings of Leon Feeling No Glee

Have you heard about the latest war of words in celebrity-ville? Apparently, Ryan Murphy, the brains behind 'Glee', and rockers Kings of Leon are having a very public spat over usage of songs on the popular television show.


'Glee' has become a huge force in the world of entertainment. Music stars are falling all over themselves trying to get their songs on the show. Britney's episode was a huge ratings winner, and now Jennifer Lopez and Stevie Nicks are trying to latch onto the 'Glee' juggernaut. Everyone wants a piece of the little nerdy show that could - all except for Kings of Leon. 


Murphy wanted to glom onto a Kings of Leon song for his hit series but was surprised when Caleb Followill said no. This answer didn't sit well with Murphy, and he lobbed a blistering f-bomb at the Kings. Harsh, much? I mean, c'mon dude! Followill has the right to say no! It's his property, his art and if he doesn't care for 'Glee' and its sickly sweet renditions of popular music, than all the more power to him. Murphy on the other hand, doesn't see it that way. He desperately wanted the song, wasn't able to access it, and is now having a hissy fit in the press, and on Twitter. Murphy's behaviour is embarrassing. Perhaps he's become too accustomed to having the music industry fawning all over him, and a simple 'no' sent him over the edge. I know several 2 year olds that act more appropriately when they don't get want they want. Tossing your toys out of your pram doesn't make your argument more lucid or worthy, Mr. Murphy.


Personally, I'd like to pat Caleb on the back for standing his ground, and not acting like a lemming when it comes to allowing 'Glee' to use his songs. I'm not particularly a fan of either 'Glee' or Kings of Leon, but I can appreciate someone not wanting their work being used somewhere that they don't see fit. 


Since the original argument began, other members of Kings of Leon have jumped into the fray making an ugly mess of the whole deal. Murphy's accusing the band of homophobia, and now Perez Hilton has squirmed his way into the spat - it's all so silly! There's been name-calling, and ridiculous accusations -- all because the owner of a song didn't want it licenced. 


Murphy should have let Caleb's original answer lie... let it go, and move on. Chase down some other artist -- one that relishes the 'Glee' treatment -- and bastardize their songs. The rogue Kings of Leon members suffering from a bout of verbal diarrhea should have let Caleb handle all the talking on this one. He was straight-forward without taking any liberties or childish swipes at 'Glee' or Murphy. There was really nothing more to be said. Instead, the public airwaves, Twitter timelines and such have been privy to a beef gone too far. 


For the record, Kings of Leon aren't the only artists to experience the wrath of Murphy.  Slash has too. He's not a fan of the show and doesn't want his tunes on it - fair enough! In the end, I'm sure all this scrapping will result in more people tuning in to watch 'Glee', and a bump in sales for Kings of Leon. Hmm...maybe they're not so silly and petty after all! You know what they say about publicity... even if it is the bad kind!

RATE IT! Porn For Women

Ah, I bet the Googlebots are going to have a field day with that post title!


This funny book has been around for a spell, but with Valentine's Day around the corner, it could make for a silly gift. Yes, Porn For Women - a tome featuring male hotties gleefully tackling household duties - vacuuming, dusting, oh, so much DIRT! Throw in some cake and we're really onto something drool-worthy!


'Porn For Women', created by the Cambridge Women's Pornography Cooperative, does NOT contain traditional porn images. No nudes, just a clean house! That's so hot!

RATE IT! Bad Dog

Being perfect is overrated, right? Well, for our pets, it's definitely true! Sure, a good dog makes for a peaceful home, but a little unruly canine behaviour is always welcome - when you have a Schipperke, that's the norm!


If your dog is a free spirit, you'll love the Bad Dog series of coasters. Why fetch when you can lie sneakily in the grass? Exactly!


And why stop with the coasters? There are glasses (my sister has them - they're so fun!), plates and more!


Available from Uncommon Goods. 

RATE IT! Re-Broadcast News

Finally! It only took, gosh 15+ years to get the DVD treatment that this movie deserves! Hello, extras and commentaries. Oh, how we've desperately craved you!


'Broadcast News' - one of the best flicks EVER to tackle the world of television broadcasting is being re-released today by the clever folk at Criterion. Let's rally a round of applause for this wonderful film company that delivers time and time again with DVD re-releases that contain plenty of supplementary interviews, trailers and long-lost footage -- a movie fan's dream!


If you haven't seen this movie, you're in for a treat! Spot-on performances from Holly Hunter, Albert Brooks and William Hurt, and a script to die for under the direction of James L. Brooks, it's hard to believe that 'Broadcast News' didn't capture an Oscar® back in the day (despite being nominated for seven back in the late '80s). 


I remember seeing this film in 1987 at a preview screening ~ I had just begun my TV career. The theatre was chock full of reporters, producers, behind-the-scenesters from my TV station... everyone LOVED this movie so much. On so many levels it felt so REAL! My entry-level job back them was as a Production Assistant... so I could really relate to Joan Cusack's character -- especially the panic of trying to deliver a precious tape to air. This one scene in particular is one you won't forget! 


The best thing about this movie, you don't have to be a broadcasting insider to get the humour. It's funny, bittersweet, and thoroughly entertaining. And where else will you get to see Jack Nicholson as an elite network news anchor!

RATE IT! Hanging with Mr. Cooper

NBC has *finally* lifted the geo-blocking on many of its SNL clips -- thank goodness! scream millions of Canadians -- so to celebrate here's a treat of a digital short from a week ago.


Yes, your eyes do not deceive you! That IS Pee Wee Herman getting his drink on with Andy Samberg! That IS CNN's Anderson Cooper getting bullied. It just doesn't get any better! 


Enjoy some SHOTS with one pissed Pee Wee!

HATE IT! Royal Comics

The Royals get the ultimate pop culture treatment!


Check out this graphic novel/comic book celebrating the love story of Prince William and Kate Middleton. 


Pure cheese, thanks to Rich Johnston, a UK political commentator. By the looks of things, Mr. Johnston is taking some masculine artistic licence... giving cartoon William a full head of hair. Kate, on the other hand, looks more like herself, very pretty, but almost Charlie's Angels-esque. Oh, those crazy kids!


And you thought china mugs, and plates were tacky! Why not go the whole hog and create Wills and Kate bubble gum cards too? 


Want to get your mitts on this item? Check out Amazon.co.uk - Kate & William: A Very Public Love Story will be released on April 2. The perfect pre-wedding gift -- or not!

RATE IT! Return of David Brent

The rumours were TRUE!

Ricky Gervais WILL be making a guest appearance on the American version of 'The Office.' Ricky's creepy alter ego, David Brent will be hanging with Michael Scott, Andy Bernard, and co., during the January 27 episode. 


I've been quite bored by 'The Office' as of late so the inclusion of David Brent will surely make a big splash - even if he's only there in a cameo. Bring it, Ricky!

RATE IT! Yes, I'm Actually 12

It doesn't take much to send me spiraling back to the joys of childhood. Maybe I'm just too immature for my own good? Hmm.... I don't think that's quite true. I'd rather say that I appreciate silly things that perhaps other adults my age would pass by with nary a second thought. 


I like toys. I like silly things that make me smile, and this set of face stickers tick all the boxes of my juvenile sensibilities. 

Why not make your stapler into a monster with stick on eyes? Or your alarm clock? Life's too fun to be serious ALL the time. And it's January... c'mon, we ALL need some levity when we're freezing out butts off, and it's dark at 5pm. Scowl if you must, but I'll be all tucked up warm inside transforming my filofax into a buck-toothed marvel. 

RATE IT! Loved Up Domo

With Valentine's Day less than a month away, it appears that love is in the air. Even Japanese monsters have been tickled pink by the footloose and fancy-free feeling that only true amour can bring.


Domo has been struck by Cupid's arrow... care to show him how much you adore him in return?


I actually prefer this rosy Domo over the classical version - yep, I own the old school chocolatey Domo - but this pretty in pink get-up is just peachy!


Valentine-hued Domo is available now from Fred Flare. 

HATE IT! Scarlett Plays Bride of Frankenstein

Did you manage to catch the Golden Globes last night? The show pretty much delivered on all its promises -- host Ricky Gervais shooting verbal barbs at all and sundry in Hollywood, drunk (or just odd?) award winners (Christian Bale) invading the stage, and plenty of jewels, boobs and botox on display.


As with all award shows, talk always centres around the red carpet and the plentitude of gowns decorating the proceedings. Frankly, I wasn't that smitten by many of the dresses. Nicole Kidman in Prada was blah, and Scarlett Johansson was a glittery prom queen in Elie Saab. 


But what really took away from Scarlett's fancy dress was her hair. What a mess! Seriously.. is she trying to win the role of the Bride of Frankenstein? The hair accessories stuffed into this strange up-do looks like one major hair don't! 


(Scarlett's photo: AP)

RATE IT! I Like It. What Is It?

Kind of says it all.


I spotted this poster in the latest issue of Living Etc. magazine, and my brain is all consumed with the need to bring this puppy home. 


Anthony Burrill is the artist, and he has many other colourful prints on his site as well. I like it. Can I have all of them? 

RATE IT! Golden Weekend

The first major awards show of the season hits television this Sunday -- the 68th annual Golden Globes.


Celebrating film *and* television, the Golden Globes are always much more relaxed, and well... more fun than its sister award show, the Oscars®. Sure, the Globes often get slammed for nominating celebs that the Hollywood Foreign Press gang want to schmooze with... but really, who cares? I don't! It's a good excuse to see all the top stars of the moment, posing up a storm along the red carpet, and trying not to look shocked when the envelope doesn't call out their name. 


I'm most stoked to see the 'Mad Men' crew - but of course - and I'm hoping Andrew Lincoln from 'The Walking Dead' is there to cheer on his show's nomination. Yeah, I'm kinda all about AMC this year. Ricky Gervais is back to host so we should be in for a good evening all around!

RATE IT! The REAL Hamster Dance

Feeling the dreary January blahs? I think we're in need of a cute pick-me-up.


Ladies and gentlemen, meet the REAL hamster dance. This pet's got talent!

RATE IT! Lego Movie Fun

Over the past few years, we've seen all sorts of LEGO inspired works.... Beatles, David Bowie, The Empire State Building, even the Mona Lisa... but now California-based film student, Alex Eylar has taken the idea one better.


Eylar has created several classic movie scenes from a selection of Hollywood's heavy hitters: we're talking 'American Beauty', 'Raging Bull', 'Psycho', 'A Clockwork Orange', and 'Raiders of the Lost Ark' to name but a few. 


Speaking to PacificCoastNews.com, Eylar says that his love of LEGO from childhood led to his current fascination with recreating movie magic. One thing is for certain, Alex sure puts the rest of us to shame with his LEGO creativity! I don't think that I've ever built anything more stellar than a bridge or a house.

Thanks to Gabrielle of 'Gab & Dad' for the tip!

RATE IT! Thunderbirds Are Go-ing Postal Too!

Great Britain is certainly living up to its name! Why is the UK getting my stamp of approval once again?


On the heels of their Christmas Wallace & Gromit philatelist treasure trove, they're unleashing yet another pop culture collection -- Thunderbird postage stamps are launched today. 


Honouring the 50th anniversary of Gerry Anderson's puppet-tastic TV program, this Royal Mail special edition features stamps for Stingray, Captain Scarlet, Fireball XL5, Supercar and more! What's most exciting... for the first time, the Royal Mail has gone high-tech, featuring a sheet of four 'motion' stamps. When the small page is tilted back and forth, the opening sequence of Thunderbirds plays out -- pure genius!


Last week it was announced that the US Postal Service is releasing a series of Pixar stamps in 2011. Meanwhile, us Canadians have to make do with Queen Elizabeth II, flowers and the odd hockey player. C'mon, Canada Post - pull up your socks!

RATE IT! Sterling's Gold

Are you a fan of Mad Men? Okay... are you a fan of Roger Sterling, specifically? If you are, I have the book for you!


'Sterling's Gold: Wit & Wisdom of an Ad Man' is a snicker-worthy little book that came out last Fall. Chock full of quotes from John Slattery's alter ego, it's a very quick yet delightfully funny read. I received it for Christmas and it was one of my favourite gifts. 


Inside you'll find lots of Sterling-isms on drinking, clients and life in general. If you find yourself giggling at Roger's inappropriateness time and time again, you'll love this book. 

RATE IT! Happy Blizzard New Year

Okay, I'm a week or so late with the New Year Blizzard... I must admit that the January Blizz of the Month isn't quite my cup of tea -- yes, there are NUTS involved in this Nutty Banana treat... and well, FRUIT. This Blizzard is actually bordering on healthy so I will give it a pass and wait for February's beauty. Hopefully the Valentine month will bring a crush-worthy delicacy featuring chocolate, chocolate and MORE chocolate! 


I won't diss the January fruity concoction because a) it's so unique and different from all the Blizzards from the past year, and b) it's mid-Winter and we all need a little something special to pep us up -- and no doubt, this Nutty Banana Blizzard is someone's much needed guilty pleasure and how can I argue with that?

RATE IT! Downton Abbey

Are you a fan of 'Upstairs, Downstairs'? Or 'Gosford Park'? If yes, you're in luck! It's time to set your TV viewing schedule ahead to Sunday, January 9 when PBS debuts, "Downton Abbey."

Airing in their Masterpiece Theatre slot, "Downton Abbey" is the brilliant new mini-series created by Julian Fellowes, the Oscar® winning writer of 'Gosford Park.' Starring Dame Maggie Smith, Elizabeth McGovern, Hugh Bonneville and a host of British actors we've seen elsewhere (Coronation Street's Liam Connor, anyone?), this series is a must watch!

I don't want to give too much of the plot away - you must be as surprised as I was when I watched the DVDs we brought back from a recent trip to the UK. Just take my word for it... "Downton Abbey" is smart, full of drama and surprises. I cannot wait for season two! And I bet you'll say the same after you've seen all the eps (PBS is airing the program in four parts).

RATE IT! Pixar Goes Postal

I feel like stamping my feet! Why, oh WHY do the Americans & Brits get *all* the fun when it comes to whimsical, pop culture-inspired postage stamps? 


First the UK honours Wallace & Gromit this past Christmas with an array of cute, cheery stamps just in time for the holiday card sending season. And now Stateside, a series of Pixar characters will get face time in 2011. 

Wall-E, Buzz Lightyear, Remy the Rat and others will grace letters and packages throughout 2011. What better way to cheer up the post, and make you want to actually send out a letter?


As a Canadian, I feel left out! Our stamps are far too serious.

RATE IT! Project Runway Top 10's

Project Runway season 8 is about to strut onto TV screens here in Canada this week, and to get you into the mood, I have two new articles published on Slice.ca -- Project Runway's home here in the Great White North. 


The Top 10 Most Memorable Moments - takes you through all the series so far, and awards the most unforgettable people and events of the past seven seasons.


The Top 10 Celebrity Guests on Project Runway - relive our favourite celeb appearances in all their glory!


Enjoy -- and feel free to leave comments on the Slice.ca site!

RATE IT! Natalie Portman's Year

2011 looks to be a bumper year for actress Natalie Portman.


There's her engagement, pregnancy and a potential Oscar® nomination all on the cards for 2011. The gal has come a long way from her wooden performance in Star Wars Episode 1.









Nat's currently gracing the Oscar® race cover of the latest Entertainment Weekly magazine.  For some reason, she looks eeriely like celebrity chef, Giada de Laurentiis. Separated at birth?