HATE IT! Grey's Anatomy Goes Glee

At first I thought it was some sort of silly pre-April Fool's joke...


'Grey's Anatomy' - the episode airing tonight in North America will feature its characters SINGING.


Ack! 


I bailed on 'GA' a few seasons back when Izzy Stevens was having a romance with the long-departed Denny. I thought the show jumped the shark back then but *if* I was wrong - and that's a huge IF - surely, it's making its overdue leap now?


To make matters worse, they're performing 'Chasing Cars' by Snow Patrol as one of the tunes! Noooooo!!!! It was already used on the series for the Izzy-Denny love story! Is there anything worse than a lack of creativity in entertainment? 'Grey's Anatomy' is going down the 'Glee' path! Someone, please! Call 911 to save this show, stat!

HATE IT! Peep Sushi

We haven't had much 'hate it' action on the blog as of late but when my friend Gabby sent me this tip, I just couldn't help but slip down into full-on negativity.

My 'hate it' radar was screaming, desperate to be heard! Ready for a festive serving of Peep sushi?


Now, I love Peeps, the American marshmallow Easter chicks and bunnies. Yep, the sickly sweet confectionary found in varying degrees of neon hilarity - they're a Spring time dietary staple. Sure, they're teeth-decaying monsters, but to devour a few in the run up to Easter, there's no harm done, right? Just have your trusty toothbrush nearby and you'll be fine. BUT... marrying the peepy goodness with healthy raw fish? What? You want me to toss my cookies here and now?

Sorry folks. No can do. Sushi at the best of times is a big, fat NO in my books.  Now, if you want to travel down this icky road - be my guest. You can learn how to make your own Peep sushi here. 


Good luck. Just don't come calling when your stomach rebels. 

RATE IT! Words to Live By

Sick of slogans emblazoned on merchandise yet? 


I'm not! Perhaps my 'rate it' for all things wordy comes down to the fact that I don't actual *own* much of this type of thing. I love the fun vibe they evoke. I just haven't purchased them for my own use.


Here's a mug with a message we all wish we could live by... shame it's a hard one to adopt when bills have to be paid...


Available from Colloco. 


And while we're on the topic of words to live by... the same message is given the musical treatment in this ol' gem from my fave, The Divine Comedy. "Love What You Do", indeed. Enjoy!

RATE IT! Be a Mug, Royal Wedding Style

It seems that the most intriguing royal wedding keepsakes are always unstated and unique rather than cheap and cheerful. 


Pedlars in the UK are selling a lovely cuppa in honour of the upcoming festivities. The groom and bride are depicted quite simply (and to be frank, it could be pretty much anyone from the uncomplicated artwork) with their arms outstretched ready for a warm embrace - or a rogue tickle. The message, Kate & Will Forever says it all. Ah, lovely! 


Not tacky, not garish, just... nice. 


Want more? Click on over to this souvenir!

RATE IT! Smash Hits ~ Saved Online

Duran Duran once professed to loving this magazine, so it's not surprising that as an '80s era Durannie that I would follow suit. 


It took me some time before I found my very own imported copy of 'Smash Hits' on a magazine stand here in Toronto. Being a suburban kid in 1984, I'd travel down every Saturday to search out any UK imports that I could get my greedy hands on. Imported 12" singles, magazines, buttons, posters... they were all fair game if we could track them down. That was the hard part. Finding said items. Usually record shops would get one, maybe two in at a time so the key was to get downtown early, and make your decisions quickly otherwise someone else's score was your heartbreak. 


My first issue of 'Smash Hits' as fate would have it, featured Simon Le Bon on the cover. I still own that very special issue, so it was with great excitement that I came across this terrific website that aims at capturing every issue of 'Smash Hits' available. Like Punk Never Happened - Brian McCloskey's Smash Hits Archive is my new home away from home. I love it. The coolest thing? If you click on the Smash Hits cover images on his site, it opens up scans of the ENTIRE issue. Brilliant. I'm so hyped that we can explore all the issues that we never found - like the one depicted here with Duran's Roger & Nick as cover stars. 


Brian's hardwork in saving and scanning these fabulous music mags should be applauded. So many of us grew up with Smash Hits, and the bands it so lovingly featured (or, made fun of!) - it would be a shame for them to vanish without a trace. Thanks to Brian, we can relive their magic again and again - without all the clutter at home! Well, maybe for some.. I still have many Smash Hits and No. 1 magazines in my midst. Once a Durannie, always a Durannie...

RATE IT! Dave Grohl Hates Glee

And... another rocker steps up to the plate! Yes, Dave Grohl, the brains behind the Foo Fighters has added his name to the list of musicians who despise Glee. 


Remember my mini-rant about Kings of Leon & their lack of lovin' for Glee? Well, the Foo-ster is adding some fuel to a similar fire. Seems Dave recently had some choice words about the series and its creator, Ryan Murphy. Grohl is taking a stand for all musicians, saying the tactics Murphy uses to pressure artists into handing over their songs for use in his show are wrong and out of whack. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Grohl's quoted as saying, "It's every band's right, you shouldn't have to do f**king Glee. Dude, maybe not everyone loves Glee. Me included."


Right on, Dave! Never liked Glee, never will. 

HATE IT! Bullying Dionne Warwick Style

Have you been watching the latest edition of Celebrity Apprentice? 


This year's roster of B-list...(okay, I'm being kind!) celebs is chock full of notorious individuals: out-there actor, Gary Busey, Survivor winner/tax dodger, Richard Hatch, and pushy TV host, Star Jones. Donald Trump definitely has his hands full, and when you round out the cast with Real Housewife, NeNe Leakes, singers Meatloaf, John Rich, Mark McGrath, Latoya Jackson and Dionne Warwick, model Niki Taylor, and baseball superstar, Jose Canseco, you know that there are fireworks on the horizon. 


It's always interesting to see famous folk outside of their element. We all have ideas of what these people would be like. Take my recent flip flop on Jennifer Lopez. I pegged her all wrong it seems. After watching 'American Idol', I have a totally new image of her. I like her! Now I'm having deja vu because I really had no clue that famed chanteuse Dionne Warwick was so..... nasty!

Dionne's known for many lovely tunes ... all sweet, and airy.. some you could say are inspirational (the super saccharine That's What Friends Are For, for starters). I thought she'd be somewhat quiet, and reflective. Thoughtful and kind. Respectful and worldly. But she's not! 


Just watch the second episode to see how off-the-charts mean this 70+ year old is! She helped send actress Lisa Rinna packing after numerous in-your-face blow ups. She was rude and insensitive to actress Marlee Matlin. Wouldn't even give Marlee the courtesy of speaking directly to her face. Instead, she spoke across the table to Marlee's sign language interpreter. Nice. Especially when Marlee was sat directly *beside* Dionne. For a music legend to behave in this manner, it's truly shocking. The lady has no class! Again, this past weekend, it seemed like ol' sweet Dionne was just looking to pick a fight... this time with Niki Taylor. 


Are her PR people pleased with this display of outrageous behaviour? Do they feel it will sell more CDs, or downloads? Frankly, I've been so gobsmacked by how she acts, I wouldn't care if I ever heard another Dionne Warwick song in my lifetime. 


I'll be rooting for Marlee, or John Rich.. or even NeNe... anyone but Dionne! Sure, the Apprentice editors probably have a lot to answer for when it comes to how these celebs are portrayed BUT they have to have the material in order to do so in the first place! They didn't create this monster... Dionne's handiwork is all he own. 

RATE IT! Smithy to the Rescue

Don't you hate when you feel like you're missing out? Seems like the Brits have all the fun especially when it's that Comic Relief time of the year. 


Every two years, Comic Relief holds its 'Red Nose Day' bringing together stars from television, movies, sports, politics and music to raise money to help erase poverty in the UK and Africa. The aim is to provide buzz-worthy entertainment that will encourage people to donate to the cause. Red Nose Day was such a success (there have been 11 of them so far since the '80s), Comic Relief created a second massive endeavour, Sports Relief. This initiative kicks off in the years between each Red Nose Day. In other words, one year it's Red Nose Day, the next it's Sports Relief. Here in 2011, it was Red Nose Day's time to shine. 


This year was epic! Numerous videos were broadcast on BBC that once again raised the bar in the hilarity stakes. My favourite was the latest Smithy video... Smithy being the much loved character actor/writer James Corden created for the hit TV series, 'Gavin & Stacey.' Smithy has appeared in several Comic Relief vids, and his latest adventure does not disappoint! My British friends were first introduced to this video late last week when it made its debut on the BBC and then went completely viral. Us North Americans will also enjoy it -- even if you don't recognize all the celebs that appear, you'll still be stunned by who you DO recognize. If only us North Americans could throw such a worthwhile party. 


Enjoy, and donate if you can. Please visit Comic Relief's official webpage here. 

RATE IT/HATE IT! Knit Your Own Royal Wedding

Quick! With just over a month until the big day you STILL have time!


Time to knit your very own ROYAL WEDDING!


At least the Corgis are there in full force. Not sure about Kate's gown, or William's jowls.


Are there any limits to the royal souvenirs people will create.... or better yet, BUY?!


Thanks to Nicola for the tip! :)

RATE IT! Paul

Just what every Friday needs... a dose of silly! Luckily, 'Paul' opens in theatres today. 

E.T., he ain't!

Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Jason Bateman, and SNL's Kristen Wiig star in this goofy alien invasion movie. Am I the only one amused that Sigourney 'Alien franchise' Weaver is also featured in this flick?

To round out the cast, there's Seth Rogen (Meh... I find him annoying at the best of times -- so it's a relief to discover he's the VOICE of Paul - that's it!), and Bill Hader (SNL genius... I find him absolutely freakin' hilarious *all* the time). Yes, sometimes we have to take the bad with the good. Sorry, Seth... no doubt you do have your supporters out there so you don't need me. 

Anyway, 'Paul' could either be bloody brilliant, or this year's 'Yogi Bear'. After the long, dreary winter we could use some funny! Take a look & decide for yourself!

RATE IT! Zoey of the Week

That 'spring forward' time change is still causing problems for some...yes, we're talking about you Zzzzzzzzzoey....


Want more tuckered Zoey? Click here. 

RATE IT! Many Hands

Slogan prints are not new but I've got to hand it to this one... 


Many Hands Make Light Work may be an old phrase, but it still packs a relevant punch. Its fresh perspective and old-fashioned values are just what we need today to get the job done!


From Bold & Noble. 

RATE IT! Blacklilypie

A Schipperke? Featured in artwork? THAT never happens... or so I thought! 


One day while searching the web for info about Schipperkes, a friend sent me the link to Tara Fortin's blog - and specifically this painting. Since that moment of serendipity, I've been hooked on Tara's Blacklilypie website and by proxy, her Etsy shop.


Tara is an amazing talent with a playful regard for the darker, gothy side of life. More fun and cute than evil or threatening, the creations from Blacklilypie are unique and addictive. From prints and pins to plush toys and arty bookmarks, there's a little bit of magic to suit everyone.


If you'd like to take home a piece of Tara's portfolio, check out her Etsy shop here. 


As a Schipperke owner, it makes me (and Zoey!) proud to see a little black devil in art! Cheers, Tara!

HATE IT! Baby Blitz

Does Jennifer Aniston's quest for a baby really cause magazines to fly off the shelves? A month doesn't seem to go by without one of the tabloids screaming 'Jenn's Baby Joy!', or 'Jenn Looks Pregnant.' Why is everyone all in a lather about Ms. Aniston's baby-making prowess, or lack thereof? 


Someone must be buying these issues, or OK, Life & Style and US wouldn't be cranking them out with such regularity.


It's a very personal decision whether to get your sprog-on (or not). Maybe Jenn doesn't want kids? Or perhaps she does but she'd rather get on with it privately without the constant interference of the press. Just seems that some folk cannot rest until Jennifer is on nappy-changing duty tout suite! I'm tired of it so I can only imagine how Jennifer Aniston feels. Sure, getting publicity is always a good thing when you're a slave to the Hollywood press machine but there's are limits, people. Give the girl a break, eh?


Still, I guess it makes a change from the flood of Charlie Sheen tell-alls as of late so perhaps I should just remain grateful for the respite! Shame Jennifer Aniston is the lucky target once again. 

RATE IT! The Making of Stefon

The coolest character on SNL is .... STEFON! He's got everything... humour, freakishness, a weird asymmetrical hairdo... and now his creator, Bill Hader has explained -- via David Letterman -- how this wickedly funny portrayal on SNL's Weekend Update came about.


Awesomeness. Bill Hader is one of the best performers on the show. About time he got some kudos for all this fantastic work. 

RATE IT! Happy Birthday, Zoey

Yes, I'm doing what all proud mamas do! 


Celebrating the birthday of my baby... my Schipperke, Zoey turns two today!


Cue a day full of squeaky dog toys, long walks (hopefully, if the weather holds out), and tummy rubs - that is, if we can tear her away from that rat!

RATE IT! The Walking Dead

Still missing 'Lost', and desperate for a replacement? I found one!

'The Walking Dead,' AMC's latest television hit should satisfy those 'Lost' cravings for suspense, panic and pure entertainment. The first season is out on DVD today.

Sure, it features zombies... but don't they make for a refreshing change from vampires? I'm the last person who would find the blood-chomping shenanigans of the undead fun to watch, but 'The Walking Dead' is.... different. Yes, there's blood, and creepy crawlies munching on live folk all over the shop, but the story and the characters hark back to that drama about the survivors of that plane crash, and their struggle to survive despite the odds.

Andrew Lincoln, famous in the UK for 'This Life', and 'Teachers', and known worldwide by fans of 'Love Actually', portrays police officer, Rick Grimes, a man trying to find his family after awaking from a coma in an abandoned hospital. He comes to, only to find the safe confines of the hospital to be awash in zombies, and their victims. Clearly, a nightmare come true! The series follows Rick as he tries to find his family and other survivors. It has it's gross out moments, but the story is enough to pull viewers through these gnarly portions. Like I said, I hate most programs and movies of this genre, but 'The Walking Dead' has that special something...

Check it out!

RATE IT! Royal Wedding Kiddie Style

It was inevitable! Now your kids can get in on the royal wedding souvenir action.


Adam Hargreaves, son of Roger Hargreaves who created the original Mr. Men and Little Miss series of children's books, is turning his attentions to the April 29 royal wedding with not one, but two new books in the Little Miss series. 

Book one, 'Little Miss Princess' is available in UK shops today. The second book - on sale April 4 - 'Little Miss Princess and the Very Special Wedding' playfully comes with a colouring book and a series of festive stickers. Note that the bride-to-be is shown with blonde hair instead of Kate's mahogany hue... the author says it's to distance his story from the real deal. He takes his point further by making Little Miss Princess' intended groom, not William but Mr. Bump! 



Apparently, these books were planned before the royal engagement was ever announced. I guess we can blame the publisher for hopping on the 2011 royal wedding bandwagon! Still, they're pretty cute!

RATE IT! Jimmy Does Charlie

Are you tired of the Charlie Sheen media circus? Yeah, there's something off-putting about a person being so public about their wackness. Is he on drugs? Clean and sober? Just a nut job? It's anyone's guess as to why Charlie is acting off the charts. 


While I don't find Charlie's hi-jinx funny, I do find Jimmy Fallon's take on the situ worth a giggle. Check out Jimmy as Charlie promoting the fictional Sheen-branded cologne, Winning.

RATE IT! Jennifer Lopez

Okay, I admit it - I was wrong!!

I've never been a fan of Jennifer Lopez.

Her music? Meh.
Her movies? Even more befuddled, "meh."
Her turn on season ten of American Idol? Me likey!

I always thought J. Lo was a little too precious, too preoccupied with her own image... that I couldn't peer past these traits to see what others liked so much about her. Dare I say it... she seemed very self-absorbed, and... not...well...nice? You know, the type of gal who thinks she's so much better than you, and doesn't hesitate to tell you so.

But yes.... as much as it pains me to admit that I've been wrong, that I've misjudged Ms. Lopez.. I'm here -finally - to throw myself down and say it. I WAS WRONG in painting dear Jenn in this unflattering light. On American Idol, she's compassionate, interested in others, and funny. There's no bitchiness, no obnoxious preening to the cameras, just a kind, enthusiastic entertainer who wants others to achieve their dreams. Best of all, she's been there. She's had the knocks against her talent, the rejections and she stuck it out and proved all the naysayers wrong. And she's always immaculate. I'm in awe.

I realize that I don't know the "real" Jennifer Lopez and her TV persona is not the full picture. But from what I've seen on TV these past few weeks on Idol, she's completely opposite to what I thought she'd be. I was very pleasantly surprised, and I know others who have said the same thing, funny enough! Now while I probably still won't buy her records, or line-up for her films, I will say that I am a fan - definitely.

American Idol continues tonight with yet another elimination... can't wait!

RATE IT! Zoey of the Week

I'm experiencing some major March blahs (Ack! And we're ONLY two days in!), so I'm turning to my tried & true pick-me-up: Zoey!


I should take lessons from my Schip - she's patiently waiting for Spring to arrive - while I am mired deep in cabin fever. I can't wait for the snow to retreat! Zoey relishes all the seasons. Snow is just another fun daily diversion. Why wish it away when you can dig, burrow and eat it?

RATE IT! Top o' the Morning Blizzard

Had enough of the ice, winter boots and frigid temps? Desperately waiting for Spring's magnificent arrival? Well, before we can rush outside for a joyous dance through the budding tulips, there's one more wintery blast on the horizon. The good news? This storm isn't snowy but MINTY!


March welcomes an old favourite back into the fold, the Mint Oreo Blizzard. This whirlwind packs a punch of taste... crushed Oreos mingling within mint-infused vanilla soft serve. 


Sure, St. Patrick's Day may be a few weeks away, but it's never too early to start the celebrations! 


Just be sure to pace yourself, and the luck of the Irish shall be yours!

RATE IT! Elvis PEZ

Want some cheese with your candy? 


Leave it to PEZ to create the ultimate in pop culture candy dispensers. All hail The King!


Not one but THREE Elvi for you to choose from: 1950s, 1960s and 1970s aka Vegas Elvis - complete the set. 


But wait, there's more! They come in a special tin along with a three-track CD. Now you can munch your Pez, marvel at Mr. Presley PEZ-afied, and listen away til your heart's content.  


It's just so cheesy! I can't help but like it...in all its silly, pop culture glory.