Booty, Beauty, Butterflies and Ugly Betty!

Yes, my alliteration is out of control this week. And I'm blissin' out on joy, which is not as easy as it sounds since I'm having a difficult week. Stomach and health issues, plus my dad just went into the hospital and may have cancer, and I can't seem to switch off the "monkey mind," as the Buddhists call it.

So last night I finally got around to watching the series finale of "Ugly Betty," and it was great. I will definitely miss this gem of a show. As the last scene faded, a song played that I had never heard before--and I instantly recognized the voice as that of Macy Gray. But the lyrics--at once funny and inspiring--stuck in my head. The song is "Beauty in the World," and it was the perfect ending for "Ugly Betty," and it's the perfect song for me to hear right now.

In the song, Macy sings about seeing the beauty of the world in spite of all the bad news, about noticing things like butterflies, for example. How fitting that the promos for the last season of "Ugly Betty" included butterflies, a symbol of transformation!

Just some excerpts of the lyrics:

All they talk about is
What is going down?
What’s been messed up, for us?
When I look around,
I see blue skies,
I see butterflies,
for us.

Listen to the sound and lose it,
Its sweet music,
and dance with me.
There is beauty in the world,
So much beauty in the world,
Always beauty in the world.

And you gotta love a song that contains this line:

Shake your booty, boys and girls,
for the beauty in the world!

Booty, Beauty, Butterflies and Ugly Betty!

Yes, my alliteration is out of control this week. And I'm blissin' out on joy, which is not as easy as it sounds since I'm having a difficult week. Stomach and health issues, plus my dad just went into the hospital and may have cancer, and I can't seem to switch off the "monkey mind," as the Buddhists call it.

So last night I finally got around to watching the series finale of "Ugly Betty," and it was great. I will definitely miss this gem of a show. As the last scene faded, a song played that I had never heard before--and I instantly recognized the voice as that of Macy Gray. But the lyrics--at once funny and inspiring--stuck in my head. The song is "Beauty in the World," and it was the perfect ending for "Ugly Betty," and it's the perfect song for me to hear right now.

In the song, Macy sings about seeing the beauty of the world in spite of all the bad news, about noticing things like butterflies, for example. How fitting that the promos for the last season of "Ugly Betty" included butterflies, a symbol of transformation!

Just some excerpts of the lyrics:

All they talk about is
What is going down?
What’s been messed up, for us?
When I look around,
I see blue skies,
I see butterflies,
for us.

Listen to the sound and lose it,
Its sweet music,
and dance with me.
There is beauty in the world,
So much beauty in the world,
Always beauty in the world.

And you gotta love a song that contains this line:

Shake your booty, boys and girls,
for the beauty in the world!

Henrietta Lacks Movie--and, Oh Yeah, I'm Still Alive!

If you've missed me (or maybe you haven't), I've been busy with some writing and editing projects, which is great, plus painting and cleaning up the old house in order to get it ready to sell. My partner and I have also been spending more time together. I know I haven't posted much on that lately. It's still touch-and-go, but I really want it to work out if at all possible. I'm seeing him in a brand-new way, and he's simply a great and gentle person. We still have issues to work out, and I still have my own apartment so that I can have space when needed. Once we get through a few more house chores, I think I'll have a better idea of what our future holds as a couple. Stay tuned.

A few months ago, I posted on the novel about Henrietta Lacks (pictured) and her (unwitting) contributions to modern public health. Well, Oprah is now making an HBO feature about Henrietta's life, and she's working with one of my Hollywood favorites, Alan Ball (writer for "American Beauty"). I saw the book the other day in Target and almost bought it, so maybe this merits a return trip. Unfortunately, I don't have HBO but there's always the DVD. Anyway, fascinating story about science with a personal touch.

This weekend brings more stuff to clean out and pack--and I hope my partner and I get to take that bike ride in the park that we discussed. Thanks for stopping by and I hope to be back soon for more regular blogging!

Henrietta Lacks Movie--and, Oh Yeah, I'm Still Alive!

If you've missed me (or maybe you haven't), I've been busy with some writing and editing projects, which is great, plus painting and cleaning up the old house in order to get it ready to sell. My partner and I have also been spending more time together. I know I haven't posted much on that lately. It's still touch-and-go, but I really want it to work out if at all possible. I'm seeing him in a brand-new way, and he's simply a great and gentle person. We still have issues to work out, and I still have my own apartment so that I can have space when needed. Once we get through a few more house chores, I think I'll have a better idea of what our future holds as a couple. Stay tuned.

A few months ago, I posted on the novel about Henrietta Lacks (pictured) and her (unwitting) contributions to modern public health. Well, Oprah is now making an HBO feature about Henrietta's life, and she's working with one of my Hollywood favorites, Alan Ball (writer for "American Beauty"). I saw the book the other day in Target and almost bought it, so maybe this merits a return trip. Unfortunately, I don't have HBO but there's always the DVD. Anyway, fascinating story about science with a personal touch.

This weekend brings more stuff to clean out and pack--and I hope my partner and I get to take that bike ride in the park that we discussed. Thanks for stopping by and I hope to be back soon for more regular blogging!

The "Real" iPad!

The comedic geniuses over at MADtv must be high-fiving each other right now, thanks to this video they did a while back--well before the brand-new Apple iPad was a real product. Actually, I think the name is fine, but lots of folks are already snickering, if the buzz on Facebook and my local radio station are any indication.

I just about spewed my coffee over "vaginal firewall protection!" Hilarious, brilliant.

The "Real" iPad!

The comedic geniuses over at MADtv must be high-fiving each other right now, thanks to this video they did a while back--well before the brand-new Apple iPad was a real product. Actually, I think the name is fine, but lots of folks are already snickering, if the buzz on Facebook and my local radio station are any indication.

I just about spewed my coffee over "vaginal firewall protection!" Hilarious, brilliant.

"Ugly Betty" Cancelled---Now Even MORE Reasons for Me to Be Grumpy!

"Since when are we the last ones to know the juicy gossip?!"

Once again, one of my favorite shows is cancelled. I don't understand why people didn't watch "Ugly Betty." It was creative in so many ways, you never knew what was going to happen, the acting and writing were great; it was witty and smart, and it had REAL family values as opposed to other shows that supposedly promote such things but which are so screechingly awful that I want to poke my eyes out. What show incorporated so many actors of varying ages, from teens to senior adults? What show included such contemporary story lines without seeming preachy or contrived? Most of all, what show reveled in its overall gayness without being political about it?

This is worse than when Henry got that other girl pregnant!

 Some story lines had struggled recently, but I had hopes for this current season, which I thought was off to a very satisfying start. I mean, I almost literally cried when Matt and Betty broke up the other week! (I'm sure that didn't have anything to do with my own relationship, but whatever...)

Oh, you know Hilda is NOT happy about this! 

 "Ugly Betty" has always been a wonderful breath of fresh air. I love all the characters, which were so multi-dimensional, unlike so many other shows where the bad girl is always unrealistically bad and the good girl is always so mind-numbingly perfect. How dull. But on "Ugly Betty," you both love AND hate Wilhelmina. You cheer when Amanda is daffy AND when she's surprisingly smart. You love it when Marc is Queen Bitch and when he's Mr. Softie. Of course, you love it when Betty completely screws up and when she saves the day.

"I want to know who's responsible for this fiasco!" 

Meanwhile, complete crap like "The Biggest Loser" and "Jersey Shore" soar to ratings Heaven (I'm not even including links!). Sure, maybe "Loser" is inspirational for some, but it's all so voyeuristic. I fully support people getting healthy, but I don't consider it entertaining to watch it happen. In fact, I think a lot of people watch that show only so they can say, "Well, at least I'm not THAT fat." And that is sad.

And we were just getting to know the scrumptious Adam Rodriguez--damn! 

So--here's to "Ugly Betty!" I hope they pull out all the stops for this final season--and ABC will lose one more viewer...

"Ugly Betty" Cancelled---Now Even MORE Reasons for Me to Be Grumpy!

"Since when are we the last ones to know the juicy gossip?!"

Once again, one of my favorite shows is cancelled. I don't understand why people didn't watch "Ugly Betty." It was creative in so many ways, you never knew what was going to happen, the acting and writing were great; it was witty and smart, and it had REAL family values as opposed to other shows that supposedly promote such things but which are so screechingly awful that I want to poke my eyes out. What show incorporated so many actors of varying ages, from teens to senior adults? What show included such contemporary story lines without seeming preachy or contrived? Most of all, what show reveled in its overall gayness without being political about it?

This is worse than when Henry got that other girl pregnant!

 Some story lines had struggled recently, but I had hopes for this current season, which I thought was off to a very satisfying start. I mean, I almost literally cried when Matt and Betty broke up the other week! (I'm sure that didn't have anything to do with my own relationship, but whatever...)

Oh, you know Hilda is NOT happy about this! 

 "Ugly Betty" has always been a wonderful breath of fresh air. I love all the characters, which were so multi-dimensional, unlike so many other shows where the bad girl is always unrealistically bad and the good girl is always so mind-numbingly perfect. How dull. But on "Ugly Betty," you both love AND hate Wilhelmina. You cheer when Amanda is daffy AND when she's surprisingly smart. You love it when Marc is Queen Bitch and when he's Mr. Softie. Of course, you love it when Betty completely screws up and when she saves the day.

"I want to know who's responsible for this fiasco!" 

Meanwhile, complete crap like "The Biggest Loser" and "Jersey Shore" soar to ratings Heaven (I'm not even including links!). Sure, maybe "Loser" is inspirational for some, but it's all so voyeuristic. I fully support people getting healthy, but I don't consider it entertaining to watch it happen. In fact, I think a lot of people watch that show only so they can say, "Well, at least I'm not THAT fat." And that is sad.

And we were just getting to know the scrumptious Adam Rodriguez--damn! 

So--here's to "Ugly Betty!" I hope they pull out all the stops for this final season--and ABC will lose one more viewer...

The Break-Up: Dazed and Confused

Wish I had something different on my mind today, but this is all I got, folks. Yesterday I looked at a few apartments, and I plan to see more this afternoon. It was so weird--I felt like a zombie in some kind of daze. Part of it was just the fact of having my own house for so long that I didn't know I was doing! Oh yeah, remember to ask about washer/dryer connections, the security deposit, any specials on rent--that sort of thing. And they gotta be biker-friendly!

But mostly it was, "Am I really doing this?" And of course, those perky leasing agents want to know WHY I'm looking for an apartment! I mumbled something generic--and thank the goddess I didn't burst into tears!

The oddest part is that I don't care about most of what they're selling. Don't care about a pool, tennis courts, special events and all that. It's all too Melrose Place.

There are some around without all the bells and whistles, and I'm checking out one today. I'd like to find something that at least has a patio/balcony where I can get outside when I want. Hmmm, I wonder if these places have any restrictions against conch horn blowing to welcome the neighborhood spirits??

The Break-Up: Dazed and Confused

Wish I had something different on my mind today, but this is all I got, folks. Yesterday I looked at a few apartments, and I plan to see more this afternoon. It was so weird--I felt like a zombie in some kind of daze. Part of it was just the fact of having my own house for so long that I didn't know I was doing! Oh yeah, remember to ask about washer/dryer connections, the security deposit, any specials on rent--that sort of thing. And they gotta be biker-friendly!

But mostly it was, "Am I really doing this?" And of course, those perky leasing agents want to know WHY I'm looking for an apartment! I mumbled something generic--and thank the goddess I didn't burst into tears!

The oddest part is that I don't care about most of what they're selling. Don't care about a pool, tennis courts, special events and all that. It's all too Melrose Place.

There are some around without all the bells and whistles, and I'm checking out one today. I'd like to find something that at least has a patio/balcony where I can get outside when I want. Hmmm, I wonder if these places have any restrictions against conch horn blowing to welcome the neighborhood spirits??

Boys of Summer #4: At the Beach with Dad

Isn't this the cutest and sexiest photo ever? The dad is Emanuel from the latest installment of the reality TV show "Big Brother Brazil." They have matching Speedos! Awwww....


From Made in Brazil.

Boys of Summer #4: At the Beach with Dad

Isn't this the cutest and sexiest photo ever? The dad is Emanuel from the latest installment of the reality TV show "Big Brother Brazil." They have matching Speedos! Awwww....


From Made in Brazil.

"Virtuality": Did It Suck or Not?

You may have missed it last Friday, but Fox aired a groovy sci-fi show titled "Virtuality." See the video below for a clip. What hooked me what that it was created by some of the same folks behind the already-classic remake of "Battlestar Galactica."

The premise is basically Earth is in environmental collapse, and this ship and its crew are looking for an alternative home for us Earthlings. Switch it up by adding that the ship's crew is also part of a reality TV show, and every waking moment is being filmed for their millions of fans back home trying to survive tsunamis, etc. The crew breaks up the tedium of space travel and research and not knowing whether it's really day or night by fighting with each other and by escaping into their own virtuality reality--sort of like the holodeck on "Star Trek: Voyager." The only problem is, someone is screwing with their fantasies and trying to either rape or kill them!

The show played with interesting concepts of consciousness, whether anything we perceive is "real" and how humans handle that (or don't). We get a real idea of how tedious and maddening space travel might be, and what it's really like to throw 13 people into a small space for 10 years. And I thought "Big Brother" was icky!

"Virtuality" looked promising: compelling premise, interesting characters and writing and production values. It even had hunky men--like Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (pictured), previously of Fox's cancelled "New Amsterdam"--and a gay astronaut couple! Although some of the crew conflict scenes grated on my nerves, I realled wanted to find out who was tinkering with their "holodeck" and exactly where Commander Pike's apparent near-death experience would lead. But since Fox isn't picking up the show for a full series, I'll never know! The show ended with a great cliffhanger--and that's it! Did Pike really die? Had the crew been lied to about their mission?

If you saw it, I'd love to hear your opinion. It looked like an intelligent show. Meanwhile, we have "Dance Your A** Off!"

Here's what one critic had to say. Check out a video clip below.

"Virtuality": Did It Suck or Not?

You may have missed it last Friday, but Fox aired a groovy sci-fi show titled "Virtuality." See the video below for a clip. What hooked me what that it was created by some of the same folks behind the already-classic remake of "Battlestar Galactica."

The premise is basically Earth is in environmental collapse, and this ship and its crew are looking for an alternative home for us Earthlings. Switch it up by adding that the ship's crew is also part of a reality TV show, and every waking moment is being filmed for their millions of fans back home trying to survive tsunamis, etc. The crew breaks up the tedium of space travel and research and not knowing whether it's really day or night by fighting with each other and by escaping into their own virtuality reality--sort of like the holodeck on "Star Trek: Voyager." The only problem is, someone is screwing with their fantasies and trying to either rape or kill them!

The show played with interesting concepts of consciousness, whether anything we perceive is "real" and how humans handle that (or don't). We get a real idea of how tedious and maddening space travel might be, and what it's really like to throw 13 people into a small space for 10 years. And I thought "Big Brother" was icky!

"Virtuality" looked promising: compelling premise, interesting characters and writing and production values. It even had hunky men--like Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (pictured), previously of Fox's cancelled "New Amsterdam"--and a gay astronaut couple! Although some of the crew conflict scenes grated on my nerves, I realled wanted to find out who was tinkering with their "holodeck" and exactly where Commander Pike's apparent near-death experience would lead. But since Fox isn't picking up the show for a full series, I'll never know! The show ended with a great cliffhanger--and that's it! Did Pike really die? Had the crew been lied to about their mission?

If you saw it, I'd love to hear your opinion. It looked like an intelligent show. Meanwhile, we have "Dance Your A** Off!"

Here's what one critic had to say. Check out a video clip below.

Kumar Heads to the White House!

Sorry, couldn't resist. Actor Kal Penn of "Harold and Kumar" fame has just joined the Obama Administration (he's the one on the left if you're not familiar). He's leaving acting behind temporarily (and taking a pay cut) to serve in the Office of Public Liaison, specifically working with the arts community and Asian Americans. Penn, whose most recent TV role was on the Fox series "House," was an active Obama campaign volunteer.

It's nice and inspiring to see an up-and-coming actor like Penn take on a role in public service. You don't see that very often. Usually the other way around--actors have great careers and then decided to run for president or governor.

Still, wouldn't it be funny if Penn reverts to his slacker, dope-smoking Kumar character? Well, not really, I guess, but I do love the "Kumar" films. Hmmm, I bet the Republicans will have a field day with this.

Kumar Heads to the White House!

Sorry, couldn't resist. Actor Kal Penn of "Harold and Kumar" fame has just joined the Obama Administration (he's the one on the left if you're not familiar). He's leaving acting behind temporarily (and taking a pay cut) to serve in the Office of Public Liaison, specifically working with the arts community and Asian Americans. Penn, whose most recent TV role was on the Fox series "House," was an active Obama campaign volunteer.

It's nice and inspiring to see an up-and-coming actor like Penn take on a role in public service. You don't see that very often. Usually the other way around--actors have great careers and then decided to run for president or governor.

Still, wouldn't it be funny if Penn reverts to his slacker, dope-smoking Kumar character? Well, not really, I guess, but I do love the "Kumar" films. Hmmm, I bet the Republicans will have a field day with this.

Collision of Worlds! "Battlestar Galactica" Lands at the United Nations

No, it's not a Cylon invasion--although there are some critics out there who may think the UN is run by robots. Just some Battlestar Galactica creators and actors heading to the UN to discuss heady stuff like human rights, armed conflict and terrorism.

Kind of odd having actors do this, but hey, with the moral quandaries the actors have brought to life on the show, why not? The UN needs all the help it can get. Besides, these actors aren't any worse than you or I spouting off about these things. We need Mary McDonnell (Roslin) to show 'em how it's done anyway!

Even odder, Whoopie Goldberg is moderator! Who better for that job than Guinan?! (I miss her.)

Only 3 days left til the end! Will you be ready??

Collision of Worlds! "Battlestar Galactica" Lands at the United Nations

No, it's not a Cylon invasion--although there are some critics out there who may think the UN is run by robots. Just some Battlestar Galactica creators and actors heading to the UN to discuss heady stuff like human rights, armed conflict and terrorism.

Kind of odd having actors do this, but hey, with the moral quandaries the actors have brought to life on the show, why not? The UN needs all the help it can get. Besides, these actors aren't any worse than you or I spouting off about these things. We need Mary McDonnell (Roslin) to show 'em how it's done anyway!

Even odder, Whoopie Goldberg is moderator! Who better for that job than Guinan?! (I miss her.)

Only 3 days left til the end! Will you be ready??

"Battlestar Galactica": The End Is Near!

Mostly I thought this episode was beautifully done, especially with the flashbacks for several characters. Nice to see Gaius' dad and Starbuck with Zak. But can anyone explain the scene with a drunk Apollo and the pigeon?? That whooshing sound is the metaphor buzzing over my head. But overall, it seemed to flow well and was quite poetic. Even I'm going to miss that clunky old battlestar!

However--it's obvious the series finale is going to be a collective kamikaze mission to rescue Hera and destroy the Cylon Colony. Which is not so creative, IMHO. It's sad to see Galactica stripped of all her spare parts and everything put in boxes, but I just don't see all the main characters jumping on board the suicide mission.

The admiral? Sure. Starbuck? Sure. But the Final 5? Don't they have some higher destiny? Ok, Hera's important and all but something doesn't ring true. And wait, Apollo is going, too? Isn't he the President of the Colonies?? We see Adama turning back Doc Cottle, saying, "We can't lose another doctor," but not saying anything to his own son who is the frakkin' president? Oh, him? Expendable. Not to mention former prez Roslin, but that seems at least understandable (more great acting by Mary M!). And where the hell were Athena and Helo? Athena's still grieving, so maybe I can understand that, but you'd think Helo would've been in that hangar scene since Hera IS his daughter. Are we supposed to assume he'll be there? Basically, sloppy writing. They needed all the major characters together, so this was the hook.

One other bone to pick. So far, Anders has mumbled jibberish for the last several episodes, but suddenly, with just one question from Adama--he delivers the exact coordinates for the Cylon Colony?! Oh, well, that was convenient! Starbuck spends gods knows how much time trying to figure out those damn musical notes--but, nada. However, Adama steps in, asks his question of the Cylon Eight Ball and, poof, we're off on a suicide mission!

And another thing I don't like--Jamie Bamber's (Apollo) hair is too poofy!

Well, for better or worse, only 2 HOURS LEFT! What will I do with myself on Friday nights!?

And I had to share this last photo, of BSG actresses Grace Park, Tricia Helfer and Katie Sakoff, all dolled up for some GQ magazine photo shoot. Love the glam, girls!

"Battlestar Galactica": The End Is Near!

Mostly I thought this episode was beautifully done, especially with the flashbacks for several characters. Nice to see Gaius' dad and Starbuck with Zak. But can anyone explain the scene with a drunk Apollo and the pigeon?? That whooshing sound is the metaphor buzzing over my head. But overall, it seemed to flow well and was quite poetic. Even I'm going to miss that clunky old battlestar!

However--it's obvious the series finale is going to be a collective kamikaze mission to rescue Hera and destroy the Cylon Colony. Which is not so creative, IMHO. It's sad to see Galactica stripped of all her spare parts and everything put in boxes, but I just don't see all the main characters jumping on board the suicide mission.

The admiral? Sure. Starbuck? Sure. But the Final 5? Don't they have some higher destiny? Ok, Hera's important and all but something doesn't ring true. And wait, Apollo is going, too? Isn't he the President of the Colonies?? We see Adama turning back Doc Cottle, saying, "We can't lose another doctor," but not saying anything to his own son who is the frakkin' president? Oh, him? Expendable. Not to mention former prez Roslin, but that seems at least understandable (more great acting by Mary M!). And where the hell were Athena and Helo? Athena's still grieving, so maybe I can understand that, but you'd think Helo would've been in that hangar scene since Hera IS his daughter. Are we supposed to assume he'll be there? Basically, sloppy writing. They needed all the major characters together, so this was the hook.

One other bone to pick. So far, Anders has mumbled jibberish for the last several episodes, but suddenly, with just one question from Adama--he delivers the exact coordinates for the Cylon Colony?! Oh, well, that was convenient! Starbuck spends gods knows how much time trying to figure out those damn musical notes--but, nada. However, Adama steps in, asks his question of the Cylon Eight Ball and, poof, we're off on a suicide mission!

And another thing I don't like--Jamie Bamber's (Apollo) hair is too poofy!

Well, for better or worse, only 2 HOURS LEFT! What will I do with myself on Friday nights!?

And I had to share this last photo, of BSG actresses Grace Park, Tricia Helfer and Katie Sakoff, all dolled up for some GQ magazine photo shoot. Love the glam, girls!