As you’ve probably already heard, Rue McClanahan passed away today. It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of the Golden Girls, and I was very sad to hear that the woman who brought Blanche Devereaux to life is with us no more. She was, among other things, a great actress, an animal lover, and an inspiring survivor. (Worth a read: this tribute to Rue, the “original Jezebel.”)
Although Rue played many roles (I remember watching her as Aunt Fran on Mama’s Family, and I wish I could have seen her as Madam Morrible in Wicked), her time on the Golden Girls was truly magical. Here are some of those magical moments:
Now she’s left us to join Bea and Estelle on that big lanai in the sky. We’ll miss you, Rue.
Given this sad news, can someone please create an immortality potion for Betty White? A world without a Golden Girl in it would be a very sad world indeed.
So, I checked out Sex and the City 2 this weekend with the gals… honestly, given some of the reviews I had read, I was expecting the worst. (However, a review I read after I’d already seen the movie is probably my favorite. The thesis? Sex and the City is our Star Wars.)
It had some funny moments, but it was definitely a far cry from what made the series so great. (Full disclosure – I’m a super fan and own all 6 seasons on DVD.) In the past, it’s been said that NYC is the fifth character… I’d have to agree. While I have to admit I loved the guest appearance by Liza with a Z (not Lisa with an S, ’cause Lisa with an S goes ssss not zzzz), I never quite got into the part of the movie set in Abu Dhabi. It’s not quite Sex and the City without the City, really. In addition, the characters seem to have less depth than ever before… at times I felt like I was watching a broad parody of the series, rather than a continuation of it. (There was one scene with Miranda and Charlotte that I really loved, but I won’t spoil it for anyone.) Where were the smart and funny ladies I enjoyed watching on TV? I miss them.
In any event… although I didn’t love it, it was still a nice chance to get together with the gals. So in honor of girls’ nights everywhere (of which I’m sure SATC2 inspired many), I thought I’d share the recipe for White Cosmos that some friends and I enjoyed during a recent girls’ night in. We tweaked a recipe that I found on the Hostess with the Mostess blog, and the results were delicious!
1/2 oz Cointreau orange liqueur
1/2 oz lime juice
1 oz orange Stoli or other orange vodka (or 2 oz for a stronger cocktail)
2 oz white cranberry-peach juice
Pour all ingredients in an ice-filled cocktail shaker, shake well and strain into chilled martini glass. Garnish with an orange spiral.
Lost ends this Sunday… crazy, right? In honor of the last (often frustrating) six seasons, this week’s No Frown Friday has a Lost theme. As John Locke might say, “don’t tell me what I can’t blog!” Let’s get to it…
First and foremost, it’s your weekly dose of punny pet names. Keeping with the Lost theme, I give you Snarls Widmore. (Bonus non-Lost pet name in honor of NPH’s awesome Glee appearance this week: Doggie Howser.)
These Lost audition tapes are interesting and amusing – apparently everyone wanted to be Sawyer. (Really, who can blame them?) Speaking of Sawyer, there better be a Juliet reunion in the works for Sunday or I will be one unhappy camper. Without a doubt, those two are tied with Desmond and Penny as my favorite couple (sorry, Jin & Sun… you were a very close second, promise).
I have no idea how to tie this next item into this week’s theme, but that’s just too bad… anyone know how I can get one of these baby sloths? (Maybe I could pretend that their nursery is a Dharma outpost.)
Sorry for that tangent… it’s what I do. Anyway, I’m sure there will be lots of viewing parties for the Lost finale – I’d like to invite these dudes (I’ll miss you, Hurley) to mine:
Speaking of pups, I wonder if we’ll see Vincent again. As long as Vincent makes it out okay, at least I can take solace in the fact that the puppy had a happy ending in the Lost-iverse. (Speaking of, did you know that Vincent is played by a lady dog?)
So, as you settle in with your Dharma popcorn on Sunday night, what questions simply must have answers? Which characters will you miss the most? I’m a Ben, Sawyer, and Miles fan myself – perhaps Lost could spin those characters off into a sitcom (special guest star John Locke, non-Smokey edition). It could be followed by a Desmond/Penny sitcom, for a night of Lost-themed comedy.
Final thoughts… How does the sideways world connect to the island? Why have I not started calling everyone I know Sawyer-esque nicknames? What is with that stupid light in the middle of the island, and why did it remind me of a log flume ride when Jacob tossed Smokey in there? Did Allison Janney and Crazy Claire patronize the same ratty wig shop? Why does everyone in the sideways world still remember their flight number days after they land in L.A.? I don’t even know my flight number when I’m on the actual flight.
I hope that Sunday night’s finale doesn’t disappoint – if they suddenly cut to black and play a Journey song, I will have to consider swearing off TV forever. (Though if I had to pick one, I’d suggest Wheel in the Sky.)
Farewell, Lost – and thanks for killing off Boone, which allowed Ian Somerhalder to skip on over to the CW and play Damon on The Vampire Diaries. For that, I will always be grateful.
For the first time, No Frown Friday will let one specific breed take the spotlight. It seemed like I kept encountering Corgis this week. It’s a fitting breed for my first breed spotlight – although we’ve been told Bella is a cross between a Beagle and a Jack Russell Terrier, we often get asked if she’s part Corgi. She does have comically large ears and is low to the ground. So either that combination results in a suspiciously Corgi-like creature, or there’s some Corgi in her family tree. Anyway, on with the Corgification:
While watching the Daily Show on Monday night, I saw this segment about Britain’s hung Parliament (that’s right, I keep up with non-puppy news as well). While the Daily Show is reliably funny, this segment had a little something special – punny pet names! Specifically, Winston Furchill (a Corgi, of course) and Margaret Scratcher. Classic. With that in mind, my own punny pet name this week is based upon one of the talented actresses Britain has bestowed upon us: Mischa Barkton. (I kid, I kid… but did you know she was born in England?)
If you love Corgis, there’s a cute blog out there called the Daily Corgi where I found this picture of a Corgi rocking Bella’s signature pose. Or maybe Bella has stolen a signature Corgi pose? The plot thickens…
Who am I kidding? As if I could only post one new punny pet name. In honor of today’s Corgi focus, I give you Billy Corgi-an and Corgi Cox.
I just learned that a cross between a Jack Russell Terrier and a Pembroke Welsh Corgi is called a Cojack (info and plethora of adorable pictures here). I now have an overwhelming urge to adopt one of these dogs, get him hooked on lollipops, and train him to star in his own police drama. It seems to me that their short stature makes them the perfect dog detective – they can sniff out clues while staying under the radar. Also, they are short enough to simply trip bad guys when they try to make a run for it. However, in order for this police drama to work, Cojack may need a taller dog as a sidekick so that he doesn’t miss any clues that are higher off the ground.
In honor of the future interim Prime Minister, Sir Winston Furchill, here’s another noble Corgi, showing off his kibble dancing skills:
If you think a short and adorable dog might be for you and are interested in finding a Corgi of your very own, consider rescuing a Corgi. I hear they are good sports and won’t be offended even if you constantly make fun of their height. True story.
I’m still in an 80s kind of mood (I blame/thank Glee – apparently I’m not the only one), hence this week’s punny pet names: Simon LeBone, Olivia Chewton John, and Cat Benatar.
Not in any way related to the 80s, I loved these pictures of the Smithsonian’s new clouded leopard cubs. I think I’ll just make a tangentially-related ThunderCats reference here to shoehorn this item into this week’s theme. (It’s rumored that a movie is in the works. Snarf?)
Speaking of 80s cartoons… I’m sure it will not surprise you to learn that the Pound Puppies are high on my list of favorites. I totally had the board game (Pooch on the Loose). Now that I think about it, perhaps Pound Puppies is partially responsible for my love of punny pet names. Nose Marie, anyone? Also, in moment of synergy that would make Jem proud, not only does this item combine the 80s and puppies, I just remembered that one of the pups was named Bright Eyes, which relates to my next item…
Did you watch this week’s Glee? The performance of Total Eclipse of the Heart was amazing. (Thumbs up for the angry ballet ) That song was already a guilty pleasure, and I’ll definitely be adding the Glee version to my iPod. Every time I hear the song, I think of two things: (1) this hilarious literal video version; and (2) the summer before I started college. I vaguely recall that during the summer orientation weekend, there was some sort of anti-drug performance using Total Eclipse of the Heart as a soundtrack. I think that it included people in black t-shirts wearing the names of drugs, and it was full of dramatic moments such as the main student character being surrounded by all of the “drugs” and cut off from her family and friends. I don’t recall whether I found this hilarious or moving at the time – but in retrospect, I declare it kind of awesome based on soundtrack alone. Anyway, please excuse the long-winded intro to the fourth item on this week’s list. In honor of all of that reminiscing Glee made me do this week, I thought I’d leave you with another one of my favorite literal videos – Take on Me:
With that, I bid you good day. Turn around, Bright Eyes, and have a puptastic weekend.
Oh, Friday… one look at you and I can’t disguise. I’ve got… hungry eyes. I feel the magic between you and I. (I know it’s poetic license, so I’m trying to put my grammar concern aside and just go with it.) Anyway, let me count down this week’s items for No Frown Friday:
Punny pet names… a tradition that perhaps only I enjoy. In honor of number 4 on this week’s list of things to help you wag your way into the weekend, this week’s name is Johnny Cats-le. That one was too easy, but I think I earned a pass given that last week I offered up enough names for you to stage an all-pets Golden Girls production in your home. (If anyone I know ever does stage such a production, may I suggest “Golden Retriever Girls” as a possible title? Also, I’m expecting a cut of the inevitable profits and a producer credit. I’m just saying.)
Just kidding… even when I try to stop, I can’t. So here are two bonus punny pet names, continuing on the classic TV theme: Julia and Suzanne Sugarbarker. You’re welcome, Internet.
Speaking of sugar… gazing at these muppet cupcakes has left me incapable of commentary beyond, “Me want cupcakes!” (Bonus: many awesome muppet moments in the comments, including the Swedish Chef.)
This tribute to Dirty Dancing put a big smile on my face. Go check it out, spaghetti arms… or pop the DVD in for the millionth time and watch it again this weekend. You know you want to. If you need me, I’ll be listening to the soundtrack on repeat.
If you’re in the northern Virginia area, you might want to check out the Pet Fiesta this weekend at Reston Town Center. There will be puppies everywhere! Below, a representation of this event in video form:
(via Cute Overload – if you think you can handle the cuteness, there’s another one here)
Note: your actual experience at the Pet Fiesta may differ. Have a good weekend, kiddos.
Let’s talk last week’s Madonna-themed episode of Glee. In all honesty, that was one of the most enjoyable hours of television I’ve watched in a while. I’ve been listening to the soundtrack all week. As Sue Sylvester would say, “Madonna. Simply saying the word aloud makes me feel powerful – even in voice-over.” I can’t argue with Sue on that one – though at least one person more eloquent than me has written some beautiful and thoughtful words on Madonna and Glee. I couldn’t say it better, so I’m not even going to try.
However, I will use this Glee intro as the overly-complicated setup for a completely different topic. (I’m like a Simpsons episode in blog form.) Well, not completely different – just another one of those tangential leaps that my brain seems to enjoy. Anyway… today’s topic: awesome episodes of TV. I’m talking about amazing episodes of great (or not-so-great) television shows. I’m fairly confident that Glee’s Madonna-themed episode just vaulted into a spot on my list of all-time fantastic episodes – an episode that I will be thrilled to watch over and over again, even though I have already watched it so many times that I could stage a reenactment using sock puppets.
Given that Glee’s Madonna episode is joining this elite crowd, I should probably introduce it to the other members of my personal Episode Hall of Fame. I’ve put together the following non-exhaustive list. It’s mostly sitcoms, with a Saturday morning confection and a soapy nighttime guilty pleasure thrown in for good measure. (I may do a later post on those dramas that have had a similar effect on me – however, “thrilled to watch over and over again” might not be an accurate description, considering most of those episodes reduce me to a blubbering mess.)
Friends, The One with the Embryos – You may remember this one as the episode in which Ross hosts a trivia contest – Rachel and Monica versus Chandler and Joey. Every time I subscribe to a magazine, I have to resist the urge to request that it be addressed to Ms. Chanandler Bong.
How I Met Your Mother, Slap Bet (aka Robin Sparkles) – I will never stop singing “Let’s Go to the Mall.” This episode was brilliant, and the writers still call back to this episode seasons later. If you are not watching How I Met Your Mother, be warned that I may sit you down and make you watch this episode on DVD. Consider me a series dealer, trying to get you hooked with a little taste of awesome.
Beverly Hills 90210, Something in the Air – They should have just named this episode “Donna Martin Graduates.”
Futurama, Jurassic Bark – I can’t even describe this episode. In fact, every time I attempt to type up my thoughts on it, I can feel the tears forming at the corner of my eyes. As a dog lover, I apparently cannot even think of this episode without having an emotional reaction.
Scrubs, My Screw Up – The first time I watched this episode, I definitely wasn’t expecting the Sixth Sense-ish twist. However, knowing the twist doesn’t diminish this episode for me at all. As usual, Scrubs manages to handle a weighty subject like the death of a loved one with humor and grace. It gets me every time.
The Simpsons, I Love Lisa – Ralph Wiggum is my favorite Simpsons character, hands down. Always beware the power of a Valentine indicating that you choo-choo-choose the recipient.
Saved by the Bell, Jessie’s Song – I mean, come on. This episode is responsible for my (now-forgotten) fear of caffeine pills and for my inability to say “I’m so excited” without “I’m… so… scared!” tacked on to the end of it. That’s an impact… and perhaps something of a disease.
I’m sure as soon as I publish this list, I’ll think of some gems I left out. It’s a risk I’ll have to take, since my DVR has thoughtfully recorded enough of Glee so that I can skip the commercials. That show is required same-night viewing for me.
Another weekend is upon us… meaning that it’s time for another No-Frown Friday. (That’s right… a week later I still haven’t come up with a better title. One of these days, inspiration will strike.) Here’s a list of things designed to get your tail wagging:
This week’s punny pet name is … Rose Nylabone. (A pet with this name should live in a house in Florida with Dorothy Zbornibark, Blanche Deverpaw and Sofeline Petrillo. This foursome should be given unlimited access to the lanai, and should be allowed to have cheesecake late at night when discussing their problems. Under no circumstances should three of them be allowed to go off on their own and purchase a hotel.)
In honor of Roscoe’s visit to Bella, this slideshow showcases pets in pairs.
Has anyone else been following Such Tweet Sorrow? It’s Romeo and Juliet for the Twitter generation. Check it out. It’s Shakespeare’s “birthday,” after all.
If you enjoyed this week’s punny pet name, you should watch this hilarious tribute to Betty White. (Warning: it’s catchy and may get stuck in your head, supplanting some other valuable info you have stored in there. It’s worth the risk.)
In closing, here’s a vintage Bella photo:
Putting the lazy in La-Z-Boy (circa 2004)
I hope this photo inspires you to find some lazy time of your own this weekend. Perhaps you should relax on the couch and watch old episodes of the Golden Girls. You deserve it.
I’ve been trying to think of a way to combine Earth Day and my favorite topic, puppies. (No surprise there, I’m sure.) However, the wonderful video below just solved that problem for me:
Captain Pug. He’s my hero. Going to take pollution down to zero. He is cuteness magnified, and he’s fighting on the planet’s side. (Hat tip to Captain Planet for infiltrating my brain for decades.) I mean, seriously… how cute and well-trained is this pug? Also, if anyone knows how I can join that dog’s carpool, please let me know. Best. Commute. Ever.
For those of us whose dogs aren’t well-trained enough to star in their own Earth Day PSAs, there are still plenty of ways to be an eco-friendly pet owner. Check here for some general tips on how you can go green, and here for a list of green pet toys.
Earth! Fire! Wind! Water! Heart! Puppies! By your powers combined, he is Captain Pug, the cutest superhero ever.
Today I saw this article containing a list of “The 7 Most Soul-Crushing Series Finales in TV History.” After reading it, I first had a moment of silence for poor Gordon Shumway. Of the seven on the list, the post on ALF made me laugh the most. The author raises a good point – why did the Tanners insist on calling him ALF instead of his actual name? Jerks.
Anyway, reminiscing about ALF and David the Gnome got me thinking. First, I wondered if the Lost finale will join the list of disappointing finales next month, or if it will provide a satisfying conclusion to the series. Second, I started thinking about shows that I loved back in the day. The first show that came to mind? If you were a fan, you may have guessed it from the post title – Nickelodeon’s Hey Dude. (Sometimes I find myself humming that theme song – it’s ridiculous what takes up space in my brain.) Oh, Brad and Melody – we had some good times together. You too, Danny and Ted. Dare I call the Hey Dude era the golden age of Nickelodeon? Clarissa explained it all to me, I gained a healthy fear of green slime thanks to You Can’t Do That on Television, and I can still sing about Welcome Freshmen’s Mortis the Safety Tortoise. I always wanted to compete on Double Dare and that show where the players got to go inside the video game. So many childhood dreams unrealized…
Anyway, if you’re curious what happened to the cast of Hey Dude, I found a slideshow that answers that very question. The Internet has everything. Have a good night, and remember – you can’t get a ride if you can’t hold on.
