HAYYYYY!!  OK …….. I've decided to ask .. IS IT JUST ME OR ..

1.  No surprise, but I love, love, love me some RuPaul's Drag Race.  The Logo channel replayed Season One so many times, I know the episodes by heart.  However, Season Two looks like it will walk all over the original hopefuls.  Ru's got a bigger budget, a bigger workroom, a fancier stage and 2 times more gauze over the cameras to hide the fact that he will soon be turning 50.

So far, my two favorite ladies are Atlanta's own Nicole Paige Brooks, and Mystique Summers Madison.  I am so loving Miss Mystique!  Any big ol' drag sistah who can walk into a room of size negative 4 barbies and proclaim, "big girls are gonna represent this year," is my type of diva!  Bring it to the runway Mystique!

2.  Does anybody else watch that show 19 KIDS AND COUNTING?  The one about Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar and their 400 and something children?  I usually do not watch this lovely family, but somehow got hooked into an episode on Sunday night.  This was the cliffhanger from last season, where Michelle had her 19th child, and yet 7 or 8 of her oldest still managed to go on a mission trip to El Salvador [I guess TLC is footing the bill].

Does anybody remember when this family first appeared about 5 years ago?  They only had 16 or so children at that time.  Now is it just me, or has anyone noticed that the family has gone all Hollywood?  When we first met the Duggars, all the girls wore blue jean smock dresses and had their long hair pulled back on each side.  Not anymore!  Someone has exposed the Duggars to Old Navy and the Gap.  The girls are wearing jeans, ugg boots and, and, and they all have perms!  Including Momma Michelle!  Thank goodness she got rid of those mushroom bangs!

Now, you've got 19 kids!  19!  You just know that one of them is going write a tell all book in a few years.  We'll find out which kid ran away at the first opportunity for freedom [probably the one writing the book]; we'll find out why "Cousin Amy" never had any brothers or sisters; and we'll find out that Jim Bob's siblings secretly hate his success.

One more thing .. "Jim Bob!"  Jim Bob you are a grown man, drop the "Bob."  The only person I knew who answered to "Jim Bob" as an adult was on THE WALTONS.  And you saw what happened to his life .. never got a chance to leave that mountain, stayed with the show until it was cancelled, only career is attending conventions where spectators can "meet" the cast of THE WALTONS. 

Is It Just Me?

Showtime Synergy! 

HAYYYYY!!  OK …….. I'm a few months behind the rest of the food and movie critics, but I finally saw JULIE & JULIA.  I have to be honest and say that while I thought the first half was funny and worth all the "acclaim," the second hour seemed a little predictable and stale.

Yes, Meryl was able to "inhabit" her role and make me believe she WAS Julia Child.  However, her mannerisms, speech pattern and voice almost bordered on charictature.  I say "almost" only because of those emotional scenes where Julia contemplates not having children [which I wanted the movie to explain why - could she not have children?  Was Paul Child unable?].

Amy Adams, bless her heart, just got on my last nerve.  I love that the real "Julie Powell" was able to create a blog that changed her life, as well as others.  But if "Julie" is anything like Amy's whiny "I hate my life while I have to walk past Ground Zero everyday to work" portrayal …….. no wonder her friends walked all over her!

I felt that the screen writers had written themselves into a wall, and decided to rush the ending – Julia works for years on the book as she and Paul are transferred throughout Europe; At the same time, Julie has a fight with her husband, realizes she is a better person due to Julia, whips up the monumental duck recipe and WHAMMO, she's a food network star!  All within the space of 10 minutes!

However, there is one catch that the movie does not address .. Julia Child told a reporter that she thought Julie was making fun of her.  What happened after that?  Did they meet and make up?

At The Same Time, I can not get "The Voice" out of my head!  I have been listening to Mariah's music constantly since last Tuesday's concert.  Huge thanks to The Pink Diva for sharing the above picture!

Therefore, I have decided to create The Diva's Special Voice Playlist: 

**Disc One: Mariah – The Pop Star** 

1.  Fly Away [Butterfly Reprise]; 2.  Someday; 3.  You're So Cold; 4.  Emotions; 5.  Make It Happen; 6.  I Don't Wanna Cry; 7.  Love Takes Time; 8.  To Be Around You; 9.  Can't Let Go; 10.  Honey [So So Def Remix]; 11. Now That I Know; 12.  Without You; 13.  Open Arms; 14.  One Sweet Day; 15.  Anytime You Need A Friend; 16.  Sweetheart [Duet W/ JD]; 17.  Butterfly; 18. Fantasy Remix [Duet W/ O.D.B.]. 

**Disc Two: Mariah – The Emancipated Voice**

1.  Last Night A DJ Saved My Life; 2.  Heartbreaker [Duet W/ Jay-Z]; 3.  X-Girlfriend [With Kandi Burrus on Background Vocals]; 4.  How Much [Duet W/ Usher]; 5.  Against All Odds; 6.  Boy (I Need You) [Duet W/ Cam'ron]; 7.  Clown [Song supposedly about Eminem?]; 8.  Migrate [Duet W/ T-Pain]; 9.  Touch My Body; 10.  It's Like That; 11.  Get Your Number [Duet W/ JD]; 12.  Shake It Off; 13.  We Belong Together; 14.  Fly Like A Bird; 15.  I'm That Chick; 16.  Betcha Gon' Know; 17.  Standing O; 18.  Obsessed [Jump Smokers Radio Remix]; 19.  Up Out My Face

It's Showtime Synergy! 

HAYYYYY!!  OK …….. A short, simple, and to the point blog entry …….. I'M GOING TO MARIAH'S ATLANTA CONCERT ON JANUARY 19th!!!!!!!!  Bring it to the freaking runway!!  I am beyond excited and still can not believe I have a ticket.

This excitement is due to THE PINK DIVA, who knew I wanted to go as much as she did.  Well, we were talking today …….. and now we both have tickets to see THE VOICE!  Of course MISS PINK has a few concerns that she may become injured due to my singing, dancing and screaming [we both saw Madonna for the first time together, so she has an idea of how the Diva acts at a concert].  I'll try to keep my excitement under control, but no promises.

Mariah Carey YALL!

Here is the video for one of my favorite Mariah songs that many people do not know about .. "Last Night A DJ Saved My Life!"

HAYYYYY!!  OK …….. MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!  Roscoe and I just wanted to send out a quick Christmas week catch-up / blog entry.

First, Roscoe's First Annual Holiday Open House was a great success last Sunday!  Almost everyone that I invited came [many with gifts for myself and/or Roscoe .. I did not anticipate this - nice surprise], stayed, mingled and ate, ate ate!  The party was far more successful than even I thought it would be.  HMMMMM, maybe this could be an annual holiday tradition?

I have to give a HUGE shout out to my Mom and the Hackberry Divas [Miss Diana, Miss Gina, Queen Cindi, Miss Anne and Miss Peggy] for the food they brought and the great words of encouragement.  I seriously could not have had this party without them!

Besides my family and friends who helped to make the party a great success, I was also thankful for the party itself, since I finally begin to get into the holiday spirit.  For some reason, it has been very, very hard to get out of the "blah" mindframe I had for Christmas this year.  And nothing seemed to improve my mood .. shopping, Christmas music, parties, etc.  However, if you read my last post, KATHY B's hat began the transformation!

I don't know why my mood was blah.  I am extremely thankful and had been looking forward to the season, but it just seemed like a "spirit" that was just out of my reach.  As a hint, watch THE CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS SPECIAL – it works everytime! 

Anyway, the Christmas work week was short, Christmas Eve at my parents was the typical craziness and laughter, and then came the best part, a relaxing Christmas Day .. Roscoe and I laying around my parent's house watching old movies [LITTLE WOMEN - The 1949 version with Elizabeth Taylor as Amy, Margaret O'Brien as Beth and June Allyson as Jo.  WHAT WAS MGM THINKING??  Amy is the youngest, and yet Elizabeth Taylor looks older than all the girls, and with more make-up??], and eating leftovers.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Meanwhile, back at the Hall of Justice …….. 

HAYYYYY!!  OK …….. I hope that all of my readers, from near and far, have a great and relaxing Thanksgiving!  Possibly due to the economy or the good and negative attitudes that I have witnessed lately, I decided to list THE DIVA'S top 9 for 09 Thankful List [in no particular order, some more important than others]:

1.  My belief in GOD.  The GOD I believe in, has to look down on all of us and think, "fools, that is not what I meant."

2.  My family.

3.  My best buddy, Mr. Roscoe!  I love this dog!  Even though he is bossy, bossy, bossy!

4.  Friends that I have known for a while [HAYYYYY Miss Lauren Rue!, The Carters].

5.  Friends that have recently come into my life [HAYYYYY Hackberry Divas!]. 

6.  Dance music, R&B, some Country, Broadway, etc.  I LOVE my music!  I LOVE I-TUNES!  I LOVE my I-POD!  Shout out to my friend Reed, who I am very thankful to have in my life.  Now, with that said, some certain remixes ……..:)!

7.  My job.  Not only for the employment, but the opportunities!  I have encountered many people lately who complain and complain about their jobs.  GIRRRRRRRL!!  Shut up and be thankful you have a job.  Have you taken a look around at the people who are desperately looking? 

8.  My home.  I love my condo.  I want to do so much, but have to remember to be patient.  Graceland, nor Dollywood were built in a day.

9.  Comedians that see life a little different.  Hello Kathy Griffin, Kate Clinton, Jonny McGovern, Margaret Cho, Kathleen Madigan, Suzanne Westenhofer and Joan Rivers to name a few.

Meanwhile, back at the Hall of Justice …….. 

HAYYYYY!!  OK …….. Two points of irony that I would like to share with you today, gentle readers:

1.  As some of you are experiencing, it has been rain, rain and more rain throughout most of middle and north Georgia.  Homes have been flooded, bridges are falling apart, and many businesses and schools have closed or let people leave early.  In addition to the potential property damage, most of my neighbors and co-workers are extremely tired of the rain.  Rain, rain go away ……..

PEOPLE!! [House of Dereon:  Where the catwalk meets the sidewalk!  Tina Knowles]

Are you not the same group that went on and on and on the last few summers about the lack of rain?  Lake Lanier was supposedly drying up, Six Flags was recycling water, and as I learned from Oprah last week, Whitney actually left Bobby and Atlanta in 2006!  This is rain you wanted, the rain you begged for and most importantly, THE RAIN THAT SONNY PRAYED FOR!!

Don't you remember, Sonny out there at the state capital praying for rain?  You asked GOD for rain, now don't complain!  Always remember to really think about your requests to GOD.

2.  I have a friend who works for one of Atlanta's local magazines.  She stated that the "living" section is constantly updating their restaurant listing guide, due to the number of establishments that have closed in the past few years.  Either due to funds, lack of interest or even bad timing, many restaurants are having trouble keeping their doors open 6 months to a year.

RESTAURANT OWNERS AND WAIT STAFF!!  [House of Dereon:  Where the catwalk meets the sidewalk!  Tina Knowles]

When possible customers have limited funds, but also several choices, it is not a good idea to provide poor service.  I went to a restaurant last night, where I have never experienced "great service."  In the past, I have had to ask if my table even had a waiter.  However, my dining companions enjoy the establishment and the food is quite good.  Until last night ……. cold soup that was returned to the kitchen twice; several requests for drink refills before anything happened; two of the three people received their meals while the third order was not even given to the kitchen; our original waiter approached the table once to say, "one minute," while his replacement took our order and disappeared, and finally a third waiter came to the table [maybe we were supposed to meet the entire staff] ……..

When we finally asked for a manager, he came out with this whole, "I'm soooooooo sorry" number.  Sorry does not cut it [although he excused the entire bill].  The restaurant was half full, with wait staff standing around.

In this economy …….. a little too ironic, yeah I really do think!

Meanwhile, back at the Hall of Justice …….. 

HAYYYYY!!  OK …….. I was going to blog about GOP California Assemblyman, Michael Duvall, who resigned today because he was RECORDED [RECORDED YALL!] bragging about his recent affairs with two young female lobbyists.  These same lobbyists worked for companies that had governmental contracts – and Mr. Duvall co-chaired the committee that presided over these contracts.  Conflict of interest anyone?

And then I was going to blog about THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF ATLANTA, who could not even go on Ellen Degeneres' show without making a fool of themselves.  Still, I love me some Kandi, Ne Ne and Kim!

But these two subjects pale in comparison to the politicians of South Carolina!

For those who could care less, we first had Governor Mark Sanford and the visits to his lady love in Argentina.  Then lately, we have had Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer, who REALLY, REALLY wants to be Governor.  However, there might be a minor problems ……..

And then, thanks to Obama's speech to Congress tonight, I have been introduced to "YOU LIE" GOP South Carolina Representative, Joe Wilson.  PEOPLE, I was never the biggest fan of George and Laura, and I'm not that crazy about Barack and Michelle [although Michelle has a FANTASTIC eye for fashion], but there are some things you just DO NOT DO when the President is speaking .. and on national television!  Did anyone catch Pelosi's reaction?  It was pure, "Don't make a black woman take her earrings off!"

Just as a continual side note, remember the individual I WANTED for President is the current Secretary of State!

I have relatives who live in South Carolina, I love, love, love me some Myrtle Beach, but what a hot mess South Carolina has become!

Meanwhile, back at the Hall of Justice …….. 

HAYYYYY!!  OK …….. On September 29th, Madonna will release her "ultimate" [ie .. she's leaving Warner Bros Records to begin her new contract with Live Nation] greatest hits package, CELEBRATION, which contains over 35 [if you buy the "deluxe version" cd] of her top hits.  You can listen to Madonna grow from "Holiday" to "Four Minutes."

As I was watching the above commercial for CELEBRATION, I realized how much this woman and her music have been a part of my life, since I was 14 and through present day.  So, in the spirit of "celebrating" [you know I had to] my life with Madonna, a few of my September blog entries will reflect on those hot mess moments with Miss M!

SPRING SEMESTER OF MY FRESHMEN YEAR AT CHURCHILL HIGH SCHOOL [SHOUT OUT TO MY FRIEND KRISTI QUINN, WHO STILL LOOKS 16!] – I am sitting in Biology class [bored out of my mind], listening to the girls in front of me talk about the upcoming try outs for the dance and drill teams.  Not to be mean, but you know my inner monologue, one of these ladies had no business trying to fit into the drill team's skirt and blouse combo – but that is another story.  Anyway, one of the girls mentions that she just loves the new album by Madonna.  Loves that it sounds different, thought Madonna was actually black, etc.  The seed has been planted, and I eventually receive that first album, creatively called MADONNA, in the summer of '84.

CHRISTMAS MORNING 1985 – Santa thought the DIVA had been good, so I received a VCR, and a copy of Madonna's first concert video, THE VIRGIN TOUR.  Loved this show and can still "perform" M's dance steps at the beginning of "Dress You Up."  THE VIRGIN TOUR was filmed when "Madonna Mania" was at it's peak.  All the teenage girls and queens were trying to copy her bra outerwear / Maripol jewelry look.  Little did the teens and queens know that the lady had already left all that behind.

Jump ahead a few years to 1989.  Madonna has released MADONNA, LIKE A VIRGIN, and TRUE BLUE [as well as the remix collection, YOU CAN DANCE], but the "mania" is over and upstarts like Janet Jackson, Paula Abdul, Jody Watley and Whitney Houston are aiming to be the next pop princess, while the Material Girl was off performing in David Mamet's SPEED THE PLOW.  I remember PEOPLE magazine proclaiming that Paula was bigger than Madonna [as if!].  Was the girl from Detroit washed up? 

And then she released, LIKE A PRAYER, and the pop / dance world just was never the same …….. 

The above video is from M's STICKY AND SWEET TOUR, which I saw in Atlanta.  She shows pure genius by remixing the song with Felix's 'Don't You Want!"  I remember my boss and I were screaming and singing along when she performed [and sang live - Hello Britney!] this in November 2008.  

Part Two to follow!

** PET SHOP BOYS IN CONCERT COUNTDOWN – 6 DAYS!! **

Meanwhile, back at the Hall of Justice …….. 

HAYYYYY!!  OK …….. I have been "under the weather" for the past few days, even left work on Thursday morning since I was feeling a mess.  I apparently have this cold / congestion "thing" that is making it's way through Atlanta / Georgia.  It starts with the head, then the nose, to the throat and now the cough.  At any minute, I expect to hear the theme song for A LOVE STORY, followed by Ali McGraw telling me, "Love means never having to say you're sorry."

Onto other topics …….. I am still LOVING the REAL HOUSEWIVES OF ATLANTA!  Since my last post, I have found out that Kim Zolciak actually lives near my condo, and that she shops at my grocery store [this fact is from a neighbor who works at the store and has seen Kim in the produce section].  I am determined to meet this woman.  I have joined her Facebook page, etc.

But before you think I've gone all stalker, I did pass up one opportunity on Wednesday night, 9/2, when she made an appearance at Blake's to promote her t-shirts and dance single, "Tardy For The Party!" 

I like the fact that Kim is an entrepreneur!  She actively updates her website and blog, she is making the talk show circuit, etc.  You gotta work it and promote yourself, because nobody else will!

Finally, has anyone seen THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE, and when is it coming to Atlanta??  I have been hearing about this movie all summer long, but I can not find one theatre in Atlanta [or the surrounding suburbs] where it is being shown.  Now you know the diva loves himself some high fashion, Anna Wintour and THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA!  Besides, the movie is getting great reviews!

** PET SHOP BOYS IN CONCERT COUNTDOWN – 8 DAYS !! **

Meanwhile, back at the Hall of Justice …….. 

HAYYYYY!!  OK …….. A DIVA has returned, and I'm not just talking about my return to blogging, after a short break.  No my dear readers, Miss Whitney Houston has returned with her new cd, I LOOK TO YOU!

Now I have to be honest and say that I have not always been a huge fan of Miss Houston.  After 30 minutes of her vocal aerobics and sweating from one side of the stage to the other, I was hit hitting the cd changer.  I've asked it before, and I'll ask it again, what is with these singers who have to PROVE they have a voice?  Yes Miss LaBelle, you can shatter glass, but just sing the song.  Miss Ross has never had the greatest range, but at least you knew what she was singing about.

Anyway, back to Whitney, .. I LOOK TO YOU, and I did not expect to like this work.  By this cd grows on you .. FAST!  "Million Dollar Bill," "Nothing But Love," "A Song For You," "For The Lovers," and the ultimate I-Will-Survive anthem, "I Didn't Know My Own Strength," are songs that I kept on hitting REPEAT.  Yes, there are the ballads, but also mid tempo grooves, and with "A Song For You," pure euro disco.

On the negative side, I feel Whitney's enunciation is off, especially with the ballads, "I Look To You," and "I Didn't Know My Own Strength."  But this criticism is minor and only for those who are really listening to the words [and those drag queens who you know will start performing "I Didn't Know ...." as their big show stopper!].

Will this album be a success for the Whitney who now has to compete with Beyonce, Christina, and Mariah [whose new album comes out on September 29]?  Possibly with her appearances on Good Morning America and Oprah [and Oprah, please do not "chicken out,"  ....... ask her about Bobby].  However, if she wants to make this album a success like MY LOVE IS YOUR LOVE, **GIRL** you need to release some slamming remixes.

When MY LOVE IS YOUR LOVE was released in 1998, it was met with so-so commercial success.  But then Thunderpuss remixed a hot mess out of "It's Not Right, But It's Ok," while Hex Hector remade "Heartbreak Hotel," and faster than you can say, bring it to the runway, Miss Houston had a 4X Platinum album.

Moral of this blog?  Damn good work Miss Houston, but you need some hot remixes in order to move to the head of the class!

**PET SHOP BOYS IN CONCERT COUNTDOWN – 11 Days!!**

Meanwhile, back at the Hall of Justice ……..