HAYYYYY!!  OK …….. After way too long of a "blog break"  Call Him Miss Ross and The Dog And The Diva are back up and talking trash about something!  I can just hear my three faithful readers cheer!

As you possibly can tell, the diva has been vacationing during the break.  I was fortunate enough to take an 8 day Carnival cruise down to Cabo, Panama, and somewhere else south of America.  To be honest I LOVE cruising, but I'm not a big fan of actually getting off of the boat.  I would much rather find a nice beach chair at the back of the boat, read, eat, read, feed the face more and then walk around thinking I'm Kathie Lee Gifford singing, "…….. in the morning, in the evening, ain't we got fun!"  Does anyone remember when ol' Kathy was the Carnival spokesperson?

Anyway, the only excursion I went on, was a tour through the Panama Canal.  Very, very interesting history lesson thanks to our tour guide.  But hot!  As Miss Gina would might say, "over 400+ degrees."  I'm still not sure why Carter let that potential money maker slip away.

So yes, the diva had a great and most importantly, RELAXING, time.  And I have to say, DAMN!, there was some major DILF scenery on this boat – especially at the dinner table next to ours!

OK …….. onto other things besides the fact that two Central American dictators wanted little ol me to be their countries First Diva!  Is anyone obsessed about The Real Housewives of New Jersey like I am?  

If you've read my previous entries, you know Mama Anne and myself love us some Real Housewives, while non cultured individuals such as Miss Gina can't appreciate true art.  I love the New York ladies, I love the Atlanta ladies, and I'm sure I will love the DC women, but drag queen, the New Jersey divas take this show to a new level! Children of the women sending threatening texts, bankruptcies, faux fashion shows, this show is the new Dynasty!  Hands down loving me some crazy Teresa!  To quote one of my other obsessions, Kathy Griffin, "that b***h be crazy!"

If anyone is still reading THANK YOU!  I'm Back!

Today In Diana Ross History – 7-11-1964 [actually yesterday]:

The Supremes release "Where Did Our Love Go," which eventually spends two weeks at #1 on both the Hot 100 and Hot R&B charts. "Where" is the first of twelve number one songs that Miss Ross and the Supremes release between 1964 to 1969.  PEOPLE!  Twelve in 5 years!

"Through the mirror of my mind, time after time …….." 

HAYYYYY!!  OK …….. Maybe it was because my brother and sister in law [HAYYYYY B & S!!] joined the ladies and myself for trivia tonight, or maybe it was because the questions were a little easier, OR maybe it was because I was wearing my DIANA ROSS concert t-shirt, but somehow, someway, the Hackberry's won first place again!!  Countess Gina and I both agree that the end of civilization must be soon for the Hackberrys to win two weeks in a row!  And doesn't the shirt make you want to just gag – in a good way?!?!

As I've mentioned before, if you live near Duluth, GA, and want to eat at a good pub/grill, check out the Red Rabbit [www.redrabbitpub.com].  Tell the manager Justin hello!

OK …….. I am still feeling the magic of last night's concert!  I have been listening to Miss Ross all day long [which I actually do every day] and just keep thinking, "oh when she did this, when she did that …….."  PEOPLE!  That voice!!

Bring It To The Runway! 

IT DID NOT RAIN!!  NO RAIN BEFORE, DURING OR AFTER THE CONCERT!!  Thank you everyone for your prayers and good thoughts.  And thank you GOD for no rain!!  Now back to our regularly scheduled program ……..

PEOPLE!!  Heaven is missing an angel tonight!  Her name is Miss Diana Ross and she showed the people at Atlanta's Chastain Park Ampitheatre the power of a true entertainer.  To steal a phrase from drag legend and Ross fan Kevin Aviance, "her concert left me gagging girl!"

Lady Di and myself arrived at Chastain after 6:00.  The park did not open until 7:00, so we stood and talked in the parking lot.  After getting inside and setting up dinner, I headed off to check out the tour merchandise.  T-shirts, programs, key chains, tote bags, etc.  By the time I was thinking of asking for an emergency back loan, I had bought 2 t-shirts, a program and a key chain!

After I ate and waited for the show to begin, I started talking to a great group of guys seated behind our row.  I warned them that I would soon be dancing and acting like a fool.  This seem to encourage their screams of "work Paul" during the actual concert.  In addition, the guy sitting next to Lady Di and myself was a longtime fan, who had seen Miss Ross at the old Omni and the Fox in Atlanta.  He showed me a picture taken with Mary Wilson, and described meeting one of Diana's sisters.

Around 8:00 pm, there was a great deal of commotion and finger pointing.  MO'NIQUE was at the concert with her bodyguards and whoever else.  MO "just won an Oscar" 'NIQUE was seated at the tables near the front of stage.

Sometime between 8:45 pm and 8:50 pm the music and videos began.  There were pictures from the 60's through today, finally asking the question, "are you ready?"  Then BAM!  The music begins for THE BOSS and she rises from the rear stage floor.  Voice is incredible!  Dress is incredible!  Hair is full on Miss Ross!  I am losing my mind!

From THE BOSS. she goes into MORE TODAY THAN YESTERDAY, and then into her Supremes' songs.  After REFLECTIONS [where the monitor shows pictures of the Supremes], YOU CAN'T HURRY LOVE, and STOP! IN THE NAME OF LOVE, she performed IT'S HARD FOR ME TO SAY from the Red Hot Rhythm and Blues album.  While she sang, images of Motown's various artists flashed in the background.  This was special to me, as if Diana was trying to state what these talented individuals meant to her life.

YOU KEEP ME HANGING ON and a damn fantastic LOVE CHILD, were followed by a costume change and I'M COMING OUT and UPSIDE DOWN.  Now readers, you know the DIVA [me, not the Lady], I had to "work that runway" for the children.  The guys behind us were screaming!  My booty was allowed to take a breather during IT'S MY HOUSE, and a slower and jazzier version TOUCH ME IN THE MORNING.

Then since I had already lost my mind, I lost my breakfast, lunch and dinner, because she performed a medley of LOVE HANGOVER, TAKE ME HIGHER [I love, love, love TAKE ME HIGHER] and EASE ON DOWN THE ROAD.  I worked the runway for Paris, Milan and the Sears catalogue!

Another costume change, and she performed THE LOOK OF LOVE and DON'T EXPLAIN.  My only complaint about the concert, was that during these songs, PEOPLE WOULD NOT SHUT UP!!  How can you talk when someone like Miss Ross is singing her heart out on DON'T EXPLAIN, which by the way, was beyond words!  My favorite "overheard" comment during this time was, "she's using real musicians, not some digital crap Beyonce!"

ENDLESS LOVE, DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOU'RE GOING TO and AIN'T NO MOUNTAIN HIGH ENOUGH [now you know I acted like a complete fool] were performed, which caused my new Supreme friend and I to ask if the show was coming to a close.  I don't think so!  We were treated to 3 encores!!

I WILL SURVIVE, then MISSING YOU mixed into YOU ARE NOT ALONE [during this encore, she talked about becoming a grandmommy, and how she dedicated this tour to Micheal Jackson], and finally, REACH OUT AND TOUCH!

Out of touch diva?  Aging star with a faltering voice?  A singer just going through the motions?  I've read these reviews from other cities, but that is not the same woman who I saw tonight.  You can feel Diana, and you know that she does care about her audiences.  And that voice!  It only gets better with age.

About an hour and forty five minutes later, the concert was over.  

I want to thank the incredible Lady Di [pictured above with her new saucy hairdo] for attending the concert.  Thank you for putting up with all of my dancing and constant information on who was who during the videos.

Miss Ross brought it to the runway tonight! 

HAYYYYY!!  OK …….. PEOPLE!!  In less than 24 hours, Miss Diana Ross hits Atlanta!!  The last time I saw the Lady who is a Legend was 10 years ago!!  Since she is performing at the Chastain Ampitheatre, I ask for all prayers, pay offs to weather people, whatever, that we will have good weather during the concert.  Yes, I know that she performed in the rain for Central Park.  But Chastain ain't no Central Park!  Lady Di is going as my date!

You know I'll have a full review after the concert!

CALL HER MISS ROSS! 

HAYYYYY!!  OK …….. It was a fun filled Saturday night for the Diva and the incredible Hackberrys!.  We started the night at The Red Rabbit Pub [www.redrabbitpub.com], since our usual hangout, Vics, had to close last week.  However, the Rabbit decided to take a chance on Vic's regulars and started their own Saturday night trivia with host Ron.  And for the first time since the Hacks and I started attending trivia in March, WE CAME IN FIRST PLACE!!  Thanks to some "know when to hold 'em, and know when to fold 'em" advice from Lady Diana, the ladies and I actually came in first place and won a $30.00 gift certificate.

After a quick ice cream stop at Brusters, and empowered by our trivia win, the singles ladies and gentleman of Duluth decided to venture into the town fair / amusement park / carnival that had sprung up at the local strip mall parking lot.  Now dear readers, this is not the idyllic county fair that one might imagine the Walton's attending every year.  No, this is the one with the crickety rides, operated by an individual standing next to a box that reads "ride parts."  We are not talking about Disneyland here.

While Mama Peggy, Mama Anne, Queen Cindy [Who thinks that I don't like her to play trivia with us.  This is not the case.  I just don't think we need to share our answers with the rest of the class.  Love me some Queen Cindy!], Countess Gina and myself walked around enjoying the lights and sounds, as well as discussing which ride would cause us to lose our dinner the fastest, Lady Di was on a mission.  She was going to win some stuffed animals and she was going to ride the ferris wheel.  The same ferris wheel which I swore had been missing a few buckets earlier in the week.

Successful in her attempts to win two stuffed animals, Diana headed off to buy her ticket to the ferris wheel.  Halfway there, she turns and says, "who is going to join me?"  Now was the time for the brave, the fearless and the strong to step up and join our friend is her quest.  Turns out, only Gina would win that medal, because Anne, Peggy, Cindy and I stood looking straight ahead, with an expression that said, "now I know she ain't talking to me."  Hats off to Diana and Gina [pictured above as the ride was about to start].  Of course Cindy did not help calm anyone's nerves by yelling for operator to "make it go faster!"  A great night with the dynamic Hackberrys!

Ok, it is only 4 days until Miss Ross graces the stage at the Chastain Park Ampitheatre.  The reviews for her "More Today Than Yesterday" tour have been wonderful, with performances of the big hits ["Upside Down," "Stop!"] as well as her classic interpretations ["Don't Explain"].  Fortunately, the best OR nurse in Atlanta, Lady Diana has agreed to be my date for the big night.

Now readers, I need all the prayers, well wishes, payments to weather men, whatever, that there is no rain during the concert.  Atlanta experienced heavy rain this past Friday, and the news is predicting on again / off again showers throughout the week.  Chastain is an open ampitheatre, and while heaven knows I will stand in the rain for THE LADY, but she may not perform in a downpour.  So any and all thoughts for good weather will be appreciated!

"Success is nothing without someone to share it with" – Billy Dee Williams in MAHOGANY 

HAYYYYY!!  Guess what arrived in the mail today ?!?!  My Diana Ross tickets for her 6/4/2010 concert in Atlanta!  I still have not found anyone who REALLY wants to go with me, but I'll be there!  Alone, with somebody, rain, sunshine, no matter how far, ain't no river wide enough, ain't no mountain high enough!

23 Day Countdown!

Bring That Hot Mess To The Runway!! 

HAYYYYY!!  OK, readers just go ahead and say what is on your mind, "that is one big ******* oil spill!!"  No, what you are really thinking is what an incredible hot mess of a hat Call Him Miss Ross has on his head.  Did CHMR actually attend the Kentucky Derby?  Because how could CNN, FOX, and ESPN miss such a work of art?  Since this blog is all about honesty, the credit and hat has to go to the incredibly talented Lady Di of Darby Way.  While myself and the Hackberrys were tackling Saturday night pizza and trivia, Lady Di attended a Derby party with this hat.  But she knew the hat was meant to be shared with another diva!  Thank you DI!!  Love the hat, love the picture and always remember, "you have GOOD HAIR!"

And speaking of Saturday night pizza and trivia, the Hackberrys [Mama Anne, Mama Peggy and HRH Gina] and I actually came in second place.  We may have felt like Nancy Kerrigan, but we still received a $15 gift certificate.  Besides, I think we were the only team that knew the answer to, "in the 1980's, who had a number one hit with the song Let's Get Serious?"  PEOPLE!!  Jermaine Jackson!  His only number one hit without the brothers.  A true Miss Ross fan will know the Jacksons!

And speaking of Miss Diana Ross — I have tickets for her June 4th concert in Atlanta.  33 DAYS!!

Sing Out Louise! 

HAYYYYY!!  OK …….. While trying not to drown during a few LOOOOOOOONG days at work, I received a press release for Miss Ross fans via Facebook:  DIANA ROSS – THE LEGEND – THE MUSIC – THE VOICE – LIVE!  My first thought was great, she's doing another European tour.  When is she coming back down south?

But then as I continued to read …….. "The one and only Diana Ross .. MORE TODAY THAN YESTERDAY tour .. a multi-city spectacular live show."  And this was a U.S. tour.  Wait a minute.  Could she?  Would she?  

YES !!!!!!!!

June 2, 2010 – Knoxville, TN

June 4, 2010 – Atlanta, GA

Just shut up!!  Atlanta, Atlanta, Atlanta, Atlanta, Atlanta !!  She has not performed in Atlanta since 2000 !! Miss Ross will be performing at Chastain on Friday, 6/4/2010.

Yes, I saw Madonna for the second time in November, 2008.  And yes, I just saw THE VOICE this past January.  But People, this is Miss Ross, the diva's inspiration.  You know where I'll be 6/4/2010.  And depending on finances, etc, I may even go to the Knoxville show .. just to prepare myself.

Anybody else interested in watching me scream, yell and dance around like a fool?  Not like I don't do that everyday. 

Now since I know most of you were glued to The Real Housewives of OC Reunion Show Part 2 [with that bunch of nothing called Slade], you might have missed the world premiere of Lady Gaga and Beyonce's new video, "Telephone."  People, this video is truly some hot mess.  

The actual content / drug induced storyline is pretty blah to a child the 80's.  However, the artistic vision is unique and visually stunning.  With each song and video, Gaga is proving that she is no pre-packaged pop princess.  Even nit wit Brit wants to work with her.  However, can the vision continue to grow as she is pressured to deliver album #2?

But who really surprised me was Beyonce.  This is not the same sistah who sang "Say My Name."  Maybe because her parents are getting divorced [and she has taken Tina's side] or Sasha is working her fierce self, but B portrays a killer lesbian who drives around the country in a truck titled, Pussy Wagon.  Once again, the child has left destiny behind!

Showtime Synergy! 

HAYYYYY!!  OK …….. I finally finished the GLEE DVD set, "Season One – The Road To Sectionals!"  I have to say that I honestly love this show even more than a few weeks ago.  I have bought both the soundtracks, as well as the mash ups, etc that you can only obtain through i-tunes.  I have asked my friends, co-workers and complete strangers if they watch the show.  Almost 95% state "NO."  How is this possible??  This show was a big hit, it's returning from hiatus on 4/13/2010!!  Anybody up for a GLEE viewing par-tay??  And to answer the inevitable question that I get asked after my GLEE inquiry .. NO, I do not watch IDOL!

And yes, I am driving everyone crazy with my new obsession!

Five random things I love about this show:

1.  Kristin Chenoweth as the drop out April Rhodes.  The producers have to bring this woman back.

2.  Lea Michele's [aka Rachel Berry] incredible voice.  Rachel's character gets on my last nerve, but that voice ……..!

3.  Matthew Morrison, Matthew Morrison!  What can this man not do?  Sing – Check!  Dance [incredibly] – Check!  Act – Check!

4.  The show celebrates real singers.  Creator Ryan Murphy stated that he wanted to cast unknowns who could really sing.

5.  Jane Lynch aka Sue Sylvester!

 Ok …….. Even I will admit that discussing J-Lo's departure from Sony is pretty unimportant when that woman was eaten by the whale today and the Olympics are still taking place, but HAYYYYY, I had to comment.  In case you did not know, J-Lo is leaving Sony, where she has been since 1999, when her debut album, ON THE 6, came out.  Since that time, Jenny from the block has had some major hits, but lately ……. "Louboutins" ring a bell with anyone?  By the way, what was that song really about?  She was mad at her boyfriend, so she bought a new pair shoes and hit the club??  She was the fool.  It takes some time to break in a new pair of pumps [not that I KNOW].  The guy will have flown the coop, leaving her with sore feet.

But I digress.  Jenny stated she had fulfilled her contract and signed to new label.  Of course she did not state which label was so lucky to obtain her services. 

I'm sure my readers and Mariah "The Voice" Carey will lose a few hours of sleep tonight wondering what will happen to J-Lo's career.  Will her supposedly upcoming album, LOVE?, ever see the light of day?

Showtime Synergy! 

HAYYYYY!!  OK …….. While the ATL is trying to dig itself out of AVALANCHE YALL!, the southern version of the 1970's disaster flick, I thought I'd share some musical obsessions of the past week:

1.  Mariah's new remix video for "Up Out My Face," featuring Nicki Minaj.  This video is just plain crazy, trashy and incredible .. all at the same time.  We have THE VOICE basically walking through one long tv ad for Target stores!  The only thing missing is that annoying bullseye.  However, with Mariah in pig tails, Mariah is a sexy nurses outfit, and Mariah wearing a too tight ballgown .. THE VOICE is telling you "Up Out My Face."  In addition to Mimi and Nicki, the video features one of my favorite bloggers [see blog roll], B SCOTT!

And while the video is so trashy it's good, the lyrics really walk the runway:

"If we were two lego blocks; even the Harvard University graduating class of 2010; Couldn't put us back together again."  Now yall know THE VOICE stayed up all night just dreaming up that poetry.

2.  OK, I'll admit my shameful little secret .. I am officially "GLEE-D!"  As usual, I catch most of these pop phenoms only after after everyone else has bought the posters, bedsheets, t-shirts, and dolls, and I can only find a Chris Kirkpatrick of N'SYNC doll in the half price bucket at Dollar General.  Does anyone remember ol' Chris?  He had the funky hair, was never allowed to sing solo [but then again, was Lance Bass?], and always talks of N'YSNC's upcoming reunion, just as soon as Justin's finishes his failing solo projects.  UM HUMM …….

Anyway, I was given GLEE Season 1 DVDs for my birthday, and have become hooked.  I just finished episode #4, "Preggers."  Jane Lynch aka Sue Sylvester is beyond wonderful.  My favorite line, "You think this is hard, I've been waterboarded!"  And then there's Matthew Morrison .. not just DAMN, but DAMN!  Broadway's original Link Larkin from Hairspray before the world had even heard of Zac what's his face.  I love, love, love Matthew's version of "Gold Digger!" 

I remember when GLEE first came out, and various friends would ask if I was watching the show, because they just KNEW I would enjoy.  However, now that I'm all into Kurt, Mercedes, Rachel and Quinn, I can only find THE PINK DIVA and MAMA E CARTER [Shout Out To Mama E!] to discuss my new obsession.

And get this, IMDB states that one of the upcoming episodes is titled THE POWER OF MADONNA!

3.  Finally, I am still "Lovin', Livin', And Givin'," as Miss Ross would say, Kandi Burrus and her FLY ABOVE ep!  PEOPLE!  This woman lives in Atlanta and I want to meet her!  Ask for an autograph, take a picture, say hello!  MISS SHAE claims that she will set this up, so we'll see.

It's Showtime Synergy!