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 …….. Finally some warmer weather in Atlanta!  But enough on that boring subject, let's talk Chris Rock's new "documentary," GOOD HAIR, which just came out on DVD.  You know that I love me some women's hair, especially big hair …….. as they say in Texas, the higher the hair, the closer to GOD.  And you know by now that I love me some black divas.  So you have to know that I really enjoyed Chris' film.

Basically Chris explores / explains the origins and uses of hair relaxer and weaves, set against the backdrop of the 2007 Bronner Brothers International Hair Show and the "Hair Battle Royale!"  Maybe due to timing or coincidence, the 2010 hair show is happening this weekend, 2/20-2/23, in Atlanta.  You know that I have to attend this fabulous production next year!

What I found interesting / fascinating:

1.  In addition to the Bronner Brothers, one of the "Hair Battle Royale" contestants, was Derek J, who was helping Real Housewife, Kim Zolciak, with her wig line.

2.  How much the Korean community is involved with the products, shops and of course money that surrounds the black hair industry.  How did this happen?

3.  The realization that a really good weave could cost $1000 or more, and that is just for the actual "weaving," not the hair.  Also, that a weave can take 5, 6, 7 hours or more to create.  But I had a question …….. Why are black women so nervous about getting their weaves wet?  Isn't that hair sewn into your regular hair?

As RuPaul stated on his single, "Back To My Roots," …….. "Hair Weaves?  CALL HER MISS ROSS!"

OK …….. I know that I may be in the minority regarding this opinion, but is anyone else more than a little over perky Valerie Bertinelli and her Jenny Craig ads?  For about 2 seconds, we had to deal with Kirstie Alley before she rediscovered the Shoney's breakfast bar, but Valerie just will not go away.  I'm shopping in Target, minding my own business, and there's Valerie's book [30% off], and her exercise DVD, and her endless commercials running on the store's tv displays.  Val, you lost some weight.  You didn't find a cure for baldness!  

And now miss former teen star whose been regulated to Lifetime movies, is sharing the spotlight with Jason Alexander and his "Jenny For Men" pitch.  Does anyone understand this growing phenom .. Are you a washed up star, who carrying some weight around the middle?  Lose a few pounds, become a diet spokesperson, go on Oprah [like she should talk] and whammo, you'll be on the cover of PEOPLE wearing a bikini!

Showtime Synergy! 

HAYYYYY!!  OK …….. I'm a little ticked at RuPaul and his Drag Race for "sashaying away" my favorite contestant, Mystique Summers Madison, last night.  A week ago, Ru sent Atlanta legend, Nicole Paige Brooks, home and now one of the few Season 2 queens with any individuality was showed the door.

I was talking to one of my co-workers about the current Drag Race contestants, and we both agree that these ladies [with the exception of Nicole, Pandora and Mystique] are just average performers.  Few could go up against Bebe and Victoria "Porkchop" Parker from Season One.  Many of these Season 2 girls openly state that they do not dance.  OKKKKKKKKK [as the The Pink Diva claims I always say with a "tone"].  What exactly do you do?  Work the runway while trying to lypsink Brit-Brits latest number?  Boring!  Girls!  You gotta perform or you ain't getting my dollar.

And speaking of the incredible Ms. Parker [who is hilarious in the movie, PAGEANT], does Ru's show have a problem with the big girls?  Both Victoria and Mystique were eliminated early, while comments [aka snide remarks] were made about their weight by the judges and other contestants.

Mystique, I'm going to miss you!  Represent the big girls!

Despite Mystique's leaving, I thought Ru's "Disco-Crisco" commercial was interesting.  Especially, after he made the two teams exchange scripts shortly before filming.

OK …….. I know that Valentines Day has come and gone [thank goodness], but I wanted to post episode #18 of Tired Old Queen At The Movies, starring Steve Hayes.  His movie for Valentines is A PLACE IN THE SUN, which I am embarrassed to admit that I have not seen.  Check out Steve's comments regarding Liz's loyalty to Monty!

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! 

HAYYYYY!!  OK …….. While most of the country is experiencing some type of dreary winter weather, I thought I'd be nice and let everyone know what the diva was thinking:

1.  First, WOW! WOW! WOW! WOW!  I received an e-mail from Dick, who is the creator, owner, and one man machine behind the website, "Dick's Diana Ross Website!"  I am still WOW!  Dick's website, which is on my blog roll, is THE website for fans of Miss Ross.  This man knows his Miss Ross history and is constantly providing updates on the lady's past, present and future career.  His website is a huge inspiration for my wayward ramblings.  Thank you Dick for the inspiration and e-mail.  Now, yall go read his website .. after you finish reading mine of course!

2.  OK, in case you did not know, the diva finally got cable this Christmas after a 2+ year hiatus.  The hiatus was due to moving, and then just being lazy.  Besides, I could always watch shows on you tube, etc.  But all of that is over ………. "Operation Repo," all the "Housewives, " "Tabatha's Salon Makeover," "Kell On Earth," Food Network, etc, here I come!  I now add to this mix, Mr. Andy Cohen [pictured above].  I am loving me some Andy!  He pulls no punches and states what everybody is really thinking .. hello, Taylor Swift singing with Stevie Nicks!  I've added Andy's blog to the roll.

You know, after re-reading the above paragraph, I realize I'm probably addicted to Bravo TV and will soon need intervention.

3.  THIS IS IT or That Was That!  OK, I finally saw MJ's THIS IS IT.  I know that I am going against the grain, but I was underwhelmed and hit the fast forward button a few times.  On a positive note, I was amazed by how good he still sounded live.  Proof that the man could still truly SANG!  However, you know me, I have some questions ……………..

-Did anyone notice how big his hands were?  Especially when he wore those tight coats.  What was with his hair?  Real or a wig, couldn't the man afford some barrettes or hair scrunchies to get those stringy bangs out of his face?  And to top if off, take off the sunglasses!  You are in a production meeting with regular light.

-Everyone acted like they were grateful he even showed up to rehease.  Or that he agreed to sing.  Why?  The man was badly in debt and needed a big hit.

-The dancers, musicians, producers, costumers, and lady at the snack table kept going on and on about MJ being an artistic genius.  This is where I beg to differ.  From OFF THE WALL to BAD, yes.  But the work after that, no.  He was performing the same dance steps, same themes, same, same, same.  You want an entertainer, you look for MJ or Miss Ross.  You want growing artistic vision, you look for Madonna.  You want to see an expensive show, when you should have just stayed home and listened to the CD, you look for Britney.  You want the VOICE, you …….. Sorry, got off track there. 

And finally for this blog entry …….. Per Miss Gina's Request

Last night, I received some never-ending grief from Miss "It's Always Negative 50 Degrees" Gina for not writing about Mr. Roscoe.  Therefore, for his legions of fans [all 10 of them] and Miss Gina, I took a picture tonight of Mister Man laid out on his pillow in the computer room.  That will be two doggie cookies Gina!

Showtime Synergy! 

HAYYYYY!!  OK …….. Class!  Time for some SHOUT OUTS!!

1.  HELLO!!  Where have I been??  I just found out that PROMISES, PROMISES is coming back to Broadway, starring Sean Hayes and Kristen Chenoweth!  I am so loving the mid 60's publicity poster.  The early to mid 60's is my absolute favorite era for fashion, art, furniture and course, to die for HAIR!  We are talking VALLEY OF THE DOLLS hair people!  I hope that the producers and director keep with the swinging 60's vibe!  And having Sean Hayes and that incredible Ms. Chenoweth voice ……..

2.  And speaking of voices, I want to send a huge shout out to my friend and vocal powerhouse, Sharon "Shae" Nesbitt, whose double single, "Write The Vision" and "Got To Move," can be found on i-tunes.  People, this woman can SANG!!  My "Sistah," keep the faith and I am ready for your upcoming album!

3.  Now you readers know how I hate to be late!  HA!  I'm not late, just making a well timed entrance!  However, I am late in sending a birthday shout out to my friend, Queen Cindi, Ruler of the Hackberrys!  Cindi's birthday was this past Monday, 2/1.  Happy Birthday Your Majesty!

And one final shout out for a Tired Old Queen:

4.  People!  You must check out Steve Hayes aka "Tired Old Queen At The Movies," on You Tube.  This man is a walking library regarding movies, actors, directors, and studios from the 1930's to the 1950's.  Steve recommends one movie and then gives you the entire dish on what happened backstage.  Besides Miss Ross, divas and the 60's, I love the "Golden Age of Hollywood."  Not only is Steve incredibly knowledegable, but he's also hilarious.  Check out his videos!

Showtime Synergy! 

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!