HAYYYYY!!  OK …….. I finally got around to seeing Tom Ford's directorial debut, A SINGLE MAN, starring Colin Firth and Julianne Moore.  I have to be honest and say that I was a bit disappointed, maybe because I was expecting something MORE.  The storyline which involves a college professor who loses his partner of 16 years in a car accident and decides he can't continue living, felt like a darker and cheaper imitation of AMERICAN BEAUTY – which I LOVVVEEEEEEED!.  Now that I think of it, A SINGLE MAN also reminds me of Michael Douglas in FALLING DOWN – which I HAAAAAATED!  Basically, I was just left with a feeling of OKKKKKKKKK ……..

Now that I have been hyper-critical about the storyline, I do have to say the period detail and scenery were fantastic.  You can tell that Mr. Ford was using his talent as a designer.  The film is set in the early 60's, at the time of the Cuban Missile Crisis.  As I've stated before, I love the art, architecture, fashion and most importantly, hair of the sixties.  From 1960 to 1968 [before the hippies] is perfect.

And part of that perfection came from Julianne Moore.  Her portrayal of Charlotte is wonderful, but drag queen, it is that hair, makeup and evening gown!  Piled on hair, Cleopatra eyes and black and white dinner gown!  DAMN!

But onto other thoughts, or more importantly, is it just me and my feeling toward Trader Joes?

In case you don't know, Trader Joes is one of these all natural, nutritional, fight corporate America kind of grocery stores.  Like Whole Foods, they don't carry many national brands, unless it's all natural or made from soy or just plucked from the dirt.  In other words, over priced food that does not taste that good.

Anyway, I go to Joes because a relative really likes their "2 Buck Chuck" wine, which is a good bargain for a case.  Since this relative is sometimes difficult to buy for at Christmas and birthdays, I head over to this nature's candy emporium.  Automatically, three thoughts come to mind.

Number one, there is no magazine aisle in this store!  Where does one pick up the latest PEOPLE and COUNTRY WEEKLEY?  Number two, everyone walking around seems to be smiling some fake grin which confirms they know this food is overpriced and tastes like crap, and would much rather feed the family by going through the Taco Bell drive-thru tonight.  And number three, why does the wine area [they also sell more expense wines] take up the most space in the store?  Because the people who actually eat the food at Joes, have to become extremely drunk in order to make it through a meal!

As I always say, is it just me?

Take Me Higher! 

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 …….. 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!!  OK …….. Had a FANTASTIC day today and wanted to share!  At 9:30 this morning, Mama Peggy, Mama Anne, Countess Gina and myself headed out for a day roadtrip to Harrahs Casino in Cherokee, North Carolina.  I need to state that the ladies will tell anyone who asks, that we were actually supposed to leave at 9:00am, but that is a little too early for the diva on a Saturday morning.  Anyway, at 9:30 am, we started off ……..

Approximately an hour and a half into our 3 hour drive, Gina spotted a piece of Georgia country heaven, the "Goats On The Roof" Village in Rabun County, GA [www.goats-in-the-roof.com].  "Goats" is a three building "attraction" where actual live goats walk, eat and sleep on the roof.  Visitors, such as Gina pictured above, can feed the goats through trolleys that carry up some type of animal food.  This place is too much of a hot mess to miss!  And what attraction could call itself worthwhile to get your inner Tammy Wynette on, than to have not one but two gift shops!  Actually the shops were nicer than most of the American Indian/Bear/Rebel Yell stores you see up and down the highway.  I have never seen Gina so excited as when we pulled into "Goats."  

After our 15-20 minute gander, we headed back out onto the highway and made it into Cherokee about 12:30-1:00 pm.  First order of business – FOOD!  Mama Peggy had been telling us about Peter's Pancakes and Waffles.  The ladies had pancakes, which looked good, while I settled for a waffle with country ham.  DAMN that stuff was good!  However, even though our bellies were full, there was no time for a nap, the casino was calling.

Recession?  What recession?  Harrahs Casino at Cherokee was packed!  For the next couple of hours, the fantastic four worked penny slots, two cent slots, quarter slots and $1.00 machines.  I have to admit that Mama Anne and myself were able to win a little $$!!  We had the most fun trying to figure out the penny and two cent slots.  Bet 5 lines with two chances??  How about just normal quarter or dollar slots?

After a few hours and wise decisions to not gamble any additional money, we got back on the road.  Hunger was calling and we found ourselves at The Dillard House in Dillard, GA [www.dillardhouse.com].  A pre-set menu, served "family style," was beyond good.  Fried chicken, roast beef, salt cured country ham [love me some country ham, despite what Mama Peggy says] and buttermilk pie so good that you want to slap your mama for not making it before!

After the goats, casino, and food, food and more food, what else could the Hackberrys and one Diva possibly do in one day?  Why get off the highway for a view of The Tallulah Gorge in Tallulah Falls, Georgia!  The gorge, pictured above, is a 1000 feet chasm that was carved by the Tallulah River.  One of the Flying Wallendas actually crossed this gorge on highwire – a feat that Mama Anne saw in person!

A huge shout out of thanks to Mama Peggy, Mama Anne and Countess Gina for such a fun day!

TWELVE MORE DAYS UNTIL DIANA ROSS!!

"Bring that hot mess to the runway!" 

HAYYYYY!!  OK …….. been a busy, busy Saturday!  Today was the 2010 Walk for Lupus, held at Piedmont Park in Atlanta.  Pictured above is yours diva truly, along with my friend Jennifer [aka "Jenifay"].  We were both walking for TEAM JT!  Last month, Jennifer and I held a bake sale, with all the proceeds going to the walk.  

The weather and the atmosphere at the park were GREAT!  We arrived around 2:00 pm, had lunch, walked around the booths and then headed off on the walk at 5:00 pm.  Up until this month, Atlanta's walk was the largest in the country.  But apparently, New York and DC haved edged ahead of us …….. but not for long!  Way to go TEAM JT!!

After the walk, I went home, took a quick shower, and then headed off with Queen Cindy and Countess Gina to celebrate Lady Di of Darby's birthday!  I told Di to work a pose for me ["Covergirl! Put the Base In Your Walk"] and look at the incredible result above.  To one of the great medical professionals, Happy #25 Di!  And remember, you have Good Hair!

OK, call me a cheap pop culture diva who likes pure trash .. and I will answer!  YES, I actually bought and have been constantly listening to New York Housewife, Countess LuAnn's song, "Money Can't Buy You Class!"  PEOPLE!  This song is just plain bad, but I still love it!  While it does not have the catchy chorus of Kim Zolciak's "Tardy For The Party," [and Kim is still riding the gravy train on that song], the lyrics are done in a sing songy rap that makes it an instant drag classic!  

The reviews on i-tunes were all horrible, but you want to say PEOPLE! what did you expect?  This is just a drag bitch track over a so-so beat.  I am so loving this hot mess of a song!  Bring It To The Runway LuAnn!

Finally, and I know that I will stand alone in my opinion but, I was not that impressed with Betty White's big appearance on SNL.  I don't think Betty was the problem.  Just the water logged writing.

It's Showtime Synergy! 

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 …….. First, loving the hat.  I wore it this past Saturday for pizza and trivia with the Hackberrys.  Although we finished in 5th, 6th, or 7th place, I did receive a few compliments, as well as confuse some small children who will require therapy in a few years.

Had an interesting day today …….. Last night I developed a sore throat that led to chills and swollen glands.  In addition, I hardly got any sleep.  For some unknown reason, I could not get the reality show, KELL ON EARTH, out of my mind.

Went into work feeling less than supreme, even after trying to soothe my throat with hot tea and wonton soup.  Therefore, I decided to go to a local urgent care / "Doc In A Box."  After unsuccessfully trying to do a strep throat test [I have horrible gag reflexes .. NO COMMENT from the peanut gallery], the physician assistant decided to take my blood pressure.  170 over 88 YALL!!  170 over 88!!  At that point, the PA gave me orders to get to my regular doctor or the emergency room TODAY!  Do not pass go, do not go tomorrow.  GO!

After checking in at my family physician, my blood pressure was taken again.  It had dropped a little, but not much.  From here, we begin the fun parts .. blood tests, EKG, chest x-rays .. and I still have my sore throat.  3 hours later I leave with three prescriptions [including an anti-biotic] and instructions to return in two days and remain calm! 

Sooooo, I'm in a waiting period.  As the wonderful Miss Gina told me, "if something was really wrong, the doctors would have had you admitted to General Hospital."

In happier news, it is only THREE days until Diana Ross' birthday!

Showtime Synergy! 

HAYYYYY!!  OK …….. I hope that everyone had a good, or at least peaceful St Peppermint Patties Day!  As for myself and the Hackberrys, we hit Wednesday night trivia at our favorite pizzeria, Vics!  Vics is located in Duluth, GA, off of Pleasant Hill Road.  If you want great pizza [or calzones, or salads, you get the point] check out Vics and say hello to Vic, Bobby and the crew.  Anyway, back to trivia ……..

For the past few weekends, "The Hacks" and the Diva have found themselves playing some fun trivia, laughing, and eating.  Tonight was no different, except that Miss Gina had to bow out, claiming that her ceramic projects were past due.  I recommended that she throw the objects de art in a 350 degree oven and meet up with us, but no such luck.  Therefore, only Queen Cindy, Mama Anne, Mama Peggy, Lady Di and myself were able to celebrate the Irish by eating Italian.

I wish I could say that the Hackberry table took first place, but you know I wouldn't lie on my own blog.  At first we were doing good, but many of tonights questions were Irish / St Patty related.  My knowledge of the Irish is limited to U2, Sinead O'Connor [boy you never hear from her again] and the musical, OLIVER TWIST.  I was even bored by LORD OF – SPIRIT OF THE – BEST FRIEND OF THE DANCE WE'RE DOING BY THE RIVER spectacle.  And what is the deal with those Celtic Women who want to sing like Sarah Brightman, but move like Nit Wit Brit?

Anyway, despite our poor showing, we had a great time .. AND  .. I got wear my Hot Mess St Patties' Day Hat!  The picture above is your Diva with her royal majesty, Queen Cindy!  Just go ahead and say it, …….. we are the new American Gothic!

Showtime Synergy! 

HAYYYYY!!  OK …….. It has been a busy weekend of par-tays, par-tays, and more par-tays!

First, this past Friday, 12/11, was Mr. Roscoe's second birthday!!  My little man is growing up!!  For the past few weeks, Mr. Man and I have been getting up way to early, in order to walk 2.5 miles with my boss.  Well, when Roscoe and I arrived at my boss's home on Friday, there was a surprise birthday party!

Roscoe's birthday is on the same day as my friend, JT's beagle, Doobie [who also turned 2].  So Roscoe and Doobie were each given a "rope monkey" [wrapped I'll have you know] and a peanut butter lollipop!

My little guy is now 2 .. we are either going into the terrible twos or the twisted teens depending on how a dog ages.

Later that night, my parents were having there annual Christmas open house.  The divine Miss Gina [who gave Mr. R a great squeaky "Christmas Tree Light" for his birthday] graciously accepted my offer to attend the party as my guest.  The place was packed for a while there.  Of course, everybody just loved Miss Gina, while I had trouble remembering which face went with which name.

The next night, it was off to my office Christmas party held at my boss' home.  Great food – I ate so many of those deep fried, cream cheese filled, jalopeno poppers!  Damn those things were good!  Unlike previous years, we did not start pumping the music.  Alas, the dance floor was not brought to Duluth! 

And here we are on Sunday night, December 13th!  Less than 12 days until Christmas, but more urgently, less than 7 days until I throw my own open house!  What was I thinking ??

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

HAYYYYY!!  OK …….. Had a fantastic time last night with Miss Gina and Miss Diana.  After we grabbed some dinner at Shane's Rib Shack [which could have been a little bit better], the decision was made to hit Dollar General, Target and Wal-Mart .. all before 10:00 pm.  Success [and red plastic plates] was had by all .. ie .. the trunk of the diva-bug was full.  Miss Anne, Queen Cindi and Miss Peggy .. we missed you!

Diva say what .. but my first ever, being a grown up DIVA, Christmas Party is in two weeks.  I have never hosted a party [reason for the red plastic plates] of this size alone, and in my own home!  I went over the menu at least four times last night with Gina and Diana.

And speaking of Miss Diana, I have to send a HUGE shout out!  In the 40 degree [and below] temperatures today, she strung lights around all the car ports on my street!  The lights, along with the snowflakes and bells she hung earlier, have us looking mighty Dollywood Peppermint Village festive tonight!  THANKS DIANA!

You know a Diva like me .. decorating on the inside is great!  Not so much on the outside! 

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