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! 

HAYYYYY!!  OK …….. I want to first send a HUGE birthday shout out my diva, my inspiration, and a "legend in her own time" …….. One Woman, One Voice, MISS DIANA ROSS!!  I know that I am technically a day late, since her birthday was yesterday, 3/26/2010, but I already put up a birthday posting on FB.  Happy Birthday Miss Ross!  I am so ready for you to visit Atlanta on 6/4/2010!  By the way, the term "legend in her own time" is not something I made up, but a recent compliment given to the lady by Miss Patti Labelle.

As part of the birthday celebration, the Hackberry's plus 3 renamed our Saturday pizza and trivia team, "The Supremes."  However. unlike the Supremes and their 12 number one hits, the ladies and I were not as lucky.  I think we wound up in our usual 5th, 6th, or 7th place.  I'd like to give another shout out to Vic's Pizza in Duluth, GA.  The food is great, the trivia fun and they played two Supremes songs tonight.

Now even during this time of celebrating, pizza and trivia, one of the Hacks had to create some drama.  I will not mention a name, but hers is spelled G-I-N-A.  The drama was due to some people having titles, while others were expected to wash the dishes.  Therefore, the Hackberrry plus 3 royal court officially consists Queen Mother Anne, Queen Mother Peggy, Queen Cindy, Princess Diana, Dame Maureen, The Court Jester Call Him Miss Ross [HAYYYYY!!], and the one and only Marchioness De Gina.  May their reign be long and fair.  

In honor of Queen Mother Peggy, and her adventures in Cherokee, the Hackberry plus 3 Royal Court has adopted a new saying that will help us persevere when someone accidentally spills the garlic puffs in our direction, or the answer at trivia is "goat," or when we have step out into the negative 50 degrees night air …….. "I Had To Go The ATM!"  Truer words were never spoken!

Before I go, one more shout to my friend Reed, who helped me obtain the album, WE LOVE DIANA – THE ALMIGHTY REMIXES!  This album was not readily available in the US.  Thanks Reed!

I Had To Go To The ATM! 

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 …….. She started an hour and a half past the ticket time of 7:30 pm; some of her comments and audience chatter was hard to decipher [either because of the Fox's poor acoustics, or was she just mumbling]; and she appeared to have some trouble balancing on the 3 inch stiletto heels.  HOWEVER, the woman and the voice were INCREDIBLE!  BRING IT TO THE RUNWAY INCREDIBLE!!

From her opening number of "Fantasy" / "Shake It Off" [on a swing no less, wearing some huge hot mess tutu skirt], which Jermaine Dupri made a surprise appearance to my personal fave, "It's Like That," to "Obsessed" [huge crowd reaction], Ms. Carey simply strutted from one side of the stage to the other.  No overbearing sets, no high concepts of artistic expression, and NO lyp-syncing Britney and Janet; just a band, great background singers [including her duet partner on the "I'll Be There" cover, Trey Lorenz, and two beautiful big divas], a goofy but loveable demeanor and THAT VOICE!

Mariah also paid a special tribute to Diana Ross by performing Diana's "Love Hangover," and then mixing it in with her own "Heartbreaker!"  She even mentioned the diva's name. 

And when Nick Cannon's wife performed "Fly Like A Bird" and "We Belong Together" [which she announced was named Song Of The Decade 2000-2010 by Billboard Magazine], we went to church yall!  There was some SANGING!  Not singing, SANGING!

A huge shout out and thanks to THE PINK DIVA for purchasing the tickets, and asking me to attend.  So far, we've seen Madonna, Tyler Perry and now Mariah together!

It's Showtime Synergy! 

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 …….. 

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 …….. If you have read more than a few entries on my blog, you know I LOVE ME SOME Kathy Griffin!  The woman is incredibly talented and will not back down for anyone!  LOVE HER!  Anyway, in case you have not heard, guess who was Kathy's guest at the Teen Choice Awards??  None other than Bristol Palin's baby daddy, and "she's not a quitter" Sarah Palin's continual nightmare ….. LEVI JOHNSTON!!

Now dear readers [of the 2 or 3 that are out there], did I not mention that Levi is doing his best to extend those 15 minutes of fame?  His pairing with Kathy is just one more step toward his own reality show!

And as for Kathy .. PURE GENIUS to show up with a guy who is 19 years younger, and from a family that she tears apart on Larry King Live!

In other news, and this may only be important to me, but has anybody realized how many big music DIVAS have new recordings that come out in September?  Whitney Houston [from what I've heard sounds damn good], Mariah [you're on fire!], Streisand [going the standards / jazz route], Madonna [releasing her big greatest hits package, before jumping to Live Nation] and Colton Ford .. ok I added that one, but one look at that body and DAMNNNNNNNN!

Meanwhile, back at the Hall of Justice! 

HAYYYYY!!  OK …….. It has been almost a week since my last post.  BAD Miss Ross!  BAD Miss Ross!  But, I have an excuse, .. work has been wearing my supermodel who turned their celebrity into a non-existent singing career OUT!!  Hear that Naomi Campbell??

Anywhoo, I know it is time to get back on the blogging wagon.  And I want to start off by giving a HUGE SHOUT OUT to my new neighborhood friends, "THE HACKBERRY GIRLS!"  HAYYYYY to Gina, Anne, Cindy, Peggy and honorary Hackberry, Diana!  Of course, Gina had to give me some lip about not mentioning the Fourth of July party the Hackberrys threw a few weeks ago.  Just who do these ladies think they are??  All that and a bag of chips .. Cool Ranch Doritos??  Soooo .. Yes, the ladies threw a great Fourth party, that was actually held on the third.  Apparently, I live in a town that likes to defy nature and celebrate our nation on a date different from the rest of the U.S.A.!  Once again, a huge HAYYYYY to the Hackberrys!

As you can see the photo above, Mr. Man is relaxing after a busy morning of get up daddy, go out, eat breakfast, get back into bed with daddy, continue the destruction of one of his new toys, back out again, and then an afternoon treat!

QUESTION! .. and I know that I have talked about this before, but not sure if I have shared on the blog, but how many of your neighbors or acquaintances know you due to your pet and not your name?  I have met so many of my neighbors due to Mr. Man's nightly walks.  This has been a great way to meet my neighbors, but, now I am known more as .. "Hey, there's Roscoe!  Hey Roscoe!  And hey to YOU.  Yes, YOU, who are holding Roscoe's leash.  I know YOU have a name and probably a soul, but what is it?"

Yes, my identity has been reduced to, "hey there's that guy that walks Roscoe," or "hey, that's Roscoe's owner."  No wonder Judy was so ready to get rid of Toto after returning from OZ!  But I love my Mr. Bossy Pants!

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

HAYYYYY!!  OK …….. Major Shout Out to the True Colors Theatre Company, for their incredible production of FOR COLORED GIRLS ……..!  I had the opportunity to see the show tonight with my friend A.B., and after the curtain call, we were both left with "WOW!"

In addition to the performance, we stayed for the talk back with Jasmine Guy and all the actresses.

I had heard monologues from FOR COLORED GIRLS .. for many years, but never had the chance to see a production.  True Colors' decision to have Jasmine Guy direct was truly inspired.  The actresses [four of whom had worked with Jasmine before] knew the women they were portraying, not just reciting lines in order to get through the Sunday night performance.  I have to mentioned Nevaina Rhodes and Crystal Fox as the two actresses that stood out the most.  These ladies KNOW HOW TO ACT!!

During the talk back, someone asked if they thought the message of the play had changed since the original production in 1974.  Two of the actresses remarked that subjects such as rape and abortion were no longer issues that people did not acknowledge [but everyone knew existed].  However, another actress stated that the play was not written during the time of AIDS and lesbianism within the African American community.  So, Ntozake, we need FOR COLORED GIRLS part two! 

This is the second production I have seen at True Colors .. and both times, I have left very impressed.  People in Atlanta!  This is a theatre company with some incredible talent!  AND they have the best damn Marketing Director in town, Jenn Dwyer!

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