Champaign Taste

Champaign Taste

QVC

OK:
Lisa Robertson: Does she every look at herself in the mirror? I'm really tired of the dark eyebrows and the light hair. We all know that she colors her hair since it is a different color every two weeks, but I think her eyebrow/hair color issue needs fixed. She is one of my least favorite hosts. If I hear "Love, Love, Love" one more time. YOWSA!!!!!!!
Jane Rudolph: OMG! I can't stand her onscreen. Maybe she's okay OFFscreen??!! She truly has an ego, doesn't she? She thinks she is a big star. How many times does this woman talk about "Live TV" and "millions of people watching"? She loves to hear herself talk. It's all about her! I flip the station when it's Jane hosting ANY program. ANNOYING #1.
Mary Beth Rowe/Roe: So sweet. She seems to be very humble and genuine; a truly lady. I have nothing to criticize; she's a QVC gem.
Rick D.: I heard him actually LIE to a customer. He is sort on patience--snotty with customers. When he first started and didn't know the answers, he made them up. New people to QVC work in the evenings/late nights/early mornings. I guess the top brass didn't hear him make up his answer and LIE to customers. He cuts people off when he is tired of talking with them by telephone. He comes across very rude. He's gained weight since he started.
Lisa Mason: She's crazy. I like her b/c she's funny and says what's on her mind. She's not always political, but who gives's a rat's patootie.
QVC Management: How many of you realize that it is strongly recommended to hosts to LOSE weight and gain tone in his/her body? QVC normally eliminates hosts that are not of a healthy weight, i.e. overweight. Do you remember Renee? She wouldn't lose weight. She moved away from QVC, started her own clothes line, and for a time, showed her line on HSN. I've lost track of her now. I think Leah is gaining weight. Is she pregnant or just gaining weight. She's a big girl anyway--tall & big-boned. In the movie "The Devil Wears Prada," Stanley Tucci's character Nigel says, "...(size) 6 is the new 14". YIKES! Say it ain't so!!! Are we all supposed to look like Nicole Ritchie and Teri Hatcher...also, Posh Spice, David Beckham's wife. I've never seen such frightening bodies--rib cages showing, etc. I digress. Even the funny guy that started nights on QVC--and had the comedy show like hour has lost weight since he started with QVC. Yet they don't change Jane's ugly haircuts and Lisa's ugly hair colors and dark eyebrows.
Kathy Gendel (Breezies): Thank goodness her hair has grown out and she doesn't feel the need to wear both the headband and hair scrunchie at the same time. I hated that look!!! I guess she didn't want to keep her hair back with clips or bobby pins.
Jackie: Classy, pretty, intelligent.
Big Mouth Red Head: I can't remember her name, but remember that her background is theatre. OMG! She's an idiot--just not much class and it comes through. You can normally tell if someone has class & intelligence. Her head is all mouth & hair and rather than hide that mouth, she paints it in bright RED lipstick.
Leah: My elderly (in her 80's) mother dispises Leah: She's fake. No one is that loud & cheery 100% of the time. Is she gaining weight? I think so. I didn't think it was possible. At first, I was checking out her belly to see if she was pregnant. She's been married for awhile now--I thought maybe she'd want some children. It's none of my business, but you know...when you watch at least once a day or twice a day, you notice things and get interested, b/c people are generally NOSY.
JILL: Annoying #2. Why would you want to act and dress as though you are twenty years older than you really are in real life??? I think NOT. But Jill always acts like she's in her 50's. She was perhaps the youngest host to ever get hired on QVC. It cracked me up when she would come across as such an expert when she first started. I was thinking, "honey, I have more experience with that sort of thing in my little finger than you will ever obtain in the next five years." It seems as though she didn't want much more than the husband, home, children, and making a nice little home for her family. I just wish she had a little more spunk to her. She acts as though she is afraid to let loose and to have a little FUN.
Stan Herman: He's so cute. I love that he enjoys the astrological signs & meanings. I ordered one of his chenille bed jackets once (long ago) and the chenille kept falling out. I sent it back within a week or two. Once he asked a customer her sign, and she said something like I'm not into that or I don't believe in that. Hee hee.
Bob Bowersox: Can you say BORING? No personality. Monotone. How's he ever made it on QVC this long?
Dave King: Doesn't belong on QVC. He really should be in theatre, broadway, commercials.
Dan Hughes: Remember when he fell apart on air during the time of his divorce? Wow! That time in HIS life was difficult for us (viewers) to watch. How'd he ever get Murphy's (the dog) trainer as his wife? She looks so young, pretty & refreshing. He seems sort of boring. He's annoying (to me). But, he isn't anything like Mr. Religious...the host that signs off, "God Bless" each time his shift is over. That dude is sort of weird, and just seems sort of out of it or oblivious to things around him.
Lena McElwain: I don't know if I'm spelling her name correctly. I HATE to spell people's names incorrectly. Lena is a sweetheart. She is sooooo professional!! She's GENTLE, professional, charming, sweet, intelligent. She's a Mary Beth Rowe/Roe type. She's very conscientious about other people. Rick D. needs to take lessons from Lena.
The opinions and observations expressed above are merely MY opinions and expressions. You need not agree with me, and probably won't in most cases. I'm okay with that!

Tsotsi - May 2, 2006 Boardman's Art Theatre

5:15 p.m., Champaign, IL, Boardman's Art Theatre

Movie: Tsotsi, A South African Film.

Tsotsi=Thug

This movie scared me-raised my emotions. I wasn't certain I liked what I saw on the screen or wanted to see what was on the screen. I don't like seeing people murdered. I don't like to see innocent people hurt by others for frivolous reasons.

At the beginning of the movie, and also found on the movie's website, is a portrait of the Butcher, Boston, Tsotsi and App. The setting looks completely fake. The South African township looks like a movie set. Why? It disturbed me and distracted me.

A highlight of the movie was Miriam--the woman who cared for Tsotsi's "stolen" baby. Miriam breastfed the baby; she was still nursing her own child and still had breast milk flowing. Miriam reaches Tsotsi's cold, hard heart--it's the most tender you will ever see Tsotsi, excluding the very end scene.

I take something away from each and every film I watch. This is a compelling film. On Sunday, as part of Ebertfest I saw another South Africa film. After viewing that film, I listened to the actress tell stories about her country, her home, her township. She tells us that the township is safe. She may not know her neighbors, but if she were in trouble, all she would need to do is shuffle her feet--to make a noise that would alert the next door neighbors...merely a piece of tin away.

I say to all of you who possibly read my blogs to open your minds to other people and other cultures. If you take time to REALLY get to know others from another town, another state, another country, the world becomes more personable--you realize that all people place importance on family. The only differences are cultural, and why not be accepting of how others were raised? You were raised a certain way and don't find your rituals and traditions strange. Nor do those you meet from other states and other parts of the world. Learn as much as you can about other people--study the language, observe the people, but, especially, RESPECT all people.

Akeelah and the Bee

AKEELAH and the BEE:
5:10 p.m., Savoy 16 Theatre, $4.50; theatre #9
Laurence Fishburne, Keke Palmer, Angela Bassett
I give this movie three stars; Roger Ebert gave it four stars
The movie was predictable until the end when Akeelah's competitor stands up to his father's stern presence. The ending was good. Another favorite portion of this movie was when Akeelah's brother's friend helps Akeelah study vocabulary, showing Akeelah's brother that it is "cool" and OK to be true to family members. The punk (brother's friend) from Crenshaw wrote a poem in his younger years, and said to Akeelah's brother--"where do you think hip hop comes from?"
Laurence Fishburne is an actor I am strangely attracted to for the reason that he seems aloof and arrogant, but comes across as sexy and powerful. I hate him; I love him; I like him. Boyz in the Hood is one of my all time favorite films. Laurence Fishburne and Angela Bassett starred in that movie, along with another favorite of mine, Ice Cube. Keke Palmer acts brilliantly in this film; a rival to Dakota Fanning, perhaps better. Keke was on Ellen Degeneres' show recently, and she sang like a songbird. She's multi-talented. I'm certain we will see more of Keke in films. She started her life as an actor with a small part in Barbershop 2 with Queen Latifah (another favorite of mine--check out Last Holiday, btw).
Ok...gotta run--printing out photos AND watching Kanye West on David Letterman--check out the rocking violin player--funky. O-U-T--ILbutnotcountry

Roger Ebert Receives TOP U of I Recognition 2006

On Sunday, April 30th, Roger Ebert received the University of Illinois Alumni Association's premiere honor & recognition. As always, Roger Ebert was a grateful recipient, with kind words to say about his hometown of Urbana, IL, his parents, and the University of Illinois. He led the president of the University, B. Joseph White and Chancellor Richard Herman (along with the festival audience) in a rousing Illini chant claimed to be before the infamous "Oskee Wow Wow" we U of I graduates know and understand (or do we?). Anyway, it's times like these when I appreciate and respect Roger Ebert. His love for his parents is endearing. If only they were alive to see his progress in the career path he followed. His father was an electrician at the University of Illinois, and told Roger that perhaps a career as an English professor would be ideal since the father, when walking by the professors' offices would notice feet up on the desks, pipes being smoked, and books being read? "You need a job like that" said Roger's father. Sunday, April 30, 2006 in the Virginia Theatre, Champaign, IL From left to right: Roger Ebert, B. Joseph White, Richard Herman, two unknowns unfortunately--I apologize.
Congratulations to you, Mr. Roger Ebert. I appreciate you. The town of Champaign appreciates you. The city of Urbana appreciates you. The University of Illinois appreciates you. Thank you for being true to your school, your down-home folk, and your hometown(s).

P.S. Roger had on his good suit on Sunday, a blue shirt, nice shoes, and an orange & blue tie--he looked quite spiffy. Chaz Ebert looked on with pride; she is so supportive of her husband. She knows when to shine and she knows when to step back and let Roger shine. They have a respectful relationship, it's fresh to see in these days. -illinoisbutnotcountry

Citizen's Awards - Ebertfest, the other side

Following are the awards I would have given at the 2006 Ebertfest film festival.

ok...here's the gossip, the 411, the scoop....

Nice: Robert Hoffman, film editor at Ebertfest for "Bad Santa"
(TIE) Nice: Lisa Rosman, festival blogger-- Flavorpill and The Broad View
Super fantastic NICE: Marni Nixon--she gets the award for the most congenial
Extremely Nice: Kaira Whitehead, actress, "Somebodies"
Super hug-gy: Scott Wilson, Phil Morrison, Michael Barker
Exhuberent: Phil Morrison, director of "Junebug"
Handing out the MOST P.R. for his/her own project: Hadjii, writer & director of "Somebodies"
Most Appreciate to Roger Ebert: Lodge Kerrigan
Most talkative: Matt Mulhern, writer & director of "Duane Hopwood"
(TIE) Just plain weird: John Malkovich actor & producer & director, "Ripley's Game ALSO in this category is Terry Zwigoff, writer & director of "Bad Santa"
(TIE) Best smile: (Tie) Pauline Malefane, co-writer & actress in "U-Carmen eKhayelitsha" and Pamela Kohn, producer of "Somebodies"
Best dressed: Kaira Whitehead, actress, "Somebodies"
Most creative look: Lisa Rosman, festival blogger
Sort of weird & amazingly intelligent and respected: Mickey Cottrell (publicist) Note: Check out Tarnation, Mickey was the publicist for the film which was at Ebertfest two years ago

8th Annual Ebertfest -- 2006

Here's a view of the Virginia Theatre marquee, Champaign, IL. The Virginia Theatre is home to the Roger Ebert Overlooked Film Festival. Check out www.ebertfest.com. Today, Sunday, April 30th was the last day of the festival, so I will now have withdrawal from movie watching with discussion following. This was the best festival ever! Although some of my favorite movies are from previous years' Ebertfest, this year's festival went so smoothly and nothing interfered with my viewing of all 12 movies. 12 movies - 5 days AWESOME!

Opening Night-Roger Ebert's Overlooked Film Festival

Just home from viewing "My Fair Lady" at the Virginia Theatre in Champaign, IL. It's the first night of the Roger Ebert (film critic) film festival aka Roger Ebert's Overlooked Film Festival or Ebertfest. Promptly at 7:30 p.m., Roger Ebert appeared from behind the red curtain on the stage of the beautiful Virginia Theatre. A little known fact is that George Burns performed vaudeville on the same stage years and years ago. Do you know who George Burns is -- think OH GOD, the movie.
The film was restored; we saw it in 70mm. John Katz (restorer) and Marni Nixon ("the voice") were guests. The restorer provided us with an extra tape after the 170 minute film so we could hear Audrey Hepburn's actual singing voice. Later, the very last bit o'the evening, Marni Nixon sang quite a few lines from "Wouldn't it be Loverly" and what a voice my friends. This woman has such clarity and strength when singing. Her autobiography comes out September 2006; she just finished writing her life story. She reminisced that the studio sort of threatened her like "the mafia". Ms. Nixon was NOT allowed to say her singing voice was dubbed in for Audrey Hepburn--or else, she was threatened, she would never work in LA or Hollywood again.
The film festival is the perfect size -- about 1000 to 1500 people viewing a film together. Any larger, and in a different venue, and this film festival would lose its uniqueness. A festival participant has the opportunity to mix with people from all over the US & world, people from the media-publicists, screenwriters, rich snobs, down-to-earth Midwesterners, actors, caterers--if you are open and friendly, you can just meet a VARIETY of individuals with something to share with U that you didn't know before. My favorite lecture was from Robert Forester (Mulholland Drive, Dante's Peak). He was just fascinating--motivational, a storyteller, extremely down-to-earth. Mark Zupan (Murderball) was a inspiration--a fantastic guest.
If you enjoy movies, attend a movie festival; it is a good time even though you are eating too much popcorn and spending too much time in the dark with little to NO exercise for hours.
I need to call it quits for now. More later.

Home Alone On Saturday Night - February 18, 2006

Hey all: I'm feeling a little sad tonight. I don't normally sit home feeling sorry for myself, I mainly feel sorry for others less fortunate. I'm just having a bad day. Yep, having a bad day. No one really seems to care. Why are most people so into themselves? I am into others...I always care about whether other people are happy and mentally & physically well. I'm sort of sick of (just today, give me a break) taking care of others' needs, wants, desires...I mean my family & friends or people at work. I think I'm mentally exhausted to tell it like it is. I tried to tell my friend over the telephone that I was having a difficult day believing in myself. But, like most other people, my friend was thinking about his needs.

I really, really want to find a new job. I want to move and to start my life. I LOVE my mother ... LOVE her and RESPECT her, but I sort of getting worried about putting my life on hold for so long. I feel like I'm losing out on life. I haven't traveled anywhere since 1999. I'm working at a job that bores me because I need to be close in location should my mother need me. I live in a house that needs so much work done to it. I don't have a male figure or handyman in my life to help me out. I'm the male; I'm the female. I trim grass, I pay bills, I work my ass off, I clean out the garage, I do laundry, I grocery shop. I'm tired. I'm sort of thinking someone to help take care of ME would be a really good thing. But, I'm stubborn and independent.

I really want to work in the movie, film, television industry. With my degree, my people skills, my talents, my intelligence, I am more than ready to find a interesting job with interesting people making damn good money so that I can live the way I should be living, not living paycheck to paycheck or at least in a house where the water faucets need fixed, the basement wall reinforced, shelving installed, lighting installed, a new water heater, a new roof, new electrical wiring throughout the house, and the wall in the living room repaired so plaster quits falling down. I got enough to handle. I'm strong. I'm capable. I'm hard-working, but I'm just sort of tired of all the responsibility I have. Wouldn't a break be nice? Help? Assistance--labor and financial? A one-week trip out of state? I'd be really living.

I saw CRIBS today. Shaq O'Neal's house has 64,000 sq ft; mine has 999. Does Shaq really deserve to have 63,001 more sq ft in his house that me? How about all of those homeless people? Imagine how many people Shaq could house with some of that money used to build that huge, huge house with all of those televisions, etc. Man, oh man. Get Michael Jordon, Oprah Winfrey, Shaquille O'Neal to help out in Appalachia where children go without shoes and school books--what a change they could make, right? Whew! I just hope that all people who have excessive amounts of money (let's say anything over $5 million) help others less fortunate. And, OPRAH, start in the United States where you live, then go to Africa. It's like our government giving money to every country out there and our country still has poverty, malnutrition, poor education, and look to celebrities for our role models and mentors. WRONG...in a big way.

I know some very good people who give back to the world in any way possible. These people are not famous, not wealthy, but are positive, forward thinking people. Loving? Of course these people are loving or they wouldn't believe in sharing their positive attitude, money, talents and skills. My parents volunteered their entire lives. My parents helped others who needed assistance without making those people feel "needy" or less important than someone who didn't need help. I learned so much by observation. I should help more. Right now, I'm sort of not capable...I'm just mentally exhausted. I need a vacation. I need a miracle. I need love. I need financial assistance. I need a handyman or handywoman to help around the house. I need attention. I'm "needy".

Sad, but true...right here, right now at this time.

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New World (the movie); SAG Awards 012906

Ok, I made it to New World this afternoon. The cast: Christopher Plummer, Colin Farrell, and a newbie--a 14-year-old girl from Hawaii--she played Pocahontas. I saw her recently on the Ellen Degeneres show...she is a cute kid who has a set of lungs on her. I was a little worried about her though--can you imagine Colin Farrell around a beautiful 14-year-old girl??? Oh my goodness. I hope the girls mother was on set at all times--the actress didn't mention a father when she was on Ellen. I adore Christopher Plummer. Ever since The Sound of Music, I've had a semi-crush on Mr. Plummer. He is a stunning-looking man--sort of craggy looks--sort of distinguished. New World is a fairly good movie. Roger Ebert rated it four stars. Did I tell you that I never read critic reviews or synopses before a movie or live show. NEVER! I make my own opinion from what I see on screen or stage. I do not want to be influenced--especially from people who see it in his/her own eyes with his/her background history. I went to this movie to break out of my regular genre of movie watching. I will see any movie, don't get me wrong, but of late, I've been going to many indie films and not too many widely distributed films. I'd rather see Junebug, The Squid and the Whale, than some lame over-budget, widely distributed piece of crap someone made b/c he/she has it in good with a movie producer or studio. Jennifer Aniston has made several movies in a row...were any of them good? Nah...not really! I'm looking for the movies that were made on tight budgets w/fantastic actors or actresses but most importantly, that have a TERRIFIC storyline. Creativity...where is it? I know we can't all be cookie-cutters and do cookie-cutter writing. Where are you bipolar-type personalities? Start writing! Get those scripts written, purchased, produced.

Are you watching the SAG Awards tonight? I had a difficult time finding what channel was playing the awards show. I started out with E! since it always has a pre-show for awards shows. Ryan Seacrest and that Giliani Depandi girl from E! are hosting the pre-show. Please-Giliani is not what I call an actor, a host or hostess or an entertainer. She's not cute or stunning--just unusual! Wonder if she had some sort of oral surgery and that is what makes her mouth so unusual looking? She has a big head for her little body--sort of Vanna White like. The actual awards show is on TNT starting at 7 pm central. Wow...the women from Grey's Anatomy look horrible. The LOST crew dressed well--one dude--the older gentleman, has on flip flops with bling. You know Patricia Arquette is going to get reamed for her hair. When will she get a decent stylist? She's a wonderful actress--why can't she get help with dressing for awards shows? Eva Longoria is way more into that ball player (Tony Parker) than he is into her...did you check them out on the red carpet? She was all over him and he was standoff-ish. TP comes off as a jerk--at least tonight. Maybe he is a shy guy! Nicollette Sheriden brought the newest boyfriend--the crooner. The women on the carpet tonight certainly need some different makeup. WOW! All that money & attention and they look old & wrinkled and under made up--or just plain over made up. Naveen from Lost--missing his older woman friend tonight. Hmmm? Keifer Sutherland is signing lots of autographs for the fans along the red carpet...what a sweetie. Some actors & actresses know what makes them famous. Publicists are an unusual bunch aren't they? So many of them are plump, sort of in their 40's, with horrible haircuts. Anne Hathaway--TOO much eye makeup--too dark for her fair complexion--and for her age--23 years old. Marg Helgenberger--one word, SPANX--bad choice on dress for your body. How come Alfre Woodard is getting so much attention? I don't watch LOST, Grey's Anatomy, Scrubs, CSI, and so many of the popular shows. You can't watch everything, you know? I love television, but come on...there are only 24-hours in a day. I can't wait to see Shirley Temple Black--who gets the Lifetime Award. I love every single movie made with Shirley Temple Black in it. And she is a humanitarian--not just an actress--not just a rich person spending money on herself. There should be more goodwill ambassadors like Shirley Temple Black. Oh, Angelina Jolie...well she is sort of like Josephine Baker, right? A rainbow of children through ambassador work. I hope her heart, brain and soul are in the right place. I'm not one to judge or criticize when someone is helping others!!! Marcia Cross is in a purple-ish dress. I suppose she is pretty---just doesn't do anything for me. *smile* I'm sooo tired of Desperate Housewives. I'm so tired of Nicollette, Marcia and Teri Hatcher. Teri Hatcher--can we say plastic surgery? I do respect Felicity Huffman--she's a wonderful actress! Eva Longoria is a cutie-I've not seen her in anything-as an actress, but she seems happy & bubbly, and that "ain't" all bad in life. Terrence Howard-so slick looking--in Dolce & Gabbana. I enjoy his work; I hope he is rewarded for his fanastic roles--Crash, Hustle & Flow, etc.

OK, more later, my friends.

Rainy Days and Sundays...Brokeback Mountain, Last Holiday...Movies

Hi all:
It's a rainy Sunday in Illinois. What happened to the snow this winter? I'm so distraught that this area has had only one or two decent snows this season.

I went to see Brokeback Mountain yesterday. Ang Lee, the director, graduated from the University of Illinois. Being a College of Communications graduate, I was able to hear him speak several years ago...as well as Oprah, Roger Ebert, etc. I was disappointed in Ang Lee's work. My thoughts during the movie ran towards disjointed scenes pieced together. Beautiful scenery placed haphazardly. The storyline was fine. Heath Ledger did a marvelous job speaking as though he had a wad of snuff in his mouth. I never saw him mess with snuff, but he spoke as though it was always present. I've been around farm folks most of my life, being located in an area that is both farming country besides an area of higher learning. I see few people who use "chewing tobacco" anymore, but back in the 60's and 70's it was "popular." I am proud of Ang Lee for not showing any chewing tobacco--it doesn't need promoted. I rather see cowboy boots and Carhart clothing come back into mainstream. In my opinion, the movie started slowly and didn't gain too much momentum throughout, but rather, was consistent. Ms. Hathaway's character (Jake G's wife) cracked me up. She looked Texan for real -- the big hair -- hair that went when she was young from being brunette, lone, flowing, to blonde, hairsprayed, teased, overprocessed, and overworked hair when she was a young wife and mother. So, how do you think Jake's character (Mr. Twist) actually died? Do you think it was an "accident?" He was so young. The love between the two cowboys was special-Heath's character didn't expect to enjoy loving a man. More later.

Last Holiday with LLCoolJ & Queen Latifah. I like the Queen. I like her in anything she chooses to do. Most of her movies are lame as far as substance. Why does she choose those movies...just to keep working...that is all that she is offered? She's a smart, funny, beautiful woman. Last Holiday is a pleasant movie. I don't remember any bad language or sex scenes. Amazing, huh? I didn't love LLCoolJ as an actor. I thought he was boring or contrived--he acted as though he'd break if he moved or showed emotion. I don't know what it is about Gerard Depardieu, but I think he is sort of sexy in a big oaf sort of way. Did you not want Chef & Queen to get together? Come on? When did Timothy Hutton get so emaciated looking? I didn't find him pleasurable to look at at all. He looked too small for his frame. California & movie & entertainment industry--we'd rather see you looking healthy then looking frail, pale & ill. Now Queen Latifah...she LOOKS healthy. She looks happy. She has some flesh on that body of hers. Alicia Witt did a good job of playing Kragen's mistress. It's good to see that Alicia has been able to successfully move from television to movies--she's good at what she does--a good actress. I hope to see her in even bigger and better roles in the future.

I plan to go to see either Nanny McPhee, End of the Spear or New World today. I'll let you know what I think.

P.S. Think positive thoughts...my mother has a biopsy on Tuesday!

Sunday Evening 01/22/06 - Yippie

Hey...not doing so well at writing every day, am I? Oh well. So, this work week will be a five-day work week. Yippie. I'm so not mentally there anymore. Work is boring. I'm not learning anything new of late. I'm bored, period. Today, 150 miles south of Chicago, it is a mild, but dreary-looking day. DeKalb, IL had 8" of snow in the past week. Other areas around Chicago had 11" of snow. We missed out entirely. Bummer. Ok, so I'll view the snow at the Alaska websites that have webcams. Man, oh man...I want to go to Alaska so badly. It looks like Nome has some fresh snow, as does Fairbanks. If you've never checked out the live webcams, go to www.earthcams.com or "Google" webcams. Ok, now, skip the adult webcams...gross me out. Look for the educational webcams such as the ecological-based cameras, the environmental-based webcams, etc. There are historical, architectural, beach, ship, city webcams everywhere across the globe. Talk about fascinating! I may not travel much anymore due to $$$, time away from work, and health, but I can go there via my computer each and every day.

Watching Celebrity Fit Club. I like the Ebony Flame team--Bruce Vilanch, Chasity Bono, Countessa Vaughn and Young MC. Kelly LeBrock from Kelly's Bellies looks so fake...she definitely has lip supplements -- who knows what, but they are swollen looking this week. She is losing weight, and that's what is important. Ok, who's idea was it to give Flavor Flav a show? OMG Gross!!!!!!! The women who are vying for his attention are hardly your classy, cultured women. Some of the women are nice and pretty, but most of them come across as hard up, a bit on the sleazy side. Oyster is the mole--she tells on everyone--backstabs. ick Why don't I change the channel now? *smile*

Ok, signing out for now. More later whether you want it or not, I'm afraid. Writing is good!!

Another exciting evening in Central Illinois -- Webcams

My latest "hobby" slash addiction is finding obscure or unusual locations that have webcams. You must check out the Shamu webcam from San Diego, CA. It gets old fast...loses its excitement, but the first viewing may give you a thrill. Check out the 'Clickiton' website. The thrill lastest 10 seconds, but the creator gets my award for being innovative with a webcam and lights.

If you want to be an armchair traveler to Egypt, go to www.pyramidcam.com. I haven't traveled anywhere since 1999 due to family illnesses, lack of money, a jerk-off boss, a sick dog, a bum knee, but mainly due to lack of money. How I miss traveling. Here's where I want to visit: Chile, Alaska, Spain, Bali, Ireland, Scotland, Greece, Monaco, the Cayman Islands, New Zealand, Australia, New York City, Toronto, Nova Scotia, the Yukon, Malaysia, Argentina, St. Bart's, the Bahamas, the Galapagos Islands, Tahiti. If I only make it to Tahiti, Ireland/Scotland, Alaska and New Zealand, I would die happy. My last vacation was a short trip to California. Before that, Sarasota, Florida/Long Boat Key, FL. I don't love Florida as a destination. I would detest living there, but short visits are okay.

I'm watching a good movie..."The Bread, My Sweet." It's quite touching and has Scott Baio as the main character. Imagine that. It's a very touching movie...I repeat. I am skipping tv shows Ellen Degeneres, David Letterman, and Jay Leno to watch this movie...breaking out of my weeknight routine. If you've ever nurtured someone, watched someone fade away due to a terminal illness, or understand the love of family, watch this movie. I strongly recommend it.

I'm "audi" for tonight. Until tomorrow....

January 4th - nothing special

Hey. Welcome to my blog on this cold & windy Wednesday evening. I don't have much to say this evening. I'm watching "Working Girl" with Melanie Griffith. Kevin Spacey is in this movie; I didn't remember that from the first two or three times I saw the film. Melanie just walked in on her boyfriend and another woman. Surprise.... How often does that happen...every other movie? Joan Cusack is Tess's friend in the movie. Joan is from Illinois, lives in the Chicago 'burbs, and of late, has been in numerous cell phone commercials for Cingular. I noticed last week, that Joan Cusack's face looks different. Botox? Nose job? Plastic surgery overall? Face lift? Something is different. She is gawky looking normally, but in the latest commercial, her face is more smooth, her profile is more fair and less jagged. Hey...I don't care want a person looks like--I can find something good in each person I meet. At least ONE thing, it may not be a big plus, but there is something good to say about every single person. It's difficult to ascertain in serial murders, enemies, leaders of countries such as IRAQ, but hey...don't they say Saddam is a clean freak? Or just a freak? I'm old and forgetful. Hee Hee. Women are attracted to freaky, powerful, MEAN men and prisoners. What is it with women and men that are not easily attained or reachable, huh? Maybe there is a reason for that and the man should stay at least an arm's length away. Do you really want to marry Scott Peterson, Erik or Lyle Menendez? OMG...no! Harrison Ford just took Tess home from a party (movie). Where's Calista? Stay with me...I'm like a butterfly, writing (flitting) as any topic pops up in my head.

Ok, so I went to physical therapy today. Can I just say that my knee hurts like HELL? OMG!! I worked hard on the machines, leg extensions, hamstring, straps, balance, bridging, went through my routine quickly and with ease. The physical therapist said, you wanna ice down that knee before you leave? "No, I'm fine." Three hours later, I was hurting from kneecap to hip...a burning sensation. My sister is freaked out b/c she thinks I'll take too many Tylenol/Advil/Aleve and they will eat my stomach lining away. I have a friend that takes six at a time. Now that's over-doing the pain relievers. Pain relievers are our friends when we need them. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, I was on my feet all day, up & down steps, cooking for five hours straight each day. NO wonder I took pain relievers. Has she ever had torn cartilage? OWWWWWWWWWwwww. And, my doctor says I take pain well-have high tolerance.

Thank goodness Tess (Melanie Griffith) cut that Jersey mall hair to look more executive-like! Joan's character is still sporting the style--so 80's. Scary!

So what's up with Britney Spears looking so ugly? Not that this is earth-shattering news or important in the scheme of world events, but that girl needs to get herself together. Not for that loser, Kevin Federline, but for herself. She used to be looked up to by young girls. I hope they have a better role model these days. Say, Hillary Rodham Clinton, a woman scientist, a woman astronaut, someone out there doing her job day-by-day in order to make the world a better place for its future inhabitants. I'm NOT pro-Hillary out the wahzoo (sp?) but she's smart, she's capable, she's grounded, she stayed with her man when he was an idiot, she raised an intelligent daughter (along with President Bill Clinton--give him credit). Laura Bush is okay. I'm not really into mousy women, but she has some good quips or sound bites about twice bi-monthly. Anyone that believes in reading BoOKS, Novels, NoN-FiCtIoN is A-OK with me.

I am watching Jay tonight. Dave has guests that don't thrill me. Wonder who will be on Craig Ferguson. Last night was Craig's one-year anniversary on television. He is so fricking funny. Wow...who was that guy on Dave last night. Did he ever tick off DAVE last night. Whew. So who won...USC or Texas? Texas was ahead 16-10 when I last checked around halftime. What is up with the Rose Bowl Parade being on January 2nd and the football game on January 4th. Get it together PEOPLE...the Rose Bowl Parade is always on January 1st. What else is there for people to watch--your audience will be larger, I promise you. And, it rained on your Monday parade this year. Rained, and rained and rained on your parade. Bill O'Reilly...that's the guest on David Letterman last night that ticked off Dave ROYALLY, big-time, etc. Whew! Carrot Top is performing on Jay Leno tonight. Have you ever seen Carrot Top's show? He is hilarious. What a goober boy. Ya gotta laugh at some of those homemade creations he pulls from his truck o'goodies. Yes, some of the creations are just StUPid and some are GROss, but as far as comedians go, a good show!!!!!!!!!

Either my computer is freaking out or this site is freaking out. I type 83 wpm and "it" just isn't happening for me tonight. Champagne in a can--Coppola. Jay's dissing it. Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey...need to get back together. Thank goodness Denise Richards is leaving Charlie Sheen...loser.... Keep up with me...I'm brainstorming tonight. I don't feel like keeping with any one topic...just going with the flow. Kevin Eubanks. Why the heck is he on the tonight show? I'm sick of Jay's racially slanted jokes where he infers things about Kevin. Now Paul Shaffer...that's a band leader/director. He's funky -- grooving, not tongue-wagging at all the females that come on the show as Dave's guests. His main concern is quality of music. He sort of looks nerdy, but like a lovable, unique nerd. I like him. Dave and Oprah. Did you see that show? I'm sooooo sick of Oprah, Oprah, Oprah. Dave sucked up to her. Ick. People revere Oprah. She is human, PEOPLE. She is like you. She is like me. Oprah is imperfect. I am imperfect. On her show (thank goodness I'm normally at work during her show), she enjoys using her voice...sort of "yelling." Who was accused of talking "black" as a talk show host? Puh-Leeze...Oprah does it whenever African Americans are guests. Check it out. Other times, Oprah starts talking very "southern"! Check it out! I notice reverse discrimination with her or something. I will pinpoint it one day. I try to ignore her. Racism disgusts me. Reverse discrimination disgusts me. Treating people differently because of his or her financial status, or job is wrong and disgusts me. What doesn't disgust me? I think the elderly should be respected--held up on a pedestal. Can YOU imagine what it is like to be in a world such as ours with a slower mind, a slower body, and fewer patient individuals? The elderly sometimes (not all of them) move slower, drive slower, talk slower, think slower. So what? Listen to them. Answer them. Help them. Love them. Most of all, respect your elders and learn from them. You'll be glad you did, I bet. Ok...back to OPRAH - Oprah's intonation changes depending upon the guests. I'm ready for Oprah World to close down. Who should replace her majesty? No clue. Haven't thought that far ahead or given "it" that much thought. Now that "it's" out there, I will think about who I would want women (and men) to look up to, use as a role model, listen to intently, mimic, admire, etc. Gag me. I am sick of that woman. I like her magazine. Her friend Gayle is in charge of "O". As a communications college graduate, Oprah wasted my time as a speaker to the students in my college. Generic. Her message was generic. Tell me something I didn't know or didn't figure out for myself, Oprah. As a college student, the message I received from a prisoner of war speaker left a much stronger impression on me. Now that man was someone who stood up for his country and went through hell just to survive minute by minute. I have his book...it's been years since I read it. It is one of my favorite books, but I can't (yea, like this is new--can't remember) remember the book's title. I'll eventually get it on my website so you can read the autobiography if you so desire.

Ok...I need to go to Gooberville. Adios. Hasta luega. -illinoisbutnotcountry

Roger Ebert's Overlooked Film Festival

Coming in April 2006, the 8th Annual Roger Ebert Overlooked Film Festival in Champaign, IL. For more information go to www.ebertfest.com. If you love films, I recommend for you to purchase a festival pass rather than individual film passes. Last year, the festival attendees were fortunate enough to see Murderball before it was released to outside audiences. Roger Ebert had viewed the film at the Sundance Film Festival, if I remember correctly. He also viewed Miranda July's movie at the Sundance Film Festival. Although Ms. July's film was not one of my favorite films in the four-day festival, it was okay. I'd tell you the name of the movie, but I always screw it up, so Google "Miranda July"! Miranda July was quite a quirky person; I liked her. It's quite interesting to see and to hear the directors, actors, producers and others affiliated with films shown at the festival. My all-time favorite was this goofball Mark Borchardt and his friend Mike Schank. The movie is called "American Movie." I recommend this movie as a do-not-miss!!!!! You will laugh so hard you almost...you know.... Mark Borchardt has attended at least two of the festivals as a guest and or attendee. He is down-to-earth, unpretentious...a cheesehead from Wisconsin. Mario Van Peebles was well spoken when discussing the film his father made, "Baadasssss!" There was also a gentleman at one of the previous festivals that came to the middle of IL via rail, bus, airplane, ?camel?, etc. No kidding! He was in the middle of nowhere and in order to get to the film festival to discuss his beautifully-made film (wish I could remember the name of the film and his name--check back) he had to travel by many means of transportation. Roger Ebert was a little grumpy last year. You would think he would have been grumpy the year he fell and hurt his elbow. He gets tired and it shows. I think his schedule during the film festival is 7 or 8 a.m. to 4 or 5 a.m. Not much time for sleep! His wife is quite kind, intelligent, graceful, patient--a good partner for Ebert, I think. How the heck would I know? I don't, but I observe. I stood in line with her for an open stall in the upstairs women's bathroom two years ago. Too much information? Hee hee. I hope Roger selects some movies we haven't viewed as yet. I hate when I pay $80 (ticket) plus (food, etc.) to view only two new (to me) movies. Hey, I take vacation time from work to attend the festival!

Ok...gotta watch Craig Ferguson. He cracks me up and has a sexy accent. My nephews think he is HORRID. They do not appreciate his humor b/c they just don't understand him and from where he comes. His past has helped to make his humor what it is, according to me. *smile*

Night.

January 3, 2006 New Year's Resolution

Hi. I don't believe in them. I don't make them.

Resolutions.

But, I plan to WRITE more this year. I plan to send thank you's to those who do nice things. I will send a note to those who give me something. I will do this within three weeks of the action, rather than six months afterward. We'll see, huh? I just finished my first Christmas thank you--to my sister for her gifts to me. Now if it will just get itself to the post office. Me...I'll carry it about for a few weeks. I'll move it from my tote, to my purse, to my car dashboard. I'll have good intentions. I'm mailing the thank you tomorrow.

Illinois but not country?

Is it possible to live outside of Chicago? Hell, yes! I'm soooooo tired of those who are from Chicago or from outside Illinois thinking that there is nothing to Illinois but Chicago. Gag me. Springfield, IL -- state capitol; Peoria, IL; birthplace of Richard Pryor, Dixon, IL; birthplace of Ronald Reagan; Chester--Popeye; Metropolis--Superman; Champaign, IL--UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS & the "Flying Illini"; Decatur--well, let me think about that...I don't love Decatur...let's move on; Moline, IL--JOHN DEERE (you know John Deere--the POPULAR in 2005 trucker's hat in green & yellow with the deer symbol? Yep, that's the one); Olney, IL--home of the white squirrels; Arcola & Arthur, IL--an Amish settlement. Oh my...south of Chicago...you live there? You must be a hick...country...southern...an idiot...married to your first cousin. NOT!

Ok...Dave Letterman just said it's so cold out that the hookers are handing out North Face condoms. Yowsa...a good one, Dave! Jay is a re-run tonight...as is Ellen DeGeneres.

Ok, you girlie girls...I was reading some magazine...who knows what--"O" or InTouch or InStyle, I don't know. I read any magazine that sits in front of me or lands in the mailbox. Vibe, Esquire, National Geographic, US, People, Newsweek, Reader's Digest, Guidepost, Farm & Ranch, For Me...I just don't care what publication it is, I can ALWAYS find something interesting in a magazine. I even read my mother's AARP (for retired/"older" people) magazine--it's awesome--written soooo well. *smile* I digress. Check out this website, www.designhergal.com! You make a "gal" as the site calls we women in the image of you. Pregnant? No biggie...just choose the pregnant form. Add your eye color, hair color, earrings (the site needs to give us a better selection of earrings), animals, SHOES (duh, of course), cup o'java, laptop, cell phone. Then for $24.95 per year membership, you can make and print your own letterhead, business cards, address labels, stickers, etc. As my co-worker found out today after I sent to her an e-card from the site, it's "KEWL"!!!!

Live outside your comfort zone -- try something new, something different and LIKE it, ok?

http://www.martingrund.de/pinguine/pinguincam2.htm#1 Do you like penguins? Then, puh-leeze do not take one from a zoo for a PET like that recent idiot. Check out this website in Antartica. You will be enamored, excited, enthralled. Ok...you will like this website, got it? Check it out. I won't steer you wrong. *smile*

As a friend says, I'm "Audi" (I'm out of here) for tonight. Later. Keep reading my blog. Be nice, I'm sensitive. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Do one nice thing per day. If someone is irritating the heck out of you, kill them with kindness...it usually works!!!!!!!!!!!!!!