Song of the moment: Jackson 5-I Want You Back

Here is a real blast from the past one of my fave Jackson 5 tunes, I can't seem to get enough of this song lately. I guess there's nothing like a good classic.

Song of the moment: Take That-Back for Good

And now for a little bit of 90's nostalgia, this whole decade was of course known for it's boy and girl band craze (I'm sure you can guess which girl-band I'm referring to).

Before Hanson and the Backstreet Boys Take That was my early introduction to that craze. I used to play this song non-stop in my CD player.

Gotta say it still holds up (the song I mean) as for the video, bunch of guys looking angsty and emoting in the rain, pretty much sums up 99% of the videos in this entire decade *lol*.

Song of the moment: Melissa Etheridge-Like the Way I Do

If you couldn't tell this was an 80's video from the mediocre quality, the hair-style should have been a real tip-off *lol*.

I've always been a casual fan of Melissa Etheridge, but over the last couple of years I have really enjoyed her songs and I'm slowly going through her repertoire (still got a long way to go).

I fell in love with this song after hearing Lucy Lawless sing it at one of her concerts in London, England this past May.

Song of the moment:: The Police-Every Breath You Take

Yet another 80's classic (now you know I wasn't kidding about being a fanatic *lol*). This is another song I grew up listening to and it's one I never get tired of (obviously;).

I rarely like covers of the originals, but this song is an exception. I love Stings duet with Robert Downy Jr. from Ally Mcbeal. There's just something about it that really works.

Song of the moment: Pet Shop Boys-Always on My Mind

Another oldie, but a goodie. This one really takes me back to my childhood. But then so does virtually anything from the 80's *lol*.

Song of the moment: A-ha-Take On Me

Out of all the 80's videos this one still remains one of my top faves. Probably because it was so creative for it's time. Something that is sorely lacking in 99% of today's music videos.

And that simple keyboard melody is so damn catchy that even after years of hearing it I still enjoy it just as much as the first time I heard it.

A family affair

I've been waiting to blog about this for a few months now, but had to hold off until all the details were worked out and finalized. Now that they have I can finally say it.

Tomorrow, (well technically 12 hours from now) I will be heading off to Pearson International Airport and picking up my sister, niece and brother-in-law who are coming over from Poland for a visit. To say that I'm excited would be an understatement.

Ecstatic would be more appropriate.

I haven't seen my niece since she was 8 so at least 7 years, my brother-in-law for almost twice as long and my sister at least 4.

I'm sure I'll be a complete emotional wreck come tomorrow afternoon.

It'll also be interesting to see how the baby of our household aka our cockatiel Cuba will handle having 3 new people in the house.

But I'll keep this short for once lol, have to get up early so I'm off to hit the hay. Updates may be slim the next couple of weeks since I'll be busy doing quite a bit of sightseeing, but we'll see.

Song of the moment: Pet Shop Boys-Domino Dancing

"I dont know why, I dont know how
I thought I loved you, but I'm not sure now
Ive seen you look at strangers too many times
A love-you-once is of a, a different kind...

(all day, all day) watch them all fall down
(all day, all day) domino dancing
(all day, all day) watch them all fall down
(all day, all day) domino dancing"

We all have our guilty pleasures and when it comes to music The Pet Shop Boys are still one of mine:P.

If you didn't know this was an 80's song, the video should have been a dead give away lol.

Granted the refrain of this one is not very deep, and yet you just can't help but sing along to it.

Actually it's a lot like Hanson's Mmmbop now that I think about it (and yes I am not ashamed to admit that I still like it even after all these years).

'ER' receives 4 new interns for it's final season

Well, as is tradition for this show and as a way of keeping things fresh, the producers are adding 4 new characters to the mix this fall.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, they will be played by Shiri Appleby, Julian Morris, Emily Rose and Victor Rasuk. Aside from Shiri Appleby (who I know from Roswell and Xena) I can't say I'm the least bit familiar with the other 3.

The characters are described as follows:

Appleby and Morris will play siblings Daria and Andrew Wade. Daria is a smart and eager to learn, while Andrew uses his looks, smarts and charm to get ahead.

Rose will play Tracy Martin, an ambitious intern who likes to control things, which often doesn't go over well with her superiors.

Rasuk was cast as Ryan Sanchez, a native New Yorker who's a tad nervous and is often found on his cell phone, fielding questions from his wife.

Basically nothing we haven't seen before in the last 15 years lol. But still I think bringing in some new young blood will give the series a boost.

Especially since Goran Visnjic and Maura Tierney will probably leave around the middle of the season.

More Sarah Connor Chronicles casting news

It seems there will be another female cast member added to the cast of this great show. A woman named Leven Rambin who will play the character of Reilly, a new friend of John’s with a quick wit and a mysterious past.

Once again I don't know much about this actress either, but I'm so glad they're bringing in even more female characters, actually I'm starting to think they're trying to set some sort of t.v. record lol.

The mysterious past bit sounds intriguing, since she's a friend of John's I guess we can safely assume she's human.

Song of the moment: Lisa Marie Presley-Dirty Laundry

I was just as skeptical as everyone else when I first heard Lisa Marie was venturing into music, but after hearing the song "Lights Out" that skepticism turned to like.

That like turned to love after this awesome tune. The raspy quality of her voice is just such a perfect fit.

"I make my living off the Evening News
Just give me something-something I can use
People love it when you lose,
They love dirty laundry

Well, I coulda been an actor, but I wound up here
I just have to look good, I don't have to be clear
Come and whisper in my ear
Give us dirty laundry....

We can do "The Innuendo"
We can dance and sing
When it's said and done we haven't told you a thing
We all know that Crap is King
Give us dirty laundry! "

In an industry over-run with pop, it's so refreshing to still have an artist who is more interested in pure classic rock.

Song of the moment: Rufus Wainwright- Hallelujah

I actually got this idea from another blog I frequent, I thought it might be fun if every once in a while I shared a favourite song of mine.

I was thinking of calling it song of the day like on the aforementioned blog, but there are simply too many songs I get stuck on in any given day, so song of the moment seemed more appropriate.

I haven't decided on whether to make this a daily or weekly thing yet, though with my varied taste in music doing a daily post would definitely not be difficult.

Anyway today's song is Hallelujah by Rufus Wainwright (originally by Leonard Cohen I believe).

Although Jeff Buckley's version will forever remain my all-time favourite, lately I can't seem to get enough of this one.



And for comparison purposes, here is Jeff Buckley's version.



Yep, music just doesn't get any better then that.

Oh, and just a warning since I am kind of an 80's fanatic (being born right at the start of it and all) don't be surprised if you see an abundance of 80's tunes lol.

Martina Hingis Liverpool Exhibition photos

In a re-match of Hingis's first Wimbledon Grand Slam final all the way back in 1997 at the age of 16 (hard to believe it's been that long!), Hingis and Novatna have some fun on the court in Liverpool.

It was business as usual for the Swiss Miss who beat Jana Novatna 6/3 6/4. That's very impressive actually especially considering she's no longer training or on tour.

Here are some photos from the much discussed Liverpool event, enjoy them since there will be very few pics now that Martina has announced she's definitely not returning to the WTA.

Martina Hingis and Jana Novatna before the start of their Exhibition match

All photos from hingis.org

Looking through all these makes me feel all nostalgic and sad *sigh*.

Martina Hingis says no to 2nd career comeback

Former Wimbledon champion Martina Hingis will not return to the WTA Tour once her doping ban ends.

The 27-year-old Swiss retired in November last year following a positive test for cocaine at Wimbledon.

She is currently serving a two-year ban from competitive tennis and has always denied taking drugs.

On the issue of a possible return, Hingis told BBC Radio Merseyside: "No, tennis has been my life but there is life after tennis."

Hingis, who has retired once before, added that she is adapting well to life away from the Tour.

"I don't really miss all the travelling and spending time in hotel rooms. It's nice to be at home with the family.

"There comes a time when I really feel like I have to move, because sport has always been a big part of my life.

"When you don't have that you get a little nervous and think, OK I have to go and do something."

She is playing an exhibition match at the Liverpool International Tennis Tournament against Jana Novotna - a repeat of the 1997 Wimbledon final.

Hingis was victorious that day to become the youngest ever champion at the All England Club.

The five-time Grand Slam winner added that it is a day she will always remember.

"It is a memory that will last forever with me, probably more today than when I was holding up the plate.

"You look at the photos today and I think 'wow I was really so young'."

Source

Well, I can't say I'm surprised with her answer. As sad as I am about her not returning to the tour, it's good to finally know the answer once and for all.

Although a part of me was hoping (and will probably always hope) that she changes her mind. What can I say?, I'm hopeless lol.

But, I guess like she said in the article it's time for her to move on. I'm glad she's at least continuing to give back by playing in charity exhibitions.

This way she'll never be completely away from the sport and it still gives her fans a chance to see her once in a while.

I just wish those exhibitions were more widely covered *sigh*.

Anyway, I have no doubt that whatever endeavours she decides to undertake (coaching perhaps?) she will be just as successful as she has been in her tennis career.

The Smurfs still coming to a theatre near you

The Smurfs, those small sky blue creatures who live in Smurf Village somewhere in the woods, are to make a comeback with the characters set for a Hollywood film. They will celebrate their 50th anniversary with a Hollywood movie deal announced on Tuesday by Columbia pictures.

The new film will introduce the funny characters to a new generation of fans.

Columbia Pictures and Sony Pictures Animation acquired the film rights to the Belgian-born characters from Lafig Belgium S.A. for a big-screen adaptation based on the “three-apple-high” beings.

Created by Peyo (Peirre Culliford) in “Le Journal de Spirou” titled “Johan and Pirlouit” (translated as “Johan and Peewit), the small creatures with blue skin, white trousers with a hole for their short tails, white hat in the style of a Phrygian cap, first appeared in a Belgian comic strip in 1958. The Smurfs live in houses made from mushrooms, or in houses built of stone that just look like mushrooms. The village is placed somewhere in the middle of a deep forest.

Colombia Pictures and Sony Pictures Animation are ready to develop a hybrid live action/animated film, a similar “hybrid” treatment as the successful “Alvin and the Chipmunks” movie from 20th Century Fox, a unit of News Corp.

Read more...




Back in November of 2006 (wow really?) I mentioned a favourite childhood cartoon of mine about little blue creatures known as The Smurfs (which as hard as it is to believe have been around for 50 years!).

More specifically I talked about the fact that the cartoon would be turned into a theatrical movie.

Well as you can see from the above article that idea is still being realized and, although they're getting closer there's still no final word on exactly when The Smurfs will hit the big screen.

I was really excited when I first heard about this, but now I'm not so sure. Not after seeing what was done to Alvin and the Chipmunks.

I think now I'm more of the opinion that some classics should be left alone. Still with all that said I guess introducing The Smurfs to a whole new generation of kids is not such a bad thing.

Especially considering the cartoons that are being offered to kids today, I would much rather go and see The Smurfs any day (no matter what format they're in) .

J.J. Abrams "Fringe" trailer

I gotta be honest even after watching the trailer for this show I still don't have a real clue in terms of what this series is about lol. I guess the mystery is supposed to be part of the appeal (to get you to tune in).

But as I've said before if this show becomes another version of "Lost" or anything resembling the 3rd season of "Alias" I am taking this show off my t.v. schedule. Also it's nice to see Joshua Jackson in something other then a teen-drama or horror movie lol.

Martina Hingis blames boredom for retiring

Jun 9 2008 by Nick Smith, Liverpool Daily Post

MARTINA HINGIS reckons the boredom of the professional tennis circuit is forcing female players to take early retirement.

The Swiss champion, who takes part in the legends exhibition at the Tradition-ICAP Liverpool International Tennis Tournament which starts tomorrow, became the youngest Wimbledon champion since Merseyside’s Lottie Dod took the title in 1887.

Her centre court triumph at the age of 16 was the second of five Grand Slam titles she won before she was 19 and Hingis looked set to dominate women’s tennis for years to come.

However, she quit the game at just 22 and after a brief comeback, gave up competitive tennis completely last year at the age of 27.

Other recent high profile retirements include Kim Clijsters, who turned 25 yesterday but has been out of the game for more than a year, and last month fellow Belgian Justine Henin announced her decision to quit, also at the age of 25 and after seven Grand Slam wins.

And Hingis has pinpointed why so many successful players have had enough by their mid-20s.

“Tennis takes a lot out of you,” she said. “People think it is a very glamorous lifestyle, which in some ways it is.

“But it can also be tiring travelling from city to city around the world for most of the year.

“But girls tend to start their careers very young so by the time you have reached your mid-20s, you could have been on the tour for 10 years already.

“Of course, if you are successful you can earn a good living. You also get to do something you love every day and bring enjoyment to other people.

“The negative side is that it can become quite tiring with all the travel and you have to be prepared to make a lot of sacrifices to get to the top.

“You don’t really have a normal teenage life, you spend those years on tour so you have to grow up very quickly.”

Read the entire article

I think she's definitely right when saying boredom and especially exhaustion are the main causes of so many young players retiring so early on in their careers (in fact I've been saying the same thing myself for years).

Glad to see Hingis still enjoys the sport despite all the negative stuff it has brought her recently.

And, I'm sure it'll be a joy for many fans to see her play as well, even if it is just in exhibitions (who knows once her drug ban is over perhaps she'll decide to give it another go). I just hope that at least some of those exhibition matches will be televised.

Celine Dion and Renee Angelil get immortalized in wax

Celine Dion and hubby Renee Angelil at Grevin Museum in Paris

Celine's son 7-year-old Renee-Charles

Source: http://justjared.buzznet.com/2008/05/23/celine-dion-wax-figure/#more-47021

I realize that this is probably old news to some, but I thought I would post about it anyway. Since I am a long time Celine Dion fan (and unlike many people not ashamed to admit it either).

In the last week of May Celine and her two main men paid a visit to France, where the singer received the country's highest recognition a Knight of the Legion of Honor by the French president.

They also stopped by the Grevin Museum for an unveiling of their wax figures (as you can see from the above photos).

I wonder if Celine and Renee have another set of wax figures at Madam Tussauds Museum in London as well?.

Hard to tell the difference between the real Celine and the wax figure isn't it? lol. Actually I think Renee looks even more convincing which is scary.

And then there's Celine's pride and joy little Renee-Charles (well ok I guess he's not so little anymore being 7 and all) anyway Renee-Charles definitely has his mother's looks, he's gonna be a heart-breaker when he grows up.

I will refrain from making any comments about his hair, since so many people have already done just that under the comments section of the photo source page.

Oh, and on a somewhat related note I have added Just Jared to my links section, it's a really great source for celebrity pics and news, as well as t.v. shows.

More T:TSCC Season 2 spoiler photos

Nothing like a few more photos from a favourite new show to help one get over the long summer t.v. hiatus ;).

Hmmm... with so many posts on this topic in the past few days (and probably more to come), June might as well be Sarah Connor Chronicles month lol.

Lena Heady aka Sarah Connor on the set of S2

More photos (in their high-quality full sized glory) can be found here:

http://spoilertv.blogspot.com/2008/06/sarah-connor-chronicles-set-photos.html

Enjoy;).

FOX Fall Premiere Dates

Well this was a nice surprise, looks like FOX is releasing their show premiere dates quite early this year.

Even though this is not from FOX's official website it looks legit so I thought I would share.

Monday, Sept. 1
8:00-10:00 PM PRISON BREAK (2-Hour Season Premiere)

Wednesday, Sept. 3
8:00-10:00 PM BONES (2-Hour Season Premiere)

Thursday, Sept. 4
8:00-10:00 PM THE MOMENT OF TRUTH (2-Hour Season Premiere)

Friday, Sept. 5
8:00-10:00 PM ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A 5th GRADER?

Saturday, Sept. 6
8:00-8:30 PM COPS (Season Premiere)
8:30-9:00 PM COPS (Season Premiere)
9:00-10:00 PM AMERICA’S MOST WANTED: AMERICA FIGHTS BACK (Season Premiere)

Monday, Sept. 8
8:00-9:00 PM TERMINATOR: THE SARAH CONNOR CHRONICLES
9:00-10:00 PM PRISON BREAK (Time Period Premiere)

Tuesday, Sept. 9
8:00-10:00 PM FRINGE (2-Hour Series Premiere)

Wednesday, Sept. 10
8:00-9:00 PM BONES (Time Period Premiere)
9:00-9:30 PM ‘TIL DEATH (Season Premiere)
9:30-10:00 PM DO NOT DISTURB (Series Premiere)

Thursday, Sept. 11
8:00-9:00 PM THE MOMENT OF TRUTH (Time Period Premiere)
9:00-10:00 PM KITCHEN NIGHTMARES (Season Premiere)

Friday, Sept. 12
8:00-9:00 PM ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A 5th GRADER?
9:00-10:00 PM DON’T FORGET THE LYRICS! (Season Premiere)

Saturday, Sept. 13
11:00 PM-Midnight MADtv (Season Premiere)
Midnight-12:30 AM TALKSHOW WITH SPIKE FERESTEN (Season Premiere)

Tuesday, Sept. 16
8:00-9:00 PM HOUSE (Season Premiere)
9:00-10:00 PM FRINGE (Time Period Premiere)

Sunday, Sept. 28
8:00-8:30 PM THE SIMPSONS (Season Premiere)
8:30-9:00 PM KING OF THE HILL (Season Premiere)
9:00-9:30 PM FAMILY GUY (Season Premiere)
9:30-10:00 PM AMERICAN DAD (Season Premiere)

Source: http://webbleyoutv.com/2008/06/05/foxs-fall-premiere-dates/

A 2 hour "Bones" premiere? (woo-hoo!!). I'm still undecided about J. J. Abrams new show, (if it's anything like "Lost" I won't bother watching). I'm still much more excited about Joss Whedon's "Dollhouse" anyway.

Oh, and it looks like the wait for Sarah Connor Chronicles will not be as long as I thought either (woo-hoo!) again.

Looking at the list I realized that 99% of the shows I watch these days are all on FOX. There's something really sad about that fact lol. Anyhoo, I'm off to mark the dates on my calendar.

On the set of T: TSCC

Got a bit more news on T:TSCC. Yeah, I know what you're thinking 2 posts on the subject in the same week?, what can I say I love this show.

Anyway on to the subject at hand, check out these pics I found from the set of S2 courtesy of Google Alerts.

A small disclaimer these pictures might be considered slightly spoiler-ish so proceed at your own risk;).




Source:
http://justjared.buzznet.com/2008/06/03/summer-glau-terminator-garbage/

ETA: For more photos click here.

As you can see from the first two pics above our favourite Terminator Cameron Philips (Summer Glau) is alive and well, despite being blown-up at the end of last season that is.

She may not have turned into a scrap of metal, but she is looking sufficiently worse for wear (that skin regeneration thing must work really fast though!).

The third photo is clearly a true behind the scenes shot, you can definitely tell Lena Heady and Thomas Dekker have awesome chemistry together.

In fact for two people who I assume are supposedly running for their lives (hence the blood on John's shoes and clothes) those 2 are entirely too happy. LOL

And if that shot is any indication to the amount of fun the cast has on the set, I can only imagine the bloopers ;).

Yep, just another one of many reasons why I'm still seriously considering getting my hands on the 1st season DVD August 19th.

Judging from those photos S2 is going to kick some major booty and I can't wait for it to begin!. September seems so far away *sigh*.

Sarah Connor Chronicles casting news

Looks like there will be a new face joining the cast of T:TSCC in the fall.

Shirley Manson lead singer of the band Garbage will play a character named Catherine Weaver, the CEO of a cutting-edge high-tech company (Sky Net perhaps ?).

No word yet on whether she'll be on the side of good or on the side of bad meaning human or machine.

Should be interesting to see how she fits in with the show as well as the rest of the cast (especially since this will be her first acting gig).

Huge props to creator Josh Friedman for casting another female character. This show is becoming more and more women-centric and I love it!. :)

Testimony.....

There's godlike
And warlike
And strong
Like only some show
And there's sad like
And madlike
And had
Like we know

But by my life be I spirit
And by my heart be I woman
And by my eyes be I open
And by my hands be I whole

They say slowly
Brings the least shock
But no matter how slow I walk
There are traces
Empty spaces
And doors and doors of locks

But by my life be I spirit
And by my heart be I woman
And by my eyes be I open
And by my hands be I whole

You young ones
You're the next ones
And I hope you choose it well
Though you try hard
You may fall prey
To the jaded jewel

But by your lives be you spirit
And by your hearts be you women
And by your eyes be you open
And by your hands be you whole

Listen, there are waters
Hidden from us
In the maze we find them still
We'll take you to them
You take your young ones
May they take their own in turn

But by your lives be you spirit
And by your hearts be you women
And by your eyes be you open
And by your hands be you whole

Though it's a song by an artist named Ferron I personally love the Sweet Honey in the Rock version.

Something about this tune that's so simple and yet, quite thought provoking and impowering.