More good news on' ER's final season

Well, it seems that I have one more reason to tune into my favourite medical drama this fall, the wonderful Angela Basset will be joining the cast of 'ER' as a regular.

NBC is certainly doing it's best to give the show new life before it's final curtain call.

The addition of Angela Basset is definitely a good move, and could only mean good things for ER in terms of viewership. According to the Hollywood Reporter Basset will play a "tough attending with a troubled past who's coming back to Chicago after a few years in Indonesia doing tsunami relief. Her arrival in the second episode next season promises to shake County General's ER to the core".

Sounds good to me!.

I've been a fan of hers since her portrayal of Tina Turner in What’s Love Got to Do With It. I also loved her guest starring role as CIA Director Hayden Chase on Alias .

If that wasn't enough, Noah Wyle aka Dr. John Carter will be making an appearance as well (here's hoping for the return of some other favourites from the original cast).

Oh, and Abby/Luka fans need not fret, Maura Tierney and Goran Visnijc will be sticking around until early S15 upon which their story line will sadly be concluded.

Still no word on whether the characters will have separate exit episodes.

Just thinking about the end of this show depresses the hell out of me. Thursday nights will never be the same (even if NBC somehow manages to once again pull a rabbit out of their hat and replace it with a decent show). Although I highly doubt it.

Dancing with the Stars (week 6)

Well, this week was double duty night again for all the celebrity dancers who had to learn two brand new individual routines.

Marissa and Tony started off the night with a really great Samba and received their highest score yet (three 9's).

Their Rumba didn't score quite as high but still very well done, I'm really impressed with Marissa and I'm glad she's still in the competition.

As I said last week she's really working her buns off and it shows. I might even go as far as to say she's turning into a real contender. I thought Marissa looked awesome in her dress too.

Kristi and Mark's winning streak finally broke and they did not receive the highest scores of the night.

I guess the judges have started to expect nothing less then perfection from her and when they didn't get it, the scores went down. Marissa and Tony actually got a higher score, never thought I would see that lol.

It could be that Mark is cracking under the pressure of having to do two dances, or perhaps he's reliving bad memories from losing at this point in the competition last season.

Despite the low scores I don't think they are in any danger. If they do get the boot I will be shocked.

I don't mention Mario and Karina a lot because even though he's good, I don't think he will make it to the end and same goes for Cristian and Cheryl.

I did feel really sorry for Cristian tonight with him injuring his arm during the second dance. Based on the fact that he didn't get to finish his dance the voters might give him another chance.

Derek and Shannon delivered a very aggressive Tango and tied their score with Marissa and Tony at 27. Their second dance was not as effective.

Jason and Edyta really bounced back from last week's disappointing performance with 29/30 for their quick step. I thought Jason was superb and I loved the hand stand at the end.

Glad Len agrees with me about Jason being in the final I knew I wasn't the only one:D. Their Paso Doble give them a 55/60 in total for both dances making them the score leaders for the first time in weeks beating Kristi and Mark (yay!).

As I've been saying all season long, if there were 2 people who could take the mirror ball trophy away from Kristi and Mark those two would be it and I believe that even more after tonight.

Oh, and just one more comment on Jason's Paso Doble, though it was very good it once again could not rival Mel and Max's.

My predictions for who will be leaving tomorrow either Derek and Shannon or Mario and Karina despite their improvement this week.

And it could be Cheryl and Cristian but as I've said I think the viewers might do a sympathy vote.

Something about those lyrics

I've been a fan of Josh Groban since his appearances on Ally McBeal all the way back in the 90's.

There's just something about his voice that always gets to me (and makes me want to shed a tear or two). Yeah, I know I'm a total softy lol.

This one in particular gets played most frequently in my CD player, it's one of my mom's favouries too. There's just something about these lyrics....

When I am down and, oh my soul, so weary;
When troubles come and my heart burdened be;
Then, I am still and wait here in the silence,
Until you come and sit awhile with me.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up... To more than I can be.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up... To more than I can be.

There is no life - no life without its hunger;
Each restless heart beats so imperfectly;
But when you come and I am filled with wonder,
Sometimes, I think I glimpse eternity.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up... To more than I can be.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up... To more than I can be.

You raise me up... To more than I can be.

You Raise Me Up ~ Josh Groban

Pondering parental methods

Recent family discussions have prompted me to think about this a lot lately. Now before I say anything further on the subject I am not currently a parent and this is completely based on my personal opinions.

I often think about how I would handle certain situations with my kids when and if I decide to have any that is (my mind is not quite made up on the matter, all I know is that I'm definitely not in a hurry).

I think part of my hesitation has to do with the way kids are these days.

They are much more out-spoken which can both be good and bad. On the one hand it's good to speak your mind early on (saves you on therapy later on). But on the other hand there's the whole respecting your elders argument.

How do you speak your mind and stand up for yourself without offending anyone and sounding out of line to your parents?. I don't think there's any right or wrong answer to that.

There's a lot of factors that could be weighed into it whether it's, the environment and the people you surround yourself with, the way you were raised, the personality of the parent or simply the generational gap and culture.

In the end though I believe it all comes down to communication and the involvement of the parent. Those two elements are especially key when it comes to teenagers.

One of the other points of the family discussion was punishment methods mainly loss of possessions due to perceived bad behaviour.

Personally I'm really not a fan of this method, it's effective but only when used in moderation. If it's used everytime, it stops being a threat and it loses its punch because it is expected.

And eventually it leads to resentment on the part of the child. Now I have no way of knowing what kind of parent I will become (again if at all), but I know one thing for sure, I would try my best to have a more balanced approach, be firm but still allow self expression. Of course that's easier said then done, but I think it'll be much more effective in the end.

Thus endeth my lesson in psychology, hope you enjoyed it 'cause it doesn't happen often lol.

Think Green

Well, as you may have guessed from the graphic above today is Earth Day.

The one day of the year where we actually remember to respect the planet by doing simple things, like recycling or conserving energy by flicking off unnecessary lights.

Happy Earth Day!.

Dancing with the Stars (week 5)

We got a double dose of dancing this week with all the couples doing a group number at the end. Jason and Edyta started off with the cha cha. Only one word comes to mind, sexy.

Yeah, he may not have looked like he knew what to do with his arms (picky picky Carie-Ann). Honestly, who cares?. That guy can dance and as I've said many times now I want these 2 to make it to the end. 24/30 is not their best score but hopefully it won't mean an exit.

There's no doubt in my mind now something is totally going on between Derek and Shannon, that beach montage certainly didn't add anything to the contrary.

Marlee and Fabian were next with the Rumba, again I really have to command Marlee for soldiering on.

Regardless of the mistakes and what happens after this week she really should be absolutely proud of being on the show, because she keeps bringing so much to it in terms of inspiration as well as pure simple entertainement and enjoyment.

I was so happy with Marrissa's performance of the viennese waltz, she really looked like a dancer this week and I give her huge props.

It was also nice to see her looking more confident. She's another person that's just so much fun to watch whether she's dancing or not she brings great energy to the show this year, so I hope she moves on to next week.

Loved Tom Bergeron's "cheer up comment in regards to Marissa lol, this guy is comedy gold and it's all in the timing.

I don't think Kristi and Mark will be anymore liked by their peers if they keep kicking every one's butt LOL. I must say that their jive was one of this season's best.

As Len said it was a smorgusbord of dance and superb choreography. The perfect score was well deserved. Oh, and I loved the nerd get-up on Mark LOL. Is it wrong that he still looked totally hot?. LOL

After finding out Kristi had a disability growing up my respect for her has increased ten fold, becoming an Olympic champion is one way to rise above that's for sure.

The country group number was very well done, as Marissa said it could have gone either way, but I thought it worked great. You can definitely tell the group has gotten very close.

As for my prediction for tomorrow night, it'll either be Shannon and Derek or as much as I don't want it to happen Marlee and Fabian, but I really hope I'm wrong.

Sarah Connor Chronicles will be back for season 2

FOX has finally made it official, they are bringing back Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles for a 2nd season (woo-hoo!!).

Best t.v. news I've heard in a while, I love this show and I'm so glad the network is giving it a chance. I was a little disappointed that it's only 13 episodes, but I guess anything is better then none.

Hopefully if the ratings continue as well as they have been, than FOX will give it a full third season.

So for anyone watching the show spread the word, more viewers will help increase it's chances of sticking around beyond season 2.

If you haven't checked the show out, you're missing out, and I recommend you do so.

BSG Friday's

Can I just say, how happy I am that the Space Channel is running BSG congruently with the SCI-FI Channel. Finally there's something to watch on a Friday!. In fact the show has become part of my Friday night ritual, just in time for it end *sigh*.

As per my usual luck when it comes to awesome t.v. shows. But enough about that, let's talk about this weeks ep shall we. For those who have not seen it, this will contain spoilers so you were warned.

• Callie finding out the truth about the four cylons on Galactica and getting thrown out the air lock by Tory, HOLY FRAK! that was a total shocker (the benefits of being spoiler free). I honestly thought she was going to throw Tyrol's baby out into space, nice bit of dramatization there. Kudos to the writing team once again.
  

• The cylons are now experiencing division among their ranks, with the six's demand to unbox all 12 models including #3 (yay!). Btw. how great was last week's scene with the toasters shooting the cylons per six's request?.
  

• The Cavil's are in cahoots with the Sharon's no real surprise there, it should however lead to some interesting developments
  

• And I guess it will be Brother Cavil who unboxes D'Anna (hopefully next week) seeing as he was standing by the resurrection pod (or whatever it's called) with his hand in the goo.

• More tension between Lee Adama and President Roslin, looks like he's gonna be testing her at every turn, being a truth seeker and all. I have no doubt that he will find out Admirals Adama's and Roslin's secret (sending Kara to find earth). It's just a question of how he'll handle it without causing chaos.
  

Even though this ep answered some of the questions raised since the premiere of S4, there are still so many that remain. Like, how does Sharon's baby Hera and Chief Tyrol's baby fit into the overall scheme of things?.

And what does having two cylon babies mean in terms of the Cylons beliefs?.

How will the rest of the crew react once they find out there have been 4 cylons among them the entire time?. Will having close friends as cylons change some of the main characters views on the cylon race?, or will they just lock them up and continue on as usual?.

Will they ever reveal what D'Anna saw at the end of S3 and what will her role be in the whole cylon mystery?.

Will she also have some knowledge on the way to earth?. Let's not forget Gauis how does he fit into everything?.

And last but not least the most important one of all, who the frak is the 5th and final cylon already?!.

Unfortunately for dramatic effect I think the writers will torture us for a few more eps with the answer to the last one, hopefully not until the very end, or the BSG fans will go crazy lol.

Especially since the show will be taking another (what I assume to be) long break once half the season is aired.

There are a lot of theories as to who the final cylon is, supposedly it's not any of the main characters according to Ron Moore.

But, I don't quite believe him, I think he's purposely misleading the fans only to blind-side them and make it all the more shocking in the end.

In fact I'm starting to think it might be Callie (although I guess that wouldn't really be a shocker). If she suddenly comes back on board we'll know for sure.

It could also be Tom Zarek, but again not sure about the shock factor on that one either.

Of course the other big question is whether Starbuck will find the way to earth, I think she will but I wouldn't be surprised if there is some sort of twist to that as well. The show is full of them it's a big part of why I love it.

Also anyone else excited about the BSG prequel "Caprica"?. I'm already clearing my schedule for it.

But I'll shut up now, what about the rest of you (BSG fans) out there, what are some of your theories on the matter of the final cylon? or any of the questions posed above?.

Do What U Do.......

I've been listening to this song a lot lightly it always makes me think and at the same time always manages to cheer me up. Hope it does the same for all of you;).


Some people like the summer when its hot
Some people like the winter cold
Some people speak their minds when they wanna
And some other people ain't so bold
Whatever it is that you do
You should do, you should do with your head held high
So when you're doing your thing its 'cause you wanna
And they never can ask you why

I say
Do what you do
Say what you say
Mean what you mean when you say
'Cause its your life
Gotta make your own rules
And you gotta do it, do it your own way

Some like it easy when others they like it rough
But ain't nobody gotta like it but you
Girl, boy, boy, girl, girl, girl, boy, boy
Whatever, you should do what you do
How can they tell you that you could or should?
Would or wouldn't
Well ask 'em can they walk in your shoes
'Cause its your life and you do what you wanna
And remember baby its all about you

So if it's on your mind
Then you should speak your peace
And say whatcha say
And if you want it done
Then you should get it done
And do it your way

Do What U Do ~ Pink

Dancing with the Stars

Tonight was my fave night of the competition, latin night. Although it wasn't as sizzling and electrifying as last year it was still very enjoyable. The scores didn't seem to reflect that though and went down dramatically from last week.

Well, except for the leaders of the pack Kristi Yamaguchi and Mark, who scored 29/30 again. No surprise there. At this point it would take a mistake of colossal proportions for her not to make it all the way to the end.

Edyta and Jason may not have caught up to Kristi this week but still got a pretty good score of 27/30 making them the second highest score of the night.

I've mentioned this before but that man is just awesome to watch. His posture and lines when he dances are always so clean, some of that undoubtedly comes from his football training.

The fact that he's very good looking and has undeniable chemistry with Edyta doesn't hurt either;). As I've said last week I want these 2 in the finale or at least in the semis.

Marlee had a tougher week, but still did an incredible job. 22/30 is not a bad score. This week was the first time we saw a little bit of tension between her and her partner, but understandably so.

Personally I'm still in awe every time I watch her on the dance floor, for someone who can't hear the music she sure makes it look otherwise. I love her determination and I hope she continues to stick around.

Precilla had a rough night as well, I disagree with the judges comments I think they were a little too harsh, but I don't necessarily disagree with the score. Though at 19/30 her fans have their work cut out for them.

Marissa and Tony came out smokin' again tonight and shook their groove thing. The scores may have been the same as last week, but the dance was great.

I think Marissa is starting to get a little more comfortable now and unlike Priscilla is not over thinking her steps as much. I think she'll be safe this week.

Shannon and Derek did a good job, but I thought it wasn't as good as last week. And what the heck is it with Derek?, last week it was his neck, this week it was food poisoning.

Poor Shannon can't catch a break when it comes to reducing the stress. With 21/30 I hope the votes will save them. I would like to see them continue on as well.

As for who I think will go this week, it could be Priscilla or one of the two couples I didn't write about.

Evan Rachel Wood "The Life Before Her Eyes"

I remember reading the plot line for this movie last year. The trailer certainly makes it look intriguing. Ok, it could also be the fact that it stars Evan Rachel Wood lol.

If you've read my blog before then you know I'm a huge fan of hers. I just think she's an amazing underrated actress.

Kudos to the casting director if anyone could play a younger version of Uma Thurman's character they couldn't have picked a better fit then Evan. Actually the resemblance is almost uncanny, I never noticed that before.

Looks like I have another movie to add to my must-see list this year (along with The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian and The Dark Knight) For anyone interested this one comes out April 18th.

Little bitty pretty one

Things are in a holding pattern in terms of life stuff at the moment. Enjoy some more pics of my lovable bird. It's been a while since I've shared some new ones.

Happy after a bath

I finally managed to snap a pic of Cuba doing his bat impression. Cute right?

Looking up at my camera :D

Dancing with the Stars (week 4)

Kristi Yamaguchi and Mark started things off with their paso doble and got a high score as per usual. But unlike all the previous weeks one couple was able to equal their score of 29/30 which was nice to see.

I have to say although I thought Mark and Kristi paso doble was very good, I'm always going to compare it to last year's raw dominance that was Mel and Max. I don't think any of the couples managed to get it up to the same level as those two.

Up to this point I have been saying that Kristi and Mark are the ones to beat, after tonight I'm adding Jason and Edyta to that list.

I still can't believe that guy plays football. Man, is he awesome on the dance floor. Now I give a lot of credit to Edyta of course, but I think he's also got a lot of natural talent.

Marlee and Fabian were fabulous as always, so fab in fact that they brought Carrie-Ann to tears. Marlee danced a very elegant Viennese Waltz.

I was quite impressed with how she handled it, especially considering the fact all those spins and turns were no doubt 10 times as difficult due to her deafness. It was a really pretty dance so good going Marlee!.

She received a score of 24/30 (2 points higher than last week). I actually thought she deserved one more, but I'm sure she'll do even better in the latin round next week.

I would really love to see Marlee and Jason make it all the way up to the semi-finals and take the trophy from Kristi (I don't think I'm being too presumtious with that unless she really screws up or people stop liking her she's in the final).

Precila and Louis did another very pretty Viennese Waltz. And ok, hands up those who didn't see the Carrie-Ann lift comment coming from a mile away? lol. 22/30 is not bad not as good as in the past but still nothing to cry about I don't think I'm sure she'll make it through.

Adam and Julianne, ok let me start off by saying I don't like the guy and the Zorro unicycle routine was really weird, but at the same time I couldn't stop watching LOL. On some twisted level it was entertaining.

I think it's safe to say that Julianne's chances of winning this year are next to nil. But at least she's enjoying herself, or as much as one can with an unpredictable comedian for a partner (half the time she looks like she wants to punch him LOL). With a score of 19/30 I think they'll be the ones to go tonight.

Mario and Karina, although I'm not really a fan of this guy either I have to give him credit for a much better effort compared to last week.

Derek and Shannon, she's definitely another person with natural talent for dancing. A well deserved 28/30. I think she'll be sticking around too.

And last but not least Marissa and Tony, finally! she showed those judges off. Nice going. She worked her butt off in the paso doble and it showed.

I actually thought they deserved at least one 9. But, hey 24/30 their highest score yet. Here's hoping they continue to climb up.

'ER' hangs on for another year

Last year there were rumors that season 14 (the current season) which comes back this Thursday April 10th would be the show's last.

Well, that rumor turned out to be just that. According to T.V. Guide.ca and The Hollywood Reporter ER will indeed return for a 15th and final season on NBC.

The news is somewhat bittersweet however, apparently the season will be shortened by 3 episodes. Not that the current one will fare any better in that regard, due toi the WGA strike.

As per ER tradition the new season will welcome 2 new possibly reoccurring characters in the final year. Gotta say from the article description I'm definitely intrigued.

Though personally I'm still eagerly awaiting the conclusion of Abby and Luka's storyline, here's hoping they do not have a tragic ending.

Just once I would like my favourite tv couple to be happy at the end. Although I'm not entirely certain they will.

I also can't wait to see what returning favourites will pop-in as the season draws to a close (so far we've only had Gloria Reuben). I think we can definitely rule out Juliana Margulies (Carol Hathaway), since she's got her own show on FOX. Canterbury's Law which is pretty good actually.

As sad as I will be to see ER go (what the hell will I watch on Thursday nights?!). I really have to applaud it's actors, writers and creators for bringing one of the longest and the best running medical dramas to television.

One thing is for sure with ER gone NBC will have some very big shoes to fill.