Head Cases, the legal dramedy (oh God, it never had a chance) that apparently only I ever watched, was given the shaft after two episodes. Thrown in the refuse pile next to my raging social life. Perhaps a little Vonda might not have been such a bad idea.

I saw a blurb on MSN or something about Jennifer Jason Leigh (Stacy from Fast Times At Ridgemont High) being recently married- to Noah Baumbach of all people. Sheesh.

Joe's Tim Burton Article

My favorite Tim Burton films:
1. Edward Scissorhands
2. Beetlejuice
3. Sleepy Hollow

I saw The Corpse Bride tonite and found it to be pretty okay. Of course it was lovely and the Elfman music was whirly (they should have a drink called the "Whirly Elfman"). I liked the stern Edward Gorey look of the living world more than the colorful Day of the Dead-inspired underworld. The little details come to mind:
-The peacoat worn by the grandchild
-Emily's prim bridal gown
-The wanted poster on the back of the carriage
-The sound of Victor's feet scuttling on the ice
-The solemn faces of the wedding party
-Victor looking like the perfect amalgamation of Tim Burton, Johnny Depp and Noah Taylor

This Week In Retail Therapy:
Well, I purchased my dream sneakers, the Asics Onitsuka Tigers Mexico 66 in grey/black. I like them so much. (Why yes. I am going to marry them.) Also got the Optic Nerve postcards, which are quite something.

Something To Look Forward To:
I found out that in the coming months they'll be showing classic/cult movies at the old theatre in town. I am thrilled to report that on February 14, 2006 they will feature Harold and Maude, a big part of my anti-social existence. Looking forward to seeing the following moments (among others) on the big screen:
1. Bud Cort's smirk as he sabotages his mother's matchmaking shenanigans
2. When Harold hoists back a cold one (pop, that is) in the drive-through carwash
3. Harold leaning his head out the window on the drive after the hospital

I can't wait.

"Shut the fuck up. It's not herring, okay."

CYE is back. The Larry David sandwich thing cracked me up. I would also be ticked off if a sandwich named "The Stacie Pudas" had capers. Capers are just icky. I was talking to my Dad and he said his namesake sandwich would probably have headcheese in it or something gross like that. Headcheese scares me.

Joe's Ever So Snarky An Unfinished Life Review

Read it.

Such a funny review. It is more entertaining when Joe gets assigned crummy movies to review, because I enjoy the way he bitches so amusingly about them.

Out of Sight is awesome. What happened J.Lo?

Best variation on "shyster" I've ever heard:
"That's kind of shystie." -Steven

"I had a real j-ass." -Amie
I had to deal with several j-asses myself today.

Reference to Mark Ruffalo's "sad-cuteness/cute-sadness" in some review.

In other news:
My gay boyfriend is moving away to be with his gay boyfriend and I am sad.

Happy Birthday to the lovely Mama Pudas!

Just watched the trailer for Brokeback Mountain. A wee bit boring. I would rather see Jake Gyllenhaal make out with Jimi Mistry, but you can't win them all. Thems the brakes.

*******9-23-05******* Brokeback Tie-In
"Cowboys are frequently secretly fond of each other." Completely apt remark made by Willie Nelson, who was quoting a song or something I'm not familiar with.

Onion recap: This week is pretty good all around. My personal faves:
="Oprah Stuns Audience With Free Man Giveaway"
The Bath and Body Works thing was a nice touch.

="'Hanging Out' Continues to Grow In Popularity Among Teens"
I like how hanging out is called a "gateway activity." This made me think of my parents suggestions/orders to Joe and I to "hunker down" and to "straighten up and fly right."

="Fox Cancels Apatow's 40-Year-Old Virgin"
Why do they cancel everything good and worthwhile? Freaks and Geeks! Don't get me started. Happy that Paul Feig has directed some Arrested Development episodes.

Office: I know it is not the British one, but I still like it. The Pam/Jim stuff kills me. Kills me.

My Name is Earl: The new Jason Lee show is not bad. Really glad Lee has a show, he's a charmer.

Head Cases: Have not been tempted to turned the channel yet. The O'Donnell/Goldberg pairing appeals to me.

Martha Apprentice: A little boring. These people may wear pearls and decoupage with the best of them, but by the looks of it they can throw down too.

High point of the day:
Just checked out the new David Rakoff book Don't Get Too Comfortable. His previous Fraud was really good and I am looking forward to this one. Hee!

I missed last night's episode. Can someone tell me what happened please. Send me a discreet email synopsis if you'd like and no one will be any the wiser. Wink.

Latest Edition of "Snap! Crackle! Pudas!"

Also really liked Evangeline Lilly's dress at the Emmys.

Thrilled Arrested Development is back.

Kitchen Confidential - Just so-so.

Movie to See:
North Country

Awards shows. Everyone knows I live for this shit. The Emmys are no exception. I like the Golden Globes best, as they are a mix of movies and tv. Plus it is the show where it is most likely to see deserving people nominated. The Oscars are okay. They do have the best dresses- but in order to see them you have to sit through sound editing awards and people acting like they just cured cancer and such. Anyway, here are a few of my thoughts on tonite's Emmys.

Best Dressed Gals:
=Lauren Graham
=Portia de Rossi
=Sandra Oh
=Ellen Pompeo
=Marcia Cross
=Jennifer Garner
=Marg Helgenberger
=Alyson Hannigan
=Mariska Hartigay
=Kristen Bell
=Molly Parker

Best Dressed Guys:
=Jason Bateman
=Jeremy Piven
=Chris O'Donnell (nice tie)
=Zach Braff
=Jon Cryer (Duckie!)
=Hugh Jackman (best sideburns)
=Jon Stewart
=Will Arnett
=Patrick Dempsey
=Tony Hale
=Conan O'Brien
(Okay, this list has more to do with who I think is super handsome and/or funny than who is actually best dressed. They did look sharp though.)

Highlights:
=Jon Stewart!
=Wins for The Daily Show
=Felicity Huffman's speech
=James Spader's speech, specifically for thanking his mom for putting up with all the "sex and weirdness" of his career
=Kristen Bell's performance of "Fame"
=Conan!
=Comedy show writers nomination reels (always the funniest part of the show)
=The teens from Arrested Development looked so cute!

Disappointments
=Lauren Graham should have won for Gilmore Girls- she deserves it! At least a nomination. Come on.
=Arrested Development's loss as best comedy
=No win for Bateman
=No win for Frances Conroy/SFU
=No win for The Office Special

I miss you Jerry Orbach.

I've concluded that me and other people do not mix. Oil and water. Oil and water.

Cell phones suck!

You have to find the funny any way you can when working at a bookstore.

Customer purchases had me smirking today (specifically the combinations of items being purchased):

-- Blow Him and Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility

-- Life Application Study Bible (NIV) and Master of Ecstasy by Nina Bangs

A wedding magazine had me smiling:

--Here Comes The Guide magazines's cover is a decked out Vespa wedding. So cute!

A few weeks ago someone asked me for the "Seal Beach Diet!"

Most cheesy/eww speculation overheard in a bookstore: "Neil Gaiman must get so much ass."

Soon I'll launch the elaboratelies fall television season matrix.

Gawker made me laugh yet again:

"Jonathan Safran Foer and Elijah Wood are extremely precocious and incredibly similar."

Grizzzzzly Review

Just watched the new legal dramedy Head Cases. Lawyers with anxiety disorder and nervous tics? Okay! It was semi-decent/semi-funny. Ruth Westheimer had a cameo and I think I saw her credited as Dr. Ruth "K." Westheimer, which made me laugh for some reason. As long as there is no Vonda Shepard I may try this one again. Vonda is a deal-breaker.

Just finished Shattered Glass, an intriguing and well made movie about Stephen Glass. It made me nervous. Nobody does realistic anger or disgust like Peter Sarsgaard. It's pretty astounding that so many of the Glass articles were cleared. I am puzzled. It seems like it would be easier to research and produce real stories than to have to fabricate sources and details. Too much to juggle. Especially with the threat of being discredited looming over you. If one has the chops to get through the door at The New Republic or The New York Times (Jayson Blair), why would there be any need to concoct stories? Why would someone want to? Shouldn't journalistic integrity be of utmost importance at that level? Why not just legitimately go the fiction route to begin with? Not as sexy, I know, but still. Fact checkers? Sheesh. Um, I guess that's why they made the movie. I think I may have developed an ulcer while watching this.

Joe's Summer Movie Recap

My brother Joe's take on summer movies. I especially agree on Batman Begins.

Metropolitan is one of my all time favorites. When I mention it or look it up I invariably have people/search engines think I mean Fritz Lang's Metropolis.

Anyway, Metropolitan is so funny and sweet. It follows a group of socialites and a hesitant newcomer they've befriended through their peak season. Most of the movie takes place at the after party happenings. It has everything: a darling heroine (Audrey), an earnest literary criticism fan (Tom), the stuttering and affable Charlie and one hell of a smug and slimy baron named Rick Von Sloneker. Rick Von Sloneker, love that name. Chris Eigeman pretty much steals the show as Nick.

I was thrilled to find a nifty little site that is dedicated to director Whit Stillman and his movies.

Look into it: Stillmania!

The site includes pictures and an excellent quotes section. The movie poster features a lovely illustration with the caption "Doomed. Bourgeois. In Love."

Watch the trailer: Video Detective

Apparently Metropolitan is available on DVD in Holland!

Having fun with links.

I'm on a blog commenting spree!

Reality tv fest with Joel Stein, Kathy Griffin and her pack of gays? Sounds like a blast and a half.

Well, time to go and pick up discarded Caramel Macchiato cups, Anne Hooper sex books and smudged copies of Us Weekly and Real Bout High School. I can't wait.

Have fun at the concert Joe! Milwaukee!

Best of The Onion's post-Katrina headlines:
- "Area Man Drives Food There His Goddamned Self"
- "Government Relief Workers Mosey In To Help"
- "White Foragers Report Threat of Black Looters"

The Onion always just gets it.

Headline That Ticked Me Off: (not from The Onion)
- "Schwarzenegger Vows Gay Marriage Bill Veto"

The impending veto is shameful on Schwarzenegger's part. I can't say I'm surprised.

A very sad and appalling week.

There are many great organizations out there ( American Red Cross, for example ) gathering aid for the hurricane victims. Find the one that works for you and more importantly, for them.

Wonkette's nomination of Anderson Cooper for "Secretary of Take No Shit." Here, here.