Friends

J. Alexander, better known as Miss J on “America’s Next Top Model,” is a well-loved figure. We were in Savannah, Ga., together a few months ago for the SCAD graduation fashion show, and when we sat down at a quaint little ice cream parlor at least 10 people came up to our table, fumbling for cellphones to get a picture with the modeling coach diva. (He does not allow pictures taken with phones, only with cameras, thank you.) With the debut of his first book, “Follow the Model,” we are sure all those fans will be eager to learn a bit more about the man who modeled in drag in Japan, loves cake and hates the word “fierce.”

I saw you on 14th Street the other day and called out, “Miss J!” and you sashayed away. Are you over people calling your name?
If you yell my name, I may keep on walking! Because if I stop and look for who is calling me I may see someone hanging out a car window asking to be on the show. Sorry, I was probably just in my zone and running my errands.
( underneath it all )

Before any of you get all optimistic about this year’s awards race, I decided to utilize this week’s column to remind you of how horribly wrong things can turn out. As the end of this decade approaches, and you start considering your favorite films and performances, you may or may not be surprised (though I’m guessing “may not”) to find that many of them - if not the majority - failed to receive any recognition from ye ol’ Academy. From “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” to Uma Thurman’s work in the “Kill Bill,“‘s to a seemingly endless batch of foreign language favorites, it’s a frustratingly long list. Attempting to narrow it down to 50 was no small feat, and I’d expect there’s going to be some disagreement. But let me first explain where I was coming from.

Essentially, I focused on only nine of the most often discussed categories: best picture, best director, best actor, best actress, best supporting actor, best supporting actress, best original screenplay, best adapted screenplay, and best foreign language film. I realize that the remaining categories offer a plethora of angering exclusions - from “Far From Heaven”‘s costume design to “Requiem For A Dream”‘s original score to the truly obscene absence of original song, “America, Fuck Yeah” from “Team America, World Police,” not to mention the list-in-itself that is the best documentary feature category (“Grizzly Man,” “The Gleaners and I,” “The King of Kong,” etc, etc, etc) - but one can only take on so much.

I also figured there should at least be some theoretical chance that the “snub” could have been nominated. One might argue that including the likes of John Cameron Mitchell’s work in “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” or Christian Bale’s in “American Psycho” goes against this idea, but I beg to differ. Mitchell - if you can believe it - got a Golden Globe nomination for “Hedwig” (it seems Ricky Gervais ain’t the only thing the HFPA has on the Oscars). I mean more along the lines of suggesting Michael Haneke’s “The Piano Teacher” as a snub for a best picture nomination or Tony Leung and Maggie Cheung as snubs in the acting categories for “In The Mood For Love.” Ridiculously deserving as they were, those weren’t snubs. They were complete impossibilities. I can however, bitch about how both those films were shut out of the foreign language film category. And speaking of which, another “rule” - I didn’t include foreign films that weren’t submitted by their countries, as that wasn’t totally the Academy’s fault (though their pesky rules are somewhat to blame).

I’m sure I missed loads, and I encourage thoughtful use of the comments section to offer your own choices, and to make predictions about some potential 2009 non-nominees that might warrant a slot on an updated list some day in the future… Paul Schneider in “Bright Star,” anyone? Or how about Michael Stuhlbarg in “A Serious Man”?

So for what it’s worth, here are my picks for the 50 most despicable Oscar snubs of the 2000s (though it’s actually more like 70 given some of the “grouped” snubs), in descending order for your anticipatory pleasure. It’s meant mostly as a fun exercise for both myself and (hopefully) you, and as a little reminder as we begin to enter the depths of Oscar season: Only a small percentage of the truly great performances, scripts and films actually end up participating in it.

 

( And the Oscar doesn't go to... )

What do you guys think? Agree? Disagree? Who was left off the list? Personally, numbers  12, 13, 14, 19, 24, 34, 36, 48, and 50 are the biggest slights.

Here's the trailer for Extraordinary Measures

</div>
From his working class roots, John Crowley has finally begun to taste success in corporate America. Supported by his beautiful wife Aileen and their three children, John is on the fast track. But just as his career is taking off, Crowley walks away from it all when his two youngest children, Megan and Patrick, are diagnosed with a fatal disease. With Aileen by his side, harnessing all of his skill and determination, Crowley teams up with a brilliant, but unappreciated and unconventional scientist, Dr. Robert Stonehill. Together they form a bio-tech company focused on developing a life-saving drug. One driven to prove himself and his theories, the other by a chance to save his children, this unlikely alliance eventually develops into mutual respect as they battle the medical and business establishments in a fight against the system and time. But, at the last minute, when it appears that a solution has been found, the relationship between the two men faces a final test - the outcome of which will affect the fate of John's children.

Release date: January 22nd, 2010

Starring: Brendan Fraser, Keri Russell, Harrison Ford

Trailer source

Synopsis source

Rainbow Releases Gossip Girl MV

A few days ago DSP's newest girl group Rainbow released the teaser to their music video "Gossip Girl". Today, after being delayed for as long as possible, the music video has officially been released and the group joins the ranks of brother groups SS501 and A'ST1 and sister group KARA. While the timing of this girl group's debut may seem a bit off and they may seem like just another new girl group, Rainbow has actually been a group that has been in the making process for quiet sometime now. After a few member changes here and there and a long training process these girls are now ready to try to shine.

With "Gossip Girl" the members of Rainbow show off a combination of being both sassy and cute. The music video is colorful and may remind some people of KARA's "Pretty Girl" because of the color scheme and also because of the lyrics and pronunciation not being perfect English. In the past DSP has claimed that this group would become a sexier version of KARA. Did the long amount of training help these girls become something new? Or do they currently look like they'll end up being just another girl group? For even more information regarding Rainbow see our earlier post.



SOURCE

I've been applying to work in this homeless shelter for the past few months. I've submitted my application twice (for two different positions in the same place), called the office numerous amounts of time and they always tell me that they'll keep me in mind. The last I spoke with them was October 15th. Now I see that they're hiring again for the same position I applied to the first time.

Their office is no more than ten minutes away from me, and they list their address on their website.

Would it be too forward of me to pay them a visit with another application?

One of the women I talked to had told me that they get many application submissions for the position I'm applying for so I'm just wondering if going there will lessen my chances of getting on their good side.

From Modelinia: Erin Heatherton, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Candice Swanepoel, Lindsay Ellingson, Chanel Iman, Liu Wen, Izabel Goulart, Isabeli Fontana, Shannan Click, Flavia de Oliveira, Lyndsey Scott, Aminata Niaria, Caroline Trentini, Caroline Winberg, and Lily Aldridge are all confirmed to walk in the show this year.

Article here: http://nymag.com/daily/fashion/2009/11/liu_wen_is_the_first_asian_mod.html

Halp. While browsing eBay, I found a nice pair of pants that I'd really like to have. But I am confused about the American sizing... the sizes available are 25, 28, 30 and 32.
I'm a German size 38... what do I do?

1). What is you favoritest live action tv show of all time (can be a mini-series)?

2). What's your favorite television cartoon series?

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1). Mines a toss up between Cold Case Files (true crime) and Air Crash Investigation (I hate flying, this show is about plane crashes, dosen't help my fear)

2). South Park (before that came along it was Dr. Katz)

TV for November 12, 2009

ABC
FlashForward @ 8pm
Grey's Anatomy @ 9pm
Private Practice @ 10pm
Jimmy Kimmel Live @ 12:05am (Danny DeVito, Streeter Seidell & Amir Blumenfeld, Switchfoot)

NBC
Community @ 8pm
Parks and Recreation @ 8:30pm
The Office @ 9pm
30 Rock @ 9:30pm
Jay Leno Show @ 10pm (Penelope Cruz, Dolly Parton)
Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien @ 11:35pm (Al Gore, Jim Parsons, Jason Mraz)
Late Night with Jimmy Fallon @ 12:35am (Kate Walsh, Penn & Teller, Goodie Mob)
Last Call with Carson Daly @ 1:30am (Danny Glover, Lissy Trullie)

FOX
Bones @ 8pm
Fringe @ 9pm

CBS
Survivor: Samoa @ 8pm
CSI @ 9pm
The Mentalist @ 10pm
Late Show with David Letterman @ 11:35pm (Kid Scientists, Amanda Peet, the Cribs with Johnny Marr)
Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson @ 12:35am (Trace Adkins, Nick Griffin)

CW
Vampire Diaries @ 8pm
Supernatural @ 9pm

FX
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia @ 10pm
The League @ 10:30pm

SPIKE
TNA Wrestling Impact! @ 9pm

DISCOVERY
FBI's 10 Most Wanted @ 9pm
FBI's 10 Most Wanted @ 10pm

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC
Ultimate Factories @ 8pm

SCIENCE
Science of the Movies @ 8pm
How Do They Do It? @ 9pm

INVESTIGATION DISCOVERY
Deadly Women @ 9pm
Cold Blood @ 10pm

HISTORY
Gangland @ 9pm
Ancient Discoveries @ 10pm

TLC
American Chopper @ 9pm
Street Customs @ 10pm

LIFETIME
Project Runway @ 10pm
Models of the Runway @ 11pm

HGTV
My First Place @ 8pm
House Hunters @ 9pm
House Hunters International @ 10pm
Real Estate Intervention @ 10:30pm

FLN
Emeril @ 8pm

TRUTV
Smoking Gun Presents: World's Dumbest Criminals 9pm
It Only Hurts When I Laugh @ 10pm
It Only Hurts When I Laugh @ 10:30pm

BRAVO
Real Housewives of Orange County @ 10pm

COMEDY CENTRAL
The Jeff Dunham Show @ 9pm
Tosh.0 @ 10pm

E!
Chelsea Lately @ 11pm (Valerie Bertinelli, Josh Wolf, Sarah Colonna, Ross Mathews) R

MTV
World's Strictest Parents @ 10pm
Gone Too Far @ 11pm




( MORNING / AFTERNOON TV FOR FRIDAY 11/13/09 )

Lady Gaga has always said she owes a lot to her fans, so to insure they can all afford to buy The Fame Monster on November 23, the singer is releasing three versions of the disc, two deluxe versions that include parts of her original Fame album and a standard version will contain only new songs.

"In the midst of my creative journey composing The Fame Monster, there came an exciting revelation that this was in fact my sophomore album," she said in a statement. "I would not add, nor take away any songs from this EP. It is a complete conceptual and musical body of work that can stand on its own two feet. It doesn't need The Fame."

She went on to say that by releasing a lower-cost version of the album (priced at $9.99 on her site), she is showing her appreciation of her followers. "We may have an economy, but music has no economy," she continued. "I will release four or more singles from The Fame Monster, tour the world with the Monster Ball Tour and most importantly, I insist on honoring my fans with an affordable new album, an album that is as loyal to them, as they have been me."

Of course, Gaga is also making sure that if you're new to loving everything Gaga, then The Fame Monster Deluxe Edition (out November 23, $18.98 on her site) and the Super Deluxe Fame Monster Pack (out December 15, $99.98) will provide a newcomer with everything they need to bring some Haus of Gaga into their lives. The super-deluxe pack even includes a lock of her hair.

"For those who do not have my debut album, there are a series of collectible double-disc editions that include both albums and artwork conceived by the Haus of Gaga in collaboration with our mentor, Hedi Slimane," she said. "Hear the music, see the show, live and love yourself ... Lady Gaga."




mtv

Wanna see what Geena Davis looks like now? Hint: not like that.

( before and after )

dirty pop

I tend to like one-syllable names.
curmudgeonlet tends to like old-fashioned names.
suibhne_geilt tends to like Russian-sounding names.

What kind of names do you like best? Celtic names? Biblical names? Hippie names? You don't necessarily need to give examples, just a category. :)

At 3:20 pm ET Wednesday, THR.com reported that Fox had canceled Joss Whedon series Dollhouse. The news isn't shocking - it faced challenges since its debut, from being relegated to a Friday night slot to constantly struggling in the ratings.

Although it didn't come as a complete surprise, the news still stung for the series' loyal fanbase. Within moments, Twitter was slammed with reactions, and 'Dollhouse' reached the Top 10 Twitter Trending Topics thirty minutes later. By 4:30 pm ET, it was the second most talked about subject.

Twitter wasn't just a forum for dismayed fans. The people behind Dollhouse also shared their feelings on the cancellation in 140 characters or less.

The first person from the Whedon camp to make a statement via Twitter was Dollhouse writer Maurissa Tancharoen (@MoTancharoen), who confirmed the news. "Yes. Cancelled. Sad but true."

Dichen Lachman (@Dichenlachman), Dollhouse's 'Sierra', followed suit, and encouraged fans to stay with it until the end.

"Keep watching guys Fox is still showing all 13," then added, "Feel sad though. Joss told us this morning."

Lachman had delivered a powerhouse performance last month in 'Belonging', arguably the finest episode in Season 2 so far.

Actor Fran Kranz (@frankranz), aka Dollhouse programmer 'Topher Brink', later tweeted, "It’s hard. I’m sad. But they will air the rest and they are going to be great. Thanks for being great fans and giving us all a 2nd season."

Jane Espenson (@CapricaSeven), writer/producer extraordinaire, commented it was a "sad day for television." She was a consulting producer on Dollhouse, and has been part of the Whedonverse since Buffy.

Other TV industry folk chimed in as well, including Bones executive producer Hart Hanson (@HartHanson), who tweeted his thoughts on the demise. "Agh. Dollhouse! It’s always a bummer when one of your neighbors on the lot gets Grim Reapered. The cold chill of mortality."

Based solely on the strong Twitter response, you'd think ratings would have been the least of Dollhouse's problems. @kryptonsite summed it up best: "I find it interesting that Dollhouse can trend on Twitter yet can’t get huge ratings."

The series was always a hot topic in the online world, but a significant online presence and solid DVR numbers were not enough to save it.

Following the news, Whedon gave a statement, saying: "I’m off to pursue internet ventures/binge drinking. Possibly that relaxation thing I’ve read so much about. By the time the last episode airs, you'll know what my next project is. But for now there's a lot of work still to be done, and disappointment to bear."

The only consolation is there are 9 more episodes yet to air, and Joss Whedon is being given the opportunity to end the series properly.

Dollhouse will be "sent to the attic" on January 22nd, with the following air schedule:

December 4 - (2 hours)
December 11 - (2 hours)
December 18 - (2 hours)
January 8 - (1 hour)
January 15 - (1 hour)
January 15 - (1 hour / series finale)


Source: Fancast

Some of us were worried that Julian Casablancas had pulled a Dave Chappelle and disappeared from rock 'n' roll forever. The lead singer of The Strokes, a band who defined underground New York cool for half a decade, vanished from the spotlight after the band's third album. Although never officially disbanded, other Strokes band members began releasing their own solo projects and most of us thought it was all over. (For the record: apparently it's not. Apparently the Strokes are still just on hiatus.)

Now out of nowhere, after three years of mysterious absence, a newly sober Julian Casablancas has emerged in LA of all places with a brand new solo record, Phrazes for the Young. And get this, it's upbeat. It's got synths. It is...dare I say it...downright perky. We caught up with Casablancas last night to ask him a few questions about the state of the Strokes, his new town, and his solo debut. Here is some of what was said.


( interesting interview after the cut )

source

I saw Julian last Friday and it was one of the best concert experiences I've ever had. Besides helping a drunk British guy in front of us find his lost wedding ring, realizing Parks & Recreation was filming next door, having our picture taken by LA Weekly, and Julian singing a rare Strokes song, everyone in the theatre saw Fabrizio Moretti, Albert Hammond Jr, & Devendra Banhart up in the balcony before the show and during intermission. Everyone was kind of freaking out. It was very exciting. We missed The Strokes. :(

Do you find the smell of poop to linger longer (lol) if the person sprays an air freshener when they're done?

To me it just smells like flowery poop, and the flowerey poop smell at my house will hang around for a good two hours or so.  Maybe there is some scientific reasoning for this. I find that when the deed has been done and you just let the smell hang around, it goes away much quicker.

Does being in a community full of people from other countries who use different spellings of words make you ever question whether or not you have something spelled "right" (subjective as to where you're from)? For example, whether or not a word has a u in it or ends with "--is/zed" is spelled with a "z" or an "s"? Where are you from for bonus points for those who don't feel like looking at your fun little flag icon (or for those who don't have one)?

Also, does your spell checker on LJ conform to your region? For instance mine says that "realised" is spelled incorrectly and gives "realized" as the proper spelling. I'm in the US.


The s and the z thing bugs me out. Granted my spelling is usually atrocious anyhow, but after seeing something like "realized" spelled "realised" so many times I tend to get confused at first which looks right for where I'm from (even though they're both technically right).