I grew up in a very, very small town.
And I spent most of my childhood trying to figure out how to get out of there.
(This will come as no surprise to my family and friends. I have talked about being a ‘city kid trapped in the country’ since I was probably nine years old.)
I feel more comfortable in big cities. Something ‘clicks’ in my brain there. I think big cities and I operate at the same speed.
But today I want to salute the not-so-big city of Cincinnati. Specifically, their airport, which is located in Northern Kentucky.
I flew through there today en route to business in Louisville. We landed in Cincy in blowing snow. Minimal visibility. Snow piled on either side of the runway.
And yet, we landed. Without drama. Without incident. And pretty much on time.
And while my connecting flight to Louisville left a bit late — our plane got stuck at the gate and required extra effort to be pushed back; plus, the plane was de-iced as the weather necessitated — we took off from the Cincinnati Airport, and I made my way on to Louisville.
LaGuardia — my hometown airport in faraway, fabulous New York City — closes when it is windy. Closes when it starts to rain. Just closes.
Cincy kicked NYC’s bottom today.
Small is mighty! Small is good!
Categories: Humor · Travel
Tagged: air travel, Cincinnati Northern Kentucky Airport, de-icing, Humor, LaGuardia Airport, Louisville Airport, small town life, snow, Travel, weather
‘John sinks James.’
‘Tearjerker takes down technology.’
‘Love kills the blue people.’
(Sorry…I couldn’t resist.)
Even I was stunned to see that “Dear John,” the latest weeper from Nicholas Sparks , had taken over “Avatar’s” seemingly permanent Number #1 position at the Box Office.
It actually makes sense. Most of “Avatar’s” target demographic was occupied with the pre-, pre-pre-, and pre-pre-pre-Super Bowl analysis, followed by the actual game and post, post-post, and post-post-post-game summaries.
And then, of course, there was the Super Bowl commercial viewing and analysis as well, both live and online.
The Super Bowl, if you do it right, can take a good three days.
Alas, “Avatar” was its victim…this weekend, anyway. I’m sure its box office sales will bounce back for the balance of this week.
But beware, little blue CGI folk: the Olympics are headed right your way.
And “Dear John” will be there, tear-stained tissue in hand, to pick up the pieces of your shattered audience.
Categories: Humor · Movies · Sports · Television
Tagged: Avatar, Avatar movie, CGI, Dear John movie, Humor, James Cameron, movie box office, Movies, Nicholas Sparks, Olympics, Sports, Super Bowl, Super Bowl ads, Super Bowl analysis, Super Bowl post-game, Super Bowl pre-game, Television, Vancouver Winter Olympic Games
February 7, 2010 · 1 Comment
So, you have to wonder if Amy Robach is even the teeniest bit embarrassed.
Yesterday, the “Weekend Today” show anchor married Andrew Shue, best known as heartthrob Billy Campbell on “Melrose Place.”
They met for the first time at a book party last April, but Amy watched “Melrose Place” while she was in college. Now she is married to one of her old TV show crushes. Is that weird?
Think back to the actors in television shows who captured your imagination in the past, and then think about meeting them — and marrying them – now.
Would you even want to?
I had a huge thing for Parker Stevenson, who starred in “The Hardy Boy Mysteries” back in the day, but I certainly don’t harbor any secret fantasy about Parker rounding the corner and sweeping me off my feet. (I actually think that would be really weird…especially knowing he used to be married to Kirstie Alley. Icky.)
I also loved Kent McCord, who played a police officer on “Adam 12.” I just looked up Kent McCord on imdb.com, and he’s still acting, and still good-looking!
And heck — I’ll admit it. I have a current TV crush on Nathan Fillion, of ABC’s “Castle.” He’s welcome on my corner here in NYC anytime.
So…I think I just answered my own question.
Congrats, Amy and Andrew.
Categories: Humor · Movies · Television
Tagged: Andrew Shue, crushes, Humor, Katie Holmes, Kirstie Alley, love and marriage, Melrose Place, Movies, Parker Stevenson, television. Amy Robach, The Hardy Boys Mysteries, Tom Cruise, weddings, Weekend Today
I am the latest victim of ‘the cough.’
You know, the cough that we’re supposed to cover with our arm now? Well, a person who will not be named here did not. She let her cold germ-infected cough spew through the air of a small, not-so-very-well-ventilated green room, and spray all over those of us unfortunate enough to be sitting there.
In less than eight hours, I smelled snot. And it was in my nose.
By the next day, that same snot was pouring out of my head. The glands on one side of my neck were swollen. I was running a low grade fever, and my voice sounded like a truck driver who smoked three packs a day.
All because of one uncovered cough in a small room.
To add insult to injury, I get nosebleeds when I blow my nose as often as a cold of this magnitude entails. So, that’s fun.
But, today — day three of the tragedy — the fever has broken. The DayQuil/NightQuil combination has stemmed the flow of mucous from my body. Heck, I even felt like doing laundry this morning.
The crisis has passed. Only the bitterness remains.
And a super-sexy, husky voice that I need to put to good use.
Categories: Humor · health
Tagged: aching, cold bug, cold germ, cold symptoms, common cold, coughing, DayQuil, fever, flu symptoms, health, Humor, NightQuil, nose bleeds
Do you remember the first time you saw Katie Couric on network television?
I do.
She was reporting live from the Pentagon during Operation Desert Shield. She was young and fresh and sincere and, since my oldest brother was one of the first responders in Iraq, I appreciated her honesty and empathy.
Before you knew it, she was co-anchor of “The Today Show.” Her bubbly enthusiasm was a nice foil for Bryant Gumbel’s arrogant intelligence (tinged with warmth only when absolutely necessary). When Matt Lauer replaced Bryant, the two developed a nice partnership.
Katie was in her element, and all was right with the world.
But her eye was on the ultimate prize — the nightly news desk. The big boys’ chair. As a former broadcast journalism major myself, I understood Katie’s drive to sit at the ultimate throne. But I worried about what she would have to do to succeed there.
And look at her now. Nearing the end of her contract, I barely recognize the woman who sits there. In fact, she barely looks female.
Her haircut is atrocious. (If you wanted to look like a man, Katie, congratulations.) Your facial expression is stern. Your personality drained of any resemblance to the warmth and connection to your audience that got you where you are today.
You tried to fit into this job, Katie, instead of making it your own. And what do you have to show for it?
Third place ratings. Constant criticism about your performance and outrageous salary. And Diane Sawyer — another female nightly news anchor — coming in late in the game and doing it her way…better.
Leave the anchor desk, Katie, and go find yourself again. We liked that girl.
And I’ll bet you did, too.
Categories: Humor · Television
Tagged: Bryant Gumbel, Diane Sawyer, Humor, Katie Couric, Matt Lauer, NBC Nightly News, network news, Operation Desert Shield, Pentagon, Television, television news, The Today Show
I’m on a shoot today at a studio in Lower Manhattan.
It’s one of those corporate videos that Human Resources always shows — actors behaving badly to teach you how not to act in the workplace.
It’s the first of this type that I have ever done. And I have to say…
It’s big fun.
Today I’m playing “Debbie,” the supervisor in an office who basically has no idea how to treat people. She is inappropriate with a capital “I.” Think Steve Carell in “The Office” sexed up a notch.
I get to wear all the suits I have from my day job and treat people like you would never dare in real life. Kind of like working on a soap, I would imagine.
I’ll go back to being a sensitive soul tomorrow. But, for today –
Debbie is on the prowl.
Categories: 24266214
February 3, 2010 · 1 Comment
The 82nd Academy Award nominations were announced yesterday, and for the first time in the show’s history, the “Best Motion Picture” category was expanded to 10.
And the nominees are:
“Avatar”
“The Blind Side”
“District 9″
“An Education”
“The Hurt Locker”
“Inglourious Basterds”
“Precious”
“A Serious Man”
“Up”
“Up in the Air”
By increasing the field to 10, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences theorized that they would be able to recognize ‘more truly deserving films.’
Who are they kidding?
The directors, producers and actors recognized will be able to add “Oscar-nominated” to their resumes and demand higher paychecks for their next projects. And the ratings for the awards broadcast itself may go up a bit, with a few more box office favorites in the mix.
But one of the serious contenders for “Best Motion Picture” will still win the Oscar, and this year, there are still only five….so they could have avoided all the drama.
Just look at the Top Ten:
- “The Blind Side” was slammed by the critics, but beloved at the box office. Sandra Bullock’s nomination for “Best Actress” was recognition enough.
- “District 9″ seems like a bit of a stretch. Indie sci-fi overachiever, maybe…but Oscar nominee?
- “Up,” only the second animated picture to be nominated in the category, is not a serious contender. (Count yourself lucky. The producer’s speeches to date have been real snoozes.)
- “An Education” is the foreign film rep. Carey Mulligan’s nomination gives it credibility, but no real chance.
- “A Serious Man” is, in my opinion, an automatic inclusion. The Coen Brothers seem to get a pass on whatever they produce and direct. I’m not even sure the members watch their films anymore.
Which leaves us with…
“Avatar”
“The Hurt Locker”
“Inglourious Basterds”
“Precious”
“Up in the Air”
These are your five serious contenders for the Oscar for “Best Motion Picture.” The others?
Just filler.
Categories: Humor · Movies · Television
Tagged: A Serious Man movie, Academy Award, Academy Awards, Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences, An Education movie, Avatar, Beauty and the Beast movie, Best Actress, Best Animated Film, Best Motion Picture, Best Supporting Actress, Carey Mulligan, Coen Brothers, District 9, Humor, Inglourious Basterds movie, Monique, Movies, Oscar Awards, Oscars, Precious movie, Sandra Bullock, Television, The Blind Side, The Hurt Locker movie, Up in the Air movie, Up movie
Attention members of the “Harry Potter” fandom!
If you are planning to watch the Super Bowl this Sunday — and even if you aren’t — at the very least DVR the ads.
Universal Orlando has shelled out a reported $2.5-3 million to air a commercial for “The Wizarding Word of Harry Potter” theme park — scheduled to open this spring — during the big game. Daniel Radcliffe himself is featured in the 30-second spot.
I know these ads are targeted to the dads and moms and kids who will be watching the Colts take on the Saints, but I’m pretty darn psyched myself. In fact, one of my very first posts yammered on about the theme park’s announced opening.
The ad reportedly shows kids riding broomsticks with Harry and a rollercoaster in the background that looks like twin dueling dragons — hints at two of the more technologically advanced rides that visitors can expect.
The press announcement last fall already hinted at the recreation of the shoppes and streets of Hogsmeade and Hogwarts Castle itself. Too. Much. Fun.
We’ll just have to see if the commercial gives a better indication of the opening date. Lots of reasons to tune in on Sunday!
(I hear they are playing football, too.)
Categories: 24266214 · Humor · Movies · Sports · Television
Tagged: Baltimore Colts, broomsticks, Daniel Radcliffe, football, Harry Potter movies, Hogsmeade, Hogwarts Castle, Humor, Movies, New Orleans Saints, rollercoaster, Sports, Super Bowl, Super Bowl ads, Super Bowl commercials, Super Bowl Sunday, Television, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal Orlando Resorts
Celebrities have no excuse for bad hair.
None.
Actors, especially those who have played a variety of roles and have seen themselves in different hair styles and hair colors and wigs and even different eye color and makeup combinations, should know — by the time a major event like the Golden Globes or SAG Awards or Grammys roll around — what hair style looks best on their person.
And yet, time and time again, celebrities turn up at these events looking either dowdy as hell or like they just got out of bed or so genuinely freaky, that I doubt they glanced in the mirror before they walked the red carpet.
I know these actors and singers hire stylists to present them in their best light. But I have decided those same stylists are simply taking care of their own career…which apparently means dressing the actors in whatever label is best for their business and whatever hair style will get the most attention.
But bad attention is still attention. So, hey — let’s make a bird’s nest out of Drew Barrymore’s hair and see if E! mentions her in their red carpet coverage.
You got your wish, Drew. Your face is everywhere, but you’re getting slammed for your hairstyle instead of congratulated for your win. Did your stylist really do her job?
A lot of these celebs would do themselves an enormous favor by cutting the size of their entourage and replacing them with a big ol’ dose of reality.
Look in the mirror with your own eyes and trust your judgment for a change. Do you think you look like an idiot?
Chances are, you’re right.
Categories: Humor · Television
Tagged: awards shows, bad hair days, best dressed, celebrity hair styles, celebrity sightings, celebrity style, Drew Barrymore, E! Entertainment Network, Golden Globes, Grammy Awards, Humor, red carpet, SAG Awards, Television, worst dressed
You’ve heard the saying “you get what you give?”
Last night felt like a textbook example.
I was on an extremely crowded flight from Miami to LaGuardia in a window seat near the back of the plane. I know window seats are coveted by many, but I’m an aisle seat gal — the ‘power seat.’ I can get out when I want, stretch my legs out in the aisle, and make a run for it when we land.
But alas, last night I was in the window seat. Not long after I had gotten settled, the woman in the middle seat asked if I would swap seats with her mom who was in a window seat a few rows back. Sure, why not? They were grateful, and I was happy to do it.
Not long after I had moved my things, the man sitting in the middle seat asked if I would consider swapping with his friend, who had an aisle seat. Absolutely!
I was feeling the good karma wash over me.
I sat down, got comfortable, and then the man in the middle seat turned to me. “Uh oh,” I thought. “If he asks me to move, that’s really going to be a test.”
Turns out he and his wife were looking for transportation advice upon arrival to Hoboken, New Jersey. During our conversation, I discovered she and I grew up literally miles from each other. They were returning home to D.C. from their honeymoon cruise, but their flight home had been canceled due to weather. So they diverted to LaGuardia to visit with friends until they could fly home on Monday.
By the time we hit NYC, I offered to let them share my cab into Manhattan, and then they continued on to Hoboken.
One simple act of kindness — swapping seats — netted me new friends Adam and Ruth, originally from Carbondale, Illinois.
Congrats on your marriage, guys, and enjoy your unexpected trip to the New York area.
Categories: Humor · Travel
Tagged: air travel, American Airlines, business travel, Carbondale Illinois, cruise ships, Hoboken New Jersey, honeymoons, Humor, Miami, New York City, pay it forward, Travel, Washington D.C., window vs aisle seats
