In My Humble Opinion...

The Spice Girls 2.0

2007-12-13T08:43:00.000-05:00

When I first heard the Spice Girls were coming back, I laughed.
I figured I'd easily get tickets to see them when they come to New York, and I'd have them all to myself. I'd bring all my 10-year-old merchandise that's been in a shoebox labeled "Spice Girls Memorabilia," and have them autograph it for me.

Here's how I figured: If I was 12 when I was obsessed with them 10 years ago, most 22 year olds are kinda over them. The new 12 year olds are too young to even have heard of them, and are busy running to see Miley Cyrus.

Boy, was I wrong.

Their six, count 'em SIX shows at MSG sold out rather quickly, so my hopes of seeing them are pretty much dashed.

I watched them perform on the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, and I am having trouble understanding one thing: Why "Stop"?? They've had so many great hits. "Stop" is certainly not one of them. It's one of my least favorite songs of theirs. Maybe "2 become 1" would have been more appropriate.

I wasn't able to see Posh Spice until she moved out from behind that pole.

Sporty Spice is more annoying than she was the first time.

Baby Spice...a British person told me Emma's a bitch in "real life," so I don't like her anymore.

I still love Ginger Spice. She's also a little too skinny.

I think Scary Spice isn't that scary anymore. She looks great, though. I think Dancing with the Stars changed her image (although I never watched it).

The best part is: I can put my Spice Girls CDs back into my CD player and not feel that foolish.

Don't Try Too Hard...

2007-11-01T21:18:00.000-04:00

Years ago when Alicia Keys won a Grammy for "Fallin'," I predicted that that would be the last we'd hear of her.

I said that she's very talented, but she was too normal for showbiz.

I'm loving her new single "No One," and honestly, I've liked every single she's released since Fallin. A Woman's Worth, My Boo, If I Ain't Got You... They've all been big hits. Rightfully so.

She's managed to evolve her style, musically, and fashionably, but hasn't sold out. That's a tough balance.

Just letting you know, next time someone's on the Grammys, don't predict their failure. But then again, look at Ricky Martin. Who?

Back To You on FOX

2007-09-16T15:54:00.000-04:00

With such names as Kelsey Grammer and Patricia Heaton, it's guaranteed that the actors are talented and hilarious.

But as we all know, the writers have a crucial role in the success of a TV show, and for the actors' sakes, I hope all goes well.

I watched some clips on the fox website. There's one possible difficulty in this show, and it's that their previous series a) were very successful, and continue to run in syndication, and b) didn't end too long ago.

If I'm not mistaken, they both aired their final episodes in 2004. A mere 3 years ago. When I first watched the clips, it was Debra Barone and Frasier Crane sitting at a newsdesk. Most people still have them typecast in their mind as the characters they embodied for many years, especially Grammer, playing Frasier for over 11 years.

Fred Willard, who played Amy's father on Everybody Loves Raymond, is on the cast as well, but he's played more diversified roles, so he shouldn't have that problem. He is pretty well-known, and funny as well.

My hope is that viewers will quickly forget Heaton and Grammer's previous characters (because that distracted me a little) and embrace the show that is full of big names and big talent.

Cheers to Back To You! (Oh, jeez, that pun in AWFUL, but I couldn't help it)

Britney at the VMAs

2007-09-10T20:58:00.000-04:00

I didn't bother watching the VMAs, since I was certain they'd show it 6 more times this week alone. They changed their routine however, which I learned after it aired.

I did, however, hear about Britney's "awful" performance, so I went to mtv.com to check it out.
I watched it twice.

Either I have really low standards, or way too much pity.

I honestly didn't find it to be too bad. The beginning she looked nervous, but she got into her groove and she was fine.

I mean, they say that she was lip-syncing, just like she's done all her life. So, that was expected. As far as her dancing, it was no "Oops, I did it again," (which is what she said when she had Jayden James) but it was good enough.

Oh, and speaking of rude jokes about her kids. Sarah Silverman was very out of place. I feel like I can make a dumb joke like that because I know that Britney Spears will NEVER see this blog. But she was in the room when Silverman said it. Don't you think she feels bad enough about herself already? What does she need to do that before? I think even Kathy Griffin has more of a heart than that. She'd say that at a performance, but not an awards show with Britney RIGHT THERE to hear everything. That's just cruel and beyond insensitive.

And people who said she looked fat must have been looking at Nicole Richie and Ashlee Simpson for too long. It's called HEALTHY, look into it.

Why We Love Kathy Griffin

2007-06-11T20:57:00.000-04:00

I Love Kathy Griffin.

I can watch Comedy Central performers for hours and not crack a smile. Kathy Griffin has me laughing out loud within 5 minutes.

While watching her newest special, "Everyone Can Suck It," I realized what it was.

She is a non-celebrity in a celebrity world. She has a niche audience. Celeb gossip junkies like me who love to hear the inside story from someone who is just like us. It's not like hearing "sources." She was there when it happened.

She interacts with celebrities, so we get to hear how they really treat people. Not like when they're doing publicity, and are polite to Matt Lauer, or trying to convince Tyra Banks that they aren't anorexic.

She's pretty down-to-earth, and her reality show makes you feel like you know her personally anyway. Her stories about her D-List life elicit some sympathy, although, if you see her mansion, cars, assistants, and all the swag she manages to score, she ain't living a tough life.

She's desperate for publicity, but the papparazzi don't think she's worth their time. She even tripped getting out of a limo for publicity. In her act, she told the story of her leaving Club Hyde, (you should have heard of it by now) and the papparazzo dropping his camera upon the realization it was "just her."

She's funny. She's brash. She doesn't care. She knows she can get away with anything. And she does. Her performances seem natural and non-chalant, and you feel like you're having a conversation with a friend. A very informed friend.

I don't know if it reflects badly or well on her, but I've thought of similar jokes from time to time.

Food Network Stars

2007-06-05T13:40:00.000-04:00

I was into Food Network way before Rachael Ray was the world's superstar. Before "Emeril Live," and in the days of "Cooking Live with Sara Moulton."

I've seen at least a few minutes of many of the famous chefs on the channel, and am trying to understand their appeal.

Alton Brown is just offbeat and strange. He can't be "down to earth" because he's from another planet. He probably has a lot of friends. I don't enjoy Good Eats because of all the weird camera angles. He's also the host of Iron Chef America, and I like him on that.

Bobby Flay just seems a little full of himself. He and Tyler Florence are kind of similar, so I confuse them sometimes in my mind. But I do know that Tyler is more down to earth patient. Like when he does Tyler's Ultimate and goes to other people's kitchens, he isn't a know-it-all. Bobby isn't a bad guys, he's just a little aloof.

Emeril kind of makes me think of John Ritter-the non-celebrity celebrity. He knows all the people on his staff by name, and seems to spend actual time with them. Not sure if it's because he wants to know them, or just wants to make sure he has a great show. He's a nice guy, though. He's also pretty talented to be able to do Emeril Live so frequently. I mean, he has the kitchen staff on hand, but he's still running the show. His schtick is slightly less annoying than Rachael Ray's. BAM! Another Notch!

Don't get me wrong, I think both chefs, Emeril and Rachael, have a sincere enthusiasm for food and cooking, but there's something that makes his less annoying.

I've written about Rachael and Giada, so I won't bother to repeat myself.

Then there's Sandra Lee, who's extremely distant. She's kind of cold, and you can tell she's trying to make believe she cares. She does nice work on Semi-Homemade, but she seems so unapproachable. She had her niece and nephew on the show, and like didn't let them do ANYTHING. She was a perfectionist and control freak with these kids. And that bothered me.

Some people find Paula Deen to be fake. I don't. I've never made any of her recipes, but she seems fun to hang out with. She's had relatives cook with her, and she's so much more chilled than Sandra Lee.

Ina Garten is the type that could be aloof, but she isn't. She's not like Paula Deen, who kind of makes her viewers feel like family, but maybe by showing her have friends over on every episode of Barefoot Contessa you get a picture of how she is socially. But on the show she's cordial, but not totally approachable.

Speaking of unapproachable, Sara Moulton, is it just me, or does anyone see this ego going on with her? She tries to cover it up, but I just get nervous from it. She's condescending a lot of the time. Like when she had the live show, she seriously talked to the callers as if they were 5. That bothered me. So I don't really watch Sara's Secrets.

The first show I watched that got me into Food Network was Sweet Dreams with Gale Gand. Yes, I know your son Gio loves this...I think she's a nice person, but just a little annoying. She would say "there ya go," seemingly to avoid dead air. (Which is ok on TV, not radio.) And she didn't shut up about her son. Like, I get it. I think she's off the air. She's a nice person. Like she seems like she'd help anyone in need, but she's the most appealing personality for TV.

Oh, and FYI-Marc Summers-host of Unwrapped, one of my favorites---seems to have written a book about overcoming OCD--saw it outside Strand for a buck a few months ago.

So I kind of think Food Network's search for the next star is foolish. I didn't like last year's winners either. They should just let it happen like it has the last few years.

Where's My Christine?!

2007-05-20T16:21:00.000-04:00

It's a sad reality that the death of the sitcom is now upon us.

For the past two seasons, however, I had thoroughly enjoyed Julia Louis-Dreyfus' revival in New Adventures of Old Christine- miles apart from the unwatchable "Watching Ellie," which was on NBC- TWICE.

I checked CBS Fall lineup, and it wasn't there. Big mistake, honchos.

She has a mass appeal. She won an emmy for that show after the first season, which to me is unheard of. She's a talented, funny, pretty actress.

The writing could have used a small facelift, but since King of Queens finished this season, as well as the dramedy Gilmore Girls, what else is there for me to watch?!

I don't LIKE Two and a Half Men. I don't LIKE Rules of Engagement. Or How I Met Your Mother. I liked that show they had with the four guys...Seth Green was on it...on NBC. That was good. Canceled that one too.

New Adventures of Old Christine was just what TV needed. A simple sitcom, with predictable plots, lovable characters, and a big name. In this case, two. Her and Wanda Sykes, who's hysterical.

Bring me back my Christine!!!!!!!!!

Rosie "Leaves" The View

2007-05-01T17:35:00.000-04:00

Now, let's be realistic, children.

Rosie was great for the ratings, but bad for the Disney/ABC reputation. Anyone idiotic enough to decide that President Bush elected to blow up he twin towers, and kill close to 3,000 of his own citizens is beyond me.

Her goal was to make Elisabeth look stupid.

I certainly enjoyed watching her on The View. When it comes down to it, she's entertaining. She's "out there," and she gave people what to think about, and what to talk about. If you think about it, who could replace her?

In the Fall, they'll be left with Barbara Walters (who never seems to be on when I watch), Joy Behar, and Elisabeth Hasselback. If it was up to me, I'd replace Rosie. But I'm a not-so-pretty nobody...who would want to watch me? I wouldn't start up any hot celebrity feuds, or say stupid racist things, although I wasn't aware that saying "Ching Chong" was racist.

Who knows what happened. The point is, who's next?

I heard rumors of Mo'Nique replacing Star Jones. What happened to that? She's hysterical. Now this might sound nuts, but Linda Popadopolus-I totally butchered the spelling--the psychologist from the past few seasons of VH1's Celebrity Fit Club would make a really good co-host. She's pretty, she's smart, she's opinionated. I like her.
Or, how about, since Megan Mullally's own show was canceled, she join The View. She'd be funny, but not so controversial.

Then there's Roseanne, who I just saw in the past yesterday--hasn't been approached, but I don't know why I didn't think of that! I LOVE Roseanne. She's the best. She's an older, (wiser?) Rosie O'Donnell. I think she has a lot of experience, and has learned from it. She's kind of normal now compared the to the crotch-grabbing Roseanne of the early 1990s. I think she's an influential, historical character in the American media.

But anyway, GOOD BYE ROSIE!!!

(Oh, and congrats to Elisabeth on her pregnancy)

TV Guide and Star--Plummeting

2007-04-07T22:30:00.000-04:00

I was once offered TV Guide for 25 cents an issue. So I grabbed it. When they wanted to renew me, they sent me offers for 79 cents an issue, and that kinda deal. That's a 300% increase. So I called them, and hoped to negotiate. "Don't you need me for your circulation numbers?" I begged the guy. "Not at a quarter an issue, we don't." He replied. So I canceled. When TV Guide went to full size, and introduced "Inside TV" magazine, there were talks of them failing. Over a year later, I get an offer for 38 cents an issue. Told ya you needed me. Nobody reads it so much because everyone has cable so they have the channel, or they get it in the Sunday papers. And their stories aren't too fabulous. I just like their crosswords, and the Guide on my TV takes forever to load.

Now, why is Star magazine failing? Simple economics, my friend.
People is in a class in itself. I know it's trashy, but somehow they charge $3.49 cover, and their lowest subscription offer is $1.99 an issue. And they're doing well I think.
Us Weekly has the same cover price, but I pay 95 cents an issue.
Life & Style, OK! and In Touch are a step below and have a $1.99 cover price. They're in the same class as Star, who I believe charges the same as People and Us. So why would someone with the options of cheaper trash buy more expensive trash?
Especially since you read one, you know all the stories. So why pay extra for Star?
I don't know how worthwhile for them it was to go glossy.

Daytime Talk Shows

2007-03-20T21:43:00.000-04:00

I don't watch soap operas. I think they're for people with no lives. Daytime talk shows give off a similar vibe, because who the hell can sit and do nothing from 4-5 p.m.? Perhaps it's on for background noise. If I watch any daytime TV, it's secondary to my activity--usually homework.
Anyway, regardless, here are my thoughts on daytime talk shows.
I love Ellen DeGeneres.
People have given her a hard time about coming out on TV, but I respect her for doing that. And she doesn't make it an integral part of her show. On The View, Rosie talks about Kelli all the time, as if she's trying to prove something. It always has to be a part of the argument somehow. Ellen is way above that. And that is respectable.
Ellen's Emmy nominations are extremely well-deserved. She's approachable, funny, and has good guests. She approaches meaningful subject matter, and mixes it with useless fun. This week, she had a family whose parents are both fighting in Iraq, and the 20-year-old girl is caring for her four younger sisters.

As much as I love Tyra, I feel like her show is extremely politically charged, always talking about racism. Trying to be controversial to get more viewers. She's gorgeous, and her candor is really becoming, but she's too political. She also sometimes seems to take dumb things too seriously. She talks about things she know will get viewers- racism, body image, eating disorders...she had Nicole Richie, and the previews were of her asking her if she's anorexic. (As if she'd say yes!!!)

Dr. Phil seems to have sunk to levels of Maury Povich, which is pathetic, but is also clear evidence that the viewers determine the content. It's a sick race for ratings, which lead to higher ad revenues. Dr. Phil has dysfunctional families, temperamental teens, and the typical boot camp. BEEN THERE, DONE THAT!

Oprah--I think I watched it once--when the cast of Friends was on. I don't get her appeal.

Rachael Ray is cute, but I feel she's overdone. She's too much. I'd get a headache if I was in the audience. She should tone it down a little, because it seems a little put on if you ask me.

I was kinda upset that Megan Mullally's show was canceled. She had said in an interview that she intended to show people at their best. She seems nothing like her character on Will & Grace, and I think she could have contributed to the genre had she been given a fair chance.

And what happened to Tony Danza? He seemed so nice and friendly, and down to earth. I was kind of disappointed that it was cancelled.

Finally, The View. Rosie has officially taken over as leader, but hey, she's loud, brash, and gets ratings. She creates controversy. Joy is pretty funny, and Elisabeth is gorgeous and pretty smart. Babs? I dunno.

Rachael v. Giada-It's On!

2007-02-18T12:29:00.000-05:00

Or is it?

People have been comparing the two Food Netw0rk breakout stars, and pitting them against one another.

Yes, they're two attractive young women who cook on TV, of Italian descent.

But how similar are they?

Rachael talks about living the Adirondacks, in the country. "I'm not a Chef, I'm a cooker," she declares in her trademark raspy voice and then chuckles.

Giada has a different manner about her. She's more gourmet, she's soft-spoken, and ever so slightly aloof. She gets excited about what she cooks, but leaves it mostly in the eyebrows, and bright smile. Rachael says, "Yumm-o!!" It's just a different experience.

Although they competed in a special hour-and-a-half competition, teamed up with Bobby Flay and Mario Batali, they're just different.

I can't see Giada having a successful talk show. She's more the type to pleasant a cocktail party or something, but not as a brash talk-show host. Rachael seems more dancing in a club with loud music, whereas Giada would go for something more calm. You can tell by the way they dress. Rachael is more down-to-earth. She wears jeans and a nice T-shirt. Giada's always in something that looks more expensive a Dry-Clean-Only.

I can't say I have a preference. With Rachael, she makes you feel like you've known her for years. Giada is kind of removed. She talks about her family with distance. Rachael makes me feel like I know her sister--the one who bakes, since she only cooks.

Anna Nicole Smith

2007-02-11T15:09:00.000-05:00

Am I the only one who thinks Howard K. Stern is the baby's daddy? (Danilynn Hope Marshall Stern) Maybe because I watched the Anna Nicole Show years ago, and saw how they got along. It was cute. There was nothing else on. Really.

But anyway, her death was shocking. People are speculating a drug overdose. I wouldn't be surprised. She loved Daniel so much. To have him taken from her, right after she gave birth--that's enough to make a normal person go insane.

Truthfully, who knows what the hell is in that Trimspa stuff anyway?

As expected, E! jumped right on it, and showed specials about her. They chronicled her career which I remembered from seeing the E! True Hollywood Story years ago. But the thing is, she never really said anything memorable, substantial, or coherent.

What did she contribute to the world? A hot body and big boobs? Married an 89-year-old oil tycoon, and made it to Supreme Court?

She wasn't a bad person per se, although her real family, the ones who know her as Vickie Lynn Hogan, all hate her, she wasn't greatness either.

Yet in her death, she is glorious.

Rosie on The View

2007-01-25T19:22:00.000-05:00

This week's Us Weekly says that according to their, more than 60% people said she should leave The View when her contract is up at the end of the year. Why?

Her presence has brought The View back into the spotlight. And I don't just mean the whole Rosie v. Donald thing which is sooo last month. She's loud, she's brash, and she's contraversial.

I search YouTube just for clips of her on The View.

She livens it up, although probably takes the spotlight off Joy Behar, who otherwise is probably the most entertaining. Barbara is probably feeling like her leadership has been taken over. But she accomplished something few others could have done: they got me to watch.

Before Rosie joined, all I heard was Star Jones' wedding plans and crazy weight loss, so I didn't bother to tune in. I thought Elisabeth was some gorgeous but dense Reality TV ho, but once I watched it, I realized she's more than a blonde Survivor. And watching her and Rosie control their tempers (when they can) is priceless.

I think if Rosie leaves, The View might not survive. Although, I do think Mo'Nique is hysterical and would be a great replacement for Star Jones Reynolds.

Trash-A-Holic

2006-12-26T22:55:00.000-05:00

OMG, I am totally addicted to the train wreck better known as "Breaking Bonaduce."

It's amazing how much of their personal lives these people are willing to share with the world. It's weird because there are cameramen following them around all the time. Isn't he embarrassed in front of them, if not the millions of viewers he's managed to addict?

I mean, the guy has such a crazy histroy. Married his wife the day they met. A LONG time ago. She's been through everything with him. It's amazing. She seems pretty normal. I mean, the whole last season was their marriage counseling, and now it's Danny being kicked out of his house, and his wife threatening divorce. This isn't like Jessica Simpson buying $3,000 linen. This is Gretchen Bonaduce telling the cameraman that she plans to file papers.

Another Vh1 delight was My Fair Brady, which I loved. I watched Adrianne Curry cry her eyes out every time Christopher Knight did something foolish. Made you understand how this was his fourth marriage. It's not like he did it on purpose or anything, but he was like Ray Barone, only in real life.

She came to her senses and said there will be no cameras after the wedding, but before that, during her tomoltuous engagement, why did she want millions of people to see that? And she KNOWS that the editors are merciless and are willing to do almost anything to create drama. And she was willing to allow millions of people to see this.

What is it about these people? Doesn't pride come at a cost?

Remembering Simpler Times

2006-12-16T23:58:00.000-05:00

At a local park, I noticed a woman walking with a walkman.

2 steps behind, I thought. iPod, Discman, Walkman.

Then I remembered my 10th birthday present. My grandmother gave me money for my birthday, and I chose to spend it on a walkman.

Back then, in the mid-1990s, cassette tapes were standard, actresses wore a size bigger than 0, and Gap was for rich kids.

Now, cassette tapes are for my car (which is from that time), discmans are big, bulky nuisances, actresses wear size 00 jeans, and Gap is just as good as Conway.

Paperbacks cost less than $6, the internet and cell phones were waves of the future, and Prada was inaccessible.

Now, there are eBooks, Cellphones with internet access, and Prada is commonground for many.
When my niece bites a hole in her bologna, she deems it a CD. Me? A record.

Those were the days.

Award Shows

2006-11-21T21:42:00.000-05:00

I am totally apathetic to these awards shows. I used to tape them, and then tape over them the next year without having watched the previous year's. So now I am in front of a TV that is not turned on, because I kinda know I wanna see the AMAs, but will be soooo bored if I do. But I want to know what happens, and I want to see my favorite artists perform-like Gwen Stefani.

There are just too many award shows now. Everyone, and I mean everyone, thinks they deserve an awards show. VH1-Big in 06 awards, Teen Choice Awards, People's Choice Awards, SAG Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, and don't forget the real ones, Oscars, Tonys (I know NOTHING about Theatre), Emmys and Grammys. Who has patience. No wonder they have to bribe the celebs to show up. I don't even wanna watch them in my PJs in bed.

Most of these awards are worthless. Nobody watches them anyway. Everyone's bored stiff. Like the Oscars--everyone gets all excited about them. They're so boring, i don't watch them. But everyone assumes that since I am into the media, I am a loser who sits for three and a half hours watching celebs pretend to be modest. "Oh, my, this is such a surprise," Like you didn't know.

Then they have these gracious loser faces, smiling like, "I didn't deserve this award. Good for him/her. Yeah, s/he deserves it." Puh-leez. I cried when I wasn't elected class president for a month in second grade. And who cares who saw me? And this is an Oscar. But, yes, these people have pride. Some.

Why I Love Tyra

2006-11-13T17:40:00.000-05:00

I love Tyra Banks!!

I think I'm the only one who watches her talk show without having seen her on America's Next Top Model. I don't like modeling shows. I think they're breeding ground for eating disorders---if not, just a sucky body image.

But anyway, my friend argues that she has an ego. I agree that she tries a little hard to be down to earth on her show, but on the other hand, she's just acknowledging her celebrity status. Some celebs are just stupid about it, and just say, "why do people like me?" Umm, duh, cuz you're famous.

Besides that, though, her show makes for good entertainment. She's warm to her guests. She seems to really care about them, despite the fact that they're petty sometimes. I mean, she had a show about beauty--people who considered their beauty a curse, and others who considered it a blessing. It was shallow, but she told the people who were complaining about people not liking them because they were pretty, she told them that people don't see their inner beauty. So i guess she was kinda egotistical when she said she doesn't get too much negative press because she's nice, so people don't hate on her because of her beauty.

Whatever the case, she's very pretty, and she's warm to her guests. Her shows are shallow yet entertaining.

Splitney For Britney

2006-11-08T23:48:00.000-05:00

(I got the title from today's Post)
Raise your hand if you're surprised.

My brother asked if I was surprised. Come on, didn't everyone see this coming?

Let me get this straight. K-Fed's girlfriend Shar Jackson was pregnant with his second child, when he left her to hook up with Britney. Did she not realize that this guy's best quality isn't loyalty?

I don't know what she saw in him. He was just a gold digger. Clearly. He really made out like a bandit. I don't even know if there was a prenup, but she paid for everything. He has an expensive car, a wardrobe, lived the high life for a while.

And with the anticipated success of his new album, I'm sure it will last, too.

I'm just glad she was the one to do the dumping.

Well, I tell you one thing--she can only do better.

Welcome Home!

2006-11-02T23:40:00.000-05:00

Alright children, Mommy did some cleaning up.

I deleted my sister site Media Michelle. It became too crappy, and I was unable to maintain three blogs. So, I limited myself to two--this one, and the award-nominated Humble Jewish Opinion. Here, I choose to express things that don't necessarily have anything to do with Judaism, and not necessarily the media.

Perhaps just what makes me, me. All my nerdiness and other interests besides for bitching about what's wrong with the Jewish community.

Keep your eyes peeled for brand new exciting posts!!

Will & Grace Series Finale

2006-05-28T16:40:00.000-04:00

I feel like all good TV is slowly leaving. However, the series finale of Will & Grace was extremely well done and well-written.

The Friends one was STUPID and predictable.

This was a little more open-minded. I also liked that the last season, they took advantage of that, and showed more depth to the characters. They provided closure by showing Karen's human side slowly but surely.

I was disappointed that they didn't show what happens with Jack's son Elliot at the end.

They mixed the humor with the serious content well, and with respect.

The ending scene with them all at the bar was so depressing. I mean, I know it was a happy ending and all, but it wasn't Will, Grace, Jack, and Karen, it was Eric, Deb, Sean and Megan sitting there. Their emotions were so raw and real. You saw through the characters to the actors and felt the sentiment they shared. Like, "is it really over??"

Sadly, it is.

Yes, Dear--the show that nobody's watching

2006-01-18T14:04:00.000-05:00

I don't know why nobody else likes this show!

True, Kim and Greg are annoying, and the kids sound like they are reading the script for the first time.

But think about Jimmy and Christine.They're good actors, and their characters are loveable.

The plots are cute, and there are many funny one-liners scattered throughout the script.

It's a little weird-almost like Popular was, but a little less wacky. It should have a cult following, but I feel I am alone in this. I don't want it to be canceled! It's funny. Compared to "Grounded for Life" and all those dumb sitcoms. The sitcom breed is dying out--especially with the cancellation of Malcom in the Middle and That 70's Show. We must save what we still have!

Gwen Stefani's New Song

2006-01-18T13:54:00.000-05:00

I heard this thing on the radio. It sounded NASTY. Then I heard Gwen Stefani's voice. And that is the only reason this thing will get any airplay. It's horrible. But it's Gwen Stefani. She's adorable. And pregnant. YAY!

Friends is Missed

2004-11-30T17:45:00.000-05:00

I'll be honest, when Friends ended, I didn't really think I'd miss it. But i do!
There are so few sitcoms on now, and most of them are about families, which is okay. I guess.
I like Everybody Loves Raymond and Yes, Dear, but that's it.
There are some, but I haven't really given them much of a chance-8 simple rules, one on one, girlfriends, Two and a Half Men, Still Standing, Listen Up! (which I assume will be canceled soon due to the Seinfeld Curse) Malcolm in the Middle (which is okay), but nothing good. Nothing oustanding. And nothing about single people, not involving kids. Well, nothing scripted, that is. Argh. That's why Seinfeld and Friends were so great. They were able to focus on the lives of single people hanging around with their friends, which, now that I think about it sounds kinda boring. LOL.

Gwen Stefani

2004-11-16T15:12:00.000-05:00

I love her! She's so cute!
Her new album is out November 23. Let's make it #1!

Ignoring the Bullies

2004-07-22T18:25:00.000-04:00

Throughout childhood, I was always told to "ignore the bully," and if I do a good enough job at it, she'll stop.
I've been on both sides. I've been the victim. Tried the ignoring thing. That's the crappiest advice I'd even been given. The bully knows exactly what you're doing, and won't stop until she gets a reaction. It's not like there is a secret method to getting rid of her that only the victims share. She knows it. Too well.

When I was finally the bully, I wasn't satisfied until the kid cried. Then I cried. But that's beside the point.

The bully needs a reaction. Her mission is not accomplished until she gets a tear, a shout, a pout, anything!! Ignoring her just makes her try harder. She'll get rough and tough. She'll push exactly the right buttons just to get you. She'll go as far as to tease you about the most sensitive issue- like being left back in school. Anything to get a reaction. So why ignore her?

My victim days ended before I was old enough to understand the psychology behind it. My bully days ended when it was just no fun. I was too sensitive. I cried before the victim did! I felt so guilty! Now, if all bullies were like me, we'd have no problem.

Music

2004-07-20T20:17:00.000-04:00

I was just in Circuit City and there was nothing for me to buy!
Unless I'm 12, and I want Hilary Duff. I don't enjoy hip-hop, so that eliminated 3/4 of the CDs.
There are no decent new releases! None of my artists are coming out with an album anytime soon. I am getting really sick of all these Greatest Hits albums. For example-No Doubt is one of my favorite bands. Therefore, I have all 4 of their albums. What motivation do I have to buy that if I have every single song of theirs on CD already, except for "It's My Life," which I think was tremendously overplayed.
Why doesn't Aerosmith come out with something new?
I think Alanis should get angry and depressed again and put out another Jagged Little Pill.
Don't get me wrong, I am SO glad the boy-band phase is over. I actually bought *N SYNC's debut album in 1999, and when I listed a few things to sell on half.com, that was sold before I could blink! Now I see BSB and *N SYNC merchandise in the local 99 cent store.
I bought Nickelback hoping all the songs would be as good as "Someday" and none even came close.
Matchbox 20? Goo Goo Dolls? Sum 41? Come on, people!
FIND ME SOME GOOD NEW MUSIC!!

Ken Jennings on Jeopardy!

2004-07-06T20:45:00.000-04:00

For my Jewish friends, check out my other website, "In my humble Jewish Opinion @ www.rikkika.blogspot.com.

Ken Jennings is now a 25 day champion on Jeopardy! and has won almost $800,000. A far cry from the previous record of 7 days, since they discontinued the 5-day-limit rule. Obviously, the guy is smart. At first, everyone loved him. They rooted for him. They cheered him on. After about 5 days, I was bored of him. I think everyone who had to play against him deserves another chance. Nobody ever came close to Ken's winnings. Some people even had to sit out Final Jeopardy! and the guy in 2nd place didn't even have half of Ken's total to attempt to catch up!
So my question is: Is he human?
I'm kidding. I'm just annoyed by him. Duh, I'm jealous. Aren't you? He's an expert on EVERYTHING from History, to Geography, to Animals, and shockingly, Movies and TV. I've had enough. We've already seen the extent of his knowledge.
All in favor of letting someone else win?
I.

The Non-Sensical "No TV" Rule

2004-06-29T15:06:00.000-04:00

Two words: GET REAL. Almost everyone has a TV.
If you think that the 300+ students in your school don't wake up to TV and go to bed with TV, climb out of your cave.
More and more religious schools are jumping on the bandwagon of not accepting students with a TV in their homes. What's the outcome? They're making people lie to get their kids into a school. If they don't lie, their children end up in the one school left that takes people with TVs in their houses, and every other person who applies, which may be a bad influence on otherwise wholesome kids. These kids are wholesome if their parents refused to lie.
I believe "honesty is the best policy." That's what G-d wants from us. He doesn't want us to lie. So why would these so-called religious schools MAKE PEOPLE LIE???
In all these Bais Yaakov schools, you mention Spongebob Squarepants, half the class perks up. You mention Arthur (which is on free TV), the kids start listing the other characters on the show. That means their parents had to lie to get them into a school with a bunch of other kids whose parents had to lie.
I understand TV is not the best form of entertainment. Once you accept the children knowing they have a TV, you can try to influence them otherwise, and teach them why TV is bad. Not just that it is.
So stop making people lie. Accept people with TVs, and take it from there.

Summer Camp

2004-06-22T17:53:00.000-04:00

This time of year also reminds me of summer camp, and why I am so glad I never went. My parents always offered it to me, and almost FORCED me to go, but I refused for good reason. Who the hell wants to spend 4 long, hot weeks in a sweltering bunkhouse with 8 other girls breathing in your face all day eating greasy food? Really. What's the appeal?
In general, I have a need for space. Something some girls consider foreign. Basically, just leave me alone for a few minutes. I can't be social 24/7. Even the best need to take breaks. I also need sleep. I can't talk all night and party until 3 a.m. and be up in time for the morning prayers. Besides, who needs a counselor breathing down your back making sure you participate in every activity? Don't I sound like fun to hang around in camp??

Also, laundry is a pain in the butt. There's no TV. No downtime. No ALONE time. No independence. You play sports that you don't like...blah, blah, blah.

Okay, so why didn't I go when I can be a counselor?
Many of the aforementioned reasons. The no space factor, the greasy food, the laundry, PLUS, (no offense) rotten, spoiled, bratty campers with attitudes to match their wardrobes. Who needs it?

I am quite satisfied with my summer experiences. 2 year olds. I try not to go over the age of 3, which is when they start giving attitude, (yep, they start young nowadays). I'd honestly rather change diapers than deal with bratty tweens, or worse: teens.

"With Honors"

2004-06-22T17:30:00.000-04:00

This time of year reminds me of my high school graduation. I sat there in my seat surrounded by my fellow graduates. As they announced the names, I mentally ordered myself not to trip while walking up to get my diploma. That was not enough to block out the announcements which lit a fire of anger inside me. The 5 preceding girls' names had little memos attached to their names, "______ _______, with honors...._______ ______, with honors...and it went on to "Me, [long pause]and continued _______ _______, with honors."
Thanks a lot lady! So not only did I want to burst out crying, think about my parents, and the other 15 people whose grades weren't announced in front of 300 people. We felt like garbage. I had to face my family in the audience after the ceremony. Nobody could forget that audible silence, which seemed to say, "She didn't achieve a 95 GPA, so she's stupid..." Well, I'm SO-RRY that I couldn't memorize every Gadol's lineage back to the Avos. And every female's maiden name along the line. The other girls must have also had tough critics to face. Can you imagine what shame, guilt, and anxiety fell over us? All that horrible negative, hurtful emotion-just to honor the smart kids who already know they're smart? They can read. They see their report card, is that not good enough?
I graduated from a class of 40. According to my calculations, which might not be accurate-for obvious reasons- 15 girls didn't graduate "with honors." In which case, keep your mouth shut. If it's the other way around, go right ahead, show off, especiallyt if I'm one of them, but when it's such a majority, SHUT UP.

Construction in Brooklyn

2004-06-14T21:14:00.000-04:00

Every block I walk, there is that stupid wooden wall around a house due to construction. Houses are constantly knocked down and rebuilt fancier and nicer than the guy next door. Never mind the ridiculous "keeping up with the Joneses" attitude that the Jews basically represent at this point. My focus is WHY. Why do these people feel the need to renovate constantly? Obvously, people are responsible do what is necessary to live in a respectable, presentable home that provides your family with comfort. If you need to add an extra bedroom because people are crowded, GO AHEAD. I'm talking to the people whose homes are already extravagant, but feel the need to make it fancier, and showier. What's the point? Once again, I do not know much about psychology, but my analysis is that these people are extremely unhappy with themselves. They truly want to grow and change on the inside, but simply do not know how, or figure it would be easier to do it externally. rather than quitting speaking Lashon Hora, add more $10,000 landscaping. That will fill that void for a few hours. So to me, all these houses just display insecurity and unhappiness. Yet another proof that money does not buy happiness.

Movie Theaters-What's the Big Deal??

2004-06-13T22:51:00.000-04:00

For years, I wasn't allowed within a 1 mile radius of a movie theater because my school forbade it. That's a weak excuse, but that's for another day. There were many movies released that I saw the previews for on TV, but I wasn't allowed to go. Fine. I must admit that I learned self-control, and the fact that you can't always have instant-gratification. I waited those 6 months or whatever until the movie was released on video. Then I waited until it was a 5-night release instead of a 2-night one.
I was at a movie theater today. I saw a movie that I bet I would eventually buy/rent had I not seen it in theaters. guess what? It's the SAME movie, no matter where you see it. If anything, they put raunchier stuff on DVD than they show in the movie theater. What you see at home is the same picture as you'd see in the theater, only smaller, and the sound isn't as good. So why all the talk against movie theaters? Must I launch into the whole, "movies aren't the best thing for Jews anyway..." ? No? Good. Thanks.
I understand the environment is not great, and blah blah...it also depends on which movie you see...you get the point.

Writing A Book

2004-06-13T22:15:00.000-04:00

It seems like any Joe Schmo can write a book nowadays and have it published. I mean, just check out the clearance racks at Barnes & Noble. (By the way, it's "Noble"--neither plural nor possessive, so stop adding the "s")
Okay, that's mean. But think about it. Every day, there is a new book on the market from some new author...writing a book is no longer a feat. She wrote a book, he wrote a book...Unless you are J.K. Rowling, or one of those famous writers, you don't really matter. Unless of course, you're Madonna (proves my point) or a young child. Or you're ME.

Olsen Twins Turn 18

2004-06-13T22:04:00.000-04:00

It's kinda sad that I woke up this morning, looked at the date, and the first thing that came to mind was, "Hmm, The Olsen Twins turn 18 today." Oh, EXCUUUSE ME! Mary-Kate Olsen and Ashley Olsen.
The irony of it all? All they did to land the role on Full House, which if not for that, they wouldn't be famous, was they didn't cry when they were held by strangers.
I admit, I was even a member of "Mary-Kate and Ashley's Fun Club." Eeeww. Now I am just plain disgusted. A ditsy set of twins less than a year younger than I am have billions and billions of dollars, yet are miserable. (Check out the Papparazzi pics) and Mary-Kate hasn't eaten since she was 10.
I even had their album, "Brother for Sale" I thought it was so great. Now thinking back, without even listening to it, I remember those children are tone deaf. Oh yeah, they're adults now. So now that they official own their corporation, and know how much money they have (they always claimed to have no idea, while the rest of the world just happens to know they're worth billions each) they can do some nice charity work. And feed a small country. Bit first, themselves.

Generics

2004-06-09T14:15:00.000-04:00

I think if the companies that make generics update their packaging, their sales would increase. Some of those boxes look SO OLD! The fonts are so ugly and out of style, that I check the box-- and sure enough, it's copyright 1988. Nowadays, in such an image-concious society, nobody's buying hideous looking packaging. It's not appealing. (Actually, the people who actually care what the label looks like aren't buying genreics of anything for any reason)That's beside the point.

It's also important to realize that you can get away with some generic products, but not others. My brother wasn't feeling well one day, so I offered to get him some medicine from the medicine cabinet. I'm a good sister, right? I'm an even better sister-I ran out to Rite Aid to buy him some REAL medicine. Everything in our medicine cabinet was GENERIC! For the extra 50 cents, just buy the real thing. It's worth-- I don't know-- YOUR HEALTH!? Besides, these medications are often on sale in big drugstore chains, and with a manufacturor's coupon, it can be cheaper than the generic!

Tissues: This is my policy: If you MUST buy cheap tissues, leave those in the bathroom, and put the Kleenex or Puffs in the kicthen or bedrooms, where softness is more likely to be appreciated. Enough said about that one.

Deodorant: STAY AWAY. You know what I mean.

Pens: Maybe I only realized this because I am obsessed with writing, but cheap pens NEVER WORK! Bic is pretty reliable, and Paper Mate is okay. Those are always on sale!

Wite-out: The generics always CLUMP like bad mascara. Yuck.

Speaking of which, Make-up: They melt, clump, change colors, and anything else BAD.

I can seriously write pages about this, but hello-NERD!- so let me tell you what is OK to buy generic: Cotton balls, rubbing alcohol, Q-tips, and looseleaf paper. I can probably think up more, but you get the point. Be careful what you skimp on.

Keeping Cool

2004-06-09T14:06:00.001-04:00

It's friggin hot! Go someplace air-conditioned!
After my class this morning, I bought an iced coffee to keep me cool on my walk home. After about 5 blocks, the ice was melted, and I was still sweating like a turkey on Thanksgiving. Then I passed some people enjoying ice cream. So I ran and got some frozen yogurt, which melted faster than I can eat it. And I was still hot. It's a hopeless case. No matter how much ice cream you eat, you'll still be hot. No matter how naked you are, you're gonna be hot. I noticed people in tanks and shorts, but they were also sweating like pigs and trying to keep cool with some water that warmed up the minute they left the store.
Then the "wind" blew HOT air on me! eew!
Just wait 'till it starts smelling like garbage.

Celebrities in Commercials

2004-06-08T21:58:00.000-04:00

At first I had the idea that your career is in the tubes if you're on a commercial, and they don't flash your name all over. Like in the L'Oreal commercials, they flash "Jessica Biel" across the screen throughout the thing, as if to say, "Look who we paid to endorse our products!" Now I realize it's the opposite. Heather Locklear? Who cares about her so much? That's why her name is on the screen in whatever she's endorsing. But in Halle Berry's commercials for Cover Girl if I'm not mistaken, you're expected to know who she is. In fact, on the Jell-o commercial, you only hear Bill Cosby's voice, and you know it's him. That's what I call famous. The Kelly Ripa commercials for Pantene Pro-V...who watches Live anyway? j/k. My favorite commercial-the one that planted the idea in my head that your career is BAD when you're in a commercial without the company forcing your name down the viewer's throat, is the one for the Crest Whitestrips. I'm probably the only idiot who noticed that one of the three girls sitting there is Brittany Daniel who once starred on Sweet Valley High. Poor kid had to do a commercial, WITH OTHER PEOPLE who are complete unknowns...I'm over it though. She's in a movie soon, I think. Ha.

Oh! That reminds me of the Glad girl starring as Janet in the Three's Company documentary thing. That was comical. For another day.

Mind Your Own Business

2004-06-03T17:47:00.000-04:00

I was shopping for groceries today, minding my own business, like we all should. A woman came up to me and politely whispered, "I don't know if you realize, but your skin is showing." (My shirt had ridden up to expose 1 cm of my skin) "Thank you," I responded with a smile. Inside, I was furious.
She did it in a nice way, no doubt. She was even Dan L'Kaff Zechus, saying that maybe I didn't realize. I also noticed that she was dressed completely B'Tznius herself, which is extremely respectable. Nothing tight, nothing short, it was all good.
She's lucky I was polite. I know other girls that would have lashed out at her and told her that she should mind her own business, and work on herself before she tells others what to do. I think she did a nice thing by trying to up the Tznius in the commmunity. I just think she took a big risk.
Know any good hit men? j/k.

TV vs. Spirituality

2004-06-03T17:35:00.000-04:00

In my Bais Yaakov high school, one of my teachers presented an entire class based on the following statement: "If you watch TV, there is no possible way that you are a sprirtual person." She elaborated and explained that if a girl claims that she is not effected by what she sees on TV, she is not effected by the daily tragedies that Bnei Yisrael suffer. If the girl says she is affected by what's going on, then she is surely affected by TV. I was good. I kept my mouth shut for once. After all, she did say, "If there is anyone in this class who watches TV or listens to Goyish music, I don't want you in my class." Yeah- I'll just walk out. Duuuuhhh.
I understand that TV is definitely not ideal. We're in Galus, people. So just because I watch TV, that means I don't daven every day? I don't think about spiritual matters? I don't have a conscience? I don't have Derech Eretz? I don't dress B'Tznius? I don't value Torah? I definitely respect people that don't watch TV, but I am not interested in making that commitment.
Why is it so hard to believe that some people watch TV for entertainment value, or as an outlet from all this judgemental garbage?
Watching TV does not guarantee the absence of my spirituality or personal growth.

Slits- part 1

2004-06-01T21:56:00.000-04:00

I am so addicted to this blog...last one for today. Really.

I've been told that slits are assur. That's for another day. I noticed, though, that there are many girls out there who refrain from wearing slits, but look even sluttier than they would if they would wear a slit. When a girl is walking around with a skirt that shows each butt cheek move as she does, (no exaggeration), her knees are exposed with every step, and she wears high heels that cause her (I'm giving her the benefit of the doubt-blame it on the shoes) to strut around like she's on a runway, a slit is looking pretty darn good at this point. I recently noticed a girl wearing a long black skirt with an 8" slit in the back, but she looked good and modest. She wasn't shouting, "look at me!!!" with her clothes, she was just walking. Plain walking. Don't get me started on the tops these girls wear! My conclusion: Just because you avoid slits, you're not that tzniusdik (modest)

P.S. Obviously, some people don't wear slits, or dress as described above. All the power to you!

Internet. Is it Assur?

2004-06-01T21:23:00.000-04:00

I'm so sick of all this talk about the Internet being assur. The Jewish Observer published an issue illustrating the dangers of the internet, but the ads in that very issue contained websites for contact. Nice one. When an astute reader pointed out that tremendous inconsistency to them, the Jewish Observer released a statement that the internet is really Assur, but it is allowed for business ONLY. Come on. If you're SO frum that you think the internet is truly Assur, then you're frum enough to have enough Bitachon in Hashem that He will provide for you without the use of the internet.
The people that are allowed to use it for business have the same opportunity to look at pornography as the same guy who is doing it in an "Assur" way, by not using it "because he needs it for business."
So don't give me this "only for business" story.

Motherhood in Hollywood

2004-06-01T20:53:00.000-04:00

Julia Roberts is pregnant with twins. Funny that they announced this today-the day after I had the idea to write about "Motherhood in Hollywood." I think this all started in 1996 when Madonna announced she was pregnant. Once her daughter Lourdes was born, and then Rocco in 2001, celebrity women took that as a license to have children. Look at the results: Sarah Jessica Parker, Cynthia Nixon, Marcia Gay Harden, Holly Marie Combs, Brooke Shields, Reese Witherspoon, Courteney Cox Arquette, Catherine Zeta Jones, Denise Richards, Kate Hudson, Debra Messing, Kate Moss, Calista Flockhart...and now Julia Robrets. Shocker. She has to keep up. Who's next? Sandra Bullock, I bet. Or Jennifer Aniston just so everyone will shut up about her having a baby already.
Who's complaining? Thanks to them, maternity clothes are finally wearable. The Gap Maternity line-a blessing from above.
My unprofessional psychoanalyis of this craze: All these famous women don't know who loves them for who they are, and not for their celebrity, their money or their bodies. If they have kids, they are loved unconditionally from someone. Their kids love them whether they're famous or not. I guess all those pets didn't cut it.

The Elite Bais Yaakov Girl

2004-05-31T16:34:00.000-04:00

A girl I know told me this story, and I couldn't help but repeat it.

When I was applying for a Bais Yaakov high school in brooklyn, I was told, "We are only accepting the Elite Bais Yaakov girl." The principal proceeded to list the things that are forbidden. "Girls in this school do not watch TV, go to the movies, go to Broadway shows, listen to non-Jewish music (or as the Yeshivish call it- "English music"), wear short socks, wear slits, eat in the street..." She enumerated on her fingers. Had she followed me around for a week? I'm kidding. I haven't been to a movie since 1996, (101 Dalmations!!)and have absolutely no interest in seeing a Broadway show. So I lied through my teeth (oops)- something I never do. I told her that I was giving up TV, selling my CDs, and I am ready to change. I am ready to become a new woman. Ha. She reluctantly accepted me, on the condition that I do not break any of the rules. If I would, I'd be kicked out. So I was good little citizen- wore knee socks every day, never wore a stitch of make-up...the whole bit. Ironically, though, girls that were accepted after I was showed up with full faces of make-up, toting the old, "I had a wedding last night," excuse. It's like when the cleaning lady's aunts die in their old country for the 7th time that month. How many can a person possibly have?? They wore non-uniform sweatshirts with words across it, kept their buttons open, never tucked their shirts in, and wore short socks all the time. Um, HELLO?! Elite Bais Yaakov girl? Far from it. Besides the fact that they sang P.O.D. in the hallway at one point, which realy got to me, they spoke openly about the boys they were involved with. I was never involved with boys thoughout high school, but I gained that reputation anyway.
At Shabbaton, my clothing was always criticized, although there were many girls that were less tzniusdik than I was.

Who's more "elite" you tell me?

I'm not saying my friend is BETTER than these "sluts," but given the circumstances, she should not have been looked at as bad as she was. This principal should not have told her she was only accepting the "elite" Bais Yaakov girl when in fact she did the opposite.

Madonna

2004-05-31T16:08:00.000-04:00

I have a lot to say about Madonna. Doesn't everyone?
As far as her music goes, I am a huge fan. I really love her albums from the 80's. Although most of that music is from before my time, I know all the lyrics and really enjoy it. For some reason, though, since the 1998 release of the mediocre "Ray of Light," the music has just been a disappointment-with the exception of "American Pie" and "Beautiful Stranger." I bought 2000's "Music" because I was all excited for another Madonna album. Big mistake. I never listen to it. It's nothing compared to "Like A Virgin" or "True Blue"- my personal favorites--actually- anything before 1995 is my favorite. Her voice suddenly changed in 1998, and her style was transformed into trendy techno. She was much better with the tried-and-true Pop music. That's what Madonna represents. Great Pop music. Her newest release, "American Life" has not made it to my collection. After "Music," I kind of lost my faith.

Speaking of faith,on to her study of Kabbalah. Good for her. It's just a little hard to understand with little background knowledge of Judaism and the bible. It's nice that she's getting religious-I think. Poor little Rocco, though. He had a Christening and an Upsherin. The poor boy will have SUCH an identity crisis...I feel it already. Then again, so did his mother.

As far as her social life--I see she likes to mix it up.Fine by me. Who wouldn't wanna hang with Gwyneth Paltrow one day, and Britney Spears the next? By the way, that kiss between her and Britney-What's the big deal? Why did that generate so much attention? Who cares? Britney and Madonna kissed-yahooey cabooey. Get a life people, please. 2 women kissed- I hate to break it to you, but that happens every day, believe it or not. Ellen DeGeneres, Rosie O'Donnell, Tammy Lynn Michaels, Melissa Etherige...if any of these women want action- that's what it entails, and nobody goes crazy. But back to her friendship with Britney Spears-I guess you can compare it to Ashton and Demi in a weird way. I remember when Britney was just becoming famous, she always said that Madonna was her role model and idol. So good for her. Everyone wants to be friends with their idols, and the idols surely want to be friends with their admirers, especially when they're filthy rich and will generate publicity.

That's it for now.

Bumperstickers

2004-05-30T18:03:00.000-04:00

I was casually walking through a frum neighborhood, and I noticed conflicting bumperstickers.
On one side of the bumper, there was one that proudly stated that this driver recites Tefillat HaDerech. Next to that, there was an "honor student" bumper sticker from a Yeshiva. Then, on the other side, there was a Z-100 sticker. Make up your mind, dude. You can do both, but in the privacy of your own car. What if the Rosh Yeshiva sees this car? He'll know he took in the child of a phony. If you're so proud that your son was an honor student, in a Yeshiva no less, then keep your other habits to yourself. It's a matter of priorites-do you want to win $100 that you can spend in 10 minutes, or do you want to take pride in your son's Limud Torah? Someone suggested that this person bought the car used, and simply was unable to remove the Z-100 sticker. I have seen so many that that is no longer a possibility. Nice try, though. Really.
I know this individual wants to win the $100 from the Z-Party Patrol-which I have a right to know about, since I never claimed my son to be an honor student at an extremely religious Yeshiva-but, priorities, people.