I’ve Received The Following Books For Upcoming Reviews:

ABC’s Creating The Drama To Pull In The Ratings

How many times have you seen the commercial for tonight’s episode?  You know, the one where all of the women are assassignating Rozlyn’s character?  I must have seen the advertisements several dozen times in the past few days.  All I can say is, “Those in glass houses…”

"Yes, Chris... I'm happy."

As we started off tonight’s episode, Chris Harrison announces that this was the most “dramatic” season ever.  Can we just identify and utilize a new adjective at this point?  I’m serious.  How about “theatrical” or ”sensational”?  After we are thoroughly convinced that there could be nothing more dramatic than this show, Harrison plays a clip of him hosting an on-camera interview with Jake.  During this interview, they concentrate on Tenley, Vienna and Ali.  Jake watches the footage of when he and Tenley discovered identical messages in the custom made fortune cookies and said they were a “match made in heaven.”    When asked about how he feels about seeing Ali again, he looked like he was about to burst out in tears and said, “I don’t know.  I don’t know.” 

(*hmmm… sounds like my guesses from the past two weeks may be on the right track… *)

I encourage ABC to reconsider their staffing of writers for this show.  In addition to the word “dramatic” they also recycle “controversial” annually.  This time it was used to describe the upcoming appearance of “Television’s Most Controversial Person of All 2010.”  Did Mike Fleiss want to remind his proof-readers and AP’s that it’s only February 2010 and that Rozlyn had maybe 1 day on Extra and ET?  She’ll be remembered, perhaps, in the “Best of 2010″ recaps at the end of the year… maybe.  But, she’s a flash in the pan, like Wes of Jillian’s season. 

Speaking of Wes, the cheatin’ bastard…  ABC spent entirely too much time providing footage of post season’s cast members partying it up in Vegas and on a cruise ship.  There appeared to be more hook-ups than an Alaskan season of salmon fishing.   Wes was to be found amongst the crowd bragging about his sexual appeal to the ladies.   After I barfed,  I wondered how many records he’s selling in Mexico this year.

Too offset the booze, sex and rock n’ roll, ABC then decided to preach to its audience about the importance of charitable work.   It was nice to watch, but a total waste of my time.  I really don’t need to watch Deanna Pappas chasing around a 10-year old Jose with a rose.  (*aren’t there laws about that?*)

O.K., so ABC & Mike Fleiss… let’s recap where we’ve just wasted an hour of your audience’s lives on:

• The Bachelor is DRAMATIC
• Stay tuned because the most “CONTROVERSIAL” person of 2010 will be on soon (*i wonder if Sarah Palin would agree?*)
• All of our cast rejectees are actually having a ton of fun partying it up while not in committed relationships
• Save-The-Date-Card for our frig’s:  Jason & Molly are getting married in two weeks
• Jake is obviously alone and this season was a complete waste of our time.
• P.S. Don’t forget to donate your time to charities

Moving further into the commercial-packed episode, my favorite comments from the ladies were the ones of them teasing Tenley.  Specifically one said that she “sh*ts rainbows” and Vienna said, “I think she might dream in cartoons.”  (*whistle while you work…. la la la la la la*)  Some of the ladies defended Vienna after crapping on her all season by saying, “She’s only 23 years old” and “She is a good person.”  Gia defended her by saying that some of her immaturity doesn’t make her unworthy of finding love with a great man.  I couldn’t agree more.

While panning across the bevy of beauties and their interviews, I kept going back to Kiss-Me-Not-Elizabeth’s chest.  I’m nearly certain she’s had a re-do and enlargement.   In addition, Harrison interviewed Crazy-Pants-Michelle and asked her (and the women) if ABC correctly portrayed her personality.  She down-played it, but Valisha called her out on it and told her “Maybe you’re a little emotionally unstable.”  (*that’s putting it mildly ’cause I can see the bunny boilin’*)

Eventually we get to Ali’s interview in which she basically admitted that she’d make a mistake and, YES, if she could do it over again she would.  But, she honestly thought that since Jake is a pilot that he’d come and find her if it was true love.  (*contractually is he allowed to do that?  we should ask Rozlyn the contract expert*)  Ali attempts to make amends to Vienna for being so out-right rude to her.   Specifically,  she regretted the comment that she made about Vienna having the 1-on-1 with Jake.   Ali admitted that she was disappointed in her actions.  (*i wonder if the producers directed her to say this so that she can gain fan favor before she stars as The Bachelorette?*)  She specifically apologized to Vienna and expressed that nobody deserves to be trashed like that in the tabloids and encouraged Vienna to “stay strong.”  When Harrison inquired if she would do things differently if she could go back in time, she replied, “Knowing what I know now, yes.”  (*you mean knowing that Jake picked nobody and is pining away for you?  or, Jake dumped Vienna and is pining away for you?  or, that you need to say this to gain fan favor so you can be the next Bachelorette?*)

The PA finally brings out Rozlyn.  As she makes her way down the hallway, she hears applause and comments, “I’m assuming that cheering was not for me.”  Rozlyn Papa (RP) and Chris Harrison (CH) have a battle of the wits.  But, much of the conversation has been so widely publicized in the media that there was really nothing new to learn.  To save you valuable minutes of your life, here are the highlights of the verbal smackdown:

* CH asks RP a series of rapid-fire questions…

  – Did you meet him in your hometown?  Yes, but there was nothing inappropriate about it.

  – Did anything happen?  No.

  - Did you meet him in a LA Hotel room and have inappropriate behavior?  Absolutely not.

  - So, you’re saying this is more of a friendship? Absolutely.

* After every person speaks, Roz’s standard answer is either “no,” “absolutely not,” or “on my child’s life absolutely not.”  (*later Jessie swears on her dog’s life that she saw them on the stairs making me ponder… dog’s life…? child’s life…? dog’s life…?  child’s life…?*)

* The women basically state that there were 3 “inappropriate behaviors:”

  1.  She was touching his thigh while they sat on a couch.

  2.  She was on the couch on all 4’s with her butt up in the air asking for “the staffer” to take her to bed.

  3.  She was caught making out on the staircase with “staffer.”

  4.  She was missing from her room at night and couldn’t be found.

The man who needed to take her butt to bed.

(*why on earth are we still calling him a staffer?  everybody knows it’s Ryan Callahan.  chris, just google it!*)

* RP says to CH, “Riddle me this, Chris… ” before she asks him why nothing was captured on tape.  She points out contract issues.  CH tells RP that it’s not a Las Vegas Casino open 24-hours a day and that they don’t have cameras on all the time because they were afraid of people stealing anything.

*She fires back with a comment that “staffer” claims that CH hit on his wife in New Zealand but CH doesn’t want to dignify that comment with an answer.

 

* CH likens his conversation with RP to the ones he has with his sometimes dream-like, imagnitive son when he brings up unicorns and tells her “I hope you learned a life lesson and will become a better person.  

I think a friend of mine best summed up the entire situation when she said, “I think they were friends and that the other women assumed too much.  Then, the story got out of control.”  I wonder if my friend should sit down with CH and explain that?  (*sorry, Chris!*)

(*at this point, I’m clicking back and forth between this and the bedazzled costumes of the Olympic ice-dancing competition which was far more entertaining*)

When Jake sees the ladies, he tells Gia that he was sorry and that his “heart was crying” when he said good-bye to her on the bench.  He practically bursts out in tears about Ali and tells her, “I’m sorry.  I think you are one of the most amazing women I’ve ever met and you’ll always have a friend no matter what.”  (*“never had a friend, never had a friend, like me!”  oh, snap! Tenley, get out of my head!*)

Chris Harrison asks Jake the same question that he’s asked every Bachelor and Bachelorette for years, “Are you happy?”  

She doesn't look very happy to me.

And, the always-to-be-expected-answer, “Yes, I am happy.”

(*good, now back to ice dancing and ski jumping… much more “dramatic”!!!*) 

 Stay tuned for next week’s review!

But, before I do… just another picture of the guy that Roz Papa chose over Jake:

"Karate.... CHOP! Aha! Take that, Harrison... you wife-flirter'er!"

 For prior week’s recaps:

Cast your tie-breaking votes for…

Best Dog

Here’s Charlee… 

His Mommy Shares:

Name:  Charlee (with two e’s because he wants and needs to be different)
Breed:  He’s a Keeshond, not to be confused with a little Pomeranian or a Chow Chow, and believe me that has happened.
Age:  He’s 12 going on puppy.
Gender:  And obviously from these pronouns, you’ve deduced he’s a boy, though he is neutered.

Why He’s So Loved:        I’ve included my favorite photo of him from this winter’s snow storm in his new outfit.  He just loves snow…eating it, tumbling in it, catching snowballs in his mouth, which leads to eating them, and just running around in it.  He’d live in the snow if I’d let him, but its too darn cold.  I’ve had him since I was a pup when Anna and I were in college and just had to get a dog because we were never getting married and would be old maids anyway.

Milou

Her Book-Bloggin’ Mommy Shares:

Name:Milou
Breed: Jack Russell Terrier
Age: 14 Years Old
Gender: She’s a lovely lady

Why She’s So Special: She is quite the princess and thinks she deserves to be treated like royalty.  She loves to eat, sleep and get loving.

Best Couple

Emmy & Finn…

Their Mommy Shares:

Names: Emmy & Finn
Breed: Sacred Birman 
Age:  Emmy: 2 Years Old & Finn 11 Months Old
Gender: Girl & Boy(friend)

Why They Are So Wonderful: These two kittehs are blog stars – hogging the spotlight every Tuesday at Presenting Lenore with their adorable fluffy faces and tendency to sit on everything and anything in our apartment.  They are very sweet natured and love to cuddle.  Everyone who meets them falls in love and wants to take them home!  We are so lucky to have such a loving pair.

Magellan and Penelope…

Their Mommy Shares:

Names: Magellan & Penelope
Breed: American Short Hairs
Age:  A Little Over A Year Old
Gender: Boy & Girl

Why She Is So Wonderful: Magellan and Penelope are brother and sister from the same litter.  Their other brother is black and white. He was adopted by someone else. They are the sweetest two kitties who are two peas in a pod.  Even though they may be sitting across the room from each other -they mimic each other-from their cleaning routine to their sitting pose.  Penelope loves to chatter away, making sure you are wide awake when she is at 4 AM, while Magellan likes to sleep in and sees no need to wake up until he is sure you are wide awake. 

Please cast your tie-breaking votes by 2.26.10

THANK YOU FOR VOTING!

Claire & Tori Thank You For Voting!

Tommy, Oliver & Dante Say, "Thanks For Voting Y'all!"

I missed last week’s Sunday Salon post because I was in the local mountains, Big Bear Lake.  Snow was plentiful due to the recent rains we’ve had in Southern California.  My sister, Karen, and her family, a family friend, and my family (including the pups) decided to take advantage of the holiday weekend and rent a cabin.  The twins were so excited because they haven’t snowboarded in a few years.  

The 8 of us (plus 2 dogs) had loads of fun which included great food, terrific wine, tasty cocktails & appetizers, snowboarding, sledding, cooking, watching the Olympics, decorating cookies and hitting the jacuzzi.    I was so relaxed and in the moment that I didn’t read any books the entire time I was there although I did read 2 trashy magazines and they were deliciously sinful.  (It almost felt like I was cheating on my books… the shame) 

On the last day of our trip, I took two spills on the ice.  Both times I landed in the exact same spot on the left side of my tushie and my lower back.  It ends up that I accidentally left my beloved pillow at the cabin and left my ability to walk and sit on the slippery ice.  As you can imagine, I spent Monday night and all Tuesday day/night in bed.  You see, I have broken the 3 lower vertebrate in my spine twice in my past, so my lower back is highly suseptical to future injury.  (Note to self:  Buy better snow boots).  

I went back to work on Wednesday with a pillow and in comfortable shoes.  I had to sit on my right side the entire day.    My back is now feeling much better, but my tushie is all shades of purple and fushia.  I didn’t know that bruises could be that shade of purple… so bright.  The bump that was once the size of a 1/2 pomegranate is now only raised up by 1/2″ or so and it is black and purple.  I can’t stop looking at the horror of it.  It’s the funkiest bruise I’ve ever seen.  If it wasn’t my tushie, then I would totally post it… but, I’ll spare you the horror.  I wonder what color it will turn next?

This weekend I am going to get all of my paperwork together for my tax returns and visit my nephew (aka The Stink).  Accidentally, he cut his “paw” and required out-patient surgery and a cast.  He has finally gotten his cast off, but now isn’t feeling well.  Poor baby!  I also want to clean out all of my paperwork and get organized for 2010.

Hey Y’all!!!!  TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO VOTE IN ANM’s 2nd Annual Beautiful Baby Contest.  It’s so easy… just look at cute pics and pick a favorite.  I was sad that this year we couldn’t add this beauty to the contest and my heart is with you, Florinda.   So all you have to do is click, click, click, and click!  THANK YOU!

If you are not a “Google Friend Connect” friend, I encourage you to do so today because I will be continuing to host more giveaways in the near future in addition to the two contests currently going on. 

This Week’s Reviews

This week, I reviewed:  

Prior February Reviews

Contests 

VOTE VOTE VOTE!

Enter…

On TV 

The Bachelor

Jake and Vienna… lots of thoughts out there in the blogisphere.  For this week’s recap, click HERE.

American Idol

I miss General Larry Platt andhis Pants On The Ground.    But, I am enjoying watching them pick the top 24.  I’m looking forward to it.

Modern Family

Is anybody watching this show?  I’m addicted… totally current humor.

Big Love

I was bored to tears in the first 3 episodes, but now I’m riveted by the poor choices that Bill is making. 

Hung

Did anybody see this show?  It’s another one that I’m oddly fascinated with.

The Olympics

I was horrified when I watched the film of the luge accidental death.  Why they showed it so many times was beyond me.  I most love watching the figure skating and am still getting caught up on the performances.  The moguls was something that I’ve never watched before… along with the biathalon.   Did you watch any of the Olympics?  What did you enjoy?

Anything Ghost

Ghost Adventures, Paranormal State, Ghost Hunters, Animal Planet’s Ghost Stories… any of it.   I record all of them and knit while I watch them.  That guy, Zak, on Ghost Adventures totally makes me laugh out loud.  Nice body, though…

The Bold & The Beautiful

What in the world was Bill Spencer thinking?  Can Steffie just get in a tragic accident and just be hospitalized in a coma for 1 year?  Bill is going to blow it with Katie and she’s way better than Steffie.  The drama is so out there that it’s funny!

The Rest… 

I have updated my bed with a new duvet cover and throw pillows  (I’m in love). 

Cole’s basketball team won the district championship.  The twins are already practicing for the soccer spring season.  I’m reading Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter and it’s pretty cool.  Other than that… nothing new is happening.  I can’t wait to read about what you’re all up to!

As always, my thanks to all of you for reading not only this post, but the others as well.   Your readership means the world to me!  AND, your comments are invaluable to me!

Didn’t Catch it in Hardback?

The good news is Susan Jane Gilman’s

Undress Me In The Temple of Heaven  is now available in paperback.

So, how do we celebrate?

Why… a giveaway, of course!

First… some cool book review goodies…

Author: Susan Jane Gilman
Publisher: Grand Central/Hachette
Website: www.susanjanegilman.com
ISBN #: 978-0-446-55543-2
Type: Non-Fiction/Memoir
Pages: 320 (Trade Paperback)
Purchase: $10.07 @ Amazon.Com (HERE)

The Review

I read Hypocrite in a White Pouffy Dress by Susan Jane Gilman in January 2009.  I liked that book, so much so that I gave it a 9 out of 10 rating.  Gilman’s writing in Hypocrite is very funny and I found the book to be touching and an overall good read.  Therefore, Gilman had to live up to that book in my mind, especially because of my appreciation for Hypocrite.  My expectations were high for Gilman. 

Undress Me In The Temple of Heaven has a different flavor than Hypocrite.  Whereas Hypocrite has a myriad of stories that span across Gilman’s life, Undress Me is a beginning to end story about her post-college travel to China with a college friend.  Keep in mind, this was 20+ years ago and China had just opened its doors to Westerners.  Add to this these two 21-22 year old gals from New York and it’s going to add up to some quirky adventures.  Which, it did.

This book took me a little time for me to warm up to.  It may be that I was expecting something more comical like Hypocrite.  But, once I got about 1/2 way into the book, I was really hooked on the story.  I wanted to know what happened to Susan and Claire (her friend).  By the end of the book, I couldn’t put it down until I had the ending under my belt. 

Another thing to state about this book is that I learned quite a bit about China that I never knew before.  She has a remarkable memory to be able to write this book 20+ years after the fact with such clarity.  My favorite scene is when she goes to the Great Wall of China (see below).  Also, the readers really get to know all of the characters in this story very well!  To me, that makes a story.  I regretfully cannot go too much more into the review without spoiling the story.  But, if you’re a Gilman fan, you’ll enjoy this read.

For a more detailed review of this book, click HERE.

Author: Susan Jane Gilman
Publisher: Grand Central/Hachette
Website: www.susanjanegilman.com
ISBN #: 978-0-446-67577-2
Type: Non-Fiction/Humor 
Pages: 205 (Trade Paperback)
Purchase: $10.36 @ Amazon.Com (HERE)

The Review

After reading Hypocrite In A White Pouffy Dress and Undress Me In The Temple of Heaven, my Susan Jane Gilman obsession would not be complete without reading Kiss My Tiara.  This book is for every feminist, sassy-mouth, liberated, and intelligent woman out there.  Gilman encourages her female readers not to subscribe to the world’s view of how we “should be.”  Based on her opinion of the superiority of the female mind, she concludes that women as the perfect choice to rule the world.  I can’t find any logical reason to argue with that!

And, just how do we do that?

We get comfortable in our own skin.  We find beauty in the creation that we are.  Gilman states, “And so we women end up believing on some level that we’re only beautiful if we’re under forty years old and 110 pounds.  We end up believing that, in order to be beautiful, we’ve gotta treat our bodies and faces like Humpty-Dumpty, delicately smashing them up and trying to put them back together again-except better this time.”

One of Gilman’s greatest suggestions in the book is…

“Do not calm down.  Practically every women’s magazine I know has advised women to reduce stress by lighting candles, meditating, taking bubble baths, and “visualizing a safe, nuturing place” whenever we get upset.”

-and-

“If we’re stirred up about something, chances are it’s because there’s a good reason.  Let’s blow out the candles, get up, get out, and take action.  Ultimately, it will keep us happier and healthier than any narcotizing soak with Mr. Bubble.”

Touche, Susan Jane Gilman, Touche!

It’s a women’s book of anthems of self-expression and self-acceptance.  I laughed out loud and decided to be more accepting of myself.

You Have A Chance to Win 1 of 5 Copies Of Undress Me In The Temple of Heaven
- or -
Be The Grand Prize Winner and Win a Copy of All of Susan Jane Gillman’s Books! 

FTC Disclosure: This book was provided to me from the publisher. All giveaway prizes are provided by the publisher. Clicking on the either the photo of the book cover or the link next to the purchase price stated above will bring you to my Amazon Affiliate page. No purchases are necessary.