It's Lindsay

"Why are there so many songs about Rainbows, and what's on the other side?  Rainbows are visions, but only illusions.  Rainbows have nothing to hide."  --Rainbow Connection

Yup, that' her!

Well, tonight's the night!  The white-washing of another star begins.  Lindsay Lohan on Saturday Night Live is being touted as her nothing-short-of-amazing comeback.  The troubled starlet (I hate that word but it seems to fit her so well) has had her share of personal troubles over the last few years.  Drugs, arrests, parties, more drugs and arrests...  she has gone from teen queen to a major scream in a few short years. 

I'm not sure what people consider to be her "turn around" moment.  She's still dealing with the courts and probations, only a year ago she was being nasty in court, writing nasty notes on her fingernails to a judge or the press or just anyone who would pay attention to her.  She did a Playboy spread that was rumored to be so bad she had to reshoot it.  Was that the start of her "turn-around"?  I know nothing says "I've got my life together" like getting your decaying teeth capped and posing naked in a magazine.  I hear the shots were lovely, or tasteful, or just arty...  I don't really care.  That's what they say about all of the poses done by the already-famous.  If you are just a newbie off the street they can be sexy.  If you're Cindy Crawford they shoot you in black and white and say it's art.  I don't begrudge anyone for posing, might as well do it while they can air brush you sexy!  But I'm just not sure how that is supposed to begin your "comeback."  Lindsay's name is already pretty synonomous with parties, excess, and addiction.  What's nudity?  No big whoop!

I remember Lindsay as a child actress.  I used to watch Another World in high school and she was on it.  She was cute like most child actors.  As she grew, I think her parents were pretty heavy into making her a "star" and I suspect this is a lot of her problem now.  Bad parents can mess a kid up to no end.  I feel a little sorry for the kid she used to be. 

Lindsay, before the troubles, was a really good actress.  At least I thought so.  I've seen lots of her films.  "Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen," "Herbie Fully Loaded," "The Parent Trap," "Mean Girls,"--all were cute and she was good.  I almost always sit down to watch at least part of "Freaky Friday" when it's on, it's one of those movies you catch on a Sunday afternoon and the next thing you know it's 2 hours later and you're all like, "Oh crap!  I forgot to go to church!"  Somewhere around the time "Prairie Home Companion" came out, Lindsay started to get more of a reputation for her off-set behavior and her on-set absences.  Then I began not to care about her films anymore and, eventually, just shunned anything she was in. 

Now, according to her anyway, she is more of a "homebody" (since, um, they MADE her be one with house arrest?) and we should trust her comeback.  As she tells this to Matt Lauer, all I can focus on is her bloated face and lips and the fact that she looks nothing like Lindsay Lohan!  It's like the plastic surgery gurus got ahold of her and did a really bad job on her face!  Unfortunately, just one more sign she is no where near the Zen version of herself.  I think she's just a desperate person who is lucky to know someone willing to give her a break on SNL.  I actually hope she does well.  I may watch, at least the first half.  I liked her on there years back when she hosted.  You know, back when the biggest question was why she was lying about getting implants!

Idol Fever? Or Just a Bad Rash?

"You could have men landing on Mars and 'Idol' would beat it." --Robert Thompson

It's that time of year again, the holidays are over, it's not quite spring.  What's a girl to do to bide her time until the warm weather returns and you can go outside?  I know--get totally wrapped up in American Idol!

I will admit, while most people who watch enjoy the auditions, I hate that part.  I don't watch until the final 24 have been picked and it's time to get down to serious business.  Last season I took time off.  I'm undecided if I am returning this year but being one of the contestants is from the Pittsburgh area I am tuning in tonight.  I definitely have felt the bloom is off the vine and I'm surprised how many people still tune it.  However, since there's basically nothing else on I would watch except a "Big Bang Theory" rerun, I will give it a whirl.  Unfortunately, the Pittsburgh guy was second tonight so it's going to have to be fabulous to hold my attention.  He did have his Terrible Towel in his pocket though so that was amusing.  Hey, if it worked for Hines Ward on DWTS then more power to ya dude.  Yinz go n'at!!

Looking at these contestants, my husband declared the men "goobers" and took off for the upstairs.  I laughed, who says someone is a "goober" anymore?!  On second look, I've deduced my hubby is right.  If the term "goobers" ever fit a group of guys, this group has the potential to live up to it.  Not a Daughtry in sight here!  The first guy sang "Moves like Jagger" as if he were a lounge singer.  The Pittsburgh guy was next. He did have a cute dog at home though so that should win him some votes as well--people love pets even if they don't love the Steelers.   I don't know what he sang as I was distracted by his Terrible Towel and his porn 'stache.  Dude named Jeremey just sang something that I don't know and Steven Tyler is loving it (which I have found means very little, he is the Paula Abdul of lovely comments since he started).  I thought this guy was ok.  Randy thinks he's a "san-ger" (which to him is cooler than a "singer").  I've heard him say that before.  He says a lot of things repeatedly.  Jennifer Lopez just looks really good and her cleavage is covered up for the most part, unlike her Oscar look, so I can hear what she says.  She likes him too.  Eh?  Whatever, I'm not so impressed.

I suspect I'm in for a long night.  Still, despite the lackluster crop of crooners, I'm sure Idol will rock the Nielsens and be the ratings hit of the night.  Not sure I'm going to be able to hang tight tonight!  I'm in it for the Pittsburgh guy whose name I still haven't learned.  Then again, maybe I will just go to YouTube and watch some Pittsburgh Dad instead... 

 Oh, wait!  A guy named Aaron Marcellus is singing "Never Can Say Goodbye," a great Jackson 5 hit, and he is knocking it out of the park!  I've found my favorite.  Randy thinks he's great, Jennifer says he's one of her favorites and Steven, well, it really doesn't matter what he thinks as he loves everyone.  I have found the winner!!  Now I can turn the channel.  And not a minute too soon.  The next guy is a self-proclaimed "country boy" and he is whistling to prove it.  Ug.

Yinz all take care!

Oscar Buzz

“When I was a boy, I always saw myself as a hero in comic books and in movies. I grew up believing this dream.”  --Elvis Presley

Ah, the magic of movies...  Who doesn't remember being a kid, seeing your first Disney movie at the drive-in or theater?  The excitement of the big screen, the room darkens, the music begins and the magic happens!  The best movies allow you to not only escape into the story but to feel the emotions of the characters, root for the heros, and decry the  villans who will "get theirs" in the end.  Movies are, for many of us, an escape into a realm of adventure and possibility.  It allows you to become the protagonist, the hero, for the duration of the film. 

The Oscars are one of my favorite awards shows.  I typically only see one or two of the nominated films prior to the awards ceremony but it doesn't stop me from choosing a favorite based on word of mouth or subject matter.  Once the Oscars are over, I typically rent or go see one or more of the films that were nominated out of curiosity.  This year, I'm certain I will be looking out for theaters showing "The Artist."  It scared me away prior to Oscar night because it was a silent movie and I wasn't sure I would be up for that.  After several recommendations from friends and the hullaballoo from last night, I'm certain I will go see it.  Plus, could that dog be any cuter?

This year, I felt the Oscars had a totally retro feel.  Billy Crystal as host is usually entertaining for me.  I didn't feel last night's performance was his best but I was entertained.  I could barely understand his lyrics in his beginning number but I do enjoy his humor so the rest of the night was good.  I thought it got better as it went on.  Chris Rock, wearing his best Esperanza Spalding hairdo, was hilarious as usual and my favorite presenter.  I'm loving the afro, on both him AND Esperanza, and it's a trend I hope is here to stay for a while!  I had to leave the room during those crazy Cirque du Soleil acrobats though.  They really weired me out!  Freakishy bendy people are not my cup of chai!

My favorite part of last night, however, had to be the excitement of the "new people" who won.  I absolutely LOVE when a first time winner is announced, even if it's for "set decoration" or some catergory I know nothing about.  Unlike the famous-faced actors who tend to have speeches prepared and are poised and predictable, the first time unknowns are often so appreciative and so hysterical, I am often crying by the end of their speeches.  While many people may not appreciate the "filler" catergories, I love the chance to people watch!

My "close second" favorite part of the night, actually probably a tie, was the guy who won for the Descendants (not sure what category) making fun of Angelina Jolie's leg pose!  What the heck was she DOING anyhow???  We get it, your dress is slit to there and your leg is toned and really REALLY white. Personally, I think she just stuck it out there so you wouldn't notice those grossly-skinny arms.  And she did it ALL NIGHT!  I'm guessing wine had something to do with it. I loved that 10 minutes after that laughable moment, Angelina's leg had it's own Twitter account!  Hysterical!

But enough about the movies and the show itself.  What I'm REALLY in it for is the fashion and the people watching!  I sat down at 5 pm and turned on E! for the Red Carpet Parade and watched until the Oscars began!  Oh, how those three hours fly by!  While my daily wardrobe consists of JCPenney sweaters and comfy pants, I am a fashionista at heart!  I have been pleasantly surprised this awards season by the overall lack of bad taste.  From the Emmys to the Grammys and all the way to the Oscars, fashion has been fabulous this year!  Last night did not disappoint!  While, yes, some people were not looking their best, most were very Oscar-presentable!  Here are some of my favorites (only the ladies though, sorry gents!):

Best Overall:  Stacy Kiebler.  George Clooney's arm candy looked anything but cheap in her fabulous Marchesa gown!  I saw it on a model at the Marchesa show and Stacy looked even better!  It helps that she's like 6 feet tall and all legs but that gown was EXQUISITE! 
Second Runner Up:  Gwenyth Paltrow.  Stunning in that all-white, form fitting dress with a fricking CAPE!  Not many capes end up on the best dressed list but that thing was FABULOUS!!!

Best Color:  Penelope Cruz in her gray-blue Armani gown actually made me gasp.  Love, love, LOVE that color!  Her dress and hair were lovely, but that color was stunning!

Best Jewelry:  Viola Davis' bracelet!  A large silver cuff, similar to the one Gwenyth wore but more detailed.  I want it.  I need it.  I may try to steal it...

Best Hair:  Well, since we're already talking about her, Viola Davis again!  She went au natural, saying beforehand her husband was encouraging her to leave her wig at home.  I waited with baited breath to see what she would do.  That close-cropped do just added to her beauty, if you ask me!  Then again, like I said before, I'm all about the afro and think she's a lady who can pull of natural hair with style and grace.  She should consider just growing it out.  Or leave it as is, it's just fantastic!
Second Runner Up:  Jessica Chastain.  Her auburn locks were styled in a loose, tousled curls was beautiful.  I wish that was my hair.  I'd let everyone touch it just once!

Best Cleavage:  Jennifer Lopez.  Not in her "did I have a nip slip?" dress.  That thing had these cups in it that made her look to me like she had her regular boobs and then a separate set.  It was strange.  I loved, however, the purple frock she wore to the Vanity Fair party.  I'm not sure who made it but her lady parts looked good!

Best Dress From Behind:  Rooney Mara's dress was strange from the front.  I didn't understand the flaps on the bodice and it hurt my eyes!  But, from behind, that thing was magnificent! 

Some of my other favorite looks of the night:  Kate Mara in Elie Saab, Maya Rudolph in Johanna Johnson (that dark purple was gorgeous!), Octavia Spencer (girl knows how to dress a fuller figure!)

Big Misses: Melissa McCarthy (she should call Octavia), Missi Pyle (not a nice color or style, even if it WAS made from cruelty-free silk worms!  eh...), Anna Faris (any dress that allows me to see the reflection of the camera man does NOT get a good nod!), Sandra Bullock (not a good fit)

Least Favorite of the Night: Shailene Woodley's Valentino may have been lovely on someone 30 years older than her.  I didn't understand it at all for a 20-something starlet.  Was she afraid of the sun?  Or color?  Yikes.

Let me know what were your favorite moments of the night!  And who do YOU think wore it best?

What is that Woman Thinking?

"Women are always beautiful!" --Ville Valo, lead singer of the Finnish rock band HIM

I like to think this is one of my mantras.  (Guessing, however, I will put this mantra on hold when I write my next blog on the Oscars!)  There are an infinite number of adjectives in every language that describe women perfectly.  Not all adjectives apply to all women, if they did then all women would not be beautiful, they would be dull and repetitive.  Adjectives such as strong, self-assured, funny, smart, witty, kind--these are adjectives many of us strive to be.  But sometimes when you are working to be the above, it can be extremely frustrating to encounter the opposite in another woman.  Adjectives such as needy, weak, helpless, scared, angry, aggressive--while each of us fit these adjectives at some time or another, seeing it in others can make us less sympathetic to their plight or frustrated by their behaviors.  One of my professors once said to me, "We only hate in others what we hate in ourselves."  I think that's true.  Sometimes I feel selfish, I feel needy, I am scared or angry.  I deal with it the best I can.  But when I see it in someone else, it can bring up lots of negative emotions in myself.

Case in point, Rihanna.  In February of 2009, Rihanna was beaten and abused by her then-boyfriend Chris Brown.  While reports surfaced he, too, was beaten by her, she had the greusome picture to prove how bad a beating she had taken.  Now, I have never been beaten by a friend, boyfriend, lover, parent.  I have not lived the fear or feeling of helplessness one probably has when this is occurring.  I've never experienced such anger and aggression that I've beaten anyone else.  Nevertheless, I have known people on both sides of the coin and it is not a pretty thing.  And when I hear of it happening, it angers me.  It makes me feel mad whether it be someone I know or someone I don't.  I automatically hate the abuser.  I automatically feel compassion for the victim.  I don't need to hear details.  Details don't matter.  You don't beat another person until their eyes are swollen, their face is bruised and their mouth bloodied.  I have no sympathy for you, Chris Brown.  None now, none ever.  This man has had anger management, he has had a sentence of five years probation, at which time he is not to contact Rihanna.  In the interim, he trashed a hotel room and he is now accused of stealing a woman's iPhone.  While I suspect there is more to the iPhone incident, it's clear this man is not someone I would want to associate with, especially if I had been beaten by him.

Two weeks ago at the Grammy's, Chris Brown had what most consider a "triumphant comeback."  He performed, he was nominated for his music, and he received a standing ovation at one point.  A STANDING OVATION!  Clearly the music industry was not ready to turn their back on him.  Shamefully, they welcomed him back into the fold with open arms.  Many women were part of that ovation.  We tend to forgive.  Women are always beautiful that way.  If not always thinking clearly.

Remember above when I mentioned he was on five year's probation and ordered to stay away from Rihanna?  Well, it has been three and he's back in her orbit--back in the concert halls she performs in--back in the fold.  And who has been one of his biggest supporters it seems but Rihanna herself.  She has, in the past, told the courts she didn't mind if he were at the same event.  She didn't mind he be welcomed at these Grammys.  I wonder how she felt about the standing ovation?  Was she angry?  Sad?  Elated?  Titillated?  Hmmmm...

At the time I know how I felt.  I was angry!  Angry at him, angry at the producers of the show and the people behind the scenes in music who didn't just let him fall by the wayside!  Another full-of-himself, angry young man who has no idea he isn't the center of the universe.  I also found myself irritated, no, angry at Rihanna.  Why did she say it was ok for him to perform, to be in the same venue?  Why was she allowing this to happen?  Now, two weeks later, we hear Rihanna has cut two tracks with Chris Brown.  I know what they are, I won't listen if I can help it, I won't quote the names here.

Is it wrong to be so angry at Rihanna?  In my heart, I do understand the cycle abused women go through.  I don't want to be unfeeling or judgemental.  But it is pushing all my buttons.  All my angry, irritable buttons.  She is a horrible role model for young women everywhere.  Women are always beautiful.  She maybe doesn't know it.  Is she falling back into a bad pattern?  Is she being pushed into it?  Money talks.  The internet is abuzz with talk, with speculation about the two.  Are they an item again?  Did they record separately or together?  Will they appear to sing a duet on American Idol?  It's all the buzz the famous seek.  It's here that I find I can't find any sympathy.  No, she doesn't have to be a role model for young girls.  It's her prerogative to just be who she is, if people want to idolize her that's their business.  But young girls, especially, can't always see reality for what it is.  They may see her support of him as romantic, as giving a guy another try.  Will these same girls give their abusers another try?  Will it kill them?  Will they eventually kill themselves?  Or will they just grow up and see Rihanna as what she really is.  In my opinion, a fame-seeker who doesn't have the adjectives strong, self-assured, funny, smart, witty, or kind to describe her. 

A Twitter follower of hers made a comment yesterday that she felt Rihanna wasn't smart to go back to working with Chris Brown.  Rihanna replied with a nasty comment about the young woman's avi (her picture) being ugly.  She wasn't ugly.  Women are always beautiful.  Even when there seems little to root for, I guess you just have to try to look deeper.

Welcome to my Blog

All Around Hollywood
Are Damsels, Princes and Vultures.
We Have to Know What's Going On
POP! Goes Our Culture

Welcome to my new blog, Pop Goes Our Culture. OK, you may be saying "What happened to your old blog, where you talked about babies and children shared your knowledge about Child Development?" Well, if you followed it at all, you know I was hardly ever able to post on it. I mean, I do that stuff all day so it seemed it would be the perfect topic for a blog, right? Wrong. I was getting incredibly burned out writing it. Hence, why I hardly took the time TO write it. I felt that, if I began to write on a topic, I wanted to be true to the subject matter, be thorough, as people were using it for advice in raising children! It would take me three hours to complete one entry. Way too much stress on something that should be a joy, right?


Still, once I stopped writing it, I felt like I missed it. But what kind of blog could a person like me write that would allow me to escape for a little bit each day? That would allow me to connect with people, rather than just having people read what I have to say? What do I have in common with other people that I could blog about and maybe have a dialog? I KNOW! Pop Culture!


Most people, like myself, follow what's going on in our culture to some degree. Politics, Hollywood, Broadway-- fashion shows, football games, music! We all know what we like, we like to be entertained! And when entertained, whether it be entertainment on purpose or just being entertained by life itself, everyone has an opinion on what the heck just happened! So I'm going to use this blog to write about what I want to write about. And I'd love for it to be a two-sided coin. Like what you read? Let me know! Disagree with me? Please let me know that as well. This blog can be a dialog. Or, you can just read it, I hope you will read it, and just listen to my opinions. After all, it's what we all really want anyway!


Lastly, because I am going to use this as a two-way street (so to speak), I get to set the ground rules. Please comment as much as you want and feel free to disagree. However, do not belittle the opinions of others or use obscene language. I'm not sure who will read this. I don't want any children to be harmed in the making of this blog! Plus, I don't want you to come off looking like a total tool so keep it cool. If you comment on what I say, that's great. If you feel the need to comment on what someone else says, then keep it respectful. I will just delete anything I deem as unnecessary or vulgar so don't waste your time writing something that will get deleted. You don't want to waste your life, right?


OK, I'm going to go start dinner and then on to my first topic...