As I’ve mentioned before, I grew up on re-runs, and 70’s shows that were originals back in the day. I loved The Dick Van Dyke Show, Happy Days, Mork & Mindy, Laverne & Shirley, and The Odd Couple.

These are all classics by the well-known director, writer and producer Gary Marshall who won this years Legend award on the TV Land Awards.

When you get teary eyed at the applause for Henry Winkler you know you’ve been brainwashed by Gary Marshall. There are some of us on this earth that have a sort of unexplainable connection with classic sitcoms. Awards presentations like this one can make us laugh, cry or remember what we were doing the moments we first watched the shows we grew up with. Dick Van Dyke, Jack Klugman, Penny Marshall, Cindy Williams, and Henry Winkler presented the Legend Award to Mr. Marshall and every presenter earned a standing ovation.

Robin Williams introduced Jonathon Winters, giving him the Pioneer award. Their comedic banter and friendly demeanor with one another was great to watch. It was two of the best improv comedians together on the small screen again. You might remember them from when Mork & Mindy had a baby on the show. Remember Orkans aged backwards so Winters was an older and oversized baby for Robin Williams and Pam Dawber’s characters.

For me this was when they had their “jumping the shark” moment but Winters and Robin had a rapport that made it work, even though the storyline took a bit of a dive. Check out this funny clip via youtube, of Jonathan Winters outtakes during an ice cream bar commercial:

I could go on and on about the awards ceremony, from Roseanne to Justin Timberlake; yes Justin Timberlake, he was there to present Mike Myers with the Lucile Ball Legacy of Laughter Award. Of course they both plugged their upcoming film The Love Guru. I’m not sure what I think about that one yet.

From Lionel Richie to the Golden Girls, the room was full with a varied list of performers. I’ll let you browse the TV Land Award site for yourself. They give you an all access pass with photos, articles, videos from the show, and great backstage clips. Their site makes it fairly simple to find out who won and who attended.

My favorite part of the show was Vanessa Williams performing an opening number where she continued with the flying theme from years before. The audience was entertained by Doc from Love Boat, Jimmie Walker, Beaver Cleaver, Gary Coleman, Gilligan’s Maryanne, Nellie Olsen, Horshak, and even Greg Brady was able to fly over viewers with the happy thoughts of margaritas.

The idea that I’m thrilled to watch a taped awards presentation in hopes of seeing familiar faces from favorite retro shows, makes me stop and wonder what I’d be like if I never had a TV growing up in the first place. I don’t dare ponder that thought for too long. How about you? Did you watch the TV Land awards? If so, who were you happy to see this year?

As a kid who loved re-runs, I would rush to the TV whenever Jack LaLanne came on. I’d grab a dining room chair like he told me to and follow along as he showed me leg lifts, bends, and squats. I’d listen to him talk about the importance of a healthy diet, and watch him whip up honey banana desserts. This was the early 70’s, but his show began in 1951. “The Jack LaLanne Show” ended in 1985, becoming the longest running television program devoted to exercise and nutrition. In the early years, his audience was made up of mostly housewives, and Jack always referred to the viewers as “his students.”

In 1936, LaLanne, known to many as The Godfather of Fitness, opened up his own health club in Oakland, CA. He designed many of the first weight machines, and pulley systems that are now standards in the fitness industry.

Jack LaLanne has created many inventions including the Smith Machine, the Power Juicer, and numerous products such as vitamin supplements, DVD’s, and books. He has appeared in movies, and recorded songs with Connie Haines.

In my opinion, Jack LaLanne is a modern day superman. With amazing feats of strength, a star on the walk of fame, and a list of famous quotes to inspire the masses, he motivates people with his healthful lifestyle and enduring positive outlook on life. He is 94 years old now and still living what he teaches when it comes to overall health, exercise, and nutrition. To find out a bit more about Jack LaLanne take a look at the questions I asked him and the answers he sent back to me.

HIH:  When you created the first nationally syndicated exercise show on television, did you imagine you would become such a celebrity icon?

JL: No, I just wanted to help people get in shape.

HIH: You have accomplished many super human feats such as when you were 40 in 1954 you swam the length of the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge underwater with 140 pounds of equipment, including two air tanks… an undisputed world record. At age 70 you were handcuffed, shackled and fighting strong winds with currents, towed 70 boats with 70 people from the Queen’s Way Bridge in the Long Beach Harbor to the Queen Mary. Who came up with the idea to do these things and what did your wife think about them? I know I’d be a bit concerned if my husband wanted to swim handcuffed and shackled, even in our backyard pool.

JL: I came up with all the ideas. Yes she was concerned and she says if I try another feat she’ll divorce me. I might have to defy her: my next feat is to tow her across the bathtub.

HIH: One of your LALANNEISMS is “Exercise is King, nutrition is Queen, put them together and you’ve got a kingdom.” Many people say that you can get away without exercise if you focus on eating the right foods. What do you think about that statement?

JL: You can’t have one without the other. You’re lopsided.

HIH: I’ve heard you say that fattening, sugary foods don’t appeal to you. Are you ever tempted to wake up in the morning and start your day with coffee and a donut?

JL: Are you kidding? ABSOLUTELY NOT! Never had a cup of coffee in my life. And the only thing good about a donut is the hole in the middle.

HIH: Before becoming a health conscious individual you said you were a sugarholic and a junk food junkie. Americans are trying to stop their sugar addictions but they are using chemical sweeteners instead. What is your opinion of sugar substitutes?

JL: No comment.

HIH: There is a lot of controversy and concern these days about athletes and steroid use. Do you think extreme measures such as steroids, and plastic surgery changed the way people view health and fitness?

JL: Taking steroids is like going to bed with a rattlesnake; it’s got to get you. Plastic surgery is up to the individual.

HIH: You have always included a positive mental outlook as an important component to a healthy lifestyle. Do you think Americans have gotten better at doing this or are they still trying to do things apart from each other rather than putting it all together?

JL: All I have to say is some do, some don’t. We still have a lot of out of shape Americans.

HIH: Your grandson Chris LaLanne is featured on your website. Does he have ambitions similar to yours?
JL: Chris is my grandnephew. He does have similar ambitions. He is opening a LaLanne Fitness Center in San Francisco.

HIH: I noticed you have a radio show on Voice America via your website. What is that about and how can we tune in?

JL: Go to www.jacklalanne.com and click on the Radio link. You can also get the archives of our past shows through that link.

HIH: My last question comes from my 7 year old daughter. I’ve introduced her to your television show on DVD and we are now both your “students”. She asks, “What is your favorite color?”

JL: Red, black and silver

credit for above color photo of Jack by Morro Rock to Brian Smith. 

In honor of Father’s Day this Sunday, the topic for this Friday is 5 of my favorite TV fathers:

1. Little House on the Prairie

There isn’t a dreamier dad on retro TV than Pa Ingalls. With his rugged look, and ability to break into tears at the drop of his prairie hat, Michael Landon not only starred as Laura Ingalls father in one of the 70’s greatest television shows, he also kept viewers tuned in every week.

2. My Three Sons

With his quirky attitude, his friendly demeanor and soft spoken voice, Fred MacMurray played Steve Douglas the widower taking care of his three sons in a time period where it was thought men couldn’t possibly do such a thing without the help of a female partner in the house. Of course Uncle Charley was always around to help out and get breakfast on the table in a very military like fashion.

3. Happy Days

Tom Bosley played the part of Howard Cunningham; one of the funniest dads to watch week after week. I mean the poor man had a guy like The Fonz walking into his kitchen everyday without a moment’s notice. Lots of laughs watching this guy try to get a break with his slippers and coffee in the morning while dealing with the antics of Joanie, Chachi, Potsie and Ralph Malph. Good thing Arnold’s was nearby so Howard could have a moment or two alone in his armchair.

4. Bill Cosby

Now I have to admit I think I liked watching Bill Cosby more on Fat Albert when I was a kid but watching him as a father on The Cosby Show was entertaining too. He brought the humor of his standup comedy to this show and his agreeable, fatherly image earned him the nickname of “America’s Dad”. Anyone else want a Jell-O pudding pop?

5. Wait Till Your Father Gets Home

Tom Bosley is on the list again at the number 5 spot for the animated series, Wait Till Your Father Gets Home. Lending his voice over talent to the character Harry and dealing with his liberal wife Irma, unemployed young adult son Chet, heavyset daughter Alice and intelligent younger son Jamie he has a lot to do when he gets home from his hard day at work. Not to mention the craziness of his ultra-right winged neighbor Ralph Kane.
If you don’t remember this show here are the words to the theme song to jolt your memory a bit.

Alice: I love my mom and my dad and my brothers too, and the groovy way we get along.
Chet: Every time the slightest thing goes wrong, Mom starts to sing this familiar song.
Irma: Wait till your father gets, until your father gets, wait till your father gets home.
Chet: Dad’s not so bad and he seldom gets mad.
Alice: And we’re not about to desert him.
Irma: Kids today like to have things their way, and what Daddy doesn’t know won’t hurt him.
Alice: I think Mom is swell.
Chet: But she starts to yell.
Alice: Every time we have a fuss.
Irma: Just wait till your father gets, until your father gets, wait till your father gets home.
Alice: (chuckles) See what I mean?
Irma: Wait till your father gets home.
Alice and Chet: We know.

My favorite father not on TV, is of course my dad. He’s the kind of guy people look up to, the type of man that demands attention and respect when he walks in the room. A father that can tell stories and everyone wants to listen, about his childhood, highschool days, and even the uncomfortable ones of being in Vietnam as a soldier in the United States Army. My dad is a fan of John Wayne and so to honor him I created a fun photo with the magic of Photoshop. I entitled it JIM WAYNE.
Happy Father’s Day Dad!

Thanks to the power of ichat, I talked with Arvid Nelson in New York. He is the clever writer of the original comic book miniseries Rex Mundi, published by Dark Horse Comics.

ARVID: Hullo, Suzanne

HIH: Hello! I know you must be busy, so I’ll break right into some Rex Mundi questions for you.

ARVID: Let’s do it!

HIH: Do you call Rex Mundi a graphic novel or a comic? I’m not an avid comics reader but I see a distinction between the two. Is there one?

ARVID: Actually, no, there isn’t any difference! Not in my mind, anyway. “Graphic novel” sort of implies something longer, something “serious” with more literary merit.
I have no idea what the hell Rex Mundi is. I’m happy to call it either.
Comics are in a weird, transitional state right now.

HIH: When I think of comics I think more of an X-Men or Batman but I think it is the literary merit of Rex Mundi that stands out, for me anyway.

ARVID: Fewer and fewer people are reading single issues. It’s becoming more common for people to “wait for the trade”, that is, to wait for the collected, perfect-bound edition of the single issues.
I really try my best with Rex Mundi, to make it meaningful and relevant. I hope it’s a little bit above-average, in terms of its thematic content. But I try to make it fun to read, too.

HIH: Are you working on the last book now or is that finished already?

ARVID: I’m right in the middle of writing the last few issues–but I’ve had it all pretty clear in my mind for a long, long time now. It’s more like executing a computer program than anything else at this point!

HIH: Did you always want to write comics/graphic novels or was this something that evolved through another form of writing?

ARVID: Oh, it evolved, to be sure!
I wanted to make films at first. I still do. I even worked on a Woody Allen movie my summer after college.
It was a great experience, but it occurred to me I wasn’t doing anything creative. I was locking down sets, getting coffee, wrangling extras, that sort of thing.
It’s not like anyone says “hey, that guy is so good at getting coffee–let’s let him direct the next movie we’re gonna make!”
At least, I don’t think so. So, I dropped out and started writing.
Comics (or graphic novels) were just an inexpensive way of telling a story that would be very expensive to film!

HIH: Speaking of film, there are rumors all over the internet about Johnny Depp’s production company Infinitum Nihil doing a movie of Rex Mundi. Some say he might be starring in the film. I can see him playing the role of Julien, in fact the character looks a lot like Johnny, especially after seeing him work on the movie Public Enemies, also set in the 30’s. Will you be involved in taking your series from the page to the screen?

ARVID: The rumors are true!

HIH: Congratulations! That must be exciting!

ARVID: Yeah, it’s great… and totally surreal, too. I mean, I don’t have any frame of reference for this. There’s not really anyone I can go to for advice or… whatever.
I mean, I actually like Johnny Depp. I think he’s absolutely one of the best actors alive right now. So creative and different, not afraid to be a weirdo.
It’s just such an honor when someone you respect that much is interested in your own little story.

HIH: I wouldn’t call Rex Mundi a little story.

ARVID: hah! Well, thank you.

HIH: You pretty much re-wrote history in such a creative way.

ARVID: I guess what I mean to say is that it’s so personal to me.
I had the idea for Rex Mundi while visiting Paris–the first and only time I’ve been there.
I was looking at a church, St. Germain des Pres (I’m sure I’m butchering the name), and someone told me it was over a thousand years old.
A thousand years!
I had an idea about an other-worldly Paris. A Paris that looked very Art Deco and modern on the outside, but at its core was dark and medieval.

HIH: I love that about the books, the noir style.

ARVID: Yeah, French movies from the 1930s were a big inspiration for me.

HIH: Mystery, romance, and noir style combining European Old World with the 30′s.

ARVID: Totally! Movies like Quai des Orfevres, Quai des Brumes, and La Bete Humaine.

HIH: I take it you speak French?

ARVID: I speak comme un Neanderthal, but my accent is very good.
I’m able to fool native French speakers for about ten seconds or so.

HIH: That’s 10 seconds more than most Americans.
You obviously did a lot of historical research to be able to re-write it the way you did, was this a daunting task?

ARVID: You know, not really. I mean, if I’d stopped to think about it, I might have gotten intimidated, but I was always so focused on the particular book I was reading, sucking it dry of anything of use, that it never even occurred to me to feel daunted.
Doing all the research and background for Rex Mundi was a very happy time.

HIH: Sounds like you have a thirst for knowledge just like Julien.

ARVID: I’d definitely say so. Julien is an idealized version of myself, in a lot of ways.
I find writers tend to do that–make their main characters simulacrums of themselves.

HIH: Going back to making Rex Mundi into a film, it seems to be hit or miss with comics being made into movies. Sometimes they water it down so that the mainstream public will go see it. Do you have concerns about them staying true to the storyline and characters?

ARVID: If it were anyone but Johnny Depp, I might be worried.
But he and the producers have such a good handle on it.
I feel very positive about it. I’m quite lucky!
It’s been a long, weird quest.

HIH: Did being in France and seeing the thousand year old church spark your interest in Secret Societies or were you already interested in them?
It seems that with the Da Vinci Code, and movies like National Treasure and many others out there it’s on people’s minds lately.

ARVID: I went to an Ivy League school, Dartmouth, and there are secret societies there. Plus my dad teaches at Yale. Skull and Bones and all that.
It’s such a wonderful idea, isn’t it? That if you only knew the right code, the right handshake, all the secrets of the world would open themselves up to you…

HIH: Johnny Depp wears a skull and bones ring.
It’s all the fashion now, even Hello Kitty wears skull and bones I think.

ARVID: Ah ha! The skull and bones… my understanding is that it was a symbol of the Knights Templar, and of the Masons. I believe it’s a symbol of enlightenment, of symbolic death and rebirth.

HIH: In your historical research did you feel there was any truth to the idea of magic in high places?

ARVID: You know, I recall something Jesus said–you don’t hide a light underneath a bushel.
To be sure, secret societies have affected the course of history in the past–but the truth–the magic–is available to everyone and everyone. It’s always within reach, if you just know how to look for it.

HIH: I need to know! LOL

ARVID: My mother practices shamanism; she goes down to Ecuador a lot to learn from the native healers there. I guess she and my dad instilled a pretty holistic understanding of religion.
I believe the truth can be found in any one of the texts of the great religions of the world–Muslim, Buddhist, Christian, Bahá’í–it’s all there for the taking.

HIH: Yes, I believe religion is a bit like food.

ARVID: Me too! But I’d be interested to hear your version of the metaphor.

HIH: Food comes from all over the world, we can all share the same types of food or we can not like some so much, it doesn’t always appeal to everyone but it all nourishes us the same way.
Food for the soul so to speak

ARVID: Yes! And–I would say that all food has an expiration date. I mean, Buddha himself said that his teachings would become corrupted and worthless after 500 years.

HIH: Never thought of that, but I can see what you mean.

ARVID: That’s not to say there isn’t a lot of profound wisdom to be gleaned from the Tripitaka or the Gospel or what have you…
But those things were written a long, long time ago. The world is very different today. Some things are enduring and transcendental, but some things, the social teachings or specific dogmas, just seem a little silly in view of the modern world. :0
HIH: What is next for you after the last book of Rex Mundi is out on bookstore shelves?

ARVID: Good question! I’m working on a few things right now.
One is Zero Killer, another comic book. That’s being published right now.
I’m also working on a fantasy novel based on my love of Celtic and Scandinavian folklore and mythology.
That, and a story called “Quickwater”. Quickwater’s a little hard to explain…

HIH: I’m interested in all of those, especially the Scandinavian mythology novel.

ARVID: Thanks! It’s equally inspired by my love of heavy metal.
It’s probably the only form of popular music that’s stayed consistently interesting since it began!
There are a lot of great bands out there today. The novel I’m working on was formulated, at least in part, by all the church burnings in Norway in the 90s.

HIH: Ahh I see the connection now.

ARVID: Yeah, have you seen those old stave churches in Sweden and Norway? Literally the most beautiful things ever created by the hands of humans.
The idea of someone burning them down is just too awful. But it got my mind going…

HIH: I have some old photos of churches from my Swedish Great Grandfather’s collection.
I wish my mind would get going like yours does. Of course many people have great ideas but a true writer knows how to rewrite. Did you have to do a lot of rewriting for Rex Mundi?

ARVID: In the beginning, not nearly enough!
I didn’t really have an editor to speak of. There are so many mis-steps in those first few issues, it makes me cringe.
I’ve learned the value of having an editor! Scott Allie, my editor at Dark Horse, is great. He doesn’t let me get away with anything.

HIH: Will you be at the next Comic Con in San Diego?

ARVID: Alas, no! I’ve gone every year for eight years, but at this point in my career, my time is better spent writing.

HIH: I think we’d rather have you writing. I look forward to seeing the next Rex Mundi book and your upcoming projects.

ARVID: Thanks, Suzanne! I’ll be busy writing, I promise!

HIH: I need to get going, the Hollywood part of my life is fading away and the housewife part is taking over. Thanks so much for chatting with me.

ARVID: Sure thing! And I’ve got to get up early tomorrow for my day job. Reality rears its ugly head!
Peace out, Suzanne!

HIH: Ahh that reality thing! Luckily we can rewrite it sometimes or at least read what great writers like you write for us. Thank you and have a good night!

The best character actor of our century is 45 today.
The man that brought to life characters such as Captain Jack Sparrow, Sweeney Todd, and Edward Scissorhands just to name a few, is also one of the most humble celebrities on the planet.

Recently, while filming Public Enemies in the Midwest he took time to shake hands, hug fans, sign autographs, and take photographs with the locals. This isn’t a rarity for Depp, he does this each time his fans, to whom he has referred as “his boss” gather to greet him. Huge turnouts are present when he’s on location for a film, premiere, or awards ceremony, no matter what country he is in.

He gives time, energy, and personal attention to many charitable groups. In October 2006, Johnny received the Courage to Care award in recognition of his contributions to the Los Angeles Children’s Hospital. The list of his benevolent actions is long, and there are many stories of his generosity on the internet. I don’t know if all those accounts are accurate but I do know that his kindness transcends to people of all ages and conditions. He is not the type of celebrity that calls a press conference, or makes sure photographers are around when he does a good deed. Johnny Depp does most of these things without the mainstream media knowing about them, the buzz comes from the people themselves saying thank you and it’s carried around the globe by his fans on internet forums, blogs, and word of mouth.

Depp is proof that a person can stay true to their ideals while playing the game in Hollywood. He has chosen every character, even helped create many of them, without wavering his creative principles. Many of his devoted fans loved his work even before the world wide phenomena of Captain Jack Sparrow in 2003. They have followed his career since his 21 Jump Street Days, or that first glimpse of Edward Scissorhands on screen. Many of them were able to meet with him in person, shake his hand, take a photo, get an autograph, or just chat awhile after a long days work on the set. Stories of his sincerity with these people are evident whenever they are being told.

I have my own story of being behind the barricades on Hollywood & Highland hoping for a glimpse of Johnny or better yet a few words in my direction, maybe the desired hug photo. It was the premiere of Charlie & the Chocolate Factory in 2005. I brought my old book from 1978 for Johnny Depp to sign. I was one of the lucky fans that day getting his autograph, a smile, and a WOW when I told him how old my book was. That was my golden ticket day.

Seeing him get out of his car, dodging the press, and traffic, running across the street to his fans was amazing to watch. I really do think he gets the idea that without us, he’d be out of a job.

So to help celebrate the birthday of an amazing person I’ll be watching one of my favorite Depp movie’s tonight, Edward Scissorhands. Or maybe, Dead Man, of course Ed Wood might be best, well for now I’ll sing along with Amy Anne to her cool tune named after the man of the day. You can listen to it here at cdbaby.com

I’m not a trendy dresser and I don’t care much for designer labels. I’d rather clean my house in my pajamas instead of looking polished like June Cleaver.

When I’m out doing non-housewife things, my attire tends to be the same day after day and I love it that way. If I’m not wearing my favorite GAP low rise boot-cut stretch jeans, with a layered printed T, then I’m probably not in a good mood. I’ve tried wearing more grown up outfits, like polo shirts, cropped pants, and capris; you know the usual housewife of 2008 costume, but it just brings me down. I have a collection of what I call, my Hollywood T’s, thanks to Hot Topic, and Target. There’s no Rodeo Drive shopping for this housewife.

I need to polish my wardrobe a bit, maybe not like June Cleaver, but more like Eva Longoria Parker. I’ve been thumbing through gossip mags, and searching internet sites for the latest Hollywood fashions. Eonline.com has helpful pics of who I shouldn’t dress like in their Fashion Police photo gallery.

Browsing through the magazine rack you can find a plethora of style knowledge.
From what I’ve learned from my fashion studies there are a few things I could pick up that might help me appear less housewife and more Hollywood.

I could ditch my $15 shades and throw a pair of Chanel sunglasses into my Vallentino oversized studded bag.

I’d be turning heads sporting the Gladiator inspired sandal by Jimmy Choo, not to mention twisting my ankle with the size of their heels.

With the prices of these designer accessories I won’t have a dime for anything else. If I was a celebrity I’m not certain I’d be donning these items with pride. I’d be more like Britney Spears running into Target after her stop at Starbucks. I’d miss my under $25 hand bag I still call my purse, and my black wedges from Famous Footwear. I’d much rather shop online at perpetualkid.com and 80stees.com

Like I’ve said before, the housewife part is true, Hollywood is just a metaphor.

1. He has appeared in many films with his sister Joan Cusack, including Sixteen Candles, High Fidelity, Grosse Pointe Blank, Cradle Will Rock and Say Anything. Most recently they share the screen in War, Inc.

2. He writes for the internet newspaper, The Huffington Post.

3. His voice talent brings to life the lead character in the movie Igor that will be released this fall.

4. He was a friend with American journalist and author, the pioneer of Gonzo journalism, Hunter S. Thompson.

5. John Cusack is an actor, co-writer, and co-producer of the film War, Inc. The movie is in theaters now. Check your local listings for one near you, and if it’s not close by, it would be a great time for a summer road trip.

I wouldn’t call my kitchen Hell’s Kitchen but it sure isn’t a posh piece of property in heaven either. I’m not the best chef. In fact, I’m not the best cook. I rely on the hubby’s grilling abilities more than anything.

I completely forgot about a favorite reality show of his on Fox called Hell’s Kitchen. I need to set the record button. Anyone else watching this one?

The head chef and star of the show is World Class Chef Gordon Ramsay. He’s sort of the Simon of culinary arts but a bit more physical and much louder. It’s entertaining to watch his antics, and watching the contestants taking the heat is what makes this show a must see. DVD’s are on sale of the raw & uncensored first season via their website. There are also recaps, videos, and even a PC game to see if you could make it in Hell’s Kitchen or not. If you’re already positive you’ve got what it takes to be the next big thing in culinary cuisine you can sign up to be a contestant for upcoming seasons. I don’t have to play the free game to figure that out. Ramsay would have a conniption seeing me rattling some pots and pans in his kitchen.

I was talking about Beaker today with some friends. No not laboratory glassware, but Beaker, Dr. Bunsen Honeydew’s assistant. If you’re still not sure who I am referring to, you’re either much younger than I am, or just plain clueless about Muppets trivia.

Either way, let me school you a bit about Beaker, one of the quietest characters that was a favorite with Muppet Show fans. He was perpetually worried looking, and rightfully so since he was subjected to some crazy experiments by Dr. Honeydew. Beaker’s high pitched voice squeaking, “Mee-mee-mee- mee,” was a hit with audiences. He did have a musical performance with a couple of my favorites The Swedish Chef, and Animal. There would be no Tommy Lee if there had been no Animal. Beaker’s solo performance of the song “Feelings” can be seen here via Youtube:

In 2008 he was involved in the controversial online meme known as “Rickrolling”. This is much too techy for me to explain but if you’re interested you can check out our good friend Wikipedia to find out more.

The Muppet Show has an official website but you have to travel through the big Disney internet portal to see it. Just like most great ideas, Disney bought The Muppets in 2004. The site is interactive with videos, music, and games, and even some retro clips from their DVD season releases. If you go to the music section you can see the Weezer video starring the Muppets called “Keep Fishin”. Not my favorite Weezer song, that would of course be the song Suzanne, but its fun watching Miss Piggy and friends on stage with them. I could devote a whole website to the Muppets but that’s been done already. I like this one called Muppet Wiki. If you have any exciting, interesting or underground knowledge of the Muppets you can even submit it to them to keep the wiki going. What a great word that is… wiki. Which leads me to this 80’s rap tune Jam On It by Newcleus… all you wannabe break dancers out there remember this one, if not just listen for the wiki wiki wiki wiki…. shut up!

I taped the MTV Movie Awards and I’m glad I did because being able to fast forward through annoying comedy clips and The Pussycat Dolls was wonderful.
I had read on the Johnny Depp Zone that Depp received 2 golden popcorn awards so I was able to search for those moments and replay again.
Winning Best Comedic Performance for Pirates 3, and Best Villain for Sweeney Todd the crowd went wild each time he accepted his popcorn trophy. Jon Voight and Tila Tequila seemed equally excited to see him on stage. This guy causes everyone to swoon regardless of age, gender, or talent.

Tom Cruise introduced Adam Sandler as the man, and the icon, but his self proclaimed arrogant performance including Solid Gold style dancers didn’t do much for me. The dancers were intriguing but Sandler’s singing bores me after about 2 minutes. He’s the kind of comedian that you love or don’t like too much. I guess that’s me, nothing against him, he’s just not that funny when he’s playing guitar. Did I tell you how much I love my Replay TV fast forward button?

Mike Myers promo of “I am Hollywood” was a cool idea and the return of Wayne’s World was accepted with a standing ovation. America really is in need of entertainment. I was a Wayne’s World fan in the 90’s but I’m not convinced I would have jumped up so quickly and with such enthusiasm as the audience did. Maybe you had to be there to feel the energy. Myers and Carvey seemed comfortable with their old characters. The third film idea must be floating out there somewhere. Party on Wayne and party on Garth!

I did like the clip from Jack Black, Robert Downey Jr., and Ben Stiller, their funny, over the top and gory fake blood scene at the end was entertaining. Check out MTV for the clip called Tropic Thunder Viral Video.

Lindsay Lohan, on stage with P. Diddy, and Mini-Me actor Verne Troyer was irritating rather than interesting. I don’t think P. Diddy’s repetitive line “Yes we can!” helped Obama or Oprah very much. Overall, the exciting moments were dulled a bit by the idea of trying hard to be unique and cool at the same time. There were some highlights I found amusing, mostly seeing Johnny Depp’s Public Enemies hair style and finding out he has a new tattoo was enough for this Depp fan. Overall I hit fast forward for the majority of the show. I’m having fun browsing through the extras on MTV.com, blogs, pics, and the schmoozing celebs back stage clips. You can watch the show in it’s entirety on MTV.com if you didn’t get a chance to fast forward via TIVO or other such helpful device. Maybe I’m too old for the MTV Movie Awards. Anyone know when VH1 has theirs?