MamaPop™

Diablo Cody to Write and Produce Sweet Valley High

The Wakefield twins are about to be back, this time with wittier repartee and pop culture references. Diablo Cody, she of the Juno and The United States of Tara awesome (can't speak to Jennifer's Body; haven't seen it yet) will be adapting the Sweet Valley High books into a screenplay and producing the big-screen version.

Gossip Girl Recap!

So, I watch Gossip Girl. Do you watch Gossip Girl? Come on, you can admit it. You can even say you just watch it for the clothes even if also watch it to lust after boys who are just so damn young. I'm not a causal, when-nothing-else-is-on-I'll-tune-in watcher, you should know, I'm a regularly-recorded-by-my-DVR, husband-knows-to-leave-me-be-on-Monday-nights viewer. I mentioned before I thought Leighton Meester is grossly overlooked by critics as Blair Waldorf, and I stand by that. So, Gossip Girl, one of those lovely guilty pleasures I don't feel all that guilty about watching.

I'll be recapping this season's episodes, sometime each Tuesday.

Last night's episode was the second of the season. What did we miss the first episode of the season? All the post-Constance kids returned from summers abroad and summers in bed and they're gearing up to start various different colleges and ventures. Let's begin!

Matt Damon and Michael Douglas to Star in Steven Soderbergh's Liberace Biopic

Steven Soderbergh will be directing a biopic of the late pianist and entertainer, Liberace, which will be released in 2011. Not surprisingly, Soderbergh has attracted some pretty impressive talent to star in the film. Oscar winners Michael Douglas and Matt Damon will star, with Douglas playing Liberace and Damon playing, presumably, Scott Thorson, Liberace's bodyguard, driver, and alleged live-in boyfriend.

The 61st Primetime Emmy Awards LIVE Open Thread (8pm ET)

We has NPH. We has teh winez. JOIN US.

Wanda Sykes is easily one of my most favorite people in general and she's definitely one of my favorite comedians of all time.

So I'm positively giddy that she has a new HBO stand-up special coming up: I'ma Be Me.

Last week, Fox aired the director's cut of the pilot for its new series, Glee, which previewed in May after the season finale of American Idol. It was hilarious, heart-warming and full of musical guilty pleasures. And if you didn't watch it yet, I suggest you get to Hulu or Fox.com and watch the first two episodes, because this show is a real gem. However, if you're expecting it to be a real family show, I suggest you remember that series creator Ryan Murphy also does Nip/Tuck. Caveat emptor.

As a former high school show choir geek and a connoisseur of teen comedies, I feel I am uniquely qualified to recap this new show on a weekly basis. So, with my dubious credentials out in the open, let the Gleecap begin!

There are few things that depress me quicker or make me stabbier than thinking of all the shows that are well on their way to syndication or that have already been playing on our TVs multiple times a day for multiple seasons -- TWO AND A HALF MEN, MY GOD -- when Veronica Mars, that little gem of a noir-ish teen detective drama, was cut short at the end of its third season.

So, when rumors started buzzing a while back about a possible Veronica Mars reunion on the big screen, I became pretty ridiculously giddy. Sure, two hours isn't exactly the two extra seasons I would have preferred but it's something! It's better than something, it would be available on DVD with a gag reel and bonus features!

A few weeks ago, I presented some Alexander Skarsgard goodies to help you get through the mid-week doldrums. I was thanked heartily by you fine readers.

Today, I'm hoping to do the same, though admittedly it's not so much in the eye candy arena as it is just plain awesome. And there's no shower scene involved.

However...

I don't know exactly how long this gift from heaven has existed, but I didn't hear about it until last night. When the commercial first came on, I thought for sure that I had accidentally ingested LSD. Again.

That thing to the left, my friends, is a poodle. I know that the picture is fairly small, and at first glance you may have thought that it was an Easter basket or a Frederick's of Hollywood discount bin or maybe even a Carmen Miranda impersonator on a gay pride parade float, but no.

Creative poodle grooming is so 2008, but these loud and proud pooches are such eyesores, such fabulous trainwrecks of human folly, that I am compelled to look deeply into those heart-shaped sunglasses and proclaim that YES! YOU. ARE. AWESOME.

Not all dogs are lucky enough to find fame like Taco Bell's Gidget or Paris Hilton's four-legged fleet, but these poodles definitely give it the old Clairol try.

I don't think I want to hear anymore that mid-winter is the most depressing time of year. Late August definitely holds that title. As much as I like autumn, the harsh reality of summer dying really bums me out. All of those evenings spent on the porch and the nights sleeping semi or completely naked with the windows open are about to be put away until next year and if that weren't bad enough, school starts. Granted, my kid definitely needs to go back to school before I lose my mind, but I am already feeling wistful for the extra time that I got to spend with him these last few months.

But, as always, music cures all and I have a songstress specifically in mind: Chrisette Michele.

Just when we thought we were out, they pull us back in. Oh, 80s musicians! When will you have done with your wacky high jinx?

Didn't grunge kill you? Then why won't you stay dead? Stop insisting on us to wake you up before we go-go. We're already gone-gone. And yet everywhere we look, there you are.

When did the alternative to making music become getting arrested? And good God, Michael Jackson rest in peace. You've got no business in LL Cool J's dreams.

If you're anything like me, right about now you're re-arranging the living room furniture, polishing the television set, preparing a variety of delicious chips & dips, and counting down the minutes until this Sunday night's premiere of the third glorious season of AMC's Mad Men. [fans self with hand dramatically]

Do you think Don Draper would prefer a three cheese or creamy spinach dip? Hmm?

Yesss mah presshussss, I -- your resident Mad Men recapper -- am chomping at the proverbial bit so hard that I feel I must, for the good of all humankind and the sanity of my loved ones, who are SICK OF TALKING ABOUT THAT STUPID SHOW ALREADY JESUS CHRIST ALMIGHTY, provide a space for my fellow Mad Men lovers to gush openly without fear of being shamed, judged, or ridiculed. SO.

What are you most looking forward to this season? What theories do you have about what will happen this season? What do you HOPE happens or doesn't happen? Which are your favorite characters? Who would you most like to have a drink with? What characters can't you stand? Who would you most like to punch in the neck? Why are you so obsessed with this show, anyway? Does it make you want to start smoking (again)? Is Jon Hamm my sekrit boyfriend? (The answer to that last one, just so you know, is YES.) Huh huh huh? OMG OMG OMG!1!!!

Please to commence with the shameless fangirl/fanboy squeeing in comments. We're all friends here, this is a safe space.

Hold me?

ETA: OPEN THREAD MAY CONTAIN SHOW GOSSIP, SPOILERS, AND SPECULATION ABOUT HOW GOOD OF A KISSER JON HAMM MAY OR MAY NOT BE. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.

Based on comments on the True Blood recaps over the past couple of weeks, everyone seems to agree that the character of Eric, played by Swede Alexander Skarsgard, has grown immensely.

You all know about Google Reader, right? It's a handy way to compile all of the sites that you read in one spot, via the sites' RSS feeds. I'm completely obsessed with mine, especially since Google keeps adding new and amazing features to it. One of my favorite features is the ability to share interesting items with people in your Gmail contacts. Your shared items are also compiled on their own webpage. Here's mine.

With the premiere of the third season of Mad Men right around the corner, more and more items are popping up about the show...and I've been sharing all of them with my Gmail contacts because I. JUST. CAN'T. WAIT. FOR. AUGUST. 16TH. DRAPER DRAPER DRAPER JOAN BOBBY SALLY GIRDLES ADVERTISING OH MY GOD I NEED SOME SCOTCH AND SOME LUCKY STRIKES AND SOME SAMMITCHES FROM THE DELI.

Last year, during the VMAs, I realized a few things. 1) I exited the MTV demographic several years ago and I'm cool with that because 2) ALL OF THIS MUSIC SUCKS and 3) Russell Brand was most decidedly unfunny. His jokes fell flat and his presence just added fuel to the fire of annoyance that was that show and I wrote him off as Just Another Person I Hate (and there are lots of them).

I know that normally a True Blood recap goes in this slot, but you'll have to forgive me as I am currently vacationing with family and do not have cable or internet. Next week, we'll be back in business. Pinky swear!

In the meantime let's direct our attention to something else that is awesome and perhaps a little creepy: Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland.

Wanda Sykes' New Stand-Up Special on HBO

Wanda Sykes is easily one of my most favorite people in general and she's definitely one of my favorite comedians of all time.

So I'm positively giddy that she has a new HBO stand-up special coming up: I'ma Be Me.

Glee-cap - Showmance

Last week, Fox aired the director's cut of the pilot for its new series, Glee, which previewed in May after the season finale of American Idol. It was hilarious, heart-warming and full of musical guilty pleasures. And if you didn't watch it yet, I suggest you get to Hulu or Fox.com and watch the first two episodes, because this show is a real gem. However, if you're expecting it to be a real family show, I suggest you remember that series creator Ryan Murphy also does Nip/Tuck. Caveat emptor.

As a former high school show choir geek and a connoisseur of teen comedies, I feel I am uniquely qualified to recap this new show on a weekly basis. So, with my dubious credentials out in the open, let the Gleecap begin!

Make the Veronica Mars Movie Happen -- On Twitter

There are few things that depress me quicker or make me stabbier than thinking of all the shows that are well on their way to syndication or that have already been playing on our TVs multiple times a day for multiple seasons -- TWO AND A HALF MEN, MY GOD -- when Veronica Mars, that little gem of a noir-ish teen detective drama, was cut short at the end of its third season.

So, when rumors started buzzing a while back about a possible Veronica Mars reunion on the big screen, I became pretty ridiculously giddy. Sure, two hours isn't exactly the two extra seasons I would have preferred but it's something! It's better than something, it would be available on DVD with a gag reel and bonus features!

Some Thriller Awesomeness for Your Hump Day

A few weeks ago, I presented some Alexander Skarsgard goodies to help you get through the mid-week doldrums. I was thanked heartily by you fine readers.

Today, I'm hoping to do the same, though admittedly it's not so much in the eye candy arena as it is just plain awesome. And there's no shower scene involved.

However...

"Designer" Snuggies. Crapping. You. Negative.

I don't know exactly how long this gift from heaven has existed, but I didn't hear about it until last night. When the commercial first came on, I thought for sure that I had accidentally ingested LSD. Again.

Preposterous Pooches: Poodle Owners Pursue the Rainbow Connection

That thing to the left, my friends, is a poodle. I know that the picture is fairly small, and at first glance you may have thought that it was an Easter basket or a Frederick's of Hollywood discount bin or maybe even a Carmen Miranda impersonator on a gay pride parade float, but no.

Creative poodle grooming is so 2008, but these loud and proud pooches are such eyesores, such fabulous trainwrecks of human folly, that I am compelled to look deeply into those heart-shaped sunglasses and proclaim that YES! YOU. ARE. AWESOME.

Not all dogs are lucky enough to find fame like Taco Bell's Gidget or Paris Hilton's four-legged fleet, but these poodles definitely give it the old Clairol try.

Some Fabulous Music to Help You Through the Bumpy Summer-to-Fall Transition

I don't think I want to hear anymore that mid-winter is the most depressing time of year. Late August definitely holds that title. As much as I like autumn, the harsh reality of summer dying really bums me out. All of those evenings spent on the porch and the nights sleeping semi or completely naked with the windows open are about to be put away until next year and if that weren't bad enough, school starts. Granted, my kid definitely needs to go back to school before I lose my mind, but I am already feeling wistful for the extra time that I got to spend with him these last few months.

But, as always, music cures all and I have a songstress specifically in mind: Chrisette Michele.

The 80's Will Not Die: Hauntings, Deadbeats, Arrests Oh My!

Just when we thought we were out, they pull us back in. Oh, 80s musicians! When will you have done with your wacky high jinx?

Didn't grunge kill you? Then why won't you stay dead? Stop insisting on us to wake you up before we go-go. We're already gone-gone. And yet everywhere we look, there you are.

When did the alternative to making music become getting arrested? And good God, Michael Jackson rest in peace. You've got no business in LL Cool J's dreams.

Open Thread - Mad Men Season Three: The Anticipation Is Killing Me

If you're anything like me, right about now you're re-arranging the living room furniture, polishing the television set, preparing a variety of delicious chips & dips, and counting down the minutes until this Sunday night's premiere of the third glorious season of AMC's Mad Men. [fans self with hand dramatically]

Do you think Don Draper would prefer a three cheese or creamy spinach dip? Hmm?

Yesss mah presshussss, I -- your resident Mad Men recapper -- am chomping at the proverbial bit so hard that I feel I must, for the good of all humankind and the sanity of my loved ones, who are SICK OF TALKING ABOUT THAT STUPID SHOW ALREADY JESUS CHRIST ALMIGHTY, provide a space for my fellow Mad Men lovers to gush openly without fear of being shamed, judged, or ridiculed. SO.

What are you most looking forward to this season? What theories do you have about what will happen this season? What do you HOPE happens or doesn't happen? Which are your favorite characters? Who would you most like to have a drink with? What characters can't you stand? Who would you most like to punch in the neck? Why are you so obsessed with this show, anyway? Does it make you want to start smoking (again)? Is Jon Hamm my sekrit boyfriend? (The answer to that last one, just so you know, is YES.) Huh huh huh? OMG OMG OMG!1!!!

Please to commence with the shameless fangirl/fanboy squeeing in comments. We're all friends here, this is a safe space.

Hold me?

ETA: OPEN THREAD MAY CONTAIN SHOW GOSSIP, SPOILERS, AND SPECULATION ABOUT HOW GOOD OF A KISSER JON HAMM MAY OR MAY NOT BE. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.

Based on comments on the True Blood recaps over the past couple of weeks, everyone seems to agree that the character of Eric, played by Swede Alexander Skarsgard, has grown immensely.

You all know about Google Reader, right? It's a handy way to compile all of the sites that you read in one spot, via the sites' RSS feeds. I'm completely obsessed with mine, especially since Google keeps adding new and amazing features to it. One of my favorite features is the ability to share interesting items with people in your Gmail contacts. Your shared items are also compiled on their own webpage. Here's mine.

With the premiere of the third season of Mad Men right around the corner, more and more items are popping up about the show...and I've been sharing all of them with my Gmail contacts because I. JUST. CAN'T. WAIT. FOR. AUGUST. 16TH. DRAPER DRAPER DRAPER JOAN BOBBY SALLY GIRDLES ADVERTISING OH MY GOD I NEED SOME SCOTCH AND SOME LUCKY STRIKES AND SOME SAMMITCHES FROM THE DELI.

Last year, during the VMAs, I realized a few things. 1) I exited the MTV demographic several years ago and I'm cool with that because 2) ALL OF THIS MUSIC SUCKS and 3) Russell Brand was most decidedly unfunny. His jokes fell flat and his presence just added fuel to the fire of annoyance that was that show and I wrote him off as Just Another Person I Hate (and there are lots of them).

I know that normally a True Blood recap goes in this slot, but you'll have to forgive me as I am currently vacationing with family and do not have cable or internet. Next week, we'll be back in business. Pinky swear!

In the meantime let's direct our attention to something else that is awesome and perhaps a little creepy: Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland.

Some Vampire Eric Northman for Your Hump Day

Based on comments on the True Blood recaps over the past couple of weeks, everyone seems to agree that the character of Eric, played by Swede Alexander Skarsgard, has grown immensely.

Unleashing My Mad Men Excitement Here

You all know about Google Reader, right? It's a handy way to compile all of the sites that you read in one spot, via the sites' RSS feeds. I'm completely obsessed with mine, especially since Google keeps adding new and amazing features to it. One of my favorite features is the ability to share interesting items with people in your Gmail contacts. Your shared items are also compiled on their own webpage. Here's mine.

With the premiere of the third season of Mad Men right around the corner, more and more items are popping up about the show...and I've been sharing all of them with my Gmail contacts because I. JUST. CAN'T. WAIT. FOR. AUGUST. 16TH. DRAPER DRAPER DRAPER JOAN BOBBY SALLY GIRDLES ADVERTISING OH MY GOD I NEED SOME SCOTCH AND SOME LUCKY STRIKES AND SOME SAMMITCHES FROM THE DELI.

Coming to Terms with Russell Brand

Last year, during the VMAs, I realized a few things. 1) I exited the MTV demographic several years ago and I'm cool with that because 2) ALL OF THIS MUSIC SUCKS and 3) Russell Brand was most decidedly unfunny. His jokes fell flat and his presence just added fuel to the fire of annoyance that was that show and I wrote him off as Just Another Person I Hate (and there are lots of them).

Alice in Wonderland Teaser Trailer Makes Me Realize How Far Away March 5, 2010 Is

I know that normally a True Blood recap goes in this slot, but you'll have to forgive me as I am currently vacationing with family and do not have cable or internet. Next week, we'll be back in business. Pinky swear!

In the meantime let's direct our attention to something else that is awesome and perhaps a little creepy: Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland.