The Great Debate: A Tale of Two Judges

Ellen vs. Paula...let the games begin

I for one am ECSTATIC with the change American Idol has made. Ellen brings such a different vibe to show. I may be biased (I think she's the funniest female on Earth) but I am loving AI so far.

Ellen has gotten off to a somewhat rocky start, according to some recent polls. I am assuming this is due to people expecting more from her right out the gate. However, I think we are being broken in slowly and look forward to the coming weeks.

As a huge Ellen fan (Here and Now, rent her comedy hour on dvd...or borrow it from me) I am excited to see her in a different role than we are used to. Sure her talk show is great (thank god for DVR) and her comedy specials are amazing (ever walked into a plate glass window?), but this is new genre for her.

What makes Ellen qualified to judge a singing talent competition? Well, not much as far as I can tell. But she brings a new aspect to the show: humor. Yes, we had humor when Paula was around, in the form of Simon making fun of her. But Ellen is a refreshing new kind of humor. Gone are the days of ridiculous antics from the judges table, bring on the love and peace that embodies Ellen. As for the Ellen/Simon dynamic...I think Paula said it best "Things in common, Just ain't a one, But when we get together, We have nothin' but fun" (that's right, I quoted Opposites Attract)

I vote for Ellen, hands down

But hey, that's just this girl's opinion.

The Great Debate: A Tale of Two Brothers

So ladies (not sure if my gentlemen followers will be into this posting, but feedback is always nice), which will it be? Sultry Stefan Salvatore or his HOTT bad ass brother Damon? I know, decisions, decisions.
(JHR and AC, this blog is dedicated to you, your comments are kindly requested)

I think that one could definitely find faults on both sides. On one hand, Damon gives new meaning to sibling rivalry, however, he also gives new meaning to “what’s happening hot stuff” (yes, 16 candles, you know you love it). Damon, played by Ian Somerhalder, is the quintessential bad boy, and I love me some bad boy. He is so good at making you hate him, then he goes and saves Elena, and you can’t help but think he might have some good in him. His rugged good looks and take-no-prisoners attitude jump off the screen and you find yourself wanting to get to the bottom of his broken heart.

Then there’s Stefan, played by Paul Wesley, who is quite the boy next door (aside from the whole I’ll suck your blood Vampire thing). Yes, he is handsome. And yes, he draws you in with his big brown eyes, and calming voice. But really, who wants to be with the good guy? JHR, I know you feel that you would jump his bones should you get the chance, but I need more to go on than just his face (and eight-pack abs). Hmmmm, actually, maybe I don’t.

So, what do you think? I vote for Damon, like I said, I dig the bad boys.

But hey, that’s just this girl’s opinion.

BOOKS: Best of 2009

I know this posting is a little late for 2009, but it had to be posted. There’s only one book on my favorite list for 2009, and that is OF BEES AND MIST by ERICK SETIAWAN

As an avid historical fiction reader, I was hesitant to go out of my comfort zone with BEES, but I have never been happier I did. Setiawan did a phenomenal job capturing the complex and intertwined lives of three generations of women from two feuding families. The book has it all; love, loss, and even some magic. Well, like I said, I don’t want to give anything away. So here’s what the publisher has to say about it:

In book stores now you’ll find an incredibly beautiful and moving debut novel called OF BEES AND MIST by Erick Setiawan. A sentimental and complex fable of three generations of women from two rival families, it is a story of mothers and daughters and of sisters and friendships. Meridia is a lonely child, haunted by a mysterious incident at birth that tore her parents apart and left her living in a cold, loveless home. At age sixteen, she meets the charming and naive Daniel, eagerly marries him and promptly moves into his inviting home with his parents and sisters. It is not long before Meridia learns of her mother-in-law’s deceitful ways and her power—both natural and supernatural—that she uses to control those around her. When Meridia rebels, a lifelong battle begins and an engrossing, epic saga ensues that will both shock and thrill you.

I have spoken directly to editor Kerri Kolen, who is so proud of this new author, “Buy this book tomorrow. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed”. She was also kind enough to provide me with some industry praise:

“A beautifully crafted adult fairytale of love, loss and loyalty that is at once witty, magical, and moving. Of Bees and Mist is a stunningly accomplished first novel.”
--John Connolly, New York Times bestselling author of The Book of Lost Things and The Lovers

“Of Bees and Mist is sheer enchantment. Erick Setiawan has created a magical world just outside of our own, made all the more human and compelling by its rich and astonishing strangeness.”
--Keith Donohue, New York Times bestselling author of The Stolen Child and Angels of Destruction

"While filled with fortune-tellers, ghosts and unexplained phenomena, the relationships between the various characters are true to life so that fans of fantasy and fiction lovers alike are sure to enjoy this magical tale."
--Publishers Weekly

Trust me when I say that the book is really not to be missed, I couldn’t pull my nose out of it!

But hey, that’s just this girl’s opinion