Happy day. It was top down weather as I took my big drive out to the country to get the works (colour and highlights). Tomorrow--Halloween is supposed to be 70F! One last little bit o' decent weather. So happy about that.
Carved pumpkins last night. I snapped a few shots of the guys.
The guy's jack o' lanterns.
I don't carve. I'm a bit phobic about knives (yes, I had an accident once) and I hate the smell of pumpkin guts. I used to paint one--but I have no artistic talent what.so.ever.
Spouse still buys me a pumpkin though. ("They were on sale!")
Sarah Palin's winking needs to stop if she wants to further her career in politics.
She looks really dorky when she does that winking thing. Maybe guys of a certain age and grandmas like it--but the rest of us have sort of overdosed on it. Her pageant days are long behind her. What plays really well in Wasilla or Alaska doesn't necessarily do so in the lower 48.
I do thank John McCain for waiting until the last minute to chose Palin but I may change my mind if her dumb ass hangs around--like that chick on the view--Hasslebeck. They are both so shrill.
Sookie and Bill have been summoned by Eric the vampire sheriff to assist him in discovering who has embezzled $60,000 from Fangtasia.
Episode 8 - The Fourth Man in the Fire
Jason's latest girlfriend, Amy, is a
hit at Merlotte's, but her mood darkens when the "V" runs out.
Meanwhile, Bill asks Sookie to help Eric in his hunt for a Fangtasia
thief; Tara marvels at her mother's transformation; and Rene proposes
to Arlene.
Sookie tries to hold herself together in the wake of another possible
tragedy. Tara is amazed by Lettie Mae’s turnaround, and considers
similar therapy for herself after lashing out at Sookie and Sam. Rene
(Michael Raymond James) pops the question to Arlene (Carrie Preston)
while Sookie is baby-sitting her kids. Later, at Bill’s request, Sookie
agrees to use her gifts to help Eric (Alexander Skarsgård), a powerful
vampire sheriff, root out a thief at Fangtasia.
Above- In the graveyard: Would've been scary if I hadn't read the book or spoilers. Both help. Spoilers more when A. Ball is not following the book exactly. At this point in the series he has veered off quite a bit.
Above, Sookie waits all day and finally finds out that Bill took refuge in the ground as a (human) gang had torched Bon Temps newest vampire nest and he had last been seen with them (danger!)exiting Merlotte's bar, stating to everyone that he was "vampire." He was really just getting his trouble-making ex-buddies out of there as things had turned a bit tense--sorta almost deadly.
EDIT/ This is a recap of Episode 09, "Plaisir D'Amour" which has not yet been broadcast. HUGELY SPOILERISH!
Our heroine Sookie got in deep er, she got in over her head twice--though we wont see the outcome until next week's "PLAISIR D'AMOUR."
The girl who saved Jason neck at Fangtasia--Amy Burley got high on V with him and they hung out at his place (his parent's former place).
She turns out to have a very mean streak as she jonesing for more "V" and convinces Jason that they should follow LaFayette to his V-supply vamp guy, wait and then to Jason's surprise, kidnap the vamp so they can extract his blood.
The weak link in E08 of True Blood was Tara and her "demon." Thought she was more savvy than that but this eppy left her on the "hoodoo voodoo" woman's bus.
I simply hated the scene below as well as Sookie whining later to Bill about never, ever having breakfast with him. I get it. She wants the white picket fence life. With Bill, the vampire. Riiight.
Sookie and Bill babysit for Arlene
This guy is the unfortunate vamp that Jason and new buddy Amy have captured...for his "V"--
Vamp Blood
So how many people are having trouble pronouncing the title of next week's eppy, PLAISIR D'AMOUR?
BLOOD 09: PLAISIR D'AMOUR (from hbo.com)
Bill breaks a vampire taboo in protecting Sookie--and must pay a steep price as a result. Jason and Amy break their own taboo by kidnapping a vampire named Eddie in order to harvest his blood. With Lettie Mae apparently cured, a skeptical Tara consults with Miss Jeanette about exorcising her own inner demon. Sookie returns home to yet another horrific tragedy, prompting Bill to enlist an unlikely bodyguard--Sam--to protect her while he's away.
True Blood Cast
* Anna Paquin: Sookie Stackhouse
* Stephen Moyer: Bill Compton
* Sam Trammell: Sam Merlotte
* Ryan Kwanten: Jason Stackhouse
* Rutina Wesley: Tara Thornton
* Chris Bauer: Andy Bellefleur
* Nelsan Ellis: Lafayette Reynolds
* Jim Parrack: Hoyt Fortenberry
* Carrie Preston: Arlene Fowler
* Michael Raymond James: Rene Lenier
* William Sanderson: Bud Dearborne
* ** Alexander Skarsgård: Eric
* Lizzy Caplan: Amy Burley
* Kristin Bauer: Pam
* Stephen Root: Eddie
Also in True Blood O9: Amy and Sookie
Eric (Alexander Skarsgård)
Longshadow's replacement,"Chow" (Patrick Gallagher), Pam (Kristin Bauer), Eric (Alexander Skarsgård) with
While Dexter struggles with how to handle Rita’s desire for
them to move in together before they get married, Miguel tells Dexter
about a husband who has gotten away with killing two of his wives for
financial gain. For Dexter, this seems like the perfect candidate to
satisfy his dark urge and his need, like every man under relationship
pressures, to get away. Dexter tracks the murderer to Bimini. While on
the hunt, Rita has a medical emergency and he is nowhere to be found.
Meanwhile, Debra works with Anton, her confidential informant to track
down one of Freebo’s criminal confidants. But Debra finds herself oddly
attracted to Anton.
This was an average Dexter episode (meaning very good) all the way to the end--when it soared.
There was a revelation that has only once before occurred and that was with the Bay Harbour Butcher, Dexter's brother in Season 1. This time Dexter is confronted by ADA Miguel Prado that he knows who Dexter is--and Prado applauds Dex, he's "proud of" him. Prado is obviously playing him as well.
There has to be some explosive stuff to come because a revelation like this doesn't just sit there. Prado has clued Dex in that he wants to work in tandem with Dexter and we all know Dex only works alone.
The Rita thing is getting tiresome. It's cliched and her clinging is really rubbing the wrong way. What I found incredibly implausible was that the mother of two kids freaked out so badly when she had some spotting in her early pregnancy. She needs to get a grip or else I'm going to have to start using the mute button during her scenes.
NEXT Week (from sho.com)
Dexter, S3, Episode 07
"SI SE PUEDE"
Dexter grapples with what to
do with his new found friend, Miguel, who thinks he is clued in to
Dexter’s vigilante ways. So Dexter decides to test him to see how far
he wants to go. Dexter reveals that he’s always wanted to bring a
violent white supremacist who is already in jail, to his brand of
‘justice.’ Thinking this will force Miguel to back away, Dexter is
surprised to find that Miguel is not only on board, but he has a daring
strategy to complete Dexter’s dark plan. Simultaneously, Rita gets
fired from her job, leaving her wondering if she will ever have a real
career. Debra is upset when she realizes she may be partially
responsible for another mysteriously skinned homicide case she’s trying
to solve.
Dexter, S3, Episode 08
"Easy As Pie"
November 9, 2008 Miguel targets a new victim for Dexter, who's not so sure the new target lives up to (or down to) Harry's Code. Meanwhile, an elderly, deathly ill friend of Dexter's asks him to assist in her suicide; Rita learns that Miguel's wife thinks he's having an affair; Debra lets on to Anton that he's being used as a decoy to nab the Skinner.
It seems from the breaking news that the body of Jennifer Hudson's nephew, Julian King was found. That's a relief as it was just about certain given the dynamics of the victims and the killer, that the boy, the murderer's stepson, had no chance to survive.
This story broke into public awareness at about 3 p.m. on Friday. However the forced-entry shooting through the home's front door occurred at about 9 a.m. Friday morning. Neighbours told police that they hear gunfire "all the time" so took no action when they did. Stopping right here for a second. Gunfire in this residential neighbourhood is so common that people ignore it. I realize this goes on but why is it not a critical issue? This is happening just a stone's throw from the "civilized" part of town. It is a situation that repeats itself in the pockets of blight around large US cities--it's black on black crime and if gunshots were not a normal, everyday ocurrance might the boy have been found in time?
I've listened in dismay to stories like this all my life. Usually they have no connection to famous people so the stories don't even warrant news coverage in the eyes of the news companies.
The story as it has unfolded goes like this. Jennifers Hudson's sister had a son with her ex. That relationship ended. She took up with the suspected killer of her son, William Balfour, a criminal on parole having served 7 years for attempted murder and other serious charges. As cold-hearted as this sounds I'm going to say it. She married him, a dude on still on parole for attempted murder. She was a dumbass. What a horrible price to pay for that.
Sister finally realizes this is not a good guy--they separate--though he is still -currently- her husband. There's been acrimony that for unspecified reasons bubbled over to Friday morning when Balfour shot his mother-in-law and brother-in-law and kidnapped his step-son, killing him at some point before being taken into custody Friday evening. Note #1: People on parole are not allowed to have guns. Note #2: In the US "they will take away your gun when they pry it from your cold, dead hand."
Black on black crime is so common in the south Chicago suburbs that while they were looking for the missing boy on Sunday they found an 18 y.o. woman shot to death in an unrelated crime--in the same neighbourhood.
This is my point. Why is it OK? And if it's not OK why are the powers that be not giving law enforcement and community services and the myriad other factors that need attending to the resources to do so?
Why just let people live miserable gang-infested lives only to barely make it to age seven or even 18 before getting shot to death?
When I was young I was very much an idealist. As the years have passed and as one human atrocity piles up upon the next I've moved away from idealism to realism--though perhaps questioning why this violence is OK makes me naive and not quite a realistic enough realist.
I refuse to give in to pessimism and defeatism but I have no idea how I personally can help to save the black community from preying upon one another.
In closing I must look back longingly to the time when I was an idealist and state that it is my hope that by electing Barack Obama and putting in the White House- a family not of privilege but of strength of character and a sense of purpose, that a spark of hope can be ignited in the black community. They do not have to be resigned to being "use to" the sounds of gunfire. That they deserve better. That their commander-in-chief a man of mixed race, proves that there is no magic wand to stop the perpetuation of poverty and violence. There has to be a unified hope for the black community and it's my feeling that a black man and his family in the White House is cause for hope and could be that spark.
(Above) Art Institute on Super Bowl Sunday on a reallllllly cold January day.
One of two lions. The helmets stay on for weeks because this is the Midwest US. :)
Bears lost because it's Chicago. :(
I've lived the greater Chicago area for 23 years.
I call it "soda pop" to cover my bases.) :p
The quiz is quite short and I took it four times which was not my plan as I went back to retake it because I lost the code. I stuck with the one I got the same result twice on. I couldn't bear to be a Philadelphian.
I cannot bring myself to rehash Dirty Sexy Money, Episode 3, "The Family Lawyer." I want to think of it as a misstep, a gaffe.
Please, unpair Nola Lyons (Lucy Liu) and Jeremy Darling (Seth Gabel). They have no chemistry what. so. ever. Nothing against the actor, but he is a one-trick-pony in this role. All he is is a pretty face. There is a large cast and they should have dispensed with Gabel as they did with his "twin," Samaire Armstrong.
Bringing Nick George's bio mom into the storyline gave it nothing except a chance for Letitia (the woefully underused Jill Clayburgh) at the very end of the episode to declare her deep mother love for "Nicky."
In re: Nick and Lisa George (Zoe McLellan). Please break them up. Her constant whining is driving me to distraction and it's hard enough to stay focused with an eppy like this. I dread the upcoming marriage therapy sessions unless the end result is they they should quit it.
I want to like this show and it came out of the gate strongly this season so I'm hoping that this was just a creative slip and it will be back next episode being as dirty and sexy and it needs to be.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29 (10:01-11:00 p.m., ET) on ABC
"The Silence" - As Election Day nears, senatorial candidate Patrick insists to a disapproving Tripp that he wants to take his relationship public with his transgendered mistress, Carmelita. Meanwhile Ellen's brother, Chase, shows up and demands from Patrick the truth about his sister's death. In other developments, Nick and Lisa are in couples therapy; Jeremy asks Nola to ease Letitia's house arrest so she can go to Patrick's election night party; Brian Jr. goes missing, and, at Karen's request, Nick talks to Simon about his real motive for wanting to marry her.
Cast: Peter Krause as Nick George, Donald Sutherland as Tripp Darling, William Baldwin as Patrick Darling, Natalie Zea as Karen Darling, Glenn Fitzgerald as Rev. Brian Darling, Samaire Armstrong as Juliet Darling, Seth Gabel as Jeremy Darling, Zoe McLellan as Lisa George, with Jill Clayburgh as Letitia Darling. Guest cast: Sheryl Lee as Andrea Smithson, Laura Margolis as Daisy, Candis Cayne as Carmelita, Elaine Kagan as Dr. Amy Wallace, Jim Moret as anchor, Michael FitzGibbon as Tripp's assistant, Scott Hlroyed as Chase Alexander, Ron Butler as Severin
------------
Episode 2.05 - The Verdict - (Press Release)
"The Verdict" - WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5 (10:02-11:00 p.m., ET) on ABC.
While constantly being challenged in court by prosecutor Nola Lyons, Nick is facing an uphill battle defending Letitia in the murder case. But the situation changes quickly after Nick discovers a dirty little secret about Nola. Later by chance he learns some surprising news about Lisa from Joel Madden, one of the attendees at her art gallery opening.
Meanwhile, Karen asks Nick to tell Tripp that she's marrying family nemesis Simon Elder, Tripp attempts to wield his influence over Patrick in choosing his chief of staff, and Brian and Andrea learn some shocking news after a visit to the doctor, on "Dirty Sexy Money," Guest Stars: Joel Madden ("Good Charlotte") and Ron Glass ("Firefly" "Barney Miller") as D.A. Dennis Ford
Cast: Peter Krause as Nick George, Donald Sutherland as Tripp Darling, William Baldwin as Patrick Darling, Natalie Zea as Karen Darling, Glenn Fitzgerald as Brian Darling, Seth Gabel as Jeremy Darling, Zoe McLellan as Lisa George, with Blair Underwood as Simon Elder, Jill Clayburgh as Letitia Darling and Lucy Liu as Nola Lyons. Guest starring are Joel Madden as himself, Will Shadley as Brian Jr., Sheryl Lee as Andrea Smithson, Laura Margolis as Daisy, Isabella Hoffman as Judge Fey Powell, Thomas Kopache as Dr. Little, Ron Glass as D.A. Dennis Ford
My teenager came home today wearing a pink wristband.
You have to try to picture what a sight it is to see a 6'3", 200-plus pound 16 y.o. boy wearing a pink wristband. He'd given a donation today at school in support of finding a cure for cancer. I think this may be breast cancer awareness month but honestly, I think every month should be cancer awareness month as it affects so many of our lives and those of our friends, colleagues, and loved ones.
In that spirit I'd like to tell you a bit about a great online source for luxurious pashmina and cashmere accessories at very reasonable prices. What do silk and cashmere pashmina have to do with finding a cure for breast cancer? I'll give you a hint: pink pashmina scarves! Pashmina International supports the Pink Ribbon Breast Cancer fund, and will donate 5% of every sale that includes a pink pashmina to the International Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
I'm not a powder-pink type of girl but that matters not as there is a generous variety of pink combinations, with both light-clear highlights to much darker or textured tones. This is my favourite from the Pink Pashminas:
The pink and gold "Russian Flowers" pashmina, adding gold thread to a red/pink blend of cashmere and silk pashmina weave.
My very favourite colour pashmina not a part of fundraising is plum. Here's a description to give you a better idea.
Large Light Plum pashmina scarf: pashmina stole size - 27" x 72" (180cm x 68cm). Pure single colour light plum pashmina, with delicate woven-in plain pattern. Hard-wearing 70% cashmere / 30% silk blend. Single ply, with thin tasseled ends.
Sounds lovely, don't you think? And there are many more colours, textures, patterns, and hues to choose from. The holidays are coming and we are moving into winter. Even in warmer places a lady will appreciate a pashmina when she finds herself in an overly-air-conditioned environment.
A pashmina is the perfect gift for any woman as a pashmina is timeless and always in style.
Sookie's painful childhood revelation about her Uncle Bartlett spurs Bill into action. Despite her skepticism, Tara agrees to pay for an exorcism to purge a demon out of Lettie Mae. In search of V juice, Jason travels to Fangtasia, where he bonds with an adventurous young woman named Amy. A trio of rednecks decide to exact vigilante justice on a pack of vampires who crashed Merlotte's in search of their wayward mate, Bill. (hbo.com)
This episode had a lot going for it coming out of the gate in the show's first minutes with Anna Paquin's first televised nude scene. You will find if you do a search on the 'net for "nude Sookie, "nude Bill True Blood,""Sookie Bill make love," etc., how important it is to many folks to see this scene again. Not wanting to disappoint and because the scenes are sensual, not sensationalized, I've put together some links for you so you can relive that very special encounter of Sookie and Bill's. It was nicely done, considering you know, he bit her really hard.
Later as Bill and Sookie relaxed and conversed in a lush-looking bubble bath Bill asks her about what is troubling her. Sookie explains that she was surprised that despite being molested as a young girl by her Uncle Bartlett that she was able to relax and enjoy being with Bill. Even so, she was rueful that the thought of her molester entered her mind at all. Later, Bill exacted revenge on Uncle Bartlett "for Sookie," by fanging him and sucking him dry. It should be really interesting to see how Sookie reacts when she discovers Bill's ruthlessness.
It's important on a show that has as much terror, blood, and gore to balance the narrative with a sense of humour. True Blood has been compared to the late, great, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and absolutely there are similarities, this being pay cable, notwithstanding.
My favorite scene of levity/evil in this episode was between Jason Stackhouse and Pam, the "gatekeeper" of Fangtasia, the vampire club. Jason has failed to obtain his precious "V" from La Fayette and so appears at the club, sweaty and agitated. After answering Pam's inquiry as to his reason for being at the club dishonestly, Pam glamours Jason and he blabs that he wants "V," specifically her vampireblood. Her deadpan look at his statement is priceless. She releases him from her spell to enter Fangtasia, effectively sending him to his death.
If not for a hippie chick, "Amy" who he meets in the club when she intervenes just moments before he blurts out his intentions, he would probably would have died at the hands of vampire bartender Longshadow. I would not have a problem with that as I still find the character of Jason the most irritating and useless on the show. I guess I just don't like watching stupid people with a lot of scenes taking up time in an otherwise superb show. Perhaps later in the series, Jason will reveal himself to have more purpose than sex machine/beefcake. But thus far I've seen nothing more in him than a dumb hick.
I did not find the Tara-Lettie Mae scenes very compelling, either. Tara's alcoholic, abusive mother, Lettie Mae is convinced a demon is inside her. After her mother's constant begging and outlandish behaviour wears her down, Tara finally relents and gives Lettie Mae the $435 exorcism fee and they both trek down miles of dirt road to an exorcist, Miss Jeannette, in hopes the demon can be exorcised. Though the exorcism appears to have taken, just the same I could've done without that entire sequence.
Finally, the scene in Merlotte's, between the audacious vamp trio and the Merlotte's regulars was amusing. It did set the stage for the next episode--the aftermath of Sookie's anguished discovery that some Merlotte's vigilante customers waited until dawn and then torched the vamp nest, presumably with Bill inside.
Next Episode:8 1x08 "The Fourth Man in the Fire" Promo
(Airs on OCTOBER 26TH 2008) Sookie tries to hold herself together in the wake of possible tragedy. Tara is amazed by Lettie Mae's turnaround, and considers similar therapy for herself after lashing out at Sookie and Sam. Jason's new squeeze Amy (Lizzy Caplan) charms the crowd at Merlotte's, but shows a darker side to Jason when their V juice well runs dry. Rene pops the question to Arlene while Sookie is baby-sitting her kids. Later, at Bill's request, Sookie agrees to use her gifts to help Eric, a powerful vampire sheriff, root out a thief at Fangtasia.
Starring: Anna Paquin as Sookie Stackhouse Carrie Preston as Arlene Fowler Chris Bauer as Andy Bellefleur Jim Parrack as Hoyt Fortenberry Michael Raymond-James as Rene Lenier Nelson Ellis as Lafayette Reynolds Rutina Wesley as Tara Thornton Ryan Kwanten as Jason Stackhouse Sam Trammell as Sam Merlotte Stephen Moyer as Bill Compton William Sanderson as Bud Dearborne
*SPOILERS* NEW 10/20/2008 - Bill survived the fire by spending the day underground. The episode focuses more on Bill and Sookie's relationship (and her growing realization of some of the hardships of their relationship.) Although they do have fun when they babysit Arlene's kids.
Jason and Amy spend more time together, including his sharing the story of how his and Sookie's parents died. Amy even starts working at Merlotte's. But when she and Jason follow Lafayette to the source of his V juice (Stephen Root), she shows a much uglier side.
Sookie and Tara have a blowout.
Detective Andy Bellefleur isn't completely satisfied with the excuse Sam gives him for his naked run through the woods, and starts poking around in Sam's background.
Sookie agrees to help Eric find out who has been stealing money from Fangtasia (and even agrees to help him in the future) and she ends up putting her life in danger. (source: pioneerlocal.com) Deadwood Stage: Thanks for sharing the spoilery goodness!
Ramon's obsession with finding Oskar's killer has him putting his career at risk, and Dexter does a masterful job manipulating Ramon and keeping him off balance; Internal Affairs leans harder on Deb to dig up some dirt on Quinn, but she "won't be a rat." Also, Rita and Dexter decide to tell the children about her "condition," and Angel's quest for companionship nearly gets him in hot water.
Episode description: ALL IN THE FAMILY (sho.com)
After a botched marriage proposal, Dexter has to figure out how to convince Rita that he is looking for more than a convenient merger of finances and fatherhood. But Deb’s case of a woman’s murdered fiancée offers hope for Dexter in strange ways. Meanwhile, Miguel’s brother, Ramon, is going off the rails in the hunt for their little brother Oscar’s murderer. Unfortunately, Oscar’s murderer was killed by Dexter Morgan, and that’s something he desperately wants to keep secret.
First off, was is not cool how out favourite blood spatter expert got chance to do some blood spattering? The photos above sort of give you an idea of how, though the filmed re-created murder scene is simply between Dex and a dummy, it's precisely choreographed. Nifty.
This episode focused again quite a bit on Miguel Prado (Jimmy Smits) and the Chicky Hines case that as ADA he prosecuted, finding Hines guilty. The rub is that evidence is stacking up that Chicky did not do the crime but Miguel is being shady about it. After gently confronting Miguel several times about her department's solid evidence that he made a mistake in convicting Chicky Hines and having Miguel put her off, Maria (Lauren Velez), takes the evidence to the defense attorney. There should be some big fallout from this.
The middle Prado brother, Ramon, who has already exhibited asinine behaviour continues doing so, fueling his rage with alcohol. Dex realizes that between this behavior and Miguel Prado's insisting (sort of frequently, but gently) that little bro should know that Freebo is dead--to give him closure, Dex realizes that there's a problem that is bubbling up and will soon be out of control without intervention. His series of interventions are quite amusing.
Dexter and Miguel keep bonding but Prado is a smooth operator, methinks. Of course in his own way, so is Dex.
Dexter blurted out a proposal to Rita after failing to grab her heart the first time, he finessed it the second time in a way that was very Dexter and very funny.
Our anti-hero is again navigating uncharted waters and he's fumbling all over. Due to his empty interior life Dexter has no clue how to conduct aspects of important relationships but Michael C. Hall turns in such deft performances that even when Dex is being stupid--Hall doesn't play him stupid. He's just really unaware--almost as an innocent--though again, the paradox--Dexter is anything but.
While Dexter struggles with how to handle Rita’s desire for them to move in together before they get married, Miguel tells Dexter about a husband who has gotten away with killing two of his wives for financial gain. For Dexter, this seems like the perfect candidate to satisfy his dark urge and his need, like every man under relationship pressures, to get away. Dexter tracks the murderer to Bimini. While on the hunt, Rita has a medical emergency and he is nowhere to be found. Meanwhile, Debra works with Anton, her confidential informant to track down one of Freebo’s criminal confidants. But Debra finds herself oddly attracted to Anton.
In Two Weeks on Dexter:
S3 E07
"Si Se Puede"
Dexter suspects that Miguel is on to his dark-side job and decides to test him; Rita gets fired from her job and begins to question her career path; Debra thinks she somehow contributed to another homicide that's related to the case she's working.
Flower shot taken in back of house on Thursday, 10.16.08. The hard freeze is due any time. It's chilly--putting on layers-- so these are the last blush.
I cannot believe that back when I was around 12, way back in the day, I respected John McCain as a Vietnam-war hero. He was among the very last, the longest-held captive of the North Vietnamese. Just for that fact alone, I gave great pause in considering whether at this stage in his life he would psychologically handle the pressures of growing old in the Oval Office.
I watched him on the evening news probably ABC, as a just-released POW being greeted by some government guys in suits. McCain was still in his prison clothes, pajama-like, loose garb,
But he isn't that guy now, hasn't been for years. John McCain never rose above his Vietnam heroics.
He's just...done.
*There's a 40% chance if he won that he would die in office. Palin as the US prez? Um, no.*
Yesterday was Canadian Thanksgiving. We went to Goebbert’s Pumpkin Farm, a tradition of ours for close to 15 years. It’s much the same each year. Run by the Goebbert family, it’s farmland full of pumpkins, gourds, cornstalks and Indian corn and if you must, on the second floor of the barn, sort-of Halloween stuff. (Click Goebbert’s link above for directions to farm.)
It was a ten or 15 degrees F above normal day and humid. Today was much the same only less humid. We are supposed to have a drastic downturn in the weather and probably according to the weather dude, not recover before next spring(!)
Sometimes it's good to put down the mouse and back away from the computer. I have in the past couple days while I a. waited about 12 hours for the Internet* to start working again, b. finally lost it over the inability of my Logitech MX 3200 mouse to function within any semblance of normal parameters and most enjoyably did Canadian Thanksgiving at Goebbert's Farm with my family.
Monkey making "stew" (look closely)
White-collared Ravens
Photo album in left-side column
*which was Comcast, until last night. Now it is my son's company, a local Schaumburg telecommunications service. I'm so happy to be able to buy local--and it's a family-run business. For sheer heart-warming goodness, the story of American immigrants making very good is one I love to hear/be a slight part of.
Synopsis:Miguel and Dexter have a secret they "aren't at liberty to tell." Dexter has a decision to make about fatherhood, but he's not ready to commit. Debra has a CI who won't do what she asks. And, there's a pedophile in the neighborhood that only has eyes for Astor.
I'm a couple days past the original showing of this episode which for the fans of gore did not have a lot in it. ("I'm bored," says one.) For those of us who have loved Dex from Day One, it is simply a change in pacing but that's a reason the show is so beloved...Dexter goes where others fear to tread--plus Michael C. Hall is so perfectly cast. If you loved Six Feet Under and haven't watched this, you've some catching up to do. Dexter has been going full throttle for over two seasons. Remember what became of Sgt. Doakes? That was Season 2 and it came on the heels (of course) of Season 1 which was fantastic, breathtaking, no pun. Unlike shows that start out seemingly with great promise in their inaugural season then the second season curse turns them into a giant disappointment, often called the sophomore slump (Heroes), Dexter's second season may have topped the first.
But we are now about 27 episodes in, co-showrunner Daniel Cerrone has departed, and the current showrunners have to make choices--give the blood-thirsty masses what they crave or show a few intricacies of the show's character's relationships--part of what makes this show so compulsively watchable. This episode did more defining and deepening of what ADA Miguel Prado might call "friendship" between himself and Dexter. Dexter, who refers to him as "Miguel, my new bestest friend," in a rueful voiceover, wonders if his sudden friendship with Miguel is, "creepy or just what friends do." The always well-played efforts when siblings Deb (Jennifer Carpenter) and Dex spar produced this nugget, the best line o' the night, when Dex finally tells Deb about Rita's pregnant condition. Debra is totally psyched about the pregnancy and replies as one would expect her to, "A motherfuckin', roly-poly, chubby-cheeked, shit machine!?"
So yes, less action unless you count Dexter strangling a paroled child molester who has taken an interest in Aster, whom he now considers "his kid." And in case you were not keeping score, Dex is playing fast and loose with "The Code of Harry." It's anyone's guess where this is taking him. The ever-sure Dexter is getting more and more unsure.
Finally, there was a lot of Rita-Dexter bonding including pregnant yoga class as he tentatively touched Rita's tummy when instructed by the yoga teacher and at the end when he killed the "Cheerios Man" (molester), stole the dead guy's carton of milk and brought home milk for the kids, he did it himself. Even if you aren't a big fan of Rita and Dexter, there's was plenty going elsewhere to make it a good episode.
I'm sure next week the writers will give you more action, but character development deserves screen time and that's what this eppy achieved quite well.
EDIT/ In checking up on my visitors in order to better stay on top of what people are interested in--I found many folks landing here for julie benz dexter nude, nude julie benz, rita and dexter sex, julie benz naked, and so forth.
If this blog did not have sponsors I'd be glad to show you shots of "nude Julie Benz" as the actress has posed nude and in fact done an entire sequence in a film nude. Since I cannot do that, I'm going to give you what I consider to be a more flattering look at Ms. Benz who some of you may recall as "Darla" on Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel--The Beauty Of Not Nude Julie Benz.
NEXT on Dexter:
Dexter S3E4
"All in the Family"
Ramon's obsession with finding Oskar's killer has him putting his career at risk, and Dexter does a masterful job manipulating Ramon and keeping him off balance; Internal Affairs leans harder on Deb to dig up some dirt on Quinn, but she "won't be a rat." Also, Rita and Dexter decide to tell the children about her "condition," and Angel's quest for companionship nearly gets him in hot water.
The Report Yuki tries to turn Deborah against a fellow detective.
All the Way Down Miguel tries to convince Dexter to share their secret with Ramon.
Synopsis:
Numbed by tragedy, Sookie looks for refuge from the cacophony of her friends’ and neighbors’ inner voices. After lashing out at his sister and decking Andy, Jason wrestles with withdrawal symptoms from his V juice habit. Tara resists the overtures of her mother Lettie Mae (Adina Porter), who’s trying to rid herself of a demon and needs her daughter’s help. Sam and Tara make a connection in their mutual search for “something real.”
Just when you thought things couldn't get worse some crazy creature goes and slices poor Gran to pieces. As Bill said when being interviewed by Bon Temps finest, the intended victim was most probably Sookie, not her grandmother. Regardless, Sookie was the one who discovered the body and who cleaned up the remnants of the bloodbath after Gran's corpse was taken away.
This pushed Sookie over the edge and she became unable to block out the thoughts of the swarm of people around her (Gran was much beloved). Finally, as she was giving a eulogy for Gran, Sookie burst out with "shut the fuck up" to all in attendance then ran from the cemetery. Just prior to the service Jason came home still high on V and smacked her in the face for "killing Gran." Then Jason made the brilliant gesture of inviting Gran's estranged brother to the funeral, the same guy who had molested Sookie as a child.
This powerful episode ended with Sookie literally running to Bill and throwing herself into his arms. They consummated their relationship both sexually and through another exchange of blood, this time from Sookie to Bill.
*Big thanks to all the work done by The Deadwood Stage in finding spoilery stuff*
Cast: Anna Paquin (Sookie Stackhouse), Stephen Moyer (Bill Compton,), Ryan Kwanten (Jason Stackhouse), Rutina Wesley (Tara Thornton), Sam Trammell ( Sam Merlotte), Nelsan Ellis (LaFayette Reynolds), Lois Smith (Gran)
NEXT Week:
S1, Episode 7:
Synopsis: "Burning House of Love"
Bill takes action after hearing Sookie's distressing recollection about her uncle; Tara resorts to desperate measures to help her mother; Jason takes a road trip to Fangtasia to satisfy his latest craving; and a group of vigilantes hunts for vampires who made a scene at Merlotte's. Jason's struggles with his V addiction get worse to the point where he's caught by Sookie looking for items to pawn at their grandmother's house. After Lafayette refuses to sell him any more V, he heads to Fangtasia to score some more vamp blood. That's where he meets Amy (Lizzy Caplan). The two click immediately over their shared V addiction. Jason is also impressed with Amy, a Connecticut Yankee, for her extended vocabulary and more positive outlook on life.
We get a continuation of Sookie and Bill's love-in, including a little bubble bath time. That's where she shares the truth about her Uncle Bartlett and her childhood.
The three scummy vamps make a trip to Merlotte's, terrorizing some of the customers to get Bill's attention. Sam tries to hold them off, but fails. Bill arrives and leaves with the trio. Three of the Merlotte's customers decide to get some revenge on the vamps and set fire to their house the next day. Sookie then learns that four bodies burned in the fire.
Andy and Terry Bellefleur spot Sam doing something really weird (think his previous rolling around in a dead woman's bedsheets)." Source: blogs.pioneerlocal.com
Spoilers:
Episode 10, "I Don't Wanna Know" Caught in a compromising position, Sam shares a secret with an incredulous Sookie. Thinking she's been purged of her demon, Tara celebrates with Lettie Mae – but goes off the deep end when she uncovers Miss Jeanette's true intentions. Sookie has a disturbing revelation during Arlene and Rene's engagement party at Merlotte's; Jason and Amy debate what to do with Eddie; and Tara speeds into a bizarre roadside encounter that lands her in jail. At a vampire tribunal to decide his fate, Bill faces a harsh penalty for his offense, but the magistrate (Zeljko Ivanek) decides on a more creative sentence involving a young human named Jessica (Deborah Ann Woll). Source: Door at TelevisionWithoutPity.com
Episode 11(?) Bill fulfills the conditions of the tribunal's sentence, although he and Eric find that Jessica doesn't quite turn (out) as expected. Trying to solve the mystery behind her most recent vision, Sookie heads to a pie shop with Sam and later puts the squeeze on a philandering police officer to get info. Jason helps clean up Amy's mess, worrying about their future, but unable to break away.
E12(?) - Michelle Forbes is playing the Maenad. On her message board,
Charlaine Harris confirmed that she spoke with Michelle Forbes at the
party at the True Blood premiere, and Michelle told her that she was
playing the Maenad and asked for insights into the character. Several
sources have Michelle playing "Maryann." In the casting notice for this
episode, Maryann is the name of the Maenad in the show.
Episode 12(?) Tara's anger over Lettie Mae's refusal to bail her out of jail is tempered when Maryann Forrester (Michelle Forbes), a wealthy “social worker,” comes to her rescue. Disgusted by the hypocrisy of a vamp-bashing state senator, Lafayette decides to pay him a visit on the campaign trail. In Bill's absence, a vulnerable Sookie finds comfort in Sam. A distraught Jason finds himself in hot water with Bud and Andy, again. Source: Door at TelevisionWithoutPity.com
Episode 12: Sookie finds a link to the string of killings in Bon Temps – and ends up in the murderer's crosshairs. Tara decides to make the most of her second chance with Maryann; Jason finds a new calling after anti-vampire zealot Orry visits him in jail; Bill tempts fate during his latest attempt to save Sookie; Sam is perturbed by an encounter with an old acquaintance; Lafayette finds himself in the wrong place at the right time. Source: Door at TelevisionWithoutPity.com
The newscasts report and speculate on the fiery demise of the Darlings' Valhalla estate, as well as a Darling's death in the fire. At the same time, the family must also deal with funeral arrangements and the aftermath of the arrest of an unforeseen suspect in the murder of Dutch George. Brian recommends to Tripp that, in order to restore confidence in Darling Enterprises, a successor be named a role Simon feels that Karen deserves. Meanwhile, a smitten Jeremy learns Nola Lyons true profession, Nick and Lisa discuss having another child, and recording artist Kenny G performs.
Hallelujah! With this episode, Dirty Sexy Money hit their mark--and then some! Dirty Sexy Money finally put together a superb show which was fun to watch from start to finish.
As promised in the hype preceding this season, Nick George is turning more towards the dirty side or at least is not countering others moves to do so Lucy Liu, just cast in the episode as lawyer Nola Lyons, is fitting seamlessly into the Darling landscape. Bastard son Brian Darling, out of the collar and into the thick of things is holding his own just fine, even plotting with half-brother Nick about what to do next in defense of Letitia. It's a given that Donald Sutherland is going to do the thing he does and he did it. Fabulously. The audience still cannot figure just how "dirty" he is.
Natalie Zea as Karen and her lover, enemy of Darling Enterprises, Simon Elder (Blair Underwood) seem to be clicking very nicely. She has spilled the beans about her initial interest in him (which was ordered by her father) but finds herself, true to character, involved yet again with the wrong man. Underwood for his part seems to be giving some more weight to his character because let's face it, even though DSM is a nighttime soap, it needs enough heft to keep the story ever-so-slightly grounded. Alas, Jill Clayburgh (Leticia) seems to be permanently stuck as a delicate thing needing protection and caring lest she fall apart in a thousand pieces. I would love to be surprised to find a steely core within this character--but with so much going on in the storyline at this point, it's fine with me to leave her as she is right now. The only cast member--and this is and amazing change from last season--the only one that doesn't resonate at all with me is Nick George's wife, Lisa (Zoe McLellen). Because Nick has such a galaxy of Darlings revolving around him he doesn't need a wife to pop in every now and again to remind him that he's at their beck and call too often. He's exasperated enough, though given that he's assumed Leticia's place in the company as well as defending her for his father Dutch's murder I don't think he's all that bothered. I still think we can dispense entirely with Nick having a wife, leaving the storyline open for him to get entangled with a character that perhaps we have yet to meet.
The next episode of DSM doesn't air until Wednesday, Oct 22 at 10C/11E on ABC so mark your calendars. Official Dirty Sexy Money website
In TWO weeks: “The Star Witness” – Now that Nick has agreed to defend Letitia in the murder case of Dutch George – Nick’s father and Letitia’s secret lover – he is disturbed to learn that his estranged mother is on prosecutor Nola Lyons’ witness list. Meanwhile, because they have to keep their affair a secret, Jeremy surprises Nola with a private concert by the Weepies; Patrick plans to clear his conscience about his wife’s death, but Tripp dissuades him in a shocking way during a senatorial debate moderated by Dan Rather; Brian goes to Brazil to kidnap Brian Jr.; and Simon and Karen continue their loving ways, still unclear if one is plotting against the other.
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“Dirty Sexy Money” stars Peter Krause as Nick George, Donald Sutherland as Tripp Darling, William Baldwin as Patrick Darling, Natalie Zea as Karen Darling, Glenn Fitzgerald as Brian Darling, Seth Gabel as Jeremy Darling, Zoe McLellan as Lisa George, with Blair Underwood as Simon Elder, Jill Clayburgh as Letitia Darling and Lucy Liu as Nola Lyons.
Guest starring are Dan Rather as himself, Candis Cayne as Carmelita, Will Shadley as Brian Darling, Jr., Sheryl Lee as Andrea Smithson, Laura Margolis as Kaisy, Chloe Grace Moretz as Kiki, Caroline Lagerfelt as Clare George, Cari Champion as TV reporter, Mary Linda Phillips as Hillary type, Michael Lerner as Martin and Ron Glass as Dennis Ford.
Bill proves to be a popular attraction for Adele's historical society, but his stories of the Civil War dredge up painful memories of the wartime experiences that changed his life forever. Meanwhile, Jason decides to give "V" another try; Sam finally asks Sookie for a date; and Andy and Bud keep the murder investigations open.
First off, I'd like to say that Steven Moyer (Vampire Bill Compton) who up until now I had no real opinion of, turned in a spectacularly nuanced and heart-rending performance tonight.
I hope that he'll be given many more chances to give the audience glimpses into his 173 y.o. existence.
Here's a look at Bill's "maker.f"
She attacked him when, after weeks of making his way home--alone after the South lost to the North in the Civil War, he happened upon her cabin in the woods, asking her for help. She fed him and after he'd finished, her demeanor turned odd and she talked of the "other men" that had been to her home who did not behave like gentlemen (unlike Bill-the perfect gentleman). He thought she desired sex with him and after assuring her that her did not judge her and that he was anxious to be reunited with his wife and kids, she fanged him.
We he awoke, drained and dying, he saw her conquests hung all 'round him like this guy:
"Lorena" sire explained that they deserved no better and that he too would soon be dead if he did not drink from her. Reluctantly, he did so.
Despite being turned into the living dead Bill wished to be reunited with his family so his "mom" brought him to see them where they sat on the front porch unaware of his presence. Lorena explained to him that he could not ever be with them as they would be hanged if it were known that they hid a vampire among them. Even if they went undetected Bill would be forced to watch his own children grow old and die. Once he realized the futility of his desire--and at Lorena's command--he left them, blood tears falling from his eyes:
Though other things happened in the episode the last 10 minutes was the most resonant.
Sam and Sookie went on a date, ironically to hear Bill speak to Adele's (Gran) group at a church about his service during the Civil war. Jason, who I'm still not warming to, possibly because stupid people annoy me, procured more V juice but this time took LaFayette's guidance to heart on how best to enjoy it.
The episode ends with yet another death--the bodies continue to pile up in the tiny town of Bon Temps. This death could not be any closer to Sookie and she may have been the intended victim.
Cast: Anna Paquin (Sookie Stackhouse), Stephen Moyer (Bill Compton,), Ryan Kwanten (Jason Stackhouse), Rutina Wesley (Tara Thornton), Sam Trammell (Sam Merlotte), Nelsan Ellis (Lafayette Reynolds), Lois Smith (Gran)
Next Week: Oct 12
Episode S1E06 "Cold Ground"
Synopsis: Numbed by tragedy, Sookie looks for refuge from the cacophony of her friends’ and neighbors’ inner voices. After lashing out at his sister and decking Andy, Jason wrestles with withdrawal symptoms from his V juice habit. Tara resists the overtures of her mother Lettie Mae (Adina Porter), who’s trying to rid herself of a demon and needs her daughter’s help. Sam and Tara make a connection in their mutual search for “something real.”
Something's gotta give when Debra and the homicide unit, ADA Miguel Prado (Jimmy Smits) and Dexter all chase the same serial killer, who murdered Prado's younger brother. On the home front, Dexter's faced with a big family decision involving Rita and her two children.
Forget the predictable domestic dilemma Dexter finds himself in with Rita. She's pregnant, he's conflicted. Who'd have guessed? Did anyone think control freak Rita would abort Dex's kid? She's looking to snag him. I'm sort of suspecting that the pregnancy wasn't a complete shock to her, anyway.
The real fun centers around murder and who done it and who's next (to either do it or get it done to them). Since the title of this episode is "Finding Freebo," it was rather unsurprising that Dex did. What was out of character was that Dex, knowing that the police and Miguel Prado were just a step behind him in finding Freebo, didn't take the precaution of drugging Freebo and hauling him to a less-obvious location than where he did the deed. In staying put and at risk, Dex put himself in a situation unlike any other that has played out thus far in the series. Dexter was literally caught red-handed by Miguel Prado who himself had gun in hand about to murder Freebo. The two now have cemented their "friendship" and we, the lucky audience, get to watch as the story as well as some other things or people unspool on our screens.
NOTE: In the news this week was a report of a very disturbing incident on the set of Dexter involving Jimmy Smits. Revealing what happened would in essence give away a crucial plot development and I'm loathe to do so this early in the season. Suffice to say there was a misunderstanding about a prop on Mr. Smits' part and he could have hurt someone but did not. Everyone is OK save for some frazzled nerves.
NEXT: 10/12/2008 "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" S3,E03 Dexter has a run-in with a pedophile; Freebo is accused of a murder he didn't commit, and Dexter knows the truth but can't say anything about it. Also, Dexter's friendship with Miguel begins to weigh on his mind.
"Slow the Investigation" Miguel tries to get Maria to slow the investigation.
"Our Friend" Miguel sure Dexter took care of Freebo
STARRING: Michael C. Hall Julie Benz Jennifer Carpenter Lauren Velez David Zayas James Remar C.S. Lee
Thanks to Red Pen for posting this for everyone's viewing pleasure. Also thanks to my bro for forwarding the very amusing Sarah Palin Flow Chart (below). It's seems to have worked like a charm for her!
When we are not feeling terrified by the prospect of Sarah Palin being a 72 y.o. heartbeat away from running this country we should try to invoke as much humour as humanly possible in order to stem the fear. In that spirit, I give you this.
"The Darlings are throwing Nick George a fantastic yacht party -- anyone who is anyone in New York is there... And soon so are the NYPD."
Synopsis:
Season 2, Ep 1: "The Birthday Present"
Aired: 10/1/2008
Even
as Lisa and Nick planned to celebrate his birthday privately and
quietly, Tripp and Letitia Darling decided to throw a lavish party for
Nick on their yacht. Nick helps in reconciling Tripp and Patrick, who
is still burdened with his troubled marriage and missing transgendered
lover. Brian is reunited with his illegitimate son while Karen and
Simon Elder escalates their relationship. Jeremy reveals his feelings
for Lisa to Nola Lyons. Amidst all the Darling drama, a death occurs
within the family and someone is arrested for murder.
Cutting to the chase I have to say that this was one of the better episodes of the series so far.
It managed to thumbnail recap the high points of last season and still move forward with setting the stage for Season 2.
It looks like we'll be seeing Carmelita (in the Adirondacks?!) further into the season and for that I say "yay." Candis Cane (above, with Billy Baldwin) just brings the right amount of camp to a show that's foundation rests on being over the top.
The sex in this episode was not given short shrift. We had Karen (Natalie Zea) bedding Darling nemesis Simon Elder (Blair Underwood), following Daddy's directive (Donald Sutherland) to do so to gather intel on Elder. The ick factor is pretty high if you think too much about that.
We had new character Nola Lyons (Lucy Liu) whispering a few choice words into the ears of rejected horndawg, Jeremy Darling (Seth Gabel), leading them to a hot sex scene in Jeremy's limo (I hope they excused the driver). Previously, Jeremy had gotten to first base with Lisa George (Zoe McClellan) outside the restaurant where Nick George stood her up for their birthday date. Both Jeremy and Lisa were very drunk so predictably got caught by Nick when he finally showed up. Jeremy might just be the stupidest Darling.
Oh yes, this isn't sex per se, maybe potential pre-sex but Karen's happy birthday greeting to Nick George (Peter Krause) was to surprise him in his office by dropping her clothes.
As usual, there was plenty of dirt, this time involving making the accidental death of Paddy's abusive, hard-drinking wife look like a different kind of accidental. Then Daddy Darling arraigned an alibi by having Brian Darling (Glenn Fitzgerald) be prepared to give the police a phony story about where his-high profile brother Patrick "Paddy" Darling (Billy Baldwin) was at the time of the death.
It was revealed as well that Simon Elder is playing Karen (no surprise) when after she refuses to get in really deep and give her dad what Simon thinks Daddy Darling wants, Elder makes a phone call to a mysterious someone stating, "We have her."
While I was scanning the internet for spoilers and such I came across what may or may not be true about why Samaire Armstrong, half of the Darling twins, is no longer a regular on the show. It's said that she has a drug problem that impaired her ability to perform her role. Hmm. That could explain a lot.
DIRTY SEXY MONEY - ABC's "Dirty Sexy Money" stars Peter Krause as Nick
George, Donald Sutherland as Tripp Darling, William Baldwin as Patrick
Darling, Natalie Zea as Karen Darling, Glenn Fitzgerald as Rev. Brian
Darling, Seth Gabel as Jeremy Darling, Zoe McLellan as Lisa George,
with Blair Underwood as Simon Elder, Jill Clayburgh as Letitia Darling
and Lucy Liu as Nola Lyons
NEXT Episode: The Silent Auction
Airs: Wednesday October 8, 2008
Season 2, Ep 2:
Tripp
and an old acquaintance from his work with United Way, Flavia Carozzi,
chance upon each other as Nick tries to start with putting up his
children's hospital. Nick convinces Tripp to ask the help of Flavia in
organizing a silent auction to raise funds for his project.
