Jackie continues to be pulled in opposite directions of the emotional spectrum. On the one hand, a nice, stable, funny guy is interested in her and they have begun to date. At the same time, Jackie's eldest daughter Grace, is acting out; she's lying and dating an age-inappropriate guy and in general, has a surly attitude. Even little Fiona is misbehaving enough that her school master has a conference with Jackie and Kevin. Then there's the issue of custody with Kevin and most profoundly, Jackie's tenuous sobriety. How much pressure can Jackie handle as she navigates her first year sober--without any kind of outside support? It's a question that will remain open until there's an answer.
Jackie starts her day telling Grace she’s not allowed to go to a school dance with her boyfriend. Jackie is nervous about her date with Frank later that night. Zoey and Thor decide they’ll help her get ready.
Merritt Wever, Edie Falco and Stephen Wallem in Nurse Jackie (Cr: Showtime)
A dancer comes in with a hurt knee. Prentiss diagnoses it as a sprain and discharges him but Akalitus and Coop catch his spiral fracture just as he’s about to leave.
Anna Deavere Smith, Peter Facinelli and Morris Chestnut in Nurse Jackie
Prentiss and Zoey work in perfect harmony on a pregnant gunshot victim who collapses in the waiting room. Later that night, Jackie and Frank skip the fancy restaurant in favor of a pub. It’s a great date with a good guy. All is going well until Jackie’s phone rings: It’s Mike Cruz, urging her to lose the date.
Bobby Cannavale and Edie Falco in Nurse Jackie (Cr: Showtime)
She follows Cruz to his apartment and he confronts her about calling Charlie’s phone. He falls apart talking about Charlie. A moment of shared grief turns into connection and need and they have sex.
Still of Edie Falco and Ruby Jerins in Nurse Jackie (Cr: Showtime)
At the same time, Grace and her friends sneak out to the dance and a surprise police raid separates Grace from Danny and all of her friends. Alone on the streets of New York, Grace frantically tries calling Jackie but all of her calls go to voicemail. Back at Cruz’s apartment, Jackie notices her missed calls and rushes out to pick up Grace.
Written By: Cindy Caponera
Directed By: Randall Einhorn (Credit: Showtime)
NURSE JACKIE
Nurse Jackie 'The Whole Team' Sneak Peek (VIDEO)
Zoey and Thor help Jackie get ready for her big date.
Nurse Jackie 'Going On A Date'Sneak Peek (VIDEO)
Zoey discovers that Jackie is going on a date with Frank.
Nurse Jackie Season 5: Next on Episode 5 (VIDEO)
Jackie is nervous about her date with Frank. Mike Cruz calls Jackie.
Waiting Sucks - True Blood - Season 6: "Jason" VIDEO Tease/Screencaps
True Blood season 6 - Lucy Griffiths as Nora Gainesborough and Ryan Kwanten as Jason Stackhouse (Cr: HBO)
Waiting sucks but Season 6 of True Blood premieres Sunday, June 16 at 9pm only on HBO. For more on True Blood, go to http://itsh.bo/HAObVp or jump in on the Twitter conversations http://twitter.com/truebloodhbo #trueblood.
Stephen Moyer (Bill Compton) directs an episode of True Blood season 6 (Credit: HBO)
You may recognize the guy at top in the director's chair. That is Stephen Moyer, who co-stars on True Blood as vampire Bill Compton. Last we saw him was at the end of season 5 after he bought the hype about the ancient vampire 'Lilith', drank her blood, and went down the rabbit hole. Bill was at vampire central command, blood-encrusted, naked, and really, really angry and it appears that he's about to wreak the ultimate havoc--burn the place to the ground.
It would seem then that Sookie (Anna Paquin), who was at vamp HQ with Eric and 'Billith' when last we saw her, must have escaped to be able to confront Jason as he's about to put a wooden bullet through Eric's sister, Nora Gainesborough (Lucy Griffiths).
Jason (Ryan Kwanten) is still clad as he was when he and others infiltrated Vamp HQ. and others, humans,vampires and shifters, he was with have not yet had their "Waiting Sucks' teases yet. But, as we get closer to the June 16 premiere date of True Blood on HBO we should be able to put more pieces together beyond one of the first to be looked at: How much time has elapsed since the last scene of season 5?
From the shots we've seen thus far of the True Blood season 6 cast, we are picking up right where we left off.
If you're gonna put a bullet through Eric's sister's chest, it's going through me first. - Sookie to Jason in re: Nora
True Blood season 6 - Lucy Griffiths as Nora, Anna Paquin as Sookie Stackhouse and Ryan Kwanten as Jason Stackhouse (Cr: HBO)
More 'True Blood' - Season 6 Waiting Sucks: 'Jason' (VIDEO) Screencaps after the jump!
Game of Thrones Season 3 Sneak Peek: Death, Dragons and the King Beyond the Wall!
Nikolaj Coster-Waldau as Jaime Lannister In Game Of Thrones Season 3 (Cr: HBO)
Music: Ms Mr - Bones (Game of Thrones Season 3 Trailer Soundtrack)
“I am Daenerys Stormborn of House Targaryen, of the blood of old Valyria. I am the dragon’s daughter, and I swear to you that those who would harm you will die screaming.”
Game of Thrones Season 3 is coming.
The new season returns on March 31st at 9pm.
For more on Game of Thrones, go to http://itsh.bo/HpR8b1.
Here is the first official Game of Thrones Season 3 trailer, which clues us in to the inevitable, continuing wars as the attempt to win a place on the Iron Throne escalates. In the 1-minute teaser trailer you'll see plenty of familar faces and fan favorites like Tyrion, Jon Snow
& Arya. Season 3 also heralds the arrival of new faces like Mance Rayder, the 'King Beyond the Wall'. And it wouldn't be Game Of Thrones without a dragon, right? So we get a glimpse at the Mother Of Dragons' most precocious 'child'--and he does indeed breathe fire!
Enjoy this series of quicks cuts of the good, bad and scary people and not-people of Westeros and far beyond that you meet in the third installment of the series.
Game Of Thrones premieres on HBO on March 31 at 9/8c.
Jennifer Carpenter's Twitter is an excellent Dexter News Source!
Deb's (Jennifer Carpenter) new ride on Dexter season 8 (June 2013)
I realized just prior to the beginning of Dexter season 7 that the actor that plays Dexter's sister Deb, Jennifer Carpenter (Twitter name: @J2thecarpenter), is an excellent source of behind-the-scenes information about Showtime's Dexter, which as you probably know is returning this JUNE(!)
Dexter season 8 first read through Tweet
Unlike some celebrities that Tweet photos of their latest meal (or bowel movement), Carpenter Tweets really interesting stuff without giving away anything that would imperil her job. When she's not filming Dexter, she sends out some very funny stuff as well, often with attached photos. So let's look at some of the latest Tweets from 'Deb' to learn what's up with "Dexter" which returned to filming what is probably it's final season on February 11, 2013.
'Are you shitfuckingkidding me?' - JC
Yes, offscreen Carpenter talks much like her onscreen character (in her Tweets, at least).
Nick Gomez signs on for Dexter season 8 in a recurrring role
Finally, as SpoilerTV reported, Nick Gomez (@Nicksgomez) has signed on as a recurring player in Dexter season 8.
Surprise, mother f**ker! Dexter Returns for Season 8 in June!
This is one I didn't see coming, but according to Showtime boss David Nevins' announcement at the Television Critics Association’s winter press tour, the hit drama will debut three months earlier than usual on Sunday, June 30 at 9/8c, where it will lead into a brand new Showtime original drama.
Dexter and Ray Donovan Summer 2013
The return of Dexter and the premiere of Ray Donovan Sunday, June 30th only on Showtime.
Check out this NEW Video (above) that catches you up with Dexter's NEW schedule as well as the Liev Schreiber vehicle, 'Ray Donovan.'
Liev Schreiber in 'Ray Donovan' (Cr: Showtime)
The Showtime hit is moving to summer for what could be its final season. Dexter season 8 will debut June 30 at 9 p.m. to serve as a lead-in for Showtime’s new series Ray Donovan, which stars Liev Schreiber as a professional “fixer” for the rich and famous.
Showtime's entertainment president assures that the Dexter
team will still have plenty of time to create a strong season. “They
had a lot of advance warning [that this was happening] and they know
where they’re going,” he said. “No less production time; a little less
vacation time.”
Dates released for more NEW and returning Showtime Original Programming:
In addition to the big news that Dexter fans have only to wait five more months for season 8 to commence, Nevins announced that Showtime's Golden Globe & Emmy award-winning thriller Homeland, will return for its third season Sept. 29 and will be paired with the new Masters and Johnson period drama Masters of Sex.
More 2013 dates from Showtime: Shameless, House of Lies and Californication premiered on Sunday, January 13; Nurse Jackie and The Borgias April 14; The Big C: Hereafter will conclude the series starting April 29. Web Therapy will be on sometime this summer. Episodes will return early 2014. Here’s a video preview of Ray Donovan and Masters:
MASTERS OF SEX and RAY DONOVAN, the newest additions to the critically-acclaimed and award-winning slate of original series from Showtime, will premiere in 2013.
Executive Producer Scott Buck discusses the season 7 finale.
Jennifer Carpenter and Michael C. Hall in the season 7 finale of Dexter ( Cr: Showtime)
Despite Dexter's (Michael C. Hall) momentous decision in the penultimate episode 11 to turn evidence over to the cops, which leads to Hannah's (Yvonne Strahovki) arrest for the murder of Sal Price, it turns out that Hannah is really the least of Dexter's worries in the season finale.
Instead, Maria LaGuerta (Lauren Velez) arrests Dexter for the murder of Hector Estrada, and it rattles her so that she refuses to look at him as she Mirandizes him. She's making a major move here. Despite Dexter's coworkers at the station's shock and disbelief, they'd feel even more so if they knew that Dexter set up everything to look like LaGuerta is trying to frame him — and since she was involved in expediting Estrada's release from prison, no one will trust her judgment now--effectively stopping her cold in her search for the true Bay Harbour Butcher. Or one would think.
Much as she has seemed to reach a hundred dead ends in her pursuit of the truth, LaGuerta forges on, deciding this time to go after Debra (Jennifer Carpenter), uncovering the gas station surveillance tapes that show Deb filling up a gas can near the church where Travis (Colin Hanks) died and evidence was destroyed in a petroleum-fueled fire. This could prove what the single blood slide could not--that Debra helped Dexter cover up the serial killer's murder.
After Deb informs Dex about how deep they both are in muck with LaGuerta, Dex searches LaGuerta's home and finds she has obtained a warrant for the GPS on Dexter and Deb's phones, which will then prove the Morgan siblings were both at the church during the fire. (cont.)
Michael C. Hall, Jennifer Carpenter and Lauren Velez in the season 7 finale of Dexter ( Cr: Showtime)
At this point, Dexter has a big decision to make--whether or not to flee, or as Harry puts it, abandon the code and "kill an innocent." Dexter refuses to run, saying he is standing his ground using the slippery, still alive Estrada as bait, tracking the ex-con down and returning to the familiar dock-side shipping container. He extracts his vengeance on Estrada, the man who ordered the hit on his mother, as he waits for LaGuerta (who he has Estrada call and who is hurrying on her way), by stabbing him in the chest.
But then, as she did in the season 6 finale, Debra interferes with her brother's plan. Again, Dexter finds himself staring down the barrel of his sister's gun. *Poof* goes Dexter's plan to set up and murder LaGuerta, who arrives as orchestrated, making it look like she and Estrada killed each other in a gun fight.
Debra arrives as a drugged up, semi-conscious LaGuerta is coming around. She begs Deb to do the right thing, to 'put him down.' Dexter then makes his plea using reverse psychology telling Deb that LaGuerta is right, Deb's a good person and, stealing Hannah's line as Dexter was about to put her down, tells Deb, 'Do what you gotta do.'
A shaking Deb doesn't surprise us as she chooses her brother not to kill as Dexter previously chose his sister over his lover, Hannah. She puts a bullet in LaGuerta. (It was recounted that Jennifer Carpenter as Deb improvised the scene that followed her killing LaGuerta. I think she was brilliant--to me, this is as shattering as Dexter discovering Rita in the bathtub (season 4 finale, Trinity murder).
Deb then breaks down, sobbing over the dead LaGuerta. Later, we see Dex (still wearing his kill shirt) and Deb arriving arm-in-arm at Angel's (David Zayas) New Year's/Retirement party, still dazed from the chaos and carnage.
"Is this a new beginning or the beginning of the end?"
Dexter ponders in voiceover.
It seems a sure bet we'll get that answer in Dexter's final season next fall.
Michael C. Hall, Jennifer Carpenter and Lauren Velez in the season 7 finale of Dexter (Cr: Showtime)
Homeland Episode 2.08 'I'll Fly Away' Damian Lewis and Morena Baccarin (Credit: Showtime)
SPOILER for episode 208. Watch the screencaps slideshow carefully. You'll see 'someone' accompany one of the series' co-stars in a vehicle to a remote location where the two are met by a scarily familar face. They 'fly away' and when landed, in the closing moments of this extremely high-tension episode, a familiar voice with 'the wrong face' greets them. It's truly a holy sh*t moment in a season that has been brim full of them!
Zuleikha Robinson & Damian Lewis in HOMELAND Episode 208 – “I’ll Fly Away” (Credit: Showtime)
HOMELAND Episode 208 – “I’ll Fly Away”
He lies for Carrie. He lies for Roya. And he’s still lying to
Jessica. Brody’s heading for a serious meltdown as he struggles to keep
complicated alliances clear. Against Quinn’s orders, Carrie stages a
risky intervention to keep Brody in line, forcing both of them to
confront their mixed emotions. And as Dana turns to an unlikely source
for comfort, her father comes face to face with his deadly past.
Directed by Michael Cuesta Written by Chip Johannessen (SOURCE: Showtime)
Previously on HOMELAND:
Homeland 207 'The Clearing' Claire Danes & Damian Lewis
“I do feel used and played and lied to,” replied a rather breathless Brody, hugging, smooching, squeezing. “I also feel good. Two minutes with you and I feel good. How do you do that?”
Anna Paquin, who plays Sookie Stackhouse on HBO's True Blood will return but only for 10 episodes in season 6 after the anticipated birth of twins in November 2012 (Credit: Pacific Coast News)
As we have been wondering due to two separate MAJOR changes at HBO's True Blood--that of showrunner-creator Alan Ball stepping down and True Blood star Anna Paquin stepping up, so-to speak, to the role of mama of two newborns what exactly should we be expecting/bracing ourselves for, in True Blood season 6? Now thanks to TVGuide, we know. There's both good and bad news. Read on.
TV Guide Magazine: Will Anna Paquin be back full time right away after the birth of her twins in November?
Ball: She is. We're moving production to January to accommodate her. And there will only be 10 shows next season partly because of Anna and partly because of the economics.
Deborah Ann Woll as 'Jessica' in True Blood Season 5, recording her final vlog on her cellphone (CR: HBO)
Pam, quoting 'a friend' of her family's who used to read to her, Alfred Lord Tennyson:
'Love is the only gold.'
Any last words, Pam?
Pam: 'Fuck. The. Authority.'
True Blood Season 5: Jessica's Vlog (Season Finale) VIDEO:
Made while imprisoned in the bowels of the Authority alongside Pam (Kristen Bauer van Straten), Jessica records what she fears may be her final vlog.
While doing so, she hears some surprising words of comfort from of all vampires, Pam!
Deborah Ann Woll as 'Jessica' in True Blood Season 5, recording her vlog on her cellphone (CR: HBO)
Anna Paquin as Sookie Stackhouse in the True Blood Season 5 Finale, 'Save Yourself'
Watch a scene from Episode 60, the season finale, of True Blood Season 5:
True Blood Season 5 - Season Finale Extended Sneak Peek:
Eric (Alexander Skarsgård) to Jason (Ryan Kwanten): 'Meatsack'
Jason to Eric: 'Deadfuck'
NEW Season 5 Finale #SaveYourself Screencaps!:
Speculation Update (8.23.12):
Based on what goes on here, we have a clear picture of why both Jason and Sookie willingly crawl into the vampire's nest that is the Vampire Authority HQ. For Jason, now that he knows the circumstances of the TruBlood factory bombings, he is pumped to save the world. For Sookie, there's no resisting the heartfelt appeal by Eric to 'save Bill', as she is the only one, Eric says, that can reach Bill (I wouldn't count on Sookie being able to do so--I smell a cliffhanger). Then there's the fact that Sookie does indeed 'owe Pam.'
True Blood - episode 5.08 - Bill (Stephen Moyer) attempts to shield himself in the immediate aftermath of Russell's staking of Roman (Credit: HBO)
True Blood Season 5: Episode 55 Clip - Sam's Got a Secret (VIDEO):
Kenya to a prone, floor-sniffing Sam: 'Is there something I need to know about you, Mr. Merlotte?'
Sam to Kenya: 'No.'
True Blood Season 5: Episode 55 Clip - Together At Last (VIDEO):
True Blood episode #55 - Salome (Valentina Cervi) begs for Russell's life to be spared.
True Blood Season 5: Episode 55 Clip - Disturbance in the Force (VIDEO):
True Blood episode #55 -Jason listens while a faery explains Sookie's powers to her.
From the True Blood (HBO) blog:
The True Blood cast has been coming to Comic-Con so long now that their panel has practically become an institution. And like any well-seasoned TV stars, they knew exactly how to deliver the hotness:
The True Blood cast with creator Alan Ball at SDCC 2012 (Credit: HBO)
Alan Ball dished out some faerie stripper action.
You’ve already seen the club – it’s not a strip club per se, as it is more a burlesque club. We will see other faeries and other people in various states of undress … Sort of playing off the strip club in Charlaine’s books, we decided to make it a club where faeries just hung out and had a good time, which sometimes means having their way with humans. We wanted to be more adult, more sensual … more sort of soft-core porno faerie.
Alexander Skarsgard and Stephen Moyer relived their trunk scene.
Skarsgard: That scene was originally probably six minutes long, and it ended up being like a 10-second scene because …
Moyer: We couldn’t do it without laughing. But we did rehearse it all weekend … We both received emails from Alan, the lord and master. So we ended up kind of going in to see the principal and getting our wrists slapped.
More True Blood at Comic-con 2012 Sound Bites and SDCC 2012 PHOTOS after the jump!:
Bill licks Sookie - TRUE BLOOD season 1 episode 2 (Photo credit: HBO)
It seems that it has been eons that we've had the TV-version of 'Sookie and Bill' (Anna Paquin & Stephen Moyer) but in truth, they did not go public with their relationship until they'd been in it for well over a year. Initially, they were willing to discuss just how they happened to become a couple (in sum, they met at work). Now, three years later, they've married (August, 2010) and are expecting twins this fall (2012) so I thought it would be fun to take a look back, in video, interviews and photos at the way they were:
TV Guide Magazine: True Blood Cover Shoot with Anna Paquin and Stephen Moyer VIDEO:
Join True Blood stars Anna Paquin, Stephen Moyer, Sam Trammell, Ryan Kwanten and Rutina Wesley on their cover shoot for TV Guide Magazine! Exclusive interviews about the new season and behind the scenes footage!
TRUE BLOOD Episode 1.08 Sookie & Bill: 'Graveyard love scene'
Stephen Moyer Q &A's
On having an on/off screen relationship with Anna, he says,
“Our relationship obviously started at the beginning of the show. We got together because we loved being together and created the thing in the first place. So I think this might be easier because the crew has grown up with us, watching us as a couple and we feel comfortable with them. So, we are able in some ways to explore an intimacy which maybe some people aren’t able to."
Q: 'Was it love at first sight?'
A: "we both were absolutely single and we were doing this job and HBO puts us in the same hotel. We were the only two out-of-towners as everybody else lived in LA.
.. we just had some time off so we started hanging out together and literally finished the pilot, went home and felt very strange not being together suddenly. And I think we were both really surprised about that. Really nicely surprised by that."
Q: Are you comfortable with all the racy scenes? Happy with your sock?
A: I love the sock! Everyone has got a different size sock, as you can imagine.
Q: What size is yours?
Photo credit: HBO
A: I veer medium to extra large. No, it’s very funny, they brought in a selection of socks to try on and I don’t know whether they were doing it very sweetly, the costume department, like they brought in an extra-small one so that you feel really good. But I wasn’t the extra small which was very gratifying for me.
About True Blood's sexy scenes:
I like the fact that sex is shown in our show, I like the fact it is shown to be true. We show lustful sex, we show loving sex, and then my character does the loving and lustful sex. We’re in a society where it’s ok at 7 o’clock in the evening to see 200 terrorists gunned down by Jack Bauer [on 24], but we can’t see one female nipple unless it’s on cable network and I think that’s ridiculous.
People are scared of nipples?
They can be quite scary can’t they? Especially of the very big ones that look like dustbin lids. But I’m very proud of our show, and that our show embraces it. It’s not a problem for me at all.
Anna Paquin and Stephen Moyer of TRUE BLOOD
Anna Paquin interview Q & A's
Q: How’s life as a blonde?
A: It’s very high maintenance.
Q: It must be...
A: Yeah it turns out my hair grows really fast and I have really dark hair naturally so, you know, this even the tiniest bit of roots, not okay. But now that we’re wrapped it’s okay because I’m not suppose to look like a natural blonde but not really a fan for sitting still for the hairdresser once every ten days for a couple hours. Makes me feel really vain and nutty.
...people stare at blonde girls. It’s funny. It’s bright and shiny and it catches the light. Like a magpie. - ANNA
Q: How is it working with your fiancé Stephen Moyer?
A: He’s great. He’s really talented, and so is every other member of our cast and crew and writing staff and directors I mean, we have, we have such an amazing group of people and it’s a real treat.
Q: Did you have any worries about doing the raunchy material?
A: I’ve done plenty of not particularly child-friendly work when I was less age-appropriate to do it. So maybe I’ve just never had conservative taste.
Q: We keep hearing about the sock (to cover the male actors nudity)...
A: “I think they started calling it ‘the sock of destiny’ last season, I’m not entirely sure, I think that might have been a Ryan Kwanten coinage cause he was in little else for most of that season and if I’m not very much mistaken, I think he gave socks to all of the boys on the crew as a wrap gift...
But girls don’t have the sock. Girls have the patch.
Q: The patch, is that glued?
A: No! (laughs) It’ s topstick, double-sided toupee tape.. .glue would be messy and awkward. Topstick is also awkward but less messy.
Yeah a "modesty patch," or just "the patch" or "the sock."
I think they started calling it ‘the sock of destiny’ last season...I think that might have been a Ryan Kwanten coinage cause he was in little else for most of that season...
Anna Paquin - Aug 27, 2012 - (Credit: Pacific Coast News)
ANNA PAQUIN and STEPHEN MOYER stroll in LA on 06/09/2012 (PHOTO) Above:
The numbers were just not adding up! Specifically, how was it that Mrs. Steven Moyer's baby belly was growing so quickly when in April ANNA PAQUIN and STEPHEN MOYER confirmed a fall delivery date?! Doing the numbers, Paquin should have been about 3 months pregnant when announcing the long-away impending blessings(s) but when she showed up to both the White House Correspondent's Dinner on April 28, 2012 and attended the True Blood premiere event at the ArcLight Cinemas in Hollywood on May 30 and struck her traditional glam pose, many of us were perplexed as how the otherwise tiny Academy Award-winning actress had such an incredibly big tummy!
JULY 16 UPDATE:
Anna Paquin at the True Blood (HBO) wrap party (July 7, 2012)
JULY 16 UPDATE:
Stephen Moyer on having twins with Anna Paquin (JULY 16):
Now we know: TRUE BLOOD'S Sookie and Bill are having twins!
Stephen Moyer thinks having twins with Anna Paquin is going to be ''crazy.''
The 'True Blood' actor - who is married to his co-star - already has two children, Billy and Lilac, from previous relationships and the 42-year-old star anticipates that fathering duties are about to get dramatically more hectic.
He said: ''I love my kids beyond anything. They're the best things ever, and having two more is just going to be even more crazy, but that's cool!''
Moyer's 29-year-old wife has continued to record their vampire television series throughout her pregnancy.
The couple got married on August 21, 2010 and their hit series was recently renewed for a sixth season by HBO.
ANNA PAQUIN in Herve L. Laroux cutout gown) and STEVE MOYER attend the White House Correspondent's Dinner on April 28, 2012
After an insider confirmed that Paquin 29, and husband of nearly two years Moyer, 42, are expecting twins, costar Sam Trammell -- father to 11-month-old twins Winston and Gus with girlfriend Missy Yager -- shared with Us magazine recently when (they) chatted about the double baby news. "We sent them a special gift. It's so interesting that True Blood has become, like, the 'twins' show."
Sam Trammell with his partner of 8 years, Missy Yager, at the June 2011 True Blood premiere when Yager was 7-8 months pregnant with their twin boys (born August 9, 2011)
And though Moyer has two children, Lilac,10, and Billy, 12, from a previous relationship, he's been listening intently to Trammell's advice on the ins and outs of raising multiples.
"It's harder, having twins, but it's all we know. So we're trying to impart some decent wisdom," Trammell added. "I told them to hold on tight!"
But Moyer is up for the challenge. "It's always amazing," he told Zap2it in May of his wife's pregnancy. "I love my kids so much. And I think that the fact that Anna is pregnant just adds more crazy to the bundle of fun."
Looking as lovely as ever, Anna, she of super-toned body and great fashion sense, even clad in 'slimming black' looked at least 5 months pregnant in June (remember, stars don't show the way we mortals do). Between the pregnancy announcement in April and the announcement of a multiple pregnancy yesterday, I searched through shots of Paquin and Moyer and became convinced that the baby was 'older' than reported--but why not fess up to the actual due date?
Now comes the answer to the big mystery via a TB 'source' but confirmed by Sam Trammell, who co-stars in True Blood on HBO as Sam Merlotte, Sookie's ever-loyal (and loving?) boss.
True Blood stars Anna Paquin and Stephen Moyer are expecting twins, reports revealed Wednesday (6.27.12). Paquin and Moyer, who have been married for two years, follow in the footsteps of co-star Sam Trammell, whose girlfriend Missy Yager had twins 11 months ago.
However, Paquin's expanding baby bump is causing problems for the show's writers because they are trying to conceal her pregnancy.
Creator Alan Ball explained: ''So, in the last few episodes, Sookie's holding a big purse in front of her at all times.
''I actually heard from the costume designer about midway through the season, she went, 'Sookie can't wear a Merlotte's [restaurant] T-shirt anymore.' And I went, 'Well, it's a good thing Sookie isn't really at Merlotte's anymore, she's basically trying to save the world.'
''So, we'll put her in loose-fitting, save the world outfits.''
Anna also confirmed that her pregnancy won't be reflected on screen.
She said: ''At this point, [Sookie] doesn't have a boyfriend on the show.''
Joe Manganiello as 'Alcide' and Anna Paquin as 'Sookie' in TRUE BLOOD Episode 5.04 - Sunday on HBO
SUNDAY, JULY 1 “We’ll Meet Again”- Episode #52 Description:
Eric (Alexander Skarsgård) and Bill (Stephen Moyer) have doubts they will survive the search for Russell (Denis O’Hare). Sookie (Anna Paquin) drowns her sorrows (and) opens up to Alcide (Joe Manganiello). An irate Lafayette (Nelsan Ellis) unwittingly puts Sookie’s life in danger. At Authority headquarters, Roman (Christopher Meloni) and Salome (Valentina Cervi) continue interrogating Nora (Lucy Griffiths) about the Sanguinistas – and a possible the traitor within the Council. Pam (Kristin Bauer van Straten) forces Tara (Rutina Wesley) to toe the line; Andy (Chris Bauer) and Jason (Ryan Kwanten) go to a burlesque party; Sam’s (Sam Trammell) shifter friends invite him for a run; Terry (Todd Lowe) flashes back to a deadly night in Iraq; Hoyt (Jim Parrack) tests the fangbanger waters. ALSO: Episode #52 (5.04): “We’ll Meet Again”: Eric and Bill fear for their lives; Lafayette puts Sookie’s life in danger; Roman and Salome root out a Council traitor. (Written by Alexander Woo; directed by Romeo Tirone.)
Giles Mathey as "Claude' and is that the shifter chick that hung out with Luna and Sam one evening and wenting 'riding?' (click thumbnails below)
Sookie, You're Being a Very Stupid Girl (VIDEO) (TRANSCRIPT)
I thought this little video nugget from True Blood season 1 was apropo to now--as it is sinking in for Sookie that she has been making some ill-advised choices--like, maybe she should have listened to Sam long ago? (Funny too, how Sam has now dropped most of his Southern accent!)
Transcript:
Sam: Sookie, you're being a very stupid girl. Sookie: Who asked you? I-I can take care of myself. Sam: I don't think so. Mack could have cut you up. Sookie: How do you know what Mack would've done? Sam: Now you're setting a date with a vampire? What do you have, a death wish? Sookie: No, I don't. I happen to think judging an entire group of people based on the actions of a few individuals within that group is morally wrong. Sam: Well, I will not let you put yourself or this bar in danger. I won't. Sookie: A-am I fired? Sam: No. But next time you think somebody's being harmed in the parking lot, pick up the phone and call the police. Do not go out there alone like a goddamn vigilante!
Description
Sam is upset because he thinks Sookie could have been hurt when she went into the parking lot to rescue vampire Bill.
Sookie: 'Grab her.' Lafayette: 'How?' Sookie: 'There's some TruBlood in the cabinet.'
True Blood Season 5: Episode #50 Clip - Lafayette's Going In (VIDEO):
'Grab her.' This little scene is epic. It's absolutely perfect. Please give Nelsan Ellis an award. Give him several, actually. This is my guess how "grabbing" vampire Tara is supposed to work out:
Notice that Eric and Bill's hair are both perfectly styled after being taken captive via silver nets, being blown up all kinds of ways in a car explosion, and sleeping in a cargo container? Oh, the benefits of being a vampire!
The Vampire Authrority re-take Bill and Eric--and now Eric's 'sister' Nora into custody
Vampire Authority HQ?
Valentina Cervi as 'Salome', a chancellor of the Vampire Authority
CASTING SPOILERS: Episode 5.11 and 5.12:
TRUE BLOOD, Episode #512, "Save Yourself" (Additional Role) Writer: Alan Ball Director: Michael Lehmann Location: L.A. Start Date: Approx. 6/13/12
[SOOKIE STACKHOUSE DOPPELGANGER] Female, Caucasian, Long Blonde Hair, 5'5", 115 lbs. size 4, 34 B. Waist - 25-26" Hip - 34-35". No Lines
UPDATE (MAY 9 2012) Game Of Thrones Season 2: The Story So Far (Episodes 11-16) VIDEO:
NIKOLAJ COSTER-WALDAU as 'Jaime Lannister' in KING OF THRONES Episode #17: “A Man Without Honor” (HBO) Beginning MAY 13:
Game Of Thrones Season 2: Episode #17 Preview VIDEO:
GAME OF THRONES - Episode #17: “A Man Without Honor” SYNOPSIS:
Jaime (Nicolaj Coster-Waldau) meets a distant relative;Dany receives an invitation to the House of the Undying; Theon leads a search party; Jon loses his way in the wilderness; Cersei (Lena Headey) counsels Sansa (Sophie Turner).
Debut: SUNDAY, MAY 13 (9:00-10:00 p.m.) Written by David Benioff & D.B. Weiss; directed by David Nutter.
ALFIE ALLEN as THEON GREYJOY in GAME OF THRONES - Episode #17: “A Man Without Honor”:
Update May 9, 2012 - NEW! GAME OF THRONES: SEASON 2 SO FAR VIDEO ( The Story So Far (Episodes 11-16):
Game Of Thrones Season 2: Inside The Episode #16 VIDEO:
Game of Thrones Season 2: Recap #16:
This episode may have been the most exciting and tension-filled hour of Game of Thrones yet simply because I had no idea what would happen next!
Despite having to missed a week of Bronn (Jerome Flynn) and Ser Jorah (Iain Glen), we had some scorching scenes with many of our favorites (it was Stark-and-psuedo-Stark-intensive).
The opening scene was heartbreaking:
Theon: I sent my men over the walls with grappling hooks and took the castle.
Bran: Why?
As a almost synched-in-time-with GAME OF THRONES (HBO) and current book reader, this was hands down the most tense episode of the season as half-way through I realized that seriously, I had NO IDEA what would happen next.
This episode had some rocking scenes. My highlights:
All of the interactions with Arya (Maisie Williams) and Tywin Lannister (Charles Dance) were chock full of seriously great chemistry. And when they added Littlefinger to the mix it was nail-bittingly intense. (For my part, I have no doubt whatsoever that he recognized Arya. Think about who and what Littlefinger is.)
Kudos to the brilliant Mr. Dance, who knows full well the caveat about working with animals and children in film and is handing every scene to Maisie and her wonderful expression. His restraint is superb—he never dominates with too strong a delivery, or upstages her with menacing hand motions, or any other bits of theatrical business —he just serves up one home-run ball after another and lets her hit each one out of the park.
Arya and Jaqen:
The annoyed look on Jaqen’s (Tom Wlaschiha) face when a frantic Arya demands an immediate kill was perfect. And then Tywin opens the door and Lorch drops in--dead. Spot.on.
The Jon and Ygritte scene where Ygritte kept… “moving” was sweet and sexy. Despite it being a departure from the books, it made me smile.
Osha = badass/ good heart:
Bran, Rickon, Osha and Hodor escape Theon's Winterfell invasion, but to where?:
Game of Thrones Season 2: Recap #16 VIDEO:
The episode opens on a frantic maester Luwin, attempting to send an S.O.S. message via raven. He just gets it off when the Greyjoys arrive. Theon wakes Bran and tells him to assemble everyone in the courtyard, where he will yield Winterfell to him, 'Prince Theon.' Bran does as Theon requests.
Ser Rodrik is captured by Theon’s men outside Winterfell, as he is returning from Torrhen’s Square. He spits in Theon’s face and Dagmer urges Theon to execute him or the men will lose respect for him (He must 'pay the Iron Price.') Theon mulls this over briefly and then takes way too many whacks at poor Ser Rodrik's neck before kicking it off. Later that night, Osha seduces Theon. When he is asleep she sneaks out of his room, casually kills one of the guards and then smuggles Bran, Rickon and Hodor to safety.
***I know this would have changed the story too drastically but logically, why wouldn't Osha have 'casually killed' the sleeping Theon before she did the guard?"***
In King’s Landing, Tyrion, Cersei, Joffrey and Sansa are seeing princess Myrcella off to Dorne. On the way back to the Red Keep, the motley & starving villagers get restless, taunting the royals. Some horseshit finds it target on Joffrey. He loses his shit and demands the head of whomever threw it and from there, things degenerate into complete chaos. Joffrey, Tyrion and Cersei make it back to the castle safely, but Sansa, separated from the group, gets left behind. Tyrion slaps the boy king around a bit and berates him for causing this riot and potentially losing Sansa, reminding him--again--that Jaime's life and Sansa's are tied together. Sansa has been dragged away from the mob and is about to be gang-raped when The Hound, prompted we learn afterwards by Tyrion, slashes and crushes his way to her rescue.
In Robb’s camp we again glimpse 'Lady Talisa' as does the King of the North. Under much quieter circumstances than their first meeting on the battlefield, she and Robb flirt--then Catelyn arrives with Brienne. Catelyn is introduced to Talisa. Cat and Robb then walk-and-talk until Roose arrives with some really.bad. news. Robb is furious with Theon and is ready to march to Winterfell and take it back himself. Roose suggests he send his own bastard son from the Dreadfort instead, that he would be happy to bring him Theon’s head. Robb says he wants him alive, so he can look him in the eye and ask him ‘Why?’ before executing him himself.
At Harrenhal, Arya continues to serve Tywin Lannister as cupbearer. In a meeting with his men, Tywin berates Amory Lorch for bungling a simple letter delivery because he cannot read. He dismisses his men and then chats with Arya, after he learns that she can read. Littlefinger arrives to meet with Tywin. Arya does her best to remain unnoticed while Littlefinger proposes an alliance with the Tyrells. After Littlefinger leaves, Arya spots a letter about Robb on the table and, while Tywin’s back is turned, snatches it. Later with the letter in hand, she runs through the castle and literally runs into Amory Lorch. Amory notices the letter and gets suspicious. Arya fears she'll be caught and punished so she runs. Amory heads for Tywin while Arya desperately searches out Jaqen. She finds him, names Amory Lorch as her second name, demands he be killed--NOW-- and just as Amory makes it to Tywin’s door, he falls down dead.
Beyond the Wall, Qhorin’s band treks through the mountains, looking for wildlings. They spy a small scout camp and attack and kill all but one of the wildlings, a red-haired girl named Ygritte. Qhorin tells Jon to kill her and meet up with them at the top of the mountain. Jon hesitates--he can't do this--and Ygritte uses his moment of weakness to break and run for it. Jon chases and catches her, but they have lost Qhorin and the rest of his brothers. Darkness is descending upon them so after binding her, the two settle in for the long, cold night, huddled together on the ground.
Meanwhile in Qarth, Danareys is trying and failing to bargain with the Spice King for some ships. Though he finds her intriguing and spirited, he won't make such a risky investment. Dany and Xaro return to his mansion to find his guards slain. Dany runs through the courtyard up to her quarters, passing a dead bloodrider on the way, and finding an apparently dead Irri lying on the floor. Worst of all, her dragon's cages are empty. The closing shot shows a hooded figure walking the dragons up steep steps toward a ominous-looking tower, whilst the dragons, cloaked and caged, cry out.
The Best Scenes:
Change is good, right?
Many changes from the way things went down in the book in tonight’s episode. Arya almost runs into Littlefinger, then she kills off Amory Lorch. Theon executes Ser Rodrik then sleeps with Osha. Jon doesn’t let Ygritte go and instead chases her down then ends up getting separated from Qhorin. And, of course, Dany’s dragons get stolen. The changes from book to screen really added a lot of drama and tension to the episode.
Ser Rodrik: Death with dignity – This scene was truly hard to watch, especailly with the plaintive wails of both Bran and Ricken who, like the rest of the the captives, bore witness. Ser Rodrik went out with class tho', despite Theon not giving him the clean execution he deserved. First, he calmed Bran and Rickon and then called out Theon one last time. “Gods help you, Theon Greyjoy. Now you are truly lost.”
The super-fast murder of Amory Lorch – This had to be the lightest moment involving death in the series thus far. The Hound saves Sansa – The Hound was all kinds of awesome in his rescue of the nearly gang-raped Sansa. It was a scene only alluded to in the book so it was very satisfying seeing it played out.
And not-insignificantly we had...Direwolves! -- There were three direwolves. Ghost looks magnificent in the white-on-white setting he's in. We had a non-gratuitous Osha(!) (Natalia Tena) naked scene and an awesomely-rendered Joffrey-bitch-slap from Tyrion ( for inciting the mob ("Kill them all!") after some poo-flinging at the boy king on some low-born's part.
EMILIA CLARKE as DAENARYS in EPISODE #16 of GAME OF THRONES:
The less-than-Best Scenes:
As Dany talked longer and longer to the spice king, she seemed younger and younger and less and less powerful/confident, even when yelling her standard 'Fire and Blood' threat. And all of her gravitas disappeared when she made her most feared discovery at episode's end.
This season Daenarys is beginning to sound like as a whiny, demanding 'little princess' stamping her feet when she doesn’t get her way. A little girl that is completely out of her depth and is falling apart...not rising.
True Blood Season 5: Echoes Of The Past - "Merlotte's ..." (HBO) VIDEO:
The True Blood publicity machine must be overwhelmed by the Game of Thrones people cranking out sneak peek/teaser videos 'cos Merlotte's is not a 'house,' rather is is the Bon Temps local watering hole a/k/a Sam Merlotte's bar. Anyhoo, last night the Merlotte's "voices' video was released and it, like the previous three (below) has snippets of converstaons/exclamations that took place in this case, at Merlotte's in season's 1 - 4. Enjoy.
Colour me a tiny bit surprised by this trio of just-released True Blood Season 5 trailers. Each video focuses on a particular setting--Sookie's home, Eric & Pam's 'home', Fangtasia, and Bill's house. Over the four season of True Blood a lot has happened in these settings. The only one 'left out' is Merlotte's (Sam's bar) which has seen an equivalent amount of 'happenings, IMO. Small quibble, though. These teasers recap the entire series via 'tours' of each location with voice-overs from many of the cast. What they say illustrates seemingly innocuous comments like Sookie's first utterances about meeting Bill to Nan Flanagan's last utterance before she met her 'true death' (and a lot in-between so be sure to watch them!)
True Blood Season 5: Echoes Of The Past - "Fangtasia" VIDEO:
True Blood Season 5: Echoes Of The Past - "Bill's House" VIDEO:
True Blood's Season 4 finale was very uneven--much like most of the season:
It's easier to rattle off the 'misses' than the hits so that's where I'll start.
Misses (in no particular order):
1. Alcide's (Joe Manganiello) 'Let's use our brains instead of hearts' chat with Sookie (Anna Paquin). What a way to approach asking a lady out! Having dumped his adulterous, V-addict wife, Debbie Pelt and disapproving of Sookie's choices in men (vampires) he suggests that Sookie start using her head and give him--a werewolf a shot.
This was probably among the longest bits of convo that Joe Manganiello as 'Alcide Herveaux' has had and though others have criticized the actor for being 'wooden,' I did not see it. Until now. Not only did Alcide seal the deal that he will NEVER 'have' Sookie but he pretty much guaranteed that the Alcide storyline is going to evaporate in season 5. Hopefully, Alcide's ending won't be as as brutally abrupt as Jason's stint with the dentally-impaired denizens of Hotshot because let's be honest, he is one fine male specimen. Sookie is going to be man-free for a time--and then--who knows, but at most, a short stint with the wolf-man is all there will be. Too bad.
2. OMG, Marnie (Fiona Shaw) no! Not again with the 'I've been a freak all my life and people are mean, POOR ME.' This has got to be at least the third full-blown pity poor me speech they've given Shaw as the mousy palm reader turned revenge-seeking uber-wiccan. Was her crappy life supposed to justify her behaviour? It would have been better to simply go with her being driven mad. Instead Marnie simply became a harpy. Waste of Shaw's abilities--at least as the season wound down.
3. WTF?! with the long, lingering suckling sounds then wider shot of both Eric (Alexander Skarsgård) and Bill (Stephen Moyer) feeding on Sookie's wrists?! All three are snug on the sofa with Sookie, as Jason would put it, using Sookie as their own private soda fountain. Just ugh and OMG how freakin' cheesy is the fact that both men were in matching robes? No wonder she dumped them! She knows that a big bromance is brewing between them! Did you see some of the eye-fucking going on between Eric and Bill in the last couple of episodes? I'd love a nice Eric & Bill adventure if only to stir up both sides cheering for Sookie to pick one. The scene though was just icky on all kinds of levels though I think it was meant to be slightly campy and amusing (before Sookie got all traditional and decided she just could. not. love. both of them at the same time).
4. Jason (Ryan Kwanten) and Hoyt's 3-minute "I'm doing Jesssica' scene: a total waste of three minutes intended simply to give Jim Parrack as Hoyt some season finale face time. I like the actor but this was totally superfluous.
The rest was typical Jason and the one line of any significance was repeated by Jason to Jessica (Deborah Ann Woll) after their tryst--no need for Hoyt to have been in this episode--at all.
5. Speaking of a waste of time. Kevin Alejandro got plenty of face time. He did not need to engage in the interminable back and forth with the possessed-by-Marnie, Lafayette (Nelsan Ellis). It went on forever...could have trimmed that by at least a minute with less candle-lighting and chest slashing. RIP 'Jesus', BTW. Kevin Alejandro did a very credible job this season and became a character that the audience grew fond of. That's the point of course, when you know that you will off him before season's end.
6. Luna (Janina Gavankar) & Sam (Sam Trammell). How long did it take them to say a whole lot of nothing and then goodnight? And haven't they been all about nothing? Does anyone care about them? Anyone? I like Sam--who doesn't?--but there is zero chemistry with this pairing and speaking of zero chemistry let's take on the Jason and Jessica storyline that is brewing:
7. Jessica and Jason (above). We get it: they are both really into sex. What else do they have in common? Immature, selfish behavior, punctuated by occasional bravery and selflessness. I'm willing to give this pairing some time in season 5 but what I'm not willing to do is watch the mind-numbingly awful attempts at keeping the actor who play's Jessica, Deborah Ann Woll's, boobies under cover. And by 'boobies' I mean nipples. We get cleavage, we get side boob and maybe even underboob but in the two times we've seen Jason and Jessica make love when her breasts are in camera range she clutches them in an obvious attempt at modesty. Did no one tell her that there is simply no room for modesty on True Blood? The same goofy camera angles and weird use of sheets was employed by Rutina Wesley as well in the two seasons she had a boyfriend. It's very distracting on a show that otherwise is pretty liberal in it's nudity (it is after all, NOT television, but HBO).
There were some great moments in the True Blood season 4 finale but not enough--by a long shot--to make a great episode:
Maxine Fortenberry's (Dale Raoul) quips about Sam's shifty bro Tommy's deviousness and thievery which segued into comforting Sam were a nice touch.
Nan Flanagan's (Jessica Tuck) comeuppance at the hands of Eric and Bill was spot on-- though I will miss her.
Pam's (Kristen Bauer van Straten) tirade-to-tears about Sookie's 'fairy vagina' and stupid name only to have Ginger (Tara Buck) uh, gingerly slip an arm around her in comfort was really quite a sight (you just know Pam is going to glamour that memory out of Ginger given the first chance). Scroll down after the jump for the video of the scene.
The return of dead-since season-one Gran (Lois Smith)! It was totally awesome to see her in all her glorious badassery when she literally tore Marnie's spirit out of Lafayette. (The resultant tedious and trite convo between Marnie and Antonia (Paola Turbay) took some momentum out of the scene, however. )
Debbie Pelt's (Brit Morgan) reappearance was no surprise to the 'bookies. With a few change-ups this was how she died in the Sookie Stackhouse series. In the book series however, Sookie took her out alone. 'Book' Tara is a minor character and was in no way involved.
What True Blood Tara did was pretty cool though--but ultimately pretty stupid. She got half of the side of her skull blown away. I think this was done to telegraph to any doubting audience members that yes, at last, the never-written-well character of Tara Thorton is finally over.*
But will Rutina Wesley be back? She, as you can read below, is unsure but 'trusts' Alan Ball and she reminds us, this is True Blood (so anything can happen). Other than short otherworldly-type visits I'm thinking the majority of the audience want Tara gone. We've long since realized that the True Blood writers are incapable of giving the perfectly capable Wesley a storyline she can sink her teeth into. RIP then, Tara and Jesus. I'm assuming though, that the bad guys won't be resting in peace.
Season 4 Finale Grade: B-. Out of the four True Blood seasons so far, I rank Season 1 and Season 2 in that order and Seasons 3 and 4 about on par with one another. Both suffered from sloppy, self-indulgent writing and extremely bad editing. Please, in the name of good screenwriting Alan Ball, please ditch Raelle Tucker. If you have any doubt about this women's rationalle whist writing True Blood, listen to her explain Jessica's sexuality in the 'Inside The Episode' HBO clip (embedded in this post). Tucker explains that she wanted "Jessica' to flaunt her sexuality unashamedly (like a man could). We, the audience however, see Jessica in flagrante, seemingly ashamed of her own body (the breast-clutching). Huge disconnect there. Tip of iceberg in Tucker's writing skills-issues. Don't even get me started on her apparent non-acquaintance with healthy sexuality.
From the 9.12.11 exclusive interview with Rutina Wesley (Tara Thornton):
Q: In your mind, is Tara dead?
A: Well I mean half my head is missing.
I’m just gonna keep saying that. You know, it’s True Blood. I feel like anything is possible. If anything, it is the golden hour though. If she is able to be saved, it’s like she’s got 20 seconds. It’s not a lot of time. I’m curious to see what they’re going to do with all of it. I hope I’m back. But again half my head is missing [laughs] ...
I don’t know what their plans are for next season. I know that Alan has said there are “big plans,” but I don’t know what that really means, and things can always change. I’m not for sure, but I trust him completely. At the end of the day, it’s hard to see how I’m coming back, seeing as half of my head was just blown off. I don’t know. They may figure something out. I mean it’s True Blood. There’s always flashbacks. There’s phantasms.
First promo for Dexter Season 6 - Returning to Showtime in September 2011:
Dexter (Michael C. Hall) Promo Narrative Dialog:
'I always thought that my Dark Passenger was a need I had--but what if I was wrong? Maybe it's not a need; it's a calling. After all, I rid the world of evil people--and if they didn't exist, I wouldn't exist. Is it possible? I serve a ...higher purpose?'
Screencaps! Dexter 'Thank God' Season 6 Promo VIDEO:
Dexter and his ghost daddy (not the True Blood kind) will finally be on level ground this season. "He's going to be much more of a support for Dexter than someone who's always saying, 'Oh, you're making a mistake. Don't do this,'" executive producer Sara Colleton says. Now that they are both fathers, Dexter will "fully realize what [his] father gave up and went through. It makes for a more equal relationship."
Boston Rob is gone. Russell is in charge. Or is he? Who really is in charge over at the Villains camp? Is it Russell? Is it Parvati? Is it Parvati and Danielle? Or is it truly a power trio of Russell, Parvati, and Danielle? Expect a battle for true leadership to emerge at some point because Parvati takes a back seat to nobody. Either way you slice it, the Villains are in trouble...more after the jump
CBS — April 08, 2010 — Coach becomes the first member of the jury when he is voted out and sent to Ponderosa where he feasts
CBS—April 08, 2010
—
Coach explores Ponderosa and connects with the elements ( more Ponderosa videos after the jump
Coach taking Rupert out in Survivor: Heoes vs.Villains (S20)
I was not surprised that the Villains continue to eat themselves alive. According to Coach in one of the Ponderosa interviews, they have not
eaten fish once in the 18 days he was with the Villains.
They (except probably Sandra who like Parvati has had her game on since Day 1--waiting to spring into action--which she did in this episode) have blindly followed Russell. Russell however, has no problem letting them all rot, if necessary. IMO, Russell may be a 'great strategist' but his ego will be his downfall. The true power left on Team Villains is Parvati. I think it is safe to say she'll make to the merge and then be more overt about the game she has "on" as in "Game on!" People won't know what hit them until tribal is over and they are eating peanut butter-dipped Snickers in the van to Ponderosa.
CBS cameras keep tabs on the Ejectees, taping bits of conversations from Ponderosa. I'll try to get them up whenever it is feasible as the number of Castaways becoming Ejectees rises.
Jeff Probst says Parvati "spies." Does Probst mean Parvati goes around and listens in to conversations --as in spying on people? And she's never caught?!
I haven't seen all her seasons so I'm confused with that statement. I think she and her Black Widows Alliance put me off one of her one seasons and I quit it.
Basically, Sandra, Courtney, Danielle, and Parvati voted together,
which would suggest that Russell is even less in control than he thought
he was before. Had Russell voted for Coach, we’d still have all the
evidence we need that Russell is not in control, despite the voices in
his head that tell him that he is responsible for the tribe’s votes, the
game, small children’s happiness and/or fear, and the earth’s rotation.
Whatever happened with the vote, Sandra is either in control or
played Russell or both. Sandra endeared herself to me long ago, but I
practically shrieked when she said, “Russell’s so stupid he ate that
crap up,” adding that “he doesn’t know how to play this game.” Amen,
amen. Russell said things like, “I have the power in this game. I send
home who I want to send home,” but instead of getting all flame-faced
over that like I do, Sandra used that to her advantage.
Realizing that Russell hates being played more than anything else,
Sandra lied to him and convinced him that Coach was going to go after
him—which wasn’t too far from the truth, since Coach wanted to have the
testicles to vote against Russell last week but did not. That set
Russell on the path to dumping Coach, and thus when Danielle approached
him to suggest that it might make sense to vote off Courtney before she
breaks apart, splinters, and gets into everyone’s eyes, Russell became
enraged. “I don’t want to f**king talk to you,” he said. But he changed
his mind a little while later, though Danielle also changed her’s, too.
What? Obviously, the editors left something out in order to deceive us.
At Tribal Council, Jeff starts off with the Villains on their previous two boots, Tyson and Rob. He then throws Courtney under the bus by saying that she is obviously their weakest player. Courtney gets upset with Jeff and defends herself. She adds that she had nothing to do with booting off either Rob or Tyson. Coach thinks everyone is laughing at them right now. Courtney attacks Coach for his wanting to win the food reward more than immunity. Coach and she bicker over this. Parvati then acknowledges that it doesn’t matter, they would still be losing even with Tyson and Rob. She adds that The Merge is on everybody’s mind right now. Russell says his vote tonight will make the tribe more stronger and more trusting. Rrrrright!
It’s time to vote. We see Courtney and Coach trade votes. Jeff gathers the ballots and starts counting them. It’s tied 3-3 when he reads the last vote. Coach is out, 4-3. Russell, Parvati and Sandra sent the Dragonslayer packing. Jerri and Danielle are now the new outsiders. Jeff tells Coach he will be the first Jury member. He then tells the rest that, “The problem with trust is you don’t know it’s gone till it’s too late.” LOL!
SPOILERS: We are first shown a series of the dumbest moves in Survivor history. Then, we see JT plotting with the Heroes to give Russell their hidden immunity idol to protect him from the big, bad women Villains. Seriously, this is like “WHEEL OF FISH” stupid!!!
Read the entire article at:
http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978161356
When going through a mud pit obstacle immunity challenge the Heroes
Tribe made it look so easy it was as if they were on a whole different
plane of competition. Courtney sucked enough and hurt herself just a
little adding in a wrinkle that made Danielle want her out of the game.
So for those following all of this without a score card, at the end of
the immunity challenge the tribes stood here:
* Heroes – 4 straight challenge wins and team immunity intact
* Russell Hantz wants coach gone because Coach tried to think and he
wants to make the Heroes think there is an all-girl-alliance.
* Danielle wants Courtney gone
* Coach wants Russell gone but will vote out Courtney
* Sandra proves to be useless at everything but telling lies
* Parvati wants Coach to go home
*Jeri wants Russell to go home
* The villains tell each other so many lies they don’t even know what
their alliance is
* Russell looks like an even more animated Hobbit on crack fighting with
Danielle and pissing her off
* The villains without Boston Rob are a total mess
As the villains got ready to go to tribal council nobody could seem
to make up their mind who was to be voted for. Jeff Probst pointed out
at tribal council that with Boston Rob who was dominating the challenges
gone and someone like – oh say – Courtney who is basically useless
unless you need someone to bitch and like bag of bones, that the tribe
shot themselves in the foot and set themselves up to fail. He was
correct in doing so because as they seemed to almost catch on they
proved nothing more than they are collectively as dumb as a bag of
hammers.
In an effort to console fans of True Blood's "Godric," played by 20 year-old Danish actor, Allan Hyde, HBO has released a series of downloadable photographs styled to appear as memorial cards, each with quotes from the 2000 year-old vampire adjacent to a True Blood scene in which Godric appeared.
Really hard to know if these were planned prior to the huge fan response to Godric but it is probably a moot point as fans just love this kind of stuff. (I outta know!)
You can download them as a zip file, presumably to make it easier to share with fellow Godric-loving Trubies.
Here is the page link on the HBO site for the 7 Godric memorial cards.
I've posted all seven Godric cards here as well. Click to embiggen them.
One question. Why did they Photoshop Eric's bloody tears out? Or were they Photoshopped in for the episode?
Hmm. Should I continue on my quest to be right about what happens next on True Blood? I said I would not go out on a limb again...but it's fun to guess so here's my halfway-educated guess about what happens next to Lafayette:
1. It's been spoiled that Lafayette drinks a lot of Eric's blood and in the TVGuide piece (below) Nelsan compares that to Sookie and her relationship with Eric. I'm sort of confusing the show and the Sookie Stackhouse books and it doesn't help that I'm in the middle of the most recent one ("Dead And Gone") so it may be that right now Eric's power over Sookie was because of his promise to "not kill humans" in exchange for her being "employed" by Eric to use her telepathic powers whenever he wishes. SPOILER: It's quite possible that Sookie will be drinking lots of Eric's blood, too.
2. So then, Lafayette is severely injured and Eric saves him with a "blood transfusion" which makes Lafayette indebted to Eric.
3. It's been stated that "someone" gets shot in Episode 2, "Keep This Party Going." I don't know how it would come to this but does Sookie shoot Lafayette?
Sunday's True Blood premiere answered at least one burning question: Is Lafayette alive? Answer: Yes! Nobody is more surprised by this turn of events than Nelsan Ellis, the actor who plays Lafayette.
As a fan of the Sookie Stackhouse novel series, on which Alan Ball based the vampire drama for HBO, Ellis knew that Lafayette, Merlotte's wisecracking cook — and part-time pornographer/drug dealer — is totally dunzo after Book 1. When he arrived on set for the finale episode's table read, he prepared himself for the end. "I thought, this was fun, time to look for the next gig," he says. But then... what's this? That painted toenail in the car didn't belong to Lafayette after all! "'You know we're not going to kill you, right?'" Ellis remembers Ball telling him. "And I was like, 'Noooo...'" Ball told the actor that he decided to keep Lafayette in the cast after shooting a scene between Ellis and Rutina Wesley, who plays Lafayette's cousin, Tara, in the pilot episode. Ellis and Wesley have combustive chemistry for sure, which Ellis attributes to their long friendship. (They attended Juilliard together in the early '00s.)
So now that Lafayette has been spared, what's next for the flamboyant entrepreneur? When we last saw him, he was chained up in a dungeon watching a fellow prisoner get disemboweled by a very cranky Eric, his vampire captor. Ellis reveals that, this season, Lafayette's fate will be inextricably tied with that of the vampires, but that their relationship won't always be quite as adversarial. "[Lafayette] stays with the vampires basically throughout the season," he says. "I guess how deep down the rabbit hole he goes with Eric is the biggest teaser I can give."
"Eric makes people beholden to him," says Ellis. "He did it to Sookie, and now he does force Lafayette to work for him to repay him for something he's done for him." Oh jeez, Lafayette isn't going to become a vampire, is he? Not any time soon, says Ellis. "I have a sneaking suspicion that, in the future, the vampires are going to learn to respect him and not mess with him," he says. "He's going to find a way to elevate his position with them. Lafayette is a survivor, so he's not going to stay in this scared state too long."
Below: more scenes from True Blood S2XE2 - "Keep This Party Going"
'Keep This Party Going"
Sookie is forced to babysit Jessica, as well as the romantic inconveniences the teen vampire’s presence creates. At the Light of Day leadership conference, Jason makes an impression on its ambitious leaders, Steve and Sarah Newlin. Maryann casts her spell on Merlotte’s patrons.
Sharing the LOST Love -
Just released, five NEW LOST sneak peeks--not quick scenes that go "flash" but whole dialogues!
I usually write about LOST at The Love You Make but these are too juicy not to share. Enjoy.
Namaste!
Sneak Peek #1
"Just who the bloody hell might you be?" (random Hostile with rifle addressing Jack after kicking him in the face)
Sneak Peek #2
"There's something different about you." (Richard) "I have a purpose now." (Locke)
Sneak Peek #3
"I remember meeting them all (Kate, Hurley Jack, Jin)...very clearly...because I watched them all die. (Richard Alpert to Sun)
Sneak Peek #4
"Everything we've been through--all of the misery--we just wipe it clean." (Jack) "It was not. all. misery." (Kate) "Enough of it was." (Jack)
Sneak Peek #5
"I need to know if you are from the future...Who is the president of the United States?" (Dr. Chang to Hurley) "Alright dude, we're from the future. Sorry." (Hurley)
Sneak Peek #6
"OK Jim. This is your last chance. You tell me where she is or so help me God, I will kill you."
(Radzinski to a bound Sawyer referring to the video of Kate getting ready to cross the sonic fence.)
"I brought dinner." (John Locke to Richard Alpert)
Here's an interesting screen cap from a Sneak Peek vid from which I believe we are supposed to gather that the Season One-retro (undead) Locke is back to being the Great Hunter. Obv. Locke still has his handy-dandy knife. RIP that Naomi chick who parachuted in and later died at John's hand of knife-in-the-back syndrome.
Your first day on Twitter can be rough. Twittering's still a brand new
thing to a lot of people, and a lot of people have Twitterfails. Nobody
on Twitter on Friday, though, got as much attention as Oprah, who tweeted for the first time.
Sadly, her inaugural tweet was all in caps. Thankfully, Shaquille
O'Neal was there to remind the talk show host that her caps were on.
We'd like to congratulate Shaq for having Oprah's back. That's what
Twitter friends do for each other.
Credit CNET
I have a blog with a name that was in inspired by the Beatles song The End from the last line--though to my dismay it seems that it was a McCartney song with little input from Lennon though as usual, credit went to both: "Lennon-McCartney." I’d chosen it for my first WordPress blog after about 8 years with it for my email addy. The blog, which is about a year old is The Love You Make.
John Lennon was killed about a week after my 21st birthday–which sort of took the wind of that milestone. It was years before I could listen to a song of his without thinking of how he died.
The line “And, in the end the love you take is equal to the love you make” is essentially the Beatles closing statement. It is the last lyric on the last album they recorded. Let It Be was the last album they released, but it was recorded earlier. This contains the only drum solo Ringo ever performed. He hates solos and had to be persuaded to do it. Lennon, McCartney and Harrison took turns doing guitar solos. Each had a distinctive style which McCartney felt reflected their personalities. “Love You” is repeated 24 times. This starts over the end of “Carry That Weight.” It is the last song in a suite at the end of Abbey Road. This ends with a 30-piece orchestra.
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.*
"Pursuing the Resurrection Hub at the whim of the Hybrid, a team of Viper pilots and Cylon rebels become uneasy collaborators as they formulate a battle plan to unbox the Threes and destroy Cylon resurrection forever. Meanwhile, Roslin and Baltar try desperately to communicate with the panicking Hybrid and Helo discovers a disturbing characteristic within one of the Eights."
There were only two big revelations in this episode. The first was made to Laura Roslin, where a hopped-up- on-morpha Baltar confesses his involvement in the destruction of The Colonies. For this she attempts to murder him.
The second revelation is that, according to the number Three, D'Anna, Roslin is not the final Cylon.
Number Three answering Laura Roslin's question:
D'Anna Biers: Suppose you've got some questions for me.
Roslin: Yes I do. I'd like to talk about the five Cylons in my fleet.
Biers: So you know about the Final Five?
Roslin: I know they're supposed to know the way to Earth.
Biers: But you don't know that you're one of them.
[Roslin freezes shocked]
Biers: [Bursting out laughing] Please your face! [Roslin looks relieved and smirks] Oh, it's ridiculous. No. Look, I'm not giving you any names. Not until I feel like I'm safe. 'Cause information is all I got, sweetie.
Picking up where the last events of "Guess What's Coming to Dinner" ended, Laura Roslin, Karl “Helo” Agathon, and Gaius Baltar are brought before the rebel Cylon basestar's Hybrid. After a Number Eight reconnects the basestar’s Hybrid, it unexpectedly jumps the ship.
During the jump, Laura Roslin finds herself in empty corridors of the Galactica. As she looks around, the deceased priestess Elosha appears behind her. They hug, but the vision stops at the moment the jump completes with Laura finding herself back in the Hybrid's room.
Roslin asks questions about the Hybrid's abilities as the Eight tries to get information from the data-font, but the Hybrid jumps the ship again (and again and again), and Roslin finds herself yet again in the company of Elosha on the empty Galactica.
The two end up in sickbay where they find the sole patient–Laura Roslin--near death.
The Eight determines that the Hybrid is "panicking" due to Natalie’s injury or death. Gaius Baltar tries to calm her claiming that the Hybrid “likes” him, but after a few moments, the Hybrid jumps again. Roslin's vision continues, and she sees Kara Thrace, Doc Cottle, and Bill and Lee Adama standing over her death bed.
Elosha speaks to the dying Roslin, chastising her for her lack of empathy.
Roslin and Baltar attempt to...
talk to the Hybrid about the Opera House vision. Neither meets with success.
The Eight tells Helo that the Hybrid is following the Resurrection Hub and discusses an attack strategy with him.
On the Resurrection Hub, a Three,D'Anna Biers, is awakened by Cavil (#1) and Boomer whom Cavil refers to as his "Pet Eight."
They tell her of the Cylon Civil War and appeal to her to help through her knowledge of the Final Five.
Three makes a disparaging remark about the Eights' ,capriciousness, commenting on Cavil's pronouncement about the Eight model's tendency to be "passionate allies"-- "until they see something shiny."
Three snapping Cavil's neck.
In the basestar hangar, Helo and an Eight give a mission briefing to a number of Sixes, Eights and Colonial pilots. Several pilots, including "Redwing" McKay and "Gonzo" Pike, express concerns about their safety and the reliability of the Cylon pilots.
A Six retorts that the rebel pilots are just as well trained as the humans, and the Eight reminds them that they learned to trust Athena, so they can also trust their rebel allies.
After a jump, Baltar begins talking to a Centurian about hierarchy and religion, asserting that the Centurion is loved by God as well. Soon after, they are both blown up.
On the Resurrection Hub, Boomer comments with alarm on the arrival of the rebel basestar. Cavil tries to convince Number Three to talk to the rebels and defuse the conflict, but she replies curtly and threatens to "shout out the names" of the Final Five.
Boomer reports that the rebel basestar has launched 25 Heavy Raiders. Outside the Hub, the Heavy Raiders release the Vipers they have been towing behind them. The Raiders attack defending basestars, while the Vipers head towards the Hub.
Cavil deduces that the rebels are attempting to destroy the Hub... and that would make death permanent for Cylons. On hearing this, Three breaks Cavil's neck and Boomer flees.
Missiles take out the FTL drive on the Hub. Helo and the Eight head towards the Hub in a Raptor. On the Hub, they encounter D'Anna Biers and the dead Cavil.
Baltar continues to to blather on about Centurian rights, but as the basestar is hit by a missile salvo, the explosion destroys the Centurion and seriously injures Baltar.
Baltar is carried to a bed by two Marines while Roslin carries in a medkit. Roslin orders them out, bandaging Baltar and injecting him with morpha. In his drug-addled state Baltar talks to Roslin about religion, telling her that he once harbored terrible guilt...he tells Roslin that he unwittingly gave the Cylons the access codes prior to the fall of theTwelve Colonies. Shocked by Baltar's confession, Roslin tries to kill Baltar by removing his bandages. As he loses blood he repeatedly begs her to stop.
Helo announces that he has D'Anna Biers and orders a nuclear strike on the Hub. The Vipers fire nuclear missiles into the Hub, destroying it and at least one of the two enemy basestars. Quote:
D'Anna Biers: And with a whimper, every Cylon in the universe begins to die.
Number Eight: Yes, that's right, and it's a good thing, D'Anna, because now there's no difference. We can all start trusting each other.
Baltar continues to beg for his life. There is another jump. In Roslin's vision, William Adama stands over a dying Roslin, while Roslin and Elosha watch them.
Quote:
In Roslin's vision, as Roslin and Elosha watch Adama stand over a dying Roslin:
Elosha: I'm not saying Baltar's done more good than harm in the universe; he hasn't. The thing is, the harder it is to recognize someone's right to draw a breath, the more crucial it is. If humanity is going to prove itself worthy of surviving, it can't do it on a case by case basis. A bad man feels his death just as keenly as a good man.
Believing that by saving Baltar she'd save humanity, Laura desperately checks to see if he's still breathing. Finding Baltar still alive, Roslin starts to re-bandage him.
Helo brings D'Anna to Roslin... When asked about the Final Five, she jokes that Laura Roslin is one of them--->provoking this reaction from Roslin:
...upon finding out that Three was "just kidding." D'anna refuses to provide any information until she feels she is safe; the information being the only thing she has now that she is the only Three left in the universe. She also appears to have a really bad headache.
She says she will tell Roslin who the Final Five are after she is taken back to the human Fleet.
Later, Roslin sits alone listening to the Hybrid. As the Hybrid jumps she has a final encounter with the dead priestess, Elosha.
Admiral Adama's risky strategy of waiting alone for the basestar to rendezvous pays off as he sees the basestar jumping in. In the landing bay, he meets Laura Roslin.
Quote:
Roslin and Adama tenderly greeting each other on the basestar's hangar deck:
Adama: Missed you.
Roslin: Me too.
Roslin [Embracing Adama]: I love you.
Adama [Breaking the embrace; looks into her eyes]: About time.
They (finally!) embrace.
Thoughts:
The whole Laura and Bill scene was so satisfying. Despite all the other heavy action going on this scene grabbed me the most by far. Two stellar actors playing out the moment we've (they've?) been waiting for for years.
It was beautifully done--except Rant/ why did we have to have the stoopid nod to Star-stoopid-Wars and Adama not returning Laura's "I love you"??? She's on the verge of death, people! Unspoken words are not going to cut it. Haven't you heard about "saying" the words?" Laura had to have that hammered into her thick head by a dead person. What does Bill need?! Why do the fanboy showrunners not know how to write a decent love scene??? This has frustrated me to no end and in this scene I was satisfied in part just because they have given us so little to hold onto with these two that this made up for all the scenes we got cheated out of./end rant
Lucy Lawless was flawless ;) as D'Anna Biers. She just eats up every scene she's in. Funny, cynical, strong, and vicious--D'Anna is all of these and more.
The only thing that sustains one through life is the consciousness of the immense inferiority of everybody else, and this is a feeling that I have always cultivated. - Oscar Wilde
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. - Herm Albright
I love all three! Partly because I'd heard all three before and liked them! I have to post them.
Clare Booth Luce's quote is really hard to illustrate. One woudn't think so...I found this on :ahem: Google, page 8. :shrug:
My theory is that all of Scottish cuisine is based on a dare. - Mike Myers
A thinker sees his own actions as experiments and questions--as
attempts to find out something. Success and failure are for him answers
above all. - Friedrich Nietzsche
Humor is always based on a modicum of truth. Have you ever heard a joke about a father-in-law? - Dick Clark
I think this is about as random, as my younger son would call it, of a selection of author's quotes I could find. I like 'em all but having a last name (I still legally use the one I was born with) that begins with "McC" is a large clue to which one caught my eye.
Space
is big. You just won't believe how vastly, hugely, mind- bogglingly big
it is. I mean, you may think it's a long way down the road to the
chemist's, but that's just peanuts to space. - Douglas Adams
There's
a whiff of the lynch mob or the lemming migration about any overlarge
concentration of like-thinking individuals, no matter how virtuous
their cause. - PJ O'Rourke
Even if they've come to see... The Santa Claus Parade? (right) Overhead View of Crowd Scene
Eaton's Santa Claus Parade, Toronto, 1926
Black and white print
Reference Code: F 229-308-0-807
Archives of Ontario, I0020435
"The whole questioning about Chinese goods began in Panama with our deaths. A little butterfly in Panama beat her wings and created a storm in China." By DR. JORGE MOTTA, of Panama City, referring to 138 Panamanians killed last year by cough syrup containing a poison made in China.
With a new revelation almost every day about unsafe products from China it's sort of difficult to avoid discussing the situation.
I'm not much on conspiracy theories but I have to wonder if the United States isn't "helping along" the ever-snowballing-into-an-avalanche of bad news for the Chinese. As we've moved into the 21st Century we've been reading about China's desire to leave behind it's second-world status using cheap, heavily polluting coal mines to power this drive even whilst making their citizens sick with breathing and eye problems and worse probably, in the not-far-off future. And there seemed that there was nothing we could do to stop or even slow down this behemoth poised to take our place as world leader sometime this century.
Now it all seems to be falling like a gigantic house of cards.
Any word you have to hunt for in a thesaurus is the wrong word. There are no exceptions to this rule. -Stephen King
I'll go a step further: I think much of his writing reflects this even though I do think he's conceived some great stories.
He's just not a great writer. And that's okay.
King books or stories/films I like:
I'm not sure if the book "Carrie" was any good and the same goes for "The Shining." They've both had such exposure that I may be getting my film "wires crossed" on them. Still, both stories were good.
But then there's the bad, the unreadible even. I'll put up a few of my not- favourite King books when I come back and edit this. At some point. la. la la.
Like a queen probably should, Queen Elizabeth was not amused when photographer Annie Leibovitz asked her to doff her tiara. But, contrary to reports, the monarch did not storm off the photo set in a royal huff. BBC cameras caught Queen Elizabeth in a rather uncharacteristic moment of pique while being shot by Leibovitz for a portrait. The famed photog suggested that QE2 take off her tiara because the shot would be "less dressy" without it, slightly absurd given that her majesty was already wearing layers of elaborate robes.
"Less dressy? What do you think this is?" snaps the Queen, referring to her Garter robe.
This clip reminded me of what a spot on job Helen Mirren did as The Queen . lol I've follwed Annie L's work since I was a teen and I agree with the assertion that she may be one of the world's best living photographers. See?:
The birthday boy's name is Trevor and I couldn't help having the tune Magical Trevor going through my head and the term Magical Trevor cross my lips a time or two.
My 14 y.o. son's comment on this?
"Mom, maybe you should avoid making obscure cultural references to Dad's family."
A lot of my audience are in their 50s. But they want me to pretend to continue to be pretending. Pete Townshend
...which was pretty much what he said last night after performing the song My Generation. Townshend said that My Generation, no matter where The Who perform it around the world, is the audience's favourite song. He's mystified by that he said--the song is 40 years old. I think though that he was just being polite as much of his audience is in their fifties...they just want to pretend not to be...if only for a couple of hours.
The show was fantastic, btw. I'd not realized what a great, self-depreciating sense of humour Pete Townshend has (lead singer Roger Daltry seemed content to let Pete do all the talking). It was also exceptionally staged--lots and lots of flashy, clever, & nostalgic visuals. Each band member was nothing less than stellar. Daltry's voice is a bit raspy in spots but he still has the energy and physique of a man half his age. It was a kick to see Ringo Starr's kid Zak on drums. He's probably better than his dad technically though Ringo seemed to have more fun. Zak took the job seriously (though I don't fault him at all for that--the ghost of Keith Moon--who Pete mentioned at least twice, looms large). Pete's little (half) bro Simon did a very nice job on guitar and backing vocals. John "Rabbit" Bundrick on keyboards played beautifully though I wasn't surprised given that he's been in great demand by top-notch bands for decades. Pino Palladino was on bass. I was surprised though at how often Roger brought out the acoustic guitar. Pretty cool. And of course there was Pete--the heart of the band in every manner of the word. I'm really a Pete Townshend fan versus The Who but since he wrote pretty much all the material I was okay with not hearing any of his solo stuff. And with a history as a band spanning 40 years The Who have a lot of great material so all-in-all an unforgettable evening.
"It's not that we 'could be' the weaker sex - we are the weaker sex. Even when men and women have the same disease, we often find that men are more likely to die." DR. ROBERT TAN,geriatrics specialist in Houston.
This is just more evidence supporting conclusions that were drawn long ago. Ashley Montague's The Natural Superiority Of Women, written in the 1960's cited reams of science from an anthropologic/sociologist viewpoint that made such a conclusion seem like one everyone would agree with. Didn't happen. It's heartening that they are still trying.
I find it fascinating that there's such reisistance to the acceptance that women were built to last longer than men.
"They say there is a peace, but yesterday they kill us. They always say peace is coming. But we are still waiting." AISHA ADAM MOUSSA,
of Darfur, Sudan.
And the award for stating the blindingly obvious goes to...
QUOTATION OF THE DAY "George Bush won the election. If you don't like it, you better win elections." RAHM EMANUEL,
Democratic representative from Illinois, on halting a conservative movement on the Supreme Court.
"I lost 10 family members, and of course that is not easy. But time
goes by, and I will accept it. That's life and death." AZWAR HASAN,
a social worker in Aceh.
I rarely read Chicago Tribune columnist John Kass, but today I did and I thank him for the juicy quotes from King George's mother, the Queen Grandmother, Barbara Bush.
I never have warmed up to "Bar" as the senior Bush refers to her, maybe it's those ubiquitous pearls. During her tenure as Second Lady and then First, she dressed always like she believed herself royalty (sans the funny hats). What made me decide that I wouldn't ever try to like her was a little true-life anecdote written by Al Franken in which he described an encounter with Barbara Bush on a flight they shared. When she was done with the conversation she dismissed him like he was her staff or servant. And she had big guys backing her up.The woman does not travel light.
So here are some nuggets of wisdom from Barbara Bush in reference to the poor folks camped out in the Astrodome.
While touring the Houston Astrodome, where thousands of Hurricane Katrina refugees have been huddling, Barbara Bush said they didn't have it so bad because, heck, they were poor to begin with.
"What I'm hearing, which is sort of scary, is they all want to stay in Texas," she was quoted as saying in an interview on National Public Radio.
Thousands of hurricane refugees were sitting on or near their green army cots, perhaps thinking of lunch, presumably waiting to be fed something hearty.
Anything but cake.
"Everyone is so overwhelmed by the hospitality," Barbara Bush said. And here comes the fastball over the middle of the Democratic plate:
"And so many of the people in the arena here, you know, were underprivileged anyway, so this is working very well for them."
QUOTATION OF THE DAY
"We have a finite number of troops. But if you pull out of an area and
don't leave security forces in it, all you're going to do is leave the
door open for them to come back. This is what our lack of combat power
has done to us throughout the country." MAJ. CHRIS KENNEDY,
on American efforts to subdue Tal Afar, Iraq.
ON THIS DAY
(from NYTimes.com) On
June 9, 1954, Army counsel Joseph N. Welch confronted Sen. Joseph R.
McCarthy during the Senate-Army Hearings over McCarthy's attack on a
member of Welch's law firm, Frederick G. Fisher. Said Welch: "Have you
no sense of decency, sir? At long last, have you left no sense of
decency?"
The echo of words spoken in the past, resonate in the present.
"It may look like war but it's peacekeeping." ~Lt. Gen. Babacar
Gaye of Senegal, the force commander in Congo, of the largest and most
robust of the 18 United Nations peacekeeping operations around the
world.
"It is difficult but you get used to it. It has become part of our daily lives. Just like eating, sleeping, there is bombing." NABA S. HAMID, a professor at Baghdad University.
This just gets under my skin every single day. How in the name of...whomever can anyone say with a straight face that these people are better off now than before we invaded their country?
And don't even think about calling these flesh and blood and guts PEOPLE, "collateral damage."
The beautiful women of Showtime's SHAMELESS like Emmy Rossum in NSFW VIDEO scenes and screencaps FROM THE SHOW as well as magazine scans from other sources. (Copyright: Showtime)
contemplative 
