Monday, October 31, 2005

Kind Of Like A Bugaboo Stroller For Your Pet

This item speaks for itself. It says, if you really think you want to buy this, put the money towards therapy instead.

I HEART CHARLIE KAUFMAN

I mentioned last week that I got to go to a Writer's Guild Foundation event where Charlie Kaufman was interviewed about writing. The evening was inspiring and informative at the same time. He was shy (he admitted to freaking out when he saw the line outside and wondering if he could bail), but also confident and funny. He is still very humble and professes that he is a guy who he doesn't think knows that much. Especially in this town, that kind of attitude is refreshing. He is adorable in that brainy, boyish way that I love, but I tried to focus on what he was saying about writing. He spoke about trying to find the truth in things and writing about what he is feeling and thinking in the moment. He mentioned that when he was trying to write/adapt The Orchid Thief and it was a year overdue -- he tried to figure out what he was thinking about and the reality was that he was stressing about not being able to adapt the book, so that is how he came up with Adaptation. I can't imagine another screenwriter that would have come up with that kind of innovative solution to a problem, but that is why Charlie is so admired. The moderator, FX Feeney (who is also a writer), did a good job. I have come to realize as I attend more of these kinds of events that a good moderator is key. FX clearly knew a ton about Charlie and/or had done his homework and he asked thoughtful and thought provoking questions. The other consistent thing about these events is that there are always a few weirdos in the audience that ask odd questions or put the guest on the spot. I wish to god they would screen the questions ahead of time. My friend Debbie who went with me was extra excited because not only did we get to see Charlie and hear him talk about writing, but we also saw the host of the Amazing Race. I don't watch that show much, but I do have to admit that he is kind of cute. I know the host of that show, Phil, is also a writer, so maybe he and Charlie know each other or he is a WGA member. Charlie almost never does events like this, so I feel grateful to have attended.

A New Chapter In The How To Make It Handbook

Tom Sartori was a struggling musician who learned to play poker. He recently won $305,000 in the World Series of Poker. His winnings have enabled him to try to make his dreams come true (he bought a reliable car, got a publicist, etc.). When the World Series of Poker aired on TV he saw a big leap in the traffic on his website . It would seem that this other success might actually create some recognition in the field he loves most. I haven't listened to his music yet and I'm writing about him. He was also featured in the LA Times, so he's off to a pretty good start. If his music sucks, he can always focus on poker as a career. Any struggling actor or musician types reading this blog, add this to your list of ways to make it big. If you decide to take up poker, this book comes highly recommended.

Friday, October 28, 2005

Me and My Lists

I'll admit it. I'm a list queen. I'm constantly making lists, consolidating lists, etc. I do it for a few reasons. I feel better once I write stuff down. Also, I HATE IT when I forget things (which is VERY rare). I know I'm a bit anal and overly reliable, but that is who I am and I'm trying to embrace it. I recently found a few new sites that can help to further my list making/organizational obsession. Tadalist and Rememberthemilk are pretty similar, but on RTM I like how you can set deadlines for tasks. I know that I could just create a word document or write a list on a regular piece of paper (and I do still do that at times), but it's nice to be able to access the lists from anywhere and typing it is faster and more legible (I have horrible handwriting). This other site allows you to store your bookmarks online and share them with others. If you hate sending someone a super long, ugly looking link, go here and you can have that link converted into a shorter/prettier one.

Thursday, October 27, 2005

Death Cab For Cutie Concert Online

If you like Death Cab For Cutie, click here and listen to a live concert that NPR posted (gotta love NPR). My writing partner turned me onto them and they are a great band. I'm conflicted because they sing a song about how awful Los Angeles is, but I like it. Entertain yourself with that because there will not be any more postings today. I rarely take time away from my writing and job searching, but today I'm going to visit my grandma and then on to a WGA Foundation event where I get to hear CHARLIE KAUFMAN -- YES, YOU HEARD me, Charlie "Being John Malkovich" Kaufman talk about writing. I can hardly wait. He is one of the most innovative and interesting screenwriters around. Hopefully I will pick up some tips.

Wednesday, October 26, 2005

He Took The Lemons And Made Lemonade

I promise I will get to the point of this post, but first I have to mention that this is my 100th posting. I'm finally in the triple digits. That did sound a little sad, but it's still kinda cool. Thanks so much to everyone who is reading it regularly. Pass it on to your friends. Pretty soon, I'll have a bunch of ads on this site and never leave my bedroom. On to the actual posting. Have you read the book Honeymoon With My Brother by Franz Wisner? I read it last weekend along with a Jodi Picoult book called My Sister's Keeper. I recommend both books. Read the Picoult book because it is sad, but truly moving and engrossing. Honeymoon With My Brother is also a good choice. It's the true story of a guy who got dumped just a short time before his wedding and also got demoted at work weeks later. Instead of feeling sorry for himself he decided that he would take his honeymoon with his brother. He and his brother eventually quit their jobs and traveled for over a year. Here is their website.

Can't Kevin Dress Himself

Honestly the website Dress Kevin perplexes me. Why can't this guy just pick out his clothes himself?? I mean I know it is likely all a ploy for attention (like the guy who made furniture out of Fed Ex boxes) and/or free clothes, but it just seems weird to me.

If Only I Was A Student At Harvard

Weezer is a great band with a brilliant, sensitive, sometimes glasses wearing and I'll admit kinda cute front man named Rivers Cuomo. Lately I've been listening to an old cd of theirs called Maladroit. I need to get their new cd called Make Believe. They just performed one of their new songs I like, Beverly Hills, on Leno. I don't really watch Leno much anymore, but I tuned in to see it and I wasn't disappointed. Rivers is going back to Harvard soon to finish his degree (many years after he first attended). If only I was a student there.

Tuesday, October 25, 2005

The Slutty Pumpkin

I knew that title would get your attention. It's the name of the most recent episode of How I Met Your Mother on CBS. I know I blogged about how much I liked the show and how happy I was to see Neil Patrick Harris back on TV before, but I just have to reiterate the fact that I really think the show is fantastic. I'm excited at the prospect of being able to watch this show for many years to come. The people at TVsquad also think this show will be around for a long time. I first started watching for Barney (Neil's character), but now I'm kind of into Ted (the oh so boyishly cute and talented Josh Radnor). Click here to read more about Josh. I know that I'm going on and on, but check out the show and you will see why. I rarely rave like this unless something is really great.

Can't Blog Much Today, But Take This Test While I'm Gone

I'm having a busy day today. I already got up early and babysat my friend Dena's daughter, Amanda. Amanda and her sister Katie are two of the cutest and smartest kids you will ever meet. I adore them. I also have an interview today, so I just won't have much time to blog. I might get in a posting later, but, if not, keep yourself busy with this Muppet test. I was Kermit. Not really a surprise. Feeling a bit melancholy today, but I'm not sure why. Perhaps my luck will change soon and a job working for George Clooney or someone else I really admire will come my way and/or I will soon be dating the brainy, witty, boyishly cute, man of my dreams. A girl can always hope.

Monday, October 24, 2005

Don't Name Your Kid After A Month

The wacky baby name problem persists. I just read that Dave Eggers has named his new child October. Now I think that Dave is a genius for the most part. I still LOVE A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius and nothing will change that. It will always been one of the best things I ever read, but, come on, OCTOBER? I know there are people named January and a few named May or June, but is it really necessary to make your kid stand out like that?

Anatomy Of A Good Show

If you aren't watching Grey's Anatomy, you're really missing out. No sophomore slump for this show. I think I watched it in the beginning because of Patrick "Can't Buy Me Love" Dempsey, a tremendous actor, and Ellen Pompeo, who was great in the movie Moonlight Mile, but now I'm really watching for the entire ensemble. They are all fresh, unique and extremely talented. The show is dramatic, but not in ridiculous way, so things stay in the realm of the believable. It has soap opera like moments (like last night when we were all waiting to see who Derek would choose and if he would show up at the bar), but somehow they avoid being cliched, stale things you have seen before and instead are engrossing. I have to admit that Patrick Dempsey having perhaps the best hair I have ever seen on a man doesn't hurt, but it isn't why I watch the show.

I Like Hello Kitty, But This Is A Bit Creepy

I have always liked Hello Kitty, but lately things seem to be getting a little crazy. Who is going to buy this pricey Hello Kitty jewelry? If you think that is nuts, check this out.

Friday, October 21, 2005

Of Course I Would Find This After I Did My Earlier Post

So, of course, about an hour or so after my earlier Ipod posting, I read about this other interesting way to use an ipod.

Ipod, You Pod, We All Pod, Part Deux

I'm such a sheep. Everyone else is blogging about the new IPOD that can handle audio and video, so I relented and now I am writing about it as well. I think Steve Jobs is sending out subliminal messages that we have to, so now even though I wasn't going to do it, here I am. PC World seems to like it, but has some issues with it. The New York Times (free reg. req'd) seems to like it better, but also doesn't seem to think it is quite perfect yet. If you do decide to buy it, there seems to be no end of cool things to do with it, like get TV shows from your Tivo to your Ipod or to transfer movies from a DVD to your Ipod. It truly is shocking that I don't own an Ipod because I like music and I tend to be an early adopter of new technology. I must be losing my edge because I don't have a fancy cell phone or a Blackberry either. As soon as I get a new job, I think I need to update my gadget situation.

Thursday, October 20, 2005

A Simple Formula That Works

If you haven't seen the CBS show Numbers (for some reason I can't bring myself to write it with a 3 instead of the E like they do), you should give it a try. I know it is on Friday night and maybe you are busy, but most of you have Tivo, don't you? It's a really intriguing show. If the show were only about the FBI or a math genius, I don't think I would be into it, but the combination of the two is irresistible. Somehow it's possible for this show to be super cerebral, but still really exciting. Rob Morrow and David Krumholtz are both perfectly suited to their roles and have great chemistry together. The main reason the show works is that even though what goes on is complicated and the use of the math seems far fetched, they play it with such truth and authenticity that you get sucked in. Judd Hirsch (who worked with David on his first play when he was 13) and the rest of the cast also do a good job. All of my close friends who read this blog will be surprised it took me so long to write about this show. The first season it was on the air, I did admittedly develop a little TV crush on David (which I am thankfully over now) and would chat about the show endlessly. This posting and the fact that I like the show so much is only giving more fuel to my friend Jordan's belief that I'm fixated on dorky/brainy guys, but he is off work this week and I can only hope he won't see it.

Going, Going , Gone

This entry is another attempt at trying to use my blog for good. Don't be so surprised that I have depth and care about things besides TV, books, movies and brainy guys. It seems the big charity thing right now is doing an auction. I have read about quite a few cool ones lately, so I thought I would share. This auction isn't until February, but when it happens you will be able to bid on things like a meeting with the Dalai Lama (start saving now, as I imagine these items will get bidders into a frenzy). If you want to be able to bid on something sooner, trying clicking here to see if there is a celebrity designed Lacoste polo shirt you might want (all proceeds go to the Elizabeth Glazer Pediatric Aids Foundation). If lunchboxes are more your style, try bidding on a celebrity designed one.

Wednesday, October 19, 2005

I Can't Believe I'm Jealous Of A Zappa

Earlier today I read that Disney and Jerry Bruckheimer Films paid $1.5 million for film rights to the unpublished novel "Monstrous Memoirs of a Mighty McFearless," by first-time writer Ahmet Zappa. The story is about a young brother and sister who learn their family is part of a long line of monster hunters. At first I thought to myself, I can't believe I am saying this, but I am jealous of a Zappa. Moments later, I realized that I had been jealous of a different Zappa, Moon Unit, many, many years ago (during my Like Oh My God period) when she sang the song Valley Girl. I am definitely feeling a bit bitter and jealous, but I am trying to keep it under control. I guess it should give me hope that if a Zappa can sell a novel, perhaps someday my writing partner and I will sell a script.

Even I Wouldn't Buy This

By now, everyone knows that I can be a bit dorky and/or overly cerebral. Even so, when I saw this game, I realized as intellectual as I can be, I have limits. There is no way that even I would buy that game.

Working Class Dog

Just in case you don't remember, I will tell you that the posting title is the name of Rick Springfield album from the early 80's. Yes, I did say album. I know some of you are familiar with that old- fangled way of listening to music on a record player. Wow, if the Family Ties reference from earlier this week didn't date me, that most certainly did. Truthfully I was only like nine years old when the record came out, but I do remember loving it and him. In his early days Rick "acted" on General Hospital and as it turns out, he is going to be returning. If you are a big GH fan or a Rick fan, click here to read about it.

It's All About The Jeans

When I read recently that the waistbands of jeans were on the rise, I got very excited. The thing is that I am sick of seeing thongs sticking out above jeans that are super low. To be honest, I am also happy because those pelvic bone showing, butt cracker pants aren't exactly the best fit with my Jewlo style body. Another trend that is on the rise, customization, has recently hit the jean market. If you want to create a custom pair of jeans for yourself, go here. Personally, I will be at The Gap (it is one of the few places that has an ankle length jean for short girls like me), but you spend your time and money however you want.

Tuesday, October 18, 2005

There Are No Words For This One

When I recently read about this guest star on the TV show Gilmore Girls, at first all I could think of was Huh? I must say that at least the casting people on that show are willing to think out of the box. I thought it was surprising when I first saw Sebastian Bach from the band Skidrow on the show, but when you read about the newest guest star, his casting almost seems boring.

Back To TV

Read here about how Michael J. Fox is going to do a few episodes of Boston Legal. I don't generally watch that show, but for him, I mostly surely will. I don't know about you, but I adore Michael J. Fox. I was an avid watcher of Family Ties (I know that dates me, but I don't care). I still have to watch Doc Hollywood all the way through, if I see it on TV (even though I have seen it at least 5 times). He is talented, charming and not so hard on the eyes. I can't fathom anyone else playing Marty McFly in Back To the Future (even though I know Zemeckis first shot 6 weeks with Eric Stoltz in the role and then fired him). On a more important note, when he got sick with Parkinson's Disease, he could have not said anything, stayed at home and felt sorry for himself, but instead he wrote a book about what a lucky guy he is and started a foundation that has made huge strides for Parkinson's research.

Monday, October 17, 2005

Behind The Scenes

Aaron Sorkin doing a new show... I'm there. In this case, the subject matter interests me (behind the scenes at a late night skit show like SNL), but I would pretty much watch anything that Sorkin writes. I loved the short-lived Sports Night, the West Wing (when he was still writing for it), The American President and A Few Good Men. I actually saw him mention the idea of doing a show like this on Charlie Rose a few years back and I got excited about it. Read this article from the Los Angeles Times if you want to know more about it.

It Had Me At Black and White

I saw Good Night, And Good Luck this weekend. This movie had me from minute one. It is flawless filmmaking on every level. David Strathairn completely embodies Murrow. The rest of the actors in the piece are also well cast. The writing is spot on. Every moment of the film is pitch perfect. The movie hits all the right notes, like a perfectly tuned piano. In the wrong hands, this movie could have been a boring history lesson, but in the very talented hands of George Clooney and Grant Heslov (who co-wrote and produced) it is a subtle, intriguing exploration of what can happen when power is in the wrong hands. Even though the movie is set in the 1950's, it really resonates with so much that is going on today. The thing I love about Clooney is that he shares Murrow's desire to tell the truth regardless of the consequences and has no interest in being a sheep and doing what is expected of him. George is super sexy as well, but with his intellect and integrity behind those good looks, he is the catch of all time. I know it seems like I am raving about this movie like a lunatic, but look A.O. Scott at New York Times agrees with me and this reviewer from USA Today gave it Four Stars (out of Four).

Friday, October 14, 2005

Need To Find A Place To Eat?

Between the fatigue from not eating yesterday because of Yom Kippur and the fact that today is my birthday (age withheld), I don't think I will be super productive today, so relish this posting because it will likely be the only one. Esquire magazine has a great article online about what they think are the best restaurants in the US. One of the things I like about the list is that there are restaurants in locations besides Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco (although those locations are covered). Read about it here.

Wednesday, October 12, 2005

You'd Have To Be A Pretty Big Fan Of The OC

Just think, if you are a huge fan of The OC and you have no personal style of your own, you can now buy copies of the clothes that the girls have worn on the show. I have to admit, it is pretty well priced and it will probably be a fun thing to do for the teenage fans who will buy it. I was going to mention that The OC has a cute, boyish, smart and talented writer/creator that is up my alley, but now I feel self-conscious about it. Yesterday, a friend of mine who will remain nameless, commented that I have an obsession with the geeky, boyish guys I like -- he referred to it as a dork fetish. I don't have a "dork" fetish. I do like smart, boyish guys who sometimes wear glasses, but that is not the only type I am attracted to. I suppose if I look back at my blog, it does seem like I mention that type of guy often, but that is mostly because I don't feel they get their due.

Tuesday, October 11, 2005

Are The Writers at People.Com Reading My Blog?

I was looking on People.com today to see if there is anything interesting to blog about, when I see a special photo section about Sexy Geeks. I am not saying they copied me, but I did a rant over a month ago on this topic and also wrote about my love for Neil Patrick Harris/Doogie Howser (who is featured in the photo special) a couple of weeks ago. I have never linked back to my own blog before, but this time I had a case to make, so I made an exception. Meanwhile half the guys they think are hot are not sexy at all. I agree with them about Adam Brody, Neil Patrick Harris and Jon Stewart, but Clay Aiken and Jon Heder -- that is just nuts. Maybe some of the writers over there are drinking this.

Mad Scientist

If you want to check out products that Google has to offer that are still in beta/testing mode, click here . For some reason all I can picture when I think of Google Labs is a mad scientist laughing crazily like a mental patient and saying free e-mail is just the beginning of the plan. I suppose that visual could mean that I am the one who is crazy.

My Review: The Squid and the Whale

Last week I went to the Arclight and saw an early screening of Noah Baumbach's The Squid and the Whale. I posted a trailer and some info about this movie previously (like the fact that I think the director is really smart, talented and cute), but I figured I would tell you what I thought of it. First off, let me say that the movie was made in 23 days for less than 2 million dollars. The fact that a film of this caliber can be made with a budget and schedule like that should make the studios realize that big money and stars are not the only ingredients that matter when making movie (they won't, but I am just saying). The Squid and the Whale is about family, divorce, intellectual snobs and the damage that narcissistic parents can do to their kids. The movie is not always easy to watch because of how incredibly honest and raw it is, but it is worth suffering through the moments that want to make you squirm, because it is truly wonderful. Jeff Daniels gives one of his best performances, Laura Linney is always good and the kids played by Jesse Eisenberg and Owen Kline (Phoebe Cates and Kevin Kline are his parents) are so authentic that it is breathtaking to watch. If the wrong kid had been cast and tried to somehow play it cutesy (especially in Owen's role), it literally could have ruined the movie. Read this interview with the writer/director or this one in the NY Times (free reg req'd). If you want to read a review, click here.

Monday, October 10, 2005

Do You Know What An Amuse-Bouche Is??

Last week I read that Merriam Webster added 100 new words to the dictionary. I'm sure that my cousin Leah who knows everything there is to know about food and wine would be excited that amuse-bouche (which is a food related term) is being included. Because of my well informed cousin and my natural curiosity, I knew what it meant before it was added. The list of new entries is an eclectic mix of words that includes everything from chick flick to bikini wax. Read more about here.

I Hope Nobody Turns On The Water

Seriously the http://catsinsinks.com/ site speaks for itself. I am not sure why it is funny, but there is no question that it is hilarious. If you need a laugh today, check it out.

Friday, October 07, 2005

The Stars Of In Her Shoes, Talk About Shoes & Other Stuff

It would have been great if I had been able to include this article in my review of In Her Shoes, , but I just saw it today. I still thought it was worth posting because the interview is with three of the stars of the movie at once (Cameron, Toni & Shirley). Click here if you want to read about them discussing shoes, the movie and other miscellaneous topics.

Their Career Is Really Taking Flight

Sometimes insomnia can be a good thing. I was up late one night when I happened to catch The Flight of the Conchords on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson. They are often billed as a folk-parody duo. It is hard to accurately describe exactly what they do and what makes them so funny. They perfectly blend humor and singing (folksy sounding songs with hilarious lyrics and RAP) into something that even though I would not think it would be up my alley, I could not tear myself away from watching. I thought they were still on the down low and had not hit their tipping point yet, but boy was I wrong. About a week or so after I saw them on Ferguson, I saw their HBO One Night Stand episode (which is repeating in October and November) and heard that they would be in Rolling Stone. I guess I was a little late to the party, but at least I'm a fan now. The boys have their own site, but it is new and doesn't have much content. Luckily they have a fan with a very extensive site, so click here to check that out.

Thursday, October 06, 2005

It Takes Guts

It's a cheesy title, but what can you do. It is rare that I review hair products on this blog, but I figure it is my blog and I can do what the hell I want. I can review car wax if I want to. Anyway, I recently tried a product called Guts. I know, I know, it isn't the most enchanting name for a hair product, but it is AMAZING. It is a volumizing mousse that you spray in when your hair is wet. I have lots of hair, but it is thin, so it is very hard to get it to hold a style without tons of hairspray (and then I end up looking like an Aquanet chick from the 80's). I can now do my hair, put in way less hairspray and still have it not be flat. I know it doesn't sound that exciting, but if you a girl or a very Metrosexual guy, you will get it.

It's A Good Idea To Stay Close To Your Friends From High School

Bennett Miller and Dan Futterman have been friends since high school. Who would have guessed that years later they would make a film together that would garner Oscar buzz. Capote is getting amazing reviews. The movie covers the time in Truman Capote's life when he wrote his famous novel In Cold Blood. Bennett and Dan are both first timers at doing a full length feature in their roles as director and writer respectively. Bennett is mostly known for his documentary The Cruise and Dan is better known as an actor on shows like Judging Amy and Will & Grace. As it turns out, another former friend was going to be an important piece of the puzzle. When they were both 16 they attended a summer theater camp and met Phillip Seymour Hoffman, who plays Capote in the film. This article tells you a bit more about Dan Futterman and his path to becoming a writer (coincidentally he played a writer on Judging Amy). To read about how the movie came together, click here . You can read this review if you want to see what others think of it.

Tuesday, October 04, 2005

Not Just A Chick Flick, I Swear!

This weekend I saw a sneak peek of the movie In Her Shoes. The flick was directed by Curtis Hanson and stars Toni Collette, Cameron Diaz, Shirley MacLaine, Mark Feuerstein and Ken Howard (yes, that guy from the TV show The White Shadow). The movie is based on Jennifer Weiner's excellent book of the same name and was adapted for the screen by one of my favorite female screenwriters, Susannah Grant (Erin Brockovich, Ever After). The movie was really well done. This is a big departure for Hanson who usually directs more intense male/Testosterone driven movies (8 Mile, L.A. Confidential, The River Wild), but he does an amazing job. The movie is sweet and tender without being saccharine. If you want to see the trailer, click here. I really identified with Toni Collette in this movie (people who know me and see it will get why) because her performance is so seamless and believable. This USA Weekend profile about Toni is interesting. Mark Feuerstein is wonderful as her love interest. You will surely recognize Mark because he has been on a ton of sitcoms that have unfortunately gone off the air (Good Morning Miami, Conrad Bloom, etc.). Hopefully one of these days a network will find the right vehicle for him, as he is adorable (in that boyish, sweet kind of way) and really entertaining. If you want to read a review of the movie, click here.

Yes, I'm An NPR Geek And Damn Proud Of It

I love NPR. I'm not talking about the fleeting, on to the next thing kind of love, but deep and profound love. I listen to Howard Stern as well, but if I could only listen to one thing on the radio for the rest of my life it would be NPR. I listen to a ton of shows, but, my three favorites are Fresh Air, Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me/The NPR News Quiz and This American Life. I know some people feel that NPR has a decidedly liberal slant, but honestly I think many shows on NPR make a point of having on guests that represent both sides. In recent years, I have discovered some of my favorite writers from listening to NPR. One hilarious writer that is often featured on various NPR shows is David Rakoff. Click here to hear David on Fresh Air. The New York Times reviewed Rakoff's new book, click here if you want to check it out (free reg req'd). Two writers that I love who are also often featured are on NPR are Sarah Vowell and David Sedaris. I encourage you to check them out. I swear you won't be sorry.

Monday, October 03, 2005

The Bullies Who Are Going to Kick His Ass Are Also Being Born Today

Look, I am all for giving a kid an interesting name. I have met enough girls named Tiffany and boys named Jason, but sometimes celebs take it WAY TOO FAR. Nic Cage and his wife Alice just had a baby and named it Kal-el. For any of you that know about movies and/or are comic book geeks, you will be well aware that Kal-el is Superman's Kryptonian birth name. If you are extra nerdy or a big cinephile, you will also know that Tim Burton was going to make a Superman movie many years ago and Nic was going to star in it. Nic is also known to have a huge comic book collection, so the name isn't really so shocking, but just a sad thing to saddle a kid with. If you want to read more about the new baby, click here Honestly, I don't mean to be judgmental and people should do what they want, but sometimes I wonder what people are thinking. I know lots of people didn't like the name Apple (that Gwyneth gave to her baby), but it didn't bother me so much. When Rachel Griffiths named her son Banjo, I did wonder aloud why someone would give their kid the name of a musical instrument. Jason Lee went down an even crazier road when he named his kid Pilot Inspektor. Kevin Smith found a way to honor what he loved and still not give his kid a name that would make her the target of bullies, when he named his daughter Harley Quinn (she was a Batman villain).

Using This Blog For Good Part Deux

Designer Todd Oldham has a new show on HGTV called Handmade Modern. In addition to showing viewers how to make cool stuff without spending a ton of money, he ups the ante by including cool celebrity guests that help out with the projects (I saw him decorate sheets with Susan Saradon). Upcoming guests include: Elizabeth Berkley, Joan Jett, Amy Sedaris and Jeffrey Tambor. Some of those guests sound fun to watch, others not so much. Todd is auctioning off the items that he creates for Hurricane Katrina and Rita relief. If you want to see the items you can bid on, click here.