Teri Hatcher - Here's Looking At Ya

Let me take you back a little to 1993

When up in the sky; why what could it be?

It's a bird, it's a plane, it's Superman I see

The Adventures of Lois and Clark; right on my TV

But what do you know, he's not alone

He isn't? No. What? Does he have a clone?

Nah for she's way too beautiful so it can't be

Hot damn! Well if it isn't gorgeous Teri!

I knew I was hooked right off the bat

Cause you see I fancy shows like that

A little bit of mystery, the good guy vs villain it had

Throw in a sassy curious lady; certainly not half bad

I followed the show in as much as I could

Tried never to miss an episode; I found them to be really good

Loved the twists and turns; the scrapes they got into

It would have helped some, had she known a bit of jujitsu

It went on like this for about 4 years

Then it came to an end, almost brought me to tears

How could they be taking my show away from me?

Now what the hell do they expect me to watch on TV?

I guess one might conclude that the show lost its fizzle

But bet your ass it wasn't because Hatcher lost her sizzle

It was just time for the show to go

Just one of those things that happen you know

And just as I feared, Hatcher fell out of sight

I looked and searched for her night after night

She showed up later in Tomorrow Never Dies - 007

And that was pretty much it in 1997

An appearance here and there - Seinfeld, Frasier, Jane Doe

Nothing really major, looked like curtain call; end of show

Until that fine day when Marc Cherry came calling

He had this idea for a show featuring 5 lovely darlings

Oh happy day! 5 lovelies each with a secret or two

Throw then all in a pot; let's cook us up some meaty stew

Desperate housewives living on Lane Wysteria
Neighbors, rivals, friendship, drama - sheer hysteria

Enter Teri Hatcher, fuck she's hot as can be

Strutting her stuff as if to say, "Hey! Just look at me!"

Damn woman, what the hell did you do

Now I'm gonna be stuck to my TV again - snug with some Crazy Glue

Whatever it is that you were feeding on or doing

Got my heart in a shambles; yep I'm definitely ruined

Can't take my eyes off you no matter what I try

You're that spring in my step; the beam in my eye

First one season, then before you know it two

The thing caught on like wild fire; what's left to do?

Add 2 more damn it; be sure to keep it great

Let all the fans stay rooted, let their hearts palpitate

Susan, Lynette, Bree, Gabrielle and Edie

I'll make you all dinner so please come round to see me

We could sit and chat or find more interesting things to do
I'm for whatever you all come up with; it's all up to you

But back to you Teri, I'm afraid I digress

Was I ever happy that you were back? Hell yes, yes, yes!

My TV viewing has been saved; returned to me; restored

Thanks to you, I can rejoice; I'm no longer bored

Poppy Montgomery - Have You Seen Her!

I love Without A Trace; it's just my kind of show. I hate the damn adds that TNT inserts into it's shows. I blame them for what I'm about to confess. I first caught a glimpse of Poppy Petal Emma Elizabeth Deveraux Donahue Montgomery (excuse me while I catch my breath) on Without A Trace and in a way that was that. I concerned myself with the plot line of whatever episode I was watching and how intense Anthony LaPaglia is when he's on screen.


Before blogging about the women of TNT, one of my readers mentioned that she loved Poppy Montgomery and I was like who? She responded, Poppy Montgomery of Without A Trace. So of course I went to IMDB to look up the cast and sure enough there she was. And I thought to myself, 'here the hell have I been and what the hell have I been watching all along?'


So, of course I went digging. My digging turned up a few nice pics here and there and I was like 'hmmm... nice'. Needless to say that when I opened up my email one day and saw a mail from said reader, I didn't think much of it.


But Oh My Gosh! When I opened up and saw the attachments, I don't remember much after that!


If you haven't already been introduced, please, let me introduce you to Poppy like you've probably never seen her before. "Hellooooo Poppy!"


Warning! Extremely hot photos follows so proceed at your own risk, don't send me any medical bills, don't send me any complaints about damaged keyboards as a result of drooling or spilling coffee, cola, gin & tonic, etc, etc on them. I suggest that you place some cushions around you on the floor or better yet, if you're using a laptop - take it into bed and them proceed. You have been duly warned! Alert! Nudity follows!


There's no gradually moving into the 'other' side of Poppy. So you won't have time to pace yourself or anything; Just jumping right in! If you feel your heart rate increasing to a pace you know you won't be able to handle, you can just quit while you're ahead *cough cough*.


She's Australian, she currently plays Samantha Spade on Without A Trace, Montgomery was the "cover girl" for the May 2005 Stuff, which labelled her "TV's Hottest Cop."


She has appeared in Maxim, FHM and posed nude in the art magazine Black+White. She also portrayed Marilyn Monroe in the 2001 CBS mini-series Blonde.




Hot damn!!!


Kudos to Oceangirl1x

The Week In Review

Looking back over this week's blog, I decided to do a recap. (Of course this could just be my lame excuse to look at these beauties all together once more. But at least give me the benefit of the doubt.)

On Tuesday: Shakira


Wednesday: Christina Milian


Thursday: Diana Ross


And on Friday: Amy Poehler


Tina Fey

Janet Jackson

Mariah Carey

Star Jones

Vanessa Williams

Gabrielle Union


Rihanna


and the hottie of the week - Alicia Keys

Hottie Friday: Alicia Keys

In a previous blog, I'm not happy with Alicia Keys and her new found sophistication. And lately she seems to have developed a knack for putting her foot in her mouth. There was some issue on TV last week about some slur/comment she made regarding politics/politician. I caught the gist of it while it was being reported. She had called in to some radio program to try to do some damage control. It wasn't important enough for me to retain though.


All that being said, I'd be a hypocrite if I were to deny how damn hot the woman is! She's one of the most talented artist of her time and she sure as hell is swoon and drool inducing powers.


There's no denying that Keys has great things in store for her and being a fan of her music, I'm definitely looking forward to whatever she puts out.


Keys was born Alicia J. Augello-Cook in Harlem, Manhattan to Teresa "Terri" Augello, a paralegal and part-time actress, and Craig Cook, a flight attendant. Her mother is of Irish, Scottish and and Italian descent while her father is Jamaican. Keys was raised by her mom since Cook abondoned his family when she was only 2 years old.


I have invested in her albums over the years and think that her first - Songs In A Minor has been her best album to date. Her latest, As I Am would rank 2nd. This particular album has, what I think, her best work on it though.


Did I state that correctly? I don't think that I did, so let me see if I can make it any clearer. I think what I should have said was that her first album is my favorite but that her latest is her best. Is that better? I think so.


As mentioned before, Keys is super talented and she's got the awards to prove it; awards that include but are not limited to 11 Grammy Awards, 11 Billboard Music Awards, 3 American Music Awards, and 14 NAACP Image Awards. She began piano lessons at age 7 (her mom insisted that she did) and has not looked back since. Go mom!


Exhibiting prodigy skills, she was later accepted into he prestigious Professional Performance Arts School of Manhattan where she majored in choir. As if her musical talent weren't enough, her grades also proved to be so exceptional that she was allowed to graduate as valedictorian at age 16. Keys wrote her first song at the age of 14. Talk about mad skills huh?


She has to her credit 4 albums - Songs In A Minor (2001), The Diary of Alicia Keys (2003), Unplugged (2005) and As I Am (2007) and three movies - Smokin' Aces, The Nanny Diaries and The Secret Life of Bees (which is in post-production and is set to be released on October 17th)

Accomplishments:
Appeared on the covers of Vibe, Vanity Fair, SevenTeen, and Teen magazines.


Is an honorary member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. (2004)


Wrote and produced "Impossible", one of the songs on Christina Aguilera's album, "Stripped".

Personal Quotes: (before she started putting her foot in her mouth)
"Oh my God, the [hip-hop] videos! The imagery is so awful! I just can't get with it at all. The best thing I can say about it is that sometimes you have to see that kind of stuff so as to have a more balanced view about why it's so bad." [her opinion on the use of women, sex and sleaze in today's rap/hip-hop videos]

"I always want to stay focused on who I am, even as I'm discovering who I am".

Keep a Child Alive is my passion and my mission.

I love Bono. I really respect what he has done for Africa and how he has used his fame to do good in the world. I hope I can do half as much in my life.

I believe AIDS is the most important issue we face, because how we treat the poor is a reflection of who we are as a people.

I think music and socialism and politics have always gone hand in hand. As artists we used to be way more instrumental in providing a soundtrack to the heartbeat of what's going on in the world. We all don't have to think the same thing but it's important to state what we think. There is such a fear of termination of one's career if they have any intelligent thought about politics and that's messed up.

For some reason I don't think that this blog would be complete if I didn't include these pictures. The first one speaks for itself.

Alicia with a gun. Yum. No even if the movie wasn't all that (Smokin' Aces), this pic must make up for something. Don't you agree?

If this woman were any smoother, I would have had some serious brain damage going on. It really doesn't get much smoother than this.


Forget the sophisticated coif and all and bring back the braids I tell you. No one rocks braids like you do girl.


Ok, you've proven your point; you rock styles other than braids damn well too. Fine. Fine.


Hey Ray J, I'm borrowing a line or two from you bro - "Sexy Can I Sexy can I, just pardon my manners. Girl how you shake it, got ta playa like (ohhh) It's a kodak moment, let me go and get my camera All I wanna know is, sexy can I."


I don't know about Smokin Aces but I sure as hell know that you are SMOKIN' HOT!!!

This And That

Just wanted to throw out a few blog worthy tidbits. First off:

Chalk another one up for Mariah!! I know that by now I'm beginning to sound like a broken record or some star-struck Mariah fanatic but deal with it. E=MC² has given Carey a new personal career record. The album has given her her highest grossing first week sales to date having sold 463,000!! Go Mariah! And just let me say that if you are not one of the 463,000, go out and get the darn thing already! No, I'm not a spokesperson for Mariah. No, Mariah doesn't even know that exist. I'll go as far to mention that I'm not really a Mariah fan. However, I'm a fan of good music and Mariah has been making good music from the onset of her career.

The fantastic Amy Poehler gave a short interview on Bloomberg TV last night and was up to her comical ways as usual. She was interviewed about her new movie with Tina Fey Baby Mama which opens today. When asked about her husband she responded that she was married to George Clooney. She admitted that she's now ready for more in depth (comedic) roles but promises to remain 'short and loud' as in SNL style.

Star Jones has filed for divorce. So what makes this blog worthy you ask. It's not so much the act but it's more about a response that Rosie O'Donnell made when asked if she expected that the marriage would not have lasted. Rosie's response was to the effect that 'some people tend to fool themselves'. And again I say, this woman needs to know when to just sit down and shut up! Belief it or not, that age old adage of 'if you can't say anything nice, then don't say anything at all' can be quite appropriate at times.

How bout my girl Tina Fey huh!! How bout her? If you caught 30 Rock last night, then you can't a damn good show; but that's the norm - no surprise there. I was laughing so hard, I almost fell off my chair. "Your starting salary will be this." (followed by a good wallop across the face). It was funny enough when Fey did it to Baldwin, but when she put it to her colleague and he did it to her!!! OMG, it was the funniest thing ever! After being smacked, her response was "I know (right)". The woman is out-of-this-world awesomely funny! It was the highlight of the show for me right there. I'm gonna be LMAO at that for the rest of the weekend.

My Girl Janet J is making preparations for a world tour to promote her latest album Discipline. The tour is set to kick off on September 11 and should take her to Australia, Asia, Europe and Africa. And as I reported in a previous blog, she will be receiving the Vanguard Award at the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation's (GLAAD) 19th Annual Media Awards being held tomorrow (April 26th). Ellen Degeneres will be presenting her with the award. I must express disappointment with this album though. Yes, I said it. I was highly anticipating it's release, but the only tunes that I like off the album is Never Letchu Go and Feedback. It could be that it hasn't grown on me as yet; but I'm really not 'feeling' this one J.

I don't watch Ugly Betty often; I just catch a few shows here and there. In fact, I don't watch TV often. However, I can tell you that I thoroughly enjoyed last night's episode. The most enjoyable part for me was the scenes between Gabrielle Union and Vanessa Williams. Those two need to get it on! (Get your minds out of the gutter. Well actually my mind went there too but that's not what I meant). They play sisters on the show who's got real strong rivalry going on. The chemistry between the two is superb. They play the roles perfectly. I can just see them engaged in a cat fight or two. I would so love to see them playing major roles in a movie or two down the line.

Williams plays Wilhelmina Slater - Diva fashionista, who was passed over for Editor-in-Chief position in favor of Daniel; will do anything to get the job she feels entitled to. She reported that she is also working on a new studio album. I can't wait!

Union plays Renee.

P.S. I had to come back and add one other thing. I have come to the realization that it's been a while since I've been this excited about music. There has just been one too many disappointing releases over the past few years. I just wanted to thank the artists who have 'brought it back' for me. I won't get into it now but there's one artist who I would like to mention right here. For a while now I have been trying to quell some deep rooted Rihanna love but I can hold it back any longer? Why? I had it under control right up until I heard "Take A Bow". This song released the floodgates and now there's no turning back. I LOVE this song with a passion and I won't start (at least not now) gushing about the singer of song. I just want to say, "Thank you for the music Ri. Stay grounded and just keep doin what you're doin'"

Timeless Thursday: Diana Ross

Diana Ross is a living icon and believe me when I tell you that this is one of the most difficult blogs that I have prepared. Not difficult in the sense of being trouble-some to prepare. No, it's difficult because of the profound admiration and respect that I have for her.

Somehow I can't help but feel inadequate, overwhelmed and somewhat disadvantaged. I feel as if to blog about a woman of such calibre that I hold in such high regard is way out of my league. I believe a blog about Ross should be written by the very best of literary pundits for she is deserving of no less.

Diana is an exemplary woman. She is a woman to be revered. Her career as a singer, record producer and actress spans decades. My music collection is rife with her work. I even have vinyl records of her and Tina Turner in my possession that I refuse to part with; you couldn't pay me enough.

When I first thought of this tribute via blog, this is what came to mind:

(Fingers snapping, that infectious repetitive beat in the background and the smooth humming)...

She said she wants a man... To always understand... But that's alright for her... Still it ain't enough for me... She said she wants a guy... To keep her satisfied... But that's alright for her... But it ain't enough for me... Still, I don't care if he's young or old (just make him beautiful)... I just want someone I can hold on to ... I want muscles.... All, all over his body (make him strong enough from his head down to his toes)... I want muscles... All, all over his body (make him strong enough from his head down to his toes)

Everything about this song is absolutely perfect (IMHO). If there is one perfect song that was created in this world, it's that one. The beat, the vocals, the background. I swear, if I ever were to perform a song, Michael Jackson would have to be in the background doing some finger-snapping! The entire song was performed as more of a hook than a normal song. And when she got to the bridge, OMG, any woman who wanted could have had me!

Muscle man(we would just disregard this first line and pick up from here), I want to love you...In person, I want your body...Come with me, hiding the cascades...Let this be, we've got this thing made...Lost at sea, hide the desert...Stay with me, you won't regret it......Take this love, so deep to swim in...Come to me, and let the love in

All she would have had to do was just wait until she got to that part and say, "Slym, I want you." And my immediate response would have been, "Take Me! Take Me Now!"

I won't even get into the awards, nominations and other accolades much. There isn't room nor time for that. But I just want to mention that the woman is deserving of them all and make special mention of the fact that she's a member of an elite group of artists who have two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She's listed in the Guinness World Records as the most successful female music artist of the 20th century. She has to her credit a number of other records as well, one of being the first female solo artist to score 6 number 1 hits.

My most favorite album of all is Take Me Higher. The tracks on that album were just... well... I can't quite put my finger on it. But the tracks Voice of the Heart, Let Somebody Know, Gone and I Will Survive got played out. Other's that rank really high are Chain Reaction - now this album is tied with Take Me Higher. I really cannot decide between the two. Of this album, I can't even tell you that these tracks got played out; they got burnt out - Chain Reaction, I Am Me, Blame It On The Sun, Don't Give Up On Each Other, (I Love) Being In Love With you (this remains today my ultimate favorite along with muscles), and I'm Watching You. If you weren't in love at this time, trust me - those songs would make you fall in love. The Force Behind The Power was an awesome album as well. Eaten Alive - Experience and Crime of Passion have holes where those tracks used to be. I feel as if this is becoming about me though, so let's shift gears.

What more can I tell you about this legend. I think the only thing left is to let you know that she is the proud mother of 5 (3 daughters and 2 sons) - Rhonda Ross Kendrick, Tracee Ellis Ross, Chudney Ross, Ross Arne Naess and Evan Ross.

Received the BET (Black Entertainment Television) Walk of Fame Award on October 23, 1999
Received a 2000 Heroes Award from the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS). The award was the highest distinction bestowed by the New York Chapter.

Personal Quotes

"Instead of looking at the past, I put myself ahead twenty years and try to look at what I need to do now in order to get there then."

"You can't just sit there and wait for people to give you that golden dream. You've got to get out there and make it happen for yourself."

Two parting shots.

Ooh La La Christina (Milian)

At age 26, Christina Milian (of African-American/Cuban descent) can claim to be an R&B and Pop singer-songwriter, record producer, dancer and actress. She has co-written songs for Jennifer Lopez, PYT as well as new artist Paula DeAnda. She has two younger sisters, Dannielle and Elizabeth.


She co-wrote Play with JLo in 2001 and also provided background vocals on the track. She also co-write "Same Ol' Same Ol, the first single from girl group PYT's debut album. She provides the theme song for Disney's Kim Possible series, Call Me Beep Me and collaborated with Hilary Duff on her Christmas album Santa Claus Lane, on the song I Heard Santa on the Radio.


Her music career started back in 2000 when she collaborated with Ja Rule on his single Between Me and You. I remember hearing the song and wondering who it was singing with Ja Rule. I must admit that I didn't pay much attention at that time but when she released her first solo single AM to PM in 2001, I was curious to find out more.


She has had lucrative success in her singing career having released 3 studio and 1 compilation albums to date. She is currently working on a fourth album which she would like to release later this year. As per her myspace page she has confirmed that J. R. Rotem, Nate Hills, The Matrix, Missy Elliott, Lil Jon, Lisa Maffia, Cool & Dre, Polow da Don and Ryan Tedder will be featured producers; while Rick Ross and Frankie J will be featured.


Milian is quoted as saying that it would be nice to pursue a career in music provided that the rewards are forthcoming. However, there's more money to be made in the movies, so she is currently concentrating on her acting career. "If music could go my way, I would say music. But, y'know, movies pay the bills. And I could always play a musician in a movie."

She has appeared in commercials, several TV shows including Sister, Sister, Clueless, Charmed and The Steve Harvey Show. Her most significant movie roles include Love Don't Cost a Thing (in which she played her first lead role), Torque, Man of the House, Be Cool and Pulse. And she was the only one missing from D.E.B.S (OK, I just threw that one in there but it's true.)

She is set to play a lead character in The CW's new show Eight Days A Week alongside Mario Lopez. This show should have premiered last year but with the merge of CW, a release date is yet to be announced. Milian is also set to star in The Ghosts of Girlfriends Past, starring Matthew McConaughey and Jennifer Garner, with a February 19, 2009 release date.


Christina is in the process of adding the title of author to her already long list of credits since It has been reported that she has plans to write books targeted for teenage girls.

In 2005 she won The Reign Award which is an Elton John Award for Outstanding Achievement which she shared with Mariah Carey and Eric West.

In 2006 she won the Ozone Award for Best R&B Female.


Looks up to Janet Jackson, Diana Ross, Celia Cruz, and Gloria Estefan as her musical inspirations. Now you know her looking up to Janet has just earned her extra points in my book right? That's right, she is a self-confessed huge fan of Janet Jackson.


She and Serena Williams share the same birth day.

Personal Quotes
"When I go home, I still have to clean my room, I still have to do the dishes. We have somebody come every now and then to do that stuff, but my mom still makes me clean before she comes."

"I make a lot of my own clothes. I don't like wearing the same thing everybody else wears".

I'm not too hard on myself about dieting and exercise. Some stars are a little too bony for me. What happened to the booty?

Shakira Shakira Ay Mamacita

If Shakira's hips lie, then Bob's my uncle, my gym partner's a monkey, George has left the jungle and I had a 3Way last night with Alyssa Milano and Janet Jackson before going home to Jill Bennett.


Now since none of the above are true (except for the 3Way and going home to Jill which I had in a dream but it felt so real that I consider it to be true. And besides, since it's destined to happen, it's as good as gold).


Shakira and her hips are the truest things since Snow White was awakened by the kiss of a prince, Beauty tamed the Beast and Shrek and Fiona had kids.


Belly Dancing was taught to her by her Lebanese grandmother as a way for her to stay true to and uphold her middle eastern roots. So in this regard, I would like to let Shakira know that she is compelled... I mean expected to have a beautiful daughter or 2 or 3 and teach them the art as to ensure that the family's heritage is preserved.


Further, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Shakira's grandmother for a job well done. So picture me standing on a chair, inspirational and fitting music in the background, reciting the following (in true Tyson's Chicken commercial style):


"Shakira's grandma, I want to thank you from the front, side, top and bottom of my heart for teaching your granddaughter the art of Belly Dancing. She has brought me, as well as so many other men and women, such great pleasure beyond our imagination as a result. It would be remiss of me to not thank Shakira's mom who has but one child for bringing this treasure into the world. So thank you Shakira's mom and grandma." (And with that, the music is cut and I return to the PC to finish this blog.)


Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll was born on February 2, 1977 in Barranquilla, Colombia. She is is of Colombian, Spanish, Italian and Lebanese descent and is the only child of Nidya del Carmen Ripoll Torrad. Shakira is a singer, songwriter, musician, record producer dancer and philanthropist of international fame. She is fluent in English, Brazilian Portuguese, Spanish, Arabic, French and Italian. Shakira means "thankful" and her second name (of her grandma) Isabel means "beautiful".


Shakira is the highest-selling Colombian artist of all time and have won numerous Latin as well as other worldwide award and hold a few other records as well. Her awards include 2 Grammy Awards, 7 Latin Grammy Awards, 15 Billboard Music Awards, 3 MTV Video Music Awards and 1 People's Choice Award.


By age 4 Shakira knew that she wanted to be a belly dancer and developed a passion for performing live in school as she would perform a new dance she'd learned every Friday for her classmates.


Philanthropy and humanitarian work
In 1997, Shakira founded the Pies Descalzos Foundation a Colombian charity with special schools for poor children all around Colombia.


Shakira continuously performs at a large number of benefit concerts.


She is a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and is one of their global representatives.


Shakira was recently ranked at number 48 on the list of Top 50 Most Charitable Celebrities by OK! magazine. It reported that she donates approximately $55,000 to charity yearly.


In September 28, 2007 it was revealed that Shakira's newest charity - ALAS Foundation (America Latina en Accion Solidaria - Latin America for Solidarity), donated $40 million to help the victims of natural disasters.


In December 2007, Shakira visited Bangladesh to appeal for the victims of Cyclone Sidr.
Shakira is to be the Honorary Chair for Action Week 2008 (April 21 to 28). The event is put together by the Global Campaign for Education to generate awareness about the Education for All Act. Angelina Jolie served as last year's chair.


Studio albums
1996: Pies Descalzos
1998: ¿Dónde Están los Ladrones?
2001: Laundry Service (Servicio De Lavanderia)
2005: Fijación Oral Vol. 1 / Oral Fixation Vol. 2
2008/9: Forthcoming studio album


Tidbits
Lists John Lennon as her #1 musical influence.
Has homes in the Bahamas, Miami, Barranquilla-Colombia and Uruguay.
Named #20 in FHM magazine's "100 Sexiest Women in the World 2006" supplement. (2006).


Is a huge fan of Bollywood movies and music from India. She got in touch with Farah Khan, the most famous choreographer in India, and asked her if she could choreograph a dance for her performance at the 2006 MTV Video Awards. That night, her performance was the most memorable one as she sang and danced to 'Hips Don't Lie' in traditional Indian clothing.
Her first tape was Donna Summers' Bad girls.


Personal Quotes
The worst mistake of a woman is to go to the kitchen, because then she never gets out of there.


My brain, I believe, is the most beautiful part of my body.


People think I like to expose my body. But I don't. It's just because the dance moves require it.


You can laugh, but since I was a child I knew that I was going to be a well- known singer/songwriter; that was something I had no doubts about. It was almost like a prophecy.
I love reading about history. Sometimes, I feel I was born in the wrong era. There was more creativity in the air when people were still discovering new worlds.


I expect my beloved to be kind, generous, I expect him not to lie so I can look him straight in the eyes, and I expect him to fall in love with me 10 times a day.


I think my dad is the only Arabic descendant who is an unsuccessful businessman.


I think I look like a chipmunk. (Yeah Right!)


I cannot expect that I will be successful my whole life. We live so caught up in the moment, it's important to get some perspective. Ultimately, I know I've been very lucky.



My belly dancing represents me - it's a trademark. I've tried to incorporate it in original ways in modern songs. But sometimes it bugs me a bit that people resort to (saying) that I'm shaking my ass with a huge sexual charge, instead of recognizing it as a move that, yeah, it's loaded with sensuality, but it's also part of an artistic expression. (All I read/heard/saw was 'huge sexual charge')


I want to learn how to live in the present with my eyes open. Because, you know, we always go through the present blindfolded with our hearts in the past and our minds in the future. And that way we never enjoy the here and now.


I always believed that women have rights and that there are some women that are intelligent enough to claim those rights. There are some others that are stupid enough not to. It is as cut-and dried as that. It doesn't matter if you are a woman or not; in this life, to earn your place you have to fight for it.


I'm not a model for anyone and the truth is, I never even tried a hit of pot. I'm not saying that I've never ever felt curious, but I feel that if I were doped up I would not even be able to smell, or eat, or breathe, or sing. And I don't want to start using crutches when I know that I can walk. Drug addiction is a loss of freedom.

Hottie Friday: Ciara

Before we get into any details here, I just wanted to run a few checks to ensure that we are all reading from the same page (so to speak). Just want to clear up a few things to dispel any doubts that Ciara Princess Harris - her parents must have known from conception how gorgeously regal she'd look) is one of the hottest chicks on the planet.


She has many times been compared or referred to as the next Aaliyah. I've got to confess though that I cringe whenever she is compared or referred to in this way. I really do. It could be my own conceitedness but talented and beautiful as she is; she's no Aaliyah. In fact I am of the firm opinion that there can never be anyone who could justly be compared to Aaliyah.


Despite how I feel about the whole thing though, let's get back to why we're here or at least why I am here. On to the list then.


1) Bod of a Hot Rod. Check


2) Beauty beyond measure. Check.


And just for verification let's just double check the beauty check. Yeah, I think we're good on the beauty thing.


3) Not pencil thin nor hung up on being pencil thin. Check.


4) 21 or older. Check (DOB - 15 October 1985). Yes, yes yes! (Another sex-pot wearing a hat! I feel faint)


5) Cute as hell with perfectly toned complexion. Check.


6) Have arms will entice you. Check.


7) Have body does Rock! Hard! Check.


8) Have body does flex (and will be sure to reward you). Check.


9) Incredible sense of fashion. Check. As evidenced by this,


this,


and this.


10) Have moves to impress. Check. (Ok, so this is not a necessary requirement but it helps)


11) Rocks leather like nobody's business or at most like Janet does. Check!


I would go on with this list, but I'm pretty sure that we've covered some major ground here and that there's no doubt that we are all now indeed are reading/singing (and drooling onto our keyboards) from the same page.


Ciara is a singer, songwriter, record producer, dancer and now actress who is a native of Austin, Texas. She's the only child of Carlton and Jackie Harris. She grew up on several army bases in the US and Germany since her father was in the US Army and her mom was a member of the US Air Force. They currently reside in Atlanta and it was during her teen years there that she was inspired by Destiny's Child to pursue a career in the music industry.


She has since released two albums - Goodies (2004) and Ciara: The Evolution (2006). She is currently working on her third album Fantasy Ride - a release date for this album has not yet been disclosed, however it is expected to be released before the end of the year. "High Price" featuring rapper Ludacris will be the first single to be released off this album.


Goodies netted her three top two singles on Billboard's Hot 100 and sold over 2.6 million copies in the US and five million worldwide. In addition she won several awards for the album. Ciara: The Evolution debuted at number one and produced four hit singles - Get Up, Promise, Like A Boy and Can't Leave 'Em Alone (she collaborated with rapper 50 cent on this single and it's my favorite of all her of videos to date). She is smokin' in this video and 50 cent is looking as smooth as ever as well. The album has sold approximately two million copies worldwide and was certified Platinum.


Accomplishments:
In May 2005, Ciara made her acting debut in the MTV Films coming-of-age film "All You've Got", as Becca Watley, the queen bee of a high school volleyball team; the Little Madonnas. The film was released on DVD May 23, 2006.


Ciara is starring with Patti LaBelle in the upcoming film "Mama, I Want to Sing!", which is based on the off-Broadway musical. Ciara is playing a preacher's daughter in the church choir who becomes a pop star. The film is in the post-production phase.


She became the face of Jay-Z's Rocawear women campaign entitled "I Will Not Lose" in the Summer of 2007.


Awards:
Grammy
2006: Best Short-Form Music Video: "Lose Control" Missy Elliott featuring Ciara and Fatman Scoop)


MTV Video Music Awards
2005: Best Dance Video: "Lose Control" (Missy Elliott featuring Ciara and Fatman Scoop)
2005: Best Hip Hop Video: "Lose Control" (Missy Elliott featuring Ciara and Fatman Scoop)


Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards
2006: Favorite Song: "1, 2 Step"


Soul Train Music Awards
2005: Best R&B/Soul Album: Female
2005: Best R&B/Soul or Rap New Artist
2005: Sammy Davis Junior Female Entertainer of the Year
2006: Best Dance Cut for "Lose Control" (Missy Elliott featuring Ciara and Fatman Scoop)


Soul Train Lady of Soul Music Awards
2005: Best Dance Cut: "1, 2 Step"
2005: Best R&B Soul/Rap New Artist: "1, 2 Step"
2005: Best Video for "Lose Control" (Missy Elliott featuring Ciara & Fatman Scoop)


Teen Choice Awards
2005: Choice Music Make-Out Song: "Oh"
2005: Choice Music R&B/Hip Hop Track: "1, 2 Step"


BET Awards
2005: Best Collaboration: "1, 2 Step"
2005: Best Female R&B Artist
2005 Viewer's Choice: "1, 2 Step"
2006: Best Collaboration: "Like You"

(Don't even get me started on the fact that she's wearing a Janet Tee. You should all very well know about my hopeless obsession with Miss Jackson)

Vibe Awards
2006 Coolest Collabo: "Oh"
CosmoGIRL! Magazine Annual Awards
2005 Born to Lead Award


Tidbits:
She originally wanted to become a model, before starting her music career.
Is of Creole, German and Irish heritage.
Used to be a cheerleader in high school.
She co-wrote her song "Goodies" and wrote her song "And I" when she was 15.
Ranked #72 on the Maxim magazine Hot 100 of 2007 list.


Finally I just want to put this out to Ciara: You definitely have the Goodies to make me go Oh after which I'll make you Lose Control which will probably make me want to act Like A Boy but I Promise you that I won't.


When I see women with a body like yours, I Just Can't Leave Em Alone. When you do the 1,2 Step all I wanna do is Get Up and cheer! When you're on tour I can't count the number of times I Pick Up The Phone and dial your number just so I could express how badly I want to be Next To You.


And I can never stop Looking At You, yeah That's Right because I C.R.U.S.H. on you So Hard. The way you transformed into such a beautiful woman is nothing short of an Evolution. I solemnly swear to Make It Last Forever especially since I Found Myself in you.


My Love, rest assured that as I Proceed, I pledge to give you all that you need. I wanna Get In, Fit In comfortably with you. Being with you, I don't need to be anyone else; I'm Just Me. Bottom line is, I'm simply Addicted to you.


Enough said.

TV Series: The Women I Enjoyed Then Pt 4

I know you already know who these ladies are. Don't tell my you don't; you just have to know ok! I'm insisting here because I'd hate to be the only one :)


Ok, ok, I'll give you a hint. Before Victoria's Secret had hers. "He" had his. It's all coming back to you now right? (I know for sure I'm not the only one.)


Enough of this then. I mean it's just scrawled all over the pictures anyway. And yes, you might only be familiar with these angels of Charlie.


But before these....


There were these. Yes, they started it off.


No their names aren't Lucy Lui, Cameron Diaz and Drew Barrymore.


Let me introduce you to the original angels.


Meet Kate Jackson who played the role of Sabrina Duncan from 1976 to 1979


Jaclyn Smith who played Kelly Garrett from 1976 to 1981


Farrah Fawcett who played Jill Munroe from 1976 to 1980


and Cheryl Ladd who played Kris Munroe from 1977 to 1981.

The original Charlie's Angels show ran from 1976 - 1981 and was about a wealthy mystery-man (John Forsythe) who runs a detective agency via a speaker-phone and a liaison/personal assistant, Bosley (David Doyle). His detectives were three beautiful women who ended up in a variety of difficult situations.


The introduction/opening credits to the show ran as follows: "Once upon a time there were three little girls who went to the police academy - two in Los Angeles, the other in San Francisco - and they were each assigned very hazardous duties. But I took them away from all that, and now they work for me. My name is Charlie."


Of course, Charlie was never seen for the duration of the series. There were times when they came close but there was never any cigars. Drew Barrymore, who has screen rights to the series did a very good job of recreating while at the same time modernizing the characters and scrapes that the angels got themselves into.


If you haven't seen her interpretations, then you should - Charlie's Angels and Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle are chock-full of action, entertainment and fall-off-your-chair laughing humor. I love the timing of the lines.






Interesting tidbits:
Kelly Garrett (Jaclyn Smith) was the only Angel to last the entire series.


When Farrah Fawcett left the series, her absence was explained by having her character Jill become a professional racing driver on the Grand Prix circuit in Europe.


Kate Jackson's absence was explained by having Sabrina getting married and starting a family.


The Angels all drove Ford automobiles. Jill, and later Kris, drove a Cobra, Kelly drove a Mustang and Sabrina drove a Pinto. For the record, Bosley drove a Ford Thunderbird.
Although in most episodes Charlie was heard but never seen, he did actually appear in a couple of episodes, but his face was never shown.


Jill, Kelly and Sabrina were all former members of the Los Angeles Police Department. Kris worked for the San Francisco police and Tiffany was with the Boston police. The only Angel who was never a cop was Julie, who originally was a model.


Kelly is the only Angel to have been shot throughout the run of the show.
Sabrina was the only Angel that was previously married. She was married to a fellow officer when she was still a cop but the marriage ended in divorce.
In the opening sequence of the first season, the city where the Angels attended the police academy was never mentioned. It wasn't until the next season that we found out where the various Angels got their police training.


The surname of David Doyle's character, John Bosley, was an in-joke reference to the fact that Doyle was often misidentified as TV actor Tom Bosley.
Kris was studying to become a teacher before she decided on a career in law enforcement.


The third season of the show was the only season to not feature a major cast change.
A lot of writers were fired from the show because the stars were always demanding better scripts.

Kate Jackson was the only Angel to receive an Emmy nomination. In fact, she was nominated three consecutive years but never won.


On her first day on the set, Cheryl Ladd wore a t-shirt that said "Farrah Fawcett Minor" as a way of breaking the ice after replacing Farrah Fawcett.


When Farrah Fawcett left the series, this began a series of lawsuits in which the producers sued her over breach of contract. However, the suits ended when Fawcett agreed to make a limited number of guest appearances.

The show as nominated for 7 Golden Globes, had 5 wins and and additional 7 nominations.
1977 - Won People's Choice Award for Favorite Overall New TV Program

2007 - Won TV Land Award for Favorite Heard-But-Not-Seen Character - John Forsythe

2004 - Won TV Land Award for Favorite "Fan"-tastic Phenomenon and Farrah Fawcett also won an award for Most Memorable Mane.

TV Series: The Women I Enjoyed Then Pt 3

I fell in love with Jane Seymour the moment I laid eyes on her. I was first introduced to her when she appeared in "Live And Let Die" (James Bond).

So when "Dr. Quinn: Medicine Woman" came about, was I ever a happy camper.

I pictured myself in one of the episodes using this line: "Is there a doctor in the house? You know what forget the doctor, send me the medicine woman."

After which, Dr. Quinn would make an appearance in the entrance of my log cabin and the sight of her would make me swoon which would then cause her to hold my head on her lap (preferably to her chest/breast but I wouldn't fuss about being on her lap either) while she applied a cold compress and brushed my cheeks with her soft hands.

Twas a nice wish/dream but back to reality now.

The series ran from 1993 - 1998 and Seymour appeared in all 148 episodes. John Lando was her co-star and yet again, I have to admit to how good these two look together.

The plot synopsis is as follows: The fifth daughter of a wealthy Boston physician, Michaela Quinn defies the conventions of post-Civil War society by following in her father's footsteps. After his death, 'Dr. Mike' leaves Boston and moves to the frontier town of Colorado Springs, where she finds the citizens less than thrilled by the concept of a woman doctor. While she struggles to earn their trust, Mike's life is complicated by a growing relationship with mountain man Byron Sully, and the unexpected responsibility of raising three orphaned children.

Yeah, isn't it funny (or not) how men just always seem to complicate things? Ha ha, I'm sorry, there are times when I just can't help myself - this happens to be one of those many occasions when I just couldn't let one like that pass.

To be honest, I don't remember anything at all that really sticks out about any of the episode. All that mattered was that Jane Seymour was on the TV for me viewing pleasure. No, wait. There is one episode that comes to mind and I believe this was the last episode that I viewed. It had to do with this baby that died and they were all blaming in on Dr. Mike when the fault was really that of the parents because of some contaminated tubing that they were feeding the baby the milk through. OK, does anyone even give a hoot about all this? I don't know but hey, this is what I felt like writing about - so don't sue me if this bores you to tears. At least just look at the pretty pictures; that must count for some thing. Right?

TV Series: The Women I Enjoyed Then Pt 2

This is the second in this week's series of the women in TV shows that I enjoyed watching back then. In this post I bring you another of my all-time favorites - Remington Steele (1982 - 1987.

It won the Edgar Allen Poe Awards in 1983 for Best Television Episode for the episode titled "In The Steele of the Night". I remember that episode well.


Pierce Brosnan and Stephanie Zimbalist starred. Doris Roberts had a main character role as well as the secretary of the agency.

It was a nice little show and the chemistry was good leading to some rather "Horation Caine/Yelina Selas" type moments.

The viewers of CSI Miami would know exactly what I'm referring to: those instances where you know they are attracted to each other but trying to resist it which causes these "semi-steamy, semi-tempting" moments where you just want them to get on with it already and just kiss or something.

They made a very cute couple.

They just went so very well together.

Am I right or am I right?

Once you could get past the fact that this show was about a detective agency owned by Laura Holt (Zimbalist), where most of the work is done by Holt but Remington (Brosnan) got the credit for it; you know what, let me just get the plot synopsis from IMDB because it's a bit complicated.

Private eye Laura Holt (Stephanie Zimbalist) grudgingly accepts a new partner when a mystery man (Pierce Brosnan) assumes the identity of her fictitious boss, Remington Steele. Together, the two battle crime as as their feelings for each other.

Laura Holt is highly skilled and well-trained private investigator. But when she tries to start her own agency, things don't go as planned; it seems that people don't have faith in a female private investigator. So she alters the name of her agency from "LAURA HOLT INVESTIGATIONS" to "REMINGTON STEELE INVESTIGATIONS". And all of a sudden business is booming but unfortunately for her, the clients want to meet Remington Steele, who doesn't exist.

During one of her cases, a man, who's a thief, is trying to steal the items that Laura is protecting but he is somehow enamored with Laura and vice versa, and accidentally discovers that Remington Steele is fictitious.

And after deciding not steal the item, he stays in town and assumes the identity of Remington Steele. Now, she thinks that it's just fine--cause the clients can finally meet Mr. Steele. But her associates Murphy and Bernice don't think he can be trusted.

Eventually his skills prove to be useful and he too learns how to be an investigator. And while their relationship becomes personal Laura is a little hesitant to get too involved cause of his unwillingness or inability to tell her about himself, in particular his real name.


The plot-line left room for a lot to be played with during the series and the writers did a splendid job of it as well. I was hoping that there would have been even one more season but alas, all good things must come to an end.

[narration from the opening credits] Laura Holt: Try this for a deep, dark secret: the great detective, Remington Steele? He doesn't exist. I invented him. Follow. I always loved excitement, so I studied, and apprenticed, and put my name on an office. But absolutely nobody knocked down my door. A female private investigator seemed so... feminine. So I invented a superior. A decidedly MASCULINE superior. Suddenly there were cases around the block. It was working like a charm... until the day HE walked in, with his blue eyes and mysterious past. And before I knew it, he assumed Remington Steele's identity. Now I do the work, and he takes the bows. It's a dangerous way to live, but as long as people buy it, I can get the job done. We never mix business with pleasure. Well, almost never. I don't even know his real name!

Post Remington Steele, Zimbalist made appearances in few TV movies and series including Diagnosis Murder, Touched By An Angel, Crossing Jordan and Judging Amy. Her latest movie appearance was in Lucy's Piano back in 2006. Her career never really took off per se and I do believe that the Steele series is her best known work.


I know it is for me.

TV Series: The Women I Enjoyed Then Pt 1

I got to thinking about some of the TV shows of yesteryear that I enjoyed watching and what dawned on me was that although the shows were enjoyable, I must confess now that what I enjoyed most was admiring the beautiful women in these shows.

I invite you now to take a trip with me down memory lane and see if any of this comes back to you.

I'll start things off with one of my all-time favorites - Hart To Hart (1979 - 1983). Winner of a Golden Globe and a People's Choice Awards with an additional 21 nominations.

The show starred Robert Wagner and Stephanie Powers.

Powers is one hot tamale! I certainly had some torrid dreams about her.

And there's just no denying how damn good the two of them look together.

Imagine a show with two people who look that good together and have such great chemistry between them. The show was about the globe-trotting adventures of amateur detectives Jonathan and Jennifer Hart.

The show had some great lines and comedic moments and despite it all, they always found time to snuggle and smooch. In other words, I always got the opportunity to imagine that I was getting the smooches and everything else instead of Wagner. Oh, those were the days... *sigh*

P.S. Did I mention that the show was created by one of my favorite authors Sydney Sheldon?

Mariah Carey - Record Breaker

I have just previewed E=MC² and let the records show that I'm making a call on this one and proclaiming that The Beatles are about to be "dethroned" just as Elvis was by her. If this doesn't happen I'll be, well.. I'll be...I'll be wrong but I am feeling pretty sure about this.

This IS Mariah's Best Album Ever (so far). People, I know music so you can take my word on this one! The album contains 14 tracks and will be released next Tuesday (15 April). This album breaks the trend of late of albums having only a few tracks worth listening to. This album is off the chain! The Emancipation of Mimi is an awesome album, but trust me this album surpasses it. See the video for Touch My Body here.

1. Migrate
2. Touch My Body
3. Cruise Control
4. I Stay In Love
5. Side Effects
6. I'm That Chick
7. Love Story
8. I'll Be Lovin' U Long Time
9. Last Kiss
10. Thanx 4 Nothin'
11. O.O.C.
12. For the Record
13. Bye Bye
14. I Wish You Well

Bye Bye, I Wish You Well, Cruise Control, I Stay In Love, Side Effects, Last Kiss... OMG!!!! We already know that Touch My Body is a record-breaker! The collaborations with JD (Jermaine Dupri - shiiiit!!). The vocals on Thanx 4 Nothin' brings me back... oh man...!

Go out and get this album, if you don't you're collection will be incomplete. Even if you weren't a Carey fan before, believe me, this album is worth having.

I won't even say anymore. Enough said.

P.S. Sorry, I didn't have time to prepare a hottie for this week, but I'll do my best to make up for it.

My Asian Persuasion: Michelle Yeoh

Michelle Yeoh was born Yang Zi Chong in Ipoh West Malaysia 6 August 1962. The woman has got an abounding supply of talent and I think she's one of the coolest persons in the world. One impressive point I need mention about her is that she performs her own stunts in her movies.

She enrolled in ballet classes at the tender age of 4 and like Ziyi Zhang drew upon this skill in order to perform her stunts. She too has not been trained in martial arts. She relies heavily on her dance moves as well as on-set trainers. How amazing are these women?

She won the Miss Malaysia beauty pageant title and the Miss Moomba beauty pageant title in Melbourne, Australia in the early 1980s and was Malaysia's representative at the 1983 Miss World pageant in London.

She began her career in 1985. She married and retired from acting in 1988 but divorced in 1992 and has since returned to acting. She is best known to western audiences for her co-starring role alongside Pierce Brosnan in the 1997 James Bond film "Tomorrow Never Dies".

This is by far one of the best James Bond movies ever made! The chemistry between them both resonates throughout the movie and the action scenes were truly enjoyable and entertaining. Another role that was off the charts was the one she played in "Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon" in 2000.

Whoever decided to put Ziyi Zhang and Michelle in the same movie ripe with incredible action ought to be rewarded heavily. It was a stroke of pure genius! Can you tell that I am tickled pink by this? Just a little?


Yeoh owns her own production company, Mythical Films and is on a quest to find and mold new talent as well as find roles that have deeper meaning but will still allow her to perform incredible stunts.

Accomplishments:
One of the only female stars whom Jackie Chan lets do her own stunts.
A former Miss Malaysia, she got her start in acting in a commercial with Jackie Chan.

Fought her way to the top in the male-dominated genre of Hong Kong action films, where she has been known for years as the "queen of martial arts".

Has a Bachelor's Degree in Dance from the Royal Academy of Dance (London, England).

One of the highest paid Chinese-language actresses in the world.
Highest paid actress in Asia.


Released a single CD in 1993, "Love Quite Like a Comet", from her movie "Xin liu xing hu die jian" (Heroic Trio 2: Executioners) 1993.


She speaks 3 languages, English, Malay and Cantonese. However, she can't read Chinese and relies on pinyin (a system of phonetic notation) to pronounce words. In "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon", she uses pinyin to recite her lines (with help from Mandarin speaking crew members) in Mandarin as she doesn't speak the language.


Personal Quotes:
"The reason why I decided to wait two years after the Bond movie, and to work with Ang Lee in a martial arts movie, is because I really believe that this genre deserves more respect and dignity than it's ever been given. Before, people saw it as a fairy tale; they felt they could take it easy. But it shouldn't be about that. It's so steeped in our culture, it should have more depth to it. It's never easy to find that balance, when it's such a magical type of film, to make you accept our soaring to the skies... it was a risk, but when we did this movie, it was for a Western audience."


"Learning how to walk in a kimono was an art form in itself - if you didn't learn to do it properly it was like dragging a dead cat across the floor! We had to walk with a piece of paper between your knees and a tea tray balanced on your head."



"In Asia, we constantly play Koreans, Malay, Chinese. We do not question that, as you do not question an Englishman playing an American or a German."

Upcoming movies:
Mulan (2008) (announced) (rumored)
The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor (2008) (post-production) .... Zijuan... aka The Mummy 3 (USA: informal title) set for release 1 August (USA)
Babylon A.D. (2008) to be released 29 August (USA)
The Children of Huang Shi (2008) aka Escape from Huang Shi (Singapore: English title) was released in China 3 April. Check www.IMDB.com for release dates in other countries for all movies listed.


Awards:
On April 19, 2001, Yeoh was awarded the Darjah Datuk Paduka Mahkota Perak (DPMP), which carries the title 'Dato' by Sultan Azlan Shah, the Sultan of Perak, her home state, in recognition of the fame she brought to the state. The award was given in conjunction with the Sultan's 73rd birthday celebrations. Dato is an honorary Malaysian title somewhat like a British knighthood, and it lies below the ranks of Dato' Seri, Tan Sri and Tun.


On November 25, 2002, Michelle Yeoh was honored as The Outstanding Young Persons of the World (TOYP) (Cultural Achievement) by JCI (Junior Chamber International).
On 23 April 2007 President Jacques Chirac awarded her Knight of the Legion of Honour of France. The decoration was presented to her in a ceremony in Kuala Lumpur on 3 October 2007.

My Asian Persuasion: Lucy Liu

The second of my Asian Pursuasion series brings to you Lucy Alexi Liu. Yes, she's smart, she's sexy, she's Asian, she's savvy and she can totally kick your ass before you can ask 'who's your momma?'

Liu was born in Queens, New Your to Chinese immigrants. Most might know her from her role in Ally McBeal which ran from 1998 - 2002 however, she very likely is best known for her roles in "Kill Bill" and both "Charlie's Angels" movies.

If I were to choose the role I preferred her in it would be the 'Angels' movies; love those. I especially liked the kick-ass built in with the precise humor.

In as much as "The Cleaner" was not a raving box office hit, I rather enjoyed that as well. She and Cedric were the perfect odd couple.

Did I mention somewhere before that the woman is damn sexy?

And did I mention that she is hot!

And desirable?

Huh? Did I? And isn't she just the cutest thing too?

Lucy has this quiet sophistication about her that's kinda hard to explain but not easy to miss.

Yet, there's that look in her eyes that seem to warn you not to get too comfortable with this because there's some fire burning beneath the surface of it all.

In her early career she made appearances on "NYPD Blue" (1993), "ER" (1994), and "The X Files" (1993).

Her first big screen appearance was in "Jerry Maguire" (1996) where she played an ex-girlfriend.

Since then she has had major roles in Jackie Chan's western "Shanghai Noon" (2000), "Charlie's Angels" (2000), Chicago (2002), "Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle" (2003) and "Domino" (2005)to name a few.

Upcoming Movies:

Charlie Chan (2009)
Kung Fu Panda (2008) which is in post-production she will provide the voice of Master Viper. The Year of Getting to Know Us (2008) Jimmy Fallon and Sharon Stone also star.

Her hobbies include practicing the martial art of Kali-Eskrima-Silat (knife-and-stick fighting), skiing, rock climbing, riding horses and playing the accordion.

Accomplishments:
Graduated from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor with a degree in Asian languages and cultures.

Graduated from New York's prestigious Stuyvesant High School (1986).

Her mother is a biochemist, her father works as a civil engineer.

Was the first Asian-American female to host "Saturday Night Live" (1975).
Is an initiated sister of Chi Omega Sorority.

Is fluent in Mandarin Chinese, English, Italian, Spanish and a little Japanese.
Has had gallery exhibitions, showing her collage, paintings and photography.
Was named a U.S. Fund for UNICEF Ambassador (2005).

Personal Quotes:
I'm so proud of my heritage, but yes, I think there's always a danger when people put you on a pedestal. Especially when you're just trying to live your life and pursue your dreams. The intention is not to represent Asian Americans, but to be an Asian American who is working as an actress. People often confuse the two. When you are "representing," you have the burden of some people projecting their hopes onto you. This can eventually lead to a certain amount of disappointment. I strive to not deny myself experiences that open up to me. I hope to live without looking back in regret. If people want to join me on the ride, then I'm happy to have them along.

Martial arts are art forms and require a great deal of discipline and dedication. I so admire people who focus their lives on it, because it's not an easy thing to do.

*So did I mention that this woman is fucking smart? If I didn't, the above is proof positive wouldn't you say?*

AWARDS:

1999 SAG - Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series for "Ally McBeal" (1997) (shared with cast)

2001 Blockbuster Entertainment Award - Favorite Action Team for "Charlie's Angels" (2000) along with Drew Barrymore Cameron Diaz

2001 Blockbuster Entertainment Award - Favorite Supporting Actress for: "Shanghai Noon" (2000)

2003 Critics Choice Award Best Acting Ensemble for "Chicago" (2002) (shared with other cast members)

2003 Screen Actors Guild Awards (SAG) - Outstanding Performance by the Cast of a Theatrical Motion Picture for "Chicago" (2002)

2003 Young Hollywood Award - "Adrenaline Rush"

2004 MTV Movie Award - Best Villain for "Kill Bill: Vol. 1" (2003)

My Asian Persuasion: Zhang Ziyi

The next 2 blogs to follow will be centered on gorgeous and talented Asian women. I must caution you though that they're beautiful, they're sexy and they're sweet but at the same time they can kick your ass in an instant!

Over the years Ziyi Zhang (born in Beijing, China) has built up a reputation of being one of the best-known Chines film actresses working today. She has to her credit both Chinese as well as international hit movies and has worked with some of the most famous directors of our time.

She joined the Beijing Dance Academy at the age of 11. She recognized at an early age her desire to become and actor so she entered the Central Academy (the most prestigious college in China) at the age of 15 and graduated at the top of her class.

At the age of 19 when she appeared in her first film "The Road Home" - a movie which won the Silver Bear award in the 2000 Berlin Film Festival.

She went on to win the Independent Spirit's Best Supporting Actress Award and the Toronto Film Critics' Best Supporting Actress Award for her outstanding performance in the overwhelmingly successful movie "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon".

In my opinion, this is the movie that 'made' Zhang. It certainly was my introduction to her and believe me, the impression that her performance made on me will be with me for a lifetime. I have since made it a priority to be aware of and view as many of her movies as I possibly can.

Her first appearance in an American movie was in "Rush Hour 2" and she certainly did not disappoint. In fact, I rank her performance at # 2 of my favorites. In as much as I'm singing her praises, it's ironic that two movies that I rate as the most awful of movies that I've seen, has her playing integral parts in them. Those movies being 'Hero" (with Jet Li) and "House of Flying Daggers" with (Takeshi Kaneshiro and Andy Lau). The plot lines in both those movies were just beyond me and left me scratching my head. And of course, both these movies have received great reviews and success.

One of the most interesting thing about Ziyi Zhang (and I believe one of the things that very many do not know) is that even though she has been in many kungfu movies, she is not actually a trained martial artist. Instead, Zhang uses many dance moves in her fight sequences. How super is that?


Zhang won the Hong Kong Film Critics' Best Actress Award and the Hong Kong Film Academy's Best Actress Award for her starring role in 2046 back in 2004.

Ziyi is the face of Maybelline, Garnier and Shangri-la Hotel and Resort Group.

She is also a Global Ambassador for the Special Olympics and a spokesperson for Care for Children, a foster-home program in China. Other ambassadors include California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger; boxing legend Muhammad Ali; and Olympian Nadia Comaneci.


Forbes magazine's China edition ranked her the second most popular celebrity after NBA player 'Yao Ming'. [August 2004]

Was included in People magazine's 100 Most Beautiful People in the World the second year in a row in 2006. This is now her third appearance on the list.

Upcoming Movies:
Mulan (2008) (announced) (rumored) .... Mulan
Mei Lanfang (2008) (post-production) .... Meng Xiaodong
The Horsemen (2008) (post-production) .... Kristen

Awards won:
2000 - Best Actress for "The Road Home" Hundred Flowers Awards

2000 - Best Supporting Performance, Female for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon - Young Artist Awards

2001 - Most Promising Actress - Chicago Film Critics Association Awards
2001 - Best Supporting Actress for "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" - Golden Rooster Awards
2001 - Best Supporting Female for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon - MTV Movie Awards

2001 - Best Fight for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon *(Versus entire bar) - Toronto Film Critics Association Awards

2001 - Best Young Actress in an International Film for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon - Young Artist Award

2004 - Best Actress for "Mo li hua kai" - Hong Kong Film Awards
2005 - Best Actress for 2046 - Hong Kong Film Critics Society Awards
2005 - Best Actress for 2046 - Independent Spirit Awards

This And That

I'm having 'one of those Mondays' and I must confess that it's feels rather odd for I haven't had one of those in quite some time. Today, I feel like doing nothing - not working, not answering my phone, not being awake, not sleeping - you get the idea. So what do I do with myself? Figure I'll just catch up on a few things that I've been wanting to put out there but just couldn't tie myself down to doing so.


Just so you know, I have decided to make Mondays (at least for the next two months Jill Bennett Monday). I had a nice little piece written down to kick it off today, but alas, I don't have it with me. Whenever ideas pop into my not-so-sane mind, I just jot them down on the closest thing I can find. But at least that's something to look forward to right?
*Ah Jill - You Make Me So Much Better. My Mondays are sure to be good with you*

But back to why I came here to write. First off Dr. Maya Angelou celebrated her 80th birthday on Friday last (4th April 2008).


Dr. Angelou's work precedes her and I will not even try to get into describing the depth of my respect and admiration for the icon. Marguerite Ann Johnson is known for her series of six autobiographies, her work in the American Civil Rights Movement and her volume of poetry among so many other things.


Second, Mariah Carey has broken Elvis Presley's record for the most #1 singles in a rock era and is now in second place to the Beatles who hold the record with 20 #1 singles


Touch My Body gave the diva her #18 hit. The interesting thing to bear in mind though is that her latest album has not yet been released (will be released next Tuesday - 15 April) so there's the potential to dethrone the Beatles as well. Go on girl!! I've been wearing my deck out with that song! Good luck 2 ya!


What the media has failed to push is that another magnificient woman surpassed Elvis's record as well last week.


The Material Girl nudged Presley from his standing as the recording artist with the most top-10 hits in the rock era, when she surpassed him with her 37th top 10, "4 Minutes." Keep on rockin!


Her latest album Hard Candy will be released on 29 April 2008.


Third, Janet Jackson (the reason for my being) will be honored with the Vanguard Award at the 19th Annual GLAAD Media Awards on Saturday, April 26, 2008 at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles.


The announcement was made by The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD). What make the announcement even more pleasurable for me, is that multiple Emmy Award-winning talk show host Ellen DeGeneres will be making the presentation. It don't get no better than that!


GLAAD President, Neil G. Giuliano stated, “Ms. Jackson has a tremendous following inside the LGBT community and out, and having her stand with us against the defamation that LGBT people still face in our country is extremely significant.”


YEAH!! There can never be too much or even enough Janet love!

30 Rock returns!


Tina Fey - Queen of Comedy is BACK BITCHES!! Yep the 3rd season of the show will return one week ealier than scheduled YAY YAY YAY! The new episode will air April 10 on NBC at 7:30 pm. I know you wouldn't dare miss it.


And if blogging about Mariah, Dr. Angelou, Tina Fey and Janet Jackson isn't breath-taking enough, I now have reason to add Alyssa Milano (the beat of my heart) as the icing on the cake.


Alyssa will be making recurring appearances (7 episodes) on My Name is Earl.


Oh yeah, here's another for the Heroes fans.


The creators of Heroes had previously announced that they were going to create a spin-off titled Origins where they would have featured 12 heroes with each episode delving into the backgrounds of the featured hero min-movie style. The creators have decided to scrap Origins and concentrate on giving their all to the original series itself. The way I see it, it's best to improve on an already good thing, than to spread yourself out too thin and ruin a sure-shot. The series will return on 15 September 2008 with a one hour clip show to help you catch up followed by the two hour premiere. In the mean time you can catch webisodes on NBC.com beginning in July to tide you over till the premiere. The site already has online episodes of The Office, 30 Rock and Chuck.

Hottie Friday: The Other Angels

WARNING!!! The hotness of this week culminates here with not one, but six drop-dead gorgeous women! I suggest getting on that Treadmill or Stair Climber/Master/Whatever, Total Gym or do whatever else to prepare for the increased heart-rate that these women are sure to subject you to.


I figure if you survived the past 4 days that I need not issue any further warnings so I won't. I take this opportunity to bring you some other "angels" who were not featured. Some have since retired but they'll remain "angels" forever.


Name: Marisa (Bertetta) Miller (2007 - present)


DOB: August 6, 1978


Nationality: American (Santa Cruz, California)
















Name: Selita Ebanks (2005 - present)


DOB: February 15, 1983


Nationality: Caymanian (George Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands)






Name: [Maria] Izabel Goulart [Dourado] (2005 - present)



DOB: October 23, 1984


Nationality: Brazilian ( São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil)






Name: Heidi Klum (1999 - present)


DOB: June 1, 1973


Nationality: German (Bergisch Gladbach, North Rhine-Westphalia, West Germany)




(More hats! Actually another super-hot woman in a hat)




Name: Tyra Lynne Banks (1998 - 2005)


DOB: December 4, 1973


Nationality: American (Inglewood, California)








Name: Gisele Caroline Nonnenmacher Bündchen


DOB: July 20, 1980 *T-H-U-D!*


Nationality: Brazilian (born in Três de Maio but grew up in Horizontina, Rio Grande do Sul)


*Where Am I? Heaven?*



Record: She's the highest-paid model in the world and also the sixteenth richest woman in the entertainment world, having earned $33 million in 2007 alone, adding to her estimated $150 million fortune.


She is also listed on Guinness Book of World Records as the world's richest supermodel. Gisele is the face of more than 20 brands internationally.




It's a DAMN Good Thing This Week Has Ended Because There's No Way I Could Have Taken Any M-O-R-E!


Oh and P.S. I will be traveling next week and thereafter have some other things to take care of so I very likely won't be doing much updating as I previously mentioned in my blog titled "Tranquility Lost". The way I see it, a full week of hotties should very well hold you until I am able to resume regular blogging. Additionally, after having to blog about these damn off-the-chart hot sexy women, I am damn well due time off to recuperate; it certainly was not easy to get thru it all. Hope you enjoy(ed) them as much as I am... I mean did or should that be - will continue to do. Damn it - my brain is shot and I'm being totally serious about this. Brain's on overload, overflow, over-processed after all those naked (even if they weren't, believe me that's what my eyes began to see after a while) women :).

Send Me An Angel: Karolina Kurková

WARNING!!! With all the Extreme hotness that has gone before, make sure you can handle what's about to come because the temperature is about to go up even further. Proceed at your own risk.

Name: Karolína Isela Kurková

DOB: February 28, 1984


Nationality: Czech (Děčín, Czechoslovakia)

Accomplishments:

At age 15 a friend sent photos of Kurková to an agency in Prague which landed her her first runway appearance, as well as a commercial and print ad.


My word!! What did I say about women and hats before? *swoon*


She later went to Milan to gain more experience and it was at this time that Miuccia Prada(designer of the Prada line) signed her.


In September 1999, the15-year-old model landed a modeling job with fashion and lifestyle magazine Vogue, in New York.

At age 17, she graced the cover of the February 2001 edition of Vogue, becoming one of the youngest models ever to appear on the magazine’s cover.


This brought her to the attention of the famed lingerie retail marketer Victoria's Secret who selected her to become one of their “Angels”.

Additionally, Kurkova also signed a deal with French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, Valentino and world-famous designer Tommy Hilfiger.

In 2002, Kurkova, was dubbed the "next supermodel" by Vogue editor Anna Wintour.

In that same year she was honored with the "Model of the Year" title at that year’s VH1/Vogue Fashion Awards.

She has worked for such designers as Ralph Lauren, Oscar de la Renta and Balenciaga.

Kurkova has appeared on NBC’s talk show "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" and in the fashion documentary Seamless in 2005.


She also has tried her hand in acting and completed her first film (2007), My Sexiest Year, a romantic coming-of-age drama/comedy written and directed by Howard Himelstein. The movie stars Frankie Muniz, Harvey Keitel and Amber Valletta.

Besides modeling, Kurkova is active in humanitarian work, promoting the welfare of children through such organizations as "The Beautiful Life Fund," "Free Arts" and "Global Youth Action Network."


She received an award from a non-profit organization called Women Together, in March 2006. *Catch me somebody please..... I feel rather faint*


In the 2002 Victoria's secret fashion show she modeled the multi-million dollar bra worth almost $10 million, embellished with rubies and emeralds, which was designed by Hearts on Fire. (Yeah.. heart's on fire... body's on fire.....right.... It's awfully hot in here)

Her most memorable walk was in the 2006 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show where she once again showcased the multi-million dollar bra worth $6.5 million, decked with almost 2000 diamonds weighing 800 carats, and a centerpiece diamond brooch weighing 10 carats wearing frosted wings.

As of December 2007, she can be seen in print ads for Dell.


She was also featured on the February 2008 cover of Esquire magazine. *She's looking at me with those bedroom eyes... oh swoon*


Model.com featured her at No.5 on the list of the hottest models today. *#5, #4 hell, it doesn't matter - that thud would be me hitting the floor - hard!*


She has also received a Star on the Hollywood walk of fame along with her fellow Victoria's secret supermodels.


In March 2006, Kurková received an award from the non-profit organization, Women Together, for her humanitarian work.


Kurková was honored for working for the welfare of children through organizations such as "The Beautiful Life Fund", "Free Arts" and "Global Youth Action Network". *Karolina, let's make a deal, you go ahead and look after children's welfare and let me worry about your welfare. Don't want you worrying your pretty little bod... I mean, head about anything*

Personal Quotes:

"Everyone likes and deserves to have some fun. In the end, when you smile, life smiles back at you!" *Don't know about live Hon, but I'm smiling like a damn idiot among other things*

"Beauty doesn't come from just makeup and a good bra, it comes from your heart. It's true!" *Now all you need is to give me the key to yours and I'll protect with every breath that's given to me.*

Honestly folks, I had a lot more to say because I don't/didn't want this blog to end.

But for some strange reason.....


My mind is drawing a complete blank.


Could it be that I have short-circuited?


Blown a fuse or something?


With all the sparks flying in/around here,


That has got to be the most likely explanation! I mean, it's been an entire 4 days so far of ultra wattage and the week's not done yet!


Talk about a Blond Bombshell!!! Blonds do damn well have fun too! Don't you think?

Yes, I know.. I know... I posted a similar one to this before, but I just couldn't help myself.

Send Me An Angel: Alessandra Ambrósio

WARNING!!! Extreme hotness ensues. Proceed at your own risk.


Name: Alessandra Corine Ambrósio


DOB: April 11, 1981


Nationality: Brazilian (Erechim, Brazil)


Childhood: She was just eight years old when she decided she wanted to be a model, after seeing a picture of top Cover Girl Karen Mulder in a magazine.


Ambrosio had particularly large ears which made her insecure about her appearance. So at the tender age of 11, she had cosmetic surgery done to get her ears pinned back. Unfortunately, she had complications from the surgery for the two years following.


Accomplishments:
She was described by retired supermodel Tyra Banks as "The future of the modeling world".


She was chosen as their first spokesmodel for Victoria's Secret PINK line.

She is currently the face for the UK company Next and Armani AX.


Ambrosio was also selected by AskMen.com as Number 2 out of the Top 99 Most Desirable Women for 2008.


She enrolled in modelling classes at the age of 12 and began her career at the age of 15 modelling for Dilson Stein.

*I'm suddenly ridiculously thirsty; my mouth's so dry. Love this pic with a passion. There's something about women wearing cowboy hats well hats in general but especially cowboy hats*



She won Brazil's Elite Model Look which got her started with her modeling career.




Her first big accomplishment was making the cover of the Brazilian Elle magazine.


She did the Millennium GUESS? campaign.

*must... get.... air.....*



She has worked with big-name brands including Revlon, Christian Dior, Giorgio Arman, Rolex, Oscar de la Renta, Gucci, Escada, Rocco Barocco, Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren and the famed Pirelli Calendar.


She has modelled for designers such as Laura Biagiotti, Christian Lacroix, Byblos, Fendi, Isse Miyake, Kenzo, Christian Dior, Nicole Miller, Ralph Lauren, Giorgio Armani, Vivienne Westwood, Oscar de la Renta to name a few.


Ambrosio has appeared on over 50 international magazine covers such as Cosmopolitan, ELLE, GQ, Harper's Bazaar, Marie Claire, Ocean Drive and Vogue.


She set a record in 2006 when she became the first and only model (to date) to appear on the cover of Glamour in the USA.


Ambrosio launched her line of swimwear called Alessandra Ambrosio by Sais in 2004, a division of Rosa Cha. The line sold 10,000 units in its first month on the market.




Her most notable walk down the runway was in 2005 wearing lingerie made entirely out of candy.


She is cited by the media as one of the world's sexiest women.

*swoon* *thud*


Yes I agree. I Agree. I definitely Agree. S-e-x-i-e-s-t woman in the world!



Ambrosio is among the world's top-earning models.


Ambrosio stars in Next's first television campaign in 12 years.



She made a guest appearance on HBO's Entourage along with Izabel Goulart.


In 2006 she had a cameo on the box-office hit movie, Casino Royale where she briefly appeared as tennis girl #1. Navel ring anyone?


Besides modeling work, she represents as the National Ambassador for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society helping to raise awareness of the disabling disease. Her father was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in the late nineties.



The supermodel has officially announced on her website that she is expecting her first child with her boyfriend Jamie.


If at any time I go missing, none of you will need to worry. I would have packed up everything and moved to B-R-A-Z-I-L! Oh My *THUD!*


Oooh


La


La!

Send Me An Angel: Adriana Lima

WARNING!!! Extreme hotness ensues. Proceed at your own risk.

Name: Adriana Francesca Lima

DOB: June 12, 1981

Nationality: Brazilian (Salvador, Bahia, Brazil)

Parents: Nelson Torres and Maria da Graça Lima

Siblings: Two half brothers aged 7 and 11

Childhood: Her father walked out on her and her mother when she was only 6 months old.

Accomplishments:

She was discovered while shopping at a local mall at the age of 13.

She finished first place in Brazil's Ford Supermodel of the World contest at the age of 15.

She entered once more in the same contest in 1996 and finished second place.


Three years later signed with Elite Model Management.


Lima appeared in numerous international editions of Vogue and Marie Claire.


She has done shows for Vera Wang, Christian Lacroix, Emanuel Ungaro, Giorgio Armani, Fendi, Ralph Lauren, and Valentino to name a few.


She has been a GUESS? girl appearing on GUESS?' Fall 2000 ad campaign and also appeared in the book 'A second decade of Guess? Images.


Lima starred alongside Mickey Rourk, Clive Owen and Forest Whitaker in the short film BMW in 2001.


She has worked for Maybelline, bebe, Mossimo and BCBG

She graced the cover and editorials of a number of high fashion magazines such as Harper's Bazaar, ELLE, Vogue and GQ to name a few.

Her April 2006 GQ cover was the highest-selling issue of the year.

She's the face of Italy’s big cell phone carrier Telecom Italia Mobile, where she became known as the "Catherine Zeta-Jone of Italy." (This is absolutely my favorite pic of them all)

Lima first graced the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in 1999 and has appeared on all subsequent shows since.

She opened the runway in 2003.

One of Lima's most memorable television ads for the brand was appearing alongside the legendary rock musician Bob Dylan in 2003 Victoria's Secret Angel in Venice commercial.

Lima is a spokesperson for cosmetics giant Maybelline New York.

She is the world's fourth highest paid supermodel as of 2007.

Lima is fluent in Portuguese, Spanish and English.

In April 2006 of GQ, Lima told the magazine that she is a devoted Catholic who attends church every Sunday and is a virgin - she does not believe in sex before marriage.

She is considered to be one of the world's sexiest women.

She ranked 7th on FHM 100 Sexiest Women 2007 and was chosen as one of People Magazine's annual 100 Most Beautiful People in the World.

Lima helps "Caminhos da Luz" (Ways of Light), an orphanage located in her hometown.


Now answer me this...

Is it possible that....

a tan more perfect than this exists?

What! Wait! Where did my clothes go? Excuse me while I go soak in a tub filled with ICE!