Overall, the 2010 Academy Awards were entertaining, a bit long (but not the longest on Oscar record at 4 hours plus), but still worthy of the show’s reputation as Hollywood’s Biggest Night.  The sets, the presenters and summaries were well done, but our sectional wasn't long enough to contain our fidgeting bodies while sitting through the long, and sometimes, dull broadcast. This year's Oscars could have used more creativity and a quicker pace to avoid rushing Tom Hanks to get through his presentation for Best Picture which went to the “Hurt Locker”. It was an abrupt end to a very long-awaited grand finale.

I was a little disappointed with Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin’s banter during the show; it was deadpan, the timing on some of the jokes was off, and evidently some actors failed to see the humor in their bits – George Clooney clearly let the bumbling hosts know they stunk when they referred to him in a gag and Clooney responded with a stern stink eye – whether playing along or not, I too would have tried to send them messages with my looks if I had to sit through their agonizing opening monologue.

I really wanted to see a repeat of last year’s Oscar’s Show format – it was impressive and certainly left an impression on me – having past Oscar winners speak directly to the nominees was a personal touch that made an otherwise lofty program more down to earth. Instead, co-stars spoke to their corresponding nominee and though touching, some were too detached or sappy. Nevertheless, I hope to see this arrangement back next year.

Neil Patrick Harris always blows me away with his multi-talented self, but not last night. Sorry, I just couldn’t keep from staring at the dangling ear piece, it distracted me. But, a showman he is and ignored the listening devise going on with the show.

Traditionally, the most entertaining part of the Academy Awards show is the Red Carpet where celebrities are caught in unrehearsed interviews about their chosen attire and any other off-the-cuff question the correspondents boldly come up with. I'm not a fashion expert (just ask my teenage daughter), so I'll leave this opinion to the "Fashion Experts"- be it the "Fashion Police" or any of the entertainment news panels that will surely be on tonight critiquing the star's gowns, etc.

I, on the other hand, kept flipping channels trying to catch several TV networks at work. E! was fun to watch, but not so much for the dresses chosen by the female correspondents.

The ABC crew, though knowledgeable about the industry, lacked that je ne sais quoi Red Carpet personality. In fact, the entire ABC team (except for Randolph Duke) along with Kathy Ireland was stiff and failed to make me feel relaxed enough to hang out with them.

What was up with Miss Ireland’s right hand? It was awkwardly straightened out as if trying to keep the huge bangles on her wrist from slipping off. Though she looked stunning, she was painfully difficult to watch; nerves, tight dress or aching heels, whatever was hurting her she showed it.

The good part of the show was the winners.

I saw the “Hurt Locker” and was taken aback by the potent war scenes which made my heart ache for the troops and the nasty jobs they have to do.  I experienced a full range of emotions watching this film: Anger, sadness, despair, laughter and joy. Kathryn Bigelow deserved her award for Best Director simply because I think having a woman capture the male’s angle on war while simultaneously adding the family’s perspective during warfare to the movie was touching.

I’ll confess, I was the only one in my family who just couldn’t muster up the energy to sit through “Avatar”, so I didn’t, and was hoping it didn’t win simply based on the absence of humans in the film. Maybe I’m getting old, but Sci-Fi is difficult for me to swallow.

I was rooting for Sandra Bullock to win Best Actress from the get go. Don’t get me wrong, I adore Meryl Streep, and will watch anything she’s in confidently knowing she’ll make the film worth my time and money. But, I was ready for a fresh face to nab this top award, and obviously wasn’t the only one.  I watched “The Blind Side” and was admittedly blindsided by Bullock’s convincing part (and who gets tired of her girl-next-door look?). Can’t get enough of Michel Orr’s true story, it gripped me and pulled me into the film’s inspirational message … still with me today.

I love the yearly pomp and circumstance of the Oscars in Hollywood. It’s also a safe family date-night in front of the television (though it may not be entertaining for every age). I especially like the speeches which include thanking parents for their support or inspiration – they always get to me. I hope the kids get the messages of perseverance and gratitude, too. Listening to these award-winning adults thank their parents, and watching some of them tear up as they do, is a remarkable example of the gratitude children should be aware of towards their parents.

What is your favorite thing about the Oscars? What keeps you in front of the TV set for three or four hours at a time? ( If you inlcude the Red Carpet, then it's over 5 hours!)

Finally, quoting Michael Giacchino, who had just won an Oscar for Achievement in Music written for motion pictures (Original score) for the movie “Up“, and was thanking his parents for supporting him throughout his creative life,

“If you want to be creative, get out there and do it. It’s not a waste of time”

Going to the Oscars is near impossible. Unless you're related to one of the nominees or are part of the Academy, you'll probably never see the inside of the Kodak Theater when this mother of all award shows is on. Of course, the next best thing is to have your dress go without you, right?    more »

This year's Grammy Awards had a variety of women who took the majority of the evening's prizes; three winners were Beyonce, Taylor Swift and Lady Gaga - opposites when it comes to performing styles. 

But, there's one victor who's quiet triumph made a resounding impression on me.

I was summoned by Paramount Studios to tape a segment for the Dr. Phil Show in Los Angeles, Ca. Though I can't discuss the topic or details of the show since I signed a Confidentiality Agreement, what I can tell you is that it's related to the "There's Reality, and then There's Junk Reality" Hollyblog I wrote for www.TheWrap.com, you know, the online Hollywood news publication I submit posts to? (Yes, I know you read them all). It's encouraging to know my message/opinion about how Hollywood influences our families and our values matters out there.

After two hours, a few phone calls, two telephone interviews and sending in a written opinion about the topic, they green-lit me and off I went to the airport with a scant two hour notice. Packing a carry-on bag, racing to catch the last flight out of San Diego to LA,  and then getting picked-up at LAX in one of those black SUV's to whisk me to the Renaissance Hotel in the heart of Hollywood, felt nothing short of the celebrity treatment. I checked in at 11 PM, and hurried to get to get to bed because a car would be back to get me at 6:45AM to take me to the backlot.

Of course, I didn't sleep a wink!

With only one cup of hotel-room coffee (not Starbucks) powering my brain up, I saw the black Town Car roll up to the Hotel and it was time to go. Hollywood Blvd. is very quiet at this hour of the morning; the stars on the Walk of Fame are not crowded, and there's no sign of the hustle and bustle this section of town is about endure. The best thing about driving through this part of tinsel town early is the absence of traffic.

After the gate check-in, the car stoped at Paramount Studio #30 where Meg was waiting to escort me into the studio. We walked past yards and yards of black curtains, so many lights and long hall ways to get to ... my dressing room! Oh, yeah. My name was on the door; those mercyless big, bright light bulbs sourrounded the mirror, photos of past and current shows were hanging on the walls for inspiration, and the glorious catering table awaited me. Starbucks coffee (is this an oximoron) in sight. What a relief!

Sarah from Joe Millionaire and Suzette Valle

Then the constant stream of assistants dressed in black knocked at the door one after the other: 'Can I get you anything? Please sign here and here. It's time to go to make-up. Wait here. A chair is open so Annette will do your hair. We're going to have to change your sweater. Which one of these (2,000 options!) would you like? You're ready, please wait in your dressing room. Oh, and please no filming or photos beyond this point.'

Got it!

I'm in my dressing room going over the information I had sent in the night before trying to memorize all my points. I was given the bare essentials to go on a show I had a vague idea what it was going to be about, didn't know who else was going to be there, much less why. But, I had a part, and was ready to go with it.

About two hours later, the producer who found me comes in, introduces himself, and quickly goes over my bit. He tells me to stick to my opinion and not waiver. OK, that's easy, I thought. Engange in conversation with Dr. Phil. Who? Me? Wow! OK. And off he went, leaving me to deal with with my thoughts and whacked out nerves - alone again.

Another hour, another knock and I'm told it's time for the last 'touch-up'. Up the stairs I go again, and this time it is buzzing with people. They line us up against a wall and hair and make-up are looking us up and down one by one. Lipgloss, powder, combs are all working their magic on about 10 of us, and we're marched backstage, single file to get 'micked'.

Standing against a Dr. Phil backdrop, I hear the audience getting warmed-up to Michael Jackson's 'Billy Jean', clapping, screaming, and my heart starts to pound. The rest of the guests hardly engage in conversation while we wait, and then we get our first look at the stage. It's HUGE!!

They take us up the stairs, walk through the audience who are staring at us, get on the catwalk to the front row seats marked with our names. We sit down and the producer comes out. She thanks everyone for being here, tells us we won't know the topic until Dr. Phil comes out and starts his intro. Then the clapping starts and Dr. Phil walks on to the stage with his wife in hand. So sweet!

She sits in the back with the audience (men in black are everywhere), and Dr. Phil starts talking non-stop for two hours! He introduces the topic with videos and pre-recorded footage of the guests and tells the audience the topic is about ... can't tell you!

So, how'd they find me?

Well, one way I was contacted (found) to do a short bit on the Dr. Phil Show was via Twitter (see the Tweet below!). I'm glad to find out someone is reading my cyber-chatter, and that some of the topics catch someone's attention. The other must have been a Google keyword search which brought up an old post I had written for the www.TheWrap.com precisely about the topic of this particular episode.

Anyway, after this long and surreal day, I was driven home in another black Town Car all the way to my door step. It was pretty cool! Thanks to the veritable army of people it takes to put on a talk show like this: Anita, Bryan, Casey, Meg and Annette. My apologies to those of you who's names I didn't get, but work hard starting at 6 AM to make the production go so smoothly!

By the way, there's another good thing result I got out of this oddessy, and that's that I won't be hearing my hubs or kids complain about me 'Twittering' or blogging too much, again!

For now, we'll have to wait until I know the exact airing date to watch this episode - just cross your fingers I don't end up on the cutting room floor! I'll be posting the date and time this show will air as soon as I know.

Check back often, Okay?

talkshow2009

I saw the movie first, and then had to read the book. The movie Julie and Julia tells the true story of a temp-turned-blogger-turned-best-seller-writer, and was just too good to end with the credits. So, for my birthday my hubs gave me the book and Julia Child's "Mastering the Art of French Cooking" (MTAOFC), quite an imposing tome, too. (I have yet to try cooking with this food bible, but maybe I'll try making something fancy for our anniversary)

Julie Powell seems like the ordinary girl stuck in a rut working as a temp secretary for an agency in charge of selecting the design for the memorial after the 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York. She longs to have a passion for something, a clear direction for her life since she married and moved to a small, cramped apartment in Long Island with her devoted - and very patient - husband Eric. Julie's friends have power jobs, and her mother is on her case about never finishing anything when she picks up her mom's MTAOFC during a visit to her hometown in Texas. She 'borrows' the book, takes it back to her oppressive apartment and peruses the pages one fateful evening as she's having another existential meltdown with her husband. Eric suggests she start a blog where she can put her talents as a writer to work. But, what to write about? The brainstorming gives way to The Project: Cooking 524 recipes in 365 days from Julia Child's epic cooking guide. (Click link for the actual blog).

And so it begins. The blog starts off slowly, but then garners enough readers that Julie feels indebted to them and has to finish this project no matter what. This is where the meat of the book is; she encounters unexpected obstacles, frustrations, cooking disasters and challenges that she wants to give up on the project which was taking over her life.

Have you de-boned a duck before? How about boiled live Lobster after working eight hours? Neither have I, and I have no intentions of doing any of this. Why, for heavens sake, when I can buy these animals cooked and seasoned?

Page after page of her trails and tribulations with cooking and her personal life, start to get attention from 'foodies'  and the 'bleeders' as she calls them. Soon, Julie gets noticed for being very open and explicitly descriptive about her encounters with uncoagulated aspic and her marital problems as she tries to stick to her goal of cooking while keeping her marriage together.

The book and the movie are also a delicious tribute to the one and only Julia Child who, in real life, was not amused by Julie's 'Project' or her writing (a few too many expletives, perhaps?), as much as Julia wanted Madam Child's approval. Never the less, Julie gets recognition for own merits, and her story is now out for all of us to enjoy.

I highly recommend both the movie and the book to anyone who is looking for direction, inspiration or confirmation to keep at this thing called a purposeful life. You never know what you'll learn in the process like Julie did; she discovered she had the internal fortitude to grab a knife, stab an innocent animal, dismember it, gut it, cook it and eat it. Then, write about it while having dessert...

I was stuck by dreaded snot bug this week-end, and reluctantly spent the day ambulating between the couch and the bed to try to recover as quickly as possible (rest and fluids were prescribed my dear husband!). I honestly tried to be productive and traded off reading "Julie & Julia -My Year of Cooking Dangerously" (saw the movie, had to read the book), and watching the History Channel while incessantly clearing my nose of the never-ending stream of watery mucus. But, going against my principals I sat my tuckus down and also channel surfed for a good part of the afternoon - tapping the numbers on the remote took all the energy I had left in my hands after all the blowing and tissue-tossing.

I'd had enough of the back-to-back doomsday Nostradamus shows on the intellectual cable station, and feeling a bit frivolous I let the TV rest on E! for the always entertaining "The Soup" (don't you just love Joel McHale?). After a "Shock and Ewww" special segment of "The Soup", I also took in the week-end wrap-up of this sarcastic Hollywood program. It didn't let me down either - no one is safe from the critical McHale eye! And Seacrest, you better be on your toes because Joel is on your tale!

At any rate, the delightful criticisms of the week's lowest points of television programing Joel mocked were followed by an even lower category of shows I had not indulged in quite a while - and now I remember why.

The Kardashian sisters Khloe, Kourtney and Kim  are now in Miami  (WTH?) on their own and showing the world more than their home-grown education (ahem!) or lack there of. An out-of-wedlock pregnancy, romping with total strangers and drunken-vomit stupors all in front of the cameras made me wanna barf too! Ugh! The physical hangovers these chicks had on television gave me a moral hangover of college proportions. Mommy Kardashian must be so happy these girls are gone so she can now concentrate on properly raising the two little Jenner-Kardashian mademoiselles still at home.

After much head shaking, I left the channel on and caught "Under the Knife: Celebrity Plastic Surgery". Oh, my goodness! LA must be overflowing with blood and plastic surgeons since these body-altering programs continue to crop up! Flesh, fat and falsies frolicking in front of millions of viewers is not considered entertainment as I recall.

After I came back from draining my head of the cold virus' nose gel, the next show was already on: "The Girls Next Door".

Nugh said.

Fortunately, both my husband and my teens walked in and out of the house all day with various activities and friends, and took little notice of my mindless Saturday afternoon HD spree.

The moral hangover I got from watching the senseless meanderings of so-called Hollywood A-listers lingered for a while until I climbed into bed, grabbed my Aloe-coated tissues, and tuned in to "The Learning Channel" (TLC) to, well, learn something.

Educational fail.

I got the ad above for the same movie delivered right to my in-box. I actually read the entire advertisement, clicked on it, read the movie site hoping I'd get a discount or coupon for a ticket to see the 3-D movie, but no such luck (read for yourself).  

I thought I gave American Eagle my email address so I could get updates on their clothing line, but since AE also has an entertainment branch of its own, I guess I'll be getting movie info as well.

Hmm...AE, I'm still wondering: What's in it for us?

It was all out 'Fandamonioum' at the premier of Disney's "Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience" in Hollywood last night. Over 100 screaming teenagers, winners of a Disney on line contest, lined the red carpet waiting to have a personal moment with the famous trio. During check-in, the lucky fans were given purple t-shirts, a grilled cheese sandwich courtesy of event sponsor Kraft, and were asked to wear the shirts along with their biggest grins as they watched, chatted and took photographs with celebrities there to support the Jonas Brothers in their silver-screen debut.

Big Rob, Kevin, Joe and Nick Jonas on the purple carpet for the 3D Premier. Photo Bianca Valle

Photo Suzette Valle

Picking the lucky 20 to go in to the movie with the Jo Bros. Photo Suzette Valle

The Jonas family arrived together, and after stopping at each press station, they went back to their fans and took time to greet them, almost one by one, until it was time to disappear into the El Capitan Theater for the show. During the lottery they held to pick 20 girls from the red carpet to accompany them into the movie, Kevin, Joe and Nick also took time to thank the throngs of fans behind barricades and a top the Hollywood and Highland complex for being the best fans in the world.

Yours truly waving. Photo Bianca Valle

While I enjoyed a birds-eye view of the arrivals for the Jonas 3D Premier, my teenager was on assignment on the red carpet with her fan-cam. She took as many photos as possible with celebs who would pause at her request, but as she quickly learned, this is not easily accomplished.

My own daughter, Bianca Valle, on assignment on the red carpet for the premier of the Jonas Brothers 3D Movie.

Photos Suzette Valle

As only the Jonas family can do, the premier was all about family, and that bond was warmly transmitted to a fan by Denise Jonas, mother of the Jonas siblings, who gave Bianca Valle a grateful kiss for being a dediated fan. I asked Bianca what she did to deserve a kiss from the famous mother and she said, " I don't know. I just called her and asked if I could take a picture with her. Then she turned around and kissed my cheek. All I can tell you is that she had that motherly feeling, and I felt like crying after that because this is probably the way she kisses her boys too!"  

Denise Jonas and Bianca Valle Photo Bianca Valle

Keeping with the wholesome theme of the evening, Demi Lovato, guest star of "Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience" and her younger half-sister, Madison Delagarza currently appearing on Desperate Housewives, were among the teen celebrities at the premier. Taylor Swift, who also stars in the Jonas movie, was absent from the evening's festivities.

Demi Lovato at Jonas 3D Movie Premier

                       Madison Delagarza appears on Desperte Housewives                          

Little teen reporter Valle was on her toes when George Lopez, a beloved personality in our household, walked right past her and ignored her petition for a photo op. Instead of recoiling, she loudly repeated a line from one of Lopez's comedy skits, "George, I have a pain in my chest ...!" The Mexican-American comedian quickly turned around, walked right up to her and asked if she wanted to take a picure with him. She snapped away, and then Lopez held her arm and said "Gracias" (Thank you). Quick thinking Valle!

George Lopez and Bianca Valle

For Jonas fans, the wait is almost over. The movie opens in theaters nation-wide at midnight this Thursday. The Jonas Brothers also made a very special announcement at last night's premier. They will be going on a one week-end whirl-wind tour surprising fans at movie theaters across the country ... in person. Do you have your tickets yet? Fandango is already reporting sold-out shows in many cities!

Thanks to photographer Tricia Cazaz, NBC Online posted a special photo she took at the "Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience" premier. Look closely for the photo of the superfan!

The Oscars went to the dogs this year, SlumDogs that is! The $15 million budget 'SlumDog Millionaire' was expected to be the top winner of the 2009 Academy Awards, and it took the top prize as Best Picture for 2008. Winning 8 out of 10 nominations, Ben Stiller joked about the low-budget movie saying   more »

We watched the music awards show on and off, and only what appealed to the various tastes in our household. Coldplay's "Viva La Vida" was our top choice to win as many Grammys as it was nominated for. Of course, for my teenaged daughter the Jonas Brothers being denied the victory again - they were upset by Britney Spears at the VMA's - was a disappointment, especially loosing to someone she'd never heard off!    more »

It's incredible to see teen-age girls carrying around the 500 plus page Stephanie Meyer novels and consuming them in a matter of days; over 17 million copies of "Twilight" have sold over the last few years, and I would think teachers probably wish this were the reaction to some of the reading material middle school and high school students are forced to read.    more »

"This is a historical evening ... We are lucky to be sharing it with each other" Madonna exclaimed after announcing to her captive audience that Barrack Obama had been elected President of the United States. In the middle of an outstanding performance, the long awaited results of the presidential election came in, and while the 50 year old music icon tried to concentrate on playing the guitar and singing, the significance of the moment overcame her.    more »

Given Miley Cyrus' less than becoming behavior of late, Demi Lovato and Selena Gomez have been singled out as Disney's new pop princesses ready to sit on Cyrus' throne. Parents who keep an eye on what their children watch on television, may want to take note of what the up-and-coming pair are up to.    more »

After a harrowing week of continuously depressing news coming out of Wall Street, we really needed the mental escape of a movie this week-end. Going to the movies is an exciting prospect in our home, and adding to this is the perception that since frivolous summer movies are no longer monopolizing the local cinema, fall is the harbinger of the "serious" movie season.   more »

MTV's Video Music Awards were on television last night, and neither the 9 PM hour nor the TV14 rating could keep my thirteen-year-old daughter from watching these awards showcasing the uber popular Jonas Brothers. If you've kept up with my blog, then you know I've written about these Jersey boys before here, here and here.    more »