There's a first time for everything. For the cast of "Community," their first visit to Comic-Con left a lasting impression.

For this one-woman show, it was certainly a first to sit among a living legend like Chevy Chase, and Joel McHale a legend-in-the-making.

Joel McHale ("The soup"), Gillian Jacobs ("The Book of Daniel") and Yvette Brown ("Tropic Thunder) (all photos by S. Valle)

The cast members of the smart comedy series traveled to San Diego to promote their second season, and witnessed the madness of the annual pop-culture convention as well as the emotional high only the Con's fandemonium can deliver.

The wide-eyed first-timers joined us for a round-table-style press conference after a successful panel at the Hilton Bay Front's Indigo Ballroom. It was evident the cast was still reeling from the thrill of the enthusiastic welcomed they got from supportive fans at the convention.

Veteran comedian, Chevy Chase ("Chuck"), was his charming self and very happy to be a part of this insanity. As I saw the iconic comedian  approaching my table, there's was little I could do to contain my excitement about casually chatting with him. (If you watch the Youtube video coming soon, you'll think I was as cool as a cucumber!)

Chevy Chase plays Pierce on "Community"

After pretending I was not star struck by his close presence, I (The Wrap) asked him how he liked working on a sitcom since I recalled he had stated that this would be something he would not consider.

"I know I said that last year," he replied "but, then I thought, why not? I've done everything else. Besides, this is a great cast and the writing is very good. And the show is funny!"

Donald Glover jumped into the conversation and after a few minutes of funny man-to-funny-man banter with Chase, he explained in a rather serious tone that the show is funny because all the characters have something the audience can relate to: "We are all a bunch of losers on the show. And we've all at some point felt like a loser."

Donald Glover of "Community"

Yvette Nicole Brown (Shirley) and Danny Pudi (Abed) joined our table next and were very moved by what they saw at the convention; fans had been lined up for hours in the sun just to get into the panel.

"It was really an emotional moment to watch what people were doing to see us. We're not used to getting this amount of attention from people who like us. After an episode airs, I usually just get a text from my mom telling me I did a good job and that I had a lot of lines," Pudi told us.

"That was a room full of love in there," Brown explained.

The tall recognizable figure approaching the table next was Joel McHale with Allison Brie and Danny Harmon, the producer. (Yes, I went weak in the knees when I saw the man and the myth sitting just across the table.)

Joel McHale

The show revolves around Joel's character, a wise cracking lawyer who had to go back to college after his law degree was revoked.

When asked what he thought about where he's at in his career, his quick wit took over and jokingly replied in his signature "Soup" sarcastic tone, "Much further along".

Surprisingly, McHale is not at all like that in reality. He explained to us that he's had a blessed trajectory and that he was also very humbled by the reception the cast got from fans at Comic-Con.

"I do consider myself very fortunate.  I've had good fortune in my career decisions. I told my wife that when we moved to LA, the plan was to have a steady job in five years or move back."

If you follow Ryan Seacrest's nemesis' career, you'll know he has lined up more than one steady job. I asked McHale how he juggles the different gigs simultaneously: "The Soup" on E!, "Community" sitcom, and a stand up comedy show (he had a performance the previous night in San Diego).

His short answer was, "They pay me a sh#* load of money!"

To add to his overly-scheduled career, Joel also told us that though he didn't intend to drop names, he had just worked on a movie with Steve Martin over the summer. (Ahem?)

Danny Harmon, Allison Brie and Joel McHale of the sitcom "Community"

Danny Harmon told us that one of the reasons the show has met with success is that the show is mainly about people and not about relationships. "I don't want it to be like a soap opera," he pointed out. "Each episode is written to stand alone with only a few references to past shows in case you happen to see them, so you won't be lost each time you tune in".

I asked Harmon if there were any plans for the college students to graduate at some point, and almost in unison the cast said, "No!" Just take a look at how some of the characters never even open their books. They aren't in any hurry.

I missed seeing Ken Jeong ("The Hangover"), who plays the improbable Spanish teacher, Senor Ben Chang. He wasn't able to join the rest of the ensemble cast on this appearance at Comic-Con. We did, however, get a little scoop about his character in the upcoming season. It looks like Sr. Chang will be doing the homework instead of handing it out.

Yes. We were told Senor Chang will be coming back as a student this fall.  (I wonder if he'll be invited to join the study group?)

The beautiful, and very busy, Allison Brie spoke to us at length about the show and the other couple of Hollywood gigs she has going on; a little show called "Mad Med," and she'll be starring in "Scream 4".

Allison Brie plays Annie in the TV show "Community"

Annie, the seemingly innocent character Brie plays, has seen a heightened sexuality directed at Jeff (McHale), and raised some eyebrows with fans of "Community" -- some were against it and others for it. Brie told us the loose behavior of her character is a lot of fun to play, and though fans have requested that it be toned down, she jokingly told us she hopes it isn't.

Allison also got emotional about the show's leader, and wrapping her arm around McHale's she mentioned that having a solid figure head leading a show like this one has made a difference with the cast and keeping everyone united. 

She also went on to tell us that she really likes the show because it has a balance, it isn't just funny “it has heart". In each episode you'll laugh, "but you'll also go awe."

I agree. We watch this show without fail, and aren't disappointed with the content or feel like we need a shower afterwords -- something that is becoming more difficult to do in today's unrealistic reality-based TV shows.

After spending some personal time with these talented yet unassuming personalities, I found it even easier to invest in the show's characters because they're down to earth actors -- with very visible mutual respect for each other -- behind the characters of "Community" lending them a genuine approach to familiar school dilemmas many of us have faced at some point in our academic lives.

Chatting with this cast in an intimate setting revealed to me that this "Community" of actors has (non) sense and sensibilities I like... and maybe understand a little too well.

It was an exhausting 5 days of Comi-Con madness, but I enjoyed every minute I had to run through crows of Steam Punk-costumed people; 

halls filled with wall to wall Avatars, Alice characters and Tony Starks;

or jog upstairs against a current of Spartans,

 or Storm Troopers. Okay, a special Strom Trooper, my friend Kent from All Things SD and his friend Seth Green (Robot Chicken).

The yearly pop-culture convention also transforms our otherwise peaceful, unasuming town into a bustleling metropolis for the entertainment industry. Hollywood desencends on San Diego bringing every major film studio mogul, movie stars from A to C, producers, writers and all their ancillary staff along with them.

San Diego's Comic-Con has been dubbed 'Sundace Without the Snow' and the 'Cannes for Blockbusters' by The Wrap.

It is really nothing less.

Take a look at the photos of the few panels and press conferences I was able to get to in one piece (and without getting stabbed) to get an idea of the heavy weights of the industry who come to America's Finest City to pomote their films and television shows.

HIGHLIGHTS

Attending the "TRON: Legacy" press conference was nothing short of amazing! The cast was warm and friendly, and really added a human touch to the cold and impersonal feeling of sci-fi flicks.

Jeff Bridges at "TRON: Legacy" (All photos by S. Valle)

The largest press room was for "TRON: Legacy"

The next one was a roundtable with the cast of "Stargate Universe". To be honest, I don't watch these type of shows, but Comic-Con is precisely where the SyFy Channel should be. First off is the press line,

David Blue ("Ugly Betty") plays Eli Wallace on "Stargate Universe"

then the actors came around and (not so) briefly talk to us about both the show and their personal lives - to some extent.

Robert Carlyle plays Dr. Nicholas Rush on "Stargate Universe"

Ming-Na ("ER") plays Camile Wray, a lesbian, in "Stargate Universe"

Another very fun press gathering was the voice cast of Comedy Central's "Futurama". Those guys were so funny!

 Left to right, Guiness World Recors Rep., Lauren Tom, Matt Groening (writter/creator), John DeMaggio (voice of Bender), David X. Cohen, Billy West (voice of Fry). (S. Valle)

By the way, the Guiness World Records people showed up and surprised the cast with an award for "Most Critically Aclaimed TV Series Currently on Television".

The next day was very exciting because I was able to sit in and listen to Guillermo Del Toro and Troy Nixey talk about their collaboration on the scary movie "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark".  It was so interesting to hear how much my fellow compatriot, Del Toro, revealed about himself. (Read my detailed post about Del Toro's press conference here)

Guillermo Del Toro and Troy Nixey at Comic-Con press conference

Then came time for the "Community" cast to talk to us about their show. It's only been on the air for a year, and it was the cast's first time at Comic-Con! They were blown away by the fans and the sacrifices they made to see and listen to their favorite TV personalities -- they were not expecting so much love!

Joel McHale (The Soupe, E!), Gillian Jacobs ("The Book of Daniel") and Yvette Brown ("Rules of Engagement")

This man doesn't need an introduction, but just in case it's Chevy Chase.

Danny Pudi "(Greek") plays de role of Abed and Yvette Brown is Shirley

Suzette Valle and Joel McHale at Comic-Con

I'll have a little more about the round table press conference with Chevy Chase, Joel McHale, the producers and the rest of the cast in a separate post -- they were way too generous with their time and comments about the show, what it's like to work with each other, and some of their personal lives. So I hope you'll come back to read about them later.

There were other great encoutners at this years Con, but I'll post more in Part 2 later this week!

After three years of visits to Comic-Con, patient fans of Disney's "TRON" will hear the final pitch for this long awaited sequel (28 years!), and if the hype surrounding "TRON: Legacy" is justified. 

Cast of TRON:Legacy at Comic Con 2010 (S. Valle)

Making their last appearance in San Diego at a closed press conference at the Hilton Bay Front to promote the futuristic film about life where computers swallow people into a videogame-like reality, it was all smiles and laughter between the film's stars Jeff Bridges and Bruce Boxleitner -- both actors are reprising their roles from the original "TRON"-- Olivia Wild, Michael Sheen ("Frost/Nixon", "New Moon"), Garret Hedlund and directors Joe Kosinski and Steve Lisberger.

The group seemed quite satisfied with the vision and direction provided by Hollywood newcomer Kosinski, an architect-turned-director in his first major directorial film. However, at ComiTron the protagonists were careful not to reveal too much of the plot except to reiterate that this is a sequel made to stand alone, and that a major part of the plot involves a father-son relationship.

The original "TRON" motion picture was considered technologically forward when released back in 1982; the lighted suits, ring games, light cycles and grid were conjured up in the imagination. All of these iconic props are back in the sequel and have been updated to match, or perhaps surpass, our imagery of the future.

Olivia Wild mentioned that the special body-hugging space outfits they wear in "TRON: Legacy" have integrated fiber optical lighting that when turned on made a sound which drove the sound crew crazy, and caused the director to have to first instruct the actors to light up, and then call "action!"

Besides getting a feel for the cast's camaraderie, we got a glimpse of both directors, past and present, sitting side by side with only a generation gap between them -- a gap filled by the technology one was dreaming about three decades  ago, while the other has practically lived with it his entire life.

At the press conference I (The Wrap) asked Steve Lisberger, director of the original "TRON",  what the legacy of the movie "TRON: Legacy" would be for the new generation of fans. Will it be the innovative technology used to make this movie, or is it the movie's message?

Steve Lisberger said, "The difference was that when we made the original movie, all we had to do was dream about what technology might do, but we really didn't get involved with what the technology would do.

As time went by, we've know reached the point where John and Joe (Kosinski) and their generations have had to make this real.

Technology is all about bringing people together. Supposedly. Now, there's a sense that technology has a dark side that keeps us from connecting with each other. And I think this film examines that problem."

(You can watch the YouTube video for this part of the press confrence here)

Essentially, it sounds like the anticipated mega blockbuster "TRON: Legacy" will not only be heavy on the technology front, but might also carry a weighty message alerting this generation to the possibilities and perils of the technology-dependent culture we have become since the first film -- a very current theme given our love-affair with machines.

The movie is scheduled for release in December in 3D and IMAX, and has also been encoded for D-BOX.

Regarding 3D, when Jeff Bridges was asked what he thought about the added dimension to "TRON: Legacy" he quipped, "Perhaps in the near future we won't have to wear the glasses, we'll just be able to take a pill."

"The Expendables" cast at Comic-Con 2010 panel in Hall H. Terry Crews performs his signiture pec dance to the audience's delight!

WARNING: Manly language ahead!

Here you are folks! I've once again disected Comic-Con's dense schedule -- magnifying glass in hand -- and picked worth while panels, presentations and activities with a focus on families with kids of all ages to enjoy. When I say worth while, I mean worth the treck through the massess of costumed humanity crowding all paths and walkways challenging you and your brood to make it to the convention halls in time to get inside, and maybe scoring a seat!    more »

After disparaging public quarrels with the Palin family, Levi Johnston has changed his tune. US Magazine reported the engagement between Bristol Palin and former Playmate model and father of their one year old son Tripp, which is also wrapped in apologies.

Oh, man does this take guts!

Kids parenting kids in the public eye are getting to be a bit much (think MTV shows), but I have to hand it to Levi for showing an uncharacteristic amount of internal fortitude to face not only the media firestorm which will likely result from this turn of events, but from the Palin's themselves.

But, is this what's best for them and their son?

The odds are stacked against them, but hey, who are we to judge, right?

I hope this very young (Bristol is 19 and Levi 20 years old), couple hurled to the media's forefront much the same way Bristol's mother was, Sarah Palin, can keep it together and follow through with the biggest commitment of their lives: raising a child.

What do you think? Are they doomed or deft in taking this next step?

I watched a pre-screening of the movie Inception and I'm still replaying some of the spectacular scenes in my mind, like a recurring dream, with better protagonists. (Having Leo smacking people around in my dream isn't a bad way to spend the night, now is it? But. I digress.)

This thought-provoking Sci-Fi, action thriller will make you think more than twice if you should try following the plot on your own or just let the film take over your subconscious and allow yourself to get lost in the intricacies of the story.

If you don't want to feel stupid asking the guy next to you what's going on every two minutes, I suggest you surrender to the latter.

Just sit back and enjoy what will undoubtedly be an adult version of the summer blockbuster -- yes, it's that good!

Leonardo DiCaprio stars as Dom Cobb, a love-tortured agent hired by big corporations to invade people's dreams and re-direct a competitor's success to their ultimate demise. Working with sidekicks Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Ellen Paige, Cobb is a mastermind at extracting information buried deep within the brain, but can also plant an idea to change the outcome.

Adding a human touch to the all-business action shots is the haunting romance between his late wife Mal (Cotillard) -- the character's name said it all! -- and DiCaprio skillfully written into the plot without the usual sap of a love story.

Did I already lose some of you skeptics of the Sci-Fi genre?

I was with you all the way to my seat on this one, but I assure you, this isn't a cheesy summer film. 

You may have a tough time keeping up with the plot as Cobb tries to plant a new idea in a man’s brain; stealing thoughts is simple, but adding a life-altering one is a risky operation involving a dream within a dream within a dream. Even as you check off the film’s overload of references, though—a Matrix here, a James Bond there with Edith Piaf's music playing in the background—the amazing effects and Cobb’s quest carry you along.

Keeping your attention span from drifting during the movie is beautiful cinematography of incredible depth; Paris folds over on itself; weightless altercations and floating bodies puncture impeccable water-filled scenes; a pristine, snow-covered mountain encounter is reminiscent of a Star Wars battle. Though unbelievable, the architecture and perfectly synchronized action sequences engage your brain challenging you to keep up with the plot every step of the way -- was he dreaming that?

The film is also unique; it's not in 3D, a sequel, prequel or the next number in a book-based series of movies. It is practically a fresh genre. For brief moments it seems this picture is a mix of other films, but you won't be able to simply pigeon hole it like many movies have been lately.

Christopher Nolan makes you work while watching this film (you may even have to see it twice!), but the payoff will be the lingering conversations you'll have after you've left the theater.

Stunning effects coupled with an unpredictable plot made the two-hour and 27 minute motion picture fly by... similar to being in a deep, sleep-induced unconscious state: a dream.

I give it  out of 5 for superb action sequences, visual effects, no language, and an unpredictable plot.

TheWrap.com

A sniveling Lindsay Lohan has top billing again after judge Marsha Revel saw right through her veil of tears and sentenced her to spend some time in a corrections facility.

To be honest, I was a little surprised the "Mean Girls" star got the amount of jail time she did. I was confident she would be receiving special treatment similar to other law breakers in Hollywood in recent months.

Lately, misbehaving Hollywood celebrities have been getting off easily with minimum sentences handed down. Paris Hilton served four full days of the 23 days she was supposed to serve out of a 45-day sentence, and Nicole Richie was there for only 82 minutes out of a four-day sentence for a DUI.

Ninety days in the slammer is no party for Lilo.

Whether Lohan will have to remain behind bars for the entire three months is anyone's guess.

The 24-year-old has certainly had plenty of brushes with the law, which should have given her a chance to display better civic behavior. But to most of us it seems she did quite the opposite, brazenly walking in and out of rehab, missing parole-fulfilling classes and partying and drinking while wearing an alcohol-monitoring ankle bracelet. Her behavior appeared to be an outright mocking of the justice system.

Furthermore, did Lohan's insolent message painted on her middle fingernail perhaps bolster judge Revel's rationale for the apparent harsh sentence? The flagrant "F**ck U" caught in press shots is very clear and further supports opinions of Lilo's roguish approach to her legal predicament.

There doesn't appear to be a balance in this young starlet's life. Her education now hangs on the scales of the justice system, which some think is the wrong way to direct an apparently substance-addicted person who rather than correctional isolation needs medical rehabilitation. (Not sure I agree with that diagnosis.)

California defense attorney Mark Geragos appeared on "Good Morning America" and said he thinks Lohan got an unusually harsh sentence for a parole violation -- a relatively minor offense according to him.

"I just think this sentence is utterly ridiculous. The fact remains that if she was anybody else, Lindsay Smith, that she wouldn't be treated this way. ... This is a completely outrageous sentence in terms of her violation."

The legal leniency toward celebs might be over, and possibly Lohan is the example others in similar situations need to heed as a warning.

Though Lohan pleaded her case to the court in advance of her sentence -- probably aware that she might be shown special treatment one way or the other -- she missed delivering an Oscar-worthy performance when she needed it most. She sounded insincere.

Using the word "children" in her plea incensed observers like this tweeter:

On the other hand, "Inferno" director Mathew Wilder said he will stand by his leading actress no matter what, and may be sending another message by doing so: Hollywood will give you a chance if you get your act together.

It is pitiful to watch how a once-youthful, charming child star began her career with so much promise, and then got carried away by the spoils of Hollywood to end up behind bars (not tending them, hee hee!)

We'll have to wait and see what the result of this shock treatment will be for Lilo, and if it will change the injudicious actress's ways to those the rest of us have to comply with.

Do you think Lindsay Lohan's sentence is fair, too harsh, or will it be inconsequential to her life?

TLC's hit lifestyle makeover show Home Made Simple is casting it's 8th season in the San Diego area!

Do you need help (or do you know someone who needs help):

HOME MADE SIMPLE is the show with simple and easy solutions to your everyday domestic challenges. Our series is based on the easy home-style principles featured on the popular homecare website www.homemadesimple.com.

Most of you know my shtick buy now. My opinions are conservative regarding certain television shows, teen celebrities, and what I consider to be infractions to our values and social decorum by some Hollywood artists and their parents.

For a little over two years, I've been writing here and at www.TheWrap.com about young Hollywood's outrageous transgressions which hit the media all too regularly. One-time teen A-listers like Lindsay Lohan, Brittney Spears, Chris Brown, and now Miley Cyrus and Alexis Neires of the boorish reality TV show "Pretty Wild" have made headlines with their indecent exposure and entitled behavior. We've all read or seen them on the television gossip shows showing up drunk, jailed, or wearing overly provocative clothes for their age and likely rolled our eyes at them dismissing them as superficial and inconsequential to our common existence.

My take on this is a little different.

Some  messages are obvious like fashion, music, hair styles or cosmetics. Others are subliminal and more difficult to pin point, but famous adolescents do have an effect on the younger set who look up to them because they are prominent.

Simply take a look at five year olds wearing the signature Hannah Montana tutus; or sit at a school assembly where elementary kids are singing and dancing to Lady Gaga songs with inappropriate lyrics and related dance moves.  To me, these are the disconcerting consequences of Hollywood's influence on our kids.

I've pointed out a few of these unpleasant famous teens' behaviors here and on my posts at TheWrap.com.  I've also been keeping track of some of the comments readers have made on the posts where I discuss these topics. I must admit it's reassuring to know others share my opinions, but sometimes I am taken aback by some of them.  Not because I can't take a disparate view, that's always expected, but I am stunned at some of the thoughts and reasons for disagreeing with my evaluation of certain teen celebrity scandals.

The following comment was left on the post titled "Incredible Trifecta of Tarts" at TheWrap.com where I object to the pressing trend to over sexualize our little girls. In this post I discussed the Single Ladies 7- year-old little dancers' YouTube video, Miss USA's pole dancing, and the endless  news about Teen Queen of Skank Miley Cyrus:

 "Actually, Suzette's credibility is mostly undermined by her clear lack of having examined the issues surrounding sex and coming of age. She is just giving us her kneejerk reaction.

Have you asked yourself why the marriage age in the U.S. isn't 13, when biologically girls that age can have babies? Is it that in a technologically advanced society we need kids to put off sex to finish their education? Is it that because our culture celebrates personal choice, it's recognized that kids who are 13 are, on average, not good at making very good long term choices? Is it that most teen marriages end in divorce?

The age of consent in the U.K. is 16 years old. Why is it O.K. for 16 year olds to have sex in the U.K., but in the U.S the government will hunt you down and put you in jail if you do? These are the question that deserve discussion instead of giving kneejerk reactions to what age it's O.K. for Disney princess' to be sexy."

Really?

Before going off on this commenter,  let me qualify my rants blogs as defined on-line: A blog is a personal web log or diary. Blogs by nature are biased personal opinions based on a personal experience or reaction. Unlike a journalist, a blogger is free to express an opinion and  doesn't have to offer both sides of  an issue.

Now, addressing this particular comment I'd like to say that we don't live in Europe nor are we affixed to Latin America or the UK. US social norms are different from theirs for a reason. This country was founded on different viewpoints from theirs, and have been aggregated over time to define our present social conduct and moral fabric. (That our values have become distorted by greed is another issue entirely and one which might merit another post, but I'll leave it at this for now.)

I found this comment downright mortifying and sickening that it's author's most important issue with me is if the legal age of sexual consent should be lowered!

The particular post I'm referring to touched on three different age groups: seven year old dancers dressed in burlesque outfits; a 17 year old nubile temptress, and a (young) adult in her early 20s who was selected as Miss USA, a beauty pageant focused on choosing a role model for young American girls.

All three subjects were splattered all over the media not for their virtues or talent, but because something about their particular actions was not quite up to standard. The standard which prompted the media to bring them to the forefront,  in my view,  was on the low end of it.

Why would they have been newsworthy otherwise?

Since commenter's can post their thoughts anonymously it seems more and more readers are embolden by this, and are expressing their opinions about how minor celebs behaving badly are nothing to worry about. Some simply write to me that the only thing we need to do to keep our kids at a safe distance from imitating those stars' crazy behaviors (dressing, singing, dancing and living like them)  is to turn off the television set and shut down the laptop (all typos and grammar as per original comment):

"Who cares what Miss USA did in her past... It is not like her "talent" that she performed to win the pageant was stripping. So a pretty girl participated in (stupid, sexist) pretty girl contests, including a racy one. Um, so? It isn't as though she was in Penthouse magazine doing so and intended for those photos to be distributed all over the Internet. Participating may not have been the best choice, but look on Facebook and you'll see people doing all sorts of things that they probably shouldn't make public for the sake of their future careers. The Miss America pageant is antiquated anyway- and if anyone really lets those girls serve as role models for their children, it is pretty sad. In my opinion, this is totally a different case than parents tarting up their kids or babies or even a (barely) underage Miley Cyrus having a racy video. Parents need to take responsibility for parenting their own kids in their homes and stop blaming the media for corrupting those kids- get rid of the TV and Internet if you think it is such a dangerous thing. Or, better yet, teach your kids to sort out the trash for themselves and see bad examples as precisely that- a bad example NOT to emulate."

Is it actually this easy?

 I wish it were.  Then I nor anyone else (like Perez Hilton) would have any fodder for the media, right?

Lilly is a teen blogger and writes at www.RachelJSimmons.com. She's keenly aware about young celebrities and how they fail as role models, but how never the less we never fail to turn to them as such:

"I guess that’s the point I’m trying to make. Celebrities mess up, a lot. So really, I’m disappointed in us. I’m disappointed in us for turning to celebrities again and again, hoping to see them say the right things. But they never fail to remind us that an actress or a supermodel, a role model does not make..."

She's absolutely right.

We look to celebrities as role models  because they are used by the media to send messages directly to the public based on trust - they're placed in spots representing everything from charities, to health products, political views and clothes.

One day we like Sally Fields, the next she's telling us to take Boniva for our bones.

As adults, we know public figures are getting paid to make certain ads and many times Hollywood does put its influence towards very good causes and makes positive use of the worldwide attention it enjoys. But, it gets confusing for kids, and maybe even for some parents, when teen celebs who have TV shows on children's networks hold a concert to raise money for cancer (a very good thing),  but are also blasted in the media for wearing clothes that are too revealing for their age (check out this photo of ex-Hannah Montana Miley and beware!).

My point is clearly spelled out for you in pictures; it's come full circle judging by the Single Ladies little dancers outfits and them imitating their teen counterpart /role model's dance moves.

Getting back to another commenter on my posts about how I get worked up when these types of events hit the news, I guess I'm the minority making noise about these teen icons' impropriety and their parents lack of propriety!

Young Hollywood and their permissible parents keep setting bad examples for kids, teens and their parents who are losing touch with reality because they are watching teen superstar's  omnipresent moves  in the media which gives the impression that it's OK to behave in this manner. Unless we move to the nearest mountain top, being part of mainstream society will keep exposing us and our kids to the over sexualized behaviors of minor celebrities.

So the problem is not with our TV dials or computers as the commenter wrote, it's with the source of the problem; irresponsible parenting in an over indulgent celebrity-driven society.

Showcasing the arts: Music, acting, creating, dancing, and performing in general don't have to include minors in semi-pornographic gear or over the top suggestive gestures to be considered a success. If the focus were on the more valuable aspect of the arts and presenting the beauty and level of talent in a tasteful way, then the creativity in teen or other underage celebrities would be influencing real budding artists, not the Hollywood money-making machine.

So am I overreacting to all this?

I hope not.

In the meantime, I must say I do partially agree with the comment about turning off the TV. Summer is no time to tune into the mindless Hollywood repertoire of shows like "Pretty Wild" or "Downfall." I read too much into these titles and in my view they are a crude reminder of the environment that produces this nonsense.

This year Comic-Con is offering a few added options to help make your attendance at the biggest comic book show in the western hemisphere all that more enjoyable.

ADDITIONAL HOTEL ROOMS:
 
Comic-Con has additional hotels in the Mission Valley area. Please visit https://www.tphousing.com/r/startres.asp?EICode=1878&AttCode=72 to check availability and shuttle access to these hotels.

ADDITIONAL SHUTTLE ROUTE:
The hotel reservation situation this year didn’t go as well as it should have, as a result many people who expected to be closer to the downtown area found themselves in hotels farther away. For this reason we have expanded our shuttle route to help accommodate those who are staying at Mission Valley and Shelter Island hotels. The expanded shuttle route will service hotels in the Mission Valley and Shelter Island areas and is made possible, in part, by a generous contribution from Travel Planners. To provide faster service, the shuttle route for Mission Valley will run from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm from a location near the Omni Hotel (at the foot of L Street in downtown San Diego). Using this drop point during heavy daytime traffic periods will increase the frequency of the shuttles. After 8:00 pm this shuttle route will originate from the Convention Center front driveway.
 
PRE PAID PARKING:
To assist those who choose to drive to the event, Comic-Con has arranged with ACE and Five Star, two of the largest downtown parking companies, to offer advanced purchase of
Pre-Paid parking at many of downtown’s parking areas. As with all parking lots, in and out privileges do not apply. To take advantage of the advanced parking permit option, please visit http://www.thepermitstore.com/comic-con/event/
 
Purchase of Pre-Paid parking guarantees you a spot, though not a specific or particular space.

Comic-Con does not receive any compensation from this program.

One hour and fifty minutes go by as quickly as the adrenaline-charged, computer-generated action sequences in the film "Knight and Day" which opens tomorrow. This light, romantic, action comedy relies heavily on the million dollar grins of the movie's main actors,Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz starring as Roy Miller and June Havens, to get you to invest in them, and you probably will. This film is a summer pleaser which will likely make you smile in the end as well.

Roy (Cruise) is a spy gone rogue who gets trapped in a Bonny and Clyde type duo with June (Diaz), an unsuspecting gal who boards a fateful flight and who manages to make all the wrong decisions to not extricate herself from the inevitable spy tangle. The film is a thriller and romantic comedy rolled into one with plenty of bullets sprayed everywhere in relentless shoot em up sequences, stunt laden scenes with Cruise's ubiquitous sunglasses (I'm certain I caught that same look he won us over with behind those Ray Bans in "Risky Business"!) never out of reach no matter how farfetched or violent the situation he finds himself in is.

There are moments in this film when the action sequences stumble and the viewer catches the unlikeliness of it all; bulls running on the narrow streets of Seville, Spain in a car vs. motorcycle chase; villains crash trough the windows of a moving train in the Swiss Alps; there's a plane crash in a corn field no one seems to really understand or care about, and countless automobiles collide leaving heaps of nameless corpses as collateral damage.

While Diaz and Cruise carry the film nicely and their on-screen chemistry is endearing, absurdly, we actually don't mind that innocent by standards are run over, shot and killed without regard because we're busy laughing at the airhead moves Diaz is putting on while Cruise shows off he's still in top "Mission Impossible" form constantly trying to save this damsel from herself.

"Knight and Day" is rated PG-13 and will likely not be up for any awards, but it is the perfect summer movie to see with your teens when you show up to the theater not knowing what you want to watch. Surprisingly, you'll probably enjoy it as much as we did!

I give it  out of 5.

Our son's graduation is finally behind us!  It was a TWO week-long celebration full of formal award presentations, sports banquets, mass, blessings, parties and lots and lots of family. Our first-born is the fifth in our family to go through the pomp and circumstance of graduating from high school, but the second one going on to a four-year University in the United States.

Also behind us are eighteen years of working with him to memorize everything from the alphabet to multiplication tables; prayers and game rules; from saying please and thank you to being compassionate, sympathetic and empathetic, to teaching him to say I'm sorry and excuse me. 

Eighteen years of hounding, harassing, herding, shepherding, leading, following, talking-till-blue-in-the-face and pounding into his brain as many life lessons as we could, and will now be in his hands to do as he sees fit come August 2010 when he moves into a dorm. All the high school academic requirements are met, plus many more social graces taught and hopefully learned. We'll know very soon how much of these daily lessons are instilled in him as he heads to college on his own.  I know that if he trips and makes a mistake it will come back to us, the parents, but for now I'm content with the job we've done.

To celebrate our son's high school graduation we threw a party for family and close friends who have been part of our son's life over the years. At times it felt like a mini-wedding, as one our guests told me, since I was running around in a mother-of the-groom type frenzy. In fact, I thought it kind of was a celebration of this magnitude, I told him, because goodness knows what'll happen at his real wedding - the bride will probably not let anywhere near the planning so at least I got to choose everything for this proper send off!   

Also, I'm not your DYI type of mom, but have to say that when inspired by love for a child, I found the crafty side of me came shining through for this party. So if you'll indulge me for a moment, I'd like to share the details of the festivities and thank everyone who helped us to celebrate and send off our son to pursue the next stage of his education and personal development.

The Personal Touches

I made a memorabilia table displaying our sons various acamdemic and athletic awards, ceramic class pieces, and photos. I also made two books: a photo book at MyPublisher.com and a scrapbook with newspaper clippings and photos.

I placed rocks with stickers around the centerpieces as table scape.

I made a DVD with baby photos, friends, family, and video clips of some fun times during high school events and family events. I included photos with teachers, mentors and coaches and played it continuously on a rented screen and projector I ran with my laptop.

I made rolled diplomas with napkins and tied them with tassels and rings inscribed with inspirational words.

Rentals

Tablecloths and plate chargers were rented from Elegant Events in Chula Vista (619) 427-7080 (website coming soon). Please ask for Griselda if you call them for your next party. She will give you precious FREE advice to help make your celebration special; from how to save on decor to where to purchase it, she's a wonderful person and resource!

Voice and Video Rentals helped me with the equipment for the slide show. They gave me a tutorial on how to install it and use it - they even have a 24/7 hotline in case you run into technical difficulties!

Food

Mexican food was catered by Lolitas next to PETCO park. The service included delivery and heating boxes. It was awesome and scrumptious too!

We served Miguel's Cocina Jalapeno Cheese Sauce and Ceviche from Northgate Market with chips as appetizers.

I hired two waiters who made Margaritas and Sangria and served all the beverages (and helped with everything from set up to clean up!).

Cupcakes and cake were made by Coronado Cupcakery at the Ferry Landing in Coronado. Rosalina Ascolani is a Coronado High School Alum who also attended Georgetown University and owns this sweet bakery! The ChocoFlan was a gift to my son from a friend.

Entertainment

Instead of a DJ, I organized the mother of all trivia games complete with power point slides and prizes. I included questions ranging from school trivia to World Cup questions and I also had quizzes and prizes for the little ones.

Resources Off The Internet

Invitations and Thank You cards made at Shutterfly.com

Banner and Graduation Party Sign from Shindigz.com

Purdue balloons, tissue boxes and game folders from Purdue.com

Favors from Favoraffair.com

Tassels for napkin rings from Tasseldepot.com

Inspirational word rings and stickers for the rocks from Michaels

(Disclaimer: Items used for this event were not sponsored by anyone. )

This year Father's Day fell during a very hectic month in which three back-to-back celebrations took place over the last three week-ends: a college graduate, a high school graduate, and a middle school graduate. All three milestones from the same side of the family exacted an extraordinary effort from all of us. Needless to say, everyone had to do double duty with travel and overnight stays to fulfill family commitments.

My mother, the consummate family peace keeper, called me earlier this week to let me know that she and dad would like everyone to stay home and spend it with their own families on Father's Day; no traveling, no gathering at the patriarchs' home, nada.

Hmm...

I told her I did not agree, and though I would not have to travel since I'm lucky my parents live in the same city as I do, I was quick with my opinion.

"I think we should all make an effort regardless of the extra work, time and cost it takes for us to get together. We should take advantage of every opportunity we have to spend it with Dad."

"OK then. I'll call everyone and tell them the celebration will be at our house and they can come if they can make it," said mom in a more authoritative voice.

What you don't know about what prompted me to make this statement is that my husband's father passed away at the young age of 48 from a second heart attack - and he was a doctor. My father has been cancer free for five years after surgery to remove a characinoid tumor in his intestine.

Each Father's Day my husband, the eldest of four siblings, is reminded of how he wishes his father were around to see his grandchildren and how fortunate he is to have been able to accomplish everything he has.

At the other end of the spectrum, we've always been able to count on my father and mother to be the ever-present grandparents to our two children; to feel the love and support of family in spite of the occasional bad moments or unavoidable family squabbles. Taking their presence for granted is something I will not allow.

So you see, though it's comfortable to take the easy way out of a family commitment, don't.

And, don't let your kids, especially the teenagers, take this route either. Don't cave to a request to stay home because "we get bored at grandmas" or "there's nothing to do."

Go. Spend the time. Show the kids what it takes to keep the family united and how it gets done.

I understand it really is impossible to attend every family event, so what do you do when these situations arise in your family?

Happy Father's Day and hug your dad if you still have one around. If you don't, hug someone else's.

La Jolla Cove view from Brockton Villa

Brockton Villa is one of the wonderful restaurants gracing our Southern California coast offering spectacular sunset views along with delicious food. It is ideally situated a top a perfect scenic spot overlooking The Cove, in La Jolla, California. The view from this perch is breathtaking, and I was able to personally confirm this at a recent brunch at this landmark eatery generously sponsored by owner Dave Heine for a group of San Diego bloggers.

Brockton Villa owner Mike Heine with bloggers Suzette Valle and Jennifer Fox Armour

View from a balcony table at Brockton Villa

Brockton Villa was a beach cottage built in 1894, and while being historically preserved was converted into a restaurant in 1990. Its quaint and charming decor embraces you as you walk up the stone and wood stairs seemingly cut out of the cliff side. The unique abalone shell-inlaid fireplace is estimated to have been built in the 1920s and is the centerpiece of the main dinning area.

If you happen to be in La Jolla, California this summer, don't forget to pop in to this lovely restaurant. "Brockton Villa remains a significant reminder of the architectural past alive in our La Jolla community: simple and lovely, blessed by the sea, the sun and the sand."

Alex Valle (image Shutterfly)

Dear Readers,

As most of you know, my son is graduating from high school tomorrow and I have been terribly busy with the many formal activities this milestone entails. I have been unable to post, but I hope to be back on track next week when all the festivities are over and my head is back in the game.

I hope you'll hang in there with me... school's almost over!

Having a child graduate from high school is an accomplishment itself. However, it's made even more special by the fact that a child can carry an above average course load; be involved in a sport becoming Captain and MVP; receive a memorial scholarship based on both his academic and athletic achievements and also get into a decent college.

Yes, I am so very proud!

If you would like to send me a congratulatory card for MY achievements to get him through all of this and still like him, please do!

Finally, to all my readers with kids also graduating, I would like to congratulate YOU for a job well done!

And now, on with the show...

Lee Dewyz American Idol 2010 winner. Photo Credit Micheal Becker/Fox

American Idol was worth watching last night if anything for the popular retro acts that graced the Nokia's stage and took most of us middle aged (What?)  viewers down memory lane; Alice Cooper, Bee Gees, Hall and Oats, Janet Jackson and Chicago made me get on that time machine and recall freer, less complicated times. William Hung and Pants on the Ground provided the comedy relief we like to see during an otherwise tense show -- plus, they plain have guts to do what they did on national television, again.

The pace and variety of the show were good with one or two blips which could have been better planned or rehearsed: Simon Cowell's lengthy good bye tribute, and Paula Abdul's strange monologue.

It could well be that Simon was the reason many tuned in to watch American Idol; he didn't mince his words and was sometimes brash, curt and publicly insensitive with many of the AI wannabes who dared to face him. Personally,  I think Cowell actually said what many of us sitting on our sofas, mouth agape, were thinking about some of the strange auditions we were subjected to.  Perhaps this would explain why the tribute, which spanned the entire show, was merited.

Paula Abdul's appearance, supposedly a surprise, certainly seemed unrehearsed and unsupervised and could have used some polishing up before she went on stage and confirmed what many already think about her strange personality. I wish she could have come out and spoken more eloquently and avoided any cheap jokes like, "there's a baby in the back with Simon's hair cut..." which in my view lessened others opinion of her -- in spite of this setback, I still love and admire her talent!

As for the contestants, it couldn't have been more obvious that Lee Dewyz was America's, and perhaps the producers, choice due to his mass appeal over Crystal Bowersox -- similar to Adam Lamberts case. Though I've read unconfirmed reports that the difference in votes was only 2%, it still looks like we prefer the clean cut look over a versatile voice.

Overall it was a great production, but the clincher for me was seeing and hearing Bret Michaels whom I hadn't even heard of before his Celebrity Apprentice stint and health issues. Bravo to this courageous performer!

Will I tune into to watch AI now that Paula and Simon are gone? I probably will just out of curiosity. But. It will be up to those who fill the two big empty chairs to keep me coming back.

Drinking more milk is one thing I should do more often. I usually only drink it in my lattes, but lately I've tried to down a glass or two to help my bones and overall appearance. Yes, milk should be a part of our daily nutritional and beauty routine, but it usually isn't.

I'm getting precariously close to an (middle) age where both beauty and health begin to take more effort than a trip to the cosmetic or drug store counters to keep me looking and feeling my best. To help me understand the benefits of milk as part of a regular beauty habit,  I was invited to take part in a new concept to spread the word about including more milk in our diets, and hopefully looking better, too.

"GOT MILK? and TOMA LECHE had a first-ever Milk Beauty Counter outside the Macy’s at Horton Plaza. It’s not something you’d expect to see at a mall: a milk counter.  But it’s precisely what the California Milk Processor Board (CMPB), the creator of GOT MILK? and TOMA LECHE (Drink Milk), introduced to passersby on May 5.  The advertiser wants Californians to know that beauty comes from the inside out and proper nutrition with milk is key to achieving radiant skin and healthy hair and nails. 

The counter provided consumers an interactive experience where they learned about the benefits of the “wonder tonic.”  Beauty consultants were on hand to provide a booklet of tips to keep skin, hair and nails healthy.  Certified Fitness Trainer and Nutrintion Specialist, and current Miss San Diego Cities Saundra Combs, was aslo on hand offering tips on the benefits of milk. Shoppers relaxed at a lounge area while being served milk-based drinks and cookies.  Guests  also experienced a virtual makeover during their free visit."

Bloggers Sondra Santos LeBrie and Suzette Valle with Miss San Diego Cities, Saundra Combs at the Got Milk Beauty counter

It's a fact that taking care of myself now is a greater challenge than just a few years ago, and this includes limiting the negative effects of practically everything I do and consume;  from where I sit (away from the sun), to what I eat (no cheeseburgers!) and drink (Margaritas are still OK, right?).  But, taking a trip down the dairy section at the grocery store to get my own carton of milk (hmmm, wonder if it could come in a nice pink bottle so everyone will know it's mine) is one thing I'll be doing more often -- and know it'll only have positive side effects like strong ankles to be able to wear Miss San Diego Cities, Saundra Combs, shoes!

What an incredible Trifecta of Tarts hit the media outlets recently!

In first place is the 7 year old “Single Ladies” video of a hip hop dance contest for tender tots which shows them popping and grinding with their best Beyonce impersonation, and clad in Victoria Secret-like underwear.  

Coming in second is the HOrrific Miley Cyrus video showing the 17 year old lap dancing and gyrating on a 40 year old man at a Calabasa’s club dressed in the signature coastal town's standardized outfit of short shots and UGGly boots. (Whoa! This sentence alone is so charged with inappropriate conduct it needs an extra reading lap to grasp the extent of this teenager's unsuitable behavior)

Coming in last place is the 24 year old freshly crowned Miss U.S.A., Rima Fakih, who can now add pole dancing to her assortment of talents which secured her first place finish in the recent pageant. On the other hand, Fakih could be considered an exception in this race because she is an adult and makes her own decisions.

(As far as I can tell, all three of these events came in on a blanket finish in my books)

But. Who is responsible for these outrageous public displays of underage indecency?

Once again Hollywood has a far reaching influence and is even affecting the adults in charge of their young, blinding them from the ability to clearly mark a path of modesty for their kids. The part the entertainment industry plays in inspiring and shaping what our celebrity-driven society considers success is evident by what the young striving Britney Spears or Beyonce wannabes will be put through to rise through the ranks.

But wait. This is far too easy an excuse and explanation for these dreadful sexually charged exhibits now covering the entire spectrum of ages; from tots, to teens to adults Hollywood sets the (low) standard our youth is falling in line to chase. Bearing in on the race are the adult guardians of the glittery track who could put a stop to it. Like trainers leading a horse to water, parents are responsible for pulling on their offspring’s reigns.

Why, then, does it seem they've let go too soon?  Have they pimped out their kids influenced by greed and fame? 

Such is the standard our celebrity-inspired culture understands is the measure of a person's success; fame, fortune, or even 15 minutes of infamy are a fair trade off to secure a place under the spotlight.

Don't get me wrong, I fully understand the need innate performers have to get on stage and give it their all. I am always in awe of the amount of talent out there -- even the little "Single Ladies" dancers 'killed it' on stage -- but at what cost?

There are some out there who think there is nothing wrong with these three scenarios, and that it's all in good fun.  I would tend to agree if the choices to get on the world wide web shaking and shimmying undeveloped boobs and behinds were their own, but they are not.

It's the parents pushing their little innocent girls to become over sexualized much too soon -- and then the same ones who turn around and are offended when some creep comes stalking them online or, God forbid, walking home from school alone.

In the case of the 7 year old dancers, there were several adults who could have stopped and said, Hey, don’t these fresh-out-of-diapers kids look ridiculous in those bras and panties? I mean, they don’t even fill them out properly.  Or, they could have simply noted that the pelvic thrusts were looking a little too awkward on their emergent daughters.

Nope. Instead the girls' instructors and their parents were too busy egging them on to perfect the choreography which they think is the way to make it big -- and, ironically they probably did make it in a big way.

Are the adults surrounding these children wearing blinkers?

I wouldn't be surprised to see the little dancers appear on a host of talk shows or some other late night television programs as the latest celebrated act they have to get in on before the competing network gets a hold of them.

Who will be first?

Cyrus’ behavior is not surprising anymore and not worth examining in detail. It would be great if she would just grow up already so we would not have to hear her father (Hill) Billy Cyrus keep justifying her moves as “just having fun.”

As for Miss U.S.A., our newest hand-picked role model for our budding adolescent ladies, I’m sure the pole slinking and sliding contestant was also just having fun. But the judges, and America, didn't know it wasn't the good, clean, all-American fun we associate with a beauty queen's legacy.

What has happened to behaving and dressing your age?

Actually, where’s Simon Cowel when you need him to tell these girls to dress their age like he told then 16 year old  American Idol contestant Katie Stevens when her outfit seemed too old for her?

“Your outfit should match your age. You’re only 16 once…”

For once, I wholeheartedly agree with this judge's call.