The Playboy Club Bunny Manual

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Smash Casting News For Season Two

Four semi-main characters will be slowly phased out if not shown at all in the sophmore season of NBC's "Smash."  They're Ivy, Karen.... obviously just kidding, but to the people REALLY getting the boot.

First off I'll start with the character I care about the least, Karen's fiance Dev.  I really did like Dev, his support and love for Karen and of course that accent!  As the season went on he became more bothersome than supportive, and I believe viewers really didn't care either way about his political love triangle storyline.  Oh I just realized that means his co-worker is gone now too! Yay!  (Also what the heck was with his ode to Slumdog Millionaire?  He finally gets to sing and they go with an Indian influenced song?  That was setting him up for disaster).

Actually, Dev is a close second to our next character on the chopping block - Ellis.  Ellis was the sneaky gopher who actually thought he could take down a huge Broadway producer and production.  I think his exit from the show is obviously realistic of what would have really happened to our sneaky friend.  I can't wait for him to make a cameo serving coffee to Angelica Huston, come on guys make it happen!

The next two choices confuse me a bit since they were part of a main storyline throughout the first season.  Will Chase who played Joe Dimaggio and had an affair with Debra Messing.  To think I was upset the first time they sent him away!  I loved his character and voice, the way he growled through Grenade!  Yeah he didn't look like Dimaggio, he looked better!  Also didn't the show hint that a baby could be on the way for Debra Messing's character?

Next I'm not sure if they're just limiting his role, or if they're going to do the infamous "walks upstairs and never comes back down" on Debra Messing's onscreen husband.  Once again, isn't she supposed to be pregnant?  My guess is either she loses the baby or the show will take place a year later after she's had the baby and her husband just happens to always be at home with the baby.  He was a stay at home Dad after all.  Now why they decided to dump him yet keep the son is beyond me.

Late Night Playlist W/ Old Escuela Selections

Just for shits and giggles. Also thankful that Across the Universe was long enough for me to write this.

Hole - Northern Star. Her best song hands down.

Glee (yeah) - Somebody that I Used to Know - I don't care if Goyte had a bitch fit over it, it really didn't sound that much different from the original except it was two boys.

Across The Universe - I strive to be in a place where nothing is gonna change my world.

Etta James - Trust in Me - if you don't own this than you must spend the buck to listen to this incredible mix of vocals and emotion. Trust in me... Love will see us through if only trust in me. This is a song to drink alone in a bar to.

amy Winehouse - Wake Up Alone - Amy made you know her through her songs and now there in an ache in our chests, she floods you with dread but you ask for it again and again.

Jimi Hendricks - Wind Cries Mary - I feel like I shoulnt need to explain Jimi to you ok?

The Decemberists - The Crane Wife 1 and 2 - I love when songs tell a full story with imagery so vivid you see the Men walking through the wood coming across a crying creature.

Pete Yorn -Atlantic City Live - I have quite the love for AC.

RIP DONNA SUMMER

Ever since I saw her "Behind the Music" back in the day I was a big Donna Summer fan.  You'll live on forever at every single school dance/wedding when Last Dance is played.

Loved to Love You Baby you Bad Girl!

Glee's "Show Within a Show"

When word first came out that Glee creator Ryan Murphy had no plans to keep on board the graduating seniors from this season (aka no "Saved by the Bell New Class" here), I respected his descision to give up characters that have been applauded literally and figuratively since the first season (including Chris Colfer winning a well-deserved Golden Globe for his role as fabulous gay teen Kurt).

Once time went on and Murphy changed his mind, I wasn't too surprised or upset for that matter.  I didn't want to see Rachel and Kurt leave but had high hopes their NYDA story line from this season was creeping up to a spin-off.

Spin-off's are a risky business, they could go the way of "Frasier" (a spin-off of "Cheers") which became almost, if not equally as successful as his predecessor - and then you have your "Time of Your Life" spin-offs (where Jennifer Love Hewitt makes it in the big city after "Party of Five").  So instead of going out on a limb and giving Kurchel (made that up myself thank you) a "show within a show" on the next season of Glee.

Although I believe the material of two former big fishes in small ponds hitting NYC ready to star in Broadway, just to have their hopes dashed when faced with a community of equally star-obsessed talents.  Let's hope that this next season proves to be a season long test run for Kurt and Rachel (and Finn) Take New York.  If the Kardashians can have 17 spin-off shows why can't Glee?

Do You Hear Me Andy Cohen?

First let me say that this is in no way hating on the Real Housewives series, I'm an avid watcher of almost every season (except Miami and DC- but I'm usually a bad first season watcher).

Lately I've been seeing more and more inconntations (or revamps when it comes to Miami - which is that even worth doing?).  Instead of wasting time and energy interviewing one delusional plastic fame whore after another (my GOD that must be irritating... or hilarious... or both.)  Why doesn't Bravo try, just TRY, a new twist on the Housewives series.

Just in the famed history of the Jetsons and Flintstones, why not have crossover seasons?  Say Gretchen has to spend extended time in New York to work on her Gretchen Christine line, why not let her join in on the fun of the New York Housewives.

Now Andy I know you're probably worried about ruffling feathers, but instead of threatening the regular stars, regulate the cross-overs as "Friends of the Housewives" that way they can still get involved in all the drama, but there isn't a real reason for them to need to come back for the next season.

Personally I think this would be incredible.  Imagine Ramona and Vicki fighting over who is busier and who's daughter is more amazing?  Heather and Luann competing to see who knows more about etiquette?  Oh and let's not get started with all the competing businesses!

So listen to my plea Andy, and don't forget that producer's credit when the show becomes a hit!

In Defense of Ivy from Smash

FOR ANYONE WHO HASN'T WATCHED THE FINALE AVOID **SPOILERS**

Ok now that we got that out of the way, let's discuss the finale from last night.  Now watching Derek daydreaming of Karen as Marilyn the past few episodes didn't leave many surprises that Karen was picked (she was the understudy after all).  I did feel bad for Ivy, but I'll explain my thoughts on her further.  Also considering that most of the season the audience was able to watch Meghan Hilty as Ivy as Marilyn in all her glory, made more sense for the audience to get a taste of what Karen really had to offer.

For fans going back and forth between Team Ivy and Team Karen, it was a treat to watch the cutaways from each actress giving it her all from the past season.  Karen definitely looked the part onstage and you could tell Katherine McPhee was having blast finally getting to get her moment witht the big scenes. 

I couldn't help but notice that during the juxaposition of Karen and Ivy singing, I had to admit Ivy was the better Marilyn.  Not because she's the blonde and has the buxom body that fits those costumes all so well, but she has that "come hither" playful glance that Marilyn was known for.  Ivy's Marilyn seem more in on the fun of Marilyn while being able to show the dark side with performances like "Let's Be Bad."

If anything I look as Ivy as "the Marilyn" during this past season.  During the beginning on the season she fought tooth and nail (and the sheets) to get her part and once she lands her dream role, it didn't help validate her and left her feeling more insecure.  Throughout the rehearsal process her desire to please and truly beating herself up over not getting the approval of not just the director she loves, but the company in general.  Ivy would be looked upon as "the body" while the director insulted her with asking Karen to fill in and coach her with singing.  Although in real life Marilyn wouldn't be considered as cunning, although girl had some tricks up her sleeve god love her, I do feel like that Ivy has become some sort of tragic hero of a musical on another tragic blonde hero.

10 Movies that Famous People Do Not Want You to See

I'm mainly posting this because they talk about one of the more elusive movies out there.  Saying you can't watch something brings out the child in you and just makes you want to watch it more.

One day I hope to get invited to the yearly screening of The Rolling Stones' Cocksucker Blues... although I would give anything to watch John Lennon continuously give Paul the side-eye during the making of their last album, "Let It Be."

Approved

Brad Pitt as the new spokesperson for Chanel No.5.  Obviously I'm usually judgemental of anyone taking on this role after Marilyn Monroe laid claim to it back in the 50's.  But something tells me that Mr. Pitt is going to make on sex-ay add to get the girls swooning (and buying).

Ever since I was in 8th grade I have had an ongoing art project that has lasted up to this day, at the ripe old age of 28.  The project consisted mainly of photographs lovings and precisly cut from magazines such as People, US (back when it was monthly), Rolling Stone, Entertainment Weekly, and so on.  I was an equal opportunist when it came to magazines.  I was so fanatical about not missing a great addition to my "Wall" as I lovingly caled it, that I kept a box of clippings not yet ready to be displayed.  And those pesky spaces where you could actually SEE the wall underneath?  I had a special box specifically for tiny pictures to fill in the holes.  I was quite the perfectionist when it came to the wall, just like most artists.

Since The Wall started back in the late 90's - it has become a time capule of sorts.  It's amusing to see Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise gaze lovingly into each other eyes, Reese Witherspoon the glowing pregnant mother with her first child with Ryan Phillipe.  The stills of movies from a forgotten past are equaly funny - Forces of Nature ring a bell?  It shouldn't.

My poor Wall is now facing a dilemma.  The powers that be need to sell their house and asked me to remove it.  What to do?  Is there some art gallery that would take my precious work of epic proportions?!

Pictures to eventually follow...

Courtney Love Debuts New Art Exhibit in NYC

Ms. Love is never one to shy away from controversey, so it comes as no shock that her artwork isn't the run of the mill still life of potted plants and fruit.

The title of the collection is "Courtney Love: And She's Not Even Pretty." Love takes her inner turmoil and in leiu of channeling her pain through her music, she has taken on another venue in the art world.  The current collection now showing at Fred Torres Collaborations, a gallery halfway down a warehouse-strewn aisle of Manhattan. The show, which runs through June 15 is a collection of colored pencil, watercolor, acrylic, marker, and even highlighter.  Some highlights from the collection are shown below.  I for one can't wait to check these out in person.  Especially the wedding dress she wore during her wedding to Kurt Cobain, where she has allegedly embroidered "fuck me" over and over.

Who knew C. Love could embroider so well?

Marilyn on Vanity Fair's June Cover

Go get it.

Instagrammin' (Garden Version)

For Love of the Marilynettes

Earlier this year I stumbled upon a hardcore group of Marilyn fans.  Although hardcore seems a little bit fair because here is a group that gives Marilyn and love and recognition she so long for during her short life.  It's all too typical of artists in general to not be appreciated during their lifetime.  What makes it so extraordinary in Monroe's case was that she was one of the most celebrated beauties of her time, but as celebrated as she was, she found herself disrespected at every turn.

Now that is unfair to her fans that stuck with her through the 50's and 60's- they are the luckiest to have been able to follow Marilyn antics and news as they happened.  What would she do next?  What would she be wearing?  Who is the next gentleman on her arm?

This new generation of Marilyn fans, or "Marilynettes," as they lovingly coined themselves are much more than your typical Marilyn fan.  They've become a close-knit group no matter how far away they live from eachother, and use eachother as resource for Marilyn trivia.  They also make it their mission to rebuke typical Marilyn myths and to only contribute to the positive influence Marilyn had on culture and not to spread any nasty lies or theories.

I implore any Marilyn fan to seek our Marilynettes out, they are more than welcoming to new members, after all the more Marilyn fans the better!

Billy Pappas Realistic Marilyn Portrait

Here is a link to the pencil drawing Billy Pappas did of Marilyn Monroe in "Waiting for Hockney" - I suggest taking a look at the close-ups available to really appreciate the detail.

http://www.billypappas.com/marilyn_monroe_upclose.html

Netflix Treasures 2/6/12

I'm a sucker for a good documentary and if it involves Marilyn Monroe or an underappreciated musician I'm there.  I was lucky enough to find two documentaries on Watch Instant that really caught my attention for just flying into them blindly.

The first one is for anyone who is interested in innovators of music and likes to impress their friends by throwing out random music knowledge.  "Stranger: Bernie Worrell on Earth" was directed by Philip Di Fiore and contained tons of interviews on this extraordinary musician who started the electronic music movement.  Interviews include George Clinton, David Byrne, Mos Def, and a voyueristic look into Bernie's life as we see it now.

The second one combined not only my love for Marilyn Monroe, but a look into the art world, and followed the dreams of a man trying to breakthrough in a business that is nearly impenetrable.Waiting for Hockney follows a young artist who spends almost 9 years of his life creating one painting based on Richard Avedon's famous photograph of Marilyn, beautiful and world weary, resting on a break from the studio.  Billy Pappas had a technique that by working within a space of a period (.) he would create the most life-like portrait of Marilyn, he wanted it to seem as if she actually sat for him.  The close-ups and detail of the painting (once it's finally revealed) is quite breath-taking.  The film is called Waiting for Hockney because once the paiting was finished, Billy Pappas set out to show one of his heroes, David Hockney the portrait he painstakingly worked on for almost a third of his life.

Love in a Cold Climate

About 15 odd years after her notorious interview with Vanity Fair, we see a very different, yet very similar Courtney still dealing with the aftermath of Cobain's death, her relationship with her daughter, and trying to keep afloat in the business.  This was handled by one of my favorite VF writers, Nancy Jo Sales.  This interview appeared in the October 2011 issue of Vanity Fair.

http://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/features/2011/11/courtney-love-201111

Strange Love

Last week the notorious L-O-V-E came out with a mini menior of sorts called, "Courtney Comes Clean," that is only available for digital download at the nicely affordable price of 2.99.  Lately I've been having a resurgence of respect for Love as not only a musician, but an actress, and a feminist as well.  Also I have a soft spot of someone who makes little excuses for her fucked-up-ness.

While waiting to start Courtney Comes Clean, I've been perusing some of her more memorable Vanity Fair articles (in my opinion no magazine does a better profile).

"Strange Love" is an interesting article if only because it coincided with her marriage to Cobain, her pregnancy with Frances, and her rising star.  Also anyone who was around when the article came out remembers the controversey of the author implying that Love was continuing to use heroin while pregnant.  She later tried to attack the reporter at an Oscar party with an actual Oscar.  The full article is below:

http://homepage.mac.com/kia/magick/courtney.html

Begging You in Kind

Pull me back
If you see me going away
With no plans to tell that day
Pull me back

Thinking of you I would pull back
But I'm finding it harder
Though I've grown no less fonder
To pull myself back

So pull me back
because I can't make up my mind
I beg you in kind
If you see me going away
With no plans to tell that day
Pull me back

My eyes hurt (Atlantic City edition)

Usually when one thinks of the sub-par clientle and surroundings of Atlantic City, they may want to look down at the carpet they're stepping on.  I mean with decor like this, should our expectations be that high?

The following eyesores are courtesy of Trump Taj Mahal in AC (yes these masterpieces came from only one Casino).

The Dirty Window

Inside the house
Can't breathe
Run until my feet feel the grass
I take in the natural colors and light
To help the panic pass
A little feathered fellow flies from a tree
With their gift of flight and fancy
Could there be anything more free
It looks like a happiness we'll never know
As I keep watching,
The bird flies into the dirty window

Instagrammin'

 vintage working record player. jealous knows no bounds.

 The cat version of TV

 Autumn Crimescene

 The bleeding tree

I call the last one "He's at the movies"

Mission Statement

This blog isn't for self-promotion or some sort of get rich quick scheme, or even a way to become an internet superstar.  I set out for none of those things.  I set out for art for art's sake, whether it be in writing, photography, or film.

I'm doing things MY way and posting what I like and find interesting, and hopefully one day this will serve as a progression of my creations, where I've come from and where I want to go.