The Diva Diary

The Singing Sausage is Back!

2010-01-19T19:19:00.001-08:00

What do Mariah Carey and the Golden Globes have in common? Awww.
Too easy. The sheathed singing sensation was back on the red carpet with a vengeance out to prove that even a small role as a dowdy mortal (in "Precious") could not stop her casing-busting fabulousness!!!

Ah, yes. Awards season is back in swing and I for one am ready to hold down the couch with my flute of champagne and dig right in!

The Golden Globes were the true kickoff for most award junkies on Sunday night with Brit Ricky Gervais as the first actual Globes "host" in years. I read that he was worried about drinking too much on the job, and hoped to not become a fat, sweaty, drunk in front of everyone. (Who says most of us must shoulder all the insecurities?) The Chicago Tribune writer claimed he played it "safe" because he didn't go on about the Tonight Show debacle. Hardly. I found him bawdy and a laugh-out-loud delight. He made the night!

For the award-show challenged (who are likely not still reading beyond this point), this one features awards from the Hollywood Foreign Press, a group of about 100 writers who bring film reviews to the world. Lofty, yes. Relevant? Absolutely! While they're not necessarily a precursor to the Academy Award nominations, it's just fun to watch the stars of both television and film mingle and give each other prizes. Kind of like a child's birthday party, only with better bling and very expensive champagne .

I was thrilled that Sandra Bullock took home her first major for "The Blind Side." Haven't seen it yet, but it's on my list of pics to get to before the Oscars.

Loved the speeches, loved the gowns (for the most part and by now you know who you are) and thought this was a great televised kickoff to this year's awards season. The stars have been schlepping around for months to various award events, but we don't get to watch.

Hopefully Jeff Bridges will practice his acceptance speech skills even more. The difference between the Movie Critics Awards on VH1 last weekend and Globes this weekend was a cowboy-boot step in the right direction. Stars, remember! You have a ONE IN FIVE or so chance of winning. So get it together and practice, practice, practice. Or not. We can always leave the room for a potty break.

See you after the Oscars. Until then, I'll be in my trailer. Sigh. I mean studio.

VMAs, OMG

2009-09-14T17:35:00.000-07:00

As an award show aficionado, you know I couldn't let even the MTV Video Music Awards go by without a review of some kind. Even though I agree with Green Day um...maybe you should actually broadcast some videos once in awhile MTV if you're going to take the trouble to host an award show about them.

Madonna's show opener was a subdued, impressive start in my book. First off, she covered up her alarming, sinewy arms so we could focus on her speaking from the heart about Michael Jackson. Seemingly without "acting", she told real stories which revealed a side of the icon we never knew. Personally, I was touched and moved to tears by the time sister Janet made an appearance dancing beside her departed sib in the video "Scream." Well done.

Only one thought about the disgusting behavior of Kanye West who actually walked up and took the mic away from winner Taylor Swift as she was accepting the award to publicly pout that his favorite, Beyonce, was overlooked. BRING BACK THE GOOD OLD-FASHIONED HOOK. I'm sure many of you don't remember the days of vaudeville when someone would actually stand off stage and physically pull bad acts off with an actual, over sized hook. Puleeeze. If there was ever a case for re-introduction of a "classic" this would be it. Maybe if Kanye's feathers were physically ruffled he'd stop indulging in grossly inappropriate behavior that serves no other purpose other than to embarrass deserving artists and make himself look like an idiot.

To her credit, Beyonce was a class act who invited Taylor to finish her speech when she should have been making her own.

Overall, one of the most entertaining shows I've seen from MTV in awhile. Don't understand Russell Brand, though. And judging from the audience's lukewarm reception, they didn't either. We can only hope in the future MTV will invite a host who is genuinely funny and less interested in spitting out inappropriate and unintelligible comments. Why mic his face? Obviously he's speaking from much, much lower. Geez.

September Already?

2009-09-01T10:07:00.000-07:00

Wow.

What happened to those "dog days" of summer? Not that I'm exactly a huge fan of sweating, but still. 60 degrees in August? Can't help feeling a bit cheated out of Summer this year. Hope we get a make-good this month with at least a few more beach days ahead.

Just came off one of those trite and true "staycations." Dan & I rented at a place called "The Asylum Inn" (very fitting if you know how busy work can be here in Summer) in downtown South Haven. What a unique experience. We have never stayed at an Inn or B&B before. It's much like staying in someone's home, vs. a sterile hotel room. The decor of the "Hunter Suite" was true to its name--dark wood, deer and wildlife with a Native American theme. Throw in some animal prints and you've got fun, eclectic surroundings. Actually we found it quite luxurious but in a rustic way. Hard to explain. See for yourself at www.theasyluminn.com. Since the website pics were taken Tina has added more decorative touches.

Friends we'd invited had to cancel, so it was just us rambling around in all that space. Did manage a couple of days on South Haven's South Beach where parking is at a premium. Not the cost ($5) just the ability to score a spot.

All in all, not a bad way to stay. Right in our backyard.

Hollywood in South Haven?

2009-06-02T11:49:00.000-07:00

Despite cooler temperatures Sunday, we braved the brisk breeze on the Idler Riverboat in South Haven on the way home from a weekend stay in Grand Rapids.

As we were getting settled in our seats in the sun, who should walk by but Matt Giraud from American Idol! As you probably know, Matt hails from Kalamazoo and as former residents we know that South Haven is a popular weekend destination. Since he was behind me I didn't get much of a look but was amazed at how much larger he looked on TV. Which means that Ryan Seacrest must be an elf. A very, very rich elf.

As we were talking to Jerry and Carol Ann from Inn at the Park in South Haven, a friend told them she was there with her best friend who is his girlfriend. Or something similar. See how tabloid rumors get started? And I didn't even have any S.H.I.T. (South Haven Ice Tea)!

The Chef Showdown

2009-05-18T09:43:00.000-07:00

What a delicious way to spend a Saturday!

Went to Perennial Accents with a few girlfriends to witness the battle between Chef Drew and Chef Ryan. Armed with ingredients such as rice, asparagus, cheese, chicken stock, mango and an odd looking celery root the chefs took off!
The "mystery" protein wound up to be scallops (a personal fave) so we settled in the way cool demo kitchen with our crisp white wine and watched the men work their magic!

After delightful banter and helpful hints from both chefs the dishes were unveiled for voting. Chef Drew chose to make blanched asparagus with a vinaigrette dressing topped with the pan-seared scallop and a dollop of decadent truffle butter. Delicious! Chef Ryan's creation was an asparagus risotto topped with the scallop and a fresh mango salsa. The bright, fresh cilantro really made the dish pop. Bravo to both!

Alas, someone must win and Chef Ryan emerged triumphant. But as I said to both that day, "Don't get big heads chefs, but you just made 16 women moan simultaneously!"

A fun weekend!

2009-03-25T11:51:00.001-07:00

It was a party on the patio on Sunday (3/22) at Lake Michigan Hills Golf Club for their 40th Anniversary celebration!

We took over the patio and sat in the sun all afternoon and grooved to live music from Dave Alamillo of Monterrey. Nice guy who kept things moving with a little bit of everything. Met some lovely people including Kristin Schulz of "Operation Bible Drop" who distributes Bibles to ICUs across the country. Her upcoming benefit "Denim & Diamonds" at the club on April 18th and will benefit not only her cause, but Progeria research for local victim Cameron of Stevensville (www.iamcam.org). Looking forward to it!

Wayne "Gooch" Yamaguchi was an excellent host and let me tell you...their new dinner menu is scrumptious! Two of my friends tried the BBQ ribs (had to steal a taste) and they were the best I've had since the Coast rib "safari" years ago. Watch out for more Coast events from Lake Michigan Hills!

The Oscars, of course!

2009-02-25T20:18:00.000-08:00

Can't believe this is the 3rd year in a row we've celebrated the Oscars in Chicago!

What a fun and vibrant city and we love the convenience of the train. The Amtrak, not the Southshore. I know, the SS is cheaper but it seems like a city bus to me and stops way too many times. If you're staying over, the Amtrak is a much better trip that leaves from St. Joe and is not that much more (only $17 one way) and how can you put a price on upholstered seats, clean bathrooms and the option of a decent Chardonnay and smoked almonds on the way home?

Our stay at the Hotel Intercontinental on Michigan Avenue was splendid from the reservation process to the checkout. Those people know service. Just across the street was the exciting "Meet the Oscars" exhibit. Last year, it was presented only in Hollywood and New York, but this year in Chicago! Hooray--you knew I'd be on my way! Who knows when my next chance may be to hold an actual Academy Award (they're made in Chicago) and smile for the camera? What fun to get all dressed up and have a taste of what the stars experience!

Thrilled and still glowing after our photo op, Dan & I braved the cold and walked to the Hard Rock Hotel for their Oscar celebration. Cabs for the rest of the night was the agreement as our eyeballs were frozen upon arrival. We warmed up with delicious "theme" drinks and a fun trivia contest as we watched the pre-show on "E!" and the opening number by Hugh Jackman, a true showman. Kudos and applause!

After a stop at City Scape Hotel midway, we took our formal-clad selves back to the Intercontinental for a nightcap and the final envelopes. Since my pick Mickey Rourke lost to Sean Pean, we ordered up his film "Milk" in the room before we checked out. Very well done.

Love Chicago, love the Oscars and the fact that the two combined this year made it better than ever. Check out the photos at http://www.thecoast.fm/. Next up? Something fun for ladies as we celebrate Girl's Night Out in 2009!

We'll see you very soon!

Cheers, Robin

Grammy Awards better than expected!

2009-02-12T19:15:00.000-08:00

Okay. I'm still not as dazzled as I was the year Ricky Martin tore it up from on high (sigh), but this year's awards seemed a bit better than in recent years, don't you think?

Admittedly, I didn't watch the entire show, as I am an accomplished alternate channel surfer. Sunday's fare: Rock of Love and Brother and Sisters. It really is possible to keep up with 2-3 shows at once! Just click out of the primary show (Grammys) when the boring parts come on. I heard that elder rock statesman Robert Plant was a mic hog and didn't allow poor Alison Krauss to speak. Missed it. Watching acceptance speeches for songs I've never heard falls into the "boring parts" category and I was off to scoff at scantily-clad tramps or marvel at the ability of Rob Lowe to look just like he did in St. Elmo's Fire. Sigh, again.

Justin Timberlake did a bang-up job with Al Green for a performance we learned was last minute. Did you hear they called the Rev. Green when he was in the shower? He just said, "Let me towel off and I'll be right over." A true showbiz pro.

Why was Dwayne Johnson there? Don't care. Me likee.

Katy Perry's fruit explosion was likely designed to distract us from the fact that the poor thing can't sing live. On the E! pre-show, Death Cab for Cutie were sporting blue ribbons to protest the abuse of "Autotone" or something that makes singers sound good when they really, um, don't. Thanks for the insight boys, I'm wearing a ribbon next awards show.

I cried when Jennifer Hudson sang/won. What a brave, dear girl who needs to fire her stylist but most likely is too polite to.

A big night for brits as the gum-chewing Adele beat out heavy hitting favorites like Leona Lewis, Pink and my girl Sara Bareilles for the trophy. Even though I heard she plans to display her hardware on the loo, she did say she locked herself in there and "cried for an hour" when she heard she was even nominated. Keep an eye on this one.

Next up? The Oscars! I'm trying on gowns to see which one I'll be wearing this year....