Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Big no no for NASA

Just a quick one possums...
Perhaps Nasa should be mindful of their navigation skills.  Whilst launching a satellite to monitor global warming, it might make sense to AVOID crashing into the ocean near Antarctica, further harming the earth, no?  

Come on folks! I hear there's a few brainy people in the NASA camp.  Obama might want to put some of his astronauts on probation here, or better yet, fly the rockets himself.  

In other news, this has been nagging at me for weeks and I just had to share.  Is it me, or is Duffy Dolly Parton's long lost daughter?  Or granddaughter rather?




Monday, February 23, 2009

Academy Awards post-game review

Possums! Did you watch? The 81st Annual Academy Awards certainly did not disappoint, with it’s fair share of surprises, upsets and just plain upsetting choices in attire. Where do some of these stars find their stylists, on craigslist? I digress, let’s discuss some of the most notable moments of the night.
  • Two thumbs up on Hugh Jackman’s stellar performance as host of the biggest gig in Hollywood. Complete with an opening musical montage and mid-show musical medley with Miss Sasha Fierce herself, is there anything this man can’t do? Wolverine shmolverine...the boy can sing.
  • Ben Stiller’s Joaquin Pheonix parody...sadly accurate, but hilarious nonetheless.
  • Tina Fey co-presenting with Steve Martin, taking a dig at Scientology with a sea of Scientologists in the audience - Will and Jada have zero street cred since adopting this bizarre-o religion.
  • The heart felt presentations delivered by past winners for each of the acting awards, where they share touching stories about each of the nominees. Loved it. I even loved Whoopi in all her leopard print glory.
  • Heath Ledger’s parents and sister accepting the award for best supporting actor on behalf of Ledger’s daughter Matilda. Not a dry eye in the house folks.
  • Jen Aniston co-presenting with Jack Black while Brangelina was seated just a few feet away. She even shot the power couple a big grin, seemingly 50% genuine and 50% ‘look at me with my loyal boy toy at my side, canoodling me nonstop’. John Mayer was on his best behavior, cuz clearly Jen’s bod is a wonderland.
  • Robert Pattinson who plays Edward Cullen in the popular vamp film Twilight. I’m mildly obsessed with this actor who also happens to be a minor. Pervy? Maybe.
And now possums, let’s talk frocks with the...

Urban Cowgirl’s Fashion Flop or Fashion Fabulous - Oscar Edition

The Flops - I'm tempted to try and pluck all of the sparkly petals from Miley's disastrous dress; Jessica Biel looks like she's about to dive into a lobster dinner; Viola Davis looks like a Ferrera Roche, i just want to unwrap her chocolaty goodness; John Legend's lady friend looks like her ta-tas are about to break free from that dress, two words - wardrobe malfunction.













The Fabulous - Taraji P. Henson has got me straight trippin' boo with her beautiful gown, and although a tad bridal-esque, she rocks the look well; SJP was fairytale fabulous in her Dior dream, minus the strange man on her arm...oh wait, that's her hubbie; Natalie Portman was a knock out in this pretty-in-pink number; Kate is simply elegant in YSL.













The most memorable, and perhaps tear jerking moment of the night was during Kate Winslet’s acceptance speech for Best Actress where she asked her dad to whistle so she could see where her parents were sitting in the audience. We heart Kate. Let’s relive this one, shall we?

Monday, February 16, 2009

From Penalty Killing to Oscar Predictions

Ok possums, before I start going off about my excitement over the upcoming Academy Awards and begin spilling my predications, allow me to take a moment to talk about our beloved (for the most part) Vancouver Canucks.

With the risk of jinxing our rather stellar improvement as of late, I have to express my complete and utter gratitude towards our team and apologize for, again, rolling off the bandwagon. But you see possums, this is what we do, isn’t it? As Canucks fans, it’s not uncommon for us to be in love with the Sedin sisters one day, and absolutely despise them the next. That’s just how we roll in this city, we’re fickle fans. However, the moment things start looking up - as they are at the mo - I’d bet you a case of Wildcat that we are some of the most passionate fans on the planet.

Taylor Pyatt, if you are for some reason reading this blog (and I'm sure there’s a chance that you are), please know that I’m the one screaming outlandishly in your favor at every game I attend. I’M the one defending you in the stands and fighting for your honor. I’M the one that thinks, should you decide to hang up your skates one day, that underwear modeling is certainly a possibility. I’d even provide my services as your publicist.

In other news, it’s that time of year again possums! The Academy Awards are a mere 6 days away, and like many of you (I affectionately assume), I’ve been in the midst of a moviegoing frenzy. Without further aduie, may I present...

The Urban Cowgirl’s 2009 Academy Award Predictions

Best Picture - Slumdog Millionaire. Not because they’ve cleaned up at all the award shows, but because the film takes a popular western show and uses it to creatively tell the story of the awful conditions that orphans are faced with in India. It also demonstrates what a magical place India is, so I suspect there will be bhungara in the streets to the tune of 1 billion + people come Oscar night.

Best Actor in a Leading Role - Mickey Rourke. My heart says Sean Penn, but my gut tells me that Rouke has it in the bag this year. The Academy likes a comeback (as does Hollywood, ahem, Britney) and tends to shy away from controversy. Given the awards take place in a state that has recently banned gay marriage, something tells me Milk may be overlooked.

Best Actor in a Supporting Role - Heath Ledger. I truly believe this is not just a memorium of Heath’s life, but rather a celebration of his short yet impactful body of work. There won’t be a dry eye in the house possums...it’s sure to be a pivotal point of the evening.

Best Actress in a Leading Role - Kate Winslet. This saucy minx manages to drop her drawers for the big screen once again, but always in the right context. There is nothing this British bird can’t do cinematically. However, as much as I enjoyed her in The Reader, I’m surprised she wasn’t nominated for her heart wrenching role in Revolutionary Road. Either way Kate, we love you.

Best Actress in a Supporting Role - Taraji P. Henson. This one appears to be a wild card, as we have five fantastic performances on our hands, all for different reasons. However, from my perspective, Henson’s performance really stood out.

Cast your own votes possums with the NY Times and check back to see how your movie critic skills measured up!

And now, let’s bhungara...

Monday, February 9, 2009

Sugar Daddy's Need Not Apply

While sipping some prosecco at a local lounge over the weekend, my gal pal and I were subject to some surprising male advances. Not surprising as in ‘oh my, that boy who resembles Jake Gyllenhaal wants my number’, but surprising as in ‘oh my, you’re old enough to be my granddad’. There are some anxious geriatric gents on the loose in this town ladies and they’re hittin’ the Vancouver scene - hard.

Although my friend and I are both involved with boys of our own, that’s not to say we’re not open to some friendly banter with boys at the bar now and then. However, when the “boy” in question is that of a 70 plus pensioner from North Carolina, it begs the question - what on earth makes these men think they stand a chance?

At what point do men acquire the manjigglys to approach gals roughly 40 years their junior thinking they may have a shot? Two words - dolla bills. These said old boys will often cruise for younger ladies under the assumption that their money will win us over. Here’s my point possums - not all women are money hungry. Most women these days earn they’re own income and need not resort to a roll in the hay with a Hugh Hefner type to taste the good life.

So there we are, enjoying our cocktails and tapas, when I see our subject about to make his approach. A somewhat solid swagger, I’ll admit. However, he makes it immediately clear that he has some serious cash, as he lists the various properties he owns around town, even inviting my friend to take a ride on his float plane. Meanwhile I’m thinking to myself, ‘you’re barking up the wrong tree Daddy Warbucks’.

To top it off, this man was simply oozing with style...if it were 1975. Sort of a Tom Jones meets Mr. Kotter facade. So naturally I let him have it. Yes, possums, in my very best southern drawl (to speak at his level ofcourse), I inform our old chap that my friend will not be taking a ride on his float plane and perhaps he should approach someone more age appropriate. He did not take kindly to my comments nor did he enjoy my impression of his Ross Perot-esque accent. Hmph, tough crowd.

After making a swift and somewhat awkward exit (avoiding Mr. Jones at all cost) I continued on my rant for a few blocks, educating innocent bystanders along the way - pervy middle aged ballers should simply behave or buggar off.

Sunday, February 8, 2009

The Urban Cowgirl's - Make it a Double

Grammys Double Take

As I kick back to indulge in the 51st annual Grammy awards, something donned on me while watching the celebs rock the red carpet. Is Chad Kroeger Robert Plant's long lost son?

Ponder it possums...













PS Paula Abdul seems high...just a touch.

Monday, February 2, 2009

Double Standards for Female Celebs

While we linger in line at our local grocery store, it’s not uncommon to open an issue of US Weekly to an article detailing the growth of some female celebrity's derriere. The madness that is the media continuously contributes to this type of sensationalism and somehow we always buy in. Does it make us ‘regular’ folk feel better to know that we’re not the only ones that struggle with our weight? Perhaps demonstrating that celebrities sometimes battle the bulge too makes us feel a bit better about our own bods? Well ofcourse it does. I for one am not going to pretend like I didn’t enjoy those pics of Jennifer Love Hewitt’s butt bulging out of her a bikini a while back, but that’s besides the point.

What really gets my nickers knotty is the fact that male celebs are exempt from this kind of ridicule. When it comes to packing on a few pounds, why must the media overlook the men? As you may have imagined possums, I found myself rather fired up on the subject so i felt it only appropriate to feature a few male celebs who have tacked on a little tubb as of late.

Exhibit A - Val Kilmer

Remember the days when Val was known for his chiseled features and bangin’ bod? Two words - Ice Man. Not to mention his role as the late great Jim Morrison. The thought of those leather pants still lingers ladies...seriously. However, let’s take a peek at the once Batman now fatman, formally God-like Kilmer:

Exhibit B - Alec Baldwin

Alec has gone from a Baldwin to a Barney over the past decade or so, and although he’s still handsome and hilarious in his role on 30 rock...it’s time to hit the ol’ treadmill AB:

Exhibit C - Russell Crowe

A memorable scene from Sex and the City comes to mind where the gals are gabbing about the many men they fantasize about while Carry cites Crowe as her spank bank member of choice. I highly doubt many gals are getting off to the thought of Russell wrangling tigers a la Gladiator these days:

Exhibit D - Tom Cruise

Once again, I find myself reminiscent of another Top Gun alumni, because let’s face it...nothing beats a strapping young lad in a flight suit. Damn. Tommy had a brief turn with turtlenecks last year...to hide what undoubtably looked like some extra pounds, and dare i say...a double chin:

I don’t mean to hate on some of our favorite male celebs, but something had to give. Besides, hasn’t Jessica heard enough about those high wasted jeans? I certainly have.

Night night possums
xx