Mike's Bloggity Blog

>Ever since I got TIVO I can honestly say I hardly ever watch DVDs anymore. But every now and then a movie comes out that didn’t do so well at the box office and I feel like it is my responsibility to make sure that you catch it the 2nd time around on DVD. Today the movie is HOT FUZZ. If you a person that absolutly loved Shaun of the Dead this movie is definitley for you.

When i saw this movie back in April I made sure I saw it with my one friend with a British accent, you know for authenticity sake. To this day everytime we see eachother we talk about how great and funny this movie is.

You know how everyone laughs different ways? Sometimes we chuckle or snicker. But depending on how funny something is it might even bring out our “ugly laugh”? You know the one that you wish you could control but really there is no possible way you can but in the end you don’t care because it is just that funny and the only real way to express the humor is to haul out the “ugly laugh”?

Well when you are watching Hot Fuzz, and you will watch it, get your ugly laugh ready because this story about London’s best cop who gets transferred to what might look like England’s safest/boring town is 2 hours of “ugly laugh” material.

Featuring an all star British cast, including the two stars/writers of Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz is honestly one of the funniest, exciting and suprisng movies of the year.

So if you are stuck in side on a rainy day, looking for 3rd date material (watch the ugly laugh) or just trying to get out of the heat, rent/buy Hot Fuzz. You will not regret it!

Plus: Worse comes to worse, you’ll get your English Accent ear training for when you go to the newly announced Spice Girls concert in Vancouver. (Damnit Erin why did you have to move!?)

>Also available on The Q

Feminism. It’s a pretty cool movement. I’d say definitely one of the Top 5 coolest movments ever. I’ve always supported equal rights and all that. I’ve even been known to watch Gilmore Girls once or twice.But lately I feel like a certain radio station has been playing the “Feminism Card” just a little too much. No, I’m not talking about Vibe 98.5, I’ll give them a break this week.

I’m talking about CHUM’s new radio station Energy 101.5, which, since it debuted back in March, has become one of my favorite stations.A couple of weeks ago they launched a new contest called Diva Las Vegas(contest info here). The setup was simple: be the 24th caller when you heard the cue and you and your friend win a 24 hour trip to Vegas with all the prize winners going down together on the same WestJet flight. The catch? You had to be a woman.

Initially I was fine with it, women deserve a break. They work hard. I saw The Princess Diaries, I know how uncomfortable a girdle can be. So I let Energy 101.5 have their little contest and kept on listening. The first trip to Vegas took place this past week and while a plane full of women took off for Sin City, Energy 101.5 took the opportunity to announce their next major contest. Diva Las Vegas 2! That’s right, I could hardly believe it too, Calgary’s newest radio station was again holding a contest only for the women!

When I first heard the news, I had to pull over. Some people would think it was because I had a flat tire, but I know it was because my tire was just as shocked as I was. Surely Energy 101.5 wouldn’t ignore the male population for two contests in a row!?! Wasn’t it just last week that the census revealed that Calgary was a mostly male dominated city?I’m sure many people, like myself, were inspired when they first watched Mona Lisa Smile, that is why I am doing what Julia Roberts’ character would have wanted me to do. I’m going to write a letter to the station protesting another contest leaving out the male population.

Let’s get one thing straight though, I’m not saying we should have a plane full of only guys go down either. Strange things happen in Vegas and I want no part of that, but how about an equal opportunity trip? Don’t us guys get to go Vegas too? Surely I can’t be the only guy who wants to throw up in the same clubs as Britney and Lindsay? Oh…I am. Regardless, Energy 101.5: I want in on your exclusive prize winners club. But surely a station owned by CHUM wouldn’t take the time to read just one letter.

That is why I am making it easy for all of you (boys or girls) who too were inspired by movies like Mean Girls, Now & Then and The Simple Life DVDs. Below you will find a sample letter that you can send to the station. We have always been taught to stand up for our rights, girdle or no girdle, and today is no different. It’s about doing what’s right. All you have to do is copy the letter into the Energy 101.5 Contact Us page and address it to Station Manager James Stuart.

Dear Station Manager,

It has come to my attention that Energy 101.5 has launched another Diva Las Vegas trip. I think is a great idea, but I feel (and so does Julia Roberts) that this is not exactly fair. Didn’t you just have a contest exclusively for women?The reason I ask is, I happen to know this great and charming guy named Michael Morrison who would love nothing more but to go on a free trip to Las Vegas.

He is very entertaining, but he is not a woman. Is this his fault? I don’t really know because I never did well in high school Science, but I still think that you should have a trip that would include both sexes.Also, Michael would also like me to clarify that he is not implying that he wants a plane full of guys either. He said he once was a Boy Scout and didn’t really want to get into the details.

So please Mr. Stuart, would you please consider opening up your Diva Las Vegas trip to men as well. Another possible spin on this to consider is this: Although it is great for women to go off on trip together, I know this cause I watched Thelma and Louise, I’m sure some women would also love a day home alone without their significant other.

So although Michael doesn’t have a significant other, I’m sure his girl roommate would be happy to have a 24 hour period without him taking up the whole couch moping and watching Sue Thomas F.B Eye.I hope you consider this request and wish you all the best on your new station.

>I have been in three provinces in two days.
My car broke this weekend. It literally wouldn’t turn off. No joke.
After 7.5 hours of driving I am in Saskatoon. I don’t really want to talk about it.
I work in Calgary in 9 hours. I’m generally concerned.

Updates to come.

>The first time I was exposed to CNN was when Princess Diana died. I watched it for days because I thought it was the only way to get real news about the situation.

Then I grew up and went to University and realized the error in my ways. Very few people would argue that CNN is actually a reputable news source. They constantly interupt actual important news about the war, global warming and my blog to tell us about the newest happening with Lindsay, Britney and Paris.

But every now and than I flick to CNN.com for it’s headline and maybe a chuckle or two. Today is no different:

I know there is probably a story behind this but honestly I don’t want to read it. I will let the headline speak for itself. After all isn’t that what headlines are supposed to do?

But if you want to know the real story check it out here.

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This past week my friend and I received passes to the advance screening of Don Cheadle’s new movie called Talk to Me. I was really excited about seeing this movie because EW made it it’s movie pick of the week. This was just one of the many great reviews of this movie that has gotten pretty much across the board acclaim.

With the exception of some movies like The Thin Red Thin, I usually agree with the critics, but when it came to Talk to Me….I don’t know, I just don’t think I got it.

For me, although Don Cheadle was amazing as always, I don’t really know why this movie was made. Talk to Me tells the story of famous radio DJ Ralph “Petey” Green in the 60s who revolutionized the way the urban audiences were treated during the post-Martin Luther King Jr. era.

The true is story is very intersting……well at least it was the 20 times I had seen it before. The rise and fall of Petey, although may be true, it is no longer interesting. I saw it when I watched Ray, Dreamgirls, I even saw it when I snuck into the theatre and watch Howard Stern’s Private Parts. That’s right, I snuck into Private Parts cause I was a minor! I was bad ass, I tell ya Bad Ass!

Lots of people of intersting stories, it doesn’t necessarily mean it should be made into a movie. But for all you screen writers out there who insist on making everyone’s story onto the big screen try to make it compelling, intruiging and, oh I don’t know, orginal.

That is why I am sad to announce that Talk to Me joins the ranks of only one other movie that I have ever walked out on. What was the other movie? Well, I’m glad you kept reading this sentance, it was Thirteen Days with Kevin Costner.

Have you ever walked out on a movie? Tell me I’m not alone here.

Oh and because it was a pre-screening you know there was going to be prizes and it wouldn’t be a contest unless I insisted on winning something so I won the soundtrack to the movie itself. So far, I’m enjoying way more than the movie!

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When I started to care about democracy and the whole voting process, I always lived by the mantra that if I didn’t vote, then I don’t have the right to complain. Maybe it’s not how the our founding fathers in Charlottetown originally viewed democracy but it’s worked for years and I’m sticking to it.

With only a couple hours until the first of two sold out Nickleback concerts at the Saddledome, I believe it is time to use my voting philosophy for those fans that insisted on buying tickets to this concert. So to all of you who decided that you wanted to throw your money away and listen to one of the worst bands out there, made worse even still by the fact that the lead singer actually has a perm. For all of you I say this: No more complaining. No more complaining about gas prices, out of control rent, expensive restaurants or even the fact that Subway’s new Lobster Sandwich is a completely unreasonable $9.69 for a 6” sub. (Seriously, isn’t that crazy though. For a foot long double meat it comes to over $30!)

If you choose to waste you money on Nickleback then you are giving up your rights to do something that all Calgarians love to do: complain. I don’t want to hear it because obviously you love money as much as I love doing the dishes. Which is why I eat everything off of paper towel.

I hope you all enjoy the concert. I also hope that somewhere in the middle of the concert you’ll realize that Nickleback is actually singing the same song over and over. Maybe you haven’t noticed because stations like Vibe 98.5 usually play one or two different tunes in between Nickleback songs, but at the concert you will be subjected to 2 hours straight of songs that were only written for the sole purpose of being used during final montage scenes of Smallville and One Tree Hill.

So before you go to the concert make sure you get everything that is bothering you off your chest. Because as soon as the first cell phone comes out during a slow song, you will be forever cut off! Enjoy!

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I’ve made it no secret about how much I love Laguna Beach and The Hills. Since I last wrote about it, it’s gotten even worse. By this I mean lunch time viewings of my favorite episodes on MTV.ca Today, I’m happy to bring you the preview for the newest Laguna Beach, only this time those sneaky producers have moved down the beach to Newport Harbor. TV savvy fans will note that this is where the FOX TV show The OC took place. Have a look at the season preview. I don’t know about it, I’m not completely sold on it. Maybe I’ll limit my viewings of each episode to the low “teens”.

Also, MTV Canada has also announced that August 13th will be the premiere date for the 3rd season of the highly addictive The Hills. The first episode will be one hour long along with the hour Aftershow. Which let’s face it, is almost as good as the freakin’ show itself.

Here is an interesting interview with the secrets of how “real” the Hills really is with the souless Heidi and Devil spawn Spencer. Click Here.

If anyone knows how they can get me a seat on the Aftershow please don’t keep it a secret!

BONUS: For all you Spencer haters out there (isn’t that everyone?) check out this piece of info! Go Brody!

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I’ve been thinking alot lately about getting old. Well, maybe not getting old, but certainly being older. Trust me there is a difference. It think about this every time I hear people talk about shows or music from the 90′s with that fond memory tone in their voice. “Remember when….” I was also thinking about this when a couple of weeks ago Boyz II Men did a show here in Calgary a couple of weeks ago and everyone wanted to go, not because they respected the group, but because it was nostalgic, it was funny. I was so confused by this, I mean wasn’t just last year that I was listening this former super group when they were all over Top 40 shows Rick Dees and the Weekly Top 40.

This happened again today when my friend Erin sent me this link. It was a writer for MSN who had decided that it was time to look back on the 90′s and pick the decade’s best (guilty pleasure) shows. While not the most original idea, it struck me funny that there was a list like this already…..wait what…it’s 2007! Sheesh.

The list goes as follows

10. Boy Meets World
9. Mad About You
8. Home Improvement
7. Saved By the Bell
6. Ellen
5. My So Called Life
4. Ghost Writer
3. Beverly Hills 90210/Melrose Place
2. Fresh Prince of Bel Air
1. Seinfeld

Is this not the best list ever!? I mean really look at it. I’m so happy that I am not the only one loved Boy Meets World. Thanks to the Family Network airing repeats, I can confidently say that this show is still one of the most accurate American portrayals of teenage life. It’s mention on the list also harkans me back to the days of TGIF. Who among us doesn’t remember staying home nearly every friday night to watch classics like Family Matters, Sabrina the Teenage Witch and Step by Step.

I also remember really enjoying shows like Ellen and Mad About You. However, now when I watch these shows in repeats I’m suprised that I watched these shows as a kid. I don’t think I even knew what half the jokes were about? What’s sex? Why are they sharing a bed. Wait I thought Jeremy Piven was bald?

When I think about shows that I used to watch with my mom, I immediatly think about Home Improvement. “More Power!” Also Tim’s TV co-host Al Boreland always reminded me a little bit of my Uncle. This show is still one of my favorite. BTW, did you ever see what happened to little Mark Taylor (Taran Noah Smith)

Number 4 and 5 on the list are a little lost on me. Not because I don’t think they belong, but because I was only 12 and I could only watch so much TV! Same goes to Seinfeld, I was never a fan. I’m still not. (Don’t be hatin’)

Being from the East Coast, the Fresh Prince of BelAir was pretty much my only experience with the “urban” way of life. Let’s just say it got me beat up….A LOT! Also, please tell me I’m not the only one who can still sing…rather rap the entire theme song?!? This show used to be teamed up with Blossom on Monday nights, whatever happened to Blossom? She’s probably hiding under some Boardwalk with Six.

Beverly Hills 90210 was great because it was pretty much Sex Ed for my generation. Luckily I had Degrassi to teach me as well! If they hinted at something on Boy Meets World, I could wait till the next Wednesday and learn all about it on Beverly Hills 90210. I also think Melrose Place is where so many of my intimacy issues come from. Seriously how do you trust anyone after watching that damn show. Kimberly is a crazy mo-fo!

Finally there is Saved by the Bell. This show for me was it. I was such a huge fan, I even watched the several seasons of “The New Class” just to get my Mr. Belding fix. And what about The College Years? Maybe one of the worst shows ever, but I don’t care. It gave me just the littlest bit of Lisa Turtle and I am OK with that.

The list also gave Breaker High Honorable mention and I would like to a couple to this list.
-Roseanne
-Party of 5
-Full House

What would you add to the list?

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Dear Jodie Sweetin,

I can’t believe it has been so long since we last communicated! When was it last? Oh that’s right 1995, when I wrote you a letter and you never wrote me back. I’m not going to lie, but I was pretty disappointed, but thanks to a lot of therapy and Topanga from Boy Meets World I was able to get over my heartbreak and look back as yours days as Stephanie Tanner on Full House with joy and fulfillment.

Anyway, I hope I haven’t made this too awkward, but I just wanted to drop a little note to say congrats on your recent nuptials this past weekend in Vegas. Hearing that you got married brought back alot of memories for me and I wanted to let you know that although I am jealous that I wasn’t invited I am not mad.

Ever since the days your incorporated “Well, pin a rose on your nose” into my everyday vocabulary I always thought we were destined to be best and fast friends. Even when you were hanging out with that obnoxious Teddy character and that girl with the abusive dad I stood by you. And yes, I’ll admit it, I never did get around to reading those Club Stephanie books that you put out, I still intent to read them hopefully by next summer.

And in your not TV life, I knew you could overcome your addiction to Chrystal Meth, because I did….I mean….oh wait Chrystal Meth is not the same as Chrystal Lite? Oh shit, that would explain alot.

So like I was saying even though I always thought we would get hitched, congrats. I’m glad that you are happy, oh and could you please find out where Andrea Barbar (Kimmy Gibbler) is? She still owes me $12. Thanks,

Love Michael