Maggie Smith...The Ultimate Dowager

Or a prime example of how old people can say - pretty much anything that pops into their heads - and get away with it.  I only recently discovered this splendid show on "Masterpiece Classics" at the beginning of the second season here in the States.  I was able to stream the first season through Netflix to get caught up, but I have to say that my initial impression was not all that...great.

I mean, I fell instantly in love with the costumes, the overall pageantry, and the scenery of the English countryside to be sure, but I was a little "put off" by the fact that I did not find many - if any - of the central characters even the least bit...likeable. Not even a little.  I continued to watch, however and, by the conclusion of the second episode, I had become hopelessly embroiled in the various character's lives.

My favorite character has become Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess of Grantham.  She is played brilliantly, magnificently by the one and only Maggie Smith.  The following YouTube video captures a sampling of her outspoken moments.  Next to the swivel chair incident (which is included), my favorite "Violet moment" (which is not included) is when she informs the gathering at the dining room table (and I'm paraphrasing) that a young woman does not have "opinions" of her own...that she must  wait until she is married, and then her husband will tell her what her opinions should be.

Sadly, some people probably adhere to that sentiment even in this day and age.  I...happily...am not one of them.

This Is Cute...When You're 9 Months Old

...But not so much when one is rapidly approaching the ripe old age of 60, as am I. Sadly - at the end of a long day at work - I sometimes find myself actually "crawling" up the last flight of stairs to my apartment. What can I say, it's HELL (and a little pathetic) getting old.

This is my great-great nephew, Ethan.  My sister-in-law, Marge, (his great grandmother) sent this video to me via her iPad.  Unfortunately, all the software I have loaded on my laptop does not play "nicely" with Apple products, hence the "sideways" view.  I assure you, he is crawling UP the stairs, not sideways.

If you listen, you will hear Marge call him "Zach" and then correct herself.  Zach is her grandson and Ethan's uncle; another sign of getting older, right?  I do crap like that, too.  (LOL)  Oh, and that high-pitched "squeal" of delight is Ethan, testing his lungs.  They sound fine to me. 

Hollywood D'os & D'on'ts By Vincent D'Onofrio

I "almost" didn't open this when I received it in my VDO Google Alerts because I "assumed" it was just a repeat of the articles/ videos I've been receiving the past week or so regarding "Don't Go In The Woods." But I did open it, and I'm so glad I did. Again, I'm sure this has been posted on all the favorite VDO sites, but I don't visit those places like I used to, so I'm posting here. That way, I can look at it whenever I want, and I think I might be wanting to look at this a LOT.

How funny! "Do not talk to me if you see me at Starbucks," is one of my favorites, although there were "several" other good ones.  Yes, I do believe this video is worthy of many, many viewings. And it was so nice to see him doing something humorous and lighthearted for a change. He should do it more often.  What a perfectly lovely surprise with which to begin my Saturday.

Get More: MTV Shows

P.S. After a little research, I guess this has been around for about a week. Oh, well. Better late than never; especially when VDO is concerned.

My Newest Guilty Pleasure...Justified

Well, a girl has to have "something" to help while away the long, cold, dark, lonely hours of a Cincinnati winter night. So, I looked around and I found Raylan Givens.  Actually, I found him at the end of Season 1, so I got caught up (thank you Netflix and the Internet) and I have to say that I do enjoy this man, I truly do.  This tall, good lookin', long-legged, hat wearin', U.S. Marshal with a GREAT... BIG...gun.

Granted, he's no Bobby, but he'll do in a pinch.

Season 3 Promo


Producer Chats About Season 3

The Big Bang Theory Turns 100

One hundred episodes, that is. If there is one thing I love more than Detective Robert Goren, it's TV shows that make me laugh, and TBBT more than foots the bill on that score. I have to admit that I didn't much care for it when it came on the air five years ago, but one of my co-workers kept talking it up, so I gave it another chance last year. I caught up with all the seasons via Netflix and now it is one of my absolutely "favorite" sitcoms...of all time.

As with LOCI, I have watched the episodes over and over and can quote dialog, etc.  I just love these geeky, nerdy guys and the women in their lives; they make me fall down laughing.  I don't agree... entirely...with the choices the "powers that be" at CBS chose for their TOP 10 moments, but three of mine are in there, including... and especially...Number 1.  (They got that one right.)

Now, I truly do not expect anyone to watch the video or comment on it, but I wanted to put it here, so I could watch it whenever I choose to do so.  So, to the cast I say, "Congratulations on 100 episodes, and...may the force be with you...for another 100."



P.S. It's too bad NBC or Universal didn't give us a TOP 10 favorite moments from LOCI or, if they did, I've never seen them.  I'm certain, however, that all the "Bobby-lovers" out there have their TOP 10 (at least) Bobby moments.  I know I do.

Vincent D'Onofrio On The Radio

I'm sure this has been posted on every VDO blog out there, but I don't care.  I want to have it here. And, yes, Vincent, you are a "genius" character actor.

Something To Make You Smile

Well, it made me smile in any event and, I'm guessing, over 85 million people can't be wrong, so here is the talking dog video that went "viral" on YouTube.  I just LOVE this dog; he's got such a "face."