Susan Boyle, the CW, Lady A...

SMG back on TV

Susan Boyle's back! I think I like her story - and the fact that she is selling TONS by recording Broadway and standards - than I do her voice, but overall, brava for her. She appeared on "AGT" last night singing a showtune from a musical by the Abba guys and I feel, in the hands of Betty Buckley or Patti LuPone, it'd be even more of a showstopper.  See, SuBo is still not a "performer" or "actress of songs" who should rise up to meet the material she's tackling.  And I've seen her 'do look better. Her new CD drops in November - expect HUGE holiday sales.  Her debut did 10 mill.... Good lord! It's September. which means new TV!  Let's look at the CW.  I don't watch much on here but my guilty pleasure "Gossip Girl," but I'm looking forward to "Ringer"with Sarah Michelle Gellar-Prinze as a twin, playing the sister she isn't, wrapped up in a murder mystery.  Here's a longer preview.  Greg is going to try to lure me into "The Secret Circle," because he feels like it's "Charmed."  I'll try it, but I ain't holdin' out hope.  It's about a young witches coven in a small town... think "Twilight" with witches....  The inescapable song of the moment is Foster the People's "Pumped Up Kicks." A fun lil ditty with a catchy chorus that, overall, sounds a bit too much like the Gorillaz to be as unique and original as critics are claiming.... I like Lady Antebellum but they are already 3 singles deep on an album that drops 9/13 and none have peaked my interest. I think this is a case of "take a break!" in order to have time to create stellar, not mediocre material....  I love me some Bath & Body Works!  Their anti-bac hand soaps are a steal (4 for $15) and they are smell-o-riffic. New fall scents just arrived though I heart the summer Island Margarita, now gone till next year....  A "Romancing the Stone" TV series? Hmmm? Get the soon-to-be unemployed Eva Longoria, make it a lil darker and you might have a hit....  Remember this hidden gem? A true one hit wonder, Jane Child's "Don't Wanna Fall In Love" still sounds fresh and kicks ass.... Movies? "The Debt" is getting raves across the board. Scary "Apollo 18" opens tomorrow, but with no buzz, so who knows? But if you missed some summer fare, try to find "Super 8."  Hey LA, the Prez will be here 9/26 for fundraisers. One of 'em at the House of Blues on Sunset. Be traffic-prepared and don't post gripes! Just stay away....  Hail to the Chief and be Just like Jerry! 

Luther, Fall TV, Celine

Legendary Luther

How is it possible, but yes, with about 8000 tracks in my iTunes, I have no Luther Vandross in there!?  This is shocking because since I first heard his stellar "The Night I Fell In Love" album, I worshiped him, seeing him 4x in concert.  So to rediscover "Till My Baby Comes Home," (a great treadmill track) and dozens of other killer tunes is just pure joy.  See, while I was into pop/rock of the 70's-80's, I was deep into R&B, so singers like Luther, Jeffrey Osborne, James Ingram, Howard Hewett & Peabo were my LIFE.... It's August so let me preview some Fall TV: Critics at the TCA seem to giving positive buzz to "Ringer" with Sarah Michelle Geller (CW), Zooey's "New Girl" (Fox), JJ Abrams of "Lost" and "Alias" fame, gives us "Person of Interest" (CBS); Christina Applegate's gonna try again with "Up All Night" (NBC; co-starring the brill Maya Rudolph) and the highly-hyped Spielberg-touched, "Terra Nova" on Fox.  I read a ton about new  shows before I invest. So when journalists say that a show won't last, I don't bother. But if there's praise, I'll watch to see if I wanna join in.  Bad Buzz: "The Playboy Club." On-The-Fence Buzz: "Pan Am."... "La Cage aux Folles," one of my favorite musicals begins touring this fall. It hits LA's Pantages next summer and I'll be there!... Celine's in Vegas for a little less than 3 more years - and this recent review makes me wanna go NOW!... Super hot Joe Jonas has a solo album dropping soon.  Already on single #2 cuz the first one failed, I'm happy he's doing a pop/dance/Enrique thing, but I just wish the songs were good.  Oh well, he still has his looks.... I should be giving you "3-2-Get" today but nothing new is moving me. I know what's NOT on my radar: the Kanye/Jay-Z album.  Just not my thing.  And with a "B-" from EW, I don't think it'll sweep the Grammy's....  So, go on, get Luther and be Just like Jerry.

Crazy Stupid Great, Celine, Kathie Lee

Gosling's Crazy Stupid Abs

Is "Crazy Stupid Love" just about the most perfect film I've seen this year? Yes. Usually goofy Steve Carrell shows he's more likely to take home an Oscar in his career than Jim Carrey.  This is not a raunch-com but more so a snap-shot a humanity - a page from one family's scrapbook.  Perfect life-stories, perfect performances and the perfect Ryan Gosling. Just go see it. Perhaps because I've been so unmoved by any summer popcorn-action flick, this one makes the top of my list.... And will "The Help" tie? Likely.  Great reviews, a huge book and a storyline-setting that gives me shades of Steel Magnolias and Fried Green Tomatoes, makes this highly anticipated. And of course, it opens today, but I have to wait till next weekend when Deb & Tina are in town. Devil!...  A possible "Bewitched" reboot on CBS?  Because the film did so well?  This seems a better fit for ABC Family or TVLand. Yuck....  Hump Day Hidden Gem: Of course Celine can sell a ballad, but she had some great lil pop dance ditties. Check out the forgotten "Mislead," from her "Colour of My Love" album, especially for the line, "when I've been dissed...." It only hit #24 but was a #1 Club hit with some classic remixes....  Have you ever caught the craziness that is Hoda & Kathie Lee and their 4th hour of the Today Show?  The focus is on their supposed wine-induced, wild, off-the-cuff remarks (lead by Gifford, now a bit more relaxed and self deprecating that her children are grown and well, quite frankly, she's post menopausal).  I get that she's old-school. I embrace that she embraces it.  But when she gets on a Music High-Horse its a bit comical.  She speaks as if she's written hit after hit song - and she is NO Diane Warren (IE nary a charted hit).  So when she says of Katy Perry's California Gurls, "I don't call that music," it only makes her more archaic than she is. Gifford prefers Broadway and Standards, as do I quite often, but as a musician or claimed songwriter, if you can't tell that "Gurls," is one of the best pop songs of the decade, your authority status on music wanes.... Be Crazy, Stupid, Just like Jerry! 

Summer Song, Jagger & Jinxed

Katy: A Summer of Fridays?

It's finally here! The music video for the best pop song of the year, Maroon 5's "Moves Like Jagger."...  Which leads me to this: what is the song of the summer? Of course my choice is the Maroon 5 track, which opened at #8, based on The Voice performance then tumbled to the 50's but it's rebounded to #25 this week due to some more TV gigs.  Radio, wake up! My choice aside, is it LMFAO with their Black Eyed Peas-sounding "Party Rock Anthem?" That certainly seems to be the inescapable tune of the season (unfortunately). Also-rans to be considered would be Adele's "Rolling" (30 weeks on the chart - still top 10), Katy Perry's "Friday Night," Gaga's "Edge of Glory."  All give me the 'ho-hum' for the Song of Summer title though. They are certainly not up there with Perry's "California Gurls," or Beyonce's "Single Ladies," of summers past....  Gavin Degraw attacked, beaten then hit by a taxi in NYC? WTF?  Hope he's ok. I loved his first album.  I always felt the industry sadly slotted him as a runner-up to John Mayer but I like him more. Here's his "Chariot" from '03.... I hate blatant rip-offs and the upcoming Jonah Hill flick, "The Sitter," is a direct rehash of the classic "Adventures In Babysitting," with a guy sitter....  Happy 47th, Whitney! Yes, just 47. Remember when you were amazing?  I do... What the HELL is up with my jinxed'ness lately? My TV turning on & off automatically, new car battery, dropped & cracked my iPad2 (new screen for $200), internet down 2x in a week? Jesus, Take The Wheel! And gimme a break already!... So, do a Nell Carter shimmy and be Just like Jerry (with better luck of late)!

TGIF - Parachute, Glee, Lotion

Parachute: Perfect Pop-Rock

Adam Lambert's Behind the Music airs on VH1 this Sunday night.... Un-Shocking: "The Change Up" is getting not-great reviews.... Interestingly, "Rise of the Apes" is getting "kind" reviews; mostly B's and 3 Stars.... Thank you EW (my bible) for this "Letter" to the Glee producers.  I think a lot of the gripes pointed out here could be directed to what I hear is the very large ego of an unhinged Ryan Murphy.  Just can-it and create good TV. Too many "behind the scenes" people are in such desperate need to not be behind the scenes. Yuck.... Oh, my mindless, guilty pleasure that is Big Brother is just too good for its own horrible self. Casting is everything on this show and did they hit the jackpot with the egocentric, overly emotional, sore losers Brendan & Rachel. And now, the upcoming twist that could throw the ejected Brandon (or even Dominic) back into the house to wreak havoc?  Thank you CBS.  Perfect summer programming.... Zooey Deschanel, you continually steal my heart. Can't wait for you to do it weekly on "The New Girl," on Fox.... Immediate Obsession: the band, Parachute!  They've been around for a few years so I'm a lil late, but their "Something to Believe In" is taking off. So get on it!  I'm totally into the whole album - a shocker for me if you're not Maroon 5, Kelly Clarkson or Carrie Underwood.... Notice that Dial, Vaseline, Suave & Lubriderm are making Men's lotion's now? Being a product-whore, I've tried 'em. And I vote for Dial and Vaseline.... So, moisture-up, put on Parachute and be Just like Jerry!

Damages, Pedicures, 3-2-Get

Glenn as viscous Patty Hewes

Oh, "Damages." Damn you for moving to DirectTV. (Well, damn FX for canceling it.) The good news is that I'll catch season 4, now airing, on DVD later because, sadly, I don't have DirectTV.  If you love courtroom/crime-solving drama, it is the best show EVER. Glenn Close: genius!  Please watch it on Netflix or get the seasons 1-3 DVDs. It's so worth it....  3-2-Get: Rihanna's "California King Bed," the underrated, chart-struggling ballad should be huge, but has yet to fly the way other RiRi hits do. (There are some Club remixes on iTunes now too.) Country pick: Chris Young's "Tomorrow," another ballad, but such a perfectly crafted pop/country tune. Summer party song of August: Hot Chelle Rae's "Tonight Tonight." Pure, mindless pop that'll be forgettable by fall, but fun for now!...  I used to scoff at Vitamin Water, but now that it comes in it's ZERO form, it's right up there with PowerAde Zero. Tasty, calorie free electrolytes!  For PowerAde, the Mixed Berry (or "Blue flavored," as Greg calls it, is best.)... Men's Flip-flop Etiquette: they are not for the gym, bars, clubs, restaurants, etc. They are for a poolside party, the beach and maybe running to grocery mart. And you MUST have a pedicure. I got mine this a.m.! A mani/pedi runs you $25-32, guys. It looks better and it's healthy. Get with it and be Just like Jerry!

Fallon, Crystal Lite, Billy Ocean

Fallon Thanks You

I think I'm in love with Jimmy Fallon. Have you seen his Thank You Notes?  It's also now a book. He thanks the name "Lloyd" for having two L's. Otherwise it would just sound like "Loyd." He thanks the slow-moving family walking in front of him on the sidewalk. Without this "barricade of idiots," he might never have been forced to walk in the street and risk getting hit by a car in order to get around them....  I discovered Crystal Lite's new un-booze Mocktails flavors, but if I don't give credit to Randall, I'll never hear the end of it. She likes Mojito. I like Appletini. Yes, calorie-free, booze-free powder mix. (But of course adding it to liquor can be your low-cal "fun" option.)...  Cue the 10cc classic song "The Things We Do For Love." Greg is making me see Rise of the Apes this weekend.  The good news is I think it'll bite and he'll owe me!...  My LCD TV (maybe 5 years old) is turning on and off automatically. My two theories: (1) the new neighbors underneath are on the same remote control frequency or (b) when Greg watched the ABC News special about the devil on earth, he let evil in.... Tony Bennett is 85 today. Whew.... Lauren Ambrose (Six Feet Under) will be Broadway's "Funny Girl."  Interesting choice though I do feel she's one of the most underrated young actresses around so I think she'll pull it off if she's got the pipes.... I cannot wait for "American Horror Story" on TV. From Glee's Ryan Murphy, it seems it'll be more insane like his his brilliant Nip/Tuck. And that cast!?... As for my Hump Day Hidden Gem? Well, I've been forced to rediscover Billy Ocean (the poor man's Lionel Richie). But he did give us some good AC ditties like this... Go on, be Just like Jerry!

TGIF - Wiig, Regis, Wells Fargo

Future BFF, Kristin Wiig

Have you seen "7 Minutes in Heaven?"  He's an SNL writer who conducts celebrity interviews in a closet. Check out the one with Kristin Wiig, who really needs to be my best friend.... You know of my love of Kelly Ripa, of course. And while I'm down with many an alter kocker, I'm relieved Regis is "retiring" or at least exiting the show (perhaps 3 years too late).  But my BIGGEST hope is that producer Michael Gellman now leaves too.  How his ego fits in the studio is a wonderment. I think he's lasted so long because he's kept the budget at the 1992 range, so ABC figures, "Why change?"...  When is good customer service overly-good customer service? When you're a Wells Fargo teller. Don't ask me my plans for the day or where I got my watch or "anything I can do to make your experience here better?"  Yeah, leave me alone and deposit my check!  And don't ask me if my roll of quarters is for laundry-day!  It's for my obsession with Ms Pac Man at the local arcade you fool!...  Not that I care, but The Smurfs movie is getting killed by the critics....  Caught Deborah "Debbie" Gibson on GMA this morning looking & sounding damn good.  Didja know I co-wrote this lil ditty with her?   When I vaccuum (yes, picture it), I sprinkle a lil' Arm&Hammer carpet power around. I just wish they'd make a Gain scent, of course.... That's all for Friday! Enjoy your weekend.  I'll be back on Monday and I'll be Just like Jerry. Will you?

Elevators, 3-2-Get, Cowboys & Riots

Beyonce: "Best" Ballad of the Summer

Pet peeve: Elevator etiquette is that you should not run to catch an elevator. In doing so (and stopping the doors), you are only showing those already inside (IE me) that your time is so much more important than others. So, please don't.... Nothing can make you feel better than a Cher playlist. Trust me and try it.... 3-2-Get: Beyonce's "Best Thing I Never Had" is the best summer ballad. Her vocals soar on the Babyface track. And yes, I wanna see her in concert; Dolly Parton's "Together You & I" - smily face track of the season; Nicki Minaj "Super Bass" - if you miss Missy, get this.  Bonus: Brad Paisley/Carrie Underwood "Remind Me" - just cuz I love Carrie.... What's that smell? Why it's my A&F Fierce cologne, thank you.... Taylor Kitch is in "Battleship." Therefore, I'll be seeing it.... Uh-oh. Crazy Stupid Love gets just **1/2 stars in USA Today but an "A" grade in EW. Hmmm?...  EW gives Cowboys & Aliens a C+; USA didn't like it either. I was to attend a screening last night.  Due to this riot (after 2 hours in my car for a 10 minute drive), I did not see the film. Idiots! Get a life!... Gaga performs on SYTYCD and Kimmel tonight.... Debbie Gibson & Tiffany are the GMA Central Park Concert Friday morning on ABC.... So keep your Youth Electric and be Just like Jerry.

Hump-Day, Haley, Property Virgins, & Karyn White

Idol's soulful Haley

Idol's Haley Reinhart signed with Interscope. I'm actually rooting for her. As someone who got some hard-knocks from the judges (a la Jen Hudson), I'm hoping she emerges as a huge star to show 'em all. Here's her "Rolling In The Deep," where she really flies on the 2nd verse.... Speaking of Adele, her album jumps to #1 for the 11th time with 2.7 mill sold - quite a success story in this day and age.  Be prepped for a Grammy landslide (still 6 months away)....  Nothing much more scathing than this Kelly Rowland album review in the LA Times with "bland material," being a pull-quote.... Maroon 5 was at the Bowl on Monday; Sugarland at the Greek. Gladys Knight & James Ingram at the Bowl tonight and Dolly there last weekend - and I attended zero. What am I thinking? Such regret....  I vow to tackle Spotify over the next week. It seems really damn cool.... Ever seen HGTV's "Property Virgins"?  Host Sandra Rinomato's slight smugness of showing wanna-be home owners amazing digs to then be a dream-crusher because the cost is too high is just pure comedy.  "You like this neighborhood? Well, you can't afford it!"... I give "Friends with Benefits" a B+. Cute film. Could you wait till DVD? Probably...  Yes, shockingly, I use classic Dial gold bar soap.... Seeing a screening of "Cowboys & Aliens" tonight. Very excited.... Every Wednesday I'll offer a Hump Day Hidden Gem. Remember LA/Babyface act, Karyn White? Classic but forgotten R&B/Pop from the early 90's like Secret Rendezvous, Superwoman, The Way I Feel About You and - Romantic.... So, be Romantic - and be Just like Jerry. 

Housewives, Justin, AquaFresh & Robyn

Justin as Eye Candy

I was up until 1am! That is super late for me... but once you start watching the NY Housewives Reunion, there's no turning it off. To be blunt, at the core, these women are hateful, awful, vengeful, catty, ungrateful humans. And sadly, that makes for watchable, escapism-TV.  Jill & Ramona are clueless to their behavior and biting words; Kelly's new-found verbal steamrolling is NOT her "finding her voice"; Cindy was bored and boring all season (and should leave);  Sonja is having her slow and controlled nervous breakdown aired on TV and Alex is so desperate for fame and is so polarizing that I have to mute her often. That leaves the Countess, who I actually like.... Yes, I still watch Weeds - and I like it....  I use AquaFresh Iso-Active toothpaste. The pump dispenser could be cleaner but I hope they'll fix it soon.  It's foamy, bubbly and feels like it's working.... I'll be seeing "Friends with Benefits" later. I think Justin Timberlake is so damn talented so it'll be interesting to see if he can carry a film.... I find it astounding how some Euro music stars like Robbie Williams and Kylie (mostly) just aren't HUGE here. That continues with Robyn. She's making such great pop/dance music with actual melodies! Here's the current one, "Call Your Girlfriend." The b-sections are just perfect.... I'll leave you with that lil' disco-ditty so you can be Just like Jerry. 

Josh, Shaving & Cable

(I provide click-thru links here in gray, so check 'em out).... I really love Josh Groban. His "Awake" and especially "Closer" albums are wonderful. His recent "Illuminations," not so much... as seen in lackluster sales and no AC radio hits.  But he's fun to follow on Twitter and hysterical on Kimmel and, apparently, "Crazy Stupid Love," which I plan on seeing.... I give "Captain America" a "B." It was fun and leads to "The Avengers" pretty well. I think for mindless popcorn films this summer I've liked "Thor," and "X-Men Beginnings," but "Harry Potter 8" and "Super 8" are the best summer fare.... I haven't shaved in over a week.  I'm giving you Grizzly Adams.  But I'll take blade to face today with my Art of Shaving Shave Oil, Gillette Fusion ProGlide Power Razor and Nivea for Men After Shave.... Sometimes I hate giving away my "finds," especially to my three readers here, but the daily Happy Hour 4-8p at St. Felix in WeHo is IT. Tasty, 1/2 priced drinx, bar menu and outside seating (which should switch to only high-top tables in my opinion.).... This posting was late today due to my TimeWarner internet being down. No other way to put it than I simply hate them and pray daily for AT&T or Verizon cable to become available in my hood.... Two last serious notes: the horrific shooting in Norway is too much for me to even grasp - and Amy Winehouse, simply, RIP and thanks for the music.

My Summer TV, Gain, Gene & More

HGTV's Property Bros.

SUMMER TV I WATCH: Entourage, True Blood, Weeds, HGTV Design Star, Property Brothers, Flipping Out, Falling Skies, the A-List, Big Bro, Famous Food, Platinum Hit, any and all Housewives. On that note, NY's Ramona at 56 having a pregnancy scare was the best comedy all year. The manipulation that either these women or their producers conjure up for more screen time is insane. Ramona's "story" was on the back burner for weeks following their return from Morocco and so, BAM, fake pregnancy! C'mon!?... I've been obsessed with the scent of Gain for years. To my delight, those Gain folks got bright and introduced fabric sheets, dish liquid and even Febreze spray & plug-ins. My wish: Gain Body Wash and men's cologne.... Where's Gene Wilder? He turned in such genius performances, as I witnessed in catching "Willy Wonka" the other night. Certainly he should be popping-up on TV more often.... Am I horrible because I only enjoy the first 4 weeks of Celebrity Rehab (Vh1) when they are detoxing and insane? After that, they are all feel-good and recovering. Yawn.... Didja know Idol's Pia Toscano released her single last week? Didn't think so....  Last September, Maroon 5 released the best pop album of the year, Hands All Over. It now has a Deluxe Edition. Get it!.... Seeing Captain America later today.... That's all for Saturday! I'm Blog-Free on Sundays, so take that time to be Just like Jerry!

Career Aspirations & TGIF Tid-Bits:

TGIF... People I'd Like a 10-Minute-Meeting with to Further MY Career: Ryan Seacrest, Simon Cowell, Simon Fuller, Nigel Lythgow, Ryan Murphy and the EW editor-in-chief... People I'd Like a 10-Minute-Meeting with to Further THEIR Career: Britney, Janet, Christina, Jen Hudson, Nicole Scherzinger and LeAnn Rimes... - Kelly Clarkson's dropping a new single in September!  Lotsa leaks and speculation about the 1st release but no official word from KC yet. I've missed her and welcome her return emphatically. And where the hell is some new Adam Lambert stuff?... Dolly's at the Bowl tonight and tomorrow. I'm not. Cue: my tears.... Attention Men (and ladies who have men): I use L'oreal Vive Pro Thickening For Men 2-In-1 Shampoo. Just sayin'.  Current face obsession: Vitamin C Oil. Find it in some form, somewhere.... I heard Bonnie Tyler's classic, "Holdin Out For A Hero" yesterday. Should I be concerned about Bonnie? Is she ok? Is she at least playing in some casino in Dusseldorf? - Enjoy your weekend. Keep Kool (& the Gang) and try your best to be Just like Jerry!

The Launch to be "Just like Jerry"

So, here it is!  I promise not to keep you long, but to only bring you the "media sound bites," and "stream of consciousness" that flows through my mind.  You see, with my ego completely aside, I truly believe that if you like what I like, do what I do, endorse what I endorse then things will go swimmingly well in your life, which will be enriched and all-the-more wiser. So please, be "Just like Jerry."  That said, I'll start with this: TV GUILTY PLEASURES - VH1's Famous Food and CBS's Big Brother. Mindless summer entertainment provided by mind-less "personalities." My wish is that Danielle Staub will join BB's Rachel on TV very soon... Every Thursday, I'll provide you with 3-2-GET (3 tunes you should have for a fun weekend). Today: Countess LuAnn "Chic C'est La Vie" (smile or be damned);  Selena Gomez "Love You Like A Love Song" (better than Britney's efforts); Maroon 5 "Moves Like Jagger" (Yes, still the best pop tune of the year.) Radio, once again, gets it wrong by not embracing. - That's all for today! Thank you for being "Just like Jerry."