Eye Candy 5/31

Female Hottie: Rachael Ray

The darling of the Food Network and host of her own talk show, as well as author of a gazillion books, Rachael Ray has made quite the name for herself. To use her own words as my way of describe her, she's quite "Yum-o!"

Male Hottie: John Legend

John is one of, if not THE most talented REAL musician to appear on the scene in the last few years. He earned his Grammys with his talent and not with astounding album sales (although he had those, too). Women go crazy when they hear him sing, so I figured I better put him up here.

Random Hottie from a movie or TV show seen this week: Paula Garces

Paula is best known for the role that earned her this spot, as Maria, the object of Harold's desires/affection in Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle and the sequel. She's had bit parts here and there, but that's her claim to fame, and, hey, it's enough to get her on here.

MILF: Sharon Leal

Another little known hottie, Sharon is best known as the girl that replaced Jennifer Hudson's character in Dreamgirls. She's also starred in Boston Public and last year's Soul Men, with the late Bernie Mac. I was not aware of this until this morning, but she has a little boy, which means she's a MILF. Anyone out there care to argue? I didn't think so!

Classic/Retro Hottie: Jayne Mansfield

Jayne Mansfield spent most of her career constantly compared to Marilyn Monroe. However, where Marilyn played ditzy blonde characters on screen, Jayne was an exceptional mind off, but in her words, "They're more interested in 40-21-35." Jayne had a long film career that was cut short by a tragic car accident. However, we can see her daughter, Mariska Hargitay, every week on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.

Where are they now?

I was watching an episode of The Fresh Prince of Bel Air the other day, and there was a scene with both Queen Latifiah and Will Smith. Now, the show aired in the early 90s, before both of them became huge stars, so to look back at it now, you have to wonder if they knew they'd be as big as they are now? During the course of the show's run, I know Tyra Banks became a regular, Don Cheadle, Vanessa Williams, and I'm sure a few others. This got me to thinking what other shows have had celebs guest star before they became big stars?

Well, not long after that question popped n my head than I watched an episode of Quantum Leap that guest starred Jennifer Aniston.

The Cosby Show had a nice long string of guest stars, some that were already established, and others that made it big after their appearance, such as Alicia Keys, Stevie Wonder, Christopher Plummer, Sinbad, Dizzy Gillespie, Roscoe Lee Brown, Naomi Campbell, Bill Bradley, Wallace Shawn, Nancy Wilson, The Muppets, Max Roach, Adam Sandler, etc. Yes, Adam Sandler was on there. As a matter of fact, he was on of Theo's friends for like 3 or 4 episodes. As far as Alicia Keys, well she had a memorable role as the little girl at Rudy birthday party that Cliff bounces on his knee. (A little bit of Cosby trivia for you)

This week, I've been catching up on my I Dream of Jeannie reruns. Now, I haven't seen enough episodes to spout off a list of guest stars, but n episodes that I can recall there was Paul Lynde,Sammy Davis, Jr., Farrah Fawcett, Don Rickles, and Phil Spector. Spector's episode was actually on Thursday...ironically the day before he was sentenced to prison.

I'm going to finish this little guest star query and trivia post by tying I Dream of Jeannie to I Love Lucy. how? Well, Hayden Rourke, who played Dr. Bellows on Jeannie, guest starred in an episode of Lucy. I watched it the other day and had to double check my eyes (and the credits), and sure enough ti was him. On top of Rourke, Lucy had a slew of guest stars that came through, especially in the Hollywood episodes (of course). Names like Bob Hope, Tennessee Ernie Ford, George Reeves, John Wayne, Orson Wells, Verna Felton, Madge Blake, Harpo Marx, Janet Waldo (voice of Judy Jetson...for those who have no idea who she is), Frank Nelson (you'd know his voice, trust me), and Van Johnson, amongst others.

What's the point of all this? Well, none really, I just found it quite fascinating how you can come across a small role one day and a few years later that same person will be a huge star as well as seeing who has made guest appearances on other shows. Are there any you can think of?

No, Archie, No

If you'll remember last week I posted that Archie was going to pick between Betty and Veronica in what appears to be some sort of story arc. I think its just a storyline and nothing permanent *WHEW* Anyway, he's made his decision...


UGH!!! Why not Betty? This will not end well!

R.I.P.

Pushing Daisies airs its final 3 episodes in the next 3 weeks and it got me to thinking, what other shows will be joining the pie maker in the graveyard this year. Well, here's a complete list of shows that were cancelled or ended this year. The ones that I actually took the time to watch are marked.

4Real (CW)
Ending after seven episodes, final episode on 11/23/2008

13: Fear Is Real (CW)
Ending after one season, final episode on 11/23/2008

**According To Jim (ABC)
Ending after eight seasons, final episode on 6/2/2009

America's Toughest Jobs (NBC)
Ending after one season, final episode on 10/25/2008

**Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader? (FOX)
Ending after three seasons, final episode on 8/14/2009

Battlestar Galactica (SCI)
Ending after four seasons, final episode on 3/20/2009

Boston Legal (ABC)
Ending after five seasons, final episode on 12/8/2008

Celebrity Exposé (MNT)
Ending after two seasons, final episode on 10/27/2008

Charlie Jade (SCI)
Ending after one season, final episode on 10/21/2008

The Chopping Block (NBC)
Ending after one season, final episode on 7/17/2009

Christina's Court (SYN)
Ending after three seasons, final episode on TBA

Crusoe (NBC)
Ending after one season, final episode on 1/31/2009

**Cupid (ABC)
Ending after one season, final episode on 6/16/2009

D.L. Hughley Breaks The News (CNN)
Ending after one season, final episode on 3/28/2009

**David Alan Grier's Chocolate News (COM)
Ending after one season, final episode on 12/17/2008

**Deal Or No Deal (NBC)
Ending after four seasons, final episode on 5/18/2009

Dirty Sexy Money (ABC)
Ending after two seasons, final episode on 8/8/2009

**Do Not Disturb (FOX)
Ending after three episodes, final episode on 9/24/2008

**Don't Forget The Lyrics! (FOX)
Ending after two seasons, final episode on 6/19/2009

Easy Money (CW)
Ending after four episodes, final episode on 10/26/2008

**Eleventh Hour (CBS)
Ending after one season, final episode on 4/2/2009

**Eli Stone (ABC)
Ending after two seasons, final episode on 7/11/2009

**The Emperor's New School (DSNY)
Ended after two seasons, final episode on 11/20/2008

ER (NBC)
Ending after fifteen seasons, final episode on 4/2/2009

Everybody Hates Chris (CW)
Ending after four seasons, final episode on 5/8/2009

The Ex List (CBS)
Ending after four episodes, final episode on 10/24/2008

Extreme Trains (HST)
Ending after one season, final episode on 12/30/2008

Flip That House (TLC)
Ending after four seasons, final episode on 10/28/2008

**Foster's Home For Imaginary Friends (CAR)
Ending after six seasons, final episode on 5/3/2009

**Frank TV (TBS)
Ending after two seasons, final episode on 12/23/2008

The Game (CW)
Ending after three seasons, final episode on 5/15/2009

Game Show In My Head (CBS)
Ending after one season, final episode on 1/24/2009

Greg Behrendt's Wake-Up Call (SOAP)
Ending after one season, final episode on 2/12/2009

Guiding Light (CBS)
Ending after fifty-eight seasons, final episode on 9/18/2009

Harper's Island (CBS)
Ending after one season, final episode on 7/11/2009

Haunting Evidence (TRU)
Ending after three seasons, final episode on 10/25/2008

Hole In The Wall (FOX)
Ending after one season, final episode on 3/15/2009

Homeland Security USA (ABC)
Ending after one season, final episode on 3/10/2009

Howie Do It (NBC)
Ending after one season, final episode on 5/1/2009

In Harm's Way (CW)
Ending after five episodes, final episode on 10/26/2008

In The Motherhood (ABC)
Ending after one season, final episode on 7/9/2009

Jail (MNT)
Ending after two seasons, final episode on 7/14/2009

Judge David Young (SYN)
Ending after two seasons, final episode on TBA

Judge Karen (SYN)
Ending after one season, final episode on TBA

**Kath & Kim (NBC)
Ending after one season, final episode on 3/12/2009

Kings (NBC)
Ending after one season, final episode on 7/25/2009

Knight Rider (NBC)
Ending after one season, final episode on 3/4/2009

Koppel On Discovery (DSC)
Ending after three seasons, final episode on 7/12/2008

Kyle XY (FAM)
Ending after three seasons, final episode on 3/16/2009

The L-Word (SHO)
Ending after six seasons, final episode on 3/8/2009

Late Night With Conan O'Brien (NBC)
Ending after sixteen seasons, final episode on 2/20/2009

Life (NBC)
Ending after two seasons, final episode on 4/8/2009

Life On Mars (ABC)
Ending after one season, final episode on 4/1/2009

Lipstick Jungle (NBC)
Ending after two seasons, final episode on 1/9/2009

**MADtv (FOX)
Ending after fourteen seasons, final episode on 5/16/2009

Magic's Bggest Secrets Finally Revealed (MNT)
Ending after one season, final episode on 5/18/2009

Masters Of Illusion (MNT)
Ending after one season, final episode on 5/18/2009

**The Middleman (FAM)
Ending after one season, final episode on 9/1/2008

**Million Dollar Password (CBS)
Ending after one season, final episode on 6/14/2009

**Mind Of Mencia (COM)
Ending after four seasons, final episode on 7/23/2008

Momma's Boys (NBC)
Ending after one season, final episode on 1/19/2009

The Morning Show With Mike & Juliet (SYN)
Ending after three seasons, final episode on TBA

**Moral Orel (ASW)
Ending after three seasons, final episode on 12/18/2008

My Gym Partner's A Monkey (CAR)
Ending after four seasons, final episode on 11/27/2008

My Own Worst Enemy (NBC)
Ending after nine episodes, final episode on 12/15/2008

Opportunity Knocks (ABC)
Ending after nine episodes, final episode on 6/30/2009

**Osbournes: Reloaded (FOX)
Ending after one episode, final episode on 3/31/2009

Prison Break (FOX)
Ending after four seasons, final episode on 5/15/2009

**Privileged (CW)
Ending after one season, final episode on 2/24/2009

**Pushing Daisies (ABC)
Ending after two seasons, final episode on 6/13/2009

**Reaper (CW)
Ending after two seasons, final episode on 5/26/2009

**Roommates (FAM)
Ending after one season, final episode on 5/4/2009

Samantha Who? (ABC)
Ending after two seasons, final episode on TBA

Secret Millionaire (FOX)
Ending after one season, final episode on 12/18/2008

The Shield (FX)
Ending after seven seasons, final episode on 11/25/2008

Shin Chan (ASW)
Ending after two seasons, final episode on 12/14/2008

**Sit Down, Shut Up (FOX)
Ending after one season, final episode on 5/10/2009

Sophie (FAM)
Ending after five episodes, final episode on 4/20/2009

South Of Nowhere (N)
Ending after three seasons, final episode on 12/12/2008

Stargate Atlantis (SCI)
Ending after five seasons, final episode on 1/9/2009

The Starter Wife (USA)
Ending after two seasons, final episode on 12/12/2008

Street Patrol (MNT)
Ending after two seasons, final episode on 8/4/2009

Stylista (CW)
Ending after one season, final episode on 12/17/2008

Superstars Of Dance (NBC)
Ending after one season, final episode on 1/26/2009

Survivorman (DSC)
Ending after three seasons, final episode on 12/19/2008

Swingtown (CBS)
Ending after one season, final episode on 8/29/2008

TALKSHOW With Spike Feresten (FOX)
Ending after three seasons, final episode on 5/16/2009

**Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles (FOX)
Ending after two seasons, final episode on 4/10/2009

Testees (FX)
Ending after one season, final episode on 12/18/2008

The Tonight Show With Jay Leno (NBC)
Ending after seventeen seasons, final episode on 5/29/2009

The Tony Rock Project (MNT)
Ending after one season, final episode on 3/11/2009

**Trading Spaces (TLC)
Ending after eight seasons, final episode on 12/6/2008

Trivial Pursuit: America Plays (SYN)
Ending after one season, final episode on TBA

**TRL (MTV)
Ending after nineteen seasons, final episode on 12/16/2008

Trust Me (TNT)
Ending after one season, final episode on 4/7/2009

Under One Roof (MNT)
Ending after one season, final episode on 1/14/2009

The Unit (CBS)
Ending after four seasons, final episode on 5/10/2009

The Unusuals (ABC)
Ending after one season, final episode on 6/17/2009

**Valentine (CW)
Ending after four episodes, final episode on 10/26/2008

Vice Squad (MNT)
Ending after one season, final episode on 2/3/2009

Without A Trace (CBS)
Ending after seven seasons, final episode on 5/19/2009

The World's Funniest Moments (MNT)
Ending after one season, final episode on 5/20/2009

Worst Week (CBS)
Ending after one season, final episode on 6/6/2009

The Xtacles (ASW)
Ending after two episodes, final episode on 11/9/2008

My Name I Earl was left off for some reason, but it also was cancelled. Ironically, when I started getting into it a couple years ago, I said that it would get cancelled just because I started watching it, and sure enough, that's what happened.

So, looking over this list, are there any shows that you wish weren't cancelled? Glad that are gone?

Karma

Regular readers of my blog are familiar with the bad attitudes of my neighbors. Well, what goes around comes around.

One of the worst of the bunch is a bit down on his luck. I hate to sit here and gloat, but I can't help it. I mean, this guy was in charge of the insurance for the complex, but didn't pay it for like 10 months. I don't know how, but it was found out that he wasn't paying it about a month before Gustav came through and did damage to the complex. He also has done nothing but cheat on his partner, as well as be the main voice against my grandfather's car.

Well, shortly before the end of last summer, he and his partner split up and the other guy moved out. A few days later there was a notice from the sheriff on his door saying that their house was seized and a for sale sign put on out front. I don't know what became of all that, but I know the sign was torn to shreds by the hurricane and never replaced, for whatever reason.

He still comes back for some reason or other. The little woman, who was good friends with the other guy, thinks its just to have sex with guys. I wasn't so sure until the other day when this guy ran out of there shirt all open and buttoning his pants.

So, this guy is now single, living between two places. Before all this, he was driving a nice Infiniti, now he's downgraded to a Geo that's being held together by twine....that's not an exaggeration. I believe he's lost his job as an EMT. The homeowners association is still contemplating whether to press charges or not. I think they should, but it has to be voted on and all.

I would say that the fact the house hasn't sold is also part of karma, but i think that is more to do with the housing market. As far as I know, only 2 people have looked at it.

I can't help but be a little gleeful, yet sympathetic to what has happened to the guy. Is that wrong of me?

Proof that teachers are underpaid

For those of you that don't know, I am a teacher...specifically a high school band director...ok...assistant, but same thing, i just have more free time...lol

Anyway, a friend of mine quit the teaching profession at the end of the school year. When she told me this, I figured she was going back to school for another degree or just needed some time off, since she does teach middle school social studies. That would make sense, right?

Well, that assumption was way off. She is going to work as a McDonald's shift manager. Why, you may ask? Well, turns out that she can make nearly twice as much there than she can teaching.

Isn't that sad? Teacher's get paid less than a manager at Mickey D's! WTF?!? Now, I don't know the exact figures, and each state and district is different, but in Louisiana, we are one of the lowest paying states for teachers. However, it wouldn't surprise me if this is a common thing around the country.

Too bad I never worked for McDonald's, though. Wonder how much a Sonic manager would make? lol

Seriously, how pathetic do you guys think this is?

The task at hand

I've just come up with my firs summer task. I'm going to siphon thorough all my music files, getting rid of the ones that I downloaded for the sake of downloading, and renaming those that are labeled wrong or don't fit my system. This could take a couple of weeks.

Since this week I'm running my jazz list on winamp (i go back and forth each week between it and my mainstream list), I figure I'll start with it. Shouldn't take too long with this one. Everything is in alphabetical order, so it'll just be some moving and whatnot that has to be done.

Next week will be a bit of a challenge, though, since that other list has been shuffled around. I may just wipe it and start over. Either way, it'll take a few days to go through all of this stuff.

Wish me luck!