That Girl

If I had to describe that ultimate "look" of the late 1960's woman I would instantly pick, Tina Louise (Ginger on Gilligan's Island) and umm..."THAT GIRL!" Yes, Marlo Thomas and Tina Louise hands down. The wonderful flip-do hair and the ultra heavy black eyeliner with tons of fake eyelashes.

Why would I even bother to mention this is 2007? Well, I recently purchased the first two seasons of That Girl. (I already own all the Gilligan episodes). Unlike Gilligan, the archives of That Girl have well and truly been opened and floods of material are available as bonus features.

The show itself is hardly comedy slapstick - it does have it's fair share of moments but it relies more on the talent of Marlo and her wonderful chemistry with co-star, Ted Bessell. Marlo herself looks simply fantastic.

Season Three has just been released and going on the strengths of Season One & Two, I'll make sure to pick it up.

it's all about marketing

You might not be able to stop the beat but it's also hard to stop the Hairspray DVD purchases. In a clever marketing ploy American retailer, Wal-Mart, have optioned a bonus DVD if you buy the single disc edition from them. So, what to do if you can't get to your local Wal-Mart? Buy it from eBay at a much higher price.

So, is it worth the extra cost? Well yes, and no. Some features are "extended versions" from the Shake and Shimmy 2 disc edition. But the real "wow factor" comes from the ShoWest preview in Las Vegas. At a preview launch for the film, the cast assembled for a "live" performance. It's pretty cool - a number of council members perform with the cast in front of the giant screen. There's amazing footage of Nikki Blonski being told she has the part of Tracy - her reaction is funny and heart warming.

The three Tracy's, Ricki (original), Marrisa (Broadway) & Nikki (2006) are interviewed and seen recording the song, 'Mama, I'm A Big Girl Now'. It's all great footage.

Is it worth getting both discs? If you love Hairspray and want to see everything! Yes!

yup, it's that time of year

It's that time of the year when all good plans go terribly wrong - in the best possible way. Christmas shopping was supposed to be done and finished by now - but it isn't. I never have an action plan to just get what I want and leave - no, I have to wander around in a daze with no idea of what I'm doing.

The food I've bought with the intention of saving for the big day has been attacked and crumbs remain.

The shops all look terribly festive - each trying to out-do each other and grab your attention - except mine. I just wander from shop to shop, no worse off but coming home with the frustration of knowing I have to go back and do it all again - hopefully buying that perfect gift. I wouldn't have it any other way.

New purchases

While most people seem busy with Christmas 2007, I'm well ahead and planning for 2008. While I've always had a fondness of the aluminium or aluminum (depending on where you live) tree. I've been after one for years - I do have an original but it's seen far better days and is missing most of the tinsel. The other day I found a brand new one - I had no idea they were making these here in Australia - so I bit the bullet and grabbed it. The only problem, it's not green and lush and it's going to take some getting used to.

I think I'll decorate it the true minimal style and most probably red baubles. God only knows where I'm going to find a color wheel.

And in the true spirit of Christmas when I was in the city today they were marked an extra 30% off. Why do shops always do this once I've bought something!