HAYYYYY!! OK ........ It has been a busy week for the DIVA, but I wanted to share some thoughts for my loyal and always fashionable readers:

1. If I have not mentioned this before, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, and LOVE some more THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF ATLANTA! LOVE this show!! And although I know there are some who consider it trash .. well like Mom #2, Miss Anne of Hackberry, I LOVE this trash! My favorite housewife is Kandi Burrus. The girl actually has several careers, is a prolific songwriter, and has won a Grammy!

Due to my LOVE for Miss Kandi, I am going through the XSCAPE collection [Thanks Reed!], as well as her solo work. Which brings me to Kandi's latest release, the ep, FLY ABOVE. Readers, this is a GREAT [although small - only 5 songs] collection. My favorite songs include "Trade Him In" and "Must Be Good."

2. You have to acknowledge the truth .. On Friday, one of my work friends noticed that all of my cds were by black artists, mainly divas [Brandy, Whitney, Beyonce, Diddy, Deborah Cox, etc]. He said, "Paul, just admit it. You're a black boy wrapped in a white boy's body!" "I said, you got that right. Only I'm a black DIVA wrapped in a white boy's body!"



3. Oh LOOK! My favorite beauty queen was back in the news this week! Carrie! I've missed you. In case my readers are not aware, the directors of the Miss California pageant [who were in a counter suit against Carrie] received a rather interesting video tape this week. Appears that the former Miss CA was caught in a rather revealing sex tape. Carrie, Carrie, Carrie, I though you knew better. Next time, hire someone who understands lighting for video tape.

4. Question: Can the board handle the DIVA and the Divine? After a nail biting, weave pulling, name calling, and captured all on video tape [Carrie can be found in the background], my condo association held the board elections yesterday. Although Lady Di later remarked that she thought my wearing overalls to the election [HAYYYYY they are comfortable], looked less than inspiring, both the Divine Miss Gina and myself were elected to the board!! Can you believe it? One step toward Roscoe being named First Pug!

Meanwhile, back at the Hall Of Justice ........

HAYYYYY!! OK ........ I have to send a HUGE shout out to the Legendary LADY DI for her fantastic Halloween Par-Tay on Saturday night! What our little Martha Stewart mixed with Monte Hall [and a sprinkle of Donald Trump] can do with her carport is AMAZING! There were tables, chairs, spooky music, and spiderwebs everywhere! Not to mention some really good eats.

Now you know the Divas of Hackberry were bringing it to the runway for this par-tay! We had the Divine Red Hatter [Miss Peggy], Miss Halloween Festivities 2009 [Miss Anne], a former go-go dancer from READY, SET, GO [the goddess Cindy - as I have been instructed to call her], and pure, not refined, White Trash [Miss Gina]! Speaking of Miss G, I would like to show some pics from the party, but guess who has not sent them to Call Him Miss Ross? :) As for the THE DIVA, the look went as follows: Converse sneakers, Craftsman overalls, dark blue thermal shirt, and THE HAT:



Dear readers, due to my "voice of an angel," and the fact that I worked for several years with the USO in Serbia and lower Antarctica, the diva is often asked to perform at dinner parties, social gatherings, and even Target openings. Well, last nights par-tay was no exception. During a short lived lull in the conversation, I was dragged to the mainstage and performed my version of Kim Zolciak's classic, "Tardy For The Party." Although my time on stage was short [uh hello Lady DI?!?!], the applause was deafening!

Once again, LADY DI, thanks for a great time!

Meanwhile, back at the Hall of Justice ........

HAYYYYY!! OK ........ Had to run by Target tonight after work. You could almost feel those "bullseye" employees sweeping all the Halloween merchandise out the back door. Two weeks ago, the store had devoted 5 or more cramped aisles to costumes, candy and "stuff." Today, you were lucky to have three rows, all with minimal merchandise. Target slow down! You'll have your chance in two days! Be patient! Besides, I find it a little odd to be looking at Halloween candy while hearing Sinatra's Christmas album blasting from the kiosk behind me. And news flash from the planet of DUH, Thanksgiving deserves more than half an aisle in the stationary section.

Anyway, while I was meandering around the store, my eye caught sight of the above photographed "Barbie Glamour Camper." Closer inspection of the box, revealed that Barbie was claiming this camper was the updated version of her classic 1970's "Country Camper." Uh Barbie, don't make me get all ghetto on your plastic butt! But that ain't like your "Country Camper," just a cheap imitation!

You see, I wanted the "Country Camper" during the 70s! I loved the yellow/brown/green colors that were such a part of the 70's color scheme. I loved the pop-out tent, I loved the rear view window, I loved the sliding piece of plastic used to get into the camper, etc. As the box below states, "A Home For Barbie Whenever She Explores The Great Outdoors - The Swinginest Camper On Wheels!" I LOVE THAT .. The Swinginest Camper!



Barbie, what the doritos [cool ranch] is a "glamour camper?" There ain't nothing glamourous about camping, even if you ARE Barbie. And why do Ken, Skipper and yourself look like Japanese anime? This cheap imitation smells like something "Cindy," your half wit competition sold exclusively at Sears during the 70's, might be seen driving around town.

Barbie, I WANTED the 70's camper, but since all things Barbie were out of the question growing up, I had settle for "Big Jim's Sports Camper" [below]. It might not have been the swinginest mobile home, but for a diva with a great deal of imagination ........



Moral of the story? If the classic ain't broke, don't update for 2009!

Meanwhile, back at the Hall of Justice ........

HAYYYYY!! OK ........ I hope everybody is having a GREAT weekend! Just wanted to share what the DIVA has been up to! HA!! Forget all that sentimental hot mess! I really wanted to show off the "DIVALISCIOUS LATOYA INSPIRED" hat, that I bought at Target last night!! This is the hat I plan on wearing to Lady Di's Halloween Par-tay next Saturday!

How was I able to obtain such a hat .. last night, Miss Cindi, Miss Gina, Miss Anne, Lady Di [the Hackberry Diva's missing Miss Peggy - we missed you!] and Call Him Miss Ross all met up for dinner. After a great meal, but a very slow time getting our check, we headed to Target. Now the ladies have known that I have been searching for just the "right" witches hat to wear on Halloween. Well, Lady Di found it! THANK YOU!! It is perfect and reminds me of Latoya's at Micheal's funeral. Now dear reader, I am not going as a witch .. but we'll see.

I do want to add a note of thanks to the Divas for ending my week out on a great and funny note! I had some disappointments this past week, and I am so grateful for your friendships!

And speaking of friends, today I spent the afternoon with the founder of the I-tunes Mafia, the fantastic Product Reed! We traded music, talked endlessly about divas and our devotion to all things MAC! Thanks to Mr. Reed for the XSCAPE, MARY MARY, MARIAH and KELLY PRICE! Gotta have my divas!



I like to call this "Crouching Pug, Hidden Roscoe!"

Meanwhile, back at the Hall of Justice ........

HAYYYYY!! OK ........ I know what you are asking yourself right now noble readers .. was THE DIVA really able to meet and take a picture of Tilda Swinton in costume as the White Witch from THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE ??

NO!! That is yours truly, A LA DIVA, under two blankets and a sweat suit, trying to keep warm and assist the fabulous Hackberry Girls, Miss Gina and Miss Anne, during our condo community garage sale on Saturday. At least one carport on every street had a sale going! Now, noble readers, grab your tissues, cause this is where you learn of the sacrifices your DIVA had to make: 1. Had to be up and going at 7:40 am on a SATURDAY MORNING!! 2. The temperature dropped from the 50's to the 40's. 3. About two hours into the sale, the rain started. I KNOW I should be immediately designated for saint hood .. I'm just waiting for my Fed Ex letter from the Vatican!

Anyway, although the rain cut down on the amount of potential buyers, Miss Gina was still able to make $50+.

Sooooo, I want to send a HUGE shout out to Miss Gina, for letting us use her carport, her stickers, and keeping us awake; to Miss Anne for the company and hot chocolate [even though she did buy the Batman doll I had my eye on :)]; to Deal or No Deal Miss Diana for the brunch goodies and Miss Peggy for the company and kerosene lamp!

After the nail biting high drama of the garage sale [ie .. Miss Diana stating, "When you're ready to work with me, I'll be back!], I decided to visit a calmer environment .. Target on a cold Saturday afternoon, two weeks before Halloween!

30 minutes later I escaped from the madness with some household items and a costume for Mr. Man. Below is a sneak peek:



He looks beyond thrilled! Bring that attitude to the runway, my little supermodel!

Meanwhile, back to the Hall of Justice ........

HAYYYYY!! OK ........ Ooooops! A week since my last post. I will have to make up for lost time in the next few days. Anyway, although Mariah's latest work, MEMOIRS OF AN IMPERFECT ANGEL, has been out for over three weeks, I know that yall just had to know what THE DIVA thought of THE VOICE.

Honeybees and others who do not belong to Miss Carey's fan club, this disc took a while and repeated plays on the pod to grow on me. I don't think it is as good as Miss Houston's I LOOK TO YOU, but then again, ol' Whitney had 7 plus years to put something on the shelves.

Here are loves, dislikes, and what was THE VOICE thinking?

1. Favorite songs are the "kiss off" cuts like "Betcha Gon' Know" [one of M's best breathy whisper deliveries], "Obsessed," "Standing O" [Had to grow on me, but now I LOVE], and "Up Out Of My Face." These songs all have a harder beat, and were produced by The Dream ["Umbrella" "Me Against The Music"] and Tricky.

2. Mariah's last two works, EMANCIPATION OF MIMI and E-MC2, both contained cuts and "introductions" by Jermaine Dupri. In my opinion he is really missing from MEMOIRS. Besides bringing some hard bass, Jermaine also brought humor to M's over the top sentimentality. What happened Ms. Carey? Janet catch you with her man? Too bad Jermaine could not work the same Mariah magic ["It's Like That," "Shake It Off"] with Ms. Jackson's DISCIPLINE.

3. M is known for covering hit ballads from other artists. But "I Want To Know What Love Is?" I can listen to the song right up until the choir enters. Was this a last minute choice Mariah?

4. Mariah Carey .. VOICE, you bet, .. SHOWMAN, working on it, LYRICIST .. oh boy!

"This is for real, for real, for real; Oprah Winfrey, whole segment, for real ........"

"With a whole lotta; gel and acrylic can fix this; when I break I break; If we were two lego blocks ........"

Baby, stick with what you do best. I know that you go on and on about writing your own songs, but M you are making Madonna look like Truman Capote. Just write a line here and there, get your name on the publishing rights and leave the rest to the experts. Like Britney.

5. Along with the interludes and reprises [there are FOUR!], MEMOIRS has 17 songs. M should have just released numbers 1 - 10. Cuts 11 through 17 should have been called the "I love Nick Cannon, but will he help me breathe underwater, then constantly tell me I am angel who cries love like Duncan Hines cake mix" album. These songs slowly become one LOOOOOOONG ballad [and you know THE DIVA, I can only take so many ballads]. Mariah, we get the point. You love Nick, Nick helps you breathe, Nick is so wonderful, Nick will make you cakes with the Dincan Hines mix between his gigs as the host of America's Got Talent.

FINAL THOUGHT: Mariah go back to the dancefloor [at least her singles are remixed], call up Jermaine, and keep being THE VOICE.

Meanwhile, back at the Hall of Justice ........

HAYYYYY!! OK ........ Today's post is a huge shout out to the ["new title"] DIVA OF PINK, formerly known as THE PINK PRINCESS! I wanted to express my huge congrats on the DIVA officially becoming engaged. Yes, my buddy who I used to gossip about Britney, J-Lo, and Justin for hours, is on her way to becoming a married woman.

I've known the DIVA for 7 years, ..... through concerts [Madonna's "Re-Invention Tour"]; plays [we saw MADEA GOES TO JAIL live with Tyler Perry]; interesting bosses, co-workers and demanding actresses; our latest obsession [Real Housewives of Atlanta]; and mountains of pizza ..... we have remained REAL FRIENDS. Even though she'd say I annoy her 90% of the time [unless she wants a diet coke or Frosty from Wendy's].

So, I send a HUGE CONGRATS to Sammy and Vinnci, probably one of the best couples I know.

Meanwhile, back at the Hall of Justice ........

HAYYYYY!! OK ........ After yours truly, Call Him Miss Ross, was harshly scolded by Hackberry Diva-In-Training, Miss Gina, for not posting more pictures of Mr. Roscoe, I decided to let Mr. Man [pictured above on the floor, with his buddy, Peabody, who is in the chair] give the birthday shout outs:

1. A Huge HAPPY [and belated] BIRTHDAY to our Real Estate Diva Supreme, Miss Peggy! I hope that you had a fantastic birthday, and enjoy the new tv! Thanks for letting my dad be a part of your birthday celebration with Miss Anne and Miss Gina. And remember, if you get an i-phone, Daddy will be glad to talk your ears off.

2. Super Size with a chocolate milk HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my friend [and Doobie's Mama] Jennifer, whose birthday is actually on Tuesday! Happy number #29, although you don't look older than 21! My Dad says, "Thank you for the great dinner .. with red velvet cake [he loves, loves, loves some cream cheese icing]."

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LADIES!

Meanwhile, back at the Hall of Justice ........

HAYYYYY!! OK ........ Two points of irony that I would like to share with you today, gentle readers:

1. As some of you are experiencing, it has been rain, rain and more rain throughout most of middle and north Georgia. Homes have been flooded, bridges are falling apart, and many businesses and schools have closed or let people leave early. In addition to the potential property damage, most of my neighbors and co-workers are extremely tired of the rain. Rain, rain go away ........

PEOPLE!! [House of Dereon: Where the catwalk meets the sidewalk! Tina Knowles]

Are you not the same group that went on and on and on the last few summers about the lack of rain? Lake Lanier was supposedly drying up, Six Flags was recycling water, and as I learned from Oprah last week, Whitney actually left Bobby and Atlanta in 2006! This is rain you wanted, the rain you begged for and most importantly, THE RAIN THAT SONNY PRAYED FOR!!

Don't you remember, Sonny out there at the state capital praying for rain? You asked GOD for rain, now don't complain! Always remember to really think about your requests to GOD.

2. I have a friend who works for one of Atlanta's local magazines. She stated that the "living" section is constantly updating their restaurant listing guide, due to the number of establishments that have closed in the past few years. Either due to funds, lack of interest or even bad timing, many restaurants are having trouble keeping their doors open 6 months to a year.

RESTAURANT OWNERS AND WAIT STAFF!! [House of Dereon: Where the catwalk meets the sidewalk! Tina Knowles]

When possible customers have limited funds, but also several choices, it is not a good idea to provide poor service. I went to a restaurant last night, where I have never experienced "great service." In the past, I have had to ask if my table even had a waiter. However, my dining companions enjoy the establishment and the food is quite good. Until last night ....... cold soup that was returned to the kitchen twice; several requests for drink refills before anything happened; two of the three people received their meals while the third order was not even given to the kitchen; our original waiter approached the table once to say, "one minute," while his replacement took our order and disappeared, and finally a third waiter came to the table [maybe we were supposed to meet the entire staff] ........

When we finally asked for a manager, he came out with this whole, "I'm soooooooo sorry" number. Sorry does not cut it [although he excused the entire bill]. The restaurant was half full, with wait staff standing around.

In this economy ........ a little too ironic, yeah I really do think!

Meanwhile, back at the Hall of Justice ........

HAYYYYY!! OK ....... Found the dvd of VALENTINO: THE LAST EMPEROR at Target [of all places] today. Loved the movie! And you know me, and how much I love anything to do with films about haute couture.

However, if you have an interest in VALENTINO, please know that it will be quite different from the legendary ISAAC MIZRAHI: UNZIPPED and MARC JACOBS & LOUIS VUITTON [both technically not haute couture houses]. UNZIPPED, which was released as the super model rage was beginning to wane, gave viewers a glimpse of the creation process, along with Mizrahi's adorable personality.

MARC JACOBS, which is actually the best of the three, dissected Marc's creative process from start to finish. I loved that Jacobs was routinely inspired by modern art [and musicians such as Lil Kim and Madonna, who inspired the 2009 LV campaign].

But back to VALENTINO, ........ while the film is about his relationship with Giancarlo Giammetti, Valentino's life and business partner for 50+ years, it is also a commentary on how big "bottom line" business has invaded the world of high fashion. The designer stages a celebration of his 45 years in fashion, while at the same time, trying to decide if he wants to continue.

Four of my favorite VALENTINO moments:

1. Valentino and Giammetti host a lavish party for a guest list that includes Joan Collins, Anna Wintour [I'm still waiting to see THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE], Gwyneth Paltrow [she is all over this film, no wonder the girl is hardly in any movies, she's with Valentino everyday] and Martha Stewart. Anyway, Martha starts snooping around the washing room and kitchen. She walks right up to the chef and says, "Hi, I'm Martha Stewart. I write cookbooks in America." To which the chef coldly responds, "oh, I KNOW YOU."

2. Love, love, love me some fashions [and hair] from the 60's. This movie has plenty of 60's footage, including Valentino's designs for Elizabeth Taylor and Jackie O.

3. Micheal, the major domo for Valentino's 6 homes [which include a villa in Rome, an apartment in New York, and a chalet in Gstaad]. This man obviously knows his job. He was always trying to stay two steps ahead of a thankless man whose head is in the clouds. Sounds like a director I know [and worked for].

4. Valentino has 5 pugs that go everywhere .. Milton, Monty, Margot, Maude and Molly!

Meanwhile, back at the Hall of Justice ........

HAYYYYY!! OK ........ Today, I continued to see the above video on all of my favorite blogs, including Joe.My.God and Americablog. So, I finally took a few minutes and watched the whole thing. Then I watched the video again. And again with another person. AND STILL, I can not completely understand what these "tea-baggers," are upset about and more importantly, what message are they are trying to send?

Apparently, these men, women and children do not approve of Obama; spend a great deal of time shopping at Wal-Mart; and are completely terrified that the country is going socialist, communist and fascist all at the same time! According to one gentleman in the video, these ideologies are inter-changeable, which would have been big news to Stalin, Hitler and Hirohito.

Now even though I have watched this video several times [and still do not understand "the message"], I firmly believe in the tea-bagger's right to speak and demonstrate -- peacefully. BUT YOU KNOW ME, I have some questions ........

1. Did Wal-Mart have a sell on t-shirts with printed messages? Everybody is wearing some type of "statement" t-shirt, which they then cover with buttons, stickers, and lanyards.

2. One of their slogans is "Stop The Insanity!" I thought that cheer/slogan/logo was trade marked by fitness guru Susan Powter! Remember ol' Susan and her Sinead O'Connor bald head?

3. Why is there someone protesting abortion? How do you mix in Obama, Healthcare, and Kanye's apology to Taylor Swift with abortion?

4. From the video, there appeared to be many people that attended this rally in DC. Probably not as many who attended Diana Ross' rained out concert in Central Park, but still enough for there to be a heavy rental bill on Port-O-Potties. Anyway, couldn't the interviewer [who actually is incredible and patient] find at least 10 people who knew what is actually stated in the healthcare proposals? No one seemed to know - and admitted to this! Besides an over-riding "anger" at Obama [and a dismay, I'm sure, that Toby Keith was not performing], what are these people protesting?

5. However, I did like the woman who worked in health care for many years. The reporter should have just interviewed her .. maybe then I could understand what is going on.

6. I think that Nancy Reagan will be greatly, greatly hurt, that all of her hard work on the "Just Say No" Campaign was wasted on these protesters. Why would Nancy feel this way? Because no one knew Ronnie had appointed a Drug Czar! Nancy was pressured into choosing some "cause" during her second term -- she couldn't just lunch with Frank and wear Galanos everyday -- and relunctantly agreed to champion kids away from drugs. Does anyone remember her appearance on DIFFERENT STOKES, when she warned Arnold? Meanwhile, Patti Reagan posed nude for Playboy.

7. As I watched the video one last time, a key phrase became crystal clear, "You know this how?"

Meanwhile, back at the Hall of Justice ........

HAYYYYY!! OK ....... After wrestling with a horrible cough and congestion that made me feel like Loretta Lynn's father in COAL MINER'S DAUGHTER, I finally dropped into one of those "Doc-In-A-Box" at my local grocery store. Turns out that I have bronchitis! No wonder I felt like crap over the weekend, and DID NOT GO TO THE PET SHOP BOYS CONCERT [therefore, no screaming review]. So, since I have thrown down over $185 on antibiotics, I hope to be feeling better soon!

But onto far more pressing matters, namely the 2009 VMA's and Madonna, MJ, Pink, and Lady Ga Ga .. because I could less about Kanye and Taylor [although you know that Beyonce can now about occupy a room at the Vatican with how much people are loving her today]:

MADONNA, MADONNA, MADONNA ......... What was with that speech, what was with that outfit and most importantly, fire whoever touched your hair! While I could not take my eyes off of Mo's hair which made her look bloated, I could not believe her speech! "I failed Micheal, we all failed Micheal. Micheal's childhood. Micheal was the greatest, blah, blah." What is going with this MJ revisionist history?

What really happened? MJ and Madonna went on one date, as well as attended the 1991 Oscars together. He was promoting DANGEROUS [and trying to "straighten his image"], and she was promoting TRUTH OR DARE. After the Oscars, he sat with Miss Ross, she with Warren Beatty. She tried to get her background dancers to change Micheal's look, he wanted her to duet on DANGEROUS. End result? He called her a heifer, she referred to him as a space alien drag queen. 18 years later and she's MJ's BFF.

And before I leave the subject of MJ, when did MTV suddenly become so Micheal friendly? This is the same station that repeatedly made fun of his onstage kiss with Lisa Marie! This is the same station that led MJ to believe that he was receiving some type of "icon" award, when Britney Spears was only calling him onstage so the audience could sing Happy Birthday! That poor alien drag queen gave a 15 minute thank you speech about his career!

PINK, PINK, PINK ........ You sang "Sober." You sang live while performing on a trapeze. Wow.

LADY GAGA, LADY GAGA, LADY GAGA ........ I just do not know what to think of you. If you've read my blog in the past year, you know that I have not been all "GAGA." It just seemed that the House of GAGA was trying a little too hard. But after seeing her theatrical and LIVE [hear that Janet and NitWit Brit, the girl sang LIVE .. and proved she could really sing] performance, I kept thinking that miss hot mess is either the next Grace Jones or Lady Kier Kirby. I'm not totally sold on GAGA, but I might walk through the door.

Meanwhile, back at the Hall of Justice ........

HAYYYYY!! OK ........ I was going to blog about GOP California Assemblyman, Michael Duvall, who resigned today because he was RECORDED [RECORDED YALL!] bragging about his recent affairs with two young female lobbyists. These same lobbyists worked for companies that had governmental contracts - and Mr. Duvall co-chaired the committee that presided over these contracts. Conflict of interest anyone?

And then I was going to blog about THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF ATLANTA, who could not even go on Ellen Degeneres' show without making a fool of themselves. Still, I love me some Kandi, Ne Ne and Kim!

But these two subjects pale in comparison to the politicians of South Carolina!

For those who could care less, we first had Governor Mark Sanford and the visits to his lady love in Argentina. Then lately, we have had Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer, who REALLY, REALLY wants to be Governor. However, there might be a minor problems ........

And then, thanks to Obama's speech to Congress tonight, I have been introduced to "YOU LIE" GOP South Carolina Representative, Joe Wilson. PEOPLE, I was never the biggest fan of George and Laura, and I'm not that crazy about Barack and Michelle [although Michelle has a FANTASTIC eye for fashion], but there are some things you just DO NOT DO when the President is speaking .. and on national television! Did anyone catch Pelosi's reaction? It was pure, "Don't make a black woman take her earrings off!"

Just as a continual side note, remember the individual I WANTED for President is the current Secretary of State!

I have relatives who live in South Carolina, I love, love, love me some Myrtle Beach, but what a hot mess South Carolina has become!

Meanwhile, back at the Hall of Justice ........

HAYYYYY!! OK ........ On September 29th, Madonna will release her "ultimate" [ie .. she's leaving Warner Bros Records to begin her new contract with Live Nation] greatest hits package, CELEBRATION, which contains over 35 [if you buy the "deluxe version" cd] of her top hits. You can listen to Madonna grow from "Holiday" to "Four Minutes."

As I was watching the above commercial for CELEBRATION, I realized how much this woman and her music have been a part of my life, since I was 14 and through present day. So, in the spirit of "celebrating" [you know I had to] my life with Madonna, a few of my September blog entries will reflect on those hot mess moments with Miss M!

SPRING SEMESTER OF MY FRESHMEN YEAR AT CHURCHILL HIGH SCHOOL [SHOUT OUT TO MY FRIEND KRISTI QUINN, WHO STILL LOOKS 16!] - I am sitting in Biology class [bored out of my mind], listening to the girls in front of me talk about the upcoming try outs for the dance and drill teams. Not to be mean, but you know my inner monologue, one of these ladies had no business trying to fit into the drill team's skirt and blouse combo - but that is another story. Anyway, one of the girls mentions that she just loves the new album by Madonna. Loves that it sounds different, thought Madonna was actually black, etc. The seed has been planted, and I eventually receive that first album, creatively called MADONNA, in the summer of '84.

CHRISTMAS MORNING 1985 - Santa thought the DIVA had been good, so I received a VCR, and a copy of Madonna's first concert video, THE VIRGIN TOUR. Loved this show and can still "perform" M's dance steps at the beginning of "Dress You Up." THE VIRGIN TOUR was filmed when "Madonna Mania" was at it's peak. All the teenage girls and queens were trying to copy her bra outerwear / Maripol jewelry look. Little did the teens and queens know that the lady had already left all that behind.

Jump ahead a few years to 1989. Madonna has released MADONNA, LIKE A VIRGIN, and TRUE BLUE [as well as the remix collection, YOU CAN DANCE], but the "mania" is over and upstarts like Janet Jackson, Paula Abdul, Jody Watley and Whitney Houston are aiming to be the next pop princess, while the Material Girl was off performing in David Mamet's SPEED THE PLOW. I remember PEOPLE magazine proclaiming that Paula was bigger than Madonna [as if!]. Was the girl from Detroit washed up?

And then she released, LIKE A PRAYER, and the pop / dance world just was never the same ........



The above video is from M's STICKY AND SWEET TOUR, which I saw in Atlanta. She shows pure genius by remixing the song with Felix's 'Don't You Want!" I remember my boss and I were screaming and singing along when she performed [and sang live - Hello Britney!] this in November 2008.

Part Two to follow!

** PET SHOP BOYS IN CONCERT COUNTDOWN - 6 DAYS!! **

Meanwhile, back at the Hall of Justice ........

HAYYYYY!! OK ........ I have been "under the weather" for the past few days, even left work on Thursday morning since I was feeling a mess. I apparently have this cold / congestion "thing" that is making it's way through Atlanta / Georgia. It starts with the head, then the nose, to the throat and now the cough. At any minute, I expect to hear the theme song for A LOVE STORY, followed by Ali McGraw telling me, "Love means never having to say you're sorry."

Onto other topics ........ I am still LOVING the REAL HOUSEWIVES OF ATLANTA! Since my last post, I have found out that Kim Zolciak actually lives near my condo, and that she shops at my grocery store [this fact is from a neighbor who works at the store and has seen Kim in the produce section]. I am determined to meet this woman. I have joined her Facebook page, etc.

But before you think I've gone all stalker, I did pass up one opportunity on Wednesday night, 9/2, when she made an appearance at Blake's to promote her t-shirts and dance single, "Tardy For The Party!"

I like the fact that Kim is an entrepreneur! She actively updates her website and blog, she is making the talk show circuit, etc. You gotta work it and promote yourself, because nobody else will!

Finally, has anyone seen THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE, and when is it coming to Atlanta?? I have been hearing about this movie all summer long, but I can not find one theatre in Atlanta [or the surrounding suburbs] where it is being shown. Now you know the diva loves himself some high fashion, Anna Wintour and THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA! Besides, the movie is getting great reviews!

** PET SHOP BOYS IN CONCERT COUNTDOWN - 8 DAYS !! **

Meanwhile, back at the Hall of Justice ........

HAYYYYY!! OK ........ A DIVA has returned, and I'm not just talking about my return to blogging, after a short break. No my dear readers, Miss Whitney Houston has returned with her new cd, I LOOK TO YOU!

Now I have to be honest and say that I have not always been a huge fan of Miss Houston. After 30 minutes of her vocal aerobics and sweating from one side of the stage to the other, I was hit hitting the cd changer. I've asked it before, and I'll ask it again, what is with these singers who have to PROVE they have a voice? Yes Miss LaBelle, you can shatter glass, but just sing the song. Miss Ross has never had the greatest range, but at least you knew what she was singing about.

Anyway, back to Whitney, .. I LOOK TO YOU, and I did not expect to like this work. By this cd grows on you .. FAST! "Million Dollar Bill," "Nothing But Love," "A Song For You," "For The Lovers," and the ultimate I-Will-Survive anthem, "I Didn't Know My Own Strength," are songs that I kept on hitting REPEAT. Yes, there are the ballads, but also mid tempo grooves, and with "A Song For You," pure euro disco.

On the negative side, I feel Whitney's enunciation is off, especially with the ballads, "I Look To You," and "I Didn't Know My Own Strength." But this criticism is minor and only for those who are really listening to the words [and those drag queens who you know will start performing "I Didn't Know ...." as their big show stopper!].

Will this album be a success for the Whitney who now has to compete with Beyonce, Christina, and Mariah [whose new album comes out on September 29]? Possibly with her appearances on Good Morning America and Oprah [and Oprah, please do not "chicken out," ....... ask her about Bobby]. However, if she wants to make this album a success like MY LOVE IS YOUR LOVE, **GIRL** you need to release some slamming remixes.

When MY LOVE IS YOUR LOVE was released in 1998, it was met with so-so commercial success. But then Thunderpuss remixed a hot mess out of "It's Not Right, But It's Ok," while Hex Hector remade "Heartbreak Hotel," and faster than you can say, bring it to the runway, Miss Houston had a 4X Platinum album.

Moral of this blog? Damn good work Miss Houston, but you need some hot remixes in order to move to the head of the class!

**PET SHOP BOYS IN CONCERT COUNTDOWN - 11 Days!!**

Meanwhile, back at the Hall of Justice ........

HAYYYYY!! OK ........ I know what you are thinking! How can I obtain the masterpiece of art that I see in the picture above me? I know the suspense will drive you crazy dear readers! So, to be nice, please note that the above "object de art," is a one of a kind, piece of hot mess, that I hope does not destroy my chances of meeting Miss Ross.

Long story short, the Duluth Art Gallery is hosting an auction to bring over a group of French violin players. To support the auction, the gallery has sold wooden violin "cut outs," which they have asked people to decorate and put up for auction [cause you know, one of the "Atlanta Housewives," probably NeNe, will pay top dollar for my "Visions of Diana"].

A few weeks ago, the Divas of Hackberry Court and myself went by the art gallery, and before I knew it, we were buying these cut outs. Of course Miss Gina, Miss Cindy and Miss Diana's violins [which everyone wants to call fiddles] turned out INCREDIBLE, while mine looked like something that states, "a 5th grader could have done a far better job."

Oh well, it is all in the "homage" to Miss Ross, with love from Call Him Miss Ross!

Meanwhile, back at the Hall of Justice ........

HAYYYYY!! OK ........ So sue me, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF ATLANTA!! I never really watched Bravo's other "Housewives" of Orange County, New York and New Jersey, but you give me 4 dueling black divas set in my hometown .. grab me a recliner baby!

My favorite housewife is NeNe! Love the attitude and love how she tries to run out of a restaurant in 5 inch heels. My other fave is newcomer, Kandi, former singer from Xscape. I mean Miss Kandi actually has a songwriting Grammy!

I know that many regard this as trash tv, or at best, a guilty pleasure, but PEOPLE, it is entertainment. So when do I get to run into one of these lovely ladies?

Attention Hackberry girls! I think we should start our own version of the "Housewives" .. The Divas of Hackberry Court!

In other news, I am going through a major Mariah Carey phase. I think this due to a recent podcast from Jonny McGovern which highlighted the upcoming releases from Whitney, Mariah and Madonna. But for whatever reason, I have only been listening to mucho Miss Mariah lately.

My Current Top 9 Favorite Mariah Songs:

1. Last Night A DJ Saved My Life [Glitter Soundtrack]

2. Honey - Classic Mix [The Remixes]

3. Emotions [The #1s]

4. One Sweet Day [The #1s]

5. It's Like That [Emancipation Of Mimi]

6. Heartbreaker Featuring Jay Z [Rainbow] "She loves everything Jay say Jay does!"

7. Touch My Body [E=MC2]

8. Make It Happen [Emotions]

9. When You Believe Featuring Whitney [The #1s]

Meanwhile, back at the Hall of Justice ........

HAYYYYY!! OK ........ As you may or may not have heard, former Republican House Majority Leader, Tom DeLay, has been chosen as a contestant for the next round of DANCING WITH THE STARS! I actually did not believe this was true the first time I read the internet headline. BUT, sure enough, Tom will be going up against Aaron Carter, Donny Osmond, and Kelly Osborne.

I have to offer my congratulations to both ABC on their way of mixing strange company, and DeLay's PR staff for being inventive. BUT PEOPLE!! Tom Delay??

This the same man who was expelled from Baylor University, fought hard to obtain the number of needed votes in order to impeach Clinton, AND STILL BECAME the first congressional leader ever to be indicted. At one time, DeLay was one of the most powerful men in Washington.

And now he is on Dancing With The Stars! I think this is HILL-ARIOUS!! What ABC ?? Sarah was too busy? There is always Levi!

Sooooooo, since I was incredibly amused by this entertainment tidbit, you know I had to share it with the world. Most friends and neighbors had no idea who Tom DeLay was! PEOPLE!! He only stepped down in 2006! No wonder the poor man is desperate for some attention!

Meanwhile, back at the Hall of Justice ........

HAYYYYY!! OK ........ I just finished "watching" THE WATCHMEN. Some interesting concepts, somewhat of a downer, and a few questions and comments come to mind:

**However, please note that I have only seen this film once, and never read the graphic novel.**

1. Why did the "masks" / vigilantes suddenly fall out of favor? They obviously survived the McCarthy era. Why did they have to retire?

2. When I read the wiki article on WATCHMEN, Dr. Manhattan was supposed to be only true hero with "powers." However, why was Ozymandias able to move so fast? Was this due to his incredible brain? Since I have brought up Ozymandias, could the producers have picked a more wooden actor than Matthew Goode? He was just boring to watch, and his never ending speeches ........!

3. Am I the only one who though Silk Spectre's outfit was just stupid? What was the point of this character? Ok, her mother was the first Silk Spectre, and she is connected to the Comedian .. but what is her purpose? And what does Silk Spectre mean anyway?

4. In the "alternate universe, " they have had "masks" for 40+ years, and there are no black, hispanic or asian heroes? Where are the sidekicks? There has to be some type of Owlgirl, who became a crimefighter due to her crush on Nite Owl.

5. Now I did like me some Nite Owl! I liked "Archie," I liked the suit and REALLY liked me some Patrick Wilson! DAMN!! I have to start paying more attention to Mr. Wilson. BUT, BUT, BUT, am I the only one who thought Nite Owl's fur lined cape was just a little too precious?



A HUGE Happy Birthday to my friend Reed, who just happens to share his birthday with MADONNA!

Meanwhile, back at the Hall of Justice ........