Where are our priorities?

As 2009 comes to a close, it's time to look back at everything that has happened throughout the year. If I were to ask you what news stories are most prominent in your mind, what would you say? The death of Michael Jackson? Jon and Kate Gosselin losing their show on TLC due to a divorce? Maybe you're an idol fan and remember Adam Lambert's embarrassing showing during the American Music Awards. Celebrities are a big part of our lives and more times than not, their shenanigans, (I mean news stories..ahem) are what we remember most. And according to Barbara Walter's these celebrities, and a few others including Lady Gaga, Tyler Perry, Brett Favre, Sarah Palin, Jenny Sanford, and Glenn Beck make up her list of most fascinating people of 2009.

Wait, what?

OK, so I can probably get on board with about two of those selections but the rest? It begs for the question, where are our priorities? Now don't get me wrong, I understand that Michael Jackson was an icon and that his death personally affected a lot of people, but to label his kids as the most fascinating of this year is beyond my comprehension. Or saying that an androgynous misfit like Lady Gaga is important enough to grace the list, really saddens me. What saddens me even more is that a large number of people are going to take stock into watching this TV special and will most likely love the choices. So again I ask, where are our priorities? When did celebrities become the focus of our lives? And yes, I realize the irony of that question, as I am someone who writes blogs about the entertainment industry for a living, but I take pride in not letting my world revolve around it.

What makes those celebrities more fascinating than the people that risk their lives everyday to save our country? Have you ever heard of Chelsey Sullenberger? I highly doubt it. What if I told you that Chelsey was the pilot who miraculously saved 150 lives when his US airways plane crashed into the Hudson River. To me, that's a man who is fascinating, along with a number of other ordinary people who risk their lives to save others in need.

So do you have your priorities in order? I guess on December 9th when the special airs, we'll know. This is Ashley reminding you that the schnozberries taste like schnozberries. Ashley out.

You know what really grinds my gears...

You know what really grinds my gears? Actors and actresses who think that they look fantastic wearing clothes that are phenomenally hideous. Yes. I'm talking to you Lady Gaga. I'm sorry but nobody, absolutely NOBODY will ever want to wear a coat made from Kermit the Frog stuffed animals. You, are an idiot. And ok, I know she used to star on Baywatch many many many years ago but Pamela, it's generally known by everyone that wearing a towel in public is well, stupid. I guess I really shouldn't be surprised by that one though.

Let's not forget to discuss the wonderfully revolting hair styles that celebrities sport these days. I just witnessed Rhianna wearing a chainmail during her Saturday night live performance. I was just wondering, are you going to a joust afterwards? Will Chris Brown be there? I guess I should be thankful though because her zebra striped locks, and I mean this in the most respectful way, make your eyes bleed. And that my friends, it what really grinds my gears.

This is Ashley reminding you that the schnozberries taste like schnozberries. Stay classy.

My current drug of choice is...

Ok, don't freak out. I'm not hooked on heroin, or coke or anything like that although I will proudly admit that I am engaging in ecstasy. When it hits me it's like a wave of joy that takes me to a world of dreams. My muscles melt and the smile never leaves my face. Yup, I'm addicted all right...

I am addicted to the most wonderful thing in the world. I am addicted to the ecstasy that is GLEE!!! By its very definition, glee is about opening yourself up to joy. Yes I stole that from the show and it's extremely cheesy but I don't care because this is by far the greatest show ever to grace the wonders of television. I mean, what's not to like? When I first saw the pilot back in May I fell head over heels in love. But that love was short lived when I read an article the next day saying that the ratings were not where Fox had hoped they would be. My palms began to sweat, and I panicked as I thought my new favorite show was about to be flushed right down the john. Thankfully however, the big wigs at Fox saw the same spark that I did and picked up Glee for a full fall season.

So let's get down to it. What makes Glee such a fantastic show? Well aside from the fact that the very talented Ryan Murphy is the creator and director (who coincidentally also directs Nip/Tuck, another fave of mine) I honestly think the major appeal to this show is the uplifting feeling that viewers walk away with. I watch this show every week with a friend of mine and to have another person's opinion on the matter, I asked her why she finds the show so addicting. Her answer, "the show is a welcome distraction from all of the negativity that we are exposed to each and every day in our lives. It just makes me happy. Oh, and Mr. Shue is really hot." (Mr. Shue is played by the wonderful Matthew Morrison.) I think my friend has hit the nail right on the head. I mean, yes if we're being realistic here, the show is cheesy. We're talking a huge mountain of cheddar here, but to the million of viewers that tune in every Wednesday, this cheese is a perfect compliment to their crackers.

Now, what kind of blog writer would I be if I didn't bring light to the amazingly talented actors who were lucky enough to be chosen to be a part of this phenomenon? Well I would be a lousy one. Music is probably the largest aspect of Glee and I wish every day with every inch of my being to be able to sing as well as the actors do on this show. Lea Michele, Cory Monteith, Chris Colfer, Dianna Agron, Amber Riley, Kevin Mchale, Jenna Ushkowitz, Mark Salling, and Matthew Morrison, I envy you and love you at the same time. You are all incredible and that is all I will say about that. For those of you who may not watch this show, I encourage you to tune in just once to hear the talent that each and every one of the cast members bring to the table. I guarantee you won't be disappointed. I also have to give props to Jane Lynch, whose comedic timing is brilliant, and the show wouldn't be the same without her. I know I've left some wonderful people out, but my hands are getting tired, so I will just say thank you to everyone for bringing this show to life.

After my very long rant, I think it is clear to see that I am truly addicted. And you know what? I couldn't be happier. This is Ashley reminding you that the schnozberries taste like schnozberries. Thanks for listening.

The Schnozberries taste like Schnozberries

Last night, while laying with my husband, it was encouraged that I start a blog to free all of the crazy thoughts that exist within my mind. So here I am, for your viewing pleasure. Take it or leave it, the choice is completely up to you. But if you decide that you like licking the wallpaper and discovering the taste of schnozberries, then welcome to my world.

Let me first start by saying that this blog will be covering something that I love and hate at the same time. Movies, television, music...it all falls under one category. Yes that's right, it's the entertainment industry that is my guilty pleasure. I went to school to study this industry and since I'm still without a job (a bad choice in hindsight maybe?) I've decided to live vicariously through the lives of those that experience it. Oh, and what wonderful lives they are, full of sniveling, lying, cheating, and all that is "Hollywood." But don't worry, there will be some good stuff thrown in there too, because believe it or not, I really do love this industry in all its glory.

As a fair warning to all you readers out there I want to let you know that there will be no sugar-coating here, just the cold hard truth. Or at least the truths that I deem worthy enough to be dissected. So feel free to chime in whenever you agree, or disagree, both are greatly encouraged. But above all, always remember that as insane as it may seem, the schnozberries taste like schnozberries.