Looks like we have A Cleavage Controversy as Katy Perry’s boobs have been banned from Sesame Street.  In case you haven’t heard, Katy Perry was supposed to appear on the PBS show performing a kid-friendly version of her song Hot N Cold.  Well, that’s not going to happen after outraged parents complained about Katy’s choice of attire saying that her dress revealed too much cleavage.   Some parents even said their children were allegedly sexually aroused.   Hmmm, that is a moment that makes me happy I don’t have any kids.

Well, message boards all over the internet are jammed with differing opinions about The Great Cleavage Controversy, so I thought I would add my two cents.  First, let me say that I think the video is really cute, and Katy definitely has a personality that I think appeals to kids.  She comes off really sweet and fun, and teamed with Elmo, it’s a great combination.   While I do think that this would have affected parents more than the kids actually watching it,  I really do wish she would have covered up a little more.  I don’t consider myself a prude by any stretch of the imagination, but I have to say that for a family show, I think she could have chosen something a little less revealing.  I wish I had reasons a, b, and c to give you as to why, but I have to say that it’s just a gut feeling that I have about the situation.

The closest thing I can equate it to is going to a kids birthday party and there’s one parent who shows up with something a little too revealing.  No kid is going to be traumatized, and they’re going to care more about the cake and the clown, but for the occasion, it’s just not appropriate.

I’m not sure how Katy is feeling about the whole issue, but I’m hoping that she gets to re-shoot the video and that it will run on the show because it is really cute.

Just my humble opinion…Pebbles

What do you think about The Great Cleavage Controversy?  Do you think the whole thing is overblown, or that Katy should have covered up?  If you have kids, does it bother you?  Let me know by leaving a comment!  Thanks!

* Remember, your email address is never posted, just your name and comment.

I’ll be honest.  I’m in the minority when it comes to Lady Gaga.  I’m not a big fan of her music, and I don’t think that her crazy costumes are fashion.  I pretty much think of her as a woman with a great voice who knows that it was going to take a serious gimmick for her to become the success she is today.  But yesterday, I realized that I have a newfound respect for Lady Gaga after her appearance in Maine to push for the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” the current policy banning open gays in the military. In case you haven’t seen the footage of her speech, here it is…

Based on what I’ve seen on some message boards, she’s taking a lot of crap for putting herself out there.   A lot of people think that she, and other celebrities, should just do what they do and shut up about politics.   I for one, think that what she did was great.  I like to see what celebrities have to offer besides what they’re known for, as long as it’s genuine and not just another part of their publicity machine.  I believe Lady Gaga truly believes in what she is supporting and is not just doing it to satisfy a certain population of her fan base.

So today, I just wanted to acknowledge Lady Gaga for taking a stand for something she is passionate about.  I applaud her and other celebrities who lend their voices and time, and not just their money to the causes they believe in.  People like:  Oprah, Angelina Jolie, Alicia Keys, Will.i.am,  Ian Somerhalder,  Eva Longoria-Parker, Elton John,  Sandra Bullock and the many, many more who do great things for people who are discriminated against or can’t speak for themselves.

Just my humble opinion…Pebbles

What do you think about celebrities who speak out about the causes they believe in, or get involved in politics?  Do you want them to just sing, act, play sports or whatever it is they do?  Or do you like to hear them getting involved.  Leave me a comment.  I would love to hear what you have to say.

One of the major bonuses of my job is getting to see movies before they hit theaters.  It’s an even bigger bonus when I get to go to the Red Carpet Premiere!  Last night I was able to see Ben Affleck’s new movie The Town.  The movie was shot in Boston and Ben (of course we’re on a first-name basis) did it up in style and had the screening at Fenway Park!  It was an amazing experience and I even got to interview some of the stars of the movie!

Interviews in the video (in order) Boston Hip Hop Artist Slaine, Prince of Thieves author Chuck Hogan (The Town is based on it), Mad Men star Jon Hamm, Gossip Girl star Penn Badgley (there to support his girlfriend Blake Lively), and Ben Affleck. By the way, you’ll get to see me completely lose every thought in my mind interviewing Jon Hamm. He was so hot, I just totally forgot what I wanted to say! LOL

The movie was so good!  And this is coming from someone who watches mostly “chick flicks.”  I did have to turn away during some of the fights and shootings, but it had some great action, car chases, and the acting is amazing!  Jeremy Renner (The Hurt Locker) put in a particularly great performance that even had we Bostonian’s believing he was one of us! I am also extremely happy for Ben Affleck.  It’s so nice to see  him moving on to this next stage in his career as a director/actor/screenwriter, and I look forward to seeing what the future holds for him!

Two thumbs up for The Town!  Here’s the trailer in case you haven’t seen it.

Just my humble opinion…Pebbles

Will you be going to see The Town?  I would love to hear from you after you do.  Be sure to come back and leave me a comment!

Today was the first episode of Oprah’s Farewell Season.  I have been an Oprah fan for as long as I can remember, and even though I’ve watched off and on for the past few years, I feel the need to watch as many episodes of this season as I can.  I feel that I need to be a part of the remembrance and the celebration.

I was having a discussion with two guys today…yes guys…about how Oprah Winfrey became OPRAH.   We talked about how she started from nothing, had to endure being raped by a family member, overcame insurmountable obstacles, and went on to become the brand/empire/mogul/phenomenon that she is today.  How did she do it?  My simple answer was that she was able to connect with women on a level that no one had done before her, and may never do again.

John Travolta, voted Oprah’s all-time favorite guest, was on the premiere episode and they showed a clip of him toasting her on her 50th birthday.  This was his toast…

“To the most wonderful person in the world, Oprah Winfrey, our friend. And it’s not just because you went out of your way to make sure that 50,000 underprivileged children in South Africa had their first Christmas gift or that you want to put schools throughout that country, but also because you inject the spirit into our society of life. You care. Your intelligence, your inspiration, and you do it all without judging, and because you treat everyone equally important, and this makes you a great American hero. You represent the best of our country and what’s possible in our country. But, more importantly, you are a citizen of the world, and you are a hero to mankind. So we are better for knowing you, Oprah. We are. And to boot, you are beautiful. You are sexy. You’re talented, and we love you so much we can’t take it.”

These words are what make Oprah so special. They are the reason we will buy anything she tells us to.  Why we will listen to her advice.  Why we will read what she recommends.  Why we were inspired to be “angels” to people we do not know.  And why we will follow her over to her OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network) when this season is over.

If today’s episode was any indication of what’s in store for the season, we don’t want to miss a thing.  In addition to John Travolta bringing Oprah out, 300 of her biggest fans were in the audience, Don Johnson stopped by to explain not being able to be on her very first show in 1986, six best friends from Massachusetts on an Oprah-sponsored road trip were driven LIVE (surprise!) onto the set of the show, and oh yeah, she gave every member of the studio audience an all-expense paid trip to Oprah’s Ultimate Australian Adventure!

Even though I know she’s not going away forever, I’m excited for this season.  Not just because of the guests and the advice and the giveaways, but because it’s going to be nice to see Oprah surprised by her staff.  She deserves so much for all that she’s given us, and it’s going to be nice to see all the great things she’s going to be given back.

Just my humble opinion…Pebbles

How has Oprah affected you?  Do you have a favorite Oprah moment?  A favorite guest?  Or are you someone who never understood the hype?  I would love to hear from you.  Leave me a comment!

Ahhhh…Fall.  There’s the nip in the air, the smell of fresh apples, the beautiful fall foliage, and the best part of all…Fall TV!  I have to admit I get a little too excited when this time of year comes around, and yes, I know I have a problem.  I watch WAY too much television!  That said, I thought I would share my personal Fall TV Lineup with you.  While other people spend their time planning Fantasy Football teams, I spend mine figuring out what shows I’m going to be watching or DVR’ing.  I do like football, but I really only watch my Patriots, so TV-watching is my sport of choice.  I have to figure out which shows from last season will make it back in the rotation, who’s getting cut this season, and which new recruits are worthy of making this season’s team.  So without futher adieu, I present to you, the starting lineup of the Pebbles 2010 Television Watching Season!

Monday Night

8pm – House (Fox) – How can you not love someone as wickedly brilliant as House?  Can’t wait to see what happens with Cuddy!

9pm – Gossip Girl (CW) – Yes, you will see that some of my show selections will have you thinking I’m actually a teenage girl.  Why do I love it so much?  Chuck and Blair!

Tuesday Night

8pm – The Biggest Loser (NBC) – I love Bob.  Jillian makes me crazy.  And I usually watch lying on the couch eating snacks.  Is there any other way?

9pm – Life Unexpected (CW) – One of the new shows I started watching last year.  I was so afraid it was going to get cancelled, but it didn’t!  Love the cast and bad boy Baze is a hottie!

10pm – The Good Wife (CBS) – Julianna Marguilles is amazing and this was another new show I added last year.  She plays a politician’s wife who gets cheated on.  Yeah, we’ve heard it all before, but the storylines and the acting are amazing.

Wednesday Night

8pm – Undercovers NEW (NBC) – One of the few new shows I’m going to give a shot.  I’m not really into spy shows, but Boris Kodjoe’s hotness is definitely worth a look.

9pm – Modern Family (ABC) – I never officially added this show to the rotation last year even though every time I saw it, I was laughing hysterically.  This year, it’s definitely in!

9:30pm – Cougar Town (ABC) – If you’re not watching because you think it’s just about older women going after younger guys, you will be missing out!  This is a VERY funny show with a phenomenal cast!  Give it a try.

10pm – Law & Order: SVU (NBC) – The only one in the L & O franchise I really got into.  Mariska Hargitay rocks!  Love her!

Thursday Night

8pm – Vampire Diaries (CW) – Yes I am one of those “vampire people.”  I’m a Twilight girl…love True Blood…and The Vampire Diaries is great as well.

9pm – Grey’s Anatomy (ABC) – If I could only watch one show on television, this would be it!  Grey’s had the most intense finale last season and I can’t wait to see what happens this year at Seattle Grace!

10pm – Private Practice (ABC) – This show just barely made the cut, but I love Addison so much that I have to find out if she finally gets her happy ending.

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights will be spent watching the shows I didn’t get to actually watch live because I had to go to bed early.  I do have to get up at 4am!  Thank God for DVR!

I also have to note that I’m a HUGE Top Chef fan so I’ll have to check out the new spinoff, Just Desserts.  I will also be watching Oprah’s Farewell Season, and her protege Nate Berkus’ new talk show.  I just adore him!

That’s my Fantasy TV Schedule.  What’s yours?  I would love to hear what your favorite shows are.  Leave me a comment and let me know!

Just my humble opinion…Pebbles