Family Day long weekend

Great Falls, MT - Fast Times, Post-Punk Weirdos and a Tale of Come Home Again

- Reggie Watts

Quote takeaways:

'So far in my life, I'd always been able to develop hacks to deal with all my problems. Clever ways to game the systm, to short-circuit the simultation I was stuck in to make sure the odds were constantly in my favor. It turned me into what I liked to call a "practical optimist." Life would always serve up obstacles, of course - that was the nature of existence. But if you tried hard enough, if you acted smart enough, I believed you could always find a solution. Real life really could be one long summer at a friend's house on the shores of a Montana lake. You simply had to make it happen.
. But my worsening situation with my dad, the alienation I experience in Cleveland, it all made me start to question that faith. What if some problems were too big to solve, too intractable?
What if some barriers were so high you didn't even want to overcome them?'

'But I understood something else too. From here on out, I wouldn't run from the darkness in life. I would embrace it. Reality wasn't all summers by the lake. It wasn't all smiles and positivity. Sometimes there was no good solution. But that was okay.
In fact, it was that darkness that made life more interesting, more compelling.
Darkness, sadness, disillusionment - there was a power to it. A strength that came from simply embracing the role of the outsider.
I had never shied away from being different. If anything, the opposite. But I had typically tried to be the goofball, the entertainer, no matter which clique I was embracing. My new understanding of what it meant to be odd had a depth to it, a thoughtfullness, an openness to fiscord and disharmony. And a growing confidence in myself.
Perhaps in my excitement to try all those different groups at school, I had forgotten just how much I savored being the other - all its shades, light and dark. But now I was ready to finally find my true home in Great Falls High. A real family of friends.
A bunch of weirdos like me.'

'I have no idea. But I do know that I just discovered my two favorite drugs.
Weed and tongue.'

I really love Reggie's musical interludes (like 'She Stands', included in his novel!

'I accept my first recurring role on TV, playing the bandleader of a spoof late-night show called Comedy Bang! Bang!, and a couple years later, in 2015, I'm invited to be the real late-night show. And I'm skeptical, because I hate schedules and I'm excited about pursuing my solo career, but before I know it I'm in Los Angeles sitting in a business meeting across from a guy I just met.
He has blue eyes, dirty-blond hair, and this purs, youthful, innocent face. He's almost cherubic.
"Hey, man," I say. "You want an edible?"
He doesn't even hesitate. "Absolutely. Thank you."
He takes the weed chocolate right out of my hand and plops it in his mouth. And that's when I knoe I'll be moving to LA and working with James Corden on The Late Late Show.

From Reggie's 'Thank You's': Conan O'Brien, thanks for taking a chance on me to open for you on your Legally Prohibited from Being Funny on Television Tour. I loved getting to know you and bonding with you, and I feel like we made history together. You are a good king.
Thanks to Jimmy Fallon for my first big TV appearance. You didn't know what I was gonna do, but you were cool with it, and I'm happy I didn't fail you. And a huge thanks to Toddy Levin for convincing Jimmy's show to take a chance on me.
To James Corden, thank you for trusting your instincts about hiring a Muppet for a bandleader. People were uncertain, but you let me do whatever I wanted to do, so I did, and it all worked out. I'll always remember your incredible generosity.
Special thanks to Ben Winston, the show runner of The Late Late Show for being cool in the presence of madness.
Huge thanks to Karen , my Late Late Show band: Guillermo, for being a dynamic and powerful, jovial, rhythmic force; Hagar, for your incredible musicianship and your uncommon brilliance as one of the best bass players I'll ever play with; Tim, you already know how I feel about you, but just so everybody else knows, you are one of the greatest ever; and Steve Scalfati, for taking a chance on moving from Seattle to LA for an unknown television gig. Your abilities are limitless. Thank you for being a great longime friend.
Last of all, I'd like to give a special shout-out to all the artists out there struggling and striving and thriving through it all. This book is especially for you. I know how it is to put yourself on the line for your work, and that perspective is something I'll always operate from.

Year of the Dragon

Dinner at Moon Palace #AtriumOnTheBay

Shangri’la arvo tea

avec fayewood...

I AM ALL IN #gilmoregirls

Discombobulated

Is how I've woken up and feel like this morning...
It's moving day again (hopefully last in a long time) and I'm feeling very out of my body and super disorganized. MAINLY due to discovering (after leaving home and on my way to work) that I'd forgotten my earrings. Also feeling slightly 'naked', yikes!!!
Let's see how the rest of the day plays out...

Critics Choice Awards

Hosted by Chelsea Handler - sooooo much fun!

Kaley Cuoco & David Pyelowo presents Best Supporting Actress to Da'vine Joy Randolph (The Holdovers)
Angela Bassett presents Best Supporting Actor to Robert Downey Junior (Oppenheimer)
Phil Dunster and Jessica Williams presents Best Supporting Actor/Actress in a Limited Series or Movie made for Television to Jonathan Bailey (Fellow Travelers) and Maria Bello (Beef)
Vanessa Morgan and Giacomo Gianniotti presents Best Supporting Actor/Actress in a Drama Series to Billy Crudup (The Morning Show) and Elizabeth Debicki (The Crown)
Jenny Slate and Ramy Youssef presents Best Actor/Actress in a Comedy Series to Ebon Moss-Bachrach (The Bear) and Meryl Streep (Only Murders in the Building)
Jason Segal presents Best Actress In a Limited Series or Movie made for Television to Ali Wong (Beef)
Natasha Lyonne presents Best Actor In a Limited Series or Movie made for Television to Steven Yeun (Beef)
Margot Robbie presents the 8th Annual 'See Her' Award to America Ferrerra
Bella Ramsey and Anthony Ramos presents Best Song to Ryan Gosling 'I'm Just Ken', Barbie. Accepting on behalf are writers Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt.
Best Cinematography - Hoyte Van Hoytema 'Oppenheimer'
Best Production Design - Sarah Greenwood/Katie Spencer 'Barbie'
Best Foreign Language Film - Anatomy of a Fall
Best Animated Feature - Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
Nicholas Braun presents Best Actress in a Comedy Series to Ayo Edebiri (the Bear)
Ashley Madekwe and Mandy Moore presents Best Actor in a Comedy Series to Jeremy Allen White (The Bear)
Best Original Screenplay - Greta Gerwig/Noah Baumbach 'Barbie'
Best Adapted Screenplay - Cord Jefferson 'American Fiction'
Best Score - Ludwig Goransson 'Oppenheimer'
Best Costume Design - Jacqueline Durran 'Barbie'
Best Comedy - Barbie
David Duchovny & Meg Ryan presents The Best Acting Ensemble to Oppenheimer (Olivia Wilde spoke on behalf)
James Mangold (Director of Indiana Jones the Dial of Destiny) presents the Career Achievement Award to Harrison Ford
Best Movie Made for Television - Quiz Lady
Best Animated Series - Scott Pilgrim Takes Off
Best Foreign Language Series - Lupin
Best Comedy Special - John Mulaney: Baby J
Best Talk Show - Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
Ke Huy Quan presents Best Actress in a Drama Series to Sarah Snook 'Succession'
Gael Garcia Bernal and Carla Gugino present Best Actor in a Drama Series to Kieran Culkin 'Succession'
Sandra Oh and Awkwafina (Quiz Lady) present Best Comedy Series to 'The Bear'
Best Editing - Jennifer Lame 'Oppenheimer'
Best Visual Effects - Oppenheimer
Best Hair and Makeup - Barbie
Best Young Actor/Actress - Dominic Sessa (The Holdovers)
Dan Levy presents Best Drama Series to Succession
Jon Cryer, Donald Faison and Abigal Spencer from 'Extended Family' present Best Limited Series to 'Beef'
Brendan Fraser presents the Best Actress Award to Emma Stone 'Poor Things'
Chelsea Handler presents Best Comedy Award to Margot Robbie & Greta Gerwig 'Barbie'
Oprah Winfrey presents the Best Actor Award to Paul Giamatti 'The Holdovers'
Jon Krasinski presents Best Director Award to Christopher Nolan 'Oppenheimer'
Chelsea Handler closes off the Critics Choice Awards with the Best Picture to 'Oppenheimer'

Ki & BOA

Chicago & Golden Globes

Went to see Chicago with the fam but it was a laaaate night. Actually slept in past 6am (that'a abnormal for me).

Started watching 'Only Murders In The Building' this wknd, saw the first three episodes on CTV...soooo worth it!

Jo Koy did a great job hosting the Golden Globes! Standout moment's include Kieran Culkin's so funny acceptance speech. What was I made for - Barbie - Billie & Finneas Eilish Oconnell

2024 New Year’s

Also catching the 2023 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Sheryl Crow DJ Kool Herc Chaka Khan George Michael The Spinners Kate Bush Musical Excellence - Al Kooper Willie Nelson Link Wray Bernie Taupin Robbie Robertson Rage Against The Machine (Tom Morello-Guitar/Tim Commerford-Bass/Brad Wilk-Drums/ZackDeLaRocha-vocals) Missey Elliot Apppearances by LLCoolJ/Common/Sia/Carrie Underwood-One More Try (George Michael)/Adam Levine-Just Faith (George Michael)/New Edition-I'll Be Around (The Spinners)/Annie Clark(St. Vincent)/Peter Gabriel/Lauren Mayberry(Chvrches)/BigBoi/Dave Matthews/Chris Stapleton with Willie Nelson - Whiskey River/WillieNelson & Sheryl Crow - Crazy/Willie, Sheryl & Chris Stapleton - On The Road Again,Iggy Pop/Slash/Steven Van Zandt/Robbie Robertson/Taylor Hawkins/Jimmy Page/Jeff Beck/Dan Auerbach (The Black Keys)/Jimmy Page-Rumble/Elton John-Tiny Dancer/The Band(+BrittanyHoward)-PutTheLoadRightOnMe/Lars Ulrich(Metallica)/Serj Tankian(SystemOfADown)/IceT/QueenLatifah/

Dick Van Dyke - 98 Years of Magic

From Dec 21, 2023 Jason Alexander - Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Zachary Levi - Mary Poppins/Jolly Holiday Cedric The Entertainer/'Weird Al' Yankovic/Jason Alexander/Mary Steenburgen/Roma Downey/Tichina Arnold/Brad Garrett/Harry Shum Jr. Jane Seymour Skylar Astin & Amanda Kloots - Put On A Happy Face from 'Bye Bye Birdie' Martin Short/Mel Brooks/Jane Lynch/William Shatner/Ken Jeong/Darren Criss/John Lithgow/Billie Eilish/ Amber Riley 'Chim Chim Cher-ree' Harry Shum Jr. - 'Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious' Mary Poppins Tony Danza - Spoonful of Sugar Jojo Siwa/Rita Ora/Beth Behrs/Harry Shum Jr./Zachary Levi/Roma Downey/Tony Danza/Ted Danson/Jason Alexander Mary Poppins - Jolly Holiday Reprise Ted Danson Rita Ora - 'Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious' Mary Poppins David Copperfield Beth Behrs & Tichina Arnold - 'Have Yourself a Very Merry Christmas' Roma Downey Mark Hamill/Stanley Tucci/Jenny McCarthy/Judd Apatow/Craig Robinson/Penn&Teller/Lin-Manuel Miranda Jim Carrey/Zachery Levi/Derek Hough Jojo Siwa - Mary Poppins 'Step In Time' 'Weird Al' Yankovic Carol Burnett Brad Garrett/Ted Danson/ Mark Hamill/Jane Seymour/Skylar Astin/Amanda Kloots/Jason Alexander Dixk Van Dyke sings with The Vantastix Rufus Wainwright - Chitty Chitty Bang Bang 'Hushabye Mountain'

Xmas Day

The Academy of Country Music Honors that celebrated special honorees Clint Black, Kane Brown, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Tim McGraw, K.T. Oslin, Chris Stapleton hosted by Carly Pearce

Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade hosted by Julianne and Derek Hough featuring musical performances (including Chrissy Metz, Smashing Pumpkins and Iam Tongi - who happened to have some very weird unfinished makeup splotches) and celebrity guests

The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration hosted by Derek and Julianne Hough with holiday musical performances by Michael Bolton, Mickey Guyton, Adam Blackston, Audra Day, Chris Janson, Tori Kelly and the likes....which felt like a double dose of Disney

The Byron Allen Grio Awards celebrating black excellence hosted by Sheryl Underwood and Roy Wood Jr., are meant to celebrate achievements across ilm, music, comedy, television, sports, philanthropy, business, fashion, social justice, environmental justice, education.
2023 honorees included Mariah Carey, Don Cheadle, Misty Copeland, Doctor Kizzmekia S Corbett-Helaire, Tamron Hall, Kevin Hart, Steve Harvey, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Eddie Murphy, Al Sharpton and Denzel Washington. Additionally, the ceremony featured performances by Boyz II Men, Jennifer Hudson, Coco Jones, Patti LaBelle, Smokey Robinson and DJ Kiss.
It was so refreshing to watch as it was such a positive and uplifting atmosphere for the culture that Byron outrightly pointed out in his speech near the end of the show. 91st Annual Christmas in Rockefeller Center hosted by Kelly Clarkson with performers including Cher, Darlene Love, Barry Manilow, Keke Palmer, Carly Pearce, Katherine McPhee & David Foster, Chloe Bailey, Radio City Rockettes, Rob Thomas and the tree lighting at the end!

Christmas Eve dins #fam

Jules Bistro Xmas dinner 2023

#JulesBistro #cuzcatchup #xmashangout2023

The Nutcracker @ The Opera House

All in the Family, Maude - Beatrice Arthur - first abortion on tv..., The Jeffersons - first to feature an interracial couple (Lenny Kravitz's mother - Roxie Roker), Good Times - Dynomite', One Day at a Time, Sanford & Sons,

The Wolf and the Lion HBO

Before I start, I'd like to say that despite all the love I have for Mozart and Dreamer, and the magnificent lesson of tolerance that they give us, my heart is still heavy.
Although they love each other like brothers, it's only because as babies they were deprived of their liberty by human beings. They invented a life in spite of everything.
And they managed to be happy in spite of us.
But in the wild, a wolf and a lion have nothing to do with each other. I don't know if I was right or wrong to keep them. I did it because I felt in my heart it was the only way to protect them.
I love them and I want them to be safe, but the truth is my island is never where they should've been in the first place.
So I'd like to dedicate this concert to Mozart and Dreamer. I hope that their example of an unlikely friendship between a canine and a feline will shine like the first snowflake in an azure sky. I hope that their story reminds us to defend all animals' rights to freedom. - Alma

Great Performances: Andrea Boccli

Yaaaassss, caught the Andrea Bocelli show where he performed with the likes of
David Foster, Tony Bennett and Celine Dion!

Your Gilmore Girls Character, According To Your Zodiac Sign

Awwwwww...This was posted a couple of hours TODAY! STILL sooooo RELATABLE!!!

CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22)
Luke: Moody much? While you’re definitely not always as surly as Luke, Cancer, you do share his predilection toward unpredictable mood swings. It’s true — Luke has a tough outer shell just like you, and it takes a lot for him to make himself vulnerable to even his closest friends. You’re both sensitive souls with a nurturing streak a mile long. (How else could Luke take Jess back time and again?)

LEO (JULY 23-AUGUST 22)
Ms. Patty: It’s your world, and we’re just living in it, Leo (er, and Ms. Patty). You’re a natural performer, and there’s no doubt Ms. Patty also knows how to own the stage. You’re both outgoing and creative with a flair for the dramatic, and we’re willing to wager you’d get along famously (while working hard to become famous, of course).

VIRGO (AUGUST 23-SEPTEMBER 22
Emily: We think Emily is probably the most misunderstood character in Gilmore Girls, which we’re sure is something any Virgo can relate to. You’re both perfectionists who know how to throw a killer dinner party, with every last detail thoughtfully curated. You’ve got no time for inefficiency, and while you’re super-sensitive to criticism yourself, you can sometimes be a little judgy of others. But you both more than make up for it with your dedication to working for causes you believe in.

LIBRA (SEPTEMBER 23-OCTOBER 22)
Richard: When it comes to family drama, Richard reigns as the perpetual peacekeeper. From Emily and Lorelai’s constant struggle to understand one another to Rory’s infamous boat incident, Richard has that diplomatic Libra spirit to solve a crisis. You’re both even-keeled, thoughtful people who can see both sides of any story. The Gilmores would be beyond lucky to have you!

SCORPIO (OCTOBER 23-NOVEMBER 21)
Jess: Within the Stars Hollow cosmos, there’s no one more intense than Jess — and the same goes for you, Scorpio. You’re both passionate, complex people who’ve come to appreciate your dark sides. Like you, Jess has incredible emotional depth that fuels a passionate heart. Plus, Jess’s mental/physical/emotional connection to Rory is exactly how you approach your own romantic relationships. Our lives would be so dull without you.

SAGITTARIUS (NOVEMBER 22-DECEMBER 21)
Lane: With a healthy dose of naiveté that everything’s going to be okay, Lane somehow managed to make her less-than-ideal upbringing totally work for her in the end. It’s this same unflappable optimism that guides you through life, Sag. You and Lane are resilient women who thrive on figuring it out with a smile on your face. You also both have a tendency toward obsessing over things you love, whether it’s obscure ’80s punk records or baking the perfect soufflé.

CAPRICORN (DECEMBER 22-JANUARY 19)
Paris: Honestly, can you think of anyone more Capricorn-y than Paris Gellar (except for you, of course)? Whether it’s her laser-like focus on future success or her incredible organizational capacities, Paris totally vibes with your serious commitment to reaching your goals (and constant need to prove yourself). You both crave stability in your life and loyalty from your friends and have put structures in place to ensure you get them, no matter where life takes you.

AQUARIUS (JANUARY 20-FEBRUARY 18)
Lorelai: Emily may have underestimated Lorelai’s free spirit, but we know you totally have her ticket, Aquarius. Whether she’s raising a daughter on her own, going to graduate school, or starting a new business, Lorelai is forever independent, thinking outside the box to make her goals a reality. She’s also got a rebellious streak with an aversion to authority that sounds a lot like someone we both know. Plus, you’re both the kind of people who will say it like it is while still understanding that everyone walks their own path. Where you lead, we’ll totally follow.

PISCES (FEBRUARY 19-MARCH 20)
Dean: Does anyone really know Dean? He’s got that poetic, head-in-the-clouds thing down pat, which sounds a lot like you, Pisces. You’re both dreamers who prefer poetry to playing sports and have a shared illusory quality that makes you a bit of a chameleon, transforming yourself based on your current circumstances. Remember when he just up and got married all of the sudden?! Who knew!

b>ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19)
Logan: Did you know the Life and Death Brigade’s motto, In Omnia Paratus, means “ready for anything”? Of course you did, Aries, because it’s your life’s motto as well. Just as Logan literally leaped into the unknown, you too know how to take major risks and somehow always make them pay off. You’re both independent, strong-willed, action-oriented people who prefer to live boldly, whether that means stealing a boat or running a newspaper (er, but we wouldn’t recommend the former).

TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20)
Sookie: If you could live outdoors, you would, Taurus, precisely the same way Sookie would live in Jackson’s garden if she could. You’re both super-grounded and delight in sensory experiences that connect you back to the earth. Obviously, Sookie is an amazing chef, and you’re known as being the top foodie among your friend group. Life is all about the earthly pleasures for both of you, and you find peace at home, surrounded by creature comforts (and lots of cake).

GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20)
Rory: You’re whip-smart with a mind that moves a mile a minute and an interest (and knowledge) in just about everything, Gemini — and that sounds a lot like our girl Rory. You’re both super-curious beings who derive genuine pleasure out of learning new things on the daily. If you could go to school forever, you’d be happy. And we’re pretty sure Rory would be sitting right beside you.

The 24th Annual Latin Grammy Awards

I'm watching the Latin Grammy Awards and it's so much fun as there's performances by the likes of Shakira, Maluma and Andrea Bocelli...like any awards show with the likes of Karol G and Antonio Bandaras!
The main difference is that the entire show is spoken in Spanish (which I am unfamiliar with)... BUT I have the captions on so that all the words are seen phonetically, which helps tremendously with my French language background!

The main hit is that it's STILL a music show so THAT language speaks the loudest to me!

‘Messiah by George F. Handel’ - Celebrating Dr. Hoon-Mo Kim’s Retirement & last concert 🎵 hurrah! #abbeyites #TheTorontoKoreanCanadianChoir #HandelsMessiah