Happy Memorial Day, ya bums!
Cynthia McMullen
May 26, 2008 12:51 PM
Yeah, I’m working. My brother Matt just called from northeastern Ohio to let me know the whole family’s up there today (except me, obviously). Then he proceeded to list, in excruciating detail, everything on the cookout menu. My sister-in-law Karla outdid herself, he said.
Sounds like it. And here I sit, at nearly 2 p.m., nursing a Coke from the machine and doing research for my next story.
It could be worse, I guess. I could be outside picnicking and a thunderstorm could come up. Or I could be outside taking a walk and step on a red-ant hill. Here’s hoping it’s warm and breezy and ant-free wherever you’re 
celebrating today.
I caught “The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian” Saturday night. Too much fighting for my taste—on the other hand, as I told my friends in our movie post-mortem, at least they were mostly interesting fights. The scenery couldn’t have been more gorgeous, so we stayed for credits to see where it was filmed ... the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovenia and New Zealand, if I remember correctly. So who knows where specific scenes were shot? (Well, I guess the people who live there know!) But still, there were some breathtaking views. Narnia should look so good!
<<< Ben Barnes (Prince Caspian) and Anna Popplewell (Susan) at the world premiere of the film in New York.
We also visited Cielito Lindo on Forest Hill Avenue—hadn’t been there in a while, but the vegetarian (spinach and mushroom) quesadilla was as excellent as ever.
Which reminds me ... I really need to go out and forage for some lunch. BTW, If you haven’t seen “Narnia,” 
there’s still time. It raked in $56.6 million its first weekend, so it’ll be around for a bit (even if that was less than the $65.6 million the first “Narnia” made its debut weekend in 2005).
The most profitable “Indy” movie ever? >>>
“Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull”—no surprise—took in an estimated $101 million at the box office this weekend (and “Narnia,” another $23 million). Personal reviews I’ve heard are mixed—but c’mon, ya gotta see Indy, right? Even if the lovely Harrison Ford is, finally, starting to show his age?
P.S. One good thing about working on a holiday—all downtown Richmond employees will appreciate this—NO METER PEOPLE!!! We are free to come and go as we like without worrying about receiving one of those $20 parking tickets that so effectively keep more visitors from venturing out of the ‘burbs.
Weekend foodie
Cynthia McMullen
May 19, 2008 10:25 AM
So my friend Regina visited this weekend. Regina and I have been buds since eighth grade but haven’t lived in the same city since 10th grade. It’s one of those friendships, though, where you can go a year without corresponding—but the next time you meet, it’s like you saw each other yesterday.
Regina and her family now live in Springfield. But luckily for me, Regina loves Richmond. Seriously, she 
could be a whole “You go, Richmond!” campaign in and of herself. That’s part of the reason it’s so much fun when she visits. She’s always ready to try the latest restaurant, cruise a new neighborhood or check out the trendy shopping areas.
Considering she was only here for about 27 hours, we outdid ourselves this weekend. I introduced her to Common Groundz, The Phoenician and Cafe Rustica. Score! She loved all three.
Common Groundz (above)—coffeehouse at Broad and Boulevard with VCU vibe, great sandwiches and fabulous Zuppa soups. The Phoenician (below)—near West End remake of La 
Casita with great Lebanese fare (love the olives, pita bread and yogurt cheese that appears as soon as you sit down), plus we got the best seats in the house, what with the “floofy” pillows and all. Cafe Rustica—downtown Main Street post-church Sunday brunch, where the savory bread pudding was only improved by the addition of maple syrup (who knew?!). Excellent omelets and bread. Plus, it’s just so darned jazzy with all the dark wood and European touches.
We planned to drop in on Broad Appetit yesterday afternoon, but the rain and dearth of parking interfered. Parking was more of a problem than it ordinarily would be on a Sunday because Theatre IV’s “Peter Pan” matinee was going on simultaneously. Managing director Phil Whiteway and artistic director Bruce Miller were actually out on Marshall Street trying to help theater patrons find parking. Bruce said they’d managed to find about 200 parking spaces—but the theater seats more than 500!
Of course, that’s a good problem to have. It’s always great to see downtown busy even if people have to walk a few blocks to get where they’re going. And the rain did fizzle out after a bit.
On Saturday afternoon, we went to Stony Point, visiting my friend Susan at Sak’s Fifth Avenue, checking out 
Anthropologie (one of my favorite drop-in shops) and spending some quality time on the benches outside, soaking up the amazing weather and doing some serious people- and dog-watching.
As Regina noted, many of the Stony Point Fashion Park pooches arrived in pairs. They ranged the canine spectrum, from Yorkies (one of which was a championship dog) to a Dalmatian (mixed) to fluffy white things I couldn’t possibly ID. But boy, were they cute.
I left the mall with one burning question: How—and WHY—do women shop in stilettos? Especially on brick pavements? Inquiring minds ...
At any rate, it was a fine Richmond weekend, made better by the presence of a really good friend.
Britney. Must. Be. Stopped.
Cynthia McMullen
May 14, 2008 6:16 PM
So Britney ran into another innocent driver—again—yesterday. Her Mercedes Benz coupe rear-ended a Ford 
Explorer in Beverly Hills. My guess—since she didn’t have a child in her lap—is that she was reaching for her 27th Starbucks of the day and just did not notice that pesky 2 tons’ worth of metal in front of her.
Or ... and here’s a theory worth investigating ... did she hit Drew Barrymore? I would’ve jumped on that one—made sense to me—except Drew was hit from behind on Monday. Of course, it still could’ve been Ms. Spears. That one gets around.
Seriously, somebody needs to take her driver’s license and grind it into tiny pieces, impound her car and put a lock on her front door till she gets some sense. Sure, I feel bad for Britney. She needs help. But does that make it OK to put others’ lives in danger?
Ooh, ooh, this just in!
Cynthia McMullen
May 13, 2008 4:48 PM
Forget what I said in the previous entry, Shayne Lamas’ career is clearly burgeoning.
This just in from Santa Monica, Calif.:
“Newly engaged actress Shayne Lamas, who was selected over 24 other girls for a marriage proposal by Matt Grant in the season finale of ABC TV’s popular ‘The Bachelor’ series, has chosen the Girls Gone Wild Magazine for her national print debut.
“Shayne says she decided to pose for Girls Gone Wild because ‘To me, Girls Gone Wild is about fun and freedom. It’s a way for a girl to express confidence in herself.’ The magazine contains no nudity.”
I’m more nonplussed by that last statement than I am about Shayne’s posing for the mag. How can it be Girls Gone Wild sans naked women? Do they paste those rectangular blocks—the one you see in the TV commercials—over each and every girly part?
Oh, wait, here you go: “Each issue of the magazine comes packaged with an exclusive, uncensored Girls Gone Wild DVD.” So I guess the magazine is just an entree to the vids.
Shayne is even classier than I thought. We can only hope Matt Grant agrees.
Matt, oh, Matt, what were you thinking?
Cynthia McMullen
May 13, 2008 4:28 PM
I watched the finale of “The Bachelor” last night. Yes, I admit it. Mock, if you will.
What can I say, I’m a romantic at heart. As little chance as true love has in this artificial world where bachelor-meets-25-lovely-ladies-whittles-them-down-to-one-and-lives-happily-(ha!)-forever-after, hope springs eternal for me. But c’mon, Matt, what were you thinking?
In this edition of the ABC show, global financier Matt Grant of London, 27, comes to America to find himself a 
bride. After weeks of painful and so-not-dramatic rose ceremonies, he pops the question on bended knee. And wouldn’t ya know it, 22-year-old Shayne Lamas of Malibu, Calif.—whose initial appearance even forces Matt’s big bro, Simon, to comment on her ever-so-bleached-blondness—ends up with the hunka-hunka diamond engagement ring.
Shayne, according to Shayne, is an actress. She is not there, she says, to enhance her career, despite papa Lorenzo Lamas’ comment to the contrary: “I think it was the idea of being on television that was very enticing to her.”
What acting career, you say? Yeah, I was curious, too, never having heard of her. Here’s what I found, courtesy of http://www.imdb.com: Shayne has appeared in two episodes of “Air America,” 18 episodes of “General Hospital” and three films I’m pretty sure you never heard of: “Endless Bummer” (in which she plays the no-doubt pivotal role of Red Bikini Girl), which apparently has been released but who knows where; “The 13th Alley,” somewhere between completion and release; and “Deep in the Valley,” in post-production.
You know the latter is Oscar-bound. It also stars one of the interchangeable Kardashian brood and, just to sweeten the pot, Tracy Morgan.
Matt, Matt, Matt. I’d like to think this is going somewhere – despite the best attempts of reality TV, I’m still that romantic at heart – but c’mon, let’s not kid ourselves. Your chances of marrying Shayne might not be quite as bad as 300-to-1, as one handicapper is predicting. But I’m guessing they’re slim.
So enjoy your little American tartlet while you can – sorry, make that little American “monkey.” (Yes, he DID propose this way: “Monkey, will you marry me?” Which might be the biggest reason of all that the relationship is most likely doomeddoomeddoomed.)
A new season of “The Bachelorette” premieres next week. Having just come off “The Bachelor,” I might have to skip it. Sometimes you just have to say no.
P.S. A reader asks what I mean by “hunka-hunka diamond engagement ring. I responded, but the e-mail was returned as undeliverable. So if you happen ever to see this again, Modna17, I just meant a big ring, a really nice ring. It’s a possibly obscure reference to lyrics from the Elvis song: “hunka hunka burnin’ love.” I think the song is titled “Burning Love.” Or maybe “Burnin’ Love.” Thanks for writing!
It’s been a busy week at Lake Wobegone …
Cynthia McMullen
May 09, 2008 9:16 PM
Oops. Wrong writer, right sentiment.
Speaking of Garrison Keillor (of “Prairie Home Companion” fame, pictured at right), I see he’s coming to University of Richmond for the Modlin Center’s 2008-09 season. Keillor’s been getting a little too political for my taste—I prefer the homespun tales he weaves and his alter ego, Guy Noir—but he still should sell out.
Also heading for UR: my friend Susan’s favorite writer, David Sedaris (aka Amy Sedaris’ big bro). Susan used to read from her latest D. Sedaris book at work and laugh and laugh and laugh and laugh. She can’t wait for his sixth collection of essays—I know, essays sound boring, but his are not—“When You Are Engulfed in Flames.” It’s due out in June.
I’m looking forward—if I can swing it on a Wednesday night—to 1964 The Tribute at Innsbrook May 28 (oh, yeah, I’m a Beatles fan 
all the way).
Originally it was paired with Smash Mouth, whom I would have loved to see, as well. Historically, I’m too cheap to buy singles, but when “Walkin’ On the Sun” came out—in what? 1998? 1999? (Egad!)—I ran right out and snapped one up for a summer of car-tuning.
I was never sure where the name Smash Mouth came from. Here’s an explanation from the band itself, courtesy of http://www.smashmouth.com: Original Smash Mouth drummer Kevin Coleman borrowed the name from former Chicago Bears’ coach Mike Ditka, who coined the term “Smash Mouth Football” to describe a particularly vicious “no mercy"style of the American game. Coleman originally wanted to name the band “Smash Mouth au GoGo,” but this was quickly vetoed by the rest of the guys, who shortened the name and the rest is history.
I kind of like the sound of Smash Mouth au GoGo!
P.S. I’m an equal employment site-seer: You can find out more about 1964 The Tribute at http://www.1964thetribute.com. I know it’s a cover band—and also covering The. Best. Band. Ever. But seriously, folks, The Tribute does an excellent job. They have a great sound. If you close your eyes (if you’re like me, at least, and never heard the Beatles live), you will be impressed.
Weekend warrior?
Cynthia McMullen
May 05, 2008 12:59 PM
Not exactly. But I did have enough plans to keep me from having time to trim my Bradford pear tree. (Poor tree, I’ll be home soon!)
Here’s some of what I learned in my wanderings:
A. First Fridays Artwalk is still going strong. As always, it’s lovely to see people—all ages, all stages—out and about on the streets of downtown Richmond. I had my first listen to the Happy Lucky Combo and got my first look at the Artwalk’s new market (in a parking lot next to 1708 Gallery). A great addition to the proceedings, it offered fresh eggs, kale, carrots, lettuce ... just the thing to pick up when you’re out perusing art but thinking omelets and salad.
B. I’ve only been to Black Finn once— and that was for a sad occasion— so I’m probably not the best judge of what it has to offer. But my hairdresser, Deborah, hangs out at the Shockoe Bottom restaurant and bar on weekends. So it has to be a happenin’ place.
C. My friend Lisa’s husband prefers NASCAR to Shakespeare. Who’d-a thunk it? But Olaf’s preference for strong odors and headgear paved the way for me to attend Richmond Shakespeare’s annual Bard Bash. Artistic director Grant Mudge unveiled the company’s new eight-minute promotional film (nicely done!), which emphasizes the importance of making Shakespeare accessible, even to young’uns. Especially to young’uns. (The educational component is headed up by the enthusiastic Cynde Liffick). Bobbie Barajas—you know, from WCVE-FM?—hosted the event; it was fun to meet the woman behind the voice.
D. Even Patrick Dempsey has his off days. I know, I can hear the screaming from here. But seriously, even 
McDreamy has trouble pulling off hefty, wavy bangs when they obscure his beautiful forehead and detract from those lovely blue eyes. *Sigh.* Still, it was fun to see him take one fall after another—except the final fall, which proved one fall too many—in “Made of Honor.”
<<<< Dempsey with good hair
E. West Tower is my third favorite cinema (Byrd Theatre first, Westhampton second)—mainly because it doesn’t have 25 screens the size of your Uncle Ned’s big-screen TV and you don’t have to wait in a line
that snakes around the lobby three times. That said, the building could use a good airing. As soon as we walked in, I got a strong whiff of eau de stale popcorn. Hmm, maybe a few appropriately placed air fresheners would help.
F. Zorba’s (Greek and Italian restaurant) at Tuckernuck Square still has some of the best rolls in town. And its hummus appetizer makes for a great meal.
G. This was PetSmart’s National Adoption Weekend. I have two cats who pretty much take up every square inch of my house—but if I had room, I know I could’ve found the perfect canine. PetSmart’s Short Pump location was finding new homes for some gorgeous doggy-dogs this weekend. To them all, I say, “Happy tails to you!”
This dog was not at PetSmart, but I like his looks. He won first place in a canine fashion show in Manila, Philippines, last week. >>>>
Think locally, vote globally
Cynthia McMullen
April 30, 2008 8:15 PM
Last June, Richmond artist Noah Scalin came up with an, er, different idea: create a skull design for each of the next 365 days. (Or 366, possibly, given the Leap Year.) The result? http://www.skulladay.com
Now Noah’s Web site has been nominated for a Webby Award. The Webbys, dubbed by The New York Times as the 
Oscars of the Internet, attracted 10,000 entries from over 60 countries this year. Not bad.
At any rate, Skull-a-Day was one of five noms in the best personal Web site category. Winners will be announced on Tuesday. In the meantime, if you’re interested, check it out. Who knew you could find inspiration for skulls in so many media?
Or you can be part of the Webby People’s Voice Awards—a separate award, one per category—by voting for your favorites at http://pv.webbyawards.com—but do it soon, the deadline is tomorrow (May 1).
I scream, you scream, we all scream …
Cynthia McMullen
April 29, 2008 8:08 PM
... for ice cream! But we don’t always get it.
Who knew it was Ben & Jerry’s 30th anniversary? Not me. But my friend Katherine did, so she hightailed it to Carytown this afternoon to get a scoop on the action.
“The action,” in this case, being a free ice cream cone. Turns out B&J, community-oriented fellas that they are, 
give out free ice cream every year around their anniversary. This year, it was today.
Only problem, Katherine reports, is that the line at the shop, 2901 W. Cary St., went clear down the block.
Katherine might not have had time to wait for her free frozen treat, but—on behalf of the 3,200 people who did—thanks, Ben and Jerry!
And thanks to the worker bees still cleaning up tonight, nearly an hour and a half after closing. Since the Carytown location just opened in September, this was its first free-cone day. From all indications, it was a sweet success.
Note: The photo above is from the week Carytown B&J’s opened—you know, when people were still discovering it existed—not from the madhouse that was today.
Speaking of the dreaded Jason (ha! hair humor!)
Cynthia McMullen
April 25, 2008 8:27 PM
You know, I thought Jason Ca-"rasta"-ro (apologies to Bob Marley!) was pretty cute when the new season 
of “American Idol” began. Big smile, baby blues, cool hair, etc.
Now, for my money, he just looks kinda vacant. Forget how he sounds, I’m being superficial.
Sad when that happens, though—a possible up-and-comer is visually mesmerizing, and then he’s not much more than a yawn.
Same thing happened with Ace Young on TSOE (The Season of Elliott). Here was this really good-looking dude—then a few weeks in, I had a hard time looking my TV in the eye when Ace was making love to the camera. I began to cringe every time he tossed his head so the hair would fall just so.
I got over Ace about a week before my 15-year-old niece “dropped” him, too. She tried to hang on but just couldn’t deal.
Well, folks, I’m here to tell you I wuz WRONG. Sometimes ... sometimes ... TV lies. You’d think people would look their best, all dolled up for the camera. But sometimes all that makeup and hype does them a disservice.
How do I know? I met Ace Young at Claudette Yamin’s funeral. OK, he did have that going for him—he was nice enough to fly up from Atlanta in support of his friend—but I’m going with the superficial again.
In person, up close, Ace Young is one hot fella. Seriously. We met only because he was standing in the parking lot, talking to a couple of people, and I had to walk by him to get to my car. I was going to walk on by, but the journalist in me just couldn’t stand it. I stopped and told him I worked at a local newspaper.
Oh, sure, he whipped his shades off so fast, I’m surprised he didn’t get whiplash. But my gosh, was it ever worth 
the view. The man has such beautiful eyes—tell me if I’m gushing here—with little gold specks in them, and it was ALL I could do not to stare.
He’s also built—but you knew that—and his hair looked much better (even cleaner) in person. It’s a good thing I’m so old because I’m telling you it was all I could do not to ... well, you get my drift. Ace Young is one extremely attractive man.
In case you don’t remember Ace, I’m dropping in a photo for reference. It doesn’t do the man justice, though. I couldn’t find one that did.
After shoving my eyes back in their sockets, I asked what he was working on. He mentioned several projects, including his first single, “Addicted,” which came out last week, and his album, “Ace Young,” due for a July 15 release. He also mentioned having been at the Grammys, presumably hanging with Daughtry, with whom he co-wrote best rock song nominee “It’s Not Over.” Then he most politely excused himself because he had to head for the graveside service.
Long live Claudette, by the way. 
Loved it when Elliott gave her a handwritten shout-out (literally!) when he recently performed on “Idol.”
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