UGLY IS AWESOME!

I'm in LOVE with Ugly Betty! This is the best new show since Grey's Anatomy. It's deliciously witty and funny, and I love the way it shows the fashion industry almost poking fun at itself. The fashionable side of Ugly Betty and its soon-to-be-next Sexiest Man Alive co-star Eric Mabius (Betty's womanizing boss Daniel) aren't the typical reasons for which I will NEVER miss an episode. It's Betty. Who knew ugly could be so cute? America Ferrara plays Betty and I first noticed America in the indie flick Real Women Have Curves--she was an unknown then but with CLEAR acting chops. In the NY world of high fashion someone like America in real life, and Betty in fictional life would NOT stand a chance--she is simply too normal--a little overweight, train-wreck dresser, braces and glasses don't help. Thats why she brings such credibility to
her Ugly role. Somehow instead of being caught up in the glossiness of the magazine (MODE) she works for and ga-ga over supermodels and gorgeous co-stars, I find myself rooting for Betty. She arrives in a self-centered, superficial atmosphere as an editor's assistant and finds a way to bring them down to her level, down to real life. The show has ALL entertainment elements, not just one--its funny, sexy, dramatic and even touching. And who knew Vanessa Williams could be so convincing as a conniving, backstabbing co-worker. Although America's Betty is the star, her co-stars are all individually intriguing in their own right making for a tight and successful ensemble cast. So while you may be hooked on Survivor, Smallville, and The Office, if you're not watching Ugly Betty Thursdays at 8 on ABC you're missing out on the most clever show on the TV schedule, plus its produced by Salma Hayek and she pops up on episodes here and there so its fun for a girl AND a boy--at least Tivo or DVR it and give it a shot!

TTYL, HD

2 NIGHTS, 2 GREAT SHOWS

Friday night was WAYV presents Duran Duran, and put simply, they delivered. I was lucky enough to have a repeat meet with the band prior to their show at House of Blues, and it should be no surprise that I was most excited about a reunion with Simon LeBon--I LOVE HIM! We had a photo taken together last year that the WAYV air staff has dubbed the "Simon/Heather Prom Picture" (see 951wayv.com to view). Super-cool Simon was gracious enough to sign my picture "To my prom date 2006", and I thought I would faint. Now on to the IMPORTANT part of the night--the show! Amazing! HOB was packed with Duran fans--and anyone who may have been comp-ed throught the Showboat didn't leave disappointed. It was truely a show for the fans being that the band, now minus Andy Taylor, had no new album to promote. The 4 remaining members never LOOKED better, and Simon's voice never SOUNDED better. Through songs like "Union of the Snake" and "Save A Prayer" I was in pure 80's heaven! If ya missed them this time around, trust me, you don't want to make that mistake again!

Now for Saturday's show--Lionel Richie at Boragta. I've been waiting what feels like just shy of 5 years of my whole life to see this man live. Yay, wish granted! Could there BE a cooler guy on the planet? Ok, well maybe Prince, but even The Purple One would have to tip his hat to Lionel. Richie called this show at Borgata his "test run" for the real world tour he embarks on in 2007. Test away Lionel! We got the best of the best! From the opener "Hello" straight through to his biggest hits with The Commodores, Lionel didn't leave the audience with much to complain about, if anything at all. His voice never wained once, and I believe it sounded as good if not better than studio recordings of the songs he performed. Young, old and what-not, the event center sang almost every line of every song in sync. I think even my boyfriend who is as rock as they come enjoyed the night with one of R&B/Pop's best. Lionel showed why his singing and songwriting has had staying power for almost 30 years. He even played my FAVORITES like "You Are" and "Sail On". Couldn't ask for more, and yes I will be back when HE comes back!

2 HD thumbs up for 2 awesome weekend concerts!

TTYL, Heather