LOVELIST | March...

Drastic times call for Drag-tastic measures!  We need Ru and company now more than ever!  It’s hard to believe that this once humble groundbreaking show, (clearly put together on a shoestring budget ... cummon Vaseline lens!) just started it’s 9th season on a new night, on a new network. This year I’ve been attending a viewing party at Club JAM, which has been a fun way to watch a new batch of 13 14 kitty girls battle out for that crown.  Gentlemen start your engines, and may the best woman win!

What’s better that seeing a Ru-Girl perform live... oh how about having two of them join forces for one killer show, that's what!  Laila McQueen and Thorgy Thor mopped the stage and gave the children life.  Plus, my friends and I got the best Meet and Greet photo ever snapped. O-fficially!  And that’s the T.

Kedi is a film about the hundreds of thousands of cats who have roamed the metropolis of Istanbul freely for thousands of years; Wandering in and out of people's lives, impacting them in ways only an animal who lives between the worlds of the wild and the tamed can. Felines roam the city, free, without a human master. Some fend for themselves, scavenging from dumpsters, living in abandoned buildings, others are cared for by communities of people, pampered with the best cat food and given shelter for the cold months. Cats have been a part of the city for thousands of years, and so, everyone who has lived in Istanbul has a story about a cat.  We all know I'm a kitty lover, so this beautiful sweet documentary was right up my alley. Two big paws up! 

All is not what it seems in this HBO mini-series set in an idyllic seaside California town, where success, affluence and privilege are slowly but surely undone by secrets, rivalries, deception and murder.  I binged through this entire show in a couple days.  The acting: Superb. (Give them all the Emmys now!)  The cinematography is stunning.  The soundtrack is perfection.  I'm not lying when I say I'm obsessed with Big Little Lies.

 Tale as old as time, song as old as rhyme... Beauty and The Beast.

Is it too early to declare a favorite new restaurant of 2017, because I think I might just give that title to the delicious Trestle Tavern.  Nestled in a cozy hide-away in the 15th and 15th district is where you'll find this yummy Gastropub with an East European flair.  I went with a party of eight and sampled every one's entree, and they all earned raves.  I'll definitely be back. Nom nom nom!

It's always important to know our history, and in Dustin Lance Black's ABC Mini-Series When We Rise, he tells that story. (on Network Television no less!)  The LGBT civil-rights movement is chronicled from its turbulent infancy to the present through the experiences of a diverse family of LGBT men and women.  Have your Kleenex ready. 

This album dropped in the last 24-hours of the month, but hey, I've been waiting a good four years for new material from Goldfrapp- so it had to be included on the List!  So far, standout tracks include: Anymore, Become the One, Systemagic and Everything is Never Enough.

FUED: Bette and Joan, from Ryan Murphy (he's created another winner!) tells the story of the legendary rivalry between Joan Crawford and Bette Davis during their collaboration on the thriller What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?, and well after the cameras stopped rolling. The series explores how the two women endured ageism, sexism, and misogyny while struggling to hang on to success and fame in the twilight of their careers.

I discovered Australian-born, London-based singer/song-writer Josef Salvat thanks to a friend's recommendation post on Facebook, and he quickly became my artist of the month.  Favorite Tracks Include: Open Season, Paradise, The Days and his beautiful Diamonds cover.  

This month I caught up on two delightful family films with the Kiddos: Disney's Moana and Dreamworks' Trolls.  It's great to see whether living in a tropical paradise or in an enchanted troll forest, these fun movies entertain, but also promote a positive inspirational message as well.  Mahalo!

When I worked for the hotel, one of my very favorite groups that came to town was for the Salt Lake Tattoo Convention, but this was the first time that I actually spent the day in attendance.  I went with my friend Josh to check out all what all the Bzzzzzzzzz was about; enjoying the creative art, as well as the plentiful eye candy (#ThirstIs)... I even ran into two of my honorary nieces.  The whole thing gave me the itch- it's time to start planning the next addition. Sorry Mom. 

In 20th Century Women, the year is 1979 and a Santa Barbara single mom and boardinghouse landlord decides the best way she can parent her teenage son is to enlist her young tenants- a quirky punk photographer, a mellow handyman and her son's shrewd best friend- to serve as role models in a changing world. Annette Benning deserved a nomination for sure!

Celebrities explore their family trees in this Lisa Kudrow produced-series. In each episode of Who Do You Think You Are?, a star takes a globe-spanning journey of self-discovery to uncover the mysteries of his or her ancestral history. Their familial stories in turn shed light on events in American and world history.  Genealogy and tracing one's roots has always fascinated me, perhaps because I really don't know where I come from, one might assume; but I really enjoy this series. 

Uncle x 4! 

 Welcome to the world beautiful lil' lady.  Wishing you the best life possible.  Love Your Uncle Casey.  

LOVELIST | February...

I finally discovered my new favorite show this month when Netflix added the hilarious sitcom Schitt's Creek into it's library. It's been on my radar for two years now, but just never had a way to watch it. (Netflix, truly is the best!)  The series centers on a formerly filthy rich Johnny and Moira Rose and their two kids David and Alexis.  Suddenly finding themselves broke they're forced to live in Schitt's Creek, a small depressing town they once bought as a joke.  Hilarity ensues.

When one of the most widely beloved RuGirls (ever!) comes to your home city, you're there front row as large-and-in-charge, chunky-yet-funky Latrice MF Royale hits the main stage takes you to church!  Let her sop you up!  I just adore her.  Fantastic performer and could not have been nicer. (And I have the post-show, bathroom selfie to prove it!)  EAT IT!

Thank you for being a friend Traveled down the road and back again Your heart is true your a pal and a confidant. And if you through a party Invited everyone you ever knew You would see the biggest gift would be from me And the card attached would say thank you for being a friend.  And Thank You Hulu for adding the entire The Golden Girls series to your library collection.  Binge on Dorothy, Rose, Blanche and Sophia any time and as much as your 80's loving heart desires. I know I have been!

Ever since Mother Monster dropped in on the Super Bowl this month (literally), it's been all things Gaga around here.  I mean really, that Half Time Show, the best one I've ever seen!  SLAY!  Also reminding me of all my favorite classics songs that consequentially found their way back into my Spotify rotation.  Oh, and guess who got tickets for when she brings her Joanne World Tour to Salt Lake City this December. This lucky little monster, right here. Long live the queen!

Hidden Figures is the incredible untold story of Katherine G. Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson- brilliant African-American women working at NASA, who served as the brains behind one of the greatest operations in history: the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit, a stunning achievement that restored the nation's confidence, turned around the Space Race, and galvanized the world. The visionary trio crossed all gender and race lines to inspire generations to dream big. -RT

In the irreverent spirit of fun that made The LEGO Movie a worldwide phenomenon, the self-described leading man of that ensemble - LEGO Batman - stars in his own big-screen adventure: The LEGO Batman Movie. But there are big changes brewing in Gotham, and if he wants to save the city from The Joker's hostile takeover, Batman may have to drop the lone vigilante thing, try to work with others and maybe, just maybe, learn to lighten up. -RT

Some of my favorite ladies released new ear-candy singles with accompanying eye-candy music videos this month.  And like any good music video should, they did their job to help make me love the respective songs even more.  Check out Katy Perry's Chained to the Rhythm, Lady Gaga's John Wayne, Lana del Rey's Love and Goldfrapp's Anymore.

As Heidi always says, 'One day you're in and the next day you're out.' Well, that may not always be the truth, because I'm still tuning in after all these years. Two of my forever long-standing guilty pleasure shows released new seasons this month.  There's no getting around it, I'll never be breaking up with the Project Runway franchise or MTV's annual The Challenge competition. 

Sheila and Joel, a married couple, are real estate agents in Santa Clarita, California. When Sheila dies, their lives take a dark turn in Netflix's bloody good fun new original series The Santa Clarita Diet.

My always reliable music recommending friend Demetri turned me on to The New Division this month.  Spotify described them as new wave synth pop with a modern take on 80's inspired sounds. Sounds good to me!  They just released a killer new EP.  Favorite tracks include:  Vicious, Vices, Precision and Pressure (In Decay).

After stumbling upon a bizarre "competitive endurance tickling" video online, wherein young men are paid to be tied up and tickled, reporter David Farrier reaches out to request a story from the company. But the reply he receives is shocking-the sender mocks Farrier's sexual orientation and threatens extreme legal action should he dig any deeper. So, like any good journalist confronted by a bully, he does just the opposite: he travels to the hidden tickling facilities in Los Angeles and uncovers a vast empire, known for harassing and harming the lives of those who protest their involvement in these films. The more he investigates, the stranger it gets, discovering secret identities and criminal activity. Discovering the truth becomes Farrier's obsession, despite increasingly sinister threats and warnings. With humor and determination, Farrier and co-director Dylan Reeve summon up every resource available to get to the bottom of this tickling worm hole. -RT  Tickle, Tickle, Tickled...

Because if we don't laugh, we'll cry.  This hilarious meme spread like wildfire on the Internet this month and left me dead.  Great job Internet.  It was UUUGE!

We're all just over here sitting, waiting patiently for the premiere of everyone's favorite Drag Race (Season 9 y'all!), thankfully Mother Ru dropped another album of fun pop tunes to keep us entertained until the next batch of queens walk through those work room doors.  Favorite Tracks include:  Rock It (To The Moon), A Little Bit of Love, Supermodel and House of Love. 

Amy Adams talks to aliens. Andrew Garfield goes to war.  And Casey Affleck has some terrible, horrible, no good, very bad days.  This year I set the goal to see all nine Best Picture Oscar Nominated movies. Thanks to Redbox I got to cross three more off the list: Arrival, Hacksaw Ridge and Manchester By The Sea.  By the end of March I'll meet my goal! Going for the gold!

LOVELIST | January...

A blizzard and resulting hazardous three-hour commute to Sundance couldn't stop us from joining thousands and thousands of citizens to make history; letting our voices be heard.  One day I'll tell my kiddos that I was there for the world-wide movement. I marched for my nieces and my nephew. We must unite and resist. We are Stronger Together!  Also it was incredible hanging out with Charlize Theron and Chelsea Handler for the afternoon after-party. #AlternativeFact.  Oh and my YAS QUEENS sign was a huge hit as well. #ActualFact. Thank You Emily and Candace for an amazing experience!

This month, Jake and I made our way to the new Eccle's Theater downtown for the touring Broadway production of Kinky Boots. (...and yes, I wore mine). Inspired by true events, the musical tells the story of Charlie, who inherited a failing shoe factory from his father.  He forms an unlikely partnership with cabaret performer and drag queen Lola to produce a line of high-heeled boots and save the business. In the process, Charlie and Lola discover that they are not so different after all.  Really cute with a good message.  How timely.

I spent my New Year's Eve at the club detoxing. Ringing in 2017 with none other than RPDR All-Star D to the E to the X to the O -Hold it... X.  I've had a it, O-fficially!  ( 'It' being a great night out, of course... which ended in a hilarious personalized video message from the Queen D herself.)

Candace hooked Jake, Garrett and myself up with an evening of fancy eating and some formerly D-List stand-up comedy.  We got to dine at a Chinese New Year themed catered event before the show. My sides still hurt from laughing. It was a really fun night out.  

A timeless story of human self-discovery and connection, Moonlight chronicles the life of a young black man from childhood to adulthood as he struggles to find his place in the world while growing up in a rough neighborhood of Miami. Tied for my favorite film of 2016. (Hi La La!)  So glad it's getting the awards season recognition it so rightly deserves. 

K. Flay was my new music discovery this January, and I was full-on obsessed.  Her tunes were on a continuous loop.  Can't wait to see what this talented young up-and-comer brings us in the future. Favorite songs include:  Blood in the Cut, Dreamers, Hollywood Forever, You Felt Right and FML and lots more!

I lived for The 60's and 70's and finally Netflix added the next decade documentary to their library. CNN's: The Eighties focuses on the Reagan presidency, the AIDS crisis, the end of the Cold War, Wall Street corruption, the tech boom, the expansion of television, and the evolving music industry. Educational and entertaining.  Like, totally radical!

Adapted from the best-selling book series, Lemony Snicket tells the story of the three Baudelaire orphans, who face countless obstacles and an evil uncle Count Olaf in their search for the truth behind their parents' deaths.  Enjoyably dark, Netflix’s A Series of Unfortunate Events "matches the source material's narrative as well as its tone, leaving viewers with a wonderfully weird, dry, gothic comedy." -RT

The xx's last album was released back in 2012. Well it was well worth the wait because I See You is some ExxCELLENT ear candy from the British indierock band.  Favorite Tracks Include:  Hold On, Lips, I Dare You and Dangerous.

Ever wonder what your fur kids do all day while we're off at work? (Pretty sure mine involve lots of naps, eating and then more naps.) But for pups Max and Duke it's anything but, in this cute animated film which exposes The Secret Life of Pets.  Hmmm peraps Mit and Mo are actually out having way more fun adventures than I assumed. While dad's away the cats will.. yah- they're still sleeping.

Just CHILLS.

Another one of my favorite reality TV show competitions is back with a (long overdue) All-Star Edition.  The creativity and skill of all the special effect makeup artists is incredible on SyFy’s Face Off.  After all these seasons, I'm still hooked.  #TeamRage!

After a four-year break, Canadian electronic music band Austra is back with their awesome third studio album release of Future Politics.  Favorite Tracks Include:  Freepower, I Love You More Than You Love Yourself, Gaia, Future Politics.

A&E’s controversial docu-series Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath features stories from former members of the Church of Scientology, whose lives have been affected by the Church's Cult’s harmful practices.  Riveting and enraging television at it’s best.  Thank You Ms. Remini for giving a voice to those without one.  Let’s hope some good can come from this eye opening production. Watch them HERE.

The Winter guilty pleasure is back from across the pond, with a new batch of famous(?) houseguests.  Thanks to whoever uploads them to Youtube so I can join in on the trashy tele fun and honor my British roots.  Also, I just bloody Love Emma Willis...let the record state.

LOVELIST | December...

Ever since I saw Hedwig and the Angry Inch way back in 2001, I’ve been obsessed.  It’s one of my all time favorite films.  Obviously, when the touring Broadway production of said musical was coming to the brand new Eccles Theater in downtown Salt Lake (more on that in a minute, see: #8) I knew I’d be having a Treat Yo’ Self early Christmas present to myself.  The story follows a transgender punk-rock girl from East Berlin tours the U.S. with her band as she tells her life story and follows the former lover/band-mate who stole her songs.  The cast performances and production were amazing. Long Live the Queen!

It's been a long time since I've loved a movie as much as I enjoyed this romantic musical.  Easily, my favorite flick of the year, but also it earns a spot on my All-Time Favorite Films list.  La La Land follows Mia, an aspiring actress, and Sebastian a dedicated jazz musician, who are struggling to make ends meet in a city known for crushing hopes and breaking hearts. Set in modern day Los Angeles, this original musical about everyday life explores the joy and pain of pursuing your dreams.  (Also: Ryan Gosling, swoon.)  (Also: Emma Stone, swoon.)

When one of my favorite bands comes to town, I'm gonna be there. Luckily I bumped into some friends there and didn't have to jam out to Dragonette all on my lonesome.  They really put on an amazing show!

Sing Street takes us back to 1980s Dublin seen through the eyes of a 14-year-old boy named Conor who is looking for a break from a home strained by his parents' relationship and money troubles, while trying to adjust to his new inner-city public school where the kids are rough and the teachers are rougher. He finds a glimmer of hope in the mysterious, über-cool and beautiful Raphina, and with the aim of winning her heart he invites her to star in his band's music videos. There's only one problem: he's not part of a band...yet. She agrees, and now Conor must deliver what he's promised - calling himself "Cosmo" and immersing himself in the vibrant rock music trends of the decade, he forms a band with a few lads, and the group pours their heart into writing lyrics and shooting videos. 

In the Sundance Film Festival fave Other People, a struggling comedy writer, fresh off a breakup and in the midst of the worst year of his life, returns to Sacramento to care for his dying mother.  Have plenty of Kleenex on hand!

Search Party is an engaging, weird, funny dark comedy about four self-absorbed twenty-somethings who become entangled in an ominous mystery when a former college acquaintance suddenly disappears. (Welcome back Maeby Fünke!)

Everyone's favorite Baking Show jumped the pond for their yearly holiday series on ABC: Yankee Edition.  Luckily, beloved Mary Berry is there with yummy Johnny Iuzzini judging all the biscuits, er cookies, cakes and other tasty treats. No soggy bottoms allowed!  

The brand new George S. and Dolores Dore Eccles Theater in Downtown Salt Lake is a stunning gem that will draw even more art and culture into Utah's capital. I popped my first-time visit cherry with the incredible touring Hedwig and the Angry Inch (#1). Beautiful addition to the city indeed, and I look forward to enjoying it a lot more in the future.

Oh, so you thought America's Next Top Model was all over and forgotten (oh how could we ever forget You Nyle... we can't and we won't!) anyway, think again.  VH1 dusted off Tyra's classic modeling reality competition with a fresh updated reboot this month. I knew from the minute I saw the vastly improved opening credits (good font choices are important Tyra!) I was back in.  I don't think I'll ever be able to quit this darn show!

It's an annual tradition now that as the year winds down, I compile an amazing Spotify playlist of all the songs I rocked out to over the previous 365 days. Listen to eight-and-a-half hours of great ear candy HERE.  Here's to an amazing 2017, see ya next year!

The first series ten years ago(!) was stunning and incredible.  The second go-around is just as beautiful and amazing.  From the mountains, to the deserts to the grasslands to the cities, this planet we call home is one mind-blowing, breath-taking, magical and deserves our respect and our care; and this series perfectly illustrates that fact. Watch Planet Earth II episodes HERE. 

In the phenomenal critically-acclaimed Hell or High Water, a divorced father and his ex-con older brother resort to a desperate scheme in order to save their family's ranch in West Texas.  (Also, Chris Pine:  Swoon.) 

I was so happy that on Rusty's big road trip around the U. S. of A, my home base in Salt Lake City served as another pit-stop! This time with special bonus guest Christopher!  It was great seeing them once again. Mo was more than happy as well. Just love these guys!

In Imperium, a young, idealistic FBI agent, goes undercover to take down a radical right-wing terrorist group. The bright up-and-coming analyst must confront the challenge of sticking to a new identity while maintaining his real principles as he navigates the dangerous underworld of white supremacy.  (Also, Daniel Radcliffe: Swoon.)

This biopic dramedy is the story of Florence Foster Jenkins, a New York heiress who dreamed of becoming an opera singer, despite having a terrible singing voice.  Of course Meryl Streep is as incredible in the staring role, as usual.