A Depp-Water Caribbean Cruz

Ahoy Mateys!  Mattel brings a  pair of swashbuckling pirates from the high seas.  They do bear a more than decent resemblance to Johnny and Penelope in their roles as Jack Sparrow and Angelica.

My husband, daughter, and I enjoyed "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" three months ago.

Also special mention to Ian Macshane for his incredible portrayal of Blackbeard. I wonder if a "Blackbeard" doll will come to fruition.

"Jack Sparrow".  Mattel did a fine job in re-creating his costume. This sparrow quickly flew away from the Barbiecollector.com website just when the movie was playing at the theaters .  Just when I thought he was available, he was already sold out.  I purchased him, Angelica, and two sold-out "Basics" Barbies in denim from Amazon.com.

Johnny Depp on the cover of "Entertainment Weekly" with the silver chalice.

In the late 1980's, Johnny was a heartthrob in the series "21 Jump Street".  My sister and thought he was quite a cutie back then. 

Johnny with"21 Jump Street" his gorgeous co-star Holly Robinson who still looks fab 20 years later.

"Angelica" looking stylish in her pirate outfit.  It's hard to believe that Penelope was a few months pregnant during filming.

I wonder if the same face mold were used for both the "Angelica" Barbie and the Spain Barbie. Coincidentally Penelope is also a Spanish beauty.

Already a new mom in the June 2011 issue of Vogue. Wow!

At 37, she still can charm the camera.

My Penelope Cruz that I purchased personally from Senor Juan Albuerne, a doll "repaint" artist and caricature artist of Spain, nearly a decade ago.  Mr. Albuerne transformed a Hamilton "Candi" doll into Penelope with much precision and skill. 

Here's Mr. Albuerne's website featuring this doll:
http://www.juanalbuerne.com/PenelopeCruz.html

Johnny and Penelope with her new "star" on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.  She also was pregnant with her own "little star".

What's next for Sparrow and Angelica? We will have to wait for their next adventure. Arrrrrrrr!!!

From Yahoo: Photo stills from Pirates of the Caribbean 4: On Stranger Tides

We Still Love You, Lucy!

Yesterday, August 6, would have marked Lucille Ball's 100th birthday!

Even after she passed on 22 years ago, she remains one of  TV's most beloved personalities.  Her show that premiered in 1951, ensured her status as the "First Lady of Television" and "The Queen of Comedy".  Each episode of "I Love Lucy" is memorable, hilarious, and classic.

Lucy and Desi Arnaz

When I have the opportunity to watch the show, I just could not change the channel - it is that funny that I want to watch the entire episode.  The writing and acting was genius and transcends all generations.  There is no other show that I can think of which such longevity and impeccable comedic timing.  "I Love Lucy" also trailblazed the way for situational comedy and powerful leading ladies on television.

Mattel does a wonderful job of commemorating episodes of  "I Love Lucy" since 1999.

From 2002, "Lucy Gets A Paris Gown"

Ethel and Lucy looking chic in their birdfeed sacks.

From 2001, "Be A Pal"

From 2004, "Sales Resistance"

Some grape-stomping fun in 1999's "Lucy's Italian Movie".

I giggle just by looking at this doll (the teeth) and her facial expression at the back of the box from 2005's "The Operetta".

From 2002's "Hollywood At Last", Lucy meets William Holden wearing this disguise.  I recall watching this years ago, and giggling when she looks at Mr. Holden.

Get a "choco-full" bunch of laughs from one of the most talked-about episode, "Job Switching".

Here is 2008's re-creation from Mattel, showing Ethel and Lucy. 

From 2008, a miniature recreation of the classic "Lucy Gets A Paris Gown"

Kelly gets to join in on the double fun!

Still the gorgeous Queen of Comedy after all these years.

Six decades after the first episode of "I Love Lucy", and Ms Ball's style (before Lady GaGa, Cher, Beyonce,....) and sense of humor are still in style.  Happy 100th Birthday and we still love you, Lucy!