Hula and happiness

WE'RE GETTING MAUIED: It's a week of fun in the sun for me, so I'm taking a much-needed break. But catch us back in two weeks for more from your favorite blog!

So was it Dylan or Brandon?

I know there are some things better left unsaid, like my deep knowledge of "Beverly Hills 90210" and all that happened during the course of the show. But I have to admit it, and along with that admission is the one that there's no way I'm going to miss the first episode of the CW's reboot of the series, called simply "90210." The series premieres Sept. 2, and will feature the return of Kelly Taylor as the school guidance counselor. I promise I will stop watching it as soon as I get the answer to the following question: Who did Kelly end up with in the end, Dylan or Brandon?

Who will watch the watchmen?

My boyfriend is a comic book nerd. It's true. And he loves to talk about them. A lot. Constantly. But instead of fighting what is an inevitable reality, I decided to indulge him and asked him to recommend some for me to read. That is how I found myself, a few months ago, poring over "The Watchmen," considered one of the greatest graphic novels ever, as well as an important piece of fiction. Filming of the movie is underway, with Zack Snyder of "300" at the helm, so even if you've never heard of the book or the movie, you will soon. Rest assured the hype will be strong. But don't roll your eyes and walk away. Pick up a copy of the book and prepare to nerd out just like your boyfriend.

I've got some gossip

Earlier this summer I was at Miami's International Airport when I found myself standing in line behind Blake Lively and Penn Badgley at Starbucks. This was just before they came out as a couple, and if you'd been there there would've been no doubt about their romantic status. So what did they look like, what was she wearing, what did she order? I know those are the burning questions you're wanting me to answer. She was wearing sweats and a T-shirt, and she was taller and prettier in real life than you'd think. She ordered tea. He was very cute, and they talked about Ewan MacGregor being a pitch person for watches. She disapproved.

Bikinis or bust

TLC's new Friday night staple is yet another reality show about a C-list celebrity trying to make it big through the small screen. Ashley Paige is a mildly famous bikini designer who is struggling financially, trying to find a backer and, of course, a boyfriend. She's annoying, bitchy, opinionated and therefore, perfect for the medium. If you have nothing better to do it's worth a watch, but if not, definitely tune this one out.

She's more than Johnny Depp's girlfriend

GIRL, INTERRUPTED: I've been trying to watch the movie "Cache," starring Daniel Auteuil for a couple of weeks, but keep falling asleep. That was definitely not the case with his film "Girl on the Bridge," which is also one of my all-time favorite movies. Also starring Vanessa Paradis, the film is about two down-on-their-luck souls whose chance meeting turns their lives around. Auteuil plays a knife-thrower, and Paradis his target. The two meet when she's about to throw herself off the Pont Neuf in Paris, at which point Auteuil offers her a job as his target, as he hasn't been an accurate shot lately. With killer songs by Marianne Faithfull, Auteiul is the only thing that misses in this French flick.

No Mexicali Blues here

ENDLESS SUMMER: I know, another trip! After only a few blogs. It's just that time of year I suppose, though it'll be a summer chock full of blog entries, so stay tuned. Isla Mujeres is the destination, and surf, sun and snorkeling are the attractions. Quintana Roo is famous for hammocks, so wish us good hammock hunting!

Hair-dos and don'ts

Not to judge other people's personal preferences, but with the reappearance of our favorite Mormons in the news, it's worth it to take a moment to pause and consider their hair. I've been told that the higher the hair, the closer to God, so perhaps that explains the Flock of Seagulls-esque stylings. Clearly there's not a lot of modern influences in their world, but one hopes they caught a glimpse of a future with flatter hair.

What a joke

I have a major bone to pick with Maxim magazine and its readers. Heidi Montag, of "The Hills" infamy, was named to their Hot 100. Meaning, they think the plastic pariah is hot. I understand the appeal of big boobs as well as the next girl, but the girl's personality is about as appealing as a peanut butter and plastic sandwich. At least I can console myself with the fact that she'll never make my Hot 100 anything. Except celebrities to be forgotten.

Short and sweet

Gwyneth is one of the most stylish stars around, but in the last few years she was stagnating. She wore her famous blonde locks long and, for the most part, stick straight, parted down the middle. It was cool at first, but we thought a new look would do her good. And voila! With the release of "Iron Man," which was undeniably awesome, the fashion plate has returned with newly shorn locks. Her hair hits just above her shoulders, and looks great worn wavy. She may not be the nicest girl on set, but she's once again the most stylish.

On the road again

OUT TO LUNCH: It's not summer yet, but I'm off on a road trip up north. Ain't no time like the present to get a new perspective on life, and of course to do some shopping in someone else's neighborhood.

You're so vain

Well, no, actually, she isn't vain, that's why we like her. On second thought, Brooke is probably incredibly vain, but she just hides it better than most of the other contestants on "American Idol." We're not sure yet who's going home this week, but Brooke is ripe for the plucking, given her false start on last night's show and given her limited vocal range. But we can't help it, we still love that she's not some diva-in-training, Celine Dion-worshipping, power-ballad belting Miss America. She plays her own instruments, she likes singer-songwriters and she plays the piano without shoes. What's not to like?