He's a military rescue pilot... He's the heir to the British throne... And this week, not only is he rumored to be planning an elaborate engagement to his girlfriend of 7 years, Kate Middleton, but he's also my pick for Buff Body of the Week.

Ya know, it must be hard for a prince to keep his body in royal shape, what with access to world's finest restaurants and best chefs, in addition to having 24-hour room service at grand ma-ma's pad at Buckingham Palace. But I guess the notoriously bland cuisine of the British empire is what keeps his arms and pecs in beach-ready shape all year round.

Congratualtions, Prince William, on being our Buff Bod (and on the engagement)! I'll be looking for my invitation in the mail...

...But I won't be flying Spirit Air into Heathrow....

Now that the airline plans to charge travelers $45 for a carry-on bag, it may just be easier just to stay in town and enjoy a 'Date Night' my hard earned cash.

For two 20 dollar bills and a five-spot, here's how far both you and I can get on a 'Date Night' in DC:

1. Buy two tickets to see the new movie, Date Night starring Tina Fey and Steve Carrell, plus purchase two regular cokes and a small popcorn.
2. Purchase dinner for two at the reasonably priced new U Street eatery, Eatonville, which serves up Southern style comfort food in a trendy, relaxed environment (on weekends there's even live music).
3. Play skee-ball (yes, roll the ball up that ramp, baby) at Old Dominion Brewhouse while enjoying $3 Absolut vodka drinks during Happy Hour.

Take that Spirit Air (and all other airlines who plan to follow suit)!

-- Markette

I am convinced that the Carnival Cruise line must have been thinking of the lyrics from the Electric Slide (above) when they came up with the idea for their '80s New Wave Cruise.

Setting sail this September, the all-inclusive cruise package comes complete with live entertainment from a Duran Duran tribute band and the music talents of Gretchen Bonaduce, wife of 80s child star-turned addict-turned reality star-turned recovering addict Danny Bonaduce. Hurry up and book your tix moms and dads before this fantastic voyage sells out!

Apparently, pop culture-themed cruises are all the rage in family travel for the 2010 summer vacay season, according to The Washington Post's Celebritology blog. There is even an Alaskan Twilight Cruise for Twi-hard vacation enthusiasts. (No word yet on whether or not Robert Pattinson posters will be handed out at the captain's dinner.)


In other important news...

Um, was it "bad wig night" on Dancing With the Stars Monday evening? With the exception of the elegantly coiffed Erin Andrews, everyone one on the show - from Kate Gosselin to Niecy Nash to Pamela Anderson (who is rich enough and famous enough to know better) - was rockin' the cheap Halloween hairdo last night.


Whatever Kate. Don't give me that look... I guess when Samantha Harris left the show she must have taken the hair & make-up artists along with her.

--Markette

This week's Buff Bod award goes to someone who's recently been dissed in the media. That's right, Jersey Shore's Mike (a.k.a. The Situation) just landed on a Boston newspaper's list as one of the 100 Unsexiest Men of the Year.

Despite his commitment to fitness a la his GTL philosophy of hitting the Gym, Tanning and doing Laundry every day, not even his washboard abs and rock hard biceps could keep him off this list.

I suspect he made the list because of his horrid reputation with the ladies... and his tendency to try to take advantage of girls' vulnerabilities (think him kissing Snookie in the hot tub on their last night at the Shore).

Despite all of his short comings, though, The Situation was probably the most entertaining character to watch on the show and someone who you loved to laugh at, but just couldn't bring yourself hate.

At the very least, he deserves some credit for pulling himself out of bed every morning to actually do a bench press. And it is for this reason - and this reason alone -- that I am countering The Situation's unsexy status with an award for Buff Body of the Week.

xoxo,

-- Markette


P.S. -- If you watched Jersey Shore, then you know that The Situation also loves to cook BIG Italian meals... Wondering how you can get fit and mimic his cooking style? Here's a healthy Italian recipe courtesy of Cookinglight.com.

Chicken Scallopini

Total time: 22 minutes

Serves: 4
















Menu:

1. Orzo, tomato, and zucchini toss
   Heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1 cup chopped zucchini, and 2 minced garlic cloves; sauté 2 minutes. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; sauté 1 minute or until zucchini is crisp-tender. Combine tomato mixture, 3 cups hot cooked orzo, and 1/4 teaspoon salt; toss well.
2. Garlic bread
   

Game Plan
1. While orzo cooks:
• Season and dredge chicken in breadcrumbs
• Chop tomatoes and zucchini

2. While chicken cooks:
• Cook tomato
• Heat garlic bread

Quick Tip: Use 2 teaspoons bottled minced garlic instead of fresh cloves for the orzo, tomato, and zucchini toss.