Get Ready For The Cuteness

Even if you are not a cat lover...truth be told cats have freaked me out a little ever since I saw that terrifying Broadway musical when I was five and an actor dress as a horrifying Catman came right up to me during the performance and meowed in my face...I haven't been the same since...to be honest I think I attribute my cat allergies to that frightful night.
That being said, this video was sent to me by a close friend and I can not stop playing it. It is the cutest, most endearing thing I have ever seen (ok, not the cutest cutest thing ever ever but it's adorable nonetheless.) Disclaimer: the cats in the video are sleeping not dead...knowing that upfront might help you enjoy the full experience of the video.

Watch the clip:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vw4KVoEVcr0

Long Island Native Raquel Castro Should Stick to Acting

For those who have not followed my blog in the past, I am a huge fan of NBC's new show, The Voice. Not only am I enamored by all four celebrity coaches...I have been in awe of the talent thus far. For those of you who follow the show and watch this Tuesday's episode you can imagine the the mixed emotions I felt. I don't know what was more disappointing...Raquel Castro's performance during the first battle of the night or the fact I recognized her from the movie, Jersey Girl. Yes, I am talking about that horrible movie starring JLo and Ben Affleck when they affectionally were referred as American "power couple: Bennifer." The memories of that union still haunt my dreams...that man actually went fake tanning more frequently than starred in movies....I expected more from an Academy Award winner. Perhaps her booty was his kryptonite...he could not say no to her or her sexual prowess.
Back to the issue at hand...this past episode of The Voice while starting off rocky did end with an excellent performance by the Thompson Sisters. This last performance proved that although young and inexperienced, these siblings have the heart and talent to go far in this competition. I'm sorry Raquel. You are adorably precocious but after Tuesday's lackluster performance I don't think you have the pipes to go to the top. Looking on the bright side of things, however, when JLo inevitably makes another craptastic movie, you'll be frist in line! You have already got an in and the exposure you have gained from the show can help with your dancing and acting career. Unfortunately, I don't think things will pan out for you as a singer. On a positive note, you have made Long Island proud...after such hot messes like Joey Buttafuoco and Billy Joel you have given Long Island something to finally be proud of.

The Voice : Battle Round - Raquel Castro vs. Julia Eason:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Ymww0k0XHs&feature=related

The Blind Boys of Alabama: Taking the High Road

The Legendary Blind Boys of Alabama combine their famous gospel styling with some country flair in their most recent efforts: Take the High Road. Their harmonious melodies blend country and gospel in a powerfully spiritual way. The Blind Boys of Alabama serve as a source of great talent and inspiration. As if their own vocals weren’t powerful enough, the group has teams up this time with some of country’s finest. Joining the album are The Oak Ridge Boys, Lee Ann Womack, Willie Nelson, Vince Gill and Hank Williams. Each collaborator brings their own personal touch to the album and beautifully counter-balances the strong lyricism of The Blind Boys. The album starts off strong with the track Take the High Road which immediately draws fans by humbling us with talent and earnest passion. Although a bit morose, I Was a Burden surprisingly uplifts while exploring the difficulties of addiction and heartache. The quality of the songwriting and musicianship justifies why the Blind Boys of Alabama are revered as extraordinary. Listening to this album for the first time will make an impact on you due to the albums strong sense of unity and divine conviction.

Britney Blows the Billboards...And No One is Impressed

The Billboard Music Awards were this Sunday and the reviews are in. While Beyonce is getting praise for her performance others seemed to have left the critics with a bad taste in their mouths. Britney Spears might be back but what she is selling is a piss poor attempt at performing. It’s one thing to lip-sync which (we all know she has done since her first album) but it is quite another to lip-sync and hardly perform on stage…that’s just lazy. Some performers chose to lip-sync due to the intricate choreography their performance entails (like Usher or Chris Brown). That would be excusable…at least in my eyes. At least they are putting in an effort to entertain their fans. Britney’s cameo during Rihanna’s S&M performance was kind of lackluster to put it politely. While one performer was clearly trying and singing (Rihanna) the other (Britney) not only didn’t sing she hardly moved. What I find comical about the whole thing, however, is that she no longer even tries to match her lip-syncing to the track…she cares that little.
In her hay day, Britney could do it all: pretend to sing, dance and gyrate on stage mesmerizing her audiences the world over. Let us not all forget, she held a live snake on stage once upon a time. She even kissed Madonna…not that the original material girl isn’t a handsome woman...my point solely is that these examples go to show she was capable of trying and doing everything and anything to create a show-stopping moment.
I know it’s not your Hit Me, Baby, One More Time days, but come on, you are still young enough to give a crap. If anything, try a little harder for your kids. And trying doesn’t mean lazily pressing yourself against a stripper pole. That was a mockery to hardworking strippers all over. Those girls work for their money…you are just resting on your laurels. While I am a fan of Britney’s auto-tuned new album, I don’t think it’s right to lazily move across the stage…especially when you can even be troubled to try and sing. I hope for the sake of all of her remaining fans that bought tickets to her tour that she actually works for them.
The Performance
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88aomeGISxQ

Taj Gibson: A Star is Born!

There comes a time in everyone’s life (man or woman) in which you experience something miraculous. No matter who you are, we all succumb to the romantic notion of the underdog. Most people I know love rooting for the diamond in the rough, whether that be Aladdin, an American Idol Contestant, or an NBA player. This past Sunday night, I had the privilege of experiencing greatness is the form of Taj Gibson. Before Sunday, I had never heard of him (Admittingly I am no longer the greatest basketball fan…the Knicks have scarred me body and soul so therefore I gave up on the sport…sad really)

After such an amazing performance, this Chicago Bulls second-string power forward might not be second string next season. What is great about his dunk over Dwayne Wade is that no one expected him to perform to that capacity. The utter shock could be felt through the television screen
(and that’s not only because my brother has an awesome HD television).

There is something special about sharing a moment of glory like that. It was heartwarming to think that Reggie Miller (who was the TNT announcer for the game) was just as awestruck as I was and that man knows sports! Who knows, perhaps Taj Gibson has re-sparked my interest in the NBA…

ps. if I ever dunked on anyone (my lack of vertical aptitude and my cankles permitting) I would most definitely make that exact face (see pic above)

Clips from last Sunday’s game:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmN-MIbvLks

Beals Will Now Need to Flashdance for Change...

The final word was given yesterday. While some fan favorites have gotten prematurely axed, some were finally put out to rest after a good run. Among the shows being canceled, Brothers and Sisters finally say adieu after a good five season run. I never really got into the show but I love Sally Field. Hopefully she can find a new gig and not rely entirely on her Boniva endorsement…that would just be depressing. What saddens me about the report of these cancellations is that while Fox’s Chicago Code got the boot, shows like Jerseylicious are still going strong. Listen, I will be the first to admit that trashy reality shows are intoxicating but it befuddles me to think that quality programming is falling to the waste-side while crap is being produced left right and center (not Mob Wives…that’s quality). Poor Jennifer’s Beals; she hasn’t done anything legitimate since Flashdance and Fox is just taking that away from her. First the Book of Eli now this….one devastating blow after the next. Chin up; there is always Dancing with the Stars. Apparently the only way to succeed in television these days is to succumb to the reality programming format. I think Jennifer Beals would clean up shop on Dancing with the Stars. Note to self: call her agent and suggest this…It’s because I care.

I am happy, however, to report that Mr. Sunshine and Mad Love both got canned. I actually tried to watch both of these shows and debated writing both CBS and ABC to ask for that time back from my life.

For a more comprehensive list of what got the axed:

http://www.tvsquad.com/2011/05/16/canceled-tv-shows-2011/

Michael Bolton's Glorious Return

Michael Bolton may have been the butt of many jokes over the past decade but now he’s the one having the last laugh. Dancing with the Stars clearly didn’t pan out too well for the soulful singer but in the end who cares; he’s still Michael Bolton. The fact that he doesn’t seem to take himself too seriously (the man rocked a mullet for most of the 90’s) has served as a great asset to him over the years. Between his sense of humor and strong vocal ability, a comeback was not only inevitable; it’s well deserved. He joins the group The Lonely Island (featuring SNL comedian Adam Sandberg) on their new album. His glorious return to music is filled with laughs while he pokes fun at himself and some movie classics. The Lonely Island’s new album, Turtlenecks and Chains is getting stellar reviews and with such collaborators such as Bolton, Nicki Minaj and Snoop Dogg it’s no surprise.

The Lonely Island featuring Michael Bolton:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GI6CfKcMhjY

NBC's The Voice Hits a High Note!

Having fallen off the American Idol bandwagon for a variety of reasons (my strong disdain for Jennifer Lopez, the lack of overall talent this season…I could go on and on). Let’s just put it this way, when Simon left the show, the program shit the bed…enough said. I am happy to report, however, that if you, like me, are a fan of reality programming competitions and yearn for a singing fix look no further than The Voice. NBC’s brilliant new show demonstrates that no matter who you are or what you look like you have got a chance. The program is full of hope and promise for these aspiring artists. Singers such as Idol cast-off Frenchie Davis tries her hand at a second chance at life proving that she will never give up on her dream.

All of the judges/coaches are not only talented themselves but they are relevant; unlike in other competition shows in which people are showcased as judges with no prior experience or expertise. (I love you Ellen, but come on you had no business being a judge on a singing competition). Each coach brings something fresh to the table and will help mold their hopefuls into become a star. Using their credentials and experience in the field, the coaches will help hone the craft for each of their team members.

The coaches are a motley crew of individuals: Christina Aguilera, Adam Levine, Blake Shelton, and of course my man, Cee-Lo Green. My favorite part about this competition so far is how genuinely excited these artists are to help the contestants and how truly impressed they are with the prospective talents. Also, and let me know if anyone else thought this? But, wasn’t Cee-lo a bit of a pervy old man at times. It was hilarious. He hit on every legal piece of tail on stage. Man, I love him! This further proves to me that all this show does it keep it honest. I hope it continues to do well :)

The coaches taking the stage and kicking off the show:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5K7HGxVRcs

Jodie Foster's Beaver is Getting Great Review....

Anyone else find it ironic/humorous that Jodie Foster’s new movie is called “The Beaver?” Irony aside, the movie is getting wonderful reviews. Not only is Foster receiving accolades for her brilliant direction of a difficult story surrounding mental illness, the cast is getting rave reviews for their acting as well. Now to be fair, Mel Gibson is no stranger to drama. The man has more personalities than the cast of the Jersey Shore and he is equally as drunk and violent. With that said, how much of his powerful dramatic presence in the movie is acting or merely being himself??? After reading about the plot of the movie, I can definitely say that it does seem to have a lot of heart. Family struggles no matter how out there they may seem are a universal topic which many of us can relate to. Let’s just hope Gibson isn’t a method actor. If he toted that puppet about town, he would have probably ended up in the slammer again. Either that or finally the five-O would have taken him to the Loony Bin…puppet in tow. I wonder if his puppet is a racist drunk too??? Whelp, I guess I have to go see the movie now and check it out for myself.

Your Nordic Track Gave You A New Face???

I don’t understand why plastic surgery is always such a point of contention for so many celebrities when the vast majority it seems get a little nip there and a tuck there at some point in their career. While some celebrities become a bit obsessive about it, other’s use it as a necessary means to an end in a cut throat industry that clearly idolized beauty and youth. There is a lot of pressure in Hollywood (I wouldn’t know personally but I can assume). Actors are held up on a pedestal for us to worship. We aspire to look like the famous people we see on the small and large screen. While, personally, plastic surgery freaks me out and I would never do it. A) I’m 27 so I haven’t had to think about it although Megan Fox is younger than me and felt the need to destroy her perfect face…idiot, she looks like a freak now (picture above). B) I’m a fan of aging gracefully (I may change my mind when my boobs are at my knees but we shall see…I’m not that chesty anyways…but I digress).

Recently suspicion has arose as to whether or not Bristol Palin has gone under the knife or if her drastic change in appearance is due to her weight loss. She was interviewed at her home by E! Entertainment’s Giuliana Rancic. While at her home Bristol proudly showed off her treadmill and said she has been working out a lot more. No one can disagree that she has definitely lost a lot of weight and she looks great but hunny, that treadmill did not give you that new chin, I’m sorry. I don’t understand why people are so embarrassed and don’t fess up to something so obvious. It really makes me laugh. What do you guys think? Her new look: Plastic Surgery or Weight Loss??? I think both!

President Obama, You're Funny...Take That Trump

It appears as though Donald Trump can dish it out but he most certainly cannot take it. At the White House Correspondent’s dinner this Saturday, Obama whimsically took some jabs back at the Donald. Trump said his peace all over the media regarding his concerns over the birth place of the President. At the dinner it was finally time for Donald to shut his big mouth and listen. Being as Trump has no sense of humor and can never let himself be the butt of a joke, he gave almost no reaction to Obama's joking. The President went so far as to show a clip of “his birth video” and then proceeded to present a clip from the Lion King. It was pretty funny stuff. This proves once again, well at least to me, that President Obama is a very charismatic man. Trump wasn’t the only one he aimed is jokes at, however. Facing the news that actor, Matt Damon, was “disappointed in the President’s performance,” the President retorted “Well Matt, I saw Adjustment Bureau…and the feeling is mutual." Obama has integrated pop culture and celebrity in a very intelligent way throughout his campaign. When he integrates jokes into speeches or makes popular culture reference he becomes more acceptable to the American public and I think most people truly appreciate and respect that.

Here is a clip from the beginning of the Correspondent’s Dinner:

Obama Video

A Perfect Hit at the Tribeca Film Festival

Friday night I have the pleasure of going to the Tribeca Film Festival with a wonderful and dear friend of mine. Some would be surprised to find this out (I was among them) that the films were not only aired in Theaters in Tribeca. Armed with this new knowledge, I finished up work and make my way to the lower east side to see “The Perfect Family.” Kathleen Turner was hilarious. Her comedic timing was not only impressive but truly heartfelt and entertaining. She was likable while being nutty. I have to say it though and I am sorry but man the years have been tough on her face. Not sure if she went a couple of round in the ring with a UFC fighter or if the booze is finally taking its effect after years of drinking but she is looking more and more like Mickey Rourke every day. Man O Man! With that said, she does a stellar job playing the highly religious matriarch of an unconventional family. I think most people would truly enjoy this film and I believe films like this are was make the Tribeca Film Festival the success it is. This festival is always full of heart and compelling stories. They might be off the beaten back, but they always leave you thinking days later. That is one of the reason I love going every day (I am thankful that it has become more of a personal tradition for me). If you have a chance to see this movie definitely remember the title. You won’t be sorry :)