Tuesday, November 23, 2010

My Eyes Are Green - Part Deux

Posted by Jay at 4:49 PM 0 comments
Love the guts of the blonde lady who admitted she was pissed to see she missed out on Oprah's Favorite Things episode. She's right, the rest of the audience was lying! Here's the list:

  • Apple ipad
  • Classic sparkle UGG Boots
  • Madison Patent Large Sofia satchel by Coach
  • silk and cashmere tunic with hand beading with black silk and cashmere leggings from Magaschoni
  • Hope in a jar by Philosophy customized with a baby picture of Oprah
  • $500 lingerie gift certificate from Nordstrom for you and a friend
  • Herb-Saver by Prepara
  • Chicken Pie by Centerville offered by Harry and David
  • 6.5 gallon Garrett's popcorn with a customized favorite things tin
  • Le Creuset cast iron pots and pans 10 piece customized Oprah set
  • Miracle body jeans by Miraclesuit
  • Sophie Jewelry box from Pottery Barn
  • Jessica Leigh diamond earrings by Dana Rebecca Designs (100 diamonds in each pair)
  • $100 Donors Choose gift card provided by Bing. Bing will donate $1 up to $1M donors for everyone who visits www.bing.com/gives
  • Mini Croissants from Williams-Sonoma
  • Favorite Things Assortment by Talbott teas
  • The Book of Awakening by Mark Nepo
  • A Christmas duet by by Johnny Mathis and Josh Groban
  • Yes, it's not what you think!!! Oprah wanted to give VW's red beetle.
  • Ok, 2012 VW Beetle instead. This is when I cry. Not from envy but I'm filled with joy for the audience. They'll be the first to own one when it debuts next year in May. 
Like Oprah said, something really magical, and joyful and magical can happen to you when you least expect it.

My Eyes Are Green

Posted by Jay at 3:49 PM 0 comments
'Cause I eat a lot of vegetables. It has nothing to do with Oprah's final Favorite Things Episode. This year Oprah decided to do two episodes. For me, the best part of viewing this show is seeing the reaction of the audience. The black man in the red tie's reaction was simply put, priceless! Check out 0:13, 0:38 and 0:54



I wish I could hide my envy but the chosen audience was truly deserving. Here's a list of what they received.

  • Philip Stein Dual time zone diamond watch specially designed for Oprah's 25th silver anniversary retailing $2,475
  • Tory Burch tote in grey flannel and silver trimming with the ballerina flats
  • Nikon Digital SLR D3100
  • Ralph Lauren for Oprah customized cashmere sweater with a matching cashmere cable throw
  • Judith Ripka eclipse earrings canary crystals with white sapphire set in sterling
  • Andre Walker's (Oprah's hairstylist for 25 years) hair care system now this I would love to have
  • 18 Lafco candles retailing $55 each
  • Breville panini press from William's Sonoma
  • Kyocera ceramic cutlery set
  • Beechers World's Best Mac & Cheese
  • Bakers Edge brownie and lasagna pan
  • A Course in Weight Loss by Marianne Williamson
  • The book Decoded Jay-Z
  • 5 year netflix membership yeah, I could kill for this one! 
  • 52inch Sony Bravia 3D flat screen plus blu-ray player this is the point where I said "Oh F*%*k" 
  • Kiva gift card provided by Groupon who will match contributions
  • Customized closet to be built by the Container Store
  • Farewell season t-shirt
  • Lululemon athletica drawstring pants
  • 4 pairs of Nike Free Run+ shoes
  • Everyone flies United Airlines to board Royal Carribean's Allure of The Seas for a 7 days cruise through the Caribbean now I'm pissed with goose bumps all over
  • A performance by the Black Eyed Peas and their brand new cd, The Beginning.
Side note- I hope those medics and fedex guys are also getting some of the ultimate favorite things. I don't know if I can make it through part 2.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Where Are My Manners? Puff Puff Pass!

Posted by Jay at 6:15 PM 0 comments
Sorry folks, I've been in my own private heaven since I heard this song that I forgot the proper etiquette is to share the ganja. Looks like we won't have to wait for Detox too much longer. I know, that statement has been said too many times before that it's becoming a joke. But this little girl dreams big. Kush gives me hope that Dr. Dre will bless us with another classic. However Kush, which features Akon and Snoop Dogg, is not the official first single, but a street single...WTF?! I need to speak with Interscope STAT! Sorry for the horrible sound quality



I Need a Doctor ft. Eminem and Liz Rodrigues is the "official" first single. First, this feels like an Eminem track featuring Dr. Dre. Secondly, I'm not sold on this one. Dre might want to rethink detoxification and hit that chronic one more time. Take a listen. Doesn't it give you a Love The Way You Lie vibe?

http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/en/play/s/1202d6d-118813/

New Adele

Posted by Jay at 5:36 PM 0 comments
Adele is back! The first single off her new album, 21, has dropped. Rolling in the deep makes me believe that she will not suffer the best new artist Grammy curse. Oh, do you not know about that? Ok, then. I will write you a little article about that.

But back to your scheduled programming.

Adele's sophomore cd is co-produced by Rick Rubin. Yes, Def Jam's Rick Rubin who did a great job on hip hop acts and the last cd by the Dixie Chicks, Taking The Long Way Home Her soulful voice is perfectly laden with anger and rage needed for this revenge-filled ballad. Amen to seeing the light and being a strong woman; that lover will wish he never met her! Adele fans will not be disappointed and she will definitely make new fans off of this track. Looking forward to February 22nd.

Monday, October 18, 2010

Jam of The Day

Posted by Jay at 7:35 PM 0 comments
She's definitely her mother's daughter. Little Willow Smith's video for "Whip my Hair" is finally out. I see Jaden Smith has a cameo. Jay-Z is about to retire for real!

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Jam of The Day

Posted by Jay at 8:30 AM 0 comments
I've waited and waited and waited but still no luck. Will just have to import The Script's new cd , Science & Faith. The first single off Science & Faith is "For the first time". The girl in the music video is actress Eve Hewson, Bono's daughter. The song is very fitting for these times - Ooh these times are hard, yeah they're making us crazy, don't give up on me baby. Happy Sunday!



Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Run and Tell Dat Homeboy!

Posted by Jay at 6:34 PM 0 comments
They're raping err body out here! We looking for you...we gon find you! Antoine Dodson fell into some fame accidentally. Someone broke into his family home and tried to rape his sister. The news crew run a report about it and obviously Antoine and his sister had something say about it. The rest of it, well, he took it to the bank with the Bed Intruder Song. And then to BET Hip Hop Awards last night. He's made so much money he was able to move his mom out of the projects. What can I do to move myself out of my current situation and pursue this entertainment writing thing full time? Pointers? Suggestions?

Watch the original newscast, then the video for the song, then his appearance on BET's Hip Hop Awards. PRICELESS!





Friday, October 1, 2010

Divorce Court - Tyler Perry Style

Posted by Jay at 2:29 PM 0 comments
I happen to have too much time on my hands lately. This means a lot of tv watching. I came across an episode of Divorce Court. Man, this was the most hilarious episode of Divorce Court I have ever seen! D'Atra Hicks - an actress and amazing singer familiar to us in movies and plays by Tyler Perry - is in court with her estranged husband. She admits to being abusive towards him but she also caught him living a life with another woman out of town. Take note of how she is dealing with her anger issues. Priceless!!

Let Me In - No Invitation Needed

Posted by Jay at 2:24 AM 0 comments
Usually I write movie reviews the day after I watch the movie. This time around, it's been 15 minutes since I finished watching Let Me In.



I do not like remakes. When I heard the Americans were doing a remake of the Swedish movie, Let The Right One In, I said "Um, I read subtitles just fine..." This is the first remake since I can remember that I have not been disappointed by.

To sum it up, this is a love story between two pre-adolescents - one human, one what I can only assume to be a vampire. It's a love story between Abby (the increasingly wonderful Chloe Moretz) and Owen (played hauntingly by Kodi Smit-McPhee of The Road). Owen's parents are going through a divorce and he's relentlessly bullied at school by 3 boys. Abby moves into his neighborhood with her "father" (Richard Jenkins). Soon the two become friends - two social outcasts drawn to each other - despite Abby's and her "father"'s hesitations. They only meet at night and of course Owen becomes very curious about this yet drawn to her.

Abby, do you want to go steady?
What does that mean?
Do you want to be my girlfriend?
I'm not a girl?
Huh? Then what are you?
I'm nothing

I don't want to give the movie away but soon you realize there's more to Abby's relationship with her "father". What really struck me was that although I knew what Abby's "father" was doing was wrong, I kept hoping he could get away with it. The same can be said about Abby. You see the monster/evil that she is but at the same time she's so vulnerable and lonely you just want to comfort her at the same time. This is definitely a credit to the writers and actors - especially the child actors who shoulder most of the film. There's also more suspense than gore which makes the movie even more scary. I was excited, scared shitless and heart broken all in the span of two hours.

It's wonderful to see a vampire story from the eyes of children - no, Twilight should be crossed off your mind at once! Kids can be so trusting, forgiving and fearless. I know that I wouldn't have the courage to befriend Abby like Owen did; especially after I see who she truly is. But at the same time, Abby is the closest person to Owen. As soon as I saw the picture from Abby's past I immediately knew how the story would end but that did not take away from it at all. It reminded me of the Leona Lewis song I Got You. 


Go ahead and say goodbye, I'll be alright
Go ahead and make me cry, I'll be alright
And when you need a place, to run to
For better or worse, I got you


I felt a sense of manipulation on Abby's end - like she was just trying to lure Owen for her own purpose which you'll figure out in the end. This is very different from the original movie and I felt was not true to the spirit of the original. Also, I did not see much conflict in Abby about who she is and what she/ her "father" has to do in order for her to survive. This is definitely not the superior version of the story, however, it's also a worthy Hollywood remake. Once the movie ended - at 0115 - I was left with the daunting task of walking back home. If it wasn't for my recent ailment, I would have run home like Usain Bolt was chasing my ass!

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Fall 2010 New Show: "$#*! My Dad Says"

Posted by Jay at 10:11 PM 0 comments
Shit My Dad Says is a comedy based on a twitter account of the same name. The show stars Henry (played by Jonathan Sadowski) as a recently laid-off man, living with his 72 year old dad Ed (played by William Shatner) who never minces his word. I remember there being a lot of hoopla about "shit" in the title but thank goodness CBS didn't budge and kept the word "shit" - even if it is as $#*! *sidenote* HBO never had any problem with Senator Davis' impressive use of the word...sheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet!

First, I enjoyed the Wall Street - Money Never Sleeps promo - $#*! Gordon Gekko says. Second, considering the source material and the fact that it came from Will & Grace producers, I was expecting a lot of zing. But this is cbs; how much of the vulgar nature of the real Ed can be portrayed on network TV? In my opinion, the show would be a better fit for cable tv, but on the other hand, the show can reach more viewers on network tv. However, is the latter worth deviating from the original feel of the tweets? How much of the spirit of "real Ed" from tweets can you fit in a half-hour comedy show?

In the end, I think the writers will have to feel comfortable enough to explore Ed - you know, flesh out the character past his quips - and grow past tweets less than a year old as source material. All in all, there's a lot of room for improvement. However, I will keep checking in hoping it will get better.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Every Little Step I Take

Posted by Jay at 7:35 PM 0 comments
Funny or Die is filled with comedic gold moments. The sites latest offering just brightened my day. Wow Mike, dancing is not your strong suit but I gotta love him for being such a sport. Wayne Brady should do more comedy; rare episodes of How I Met Your Mother is not enough. Make sure to check the sites Hall of Fame section on the right. Enjoy!


Saturday, September 25, 2010

Fall 2010 New Show: The Event

Posted by Jay at 7:35 PM 0 comments
Just like you, I'm wondering what is The Event? But more importantly, how long will it be before that question is answered for us? The Event is a new show on NBC starring Blair Underwood as Afro-Cuban American President Martinez who survives an assassination attempt and discovers his own administration is keeping secrets from him. Jason Ritter plays Sean who is looking for his girlfriend who goes missing during a cruise. As he searches for her, he stumbles upon a government conspiracy bigger than the President (trust me, I would never make up that vomit-inducing sentence). Other characters include Laura Innes as political detainee Sophia and - the brilliant - Zeljko Ivanek as a Presidential Aide with something to hide.

I was left confused after the show ended - not the nice confused I felt after a great episode of Lost. More like an unsatisfying episode of Lost. Here's what I gathered:

  • President Martinez wants to release non-American detainees held in Alaska. His advisors think he's making a big mistake. He also finds out that his aides are also keeping secrets from him.
  • Sean wants to propose to his girlfriend Leila. While on a cruise, he saves a girl - Vicky - from drowning. They start hanging out with Vicky and her boyfriend - Greg. However, Leila disappears before Sean is able to propose.
  • Leila's dad - played by Gilmore Girls' Scott Patterson - gives his blessings to Sean. However, Sean figures out that Mr. Buchanan is the pilot who's attempting to crash the plane at the site where President Martinez is located. It's alluded that the masked intruders who invaded the Buchanan home, killed may be his wife, and are holding his family hostage are forcing him to do this.
  • Simon - played by His Hotness Ian Anthony Dale - is the only visitor Sophia seems to get in prison. The two of them seem to know what the event is and are determined not to let the president know.
  • What in the world was that white light that swallowed the plane? I get the feeling that is not the event. 
Who is "they"? Aliens? They are not Americans but they must be the other detainees. Somehow that couple - Vicky and Greg - have something to do with either the event or the abduction of Leila. It's not Lost, it's much better than Heroes and - I hate to admit this - Flash Forward. I'll be tuning in next week.

Friday, September 24, 2010

Fall 2010 New Show: Better With You

Posted by Jay at 5:24 PM 0 comments
Better With You is a new comedy on ABC about 3 couples. Mia and Casey (Joanna Garcia and Jake Lacy) have been dating 7 and a half weeks. Their relationship has progressed very fast. Mia is pregnant and her and Jake are engaged. Her older sister Maddie (Jennifer Finnigan) has been dating Ben (Josh Cooke) for 9 years. They are not married and continue to defend their "valid life choice". Mia and Maddie's parents (played by Kurt Fuller and the wonderful Debra Jo Rupp of That 70's Show) have been together 35 years. We are introduced to all three couples as Mia prepares to break the engagement rule to her family.

So that's the plot. Verdict? It's forgettable. It's a show I would put on if there was nothing else to watch really. There was nothing fresh or exciting about it - which is too bad because I find Josh Cooke super hot! Honestly, that's all I can say about the show...next!

Greed Is Good and Legal

Posted by Jay at 10:10 AM 0 comments
Jake Moore (Shia LaBeouf) says "the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again expecting a different outcome". While watching Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps, it was amazing to see powerful, educated men fall into the same traps as their predecessors thinking they can do it better and not fall into the same traps. Jake is torn between revenge for his mentors suicide caused by the fall of the investment firm KZL, the allure of making money for the clean energy firm he believes in with the help of Gordon Gekko  (superb as usual Michael Douglas), and living a non-money hungry life with Winnie Gekko (Carey Mulligan).

Gekko is now out of prison - he was given one of the harshest sentences for a white collar crime. He comes out of jail in 2001 to see a very different financial landscape and with no one waiting for him after he is released. He still thinks the name Gekko is a powerful name in the financial world, but to his former colleagues, he's a joke. The scene in the restaurant when he reunites with Winnie is not only awkward but shows how vulnerable Gordon is too. He cannot survive in a world where he cannot reclaim his pre-prison glory. But can he navigate a world where greed is no longer only good but legal? What is he capable of doing to reclaim his lost standing?

This sequel was very timely. KZL could be seen as a substitute for Lehman Brothers, Schwartz could be Merrill Lynch/Bank of America. Seeing how the executives threw each other under the bus and sought government help through scare tactics (too big to fail) was surreal. Where is the moral hazard - what is to stop these financial institutions from making the same mistakes if we keep bailing them out? It is sickening to think that the spread of rumors such as the financial viability of a firm could spread like wildfire, be considered true, affect stock prices thus impacting the lifesavings of many unsuspecting main street families. It's a game to these executives - but they pack away their additional golden parachute in Switzerland knowing fully well of the crimes they are committing.

Although it was evident how seductive money is (Gekko explains this very well to Jake) it's the thrill of the game that keeps these men doing what they do. The picture of Satan eating his son in Bretton James' (brilliantly portrayed by James Brolin) home office nicely sums up what these men are capable of. They will devour their young - mentors, children - to retain the thrill, the power and the seductive mistress that is the mean green.

There was also a contrast between the old school Wall Street players and the newcomers. At the start of the housing bubble burst, Bretton and Jake go racing their ducatis to get away from it all. After Bretton informs Jake that they will not be investing the $100M in the firm of his choice, Jake is clearly upset. But Bretton tells him that there's no room to be emotional in business. The old schoolers seem to have no souls e.g. Bretton and Gordon. However, it is Jakes mentor Louis Zabel (Frank Langella) who tells Jake before his death that the most precious thing in life is not the money and assets you accumulate for your retirement, it is time - the time you spend with your family. This is a lesson Jake tries to teach Gordon when he tracks Gordon down after he disappears with Winnie's trust fund to mixed results. Maybe there is some humanity/soul left on Wall Street. I suspect we won't find out until the next bubble bursts.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Fall 2010 New Show: Lone Star

Posted by Jay at 4:28 PM 2 comments
Lone Star is poised to be a night time soap offered by Fox; which is bad news for this show. It feels like a show that should be offered in the summer where it can fare better than in the fall. It's a show about con artists. Bob grew up learning the art from his father; a fellow con man. He learned the trade and is now living two cons of his own in Texas. On one side of Texas, he is married to Cat, the daughter of a wealthy oil tycoon played by Jon Voight. His father-in-law wants him to take over the company. However, his father - played by David Keith - thinks he has a great gift. It's a gift not to be wasted by going straight. His father would rather he clean out the family rather than take over the company and live that life for real. Bob leads another life, 400 miles away, with his girlfriend Eloise. There he is busy conning people out of their life savings while pretending to be the perfect boyfriend to Eloise.

Which of these two lives will he choose? Will he need to choose? He seems to be genuinely in love with both women; something that is debatable as possible. He seems to be so comfortable doing cons; he's smug, extremely charming and handsome. All these give him the confidence to think that he can do it both. But you can see there's a sense of guilt in him when he hears Eloise's parents talking about the people who've lost their retirement due to the financial crisis. At the same time, he can't risk being caught; there's a lawyer questioning the deeds of some of the oil wells he supposedly owns. Will he finally be able to lead the normal life - by his standards - that he so craves? Will the viewers keep watching? Apparently not. With such bad ratings, it seems like this show is an early favorite for the first cancellation victim of the fall season. I will miss seeing James Wolk's handsome face.

Fall 2010 New Show: Mike & Molly

Posted by Jay at 1:36 PM 2 comments
Mike & Molly is a sitcom on CBS brought to you by the creators of Two and a Half Men and The Big Bang Theory. I'm not sure if this comedy will bring their batting average to 3-out-of-3. Mike is a cop in Chicago while Molly is a school teacher. They both meet at Over-eaters Anonymous. Mike is a great guy but filled with insecurities about his weight. Due to this, he's not able to see that Molly is interested in him. Plus, after his partner convinces him that Molly is interested, Mike has a hard time getting the words out.

The list of supporting characters include the highlarious Katy Mixon as Molly's sister and Swoosie Kurtz as Molly's mom. They could be in line for their own show. Mike's partner, Carl, on the other hand is an annoying, trying-too-hard, token minority of the show. His only redeeming quality is that he's Mike's constant champion and cheering squad.

The laugh track feels very forced. May be with time the show will find it's rhythm. I do believe that the characters that play Mike and Molly (Billy Gardell and the always lovely Melissa McCarthy) have great chemistry. They definitely do need this since the show is about them. Another show that it resembles is Dharma and Greg; also brought to you by Chuck Lorre, the producer of this show. The writers will have to tone down on the fat jokes. Yes, Mike's fat jokes could be masking something deeper but should the supporting actors constantly make fat jokes even unintentionally? I'll give this show 2 more viewings and see whether it will stay in my tv viewing schedule.

Monday, September 20, 2010

An Ode to Ben

Posted by Jay at 10:57 AM 0 comments
You are not back. To be back means that you must have left at some point. You never did. I read your recent article on Entertainment Weekly. You hoped that people do not view you as a one-hit wonder. NEVER! Yes, Hollywood is a fickle town. You are only as good as your last hit. Ben, you are a great actor, director and writer. Your Oscar for Good Will Hunting was not a fluke either. Yes, both movies you've directed were based on your home town of Boston (I loved seeing so many places I visit weekly). But, Martin Scorcese and Woody Allen based most of their films in their city of New York. Does that negate their great work? I am truly proud of the work I saw on the screen Saturday night. It was funny, engaging, moving, heart pounding and against better judgement, I was rooting for the bad guys. So Ben, stay grounded, keep marching on and keep up the excellent work.

P.S. I would love to work on production of one of your films :-)

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Congratulations Mrs. Bardem!

Posted by Jay at 8:54 AM 0 comments
Just as I deduced, Penelope Cruz is pregnant. Her Spanish agency finally put all the speculations to rest. The actress married fellow actor Javier Bardem back in July without any fanfare. She is currently filming Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides with Johnny Depp in Hawaii. She is four months pregnant. Congratulations Penelope! I am always happy to see one of my favorite people receive such blessings.

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Fall 2010 New Show: Nikita

Posted by Jay at 3:34 PM 0 comments
Let me preface this by saying I was hell bent on not watching the new update of Nikita on the CWl. The constant previews playing Rihanna’s rockstar was unbelievably irritating. Yes, I’m not a Rihanna fan – sue me! Further, Maggie Q, who plays the titular character, is soo skinny I just want to feed her a couple of burgers. But I know she plays action real well – she’s a huge star in Asia – and all the rave reviews the show has been getting cajoled me to give the pilot a try.


For those of you who don’t know about Nikita, here’s a little info on her. Nikita was recruited out of jail by a secret government agency and trained to be an assassin. She broke one of their rules – she fell in love with a civilian. The agency, or Division as Nikita calls them on the show, kills her boyfriend. She is now on a mission to take them down. Nikita was originally introduced to us in the 1990 French film, La Femme Nikita. Seven years later, the movie was made into a US tv show. This is technically not a retelling or continuation of the story from the movie or the television show.

First, whatever happened to Shane West? I thought he would have been a bigger star by now. Anyway, the show reminded me of Alias - Nikita could easily be Sidney Bristow minus the hot boyfriend Michael Vaughn. It moved at a fast pace, great action, you learned a few things about the characters that made you want to know more rather than inundate you with too much information. Yes, I’ve been drawn in, checked my tv watching schedule – What?! You don’t have one? – And found that the show won’t conflict with my already set Thursday night viewing schedule. Welcome Nikita!

Fall 2010 New Show: Hellcats

Posted by Jay at 3:19 PM 0 comments
Hellcats is the first of the crop of the new fall shows I have watched. Wasn’t expecting much, after all, it’s the CW channel and produced by Mr. Superman, Tom Welling. At the most, I thought it would be a guilty pleasure ala The Vampire Diaries, another CW show. The premise is rather simple. Marti (played by Alyson Michalka - one half of the pop group Aly & AJ) is a pre-law student on a scholarship at Lancer University. Her irresponsible mother neglects to tell her that her scholarship was cancelled the previous semester. As luck would have it, the school cheerleading team (The Hellcats) has a scholarship available after one of their members suffers an injury during practice. Marti thinks the cheerleaders are just football groupies but she needs to stay in school, graduate, and get as far away from her mother – and lead a normal life. Therefore, she tries out for a spot on the team. Once selected, she has to learn how to navigate her new world.


As a former team dancer – Go Spartans! – I understand this world; it’s actually a sport, very competitive, full of catty girls and not too ethnically diverse. Marti’s tryout reminds me of mine; nerve wrecking and super fierce. Enough of my trip down memory lane and back to our regularly scheduled program. Hellcats is not a guilty pleasure for me. It’s a show I would tune into if it doesn’t coincide with the 20 billion other shows I watch during its time slot. I am looking forward to seeing how Marti’s relationship with BFF Dan (the very hot Matt Barr) will develop. I am also looking forward the potential love triangle between the cheerleading coach (played by the wonderful Sharon Leal), the team doctor who is also her boyfriend and the new football coach who I assume she had a relationship with back when they both attended college. How I adore love triangles…on tv that is. Based on the first episode, I’d give the show 2.5 stars out of 5.

Trey Songz: Sneak Peek

Posted by Jay at 10:15 AM 0 comments
For all Trey Songz lovers, and those who are curious about him, his new cd Passion, Pain & Pleasure is available on Myspace for your listening pleasure. Make sure to get your copy on September 14th. Enjoy!

Monday, September 6, 2010

There Is No Emmy god

Posted by Jay at 3:38 PM 0 comments
As we all know, you can't always get what you want and at this years Emmys, I sure walked away with a lot less than I wanted. However, I was pleased to see a lot of newcomers get recognized this year. The show also made me think that I may finally have to watch Breaking Bad on AMC. Really?! Three times in a row for Bryan Cranston?! But there are so many tv shows on my plate! Ricky Gervais should host every awards show on tv. I love that guy! The non-alcoholic beer was a great touch! Then again, I am biased when it comes to the British.


I have to get something off my chest though; well a few things. First, we are in a recession but I don't think the Emmys, or better yet, AMPAS got that memo. Wow, everything was just...shiny...for lack of a better word. All I could think of was "That's $50,000 spent on showing full size shots of the nominees, on tv screens, on stage. I could use that to send my siblings to college." I sure hope many folks were employed.

Lastly, every year I gripe about this, and I know next year, I'll be back at it again. Why are some great tv personalities omitted every year from the farewell tribute? Some are such glaring omissions you can't use the usual "not enough time in the program/in error" excuse. David Mills and Alaina Reed Hall. How do you miss these two? For The Wire alone, David Mills should have been included. He also produced/wrote for The Corner and NYPD Blue, to name a few more. Who did not watch Sesame Street growing up? How do you not include Alaina Reed Hall. She was great in 227 as Rose.

Check out the full list of winners here.

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Committed

Posted by Jay at 6:57 PM 0 comments


So I finally got around watching Why Did I Get Married Too? The film is now available on dvd. I was eager to see how this sequel would hold up to the original and I was pleasantly surprised; but not that much. For one, all the main actors from the first movie were on board for the sequel. It has been a few years since we last saw them and they’ve all gone through changes. Tyler Perry and Sharon Leal’s characters now have kids and seem happier. Jill Scott and Lamman Rucker’s characters have relocated to Georgia with a baby. Malik Yoba and Janet Jackson’s characters are still married but body language says a lot. Tasha Smith and Michael J. White’s characters are still as dysfunctional and loud as ever. However, White’s character now has a steady job as a sportscaster.

Much like the previous Tyler Perry films without Madea, everyone is not leading the life they want their friends to see; they all have something to hide. Their annual couple’s retreat has a crasher; Richard T. Jones, who now realizes he let go of a great woman (Jill Scott’s character) and wants her back. Why now? That’s revealed much later in the film.
I felt that these couples were handed too many obstacles. Does everyone’s marriage have to be falling apart? Isn’t there one couple actually happy? A few performances stood out to me. Angela (Tasha Smith) brought on all the laughs but unlike the first film, she went way overboard with her over-the-top antics. Sidenote: The actress has a body to die for!

Patricia (Janet Jackson) really moved me. Much of this is to be credited to Janet Jackson. Her breakdown scenes alone are worth the admission price to this film. For the first time I actually saw Janet Jackson as an actress. I also couldn’t help but wonder if she taped the scenes before or after her famous brother’s death. Patricia, in my opinion, went through too much in one lifetime. The loss of a child, now a divorce and the surprise ending that I don’t want to spoil for anyone who hasn’t watched the film. This is definitely one of Perry’s stronger films.

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

New Artist Spotlight

Posted by Jay at 6:21 PM 0 comments


Today I discovered the best thing to come out of the music scene in a very long time. It's so refreshing to see a new artist who is not about making the money but rather the music. Mateo reminds me of Jill Scott, John Legend, Maxwell and Robin Thicke. His song, Complicated, could be mistaken as a Robin Thicke song; from the title (Robin has a song title Complicated on his 2nd cd), to the lyrics down to his voice. His voice feels like a nice glass of Moscato running down your throat. So sweet!

I'm not able to find enough about Mateo. What I've found out is through his Myspace. Mateo graduated from presitigious Morehouse College in Atlanta. He was actually going to start working in Finance. Fun fact: John Legend interviewed him for an internship at Boston Consulting Group which he didn't get. After a "soulfully dry" short career in Finance as a consultant (he and I must be twins!), he quit his job and moved to Los Angelese to pursue his music career. After working on the show Eve, with the rapper Eve, he was encouraged by a friend to pursue music fulltime. He posted his song, Human, on myspace to great success. He is now signed to Myspace Records and has a tour cd, Get To Know Me (Live at Swing House), available on itunes for $4.99. Do yourself a favor and buy yourself a copy. I am very excited to hear what his debut album will sound like.

DWTS Cast Announced

Posted by Jay at 7:14 AM 0 comments
The new Dancing With The Stars cast has been revealed. I think each year they just stoop lower than the year before.

Audrina Patridge - Reality star from The Hills
Bristol Palin - And they say her baby daddy is the one looking for stardom..tsk!
Brandy - Singer Brandy...yeah, I don't know what to say about this one
David Hasselhoff - You've come a long way down since Baywatch
Florence Henderson - The token old lady
Jennifer Grey - I wonder if her role as "Baby" in Dirty Dancing will help her
Kurt Warner - Who? I'm guessing he's another sportsman
Kyle Massey - Who? I'm guessing he's the token young kid on the block
Rick Fox - Former NBA player whose been acting lately. This is a bad move for you! You were slowly moving up the hollywood ladder until this...SIGH.
The Situation - SERIOUSLY?! Well, I'm sure all his dances will be shirt-less
Michael Bolton - I have no words for this one.
Margaret Cho - The token comedian. It will probably help her new cd move wood (that's selling an abysmal number of cds)

You can learn more about the contestants here

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Happy Birthday Michael Jackson

Posted by Jay at 3:17 PM 0 comments
Today is the King of Pop's 52 birthday. Happy birthday MJ!


Michael Jackson - Smooth Criminal


Sidenote: All three kids, Sean Lennon, Kellie Parker and Brandon Adams have remained in show business.

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Emmys This Weekend

Posted by Jay at 1:58 PM 0 comments
It's a great weekend for fellow television lovers. Primetime Emmy Awards air tomorrow night. As usual, I have picked those that I think should win. Here are my votes:




Thursday, August 26, 2010

Jam of The Day

Posted by Jay at 6:20 PM 0 comments
When the person you love leaves you for someone else because of what the other party could provide them, let Cee Lo Green soothe your bruised heart...

Monday, August 23, 2010

Jam of The Day

Posted by Jay at 8:28 PM 0 comments
You can always count on Eminem to give as a video that's not only entertaining but also though provoking and controversial. Personally, Rihanna and Eminem are a good pick for this song. We are all too aware of their relationship dramas. Enjoy a wonderful song.

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Throwback

Posted by Jay at 5:27 PM 0 comments
Do you remember that Joe Lawrence used to sing? Do you remember it was actually a hit song? Whoa! I bet that tidbit skipped your mind. In Celebration of his new ABC Family sitcom premiering on August 17th, Melissa & Joey, enjoy Nothin' my love can't fix.

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

County Law!!!

Posted by Jay at 6:21 PM 0 comments
If this doesn't have you rolling on the floor or at least laughing your guts out then I don't know what will. Note that this is her sister getting hauled off to jail...SMH!

Fantasia Overdoses

Posted by Jay at 6:08 PM 0 comments
A few years ago, I was watching some random program. I remember a character saying "If a man tells his separated from his wife; he is still as good as married." There's always a risk that he's 1. lying about his status or 2. he could at any time try to "work things out" with his wife. In my not-so-important-in-the-cyber-universe opinion, do not get involved! That's why it saddened me last year when I heard that Fantasia's new boyfriend, former college football player Antwaun Cook, was a married man and had his last name tattooed on her shoulder. I know finding a good single and straight man is hard but if he left her for you, chances are he'll leave you for someone else *side-eye A. Keys* Yeah, yeah, yeah, Swizz Beatz just married Alicia but do you remember how Mr. Beatz met the former Mrs. Beatz (Mashonda)? I didn't think so.

Unfortunately, I had the above paragraph all written until I saw the news when I got home this evening. Fantasia's manager has confirmed that the former American Idol winner attempted suicide last night! She overdosed on sleeping pills and aspirin after reading the suit filed against her by her beau's soon-to-be ex-wife; accusing her of carrying on a year-long affair with Mr. Cook. Part of the statement released by her manager reads:

Yesterday, she was totally overwhelmed by the lawsuit and the media attention. Last night, Fantasia was hospitalized. She took an overdose of aspirin and a sleep aid. Her injuries are not life threatening. She was dehydrated and exhausted at the time. Fantasia is stable now. She will be released from the hospital soon. Fantasia is a fighter and a survivor. This is not the hardest thing Fantasia has endured. Fantasia will be stronger, smarter, and better for it. Her work has always inspired her and served as a source of strength. Her new album, "Back To Me," will be released on August 24th. The lyrics to "I’m Here" say it best:
 
"I Believe I Have Inside Of Me
Everything That I Need To Live A Bountiful Life
With All The Love Inside Of Me
I’ll Stand As Tall As The Tallest Tree
And I’m Thankful For Each Day That I’m Given
Both The Easy And The Hard Ones I’m Livin’
But Most Of All
Yes, I’m Thankful For Lovin’ Who I Really Am"


Get well soon Tasia!
 

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