Afro-America Writer's space: Entertainment

Sex And The City Movie

Sat, 31 May 2008 21:17:59 GMT

Cross-posted @ http://afroamericawriter.blogspot.com

Hello Lover! You’ve been four years coming. I’ll put a brake on the puns of Sex And The City. Most SATC fans know the “hello lover” was Carrie’s greeting to some to-die-for-shoes and I, like many women was hooked. Yes SATC was a revelation to men and a revolution to their opposite sex.

Four women navigating their thirties and forties on having great careers and great or grim personal (yet public) lives. Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda, and Samantha became household names; at least to the female households and males who dared to ask or were secret fans. They showed men how women really talk among themselves; let me let you in on a little secret guys, it’s even worse in real life.

Through Carrie’s keystrokes, the world learned the secret lives of her dear friends and her missteps in love with Mr. Big and others. Charlotte was the forever romantic (couldn’t stand her), Miranda was the realist (could hang with her), and Samantha was the unapologetic (LOVE her).

Here’s a side note: I don’t approve Samantha’s lifestyle but I love the notion of not caring what people thought of her and giving her friends straight up advice of how not to short-change themselves. Samantha literally stole the show. Ladies watched SATC for what Carrie was going to wear but Monday morning, they talked about what Samantha said.

So for four years, women have been subjected to SATC reruns and this weekend and others to come, they will be like birds free from their cages barging into movie theatres to catch up on the lives of their fictitious girl friends.

My advice to guys: don’t try to make sense of it. Schedule your own me time or some time with your boys. You’ve been trying to do so for a while anyway. Let your girl have her four to five hours girls night out. Don’t assume anything when she’s dressed to the nines just to see a movie. This is not just a movie; it is an EVENT.

I Love Me Some Grey's Anatomy

Fri, 23 May 2008 21:11:36 GMT

I mentioned once I was singing the blues while the writers’ strike was going on in Hollywood. I must have read more books and magazines during those months than I ever did; and I was already an avid reader. My favorite show, Grey’s Anatomy was also on hiatus during this time and I missed my weekly diet to check in with the “Doctors” of Seattle Grace Hospital. Well the two-hour season finale was last night and it did not disappoint. (What I thought of it will be in another post but first . . .)

I was never a person who jumped on board after the rest of America caught the “Grey’s Anatomy” bug; I was fan from day one. I remember when the show started in the fall of 2005 right after “Desperate Housewives,” programming, I stuck around just to see what this hospital show was all about. As usual, I came in with a little apprehension because at that time I thought most shows on TV sucked. Also, I wondered how successful will another medical drama be since a few over the years I loved have either been cancelled or lust some luster. Shows that come to mind were Chicago’s Hope, City of Angels, and ER (after George Clooney left). So my tepidity towards the new TV show was well placed. However, the writing (the most important factor in my opinion) grabbed me the first few minutes, and the casting of the diverse actors made me an instant fan.

But I was worried if some Americans will get it and not let this great gem I have found NOT go to an early TV grave yard. Well not to worry, month after month, the audience kept building and Grey’s became a bonafide hit. Now “Grey’s” buzz words such as McDreamy, McSteamy, Va-jay-jay (to those living under a rock, let’s just say it refers to a certain female’s anatomy) have become everyday lexicon even the big O (Oprah Winfrey) who’s publicly made know for watching little or no TV, put her stamp of her “favorite” show to the point of using the buzz words (especially the va-jay-jay) on air. Well, TV comedians had fun with that one.

What makes Grey’s successful is not just the medical mumbo-jumbo; that is there in abundance to make the show authentic. However, it is the story about life and how complicated it is whether as a mother, daughter, wife, father, son, or husband and every other role one plays in this thing called life. In one episode, a viewer could go from great comedic timing with the characters of the show and grief when a lovable character (I cried my eyes out when Denny – Izzie’s love) passes away. It is where a so-called jerk (i.e. Alex) could have some redeeming qualities or for a person who made a mistake not to be defined by the misstep – I loved what the Nazi said to recurring character Dr. Montgomery not to let a man define her (great advice).

Dancing With The Stars - The Finale!

Tue, 20 May 2008 19:04:09 GMT

Cheryl and Christian Jason and Edyta Mark and Kristi

Well all good things must come to an end and so it was with last night's Dancing With The Stars for this season. It was what it needed to be for a finale but unlike the past three seasons, a clear winner emerged and I'm sorry to say it's not my Miami Hero - Jason Taylor; Gentlemen, make room for the lady Kristi Yamaguchi. Yes I said it! Though I voted for Jason, it was only for moral support; Kristi should win DWTS, making her only the second woman and the fourth consecutive athlete to do so.

So the "stars" had two dances- the cha-cha and the freestyle (no holds barred). You had the the sentimental favorite in Christian dancing with one good arm (the second needs surgery), the other hunk in Jason, and the sweetheart in Kristi. I loved Christian's and Cheryl Cha-Cha; Christian has solidified his Latin blood. Also, Kristi's and Mark's Cha-Cha was just phenomenal and worthy of their perfect score. Kristi finally showed she had the showmanship along with her impeccable technique. Jason and Edyta was missing something. When both Christian and Jason held Kristi in the air in their final group performance, it was symbolic to me that they were holding up the trophy - the real winner.

And what can I say about Kristi and Mark's freestyle? I would always have a soft spot for someone who uses any King of Pop's, Michael Jackson's tune. In this case, it was "Got Me Working. . ." with a synchonized moonwalk; I say give them the trophy already. Kristi left the Boys to bite the dust! Sorry, gotta call it the way I see it.

Dancing With The Stars - Two for One

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 21:14:17 GMT

To relieve my election 2008 headache, it’s time for something fun and do a recap of last night’s Dancing With The Stars. The couples each had to learn two dances (unlike last week’s group dance), so the intensity and stress level was definitely higher. I think I’ve described most of the styles (whether Ballroom or Latin) in my previous postings; so let’s go for the run down of what happened with the couples:

Marissa and Tony: The delight of the ballroom (not for their technique but for their charm) had to do the Tango and Rumba. They fared better in the former dance with their best scores to date and I thought their Rumba was safe. Total score: 52
Christian and Cheryl: The couple had the Viennese Waltz and the Samba. Question: Why did the band play Boys 2 Men “I’ll make love to you” on a dance like the Waltz, which is all about the lady being a princess? Anyway, the dance was nice to watch. But then the Samba happened and this is when you know you can’t plan this stuff when it’s a LIVE show. The Samba was going well and Christian rediscovered his Latin heritage when the viewer could see something just wasn’t right. Christian started breaking the hold while trying to finish the dance; you could tell the communication between him and his partner, Cheryl has been broken while she continued dancing. Then you see what’s going on; he’s hurt! That was a scary moment and they had to cut into commercial. Sorry it had to cut into their scores since the judges had to be fair. Total score: 46
Kristi and Mark: Well, you can’t stay on top ALL the time. I like Kristi and Mark but it was good to see them a bit human and let another couple take the top spot for a change. They also had to the Viennese Waltz which flowed; obviously her skating background helped and the Cha-Cha. Len didn’t like a bit of hip-hop moves thrown into the Cha-Cha – Oh Len, always the traditionalist! Total score: 54
Mario and Karina: It was a shock to many when these two were in the bottom two last week despite being in the top two based on the judges’ scores. People, you need to VOTE! So they had something to prove with the Foxtrot (not Mario’s strong point) and the Mambo (exactly Mario’s strong point). Total score: 51
Shannon and Derek: This couple also had something to prove with their low scores but I guess the fans were moved because Shannon’s tears worked. They had to do the Tango (appropriate to work their aggression out on the dance floor) and the Mambo (remember she lacked the hip action). For the latter dance, Shannon donned a false booty to have some hip action; my thought is whatever works for you Shannon. Total score: 51
Jason and Edyta: My favorite couple is BAAACK!!! Also, they had the highest scores of the night! Their excellent Quickstep (great footwork) and the powerful Paso Doble (way to use the Miami Dolphins’ colors) took them to the top. Total score: 55.

Dancing With The Stars - Multiple Styles

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 16:18:36 GMT

Last night’s Dancing With The Stars (DWTS) was a night featuring different styles of Ballroom and Latin dances that each couple have yet to attempt; then a treat for the fans (without the Judges scoring) of whole group’s country line dance. So without further ado, let’s grade the couples’ dance:

Jason and Edyta: This week’s dance for the couple was the Cha-Cha. The operative word for the Cha-Cha is cheeky; think fun but a little flirty. Jason decided to show his guns (great biceps) for the first time half way through the season; too bad the footwork showed a loss of timing. But I will give him showing more content in the dance than last week. Judges score: 24 (justified).

Shannon and Derek: In every DWTS’ season, there’s always that couple that you wonder “are they” or “aren’t they,” in terms of being involved with more than what comes on the dance floor. The latest for the questions to hover around them is Shannon and Derek. Let’s just say their chemistry was crazy and how appropriate for them to dance to the Rumba – the bedroom dance. However, there was something to be said of the technique – it was missing some hip action (again). I’m just saying if you were criticized for your hips last week, don’t you think you guys need to be working on that instead of making out on the beach? Judges score: 24 (Why?)

Marleen and Fabian: The dance was Mambo and at first, one would think this couple has an edge since Fabian (the professional) was a 2006 world champion for the Mambo. Then you remember Marleen is not a professional but she’s also hearing impaired. Though this couple has done well in past weeks, they took a dip last week with the Samba but they didn’t fare any different with this week’s Mambo. The Fontz (I mean Henry Winkler) tried to provide Marleen a much needed motivation but she showed signs of still thinking of last week’s dip in scores by her little hesitations on the dance floor. I love Marleen for the inspiration she brings to the ballroom but I think she might have done her swan dance. Judges score: 21 (rightly called).

Christian and Cheryl: Let’s call these two the “comeback kids” of the week after finding themselves in the dreaded red light as one of the bottom two last week. They are back in a big way with their Ballroom Foxtrot. The Foxtrot is coined the “Rolls Royce” of the ballroom – think extremely graceful and elegant. The image of Fred Astaire comes to mind when you watch a guy dancing the Foxtrot, which makes it tough for any guy being compared to such icon. But Christian came close; he was spectacular with obvious attention to Cheryl’s tutelage. A score of 27 (not justified – they should have had one or two more points).

Marissa and Tony: Let me be clear, these guys are not going to win but they are definitely darlings for their charisma mixed with a brand of humility. The couple had to dance the Viennese Waltz – think Disney kind of dance with a Prince and a Princess. The V. Waltz is a flowing kind of dance with dizzying rotations especially for the female but Marissa managed to pull it off, which got them a score of 26 – their highest to date.

Kristy and Mark: Tiger Woods watches DWTS (who knew?). For the 20 million folks who are DWTS regulars, just think; Tiger is a fan. We got to see that side of him on this episode and he’s definitely a fan of this couple. But I digress. Kristi and Mark had to do the Jive – think Elvis in Jailhouse Rock. The Jive is known as the American dance of the ballroom and these two showed they are proud citizens. Seriously, can this two be beat? They had a perfect score of 30 (well deserved).

Mario and Karina: Let’s get straight to this: this couple danced the Rumba to Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get It On” – Gee where’s the innuendo? Seriously!!! It was like skip the foreplay and get straight to the action. Len (the Head Judge) called the dance “too raunchy (I agree),” Bruno called it “fabulous (what a surprise with Bruno always thinking about sex in his critics anyway),” and Carrie Ann said it was “better than good sex (huh?).” Anyhoo, a score of 28 (I guess sex sells).

Dancing With The Stars - Muy Caliente!

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 20:35:15 GMT

ABC’s Dancing With The Star’s hosts dubbed last night’s show as the sexiest night since it was Latin night. Each of the remaining couple had to dance either the Samba – the dance of the carnival or the Rumba – dubbed the bedroom dance. While the Samba is a cheeky and flirty dance, the Rumba is a sensual and seductive dance. Let’s just say the latter could get really steamy. And for the couples where one is either married or in a committed relationship, there has to be a lot of acting involved with a very much secured non-dancing partner. So shall we dance?

Ø Mario and Karina – This couple have been struggling for the past two weeks, thus a reason for them to bring it: R&B singer Mario went to the genius of Stevie Wonder for inspiration with his dance. Stevie told him to use his gift of song and interpret it for the dance. It worked! Mario kept a classic samba routine which pleased Len Goodman (the Simon Cowell of Dancing without the meanness) who’s being Mario’s toughest critic very much. A score of 27 out of 30 and way to start the evening.

Ø Priscilla and Louis – Oh how the mighty has fallen! Priscilla Presley started as one of the heavy favorites and on top of the scoring litter board. But last week’s rule breaking of tango found her in the bottom two. This week’s less than inspiring rumba may find her in the same spot or worse, giving up her dancing shoes.

Ø Marissa and Tony – These two were the comeback kids of last week with their powerful pase doble that got them a score of 24. You could see how Marissa is putting in the much needed work with the dancing especially the Samba with a whole lot of hip shaking. She’s adorable! The score of 24 was well deserved.

Ø Christian and Cheryl – As Heidi says on Project Runway: One week you’re in, the next you’re out! I pray the same fate doesn’t become of this couple. The Rumba, granted is one of the toughest dances of the ballroom not only for the slow yet sensual moves but it has a few sharp spins to accomplish. This is halfway through the dance, there cannot be any half-stepping! I wrote in my notes concerning this couple, “obituary.” A score of 23.

Ø Marleen and Fabian – This couple has been the most inspiring for the past weeks. Seeing one of them, Marleen is hearing-impaired. But you knew this week was going to be tough since Samba is a dance that bounces to the beat. Marleen was a trooper, she kept going even when she messed up and that’s a life lesson in itself! A score of 22.

Ø Kristi and Mark – Like I said last week, this is the couple to beat. So this week’s erotic dance of rumba left Kristi, a married mother of two in an uncomfortable position. However, her husband came to watch one of the rehearsals (provide a comic relief) and gave his approval. I guess it worked because the dancing couple, with a score of 29 was just one point shy of perfection.

Ø Shannon and Derek – Another setback for this couple apart from the physical of Derek’s food poisoning. After getting a score of 29 last week, they took a dip this week. The samba had no flow, Shannon’s hips weren’t moving. Even though they got a score of 23, they are the most improved couple of the bunch and they should be back next week.

Ø Jason and Edyta – This is the couple I’m REALLY pulling for being my home town boy and all. A two point dip from last week with a score of 27. Their “insane chemistry” as Carrie Ann put it made their rumba work regardless of technique.

Alicia Keys - Say What?

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 21:14:13 GMT

Alicia Keys

Here’s the thing about me: I hate it when musicians try to get political because most times they get their information muddled up. So like some fans, I’ve been known to roll my eyes and just think in my mind for those folks to “shut up and sing.” However, there are a few who are exceptional in navigating such waters and their brilliance rivals some ordinary citizens. Musicians like Marvin Gaye for writing “What’s going on?” and “Mercy, Mercy Me,” Isaac Hayes in “Soulville” from Shaft’s soundtrack or the O-Jays singing “For the Love of Money.” For my hip-hop generation, I loved what Public Enemy did for the social consciousness of rap among a few other rappers like Talib Kweli or Mos-Def. The reasons these musicians were successful in navigating the music with the politics while facing the risk of backlash was the music was first and foremost, EXCELLENT and then the intelligence and humanity of the lyrics were poignant.

So imagine my surprise when I read an article today from one of the few musicians that I thought actually got some sense with her conspiracy theories; Ms. Alicia Keys. First, she said Gangsta Rap was a ploy for black people to kill each other. Hmm No! Gangsta Rap started as a way to stick it to the police for their police brutality against blacks. Remember NWA or Ice-T? They got fed up of the way the men in blue treated them and their friends, so they took up the gangsta persona. I don’t agree with the methods and imageries of the gangsta raps but I understood their message at first before it turned to something else.

Second, Keys talked about the death of Tupac Shakur and Notorious B.I.G being about the government and the media for stopping another black man from existing. No again! What is Keys smoking? Tupac was shot before the shot that killed him and has brilliant as he was, he perpetuated the “thug life” that later led to his demise. Alicia, are you kidding me? Are you saying the government started the east coast/west coast feud among the rappers in the 90s? Please! You may blame the government for not putting all resources to find the killers of the said rappers but they had nothing to do with them existing (or not).

So now Keys gave a reason for wearing the necklace “AK 47” to symbolize strength, power, and killing ‘em dead.” Somebody please tell Alicia to stop! It’s like she’s trying to develop a street-cred (which she already had) all of a sudden. Hey, we are in an election season where everybody is thinking about change and hope. We’ve got enough violence don’t you think? So Alicia said she wants to write more political songs; psst, musicians who’ve done that in the past don’t announce it, they are like the Nike slogan; they just do it. In the meantime, do us all a favor and just shut up and sing!

Dr. Phil - What happened to you?

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 19:48:29 GMT

Remember a time people looked forward to watching Oprah's Tuesday segment with a "tell it like it is" psychologist called Dr. Phil? The segment became so popular and a ratings bonanza that the Queen of Media, Oprah gave him his own show. Just like she foresaw, the Dr. Phil show also became a hit. But over the past year, it seems Dr. Phil has got too big for his breeches. First, it was bypassing privacy laws by barging his way to see Britney Spears in yet another meltdown at the hospital as a form of council. Note to Dr. Phil: The family didn't ask for your help. It got so bad to point of lawsuit rumored to be brought against the Doctor.

Now it's about the teenage girl beating that already blogged about. Unless, you're living under a rock, you've seen the horrific video on TV a few times this past week of six teenage girls ganging up on one teenager while teenage boys served as lookout. Since then, the girls have been in jail but you know who bailed one of the girls out for an exclusive? You guessed it, Dr. Phil! How dare he? Not only is perpetuating the "fame" these girls sought from the so called beating, this move is very unethical and for the past 24 hours Dr. Phil has got some outrage over the airwaves. I can only imagine how Oprah feels about this latest fiasco on one of her investments that started so well . . .

Dancing With The Stars - My Pick: Jason Taylor

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 15:07:44 GMT

One of the happy times for me during the week is in front of my TV watching ABC's Dancing With The Stars. There is something about the power of movement that could easily make you forget the mishaps of the day. I love the drama that comes with the live TV and exudes from the partners and yes I do have some favorites; my top three are: Kristi Yamaguchi, Mario, and my local town hero, Miami Dolphin Jason Taylor.

Kristi appears to be the one to beat; there is something to be said about the training she received as a figure skater. I remember Apollo Ohno, the speed skater who won it a couple of seasons ago. But then you've got Jerry Rice, a Hall-of-Famer football star who was a runner up and future Hall-of-Famer Emmitt Smith winning the whole thing. So something can be said for football athletes. And of course, Helio Castonoveres, another athelete and hometown guy won just last season. What have we learned here? Athletes seem to have the statistics in their favor to win this competition than entertainers seeing all Dancing With The Stars but ONE season have been won by them.

Therefore, looking at historical perspective, I'll say the final two will be between Kristi Yamaguchi and Jason Taylor - these two better be standing at the end or there will be an outcry like what happened to the cheeter girl last season. The woman in me wants to support Yamaguchi (I voted for her a couple of times) but the woman in me also LOVE Jason Taylor with his fine self. He, like other football players before him prove the theory that REAL MEN DANCE. They can be graceful yet masculine and sexy. So though I don't tell people how to vote in the political world; in the pop culture world I will; please vote for Jason -(http://abc.go.com/primetime/dancingwiththestars/index?pn=index)

Shaquille O’Neal’s Rant Draws a Tech!

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 21:13:57 GMT

Anyone who’s read this blog can see I pay attention to sports. Also, I’m a huge basketball fan with my hometown Miami Heat always having a special place in my heart. However, for several months my team’s lackluster performance has reduced its burning flamed logo into a mere smoke and as much as I hate that famed Celine Dion’s song; I must say my heart will go on. So almost two months ago I wrote a glowing piece of a behemoth puzzle in Shaquille O’Neal who was traded from the Miami Heat’s roster to the Phoenix Suns. Looking back, I almost regret giving Shaq such send-off. Please allow me to get off the fantasy island I was in when I paid Shaq such compliments into the real world.

The latest rant from Mr. Big Mouth, Big Gas Bag (not the Big Diesel) has drew great ire from basketball fans around the country especially residents (myself included) of South Florida. As Charles Barkley (who I love) said last Thursday on TNT: “Shaq was wrong, wrong, wrong.” Shaq where do you get off saying “we have professionals who know what to do . . . no one is asking me to play with Chris Quinn or Ricky Davis.” Are you kidding me? The professionals who covered your butt on your many “injuries.” The professionals who kept playing despite you sitting over 40 games last season, and an average of 20 plus games two seasons prior (including the championship season). Are those the professionals you’re talking about? The ones who took charges on your sorry a- free throw attempts to stay in the game. The ones who manage to play some minuscule amount of defense when you chose not to take advantage of your size. What professionals are you talking about exactly Shaq? The professional in Alonzo Mourning with one kidney playing limited minutes but led the league in shot-blocking second only to Denver Nugget’s Marcus Camby in starting time minutes during the championship season while you sat your big butt down on the bench nodding your appreciation.

And if you want to pick on a player, pick on someone your size instead of acting like the proverbial bully by picking on Chris Quinn – SERIOUSLY? A sophomore backup point guard who’s one of the most hardworking guys on the team with great assist-to-turnover ratio is the person you want to pick on. Turnover, yeah look that up Shaq, it seemed you were one of the major culprits of that concept. Also, you called out Ricky Davis who you gave glowing reviews to the media outlets when he was traded to the team and now you have the audacity to throw him under the bus; gee I wonder who’s Benedict Arnold (remember that term you called the Zen Master, Phil Jackson) now, psyche I already know, YOU are.

So if the professionals you mentioned is not limited to just players as your latest rant implied, allow me to give you run down: Mickey Arison, one of the nicest people and owners you will ever meet gave you carte blanche on anything you requested and gave you a $20 million a season because of your star appeal even though not always shown in the past few years on the basketball court. Pat Riley, remember him, the one you called the “greatest coach ever” after you got your fourth championship ring but even after rumblings of your baby ways in practice still sent you to a championship contender. Ron Culp, the award-winning head trainer of the Miami Heat and one of the outstanding trainers and persons in the league. The one who kept working on your bum knee while he dealt with the tragedy of losing his wife on your way to winning that fourth ring? Those are the people you chose not to react with class but rather a couple of letters off that word?

In the past few days, I’ve wondered if millions of basketball fans were not bamboozled, hoodwinked and run amok by your obvious charm when we took your side against Kobe, the snitch. Something is wrong with this picture where everywhere you went in your basketball career, it had to be about you and no one else. You couldn’t get along with Penny Hardaway even when both of you took the Magic to the NBA Finals; could it be you were jealous of all that attention he got for the “little Penny” ads? Then it was off to the Lakers, and we know what happened there – a volatile relationship between its two major stars that sent the Zen Master himself to the therapist couch. The Heat was supposed to be your final stop and you were adamant that this relationship will not be like the others. You even made the “Godfather” analogy on more than one occasion as in the Godfather Part 3; comparing the character Michael (relating him to Dwyane Wade) is ready to gain all access. Not too fast because according to a few Heat insiders you made a dig at Wade’s “wonder boy” status. As Ricky Davis, a recipient of one of your digs answered to your latest rant: I guess he’s true colors have been revealed. I say, indeed.

Project Runway Finale!

Thu, 06 Mar 2008 14:47:27 GMT

So Project Runway, one of my favorite shows had its finale last night but did the best person win? I'm not sure! Yes I've said in the past month Christian Siliano is definitely going to be the winner and so he did but based on his final collection at Bryant Park, I don't think he deserved the win. That honor should have gone to Rami; who has never seen a drape he didn't like but showed in his final collection he had other talents in the back.

The three finalists in the order of the presentation were: indecisive Jillian, drapery king Rami, and the "fierce" Christian. Seriously, can someone tell Christian that there are more words in the English dictionary for descriptions than "fierce" or "fabulous?" But I digress. Jillian showed a truly modern yet feminine collection. Since some of her knit collections represent what I'll wear; chic yet edgy, I gave her props but I knew she'll be the second runner up because there wasn't a sense of harmony in the looks of her collection.

Rami, who I still think should have won had extremely stunning evening dresses - that was were he really shined. There were all kinds of attires from daytime to cocktail to already mentioned formal wears. The craftmanship was just exquisite. You could tell a lot of time went into their making and it looked expensive. Finally, he showed he could do more than the Grecian goddess vibe and show new woven techniques that spelled talent. Hey major New York/Paris/Italy designer labels sign this guy up; he's got mad skills!

Then the corky Christian, who suddenly found a humility pill last night and knew Rami was going to give serious competition collection: Anyone who knows me know I have an affinity for the color black but even I rolled my eyes after seeing the first six or seven collections of Christian had to say out loud "do you have any other color besides black?" There were feathers galore and hats but the very last piece with the two-toned color bird piece might have sealed the deal. It was spectacular! You could tell Victoria Beckham, aka Posh serving as guest judge love her some Christian and maybe that's why he won. Too bad showmanship won over the excellence of craftmanship.

Oscars - Short and Sweet (maybe too sweet)

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 18:27:51 GMT

I make a date for the Oscars every year and compared to years past, I'd like to say thank you to the Academy for keeping last night's program relatively short. I wouldn't call last night Oscars my best since I had almost no one to root for - he-llo Oscar! More black nominees please, and by the way, shout out to the legendary Ruby Dee. So here are my highlights (and low lights):

The host - Love Jon Stewart! I've been a fan of his and The Daily Show since college. I'll give his hosting duties a grade B. I think he was more comfortable this year than the last time. Thanks Jon for keeping the award moving but also showing class to the musician/actress that was cut at the beginning of her thank you speech for winning best song. I loved the political satire (Jon's best gift) and poking fun at the Oscars. Also, poking fun at the viewers at home (like me) who maybe grading the Stars' attires.
The fashion - Speaking of the Stars' attires, they were safe, which equals boring! Seriously, could someone wear a bird or another creature (a la Bjork) to make me do a double take on my TV. That been said, red was the "it" color and I loved Heidi Klum's avant-garde number. Most regular folks won't pull it off but I give her Kudos for taking a risk. Who else? Oh the guys! Best dressed has to go to "The Rock," or his actor's name "Dwayne Johnson." I'll give props to any guy with such stature who still wore a suit the way it's supposed to be - suit your body. Honorable Mention: George Clooney, what can I say, the guy makes a tux look effortless!
The performances - sweet to the point of saccharine sweet; reached for my remote during most numbers. If you have most of the songs from a Disney movie and one sweet little romantic movie, you are likely to get such reaction. One bright spot - the Harlem choir singing a song (raise up) from the movie August Rush! I guess I was spoiled from the hilarious win of Three-Six Mafia and performances from the Dream Girls the past couple of years! Note to the Oscars, how about checking out Isaac Hayes iconic "Shaft" theme performance?
The speeches - My favorites were lead actress win Marion Cotillard for "Le Vie en Rose" which sounded heartfelt and genuine and Javier Bardem's supporting actor win for "No Country for Old Men." The last half of his speech was in spanish, which I didn't get till Good Morning America's translation this morning but it sounded beautiful!

Shaq leaves the Heat for the Suns - My Parting Thoughts

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 23:54:37 GMT

Rob Schumacher / AP

The All-Star weekend is over and I've gone through my five (maybe not the whole five) stages of grief process over Shaquille O'Neal's trade from the Miami Heat to the Phoenix Suns. Just as I was in the state of denial for the first couple of days that Miami would get Shaq almost four years ago, the same happened when I found out he left the team two weeks ago. So yes I went through the stage of anger for the futility of this season and Shaq knowing so and bailing out just in time. No, there was no point in going through the bargaining stage because let's face it, the Heat saved $50 million; any business mind would not negotiate to keep such debt unless for a substantial benefit which we got two years ago in a Championship. About the depression stage, a friend left a message on my phone to ask if I was alright. Seriously, it's basketball and no matter how huge of a fan I've been since I was a child; there are more important things in life. This brings me to the final stage, Acceptance. Ah! Everyone has to come to this critical stage in any aspect of life in order to move on; whether the loss of a loved one, demise of a relationship or of the trade of a lovable sports giant in your community. Since I've accepted this reality that Shaq is really gone; here's what I can say:

Thank you Shaq for not only making the Heat relevant again but to be talked about as a championship caliber team.
Thank you for delivering on your promise of a championship.
Thank you for making the Heat experience at the AAA more of a rock concert like its never seen.
Thank you for the hilarious soundbites and antics we could count on at least once in a weekly local news.
Thank you for being a pillar in the community and above all, doing well in and for the South Florida community.

As you leave the not-so blazing Heat, I truly hope you can rise again in Phoenix even at the age of 36. And for us Heat fans, we look towards the dawn of a new day as we welcome The Matrix.

Nas and the N-word

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 14:11:40 GMT

Anyone who knows me knows I don’t care how many times the civil rights generation chastise my demographic for trivializing the N-word; I’m one of the exception. I don’t care how you spell the word either with an “a” or “er,” it is still a word that should be eliminated from one’s vocabulary.

That been said, I debated within myself if I should comment on the latest news about the rapper Nas with his N-word attire at the Grammys but I believe one of my favorite bloggers “Average Bro” does the story more justice than I could. So please check his blog out on this subject (and others if you have the time) and let me know what you think . . .

Happy Valentines Day to All

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 21:45:29 GMT

Natalie Cole and Amy Winehouse - Battle of Two Divas

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 14:28:38 GMT

Natalie Cole said no, no, no to Amy Winehouse for winning her multiple Grammys. First, thanks to Natalie Cole for giving me an opportunity to say something about Winehouse since I omitted her performance for the Grammys in my last post. Second, Cole was one of the presenters for Winehouse’s nominations; she presented the “Record of the Year” category along with Tony Bennett, and guess what? Winehouse won! Bennett announced Winehouse name and if looks could kill, Cole’s “hate vision” would have tasered Winehouse across the Atlantic via satellite.

After the awards, Cole spoke against the Grammys for rewarding bad behavior. This is the place I need to bring a few people up to speed about Amy Winehouse so called bad behavior: Winehouse is this talented yet troubled British young star who chronicled her battles with addition into a hit song called Rehab among others in her critical and commercial success of album, Back to Black. The hit song Rehab says how she said no to loved ones plea to go to rehab but the ironic thing is she is in rehab and one of the reasons she couldn’t make it live to the Grammys but via satellite.

So Cole’s comments against Winehouse have dominated headlines the past 24 hours and many are debating how right or wrong she might have been. Here’s my take: This was the Grammys not the Stellars; the former rewards you for your talent not your troubles; the latter will reward you for your talent and your sainthood. Did Cole pay attention to some of the lyrics that made Winehouse a star? Lyrics such as “I told you I was troubled . . . you know I’m no good.” Hel-lo, this girl is not trying to be Mother Theresa; she’s laying herself bare and history has shown us time and time again, we love brutal honesty from our artists. Now do I agree with her alleged drug use? Absolutely not!

Do I think you have to be troubled to be talented? Of course not! In fact, I think it’s more of a miracle and should be more lauded to be extremely talented and yet normal.

But unlike Natalie Cole, I could separate the two – talent and faults. I watched Amy Winehouse’s impressive performance Sunday night. I must say she looked better than the persona of who she was the past months. It took courage to have that performance when the whole world knows you are in the grips of alleged drugs and alcohol stronghold. She sang “Rehab” for goodness sake, and she was still in treatment at one. I ask you, would you have done the same thing when you know people are laughing on the inside that you failed on your promise of never going into one? Cole has battled her own demons in the past and she’s been very public about beating them. Great for her! Yes she kicked the habit before sweeping the Grammys in ‘92 for “unforgettable” making her quite justifiable case against Winehouse win of the Grammys in spite of the bee-hived one’s sober lifestyle or lack thereof.

This story reminded me of the Prodigal Son parable; only in this case, they are sisters. It makes me wonder, is Cole mad that she took the hard road, got cleaned up, then got rewarded instead of this prodigal daughter in Amy Winehouse getting the fatted calf so to speak in the Grammys with all her imperfections still intact? Hey life’s not fair but seeing how stunned and shaken Winehouse was for winning the record of the year; she knew with all the demons she’s battling she didn’t deserve such high admiration. But just like the father in the famed parable, the Recording Arts Association did not reward Winehouse for squandering her remarkable talents to the perceived drugs and alcohol but to embrace her to say she (the individual) is better than whom she’s become. I hope Natalie Cole could extend the same hand of compassion.

Grammys - Long but Legendary

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 15:51:49 GMT

Ok my one gripe about last night's Grammys . . . could you make it a bit shorter or snappier? OMG! Other than that, I must say I like the concept of the legends and rising stars - shout out to the Chairman Jimmy Jam. Also, when I wasn't surfing the channels from some dull moments or drawn out speeches from the Grammy awards, I must say it was quite an enjoyable evening.

Back to the legends and rising stars theme; here are my highlights (and a few low lights):

Loved how Alicia Keys started out the show with the blue eye Frank Sinatra. Now that's a girl with some serious talent. Didn't get the green dress (though most guys aren't complaining), I felt it took away from her beautiful face.
Great to see the Time performing with Rihanna. That was a bit of nostalgia with the dance - loved it! But could someone tell Jerome to stop with the mirror? Seriously! I mean what age does that act gets played.
Tina and Beyonce "Proud Mary" performance was sensational. Speaking of sensational, how about Ms. Tina! That's my dream for how a 60ish woman should look like - stylish yet with sex appeal. But what was up with Beyonce calling Tina the Queen of R&B especially when Aretha was in the same venue? Ok I love Tina but I would think of her as more of rock before R&B. Beyonce with the "queen" gaffe felt like Whitney (a bit high) calling Bobby Brown the King of R&B some years ago; both cases in the wrong.
And about the real queen Aretha - a little long of a performance . . . and another note, let's leave the "hoola" and "huffing" to the church. But I've got nothing but love for you Aretha!
Finally, a touching performance to his "Mama" by Kanye West! No matter how cocky and what a legend in his own mind he is, for last night, he deserved a pass.

NY Giants Win A Giant Upset!

Mon, 04 Feb 2008 15:30:33 GMT

Wow! I was pulling for the underdog but I didn't think it was possible in this fashion. This superbowl was probably the most exciting I've seen in a while. Like I said, I wanted the New York Giants to win probably because I didn't want the 1972 Miami Dolphins perfect season record to be broken after the New England's Patriots "spy-gate." But also I know how it felt to pull for the underdog team - Hey my beloved Miami Heat won the 2006 NBA championship over the heavily favored Dallas Mavericks.

Also, this story was one for the ages. You could almost see a Hollywood movie made from the New York Giants story: Your best and most polarizing player in Tiki Barber quit (I mean retired) on the team because he thought they had no chance. The star quarterback, who didn't wear the word "star" comfortably in Eli Manning was forever been compared to his super bowl winning brother Payton Manning who, to be honest, he paled in comparison. So his name was dragged through the mud in New York media. Then you have the coach, Tom Coughlin who had to beg (or plead his case) with the Giants executives to have his job amid a tensive locker room and lack-luster record. Not to talk of Mike Strahan, a sentimental favorite, gift of gab guy among other things. His name was dragged through the tabloids for a contentious divorce and through the sports pages for sitting out training camp. Now, redemption! And I can't forget David Tyree who made the most defining catch of the game but it wasn't about the catch; it was about a guy who lost his 59 year old mother just six weeks ago to a heart attack. When asked about how he thought of his mother after the game . Tyree said "she's just smiling now."

So take a bow New York Giants, you sure as heck deserved it, you lived up to the essence of your name - you showed who the real Giants were.

Heath Ledger Deat @ 28

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 22:56:52 GMT

How do you explain a life snuffed out at 28? I can’t explain the kick in the gut I felt as I went online yesterday afternoon to get some information only to see the “breaking news” headline: Heath Ledger Found Dead at NYC Apartment! I had to do a double-take to be sure my eyes weren’t fooling me. It wasn’t, it was sadly true.

Ledger was by no means my favorite actor; that honor goes to Denzel Washington. But I have to admit that he was an actor I admired from afar; one willing to take calculated risks for his craft. He could easily have pigeon-holed himself in the teen-comedy/drama genre. But he stretched himself by taken on independent fares like playing a suicidal son of a racist in “Monster Ball,” a son of a patriot in “The Patriot,” and not to forget his Oscar-nominated role in “Brokeback Mountain.” The last role was to me a tremendous risk as a real-life straight guy playing a gay rancher.

Other than being a talented actor, he appeared to be an unassuming guy; one who would rather be home with his 2-year old daughter than make the press junkets or the glitzy awards. People are comparing his death to that of iconic actor James Dean or River Phoenix. I didn’t exist for the former and was too young to have an affinity for the latter. But this one hurt, maybe because of the closeness to my age and exact to my brother’s. You get to this how fragile life really is, like dust in the wind. Gosh . . . I couldn’t get past the dash: Heath Ledger 1979-2008, how would you live your dash?