Friday, February 27, 2009

Brittany Snow to play young Lily on new GG spinoff!


According to Jennifer Godwin from "Watch with Kristin" on E!, Brittany Snow will play young Lily van der Woodsen in the upcoming Gossip Girl spinoff! So exciting! I love her and the show's concept, so I'll be sure to watch.

(photo via E!Online)

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

LOST tonight!

Wednesday has become one of my favorite days of the week since each week it brings more twists and turns from the castaways of Oceanic 815 (do we have to call the Oceanic Six by their newest 316 plane status?). For sneak peeks of this week's episode from "Watch with Kristin" click here. Kristin also has an interesting take on the origins of Mrs. Hawking (aka Daniel Faraday's mother and seeming know-it-all of the island). For 'Totally Lost' coverage by the guys at EW.com click here.

Monday, February 23, 2009

Kindle v. Books

I love reading—the smell of a book, the way the weight shifts between your hands as you turn the pages. It is an escape from the modern world into characters and places sometimes unimaginable. The New Atlantis has an interesting take in its Fall 2008 issue on digitizing the book by use of Amazon's Kindle and other hand-held devices. 

While the idea seems cool, especially for those who often travel with too many books, I agree with much of Christine Rosen's opinions in her article "People of the Screen." I can attest that my version of reading digital copy is much different from sitting down and reading physical pages. The same can be said of newspapers and class assignments as well—to learn and read successfully, I have to be able to hold it in my hands. While I am all for technology and advances, and I don't have as much time as I'd like to pleasure read, I still believe in the value of sitting down and opening a book. I hope that others agree.

Sean Penn's speech

Kate's acceptance speech


Fashion Police


E! was on the Oscar scene and have all the red carpet fashion, including winners Angelina Jolie, Anne Hathaway, Freida Pinto and others (like Miley ... what were you thinking?). One of my favorite moments of the night was when Reese Witherspoon walked out as a surprise presenter, after not walking the red carpet. She looked fantastic!

(photo via People)

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Backstage

I'll add more as it becomes available, but below is Kate's backstage Thank You cam immediately after winning and behind the scenes with previous Best Actress winners Reese Witherspoon, Halle Berry and Marion Cotillard, Best Actor Sean Penn and Best Supporting Actress Penelope Cruz. The final video is Kate's interview with the press. Congrats again Kate!

(videos via Oscars)




All the winners


Sean Penn, Kate Winslet, Penelope Cruz, Heath Ledger, Danny Boyle, Slumdog Millionaire—see a full list of Academy Award winners here! And a video of highlights below.

(photo via NYTimes)

(video via E!Online)

KATE WINS!


Within minutes of her long overdue Oscar win, Kate Winslet's Wikipedia page was changed. Congrats Kate! You completely deserve it!

Check back for more Oscar coverage.

(photo via Entertainment Weekly, videos via Oscars, E!Online)



VF Live Blog

Vanity Fair has a great live blog going and videos of the VF Oscar Party! AWESOME show so far! I love the new stage set up and the story-telling aspect. Is it possible Oscar will get an Emmy at the next award show? See highlights of the show below:


Watch more AOL Television videos on AOL Video

Behind the scenes


E!Online had this video posted of Oscar host Hugh Jackman behind the scenes. From the look of rehearsal, this year's show is sure to be different! Entertainment Weekly has takes on the Oscar changes from some of the stars too. Only one hour until the red carpet and three until the show starts! EW will be live-blogging the event if you can't watch.

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Oscar Predictions

In less than 24 hours the Academy Awards will begin, and the next phase of Oscar buzz will begin. As I am gearing up for a golden man day tomorrow, below I offer my Oscar predictions. I must stress that in some categories those listed are not who I think should win, but who I think will win. As the awards are announced, I will offer further commentary.
  • Best Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
  • Best Director: Danny Boyle, Slumdog Millionaire
  • Best Actor: Sean Penn, Milk
  • Best Actress: Kate Winslet, The Reader
  • Best Supporting Actor: Heath Ledger, The Dark Knight
  • Best Supporting Actress: Penelope Cruz, Vicky Cristina Barcelona
  • Best Original Screenplay: Milk
  • Best Adapted Screenplay: Slumdog Millionaire
  • Best Animated Feature: WALL-E
  • Best Animated Short: Presto
  • Best Art Direction: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
  • Best Cinematography: Slumdog Millionaire
  • Best Costume Design: The Duchess
  • Best Documentary Feature: Man on Wire
  • Best Documentary Short: The Witness
  • Best Editing: Slumdog Millionaire
  • Best Foreign Language Film: Waltz with Bashir (Israel)
  • Best Live Action Short: Auf der Strecke
  • Best Makeup: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
  • Best Original Score: A.R. Rahman, Slumdog Millionaire
  • Best Original Song: "Jai Ho," Slumdog Millionaire
  • Best Sound Editing: WALL-E
  • Best Sound Mixing: Slumdog Millionaire
  • Best Visual Effects: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
YAY! It's practically here. Watch the Oscars tomorrow night, 7 p.m. CST on ABC!

IT'S ALMOST OSCAR TIME!


It's officially Oscar weekend! And to celebrate, all the pop culture Web sites are gearing up for the event.
  • Vanity Fair has created an Oscar-style '25 Things'the chain-letter list that has plagued Facebook recently.
  • VF also created an Academy Award drinking game—enjoy!
  • NYTimes' Carpetbagger is ready to hit the red carpet on Sunday; he's made all his predictions in advance.
  • ABC has prepared advice for throwing an Oscar-themed party during the ceremony.
  • Need to brush up on your gold statue history? Look up all Meryl Streep's nominated films or start a Best Picture marathon through the Oscar historical database.
  • TIME has an article about how the show could garner more viewers—make the votes public.
  • Check out behind-the-scenes fashion and 'Road to the Oscars' specials too.
  • Remember to watch the red carpet at 5 p.m. CST on E!
  • Launch your pre-Oscar celebration with these updates from E!News (below)


Kate Winslet's TIME cover


TIME magazine has named Kate Winslet 'Best Actress' on its most recent cover, prompting Vanity Fair writer Bruce Handy to declare the actress' chance of winning at Sunday's Oscars show is now ruined. Handy even suggests there is a curse on Winslet in his piece titled "Kiss Me Not, Kate". I certainly hope his prediction is wrong as it is TIME for Kate to win.

(photo via VF)

Friday, February 20, 2009

Return to the island!!

It definitely happened before I expected—SPOILER ALERT!—the Oceanic 6 (minus Aaron) returned to the island in Wednesday's episode of LOST! It was an awesome one, possibly my favorite yet. And it gets back to the way the show used to be with setting up questions to be answered later, presumably in flashbacks.

To get further recaps Doc Jensen of EW.com has an awesome take as does Kristin from E!Online.

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

So sad for Mickey Rourke


Poor Mickey Rourke. One of his best pals - his Chihuahua Loki died on Tuesday. Sorry Mickey! He even thanked his dogs during his speech at the Golden Globes.

(photo via EW.com)

New LOST tonight!


There is a new episode of LOST tonight! YES! 

E!Online's "Watch with Kristin" has some awesome sneak peeks, including one of SPOILER ALERT --- Kate and Jack kissing! Click here to see.

Also, EW.com's new episode of "Totally Lost" gives some teasers.

(photo via E!Online) 

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Amy Klobuchar on Rachel Maddow!

Minnesota's lone senator, Amy Klobuchar, visited The Rachel Maddow show yesterday and spoke about the Norm Coleman v. Al Franken Senate race and how she's working double-time until the recount trial is over. Her mom was my second grade teacher!

Monday, February 16, 2009

OSCAR WEEK!!!

The Academy Awards will be given away in one week! I'm so excited! To see all the nominees and predict the winners click here. I will be making my Oscar predictions sometime within the next seven days, so look out for those!

Chris Brown releases statement


Chris Brown released a statement today—his first since his arrest Feb. 8 on felony battery charges. EW.com cites a CNN report:

"Words cannot begin to express how sorry and saddened I am over what transpired. I am seeking the counseling of my pastor, my mother and other loved ones and I am committed, with God's help, to emerging a better person. Much of what has been speculated or reported on blogs and/or reported in the media is wrong. While I would like to be able to talk about this more, until the legal issues are resolved, this is all I can say except that I have not written any messages or made any posts to Facebook, on blogs or any place else. Those posts or writings under my name are frauds."

The R&B star was arrested and released the day of the Grammy Awards for allegedly beating up his girlfriend, Rihanna. My thoughts are with Rihanna, who has not made any public statements since the incident. It's hard to know which reports in the media have been accurate. The investigation is still ongoing, so details may not be released soon.

(photo courtesy EW)

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Wayzata Dance Team wins state

Amazing performance by my high school dance team at Minnesota's State Dance Team Tournament yesterday. They walked away State Champs! Wayzata has been state champs three of the last four years. Congrats Trojets!


(video courtesy statedances)

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone! Below you can find some of the goodies I found today:

  • Vanity Fair's Q&A with Andy Samberg
  • Couple falls in love through college newspaper
  • "Chris Brown and Rihanna: Love in Trouble" the cable channel analysis is here. MTV will air special on Monday at 6 p.m. EST. Some clips are already available.
  • E!Online's Kristin talks with Michael Emerson (LOST) and Carrie Preston (True Blood) who are married in real life.
  • Gossip Girl's Serena will get a new boyfriend!
  • U of M Dance Team Nationals routine below (one of my friends helped choreograph it!)


(video courtesy wanabdirector77)

Friday, February 13, 2009

Another new Gaga video - Love Game

Lady Gaga has released another video, this time for the song "Love Game". It's a little racy, but completely amazing! 

Terrible tragedy in Buffalo


Most news organizations are following the plane crash in Buffalo, N.Y., in which 50 people were killed. 

According to the NYTimes, a Continental Airlines plane crashed into a house Thursday night, killing all passengers on board and one person who was in the house.

Such a tragedy! 

(photo courtesy NYTimes)

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Really interesting 35W coverage

I was just alerted to this Star Tribune reporting project about the 35W bridge collapse. Being from Minnesota, it's really interesting to hear from the people on the bridge and visually see where they were when it happened in August 2007. A new 35W bridge has since re-opened, but I can't help but think about the day it fell down each time I drive over it.

Following LOST

Last night's episode of LOST was amazing! Lots of little mysteries untangling themselves. For commentary about the ep. or analysis of what it all could mean, follow the links.

E!Online's Watch with Kristin is a good place to start. 

I am also a huge fan of EW.com's recaps and features.

It's finally here!


No, not the Oscars ... my March issue of Vanity Fair! Forgive me if I take a break from posting for a little while as I read all the stories I've previously teased and posted on this blog about.

Remembering NIU this weekend

Click here to check out a special UWIRE reporting project I contributed to about the one-year anniversary of the Northern Illinois University campus shooting. 

NIU's student newspaper, The Northern Star, also has a special section to commemorate the event.

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Federal shield law re-introduced in House

A federal shield law that would allow journalists the right to protect confidential sources was re-introduced in the House today. The bill is called the Free Flow of Information Act of 2009.

The bill was introduced by U.S. Rep. Rick Boucher, D-Va., Rep Mike Pence, R-Ind., Rep. John Conyers, D-Mich., and Rep. Bob Goodlatte, R-Va.

"The absence of federal legislation protecting reporters' sources limits the public's access to information which is vital to the functioning of a democratic society," Boucher said in a statement. "The press allows citizens to serve as watchdogs, speaking out about and exposing what are often illegal, corrupt, or dangerous activities by both private and government actors."

This bill would grant a reporters' privilege—which in my opinion is essential.

VF Love


Here I go again with my Vanity Fair love, but I can't get enough of their posts each day, especially when they have anything to do with the Oscars. 

Today, the site put up slideshows of portraits of Academy Award-winning actors and actresses in the leading category—portraits that have been in past issues of VF. I only started subscribing last May, so seeing this old photos is really cool!

(photo courtesy VF)

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

This week's Must List

This week's Entertainment Weekly Must List includes:
  • AMC's "Best Picture Showcase," on Feb. 21, which means all AMC Theatres will show all five Oscar-nominated Best Pics on select screens for $30 and unlimited popcorn. AWESOME!
  • Ace of Cakes on Food Network
  • "Incredibad" by The Lonely Island aka SNL's Andy Samberg, Akiva Schaffer and Jorma Taccone (pictured), who are responsible for "D--- in a Box," "J--- in My Pants" and the amazing "I'm on a Boat" with T. Pain.
There are much more musts on the list.

(photo courtesy EW)

Facebook settles with ConnectU for $65 million

Somebody's in trouble.... 

Facebook, my most often-used social networking site, settled with ConnectU, whose founders claimed Mark Zuckerberg (the CEO of FB) stole their idea, for $65 million. The suit was filed in 2004.

According to the LATimes, details of the settlement were meant to be confidential, but the law firm in charge of the deal let it slip in a newsletter. As part of the deal, the founders of ConnectU—twin brothers Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss—were to receive the amount in cash and stock options. The ratio of cash:stock has not been released.

Immediately Famous


Another feature in this month's Vanity Fair issue (yes, still waiting for my copy) is about Hollywood stars who became famous simply by being born. VF.com has posted a slideshow of some of its interviewees, which is pretty cool! It's not Suri Cruise, the Jolie-Pitts (though Angelina Jolie is featured) or Violet Affleck. Think a generation or two ahead of them. Think Gwyneth Paltrow, Jane Fonda, Jamie Lee Curtis, the daughters of Demi Moore and Bruce Willis, the daughters of Meryl Streep, Kate Hudson, etc. Even Jake and Maggie Gyllenhaal have movie-affiliated/famous parents.

(photo courtesy VF)

E's newest Rihanna update



It also looks like E!Online has created its own blog feed specifically dedicated to Chris Brown, Rihanna updates.

Sneak peeks of tomorrow's LOST ep.

Love LOST! Click here for sneak peeks of this week's episode.

Izzie, George may finally leave

I consider myself a loyal Grey's Anatomy fan. I watched the first season at least five times. I've purchased every season since that wonderful first one. And I still tune in on Thursday nights for the absolute worst fifth season. I think it's because I'm a loyal fan of McDreamy and Meredith. They've always been my favorite. Oh! and Dr. Bailey.

Aside from them, I've enjoyed the other characters and the plot twists, but then things went south. Like George marrying Callie, then cheating on her with Izzie. Then they broke up and she started dating Alex. While this dating with Alex occurred, she was also "sleeping" with her ex-boyfriend—her DEAD ex-boyfriend. A big, red flare should have gone off in her head that something was wrong with her, but the writers of Grey's kept her dead ex around for the entire season so far.

When word was spreading that T.R. Knight (aka George) and Katherine Heigl (aka Izzie) were trying to leave this season, I guess I wasn't too surprised. Now that another member of the cast is saying that they are leaving, all I can say is: It's about time! I'll probably miss George, but Izzie's character has needed the boot for a long time.

Cool feature of NYTimes

The NYTimes has a really cool interactive feature that goes with their covering of President Obama's stumping for the stimulus bill. 

Monday, February 9, 2009

EW judges Grammy performances

Click here for a best/worst slideshow of last night's Grammy performances, brought to you by EW.com. Who was your favorite performer?

I think my favorite performance was the "Rap Pack" singing "Swagga Like Us" with a VERY pregnant MIA.

(photo courtesy EW)

Chris Brown felony arrest update


According to Entertainment Weekly, which cites People.com, Chris Brown posted $50,000 bail Sunday night, releasing him from LAPD custody. 

Brown was being questioned for an alleged felony battery that took place early Sunday morning. Previous reports have said a woman identified Brown as her attacker. Both Brown and girlfriend Rihanna canceled their Grammy performances last night, prompting speculation that the victim was Rihanna.

Click here for the LAPD report.

Perez Hilton has posted information on Rihanna's condition. Apparently she said he struck her with her fists, and her injuries are described as "horrific". Terrible!

More details I'm sure will emerge later this week.

(photo courtesy EW)

Sunday, February 8, 2009

'I'm On A Boat': SNL's newest Digital Short

Grammys live blog

I might get distracted by watching the performances, but I'm going to try live-blogging the Grammys.

7:00—U2 opens the show with a performance. My only question is, why are the lyrics streaming behind them?

7:05—Whitney Houston looking gorgeous as she presents the first award. I wonder if the producers told her to take her time as she paid tribute to Clive Davis who won an early award for being a music icon. And the first award: R&B Album goes to JENNIFER HUDSON!!!! Yeah girl! Oh, I might cry. Dramatic yes, but this is a huge moment for her. I am so excited for her performance later!

OK, first Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson takes years to introduce Justin Timberlake as the announcer for Boys II Men, Keith Urban and Al Green, then JT takes a while to announce the performance as well ... I'm having a hard time figuring out if this is the filler for Rihanna or Chris Brown ...

This possible filler is actually pretty great! I hope it brings the end to the long, awkward presenters' speeches though.

7:20—Third performance of the evening, Coldplay with guest Jay-Z. Cool addition to a song I've never heard, but once Jay-Z leaves the stage, the group breaks into "Viva La Vida", a song I love.

7:27—Keith Urban introduces Carrie Underwood as the winner for Best Female Country Vocal Performance for the fourth performance of the night, "Last Name". Pause the blog while I watch. GREAT JOB CARRIE, though her dress made her look partially naked.

7:32—Sheryl Crow joins LeAnn Rimes to present Country Duo/Group Performance to Sugarland for "Stay". Jennifer Nettles is so adorable, she pointed to her mom before she went up to accept! She looks great too!

A half-hour in, the performance to live-show award-giving ratio is 4:2. 

7:41—"Already winners tonight" Duffy and Al Green come out as presenters, though they each sing briefly while presenting Song of the Year to Coldplay for "Viva La Vida". I looked it up on the winner's list, and Duffy won pre-show for Best Pop Vocal Album and Al Green won for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals and Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance. There are so many categories, I'm glad they aren't presenting them all during the broadcast. I'd rather see the performances.

7:43—Nominee Kid Rock takes the stage for the fifth performance of the evening. He sings a medley of songs, including his hit "All Summer Long".

7:53—Sixth performance, Miley Cyrus and Taylor Swift?! Really??? This is further proof that if Miley wants to stay in the business, she needs to drop the pop and go country. Based on this performance, Swift trumps Cyrus. Actually, I would say that regardless of this performance. Taylor seems much more down to earth. Miley is whiny and I can't stand her voice right now. OK, now they are presenting Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals to Robert Plant and Alison Krauss???? WHAT?! How did they beat Chris Brown, Jordin Sparks, Rihanna, Maroon 5, Alicia Keys, Madonna, Justin Timberlake and others in a pop category?

7:59—Seventh performance, Jennifer Hudson. Pause the blog. She looks beautiful in a sparkly, black dress. Awwww, she starts crying at the end and gets a standing ovation. You're great girl!

An hour in the performance to live-show award-giving ratio is 7:4.

8:10—Jason Mraz and some TV actress I don't know present the eighth performance of the night, the Jonai with Stevie Wonder, who start singing "Burning Up". True story: It took my brother Mike and I all summer to try to figure out the chorus to this song. We finally had to look it up online and listen about five more times before we realized and believed what they were squeaking. It's a catchy song of sorts, but the Jonas Brothers' singing is just so awful!

8:14—Blink 182 here to present Best Rock Album to Coldplay for "Viva La Vida".

8:22—Craig Ferguson introduces the ninth performance of the night, Katy Perry singing "I Kissed a Girl" surrounded by a stage of large fruit.

8:27—Kanye West is the 10th performance, singing "American Boy" with Estelle. He needs to cut his semi-mullet. Yuck! Also, he's won 10 Grammys? I didn't know that until the announcer said so. Now, they're presenting Best New Artist to ADELE!!! YES!! She's so happy, it's fantastic!

An hour and a half in, and they show a commercial for T.I., Lil Wayne, Jay-Z and Kanye West performing and already there are applause of excitement in my apartment. The performance to live-show award-giving ratio is 10:6.

8:36—Morgan Freeman on stage to introduce Kenny Chesney as the 11th performance. I don't really like Kenny Chesney, so I think I'll surf online for a little bit. 

8:40—Natalie Cole, Diddy and ? present Record of the Year to Robert Plant and Alison Krauss?! WHY?! I've never even heard the song "Please Read The Letter". I suppose I can semi-support this since my dad loves Alison Krauss.

8:48—Queen Latifah presents the 12th performance of the night, the "Rap Pack" but first a very pregnant MIA signing with Kanye West, T.I., Lil Wayne and Jay-Z rapping "Swagga Like Us". Again, pause the blog as I drool... mmmm! That was hot!

8:54—Kate Beckinsale introduces Sir Paul McCartney and Dave Grohl, the 13th performance of the night, who sing "I Saw Her Standing There". I danced in my competition days to this song long ago. Not the Beatles version, the Tiffany version, but it is a great song!

Two hours in the performance to live-show award-giving is 13:7.

9:04—Jack Black and Charlie Haden present Male Pop Vocal Performance to John Mayer for "Say". Where's Jennifer Aniston?

9:06—Jay Mohr and LLCoolJ introduce Adele and Sugarland, the 14th performance of the evening. Sugarland start singing "Stay", already an award winner tonight. Jennifer Nettles is a great singer, so beautiful. Now, Adele is singing "Chasing Pavements," a great song off her album 19. I also must endorse her song "Hometown Glory". Download it. Press play continuously.

9:19—Gwyneth Paltrow introduces Radiohead, the 15th performance of the night with the USC marching band. Pretty neat for those students!

9:28—Samuel L. Jackson introduces the 16th performance, Justin Timberlake and T.I. singing "Dead and Gone". LOVE IT! T.I. is my favorite felon. Pause the blog. "Welcome to my road to redemption" T.I. says at the end.

Two and half hours and the performance to live-show award-giving is 16:8.

9:34—President of Music something, something comes out and says Obama's a Grammy recipient?! AWESOME! The only thing is this guy keeps saying "Yes We Can" .... no, dude. That's not your phrase. Then he introduces Smokey Robinson who introduces the remaining members of The Four Tops, Ne-Yo and Jamie Foxx for the 17th performance.

9:47—Josh Groban introduces Neil Diamond, the 18th performance, singing a Badger favorite "Sweet Caroline".

9:51—paying tribute to those who passed this past year.

9:54—John Mayer, in the 19th performance, with some others and Keith Urban.

Three hours in and the performance to live-show award-giving is 19:8.

10:02—Gary Sinise introduces Lil Wayne and Robin Thicke, in the show's 20th performance.

10:09—will.i.am and T-Pain present Best Rap Album to Lil Wayne, and there is SCREAMING in my apartment!

10:18—Zoe Deschanel introduces Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, the 21st performance tonight.

10:22—Green Day present the final award of the night Album of the Year to Robert Plant and Alison Krauss?! Again?? WHY????? 

10:27—Stevie Wonder gives the final, 22nd performance of the night.

Well, three and a half hours in, and the final performance to live-show award-giving ratio was 22:10. Some amazing performances and my official longest post yet. Thanks for following along. It's been fun.

Rihanna, Chris Brown cancel Grammy performance

According to Entertainment Weekly, Rihanna and Chris Brown have canceled their appearance at the Grammys tonight. "Sources backstage" told the magazine that the two were involved in a car accident early Sunday, so therefore would not be performing.

However, another EW report says Chris Brown is under investigation for felony battery after a dispute that took place in a vehicle Sunday morning. Rihanna has not been identified as the woman Brown was allegedly fighting with, but these reports are a little bit too coincidental for my liking.

On a different note, EW is live-blogging the award show. I will try my best to offer commentary throughout the show as well.

Update: E!Online report cites Rihanna as the victim. Headline reads "Police looking for Chris Brown after alleged assault of Rihanna".

Another Update: E!Online is reporting that Chris Brown has turned himself in.

Carrie's performing!


I checked the 2009 performers list, and Carrie Underwood will be performing at tonight's Grammys!

Other performers include Jennifer Hudson (yes!), Justin Timberlake (woot!), Rihanna (hot), T.I. (hotter) and The Jonas Brothers (sick!). 

(photo taken by me at Carrie's concert)

My Grammy Endorsements

I'll likely watch the Grammys tonight with my roommates, who love the performances, especially any rappers (any shots of T-Pain, Lil Wayne or T.I. are sure to illicit screams of joy).

Before I devote part of my Sunday to watch, I thought I'd make a list of those I'm rooting for.
  • Record of the Year: Either Adele's "Chasing Pavements" or Leona Lewis' "Bleeding Love". Adele's CD was one of the best gifts I got last year, and no matter how overplayed "Bleeding Love" was on the radio, I never tired of it.
  • Album of the Year: Lil Wayne "Tha Carter III"—call it a roommate's influence.
  • Song of the Year: Adele's "Chasing Pavements", again awesome import from England. 
  • Best New Artist: I've gotta go with Adele again. I love Duffy, but Adele has impressed me more. As long as it's not the Jonas Brothers. I hope the Grammys don't pull a 'let's let the Jonai win just for ratings' card. I honestly wouldn't be surprised if they won, but for the record they are not nearly as talented as Duffy or Adele.
  • Best Female Pop Vocal Performance: Ooooo, tough category. I can't give everything to Adele, so this one's gotta go to Katy Perry for her catchy, inventive "I Kissed A Girl". I love that song. Honestly, every song in this category has been blasted on my iPod on more than one occasion this year.
  • Best Male Pop Vocal Performance: Jason Mraz's "I'm Yours" or Kid Rock's "All Summer Long".
  • Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group: "Viva La Vida" by Coldplay
  • Best Pop Collaboration: Hands down "No Air" by Jordin Sparks and Chris Brown. If it's featured on Fox's "So You Think You Can Dance" there's a good chance I'll instantly fall in love with it.
  • Best Pop Vocal Album: "Spirit" by Leona Lewis
  • Best Dance Recording: "Just Dance" by my favorite new artist, Lady Gaga. How can a song with dance in the title not win this category?
  • Best Female R&B Vocal Performance: Jennifer Hudson's "Spotlight". This Academy Award-winner's vocal chords deserve some acknowledgement in the music world.
  • Best R&B Song: "Spotlight" again
  • Best R&B Album: Jennifer Hudson again. Go girl!
  • Best Rap Solo Performance: "A Milli" rapped by Lil Wayne, another influence from the roommates
  • Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group: "Swagga Like Us" by Jay-Z & T.I. featuring Kanye West & Lil Wayne. I hope T.I. accepts!
  • Best Rap/Sung Collaboration: "Got Money" by Lil Wayne featuring T-Pain. I can hear my roommates screaming now.
  • Best Rap Song: Lil Wayne's "Lollipop"
  • Best Rap Album: I want "Paper Trail" by T.I., but Lil Wayne's "Tha Carter III" would be acceptable too.
  • Best Female Country Vocal Performance: Carrie Underwood's "Last Name". She is fantastic! I saw her in concert in December with my dad and another friend, and she was amazing! I hope she's performing tonight too! I'll have to check after this post.
  • Best Country Collaboration: "Life in a Northern Town" by Sugarland, Jake Owen & Little Big Town. Hey a ma ma ma...
Wow, this is one of my longest posts, but to see how many I got right The 51st Grammy Awards are tonight at 8 p.m. ET.

Freida Pinto, March's Vanity Girl

In this month's Vanity Fair (still anxiously awaiting my Obama-covered copy) actress Freida Pinto, who plays love interest Latika in "Slumdog Millionaire", is featured as a Vanities Girl

From the red carpet interviews, dance-infused talk shows and now the photo in VF I've seen, she is as lovely off-screen as she is in the movie. If you haven't seen it yet, here is my advice: Get in your car, hop on a bus, take a taxi; pay $5-10; and see the movie! See the movie now before it likely wins Best Picture Feb. 22 at the Academy Awards.

(photo courtesy VF)

NYTimes Magazine highlights this year's movie greats


NYTimes Magazine captured some of the year's best actors and actresses for "The 6th Annual Great Performers" feature in this week's issue, which came out today. Highlights include Kate Winslet, Frank Langella, Sean Penn, Robert Downey Jr., Mickey Rourke, Kat Dennings, Brad Pitt and Penelope Cruz.

The photos were taken behind the scenes, some without make-up, some in rollers as the get ready for award shows. As I was looking at the photos, I thought they were intimate and illuminated sides of the Hollywood stars we typically don't see. 

For an interactive slideshow with commentary click here

(photo courtesy NYTimes)

Saturday, February 7, 2009

VF pays tribute to Oscar legendaries


Love the Oscars, especially all the coverage Vanity Fair has had of them lately. One of their most recent posts is a tribute slideshow of "Oscar's True Originals."

The slideshow features greats like Bette Davis (above), Spencer Tracy and Katherine Hepburn.

(photo courtesy VF)

Friday, February 6, 2009

EW: LOST cover


New cover of this week's Entertainment Weekly features LOST!

EW.com has also posted a slideshow of Evangeline Lilly and Matthew Fox from LOST. Their photos look absolutely gorgeous! I hope Lilly's Kate and Fox's Jack get together by the end of the show.

The fifth season has been great so far. I really love that the show is getting into the history of the island! It's like a reward to the fans.

(photo courtesy EW)

SEX AND THE CITY 2!!!


The Sex and the City sequel is on! E!Online reported yesterday that each of the main actresses—Sarah Jessica Parker, Cynthia Nixon, Kim Cattrall and Kristin Davis—have signed to do the second movie. Writer-director Michael Patrick King has also signed.

(courtesy E!Online, New Line Cinema)

High Life 1-second ads that didn't make in on TV



One-second ads is such a weird concept. But if you missed the actual one that ran during the Super Bowl (like I did) here is a sample of commercials that didn't make it on air, and some outtakes too.

Economy becomes demise of JuicyCampus

Matt Ivester, the brainchild behind the gossip website, JuicyCampus, announced Wednesday the controversial site would shut down the next day due to lack of funds from advertisements and investors.

The site had generated much debate over privacy and slander because all posts were guaranteed anonymous. Campuses around the country seem to be taking a sigh of relief that the site has met its demise:

Cornell reacts to Juicy Campus closure
Cornell Daily Sun

Vanderbilt rejoices demise of reputation-damaging Juicy Campus
Vanderbilt Hustler

U. Miami students react to closing of Juicy Campus
The Miami Hurricane

JuicyCampus signs offline, financially unstable
The Towerlight

Gossip site's demise pleases Penn State U. Greeks
Daily Collegian

JuicyCampus runs out of funds, shuts down
The Daily Princetonian
Click here for other campus reactions brought to you by UWIRE.

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

House votes to delay DTV

The House voted to delay the digital TV transition to June 12 today, following the Senate, which passed a similar bill last week. This is the second round of legislation on this matter to go through Congress, the first round passed in the Senate, but failed in the House to move the switch from Feb. 17. Now, all that's left is for President Obama to approve it, as he likely will because of his prior support to delay the switch.

Yay! This means I can watch LOST on my analog TV through the season!

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

New GaGa

I heart Lady GaGa. She is so creative and talented! Push play to watch her new video for "Eh Eh (Nothing Else I Can Say)"

VF's 'Something Just Clicked'



Vanity Fair has a fantastic online feature with 10 Oscar-nominated partnerships. 

Sam Mendes and Kate Winslet (Revolutionary Road), Danny Boyle and Dev Patel (Slumdog Millionaire), Meryl Streep and John Patrick Shanley (Doubt), Penelope Cruz and Woody Allen (Vicky Christina Barcelona), and Heath Ledger and Christopher Nolan are just some of the fantastic pairs.

For a behind the scenes video from VF, push play. To see more behind the scenes action click here.