Sunday, June 28, 2009

Memories of Michael Jackson differ between Gen X and Y


The article I co-wrote about how Michael Jackson will be remembered by younger generations is now online. You can read it here. How will you remember him? As the entertainer or the eccentric? Some of my friends and I were talking about how he was the true definition of a celebrity. That's what he lived day in and day out—being a celebrity. I think that's an accurate description. 

I also found some interesting articles by Maureen Orth, a writer for Vanity Fair. Orth covered MJ's court appearances over the past 15 years. You can read her chronicled articles here.

(photo via VF)

Friday, June 26, 2009

Asuka, Jonathan depart SYTYCD

I can't say I'm surprised with the departure of Asuka and Jonathan from SYTYCD. Neither had impressed me much from the beginning of the show. As I wrote in a previous post, there are only a handful of dancers that I'm really rooting for. The rest can go home. To read a recap of last night's elimination show, click here.

The group dance was crazy! The water? It definitely reminded me of "Flashdance." Did you see Caitlin's solo? Gorgeous!


Michael Jackson's death


People from around the world are reacting in different ways to the death of Michael Jackson. He died on Thursday in California at the age of 50. I always enjoyed Jackson's music and I know I will for the rest of my life. He revolutionized pop music, and though he was a bit strange while I was alive, his music will live forever. Watching TV specials, reading articles and seeing the various reactions makes me think of the death of Elvis, and how much of a music legend Jackson is.

I just finished an article about what he meant to younger generations, you can read it here.

RIP MJ, 1958-2009. I will continue to blast your hits. He he.

(photo via EW.com)

Thursday, June 25, 2009

SYTYCD Top 16

The Top 16 weren't as sweet as I was hoping they would be. Maybe it's something about chemistry, maybe not, but there were only a few dances I actually enjoyed last night.

With a return to partner choreography for the first time this season (as I hoped would happen), Mia Michaels created the best dance of the night—the "butt" dance for Randi and Evan. The dance was very creative and playful, but would not have worked without the confidence Randi and Evan have in each other—a chemistry that lacks in many of the other couples.

Melissa and Ade were absolutely gorgeous in their rumba. I loved it. My favorite girl of the Season 5, Kayla, was paired with Kupono for the first time this week, and honestly, my heart dropped when I heard they were going to be performing a waltz. I have this theory that America doesn't like waltzes because they are so slow, and because these two were in the bottom last week, I got suddenly nervous that this dance would place them in the bottom again. However, their dance was like a dream. It was beautiful and it made me wish I could dance like that with someone. Nigel said no one would stand up and cheer to it, but I was cheering on the inside after seeing it.

Janette and Brandon were great too in their Dave Scott hip-hop. All of the other couples could go home tonight and I wouldn't care.

For more commentary on the Top 16, check out the EW.com recap here, which actually has several of the same opinions as I did, and the Watch with Kristin recap here. Videos (as long as they're working) are below:




Sunday, June 21, 2009

SYTYCD Top 18 group dance

I found the video of the Mia Michaels-choreographed group dance. Was anyone else surprised it was her choreography? I thought it more resembled Wade Robson's style, but I enjoyed it very much. I really hope she is choreographing a partner dance this week. 

Saturday, June 20, 2009

SYTYCD bottom six solos

Having not watched the SYTYCD elimination show on Thursday, I checked out the solos today to see if Ashley and Max really deserved to go home. Based on the rest of the bottom six, I would say these two were the right choice. I cannot believe that none of the dancers repeated in the bottom six this week (I won't name the two in particular that I was hoping would be in the bottom, and perhaps sent home). With all new dancers in the bottom six, a pair of more-deserving dancers, unfortunately, had to be cut. As much as I hate the thought of Kayla being in danger, it is such a joy to see her dance her solo. She is such a beautiful dancer, I don't think the judges will send her home unless she is a continuous repeat in the bottom. As we move into the Top 16 this week, Kupono and Kayla will be paired. Hopefully they'll get something that showcases both their talents. 

Thursday, June 18, 2009

SYTYCD Top 18

I'm a little torn on last night's Top 18 performances. It was another great episode for my favorites, but there were definitely some dances I did not like at all, one being the Waltz by Vitolio and Asuka that was adored by the judges. I dunno - I thought it was boring. The two hip hop dances were torn apart by the judges, and while I agree to a point, I thought Ashley was great in hers. Kayla is definitely my favorite of the entire season! She is so amazing as displayed by the dance below. EW.com's critic seems to agree with me about the ups and downs of last night in the recap "What a Difference a Week Makes." Watch with Kristin has a recap as well.






Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Larry David on the Tonight Show

If you didn't see it, you need to. I am a huge fan of Larry David, the co-creator of Seinfeld and star of HBO's Curb Your Enthusiasm, who visited Conan on the Tonight Show Tuesday night. He was very candid, which was great! "Famous for not liking these things," it was his first Tonight Show appearance ever. I'm hoping it won't be his last.


Tuesday, June 16, 2009

SYTYCD Top 20 music video

In looking at the So You Think You Can Dance site, I came upon this "music video" of the Top 20 dancers. Check it out!

Thursday, June 11, 2009

SYTYCD Top 20 videos

I found some videos. My favs are posted below:




SYTYCD Top 20 perform


My favorite summer show started off with a bang last night as the Top 20 finalists for "So You Think You Can Dance" hit the floor! I think it's too early for me to say who my favorite couple of the season is, so I'll try to pick some favs for the night. 

  • I absolutely loved Phillip and Jeanine's hip-hop choreographed by Tabitha and Napoleon. It reminded me so much of Chelsie and Mark's romantic hip-hop last season to "Bleeding Love." 
  • Randi and Evan were so adorable! I loved their Tyce Diorio-choreographed jazz routine. I think if these two keep it up, they could be my favorite of the season.
  • Melissa and Ade's contemporary dance choreographed by Mandy Moore was beautiful. I wasn't sure I would like the self-titled "naughty ballerina," but after this dance, I cannot wait for what they'll dance next week.
  • Having been one of my favorite girls since the beginning, obviously I loved Kayla's samba with Max. She is such an amazing dancer and I think was accurately pegged as one to watch for the season.
I will try to find some videos of the dances online to post, but until I do, read the full recap from E!Online's "Watch with Kristin" here. EW.com has one too. Any predictions on who's going home in tonight's first elimination? My guess would be Asuka and Vitolio - both amazing dancers, but they didn't perform as well as the rest of the contestants. 

(photo via E!Online, Fox)

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

A week in NYC

Sorry for the lack of posts, readers. I have spent the last week in New York City with my family - a little post graduation trip - that allowed limited Internet access. I did post an entry for the UWIRE Help Wanted blog while I was on vacation, however. Check it out here!

Now that I've returned, I will be making regular posts again while seeking a job. I'll get back to the pop culture links and other news items that I usually post, like this one from Vanity Fair Editor Graydon Carter about the state of the newspaper industry.

Or this one, also from VF, about Prince Harry's trip to NYC, which happened to be at the same time as my trip. And you know how I know? Not the news stories that reported his arrival, but the fact that I saw him there - IN PERSON!! He was leaving Rockefeller Center, and I got a picture of him! It was awesome!

Stay tuned for more updates and links as I find them. Now that school's over, it's summer and I'm looking for my first post-grad job, I think I'll have a lot of time on my hands.