Saturday, April 30, 2011

Sherlock Holmes


Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson are trying to solve a case involving some gruesome murders perpetrated by Lord Blackwood - a magician performing black magic. Lord Blackwood is caught and hung near the beginning, but is magically resurrected, thus consolidating his power. Of course, using his logical powers of deduction, and helped by the eminent Dr Watson, Holmes is able to solve the case and dispatch Lord Blackwood.

Robert Downey Jr. is good as Sherlock Holmes; he imports some of the cocky arrogance from Tony Stark into his character. This works really well as Sherlock is always so sure of himself. My only problem with Downey Jr is that when he is thinking/talking quickly - using his logical powers of reasoning - he mumbles a lot. Perhaps this is just part of him trying to do a British accent; but several times we had to put the subtitles on! Because of this I actually thought that Jude Law was better. He plays Dr Watson with understated cool. Though he is smitten by the woman in his life, Watson is pretty mean in a fight too. Mark Strong is good as the evil Lord Blackwood, but he doesn’t get the same opportunity to stand out as he does in Rock n Rolla.

"How dare you say I can't do a British accent!"
Guy Ritchie’s direction is pretty good too; perhaps not the convoluted plots of some of his gangster films, but some of the fights are very Ritchie-stylish. Victorian London also never looked so good. Hans Zimmer’s score is good without being spectacular. Overall I thought this was a pretty good film; entertaining, fun, the characters are classics, and are interpreted fairly well for a more modern audience.
Elementary my dear Watson; your hat is on too tight.

Walking on Gold (Jennifer Lopez Album #3)

3.) J.Lo
(January 2001)

The Set-Up
She set everything up with her debut, showcasing this new style of Latin soul, fusing together R&B, Pop, Dance, and Latin music. It was in the spirit of the big Latin explosion (right along with Ricky Martin, Marc Anthony, and even Enrique). Along comes this sophomore effort, and she was playing to her strengths once again, embracing her new name J.Lo.

The Play-by-Play
The first single “Love Don’t Cost a Thing” kicks things off with its plea for real love, not the material things in life. She shines so much more in the video, stripping down to the simple things (and yes, she literally does strip down). “I’m Real” follows as a sweet reminder of Jennifer’s signature Pop sound, so sweet, and so addictive. Then comes “Play”, co-written by Christina Milian. It’s an infectious single, somewhat like “Waiting For Tonight” part 2. And as a nine year old at the time, you can imagine my surprise with her line, “Now Mr. DJ, I’ve asked you three times. Play my mother-f***ing song!” It still is my guilty pleasure to listen to. “Walking on Sunshine” comes next and serves as my favorite song from the album, and who would have thought that Sean Combs was capable of producing such a sweet, sunny pleasure like this? It’s upbeat, infectious, and very uplifting. Jennifer then taps into her Latin side with the next two tracks, starting with “Ain’t It Funny” (a far cry from the Murder Remix that followed this single release). It’s a Paso Doble dream number, filled with a catchy hook and dramatic music. “Cariño” is next, showing off more of her sexy Latin side, and exuding so much of it! And what a clever move to mix in the English lyrics with a Spanish hook. Next comes the most forgettable song on the album, “Come Over” (one that I’m happy to place the blame on Sean Combs). But we soon forget about that and move right along with a memorable track “We Gotta Talk”. This is an amazing example of her Latin soul style, mixing in Pop with the Latin back beat. “That’s Not Me” follows with its dramatic tale of a woman who certainly isn’t willing to change just to be with her man, not willing to become one of his other girls (something sounds a lot like a personal message to Combs on this one). “Dance With Me” comes next with its seductive club groove and all. “Secretly” is a surprise for me, because she usually can’t sing well when it comes to the slower songs. Surprisingly though, she does a great job playing with the sexy side of her whisper vocals (and literally whispering certain lines within the background). It’s a seductive number, but very romantic. “I’m Gonna Be Alright” is another not so memorable moment, but it does play into her Latin soul side once again. Superstar producer Rodney Jerkins makes his way back into J.Lo’s heart in the end with the signature Darkchild sound from this time on “That’s The Way”. The last two tracks have Jennifer going full on into her Latin swing, beginning with the Spanish-written “Dame (Touch Me)” featuring Chayanne. It’s a sexy showstopper helping to close the album out with a big bang! “Si Ya Se Acabó” closes out the original album version on another high note. Then along comes the re-release later that summer with the bonus track “I’m Real” Murder Remix featuring Ja Rule. It was the perfect summer jam, playing back to Rick James’ “Mary Jane”, and definitely added another highlight to an already stellar album.

The Point
Jennifer was back in classic Latin soul prime with this effort, and certainly did her best to avoid the infamous sophomore slump. She even became the first artist to have both the number one album and the number one movie in the United States (The Wedding Planner, another favorite of mine) in the same week! It was a terrific milestone in her career overall.

The Essentials
As promised, here is the “I’m Real” remix as the highlight from the album.
Then comes the perfect first single “Love Don’t Cost a Thing”,
followed by my all-time favorite from the album “Walking on Sunshine”.

Bollywood Buzz: Sonakshi Sinha and Zarine Khan Feel Possessiveness about Salman Khan

MUMBAI - - Do you know, what is common between Sonakshi Sinha and Zarine Khan other than their tendency to get overweight? 

Sonakshi Sinha and Zarine Khan entangled over Dabangg Bollywood


I tell you, Salman Khan. The heavyweight of Bollywood is the common between in both Sonakshi Sinha and Zarine Khan’s life is the Dabangg Salman Khan. Both Sonakshi Sinha and Zarine Khan are jealous with each other because of Salman Khan who gave them dream debut in Bollywood. 

Reportedly, Sonakshi Sinha and Zarine Khan came across at a get-together arranged by Salman Khan and the both of them did not even bother to talk to each other. They even didn’t pass a single smile to each other.

According to a close source also present in the party, “She (Sonakshi) pushed Zarine while walking past her, and then pretended that she hadn't even realized it!”

Friday, April 29, 2011

Raiders of the Lost Ark


Raiders of the Lost Ark is the kind of film that is absolutely ludicrous, but is absolutely brilliant. On paper, the idea of trying to locate the Ark of the Covenant and rescue it from Nazis really shouldn’t work; but if you get Steven Spielberg to direct it, George Lucas to produce it (and to help with the writing), get a great cast, and it all works perfectly! So perfectly that “Raiders” is one of the most entertaining films ever made; even George Lucas admitted that it was the most fun he had making a film! Just to convince you of its greatness, here’s 5 things you probably already knew.

Harrison Ford
In 1981 Harrison Ford had made his mark as Han Solo and worn some excellent glasses in Apocalypse Now; but he was yet to solidify his position in film history. Between Indy and Decker he was assured of it. Indy is very similar to Han, only this time he is the main character. Some of the sex appeal that Han had is written into the character, and some of the cockiness removed, throw into the mix some archaeo-sleuthing skills and we have cinematic gold.


Steven Spielberg
Always a proponent of the “More is More” school of thought; Spielberg doesn’t hold back in Raiders; and we all reap the rewards. After the initial exposition, the action is almost non-stop, over-the-top, and often ludicrous; but always brilliant. Spielberg’s inspired, outlandish set-pieces are perhaps typified by the opening scenes: the bag-of-sand-idol swap and the boulder escape are so iconic that there few action scenes before or since are so memorable.

Supporting Cast
Inspired. John Rhys-Davies is wonderful as Sallah “Asps! Very Dangerous. You go first!” Karen Allen is a great love-interest/companion; girly enough to squeal when thrown into Indy’s adventures, but ballsy enough to take on the Nepalese at drinking games and stand up to the Nazis (to an extent). Paul Freeman is intense and condescending as Belloq; Ronald Lacey is perfect as the weird, sinister Toht; and a very young Alfred Molina is cool as the tarantula-covered soon-to-be-spike-impaled Satipo.


Shadow Acting
As if to prove that he is not just about fighting, explosions, and elaborate action sequences, Spielberg gets very creative in Raiders. There are many bits of scenes shot with shadow. Not least the first few minutes of the film where we only see the silhouette of Indy; probably the most iconic silhouette in history (not just in cinema!). There are also several shots of other characters talking towards the camera and Indy’s shadow behind them, far more dramatic than just filming two people talking. Also neat how some of the shadows in the Egyptian tombs seem to reflect the two-dimensional carvings on the walls. All very cool, and all serve to make a hugely enjoyable film even more fantastic.

                         

                         


Melting Nazis
It’s always good to see the bad guys get their comeuppance, and even better when they melt! Having made a cast of Ronald Lacey’s head, the sfx guys coated the inside of the mask with various layers of wax; the effect was then achieved by melting the face plus hat plus glasses with a hairdryer! Fairly low-tech, and quite laborious when it requires more than one take, but it still looks pretty great 30 years later! Of course if it was done now it would be all done in a computer, and doubtless wouldn’t look half as good. I’ve argued this before, but when effects are done “in the flesh” they always looks better and more convincing than “pretty” effects done in a computer.


So there we go, 5 reasons to love one of the best action adventure films ever made. Of course there are countless more reasons why Raiders is so good, but then this post would go on for ever! Indy shooting the big guy with swords because he had the runs; the cheesy maps with dotted lines showing where Indy is travelling to; the girl’s eyelids with “I love you” written on them; storing the Ark of the Covenant in a huge warehouse; Toht looking like he’s getting an implement of torture out but it’s actually a coat hanger; and... and...

Ain't It Amazing (Jennifer Lopez Album #4)

4.) J To Tha L-O! The Remixes
(February 2002)


The Set-Up
After only two albums, doesn’t it seem a little too early to release a remix album? But Jennifer knew what she was doing. This album had just the right amount of songs, and it wasn’t all bass-pumping techno jams (which I do love), but more of an eclectic mix of techno, hip-hop, and urban pop remixes of Jennifer’s singles up to that point.

The Play-by-Play
First up is “Love Don’t Cost a Thing” (RJ Schoolyard Mix) featuring Fat Joe, a solid opener that sounds quite familiar (since it was used as her dance break for the original music video). The first official single “Ain’t It Funny” (Murder Remix) featuring Ja Rule and Cadillac Tah busts out of the gate with a dramatic change from the original version from her last album. There are no signs of any Latin flavor. It’s all straight up Hip-Hop, and it’s all thanks to Murder Inc. for helping her get this kind of cred. “I’m Gonna Be Alright” (Track Masters Remix) featuring 50 Cent isn’t that much of a change from the original on her J.Lo album, but it does give more of a Hip-Hop than Pop feel. “I’m Real” (Murder Remix) featuring Ja Rule follows up as one of the remixes that started it all. It was catchy, inventive, and a far cry from the original single. Technically it’s a single from her re-released J.Lo album, but it fits better with this mix of reinventions. Afterwards, the sound gets switched up into a tropical dance party with “Walking on Sunshine” (Metro Remix). I didn’t think it was possible that my favorite song from her last album could get any better, but the Latin dance flavor creates a whole different vibe. Next up is “If You Had My Love” (Dark Child Master Mix). It doesn’t offer too much change from the original, but it’s catchy and special in its own way. “Feelin’ So Good” (Bad Boy Remix) featuring P. Diddy and G. Dep actually fails to move anything inside me. It actually makes the song sound worse (and that’s one of the highlights from her debut). After that comes “Let’s Get Loud” (Pablo Flores Remix) which does a great job of sounding different from the original, but it manages to keep the same kind of Latin style that made the original so memorable. “Play” (Sack International Remix) isn’t one of the highlights on this album, but it’s a pretty solid attempt at a reinvention from the original. To close out the album comes her signature remix, “Waiting For Tonight” (Hex’s Momentous Radio Mix), a thumping show stopper filled with high energy and special moments that carries out from beginning to end. But then along comes the random song of the bunch, a very forgettable ballad from her movie Enough, “Alive”, co-written by her then-husband Cris Judd. It highlights the weakness in her voice with singing slower-paced songs, and boy does it drag on and on! But luckily it doesn’t stop the love I have for the whole album in general.

The Point
Jennifer was successful in reinventing herself (as well as her hit singles). She managed to highlight her upbeat dance style with Latin flare while also creating a clever Hip-Hop sound with Pop lyrics. Overall, the album is solid from start to almost-finish (minus the ballad).

The Essentials
I would put the remix of “I’m Real” as one of the highlights, but technically it was first released on her J.Lo album (so we’ll hold off on that one). So instead, let’s bask in the greatness of the “Ain’t It Funny” (Murder Remix).
Following that is the genius remix of “Walking On Sunshine”.
And who can forget about her classic, “Waiting For Tonight”…the one that started it all!
*But rather than show the official music video, I figured I'd treat you all to her hilarious appearance on Will & Grace! (Oh man, how I miss this show...)


Royal Wedding in Pics - - More Than 10 Exclusive Photos of Royal Wedding

LONDON - - Royal Wedding of Prince Williams and Kate middleton took place today (April 29, 2011) at Westminster Abbey in presence of 1,900 guests.

Be the part of Royal Wedding thorough the exclusive pictures here ....

Royal Wedding in Pics - Kate Middleton Waving to Guests

Royal Wedding in Pics - A Royal Kiss by the Royal Couple

Royal Wedding in Pics - Kate Middleton Arriving at Westminster Abbey

Royal Wedding in Pics - Queen's Arrival at Westminster Abbey

Royal Wedding in Pics - Kate Middleton and Prince Williams Reciting Their Wedding Vows

Royal Wedding in Pics - Prince Williams, Kate Middleton and her father

Royal Wedding in Pics - Queen Meeting Little Guests

Royal Wedding in Pics - Fans Camping Outside Westminster

Royal Wedding in Pics - Fans Sleeping in their camps

Royal Wedding in Pics - Fans waiting for the ceremony to see it closely

Royal Wedding in Pics - Kate Middleton Waving to Guests

Catherine (Kate) Middleton: From Goring Hotel to Westminter Abbey (Video)

LONDON – Catherine (Kate) Middleton and her father leaving the Goring Hotel on their way to Westminster Abbey for the Royal Wedding ceremony.


Kate Middleton and Prince Williams Waving to  Fans after Wedding Vows


Kate Middleton is looking gorgeous in McQueen label dress, designed by Victoria Beckham.
 
 
 

Mystery of Royal Wedding Dress for Kate Middleton Unfolded

LONDON -- The Royal Wedding dress of Kate Middleton was the most discussed topic about this event. Wedding dress became a mystery throughout the Royal Wedding buzz on the internet.

At last the mystery unveiled today and Kate Middleton was looking gorgeous in McQueen label dress, designed by Victoria Beckham.

Kate Middleton About to Become Princess in McQueen label dress, designed by Victoria Beckham

Royal Kiss by Prince Willams and Kate Middleton After Reciting Their Wedding Vows (Photo and Video)

LONDON - Britain's Prince William and his new bride Kate - now the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge - stepped onto the balcony of Buckingham Palace Friday two hours after saying their vows and gave an estimated audience of two billion people what they had all tuned in for; a royal kiss.

Duke and Duchess of Cambridge - stepped onto the balcony of Buckingham Palace for a royal kiss.

Royal Wedding at Westminster Abbey: Prince Williams and Kate Middleton, now the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, recited their vows.

The couple seemed a bit confused but glad and said their wedding vows quite fluently before Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams.
 
 

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Getting It Right (Jennifer Lopez Album #5)

5.) Rebirth
(March 2005)


The Set-Up
Every album Jennifer has put out always takes place in the middle of a relationship of hers (which means every song has to deal with that certain person). And after the fiasco that was Bennifer, it was hard to take this album seriously because it was all about her new marriage to Marc Anthony (whom she is still with and has the most adorable twins with).

The Play-by-Play
Things get started off right with Jennifer’s best single to date “Get Right”. Again, it is either the most annoying song in the world or one of the most fun and inventive. Producer Rich Harrison was in his prime after hits with Beyoncé (“Crazy in Love”) and Amerie (“1 Thing”). And while this song goes right along with the same sound and vibe the two previously mentioned songs have, it stood on its own as a fun opening single, coming right out of the gate strong and building up to sick-ass song! It’s hard to follow an opener like that, but longtime collaborator and producer Rodney Jerkins comes out with a sultry, sexy number with “Step Into My World”. We know that she may not have the best voice in the music industry, but her soft whispering and hush hush singing provides so much sexiness. She’s in her sexy prime with this one. “Hold You Down” comes right after, a sweet duet with Fat Joe (whom she previously collaborated on her first album with “Feelin’ So Good”). It’s a different feeling on this one, but it never quite builds up to the hype surrounding it. It tries too hard to capture the same magic that occurred on her last album with LL Cool J on “All I Have”, but it didn’t come even close. And it was a horrible choice as a follow up single to “Get Right”, which might explain why the album never did all that well. After that small hiccup, she comes back strong with the second Rich Harrison production, “Whatever You Want”, exuding more sexiness and lots of fun. Think “1 Thing” part 2. “Cherry Pie” comes next, a fun throwback to 80’s pop music, but the lyrics do get a little bit cheesy and amateur. But she makes a strong return once more with the second production credit from Rodney Jerkins on “I Got U”, one of the highlights on the album. It’s a classic Jennifer Lopez song, taking us back to the kind of music she came out with on her first album. From there unfortunately, it’s a downward spiral of weak, unimaginative efforts. “Still Around” is declaration of her love and devotion, dedicated to her husband Marc Anthony (which he happens to make a surprise appearance in). Her voice has never sounded worse by the way than it does when she tries riffing and hitting high notes nowhere near her range.  Then comes the sloppy seconds from Brandy with “Ryde or Die”. You can still even hear her voice in the chorus! After that it’s “I, Love”, the most boring song the album has to offer, followed by a decent track from hit producer Timbaland “He’ll Be Back” (and ya’ll know I love me some Timbo!) Then it’s time for the album to end with an unnecessary, overly dramatic song “(Can’t Believe) This Is Me”.  And last but not least, we’re treated to another version of “Get Right” featuring a verse from rapper Fabolous.

The Point
While the second half of the album is weak and boring (very unoriginal as well), listening to “Get Right” through “Cherry Pie” is reason enough to put it at #5 in the J.Lo albums countdown.

The Essentials
“Get Right” is no doubt the big highlight of the album, and the video is a memorable one as well!
“I Got U” is a sweet reminder of when Ms. Lopez first came out into the music industry.
*Sorry for the poor quality video down below.

And “Whatever You Want” is a fun, hip club banger thanks in large part to producer Rich Harrison.


British Born 'Katrina Kaif': The Best Indian Celebrity Match for Prince Williams - Online Survey Results

Katrina: The best Indian Celebrity match for Prince Williams
MUMBAI - - Indian matrimonial website ‘shadi.com’ arranged an online survey in which participants have to choose the best Indian celebrity match for Prince Williams from the available options of Katrina Kaif, Priyanka Chopra and Sonaksi Sinha.

In this online survey 75.3 percent participants voted for British born Katrina Kaif as the best Indian celebrity match for Prince Williams. Total of 8,000 visitors participated in the online poll and voted for their respective choice. 

Katrina Kaif was voted by more than 6,000 online voters as the best Indian Celebrity match for Prince Williams; while the other two, Priyanka Chopra and Soakshi Sinha, collectively got only 24.7 percent of total votes. "Desi girl" Priyanka Chopra got 16.7 percent votes, while ‘Dabangg’ fame Sonakshi Sinha got only eight percent of the total people participated in the survey.

The survey result was declared on Thursday, the eve of Prince William's wedding to Kate Middleton at London's Westminster Abbey.

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Bigger and Braver (Jennifer Lopez Album #6)

6.) Brave
(October 2007)

 
The Set-Up
It was time to get back into Pop action with this album, and Ms. Lopez certainly did her best to keep up to date with what was hot in music at the time. It wasn’t necessarily a bad album, but it wasn’t her greatest, which is why it ended up on my countdown at #6.

The Play-by-Play
The album begins with a terrific opener “Stay Together”, obviously putting all those people on blast who didn’t think her marriage to Marc Anthony would be lasting this long. Things groove right along into “Forever”, a very hypnotic trip and one of the more lively numbers. “Hold It Don’t Drop It” comes right out of the gate, sampling Tavares’ “It Only Takes A Minute”. It is one of the highlights of the album, throwing back to a sort of updated disco. “Do It Well” follows as the first single. It’s not one of the most imaginative singles that Jennifer Lopez has to offer, but it’s one of the most upbeat she’s released, and it has excellent production from superstar man Ryan Tedder. And who would’ve thought that sampling Michael Jackson actually would sound legit? “Gotta Be There” does a tremendous job with its fast lyrics and personal plea to follow her man around everywhere (basically it serves as the stalker anthem). Then things get a little gentler with “Never Gonna Give Up”. It sounds a lot like she’s trying to rip off The Beatles in the beginning, but sure enough it turns into the most beautiful and heartfelt moments on the album. Although her voice has never been the strongest to begin with, her voice is pitch perfect and very vulnerable, clearly exclaiming that through all of her mishaps in love, she is still going to try and try again and find it (which at this point with Mr. Anthony, she has). From here on out, it’s filled with average (or even below average) quality songs that don’t add any great interest to the rest of the album. “Mile In These Shoes” sounds a bit too young for J.Lo to be singing about. “The Way It Is” is a bit too repetitive for my taste. “Be Mine” is unimaginative and certainly not very exciting. “I Need Love” sounds like the CD skipped and went back to “The Way It Is” for a minute. Then along comes the closing songs, first with “Wrong When You’re Gone” which again tries to be current, keeping up with artists like Keri Hilson, Ciara, etc. It’s a decent attempt, but definitely not in her range for what she’s done previously. “Brave” just serves the purpose as closing out on a positive, uplifting, but overly corny note. And then we’re given one last treat, a little revamping of “Do It Well”, but adding in a spectacular verse from Ludacris.

The Point
Overall, Brave serves as one of Jennifer Lopez’s strongest albums, but it doesn’t stand out as one of the most memorable. It sounds more like middle-aged R&B trying to aim for a younger audience, but it’s so stuck on throwbacks to music that people at this time didn’t care to listen to that much. All props to Jennifer for keeping with what she does best, and that’s delivering good pop music. But nothing stood out, it was just the exact same formula. Nothing was really updated or current, it seemed to be going in a different direction.

The Essentials
“Hold It Don’t Drop It” is the big standout for me as the most fun. I wish it could’ve had more success as a single.
“Do It Well” stands out for the great sampling of “Keep On Truckin’” and it’s low notes and fast lyrics.
But the big moment I love the most is the beauty in Jennifer’s voice on “Never Gonna Give Up”.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

TOWIE Star Lydia Bright Reposed Jennifer Aniston Nude GQ Effect

In 2008, Jennifer Aniston was sizzled nude with just a men's tie to protect her modesty on the cover of GQ USA. With her sensual pose former Friends star showed off a new sexier, cheeky side and caused a sensation and became an instant pin-up.

Jennifer Aniston Posed Nude on 2008 GQ Cover


The ‘Only Way Is Essex’ star Lydia Bright has regenerated the now infamous pose, showing her now ex-boyfriend James 'Arg' Argent exactly what he's missing.

Lydia Bright Recreates Aniston's GQ Effect


The 20-year-old Lydia Bright is electrified to show off her new size eight figure after losing a stone and jumped at the chance to follow Jennifer Aniston, who has also been unlucky in love, in the Closer magazine shoot.

Born This Way to Stay Gleeful!

It’s about damn time that Glee got back to tying in great music (that most people might not have heard before, or haven’t heard in a while) and really do a great job tying it into the storyline.

Tonight’s episode dealt with the great dilemma of accepting the things about yourself that you might get ridiculed for, because after all, that’s what makes you one in a million! And after episode after episode solely dedicated to the guest star (yes, Ms. Paltrow) or how many current songs they can throw in (Adele’s “Turning Tables” and Katy Perry’s “Firework”), it was so refreshing to see Glee tonight get back to what really made it amazing in the first place.

The Good
First of all, I’m SOOOOO happy that Kurt is back at McKinley! And as randomly spontaneous as it was, The Warblers’ rendition of Keane’s “Somewhere Only We Know” was precious and beautiful. Hopefully we’ll be seeing Blaine at McKinley soon!
I was very happy that they brought Karofsky’s storyline back to the forefront too. And who didn’t love his talk with Santana?!! You go girl and all your bitchiness! And thank you for starting to show your true colors!
Aside from all of that, the humor was spot on, the music fit right in, the characters developed even more, and the storylines were beautiful and poignant, especially with Emma’s acceptance of her OCD. It was great that such a mainstream show like this (which has already earned its place by sponsoring acceptance and what makes us all different and unique) bring that to a new extreme and really focus in on insecurities and accepting who we all are.
But no moment can compare to my two favorite ones of the night. First: the mash-up of TLC’s “Unpretty” and “I Feel Pretty” from West Side Story! I saw that they were covering this and really got confused as to how they would fit these two together, but they pulled off another great mashup.
And Two: Kurt’s shirt at the end that simply said “I like boys” (something I know everyone can relate too). But in all seriousness though, it was a proud moment to see that on at 8:30 primetime on FOX!
Might not be the actual shirt, but this is the closest I could get to :)

The Bad
While I do admire that Quinn has a big flaw and skeleton in her closet, at first glance her ugly picture seemed like a joke. And even though I did like Santana’s little quirks with Karofsky (the gay humor and all) I don’t like the fact that it built up all my hope that he was going to finally come out tonight! Those were both tiny moments in the episode, only two that I had to really think about and find because everything else was just about perfect!
But one thing that has been bothering me throughout the season that needs to be addressed…can Ashley Fink (who plays Lauren Zizes) please learn to annunciate and clearly speak her lines? She has amazing one-liners, but you can never understand her!

What to Look Forward To
I can’t help but spoil the surprise for myself. I know what’s happening in the next upcoming episodes. Best of all, I know who is going to be Prom King and Queen (but I won’t spoil it for any of you just yet). But I’m really looking forward to how all these little angles in the storylines play out and come together.
And best of all…I’M SO EXCITED KRISTIN CHENOWETH IS BACK NEXT WEEK!!!

Hallelujah


Happy Glee to you all!

Que Bonita! (Jennifer Lopez #7 Album)

And so it begins! The countdown to Jennifer Lopez's new album Love? next Tuesday is off and running. So here I go counting down her albums from good to the greatest!

7.) Como Ama Una Mujer
(March 2007)

The Set-Up
The downward spiral of Jennifer Lopez’s music career began with her 5th studio album and only continued with this release. She had her share of failed relationships and marriages, had spent a lot of time in the gossip magazines, and dealt with a lot of criticism for several bad movies she had starred in. But at least she was trying to change her ways by this time. She was married to singer Marc Anthony and did her best to try to keep her private life private, staying out of the spotlight and maturing.

The Play-by-Play
She starts things off right with the explosive first single “Qué Hiciste”, proving that she really does have a strong voice despite critics speaking out otherwise. She continues the hot trend with the second single, coming out with a little bit of a rock edge, “Me Haces Falta”. “Como Ama Una Mujer” highlights the beauty in her voice, then suddenly we get another glimpse of an upbeat side to all of this album with “Te Voy A Querer”. But then from here on out, the songs tend to drag out, showing the beauty in her voice with more Spanish ballads, but certainly not adding the amount of spice I was expecting from her. She decides to re-do a dud from her last album Rebirth called “I Can’t Believe This Is Me”, but this time of course it's titled as “Porque Te Marchas”, which despite its dramatic corniness, it actually surpasses the English version. Following that remake, she goes into another beautiful duet with Marc Anthony (making it the 3rd between the two of them) “Por Arriesgarnos”. “Tù”, “Amarte Es Todo”, “Apresùrate”, “Sola”, and “Adiòs” close out the album with nothing really groundbreaking or exciting to show for itself.

The Point
It was great to see Jennifer Lopez step out of her regular realm of pop music and try something different. She is a true Latina after all, and it was great to hear her get back to her roots, but it’s not the J.Lo that we’ve all come to love. It’s not a bad album. It’s just that compared to her other albums (which you’ll hear about soon enough) it’s not as exciting or fun. But nevertheless, her voice has never sounded so beautiful and pure as it does on this album though.

The Essentials
“Qué Hiciste” is the standout of the album, switching back and forth effectively from a quiet storm into a powerhouse refrain.
“Me Haces Falta” is another great one from this album that shows off a bit of a Latin-rock edge for Ms. Lopez.

Monday, April 25, 2011

Emma Watson Denies Bullying Rumours But Won't Return Brown University

Harry Potter Star Emma Watson
Emma Watson won't be returning to Brown University, her rep confirmed. The "Harry Potter" star, who announced earlier this year that she temporarily left the Ivy League school to concentrate on her professional commitments, will be transferring to another school, but not because of the bullying rumors.

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Last week, it was reported that the brainy Brit beauty was being taunted at the university. Apparently, her colleagues couldn't help but make references to "Harry Potter" whenever she got correct answers in class.

But her rep, Vanessa Davies, told the Daily Mail that the report was false, adding that Watson, 21, made some very good friends during her stay in the university. However, Davies also confirmed another rumor that she is leaving Brown.

The rep explained that Watson simply decided to pursue a course that is not offered at Brown. She was taking European women's history and drama. It isn't revealed what course she intends to take next and where she plans to enroll at.

Watson is currently working on a number of fashion projects. She will also be promoting the part two of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" this July.