Video of the Day: Avalon / Soundtrack - The Fire.

I was shown this movie called "Avalon" in my Political Science class this semester. And although Im not a huge, big fan of music scores or soundtracks (lets be honest, who is?), this is the most amazing, touching score I have ever heard. Nowadays, movie soundtracks are based out of heavy, action movies. But it doesnt matter. Blockbuster, dramas, or whatever, I think that we should at least pay attention to at least
"one" of the movies background music.I mean, there is alot of hard work put into these soundtrack or scores, just to make it perfect for a specific scene in a movie.

Just to think that these type of music is composed in some studio, with so many hard working people thinking what to do, whether directing the score or playing the instruments.

Enjoy

"The Avengers" is the King of the Box Office this Week

"The Avengers", the superhero (and super awesome) movie that hit theaters this past Friday, made an astonishing $200 million, shattering box office records. The movie starting Robert Downey Jr, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, would most likely (perhaps, has already) passed the previous Marvel-based movie "Iron Man 2", which made 623.9 million worth of tickets in 2010. It even out did the other previous mega hit "The Hunger Games", being the top film of 2012.


I havent seen the movie...yet, but Facebook is buzzing over this movie like crazy! A friend of mine have said  its the best movies so far, while another just couldnt wait to see yet a second time. I am more personally surprised it made $200 million!!! I mean, whoa! An anticipated movie usually makes like around $50-80 million, but $200 million?! Must be them pricey 3D tickets.


For more, click here.

TV Review: Tough Love: New Orleans

In case I haven't stated it before, Im not a TV or movie person. Its quite rare to see me sitting in front of the movie theater or watching television shows when, in my opinion, there's not much going on, much (although I do watch "Pretty Little Liars"). However, one of my favorite shows this Spring season is "Tough Love: New Orleans", which airs every Sunday at 9pm on Vh1.

Unlike the other reality shows out there, this is more like a "boot camp" for clueless women who need deep, and desperate, relationship advice. Steve Ward, the one who is in charge of the boot camp, gives the 8 women advice, and challenges (such as dates, social events, etc), in hopes to break them out of their shell that prevents them to find true love. None of the girls are eliminated, for this isnt a competition. Yet instead, Steve tries to help these women to find not only their true love, but most importantly, listen to their personal criticism  and come to accept their advice and change.

Tough Love: New Orleans airs Sunday @ 9pm, on Vh1
http://www.vh1.com/shows/tough_love/season_4/series.jhtml

Video of the Day: 100 Years At The Movies

On Monday, my group and I are going to present the topic of movies...and its history as well. So, since its going to be quite lengthy, I decided to share this video, in hopes of giving you a glimpse of whats kinda in store for class. I must say, Ive seen about 60% of the movies shown.

Have fun!!

Video of the Day(In Honor of MCA): Beastie Boys - "Ch-Check It Out"

Adam Yauch, founder and member of the iconic Hip Hop group, the Beastie Boys, died at the age of 47, after a 3 year battle with cancer. Words of grief and tributes poured in from all over the music industry , from Justin Timberlake, to Madonna, Jay Z and Eminem, remembering the artist known as MCA. Along with members Adam Horovitz and Mike Diamond, the trio formed the Hip Hop group known as the Beastie Boys, with their song  "(You Gotta) Fight For Your Right (to Party)", being their most well known. 

However, the song I remembered them is the one above called "Ch-Check It Out". An oldie, but a goodie :)R.I.P.


Article here.

Honoring Keith Haring; Today's Google Doodle

Google always honors people, individuals, personalities, etc. who have, in some other way, impacted society or the world. Case in point: today's Google logo honors the artist Keith Haring, celebrating what would've been his 54th birthday.

Haring, who died in 1990 due to AIDS complication, was an artist who was influenced by New York City's street culture, and who's art, compose of colorful, simple wiggly human figures, is an art I have seen everywhere, due to it's street, graffiti-like influence. I have even seen it in Sesame Street, with the figures dancing to the music, in a cute wiggly way, of course. I also like it since it tends to have a Hip Hop feel it too.

Talk about a true artist :)

Article here.

CNN Rating Declining, Raising Worries

Oh no, this cant be good. Turns out that CNN (home of my favorite Anderson Cooper), suffered its worst audience ratings ever in the 10 year history of the news network last month. Who knows what is going wrong (Ted Turner thinks he might have the answer), for Fox News and MSNBC is beating CNN up in the ratings war. However, CNN does win over both of them come election time due to their round the clock coverage and update information. But, yet, they cant keep up with their nemesis.

I had a bad feeling about CNN's ratings, especially after my mother (a news junkie) became a MSNBC fan recently over CNN. Now THAT is how I began to worry.


For more on the situation, read here.

Song of the Day:The Supremes Baby Love

Not that long ago in class, someone remarked that music has been nothing but "crap" lately. Well, although that is true, not all music is that bad. But anywho, since Im more of a music person than a TV or movie type gal, hope this song helps bring the nostalgia back...rather than listening to "crap".

Enjoy!!!

Video of the Day: Chamillionaire - Evening News

As you all know, or most of you know, tomorrow will mark the 20th anniversary of the L.A Riots. And one thing that comes to mind, personally, is that Hip Hop music and Politics have a history together. I guess its because all Hip Hop artists, and the genre itself, is the only musical category were everyday obstacles/hardships are being sung or rapped about. You dont hear any pop artist singing about how life in their neighborhood is quite unbearable or how every day conditions has its share of misery.And that's were politics comes in. Hip Hop artists raise their concerns about society, whether enduring and/or discussing violence, abuse, drugs, death, etc, to which they take aim at the only place whos responsibility is to be "there" for the people, the Government.

Well, one example is this video...and its one of my favorites! Rapper Chamillionaire takes aim at....almost everybody. But its Hip Hop...and its quite enjoyable. Love the message it tries to get across too!

So, I hope you enjoy it!!

New "SOPA"? CISPA comes into the limelight

Forbes.com

Why did I had such a HUGE gut feeling that the whole SOPA/PIPA legislation wasn't "completely" over? Why did I have a feeling that the government was waiting for the whole storm over the two controversial bills to settle down, so that way they can bring it back, but under a new reform?

Well, turns up CISPA is the name...and although it isn't quite like SOPA/PIPA, seems to me that online privacy just seems to get threatened every time. Not cool >:/ But why isn't it creating such a huge uproar like last time? Turns out that the big major companies kinda agree to this new bill.

But I personally think the internet is closer to a death sentence...I hope its not.


Read article:
http://www.forbes.com/sites/erikkain/2012/04/24/as-cispa-nears-a-vote-can-the-controversial-cyber-security-legislation-be-stopped/

Video of the Day: Step Brothers - Bunk beds

Its kinda funny when movies that one least expects to be a hit, tends to be a major success (like this example here). Better yet, it becomes just as popular as any hit blockbuster when released in DVD. Example, the movie Stepbrothers, starting Will Ferrell and John C. Rilley. Turns out this movie was released  the following weeks after The Dark Knight was playing. And, as we all know, The Dark Knight was a juggernaut. However, the moive was considered a sleeper hit, and has remained a popular movie with audiences ever since. Funny movie. Not "hysterical", but even the most silliest, simple, line will definitely get stuck in your head. Quite a joyous comedy, especially to my twin.

Well, hope you like the above clip. Have a great week.

Dr. Dre & Snoop Dogg Live @ Coachella 2012 [Full Show]

Yep, as predicted, Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg were a massive hit last night in Coachella. The music festival had its last night of their 3 day weekend Sunday, with a repeat this upcoming weekend. With Nate Dogg being paid tribute and Tupac coming out as a hologram (to which I have NO idea how that was made, and how a hologram works), and appearances by Eminem, Wiz Khalifa, etc, performing along the pros, old school rap was pretty much alive that night.

Watch the entire performance above :)

And Im still tripping about the holograms...enjoy!

Coachella 2012: Nate Dogg Reappearing...as a Hologram

Social media has been buzzing lately, especially since one of the world's most hottest music festivals just hit California this weekend. The Coachella Music Festival (cute name) just started its concerts this past Friday in a 3-day weekend festival, with another round of amazing music, both indie and heavyweights, performing next week. Notable artists like Florence and the Machine are performing Sunday (April 15), while rookie ones like M83 performed this past Friday (April 13). I personally wanted to see The Weeknd perform, and since I couldnt go this year, YouTube had his concert live via their website, with the video sharing website most likely to repeat this for next week.

However, what was grabbing headlines this past week was Sunday's headliners Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg, who wished to have thier deceased best friend, Nate Dogg, to perform, via hologram. The popular hip hop crooner, who died last year, is going to perform, in which it will "...project moving images of Nate Dogg onto the Coachella stage while they perform." [1]. Some people might go "Whaaaa?", but to others, this is a sure treat.
Well, whatever the case, Im glad to see the wonderful Nate Dogg perform. I was a big fan of the man, and his passing did struck a chord for many of us music lovers.

I shall place a video the performance sometime this week.

Have a great weekend

FOX to celebrate their 25th Anniversary

Fox is celebrating their "quarter of a century anniversary", and on April 22nd, their ideal celebration is for sure going to bring so much nostalgia among the audience. Turns out, the network is doing a speical reunion that includes the cast of some of the network's most popular and famous shows. "That 70s Show" has confirmed their prescence with Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher joining, along with the Wayans Bros. coming together for thier popular show "In Living Color". The "Married with Children" cast is also joining this anniversary event, with their pilot being re-aired on Fox that day [1]. Shows that are also looking back with several of thier casts include Calista Flockhart from "Ally McBeal", several members from "Beverly Hills 90210" and David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson from "The X-Files".

I have to admit, Im more excited about the latter one. Ive been a huge fan of "The X-Files" as long as I can remember, and I am so psyche that I get to see those two reunite once again to remember the past.

Fox 25th Annivesary Special will air at 8/7pm C, April 22nd, on Fox.

Video of the Day: David Guetta - Turn Me On ft. Nicki Minaj

Okay, so I dont want to "bore" you all with a lot news about Government spying us and all. So I decided to share with you one of my favorite songs. "Turn Me On" is a great pop/dance/electro type song with Nicki Minaj and David Guetta. The music video is awesome...and its all because the creepy dolls make the video look so cool!!!! Guetta plays a "mad" scientist who creates living "dolls" and Minaj is his successful attempt of creating one that looks 100% human. This causes jealous among the others.

Well, hope you like it :D Enjoy!!!

"Spy" Center Almost Done

Sooooo, apparently a C.I.A Spy center is almost done under construction near the Utah Mountains. That means that our phone calls, or any source of communication (like emails), is going to heard, or "spied" off by the C.I.A.
Yep, "Big Brother" is watching.

For more info, click here.

Public Enemy - Fight The Power

Oh yeah, while I'm at it, I decided to also post this video of Public Enemy, titled "Fight the Power".
This video also shows clips of the movie "Do the Right Thing".

My Political Science class mentioned this video, for it has an empowering message, as it is a great song. It even has made the ranks of "the greatest song of all-time" lists.

I wont say much about this song though. I think its much worth hearing it.

Video of the Day: Annoying Orange

WOOOW! People might have their opinions about this, but I like the Annoying Orange :) It is, hmm, a bit annoying, but to a point where its amusing rather than super irritating.

Just like some YouTube success stories, this channel exploded into mainstream popularity and has gained a wide audience ever since. With a total of over 1 billion views, it even has its own TV show coming up this summer in Cartoon Network.

Well, hope you'll enjoy. Have a great weekend

Linda Lovelace's Life Worthy of a Hollywood Tale

Hollywood has a thing for tragic stories, right? They are quite as obsessed for tragic stories as they are of ending it with a happy ending. Well, consider this story: A conservative teenager, who all of a sudden rebels against her elders, meets and marries a "pimp", who forces her against her will towards "prostitution" and drugs, and at 23 years old, becomes an overnight sensation due to a hard core porn movie that was made in a cheap hotel room in Florida. The movie as a total worth of $600 million. However, she leaves (or flees) her manipulated husband, becomes a feminist advocate, but later faces personal battles with illness and poverty, all before dying in a terrible car crash in 2002. Sounds indeed like a tragic story, and thats not all what Linda Lovelace, who's life I just described, faced. However, her life is about to be immoratalized on the big screen, twice, and hopefully it sticks with her life instead of finsihing it with a typical happy ending.

Linda endured both physical and mental abuse under her husband's, Chuck Traynor, power. Even when her porn movie "Deep Throat" hit the mainstream, she described in graphic detail what she went through in the set [1]. Yet, she became a popular personality during her days, with her film making over 10x of what it was worth (it cost $30,000 to make). However, this film is credited to ushering "...the infinitely more explicit internet porn that is now only a keyboard click away" today [1]. But this is the view and reputation that Linda Lovelace hated. She became a feminist activist, denouncing the porn industry, right after she left her controlling husband. Yet, she felt used by her feminist "allies". She remarried again, had two children, but only for her second husband to lose his job and both became dependent on welfare. She also became dependent on expensive medical drugs after a liver transplant in 1987. Then after divorcing in 1996, she had jobs both day and night to make it through. A few years later, in 2001, she posed for an adult magazine, and with cries that she was a hypocrite, after she publicly known for bashing out the porn industry, sources say she was desperate for cash. She died in 2002 after crashing in a concrete post in Denver, as she was thrown out the windscreen.

Now, a few years later, 2 movies are in the works for this lady. One, starting Amanda Seyfried, titled "Lovelace", has just finished filming. This project is also being backed up by Lovelace's grown children. The second, titled "Inferno" is based on Lovelace tell all book. If both films are trying to be 100% accurate about her life, then let it be. But as friend and former biographer Eric Danville (whos is speaking regards of the "Lovelace" film) said:

        "The film will try as much as possible to end on a positive note in terms of Linda’s story,’ he 

        said. How does the film portray her? ‘I have to be diplomatic here ... very much as she saw herself...A victim — for want of a better word. That’s the tale that everyone really knows." [1]

Well, I hope for once Hollywood keeps it real. Linda Lovelace story has all the elements worthy of a Hollywood movie. 

Read more at Daily Mail here.

Topic of the Day: Nostalgia (Remembering the 90s)

(This is a personal opinion post based on this 2011 article by CNN.com. To read, click link).

My goodness. Not that long ago, my twin sister, who is a bit of a hard shell (a.k.a. "Hard to Please"), was just super duper excited that VH1 decided to air a special documentary titled "The TRL Decade". We got to see familiar faces and events, such as Britney Spears, N'Sync, P.Diddy, etc during their prime. Plus, not that long ago, MTV's channel Hit List decided to play Boy Band music videos. My twin sister shrieked! In the era that just past us, the 2000s, we were bombarded with gangsta rap, R&B and Hip Hop. She was an ultimate "G" girl, all things gangsta, all things street. But she isn't shy to admit that before all this wave of 2000s pop culture emerged, she was (and very much still is) a 1990s music lover, a'la N'Sync. And who can blame her? She isn't that only one who remembers the 1990s. It seems to me that our "Digital Era" generation is indeed wanting the 90s back. Whether music, TV Shows, fashion, etc....we are definitely remembering the 1990s.

Last night, me and my twin were admiring how much we want a denim blouse. As we were talking, Will Smith character from "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" was also wearing the blouse of our dremas. And soon after, as I am a huge fan of street style, I also notice that many of the style that teens are wearing today has more of a 90s reminiscent vibe. Denim shorts, ripped tights (although this was in the early 1990s), heavy ankle boots, scrunchies, baggy blouses, large pants, colorful heavy jackets, etc., are all 1990s fashion. And it has indeed return.

What about TV? Remember when TV wasn't all reality television shows? I remember school based sitcoms, such as "Boy Meets World", "Saved by the Bell", "Sabrina", "Sister, Sister" and so on. "Dysfunctional " or close knit families such as "Married with Children", "Fresh Prince", "Friends", etc., targeted adults. Nick cartoons such as "CatDog", "Doug", "Hey Arnold", "Rugrats" were meant for kids. Oh, and a bit of "Horror" such as "Goosebumps" and "The X-Files" were meant for thrill seekers. Oh, and music! Remember Nirvana? Or NWA? Or how about pop music that invaded the late 1990s such as Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys, N'sync, Christina Aguilera, and so on. Remember that most of them started out in Disney? And when their careers were taking off, remember they were extremely publicized in Disney Channel? I can keep going on and on, but I have to admit, a lot of us really do miss the 1990s. 

But why? Why all of a sudden this sudden urge of reviving the 90s? Now a days, I tend to see so many re-runs of "Save by the Bell" and "Boy Meets World". Teen Nick has also been playing late night airings of old 90s shows called "The 90s are All That". Stars of the 90s are having a career boom, such as Tia and Tamera Mowry with their reality show in the InStyle network. Melissa Joan Hart of "Sabrina" and "Clarissa" fame has her show along with 90s heartthrob Joey Lawrence in ABC Family (Melissa and Joey). 

So how come? Well, simple. You just want to remember the good old days of your fun, careless youth. With our current economic climate, people are struggling to find some ways to live, whereas the 1990s, you didn't have to work at all [1]. Just like the CNN article explained, ".... young Americans are trying to navigate the murky waters of the economy and their future prospects." In my personal opinion, I also remember that the 1990s was a carefree era of a pre-9/11 decade. After the attacks, everything changed. A suspicious, yet a somewhat dark mood took over. Bubblegum pop didn't seem to fit well with the traumatizing vibe, and the happy sitcoms werent all that amusing when our world was just so shattered.  So, reminiscing the 1990 just tend to put a huge smile on people's faces. And thanks to Facebook and other social media devices, the entertainment industry decided to re air back some of the 1990s shows, especially from Nick, due to so much buzz of users wishing they had their 90s Nickelodeon back [2].

I have to say that the 1990s was a great era for many of us, especially for pop culture. With reality television bombarding every channel and network, and music is all visual and not for the ears, everything seems a bit fake. So, I have to admit that, deep inside me, I wish we had the 1990s back. 

The Hunger Games Official Trailer

Now I KNOW some of you are going to watch this in a few minutes (perhaps you are already waiting in line) but this movie, which is a based on the book series of the same name by Suzanne Collins, is set to explode this weekend. So, all I can say is, ENJOY! Must of you already know so much about this more than I do. But I must add, I am glad that kids are so in love with book series...and for it to do a movie about it, is pretty much solidifying the teen interest in books :)

Oh, I think this is a nice article too. Its about leading star Jennifer Lawrence, and being compare to an all-time Hollywood legend. Take note, I smell uber-legend in the making in her!

Jennifer Lawrence compared to Laurence Olivier (by ABC7)

Our "Idiot" Culture

I know I have posted this before, but I just want to put this on display because my professor did in fact discussed this, and he couldnt be any more right. Our society is obsessed with idiotic tactics, and it has indeed made this culture, well....dumber.

Dont believe me? Read both these article. And I must say, I couldn't agree more with Jonah Hill. The article is a bit old, but he does repeat what my professor meant to said...

"The Kardashians are as famous as our president. What does that tell you about how skewed our society is?" [1]

1) Jonah Hill takes aim at Kim Kardashian....
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2074072/Jonah-Hill-takes-aim-Kim-Kardashian-Its-disgusting-culture.html

2) Jon Hamm Fires Back....(this is more recent)
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2117100/Mad-Mens-Jon-Hamm-fires-Kim-Kardashian-f--ing-idiot-insult.html

Sex and the Media

via CNN

Women. It is known that in the world's most richest nation, 51% of the population are female. Amazing. Yet, for some reason, despite the major boom, I, as a women, still feel a bet rejected in this world. Maybe it has to do with the fact that because I'm a girl, I'm viewed as the sex that cant do as great a job as the opposite sex. Or maybe because, thanks to this world, females are viewed as sexy, sultry, objects. And it seems that, based to this description, that is ALL how the world see us!

Well, in this article, titled "Sex, lies and media...", it discusses how, thanks in part to social media, "women are objectified...", all thanks to the "constant barrage of images from all forms of media, may of them connecting products to a pair of breasts and a coy smile". Also in this article, it mentions the documentary, "Miss Representation" directed by Jennifer Siebel-Newsom, in which she explores the topic of what is true beauty in the eyes of the media...to which it already has a mass following. Main point: women are being viewed as these stereotypical sex objects (in the workforce, or wherever) rather than in a positive light. Instead of smart scientists, or CEOs, in this reality, women are viewed as sultry perfume ads or selling cigarettes and beer. This article also targets the issue of weight, image, looks, etc.

To read the article, click here (or click the article title above)

In Memoriam: Jesus Javier (1949-2012)

I feel like I should do this, for I have a lot to thank to this man. Jesus Javier, the renowned Hispanic news reporter who was currently Vice President of Noticias de Estrella TV and was also the anchor of its weekly night news, has passed away. He died this past Monday after losing his battle with cancer. 

His resume is impressive. He graduated from UC Berkeley after studying Electrical Engineering and worked for Univision as an anchor in cities such as San Antonio and San Francisco. However, it was working for KMEX 34, Univison Los Angeles, where he gained extreme recognition, where we stayed from 1993 to 2000. He also worked for KVEA-TV Channel 52 (Telemundo) and, most recently, Channel 62, KRCA. Jesus Javier also got prestigious awards such an Emmy, a Golden Mic Award from the Radio and TV News Association of Southern California (for a special investigation he did titled "Infierno Bajo Cero"), and a silver medal at the NewYork International Film and Television Festival (for "De Leyes y Papeles" as Best Documentary). [1]

With so much honesty, I have to say I was deeply saddened by his death. Since I was a young toddler, I began to watch the news because of him (to which I've become a news junkie ever since). His deep, impressive voice was his best feature that I really admired, and I just loved looking at him because he had this rough, but sweet, professional appearance. And I guess I wasnt the only one who loved this man. He was the reason why Channel 34 6 o'clock news was number one for a long time in Los Angeles. This man truly had charisma, as well as passion for his profession.

So Jesus Javier, may you rest in peace. 

Social Media and Current Events

via National Geographic 

About a week ago, Japan marked the 1st anniversary of one of the nation's most awful natural disaster, and indeed, one of world's most deadliest earthquakes. In memoriam, the nation stood in a moment of silence to not only remember the earthquake victims, but in an evil 1-2-3 punch, it also recalled the massive tsunami and the ever menacing nuclear disaster in the Fukishima plant that happened as well. The aftermath was horrible. The images were astonishing. Yet, it wasnt the reporters that told and recorded the incident as it happen. It was the civilians, whom, with a quick instinct, captured the tsunami and earthquake as it occurred. And with a touch of a button, they instantly uploaded their images to social medias.

I guess my point is, social media is taking over the regular reporter's work. Just as fashion houses are heavily depending on fashion bloggers to attend their runways, it seems to me that the news media are heavily depending on eye witnessing civilians to upload their images to social media in order to make the news spread quicker. From the Arab unrest of last year, to the London riots, the regular joes are indeed the ones reporting the news to the world. Looks like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube,etc. users are making ABC, CNN, FOX and other reporting networks make a run for their money.

For instance, Mexico just experienced a 7.4 earthquake near Acapulco today. But it wasn't the news media that broke the news to me. It was through Facebook, where my friend updated his status saying "7.6 earthquake hits between Acapulco and Mexico City, thats actually a pretty big quake". 

Below is a link that discusses the Japan earthquake, as well as the images that many witnesses captured.

http://www.cnn.com/2012/03/09/world/asia/japan-tsunami-video/index.html

...and God Bless the people of Japan.

Oh Yeah...Another "Topic of the Day": Parody

Blah ha ha ha!!! Oh wow, I loooove parody's! Nothing like a good ol' tease on celebrities. When I think of parodys, I think of one show...MadTV. I remember when me and twin would always watch the show cause they made fun off everything and everyone.

Like in this case. Above, you'll see a music video from 2000s boy band B2K (hey..., this type of music was HOT back in the day! I have no shame!) titled "Bump, Bump, Bump".
But below here, you will see MadTV's take on "Bump, Bump, Bump"...starting Kim Jong Il :)

Oh great times! Well, enjoy!

Topic of the Day: "Kitsch"

Oh vulgarity. Almost 2 weeks ago, the U.S. entertainment industry celebrated their biggest and brightest stars in the Academy Awards. Now that its all over, its as if America totally forgot about cinema's biggest night and went straight back to the "wannabe" celebrities. Wait, scratch that...they ARE celebrities! But what sets them apart is that they're not famous because of their talent, or philanthropy...they're famous because of their "vulgar" taste in having fun; their "kitsch" lifestyle. 

Most of these overnight celebrities are reality stars, like "Jersey Shore" or "Kardashians". But what really is it about them that makes America get so obssessed with these type of people? Do they think its a quick acess towards fame and fortune by acting all trashy and sexy? Or is it because we can relate to these people? Who knows, but one day..just one day...the U.S. would finally say "adios" to these "celebrities".

Oh, for a quick read, here's an article about a celebrity (this time a real celebrity) who bashes on these overnight celebrities:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2112783/Mad-Mens-Jon-Hamm-hits-cult-celebrity.html

Book Review: Hispanics in the Film Industry

I am happy to say that next week, as a requirement for my TV Communications course, I will be doing a book review that has to do anything about the media. I guess I am more proud to say that my topic will be about Hispanics in the U.S. film industry. The book I will be reading, titled "Hispanics and United States Film: An Overview and Handbook" (Keller) is a review and study on how Hispanics were depicted during the early stages of the U.S. movie explosion, all the way to the present times

It is pretty obvious that back then, if you were Hispanic, you were pretty much put in "ethnic roles" such as an exotic woman, a fiery female, or a mysterious man. However, I also know that if you were Latin or Hispanic, and you wanted to get far in movies, then perhaps one option you needed to do is change your identity....entirely.

Case in point: Rita Hayworth. This alluring beauty is indeed my favorite actress of my entire life! Yet, her real name isn't "Rita Hayworth". She was born Margarita Carmen Cansino, whose father was a Spanish flamenco dancer, and her mother was of Anglo-Irish descent. It turns out that in the beginning stages of her Hollywood career, her first husband order her to change her name ("Hayworth" was her mother's maiden name), raise her hairline with electrolysis (she had thick, jet-black hair that was pretty low in the forehead) and dyed it red. That way, she can look less "Latin" and more "girl-next-door". Hence, the all American Love Goddess was born. And her movie career blossomed after that. A small clip of her Hollywood career life is shown above (you'll be pretty amazing that she doesn't look an inch Hispanic).

However, Latinos (in my opinion)....whatever you like it or not, are indeed the most versatile looking people in the world. They pretty much can get away with anything in any given role due to their looks and aura. Yet, they are still given ethnic/stereotypical performances.

Oscars 2012: "The Artist" wins Best Picture; Dujardin, Streep win Best Acting

Jason Merritt/Getty Images (www.nj.com)

The 84th Academy Awards just rounded up, with the silent black-and-white movie "The Artist" winning Best Picture. This was the last award of the night, finishing off with the lovely 1920s silent movie walking away with 5 Oscars, including Best Director, Best Actor, Best Costume Design and Best Original Music Score [1]. Director Michel Hazanavicius was a sure winner for his Best Directing award, swooping away as many accolades during the entire awards season.

However,  after a night full of glamour, laughter and, I must say, full of surprises, the biggest shocker came when Meryl Streep, who was nominated under the Best Actress category for her portrayal of British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in "The Iron Lady", won her 3rd Oscar, beating out favorite and "sure" winner Viola Davis (The Help) for the award [2]. This is the second time in a row for the academy to award a perfomance based on a British personality, with Colin Firth being awarded for his portryal of King George VI in "The King's Speech" last year.

French actor Jean Dujardin won Best Actor, thanks to his role in "The Artist", where he played a silent film star who is struggling to find his status after talkies move in during the late 1920s film industry. A jubilant Dujardin even cried out a few words in French to expresses is gratitude, as well as exclaiming, "I love your country" in front of the audience [3].

Best Supporting Actor went to Christopher Plummer for his role in the film "Beginners". At 82 years old, he is the oldest person to win an Academy Award [4]. Octavia Spencer won Best Supporting Actress for the movie "The Help", even beating castmate Jessica Chastain for the prize.

Martin Scorsese's film "Hugo" was perhaps a major threat for "The Artist", winning 5 awards during the night, even tying with the Best Picture awardee. The 3D film walked away with Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction, Best Sounding Edit, Best Sound Mixing and Best visual effects [1] Best Foreign Film went to Iran's "A Separation." and Best Documentary was awarded to  "Undefeated".

On a personal note, I was happy with the results. Although I was pretty much upset that the academy shunned Micheal Fassbender for his role in "Shame"[5], and I was betting Viola Davis was going to win, this year's ceremony was pretty upbeat, a tad "honest"[6], and didnt seem to try to hard to impress the crowd.

Congratulations to all of tonight's winners.

For a complete list, click here.

...on another note, consider this topic: Transhumanism

Hmmm, this is interesting. In an article release by The Vigilant Citizen, it seems that mass media has a way of promoting tranhumanism to society. To those of you who dont know, transhumanism is a term that is defined as, "...the merging of humans and robots" [1]. I must say that I have seen this concept being portrayed in the media, whether in music, television, movies, etc (I am not going to name the titles out loud, I dont want to start an argument with people). Yet, it seems like a trend that robots and human should be "one". Although I dont have a final answer on what I think about this, or whether I agree or disagree, I have to say that I like keeping my options open and if something of a new topic is presented in front of me, then there is no harm in trying something new.

But, like I said, please keep in mind that I am not taking "sides". This is just an article that I found interesting, and I am sharing it with you to see what you think.

To read article, click here.

Madonna tops VH1's 100 Greatest Women in Music list

This should come as no surprise. If you were following VH1's 100 Greatest Women in Music  countdown last week, then you know the always surprising Madonna was crowned the number one spot [1]. Not that its a complete shock, though. Madonna has always been hailed as THE revolutionary artist, the same equivalent to that of the late Michael Jackson has done so in the male music industry. Number 2 was given to Mariah Carey and the third spot was for Beyonce. Adele and Lady Gaga round up the top 5, with the late Whitney Houston coming in close with the number 6 spot.

Rounding out the Top 10 is: Janet Jackson (#7), Christina Aguilera, Mary J. Blige, and Pink.

The list also includes the likes of Missy Elliot, Britney Spears, the late Aaliyah, Sheryl Crow, Gloria Estefan, Annie Lennox, to name a few.

To view the complete list, click here

China to recieve more Hollywood films

Hmmm...this sounds like good news! Apparently, China has stucked a deal with Hollywood studios over films. This also means that more 3D, and IMAX theater could be distributed across China.

Plus, foreign film companies, "...will also be permitted to take a 25% cut of the box office, nearly double the current 13%-17%." [1]

U.S. Vice President Joe Biden is quite optimistic about the news, saying that the deal will help "thousands of American jobs in and around the film industry," [2] to which an estimated 2.2 million Americans have jobs that work around or heavily rely on the film and television industries.

So, more IMAX theaters opening in China, with the Chinese population enjoying our awesome movie formats, equals more job for us American citizens...sounds like a great deal to me :)

BAFTA Winners Dujardin, Streep, get "bounce" ahead of Oscar week, with L.A. Times developing "Oscar Senti-meter"

With Jean Dujardin (The Artist) and Meryl Streep (The Iron Lady) winning in the best acting categories during the 2012 BAFTA's [1], it seems that the whole world is going go-go, ga-ga over these two, meaning each were given one huge "leap" (especially Dujardin) of winning the ever-prestigious Oscars next week. With the Academy Awards being this upcoming Sunday, February 26th, Oscar buzz is definitely among us.

So what the L.A. Times decided to do (along with IBM and the USC Annenberg Innovation Lab) was develop an interactive tool that, "...analyzes opinions about the Academy Awards race by combing through and cataloging a high volume of tweets each day." [2]. Known as "Oscar Senti-meter", it pretty much tracks tweets and a number of "positive, negative and neutral opinions shared in the messages" about a particular cinema/nominee/award topic. For instance, "The Artist" was mentioned with a total of 10,296 tweets during BAFTA night, with Dujardin getting 2,330 tweets during that same night. However, before the awards ceremony took place Feb 12, a daily average of 1,250 tweets mentioned "The Artist" and a total of 454 tweets per day from Feb. 9-11 mentioned Dujardin. This means both subjects skyrocketed during the night of the awards ceremony, with many being positive and congratulatory tweets around the time the ceremony took place.

Well, technology does have its advantages, and this tool could be quite an accessible tool to predict the winners during cinema's most biggest night. My money is on Jean Dujardin! I find him not only talented, but oh-so charming!!

The Oscar Senti-meter can be found here.

The 84th Academy Awards airs live Sunday, February 26th, 7e/4p on ABC (Ch7)

Google's Privacy Policy: Hate It or Love It?

These past couple of weeks, every time I use either Google or YouTube, I always come across a little note of the right-hand corner saying that Google's privacy policy is changing. Well, I did read it, but Im still a little sketchy. Then I came across Daily Mail's article about how now the super powerful seach engine would be more sensitive when you try to search for something.

So the next time your logged in into your Google account, it seems that whatever you seached, say "kittens", then when you log into YouTube later on, it would have video recommendations of precious little kitty's. There are still a lot more features Google is trying to explain, but Im still scartching my head about it. However, it seems to me that what Google is trying to do is make sharing a whole lot "easier". Yet, there is backlash about all this, with one even quoting "Google will know more about you than your wife does. Everything across your screens will be integrated and tracked"[1]

Well, I dont know about this. Could be "easier", but I cant help but wonder that big brother is somewhere, out there, lurking around.

But who knows, this could be beneficial to some. What do you think?

Eminem - Without Me

Okay, my explanation. So, my reason of putting this song "Without Me" by Eminem (2002), was due to his jab at the FCC. I thought it would make sense posting it, considering that the FCC was discussed in class, especially for they monitor and/or fine you. Also, throughout the video, you see how both Eminem and Dr. Dre's character are trying to "save" a child from listening to "The Eminem Show" CD, which has a Parental Advisory sticker. This proves the the recording industries are required to warn listerners ahead of time if any of their recordings are shown to have explicit lyrics.

This video is meant to be of fun humor, so I apologize for those of you who are sensitive to these types of parody and/or music. I have to say this music video (and song) was a favorite of mine and my twin sister's back when we were teens.

Enjoy!

Topic of the Day: Subliminal Messages

   So today in class, we discussed on how advertisements, TV commercials, and such, usually have a "secret" message that is hidden away for the public eye not to notice. In fact, it is pretty amazing to learn that even the most innocent looking images,symbols, caption, etc., are indeed very dirty or very naughty to read. Why?Because they are "hidden". People might read and see whats's in of them, but usually don't think nothing of it. Luckily, due to a very analytically mind (okay, well kinda), I am usually aware of my surroundings and once in awhile, I critically analyze a picture to see what is hidden, especially symbols.

   When the class started out discussing about these "hidden" messages, one word instantly popped on my mind, "Illuminati". Yes, I know, I said it. But to be very, very honest, whether others might roll their eyes, or preach about this topic,  this type of  vigilant discussion is extremely popular among the local crowd, and I usually hear stories about how the music, government, toys, etc., all have a hidden meanings in their products. Well, I don't judge, and I like keep my options open and listen to what the people have to say. So, to give an example, below there is a link that directs you towards an article, which discusses on how a popular doll brand is filled with hidden symbols that the naked eye usually pass by it.

   Keep in mind that I like to keep my options open, and it doesn't necessarily mean I immediately take sides. This is just for an analytical assignment.

http://vigilantcitizen.com/latestnews/bratz-dolls-in-illuminati-masquerade-ball/

TV Review: Pretty Little Liars

Before I forget, this post was another post I had to re-write for my blog, which is dated January 31st.

So, here are a few quick sentences. Well, I have to admit, I am not a big huge TV watcher...especially since there is toooo many reality shows every time I change the channel. But I cant deny there are a few good TV shows. This show, "Pretty Little Liars" is popular among the teen crowd and I can see why.

First, it breaks away from the current trends of glamourous socialites and vampires vs. werewolves type programs. This show, about 4 friends (Aria, Spencer, Emily, and Hannah) who are being harassed by a stranger known as "A", are trying to determine who could be  the ever-menacing "A" individual, for she is threatening to expose all their deepest secrets. At first, they assume it was their dead Queen B, Allison, but her body was found later on in the series. Why I like this show? It has this certain crime-spy thriller theme , as well as some detective work a la Nancy Drew. These four girls are determine to fight for their love ones, while trying to uncover who is this mysterious individual that has been emotionally threatening them plus what does she/he want? Who could be "A"? Well apparently, the show is set to reveal the mysterious character in a few weeks.

"Pretty Little Liars"  airs Monday night at 8:00pm PT on ABC Family

Stephen Bogart attends father's "Casablanca" screening at the Smithsonian

Stephen Bogart, son of legendary actor Humphrey Bogart, attended the screening of his father's most famous movie, "Casablanca" at the Smithsonian Muesuem this past weekend. The film, which celebrates its 70th anniversary this year, was the first film played this past Friday night at the new Warner Bros. theater at the National Museum of American History. The screening was also followed by three of Humphrey Bogart's other films, as well as his "Casablanca" suit being put on displayed for visitors to see. Stephen Bogart remembered his father very warmly that night, recalling that although he didnt get to know him very well (Bogart was 8 years old when his father died), he did said that his father was a very humble man, who was proud of his success, and would've been quite shock to know that his work was being displayed at the prestigious Smithsonian.

The American Film Institute has ranked Humphrey Bogart as the greatest male legend of all time.

The newly built Smithsonian Warner Bros. theater will also showcase Clint Eastwood films this June, along with a Civil War genre film festival to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the American war this upcoming October.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/humphrey-bogarts-son-opens-film-festival-at-smithsonians-national-museum-of-american-history/2012/02/03/gIQA8TeMnQ_story.html

TIME Magazine project their "winners" for the 2012 Oscar season

So, this post was meant for January 30th, 2012, for I willingly decided to instead switch into a blogger journal rather than a notebook diary.

Well, anywho, I recieved my TIME magazine last week, and immediately saw that they are already planning ahead of who might win Best Picture for the 2012 Oscars race. Well, it is no surprise that the movie "The Artist" was chosen as their number one choice, in front of "The Descendants" and "The Help". Its is no "shock" for me to be honest. The Artist has been blowing away award season this year, thanks to its flawless cinematography and its charming, nostalgic plot.
However, in their website, they announce who might be the winners in the acting categories, with  "The Descendants" George Clooney being their projected winner. But you know, awards season is full of surprises (sometimes) and my vote is on Clooney's French counterpart Jean Dujardin of "The  Artist". If he won the SAG award for Best Actor, chances are he might get to walk away with the prestigious golden statue and take it home to his native France :)



http://entertainment.time.com/2012/01/24/2012-oscar-nominations-who-will-win/#best-supporting-actor

An Intro

Hello :) To begin with, my "alias" is Bell, and I am currently a college student in the West Coast. I have to say that I am doing this blog for my Honors class, for which  our class was given the choice of either using a notebook or creating a blog for our Media Journal. Since I am not to keen of printing or cutting paper and pasting it into my journal/notebook, I figured that creating a blog will be much simpler. Plus! I can put music! 

The point of this journal is to observe (or describe) any current media events that are making weekly headlines. Whether its analyzing a recent media topics, or describing a movie that I saw on TCM, this blog is an informative way to keep myself up to date with any media-related news plus to improve and understand the world of mass media and communication in a way I have never encountered before.

This should be a fun project, for I love to write and I cant wait to where this leads to :)

Hope you'll enjoy it!

Take care!