Anne Hathaway has officially gone viral. I think that this might be a new classic. Last night when visiting Conan, she explained how she likes to rap to escape the tensions of her life, including the parade of paparazzi on the set of The Dark Knight Rises. Her inspiration is Weezy himself, Lil' Wayne.
One thing I've appreciated about Anne Hathaway is that unlike other young actresses, she's not afraid to be herself or be honest about her life. I think sometimes celebrities are so unattainable and we begin to imagine their reality instead of seeing it.
However, this doesn't mean I advocate the Twitter over-share type of vulnerability that some display. I mean just seeming like you actually laugh or dance or get upset like the rest of us.
I think Anne Hathaway is really good at that and it shows through her work. I hope that she continues to do this. Meanwhile, here's the video.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
5 Things
I'm introducing a new series today called five things. Today, I will address five ways I learn about pop culture .
1. Biographies
If you watch any kind of biography about artists, actors, athletes, etc. you know why I do this. Often times biographies provide insight to artists I'm not as familiar with, establish deeper rapports with those not as public, provide links to other celebrities. Not only that, I like to use this as a tool to learn about the making of films, songs, shows, etc. as Biography and other shows have focused on programs and events in more recent years.
2. Wikipedia
I became a Wikipedia Stan in college. By Stan, I mean it's what I use when I don't know or remember something. This can go for anything, simple or complicated. Not only that, but Wikipedia provides links to other sources that are considered more reliable or substantial.
3. Radio
Since I was little, everytime my parents leave the car I switch the station. This provides insight to new singles, upcoming tours, gossip, etc. Now the radio has changed in the past twenty or so years, but can nonetheless be useful in some respect.
4. Family
My parents served as my first introduction to music. They both have diverse interests and I've inherited some and diverged from others. What's important is that no matter what you think of your parents' generation there's always some hidden gem in the music, movies, shows, etc. that they followed growing up. My grandparents and cousins influenced my television habits during long summers of reruns and cartoons; that's something I'll always carry.
5. Television Commercials and Movie Trailers
I grew up in the age of Time Life collections in which many different compilations were advertised on night television and as a result clips of songs have remained stuck in my head. Movie trailers are good for new music.
In conclusion, a lot of my choices are influenced by stories in which I hope to share with you in the future. In the meantime, how do you learn about pop culture?
1. Biographies
If you watch any kind of biography about artists, actors, athletes, etc. you know why I do this. Often times biographies provide insight to artists I'm not as familiar with, establish deeper rapports with those not as public, provide links to other celebrities. Not only that, I like to use this as a tool to learn about the making of films, songs, shows, etc. as Biography and other shows have focused on programs and events in more recent years.
2. Wikipedia
I became a Wikipedia Stan in college. By Stan, I mean it's what I use when I don't know or remember something. This can go for anything, simple or complicated. Not only that, but Wikipedia provides links to other sources that are considered more reliable or substantial.
3. Radio
Since I was little, everytime my parents leave the car I switch the station. This provides insight to new singles, upcoming tours, gossip, etc. Now the radio has changed in the past twenty or so years, but can nonetheless be useful in some respect.
4. Family
My parents served as my first introduction to music. They both have diverse interests and I've inherited some and diverged from others. What's important is that no matter what you think of your parents' generation there's always some hidden gem in the music, movies, shows, etc. that they followed growing up. My grandparents and cousins influenced my television habits during long summers of reruns and cartoons; that's something I'll always carry.
5. Television Commercials and Movie Trailers
I grew up in the age of Time Life collections in which many different compilations were advertised on night television and as a result clips of songs have remained stuck in my head. Movie trailers are good for new music.
In conclusion, a lot of my choices are influenced by stories in which I hope to share with you in the future. In the meantime, how do you learn about pop culture?
Oops! She Did It Again!
Michele Bachmann has unfortunately been the target of several political attacks and personal guffaws in the past couple of weeks. However, yesterday she really did herself in by saying "Happy Birthday" to Elvis instead of commemorating his passing some thirty four years ago.So in honor of the presidential candidate I present five things a presidential candidate must know to be pop culture savvy (at least in my opinion).
1. Have a List of Favorite Shows to Reference
I've seen this in several interviews with candidates and politicians; reporters will ask a question about a particular show and the candidate/politico has to be quick on their feet to make the appropriate reference. Shows that bid well are those with critical acclaim and plots such as Lost and Mad Men. This way, no one can accuse you of being a rerun politician if you happen to slip in a Matlock reference.
2. Keep Up With the Kids
President Obama, while not in the highest of favor politically, has always been culturally astute. At his inauguration, he mentioned guest performer Beyonce`'s "Single Ladies" as well as the infamous SNL clip featuring Justin Timberlake. He got double brownie points. Not only that but he's had acts his daughters' favorite artists such as the Jonas Brothers perform for special events.
3. Playlist It
Do not mention rather or not you have an iPod, have a list of songs that inspire you for the campaign trail or in personal downtime. Mitt Romney didn't do too well in the polls, but he knew when to sing the praises of his favorite artists. Once again, be yourself. Don't say you listen to Kanye West and then get caught on Google the next day, be honest.
4. Netflix Like You Mean It
Everyone has favorite movies. Don't throw yourself into a tizzy saying you know the Best Picture Nominees at the Oscars. Just mention films that inspire you and don't be obvious. A good mix of currents and classics is good enough. If you don't know that many films, fess up, don't hide.
5. SNL is Your Friend
If you've learned anything from SNL in the last election, be absolutely sure you can poke fun at yourself or laugh at the clips on SNL. Obama, Hilary Clinton, John McCain, and Sarah Palin all made appearances and got in on the joke. Whether or not is irrelevant, SNL is giving you access to the youth vote and another side of yourself; take advantage of that.
I'm sure Michele Bachmann is now aware of this as she corrected herself today. However, I'm sure next time she won't get caught sleeping.
http://politics.blogs.foxnews.com/2011/08/16/bachmann-elvis-all-shook
1. Have a List of Favorite Shows to Reference
I've seen this in several interviews with candidates and politicians; reporters will ask a question about a particular show and the candidate/politico has to be quick on their feet to make the appropriate reference. Shows that bid well are those with critical acclaim and plots such as Lost and Mad Men. This way, no one can accuse you of being a rerun politician if you happen to slip in a Matlock reference.
2. Keep Up With the Kids
President Obama, while not in the highest of favor politically, has always been culturally astute. At his inauguration, he mentioned guest performer Beyonce`'s "Single Ladies" as well as the infamous SNL clip featuring Justin Timberlake. He got double brownie points. Not only that but he's had acts his daughters' favorite artists such as the Jonas Brothers perform for special events.
3. Playlist It
Do not mention rather or not you have an iPod, have a list of songs that inspire you for the campaign trail or in personal downtime. Mitt Romney didn't do too well in the polls, but he knew when to sing the praises of his favorite artists. Once again, be yourself. Don't say you listen to Kanye West and then get caught on Google the next day, be honest.
4. Netflix Like You Mean It
Everyone has favorite movies. Don't throw yourself into a tizzy saying you know the Best Picture Nominees at the Oscars. Just mention films that inspire you and don't be obvious. A good mix of currents and classics is good enough. If you don't know that many films, fess up, don't hide.
5. SNL is Your Friend
If you've learned anything from SNL in the last election, be absolutely sure you can poke fun at yourself or laugh at the clips on SNL. Obama, Hilary Clinton, John McCain, and Sarah Palin all made appearances and got in on the joke. Whether or not is irrelevant, SNL is giving you access to the youth vote and another side of yourself; take advantage of that.
I'm sure Michele Bachmann is now aware of this as she corrected herself today. However, I'm sure next time she won't get caught sleeping.
http://politics.blogs.foxnews.com/2011/08/16/bachmann-elvis-all-shook
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Please Cloo Me In!
Last night, I was flipping channels and fell on my fave, Psych. I was excited because it was a Psych marathon. However, the channel I was watching was not the Sleuth channel that aired a Psych marathon a couple of weeks ago, but the Cloo channel!
In my mind was, What the who is a Cloo? And then I realized. This is a result of the text-message, Twitter generation. NBC Universal, the parent conglomerate behind this name change is trying to keep up with the kids nowadays and totally disregard spelling and grammar.
Now mind you, I'm in no way a grammar enthusiast, but I can appreciate what my teachers did to help get me on the right track. Why misspell words intentionally? NBC Universal already changed Sci-Fi to SyFy to remove the stigma of science fiction. However, is their a stigma to liking crime thrillers?
I say no. As someone in love with crime thrillers, I can attest to this. Science fiction is the same way. We like what we like. There shouldn't be any stigma or embarrassment about that. Sleuth means someone who solves crimes and enjoys the mystery.
Why couldn't NBC Universal let those who didn't know what sleuth meant enjoy the mystery and then go to Wikipedia for history? Is everything going to be in text language? Am I going to have to blog in code?
I hope not, because I'm not smart enough to look like I don't have a cloo about words.
http://www.tvguide.com/News/Sleuth-Name-Cloo-1031554.aspx
In my mind was, What the who is a Cloo? And then I realized. This is a result of the text-message, Twitter generation. NBC Universal, the parent conglomerate behind this name change is trying to keep up with the kids nowadays and totally disregard spelling and grammar.
Now mind you, I'm in no way a grammar enthusiast, but I can appreciate what my teachers did to help get me on the right track. Why misspell words intentionally? NBC Universal already changed Sci-Fi to SyFy to remove the stigma of science fiction. However, is their a stigma to liking crime thrillers?
I say no. As someone in love with crime thrillers, I can attest to this. Science fiction is the same way. We like what we like. There shouldn't be any stigma or embarrassment about that. Sleuth means someone who solves crimes and enjoys the mystery.
Why couldn't NBC Universal let those who didn't know what sleuth meant enjoy the mystery and then go to Wikipedia for history? Is everything going to be in text language? Am I going to have to blog in code?
I hope not, because I'm not smart enough to look like I don't have a cloo about words.
http://www.tvguide.com/News/Sleuth-Name-Cloo-1031554.aspx
Adam's Angry About AI
If you've heard the latest soundbites from Adam Levine's Out Magazine interview, you notice how he criticizes American Idol about its policy on gay contestants. Levine specifically references how contestants have to hide this about themselves until the show is over to not risk negative publicity for the show or the contestant.
As of now, I haven't found a credible source confirming this, but looking at history, the Maroon 5 frontman may have a point. My question is why?
American Idol to me, has a sketchy history with contestants and how they deal with their personal lives. For instance, fan favorite Frenchie Davis was ousted because of topless photos that surfaced of her online. However, contestants like Corey Clark had charges pending and weren't let go until later in the process as opposed to Frenchie being eliminated early on.
Also, if American Idol is iffy about some issues, why not others? Unwed mothers Crystal Bowersox and Fantasia Barrino were featured prominently while Clay Aiken and Adam Lambert had to keep their sexuality hidden. I think if one social taboo is accepted than all have to be accepted or if one is hidden so should all.
I appreciate Levine's honesty. His show The Voice had openly gay male and female contestants and it didn't affect the outcome. Adam Levine also has a younger brother who is openly gay, which I think lends more credibility to what he says.
Now please understand, I don't condone or oppose the argument but what's fair is fair. Shows have to be honest about their contestants' identities if they're going to be successful. When weighing the facts, no one social taboo is worse than another. And people have to understand that being honest about television means considering what happens when the cameras turn off and real life comes into view.
http://www.pinkisthenewblog.com/2011/08/maroon-5s-adam-levine-does-out-magazine/
As of now, I haven't found a credible source confirming this, but looking at history, the Maroon 5 frontman may have a point. My question is why?
American Idol to me, has a sketchy history with contestants and how they deal with their personal lives. For instance, fan favorite Frenchie Davis was ousted because of topless photos that surfaced of her online. However, contestants like Corey Clark had charges pending and weren't let go until later in the process as opposed to Frenchie being eliminated early on.
Also, if American Idol is iffy about some issues, why not others? Unwed mothers Crystal Bowersox and Fantasia Barrino were featured prominently while Clay Aiken and Adam Lambert had to keep their sexuality hidden. I think if one social taboo is accepted than all have to be accepted or if one is hidden so should all.
I appreciate Levine's honesty. His show The Voice had openly gay male and female contestants and it didn't affect the outcome. Adam Levine also has a younger brother who is openly gay, which I think lends more credibility to what he says.
Now please understand, I don't condone or oppose the argument but what's fair is fair. Shows have to be honest about their contestants' identities if they're going to be successful. When weighing the facts, no one social taboo is worse than another. And people have to understand that being honest about television means considering what happens when the cameras turn off and real life comes into view.
http://www.pinkisthenewblog.com/2011/08/maroon-5s-adam-levine-does-out-magazine/
Monday, August 15, 2011
Murph's Picks #4
I'm choosing a song this week for Murph's Picks. It's a song that's really romantic, quirky, and melancholy. I believe this song is a modern classic. Tears for Fears' "Head Over Heels" is so cool and so sweet it's hard to resist. Tears for Fears, is a group that came to prominence in the 1980s with classic hits such as "Mad World", "Shout" and "Everybody Wants to Rule the World."
"Head Over Heels" is about being in love and not noticing it. It's kind of how love takes over someone's life in a way that is unexpected, beautiful, and confusing all at once. The melody is one of my all-time favorites. It sticks in your head instantly. I first heard this song when I bought my mom the Tears for Fears' Greatest Hits compilation one year. I've never looked back.
Unfortunately, with the volume of songs on my iPod, I forget how awesome this song is from time to time. But thankfully, my favorite show, Psych used the music of Tears for Fears prominently in one episode and even had Curt Smith (one of the group's founders) guest star as himself.
If you're not sure about the song or haven't heard I urge you to click below. As a bonus, I'm including the Psych clip.
"Head Over Heels" is about being in love and not noticing it. It's kind of how love takes over someone's life in a way that is unexpected, beautiful, and confusing all at once. The melody is one of my all-time favorites. It sticks in your head instantly. I first heard this song when I bought my mom the Tears for Fears' Greatest Hits compilation one year. I've never looked back.
Unfortunately, with the volume of songs on my iPod, I forget how awesome this song is from time to time. But thankfully, my favorite show, Psych used the music of Tears for Fears prominently in one episode and even had Curt Smith (one of the group's founders) guest star as himself.
If you're not sure about the song or haven't heard I urge you to click below. As a bonus, I'm including the Psych clip.
Kate Plus 8 Minus Checks
It was announced today that TLC is cancelling Kate Plus 8 after a combined total of 150 episodes. While you begin to cry and wail into your coffee, this is wonderful for those of us who demand real entertainment.
I've only seen a couple of episodes of John+Kate/Kate Plus 8 and let me tell you it was worse than watching paint dry. Yeah, I said it. It's worse than watching paint dry. John+Kate was so horrifically tense that you could tell there was a breakup looming. But worse than that was the way she berated John; for a moment in time it had me feeling sorry for John until the whole dating your family friend's daughter thing broke out. Kate, I can see how she suffered but she still had too many reasons for keeping the cameras on her kids.
The kids are who I've always sided with. In any kind of limelight affair, the kids always face the most scrutiny because they are the most innocent. People who have a chance to grow up before cameras are involved, at least have more of a fighting chance. I sincerely hope this gives these kids what every child around the world deserves a happy, healthy, encouraging and empowering childhood surrounded by love, family, learning and not cameras.
Kate Gosselin, for some reason has become a model mom. I think so many women have become stuck in this rut of looking for women who supposedly are great mothers. Women in the limelight like Mrs. Obama, Angelina Jolie, and Heidi Klum. These women do have the tough task of balancing family and career, but it was their choice. They didn't want to have it any other way. My problem with Kate is that she used her family to get a career instead of getting a job she could do.
Nonetheless, I sincerely hope that TLC figures out how to actually give us something that we don't see in everyday life.
http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20518349,00.html
I've only seen a couple of episodes of John+Kate/Kate Plus 8 and let me tell you it was worse than watching paint dry. Yeah, I said it. It's worse than watching paint dry. John+Kate was so horrifically tense that you could tell there was a breakup looming. But worse than that was the way she berated John; for a moment in time it had me feeling sorry for John until the whole dating your family friend's daughter thing broke out. Kate, I can see how she suffered but she still had too many reasons for keeping the cameras on her kids.
The kids are who I've always sided with. In any kind of limelight affair, the kids always face the most scrutiny because they are the most innocent. People who have a chance to grow up before cameras are involved, at least have more of a fighting chance. I sincerely hope this gives these kids what every child around the world deserves a happy, healthy, encouraging and empowering childhood surrounded by love, family, learning and not cameras.
Kate Gosselin, for some reason has become a model mom. I think so many women have become stuck in this rut of looking for women who supposedly are great mothers. Women in the limelight like Mrs. Obama, Angelina Jolie, and Heidi Klum. These women do have the tough task of balancing family and career, but it was their choice. They didn't want to have it any other way. My problem with Kate is that she used her family to get a career instead of getting a job she could do.
Nonetheless, I sincerely hope that TLC figures out how to actually give us something that we don't see in everyday life.
http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20518349,00.html
Sunday, August 14, 2011
I Understand Now...The Mystery of ESPN
I understand the mystery of it all now. One of the greatest mysteries of my life is how someone can watch one channel or family of channels for hours at a time. Yes, I've actively watched marathons of Law & Order and Psych but these are shows that have different plots. Even watching a music countdown, leads to the excitement of what will end up as number one. But a single network, why? Well sometime several months ago, I found myself at home under the weather and flipping channels in bed. The talk shows were boring, the real news was depressing, and E! was probably showing a Kardashians' marathon. And then somehow I landed on First Take on ESPN2. I was hooked. I finally understand how people watch ESPN for hour on end.
Secret #1: The Talent
ESPN knows how to pick great talent. From Keith Olbermann to Stuart Scott, they always know who to put on the air. I would even argue that the diversity of reporters, anchors, hosts, and commentators is among the best in all of television. I mean how else could you explain the range of former athletes to the guy who wrote Tuesdays with Morrie?
Secret #2: Quick Headlines
ESPN usually doesn't stay on any one story longer than 30 minutes and the 30 minute stories are usually post-game wrap-ups. The big networks could really learn from this. You hear a story, the angles, the soundbites, and then they close. That's all we need. Not this breaking news every five minutes where the president wants to talk for ten years and interrupt our favorite show.
Secret #3: Great Interviews
You know how celebrity interviews on Today sometimes end with an awkward personal question or in Matt Lauer's case a huge blow up with the Top Gun? Not on ESPN. In fact, they ask fun questions about the athlete's hobbies, interests, or charities. And if they're in studio they usually play a game of some sort.
Secret #4: Cool Cameos
The week that Hangover 2 was released, Justin Bartha pretended to hide all over the First Take set in an homage to his character's predicament in the first movie. Not only that but one day Lil' Wayne dropped in to debate with Skip Bayless on live television. That doesn't happen on The View!
Secret #5: Arguments
Around the Horn, Pardon the Interruption, and 1st and 10 are all good examples of this. You get every kind of argument from crazy to stat-laden, but it's interesting. Some of the best debates I've seen combine social issues such as race and gender.
I seriously don't know that much about sports, but something about ESPN draws me in. I don't know if it's the voices or the excitement that's palpable or what, but I totally see why people watch it and don't get bored. What about you? Is there a channel that you can watch and get lost in?
Secret #1: The Talent
ESPN knows how to pick great talent. From Keith Olbermann to Stuart Scott, they always know who to put on the air. I would even argue that the diversity of reporters, anchors, hosts, and commentators is among the best in all of television. I mean how else could you explain the range of former athletes to the guy who wrote Tuesdays with Morrie?
Secret #2: Quick Headlines
ESPN usually doesn't stay on any one story longer than 30 minutes and the 30 minute stories are usually post-game wrap-ups. The big networks could really learn from this. You hear a story, the angles, the soundbites, and then they close. That's all we need. Not this breaking news every five minutes where the president wants to talk for ten years and interrupt our favorite show.
Secret #3: Great Interviews
You know how celebrity interviews on Today sometimes end with an awkward personal question or in Matt Lauer's case a huge blow up with the Top Gun? Not on ESPN. In fact, they ask fun questions about the athlete's hobbies, interests, or charities. And if they're in studio they usually play a game of some sort.
Secret #4: Cool Cameos
The week that Hangover 2 was released, Justin Bartha pretended to hide all over the First Take set in an homage to his character's predicament in the first movie. Not only that but one day Lil' Wayne dropped in to debate with Skip Bayless on live television. That doesn't happen on The View!
Secret #5: Arguments
Around the Horn, Pardon the Interruption, and 1st and 10 are all good examples of this. You get every kind of argument from crazy to stat-laden, but it's interesting. Some of the best debates I've seen combine social issues such as race and gender.
I seriously don't know that much about sports, but something about ESPN draws me in. I don't know if it's the voices or the excitement that's palpable or what, but I totally see why people watch it and don't get bored. What about you? Is there a channel that you can watch and get lost in?
Retro-Grade: Old School Sound, New School Artist
In this posting I will focus on songs with an old-school or retro sound and recent artists who have sang them.
"Nights Like This" After 7
Featured on the soundtrack for The Five Heartbeats (the male version of Dreamgirls), this song was a major hit for After 7. After 7 is one of those groups who unfortunately came in at a time where there were many male groups in Pop and R&B music, so they are constantly overlooked. This song, I believe if you haven't heard it before will change your mind. It gets stuck in your head and won't let you go with the melody.
Christina Aguilera, "Candyman"
Based on the Andrews Sisters' classic, "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" this is one of the most fun Christina Aguilera songs. The lyrics are a little raunchy, but remind you of why she spells dirty with two rs. It's not going to go down as one of her signature songs, but it'll make your head nod differently if you're falling asleep at work around say 2pm.
Mark Ronson Featuring Daniel Merriweather, "Stop Me"
Producer and DJ Mark Ronson is a contemporary genius at making the old sound new. For his Version album a few years ago he compiled retro classics with new artists for a new spin on some old favorites. This song is awesome. The video makes it even better. Daniel Merriweather's voice is perfect and his delivery sets the song apart even more.
Spice Girls, "Stop"
As one of the singles from the groups mega second album and movie of the same title, Spiceworld, the song has a very Motown vibe. It is reminiscent with the lithe voices of the Supremes and it works. It wasn't one of their biggest hits, but its cute nonetheless. This song is good for getting stuck in your head as well.
In conclusion, what's old will always be new again. Some do it better than others but its fun to put the past into a new context. If there's any song you think I've left out please let me know.
"Nights Like This" After 7
Featured on the soundtrack for The Five Heartbeats (the male version of Dreamgirls), this song was a major hit for After 7. After 7 is one of those groups who unfortunately came in at a time where there were many male groups in Pop and R&B music, so they are constantly overlooked. This song, I believe if you haven't heard it before will change your mind. It gets stuck in your head and won't let you go with the melody.
Christina Aguilera, "Candyman"
Based on the Andrews Sisters' classic, "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" this is one of the most fun Christina Aguilera songs. The lyrics are a little raunchy, but remind you of why she spells dirty with two rs. It's not going to go down as one of her signature songs, but it'll make your head nod differently if you're falling asleep at work around say 2pm.
Mark Ronson Featuring Daniel Merriweather, "Stop Me"
Producer and DJ Mark Ronson is a contemporary genius at making the old sound new. For his Version album a few years ago he compiled retro classics with new artists for a new spin on some old favorites. This song is awesome. The video makes it even better. Daniel Merriweather's voice is perfect and his delivery sets the song apart even more.
Spice Girls, "Stop"
As one of the singles from the groups mega second album and movie of the same title, Spiceworld, the song has a very Motown vibe. It is reminiscent with the lithe voices of the Supremes and it works. It wasn't one of their biggest hits, but its cute nonetheless. This song is good for getting stuck in your head as well.
In conclusion, what's old will always be new again. Some do it better than others but its fun to put the past into a new context. If there's any song you think I've left out please let me know.
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