tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71593225594591511322024-02-20T01:00:46.172-08:00Ninja JennaThe Cure for the Common MediaJust Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18167820067950865006noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159322559459151132.post-84075895681305383512011-09-25T20:18:00.000-07:002011-09-25T20:18:36.782-07:00#HashtagTelevision
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<span> </span>“What is a
hashtag?” has become easily the most common question I hear from people after
mentioning that I am a Twitter user. It seems shocking to me how many people
still have no clue about what Twitter <i>is</i>
considering how many people are tweeting daily- even hourly. But I have yet to
come up with a sufficient answer for them that doesn’t leave the same puzzled
looks on their faces. </div>
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It seems like Twitter has been around forever by now,
especially since I feel like I was so late to the party. I too am still
figuring everything out on the social network that people proclaim to be
simple. When I really think about it, it’s pretty new. And it’s only incredibly
recently that it has become the massive interactive platform for television programming
that it is. As an avid TV consumer, this is something I’ve been noticing more
and more since the beginning of the summer. All of a sudden I’m seeing Twitter
all over TV and it seems that “hashtags” are changing the way we watch TV. </div>
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It took me years to convince people that I’m an active TV
watcher (as opposed to a couch potato). Now, passive watching is a thing of the
past, as TV shows try to compel viewers to join the conversation about their
favorite television shows both while they are watching and in the weeks and
months between new episodes. </div>
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The most prominent use of hashtags has become the little
hashtags that appear on the screens during television programs and events. If
you’ve recently watched a show on the USA Network, for example, you will
probably have noticed the pop-ups in the lower thirds asking you what you think
of what is happening in real time and supplying you with a hashtag to talk to
other viewers about it.<span> </span>I think
this is a brilliant way of not only engaging viewers, but getting them to watch
the shows in real-time, which means they are also watching commercials rather
than just skipping through their recordings. </div>
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Hashtags have also been used to promote new tv shows, which
is especially important this time of year during all of the new fall premieres.
I commute into the city several times a week and there are very few promotional
television posters in the subway stations that do not feature a hashtag. This
summer’s <u>The Glee Project</u> had the hashtag #believe on every billboard,
bus and television spot, but they started using #gleeproject when they realized
it was a far more popular tag. The new season of ABC’s <u>Happy Endings </u>features
a hashtag in its commercials as well. All of this to promote going online and
participating in your tv watching experience. </div>
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The last noticeable hashtag presence has been on late night
and news programs. Jimmy Fallon has famously begun his #latenight hashtags
segment, where he prompts readers to tweet about something and then reads some
of the funnier tweets on the air. News programs have started using tags to
gauge viewers’ opinions and formulate makeshift polls. </div>
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With the introduction of google + to the social networking
scene, many bloggers and experts have been saying that a simple, singularly focused
application like Twitter will soon become a thing of the past (just google ‘Twitter
is too simple…). But it seems to me that people are only now gaining a
knowledge of all of the things they can use Twitter for, and it will still be
around for quite some time.<span> </span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Just Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18167820067950865006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159322559459151132.post-79337157788356778272011-08-04T22:45:00.000-07:002011-08-17T13:02:54.772-07:00SYTYCD: The Top 6 Fight for It<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju26R8Wim3A54v7Ud7h9p7qNRCcElpn0fkblMf_qZ8cvtsYapWN64dnBLla-HPkp0Eb3Yci-KsAd691IkrQNu-d_J3nooEZ_BJGsbTDAooEGO0p-2tMlWjNvNfi8RxqyftL8Rnv_yjgF1H/s1600/Picture+9.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju26R8Wim3A54v7Ud7h9p7qNRCcElpn0fkblMf_qZ8cvtsYapWN64dnBLla-HPkp0Eb3Yci-KsAd691IkrQNu-d_J3nooEZ_BJGsbTDAooEGO0p-2tMlWjNvNfi8RxqyftL8Rnv_yjgF1H/s320/Picture+9.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I have to admit, for the first half hour or so, I wasn't sure this was going to be a great show, but it ended up surprising me somewhere along the way. Plus, I'm really starting to like this celebrity judge thing.<br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;">Melanie and Twitch- Hip Hop</span> - this was the kind of hard-hitting hip-hop that fans have been complaining Melanie hasn’t been challenged with yet. I don’t agree with Nigel that she’s good at everything. I thought this concept was adorable but I didn’t love the song or the routine, and honestly, I didn’t think Melanie did such a great jobs with it. It wasn’t horrible, but it wasn’t Top 6 material.<br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;">Sasha and Kent- Contemporary</span> – This was my early pick for best routine of the night. I really like Tyce’s contemporary piece, and I do have a things for props as well. Not such a Kent fan, but I got over it. Sasha brings so much to her dancing. She is so stunning every time. I think Christina Applegate was completely right with what she said about Sasha.<br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;">Marko and Janette – Paso Doble</span> - I wasn’t the hugest fan of Janette in Season 5, mainly because she was my girl Jeanine’s competition. But seeing her back, I really liked her. This wasn’t exactly the Brandon and Jeanine Paso from Season 5. The cape move was about all I enjoyed in this routine.<br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;">Ricky</span>- I usually don’t comment on the solo’s because there’s only so much for me, the uneducated viewer, to say about them. This week, though, there were standout solos that I just couldn’t overlook so I feel like I have to mention them. Ricky’s was fine. Nothing special. That is all.<br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;">Tadd and Ellenore – Jazz</span> - No question that Ellenore is like a Sonya Tayeh love child. I personally feel that Sonya does better with abstract concepts and emotions than she does with period pieces and specifics. I totally agreed with Nigel when he said there wasn’t enough dancing (actually I said it first… ask my roommate…). I can appreciate Tadd awesome Cirque Du Soleil situation, but again, it just wasn’t really a Top 6 routine.<br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;">Caitlynn</span>- I think Caitlynn did a pretty good job with that. I found myself thinking through her solo that I felt bad for her. She’s so good, but her competition is Melanie and Sasha. How unlucky can a girl get? I wish they’d just do a Top 5 for the finale. That could work, right?<br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;">Ricky ft. Jaimie – Contemporary</span> - I love Dee Caspary. Sure he never smiles or really gives an impression that he liked the routine after it was performed, but I truly think he’s a brilliant choreographer. I love the way he creates fluidity in chaos. He can make movement look beautiful without having the dancers moving at once. The complexity gets me every time. I loved the concept here too and I think Jaimie was great. I really like Ricky, but he got lost tonight in this routine. He didn’t get into character, wasn’t domineering or strong like he should have been. It’s a shame really, because it should really have been a contender for best of the night. For another awesome Dee routine, see below.<br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;">Tadd</span> – I don’t know why Tadd’s solos aren’t better than they are. I feel like I’ve seen some really awesome B-boy solos in SYTYCD seasons past, but Tadd hasn’t been doing anything for me. He usually has some cool trick but doesn’t pack the solo with them. Last week it was the sideways stand on the scaffolding. This week it was standing on one hand for…ever. I love the boy, but he could do better.<br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;">Sasha</span> – I think this was one of Sasha’s better solos. She too, though, doesn’t show us everything in her solos. I miss the days when she danced with Natalia. Where is the Sasha we see in the choreographed routines? She doesn’t visit her in solos?<br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;">Caitlynn ft. Pasha – Samba</span> – Caitlynn is good at ballroom! I mean what the hell? She is <em>good</em> at ballroom! I really loved this. It kept my attention in a way that not many ballroom routines really do. I was so happy in the way Caitlynn shined tonight.<br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;">Marko</span> – Marko hit the ground running with this. I think his solo was really good. I imagine the difference in solos is largely based on choreography, but good for him for choosing something packed with dancing.<br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;">Melanie</span> – I think we all know this is why I was commenting on solos. In reality though, this one was kind of beyond words. No question, Melanie is wonderful. I think it’ll come down to her and Sasha for the win. While I am still in love with Jeanine’s finale solo from Season 5, this rivals it for one of the tops.<br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;">Sasha and Ricky- Whacking</span> – No doubt this was interesting. I expected it to be more mind-blowingly fast. I didn’t really expect such a jovial song but it was still fun.<br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;">Melanie and Tadd- Broadway</span> – I love Spencer Liff routines. I love how he has a way of telling a great story that enhances a piece rather than overwhelming it. I though Melanie got all of the credit for the routine, when Tadd really had a chance to shine and took it. He was completely in character and his dancing was really good (I thought…)<br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;">Marko and Caitlynn- Jazz</span> – Now here was a Sonya piece I could get into. Like I said, better with emotions. I was so thrilled for Caitlynn watching this routine. If she goes home tomorrow, at least she had tonight’s performances. Truly amazing. Was it just me, or was a little something happening between these two dancers?<br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;">Best Routine of the Night</span> – This is a toss-up for me (I know, lame…) between Sasha and Kent’s contemporary and Caitlynn and Marko’s Jazz. They were both great. Why choose?<br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;">Best Costume of the Night</span> – I think I’m going to give this to the badass Red Riding Hoodie that Melanie wore for the first routine. Did you see the frilly pockets? The laces? It was so perfect.<br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;">Best Overall of the Night</span>- There were more than a few great performances tonight, but I feel that Caitlynn really deserves this one. She really shone.Just Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18167820067950865006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159322559459151132.post-4880538362381180862011-07-28T22:53:00.000-07:002011-08-17T19:18:59.275-07:00SYTYCD: The Top 8<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDggmJ0ogZ2SIvAC3_9wqku0e1LDUMROgNz3lONlKMad9ResVE3S8iPincToFnSngkP5G0763Xirkvc3SmG208rSlyMctiCQooYT1QbQTMaGZ0Zh4abf_5T8wPRpuLSwyrNgkqvzyRi-NF/s1600/Melanie+Sasha.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDggmJ0ogZ2SIvAC3_9wqku0e1LDUMROgNz3lONlKMad9ResVE3S8iPincToFnSngkP5G0763Xirkvc3SmG208rSlyMctiCQooYT1QbQTMaGZ0Zh4abf_5T8wPRpuLSwyrNgkqvzyRi-NF/s320/Melanie+Sasha.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />
We’re really getting down to the wire here. This week the Top 8 each performed twice (once with an all-star and once with a fellow contestant), and yet for some reason they still stuck a fourth judge on the panel. I love a lot of dances, but I also love the clip packages and these jam-packed episodes are driving me a little insane. Guest judge Lady Gaga was probably the best judge of the night, not being afraid to critique- and this is new- THE CHOREOGRAPHERS! I may not have agreed with what she said all of the time, but I certainly respected her honesty. About damn time.<br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;">Sasha ft. Pasha – Quickstep</span> – Haha, their names rhyme… fantastic! There have been two quicksteps this season and shockingly, neither has meant the kiss of death that it has in the past. I was a little nervous for Sasha, but she really impressed me. It wasn’t as good as Iveta and Nick, but it’ll do, it’ll do.<br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;">Caitlynn ft. Ivan – Hip Hop</span> – It was a blast from the I-Didn’t-Even-Watch-SYTYCD-Yet past seeing Ivan on stage. His smoothness was really impressive, but I think the judges undersold Caitlynn in this one. I think she did a decent job with it and I love her flow and movement.<br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;">Jordan ft. Ade – Jazz</span> – Once again I feel like Tyce picked distracting music for his piece, but the choreography was still incredible. I know it’s been said a million times, but Jordan’s legs are not to be believed. That stretch- you know the one- was shocking. I am in total awe of this girl’s flexibilities. Plus it’s always nice to see a SYTYCD Season 5 All-Star.<br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;">Melanie ft. Neil – Contemporary</span> – My god, this girl cannot NOT catch a break. How many times has she gotten something in the realm of contemporary now? Every week? Seriously. But it is always nice to see her dance in her style, even if it makes the competition somewhat unfair. Neil is wonderful, and Melanie’s seemingly impossible leap toward the end had me catching my breath. I just wish Mandy Moore would choose songs from the last decade or so.<br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;">Ricky ft. Anya – Jive</span> – Always good to see Anya back. I don’t think this was Ricky’s best. It’s a true shame that he didn’t get as much time to grow while be held back by *ahem* Ryan *ahem*. Still it was good and he brings such a light and energy that I can’t help but enjoy.<br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;">Jess ft. Lauren (Gottlieb) – Hip Hop</span> – This routine was not my favorite from NappyTabs. Honestly, I thought the routine should have featured the Jess character more as he was the contestant. Instead, it felt more about the girl. Still I was surprised to see that Jess did a great job with it. He’s still far from my favorite, but credit where credit is due…<br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;">Tadd ft. Lauren (Froderman) – Contemporary (ish)</span> – I believe Lauren is the first winner to return to the show, which certainly is a treat. I’ll be waiting for Jeanine… forever I think. Tadd is effortlessly charming and smooth. I love him and I think he’s severely underrated in his abilities and accomplishments in this competition. Once again I felt that we didn’t need to be listening to something from an oldies station, but Queen is classic so I’ll shut up about it.<br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;">Marko ft. Allison – Contemporary</span> – I have this feeling that whenever a dancer picks Allison out of the hat they must take a huge sigh of relief. I love Kathryn and Twitch (and Neil and Robert etc. etc.), but I feel like Allison is a huge, HUGE advantage to the dancers. Put her with Sonya for a contemporary routine? Unstoppable. Marko is a great dancer, so it’s not that he needs the help but Allison seems to elevate routines. Was I the only one having flashbacks to her Sonya Contemporary piece with Alex Wong? It was truly beautiful.<br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;">Caitlynn and Tadd – Foxtrot</span> – I enjoy the Foxtrot. Such a classy elegance to it. It just makes me smile. This pair did a great job. I just wish more people (including myself really…) responded to ballroom. It’s a shame that contemporary resonates so much, giving a sort of advantage to whomever has it that week. This routine deserves recognition.<br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;">Ricky and Marko – Hip Hop</span> – Unless I’m forgetting something, I think this is my favorite NappyTabs routine of the season. These two were adorable and charming. They were just too cute.<br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;">Melanie and Sasha – Jazz</span> – I feel like Sonya Jazz should be an altogether different category from regular Jazz. It is so beyond. I think everyone who saw that Melanie and Sasha were paired knew this would be epic and it didn’t disappoint. The strength that the two of them bring is incredible and this was one of my favorite Sonya routines ever probably. This definitely brought down the house and well deserved all the praise it got.<br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;">Best Routine of the Nigh</span>t- once again this is a no-brainer: Sasha and Melanie’s Jazz for sure. Just when you thought the boys were fighting back this season… This is SYTYCD at it’s best.<br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;">Best Costume of the Night</span>- I think this will go to the same routine. I love Sasha’s and Melanie’s tops. They were Black Swan fierce and beautiful.<br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;">Best Overall of the Night</span>- Once again I have to give Sasha the cold shoulder. I think she did a great job with the Quiskstep, but I’d have to be out of my mind to not give this to Melanie this week. Sure, she got an easier lot with Contemporary and Jazz, but there’s no denying the girl’s talents.Just Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18167820067950865006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159322559459151132.post-14486444607240664142011-07-21T22:38:00.000-07:002011-08-17T19:21:24.029-07:00SYTYCD: The Top 10 Bring It<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX3vw4lINPzJoP6GmAqE1SDYNbIakFauA1pgxoEd9o0g1AJR5P-SZyNHtALC7PlPDRQYcxIhCqg8wnL5yvjszcQb7JZBFFKIbec56egVqkZ_WePDJ2GyHgeEzjs1Sg4ozuj8whEHOjbPPJ/s1600/Picture+14.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX3vw4lINPzJoP6GmAqE1SDYNbIakFauA1pgxoEd9o0g1AJR5P-SZyNHtALC7PlPDRQYcxIhCqg8wnL5yvjszcQb7JZBFFKIbec56egVqkZ_WePDJ2GyHgeEzjs1Sg4ozuj8whEHOjbPPJ/s320/Picture+14.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Finally the Top 10 are here! Honestly, I do prefer the Top 20 format, but it seemed that SYTYCD was lagging this year for some reason. Possibly because of all the freakin judging. Thankfully this week, there were only three on the panel, one of whom was the always incredible Neil Patrick Harris. He didn’t quite bring his charm the way Jesse Tyler Ferguson did last week, but he did do something that Nigel and Mary haven’t necessarily been doing this season- CRITIQUE!<br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;">Marko ft. Chelsie – Samba</span> - The night started off with Marko, who performed a Jason Gilkison Samba with All-Star Chelsie Hightower. The routine was good. I thought Marko held his own without Melanie, which I was wondering about. It wasn’t magical, but then, neither was the routine.<br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;">Jordan ft. Brandon – Contemporary</span> - Jordan impressed the heck out of me last week with the vulture dance (not the Broadway number obviously), but I felt like this was her best performance to date. Brandon was one of the best dancers in Season 5, my personal favorite season, and definitely deserved his place at the top. Having him with her definitely helped Jordan, but it allowed her to shine in her own right. Good for her. She showed an impressive maturity tonight. Loved it.<br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;">Tadd ft. Comfort – Hip Hop</span> - I love Tadd. Really I do. I want him to do well. I also loved All-star Comfort last season more than ever before. But this one didn’t do it for me. Such a fast song deserved faster choreography throughout I though, not just that one part, and it kind of looked like Comfort was half-assing it. Strange for the Top 10 week for sure. Not my favorite.<br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;">Mitchell ft. Melody – Broadway </span>– I was right there with NPH on this one. I didn’t get it. I didn’t see the concept at all in the performance, and what’s more, I didn’t like the performances that much. I don’t think it was Mitchell’s fault really, since it’s possible he also didn’t get it. I think Mitchell’s great, but to be honest I’m not that attached to him.<br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;">Caitlynn ft. Pasha – Argentine Tango</span> – Spectacular, breathtaking, utterly amazing. Caitlynn was radiant, but the routine itself was unbelievable. Watching them slow burn across the floor, it was like I was in a trance. I know it’s different from the regular Tango, but it made me think that all of the praises for Melanie and Marko’s Tango were just jokes. This was absurdly good.<br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;">Sasha ft. Twitch – Hip hop…ish</span> – Speaking of absurdly good. I thought Caitlynn’s routine would be a runaway for the best of the night, but this one blew it out of the water. I’ve been a little iffy about Christopher Scott this season, but given this dream team, he knew what to do. The smoothness, the chemistry, and the crazy-sick technical dancing- especially by my girl Sasha. This was what I’ve been WAITING for. I mourn the weeks with Alexander. It was wasted time which could’ve been spent seeing Sasha soar.<br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;">Jess ft. Kathryn – Contemporary</span> - I love, LOVE Stacey Tookey. I thought the choreography here was amazing. The way the moved played so that Kathryn was always turning away from Jess? So good! Jess got great reviews on this, but if I’m being honest, my eyes were on Kathryn the whole time. She’s grown so much since Season 6 and now I am simply in awe of her. Heaven is a Place on Earth was probably my favorite routine last season…. Look at me, my attention’s off Jess again. Well, what does that tell you?<br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;">Melanie ft. Pasha – Viennese Waltz</span> – I disagreed with NPH when he said he worried when dancers get this dance. In my opinion, it is the one ballroom style that always seems to be a cakewalk. It was everything it should be, flowing effortlessly through the movements. Pasha is just so… sigh. Good work Melanie, but for once, not the best OR the second best.<br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;">Ricky ft. Allison – Jazz </span>– I was so thrilled to hear that these two were paired. Allison is one of my favorite SYTYCD alums, and she was just what Ricky needed post-Ryan. I think they both did a really great job. I liked this routine infinitely better than Tyce’s other piece. It makes me wonder about why Broadway is his ‘thing.’ I hope Ricky gets a chance to continue on the show. I think he still has a lot to show America.<br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;">Clarice ft. Robert – Bollywood</span> – I’ve been saying recently how short on Bollywood this season has been. I was happy to have it back, and I don’t think Clarice could’ve picked a more perfect style. Her natural sparkle and energy work perfectly with the nature of the dance and I was pleasantly surprised to see that her character had some edge to it as well. Robert was one of my favorites last season. I’ll always be happy to see him.<br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;">Best Routine of the Night</span>- No brainer. Sasha and Twitch (henceforth to be known as THE dream team) stole the night. I can’t wait to see this one again.<br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;">Best Costume of the Night</span>- There weren’t really any super-standouts this week, but I’m going to give it to Caitlynn and Pasha’s Argentine Tango. Her dress was beautiful and while it is always nice to see him shirtless, the classy suit had it’s own sex appeal.<br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;">Best Overall of the Night</span>- Here I’m going to have to go with Jordan. I was so happy that Sasha was able to break out of her mediocre partner shell, but Jordan was the one who truly surprised me tonight. Both the routine and the solo showed her maturity- you don’t always have to dance like a Pussycat Doll!Just Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18167820067950865006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159322559459151132.post-42781358308751670662011-07-17T16:32:00.000-07:002011-08-17T19:26:24.247-07:00Trending Trailers: The Week in Preview<br />
I love movie trailers. They're full of a kind of excitement that truly can't be ruined--- until the movie comes out. Here's a selection of the trailers that intrigued me this week:<br />
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<strong>Contagion</strong><br />
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While I patiently await Matt Damon's inevitable (I hope) directorial debut, I can't help but follow his every move. In this case, it looks like a good one. The Soderbergh directed thriller is about a deadly air-born virus. Matt Damon, though my personal favorite, isn't the only A-lister in this movie. Marion Cotillard, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Winslet, Jude Law, Bryan Cranston and (okay not an A-lister, but) Laurence Fishburne also star. Plus, I MUST give a shout out to Veronica Mars' Enrico Colantoni who make a small appearance in the trailer. The trailer gives a LOT away, but if you ask me, it'll still be more than worth seeing.<br />
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<strong>This Must Be the Place</strong><br />
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This trailer falls more onto the 'intrigued' side of the scale than, well, the 'I'm definitely going to see that' side, but I am of the opinion that Sean Penn doesn't do much wrong. The film is about an aging rock star who sets out to find the Nazi war criminal who tormented his recently deceased father. Quirky? Yes, but the film premiered at this year's Cannes Film Festival and met strong reviews. With a supporting cast of Frances Mcdormand and Judd Hirsch, it's probably worth a look.<br />
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<strong>The Iron Lady</strong><br />
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This much buzzed about movie reveals little in its trailer that we don't already know, namely that Meryl Streep can act. Still, Meryl as Margaret Thatcher? This film has Oscar buzz written all over it.<br />
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<strong>Hugo</strong><br />
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I have to admit, Martin Scorsese doing a family film? I was a little skeptical. But this trailer is so filled with wonder and amazement, I couldn't help but smile. Hugo is the story of a young, orphaned boy and his magical life in a Paris train station. The cast includes the young Asa Butterfield as Hugo and Chloe Moretz, one of my favorite young stars of the past couple of years (Kickass <em>and</em> 500 Days of Summer!) as Hugo's friend Isabelle. As for the adults? Emily Mortimer, Jude Law, Ben Kingsley and Sacha Baron Cohen all make appearances.<br />
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<strong>Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows</strong><br />
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Truth be told, the first Sherlock Holmes movie was good, but nothing to necessarily write home about. But that won't stop me from seeing the sequel. And then we wonder why they keep making sequels... However, this trailer had me hooked from the first second when I saw the stunning Noomi Rapace, star of the Swedish hit The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. The film has Holmes on another sexy adventure with Jude Law's (yes, he made a lot of appearances this week) Watson. It seems like all mystical action and charming banter will be back for round two, which is good enough for me. As an added bonus, Jared Harris of Fringe and Mad Men was brilliantly cast as Professor Moriarty. Here's hoping this one doesn't disappoint.<br />
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<strong>Higher Ground</strong><br />
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Vera Farmiga surprised everyone first in The Departed and then in Up in the Air. Since then, her subtle, honest performances have earned her a spot in public opinion among the best actresses in Hollywood right now. Higher Ground, an official Sundance selection, is a story set in the 60s about a woman's journey with religion. The film is also Farmiga's directorial debut. Who knows if this will fall flat or be a truly spectacular portrait of faith, but I am very interested to see where Farmiga's career will go.Just Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18167820067950865006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159322559459151132.post-90980714646197282432011-07-15T19:28:00.000-07:002011-08-17T19:29:32.424-07:00Burn Notice Recapture its Purpose<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkmc524L_70eDhmtxBrs_x4bpapbDdCwEAVybmL6oWMTdyfztEfe8-qHDK980eucZTWvBPhsU2tgdU7sQPSLI1Fch88t2tuW7LOuWvBb5YUahG5hzMRwT35xdN0m9tlG2bNHv9P-JziwAw/s1600/BurnNotice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkmc524L_70eDhmtxBrs_x4bpapbDdCwEAVybmL6oWMTdyfztEfe8-qHDK980eucZTWvBPhsU2tgdU7sQPSLI1Fch88t2tuW7LOuWvBb5YUahG5hzMRwT35xdN0m9tlG2bNHv9P-JziwAw/s320/BurnNotice.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
It took some time this season, but Burn Notice is back! The show had a little trouble finding itself after last season's finale. After four seasons of searching and fighting, Michael had a way back into the CIA. The finale left fans wondering if the show would have anywhere to go after that and if the show would be able to hold its purpose. I was more than a little worried that Burn Notice past the burn notice would go the way of Prison Break past the prison break. But last night's episode of the USA fan favorite reassured me that there was no cause for alarm. Plus, the charger is back!<br />
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<a name='more'></a>The first few episodes of Season 5 of Burn Notice were dangerously close to purposelessness. The show is known for its episode-long story arcs and its larger, season-long conspiracies. But after fighting his way back into the CIA, Michael seemed to anti-climatically start his new life as a part of the CIA once more. It was a little lacking in the closure department, but hey, at least he had a non-evil contact for once, right? Well, I should've known... SPOILER ALERT: Poor Max bit it in the last few minutes of this week's episode. Not only that, but we learned that someone is trying to frame Michael for Max's murder.<br />
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I'll be honest, I'm actually genuinely sad to see Max go, but it was a necessary sacrifice to bring the show back to its glory. It might be endlessly frustrating for Michael, Fiona, Sam and now Jesse that they seem to spend more time at square one than they do eating yogurt, but I'm thrilled that there is now an entirely new group of people and organizations to hunt down in the search for redemption and justice. I can't wait for next week!Just Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18167820067950865006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159322559459151132.post-59493888040804616092011-07-12T19:29:00.000-07:002011-08-17T19:34:29.597-07:00Alphas: Everyday Superheroes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-yAwbnC9ajoGmAMlxzKXJHYeJ-1DhxGiuZQf0vH-8mqGoqu7IcJ0197roSGdrRRyhNgD6nJlih9vhBEgjKm044qWLjzQ3QSpJ46JjPPf95uEXaoXV0evVsuDPYek3B3a6OQVjslimQx0S/s1600/Alphas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-yAwbnC9ajoGmAMlxzKXJHYeJ-1DhxGiuZQf0vH-8mqGoqu7IcJ0197roSGdrRRyhNgD6nJlih9vhBEgjKm044qWLjzQ3QSpJ46JjPPf95uEXaoXV0evVsuDPYek3B3a6OQVjslimQx0S/s320/Alphas.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">Syfy premiered it's newest original series tonight. The ninety-minute pilot of Alphas certainly made an attempt to cover new ground within the realm of "ordinary people with extraordinary powers." Its success in this venture is, no doubt, up for debate.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Alphas began with promise.</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: left;">1. For once, we are not calling the abilities "powers." They are referred to as skills or even 'conditions' with which the characters must cope.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">2. What's more, the team already knows one another. We are not met with an exposition-y pilot filled with 'getting to know you' games and "I work alone" tensions.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">3. The <strike>powers</strike> skills have limits (which was also something that was great about Heroes, before you know, well... we don't talk about that...)<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">4. Their transportation is a minivan! I mean the most high-tech equipment at their disposal is themselves. Even the computer genius just has an office with a white board in it. How's that for refreshing?<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">5. The characters aren't necessarily textboook AND there are no obvious love matches waiting to happen. David Strathairn leads the pack as Dr. Rosen, the psychologist/neurologist/who knows what else who helps each of the Alphas reach their potential. Azita Ghanizada is Rachel, who possesses synesthesia which allows her to sharpen all of her senses. Rachel is quiet and shy, but perhaps what is most pleasantly surprising is her ability to control her ability. Ryan Cartwright, whom Bones fans will recognize as the well-meaning if supercilious Mr. Vincent Nigel-Murray, is hilarious as Gary, the transducer. He can basically communicate with nearby technology, though his power is perhaps the largest example of a condition as it manifests as a degree of autism. His team-members watch over him with a familiarity that can only be described as charming. Rounding out the team are the cold-on-the-outside Nina, whose power is Jedi mind tricks, and FBI agent Bill, who is The Hulk basically, except that he doesn't turn green and his strength only lasts for a few minutes. I kept waiting for him to be useful, but it didn't really happen.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">Enter Cameron Hicks, the damaged, divorced with an estranged son, maladjusted, (attractive) new guy. Oh and he's a war vet. Sigh. Though the explaining was (thankfully) kept to a minimum, the introduction of this character into the team throughout the episode made it seem more formulaic than the first fifteen or thirty minutes promised. Out of nowhere came sexual tension between Hicks and Nina. Rather than enjoying some of the implied progress that the team members have made before we met them, we are brought back to the drawing board to see Cameron's treatment. It seems unnecessary, though his power of precision is pretty cool.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm willing to chalk these flaws up to Pilot Syndrome. I would definitely give Alphas another chance, if for no other reason than Ryan Cartwright.</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Photos courtesy of Syfy</span>Just Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18167820067950865006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159322559459151132.post-48503880392061238862011-07-01T15:56:00.000-07:002011-07-01T15:57:53.508-07:00Throwback Classic: D2: The Mighty Ducks<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilEN2ETjPzVimQ_VnRNYuj2D7OioYir_ZchB4_Z4UX8WtXt0prBgk09Hm-TFvQ03zgpMJSo8d60lIJLJDQdYrCEYivzzZDmPWxmYuig-47SEVuEympQ2Jd1Q3OTEax1x0yFuM3v8vnq-a9/s1600/Mighty+Ducks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilEN2ETjPzVimQ_VnRNYuj2D7OioYir_ZchB4_Z4UX8WtXt0prBgk09Hm-TFvQ03zgpMJSo8d60lIJLJDQdYrCEYivzzZDmPWxmYuig-47SEVuEympQ2Jd1Q3OTEax1x0yFuM3v8vnq-a9/s400/Mighty+Ducks.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ducks Fly Together</td></tr>
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Today, I came across Flavorwire's list of <a href="http://flavorwire.com/191631/10-patriotic-movies-that-arent-cheesy">10 Patriotic Movies That Aren't Cheesy</a>. In the history of American cinema, there have been a number of such films. And though I too adore Edward R. Murrow's McCarthy speech in <i>Good Night and Good Luck</i>. I couldn't help but thinking that my favorite patriotic movies have one thing in common: They're sports movies.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Sports movies were noticeably absent from the list (apparently they possess considerably more "cheesiness" than war movies). I am not a huge sports fan, but I always wished I was because of the sense of unity and brother(sister)hood I felt watching sports movies. I grew up with <i>The Mighty Ducks D2</i>. For whatever reason, the first movie never became a classic in my family like the second one did. I haven't seen the movie in forever, but still, every time someone brings up Iceland, I have to repeat in Coach Stansson's accent. "EESLUND!" It doesn't hurt that I kind had a thing for Joshua Jackson (or that I still do). Team USA was something special.<br />
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Yeah so maybe The Mighty Ducks was a cheesy movie, but I learned a lot about hard work and commitment from it. Sports movies have a way of moving people. Or maybe it's just sports in general. Say what you will about the Americans' reactions to Osama Bin Laden's death, but possibly the most beautiful thing I heard that week was the chant of "USA" at a Mets/Phillies game (rival teams no less!). Sometimes cheesiness is just what I'm looking for in a patriotic movie. So now I think I need to go bust out the VHS player... Happy 4th of July Weekend!Just Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18167820067950865006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159322559459151132.post-74958324896145994752011-06-27T13:30:00.000-07:002011-06-27T13:30:43.826-07:00Book Review: Bumped<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdL6sS-6xthjPAxLq4DUvEfEwZqDSCLvrcyvPbWsZnnmJ_7QOLqRbfxo-9GH1U9N0M8Z4O0RNpm9MZDGMC86kX_sT2scQA5VhKKBRhtTwWcyr8GyiT2oRSdljtUf42EfVrEndQcyGSunQs/s1600/Untitled-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdL6sS-6xthjPAxLq4DUvEfEwZqDSCLvrcyvPbWsZnnmJ_7QOLqRbfxo-9GH1U9N0M8Z4O0RNpm9MZDGMC86kX_sT2scQA5VhKKBRhtTwWcyr8GyiT2oRSdljtUf42EfVrEndQcyGSunQs/s1600/Untitled-1.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What if only teenagers could get pregnant?</td></tr>
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you've read my post about <a href="http://ninjajenna.blogspot.com/2011/06/young-adult-fiction-under-fire.html">Young Adult literature</a>, you already know that I am a huge fan of the <a href="http://www.meganmccafferty.com/jessicadarling/">Jessica Darling series</a> and of its charming and funny author, Megan McCafferty. I jumped- leapt even- when <u>Bumped</u>, her brand new novel, came into my local library. While I didn't quite feel the tingling sensation that I did after reading <u>Sloppy Firsts</u>, <u>Bumped</u> was a good story with an awesome concept and likable characters. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><u>Bumped</u> is a sort of dystopian comedy that takes place about thirty years in the future when a virus has made it impossible to reproduce past teenage-hood. This means that teenage girls are getting pregnant all over the place and going into labor in the middle of their high school like it's the most normal thing in the world. The story centers on two identical twins who were separated at birth and were raised in <i>extremely</i> different households- emphasis on the extreme. Both twins are under a lot of pressure to get pregnant for very different reasons and their meeting changes both of their lives forever. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I think what I always loved about the Jessica Darling series was how relatable Jess was to me. I still think of her as a close friend. Maybe it's because these characters take a little time to get to know or maybe it's because they just aren't Not-so Darling, but I didn't find myself caring much about them for at least the first half of the novel. I love a good high-concept story, so that kept me going. McCafferty brought in more creative lingo and more surprising repercussions to such this hypothetical society than I could've anticipated. It is her humor and voice that truly make all of her books great, and <u>Bumped</u> is no exception. I would certainly recommend it. </div>Just Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18167820067950865006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159322559459151132.post-38070392434612005382011-06-25T22:53:00.000-07:002011-07-13T08:50:30.324-07:00Trending Trailer: A Dangerous Method<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/rJ4zOSTY59E?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
It's been a while since we've seen Keira Knightley in a "big deal" movie. <u>Atonement</u> was in 2007. Since then a few of her movies have hit my watch list, thought none have quite made it to the top (<u>Never Let Me Go</u>, <u>The Edge of Love</u>, <u>Last Night</u>). <u>A Dangerous Method</u>, seems like it could have the power, or perhaps the credits, to break this dramatic-acting- less-dramatic-ticket-sales slump.<br />
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<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1571222/">A Dangerous Method</a> is the story of Carl Jung and his relationships with his wife, his mentor Sigmund Freud and a patient-turned-lover. It doesn't hurt the films chances that Jung is played by Michael Fassbender, whose star has been on the rise ever since <u>Inglorious Basterds</u>. Since then, he's starred in the recent adaptation of <u>Jane Eyre</u> and, most notably, <u>X-Men: First Class</u> as a young Magneto. <br />
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At first glance, <u>A Dangerous Method</u> appears like an over-dramatized sado-masochistic story with a few too many sex scenes (even in the trailer!). But then you learn it's from the director of such films as <u>A History of Violence</u> and <u>Eastern Promises</u> (and, not shockingly, that it also features Viggo Mortensen) and you can't help but think... <i>"Well it's worked before..."</i> So it remains to be seen if movie-goers will movie-go for it, but sadly I think it's going on the middle of my watch list, certainly below <u>Immortals</u>, which is set to come out that same week (<i>and </i>stars Henry Cavill and Freida Pinto).Just Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18167820067950865006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159322559459151132.post-68942044468016227322011-06-20T19:46:00.000-07:002011-06-20T19:46:55.257-07:00The Glee Project: Things Go My Way!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0J4NOLB06MJhpOriZi46L7OLXa9UGn2NN9TXYmHU1_c5uO08PoIHlZPQvL_aYyp4pgIZCYZHvT9uhMBcuMyeDUWsGAMG4k26NHXOvQPGJFrWEqlL-T1_WX2na05z4oFqLRg9BbTutAEOk/s1600/Picture+9.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0J4NOLB06MJhpOriZi46L7OLXa9UGn2NN9TXYmHU1_c5uO08PoIHlZPQvL_aYyp4pgIZCYZHvT9uhMBcuMyeDUWsGAMG4k26NHXOvQPGJFrWEqlL-T1_WX2na05z4oFqLRg9BbTutAEOk/s400/Picture+9.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />
So sue me, I watched The Killing and Game of Thrones before The Glee Project. Season finales automatically take precedent. But more than that, I've always taken scripted more seriously than reality, even if said responsibility is a competition series, which is far more appealing. Exception: So You Think You Can Dance... but if you even glanced over this blog, you already knew that.<br />
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I enjoyed this week's episode, though I took issue with the format more than I did last week. I mean, the main music video was finished less than halfway through the episode and the rest was left to the callbacks and singing for Ryan Murphy. Not that i don't enjoy these segments, but it seems a little ridiculous that we barely get to see our favorites and most of the screen time is taken up by weaker characters. Granted, the show does a good job of allowing us to bond with each of the contestants, but still.<br />
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Here are my favorites from this week...<br />
- Cameron- Yes, still. He's adorable. Sorry. I couldn't believe how gypped he got on the Lady Gaga number. He didn't even sing! He looked awesome in the video though.<br />
- Emily- I know it's surprising. Emily should be the classic reality TV bitchy girl that I hate, but her brand of crazy truly works for the show in my opinion. I think she did better than they gave her credit for.<br />
- Samuel- He's got this star quality to him and I see how he could bring something new to Glee. <br />
- Lindsay- Maybe I'm just shallow and I like her because she's got those gorgeous eyes that remind me of Lyndsy Fonseca. But her voice is spectacular and her performance is great too. The fact that the show paints her as the bitchy girl from your high school? I can live with that.<br />
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I know Alex is great, but I don't see where he would fit on the show. It seems like every aspect of his character has been done before.<br />
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SPOILER ALERT: I was super happy with the results tonight. I like McKynleigh. Her voice rocks and I'm hoping she can figure out how to bring it. Matheus I could take or leave, though I do like the picture Ryan painted for his character. Ellis though... God I'm so glad she is gone. I didn't like Bryce either. Things are truly going my way on this show!<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Capture property of The Glee Project</span>Just Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18167820067950865006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159322559459151132.post-50540134306798926022011-06-19T22:43:00.000-07:002011-06-19T22:43:58.460-07:00The Seven Kingdom Sum-up: Game of Thrones<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpVcZkA9u1WNKihLwNgJR-qrNPuShAzRe2c7o_6jwmwTpMDta4SV4e2WQVcHMntRAy6_ChROjXo_0bX7V9U-W51JD34dV7Ak4BHJv_DZJg6ly19WiBWoVn7vgUgE5eyMN9sLnwijukKbTz/s1600/robbstark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpVcZkA9u1WNKihLwNgJR-qrNPuShAzRe2c7o_6jwmwTpMDta4SV4e2WQVcHMntRAy6_ChROjXo_0bX7V9U-W51JD34dV7Ak4BHJv_DZJg6ly19WiBWoVn7vgUgE5eyMN9sLnwijukKbTz/s400/robbstark.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
So I was pretty worried about getting spoiled on The Killing and Game of Thrones this week. It turns out, neither of them was nearly as spoiler-able as last week. Which is not to say that either was bad- just that if you're like me, you needn't worry too much.<br />
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<!--more-->It's hard with shows like Game of Thrones, to figure out where to start. There are so many characters and so many story lines. In an episode like tonight's finale, there is an excess of information. Let's start with some closure. We had very little. Normally, when major characters are killed off of a series, it is done in a season finale, giving the characters an episode or two during the next season to mourn. When you kill off a character on the penultimate episode of the season, that's going to have to be some mighty quick grieving. And it was. Rightfully so, since everyone truly had a place to be.<br />
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Catelyn- Cries for about thirty seconds, then carries on. She also pays a visit to Jaime Lannister, smacking him in the head with a rock just like he deserves and just like I would want to do. He tells her that he pushed Bran out the window, but doesn't explain why. Shocker. <br />
Sansa- fainted after seeing her father killed. She remains betrothed to Joffrey, whose cruelty apparently knows no bounds. He takes her to see her fathers head on a spike to show what happens to traitors. He informs her that he will put a son in her soon. Lovely. Plus the ugly guy whose brother killed a horse seems to be looking out for her. <br />
Robb- Murders a tree Blinkin style with his sword until his mother calls him back to reality explaining that they need to retrieve his sisters from Kings Landing. We learn that his fighters wish him to be king.<br />
Jon- Deserts the Wall to go fight with his brother and avenge his father, but Sam and Co. come and get him back so that he is not beheaded for being a deserter. At the end of the episode, the entire night's watch seems to ship out to see what is going on north of the Wall as Winter is coming. <br />
Bran- Explains his creepy dream about seeing his father in the crypt. We learn that his youngest brother, Rickon, had the same dream. Bran's new mate is apparently the ugly-turned-pretty wildling from north of the Wall. <br />
Arya- The man who saved her from trying to stop her father's death, takes her away, cuts her hair and tells her that she is now an orphaned boy. He takes her to a collection of criminals and prisoners traveling north. Perhaps most importantly though, she makes fast friends with Gendry, whom we know <strike>as Chris from Skins</strike> as Robert Baratheon's true heir. Seems like that storyline is not quite over...<br />
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As for everyone else...<br />
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Tyrion- Speaks up wisely in a meeting with his father, who apparently suddenly sees his intellect and tells him to go act as hand of the king in King's Landing- without his whore. He brings the whore anyway. Methinks she will be trouble.<br />
Cersei- Apparently now sleeping with another Lannister- honestly one is gross, but two is just certifiable. <br />
Daenerys- wakes to find that her baby is dead. Khal Drogo is some kind of brain dead apparently. She ends up killing him, burning his body on a pyre along with her dragon eggs and the live witch who killed both her husband and son. She walks into the fire, and when everyone wakes up in the morning, she stands, naked, with three baby dragons. Her people bow.<br />
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Random seeming nonsequitor: Grand Maester Pycelle can walk and move perfectly fine. He plays his role of feeble fool. Maybe this will be useful later...<br />
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It seems a little upsetting that Game of Thrones won't be back next week after such a busy episode, but I'll be waiting patiently for its return. And in the meantime, I'll have True Blood!<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo property of HBO</span>Just Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18167820067950865006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159322559459151132.post-46059466727864388172011-06-19T20:56:00.000-07:002011-06-19T22:04:52.901-07:00The Killing: You Must Be Joking...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSZD969Fdws2zJU-A94Khn2aRVg1XjUi1hthKPlH5soRhg8wSO1LxLVO1BRY5melMjjCtI8u0whvR-SyO9fNMMVATJD5UmjAwqPWklmSjFVjGHN_H4NseJZ5R5qlMJLjXhT6N1B_ymPmK0/s1600/The+Killing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSZD969Fdws2zJU-A94Khn2aRVg1XjUi1hthKPlH5soRhg8wSO1LxLVO1BRY5melMjjCtI8u0whvR-SyO9fNMMVATJD5UmjAwqPWklmSjFVjGHN_H4NseJZ5R5qlMJLjXhT6N1B_ymPmK0/s400/The+Killing.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
You know what? I'm just gonna go ahead and put a spoiler alert on this whole post because I'm not sure how else to rant out my frustration/reluctant reverence. So there it is. SPOILER ALERT.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Things I was curious about before entering into the season finale of The Killing:<br />
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- How are they going to make a climactic finale if Richmond is the killer?<br />
- How is Linden going to get stuck staying in Seattle rather than getting on a plane to Sonoma immediately after Rosie's killer is behind bars?<br />
- Are the Larsens a dead plotline after this?<br />
and most importantly...<br />
- How are they going to get the audience to commit to a completely different case next season? I mean one of the huge problems of a show like this is that it's a season-long procedural. Therefore it's really difficult to get viewership to return.<br />
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My how I wish I had never thought to ask those questions. If you haven't seen <a href="http://www.amctv.com/shows/the-killing">The Killing</a> at all this season, I would recommend it. Turn back and read this when you've watch all of the episodes. No? Okay. Quick synopsis: 17-year-old Rosie Larsen was murdered. She was found in Mayoral hopeful Darren Richmond's campaign car. Her family, understandably, is torn to pieces and throughout the series we see that breakdown. The main characters, however, are Detective Sarah Linden and, slightly less so, her partner Stephen Holder. Holder has been a shady character from the start. He's green. Linden is a seasoned expert with one foot out the door. She's great at her job, but very intense. <br />
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I'm skipping over dozens of suspects, tons of evidence and the brilliant subtleties and characters that make this show great, but here's went down tonight: WE DIDN'T FIND OUT WHO KILLED ROSIE LARSEN!<br />
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Are you serious? I mean... come on! That's been the payoff waiting for us through some of the slower episodes this season. That was the draw of the the series in the first case. The haunting photo of a girl that I saw so many times on the IMDb homepage, the subway platform and what seemed like everywhere really, screaming at me: Who Killed Rosie Larsen? And you know what? I STILL DON'T KNOW.<br />
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The TV viewer in me is writhing in frustration right now. They convinced us it was Richmond, though I was sure it couldn't be that simple after he was an overwhelmingly promising suspect at the end of the last episode. I was almost ready to chalk it up as a disappointing anti-climax, when they smacked us with the kind of surprise I was waiting for all episode. That it isn't Richmond. That it's...<br />
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But no. That wasn't what they did. Instead, the final minutes brought us Linden finding out that the evidence produced by Holder that tied Richmond to the murder was fabricated. We also see Holder get into a car and tell an unknown driver (Man? Woman? WHO KNOWS!?) "The picture worked. He's going down." The 'he' here is undoubtedly Richmond, who in the final seconds of the show is met by Belko, the Larsen's well meaning if unstable surrogate family member, with a gun. And then black. Nothing else. <br />
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The TV lover in me? Well, it's taking some time for the shock to wear off, but honestly? It's kind of brilliant. A few people went into tonight thinking the killer was Richmond. Many, like me, thought they would pursue Richmond and then, in a shocking twist, find out it was someone else. And though the thought had crossed my mind that they wouldn't reveal the killer (see: my twitter) I still couldn't imagine they would do that to us. Now it seems obvious (duh). No need to convince me to tune in next season to see if the new subject matter interests me. Nope, I'll be right there, still at the edge of my seat where they left me, waiting to find out who FREAKING killed Rosie Larsen.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo courtesty of AMC</span>Just Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18167820067950865006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159322559459151132.post-30322769475838358952011-06-19T13:47:00.000-07:002011-06-22T11:30:23.568-07:00Throwback Classic: Clueless<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzuqRpqkJm6pHJYIvy6VwNbLK5oVzc5LrzQNdp9PpathfVJTEey_lb8b0edk1iKGcor_iSEaJHDY8tRPyIJfLe_KW4YLFKKrCfzxXJwbOffC4_YQr75NO7PayA-r0GXsdFI_WpSUFRIMhW/s1600/Clueless.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzuqRpqkJm6pHJYIvy6VwNbLK5oVzc5LrzQNdp9PpathfVJTEey_lb8b0edk1iKGcor_iSEaJHDY8tRPyIJfLe_KW4YLFKKrCfzxXJwbOffC4_YQr75NO7PayA-r0GXsdFI_WpSUFRIMhW/s400/Clueless.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The truth is, I spent the better part of my childhood pretending not to like Clueless. My sister was "the popular one" and this movie was her anthem prelude to the bible that would be Bobbi Brown's Teenage Beauty. Naturally, it was not my cup of tea. But with growing up, I've found it's impossible to deny my love for this classic.<br />
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Sure, growing up I missed some of Clueless' finer jokes, like Cher's comical mispronunciation of Spartacus, as sporaticus. I was far too young to notice that Christian was gay or find the humor in Cher's blindness to it. I couldn't really comprehend the irony of the large life lessons found in tiny, unlikely places: like realizing the briefness of life after unexpectedly driving on the highway. <br />
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What Clueless has that you just don't see enough anymore, is a heroine who stays true to herself even as she's learning about herself. If anything, we are the ones who learn to see Cher for than just a vapid valley girl as she learns that it's okay for her to date Josh and for Tai to date Travis. She has more brains than people give her credit for- and she drank Starbucks several years before the world realized its awesomeness.<br />
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Clueless not only spawned a mediocre sitcom but also made teen-household names of Alicia Silverstone, Brittany Murphy, a young, adorable Paul Rudd and Scrubs' Donald Faison. You may also recognize Breckin Meyer (now on <a href="http://www.tnt.tv/series/franklinandbash/">Franklin and Bash</a>) as Travis, Wendell Shawn as Mr. Hall, Law & Order's Jeremy Sisto as Elton and even Stacey Dash, beloved Dionne of both the movie and TV series, who has a new show called <a href="http://www.vh1.com/shows/single_ladies/series.jhtml">Single Ladies</a>. Not to be ignored is a great soundtrack for nostalgia purposes- vintage No Doubt, Salt-N-Peppa, The Counting Crows, Jewel, The Cranberries... it's timeless.Just Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18167820067950865006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159322559459151132.post-48366088344971030332011-06-16T10:13:00.000-07:002011-06-16T10:14:30.266-07:00SYTYCD: The Return of the Curse<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVWTLLtcMOKucE8QfPKZXc0O8lOAOATDzTc-8oOrcTAbMsqXN6eurrB8HsZYWKAatH2D78AI5Mhdu6IILNK9P5StPnuVsvuhAIGd15rOYaydyWe2bhiNkck-MXKoVvRqMSNod7loVsiLrx/s1600/SYTYCD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVWTLLtcMOKucE8QfPKZXc0O8lOAOATDzTc-8oOrcTAbMsqXN6eurrB8HsZYWKAatH2D78AI5Mhdu6IILNK9P5StPnuVsvuhAIGd15rOYaydyWe2bhiNkck-MXKoVvRqMSNod7loVsiLrx/s1600/SYTYCD.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: times new roman,serif;">Last night was the first competing performance episodes of the SYTYCD Top 20. Before we could even get to know all of the contestants' names, we were informed that last year's injury curse was not, as Nigel had suggested in interviews, broken. Nope, unlucky Mitchell was subject to the curse this time, sitting out under a doctor's advice because of an arm injury, forcing his partner, Caitlynn to perform with Season 7's Robert, much to my delight I might add. But a lot happened before then. <br />
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1. <u>Megan Mullaly is guest judge</u>. Oh how I miss Adam Shankman, let me count the ways. First, the third guest judge is best known for her performance as a helium-voiced housewife from <i>Will & Grace</i> and, of course, the I Can't Believe It's not Butter commercials. Oh Joy. They say she's qualified, and it's not that I don't believe it or that she didn't give constructive criticism that sounded more intelligent at times than Mary and Nigel's sweeping praise. No, she did fine, but still... seriously? Second, we have Mary Murphy back. She lulled us into a false sense of security during the earlier episodes by convincing us that she would have real critiques and you would be able to hear them only with the volume set to a normal level. Then, last night, BAM. There was old Mary back, forcing me to turn down the volume when it was her turn to speak... Third... well, I kinda liked Adam. <br />
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2. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKKS5Bokx_I&feature=related"><u>Jordan and Tadd- African Jazz</u></a>- Last week I dubbed Jordan as one of the ones to watch for this season. I haven't necessarily changed my mind. I still think she's got a phenomenal power, but she made me think twice. Maybe it's just that I'm not so into the African Jazz routines. I don't know why, but even the one with Russel from Season 6 that everyone raved about, I wasn't into it. It also could've been that Tadd didn't seem so confident or fluid with her. Was that my imagination? Because the judges didn't seem to comment. It was a good way to start the show, but if I was going next, I wouldn't have been too intimidated. <br />
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3. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UiX8j_2KnRI&feature=related"><u>Sasha and Alexander- Contemporary</u></a>- Sasha was also in my batch of favorites through Vegas week (though I would still have liked to see her sister with her in the Top 20). She didn't disappoint. Unfortunately, her partner really did. Awesome concept, awesome music and awesome choreography as usual, Travis Wall. There was this one point when Sasha was facing Alexander and you could see this burning in her eyes, truly in character and with great movement. I loved watching her. Alexander, not so much, and all the time he wasn't dancing was spent staring creepily at Sasha. Did anyone else see that? I felt like he was auditioning for Twilight. <br />
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4.<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cF09mevaZxc"> <u>Jess and Clarice- Broadway</u></a>- Unbelievable. Jess picks Broadway. I'm never a huge fan of the Broadway routines. I love them as group numbers, but when it's just two people it always feels less grand than it should be. That being said, I loved watching Pee-wee- Jess... sorry I have to stop doing that- doing his solos through the audition process and he really stepped it up with his performance last night. He smiled and showed his personality. Clarice was good, but a little lackluster. Not sure what else to say about that. <br />
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5. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btFw8n2RGVg"><u>Ryan and Ricky- Lyrical Hip Hop</u></a>- I've never liked Ryan. Last season, watching the home visits to choose the finalists, I prayed that she wasn't one. But I knew she would be back. Surprisingly, I liked her better at times this year. She showed more emotion and performance during Vegas week than I had seen in her before. I was feeling positive about the idea of her sticking around for a while. But last night, I found that I still don't like the girl. I understood the concept of the routine and I knew, even beofre she explained it, why she was smiling, but it wasn't the <i>right</i> smile. Her smile was overjubilant when her emotion should have been sweet nostalgia since she wasn't real- only his memory. I thought Ricky's performance on the other hand waas spectacular, and severely under-reviewed. He did a good job conveying the pain remembering his love after she had left. <br />
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6. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1U6AizO5sA"><u>Caitlynn- Jazz</u></a>- I never get sick of seeing Sonya routines. They have a such a special quality about them. Caitlynn did a great job. She brought a surprising strength to the performance that had me thinking "Wait, <i>what</i> was her name again?" Honestly, I feel like there's usually a little more... hardness in people dancing Sonya's choreography, but I still agree that she did a great job. And it was great to see Robert dance. He was my favorite last season...<br />
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7. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcYB7Wu020I&feature=related"><u>Miranda and Robert- Latin</u></a>- I love Jason Gilkinson. He puts so much life into ballroom, and it really speaks to me because I'm not generally such a fan of ballroom. Not sure why. Anyway this was a really fun routine. The performance was there. Miranda's cute. Robert put a lot of energy in, so credit where credit is due. Technically, even I could tell it wasn't really there, and not just for Robert. Step it up kids. <br />
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8. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ViQWrZ64OPc&feature=related"><u>Missy and Wadi- Jazz</u></a>- I really like Wadi. Plus I think free-running is wicked cool. I like that Sean Cheesman played to his strengths, but I kind of would have liked to see what he did with the jazz style, not just, you know his own style. Missy, for whatever reason, doesn't stand out for me. I don't know why. She has power. She certainly has confidence, to a fault perhaps. She has personality. She has technique. I don't know what it is. I'm just... Meh. <br />
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9. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zI9IVCD2Gg"><u>Melanie and Marko- Contemporary</u></a>- Wow. Talk about a power couple. AND they pick their style? AND it's another Travis Wall routine. And such an awesome awesome concept. Yes, I expected greatness. I expected a routine to be remembered. And they didn't disappoint. First off, music is really important for me, and Travis always picks GREAT music. That Ingrid Michaelson song was just incredible. The costumes were great. Melanie was spectacular. I generally have a thing with favorites. I don't like to favor them. (Last season it was Robert or Lauren over *eyeroll* <i>Kent</i>. Before that it was Jakob and Kathryn over Russell, and before that it was Jeanine. I'm just saying- loved her from day one and she was NOT the favorite. Janette and Brandon rocked it every week, but I knew... anyway) I'm having trouble disliking Melanie. Which says something. Also unlike me, getting taken in by a person's story. It's just good TV, I tell myself but Marko got shot in the arm and he still dances like that? His yearning and desire for the female statue came through in droves. I loved the routine. <u>Best Routine of the Night</u> Award. <br />
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10. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFz_ObQ5x8M&feature=related"><u>Ashley and Chris- Hip Hop</u></a>- This routine was cute, and the really <i>in</i> character parts like the beginning allowed Ashley and Chris' personalities to shine. But after that they kind of lost it. This was one of the weaker routines of the night, though I was impressed by Ashley's hip hop. Her performance fell through though whenever she was really dancing. Chris was... I don't know, I'd be fine if he went home. I know B-boying is not the same as hip hop and blah blah blah. But Ashley totally outperformed him and he knew it, which is why he emphasized how different the genre was. <br />
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11. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrdRa9m5Q7Y"><u>Iveta and Nick- Latin</u></a>- I've been rooting for Iveta since season 6 and I said last week that Nick is one of my favorites. And then they pick ballroom? What could go wrong? And then I hear... Oh, it's the Quickstep. Loyal SYTYCD fans will know that the Quickstep rarely comes without "dreaded" before it and "kiss of death" after it. And for good reason. People always suck at it. But Nick rocked it! Don't get me wrong, of course Iveta did too, but I think her credit really lies in Nick's success rather than her own. Who even knows how hard she coached him. It was truly amazing in my, unprofessional opinion. I would point out that the judges agreed, but they pretty much agreed with everything all night so... yeah not sure that a good indicator. <br />
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12. <u>Best Costume of the Night</u>- The statues costumes for Melanie and Marko. I love a good concept dance, and I'm pretty sure so does the costume designer. </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: times new roman,serif;"></span><span style="font-family: times new roman,serif;"></span></span>Just Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18167820067950865006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159322559459151132.post-85716653933527664962011-06-15T20:02:00.000-07:002011-06-15T20:02:19.100-07:00Young Adult Fiction Under Fire<style>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOkpq3sPxKy4Ua7t1hg2X4v3otSqtX_VoTyu2nZQyptoDQUAb9X1BYCOwBT7Md-H31Z-xTL4sRSnWXpeEVGFpWKwJbDYsuO_agg72LAF5IfNxDzXlRslUl7GDWA_s_amrykUGYE0rUl3ip/s1600/Teen+reading.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOkpq3sPxKy4Ua7t1hg2X4v3otSqtX_VoTyu2nZQyptoDQUAb9X1BYCOwBT7Md-H31Z-xTL4sRSnWXpeEVGFpWKwJbDYsuO_agg72LAF5IfNxDzXlRslUl7GDWA_s_amrykUGYE0rUl3ip/s400/Teen+reading.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"> </div><div class="MsoNormal">Last week, <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303657404576357622592697038.html">The Wall Street Journal</a> published an opinion piece regarding the dark subject matters covered in young adult literature. The article’s tone was generally negative, and it has sparked a great deal of debate between YA authors, parents, teachers and everyone else affected. The article makes the usual “video games make children violent” argument. It also suggested that Young Adult literature features such controversial material as suicide, abuse and self-mutilation in order to draw interest from young readers, who are used to seeing crazy things on TV. I’m not a parent or a YA author, but I object. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">As a recovering angsty teen, I can truly say how much it means to be inside of the head of a character who acts like you and thinks like you. I found Jessica Darling (The main character of the series by YA author Megan McCafferty) later in my teenaged years, but I felt a warmth reading her thoughts and relating to her anxieties and her chronic overthinking. Cautiously, I told my mother to read it because I thought it would help her better understand me. She balked at the fact that I implied she didn’t understand me. I went back into my YA literature where it was common knowledge that parents don’t understand. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I’m 21 now, but I still read Young Adult books regularly. Yes, I am a little embarrassed because of the reading level. Faulkner, it isn’t. And I never stop telling people that I got through the book so quickly because *casual shrug* “It’s just a Young Adult book.” But behind that I don’t mean it, because I find a certain truth and honesty in YA books that I have yet to find in as many Adult novels. I mean talk about selling to the public’s interest? How many crime thrillers are on the bestseller list right now? </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I’ve heard a lot of YA authors speak. I’ve seen some in person. (Megan McCafferty is adorable. I keep writing on her Facebook wall in the hopes that she’ll become my friend. Sigh.) I’ve watched videos of some talks. I follow YA author John Green on Youtube. I’ve even engaged with some on social media websites. What I have found is universal: They have a passion and a dedication for connecting with teens and putting something good out there. Their characters may not set the best examples, but they almost always provide food for thought and truly deep, important lessons. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">These novels will continue to meet controversy as long as we live in a society where parents ignore what’s really going on with their children. Really? They shouldn’t read curse words? Believe you me: way worse is said in the hallways of your local junior high than in these books. Many of these authors are writing about real kids with real problems that many teens out there are relating to on some level. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Jay Asher, author of the Young Adult novel, <i>Thirteen Reasons Why</i> in which a boy listens tape recorded two weeks prior by a girl in his school before she committed suicide, recently told <a href="http://shelf-life.ew.com/2011/06/13/jay-asher-thirteen-reasons-why/">Entertainment Weekly</a> about teens who have told him that his book had saved them from suicide. To the people who take issue with their teens reading these books about suicide, I can’t help but ask: What if your teen needs this book? And even if it’s not your teen, wouldn’t you say that a book with the power to prevent even one person from taking his or her life has a little more to it than just entertainment value? </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo Courtesy of amberinblunderland.blogspot.com</span> </div>Just Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18167820067950865006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159322559459151132.post-18784566358930135392011-06-13T00:37:00.000-07:002011-06-13T00:38:47.284-07:00Game of Thrones and said "Horrific Twist"<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-BvnKhRI5G16srmQw4Rf4NQD_GHCG0SLtuZ3wnAnAGyMA0cly1lOc3YgTo3QGkcsSXBa2RBIKOV5BNCukwKNKhb5oPociXLey-2s5gJECoKRPqpBKl3v8aR7J0CZzkLMh8LK06DXGZcX0/s1600/1x09-Baelor-game-of-thrones-22724847-1024-576_1307853771-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-BvnKhRI5G16srmQw4Rf4NQD_GHCG0SLtuZ3wnAnAGyMA0cly1lOc3YgTo3QGkcsSXBa2RBIKOV5BNCukwKNKhb5oPociXLey-2s5gJECoKRPqpBKl3v8aR7J0CZzkLMh8LK06DXGZcX0/s400/1x09-Baelor-game-of-thrones-22724847-1024-576_1307853771-001.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you hear the people... chant "half man"?</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table>I know it's been more than an hour since I said I was going to watch Game of Thrones, but I had to lie in shock for a little while and then re-watch the ending a few times. If you haven't been watching Game of Thrones on HBO, you officially don't know what you're missing. Needless to say, there are some SERIOUS SPOILERS to follow, so I'm gonna go ahead and put them after a cut. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDQIHspEt5ZcGoRSbr6jX9XvbUcGO3ybh8MUZDw09_2Snn1riW1hCrmomNsidxagC6KsjfAfDyKfuF4ey7k4HQLgE0zLNfmO4_RcW53LngJKgKmUKc3J5Fc-xnwjCcmcmyvtdM4FwYNw10/s1600/Danaeryus.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDQIHspEt5ZcGoRSbr6jX9XvbUcGO3ybh8MUZDw09_2Snn1riW1hCrmomNsidxagC6KsjfAfDyKfuF4ey7k4HQLgE0zLNfmO4_RcW53LngJKgKmUKc3J5Fc-xnwjCcmcmyvtdM4FwYNw10/s320/Danaeryus.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Dragon Queen</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table>Once again this is a SPOILER ALERT. Even if you're a spoilers-y person, I would urge you to turn around now and come back when you've seen the episode.<br />
1. The first truth is that when I saw that "horrific twist" headline, I knew there would be a death. I spent the whole episode trying to imagine a scenario where each of the important characters would die. I was just praying it wouldn't be Tyrion. Peter Dinklage's character is without question my favorite on the show. He has been since day one. Without him... well I would still watch but I might make a negatively toned .gif or something.<br />
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2. The second truth is that I LOVE major character deaths. It raises the stakes for the series. It raises the stakes for the writers, who need to write the hell out of what comes next. And it makes the fans all crazed, fighting over if it was the right choice. I don't know when this 'killing off characters' obsession began but I think it solidified around the time I saw The Departed. And then came Season 4 of Dexter, which SPOILER ALERT- rocked my <i>world</i> by killing of Dexter's wife and the mother of his children, Rita. People were pissed and continued to be all through Season 5, which for the record, I thought was brilliant. But we won't get into Dexter right now because I'm not getting to the point fast enough.<br />
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3. The third truth is that Lord Eddard Stark of Winterfell just had his head chopped off.<br />
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Honestly I don't really care about Sean Bean. Not having the actor present anymore means very little to me. I sort of understand why people are really pissed that he's not in the show anymore. But to those people I say: Really, though? I mean it's not like he was killed off in the first episode and you therefore have no reason to come back! You've been watching for 9 world-rocking episodes already. <i>Nothing</i> other than Sean Bean keeps you coming back every Sunday? Then good riddance.<br />
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I for one <i>need</i> to know what is going to happen to Daenerys Targaryen and her child. What did the magic do to Khal Drogo? Will Jon leave the wall and head south for the sake of his brother? Will Robb step up? What will happen with Jamie? Will someone smother Joffrey in his sleep?<br />
And perhaps the ones I most care about now: What will happen to Sansa and, more importantly, Arya?<br />
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Tyrion is my favorite by a mile, but slowly inching forward has been Arya, and the look on her face at the close of tonight's episodes, only made me care about her more. <br />
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I'm sure most people don't share my point of view of the genius of killing off a main character. But I can't talk about this episode without mentioning the mastermind behind it all, George R.R. Martin. Martin authored the books upon which the TV series is based. In fact, loyal fans of the book series (not me) knew this was coming for some time. They've learned to accept it haven't they?<br />
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And I'm willing to bet that people will hear about this and it will peak their interests. Hell, I almost started going through three seasons of Castle after I heard about the Season 3 finale. I still haven't completely ruled it out, actually. Not that HBO necessarily needs ratings help. One thing's for sure though: I can't wait to see what next week's episode has in store for us.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Screencaps courtesy of HBO.</span>Just Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18167820067950865006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159322559459151132.post-72039461799607133252011-06-12T22:36:00.000-07:002011-06-13T00:07:37.115-07:00Glee Fans Rejoice!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG6X0DRPB3okOB9AsL10pW8dzkNtBdgH3vS1nzwlPLp89IGJ_Md0LRVcaL1regyuD9bd6Eg1tE7lj5l3rnhsOoyejX37RAtH7oxWyGzVbh8qexpzb4DKerPFqSv4NIytdOOUxL5xZr_Mn4/s1600/The+Glee+Project.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG6X0DRPB3okOB9AsL10pW8dzkNtBdgH3vS1nzwlPLp89IGJ_Md0LRVcaL1regyuD9bd6Eg1tE7lj5l3rnhsOoyejX37RAtH7oxWyGzVbh8qexpzb4DKerPFqSv4NIytdOOUxL5xZr_Mn4/s400/The+Glee+Project.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">12 hopefuls Gleek out</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Tonight marked the series premiere of The Glee Project. And you know what? I didn't hate it. Maybe it was the groan factor of the fact that it was on Oxygen- a network I personally only associate with TV-coma-inducing America's Next Top Model marathons- but I expected to hate it. Friends of mine will tell you that I am not a Glee fangirl in any way. I watch it here and there to keep up with the times, but since The Morning After on Hulu started doing a weekly "gleecap" it's hardly been necessary. The point is I think that The Glee Project has all the heart and genuineness that Glee thinks it has.<br />
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The Glee Project is a reality competition for a 7-episode arc on Glee. from the casting special that preceded the premiere, I learned that they were looking for individuals- people who would never have gotten the chance before. And while it seemed like a lame hook to draw viewers, I found myself believing it. The show makes an effort to show <i>who</i> the contestants are and what they're going through more than they edit it for drama factor (which I suspect they will do more and more as the kids start to get competitive). <br />
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The gimmicks are cute. The people running the show seem genuine: including Glee's casting director, vocal coach and choreographer. We even got to meet the weird bearded guy who plays piano. His name is Brad. Crazy, right?<br />
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My favorite so far? Cameron- He's a hipster nerd with a guitar and original songs. He seems like a real musician to me, actually playing with his few lines in Katy Perry's 'Firework' to work for his voice and to stand out. My favorite Glee songs are the ones that aren't replicas of the originals. Cameron's it for me in that sense. <br />
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For the entertainment factor, I'm kind of intrigued by Emily. She's a total nutcase, but it kind of works. I could totally see her on the show... I'll reserve judgment on the rest for now (as if!) but there's a good chance I'll keep watching. It's not like I can forget. The posters plaster every bus and subway station and this ninja uses public transportation to get to work. Plus I keep seeing the ads during the America's Next Top Model marathons...<br />
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Now I have to go watch Game of Thrones before I'm spoiled on what the headlines are calling "horrific twist." <br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo Courtesy of TVguide.com</span>Just Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18167820067950865006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159322559459151132.post-68606971114152336592011-06-12T20:34:00.000-07:002011-06-12T21:46:36.332-07:00Neil Patrick Harris Rocks it!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3LFbnatqaQ8TNpabvJCl4NIcpoEB_Nxy2fkphrtm4THgCevSuLOu91lScoSI3vxbu1CchsvSZ1pPel13d0S3nXNqB8vfsirgz2j46k0Cr-URh983UaG8v_jANj-IwTuloZqXjk-NBGoea/s1600/NPH.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3LFbnatqaQ8TNpabvJCl4NIcpoEB_Nxy2fkphrtm4THgCevSuLOu91lScoSI3vxbu1CchsvSZ1pPel13d0S3nXNqB8vfsirgz2j46k0Cr-URh983UaG8v_jANj-IwTuloZqXjk-NBGoea/s400/NPH.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Not shockingly, The Book of Mormon and War Horse took home a plethora of statues tonight at the Tony Awards. The former took 9 and the latter a still impressive 5. I guess I'm giving up hope of seeing either anytime soon.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What I did see was Catch Me If You Can, whose star Norbert Leo Butz took home the Best Actor in a Musical award this evening. I loved him in the role, even though neither him nor costar Aaron Tveit came out the stage door after the Wednesday matinee. Butz was charming, vulnerable and funny and FBI fraud Agent Carl Hanratty. I'm really happy that he got the award. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But perhaps the most impressive and surprising part of the Tony's telecast was host Neil Patrick Harris's rap as the credits rolled. He did a rhyming recap of the night. I have no idea who wrote it or how he had time to practice it while hosting the ceremony, but I was totally blown away. Brava NPH, Brava. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo by Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images North America</span> </div>Just Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18167820067950865006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159322559459151132.post-83584216601772738052011-06-12T16:37:00.000-07:002011-06-12T16:37:42.462-07:00Awesome Cover Alert: Just Can't Get Enough<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMHPBlgnirlz2WuaWzmzsnR_-jKuoMTOsCwNgpxwapMiEb8WB9QBgarkbff7jWmEo0sc8kmE8YnA6CLHByezDy1Qj_gsQeSL6VIo_eJICiviQrPCP9z66lNgG3owPfmyMDS6HYc63v9UpA/s1600/Just+Can%2527t+Get+Enough.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMHPBlgnirlz2WuaWzmzsnR_-jKuoMTOsCwNgpxwapMiEb8WB9QBgarkbff7jWmEo0sc8kmE8YnA6CLHByezDy1Qj_gsQeSL6VIo_eJICiviQrPCP9z66lNgG3owPfmyMDS6HYc63v9UpA/s400/Just+Can%2527t+Get+Enough.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Suddenly I just can't get enough</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I might as well tell you since you'll be figuring it out soon enough: I love a good cover. And I love sharing good covers. The first time I heard Just Can't Get Enough by the Black Eyed Peas, I couldn't really make heads or tails of it. It was like three separate songs with only a loose connection between them. Leave it to Boyce Avenue- probably my favorite youtube find ever- to figure it out and get it onto my ipod.<br />
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The song's chorus, originally sung by Fergie, sounds great with singer Alejandro Manzano's soulful voice, but what is truly incredible is how the band transformed the verses between choruses, giving the song a sexy latin feel.<br />
Check it out here: <br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=To2HY9i4ePA&feature=feedu">Just Can't Get Enough- Boyce Avenue</a><br />
And in case you live somewhere beyond the reach of radio, here's the original:<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OrTyD7rjBpw&feature=player_embedded#at=100">Just Can't Get Enough- Black Eyed Peas</a> <br />
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Florida-based Boyce Avenue found a huge fan base by posting covers of songs on Youtube, so you should definitely check them out. They had a really interesting cover of <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aqfsto6mJ_4">Grenade by Bruno Mars</a> backed by a violin.<br />
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And they're original music is great too. Check out one of my favorite songs by them, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKy4ie9pM9k">When the Lights Die</a>. Or just poke around their Youtube channel <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/boyceavenue">here</a>.Just Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18167820067950865006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159322559459151132.post-43392913288511413002011-06-10T15:35:00.000-07:002011-06-10T15:36:23.343-07:00The Jokes Keep Coming...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyVgXlIZe_oeNTSNWEtssIecuG4wEIBrzypng11X_M0vivdD-7skMExniLN6c7S6juIMRSk5tfnjclohABcNV1qi36ymjX20JxB3JnRW7bEUs6H3tjV9NPMEFrkVJnkFx17Oyzxkq3tu4v/s1600/Anthony+Weiner.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyVgXlIZe_oeNTSNWEtssIecuG4wEIBrzypng11X_M0vivdD-7skMExniLN6c7S6juIMRSk5tfnjclohABcNV1qi36ymjX20JxB3JnRW7bEUs6H3tjV9NPMEFrkVJnkFx17Oyzxkq3tu4v/s400/Anthony+Weiner.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
By now I'm sure no one is a stranger to the bizarre Anthony Weiner scandal. Though I didn't think it was possible, the story keeps getting bigger and bigger, with sources now reporting that Weiner's wife is actually pregnant. Personally I think the whole thing is stupid. Is he an internet creep? Sure. Did he do something stupid? Yes. Was he careless about it? You bet. Should someone really start doing a study about the connection between politicians and illicit sexual relationships? Maybe it's time we start looking at it, yeah. But the point is that it doesn't really affect his policy making. I mean an ethics committee hearing? Seriously?<br />
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That being said I can't help but enjoy such a continuous source of late night humor material. From Jon Stewart to Letterman, tons of comedians have been piling on the laughs night after night at Weiner's expense. I never though I'd say this, but it's kind of a shame Saturday Night Live isn't on right now. To make it easy for us, Hulu compiled a playlist of the best bits of Weinergate '11. Enjoy!<br />
<a href="http://www.hulu.com/playlist/95131">Hulu's Anthony Weiner Joke Playlist</a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo Courtesy of ABC News</span>Just Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18167820067950865006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159322559459151132.post-6065927543800301762011-06-09T23:49:00.000-07:002011-06-09T23:49:40.660-07:00So You Think You Can Dance Season 8 Top 20<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwsitM-SVwP2D-O8lClvygG6NID6T7JM8b81srErruffCYcG0Qguvtx80sFWc3LcfTBNhJGcGhB8XKeyAdoY-S3UIUJ-EMwT8of3nlfSp8h2kAOsx2bqHp9euNkINjHwM9iHYawKSWCj_w/s1600/sytycdtop20tvguide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwsitM-SVwP2D-O8lClvygG6NID6T7JM8b81srErruffCYcG0Qguvtx80sFWc3LcfTBNhJGcGhB8XKeyAdoY-S3UIUJ-EMwT8of3nlfSp8h2kAOsx2bqHp9euNkINjHwM9iHYawKSWCj_w/s400/sytycdtop20tvguide.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">America's 20 Favorite Dancers... this year</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">This seems like a good place to start...</div><div style="text-align: left;">So You Think You Can Dance revealed it's Top 20 for Season 8 tonight. Ever adapting the show's format, this year the Top 20 were revealed and then performed on stage one group at time. It saved some time combining the drama of the reveal and the non-competition performance special that was introduced last season. Plus, instead of awkward home visits, the dance hopefuls were thankfully placed back in their holding room to wait to face the panel of judges. (Maybe Nigel didn't want to risk getting lost again in Wapakoneta!) </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">There weren't many heartbreaks in the choosing of the Top 20. Probably the most upsetting for me was seeing Natalia Mallory go. I know it would've been complicated, but that girl was remarkable and she brought it every time. She's definitely an inspiration. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I was happy to see her sister, Sasha, put through though. At least one of them made it. My other favorite is probably tap dancer Nick. Did they not show him to us before, or am I only now noticing how adorable he is? I thought I liked his genre counterpart, Broadway dancer Jess, but something about the number tonight created an association with Peewee Herman. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I would watch out for seductress Jordan Casanova, though. She killed the Sonya Tayeh jazz number. And props go to Iveta for finally making it through. Well deserved. I was also pleasantly surprised with the four hip hop dancers, though I would have loved at least one female hip-hop dancer... maybe Sasha counts. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Another welcome return was the Top 20 format itself. Though the All-Star format did push the dancers to be better last year, I was with most of the fans in missing the chemistry of such combinations as Season 6's Kathryn and Legacy, Season 4's Katee and Joshua, and Season 5's Brandon and Janette. I'm happy with the compromise for this year- pairings for the Top 20, and All-Stars for the Top 10. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Even the stage is better, without the obnoxious lighting of the previous stage. My main complaint for the evening was the camera work. It felt more difficult to watch the dances than I am used to with the show. Maybe they are getting used to the new stage, maybe it was just that they were large group numbers... either way they better figure that out by next week. </div><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo courtesy of TVguide.com</span>Just Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18167820067950865006noreply@blogger.com0