This is disgusting. This is horrifying. This is a nightmare.
Flint, Michigan is going through a horrible crisis.
Its water supply is tainted with lead. And citizens are suffering majorly. This "bright idea" is created by the city's government, namely Govenor Rick Snyder, to save money. The plan is to draw water from the same-named Flint River instead of from nearby Detroit. Unfortunately, that water isn't clean...or healthy. It's actually tainted with coliform bacteria and other diseases. It also caused hair loss and rashes to some residence Since the change, thousands of citizens of complained about the water supply (the taste, the smell, and the color [it's brown]), have been sickened by diseases (some even dying) and want change immediately.
This has happened for the nearly past 2 years. The change has still been in effect and citizens are still furious.
Question: How is tainted water the thing that save the city budget? Did anyone realize that it could make people sick and potentially kill them? If so, do they have the money sense and heart of C. Montgomery Burns? Apparently so.
This is disgusting. These people do not deserve to keep boiling, drinking or even retaining this tainted water for even a day, let alone almost 2 years. And it's long past saving money now. Now it seems is like they keep doing this just to keep money and not care much about the citizens' health and well-being. And while it takes a major toll on the city (it continues to), the state officials continue to rake in the cash. Even if it was revealed by health officials that many have been sickened by diseases--including the horrible legionnaires disease, nothing has been done to even curb the problem, and give the citizens a better solution to this crisis.
Fortunately, one has come thanks to the goodness of many people across the country, including regular people and celebrities. These people and celebs have bought, sent and given bottled water to the citizens to give them temporary asylum from the tainted water supply. Celebs including Jimmy Fallon, Madonna, Meek Mill and (especially) Cher have chipped in in major ways to help out the people of Flint. Cher's contribution has been the most influential; sending in 180,000 bottles of water being sent to 100,000 residents with no working water, and having the company helping her doubling the efforts. Her contributions should get major respect.
As good as was, it took random other people to be the saviors of the situations. And Synder does nothing but run and cover and protect himself and cabinet his over his constituents. It's not just disgraceful, but also deplorable. I don't care if there are even worse problems in the state; it's vile to take away clean water from one of the cities you watch over.
And yet, all he does is apologize.
There needs to be an investigation by federal and environmental groups to stop this once and for all. This has gone on way too long and should not continue for much longer. This is absolutely dire and deplorable.
And yet, all he does is apologize. Hey, Snyder...fuck your apology! No one wants your apology! They want their water back, fresh and clean. No one wants to risk their lives EVERY DAY drinking a basic necessity of life, while you sit in your office doing nothing to help them out and bring a bit of closure and sanity to this town.
You should resign, and then face conviction and prison time; this is a disgrace to the city of Flint, and the state of Michigan. This is even a disgrace to the American legislature.
Also, the mayor should resign too. Since he had a major hand in this decision.
I'm so glad this has gotten attention on the national and international levels, because these needs to be a spotlight on government officials who have done very scummy shit to ruin the sanity of his/her city/state's people. If this hadn't happen, he could have let this supply switch official for years to come. And he might do even worse had his tenure as governor continue.
Fuck you, Rick Snyder! Fuck you for destroying the city of Flint, Michigan by ruining the water supply and leaving the citizens (your constituents!) with tainted liquid that will potentially kill them slowly from the inside out. Your pretty face should go to jail, and when you die, your pretty fave is going to hell.
To all of Flint, Michigan, I'm very sorry for the horrible disaster you all are going through. Things will get better.
Hi everybody. I'm Andrew and I welcome you to a brand-new, somewhat-improved, under-slightly-new-management and monthly Short?Long Music Review. After many months of reviewing only one or two songs--with a rare chance I'd do three, I decided that I change the format significantly this year; I will review twice as much. Six songs! Maybe even more. And with that, instead of doing thoughts and riffs on songs in pop and hip-hop, and occasionally R&B, I hopefully also want to review rock, country, indie and maybe gospel and christian. I'll praise whatever song I can praise, and I'll riff on any song I thought is worth riffin' on.
Instead of releasing them whenever I feel like it, always writing till the last minute, I'll release these new-look reviews at the end of each month...always writing till the last minute. So...
(This story is from last week, but I still want to discuss it here this week)
Hey everyone. I'm Andrew with another edition of Funday Friday.
Space and the universe has always been a wide bastion of wonder and amazement. Every time we look up or look far into the skies, we get a beautiful sight ever time--especially with binoculars or a telescope. Whether upon your own accord or from space itself, or from the astronauts above. And it gets better when you're actually an astronaut.
This past year has seen many amazing experiments and discoveries from up above, like a lunar rover landing on a comet, actual water found on Mars via a frozen waterfall, Pluto actually being a planet again. There were so many mind-blowing finds by NASA that a documentary needs to be made
(It's probably being made right now).
This is a zinnia flower that was grown by astronaut Scott Kelly and his team of other astronauts inside the International Space Station. It took nearly two years for Kelly and co. to grow edible plants in the Station by microgravity. In a post on Twitter, Kelly revealed a problem with the experiment--mold on the leaves.
Our plants aren't looking too good. Would be a problem on Mars. I'm going to have to channel my inner Mark Watney. pic.twitter.com/m30bwCKA3w
He later found a way to save the plants and-after a few failed cycles-put the experiment on, leading to the first successfully blooming bunch of zinnia flowers grown in space.
This isn't the only time the NASA team worked on organically growing fresh, edible food.
In 2014, astronauts Gioia D. Massa, Robert C. Morrow, Ph.D. and Raymond M. Wheeler have worked on Veggie, a system that helps grow fresh vegetables aeroponically -- meaning, in an air or mist environment without soil ("Plants grown aeroponically require far less water and fertilizer, don't need pesticide, are much less prone to disease, and grow up to three times faster than plants grown in soil", NASA said in a statement.) and in 2012, astronaut Don Pettit successfully grew a zucchini, sunflower and broccoli out of zip-lock plastic bags on the ISS as personal science experiment. Pettit documented the life of his "companions" in a NASA blog called "Diary of Space Zucchini". Some have argued that a sunflower grown in that year was the first flower grown.
In a blog post on the zinnia blossoming, it said that this was the "first time a flowering crop experiment will be grown on the orbiting laboratory". And on Veggie, "I hope to see Veggie's success as the first step in food production that will allow astronauts on the space station to enjoy fresh food and gain knowledge as we explore beyond low-Earth orbit," said Brian Onate, who helped build the plant growth system before it went into space.
This is absolutely awesome. A flower growing in space, where this isn't much water, seeds, air or sunlight. But the NASA team tried it in an unconventional way, and did it successfully.
It's yet another experiment and discovery made by the great folks and geniuses at NASA, always working hard to give us the increasing possibility of life beyond Earth and unlocking beautiful wonders for us all to behold for now and in the future.
Have a great weekend, everyone -- and to quote the great Jack Horkheimer aka Star Gazer (may he rest in peace), that guy that amazingly taught us about astronomy on the PBS stations back in the day and inspiration for my catchphrase of my review of Star vs. The Forces of Evil -- "Keep looking Up!"
Faster then a jaywalking child. than Smart car. Able to walk to single people in a single jog.
It's Superman! Actually it's a 32-year-old British guy named Antonio Cortes, volunteer for the greater good and destroyer of ailment evil.
Cortes works as a volunteer for England-based nonprofit organization Give A Smile UK, which raises money for disabled children. For his job, he wears a costume in public garnering money for the organization. One day, while on break with other volunteers, he heard screams from a woman close to being mugged by a robber at the Co-Op location in Gloucester. He immediately knew what to do when the woman looked distressed.
Here's what he had to say about the bold saving in this interview from BBC News (which is at the end).
Who knew the circumstances worked in the hero's favor?
It's funny that at the time, Cortes had a Superman costume on, a huge coincidence. But it was a brave act for him, and he deserves to be a hero. Especially also considering that he volunteers with Give A Smile UK, a nice organization, I presume. Good for him; he deserves the temporary popularity.
Well, it seems I'm not a fan of Ronda Rousey and if you frequent my Facebook (and it's clear most of you don't), you'll see why. I never wasn't much of a fan; I usually don't watch any of the UFC events, and I didn't care much about her matches or achievements, the big one being beating Bethe Correia at UFC 190 in August 2015 via knockout just 34 seconds into the match. As cool as it was, she was never more than a blip in my radar.
Then came UFC 193, when she attracted attention for her cruel disrespect toward challenger Holly Holm. That's what gotten me to dislike her, and cheer for her loss to Holm during the event. Which is why I called her a hotheaded twat, and wasn't looking forward to this episode. And boy was I glad for that to end, because it was mediocre as hell. Partly because of her.
The CO features another one-two punch featuring Donald Trump (who at this point makes me forget that’s not the real person in those sketches.) introducing the biggest endorser to his campaign: the biggest embarrassment to modern-day American politics (and a top contender for all-time), Sarah Palin.
As much as it was a no-brainer to
-make a sketch of this
-invite Tina Fey once again as Palin, and
-poke fun at how scatterbrained and inescapable she still is
This still surprised me. Mostly because she actually got to get there despite Winter Storm Jonas blasting the East Coast, especially New York. (Yeah, that’s it)
This obviously was truly hilarious, not only because of Fey’s always absurd mocking of the already absurd Palin, and the (assumedly) fourth-wall breaking reactions from Trump, finally realizing at the end that this was a bad idea (finally, something we all can agree with him on). TFey has always been a revelation as Palin and brings laughs a minute like the biggest and most memorable characters this show has ever had. But now, she fully morphed into her: Not only matching the outfit she wore (shoutout to the wardrobe department for making a ripoff of the sold-out jacket Palin wore in real life by scratch. That is dedication), looking like her in face and hair, but also matching voice and mannerisms. It’s like the real thing is on stage. It’s baffling.
Favorite Lines: pretty much all of them from Trump and Palin. Here are a few. Trump:
“She’s a firecracker. She's a real pistol. ...She’s crazy, isn’t she?”
"I hope nobody's allergic to nuts, 'cause we have a big one here."
"Dear God, she's still talking." Palin:
“I’m here for all you teachers”
"...or a rock-n-roller, holy roller, pushin' stroller, pro-bowler with an abscessed molar..."
"...quote The Lorax."
"Thank you Iowa and God bless some of the United States of America."
"I don't think this guy should be President. I'm just here because he promised me a spot in his cabinet. And I belong in a cabinet...'cause I'm full of spice and I got a great rack."
This entire sketch was much more sensical and much less bizarre than the actual endorsement announcement. Which is strange.
--
The cast knows that Ronda isn’t great at comedy, but they know she’s a kickboxer. So, after her showing congratulations to ger former rival Holly Holm (which was very sweet), they made this hodge podge Monologue of different elements that could make the producers of Head proud.
First two commentators straight from a real UFC match (the SNL logo on the mics even look like the UFC logo), then a then throw in Justin Bieber (Kate Mc in a way they’re saying that they know her impression will make us laugh), and a song-and-dance number involving (most of?) the rest of the cast, with RondRous throwing it to Musical Guest Selena Gomez.
Ehh...points for creativity?? This was a pretty funny start.
It’s clear that they were going to do anything this week not to let Rousey do so much live (you know...like an actual guest host), so they give her a couple lines (but not in each sketch), and leave it up to the cast. Good idea, guys.
--
The Screen Guild Awards is underway, and the Award for Best Actor is revealed.
The Sketch After is a clear riff on the controversy surrounding this year’s Academy Awards nominations, known as #OscarsSoWhite. And it’s hilarious.
This was hilarious, seeing the nominees being white “actors” being in random, very obscure roles in films parallel to some of the films that barely got nominated (like Creed and Straight Outta Compton), some of which either never spoke or were never seen at all, and getting more and more obscure as the sketch progressed.
Also, I thought the “scenes” were even deeper slams toward the Academy members, which was also brilliant. (Listen closely to the dialogue of the “characters” to see what I mean) Plus, while it was an obvious part of the sketch, the black cast members gave great performances as “the black actors giving better, more noticeable performances“ than the “white actors”, sealing in such powerful satire towards award shows nominating mostly or only white actors.
You could say that the black actors didn’t do as well as the white actors in the categories. But even that is unfair.
Fave Lines...or Fave ”Reactions from the Black Actors who Didn’t Get Nominated for Reasons that are Somehow Racially-Related”
This secret silent jeer toward Drew MacKenzie
This side eye to Barry Peele
A rejected high-five for Alan Smickel
And Jacob Schultz getting a “what the hell?” look from afar.
This was a genius Take That on this year's Oscars nominations, in which--for the second year in a row--all nominees in the acting categories were white, causing controversy with the Black community.
I loved this one, so for me, it’s the Best Sketch of the Week.
Congrats, honkies. I’m proud of all of you.
--
It seems this episode is recycling a couple sketches; has anyone else noticed that?
One such sketch is the parody of The Bachelor--last utilized in the episode hosted by Blake Shelton last season, this time called “Bland Man”.
Hearing “Hmm...I like this” repeatedly was the red flag.
I’ll start off saying that this a very good poke on Bachelor, as the guys featured (almost all white) are dull, uninteresting guys who also happen to be smokin’ hot eye candy, with the long-haired, harried, questionable contestants vying for his heart being weird/ratchet.
I’ll also say that Taran is a better use of the main focus than Shelton, being a better mock on the show than the country superstar ever was.
Despite this and a couple good lines from the weird women (one of which is Rousey) fighting each other for his attention you’ll see below, this was a very boring sketch (at least when I watched it live), but a better, more meta and accurate reuse of a sketch that was barely funny the first time.
Also, Selena Gomez was in this too, but who cares?
Fave Lines:
“Hi, I’m Dan. I’m from Chicago or Denver--or something.” Dan, Bland Man
...
“I want a guy like my dad[...]...and with the same body and penis as my dad.”
-Contestant #1 (Nessa B)
…
“Can I wear jeans tomorrow?” -Contestant #3 (RonRous)
“Hmmm...no.” -Dan, Bland Man
…
“I’m sorry I got mad. That’snotme. Well,itisme--butI’mdoingabadjobofhidingit.”
-Contestant #4 (CecStrong)
…
“I wore a damp bikini all week. Now it hurts when I pee.” AND
“I have a son. And 5 daughters, and they’re right here.” -Contestant #5 (Baby Aidy)
...
“Well, I’m the black one.” -Contestant #6 (SaZam)
“Lemme walk you out.” Dan, Bland Man
“Oh, you have a sad past. Then you can stay one more week.”
…
“You’re the funniest person I’ve ever met, and I know 2 Jews” -Contestant #2 (Kate Mc)
…
“Okay, then I’ll stay and just be so insane” -Contestant #4
(even her face tells it all)
--
Another sketch reused from Season 40 (although it may be a true recurrence) is the “teacher rape trial” sketch, featuring Pete Dave as a young male student committing statutory rape with his teacher, played by CecStrong. Here, they’re joined by Rousey as another teacher he got it in with. The jokes here are that while everyone sees it as a horrible crime, Daly sees it as the best night of sweet monkey lovin’ every teen boy could dream of. BULLSHIT!!!
The fact that they tried it again didn’t sit well with me, and the jokes only improved slightly. Also, the pacing was crap. Watch the first few seconds after the ”trial” has begun; it’s cringing. I liked the “My Man” part and the GIF text with the quick cartoon bird.
Other than that, this was dreck.
--
Metro City is under attack! As giant metal roach robots are destroy town with the laser powers! It's only up to the Super Crew to destroy the monsters and save the day! But first, they gotta introduce themselves.
It's sad this skit about cast member wearing costumes, with wires, fake metal bending and a ceiling exhaust fan is crappy as hell. No jokes that land, and the pacing and acting was tedious. CecStrong had the humor with the snark to the two citizens about interrupting, but it didn't help. Also not helping, SaZam appearing; she got a line and it was good; too bad it didn't help much. Oh, and Rousey and Rudnitsky appeared...not that it matters.
--
Last but not least the Five-to-One Sketch, the third (or fourth; I wasn't paying attention) live sketch in which Rousey says a sentence. But here it's more than that. Too bad it was godawful.
The jokes were face-to-pavement weak, the timing was really off, none of the characters said anything memorable, and the plot was stupid. This was the Worst Sketch of the Week.
Such an extremely horrible end to pretty mediocre episode.
--
Now time for the more memorable part of any episode: The Pre-Tapes.
Both certainly featured Ronda's robotic acting and fiery kickboxing chops very well.
First one, "Love Struck", utilizes the latter in a super hilarious way.
A new girl is invited by the most popular guy on campus to lunch in the gymnasium. But it's a prank by the popular girl and her posse. Big mistake.
This...
...is the face of a badass.
While the great humor came those punches to the popular girl, the humor also came from the girl--Kendra--getting back up and trying to get deeper under new girl's skin. And failing. The comparisons to Carrie are also deserved.
Also, Rudnitsky didn't deserve to be here.
The last one features almost none of Rousey, but some great laughs from guys ()
Their rhymes are dope. Perfect raps to get into a woman's pants. Beck's, meanwhile are hilariously pathetic. He's not even trying.
I like this one a lot, but the edge goes to "Love Struck".
Also, ending the show this week was a re-air of a previous Pre-Tape: Settl.
Now I never mentioned it when I reviewed the episode it came with. So I'll give it the go-around here.
It's about a new app finding a new guy that isn't a smokin' hot gift from God.
It's a kinda funny app riffing on the apps we all know already: Tinder, Zoosk, OKCupid and Match. I enjoy the satire here, and had some good lines. It's not my favorite, though.
--
This week’s musical guest is one of the biggest pop superstars on Earth.
Such a shame that she’s not that really exciting or interesting to me. It’s Selena Gomez.
For years, listening to her music has been a constant state of question-ability for me. It’s not just her music-- which is cookie-cutter, by-the-numbers pop at best. it’s her. Her voice is good, but it’s also bland, too. It doesn’t give much emotion, substance or excitement. Just the same registers and vocal tones every time. Plus, her cookie-cutter, by-the-numbers pop music is mediocre pop nonsense that exists to either be played by anyone or despised by anyone. She's that divisive.
Her performances of “Good for You”, “Same Old Love” and “Hands to Myself” are proof. Good”/”Same
“Hands”
The set-ups shows distracting sights to take away from SelGo’s mediocre-ness; a group of turtleneck-wearing guys snapping around her like it’s poetry night in the former two’s medley, and a nice circular-shaped bed she rolls around and sexes up on in “Hands to Myself”, with a male and female dancer joining in in the most creepy excuse for slipping in softcore porn on TV.
Speaking of the bed, I had one thought in my mind: it wasn’t on Selena, or the dancers, or even the fact that they’re touching all over each other. It’s this: “does that bed spin around? if so, that’s so cool.” So I was disappointed when that doesn’t happen.
Seriously, those two side attractions held my interest more than Selena herself. Hell, Selena herself (and her leg) would have boiled my blood too, had she not have the face of a 10-year-old child! I swear, looking at it make me feel like I deserve to get busted by Chris Hansen and get sent to maximum security for life!
Let’s get to the songs themselves.
All of them are pretty in-the middle. ("Good" is about a girl being sickeningly sweet and submissive to her lover while keeping the ego in check, "Same" is an uninspired heartbreak after breakup song, and “Hands” meanwhile has her trying way too hard to be sexual but coming off as stalkery.) Her vocals are dull as all hell, and the lyrics are nothing special.
But the best parts are the beats. Despite the slow nature, the near-minimalistic productions are perfect. vulnerable in “Good”; Soft synths, smooth sensual piano licks, and finger snaps throughout “Same”; and clicking percussion claps and nice dark guitar riffs from “Hands” make the songs tolerable.
All in all, this was a really forgettable performance. And I was on Twitter during the broadcast. I’ve never seen this show kiss up to an artist so much like they did to her, but that was obnoxious.
Clearly they know what they’re doing.
--
Time for an Update:
Part 1:
Part 2:
Jost and Che certainly nailed the jokes this week.
The best were the one about the travel ban across New York City thanks to Winter Storm Jonas, which says a lot about this episode being filmed during the middle of it; Sarah Palin's endorsement of Donald Trump, and Trump discussing his supporters' growing loyalty by saying he'd commit murder, which says a lot about him and the state of humanity during this election season; and the Oscars, which says...not much--I could care less about the Oscars now.
Plus, Che messed up a couple times, and Jost was a little slow. Only minor here.
Leslie Jones returned to desk to discuss getting Leonardo DiCaprio to sleep with her, and this is where I say "I think I'm getting tired of this". Her shtick of "loud, crazy, scary, sex-charged black woman" has already worn thin, and is reaching its death. And I'm tired of it. It's always the same pattern--She comes in, she verbally molests Colin, she says some crazy shit about something, she mentions sex, and she ends it with a another yell of something that's drowned out by the Audience. Every time I see her on Update, it gets less and less exciting for me.
This was a good edition this week, but not exactly memorable. The jokes were really funny and the edge just nice.
(Side note - Bobby Moynihan appearing as the “it’s not that bad” guy was good, actually going outside 30 Rock to try to prove his point in a live throw and ends up freezing to death (poor guy); and also making the quick B-line back to 8H later on in time for the “Teacher rape Trial 2” sketch. That was awesome of him there.)
Best Bits:
Travel Ban
Palin Endorses Trump
Oscars
(Pretty Much Everything But Leslie Jones)
Wraparound:
Ronda Rousey didn’t do much in this episode.
She wasn’t in the Sketch After, and she didn’t say any lines that get reactions from the studio audience in the sketches she did appear in. She wasn't as bad as I thought she would be, not messing up, and actually keeping the show going. Her performance was robotic though, and sounded that way too. Yet, it feels like the cast and writers knew of this, and just like the network’s slogan in the 80s, they let her be there. And actually, that’s kinda a good thing.
Because the jokes were actually hilarious--at least at the start. Whether with or without her in the sketch or saying something, the writers were able to churn out laughs then--and I mean laughs I can laugh to. While last week’s show had some great jokes, this week’s offering didn’t make me feel unsure of them, whether or not they were funny.
But I was damn sure it got less funny come after Update. The quality in jokes and sketches drained significantly and the performances varied. While Rousey got to talk a bit more in these sketch, that never helped (not that it ever would). Rousey obviously wasn't great a host, but good enough to reach over dislike.
Sports stars never do very well on this show, and there are a few major exceptions like OJ Simpson, Derek Jeter and the Manning brothers. It seems Ronda Rousey is not one of those.
--The cast did more than they usually did to be hilarious, to protect Rousey from the crap she would’ve received as host. And they did a damn great job in the process. Here are a few highlights:
-Beck Bennett as “Barry Peele/Dave” in “Screen Guild Awards”, the guy who can’t rap or get a girl in the “In the Club” Pre-Tape.
-Cecily Strong sure had my attention for better in "Screen Guild Awards", "Bland Man", and "Super Crew". Her acting is pretty much a Godsend for this show at this point.
-Kate Mc and Baby had some quirky characters to love here, especially in "Bland Man", . Also Aidy had a nice showing herself in the T area. Fuck Sarah Palin, she should be in a cabinet; she has spice and a great rack!
-Also, Michael Che got to be in a sketch--"Screen Guild Awards", which was really great. Such a shame he's still a featured cast member.
Looking at you, not-Seth Meyers.
Jon Rudnitsky was there. Not good enough.
--As for Selena Gomez...eh, got me talking; good enough.
--I don’t need to say much about Tina Fey as Sarah Pain-lin. Let’s just say “She’s still got it.”
Going on a bit about Winter Storm Jonas, it's amazing that this episode still went on as planned, let alone aired. I was shocked that everyone went ahead and got to 30 Rock, being the only entertainment in New York for that weekend. But I read a comment on AV Club that explained so much. Only half of the MTA rail system still went as scheduled, and one of the routes must have had a stop at 30 Rock, even founding a way to get to the offices without going outside. That's amazing. So thumbs up to everyone at the show, Rousey, Gomes and her crew, and even the audience (who must've been just staffers at NBC HQ, I guess) for braving the storm and making the episode as planned. You're all crazy--especially Lorne, but hopefully with Ronda there, Jonas didn't stand a chance.
How Was the CO?:
Like CBS on Monday night in the 80s--Oh yes! Or the lam--mainstream media, heads are spinning from the whip-smart humor, or "Jill" on Chill Pill, or...Danger Mouse--Oh eck. I'm sorry, I'm trying to think of something clever tied to the Open to write saying it was great, but Palin's stream of unconsciousness here is so screwed, it's impossible. And it's a parody. So yeah, it was great.
Best Sketches:
Screen Actors Awards (duh)
Bland Man (it’s really more funny and grown on me in rewatches) honorable mention:
Best Pre-Tape:
"Love Struck"
Worst Sketches:
Super Crew
Break-Room Party Invite dishonorable mention:
Teacher Rape Trial 2
ConcluSLoN:
I admit. I was right...and wrong. This episode was better than last week’s. The jokes were better feels to my eyes, ears and brain than the ones in the Adam Driver episode, since I can remember them. Such a shame that episode ended with a better taste in my mouth. I guess both has whiffs of unevenness. Let’s just stop with that.
Because come February 6, probably a better episode will air.
One where Larry David returns once again to Studio 8H, this time for much longer than the CO, as he'll be the host. And you better expect either a cameo from his impression of Bernie Sanders, or one from the man himself. Or both; I'm leaning toward the latter two. With music from British rock band The 1975. I'm just excited for them appearing because of the name. Apparently I have a sort of eagerness of bands named after numbers, one being this one. Weird, right?
I'm Andrew and I'll see you in a couple weeks.
(insert long-winded paragraph about Star Wars: The Force Awakens with corny jokes and analogies and mention of Mark Hamill that not a lot of readers wouldn’t read anyway here)
This week’s host Adam Driver had a big year for him. After surviving 4 years of moping, whining, body problems and disgusting sex on Girls, along with starring in independent films not many people have heard of, he’s hit the cinema diamond mine starring in the most anticipated film of last year (and highest-grossing of all time in North America), playing the uber-menacing Kylo Ren--becoming a favorite in the eyes of fans, and a new hot commodity in the meme circuit. Just like Mark Hammi--Oh, well, that's it.
Now he’s hosting SNL, and just became a favorite of of this episode for me. Because he pretty much was a highlight of this mediocre episode.
The CO is on yet another Republican Debate (the sixth, actually). And while I haven't had enough of them just yet (just as I’ve had enough of them in real life), this isn’t exactly one I wouldn’t remember (or want to).
Ehh, this wasn’t as funny or strong as the last ones, even if it had the breath of fresh air that is Jon Rudnitsky not sounding like a gayer and slightly more fuckable Andy Dick during the CNN GOP Debates spoofs. I still get a kick out of Darrell Hammond playing Trump (which is probably now official, he’s taking over) and Taran Killam getting the load off instead playing a charming yet still very punchable Ted Cruz (I'm not from New York, so I won't say fuck him for saying their values are screwed up beyond oblivion). Other than that, the writing was weak, and this therfore unmemorable.
This started the episode on a so-so note, and it got more so-so as it continued.
Fave Lines:
“Thank you, Maria Tony Romo.” -Donald Trump
“Canadians are genuine and warm, whereas when I smile, it looks like I’m peeing.” -Ted Cruz
Also, side note, if playing Justin Bieber hasn't taught us anything…
Kate McKinnon looks VERY convincing as a guy.
Her silent performance as Lindsey Graham was perfect.
--
During the Monologue, Adam is mentioning everything we already know. He’s starring in Star Wars (“and if it goes well, they might make another.”), he mentioned the NFC Conference-winning Arizona Cardinals, and now he's a big movie/TV star. Except that he also was a soldier in the military (I should thank him for his service) and claimed he was menacing.
“Look out terrorists. Adam Driver’s gonna take you down!” -Me
This wasn’t a really strong Mono, but it was still chuckle-worthy and enjoyable. Especially when Taran and Bobby (“Come on, it could be Kenan!”) come in trying to talk shop about Star Wars and getting shot down.
“Where’d you find that suit?” “I made it.”
“How much does that cost you?” “$65,00--$6,500.”
(Sounds like he flubbed it, but if he did, it sounds much funnier.)
and Leslie Jones mistaking him for Minnie Driver.
(You know, he kinda does look like her...)
--
Starting off this week’s sketches: The Sketch After is a spoof of the NFL game that pushed the show’s start time a half hour later: the NFC Divisional Championship between the Arizona Cardinals and the Green Bay Packers.
The punchline: QB Nobody Jared Schleff getting the life knocked out of his knees. Over and over.
The writing was weak, but I enjoyed the performance by Driver as Cris Collinsworth. He was really good, sounded almost like him and lifted the skit for me. Plus, I thought that was TKill doing the impression, but then I thought “hey...his face is way chubbier than that”. So that was really good. Also good was Beck Bennett’s take on Al Michaels. While he sounded a little gruffer than the real guy, he was right on the money. And Cecily’s Michele Tafoya was probably better than the guys. I almost never look closely into her during an NBC telecast, but she pulled off everything about her presentation spectacularly. Other than that, this was a milktoast sketch which was mock of the game for taking over the timeslot.
Fave Line:
“Aww, Lord, take my eyes! [...] Blind me, Lord!” - Packers Doctor Louis Kavner
-
I’ll get to the funniest part of the episode later on. I’m tweaking the review style in which the Pre-Tapes go after the live sketches. You know to wade through the meh to get to the prize.
But first...
-
Aladdin and his new love Jazmine are taking flight for their first encounter as more than strangers on his flying carpet. But things go waaaaaay less than planned. (Poor Jazmine.)
This was a really strange sketch.
First, that bird flew too slow to be not noticed before hitting Jazmine. Chehh, that was crappy. (#PropDeptFail)
Second, this sketch went from...whatever time period in India the film took place in to our time really fast (granted, the film was anachronistic as hell, so that’s a good point).
Third, that airplane toilet sewage must’ve been toxic, since it caused a hole in the carpet. Don’t worry, it was hilarious. And that it made me think it caused the change in plans to land. Genius.
Mainly, this looks like something Lorne and the producers would save for the end just before 1am. But I think since this ep was held back from that NFL game, I’m sure they pushed it to the beginning. Also, Beck Bennett and Leslie Jones did great as the air controllers. They gave some really good performances and jokes, and Jones actually acts like her role, and not a crazy black woman.
This wasn’t great, but I liked it enough.
--
And now aversion of “America’s Funniest Home Videos”--with cats! With a quirky, yet manic host and his guests, French women wanting to do a French version. This oughta be good.
This sketch was hilarious, and the French hostesses made it extremely funny. The characterizations put together by Cecily and Kate Mc were spot-on, and exemplify the behaviors and mannerisms of most of the French--dull disposition and death humor. Plus, Cecily actually speaks French, so that’s a major plus. As for Driver, he did great acting like a weird, stymied host with a close-to-snapping.
The clash in nationality humor displayed here-America’s cute, quirky, super-sweet humor and France’s (assumed) dark, morbid death-minded humor-is spectacular; and the three members of the sketch played the representations very well and made me laugh so hard.
This is the Best Sketch of the Week.
Fave Lines:
“Hey there! I’m Finn Reynolds, not Raynal-Beads. I don’t know many times I had to throw a fit about that. I confronted so many people, someone’s responsible and that just doesn’t happen! HEY GUYS!!” and
“Yeah, those panties will look great on that pussy’s booty.”-Finn (traitor!) Reynolds
“This cat has neurological disorder. She cannot gauge distance between herself and the couch(window).” -FH2
“Boy-yoy-yoing. This cat is certainly dead. [???] That is death spasm.” -FH1
“Quite a workout. This cat is also [chuckle] dead. This cat is in his death costume.” -FH2
“[???] This egomaniac cat just walked into a TV(aquarium); will not go back to same.” -FH1
“Boy-yoy-yoing.” -Both Hostesses
-
“Just pack your junk, Raynal-Beads!” -AFC Producer
“Boy-yoy-yoing.” -Both Hostesses
-
Chris Stapleton, Update and a tribute to David Bowie by Fred Armisen Coming Up.
-
But first…
At a high school, two representatives from a prevention group talk with some students about the worst kind of social and mental disorder...Social Puppeteering. The students are...more excited.
This wasn’t a particularly strong sketch, but there were a few jokes I really liked.
Also, Jon Rudnitsky appears here. But you probably wouldn’t notice much.
Oh and by the way, the stopsocialpuppeteering.org website mentioned? IT EXISTS.
This website exists by way of a subpage on the show’s website on NBC.com. It’s amazing.
Great job to the staff for making a great effort to make the sketch closer to a real-life entity.
-
And finally, another sketch I'm so glad is returning.
The sketch about porn where a girl pops up. In this edition, a doctor helps a Soccer player with an injury. But things get even more painful when...that girl...shows up.
The acting is still stiff and wooden (geddit?), and Baby Aidy's character is still hilariously blissfully clueless about the whole ordeal. While it's not as strong as the last one ("But that's still a D+" still leaves me breathless), this is still funny on it's own, and carries on the proud tradition . Plus, the "production" looks more improved here, with the crap lighting and camera work. I really want this to appear more; maybe one more time before the season ends. Yeah, that'l be juicy.
Fave Lines:
"Good point; I'm convinced. Let's do sex." -Soccer Player #69
-
"I graduated Best Top in my class." -Dr. Rockhard
-
"...She has Blue Cross." -That girl
"And I have Blue Balls." -Soccer Player #69
"Uh-Oh! You need 50 CC's of boner, stat." -Dr. Rockhard
"Wow. All this medical talk is going right over my head!" -That girl
-
"[...]so thanks for squeezing me in."
"I love to squeeze things in"
...
"I know you're jam-packed in."
"About to be." -Dr. Rockhard
...
"Okay. Well, I'll get out of your hair."
"I don't have any hair." -Dr. Rockhard
- "Oh F" and "F Yeah" -that's just hilarious
--
And now for the Pre-Tapes of Episode 9, both of which were some of the most hilarious of the season so far. One was a worthy spoof of both Star Wars and Undercover Boss, and the other was a great take on time after the Golden Globes, with a nice balance of comedy and light drama.
First up, we all know Kylo Ren is the evil, menacing, diabolical (and possibly lemon-scented) villain of The Force Awakens. But what if he (and the producers) had the great idea of him pretending he was one of his workers, seeing what could be--as in what his workers think of him?
Well, this leads to this episode where Ren--ugh...Matt investigates the crew’s work and thoughts of him.
Driver give a perfectly hilarious take on Ren, showing him as a butt-hurt stick-in-the-mud when his workers reveal what we all know he was--a horrible villain, and a crap boss. Also, the reactions from Moyni and TKill’s characters were really funny as well, knowing that “Matt” is actually Ren.
And now to this:
I loved the main performances here:
Kate Mc and KyMoo give amazing performances of precocious kids bewildered of their parents disappearance and are closely awaiting return home. I loved the warm, homely feel from their segments and their chemistry is effervescent. It’s like they’re Dipper and Mabel Pines pre-Gravity Falls...if they weren’t twins.
On the other side, Nessa B. and Driver were hilarious as the couple getting a little too excited about the Globe wins, treating them as a better value to them than their children (although it has to be the coke, though) and getting to meet Liev Schreiber after the male sneaks a peek at his dick. This was a very hilarious take on already one of the most loose awards show of them all.
-
Okay, so I’ve mentioned before that I love when “SNL” invites relatively new artists to the stage, which is great so I can listen to new music I would love for years to come...and then forget as soon as the review’s posted. This time it’s Chris Stapleton, a rock-country artist, that I first thought was Bray Wyatt taking time off from beating up and creeping out people at the WWE and starting a side-job in music, like Chris Jericho. But nope, he’s his own person. But he’s still cool. And his performances were just awesome. The production has a great, country sound with a nice touch of rock. And Chris’ vocals sound perfectly rugged with a soft heart intertwined. And his sound is like country. And I’m talking real, true, genuine country, not like the crap we hear today.
Here’s “Parachute”, which has a very catchy production in the chorus with a rough exterior and a sweet humble interior, courtesy of the organ and other instruments in the background.
And finally, “Nobody to Blame”, a more slower and heartbreaking. I love this one here because of Stapleton’s performance, especially where he hits the high notes surprisingly well under his rough low vocals. And the sound is actually great for a song like this; the emotion is conveyed organically and genuinely. That is one thing that makes the song great.
I’m not a fan of country, but his music is great enough for me to get more into it more. This guy is an awesome artist bringing real country back to the genre, and I like him alot (and not just for that). His debut album Traveller, which is nominated for 2 Grammy Awards (Best Country Album AND Album of the Year), is available now. This is well-deserved.
Best Sketches:
America’s Funniest Cats
“...Stuck in My Butt 4” aka Porn Doctor honorable mention:
Aladdin (wasn't a fan of Driver's singing, but that was the only gripe)
- Best Pre-Tape:
Golden Globes
(for the perfect contrast of hilarity between the couple acting like idiots while coked up and wasted, while their kids are humbly resting, fearing f their lives and thinking about their parents’ return from the event. The background music helps. And Liev Schreiber making a cameo at the end was great.)
Worst Sketches:
NFL Playoff
Social Puppeteering
Wraparound:
Do you guys at least once mistook Driver for Taran Killam? I did. In Every sketch. Seriously, when he’s not talking normally (as in pretty close to deep), he really sounds like Taran, and I think that's him in the first few seconds.
Anyway, he was a really great host. He was game for whatever the writers threw at him and made the sketches entertaining...enough to watch without changing the channel. They were dull, but he was sharp. He doesn't have much range, but he made up for that with some really nice energy, charm, humor and charisma to pull us over until the end, even if the writers’ room weren’t exactly above solid this week. I really couldn't wait for the episode, but I never realized the reason was him, and I'm glad for that.
As for the cast:
Cecily was certainly the star of this week. She did the best in terms of performances: Her Michele Tafoya in "NFL Playoff"; The un-excited acting as Jasmine reaction to the titular character’s proclaims in "Aladdin"--along with her singing; and the dull, emotionless personality of one of the French hostesses in "AFC" and the performance in "Social Puppeteering". She really pulled the best out of the cast, and she deserved to be noticed,
Jon Rudnitsky barely appeared, and for all his worth, it wasn’t worth it.
Also, Sasheer Zamata didn’t appear at all.
Also, Leslie Jones appeared more than usual, and it was pretty good to see that.
Plus, I really enjoyed Chris Stapleton’s performances. While he is a relative newcomer I probably won’t remember as soon as I will have posted this review, his music surely was a pick-me-up. The country rock sound and lyrics are fantastic and are reason you should give him a try. Great artist.
ConcluSLoN:
While I enjoyed the episode, I feel like I was afraid to say this. I enjoyed almost all of the episode, but it felt too overwhelming to be great. The writing is really good, but felt not good at all; The performances were very nice, but the writing showed its true colors through that; and I really wanted laugh at this, but the material makes me strongly chuckle at best.
This was a pretty good episode. Just one I wouldn't remember a lot.
Maybe next week's episode would meet the same fate.
Ronda Rousey, one of the hottest new fighters of the UFC and one almost overrated woman is hosting. And Selena Gomez is the musical guest. ...see, forgettable.
See you next week!
Stacey Dash. Remember her?
BET. Trying to forget it?
Will you will/won't after this story.
Dash, currently a contribitor to the Fox News Channel, gabbed about her thoughts about Viacom-owned network, its award ceremony franchise the BET Awards, awards shows catered to African Americans in general and Black History Month to Steve Doocy on Fox and Friends (OF COURSE).
All of what she said is found in this clip provided by DJ Akademiks.
"...where you're only awarded if you're black."
Wench...shut...the fuck...up.
Okay...listen up, little miss thing.
There's a reason we have BET and the BET Awards. It's to honor and nominate African Americans in the fields of music, sports and acting that have been largely overlooked by other networks and network awards ceremonies--even if most nominees are either overrated or largely untalented. I'm not as much a fan of them as I was in the past several years, but if anything, they haven't segregated anybody! Granted, the number of white musicians or actors that have been showcased on BET or nominated for BETAs can be counted on my hands, but they're obviously there. Hell, a couple of them even won awards! Including one last year--Sam Smith won for Best New Artist, the first Caucasian to do so. Plus, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis have won Best Group in 2012. And they're a part of the few who have also been nominated--Eminem, Justin Timberlake, Robin Thicke, Justin Bieber, Iggy Azalea and Lady Gaga.
And the Image Awards honors all actors of color; black, Asian, Indian and Latino. Even whites too have been nominated and won.
What the hell does BET, the BET Awards or the Image Awards (or any others) have anything to do with segregation? Just because these ceremonies honor and celebrate one or a few races other than white, doesn't mean it's grounds for removal from the public consciousness. In fact, speaking on the Image Awards, you're probably angry about that, because you've never been nominated for one.
(At least that's what I can think of.)
As for BET, they took this as no laughing matter and responded quickly with the best response ever, via this statement from its CEO and chairwoman Debra Lee:
"
Over 35 years ago BET was created to give African Americans and lovers of black culture a place in the television landscape where they could consistently see themselves represented and celebrated. Through our award shows and programming we have recognized incredible talent that simply does not get recognized elsewhere — from entertainment to politics to business to the arts. African American contributions to American culture are countless and we cannot and should not wait for anyone to acknowledge them — we have to do it ourselves and we are proud that we can do our part with the BET Awards, BET Honors, Black Girls Rock, Soul Train Awards, BET Hip Hop Awards, Celebration of Gospel and more!
"
and this tweet from its Twitter account that really ripped her apart with this reference its series The Game--where she guest starred, that pretty much made us all respect it more.
And, as a bonus, here is Roland Martin from TVOne (another network catered to African Americans) also destroying her for her words, saying more than I ever thought. (And as you watch, you'll be surprised at something: dat ass.)
WATCH! @RolandSMartin Blasts @REALStaceyDash For Comments About @BET, Black Networks. #NewsOneNow #OscarsSoWhite #BringTheFunk
Posted by Roland Martin on Thursday, January 21, 2016
(hah! another burn.)
And back to speaking of removal, since you have a logic of certain things going a certain way, than we might as well remove the Oscars (at least this year for the white nominees conto.) and the Golden Globes and the ALMA Awards (for focusing on Latino actors), and the WWE Slammy Awards (for catering squarely on WWE Superstars), and the BAFTAs (for its inclusion of English actors) for focusing on the same group of people.
And apparently, since you've mentioned only black people. you've forgot about Asians, Latinos, Indians and many other ethnicities, who've fought just as hard as (if not more than) blacks have to recognized as equal races in America. What you're implying could sound extremely unfair to them, because they're not worth a part of this nation. And Fuck you for that!
But forget about that, we're talking about BET, right??
"...just like there is a Black History Month."
Stop. Stop. Stop right there, you fucking stupid cunt.
You know goddamn well why there is a Black History Month. To honor, celebrate and commemorate the people who fought hard and worked hard to make themselves and our race an equal entity of this nation. To recognize our race as an actual thing, and not an imaginary afterthought. And to give our future predecessors a good, safe, happy life (Including you, as shown with your career, like in Clueless and on Fox News). Sadly, we have a long way to go, as seen with the Black Lives Movement today. But you have no fucking right to say it should be removed, especially because you're saying this on a network chock full of white hosts and commentators
(and I dare you to tell me there are as many black personalities on that network as there are white there, too).
Pretty much every other day outside of February is White History Month, and it's proven in some national holidays--St. Patrick's Day, Columbus Day, Leif Erickson Day. I get that she wants BHM to be removed so that many luminaries of all races can be celebrated, but her wording left a lot (and I mean it) to be desired.
I've given Raven-Symone crap for criticizing people with "ghetto" names (Watermelondraya, anyone?), but she doesn't deserve as much wrath or hatred for what I'm about to give to her.
(I could say I understand where she's going because we as a nation have become more close-knitted in race, and that many races should be nominated for the same acting awards...but I'm not...because everything she was saying is fucking stupid.
Stacey Dash...you are a nuisance. To the African American community. To all of America. And to television commentary. Every other time you appear on television, it's always something false, something irredeemable, and something stupid about black people that seemingly shames everyone, not just the people who deserve it. And even they don't deserve it sometimes, because of how empty-headed and contrived it sounds. You act like you have everything on the topic you want to say; but when you say it, it ends up making you look like an airhead who got a career on television because of her looks. In fact, that's how 70% of everyone on Fox News got there. Everything you've said is, while your own opinion, is a horrible opinion indeed. You should never waste any time talking, but since Fox News needs people like you to stay up and running, consider yourself lucky. And it's extremely obvious that you're acting white about the ordeal, too. Being on Fox and Friends while being black could only mean you're going to say something blasphemous, biased and hypocritical, especially because you've worked on a lot media projects catered towards African American audiences, including the aforementioned The Game.
Fuck you, Steve Doocy, for leading her on with that question "Are you saying there shouldn't be a Black History Month because there isn't a white history month?". Fuck you, Fox News, because...you know, still being around.
And fuck you, Stacey Dash, for continuing to spreading shame to the black community for saying meaningless, unintelligent and hate-spreading blasphemy to make us look even more undeserving of life in America, while sitting so comfy and cozy on Fox News, getting paid to spout valued conservative bullshit looking like every other personality there. And more especially for this misinformed, incorrect statement trying to ram down a Congratulations.
Your AA card has been revoked. You're no longer one of us now. You are on your own. Goodbye, adios, Auf Wiedersehen, Arrivederci, don't let the door hit ya where the good Lord split ya, and...pbbt.
Well...This week was only the second full week of 2016, but it kicked off the year in the most heartbreaking way. We lost two legendary British luminaries in the same week. To the same disease.At the same ageno less.
One of them is a versatile actor with some of the most memorable characters in modern cinema, a talent that can reach some of the best, and one of the smoothest baritone voices you'll ever hear. He has starred in over , with memorable roles in films like Sense and Sensibility, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Galaxy Quest, Love Actually, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy and of as his forever timeless roles as the sinister, evil, somewhat demented German terrorist Hans Gruber in Die Hard and as the cynical, secretive and wise Professor Severus Snape in the Harry Potter film series.
Rickman was a classically trained actor, and it showed in his roles, but he was also very traverse. He was played characters in media of a wide variety of genres: Drama, Comedy, Action, and Sci-Fi, all across film, television and stage. His chops were impressive and have been recognized by fans and critics alike, especially where Die Hardand Harry Potterwas concerned.
And speaking of Harry Potter, when I watched the first few films as a kid, I absolutely hated Snape. He was sorta menacing and had a demeaning look and act about him, with a voice to match. Even as a good guy, he really didn't sit well with me. That was how great Rickman was in his performance as him.
When the news of Rickman's death came yesterday morning (I was watching CBS This Morning at the time), it hit me like a bus. I was heartbroken. His career was an amazing one, especially as a fan of the Harry Potter films.
And the co-stars of his films felt the same way too.
All of them took to social media to air their grievances of their beloved friend.
Emma Thompson, his film wife in Love Actually, took to Facebook with this sweet message.
and his cohorts from the Harry Potter film series also released their heartfelt messages.
Author of the original books JK Rowling posted this short but bittersweet tweet
There are no words to express how shocked and devastated I am to hear of Alan Rickman's death. He was a magnificent actor & a wonderful man.
Emma Watson (aka Hermione Grainger) took to Facebook with this passage
I'm very sad to hear about Alan today. I feel so lucky to have worked and spent time with such a special man and actor. I'll really miss our conversations. RIP Alan. We love you
and The Boy Who Lived--Harry Potter himself, Daniel Radcliffe wrote this sweet, heart-melting memorandum on Google+ page.
"Alan Rickman is undoubtedly one of the greatest actors I will ever work with. He is also one of the [most loyal] and most supportive people I’ve ever met in the film industry. He was so encouraging of me both on set and in the years post-Potter. I’m pretty sure he came and saw everything I ever did on stage both in London and New York. He didn’t have to do that. I know other people who’ve been friends with him for much much longer than I have and they all say ‘if you call Alan, it doesn’t matter where in the world he is or how busy he is with what he’s doing, he’ll get back to you within a day.’”
Also, fans to their very best to memorialize and honor Rickman.
They paid tribute to Rickman at the perfect place to honor him with Severus in mind--
Platform 9 3/4 at the Wonderful World of Harry Potter theme park at Universal Studios Hollywood.
His roles were truly memorable and worthy of praise. I know we will all appreciate his work and legacy. He definitely deserves it.
The other is a music icon and genius who has made brilliant music that spanned many genres and decades, and has made bold leaps that raised eyebrows...as well an advocate for African American musicians in the mainstream.
( as shown in his classic interview with former MTV personality Mark Goodman.)
His music was limitless, boundless, powerful, human and full of life, and changed and inspired generation after generation since his debut. His songs were more than about some topics in his words. His words and sounds spoke to a generation of fans that listened with clear, true intent and clear open minds, leaving with bewilderment, high-holy enjoyment and another reason why he is royalty in music.
"Space Oddity" (along with the album of the same name)
"Changes"
"Starman"
"Rebel Rebel"
"Fame"
"Let's Dance"
"China Girl"
and many other classics are proof of his chameleon-style music genius. He can take on any other genre given to him--rock, pop, dance pop, pop rock, glam rock, funk, R&B, and jazz. From his heyday in the 70s till his slowdown in the 90s, Bowie was a constant presence on the charts, the industry, TV, the public consciousness and the concert circuit.
He even was a wonderful figure in film, making appearances in 22 films, including Zoolander, Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me, The Last Temptation of Christ, his first film The Man Who Fell to Earth last film The Prestige and his most memorable performance as Jareth the Goblin King in Labyrinth.
And his comeback in music later through the turn of the century until his death, he still kept going and still had the talent and longevity.
Even in his final moments, even as he knew his time on Earth was running short, Bowie had to continue doing what he loved--making music and entertaining. That continuation until his end, his final album, Blackstar, which includes his final singe "Lazarus", a dark ditty about the end of his life and "being free like that blue bird".
It's...very gloomy, very hard-hitting and very emotional, able to break anyone down and leave them vulnerable for a long moment. Crying is the first thing you'll do from hearing this.
Bowie knew his life would end, so he made this album as a "swan song" to his fans and to the world, not only making him a chameleon in music, but also an omniscient as well.
Even though Mr. Bowie is no longer with us (or is actually Ziggy Stardust and has actually concluded his musical expedition on Earth, and is returning to Mars--depending on your view), his music will definitely, absolutely and positively live on forever for the generations after ours to listen to, learn, enjoy and be grateful for.
He's not a music icon. He's not even a music genius. He is a music god.
Both men were very talented as actors and singers. With hours of work in music and film between them, their presences will still be felt, and will spellbind millions of new fans and generations, for years and decades to come.
Bowie perished on Sunday evening, January 10--two days after his 69th birthday, losing an 18-month battle with liver cancer. The announcement was made official the following morning by his family in this post released on Facebook.
January 10 2016 - David Bowie died peacefully today surrounded by his family after a courageous 18 month battle with...
Then, four days later on January 14, we lost Rickman, who came from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in went into over 40 years of iconic performances and characters.
Both men will be missed. May they both Rest in Peace.
And welcome to winter, where no matter where you are, it's freezing cold in North America during the start of 2016. Everyone is trying their best to keep warm during the season, and . And yet at this time of year, it seems that chivalry and kindness for your fellow man is not dead just yet.
Look no further than this video.
#1 Beautiful moment in the NYC subway Miren este Video Wow 🏻 Este hombre se merese muchas bendisiones por la buena accion que Hizo 🏻 Dios Lo bendiga amen☺️ y aPrendan y Lo hizo sin esperar nada acambio 🏼🏼☺️ nesesitamos más personas como el SI ALGUIEN LO CONOSE ETIQuETELO 🏻 God bless both •• That was nice of that men to help that old men. God is going to blessed that menJukin Media Verified (Original) * For licensing / permission to use: Contact - licensing(at)jukinmediadotcom
Last Friday, a video was released of 23-year-old Joey Resto giving a disheveled, homeless man the shirt off his back. And if that wasn't enough, the guy comes back to give the man a hat too.
Like everyone else, this video warmed my heart to the core. Seeing such a wonderful showing of sympathy and kindness is just beautiful. I love hearing and seeing stories of kindness and helping out others (like the ones featured on this segment), so this is no different--yet all the more sweet.
In an interview with Fox 5's Good Day New York on Tuesday, Resto explains the situation, says the good deed was the least he could do, and that he was shocked that his sweet gesture was shared with and discussed by the rest of the world.
What this guy did should recognized by the world and telling everyone else, showing that we should do onto others good deeds like this. Good luck to the homeless man, wherever he is. I hope he'll have a good life ahead. And congrats to Joey Resto for the big good deed seen 'round the world. He deserves all the praise.
When Tracy Morgan was announced as a host for the third episode of this season, I was super excited. Then after that (and the surprise appearances from former cast members like Mike Myers and Will Ferrell, along with former writer Larry David and frequent host Alec Baldwin) came the announcement that two more beloved cast members were hosting the Christmas episode. Who better to host that episode than two of the most coolest, hottest, funniest and quirkiest women SNL has graced us with?
Welcome back, fans of mash-ups of movies, TV shows and music you’ve never thought would happen but did.
I hope you enjoyed our first group of releases in our first collection from Vulture Home Video, because we have an even bigger show for you!
Introducing The Vulture Home Video Remix Collection...Volume 2!!
We have more titles for you to enjoy this and every weekend, next weekend, every other weekend and possibly for the rest of your life. We’ve genres and titles of many kinds that you’ll enjoy you, the little ones and the old farts in your family and social circle.
Hey Everyone, and Happy New Year to you all!
And welcome to the first Funday Friday of 2016.
And this year and this segment have to start off with a heartwarming story.
So here it is.
This is Jordan Trent, a 32-year-old man from Texas who is partially blind (he has no sight in his left eye).
And this is Shiner, an Australian Sheppard puppy unique of his kind: he's born with one eye (also a left eye).
One day at an adoption center, after seeing the adorable Fido (then named Bear), and hearing of the pain of not being taken by anyone else, Trent decided to adopt him, change his name and treat him like what he is: a dog.
Together, they have become one with each other through their outcast positioning...and warmed hearts across the world in the process.
The story first hit the Internet when on Monday, Trent's sister Kendra, known on Reddit under the username kt2133, shared it to everyone reading willing to read.
Since then, it's spread like wildfire, and everyone who's talked about it (including me) only have a good reason: It's beautiful.
This is a beautiful story through and through. It's like "birds of a feather", two males of different species coming together and sharing a bond because of a noticeable deformity both have: one working eye. And the fact that his sister shared with the rest of us on Reddit (a really popular website known for its huge Ask Me Anything sessions), it's really sweet and even a little brave, seeing as that there are some people who wouldn't respond positively to this, especially if Trent did have sight in both eyes. But even if he did, I'm sure he still would've adopted Bear regardless.
It was heartbreaking to learn that Bear wasn't a dog that anyone wanted as a pet (most definitely assumedly because of the one eye), but it was beautiful to read about Jordan picking up the little canine for his own and giving him the love and care he so very well deserved. And it hit me so hard in the feels, I couldn't stop moaning and tearing.
This story is worth a check out.
Also worth a check out is this: since Trent's family has settled in perfectly with Shiner as the newest member and a beloved glue, they created an Instagram page for him, showing uber-cute posts of him along with family members like Jordan. It's @shiner_solo--please check it out, and even follow it. (You should follow it; it's so effervescent.)
