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 Going into this movie, I already knew Michael Jackson was a legend, pop icon and musical genius. But I have to admit that I didn’t realize how strong his voice was after all these years until I heard him belt out his hits like “I’ll Be There” and “Human Nature”.  It gave me chills.  His signature, velvety smooth voice was still a force to be reckoned with and it was wonderful to be able to experience this on the big screen.  What I loved most about this movie is that you could see how much attention to detail and how much a perfectionist he was in putting on the best show possible.  Mind you, this is no different from any other pop superstar out there, but watching Michael work was like getting a lesson on true showmanship, which is such a rarity in this world of electronic music and generic pop acts.  My wish would be for every young artist to watch this movie and see the importance of musicality in being an overall entertainer.  Michael knew what it took to be a true entertainer and his audience’s needs were always considered and honored in everything he did.  Watching his dancers in the beginning of the movie express their respect towards Michael as a mentor and icon, as well as their gratitude for being selected on this tour was one of the most heartwarming moments for me.  It made me realize how much work and time went into this production, and how proud everyone was to be a part of something so great and to share the stage with someone so legendary as Michael Jackson.  I’m just happy that their efforts didn’t go completely unnoticed.  God bless the Jackson family and all who were involved in making sure that didn’t happen!

Ohhhhh….. don’t get me started on my daily Twitter roll!  I love Twitter and everything about it.  I consider it the hub for the masses, which is probably why everybody n’ they mama is on this thing.   

Even celebrities have jumped on the Twitter bandwagon and have played a huge part in its current success.  Celeb Twitters like Ashton Kutcher and Diddy have helped pave the way in helping Twitter become a household name.  But once in a while, we get the overtweeters (don’t worry, I’ll mention no names here!).  But all of this has led me to the question:  To Tweet or Not To Tweet?

Was it better in the olden days when celebs just kept their thoughts to themselves?  And they aired their dirty laundry via their PR rep vs. a tweet on their Twitter page?

I mean, do I REALLY want to hear what Kim Kardashian is doing at any given time?  And did I feel better knowing Paula Abdul announced she’s leaving American Idol to me FIRST (as a faithful follower!), before letting it be known to Fox?  Hardly.

On the other end, I LOVE being kept in the loop by all the Twilight and True Blood fans and fansites, as well as the news outlets that keep me updated on current events. 

Speaking of ‘Twilight’, their stars seem to be the most affected by Twitter.  Kristen Stewart said in an interview once that Twitter has made it impossible for her to keep her privacy with media outlets, fans, etc. making her every step and location known on the worldwide web.  Rob Pattinson walks down the street or flies in to L.A. and causes a Twitter tidal wave every time.  In this sense, is Twitter the devil in disguise?  Does it do more harm than good? 

Inquiring minds want to know….. hit me up, my fellow Twit-a-holics! :-0

 With so many new shows this season, it’s virtually impossible for anyone to keep up. Even with my Tivo set, I never have enough time to even check out a new show. And by the time you do get around to watching it, you hope that you’re not emotionally attached to it since it could easily be cancelled by then.  Such are the dilemmas of any TV addict!

Staying true to my favorite shows is a full time job, but the one new show I seem to make time for every week is ‘Glee’.  I just can’t say anything bad about this show. The pilot was so great, that I almost set myself up to think that it couldn’t possibly get any better beyond that.  Yet I’m happy to report that I was completely wrong.  Week after week, I’ve been getting more and more attached to this quirky cast of characters.  Set in a high school with the usual jocks vs. geeks, we get to see a teacher with a big heart take a stand when he decides to save the school’s Glee Club.  The cast is great in their respective roles and whaddayaknow…. they can actually sing!  The writing is pretty consistent, so you always get a happy-go -lucky episode which is such a warm welcome from all the CSI’s and Law & Orders of the TV World.  

And what other show can you have someone burst out in song every episode without getting on your nerves?   You’ll never see that on ‘Heroes’, that’s for sure.  Which is what makes this show so great - it not only stands out, but it completely stands on its own.

    That’s the title I’ve dubbed the CW’s ‘The Vampire Diaries’.  I have to admit that for TV, it was watchable and managed to hold my attention for an hour.  But whether I remain a faithful follower still remains to be seen.  Am I jonesing for it? Hell Naw!  I’m sure that coming out post-Twilight may be a good and bad thing for them, but I couldn’t stop giggling to myself with all the similarities. So without further delay, I bring you my list of comparisons:

• THE EDWARD FACTOR:  Okay, duh…. no one can fill in Edward Cullen’s shoes, but Paul Wesley does the brooding, mysterious Stefan well enough to keep me watching.  If I could be picky, I’d say his jaw is too square for me.  But that’s just me.

• THE UNTOUCHABLE:  Much like Edward, Stefan is also the hottest guy in the school that every girl wants, but is completely obsessed with the homely sweet girl with a heart of gold.

• THE STALKER FACTOR:  Much like Edward, Stefan can’t seem to stop following Elena and mysteriously pops up everywhere.

• THE HOT SIBLING:  Uncontrollable vampire brother who happens to be a hottie? CHECK! As Stefan’s brother, Damon, Ian Somerhalder does his thing, but I find it distracting that he looks so much like Chace Crawford.  Where does the CW find these cloned creatures?!!!!

• THE BELLA FACTOR:  Sweet, petite brunette who is extremely vulnerable and dealing with parental issues (Bella, divorced parents — Elena, parents killed in car crash).

• THE PROMO POSTER:  I’m sorry…. the possibilities are endless as far as promoting this show, yet you go with the three main stars laying down in a meadow? Hel-looo!!

• THE BFF FACTOR:  Much like Bella, Elena has one friend who genuinely cares for her and one who is completely self-absorbed! :-0

• THE JACOB FACTOR:  Naturally, Elena’s ex, Matt, is still in love with her.

• THE GLAMOUR FACTOR:  Although Edward charmed the pants off the school faculty in the books, he was unsuccessful in transferring out of biology class.  Stefan, however, was able to glamour his way through his fake school enrollment! :-0

• THE KNOCKOFF TWI-SCENE:  In mid-conversation, Elena notices Stefan’s eyes changing color and asks “Are you okay?  Your eyes look different”.  heehee

Don’t get me wrong… I’m not calling TVD a ripoff by any means, but you’ve just gotta laugh.  I will say that if next week’s episode shows Elena riding in a beat up pickup, jumping off a cliff, or rushing off to Italy for any reason, I am OUTTA HERE!!!!!

Holy Moly!  All in the Twilight/New Moon world is not right these days.  And when the fans of Twilight are enraged, you can best believe a Twitter storm will follow. 

With all the commotion, you would’ve thought Rob Pattinson or Taylor Lautner were re-cast or that the Robsten Pregnancy Rumor was true!  Nope, all this was over the re-casting of one of the nomadic (albeit lovely) vampires.

The latest news of the re-casting of the role of Victoria is what sent the fans in a TwiFrenzy on the Twitter website yesterday.  It’s becoming apparent that Twilight fans suffer from OCD (and I don’t mean Obsessive Cullen Disorder!).  The fans are completely obsessive when it comes to their Twilight Cast.  They definitely don’t like their cheese moved.  And they sure in the hell don’t like re-casting changes in any upcoming movies. 

Apparently, Rachelle Lefebvre has gone on to greener pastures in some way, shape or form. I say that only because articles are saying she wanted to stay, but the studio wanted her gone, she had schedule conflicts, etc.  In the end, she will NOT be in the third installment of the Twilight Saga, “Eclipse”.  Which is a shame, because this is the story where Victoria really gets down and dirty.  However, if I had to pick a worthy alternate in the land of young Hollywood redheads, I would have picked Bryce Dallas Howard in a heartbeat.  Trust me, she’s going to be great!

I can relate to the fact that Rachelle was great in this role and we can’t picture anyone else as Victoria.  But in the same way I thought there could be no other Bond than Pierce Brosnan or no other Batman than Michael Keaton, trust me when I say there is ALWAYS room for change, kiddies!  Take a big deep breath and accept this new addition in your Twilight World.  You can do it!  Bryce is more than qualified for the job and I’m actually excited to see what she’ll bring to this role.  But much like the Matrix trilogy, you can never go wrong with the original!

gcogo1@gmail.com

  PLEASE….. STOP!  If I read one more tweet/blog on this topic, I’m going to SCREAM! I admit I’ve often referred to True Blood as “The Adult Version of Twilight” (which it IS!).  But other than the fact that their debuts coincided with each other, they can’t be compared.  HOWEVER…. I’ve broken down a few similarities that could be the cause for such comparisons:

• Bill and Edward are vampires that are over 100 years old. 
• Both have been lonely for almost a century, until they met their young, irresistible, mortal soul mates. 
• Both are willing to put their vampire lives on the line to save/be with their girlfriends.
• Both have English accents in real life, but have different accents on-screen (Bill - Southern; Edward - American).
• Both vampires seem to have money, despite not having jobs.
• Bill sleeps in hiding all night and will burn in the sunlight.  Edward’s a permanent insomniac and sparkles in the sunlight.
• Edward’s old fashioned and believes in no sex until marriage.  Bill’s ready to knock boots after the first date!
• Sookie’s brother, Jason is the beefcake in True Blood.  
• Edward’s brother, Emmett is the beefcake in Twilight.
• True Blood has an african american character who kicks butt & name starts with an ‘L’: Lafayette
• Twilight has an african american character who kicks butt & name starts with an ‘L’:  Laurent
• In True Blood, the vampires drink True Blood and live openly amongst the town folks.
• In Twilight, the vampires drink animal blood and live strictly on the DL!
• Edward can read minds, but Bill can’t.
• Sookie can read minds, but Bella can’t.
• Both Sookie and Bella have been the target of a killer.
• Both girls are smart, independent young women, but become clueless when told to stay away from vampires.
• Both girls live in small rural towns, yet have somehow managed to find and hook up with a hot vampire!
• Sam is just like as Jacob:  He’s a shape shifter who’s in love with a girl, who happens to be in love with a vampire.
• Twilight saga has the Volturri, who reigns in Italy.  True Blood has Eric the Vampire Leader who runs the vampire club “Fangtasia” just outside of town and will lead you to a ‘Vampire Council’ when you betray the vampire world.
• Newborn vampires are uncontrollable in the Twilight saga.  Newborns in True Blood are controlled by one sentence:  ”As your Maker, I Command You!”

 gcogo1@gmail.com  

I realize I’m a bit delayed on this one, but I just had to mention all the criticism surrounding this year’s BET Awards show.  Some people loved it, others thought it could’ve been better.  I personally thought they did a pretty good job.  Some thought they could’ve made the Michael Jackson tribute a bit better. 

Honestly, I think the BET Network needs to be commended for pulling off the impossible.  Do the critics realize that Michael Jackson died on a THURSDAY and the BET Awards show was on SUNDAY?  For them to do what they did in that short amount of time is mind boggling.  They obviously had their own production locked down at that point, and then had to do a complete 360 to turn the show into an all-star Michael Jackson tribute.  Yet viewers are going to criticize them for not doing a ‘better’ job?  Cut them some slack.  Better yet, give them a hand for doing more than a half-ass memorial ’shout out’ to MJ.  They got their hustle on to give a memorial that was far more deserving for a musical icon like Michael Jackson. They called on their friends and fellow artists and asked for a favor.  And the artists all responded out of their loyalty to the BET Network and their love for Michael himself.  This in itself is an overwhelming display of love that should not be overlooked. 

Truth is, we could sit and debate about which musical numbers we loved (Maxwell, and anything with Ne-Yo!) and hated (Lil’ Wayne, for starters), but I think the real star here is the BET Network for showing that their love and respect for Michael Jackson was worth every bit of trouble it took in re-working their show.

So I decided to give in and see what the whole Perez/Will.I.Am. drama was all about.  I started with Perez’s video statement.  I totally agreed with him that “violence is never the answer”.  In the end, a man was assaulted and that is WRONG in every sense of the word.  I also think that anyone who’s willing to give any serious thought to anything that Perez Hilton writes or says, has got to find something better to do with their life.  Imagine my surprise when that someone turned out to be Will.I.Am.

Yes, we are talking about THE Will.I.Am., as in mega-watt producer/lead man of The Black Eyed Peas.  I could understand Will defending his group and/or Fergie against an industry executive or anyone who may have been questioning their integrity as a band, but Perez freakin’ Hilton?  C’mon, Will - you can do SO much better than that!   

Perez claims that it all started with Fergie approaching him not once, but TWICE that day about how she thought ‘things were cool’ between them.  Seriously? The girl is married to the hunky Josh Duhamel (who’s promoting the million dollar Transformers movie as we speak) and is a member of a chart-topping band.  Yet she’s preoccupied about why things aren’t ‘cool’ between her and some blogger?  Note to Fergie: Who Cares?  You’ve got so many great things on your plate right now, so why even waste your breath on this guy?  Trust me when I say that I doubt Perez is losing sleep over whether you approve of his website.  

True, it wasn’t Will that hit Perez - it was the band’s manager “Polo” Molina.  I agree with Perez that someone in management should be more professional, and not running around hitting people.  Then again, you can’t provoke someone and not expect them to act irrationally.  Bottom line is that these are two grown men, who could’ve handled themselves better.  Will should’ve been partying and celebrating that night, but instead he opted to get Perez’s panties in a bind.  Perez claims he was  ’threatened’ by Will’s stance and admitted that he wanted to say something that would set Will off.  In an effort to show he can’t be intimidated, he proceeds to call Will a ‘faggot’ - a word that I believe no one should ever use.  Perez can’t fly his anti-violence flag, yet provoke people in such a way that you know will result in a violent altercation.  And if Will was following Perez around like he made him out to be, then Will can’t act innocent either. Going out of your way to follow someone shows you had intent to cause trouble, too. 

Honestly, I feel like I just broke up two kids from fighting in a playground.  That’s how juvenile this whole situation is turning out to be.  Perez said he “doesn’t need this kind of drama” in his life, but again, you reap what you sow.  I guarantee if you walked up to a complete stranger on the street and called him a ‘faggot’,  that person’s going to give you a reaction that will be violent or extremely unpleasant to say the least.  Hopefully next time, you guys can go to an industry event and celebrate the wonderful lives you lead and not worry about senseless things like name calling and mindless confrontations. 

gcogo1@gmail.com 

Once upon a time, there was a show called Grey’s Anatomy that I absolutely could NOT live without.  I’m talking Top 3 on the Tivo Season Pass, people.  I was a true fan who loved the show for all that it’s worth.  Then out of the blue, it just started to SUCK.  Big time.  It were as if all the great writers jumped ship and moved to ‘Private Practice’.   But that wasn’t my only reason for the lack of interest.  Izzie Stephens, the character played by the lovely Katherine Heigl, began to annoy me to no end.  So much so, that it became painful to tune in every week.  So I stopped watching. Seriously.   

Now Katherine had all of Hollywood buzzing this week over her renewed contract for next season - a deal that sealed her character’s fate in last season’s cliffhanger. But honestly, she should’ve been long gone by now.  Her character has run its course.  Not to mention, ABC should’ve kicked her to the curb last summer when she dissed the show’s writers by asking that she not be considered for an Emmy - a direct reference to her character’s lack of material.  So now I can’t help but wonder, why the change of heart?  Did she realize that just because she did ‘27 Dresses’, she probably shouldn’t quit her day job just yet?  Or did she love the great writing in her supposedly last season, that she’s just jonesing for more ‘emmy worthy’ plotlines?    

Either way, she’s signed on for another season, and I doubt I’ll be tuning in. Mind you, I was also a fan of the ‘Prison Break’ character Michael Scoffield, but even he realized when it was time to end his run. Now if only Izzie Stephens would follow his lead!   

When you have “TwilightTweaker” as your Twitter name, it’s a dead give away that you’re obviously a Twilight addict.  I’m well aware that I’m a tiny part of a fan base that’s now being compared to Beatlemania.  But it wasn’t until this week that I began to question the true power that Twilight mania can have or has had in the world these days.   

Case in point:  ’Nurse Jackie’.  The new show on Showtime (of which I’ve also become a new fan) debuted Monday night to the biggest numbers for a series premiere.  Normally that’d be no big whoop, considering that Showtime (in my eyes) has the best television programming, period. But consider the fact that Peter Facinelli, hunky star of the ‘Twilight’ movie,  just happens to be one of the co-stars and then you start to wonder.  Did Peter’s role play a part in those big numbers?  Even more so, was it the SOLE reason why the premiere did so well?  I assumed that the award-winning ‘Weeds’ as a lead-in is what nailed it for them, but now I’m not so sure. 

No disrespect to Edie Falco, but I doubt that her ‘Sopranos’ fan base would turn out in such big numbers, so I’m counting them out.  ’Weeds’ fans have been devoted for the past 3 seasons, but how many of them would’ve stayed tuned in to watch a show like ‘Nurse Jackie’?  I feel that if you’re a fan of Showtime’s programming (’Californication’ and ‘Dexter’ are among my top 5 faves), you’re going to appreciate anything they put out.  But Twilighters come from an entirely different plane.  Their loyalty is unfathomable.  Not to question the loyalty of the ‘Weeds’ fans, but I doubt anyone of them would rush out to see a romantic comedy in the theaters just because Mary Louise-Parker had a co-starring role in it.   And no disrespect to Peter Facinelli - he did promote the show on the talk show circuit, as well as his own personal Twitter plugs -  but he’s no Rob Pattinson.  In other words, he’s not the leading man in the movie.  Nevertheless, he’s still a PART of the ‘Twilight’ franchise, and I’m starting to believe that may be the equivalent to the golden ticket in Hollywood.   If the fate of ‘Nurse Jackie’ rests in the hands of these fans, Edie Falco should be sitting pretty right about now!