9-24-10

KATY!!!!!! This week in pop culture news the most important story wasn't the failed attempt to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," (which by the way, John McCain, you're a homophobic idiot!) but was instead the news that Katy Perry has been banned from Sesame Street. Reports claim the show that was taped that had been set to air on New Year's Eve has been decided upon to not air. The cause of this? Producers of the show were getting complaints from parents saying that Perry is dressed far to scantily and despite having a shirt that covered up to her neckline (well, kinda that is... from her chest upwards it was nude-colored mesh) the piece was far too "sexy," for a children's program. My only problem with this analysis: Elmo goes on the show naked every episode and nobody complains about him! Seriously though, I highly doubt that three year olds are paying that much attention to Katy Perry's clothing (or lack there of) choices. Therefore, the decision is a little bit much for the situation. Anyway, I'll let you good people decide for yourself and will put the video of the controversial Sesame Street scenes here:



In other news Lindsay Lohan is back in jail... again! She was taken into custody earlier this morning, Friday the 24th, due to the fact that she violated her probation by failing two drug tests. One of the failures was for cocaine and the other for Adderall. Now here is the kicker; the judge refused to except bail and has forced Lohan to go into the Lynwood Jail. The only problem with this? It may be illegal for the judge to do this given the fact that she has no legal basis to keep her from posting the bail. Therefore, Lindsay's possible stay at the jailhouse will most likely not be to the duration of the possible sentence going until October 22nd. (In fact, for all I know she's leaving the building now!)

Now how could I possibly talk about this week without bringing up the most important political act so far this year... Lady Gaga protesting against Don't Ask Don't Tell. While many people think that her getting involved in politics is ridiculous, my opinion is: she's an American citizen, she obviously has a large platform, she has a cause to believe in, she has logical and convincing information to say; (she did after all have discharged gay soldiers share their stories) why shouldn't she speak? It is my opinion that the only reason that people have chosen to go the route of saying that Lady Gaga should not be listened to because she's a pop star, is only because of the fact that they're scared. They realize that their argument is not based on facts but rather opinions and that they are on the wrong side of the last civil rights issue facing our nation. They realize this, and they realize that the young voters, those who will make a difference in the future politics in that nation and who happen to be Lady Gaga's fanbase, also understand and realize this as well. It is the politics of deceit and fear the Republican Party (or rather I should say Social Conservatives in general) have used for years and years. Therefore, I think we should all rather champion Gaga for TRULY supporting our troops and instead act slanderously against those who oppose these movement.
Now while I'm on the subject of Lady Gaga fighting for the repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell, I should also mention that I had decided to list Arizona Senator, John McCain as the #1 worst human being in the world this week... that was until I saw this picture of Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton. I think that this hairclip she wore to the United Nation is far more offensive to the LGBT community than anything the Republicans can throw at 'em. (That's right all you Crazy Tea-Party people; bring it on!)

9-17-10

The VMA's, VMA's VMA's! In case you lived under a rock this week and were one of only two people in the world not to watch the MTV awards show on Sunday night, let me first tell you that if you look at my last blog post and compare it to the actual results of the show, you'll see that overall I was overwhelmingly correct. (Proving yet again, that J.C. White is the pop culture guru and truly the new black.) Some of the other highlights of the evening was Chelsea Handler's trashy comedy, (which I happen to adore) Justin Bieber taking five years to be able to find the stage to accept his awards for best new artist, Florence and the Machine having the best performance of the evening despite being an alternative band, Taylor Swift singing a song of forgiveness to Kanye West for his acts from last year's awards ceremonies, (which was totally bogus in my opinion if you ask me) Lady Gaga sweeping all the awards for which she was nominated and then announcing her new album title, (Which when I heard, I'll admit I peed myself from excitement a little bit) and Kanye West singing a song of dissing... himself?! Now, that I will admit was a shock and a half and something I could not believe to hear. I suppose at this point it was a matter of salvaging what was left of his career, however it's hard for me to believe that with his ego that he could even muster up the energy to throw that one out there. However, what you may have noticed (as I certainly did) is the VMA's this year seemed very well... unlike VMA like. There wasn't really any moment of controversy from the evening and that my friends at least in my book left me a little disappointed.
In other celebrity news let me just say: Lindsay, Lindsay, Lindsay. Girl, when are you ever going to learn?! This week in a mandated drug report as part of her probation, Lindsay once again failed the test. According to the terms of her probation this could mean another thirty days in prison. Now Lindsay, while I realize that this is a difficult period for you to get off these drugs, at least do something to try to cover up! Please, I beg of you, stop this! I'm tired of seeing you in and out of prison; I have Mel Gibson to look forward to that happening to so I don't need anyone else to fill that void. Therefore, just stop; I don't need this celebrity-prison-going overload!
This brings me to the most important news of the week. (yes, of course other than VMA news) Earlier this week, Adam Lambert had a police report filed against him in Miami for assault and battery. The only problem? In the police report the 'victim,' said that Adam had pulled on his backpack that was holding his camera. However, in every picture taken from many of the bystanders of the incident it is easily seen that the man is holding the camera in his hand. Therefore Adam Lambert's rebuttal of saying he was simply trying to take a camera away from a paparazzo who was invading his privacy too much makes a lot more since and makes me want to say that in this case in the end: Lambert wins!

9/10/10

The single most important annual even in American culture is just upon us... the VMA's! (Thank God by the way, because tv has been getting boring since Nick @ Nite has stopped showing re-runs of The Nanny at all hours of the night!) Yes, it is that time of the year again where we Americans must look back and reflect deeply upon our culture, and who to vote for to win the awards. On Sunday night, many-a-celebrities (and wannabe celebrities for that matter... can we say Jersey Shore!) will take the stage at what is in my opinion, the best awards show of the year; that's right, then one evening that's even better than the Oscars! ("How can you such a thing like that J.C.?" you may ask. Well, because I have style, sophistication, and class like that... you know, like Ke$ha.) The one thing that is for sure, (or pretty much 99.9999999999% for sure) the VMA's will once again be a source for controversy. With that being said, I would like to bring to you fine people what I like to call the "Holy List," which covers the nominees and who I think will win the awards come Sunday:

BEST NEW ARTIST

Broken Bells
"The Ghost Inside"
Directed by Jacob Gentry

Jason Derulo
"In My Head"
Directed by Kai Crawford

Justin Bieber f/ Ludacris
"Baby"
Directed by Ray Kay

Ke$ha
"Tik Tok"
Directed by Syndrome

Nicki Minaj f/ Sean Garrett
"Massive Attack"
Directed by Hype Williams

WINNER: Ke$ha for Tik Tok (However, Justin Bieber could very easily win this too... sadly)

BEST COLLABORATION

3OH!3 f/ Ke$ha
"My First Kiss"
Directed by Isaac Ravishankara

B.o.B f/ Hayley Williams
"Airplanes"
Directed by Hiro Murai

Beyoncé f/ Lady Gaga
"Video Phone (Extended Remix)"
Directed by Hype Williams

Jay-Z & Alicia Keys
"Empire State of Mind"
Directed by Hype Williams

Lady Gaga f/ Beyoncé
"Telephone"
Directed by Jonas Åkerlund

WINNER: Lady Gaga and Beyoncé for Telephone

BEST DANCE MUSIC VIDEO

Cascada
"Evacuate The Dancefloor"
Directed by Max Nichols

David Guetta f/ Akon
"Sexy Chick"
Directed by Stephen Schuster

Enrique Iglesias f/ Pitbull
"I Like It"
Directed by David Rousseau

Lady Gaga
"Bad Romance"
Directed by Francis Lawrence

Usher f/ will.i.am
"OMG"
Directed by Anthony Mandler

 WINNER: Lady Gaga for Bad Romance 

BEST FEMALE VIDEO

Beyoncé f/ Lady Gaga
"Video Phone (Extended Remix)"
Directed by Hype Williams

Katy Perry f/ Snoop Dogg
"California Gurls"
Directed by Mathew Cullen

Ke$ha
"Tik Tok"
Directed by Syndrome

Lady Gaga
"Bad Romance"
Directed by Francis Lawrence

Taylor Swift
"Fifteen"
Directed by Roman White

WINNER: Lady Gaga for Bad Romance (Although Tik Tok could take it as well; or who knows maybe even California Gurls... sorry Taylor Swift, guess this time there won't even be a chance for Kanye to let you start)

BEST HIP-HOP VIDEO

B.o.B f/ Hayley Williams
"Airplanes"
Directed by Hiro Murai

Drake, Kanye West,
Lil Wayne & Eminem
"Forever"
Directed by Hype Williams

Eminem
"Not Afraid"
Directed by Rich Lee

Jay-Z & Swizz Beatz
"On To The Next One"
Directed by Sam Brown

Kid Cudi f/ MGMT & Ratatat
"Pursuit Of Happiness"
Directed by Brody Baker

WINNER: B.O.B. and Haley Williams for Airplanes 

BEST MALE VIDEO

B.o.B f/ Hayley Williams
"Airplanes"
Directed by Hiro Murai

Drake
"Find Your Love"
Directed by Anthony Mandler

Eminem
"Not Afraid"
Directed by Rich Lee

Jason Derulo
"In My Head"
Directed by Kai Crawford

OMG
"Usher f/ will.i.am"
Directed by Anthony Mandler

WINNER: Usher and will.i.am for OMG

BEST POP VIDEO

B.o.B f/ Bruno Mars
"Nothing On You"
Directed by Ethan Lader

Beyoncé f/ Lady Gaga
"Video Phone (Extended Remix)"
Directed by Hype Williams

Katy Perry f/ Snoop Dogg
"California Gurls"
Directed by Mathew Cullen

Ke$ha
"Tik Tok"
Directed by Syndrome

Lady Gaga
"Bad Romance"
Directed by Francis Lawrence

WINNER: Lady Gaga for Bad Romance 

BEST ROCK VIDEO

30 Seconds To Mars
"Kings and Queens"
Directed by Bartholomew Cubbins

Florence + the Machine
"Dog Days Are Over"
Directed by LEGS

MGMT
"Flash Delirium"
Directed by Andreas Nilsson

Muse
"Uprising"
Directed by Hydra

Paramore
"Ignorance"
Directed by Honey

WINNER: Paramore for Ignorance 

VIDEO OF THE YEAR

30 Seconds To Mars
"Kings and Queens"
Directed by Bartholomew Cubbins

B.o.B f/ Hayley Williams
"Airplanes"
Directed by Hiro Murai

Eminem
"Not Afraid"
Directed by Rich Lee

Florence + the Machine
"Dog Days Are Over"
Directed by LEGS

Lady Gaga
"Bad Romance"
Directed by Francis Lawrence

Lady Gaga f/ Beyoncé
"Telephone"
Directed by Jonas Åkerlund

WINNER: Lady Gaga for Bad Romance 

The following are all nonvoting categories, but still I thought I'd take a shot at it!

BEST ART DIRECTION

30 Seconds To Mars
"Kings and Queens"
Art Direction by Benji Bamps

Beyoncé f/ Lady Gaga
"Video Phone (Extended Remix)"
Art Direction by Lenny Tso

Eminem
"Not Afraid"
Art Direction by Ethan Tobman

Florence + the Machine
"Dog Days Are Over"
Art Direction by Louise Corcoran and Aldene Johnson

Lady Gaga
"Bad Romance"
Art Direction by Charles Infante

WINNER: Lady Gaga for Bad Romance

BEST CHOREOGRAPHY

Beyoncé f/ Lady Gaga
"Video Phone (Extended Remix)"
Choreography by Frank Gatson Jr., Phlex and Bryan Tanaka

Janelle Monáe f/ Big Boi
"Tightrope"
Choreography by Janelle Monáe & The Memphis Jookin Community

Lady Gaga
"Bad Romance"
Choreography by Laurieann Gibson

Lady Gaga f/ Beyoncé
"Telephone"
Choreography by Laurieann Gibson

OMG
"Usher f/ will.i.am"
Choreography by Aakomon "AJ" Jones

 WINNER: Lady Gaga and Beyoncé for Telephone

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY

Eminem
"Not Afraid"
Cinematography by Chris Probst

Florence + the Machine
"Dog Days Are Over"
Cinematography by Adam Frisch

Jay-Z & Alicia Keys
"Empire State of Mind"
Cinematography by John Perez

Lady Gaga
"Bad Romance"
Cinematography by Thomas Kloss

Mumford And Sons
"Little Lion Man"
Cinematography by Ben Magahy

 WINNER: Lady Gaga for Bad Romance

BEST DIRECTION

30 Seconds To Mars
"Kings and Queens"
Directed by Bartholomew Cubbins

Eminem
"Not Afraid"
Directed by Rich Lee

Jay-Z & Alicia Keys
"Empire State of Mind"
Directed by Hype Williams

Lady Gaga
"Bad Romance"
Directed by Francis Lawrence

P!nk
"Funhouse"
Directed by Dave Meyers

 WINNER: Lady Gaga for Bad Romance

BEST EDITING

Eminem
"Not Afraid"
Editing by Ken Mowe

Lady Gaga
"Bad Romance"
Editing by Jarrett Fijal

Miike Snow
"Animal"
Editing by Frank Macias

P!nk
"Funhouse"
Editing by Chris Davis

Rihanna
"Rude Boy"
Editing by Clark Eddy

 WINNER: RIhanna for Rude Boy

BEST SPECIAL EFFECTS

Dan Black
"Symphonies"
Special Effects by Corinne Bance & Axel D'Harcourt

Eminem
"Not Afraid"
Special Effects by Animaholics-VFX

Green Day
"21st Century Breakdown"
Special Effects by Laundry

Lady Gaga
"Bad Romance"
Special Effects by Skulley Effects VFX

Muse
"Uprising"
Special Effects by Humble

 WINNER: Lady Gaga for Bad Romance

BREAKTHROUGH VIDEO

The Black Keys
"Tighten Up"
Directed by Chris Marrs Piliero

Coldplay
"Strawberry Swing"
Directed by Shynola

Dan Black
"Symphonies"
Directed by Chic & Artistic

Gorillaz f/ Bobby Womack & Mos Def
"Stylo"
Directed by Jamie Hewlett

WINNER: Gorillaz, Bobby Womack, and Mos Def for Stylo (Although really, who really cares about any of these crappy bands anyway!)

Now, I realize that this has already been a very long post, however I hate to leave you without giving some hot celebrity scoops so I'll make it quick: Lou Reed is a jerk for telling Susan Boyle he doesn't like her and won't let her sing his song (which made her cry- aww poor Susie!) and Britney Spears is getting sued by an ex-bodyguard for sexual harassment, the end.