The following CD’s are currently for sale at Books From A Rose:

SOLD OUT!!

Ah, the final SPECIAL FEATURE of the series has arrived.

Clearly, I have been influenced heavily by The Boss in the music that I choose to enjoy, but another man has earned the rights to the title of ALL TIME FAVORITE (at least for now). A musical genius, this man churns out literally hundreds of songs each year, and has released as many as 3 full length albums in a single year (though, 29 sucked). Ryan Adams (not to be confused with Bryan Adams) has released 11 albums over the last 8 years, and I own every single one of them. He provides me with nothing but auditory pleasure.

Aside from the stockpile of hundreds of songs he has recorded, saved for a rainy day (god, I’m going to be in musical heaven when the guy dies), Ryan is impressive because every single album he releases manages to sound distinctly like Ryan Adams while creating an entirely new sound for himself. Basically, I think the most straight forward way to put it, is that Ryan Adams is exact opposite of Nickelback in every single way. And we all know that’s a good thing. (Does anybody think Nickelback is aware of how much they suck? Frankly, I’m concerned if they aren’t).

Ryan Adams is the closest thing to a true rock and roll asshole that exists anymore (though, if you ask him, he doesn’t think he’s an asshole), and he puts on a damn good show. He voluntarily kicked his heroine and cocaine habit, and married Mandy Moore, which takes a great deal of the edge of off him. I mean, Mandy Moore. Lame. Parker Posey seemed more appropriate. And the drugs weren’t bad for the image, either. But, that aside, he has continued to produce some seriously good tunes, and for that I thank him.

I can absolutely assure you that you have heard the musical stylings of Mr. Adams before, but I am also fairly certain that you have not cracked the surface of what the man has to offer.

Originally a member of Whiskeytown, and currently backed by The Cardinals; Ryan Adams is pure genius, solo or with a band, and I’m not sure what else there is to say about him. I’ve heard him considered over-rated, and maybe he is by some of his fans, but the fact that he is not a worshipped household name means that he is under-rated. Maybe people have forgotten that nobody writes their own music anymore, and that there probably isn’t a more talented and productive songwriter on the planet right now.

Check out this documentary from the Heartbreaker release.

And, because his sound is so continually different, check out two songs:

For wowing me at least once a year over the last ten years, for a decade of excellent music, for trusting himself, and for keeping me company most nights; I welcome Ryan Adams to Twenty-Three.

1. “Time’s A Wastin” by June Carter & Carl Smith (covered in the movie Walk The Line)

2. “Elevator Love Letter” Acoustic by Stars:

3. “Your Control” by Crooked Fingers:

4. “Birds and Bees” by Ben Lee & Mandy Moore:

5. “Death to Los Campesinos!” by Los Campesinos!:

Here are 5 great duets (more duets on the way…):

1. “God Only Knows” — Beach Boys Cover by Mandy Moore & Michael Stipe

2. “Love Hurts” — Everly Brothers/Roy Orbison/Nazareth Cover by Jenny Lewis & Johnathan Rice

3. “Anyone Else But You” — Moldy Peaches Cover by Ellen Page & Michael Cera in Juno

4. “Sometimes Always” — The Jesus and Mary Chain

5. “Delaware” (Acoustic) — Wesley Jensen and Christie Dupree

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Anyone who knows me knows that Mandy Moore gets me going in all the right places. That said, whenever I mention my.. well let’s call it “adoration” of her people still to this day groan about her pop music past. Okay. I get it. She recorded “Candy” blah blah blahdy blah blah I DON’T CARE. (Actually I do care, I think “Candy” is one of the greatest pop songs like ever.) Here’s the deal with Mandy, she’s actually a pretty talented and incredible artist. Hell, even her still-pop-music third album “Mandy Moore” is pretty great in its own right. But it really wasn’t until “Coverage” that she really started showing everyone who she was and who she wanted to be as a recording artist. “Wild Hope” took that one step further, with Moore experimenting with a more indie-folk sound and now with “Amanda Leigh” she has cemented herself as this folk persona (with bits of country bluegrass thrown in for good measure). Where “Wild Hope” had a lot more upbeat, pop centric songs, “Amanda Leigh” is a lot more melodic and light, channeling music from the late sixties and early seventies. It actually is very reminiscent of Diane Birch’s “Bible Belt” which also came out this year. From the opening, almost music-box like chords of “Merrimack River,” you can tell that this CD is going to be unique. Working with Mike Viola, Mandy has managed to really create this great modern, yet rooted entirely in the past, folk pop album. Standout tracks would have to include “Fern Dell”  which has this epic guitar track pulsing through the entire song and houses probably some of the most mature and almost creepy lyrics to come out of Moore.

Here he comes along
Fresh in from the kill
Blood on the sheet
Lined up on my windowsill

Other key tracks on the album would be “Everblue” which is this incredibly tragic down-tempo piece about a missed opportunity; incredibly dark, powerful, and moving. One of my personal favorite songs on the album “Song About Home” probably gets the closest to channeling the 1970s vibe I previously mentioned through its use of an airy flute solo coupled with Moore’s breathy vocals. Lastly, “Bug” is a perfect closer for the album. It’s the clear metaphor of song used as means of communication; in this case to a lover. The lyrics in this piece are incredibly simple, but the way they are presented via Moore just comes across as cute and endearing; a perfect album closer. And honestly, the album as a whole is fantastic. If you haven’t listened to “Amanda Leigh” in its entirety, and haven’t given Mandy a chance to redeem herself from her pop past, then I really recommend you do. I know I said I wasn’t going to be ranking these release, but this is clearly my favorite album of 2009.

Download: Merrimack River | Fern Dell | Song About Home | Everblue | Bug

Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 5 | Week 6

Some spot on ladies from the past week in fashion.

1. SIENNA MILLER toughens up her floral maxi with a tough leather jacket = perfect balance

2. KATE MOSS rocks Anita Pallenberg-esque fur. That better be faux, missy…

3. MANDY MOORE goes goddess in a flattering asymmetrical cut.

4. WHITNEY PORT mixes patterns successfully with a dash of lumberjack and a bit of sailor.

5. JESSICA ALBA has been perfecting the art of the casual fall ensemble recently!

6. MARY LOUISE PARKER makes separates mod with opaque black tights and boots (my staples).

7. JOY BRYANT is pretty and boho chic with some patterns and messenger bag perfection.

8. KATE MOSS makes black interesting with fringe and moto boots. Perfect for class.

What have you been wearing this week?

Peace,

Sources: people.com, instyle.com, jessicastyle.com, justjared.buzznet

]]> http://minutiaemusic.wordpress.com/2009/11/16/pete-yorn-and-scarlett-johansson-break-up/ Mon, 16 Nov 2009 21:22:16 +0000 minutiaemusic http://minutiaemusic.wordpress.com/2009/11/16/pete-yorn-and-scarlett-johansson-break-up/

For some reason, I had really high hopes for this album, and during the first week or so of playing Break Up, I was telling people how much I loved it.

The album isn’t bad and the concept behind it certainly screams “potential,” but there were just too many missteps, too many moments where I was left wanting more, as if the whole thing were thrown together half-heartedly, something to squeeze in between other projects, and perhaps something to try and revive Scarlett Johansson’s short-lived singing career.

My biggest complaint is that the chemistry between Yorn and Johansson (who are supposed to portray a couple going through a, you know…break up) is virtually nonexistent. In fact, they hadn’t really known each other before the album was put together, and it comes across that way on the duets. That might have to do with the amount of processing they used all over Scarlett’s voice–oftentimes she sounds detached, void of any emotional connection with Yorn’s. These people were supposed to have been in love, right?

Maybe I’m being too anal about it. I haven’t really heard any of Pete Yorn’s music before, and I have to admit that one of the main reasons I bought Break Up was because, during my Lost in Translation-is-the-best-movie-ever phase, I had a thing for Scarlett.

Okay, I’ll dish. It wasn’t really a thing. More like an affair. We had a long distance relationship, her in LA, me in TX. We talked on AOL Instant Messenger. I had to end it because I found out that she was really just a 40-year-old man in Indiana. Screen names can be so deceiving!

I was going to end it there, but that just reminded me of a time during the AIM boom where I was approached online by a certain Mandy Moore. Imagine this:

I’m sitting in the family’s study (the upper-middle class version of the “computer room,” or “room where one displays their large collection of impressive books that they’ll never read”), chatting it up with middle school and high school hotties (I’m in 7th grade), occasionally hitting up some bros to see if they want to hang out or go to the mall or something. And then it happens.

That box pops up with a chime. Will I accept a message from (insert “Mandy Moore’s” screen name)? Duh! She sounds hot.

(the following is all obviously paraphrased, because I didn’t start saving my internet convos until high school)

MMoore: Hi there. What’s your name?

NetJedi81 (ballin’ right?): Sean. U?

MMoore: I’m Mandy Moore. Are you a fan of my music?

NetJedi81: I havent really heard it?

MMoore: Oh, well I’m only interested in talking to my fans. Have a nice day.

Can you believe it? Mandy Moore messaged me. She must have read my buddy info, saw the deep and emotionally sensitive Ataris lyric, and thought that I was worth talking to.

Of course, I’ve tried to catch up with her, sending her messages on Myspace and Facebook, but I’m getting no response. I’m just trying to tell her that I AM a fan of her music now and would very much like to resume our conversation that we started way back when.

And now I’ve got “Candy” stuck in my head. I’m waiting for you (I’m waiting). I’m missing you like Candayyeyeah. Now you do too.

A Run to Remember!

By BWF Intern Lane Errington

Nearly 2,500 runners navigated the streets of Downtown Washington D.C. on Sunday, November 8  as BWF put on the inaugural Gynecologic Cancer Foundation (GCF) Half Marathon, 5K, and 1 Mile Walk.  The event was held in Freedom Plaza, with special guest appearances by singer and actress Mandy Moore as well as Kristen Dalton, Miss USA 2009.  With over 80,000 new diagnoses of gynecologic cancer occurring each year, this event was created to further the foundation’s message of the importance of early detection and prevention.  Over $70,000 has been raised thus far to support GCF programs for research, awareness, and education, and donations to GCF are still being accepted here.

2,490 runners was the most for an inaugural D.C. race in over a decade!  Although there was stiff competition in many race divisions, the real winners of the day were cancer survivors, many of whom participated in a race event.  It was an incredibly inspiring environment to be a part of, to say the least!

Each member of BWF’s staff played an important role in pulling off this event, and even with a 3:00 a.m. (or earlier!) wake-up call, a great time was had by all!  Here are a few highlights from the inaugural race to end women’s cancer.

Mandy Moore takes time to meet with the Surgeons Team, a group of over 100 gynecologic surgeons from across the country.

Runners preparing to begin the inaugural GCF Half Marathon

At long last, Senior Account Executive Matt Herring is ready for the race!

______________________________________________________________________

Lane Errington is currently an intern at BWF Communications.  Having realized a passion for sports through several years of experience in marketing and event operations, Lane is now pursuing a Master’s degree in Sports Industry Management at Georgetown University.  He graduated from the University of Maryland-College Park in May 2009.  Follow Lane on Twitter at @Lane_Errington.

(Morgan Freeman, Ashley Judd & Ellen Burstyn/ Photo Credit: Crystal A. Johnson)

USA Today held its Annual Hollywood Hero Award on Tuesday, November 1oth.  The 2009 award recipient was Ashley Judd for her commitment to social causes and charity around the world.  The event was held at Montage Hotel in Beverly Hills.  A-list stars were in abundance including Debra Messing, Magic Johnson, Molly Sims, Morgan Freeman, Ellen Burstyn and many more. 

The Food at the Montage

After working the red carpet it was off to a splendid dinner held prior to the ceremony.   Take a look at what was on the Menu:

First Course

SALAD OF WILD ARUGULA

Strawberries, Marcona Almonds and Organic Parmesan with a Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette

Entrée

SUSTAINABLE CHILEAN SEA BASS

Fennel, Roasted Peppers and Potato Gratin with Smoked Tomato Broth

Dessert

SINGLE ESTATE CHOCOLATE LAYERS

Crispy Praline and Malted Milk Latte

*Molly Sims and Mandy Moore attended the Dinner-GUYS, THEY ARE NOT ON THE MENU!

 article by Crystal A. Johnson

Like me, the Goddess Cat Deeley would rather be watching V. She just has a slinky lizard-print dress and alas, I do not.

I barely remember these people and don’t even know who they booted last week since my Tivo boycotted all Fox programming on Thursday night for whatever reason. Mollee Moron and her adorable jailbait partner, Nathan, are still there. There is no Ade and his pick. Or Jeanine. They made last season bearable. Or Katee, Twitch, Courtney or Joshua. In fact, every week I just sort of think they’re all going to reappear, and this show will be as great as I remember it was in the summer of 2008.

Who the hell designs Crazy Mary Murphy’s wardrobe? Because I’ve seen that shit in every Old Time Photo shack across the U.S. of A. Season 5 is in the audience and I momentarily get excited…except Ade is SANS PICK and he’s sitting next to Powder. This is the part when I tell myself Ade’s Pick and Quatto the Mole are battling each other for my affections and will both arrive my window and woo me during the next rainstorm.

Karen Hauer & Kevin Hunte
Maria Torres — Disco
Come to Me (France Joli)

Ok. Um…TMI? Karen auditioned with her husband, who was cut in Vegas. They had been having problems for awhile but trying out for a reality dance show did not fix these issues. Not long after they went back home, their marriage was donezo. Well, I guess that sucks, but I never saw you guys together except in expertly edited footage from a few auditions so I really have no opinion on the matter. See, when your marriage is in trouble, don’t try for a babyfriend or try out for a reality TV show.

Did anyone else catch the deliberate poetic irony of the final scene from the rehearsal footage? Kevin leaves the room while Karen says, I guess I’ll just dance by myself. Someone with a camera must have gone to film school, me thinks. Metaphor! Karen and Kevin take the stage dressed as grapes. The dance is kind of sloppy, like a table Liza Minnelli and Bianca Jagger were sitting at in Studio 54. The rich are always careless with their blow. Adam Shankmann and Crazy Mary love their routine. I guess 1980s British Hair does, too. They know more about dance than I do, and while it was good, some parts of it still seemed…sloppy.

I’m bored. Oskar is bored. I think I have the pig flu. Moving on…

Ashleigh Di Lello & Jakob Karr
Mandy Moore — Contemporary
Relax (Frankie Goes to Hollywood)

Ashleigh is a NERD. She even interned for a senator. Ashleigh is my new favorite because I always favor the intelligent types who have sensible fall-back careers AND brains. Jakob is as queer as $3 bill and BFF with Jeanine Mason. They may be my new favorite couple. They are also dancing with a cane to Frankie Goes to Hollywood. YES SIR!!! WE HAVE A WINNER.

I wish Ashleigh was wearing a different blouse. It does not fit with the look of the entire piece or the couple’s routine. Fashion-wise, with the pirate blouse, they were going for a ringmaster vibe, I think, but it sort of came off more as an over-the-top rich bitch at the stables look than avant garde circus. However, they have some fun with the cane and as I mentioned before, Ashleigh is wicked smart and Jakob is BBF with Jeanine, therefore I LOVE THEM!!!

Shankman noticed what I saw–he almost dropped her. YES! Apparently, I have a keener eye than 1980s British Hair. They recovered nicely, though, and I love them. Crazy Mary yells some positive shit. Homegirl needs another drink and a Cochlear implant.

(On a side note, is it just me or does this Natalie Portman-Tobey McGuire-Jake Gyllenhaal Brothers movie look so damn stupid? You kind of wonder because of the cast, but…they’ve had some duds and I dunno, this just looks terrible.)

Pauline Mata & Peter Sabasino
JT & Tomas — Quick Step (OH NOEZZZ!!!)
Hey Baby (Shake those Hula Hips) — Big Kahuna & the Copa Cat Pack

Peter volunteers with special dancers. This will make it impossible to hate Peter. Ever. Pauline brags about eating all the time and not gaining any weight. I can’t really hate on Pauline for whatever reason, even though Peter totally kicked her ass on their little “things you don’t know about me segment”. Pauline can eat a lot of McDonald’s cheeseburgers. Peter helps the mentally disabled find newfound confidence.

JT & Tomas have choreographed some big band-esque, 1940s number involving the quick step and hip shaking. The quick step always bores me to tears, even though I clearly understand the technicality necessary to pull one off succesfully. The Hawaiian beach at sunset background is hilarious. I am hoping the hilarity is intentional.

I think that was cute. I should have paid a bit more attention, but I’m trying to finish up some work-work. Shankman also finds it adorable. Everyone screws up the quickstep. They often get eliminated. The quickstep is the kiss of death on this show. Shankman goes on and on about their performance, how it was adorable and charismatic. This doesn’t seem to bode well, but Crazy Mary thinks they pulled it off…sort of. She’s calmer now because her drink has been refilled. In her defense, she agrees the only train during the quickstep is a trainwreck. 1980s British Hair thought the storyline made the quickstep more accessible to the audience. He is probably right.

Kathryn McCormick & Legacy Perez
Andy Blankenbuekler — Broadway
I Wanna Be Like You (Swingin’ Fireballs)

Crying girl Kathryn has an annoying voice, which often bugs me. She also goes on mission trips. Ugh. Can’t we just go help people in other countries NOT in the name of that Jesus person? Legacy was going to be a professional football/soccer player when he grew up. I don’t think anyone is going to top Peter dancing with the special kids or Karen getting divorced after Vegas week.

I am intrigued by their choreographer. He looks like a rockabilly drunk who is fun until he gets belligerent around 1:30am. I bet he drinks whiskey and rolls his own cigarettes. His last name is ridiculous.

Their outfits and the set are adorably retro. I’ve always wanted to swing dance and spend a few months in the early 1960s. Maybe work at an ad agency…but not as a secretary. I want to have a swinging bachelor pad. I don’t care if I’m a girl. I want a swinging bachelor pad, dammit! I really have no complaints or criticism about the routine. Shankman also gets to say adorable for like the 15th time tonight, but he wanted Kathryn to be more of a maneater, as the Jungle Book song suggests. Come on! Kathryn is all innocence and mission trips. I don’t know if she can do that sort of thing…

The judges basically tell Legacy they want to hump his leg, but Kathryn is a big ol’ disappointment. 1980s British Hair calls her juvenile…come on…she’s not as bad as Mormon Moron Mollee! Does she have a pimp spot again this week? I can’t take the constant shoving of her down our poor throats.

Channing Cooke & Victor Smalley
Stacey Tookey — Contemporary
Be Be Your Love (Rachael Yamagata)

Victor used to be goth. He even looked authentically goth, not that Hot Topic shit. I think Adam Lambert stole his look? Channing (GO MASSACHUSETTS!) was a lawnmower racer. They’re doing a routine about a toxic relationship. Hot Topic is toxic.

Ok. Let’s just stop here. Their routine is to one of my FAVORITE SONGS. YESSSSS. Everyone needs to download Rachael Yamagata because she is phenomenal, and holy hell, her Duet with Ray LaMontagne is so fraking gorgeous. Anyway, I already know I will love this routine, even with the white rose  & falling petal background that’s straight out of a Summer’s Eve commercial. It’s beautiful. It delivers everything Stacey Tookey promised.

Shankman finds their new partnership reinvigorating. Crazy Mary and 1980s British Hair thought they were technically beautiful, but they weren’t blown away emotionally. Whatevia.

Ellenore Scott & Ryan Di Lello
Lil C — Hip Hop
Lost Boiz Anthem (Tha J Squad)

Ellenore has six different ethnic backgrounds. Ryan is an extreme sports junkie. But who cares? LIL C IS IN DA HOUSE! I love Lil C. I even follow him on Twitter. Lil C hopes they find their swagger, as Ryan is a trained ballroom dancer. Homeboy needs swagger. Not samba. At least not this week.

Ellenore and Ryan play hippity-hoppin’ bank robbers. Gangsta phresh homies, yo. Lost Boiz Anthem has shades of my beloved Dubstep. I would bet $20 I’ve heard this before while using a port-a-potty in the middle of Black Rock City. They make me want to have swagger. I wonder if I could hip hop dance. I thought they did quite well. They swagged. I want to swagg. I have ever since all the black girls tried teaching me the snake and how to double-dutch on the playground and my lack of coordination prevented me from ever picking up either. Oh, the memories of childhood we forever keep.

Shankman is impressed with Ryan’s swagger. I guess they only had a few hours to rehearse? Not sure why that is…did someone else get maimed and I missed it? Crazy Mary plays all unimpressed, says it was just good. 1980s British Hair does not think there was any swagger. He thinks it was horrible. I should have paid attention more. Nigel says they both failed and that they’re “too sweet” for Lil C’s hip hop. I want Shankman and 1980s British Hair to argue as there is an obvious disagreement between the two. Whoa. 1980s British Hair just won’t stop with his THIS SUCKED. Of course, the GODDESS CAT DEELEY turns around and says to Ryan & Ellenore

In a weird way, he’s also saying, You’re too nice.

I love our fair goddess Cat. She is always trying to stay so positive for the kiddies. LOVE HER.

Yuck. Moron Mollee & Nathan are going second to last. I recall them going last when I watched 2 weeks ago…come on now, stop it. I know the little girls like Nathan because he resembles one of those Twilight people. They are the chosen couple. Don’t even play, 1980s British Hair, don’t even play.

Mollee Gray & Nathan Trasoras
Gustavo Vargas — Salsa

Why are we forced to see baby photos of this nitwit? COME ON. I don’t want to know anything about you, you irritating twit. And I still don’t like you, and I won’t feel sorry for you because you’re deaf in your left ear. Nathan is big into jet skiing (it’s WAVE RUNNING, dammit). I really hope Moron Mollee fails miserably at being “sexy” and “mature” this week. I want to kill her when she yells they will do MUY BUENO. Someone get her a muzzle. Oh christ, she says she is going to become SEXY-FIED MOLLEE. Shoot me now.

When they appear on stage, she looks like a complete moron. Awkward. Nathan can almost pull it off, hell, he looks more salsa than this twin could ever hope. She may be able to nail some of the technical stuff, but there is nothing sexy about it. Her facial expressions are ridiculous. This is a child playing dress-up. Sorry, but that salsa was decidedly mild.

YAY! Shankman hated it. Hated it. He calls it bad luck of the draw, but that’s just code for HATED IT. He even uses the word awkward (see above) and says it exposes all of their weaknesses. Oh, stop trying to tell everyone how they’re fan favorites and how they’ve been fantastic every other week. Keep Nathan. Lose Moron Mollee.

No, it wasn’t sexy-fied…It was french fried, I’m afraid.

Oh, Crazy Mary. I love your madness sometimes. And I fully support your need to wash down those french fries with a cool refreshing glass of Captain Morgan with a splash of Diet Coke.

Noelle Marsh & Russell Ferguson
Sean Cheesman — African Jazz
Frog Dance — Mickey Hart & Planet Drum

Noelle loves her brother. Russell is a talented artist — sketching, drawing, that sort of thing. I don’t know how Noelle & Russell have no clue what African Jazz is. I’m a little white girl from St. Louis. I figured it out. Choreographer is handsome in a if-Phil-Ivey-were-a-dancer kind of way.

I really wish Debbie Allen was judging tonight. I think she might just LOVE this. I’m pretty damn impressed. Way to end the show on a high note. Noelle & Russell as strong, the way they’re able to lift one another and flip the other over, yes, but they’re also just strong dancers. Yup. Definitely impressed. Great routine and they nailed it.

The judges find it joyful. There is characterization and storylines. The audience can identify! I bet Crazy Mary puts them on her Hot Tamale Train, since no one has been allowed aboard tonight, but that’s only because Crazy Mary hasn’t had time to lock up the booze (she has to keep a backup supply!) in the bar cart yet. OH YEAH OH YEAH OH YEAH. She’s screaming CRAZY GOOD. The booze on the hot tamale train is now secure. Let them board, Mary, let them board. OH YEAH OH YEAH OH YEAH CAN YOU HEAR IT NIGEL??

All aboard the Hot Tamale Train for Russell and Noelle. Quick! Grab a drink before the booze runs out. If you get lucky, you may even be allowed into Mary’s secret booze locker. Well, just wait until she passes out and gently take the key from her bra (don’t feel her up, just grab the key, ya sicko!). You know Crazy Mary Murphy keeps the key to her booze closet in her bra as well as you know your own name, so don’t even play like this surprises you.

A couple of days ago, I received an email announcing the Inaugural Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Movement (GCAM) Weekend in Washington, DC. I was asked if I would write a piece about this event and the headlining act, and I agreed because this is a topic near and dear to me. In addition to being the Chief Herban Developer of Herban Lifestyle, I also coordinate the scientific review of cancer prevention and survivorship programs, and I volunteer for Inova Hospital’s Life with Cancer program, and I have a couple of friends who are gynecological cancer survivors.

The weekend includes a 5K and half-marathon race to end women’s cancer on November 8th, as well as a 1-mile walk intended to promote awareness for the diseases and raise funds for they Gynecologic Cancer Foundation (GCF). As part of this, a unique band, N.E.D., will conclude the events with a live performance at the post-race party. There will also be special celebrity appearances, including one by Mandy Moore, who is excited to be supporting the cause. Information on the race and associated activities can be found on the GCF Race website.

Interestingly, N.E.D. is comprised of six musically talented gynecologic cancer surgeons, whose mission is to create awareness about gynecologic cancers, to save lives and bring hope to women currently undergoing treatment.

The band and their EP have received support from MTV’s social change site, ThinkMTV where they were a  featured topic and Lifetime Women’s Network, who throughout the month of September, featured their public service announcement pushing women to know the warning signs and get checked regularly for gynecologic cancers.

The band has also created a viral widget to promote the initiative, which provides data/statistics about gynecologic cancers, album/band updates, event info, information about the diseases, the band, as well as links to donate and purchase N.E.D.’s music.

You can download a PDF copy of the Race Flyer here.

It’s Wednesday. Halfway there. In TV news, you all were right, if how you voted yesterday was any indication of how Dancing With the Stars would turn out after another double elimination round. Appealing as they were, we had to say buh-bye to Michael Irvin and Mark Dacascos. But far more enlightening for many of us was the performance of the Ballas Hough Band, comprised of dancers Mark Ballas and Derek Hough, Did you see it? Should dancers be allowed to sing? This notion of crossovers is of course where we’re headed with today’s poll, but we’ll  get to that in a minute. First up, some big award show news — it seems Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin have both been tapped to host the Oscars…how do you feel about that? We will of course be asking you more pointed questions about your favorite Oscar hosts in the coming weeks. But for now it’s something to consider, and it’s probably a pairing, regardless of its success in terms of ratings,  that will make more than a few of us laugh out loud. A  lot. In other TV news, many of you were very, very pleased to learn that TNT has rescued Southland, but how do you feel about NBC’s decision not to keep going with Trauma, another brand new medical show  barely on its feet before it got the axe? Now let’s get back to today’s business at hand, which is crossover talent. Because the appearance of the Ballas Hough Band made me wonder where genuine talent ends,  and where skill — and vanity –  begins. Although to be fair, there are a number of actors who have taken to song when we didn’t know they could, with excellent results. Meryl Streep can absolutely sing. Kevin Kline can entertain us with song and dance. Mandy Moore does everything. Hugh Jackman too.  Billy Ray Cyrus had a series, and then some. Christopher Walken can totally dance. Patrick Swayze had real pipes. And so on. So now, while we’re on the subject of crossover talent, let’s go the other way and see which singers you think should act more. Herewith,  four singer performers who have appeared in movies and TV. Of them, please voice your choice in today’s featured poll and tell us which  of these singers who decided to act is your fave.

1) Madonna

2) LL Cool J

3) Bon Jovi

4) Queen Latifah

singer: Mandy Moore

In the crazy world
Anything can happen
If you will it to
I’m just a hazy girl
Blurring all the edges
Only seeing blue

[CHORUS]
It’s a Wild Hope
A Wild Hope
A Wild Hope
Everything will be alright

Lost inside
A painting of a city on a hotel wall

Days go by
Wasting golden hours in the fall

[CHORUS]

I catch a glimpse of our reflection
Beside you I see myself
We are the season’s new collection
We look like everybody else

Walk alone
Through the crowded streets into the fading grey
Here and gone
Like a decoration for the holiday

[CHORUS]

I heart LC, and I think I heart her even more for this. Let’s delve back to a time where the effortlessly stylish LA beauty wasn’t quite as addicted to Chloe shades and mui mui sandals. In UK Glamour’s November issue, Lauren Conrad, sandwiched between Mandy Moore and Ciara, shares her worst red carpet moment.

In her defense, Lauren has this to say:

“This car show was one of my first events. I’d change everything. My hair’s too blonde, the shirt doesn’t fit, my accessories don’t match. I didn’t know what to do on the red carpet, which is why I have my thumb in my pocket and my hand on the car – that was my pose.”

All accurate points Lauren, and I love you for owning up to it. We all have questionable outfit choices hidden in the very back of our wardrobes, although one of your ex-co-stars still seems to keep assaulting our eyes with hers, stop it Heidi Montag.

You might find it odd that I am writing about Shane West and David Bowie in the same post. Their fame levels and target audience might seem different but they fit the criteria of the post and I guess there can be people who know and like them both, since I’m one of them.

DAVID BOWIE

David Bowie during his Space Oddity days

David Bowie is a cult musician. His songs are featured in over 200 films. His first album was released in 1967 so it is safe to say he has been around for over 4 decades now. His music is influential and his songs have been sung by other artists, such as Nirvana. Given Nirvana is probably the most popular grunge band and Bowie’s unique rock/pop sound has influenced them also, it becomes quite clear he is a universal idol. Do I like all his songs? No. They are all so different from each other. But there is a Bowie song to be found to suit all your moods and a Bowie picture to fit any kind of fashion statement; from contemporary to glam and flamboyant. But Bowie’s artistic talent is not limited to singing and song writing. He has also appeared in many films. I last saw him in the 2006 movie The Prestige, playing the role of Nikola Tesla. He has also appeared in The Man Who Fell to Earth (1976), The Hunger (1983), The Last Temptation of Christ (1988) and Basquiat (1996); in addition to many other film and TV appearances. He has even played Andy Warhol, the leading man of the pop art movement. Sure, his acting might be critically praised but his name will probably never be mentioned as one of the most influential actors. But to this day, he remains as a musical icon. Below is The Hunger movie poster.

The Hunger

SHANE  WEST

Shane West as Landon in A Walk to Remember

Shane West is a young and promising actor. He is singing and playing the guitar for the band Jonny Was. Now, Shane isn’t insanely famous neither as a musician nor an actor, but he is building a strong movie resume bit by bit. He is only 31, and he has a bit of a baby face that gives him the advantage to play younger parts if he wants to. He totally passed for a high schooler in A Walk to Remember, at the age of 24. He has gotten to play Tom Sawyer alongside Sean Connery in The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen and he has scored one of the major roles in the long-running hospital drama ER. He has played in Echelon Conspiracy – an action movie that has quite a clever script, which is not so easy to find nowadays. This year he has starred in The Lodger, a high-paced thriller. So he has proved that he can undertake many different characters, and not just a romantic sweetheart, like he did in A Walk to Remember. Shane has a long way to go as an actor but things have been promising so far.

As for his band, I am not sure how many of his fans are just from the music scene only. I really enjoyed A Walk to Remember, an adaption of the best-selling Nicholas Sparks novel. The movie’s soundtrack was quite good, despite some of the songs were sung by Mandy Moore. Which reminds me she does act and sing, but her music is too standard pop for my taste. This soundtrack, however also contains a song by Shane’s band, known as Average Jo back then. It is modern rock with some punk energy in it and it is fun. Nothing you haven’t heard of before but it is the stuff I’d like to hear when I’m out with my friends and just want to dance and have a good time. And Shane’s movies are good for pure entertainment.

Shane is right in the middle, posing with his band Jonny Was

What’s the point of this nonsense? These people will be allowed to dance without the threat of being eliminated?

What’s the fun in that?

SYTYCD is taking advantage of the Yankees-Angels ALCS only going 6 games to give us an hour of dancing and the Goddess Cat Deeley. Of course, I think it may be for 1980s British Hair to tease the public with this “fourth judge”.

For all the hell Nigel Lythgoe gets, Idol was better with him at the helm. He may catch flack for his seemingly anti-gay humor (I think he’s just being British — Americans tend to take things way too seriously in the name of political correctness) but 1980s British Hair is a smart man. He knows everyone LOVES Percocet Paula! They’re probably gonna have to stock more Captain Morgan backstage now that Ms. Abdul is coming aboard, but yay for Nigel to showing Paula some love. Frak you, Idol. America loves kind-hearted crazy people, not those with a vocabulary limited to the words dawg and sing and phonebook; and SHIT FOR BRAINS who can’t get their numbers right and write songs like No Boundaries and Open Toes.

So now we know Paula Abdul isn’t one of the million or so Americans out of work right now. While I have a feeling she would be fine financially, I must admit, I do like me some crazy Paula on my crappy reality talent contests. I don’t want to buy the woman’s jewelry or anything, but I’m not looking forward to an American Idol (not like I actually anticipate that garbage in the first place) without Paula Abdul. I think Ellen DeGeneres is great, but hey, she’s no Percocet Paula.

I want to get drunk at a trashy, country & western mechanical-bull bar with Mary Murphy and Paula Abdul. This thought just came over me. Because it would be all sorts of awesome. We would have to have a driver, but that’s cool, because I’m a safety first kind of gal!

Back to this show…and the season’s first group dance!

Comanche (The Revels)
Wade & Amanda Robson

Sweet. SYTYCD is telling America’s youth that it’s okay to smokey-smoke. And Mormon Mollee Moron, I believe, looks like a painted on…

I’ve always loved this song, ever since Pulp Fiction. And I’m digging this group number because its truly a production. I’m also thinking tapper Bianca Revels is going to be a force to recon with in the upcoming competition.

Beggin’ (District 78 Remix) — Madcon
Tabitha & Napoleon

This week, they’re choreographing the three hip-hop dancers — Krumper Russell Ferguson, B-Boy Jonathan “Legacy” Perez, and Kevin Hunte. Whoo hoo. Russell Ferguson is actually from Boston. Not that I’m all about rooting for hometowners, but it’s nice to see a couple of kids from the area represent.

The routine is fun, energetic and all that jazz. Everyone is good, however, I dunno…Russell Ferguson seems to be a definite standout for me. I also wonder as to if anyone stuck money in their hats at the conclusion of the performance. People are crazy, ya know?

Oh wait…I spoke WAY too soon. All the cute sorority girls they bus in from USC came rushing up waving dollar bills. I bet that shit was counterfeit. Not because these three fine young gentleman don’t deserve the Washingtons, but ya know, this is SYTYCD, the sister show to American Idol...this stuff is as fixed as RuPaul.

Why do I often enjoy 1980s British Hair’s sincere enthusiasm? Why do I want NappyTabs to teach me hip hop dancing? Where is Sonya Tayeh? I miss Sonya.

Crying — k.d. Lang
Tyce DiOrio (Contemporary)

Nathan Trasoras, Jakob Carr, Channing Cooke and Ariana Debose are this season’s contemporary dancers. I thought Tyce Tyce “>DiOrio only did Broadway. Color me stupid. If he’s doing contemporary, where the frak is my girl Sonya??? Ariana notes Tyce is more a director than a choreographer. Dude. I totally thought a choreographer WAS a director…of dance.

People are running around in ripped, cream-hued garments to a k.d. lang song. It’s like a Massingil commercial where the chick not only loses her fresh feeling, but also her dog. Lovely, yes. But this type of contemporary dance is putting me to sleep. I want angry Sonya back! Tyce’s “sadness” dance is too overwrought with faux-emotive theatrics. It may be contemporary, yes, but it’s still Broadway.

But it doesn’t take my love away from Nathan and Channing!

(In case you were wondering, I’m saving the Mary-Murphy-Glass-Is-Almost-Empty game for the voting rounds. And HELLO?? So glad Paula gets to drink out of a transparent unmarked glass now! WHOO HOO VICODIN HOO!!!)

TAP IS THE NEW GAY

Take the “A” Train — Ella Fitzgerald
Derek Kaye Grant

Tappers Peter Sabasino, Bianca Revels, and Phillip Atmore–this season’s THREE tappers–are performing together with a brand new choreographer. I really have no idea as to why the tap contingency has been ignored for 5 seasons of SYTYCD. It’s tap dancing for chrissake. Remember Gregory Hines? That man was amazing. Saw him once, not long before he died. On my 23rd birthday as I left the Russian Tea Room. Gregory Hines was standing outside talking to two friends. He wasn’t tap dancing, but it was still awesome. RIP Gregory Hines.

Plus, everybody loves tap dancing. It makes people smile. It’s classic. Timeless. And hello? A Rastafarian was teaching them this routine. How is tap not cool? Forget about tap dancers, how bizarre is it that there’s never been a tap dance on the show. This is so refreshing after so many Massingil commercial contemporary routines. I like the tappers. And I’m really starting to adore Bianca Revels.

1980s British Hair still thinks its gonna be tough for the tappers, because the others can’t do tap…but they have to do everybody else’s style. Hey, color me stupid, but my niece has danced her entire life. She’s majoring in dance (and math) in college and she’s now taken up aerials. But until college, she was always, ballet/tap/jazz. It’s like the standard curiculum…so it’s not like these guys are going in with ZERO other dance experience.

(Anyway…you know that feel-good magical negro sports movie Sandra Bullock has coming out, The Blind Side? I kind of want to see it. I’ll wait until its on cable. Sometimes I like feel-good sports movies but there is no way in hell it’s gonna be better than the Goldie Hawn classic Wildcats.)

JAZZ HANDIES

Oh groan. Ellenore Scott, Pauline Tata and Mormon Mollee Moron show up for their jazz rehearsal with…

On a Cloud — PPP
SONYA TAYEH!!!

Sonya claims its difficult for her to teach girls how to be sexy when she’s not sexy at all. WHATEVIA. Sonya Tayeh is totally sexy. Because she’s Sonya Tayeh. And frankly, she puts out some of the most innovative and imaginative routines seen on this show. I also end up downloading at least 1 or 2 songs per season because I discover them through Tayeh’s routines.

It makes me sad Mollee gets to hang out with Sonya so soon. But the other girls are coolio for now. They managed to straighten Mollee’s hair…but she still looks idiotic. Ellenore and Pauline seem to move more naturally…it just doesn’t seem as forced with them…so they should stop giving Mollee excess solo moments. This is supposed to be a “sexy” routine, but her youthful (Utah) naivite is uh, definitely making her seem about 14-15-years-old again. Adam Shankmann thinks Sonya was able to make jazz hands and tutus sexy, which is uber-difficulty. He also thinks MMM danced with maturity. Meh. Have you noticed they’re telling them ALL nice things tonight? It’s all a ruse!

THE EXPANDED GUIDE TO CONTEMPORARY LIVING

And our second set of contemporary dancers take the stage, including Billy Bell, who was forced to drop out of the competition today due to illness. After reading the official statement from Billy Bell’s family, all I can say is GET WELL SOON. The poor guy. I really hope he makes a full recovery. It’s terrible, and hopefully, he will dance again and most importantly, return to his studies at Julliard.

Victor Smalley, Billy Bell, Noelle Marsh and Torture Tears Kathryn McCormick are paired up with Mandy Moore. Mandy Moore always seems so nice. I like her. She’s goofy.

Jesus christ. ANOTHER BLOODY TOENAIL ON SYTYCD!!!

I guess they’re doing…Viva La Vida?

Viva La Vida — Coldplay
Mandy Moore

There is a cheesy wooded backdrop. I think they are supposed to be forest people. Mormon Mollee Moron’s BFF Noelle Marsh is 20x the dancer MMM is. They keep doing those leaps and stuff. You know, that contemporary crap, yet I rally can’t begrudge their talent. I can’t do any of that stuff, not in a organized routine, anyway. And right now, I really don’t care what they do as long as I don’t have to hear Torture Tears speak or EGAD cry.

Adam Shankmann offers a nice history and explanation of contemporary vs. jazz styles. Contemporary is rooted in classical, while jazz is more about characterization. I like Adam Shanmann. Plus, he made Hairspray. Considering not only my black heart, but also my refusal to see 98% of anything featuring a noted Scientologist (Hey, it pains me every Sunday night to know Peggy Olson sipped the barley water as a child.), lemme just tell you how much I LOVE Hairspray. If you don’t like Hairspray, you suck as a person and at life. You probably all kick puppies and kittens.

BALLROOM BLITZ

Everything I Can’t Have — Robin Thicke
Jason Gilkison

Let’s gear up for a fancy threesome with ballroom/latin dancers Karen Hauer, plus husband & wife finalists Ryan DiLello and Ashleigh DiLello. This might be fun…or at least the inspiration for an adult movie writer/director or something.

Appropriately, we have the whole love triangle thing going on in this little ballroom number, which reminds me I know nothing about Robin Thicke except his father was on Growing Pains and I met him when I was 12. And now he does commercials hawking time shares on manmade swamp land in Las Vegas or something. I’ve heard this Robin Thicke is quite popular with the kids these days. He sounds like he’s aiming to be the adopted love child of Michael Buble and Justin Timberlake. But the song is kind of fun, as is the dance. And in case you were wondering, Ashleigh gets her husband Ryan back by the end of the song.

I don’t think Crazy Mary Murphy is busting out free tickets to her Crazy Captain Morgan & Vicodin Hot Tamale Train until the judging rounds begin, but she thought they were hot hot hot like Buster Poindexter.

Tomorrow night, this shit show returns for TWO WHOLE HOURS. Ugh. But…I think PERCOCET PAULA WILL BE THERE!!! So take two and read me in the evening.

I promise.

Not that I expect thanks or anything. I’m just selfless.

Via The Linkiest, Asylum.com listed out the 100 women for whom interet users search the most, and some of the TrogloFavorites made the cut.

• Danica Patrick came in 96th;

Sorry about that, Danica. We’ll work on it.

• Hayden Panettiere came in 90th;

• Carrie Prejean was 19th;

• and Megan Fox clicked in at number 5.

Gina Carano didn’t make the top 100, leading me to believe that the internet is even more lacking in good taste than I thought.

So who was #1? Mandy Moore:

Huh. Never heard of her.

WHAT I LEARNED AT DIGITAL HOLLYWOOD LA YESTERDAY

1) 1) The comedy panels are where it’s at.

I was introduced to 3 videos that made my week.

Woman Faceplants Off of Mechanical Bull

#1 on Break.com last week. Currently has amassed over 490K views.

The Ed Hardy Boyz

Being a recent transplant from NYC to LA, this Funny or Die video has special meaning to me. This video has currently amassed over 117K views.

I have been blindsided by at least 2 traumatic Ed Hardy shirt sightings in the past 3 weeks. In fact, observe this gentleman in the wild at Digital Hollywood LA. Priceless. I’m not saying that I’m not without fashion fault. I mean, there was a time in junior high during which I rocked jean jumpers. But Ed Hardy flare is no flare at all sir.

Red Bull Energy Douche with Mandy Moore

Fresh. Clean. Extreme. Must I say more? Being the sort of girl who is obsessed with Red Bull (I’m carrying a sugar free varietal in my purse as we speak), I appreciate this faux-mercial for several reasons. This video on Funny or Die has currently tallied up over 397K views.

Funny or Die apparently doesn’t pay the talent who stars in their videos. Clearly, this makes sense based on the turnaround time in which these videos are produced but honestly, it’s refreshing to see talent working on things that they enjoy. And as a pleasant after taste, these funny little videos clearly garner the actors with a certain amount of brand cache and publicity that is clearly attractive.

Mike Farah from Funny or Die dropped news of a new series coming to HBO showcasing Funny or Die’s best in 30 minute episodes. Can’t wait.

2) 2) “Content is king in the way that religion is the opiate to the masses.”

Sarah Szalavitz from 7 Robot uttered one of the most intriguing statements I’ve ever heard, in any digital panel frankly, earlier this morning. There is some considerable debate afoot about whether content is still king. Some say the community is king. Some say that content has lost a bit of cache in the world of online media. I still say that great content is king. There’s a lot of content out there but to be great, is to be the most powerful beast in the room.

Just in case you’re not sure, THIS is great content.

No início do filme parece que ele é direcionado para adolescentes, mas no decorrer do mesmo me surpreendi pelo desenrolar da trama. O filme é lindo e todas as emoções que ele traz estão na medida certa. Em minha opinião, está entre os melhores, nota 10!

Sinopse:
Em plenos anos 90, Landon Carter (Shane West) é punido por ter feito uma brincadeira de mal gosto em sua escola. Como punição ele é encarregado de participar de uma peça teatral, que está sendo montada na escola. É quando ele conhece Jamie Sullivan (Mandy Moore), uma jovem estudante de uma escola pobre. Com o tempo Landon acaba se apaixonando por Jamie que, por razões pessoais, faz de tudo para escapar de seu assédio.