A Little Rapper's Delight Courtesy of Jimmy Fallon and JT and The Roots

Jimmy and JT school the nation on the history of rap! An amazing prize goes to the first person that can name all the rap songs in the medley.


Oh, and by 'amazing prize,' I mean a brand-spankin'-new (gasp!)... pat on the back.

And not a real one, mind you. Just a digital one. I bet you're super-motivated now. Right?? I mean, just look at yo' fine super-motivated self.


...


Or...you could just watch.

Get Ready

Tomorrow Officially My TV Boyfriend, Chuck Bartowski returns with all his charm and desire to save the world.

Check out the trailer for season 4. Here's hoping Ellie isn't a pain :P

Nice Hair cut BF ;)

I'll be on my couch tuned to NBC at 8pm where will you be?

Happy Birthday Nick Jonas

I know I've been ghost, for so very long. But GG is back first with apologies to my partners who are tots awesome and kept it going!

Now here's a quick shout out to Nick Jonas

HAPPY 18TH BIRTHDAY!!! I hope that you have enjoyed the day and just want to say that you are wicked sweet.

You are talent, amazing musician and my favorite Jonas so I hope you enjoyed the day :) Plus Camp Rock 2 is was pretty great--totally added to my summer.

the weirdness continues

http://fuckyeahstruttingleo.tumblr.com/


AMAZING

Bowties Are Cool

I wouldn't categorize myself as a Doctor Who ~fan.  I had seen a few episodes with the Tenth Doctor from various seasons with various companions. And while I always enjoyed the episodes I saw and wanted to start watching the show, I never got around to it.  So it's funny that the first full season of Who I've been able to watch was the latest season with the newest Doctor and I've done things completely out of order as usual.

A shiny blue box

 So I wanted to do a little write up about it, because I greatly enjoyed this season (series? Series 5, I believe).  I won't lie, it took me a little while to warm up to it, but by the end of the finale, I found myself searching my Tivo for more episodes.  I think there's something about not having gotten accustomed to a previous actor playing the Doctor (especially Ten's actor, David Tennant, who is beloved by many fans), because it allowed myself to be totally involved in Matt Smith's performance as Eleven.  Which is awesome!  Matt Smith makes the doctor silly and crazy and spastic, yet I love his serious side too.  You really believe him as this centuries old, last of the Time Lords, who's also kind of a badass.  He was so much fun to watch and do his thing, that while I can't necessarily call him ~my Doctor yet, he might be close.

Oh River Song, who are you?

 Ah though, Amy Pond is still a little confusing for me.  I didn't realize this until later, but I think my aversion to sassy redheads (ever since that trollop, Ginny Weasley, came along) turned me off Amy a bit.  I never disliked her, I just didn't feel really any affection for the character.  By the end of the season however, I was beginning to turn around on Amy and accept her more, a lot of it having to do with Karen Gillan, who is pretty fantastic.  I still don't ~love her, her sassiness rivals Ginny's a bit too much at times, but I'm getting there.  And I have to mention Rory, Amy's bumbling but adorable boyfriend, who I love a whole lot.  From what I've seen and heard of in past seasons, there's often some kind of ~romantic "thing" with the Doctor and his companion (and yes, there was a little bit of it in this season, although thankfully, not that much), and so I liked the fact that quite a bit of the episodes had to do with exploring Amy and Rory's relationship, which I find pretty adorable (when they're both not acting stupid).

I just liked this scene

So the season as a whole was put together pretty well, with an intriguing arc about the crack in the wall showing up everywhere in time, with some more stand alone episodes filled in (although even those all seemed to tie into the overreaching arc in the end).  There were a few clunkers here and there, such as "Victory To The Daleks" (but I find the Daleks completely grating in every possible way, so) and the two parter "The Hungry Earth" and "Cold Blood", but even so there were enough truly amazing episodes to make up for it.  "Time Of Angels" was one of the creepiest hours of TV I've seen and episodes like "Amy's Choice" and "Vincent and the Doctor" were emotional and thought-provoking.  Above all though, one thing that I completely love about the show is that it's always so clever. It fulfills my Sci-Fi cravings in new and interesting ways every time.  And the last two episodes of the series were amazing.  Funny and touching and emotional and exciting and shocking and scary and everything you could want from a finale.  As the Brits would say (I think)....BRILLIANT!

Thumbs up, Doctor!

So, if you like Doctor Who or Sci-Fi or British people or really just good TV, then I would recommend the newest season of Doctor Who!  Hopefully I can go back and catch up with all of the previous seasons of new Who, because I want to know everything I've missed.  Can't wait for the Christmas special! :D

PEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEETE

Hells Bells

Pete Campbell, you are

an advertising genius.

"Christ on a cracker!"

i don't even know, you guys

http://fuckyeahprancingcera.tumblr.com/

i don't even know....

Yeah...

we're hot

Ze emmy nominations are out

RIGHT HERE!

12 noms for Lost \o/  Warms my insides a bit.  I have to admit that I haven't been watching much TV lately, so most of these seem pretty standard.  Happy about all the Mad Men noms of course, but the Lost stuff really warms my heart.  Terry O'Quinn and Michael Emerson were give-ins, but I'm so happy for Mathhew Fox.  He really really deserved it for his work this season.

BUT MOSTLY LET'S CELEBRATE THE ELIZABETH MITCHELL NOM! YAYAAYAY! *dances*

(True Blood though? Really? REALLY? lol.  And Gregory Itzin, you scoundrel :D)

So what did you guys think about the Emmy noms?

So You Think You Can Dance Season 7: Top 11 Perform

Who's ready for some SYTYCD?! This season is a bit different from past seasons.  Instead of a Top 20, there's a Top 11, and every week someone gets paired up with a dancer from a past season, or an "All Star" as you will.  Also, apparently the judges get to choose who goes home every single week, instead of just during the first half of the competition (laaaaaaame). Also, also, MARY MURPHY IS GONE!!!!!111 WOO WOO!!!1111  You have no idea how happy this makes me.  Mary Murphy was like Kara DioGuardi times a thousand.  Mia Michaels is a crazy bitch, but oh lordy is she better than Mary.

I won't bore you with detailed thoughts about everyone's performances.  I got too lazy to do that.  I will say that it was really super awesome to see some of my favorite dancers again though :D  Mark, Pasha, Neil, Ade! YAAAAAAAAAAY! Definitely the best part of the episode.  As there are less and less contestants though, does that just mean certain All Stars will take breaks certain weeks since they're attached to a specific style, or...how does that work exactly?

Despite the fact that it was super awesome seeing the old dancers again, I still felt the whole thing was a little strange in that they weren't being judged at all.  They were there on the stage, having just as much participation as the actual contestant, yet we're supposed to ignore them?  Often I thought the All Stars were better than the contestant, so I either couldn't really pay attention to the contestant at all OR the contestant paled in comparison and I thought they were worse than they probably were.  For example, Pasha and Melinda's Jive, all I could focus on was Pasha who was killing it, so when they started bashing Melinda afterward, I was just like, "oh...really? I thought it was good".  Really though, just Pasha was good lol.  Or Mark and Christina's Jazz.  Mark is so unbelievably good at that style of dance that I thought he totally outdanced Christina and she wasn't that good.  Of course, the judges loved her lol.   It's all a bit distracting. Aw well, I'll keep looking forward to seeing my favorite All Stars every week anyways.

One of the highlights of the night was Alex and Allison's contemporary piece.  First, I have to point out the fact that Sonya is totally my favorite choreographer.  Girl is amazing.  Second, the Jeff Buckley version of Hallelujah is one of the greatest songs ever, so it already had that going for it.  But it was still really really amazing. Both of those dancers were incredible and it gave me goosebumps.  Just gut wrenching (best ever though? I don't think so).  Another highlight was Robert and Courtney's African Jazz. SO fun and totally flawless.  I think I really like that Robert guy.  I will root for you, Robert!

Anyone else watching? What did ya think?

!!!

Winter Is Coming

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A travishamockery

I can't really write a coherent blog post right now

Instead read this article: http://cultural-learnings.com/2010/05/27/american-idol-season-9-finale-in-defence-of-kris-allen/





Basically.

American Idol Season 9 Top 2: Do we even care?

To be honest, I'm feeling kind of zen about this whole thing.  Lee used to fill me with such rage, but now I don't really even care who wins.  I'm still on team Crystal, but if Lee wins, eh, whatever.  I'm sure Crystal will be fine and this season will deserve an Idol who sings out of tune half the time :)

Such a change from last season, heh.  I didn't really think I would ever like a season as much as Season 8, but I didn't think I would hold so much hatred turned apathy towards this season either.  I will never forget you though, Didi, Lilly, Alex, Crystal, and.....TIM!

"The Boxer" Reprise - 
MG:Erm...that was......good! :D  I have a feeling Randy's jacket is going to be my favorite thing of the night though.
Z: He wasn't as pitchy this time around. It was awright, dawg. Randy's elephant/argyle jacket still takes the cake.

"Me and Bobby McGee" Reprise-
Z: I love her guitar! It's weathered and distressed and it looks like it has a soul. Her voice is amazing, as always. Mamasox rocks.
MG: Round one goes to Jack Bowersox!  I think I'm already drunk.

Producer's choice Lee - "Everybody Hurts":
MG: He still looks scared.  Oh lord, it's Lee's choir.  WHERE IS BAGPIPE?!  At least he sang in tune? Sort of?
Z: OMGed, the choir? Really? Kara described Lee as "emotionally accessible"? Yeah, maybe in an alternate universe, DioGuardi. Good song choice, but he still held back.

Producer's choice Crystal - "Black Velvet":
MG:  Oh man, this is dramatic as hell.  I'm really afraid she's going to fall down the stairs.  And she survived!  This is rockin'! Sing it, girlfrand!  SHE'S ON THE HOT TAMALE TRAIN!!!! WHOO WHOO!!!!!11
Z: Girl rocked it out!!! This stage is huge. I'm wary of Simon's complements for Crystal...I wouldn't put it past him to use reverse-psychology to make sure Lee's fans put it into overdrive tonight.


Lee coronation song - "Beautiful Day"
MG: What?  Um....this isn't a song about natural disasters!  WHAT IS THIS SHIT?!  Where are the mountains?!  THE HURRICANES?!  He sounds out of tune.  This is so unfair to every other Idol winner and runner-up....dear god.  This sucks.  I'm just saying.  It's not because I'm pissed he doesn't have to sing about believing in yourself or whatever, he just...doesn't sound very good.  THIS IS THE GUY YOU WANT AS YOUR IDOL, AMERICA?!......When is Kris Allen coming back?
Z: Simon is infuriating me. Lee Dewyze is the only one who needs a break?! His voice was a little iffy in spots and very 'yell-y' in others.  I really hope Crystal gets an equally liked song as 'Beautiful Day.' I really don't want voters to vote for the 'song' they like more. It's about the artistry, people! Let's remember that.

Crystal "coronation song" - "Up to the Mountain"
MG: MOUNTAIN! I've got my mountain! Crystal wins.  Game over. Ok, I'll talk about the performance.  So much emotion.  Just...OMG they said Lee was the one with emotional connection?!  Hahahahahahaha.  This is like, maybe one of the best performances of the season.  I feel tears.  The tears might be coming.  Now, this was a moment.  YOU WANTED A MOTHERFRAKKIN MOMENT?!  THERE YOU FUCKING GO!
If she doesn't win now, I just....I don't even know.
Z: Basically, I'm just getting my phone ready, cuz I REALLY want this girl to win now. This is my proudest moment as a Crystal fan. Seriously. She sang with conviction and soul, and...I just...love her. That is all.
My voting hand is poised and ready.

So....I still don't really care who wins, I guess, but if Crystal doesn't win, it'll just be...sad.  I think her performances tonight were so strong, especially her last song, that she should win on merit alone.  There is just no way, shape or form that Lee was better than her tonight (or the whole season, but that's a whole nother argument)
Having said that, I think Lee does have more screaming tweens and cougars voting for him.  Also, they kind of de-pimped him this episode (even though he deserved it), so it might mobilize his fanbase.

Z: To be honest,  Crystal has been the shining beacon in the fog that has been season 9. Though the Lee fans may be pulling out the stops voting-wise, I really hope that Crystal prevails. Tonight was really her night. During the entire season, she's been the ARTIST to beat. I don't think I could ever say the same for Lee.

Amen

Now where is Kris?

LOST: The End is Near. Say it ain't so, Darlton!

Last Wednesday night, Damon and Carlton were on Letterman to present the Top Ten Spoilers for the LOST finale!!!

• If you want to skip Letterman's spiel, Darlton comes on at about 1:47. 
• Ben makes a cameo and delivers lines in his creepy 'Ben' way. 

American Idol Season 9 Top 3: Dead to me

Before this episode even starts, I know I'm going to vote for either Casey or Crystal.  DO NOT SETTLE FOR MEDIOCRITY! VOTE FOR THE GOAT! BOW-ER-SOX! BOW-ER-SOX!


Casey - Alright With Me by Eric Hutchinson: I don't know it. This is just an Ok song, for me for you.  That was good, but maybe not ~amazing.  Casey needed a 'Heartless' to make it into the finale, and this wasn't it. Casey :(
Z: I can kind of understand Casey picked this song in order to show more of his artist side (it's kind of obscure so no one could compare it to the original). His vocals were strong, but his delivery needed to pack more of a punch. Casey, you need to be better than Lee! I hope his second song is better.

Crystal - Come to My Window by Melissa Etheridge: Harmonica FTW!  She should always sing songs just like that. I don't really have much to say. It was just good.
Z: Crystal's vocals were strong, but I agree with Kara--an acoustic arrangement might have been an improvement. I'm excited to hear her second song!!!! Btw, I love her mic stand.

Lee - Simple Man by Lynyrd Skynrd:  Oh god, of course Lee's got the pimp spot.  OMG look at his eyes.  There's no emotion there.  He creeps me out.  And he has a giant head.  He's going to his "Daughtry place".  Oh crap, the judges are going to love this.  I just don't like his voice.  He hits like, half of his notes, but it's not as noticeable because he just screams everything.
Z: Oh, no. They're totally pimping him. Some of his notes weren't that great. But, of course, the judges won't say anything about that. Their Lee-love is blinding them!!!! Let the scales fall from your eyes, judges!!! Please.



Casey - Daughters by John Mayer: Lovin it so far.  Much better.  I love it when he does his ballad thing.  AND A FACE MELTING SOLO!
Z: Of course, Simon critiques Casey's guitar solo... Simon, stop taking Casey down so you can elevate Lee later...Simon, you make me sad.  Anyways, I think it's great anytime Casey shows his vulnerable side. His soloing and vocals were strong and totally fit the song (boo to you, Simon).


Crystal - Maybe I'm Amazed by Paul McCartney: No instrument.  I love this song so much.  Sing it, girlfrand.  Slow. Motherfucking. Clap. Girl just threw down.
Z: Mind Grapes and I just did the *Susan Boyle-face-held-in-hands* gesture. I swoon at her voice. Girlfriend got SOUL.

Lee -  Hallelujah by Jeff Buckley: Full orchestra, fancy lighting, full choir descending from the heavens.  I am a changed woman.  Put me to bed, mama.  I have seen enough to know that I have seen too much..........I hate this show.
Z: And good music dies to the sound of thunderous applause. (Too harsh?)


I still cannot believe that just happened. Like, really? Really really? Just....LOL forever OMG this show is so stupid and I hate it so much.

So...Lee is going to win this show.  Whatever.  This season deserves him. I don't even give a fuck anymore.
Z: I still have hope that Lee Dewyze/Gokey-rehash will not win. However, I do think he will make the final 2, considering how Simon lavished the full-on orchestra/gospel choir treatment on him. Even though it's a long shot, I'm voting to keep Casey in the game. C'mon, people! We need to make a C^2 finale happen!! C^2 supporters, let's rally ourselves and UNITE!!!!!!