Recently in Shilling Category
Last night, R&B singer Steph Jones hit me up about the new video for his song "La La Means Love." (Yes, that's right. I'm so cool that real life R&B singers contact me. Okay, I'm not that cool. But Steph is cool, and I'm going to bask in his reflected glory). Anyway, Steph asked if I'd help get the word out about this video, and who was I to say no? After all, it's a deceptively catchy tune, and I would be lying if I said it hadn't been stuck in my head for longer than I care to discuss. So if you're an R&B fan (and even if you're not), check out the video. At the very least you'll get to see some funky green screen work. And who doesn't love that??
Up and coming singer Steph Jones posted this amusing video of himself plucking coils of his hair from his head and placing them in a cup. This is followed by shirtless crying and quiet sadness. Nevertheless, he's trying to get the views on YouTube up, and if it reaches 8,000 plays, he's going to auction off the aforementioned hair collection (a.k.a. the titular "Cup-O-Naps") to one very lucky person.
At this point, you might be asking yourself why I've highlighted this video, but here's the thing. I empathize with Steph and his humble pursuits. After all, I too know what it's like to try to get an online campaign off the ground (note my shameless plea for Twitter followers), and thus I'm paying it forward. So have a look and enjoy. Maybe someday you can be the very special owner of Steph Jones's hair.
Good luck, Steph!
Still trying to figure out what to make for Super Bowl Sunday? Perhaps you should take the lead of my friend Heather, author of Eat Your Feelings, who has made this instructional video in the effort to a) enlighten the masses on a possible game-time option, and b) promote her aforementioned book.
Anyway, take a gander at the video, and please enjoy Heather shot-gunning a beer.
I think it's time for a new Twitter goal. Last year, I made a fuss about wanting to reach 1,000 followers (with at least one being a noteworthy celebrity), and happily I succeeded on both fronts (thank you, Blair Underwood). Now I'm at it again. I'm restless for more followers, and no, it's not because I have some deep-seated desire to be popular (although I do have that). It's because more Twitter followers means more traffic for this site. And more traffic for this site means higher ad revenue. And higher ad revenue means greater happiness for me. And greater happiness for me, means better blog quality for you (theoretically). So really, it's a win-win situation.
My new goal is to hit 2,000 followers (ideally 2,500). Another celebrity would be fun, but it's not essential. So if you're not following me, sign up! After all, The Wrap did include me on its list of "50 TV Insiders to Follow Right Now." If that's not an endorsement, I don't know what is. Besides, if you follow me, you'll be privy to such glorious things as celebrity sighting tweets, impromptu TV observations, and biting social commentary. And by that, I mean whiney posts about being hungry (ie "I am very hungry. And drunk. The two are perhaps related." 1:53 AM Jan 30th).
So follow me on Twitter at twitter.com/bsideblog. And then tell all your friends. It's the American thing to do.
Thanks!
Everyone should watch Cougar Town tonight. Why? Well, aside from the fact that the show has been steadily improving on the funny front, tonight's episode has been written by occasional B-Side Blog personality (not to mention my close friend) sawgee. Even more importantly, this is the first episode of anything he's written to air on network TV; so it's kind of a big deal for him career-wise. Let's help him out and get him the best ratings possible. Tune in at 9:30 PM tonight on ABC.
For a preview of tonight episode, check out the show's website here. I would have embedded the video, but the geniuses at ABC.com don't provide code for that. I mean, because who would ever want a promo video to be accessed as easily as possible? Sorry. I'm bitter on account of not having had breakfast yet. Will eat shortly.
In conclusion, watch Cougar Town tonight and then write ABC a letter about how much you enjoyed the episode.
As we all know, I'm often wont to shill for friends and other entities on this blog; so I thought I'd compile a small digest of things you should do, check out, or enjoy. In no particular order, here they are:
- The Grammys! My friend Jen does PR for the recording academy, and The Grammys is her biggest event all year long. Not only is she a total sweetheart, but she may be hooking me up with a free ticket to the show! Even if that doesn't happen though, please all tune in this Sunday on CBS to watch the awards and help her do her job of boosting awareness and ratings. Sunday, CBS, 8 PM ET
- Model voting! Remember my friend Chris? Well, among other things, he's a model, and when I last posted about him, he was vying to be the winner in an internet competition. Sadly, he lost, but now he's in another competition -- one that actually has a real prize. He's been featured in the kind of NSFW DNA Magazine (along with -- drumroll please -- Scott from Real World Brooklyn), and now he needs your help to be January's man of the month. If he wins, he actually gets a photo shoot, which as we all know from ANTM, is a very big deal. So if you're so inclined, help a poor male model live the dream by voting here (again, link kind of NSFW, unless your job is cool with guys in speedos).
- Treadmill Trackstar: This band contacted me about two months ago and have been so persistent, I have to give them kudos. Plus, they gave me a free CD. Anyway, if you're looking to explore new music, check out Treadmill Trackstar. I particularly recommend "I Belong To Me," which is coincidentally also the name of the CD. Give them a listen at treadmilltrackstar.com.
From Crackle:
Not so long ago, I posted about my friend's upcoming web series The Bannen Way. Well, the project finally debuted on Sony's online site Crackle (which contrary to what you may believe is NOT a tasty snack), and it's very impressive. I mean, it features Robert Forster and Vanessa Marcil. What's not to love? I've posted the first webisode here, but there are six more online, with a new one premiering every week. So check it out...
Tonight is the big finale for the wonderful Surivor: Samoa season, and along with learning who will take home the million dollar cash prize, we'll also discover who is the fan favorite. The winner of that poll will take home a cool $100,000, and while I don't usually pay attention to these contests, this time around, I've decided to throw my Very Important Endorsement at Dr. Mick Trimming. Why? Well, he invited me to a party; so that's a lot right there. Also, I met his fiancé, and she was lovely. Plus, we have mutual friends. AND Mick has forwarded this site to many people, including various cast members of the show. That alone is worthy of the vote. I can also say that he's a very nice guy, and I suppose that's got to be worth something too.
Now, I know many people will probably gravitate toward Russell for fan favorite, but just remember that Russell will probably win anyway; so... YEAH. If that's not sound logic, I don't know what is.
To vote for Mick, just text 13 to 81818 up to ten times. You can also register on CBS.com and vote there too. Good luck!
Once again, it is time for me to call upon my legion of readers to mobilize for the greater good of mankind. My old friend jash has entered into a contest and desperately needs your help in order to procure success. Here are the details: jash submitted to Food2's "Party App-titude Challenge" which invites users to send in their very own original appetizer recipe. Winners receive "a trip for 2 to New York for a tour of Food Network Kitchens, a year of Food Network Magazine and a chance to dine with Kelsey & Spike Cook star, Kelsey Nixon." Sounds pretty sweet.
But alas, poor jash needs some backup. His lovely entry, Crostini with Onion Compote & Brie, does not have the necessary votes to catapult him to the top. We must change this -- especially since jash's appetizer hails from a decidedly Ina Garten tradition of sophistication and refinement (as opposed to much of his competition, which speaks regrettably to a more Sandra Lee palate, if you know what I'm saying).
Anyway, to help jash attain the brass ring of Food2 glory, visit his entry here and cast your vote (the higher the rating, the better). I'm sure he would thank you for your time, despite being a noteworthy curmudgeon.
To anyone living in Los Angeles -- especially the Hollywood / West Hollywood area -- check this out. On Saturday from 10 AM to 4 PM, a blogger bake sale will be going down at Zeke's Smokehouse on Santa Monica Blvd. Yours truly will be participating, as will a host of other bloggers such as Lisa Timmons from lisatimmons.com, Cathy from gas•tron•o•my, and Diana from Diana Takes A Bite. Also, word has it that bloggers from the LA Times and LA Weekly will be present as well.
There will be plenty of delicious items to buy (I'm contributing blondies), and all proceeds go to the Los Angeles Regional Foodbank. Please come by and support a great cause! At the very least, you can meet some bloggers, and who wouldn't want to do that?
WHERE:
Zeke's Smokehouse:
7100 Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90046
WHEN:
December 5th, 10 AM to 5 PM
A full list of participating bloggers after the jump.
A magnificent thing happened on Friday afternoon. A free bottle of 1800 Silver Tequila arrived at my doorstep! This wasn't a totally random event though. I had received an email from a firm representing 1800 Tequila announcing that the company would be releasing a limited edition series of bottles designed by various artists (read the full press release here), and in an effort to promote this event, they wanted to send me a free bottle. How could I resist?
Well, when I think of tequila, I think of two people: my friend Paul (who in 2000, chugged a cup of Jose Cuervo and then ran around my backyard with the bottle, screaming "I'm the tequila fairy!" for about thirty minutes), and my friend Sly, who has yet to proclaim herself as any sort of tequila sprite or nymph but enjoys the stuff nonetheless. Unfortunately, Paul lives in Portland; so he was unable to enjoy the tequila with me, but I still had Sly, and thus, I invited her down to sample the wares . Our boozy adventures after the jump...
For nearly two years, I've been littering my blog with "Adventures In Domesticity" posts where I attempt some recipe in an effort to hone the domestic side of my personality. I've cooked up many interesting dishes and subsequently had many fascinating adventures, but last night marked a true milestone for me. It was the first time ever that a published cookbook author was in attendance to oversee the chaos. No, Ina Garten hadn't dropped by the apartment (although, she has an open invitation). This was my friend Heather Whaley, who just published the book Eat Your Feelings: Recipes For Self-Loathing. Falling somewhere between humor and cooking, the book is all about recipes you can whip up easily and with minimal effort when you're just in one of those MOODS (or drunk). Realizing your marriage is on thin ice? Try the "Staying Together for the Children Chicken Tetrazzini." Feeling a bit sexually harassed? Go for the "Rainbow Sherbet 'Cause Your Boss Is A Pervert." Or maybe you just feel under appreciated. Then it's time for the "You Are Overqualified for Your Job and They Make You Get the Donuts Super Veggie Dog."
Anyway, with Heather's book in hand, we decided to have a little Eat Your Feelings party involving an appetizer, an entree, and a dessert — and of course multiple glasses of wine along the way. Pictures from this exciting event after the jump...
So back in the day, I used to work for an executive in the film industry, and from time to time, he would mention his younger brother who was an up and coming hip-hop music producer (or engineer or superstar or something like that). I don't remember specifics, but I can say that over the past several years, I've always wondered who the guy was and what his music sounded like. Well, I finally have my answer. He goes by Jack Splash, and the video above is apparently his new single with Missy Elliot and Jazmine called "I Could Have Loved You." Truth be told, I actually really like it a lot. It's sort of hip-hop meets R&B meets retro-eighties. Or something like that. I don't know. I'm not a music writer. I just know that I like it and that it's definitely going on my "Going Out In Hollywood" playlist. Yes, I really named a playlist that. (I also have one for going to Costco, but we won't discuss that here).
Anyway, "I Could Have Loved You" doesn't appear to be available on iTunes just yet, but keep an eye out for it. I'm sure it will surface soon.
Listen to a better quality recording here.
Not so long ago, I posted about my friend Chris, who's in the running for something called Model Survivor. I implored you all to vote for him to win, not realizing that the cruel webmaster behind this game was not content to have merely one round of voting or even two, but apparently THIRTY. Overkill? Just a tad. But I suppose it's within his right to milk the concept. I've been known to kill a few things myself on this blog.
Nevertheless, Chris is back again, and he's hoping to be the highest vote-getter in this latest round of man gawking. That's where you all come in. If you'd like to help Chris's dreams come true, be sure to head over to the site and vote for him. The "ballot" is on the right hand side, and he's number 7 (click it then press "vote" below — no registration required).
I'm not really sure he wins anything by earning the most votes in a round, but at least he'll have pride, bragging rights, and perhaps some decent fodder for his next cocktail party. And really, isn't that enough?
So what do you get out of it? Well, the ladies get some random eye-candy. The gay dudes too. And the straight guys and lesbians? Well, you can just look at this instead.
To help out Chris, check out Model Survivor here (possibly NSFW, depending on how lenient your boss is about half-naked men).
Free stuff alert! In an effort to promote their new Lauren Conrad line of clothes, Kohl's has given me a $50 gift certificate to be used in their stores. You know what that means: time for a giveaway!
If you want to win the gift certificate, send me an email at bsideblog at gmail dotcom and tell me what you think the definitive Lauren Conrad moment has been and why. The best answer as judged by me will win the shopping spree!
Good luck!
And to check out Lauren's collection, click here.
Exclusive video of Meeshie biking for MS.
This is shameless, I know. But it's shameless for a great cause. As I mentioned last week, my friend Meeshie is participating in the bike ride for MS Research in an effort to help find a cure for multiple sclerosis. I'm not the charitable type, but it's an important cause that affects more people than you may realize.
Anyhoo, Meeshie's goal is to reach $1,000, but alas, she's about $300 shy of that total. Obviously, $700 ain't bad at all, but if you can help her reach that goal, that would be awesome. Ten dollars here. Five dollars there. It all adds up! Do you like my hard sell? I'm really pushing it. Anyway, the bike ride is on Sunday; so there's not a lot of time left.
If you're interested in donating, click here.
Meeshie in 2008
My friend Meeshie is taking part in a very important and good cause next week. No, she's not finding me a benefactor to fund this site. She's participating in the annual bike ride to support MS Research. Last year, I encouraged readers to help support Meeshie and her team, and this year, I'm doing the exact same thing. Multiple sclerosis affects a huge number of people, and hopefully events like this can help us move closer to a cure (why aren't I quite the sincere blogger this morning?). Anyway, here's the formal pitch:
On October 4 the National MS Society's New York City Chapter is hosting its 25th annual Bike MS event where 5,000 individuals will ride their bikes toward a world free of MS. I am joining the movement by participating in Bike MS. You can support me by making a tax-deductible donation to help raise much needed funds for people with multiple sclerosis.
Over 400,000 Americans live with the challenges of multiple sclerosis. This disease brings uncertainty to those living with it and stops people from moving. The National MS Society exists to make sure it doesn't. Together, we can turn the uncertainty into hope by doing something about MS now.
To donate, click here to support Meeshie or visit bikeMSnyc.org. Please help out Meeshie!
Time to shill for a friend (as if I don't do that enough — btw, check out my friend Heather's book, Eat Your Feelings: Recipes for Self-Loathing. On sale now and beloved by the New Yorker!). Anyway, my buddy Chris models, and apparently there's a website out there which is attempting to crown "the hottest male models in the business," as chosen by reader votes. Basically, it's some guy's shameless way of getting traffic by posting a whole lot of man flesh. Nevertheless, Chris is in the running and needs votes. That's where you come in. If you'd be so kind, head on over to the site, and on the right-hand side, send a vote Chris's way (he's #7, Christopher Nogiec). I'm sure he'd be very appreciative.
Vote here: Model Survivor
Hey, girl with fifty-six stars on her face — this news might be perfect for you: I just received a text from Dr. Will, famously of Big Brother and Dr. 90210. He has this news to share:
My Irvine clinic is doing FREE tattoo removal all day today (until 8:00 pm). If you know anyone who needs some ink removed, please call us at: 949-581-5334. www.DrTattoff.com
That's right, ladies. Now you can get that tramp stamp removed without spending a dime! It's only for today though, and only at the Irvine location. Sounds like a deal to me.... (and yes, this service is open to the mens also).
15751 Rockfield Blvd., Suite 120 Irvine CA 92618
Oops! I forgot to post this earlier this week, but NBC's epic, butterfly-centric series Kings returns to the airwaves tonight! My friend works on the show, and I promised her I'd show it some love. It got great reviews, but apparently never found an audience. Well, now's your chance to check it out.
Kings. Tonight. NBC. 8 PM (I think — check your local listings)
The other day, my friend Howie announced that the Artisan Cheese Gallery would be serving his self-created sandwich vision, simply titled "The Howie." I had no idea what the Artisan Cheese Gallery was, but after some thorough investigation (ie. reading more than the first line of his email), I discovered that it was a neat restaurant / gourmet shop in Studio City that's been throwing some sort of sandwich making contest on Twitter. Anyway, Howie submitted his concoction (hence "The Howie"), and on Saturday it was featured on the restaurant's menu to wide acclaim. I unfortunately was not able to partake in the festivities, which was most sad not because I wanted to support a friend, but because the sandwich looked really, really good. How good? Well, it's roast beef, gorgonzola, and caramelized onions on a ciabatta that's gone through a panini press. Oh, and it's served au jus. Needless to say, I was most bummed to have missed it.
However, when Howie revealed via Twitter that the sandwich would be making a return appearance today, I knew I couldn't let the opportunity pass. I zipped over the hills, met up with Howie and his friend Nick, and headed over to the Artisan Cheese Gallery. The experience was remarkable. I cannot extol the virtues of Howie's creation widely enough. It was totally delicious, thanks in large part to the Artisan Cheese Gallery, which crafted each sandwich with extremely high quality ingredients. I'm not endorsing this sandwich because Howie made it. I'm endorsing it because it's just awesome.
And of course pictures after the jump...
In case you missed my shameless but heartfelt shilling last week, I'm back again, urging you to buy Bought, the new novel by Anna David. Some of you may recognize Anna from her myriad appearances on Attack of the Show and Red Eye, but of course, the die-hard of you remember that the two of us used to be roundtable mainstays on the dearly departed Reality Remix. Well, our bantering selves were reunited last week (see photo above) at Anna's book party; although, I showed up an hour late and egregiously missed Anna reading a passage from the novel. Ooops. Party foul. On the upside, I did get to meet many of Anna's friends, including Niki from Cool for a White Girl (I promised I'd give her some linkage love). So basically, yeah, I'm just shilling left and right here. And why not? I'd want the same done for me. And besides, it's my own damned blog. Now I'm getting belligerent. And now this fluff post has turned into a bizarre stream-of-consciousness rant. Let's just stop the madness here, shall we?
To purchase Anna's book, click here.
And to check out one of the promos for it, follow the jump.
If you're looking to spend some cash today (and even if you're not), then I have a suggestion for you: purchase the novel Bought by Anna David, author of 2007's Party Girl. It's her new novel that arrives in bookstores and online outlets (a.k.a. Amazon) today, and with Memorial Day weekend coming up, what better time to snag a book to read at the beach (or at home on your day off)? I should note that Anna David does happen to be a friend of mine, but just because I'm blatantly shilling doesn't mean that I'm being any less sincere. Besides, you gotta respect Anna, who's on a very B-Side Blog-esque quest to ascend in the Amazon pecking order with her book. As of press time, Bought is doing nicely at #902, but I think we can boost that number, yes? In fact, if you buy the book today, Anna herself might just give you a free Kindle (or a Starbucks card — which would actually be more of a draw for me, but that's neither here nor there). That's right, Anna's hosting a contest where she'll be giving away prizes to people who buy her book. For more information on that, click here.
And for more information on Bought, check out the official website as well as a nifty online quiz that determines the degree to which you could wind up being a kept woman (according to the results, I was told I could be one "every now and then.")
Anyway, if all this sounds interesting to you (AND IT SHOULD), buy the book at Amazon now!!
My friend Heather started up a new blog recently called Eat Your Feelings, and quite honestly, it's sort of tailor-made for this audience. Basically, it's a cooking blog, but these aren't just your typical recipes. They have some backstory to them, such as the "Chicken with Mushrooms for When the Bitch Deserved It," which features directions such as "Add more oil to the pan and toss in the chicken breasts, jabbing them around like you jabbed your fingers into that bitch’s eye sockets." I think you get the point.
The site has actually gone up in conjunction with Heather's new book, also titled Eat Your Feelings, but that won't be available until September; so in the meantime, mosey on over to the blog and enjoy the recipes as they get posted. And tell her I say hi.
I'm always super excited when my friends do something cool, and as such, I like to brag about it and fulfill my favorite social psych theory: basking in reflected glory (which, as defined by Wikipedia, is "a self-serving cognition whereby an individual associates himself with successful other such that another’s success becomes their own"). Anyway, the target of today's BIRGing (and yes, that is an actual term) is my friend Kristina Klebe who is currently gracing the cover of Serbian Maxim. This is very exciting because I know few, if any, Maxim cover girls (although, I once knew a Stuff cover girl, but that friendship fizzled years and years ago).
Needless to say, Kristina might be best known as the victim of one Michael Myers in the most recent Halloween flick (the one directed by Rob Zombie), but true cinematic enthusiasts will remember her as the co-star of the brilliant short film Coffee, directed by yours truly (and also starring Apple from Whatever Hollywood). Unfortunately, I do not have a digital version of said masterpiece; so you'll just have to content yourselves with these pics (somehow I think you'll manage).
Nevertheless, congrats to Kristina, and thank you for providing me with a wonderful new set of bragging rights. One more pic of Kristina from the Maxim layout after the jump (as well as a still from Halloween).
As you all know, I'm a huge fan of my friend Mark and Leslie's cakes (they run the bakery Mark Joseph Cakes). They are most famous on this site for their R2D2 Cake, which still draws two hundred new readers a day, and now Mark has sent me this photo of an Oscar cake he made this weekend. It looks awesome. If you're interested in a similar cake (or a wedding cake or a birthday cake or just a cake in general — who wouldn't want that?), be sure to check out their website and give Mark and Leslie a call. Tell them I sent you!
Hey everyone. I was just interviewed by Pop Hangover for a segment they're launching called "The Ten Question Quiz." Be sure to check it out and peruse the site, which has all sorts of fun snarky pop culture stuff! Heck, click on some of their ads while you're over there too!
Shillingly yours,
B-Side
• The Ten Question Quiz: Ben from B-Side Blog & TVgasm [Pop Hangover]
My friends at WhateverHollywood shot a spot for Pop Chips, and this should be of note to you because a) they're hot, and b) Brian from Amazing Race 7 somehow wound up in it (to be fair, he pops up in a fair number of commercials, most of them involving beer). Anyway, the point is I'm shilling — so take a look and enjoy.
p.s. — if you'd like to advertise on bsideblog.com, email me at bsideblog at gmail dotcom!
This could be me. Except white. And male.
Last year, I fared pretty decently in the Blogger's Choice Awards, coming in seventh overall for "The Blogitzer" (best writing) and ninth overall for Best Pop Culture Blog. (Thank you all again for voting!). Now it's time for the Bloggies, and I'm determined to get a nomination somehow, some way. Voting is open to the public until January 12th, at which point, the process falls into the hands of a mysterious committee — probably full of wonderful, charming people (me smiling winsomely).
Anyway, the point is that I need people to vote for me yet again! If you'd be ever so kind, please click on the following link and nominate me in the following categories — or whichever ones you deem fitting:
Thank you all!
Vote here
Last June, I brought you images of an R2-D2 cake baked by my friend Mark Randazzo (with help from his wife Leslie), and within a few days, the thing had gone viral. Well, now I'm proud to announce that according to Starwars.com — the official Star Wars website of Lucasfilm — Mark and Leslie's cake has been deemed one of the top ten Star Wars things of the year! Yay!
I guess I'll take this time to mention yet again that Mark is a tremendous baker, and if you live in the NYC area, you should definitely, definitely check him out (especially if you're in the hunt for a wedding cake). He's been featured in all sorts of magazines and television shows (Today, Food Network Challenge), and as the R2-D2 cake demonstrates, he's got plenty of talent to spare.
Here's the official website: Mark Joseph Cakes
Just under eight weeks ago, as part of a Hills promotional tie-in, I posted a contest imploring people to state their worthiness to win $25 of free Sonic fast food. I really didn't expect much of a response, but I must have vastly overlooked the draw of free food and perhaps underestimated the quality of Sonic (which I still have not tried). Anyway, I received many submissions, and they were all well-written, well-stated, and well-imbued with the sort of sentimental stuff that really pulls the heartstrings.
I had a very difficult time choosing a winner, but alas, the time has come.
The winning entry after the jump...
In case you haven't seen the commercials, KFC and Guitar Hero are teaming up to help promote each other with a nifty box of Kentucky Fried goodness. I'm hazy about the details, but basically, if you buy KFC, you could be in the running for something awesome like a free Guitar Hero game or something. Read all the details here. In the meantime, if you're interested in starting a cyber band, play with the widget above or make your own. My group's name is She By Shereé. It's all fun times and whatnot. Enjoy!
Okay, everyone, I'm blatantly shilling The Haunting of Molly Hartley. I'm working on a script with the producers of this horror movie (out today!), and they're really cool, nice people; so support their movie! Besides, it's got Chace Crawford — a.k.a. Nate Archibald from Gossip Girl. Just think of the potential: Nate AND ghosts! He can barely deal with The Captain, let alone the Humphrey bathroom schedule. I can't even imagine how he'd fare with some otherworldly spectral visions. Sounds like nothing short of a great time!
If there's anything I like more than kids getting hurt, it's kids getting a proper education. That's why my ice cold heart melted just a little when B-Side Blog reader Rachel emailed me to let me know that a bunch of her students from a public middle school in Crenshaw just got accepted into several elite private schools in the greater Los Angeles region — all on full ride scholarships. Now Rachel and her fellow teachers are starting a nonprofit to aid these students as they move onwards and upwards in their new schools, which I wholeheartedly commend (if only for the potential real life Gossip Girl implications). Great job, Rachel!
To read more about Rachel's students and their journey thus far, be sure to check out this Los Angeles Times article which ran earlier this week.
Huzzah!
Avid followers of The Hills may notice Sonic's various parody ads scattered throughout the telecast on a weekly basis. This is all part of the fast food chain's serialized spoof, titled The Stalls, and in an effort to promote both the ad campaign and their restaurants, the good people of Sonic have sent me a $25 gift certificate for use at my discretion. But not only that, they've included a second $25 gift certificate to give away to my readers. Well, if there's anything I like more than free food, it's giving away free food (except to doe-eyed orphans. Why they gotta be so needy, yo?).
So here's how this will work. If you want the gift certificate, write in with a heartfelt plea, and whoever makes the best case for themselves will win it. Be advised that I may publish your email.
Now, for no reason other than me being bored, please enjoy several photos from The Hills, photoshopped to include milkshakes.
Bike-a-thon!
I don't often encourage readers to engage in charitable causes, but I'm bucking that trend today. My friend Meeshie is participating in the MS Bike Ride this weekend in New York City, an event aimed at raising money for multiple sclerosis research. It's a great and important cause targeting something that affects more people than you may realize. And if you think about it, this site pulls in a few thousand people a day — if everyone donates a few dollars, Meeshie could pull in a hefty sum (and as a bonus, I think that'll get her like a CD player reward or something). So instead of spending a few dollars on a snack and a soda from the vending machine, donate it to Meeshie's team!
To find out how you can contribute, click here.
Oh, and if you want the formal pitch, follow the jump...
So the lovely ladies of Whatever Hollywood are at it again, drumming up support for another viral conquest. Their latest goal: getting Jimmy Kimmel to appear on their site. It's a noble cause, and while I have to admit that I would have aimed a bit higher (cough, Bea Arthur, cough), I can never ignore a friend in need. So be sure to watch the above video (they're trying to reach 100,000 views), and for more information on this valiant quest, click here.
WELL BONJOUR.
My publicist friend recently gave me a heads up on something, and never wanting to deprive my readers (or her clients) of an ample opportunity, I'm here to report that Céline Marie Claudette Dion — wife of René Angélil and mother of René-Charles Dion Angélil — will be the focus of an in depth special by French-language channel TV5MONDE. That's right: lucky viewers will get nearly an hour of personal insights from our favorite self-flagellating singer, and even better, it will all be in French! (Or so I imagine.)
Here's the official description:
"Denise Bombardier, who accompanied the singer on her 'Taking Chances World Tour,'†performs the 52 minute interview, in which Celine Dion looks back at the highlights of her 20-year career and discusses her family life and future projects, among other topics."
So gather 'round the TV, warm up a plate of poutine, and prepare to be dazzled by the greatest singer in the world!
The fun begins on Sunday, September 14th at 7pm ET.
Time to blatantly shill: as I mentioned earlier this month, MTV interviewed me for their upcoming launch special for The Hills: Season 4. That program, titled Drama in The Hills: US Weekly Presents the Top 10 Most Memorable Moments Ever, will be premiering Saturday afternoon at 1 PM EST. I'm sure I will only be featured for a grand total of 6.2 seconds (if at all), but hey, something's better than nothing.
To complement the special, I was going to post my own choices for the top ten moments of Hills history, but alas, time is fleeting, and I must be off for morning activities and obligations. Perhaps later today...
See more funny videos at Funny or Die
Last week, when the McCain camp released an ad that linked Barack Obama to Paris Hilton and Britney Spears, people went nuts. Why? I don't really know. The outrage was pretty much as dumb as the commercial (I still don't know why it's okay for Obama to be associated with Scarlett Johansson but not Paris Hilton). Nevertheless, there was stupidity on all sides of the debate, and now that things have simmered down, Paris Hilton has re-entered the fray with a surprisingly funny viral video. I have to admit that I was impressed. Granted, it's not like she wrote it herself, but the execution was funny, and that's all that matters sometimes.
For more thoughts on this whole matter (SHILL ALERT), check out my article about it here.
Very exciting news. I'm gonna be on The Hills retrospective. (C'mon, you didn't think I'd be cool enough to actually get on The Hills proper, did you?) Yes, earlier today, I was interviewed by producers for an upcoming launch special for the fourth season of The Hills. Hopefully, they'll use my footage, but I suppose that depends on how succinct of a speaker I was — I tend to be a bit longwinded. Nevertheless, it was lots of fun, despite my skin shining up like a polished bowling ball. I'll post more information as it comes out, but for now, I'll just say that the MTV special should be airing on August 16th, two scant days before the big premiere of season four. Be sure to check it out!
My old college chum works at Comedy Central, and he gave me a heads up on a new show premiering tonight called Reality Bites Back. Basically, a bunch of comedians (including reality veteran Theo Von from Road Rules and umpteen Challenges) will be stuck together competing in weekly events that parody real life reality shows. Tonight's premiere takes on Big Brother, among other things. I haven't seen the full episode, but Andy Dehnart at Reality Blurred has, and he happily reports that it's very funny. For now, enjoy the first ten minutes posted above, and if you want to check out the show, it premieres tonight on Comedy Central at 10:30 PM EST.
Once again, I'm happily shilling for my friends, Marc and Leslie. From the same people who made the best R2-D2 cake EVER (even if it was red, purists be damned), here's a nifty Porsche cake the two made for a recent client. Ain't it the cutest little Porsche cake you done ever seen?
For more info, visit Mark Joseph Cakes. And check out one more pic after the jump...
Shill time. I've got a new post up on DipDive — one that dares raise an issue that many Obama-heads might not appreciate. Here's the first paragraph:
Take a look around the urban landscape: t-shirts, murals, and posters all boast pop-art odes to Barack Obama. He attracts celebrity followers wherever he goes, and his mere name is enough to catapult nobodies into viral video stardom. The man, or rather The Man, has become a force unto himself, effectively plunging our country into a deep, unmitigated bout of Obamamania. There’s absolutely no denying it. People are fainting in his presence, dreaming in his absence, and generally gushing at all other times. Barack Obama has become the coolest thing ever — the closest thing to a Beltway matinee idol we’ve seen in quite some. So here’s the question: is Obama himself actually cool?
Continue reading Urkel-bama? ».
Hey y'all [said in Paula Deen voice]. I've written another post for DipDive.com, and this one focuses on Michelle Obama and Cindy McCain's respective cookie recipes — apparently the key to this election. Anyway, I'm curious as to how these recipes will turn out, but I'm not sure if I have the patience (or capacity) to make them myself. Any intrepid bakers out there feel like taking them on? Nevertheless, voice your opinion in the comments, and in the meantime, here's the intro to my article...
When it comes to predicting elections, we can refer to our usual tools of prognostication — charts, maps, trends, stats, data, logic, common sense — or we can turn to a more reliable bellwether: cookies. Yes, those small, innocuous, and oft-times heavenly morsels of greatness can hold the key to elections.
While seemingly unrelated to politics, it turns out that there’s a very special link between cookies and Presidential ascendancy. For the past four elections, the readers of Family Circle magazine have accurately predicted the next President based on the cookie recipes of the candidates’ wives. Whoever has had the more popular cookie has gone on to win the whole shebang. Why? Not sure. Maybe it’s because a scrumptious cookie recipe speaks of a candidate’s good judgment. After all, what candidate would ever allow a substandard cookie to represent him on the campaign trail? Anyone that abides by such silliness surely can’t be fitting for the White House. (Of course, by this logic, Ina Garten could power her husband Jeffrey into the Oval Office without a problem; so, as you can see, the theory is a bit flawed.)
Continue reading COOKIE MONSTERS: Michelle and Cindy Get Their Baking On ».
Well, after a long fought and riveting battle, it looks as though Barack Obama has finally vanquished the Clinton Thunder, which is good news for some, disappointing news for others. I can't even imagine what Hillary Clinton must be feeling right now — assuming she's accepted her inevitable fate. Odds are she still thinks she has a chance, which is why I'm even more empathetic to the poor bastard that must break the news to her that for all intents and purposes, it's over. Needless to say, I wouldn't want to be that person.
How exactly does one approach Senator Clinton and break the bad news to her? Is it even possible without her inflicting bodily harm? I'm not so sure. But I have some ideas of how to go about such an onerous job, and I've conveniently written them up at DipDive (shill shill shill). Here's the first paragraph:
There are many thankless, uncomfortable, and downright terrifying jobs in the world but none might be as singularly difficult and scary as having to face down Hillary Clinton and inform her that yes, it’s over. I don’t know who that person is or will be, but I don’t envy their position. The fact is that someone on Hillary’s staff will probably have to draw the short straw, and when that time comes, he or she better be prepared.
Continue reading LIFE TO HILLARY CLINTON: Wah Wah Waaaaah ».
Time to shill again. I've written yet another column for Dipdive, and this one centers on Barack Obama's assertion that videogames shouldn't be raising our children. To that I say PISH-POSH! Videogames can be fine parental substitutions. It's all about finding the right titles. And what titles would those be? Funny you should ask. I have a list of them in the article. Here's the introduction:
Two weeks ago, when Grand Theft Auto IV first hit the shelves, Barack Obama noted that the game would earn “goo-gobs of money” (and yes, that is a scientific term). He also warned that “these video games are raising our kids,” and then went on to say that it was “our” job (not sure if he meant society or just his campaign) to inspire The Kids’ “thirst for knowledge. It’s a noble cause, but as someone whose childhood was shaped by the finer nuances of Pac-Man , Zelda, and the brothers Mario, I took slight umbrage at the suggestion that those of us who partake in pixilated entertainment might somehow contribute to the downfall of society. Granted, gaming nowadays is a bit different than it was in the 80s. Back then, the only learned habits an impressionable youth might come away with would be an unwavering desire to save princesses from apes, turtles, and the occasional fantastical wizard. Needless to say, it was harmless stuff.
The truth is that the youngin’s are always gonna veer towards video games. If Obama wants the next generation to ascend to new academic heights, then maybe he shouldn’t fight the gamers but join them. That’s why I propose a groundbreaking series of games aimed at giving teenagers the visceral thrill of a headshot along with the satisfying rush of The Economist.
Here’s a sampling of what to expect:
Continue reading 'Super Obama Brothers?' »
Gosh, there was so much American Idol this week, and very little of it was actually any good. Quite frankly, I'm a bit exhausted from it all, and I haven't even seen the results show yet (although, I know who was ejected). I'm gonna work on a little wrap up this morning, but while you wait for it — and I know you are ALL waiting for it eagerly — check out this other Idol piece I just wrote for Dipdive. Heck, I'll even give you the first paragraph here:
When American Idol aired its second annual charity special, Idol Gives Back, earlier this week, the producers seemed to go out of their way to cram as many celebrity cameos as humanly possible into the mammoth show. Yet despite an accommodating two-and-a-half hour running time, there were at least three people who still were left out of the fun. That’s right, Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and John McCain were nowhere to be seen, instead relegated to the proverbial sidelines that was Thursday’s results show. It sort of seemed like a bizarre snub. Surely these three Presidential candidates had enough clout to warrant a place on the main stage, but I guess Fox felt other celebrities were more valuable for fundraising needs. And honestly, I kind of agree. I mean, out of all the stars that took the stage, who would you turn away?
Continue reading 'AMERICAN IDOL' TO POLITICAL CANDIDATES: And You Are?? ».
Be warned: this song will get crazy crazy stuck in your head.
A few weeks ago, I shamelessly plugged my friends' video, which was competing in YouTube's "Sketchies II" competition. Well, your assistance worked — they sailed into the finals, and now they're just inches away from taking the whole prize.
For this last round of competition, they had to create a video whose theme was "Living The Dream," and additionally, they had to work in the word "Indubitably." YouTube -- you so crazy with your wacky vocab! Anyway, I actually think this new video is better than the last one, and that's not just me kissing up to three hot women. If you're feeling generous, head on over to YouTube and give them a vote. Like last time, you can only vote once a day, and like last time, the process is slightly convoluted. Here's how to do it:
1) Go to www.YouTube.com/sketchies2
2) See the video player on the right? Enter "Unfamous" in the search box below
3) Click on the small icon that pops up below the search box
4) When the video appears, click thumbs up.
You can also give negative votes to the competitors — not that I would EVER engage in such dirty tactics. Anyway, hope you like the video. Oh, and my friend says that winning this contest could mean the survival of their site, WhateverHollywood. So, you know, NO PRESSURE.
With Heidi Montag's ringing endorsement of John McCain last week, one has to wonder which MTV reality stars will the other candidates be courting in their bid for White House supremacy. I delve into this deeply important topic in my latest article for DipDive, the new site from will.i.am (yes, yes, I've mentioned the site before, but there are a lot of new readers these days; so let me shill in peace).
Be sure to check out my MTV-themed post, and while you're there, you can also read my article about dream analysis — something I regretfully forgot to shill when it was first published. Leave a comment too!
• They Want Their MTV [DipDive]
• They Had A Dream [DipDive]
With the all too early exit of Amanda Overmyer from American Idol, I couldn't help but get downright introspective. What sort of a world is this where smokey-voiced, sartorially challenged singers can't find a mass market in America anymore? It's not, right I tell you. It's not!
Seriously, I was bummed that Amanda got the heave-ho last night. She was never destined to win the competition, but I loved her growly voice, her attitude, and, dare I crib a word from Paula, her authenticity. Plus, she was a nice change from the morose ballads of David Archuletta and Rambutan. Oh well.
Since the reality of another Kristy Lee Cook performance is all too harsh for people who are fans of "music" and "in tune singing," I provide you with this distraction to help you through the day. It's my latest contribution for Dipdive, and it dares to ask, "What Can Candidates Learn from American Idol?" OOOOH.
Check out all the goodness here.
My friends, er, Apple, Suri, and Shiloh — the girls behind Whateverhollywood.com — have submitted a video for YouTube's Sketchies II competition, and it's made its way all the way to the top twenty. I urge you all strongly to vote for their submission, titled "Shopping Cart," and help them win the grand prize: $25,000 and a meeting with a major talent agency. Their video is actually pretty funny, and besides, who wouldn't want to see some hot girls banging on drums in a shopping cart?
Now, before you head over to YouTube to do your good deed of the day, here are some things to keep in mind: you can vote once a day until Wednesday, March 19. Also, the voting process is not the most straightforward. It's not hard, mind you. It's just that there's no direct link to vote on their video. You'll be able to figure it out on your own, but if you don't feel like bothering with trial and error, simple directions after the jump.
Okay, this headline is a mild exaggeration, but as some of you know, Will.I.Am -- lead singer of the Black Eyed Peas -- has started up a new website titled DipDive, and I'm honored to say that I've been invited to contribute to it. My first post went up this morning; so by all means, go over there and check it out!
• Falling For Obama [DipDive]
Hard to believe, but this recreation of R2D2 is not made of plastic. It is 100% edible. That's right, ladies and gents. You're looking at a cake. Of course, sugary recreations of R2D2 are nothing new to this planet, but one sample search of "R2D2 Cake" on Google Images reveals that this might just be the best version ever.
Now, before you put your hands on your hips and give me the skeptical Mo'nique face, rest assured that this is no prank. I can vouch personally for this fondant masterpiece. Turns out it was actually created by my friend Mark Randazzo, a professional baker who just set up shop in NYC. And the answer is YES, I am shilling for him, but for good reason. I mean, look at that damn cake!!! If you're not convinced, check out the cakes at his new site, markjosephcakes.com. I guarantee you'll be impressed.
Very few people reserve the title "VIP" for me. It's mostly just my mom and dad and the occasional Hallmark card. However, despite my perpetual outsider status, I have risen to the VIP ranks thanks to the glorious travel website, Hotelchatter.com. Part of the SFO Media empire, the site boasts a wide variety of news, reviews and features on hotels around the world, and recently I was invited to contribute my own article about my experiences in Paris. Little did I realize that I would be labeled a VIP Hotel Reviewer. Hey, I'll take what I can get. And yes, I will be flaunting that title in every hotel lobby, bar, and valet station that I can find. Holiday Inn — you best be prepared.
Anyway, for those of you who wish to read about my hotel lodgings in Paris, feel free to click the link below.
• TV Buff Finds Cheap Lodging in the Heart of Paris' Latin Quarter [HotelChatter]
Back in September, I went on a highfalutin jaunt to Paris with some friends, and while there, we had lunch at a cozy, New York Times-recommended bistro called Chez Michel. The meal was delicious — some of the best mussels I've ever had — but nothing could prepare me for the cheese plate I had ordered for dessert. Turns out the plate was less a of plate and more of a miniature fromagerie. No dainty slices of brie here — just giant blocks of cheese. It could have fed ten people. We were all so shocked when this leviathan offering of dairy products descended on the table that I immediately whipped out my camera and snapped a quick photo.
Little did I realize this offhand pic would soon become the toast of the Internet. Okay, maybe that's an overstatement. It's only been viewed twenty times. BUT I was most honored when the editors of the online travel resource Schmap contacted me about using the photo in their latest Paris guide. I'm not going to lie: I was floored, and I don't even know why. It's cool and everything, but when I received the email, I literally felt like I had been nominated for an Academy Award. I think it's because it was like two in the morning, and I was tired and/or delirious. Nevertheless, I've since come down from my Schmap-induced high, but I remain quite flattered that the editors saw artistry (or at least functionality) in my pic. To check out the photo in all its Schmappy context, click here.
Oh, and as for the cheese, it was quite tasty. We quickly deduced that it was indeed a traveling plate, meant for consumption by multiple tables. Probably not the most sanitary of practices, but oh so very European!
• Chez Michel [Schmap!! Paris]
This morning, Mike at Franklin Avenue was kind enough to give this blog an enormous plug, and in the spirit of giving (after all, today IS National Bubble Bath Day), I've decided to pay it forward by pimping out one of my friend's websites. The friend: Anna David. The site: AnnalyticalAnswers.com. Anna is an accomplished journalist and a prolific talking head (we became friends thanks to many bouts of banter at the Reality Remix Roundtable), and these days, she's probably most recognizable as the resident sex expert on G4's Attack of the Show. Her new site focuses on this latter role as she takes questions from sexually confounded people (mostly men) and provides them with, you guessed it, answers (hence, Annalytical Answers). Scattered amongst the entries are clips of Anna's new Attack of the Show segment, "In Your Pants," which feature Anna strutting mightily down the sidewalks of Manhattan, doling out advise to hapless young men in need of some fine tuning (such as one obstinate guy who wanted to force his girlfriend onto The Pill so he wouldn't have to wear a condom anymore. Douche). The videos are fun times indeed, but even better — and here comes some real pimping — is Anna's book, Party Girl. It's a semi-autobiographical novel about a party-girl reporter whose coke-snorting, Hollywood fast-lane lifestyle lands her in rehab. I've read it, and I can attest that it's not only very funny (I did truly laugh out loud a few times), but its insights into the world of rehab are surprisingly interesting — I just assumed all the party stuff would be the best part of the book. Not necessarily true.
Anyway, you now all have your reading for the day cut out for you. I'm gonna go eat a bagel. As they say, pimpin' ain't easy.
