Sunday, December 28, 2008

The Best Songs of 2008, All My Favorites! Part II

“Lollipop”- Lil Wayne feat. Static Major (Stephen Garrett) from the album Tha Carter III- Lil Wayne’s most successful song to date scored not only on urban charts but on pop charts as well.
Static Major, who is featured on the track with Wayne died supposedly of a cerebral aneurysm two weeks before the song was released. Wayne is poised to be crowned the new Kind of Rapwith seven nominations at the Grammy’s for Album of the Year, Rap Album of the Year, Rap Song of the Year for “Lollipop”, Best Rap Solo Performance, Best Rap Performance Duo/ Group (2 in the same category), and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration. Kanye even commented at the American Music Awards that this was Wayne’s year and that his award for Favorite Male Artist Rap/ Hip Hop should go to Wayne.

Fave Line from the Song: “Little mama had a swag like mine/ she even wear her hair down her back like mine/ I make her feel right when its wrong like lying/ man she ain’t ever had a love like mine.”

Chart Positions:
U.S. Billboard Hot 100: 1
U.S. Billboard Hot R&B/ Hip-Hop Songs: 1
U.S. Billboard Hot Rap Tarcks: 1
U.S. Billboard Rhythmic Top 40: 1
U.S. Billboard Pop 100: 2

Check out the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owwSHg1fivM

“Love Lockdown”- Kanye West from the album 808’s & Heartbreak- A fun fact that no one but Kanye West could make true, the song was written less than ten days before he performed it on the MTV Video Music Awards. West has called the track his favorite and it’s his first solo single to feature no rapping, he instead uses the auto tune vocal effect. I would be surprised if West was not nominated for the 2010 Grammy’s for his work on this record.

Fave Line from the Song: “I’m not lovin you the way I wanted to/ I can’t keep my cool, so I keep it true/ I got something’ to lose so I gotta move/ I can’t keep myself, and still keep you too”

Chart Positions:
U.S. Billboard Hot 100: 3
U.S. Billboard Pop 100: 10
U.S. Billboard Hot R&B/ Hip Hop Songs: 26

Check out the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVZX-W3vo9I

“Lovers in Japan”- Coldplay from the album Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends- “Lovers in Japan” is one of those songs that inspires me to think; the lyrics are beautiful. The song itself has a really different sound to it as a result of something called a tack piano; there are tacks in the hammers which makes the piano sound kind of like a harpsichord(the band bought an old piano and made their own tack piano for their studio). Chris Martin says this song is one that the band plays much better live, and someday I want to hear it live.

Fave Line from the Song: “But I have no doubt/ one day the sun will come out.”

Chart Positions:
U.S. Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles: 10
U.S. Billboard Pop 100: 67

Check out the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_exesnCA5Y

“Mercy”- Duffy from the album Rockferry- Duffy co wrote this song with Steve Booker and says it is an autobiographical song about sexual liberty. She said singing “Mercy” is like having sex, and so she wishes she could sing it everyday. Duffy is from Wales and was inspired to become a singer after watching Whoopi Goldberg in the movie “Sister Act”, and is one of many new female acts to come out of the U.K. music scene successfully. What I really love about the song “Mercy” is that when you listen to it, you feel like it could be coming from any decade from the past 60 years. Duffy is nominated for Best New Artist, Best Pop Female Vocal Performance, and Best Pop Album at this year’s Grammy’s.

Fave Line from the Song: “I love you/ but I gotta stay true/ My morals got me on my knees/ I’m begging please/ stop playing games.”

Chart Positions:
U.S. Billboard Hot 100: 27
U.S. Billboard Pop 100: 27

Check out the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QSm5f1eiIk&feature=related

“No Air”- Jordin Sparks and Chris Brown from the album Jordin Sparks- This is the song that I believe gave Jordin Sparks and Chris Brown more credibility as artists than ever before. Spraks proves she is one of the most talented singers to come out of “American Idol” and Chris Brown proves that he has crossover appeal as not only an urban artist but a pop artist. Joshua Allen and Katee Shean danced my favorite piece to this song on “So You Think You Can Dance”. The song shows unbelievable maturity by both artists and is probably the most requested duet of 2008.

Fave Line from the Song: “I walked, I ran, I jumped, I flew/ right off the ground to float to you/ There’s no gravity to hold me down for real/ But somehow I’m still alive inside/ You took my breath but I survived/ I don’t know how, but I don’t even care.”

Chart Positions:
U.S. Billboard Hot 100: 3
U.S. Billboard Pop 100: 2
U.S. Billboard Top 40 Mainstream: 1
U.S. Billboard Hot R&B/ Hip Hop Songs: 4
U.S. Billboard Rhythmic Top 40: 4
U.S. Billboard Hot Adult Top 40 Tracks: 12
U.S. Billboard Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks: 13

Check out the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxBdQs10FEI
And watch Katee and Joshua too--- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSm7DBjspkI (“No Air” is the type of song that creates chemistry between the right people)

“Piece of Me”- Britney Spears from the album Blackout- This song earned Britney Spears three MTV Video Music Awards and put her on the road poised for a comeback; she looked great at the awards show, better than she had been in the past two years. The song was a response to the constant media attention that is Spears’ life. This is what Spears said about the song to Ryan Seacrest in an interview: “Wherever you go, there's a lot of people who ask questions, and sometimes you don't know their intentions and stuff like that. So, it's kind of a cute way of putting it out there. You know, like, 'You want a piece of me?', you know, in a cool, cute and clever way.”

Fave Line from the Song: “I’m Miss American dream since I was 17/ don’t matter if I step on the scene or sneak away to the Philippines/ they still gon’ put pictures of my derriere in the magazine/ you want a piece of me? You want a piece of me?”

Chart Positions:
U.S. Billboard Hot 100: 18
U.S. Billboard Pop 100: 18

Check out the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4NayXtzsBo

“Rehab”- Rihanna from the album Good Girl Gone Bad- Rihanna outdid herself releasing an eighth single from her Good Girl Gone Bad album, this one penned by Justin Timberlake, Timbaland, and Hannon Lane. Timberlake and Timbaland sing backing vocals on the song and Timberlake appears in the video as Rihanna’s beau. I cannot wait until Rihanna releases a new album because his one has been fierce and she can only grow from her experience with this album.

Fave Line from the Song: “And I’ll never give myself to another the way I gave it to ya”

Chart Positions:
U.S. Billboard Hot 100: 18
U.S. Billboard Pop 100: 19

Check out the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfPqwoIBuXI

“Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)”- Beyonce from the album I Am Sasha Fierce- “Single Ladies” is a bouncy, confident single and that sentiment is perfectly displayed in the music video. “SNL” even poked fun at Beyonce’s dancing in the video. I think every woman, single or not, just turns up the radio when “Single Ladies” comes on, it’s almost like you have all this pride about being a woman just because of the song and what it means. Beyonce says, the song is about, “I've been with you all this time, you're taking too long and now I'm looking hot and you see it and you gotta suffer because you shoulda put a ring on it.”

Fave Line from the Song: “Cuz if you liked it then you should have put a ring on it/ If you liked it then you shoulda put a ring on it/ Don’t be mad once you see that he wants it/ If you liked it then you shoulda put a ring on it.”

Chart Positions:
U.S. Billboard Hot 100: 1
U.S. Billboard Hot R&B/ Hip Hop Songs: 1
U.S. Billboard Pop 100: 4

Check out the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mVEGfH4s5g

“Viva La Vida”- Coldplay from the album Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends- “Viva La Vida” became Coldplay’s first number one single and it’s about a King losing his kingdom and revolution. “Viva La Vida” meaning live the life is taken from a painting by Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. Many versions were recorded by the band with them settling with the one that is one the album. The song is nominated for a number of awards at the Grammy’s including Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group.

Fave Line from the Song: “Revolutionaries wait/ For my head on a silver plate/ Just a puppet on a lonely string/ Oh who would ever want to be king?”

Chart Positions:
U.S. Billboard Hot 100: 1
U.S. Billboard Hot Modern Rock Tracks: 1

Check out the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5TNK-TvIcI

“What About Now”- Daughtry from the album Daughtry- “What About Now” has been used on TV shows and in TV commercials. “Idol Gives Back” showed Daughtry playing an acoustic version of the song and The Bachelor is using the song to promote the new season of the show. It is one of only two singles on Daughtry’s debut CD that is not at least co written by lead singer Chris Daughtry. The song was instead penned by Ben Moody and David Hodges (former band members of Evanescence) and Josh Hartzler (married to Amy Lee, lead singer of Evanescence).

Fave Line from the Song: “Change the colors of the sky and open up to/ the ways you made me feel alive, the ways I loved you/ for all the things that never died/ to make it through the night, love will find you.”

Chart Positions:
U.S. Billboard Hot 100: 18
U.S. Billboard Pop 100: 21
U.S. Billboard Adult Top 40: 3

Check out the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ylgchWR-Ig

“Whatever You Like”- T.I. from the album Paper Trail- So I do encourage everyone to listen to both the edited and unedited versions of “Whatever You Like” because you will hear quite a few differences. “Whatever You Like” is T.I.’s most successful single to date crossing over to the pop charts as well as dominating the urban charts; the song was produced by Jim Jonsin, the same man behind Lil Wayne’s “Lollipop”, the songs have drawn similar comparisons from critics. “Whatever You Like” is one of those songs appealed to both men and women as a result of it’s meaning, and the music video is fun to watch.

Fave Line from the Song: “Baby you can have whatever you like/ I said you can have whatever you like.”

Chart Positions:
U.S. Billboard Hot 100: 1
U.S. Billboard Hot R&B/ Hip Hop Songs: 1
U.S. Billboard Hot Rap Tracks: 1
U.S. Billboard Rhythmic Top 40: 1
U.S. Billboard Pop 100: 3

Check out the video: http://www.mtv.com/videos/ti/266155/whatever-you-like.jhtml#artist=1225081

“Womanizer”- Britney Spears from the album Circus- The song that officially marked Spears’ so called “comeback”, although she doesn’t like the use of the word “comeback”. So instead, let’s just say Britney has risen from “pop princess” to “pop Queen” status; I think that’s a fair title. A small, but amazing fact, “Womanizer” is Britney’s first Billboard Hot 100 number one since her first single “Baby One More Time” almost ten years ago. The song broke so many chart records, was well received by the majority of critics, and boasted a Britney back in true form and fashion in the music video. There was a bit of controversy because she is sans clothes for a good portion of the video, but everything about “Womanizer” from the production to the lyrics to the video to the songstress herself was done right and oozed sex appeal. Bravo Ms. Spears!

Fave Line from the Song: “Womanizer/ Woman-Womanizer/ You're a Womanizer/ Oh Womanizer/ Oh You're a Womanizer Baby/ You, You You Are/ You, You You Are/ Womanizer, Womanizer, Womanizer.”

Chart Positions:
U.S. Billboard Hot 100: 1
U.S. Billboard Pop 100: 2
U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Club Play: 9

Check out the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZSLIq6YiRY

Sunday, December 21, 2008

The Best Songs of 2008, All My Favorites!

This is one in two parts: I couldn't pick a top ten songs because in my opinion music made a big comeback this year, so I started looking at a list of all the singles released or re-released in 2008 and I slowly but surely began to make a list of my favorites so here they are, in alphabetical order so you can tell I don't like one more than the other. Feel free to comment and know that there is more to come!


“4 Minutes” - Madonna featuring Justin Timberlake and Timbaland from the album Hard Candy- The song penned by Madge, J.T., and Timbaland had one of the most watched videos on Youtube of 2008, and became her 37th top ten single in the U.S., surpassing a record previously held by Elvis Presley. The song showed up just about everywhere this year-- in clubs, at the end of the movie Get Smart, and even in a Sunsilk shampoo commercial. Rolling Stone called the song a “loud, busy, energetic track, and I could not agree more. “4 Minutes” is nominated for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals at the Grammy’s.

Fave Line from the Song: Madonna: “The road to hell is paved with good intentions, yeah.” Justin: “But if I die tonight, at least I can say I did what I wanted to do, tell me how bout you?”

Chart Positions:
U.S. Billboard Hot 100: 3
U.S. Billboard Pop 100: 2
U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Club Play: 1
U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Airplay: 1

Check out the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TN7s1q3L-S0

“All Summer Long”- Kid Rock from the album Rock N Roll Jesus - Kid Rock’s slightly more modern take on Lynyrd Skinner’s “Sweet Home Alabama” was his highest charting hit on the Billboards. The song even became a crossover hit on the country charts, and earned Kid Rock critical acclaim and Grammy nominations for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance and Best Rock Album.

Fave Line from the Song: “It was 1989, my thoughts were short my hair was long/ Caught somewhere between a boy and man/ She was seventeen and she was far from in-between/It was summertime in Northern Michigan”

Chart Positions:
U.S. Billboard Hot 100: 19
U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs: 4

Check out the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwIGZLjugKA

“American Boy”- Estelle featuring Kanye West from the album Shine- “American Boy” is the first international single for English hip hop singer Estelle; the song has been spoofed all over the world, something most artists consider an honor. John Legend (once upon a time signed by Kanye West) signed Estelle as the first artist to his record label, Homeschool Records; Legend says of Estelle, “she really can write, she writes hip lyrics with unforgettable melodies”. Legend first worked with Estelle in 2004 and never forgot about her talent, along the way she was a major hip hop artist in the UK winning Best Female Artist at the UK Hip Hop Awards three years in a row. “American Boy” which I view as a righteous anthem for the ladies was produced by Black Eye Peas’ Will.i.am, and was recently nominated for Song of the Year and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration at the Grammy’s. Let’s also not forget how awesome Kanye is in this song; he and Estelle are lyrically a great match!

Fave Line from the Song: “He said hey sister/ It's really really nice to meet ya./ I just met this 5 foot 7 guy who's just my type./ I like the way he's speaking his confidence is peaking./Don't like his baggy jeans but I'ma like what's underneath them./ And no I ain't been to MIA/I heard that Cali never rains and New York’s heart awaits./ First let's see the west end./I'll show you to my bridrens./ I'm liking this American Boy, American Boy”

Chart Positions:
U.S. Billboard Hot 100: 9
U.S. Billboard Pop 100: 6

Check out the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjlOYHpi-A0

“Bleeding Love”- Leona Lewis from the album Spirit- Internationally, the best selling single of 2008 so far, “Bleeding Love” was a gem of a song written by OneRepublic’s Ryan Tedder and pop singer Jesse McCartney and sung by the incomparable Leona Lewis. Discovered by Simon Cowell on his British talent show “X Factor”, Lewis has been compared to Mariah Carey when she first arrived on the music scene in the 90s. Whoever you compare her to, Leona Lewis has real talent and is nominated for Record of the Year and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance at the Grammy’s.

Fave Line from the Song: “And it's draining all of me/ Oh they find it hard to believe/ I'll be wearing these scars/ For everyone to see”

Chart Positions:
U.S. Billboard Hot 100: 1
U.S. Billboard Pop 100: 1
U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Club Play: 11
U.S. Billboard Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks: 1

Check out the videos (yes there is a U.K. version and a U.S. version):
U.K. - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sF84pIhP5UM
U.S. - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-ctIC65PV0

“Chasing Pavements” - Adele from the album 19- Newcomer Adele says “Chasing Pavements” was written about a former boyfriend; following a fight she was out running on the street alone. She thought to herself, all you’re doing “is chasing an empty pavement”. An interesting fact about the song is that it has been banned by many U.S. radio stations because of what it means in the urban dictionary, it’s a slang term meaning, searching for prostitutes. Adele also did not believe she would be nominated for any Grammy’s but she was hoping the other U.K. songstresses (Leona Lewis, Estelle, and Duffy) who are all friends of hers would be nominated; and they were, but to her surprise, she was too. Adele received four nominations, Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, and Best New Artist.

Fave Line from the Song: “I’ve made up my mind, don’t need to think it’s over/ If I’m wrong, I am right, don’t need to look no further/ This ain’t lust, I know this is love”

Chart Positions:
U.S. Billboard Hot 100: 82
U.S. Billboard Hot Adult Top 40 Tracks: 17

Check out the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qz7vGW2_5c0

“Closer”- Neyo from the album Year of the Gentleman- “Closer” was the first single off Neyo’s third album; the song marks a departure of sorts for him because it has a dance vibe as compared to the urban vibe that most of his other singles possessed. The single had great success on the pop charts, urban charts, and dance charts. Many critics were skeptical of the Year of the Gentleman album but it went on to earn Neyo Grammy nods for Album of the Year, Best Male Pop Vocal Performance (for “Closer“), Best Male R&B Vocal Performance (for “Miss Independent”) , Best R&B Song (for “Miss Independent”) , Best Contemporary R&B Album, and Best Remixed Recording Non Classical (for “Closer”).

Fave Line from the Song: “Turn the lights off in this place/ And she shines just like a star/ And I swear I know her face/ I just don't know who you are/ Turn the music up in here/ I still hear her loud and clear/ Like she's right there in my ear/ Telling me that she wants to/ Own me/ To control me”

Chart Positions:
U.S. Billboard Hot 100: 7
U.S. Billboard Hot R&B/ Hip-Hop Songs: 21
U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Club Play: 1
U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Airplay: 1
U.S. Billboard Pop 100: 3

Check out the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUTh3OJjWjM

“Disturbia”- Rihanna from the album Good Girl Gone Bad Reloaded- One could say that “Disturbia” is a gift from Chris Brown to his girlfriend Rihanna; Brown and his team originally penned the song for the re-release of his album Exclusive, but Brown felt the song was better suited for a female singer, and the rest is history. Brown called Rihanna and the song was hers for the taking. It was originally going to go on her next album but it was decided that it was better suited as a summer single, and it was. “Disturbia” is nominated for Best Dance Recording at the Grammy’s.

Fave Line from the Song: “Throw on your break lights/ We’re in the city of wonder/ Ain’t gonna play nice/ Watch out, you might just go under/ Better think twice/ Your train of thought will be altered/ So if you must falter be wise/ Your mind is in disturbia”

Chart Positions:
U.S. Billboard Hot 100: 1
U.S. Billboard Pop 100: 1
U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Club Play: 1
U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Airplay: 1

Check out the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6zdhHLvT7k

“Goodnight, Goodnight”- Maroon 5 from the album It Won’t Be Soon Before Long- The first time I heard “Goodnight Goodnight” I was watching the CW and I saw a promo for Gossip Girl over the summer right before fall TV season started. Lead singer Adam Levine has that distinct voice, so when I heard the voice, I knew it was another hit by Maroon 5. Although the song is not as popular as previous singles “Wake Up Call“, “I Won’t Go Home Without You”, and “If I Never See Your Face Again”, “Goodnight Goodnight” impresses me lyrically and musically and I remain shocked that it has not faired better on the charts.

Fave Line from the Song: “You left me hanging from a thread we once swung from together/ I’ve lick my wounds but I can’t ever see them getting better/ Something’s gotta changeThings cannot stay the same/ Her hair was pressed against her face, her eyes were red with anger/ Enraged by things unsaid and empty beds and bad behavior/ Something’s gotta change/ It must be rearranged, oh”

Check out the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRFnlEJzf0s&feature=related

“Gravity”- John Mayer from the album Continuum- Called the song he, “was always trying to write”, although the song was released on 2007, it did not enjoy much radio play until 2008. Here’s a fun fact, “Gravity” was used as the astronauts wake up call on the space shuttle “Endeavour”. Also, may I just say that Mayer’s guitar playing on this song is sensational.

Fave Line from the Song: “Oh, I’ll never know what makes this man/ With all the love that his heart can stand/ Dream of ways to throw it all away.”

Check out the video: There’s no official video for “Gravity”, so I decided on this performance from the Grammy’s 2007--- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhJKSseiPXE

“Hometown Glory”- Adele from the album 19- The first time I heard the song “Hometown Glory” was when I was watching So You Think You Can Dance this past summer, Katee and Joshua danced a contemporary Mia Michael’s routine to this song, and it was amazing and I immediately felt a connection to the song. I think I actually may have cried, because “Hometown Glory” is this song that forces us to feel emotion. Adele released this as the first single from her debut album 19, but due to it’s growing popularity, she re-released it as the fourth single from the album. The song has not yet charted in the U.S. but give it time, and for all those who have not given the song a listen; I encourage it.

Fave Line from the Song: “I like it in the city/ when two worlds collide/ you get the people/ and the government/ everybody taking/ different sides/ shows that/ we ain’t gonna stand shit/ shows/ that we are united/ shows/ that we ain’t gonna take it”

Check out the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXG0YMv5Fvk

“Hot N Cold”- Katy Perry from the album One of the Girls- Katy Perry is not a new artist by any means, in fact she was in the music business as early as 2001, as a Christian artist, but it was only in 2008 that Perry began to enjoy mainstream success. “I Kissed A Girl” launched her onto the charts but “Hot N Cold” certainly kept her there; a funky, fun song, it had to be edited for radio airplay because of its use of the word bitch (bitch has been replaced in one version with chick and in another version with the word girl). Perry’s funk has also earned her a Grammy nominations for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.

Fave Line from the Song: “Cause you’re hot n you’re cold/ you’re yes then you’re no”

Chart Positions:
U.S. Billboard Pop 100: 1
U.S. Billboard Mainstream Top 40: 1
U.S. Billboard Adult Top 40: 1

Check out the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X75mry1LcFg

“I Stay in Love”- Mariah Carey from the album E=MC² - This year, I could not keep Mariah Carey off my list because her accomplishments are truly remarkable; she has already released a, “MTV Unplugged” album, a “Number 1’s” album, and in January 2009 she will release a “Ballads” album; she has had the most number one singles of any solo artist in the U.S. with 18. “I Stay in Love” was the fourth single off Carey’s eleventh studio album E=MC² ; Fox News called the song, “a killer ballad” making me wonder why isn’t it on her “Ballads” album. Carey performed the song on X Factor and Simon Cowell says he wouldn’t mind having her back on American Idol to inspire more contestants. The music video for the song is directed by her husband Nick Cannon and was filmed in the Las Vegas desert, and Cannon makes a cameo at the very end of the video. Mariah hasn’t looked or sounded better.

Fave Line from the Song: “See I can’t get over you now/ No matter what I do/ But baby, baby/ I stay in love with you”

Chart Positions:
U.S. Billboard Pop 100: 95
U.S. Billboard Rhythmic Top 40: 37
U.S. Billboard Hot Videoclips Tracks: 16
U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Club Play: 45

Check Out the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZKdgFVqAkA

“Just a Dream”- Carrie Underwood from the album Carnival Ride- Underwood’s fourth single from her sophomore album Carnival Ride, “Just A Dream” is true Nashville storytelling at its best. The song is one that is on par with Underwood’s strong vocal and performance abilities; the first time I heard the song I immediately understood why so many related to the story she told us with her voice. “Just A Dream” is the story of a woman who goes from young newlywed to widow after her husband dies serving in the war; the song is current yet timeless . Underwood’s performance at the CMA’s (Country Music Awards) of the song proved to everyone why she has won the award for Best Female Vocalist three consecutive times. She will also compete at the Grammy’s for Best Female Country Vocal Performance (for her single “Last Name”).

Fave Line from the Song: “Baby, why'd you leave me, why'd you have to go/ I was counting on forever, now I'll never know/ I can't even breathe/ It's like I'm, looking from a distance, standing in the background/ Everybody's saying, he's not coming home now,/ This can't be happening to me/ This is just a dream”

Chart Positions:
U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs: 1
U.S. Billboard Hot 100: 29
U.S. Billboard Hot Digital Songs: 30

Check out the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8khHqMntkbQ

“Just Dance”- Lady Gaga from the album The Fame- Her real name is Stefani Germanotta and somehow when you read her story you know she was destined for fame. She grew up in an Italian American family and at the age of 17 gained early admission to NYU’s Clive Davis Program at the Tisch School of the Arts, she sang in clubs in the Lower East Side of New York City, she signed with DefJam Records in 2006 but was later dropped by them. It was in early 2007 that she signed a deal with Interscope Records and teamed up with Akon who took a really interest in helping her with her new album, and the rest as they say is history. “Just Dance” was written by Lady Gaga and she is nominated for Best Dance Recording at the Grammy’s.

Fave Line from the Song: “Wish I could shut my playboy mouth, oh oh, oh-oh/ How’d I turn my shirt inside out?, Inside outright/ Control your poison babe, roses have thorns they say”

Chart Position:
U.S. Billboard Hot 100: 3
U.S. Billboard Pop 100: 3U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Club Play: 2
U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Airplay: 2

Check out the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M65zI9LH-as&feature=channel_page
To be continued...........

Thursday, November 27, 2008

America's Next Top Model: Where Are They Now? Season 7, I'm Not Even Sure

I began researching the contestants of America's Next Top Model Season 7 at the beginning of the month. Little did I know that finding information would be like searching for a needle in a haystack.

12th place: Megan Morris has a myspace page but it's private.

11th place: Monique Calhoun makes a small appearance in singer Neyo's new music video for "Miss Independent".

9th place: A.J. Stewart has a facebook page and a myspace fan page which says that she has quit modeling and returned to school--- http://www.myspace.com/ajsfanpage

8th place: Brooke Miller is currently attending school at the University of Texas but does modeling jobs on the side--- http://www.myspace.com/topmodelbrooke

7th place: Anchal Joseph has continued to have a successful modeling career since her time on Top Model. She has been in French Vogue and is signed to Mars Model Management in New York http://www.marsmodelmanagement.com/Anchal.html . Anchal updates her myspace page often and there are some beautiful pictures of her--- http://www.myspace.com/anchita

6th place: Jaeda Young is engaged to be married and is attending college on a volleyball scholarship--- http://www.myspace.com/88025135

4th place: Amanda Babin currently attends California State University and is a huge fan of Hollywood couple David Arquette and Courteney Cox as you will see by viewing her myspace page. She also talks about her sister (Michelle who finished in fifth place)--- http://www.myspace.com/biggestdavidarquettefan

3rd place: Eugena Washington has become quite the success; she is signed to Fusion Model Management in New York as a "New Face". She has walked the runway for Randolph Duke, Keven Hall, and Julia Clancey just to name a few; she has done print work for Smashbox and South Pole--- http://www.myspace.com/piewashington

Winner: Caridee English has modeled Wedding Style, JC Penney, and "Heart on my Sleeve" by Aubrey O'Day (check out Caridee! http://www.heartonmysleeveshop.com/). She is also set to produce and host her own show on MTV starting in April 2009.

Thursday, November 6, 2008

American Idol Update

On Wednesday November 12th, Carrie Underwood co-hosts Country Music's Biggest Night with Brad Paisley when they host the CMA's on ABC at 8 p.m. eastern time.

You can check out the nominees here--- http://abc.go.com/primetime/cmaawards/index?pn=nominations

At the funeral of Jennifer Hudson's mom, brother, and nephew- Fantasia Barrino sang and held the hand of her former Idol castmate. Almost two weeks following the brutal killings, police have not named a killer; William Balfour, the brother in law of Hudson is still in police custody as a person of interest. On October 24th, 57 year old Darnell Donerson and 29 year old Jason Hudson were found shot dead in their Chicago apartment. Three days later, Julia Hudson's (Jennifer's sister) son 7 year old Julian King was found dead in a white SVU that police had been searching for. Police believe he was killed in that car. The motive for the murders still remains a mystery; however, if Balfour did commit the crimes police have said that he was having disagreements with his estranged wife Julia shortly before the killings took place (definite motive!).

Kelly Clarkson has finished recording for fourth album which she is hoping to release by the end of 2008 ...... you can stay up to date with Kelly by logging onto her blog http://iamkelly.wordpress.com/

Anwar Robinson is starring as Jesus in "Godspell" at the Syracuse Stage through December 2008. http://www.myspace.com/anwarrobinson-- check out his website for dates!

Elliott Yamin released his holiday album, "My Kind of Holiday" on October 7th; you can listen to some of the songs on his myspace page--- http://www.myspace.com/elliottyamin

Kellie Pickler was recently named Country Musics most beautiful woman by Country Weekly magazine. She also has a CMA nomination and will perform on the award show that her good friend Carrie Underwood will host next week. Pickler's former Idol castmate Bucky Covington is in the studio recording a new album.

Melinda Doolittle is preparing to release her debut album Coming Back to You in February 3rd 2009. Lakisha Jones who finished just behind Doolittle will release her debut album on February 17th 2009.

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Friendship

It has been proven by medical professionals that having friends is good for one’s health; the phrase, “friends with benefits” takes on a new meaning because these are the kind of benefits that help a person’s overall personal health. Todd Jackson, PhD, says that “feeling cared for and supported within a social network is particularly important for women in fostering self-care.” Friends motivate each other, support each other, and, are in a way, survival mechanisms (people feel they have something to live for when they have their friends).

All of that being said, why is it that in terms of friendships and holding onto those that I hold so dear, I feel like a wounded soldier coming home from the war? I have lost so many friends in my life and yet I still remain loyal; if any one of them every came back today I would remain as committed to our friendship as when I feel like it ended.

I think it started when I was preschool age, my best friend Leah Lopez lived next door. I remember us playing every day, and then her family decided to move, only to the other side of town, but for someone so little it seemed like a long ways away. They (her mom and dad) decided to enroll her in private school (an expensive private school), a place called Ten Acre; I went to Catholic School, the kind where you wear a uniform. Leah’s mom said she would keep in touch with my mom so that occasionally we could play together, but it never happened and that was the end of our friendship.

So the I went to kindergarten and I met Lucy Axford, she was from England and I loved her accent. She could read going into kindergarten just like I could, so we read books to each other. At the end of the school year, Lucy had a party at her house and I soon found out that her family had decided to move back to England. I was so sad; her mom said we could write, but who writes letters at the age of six?

In fourth grade, Renee Gardner came to my school from New Jersey. She was so fun, unlike anyone else I was ever friends with; she had these lace up patent leather platform shoes, and she used to wear them even when she played basketball at recess. I loved playing basketball, but I was not very good at it, nevertheless Renee who was almost always a team captain always picked me to be on her team. Renee was also smart, and probably the only girl who ever challenged me academically, but it was a friendly kind of competition. From what I understood Renee’s dad had a really great job, and so, as the pattern had seemed to suggest, she moved away at the end of fourth grade, to Pennsylvania. We exchanged a few letters until Renee stopped writing.

In eighth grade I was lucky enough to meet Monica Adan; she was the cousin of my neighbors who I had been friends with for more than four years. Monica had come to Boston for one year from Mexico to study English; and I loved speaking Spanish with her. Monica was a joy, she was one of the kindest and most loyal friends that I had ever encountered. I knew she was going to move away, but I didn’t care, and it didn’t stop me from wanting to befriend her. I wonder now if I like pain, if I like getting close to someone and then losing them. Monica and I actually kept in touch for a couple of years but then she moved from Mexico City to Monterey and I never heard from her again. Maybe she lost my address because I never received her new address.
A few months after Monica left, her cousins left too, their dad finished his master’s degree at Harvard and they moved to back to Mexico City where they were considered rich by most standards. I actually reconnected through Facebook with the oldest son, Jeronimo; he was the one that I was closest to, we used to play basketball together and I would help him with his homework.

I think the most hurt I ever felt over losing a friend was when I lost my friend Lisa; she and I connected on so many levels, and yet in the end it was the biggest similarity that pushed us apart. I was independent minded, a strong young woman with values of my own, and she was content on spending her life pleasing other people. Sure, there were times when she was happy along the way, but she sure wasn’t happy all the time, and she wasn’t happy when it meant the most. Anyway, in my mind, she decided to end our friendship, I had reached out more times than I could count and she refused to reach back. I haven’t heard from her in over a year, almost two years actually, and to be honest, I don’t expect to. I think too much has happened, and I think it’s too difficult for her to have to explain, after all, friends are the people that deserve our explanations. Their opinions matter to us as people.

I don’t tell you these stories so that anyone reading will feel bad for me. In fact, I have a few really solid friends, a couple that have been with me for a really long time, and some that I have only known for just a few years but that I have entrusted with a lot of personal things. They know things about me that no one else knows, and it’s because they have proven to be true friends that I can tell them.

To me, friendship means comfort, a friend is this safe place that you can go to and no matter what you do or how stupid it is she/ he is always there for you. Friends never let you down, love you unconditionally, and are, in a way, soul mates; they are mates and good for your soul. Friends make you laugh when you are just about to cry, meaning really good at turning a frown into a smile. My small circle of friends is my comfort zone, they are like drinking hot cocoa when it’s really cold outside, and then you add marshmallows, and it’s so perfect. My friends are perfect, well not perfect themselves, God knows they have their flaws, but I do too, and my friends are perfect for me. I like to compare how I feel about my friends to the second to last episode of “Sex in the City” when Carrie is having dinner with the girls for the supposed “Last Supper”, and she says, “I just had a thought, what if I had never met you?” Wow, that just says it all, what if I had never met my friends? I cannot even begin to imagine my life without them. Although “Sex in the City” is the ultimate TV series for girl-friends; friendship dates back to biblical times and the book of Ecclesiastes. Chapter 4, Verses 9-10 say that two is always better than one because if one falls down, a friend can help him/ her up. Pity the one who falls and has no one to help him/ her up.

I found this quote and I want to dedicate it to my friends because it is one of many quotes that describes perfectly how I feel about them---- “A friend is someone who reaches out for your hand and instead touches your heart”.

Friendship quote links:

http://www.theholidayspot.com/friendship/quotes.htm

http://www.friendship.com.au/quotes/

http://www.indianchild.com/friendship_quotations.htm

http://www.wisdomquotes.com/cat_friendship.html

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

American Idol Update

Clay Aiken announced to People magazine that he is gay.... Aiken returns to his role as Sir Robin in Spamalot through January 4, 09.
Jennifer Hudson will release her self titled debut CD September 30th; she also recently became engaged to her boyfriend David Otunga. Here is the music video for the first single off her album... "Spotlight"--- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ojza4LcC-4&feature=related
Well, the lovely Miss Carrie Underwood has won the honor two years in a row, and this year goes for a three-peat. She received a nomination for Female Vocalist of the Year at the Country Music Awards as well as a nomination for Album of the Year. The CMA's air Wednesday November 12th at 8 p.m. on ABC. She has also recently released her fourth single from Carnival Ride, the event timely, "Just a Dream"--http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8khHqMntkbQ
Constantine Maroulis leads the cast of the off Broadway musical, "Rock of Ages"; opening night is October 16th. The musical features the music of Bon Jovi, Journey, Styx, and other 80s rock groups. Click here if you want to buy tickets--- http://www.rockofagesmusical.com/
Kellie Pickler's self titled sophomore CD will be released on September 30th; she is nominated for Best New Artist at this years CMA's.
Current American Idol, David Cook releases his debut album on November 18th; his myspace page talks about the new album--- http://www.myspace.com/officialdavidcook. His first single off the album will be "Light On" which will be available on itunes starting September 30th; Rob Cavallo (Grammy Award winner) produced the song. He has previously worked with Green Day. http://www.popeater.com/music/article/exclusive-david-cook-turns-the-light-on/185647 -- take a listen to "Light On"!
I am totally loving David Archuleta's first single off his debut CD, "Crush", and it is climbing the charts; Archuleta will release the CD one week before Cook on November 11th. Until his official website opens you can find out any new David A. news here--- http://www.myspace.com/davidarchuleta

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

The Ultimate Fall TV Schedule continued...

Thursday:

Ugly Betty, 8- 9 p.m. ABC (premieres: September 25th)

Ugly Betty picked up their cast and crew and moved to New York City; the season premiere is the first episode that was filmed entirely in New York. The premiere answers a lot of questions, who will Betty choose, Gio or Henry? Will Hilda ever find true love? Who will run Mode, Daniel or Wilhelmina? Where will Ignacio work? Regis and Kelly will appear on Ugly Betty as themselves.

CSI, 9- 10 p.m. CBS (premieres: October 9th)

The ninth season opener is all about Warrick Brown fighting for his life. The episode centers around the team trying to find his killer while Warrick's killer, the undersheriff works the case. Sara (Jorja Fox) returns when she hears about Warrick's condition. Later in the season, Laurence Fishburne will join the show and the CSI's while William Petersen's Grissom departs. Some suggest it has something to do with Lady Heather's return to the show, others suggest it has to do with Sara. Lauren Lee Smith joins the show as new CSI Riley Adams who is a rebellious, non conformist.

Grey's Anatomy, 9- 10 p.m. ABC (premieres: September 25th)

One of my favorite spoiler websites, spoilerfix.com reports that Jeffrey Dean Morgan (Denny Duquette is returning to the series. Someone may be pregnant in the season opener and/ or lying about being pregnant, and mid season may bring Addison back to Seattle Grace. Greysanatomyinsider.com reports that this season will be full of unlikely couples. Although Derek and Meredith may move in together, no one should expect them to be walking down the aisle anytime soon.

ER, 10- 11 p.m. NBC (premieres: September 25th)

The 15th and final season of the long running medical drama will finish a 19 episode run in February sweeps. It is the second longest running drama on TV (after Law & Order) and the longest running medical drama in TV history (info. courtesy of wikipedia). Mekhi Pfifer's fan favorite character, Dr. Gregory Pratt will die in the premiere. Angela Bassett and real life husband Courtney B. Vance join the series this year and play a married couple. Will Neela and Ray reunite when Shane West comes back to show? Are Abby, Luka, and baby Joe gone for good when Abby accepts a job in Boston? Noah Wyle will make some guest appearances. Producers say to look for plenty of surprises. There is no doubt that this season will provoke tears; I, for one, am sad all ready.

(Friday and Saturday; there are no dramas or comedies worth watching; I do recommend you all watch America's Most Wanted (Saturday 9-10 p.m. FOX) and 48 Hours Mystery (Saturday 10-11 p.m. CBS).

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

The Ultimate Fall TV Schedule

I decided that this year there was too much good TV to pass up. Although ratings have dropped across the board in the past few years, this may be the year that ratings pick up. On some nights there are choices, and so you have to decide based on what you like to watch. I am confident though that this list has weeded out the series that are not worth your time.

Sunday:

Sunday Night Football, 8:30 p.m. kick-off, NBC (premieres: see explanation below)

Sunday Night Football actually premieres on Thursday night, September 4th, The Washington Redskins take on the current Superbowl Champion New York Giants starting at 7 p.m. The early start is due to the Republican National Convention. Following that, Sunday September 7th the Chicago Bears will go to Indianapolis to take on the Colts and Peyton Manning. The New England Patriots will appear on Sunday Night Football three times this season, October 12th, November 2nd, and December 7th.

or

The Amazing Race, 8- 9 p.m., CBS (premieres: September 28th)

This years racers include: Aja and Ty a long distance couple who met in college, Terrence and Sarah very different from one another and dating for a year, Nick and Starr a competitive brother/ sister team, Ken and Tina the ex NFL star and his wife looking to reconnect, Marisa and Brooke lovely Southern belles that are best friends, Mark and Bill friends and comic book aficionados, Anita and Arthur older hippie couple, Anthony and Stephanie an on again off again couple hoping to be engaged by the end of the race, Andrew and Dan friends who remind me of the guys from Superbad, Toni and Dallas a single mom and her son, and Kelly and Christy best friends and go getters.

Desperate Housewives, 9- 10 p.m., ABC (premieres: September 28th)

Last season revealed that when Desperate Housewives premieres September 28th we will be five years in the future. Lynette and Tom's kids are teenagers, Gaby and Carlos have two little girls, Edie is married, Susan and Mike are no longer together, Bree and Katherine are friends and Bree looks to be a successful business woman of sorts. If you would like some spoilers for the first few episodes of the season here are a couple of websites you should check out immediately---- http://desperate-housewives.tripod.com/id3.html and http://www.spoilerfix.com/desperate.php !

Brothers & Sisters, 10-11 p.m. ABC (premieres: September 28th)

The series ended it's shortened second season with yet another secret about to be brought to light. Rebecca was not the secret child of Walker patriarch William; his secret child is Ryan, a friend of the family. Nora was about to hear the news. In the season opener the Walker's vacation at the beach and arguments ensue; it gets pretty ugly.

Monday:

Dancing With the Stars, 8- 9:30 p.m. ABC (premieres: September 22nd, live 3 night event)
Please note the results show will be on Tuesdays 9- 10 p.m.

Here are the couples for the new season:
Lance Bass and Lacey Schwimmer, Rocco DiSpirito and Karina Smirnoff, Misty May Treanor and Maksim Chmerkovsky, Maurice Greene and Cheryl Burke, Toni Braxton and Alex Mazo, Kim Kardashian and Mark Ballas, Cody Linley and Julianne Hough, Cloris Leachman and Corky Ballas, Ted McGinley and Inna Brayer, Brooke Burke and Derek Hough, Jeff Ross and Edyta Sliwinska, Warren Sapp and Kim Johnson, and Susan Lucci and Tony Dovolani.

and


Samantha Who?, 9:30- 10 p.m. ABC (premieres: October 6th)

Emmy Award nominee Christina Applegate stars as the title character in Samantha Who? which enters it's sophomore season after an extremely successful first season, it was one of the only shows that debuted last year to make it to a second year. Samantha continues to struggle with figuring out who she really is (apparently she was "bad" Samantha before her care accident).

or

Gossip GIrl, 8- 9 p.m. The CW (premieres: September 1st)

OMG! Gossip Girl is back for a sophomore season as well after an insatiably naughty first season. The Upper East Siders are back, did Serena spend the summer in the Hamptons alone or with Nate? Did Blair and Chuck actually vacation in Europe together and what happened to make Chuck come home alone? Did Dan spend the summer solo feeling sorry for himself? Is Jenny "popular" now? Where did Vanessa spend the summer? Just spotted: Nate and an older woman hooking up in a car in the Hamptons!

Here's some sneak peeks if you dare-- xoxo Gossip Girl
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXSgqVjewL4 (this link is the first five minutes of the new season)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHfH1mOIQOQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWNVTNI0aKQ&feature=related


Prison Break, 9- 10 p.m. FOX (premieres: September 1st, the season premiere is two hours, 8-10 p.m.)

Who will stay and who will go? Producers promise us that one, possibly two series regulars will die in the premiere, and it's already all over the net, my picks are Mahone and Bellick. If Sucre dies I will not watch the show anymore. Sara is coming back, Michael Rappaport is joining the cast as a government agent who offers to drop all charges against Michael Scofield if he and his gang bring down the company (Gretchen, Whistler, Mahone, and whoever else is on board) (info from Kristin E!Online).

CSI: Miami, 10- 11 p.m. CBS (premieres: September 22nd)

The series begins its seventh season; I don't have much information, but I will post whatever I find. I do know that Khandi Alexander has left the show in her fan favorite role as Doctor Alexx Woods and will be replaced by Megalyn Echikunwoke as Doctor Tara Price.

Tuesday:

The Biggest Loser Families, 8- 10 p.m. NBC (premieres: September 16th)

Last year a woman won the Biggest Loser (Couples edition) for the first time ever after five seasons; 32 year old hairdresser from Mesa, Arizona, Ali Vincent lost 112 pounds and gained a "whole new perspective on life". This year's edition seeks to do the same for families, host Allison Sweeney returns pregnant with her second child and trainers Bob Harper and Jillian Michaels return as well.

and

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, 10- 11 p.m. NBC (premieres: September 23rd)

The most popular of all the "Law & Order" series kicks off its 10th season with lots of surprises and lots of guest stars. We will discover whether Detective Tutuola (Ice-T) is transferred to another precinct. Olivia will be traumatized as a result of her almost rape at the jail last season. Stabler will continue to have problems with his teenage daughter. Michaela McManus of One Tree Hill fame will play the new ADA, Diane Novak left her role as ADA Casey Novak at the end of last season. Also gone is the brilliant Adam Beach who played Detective Chester Lake; it is not known at this time whether or not someone else will replace him or not. There will also be a superb cast of guest stars as there usually is: Luke Perry and Julie Bowen will play a couple, as will Josh Charles and Teri Polo (who played love interests on the critically acclaimed series Sports Night), James Brolin, Chris Elliot, and Sara Gilbert. Ellen Burstyn has signed on to play Elliott Stabler's mother Bernadette Stabler.

or

90210, 8- 9 p.m. The CW (premieres: September 2nd)

Jennie Garth and Shannen Doherty reprise their roles as Kelly Taylor and Brenda Walsh. Kelly is a guidance counselor at West Beverly who has a son (who's the daddy?) and Brenda comes into town to direct the school play. At press time, Tori Spelling wanted to reprise her role as Donna Martin and play a local clothing boutique owner, but there were salary disputes. The basis of the new show is Harry Wilson (Rob Estes) moves from Kansas with his family back to his hometown of Beverly Hills to be close to his mother Tabitha (Jessica Walter). Harry becomes the new principal of West Beverly High (I have heard that supposedly Kelly has a crush on him), his two children are also attending the school, Annie (Shanae Grimes) and adopted son Dixon (Tristan Wilds). Lori Loughlin (who played Becky on Full House) plays Harry's wife Debbie. On their first day at school Annie and Dixon meet spoiled and rich Naomi (AnneLynne McCord), Navid (Michael Streger) who edits the school paper (The Blaze), Erin Silver (Jessica Stroup), Kelly's half sister who Kelly is taking care of since her mom once again played by Anne Gillespie has started drinking again, and Ethan (Dustin Milligan) a lacrosse player who Annie met a few summers ago. Ryan Eggold plays Ryan Matthews, an English teacher as West Beverly.

Here are some fansites so you can stay up to date with the hottest zipcode on television:
http://90210news.com/
http://www.90210insiders.com/tags/90210-spoilers/

The Mentalist, 9- 10 p.m. CBS (premieres: September 23rd)

Simon Baker (previously of The Guardian) stars as Patrick Jane, an independent consultant who utilizes sharp observation skills to solve crimes for the California Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Co-starring with Baker is, Robin Tunney (most known for playing Vanessa on Season 1 of Prison Break) plays Tessa Lisbon, a senior agent in Jane's unit who is the "take no prisoners" type. She resists having Jane in her unit but at the same time sees his usefulness. Rounding out the cast are Owain Yeoman as Wayne Rigsby, Tim Kang as Kimball Cho, and Amanda Righetti as Grace Van Pelt; they admire the way Jane is able to solve cases but view him as somewhat of a loose cannon.

or

Fringe, 9- 10 p.m. FOX (premieres: September 9th, n.b. the series premiere will be two hours and starts at 8 p.m.)

I was trying to figure out what the plot of this show was, because I have seen quite a few trailers for the series and it seems really interesting, similar to a thriller. Anyway, the IMDb website had the best explanation so I am going to quote them-- "A drama centered around a female FBI agent, Olivia Dunham played by Anna Torv who is forced to work with an institutionalized scientist, Dr. Walter Bishop played by Peter Noble in order to rationalize a brewing storm of unexplained phenomena."
The supporting cast includes:
Joshua Jackson (Yes, it is Pacey from Dawson's Creek) plays Peter Bishop, the estranged son of Dr. Walter Bishop
Mark Valley (You've seen him on soap Days of Our Lives, fan fave Keen Eddie, and Boston Legal) plays Special Agent John Scott, Olivia's partner
Lance Reddick (The Wire) plays FBI Agent Phillip Broyles
Kirk Acevedo (Oz) plays FBI Agent Charlie Francis
Jasika Nicole (Law & Order: Criminal Intent) plays FBI Agent Astrid Farnsworth
Blair Brown (Tony Winner for the play Copenhagen on Broadway) plays what the FOX website described as "manipulative corporate executive" Nina Sharp

Again you can finish your Tuesday night with Law & Order: SVU (see above)

Wednesday:

Pushing Daisies, 8- 9 p.m. ABC (premieres: October 1st)

For those of you that did not see the nine episodes of Pushing Daisies last season, I offer you this recap. Ned (Emmy nominee Lee Pace) plays a pie maker who brings people back from the dead when he touches them. There are, as with everything, conditions when he brings someone back from the dead, after 60 seconds someone/ something of similar life value in the vicinity dies. Also if he touches that person/ thing a second time, it dies forever. He discovered his gift as a child, but grew up and became a pie maker; he owns his own restaurant called the Pie Hole. Olive Snook (Kristin Chenoweth) is a waitress there and has a hopeless crush on Ned who still has eyes for his childhood sweetheart Charlotte "Chuck" (Anna Friel). Ned's business begins to fail and a private investigator named Emerson Cod (Chi McBride) discovers his gift, and makes him an offer he just cannot refuse. Ned must bring the murder victims back from the dead, find out how they died in less than 60 seconds so Emerson can solve the murders and split the reward money with him.

or

America's Next Top Model, 8- 9 p.m. The CW (premieres: September 3rd, premiere is two hours)


Here is a list of the cast:
*Sheena, 21 years old, her hometown is Honolulu, Hawaii but she is currently living in Harlem, New York and works as a hostess/ go-go dancer.
*Samantha, 18 years old, her hometown is Woodland Hills, California, she is a student athlete.
*Nikeysha, 19 years old, her hometown is Bronx, New York, and she is a student
*Analeigh, 19 years old, her hometown is Sacramento, California but she currently live in Los Angeles where she is a student
*Brittany, 19 years old, her hometown is Henderson, Nevada where she works in customer service
*Hannah, 19 years old, her hometown is Fairbanks, Alaska where she is a student
*Clark, 19 years old, her hometown is Pawley Islands, South Carolina, but she is a student in Columbia, South Carolina right now
*Elina, 19 years old, she is originally from Berdichieve, Ukraine; she currently is unemployed living in Seattle, Washington
*Mckey, 19 years old, her hometown is Lake Forest, Illinois where she is a student
*Joslyn, 23 years old, her hometown is Lucky, Louisiana, but she is currently living in Shreveport, Louisiana where she is a student
*Marjorie, 19 years old, she hails from Marseilles, France; she is currently living in San Francisco, California where she is a student
*Isis, 22 years old, her hometown is Prince George's County, Maryland; she works in New York City as a Program Assistant at a non profit
*Lauren Brie, 20 years old, her hometown is Charlottesville, Virginia, but she currently lives in Radford, Virginia where she is a student
*Sharaun, 18 years old, her hometown is Chicago, Illinois; she is currently a student

The show is stationed in Hollywood, California this year.

I am not sure what to tell you about the nine o'clock hour; I wrestled with it for a whole day. Your best bet may be to either record one of the eight o'clock shows and watch it at the nine o'clock hour

or

Criminal Minds, 9- 10 p.m. CBS (premieres: September 24th)

I actually found an entire blog on blogspot dedicated to Criminal Minds. If you are a fan of the show or you are interested in finding out more about it, I definitely suggest this website
-- http://criminalmindsfanatic.blogspot.com/
The series, entering its fourth season is a crime drama that focuses on the embers of a special FBI unit, the Beahavioral Analysis Unit (BAU). The stories center around the criminal rather than the crime.

Dirty Sexy Money, 10- 11 p.m. ABC (premieres: October 1st)

Much like many other new series than began last season, Dirty Sexy Money, only aired ten episodes as a result of the Writer's Strike. However, it did not in any way stop the critical acclaim that the show received. The series is about lawyer Nick George, played by Peter Krause (Six Feet Under). Prominent New York family, the Darling's ask Nick to be their personal lawyer, it just so happens that their previous lawyer, who happens to be Nick's father suspiciously died. So begins the saga that is called,
Dirty Sexy Money.
Meet the Darling Family:
Tripp Darling- the Darling Patriarch, "the empire builder", played by Donald Sutherland
Letitia Darling- the Daring Matriarch, "the sophisticated socialite", played by Jill Clayburgh
Patrick Darling- Darling son who has a perfect wife and perfect kids, yet he is having an affair with a transexual, "the principled politician", played by William Baldwin
Karen Darling- Darling daughter who has been married four times and lost her virginity to Nick, currently seeing billionaire Simon Elder, "the professional divorce", played by Natalie Zea
Jeremy Darling- Darling twin who had his trust fund revoked by Tripp, now valet parks cars at the family's garage, "one of the well behaved twins", played by Seth Gabel
Juliet Darling- Darling twin who is a spoiled rich girl, her reputation as a slut isn't true and she longs to be independent, "one of the well behaved twins", played by Samaire Armstrong
Rev. Brian Darling- son of Letitia and Dutch George (Nick's father), he initially hated Nick but has grown to like him as well as seek his advice. He is currently separated from his wife and lost custody of his son Brian Jr., Brian has quit the church and now works for Tripp, "the man of God", played by Glenn Fitzgerald

Meet the other players:
Lisa George- Nick's wife who is mom to seven year old Kiki, she frequents Darling parties and events with great patience, knows there is the possibility her husband may drift away from her and to Karen instead. She kissed Jeremy once at her gallery, played by Zoe McLellan
Simon Elder- Currently seeing Karen, the world's third richest man who doesn't show it, lives in an empty loft, and is engaged in a power struggle with the Darling's, played by Blair Underwood
Nola Lyons- She is a new character this season that I know nothing about, but Lucy Liu is playing her, so that's exiciting in itself.

or

Lipstick Jungle, 10- 11 p.m. NBC (premieres: September 24th)

Lipstick Jungle is the story of three women friends living in New York City trying to make it big time. There's Wendy (Brooke Shields), she is a movie studio executive depserately trying to balance a successful career and her family, including alone time with her husband Shane (Paul Blackthorne). Victory (Lindsay Price) is a clothing designer waiting to make it and find her Mr. Right in the process; it might be Joe Bennett (Andrew McCarthy) a multimillionaire willing to invest in her company. And Nico (Kim Raver) is editor in chief at a hot fashion magazine who is having a hot affair with a freelance photographer, Kirby (Robert Buckley).

I will post Thursday, Friday, and Saturday as soon as I finish researching and writing.

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

More Emmy Picks 2008

If you didn't read my Emmy picks for the 2008 Drama category nominees, be sure to check that out; I continue now with the Comedy nominees.

Comedy Series

Curb Your Enthusiasm, HBO
Entourage, HBO
The Office, NBC
30 Rock, NBC
Two and a Half Men, CBS

Will Win: 30 Rock
Should Win: 30 Rock

By far the most intelligently written comedy on television with Tina Fey at the helm, I would be very surprised if 30 Rock didn't have this competition wrapped up!

Comedy Lead Actor

Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock, NBC
Steve Carell, The Office, NBC
Lee Pace, Pushing Daisies, ABC
Tony Shalhoub, Monk, USA Network
Charlie Sheen, Two and a Half Men, CBS

Will Win: Steve Carell
Should Win: Lee Pace

Carell has lost the past two years even though many thought he was the most gifted nominee in the category. His character is a little extreme and scary which is why some Emmy voters may not be giving their blessing, but this year he has submitted a one hour episode, so the third time may be a charm. Lee Pace is gifted as Ned, a pie maker who has the odd ability of touching something that is dead and bringing it back to life, but if he touches what he brought back to life a second time, it will perish forever. Carell will win, but Pace really should.

Comedy Lead Actress

Christina Applegate, Samantha Who?, ABC
America Ferrera, Ugly Betty, ABC
Tina Fey, 30 Rock, NBC
Julia Louis Dreyfus, The New Adventures of Old Christine, CBS
Mary Louise Parker, Weeds, Showtime

Will Win: Christina Applegate or Tina Fey
Should Win: Tina Fey or America Ferrera

Applegate may grab this award yet; she has had a tough year and come through like a trooper. She is also charming as title character Samantha in Samantha Who?, an amnesia victim who discovers she doesn't like the person that she was before her car accident. The amnesia also prompts her to rediscover her relationships with people which is comic relief in and of itself. Tina Fey as Liz Lemon on 30 Rock is the only lady in this category that I think should and could walk away with this award. She is not only delightfully protagonistic is Liz Lemon but she is also the head writer of the series. America Ferrera once again dazzled and surprised audiences as Betty Suarez; her romantic life was particularly interesting this past season with two suitors, Gio and Henry. Will she go to Rome with Gio or decide to marry Henry? Betty has a big decision to make and let's not forget about her giving advice to her boss Daniel.

Comedy Supporting Actor

John Cryer, Two and a Half Men, CBS
Kevin Dillon, Entourage, HBO
Neil Patrick Harris, How I Met Your Mother, CBS
Jeremy Piven, Entourage, HBO
Rainn Wilson, The Office, NBC

Will Win: Jeremy Piven
Should Win: Kevin Dillon

The nominees are the same and I think I am almost repeating what I wrote last year (I am laughing right now). Jeremy Piven is so strong compared to the other nominees except for Kevin Dillon. He is so underrated and under appreciated by Emmy voters as Johnny "Drama" Chase; I love, love, love him in this role. I will be surprised if the voters are intelligent enough to give him this award, but if he does get it, I will stand up in my living room and applaud cause he deserves it.

Comedy Supporting Actress

Kristin Chenoweth, Pushing Daisies, ABC
Amy Poehler, Saturday Night Live, NBC
Jean Smart, Samantha Who?, ABC
Holland Taylor, Two and a Half Men, CBS
Vanessa Williams, Ugly Betty, ABC

Will Win: Kristin Chenoweth
Should Win: Kristin Chenoweth or Vanessa Williams

If Emmy voters love Chenoweth as much as the Tony's do, this award is in her pocket; Chenoweth has so much charisma and this is really and truly the perfect role for this small but complete package. She is "hopelessly devoted" to pie maker Ned and she even sang "Hopelessly Devoted to You" in the series! Vanessa Williams was extra evil as Wilhelmina Slater and the scenes with Williams and Gabrielle Union who plays her sister were fabulous. Wilhelmina is not happy that her little sis is sleeping with the enemy, Daniel Meade. Perhaps Williams could secure her win if, as Wilhelmina, she sang "I'm Bad" on Ugly Betty; just a thought.

Enjoy the Emmys, I will be keeping track and I hope you will too!

Watch: Sunday September 21, 2008 on ABC

Monday, August 25, 2008

More Sex in the City...... My Favorites from the Final Season

I started posting my favorite Sex in the City episodes quite sometime ago, and this is the final posting in this series. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed watching the episodes and summarizing them to the best of my ability. I enjoyed picking out my favorite quotes from the series, and sharing my opinions on the various episodes.


Season 6 Episode 92 Splat! --- Carrie, “I couldn’t help but wonder, what if all those helpful lunches and late-night phone calls to friends have made us all girl talk and no girl action? Is it time to stop questioning?”

Plot: Carrie and Petrovsky host a dinner party for her best friends at his house. The night is filled with tension, and then all of sudden, Petrovsky announces that he and Carrie are moving to Paris. Carrie and Petrovsky then attend a party thrown by her Vogue editor, Enid Frick, and she sees former “it” girl Lexi Featherston at the party. Lexi ends up falling from the apartment to her death at the party. Lexi’s death makes Carrie realize that all of her friends have moved on except for her, Miranda is married with a child living in Brooklyn, Charlotte is married and raising puppies, and Samantha has even found someone special in Smith. Carrie decides to change her life and accept the offer, and she drops the unexpected news on her friends which leads to a fight with Miranda after she expresses her disapproval.

Quotes:

Carrie: Admit it, you don’t like him.
Miranda: Fine! I don’t like him!
Carrie: Then don’t YOU go to Paris with him.

Lexi: I’m so bored I could die. (right before she falls out the window to her death.)

Miranda: Carrie, your column is who you are.
Carrie: It’s not who I am, it’s what I do.

My 2 Cents:
I absolutely love this episode every time it comes on; it is so pivotal to the entire series. In a way, Carrie chooses a man over her city, New York City and in a way she also chooses a man over her beloved girls, Samantha, Charlotte, and Miranda. I love Lexi Featherston and Kirsten Johnsons’s portrayal of the character. Candice Bergen is great as Enid Frick, especially when she says to Carrie about Petrovsky, oh Carrie why am I not with him, and Carrie says, because I am.


Season 6 Episodes 93 and 94 An American Girl in Paris, Part Une and Part Deux

Plot: Part Une Before she leaves for Paris, Carrie sees Big outside her apartment and he admits that he messed up with her, but she makes it clear that she wants him totally out of her life forever. Carrie then has one last dinner with the girls before leaving; they all decide Carrie leaving will have a huge impact on their lives. Carrie arrives in Paris and meets Petrovsky’s daughter who isn’t thrilled with Ms. Bradshaw. Carrie loses her “Carrie” nameplate necklace, and Petrovsky replaces it with a diamond necklace, but it makes Carrie realize that Paris may not be her destiny. Charlotte goes to Carrie’s apartment to pick up her mail and an adoption recommendation and overhears a phone message from Big. She picks up and decides to have a meeting with Big and the other two girls; they ultimately decide Big should go to Paris to find Carrie.
Part Deux Carrie has dinner with Petrovsky’s ex wife who says she was sick of always coming in second to his art, muck like how Carrie feels. Samantha is surprised when Smith comes back from his movie shoot just to tell her that he loves her, and Samantha finally opens up to Smith. Charlotte and Harry find out that they will be getting a baby girl from China. Miranda and Steve must take care of Steve’s mother who is beginning to lose her memory. Carrie is supposed to go to a part in her honor, but Petrovsky panics opening night of his event and asks Carrie to skip it. She agrees, but when he gets there, he forgets all about her, and then she finds her Carrie necklace in the lining of her purse and realizes she should not be there. She misses her party anyway and goes back to the hotel to explain to Petrovsky but he doesn’t understand and he slaps her. She leaves, and in the hotel lobby finds Big; Carries accidentally lets in slip that Petrovsky slapped her, and Big goes on a hunt until Carrie trips him. The two walk around Paris together and decide they are meant to be together; Carrie asks Big to take her home, back to New York City. She reunites with the girls, and is ready to start a new life.

Quotes:

Carrie: You do this every time! Every time! What? Do you have some sort of radar? Carrie might be happy, it's time to sweep in and shit all over it?
Big: What? No, no, I came here to tell you something. I made a mistake. You and I...
Carrie: You and I nothing! You cannot do this to me again! You cannot jerk me around!
Big: Carrie, listen to me. It's different this time.
Carrie: Oh, it's never different! It's six years of never being different! This is it! I am done! Don't call me ever again! Forget you know my number! In fact, forget you know my name! And you can drive up this street all you want... because I don't live here anymore!

Big: You're the loves of her life and a guy's just lucky to come in fourth.

Miranda: Go get our girl! (to Big)

Carrie: I'm looking for love. Real love. Ridiculous, inconvenient, consuming, can't-live-without-each-other love. And I don't think that love is here in this expensive suite in this lovely hotel in Paris.

Big: I have to hand it to you kid. Most people come to Paris to fall in love. You came and got slapped.

Smith: Hey, Babe, I flew back...
Samantha: You flew all night? Why?
Smith: I forgot to tell you something on the phone... I love you.
Samantha: You flew back to tell me that?
Smith: Can you think of a better reason?
Samantha: No, I can't. You have meant more to me than any man I have ever known.

Big: It took me a really long time to get here, but I'm here. Carrie, you're the one.

Magda: What you did. That is love. You love.
Miranda: (after giving Steve's mother, who has had a stroke, a bath)
Let's not make a big deal of it to Steve, it will upset him.

Carrie:(Last Line) Later that day I got to thinking about relationships. There are those that open you up to something new and exotic, those that are old and familiar, those that bring up lots of questions, those that bring you somewhere unexpected, those that bring you far from where you started, and those that bring you back. But the most exciting, challenging and significant relationship of all is the one you have with yourself. And if you find someone to love the you you love, well, that's just fabulous.

My 2 Cents: Clearly, the best was saved for last. So many wonderful scenes were in these last two episodes. The scene with Big, Miranda, Charlotte, and Samantha in the coffee shop gets me every time. Each woman has a breakthrough, Samantha discovers what true love really is. Miranda has an emotional epiphany and Charlotte is about to get the baby she always wanted. Carrie discovers that you have to love yourself and find someone who loves that same “you” that you love. I never wanted this episode to end.

2008 Beijing: Results Day 16 (Final Day of Competition)

I just wanted to post the final three team event medals that were determined in case anyone was looking for them.......

Men's Water Polo
1. Hungary
2. U.S.A.
3. Serbia

Men's Volleyball
1. U.S.A.
2. Brazil
3. Russia

Men's Basketball
1. U.S.A.
2. Spain
3. Argentina

Saturday, August 23, 2008

2008 Beijing: Results Days 14 and 15

I decided to combine the last two days since there wasn't so much going on...

Despite the fact that the U.S. relay teams were out of both the men's and women's 4x100m relays, it was still interesting. The Jamaican women actually could not transfer the baton from one person to another and therefore did not finish the race. Veronica Campbell Brown, the gold medalist in the 200m never even received the chance to race. In the men's relay, the Jamaican men set a new world record with Usain Bolt anchoring the race.

Women's 4x100m Relay

1. Russia- Evgeniya Polyakova, Aleksandra Fedoriva, Yulia Gushchina, Yuliya Chermoshanskaya 42.31
2. Belgium- Olivia Borlee, Hanna Marien, Elodie Ouedraogo, Kim Gevaert 42.54
3. Nigeria- Franca Idoko, Gloria Kemasuode, Agnes Osazuwa, Oludamola Osayomi, Halimat Ismaila 43.04

Men's 4x100m Relay

1. Jamaica- Dwight Thomas, Michael Frater, Nesta Carter, Asafa Powell, Usain Bolt 37.10 World Record
2. Trindad & Tobago- Keston Bledman, Marc Burns, Aaron Armstrong, Richard Thompson, Emmanuel Callender 38.06
3. Japan- Naoki Tsukahara, Shingo Suetsugu, Shinji Takahira, Nobuharu Asahara 38.15

In the 4x400m relays, the U.S. men and women restored pride, dignity, and won gold medals. It was great redemption for the women, like Sanya Richards who failed to win gold in the 400m, and Allyson Felix who was the favorite in the 200m but won another silver. The men; however, dominated just as they did in the 400m and the 400m hurdles, and Jeremy Wariner closed it out well, he almost could have walked across the finish line.

Women's 4x400m Relay
1. U.S.A.- Mary Wineberg, Monique Henderson, Natasha Hastings, Sanya Richards, Allyson Felix 3.18.54
2. Russia- Elena Migunova, Tatyana Veshkurova, Liudmila Litvinova, Tatiana Firova, Yulia Gushchina, Anastasia Kapachinskaya 3.18.82
3. Jamaica- Novelen Williams, Shereefa Lloyd, Bobby Gaye Wilkins, Shericka Williams, Rosemarie Whyte 3.20.40

Men's 4x400m Relay
1. U.S.A.- David Neville, Regi Witherspoon, Kerron Clement, Angelo Taylor, LaShawn Merritt, Jeremy Wariner 2.55.39 Olympic Record
2. Bahamas- Michael Mathieu, Avard Moncur, Ramon Miller, Andrae Williams, Andretti Bain, Christopher Brown 2.58.03
3. Russia- Maksim Dyldin, Vladislav Frolov, Anton Kokorin, Denis Alexeev 2.58.06

Matthew Mitcham of Australia ruined China's diving party; the Chinese were hoping to go eight for eight in diving gold medals but will instead go seven for eight. Zhou Luxin missed his last dive only scoring 6s and 7s, and Mitcham did his most difficult dive last and nailed it scoring four perfect 10s. The amazing thing about Mitcham is that he left diving and took one year off and returned to diving just one year ago. Huo Liang was the only Chinese diver not to medal at this Olympic Games finishing in fourth.

Men's 10m Platform Diving Finals
1. Matthew Mitcham Australia 537.95
2. Zhou Luxin China 533.15
3. Gleb Galperin Russia 525.80

And in a couple of team sports the U.S. women continue to finish strong picking up a gold and a silver.

Women's Basketball
1. U.S.A.
2. Australia
3. Russia

Women's Soccer
1. Brazil
2. U.S.A.
3. China

Emmy Picks 2008

Without tons of explanation, here are my picks for the major categories at the Emmy Awards.....

Drama Series

Boston Legal, ABC
Damages, FX
Dexter, Showtime
House, FOX
Lost, ABC
Mad Men, AMC

Will Win: Lost
Should Win: Lost

Lost is the only TV Show in this category that held my attention all season and didn't let go. I cannot wait until the new season starts and although I know it will soon be over for good; I wish it would never go away. The writing is remarkable, and every year I grow increasingly anxious as to what happened to the survivors, what happened to those who died, where and what is this island? So many questions and yet so little time.

Drama Lead Actor

Gabriel Byrne, In Treatment, HBO
Bryan Cranston, Breaking Bad, AMC
Michael C. Hall, Dexter, Showtime
Jon Hamm, Mad Men, AMC
Hugh Laurie, House, FOX
James Spader, Boston Legal, ABC

Will Win: Jon Hamm
Should Win: Gabriel Byrne

A friend actually convinced me to watch In Treatment, and I must admit that I was skeptical especially after he explained the premise of the show. I thought, well it's clever, but how interesting can it be? The series is in real time, and focuses on psychotherapy sessions between doctors and patients. Byrne plays Dr. Paul Weston who himself visits a psychotherapist every Friday, and Byrne is intense in this role to say the least. The show held my attention, and don't get me wrong the actors and actresses who play his patients are wonderful, but he holds his own with every one of them. I was pleasantly surprised, and I found myself watching more. I am not saying I would ever visit a psychotherapist, but if he or she is anything like Paul I would definitely take it into consideration.

As a note, Hamm is wonderful in Mad Men and he will probably win because the Emmy's love him so much.

Drama Lead Actress

Glenn Close, Damages, FX
Sally Field, Brothers & Sisters, ABC
Mariska Hargitay, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, NBC
Holly Hunter, Saving Grace, TNT
Kyra Sedgwick, The Closer, TNT

Will Win: Your guess is as good as mine!
Should Win: Any, well maybe not Glenn Close....

I love all of these ladies. Mariska Hargitay in particular was amazing in the episode where she went undercover as a prisoner in a female prison, and was almost raped by a prison guard. I remember seeing that episode and thinking... she is getting nominated for an Emmy this year. Kyra Sedgwick is charming yet tough in The Closer, and Holly Hunter is shockingly good as an Oklahoma City detective with a number of bad habits (smoking, binge drinking, sleeping with who and whatever she comes across).

Drama Supporting Actor

Ted Danson, Damages, FX
Michael Emerson, Lost, ABC
Zeljko Ivanek, Damages, FX
William Shatner, Boston Legal, ABC
John Slattery, Mad Men, AMC

Will Win: John Slattery
Should Win: Michael Emerson

John Slattery is deliciously bad as Roger Sterling, a womanizer who excessively drinks. As Ben Linus, Michael Emerson has taken evil to new heights; no wonder Jack was smacking him around so much last season.

Drama Supporting Actress

Candice Bergen, Boston Legal, ABC
Rachel Griffiths, Brothers & Sisters, ABC
Sandra Oh, Grey's Anatomy, ABC
Dianne Wiest, In Treatment, HBO
Chandra Wilson, Grey's Anatomy, ABC

Will Win: Candice Bergen
Should Win: Rachel Griffiths

Grey's Anatomy bored me a little bit last season, so overall because the writing wasn't on point, I was disappointed in the performances. So I think that cancels out the two nominees from Grey's, although I do think they are both great actresses. Dianne Wiest is good as Dr. Gina Toll, but Gabriel Byrne steals the scene almost everytime they are on screen together. The real story though lies between Bergen and Griffiths; Bergen's Shirley Schmidt is a developed character but provides more comic relief than drama ( I wonder sometimes, should Boston Legal be in the drama or comedy category or should we create a new category -- the dramedy, similar to what Friends was.) That leaves Rachel Griffiths as Sarah Walker, a working mom who is president of a family owned company. She wanted to get back together with her husband even after knowing he had an illegitimate child, but then her husband decided that he wanted a divorce. Then, she discovered who her family's real half sibling is. What a year!

to be continued with comedy nominees.....

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Breaking News from Beijing 2008 Olympics!

The U.S. beach volleyball team of Phil Dalhausser and Todd Rogers beat the Brazilian team of Fabio and Marcio in three sets to win the gold medal.

2008 Beijing: Results Day 13

I think U.S. track star Lauryn Williams is right, somebody must have put a voodoo on the U.S. track team. I cannot remember an Olympic games where both the men's and women's 4x100m relay teams dropped the baton, and therefore neither one advanced to the finals. Tyson Gay will not only leave this Games with no medals; he will also leave without running in a finals.

The women's softball and water polo teams came up just short of gold, both finishing in silver medal position.

Women's Softball
1. Japan
2. U.S.A.
3. Australia

Women's Water Polo
1. Netherlands
2. U.S.A.
3. Australia

The women's soccer team; however, won their second consecutive Olympic gold medal.

Women's Soccer
1. U.S.A.
2. Brazil
3. Germany

Well they were dubbed the "double guarantee" by the Chinese, and they were right; Chen Ruolin and Wang Xin did not disappoint winning gold and bronze. The duo, Ruolin is sixteen and Xin is 15, will surely be a part of China's diving future for a long time to come. Emilie Heymans from Canada, and in her third Olympics captured the silver; she almost upset the Chinese, but Ruolin was diving like a seasoned pro. Laura Wilkinson dived for the last time, the 2000 Olympic champion is retiring to start a family.

Women's 10m Platform Final
1. Chen Ruolin China 447.70
2. Emilie Heymans Canada 435.05
3. Wang Xin China 429.90

Allyson Felix, the 2004 silver medalist in the 200m once again repeated as silver medalist in this games. U.S. Champion, Felix came up just short to Veronica Campbell Brown of Jamaica and was disappointed to finish where she did four years ago. As a result of Campbell Brown's win, this marks the first time in 20 years that one country has swept the men's and women's 100m and 200m races; the United States accomplished this feat in 1988. The other two Americans, Muna Lee and Marshevet Hooker finished in fourth and fifth place respectively.

Women's 200m Final
1. Veronica Campbell Brown Jamaica 21.74
2. Allyson Felix U.S.A. 21.93
3. Kerron Stewart Jamaica 22.00

Jeremy Wariner was unable to defend his 400m title losing to his biggest rival and U.S.A. teammate La Shawn Merritt. Many track & field experts did not believe this was going to be a blowout, but it was with Merritt finishing almost a full second ahead of Wariner who seemed to be in shock following the race. Some speculate his loss having to do with a change in his training regime as a result of a coaching change. But perhaps the real story here lies with the third place finisher, 24 year old David Neville who dove across the finish line to secure a third place finish and a bronze medal. Neville said, "for me, it wasn't so much about the medal; it was about the sacrifice.... the dive was sacrifice."............."I'm coming down the homestretch and I don't know where I am. But I know I have what it takes in my heart to finish well. And no matter what obstacles are ahead of you, are to the side of you, if you keep your eye on the prize, your eye on the goal, you'll get what you need. Sometimes you have to make a last-ditch effort. And that's why I have this medal around my neck right now."

Men's 400m Final
1. La Shawn Merritt U.S.A. 43.75
2. Jeremy Wariner U.S.A. 44.74
3. David Neville U.S.A. 44.80

Liu Xiang of China was supposed to win the gold in the 110m hurdles, but an injury changed everything, and so it was Dayron Robles' day. Robles, the 21 year old up and comer from Cuba actually broke Liu's nearly two year old record at a competition in June of this year. Two Americans won the silver and bronze, silver medalist David Payne has been plagued by injuries all of 2008 so his win is quite remarkable. Payne had appendicitis in February, one month after he bruised his heel, and one month and a half following that he found out that he has a stress fracture. Bronze medalist David Oliver may not have just been winning this medal for himself, but also for his mom Brenda. Brenda Chambers qualified for the 1980 Olympic Team in Moscow and was going to run the 400m hurdles, but the U.S. boycotted those games, so she never ran, and never won a medal. This is the first Olympics for all three medalists.

Men's 110m Hurdles Finals
1. Dayron Robles Cuba 12.93
2. David Payne U.S.A. 13.17
3. David Oliver U.S.A. 13.18