Super-8 Fan Film made by kids on Cape Cod in 1978. Watch out for that vacuum cleaner weapon! Voices added 25 years later by some of the original cast.

Wouldn’t it be something if we got back to this kind of — heeeeey…

Incognito continues to let fads pass them by and stay focused on good, solid, jazzy soul music, and good songwriting. That’s what’s made them one of the best bands to catch on tour. Another thing that makes Incognito special is Bluey’s ability to keep great vocalists and excellent musicians in the band. “Transatlantic RPM” is an album that marks the band’s 30th anniversary, and, in an era where bands barely survive their 3rd anniversary without breaking up or changing direction, Incognito shows no sign of slowing down.

Incognito has added Mario Biondi to the lineup for this record. Mario’s signature deep voice take songs like “Can’t Get Enough”, which is already funky, to a whole other level. It wouldn’t be an Incognito record without a great cover tune, and Mario also adds a new dimension to the Boz Scaggs classic “Lowdown”, the song that starts the album off. Mario is joined by none other than the incomparable Chaka Khan on this tune, and so you know you’re in for a good time from the moment you press play. West Coast favorite Luckyiam comes on board to become the first emcee on an Incognito track (that I can recall), and “Everything That We Are” is good because of it. “1975″ is a solid soul track featuring Joy Rose on vocals. I’m hoping to hear the band play this out in concert. Next up, Maysa – the band’s most famous voice – takes the stage with another classic entitled “Your Sun, My Sky”. Maysa always shows up to do the “strange relationship” songs on these albums and she never, ever fails to turn the most ordinary chord progression into a soul tune you want to rewind and play again.

At this point, most bands would phone it in and fill the album with instrumental jams. After all, this album started with the core musicians: Matt Cooper, Pete Biggin, Francis Hilton, Thomas Dyani and Bluey jamming and laying tracks sitting in a circle at Oxton Square in London in 2009.

But what we get is a lot more. World renowned vocalist Leon Ware makes a great appearance on “Line In The Sand”, a song marked with another set of great string arrangements and solid grooves. Ursula Rucker also represents, singing AND reciting her classic style of poetry, on “Gotta”.

“Transatlantic RPM” then turns up the BPM with a GREAT dance tune: “Let’s Fall In Love Again”, featuring Tortured Soul’s Christian Urich on vocals. I know every producer in the world wants a crack at a remix of this, but it’s really a great tune as is.

“The Song” is the solo Chaka Khan number, and by the end, it’s clear that Chaka has found her best backing group of musicians since Rufus.

Maysa and Chaka Khan could have easily tried to “out-soul” each other on this album, but instead…we get the best of both great talents, on songs that stand on their own.

Tony Momrelle balances the album out with “Put a Little Lovin’ In Your Heart”, another dance number with just enough ol’ school to keep the OG ‘Cog fans happy.

The one surprise that trumped them all for me on this album was Bluey’s lead vocal debut on “Tell Me What To Do”. I’m sure he does guide vocals on songs for vocalists to get the gist of the songs, but we’ve never been privy to those recordings, so this is a treat that I’m sure all fans will appreciate.

These performances, along with the fantastic musicianship shown throughout the album (don’t miss the instrumental “Expresso Madureira”) make this album an absolute must-have.

“Transatlantic RPM” has everything an Incognito fan could want – the best of Incognito, plus Chaka Khan!

Here’s to another great 30 years!

Let’s start with the most important update first: the new trailer revealed at Comic Con. Lots of story elements revealed, and more effects shown off. Lovely. A LITTLE more Daft Punk shown off, too, though not enough to really get anybody focused on the soundtrack. If you want to be surprised and learn the story at the theaters on December 17, you may wanna skip this trailer. If you’re like me and just can’t wait…take the jump.

At Comic-Con, Disney sorta took over with the promotion of this movie, and one such example is the “End Of Line Club” party. Check it:

And then, of course, there was the panel:

and, press conference:

not an official video, and no vocals, but this virtual tour treatment is a nice one, I think.

If hip hop music gave out superlatives, Joe Cartagena would never win most popular. He’s better suited for the most improved. Because over his career he is the one rapper that has constantly grown in leaps and bounds on every album he’s released. With his tenth album gearing up for a July 27th release, Joey Crack decided to give the world a taste of the type of product he’ll be flooding the block with. ‘Welcome To New York’ features four tracks from his upcoming album and six remixes to popular singles out now.

The songs from his upcoming album,’The Darkside’, are way grittier and street than his past efforts. They create and excitement and anticipation for the new record. “I’m Gone” and “Kilo” serve him the best. The production is superb and force Joe to step his game up lyrically. Having The Clipse on “Kilo” doesn’t hurt either. As for the tracks Joe dropped quick 16’s for, he adds more than detracts from the song. He makes Diddy-Dirty Money’s ear splitting single, “Angels” audible for the first minute and a half. Also, his verses on cuts like Drake’s “Over” and “Find Your Love” are great. What’s really surprising is he holds his own on Kanye’s “Power”.

Overall, ‘Welcome to New York’ serves its purpose well. Fat Joe created the buzz he was looking to receive for his new album. He might actually win new fans with this because he sounds fresh and reinvigorated. And if the whole album is like this, it will be an enjoyable listen.

Teflon Don’ is the perfect name for Rick Ross’ fourth outing. After an exhausting feud with 50 Cent, his former corrections officer employment being exposed, and a recently dismissed lawsuit brought against him by Freeway Ricky Ross, Miami’s native son is still standing. With that being said, we find The Boss improving his rhyme skills and continuing to pick some of the best beats of the year. All of this adds up to a great body of work. While not a classic, it does come close.

It could never be mistaken, Ricky loves being wealthy and can’t wait to gloat about it. Most of the songs feature themes of frivolous spending, fast and expensive cars, and faster women. Ross only strays away from that formula on the stellar cuts, “Tears Of Joy” and “All The Money In The World”. Both feature Rick examining his feelings about his father and the hardships he’s faced in order to get to where he is today, respectively. ‘Teflon Don’ also pictures Rick Ross as the leader of a gang of guest artists. Jadakiss, Erykah Badu, Drake, and a slew of others are wonderful foot soldiers carrying out The Don’s vision. Yet, Jay-Z plays Castellano to Ross’ Gotti on “Free Mason”. Only this time Castellano’s verse  murders Gotti’s. Diddy and Gucci Mane’s appearances have them looking like they were allowed in the crew because Ross owed some people a favor. They bring nothing to the table.

Ross proves with his composition that style and constant rhyme improvement takes precedence over authenticity. We know he’s never sold drugs in his life, yet he still raps about having done so. But who cares? As long as the story is told creatively, flights of fantasy can be fun. ‘Teflon Don’ is fun and soulful. You can’t beat that.

Nneka is a singer/ rapper born to a Nigerian father and a German mother. She lived in the African country until she was 18. So naturally, her voice and subject matter is a bit conflicted.

Conflicted with the life she is living now and the struggles going on in her homeland. Nneka’s voice is soothing as hot tea with a dash of honey, yet fiery enough to incite revolutionary action. The end result is a collection of songs that are soulful, politically aware, and swamped in African pride.

Mainly produced by DJ Farhot, Nneka sings about the pain of her homeland. This is most evident on the stand out track, “Heart Beat”, where she sings, “Innocent ones die, people hunger for decades suffer, under civilized armed robbers, modern slave holders.” Lyrics meant to open the eyes of the listener run rampant on the disc. All with sounds ranging from neo-soul to reggae and even some Nigerian rhythms. Whereas, most singer/rappers are better at one thing than the other, Nneka is well versed in both. Her cadences are akin to some of Mos Def’s and Talib Kweli’s. That’s most prevalent on the opening number, “Showing Love”.

‘Concrete Jungle’ is generally a great album. The artist gingerly tip toes the line of telling us what’s going on and preaching. When she does cross the line into being preachy, it’s never enough to irritate the listener.  Nneka is starting her career off in the States strong with this release. It will be interesting to watch her grow as an artist. Being that no one really knows who she is, she has nowhere to go but up.

Nneka is a singer/ rapper born to a Nigerian father and a German mother. She lived in the African country until she was 18. So naturally, her voice and subject matter is a bit conflicted.

Conflicted with the life she is living now and the struggles going on in her homeland. Nneka’s voice is soothing as hot tea with a dash of honey, yet fiery enough to incite revolutionary action. The end result is a collection of songs that are soulful, politically aware, and swamped in African pride.

Mainly produced by DJ Farhot, Nneka sings about the pain of her homeland. This is most evident on the stand out track, “Heart Beat”, where she sings, “Innocent ones die, people hunger for decades suffer, under civilized armed robbers, modern slave holders.” Lyrics meant to open the eyes of the listener run rampant on the disc. All with sounds ranging from neo-soul to reggae and even some Nigerian rhythms. Whereas, most singer/rappers are better at one thing than the other, Nneka is well versed in both. Her cadences are akin to some of Mos Def’s and Talib Kweli’s. That’s most prevalent on the opening number, “Showing Love”.

‘Concrete Jungle’ is generally a great album. The artist gingerly tip toes the line of telling us what’s going on and preaching. When she does cross the line into being preachy, it’s never enough to irritate the listener.  Nneka is starting her career off in the States strong with this release. It will be interesting to watch her grow as an artist. Being that no one really knows who she is, she has nowhere to go but up.

There are very few things that can make spending a nice summer day in the park better. One of those few things is watching Raphael Saddiq perform on said day. The former front man of Tony Toni Tone performed for a packed house this past weekend in Central Park’s Rumsey Play Field and brought a few of his friends with him.

The opening act was a hip hop/spoken word artist by the name of TK Wonder. TK wasn’t my cup of tea. It probably had something to do with the fact her image didn’t match the type of music she performed. The music is deeply rooted in hip hop with a strong nod to jazz. Her fashion was a different story. She dressed more like an acid child from the seventies. Another problem was her being a female MC from Brooklyn. The only reason that’s a problem is because Jean Grae is the illest female MC repping Kings County, so naturally, there would be comparisons. TK Wonder doesn’t hold a candle to Jean Grae. But it was a  good attempt, I’ll give her that.

Philly soul singer and DJ, Vikter Duplaix, spun records in between sets. His song selection was excellent. He took everyone on a journey through soul music. Everything from The O’Jays to Mary J. Blige blasted throughout the park. Vikter Duplaix had people feeling like they were at a neighborhood block party, instead of a concert. It was just a little too hot to dance. But I just wished his transitions from one record to another was a bit smoother. He did his thing, otherwise.

Next up was the New York City debut of soul singer, Aloe Blacc. This Los Angeles native took to the stage with so much style and enthusiasm. He sang a few of his songs like “I Need A Dollar” and “Femme Fatale”. Yet, what really made him stand out was his blues/jazz fusion cover of “Billie Jean”. The beauty of Aloe Blacc’s cover was how he made Michael Jackson’s hit his own. Blacc’s version sounding nothing like the original, which was refreshing.

After another great set by Vikter Duplaix, the headliner took to the stage. Decked in an all white suit, Raphael Saddiq opened the show with cuts from his latest effort, ‘The Way I See It’. The crowd rocked and swayed as his tunes dipped in sixties and seveties soul  filled the air. Raphael, then, jumped into the fan favorite, Lucy Pearl’s 2000 hit, “Dance Tonight”. His back up singer gave her best effort to sing Dawn’s verse to a lukewarm response. Mr. Saddiq brought the crowd to its feet when he ran through some of Tony Toni Tone’s hits such as “Ask Of You”, “It Never Rains In Southern California,” and “Anniversary”. Once he felt his audience was satisfied, he introduced his band and thanked everyone for coming out.

Raphael Saddiq is a man after my own heart. Get in, get the job done, and leave before you overstay your welcome. And being in the park for this concert was definitely a great way to spend a Saturday, if i do say so myself.

(Photo credit: Giant Step)

There are very few things that can make spending a nice summer day in the park better. One of those few things is watching Raphael Saddiq perform on said day. The former front man of Tony Toni Tone performed for a packed house this past weekend in Central Park’s Rumsey Play Field and brought a few of his friends with him.

The opening act was a hip hop/spoken word artist by the name of TK Wonder. TK wasn’t my cup of tea. It probably had something to do with the fact her image didn’t match the type of music she performed. The music is deeply rooted in hip hop with a strong nod to jazz. Her fashion was a different story. She dressed more like an acid child from the seventies. Another problem was her being a female MC from Brooklyn. The only reason that’s a problem is because Jean Grae is the illest female MC repping Kings County, so naturally, there would be comparisons. TK Wonder doesn’t hold a candle to Jean Grae. But it was a  good attempt, I’ll give her that.

Philly soul singer and DJ, Vikter Duplaix, spun records in between sets. His song selection was excellent. He took everyone on a journey through soul music. Everything from The O’Jays to Mary J. Blige blasted throughout the park. Vikter Duplaix had people feeling like they were at a neighborhood block party, instead of a concert. It was just a little too hot to dance. But I just wished his transitions from one record to another was a bit smoother. He did his thing, otherwise.

Next up was the New York City debut of soul singer, Aloe Blacc. This Los Angeles native took to the stage with so much style and enthusiasm. He sang a few of his songs like “I Need A Dollar” and “Femme Fatale”. Yet, what really made him stand out was his blues/jazz fusion cover of “Billie Jean”. The beauty of Aloe Blacc’s cover was how he made Michael Jackson’s hit his own. Blacc’s version sounding nothing like the original, which was refreshing.

After another great set by Vikter Duplaix, the headliner took to the stage. Decked in an all white suit, Raphael Saddiq opened the show with cuts from his latest effort, ‘The Way I See It’. The crowd rocked and swayed as his tunes dipped in sixties and seveties soul  filled the air. Raphael, then, jumped into the fan favorite, Lucy Pearl’s 2000 hit, “Dance Tonight”. His back up singer gave her best effort to sing Dawn’s verse to a lukewarm response. Mr. Saddiq brought the crowd to its feet when he ran through some of Tony Toni Tone’s hits such as “Ask Of You”, “It Never Rains In Southern California,” and “Anniversary”. Once he felt his audience was satisfied, he introduced his band and thanked everyone for coming out.

Raphael Saddiq is a man after my own heart. Get in, get the job done, and leave before you overstay your welcome. And being in the park for this concert was definitely a great way to spend a Saturday, if i do say so myself.

(Photo credit: Giant Step)

In recent years, Kelis has become a victim pop music’s gentrification.

When Kelis burst onto the scene in 1999, she was the perfect bride to The Neptunes Frankenstein-like beats. Then Rihanna dropped ‘Good Girl Gone Bad’ and jacked Kelis’ image– from the hair to the attitude and even her huskily airy cooing style of singing. Mainstream audiences ate Rihanna up, while Kelis was relegated to an after thought. On ‘Fleshtone’, Kelis abandons her pop-R&b sensibilities for an entire album of electro-house-pop beats ending with mixed results.

Kelis on the cover of Jet magazine

Considering Kelis’ recent divorce, giving birth to a son, and a new label home, this is a bright piece of work. There are overtures made about recent hardships, but nothing specific, which is disappointing because we know Kelis can take it there. She just doesn’t. “Scream” finds our favorite oddity singing about speaking up for yourself. But she really wins with the standout track, “Song For The Baby”. She sings, “No I can not promise to have all the answers/To all of your questions/But I’ll never lie and I’ll raise you with love/And not obsession”. Strong lyrics like this permeate the all too short disc over thumping bass and synths.

Producers like David Guetta and Alle & Benny Benassi give her sounds she can sink her teeth into, yett nothing where she completely dives in. However, as she’s done in the past, Kelis will push herself harder on the next one. You realize that after listening to the stellar “Brave”, where she sings, “I was super tough/but now I’m super strong/I’m a brave heart/Come and pin my purple heart/I didn’t run.” Kelis has always been her own person. Let’s hope she continues to march to the beat of her own synth machine, even with mainstream trying to continue its gentrification process on her.

In recent years, Kelis has become a victim pop music’s gentrification.

When Kelis burst onto the scene in 1999, she was the perfect bride to The Neptunes Frankenstein-like beats. Then Rihanna dropped ‘Good Girl Gone Bad’ and jacked Kelis’ image– from the hair to the attitude and even her huskily airy cooing style of singing. Mainstream audiences ate Rihanna up, while Kelis was relegated to an after thought. On ‘Fleshtone’, Kelis abandons her pop-R&b sensibilities for an entire album of electro-house-pop beats ending with mixed results.

Kelis on the cover of Jet magazine

Considering Kelis’ recent divorce, giving birth to a son, and a new label home, this is a bright piece of work. There are overtures made about recent hardships, but nothing specific, which is disappointing because we know Kelis can take it there. She just doesn’t. “Scream” finds our favorite oddity singing about speaking up for yourself. But she really wins with the standout track, “Song For The Baby”. She sings, “No I can not promise to have all the answers/To all of your questions/But I’ll never lie and I’ll raise you with love/And not obsession”. Strong lyrics like this permeate the all too short disc over thumping bass and synths.

Producers like David Guetta and Alle & Benny Benassi give her sounds she can sink her teeth into, yett nothing where she completely dives in. However, as she’s done in the past, Kelis will push herself harder on the next one. You realize that after listening to the stellar “Brave”, where she sings, “I was super tough/but now I’m super strong/I’m a brave heart/Come and pin my purple heart/I didn’t run.” Kelis has always been her own person. Let’s hope she continues to march to the beat of her own synth machine, even with mainstream trying to continue its gentrification process on her.

Jae Millz is probably most notably known for destroying a rapper from Diddy’s ill fated Da Band on MTV in 2003. If you remember that, then you should recall Diddy hailing Millz as “the hardest rapper in New York”. While I can’t necessarily agree with Diddy’s sentiments, I will say Jae Millz is a quintessential Harlem, New York rapper. Being a rapper from Harlem means there are only going to be a few topics heard on a project. You’re going to hear songs about the hood, smoking weed, sexing and leaving girls, guns, and the title of the mixtape, dead presidents. That’s exactly what Jae Millz serves up.

Jae’s mixtape is really hit or miss. There isn’t an even balance of anything. The raps are either creative and tight or tired and cliche.

The same goes for the production. However, it’s cool to hear the man’s effort and conviction. Jae commits to every word he spits, which is evident on many of the tracks, including the throwaway, “Leggoo”. Skits from the actual movie give the mixtape an overcrowded feel. They don’t add anything to the music. They’re just there taking up space, too much space.

As a whole, this isn’t worth a download. On the other hand, ‘Dead Presidents’ is worth a listen, if only to find out the names of the singles you want to download. Jae Millz has been grinding for success for a long time now. He has the ingredients to be a world famous star.

But his latest mixtape isn’t indicative of that. Hopefully, Jae Millz comes harder on the next one.

Jae Millz is probably most notably known for destroying a rapper from Diddy’s ill fated Da Band on MTV in 2003. If you remember that, then you should recall Diddy hailing Millz as “the hardest rapper in New York”. While I can’t necessarily agree with Diddy’s sentiments, I will say Jae Millz is a quintessential Harlem, New York rapper. Being a rapper from Harlem means there are only going to be a few topics heard on a project. You’re going to hear songs about the hood, smoking weed, sexing and leaving girls, guns, and the title of the mixtape, dead presidents. That’s exactly what Jae Millz serves up.

Jae’s mixtape is really hit or miss. There isn’t an even balance of anything. The raps are either creative and tight or tired and cliche.

The same goes for the production. However, it’s cool to hear the man’s effort and conviction. Jae commits to every word he spits, which is evident on many of the tracks, including the throwaway, “Leggoo”. Skits from the actual movie give the mixtape an overcrowded feel. They don’t add anything to the music. They’re just there taking up space, too much space.

As a whole, this isn’t worth a download. On the other hand, ‘Dead Presidents’ is worth a listen, if only to find out the names of the singles you want to download. Jae Millz has been grinding for success for a long time now. He has the ingredients to be a world famous star.

But his latest mixtape isn’t indicative of that. Hopefully, Jae Millz comes harder on the next one.

There is a fine line between genius and insanity. Maya Araprulgasam aka M.I.A. constantly crosses that line with an i-don’t-give-a-damn attitude. In the past, it was her attitude that attracted listeners. On her third outing, her attitude could be the reason fans defect from her legion. ‘MAYA’ is a disaster of epic proportions with few saving graces. Where most of the lyrics are profound and meaningful, they are drowned out by random industrial sounds, thunderous drums, and random incoherent background fodder.

This isn’t for a mainstream audience at all. the sing-songy flow heard on the Top five hit, “Paper Planes” is dismissed and replaced with an auto-tuned computer effect, which becomes worse than nails scratching the chalk board after the first three songs. The only times she glides into the genius side of things are on cuts like “Lovalot” and “XXXO”. “Lovalot” spins the tale of a woman avenging the death of her lover by doing a suicide bomb mission. “XXXO” is the most radio friendly the Sri Lankan gets. Traces of her former glory can be found there. The reggae-tinged, “It Takes A Muscle” is bearable, but just barely.

In essence, ‘MAYA’ is a lesson in knowing limits and when to let things just be. The whole album is overproduced. It’s overdone so much so that producer, Diplo, has stated his dislike for the final product. M.I.A. has always been known for pushing the envelope. Usually, she pushes listeners to the edge without letting us fall off the cliff.

This time, by track four, you’re ready to jump yourself. This album was titled after the singer/rapper. Instead, I wish she kept it to herself.

There is a fine line between genius and insanity. Maya Araprulgasam aka M.I.A. constantly crosses that line with an i-don’t-give-a-damn attitude. In the past, it was her attitude that attracted listeners. On her third outing, her attitude could be the reason fans defect from her legion. ‘MAYA’ is a disaster of epic proportions with few saving graces. Where most of the lyrics are profound and meaningful, they are drowned out by random industrial sounds, thunderous drums, and random incoherent background fodder.

This isn’t for a mainstream audience at all. the sing-songy flow heard on the Top five hit, “Paper Planes” is dismissed and replaced with an auto-tuned computer effect, which becomes worse than nails scratching the chalk board after the first three songs. The only times she glides into the genius side of things are on cuts like “Lovalot” and “XXXO”. “Lovalot” spins the tale of a woman avenging the death of her lover by doing a suicide bomb mission. “XXXO” is the most radio friendly the Sri Lankan gets. Traces of her former glory can be found there. The reggae-tinged, “It Takes A Muscle” is bearable, but just barely.

In essence, ‘MAYA’ is a lesson in knowing limits and when to let things just be. The whole album is overproduced. It’s overdone so much so that producer, Diplo, has stated his dislike for the final product. M.I.A. has always been known for pushing the envelope. Usually, she pushes listeners to the edge without letting us fall off the cliff.

This time, by track four, you’re ready to jump yourself. This album was titled after the singer/rapper. Instead, I wish she kept it to herself.

Fraunhofer’s Fit is a touchless control system that uses gestures to control computer interfaces.

No special equipment, gloves or other wearable controllers are needed. Just place your hands in the air in front of a camera. The computer then senses it and can “see” each finger. Your movements are then translated on screen. This system is so sophisticated, it can operate in three-dimensions, allowing various objects to be manipulated at various depths.

For more info: http://www.fit.fraunhofer.de/

To participate in the “Night at the Movies” promotion, you don’t have to be a JM Lexus customer and no purchase is necessary. Simply visit JM Lexus’ Facebook or Twitter page to register: http://www.facebook.com/jmlexusfl or http://www.twitter.com/jmlexusfl. Through the summer, JM Lexus will announce the movie ticket giveaways on both sites between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. EDT. One pair of tickets will be given away to the first participant who clicks “Get Tickets” at a randomly selected time every day. Promotion ending August 31, 2010.

The dealership has recently expanded its online presence to a variety of social media networks as part of its overall business strategy. In addition to promotions and offers, it provides useful information to its online communities, such as tips on vehicle maintenance. Known for its excellence in customer service, JM Lexus’ social media team continues to research and implement innovative ways to serve its guests.

The promotion was built on the GOSO platform, a social media management system on the forefront of technologies for the automotive industry.

“James Bond 007: Blood Stone captures the cinematic intensity of a Bond film by immersing players in an intriguing conspiracy that will require them to think and act like James Bond,” said David Pokress, Head of Marketing for Licensed Properties, Activision Publishing. “In addition, the game will feature a diverse array of multi-player modes and debut strategic objective-based gameplay that will allow Xbox 360, PS3™ and PC players to battle as teams of spies and mercenaries through authentic Bond locales.”

James Bond 007: Blood Stone features the likeness and voice talent of Daniel Craig, Joss Stone and Judi Dench and features an epic, original story developed by legendary screenwriter Bruce Feirstein. Players can engage in cover-based firefights, lethal hand-to-hand combat and speed their way through explosive adrenaline-fueled driving sequences as they embark on a global chase leading to action on land and sea through Athens, Istanbul, Monaco and Bangkok. Gamers can also feel what it is like to be a 00 agent, as they take the battle online in several robust 16-person multi-player modes that require skill, teamwork and strategy as players compete in matches that will have spies battling mercenaries.

Joss Stone provides an original musical track to the game titled, “I’ll Take it All” written and performed by her and Dave Stewart of the Eurythmics. The song will be featured exclusively in James Bond 007: Blood Stone.

Last year, Hamasaki performed her biggest tour ever, consisting of 35 shows in 12 cities for a total audience of roughly 300,000 fans. Six of the shows, held at three different venues including the Yoyogi National Gymnasium, were filmed for this project. Filming started in July 2009, which actually makes it the first 3-D recording of a Japanese music artist. It is said that there were only eight 3-D cameras in all of Japan at that time, but her staff spent 200 million yen on five new cameras for the project. Over the six concerts, a total of 22 cameras were used.

The idea was likely inspired by the band U2, which created its own 3-D concert movie two years ago. Although Hamasaki was apparently the first Japanese artist to record a concert in 3-D, others such as Shonannokaze, Ikimono Gakari, and Kumi Koda have already worked with 3-D since then.

Hamasaki’s 3-D movie will have an advance screening on August 27, then will open up to 65 theaters across the country on August 28. Tickets for the film, which will come with original goods, have already gone on sale at a presale price of 2000 yen.

Reggie Ponder reviews movies for TheBlackBoxOffice.com. Here’s his take on one of the most anticipated films of the summer: Christopher Nolan’s “Inception”.

During a meeting on the night of July 14, Daisuke reportedly complained about being unable to sleep. A concerned staff member later visited Daisuke’s home, only to find him already dead. The official cause of death has not yet been publicly announced, but many speculate that it was related to the heart problems he has apparently had since childhood.

Singer Nneka Egbuna tells CNN how moving to Germany from Nigeria has shaped her music.

The latest release of Aishwarya Raavan may not have done well at the office but this has not affected the market value of the beauty queen.

Both the Academy Award winner Kate Winslet and the Bachchan bahu are the brand ambassadors for the same cosmetic brand. A renowned director will shoot the ad with them for two days in Italy.

Ash, who is an ardent admirer of the beauty and talent of Kate, is looking forward to meet her and shoot together. She is very excited to meet Winslet, whom she met briefly in the past.

Ash has been the brand ambassador of L’Oreal for so many years. She is one Bollywood actress, who has been brand ambassador for a number of top international brands.

This TV commercial of L’Oreal is going to be a visual treat for the viewers across the world.

- Sampurn Wire

The “OgilvyOne Connected” research set out to unravel and reveal the fundamental changes that social media has had on how Chinese consumers connect with each other, how trust is built and how influence and word of mouth really travels.

SOME NETIZENS ARE MORE EQUAL THAN OTHERS

In the world of traditional offline marketing, a widely accepted practice is to focus on the 1-2% of consumers that are ‘fashion forward trendsetters’ in the anticipation that they will influence more consumers on the brand’s behalf.

But one of the most noteworthy and valuable findings of this research turns this notion on its head by demonstrating that in the ‘flatter’ world of social media, there is still a ‘cool group’ but it is much, much larger – comprising a whopping 26% of all Chinese social media users. These ‘Initiators‘ are the bold 1 in 4 social media users that regularly start conversations, create content and publish their views and opinions online. They are also the fertile starting point for new ideas, services and products.

A further 29% of Chinese social media users are ‘Commenters‘ – people who may not initiate, but who do react and comment on other people’s views. They are also the ‘accelerators’ of new ideas, giving them momentum and wider acceptance.

The largest group, comprising 45% of social media users, are ‘Gawkers‘ who quietly browse, observe and look for entertaining ideas and brands that are already popular.

According to Chris Reitermann, President of OgilvyOne China & Ogilvy & Mather Group Shanghai, “In China, social media users are generally highly engaged with brands. They see brands and the discussion of them as an integral part of their ’social network’. And with one in every four users ‘creating’ influence and waiting to be inspired, the economics of prioritizing and investing in the Initiators is more attractive than ever.”

… AND THEY SHARE DIFFERENTLY

Just as there are different types of social media users, the study also uncovered the different ways in which users in Chinaconnect with one another and pass along information and ideas. These behaviors can be can classified broadly into either ’spontaneous’ sharing such as chat – which is more popular among Gawkers (89% vs. 75% of Initiators) – or ‘planned’ sharing such as posting product videos or making NEW friends online – which is much more common among Initiators (24% vs. 13% of Gawkers).

The challenge for brands is to effectively inspire and engage all three types of social media user, and to avoid prioritizing one group ahead of another while aiming to inspire both spontaneous and planned sharing.

WANNA BE ’FRANDS’?

Notably the study also found that the days of clear lines of delineation between one activity and ‘life part’ and another are over. In a social media environment the distinction between brands and friends is blurred. One manifestation of this is that social media users are no longer discriminating between ‘brands’ and ‘friends’. They are simply identifying a third group that they can engage with – ‘frands’ – a new term coined in the report.

And what are netizens doing with their frands online? 71% are watching commercials on video sharing sites such as Youku, 51% are downloading branded applications to their phones, while 43% are ‘friending’ brands. 21% are even making and sharing videos about products or brands. Only a minority of consumers (24%) say they don’t want to interact with their favorite brands online.

Finally, the data also shows that social media users are generally highly desirable ‘alpha’ consumers because 74% prefer to pay more for quality and unique experiences, and 48% say they trust advertising and are very open to being persuaded to make impulse purchases. Clearly, engaging social media users through relevant online methods is high ROI marketing.

Reitermann adds, “Brand exposure and engagement are two different animals. With traditional media, being larger, broader and more salient was always the goal. With social media, what matters is the power with which each engagement draws users in and inspires them to share with others.”

SO HOW DO WE DO THAT?

• Provide consumers with content that stimulates a debate or dialogue and tools that encourage sharing and commenting.
• Have different messaging strategies and more sophisticated content for Initiators and Commenters. Let Gawkers ‘listen in’ on the conversation.
• Invite participation through formal programs and campaigns, and informally through tone and manner. Bigger is not necessarily better.
• Measure brand engagement, not just reach.
• Treat consumers like friends and equals.

See the report for yourself  HERE

The Creative Recreation sneakers, developed by Moritz Waldemeyer, uses flexible LED panels to decorate the shoe. The Francesca Castagnacci shoes use fiber optics and LEDs.

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Creative Recreation unboxed
Creative Recreation 1

Of course a quality outing doesn’t necessarily mean big moolah coming in because the issue based subject (militancy in Kashmir) means that a full house is ruled out. Also, it is unlike ‘Mission Kashmir’ where songs and dances along with then-newly-found-sensation Hrithik Roshan had contributed to a great opening. In case of ‘Lamhaa’, anything over 50%-60% occupancy would be good enough to qualify as a positive start. An expensive affair though, ‘Lamhaa’ would have to hold on really well to ensure a good recovery and a tag of being a plus outing. With ‘Khatta Meetha’ arriving a week later, ‘Lamhaa’ would have to rely a lot on its positive reviews, extremely strong word of mouth and of course a fair deal of good luck.

As for ‘Tere Bin Laden’, even a decent start should ensure that it becomes a safe outing at the box office because it is a largely inexpensive affair due to many new faces. On the flipside, a largely unknown cast, a new director and an offbeat theme means that it would turn out to be a gamble after all. However, one has to compliment the makers here for giving the film a good enough platform to at the least make its presence felt. The well designed promos have been running for quite some time now and if this fun film manages to catch the attention of the youth, it could well be the surprise winner of the season.

A film which doesn’t quite seem to be traversing a similar happy path is ‘Udaan’. Though backed by the likes of Anurag Kashyap and UTV, the film hasn’t managed to excite much. The reason could be the dark theme, an unknown cast and promos that don’t quite give a happy feel to the entire outing but the fact remains that ‘Udaan’ doesn’t quite appear to be flying. Arriving along with two other better looking films, it would have to be extra special to make its presence felt.

-Sampurn Wire

Check out the song that’s caught everybody’s attention right now, “La La”,  a cute little retro number that shows off Oceana’s presence and overall vocal style.

While you’re at it, check this track, “Baby Hold On”. She really has an ear for a diverse, yet retro sound:

Trisha initially began her career in the South with Priyadarshan’s Lesa Lesa. This will be her second film with Priyadarshan. “Yes I was launched by Priyadarshan seven and half years ago. I am glad that he remembered me when he was doing this film. My debut venture is with Akshay Kumar, what more could I ask for. Moreover, it is Akshay’s home production”, Trisha says.

Trisha stared her career as a model and was also chosen for the Miss India Pageant in 2001. With 35 films in the South to her credit Trisha is now looking forward to career in Bollywood. “Bollywood has always been open to new people. Right from Sridevi to Asin and Genelia they have all made it to Bollywood. I hope I can set a mark here too”, she says.

This will be her first attempt at comedy. “Yes, I’ve done comedy in Telugu films but not attempted in Tamil cinema. In Khatta Meeta too my character does not have a comic track, it’s more serious. All the comedy is handled by Akshay Kumar. I can’t reveal much about the film at this point but it’s the story of a collector and a road contractor”, she reveals.

Incidentally, Trisha’s voice is the film will be dubbed. “Yes, I can read and write Hindi. Reading the script was not difficult but I am not good with the spoken language. And since my character needs to be good in Hindi Priyan sir decided to have it dubbed. Meanwhile I am polishing off the language with some tutors”, informs Trisha.

Trisha says she is looking forward to the release of the movie. “I am nervous as well as excited but am banking on it. In the meantime, I am making most of my time shopping without being conscious of the fact that I am a star in Mumbai”, she concludes.

- Sampurn Wire

The new brand strategy – the result of more than two years of analysis and research – was introduced today at a National Press Club event that included leaders from the philanthropic and nonprofit communities. The YMCA unveiled a new, more forward-looking logo that reflects the vibrancy and diversity of the organization, and a framework that focuses resources on three core areas: youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. In another major change, the nonprofit will be called “the Y” to align with how people most commonly refer to the organization. The national resource office, YMCA of the USA, has already begun the transition to the new brand. Ys across the country will transition fully within five years.

“This is a very important, exciting time for the Y,” said Neil Nicoll, president and CEO of YMCA of the USA. “For 160 years, we’ve focused on changing lives for the better. Our commitment to building greater awareness for the important work we do will enable us to expand our efforts and further strengthen communities across the country.”

As part of the Y’s assessment of community need, the organization surveyed a cross section of Americans to learn more about the most pressing issues and challenges facing their communities today. Among the key findings of The Y Community Snapshot – 56 percent of Americans are strongly satisfied with their own lives today, while 66 percent say the current quality of life in their community is worse than it was a year ago. When asked about what the future holds for quality of life in their community, Americans were divided – 51 percent were optimistic about the future while 49 percent were not.

“People are concerned about the problems facing their communities. Like the Y, they understand that lasting change will only come about if we work together to improve our health, strengthen our families and support our neighbors. Our hope is that more people will choose to engage with the Y,” added Nicoll.

Today, across the United States, Ys are making a difference in three key areas of focus:

* Youth Development: Nurturing the potential of every child and teen
* Healthy Living: Improving the nation’s health and well-being
* Social Responsibility: Giving back and providing support to our neighbors

“We are changing how we talk about ourselves so that people better understand the benefits of engaging with the Y,” said Kate Coleman, senior vice president and chief marketing officer of YMCA of the USA. “We are simplifying how we describe the programs we offer so that it is immediately apparent that everything we do is designed to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve health and well-being and support our neighbors and the larger community.”

The Y’s former logo had been in place since 1967 and was the organization’s sixth since its inception. The refreshed logo, with its multiple color options and new, contemporary look, better reflects the vibrancy of the Y and the diversity of the communities it serves. The new logo’s bold, active and welcoming shape symbolizes the Y’s commitment to personal and social progress.

As part of the program, boot camp participants created a full-service agency called MetaTHINQ, for which they will implement a full-scale market research study focusing on connectivity, and provide real-world marketing and advertising solutions for AT&T, Globe Aware, Passport and other clients.

The Marcus Graham Project (MGP) is a Dallas-based nonprofit organization and national network of diverse professionals focused on developing and mentoring the next generation of diverse thought leaders within the advertising, media and marketing industry. MGP and AT&T recognize the importance of diversity and inclusion at all levels. According to a 2008 Bureau of Labor Statistics report, only 16 percent of employees in advertising and marketing were people of color. AT&T’s support of MGP reaffirms its continued focus on diversity and inclusion in the workforce, which are essential components of a successful business strategy.

“We are proud to support The Marcus Graham Project and its mission,” said Jennifer Jones, vice president of diverse markets, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. “By supporting unique programs like the 2010 iCR8 boot camp, we are continuing AT&T’s commitment to the diverse communities we service and attempting to make a real difference in terms of diversity within these professional fields. Additionally, the research findings from the project will be used to help us better target and meet the connectivity needs of these segments.”

As part of its sponsorship, AT&T will underwrite a research study to be rolled out by MetaTHINQ. The curriculum based campaign, will give the MetaTHINQ team the opportunity to better understand technology usage, the importance of connectivity and the existing barriers to leveraging technology within diverse communities across the country.

Six MetaTHINQ team members will begin their journey on a cross country tour from Dallas, Texas on July 12, and drive through a set of routes bound for Los Angeles, California; Chicago, Illinois; and Washington, D.C. respectively. Along the way the students will conduct market research interviews and forum discussions, as well as meet with industry and community leaders who will share their insight on technology usage as it relates to their specific communities. The culmination of their work is a final research study they will share with telecommunications industry professionals and communities across the U.S.

“We were excited to know that a company literally in our own backyard has taken an interest in what we are doing. It truly gives us encouragement to know that a global organization has taken notice of our efforts and we hope that other corporations follow their lead in advancing diversity,” said Lincoln Stephens, founder, The Marcus Graham Project.

In addition to diversity and inclusion being essential parts to business success, AT&T understands that continued broadband adoption in the U.S. is crucial to empower communities across the country and support the development of a competitive workforce. AT&T’s involvement with the iCR8 boot camp is another way it creates awareness about the importance of broadband access.

Sonam Kapoor

The 25 year old bubbly Sonam has been able to fascinate the Hollywood actors with her performances. The elder daughter of Anil Kapoor, who has already wooed Hollywood, is going to follow the path of her father, probably.

According to a source, “Anil met Ben Stiller during his visit to LA. He was exchanging ideas with Ben regarding a production company, which they are planning to launch together. In this meeting, Anil informed Ben about his home production Aisha, which stars his elder daughter Sonam Kapoor”.

The source added, “Ben expressed his desire to see the reel of Aisha as he was then casting Kate’s role for his $30 million film for his production house Red Hour Films. The film directed by Reuben Fleischer stars Danny MacBride and Jesse Eisenberg, is titled 30 Minutes Or Less. After watching the reel, Ben sent an email to Anil Kapoor saying that Sonam was excellent and he wished to cast her in his movie”.

Confirming the news, Anil Kapoor’s business manager said, “It is true that Sonam has been offered the role in Ben’s 30 Minutes Or Less and we are trying to work out the dates for the same. She is now busy shooting for Mausam with Shahid Kapoor and Thank You with Akshay Kumar. Her tight schedule makes it impossible to take up the offer but we are still working it out”.

The next offer came to her doorstep just within a month of Anil Kapoor’s return to India. This time it was from Edoardo Ponti, son of Carlo Ponti and Sophia Loren, for his new project titled Das. He also wanted to cast Sonam in this film, which will be made in India.

In spite of receiving these Hollywood offers, the father daughter duo is keeping their focus straight as Sonam has other prior commitments to keep here in Bollywood.

- Sampurn Wire

For never having had a song or a mention on mainstream radio, Chip Tha Ripper has a strong and loyal following. Chip is doing just fine without radio promotion. His more than 15,300 followers on twitter prove that. Hence, the title of his fresh mixtape, ‘Independence Day’.

This Cleveland, Ohio native is an eclectic mix of rapping, old school pop culture references, slightly flat singing, and vivid storytelling.

Whereas, that could become irritating after the first few minutes, Chip keeps the rhymes entertaining and fun. The times when he does wax serious, the tales spun show him as a man and not an image. Chip’s mixtape also serves as a rap Olympics, if you will. He switches flows for each track. On the track, “No Slack”, we find him trying to rhyme with breath control like Rakim. But the song, “Here Dey Come”, features Chip rapping in double time.

Chip’s beat selection is as diverse as his flows. There are sounds that could be heard on mainstream radio and others you  would expect to hear on a stoner’s mix cd. He successfully hurdles each one with little strain.

Chip Tha Ripper’s mixtape is a body of work to make you sit up and take notice. I have to admit, once I heard he worked closely with Kid Cudi, I wrote him off as a carbon copy of the lonely stoner. Yet he’s not. Chip is his own man living his own life. During that life he just wants you to enjoy yourself to his music. Because like he says on “Don’t Forget The Swishers”, “We gon have a good time/Away from the drama/So leave your bulls**t at the door.” And wipe your feet off when you step into his fun house.

“The song playing on Se7en’s teaser page is a song from the new album scheduled to be released on the 21st… As you can feel with this song, Se7en will be making big changes in his music for his comeback from his 3 year absence.“

Copyright 2010 YG Entertainment. All Rights Reserved. ::: http://www.hello7.com

For one, it means that Cleveland, Ohio, a town in a state that’s hurting financially, lost a sports star. And, a hometown favorite. So, ticket sales for next year will probably go down. That’s bad for the Cavs. But also, fans were really sad to hear the league’s MVP was leaving.

Sports figures, and teams, are inspirational. A winning sports team can sometimes raise the morale and spirit of a whole state. Think of the state of Louisiana. Hit by the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and the lack of foresight by the state to reinforce the levees, you could see that this state, especially certain wards of New Orleans, were down. After the story wasn’t hot anymore, the news cameras stopped coming, the nation’s attention turned elsewhere. People’s memories of the Superdome were ruined by idiot pundits who told stories that made it look like thunderdome. NFL season starts. The Saints have a serious go at it. They keep winning. The town gets behind them. Then the country gets behind them. And then they win a Super Bowl. This is more than a sports story, this is a story about how sports affects the minds and spirits of American people. And it’s not just American people. Were it not for a football club with a serious winning streak, most of you would have never heard of Manchester, England. Sports matters, if you watch close enough.

Back to LeBron. his decision to leave was a serious one, but he said he thought long and hard about it. But he also said that everyone he asked for advice from told him to do what made him happy. When I heard him say that, I personally related. I understood then that his decision wasn’t about money or special deals at strip clubs. I understood that he was making a personal decision for his life. He’d gropwn up in Ohio, given everything he had for 7 years in the NBA at a team that simply did not have what it took. And, at 25, a single parent, he has the ability to choose to spend his time in Miami, Florida, with his family and friends in the off season.

Hey, I understood why Cavs fans were mad.

but when I look at this from LeBron’s perspective, I can’t say I blame him. Here’s an opportunity for three young men to get together with one purpose – to win.

Three stars. Joining together. Checking egos. To win.

A lotta businesses could learn something from these guys. I’ve worked for a couple of them.

Even if it doesn’t work and LA beats them in the Finals, wouldn’t that be great to watch? People enjoying themselves? What kind of inspiration

After the hour was over, I felt really good knowing that “basketball was back”. I grew up in the 80s in New York, so basketball was everywhere. I missed having powerhouse teams instead of solo superstars. It looked like we were gonna have a great season, and, as a Lakers fan, we were back to only having to worry about one team from the East, and how great would it be to have a Pat Riley team vs. a Phil Jackson team in the Finals. I thought about what games I’d go to.

And then the night took a turn for the surreal.

Majority owner of the Clevaland Cavaliers wrote an “open letter to Ohio and the fans” which was really aimed at LeBron and his supporters:

Dear Cleveland, All Of Northeast Ohio and Cleveland Cavaliers Supporters Wherever You May Be Tonight;

As you now know, our former hero, who grew up in the very region that he deserted this evening, is no longer a Cleveland Cavalier.

This was announced with a several day, narcissistic, self-promotional build-up culminating with a national TV special of his “decision” unlike anything ever “witnessed” in the history of sports and probably the history of entertainment.

Clearly, this is bitterly disappointing to all of us.

The good news is that the ownership team and the rest of the hard-working, loyal, and driven staff over here at your hometown Cavaliers have not betrayed you nor NEVER will betray you.

There is so much more to tell you about the events of the recent past and our more than exciting future. Over the next several days and weeks, we will be communicating much of that to you.

You simply don’t deserve this kind of cowardly betrayal.

You have given so much and deserve so much more.

In the meantime, I want to make one statement to you tonight:

“I PERSONALLY GUARANTEE THAT THE CLEVELAND CAVALIERS WILL WIN AN NBA CHAMPIONSHIP BEFORE THE SELF-TITLED FORMER ‘KING’ WINS ONE”

You can take it to the bank.

If you thought we were motivated before tonight to bring the hardware to Cleveland, I can tell you that this shameful display of selfishness and betrayal by one of our very own has shifted our “motivation” to previously unknown and previously never experienced levels.

Some people think they should go to heaven but NOT have to die to get there.

Sorry, but that’s simply not how it works.

This shocking act of disloyalty from our home grown “chosen one” sends the exact opposite lesson of what we would want our children to learn. And “who” we would want them to grow-up to become.

But the good news is that this heartless and callous action can only serve as the antidote to the so-called “curse” on Cleveland, Ohio.

The self-declared former “King” will be taking the “curse” with him down south. And until he does “right” by Cleveland and Ohio, James (and the town where he plays) will unfortunately own this dreaded spell and bad karma.

Just watch.

Sleep well, Cleveland.

Tomorrow is a new and much brighter day….

I PROMISE you that our energy, focus, capital, knowledge and experience will be directed at one thing and one thing only:

DELIVERING YOU the championship you have long deserved and is long overdue….

Dan Gilbert

Majority Owner

Cleveland Cavaliers

What an ass.

But even moreso, What a horrible person to work for. I hope they have a recruiting problem the likes of which the NBA has never seen. Then we’ll see about “Bad Karma”.

I read this letter last night and had flashbacks. 100% of the time I’ve quit a job, it was because I saw an opportunity to do something big and creative. It hasn’t always worked out, but it’s always been important to me to have the ability to choose freedom. Happiness. When an employer believes they own you, it won’t be long before they show it.

Dan’s letter is evidence of horrible management in Cleveland and I believe LeBron showed great wisdom in leaving.

We can all learn a few things from his departure.

1. Freedom and happiness are more important than money.

2. Nobody owns you.

3. It’s better to be on a winning team than to be a star without support.

I really hope the good people of Cleveland can see past this (especially before Jake Delhomme starts throwing passes interceptions this coming season) but most of all, I hope All of America sees what happened last night.

A dude took control of his life, if only for 45 minutes. How long will you try?

Besides the name and the fact that T-Mobile will reportedly be the US carrier, what’s so different?

There’s a full QWERTY keyboard that sits right below a 2.8 inch touch screen. Plenty of space for typing. Another unique feature is called “Backtrack”, which is a touch sensitive interface on the rear of the camera, which enables the user to take control while comfortably holding the phone in their hands. There’s also a 3 megapixel camera, Wi-Fi capability, and a noise canceling second microphone. Will this be the device that gives gives iPhone 4 a run for your money?

Been to South Africa this year? Got better #worldcup photos? Let’s see ‘em!

We’ve enlisted the expert hand of top graphic designer Michael Deal to bring the data from South Africa to life. Using info supplied by data experts Opta, Michael has crafted these beautiful ways to analyse the action from the 48 group games.

By simply looking at when successful passes (green lines) have been made in the game, alongside shots (blue triangles) and goals (red circles), you can build an intriguing picture of how the match progressed. For instance, the detail of Spain’s surprise defeat to Switzerland comes to life in the graphic at the top of the page, while an overview of all the action can be gleaned by looking at data from all the matches so far. See the picture below to see all the group matches in all their glory, looking more like a musical score than a football report.

This is just a snapshot at the half-way point of the tournament, and we’ll have the full picture once the champions have been crowned.

Pharrell was born on April 5, 1973 in Virginia Beach, Virginia, the eldest of three sons to bless the union of Carolyn and Pharoah Williams, a schoolteacher and handyman, respectively. At the age of just 12, the aspiring musician started playing with Chad Hugo, a kid he met over summer vacation at band camp.

They formed a group called The Neptunes which was discovered while still in high school by the legendary Teddy Riley who signed the pair soon after graduation.

Since then, Pharrell has embarked on an enviable career, both as a member of The Neptunes, Child Rebel Soldier and NERD and as a solo artist. Furthermore, the triple Grammy-winner’s singing, performing and/or producing services have been sought for recordings by everyone Beyonce’ to Jay-Z to Ludacris to Madonna to Mystikal to Lupe Fiasco to Snoop Dogg to Shakira to The Game to J-Lo to Britney Spears to Babyface to Usher to Busta Rhymes Gwen Stefani to Nelly to P. Diddy to NSYNC to Fabolous.

As busy as he’s been kept by the entertainment industry, Pharrell still found time to launch the Billionaire Boys Club, a luxury fashion line of clothes and accessories. Here, the versatile talent talks about his latest venture, branching into cinema by scoring the soundtrack of Despicable Me, a 3-D animated adventure revolving around a diabolical villain determined to steal the moon.

Kam Williams: Hey, thanks for the time, Pharrell.
Pharrell: Thank you.
KW: Let me start off with a question from FSU grad Laz Lyles who would like to know what it was like creating the score for this animated feature?
P: I can’t remember the last time that I was doing something creatively that I hadn’t mastered yet, in the sense of familiarity. Mastering, meaning understanding the concept of how it worked. This was something that was brand new, that I’d never done before. This was so new to me, it was like “Whoa!” It was like the next level.
KW: Laz wants to know what’s been the most unusual sonic inspiration or everyday sound that you’ve incorporated into your music?
P: That’s the thing, I like to use a lot of everyday sounds in my music.

KW: Nick Antoine asks, what struggles have you had to deal with in your career?
P: I don’t know that there were any struggles. I’m too thankful for the opportunities I’ve had to complain about anything.
KW: Nick also asks, what are some of the tools that you would attribute to your success?
P: Education, first and foremost.

KW: You’re a person that a lot of people turn to for help producing their projects. Who is it you rely on when you need support?
P: I look to my family for support.
KW: Are you interested in pursuing further film work?
P: Sure! I’ve learned a lot from it, and it’s made me happier as a person.

KW: Which fellow hip-hop producers are you really into right now?
P: Oh man, there are so many of them. I really love what Hi-Tek has been doing recently. There’s a lot of them. I really love Diplo. I think he’s super talented.
KW: Larry Greenberg says, “I love that you are a Star Trek fan like me. Which character is your favorite?”
P: I’d say Spock, but now everybody’s on him, so, like, cool.

KW: Attorney Bernadette Beekman says she saw you perform several years ago at the Costume Institute Ball and that you seemed almost at one with the audience. She’s curious about what’s going on with you in terms of art and sculpture.
P: Obviously, I put out “The Simple Things” project with Takashi Murakami. That was a great success, and we’ve done two “Chair” series which have really been fun. And I have a couple of upcoming art projects that I’m working on at the moment.

KW: Yale grad Tommy Russell asks, “What do you think the chances are that BP will stop the oil leak?”
P: I think the BP oil leak is probably a consequence of Murphy’s Law and I see it a warning from the universe telling us to pay attention because the Earth is our home. We’ve got to figure it out. If we don’t, we’re going to be in very big trouble.

KW: Is there any question no one ever asks you, that you wish someone would?
P: No, I’m content.

KW: The bookworm Troy Johnson question: What was the last book you read?
P: The Memory Book by Harry Lorayne.

KW: The music maven Heather Covington question: What are you listening to on your iPod?
P: The last thing I listened to was Janelle Monae’s album.

KW: When you look in the mirror, what do you see?
P: I see appreciation.

KW: If you could have one wish instantly granted, what would that be for?
P: Oh man… I think the greatest gift one could have is more time.

KW: The Ling-Ju Yen question: What is your earliest childhood memory?
P: Spending time with my great-grandfather when I was about three years-old.

KW: What is your favorite dish to cook?
P: Warming up Cherry Kellogg’s Pop Tarts.

KW: The Teri Emerson question: When was the last time you had a good laugh?
P: I have one every day.

KW: The Tasha Smith question: Are you ever afraid?
JK: No.

KW: The Columbus Short question: Are you happy?
JK: Very.

KW: Here’s a new question I just got from Tavis Smiley. Are you introspective?
P: I couldn’t imagine not being introspective.
KW: Also from Tavis: What do you want your legacy to be, and where are you in relation to that legacy?
P: I’m afraid I’m only a half a paragraph deep into a thousand-page book.

KW: Which of your many talents is your favorite?
P: All of them, as they all are vessels of expression.

KW: What advice do you have for anyone who wants to follow in your footsteps?
P: Feed your curiosity, and remain a kidult forever.

KW: The Boris Kodjoe question: What do you consider your biggest accomplishment?
P: Having a connection with the kids who are the future deciders of life as we know it.

KW: The Laz Alonso question: How can your fans help you?
P: By building the NERD Army

KW: How do you want to be remembered?
P: I don’t know. I’m not psychic.

KW: Thanks again for the interview, Pharrell, I really appreciate.
P: Thank you, sir.

Photos by ito

In the past, mixtapes served two purposes. They were meant to keep an artist’s name in the forefront of fans’ minds while the artist completed the official album and to give fans a taste of music the record companies wouldn’t allow on the album. This mixtape by Estelle and DJ Trauma successfully does both. Instead of straight singing on every track, Estelle brings it back to when she first started out and raps a great amount on here. She confidently holds her own against rappers like Nas, Maino, and Kardinal O.

I Almost Made A Mixtape also proves Estelle to have a great ear for production. She rhymes over beats like Jay’s “Dear Summer”, Common’s “They Say”, and Kanye’s “Last Call”. The original soundscapes are uniquely individual just like the singer/songwriter. They range from smooth neo-soul jams to sparse, bass heavy hip hop cuts. Each one sounds as if it were specially tailored for her voice and style.

The lyrics are immersed in personal truth. On “The Rocks”, she says,” I talk about stuff that’s real to me. The stuff that I’ve experienced and that my friends have experienced.” That sentiment is exemplified on the track, “Star”, where she sings, ” I went through drama like you. I was all alone. Now, I got extra cousins I aint seen before. Because I’m a star.” Sometimes, the words are funny and others are deeply serious. Either way, the emotion is always coming from a genuine place.

As a whole, there isn’t a cohesive thread. But a mixtape usually isn’t a cohesive project. It’s more of a collection of extremely diffrerent sounding tunes to prove the range of the artist. Estelle’s mixtape proves she has range and skills in the arenas of singing and rapping.

This is definitely worth the download. If her album is as good as this, then she’ll have another hit on her hands.

Starring: Neil Nitin Mukesh, Deepika Padukone

Director: Pradeep Sarkar
Producer: Aditya Chopra

Social networking is the engine that brings this multi-cultural group of women together and it is a thematic link that holds together the various conversations and confrontations that happen on one long afternoon. The women are brought together, pulled a part, and some quietly transformed by the opportunities for communication social networking makes possible.


The story is broken up into discreet chapters where various groups of guests, often in two’s, find a spot in Marisol’s garden apartment to meet and chat. They are usually armed just with the information they gleamed from Facebook about their companions. As they dig deeper they learn from each other, are irritated by what they hear, and have their sense of certainty challenged. While technology drives much of the talk, it is often buried within conversations about motherhood, race, class, gentrification, music, and, of course, love & sex.

Starring: Abhay Deol, Sonam Kapoor, Cyrus Sahukar, Arunoday Singh, Ira Dubey

Director: Rajshree Ojha
Producer: Anil Kapoor, Ajay Bijli, Sanjeev K Bijli, Rhea Kapoor

Vipul Shah who was in two minds, has decided to direct the sequel since Anees Bazmi seems too busy to do the needful.

Says Vipul, “Yes, after much planning and plotting and two years since the first film, we’ve finally cracked an idea that works. My writer Suresh Nair and I are happy with what we’ve come up with. And yes, I’ll be directing the sequel.”

Though Vipul is not willing to reveal much of the plot for the sequel at this juncture—at least not on record—it’s reliably learnt that the sequel would begin where the first Singh Is Kinng trailed off , namely in Australia and then move on to another country, apparently Canada which is Akshay’s second home.

Akshay’s haste to start Singh Is Kinng 2 has a root cause. While playing a mona Sardar in Patiala House in London last month, he was repeatedly asked by his Sikh fans in Great Britain when they’d get to see him as Singh again.

Akshay immediately contacted Vipul from London and also urged him to direct the sequel.

Says Akshay “Yes, a lot of fans in the UK are eager to see us do a sequel to Singh Is Kinng again. And I’ve asked Vipul to get on with it.”

There is only one hitch. Singh’s queen Katrina is completely booked till next year.

And the sequel cannot be made without her.

Laughs Vipul, “She won’t let me or Akshay make it without her. We’ll just have to see how her dates can be worked out.”

- Sampurn Wire

If you didn’t know before, you should know now. Antwan “Big Boi” Patton refuses to be held down. In the works since 2007, ‘Sir Luscious Left Foot’ is finally seeing the light of day. It seems the the delays and obstacles in Big Boi’s way have pushed him to make an enjoyably experimental piece of work. This album borrows elements from funk, indie rock, and electro-pop. Yet, there is little doubt this is a hip-hop album and there is an abundance of the booty bass sound of early nineties Atlanta.

‘Sir Luscious Left Foot’ is an album meant to be listened to in your car with the windows down and the volume at the highest decibel attainable. Every track has so much bottom, Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez would be jealous. It seems as though, Big Boi and Organized Noize, the producers of majority of the album, wanted to make a party record. That is especially evident on the first single, “Shutterbugs”. Big Boi spits “I’m double fisted and you empty you can grab a cup/Boy stop, I’m playing/Let me dap you up.” Most of this fifteen song opus continues down that road, except for “Hustle Blood”. That song finds Big Boi, alongside Jamie Foxx, spinning a story of a woman getting with a hustler because that was the kind of man her father was. But even that one knocks hard.

This album showcases Big Boi’s quick wit and sharp tonuge. Even with a host of guests, Big Boi remains the star and never relinquishes the spotlight for too long. It must be said, Gucci Mane sounds very intelligent on the cut, “Shine Blockas”. Who would have thought that could ever happen? Certainly not me, or most of us, for that matter.

This album makes any naysayers sit up and take notice Big Boi is no slouch on the mic. The project is a gift and a curse though. While you will absolutely be satisfied with Big Boi’s debut effort, it does make you anticipate an Outkast record that much more.

There were two types of people at SOBs on June 29th. There were the people who had never heard of J*Davey and the people who were hardcore fans. I happened to fall into the former category. Tonight will mark my exodus into the latter though.

Comprised of female singer Briana Cartwright and male producer, Brook D’Leau, this genre smashing duo puts on a spectacular live show. There are no big budget theatrics, just a liberating sense of passion. Briana, or Jack Davey as she likes to be called, oozes the type of dark and brooding sexuality not seen since Prince. At one point a man suddenly exclaimed, “Jack, I wanna have your baby!” Her voice is powerful and sounds smooth singing over trippy and stuttering sound beds.

the show opened with a jazzy version of Nirvana’s smash hit, “Smells Like Teen Spirit”. The song began quietly and slowly transitioned itself into the original rock version. These Los Angeles natives, then, performed their songs like they were already number one hits. To most of the people in the audience, they were. The crowd knew word for word and helped out anytime they were asked to. The music was so intoxicating that the atmosphere began to seem like a rave. That would be a rave without drugs and glow sticks, mind you.

By the end of their ninety minute set, they introduced themselves and sent a shout out to the opening act, Hal Linton for warming the crowd up. He sang his four songs beautifully and valiantly being that he was plagued with mic problems.

At the end of the day, this is a group to look out for. Their music is unlike anything being done right now. Moreover, the live show is a juxtaposition of an air of intimacy between the audience and performers and a larger than life party. And who doesn’t like a party like that?

Below, a video of J*DAVEY performing “Get Together”:

Sri Lankan beauty Jacqueline Fernandez is an up and coming Bollywood favorite. Check out her photo shoot for Vogue India’s June issue.

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Saab Cars North America, now an independent company, is announcing its plans for an aggressive advertising blitz. Focused on Saab’s heritage, clean design and efficient performance, the “Change Perspective” campaign celebrates Saab’s return to its Scandinavian roots.

Television, radio, print and online advertising will feature the “Move Your Mind” tagline and help drive sales for the new generation of Saabs in the United States, including the all-new Saab 9-5 coming to dealer showrooms mid-July.

“The ‘Move Your Mind’ campaign concept fits perfectly with the Saab audience,” says Parveen Batish, Saab’s Executive Marketing Director. “Our customers want the quality and performance that come with a premium brand, but they don’t want the pretense associated with some of the established premium brands.”

The Birmingham, Mich., office of advertising agency McCann Erickson partnered with Sweden’s Lowe Brindfors on the advertising.

The television ad, Saab’s first since late 2008, will air during premiere episodes of Bravo’s “Work of Art” and The History Channel’s hit show “Top Shot.” Saab advertising will also run during the Food Network’s competition show “Chopped” and on the BBC and Fox News.

Print advertising will run in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and USA Today among other outlets. Radio will air across the national NPR network. Online advertising will appear on premium news and auto properties.

The Change Perspective Web site featuring the new television ad and information on Saab safety, heritage and performance earned the 2010 New York Festivals Gold Award for Interactive Design, Silver Award for Digital and Interactive and Bronze Award for Innovative Advertising.

Saab’s aggressive marketing campaign kicks off as an exciting lineup of Saab vehicles are planned to hit the US market over the next year. The vehicles maintain their rich Swedish heritage and premium engineering, styling and performance capabilities. An all-new Saab 9-3X premium crossover has been added to the current Saab lineup – the 9-3 sport sedan, 9-3 sportCombi and the 9-3 convertible as well as the all-new 9-5 sedan and 9-4X premium crossover to be revealed later this year.

Staying true to their roots, the products feature an all-turbo powertrain lineup with the Aero models featuring a 2.8-litre V6 Turbo Engine with 300 horsepower @ 5,300 rpm and Sentronic six-speed automatic with transmission and paddle shifting.

collective) transformed old subway train cars into unique pieces of true urban art.

all work © Million Dollar Design

With our design, we have an underground metro in the underwater world. Instead of a dark dark feeling of the boring gray blocks under the ground and the plastic walls in the subway will get a feeling of infinity in an underwater world in which one can swim. You’re as traveller still under the soil, but in a colorful world of fantasy. There are swimming sea mermaids, a squid lies under its umbrella, and a turtle takes you on a journey to the unknown. The metro is made up of two components…and both are different in our design. The single has a predominantly green color. The other has purple color, closer to the water surface, with schools full of small fish and twinkling of the Sun on the water. – from the artist’s description of the work.

See the rest of this work at the artists website.

This week, director and screenplay author Austen Tayler becomes the first American female director to release a full-length feature film commissioned by Japan. Michael Jackson Commemorated, produced by Flamingo Features and distributed by Star Sands, opens in 150 theatres in Japan on June 25th, on the one-year anniversary of the superstar’s death.

“I am thrilled to pave the way for more American female directors to be recognized and hired within Japan’s typically male reserved entertainment circles,” said Austen Tayler at this morning’s announcement. “Japan continues to be a homogeneous society so it’s still somewhat difficult for women to get their voices heard but it’s vital we keep trying.”

Austen Tayler has released several film works throughout Asia including the award winning “A Tribute to Pavarotti” and the 45-part music series “Beyond the Ballad”. Michael Jackson Commemorated is her first full-length feature film. Star Sands commissioned the film. They project box office to exceed $50 million USD.

Michael Jackson’s former manager and director, Marc Schaffel, shot the footage, originally intended as a pilot for a reality series that never aired. It was the first and last time Michael Jackson agreed to wear a microphone to record him candidly. Cameras accompany the legend as he tours the inside of his Gary, Indiana childhood home for the first time in over 30 years. They showoff the spectacular grounds of Neverland Ranch as never before and they even capture a riotous Michael as he orchestrates a food fight with Carter brothers, Aaron and Nick. Flamingo Features hopes to ink world distribution rights for Michael Jackson Commemorated after its wide release debut in Japan.

“Audiences are given a unique chance to be up close and personal with Michael and to feel the true essence of the genuine love and adoration he felt for his fans,” continued Austen Tayler.

Austen Tayler’s next feature film project will be Hemingway about the brilliant, passionate and troubled life of Ernest Hemingway. She is also currently working on a six-episode rock-umentary series, Golden Goddess Pop Stars, offering intimate portraits of the hottest blondes in today’s American pop music culture including Pink, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, and Lady Gaga.

Both Hemingway and Golden Goddess Pop Stars already have distribution deals set in Japan.

Being that The Roots tour on the college circuit constantly, they are more likely to interact with indie-rockers than rappers. Being the house band for Jimmy Fallon can be credited for that too. How I Got Over is evidence of that very action. The hip hop band from Philly have put forth their most artsy and soulful album since-well ever. The result being the best thing since sliced bread to a true hip hop head.

With a host of indie faves, like The Dirty Projectors and Monster Of Folk-to name a few- The Roots create a body of work about life.

They’ve had to struggle and want you to know you’re not the only one.

On the first single, “Dear God 2.0″, Black Thought asks God some questions we’ve all had on our minds. “Why is the world ugly/ When you made in your image/ And why is living life/Such a fight to the finish”. The sentiments of us living in a cold world are echoed on a great deal of the tracks. But like your momma used to tell you, its not what you say, its how you say it. Each lyric is rapped by Black Thought and other featured artists with creativity, elegance, and poignancy.

The production is organic and effortless. Sometimes, on a sample heavy album, the samples overshadow the actual production. But not here. The samples only enhance what has already been laid down by The Roots crew. If this album were only instrumental, you would still feel and understand the intent of it. That’s how tightly everything fits together.

How I Got Over paints, in broad strokes, a complete picture of today’s political and economic landscape from all points of view. there is no stone left unturned, yet there is not one topic beaten too much. This is the perfect blend of hip hop, jazz, politics, and emotions. Some of those emotions are the tough ones you try to suppress and not deal with and How I got Over is the explosion of them breaking free and running wild articulated by grown men.

Buy this because this is the type of album that changes lives. Just as Jagged Little Pill made it acceptable for single white females to get in touch with their anger. How I Got over makes it alright for young black men to fall down and find the strength to move on and better themselves. And though this probably wont be the the commercial comeback The Roots’ record label is hoping for, it is probably going to be the album they are most remembered for in the long run.

Norah Jones was born Geethali Shankar in Brooklyn on March 30, 1979 to Sue Jones and Ravi Shankar, the legendary Indian sitar player. At the age of 4, she and her mom moved to groovy Grapevine, Texas where she started singing in the church choir at an early age, while learning to play the piano, guitar and alto saxophone.

At 16, she changed her name to Norah Jones while attending Booker T. Washington High School. After graduation, she majored in piano at the University of North Texas until she decided to return to New York City to form a band. In 2002, she made a mellow debut with “Come Away with Me,” a universally-acclaimed CD which won 8 Grammy Awards and is the best-selling jazz album of all time at over 20 million copies and counting.

Norah’s next couple of records, “Feels Like Home” and “Not Too Late,” also went platinum, and she’s currently on tour for her fourth, “The Fall.” Besides singing, songwriting and playing multiple instruments, this gifted Renaissance woman is also an actress who has enjoyed a starring role in My Blueberry Nights and appeared as herself in Two Weeks Notice and Life Support Music. Here, the sultry siren talks about life, music and her latest screen outing in Wah Do Dem, a road comedy where she cameos as the ex-girlfriend of a just-dumped slacker who gets mugged while vacationing in Jamaica.

Kam Williams: Hi Norah, thanks for the time.
Norah Jones: Hi Kam, everything cool with you?
KW: Yes, thanks. What interested you in Wah Do Dem?
NJ: Well, I had taken some time off, and wasn’t really doing much at the time, just sort of hanging out in New York. I get lots of random requests, which might be cool, but just don’t make sense at the time for a lot of different reasons. With Wah Do Dem, I was free, and it was a really interesting concept. They didn’t have a script, just an outline of where they wanted the story to go and a plan too improvise, but with an underlying storyline. It sounded easy enough to do, so I spoke to them on the phone, and they seemed like good people and really cool.

KW: I really enjoyed the film although I was a little disappointed by the ending which I don’t want to give away except to say I was hoping for a more clear-cut resolution of your character Willow and Max’s [played by Sean Bones] relationship.
NJ: I know what you mean, but I think the film isn’t about the relationship, but about Max’s figuring his stuff out, and kind of growing up a little bit. I think for him to do that there shouldn’t be a girl around in the end, even though audiences might find it more satisfying. This way, it’s more like real life.
KW: I guess I wanted you to have a bigger role.
NJ: No, that’s the other reason I liked it. First of all, I wasn’t prepared to commit to a large project at the time, because I was tired. So when they said they only needed me for a small part, I thought that would really be a lot of fun for me, because I don’t make or break the film, and I liked the way the directors [Ben Chace and Sam Fleischner] approached shooting it.
KW: Guerilla style.
NJ: Yeah, they didn’t have any permits, and they used a lot of real people in Jamaica. It was crazy. They were very ambitious, and I was a little worried about whether they’d be able to pull it all off, but they did.

KW: Do you have another acting gig planned?
NJ: Not right now, although I really enjoy it when I actually have the time to do it.

KW: What about your music? Where can people see you play?
NJ: I just finished a U.S. tour, and we’re leaving tomorrow for Europe for a month or so.

KW: Who’s in the band? The same people playing on your latest album?
NJ: A great group. Sasha Dobson on guitar, banjo, percussion and backup vocals, Smokey Hormel on guitar, Joey Waronker on drums, Gus Seyyfert on bass, and John Kirby on keyboards. Except for Sasha, they all played on the record.

KW: How would you describe your new sound?
NJ: I have a hard time describing it. I’d rather just play it. But I’d say it’s definitely taken a little bit of a shift, and I like where it’s going. I’m excited about trying out a lot of different sounds. It’s nice to change and explore.

KW: You strike me as an irrepressible artist who’s always inclined to be faithful to her true nature.
NJ: That’s cool with me. I like that. [Chuckles]

KW: You play more guitar on this album. What’s your favorite instrument?
NJ: I love the piano. I’m more familiar with the piano. But I think for that reason, I enjoy playing the guitar, because I’m a little bit more limited on it. The main reason I play the guitar is that I like it, it has a different sound, and it’s also portable. It’s way easier, since I can’t carry a piano around with me. So, it’s become a good outlet for me to write on.

KW: You could try a melodica.
NJ: I could play a melodica, but I can’t imagine traveling with a melodica somehow. [Laughs]

KW: I have some questions for you from fans. Larry Greenberg, says “I am a huge fan, I love everything with your voice in it. What is your favorite flavor of Chex Mix?
NJ: [LOL] That’s funny. [Laughs some more] I guess, original. Don’t give me no lo-fat. Do you know why he asked that?
KW: No.
NJ: It’s from a song “I Got Chex Mix” that I sang on an album with those Lonely Island guys from Saturday Night Live.

KW: Attorney Bernadette Beekman asks, which culture do you identify with most closely?
NJ: Probably American, since I grew up here. I’m living in New York, and I grew up in Texas. I have a real love of Texas culture, and I always love visiting, but I don’t know if I’d move back. It’s a different thing down there. And it’s so hot. [Chuckles]
KW: Plus, the Gulf of Mexico is going to be turned into a giant tar pit if they can’t figure out a way to plug the hole. Wesley Derbyshire asks, how do performances in small versus larger theaters effect your connection between you and the audience?
NJ: They’re different. I like both. I play in a lot of bars in New York with smaller bands, and I really enjoy it. But I’ve also enjoyed playing larger arenas on this tour recently, because the audiences have been so loving. So, they’re different, but both are very rewarding.

KW: What was it like becoming an overnight sensation after the release of your first album?
NJ: It was crazy for a few years, but it’s settled in now. I have a lot of good people who’ve stuck with me, and I feel like I know who my friends are now. I just try to take the good, and let go of all the stressful bad stuff.

KW: Is there any question no one ever asks you, that you wish someone would? If so, please answer it.
NJ: I guess not. I can never think of that one.

KW: The Tasha Smith question: Are you ever afraid?
NJ: Afraid? Sure! I’m human.

KW: The Columbus Short question: Are you happy?
NJ: Yeah, usually.

KW: The Teri Emerson question: When was the last time you had a good laugh?
NJ: [Giggles] This morning. My mom is here and we had a big fight, and then a big laugh. [LOL]

KW: The bookworm Troy Johnson question: What was the last book you read?
NJ: I’m reading A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith, but I’m not finished yet. It’s really long.

KW: The music maven Heather Covington question: What was the last thing you listened to on your iPod?
NJ: Mule Variations by Tom Waits.
KW: My favorite song by him is New Coat of Paint.
NJ: I don’t think I know that one.
KW: It’s off that Heart of Saturday night album. When you look in the mirror, what do you see?
NJ: I see me.

KW: The Laz Alonso question: How can your fans help you?
NJ: By just being themselves. [Chuckles]

KW: If you could have one wish instantly granted, what would that be for?
NJ: Oh, that’s a hard one. There’re too many things. [Giggles]

KW: What is your favorite dish to cook?
NJ: Spaghetti.

KW: The Boris Kodjoe question: What do you consider your biggest accomplishment?
NJ: I feel like I’ve just stayed true to myself which I think is a big accomplishment in this business. Whether you like me or not, I’ve stayed pretty true to my art. I also feel good about having worked really hard to establish myself as an artist.

KW: The Ling-Ju Yen question: What is your earliest childhood memory?
NJ: It’s of a dream I had where I was playing in a playground and I bit my lower lip off. I was in daycare and 2 or 3 at the time. I woke up so shocked by the dream that I’ve remembered that moment ever since.

KW: The Uduak Oduok question: Who is your favorite clothes designer?
NJ: I don’t know. I don’t think I have one.

KW: What is your guiltiest pleasure?
NJ: Bacon and eggs, although I don’t feel that guilty about it. I’m not old enough to have to worry about it yet.

KW: What’s been the happiest moment of your life?
NJ: I don’t know. I’ve had a lot of them. I can’t pick just one.

KW: Do you ever wish you could have your anonymity back?
NJ: I’m pretty lucky. I can kinda be anonymous easier than a lot of other people who are very successful. And I’m not sure why that is.
KW: My guess is that you don’t travel with a big entourage or try to cultivate that celebrity energy.
NJ: Yeah, I don’t disguise myself when I go to the grocery story, and I don’t dress up, either. So, I just look like a little kid, usually, because I’m pretty short.

KW: How do you want to be remembered?
NJ: With a smile.

KW: Thanks for a great interview Norah, and have fun in Europe.
NJ: Cool, thanks a lot, bye!

My wife’s been on me to draw more, and I’m sure part of that reason is how much bad anime i’ve been watching. One show, though, has caught my attention for good reasons.

The only site I visit obsessively (that I don’t own or have an interest in) is crunchyroll. It’s taken over where hulu has failed for me. One reason is I get to catch wacky anime and Asian Dramas that I would normally have to wait for some random blog (like mine) to pick up on before I’d even know to order it.

In April I started watching HEROMAN. It’s great fun, and of all the shows I started watching that month, it’s the one I can see most crossing over to America well.

The manga (which I don’t like) started last September, and the studio Bones got together With Stan Lee (yes, that Stan Lee) to bring the Anime to the screen.

An American kid named Joey lives in an urban city & has always wanted to become a hero. Unfortunately he’s just an orphan working part time to support his grandma and himself. After he watched a toy commercial on a new robot action figure, Joey believe he’ll gain strength if he obtains one. The only robot toy he can get his hands on is a broken one that was abandon by a rich school bully. Feeling pity for the trashed action figure, Joey took it home to repair it. Little did he know, that once he repairs the toy, it’ll make his hero dream become a reality.

TV Tokyo is running it. I’m watching it on crunchyroll via their licensing agreement. Watch episode one below:

(photos by Danny Choo)

TSK – Mobile Soul
Koop – Summer Sun
Richard Earnshaw feat. Imogen Ryall – Summer Rain
DJ Jorj feat. Carmen Hendricks – Till I See The Sun
Bird – Summer Nude
Crystal Kay – Kitto Eien Ni (Studio Apartment Remix)
Jakatta – Shimmering Stars (Joey Negro Medusa Re-Edit)
Nova Frontiera – Supernova
Louie Vega – Elements Of Life (Richard Earnshaw Vocal Mix)
Mambana – Felicidad
Kings Of Tomorrow – Thru (Simon Grey Remix)
Reel People – The Light
Sunburst Band – Until The End Of Time
Feet – I Think Of You (Acoustic Version)
Summer Night In Spanish Harlem featuring House of Rumba
Swing Out Sister – Circulate (Live at The Jazz Cafe)
Jazztronik – Nanairo/Phoenix
Opolopo featuring Amalia – Street Lights
Lady Alma – Running For Nothing
Kerri Chandler – Inspiration
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Aly-Us – Follow Me
Shaun Escofferey – Let It Go (4Hero Acoutsic)

In a year where Chelsea wins the EPL and the NBA finals are still anyone’s game, a match between the US team and Her majesty’s boys isn’t really easy to call. Yes, it’s been a few decades since the US team beat England 1-0 in World Cup, but Given the strategic injuries on her majesty;s team…I dunno.

So, for the first time, I officially announce…I’m supporting the US team. I don’t even like this year’s jersey design (Nike’s done better), but I will be in one on Saturday.

Get ready for Crystal Kay looking better than ever with a sound you may not expect – (unless of course you’ve been following us and saw the Canon camera ad we showed you a while back) Here’s the long-awaited video for “Flash”, a song produced by jACK. It’s from the EP that comes out on the 16th of the same title from Sony Music Entertainment Japan.

Can anybody identify any of the Flash Dancers – the winners of the talent search contest run last month?

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“Once I was like a lot of people who think that marketing is just a way of convincing people to buy a whole bunch of things they don’t need… Yes, I was in the marketing-is-about-creating-need camp… But, you know what, the buyer can’t be misled forever. You can’t create need no matter how hard you try. You can only discover the need and then find a way to meet it.
When Fed Ex launched its now legendary, ‘When it absolutely, positively, has to get there overnight’ campaign, they weren’t creating a need, they were filling one. Marketing at its best is about making things happen through creativity, intelligence and adaptability that would never have happened had someone not had the vision or the drive to market…
[Once] you’ve got a successful brand, things just happen. A brand is one of the closest things to magic on Earth. It’s not that you don’t have to work hard to make it successful and keep it successful, it’s just that in many ways a great brand sells itself.
So, that’s the context for this book and our marketing mission, but the essence of this book is clear from the title: people buy brands.”

– Excerpted from the Introduction (pgs. 2-7)

It’s been said that good things come in small packages, as is the case with this succinctly-stated amalgamation of marketing insights. When I attended law and business school, a popular method of teaching was via the case method, meaning that the professor would have us study case histories in order to learn not only from perfection but from failure, too.

This is the sensible approach employed by John Tantillo, Ph.D., aka The Marketing Doctor, in dispensing bite-sized morsels of wisdom in People Buy Brands, Not Companies. I’ll tell you right off the bat why I heartily recommend this book. Honestly, it’s because after reading it, I came away from it with a few solid ideas about how to improve the “Kam Williams” brand. And if any one of them helps me gain a competitive edge, the modest investment in the opus in terms of money and time will have easily been made worth the while.

In easy-to-read layman’s terms augmented by a glossary, Dr. Tantillo examines branding and marketing strategies from a variety of angles, including the individual, the corporate and the political. One of his most fascinating analyses is that of the previous presidential campaign during which he claims that “the Democratic Party was as much or more of a stumbling block than John McCain.” for brand Obama. The author also praises the President as a brilliant politician who “knows the difference between his brand and the Democratic party.” So, he wouldn’t be surprised to see Obama rise to the challenges posed by a re-election effort in 2012.

But this how-to tome is really about you, the reader, and the fact that, “Like it or not, you’ve already got a brand,” whether it’s a business or merely your name. For the point driven home here repeatedly is the importance of appreciating the value of building that brand and of channeling your resources in the direction most likely to maximize your return on any financial, emotional and sweat of the brow investments in yourself.

This brings to mind the sage lament of Iago in Shakespeare’s Othello, “Who steals my purse, steals trash… But he that filches from me my good name robs me of that which not enriches him, and makes me poor indeed.” In sum, methinks those wise words make as much sense today as they did when scripted by The Bard of Avon.

Life is set to roll for the rakish, down and out Jai with Gina, the fabulously rich, hopelessly in love daughter of a Vegas casino owner, until he meets Natasha, the exotic Mexican immigrant also looking out for the good life. The attraction is inevitable – and fatal.
The pull is irresistible. Designer watches, flashy cars and jewels beckon but Jai and Natasha are caught in a relationship that transcends language. She knows no English and he knows no Spanish.

So far so good, before the script decides to meander into a “Bonny and Clyde” caper with the couple on the run from the powerful Tony robbing a bank. Completely unnecessary and giving no time for the intensity of the romance to develop.
The narrative moves back and forth in time, beginning with a bloodied Jai tumbling out of a train wagon and stumbling across the desertscape to look for his ladylove.

So you get a sense of what is in store. The predictability of the script is not really a problem – the opening line of the film lays the tenor, with Jai in a voiceover telling you that two kites flying together can never soar very high or very long because one has to get cut.

READ THE REST OF THIS REVIEW on TheBlackBoxOffice.com!

No question. It’s been a LONG time. Looks like we’ve all been busy! But you know we never let a long weekend come and go without a little Mobile Soul.

So here ya go. A 2-hour session (more or less) mixed live with some classics and some more treats. For the truly serious, stay for a while after the lights come up at the end.

We gotta dedicate this to the memory of some important souls we’ll miss on our journey – both famous and non-famous. It’s up to us to complete the trip now.

LIVE. LOVE. CREATE. REMEMBER.

TSK – Mobile Soul
Koop – Summer Sun
Richard Earnshaw feat. Imogen Ryall – Summer Rain
DJ Jorj feat. Carmen Hendricks – Till I See The Sun
Bird – Summer Nude
Crystal Kay – Kitto Eien Ni (Studio Apartment Remix)
Jakatta – Shimmering Stars (Joey Negro Medusa Re-Edit)
Nova Frontiera – Supernova
Louie Vega – Elements Of Life (Richard Earnshaw Vocal Mix)
Mambana – Felicidad
Kings Of Tomorrow – Thru (Simon Grey Remix)
Reel People – The Light
Sunburst Band – Until The End Of Time
Feet – I Think Of You (Acoustic Version)
Summer Night In Spanish Harlem featuring House of Rumba
Swing Out Sister – Circulate (Live at The Jazz Cafe)
Jazztronik – Nanairo/Phoenix
Opolopo featuring Amalia – Street Lights
Lady Alma – Running For Nothing
Kerri Chandler – Inspiration
-
Aly-Us – Follow Me
Shaun Escofferey – Let It Go (4Hero Acoutsic)

Happily wearing my “That’s why we’re Champions” shirt.

Next year…Champions League!

Credits:
Directors: MELINA & Bee Z
Executive Producer: Beyoncé for Parkwood Pictures
Producer: Dina Ciccotello
Editor: Clark Eddy
DP: Paul Laufer
Songwriters: Solange Knowles / Beyoncé Knowles / Eddie Smith III (Bama Boyz) / Jesse Rankins (Bama Boyz) / Jonathan Wells (Bama Boyz) / Angela Beyince

Published By: EMI April Music, Inc. o/b/o / Solange MW Publishing (ASCAP) / B-Day Publishing / EMI April Music, Inc. (ASCAP) ASCAP / Crampton Bowl Publishing BMI / Angela Beyince Music (ASCAP)

Above, you can watch a “making of” featurette of Smiler’s video for “Enza”. It’s hosted by UK comedian Eddie Kadi. Get to know Smiler and then check out the video for “Enza” below:

…special thanks to our friends at NollywoodUncut.com for this one!

“Little Caesars pizza, Pepsi, and The Karate Kid make the perfect combination for family fun,” said Linda “LJ” Jaworski, senior vice president of Marketing and Communications, Little Caesar Enterprises, Inc. “Little Caesars Pizza is excited to bring this promotion to our customers for the chance to win great food and entertainment.”

Little Caesars customers will receive a “Your Ticket to Kick It” scratch-off code card by visiting participating Little Caesars restaurants and purchasing a fresh HOT-N-READY® pizza with any Pepsi, Diet Pepsi or any available product in the portfolio. The promotion begins on April 26 and continues while cards last. Customers simply scratch off their card to determine if they have won the grand prize of a year’s worth of movie tickets, Little Caesars pizza, and Pepsi-Cola beverages (awarded as 48 movie passes and 12 Little Caesars® gift cards each good for one HOT-N-READY® pizza, an order of Crazy Bread® and Crazy Sauce® & one two-liter Pepsi-Cola product), or other prizes including individual movie tickets, movie posters, The Karate Kid merchandise, or discount coupons for Little Caesars and Pepsi products.

Two varieties of collectible mini movie posters with a re-print of Jaden Smith’s signature will be available at participating Little Caesars restaurants beginning May 18.

“We’re proud to work with Little Caesars on this exciting program and pleased to deliver access to such a great property,” said Margery Schelling, CMO PepsiCo Foodservice. “The chance to win prizes associated with ‘The Karate Kid,’ which promotes confidence and leading an active lifestyle, will delight the whole family.”

Communication elements to support the promotion include print, broadcast, and Web presence along with in-store point-of-purchase materials. Social media will also play a large role in the promotion through Little Caesars’ and The Karate Kid’s Facebook and Twitter pages.

Promotion details and official rules are available at participating Little Caesars locations. There is no purchase necessary to receive a “Your Ticket to Kick It” scratch-off code card. Customers can request a scratch-off code card without purchase by mailing their request to the address included in the official rules available at participating Little Caesars locations.

The action unfolds in the year 2154 on the distant planet Pandora which is in the process of being invaded by SecFor (as in Security Force, get it?), a U.S. military-industrial complex/corporate conglomerate with designs on a rare mineral called unobtainium (as in not obtainable, get it?). The precious substance, worth $20 million a kilo, is the only reason for the expedition, as it apparently is the critical element involved in bringing presently-polluted Earth back from the brink of ecological extinction.

The picture’s unlikely protagonist is paraplegic Jake Sully (Sam Worthington), an ex-Marine who has greatness thrust upon him when he volunteers to serve as a last-light year replacement for his recently-deceased twin brother in the Avatar program. Upon his arrival on Pandora, he is instructed by botanist Dr. Grace Augustine (Sigourney Weaver) how to mind-meld with his genetically-matched avatar and thereby control its every move. The human-like hybrid physically resembles a member of the Na’vi (as in naïve, get it?), the 9’ tall, blue-skinned tribe of aborigines inhabiting the planet.

Jake is given just 3 months by his superiors to manipulate the indigenous people into vacating their sacred lands voluntarily, since it sits atop untapped reserves of the coveted unobtainium. However, much to the chagrin of an avaricious, SecFor bureaucrat (Giovanni Ribisi) and an itchy, trigger-fingered Colonel (Stephen Lang), he goes renegade after falling in love with a young native beauty (Zoe Saldana).

Jake switches sides because he recognizes that the much-maligned Na’vi aren’t bloodthirsty savages as billed, but noble, spiritually-superior beings living in harmony with nature. So, like a latter-day Tarzan who can talk to the animals, the sensitive alien-whisperer must rally all the creatures of Pandora to come to the defense of their peaceable kingdom in an eye-popping battle royal.

Along the way Cameron pays homage to (although cynics might say shamelessly recycles) memorable motifs from some of his own films and from Star Wars, The Fugitive, King Kong, Superman, Pocahontas, Predator, Apocalypto and Transformers, as well. Forget dancing with wolves. Howzabout doing the Funky Chicken with aliens?

Excellent (4 stars)
Rated PG-13 for sensuality, profanity, smoking and intense epic battle sequences.
In English and Na’vian with subtitles.
Running time: 162 minutes
Studio: Fox Home Entertainment
2-Disc DVD/Blu-ray Combo Extras: None

NASA is releasing a new Hubble photo of a small portion of one of the largest known star-birth regions in the galaxy, the Carina Nebula. Three light-year-tall towers of cool hydrogen laced with dust rise from the wall of the nebula. The scene is reminiscent of Hubble’s classic “Pillars of Creation” photo from 1995, but even more striking.

NASA’s best-recognized, longest-lived and most prolific space observatory was launched April 24, 1990, aboard the space shuttle Discovery during the STS-31 mission. Hubble discoveries revolutionized nearly all areas of current astronomical research from planetary science to cosmology.

Over the years, Hubble has suffered broken equipment, a bleary-eyed primary mirror, and the cancellation of a planned shuttle servicing mission. But the ingenuity and dedication of Hubble scientists, engineers and NASA astronauts allowed the observatory to rebound and thrive. The telescope’s crisp vision continues to challenge scientists and the public with new discoveries and evocative images.

“Hubble is undoubtedly one of the most recognized and successful scientific projects in history,” said Ed Weiler, associate administrator for the Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington. “Last year’s space shuttle servicing mission left the observatory operating at peak capacity, giving it a new beginning for scientific achievements that impact our society.”

Hubble fans worldwide are being invited to take an interactive journey with Hubble by visiting http://www.nasa.gov/externalflash/Hubble20/. They can also visit http://www.hubblesite.org to share the ways the telescope has affected them. Follow the “Messages to Hubble” link to send an e-mail, post a Facebook message, or send a cell phone text message. Fan messages will be stored in the Hubble data archive along with the telescope’s science data. For those who use Twitter, you can follow @HubbleTelescope or post tweets using the Twitter hashtag #hst20.

The public also will have an opportunity to become at-home scientists by helping astronomers sort out the thousands of galaxies seen in a Hubble deep field observation. STScI is partnering with the Galaxy Zoo consortium of scientists to launch an Internet-based astronomy project where amateur astronomers can peruse and sort galaxies from Hubble’s deepest view of the universe into their classic shapes: spiral, elliptical, and irregular. Dividing the galaxies into categories will allow astronomers to study how they relate to each other and provide clues that might help scientists understand how they formed.

The group released their track “Boy Bring It Back” in 2008 and Lee just released her very similar track, Bring It Back, this month.

Cookie Couture’s Stacey Maroske said in a statement to ZackTaylor.ca:

“I was shocked when I first heard Lee Hyori’s 2010 recording. I couldn’t believe how similar the song was. It’s almost an exact replica, even down to our vocal riffs. I mean we worked really hard as a group to write this song and perfect it back in 2008. It just seems really unfair that this song is being sold on iTunes by an artist who has stolen the song from us. It’s plagiarism, and we hope we see justice.”

Nobody from Lee’s camp could be reached for comment about the alleged plagiarism.

Here’s the original:

And here’s Lee’s track:

What do you think?

Gen. Wright said the public can now become a Facebook fan, a Twitter follower, a Flickr contact, and a YouTube subscriber of these agencies.

“Increasingly people are looking to the Internet as their primary source of news and information,” said Gen. Wright. “Social media allows us to have more direct conversations and connections with Pennsylvania’s service members, veterans, their families, and the general public.”

By adding social media to its communications efforts, Wright added, DMVA and the PA Guard can more actively share information, updates, photos or video on the websites many people are already using on a regular basis.

Wright is the first member of Governor Rendell’s cabinet to tweet on behalf of the agency they head.

To connect with DMVA and the PA Guard anytime, visit www.dmva.state.pa.us and click on the icons within the Social Media Hub.

Indie Film Lounge is an online screening room – plus. You’ll see a calendar of upcoming screenings, new reviews and commentary from our award winning editorial team, previews of upcoming indie releases and stories about the technology we’re using in this indie film revolution!

IndieFilmLounge.com will also be the new home for our Bollywood screening series, and Cinema Saga, our brand new music mix show making its debut this summer!

So now, if the Indie Film Lounge isn’t in your town – you can still make it down.

IndieFilmLounge is all the great international coverage of film and visual arts you’ve come to expect from us – in a new, iPad and mobile-friendly package (with a big 950px500p screen to get you ready before you come down).

Don’t miss the beginning on Saturday, May 1, 2010! We’ll be giving away special prizes to Day One visitors!

You can catch a sneak peek at the site NOW!

Everybody’s gotta have goals.

The good weather’s making a righteous appearance, so here’s a Double 0 Soul show full of flashbacks for you to make new memories to! Enjoy the weekend!

I’ve been selected as Vice President of the African American Film Critics Association. It’s an honor to be respected for my writing, as well as the site that we’ve built from the ground up.

This move makes me persona non grata with a few folks in the space…and that’s a real shame. I have no malice towards anybody in this business. Maybe because I really see this as a business. But it also means you’ll probably be seeing a little more of me on TV and hearing me a bit more on radio. My wife’s having fun with that.

I’m just jazzed that I get to talk about movies professionally.

Here’s a new teaser out for her upcoming single.

Not exactly. I’m happy that she gave Matt & Kim dap in the very beginning, but it’s safe to say that her video’s gonna go a a LOT further. Hope the album’s good. Because she just got herself a big bag of controversy.

It’s controversial because folks have a problem with nudity. Nude Black women, to be specific. I read a comment on a blog that described it as “art”, which is such a bullshit thing to say. Of COURSE it’s art. I have a feeling this is going be VERY popular. But not for the reason it should be.

One interpretation of this film is:

Erykah gives everything she has, very few people see what she’s really trying to say the whole time, and she is killed for it in the end. That’s the interpretation I’m rolling with.

[Edit (3/28): so I moved the full version of the video to the main page, to ease the load on this one poor post. If you're on the site, you've seen it by now.]

Last week he said he wanted to go again. So my wife and I scheduled some time, and the whole family went last night. It was the most suburban thing I’ve done since upgrading the lawn mower. We get to the rink, and my son, who’s only done this once before, is out there on the ice, falling and making new friends. I thought I’d be catching up on e-mail sitting in the stands (this rink is also where the local amateur hockey team plays) – until I looked out at the ice, heard the 80’s music….I was sold.

10 minutes after we’re there, I’m lacing up size 15 hockey skates. I’m walking like Peppermint Patty in heels to the ice. It was high comedy. And so I had one mission. to make it around the rink without falling. 90 minutes later, I’m gliding. Not smoothly by any means, but I’m moving. Having a great time. Never fell.

I’ve never had skating lessons. I had NO idea what I was doing.

Although, when I worked at V2, I lived in the village, and I used to rollerblade cross town pretty much every morning. But I don’t think I’ve been on an ice skating rink in 25 years.

There’s one in Dallas at the hotel I stay in. But I never go out there.

I remember a beautiful outdoor rink in Brooklyn outside the BIllie Holiday Theater downtown. I used to take acting classes there, and afterwards I would walk around the outside of the rink and then walk past Club Mahogany to catch the bus home. My time walking around the rink was a time to think, clear my head, come up with music ideas…whatever. But that’s what I felt on the ice last night. Peace. Calm. It was great! And I HATE cold weather!

So, I’ll know for sure by the end of this week, when I get out there and try again, but I may have a new hobby! I’m gonna be really tired after Sundance 2011!

My son also loves it a lot, so this is probably going to be something we do together. Getting my wife and daughter out there will take a bit more convincing..but I’m not giving up!

Had “Hot Tub Time Machine” come out in 1998, it would probably be on my list of great comedy films. It’s stupid. But it has lots of references that make it feel smart and cool.

This is probably the result of the re-pairing of Actor John Cusack and Director Steve Pink. Steve co-wrote Grosse Point Blank and High Fidelity, which are great films that have some of John Cusack’s best work. There are some moments in “Hot Tub Time Machine” that are highly influenced by Pink’s earlier work.

But for it to come out in 2010, I expected more.

The main characters are a small group of friends in their early 40s. John Cusack’s character is named Adam, a walking cliche of every good role John Cusack has ever played in his adult life. We meet him as a relationship is failing, and his girlfriend has moved out.
Just when we think he’s going to look at the screen and give a top ten list, we meet his nephew, Jacob, played by Clark Duke. Jacob is a reclusive techie-nerd type.

Adam’s friend Nick, played by Craig Robinson, is married to a controlling woman who may/may not have cheated on him,
and Nick is working a dead-end job that he hates. We learn later why his life is so bad.

Their other friend is Lou, played by Rob Corddry, a divorced alcoholic, who, let’s just say…needs to get away. Badly. His
friends come up with a plan. They’re going to take him back to the mountain lodge that they had fun in back in 1986. And they’re going to bring Adam’s nephew with them.

They get to the cabin, and they realize that, like the idea for this movie, it was better in the ’80s than it is today. They meet a one-armed bellhop, played by Crispin Glover. Having Crispin in this movie is tribute enough to “Back To The Future,” but it’s not the only 80’s movie homage in this film.

So the guys go out to enjoy the hot tub. Which, yes, turns out to be a time machine. It sends the guys back to 1986. In their old bodies and hairstyles.

Since Jacob, wasn’t born in 1986, this presents a problem. The guys have to get back to the present day. But to do this, they must do things exactly as they did them in 1986, or, as anyone who’s seen “Back To The Future” knows, the future timeline will be forever changed.

And with this, 24 hours of hijinks ensue.

If you had the chance to live your teenage years again, knowing what you know now, what would you change? This is one of the questions this film raises. We all have our serious answers, and our comedic ones. There are girlfriends or boyfriends we would have chosen to avoid altogether, or perhaps pursued a lot more seriously. We’d like to use the knowledge of future events and inventions. We could all have used a little guidance from “Fletch.”

This movie presses all the right buttons, from Crispin Glover, to the fashion and hairstyle authenticity, to Chevy Chase as a sort of time travel guru/hot tub repairman. Sex jokes. Drugs. Rock & Roll. Sci-fi!

I should have loved this movie. And I wanted to! But its potential is a lot better than its reality. So for me, I just liked it. Did not hate it.

For me, two things ruined it:

1. Rob Corddry was a horrible choice for this movie. He’s been in funny stuff before, and he’s great, but this role would have been a lot better if played by Steve Zahn or a Seth Rogen type actor. Corddry stood out from this cast in a way that quickly became annoying, which started to amplify other flaws of this picture that I probably wouldn’t have noticed if I weren’t trying to escape from Corddry’s performance.

2. This script is remarkably dated. I know it’s a movie about time travel. But the “current day” scenes are like they’re written in, as I said, 1998. The ending could have been great had they taken time to make it a little more 2010 and less “what I think the year 2010 is going to be like.”

Craig Robinson was a great casting choice, and I enjoyed watching him work. There are some scenes where we really get to see his comic timing, and it was really impressive. His character’s story was enjoyable. Nick is a black dude who grew up with mostly white friends, yet ends up with a black woman who is not the neck-rolling stereotype we’ve seen in other movies. She’s obviously suburban, and so they are a believable couple.

The saving grace of this film is the romantic storyline involving John Cusack. It’s an ending you’d expect for a movie like this, but the road getting there is really good.

“Hot Tub Time Machine” is a dumb movie. But, with the exception of Rob Corddry’s performance, it’s a really well done dumb movie. It feels like an old movie that you missed when it came out the first time. Think “The Hangover” meets “Romy & Michelle” meets “Back To The Future.”

Rating: Good. (2 Stars)
Rated R for strong crude and sexual content, nudity, drug use and
pervasive language.
Runtime: 100 min
Distributor: MGM

This review has run on TheBlackBoxOffice.com, QCity Metro, and the usual run of newspapers.

The misplacing of stuff is a bigger problem for me when I travel outside the country. I have almost NEVER lost a phone in the US, but have lost three mobiles and two organizers in Asia and the UK.

Phone Halo suggests a solution for people like me. And, so long as I don’t mind that whole “privacy” thing…it could be really convenient!

Phone Halo aims to solve the age old problem of losing your belongings, especially your wallet, mobile phone or keys. Phone Halo is actually a small device that you can attach onto your things that will allow you to track them down when they are lost. The small dongle has bluetooth and GPS built-in so that it can contact your phone or computer to give you details on where to find your things. To find a missing item, users simply open up the phone halo application on the phone or computer. a signal is sent to the dongle and at first an alarm will go off, allowing you to find something if it is within earshot. If it isn’t there, the device will give users a map that will lead them directly to the item. the device even warns you as you move further away from your item, hopefully reminding you to get it before it is even lost.

This is what the actual device looks like.

And that’s what it looks like on your mobile.

So, whaddaya think? Pre-ordering?

I’m one of those guys who needs it to be tested a bit more before I jump in. I’m all about early adopting, but this just looks dorky. History tells me that a slimmer, cooler looking version will come out not too soon afterwards.

Until then I’ll just have to remember to put my keys on my desk.

If you’re interested, learn more at phonehalo.com

In what’s clearly a sequel to Namie’s “Girl Talk”, A four track CD/DVD of AI’s latest “FAKE”, which features Namie, drops on Tuesday. The video seems to be doing well. It’s not a GREAT video in terms of selling the song, but right now, this track doesn’t need much help.

MTVu Live Sessions featuring: John Forte, Tess, Bajah, Kate Mattison, Balla Tounkara & The Mighty Embassy Ensemble.

Credits:
Directed by Terence Nance
Produced by MVMT Media

The original version of this song appears on the album “Stereotype” which is out now!