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Showing posts with label los angeles. Show all posts
Showing posts with label los angeles. Show all posts
5.17.2010
Defending "Single Ladies" on CNN Headline News
Last Friday, I made a cameo on CNN Headline News’ “Prime News” with host Mike Galanos to discuss a recent viral video on YouTube. The piece in question showed a group of 8 and 9 year-old girls at a dance competition in Los Angeles. The girls wore very elaborate costumes that showed off their midriffs, along with knee-high boots – and mimicked the dance to the music video for Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It).”
Parents and counselors across the country voiced their displeasure in the dance instructor and the children’s parents, calling the choreography too provocative and the outfits too revealing. Lauren Lake, a former hip hop dancer who appeared on the same HLN segment with me, compared the moves to that of a stripper – asking if a pole would be the next step for dancers their age.
I’m sorry, but I have to draw the line there. These girls were in a controlled environment, with parents, supervisors, and teachers. The comparison to exotic dancers was extreme, out of line, and uncalled for. I concurred that the outfits were not age-appropriate. But the dance moves consisted of more ballerina-twirling than booty shaking, grinding, or gyrating.
Matter of fact, how much of the latter actually appeared in the video? The girls were moving around frantically, but I think the “gyrating” claim is a little generous – perhaps these critics need a tutorial on how one actually gyrates.
Galanos and Lake were both against the video – which made it very hard for me to voice my opinion in the two-part, 10 minute piece. The bias in the segment reached a fever pitch right before Galanos tossed it to me for my first of only two chances where I’d be allowed to speak. The anchor decided it would also be a good idea to question not only the dance moves and costumes – but the song as well – by picking the most provocative lyrics of the track and reading them, while the words were displayed on screen.
This is a classic example of people criticizing pop culture without understanding it. You could pick a segment out of any piece of art – a song, a movie, The Bible – and find something to demonize. What Galanos failed to understand is that taken its full, intended context – Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies” is an empowering song to women of all ages. In the track, which is one of Columbia Records’ most downloaded digital singles, Beyoncé sings about finding a man that will treat her right, and not needing any guy, especially one who won’t show her the respect she deserves.
Rolling Stone named “Single Ladies” the best single of 2008. The video has close to 90 million views on YouTube. Everyone from Joe Jonas to Justin Timberlake can be found on-line mimicking the dance… there is even footage of President Barack Obama, right before his inauguration, speaking to Beyoncé and noting that his daughters made him watch the video, attempting to teach him the infamous dance moves in the process. I’d hate to “pull a KanYe” – but Beyoncé has one of the best videos of all time!
“Single Ladies” is more than a song or a video – it’s a phenomenon that transcended to people of all ages and genders. Thankfully, there is at least a positive message to be taken from it.
That can’t be said for many other segments of our culture that 8 and 9 year olds are exposed to. Would Galanos and Lake rather see these girls hoola-hoop to Young Money’s “Bedrock”? How many of these dancers’ peers use a Lady GaGa song like “Just Dance” in a routine – yunno, where GaGa sings about getting drunk and hooking up in a club?
Galanos and Lake probably couldn’t answer that – which is another big problem with this whole ordeal. No one conducted a study to find out if “Single Ladies” is normally used in similar competitions, with comparable dance moves.
A TV network not giving a subject due diligence by reporting the facts? Maybe I shouldn’t be so surprised of my experience after all.
Parents and counselors across the country voiced their displeasure in the dance instructor and the children’s parents, calling the choreography too provocative and the outfits too revealing. Lauren Lake, a former hip hop dancer who appeared on the same HLN segment with me, compared the moves to that of a stripper – asking if a pole would be the next step for dancers their age.
I’m sorry, but I have to draw the line there. These girls were in a controlled environment, with parents, supervisors, and teachers. The comparison to exotic dancers was extreme, out of line, and uncalled for. I concurred that the outfits were not age-appropriate. But the dance moves consisted of more ballerina-twirling than booty shaking, grinding, or gyrating.
Matter of fact, how much of the latter actually appeared in the video? The girls were moving around frantically, but I think the “gyrating” claim is a little generous – perhaps these critics need a tutorial on how one actually gyrates.
Galanos and Lake were both against the video – which made it very hard for me to voice my opinion in the two-part, 10 minute piece. The bias in the segment reached a fever pitch right before Galanos tossed it to me for my first of only two chances where I’d be allowed to speak. The anchor decided it would also be a good idea to question not only the dance moves and costumes – but the song as well – by picking the most provocative lyrics of the track and reading them, while the words were displayed on screen.
This is a classic example of people criticizing pop culture without understanding it. You could pick a segment out of any piece of art – a song, a movie, The Bible – and find something to demonize. What Galanos failed to understand is that taken its full, intended context – Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies” is an empowering song to women of all ages. In the track, which is one of Columbia Records’ most downloaded digital singles, Beyoncé sings about finding a man that will treat her right, and not needing any guy, especially one who won’t show her the respect she deserves.
Rolling Stone named “Single Ladies” the best single of 2008. The video has close to 90 million views on YouTube. Everyone from Joe Jonas to Justin Timberlake can be found on-line mimicking the dance… there is even footage of President Barack Obama, right before his inauguration, speaking to Beyoncé and noting that his daughters made him watch the video, attempting to teach him the infamous dance moves in the process. I’d hate to “pull a KanYe” – but Beyoncé has one of the best videos of all time!
“Single Ladies” is more than a song or a video – it’s a phenomenon that transcended to people of all ages and genders. Thankfully, there is at least a positive message to be taken from it.
That can’t be said for many other segments of our culture that 8 and 9 year olds are exposed to. Would Galanos and Lake rather see these girls hoola-hoop to Young Money’s “Bedrock”? How many of these dancers’ peers use a Lady GaGa song like “Just Dance” in a routine – yunno, where GaGa sings about getting drunk and hooking up in a club?
Galanos and Lake probably couldn’t answer that – which is another big problem with this whole ordeal. No one conducted a study to find out if “Single Ladies” is normally used in similar competitions, with comparable dance moves.
A TV network not giving a subject due diligence by reporting the facts? Maybe I shouldn’t be so surprised of my experience after all.
4.27.2010
EXCLUSIVE: JLS Chats About First U.S. Trip
I learned the difference first hand between the tabloids in the States and across the pond on Saturday. The British boy-band JLS joined “The Ralphie Radio Show” – and were quick to correct me when I cited a report that I read in The Mirror that the fellas hung out with Jay-Z and KanYe West in Los Angeles.
“It’s good that you ask, because we can squash (the rumors),” replied Marvin Humes, who called in to “The RRS” from the UK just a few months ago. “The Jay-Z connection has come from back home.”
Both Jay and JLS performed and won at The Brit Awards, which is similar to the Grammys. After the show, the “Empire State of Mind” emcee congratulated the boys at an after party by sending a bottle of champagne over to their table… of course, each person received their own bottle.
As for Mr. West, JB Gill revealed JLS has yet to rub elbows or receive gifts from him. The initial report also claimed the boys were introduced to both rappers by former Sugababes member Keisha Buchanan, also incorrect.
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Download the interview
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While we were speaking about what they did not do – Humes noted that they have yet to meet with J.R. Rotem, the man who produced “Everybody In Love” (along with half of everything else you hear on the radio these days). Yes, Aston Merrygold was photographed at Burger King but no, he never made it to In-N-Out Burger.
The guys did try Pinkberry for their first time - Oritsé Williams insisted he is addicted. Also while in L.A., the band wrote some new material for a forthcoming LP. Humes said that they worked with some big producers, including Toby Gad (Beyoncé’s “If I Were A Boy”).
JLS has also now encountered both the paparazzi in the UK and in the US. So, who’s more aggressive?
“We’re cool with both,” insisted Gill. “I’d say probably a bit more aggressive in the UK, obviously because we’re more known. But you know what, the paparazzi, they do their job and they help us – yunno, they give us press and they let people out there know what we’re doing.”
“It’s good that you ask, because we can squash (the rumors),” replied Marvin Humes, who called in to “The RRS” from the UK just a few months ago. “The Jay-Z connection has come from back home.”
Both Jay and JLS performed and won at The Brit Awards, which is similar to the Grammys. After the show, the “Empire State of Mind” emcee congratulated the boys at an after party by sending a bottle of champagne over to their table… of course, each person received their own bottle.
As for Mr. West, JB Gill revealed JLS has yet to rub elbows or receive gifts from him. The initial report also claimed the boys were introduced to both rappers by former Sugababes member Keisha Buchanan, also incorrect.
---
Download the interview
---
While we were speaking about what they did not do – Humes noted that they have yet to meet with J.R. Rotem, the man who produced “Everybody In Love” (along with half of everything else you hear on the radio these days). Yes, Aston Merrygold was photographed at Burger King but no, he never made it to In-N-Out Burger.
The guys did try Pinkberry for their first time - Oritsé Williams insisted he is addicted. Also while in L.A., the band wrote some new material for a forthcoming LP. Humes said that they worked with some big producers, including Toby Gad (Beyoncé’s “If I Were A Boy”).
JLS has also now encountered both the paparazzi in the UK and in the US. So, who’s more aggressive?
“We’re cool with both,” insisted Gill. “I’d say probably a bit more aggressive in the UK, obviously because we’re more known. But you know what, the paparazzi, they do their job and they help us – yunno, they give us press and they let people out there know what we’re doing.”
3.31.2010
Maroon 5's Adam Levine Gives Away Sir Paul Tix Via Twitter
I’m sure it’s happened to you at some point or another: you have tickets to a big show, but you can’t attend because you’re stuck at work. Even celebrities fall victim to this... enter Adam Levine.
Paul McCartney played the Hollywood Bowl last night, and the Maroon 5 lead singer scored tickets. But, according to the singer’s Twitter update, Levine was stuck in the studio.
You could only imagine what he was working on there if it warranted passing up Sir Paul.
Anyways, Levine followed that up with, “If you love Sir Paul as much as I do. Meet me at the chevron on the corner of la brea and sunset. Tickets await. Hurry.”
You’re a little skeptical of meeting up with Maroon 5’s front man at a gas station on Sunset Boulevard? Please, don’t be.
“P.S. I'm dead serious. He goes on in twenty minutes at the Hollywood bowl...,” tweeted Levine. “Let me reiterate this is not a hoax. Whoever gets there let me know and we will come make the hand-off.”
He later specified that the winner would be required to sing one non-Beatles McCartney tune. Less than an hour after his initial Twitter update, Levine gave away his tickets.
“Just handed over the tickets to a lovely young lady,” he said via Twitter. “The giveaway is over...she seemed so happy!!!”
Certainly that lovely young lady has a story for the ages… but I still want to know what Levine was working on. Maroon 5’s next album is untitled, and scheduled for a June release.
Paul McCartney played the Hollywood Bowl last night, and the Maroon 5 lead singer scored tickets. But, according to the singer’s Twitter update, Levine was stuck in the studio.
You could only imagine what he was working on there if it warranted passing up Sir Paul.
Anyways, Levine followed that up with, “If you love Sir Paul as much as I do. Meet me at the chevron on the corner of la brea and sunset. Tickets await. Hurry.”
You’re a little skeptical of meeting up with Maroon 5’s front man at a gas station on Sunset Boulevard? Please, don’t be.
“P.S. I'm dead serious. He goes on in twenty minutes at the Hollywood bowl...,” tweeted Levine. “Let me reiterate this is not a hoax. Whoever gets there let me know and we will come make the hand-off.”
He later specified that the winner would be required to sing one non-Beatles McCartney tune. Less than an hour after his initial Twitter update, Levine gave away his tickets.
“Just handed over the tickets to a lovely young lady,” he said via Twitter. “The giveaway is over...she seemed so happy!!!”
Certainly that lovely young lady has a story for the ages… but I still want to know what Levine was working on. Maroon 5’s next album is untitled, and scheduled for a June release.
9.25.2009
TMZ'S LESLIE HARRIS: The Night Khloe & Lamar Met
Download the mp3 
Catch Leslie on TMZ TV - Weekdays at 6 on Channel 38 - The CW.
This is one of those "Made In LaLa Land" stories...
Catch Leslie on TMZ TV - Weekdays at 6 on Channel 38 - The CW.
7.14.2009
Where I've Been...
I clicked on my blog, and I can't remember being so taken aback. The amount of posts, or rather lackthereof, in the past few weeks were beyond disappointing for me.
Not that I offended anyone or anything by this, but still, let me apologize. The past few weeks were riddled with lots of news, lots of work, and little time for blog posts. Plus, the five days I spent on vacation/in Los Angeles, along with the holiday, didn't help any.
All that aside, I enjoyed my time off and am quite happy to return to the grind. My 4th was spent in a traditional sense, balancing afternoon siestas and all night benders with BBQs, frosty beverages, and the occasional viewing of fireworks. I almost drove back to Niagara Falls for the latter part of the weekend, but decided against it, as I needed to rest/pack/prepare for my cross country trip later in the week.
The synopsis of my trip to Los Angeles is probably not what you would expect: no VIP, no Hollywood, no downtown LA, no beaches, no celebrity sightings. Although, when I arrived at the airport, there was a guy with a sign that read, "R. Aversa."
Trust me, I'm perfectly okay with that. Honestly, the only thing on my to-do list that didn't get checked off was to finally meet TMZ's Leslie Harris. But I'll catch her next time, all good.
I did meet a lot of great people - saw Burbank (NBC, WB), Pasadena, and chilled in sunnier Whittier, where I befriended a number of my friend's sorority sisters from Whittier College.
Like I said, I was perfectly okay with my trip.
However, while my health, happiness, and dignity traveled to and returned from the west coast, my BlackBerry did not. Thankfully I didn't lose too many numbers, and Verizon allowed me to upgrade to the new Tour (which btw, is amazing). But, I utilized the BBerry camera as my primary memory keeper for the trip - and the memory card on which those pictures were stored is now gone. Lesson learned.
To see the few pictures I did manage to upload before my BlackBerry was misplaced/stolen (somewhere between the Radisson LAX Valet Driver taking my rental and the shuttle to the airport), check out my Facebook page.
Oh, and what did I think of Los Angeles? The trip brought me the furthest west I'd ever been... but I'm still an east coast guy... even if my BlackBerry preferred to stick around.
Not that I offended anyone or anything by this, but still, let me apologize. The past few weeks were riddled with lots of news, lots of work, and little time for blog posts. Plus, the five days I spent on vacation/in Los Angeles, along with the holiday, didn't help any.
All that aside, I enjoyed my time off and am quite happy to return to the grind. My 4th was spent in a traditional sense, balancing afternoon siestas and all night benders with BBQs, frosty beverages, and the occasional viewing of fireworks. I almost drove back to Niagara Falls for the latter part of the weekend, but decided against it, as I needed to rest/pack/prepare for my cross country trip later in the week.
The synopsis of my trip to Los Angeles is probably not what you would expect: no VIP, no Hollywood, no downtown LA, no beaches, no celebrity sightings. Although, when I arrived at the airport, there was a guy with a sign that read, "R. Aversa."
Trust me, I'm perfectly okay with that. Honestly, the only thing on my to-do list that didn't get checked off was to finally meet TMZ's Leslie Harris. But I'll catch her next time, all good.
I did meet a lot of great people - saw Burbank (NBC, WB), Pasadena, and chilled in sunnier Whittier, where I befriended a number of my friend's sorority sisters from Whittier College.
Like I said, I was perfectly okay with my trip.
However, while my health, happiness, and dignity traveled to and returned from the west coast, my BlackBerry did not. Thankfully I didn't lose too many numbers, and Verizon allowed me to upgrade to the new Tour (which btw, is amazing). But, I utilized the BBerry camera as my primary memory keeper for the trip - and the memory card on which those pictures were stored is now gone. Lesson learned.
To see the few pictures I did manage to upload before my BlackBerry was misplaced/stolen (somewhere between the Radisson LAX Valet Driver taking my rental and the shuttle to the airport), check out my Facebook page.
Oh, and what did I think of Los Angeles? The trip brought me the furthest west I'd ever been... but I'm still an east coast guy... even if my BlackBerry preferred to stick around.
7.09.2009
Greetings from Los Angeles!
Just a quick hello... sorry, I know, been lagging on the blogging. Life is good on vacation here in sunny Los Angeles, Whittier to be exact. Never been to Cali before. Was in Burbank yesterday, checked out NBC and WB... hopefully meeting up with TMZ's Leslie Harris later today... and Angels/Yankees tomorrow night! I fly back Saturday morning.
Here are some pictures... check out more on my Facebook...
5.14.2009
TMZ'S LESLIE HARRIS: Manny Being Manny... or Barry?
Download the mp3 
Catch Leslie on TMZ TV - Weekdays at 6 on Channel 38 - The CW.
Ramirez released the following statement:
"Recently I saw a physician for a personal health issue. He gave me a medication, not a steroid, which he thought was OK to give me.
Unfortunately, the medication was banned under our drug policy. Under the policy, that mistake is now my responsibility. I've been advised not to say anything more for now.
I do want to say one other thing; I've taken and passed about 15 drug tests over the past 5 seasons.
I want to apologize to Mr. McCourt, Mrs. McCourt, Mr. Torre, my teammates, the Dodger organization, and to the Dodger fans. L.A. is a special place to me and I know everybody is disappointed. So am I. I'm sorry about this whole situation."
TMZ's Leslie Harris talks about the reaction from Los Angeles after MLB suspended former Red Sox/current Dodgers outfielder Manny Ramirez for 50 games after he failed a drug test.
Catch Leslie on TMZ TV - Weekdays at 6 on Channel 38 - The CW.
Ramirez released the following statement:
"Recently I saw a physician for a personal health issue. He gave me a medication, not a steroid, which he thought was OK to give me.
Unfortunately, the medication was banned under our drug policy. Under the policy, that mistake is now my responsibility. I've been advised not to say anything more for now.
I do want to say one other thing; I've taken and passed about 15 drug tests over the past 5 seasons.
I want to apologize to Mr. McCourt, Mrs. McCourt, Mr. Torre, my teammates, the Dodger organization, and to the Dodger fans. L.A. is a special place to me and I know everybody is disappointed. So am I. I'm sorry about this whole situation."
5.03.2009
DAILY DOWNLOAD: Jump Smokers - My Flow So Tight (Anti-Breezy)
05.01.09 : Jump Smokers - My Flow So Tight (Anti-Breezy)
Jump Smokers' front-man C.W. Grizz on The Ralphie Radio Show:
How the anti-Chris Brown song came about:
Trying to donate to charties, Rihanna's reaction:
Grizz insists during the conversation that in no way does the song advocate abuse, yet some charities are reluctant to accept proceeds of download sales from the group. The Jump Smokers lead emcee also confirms during the interview that Rihanna did in fact hear the song at a L.A. party - however he is unaware what her response to the song was.
He cites the TMZ photo of a beaten and bruised RiRi as the lead inspiration for the song. The Jump Smokers hail from Chicago.
2.09.2009
Chris Brown Booked For Alledged RiRi Assault
Sunday night should have been a magical evening for Chris Brown and Rihanna, with both scheduled to perform at The Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. However the morning hours wiped away any chance of that, with an alleged domestic violence alteraction that's left the R&B singer with a $50,000 bail and many people asking lots of questions.
Few answers are known, but here's are the facts: The Los Angeles Police Department booked Brown on Sunday for suspicion of making felony criminal threats. The crooner posted the $50 K bail and left authorities before 9 p.m. The Los Angeles Times reports that sources close to the investigation identify the female in the incident as Robin "Rihanna" Fenty. Standard procedure for the department involves not release the alledged victim's identity.
A victim tipped off police to the incident around 12:30 PST - calling 911 to inform authorities of an altercation that involved a visably-injured female. Brown left the scene before police arrived, however turned himself in later. The victim identified Brown as the attacker.
2.02.2009
No Shame In Katy's Game
People reports that she said the following to concert-goers in L.A.:
"Girls, if you have ever dated a boy – specifically the lead singer from Gym Class Heroes – don't do it! Boys should have a heart. You know what I mean girls? Boys just want the milk, but they don't want to buy the cow."
Obviously she's just a tad bitter. Pretty tacky that Katy is airing out her grievances on a concert stage, but whatev.
"Girls, if you have ever dated a boy – specifically the lead singer from Gym Class Heroes – don't do it! Boys should have a heart. You know what I mean girls? Boys just want the milk, but they don't want to buy the cow."
Obviously she's just a tad bitter. Pretty tacky that Katy is airing out her grievances on a concert stage, but whatev.
11.26.2008
AMA Winner Spills About Trip...
AND THE WINNER IS: MEGAN FROM MOUNTAIN TOP!
MEGAN WENT TO THE AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS. LIVE - IN L-A ON SUNDAY NOVEMBER 23RD.
SHE TALKED ABOUT HER TRIP WITH RALPHIE AVERSA:
POWERED BY ISLAND DEF JAM MUSIC GROUP AND 97.1... 97 BHT.
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