We Only Got Four Minutes To Save The World

Madonna & Justin Timberlake's highly anticipated duet (that I heard a rough cut of months ago) has been released!!! You can buy it for $0.99 on Amazon HERE.

I can wait to get her new album on April 29th!!!

The Boys Are Back In Town

The men who wrote the Tony-winning score for the Broadway smash-hit Spring Awakening, Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater, were honored with an induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in late February. And, I'm only just finding the tribute videos on Broadway.com now. Click HERE to watch SA OBC member John Gallagher Jr. sing "All That's Known."


I love him.

Broadway.com is also featuring a video of In The Heights opening night footage. And, they managed to catch up with the cutest Broadway star to ever set foot on the planet, Mr. Anthony Rapp.


Click HERE to watch.

And, while I'm on the subject of Broadway, did everyone hear the rumor that Kevin Federline may be joining the cast of Legally Blonde? I could definitely see that show doing some "stunt casting." I bet K-Fed would play the dancing Jamaican frat boy. Do you know who I'm talking about? And, I think he'd do a good job, because he's a great dancer. Plus, it would be nice if he made some of his own money to support himself.

A Swayze Update

Patrick Swayze's brother, Don, says that Patrick's doing "amazingly well." And during one chemo treatment, Don says Patrick told doctors, "You just wait! I'm going to be the guy that five years from now we're all going to be talking about this day." He's incredibly optimistic, and so am I!

LA Fashion Week

It looks like this years Los Angeles Mercedes Benz fashion week, in Culver City, CA, may have been one of the best ever. It featured shows from Lauren Conrad, Nicky Hilton, and Ashley Paige. But the most exciting, in my opinion, looked like it was Robin Antin's Pussycat Dolls show. Robin, a choreographer and the creator of the PCD, is a first time designer. She says she's been working very hard on this line of lingerie, and it looks like she's done a good job. And, the Pussycat Dolls themselves (minus Carmit Bachar, who recently left the group) performed at the show!








And this next model should look a tad bit familiar. It's George Clooney's girlfriend, Sarah Larson, walking in the Ashley Paige show.


And, yes, I'll have some pictures from LC's show up for you soon!

Livin' For The City

The week in review...

On Monday, March 10th, Madonna took the stage at New York's famed Waldorf-Astoria Hotel to accept her induction into Cleveland's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. And only Justin Timberlake, her newest musical partner, was worthy enough to introduce her.



First off, why did I have to arrive in New York City on the 11th and not the 10th? I so would have been camped outside of this event all day, waiting to catch a glimpse of these stars. And I must say, just when I thought Justin couldn't get any sexier, he does!!!

On Tuesday, my cousin and I went to see the new Broadway musical In The Heights, and we thought it was amazing! I would highly recommend it, because it's something that Broadway has never seen before. The hip-hop/rap/Latino music is so fresh and new. I don't think I can wait until June 3rd to get the Original Cast Recording, I need the album NOW!


I took the below picture from my original seat, but after intermission I was able to move up near the front of the balcony and had a much better view.


And, after the show, I told it's creator and star, Lin-Manuel Miranda, that there needed to be a dance floor in the audience, because I could barley sit still. He said they should do it like the Mama Mia revival, that apparently has audiences dancing up and down the aisles.

I hope he wins a Tony! And, I can promise you I'll be seeing In The Heights again.

On Wednesday, I went to see a taping of the Late Show. It was very exciting, and I've always wanted to go! David Letterman was so funny (except for when he made a joke about Applebee's, the official NYC hangout of my family and friends). Obviously, David had a lot to say about New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer and his involvement in the Emperor's Club VIP prostitution ring, but my favorite portion of the show, as always, was the Bush bashing "Great Moments in Presidential Speeches!"


The beautiful Charlize Theron was the celebrity guest, and I waited outside for around an hour before the show, with about 25 paparazzi, so that I could meet her. But, unfortunately she was late, and I had to enter the theatre before she arrived.



Oh well. I was only 8 rows away from her in the audience, and it was great to see her that close.

And, this is an interesting story: When I went to meet up with my cousin, as she got off work, I ran into... Snoop Dogg. He was on his way to a CD signing. I took a great video, but I didn't have time to snap any pictures. That just proves that anything can happen, at any time, in New York City.

On Thursday, I won the lottery for front row Young Frankenstein tickets! I'm probably the biggest Will & Grace fan you'll ever meet, and I went specifically to see Megan Mullally (who played Karen Walker), so I knew if anyone was going to win those tickets it was going to be me. And, OMG, I was so excited to win them!


The show was fantastic! It was done on a really grand scale, with huge sets, pyrotechnics, great dance numbers, and incredible costumes! And, it was hilarious! I don't think I ever stopped laughing or smiling. And being in the front row was a really awesome experience. Before the show started, I tried to sneak a photo of the curtain from my seat, but I was too close to capture it all (as seen below).


I was surprised at how good Desperate Housewives star Roger Bart was in the role of Frederick Frankenstein (who, I swear, was looking at me the whole show), and I loved both Sutton Foster (Inga) and Christopher Fitzgerald (Igor). But, of course, my favorite was Megan Mullally, who played the rich and snobby Elizabeth (who was much like Karen Walker). As soon as she walked on stage I had tears streaming down my face. It was so surreal to see her, and she was excellent! And, her first song, "Please Don't Touch Me," was one of the highlights.

And that pretty much concludes the best moments of my time in the city. Of course, the first thing that I did when I got home was rush to my computer to watch the new animated Britney Spears video, for "Break The Ice!" Now, I would much rather see Miss Spears herself strutting it as the "Toxic" inspired villain, but I did enjoy the video. It was innovative, and I give Britney credit for trying something new.


And, after watching that, I caught myself up on American Idol. I loved the new stage, the new format (with the audience phone-call questions), and most of the performances. But I'm not sure I like the idea that the top 11 will continue to sing from the Lennon-McCartney Songbook for a second week in a row.

Cheers!

In Vogue

I've been absent from the blogosphere for the past week. Reason why: I was livin' it up in New York City, and was without Internet access (except for a much-needed 15 minutes, at the New York Public Library). And it's safe to say I've missed a lot. Not only do I have nearly 18 hours of DVR'd television to catch up on, I have so much to blog about! But before I begin, I'm going to leave you with a little something about the quintessential NewYorker, miss Carrie Bradshaw (SJP):

There are only 75 days left until Sex and the City: The Movie! And its stars are gearing up for a major publicity blitz... Sarah Jessica Parker looked lovely in a Chanel suit, and a fabulous dress, with Chris Noth last week for a photoshoot shot by Annie Leibovitz for Vogue magazine!

Opening Night

Broadway's hottest new musical, In The Heights, officially opened on Sunday at the Richard Rodgers Theater. And Broadway World.com was there to get the Curtain Call coverage. Check out some pictures below:



The musical stars Lin-Manuel Miranda (the guy wearing the hat, above), who also wrote the lyrics and came up with the idea for the show. I can't wait to see this. I'm going Tuesday, March 11th!

Shot Through The Heart

On March 5th, I was lucky enough to get a ticket to Bon Jovi's Lost Highway Tour in Pittsburgh, and I'm so glad that I did! They really put on a great show, and of the 30-some big-scale concerts I've seen, it was definitely one of the best! They were so full of energy, as was the crowd, and their set list didn't fail to disappoint. They played mainly fast/audience-participation friendly songs; my favorites included "You Give Love A Bad Name," "Raise Your Hands," "It's My Life," "Have A Nice Day," and of course, "Livin' On A Prayer." And everyone's favorite "4th place" American Idol, Chris Daughtry, opened the show with his band [the biggest-selling rock band of 2007, Daughtry]. They were awesome as well! So, if you have a chance to experience this tour, please do so!

Here's a review from the Pittsburgh Post Gazette:

Jon Bon Jovi never needed the same caliber of song as elder arena rockers like Springsteen, Seger or Petty. He had that great hair and a million-dollar smile.

Twenty-five years into his career, he still does, as demonstrated Wednesday night in the first of two shows in 10 days at the Mellon Arena. Bon Jovi, in black leather jacket and black jeans, delivered all the chills and thrills of an arena spectacle while sparing everyone the burden of having to think. Message boards will not be lighting up today with folks complaining that he got "all heavy on us."

The purity of Bon Jovi is oversized, not-overly-original rock songs about love and faith with sing-song choruses and wanky, time-tested licks from Richie Sambora. They hit the stage with the title track to "Lost Highway," a fiddle slicing through the heartland rocker. What's up with both Jersey boys trying to sound like John Mellencamp these days?

With hits to spare, they quickly time-warped back to two blockbusters: the anthemic "You Give Love a Bad Name" and "Runaway," complete with the rinky-dink New Wave keyboards. From there they jumped in and out of hair-metal hits ("Bad Medicine," "Livin' on a Prayer"), faux-cowboy songs ("Blaze of Glory" and "Wanted Dead or Alive") and latter departures ("(You Want To) Make a Memory").

There was such palpable love flowing between Bon Jovi and screaming fans of all ages, you had to assume that if he had time, he would have sat down and bought each and every one of them a beer (a Coke for the teenagers). By contrast, even Springsteen, the ultimate Everyman, kind of seems like he has somewhere else to be.

For the ballad "Bed of Roses," the star, having changed into a blood-red shirt, was on a small stage in the crowd, and if he wasn't singing to the few nearby fans with genuine love, then he's a better actor than anyone thought. It was about as touching as concert shtick can get.

At 46, Bon Jovi doesn't reach for those shrill notes like he once did, and that's a plus. He was in strong voice and his energy never lagged, from "Lost Highway" to the finale of "I Love This Town." Adding to the party vibe, he even tossed bits of "Shout" and "Jumpin' Jack Flash" into the middle of the set.

Sambora got his moment in the spotlight on the soaring "I'll Be There for You," coming off like Stevie Ray Vaughan meets Celine Dion.

Standing to the side of the stage was Steve Kroft of "60 Minutes," apparently doing an investigative piece on how far you can get on good looks, hooks and charm.

Opening the show was Daughtry of "American Idol" fame. People like to slag on the Idols, but Daughtry is an authentic take-off of bands like Nickelback and Three Doors Down. His backing musicians are grungy and muscular, just like him, and he played the tormented rocker to perfection on songs like "It's Not Over" and the monster hit "Home."

A New Hope

The latest issue of Rolling Stone magazine will give readers an amazing look at "the machinery of Hope," otherwise known as the "grass-roots field operation of Barack Obama, who is transforming the way political campaigns are run." In my opinion, Rolling Stone offers the best political articles and commentary, and I can't wait to get my hands on a copy of this! This also marks the first time the magazine has endorsed a candidate for the presidency during the primary. The reason, the editors say, is because "Undoing the damage of the disastrous Bush years will take a leader who can unite a deeply divided nation, and politicians with gifts like Obama's are so rare that it's imperative for each of us to do our part. Obama has emerged by displaying precisely the kind of character and judgment we need in a president: renouncing the politics of fear, speaking frankly on the most pressing issues facing the country and sticking to his principles."

Nothing Puts Patrick In A Corner

After Wednesday's absolutely devastating news, that Patrick Swayze has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, Patrick's doctor says he's "optimistic." Dr. George Fisher says in a statement, "Patrick has a very limited amount of disease and he appears to be responding well to treatment thus far. All of the reports stating the time frame of his prognosis and his physical side effects are absolutely untrue. We are considerably more optimistic." And, according to Patrick's rep, he's continuing his "normal schedule."

This positive information is something I really needed to hear, because I am incredibly heartbroken over this situation, and wish Patrick the speediest of recoveries! He was the first celebrity I ever met, and can be credited with my "Professional Crazed Fan" status. He, and his family, will be in my thoughts and prayers.

More Of Baby Harlow

She is so pretty, and I am just loving these exclusive photos from People magazine!

McCain Seals The Deal

After winning 4 primaries [in Texas, Ohio, Rhode Island, and Vermont] on Tuesday night, John McCain has won the Republican presidential nomination.

As for the Democrats, Hillary Clinton won both Texas and Ohio [critical primary states] on Tuesday, and the battle between her and Barack Obama wages on.

Do you think the appearance of Eva Longoria had anything to do with Hillary's wins? Haha.

Run For The Hills

On March 24th MTV's The Hills will be back! And it looks like a trip to Paris won't be the only change of location for the LA based show... Lauren, Lo, and Audrina have recently moved into a new house. And, Lauren got a puppy from the pound. Her name is Chloe, just like my dog!!!

On The Newsstands

Doesn't this dress look familiar? Well, it should. It's from Dolce and Gabbana's Spring 2008 collection. Not too long ago I posted a picture of Gwen Stefani wearing it (in green) on her new album cover. Now Jessica Alba. I must say, this is a pretty popular dress!

Update: The dress is also pictured in this months BAZAR magazine.

Stand By Me

Check out one of my all-time favorite videos of (a 17-year-old) Britney Spears, singing "Stand By Me" with british comedian Stefan Raab. Click HERE. It's one of the few videos where you can hear Britney singing with her "real" voice, and not the sexy voice we're all familiar with. Enjoy!

Give Big

Don't miss the series premiere of Oprah's Big Give, Sunday night on ABC, 9 PM. On the show, a diverse, determined and competitive group of ten people are given the challenge of a lifetime, to change the lives of complete strangers in the most creative and dramatic ways. To give, rather than to get. And I have to mention that it's hosted by cutie-pie designer Nate Berkus!

McCain, It's Your Turn

First, there was Barack.


Then, Mike Huckabee.


Now, Hillary Clinton has made a cameo appearance on Saturday Night Live.


We should expect to see John McCain within the next few weeks.

On Broadway

Just when I was gearing up to commemorate La Vie RENT, I heard Original Broadway Cast members Anthony Rapp and Adam Pascal would reprise their roles [as Mark and Roger] in the show's upcoming national tour!!! A full tour route will be announced shortly and will begin in January 2009.


And in other Broadway news, rumors are flying that Nicole Richie has been offered the lead role in Chicago [as Roxie Heart]. I hope this is true! I remember, on the series premiere episode of The Simple Life, Nicole was asked, “Where do you see yourself in five years?” She replied, “I hope to be living in New York and doing Broadway.” Well, it’s five years later and it looks like her dream may come true.

And don’t forget to check out episode two of the online musical series, The Battery’s Down! Once again, there’s an extremely catchy song, and I can't stop listening to it. Click HERE.



Update: Mario Lopez will make his Broadway debut this April when he joins the cast of A Chorus Line.

We Are One. We Are The Ones.

Will.i.am has done it again! He's made another absolutely inspiring music video (ft. various celebrities) about the excitement surrounding Barack Obama and his campaign. Our campaign. This is SO what politics should be about: people coming together, getting excited to make a difference, excited to make change! Click HERE to watch the video. And just so you know, if you’re not yet involved in Obamania, I truly feel sorry for you. You’re missing out on something special.


Meanwhile, my favorite Lakers fan, Jack Nicholson, uses his most famous characters to stump for Hillary Clinton in a new ad. You can watch it HERE.

Angelina's Stand On Iraq

On February 28th, Angelina Jolie wrote an op-ed piece for the Washington Post, titled "A Reason to Stay in Iraq." No, the reason is not to continue the war-on-terrorism; it's to help boost the humanitarian efforts for the millions of refugees our war has displaced. You can read the article below (and enjoy some more pictures from the recent Brangelina ski trip):

The request is familiar to American ears: "Bring them home."

But in Iraq, where I've just met with American and Iraqi leaders, the phrase carries a different meaning. It does not refer to the departure of U.S. troops, but to the return of the millions of innocent Iraqis who have been driven out of their homes and, in many cases, out of the country.

In the six months since my previous visit to Iraq with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, this humanitarian crisis has not improved. However, during the last week, the United States, UNHCR and the Iraqi government have begun to work together in new and important ways.

We still don’t know exactly how many Iraqis have fled their homes, where they've all gone, or how they're managing to survive. Here is what we do know: More than 2 million people are refugees inside their own country -- without homes, jobs and, to a terrible degree, without medicine, food or clean water. Ethnic cleansing and other acts of unspeakable violence have driven them into a vast and very dangerous no-man's land. Many of the survivors huddle in mosques, in abandoned buildings with no electricity, in tents or in one-room huts made of straw and mud. Fifty-eight percent of these internally displaced people are younger than 12 years old.

An additional 2.5 million Iraqis have sought refuge outside Iraq, mainly in Syria and Jordan. But those host countries have reached their limits. Overwhelmed by the refugees they already have, these countries have essentially closed their borders until the international community provides support.

I'm not a security expert, but it doesn't take one to see that Syria and Jordan are carrying an unsustainable burden. They have been excellent hosts, but we can't expect them to care for millions of poor Iraqis indefinitely and without assistance from the U.S. or others. One-sixth of Jordan's population today is Iraqi refugees. The large burden is already causing tension internally.

The Iraqi families I've met on my trips to the region are proud and resilient. They don't want anything from us other than the chance to return to their homes -- or, where those homes have been bombed to the ground or occupied by squatters, to build new ones and get back to their lives. One thing is certain: It will be quite a while before Iraq is ready to absorb more than 4 million refugees and displaced people. But it is not too early to start working on solutions. And last week, there were signs of progress.

In Baghdad, I spoke with Army Gen. David Petraeus about UNHCR's need for security information and protection for its staff as they re-enter Iraq, and I am pleased that he has offered that support. General Petraeus also told me he would support new efforts to address the humanitarian crisis "to the maximum extent possible" -- which leaves me hopeful that more progress can be made.

UNHCR is certainly committed to that. Last week while in Iraq, High Commissioner Antonio Guterres pledged to increase UNHCR's presence there and to work closely with the Iraqi government, both in assessing the conditions required for return and in providing humanitarian relief.

During my trip I also met with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, who has announced the creation of a new committee to oversee issues related to internally displaced people, and a pledge of $40 million to support the effort.
My visit left me even more deeply convinced that we not only have a moral obligation to help displaced Iraqi families, but also a serious, long-term, national security interest in ending this crisis.

Today's humanitarian crisis in Iraq -- and the potential consequences for our national security -- are great. Can the United States afford to gamble that 4 million or more poor and displaced people, in the heart of Middle East, won't explode in violent desperation, sending the whole region into further disorder?
What we cannot afford, in my view, is to squander the progress that has been made. In fact, we should step up our financial and material assistance. UNHCR has appealed for $261 million this year to provide for refugees and internally displaced persons. That is not a small amount of money -- but it is less than the U.S. spends each day to fight the war in Iraq. I would like to call on each of the presidential candidates and congressional leaders to announce a comprehensive refugee plan with a specific timeline and budget as part of their Iraq strategy.

As for the question of whether the surge is working, I can only state what I witnessed: U.N. staff and those of non-governmental organizations seem to feel they have the right set of circumstances to attempt to scale up their programs. And when I asked the troops if they wanted to go home as soon as possible, they said that they miss home but feel invested in Iraq. They have lost many friends and want to be a part of the humanitarian progress they now feel is possible.

It seems to me that now is the moment to address the humanitarian side of this situation. Without the right support, we could miss an opportunity to do some of the good we always stated we intended to do.