One Director to Rule Them All

It's a travesty! The New York Times has printed that Peter Jackson, the Oscar-winning director of the incredible Lord of the Ring trilogy, won't be in charge of the big-screen adaptation of its prequel, The Hobbit. Can you imagine someone else being the director of that movie? It really is unthinkable. Jackson has done more than a superb job of bringing J.R.R. Tolkien's novels to life, and the movie studio, New Line Cinema, is casting him aside. What makes it even harder to comprehend is that the studio has rights to the book until 2009 so, why the rush? Jackson explained it all on the website, theonering.net, just last week.

Allegedly, New Line Cinema has yet to pay up for Jackson's work on the trilogy. However, the movie studio claims that Jackson has made more than enough money from the franchise and is only pretending to be the victim. Compounded by the prodding of Jackson's company, Wingnut Films (They sued in February 2005.), New Line Cinema ultimately decided to let go of Peter Jackson to the dismay of his fans. Even The Hobbit producer (Saul Zaentz) and star (Ian McKellan) have released statements expressing their disappointment at New Line Cinema's decision.

One has to ask if Harry Potter 1 and 2 would have been as disappointing as they were had Chris Columbus not taken the job? What if Bryan Singer (director of X-Men 1 and 2) remained as the man behind the lens for X-Men 3: The Last Stand? How will the movie adaptation of The Golden Compass fare when the director of American Pie, Chris Weitz, is not only directing but writing the piece? It is only recently that I realized the importance of hiring the right directors for films. They are the ones with the visions. They are the ones who draw in the star power by the mere mention of their names. They are the ones who make or break the difference between an Oscar nomination and an Oscar win.

Calling All Freshness Lovers!

Recently, I saw a Febreze commercial for their new product, Scentstories. With Christmas creeping on us, I thought that would make a great present for my mom because she loves candles. She keeps them around the house, ever prepared for the blackout that will never come. Seriously though, she just adores the scents. Then, I went back on my train of thought, and I decided against buying Scentstories. After all, my mom's picky, and Scentstories wouldn't be the same thing as candles. She'd be limited to the scents available on the Febreze discs that come with the product. Also, I can't buy her just one because what about all the other rooms in the house? Why, they'd be jealous of the one room she puts the Scentstories in.

However, gadgets such as Scentstories aren't possible arsonists. So, they are safer to use than candles. In addition, a CSI: Miami episode replay that I watched a few days ago may have sealed the deal. Basically, they were able to catch the killer thanks to an aromatic disbursement unit. They already knew who was in the room at what time, but it was the unit that revealed to them the time the murder occurred. (Who knew, right?) Although the Febreze product doesn't have that particular function, if I gave an aromatic disbursement unit to my mom and God forbid, anything happens to her, then at least the police would know who did it. It's like a security alarm in that it helps out the authorities, but it smells good while doing so.

Celebrity Moms: An Oxymoron or Just Morons?

Can you believe Gwen Stefani has a new video out already? It's only been a few months since she gave birth to her son. As if that wasn't enough, she'll have an album to match of course. In addition, she's busy with her LAMB fashion line, which is coming out in the spring of 2007. Not to mention the fact that she has her pre-baby body back. I'm torn on this issue of celebrity moms to say the least.

On one hand, they further girl power, if you will, just like any other career mom. We, as women, deserve to have careers as much as men do. (Being a housewife doesn't count.) On the other hand, what about the kids? Families, in which the moms are at work, certainly have dads in the office, too. So, who's left to take care of the children? They don't belong in a world where there's a party every night. Is it selfish of these celebrities to work and have kids? Or is it admirable?

In addition, celebrity moms put even more pressure on women and the "ideal" body. Supposedly, it's much more understandable when a woman has love handles and cottage cheese after giving birth, but not anymore. Thank you, Hollywood! We kneel down and bow before you.

Yeah, right.

Still, I didn't even know about post-partum depression till Brooke Shields. I always had this idea that having kids would be a blast. Sure, I know it's going to be hard with college tuitions and all, but the really ugly side never occurred to me. As it turns out, Kate Hudson went through post-partum depression as well--albeit with less media coverage. It's like post-partum depression is the incest of our generation, taboo-wise. So, if there weren't any celebrity moms, fewer people would know about this illness.

Perhaps, even fewer women would be motivated to get back in shape after their pregnancy. They may not believe that it's possible, or they don't know where to start. Celebrity moms can help them along in this situation. That is, if you want to look at the brightside of their thinness. Moreover, fewer women would be uplifted by the likes of Courtney Cox-Arquette and Julia Roberts who underwent in vitro fertilization and pregnancy late in the game, respectively.

Al-Jazeera Arrives on US Soil...or Do They?

According to USA Today, the Arab news network, Al-Jazeera will be shown in "70 million housejolds worldwide" in its English format starting this Wednesday. Al-Jazeera understands the importance of a news network with no ties to the government. They cater to the people's thirst for knowledge, and nothing else. They will certainly cover underdeveloped countries, which has been ignored by most mainstream media.

However, the response from the White House and the Pentagon has been cool at best. In addition, "in the USA, most cable firms have refused to give [Al-Jazeera] channel space." In other words, it will be mostly available here. Unfortunately, this isn't much change to those who already surf its homepage.

Why isn't the West more accepting of an Arab channel?

After all, there are a few Caucasian Al-Jazeera correspondents like Dave Marash. If 9/11 never happened, would most Americans still feel this way? Then again, I think that it was 9/11 that sparked most people's interest in international news in the first place. Yes, it was that fateful day that stirred hatred for Arab nations, but it's also possible that if 9/11 never happened, most people wouldn't even be remotely interested in the Middle East. Al-Jazeera will, at the very least, help us know our "enemy" as well as they know us.

Congratulations!

Congratulations to newly engaged couple, Ellen Pompeo and Chris Ivery!

Ivery, 38, proposed to Pompeo on her 37th brithday last Friday.

Unbeknownst to the happy couple, they actually only lived 10 miles apart. However, they've only been dating for three years after they met at a grocery store.

A Dove-ly Website

I was originally going to talk about the website of a Philippine newspaper, but as I was browsing through their articles, I stumbled on one about the Dove campaign (and an interesting one about Lost star, Evangeline Lilly). I was surprised to find out that the Dove campaigns that were going on here were also present in other countries. There's one in Canada, the UK, New Zealand, and many more. Had I been called on, I would have presented this foreign website.

According to the article I read about it, the company distributed surveys at the start of the campaign in which only 5% of Filipinas thought they were beautiful. Later in the campaign, another survey was handed out where 15% felt they were beautiful. I know that isn't very much, but it's definitely a good start. Anyone can share their stories online, read others' stories, and/or donate to the Dove Self-Esteem Fund, which aims to inspire young girls and widen their definitions of beauty.

Unlike the campaign here, the Philipines used 7 local celebrities as their spokespersons. I think that was a smart move because it's hard enough to break down the barriers of society's definition of beauty, let alone with ordinary people, if you will. Celebrities have a better chance of getting through to their audience. After all, majority of them have solid fanbases. Look what they did for being unrealistically thin. Unfortunately, there are very few plus-sized celebrities, if any at all. The only lucrative one I can think of is Queen Latifah.

However, she's already working for CoverGirl. There are actresses, Camryn Manheim (The Practice, Ghost Whisperer) and Monique, but they aren't half as successful or appealing as Queen Latifah. Maybe, with the success of Ugly Betty, America Ferrera, could champion Dove's cause. In the Philippines, 2 out of the spokespersons are plus-sized. In addition, all 7 of them are from different fields--from models to actresses to editors to VJs.

Last but not least, I'd like to end with a quote from Pam Pastor, one of the Filipina celebrities' who shared her story:

"I've seen beauty in old men with big hearts, in people willing to risk their lives for others, in selflessness, in fearlessness, in perseverance, in people's ability to pick up broken pieces, in a person's strength to turn their back on stability and pursue a passion, in their willingness to share so much of themselves with the world. I see beauty in imperfection, beauty in chaos, beauty in the eccentric. I think it's a big gift to be able to find beauty in the unconventional."

Good Faith

That's what NBC has shown Aaron Sorkin's television show, Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. According to E News, the network has ordered a full season despite the show's average ratings. Finally, someone's getting it right.

Herbal Essences Stinks

Yesterday, although I only caught the end of the latest Herbal Essences commercial, I still hated it. Imagine if I actually saw the wretched thing in its entirety! It showed an Asian girl with blonde hair speaking in a Swedish accent. She was talking about how she wanted blonde hair and how Herbal Essences helped her achieve that. I immediately took offense. How can white people be so egocentric? (At least those who made that ad. I would be surprised if an Asian was involved in creating that commercial. They should have had SJSU students in charge.) Hello? Not all Asians want to be more like Caucasians (a.k.a. blondes).

Some of us like ourselves the way we are, thank you very much. Some of us embrace our ethnicity. In the world we live in today, it's hard enough to accept ourselves for who we are. We certainly don't need a commercial like that messing around with our climb up Maslow's hierarchy of needs. What were they thinking? That commercial is just demeaning. It's definitely damaging to every little Asian girl's self-esteem. It sends the message to people that they can't flaunt what they were born with. What else can be expected from a lously tagline like, "Not born blonde?"

Yes, women change their hair color all the time so, why am I taking offense to this commercial and not say, L'oreal? I suppose I'm offended by the Herbal Essences commercial because of the race card. How can I not be? It's akin to someone making fun of my mother. Now, I have nothing against Asian ladies who want to change their hair color to blonde. They can do so of their own accord. That's their right. If they feel that they were born with the wrong hair color, then by all means, pull the ol' switcheroo.

However, this commercial airs nationwide, affecting millions. It imposes the idea on people to go blonde. At least, John Frieda's products in magazine ads cater to redheads, blondes, or brunettes. They target hair colors, not ethnicities. That's the smart way to do it--everyone fits into one of those categories, but not everyone's Asian. Plus, if Herbal Essences intentionally tailored that ad for Asians, they're on the losing end because some, like me, will hate it. Then again, the Dove campaign has been making valiant attempts to smash society's definition of beauty into smithereens. Unfortunately, for every step we take forward, we take two steps back.

Remember, Remember the 5th of November

Remember, remember the 5th of November,
Gunpowder, treason and plot,
I see no reason why gunpowder, treason
Should ever be forgot...

Anyone who's explored a website, seen The Avengers episode entitled November 5, read, or watched V for Vendetta (which I highly recommend) knows what I'm talking about. It was 1603 and Queen Elizabeth I had just passed away. She had persecuted Catholics and her heir, James I, continued the tradition. So, a group of 13 men under Robert Catesby planned to blow away the House of Parliament--literally. Word of their plot reached the ears of the authorities.

On November 5, 1605, Guy Fawkes, the conspirator in the basement with the gunpowder, was put to death. Bonfires were lit that very night "to celebrate the safety of the King." Every year from then on, Guy Fawkes effigies were lit on fire and fireworks were put on display. One can't help but wonder who the English are commemorating--the King or the Guy. After all, the celebration is not only called Bonfire Night but Guy Fawkes Night.

Remember, remember: One man's terrorist is another man's hero.

The Sun Has Set on Studio 60

Sigh. Another one bites the dust. Professor Lilly was talking about Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip today, so I decided to blog about the fabulous show. I first learned of its possible fate last Monday when a Friday Night Lights replay aired in its place. Upon googling the show, I found an online source saying that there are three more episodes to look forward to, but this is more of a "contractual move" on the network's part. Apparently, Studio 60 just can't compete with CSI: Miami. The latter is drawing in twice as many viewers. Also, despite initial rave reviews, the critics have made a 360 and become Indian givers.

They're taking back their reviews.

Some are saying it's just Aaron Sorkin (writer of The West Wing) stroking his own ego. Not true. Can you feel the jealousy? It's definitely in the air. Then, there are those who think that the show isn't successful at making us care enough about the characters to tune in every Monday. Again, I'd have to disagree. For one thing, there's the relationship between Matthew Perry's character and Heather. Given the chance, they could be the next Ross and Rachel. Also, there have been acclaimed guests such as Sting and Lauren Graham (Gilmore Girls).

Others say that it's not funny enough. I guess that's why Studio 60 isn't the success that 30 Rock is even though they're both satires about the innerworkings of a Saturday Night Live-ish show. However, it should be taken into consideration that 30 Rock needs to be funny for 30 minutes only as opposed to Studio 60's one hour. Plus, I happen to find Studio 60 filled with nothing but wit. It pokes fun of religions, politics, celebrities and all that jazz. Even now, America isn't ready for a satire. As Professor Lilly pointed out, the audience just doesn't get that the show is satiric in nature and that's the whole point.

Love Her or Hate Her

We all know the song that plays as a part of the Chocolate cellphone commercial. "Love me or hate me/It's still an obsession/Love me or hate me/That is the question/If you love me then, thank you/If you hate me then, f*ck you..." The question is do you know the voice behind the song.

Name: Louisa Harman
Alter Ego: Lady Sovereign
Fans call her: Sov or S-O-V
Age: 20
Height: 5'1 (a self-described "big midget")
Record Company: Jay-Z's Def Jam
Inspiration: Ms. Dynamite

Her music has been described as "genre bending." Think Missy Elliot's hip-hop, Avril Lavigne's attitude (They both disdain miniskirts and cleavage.), and Eminem's rapping skills. These days, it's getting harder and harder to classify artists and their songs. Many of them can't be confined to the limits of just pop or rock. Thanks to downloading, cds are a dying art. Hence, artists are crossing all genre borders in an effort to revive the endangered media. Only time will tell if this move will appeal or alienate a wider audience.

Lady Sovereign (Sov) chats about the probabilities of her success in America here. She even has her own MySpace page which boasts of 80, 000 friends according to The New York Times. Sov is the first British artist to hold the number one spot on MTV's video countdown, TRL. She is just one of the latest British acts to invade the American music scene. There are a number of breakthrough artists such as Snow Patrol, Corrine Bailey Rae, Keane, James Blunt, and KT Tunstall. Some of the most successful music acts may very well be Coldplay and the Spice Girls.

According to Wikipedia, this movement dates back to the Beatles. The Yoko factor may have put a stop to the fab four, but the British tidal wave continues to head for our shores. Do Americans have an affinity with the Brits simply because they're foreign and by default, fascinating? I'd like to think good music is good music, regardless of who makes it. I never even knew that some of my favorite artists were British, let alone allow that fact to brainwash me into liking them. The songs have voices of their own.