Certified Blogaholic

What cuts Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight Series above the rest? It’s just another sappy love story about teenagers. And a vampire falling in love with a mortal isn’t new. Buffy and Angel were the first ill-fated lovers in this genre. Other stories have followed suit — isn’t this the same plot of the new TV series True Blood?

Just when I thought I have given up on love stories, along came Twilight. Maybe no matter how hard we deny it, we still crave for undying love stories that we know can’t be real. If we can’t have it in our lives, we probably settle for reading it in a book or watching the movie. Having someone cough out lines like, “I’ll do whatever it takes to keep you safe,” “You are my life now,” or “I’d rather die than stay away from you,” reminds us of something most of us have given up looking for. Of course, blend this with the mystic and sexy nature of vampires and the thrill of a “love that cannot be” and you’ve got yourself a bestseller and a blockbuster.

Here is the new Twilight Trailer that got cyberspace buzzing yesterday before its official release. Enjoy it while waiting for the official movie release on November 21.

Word just got out that Angelina Jolie will be W Magazine’s November cover girl which will show a picture taken by Brad Pitt while breastfeeding one of her twins. She will wear a sleeveless top, opened to reveal only a part of her left breast and the baby’s hand. It is a black and white photo showing Angelina smiling with her brown hair cascading over her shoulder. The headline promises more exclusive photos taken by the proud dad.

Two years ago, Jolie caused a stir when she wore a white nursing bra underneath her tank top on the cover of another magazine after she and Pitt had daughter Shiloh, now 2 years old. Apparently, many people find it inappropriate to publicly present a photo of a woman breastfeeding her child. It really is a wonder how some people’s mind work. They make a big thing out of this, yet adult magazines proliferate with women baring their breasts to please men’s hungry eyes.

Just in case many have forgotten, breasts were naturally made for breastfeeding. Since many find it inappropriate, it may seem like there are more people who were neglected by their mothers and were not breastfed. As long as the picture was done in good taste, a breastfeeding mother represents the love and trust between a mother and her offspring. Most of us see this in other mammals. But the love and trust is never conveyed as well as humans — a mother tenderly holding her infant, caressing the baby’s hair, and smiling softly as she performs one of her greatest accomplishments.

Is it more acceptable to see a woman baring her breasts in adult magazines? These women posing nude usually take care of their breasts to keep it attractive to men — meaning that most of them refused to breastfeed their child if they had any or will refuse to breastfeed when they do have a child. It has been a common misconception that breastfeeding children will disfigure a firm and supple breast. To deem these women more acceptable is an outrage.

The most widely-read and critically-acclaimed graphic novel in history is now coming into film. Following the success of 300, Zack Snyder now attempts the near impossible as he adapts Alan Moore’s Watchmen into a 2-hour movie. Fans of the novel believe a short movie could not give justice to the sprawling epic.

During the teaser screening of a 20-minute footage of the film, those invited were treated to the energetic portrayal of some scenes in the novel. This led them to believe that Snyder did make the impossible possible. Despite unfinished visual effects and temporary music, it was obvious that Snyder was intent on his dedication to bring the original text into film.

The opening twelve minutes of the movie starts with the attack on the Comedian (Jeffery Dean Morgan) with brutal fist fights that remind you of the slow-to-fast motion of the fight scenes in the 300. However, the setting seems more natural as these were shot on actual sets instead of green screens. This was followed by the opening credits which retells the history of the book’s alternate universe.

Two more scenes from later in the film were also shown which introduces the heroes, Dr. Manhattan (Billy Crudup), Nite Owl (Patrick Wilson), Silk Spectre (Malin Ackerman), and Rorschach (Jackie Earle Haley). Judging from the scenes, it appears that the filmmakers will deliver an R-Rated adult movie that will not soften the novel’s violent, sexual, and political nature.

According to Snyder, he has shown the movie to some who have not read the novel and they have been able to follow the plot. As a matter of fact, he expressed desire to be able to watch it with fresh eyes — unaware of how the story will unfold. The film currently runs at 2 hours and 45 minutes but the later DVD edition will be expanded to include an additional animated story within the story. The movie is slated for release on March 6, 2009. Meanwhile, here’s a glimpse of the most awaited movie in 2009.

Radio jock Howard Stern married long-time girlfriend Beth Ostrosky Friday night at the Le Cirque restaurant in Manhattan. The ceremony was a private affair attended only by close friends. The bride was beautiful in a white Marchesa Grecian gown.

The couple exchanged vows which was officiated by Kelly Ripa’s hubby, Mark Consuelos. There were 180 guests which included Joan Rivers, Barbara Walters, Billy Joel and wife Katie Lee, Tommy Mottola, and Donald and Melania Trump. The wedding being a big secret, guests were told to save the date but were told only last week that the ceremony will be held midtown at 7 pm. The dress code was “no black tie” and guests were requested to give donations to the Wildlife Rescue Center in lieu of gifts. According to sources, the event raised thousands of dollars for the organization.

Showing on October 17th is the much-awaited movie, The Secret Life of Bees, from the NY Times best selling novel of Sue Monk Kidd. It stars no less than the talented Dakota Fanning, Academy-award nominees Queen Latifah and Sophie Okonedo, Academy-award winner Jennifer Hudson, and Alicia Keys.

Set in South Carolina in 1964, it is a tale of 14-year old Lily Owens (Fanning) who is haunted by the memory of her late mother (Burton). Lily flees with her caregiver, Rosaleen (Hudson), to escape her lonely life and troubled relationship with her father (Bettany). She is taken in by the Boatwright sisters (Latifah, Okonedo, and Keys) and discovers their enchanting world of beekeeping. Lily discovers a whole new world with the sisters and finds a home she has been longing for since her mother’s death. But a white girl living with a black household brings complications the sisters have feared from the start.
Read the rest of this entry »

In NBC’s “Last Comic Standing” Season 4, Mike Bochetti had the crowd in the palm of his hands. Probably one of the most difficult jobs is being a stand-up comedian. It’s a gift given to only a few. They say acting, directing, singing, or any other entertainment job can be learned. But a genuine comic can only be born.

Here is the funny Mike Bochetti for your viewing pleasure.

Scarlett Johansson and Ryan Reynolds got hitched this weekend during a small wedding ceremony near Vancouver, Canada. The ceremony took place at a remote wilderness resort outside Vancouver with only a limited guest list which include Scarlett’s mom, Melanie Sloan, and her brother, Adrian Johansson.

The 31-year old Reynolds and Johansson have been dating since February 2007 and announced their engagement just this May. Reynolds was previously engaged to Canadian singer Alanis Morissette while the 23-year old Johansson had been previously dating Josh Hartnett.

The wedding surprised many since Scarlett was planning to delay the ceremony until after the presidential elections in November. Scarlett’s brother works for the Obama campaign.

Legendary actor Paul Newman died after a long battle with cancer at the age of 83. He died Friday at his farmhouse near Westport, surrounded by family and close friends. Newman is best known for his roles in “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” “The Sting,” and his award-winning portrayal of pool shark “Fast” Eddie Felson in “The Color of Money.”
Read the rest of this entry »

Hedge Fund manager Maria Dominguez lost her case against Sean “Puff Diddy” Combs when the judge tossed the case claiming that a woman who takes off her top at Diddy’s White Party couldn’t expect much privacy. Dominguez filed a $3 million invasion-of-privacy suit when a topless picture of her was published in the November 2006 issue of Vibe captioned “Mermaids Gone Wild.”

Sean Combs’ annual White Party is famous and are subjects of public interests and news organizations. The picture of Dominguez, 28, romping in a pool with the other lovelies in sexy mermaid suits, appeared on a page that featured photographs of clothed celebrities. She claims that she was unaware of being photographed and never gave anyone permission to publish her controversial picture.

Vibe argued it didn’t need permission at a “newsworthy” event, and Judge Ling-Cohan agreed. though Dominguez charged that picture was used as advertising for the hip hop star. Combs’ counsels, however, insists that coming as a mermaid in provocative costume at a renowned party and knowing that there were swarms of photographers around should have given her an idea what she was getting into.

Clay Aiken finally discloses what has long been the subject of suspicions and rumors. He is gay. People Magazine’s cover shows Aiken holding his infant son, Parker Foster Aiken, with headlines saying, “Yes, I’m Gay.”

According to Aiken, his confirmation was motivated by his son as he claims that he cannot raise his child on lies and deceit. The baby’s mother is Aiken’s friend and record producer Jaymes Foster. Aiken gained fame as the runner-up in American Idol 2003. He has been silent for years regarding questions on his sexuality claiming that he is not obliged to answer to anyone but God and those that he loves. He recently made his broadway debut in “Monty Python’s Spamalot” and released his CD “On My Way Here.”

Reports have been circulating that Philadelphia wide receiver Hank Baskett is engaged to Playboy girl Kendra Wilkinson. The two have been dating for sometime now. Kendra’s MySpace page has been giving hints about a hero named Hank and her love for football. She has also been seen wearing the Eagle’s jerseys in her show The Girls Next Door.

Meanwhile, Baskett’s private profile claims he is in love. The 26-year old football pro has also been seen on dates with the 23-year old Playmate this weekend. It seems the Hugh Hefner’s girlfriends have decided to replace him with younger men lately. Rumors say that Playmate Holly Madison had dumped Hefner for the younger Criss Angel.

Glenn Close of “Damages” and Bryan Cranston of “Breaking Bad” captured drama awards while Tina Fey and Alec Baldwin of “30 Rock” won top comedy acting honors at Sunday’s Emmy Awards. With presidential elections upcoming in November, the recurring theme in most speeches was politics.

However, Tina Fey’s speech was my favorite where she thanked her parents for raising her to have confidence that is disproportionate with her looks and abilities. This, she claims, is what all parents should do. Fey, Sarah Palin’s lookalike, also won a trophy for best writing in a comedy series.

Meanwhile, Close exclaimed that actresses are now proving that complicated, powerful, and mature women are sexy, are high entertainment, and can carry a show. On the other hand, Cranston won the trophy for his role of a desperate man who turns to making drugs.

It is interesting how the face of advertising has been changing lately. Gone are the days of the perfect faces, perfect bodies, perfect women. These days, fashion and cosmetic companies realize that women want real women representing products to help them in deciding which ones are honest enough to offer what they need. Now, we see ugly models or those who don’t have hourglass figures in billboards and magazines. The newest non-traditional model to grace magazines is Ellen DeGeneres, one of the most famous faces in television today. Ellen is a self-confessed lesbian who just recently married her partner, Portia de Rossi, and proudly shared their special moment with the world.

Ellen DeGeneres is the new face of Covergirl which she confirmed in Tuesday’s Ellen DeGeneres Show. While the launch is still months away, Covergirl is already promoting the launch in their website — giving its customers a hint of how the company is now moving towards the new age in advertising. Judging from the initial reception the news was received, it appears like Covergirl has done a great move. However, the actual impact will only be seen when sales come in after the launch in January. What do you think? Will you patronize a beauty product supported by Ellen? Let’s wait and see.

Jennifer Hudson just got hitched. The singer actress is now engaged to David “Punk” Otunga. The I Love New York 2 star popped the question on the singer’s 27th birthday. Otunga is a Harvard Law graduate who has also worked with Rev. Jesse Jackson’s Rainbow/PUSH Coalition.

The two have been dating for less than a year. Hudson told Usmagazine.com that she has never been happier. Otunga is likewise ecstatic saying that when you are dating a Dreamgirl, you’ve got to move fast.

Following her rise to fame on American Idol, Hudson received a Best Supporting Oscar in 2007 for Dreamgirls and recently starred in the Sex and the City movie. She will return to the big screen in the movie adaptation of Sue Monk Kidd’s novel, “The Secret Life of Bees,” in October with no less than Dakota Fanning. Meanwhile, she hasn’t abandoned her singing career with her next album due for release by the end of September.

After making history in the Beijing Olympics about a month ago, Michael Phelps steps out of the pool and agrees to host the season premiere of “Saturday Night Live” this weekend. He will be on the same stage his comedy idol Chris Farley once made people laugh. His record-setting eight gold medals in China has earned him the spotlight and the hosting stint. He also continues to make the rounds on TV shows, presenting at the MTV awards, and of course making the headlines on tabloids.

He claims to be more nervous about the show than he was while on the starting block at the Water Cube in Beijing. However, it is a new experience that he looks forward to and one he hopes to enjoy. The spot at SNL has also earned him his teammates envy like Lochte who plans to tease him and make fun of him before the show.

Phelps believes there will be a sketch about him but has no idea who will play his part. Other sketches on the 90-minute show will also involve his mom, his swimsuit, and his gold medals. He knows that they will take advantage of almost every topic possible.

He laughed when it was suggested that he will take off his shirt to to show his rock-hard abs. He says that if it happens, it happens. It’s not bad as long as it’s all done in good fun. Though he is nervous, he only has this to say — “No matter what happens they can’t take those medals away.”