Happy Independence Day Dominican Republic!

On this day, like a million years ago, Dominican Republic got it's independence from Haiti. It seems like my people never caught a break. First, they were torn apart by the Spanish. Then Haiti takes over. Then dictator Trujillo kills who knows how many innocent people AND then the U.S.A invades (providing Dominicans with their fascination for baseball). A lot of stuff has gone down in that little island. I'm surprised it's still there, but I am shocked at how little attention it is given in the history books. Dominican Republic has been an island of firsts in America.

Make sure you go out and have a PRESIDENTE beer today and celebrate. That's what I'll be doing at Paladar tonight in the lower east side.

Oscars: What worked and what fell flat

I have to say, I think that the Oscars were an overall better experience than the last 3 shows they have televised. These people know they are in danger, the ratings were at an all time low. It was time for a big changes. I think some of these paid off and some did not. Here is my list.

FABULOUS:

1. Bringing past Oscar winners as multiple presenters worked amazingly well in the categories were awards were given to women. It was a really good way to show that it really is an honor just to be nominated and to see a human side to these actresses. They all responded with teary eyes and gratitude.

2. Hugh Jackman does it all. The man can sing, dance, act, look hot, be funny. I mean, he looked like he was actually loving it up there. It seemed like it was his for the taking.

3. Sean Penn winning for MILK was amazing. He deserved the award, unlike Mickey R who was the favorite for playing a character that is basically his own life story, except he's a wrestler.

4. Penelope was so cute with her speech. She made me so excited for her. Her speech was warm and it showed that she has different layers, aside from just being gorgeous.

5. Anne Hathaway sings really well. Like, really.

6. Tina Fey and Steve Martin bring it. The writters were full force at the awrads and their bit was very funny. Tina seems like someone who could actually host the awards one day.

NOT FABULOUS:

1. The musical is not back. That whole routine with Beyonce and all the dancing and singing was way too long and boring. I was hating every second and why the F*** does Beyonce have to be in EVERYTHING!??!

2. The past Oscars winners presenting worked great for the women, but for the men it was horrible to watch. They forgot their lines, the jokes fell flat, and it was not as heartwarming as it could have been. They should make the men's intro next time a little more comedic. Seems like the gents are better at this.

3. What the hell was that whole best song performance all about? I was kinda sitting there trying to figure out who was the idiot that came up with this. First of all, why is Slumdog nominated twice in that same category? Out of all the songs in soundtracks this year, you mean to tell me that those 2 were some of the best? I FIND THAT HARD TO BELIEVE!

Second, Why is John Legend singing with these guys in some weird Hindi/R&B mix? That part of the show made me cringe, a lot. BUT, I loved how Alicia Keys was presenting immediately after this and she looks like she was about to bust out laughing from all that lameness.

Let's hope that for next years show the academy imrpoves on what worked and gets rid of what fell flat. I will be watching.

The Drag race is ON!

Omigod.
You have not seen true awesomeness until you watch RuPauls Drag Race!
This show has so many different elements to it and its so hilarious. RuPaul brings out every and any Diva he can think of giving you all types of looks. He is such a good entertainer. He controls everything down to the inflections he uses in speech. It is easy to see how he got so famous.
I just sat here and watched the first 3 episodes and all I can say is that I will be an idiot not to become absolutely obsessed with this show. OBSESSED!
I live for this now. And let the record show that aside from Family Guy reruns, this is the only show I am watching as of now because TV is on a downward spiral.

If Britney can do it, so can Lindsay

I am still holding on to some sort of hope that Lindsay Lohan will come back and make it out of whatever pit she's in. If Britney can go ape shit on everyone, buzz all her hair, get fat, show her cooch and have drama with her ex taking custody of her kids, then Lindsay can overcome as well. I saw her in Interview magazine and I thought she looked pretty good. Plus she has some new movie called Labor Pains coming out in a couple of months and the plot is promising...

Lil' Kim is dancing with the stars

The queen B is going to be on prime time. I am scared because you just never know what is going to come out of her. She will be trying to upstage everyone, so it might be fun to see what type of crazy mess she gets into. Having that said, I hate this show and all its guts, so maybe I will just youtube it in a few weeks.

That shopaholic movie just stole my 12 bucks.

Seems like I have had incredibly bad judgement when it comes to the recent movie choices I have made. Just the other day I complained about the Hes just not that into you movie and sadly I am on here again reporting that Hollywood has tricked me yet again and this time with an even worse movie called Shopaholic. I almost walked out. I really did, but I got lazy and had nothing else to do anyway, so I stayed and watched in anguish. Who the hell is this movie made for? Hes just not that into you was made for crazy neurotic women, but at least it was made for women. This movie was made for 7 year old girls or something. It was sad. Maybe I need other people to go tell me what to watch because clearly I have put way too much credibility on these so called trailers.
DO NOT LET THE TRAILERS DECEIVE YOU PEOPLE! SAVE YOUR MONEY!

oh, and that Isla Fisher is no Amy Adams. and wont ever be. ever.

I'm just not that into terrible plot lines...

Went to see He's just not that into you and I figured out 3 things:
1. I am allergic to Jennifer Aniston.
2. Scarlett is playing the same character she played in Vicky Cristina Barcelona
3. I will never get those 12 dollars back. Never.

This movie made women look like neurotic freaks that have the intelligence level of a donkey. The sad part is that in the movie theater my friend and I spotted a lot of women that were relating to this mess. They really "understood" the message of the movie. I think these girls have problems and they watch movies like these so they can reassure themselves that in the end it will all be a happy ending and some man is going to come along and love you even if you are crazy.

Julie & Julia

Sometimes you get distracted from the things that are really important in life. You work so hard, you have relationship issues, you miss a certain someone, and you forget to slow down. The moments when you do the simplest of things are when you are probably the happiest. This book is re-affirming the notion that simplicity is the key to life. Julie Powell took a Julia Child cookbook and blogged for an entire year about her experience recreating the dishes. I just bought this book and I’m only up to chapter 3, but I have a feeling that it’s going to be inspiring. I picked it up not only because I like Julia Child, but because there is a movie in the works that will star Amy Adams as Julie and Meryl Streep as Julia Child. Now I find myself wanting to know more about Julia Child and I think after this I will pick up the memoirs of her life in Paris…

Rihanna gets the beat down...

Rumor has it that Chris Brown and Rihanna got into an argument and then Chris went ahead and smacked her. Can you believe it? He is on the same list I have R.Kelly on. The "you are dead to me' list. I mean, the only way this could be acceptable is if it was in self defense and Rihanna was about to beat him with a bat or a hammer, but please. Most likely this was not the case. Stay tuned because I'm sure that TV land won't shut up about this all of this week.

Jennifer Hudson sings the national anthem like I've never heard.

I don't watch the Superbowl, but I saw Jennifer Hudson's performance last night online. She is visibly in a different state, does not smile once, but when she sings that song its like she's singing for her life! What an amazing rendition of our national anthem. I don't think I've heard a better one to date. Amazing!

(go here to watch full video)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YZYK7SU3qQ