Category: General

Paul McCartney Debuts “My Valentine” Video — Beautiful

I never take for granted that we still have a living Beatle who is producing great music. And in addition to his great music, he’s also adept enough at today’s generation to know how to produce a great music video, and to know how to promote it in a way that garners the attention it deserves. In fact, a large part of that is owed to his daughter, Stella McCartney, who hosted a premiere of his “My Valentine” video at her Stella McCartney boutique. When asked about the idea for the video, McCartney said:

“I wasn’t sure that I wanted to do the big, million dollar music video thing. Stella suggested that I do something really simple. ‘You know Natalie,’ she said. ‘Ring Natalie up and just ask her if she will sign to your song.‘ She agreed and then I realized that I needed [another person] so I asked Johnny and he was kind enough to agree to do it. A week after Stella had mentioned the idea, I was back here in L.A. filming it with the great cinematographer Wally Pfister [Inception, The Dark Knight]. […] Also, I must just point out also that Johnny is really playing the guitar solo. That’s him playing. The boy is good.”

Thank you, Paul for showing that music can still be simple and beautiful. Watch the video below.

Howard Stern’s Sirius Lawsuit Dismissed

Howard Stern might be the only guy in history to sue his employer during his employment and still manage to produce amazing content. And speaking of amazing content, I can only guess that his anger over having his lawsuit dismissed will only facilitate his coveted on-air outrage. Stern sued Sirius XM for $350 million after the two companies merged, claiming that his original contract with Sirius guaranteed him stock awards based on an increase subscriber numbers. Sirius XM argued that the XM subscribers don’t count toward the numbers, because Stern’s contract guaranteed him stock awards based only on an increase in Sirius subscribers. Stern countered that Sirius would not be in a position to merge if not for him, and if the merger made Sirius XM one company then he is owed money based on the increase in subscribers to that one company. But the Judge disagreed, saying, “While it may be true that Stern and Buchwald hoped and expected to reap the benefits from any significant growth that Sirius experienced after they entered into the agreement, that subjective expectation cannot suffice to override the clear, unambiguous language of the agreement.” Though I understand Stern’s argument, there’s a very important lesson to be learned here. If you ever join a company, make sure you contract accounts for a merger. Judges rule based on the law, not fairness.

Lisa Lampanelli v. Dayana Mendoza — Lampanelli is a Vicious Bully

Lisa Lampanelli’s behavior on Celebrity Apprentice placed her on my Dishmaster shit-list, and her despicable attacks on Dayana Mendoza during Sunday’s episode solidified that status for eternity. I actually think Lampanelli is a bigot, and the language barrier between her and Mendoza is what breeds Lampanelli’s assertions that Mendoza is “stupid.” Translation? — She’s vicious, and it’s unacceptable. I’m shocked that no one told-off Lampanelli in the clip below. In fact, I think she needs medication.

Lisa Lampanelli v. Lou Ferrigno — Lisa’s a Bully

This post is a week delayed, but it was so disturbing it could not go unmentioned. When Lisa Lampanelli found herself in the boardroom next to Lou Ferrigno on Celebrity Apprentice, she fought to the death to stay in the competition, which included verbally beating Lou Ferrigno to a pulp. If you’d like to see a bully in action, watch the clip below. I actually felt sorry for Lou Ferrigno. Just because you’re on a reality show doesn’t excuse acting like an assh*le.

Cheryl Burke & William Levy Dance Argentine Tango — Kill It!

The Argentine Tango has always been my favorite dance on Dancing With the Stars, and Cheryl Burke is one of my favorite professional dancers who doesn’t get the credit she deserves. She gets the best out of her partners, and her choreography is complicated without being over-the-top. And it doesn’t hurt that William Levy is not only talented, but he’s easy on the eyes. They easily stole the night with the Argentine Tango. Watch below.

Maria Menounos & Derek Hough Dance Salsa — Ego-Mania?

There’s something about Maria Menounos and Derek Hough’s salsa dance tonight that rubbed me the wrong way (no pun intended). Perhaps it was Derek Hough’s insatiable desire to show-off his body, or Maria’s faux-coy act. Either way, it didn’t work. I finally understand Howard Stern’s rants about how the male dancers’ egos have become to big for the show. Watch below.

Maksim & Melissa Dance the Salsa — Maksim is Shirtless

Every week that Dancing With the Stars airs I get an inevitable call from my mother, which involves an endless monologue about Maksim Chmerkovskiy’s hotness. “Mother,” I say, “I know, I know. What do you want me to do about it?” But this week was particularly different, and I’m forced to jump on board my mother’s drooling train. Not only did the man dance a very sexy salsa routine — but he also had his shirt open the entire time. Did I mention he was covered in sweat? Alright, I must stop now. Watch below, and note how the judges never have anything nice to say about him no matter how good his routine. It’s tough being beautiful.

Quote of the Day — Billy Joe Armstrong on Axl Rose: “He’s Crazy”

“Shut up. He was the greatest frontman to ever step in front of a microphone. But he is … crazy. And I can vouch for that.” Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong’s reaction to the audience’s boos when Axl Rose’s name was mentioned during Armstrong’s Guns N’ Roses induction speech. Despite Axl’s absence, three of the original members were present, including: Slash, Duff McKagan, and Stephen Adler.

Rachel Dratch Continues Self-Hate Tirade — I’ve Had Enough

I like self-deprecating humor just as much as the next person, but even The Dishmaster has a boiling point. Former Saturday Night Live performer Rachel Dratch is promoting her new book, which involves endless confessions about how by “Hollywood standards” she’s considered a “troll, ogre, woodland creature or manly lesbian.” She also recounts how Tina Fey replaced her character on 30 Rock, and how the media subsequently speculated that Dratch wasn’t attractive enough for the part. I’ve had it with Rachel Dratch. I realize that controversy sells books, but there comes a point where self-deprecating humor just becomes sad. She’s not ugly, and I’m sick of hearing her proclaim otherwise — even if it’s a joke.

The Dishmaster’s Radio Show — Weekly News Roundup


 

If you’re a loyal fan of The Dishmaster, then I’d like to welcome you to my first weekly radio show where I discuss all things pop-culture. If you’re not a loyal fan, then welcome to my site, and brace yourself for my superficial rants about endless irrelevant subjects. Sure there’s more important things going on in the world — but someone has to complain about nonsense — and it’s going to be me. Thank you to my friends at Brick & Mortar Recording for making this happen. Enjoy below.