There’s a fine line between empowering and humiliating when it comes to selling sex, and it’s difficult to articulate. For instance, I don’t mind Kim Kardashian posing naked or baring her genitals, and I would guess it’s because that’s been her brand from day one. To quote Howard Stern, she might be the most famous porn star in history. So why does the new video starring Bella Hadid for Love Magazine make me cringe? Is it because I find blowing a banana inherently gross? Though I fully support the actual act, I draw the line at simulating it for clicks. Love Magazine is known for their off color features for their holiday advent calendar, and Hadid kicked off their 25 days until Christmas countdown with the video below. Need I also point out that smoking a cigarette in a “sexy” way is grossly objectionable in 2016 (80’s throwback or not).
Five Times Justin Bieber Made Actual Sense
Justin Bieber recently denounced Instagram, solidifying his intent to stay off the social media platform following the harsh treatment of his then girlfriend, Sofia Richie. In a babbling rant, Bieber said, “Nah, I don’t want to get my Instagram back. Instagram is for the devil. I’m sure … I think hell is Instagram. I’m, like, 90 percent sure. We get sent to hell and we get, like, locked in the Instagram server. Like, I’m stuck in the DMs. I’m trying to climb my way out and I can’t.” If you can decipher his rant you might realize he’s making a decent point. Why would someone of his stature voluntarily submit themselves to hateful comments while sharing his happy photos? Once a certain level of fame is achieved, the backlash is sometimes too tough to take. But has Bieber turned a corner? Though some have suggested he’s an entitled punk, I posit that the pop tart is growing up, judging by some select quotes below.
1. He’s drained by fan energy
Many celebrities thrive on meeting their fans, but their tour meet-and-greets seem like a personal nightmare. After all, I get a throbbing headache after talking for hours at a group dinner, so I simply can’t imagine the exhaustion of a one-on-one with rabid fans. Of his sound decision, Bieber said, “Want to make people smile and happy but not at my expense and I always leave feeling mentally and emotionally exhausted to the point of depression .. The pressure of meeting people’s expectations of what I’m supposed to be is so much for me to handle and a lot on my shoulders.”
2. He doesn’t like to perform at awards shows
Though it never occurred to me before, artists that perform at awards shows are actually hitting the stage for a group of non-fans, thus likening the experience to just starting out in the industry. While the audience is trained to smile and clap, that’s precisely why The Biebs resents the experience, saying, “I try to think of it as a celebration but can’t help feeling like people are rating and grading my performance. A lot of people in the audience there [seem to be] worried about how much camera time they will get or who they can network with. When I’m doing a regular show I feel they are there for the right reasons and to strictly have a good time! But these award shows seem so hollow.” Something tells me he will break his promise, but it sure seems like a sensible choice. His fan base is big enough to withhold from the “hollow” pandering.
3. He protects his love interests
Bieber’s choice to quit Instagram began with his bold bid to protect his new lady love. Though he and Sofia Richie have since broken up, he left the world with a thoughtful, short statement, saying, “If you guys are really fans you wouldn’t be so mean to people that I like.”
4. He’s never bashed Selena Gomez
Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez have had a very well-known, on-and-off relationship, and though Gomez has publicly picked on her ex, once telling Letterman that she “made him cry” and later saying that he exhausted her, Bieber has always taken the high road.
5. Sometimes he’s not in the mood for pictures
Celebrities have often likened fame to being a zoo animal, and Bieber is no exception. But when his desire for privacy was misconstrued as ungratefulness, he was Swift to counter with, “If I’m walking somewhere or arriving somewhere and you guys are asking me to take a photo, if I don’t respond, if I continue to keep walking, the likelihood is that I probably don’t want to take a photo at that moment. If you start screaming louder that’s not going to make me want to take a photo more.” Can’t a guy just take a barefoot stroll in peace?
Derek Hough Ditches DWTS for NBC’s ‘World of Dance’
There is no bigger fan of Derek Hough than myself. But when today’s news broke that he’ll be joining Ne-Yo and Jennifer Lopez as judges for a new “dance competition that will feature solo artists competing against duos and crews in all genres of dance,” I couldn’t help but feel crestfallen. First, forgive me for wanting to see Hough actually dance rather than sit behind a judging table. I’d have preferred an X Factor format where each judge gets a team and competes with their own choreography. Hough should be choreographing a Broadway play, not doing this. Second, JLO’s judging days seem slightly overplayed. Unless her contribution on another talent show is significantly different than her previous stints, it feels as if she’s doing more talking than creating. Yes, she’s JLO and she can do both, but isn’t this more of a glorified money play than an actual quest to find dance talent. Lastly, I will ask the same question we ask on Passover. Why is this night/show different than other nights/shows? That remains to be seen.
Why ‘Bad Moms’ Didn’t Work
If there was ever a movie about basic bitches, ‘Bad Moms’ is it. This poor man’s ‘Bridesmaids’ also proves the importance of having diversity in the writer’s room, because never before have I seen such whiny, white privilege. I like the idea of good girls gone bad, but if turning up the dial on one’s boxed in life means ditching school activities in favor of champagne at lunch, then these ladies not only need a lesson in real fun, but also in living in the shoes of those less fortunate. And speaking of diversity, Hollywood is still far behind the rest of the world, as the only black person in this cast is Jada Pinkett Smith, who has almost no lines, in addition to wearing outfits made for a shiksa queen. It’s offensive and nearly cartoonish in 2016 to cast someone solely for the purpose of avoiding the very point I’ve made in this review.
‘Bad Moms’ stars Mila Kunis, Kathryn Hahn, and Kristen Bell, who play the overworked, under appreciated mothers in need of a break, and Christina Applegate foils as the buttoned-up PTA nemesis with Pinkett Smith to smile and nod at her snotty tone. Concepts can only go as far as the creativity behind it, and the trite writing, coupled with the prosaic escapades just doesn’t cut it. I’d also like to point out that Kristen Bell and Mila Kunis should have swapped roles. Bell is far more capable, and though I’m a fan of Kunis, she doesn’t present enough depth to this character. For example, you’d think she’d take more than a few days to get over her husband’s infidelity before embarking on a quest to “get laid.” I realize it’s a comedy, but comedy often requires stronger acting chops than drama, and Kunis is more of an ensemble player than a leading lady. As for Bell, she’s a star, and she’s only gotten more polished and capable with time, effort, and the right choice of roles.
I’m always rooting for a female-led comedy, but this one just fell short of the mark, which explains it’s lackluster returns. My apologies for this extremely belated review, but plane time means movie time, and I simply couldn’t resist voicing my objection.
Allied UK Premiere — Red Carpet Photos
“ALLIED” is the story of intelligence officer Max Vatan (Pitt), who in 1942 North Africa encounters French Resistance fighter Marianne Beausejour (Cotillard) on a deadly mission behind enemy lines. Reunited in London, their relationship is threatened by the extreme pressures of the war. See images from the UK red carpet premiere below.
Tabloid Gossip: Let’s Talk Turkey
Another Bachelor baby was brought into the world. E! Online
Kanye West might spend Thanksgiving at the hospital. People
Sofia Vergara called Joe Manganiello the “love of [her] life.” Pop Sugar
Amy Schumer and her boyfriend celebrated one year together with a lot of love. USA Today
Kylie Jenner went topless with Tyga on Instagram. Fox News
Jessica Simpson has beautiful children. Wet Paint
Melania Trump and her son won’t be moving to the White House. NYP
Supernatural’s Mark Sheppard is married. Brides
Carrie Fisher had an affair with Harrison Ford. Movie Pilot
Jersey Shore’s Deena Cortese got engaged. Starcasm
Blac Chyna gave birth to another Kardashian spawn. Daily Mail
Rebecca Romijn isn’t happy Gigi Hadid’s “mommy” entered their feud. Bravo
Naya Rivera is divorcing Ryan Dorsey after two years of marriage. Too Fab
Alicia Silverstone got naked to protest wool. RTW
Actress Amber Tamblyn is expecting a baby girl with David Cross. Yahoo!
Is Kendall Jenner dating a Laker? Mirror
Adele has baby number two on the way. ELLE
Ashley Olsen has a new man. MSN
Larsa Pippen traded Scotty Pippen for Future (Did she check his stats first? No one trades Pippen). SOHH
Transviolet Performs at The Belasco Theater — Full Review
I’ve been told by a musician friend of mine that I’m often too immersed in aesthetics when I see a band perform. According to him, if the presentation isn’t on point, my experience becomes immediately tainted. While that might be true, the reason goes deeper than a superficial desire for polished perfection. I’m looking for the chemistry of the band, their comfort on stage, and their authenticity. If those things are not aligned, I am far too distracted to fully dive in. There’s a lot of talented musicians that could be put together for a performance, but much like dating, it’s hard to find the chemistry that leaves you wanting more.
When I saw Transviolet perform at The Belasco Theater, I was immediately transfixed. The lead singer has an enchanting voice with songs to back it up, and her bandmates largely stay out of the way to let her shine. You won’t find the underlying tension you might see from The Head and the Heart (sorry, guys), for example, and they’re clearly happy to share the stage. In fact, Sarah McTaggart met fellow songwriter Michael Panek through an online add, and once their partnership was formed, Panek’s high school buddies, drummer Jonathan Garcia and guitarist Judah McCarthy joined. The group stand by their lyrics, stressing their importance on their four song EP, saying “it’s important to spread positive messages and have a nice effect on the world around us.” Listen to their song below, and go see them live if you can.
Lupe Fiasco — Ticket Giveaway to Los Angeles Show
With an upcoming LP ‘Drogas Light,’ and a new power anthem called, “Made in the U.S.A.,” Lupe Fiasco has something to say. And since his genre is relatively out of my wheel house, I’ll quote Rolling Stone who said it best:
Produced by StreetRunner (Eminem, Lil Wayne), “Made In the U.S.A.” combines triumphant synth blares and spitfire trap percussion alongside the mournful wail of vocalist Bianca Sings. Fiasco tears through the song in a staccato cadence; his bars packed with images of hip-hop culture from around the country, but also the violence that permeates America, from KKK and gang killings to fast food.
Fiasco has a few dates left on a current tour, which is scheduled to wrap December 22nd at the Skyway Theater in Minneapolis. But my Los Angeles friends are in luck, because I’ve got two tickets to give away for his November 23rd show at The Belasco Theater where he’ll be performing with Boy Illinois & RXMN. For your chance to win, email Info@TheDishmaster.com with the subject line “Lupe.” Good luck.
‘Mariah’s World’ Reveals New Trailer: WATCH NOW
It’s lost on me why Mariah Carey would want to do a reality show about her life. She doesn’t need the money, she doesn’t need the publicity, and she’s far too guarded to resurrect her image with authenticity. Furthermore, her new show on E!, “Mariah’s World,” is by the same people that produced ‘Keeping Up With the Kardashians,’ and though Bunim Murray clearly knows how to make a hit, this just isn’t either of their brand. In short, I think Mariah is far too big a star for this, and I’d only approve of the move if it actually offered some behind-the-scenes content. Time will tell. Watch a clip below.
Continue reading “‘Mariah’s World’ Reveals New Trailer: WATCH NOW”
Bill O’Reilly Attacks Megyn Kelly for Revealing Sexual Harassment
There’s nothing like mansplaining sexual harassment, especially when said mansplainer is a bloated white guy whose self-driven agenda protects his network before his fellow colleague. When Megyn Kelly revealed that she was sexually harassed by Roger Ailes,founder and former Chairman and CEO of Fox News and the Fox Television Stations Group, people believed her, especially since many others (including Gretchen Carlson) have come forward with the same story. Kelly revealed disturbing anecdotes about his alleged behavior, including the fact that “He tried to kiss [her] three times [in his office],” and when she “rejected that,” he asked [her] when [her] contract was up.” When she brought the matter up to a supervisor at Fox News, he assured her of Ailes good character and suggested she avoid him.
When Bill O’Reilly, a television host at Fox News, was asked about Kelly’s revelation, he wasn’t pleased, saying, he’s “not interested in basically litigating something that is finished that makes my network look bad.” He then suggested she go through HR instead or leave the company.
First, Bill O’Reilly’s entire career is founded on questioning the political process and using the media as a pulpit to push his personal agenda regardless of what party is in the white house. Should he leave it to the political process instead, much like his own suggestion to Kelly? After all, that’s the normal route, and if he’s unhappy with the regime in office, he should just sit down and shut up, right? Second, Kelly tried to make her complaints known, and Ailes was far too powerful to oust from the inside. Third, the media is often used to expose injustice, and allowing sexual harassment is an injustice. O’Reilly doesn’t like it because it’s now at his own network. Lastly, O’Reilly is a coward. He should stand up and make some noise when it’s not in his own self-interest for once. Maybe he should also be a woman for a day and learn empathy. And since that’s not going to happen, then he should be a man for a day and learn to protect people.
“I believe that Roger Ailes made the company look bad.” — @MegynKelly pic.twitter.com/6vrsRH4fW5
— CBS This Morning (@CBSThisMorning) November 16, 2016